IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO ELECTRIC TARGETS to be as follows:
Year: 1885

page_text: I, GABRIEL ARNOULT, of Rue Eupatoria, Tours, France, Electrician do hereby
declare the nature of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO
ELECTRIC TARGETS to be as follows:-
"
My invention relates to electric targets, and is designed to provide improved
means whereby, when any section of the target is struck by a bullet, one or more
electric impulses will be transmitted to a receiver or indicator, the hand or pointer
of which is capable of a step-by-step movement..
My improved target is divided into sections of equal size and comprises movable
bolts or keys which form the central parts of the said sections. These bolts or
keys receive the impact of the bullets, whereby they are caused to actuate circuit
making and breaking devices as hereinafter described. The said target has
movable. triangular or prismatic ribs or projections designed to cover the joints
between the said bolts or keys and the plate in which they are filled and to deflect
the bullets towards the centres of the keys. The said target is moreover provided
with devices whereby an electric circuit will be closed and opened one or more
times according to the number represented by the section struck by a bullet.
These devices constitute the transmitting apparatus of the target.
Each bolt or key has a square head, preferably of steel, fitted to slide in a hole'
in a frame of cast iron or other suitable material; it also has a cylindrical portion
provided with a screw-thread and nut, and a smaller cylindrical portion extending
from the said screw-thread. The part of the key between the head and the nut
passes through a hole in a plate, and the nut serves for regulating the play or
movement of the key. The said nut also serves as one of the bearing surfaces for.
a spring, whereby the key is returned to its original position after the blow. The
said keys are supported in suitable guide-plates.
,
The said ribs or projections cross each other at right angles but in two parallel
planes, the horizontal ribs or projections being the nearest to the keys, and 'the'
vertical ribs or projections being placed in front of the said horizontal ribs.
The object of these ribs is to protect the parts of the target which separate the
keys from each other, and to cover the joints and prevent the entrance of lead into
the same,
The divisions or sections of the target have not the same dimensions as
the head of the key, but those of the square formed by the front edges or summits

page_text: of the ribs crossing each other between the said keys; the divisions of the target
When a bullet cuts the
paper correspond exactly with the said edges of the ribs.
line which separates two divisions, it strikes the summit of one of the ribs, which
are rounded; the said rib, if horizontal, moves up or down, and, if vertical, moves
laterally and allows the bullet to pass in the manner the most advantageous for
the shooter, that is to say, on that side of the rib nearest to the "bull's-eye."
To provide for permitting the movement of the ribs for the purpose above
specified, each rib is furnished at each end with a cylindrical pin or stud which is
movable in an inclined socket. A spring presses upon this pin or stud and holds
the rib in the position which it should occupy under normal conditions. The
socket is closed at one end by a plug. The extremity of each rib is held in a bar
or frame which regulates its displacement and prevents the said pin or stud from
supporting or resisting the effect of the shot. A plate is arranged in front of the
said bar or frame to protect the same.
If a bullet strikes the summit of a rib, the latter moves and the ball slides along
upon the inclined surface of the rib and strikes the key. Projecting pieces are
arranged in front of the target to receive the shock when a. bullet strikes one of
the outer or front ribs.
The improved devices which I employ for closing and opening an electric circuit
when the target is struck by a bullet constitute an important feature of my
invention. Each of these devices comprises a roller the axle of which projects on
each side of the roller and is arranged to roll upon inclined planes on a piece which
I term a slide. Upon each of these slides are arranged two switches or levers
which are pivotted to the said slides, one above cach inclined plane. The lower
part of each switch, that is to say, the part below its pivot or fulcrum is heavier
than the other part, therefore the lower end of the switch under normal conditions.
rests upon the corresponding inclined plane. Beneath these switches are two
insulated metal plates provided with teeth that project upward at intervals to the
level of, or slightly above, the inclined planes; one of these plates is connected by
a conductor with the earth; the other plate is connected with a line-wire which is
connected with an electric generator and also with the earth. Each of the said
rollers rests, under normal conditions, against, or in close proximity to, the inner
end of one of the aforesaid bolts or keys. When a bullet strikes the said key, the,
latter drives the roller up the inclined planes so that the said roller passes over the
switches. When the roller has passed the pivots of the switches, its weight causes
the same to swing or turn on their pivots, and the roller runs up to the top of the
slide. The switches then swing back to their original position and the roller
descends beneath the said switches so that its axle comes in contact with the
projections or teeth on the insulated metal plates. The said roller will therefore,
in its descent, close and open the electric circuit' as many times as there are teeth
or projections on each plate. The number of teeth on each of the said plates in
each slide is the same as the number represented by the corresponding section of
the target. In other words, either roller will make and break contact as many
times as there are units in the number representing the division corresponding
with the said roller; for example, the first will make and break contact once,
the second twice, and so on.
Electric impulses are thus transmitted to a telegraphic receiver or indicator to
impart a step by step movement to the hand or pointer thereof. The said indicator
has a dial, the letters of which are replaced by the necessary number of figures.
A plan or picture representing the target is placed above or near the receiver and
has marked thereon, in plain figures, the number of each division.
I provide for establishing communications between the toothed metal plates and
the generator by the act of inserting the slide in its place. For this purpose the
slides are made in the form of elongated drawers and are provided with a knob or
handle. They are inserted in holes in a frame at the back of the target. Between
each vertical row of slides I fix on the said frame insulated metal plates which

