Toy Race Course.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Aug., 1893-Accepted, 11th Nov., 1893
Toy Race Course.
We, CHARLES CARROLL, Counsellor at Law, and LAFAYETTE DALY
CARROLL, Mechanical Engineer, both of 47 Carondelet Street, in the City of
New Orleans, Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana, United States of America,
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 :-
Our object is to produce a machine which will represent an ordinary horse-race
in miniature. By means of the mechanical devices and appliances of which we
make use, certain running devices, representing horses, or other competing figures,
start simultaneously as if setting out on a race, run or move each with varying
speed around the course, and reach the end successively according to their
respective rates of travel, all stopping at the close in the same line and in position
for the coming race. The race-track may be circular, elliptical, or in any desired
form. In practice, we have found the most satisfactory results when the track is
straight on each side and is curved or circular at each end. The images
representing horses may be made of any suitable material, and each preferably
should have the form and position generally shown as representing a running horse.
Each of these images may be surmounted or otherwise accompanied by the figure
of a jockey, the whole being made to represent actual life as nearly as may be.
There may be any desired number of running devices, the necessary changes and
modifications, incidental to a greater or smaller number than is shown, amounting
merely to multiplying or decreasing the numbers of certain parts and being so
slight as to suggest themselves.
Each image, by means of mechanism described hereinafter, is made to imitate
the running or galloping motion of the animal or object, which it represents, when
running a race, the mechanism effecting this result being concealed from view.
When the machine is in operation, each image is seen supported by a rigid upright
piece on the top of which it rocks or oscillates, the image or horse deriving its
running or galloping motion from a vertically reciprocated rod connected at its
upper end with the horse and at its lower end with suitable actuating mechanism
to be hereinafter described. Suitable carriers support the running devices, and
also carry the actuating mechanism for said running devices, there being one carrier
for each competing object in the race. These carriers travel in suitable channels
or conduits formed parallel with but beneath the surface of the track and they are
moved in said channels by means of endless belts and driving pulleys. The belts
travel and are guided around below the respective conduits by suitably arranged
rollers or pulleys, each belt having an independently movable belt-driver, all driven
from a suitable source of power through the medium of driving connections, which
are constantly under the control of a chance-speed-changing mechanism to be
hereinafter described. The belts are suitably connected with the respective
carriers of the running devices, and operate the respective levers of a compound
switch which controls the individual working connections between the driving
connections and the respective belt-drivers, as will be hereinafter described.
The mechanism should be so arranged that all the runners shall start simul-
taneously; that each belt-driver shall continue its movement until the horse which
it draws reaches the end of the race; that when this occurs the switch controlling
the driving connection for said horse shall be tripped, so as to stop that particular
horse that when the last horse reaches the end of the race, the action of the
entire machine shall cease.
If the machine be moved by electricity, as is preferred, it may be started and
stopped by closing and opening an electric circuit. In this circuit is included au

page_text: electro-magnet and a compound mechanical switch so arranged, that at the
moment of starting, by closing a circuit said switch, which comprises a clutch
controlling lever for each runner, shall be operated as a whole by the electro-
magnet, so that driving connections with all the belt-drivers are simultaneously
established and the runners make a proper start. The levers of the compound
switch are provided with suitable detents, and these detents are engaged by the
respective belts as the corresponding horses finish, and the clutches thereby opened,
to stop said horses.
The changes of speed are effected by cone pulleys. Motion is communicated to
a suitable shaft, which by means of bevelled gearing turns a number of cone
pulleys, the number being the same as the number of runners. Each one of these
pulleys is connected by a belt with another cone pulley, which has its axis parallel
with the first.
"
For convenience, the first set of cone-pulleys will be called "drivers" and the
second set "followers." When the belt, connecting any "driver with its
"follower" is at the large end of the former, it passes around the small end of the
latter, thereby causing it to make more revolutions than the "driver," and when
this belt is at the small end of the "driver" it is upon the larger end of the
"follower" which then makes fewer revolutions than the "driver."
It follows then that although the velocity of the "driver" be constant, yet the
velocity of the "follower" is increased and diminished by shifting the belt back
and forth.
Any mechanism which shifts this belt will make changes in the speed of the
"follower." If this shifting be regular and uniform, the changes of speed will
also be regular and uniform; but if the shifting be irregular and uncertain, then
the variations of speed will likewise be irregular and uncertain.
In order to effect the shifting of the belt a frame is provided which runs on
guides, and as it is moved, carries the belt back and forth. To avoid friction, a
small pulley may be placed at each end of the frame, which pulleys come in contact
with the belt as the frame is moved. The movement of this frame back and forth
is effected by means of a crank and pitman, arranged so that as the crank is
revolved upon its axis, the pitman moves the frame back and forth along its
guides.
Each crank is controlled by a pawl and ratchet connection with a speed changing
lever to be hereinafter referred to.
The changes of speed are regulated by the rolling and movement of balls or
marbles, of which as many may be used as shall be found most satisfactory in
practice. The balls start from a small hopper or receptacle situated at the centre
of a walled tray, which is preferably circular in form and is so shaped that a ball
starting at its centre will roll down towards its outer edge where it is compelled to
roll or fall into one of a number of holes made in the tray just inside the rim
or wall.
These holes terininate in chutes which lead to inclined longitudinal channels or
troughs below the hopper. There should be as many channels as there are running
devices and the holes should be distributed around the entire circumference of the
tray and should be equidistant from each other, so that each may have the same
chance to get its full and fair number and proportion of the balls or marbles which
roll out from the hopper or receptacle at the centre of the tray.
The longitudinal channels, their ends being open, terminate at a cylinder which
has its axis parallel with the plane of the group of channels. In this cylinder are
pockets or depressions of such size that when any one of the halls rolls down one
of the channels and comes in contact with the cylinder, it rolls into and is taken
up by one of the pockets, and forms a cam on the cylinder which is carried over
until in the revolution it engages and raises one of the speed-changing levers, after
which the ball passes on with the cylinder and drops into a collecting receptacle,
having a slanting or inclined bottom so shaped and arranged that all the balls roll
to a given place, at which they fall into buckets attached to an endless belt or

page_text: elevator, which lifts them until they reach a place, the altitude of which is above
the point of distribution in the centre of the hopper mentioned above. When the
balls have been carried to this altitude that is to say to the top of the belt to which
the buckets are attached, they are some distance from this hopper but as the belt
moves, they are dischargel from the buckets over into an incline.l trough or
receptacle, whence they roll through a suitable passage to the hopper first
mentioned above. This hopper is made to revolve by suitable machinery so that
its outlet is presented in a constantly changing radial direction, and the marble
passing into it rolls out to one point or other of the tray according to the position
of the hopper at the moment that it discharges the ball. The hopper, the cylinder
and the elevator belt are constantly revolving, while the machine is in operation,
and consequently the balls are continuously and continually engaged in travelling
from the hopper to the tray, thence through one of the channels to the cylinder,
thence on the surface of the cylinder, until they fall into the box below the cylinder,
thence into the clevator buckets, thence to the passages which return them back to
the hopper, and so on indefinitely.
It will be observed that it is entirely a matter of chance as to the particular
channel in which any ball will fall. If the machine be operated for a long while,
the average number rolling into each channel will be about the same; but if the
operation be continued for only a very short time, there is an utter absence of
regularity and uniformity; some of the channels will receive twice as many balls
as others. The time required for a race being very short, there is a difference
between the number of balls falling into one channel as compared with the number
falling into another chaunel, and there is generally a difference between the number
of balls that fall into any given channel during one race and the number falling
into the same channel during another race.
Since the balls are carried over the cylinder in the same order that they fall into
the channel (the balls from each channel following each other in the same line of
surface of the cylinder) and since there is great disparity from time to time, in the
number of balls falling into the respective channels, it follows that the balls are
If this
carried over by the cylinder in an irregular and uncertain manner.
irregularity in the movement of the balls on the surface of the cylinder be used to
transmit or communicate motion, through the belt-shifting lever to the ratchet
wheel mentioned above, which connects with the belt shifting frame, it is evident
that the movement of that frame becomes equally irregular and uncertain and, as
a result, there is a constant change or variation in the speed of the images
representing horses. The variation depends upon the movement of the marbles
and that movement is wholly uncertain and irregular.
In each
It will thus appear that when the machine is in motion there is no change of
speed until the marble is carried over by a cylinder. When this happens. the
marble raises the lever mentioned and causes the catch to revolve the ratchet-
wheel to the extent of one or two teeth. This revolution, though very slight, is
sufficient to move the speed-changing frame and to cause an acceleration or
diminution of the speed of the belt which carries some one of the horses.
case there is a constant change from a slower to a faster gait or from the latter to
the former; but the number of changes to which each horse is subjected in any
given race, is purely a matter of chance, and the question as to whether or not any
given horse will have its speed accelerated or diminished, or first accelerated
and then diminished, or remain the same during any race, is entirely a matter of
chance.
Each belt, or rather the wheel communicating motion to each belt is thrown in
and out of connection with the general movement by means of a clutch worked by
a magnet, the magnet being so placed that when an electric circuit is closed two
toothed wheels are made to engage each other, and when the circuit is off, the same
wheels are thrown out of gear automatically. Each of the cone-pulleys called
followers," above, has on the end of its shaft a toothed wheel, while a frame

