Patent GB-613935-A (GB)
Title: A device for use in planning and checking the periods of use of machines and other apparatus
IPC: G07C3/12
Filed: 1946-01-11
Abstract: 613,935. Indicators for displaying variable information. SAUQUET, R. Jan. 11, 1946, No. 1060. Convention date, Jan. 12, 1945. [Class 118 (i)] [Also in Group XIX] A device for use in planning the periods of use of machines and other apparatus comprises a framework of hollow compartments arranged in rows and in columns corresponding respectively to different values of first and second variables, plugs engageable therein and adapted to define a third variable, and indicators arranged in rows corresponding to the rows of the framework and each connected mechanically or electrically to the corresponding plugs so as to totalize the values of the third variable represented thereby. The columns T of the framework 1, Figs. 1 and 2, represent, for example, different work-pieces and the rows O different operations to be performed on the work-pieces on different days J. Cords 6, each secured at one end and weighted at the other, are arranged horizontally in front of the compartments and are engageable by pulleys at the ends of plugs 15 which are adapted to be pushed into the compartments as far as stops 18 will permit and to be retained by springs 20, rollers 11 being provided at the entrance to each compartment. The length of each plug represents, for example, the time required for a particular operation and the total time for performing that operation on the several work-pieces is indicated by a mark 12 secured to the cord 6 and readable against a scale 5. Reference marks 13 on the baseboard may represent the maximum time available. In the electrical embodiment, the framework 25, Fig. 5, and, in section, Fig. 5a, is formed by front and rear apertured panels between which are arranged, perpendicularly thereto, vertical panels and, parallel thereto and in horizontal planes, metal rods. The rows and columns of the compartments so formed respectively represent different days and work-pieces while the middle four of the six rods in each plane correspond to different operations to be performed. Plugs 45, insertable in the compartments, each carry a resistance, the value of which represents the time required by an operation and which is connected to two spring contacts adapted to engage respectively the front rod 29 for that day and one of the rods 27 representing an operation. A contact-carrier 61 can be secured to the framework so as to connect the rods corresponding to any selected group of five consecutive days to an indicator-board 58 carrying five rows each of four ammeters 59 corresponding to the four operations. The ammeters and front rods 29 are connected to a source of current 35, thus connecting each ammeter across the parallel resistances of the plugs for the corresponding operation and day so that the ammeter reading represents the total time available. Plugs 70 are also provided for insertion in the compartments of an auxiliary framework 25a, each plug carrying a resistance, the contacts of which are connected respectively to the rear rod 30 and one of the rods representing an operation. The rods 30 are so connected to the source of current 35 that these auxiliary resistances shunt their associated ammeters and so vary their sensitivities. Adjustable reference marks i on the ammeters indicate the maximum time available. In one modification, Fig. 12 (not shown), the framework 25 is formed as a rotatable cylinder, the metal rods being arranged in radial planes and the plugs being wedge-shaped. The brush-carrier for connecting the rods to the indicator-board may then be pivoted on the same axis as the cylindrical framework. In a further modification, Fig. 11 (not shown), an endless chain of frameworks 25 hinged to one another is engaged around two rotatable drums.