for in Automatic Electric Winding Mechanism Electricity Meters Operated by the Aid of Clockwork Mechanism, and for Clocks.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Sept., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 14th Jan., 1893-Accepted, 1st Apr., 1893
Improvements
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
for
in Automatic Electric Winding Mechanism
Electricity Meters Operated by the Aid of Clockwork Mechanism,
and for Clocks.
I, GEORGE WILLIAM FAIRALL, of 34 Ann Street, Tettenhall Road, Wolver-
hampton in the County of Stafford, Electrician, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates, chiefly, to automatic electric winding mechanism for
electricity meters fitted with clock work mechanism, and has for its object to greatly
simplify the parts, cheapen the construction, and increase the efficiency and
adaptability. The invention is, however, applicable also to the automatic winding
of clocks.
The electric winding is accomplished, according to this invention, through the
medium of a disc wheel and friction pawl, of which the pawl is pivoted on a lever
which is vibrated by means of electro-magnets which draw down an armature
carried by such lever and thereby break electrical contact and a spring which
presses such lever upwards when the force of the downward movement of the
armature and lever is expended. The friction pawl is pressed, by means of a
spring, with sufficient firmness against the periphery of the disc to ensure that such
pawl will bite against the disc on the instant of the armature being drawn down
by the magnets, and as the lever rises again the pawl of course slides inoperatively
along the surface of the disc. The disc is prevented from returning by means of
a spring friction pawl carried by the framing. The outer end of the vibrating
lever has a carbon or platinum point, mounted in a suitable recess in its upper
side, which normally makes electrical contact with a spring which is insulated from
the main framing of the apparatus but is connected up in circuit and forms a
terminal for the current from the electro-magnets; and when the circuit is complete
the current passes from the electro-magnets through such spring and lever, through
the framing, and thence through an automatic contact making and breaking lever
through the medium of which the winding is started and stopped, as hereinafter
described, to a terminal from the battery or other source of electricity with which
such lever makes and breaks contact. The disc which is operated by the friction
pawl is mounted on a spindle which carries a pinion which gears with the teeth
around the barrel or other part requiring to be rotated for winding up the
mechanism, and, thus when the circuit is complete, and the vibrating lever carrying
the pawl consequently set in motion, the disc is rotated and the clock work
mechanism wound up.
The part around which the teeth are formed as aforesaid carries a short arm,
pivoted to the face thereof, which is pressed backwards by means of a spring
against a pin fixed in the face of such part, and at a point in each revolution of
such part the arm comes in contact with a tooth of a star wheel and moves such
wheel through a small portion of a revolution. This star wheel is mounted on an
axis which carries a second wheel having teeth formed therearound. The teeth of
this second wheel are formed each of some breadth across the top, and the
automatic contact making and breaking lever above referred to as used in starting
and stopping the winding mechanism is pivoted on an axis adjacent to the axis on
which such wheel is carried, and the inner end of such lever is normally pressed
downwards by a spring and is provided with a downward projection which rests
normally on the top of one or other of the teeth and holds the outer end of such

page_text: lever out of contact with the terminal above referred to as the terminal with which
such lever makes and breaks contact; but, if such wheel is moved a short distance,
the lever is pressed down so that the projection thereof enters between two of the
teeth, and the outer end is brought into contact with the terminal. The terminal
is preferably formed as a spring. To complete the circuit and set the winding
mechanism in motion, the projection on the inner end of this lever has to be down
between two of the teeth of the wheel with which it engages (being moved into
such position in the manner hereinafter described) so that the outer end of such
lever is in electrical contact with the terminal; and as the part aforesaid around
which the teeth are formed completes one revolution imparted to it by means of
the vibrating lever, the short arm, aforesaid, moves the star wheel, and causes one
of the teeth of the wheel with which the contact making and breaking lever
engages to move up the projection of such lever, and consequently move up the
inner end of the lever, and bring the outer end thereof out of contact with the
terminal. The projection of the contact making and breaking lever then rests upon
the top of one of the teeth and thus the outer end of such lever is held out of
contact with the terminal, and the winding action is thus stopped.
A short arm set backwards by a spring against a fixed stud, which corresponds
to the short arm previously described, is carried by a wheel which forms a portion
of the ordinary clock work mechanism, and is driven by the ordinary spring or
other motor, or which is driven by such mechanism; and as such part completes a
revolution (say once every hour, or every twenty four hours, or longer period)
such short arm moves the star wheel, aforesaid, and consequently moves the wheel
against which the projection of the contact making and breaking lever is resting
sufficiently to allow the projection of such lever to enter again between two of the
teeth, and upon such taking place the outer end of such lever is brought into
electrical contact with the terminal, and the automatic winding apparatus is again
set in motion.
The teeth of the wheel with which the projection of the lever engages, and the
projection itself, are formed with inclined sides so that when the wheel is moved
whilst the projection is between two of the teeth thereof an incliued side of one of
the teeth pressing against the side of the projection forces such projection up, and
so that as the projection is pressed down again between two of the teeth it will
move the wheel slightly until the projection fits down into the V-shaped opening
between such teeth and thus ensure that the star wheel will be brought into the
exact position necessary for being operated upon by the short arm last described.
The short arms aforesaid are set backwards by means of springs so that they can
each of them yield forwards under the pressure of the star wheel, and not interfere
with the proper movement thereof, when such wheel is being moved by the other
of such arms, in case the wheel should under such circumstances press forwards
against an arm; but, of course, if the mechanism is arranged so that the arms are
each, or either of them is, clear of the star wheel after operating it and during the
corresponding operation of such wheel by the other arm, it is not necessary to inake
such arms or arm to be capable of yielding forwards under pressure.
The automatic winding mechanism above described is applicable also, as will be
obvious, to clocks.
Dated this 16th day
1000

page_text: Improvements in
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Automatic Electric Winding Mechanism for
Electricity Meters Operated by the Aid of Clockwork Mechanism,
and for Clocks.
I, GEORGE WILLIAM FAIRALL, of 34 Ann Street, Tettenhall Road, Wolver
hampton in the County of Stafford, Electrician do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates, chiefly, to automatic electric winding mechanism for
electricity meters fitted with clockwork mechanism, and has for its object to greatly
simplify the parts, cheapen the construction, and increase the efficiency and
adaptability of the mechanism. The invention is, however, applicable also to the
automatic winding of clocks.
In order that the Specification may be as concise as possible, I will proceed to
describe the invention according to a practical application thereof, illustrated by
the accompanying drawings, for the purpose of the automatic winding of an
electricity meter operated by the aid of clockwork mechanism. The application of
the invention for the purpose of automatically winding clocks will then be clearly
understood without need for further description or illustration.
Figure 1 is a view. of the automatic winding mechanism as it appears when the
front plate of the case or frame by which it is carried is removed, and Figure 2 is a
corresponding view. In Figure 1, however, a small portion of the mechanism is
omitted as hereinafter explained, and the winding is in progress; whereas in
Figure 2 such omitted portion is shewn, and the automatic winding mechanism is
at rest.
Figure 3 is a view of the left-hand side, Figure 4 is a view of the right-hand
side, and Figure 5 a plan of the mechanism, each shewing both the front and back
plates of the case or frame.
The same letters of reference indicate corresponding parts throughout the views.
A A' are the usual front and back plates, respectively, of the case or frame
which carries the driving mechanism and the automatic winding mechanism, and
these are distanced apart in the usual or any convenient manner, such as by
distance-pieces or pillars B. C is a barrel within which the spring for driving
the clockwork mechanism is coiled. This barrel is mounted to be capable of
turning freely on an arbor a which is mounted to be capable of turning freely in
bearings in the plates A A'. The barrel revolves only when driven (in the direction
of the arrow b, Figure 1) by the automatic winding mechanism. It is normally
held at rest by the engagement of a pinion D with a ring of teeth e around its
periphery. This pinion is fixed upon a spindle d carried in bearings in the
plates A A, and a friction disc E is fixed upon the same spindle and is held from
rotating by a friction pawl F pivoted to the back plate A' and pressed against
the periphery of the disc by means of a spring e. The friction pawl F
consequently holds both the disc and pinion from yielding against the backward
force of the coiled spring within the barrel. One end of such spring is attached
to the barrel and the other end to the arbor a, so that the arbor is rotated and
drives the clockwork mechanism. A lever or arm G pivoted conveniently on
the spindle near to one face of the disc E. carries a friction pawl f pivoted
thereto, and this pawl pressed against the periphery of the disc E by means
of a spring g. The lever carries an armature h, and is capable of being
vibrated between a pair of electro-magnets H H on the one hand and a spring J
on the other. An arm projects from the axis of the lever and is pulled at its
outer end by a spring in a direction which tends to draw the lever against the end
of the spring J; and when the automatic winding mechanism is not in operation
the lever is normally pressing against the spring J, as shewn by Figure 2. The
spring J is insulated from the framing, and is connected by means of a wire with.

page_text: a battery or other source of electricity; and when the lever G is in contact with
such spring, and the electric circuit by means of which the automatic winding is
effected is complete, such lever forms a portion of the electrical conductor for such
circuit. In order to avoid unnecessary confusion of lines, the wire is shewn only
in Figures 1 and 2. The circuit aforesaid, which is normally broken, is auto-
matically completed, in the manner hereinafter described, at a point in the
unwinding of the spring within the barrel C, and the current passes through the
spring J, lever G, the framing, and through an automatic contact-making-and-
breaking lever K through the medium of which the winding is started and stopped,
as hereinafter described, and through a spring N, terminal L, wire m and around
the magnets, and through the wire m' to the battery or other source of electricity
with which such lever K makes and breaks contact. It is, however, of course,
immaterial in which direction the current passes. Simultaneously with the
completion of the electric circuit the lever G is rapidly vibrated between the
electro-magnets H H and the end of the spring J, the circuit being broken each
time it is drawn out of contact with the spring, and completed again each time it
springs back thereagainst. The vibrations of the lever G impart, through the
medium of the friction pawlf, a movement of rotation to the disc E in the direction
indicated by the arrow (Figure 1) and consequently rotate the pinion D in the
same direction and thereby rotate the barrel C in the direction of the arrow b
(Figure 1) and wind up the spring coiled therein. The pawlf and disc E constitute
a clutchwork mechanism by which the movement of the lever G in one direction is
imparted to the spindle d.
A set pin t, screwed through a plate u so that its inner end bears against the
back of the spring J somewhat below its connection with the insulating block U,
may be used to adjust the position of the spring in relation to the movement of the
lever G.
A set-pin M screwed through a portion of the framing, as shewn, forms an
adjustable stop to the outward movement of the lever G and thus relieves the
spring from unnecessary strain; and the inner end of the pin M carries a cap of
leather or material of an analogous character which forms a buffer.
The ends of the magnet cores are covered with soft leather to prevent the
armature sticking, and to deaden the sound.
On a spindle O, carried in bearings in the framing, is fixed a star wheel P and also
a wheel Q. The latter wheel is shewn by detached view Figure 6, as it is somewhat
obscured in Figures 1 and 2 by the star wheel P. The wheels P and Q are,
preferably, fixed on opposite ends of a long boss or sleeves which is fixed on the
spindle O, as they are thus more conveniently held in their proper position in
relation to one another than if fixed direct on the spindle. The contact-making-
and-breaking arm K is mounted on a spindle V carried in bearings in the framing,
and is formed with an arm n, which projects over the wheel Q, and with a downward
arm o. The teeth of the wheel are formed plain or broad at their outer ends
instead of sharp as the teeth of the star wheel, but the openings formed between
them are V-shaped as shewn. The outer end of the arm n of the lever K is formed
with a V-shaped downward projection p of which, however, the sides are preferably
curved, as shewn, instead of straight. In Figure 1 this projection of the arm is
shewn to be resting upon the plain or broad surface of one of the teeth of the
wheel Q, and when such is the case the lower end of the arm o of such lever makes
electrical contact with the spring N, as shewn, and the electrical circuit being thus
complete the automatic winding is in operation. In Figure 2 the projection p of
the arm is shewn to be down between two of the teeth of the wheel Q, and in
such case the lower end of the arm o of such lever is out of electrical contact with
the spring N and the automatic winding mechanism becomes inoperative. The
projection p is normally held down between two of the teeth of the wheel Q by
means of a spiral or other spring R. When the projection p is down between two
of the teeth of the wheel and such wheel is turned a short distance, the side of
one of the teeth, pressing against the corresponding curved side of the projection p,

page_text: forces such projection up until the outer end of such tooth passes under the bottom
of the projection; and if the wheel is stopped when such has taken place (that is
to say, stopped in the position shewn by Figure 1) the projection prests, as shewn
by such figure, on the top of such tooth; and if the wheel is turned a short distance
from such latter position the projection is drawn down again, by the pull of the
spring R, into the next space between two of the teeth, that is to say, into the
position shewn by Figure 2. At the face of the barrel C is pivoted a short arm S
which is pressed backwards, by means of a spring 7, against a stud fixed to the
barrel so that such arm can itself be pressed forwards in relation to the barrel
against the pressure of the spring q, under circumstances presently described, and
return again to the stud r on the removal of the pressure by which it has been
pushed forwards therefrom. At a point in each revolution of the barrel the arm S
comes in contact with a tooth of the star wheel P and moves such wheel through
such portion of a revolution as is sufficient to move the outer end of a tooth of the
wheel Q from under the apex of the projection p. In Figure 1 the arm S is shewn
as just coming into contact with one of the teeth of the star wheel P. As the
barrel C continues to turn in the direction of the arrow b, Figure 1, the star wheel
is, of course, moved by the arm S. As soon, however, as it is moved sufficiently
for the apex of the projection p to be clear of the top of the tooth of the wheel Q
on which it has been resting such projection is drawn down by the spring R, and
its outer curved side pressing against the inclined side of the tooth presses the
wheel Q further in the same direction until the projection p is in position bearing
against both sides of the opening between two teeth, as shewn by Figure 2. This
movement of the wheel Q, caused by the pressure of the projection p, correspondingly
moves the wheel P and moves the tooth thereof against which the arm S has been
pressing somewhat in advance of such arm, that is to say, into the position in
relation thereto shewn by Figure 2. The contact being thus broken, by the arm o
being moved back from the end of the spring N, as shewn by Figure 2, the
vibrations of the lever G cease and the barrel C consequently remains stationary ;
and it will be observed that the barrel C can make only one revolution before
the arm S comes into contact with the star wheel P and thus moves the arm o
of the contact-making-and-breaking lever K out of contact with the spring N.
An arm S¹ (see specially Figure 2, in which however it is shewn by broken
lines) corresponding to the arm S, is pivoted to the back or inner face of
a toothed wheel T which is fixed upon the arbor a and imparts the movement
of the main spring to the clockwork mechanism.. The wheel T is constantly
rotated, by the unwinding of the main spring, in the same direction as
that in which the barrel is moved in winding up. The arm S₁ is normally
pressed back by a spring against a stud fixed to the wheel T, just in the manner
in which the arm S is pressed back and for the same purpose. The wheel T
and arm S¹ are omitted in Figure 1, for convenience of illustration. The arm S¹
comes in contact with a tooth of the star wheel P (namely, with the tooth
thereof which is at the time the next behind the arm $) once in each revolution
of the wheel T, and at a time when the star wheel and wheel Q are in the position
shewn by Figure 2 with the projection p of the lever K down between two of the
teeth of the wheel Q. The wheel Q is thus moved by the action of the arm S¹ on
the star wheel sufficiently to cause the inclined side of one of the teeth of the
wheel Q to press upwards the projection p out of the space between itself and
the next tooth forwards (thus moving the arm o into contact with the spring N,
and restarting the winding mechanism) and to pass the former tooth under the apex
of the projection. The arm S¹ passes out of contact with the star wheel P when
the top of a tooth has been brought sufficiently under the apex of the projection p
to allow such projection to rest properly thereon as shewn by Figure 1, and the
projection then rests on the top of the tooth and the arm o is held in contact with
the spring N until it is moved out of contact again through the medium of the
arm S as the barrel C completes a revolution.
It will be seen from the foregoing description that, when the mechanism is

page_text: arranged in the manner illustrated, the arm S¹ sets the automatic winding going
once during each revolution of the wheel T, and that such winding is stopped by
the arm S as the barrel C. completes one revolution, and that the barrel then
remains stationary until the winding mechanism is again started by the arm S¹.
It may now be explained, that as the barrel C remains stationary (until the
winding is re-started), when the arm S is in the position shewn by Figure 2, the
tooth of the star wheel which is behind it will not clear it when such wheel is
moved by the arm S', and the arm S consequently yields forwards, under the
pressure of such tooth, against the pressure of its spring q. As the barrel C
commences to revolve while the arm $¹ is still pressing forwards a tooth of the
star wheel P, and as the movement of the barrel is rapid while that of the
wheel T is slow, it will be found, with the proportionate speeds usually adopted
for the barrel and wheel T, that the arm Si will not be clear of the teeth of
the star wheel P when such wheel is being operated by the arm S as the barrel
completes a revolution. The arm S', however, will yield forwards under the
pressure of a tooth of the star wheel P just as the arm S does.
It is stated in the Provisional Specification that the projection on the contact-
making-and-breaking lever moves inwards between two of the teeth of the wheel
with which such lever engages, to cause the lever to make contact, and that the
contact is broken by such projection being pushed outwards again. In practice,
however, I find it better to operate the lever reversely, as above described, for
making and breaking contact, as the contact is thereby broken rapidly and
completely because, immediately the top of the tooth of the wheel Q on which the
projection has been resting is moved from under the apex of the projection, the
arm of the lever K is pulled down by the spring R independently of any further
movement of the barrel C; whereas, in the arrangement described in the Pro-
visional Specification, the arm n is only barely moved out of contact as the winding
operation is completed.
The main spring is, of course, wound up to a considerable degree of tension
independently of the movement of the automatic winding mechanism, and cannot
unwind below such tension. The automatic winding mechanism simply winds the
spring periodically to a higher tension than that to which it is initially or normally
wound, and comes into action again immediately the spring has unwound to the
extent by which it has been wound up by such mechanism.
The wheel T may revolve say once in a hour or once in each longer period, say
twelve or twenty-four hours. In case a very powerful spring has to be used the
winding of the barrel C may be effected through the medium of a train of wheels,
to give additional purchase. The mechanism may be so arranged, also, that the
barrel may be wound two or more revolutions at each continuous operation of the
automatic winding mechanism. For this purpose, the wheel Q may be formed
quite plain around its periphery except for a notch (or any required number of
notches) corresponding in shape to the space between two of the teeth of such
wheel when formed with teeth as described, so that the star wheel will have to be
moved by the arm S a certain number of times (corresponding to the number of
revolutions of the barrel C during one continuous operation) before a notch of
the wheel is brought under the projection of the arm n and the consequent
descent of the arm moves the arm o out of contact with the spring N. In such
case, also, the star wheel P is operated to move the wheel Q, for moving up the
arm n, by an arm corresponding to the arm S' which is carried by a wheel of the
clock mechanism, or by an idle wheel driven thereby, which revolves once during
each period which it is desired shall elapse between the commencement of an
automatic winding operation and the commencement of the next succeeding
operation. In such an arrangement it is easy to provide that the automatic winding
shall take place only at lengthened intervals, such for instance as once a week.
