Improved Means for Registering the Attendances in School Classes.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Nov.,
1894
Complete Specification Left, 24th June, 1895-Accepted, 12th Oct., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Means for Registering the Attendances in School Classes.
I, THOMAS JOHN JENKINS Mountfield Villa Westcombe Hill Blackheath S.E.
Schoolmaster do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
An oblong wooden framework measuring 29" x 24" inside-31" x 26" outside;
in thickness -the frame ornamented with scroll top. From side to side,
transversely, are passed wires (!") hereafter specified as "carriers." They (the
carriers) are eight in number and are inserted in vertical sides of frame with ends
turned at 90° to prevent the carrier turning when the frame is in use. They are
fixed 3 apart the lower one being 1" from bottom of frame. Midway is a vertical
wire firmly fixed in frame to which the carriers are rigidly attached for the
purpose of strength.
Upon the carriers are fixed, with turned ends, rectangular plates of tin or zinc,
2" x 1" (1" at bite). These plates are hereafter specified as "number plates.'
They are 80 in number, 10 to each carrier. They are each numbered commencing
with the top left hand number plate as "1." and proceeding to the 'last (by unit
increase) which is numbered "80." These number plates are placed 1" from
frame, or 1" from each other, or 1" from vertical cross wire in centre. Between
the number plates, and between the frame and number plates, and between the
cross wire and number plates is threaded on the carriers lengths 14" of copper
tubing. (Between the number plates and frame or between them and cross wire the
length is 1".) The tubing is slotted " at ends, and through of bore so that the
number plates revolving on carrier can be pushed backwards through of
the circle. The tubing is bored in centre and soldered to carrier, one slot edge
being in the same plane as face of frame.
At back of frame, top and bottom of vertical sides are blocks to keep frame
from wall, when it is in position, and so allow play for "number plates."
"
The number plates are allotted each to a child of the class using the frame,
in accordance with the number standing against their names on the class register.
The children in taking up their class places, at commencement of morning or
afternoon session, pass the frame, which is suspened conveniently for the purpose,
and each pushes back the "number plate" which has been allotted as above.
The "number plate," as before mentioned, turns through circle on "carrier.".
For the purpose of registering the children, the teacher notes the "number
plates'
"(if any) remaining vertical after the class has passed and used the frame.
The children to whom those "number_plates are allotted are absent, all others
being present. By such reference to frame the registration is effected, and the
attendance marks entered in register. The names of children are not called,
rapidity of registration is furthered, and quietness in its accomplishment obtained.
The accessories used with the frame are additional plates marked "L" or "S"
or X". "L" signifies that the child using the "number plate bas left;
"S" that the child is sick ; "X" that the "number plate" has not been
allotted. They are constructed so as to fix on the "number plates " and cover the
number thereon.
66
Dated this 06th of November 1804

page_text: upon, carrier wires,
(4) Accessories for use with the frame.
Referring to the accompanying sheet of drawing
Fig. I is the front elevation of the frame.
Fig. I end elevation.
Fig. III is an enlarged drawing, showing the attachment of number-plate
to carrier-wire, (Fig. III.d) and the insertion of carrier in side of frame
(Fig. 1116).
In carrying my invention into effect I provide a wooden framework 24" x 18"
(inside measure) of substantial structure (Fig. 1). This frame is to be suspended
against the wall, or in place conveniently within reach of the children, as they pass
to their class seats.
Across the frame, horizontally, I pass wires (") Fig. III. hereafter specified
.as "carrier-wires." These are five in number, and are let into the short sides of
frame with turned ends (Fig. I;-Fig. III.). They are so inserted to prevent
the carrier wires turning when the number-plates are being used.
The carrier-wires are 34 apart, the lower one being 1" from bottom rail of frame.
Midway is a vertical wire C, firmly fixed in frame, top and bottom, and to this wire
the carrier wires are rigidly attached. This is for additional strength.
Upon the carriers I fix, by means of turned ends, rectangular plates of tin or
ziuc 2" by 1", but 1" at attachment to carrier (Fig. 1d; Fig, IIId. f.). These
plates are hereafter referred to as "number-plates." They are each numbered,
commencing with top, left hand plate, and by unit increase are numbered in
succession to the bottom right hand plate that being No. 50 (Fig. 1).
The number-plates are arranged upon the carrier-wire with due regard to
symmetry. I place them at a distance of 1" from the side of frame and with a
similar distance, viz. 1", between each other. But in the centre they are placed 1"
from the vertical wire "C." Upon the carrier-wire, and between the number-
plates, or between the number plates and sides of frame, or between the number
plates and vertical wire (as the case may be), I thread lengths of copper tubing
(Fig. 11.a). The tubing is slotted at the ends where it meets the number plates
(Fig. 1). The slot is carried round of the bore of the tubing and I arrange
that the vertical edge of the number plate projects into the slot, but moves freely
as described in the following paragraph.
I have carried out this arrangement so that when the number-plates are pushed.
over from perpendicular to oblique position (as they are when the frame is in use)
they will not all beyond the distance required. The tubing is firmly soldered to
carrier-wire in centre below (Fig. le; Fig. 11Ie). This is to prevent the moving
of the tubing when the number plates are being used. I fix it into position upon
the carrier wire so that the near slot edge is perpendicular to the base of
frame.

page_text: At the back of frame on each shorter side are blocks (Fig. II.a) the purpose of
which is to keep the frame away from wall when suspended for use.
It is necessary
in order to give play for the number-plates.
65
It is apparent that this frame can be constructed to suit any required number.
Fifty "is taken as generally representative of the size needed for ordinary class
use, but frames to carry number plates 60, 70, 80, &c. &c. could be constructed upon
the same Specification, measurements varying in proportion to required size.
Having described the construction of the apparatus 1 shall now proceed to
describe its mode of operation.
To each child in the class the teacher allots a number on the frame, corre-
sponding to the number standing against the child's name in the class register. The
children in taking up their places in the class at the commencement of a school
session, pass the frame and press over the number plate which has been allotted to
them, and which will be their number through the current quarter of the school
year. The child by pushing back the number plate registers his attendance in the
class, and when all have passed to their seats the teacher marks the class register
by reference to the frame, omitting to mark those children whose number-plates
are vertical.
Accessories are supplied with the frame in the form of detached plates with
hooked tops, so arranged that they will easily hang upou, and cover the "number
plate." These detached plates are marked "S"; "L"; or "X"-S for sick,
L for left, and X for number not allotted.
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 :-
To provide an apparatus by the use of which the children in school classes assist
materially in registering their attendance in the classes.
Dated this 22nd day of June 1895.
THOMAS JOHN JENKINS.