Apparatus for Marking or Registering the Scores Made in Playing the Game of Billiards and other analogous Games.
Year: 1895

page_text: Apparatus for Marking or Registering the Scores Made in Playing
the Game of Billiards and other analogous Games.
I, JOHN HOPE, of 14 Water Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has reference to apparatus for marking or registering scores made
in playing the game of billiards and other analogous games; and more particularly
to that type of such apparatus, in which rotating pointers or fingers (or dials) as
the score indicating devices, are employed, and a "mechanical" mechanism is
used in connection with same, by which the indicating devices are locked and
unlocked, as and when desired, and the number of games, or of revolutions, or
other degree of actuation, of the instrument, is recorded automatically through an
integrating counter.
According to this invention, say in the case of a billiard marker having two
pointers, each of which revolves about an axis over a dial, suitably numbered,
I employ a mechanism by which the pointers are, prior to the use of the apparatus,
set to have a certain amount of movement, or given a certain amount of freedom
of motion, as one, two, three, or more revolutions according to the number of
games, or parts of games, required to be played or scored, while the apparatus
itself, in the act of scoring by actuating the pointers, or one of them, will, upon the
limit of movement for which the apparatus has been set being reached by one of
the pointers, becomes stopped or locked. In accomplishing this, these mechanisms
are, in action, first, in the setting action, moved in one direction, and then are
automatically worked back to their original positions by the movement of the
instrument in marking or scoring.
Further, in apparatus of this kind, where both indicating devices have mechanism
in connection with them, I provide a locking device by which both the mechanisms
connected with the two pointers may be unlocked when the pointer is in the zero
position, or under equivalent condition; but which cannot be moved or unlocked
after the apparatus has been set or freed, until both pointers have been brought
round to the zero or equivalent position, and the full score completed.
The integrator is connected with the setting mechanism above referred to, and is.
worked once, or moved one unit, for each revolution, or other division of such
setting mechanisms. This setting mechanism, in one case, is adapted to be operated
to and fro, and in each of such two movements, that is, an outward and backward
one, the integrator is moved one unit.
In one form of apparatus, wherein all the improvements under this invention
are employed in combination, the instrument has two pointers, each of which
revolves about an axis, and two annular score scales (say 0 to 50); and in
connection with both of the revolving pointers, a reciprocating pawl and ratchet
mechanism, or equivalent device, is employed, which is operated by the setting
actuating means by cams acting thereon, or other suitable device, the said pawls
on each mechanism being caused each setting action, or actuation of the setting
device, to move the pointer freeing, mechanisms a certain amount.
nection with the pointers there is a tapper or other suitable device, which works
And in con-

page_text: the pawl driven mechanism back to its original position; and it is governed by a
stop or the like, which is first moved 'away by the setting mechanism, so freeing the
pointer when moved one way, and then locking it, by its own action, when moved
the other way.
A simple and convenient construction of this pointer freeing or setting and
locking mechanism may consist of duplex ratchet wheels, the teeth of which are
oppositely disposed, one being worked by the setting or freeing pawls, and the
other in the opposite direction, by the tappet or pawl moved by the pointers.
The setting or freeing mechanism is unlocked by a key acting upon a locking
device; and when this mechanism is actuated by the means above described, bars
or like devices are operated by springs and levers, arranged in such a manner,
that upon the releasing of the key after the setting action has been made, and the
machine been set to allow of one, or a plurality of revolutions of the pointers to
be made, the locking device cannot be moved; and then, when the pointers are
moved, and the setting or freeing device is worked back to the zero, or other
analogous position, the springs and levers connected with the locking bars, are
actuated by the setting mechanisms, and bring the parts back to their normal or
original positions. This is effected by pins or tappets thereon, which engage
with said levers, and first lift them, and so move back the said bars to the position
in which the locking device can be actuated by the key; that is, the key actuated
device is released and resumes its position. These spring retained levers at their
ends may also serve to make the stop to the movement of the finger, by providing
on discs moved by the fingers, a stop or pin which comes against them; thus
they serve the double purpose of being a mechanism by which the said key
controlling bars are operated and controlled through the setting mechanism or part
thereof, and also as a means of holding the finger when the limit of revolutions
for which the instrument is set has been reached, it being moved and thrown into
and out of engagement or position with one or the other as and when required.
