Patent GB-378717-A (GB)
Title: Method and means for transmitting to a distance electrically the results of a horse race or other event
IPC: H04L12/18
Filed: 1931-11-10
Abstract: 378,717. Electric signalling systems. WRANGELL, M. DE, 10, Rue du Cardinal Mercier, Paris. Nov. 10, 1931, No. 31108. Convention date, Nov. 10, 1930. [Class 40 (i).] In a system for transmitting to a distance information relating to an event such as a sports meeting, horse race, &c., the information is transmitted as numerical impulses which effect the selection of a picture or cinematograph film appropriate to the information and further operate printing apparatus, the picture and the printed record being adapted to be projected simultaneously on the same screen. As shown in Fig. 1, the impulses are received by a wireless receiver 1 which is connected to a distributer 2 adapted to distribute the signals to the picture selecting apparatus, the printing apparatus and to a loud-speaker respectively. The picture apparatus comprises a film 9, bearing a number of representations of an event, wound on bobbins 10, 11 the latter of which is driven by the motor 25 of a follow-up system the primary member of which consists of a gear wheel 21 driven through gears 20, 19, 18 by an electromagnetic ratchet and pawl mechanism 13, 14, 15. Each incoming impulse operates the magnet 12 and effects rotation of the wheel 21 through a distance equivalent to the unwinding of ten pictures. This operation closes the circuit of the motor 25 through a contact on the wheel 21 and brush 24 on a disc 22, and the band is driven until the motor circuit is opened by the brush 24 which is operated from the band. The final impulse of the initial selecting train is of sufficient length to allow a magnet 33, which is energized at each impulse, to operate its armature 41 through a sufficient distance and consequently effect the longitudinal displacement of a sleeve 17<1> which carries gear wheels 19, 47. The final impulse thus withdraws the wheel 19 from engagement with the wheel 18 and couples the wheels 46, 47 in order that each impulse of the following train may effect the displacement of one picture only. In this manner a picture is selected to represent a phase of the event occurring at the transmitting station. The sleeve 17<1> operates contacts 48, 49 to energize magnet 51 which switches the stepping magnet 54 of the distributer 2 into circuit with the impulse contacts 35, 36. The magnet 54 remains inoperative during the transmission of short impulses but the long final impulse effects operation of the distributer to transfer the impulsing circuit to the printing mechanism, Figs. 4, 5, and 10. As shown in Fig. 4, incoming numerical impulses operate magnet 60 of a type-wheel 64. The long final impulse of the train operates magnet 72 for a period sufficient to permit the armature 73 to operate a pivoted lever 67 and bring the wheel 64, which is carried on the lever, into contact with the card 76 to effect registration of the numeral corresponding to the number of incoming impulses. A spring member 69 having a flexible extremity 69a co-operates with a bar 77 during the return movement of the lever 67 to withdraw the locking detent and allow the type-wheel to restore to normal. The card 76 is arranged on a support 79<1>, Figs. 5 and 10, which is capable of horizontal displacement on a bar 82 and of vertical movement on supports 80 to permit printing of several rows of successive numerals. The supports 80 carry a rack 86 operated by a spring 85 under the control of an escapement 87 which is operated through link 89, by the pivoted lever 67, Fig. 4. Consequently after the registration of a numeral the card is displaced one space ready for a new record. When the limit of movement is reached an abutment 92 operates lever 93 which actuates the switch 97 of a motor which rotates the shaft 98, Fig. 10, to lift a bar 105 carrying a pawl 101 co-operating with a rack 100 on the support 79<1>. The card is then raised one row space and the whole support is moved along the bar 82 into its starting position when abutment 98 operates lever 96 to switch off the motor. When the support reaches the upper limit of its movement, a projection 117 acts on levers 118, 119 which operate members 115, 116 which grip the top edge of the card. The projection 120 operates a switch 121 which starts a motor coupled to the shaft 122. The shaft is thus rotated to bring the card bearing the record into the field of a projection lantern and when it is in the correct position the extremity of the lever 124 operates a further switch to stop the motor and start up clockwork which lights the lamp for projecting on to a screen both the printed record and the selected picture on the band 9. The distributer is also operated by the switch to connect up the loud-speaker in order that supplementary verbal information may be given if desired. After a desired interval the clockwork effects restoration of the parts to their normal positions. Instead of a picture, a cinematograph film representing the phase of the event may be displayed. The film spools are disposed radially in several rows in compartments of a cylindrical drum and the initial series of impulses rotate the drum through a desired angle whilst the subsequent train of impulses control the longitudinal displacement of the drum in order to bring the appropriate film in front of the projection apparatus.