This arrangement may be modified by making the wheel Q with teeth as shewn on
the drawings, and actuating the star wheel P, for the purpose of moving the lever K
out of contact with the spring N, by means of an arm, corresponding to the arm S,

page_text: carried by a wheel driven by a train of wheels from the Darrei and gearing suen
wheel to revolve once for any number of revolutions the barrel makes in one
continuous winding-up movement. The two wheels carrying the arms for operating
the star wheel would then perform their revolutions in the same relation to one
another as the barrel C and wheel T as described with reference to the drawings,
notwithstanding that the barrel revolved two or more revolutions for each complete
winding operation. The wheel T, or other wheel performing the same function in
relation to the star wheel P, may carry two or more arms S1, if desired, in which
case the automatic winding mechanisin will be put into motion two or more
times during each revolution of such wheel T or corresponding wheel.
In the illustrations, only sufficient of the mechanism is shewn to make the
invention clear.
The automatic winding mechanism described is applicable also, as will be obvious,
to clocks.
A single electro-magnet may, of course, be substituted for the pair of magnets
described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim in respect of automatic electric winding mechanism for electricity meters
operated by the aid of clockwork mechanism, and for clocks, is :-
1. A lever pivoted to vibrate under the influence of an electric current and
operating through the medium of a clutch-work mechanism to wind the spring
which drives the clock-work mechanism, substantially as described.
2. The combination of vibrating lever G operated substantially as described and
carrying a pawl f, and disc E fixed on spindle d and held from revolving in one
direction by pawl F, with means by which the movement of the spindle dis
utilized in winding the spring which drives the clockwork mechanism, substantially
as described and shewn for the purpose set forth.
3. The combination of vibrating lever G operated substantially as described and
carrying a pawl f, disc E fixed on spindle d and held from revolving in one
direction by pawl F, pinion D and barrel C which is stationary except when being
rotated through the medium of the vibrating lever, substantially as described and
shewn, for the purpose set forth.
4. The combination of mechanism by which the winding of the spring which
drives the clockwork mechanism is effected when the electric circuit through the
medium of which such mechanism is operated is complete, substantially as described
and shewn by the drawings herewith.
5. The combination of a part which is caused to rotate around an axis during the
automatic winding operation with a star wheel with which it engages and moves a
short distance each revolution and through the medium of which, and of suitable
mechanism as described, causes a break in the electric circuit by which the
automatic winding movement has been started and maintained, and with a part
which is caused to rotate by the clockwork mechanism and which engages with
such star wheel each revolution and moves it a short distance and through the
medium of which, and of suitable mechanism as described, completes such electric
circuit which again starts the automatic winding movement, substantially as
described.
6. The combination, with a star wheel operated in the manner indicated by
Claim 5, of a wheel formed with a notch or notches in the edge thereof through
the medium of which a contact making-and-breaking lever is caused to make and
break contact with an electric terminal, substantially as described.
7. The combination of wheels P and Q and lever K, operating substantially as
described and shewn, for the purpose set forth.
8. The use, for operating a wheel for the purpose of making (or breaking) the
electric circuit by which the automatic winding movement is started and main-
tained, of a part carried by a revolving portion of the mechanism and capable of

page_text: yielding forwards against the pressure of a spring when such wheel is moved for
the purpose of breaking (or making) such circuit, substantially as described for the
purpose set forth.
9. The spring arms S S¹, carried by parts operated, respectively, during the
automatic winding movement, and by the clockwork mechanism, and operating in
combination with the wheel P, substantially as described and shewn, for the purpose
set forth.
10. The means by which the automatic winding movement is utilized to break
the electric circuit by which it has been started and maintained, substantially as
described and shewn by the drawings herewith.
11. The means by which the electric circuit is completed to start the winding
mechanism, substantially as described and shewn by the drawings herewith.
12. The combined mechanism by which the automatic winding movement is
utilised to break the electric circuit by which it has been started. and maintained,
and by which the electric circuit is completed to start such winding mechanism,
substantially as described and shewn by the drawings herewith.
13. The general combination of mechanism, substantially as described and
shewn by the drawings herewith, by which the winding of the spring which
operates the clockwork mechanism is periodically effected and the winding
operation automatically stopped, and including the modifications thereof, substan-
tially as described.
Dated this 12th day of January 1893.
STEPHEN WATKINS,
Wolverhampton, Agent for the Applicant.