US2239160A - Remote signal device and control - Google Patents

Description

April 22, 1941. E. A. NEWMAN REMOTE SIGNAL DEVICE AND CONTROL Filed Jan. 17, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 west 43 6 1071102 April 22, 1941. E. A. NEWMAN REMOTE SIGNAL DEVICE AND CONTROL 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 17, 1938 ,Z'rneatZIJV whwn Z J 0? M Patented Apr. 1941 REMOTE SIGNAL DEVICE AND CONTROL Ernest A. Newman, Woburn, Mass, assignor of twenty-five one hundredths to Francis G. Chase,

Winchester, Mass.

Application January 17, 1938, Serial No. 185,311

5 Claims. (Cl. 58-19) This invention relates to audible signal devices and more particularly to signal devices associated with alarm clocks and like instrumentalities that actuate the signal device at a selectedtime.

It is well known that clocks and like devices are provided with integral audible signal devices and apparatus for actuating the signal device at a selected time and until the actuation of the signal device is manually arrested by means of a switch or like member associated with the signal device.

In many instances these signal device or commonly termed alarm clocks are employed to arouse a slumbering person at a given time and are usually positioned at a convenient place in the room of the sleeping person. These signal devices when actuated not only arouse the intended person but invariably disturb other persons within the hearing of the signal.

When the clock with its associated signal device is placed conveniently close to the slumbering person, it is a common occurence, when the signal is actuated, for the person to operate the switch to arrest the signal and again fall asleep.

To assure of a person arising at a desired time,

it is the general practice to place the clock and its signal device at a distance from the position of the slumbering person thus requiring the person to completely arise to eifect the arresting of the signal. It is generally accepted that it is not conducive to the best of health for a person to quickly arise upon being awakened.

Accordingly one of the primary objects of the present invention is to provide a device that may be remotely disposed fromthe alarm or signal indicating and actuating means and in a manner that will permit a person awakened by the signal to arrest the alarm or signal without immediate- 1y arising.

Another object of the present invention is to so arrange and construct the signal arresting device in a manner that, should the awakened person inadvertently again fall asleep, the signal device will immediately functior to arouse the person again and will repeat this sequence until the person finally arises and manipulates the usual :witch or control embodied with the alarm or signal device.

A further object of the invention is to provide a combined signal device and control that may be remotely disposed from and associated with the time and signal indicating means in such a manner as to awaken a single individual at a selected sime without unnecessarily disturbing other persons in close proximity to the signal device.

The above objects are intended as a general explanation and are not to be construed as a limitation as other objects will be evident from the detailed description forming a part thereof.

with the above recited and other objects in view the invention comprises a novel combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and more specifically pointed out in the appended claims. I

In theaccompanying drawings 1 have shown my invention embodied with an electrically actuated clock and a modification embodied with an escapement or mechanically operated clock sufficient to enable those skilled'in the art to understand the construction and operation thereof.

It is particularly pointed out that, while I have shown the invention associated with a time indicating clock, it is obviousthat the combined signal device and control may be associated with other instruments such, for example, as a telephone signal and function with like advantages as pointed out.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of an. electrically actuated clock.

Fig. 2 is a rear view of the clock illustrated a Fig. 1 and in this view the rear cover is omitted.

Fig. 3 is a transverse section taken substantially along line 3-3, Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of my combined signal device and manual control.

Fig. 5 is a view corresponding substantially to Fig. 2 but shows a gearing arrangement for a time indicating device.

Fig. 6 is a transverse section of the gearing of the time indicating device.

Fig. 7 is a detail plan view of the signal setting and control elements.

Fig. 8 is a view corresponding substantially to Fig. 7 but shows the parts in a different position.

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view taken substantially along line 9--9, Fig. 7, and

Fig. 10 is a view corresponding to Fig. 9 but shows the parts in a different position.

The time indicating devices The clock illustrated at Fig. 1 is provided with a face plate Ill with the usual digits II and hour and minute hands l2, i3. The hands I2, B are opera-ted, in the now well known manner, by electric current mechanism embodied in a frame i4 secured to the rear of the face plate 10.

Many electric clocks .are provided with socalled alarms or signal devices that may be set for a selected time and, at the time selected, the alarm or signal device will automatically begin to function. To accomplish this function the clock is provided with an indicating device that may be set, as indicated, at l5 in Fig. 1, to a selected time. To effect actuation of the signal device, in an electrically operated time indicating device, a circuit having a magnetic vibrating element associated therewith is provided that usually embodies a magnetic coil I6 provided with conductor wires l1, l8 which, in the present instance, would be connected in a suitable manner to an alternating current source of power.

This circuit is provided with a magnetically actuated vibrating element which, in the time indicating device illustrated, comprises a pivoted arm l9 having a terminating end 190, that is adapted to be attracted to the core [6a of the magnetic coil [6 when the lever is released from its set position, as indicated by broken lines at The arm I9 is provided with a resilient exten sion lag that engages with a transverse member of the clock frame and normally urges the arm IE to its operative position. This arm i9 is restrained in inoperative position by the alarm arresting lever arm 26 as this arm 20 is moved to the left and engages with a cam-like portion [9d of the arm l9. The alarm arresting lever arm 20 is provided with an extension 45 forming a handle for the convenient manipulation of the lever arm 20 to its pivot. At Figs. 2 and 5 the lever arm 20 is disposed in a disengaged position that permits the arm [9 to operatively function. As this lever arm 26 is moved to the right, to its engaging position, indicated by broken lines, Fig. 2, it engages with the cam portion I901 of the arm l9 and disposes the arm IS in an inoperative and locked position against the spring action of the arm portion Hg and further retains the arm IS in this inoperative position where the arm terminating end ISa is separated from and cannot operatively engage with the core l6a. When the lever-arm 20 is again moved to the left, to its disengaging position; that is, out of the engaging path of the cam portion 19d, the arm [9 is free to be automatically released, by the time controlled mechanism, later described herein, and urged, by the spring-like extension lg to its operative position relative to the core l6a.

In the usual construction, the arm I9 is provided with an extension in the form of a ball or other device. (not shown) that is adapted to engage with a portion of the clock as the arm I9 is actuated by the current that energizes the magnetic coil and which causes the arm I 9 to vibrate or oscillate in the well-known manner to form. what may be conveniently termed-a vibrating device.

In the present instance, I have eliminated the ball or other device (not shown) that is usually associated with the arm l9, as this form of device is not desired with the present remote device and control.

While the elements required for the operation of the clock, the setting and actuating of the signal device may be of any of the usual and well known arrangements, for purposes of illustration, the present improvement is embodied with F a structure having a rotor 50 and .associated field poles 5i, forming a synchronous brake structure that accurately controls the speed of operation of the clock in accordance with the frequency of the current supplied as is now well known and commonly used in electrically operated timing devices. The rotor 50, thru the pinion 53, rotates the main gear 54 and this main gear, thru a suitable intermediate gear train comprising gears 55, 56, 51, 58 and 59- together with their associated pinions 54a, 55a, 56a, 51a and 59a actuates the usual second, minute and hour hands.

The pinion 59a, of the gear train, continuously rotates the time signal gear 66. This gear 66 is provided with a hub 66a having a. cam faced notch 66b in its face. The gear 60 and its hub 60a are adapted to freely rotate and slide upon the normally stationary signal setting shaft 6|. A disc 62- is secured to oneend of the shaft 6! and the outer face of the disc 62 is provided with indicia which may be rotated until the desired numeral or indicating mark appears in the face opening l5 of the clock and at which time the signal device is set to operate in the manner hereinafter mentioned. It is to be noted that the inner face of the disc 62 is provided with 8. lug 62a that is adapted to coact with the hub notch 60b and the gear 60 and its hub are continuously urged toward the disc 62 by a, spring member 63.

As the gear 66 is continuously rotated, the disc lug 62a bears against the end face of the gear hub 60a thus depressing the spring member 63, see Fig. 7, until the gear notch 601) has rotated to a point aligned with the disc-lug 62a and thus permits the spring member 63 to slide the gear and its hub 60a outwardly into operative position against the disc 62, see Fig. 8.

When it is desired to have the time signal device operate, the arm 20 of the control lever 45 is moved to the left as aforesaid, and out of engagement with the cam portion 19d of the vibrating arm l9 and thus, when the spring member 63 moves the gear 60 into operative position, the cam face 63a of the spring member 63 will permit the spring extension Ha of the vibrator arm ill to actuate this arm into operative engagement, see Figs. 2, 8, 9 and 10, and, in the usual instance the arm end |9a will operatively engage with the core |6a of the magnetic coil IS in the well known manner to form a. contact and vibrate thus making a buzzing sound or signal.

As the gear 60 continues to rotate, in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 8, the cam face of the hub notch 60b will cause the gear 60 to slide inwardly depressing the spring member and engaging the cam face 63a with the vibrator lever 19, see Fig. 9 and thereby restraining its operation.

Electrically operated clocks of the foregoing character and their functions are now well known and circuits having a magnetic vibrating element associated therewith are, in themselves, commonly known and used in various ways as, for example, the usual call bell and like devices, therefore, a further detailed description of these devices is thought to be unnecessary as their associ-- ation with the present invention will subsequently be more fully described.

Remote signal device and control I have preferred to show my remote signal device and control associated with one of the electrically operated alarm or signal clocks as it is at present constructed so as to show a practical embodiment of the present device utilizing a part of an electrical circuit having a vibrating element associated therewith that is already embodied in the clock and also to show how this so-called vibrating signal device and its associated parts may be adapted to function, with additional elements,

,embodiedwitnthe time indicating device and provided with suitable outlets that may be connected, as by means of the commonly employed connecting plugs, to an electrical circuit having a magnetically actuated vibrating element associated therewith so that the circuit will function in the present intended manner,therei ore the present device and arrangements of parts is to be construed as for illustrative purposes only and as showing a practical embodiment oi the present invention.

Where. the context permits, the vibrating elements are to be construed as embodied in and forming a part of the electrical circuit.

In the present illustrated device and to form a magnetically "actuated circuit switch adapted .to be embodied with the time indicating device, I have provided a pair of opposed spring blades 26, 26 having one of their ends secured in an insulating block 21 and normally in a spaced rela tion to one another when the circuit is open. The blades 26, 26 and their supporting block 21 are associated with the time indicating device magnetic coil l6 and electrical circuit for a purpose later mentioned. The blade 25 is preferably provided with a contact point or both blades may be provided with like points as is well understood.

To the switch blade 25 is attached a conductor wire 26 that connects with the conductor wire i8 01 the main current supply to the clock or time indicating device. The conductor wire 26 is provided, in this instance, with a fuse 29.

Connected to the switch blade 26 is one end of a conductor wire 30 that extends to and connects with a magnetic coil 3i. A second conductor wire 32 has one end thereof connected with this magnetic coil 3| and its opposed end connected with the main circuit conductor wire ll. These conductor wires 30, 32 may be of any desired length to permit of the magnetic coil 3|, comprising a part of the remote signal, 1 to be placed as may be desired.

The magnetic coil 3| may be of any of the usual and well known constructions and with the present type is provided with an iron core 3: that magnetically attracts the vibrator arm 33 and th action of the current, passing through the coil 3!, causes the arm 33 to be vibrated, with a degree of noise, against the core 31a. The vibrator arm 33 is of a resilient construction and has one end thereof fixed at 34 to a suitable stationary support 35. This arm 33 may be provided with an auxiliary clapper 330., as shown, to assist in the volume of noise created by the vibrations of the arm. Associated with the vibrating elements 33', 33a is a resilient arm 36 having one end secured at 36a to the support 35 and its opposite end engaged by an adjusting screw 31 and by means of the arm 36 and screw 37 the space within which the elements 33, 33a may vibrate may be adjusted to control the amount of noise that these elements will create when vibrated.

The magnetic coil 3i and its coacting elements are conveniently mounted in a suitable casing 36 that is provided with a projecting push button 39. The inner end of the push button 33 engages with the resilient arm 36 and this arm urges the button to its normal inoperative or outwardly projecting position. As the button 33 is depressed, itcauses the arm 36 to be deflected against the vibrating elements 33, m and Operation of remote signal device and control In an electrically actuated time indicating device such as is illustrated at'Flgs. 1 and 2, the signal device and control contained in the casing 36 may be positioned under the pillow of a person to be awakened at a predetermined time and for which the time indicating device-has been set to causethe signal device to be actuated. Through the adjusting screw 31 the volume of the signal may be controlled to a degree so that, when the signal device is operating under the pillow of the selected person, while the volume of the signal will be sufllcient to disturb and awaken that person, it will be insuflicient to disturb a person slumbering in close proximity thereto.

When the signal device indicating mechanism functions in its well known manner at a set time, the lever I9 is released from its held posi tion, as indicated by broken lines, Fig. 2, and

the end thereof is drawn by the magnetic core end Ilia into close vibrating engagement therewith in the usual manner, but, as previously mentioned, the lever l9 has been modified so that it does not function directly in its previously intended manner; that is, as an element of the clock audible signal device. The engaging action of the magnetic core I60. and leverl9 causes the angular face He, of the lever end member i9b, to force the switch blades 25, 26 into operative engagement with one another. As the switch blades 25, 26 are operatively engaged they close the circuit to energize the remotely positioned magnetic coil 3| and thus cause the signal elements 33, 33a to vibrate until the push button 39 is manually depressed to arrest movement 01' the vibrating elements as previously described. It is apparent that, should the awakened person, manually depressing the button, inadvertently again fall asleep, the muscles holding the button 39 depressed would relax thus permitting the spring arm 36 to urge the button outwardly to its inoperative position releasing the elements 33, 33a which resume their vibrating movements until the button 39 is again manually depressed or the person arises and operates the lever 65, embodied in the time indicating device, to move and restrain the switch lever I! in its inoperative position shown by broken lines Fig. 2, and thus breaking the circuit to the remote signal device.

.Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. An electric energizing circuit having a time actuated means to effect operation of said circuit at a selected time, said circuit including an audiblesignal device having a vibrating element that is remotely disposed relative to said time actuated means, said signal device including a member adapted to arrest vibration of said elementwhile said member is operatively engaged and to permit vibration of said element when said member is released.

2. A time indicating signal device embodying a casing, a vibrating element within said casing, a manually operable member associated with said element and adapted to arrest movement thereof while said member is held in operative engagement with said element and to permit movement of said element when said member is manually released, and time controlled remotely disposed energizing means adapted to cause actuation of said element when released at a selected time.

3. An audible signal device embodying a vibrating element, a manually operable member associated with said element and adapted to arrest movement thereof while said member is held in operative engagement with said element and to permit movement of said element when said member-is manually released, and a time controled remotely disposed energizing source connected to said element and adapted to actuate said signal device at a selected time when said member is released.

4. A time indicating device having electrically energized means for operating said device and an electric current for said means; a normally open second circuit associated with said device, a circuit control switch associated with said device and said second circuit, means actuated by said time indicating device to automatically close said switch at a selective time to close said second electric circuit, releasable means for retaining said switch in open position, an audible signal mechanism adapted to be remotely positioned relative to said device and associated with said second circuit, spring controlled pressible means associated with said signal mechanism for manually interrupting said signal when said switch is closed, said pressible means being eiiective to permit continued actuation of said signal upon manual release of said pressible means while said second circuit remains closed.

5. A time indicating device with electrically energized means for operating said device and an electric circuit for said means; a normally open second circuit associated with said device,

a circuit control switch associated with said device and said second circuit, means actuated by said time indicating device to automatically close said switch at a selective time and operably complete said second circuit, an audible signal mechanism adapted to be remotely positioned relative to said device, conductor wires forming part of said second circuit connecting said signal mechanism with said switch, spring-controlled pressible means associated with said signal mechanism and adapted to be manually operated to interrupt said signal mechanism when said last means is manually pressed and when released to permit continued actuation of said signal mechanism while said second circuit con trol switch remains operatively closed and releasable means directly associated with said control switch for retaining said switch in an open position.

ERNEST A. NEWMAN.

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