Patent GB-190623287-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Billiard Time Checks or Indicators also applicable for other purposes.
Inventor: HEPTON FRANK
Filed: 1906-10-20
Granted: 1907-10-17
Abstract: 23,287. Hepton, r. Oct. 20. Time - checks for games.-Relates to a time check or indicator for games such as billiards, but also applicable generally as a time check or indicator. In the preferred form of apparatus, as shown, the billiard balls are delivered on the insertion of a coin, and an electric bell is rung at the expiration of a predetermined period of time. In order that the circuit to the electric bell F, Fig. 1, may be completed at a certain time after the insertion of the coin, a toothed wheel C, Figs. 1 and 2, fixed on the hour arbor of an ordinary clock mechanism or train of wheels B, is caused to control the movement of a segment D provided with an arm D' and pawl D<2>, the arm D<1> completing at T the circuit of the bell &c. The coin passes down a slot L' and is received by an arm L, which is fixed to a sleeve M on a spindle M<1>, rotated by an arm L<2> and handle L<3>. The coin in its movement acts on a pin H<2> on a lever H, so that, by means of a link G and cranked pawl E<1> on an arm E, the segment D is rotated and causes the arm D<1> and pawl D' to be turned backwards with respect to the wheel C, which is then engaged by the pawl D<2>, so that the return to the original position is controlled by the forward movement of the wheel C. Two shoots may be used for pennies and sixpences, respectively, and a lever L with two slits for the different coins may be employed, the smaller slit being arranged near the end of the arm so as to give the segment D a greater rotation when a sixpence is used. The coin is also caused to act on a pin P<3> on a double lever P<1>, P<2>, provided with a stop P, which normally engages a pin O<3> of a spring controlled pivoted bar 0 pressed in by the billiard balls, which are arranged in a divided cylindrical casing N mounted on the spindle M<1>. The pin O<3> is thus released from the stop P, and the cylinder N rotates and delivers the balls through an opening R<2>. The balls may be returned to the cylinder through an opening R<1>, the cylinder being controlled by a pawl and ratchet. There are two compartments provided with catches O. When the balls are delivered, the cylinder rotates until a pin O<2> on the bar O engages a stop S upon one of two contacts S', S<2> in the circuit of the bell, closes these contacts, and holds the cylinder in a proper position to receive the balls. When the time has expired, the arm D<1> may be set back again by inserting a coin, the cylinder N, when empty, being unaffected by the coin action. The coin or coins are held by a counterbalanced flap V until the flap is released from a latch V<1> by a stop on the cylinder, as the cylinder is rotated. The casing may be formed with a glazed opening W to permit the coins and balls to be viewed. The lever P<1>, P<2> may be provided with three stops, which are released in turn by the insertion of two coins. In a modification, Fig. 9, the segment D is dispensed with, and a fine milled edge used on the wheel C on the clock arbor. The wheel C is provided with a projection C<1> carrying an adjusting-screw for completing the electric circuit. A sliding receptacle may be used instead of the revoluble one, and is held closed by a similar catch which, when released, closes a gap in the bell circuit F. The clock mechanism may be provided with a dial and hands, and the segment D or wheel C may be provided with a pointer to indicate the time remaining for play. If a train of wheels is used, a pointer for indicating the time remaining for play is alone used.