Improvements in or connected with Coin-operating Machines.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 8th May, 1894
Complete Specification Left, 8th Feb., 1895-Accepted, 4th May, 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Coin-operating Machines.
We, VINCENT ROBBINS, of No. 49, Wyndham Road, Camberwell, in the
County of London, Engineer, and EDGAR CHARLES ROBBINS, of No. 49,
Wyndham Road, aforesaid, Printer, do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion to be as follows:-
This invention relates to that class of coin-operating machines in which a person
introducing a coin is permitted to fire at a target, and in which the accuracy of the
shot is recorded upon a suitable register, and the invention comprises various details
of construction and arrangement, as hereinafter described.
In carrying the invention into effect, a suitable case is employed ucar to the front
of which is mounted upon a pedestal a dummy pistol, and towards the rear of the
case and in the background is arranged a vertical wall which carries a visible target
and a register hereinafter more fully referred to.
The pedestal of the pistol passes through the top of the case to the interior
thereof, and is mounted with capability of movement in several directions,
and the lower end of the pedestal within the case of the apparatus has fixed
therewith a box serving to contain certain mechanism hereinafter more fully referre
to, and to this box is fixed a long guide tube within which is mounted a projectile
rod or needle, the rear end of which passes into the box of the pedestal, and the
front end of which is adapted to be more or less projected beyond the end of the
guide tube, a light spring returning the needle to its normal position.
This needle or rod is by the arrangement of parts hereinbefore described cause.l
to accurately follow the direction given to the pistol by a person taking aim at a
visible target whilst in a suitable position opposite the end of the guide tube, and
within the case is arranged an invisible target which is adapted to be acted upon by
the projected needle or rod at the time of firing and to actuate a register adjacent
to the visible target in the manner hereinafter described.
The firing mechanism is so arranged that in exchange for one coin inserted in the
machine the operator has three shots at the target.
For this purpose, the lock of the pistol consists of a dummy hammer mounted
upon an axis of motion below which it is notched to engage a sear actuated by the
trigger, and, projecting forward of the axis of the hammer and formed therewith,
that is with the hammer, is an arm formed with a hooked end which engages a hook
formed upon a rod traversing the tubular pedestal and having fixed thereon a piston
upon which bears a coiled spring arranged around the rod and at its upper end
taking an abutment against the pistol so that upon the cocking of the pistol, the
piston will be raised and the spring compressed.
The lower end of the piston rod passes beyond the piston and is loosely connected
with the horizontal arm of a bell crank lever mounted upon an axis of motion, the
lower or vertical arm of which impinges upon the rear end of the projectile rod or
needle so that upon the firing of the pistol the coiled spring will through the bell
crank lever give a sudden impulse to the projectile rod or needle, and assuming that
the aim of the operator is correct cause it to strike the invisible target with an
accuracy dependent upon the aim of the operator.
The horizontal arm of the bell crank lever has pivotally mounted thereon a
clawker which engages a series of ratchet teeth formed upon the vertical face of a
vertically sliding block so that each time the pistol is cocked, the sliding block will

page_text: be raised a distance equal to one tooth, a dog or detent preventing the return
thereof except as hereinafter described.
The number of ratchet teeth of the sliding block and the distance of travel of the
clawker are so regulated that three operations of the pistol will bring the sliding
block to a dead stop preventing the further cocking of the pistol and thus the
operator is limited to three shots for one payment but it is obvious that, by
modifying the number of teeth upon the face of the sliding block, the number of
such operations permitted might be varied according to circumstances.
In order to return the sliding block to its normal position and thus permit the
pistol to be again fired, the face of the sliding block is formed with an open-sided
slot or guide way therein extending through the ratchet teeth within which is
mounted with capability of vertical and lateral movement a releasing bar indirectly
connected with the handle or lever which is actuated to obtain the use of
the machine by a person inserting a coin therein, and this releasing bar is formed
with two inclined cam slots therein through which pass pins fixed with the sliding
block the direction of the inclination of such slots being such that upon the
releasing bar being drawn downward it will advance slightly beyond the face of
the ratchet teeth, and thus disengage the clawker and detent therefrom, whilst in
its continued movement, it will carry downward the sliding block to its normal
position, the clawker and dog which are held up to their work by light spring.
afterwards returning the releasing bar to its normal position within the slot or
guide-way in the sliding block.
By these means, each time a coin is inserted into the machine, and the coin-
operating lever or handle is actuated the mechanism of the pistol will be restore 1
to its normal position.
The coin-operating mechanism is arranged in the following manner :—
A money slot of the usual character is provided preferably in the top of the
machine near to the pedestal of the pistol, and from this coin slot is arranged a
a shoot which conducts the coin into a drum provided with a single pocket.
adapted to receive the same and the drum is so connected with the coin-operating
lever or handle that upon the latter being actuated the drum will be rotated
causing the coin to act through an anti-friction roller upon a lever which in tur
acts upon another lever to draw down the releasing bar and thus to restore the
mechanism of the pistol to its normal position, and permit it to be cocked and fired
whilst in the further rotation of the drum the coin is discharged on to a counter-
balanced switch bar which at the next operation of the machine is acted upon by
an arm upon the axis of the drum to discharge the coin into the money box unless
the same has been previously directed into a channel returning it to the operator, as
hereinafter explained.
The invisible target upon which the projectile rod or needle strikes is compose.
of three longitudinally moveable parts namely a "bull's-eye" a surrounding ring
or sleeve representing an "inner" and a still outer ring representing an "outer."
Each of these parts is capable of independent movement and has connected there-
with a horizontal rod or bar upon the end of which is adjustably fixed a frame
carrying a ratchet tooth or detent and in connection with each ratchet tooth or
detent and at the visible target end of the apparatus is provided a vertically
moveable bar, each bar being formed with three separate ratchet teeth or steps
adapted to engage the corresponding detent of one of the sections of the invisible
target.
Each of these vertical bars carries at its upper-end an indicating slide or shutter
which moves vertically behind an aperture in the vertical part of the case where
appears the visible target and each of these slides is numbered with three sets of
numerals each set corresponding with one of the ratchet teeth of the sliding bar,
whilst the three slides correspond with the three sections of the invisible target that is
to say the central slide relates to the "bull's-eye," one of the outer slides relates
to the "inner" and the other of such outer slides relates to the " outer section of
the invisible target.
"

page_text: By this arrangement of parts upon the projectile rod or needle, which it must be
borne in mind is afterwards immediately returned by its spring striking the
"bull's eye" of the invisible target the corresponding detent will be disengaged
from one of the ratchet teeth of the corresponding vertically sliding bar and the
latter will fall the distance of one tooth and bring into view at the aperture of that
particular slide one set of numerals thereon representing so many points gained
whilst if the "bull's eye is again struck by the projectile needle or rod the next
higher set of numerals will be brought into view, and a repetition of this operation
will bring the third set of numerals into view.
وو
The other slides relating to the "inner" and "outer" parts of the invisible target
are operated in a similar way to that herein before described so that the record made
by the operator or marksman is altogether dependent upon the skill with which he aims
the pistol at the visible target and would in most cases be made up of combinations
of numbers displayed by the various slides. In the event of the marksman or
operator securing three "bull's-eyes" the sliding bar corresponding therewith upon
descending to its full extent depresses or acts upon one end of a lever which through
suitable levers or connections acts upon an offset or crank from the switch bar and
directs the coin, which up to that time has been held by the switch bar into.
a channel which conveys it back to the operator thereby presenting him with a
prize for the skill displayed.
The indicating slides which have fallen are raised and returned to their normal
position by means of flexible connections, such as cords each of which passes from
its vertical slide up over a guide pulley and down to one arm of a bell crank lever
mounted upon a centre of motion the other arm of which is by a link flexibly
connected with another lever which receives a rocking motion from the handle or
lever which is actuated by the operator and thus the flexible connection is
tautened at the first operation of the machine and the shutter raised into its normal
position, and immediately afterwards by the return movement of the operating lever
the connection is slackened to allow of the slide falling, when the machine is again
operated as herein before described.
Dated this 8th day of Mar 1904
VAUGHAN & SON,
Agents for the Applicants.
Improvements in or connected with Coin-operating Machines.
We, VINCENT ROBBINS, Engineer, and EDGAR CHARLES ROBBINS, Printer,
both late of No. 49, Wyndham Road, Camberwell, but at present residing at
The Grove Engineering Works Hackford Road Stockwell, both in the County of
London, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
Our said invention relates to that class of coin-operating machines in which a
person introducing a coin is permitted to fire at a target, and in which the accuracy
of the shot is recorded upon a suitable register and the invention comprises various
details of coustruction and arrangement, as hereinafter described.
In carrying the invention into effect, a suitable case is employed near to the
front of which is mounted upon a pedestal a dummy pistol, and towards the rear of
the case and in the back ground is arranged a vertical wall which carries a visible
target and a register hereinafter more fully referred to.
The pedestal of the pistol passes through the top of the case to the interior
thereof, and is mounted with capability of movement in several directions, and the
lower end of the pedestal within the case of the apparatus has fixed therewith a
box serving to contain certain mechanism hereinafter more.
e.fully referred to, and

page_text: to this box is fixed a long guide tube within which is mounted a projectile rod or
needle, the rear end of which passes into the box of the pedestal and the front end
of which is adapted to be more or less projected beyond the end of the guide tube,
a light spring returning the needle to its normal position.
This needle or rod is by the arrangement of parts hereinbefore described caused
to accurately follow the direction given to the pistol by a person taking aim at a
visible target whilst in a suitable position opposite the end of the guide tube, and
within the case is arranged an invisible target which is adapted to be acted upon
by the projected needle or rod at the time of firing and to actuate a register
adjacent to the visible target in the manner hereinafter described.
The firing mechanism is so arranged that in exchange for one coin iuserted in
the machine the operator has three shots at the target.
For this purpose, the lock of the pistol consists of a dummy hammer mounted
upon an axis of motion below which it is notched to engage a sear actuated by the
trigger and projecting forward of the axis of the hammer and formed therewith,
that is with the hammer, is an arm formed with a hooked end which engages a
hook formed upon a rod traversing the tubular pedestal and having fixed thereon
a piston upon which bears a coiled spring arranged around the rod and at its upper
end taking an abutment against the pistol so that, upon the cocking of the pistol,
the piston will be raised and the spring compressed.
The lower end of the piston rod passes beyond the piston and is loosely connected
with the horizontal arm of a hell crank lever mounted upon an axis of motion, the
lower or vertical arm of which impinges upon the rear end of the projectile rod or
needle so that upon the firing of the pistol the coiled spring will through the bell
crank lever give a sudden impulse to the projectile rod or needle, and assuming
that the aim of the operator is correct cause it to strike the invisible target with
an accuracy dependent upon the aim of the operator.
The horizontal arm of the bell crank lever has pivotally mounted thereon a
clawker which engages a series of ratchet teeth formed upon the vertical face of
a vertically sliding block so that each time the pistol is cocked, the sliding block
will be raised a distance equal to one tooth, a dog or detent preventing the return
thereof except as hereinafter described.
The number of ratchet teeth of the sliding block and the distance of travel of
the clawker are so regulated that three operations of the pistol will bring the
sliding block to a dead stop preventing the further cocking of the pistol and thus
the operator is limited to three shots for one payment but it is obvious that by
modifying the number of teeth upon the face of the sliding block the number of
such operations permitted might be varied according to circumstances.
In order to return the sliding block to its normal position and thus permit the
pistol to be again fired, the face of the sliding block is formed with an open-sided
siot or guide way therein extending through the ratchet teeth within which is
mounted with capability of vertical and lateral movement a releasing bar indirectly
connected with the handle or lever which is actuated to obtain the use of the
machine by a person inserting a coin therein, and this releasing bar is formed with
two inclined cam slots therein through which pass pins fixed with the sliding block the
direction of the inclination of such slots being such that upon the releasing bar
being drawn downward it will advance slightly beyond the face of the ratchet
teeth, and thus disengage the clawker and detent therefrom, whilst in its continued
movement, it will carry downward the sliding block to its normal position the
clawker and dog which are held up to their work by light springs afterwards
returning the releasing bar to its normal position within the slot or guide way in
the sliding block.
By these means, each time a coin is inserted into the machine, and the coin-
operating lever or handle is actuated, the mechanism of the pistol will be restored
to its normal position.
The coin-operating mechanism is arranged in the following manner.
A money slot of the usual character is provided preferably in the top of the

page_text: machine near to the pedestal of the pistol, and from this coin slot is arrange a
shoot which conducts the coin into a drum provided with a single pocket, adapted
to receive the same and the drum is so connected with the coin-operating lever or
handle that upon the latter being actuated the drum will be rotated causing the
coin to act through an anti-friction roller upon a lever which in turn acts upon
another lever to draw down the releasing bar and thus to restore the mechanism of
the pistol to its normal position, and permit it to be cocked and fired whilst in the
further rotation of the drum the coin is discharged on to a counterbalanced
switch-bar which at the next operation of the machine is acted upon by an arm
upon the axis of the drum to discharge the coin into the money box unless the
same has been previously directed into a channel returning it to the operator, as
hereinafter described.
The invisible target upon which the projectile rod or needle strikes is composed
of three longitudinally moveable parts namely a "bulls-eye," a surrounding ring
or sleeve representing an "inner
and a still outer ring or sleeve representing an
outer."
Each of these parts is capable of independent movement and has connected
therewith a horizontal rod or bar upon the end of which is adjustably fixed a frame
carrying a ratchet tooth or detent and in connection with each ratchet tooth or
detent and at the visible target end of the apparatus is provided a vertically
moveable bar, each bar being formed with three separate ratchet teeth or steps
adapted to engage the corresponding detent of one of the sections of the invisible
target.
Each of these vertical bars carries at its upper end an indicating slide or shutter
which moves vertically behind an aperture in the vertical part of the case where
appears the visible target and each of these slides is numbered with three sets of
numerals each corresponding with one of the ratchet teeth of the sliding bar,
whilst the three slides correspond with the three sections of the invisible target,
that is to say, the central slide relates to the "bulls eye," one of the outer slides
relates to the "inner" and the other of such outer slides relates to the "outer
section of the invisible target.
27
By this arrangement of parts, upon the projectile rod or needle, (which it must
be borne in mind is afterwards immediately returned by its spring) striking the
"bulls eye" of the invisible target, the corresponding detent will be disengaged
from one of the ratchet teeth of the corresponding vertically sliding bar and the
latter will fall the distance of one tooth and bring into view at the aperture of that
particular slide one of the set of numerals thereon representing so many points
gained whilst if the "bulls eye" is again struck by the projectile needle or rod the
next higher numeral of the set will be brought into view, and a repetition of this
operation will bring the third numeral of the set into view.
27
The other slides relating to the "inner" and "outer parts of the invisible
target are operated in a similar way to that herein before described so that the
record made by the operator or marksman is altogether dependent upon the skill
with which he aims the pistol at the visible target and would in most cases be made
up of combinations of numbers displayed by the various slides.
In the event of the marksman or operator securing three "bulls eyes," the
sliding bar corresponding therewith upon descending it its full extent depresses or
acts upon one end of a lever which through suitable levers or connections acts
upon an offset or crank from the switch bar and directs the coin, which up to that
time has been held by the switch bar, into a channel which conveys it back to the
operator thereby presenting him with a prize for the skill displayed.