page_text: containing a toothed idler engaging the wheel attached to the follower shaft is
pivotted on said shaft. When the electro-magnet is energized its armature is
drawn and by means of a lever and connecting rod, the end of the frame containing
the idler is revolved slightly about the shaft of the follower until the idler is brought
in contact with and engages a toothed wheel, which communicates motion to the
belt-driving device.
On the other hand, when the electric circuit is broken, then the driving device
for the belt carrying the horse is thrown out of connection and ceases to move
thereby bringing to a stand the horse which it carries. There is one of these
clutches for each horse, all being drawn into working position by the movement of
the armature when the magnet is energized and each clutch being held in such
position by an independent lever, controlled by a detent or locking device. As the
respective belts, carrying the several horses, bring the latter to the end of the
course, cach belt trips a detent or locking device, and thus releasing the respective
levers, which hold the several clutches in working position, and stopping the
horses.
In order to fully understand how these results are effected, it is necessary to
examine the movements in detail, and we shall now proceed to describe the device
which gives the galloping or running motion to the images the device which causes
the movement and action of the belt; the devices which effect and regulate the
changing of speed; the device which throws each belt in and out of connection
with the general movement, thereby causing the horse carried by such belt to move
along the track or to stop; and finally, the device by which the action or motion of
the whole machine is started; all of which are represented in the accompanying
drawings, in which :-
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a complete machine, to which our invention relates,
the same being encased as when in use to protect and conceal all the working parts
excepting the running devices upon the course.
Figures 2 and 2 represent respectively a side elevation of the carrier and running
device, and a plan of the carrier.
Figure 3 is a sectional plan illustrating the structure of the course.
Figures 3 and 3B are respectively a bottom plan and a transverse section of that
portion of the course and its conduits at which are located the belt drivers, showing
also the downwardly projecting, automatic couplings for making connection with
the mechanism for driving such belt-drivers.
Figure 4 represents one of the follower-cones together with the intermediate
devices by which it is coupled to the belt-driver which it actuates.
Figures 5, 5 and 5B, are respectively a side elevation, an end elevation, and a
horizontal section of one of the belt drivers.
Figures 6 and 6* represent in side and end elevation one of the groups of guide
rollers or pulleys, which are disposed transversely under the series of carrier
conduits wherever it is desired to deflect the course of the belt.
Figure 7 is a plan of the working parts of the machine below the course or
track, and upon the frame of these working parts the course or track is set, each
belt driver coupling being caused to come into engagement with the corresponding
follower-cone clutch in the manner illustrated in Figure 4.
Figure 8 is a side elevation of the same looking in the direction of arrow 8,
Figures 7, 9 and 10.
Figure 9. is an end elevation looking in the direction of arrow 9, Figures 7 and 8,
some of the parts being shown in section.
Figure 10 is a vertical transverse section in the plaue of the axis of the rotating
distributing hopper of the chance mechanism.
Figure 1 is an end elevation looking in the direction opposite to that of the
view in Figure 9, that is to say, in the direction of the arrow 11, in Figures 7
and 8.
Figure 12 is a detached view of that portion of the apparatus which permits the

page_text: closing of the initial or actuating electric circuit, by dropping a coin upon a lever
which removes a detent and permits the escape of a counterbalance, which normally
holds open a switch controlling said circuit.
Figure 13, represents, in a view at right angles to Figure 12, the same coin-
controlled circuit closer, together with the operating motor, an electro magnet,
which through the medium of a compound mechanical switch operates the clutches
for throwing the belt-drivers into gear and at the same time closes another circuit
which keeps the motor energized until the race is completed, as will hereinafter
appear.
Figure 13 is a detail view of the circuit closer.
Figures 14, 15 and 154 represent in plan and sectional elevation the compound
mechanical switch and its relation with the electro-magnet which actuates it and
the follower-cone clutches which it operates, and the endless belts which trip it.
The general appearance of the apparatus in use will be understood from
Figures 1 and 3, the former representing a casing 1, a horizontal course or track 2, .
the shape of which may be understood upon reference to Figure 3, a number of
running devices 3, mounted on the course, a glass case 4, over the course and a
coin-slot 5 which may be employed for the admission of a coin to set the machine
in operation. 6 represents a starting post.
The general form of the track is as shown in Figure 3 and the running devices
pass around this course as will hereinafter appear.
As will be seen upon reference to Figure 2, the running devices are made to
similate horses in running positions mounted by jockeys. Each of these horses is
supported upon a carrier 7 through the medium of a post 8 to which the horse is
pivotted at 9. The horse is connected at a suitable point by pitman 10 with a
crank-pin 10 on wheel 11, which is journalled in the carrier 7, and geared, through
the medium of a pinion 12, idler 13, and cog-wheel 14, with a roughened drive-
wheel 15, which projects beneath the carrier and runs in the conduit so as to be
rotated as the carrier moves along its course. The carrier is made of a heavy
casting rounded on one side, as shown, to adapt it to run in and around curves of a
conduit in which it is concealed from view. The connections with the horse project
upward through a slot in the conduit and support the horse in such a position as to
give it the appearance of running over the surface of the track. The carrier is
drawn by means of a tongue 16 having a downward extension 17 and a link 18,
which makes connection with an endless belt below the conduit in which the
carrier runs, to be hereinafter described.
19 represents an upwardly curved spring which bears against the top of the
conduit and steadies the carrier and at the same time insures a better driving
contact between the wheel 15 and the bottom of the conduit. It will be understood
that as the carrier moves along, an oscillating or galloping motion is imparted to
the horse which, together with the forward movement produces a lifelike
appearance.
Referring to Figure 3, which represents the track or course, it will be observed
that the track is separated into three different planes, to wit:-
:-a surface 20 over
which the horses travel, a series of conduits 21 in which the carriers travel and
which communicate with the surface through slots 22 to permit the passage of the
standards upon which the horses are pivotted and the pitman by which they are
galloped, and the lower spaces 23 beneath the conduits 21 for receiving the series
of endless belts 24, which lower spaces communicate through openings 25 with the
conduits 21 for the passage of the projection 17 and the link 18 by means of which
the carriers are connected to the endless belts for propulsion. In this lower series
of belt passages, are located, at points where it is desirable to deflect the course of
the belt, groups of guide-rollers or guide-pulleys 26 which are arranged transversely
and have their rollers properly spaced to keep the belts in the proper lines.
In this
lower series of belt spaces and grouped upon one side of the course, are a number
of belt-drivers 27, there being one for each belt and all being grouped as closely
together as may be convenient to bring their pairs of driving rolls in the right

page_text: positions for the belts. The relative positions of these belt drivers will be under-
stood upon reference to Figures 3, 34, 3B. In constructing the course, as will be
seen upon reference to Figure 3B, we first employ a suitable base 28, upon which
are arranged a number of longitudinal walls 29 forming between them the lower
belt channels 23. Upon the walls 29 are mounted overhanging slot rails 30 which
form between them the slots 25 for the passage of the parts 17 and 18 of the horse
carrier and at the same time form the bottom of the next series of conduits upon
which the carriers run. Upon the conduit bottoms or rails 30 are mounted a second
series of walls 31 which form between them the conduits 21 herein before referred
to and these walls 31 are surmounted by slot-rails, or conduit tops 32 spaced apart
to form between them slots 22 for the passage of the standards 8 and pitman 10 of
the horses. The belt drivers 27, which employ pairs of opposed rollers between
which the belts are gripped, as will hereinafter appear, are located with the spaces
between their rollers in line with the respective belt passages 23 and they have
downwardly projecting drive-shafts 33 through which motion is imparted from the
driving mechanism below. The course, constructed as described upon the base-
boards 28, is made to be readily detachable from the remainder of the machine,
the only mechanical connection other than ordinary means for holding it in place,
being the drive connections with the belt-drivers. In order to make such connection
with the drive-shafts 33 of the belt-drivers automatic, each shaft is provided with
a coupling-head 34 having laterally projecting horns 35 secured against turning on
said shaft by means of a pin 36 through the shaft and an open-ended slot 37 in the
head, which receives said pin. To receive this coupling-head the driving mechanism
in the lower part of the machine, consists among other parts of a transmitting
wheel 38, provided with two upwardly projecting pins 39, and the axes of the
wheels 38 are in line with the shaft 33 when the upper part of the machine is set
upon the lower part, so that the horns 35 enter between the pins 39 and make
driving connection with the wheels 38. If in placing the track down upon the
driving mechanism, the head 34 rests upon the pins 39, it will yield upwardly, by
reason of the slot 37, but as soon as the pins 39 move from beneath the head, by
the turning of the wheel 38, the head will immediately fall and the horus 35, enter
between the pins 39 and make the desired working connection therewith.
The construction of the belt-driver will be understood upon reference to
Figures 5, 5, 5. It consists of a suitable frame 40, in which are mounted two
pairs of opposed rollers 41, 41, 42, 42", of which the rollers 41", 42", are stationary,
while those numbered 41 and 42, are mounted in swinging frames 43 hinged upon
the vertical drive-shaft 33 at 44.
The frames 43 are controlled in their positions by means of pressure-levers 45
which are fulcrummed in the main frame at 46, have bearing against the swinging
frames at 47 and are controlled at their other ends by pressure regulating screws
at 48. By this means the opposed rollers are forced together and the pressure,
which is thus brought to bear upon the belt to be driven by said rollers, is regulated
at will, the pressure-lever 45 being made sufficiently elastic to allow for irregularities
in the thickness of the belt and to preserve a practically uniform pressure upon the
latter. All the rollers are positively driven from the drive shaft 33, the movable
rollers 41, 42 receiving motion from a pinion 49 fixed upon said shaft 33 through
the medium of the pinions 50 on the shafts 51 which swing in the frames, while
the rollers 41, 42", receive motion from said pinion 49 through the medium of an
idler 52 which intermeshes with pinions 53 on shafts of said rollers 41° 42°, see
dotted lines in Figure 5B, which pinions 53 are similar in size and construction to
the pinions 50. The arrangement is such that the four belt driving rolls are driven
positively at a uniform rate of speed. The frames 43, in which the shafts 51 with
their pinions 50 are mounted being hinged concentrically with the pinion 49 may
be adjusted in position at will, without impairing the driving connection between
the pinion 49 on the drive-shaft and the pinions 0 on said rolls. The drive-shaft 33
extends downward and has mounted upon it the coupling-head 34, hereinbefore
described with reference to the manner in which the belt-drivers are connected

page_text: with their driving-cones. The frame 40 of the belt-driver, has upwardly pro-
jecting end pieces 40°, 40, at each end spaced apart for the passage of the belt
and these pieces are connected on opposite sides of the belt by longitudinal cross-
pieces 40°, at top, also spaced apart for the passage of that portion of the running
device or carrier which projects downward to make connection with the belt.
The manner of constructing the group of guide-rollers 26, shown in position in
Figure 3, will be understood upon reference to Figures 6 and 6^. These groups are
made with a suitable base-plate 54 constructed of suitable size to enable them to be
conveniently attached to the base 28 upon which the course is constructed and from
which project a number of brackets 55 having horizontal arms 56, so disposed that
the rollers are spaced the proper distance apart to correspond with the positions
which it is desired to have the belts maintain, the guide-rollers 26" having upper
and lower bearings in the upper horizontal arm 56 and the base-plate 54. It will
be seen that this form of bracket is also well adapted for leaving unobstructed
spaces at top between the rollers so that the belt-connections may pass freely
without obstruction.
Having thus described the course proper, with the running devices thereon, the
means for imparting a progressive movement to the runners and the connection
between the upper and lower parts of the machine together with the details of
construction incident to the perfect operation of such parts, we shall now proceed
to describe the lower part of the machine which is constructed to transinit the
driving power to the upper part of the machine, to vary the transmission of such
power by a chance apparatus, and to suitably control the stopping and starting of
the machine, by means of an electric circuit, which circuit, preferably, though
not necessarily, receives its initial actuation from a coin dropped on a suitable
device.
As heretofore stated, the driving connection is imparted from the lower to the
upper part of the machine through the medium of a number of transmitting gear
wheels 38, each having a pair of upwardly projecting pins 39 which engage the
horns 35 of the coupling-head 34. As shown in Figure 4, these gear-wheels 38
receive motion from cones 60 which are driven by independently driven endless
belts 61 and transmit motion to the gear-wheels 38 through the medium of
pinions 62. Upon reference to Figure 7 it will be seen that in addition to the
wheels 62 there are employed clutches 63 swinging upon the shafts of wheels 62.
(and. cone-pulleys 60) and carrying idlers 64 which are utilized to connect the
pinion 62 with wheel 38. These clutches are under the positive control of the levers
of a compound switch, to be hereinafter described, which is utilized to throw into
gear the driving connection for all the horses simultaneously as the machinery is
started and to permit each clutch to be thrown out as the horse which it controls
arrives at the stopping place. At present we shall describe the driving connections
of the follower cones 60 and the manner of varying the same by a chance
mechanism, and then indicate the electrical connections and the mechanical switch
which are utilized to start the machine and establish driving connections with the
individual and independently operating connections for running devices in the upper
part of the machine.
The group of follower cones is mounted in suitable bearings at top and bottom
in frames 65 and 66 and so disposed as to bring the clutch and drive wheels 38 in
Each follower-cone 60 is
proper relation beneath the respective belt-drivers.
connected by its belt 61 with a reversely mounted driving cone 67.
The relation of these driving and follower cones will be understood upon reference
to Figures 7, 9 and 10.
By referring to Figure 8, it will be observed that all the driving cones 67.
are likewise mounted in upper and lower frames 68 and 69 and are connected by
The drive-shaft 71 has mounted
bevel gear 70 with a common drive-shaft 71.
upon one end pulley 72 and this pulley 72 is connected by belt 73 with a suitable
From the
source of power 74, which in this case is shown to be an electric motor.
foregoing, it will be observed that power is readily transmitted from the motor 74

page_text: through belt 73, pulley 72, shaft 71, bevel-gear 70, and drive cones 67, to the
follower-cones 60 and from these followers 60 it is imparted, when the clutch 63 is
thrown in, to the individual driving connections in the upper part of the machine.
It will also be observed that the driving and follower concs 67 and 60 are reversed
in position so that when the belt 61 is on the small part of the driving-cone it is
on the large part of the follower and consequently the relative rates of speed of
the two are changed, the follower going more slowly than the driver. On the
other hand, if the belt be upon the large part of the driver and the small part of
the follower, the follower will be driven faster than the driver. It is therefore
possible, by simply shifting the belts to vary the speed of the followers and through
them the rate of travel of the running devices, while the source of power maintains
a constant speed. This shifting of the belts and consequently the change of speed
of the running devices, is made subject to chance, by utilizing rolling balls or
marbles in apparatus which utilizes them to effect a number of independent belt
shifting levers, and at the same time leaves them free to roll and select which lever
they will act upon. The apparatus for utilizing these marbles consists of series
of belt shifting levers and a rotating cylinder having recesses in which the marbles
lodge to form cums which operate upon said levers as will now be described with
reference to Figures 8, 9 and 1.
75 represents a frame provided with upper and lower friction rollers 76, between
which the belt 61 travels, and this frame is mounted to slide vertically upon an
upright 77 and is controlled by crank 78 having connection with said frame through
the medium of a pitman 79.
The pitman is connected to the frame at 80 and adjustably connected to the
crank at 81. The crank is further provided with a counterbalance 82 and upon
its shaft 83 is mounted a ratchet-wheel 84. This ratchet-wheel is engaged by a
pawl 85 pivoted at 86 (see Figures 9 and 10), in a lever 87 which is in turn
fulcrumed at 88 and has a downwardly extending counterbalanced end 89. When
the lever 87 is rocked upon its pivot 88 by raising its lower end in opposition to its
counterbalance 89, the pawl 85 is drawn forward a sufficient distance to rotate the
ratchet-wheel 84 a distance of one or two teeth when it is held by a dog 90
(see Figures 10 and 11). When released, the lever 87 is returned by its counter-
balance 89, to its normal position, while the ratchet-wheel is retained against
retrograde by its dog 90.
Obviously, when the ratchet wheel 84 rotates upon its axis 83, it operates. the
crank 78 which in turn as it revolves, moves the belt shifting frame up and
down. That is to say, when the crank is in the position shown in Figure 9 the
progressive intermittent movement of the ratchet-wheel results in moving the
belt-shifting frame gradually upward, while movement of the ratchet wheel when
the crank is in the position shown in Figure 10, causes the belt shifting frame to
move gradually downward. It would here be noted, that while the belt is shifted
upward, the speed of the follower-cone is gradually increased, but during the
downward movement of the crank, as in Figure 10, the speed of the follower-
cone 60 and consequently the speed of running device, is gradually diminished.
For this reason, while the marbles introduce the element of chance, by being free
to select their course, the doubtful effect is added to by means of the crank,
because the crank may be in such a position as to make it advantageous or
disadvantageous to the running device to have its belt shifted.
The chance mechanism consists of a hopper 91 (see Figure 9) mounted to rotate
upon a shaft 92 and having at one side an escape opening 93. Into this hopper it
is the intention to place or deliver in succession, in any suitable manner, a number
of balls or marbles referred to, which, pass through the opening 93 into a tray 94,
where they may roll around and pass out at any one of a number of vertical
passages 95 which communicate respectively with a corresponding number of
troughs 96, by which the marbles are delivered to one side of a rotating cylinder 97.
The cylinder 97 has formed in its surface in the vertical planes of the troughs 96,
a number of series of pockets 97ª (Figure 8) in which the marbles may lodge when

page_text: delivered to said cylinder and these pockets are such that the balls or marbles
protrude and form upon the surface of said cylinder, cams, which, when carried
over, engage and raise the counterbalance ends 89 of the belt shifting levers 87,
herein before referred to. While the marbles which pass from the hopper 91 may
roll and pass into any of the several openings 95, the chance of the various
openings for receiving a marble and therefore the chance of the various levers 87
and their belt shifting frames being operated upon, is rendered more nearly equal
by the rotation of the hopper 91 so as to present its outlet 93 in a constantly
changing radial direction. This also adds a slight circumferential tendency to the
movement of the rolling marble.
In order to rotate the hopper 91 constantly, its shaft 92 is provided with a fast
pulley 98 around which passes a belt 99 which is guided by idlers 100, and receives
motions from the cylinder 97.
After the marbles have performed their function, they are dropped from the
cylinder into a collector 101, from which they are delivered into a sloping
passage 102 (see Figures 9 & 10) whence they pass to a well 103.
From this
well 103 they are gathered up in the buckets of an endless belt elevator 104
which is mounted on drums 104, 112, and by this elevator the marbles are carried
to the upper part of the machine where they are deposited into a receiver 105,
(see Figures 9 and 11).
From the receiver 105 the marbles pass by a trough 106 back to the hopper 91
from whence they started, (see Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10). By this means, circuit of
marbles is kept up constantly & the same marbles are used over and over again.
The manner of driving the endless belt conveyer as well as the revolving
cylinder 97 will be understood upon reference to Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10. A short
shaft 107 carries on its opposite ends, pulleys 108, 109, and intermediate of said
pulleys the gear wheel 110, (see Figure 8). The pulley 108 is connected by a belt 111
with the upper drum 112 upon which the en 'ess belt conveyer is mounted, while
the pulley 109 is connected by belt 113 with the cylinder 97. The shaft thus
connected with the endless belt drum & marble cylinder has motion imparted to its
gear-wheel 110 from a pinion 114 on the shaft 71, through the medium of the
reducing gear 115 having small pinion 116 and idler 117 which meshes with gear
wheel 110 (see Figure 11).
Having thus described the driving connections and the chance mechanism for
controlling the same, attention is now called to the clutch operating-switch which
controls independent connections between the follower-cones and respective belt-
drivers in the upper part of the machine. These connections are grouped as shown
in Figure 7 and from each clutch 63, which is pivoted concentrically with pinion 62
and carries an idler 64 for making connections between pinion 62 and drive-wheel 38,
there runs a connecting-rod 118 to one of the controlling levers of the mechanical
switch.
The construction, arrangement and connections of the switch are best shown in
Figures 14 and 15, where it will be seen the connecting rod 118 passes through an
opening 119 in the controlling lever 120 of the switch and is secured against a
yielding spring 121, on the face of said lever, by means of a transverse pin 122 in
the rod. When the lever rocks upon its pivot 123, the rod 118 is drawn and the
clutch 63, to which said rod is connected at 124, is thrown in as heretofore stated.
The spring 121 is fulcrumed on the lever 120 at 125 and has it other end adjustably
secured to the lever at 126 in order that the tension of the rod 118 be varied at
will. It will be understood that there is one of the levers for every horse and this
yielding connection is important because as the levers are all moved by a single
pivoted frame 127, if the adjustment of some of the rods is not accurate the yielding
of the spring on one lever may be required to permit a sufficient movement of
another lever. The series of levers 120 are provided with counterbalanced exten-
sions 128 beneath which the pivoted frame 127 engaged for rocking them on their
pivots 123 to throw the clutches into engagement, and said levers are returned to
their normal positions by their counterbalances when released by said pivoted
B

page_text: frame 127 to throw the clutches out of engagement. In order to operate the
pivoted frame 127, it carries on the free end the armature 129 of an electro-
magnet 130, in a circuit closed at will and in order to raise said frame out of
engagement with the levers 120 when the magnet is de-energized it is provided
with a spring 131 secured at 132 to the frame of a switch and engaging at 133
beneath a portion of the frame 127. It will be understood that this action of
the switch levers, for throwing in the clutches, takes place when the machine starts
up and the horses are to be started in the race, the armature being drawn down
when the magnet is energized and being so held until the magnet is de-energized,
which occurs shortly after the race begins, as hereinafter explained. In the
meantime, the detent 135 has taken such a position as to hold the retaining arm 134
and maintain the connection between the pinion 64 and the wheel 38.
For
enabling each individual horse to open its own clutch and stop as it completes the
course without interfering with the rest, each clutch controlling lever 120 is
provided with the retaining arm 134 engaged by the detent 135 pivotted at 136 and
having a counterbalance 137 and an upwardly extending trip 138. When the
levers 120 are rocked upon their pivots 123 by the frame 127, each extension 134
of said levers is engaged by its detent 135 and the clutch is held in engaged position
until the detent is tripped. By referring to Fignres 9 and 13, it will be seen that
the trips 138 project upward beyond the lower frame and into the upper part of
the machine, and it will also be seen that, in Figure 15, these trips 138 project
into the path of a projection 24" on the endless belts 24. These projections 24*
are at such points in the belts, relative to, the point of connection with the running
device, that the trip 138 is engaged and the lever released so that the clutch opens
just as the horse reaches the stopping place.
Passing through the usual fuse 140 and cut-out switch 141 (Figures 12 and 13)
the current enters the machine by wire 142 and passes to a coin controlled
switch 143 which is adapted to automatically close when a detent is withdrawn by
dropping a coin upon a counterbalance lever 144. The current then passes by con-
ductor 145 to electro-magnet 130, thence by wire 146 back to the point of entering.
It will thus be seen that if a coin, which may be introduced through the chute 144ª,
falls upon the lever 144, the switch 143 will be permitted to close and the electro-
magnet 130 will be energized. We have already seen that one effect of energizing
the electro magnet 130 and rocking the frame 127 upon its pivot, is to operate the
levers 120 and simultaneously throw in all the clutches for making connection with
the endless belt drivers. Another result of energizing the magnet and rocking
the switch levers is to operate a lever 147 which is connected by insulated rod 147ª
with the switch arm 148 of a motor switch, which is held normally open by a
spring 149. This motor switch has terminals 150, 151, connected respectively to
one pole 152 of the motor and to the return wire 146 of the initial circuit. The
other pole 153 of the motor is connected by a wire 153 with the supply wire 142
of the initial circuit. It will thus be observed that dropping the coin closes the
initial circuit to energize the magnet, and this magnet in addition to throwing in
all the clutches for establishing driving connection with the respective running
devices closes the circuit through the motor and starts the machine going. The
lever 147 which controls the motor switch, as will be seen upon reference to
Figures 13 and 14, is engaged by all of the retaining arms 134 of the switch levers,
and it is through them that said lever 147 is operated. It therefore follows that
since these arms 134 are held down by detents until trips 138 are engaged by the
horses coming in, the lever 147 will also be held and the motor switch retained
closed until the last horse is in and the last detent withdrawn from its switch lever
and then, and only then, will the motor circuit be opened and the motor stopped.
The parts therefore operate to maintain the race after it is once started by the coin
and the initial circuit may be opened and the electro-magnet de-energized, so that
the lever frame 127 is returned to normal position by its spring 131 and the
levers 120 left free to return to their normal positions to throw out their respective
clutches, whenever the horses which they control shall arrive at the stopping point.

page_text: In order to ensure the operation as above described however, the switch 143 is
made to maintain the initial circuit through the magnet for a certain proportion of
the race and afterwards to break the same. To accomplish these purposes, the coin
controlled switch is constructed as will appear from Figures 10, 12 and 13.
Upon the shaft 154 is mounted a counterbalance cam 155 carrying a pin 156,
which, when the cam is rotated, in the direction of the arrow, Figure 12, engages
beneath the arm 157 of the switch lever 158 and forces said switch lever away from
a contact 159 against which it is held by a spring 160 (see Figure 13). In order
to bring the cam with its pin 156 into the proper position to hold the switch 143
open, a pulley 161 is mounted upon the shaft 154 and connected by a belt 162 with
a much smaller pulley 163 on that shaft (107) which is utilized for receiving motion
through reducing gear from the main drive shaft 71 and transmitting it at a reduced
rate of speed, to the rotating cylinder 97 and elevator drum 112 heretofore referred
to. By this means, a very slow rate of speed is imparted to pulley 161. By
comparing the relative sizes of the driving mechanism and the intervening parts
to which motion is transmitted, it will be found that the pulley 161 will make
between three and five revolutions while the horses pass once around the track.
164 represents a detent which has a shoulder 165 engaging with the pin 165*
when it reaches the position shown in Figure 12 and there stops the rotation of the
wheel 161. The belt 162 may continue to move and slide on the pulley 161, or
the pulley 163 may slide without moving said belt, the belt being made somewhat
loose for this purpose. It will be observed that in the position shown in Figure 12,
the counterbalance 155 is such as to continue the rotation of the pin 156 as soon as
it is released, and it is therefore only necessary to withdraw the detent 164 from
the pin 165 when the pin 156 will immediately pass over and permit the switch
lever 158 to come against the contact 159 and close the circuit through the electro-
magnet. The withdrawal of the detent 164 is accomplished by dropping the coin upon
the lever 144, and to enable this lever 144 to withdraw the detent 164, the lever has
a relatively short arm 166 connected by a cord 167 with said detent 164. Obviously
the leverage is so great in the lever 144 over its projection 166 that a coin dropped
upon the end of the former will ensure the slight movement of the latter necessary
to perform the function described. As stated, the coin is delivered upon said lever
through a chute 144°. The connection which this chute has with the outside of the
casing of the machine, is shown in Figure 12 to be through the medium of an
inclined extension 168 in connection with which may be any suitable form of
selecting device 169 for throwing out anything but a proper coin.
extension 168 terminates in a slot plate 170. It should be added that in order
to permit the counterbalance 155 to fall instantly and withdraw the pin 156 from
beneath the switch lever 157, 158, the cam is mounted loosely on the shaft 154 and
rotating connection with said shaft is established through the medium of a pro-
This construction of the
jection 171 on the cam and radial pin 172 on the shaft.
The
coin controlled switch not only enables the whole machine to be started instantly,
upon dropping a coin in the slot, but it retains the closed circuit until the horses
are well-off from the trips 138, and the detents controlled by said trips have all
taken effect. This same capacity of the coin controlled switch for maintaining the
running of the machine independent of the detents for a certain period, also admits
of producing another effect with the machine, to wit: running a race any desired
number of times around by dropping another coin just before each round is
completed by the first horse.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is :-
-
1. The combination of the independent running devices, the driving mechanism
having independent working connections with the respective running devices and
independent speed changing devices for the respective running devices, substantially
in the manner and for the purpose set forth.

page_text: 2. The combination of the independent running devices, the driving mechanism
having independent working connections with the respective running devices, speed
changing devices controlling the individual working connections and a chance
mechanism for operating said speed changing devices, substantially as and for the
purposes set forth.
3. The combination of the independent running devices, the individual endless
belts engaging the respective running devices, the individual endless belt drivers,
the independent connections for driving said endless belt drivers, the speed changing
devices controlling the said connections independently and the chance device for
setting in operation said speed changing devices, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
4. The combination with a race course having mounted thereon a number of
running devices, independent endless belts driving said running devices and
independent belt drivers for the respective belts, of the controlling clutches
connected with the respective belt drivers, the independent driving connections
for said clutches, the differential gear in said driving connection, the belt shifting
device controlling said differential gear, the starting and setting device, and the
compound switch, all substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
5. The combination with a race course having mounted thereon a number of
running devices, iudependent endless belts driving said running devices and
independent belt drivers for the respective belts, of the controlling clutches
connected with the respective belt drivers, the independent driving connections for
said clutches, the differential gear in said driving connection, the belt shifting device
controlling said differential gear, the chance mechanism controlling said belt shifting
devices, the starting and setting device, and the compound switch, all substantially
as and for the purposes herein set forth.
6. The combination with a race course having mounted thereon independent
endless belts and independent belt drivers for the respective belts, of the inde-
pendent controlling clutches connected with the respective belt drivers, the
independent driving connections for said clutches, the differential gear in said driving
connections, the belt shifting device controlling said differential gear, the starting
and setting device, and the compound switch, all substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
7. The combination with the race course, the independent running devices and
the endless belts for moving said running devices, of the endless belt driver, a suitable
source of power, the independent clutches adapted to connect the respective belt
drivers with the source of power, the compound switch for controlling the said
clutches, and the starting and setting device for operating said switch, substantially
as and for the purposes set forth.
8. The combination with a race course having mounted thereon the independently
movable running devices, of the independent driving connections for the running
devices and the independent detents controlling said driving connections, substan-
tially as and for the purpose set forth.
9. The combination with a race course having mounted thereon the indepen-
dently movable running devices, of the independent driving connections for the
running devices, and the clutches controlling said driving connections, substantially
in the manner and for the purpose set forth.
10. The combination with a race course provided with the running devices, the
independently movable belts having connection with the running devices, inde-
pendent driving connections for the belts and clutches controlling said driving
connections, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
11. The combination of a race-course, the independent driving connections, detents
controlling the respective driving connections, and the starting and setting device
for said driving connections and detents, substantially as herein set forth.
12. The combination of the course, the series of conduits in the course, the
running devices and endless belts running in the respective conduits, the endless
belt drivers, a suitable source of power, independent connections between the source

