A NEW OR IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR REGISTERING OR INDICATING FIGURES OR NUMBERS, APPLICABLEAL TO Seats of Chairs, WEIGHING MACHINES, AND OTHER USEFUL PURPOSɛs
Year: 1870

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Bailey, of Wandsworth Road, in the
County of Surrey, for the Invention of "A NEW OR IMPROVED
APPARATUS FOR REGISTERING OR INDICATING FIGURES OR NUMBERS, APPLICABLE
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Bailey at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
31st March 1870.
1, JOSEPH BAILEY, of Wandsworth Road, in the County of Surrey, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "A NEW OR IMPROVED
APPARATUS FOR REGISTERING OR INDICATING FIGURES OR NUMBERS, APPLICABLE TO
Seats of Chairs, WEIGHING MACHINES, AND OTHER USEFUL PURPOSɛs,” to be as
follows:-
This Invention relates to the construction of an apparatus intended to
register or indicate figures or numbers corresponding to the number of
times the instrument or apparatus is actuated when applied to indicate

page_text: used, or to shew the number of pulls given to a beer engine, and con-
sequently to shew the amount or figure of value received by such use.
The apparatus is also applicable to a variety of similar useful purposes
where a check is required to the receipts, measures, weights, or numbers
taken.
I propose to construct a small cease or chamber of wood, metal, or
other suitable material provided with a hinged flap secured by a lock,
and within this case I secure the apparatus, which consists of two
rectangular plates scoured together by pins to form a frame which is set
vertically in the case and attached to the back thereof by screws or other
fastenings. At one end of the frame a sliding stem or bar is passed
through a bearing formed in a hub or projection on the rear plate; the
lower extremity of this bar may pass through a bearing in the pin or
through a similar projecting piece. The bar being square the upper and
lower ends are made of square and round metal for the more casy
working to and fro, the upper stem having a screw thread on which two
pressing milled edged buttons are placed capable of being adjusted to
any distance required. The bar contains a hinged pall or tooth, the
hinge being made by a screw passing through it into the lower part of
the bar, the upper end of the pall having a regulating screw to determine
the motion of the pall in relation to the bar and also to the ratchet
wheel with which it gears, and a flat pressing spring screwed to the
bar serves to keep the pall constantly ready for action; an under
spring restoring the bar to its clevated position directly after pressure
is removed so that it may be ready for the next operation. Near the
pall an axis is passed through the frame on which a ratchet wheel is
set, and this wheel may, for example, contain twelve teeth, so that a
pointer travelling round an index on the front plate may indicate the
number twelve, or the figure of value, say one shilling. Behind the
ratchet wheel a small steel pinion similar to the pinion of a watch is
mounted on the shaft; this pinion gears into a toothed wheel set on a
second axis containing an index pointer travelling round a dial divided,
say, for example, into twenty divisions, or equalling in figures twenty
shillings, one complete rotation of the pinion causing the toothed wheel
to denote by its index an unit of division equal to 12 numbers, or the
figure equal to twelve pence. A second pinion is set on the shaft of
this wheel and gears into a corresponding toothed wheel which actuates

