Patent GB-102674-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Illuminated Signs of the Monogrammic Type.
Inventor: KINGSBURY ELMER JEROME
IPC: G09G3/00
Filed: 1916-04-20
Abstract: 102,674. Kingsbury, E. J. April 20, 1916. Monogrammic signs. - Relates to illuminated signs in which a number of monogram units, containing electric lamps which can be connected so as to display letters or figures, are operated by a keyboard similar to that of a typewriter. Each key of the typewriter D, on being pressed, is adapted to produce the illumination of a monogram unit by means of a contact cylinder D associated with the typewriter platen and having rows of contacts 3 with which co-operates a fixed brush 4. The turning of the cylinder B is effected by the line-spacer mechanism, whereby one line after another of monogram units can be illuminated. A system of switches and circuits is provided whereby each key of the typewriter will control a master switch which in turn controls a letter switch for each monogram in the sign, in order that any particular letter can be illuminated at any particular monogram unit. Means are provided for obliterating the character displayed in case of error, and for extinguishing the sign for the display of other matter. Fig. 1 is a diagram of the circuit connexions &c. for a multipleline sign. Each lamp l of each unit F is connected at one end to a contact 47 in each of the letter-control switches S, S<1>, S<2>, and at the other end to a common ground wire leading to the negative source of current. A master switch M, M<1>, &c. is used for each monogram unit and controls all the thirty-five letter-control switches for that unit. A switch s connects all the solenoids 32 of the master switches with the source of current, and a double-throw multiple-contact switch s<1> connects all of the closing-magnets 42 of the letter-control switches with the contact board of the typewriter when in one position, but when the switch s<1> is in another position, it co-operates with a switch s<2> for closing the circuits of the releasing-magnets 43 of the letter-control switches, whereby any or all of the monograms can be extinguished. In operation, assuming the seventh monogram to be about to be shown, the brush 4 will be in engagement with the seventh contact - 3 of the cylinder B. The switch s is closed, the switch s<1> thrown upwardly, and the typewriter key pressed. Current flows from the positive bus-bar p through the wire 74 and the key-bar that is pressed, through the wire 61, switch s, electro-magnet 32 of master switch M, wire 75, contact 3, brush 4, wire 76, and negative busbar n. This current energizes the electro-magnet 32 of the master switch M, and the contact plate 30 thereof engages the contacts 29, so as to complete the circuit of the closing-magnet 42 of the letter-control switch corresponding to the key pressed The current divides at the key-bar of the key pressed and flows through the wire 64, contacts 63, 65 of the switch s', wire 67, magnet 42 of the letter-control switch S, wire 76<1>, contacts 29, 30 of master switch M, wires 39, 75, contact 3, brush 4, wire 76, and bus-bar n. If a wrong key is pressed, the switch s is opened, and the switch s<1> reversed, and after the typewriter carriage is shifted to bring the seventh contact 3 under the brush 4, the same kev is pressed again. Current then passes from the bar p through the wire 74, key-bar for the key pressed, wire 64, contacts 63, 66, 68, wire 70, releasing-magnet 43 of letter-control switch S, wire 58, contacts 50, 51, wire 77, contacts 7<c> 71 of monogram line switch s<3>, wires 78, 79, and bar n. This current energizes the magnet 43 and attracts the armature 44, whereby the circuit of the seventh monogram unit is opened, resulting in the monogram being extinguished, and at the same time the circuit of the magnet 43 is opened by the contact 50 leaving switch 51. The switch s<2> is then opened, switch s closed, switch s<1> thrown upwardly, and the proper key pressed to display the required letter &c. in the monogram.