page_text: of power and the respective belt drivers, and means for varying the said inde-
pendent connections separately, substantially in the manner and for the purposes
set forth.
13. The combination of the running devices, the endless belts for moving said
running devices, the endless belt drivers for moving said endless belts, the pulleys
having working connections with the respective belt drivers, the driving mechanism
adapted to receive power from any suitable source, clutches inserted between the
driving mechanism and the respective pulleys which are connected to the enlless
belt drivers and suitable switches for controlling said clutches, substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
14. In a toy race-course, the combination of the running devices carrying images,
means for moving the running devices independently, a suitable driving mechanism,
independent sets of differential gearing between the driving mechanism and the
respective devices, for moving said running devices, and means for varying the
respective sets of differential gearing independently, substantially as and for
the purposes set forth.
15. The combination of the running devices, the endless belts connected with the
respective running devices, the endless belt-drivers, the motive power having
independent working connections with the respective belt-drivers, the clutches
controlling the respective independent working connections, detents controlling the
clutches, and a projection on each endless belt, engaging the corresponding detent
when it arrives at the location of said detent substantially as and for the purposes
set forth.
16. The combination of the running devices, the independent endless belts
connected with the respective running devices, the endless belt-drivers, the inde-
pendent working connections for the respective belt-drivers, the clutches controlling
the respective working connections, independent switches controlling said clutches,
detents for holding said switches in a given position, and projections on the
respective belts adapted to engage said detents, all substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
17. In a toy race-course, the combination of the independently moving belt-
drivers, endless belts driven by the respective belt-drivers, and the independently-
movable running devices, having connection with the respective belts and each
provided with a pivoted image, and working connection with the track for imparting
an oscillatory movement to the image, all substantially as herein set forth.
18. The combination of the course having suitable conduits and endless belts, and
running devices arranged in the said conduits and in engagement with the belts ;
said running devices consisting of the carriers, having pivoted thereon the image or
figure, the crank connected with the image for giving it a rocking galloping movement
and having means in connection therewith for engagement with the conduit or
surface past which the carrier moves for imparting movement to the crank, substan-
tially in the manner and for the purpose set forth.
19. In a toy race-course, the running device consisting of the oscillating image,
and the friction roller having working connection with the image through
multiplying gear in combination with a track over which the image moves and with
which the friction roller engages, and a belt for drawing the image, whereby the
image is given simultaneously a galloping motion, and a forward movement as
explained.
20. In a toy race-course, the running device consisting of the pivoted oscillating
image, and a carrier upon which it is mounted having a friction roller and suitable
driving gear, whereby the running device is given a galloping motion, in
combination with a track or course over which the carriage runs, and with which
the roller engages, and a driving-belt having connection with the running device,
substantially as set forth.
21. The combination of the carrier, the image mounted upon the carrier, the
crank carried by the carrier and having connection with the image, a friction roller
projecting from the carrier and adapted to engage the surface past which the

page_text: carrier is moving, and suitable multiplying gear between the friction roller and
crank, as and for the purposes set forth.
22. In a toy race-course, a running device in combination with a carrier for the
same, consisting of a body 7 rounded upon one side to adapt it to pass around
curves, substantially as explained.
23. In a toy race-course, the combination of a running device and its carrier
consisting of the body 7 having a recess in it, and the train of gear mounted in
said recess, projecting below the body to make driving contact with the surface
over which it runs and having working connection with the running device for
imparting movement to it in addition to its progressive movement, with the carrier,
as explained.
24. In a toy race-course, the combination of the running device and the carrier
for said running device consisting of the body 7, and the forwardly and downwardly
extending pivoted tongue 16, 17, by which it is drawn, as explained.
25. In a toy race-course, the combination of the running device and the carrier
consisting of the body 7, the pivoted tongue by which it is drawn and the link for
making connection between the tongue and the propelling device, as explained.
26. In a toy race-course, the combination of the running device, the carrier upon
which the running device is mounted and the upwardly projecting spring 19,
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
27. In a toy race-course, the combination of the running device and its carrier
provided with the downwardly projecting friction wheel receiving rotary movement
from the surface over which the carrier travels and having working connection
with the running device for actuating it as explained, and the upwardly curved
spring, substantially as set forth.
28. A toy race-course provided with a number of endless conduits in the same
horizontal plane and separated into upper and lower parts with slots for connection
between them, the carriers and endless driving belts located in the respective parts
of said conduits, and the independently movable belt-drivers having driving
connection with the respective belts, all substantially as and for the purposes
set forth.
29. In a toy race-course, the combination of the course having a conduit, the
carrier running in the conduit, and an endless belt having a transverse bar
projecting up into the conduit and having separable connection with the running
device, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
30. In a toy race-course, the combination of an endless belt having upper and
lower transverse extensions, a carrier engaged by the upper extension and a detent
engaged by the lower extension, as an1 for the purpose set forth.
31. The combination with a race-course having independent conduits all in the
same plane and provided each with an independently movable endless belt below
it of independently moving belt drivers for the respective endless belts and the
independent running devices having connection with said belts; all substantially as
set forth.
32. The combination of an endless belt having a transverse bar extending above
and below the plane in which the belt runs, a carrier engaged by the upper
extension, and a controlling detent engaged by the lower extremity.
33. In combination with the endless belt having the projecting bar and the
herein described endless belt-driver consisting of a driving pinion and stationary
and adjustable rolls having working connection with said pinion, and mounted
respectively in a stationary frame and a movable frame suitably pivoted and
provided with means for regulating its position relatively to the stationary frame
and separated therefrom to permit the projecting bar above the belt to pass
between the frames, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
34. In combination with the running device, and endless belt for driving the
same, the herein described endless belt-driver consisting of a driving pinion, and the
stationary and adjustable rolls having working connection with said pinion and
mounted respectively in a stationary frame and a frame suitably pivoted and

page_text: provided with means for regulating its position relatively to the stationary frame,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
35. In a toy race-course, the combination of a track, a number of endless
propelling belts and a number of belt-drivers grouped upon one side of the track
and spaced apart to maintain the spacing of the belts, as explained.
36. In a toy race-course, the combination of a suitable track, a number of
endless propelling belts, and the groups of guide-rollers mounted upon transverse
frames and having the rollers spaced apart to maintain the distances between belts,
as explained.
37. In a toy race-course, the combination of a suitable track or course, a series
of conduits beneath said continuous track, endless propelling belts running beneath
the respective conduits, a series of belt-drivers grouped upon one side of the track
and having driving rolls for each belt and having driving connections projecting
below the track, and the groups of guide rollers for said belts at points of deflection
of the same, as explained.
38. In a toy race-course, a track constructed of a suitable base, a series of vertical
walls upon said base spaced apart to form passages or channels between them, slot
rails (or conduit bottoms) secured upon said walls with reduced spaces between
them to form slots opening into the channels, a second series of walls upon said
slot-rails, spaced apart to form conduits above the passages or channels and com-
municating with them through the said slots and a second series of slot-rails (or
conduit tops) secured upon the conduit walls and spaced apart to form slots to
afford communication with the conduit, all substantially as and for the purposes
set forth.
39. The herein described endless belt-driver which consists of a pair of rolls
having fixed bearings, a pair of adjustable co-operating rolls, a pair of pivoted
frames in which said adjustable rolls are mounted, a shaft upon which said frames
are pivoted, a pulley upon said shaft by which it is rotated, a pinion upon said
shaft having working connection with all the rolls, a pair of adjustable levers
suitably pivoted or fulcrumed, bearing at their ends on the respective pivoted
frames, and a pair of adjusting screws for adjusting the respective levers, all
substantially as herein set forth.
40. The herein-described endless belt-driver consisting of a pair of fixed rolls
geared together by a suitable pinion, a pair of adjustable rolls, a pinion connecting
said adjustable rolls and intermeshing with the pinion first named, a pair of frames
in which said adjustable rolls are mounted and which are pivoted upon the shaft
upon which their connecting pinion is mounted, and a pair of adjusting levers
suitably fulcrumed, each bearing upon one of the pivoted frames at one end, and
engaged by an adjusting screw at the other; one of said pinions being adapted
to receive rotary movement, substantially in the manner and for the purposes
set forth.
41. The endless belt-driver comprising the fixed roller, the pivoted frame
carrying a roller adapted to co-operate with the fixed roller, a plate upon which
said fixed roller and frame are mounted, a lever fulcrumed in the plates and
engaging the frame at one end, and a bracket extending on opposite sides of the
plate from the frame and having a screw for engaging the other end of said lever,
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
42. In a toy race-course, the combination of a suitable track, driving mechanism
for the running devices which operate upon said track, power transmitting con-
nections, mechanism for actuating said driving mechanism, and the automatic
coupling for connecting said driving mechanism with the power transmitting
connections, substantially as aud for the purpose set forth.
43. In a toy race-course, the combination of the track, the driving mechanism
for the running device upon said track, the power transmitting connection for
actuating said driving mechanism, and the coupling head upon one of said parts,
adapted to automatically engage the other when brought into contact therewith,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

page_text: 44. In a toy race-course, the combination of a suitable track, the driving
mechanism for the running devices upon said track, having the downwardly
extending drive-shaft provided with a coupling-head, and the power transmitting
wheel having working connection with a suitable source of power, and having the
upwardly projecting pins for receiving said coupling-head and making turning
connection therewith, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
15. In a toy race-course, the combination of a suitable track, the driving
mechanism for the running devices upon said track, having the downwardly
projecting drive-shaft, the power transmitting wheel having working connections
for receiving power from a suitable source and provided with the upwardly presented
coupling-pins and the coupling-head adapted to engage said pins and mounted to
yield longitudinally on the shaft, but prevented from rotating thereon, as and for
the purpose explained.
46. In a toy race-course, the combination of the track, the driving mechanism
for the running devices upon said track, having the downwardly projecting drive-
shaft, the power transmitting wheel beneath the track, arranged for connection with
a suitable source of power, and having the upwardly presented connecting-pins,
and the coupling-head having slot and pin connection with said drive shaft and
having lateral horns for engagement with the said connecting-pins, all substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
47. In a toy race-course, the combination of the lower part of the machine
containing suitable power mechanism and having a number of upwardly presented
power transmitting wheels, and the upper portion of the machine detachably mounted
upon the lower part and containing the track and a number of driving mechanisms
for the running devices upon the track, said driving mechanisms and power trans-
mitting wheels being arranged to come together when the parts of the machine are
put together, and being provided with automatic couplings, substantially as and
for the purpose set forth."
48. In a toy race-course, the group of guide-rollers consisting of a suitable base,
a number of brackets projecting upward from said base, and having upper
horizontal extensions suitably spaced apart and the series of rollers supported at
bottom in said base and at top in the respective horizontal extensions, whereby
they are mounted with unobstructed spaces between them at top as and for the
purpose explained.
49. In a toy race-course, of substantially the character described, a group of
guide-rollers mounted upon a common base and suitably spaced apart with
unobstructed spaces between them, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
50. The combination with the running devices, means for driving said running
devices, the pulleys having working connections with said driving means and a
suitable source of power; of the pivoted frames carrying gear-wheels, each of
which is connected with the source of power and adapted to engage one of the
pulleys, draw-rods for controlling said pivoted frames and switches for controlling
said draw-rods, substantially in the manner and for the purposes set forth.
51. The combination of the running devices, the endless belts connected with the
respective running devices, the endless belt-drivers, the pulleys connected with said
belt-drivers, the pinions carried by said pulleys, the driving pinions connected with
a suitable source of power, the pivoted frames carrying idlers adapted to couple the
respective driving pinions with the corresponding pinions on the pulleys, and
switches controlling the respective pivoted frames, substantially as set forth.
52. In a toy race-course, the combination of a series of power transmitting
wheels, suitable driving connections for said wheels, clutches controlling the working
connections of said wheels, draw-rods connected with said clutches, and a compound
switch having connection with said draw-rods, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
53. The combination with a race-course having independent conduits all in the
sarne plane, and provided each with an endless belt below it; of the independent

page_text: driving connections for the respective belts, and differential gear forming a part of
said driving connections, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
54. The combination of the course, the series of independent conduits in a
horizontal plane in which are located the running devices, series of guides in the
respective conduits around which move the endless belts, the endless-belt-drivers,
the source of power and suitable working connections between the source of power
and the endless-belt-drivers, all substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
55. In a toy race-course, the combination of the independent driving connections
for the running devices, the pairs of reversed cones connected respectively to a
suitable source of power, and to the respective driving connections, the belt shifting
devices controlling said belts, the recessed cylinder for operating said belt-shifting
devices and the means for delivering marbles to said cylinder consisting of a suitable
tray having a number of outlets, and a series of passages communicating with the
respective outlets and leading to the pockets of said cylinder, all substantially as
and for the purpose set forth.
56. The combination of the running devices, means for moving the running
devices independently, a suitable driving mechanism, independent sets of differential
gearing between the driving mechanism, and the respective devices for moving said
running devices, and means for varying the respective sets of differential gearing
independently, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
57. The herein described speed-changing device which consists of the pair of
reversely mounted cones connected by a suitable belt, a movable frame for shifting
the belt on the cones, a crank having suitable connection with the movable frame
and adapted to be turned for moving the frame up and down, as explained.
58. The herein-described speed-changing device, which consists of the pair of
reversely mounted cones connected by a suitable belt, the movable frame through
which said belt passes, the crank having connection with said frame and means for
moving said crank intermittently whereby the frame is moved upward and
downward, as and for the purposes explained.
59. The combination of the differential gearing and the means for varying said
gearing; consisting of the crank having suitable connection with the gearing, the
pawl and ratchet for turning the crank and the lever for controlling said pawl,
substantially as set forth.
60. The combination of the differential gear, the crank having suitable connection
for changing said differential gear, the ratchet-wheel connected with said crank,
the pawl and dog for moving the ratchet-wheel and preventing retrogression thereof
respectively, and the lever connected with the pawl, all substantially as and for the
purposes set forth.
61. The combination of the reversely-mounted cones connected by a suitable
belt, the rods, the shifting frame through which the belt passes mounted on the
said rods, the ratchet having a crank connected by a suitable pitman to the shifting
frame, and a pawl for controlling said ratchet, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
62. In a toy-race, the combination of the running devices, the endless belts
for moving said running devices, the endless-belt-drivers, the set of cones having
working connections with said belt-drivers, the set of corresponding cones in
reverse position, suitable belts connecting corresponding cones of the respective
sets and a chance mechanism independent of the cones for actuating said belts upon
the cones, substantially in the manner and for the purpose set forth.
63. In a toy-race-course, the combination of the set of driving cones adapted to
receive motion from any suitable source, the set of follower cones in reverse position
to the driving cones, belts connecting the corresponding cones, of the respective
sets and independent means governed by a chance mechanism for shifting the
respective belts, substantially in the manner and for the purpose set forth.
64. The combination with a race course having the driving mechanism, of the
differential gear and means for shifting it, substantially as and for the purposes set
forth.

page_text: 65. The combination in a race-course, of the driving mechanism, the belt-shifting
device, and the chance mechanism controlling said belt-shifting device, substantially
as and for the purposes set forth.
66. A revoluble cylinder having formed in its surface depressions or pockets for
use, substantially in the manner specified.
67. The combination of a revoluble cylinder having formed on its surface pockets
shaped to receive balls or marbles, the adjacent parts in proximity to the cylinder
to be engaged by the balls or marbles when taken up in said pockets, and means
for delivering the balls or marbles to one side of the cylinder, substantially as set
forth.
68. A revoluble cylinder having formed on its surface pockets or depressions
arranged in different vertical planes, passages through which balls or marbles may
roll to different points on one side of the cylinder, and the series of adjacent
mechanical parts to be operated by the protruding balls or marbles when picked up
by the pockets in the cylinder, snbstantially in the manner and for the purpose set
forth.
69. The combination of a revoluble cylinder having formed on its surface a
number of depressions or pockets in different vertical planes for receiving rolling
objects, the adjacent series or parts to be engaged by the rolling objects when
picked up by the pockets in the cylinder and the delivering device constructed to
deliver by chance the rolling objects at different points along one side of the
cylinder, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
70. The chance mechanism consisting of the levers adapted for connection with
the individual parts to be controlled, the cylinder provided with pockets against
which the levers rest, passages adapted to deliver rolling objects to the cylinder, a
distributing hopper for delivering the rolling devices to the passages and means for
returning the rolling devices from the cylinder to the hopper consisting of the
elevator, and the communication between the upper end of said elevator and
the distributing hopper, substantially as set forth.
71. The herein described means for controlling the movement of the running
device by chance which consists of a lever adapted to be connected with the driving
nechanism of said running devices, a revolving member having pockets against
which the lever rests, a channel adapted to communicate with said pockets, and
means for delivering marbles or other rolling devices into the channel, substantially
as and for the purposes set forth.
72. The combination of the lever adapted to be connected to the object to be
controlled and the means for moving said lever by chance consisting of the rotating
cylinder having the pockets, a series of channels, one of which communicates with
said pockets, and a hopper for delivering marbles to the several channels, as and
for the purposes set forth.
73. The combination of a series of levers, a revolving cylinder having series of
pockets against which the levers rest, a number of passages terminating in the
planes of the respective series of pockets, and a hopper adapted to deliver marbles
into the passages, all substantially as set forth.
74. The combination of a series of levers, a revolving cylinder having a number
of series of pockets against which said levers are adapted to rest, a number of
passages corresponding in position to the respective series of pockets a tray adapted
to deliver balls or marbles into said passages and a revolving hopper adapted to
deliver the marbles in constantly changing radial directions upon said tray, all
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
75. The chance mechanism consisting of a series of levers adapted to be connected
with the mechanism to be controlled, the rotary cylinder having a number of series
of pockets, a number of passages corresponding in position to the series of pockets,
a collector located beneath the point of delivery of the cylinder, an elevator adapted
to be supplied from said collector, and means for conducting rolling devices from
the delivery point of the elevator to the above mentioned passages to the cylinder

page_text: whereby marbles may be kept in continuous circulation through the machine, all
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
76. A compound switch comprising a number of independently movable levers
or switches for a set of individual mechanisms, and a motor-switch-lever, engaged
and held in closed position by the closing of any one of the independent switches
and released only after all individual switches have been opened, substantially as and
for the purposes set forth.
77. The combination of the motor actuating connections, the individual con-
nections for actuating the respective runuing devices, the switch lever for operating
the motor connections, the switch lever for closing the individual connections for the
running devices each adapted to engage the switch lever and hold it in closed
position so that it is released only after all the individual switches have been
opened, and means for raising said individual switches simultaneously, substantially
as and for the purposes set forth.
78. In a toy race-course, the combination of the running devices, the driving
mechanism, independently movable endless belts for driving the respective running
devices, transverse bars projecting from the individual driving belts, and independent
detents which control the movements of the respective belts and which project in
the paths of the respective transverse bars, substantially as and for the purpose set
forth.
79. The combination of the individual switch levers having detents, the pivotted
setting frame engaging said levers and adapted to force them into engagement with
their detents, an electro-magnet for moving said frame, and suitable energizing
connections for said magnet, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
80. The combination of the motor switch, adapted to close the motor circuit,
individual switches for the respective running devices, all of which engage the
motor switch, and a pivotted frame adapted to engage the ends of the individual
switches opposite to those which engage the motor switch, substantially as and for
the purposes set forth.
81. The compound switch comprising a pivotted motor switch lever, a number of
individual switch levers engaging at their forward ends beneath the motor switch
lever, the setting lever engaging above the rear ends of the individual levers and
suitable connections with the parts controlled by the switch levers, substantially as
explained.
82. The combination of the pivotted levers for controlling the respective running
devices, the pivotted setting frame engaging said levers, an electro magnet for
moving said frame to set the levers, a circuit controlling said magnet, a switch for
said circuit and a pivotted coin lever connected with said switch, all substantially
as set forth.
83. In a toy race-course, the herein described switch for controlling the working
connections of the running devices consisting of the series of counterbalanced switch
levers, the setting frame engaging beneath said levers, the individual detents
engaging above the respective levers, and the connecting rods projecting from the
levers, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
84. In combination with the clutch, the connecting rod, the lever having a
yielding spring with which the rod engages for movement by said lever, the detent
for engaging said lever, and means for setting said lever, substantially as and for
the purpose set forth.
85. In combination with the series of clutches, the series of switch levers 120,
having springs 121, the connecting rods 118 connected with the clutches and
controlled by respective switch levers through the medium of the springs, the
setting frame engaging beneath the levers, and the detent, all substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
86. In a toy race-course, the combination of the series of switch levers controlling
the working connections for the respective running devices, series of detents for
respective switch levers provided with trips to be operated by the said running

page_text: devices, and a power controlling switch under control of all of the switch levers,
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
87. In a toy race-course, the combination of the series of switch levers controlling
the working connections for the respective running devices, the detents for said
switch levers, a pivotted lever engaged by the switch levers and having suitable
connections for controlling the source of power for the machine, and a second
lever engaging the switch levers, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
88. In a toy race-course, the combination of the series of switch levers con-
trolling the working connections of the respective running devices and having the
counterbalanced projections by which they are set and the retaining arms, a
pivotted frame engaging beneath the counterbalanced projections for setting the
levers, detents suitably counterbalanced engaging the retaining arms for holding
the levers in set position and having trips for engagement by the running devices
to replace said levers, the pivotted lever engaged by all of the retaining arms
of the switches, and a switch controlling the source of power for the machine,
suitably connected to the last named lever, substantially as and for the purposes
set forth.
89. In a toy race-course, the combination of an initial electric circuit controlled
by a suitable switch and including an electro-magnet, a pivotted frame under
control of said electro-magnet, a series of switch levers engaged by said frame and
controlling the working connections for the respective running devices, a supple-
mentary circuit including an electric motor for operating the machine and a motor
switch, and a pivotted lever controlling said motor switch and under control of all
the switch levers, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
90. In a toy race-course, employing suitable running devices and a suitable
source of power, the combination of a series of switch levers controlling the working
connections for the respective running devices, a switch controlling the source of
power, an electro magnet controlling the switch levers and the power switch, a
circuit including said electro-magnet and a switch controlling said circuit geared to
the working mechanisin of the machine and timed to open said circuit after the race
has progressed to the desired point, as explained.
91. In a toy race-course, employing running devices and a suitable source of
power, the combination of switch-levers controlling the working connections for the
respective running devices, a switch controlling said source of power, detents for
retaining the switch-levers and power switch when set, an electro-magnet controlling
said switch-levers and power switch to set them, a circuit controlling said electro-
magnet and a switch in said circuit comprising suitable contacts, and a rotating
break geared to the working mechanism of the machine and timed to break the
circuit through said contact after the operation of the machine has continued for
the desired time, as and for the purposes explained.
92. In a toy race-course, in combination with an electro-magnet having suitable
connections for controlling the machine, a circuit including said electro-magnet and
a switch controlling said circuit, consisting of suitable contacts, a counterbalanced
break-device for separating the contacts and a movable detent engaging said break
device to hold it in position to separate said contacts, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
93. In a toy race-course, the combination of an electro-magnet or equivalent
means for controlling the working parts, a suitable switch, a counterbalanced break
for holding the switch normally open, a detent. retaining said break in opposition to
the counterbalance in the position which opens said switch, and pivotted lever
connected with said detent, all substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
94. In a toy race-course, the switch consisting of a suitable switch-lever, a
counterbalanced rotating cam having a detent and adapted to engage the switch-
lever when held by the detent, and the lever having connection with said detent,
Bubstantially as and for the purpose set forth.
95. In a toy race-course, the switch consisting of a contact, a lever impinging
against said contact, a rotating cam having a detent, suitably counterbalanced and

page_text: arranged to engage the switch-lever and separated from its contact when said cam
is held by its detent in opposition to the counterbalance, a shaft upon which the
cam is mounted loosely but with which it has connection for being rotated, a pulley
on said shaft and connection between said pulley and the working parts of the
machine, whereby after the cam is released and the switch allowed to close, said
cam is returned to engagement with the switch-lever and detent, all substantially
as and for the purposes set forth.
Dated this 29th day of August 1893.
CHARLES CARROLL,
LAFAYETTE DALY CARROLL,
By Harris & Mills,
23, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents.