Improvements in Automatio Indioating and Registering Apparatus for Public or Hired Vehicles.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Mar., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 1st Dec., 1893-Accepted, 28th Apr., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Automatio Indioating and Registering Apparatus
for Public or Hired Vehicles.
I, JAMES YATE JOHNSON of 47 Lincoln's Inn Fields in the County of
Middlesex Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which has
been communicated to me from abroad by Jules Guénet of 5 Rue Montmorency,
Paris in the Republic of France Electrician) to be as follows:-
This invention relates to apparatus or mechanism for automatically indicating
and registering fares, time, distance and other information connected with the use
of public or hired vehicles as hereinafter described.
The apparatus is actuated by a cam or tappet on the hub of one of the wheels
of the vehicle which acts at each revolution of the wheel upon a lever connected to
a bag or collapsing or expanding chamber or equivalent device for compressing
air or other fluid by which pressure is transmitted to the motor apparatus
actuating the indicating and other mechanism. The lever being moved in one
direction by the tappet and in the other direction by a spring alternately exhausts
and compresses the fluid in the chamber which is provided with a valve arranged
to open automatically at the required time and remains closed during the period of
compression even when the latter takes place slowly. This valve is capable of
adjustment by a screw or other means so as to open automatically when the
chamber is expanded to the maximum extent. To enable distance to be commuted
into time at the expiration of any required period whilst the commutation of time
into distance takes place instantaneously the compressed air chamber is capable of
adjustment by means of a screw or other equivalent device. The apparatus
indicating the fares and the totals is actuated directly and intermittently by a
clock or time keeper.
An apparatus constructed according to this invention comprises a clock an
indicator of the distances and an indicator of the sum or total of the distances an
indicator of the fares an indicator of the sum or total of the fares, a registering
or recording apparatus producing check diagrams and an indicator showing to the
hirer and to the public the condition of the vehicle (engaged or disengaged).
The clock indicates the time and imparts to two spindles a continuous rotary
motion at the rate of say one revolution per hour for working the recording
diagram and indicating to the hirer the amount of the fare to the proprietor the
total amount of the fares.
The distance indicator is constructed with a reciprocating driver moved in one
direction by the compressed air in an air chamber transmitting motion by means of
compressed air, electricity or mechanical arrangements.
This driver is moved in the opposite direction by a spring and moves a ratchet
wheel to the extent of one tooth at each revolution of the vehicle wheel. This
ratchet wheel describes one complete revolution to every 500 metres for example
traversed by the vehicle and may be adjusted to suit vehicles with wheels of
different diameters by increasing or diminishing the number of teeth.
By means of a worm and worm wheel a spindle carrying a disc and provided
with a combination of slides and hooks forming a species of clutch arrangement is
caused to rotate at the rate one revolution to every 4 kilometres for example. When
the vehicle is hired the hook arrangement drives a wheel connected with a drum
or reel to which is attached a strip or band of paper indicating the distances but

page_text: +
when the vehicle is not hired the driver disconnects this mechanism by means of a
suitable combination of levers.
The said paper band is attached at one extremity to another reel acted on by a
spring which causes it 'to wind the paper upon it when the other reel is released
from the driving mechanism. The apparatus is provided with a moveable aperture
or a shutter connected with a lever moved in the same direction and at the same
rate as the paper by a wheel attached to the reel. This movement takes place
whilst a quarter of a kilometre is being completed after which the aperture
suddenly returns to its original position and recommences the movement. With
this object the wheel is provided with 16 teeth corresponding with 16 quarters of a
kilometre so that an indication is given of the completion of each quarter of a
kilometre.
When the hirer leaves the vehicle the driver puts a lever into a notch or catch
so as to cause the word "Disengaged" to be displayed and at the same time
disconnects the indicating mechanism so that the spring winds the paper upon the
reel and causes the zero to be placed opposite the aperture the parts being retained
in position by a suitable stop.
To indicate the sum or total of the distances traversed by the vehicle a wheel on
the driving spindle carrying the reel herein before described drives a wheel on
a spindle provided with a disc and a combination of hooks and slides forming
a species of clutch arrangement which drives a wheel and drum or reel connected
to a band of paper indicating kilometres. The wheels are so proportioned that this
drum describes one revolution to 16 kilometres. The figures on the paper showing
the total distance are presented before an aperture not accessible to the public or
any person except the proprietor who alone possesses' the key. After noting the
distance travelled the proprietor presses a button and the gear being released the
paper runs back and displays the zero.
