Patent GB-241964-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to electrically operated indicating apparatus for vehicles
IPC: B61D41/00
Filed: 1924-04-29
Abstract: 241,964. McCreath, J. April 29, 1924. Apparatus for signalling any of a number of possible indications.-Apparatus for indicating to the passengers the position of an electric vehicle on a route and the destination &c. is supplied from the supply mains of the vehicle, and is operated by a step-bystep switch which is actuated at predetermined points along the route. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a route indicator Aa, Bb &c., destination indicators 40, 41 and the front front and rear lamps 42, 43, 42<1>, 43<1> of the vehicle are supplied at reduced voltage from a resistance tapping 19 connected to the trolly wire 1 and are controlled by a step-by-step switch 50 which is operated by a solenoid 18 when the trolly arm engages contacts on the trolly wire. In the case of trains, a route indicator may be provided in each coach and an auxiliary shoe may be provided for picking up the operating current from a rail. The switch 50, which is mounted in a box 44, comprises a plurality of rings of contacts arranged concentrically, pairs of rings being bridged by contacts on a switch arm which is operated through ratchet- and-pawl mechanism by the solenoid 18. The stations A, B &c. and the intermediate routes a, h &c. are illuminated by lamps A<4>, a<4>, B<4> &c. connected to contacts A<1>. a<1>, B<1> &c. on the switch 50. At each operation of the solenoid 18 a buzzer 39 is sounded. The destination indicators 40, 41 and the head and tail lights are connected to pairs of rings 25, 25<1>, 23, 23<1> respectively, which are so arranged that the indicators and lights are maintained illuminated during a journey but are automatically changed at the completion of the journey. The terminal station of the route diagram is also maintained illuminated throughout the journey. Additional rings of contacts may be provided on the switch 50 for any desired purpose such as for controlling the signalling circuits between the guard and driver of the vehicle. The switch arm is operated in the same direction for both outward and homeward journeys. When the vehicle arrives at its starting point, the switch arm engages the contact 54 and thereby operates the buzzer 39. The switch arm is then adjusted manually by a knob 55 until the buzzer circuit is opened and the arm rests on the contacts 52 the position of which corresponds to the starting point. The apparatus may be adapted for a plurality of routes by utilizing a switch dial of the type shown in Fig. 1 for each route. The switch arms are mounted on a common spindle actuated by the solenoid 18. The switches are connected to selector switches 45 which may also control the use of any of the pairs of contact rings on each switch. The various routes are set up on a screen or blind which is adjustable manually to bring into view the desired route diagram. Advertisements 56 may be illuminated by lamps connected in parallel with the route diagram lamps and red lamps may be lit continuously to indicate non- stop stations. The current for operating the solenoid 18 is picked up from the trolly wire 1 by contacts on the trolly arms adapted to engage at predetermined points along the route, spring contact members on the trolly wire. Instead of operating the switch upon completing a circuit through the solenoid 18, operation may be effected by breaking or neutralizing a normally flowing current. In a modified form of destination indicator, the names are carried on a blind which is supported on a pivoted lever. The lever is electromagetically controlled so as to bring one or other destination indication into view through a window in a casing. One Provisional Specification describes a switch wherein each pair of contact rings controls a separate route diagram and states that the switch may be operated mechanically. The other Provisional Specification states that the trolly head may be fitted with an insulated rocker arm or press contact which co-operates with a skate on the trolly wire.