The indicating slides which have fallen are raised and returned to their normal
position by means of flexible connections, such as cords, each of which passes from
its vertical slide up over a guide pulley and down to one arm of a bell crank
lever mounted upon a centre of motion the other arm of which is by a link flexibly
connected with another lever which receives a rocking motion from the handle or
lever which is actuated by the operator, and thus the flexible connection is tautened

page_text: at the first operation of the machine, and the shutter raised into its normal position,
and immediately afterwards by the return movement of the operating lever the
connection is slackened to allow of the slide falling when the machine is again
operated, as herein before described.
And, in order that the said invention may be more clearly understood and
readily carried into effect, we will proceed, aided by the accompanying drawings,
more fully to describe the same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1. is a side elevation of a coin-operating machine constructed according
to the present invention.
Figure 2. is a front elevation thereof, and,
Figure 3. is a plan thereof.
Figure 4. is a vertical longitudinal section of part thereof with the supporting
frame removed and taken on the line 1-1 of Figure 5.
Figure 5. is a sectional plan thereof.
Figure 6. is a front elevation thereof with the door removed.
Figure 7. is a rear elevation thereof with the case or cover removed.
Figure 8. is a vertical longitudinal section of the box and lower part of the
pedestal.
Figure 9. is a vertical section taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 8.
Figure 10. is an elevation of the parts represented at Figure 8. but showing them
in a different position.
Figure 11. is a vertical longitudinal section of a portion of the pistol.
Figure 12. is a plan thereof.
Figure 13. is a vertical longitudinal section of a slightly modified form of pistol,
and,
Figure 14. is a plan thereof.
In the several figures in which like parts are indicated by similar letters of
reference, Figures 4. to 7. are drawn to an increased scale with respect to Figures 1.
to 3. and Figures 8. to 14. are drawn to an increased scale with respect to
Figures 4. to 7.
Referring to Figures 1. to 12, a. represents the case of the machine which is
mounted upon a suitable frame or stand a¹ in order to bring it to a convenient
height.
Near to the front of the case a. is mounted upon a pedestal 63 a duminy pistol b.
furnished with a hammer b' and trigger 62 and towards the rear of the case a. and
in the background is arranged a vertical wall a* which carries a visible target a*1
and a register hereinafter more fully referred to.
The pedestal 63 of the pistol passes through the top of the case a. to the interior
thereof and is mounted with capability of movement in several directions in the
following manner.
The lower end of the pedestal 63 within the case a. of the apparatus has fixed
therewith a circular box & serving to contain certain mechanism hereinafter more
fully referred to and the box is axially fixed with studs or trunnions 6** mounted
in bearings formed in lugs c fixed with an apertured disc or ring c. supported
upon the top of the case a. with capability of partial revolution limited by a stud a'
fixed with the case which engages a notch e² in the disc c.
By this arrangement of parts the pedestal 3 is capable of being moved upon
the axes to regulate the elevation of the pistol b. whilst the pedestal 3 together
with the disc or ring c. is capable of rotary motion in order to vary the lateral
horizontal direction of the pistol b.
To the box is fixed a long guide tube 6 within which is mounted a projectile
rod or needle 66, the rear end of which passes into the box of the pedestal b³
and the front end of which is adapted to be more or less projected beyond the end
of the guide tube 66 at the times desired a light spring 6 returning the projectile
rod or needle b° to its normal position.

page_text: The needle or rod 6 is by the arrangement of parts hereinbefore described
caused to accurately follow the direction given to the pistol b. by a person taking
aim at the visible target a*1 whilst in a suitable position opposite the end of the
guide tube and within the case a. is arranged an invisible target j. which is
adapted to be acted upon by the projected needle or roi 6 at the time of firing
and to actuate a register adjacent to the visible target a* in the manner herein-
after described.
The firing mechanism is so arranged that in exchange for one coin inserted in
the machine, the operator has three shots at the target.
For this purpose, the lock of the pistol consists of a dummy hammer b' mounted
upon an axis of notion 61* below which it is notched at 61** to engage a sear or
projection projecting from and actuated by the trigger 6 as shown more
particularly by the dotted lines in Figure 11, and projecting forward of the
axis b* of the hammer and formed therewith, that is to say, with the hammer
is an arm or hook *** which engages a hook d₁ formed upon a rod d. traversing
the tubular pedestal and having fixed thereon a piston d upon which bears a
coiled spring d³ arranged around the rod d. and at its upper end taking an abut-
ment against the underside of the pistol b. so that upon the cocking of the pistol b.
by drawing back the hammer until the notch ** engages the sear 62*, the
piston d2 will be raised and the spring d³ compressed.
The lower end of the piston rod d. passes beyond the piston d³ and is formed
with an eye d which engages and loosely connects with the horizontal arm d³ of a
bell crank lever mounted upon an axis of motion d* the lower or vertical arm dª.
of which lever impinges upon the rear end of the projectile rod or needle & so that
upon the firing of the pistol by withdrawing the sear 62* from the notch 61** of
the hammer the coiled spring d³ will through the lower arm de of the bell crank
lever, give a sudden impulse to the projectile rod or needle 6 and assuming that
the aim of the operator is correct cause it to strike the invisible target j. with an
accuracy dependent upon the aim of the operator.
The horizontal arm d of the bell crank lever has pinjointed thereon at d* a
clawker d' which engages a series of ratchet teeth dio formed upon the vertical
face of a block mounted with capability of sliding vertically upon a guide.
rod d*, so that each time the pistol is cocked, the sliding block de will by the
upward movement of the piston rod d. and arm d³ of the bell crank lever be raised
a distance equal to one tooth of the rack do, a dog or detent de preventing the
return thereof except as hereinafter described.
The number of ratchet teeth do of the sliding block d' and the distance of travel
of the clawker d are so regulated that three operations of the pistol will bring
the sliding block do to a dead stop against a fixed stop 6*** carried by the box *
(in which position it is shown in Figure 8) preventing further cocking of the
pistol b. and thus the operator is limited to three shots for one payment, but it is
obvious that by modifying the number of teeth 10 upon the face of the sliding
block do the number of such operations permitted might be varied according to
circumstances.
In order to return the sliding block do to its normal position and thus permit the
pistol b. to be again fired, the face of the sliding block is formed with an open-
sided slot, recess or guide way d therein extending vertically through the ratchet
teeth within which is mounted with capability of vertical and lateral movement
a releasing bar d¹³ indirectly connected as hereinafter described with the handle
or lever which is actuated to obtain the use of the machine by a person inserting
a coin therein and this releasing bar d¹³ is formed with two inclined cam slots d'
through which pass pins d¹ fixed with the sliding block d' the direction of the
inclination of the slots d being such that upon the releasing bar d¹³ being drawn
downward it will advance slightly beyond the face of the ratchet teeth 10 thus
disengaging the clawker d and detent ds therefrom as represented by the dotted
lines in Figure 10, whilst in its continued movement it will carry downward the
sliding block d to its normal position the clawker d' and dog dª which are held

page_text: up to their work by light springs, afterwards returning the releasing bar d¹³ to its
normal position within the slot or guide way d" in the sliding block d.
By these means, each time a coin is inserted into the machine and the coin-
operating lever or handle is actuated, the mechanism of the pistol b. will be restored
to its normal position in readiness for cocking and firing.
The coin-operating mechanism is arranged in the following manner.
A money slot a²* of the usual character is provided in a hood arranged
preferably on the top of the machine near to the pedestal 3 of the pistol and from
the coin slot a2* is arranged a shoot a³ which conducts the coin into a drum e.
provided with a single pocket e' adapted to receive the same, and the drum e. is
fixed upon one end of a shaft or axis e, the other end of which passes through the
case a. and has fixed thereon a coin-operating lever or handle e* so that upon the
lever being actuated, that is to say, being raised into the position indicated by
the dotted lines in Figure 4, the pocket e will receive the coin and upon the
lever being again lowered into the position indicated by the full lines the drum c.
will be rotated, carrying with it the coin a. and causing it to act through an
antifriction roller fupon a lever f. to raise the outer end thereof.
t
The lever in its movement raises through a link f* the outer end of a lever f2
arranged at right angles to the lever f. and which is mounted upon an axis of
motion 2 carried by a stud f2**, and the inner end of which lever f2 embraces
the lower end of the releasing bar d¹³ and acts upon a nut d* at the lower end
thereof to depress the same and thus restore the mechanism of the pistol to its
normal or initial position and permit it to be cocked and fired, whilst in the further
rotation of the drum e. the coin a. is discharged onto a switch bar g. mounted upon
an axis of motion 9* and counterbalanced by a weight 9¹ where the coin remains
for the time being.
At the next operation of the machine, that is to say, the raising of the lever e*
into the dotted position the stem * carrying the weight gl is acted upon by a
projection from an arm fixed upon the shaft or axis e2 of the drum e. and by
which the switch bar g. is turned upon its axis with its weight gi* in the dotted
position indicated by the star in Figure 4, thus throwing the switch bar g. into a
position to discharge the coin. into the money box m. unless the coin has been
previously directed into the shoot or channel h. returning it to the operator and
terminating in an open tray h' as hereinafter described.
In order to hold the handle e* at rest in either of its extreme positions and to
ensure its full traverse, the shaft e² of the drum has fixed thereon a square e* show:
by the dotted lines in Figure 4. and full lines in Figures 5 and 6. against which
presses an arm i. mounted upon an axis of motion * and held up to its work with
a spring pressure by a spring i¹.
.
The invisible target j. upon which the projectile rod or needle 66 strikes is
composed of three longitudinally moveable parts namely a bulls-eye" j., a
surrounding ring or sleeve j¹ representing an "inner" and a still outer ring or
sleeve representing an "outer.'
Each of these parts j. which is held in its normal position by a spring ** is
capable of independent longitudinal movement and has connected therewith a
horizontal rod or bar the rods j³ of the "inner" and "outer" sections of the
target being connected to their respective sleeves j' j through arms or offsets j*j**
the rods being guided in bearings formed in a transverse bar or girder a
Upon the end of each rod or bar jis adjustably fixed a frame * carrying a
ratchet tooth or detent such teeth being kept up to their work by springs *2
carried by a bar k*1, and in connection with each ratchet tooth or detent j* and at
the visible target end of the apparatus is provided a vertically moveable bar k. each
bar k. being formed with three separate ratchet teeth forming four steps k* k¹ k² k³
adapted to engage a corresponding detent tooth of one of the sections j.j¹ of
the invisible target j.