The drum is provided with a notch and catch for retaining it in this position.
The tariff may require to be calculated by time alone or by time and distance
the former corresponding with the movements of the vehicle and the latter with the
period of hiring.
When the vehicle is in movement and the payment calculated by time the
clutch arrangement describes one revolution per hour under the influence of the
clock. A revolving cam acting on a lever compresses an air bag and prevents it
from acting upon the slides and hooks so that 'they remain in gear with a 'wheel
attached to a drum loose upon its spindle. This drum consequently rotates with
the clock. By means of suitable gearing motion at the rate of one revolution per
8 kilometres is imparted to a wheel fixed on a barrel or tube loose upon a spindle
and attached to a disc provided with slides and hooks. When the vehicle is in
motion a revolving cam presses a lever against the slides and disengages the hooks
or clutch the disc then rotates in accordance with the distance without 'influencing
the corresponding drum which is subjected to the timing movement only.
A wheel with 8 teeth rotates with this drum which is connected to another drum
by a band upon which the fares are printed. These figures are displayed at an
opening and move at the rate of 14 millimetres per quarter of an hour for example
this being assumed to be the equivalent of one kilometre. This opening is
controlled by a lever worked by a revolving wheel and moving in the same direction
and at the same rate as the band indicating the fares. Once every half quarter of
an hour the opening suddenly moves into position so as to expose the figures which
indicate the increase in the amount due corresponding to a period of one quarter of
an hour or the equivalent of a journey of one kilometre.
When the hirer leaves the vehicle the driver places the lever in the notch or
position for displaying the word " Disengaged."
The revolving cams then disengage the taking up drum from the shaft by means
of the levers and the spring on the other drum draws the band back to the zero
position.
In working the indicator of the total amount of the fares received a lever

page_text: actuated at each sudden movement of the opening displaces a wheel to the extent
of one tooth which corresponds with one twentieth of a revolution. This wheel
is fixed on a spindle carrying another wheel and a drum. This second wheel
has the same number of teeth as the first. A hook or catch acting on the second
wheel prevents this wheel and the drum from rotating in the opposite direction to
that in which they are moved by the levers. This drum is connected to another.
drum by a band which tends to rotate it under the action of a spring. This band
is marked with the fares and displays them at an opening accessible to the
proprietor only.
By these means the totals are indicated with the exception of the charge for
engaging the vehicle.
This charge may be calculated by providing a wheel with 20 teeth and employing
a cam and lever to move this wheel when the driver shifts his hand lever to the
notch indicating the word "Disengaged."
When the proprietor has noted the total amount received he presses a lever
which releases the wheels and allows the band to run back to its original position
in which it may be retained by a stop or notch on the drum.
This return to zero is effected at the same time and by the same lever as the
return of the band indicating the total distance.
When the vehicle is hired certain hooks are in contact with the corresponding
wheels and the drum of the fare indicator can then be worked by either wheel.
When the vehicle is in motion the corresponding disc describes one revolution for
every 8 kilometres and consequently the wheel attached to the drum causes the
opening to perform 8 movements and display the figures corresponding to a journey
of 8 kilometers.
At each revolution of the wheel the pressure of the compressed air expands a
bag which takes off the hooks and disconnects the clock from the fare indicator
but when the vehicle stops the bag collapses and the clock drives the drum so
as to actuate the fare indicator at the rate corresponding to 8 kilometres per hour
thus automatically performing the commutation by time and distance.
A screw placed on a compressed air chamber connected with the bag regulates
or controls the action and the time during which this commutation is performed.
It will be readily understood that the totalisation of the distances and of the fares
as well as the return of the fare indicator for the hirer are performed in the same
manner as when travelling empty. Before causing the figures indicating the fare
to disappear the driver puts the controlling lever in the notch for stopping. A
lever then acting upon the wheel arrests the return of the fare indicator to zero.
At the same time a combination of levers arrest the action of the clock and the
action of the distance indicator upon the fare.
The operations are registered and checked by means of a record in the form of
diagrams traced upon a band coiled upon a drum from which it is drawn off on to
another drum combined with a series of levers and a species of seismograph
apparatus.
The spindle driven by the clock describes one revolution per hour and causes
the band to travel at the rate of 3 millimetres in 5 minutes for example.
One of the levers traces upon the band a line composed of horizontal lines
connected by vertical lines under the combined action of the clock and the different
positions occupied by a revolving cam. The horizoutal line traced in a certain
position corresponds with the condition of "disengaged "the line in another position
with "
travelling empty" another position with "hired" and another position with
stop" or "waiting."
66
Another of the levers traces a line made up of horizontal lines connected by
vertical and inclined or oblique lines. The horizontal lines indicate the stoppages
of the vehicle and the vertical lines indicate each kilometre. The oblique lines.
indicate the rate of speed.
Another lever traces a series of straight lines which record the times during
which the vehicle is unoccupied. The end of this lever is removed from the band

page_text: by a bag which is expanded by the pressure of air supplied from a bag placed
under the seat so as to be compressed by the weight of the person using the
vehicle.
The seismograph device hereinbefore referred to produces straight lines connected
by zigzag or irregular lines. The straight lines indicate stoppages and the zigzag
or irregular lines denote the passage of the vehicle over a road of correspondingly
even or uneven surface.
The indicator of the condition of the vehicle is divided into two parts one
indicating the condition of the vehicle to the person using it and the other
indicating the condition of the vehicle to the public.
There are four conditions to be provided for namely disengaged, engaged or
hired, travelling empty, and standing, which are indicated at an opening in the
centre of the face of the counter by means of a band wound off one roller or drum
on to another by the action of a cam fixed on a spindle controlled by the driver
by means of levers. When the driver puts his lever into the "disengaged" notch
this band is wound up on one of the drums by the action of a spring.
"
There are only two conditions which concern the public namely "disengaged
and "engaged" and these are indicated at an opening on the right hand side of the
counter. A cam is arranged to actuate a plate bearing the word "Disengaged."
At the back of the opening the word "Engaged" is displayed but when the
vehicle is disengaged this word is concealed by the plate displaying the word
Disengaged."
4<
The mechanism is connected with a bell which draws attention to all changes in
the condition of the vehicle.
The air bags actuating the mechanism are supplied with air under pressure by a
suitable pipe connected with the air compressing bag or bellows or chamber
hereinbefore described provided with a valve and adjusting screw and actuated by
a cam or excentric ring attached to the wheel of the vehicle the said valve opening
automatically and mechanically at the required time and remaining closed during
the whole of the period of compression its closure being independent of the rate
at which the said-compression is performed.
Dated this 1st day of March 1893.
J. H. JOHNSON & Co.,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Automatic Indicating and Registering Apparatus
for Public or Hired Vehicles.
.
I JAMES YATE JOHNSON of 47 Lincoln's Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which has been com-
municated to me from abroad by Jules Guénet of 5 Rue Montmorency, Paris, in
the Republic of France, Electrician) and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention relates to apparatus or mechanism for automatically indicating
and registering fares, time, distance and other information connected with the use
of public or hired vehicles as hereinafter described.
An apparatus constructed according to this invention comprises the following
parts hereinafter described in succession namely (1) a clock or "time indicator,"
(2) a journey distance indicator or indicator of the length of each single journey,
(3) a total distance indicator shewing the sum or total of the distances travelled
over during the day's work, (4) an indicator of the fare to be paid for each hiring,
(5) an indicator of the receipts or total of the fares that have been paid, (6) a
registering or recording apparatus producing check diagrams, and (7) an indicator

page_text: showing to the hirer and to the public the condition of the vehicle (engaged or
disengaged).
And in order that the said invention may be fully understood I shall now proceed
more particularly to describe the same and for that purpose shall refer to the
several figures on the annexed sheets of drawings the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the figures.
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings represents in plan the general
arrangement of the counter or fare indicator the distance indicator not being
represented in this figure.
Figure 2 represents the clock train in side elevation.
Figure 3 represents in elevation the dial and connections for actuating the drum
of the fare indicator.
Figure 4 represents the rollers of the check apparatus in vertical projection.
Figure 5 represents in plan the mechanism of the distance register.
