Electroimpulsive decimal counter

Claim 1

An electrically driven decimal counter, comprising two coaxial rotAtable counting members, means for drivingly connecting the two members, means for selectively disengaging the two members, means for rotatably stepwise driving a first one of said members and the second member when it is connected to the first member, a first switch mechanism associated with one of the counting members, said first switch mechanism being adapted to transfer impulses to a next higher counter stage and also to receive zeroing impulses, means connected to said one counting member for operating the first switch mechanism, a second switch mechanism associated with the other counting member, said second switch mechanism having contacts adapted to be interposed in at least one auxiliary circuit, means connected to said other counting member for operating the second switch mechanism, the said means for disengaging the two counting members forming a mechanical controlling element for said other counting member, the means for drivingly connecting the two counting members comprising interengaging formations on the confronting faces of the two members, and spring means for yieldingly thrusting the two members toward each other, the means for selectively disengaging the two members comprising means for retracting the second counting member from the first counting member against the opposition of the spring means yieldingly thrusting the members toward each other, the means for retracting the second counting member from the first counting member comprising a radial tooth on the second counting member, and a rotatable key having a cam affixed thereto, said cam being able to engage the tooth to retract second counting member is disposed in one predetermined angular position.