Laboratory clock
AssigneeHauck GmbH & Co. KG
InventorWilhelm Grosse-Plankermann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A timer includes a pointer settable to a predetermined position representing a desired time interval. Upon actuation of the timer, the pointer runs from the predetermined position to a zero position, the timer being automatically stopped when the pointer reaches the zero position. In order that the timer may also be used as a stop watch or program timepiece, it is also provided with a switch mechanism for selectively changing the direction of travel of the pointer so that the pointer runs away from the zero position and a manually actuable stop lever for stopping the timer.
Claims18
In a timer including a motor, a pointer driven by the motor through a transmission gear train, the pointer being settable to a predetermined position representing a desired time interval, a start lever for actuating the motor in such a manner that the pointer runs toward a zero position from the predetermined position and a trip mechanism for actuating a stop lever when the pointer has run back to the zero position to stop the motor, the improvement comprising:
- switch means for selectively changing the direction of travel of the pointer through the gear train so that the pointer runs away from the zero position, the switch means being coupled to the trip mechanism to prevent the actuation of the stop lever by the trip mechanism when the pointer runs away from the zero position;
- and means for manually actuating the stop lever so that the motor can be stopped when the pointer runs away from the zero position, whereby the timer is operable as a stop watch.
In a timer including a motor having a rotatable shaft;
- a first pinion mounted on the motor shaft for rotation therewith;
- a first gear mounted on a displaceable shaft for rotation therewith;
- a second gear meshing with the first gear and the first pinion in such a manner that the first gear rotates in the same direction as the motor shaft;
- a second pinion mounted on the motor shaft for rotation therewith;
- a pointer mounted on a shaft for rotation therewith, the pointer shaft being driven by the first gear through a transmission system and the pointer being settable to a predetermined position representing a desired time interval;
- a start lever for actuating the motor in such a manner that the pointer rotates toward a zero position from the predetermined position;
- and a trip mechanism for actuating a stop lever when the pointer has rotated back to the zero position to stop the motor;
- the improvement comprising:
- switch means for selectively changing the direction of rotation of the pointer so that the pointer rotates away from the zero position, the switch means including a leaf spring pivotable about one end, the other end engaging the displaceable shaft, and a pivotable switch lever slidably engaging the leaf spring to pivot the other end in such a manner that the displaceable shaft is displaced to disengage the first gear from the second gear and engage the first gear with the second pinion so that the first gear rotates in a direction opposite to that of the motor shaft and slidably engaging the trip mechanism to prevent the actuation of the stop lever by the trip mechanism when the pointer rotates away from the zero position;
- and means for manually actuating the stop lever so that the motor can be stopped when the pointer rotates away from the zero position, whereby the timer is operable as a stop watch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.