Patent GB-232353-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in electric interrupters or automatic switches
IPC: H01H43/24
Filed: 1924-01-25
Abstract: 232,353. Hancock, W., and Middleton, T. P. Jan. 25, 1924. Reciprocating and oscillating machines.-Relates to automatic switches, particularly for use with electric signs, of the kind having a rocking track and contact devices carried by the track in lighting or other circuits with means moving to and fro along the track for closing the various circuits in succession. The track is provided with one or more solenoids for imparting movement thereto, the solenoid circuit or circuits being opened and closed by a conducting ball rolling along the track and bridging the gap between co-operating relatively fixed contacts, means also being associated with the track for opening and closing the lighting or other circuits. As shown in Figs. 1 - - 4 a rocking insulating member 1 pivoted at 2 has an endless track formed in its upper surface, the sides of the track mainly consisting of metal strips which are electrically connected as the ball 9 moves over them. The track is rocked by solenoids 11, 12 which are in series with sections 17, 19, the sections being separated by air gaps or by insulating strips 8. Alternatively, the walls of the track may be composed of insulating material having metallic terminal plugs inserted therein. The ball after moving around the corner by the momentum it has acquired on rolling down the track, reaches the section in the circuit of the solenoid at the other end which, on being energized, moves over the track so maintaining the movement of the contact ball. To render the apparatus selfstarting suitable devices such as a step 70, Fig. 14, may be provided on the track. The various sections of the track 16 - - 19 are in the circuits of coloured sign lamps 20 - - 23 which are lit in succession as the ball 9 travels round. As the two sections 17, 19 control simultaneously the lamps 20, 21 and the solenoids 11, 12 the solenoid in each case is connected in series with the lamp. In the modified form shown in Fig. 6, only one solenoid 42 is employed, the track being restored by an adjustable counterweight 43. The movements of the track open and close two auxiliary switches 53, 54, the former of which co-operates with the track 40 and ball 44 in controlling the circuit of the solenoid 42, which is completed directly when the ball is at the end remote from the solenoid and is completed through the switch 53 when the ball has passed the gap 55, being finally broken by the ball passing the gap 56 when the counterweight restores the track to its original position. The ball may be formed of steel, phosphor bronze or of carbon with a lead centre. Numerous other modifications are described in which the rocking member may carry a number of separate contact tracks of either form described, each provided with a rolling contact ball, the rocking track being associated with auxiliary switches in controlling the solenoid, lamp, &c. circuits, the latter forming part of changing multi-lettered and multi-coloured electric signs. The rocking member may alternatively be operated by one or two solenoids with or without a counterweight. The whole apparatus may be totally enclosed in a dust-proof cover.