Figure 6 represents the same mechanism in end elevation and Figure 7
represents it in longitudinal elevation also shewing the two cams and the lever
which indicates the condition of the vehicle to the hirer and records it upon the
registering diagram.
Figure 8 represents in side elevation the endless screw or worm and driving
ratchet motion as hereinafter described.
Figure 9 illustrates in elevation the bracket or support of the said worm.
Figure 10 represents in elevation the mechanism indicating the total mileage or
distance and the driving ratchet motion the spindles being represented in a section
taken on the line C-D Fig. 1.
Figure 11 is a similar view of the total distance indicator the section being taken
on the line A-B Figure 1.
Figure 12 is a similar view of the indicator and of the register of the total of the
fares paid the section being taken on the line E-F Figure 1.
Figure 13 is another similar view of this apparatus the section being taken on
the line G-H Figure 1.
Figure 14 represents the mechanism viewed in the plane of the line E-F
Figure 1 and shews the lever recording the total of the fares and the stop motion
lever.
Figure 15 is a similar view shewing in addition the lever for bringing the fare
iudicator back to zero.
Figure 16 represents in plan the lever and its actuating cam with the bell for
drawing the attention of the hirer to all movements of the lever which is worked
by the driver and Figure 17 represents the same parts in elevation.
Figure 18 represents in side elevation the cam and lever employed for changing
from the payment by time to payment by distance.
Figure 19 represents in side elevation the drum or roller for the band or tape
indicating the distance.
Figure 20 represents in side elevation the lever working the ratchet of the
distance mechanism.
Figure 21 represents the counter or indicator dials and apertures in front
elevation.
Figure 22 represents in side elevation the lever of the mechanism indicating to
the public the condition of the vehicle and the lever which is worked by the
driver.
Figures 23 and 24 represent respectively longitudinal and horizontal sections of
the mechanism for the transmission of motion by means of compressed air.
Figure 25 represents in longitudinal section taken along the line A-B of
Figure 27 a modification of the air compressing apparatus.
Figure 26 represents this apparatus in transverse section taken on the line C-D
Figure 25.
Figure 27 illustrates the apparatus in plan, the sheet metal casing being removed
in order to expose the internal mechanism.

page_text: Figure 28 represents a portion of the hub of the wheel in side elevation the
circular inclined plane or cam surface with which it is provided as hereinafter
explained being represented in section on the line E F (Figure 29).
Figure 29 illustrates this cam surface in front elevation and Figure 30
represents the same in section on the line EF (Figure 29) viewed from the right
hand side and consequently shewing the part situated on the left hand side of
Figure 29.
Figure 31 represents a side elevation, drawn upon an enlarged scale, of the
drum or reel for indicating the length of each single journey and of its disengaging
mechanism for setting it back to zero at the end of each journey.
Figure 32 is an end view of the same with the cone clutch and its controlling
forked lever removed for the sake of clearness.

page_text: the reel VIII. Thus when the spindle B B°, and consequently the wheel or
disc 41, are rotated in the direction of the arrow (Figure 32) the ratchet wheel 40-
and with it the drum or reel VIII is caused to rotate in the same direction.
When the drum or reel VIII is to be released, at the end of the journey (for
example); the driver, as herein before stated, pulls the combination of levers B
B10 B B whereby the forked lever B10 is caused to swing on its fulcrum B
Fig. 1 in the direction of the arrow (Figure 31) thus shifting the clutch 2*,.
mounted loosely on the spindle B' B, towards the left. The clutch 2* is thus
forced between the wedge shaped heels 6* of the slides B8 B8 thus causing the
latter to be forced radially outward against the pressure of the springs 7* and
disengaging the pawls B B7 from the teeth of the ratchet wheel 40, whereby the
drum or reel VIII is disconnected from the spindle B B and set back to zero by
unrolling the paper band as hereinafter described.
Similar disengaging mechanism or clutch arrangement is also applied for setting
back to zero the drums or reels II and V as will be more particularly explained
bereinafter.
The paper band on which the kilometres and quarters of kilometres are printed'
is wound upon a reel VII (Fig. 1) and is connected with the reel VIII, so that
the latter drives the reel VII in winding the paper on the said reel VIII and
drawing it off the reel VII, the tension of the paper being maintained by a spring
contained in a cap or barrel 38 and acting through gearing 36, 35, 34 & 33 to-
slightly press the reel VII in the opposite direction. The apparatus is provided
with a moveable aperture B" (Figures 1 and 21) or a shutter moved at the same
rate as the paper attached to the reels VII and VIII by means of a lever B1 B1-
(Figure 20) actuated by the wheel 39 on the reel VIII. This movement takes
place whilst a quarter of a kilometre is being completed, after which the aperture
suddenly returns or jumps back to its original position and recommences the move-
ment. In order to obtain this jumping motion the wheel 39 is provided with
16 teeth corresponding with 16 quarters of a kilometre so that an indication is
given to the hirer at the completion of each quarter of a kilometre.
".
At the end of a journey, when the hirer leaves the vehicle, the driver puts the
lever B B Figure 22 into a notch or catch in a segment 8* and at the same time
a cam surface on the lever acts on a lever 9* so as to cause the word "Disengaged
(Libre) to be displayed. At the same time by the action of two cams and of the
levers B B B B the hooks or pawls B are disengaged from the wheel 40.
whereupon under the action of the spring in the barrel 38 and train of gear
wheels 36, 35, 33 and 34 the length of paper wound on the reel VIII during the
journey is unwound therefrom and wound onto the reel VII untill "6
opposite the aperture B", the parts being retained in this position by a suitable-
stop and notch on the drum VIII. By these means the distance indicator for the:
hirer is set back to zero at the end of each journey.
(3.) TOTAL DISTANCE INDICATOR.
"
zero comes.
To indicate (to the proprietor) the sum or total of the distances traversed by
the vehicle during the day for example a wheel 10 rotates with the spindle B' B
(Figure 1) carrying the reel VIII and drives a wheel 9 on a spindle B" B18.
provided with a disc 7 and a combination of slides B and hooks or pawls B20,
forming a species of clutch arrangement which drives a wheel' 8 and a drum or
reel II mounted loosely upon the spindle B7 B18. A band or tape of paper-
indicating kilometres connects the reel II with a reel I. The wheel 10 describes
one revolution to every 4 kilometres, the diameter of the wheel 9 being four
times greater than that of the wheel 10 so that the reel II describes one revolution
to every 16 kilometres traversed by the vehicle. The figures on the paper actuated
by the druins or reels I, II showing the total distance are presented before an.
aperture B Figure 21, not visible to the public or to any person except the
the lov The total distance accomplished by the

page_text: vehicle is represented in figures at this aperture. After noting the distance
travelled the proprietor by pressing the end of the lever B" (Figures 1 and 10),
which acts on the levers B" B" disengages the hooks or pawls B from the wheel 8.
The reel II being thus released the spring in the box or barrel 2 acts upon the
gear wheels 3, 4, 5, 6 causing the paper to be wound upon the reel I so as to display
the zero. The drum or reel 2 is provided with a notch and catch for retaining
it in this position. By these means the indicator of the total distance is brought
back to zero.
The fare may require to be calculated by time alone or by time and distance.
The former corresponds with travelling at walking pace, the latter with travelling
as hired.
(a.) Payment by time. When the vehicle is travelling at walking pace and the
payment is calculated by time the spindle B¹ B' with the disc 25 the hooks or
pawls C¹ and the slides C Figure 1 describe one revolution per hour, being driven
at that rate by the clock. At walking pace a cam 11* on the spindle B" B"
operated by the drivers hand lever forces a lever C C to move from left to right
thereby compressing an air bag C and preventing it from acting upon the slides C
and hooks or pawls C₁ which consequently remain in gear with a wheel 24 attached
to a drum or reel V loose upon the spindle B' B'. This drum V consequently
rotates with the spindle B₁ B actuated by the hook pawls C' receiving motion
from the clock. A wheel 12 gearing with a wheel 11 describes one revolution
whilst the spindle B B describes two revolutions. Consequently the wheel 12
rotates at the rate of one revolution per 8 kilometres actually traversed. This
wheel 12 is fixed on a barrel or tube C C loose upon the spindle B₁ B'. To this
tube is attached a disc 32 provided with slides C and hooks or pawls C³. When
the vehicle is moving at the normal speed a cam fixed on the spindle B" B" presses
by means of the lever C C10 the clutch 12* against the slide C7 and disengages
the hooks or pawls C8 from the wheel 21. The disc 32 then rotates in accordance
with the distance without influencing the reel V which is subjected to the timing
movement only.
