Improvements in Registering Machinery and Indicating Appliances.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Sept., 1888
Complete Specification Left, 6th June, 1889-Accepted, 20th July, 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Registering Machinery and Indicating Appliances.
I WILLIAM SNELGROVE of Bankwood, Church Road, Moseley in the County of
Worcestershire, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention has for its object primarily to register the quantity or output of any
number of different sizes of parcels, cases, barrels, or other similar articles, that may
be caused to pass a given point. That is to say I register the number of each
particular size or bulk that pass, on its own particular dial or counter index, which
dial or index is not in any way affected by the passage of any larger or smaller case,
packet, or barrel.
Thus when a large number of packages, cases, or barrels, of various sizes, all placed
irregularly, are caused to pass under or through one part of my registering machine,
the record of each particular size that has passed is given upon the different dials or
counters attached to the indicator table of the machine, thereby displaying clearly the
quantity or output of each particular size passing through the machine.
I will describe my invention when employed for registering the output of a number
of varying sizes of casks or barrels, so that the number of each particular size may be
recorded.
In carrying my invention into effect I arrange a hinged or swinging gate, in
such a manner that the whole of the barrels may pass under it, and in so passing,
cause it to oscillate or move upon its hinge or pivot spindle.
This pin or spindle I secure to a toothed wheel or segment by preference made bevil
shaped, which wheel or segment works into a corresponding wheel or segment carrying
upon its central pin or spindle a main striking lever for acting upon the mechanism
of the counters when it is made to vibrate by the movement of the swinging gate.
The mechanism of the counters I set in motion by the striking lever coming in
contact with a projecting pin attached to the arm of a toothed segment wheel or rack,
which segment wheel or rack works into a toothed wheel or pinion secured to the
spindle of the counter. The arm carrying the segment wheel or rack is pivoted
preferably beneath the counter, and it is free to move to and fro a certain distance
determined by two stops fixed upon the underside of counter; a spring acting upon
the arm always causing it to return and rest against one of the stops, after it has been
moved from that stop to the other by the action of the striking lever when vibrating.
The main striking lever I construct with a peculiar shaped lever or arm pivoted upon
it at one end, and this arm I keep in true central line with the main arm or lever, by
means of a spring which operates to draw it back again after it has been moved out
of the central line.
One end of this pivoted lever or arm I form as a ratchet shaped segment, having a
tail-ended pawl forced to engage with its teeth by a spring; the other or counter
moving end I form with a hinged joint free to move or hinge in one direction only,
the outer surface of the jointed end being kept in true line with the other part of the
lever by a spring which causes it to return after having been moved on its joint, pivot, .
or centre.
i
The upper portion of my registering machine I form preferably as a semi-circular
box or table the centre of which semi-circle carries the pivot or spindle of the main
striking lever within the box and at equal radial distances from the centre I fix a
number of counters or indicators, with their striking or contact mechanism arranged
as before described; the number of counters I arrange to suit the different sizes of.
casks or barrels that have to be registered; and the cover of the box or table I form
with openings to admit of each counter index or dial being seen and read. Within

page_text: the box is placed the main striking lever and its different parts with its gearing before
described for receiving and transmitting the motion from the swinging gate or door;
containing also a trip lever or trip pin to operate upon the tail end of the pawl and
thus to release the ratchet when the striking lever has returned to its zero or closed
position.
I will now describe the action of my invention when registering the output or
quantity of different sizes of casks or barrels that pass through it.
Each barrel is caused to roll down and strike the swinging gate thereby causing it
to lift or vibrate to an extent sufficient to allow of the barrel passing beneath it; this
movement produces a corresponding movement or vibration of the striking lever
which is carried past the striking pin upon the counter lover, the jointed end yielding
and thus allowing of the forward motion being made without the counter being set in
motion; on the return or backward stroke of the striking lever (the jointed lever
being brought again to its central position by its spring) it comes again in contact
with the striking pin and the jointed end being in its fixed position carries forward the
counter arm until it strikes one of the fixed stops upon the counter, the striking lever
being still under the influence of the falling gate to carry it back to zero, it cannot
get released from the stop pin, until the ratchet end is carried round sufficiently far to
allow of the striking end passing the pin; and upon this position being reached the
pawl engages with the teeth of the ratchet and securely holds it in that freed position
for the remainder of the backward stroke until the zero point is reached, when the
tail end of the pawl coming into contact with the fixed trip lever or pin releases the
pawl and withdraws it from the ratchet teeth when the spring carries the ratchet end
back again to its central or striking position. Thus should the vibration of the arm be
carried by a large cask to pass one or more of the counters before reaching its own
particular counter for registering casks of its dimension, then the only counter that
will be set in motion will be the last one that it passed on its forward stroke, sceing
that after it has struck one counter arm in its backward or return stroke, the striking
point is held out of position for passing the other counter levers until the zero point is
reached when the pawl is then tripped and the ratchet liberated.
The application of my invention to machines and appliances for registering and
indicating the number or quantities of parcels, cases, or other similar articles, differs
in no essential respect from its application to a cask or barrel registering machine or
recorder as hereinbefore described.
And the particular methods of construction are not essential to the carrying out of
my invention; but the equivalents in mechanical contrivances may be adapted with
equal advantage.
Dated this 5th dow of Santamba- 1000
MARKS & CLERK,
Agents for Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Registering Machinery and Indicating Appliances.
I WILLIAM SNELGROVE of "The Nest" King's Norton in the County of Worcester
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 has for its object primarily to register the quantity or output of any
number of different sizes of parcels, cases, barrels, or other similar articles, that may
be caused to pass a given point. That is to say, I register the number of each
particular size or bulk that pass, on its own particular dial or counter index, which
dial or index is not in any way affected by the passage of any larger or smaller case,
packet, or barrel.
Thus when a large number of packages, cases, or barrels, of various sizes, all
placed irregularly, are caused to pass under or through one part of my registering

page_text: machine the record of each particular size that has passed is given upon the different
dials or counters attached to the indicator table of the machine, thereby dislaying
clearly the quantity or output of each particular size passing through the machine.
I will describe my Invention when employed for registering the output of a number
of varying sizes of casks or barrels, so that the number of each particular size may be
recorded.
In carrying my invention into effect I arrange a hinged or swinging gate, in such
a manner that the whole of the barrels may pass under it, and in so passing cause it
to oscillate or move upon its hinge or pivot spindle.
This pin or spindle I secure to a toothed wheel or segment by preference made
bevel shaped, which wheel or segment works into a corresponding wheel or segment
carrying upon its central pin.or spindle a main striking lever for acting upon the
mechanism of the counters when it is made to vibrate by the movement of the
swinging gate.
The mechanism of the counters I set in motion by the striking lever coming in
contact with a projecting pin attached to the arm of a toothed segment wheel or rack,
which segment wheel or rack works into a toothed wheel or pinion secured to the
spindle of the counter. The arm carrying the segment wheel or rack is pivoted
preferably beneath the counter, and it is free to move to and fro a certain distance
determined by two stops fixed upon the underside of counter; a spring acting upon
the arm always causing it to return and rest against one of the stops, after it has been
moved from that stop to the other by the action of the striking lever when vibrating.
The main striking lever I construct with a peculiar shaped lever or arm pivoted upon
it at one end, and this arm 1 keep in true central line with the main arm or lever, by
means of a spring which operates to draw it back again after it has been moved' out
of the central line.
..
One end of this pivoted lever or arm I form as a ratchet shaped segment having a
tail ended pawl forced to engage with its teeth by a spring; the other or counter
moving end I form with a hinged joint free to move or hinge in one direction only;
the outer surface of the jointed end being kept in true line with the other part of
the lever by a spring which causes it to return after having been moved on its joint,
pivot or centre.
The upper portion of my registering machine I form preferably as a semi circular
box or table the centre of which semi circle carries the pivot or spindle of the main
striking lever; within the box and at equal radial distances. from the centre I fix a
number of counters or indicators, with their striking or contact mechanism arranged
as before described; the number of counters I arrange to suit the different sizes of
casks or barrels that have to be registered; and the cover of the box or table I form
with openings to admit of each counter index or dial being seen or read. Within the
box is placed the main striking lever and its different parts with its gearing before
described for receiving and transmitting the motion from the swinging gate or door;
containing also a trip lever or trip pin to operate upon the tail end of the pawl-and
thus to release the ratchet when the striking lever has returned to its zero or closed
position.
I will now describe the action of my invention when registering the output or
quantity of different sizes of casks or barrels that pass through it.
Each barrel is caused to roll down and strike the swinging gate thereby causing it
to lift or vibrate to an extent sufficient to allow of the barrel passing beneath it; this
movement produces a corresponding movement or vibration of the striking lever
which is carried past the striking pin upon the counter lever, the jointed end yielding
and thus allowing of the forward motion being made without the counter being set in
motion; on the return or backward stroke of the striking lever (the jointed lever
being brought again to its central position by its spring) it comes again in contact
with the striking pin and the jointed end being in its fixed position carries forward the
counter arm until it strikes one of the fixed stops upon the counter, the striking lever
being-still under the influence of the falling gate to carry it back to zero, it cannot get

page_text: released from the stop pin, until the ratchet end is carried round sufficiently far to
allow of the striking end passing the pin; and upon this position being reached the
pawl engages with the teeth of the ratchet and securely holds it in that freed position
for the remainder of the backward stroke until the zero point is reached when the tail
end of the pawl coming in contact with the fixed trip lever or pin, releases the pawl
and withdraws it from the ratchet teeth when the spring carries the ratchet end back
again to its central or striking position. Thus should the vibration of the arm be
carried by a large cask to pass one or more of the counters before reaching its own
particular counter for registering casks of its dimensions, then the only counter that
will be set in motion will be the last one that it passed on its forward stroke, seeing
that after it has struck one counter arm in its backward or return stroke, the striking
point is held out of position for passing the other counter levers until the zero point is
reached when the pawl is then tripped and the ratchet liberated.
The application of my invention to machines and appliances for registering and
indicating the number or quantities of parcels, cases, or other similar articles, differs
in no essential respect from its application to a cask or barrel registering machine or
recorder as hereinbefore described.
And the particular methods of construction are not essential to the carrying out of
my invention; but the equivalents in mechanical contrivances may be adapted with
equal advantage.
In order that my invention and the manner of performing the same may be
properly understood I hereunto append two sheets of explanatory drawings to be
hereinafter referred to.
Figure I is a front elevation of my registering machine when employed to indicate
the number of different sizes of barrels or casks that may be caused to roll down and
pass through it.
Figure 2 is a plan and Figure 3 is a sectional elevation of the registering machine
Figure 4 is a sectional elevation of the cataract or dash pot and figure 5 is a plan of
the same.
The swinging gate or frame A is attached to a spindle or shaft C; and upon the end
of C, a bevil wheel D is fixed to gear or work into a bevil pinion E carried upon an
upright shaft F.
The shaft C is supported by bearings M. M' carried upon the pedestal P and the
end frame table N.
Upon the bevil wheel D or a secondary disc D₁ on the same spindle is secured
a striking lever S which raises the cataract or dash pot lever T carrying with it the
plunger or piston working within the cylinder W. The piston U has a small hole V
within it to act as the air passage from one side to the other of the piston.
The baseplate or bottom frame plate R of the machine serves to carry the end
frame and table N also to carry the pedestal P so that all is self contained and
independent of exterior support.
The upright spindle F has secured to it above the pinion by convenience a vibrating
lever or arm G, which carries at its extremity a smaller pivoted ratchet lever K,
into the teeth of which the pawl H engages, the pawl being also pivoted upon the
lever G.
Upon the table of the end frame N a number of mechanical counters Z are fixed
at positions upon the table which will accord with the length of travel of the vibrating
arm G so that when any particular counter is moved by the vibrating arm ratchet
lever K then a register is made for the barrel of the particular size to cause that
vibration and length of travel.
Beneath each counter 1 fix an actuating counter lever O' having its end formed into
teeth, or secured to a tooth shaped rack or segment b which works into a toothed
wheel Z on the counter spindle.
Figure 6 is a plan to an enlarged scale of the vibrating lever and its attachments
the counter being removed. Figure 7 is an elevation of the vibrating lever together
with the counter in position. G is the vibrating lever. K is the ratchet lever having

page_text: a few teeth at one end into which the pawl H engages and is held in position with
the teeth by means of a spring g, while the ratchet lever K is likewise kept in
position by a spring h.
The reversing striking cam or lever pivoted upon the end of K is kept against a
stop by means of a spring kl.
The striking lever k comes in contact with the projecting pin a standing below the
actuating counter lever O', which lever is connected to a rack or toothed segment
carrying lever 0.
The action of the registering machine is as follows.-The barrel or other similar
article is caused to roll or pass under the gate or frame B and in so doing raises it to
a certain height dependant upon the size of the barrel; to prevent a too sudden
movement I arrange a dash pot or cataract W T to take up the blow or impact
suddenly given, and I sometimes balance the weight of the frame by means of
weights B suspended from a rod B" at the end of the spindle C. When the gate is
moved the lever G is carried round also by means of the bevil wheels D. E; This
lever G in travelling past the first counter Z causes the striking lever to come in
contact with the projecting pin a on the actuating lever O', the striking lever & being
free to move upon its pivot in one direction frees itself from contact with the pin a,
and passes the first counter without moving the actuating lever O' and in like manner
it also passes every other counter in its forward stroke; but when it is returning on
its backward stroke the striking lever k meeting the first counter pin a (that is to say
the first counter on its return stroke being the last one on its forward stroke) and
being unable to turn upon its pivot in that direction it causes the actuating arm O¹ to
move, and thereby the rack 6 moves forward and causes the pinion Z to set the
counter in motion and thus to indicate the passage of the barrel upon the dial or index.
Directly however that this counter has been moved the striking lever k is secured in
a position to allow it to pass all the other counters on its return stroke without
registering-by reason of the ratchet lever K having been moved upon its pivot against
the action of the spring until the ratchet teeth at its extreme end are engaged by
the pawl H; this pawl H continues to hold the ratchet lever by its spring g pulling it
until the end of the return stroke when it comes into contact with a tripping stop
when it is released from the teeth, and the spring again pulls the lever K into
working position for another registration.
I employ any form of counter that is worked by a vibrating movement instead of a
rotary one, with equal advantage and any number of such may be attached to the
table of the end frame N.
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
1st. The construction and arrangement of a vibrating gate or frame to work a
number of registering counters or indicators substantially as and for the purposes
hereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
2nd. The combination and arrangement of counters with actuating levers, to
indicate upon the backward stroke; when applied to a registering machine sub-
stantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
3rd. The construction and arrangement of a registering machine for indicating the
output of various sizes of barrels and similar articles substantially as and for the
purposes hereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
MARKS & CLERK,
13, Temple Street, Birmingham, Agents for Applicant.