An Improved Time and Distance Checking Device for Cabs and like Vehicles.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 30th Mar., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 21st Jan., 1895-Accepted, 30th Mar., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Time and Distance Checking Device for Cabs and
like Vehicles.
I GEORGE CROYDON MARKS, of 18, Southampton Buildings, London W.C. in
the County of Middlesex, Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:
This invention relates to a device or instrument for automatically counting and
checking the time expended by cabs and similar vehicles in completing each
journey and the distance travelled in a given time, and at the same time recording
upon a graduated dial, divided into units of currency such as francs and centimes
etc., the amount due by the occupant of the vehicle to the owner or driver thereof,
in proportion to such time and distance.
It will be understood that an instrument such as this, to be accurate, must be
arranged to take into account the time lost in stoppages; while at the same time
it is desirable that the fare should be calculated at a less rate for the time during
which the vehicle remains stationary, than the rates charged for the time during
which the vehicle is in motion. I will assume then by way of example, that the
following rates are adopted as a basis for calculation, and I will proceed to show
that the mechanism of this time and distance check is so arranged and combined as
to render it capable of performing of its own accord the multiplications and
additions necessary for working out the fare in each case. Supposing that the
average speed of the vehicle is twelve kilometres per hour and the corresponding
fare 2 f. 50; this amount therefore has to be evenly divided both by the number of
units of distance and by the number of units of time, and it will be readily seen
that the result of these divisions will be about 5 centimes for every period of time
of 2 minutes and a half, and 5 centimes also for a distance of 500 metres.
It follows that the index hand turning against the dial and visible to the passenger
must be controlled doubly, viz.: in regard to time, by suitable clockwork, and in
regard to distance, by mechanism operated by one of the wheels at the back of the
vehicle both these gearings should jointly impart to the dial hand a speed of
motion corresponding to the given basis of computation.
The proper operation of the hand being thus ensured, the only further additions
to the mechanism, that are required, are a device enabling the hand to be moved
back to zero at the beginning of each fresh journey, and also mechanism for adding
up the fares collected during the whole day, fitted likewise with a device for
bringing the index back to zero.
In carrying my invention into effect, I enclose the whole of the apparatus in a
box or case secured within the driver's seat or box, and it receives motion from one
of the rear wheels of the vehicle through the medium of an endless chain passing
over a toothed wheel. A lever enables this wheel to be thrown into or out of gear,
as required; the said wheel being mounted upon a spindle which carries at its
inner end a bevelled pinion engaging with a circular rack or toothed ring of larger
size. This ring or rack is secured against a second cylindrical casing, of much less
height than the first, and within which it turns freely upon a central spindle.
This second movable case encloses the clockwork which, through the medium of a
toothed ring forming part of the barrel is geared with a pinion mounted and in
frictional contact with another intermediate spindle; the said spindle at its upper
OD,

page_text: end, projecting outwards from the inner case carries a pinion which engages with a
toothed wheel keyed on to the central spindle.
The effect of this arrangement is that when the clockwork is stopped by means
of a small milled stud acting upon a spiral spring, whilst the vehicle is in motion
and the operating lever in gear, the inner case will, in revolving, cause the central
spindle to revolve also, the rate of speed depending upon the relation of size
existing between the gear wheels driving the said central spindle. I will suppose
that this relation is such that a hand secured to the top of the said spindle, outside
the case moves through a division corresponding to 5 centimes on the dial, while
the vehicle travels a distance of 500 metres.
Supposing now that the vehicle is stopped and the clockwork continues in motion.
The clockwork will then also cause the hand to turn at a predetermined rate of
speed, being likewise dependent on the relation of size between the toothed wheels
above named and those which control the spiral spring, and enabling the motion of
the hand to be so regulated as to move a division representing 5 centimes for every
period of time of 2 minutes and a .
Supposing, again, that the vehicle is in motion, and the clockwork also; it follows
that the differential or planet gearing will so operate that the hand will move on at
a rate of speed equal to the sum of the speeds imparted to it separately by the
clockwork and the hind wheel of the vehicle; so that the price or fare recorded on
the dial will be computed in proportion both to time and distance, and in accordance
with the principle stated in the preamble of this Specification.