Gongs are used in connection with this instrument, and they are adapted to be
sounded only when the number of revolutions of the pointer for which the
instrument has been set or freed has been reached. In one case, this is accom-
plished by the employment of a cam cn each pointer shaft, which moves back the
gong hammer (which is on a lever and is actuated by a spring); and when moved
to a certain point is engaged by a catch, which is only released from the hammer
when the setting mechanism has been moved back by the pointer actuating
mechanism, and the pointer moved the whole amount of freedom given it when
setting the machine; and when this point is reached and the hammer is freed, the
gong is sounded.
As regards the pointer and its shaft, this may be actuated from front by a
suitable nut or milled head, or the like, and the pointer may be disposed between a
glass face and the numeral dial; while behind this is a disc having upon its edge
teeth in connection with which a pawl works to prevent it being turned back, and
having on it a stop, or pin, which is used in connection with the stop lever above
described for stopping and holding the pointer when the amount of movement for
which it was set or freed has been reached. It also carries the bell cam, and
return tappet or pawl of the setting mechanism above described.
The counter may be suitably worked by a spring retained lever, carried by one
of the setting mechanism sliding bars.
On the front of the machine there will be on the dials, a pointer actuating
device; windows through the which the counter figures can be read; a handle
or the like, by which the machine may be set or freed; and a keyhole through
which the unlocking key is inserted.
Regarding the particular combination of parts herein more particularly described,
and to the constructions of mechanisms specified, it is to be stated, that the
improvement or improvements in or connected with these may, under this invention,
be used one or more of them in billiard and like scoring apparatus which, as
regards general characteristics or mode of action, may differ materially from that

page_text: more specifically set forth, and the mechanisms specified may be modified as to
form and construction without departing from the invention.
Dated this 15th day of May 1895.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
15 Water Street, Liverpool, Applicant's Patent Agents.
Apparatus for Marking or Registering the Scores Made in Flaying
the Game of Billiards and other analogous Games.
I, JOHN HOPE, of 14 Water Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster,
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 has reference to apparatus for marking or registering scores
made in playing the game of billiards and other analogous games; and more
particularly to that type of such apparatus, in which rotating pointers or fingers
(or dials) as the score indicating devices, are employed, and a "mechanical
mechanism is used in connection with same, by which the indicating devices are
locked and unlocked, as and when desired, and the number of games, or of
revolutions, or other degree of actuation, of the instrument, is recorded automatically
through an integrating counter.
According to this invention, say in the case of a billiard marker having two
pointers, each of which revolves about an axis over a dial, suitably numbered,
1 employ a mechanism by which the pointers are, prior to the use of the apparatus,
set to have a certain amount of movement, or given a certain amount of freedom of
motion, as one, two, three, or more revolutions according to the number of games,
or parts of games, required to be played or scored, while the apparatus itself, in
the act of scoring by actuating the pointers, or one of them, will, upon the limit of
movement for which the apparatus has been set being reached by one of the
pointers, becomes stopped or locked. In accomplishing this, these mechanisms are,
in action, first, in the setting action, moved in one direction, and then are
automatically worked back to their original positions by the movement of the
instrument in marking or scoring.
Further, in apparatus of this kind, where both indicating devices have mechanism
in connection with them, I provide a locking device by which both the mechanism
connected with the two pointers may be unlocked when the pointer is in the zero
position, or under equivalent condition; but which cannot be moved or unlocked
after the apparatus has been set or freed, until both pointers have been brought
round to the zero or equivalent position, and the full score completed.
The integrator is connected with the setting mechanism above referred to, and
is worked once, or moved one unit, for each revolution, or other division of such
setting mechanisms. This setting mechanism, in one case, is adapted to be operated
to and fro, and in cach of such two movements, that is, an outward and backward
one, the integrator is moved one unit.
In one form of apparatus, wherein all the improvements under this invention are
employed in combination, the instrument has two pointers, each of which revolves
about an axis, and two annular score scales (say 0 to 50); and in connection with
both of the revolving pointers, a reciprocating pawl and ratchet mechanism, or
equivalent device, is employed, which is operated by the setting actuating means
by cams acting thereon, or other suitable device, the said pawls on each mechanism
being caused each setting action, or actuation of the setting device, to move the
pointer freeing mechanism a certain amount. And in connection with the pointers

page_text: there is a tappet or other suitable device, which works the pawl driven mechanism
back to its original position; and it is governed by a stop or the like, which is first
moved away by the setting mechanism, so freeing the pointer when moved one way,
and then locking it, by its own action, when moved the other way.
