Patent US4024701A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4024701A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Gravity powered timers
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1975-09-08
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Granted: 1977-05-24
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Expires: 1995-09-08
Abstract
Abstract A gravity powered timing device is described which is of generally rectangular cross-section, the perimeter portions of which include a plurality of inclined track sections which successively communicate with each other to define a descending track of predetermined finite length. A free rolling ball is adapted to travel downwardly along such track and, at the terminal portion of each track section, is prevented from achieving undesired high speed by collision with the wall portion for the next successive track section. The terminal portion of the lowermost of said inclined track sections is in overlying relationship with a sounding plate, whereby a ball travelling successfully downwardly along the track will be discharged onto the sounding plate and thereby produce an audible signal. If desired, a similar sounding plate can be provided at the upper end of the device, thereby enabling a repeat of the timing cycle to be accomplished by simply inverting the device. In a preferred embodiment, the track sections can be of modular construction, thereby enabling the operator to selectively regular the track length and hence the duration of the timing cycle.
Inventors
- 👤 Wynne Rinnman Corson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 01:25
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04F; G04F1/00; G04F1/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
269 words
A gravity powered timing device, comprising: a generally spherical striker means; a plurality of inclined planes successively communicating with each other to define a descending track of a predetermined finite length, each of said successively communicating descending inclined planes being arranged at substantially right angles to each other, whereby said plurality of inclined planes are characterized by a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, said inclined planes being adapted to receive said striker means for gravity-induced downward travel of said striker means along said track; the uppermost inclined plane of said plurality of successively communicating inclined planes including an entrance means comprising outwardly extending diverging walls which form a first feeder means that guides said striker means into said entrance means for subsequent travel along said descending track, speed retarding means at the terminal portion of said inclined planes for contacting said spherical striker means when it reaches the terminal portion of said inclined plane to controllably retard the gravity-induced downward travel of said spherical striker means as it travels from each of said inclined planes to the next succeeding inclined plane of said track; and, a sounding plate positioned at the terminal portion of the lowermost of said inclined planes and adapted to receive said striker means upon its being discharged from said lowermost inclined plane to produce an audible signal, the terminal portion of the lowermost of said plurality of inclined planes directly communicating with a discharge means which includes outwardly extending diverging walls that direct said striker means onto said sounding plate, said discharge means also functioning as a second feeder means when said timing device is inverted.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
269 words
A gravity powered timing device, comprising: a generally spherical striker means; a plurality of inclined planes successively communicating with each other to define a descending track of a predetermined finite length, each of said successively communicating descending inclined planes being arranged at substantially right angles to each other, whereby said plurality of inclined planes are characterized by a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, said inclined planes being adapted to receive said striker means for gravity-induced downward travel of said striker means along said track; the uppermost inclined plane of said plurality of successively communicating inclined planes including an entrance means comprising outwardly extending diverging walls which form a first feeder means that guides said striker means into said entrance means for subsequent travel along said descending track, speed retarding means at the terminal portion of said inclined planes for contacting said spherical striker means when it reaches the terminal portion of said inclined plane to controllably retard the gravity-induced downward travel of said spherical striker means as it travels from each of said inclined planes to the next succeeding inclined plane of said track; and, a sounding plate positioned at the terminal portion of the lowermost of said inclined planes and adapted to receive said striker means upon its being discharged from said lowermost inclined plane to produce an audible signal, the terminal portion of the lowermost of said plurality of inclined planes directly communicating with a discharge means which includes outwardly extending diverging walls that direct said striker means onto said sounding plate, said discharge means also functioning as a second feeder means when said timing device is inverted.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The gravity powered timing device of claim 1 wherein said inclined planes are included in a plurality of modular groups which can be interconnected with each other to selectively regulate the predetermined finite length of said track.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 words
The gravity powered timing device of claim 1 wherein said speed retarding means comprises an abutment positioned at the terminal portion of at least a substantial number of said inclined planes which functions to block further travel of said spherical striker means along the path defined by the upstream inclined plane associated therewith and to direct said spherical striker means into a direction of travel coincident with the downstream inclined plane associated therewith.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The gravity powered timing device of claim 1 wherein said plurality of inclined planes are arranged and sized to be removably received within an outer casing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The gravity powered timing device of claim 4 wherein at least a portion of said outer casing is constructed to provide viewing of said spherical striker means as it travels down said plurality of inclined planes.
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) | 1980-05-23 | 1980-11-22 | 1981-05-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-05-23 | 1984-11-22 | 1985-05-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-05-23 | 1988-11-22 | 1989-05-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |