GB369705A - Improvements relating to timekeepers - Google Patents

Abstract

369,705. Clocks. JACKSON, H., 5, Maple Grove, St. Helens, Lancashire. Jan. 27, 1931, No. 2599. [Class 139.] Electric clocks.-In a timing device, a plurality of pendulums or balance wheels are so arranged and interconnected that they all perform in turn exactly similar functions and that their mutual interactions are also exactly similar. The embodiment described comprises two pendulums having electromagnetic driving means, but it is stated that other forms of drive may be employed. When one pendulum 10 is released by means described below it swings to the extreme left-hand position and, during its return swing, trips a lever 14 to depress a lever 16, Fig. 2, secured to a shaft 18. To the other end of the shaft 18 is fixed a lever 17 similar to the lever 16 and at this time detaining the other pendulum 11 which is thus released when the lever 16 is depressed. The pendulum 10 continues its swing until a roller 19 thereon contacts with a wheel 23 mounted on a shaft 25 to which is also secured a ratchet wheel 26, Fig. 3. The shaft 25 and wheel 26 are thus given a small rotation (clockwise in Fig. 3) which causes the closing of contacts 30, 31 by a pawl 29. An electromagnet 28 is thereupon energized and moves a pawl 27 to complete the step of movement of the ratchet wheel 26 and shaft 25. The wheel 23 acts on the roller 19 to draw the pendulum 10 to the right until the roller slips past the tooth 22, the pendulum then being retained by the lever 16. The lever 17 is shortly afterwards tripped by the other pendulum 11 to release the pendulum 10, the cycle thus commencing again. A wheel 24, identical with the wheel 23, is attached to the shaft 25 and correspondingly operates in conjunction with the pendulum 11 as described above. The drive to the clock-train is made through a pinion on the shaft 25 and the electromagnet 28 may close contacts in a number of slaveclock circuits. Specification 257,408, [Class 139, Watches &c.], is referred to.