Improvements in Office Indicators.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Oct., 1897--Accepted, 27th Nov., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Office Indicators.
I, CHARLES SMITII, of Casterton, in the Colony of Victoria, Australia, (M.D.
London) Surgeon 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:―
The object of my invention is to provide an Indicator for office and general
use, specially adapted to facilitate the business of professional or other persons
whose avocations often require them to leave their chambers, consulting rooms
or offices, and the movements of whom it is desirable to be able to accurately and
readily trace. Indicators hitherto have generally given an insufficiency of in-
formation in this respect, and thereby much loss and inconvenience have been
caused, and desired interviews have been prevented or unduly postponed.
Now in order that an Indicator of the character above-named shall be worthy
of general adoption, it is necessary to provide it with means of quick adjustment
or arrangement to make it indicate any one or several of a multiplicity of intima-
tions relating to the business of the user, and this varied adjustability should be
produced without sacrificing compactness, simplicity and comparative inexpensive-
ness of construction.
These requirements have been met by my invention, which I illustrate in the
accompanying sheet of drawings, and will now proceed to minutely describe, it
being understood that the relative scale or size of the parts may be varied from
that shown in the drawings according to taste.
Figure shows a front view of a suitable form of my Indicator. This form
is arranged for hanging to a wall, but it may be stood in, easel fashion upon a
table, or may stand upright, fitted into a slot in any suitable weighty base (not
shown).
Figure 2 is a view in vertical section on the line 11 in Figure 1, omitting the
panel E and movable shutters l' and G hereafter described.
Figure 3 is a view in vertical section on the central line 12 in Figure 1 upon an
enlarged scale. Naturally no cards (H) appear in this view.
Figure 4 is a view in horizontal section on the line 13 in Figure 1 upon the
enlarged scale in Figure 3.
Figures 5 and 6 are views in vertical section on the lines 14 and 15 respectively
in Figure 1, the scale being larger than in any preceding figure. In Figure 5
a hooked-on card is also shown.
Figures 7 to 10 show various details, Figure 7 being on the scale in Figures 5
Colors are not further
and 6, and Figures 8 to 10 on the scale in Figure 3.
mentioned in this specification, but it should be understood that colors may be
and are preferably used to differentiate the parts, in all cases where there is a
series of similar parts, such as destination cards or pointers.
A represents a board or backing of wood (preferably, but it will be understood
throughout this specification that I do not restrict myself to any particular
materials, but may use whatever are suitable), and B is a slideway upon it;

page_text: "6
"
65
WILL RETURN
and immediately below the latter are a series of slideways C; and below the
parts C (either immediately, or with the interposition of a comparatively narrow
space only) is a clock dial or time indicator D, having the words
AT" (or equivalent words) thereon, or in proximity thereto. The slideways are
formed by pieces of framing A' affixed to the backing A. The slideway B
contains on the left hand side or part a panel E intended to have marked thereon
the name of the person to whom the Indicator is to refer; and in this specification
and drawing an imaginary "MR. DOE" will be treated as such a personage. The
right hand side of the same slideway has upon it the words IS IN (or equivalent
words), and between the panel E and the backboaril two movable shutters F
and G rest in the slideway, the former bearing the words "IS OUT," and the latter
the words "
HAS GONE TO or equivalent words in each case. It will thus be seen
that, according to the adjustment of the shutters, one of the following intimations
is exhibited, viz.: "MR. DOE IS IN;" "MR. DOE IS OUT;
"MR. DOE HAS GONE
TO."
In practice, the words "IS IN," are placed nearer the words "MR. DOE"
than in the drawing: thus preventing the double indication simultaneously, that
MR. DOE IS OUT," and also
"
66
35
IN."
"
When "MR. DOE HAS GONE TO is exposed, the continuation (but not neces-
sarily the completion) of the sentence is given by the aid of destinations (such as
'Senate," "Bank," Church," "Home," Hospital," "G.P.O.," "Lunch," or any
others) stated upon movable cards H or the like, slipped into the slideways C:
and each of these destination cards can be covered or uncovered by a movable
shutter J. Some shutters are shown closed, some open, and one partly open,
in Figure 1; and when any card is uncovered, its shutter will occupy the central
part of the slide-way, and this part I cover in by a shield, or the like L. It is
thus possible to have all the destination cards uncovered, or all covered at the
same time. I show compartments for six cards, but there may be any desired
number of such compartments, and as the places where "MR. DOE" might go
would not always be included in any particular six cards, provision is made
for a sufficient quantity of additional cards suitably inscribed with destinations,
being kept on hand, by having one or more compartments R, near to the slide-
ways C, in which these extra cards are to be kept.