It is only necessary to add to the main spindle an ordinary clockwork such as is
used for operating the minute hand, in order to record the fare in francs by means
of another smaller handle. For greater convenience this hand may be eccentric in
relation to the first and adapted to move against a second smaller dial, situated in
a position similar to that of the second-dial of a watch, it being operated through
the medium of gear wheels.
In order to move the hands on both the dials back to zero it is only necessary to
turn a milled head or button of the intermediate spindle, thereby causing it to
move within the nave of one pinion, actuating the main spindle by the other.
It now remains for me to describe the totalising mechanism adapted to add up
all the amounts received during an entire day by the driver; and also the device
for bringing the totaliser back to zero. This totaliser is located in the upper part
of the outer case, and it receives motion through the medium of a bevelled pinion,
in gear with a bevelled wheel keyed on to the upper portion of main spindle.
The spindle carrying this bevelled pinion also carries a ratchet wheel operating in
conjunction with a paul which stops the said spindle from rotating backwards; and
also a pinion in frictional contact with, a sleeve upon the main spindle of the
mechanism; the arrangement being such that when the whole of this totalising
mechanism is brought back to zero, the rotatory movement thereby imparted to a
large centime indicating hand by means of a milled knob mounted thereon stop at
the said pinion, the ratchet wheel preventing its spindle from participating in such
rotation. In this latter mechanism, or totaliser, the two hands indicating francs
and centimes, unlike the first arrangement, are concentric with each other. The
dial is covered over with a glass opening on hinges and adapted to be locked with
a key which is retained by the person entrusted with the collection of the fares at
the end of the day.
'
On the sleeve mounted upon the inner main spindle is also mounted a wheel
which conveys the motion, through the medium of the toothed wheels, to the inner
spindle which regulates the movement of the franc hand.
The relation of size between these multiplying wheels are determined in accordance
with the amount at which is estimated the maximum of one day's receipts, that
is to say in such a manner that one complete revolution of the franc hand
corresponds to an amount of say 40 or 50 francs.
It will be understood that in countries where distance is measured by other
metrical units, and where other currency is used, than the measures and curre cy

page_text: instanced above, the instrument may readily be modified to suit the different rates
of calculation without departing from the principle above set forth; it being only
necessary to change accordingly the number of teeth and the multiplying gearing,
and the relation of size between the wheels, in accordance with the altered
› measurements of distance and currency.
Dated this 29th day of March 1894.
MARKS & CLERK,
18, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents.
An Improved Time and Distance Checking Device for Cabs and like
Vehicles.
I GEORGE CROYDON MARKS of 18, Southampton Buildings Chancery Lane,
London W.C., Engineer and Patent Agent, (a communication from abroad by
Henri Heubert of 42, Boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle Paris in the French Republic,
Mechanical 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 :-
This invention relates to a device or instrument for automatically counting
and checking the time expended by cabs and similar vehicles in completing
each journey and the distance travelled in a given time, and at the same time
recording upon a graduated dial, divided into units of currency such as francs
and centimes, (pounds shillings and pence) etc., the amount due by the occupant
of the vehicle to the owner or driver thereof, in proportion to such time and
distance.
It will be understood that an instrument such as this, to be accurate, must
be arranged to take into account the time lost in stoppages; while at the same
time it is desirable that the fare should be calculated at a less rate for the
time during which the vehicle remains stationary, than the rates charged for
the time during which the vehicle is in motion. I will assume then, by way of
example, that the following rates are adopted as a basis for calculation, and I will
proceed to show that the mechanism of this time and distance check is so
arranged and combined as to render it capable of performing of its own accord
the multiplications and additions necessary for working out the fare in each
case. Supposing that the average speed of the vehicle is twelve kilometres
per hour and the corresponding fare 2 f. 50; this amount therefore has to be
evenly divided both by the number of units of distance and by the number of
units of time, and it will be readily seen that the result of these divisions will
be about 5 centimes for every period of time of 2 minutes and a half, and
5 centimes also for a distance of 500 metres.