page_text: a needle pointer, each division of which shews the number of motions or
the value in pounds, one rotation of the second index denoting one
division of the third, the number of teeth of the wheels and pinions
being regulated accordingly. If required a further series of toothed
5 wheels may be applied, but generally those described will be found
sufficient.
By the application of this apparatus placed within or under the seat.
of a chair, weighing machine, or watercloset the number of times such
seats are used will be indicated. It is proposed to place the apparatus in
such a position that a rod, lever, or beam underneath the seat may make
contact with the pressing screw button, and consequently actuate the
primary index needle to the extent of one point or division, but in case
where, on a chair or seat of a weighing machine, the person may shift
his position or rise slightly and again become scated I propose to apply
a stop rod to the beam or lever operating the depressing screw so that
at the first scating of the person the rod shall be pushed across the lever
and thus hold it in a stationary position notwithstanding any change of
posture of the person seated, and when he is finally seated ready for
weighing the bar shall be released.
In regard to beer engines, I propose to apply to the curved lever
handle, or pump rod, or other moving part of the engine a small stop,
which when the lever is pulled forward to such distance as to draw a
specified quantity of beer or ale the index shall be actuated and the
number of pulls indicated, and the money value shewn according to the
contents drawn. The same description of apparatus will answer for other
values, for example, if the value is in halfpence, or in three-halfpence, or
in twopence, it will be easy to denote the amount taken by the positions
of the apparatus. Neither will it be necessary to readjust the apparatus
at each examination by the proprietor, as he need only take a record of
the indices and make a final check at any desired time. In beer engines
the indices may be made to indicate half pints, gallons, barrels, or other
measures, the principle of the Invention being the same.
With regard to corn and coal metering or weighing apparatus, the
apparatus is equally applicable and may be made to denote the number
of measures or weights of corn and coal delivered from barges or vessels.
The apparatus is also applicable to the boot cleaning foot rest as now
ncommon use to check the receipts, and also to register the number

page_text: of revolutions of wheels of locomotives and cabs by placing a hub or
projection on the shaft, or for more gradual action a section of an
excentric, by which means a balance lever may be tilted so as to actuate
the vertical rod at each revolution. If necessary two levers may be
used, one being a short rocking bar acting upon the second tilting lever
which actuates the indicator, thus avoiding any jar or shock to the
apparatus.
Another form of apparatus which may be placed horizontally for
registering the number of passengers in omnibuses, and applied in
connection with the step of the vehicle, consists of au oblong chamber
with three dials, the first having numbers and cyphers alternately to 24
divisions shewing 12 numbers, the second dial having 20 divisions, and
the third 20 divisions. Assuming that the third dial is on the left hand
of the apparatus for the sake of convenience, then a pressure plate in
connection with the step of the vehicle will indicate on the dial of 24
divisions the number of passengers entering and leaving the vehicle,
the cyphers of course not counting but serving to allow for the egress
of each passenger. This form of apparatus may likewise be used for the
boxes of boot cleaners, and will also be operated by the pressure of the
foot and its removal, but the third division or index might casily be
dispensed with. The indications would therefore be 20 times 12, and
the product multiplied by 20, equalling 4800. In this example the
pressure acts on a lever which actuates a curved or angular plate set
vertically in the apparatus, the edge of which makes contact with a
ratchet wheel on the first division of the index or the third according to
position; thus the pressure or descent of the lever brings down the
wedge-shaped projection against the teeth and causes an unit of motion
to the pointer. The shaft of this toothed wheel is cut with a series of
grooved channels, thereby presenting curvilinear teeth to the second
wheel, and this wheel carries a second shaft cut in like manner
gearing into the third wheel. A pressing spring is applied to the detent
of the first series, that is, to the ratchet, to prevent the return motion of
the wheel. The lever of the pressing motion is controlled by a shaft
around which a spiral spring is wound, and which carries it back after
the descent so that it escapes the detents of the ratchet.
Another apparatus to be placed vertically or perpendicularly is worked
by a pressing rod and spring ratchet tooth actuating the rack wheel and
pinion carrying the first pointer on the dial of 12 numbers. This pinion

page_text: works a toothed wheel carrying a second pointer on a dial of 20 numbers
equalling 210 strokes; it also carries a second pinion working a second
toothed wheel, and carrying a pointer traversing a dial of 15 numbers,
cqualling a total of 3600 strokes.
Another apparatus is actuated by a rod and ratchet spring tooth,
working a cam underneath the shaft of the ratchet wheel; the shaft
carries a pointer traversing a dial of 16 divisions, at each revolution of
which pointer the cam actuates the toothed wheel of the second dial one
tooth; this second dial has 36 divisions, thus equalling 576 strokes, and
the shaft carries a pinion gearing into a toothed wheel of the third shaft
and pointer traversing a dial of 10 divisions, thus equalling 5760 strokes.
I also make a double-faced indicator for cabs so as to shew two dials
and pointers, one inside and the other outside of the vehicle. It has two
small dials on top of face, the left hand dial showing 10 divisions of miles
and 5 divisions for shillings round it, the right hand dial shewing tens
up to 100 miles, the large surrounding dial shewing one mile divided
into quarters, then a lowermost dial actuated by the same primary
motion with 37 divisions. Now if the wheels of the vehicle were fourteen
feet two inches and three-quarters in circumference, the 370 indications
would be as nearly as possible equal one mile. This apparatus is fixed
on a vertical tube within which a moveable stem is placed in con-
nection with the indicator. A small roller is adjusted at the bottom of
the stem, and this rests on a crescent shaped cam set on the nave or
axle of the wheel of the vehicle so that each revolution raises the
stem and operates the index.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Joseph Bailey in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 30th September 1870.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOSEPH
BAILEY, of Wandsworth Road, in the County of Surrey, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Thirty-first day of March, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy, in the thirty-third
year of 1er reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said Joseph Bailey, Her special licence that I, the

page_text: said Joseph Bailey, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such
others as I, the said Joseph Bailey, my executors, administrators, or
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to
time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed,
should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands,
and Isle of Man, an Invention for "A NEW OR IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR
REGISTERING OR INDICATING FIGURES OR NUMBERS, APPLICABLE TO SEATS OF CHAIRS,
WEIGHING MACHINES, AND OTHER USEFUL PURPOSES," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Joseph Bailey, my executors or
administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one
of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be
performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date
of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Joseph Bailey, do hereby declare
the nature of my said 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 relates to the construction of apparatus intended to
register or indicate figures, or numbers, or quantities, such apparatus
being applicable to various useful purposes.
I construct a small case or chamber of metal provided with a hinged
flap or sliding top secured by a lock, and in this I fix the apparatus
consisting of two rectangular plates secured together by pins to form a
frame, which is set vertically in the case and attached to the back
thereof by screws or other fastenings. At one end of the frame a sliding
stem or bar is passed through a bearing formed in a hub or projection
on the rear plate, the lower extremity of this bar may pass through a
bearing in the pin or through a similar projecting piece. The bar being
square the upper and lower ends are made of square and round metal for
the more easy working to and fro, the upper stem having a screw thread
on which two pressing milled edged buttons are placed capable of being
adjusted to any distance required. The bar contains a hinged pall or
tooth, the hinge being made by a screw passing through it into the lower
part of the bar, the upper end of the pall having a regulating screw to
determine the motion of the pall in relation to the bar and also to the

page_text: ratchet wheel with which it gears, and a flat spring screwed to the
bar serves to keep the pall constantly ready for action, an under spring
restoring the bar to its elevated position directly after pressure is
removed so that it may be ready for the next operation. Near the pall
an axis is passed through the frame on which a ratchet wheel is set,
and this wheel may, for example, contain twelve teeth, so that a pointer
travelling round an index on the front plate may indicate the number
twelve or the figure of value, say one shilling. Behind the ratchet
wheel a small steel pinion similar to the pinion of a watch is
mounted on the shaft; this pinion gears into a toothed wheel set on a
second axis containing an index pointer travelling round a dial
divided, say, for example, into twenty divisions or equalling in figures
twenty shillings, one complete rotation of the pinion causing the
toothed wheel to denote by its index an unit of division equal to
12 numbers or the figure equal to 12 pence. A second pinion is
set on the shaft of this wheel and gears into a corresponding toothed
wheel which actuates a needle pointer, cach division of which shews
the number of motions or the value in pounds, one rotation of the
second index denoting one division of the third, the number of teeth
of the wheels and pinions being regulated accordingly. If required a
further series of toothed wheels may be applied, but generally those
described will be found sufficient.
By the application of this apparatus placed within or under the seat
of a chair, weighing machine, or watercloset the number of times such
seats are used will be indicated. It is proposed to place the apparatus
in such a position that a rod, lever, or beam underneath the seat may
make contact with the pressing screw button, and consequently actuate
the primary index needle to the extent of one point or division, but in
cases where, on a chair or seat of a weighing machine, the person may
shift his position or rise slightly and again become scated, I propose
to apply a stop rod to the beam or lever operating the screw, so
that at the first seating of the person the rod shall be pushed across the
lever, and thus hold it in a stationary position notwithstanding any
change of posture of the person seated, and when he is finally scated
ready for weighing the bar shall be released.
In regard to beer engines, I apply to the curved lever, handle, or
pump rod, or other moving part of the engine, a small stop or curve

page_text: which when the lever is pulled forward to such distance as to draw a
specified quantity of beer or ale the index shall be actuated and the
number of pulls indicated and the contents withdrawn or the money value
shewn. The same description of apparatus will answer for other values,
for example, if the value is in halfpence, or in three-halfpence, or in
twopence it will be easy to denote the amount taken by the positions
of the apparatus. Neither will it be necessary to readjust the appa-
ratus at each examination by the proprietor, as he need only take a
record of the indices, and make a final check at any desired time. In
beer engines the indices may be made to indicate half pints, gallons,
and barrels, or other measures, such as glass measure up to barrels, the
principle of the Invention being the same.
With regard to corn and coal metering or weighing apparatus the
indicators are equally applicable, and may be made to denote the number
of measures or weights of corn and coal delivered from barges or vessels
or other conveyances. The apparatus is also applicable to the boot
cleaning foot rest as now in common use to check the receipts, and
also to register the number of revolutions of wheels of locomotives and
cabs by placing a hub or projection on the shaft or for more gradual
action a section of an excentric, by which means a balance lever may
be tilted so as to actuate the vertical rod at cach revolution. If
necessary two levers may be used, one being a short rocking bar acting
upon the second tilting lever which actuates the indicator, thus avoiding
any jar or shock to the apparatus.
Another form of apparatus which may be placed horizontally for regis-
tering the number of passengers in omnibuses, and applied in connection
with the step of the vehicle, consists of an oblong chamber with three dials,
the first having numbers and cyphers alternately to 24 divisions shewing
12 numbers, the second dial having 20 divisions, and the third 20
divisions. Assuming that the third dial is on the left hand of the
apparatus for the sake of convenience, then a pressure plate in con-
nection with the step of the vehicle will indicate on the dial of 24
divisions the number of passengers entering and leaving the vehicle, the
cypher, of course, not counting but serving to allow for the egress of
each passenger. This form of apparatus may likewise be used for the
boxes of boot cleaners, and will also be operated by the pressure of the
foot and its removal, but the third division or index might easily be

