US1999803A - Visible automatic announcer - Google Patents

Description

April 30, 1935. AT. CARNEY 3 5 VISIBLE AUTOMATIC ANNOUNCER Filed Aug. 15, 1952 a Sheets-Sheet 1 TRAIN DE PARTS April 30,1935. I A. T. CARNEY VISIBLE AUTOMATIC ANNOUNCER Filed Aug. 13, 1932 8 snetsr-sneet 2 Af /f0 19 7 7 April 30, 1935. A. T. CARNEY VISIBLE AUTOMATIC ANNOUNCER Filed Aug. 13, 1932 a Shete-Sheet 5 wuc/wbom fl rty/M443 I April 30, 1935. A. T. CARNEY VISIBLE AUTOMATIC ANNOUNCER Filed Aug; 13, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 EA 5T BOUND TRAIN 5 WESTBOl/ND TEA/N5 April 30, 1935.

A. T. CARNEY VISIBLE AUTOMATIC ANNOUN Filed. Aug. 13, 1932 A. H00 PANEL Ian/1o 0,

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8 Sheets-Sheet 6 April 30, 1935. A,'T. CARNEY 1,999,803

VI'S I BLE AUTOMAT I C ANNOUNCER Filed Aug. 13, 1932 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 April 30,1935.

A. T. 'CARNEY r 1,999,803

VISIBLE AUTOMATIC ANNOUNCER' Filed Aug. 15', 193-2 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 ARI/I017 7: CAR/Vt? Patented Apr. 30, 1935 r UNITED, STATES PATENT-,1OFFICE" vIsIBLaAU'roMA'rIc ANNOUNCEE Arthur T. Carney, Blairsville, Pa; assignor of one-third to R. E. Miles, Jr.', Wilkinsburg, Par

App ication August 13, 1932, Serial N'o'.628.75i 16 Claims. (o1.1c1-5) a This invention relates to visible automaticalldisplay arranged upon a map, or other designating means, to visibly illuminate or indicate the station which is being approached and also indi cate the route uponowhich the vehicle such as a bus, or train, may be traveling.

' A still further object of this invention is the production of a simple and eflicient mechanism for controlling the automatic display of the announcingmeans whereby the station which is being approached may be automatically indicated through the operation of the hands of a clock.

Still another object of this invention is the production of a simple and eflicient circuit closing means carried by and cooperating with thehands of a clock for controlling the display of an announcing means mounted upon a suitable display duction of a simple and efiicient announcer which will give a clearly visible picture of all informaconnection with the present invention showing the outer portion of the casing removed to illustime.

the clock;

board or other medium- Another object of this invention is'the production'of a simple and eflicientmeans for permittingthe control of the display means for the announcer manually or automatically.'

Yet another object of the invention isthe protion usually given the public, and whereby at the option of the purchaser, all train connections and all points thus served mayibe clearly dis played, as well as hotels, restaurants, points of interest en route, for any prearranged length of With these andother objects in view; this invention consists in certain novel constructions, combinations and arrangements of, parts as will be hereinafter fully described and claimed;

In the drawings:-

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the visible automatic announcer, only a portion of the map and to include any desired or convenient geographical location; I I

Figure 2 is a front elevation of the clock used in trate the various contacts carried by he face of Fi ur '18 1 a d a l Pe s c w a ersection taken on line Ho! Figure 2,'this section being a longitudinal section 0 through the outer end of the minute hand; Figure 7 is an enlargedrear elevation of the clock, showing thevarious circuit contacts in association with the contact strips formed or carried by the front faceof the clock;

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view taken through the announcing panels and showing, the

various electrical circuits and apparatus used for displaying the desired information upon the p; a s

Figure 18a is a detail view of a certain magnetic circuitcloser used in connection with the arrangement-shown in Figure .8; t

Figure 9'is a rear elevation of the switchopanel used in connection with the present invention and shown in conjunction with the a. m., and

p.m.hour panels; I V I V Figure 10 is a vertical sectional view through the clock panel and switch panel, also showing the p.-m.,- and hour panels in end elevation; Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view of certain of the electrical circuits involved in carrying out the present'invention; v Y

Figure '12 is an enlarged diagrammatic view illustrating a typical a, m, and p. in. circuit through the time controlled switching mechanism,

the indicator, panelsjand' the cooperative instrumentalities; 1 Figure 13 isa detail circuit shown in Figure 12 and illustrates a slight modification thereof; Figure 14 is a; section taken on line ll-M of Figure ,1;- v

Figure '15 is a side elevation, partly in section, and showing a modified arrangement of displa board wherein the chart is movable;

Figure 16 is a detail sectional view substantially on the line i6 l6 of Figure 15, and showing diagrammatically certain of the wiring connections to the remainder of the apparatus;

Figure 17 is an enlarged detail view, partly in diagram, of a modification of a wheel switch used herein; and Y diagram of part of the a tain train announcer bracket and name plate used herewith.

By referring to the drawings, it will be seen that I (Figure 1) designates a map, chart, or other designating means which is preferably provided with certain geographical locations such as towns, cities, and the like, indicated by the numeral 2, and the right-of-way, such for instance as a railway or road system 3 illuminated through the medium of suitable neon lights particularly designated by the numeral 4 in Figures 8 and 10 of the drawings. It should be understood that the map or chart I may be of any suitable or desired size or shape to take in a desired geographical territory and the map or chart may be modified in any suitable or desired manner to designate particular points of interest, hotels, and other information which may be of importance. For instance town names 2a (Figure 1) may be shown as transparencies with neon lights 4a or other illuminating means (Figure 8) behind them. Below the chart I is preferably placed a pair of announcing panels indicated by the numerals 5 and 6 respectively, one announcing panel being adapted to contain announcements of the westbound, and the other the east-bound trains, motor vehicles, steamships, or similar conveyances. Preferably in the center of a supporting board 1 is mounted a specially constructed electrical clock 8, hereinafter described, this clock preferably being mounted between the announcing panels indicating the east-bound and westbound conveyances. Below the clock is preferably mounted a third panel for containing the numbers of trains, vehicles, boats, or other conveyances. Within each of the several compartments l G forming the east-bound and west-bound announcing panels 5 and 8, is mounted a suitable illuminating light, preferably a neon light H, which may be illuminated through the medium of inserting a plug E2 in the socket ill, the plug l2 being carried by a flexible cord l4 leading to a suitable source of electrical supply. These compartments I!) will be provided with interchangeable transparent or translucent plates l5 containing the desired announcements of trains or conveyances to be announced. The train number panel 9 may also be provided with a plurality of compartments l8 and interchangeable plates 11 for the purpose of indicating the number designation of different trains.

The train announcement panels on each side of the clock, can be encased in glass, thereby concealing the train name plates l5 contained within the compartments i0, until said train is actually announced, when it will of course be illuminated or visible at all times and illuminated when announced. A part of each train name plate is preferably detachable, this being the part containing the time of departure, to permit of changing the figures should a train be late. The train number panel 9 shown beneath the clock, can be eliminated and the train number designation included on the same plate l5 as the name of the train. This would avoid the use of an extra circuit conductor which necessarily has to be tapped to conductors leading to the lamps H in order to illuminate lamps housed within the compartments l6, which illuminate the train name plates I1. It should not be necessary at any time to remove an entire name plate where the train name plates l5 are not made wholly interchangeable.

The map I, as previously described, has designated on the face thereof, various points of interest as well as the locations of cities, towns, and stations to be visited by the conveyance, and these are preferably lighted thru the medium of the well-known type of neon lights. It should be understood that any suitable or desired means of illumination may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention, and these lighting elements such as the track elements 4 and the city locating elements to (Figure 8) may be located in any desired manner thru suitable electrical connecting cables I8 indicated in detail in Figures 8 and 10. The various locations and the various rights-oi-way may be illuminated through a special wiring system hereinafter described.

