Improvements in Electrically Illuminated Signs, Advertising Media or the like.
Year: 1897

page_text: Improvements in Electrically Illuminated Signs, Advertising Media
or the like.
I, WILLIAM THOMSON BELL, of 69, Henry Road, West Bridgford, in the County
of Nottingham, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
This invention relates to electrically illuminated signs advertising media or
the like in which letters words or other devices are outlined or formed by a number
of luminous lamps.
According to my invention on a suitable foundation I arrange a number of
preferably incandescent electric lamps of suitable power in say horizontal and
vertical lines with a preferably equidistance space between each of the lamps
both horizontally and vertically.
If preferred the lamps may be arranged in horizontal and diagonal rows or
in any other preferred order.
Each lamp is separately wired to the main conductors a switch of suitable con-
struction being placed at any convenient point in the said wire in order that,
each lamp may be switched on or off independently of the other..
The form of switch I preferably employ is formed with a push which advances
a toothed wheel one tooth each time it is depressed the toothed wheel in turn
operates switch mechanism which is arranged to open and close the lamp circuit
every alternate tooth. I however do not confine myself to this particular form
of switch as it is obvious that other forms may be employed.
a
The whole of the switches are arranged as close together as possible on
suitable foundation and in any order but for convenience I arrange them as far
as possible in the same order as the lamps to which they belong.
If the pushes belonging to those lamps which are in positions that will outline
or together form a letter word or device be depressed the said lamps will be
illuminated and the letter word or device will thus be shown in illuminated
points to the public.
By the arrangement of the lamps as described any letter word or device may
be produced on one apparatus and may follow each other in succession.
In order to automatically produce rapid changes in the letters words or devices
shown I preferably employ jacquard mechanism for depressing the pushes of
the requisite switches.
The jacquard mechanism may be comprised mainly of a pattern card cylinder
means for carrying and reciprocating the cylinder to and from the pushes and
mechanism for advancing the cylinder after each motion or as required.
The cylinder is perforated with holes corresponding to the position of the
pushes and in order to depress the latter blanks are left in the pattern cards at
the required points whilst the remaining positions would be perforated.

page_text: With the switch described the pushes in the case of each following letter word
or device must be depressed twice in the first case to switch the lamps on and in
the second case to switch them off.
This may be effected by using pairs of corresponding cards in the pack or using
single cards and advancing them to the pushes twice. In the latter case the
cylinder may be advanced to bring a fresh card into action every two motions.
The amount of time each letter word or device is shown is determined by the
arrangement of and the speed at which the jacquard is run. This may be regu-
lated to suit each particular case.
The jacquard mechanism may be driven by an electro motor connected to the
main shaft of the jacquard by suitable frictional or toothed gearing.
Dated this 8th day of July 1897.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Electrically Illuminated Signs, Advertising Media
or the like.
I, WILLIAM THOMSON BELL, of 69, Henry Road, West Bridgford, in the County
of Nottingham, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:
This invention relates to illuminated signs, advertising media or the like in
which letters, words, or other devices are depicted by means of a number of incan-
descent electric lamps.
In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is an elevation of a form of apparatus
adapted for carrying my invention into effect. Fig. 2 is a corresponding plan.
Fig. 3 is a view of the left-hand end of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a vertical section on the
line 44 in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a method of auto-
matically feeding a series of pattern cards to the pattern card cylinder.
In carrying out my invention, a number of lamps, preferably incandescent
electric lamps, of suitable power, are arranged equidistantly from each other on
a suitable foundation. The lamps may be arranged in horizontal and vertical
rows, in horizontal and diagonal rows, or in any other desired order. Each lamp
is separately wired to the main conductors, a switch of suitable construction
being provided at any convenient point in the wire with a view to effecting the
switching "on" or "off" of the lamps independently of one another. The switch
comprises a push which at each depression causes a toothed wheel to be advanced
one tooth, the toothed wheel in turn operating switch mechanism arranged to
effect the opening and closing of the lamp circuit at each alternate tooth.
curial type of switch may be employed with equally good results; and, although
I have described a form of switch suitable for the purpose of my invention, I
would have it understood that I do not confine myself to this particular construc-
tion as it is obvious that various other forms may be employed for effecting.
necessary movements.
A mer-
the
The switches are arranged on a suitable foundation as close together as possible,
in any order, but, for convenience, I dispose them, as far as practicable, in the same
order as that of the lamps. Upon the several pushes pertaining to a group of
lamps, whereof the arrangement on the foundation is such as will form the outline

page_text: of a letter, or of letters, or of a word, or device, being depressed, the said lamps
will be illuminated and the letter, word, or device be exhibited in luminous
spots.
نا
The above described arrangement of the lamps affords means for producing
any letter, word, or device in one apparatus and the exhibits, may follow each other
in succession.
For automatically producing rapid changes in the letters, words or devices
exhibited, I employ jacquard mechanism for depressing the pushes of particular
groups of switches; the said jacquard mechanism comprises a reciprocating pattern
card cylinder A mounted on a shaft B, the latter working in vertical guides C C.
The shaft is furnished with squared collars which work between spring
bars bb. The cylinder A,,which is here, shewn as rectangular, is provided on each
side with holes or perforations a a corresponding in number and position with the
pushes 1, on the switch-board S. The cylinder carrying the required pattern
card is caused to descend by means of a cam d'arranged between two circular
plates dd on the driving shaft D, the cam being embraced by a stirrup de having
an inwardly projecting portion d³ for engaging the major portion of the cam.
The strap is connected with the extremity of the cylinder shaft B by means of
the rod upon the rotation of the shaft D in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 3,
the cam d revolves and effects the downward movement of the strap and con-
sequently the shaft B with the pattern card cylinder A is drawn down. The return
movement of the cylinder A is effected by means of the springs d ; the cylinder
commencing to rise when the part d* of the cam d arrives at the point do of the
projection d. The too sudden rising of the cylinder is prevented by the tangential
portion d of the cam.
The rotation of the cylinder A is effected by means of an arm E fast on the
shaft D and a pin e at the outer end of said arm; the pin engaging with a pro-
jection on the link F. This link is pivoted at one end to the shorter arm F
of a bell-crank lever, the longer arm F2 of which is under the influence of a tension
spring and carries a dog or catch-arm F3 for engaging with one or other of
the projections a' al a¹ a¹ on the end of the cylinder A. The link F is pivotally
connected at f' with an adjustable arm f whereby its movement is controlled
and regulated. As seen in Fig. 4, the arm E deflects the link F, drawing down
the longer arm F2 of the bell-crank lever, this movement causing the arm F3 to
exert a pull on the pin a', thereby rotating the cylinder a quarter of a revolution
and bringing another side of the cylinder opposite the pushes on the switch-
board; the squared collars &b, in conjunction with the spring-controlled bars 6161
preventing overturning of the cylinder. In order to depress the pushes full
portions are left in the pattern cards carried by the cylinder A at the required
points, while the remaining portions are perforated to permit the free entry of
the pushes or switches pertaining to the lamps for the time being not required.
The pattern cards G may be arranged on a flexible band or bands G¹ (see Fig. 5)
passing over cylinders H H suspended by suitable yielding supports, which may
be connected with the ceiling or roof, and also passing beneath the card-cylinder A;
the latter being provided with pins au² for engaging the band or bands and
preventing slip. The pins a² also serve the purpose of a register for ensuring
the accurate adjustment of the cards upon the cylinder A.
When using a switch of the character above referred to, the pushes in the
case of each successive letter, word or device, must be depressed twice-first to
switch the lamps "on," and secondly to switch them "off." For this purpose,
pairs of corresponding cards may be employed; or single cards may be used, the
card-cylinder being operated so as to bring a fresh card or device into position
at each alternate movement.
<<
The length of time each letter, word or device, is exhibited is determined by
the arrangement of the machine or jacquard" and the speed at which it is
run, same being regulated according to requirements.

page_text: The "jacquard
mechanism may be driven by an electric motor, connected
with the shaft D by suitable gearing, such as friction or toothed gearing.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I claim :-
1. The herein described method of working electrically illuminated signs, adver-
tising media or the like, consisting in selecting and lighting particular lamps
from a group by the operation of "jacquard" apparatus with the effect of causing
the sign, or any portion thereof, to appear on the completion of the electric cir-
cuits of the lamps constituting the same, or any portion thereof, and to disappear
upon the circuits to the said lamps being again interrupted, substantially as
described.
2. The herein described means for operating electrically illuminated signs,
advertising media or the like, same comprising a perforated cylinder furnished
with pattern cards and a switch-board carrying a number of switches or pushes
corresponding with the lamps on the lamp-board; the cylinder being capable of
a reciprocating movement whereby a series of pushes pertaining to the switches
of a particular group of lamps operated, the electric circuit being again broken
after the desired exposition has taken place.
3. In apparatus for operating electrically illuminated signs, advertising media
or the like, the employment of a reciprocating and rotating perforated card-
cylinder furnished with pattern cards, whereby the pushes pertaining to the
switches are operated and the bringing of a fresh pattern card to the operative face
of the card-cylinder is effected, substantially as set forth.
"
4. In apparatus for operating electrically illuminated signs, advertising media
or the like, the combination, with a switch-board provided with a separate switch
for each lamp, of a jacquard" or pattern-card and a reciprocating and rotating
card-cylinder arranged or operating substantially as and for the purposes set
forth.
5. In apparatus for operating electrically illuminated signs, advertising media
or the like, the herein described means for depressing the card-cylinder, same
comprising a cam on the driving shaft in conjunction with a step in a stirrup
or strap connected with the cylinder shaft, all arranged and operating substantially
as set forth.
6. In apparatus for operating electrically illuminated signs, advertising media
or the like, the herein described means for rotating the card-cylinder, same
comprising an arm on the driving shaft, a pin on said arm engaging with a link
attached to a bell-crank lever, and a dog or catch connected with said lever, all
arranged and operating substantially as set forth.
7. In apparatus for operating electrically illuminated signs, advertising media
or the like, the employment, in conjunction with a perforated rotating and ver-
tically moving card-cylinder, of a series of pattern cards carried by an endless band;
whereby upon the rotation of the cylinder, the cards are advanced and a fresh card
brought to operate the pushes on the switch-board, substantially as set forth.
Dated this 9th day of Mov 1808
Doted this 9th day of May 1898
For the Applicant,
G. G. M. HARDINGHAM,
Chartered Patent Agent, 191, Fleet. Street, London, EC.