As far as applicant is aware, automatic ticket dispensers employ electro-mechanical means for stamping the current date and time into a ticket at the time when it is dispensed. Such an arrangement generally consists of a one-revolution per-minute synchronous motor coupled to mechanically advanced numbered print wheels which are suitably cogged together to advance by one position every minute with the minute wheel advancing the tens of minutes wheel in known manner.
When a ticket is issued by such an apparatus a rubber stamp pad is raised beneath the ticket and clock mechanism and the raised numbers on the numbered wheels are imprinted on the ticket through an inked ribbon.
This arrangement has a number of disadvantages not the least of which is the fact that such a clock mechanism is susceptible to variations in the frequency of the mains supply and also must be reset each time after a power failure and at each month end. This ignores interim settings which may be necessary due to the inherently poor time keeping characteristics associated with such a clock.
In addition, and as a result of the complex mechanical nature of the clock mechanism, duct, dirt, and fluff from the tickets tends to accumulate and cause erratic operation necessitating frequent service calls and preventive maintenance. Also, after an extended period of operation, the cogs and ratchet mechanism of the clock are subject to wear and eventually begin to skip movements thereby resulting in incorrect time recordals on the tickets.
Furthermore, due to the complex electro-mechanical assembly of parts, serviving and repair is complicated tedious and accordingly costly.
It is the object of this invention to provide a ticket dispenser of the aforegoing general type but wherein the disadvantages outlined are, at least to some extent, alleviated.