Improvements in Alarm Clocks.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Feb., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Nov., 1892-4ccented, 10th Dec.. 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Alarm Clocks.
I, SAMUEL AUGUSTINE DE NORMANVILLE, of Jermyn Street, Liverpool,
in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, do hereby declare this invention to be
as follows:-
My invention relates more particularly to that known class of alarm clocks in
which a single spring is used to actuate both the clock and the alarm train, but it
is also applicable to other forms and constructions of alarm clocks.
According to this invention, in an alarm clock a various or more or less prolonged
action of the sounding gong, bell, or the like, is effected by a device or mechanism
in connection with the alarm actuating mechanism, adapted to be set or adjusted
by hand, and by which upon being set or adjusted, the said alarm actuating
mechanism is automatically stopped when the sounding device has sounded for the
duration of time or extent for which it has been set.
In the class of clocks above referred to, as usually made, means are furnished
for checking the alarm train after it has run a certain definite amount, say one or
more turns of the main wheel of the train; but hitherto nothing has been provided
by which the user can adjust or alter this amount to meet various requirements.
In carrying out my invention in single spring alarm clocks, I make no change in
the arrangement by which the alarm is released at the required moment, and I may
continue to make use of the arrangement common in such clocks by which the
alarm is made silent, or prevented from sounding altogether.
For checking the alarm after it has run the required time, according to one
mode of carrying out the invention, I provide upon one of the arbors of the alarm
train (preferably the main or winding arbor, or the next succeeding one) a wheel,
stud, or nut, which I call the "stop-piece," so mounted upon such arbor as to be
free to revolve thereon (save as hereinafter mentioned). This "stop-piece" may
be either within the main plates of the clocks, or outside upon a projecting end of
the arbor, and the portion of the arbor carrying it may be either plain or screwed,
in which case the "stop-piece" is screwed internally to correspond and moves
along the arbor in revolving upon it. Means are provided by which the "stop-
piece "locks or engages with the arbor in one direction in a certain position
relatively to the latter, either by means of a pair of stops or projections being
brought into contact, or, if the arbor and "stop-piece" are screwed, as aforesaid,
by the stop-piece arriving against a shoulder or collar on the arbor, or in some
similar manner.
A suitable external connection is provided by which the "stop-
piece" may be rotated upon its arbor, while the latter remains stationary, causing
it to recede from that position. A device is provided capable of holding the
"stop-piece" and preventing it from revolving in the direction of motion assumed
by the arbor on which it is mounted, when the alarum train is in action, which
direction is for convenience hereinafter called the "positive" direction, and the
opposite direction "negative." This said device is preferably in the nature of a
catch, or pawl, acting either in compression or tension and engaging with teeth or
equivalent devices on the "stop-piece." If this catch or pawl be in gear with the
"stop-piece" preventing it from revolving in the positive direction, the motion of
the alarm train must be arrested as soon as the arbor arrives at that position
relatively to the "stop-piece," in which it locks or engages with it as aforesaid.
This position of the parts I call the locking position. Suitable means are provided
for throwing the catch or pawl into and out of gear, as required. This may be

page_text: done by a special external connection projecting through the case, or it may be
effected by gravity, the pawl being loosely pivotted and actuated by tilting the
clock, but I prefer that the pawl should be thrown out of gear by the act of
winding the clock and returned into gear by the motions of some portion of the
latter with which it is frictionally connected for that purpose.
This alarm is set to ring a greater or less amount, as follows. Supposing the parts
to be in the "locking position and the alarm train stationary, the catch or pawl
is first thrown out of gear with the "stop-piece," the latter is then rotated on its
arbor a greater or less degree (according to the.amount of alarm required) in the
"positive". direction, thereby advancing it a certain angular distance in that
direction away from the locking position. The catch or pawl is then returned,
or left to return into gear, when it will prevent further rotation of the "stop-piece."