Each of these vertical bars k. carries at its upper end an indicating slide or
shutter which moves vertically behind an aperture a or a* in the vertical
#2
#3
a

page_text: part a of the case where appears the visible target, the aperture a* corresponding
with the "bulls-eye "j of the invisible target, the aperture a corresponding with
the "inner" and the aperture a corresponding with the "outer" thereof.
"
Each of the slides is numbered with three sets of numerals each numeral
corresponding with one of the ratchet teeth kk k³ of a sliding bar k. whilst the
three slides correspond with the three sections j. j¹ of the invisible target, that
is to say, the central slide appearing at the aperture a* relates to the "bulls eye
one of the outer slides, that is to say, the one appearing at the aperture a*³ relates
to the "inner" and the other of such outer slides relates to the " outer " section of
the invisible target.
6:
*2
By this arrangement of parts upon the projectile rod or needle 66 (which it must
be borne in mind is afterwards immediately returned by its spring **) striking the
bulls-eye" of the invisible target the corresponding detent will be disengaged
fron the lower step * of the ratchet teeth of the corresponding vertically sliding
bar k. and the latter will fall the distance of one tooth and bring into view at the
aperture a of that particular slide one of the set of numerals there on the first in
order of the numerals thereon representing for example three points gained whilst
if the bulls-eye is again struck by the projectile needle or rod 6 the next higher
numeral, that is to say, the Figure 6, of the set will be brought into view and a
repetition of this operation will bring the third numeral of the set namely the
Figure 9 into view.
"
The other slides relating to the "inner" and "outer parts of the invisible
target are operated in a similar way to that herein before described, so that the
record made by the operator or marksman is altogether dependent upon the skill
with which he aims the pistol b. at the visible target a* and would in most cases
be made up of combinations of numbers displayed by the slides k at the several
apertures a **a*¹.
In the event of the marksman or operator securing three "bull's eyes," the
sliding bar k. corresponding with the aperture a" and with the "bulls-eye" j. of
the invisible target upon descending to its full extent depresses or acts upon one
end of a lever 1. mounted upon an axis of motion * and which at its other end is
cranked and acts upon an offset or crank g' from the switch bar 9. raising the same
until the counterweight gl assumes the dotted position indicated by the two stars
in Figure 4, thus discharging the coin x. (which up to that time had been held by
the switch bar g.) into the channel h. which conveys it to the open tray h', thus
returning it to the operator and presenting it to him as a prize for the skill
displayed, whilst the lever l. subsequently returns to its normal position by gravity.
In order that the slides k. may descend sharply upon being released by a detent
tooth each slide k. is provided with a weight ** which assists to that end and
in the case of the central slide k. it is important that the same should have the
necessary force in its descent to actuate the lever l.
After each operation of the machine, the indicating slides * which have fallen
are raised and returned to their normal position by means of flexible connections or
bands, or they might be cords k, each of which passes from its vertical slide k up
over a guide pulley ** and down to a bar ** at one end carried by the horizontal
arm of a bell crank lever k fixed upon a sleeve *** mounted upon an axis of
motion and at the other end carried by an arm or offset k**** and the vertical arm
of the bell crank is by a link k flexibly connected by a pin joint k²* with another
lever or arm k which is fixed with the shaft e and receives a rocking motion or
partial rotation from the handle of the lever e* upon its being raised by the
operator into the position indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 4, upon the
introduction of a coin into the machine and thus the flexible connections k³ are
tautened at the first operation of the machine and the shutters k* raised into their
normal positions and immediately afterwards by the return movement of the
operating lever e into the position indicated by the full lines in Figure 4 the
link k assumes its normal position and the flexible connections are slackened as
indicated at Figure 4. in readiness to allow of the slides k falling when the
B

page_text: machine is again operated as hereinbefore described, a light weight *** being
fixed upon each flexible connection in order to prevent it unduly sagging and
running off the guide roller **.
In the example given at Figures 13 and 14. a hammerless pistol is employed and
in this case the hook 61*** is formed upon a lever mounted upon a centre of
motion * and in lieu of the notch b** an offset or sear 1** from the lever b¹ is
acted upon by the part 62* of the trigger to raise the lever b' and with it th
rod d. the offset or sear 61** slipping off the then inclined face of the part 6 of
the trigger and allowing the lever to suddenly fall, the sear or offset ** which
is controlled by a spring * giving way to the part 2 of the trigger and in the
return motion thereof restoring the parts to their normal position as indicated by
the full lines in Figure 13.
This arrangement possesses the advantage that there is no possibility of the
operator accidentally nipping his fingers with the hammer as might possibly happen
in the case of an inexperienced person operating the arrangement previously
described, but a disadvantage of this arrangement is that the pull upon the trigger
is longer than is desirable but it is obvious that by a different arrangement of
mechanism this can be more or less modified.
By means of this invention, a very interesting pistol practice may be obtained,
the same accuracy of aim being required as with ordinary fire arms, whilst the hits
are automatically indicated or registered at the register adjacent to the visible
target, and thus the necessity for keeping a score is avoided.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is :-
1. In a coin-operating machine, the combination of a pedestal or the like
mounted with capability of universal movement within certain limits, a pistol or
the like rigidly fixed with the upper end of the pedestal, a tubular guide fixed with
the pedestal parallel with the pistol, a projectile rod carried by the tubular guide,
an invisible target for the projectile rod, a visible target for the pistol, means for
forcibly projecting the projectile rod upon the firing of the pistol, and means for
preventing the use of the machine without prepayment, substantially as herein
shown and described.