It follows that the index hand turning against the dial and visible to the
passenger must be controlled doubly, viz.: in regard to time, by suitable clock-
work, and in regard to distance, by mechanism operated by one of the wheels
at the back of the vehicle: both these gearings should jointly impart to the
dial hand a speed of motion corresponding to the given basis of computation.
The proper operation of the hand being thus ensured, the only further additions
to the mechanism, that are required, are a device enabling the hand to be moved
back to zero at the beginning of each fresh journey, and also mechanism for adding
up the fares collected during the whole day, fitted likewise with a device for
bringing the index back to zero.
To enable my invention to be more readily understood, I shall now proceed to
describe it with reference to the accompanying drawings.

page_text: Figure 1 is a vertical section of the instrument, with the gearing between the
driving barrel B and the spiral or main spring S¹ of the escapement omitted for
the sake of clearness; and
Figure 2 is a corresponding plan, with the lid of the enclosing box or case
removed, and the hands showing dotted lines.
In carrying my invention into effect I enclose the whole of the apparatus in a
box or case S secured within the driver's seat or box, and it receives motion from
one of the rear wheels of the vehicle through the medium of an endless chain
passing over a toothed wheel 1. The lever L enables this wheel to be thrown into
or out of gear, by such means as the clutch R as required; the said wheel being
mounted upon a spindle which carries at its inner end a bevelled pinion 2 engaging
with a circular rack or toothed ring 3 of larger size. This ring or rack is secured
against a second cylindrical casing, of much less height than the first, and within
which it turns loose upon a central spindle O. This second movable case encloses
the clockwork which, through the medium of a toothed ring 4 forming part of the
barrel B is geared with a pinion 5 mounted on, and in frictional contact with,
another intermediate spindle; O'. This spindle O¹ at its upper end, projecting
outwards from the inner case carries a pinion 6 which engages with a toothed
wheel 7 keyed on to the central spindle.
The effect of this arrangement is that when the clockwork is stopped, by means
of a small milled stud M' acting upon a spiral spring S", whilst the vehicle is in
motion and the operating lever L in gear, the inner case will, in revolving, cause
the central spindle O to revolve also, the rate of speed depending upon the
relation of size existing between the gear wheels 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 driving the
said central spindle. I will suppose that this relation is such that a hand A
secured to the top of the said spindle, outside the case S moves through a division
corresponding to 5 centimes on the dial, while the vehicle travels a distance of
500 metres.
Supposing now that the vehicle is stopped and the clockwork is set in motion.
The clockwork will then also cause the hand A to turn at a predetermined rate of
speed, being likewise dependent on the relation of size between the toothed wheels
above named and those which control the spiral spring S", and enabling the motion
of the hand A to be so regulated as to move a division representing 5 centimes for
every period of time of 2 minutes and a .
Supposing again, that the vehicle is in motion, and the clockwork also; it follows
that the differential or planet gearing will so operate that the hand will move on at
a rate of speed equal to the sum of the speeds imparted to it separately by the
clockwork and the hind wheel of the vehicle; so that the price or fare recorded on
the dial will be computed in proportion both to time and distance, and in
accordance with the principle stated in the preamble of this Specification.
It is only necessary to add to the main spindle () an ordinary clockwork such as
is used for operating the minute hand, in order to record the fare in francs by
means of another smaller handle a. For greater convenience this hand a may be
eccentric in relation to the first and adapted to move against a second smaller dial,
situated in a position similar to that of the second-dial of a watch, it being operated
through the medium of gear wheels 9, 10, 11 and 12. In order to move the hands
on both the dials back to zero it is only necessary to turn a milled head or button
of the intermediate spindle O', thereby causing it to move within the nave of one
pinion 5 actuating the main spindle by the other pinion 6.
