US3914583A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Decade or the like and components thereof
Assignee: TDK Micronas GmbH
•
Filing: 1972-07-17
•
Granted: 1975-10-21
•
Expires: 1992-07-17
Abstract
Abstract A decade counter and/or printer wherein a clapper is pivotally connected by means of a cylindrical enlargement to a pawl carrying arm. This arrangement has an unusually long useful life. The pawl has an adjustable stop for character alignment. Two identical contact brush assemblies may be located in at least two different places. This makes a cost saving possible.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert E Einem
- 👤 Raymond Vertefeuille
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 20:53
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06M; G06M3/00; G06M3/06; G06M3/062; G06M3/065; G06M1/00; G06M1/08; G06M1/10; G06M1/102; G06M1/27; G06M1/276
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 29
Claim 1
Independent Claim
272 words
An incremental drive mechanism comprising: a base; an electromagnet fixed relative to said base, said electromagnet having a ferromagnetic core with a conductive winding therearound said core having one end located in a predetermined position; a nonmagnetic arm; means mounting said arm on said base in a position pivotable about a first axis fixed relative to said base but otherwise in a fixed position relative to said base in a direction along said first axis, said arm having a recess therein; a ferromagnetic clapper having an enlargement on one end thereof trapped in said recess, said base having a portion extending over one end of said recess to trap said clapper enlargement, said arm having a portion extending over the other end of said recess to trap said clapper enlargement, said clapper having a shank portion connected with said enlargement, said recess having an opening between the ends thereof larger than said shank portion thereat to permit limited rotation of said clapper, said opening being smaller than said enlargement to trap said enlargement in said recess, said arm and said clapper being constructed to cause said enlargement to be rotatable inside said recess only about a second axis approximately parallel to said first axis, said clapper being located in a position such that said shank portion is drawn toward said core when said winding is energized; a toothed ratchet wheel pivoted on said base; means on said arm positioned to rotate said ratchet wheel an integral number of teeth each time said winding is energized and subsequently deenergized; and spring means to bias sAid arm in a direction toward said ratchet wheel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
272 words
An incremental drive mechanism comprising: a base; an electromagnet fixed relative to said base, said electromagnet having a ferromagnetic core with a conductive winding therearound said core having one end located in a predetermined position; a nonmagnetic arm; means mounting said arm on said base in a position pivotable about a first axis fixed relative to said base but otherwise in a fixed position relative to said base in a direction along said first axis, said arm having a recess therein; a ferromagnetic clapper having an enlargement on one end thereof trapped in said recess, said base having a portion extending over one end of said recess to trap said clapper enlargement, said arm having a portion extending over the other end of said recess to trap said clapper enlargement, said clapper having a shank portion connected with said enlargement, said recess having an opening between the ends thereof larger than said shank portion thereat to permit limited rotation of said clapper, said opening being smaller than said enlargement to trap said enlargement in said recess, said arm and said clapper being constructed to cause said enlargement to be rotatable inside said recess only about a second axis approximately parallel to said first axis, said clapper being located in a position such that said shank portion is drawn toward said core when said winding is energized; a toothed ratchet wheel pivoted on said base; means on said arm positioned to rotate said ratchet wheel an integral number of teeth each time said winding is energized and subsequently deenergized; and spring means to bias sAid arm in a direction toward said ratchet wheel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
122 words
The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein said arm recess is at least partially defined by an internal surface which is a partial cylindrical surface of revolution, said opening being a radially extending slot through said surface of revolution, said slot having a uniform angular width less than 180* along the axial length thereof, said enlargement having a conformal cylindrical surface cut off at its ends by approximately flat and parallel circular surfaces, the internal surface of the portion of said base covering said one end of said recess being approximately flat and parallel to said circular surfaces, the portion of said arm covering said other end of said recess having an approximately flat internal surface parallel to said circular surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as defined in claim 2, including means connected with said ratchet wheel to indicate a different symbol each time said winding is energized and deenergized.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as defined in claim 3, wherein said clapper is freely movable and is substantially spaced from all pivotally guiding structures except for said enlargement being trapped in said recess as aforesaid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as defined in claim 1, including means connected with said ratchet wheel to indicate a different symbol each time said winding is energized and deenergized.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as defined in claim 5, wherein said clapper is freely movable and is substantially spaced from all pivotally guiding structures except for said enlargement being trapped in said recess as aforesaid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein said clapper is freely movable and is substantially spaced from all pivotally guiding structures except for said enlargements being trapped in said recess as aforesaid.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
221 words
An incremental drive mechanism comprising: a base; an electromagnet fixed relative to said base, said electromagnet having a ferromagnetic core with a conductive winding therearound, said core having one end located in a predetermined position; a nonmagnetic arm; means mounting said arm on said base in a position pivotable about a first axis fixed relative to said base but otherwise in a fixed position relative to said base, said arm being pivoted around said first axis in a predetermined direction when said winding is energized; a first spring mounted between said base and said arm to bias said arm in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction; a ratchet wheel pivoted on said base about a second axis parallel to said first axis, said ratchet wheel having teeth; a pawl pivoted on said arm about a third axis parallel to said first and second axes, said pawl being positioned to engage successive teeth on said wheel as said clapper and said first spring oscillate said arm about said first axis when said winding is energized and deenergized, respectively; a second spring mounted between said arm and said pawl to bias said pawl into engagement with said ratchet wheel teeth; and an adjustable stop movable on said base to limit ratchet wheel advancing movement of said pawl by engagement by said pawl.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
221 words
An incremental drive mechanism comprising: a base; an electromagnet fixed relative to said base, said electromagnet having a ferromagnetic core with a conductive winding therearound, said core having one end located in a predetermined position; a nonmagnetic arm; means mounting said arm on said base in a position pivotable about a first axis fixed relative to said base but otherwise in a fixed position relative to said base, said arm being pivoted around said first axis in a predetermined direction when said winding is energized; a first spring mounted between said base and said arm to bias said arm in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction; a ratchet wheel pivoted on said base about a second axis parallel to said first axis, said ratchet wheel having teeth; a pawl pivoted on said arm about a third axis parallel to said first and second axes, said pawl being positioned to engage successive teeth on said wheel as said clapper and said first spring oscillate said arm about said first axis when said winding is energized and deenergized, respectively; a second spring mounted between said arm and said pawl to bias said pawl into engagement with said ratchet wheel teeth; and an adjustable stop movable on said base to limit ratchet wheel advancing movement of said pawl by engagement by said pawl.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as defined in claim 8, including means connected with said ratchet wheel to indicate a different symbol each time said winding is energized and deenergized.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
86 words
An incremental drive mechanism comprising: a base; a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted on said base, said ratchet wheel having teeth; a pawl rotatably mounted relative to said base in a position engageable with successive teeth around said ratchet wheel; means to oscillate said pawl for engagement with successive ratchet wheel teeth to advance the same step by step; a bracket fixed relative to said base; and a stop having a screw threaded through said bracket for engagement by and to limit advancing movement of said pawl.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
86 words
An incremental drive mechanism comprising: a base; a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted on said base, said ratchet wheel having teeth; a pawl rotatably mounted relative to said base in a position engageable with successive teeth around said ratchet wheel; means to oscillate said pawl for engagement with successive ratchet wheel teeth to advance the same step by step; a bracket fixed relative to said base; and a stop having a screw threaded through said bracket for engagement by and to limit advancing movement of said pawl.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as defined in claim 10, wherein said base includes a portion having a hole threaded through, said stop including a screw threAded through said hole.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
222 words
An incremental drive mechanism comprising: a base; an electromagnet fixed relative to said base, said electromagnet having a ferromagnetic core with a conductive winding therearound said core having one end located in a predetermined position; a nonmagnetic arm; means mounting said arm on said base in a position pivotable about a first axis fixed relative to said base but otherwise in a fixed position relative to said base in a direction along said first axis, said arm having a recess therein; a ferromagnetic clapper having an enlargement on one end thereof in said recess, said clapper having a shank portion connected with said enlargement, said recess having an opening between the ends thereof larger than said shank portion thereat to permit limited rotation of said clapper, said arm and said clapper being constructed to cause said enlargement to be rotatable inside said recess only about a second axis approximately parallel to said first axis, said clapper being located in a position such that said shank portion is drawn toward said core when said winding is energized; a toothed ratchet wheel pivoted on said base; means on said arm positioned to rotate said ratchet wheel an integral number of teeth each time said winding is energized and subsequently deenergized; and spring means to bias said arm in a direction toward said ratchet wheel.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
222 words
An incremental drive mechanism comprising: a base; an electromagnet fixed relative to said base, said electromagnet having a ferromagnetic core with a conductive winding therearound said core having one end located in a predetermined position; a nonmagnetic arm; means mounting said arm on said base in a position pivotable about a first axis fixed relative to said base but otherwise in a fixed position relative to said base in a direction along said first axis, said arm having a recess therein; a ferromagnetic clapper having an enlargement on one end thereof in said recess, said clapper having a shank portion connected with said enlargement, said recess having an opening between the ends thereof larger than said shank portion thereat to permit limited rotation of said clapper, said arm and said clapper being constructed to cause said enlargement to be rotatable inside said recess only about a second axis approximately parallel to said first axis, said clapper being located in a position such that said shank portion is drawn toward said core when said winding is energized; a toothed ratchet wheel pivoted on said base; means on said arm positioned to rotate said ratchet wheel an integral number of teeth each time said winding is energized and subsequently deenergized; and spring means to bias said arm in a direction toward said ratchet wheel.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
61 words
The invention as defined in claim 12, wherein said arm recess is at least partially defined by an internal surface which is a partial cylindrical surface of revolution, said opening being a radially extending slot through said surface of revolution, said slot having an angular width less than 180 degrees along the axial length thereof and having a conformal cylindrical surface.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as defined in claim 13, including means connected with said ratchet wheel to indicate a different symbol each time said winding is energized and deenergized.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention as defined in claim 14, wherein said clapper is pivotally guided but only on said arm.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention as defined in claim 15, wherein said opening is smaller than said enlargement to trap said enlargement in said recess.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention as defined in claim 12, wherein said opening is smaller than said enlargement to trap said enlargement in said recess.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
109 words
A decade comprising: a base; a first wheel rotatably mounted on said base, said first wheel having a first assembly thereon eccentric to the first wheel axis; a first wiper blade having a first pair of brushes fixed thereto in positions spaced apart along a first line therebetween, said first wiper blade having first mounting means closer to one brush than the other said first mounting means being supported on said first assembly in a manner such that said first line passes through the axis of said first wheel; and a printed circuit board fixed relative to said base and having conductors positioned to be engaged by said brushes.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
109 words
A decade comprising: a base; a first wheel rotatably mounted on said base, said first wheel having a first assembly thereon eccentric to the first wheel axis; a first wiper blade having a first pair of brushes fixed thereto in positions spaced apart along a first line therebetween, said first wiper blade having first mounting means closer to one brush than the other said first mounting means being supported on said first assembly in a manner such that said first line passes through the axis of said first wheel; and a printed circuit board fixed relative to said base and having conductors positioned to be engaged by said brushes.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
113 words
The invention as defined in claim 18, including a second wheel rotatably mounted on said base and having a second assembly substantially identical to said first assembly, a second wiper blade having a second pair of brushes and being substantially identical to said first wiper blade having a second mounting means substantially identical in size, shape and location between said second wiper blade brushes to the size, shape and location of said first mounting means between said first wiper blade brushes, said second mounting means being supported on said second assembly in a manner such that a second line between said second wiper blade brushes passes through the axis of said second wheel.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
86 words
The invention as defined in claim 19, wherein said one brush of each of said pairs is located a distance D from each respective mounting means, the other brush of each of said pairs being located a distance E from each respective mounting means, the eccentricity of each said assembly being C, said one brush of said first pair being spaced a distAnce from said first wheel axis less than the distance said one brush of said second pair is spaced from said second wheel axis.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention as defined in claim 20, wherein C is defined by the equation C E - D/2.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
82 words
A decade comprising: a base; a ratchet wheel rotatable on said base; a pawl movably mounted on said base, said wheel having teeth with surfaces inclined relative to a diameter; a stop mounted on said base adjacent said teeth; and power means to advance said wheel by moving said pawl, said pawl being moved in a manner such that it is ultimately wedged between said stop and one of said inclined surfaces to prevent overtravel of said wheel in an advancing direction.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
82 words
A decade comprising: a base; a ratchet wheel rotatable on said base; a pawl movably mounted on said base, said wheel having teeth with surfaces inclined relative to a diameter; a stop mounted on said base adjacent said teeth; and power means to advance said wheel by moving said pawl, said pawl being moved in a manner such that it is ultimately wedged between said stop and one of said inclined surfaces to prevent overtravel of said wheel in an advancing direction.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention as defined in claim 22, wherein said power means includes a spring to bias said pawl toward the position in which it is wedged as aforesaid.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-20 | 1979-04-21 | 1979-10-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-20 | 1983-04-21 | 1983-10-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-20 | 1987-04-21 | 1987-10-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |