Patent GB-362717-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to engaged seat indicators for theatres and like places
IPC: G08B5/22
Filed: 1931-01-06
Abstract: 362,717. Electric signalling systems. HOLMES, E. G:, 35, Gosfield Street, Langham Street, and BRAND, J., 12, Hamilton Way, Finchley, both in London. Jan. 6, 1931, No. 437. [Class 40 (i).] In a method of conveying to the box office of a cinema or like building, or simultaneously to a number of offices, information as to the accommodation for patrons in various sections of the building, a number of manually-controlled panels are located in the building which control the illumination of indicating lamps through the medium of relays. Apparatus for transmitting information from the interior of the building is shown in Figs. 1 and 4, and the indicating apparatus is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Assuming that an operator desires to indicate that twenty seats are available in section A of the building he turns the knob a of the corresponding control panel, Fig. 4, to the start position ST, and then presses the button b. A circuit is then completed for relay STA, Fig. 2, which locks up through contacts STA5 and RL1. Contact STA1 closes to cause lamps X relating to section A to light up in the box office, contact STA2 completes a circuit for relay BA, contact STA3 opens the circuit for relay STB to prevent section B calling the box office, and contact STA4 completes a circuit for lamp e in the control panel. Relay BA acts at the box office to light the lamp indicating " Seats " and to prepare circuits for lamps indicating, respectively " Standing " and " Full." The operator turns knob a of the panel to indication " 2 " in the " tens " group, and presses the button b, then turns knob a' to indication " o " in the " units " group, and again presses the button b. In this way circuits are complete for relays L and J, which lock up through contact RL1. Contacts L1 and J1 close to indicate the number " 20 " at the box office. Release'key g is then operated to acknowledge receipt of the information and thereby relay RL is energized. Contact RL1 opens, allowing relays STA, L, J, and BA to release, and open the circuits of the associated lamps. Assuming now that no more seats are available, the operator in the building depresses button d which locks until released. A circuit is thus complete for relay NSA. Contact NSA1 acts to light a lamp indicating Section A in the column headed " Standing " in a main indicator, and at the same time extinguishes the corresponding lamp under " Seats," which is normally lighted. Contact NSA2 prepares a circuit for the lamp indicating "Standing" in the box office. This circuit is completed at contact BA2 when the knob a is moved to the start position and the button b is operated. When no more standing room is available, button c is depressed, and button d is released. Relay FLA is therefore energized. Contact FLA1 opens the circuit for the lamp in the main indicator denoting " Section A Standing," and closes a circuit to indicate " Section A Full." Contact FLA 2 prepares a circuit for the lighting in the box office of the lamp indicating " Full," this circuit being completed when the knob a is moved to the start position and the button b is operated. When no more accommodation is available at all sections, a circuit is completed for relay HF through operated contacts such as FLA3 and FLB3. Contact HF1 completes a circuit for a lamp in the main indicator denoting " House Full " and contact HF2 cuts off earth from section lamps denoting " Full." The indicators may be duplicated for use in other parts of the building.