It now remains for me to describe the totalising mechanism adapted to add up
all the amounts received during an entire day by the driver; and also the device
for bringing the totaliser back to zero. This totaliser is located in the upper part
of the outer case S shown in Figure 1 on the right, and it receives motion through
the medium of the bevelled pinion 13, in gear with a bevelled wheel 8, keyed on to
the upper portion of the main spindle O. The spindle carrying this bevelled
pinion 13 also carries a ratchet wheel 14 operating in conjunction with a pawl
which stops the said spindle from rotating backwards; and also a pinion 15 in

page_text: frictional contact with a sleeve upon the main spindle of the mechanism; the
arrangement being such that when the whole of this totalising mechanism is
brought back to zero, the rotary movement thereby imparted to a large centime
indicating hand T by means of a milled knob M₁ mounted therein stops at the
said pinion 15 the ratchet wheel 14 preventing its spindle from participating in such
rotation the wheel 16 being thereby caused to slip upon its sleeve. In this latter
mechanism, or totaliser, the two hands indicating francs and centimes, unlike the
first arrangement, are concentric with each other. The dial is covered over with a
glass opening on hinges and adapted to be locked with a key which is retained by
the person entrusted with the collection of the fares at the end of the day.
The wheel 15 operates the wheel 16 directly, the latter wheel being mounted
upon and in friction contact with the sleeve of the centime hand T, and on the
same sleeve mounted upon the inner main spindle is also mounted a wheel 17 which
conveys the motion, through the medium of the toothed wheels 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22,
to the inner spindle regulating the movement of the franc hand t.
The relation of size between these multiplying wheels are determined in
accordance with the amount at which is estimated the maximum of one day's
receipts, that is to say in such a manner that one complete revolution of the franc
hand corresponds to an amount of say 40 or 50 francs.
It will be understood that in countries where distance is measured by other
metrical units, and where other currency is used, than the measures and currency
instanced above, the instrument may readily be modified to suit the different rates
of calculation without departing from the principle above set forth; it being only
necessary to change accordingly the number of teeth and the multiplying gearing,
and the relation of size between the wheels in accordance with the altered
measurements of distance and currency.
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. A time and distance counting or registering device, wherein the hands, which
indicate the amount of the fare to be paid, in francs and centimes (for example,)
upon or in conjunction with, suitable dials, receive motion simultaneously but each
independently of the other; the motion being (as it were) added together, and
being derived, in the case of one hand, from the hind wheel of the carriage, through
the medium of any suitable speed-reducing mechanism, and in the case of the other
hand, from clockwork; the relation between the several gear wheels being so
proportioned, and their co-operation so timed, that, whilst the vehicle is in motion,
the time and distance counter registers, in addition to a constant sum such as
5 centimes for every period such as two minutes, an equal amount in respect of an
equivalent distance such as 500 metres, travelled.
2. In a time and distance counter such as referred to in the first claim, differential
mechanism consisting of clockwork, enclosed in a box or casing, and engaging with
a toothed wheel keyed on to the spindle or arbor whereon the said box rotates, the
identical arbor carrying the index hand which counts or records the centimes; and
the said box being enclosed in the main casing S of the apparatus, and receiving
rotary motion through the medium of a toothed ring secured underneath the said
box and in its turn receiving motion from a pinion 2 operated from one of the
wheels of the vehicle; a lever L being provided to throw it out of gear when
required.
3. In a time and distance counting device, as referred to in Claims 1 and 2, the
employment of mechanism for totalling up the centimes, such mechanism comprising
toothed wheels 9, 10, 11 and 12, and an index hand a; and further, mechanism for
totalling up the amounts paid to the driver in the course of the day, and comprising
a ratchet wheel 14, toothed wheels 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 and two
hands t and T.
4. In a time and distance counting or recording device, such as referred to in

page_text: the first, second and third claims, mechanism for returning to zero, comprising two
milled heads or finger pieces M M" and pinions 5 and 15 fitted on, and in frictional
contact with, sleeves or sockets.
Dated this 21st day of January 1894.
MARKS & CLERK,
18, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents.