Patent GB-203815-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to electrically operated apparatus for advertising or display devices
IPC: G09F13/00
Filed: 1922-06-24
Abstract: 203,815. Brown, C. M., and Cocks, H. G. June 24, 1922. Forms and models with characteristic movements; cylinders, rotating; actuating. - An electrical device for operating advertising or display apparatus comprises a pendulum the bob of which is a core which moves in and out of a solenoid. The pendulum 20 is adjustably held in a block 18 pivoted at 19 and the core 23 is built of arc-shaped laminations. The solenoid switch comprises a swinging arm 29 pivoted stiffly at 30 on an adjustable insulated block 25 so as to remain in position until displaced. Lugs 39, 40 on the pendulum 20 press in turn on a pin 38 on the arm 29, forcing the arm into and out of contact with a stud 37 to make and break the solenoid circuit. The distance between the lugs 39, 40 allows the circuit to be made during an appreciable arc of swing of the pendulum, and the parts are so arranged that when the pendulum stops the arm 29 is still in contact with the stud 37. In a modification, the pendulum pivot may carry projections, such as an inverted Y, between the lower legs of which the pin 38 is arranged. The pendulum may be utilized to store up energy by gradually stressing a spring which is periodicallv and automatically released. In this form a roller 42 on the pendulum 20 depresses at each swing a counterweighted lever 43 having surfaces 45, 46 which the roller 42 engages, the surface 46 being concentric with the pendulum. An adjustable stop 51 limits the movement of the lever 43, which carries at one end a pawl 47 engaging a ratchetwheel 48 carrying pins 52 which engage in turn with the end of a lever 53 to which is pivoted a floating link 59. The lever 53 is controlled by a spring 56. A hook 60 on the link 59 embraces pins 64 on a shaft 63 which may operate any suitable display device. A hanging detent 66 and a counterweighted detent 65 respectively prevent backward movement of the wheel 48 and the shaft 63. The advertising device actuated may be an internally illuminated coloured drum. Fig. 10 shows such a drum 70 in a casing 71, near the top of which is floatingly supported on springs 75 a platform 73, over an aperture 76 in which is mounted a glass jelly mould 77 projecting through an opening in the top of the casing 71. A spring 78 connecting the block 18 and the platform 73 imparts a shivering movement to the jelly mould 77. An imitation dish &c. 81 surrounds the mould. The colour effects of the drum 70 are seen through the mould and on lettering &c. on translucent sides of the casing 71. Another form of attraction device is a boat &c. rocked by the pendulum spindle. Silk &c. surrounds the boat and is given a heaving motion by flexible bent wires &c. on the pendulum spindle. Lamps may flash to simulate lighting, and may be controlled by the arm 29. Words &c. may be shown on the apparatus, and may be periodically illuminated on translucent panels &c., or may be gradually spelled out. More than one solenoid 16 may be provided, e.g., two co-operating with two pendulums, or a pendulum with a core on each side.