page_text: dispensed with. The indications would therefore be 20 times 12, and
the product multiplied by 20, equalling 4800. In this example the
pressure acts on a lever which actuates a curved or angular plate set
vertically in the apparatus, the edge of which makes contact with a
ratchet wheel on the first division of the index, or the third according to
position; thus the pressure or descent of the lever brings down the
wedge-shaped projection against the teeth and causes an unit of motion
to the pointer. The shaft of this toothed wheel is cut with a series of
grooved channels, thereby presenting curvilinear teeth to the second.
wheel, and this wheel carries a second shaft cut in like manner gearing
into the third wheel. A pressing spring is applied to the detent of the
first series, that is to the ratchet, to prevent the return motion of the wheel.
The lever of the pressing motion is controlled by a shaft around which
a spiral spring is wound, and which carries it back after the descent, so
that it escapes the detents of the ratchet.
Another apparatus to be placed vertically or perpendicularly is worked
by a pressing rod and spring ratchet tooth actuating the rack, wheel,
and pinion carrying the first pointer on the dial of 12 numbers. This
pinion works a toothed wheel carrying a second pointer on a dial of
20 numbers, equalling 240 strokes; it also carries a second pinion
working a second toothed wheel and carrying a pointer traversing a dial
of 15 numbers equalling a total of 3600 strokes.
Another apparatus is actuated by a rod and ratchet spring tooth
working a cam underneath the shaft of the ratchet wheel. The shaft
carries a pointer traversing a dial of 16 divisions, at each revolution of
which pointer the cam actuates the toothed wheel of the second dial one
tooth; this second dial has 36 divisions, thus equalling 576 strokes, and
the shaft carries a pinion gearing into a toothed wheel of the third shaft
and pointer traversing a dial of 10 divisions, thus equalling 5760 strokes.
I also make a double faced indicator for cabs so as to shew two
dials and pointers, one inside and the other outside the vehicle. It
has two small dials on top of face, the left hand dial shewing 10 divisions
of miles and 5 divisions for shillings round it, the right hand dial
shewing tens up to 100 miles, the large surrounding dial shewing one
mile divided into quarters, then a lowermost dial actuated by the
same primary motion with 37 divisions. Now if the wheels of the
vehicle were 14 ft. 23 inches in circumference the 370 indications would

page_text: as nearly as possible equal one mile. This apparatus is fixed on a vertical
or horizontal tube within which a moveable stem is placed in connection
with the indicator. A small roller is adjusted at the bottom of the stem,
and this rests on a crescent shaped cam set on the nave or axle of the
wheel of the vehicle, so that each revolution raises or moves the stem and
operates the index.
In order further to explain my said Invention I annex the accom-
panying Sheet of Drawings, wherein many modifications of the foregoing
principles are shown. Inasmuch as in all examples pressure either
vertical or horizontal is the medium of action, it will be evident that the
examples of apparatus may be made available in more than one instance
of cach particular operation, thus, for example, in watercloset appliance,
the vertical method which is applicable to the shocblack machine is
also applicable to the seat of the closet, and yet the horizontal plan is
applicable to both. So also throughout the numerous appliances of the
Invention, whether for measuring (if by weight) or by registering, if
by number, the amount of sacks, bales, or cases landed or hoisted on
to a receiving platform, the system is equal to the work of recording.
Even in beer engines whether the measures are determinable in pinis,
quarts, gallons, or barrels, or even in glass measure, and so on up to
barrels, the system is the same, it merely depends upon the exact con-
struction of the index wheels and pointers. The examples given are
merely intended to shew how the Invention may be applied to various
purposes because it is not necessary to shew all these applications by
Drawings. The measures of capacity of liquids may also be indicated
by the indices and controlled by the toothed wheels contained in the
indicating apparatus. The example shewn of the boot cleaning machine
is also applicable to coal and corn measure or other goods from 1 cwt.
up to 400 tons or more, by registering the number of sacks, bales, or
casks when delivered on a stage or platform.
Figs. 1 and 2 represent circular dial plates with indexes, the first for
indicating distance (or the equivalent value) travelled by vehicles, the
second indicating the number of times a weighing chair is used. In
Fig. 1, a is the roller on the vertical stem b, which is actuated by the
cam c on the axle shaft d; but the dial may be placed horizontally in
the vehicle and worked by a cam motion. In Fig. 2 the lever d pressed
at the point d' actuates the indicator.

page_text: Fig. 3 shews the vertical section of the depressing action apparatus.
The slotted plunger a actuates the spring pall turning the ratchet
wheel c, which in turn acts on the wheel d by means of the projecting
stem or pine once in each revolution. The various springs and palls
are shewn and will be easily understood.
Fig. 4 shews another system of depressor, a being a fulcrum rod set
on the screw or pin b, this presses on the primary wheel c by means of
a spring. This action gives a shorter length of leverage and con-
sequently decreases the extent of pressure.
Fig. 5 shews a transverse section of a boot cleaning machine with the
lid a opened and turned downwards; is the heel plate on which the
boot rests; c, the head of the stem d, which is pressed down till it
mects the actuating rod e of the indicator f.
Figs. Gand 7 shew respectively a plan and section of an indicating
apparatus wherein the pressing stem a acts from a fulcrum b in order to
effect the motion of the indicator in a horizontal position by a vertical
pressure on the stem a. It will be observed that the curvilinear or
angular pressing tooth c acting on the primary ratchet e) is jointed to
the bar, and carries beneath it a flat spring which enables it to rise or
escape from the ratchet teeth after each motion.
Fig. 8 shews (by the hinged lid a) a seat of a chair or other scat
which when used presses on the projection b and actuates the indicator c;
this is the horizontal pressure.
Fig. 9 shows a seat a hinged at the back and pressing vertically on a
stem of the indicator c. The apparatus placed under an omnibus step
set on hinges will indicate the number of passengers carried during the
day or other period.
Fig. 10 shows an example of a beer engine indicator with a depressing
action. a is the handle of the engine while in the receding position,
thus shewing the spring pall b pressing on the upper series of teeth c of
the double sextant c', leaving the upper rack free to recede, but when
the handle is thrown back the spring pall escapes over the point c and
falls onto c. The sextants are not in the same plane, the lower one
being thicker in substance or otherwise projecting in order to suit the

page_text: falling motion of the pall. Both the sextants are fixed to the beer
handle lever, it therefore results that the handle of the engine must be
drawn completely forward or thrown back at each stroke, the handle
cannot possibly be moved partially backwards or forwards on account
of the duplex rack action. Consequently the indicator can only register
every separate withdrawal of quantity or value, which must inevitably
be constant. The pall bis hinged to the rocking curved lever 'set on
the hinge c of the stem c¹ when the pall b is on the lower rack and just
at the moment of the full pull of the engine a stop at or near d tilts up
the lever b', and jerks it gently over the tooth e when it becomes scated
ready for the return action.
Fig. 11 shews the depressing action indicator with stem as in Fig. 10
moved by the cam g fixed to the sextant action of the handle, and is
the stem on the lever ' on which the cam operates. Just below and in
front of the point of contact an angular slope is made on the cam;
this serves to clevate and depress the lever at or near each half stroke
of the engine.
Fig. 12 is another example of the movement of Fig. 11, but in this
case the elevating indicator is used; it is actuated by the lever by
means of the contact of the cam g with the stem h. In this casc also
the rise or descent as the case may be either in drawing or releasing the
engine is shown on the cam as in Fig. 10. The step of the weighing
machine actuates the indicator by the lever in those machines where the
step is hinged to the apparatus.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, I would remark in
conclusion that I do not limit myself to the precise details or configura-
tion of parts which I have expressed and shewn, as it must be obvious
that many modifications and variations of apparatus may be devised on
the principle of my Invention in order to suit the respective require-
ments of each particular case; so also in the indicating dials and their
gear every description of scale may be denoted whether of number,
value, weight, or capacity; but what I claim and desire to be secured
to me by the herein in part recited Letters Patent is, the improved
apparatus for registering and indicating figures and numbers denoting
capacity, quantity, distance, weight, or mere numbers applicable to seats.

page_text: of chairs, boot cleaning machines, weighing machines, omnibus steps,
distance indicators in vehicles, to denote quantity and value in regard to
beer engines, to register number in regard to sacks, bales, casks, or other
packages of goods in course of storage, and to various other similar
useful purposes, substantially as herein specified and shewn.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Bailey, have hereunto set
my hand and scal, this Twenty-ninth day of September, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy.
JOS. BAILEY. (L.S.)