2. In a coin-operating machine, the combination of a tubular pedestal or the like
mounted with capability of universal movement, a pistol or the like rigidly fixed
with the upper end of the pedestal, a tubular guide fixed with the pedestal parallel
with the pistol, a projectile rod carried by the tubular guide, a simple lock within
the pistol consisting of a hammer or lever controlled by a trigger, a rod within the
pedestal at its upper end loosely connected with the hammer or lever, a spring
surrounding the rod and acting to depress it and a bell crank lever or the like one
arm of which is acted upon by the lower end of the rod and the other arm of which
acts upon the projectile rod, substantially as herein shown and described.
3. In a coin-operating machine, the combination of a tubular pedestal or the like
mounted with capability of universal movement, a pistol or the like rigidly fixed
with the upper end of the pedestal, a tubular guide fixed with the pedestal parallel
with the pistol, a projectile rod carried by the tubular guide, a simple lock within
the pistol consisting of a hammer or lever controlled by a trigger, a rod within
the pedestal at its end loosely connected with the hammer or lever, a spring
surrounding the rod and acting to depress it, a bell crank lever or the like one arm
of which is acted upon by the lower end of the rod and the other arm of which acts
upon the projectile rod and means for preventing the pistol being fired more than
three times without re-setting the apparatus, substantially as herein shown aud
described.
'
4. In a coin-operating machine,.the combination of a tubular pedestal or the like
mounted with capability of universal movement, a pistol or the like rigidly fixed
with the upper end of the pedestal, a tubular guide fixed with the pedestal parallel

page_text: with the pistol, a projectile rod carried by the tubular guide, a simple lock within
the pistol consisting of a hammer or lever controlled by a trigger, a rod within the
pedestal at its end loosely connected with the hammer or lever a spring surrounding
the rod and acting to depress it, a bell crank lever or the like one arm of which is
acted upon by the lower end of the rod and the other arm of which acts upon the
projectile rod, a vertically sliding block formed with ratchet teeth upon one face,
a clawker carried by that arm of the bell crank lever connected with the rod and
engaging the ratchet teeth of the sliding block and a detent for engaging such
teeth and preventing the accidental descent of the sliding block so that each time
the pistol is cocked the sliding block will be raised the distance of one tooth until
it comes against a stop and means for disengaging the clawker and detent from the
ratchet teeth in order to return the sliding block to its normal position, substantially
as herein shown and described.
5. In a coin-operating machine, the combination of a tubular pedestal or the like
mounted with capability of universal movement, a pistol or the like rigidly fixed
with the upper end of the pedestal, a tubular guide fixed with the pedestal parallel
with the pistol, a projectile rod carried by the tubular guide, a simple lock within
tl.e pistol consisting of a hammer or lever controlled by a trigger, a rod within the
destal at its end loosely connected with the hammer or lever, a spring surrounding
the rod and acting to depress it, a bell crank lever or the like, one arm of which is
acted upon by the lower end of the rod and the other arm of which acts upon the
projectile rod, a vertically sliding block formed with ratchet teeth upon one
face, a recess in such face, a clawker carried by that arm of the bell crank lever
connected with the rod and engaging the ratchet teeth of the sliding block, and a
detent for engaging such teeth and preventing the accidental descent of the sliding
block, so that each time the pistol is cocked, the sliding block will be raised the
distance of one tooth until it comes against a stop, a releasing bar mounted in the
recess of the sliding block, angular slots in the releasing bar, corresponding pins in
the sliding block and means for depressing the releasing bar at the times desired so
that it will come forward beyond the ratchet teeth end disengage the clawker and
datent therefrom whilst the sliding block descends to its normal position,.
substantially as herein shown and described.
6. In a coin-operating machine, the combination of a tubular pedestal or the
like mounted with capability of universal movement, a pistol or the like rigidly
fixed with the upper end of the pedestal, a tubular guide fixed with the pedestal
parallel with the pistol, a projectile rod carried by the tubular guide, a simple
lock within the pistol consisting of a hammer or lever controlled by a trigger,
a rod within the pedestal at its end loosely connected with the hammer or
lever, a spring surrounding the rod and acting to depress it, a bell crank lever
or the like, one arm of which is acted upon by the lower end of the rod and
the other arm of which acts upon the projectile rod, a vertically sliding block
frmed with ratchet teeth upon cue face, a recess in such face, a clawker carried
by that arm of the bell crank lever connected with the rod and engaging the
hatchet teeth of the sliding block and a detent for engaging such teeth and
preventing the accidental descent of the sliding block, so that each time the pistol
is cocked, the sliding block will be raised the distance of one tooth until it comes
against a stop, a releasing bar mounted in the recess of the sliding block, angular
slots in the releasing bar corresponding pins in the sliding block, a drum formed
with a pocket therein adapted to receive a coin, a coin slot and shoot adapted to
deliver the coin into the pocket of the drum leaving the same projecting beyond
the periphery thereof, an operating handle fixed with the axis of the drum and
adapted to turn the same part of a revolution a lever adapted to be acted upon by
the coin in the rotation of the drum and means for conveying the movement of the
lever to the releasing bar so that upon the introduction into the machine of a coin
and the required movement of the operating handle the sliding block will be
brought down to its normal position, substantially as herein shown and described
and for the purpose stated.

