IMPROVEMENTS IN MARKING BOARDS USED IN THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO REGISTERING THE NUMBER OF PERSONS PASSING THROUGH PAY GATES OR CONVEYED BY VEHICLES
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT
PATENT
to
to George Smith, of Liverpool, in the County of
Lancaster, Brass and Britannia Metal Finisher, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MARKING BOARDS USED IN THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. PARTS
OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO REGISTERING THE NUMBER OF PERSONS PASSING
THROUGH PAY GATES OR CONVEYED BY VEHICLES."
Scaled the 24th April 1868, and dated the 28th October 1867.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Smith at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 28th
October 1867.
I, GEORGE SMITH, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Brass and
Britannia Metal Finisher, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MARKING BOARDS USED IN THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. PARTS
OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO REGISTERING THE NUMBER OF PERSONS PASSING
THROUGH PAY GATES OR CONVEYED BY VEHICLES." to be as follows (that is to
say):-
This Invention consists, when applied to billiard markers of the ordinary
description, first, in arranging the numerals on the horizontal rod into five
lines of ten cach, commencing from zero up to fifty, thus having fifty pro-
gressive figures. The revolving rod or five-sided bar, on which the numerals
are marked, is enclosed within a suitable casing, and is rend off through an
horizontal slit therein, and beneath or above which there is a parallel undercut,
Prise Sd 1

page_text: groove, in which is fitted a slide carrying a vertical pointer. The external
case and sliding pointer is very similar to the marking board now used, and
is not claimed as part of the Invention. One end of the numeral roller is
fitted with a small wheel or its mechanical equivalent for turning the same
round when required, and which is so arranged that a lock can be applied
to it to prevent the indicator being used when desired; the reverse end of
the numeral rod has fitted into it a square key bed to receive a spindle of the
axle of the first motion wheel of a train of indice wheels which are enclosed
in a metal box fixed to that end of the apparatus. The axle of the first
motion wheel also carries a five toothed ratchet wheel, into which works a
suitable pall tooth, which is kept up thereto by a spring on the back thereof.
The first motion wheel nearest the numeral rod is circular and has a concave
circular cut on that part of the periphery in front of which there is a stud
parallel to the shaft, which is carried by an oval plate formed on one side of
the round part of the wheel. At every revolution of the axle the stud takes
into a slot or tooth formed on the periphery of the second motion wheel, and
causes it to be carried forward one-tenth of its diameter. The periphery of
the wheel between each slot into which the stud takes are formed concave, so
that the wheel cannot be turned round, when the portion of the first motion
wheel to which the stud is attached is not in contact with it by reason of the
round solid part of the wheel being within the recess on the front edge of
the teeth. The shaft of the second motion wheel is also fitted with a small
smooth edged wheel which has one concave slot formed in the edge thereof,
and has a stud immediately on the front thereof, but sufficiently in advance to
allow the teeth of the second motion wheel to pass. This stud springs from
the side of the second motion wheel, and gives action to the third motion
wheel which is fitted similarly in every way to the second motion wheel, and
communicates action to the fourth of the train of wheels, which latter is
not required to be fitted with the smooth edged wheel and stud, except
it is intended to extend the train of wheels. The axles of the three last
described train of wheels are fitted with graduated dials, which revolve
therewith, and are read off through glazed openings in the side or front of
the case or project through a graduated dial plate and carry pointers. In
some cases it is preferred to mount wheels graduated on their periphery which
are read off through glazed openings in the side of the indice case. One
revolution of the first motion wheel throws the second forward one-tenth of
its diameter, and one complete revolution of the second motion wheel advances
the third one-tenth of a revolution, and one complete revolution of the third
motion wheel advances the fourth wheel one-tenth of a revolution. It will

page_text: .
be observed that by means of the five toothed ratchet wheel and pall the
numeral rod can only be turned in one direction. Although it is preferred
to use a train of indice wheels like those described, any other suitable train
of wheels may be used. The numeral rod described may be dispensed with,
when desired, by first substituting a ratchet wheel with fifty, teeth for the
five toothed ratchet wheel described, and mounting a pointer on the square
of the first motion shaft in place of the numeral roller, and placing at the
back thereof and between the case of the index box, a large dial graduated
up to fifty, or the dial plate may be mounted on the first motion spindle and
revolve therewith, a fixed pointer being used to indicate the score, by which
arrangement the dial or pointer can be turned directly by hand..
In applying this Invention to checking the number of passengers in, say,
an omnibus, in place of the numeral marking rod or revolving dial or pointer
described, it is proposed to use a reel mounted on the first motion shaft of
the train of indice wheels, on which is wound a long slip of paper or other
material which is marked or perforated in lengths, and which is carried
between a pair of rollers one of which has an engraved face or is fitted with
moveable types, and in contact with which is a small inking roller, which is
kept against the marking roller by being mounted on to the end of a spring
or lever acted upon by a spring. The whole of this arrangement may be
enclosed in a very small case, and it may be used for denoting the game of
billiards by drawing out the ribband, where it would be inconvenient to use
the numeral rod; in some cases the reel containing the slip of paper or other
material to be marked may be independent of the first motion axle of the
train of indice wheels, by merely connecting the lower or unengraved roller
with the axle of the first motion wheel, in which case the index is actuated
by drawing the slip of paper or other material between the plain and
engraved rollers, which is done through a hole in the side of the case, when
it is torn off or divided into lengths as required, when it is given in exchange
for the money received. In the latter arrangement the case may be locked
up and that portion of the index face glazed or not. The number of slips
of paper or checks withdrawn are registered by the index. It wit readily be
seen that this apparatus can be used with advantage to theatres and toll
gates.
That this Invention may be the more readily seen and understood hereunto
are annexed Drawings illustrating the practical application of the Invention.
Figure 1 (Sheet 1) is a front elevation showing the Invention applied to
a billiard marker: Figure 2 (Sheet 1) is an end view of the same showing
the indice box, and Figure 3 (Sheet 1) is the reverse side of the marker

page_text: case, showing the knob by which the apparatus is worked by hand, and the
position of the lock.
A (Figure 1, 2, and 3, Sheet 1), external casing, which is of the ordinary
description; B, small metal box containing train of indice wheels; C (Figure 2,
Sheet 1), graduated dials, over the surface travel the pointers; D (Figure 1 and
3, Sheet 1), knob on spindle of; E (Figure 1, Sheet 1), graduated five-sided
numeral rod; F (Figure 1 and 3, Sheet 1), lock; Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5,
(Sheet 2), show the arrangement of indice wheels and dials, as applied to a
check producer, the arrangement of the indice being precisely the same,
only a reel or short barrel is substituted for the numeral rod, and a plain and
engraved disc between which the ribband of paper or other material is drawn
are added, also an inking roller.
Figure 1 Sheet 2) shows the enclosing box open, with the lid shown
broken off for the convenience of space.
A, box or case; B, reel on which the ribband is wound; C, upper metal
plates carrying axles of indice wheels and graduated face plates; D, engraved
roller in contact with which is E small inking roller which is mounted on Fa
lever; G, a spring acting on under side of lever F; H, a four-toothed ratchet
wheel on the side and axle of which is fitted J, a piece of metal two segments
of the periphery of which are concave and two convex; K and K', two pieces
springing springing from the side of the ratchet wheel H, and which take into
the notches or teeth of L, the second motion wheel, which carries the first or
mit pointer, and is fitted with L', shown in dotted lines, a wheel, with a concave
recess cut on the periphery thereof to allow the periphery of M, third motion
wheel, to pass round at every tenth revolution thereof, the axle of which
latter carries a pointer travelling on the face of the ten's index, which
actuates the fourth motion wheel N, which carries the pointer travelling on
the face of the hundred's dial; P, ribband of paper or other material.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said George Smith in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
28th April 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, 1, GEORGE
SMITH, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Brass and Britannia Metal
Finisher, send greeting.

page_text: Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirty-first year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said George Smith, Her special licence that 1, the said George
Smith, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MARKING BOARDS USED IN THE GAME OF BILLIARDS. PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLI-
CABLE TO REGISTERING THE NUMBER OF PERSONS PASSING THROUGH PAY GATES OR
CONVEYED BY VEHICLES," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
George Smith, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing
under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe
and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the
said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said George Smith, do hereby declare the
nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement (that is to say):-
This my said Invention consists when applied to billiard markers of the
ordinary description, first, in arranging the numerals on the horizontal rod
into five lines of ten cach, commencing from zero up to fifty, thus having fifty
progressive figures. The revolving rod or five-sided bar on which the
numerals are marked in enclosed within a suitable casing, and is read off
through an horizontal slit therein, and beneath or above which there is a a
parallel undercut groove, in which is fitted a slide carrying a vertical pointer;
the external case and pointer is very similar to the marking board now
used, and is not claimed as part of this Invention. One end of the numeral
roller is fitted with a small wheel or its mechanical equivalent for turning the
same round when required, and which is so arranged that a lock can be
applied to it to prevent the indicator being used when desired. The reverse
end of the numeral rod has fitted into it a square key bed to receive a
spindle of the axle of the first motion wheel of a train of indice wheels, which
are enclosed in a metal box fixed to that end of the apparatus. The axle of
the first motion wheel also carries a five-toothed ratchet wheel, into which
works a suitable pall tooth, which is kept up thereto by a spring on the back
thereof. The first motion wheel nearest the numeral rod is circular, and has

page_text: a concave circular cut in that part of the periphery in front of which there is
a stud parallel to the shaft, which is carried by an oval plate formed on one
side of the round part of the wheel. At every revolution of the axle the stud
takes into a slot or tooth formed on the periphery of the second motion wheel,
and causes it to be carried forward one-tenth of its diameter. The periphery
of the wheels between each slot into which the stud takes are formed concave,
so that the wheel cannot be turned round when the portion of the first motion
wheel to which the stud is attached is not in contact with it by reason of the
round solid part of the wheel being within the recess on the front edge of the
teeth. The shaft of the second motion wheel is also fitted with a small smooth
edged wheel, which has one concave slolt formed in the edge thereof, and has
a stud immediately on front thereof, but sufliciently in advance to allow the
teeth of the second motion wheel to pass; this stud springs from the side of
the second wheel, and gives action to the third motion wheel, which is fitted
similarly in every way to the second motion wheel, and communicates action
to the fourth of the train of wheels, which latter is not required to be fitted
with the smooth edged wheel and stud, except it is intended to extend the
train of wheels. The axles of the three last described train of wheels are
fitted with graduated dials which revolve therewith and are read off through
glazed openings in the side or front of the case, or project through a
graduated dial plate and carry pointers. In some cases it is preferred
to mount wheels graduated on their periphery, which are read off through
glazed openings in the side of the indice case. One revolution of the
first motion wheel throws the second forward one-tenth of its diameter, and
one complete revolution of the second motion wheel advances the third one-
tenth of a revolution, and one complete revolution of the third motion wheel
advances the fourth one-tenth of a revolution. It will be observed that by
means of the five toothed ratchet wheel and pall the numeral rod can only
be turned in one direction. Although it is preferred to use a train of indice
wheels like those described any other train of wheels may be used. The
numeral rod may be dispensed with, when desired, by first substituting a
ratchet wheel with fifty teeth for the five-toothed ratchet wheel described,
and mounting. a pointer on the square of the first motion shaft in place
of the numeral roller, and placing on the back thereof and between the
case of the index box a large dial graduated up to fifty, or the dial plate may
be mounted on the first motion spindle and revolve therewith, a fixed pointer
being used to indicate the score, by which arrangement the dial or pointer can
be turned directly by hand.
In applying this Invention to checking the number of passengers, say, in an

page_text: omnibus, in place of the numeral marking rod or revolving dial or pointer
described, it is preposed to use a reel, mounted on the first motion shaft of the
train of indice wheels, on which is wound a long strip of paper or other
material, which is marked or perforated in lengths, and which is carried
between a pair of rollers, one of which has an engraved face, or is fitted with
moveable types, and in contact with which is a small inking roller which
is kept against the marking roller by being on to the end of a spring,
or liver acted upon by a spring. The whole of this arrangement may be
enclosed in a very small case, and it may be used for denoting the game by
drawing out the ribband where it would be inconvenient to use the numeral
rod. In some cases the reel containing the slip of paper or other material to
be marked may be independent of the first motion axle of the train of indice
wheels by merely connecting the lower or unengraved roller with the axle of
the first motion wheel, in which case the index is actuated by drawing the
slip of paper or other material between the plain and engraved rollers, which
is done through a hole in the side of the case, when it is torn off or divided
into lingths as required, when it is given in exchange for money received.
In the latter arrangement the case may be locked up, and that portion over
the index face glazed or not. The number of slips of paper or checks with-
drawn are registered by the index. It will be readily seen that this appa-
ratus can be used with advantage to theatres and other toll gates.
That this my said Invention may be more readily seen and understood.
hereunto are annexed Drawings illustrating the practical application of the
Invention.
Figure 1 is a front elevation showing the Invention applied to a billiard
marker; Figure 2 is an end view of the same, showing the front of the index
box, and Figure 3 is the reverse side of the marker case, showing the knob by
which apparatus is worked by hand, and the position of the lock.
A, Figure 1, 2, and 3, external casings, which is of the ordinary description;
B, small metal box containing train of indice wheels; C, Figure 2, graduated
dial. over the surface of which travel the pointers; D (Figure 1 and 3), knob
on spindle of E (Figure 1), graduated five-sided numberal rod, which are shown
detached at Figure 4; F, Figure 1 and 3, lock.
Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, shew the arrangement of indice wheels and dials,
as applied to a check producer; the arrangement of the indice being precisely
the same, only a recl or short barrel is substituted for the numeral rod, and a
plain and engraved disc between which the ribband of paper or other material
is drawn, is added, also an inking roller. Figure 1 shews the enclosed box
open with the lid broken off for the convenience of space. G, box or case;

page_text: H, reel on which the ribband is wound; J, upper metal plate carrying axles
of indice wheels and graduated face plate; K, engraved roller, in contact with
which is L, small inking roller, which is mounted on M, a lever; N, a spring
acting on under side of lever M; P, a four-toothed ratchet wheel, on the side
and axle of which is fitted Q, a piece of metal, two segments of the periphery
of which are concave and two convex; R and R', two stud pieces springing
from the side of the ratchet wheel P, and which take into the notches or
teeth of S, shown in dotted lines, the second motion wheel which carries the
first or unit pointer, and it is fitted with T, shown in dotted lines, a wheel
with a concave recess cut in the periphery thereof to allow the periphery of
U, the third motion wheel, to pass round at every tenth revolution thereof, the
axle of which carries a pointer travelling on the face of the ten's index which
actuates the fourth motion wheel V, which carries the pointer travelling upon
the face of the hundred's dial; W, ribband of paper or other material.
Figure 10 is a front elevation of this my said Invention applied to a pro-
gressive billiard and pyramid marker, the action of which is shewn in dotted
lines, and Figure 11'is a back view of the same, showing the dial plate and
pointer.
Figures 12, 13, 14, and 15, illustrate this Invention as applied to a pool
marker. Figure 12 is an end elevation having the side cover and index
removed, as shown at Figure 13, the first motion wheel of the train of
indice wheels being fastened on to the same axle as the ratchet wheel, as scen
at Figure 13.
Figure 14 is a partial transverse sectional elevation of the reverse end of
the apparatus to that shewn at Figure 12, and which shows the action of the
rollers on which is keyed the ratchet wheels, into which pall teeth work and
are held in position by means of springs.
Having now fully described the nature of my said Invention and the best
means I am acquainted with to carry the same into practical effect, I wish it
to be understood that I do not confine myself to the several dimensions or
relative proportions of the several parts herein-before described, set forth, and
illustrated, as the same may be considerably varied without departing from
the Invention; but what I claim as new and my Invention is,
First. Dividing the longitudinal figures on the numeral rod into five
parallel lines, substantially in the manner and for the purpose herein-before
described and set forth.
And, secondly. The application of enclosed indices to billiard marking
boards, substantially in the manner and for the purposes herein-befor
described and set forth.

page_text: Thirdly. The application of a lock to billiard markers, substantially in the
manner and for the purposes herein-before described and set forth.
Fourthly. The peculiar arrangement and combination of the several parts
of the apparatus herein-before described and set forth, used in the construction
of marking boards in the ordinary game of billiards.
Fifthly. The general arrangement and combination of the several parts of
the apparatus for registering the game of billiards called pool, illustrated by
Figures 12, 13, 14, and 15, substantially in the manner and for the purposes
herein-before described and set forth.
Sixthly. The peculiar arrangement and combination of the several parts
of the apparatus as applied to registering the number of passing through
toll gates or conveyed by vehicles, as illustrated by Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9,
substantially in the manner and for the purposes herein-before described and
set forth.
Lastly. The peculiar arrangement and combination of the lever with the
pall tooth Y and ratchet wheel Z, as seen dotted at Figure 10, when
applied to a progressive billiard and pyramid indicator.
In witness whereof, 1, the said George Smith, have hereunto set my
hand and affixed my seal, this Twenty-seventh day of April, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.
Witness,
WILLIAM WALKER,
of 44, Castle Street,
Liverpool.
GEORGE
(L.S.) SMITH.