A simple and convenient construction of this pointer freeing or setting and
locking mechanism may consist of duplex ratchet wheels, the teeth of which are
oppositely disposed, one being worked by the setting or freeing pawls, and the
other in the opposite direction, by the tappet or pawl moved by the pointers.
The setting or freeing mechanism is unlocked by a key acting upon a locking
device; and when this mechanism is actuated by the means- above described, bars
or like devices are operated by springs and levers, arranged in such a manner, that
upon the releasing of the key after the setting action has been made, and the
machine being set to allow of ene, or a plurality of revolutions of the pointer to
be made, the locking device cannot be moved; and then, when the pointers are
moved, and the setting or freeing device is worked back to the zero, or other
analogous position, the springs and levers connected with the locking bars, are
actuated by the setting mechanism, and bring the parts back to their normal or
original positions. This is effected by pins or tappets thereon, which engage with
said levers, and first lift them, and so move back the said bars to the position in
which the locking device can be actuated by the key; that is, the key actuated
device is released and resumes its position. These spring retained levers at their
ends may also serve to make the stop to the movement of the finger, by providing
on discs moved by the fingers, a stop or pin which comes against them; thus they
serve the double purpose of being a mechanism by which the said key controlling
bars are operated and controlled through the setting mechanism or part thereof,
and also as a means of holding the finger when the limit of revolutions for which
the instrument is set has been reached, it being moved and thrown into and out of
engagement or position with one or the other as and when required.
Gongs are used in connection with this instrument, and they are adapted to be
sounded only when the number of revolutions of the pointer for which the
instrument has been set or freed has been reached. In
one case, this is
accomplished by the employment of a cam on each pointer shaft, which moves
back the gong hammer (which is on a lever and is actuated by a spring); and
when moved to a certain point is engaged by a catch, which is only released from
the hammer when the setting mechanism has been moved back by the pointer
actuating mechanism, and the pointer moved the whole amount of freedom given it
when setting the machine; and when this point is reached and the hammer is freed,
the gong is sounded.
As regards the pointer and its shaft, this may be actuated from the front by a
suitable nut or milled head, or the like, and the pointer may be disposed between a
glass face and the numeral dial; while behind this is a disc having upon its edge
teeth in connection with which a pawl works to prevent it being turned back, and
having on it a stop, or pin, which is used in connection with the stop lever above
described for stopping and holding the pointer when the amount of movement for
which it was set or freed has been reached. It also carries the bell cam, and
return tappet or pawl of the setting mechanism above described.
The counter may be suitably worked by a spring retained lever, carried by one
of the setting mechanism sliding bars.
On the front of the machine there will be on the dials, a pointer actuating
device; windows through which the counter figures can be read; a handle or the
like, by which the machine may be set or freed; and a keyhole through which the
unlocking key is inserted.
Regarding the particular combination of parts herein more particularly described,
and to the constructions of mechanisms specified, it is to be stated, that the
improvement or improvements in or connected with these may, under this invention,
be used one or more of them, in billiard and like scoring apparatus which, as regards
general characteristics or mode of action, may differ materially from that more

page_text: specifically set forth, and the mechanisms specified may be modified as to form and
construction without departing from the invention.
In the drawings illustrating this invention,
Figure 1 is an elevation shewing the face of the machine with the pointers,.
numerals of the integrator, and the hand operated parts:
Figure 2, and Figure 2 which is a continuation of Figure 2 on a separate sheet,
shew the reverse side of this front board and the internal mechanism of the
machine.
.
Figure 2B shows a detail of the "setting" mechanism.
Figures 3 and 4 are front elevations shewing two modified pointing mechanisms.
Referring in the first instance to Figures 1, 2, and 2, a designates generally the.
face board of the machine to which all the parts of the mechanism and the dial are
connected, and on the front of this board are fitted the dials with numerals up:
to 50 thereon, over which a glass face held in a suitable frame c at the edge is.
provided in the ordinary way; and between this glass face and the dials b, the
pointers d are placed and work, such pointers being mounted on the spindle e-
(shewn in Figures 2 and 2*), and on the outer ends of which the hand operating
milled heads or knobs e² are fixed. is a plate fastened to the board a and having
apertures in it in the form of tubular projections on the back side, which project
through the board a; and behind these at the back of the board, a glass plate f2
is provided, through which the numerals on the discs of the integrator are visible
as shewn in Figure 1. This construction, as will be seen, prevents the integrator
from being tampered with from outside.
The parts by which the apparatus is unlocked or freed and set, consist of a
keyway g in the board a through which a freeing or unlocking key (see Figure 2)
is introduced, and the handle i, which is mounted in this board and adapted to be
revolved, and by which, for each half revolution the mechanism is set or freed to
permit of one revolution of the pointers being made; that is, to admit of one score
or game of 50 being played; after which, the apparatus automatically becomes
.locked, and has to be re-freed and re-actuated by the key h and handle i to admit
of further play.
.
Regarding the setting mechanism, this is mainly all mounted on a plate X fixed
on the inner surface of the board a. The primary parts moved by this handle i of
the setting mechanism consist of bars j; and the parts of said bars which are
directly acted upon through the handle i are the horn ends 2, the edges of which
are acted upon by the double cam i', which is connected to the spindle 2 of the
handle on the inner side of the board a. The bars are normally locked in the
position shewn by a locking lever k, the head k¹ of which extended upwards and
downwards. The upper part of this head is in the form of a notched plate, in the
notch of which projections 3, on the barsj normally lie, i.e. at all times, except
when the apparatus is being freed and set. The lower part of the head of the
lever is carried down to the lower part of the mechanism in the form of a
vertically pendant part k², on which is provided a projecting ledge ³, in connection
with which the key acts when freeing the mechanism. This whole lever
arrangement is mounted on a pivot k', and is normally kept up in the locking
position shewn in Figure 2 by a spring connecting it with a fixed point; this
point, in the case shewn, being the extended end of the spindle of the actuating
handle. The action of this part is, that when the key his inserted and turned,
its wards press on the projection of the freeing and locking lever k, and presses
Euch lever down, drawing thereby the upper part of the notched plate k' thereof
away from, and below the level of the projections j³ of the bars; which normally
are engaged by it. By this movement, the notches or projections being free, the
bars are free to be moved longitudinally; and this is done by revolving the
handle; that is, these bars are moved by the cam i, acting upon their ends³,
being rotated by the handle i. By one half of a revolution of this handle and cam,
the bars will receive both an outward and an inward return movement, the return
action being effected by the spring fastened to the two bars, and keeping a
:

page_text: constant tension thereon with a tendency to draw them together. The effect of
this complete operation is, that the setting and freeing mechanism connected with
the pointers hereafter described, receives one complete actuation so as to admit of
one and only one revolution of the pointers being made; or in other words, of one
game being played. In the setting of this machine, so long as the key h is kept by
the hand depressing the lever k, the handle i and cam are free to be revolved the
full number of times for which the apparatus is designed to be used (in the present
case the apparatus is designed to enable 10 revolutions of the pointers to be made),
but if after one or more half revolutions of the cam the key is released by the
hand (upon which it is instantly pressed upward by the spring k³), then the handle i
and setting mechanism cannot be further actuated until both the pointers d have
been revolved a number of times, equal to the number of half revolutions the
handle has been given? This inhibition is provided by a secondary locking
mechanism, which locks the locking lever k in its normal-i.e. upward-position,
after the handle i has been once moved a half revolution, and the key released.
The secondary locking mechanism consists of two bars l, one on either side of the
lower part 2 of the locking lever, and a projecting part on the lever k adapted
to work in connection with these bars. The ends of the bars overlap each other,
and the part of the locking lever works behind them; and these overlapping
ends are each provided with a notch, which coincide with each other and take
the position shewn when the mechanism is standing at zero, that is when all the
revolutions of the pointers, for which the apparatus had been set or freed to be
effected, have been made by the pointers. At any other time, so long as a
revolution of one or other, or both, of the pointers is incomplete or unfinished, then,
by the means and mechanism hereafter described connected with the pointers-and
in part actuated thereby, the bars or either of them are or is caused to be moved
longitudinally to the left hand whenever, and directly after, the projection A is
moved out of the notches 2 on the removal of the key h from off the projection k³,
and the handle i revolved. That is, the mechanism having been set by the
movement of this handle, by this longitudinal displacement of these bars 1, the
notches are moved from the position shewn, in which they are in a direct line
under the projection, to a position in which the upper edges of such bars or
either of them, will lie in a line beneath this projection ; and therefore, under
this condition, should the lever k be depressed by again turning the key h, tending
to pull it downwards, the projection will come in contact with and be stopped
by the upper edges of the bars or either of them, and prevent the notched plate k¹
from being withdrawn so as to free the projections k³, and preventing in consequence
the handle being turned. The handle i is always turned in the same direction, the
reverse action being prevented by a ratchet wheel fixed on the shaft, and a
pawl which engages with the teeth of this wheel, and prevents back action.
Referring now to the pointer and setting mechanisms, in connection with the
bars there are pawls m: while in connection with the pointer shafts e, there are,
pawls n; and these pawls work in connection with the two ratchet wheels o o',
respectively, which are fastened together and mounted loosely on the shafts o².
Then again, in connection with these ratchet wheels, and the pointer spindles, there
is a stopping mechanism consisting of a pin o³ on the inside of the ratchet wheel o',
an arm p with a catch on the upper and lower edges of its end, and a pin e* on the
disc which is fixed on the shaft e: these two pins and the arm p work in
connection with one another, and with the wheels o o' and ' and constitute a form
of stopping motion or mechanism. The action of this mechanism is-when the
handle is revolved and the bars j thereby moved, the pawls m engage with one
of the teeth of the wheels ol, and each stroke or half revolution of the handle i
revolves these wheels (and with them the wheels o, (o and o¹ being fixed together)
a distance equal to the pitch of their teeth; the effect of this being, that the pin o³
(which, under the condition in which the apparatus is in the zero position, is
supporting and keeping up the locking arm p) is moved away from the under side
of the arm p, and thus leaves it free to drop or be pulled down, and unlock the disc

page_text: or wheel by the removal of its upper catch from the pin e. But this arm p
cannot fall and free the wheel o, until the key is released and allows the lever k
to rise, as it is still held up by the bars : and thus the pointers cannot be moved
until the key is let go and then when let go the handle i cannot be further
moved until the revolutions of the pointers for which the apparatus has been set
has been "played off" and completed. This holding up of the arms p by the bars
is effected by connecting them with the arms p. This is made by extending the
arm p into the form of a bell crank lever viz., by providing it with an arm p¹ and
carrying its lower end round and engaging it with a notch in the bottom of the
bars. However, as soon as the projection of the locking arm k is lifted out
of the notches of the bars by the removal of pressure of the key from the
projection, the bars are freed, the catches on the arms p are withdrawn from
the pin e, and the pointers are free to be revolved. The actual pulling down of
the arms
out of engagement with the pins e and longitudinal movement of the
bars to the left is produced by the springs p² whose normal tension is in that
direction. Thus when the pins o³ are so moved by the pawls m from under the
arms p, upon the key being removed from the projection of the lever k, the
marking pointers are free to be turned one or more revolutions accordingly as
the handle i has been revolved one or more half revolutious, and the pins of moved
one or more tooth's distance away from the arms p. The disc e carrying the pin e
is also provided with 50 teeth at its edge, and constitutes a ratchet wheel, in
connection with which the spring retained pawl e works. These teeth and the
pawl serve as a holding device to the pointers, and prevent them being turned in a
backward direction.
When a pointer is revolved in the act of scoring, near the end of each
revolution, the pawl n on its shaft e will have engaged with one of the teeth of the
wheel o, and moved it back the distance equal to one tooth's pitch; and so in each
revolution of the pointer and pawl n, the wheels o o¹ will be turned back a distance
equal to one tooth's pitch; and as the last revolution of the pointer of the set or
number of revolutions for which the apparatus has been set, is performed, the
pawl n, in moving the wheels o o', will cause the pin o³ to strike the underside of
the arm p and lift it up into a position in which the catch on the upper edge of p
will lie in the path of the pin et. Thus at the end of this last revolution the pin
comes in contact with the catch, and the pointers cannot be moved further, and
the pointer actuating mechanism is locked. This action takes place in connection
with the mechanisms connected with each of the pointers; and until both pointers
have been moved back to the zero position, the apparatus cannot be unlocked or
its setting mechanism actuated.
a
A means of limiting the number of half revolutions of the handle i, and
actuations of the setting mechanism, is provided; and it consists of a pawl q with
spring g' in its back, in contact with which a pin r on the back side of the
wheel of comes at the end of the said number of revolutions and actuations, and
presses the pawl into a notch, at j³, in the bar j; so that when this engagement
takes place, the barsj cannot be further moved.
A sounding device is used in connection with the apparatus, which indicates
when the end of the last revolution of a set of revolutions for which the apparatus
has been set to work, has been reached. In the case of the apparatus being set
for only one revolution, the sounding apparatus is sounded at the end of such
revolution. This device consists of a bell's connected with the mechanism at each
end of the apparatus; a hammer lever t-fulcrummed at t'-with a hammer at its
end; a cam u on the pointer spindle e; an arm v, mounted loosely on the same
spindle as the bell crank lever p p¹; and a detent w on the hammer lever t. In
the operation of this sounding mechanism, assuming the mechanism to have been
set to allow of two or more revolutions of pointers d being made, then, in the first
revolution of the pointer, the hammer levert will be pressed back by the cam u
acting upon the end of the horn t on such lever; and at the end of this backward
movement, a catch or projection on the inside of the arm v (which normally

page_text: rests on the upper edge of the detent horn w) falls into the notch in the end of
said horn, and so holds and catches the lever t in its outward position; and,
therefore, when the point of the cam u leaves the horn t' in its revolution, the
bell hammer cannot fall or be pulled by its spring 3 onto the bell, but is prevented
from so doing by the engagement of the catch with the horn w. This condition
of things exists until the end of the last revolution of the set for which the
apparatus was set has been reached, when a pin v² on the outside of the outer
wheel o comes in contact with the bent down end of the arm v, and lifts the
catch out of the notched horn w, thus freeing the lever t; and hence; when.
the cam tip leaves the horn t2, (which takes place exactly as the pointer is moved
up to the numeral 50; the spring pulls the lever t onto the bell, and sounds it.
Thus when the bell connected with each pointer is sounded, it is made known by
oral communication that the end of the set of revolutions of the pointers for which
the apparatus was set has been reached, and that the apparatus cannot be further
moved or used until it is again unlocked by the key and actuated by the
handle i.
The integrating mechanism which is generally designated x, may be of any
suitable known kind with numeral discs, the numerals on which pass in front of
the apertures f¹, through which they are seen. Its actuation is effected by a bell
crank pawl lever y, which engages with a ratchet wheel connected with the unit
disc of the integrator in the ordinary way, and moves it one unit distance for
each action. The lever y is carried on an arm fixed on one of the bars j, and so
move to and fro with it at each half revolution of the handle i, and movement of
the levers j.
The devices shewn in Figures 3 and 4 are modifications of pointers especially
adapted to or for marking different kinds of games. For instance, the pointer
shewn in Figure 3 is designed for use for playing games in which the score has
occasionally to be reduced or marked off, or in which "lives" are lost. This
consists of a main pointer d and a supplementary pointer d; the pointer dis
rigidly fixed upon the spindle e, while the pointer d' which comes in front of d,
and is connected directly to the actuating knob e² is free to revolve on
the spindle e; and upon the inner part of this knob a pin d² is provided which
projects into the plane in which the pointer d moves. Thus, in action, when the
knob eis revolved in the normal direction, the pin d² on it will press or bear on
the edge of the pointer d, and move such pointer with it; but when a score is to
be reduced or subtracted, then the pointer d¹ can be moved back; leaving d in
its fixed position, and will then indicate the corrected score.
"
The pointer mechanism shewn in Figure 4 is mainly for use in connection with
the game of billiards, and is used as a "break pointer. It is mounted on the
spindle e similarly to the pointer d' in Figure 3, but its connection and operation
in connection with the pointer d is effected through the pawl d³ ou d, and a ratchet
wheel d fixed on or coupled with the knob e² and pointer d. To enable this
pointer to be properly used, the dials are marked with a subordinary set of numerals
in the reverse direction to the main scoring numerals. The action is, that when
a break is made, the pointer is moved back from zero a number of points equal
to the break, and then moved back to zero. The effect is that this number is
added to the score, the main pointer d being moved forward the correct point, and
without any mental calculation.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The improvement described in apparatus for marking the scores made in
playing the game of billiards and other analogous games, consisting of the
combination of a hand actuated mechanism by which the mechanism connected
with the pointers or indicators is set to allow of the apparatus being used
to a limited extent, and a key or equivalent means and mechanism by which

page_text: said hand actuated mechanism is unlocked and locked; for the purposes set
forth.
2. The improvement described in apparatus for marking the scores made in
playing the game of billiards and other analogous games, consisting of the
combination of a hand actuated part or mechanism by which the mechanism
connected with the pointers or indicators is set to allow of the apparatus being
used to a limited extent, a key or the like, and a locking and unlocking lever or
part operated by said key or the like, and adapted to unlock and lock the parts
moved by said hand actuating mechanism or part; operating substantially in
the manner set forth for the purposes specified.
3. The improvement described in apparatus for marking the scores made in
playing the game of billiards and other analogous games, consisting of the
combination of a hand actuated part or mechanism by which the mechanism
connected with the pointers or indicators is set to allow of the apparatus being
used to a limited and varying extent, a setting means or mechanism acted upon by
said hand actuated part or mechanism and also by the pointer indicator
mechanism, and adapted to set the apparatus and allow of its being used to a
greater or less extent when moved by said hand actuated part or mechanism, and be
brought back again to the zero position when acted upon by the pointer
mechanism in scoring; for the purposes set forth.
4. The improvement described in apparatus for marking the scores made in
playing the game of billiards and other analogous games, consisting of the
combination of a hand actuated part or mechanism by which the mechanism
connected with the pointers or indicators is set to allow of the apparatus being
used to a limited and varying extent, a setting means or mechanism acted upon by
said hand actuated part or mechanism and also by the pointer or indicator
mechanism, and a stopping and locking means or mechanism between the part
operated by the pointer means of actuation, and hand actuated setting part, the
said setting part or mechanism and the pointer or indicator mechanism being adapted
to set the apparatus and allow of its use to a greater or less extent when moved
by said hand actuated part or mechanism and to be brought back again to the
zero position when acted upon by the pointer mechanism in scoring, and the said
stopping or locking mechanism being adapted to be brought into action by
and upon the return of said setting mechanism and to lock the part or
mechanisin connected with the pointer; substantially as and for the purposes set
forth.
5. The improvement described in apparatus for marking the scores made in
playing the game of billiards and other analogous games, consisting of the
combination of mechanism operated by a hand actuated part which sets the
apparatus so as to allow of its being used, a key or the like actuated locking and
unlocking part, and a secondary locking device operating in connection with the
aforesaid locking part or device, and adapted to lock the aforesaid locking device
upon the removal or release of the key or the like in the action of the setting of
the apparatus, whereby the said setting mechanism cannot be operated by the
key or unlocking device until the amount of movement of the pointers or
indicators for which the apparatus has been set or has been made for the
purposes set forth.
6. In apparatus of the kind herein described, in which the apparatus is set to
allow of a limited amount of movement of the pointers, the primary and secondary
locking parts or devices by which the action and operation is controlled;
substantially as herein set forth with reference to the drawings, operating as
described.
7. The improvement described in apparatus for marking the scores made in
playing the game of billiards, and other aualogous games, and of the kind in
which the apparatus is set to enable one or more games to be played or
revolutions of the pointer to be made, consisting of a sounding mechanism
connected with the pointer actuated parts and operated thereby, and having a
B

page_text: detent mechanism by which when the sounding device is operated at the first
revolution of the pointer, it is engaged by a detent or catch and held out of
action until the last revolution of such pointer, when the detent is released by
the setting mechanism and a gong or the like sounded; operating substantially as
set forth.
8. In apparatus of the kind herein described the combination of parts connected
with the setting mechanism and its return, and the locking and unlocking thereof,
and the pointers: substantially as set forth with reference to and shewn in the
drawings.
9. In apparatus of the kind herein described, the combination of parts connected
with the hand actuating parts for operating the setting device, the locking parts
connected therewith, and key actuated part; substantially as set forth with
reference to and shewn in the drawings.
10. The constructions and arrangements of the different mechanisms of billiard
and like marking apparatus, particularly as herein set forth with reference to aud
shewn in the drawings.
Dated this 15th day of February 1896.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
15 Water Street, Liverpool, Applicant's Patent Agents..