Patent GB-194708-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in controlling means for the display elements of advertising and signalling apparatus
IPC: G09G3/00
Filed: 1923-03-08
Abstract: 194,708. Naylor, J. P. March 8, 1922, [Convention date]. Monogrammic signs.-Relates to means for controlling the selection and display of a monogrammic group of lamps or other visual elements of the type described in Specification 198,948. whereby each displayed sign or letter is dissolved without interruption into the next succeeding sign. Provision is also made for predetermining the display that is to follow an existing sign. Each visual element, Fig. 1, is rotated from the full-line or display position into the dotted-line or non-display position by means of an operating cord O which passes round a pulley H and is moved against a restoring spring N by a plunger Q reciprocated in guides, P, Pl. A retaining rack R holds the plunger Q1 in the outermost position until released at the end of each display. A group of spindles such as Q, Q1 is operated by the composing device shown in Fig. 2, in which the position of the valve spindles Q, Q1 relatively to the pneumatic ports UU, VV is determined by means of a series of perforated templates BN carried on a number of discs BV and between drum ends BP, BP1. The whole drum is rotated by sprockets CD to present each template BN in succession to the row of valve spindles Q, Q1, the pneumatic supply through the ports UU, being controlled through an electromagnetic valve BH. The rack BK is moved bodily towards the templates by a toggle-arm system of levers (not snown) actuated by a pneumatic cylinder under the control of an electromagnetic valve BA. The retaining rack R is lifted to release the spindles Q, Q1 from the display position by means of a third electromagnetic valve BC. The valves BH, BA, BC are actuated by a master control switch through contacts on a common bus-bar ACH. Fig. 5 shows an auxiliary delayed-.action device interposed between the main controller and the display elements for the purpose of preselecting a group of monogrammic signs. The cylinder HA is energized from a supply pipe HC so as to place a group of cylinders GR in communication with ducts GY connected in turn to the valve UU of the composing device, Fig. 2. Simultaneously the spring systems GT are tensioned in readiness to operate the valves GL controlling a source of pneumatic power through a delay-action movement comprising detents HE, HK. The spindles Q of the composing device may be modified, as shown in Fig. 6, for operation by electric power, a conducting ring HB making contact, in the display position, with the conductors HC, HD leading to the visual element HG, contact being broken, in the non- display position by the action of a spring SS. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 (3) (a) comprises also the following other improvements in the construction of the individual elements, in the pneumatic or other fluid-operating mechanism for operating or controlling and lighting the elements so as to build up desired display combinations, and in the construction of the supporting background in which the elements are housed. The signal element Fig. 2 (Cancelled), consists of a hollow hemisphere characterized by the feature that it is rotatably mounted on hollow pivots G, G1 which serve to accommodate electric or other conductors for supplying energy to the lamp D or other members contained within the element. A commutator-switch J, I, J1 and brushes L, L1 are so arranged as to light the lamp D only when the element is in the display position. Figs. 6 (Cancelled), 7, (Cancelled), and 8 (Cancelled) show a modified form of lamp element adapted to be controlled by pneumatic means. A resistance JJ is inserted in series with the lamp D, and the commutator-switch J1, I, J and brushes L, L1 L2 are so arranged that the filament is lit when in the display position whilst in the non-display position the current may be caused to energize the heating resistance JJ so as to melt snow, sleet, or frost. The electric leads pass through the hollow trunnion G1 to the commutator swith. A master switch controlling the electric supply to a group of elements may be located in the external circuit, and means may be provided for maintaining the whole of the lighting circuit at a constant resistance value. Specification 13358/13 is referred to in this respect. The visual element is rotated into and out of display under the control of a sliding valve TT, Fig. 6 (Cancelled). When a retaining rack R is lifted, a spring-controlled valve-rod Q slides so as to uncover the port UU, thereby relieving the vacuum in a cylinder AA which is mounted integrally with the element casing. This allows an arm DD, Fig. 8 (Cancelled), mounted on a pillar FF, to swing back under the influence of a spring N, carrying with it the operating-cord O of the turning-pulley H so that the visual element is rotated bodily. When the air rarefaction is restored by the valve TT through the pipe RR, the piston of the cylinder AA is retracted and restores the element to the display position. The actuating cylinder AA may be. located within the hemispherical element, the power-supply pipes then passing through the hollow trunnions G1. The visual element is preferably contained within a casing WW provided with openings for the plug-connector PP for the electric terminal OO, for the pneumatic supply pipe at GA, and for a holding-bolt XX, which is formally retained in position by a spring YY but may be freed to remove the element from its casing. The pulley H for the actuating-cord may be located in the centre of the element; or the cord may embrace the outside periphery in the case of small elements. Instead of rotating the visual elements, they may be fitted with various obturating shutters so as to obtain a multi-coloured effect; or gas-lit lamps may be used. A pneumatic control device comprising two cylinders and pistons is also described. Master control (electric). The various movements of the valves BA, BC, BH, Fig. 2, and the setting of the drum BP, may be automatically effected by a " master controller " consisting of a drum carrying a number of pierced templates co-operating with a series of electric contact fingers and associated gearing, the whole being energized by a separate electric motor. The templates actuate the various circuits in sequence so as to control the above-mentioned parts of the group control in the desired sequence. The whole sign may, for example, be displayed for a certain interval, and then disappear and re-appear, whilst various sections may be exhibited for different periods of time and in different sequences. Supporting framework. The signal elements are supported ;n banks in a multicellular framework which may be louvered or otherwise constructed of perforated metal so as to diminish the effect of wind pressure. Several such frames may be assembled in one structure with intervening partitions, which may be utilized for the accommodation of the pneumatic or other control devices electric lighting connections, &c. Specifications 18286/10, 18657/14, and 11560/15 also are referred to. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as acceded.