A wheel 22 (Figures 1 and 12) with 8 teeth rotates with the reel V which is
connected to a reel VI by a band upon which the fares are printed. These figures
are displayed at an opening C Figure 21 and move at the rate of 14 millimetres
per half quarter of an hour for example, this being assumed to correspond with a
distance of one kilometre. This opening C is controlled by a lever C₁C" worked
by the wheel 22. This lever moves at the same rate as the band indicating the
fares. At the conclusion of every half quarter of an hour the opening suddenly
moves into position so as to expose to view the figures which indicate the increase
in the amount due corresponding to a period of one half of a quarter of an hour or
the equivalent of an imaginary distance of one kilometre.
When the hirer leaves the vehicle the driver replaces the lever B¹ B" Figure 22
in the notch or position for displaying the word "Disengaged" (Libre).
The cams 11 fixed on the spindle B B then disengage the taking up reel V
from the shaft B₁ B' by means of the levers CC-CC-C" C Figures 1, 12,
15 and 16. The reel V is then immediately acted on by the reel VI rotated by
the spring in the barrel 31 Figure 1. The indicator band is thus wound upon the
drum or reel VI until the figures 0, 0 appear at the aperture C. A notch in the
reel V retains it in this position. By these means the scale of fares indicated to
the hirer is brought back to zero.

page_text: also carrying a wheel 13 and a drum or reel III. This wheel 13 has the same
number of teeth as the wheel 14. A counter hook or catch acting on the wheel 13
prevents the wheel 14 and the reel III from rotating in the opposite direction to
that in which they are moved by the levers C" C. The drum or reel III is
connected to the drum or reel IV by a band which tends to rotate it in the direction
This band
of the arrow under the action of a spring contained in a barrel 20.
worked by the reels III and IV is marked with the fares and displays them at an
opening Cinvisible to the public being accessible to the proprietor only, by whom
it is kept under lock and key.
By these means the total of the receipts is indicated with the exception of the
charge made for engaging the vehicle.
This charge (say 50 centimes for each journey) may be calculated by providing
A lever XX*
upon the spindle C15 C1 Figures 1 and 14 a wheel X with 20 teeth.
moves this wheel to the extent of two teeth by means of a cam and lever when the
driver shifts his hand lever to the notch indicating the word "Disengaged" (Libre)
after it has been set to indicate that the vehicle is engaged.
When the proprietor has noted the total amount received the indicator can be
set back to zero by pressing the lever B2 B3 Figure 10 which releases the hooks or
pawls retaining the wheels 13 and X. The wheels 13 and 14 as well as the reel III
being liberated allow the band to run back to its original position being wound upon
the reel IV until the numerals o o appear at the opening C" in Figure 21. The
band is secured in this position by a stop or notch on the drum or reel III. By
these means the indicator of the total receipt is set back to zero. This return to
zero is effected at the same time and by the action of the same lever as the return
of the band indicating the total distance.
(.) Travelling as hired (fare indicator). When the vehicle is travelling under
these conditions the hooks or pawls C and C1 (Figure 1) are in contact with the
corresponding wheels 21 and 24 and the drum or reel V of the fare indicator can
consequently then be worked by either wheel. When the vehicle is in motion the
disc 32 describes one revolution for every 8 kilometers and consequently the
wheel 22 attached to the reel V causes the opening C to perform 8 movements or
"jumps" and display the figures representing the fare payable for a journey of
8 kilometres.
At each revolution of the wheel of the vehicle the pressure of the compressed
air expands a bag C which takes off the hooks or pawls, C¹ and disconnects the
clock from the fare indicator but when the vehicle stops the bag C collapses and
the clock drives the drum or reel V so as to increase the amount payable at the
rate of 25 centimes per imaginary kilometer or at the rate of 8 kilometers per hour
thus automatically performing the commutation or change from reckoning by
distance to reckoning by time.
A screw placed on a compressed air chamber connected with the bag C*
regulates or controls the action and the time during which this commutation takes
place. It will be readily understood that the indication of the totals of the
distances and of the fares as well as the return to zero of the fare indicator for
the hirer are performed in the same manner as when the vehicle is travelling at
walking pace as herein before described.
