Patent GB-510441-A (GB)
Abstract: 510,441. Totalizators. THORNTON, E. C. Jan. 31, 1938, No. 2953. [Class 40 (i)] In a totalizator adapted for forecast betting arrangements are made to enable a number of combinations to be covered by a single ticketissuing operation. Thus, for field betting in which one runner is backed to win or to run second, with each of the other runners occupying second or first place respectively, a single operation registers each forecast combination in the corresponding counter and the total combinations in the grand total counter. Assuming there are six runners the "field" machine is provided with a twelve-position switch F, Fig. 1, the first six positions being allocated to bets with the field and the remainder against the field. To register a bet on say No. 1 with the field, the switch is placed in the first position so that when the machine is operated an electromagnet d<1> causes partial rotation of a corresponding shaft h' to close circuits to five counters K<1> - - - K<5> for totalling the bets made on No. 1 to win with each of the other runners second. Scratching switches f<1> - - - f6 are interposed in order to break all the circuits involved by the scratching of a runner. A complete circuit lay-out is given showing the thirty (6 x 5) counters for all possible forecasts and their relation with the "field" machine together with the six scratching switches and the grand total counter. Grand total counter. In order that this may register from two to five bets for one operation, an additional escapement shaft, p, Fig. 2, is geared with the summation shaft 13 through change-gearing controlled by a hand-lever 11. When the runners are reduced in number this lever is correspondingly shifted so as similarly to reduce the ratio of drive between the shafts p and 13. In a modification this same result is obtained by moving a' multi-contact switch so that 2-5 circuits may be effected by the total impulse and therefore two or more escapes permitted to the summation mechanism. To ensure the correct setting of the gear lever 11 it carries contact means to engage in its various setting positions with contacts 38 wired to switch contacts in the control room so that circuit can be completed only when the control switch and the gear lever are in similar set positions. Field machine circuits. In one form each of the shafts h' - - - is allowed to rotate step-bystep under the control of its electromagnet d<1> - - - and carries a cam wheel 47,' Fig. 6, adapted to effect the momentary closure of five pairs of contacts 48 connected respectively with the forecast total counters K<1> - - -. In a modification the armatures of the electromagnets control the counter-operating circuits directly instead of through the shafts. Escapement mechanism. The escape shaft p, Fig. 2, of the grand total counter is controlled as usual by the electromagnets o and differential gearing r and is under torque due to spring connection with a surrounding shaft w driven by a motor through wheel 10, clutch 6, shaft 4, and gearing 3, 2. When the escapements operate and the spring partially unwinds, a leading screw splined to shaft p moves to the right to displace a detent 29 from a stop on the shaft 4 which is thereupon driven by the clutch and rewinds the spring. If the escapes are too frequent the leading screw through its extension 27 engaging a contact spring 36 closes a circuit controlling switches in the various counting and other circuits to render these inoperative. Indicators. The number of runners and the number of each are displayed by circuit connections with the control switch and the scratching switches respectively.