Patent GB-465568-A (GB)
Title: An improved apparatus for filing, selecting and displaying maps and the like
IPC: A47B63/06
Filed: 1936-10-23
Abstract: 465,568. Displaying. McCAULEY, M. D. Oct. 23, 1936, No. 28852. [Class 3 (i)] Large maps &c. are stored in a metal fire - proof cabinet, and means are provided for selectively withdrawing any desired map and transferring it by mechanical devices into a vertical display position or into one in which it rests on an inclined desk. The cabinet is built up of two hollow end standards connected by a top structure 3 and by two bulkheads 5 at the bottom. The maps &c. are mounted on independent panels 12 which stand on the base 10 with their side edges located in grooves formed by strips 11 having friction rollers 15 at their top, the panels themselves having metal-covered edges and a friction roller at each corner. The panels are picked up, manipulated, and carried transversely by two non-endless chains 54, 59 having a hook at each end which is manually connected to, and disconnected from a panel by engaging a hole in the panel metal rim, the chains having a solid projecting link near each end to space the chain away from contact with the panel. Each chain 54, 59 rides over a sprocket 53, 58 carried by a sleeve 42, Fig. 4, the sleeve also having mounted on it loose rollers 44, 45 riding on cross-rails 34, 35. Within the sleeve 42 is rotatably mounted a shaft 39 carrying at one end a pinion 40 meshing with a rack 37 on the rail 34, and at the other end a pinion 41 meshing with a rack 38 on a third rail 36 and a loose roller 52 riding on said rail. The shaft 39 and sleeve 42 are driven respectively by sprocket wheels 95, 85 rotated by endless chains 94, 84 from shafts 86, 76 each connected by chain and reduction gearing to independent motors 93, 83 respectively, see Fig. 5. These motors are controlled by switches 100a, 100 respectively, of the known type in which the motor runs only so long as the switch is being rotated, and reverses with reversal of motion of the switch. Spindles 97 fitted with handles 98 are geared to the switches 100a, 100, whence by turning one handle the shaft 39 can be caused to rotate in either desired direction and so traverse the chains 54, 59 till they rest over a panel it is desired to view. After manual affixing of the chain hook to the panel the other switch spindle is turned, causing the sleeve 42 to rotate and. the chains 54, 59 to lift the panel above the container. Traversing the panel then allows of its introduction between guides 16 at the bottom front or back of the cabinet, or on top of a panel already in that position, or over the upper edge of a desk 26 over which it moves by its rollers when lowered to lie in a sloping position. The panels have dowels and openings in their top and bottom edges to engage one another when superimposed as in positions A and B in Fig. 2a, and the top panel B rests against pins 18, and is prevented from falling back by manually retractable pins 19. The desk 26 is hinged at 27 and 29 and the supporting legs 30, 31 are adjustably telescopic. Fig. 2a shows also a panel in the position D preparatory to the attachment to it of both ends of the chains 54, 59, whereby it can be turned upside down. The panels are normally protected by a .dust-excluding cover 14, and before they can be displayed this cover is lifted by the chains 54, 59 and deposited in a space 13 between two of the panels. Loose plates 55, 60 in the sleeve 42 have overhangs 56, 61 which prevent the chains 54, 59 rising off their sprockets 53, 58 and underhangs 57, 62 which prevent the pinions and rollers 40, 41, 44, 45, 52 leaving the rails 34, 35, 36. The sleeve 42 and shaft 39 are connected to the shafts 86, 76 by yokes 46, 74 and a rigid rod 75. The bearing for the shafts 86, 76 rides in vertical guides 71 to allow the sleeve 42 and shaft 39 to leave their middle position on the rails 34, 35, 36, and the chains 94, 84 carry abutments 106, 103 for engaging switch contacts 105, 102 and stopping the motors 93, 83 when either end of the rails is reached, or the ends of the chains 54, 59 reach their sprockets. Number-bearing plates 109, 111 viewed at windows in the cabinet sides indicate the position of the chains 54, 59 relatively to the panels, the plates being connected by chains 113, 116 to a member 115 mounted loosely on the sleeve 42 and being carried with the sleeve across the cabinet. The cabinet is levelled by screw feet at the corners.