Patent GB-190223344-A (GB)
Title: Improved Electrical Billiard Marker and Indicator.
Inventor: MALAM JAMES
Filed: 1902-10-27
Granted: 1903-10-22
Abstract: 23,344. Malam, J. Oct. 27. Scoring and marking.-Relates to an electricallyactuated marking-board for billiards. A marking- board is provided with two rows of numbers for " spot" and " plain " respectively. Each number is electrically connected by insulated wires with corresponding numbers on an indicator, Fig. 6, adapted to exhibit the progress of the game in another room. The circuit is closed by the pointer b by means of the contact-device shown in Fig. 3. At each number, balls c are fitted in holes, and, by means of spring tongues c', are caused to protrude into the path of a projection formed on the pointer b. The projection presses each ball c inwards, and so puts each tongue c<1> in contact with a tongue c<2>. In the modification shown in Fig. 5, the pointer is formed of a bridge-piece, and completes the various circuits by passing over contacts c'. The indicating-board E, Fig. 6, is formed with slots e, through which the scoring-numbers are exhibited, the board illustrated being adapted to indicate only the tens scored. Ten electromagnets f are provided for each player in connection with wires D', which are connected to the contact-devices on the scoring-board. For each electromagnet, a numbered disc g is provided. These discs are pivoted at g<1> and provided with catches g<2>, adapted to engage arms f<2> of the armatures of the magnets f, and to be held up normally out of sight. As the various circuits are completed, the armatures are attracted to the magnets so that the catches g<2> are released and the discs fall and exhibit the scores through the slots e. To register the games as they are completed, a dial h is provided having pointers h', h<2>. To operate these pointers and to return the discs g to their out-of-sight positions, cords i, i<1> are used. The cords i, i<1> are fitted with handles, marked for "spot" and " plain " respectively. When the cord i is pulled down, it moves a ratchet-wheel k one tooth by means of a pawlj, and so the corresponding pointer is moved one step. The cord i also operates a bell-crank lever l, so that a pin upon it presses against a bar m<1> of a frame m extending the whole length of the indi- - cator, and moves it against the action of a spring m<3>. Projections m<4> on the frame m press against balance arms g<3> on the discs g, which are turned up so that the catches g<2> come into engagement with the arms f <2>. A similar ratchet-wheel, pawl, and lever are provided for the cord i<1>. The return connection with the battery N, for the magnets releasing all the discs except those numbered 50 and 100, is made by means of the common wire d. The return for the magnets releasing the discs 50 is made by wires d<1> through a bell 0, so that a momentary ring is sounded when 50 has been scored. The return for the magnets releasing the discs 100 is made by wires d<2> and magnets of relays P, so that, when the 100 has been scored, a local circuit d' in connection with the bell 0 and the battery N is closed, and the bell rings continuously until released. This local circuit may be broken by replacing the discs g to their out-of-sight positions ; or, a special switch may be provided. In a modified form of scoring-board, two pentagonal rollers are provided, each face of each roller being adapted for 20 points. Pointers are moved a'ong, as before, and, as each 10 is scored, they pass over contact-devices. On the ends of the rollers are formed projections adapted to engage with spring tongues and so complete the various circuits. There are two contacts for each face of each roller, and five sets of spring tongues, so that ten circuits can be completed to register the scores by tens, by means of an indicator, such as that shown in Fig. 6.