The outer side of each slide-way is closed or opened by a movable bar K,
which may be locked down if desired, a staple being shown for this purpose at K¹.
As shown by dotted lines in Figure 4, the opening is preferably effected by swing-
ing the bar radially on end pivots K². Thus the cards in the slide-ways can be
altered at will so as to have those ready for exposure which are most often neces-
sary. In order that the several destinations to which MR. DOE"
be indicated simultaneously, without creating confusion, pointers 0 are provided,
may go may
which according to this part of my invention are attached by the framing A',
by means of a tail P, which slides in a groove in the said framing as seen in
Figure 5. Some of these pointers are numbered upon their front "1st," "2nd,"
"3rd," and so on (or with equivalent expressions) so that they may be used to
show the order of the visits "MR. DOE" has gone out to make.
The tails P, or other connection to the frame A', may be short or springy,
or not closely enclosed by the slot, so as in either case to enable any pointer to
be removed without sliding it out sideways; but the use of pointers which cannot
be so withdrawn, and which are removable by sliding only, has the advantage
that the bars K, when locked up, will prevent tampering with the pointers by
unauthorised persons.
As it is probable, no matter what cards are in the slide-ways, that visits will 5
be paid to other places than those particular cards indicate, and as the changing
of one or more cards in the slide-ways on such occasions would be a trouble worth
avoiding, I provide, to remedy this, on each pointer a hook, Q, or equivalent means
of attachment, whereby any card can be hung upon said hook or attached to
said pointer. Thus any destination card in the compartment R, could be exposed 5
at a moment's notice.

page_text: The cards which may have to be attached to a hook Q, or the like, are therefore
provided with means for attachment for this purpose, as the hole S, which is
shown in Figure 5. In using the word card, it will be understood that any
material may be used which will act as a tablet for the purpose stated. There
are spaces T (see Figure 4) behind the sides of shield L, between it and the
framing A', to allow the lower ends of the pointers to be slipped out of sight,
which will be done when they are not in use. One pointer is shown in the latter
position in Figures 1 and 4.
To keep at hand pointers which are not in use, a storage space R, is utilized.
The shutter shield L, has a framed front to hold a slidable or removable slab
or slate M, a pencil being preferably located in a contiguous pocket N.
In case none of the cards either in the slide-ways or in compartment R, show
the required destination, or in the event of some additional intimation in con-
nection with "MR. DOE's" absence being necessary, the slate or slab M will be
used, its special position (i.e., following the words "HAS GONE TO ") fitting it for
that purpose. Any pointer can be hung upon the top frame of the slate M,
so as to completely keep up the simplicity and perfection of my system of
indicating.
"
Referring to Figures 8 to 10, and parts of Figures 1 and 3, I will now describe
my time indicator, the use of which is essential to the completion of the extended
kind of sentence this Indicator is adapted to form; such as (vide Figure 1)
MR. DOE HAS GONE TO:-1st, The Senate; 2nd, The Bank; 3rd, Home; WILL
RETURN AT 12.7" Although the other parts of my invention could be employed
in conjunction with a common clock dial provided with ordinary hands, my
special form of time indicator has the advantages that it renders tampering with
it difficult, and that it can be quickly adjusted when one has a key, either as
shown in Figure 9, or of other suitable form.
The key passes through the central hole D2 of the dial glass, and so engages
the minute hand, behind which hand is affixed a small barrel D¹, which passes
over and is free to turn round a central spindle W, a cross pin W at the outer
end of W, serving to prevent D' becoming disengaged from said spindle.
The base of the barrel D' is normally pressed upwardly by the forked end D³
of a spring D4, the said spring having its other end fastened to any backing.
This keeps the minute hand clear of and free to be revolved independently of
the hour hand, the barrel of which X fits loosely around a hollow spindle X',
which is slotted or has a gap at X2 to allow of the free passage of the spring D¹.
