Patent GB-221904-A (GB)
Abstract: 221,904. Haddan, R., (Postage Meters & Machines Co.). July 5, 1923. Associated counters ; counters actuated by revolving mechanism; stop mechanism.- Apparatus for registering the number of operations of a machine and more particularly applicable for use with a post-marking and registering machine of the type described in Specification 170,058, [Class 100 (ii), Printing processes &c.], comprises a casing detachable from the machine and having three counting mechanisms actuated by worm gearing at each operation of the machine and so arranged that one counter registers the total number of operations, the second counter sobtracts one at each operation from a numberpreviously set thereon, and the third counter register a series of operations or a run of mail during a given period. Means are also provided for locking the counters when the predetermined number of operations has been made. The counting-mechanism casing 31<a>, to which access may be had through a door normally closed by a lock and seal, is mounted on a hollow base member 31, Figs. 2 and 3, that carries a printing wheel 38 and roller 39 described in the above mentioned Specification. The spindle 37 of the printing wheel, which passes through the base member, is adapted to be connected to the operating member of the machine and drives through gearing 40 - - 42 and 45 a stub shaft 44 on which is mounted a wheel 106 engaging a wheel 105 on the actuating worm shaft 104 of the counters 100, 102. The first or " adding " counter 101 and the third or " re-set " counter 102 are driven directly by the worms 103, 103<a> and the second or " subtracting " counter is driven from the worm 103 through reversing mechanism 100<a>. 100<c>. The counters are of ordinary construction with transfer mechanism of the Geneva type and the numeral wheels 49<a> of the subtracting counter 100 are each provided with a notched disc 49 adapted to co-operate with corresponding projections 50<a> on a spring-controlled locking plate 50, Figs. 3. 4 and 6, so as to lock the counters and prevent further operation of the machine when all the counting wheels read " zero." The movement of the plate 50 to lock the counters withdraws a lug 51<a> thereon from engagement with a lug 52 on a lever 53 pivoted at 53<a> and provided with a head 54 having a socket 54<a> which is moved out of alignment with a hole 58 in the casing to prevent movement of the pin 8 reciprocated during each operation of the machine. At the same time movement of the lever 53 frees the end 59<a> of a lever 59 mounted on a spindle 109 rigid with an arm 110 connected by a link 111 to a spring- controlled stop pawl 112, which is thereby moved to engage the notch of a cam disc 41<a> to prevent forward movement of the actuating gear train. Backward movement of the train is prevented by a ratchet wheel 42<a> and pawl 42<b>. When the casing is removed from the machine the spindle 37 is automatically locked by a latch lever 66 adapted to engage a notched disc 40<b> on the spindle when a spring-controlled pin 69 is permitted to project through the casing. Mounted on an extension of the highest numeral wheel is a knurled shield 114 which when the counter 100 is adjusted to the amount of prepaid postage exhibits the numeral " 1 " in line with the " zeros " of the numeral wheels and is provided with a projecting lug to cover the notch 49<a> of the disc 49 to prevent the locking plate 50 being moved to lock the counter; the first operation covers the numeral " 1 " and uncovers the notch 49<a>.