page_text: 7. In a coin-operating machine, the combination of a pedestal or the like mounted
with capability of universal movement within certain limits, a pistol or the like
rigidly fixed with the upper end of the pedestal, a tubular guide fixed with the
pedestal parallel with the pistol, a projectile rod carried by the tubular guide,
means for forcibly projecting the projectile rod upon the firing of the pistol and a
target for the projectile rod, substantially as herein shown and described.
8. In a coin-operating machine, the combination of a pedestal or the like
mounted with capability of universal movement within certain limits, a pistol or
the like rigidly fixed with the upper end of the pedestal, a tubular guide fixed
with the pedestal parallel with the pistol, a projectile rod carried by the tubular
guide, means for forcibly projecting the projectile rod upon the firing of the pistol,
a visible target for the pistol, an invisible target for the projectile rod consisting
of several sections or diameters each capable of longitudinal movement, a visible
indicator connected with each section means for connecting the indicator therewith
and means for preventing the use of the machine without prepayment, substantially
as herein shown and described.
9. In a coin-operating machine, the combination of a pedestal or the like
mounted with capability of universal movement within certain limits, a pistol or
the like rigidly fixed with the upper end of the pedestal, a tubular guide fixed with
the pedestal parallel with the pistol, a projectile rod carried by the tubular
guide, means for forcibly projecting the projectile rod upon the firing of the pistol,
a visible target for the pistol, an invisible target for the projectile rod consisting
of several sections or diameters each capable of independent movement, several
apertures in a vertical screen, several vertical slides arranged at the back thereof,
and having numerals marked thereon, several vertically sliding bars carrying the
slides and formed with ratchet teeth thereon, a detent in connection with each
vertical slide for engaging the ratchet teeth and connections from each detent to
a section of the invisible target, substantially as herein shown and described and
for the purpose stated.
10. In a coin-operating machine, the combination of a pedestal or the like
mounted with capability of universal movement within certain limits, a pistol or
the like rigidly fixed with the upper end of the pedestal, a tubular guide fixed
with the pedestal parallel with the pistol, a projectile rod carried by the tubular
guide, means for forcibly projecting the projectile rod upon the firing of the pistol,
a visible target for the pistol, an invisible target for the projectile rod consisting
of several sections or diameters each capable of independent movement, several
apertures in a vertical screen, several vertical slides arranged at the back thereof,
and having numerals marked thereon, several vertically sliding bars carrying slides
and formed with ratchet teeth thereon, a detent in connection with each vertical
slide for engaging the ratchet teeth and connections from each detent to a section
of the invisible target, a flexible band or the like attached to each vertical slide
and passing over guide pulleys the lower ends of the several flexible connections
being fixed to one arm of the bell crank lever, an arm or offset fixed with the shaft
of the pocketed money drum and a link flexibly connecting the other arm of the
bell crank lever with such arm or offset so that upon the partial rotation of the
drum the indicating slides of the register will be raised to their normal position,
substantially as herein shown and described.
11. In a coin-operating machine, the combination of a pedestal or the like
mounted with capability of universal movement within certain limits, a pistol or
the like rigidly fixed with the upper end of the pistol, a tubular guide fixed with
the pedestal parallel with the pistol, a projectile rod carried by the guide, means
for forcibly projecting the projectile rod upon the firing of the pistol, a visible
target for the pistol, an invisible target for the projectile rod such target being
formed in several sections or diameters each capable of independent movement,
several apertures in a vertical screen, several vertical slides arranged at the back
thereof, and having numerals marked thereon, several vertically sliding bars
carrying slides and formed with ratchet teeth thereon, a detent in connection with

page_text: each vertical slide for engaging the ratchet teeth and connections from each detent
to a section of the invisible target, a money slot in a suitable position, a shoot
connected therewith a pocketed drum arranged beneath the money slot, a switch
bar arranged beneath the drum into which the coin is discharged therefrom, a.
shoot for conducting the coin back to the operator at certain times, an arm from
the axis of the drum for delaying the switch bar ant discharging the coin into the
money box under normal circumstances, and a lever at one end arranged in the
path of the vertical slide of the "bulls' eye" aperture, and at the other end adapted
to tilt the switch bar so that the coin is discharged into the money shoot returning
it to the operator upon a succession of "bulls-eyes" being obtained, substantially
as herein shown and described and for the purpose stated.
12. In a coin-operating machine, the combination of a target consisting of
several sections or diameters, each capable of independent movement, a visible
indicator connected with each section and a means for connecting the indicator
therewith, substantially as herein shown and described.
13. In a coin-operating machine, the combination of a target consisting of
several sections or diameters each capable of independent movement, a vertical
screen formed with several apertures, several slides arranged at the back of the
apertures and having figures or signs thereon, several vertically sliding bars
carrying the slides and formed with ratchet teeth or the like, a detent in connection
with the teeth of each slide, and connections from each detent to a section of the
invisible target, substantially as herein shown and described.
Dated this 8th day of February 1895.
VAUGHAN & SON,
Agents for the Applicants..