There is a frontal conical depression Y at the hour hand centre, and a corres-
ponding rear conical projection Y at the minute hand centre, and it is obvious
that when the key is fitted in place and pressed down the spring D will yield
and the projection Y' will meet and press part Y. Consequently if, whilst the
Fressure is kept on the key is turned, both hands will move simultaneously,
so that their adjustment to any position can be very quickly effected, the surfaces
of Y and Y, which contact, being made rough enough to prevent slipping.
6.
"
There still remains to be provided for, the case in which any exposure of a
ciock face would be undesirable, as when "MR. DOE IS IN." Accordingly an
paque lid Z is provided, having any suitable means of closure. The words
APPOINTMENTS FOR DAY (or similar words) are arranged in a convenient position
near the clock dial or time indicator, as likewise the words " CALLERS AND
MESSAGES (or similar words); and located in conjunction with each expression
is a slab or the like A2 and A³ respectively, which is generally made withdrawable
(by sliding it outwards) to facilitate the writing thereon of any appropriate
"
intimation.
66
Part of the frame round each slab is preferably attached to the slab and serves
as a handle when the same is withdrawn or replaced. The APPOINTMENTS FOR
DAY" slab may have marked thereon the hours of the day, allotting each hour a
greater or less space as per probable requirements, or it may be left blank.

page_text: Compartments U at the top are optionally combined with my Indicator to
hold DATE INDICATING CARDS, which will serve as a perpetual calendar.
""
Where the dating arrangement is omitted a considerable amount of space will
be economised, and the Indicator in this form will be more suitable for attach-
ment to the outside of an office door. Nor is the " LEAVE CARD compartment V
essential to my invention; where space must be economised that compartment
may take the place of one of the compartments R, and the clock face may be
located as already stated, immediately under the framing of the lowest slideway C.
Various modifications may be made in the details of this invention whilst
preserving its spirit,, that of having an Indicator, matter of the kind set forth
previously suitably prepared, inscribed or printed, and of having the said pre-
pared matter so arranged in combination with pointers, shutters and other acces-
sories, as to enable any one of a multiplicity of intimations of the kind set forth,
to be quickly exposed by the said Indicator, at the will of the operator.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. In an Indicator of the class described, the combination within a slide-way
as B, the left-hand part of which exhibits an intimation, and the right-hand
part of which is provided with a name panel as E, of two shutters as F and G,
each of which bears a distinctive intimation, and is capable of sliding behind
the said panel, or in front of the intimation on the left-hand of the slide-way,
substantially as set forth.
2. In an Indicator of the class described, the combination within a series of
slide-ways as C, formed by framing as A¹, upon a backing as A, of a series of
destination cards as H, a series of movable shutters as J, adapted to cover or
expose all or any of said cards, and a series of pointers numbered to exhibit the
order in which the several destinations are visited, said pointers adapted to be
adjusted to and locked in any slide-way, substantially as set forth.
3. In an indicator of the class described, the combination of the parts indicated
by Claims 1 and 2.
4. In an indicator of the class described, the combination with the parts
indicated by Claim 2 of a shield as L, having spaces behind the same, into which
the movable shutters and the pointers may slide, substantially as set forth.
5. In an Indicator of the class described, the combination with the parts
indicated by Claims 1 and 2 of a movable slate or slab M, with the frame of which
a pointer may be engaged, substantially as set forth.
6. In an Indicator of the class described, a numbered pointer as O, having a
tail as P in combination with framing as A, substantially as set forth.
7. In an Indicator of the class described, a numbered pointer provided_with_a
hook as Q, or like means, for the connection therewith of a destination card as H,
substantially as set forth.
8. In an Indicator of the class described, the combination with an adjustable
clock-dial, provided with an intimation as to the time of return and an opaque
closable lid, of the parts indicated by Claims 1 and 2.
9. In an Indicator of the class described, in combination, the clock-dial, the
centrally perforated glass, the hand with barrels D' and X respectively, the
spindles W and X' respectively, and the spring D, with forked end D³ engaging
barrel D, substantially as set forth.
,
10. In an Indicator of the class described, the combination with the parts
indicated in Claim 9 of a rearward projection, as Y, from the minute-hand centre,
with a corresponding frontal depression, as Y', at the hour-hand centre, sub-
stantially as set forth..
11. The combination as a whole of the parts shown in Figure 1 substantially
as set forth.

page_text: 12. The combination as a whole of the parts shown in Figures 3 and 8 sub-
stantially as set forth.
WHEATLEY & MACKENZIE,
40 Chancery Lane London W.C.