Before causing the figures indicating the fare to disappear the driver puts the
controlling lever B" B in the notch for stopping. A lever Y (Figures 14 and 16)
then acting upon the wheel 23 arrests the return of the fare indicator to zero.
At the same time a combination of levers C° C, CC Figures 13, 15 and 18
suspends the action of the clock and the action of the distance indicator upon the
fares which become unchangeable.

page_text: drawn off on to another drum M³ (Figures 1 and 4) acted on by a series of
levers M3 M4 M5 and a species of seismograph apparatus Z. The spindle driven
by the clock describes one revolution per hour and causes this band to travel at
the rate of 3 millimetres in 5 minutes for example.
The lever M³ traces upon the band a line composed of horizontal lines con-
nected by vertical lines, as represented in Figure 14, under the combined action of
the clock and the different positions occupied by the drivers hand lever. The
horizontal line traced in the position (1 Figure 1A) corresponds with the condition
of " disengaged" the line in the position marked 2 with "travelling at walking
pace," the position 3 with "engaged or hired" and the position 4 with "stopped
or "waiting."
"
The
Another lever (M) traces a line made up of horizontal lines connected by
vertical and inclined or oblique lines as represented in Figure 1B under the
combined action of the clock and of the cam M. The horizontal lines indicate
the stoppages of the vehicle and the vertical lines indicate kilometres.
oblique lines indicate the rate of speed at which the vehicle has been travelling.
Another lever M traces a series of straight lines which record the times
during which the vehicle has been unoccupied. The end of this lever is removed
from the band by a bag Ms which is expanded by the pressure of air supplied from
a bag placed under the seat so as to be compressed by the weight of the person
using the vehicle.
The seismographic device Z hereinbefore referred to produces straight lines
connected by zigzag or irregular lines as represented in Figure 1. The straight
lines indicate stoppages and the zigzag or wavy lines denote the passage of the
vehicle over a road of correspondingly even or uneven surface.
"
(7.) SEMAPHORES.
The indicator of the condition of the vehicle is divided into two parts namely
(a) one indicating the condition of the vehicle to the hirer or person using it and
the other (b) indicating the condition of the vehicle to the public in general.
(a) Indication for the hirer.-There are four conditions to be provided for
namely "disengaged," "engaged or hired," "travelling at walking pace," and
"stopped "standing" which are indicated at the opening D Figures 1 and 21
in the centre of the face of the counter by means of a baud wound on to a roller
or drum D Figure 11 and off a roller D by the action of a segment D³ fixed on
the spindle B B12 controlled by the driver by means of the lever B¹ B". When
the driver puts his lever into the ". disengaged" notch this band is wound back
on to the roller D' by the action of a spring contained in a barrel D*.
or
"
5,
(6) Indication for the public.--There are only two conditions which concern the
public namely "disengaged and "engaged and these are indicated at an
opening D³ Figure 22 on the right hand side of the apparatus. A cam D° is
arranged to actuate a plate D7 bearing the word "Disengaged" (Libre).
"
At the back of the opening the word " Engaged (Louée) is displayed in
letters of the same dimensions as the letters in the word signifying "Disengaged"
but when the vehicle is disengaged this word is concealed by the plate D'
displaying the word "Disengaged" (Libre).
The mechanism is connected with a bell Figure 17 which draws the attention
of the hirer to all changes in the condition of the vehicle.
The transmission of movement from the travelling wheel of the vehicle is
effected by means of compressed air as next hereinafter described.
The said transmission of movement is obtained by means of the mechanism
represented in Figures 23 and 24. A bag a is alternately compressed and
expanded by a lever a¹ a² having its centre of oscillation at a'. The compressing
action is obtained by the aid of an eccentric ring placed upon the nave or hub of
the wheel of the vehicle. The expanding action is produced by a helical spring a².
The bag is provided with a valve a retained in the closed position by a flat

page_text: spring attached to the base of the bag. An adjustable screw a automatically
opens the valve a when the bag has expanded to the maximum extent. During
the compression of the bag the air passes through a pipe a to the apparatus in
order to actuate the air bags in the counting or registering apparatus as herein--
before described.
Figures 25 to 30 illustrate another form of construction of this apparatus
which may be employed with advantage for compressing the air as hereinafter
described.
This apparatus is supported on a cast iron plate 1 made in one with two head
or end plates 2 and 21 and an intermediate support 3. The base plate 1 is firmly
attached to the axle of the vehicle near to the hub of one of the wheels. To
the intermediate support 3 is attached by means of a nut 4 a basin shaped air
chamber 5 the bottom of which communicates through passages 6 with a flexible-
tube conducting the compressed air to the counter or indicator. The air
chamber 5 is closed by a diaphragm 7 of chamois leather or other flexible material
acting in the same way as a piston.
This diaphragm is connected at the centre by a screw to a projection 8 cast in:
one piece with a frame 9. The latter is provided on one side with a rod 10 capable
of sliding in a guide 11 screwed into the end plate 21. At its other extremity the
frame 9 is screwed to a rod 12 passing through a brass bush 13 in the end plate 2..
The extremity of the rod 12 is provided with a fork 14 carrying a roller 15. The-
frame 9 is provided with a projection 16 sliding in a groove 17 in the base plate 1
so that the frame is capable of moving longitudinally in the direction of its axis.
but cannot rotate upon the latter.
A helical spring 18 compressed between the stationary, nut 4 and the movable-
frame 9 constantly tends to bring the latter back to the position represented in-
Figures 25 and 27 in which position the flexible diaphragm 7 is pressed against
the bottom of the basin or air chamber 5. All this mechanism is enclosed in a
cylindrical case of sheet metal 19 Figures 25 and 26 screwed to the plates 2 and 2¹..
This case forms with the said plates an air tight chamber easily opened which
effectually protects the mechanism from dust and injury.
As hereinbefore stated this apparatus is attached to the axle in proximity to one
of the wheel hubs. Upon the back or inner end of the latter which rotates in the
direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 29 there is provided an incline or cam
surface 20 of metal (Figures 28 and 29) presenting a slight or flat incline extending
over an arc of a circle of about 260 degrees and terminating in a relatively steep
incline 21 (Figures 29 and 30) in the opposite direction. When the wheel revolves
these inclines act upon the roller 15, Figures 25 and 27, and displace it in a
horizontal direction. During about one quarter of the revolution of the wheel the
roller bears directly on the hub. The action of this mechanism is as follows:-
Assuming the vehicle to be in motion and the hub rotating in the direction of
the arrow Figure 29 the roller 15 in ascending the incline 20 gradually forces back
the frame 9 and compresses the spring 18. This movement of the frame has the
effect of increasing the space comprised between the bottom of the air chamber 5.
and the diaphragm 7. A certain amount of air is consequently drawn in from the
exterior through a small orifice formed in the wall of the chamber. This gradual
drawing in of air continues until the sudden or steep incline 21 passes under the
roller 15. At this moment the said roller rapidly returns descending this incline
and the spring 18 forces forward the frame 9 and diaphragm 7 into their original
position represented in the drawing. The air contained between the bottom of the
air chamber 5 and the diaphragm 7 is thereby compressed and forced into the
counting or indicating apparatus as the small inlet orifice formed in the side of
the chamber is too small to allow more than a relatively insignificant volume of the
air to escape through it owing to the quickness of the return motion. By these
means the necessary pulsations for working the indicating apparatus are produced.
During the whole of the period during which the roller is out of contact with the
incline the diaphragm 7 remains stationary.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The arrangements and combinations of parts forming an automatic indicating
and registering apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
2. The adjustment by means of a screw or the like placed upon a compressed air
chamber enabling the commutation from reckoning by distance to reckoning by
time to be made in a determined period of time the commutation from reckoning by
time to reckoning by distance being instantaneous substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
3. The arrangement for obtaining a direct and intermittent driving action of the
clock on the fare indicator and on the indicator of the total receipts substantially
as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
4. The mechanism for transmitting motion by compressed air by means of a
bellows provided with a valve opened mechanically or automatically at the required
time and remaining closed during the whole of the period of compression even when
the said compression takes place very slowly substantially as herein before described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
5. The apparatus for compressing air worked by a cam or incline on the wheel
of the vehicle acting on a flexible diaphragm combined with an air chamber
substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
Dated this 1st day of December 1893
J. H. JOHNSON & Co.,
Agents.