page_text: are connected alternately with the positive and negative pole of the generator.
A plate or spring is attached to the rear end of the slide on each side thereof.
These plates are insulated from the slide and are electrically connected with the
toothed metal plates. They are so arranged that, when the slide is inserted in its
place they will press against the corresponding metal plates fixed on the frame.
The slide can therefore easily be withdrawn and replaced, if necessary by an
inexperienced person, to ascertain if the roller and switch are in proper working
order.
Movable bars are provided to retain the slides in place, the knobs or handles of
the latter serving for locking the said bars when in position.
It will be seen that, by the above described improvements, I provide for
transmitting the electric impulses by means of a single wire and the earth, what-
ever may be the number of divisions or sections of the target.
The construction of the devices above described may be somewhat modified, if
deemed advisable, without departing from the nature of my invention.
נחה: ני.
..
100k
:

page_text: Improvements in and relating to Electric Targets. .
I
I, GABRIEL ARNOULT, of Rue Eupatoria, Tours, France, Electrician, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
:
My invention relates to electric targets and is designed to provide improved
means whereby, when either of the divisions or sections of the target is struck by a
bullet, one or more electric impulses will be transmitted to a receiver or indicator,
thereby imparting a step-by-step movement to the hand or pointer of the sai
receiver or indicator, in such a manner as to indicate which section of the said
target has been struck.
An important feature of my present invention is the provision of means whereby,
whatever may be the number of divisions or sections of the target, the required
impulses for all of the said divisions or sections can be transmitted from the target
to the receiver or indicator by the use of only two line-wires, or of a single
line-wire and the earth.
My present invention, moreover, comprises various improvements hereinafter set
forth.
In the accompanying drawing
Figure 1 is a front elevation, and
Figure 2 a rear elevation of my improved electric target..
Figure 3 is a front elevation of the indicator or receiving instrument, the
electrical connections being shown between this Figure and Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a vertical longitudinal central section of the said target.
Figures 5 to 15 are different views hereinafter referred to, showing details of
construction.
Figure 16 is a front elevation of a device for showing the divisions of the
target.
Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the drawing.
a is the frame or casing of the target, b, b are movable bolts or keys, the heads b¹
of which form the central parts of the divisions or sections of the target proper.
These bolts or keys receive the impact of the bullets, whereby they are caused to
actuate devices for opening and closing an electric circuit as hereinafter described.
c, c² are movable triangular or prismatic ribs or bars, which cover the joints
between the heads of the bolts or keys b and the plate d, in which they are fitted
to slide to-and-fro. These ribs or bars, deflect the bullets towards the centres of
the said keys as hereinafter set forth. The bolts or keys b are, moreover, fitted to
slide to and fro in a plate d¹ against which the heads of the said bolts or keys will
strike when moved backward by the bullets, and which will therefore serve as a
stop for the said bolts or keys.
The heads of the said bolts or keys are made square and are preferably of steel.
Each key has a screw-threaded portion 6, on which is screwed a nut e, and a
cylindrical portion 63 which extends from the said screw-threaded portion through
a guide-plate d², in which it is fitted to slide to and fro.

page_text: The nut e serves for regulating the play or.movement of the key according to
the length of range and other circumstances. It serves, moreover, as one of the
bearing-surfaces for a spring f, which also bears against the plate d³, and whereby
the key is returned to its original position after the blow.
The ribs or bars c, c¹ are arranged in two series and so that those of one series
cross those of the other series at right angles; these series are in two parallel
planes, the horizontal ribs or bars c¹ being next the keys b, and the vertical ribs or
bars c being in front of the said horizontal ribs or bars.
.The object of these ribs or bars is to protect the parts d* which separate the
keys from each other, and to cover the joints and prevent the entrance of lead
therein..
The target shown in the drawing is square and is divided into twenty-five
squares or sections. The divisions or sections of the target are larger than the
square heads of the keys b, the said divisions or sections being formed by the front
edges or summits of the ribs or bars c, c', which cross each other between the said
keys; the divisions of the target paper correspond exactly with the said edges of
the ribs. If a bullet strikes one or the other of the inclined sides of a rib or bar,
the said bullet is deflected towards the corresponding key. When a bullet cuts
the line which separates two divisions, it strikes the summit of one of the ribs or
bars. The said ribs or bars are so arranged that, when thus struck by a bullet, the
rib or bar, if horizontal, will move up or down, and, if vertical, will move laterally
in one or the other direction, according to the manner in which it is struck by the
bullet, and will allow the bullet to pass in the manner most advantageous for
the shooter, that is to say, on that side of the said rib or bar nearest the
bull's-eye."
To provide for permitting these movements of the said ribs or bars, each rib
or bar is furnished at each end with a pin or stud c² (Figure 6) which is movable
in an inclined socket g¹ in a frame g, parts of which frame are shown in plan and
side elevation in Figures 6 and 7. A spring his placed upon this pin or stud and
tends to hold the rib or bar in the position which it should occupy under normal
conditions. The socket g' is closed at one end by a plug g². The frame g regulates
the displacement of the ribs or bars c or c¹ and prevents the pins or studs o² from
receiving or resisting the effect of the shot. A plate or casing i is arranged in front
of the said frame g to protect the same against injury by the bullets.
If a bullet strikes the summit of a rib or bar, the latter moves (without
uncovering the joints between the keys b and the plate d) and the bullet slides
along upon the inclined surface of the said rib or bar and strikes the key.
To provide for transmitting to the receiver, by means of two line-wires or of a
single line-wire and the earth, the required electric impulses, I employ, in com-
bination with each bolt or key b, a device which will be actuated by the said bolt
or key, when struck by a bullet, and will alternately close and open an electric
circuit. This device is so constructed that the number of times the said circuit is
closed thereby, in one operation of the said device, will be equal to the number
which represents the corresponding division or section of the target. A similar
number of electric impulses will thus be transmitted to the receiver, thereby
causing the same to indicate the number of the division or section which has
been struck.
The devices which I prefer to employ for closing and opening the electric
circuit, when the target is struck by a bullet, are shown in the accompanying
drawing. Each of the said devices comprises a sliding frame k which is adapted
to be readily inserted in, and withdrawn from, its place in the target as hereinafter
specified. It also comprises a roller the axle of which projects from each end of
the said roller and is provided with extensions l' of reduced diameter. The roller
is so arranged that its axle will run upon inclined planes or rails m, Figures &
and 9, and the extensions will run upon insulated copper bars or strips n, n²,
which formy part, of, the electric circuit as hereinafter described. Above the rails m
are arranged two switches or leverago which are pivotted at ol to the frame k

page_text: .
(Figure 9). The lower part of each switch, that is to say, the part below its
pivot or fulcrum is heavier than the other part thereof, therefore the lower end of
the said switch, under normal conditions, rests upon the corresponding rail m.
The bar or strip n¹ has a smooth upper surface, as shown in Figure 10, but the bar
or strip n is provided with teeth or serrations n³ as shown in Figure 11. Figure 12
is an, underside view of one of the said sliding frames, the roller being removed.
The bar or strip n is connected with a contact spring or plate p attached to the
rear end of the frame k, but insulated therefrom; the bar or strip n¹ is connected
with another contact spring or plate p', also attached to, but insulated from, the
said frame, see Figures 9, 12 and 15.
:
I provide for establishing communications between the bars or strips n, n¹ and
the receiver or indicator q and the generator by the act of inserting the frame k
in place in the target. For this purpose, the said frame is made in the form of an
elongated drawer and is provided with a knob or handle k. It is inserted in a
hole in a plate 8 at the back of the target. Between the vertical rows of frames k,
I secure to the said plate s insulated metal plates t, t¹. The plates t are connected
with the positive, and the plates t' with the negative pole of the generator r, by
the wires t, t. The plates p, p¹ are so arranged that, when the frame k is inserted
in place, they will press against the corresponding metal plates t, t¹, as shewn in
Figure 2. The slide can, therefore, easily be withdrawn and replaced if necessary,
by an inexperienced person, to ascertain if the roller and switch are in proper
working order.
Movable bars u are provided to retain the frames k in place, which bars are
slotted to receive the knobs or handles, the latter serving for locking the said
bars when in position.
.
A guide (Figure 9) prevents the roller from leaving the rails and the metal
bars or strips n, n. This guide can be raised (when the frame k is removed from
the target) to permit access to the roller and other parts so that their condition can
be easily ascertained and they can be readily repaired. A fixed plate w (Figures 9
and 13) provided with semi-cylindrical rails w¹, w³, serves as a guide for the
frame k, whose grooves k² (Figure 14) engage with the said rails. Notches k³
(Figure 14) engage with pins or studs fixed in the plate d² (Figure 4), which pins
or studs retain the front part of the frame k in position.
The operation of the target is as follows, that is to say:-Each of the rollers
rests, under. normal conditions; against, or in close proximity to, the inner end of
the corresponding bolt or key b. When a bullet strikes the said key, the latter
drives the roller upward, so that the said roller passes over the switches or
levers o. When the roller has passed the pivots of the said switches, its weight
causes the latter to swing or turn on their pivots and the roller runs up to the top
of the frame k. The said switches are then turned by gravity back to their original
position and the roller descends beneath the said switches, with its axle lin
contact with the rails m, whilst the extensions of the said axle are in contact
with the insulated metal bars. or strips.
The said .roller, in its descent, is supported at one end by the extension 1 of its
axle rolling upon the plain band or strip n', and by the axle l bearing upon the
rail m, and, at the other side, alternately by the other extension 12 when it is on
the top of a tooth or projection of the bar or strip n, and by the axle l¹ bearing
upon the rail, when the said extension 12 is between two teeth. The said roller
will, therefore, in its descent, close and open the electric circuit as many times as
there are teeth or serrations on the bar or strip n. The number of teeth or
serrations on the bar or strip n is the same as the number used to represent the
corresponding division or section of the target. In other words either roller will
make and break contact as many times as there are units in the number repre-
senting the division or section corresponding with the said roller, for example, the
.first.will make and break contact once, the second twice, and so on.
Electric impulses. are thus transmitted to the receiver or indicator q and impart
a step-by-step movement to the hand or -pointer thereof. The said receiver -or

page_text: indicator is somewhat similar to an ordinary telegraphic receiver and has a dial,
the letters of which are replaced by the necessary numbers or figures. Any suitable
indicator may, however, be used for the purpose of my invention.
A plan or picture (Figure 16) representing the target is placed above or near the
receiver or indicator, and has marked thereon, in plain figures, the numbers of the
different divisions or sections.
It will be seen that, by the above described improvements, I provide for trans-
mitting the electric impulses for all the divisions or sections of the target by means
of two line-wires t³, to, or I may use a single line-wire and the earth, whatever may
be the number of divisions or sections of the target. The apparatus constitutes an
electric telegraph, in which the rollers, running upon the rails and the copper bars
or strips, perform the functions of the manipulators, and the bullets which strike
the target take the place of the operator.
The construction of the devices above described may be somewhat modified, if
deemed advisable, without departing from the nature of my invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is :-
First. In an electric target wherein movable bolts or keys are arranged to
receive the impact of the bullets and to operate devices for transmitting electric
impulses to a receiver or indicator, the provision of means (substantially as above
set forth) whereby the electric impulses for all the divisions or sections of the
target can be transmitted to the receiver or indicator by the use of only two
line-wires, or of a single line-wire and the earth.
Second. The movable ribs or bars for covering the joints between the said bolts
or keys and the plate in which they are fitted and for directing the bullets towards
the said bolts or keys, substantially as, and for the purposes, set forth.
Third. The device for opening and closing the electric circuit, comprising the
roller arranged to move upward over the lever or switch and to roll down beneath
the same with one end of its axle upon a toothed or serrated surface, substantially
as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Fourth. The sliding-frame carrying the device for opening and closing the
electric circuit and provided with the springs or plates adapted to make contact
with plates or terminals in the target, substantially as, and for the purpose, set
forth.
Fifth. The improved electric target consisting of the parts constructed and com-
bined substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawing and
operating as, and for the purpose, specified.
1000