When the alarm train is released by the usual means, it continues to run only till
the arbor provided with the "stop-piece" has turned through an angular distance
equal to that aforesaid, when it overtakes and engages with the stop-piece" and
the "locking position" being thus again reached, the motion of the alarm train is
arrested. The amount of alarm is thus readily adjusted by merely setting the
stop piece a greater or less angular distance in advance of the locking
position."
By a modification, the amount of alarm is regulated by shifting, not the
"stop-piece" but the pawl, to a position more or less removed in an angular sense
from the "locking position." The pawl being frictionally connected with some
moving part of the alarm train, or with a special wheel gearing therewith, is
gradually returned to the "locking position" by. the motion of the train when
released; the time so occupied (during, which the alarm continues to ring) being
greater as the pawl is further removed from the locking position. The position of
the pawl in setting the alarm is controlled by an exterior connection.
I wish it to be understood that the invention may be carried out in many
different ways and I do not therefore confine myself to the precise modes above
specified, nor, as above specified, to the particular kind of alarm clock above
set forth, as it may be applied to many different kinds of alarm clocks or
apparatus.
Dated this 1st day of February 1892
1
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON, Fels. Chart. Inst. P.A.,
.15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicant's Patent Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Alarm Clocks.
I, SAMUEL AUGUSTINE DE NORMANVILLE, of 38, Jermyn Street, Liverpool, in
the County of Lancaster, Engineer, 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:-
My invention relates more particularly to that known class of alarm clocks in
which a single spring is used to actuate both the clock and the alarm train, but it
is also applicable to other forms and constructions of alarm clocks.
According to this invention, in an alarm clock a variously or more or less
prolonged action of the sounding gong, bell, or the like, is effected by a device or
mechanism in connection with the alarm actuating mechanism, adapted to be set or
adjusted by hand, and by which upon being set or adjusted, the said alarm actuating
mechanism is automatically stopped when the sounding device has sounded for the
duration of time or extent for which it has been set.
In the class of clocks above referred to, as usually made, means are furnished for
checking the alarm train after it has run a, certain definite amount, say one or more

page_text: I
turns of the main wheel of the train; but hitherto nothing has been provided by
which the user can adjust or alter this amount to meet various requirements.
In carrying out my invention in single spring alarm clocks, I make no change in
the arrangement by which the alarm is released at the required moment, and I may
continue to make use of the arrangement common in such clocks by which the alarm
is made silent, or prevented from sounding altogether.
.
"
A
For checking the alarm after it has run the required time, according to one mode
of carrying out the invention, I provide upon one of the arbors of the alarm train
(preferably the main or winding arbor, or the next succeeding one) a wheel, stud,
or nut, which I call the "stop-piece," so mounted upon such arbor as to be free to
revolve thereon (save as hereinafter mentioned). This "stop-piece" may be either
within the main plates of the clock or outside upon a projecting end of the arbor,
and the portion of the arbor carrying it may be either plain or screwed, in which
case the "stop-piece" is screwed internally to correspond, and moves along the
arbor in revolving upon it. Means are provided by which the "stop-piece" locks
or engages with the arbor in one direction in a certain position relatively to the
latter, either by means of a pair of stops or projections being brought into contact,
or, if the arbor and "stop-piece" are screwed, as aforesaid, by the "stop-piece
arriving against a shoulder or collar on the arbor, or in some similar manner.
suitable external connection is provided by which the "stop-piece" may be rotated
upon its arbor, while the latter remains stationary, causing it to recede from that
position. A device is provided capable of holding the "stop-piece" and preventing
it from revolving in the direction of motion assumed by the arbor on which it is
mounted when the alarm train is in action, which direction is for convenience®
hereinafter called the "positive" direction, and the opposite direction "negative."
This said device is preferably in the nature of a catch, or pawl, acting either in
compression or tension and engaging with teeth or equivalent devices on the "stop-
piece." If this catch or pawl be in gear with the "stop-piece" preventing it from
revolving in the positive direction, the motion of the alarm train must be arrested
as soon as the arbor arrives at that position relatively to the "stop-piece," in which
it locks or engages with it as aforesaid. This position of the parts I call the
locking position. Suitable means are provided for throwing the catch or pawl into
and out of gear, as required. This may be done by a special external connection
projecting through the case, or it may be effected by gravity, the pawl being loosely
pivotted and actuated by tilting the clock, but I prefer that the pawl should be
thrown out of gear by the act of winding the clock and returned into gear by the
motions of some portion of the latter with which it is frictionally connected for that
purpose.
This alarm is set to ring a greater or less amount, as follows:-Supposing the
parts to be in the "locking position" and the alarm train stationary, the catch or'
pawl is first thrown out of gear with the "stop-piece," the latter is then rotated on
its arbor a greater or less degree (according to the amount of alarm required) in
the "positive" direction, thereby advancing it a certain angular distance in that
direction away from the locking position. The catch or pawl is then returned, or
left to return into gear, when it will prevent further rotation of the "stop-piece."
When the alarm train is released by the usual means, it continues to run only till
the arbor provided with the "stop-piece" has turned through an angular distance
equal to that aforesaid, when it overtakes and engages with the "stop-piece" and
the "locking position" being thus again reached, the motion of the alarm train is
arrested. The amount of alarm is thus readily adjusted by merely setting the stop
piece a greater or less angular distance in advance of the "locking position."
By a modification, the amount of alarm is regulated by shifting, not the "stop-
piece" but the pawl, to a position more or less removed in an angular sense from the
"locking position." The pawl, being frictionally connected with some moving part
of the alarm train, or with a special wheel gearing therewith, is gradually returned
to the "locking position" by the motion of the train when released, the time so
;

page_text: occupied (during which the alarm continues to ring) being greater as the pawl is
further removed from the locking position. The position of the pawl in setting the
alarm is controlled by an exterior connection.
Certain modes of or arrangements for carrying my invention into practice, and
comprising the parts above specified, are illustrated in the accompanying two sheets
of drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a back elevation of a portion of the movement of an ordinary alarm
clock of the class previously referred to, shewing a mode of applying my invention
to the main or winding arbor.
Figure 2 is a similar view shewing the parts in a different position.
Figure 3 is a sectional plan through the line X. X. in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a sectional plan through the line Y. Y. in Figure 1.
Figures 5 and 6 are similar views to Figures 1 and 2, shewing a slight
modification in the arrangement of the pawl.
Figure 7 is also a similar view to Figure 1, shewing a further modification of the
pawl.
Figure 8 is an elevation, as before, shewing a mode of applying my invention to
the second arbor of the alarm train.
Figure 9 is a sectional side elevation through the linea in Figure 8.
Figure 10 is an elevation, as before, shewing a modified mode of applying my
invention to the main arbor.
Figure 11 is a sectional side elevation through the line y y in Figure 10.
The same letters and figures of reference are used to denote the same or
equivalent parts throughout the drawings.
Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, and +, A is the back plate of the movement; B is
the main or winding arbor; and C is the main wheel of the alarm train, all as
usually constructed.
The outer end of the arbor B has a right hand screw thread cut upon it, as shewn
in Figure 3, and the winding handle D is screwed internally to fit the screw on the
arbor.
This arrangement of the winding handle is commonly used in clocks of this class.
Formed in one piece with the handle D, or affixed thereto, is a toothed wheel E,
forming the stop-piece by which the action of the alarm is stopped. F is a flat
spring strip pivotted on the plate A at H. Its ends are bent downwards and
inwards, and press with a slight amount of friction upon the wheel C, as shewn in
Figures 3 and 4. The ends may, if desired, be tipped with india-rubber, or other
suitable substance, to increase the frictional contact with the wheel. J is a pawl
affixed to the strip F, and turning with it on the pivot H. The normal position of
the parts is shewn in Figure 1. R in Figure 3 (appearing also in Figure 9) is the
ordinary winding ratchet, and forms no part of my invention.
The spring is wound by turning the handle D to the right, or in the negative
direction in the usual way. The effect of thus turning the handle is to throw the
pawl J out of gear with the pinion E, the teeth of the latter in rotating pushing
the pawl away, this being assisted by the inclined surface presented by the nose
of the pawl. The pawl and strip й are thereby moved into the position shewn
in Figure 2, in which position they are retained by the pressure of the strip F on
the wheel C. F¹ is a check pin to prevent F being accidentally pushed too far
over, so as to allow its ends to slip off the wheel C. To set the alarm, the handle D
is now unscrewed on the arbor B, say about half a turn. When the time arrives
for the alarm to sound, and the train is released, the wheel C, and with it the
arbor B, begin to revolve in the direction shewn by the arrow, i.e. the "positive
direction. The strip F is carried round by the wheel C, carrying with it the
pawl J, until the latter re-engages with the pinion E, thereby preventing rotation
of the handle D. The wheel C, with its arbor, continues to revolve until the said
arbor is screwed back into the handle, when the further motion of the alarm train
is at once arrested. It will thus be seen that after winding the clock in the
"

page_text: ordinary manner, it is only necessary to partially unscrew the handle D, the amount
of such unscrewing determining the length of time during which the alarm can
sound. If after winding the clock the handle is not unscrewed, the alarm will still
sound for a few moments, while the pawl J is re-engaging with the first available
tooth in the pinion E. This provides for the minimum amount of alarm being
sounded.
By unscrewing the handle, one, two, three, or more turns, any desired amount of
alarm is obtainable. The nose of the pawl J is preferably made of considerable
depth (as shewn in Figure 3) so that it still engages with E, though the handle D
is unscrewed several turns as aforesaid.
The teeth of E are rounded so that they do not engage with the pawl J,
preventing the handle D from being unscrewed, if the pawl J is thrown back into
slight contact with them by the back-lash of the wheel C after winding.
In the modification shewn in Figures 5 and 6, the pawl J is pivotted on a
separate pin K.
When the clock is wound, the pawl is pushed out of gear with the pinion, and in
so moving pushes the strip F into the position shewn in Figure 6. When the alarm
is released, the strip F bearing against the back of the pawl, returns it into gear
with the pinion; such position of the parts being shewn in Figure 5.
It is obvious that the pawl J might be returned into gear by being frictionally
pivotted on, or connected with some other portion of the clock or alarm, train
revolving in the required direction; or it might be moved into or out of gear by a
special extension or connection projecting through an opening in the clock case, so
as to be operated from outside by the user. This mode being sufficiently obvious,
is not shewn in the drawings.
In the arrangement shewn in Figure 7, the action is substantially the same, but
the parts are simplified and cheapened, the spring strip F being dispensed with.
The pawl J is pivoted loosely on a pin K as in Figures 5 and 6, and the handle D
carries a pinion E, as before. The pivot on which the pawl hangs is so placed that
the action of gravity causes the said pawl to engage with the teeth of E when the
clock is in its ordinary position. When the clock is wound, it is tilted sufficiently
out of the vertical position to enable the pawl to hang free of the teeth. The
handle can then be unscrewed to the desired amount, and on returning the clock to
the normal position, the pawl will re-engage, or be ready to re-engage, with the
pinion as soon as the alarm train is set in motion.
In all these cases the "stop-piece" E engages or locks with the arbor B, either
by screwing up against a shoulder or collar on the arbor, or by the end of the arbor
abutting against the end of the internally screwed tube of the handle D.
It is obvious that the locking of the arbor with the "stop-piece" might be
effected by a pair of projecting stops being brought into contact, in which case the
screw could be dispensed with. But in this case, without some special arrange-
ment, the stops would re-engage in the opposite direction after the "stop-piece
had made about one full turn on the arbor, so that it could not be set more than
one full turn in advance of the "locking position." The special advantage of the
screw is, that the "stop-piece" by moving around and along it has a range of
adjustability of as many revolutions as may be necessary.
In the figures at present described, my invention is shewn as applied to the main
or winding arbor, but in Figures 8 and 9 I shew a mode of applying it to the
second arbor of the alarm train. In this case the second arbor L is provided
with a collar M, and an externally screwed end projecting through the plate A.
A nut N having a milled head N', screws on the said arbor and has three, four, or
more flat facets P formed on its inner end. A flat spring Q is affixed to the
plate A, and acts somewhat as a pawl, bearing on the said facets. After the clock
has been wound in the usual manner, the nut N is partially unscrewed in the
"positive" direction, which in this case is to the right, and is held by the spring Q
in such position.

page_text: When the alarm train is set in motion, the arbor L rotates, and screws into the
nut N, the said nut being prevented from rotating by the friction of the spring Q
acting on any one of the facets P; this screwing action continues until the plate A
is gripped between the end of the nut and the collar M. This forms the "locking'
position, and further rotation is arrested and the alarm stops. The adjustment of
the amount of alarm is thus accomplished in precisely the same manner as in the
previous cases by setting the nut N, which is here the "stop-piece," forward from
the "locking position" a greater or less amount as required.
Figures 10 and 11 shew a modified mode of applying, the invention to the main or
winding arbor.
A pinion E is fixed on the handle D, as in Figures 1 to 4. The spring F shewn in
Figures 1 to 4 is replaced by the spur wheel S, gearing with the pinion E, and
rotating on the fixed stud H, its object being to give motion to the pawl J, rotating
on the same stud, and frictionally connected with the spur wheel by the pressure of
the pin U. The check pin F1, Figures 1 to 4, is not employed, but in place of it a
cap W, with a milled head fits stiffly upon the end of the stud H, and is provided
with a projecting lug or stop V.
The action is as follows, when the clock is wound by the handle D, the pinion E
causes the spur wheel S to rotate, and carry the pawl J out of contact with it.
The pawl revolves on the stud H, until it comes in contact with the stop V,
when its further motion is arrested, though the spur wheel continues to revolve
until the winding is completed. When the alarm train is set in motion, the wheel S
rotates in the reverse direction, and by its frictional contact brings the pawl J back
into gear with the pinion (this occupying a longer or shorter time according to
position of stop V) and the alarm train is arrested. The amount of alarm thus
depends upon the position of the stop V, and this is adjusted by rotating the
cap W.
I wish it to be understood that in carrying my invention into practice, I do not
confine myself to the precise modes described and shewn in the accompanying
drawings, as the same may be considerably varied without departing from the
essential features and scope of the invention, and applied to different kinds of
alarm clocks.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The herein described improvement in connection with alarm clocks, that is to
say, effecting a variously or more or less prolonged action of the sounding device
by a device or mechanism, in connection with the aların actuation mechanism,
adapted to be set or adjusted by hand, and by which upon being set said alarm
actuating mechanism is automatically stopped when the sounding device has
sounded for the duration of time or extent for which it has been set to act; for the
purposes specified.
2. In an alarm clock, an arrangement for variably controlling the length of time
during which the alarm will sound, consisting of a "stop-piece" on one of the
arbors of the alarm train, in combination with a catch or pawl engaging with said
"stop-piece" operating substantially in the manner set forth.
3. In an alarm clock, having a "stop-piece" and a pawl or catch for controlling
the length of time during which the alarm will sound, adapting said catch or pawl
to be thrown out of gear with the said "stop-piece" by the act of winding the
clock, and automatically returned into gear by the movement of the clock or
alarm train.
4. An alarm clock having a "stop-piece" and a pawl or catch for controlling the
length of time during which the alarm will sound, said catch or pawl being thrown
into and out of gear, as required, by the action of gravity.
5. An alarm clock having a
66
stop-piece" and a pawl or catch for controlling

page_text: the length of time during which the alarm will sound, such catch or pawl being
held in gear by gravity, a spring, or other suitable means, and lifted out of, or
returned into gear, as required, by a suitable external connection.
6. An alarm clock having parts or devices for controlling the length of time
during which the alarm will sound. constructed and adapted to operate substan-
tially as and for the purposes set forth with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4;
Figures 5 and 6; Figure 7; Figures 8 and 9; and Figures 10 and 11.
Dated this 1st day of November 1892.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON, Fels. Chart. Inst. P.A.,
15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicant's Patent Agents.