IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CHECKING AND REGISTERING THE NUMBER OF PERSONS WHO ENTER AND LEAVE AN OMNIBUS TRAMCAR OR OTHER LIKE PUBLIC VEHICLE THEATRE MUSEUM EXHIBITION OR 39 OTHER BUILDING OR PLACE WHERE PAYMENTS ARE MADE
Year: 1884

page_text: I RICHARD HEARD MATTHEWS of 18 Victoria Road Kentish Town London N.W.
in the County of Middlesex Coach and Omnibus Builder do hereby declare the
nature of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CHECKING AND
REGISTERING THE NUMBER OF PERSONS WHO ENTER AND LEAVE AN OMNIBUS
TRAMCAR OR OTHER LIKE PUBLIC VEHICLE THEATRE MUSEUM EXHIBITION OR
39
OTHER BUILDING OR PLACE WHERE PAYMENTS ARE MADE and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement :—
The object and nature of my invention is to check and indicate the exact
number of persons passing over any given point without the slightest chance of
error, no aid from turnstiles or anything else at present employed for such purpose
being used and this I do with an apparatus so constructed as to be entirely
reliable occupying but small space strong and durable.
The apparatus consists of a framework of metal marked (1) on the drawing
hereto annexed fixed on slides (2) and firmly bolted with bolts (3) to the check
apparatus lifted by a spring (4) fixed firmly to the pillar with bolts (4) to allow of
a free oscillation so as to communicate directly to a novel system of clock work (5)
which indicates the number of times the oscillation occurs, such movements being
immediately recorded on a dial plate (5) fixed thereto, such dial being furnished
with two indicating hands one long and one short, the long one for the quick
motion and the short one for slow motion. The dial is surrounded by an outer
and an inner circle of numbers so as to give a complete record of the number of
people passing over the platform (1) the platform being part of the metal framework
described above, with a strong wood top bolted to the same, strong metal edge
plates to top so as to thoroughly conceal all joints with vulcanized india rubber
under same.
The dial plate (5) registers 900 for each complete circuit of the small hand such
dial plate as marked being for vehicles only, but for exhibitions, museums and
places of amusement the dial plate can be so arranged as to register Forty three
D

page_text: thousand persons and upwards if required at one circuit by the introduction of a
third index hand (6) stops the apparatus.
The whole apparatus is encased in a strong framework with lock and door
attached so as to conceal the dial from the view of all parties except when open
for inspection by authorised parties to compare number of counterfoils of cheques
that have been received by parties passing over the platform where cheques or
tickets are used.
This improved check apparatus is easily affixed to existing omnibuses by very
slight alterations. Tram cars are especially adapted for affixing this check
apparatus.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I would remark that
I make no claim to any of the mechanical parts separately which are well known
and in common use-But what I claim is :---
First The improved arrangement and combination of checking apparatus
arranged to actuate two or three indexes substantially in the manner and for the
purposes hereinbefore described and represented in the drawing hereto annexed.
Second I claim the novel arrangement and combination of the metal frame and
spring under platform connected with the clockwork substantially as and for the
purpose hereinbefore described and represented in the drawing.
+ T
CT
1004
RICHARD HEARD MATTHEWS.
Tongue & Birkbeck,
34, Southampton Buildings,
Agents for the Applicant.