Electric clock circuit closing means By referring particularly to Figures 1 to 7, inclusive, the structure of the electric circuit closing means operated by the electric clock will be understood. The electric clock is employed having an hour hand and a. minute hand 2| actuated in the usual step-by-step movement employed in such electric clocks. The electric clock is provided with the usual dial face 22, numbered to indicate the hours and minutes as is usual with such type of clock. Extending around the outer edge of the clock dial 22 is a series of hour hand contact plates 23a and 23b, and beyond these hour hand contact plates 23:: and 23b are arranged a series of minute hand contact plates 24, the contact plates 23a and 23b and plates 24 being embedded in suitable insulating material, each contact plate of each series 23a, 23b, and 24 having a suitable lead connection 25 connected to a suitable lead wire 28, as shown in Figure 7, leading to a suitable source of electrical supply. The contact plates 23a and 23b are arranged to accommodate themselves to the hours on the face of the clock whereas the contact plates 24 are arspaced outwardly from the ring 21 in proper position to contact with a brushing contact on the minute hand is a second current supply ring 28 also having connection with one side 01 the power line. This particular structure will be described in the following description.

Particular attention is now invited to Figures 2, 3 and 4, with respect to the structure of the hour hand and the contact mechanism carried thereby. The hour hand 20 is provided with an inwardly projecting arm 29, which carries a spring-pressed brush 30, this spring-pressed brush normally contacting with the current supply ring 21 as shown in Figure 3. A spring-pressed contact button 3i is also carried by the hour hand 20 in spaced relation to the arm or finger 29 and contact brush 30, asshown in Figure 3, and this spring-pressed button 3| is electrically connected to the brush 30 through the medium of the conducting cable or suitable electrical connection 32, the brush 30 being also spring-pressed to constitute an eflicient electrical connection through the movement of the hand 20. It should be understood that the hand 2B is preferably of insulated material and the outer end of this hand 20 carries a brush-head 33, as shown in alternate opposite side a contact button or knob 39, as shown clearly in Figures" Band 4. The Contact knobs 38 onthe ends of thespoke arms 31 are adapted to close the circuit with the spring-pressed contact button 3| for supplying the current from the contact button 3| through sides for the purpose hereinafter described to close the p. m. hour contact, or thea. :m. hour contact as may be necessary. The insulated arm 34 is provided with and carries a spring-pressed I brush pin 40 which is adapted to normally brush against and close a circuit with the conducting band or element 23a, shown in Figurex3. This spring-pressed brush pin 40 is electrically connected'with a spring-pressed button 4| which is limited in its outward movement in any suitable or desired manner andthe spring-pressed button 42 which is adapted to contact with the p. m.

hour contact ring 231) and the spring-pressed brush pin 42 is electrically connected in turn with a spring-pressed button 43 carried by the arm 35,

as clearly illustrated in Figure 3, for the purpose of contacting with the knob 39 carried by one of thespokes 31. It shouldbe understood that the contact buttons 4| and43are only alternately in contact with the alternate buttons, 39, carried by the spokes 31, one button being in contact with the knob 39 upon one side of thespoke wheel or tripping member -36-for actuating the a. m.hour contact and the knob 39 upon the opposite side being in contact with the'push button 43 at. alternate times to actuate the p, m. hour contact. Located above the notation 12 upon the face of the clock, is a tripping lug'44 in the path of travel of the tripping spoke wheel 36 and as the hour hand 20 passes over the tripping lug 44, the lug 44 will engage one of the spokes 31, as shown in Figure 4, the lug 44 being shownin dotted lines,'and move one spoke 31 out of contact with the push-button 3| and place the next adjoining spoke in contact therewith. Thiswill reverse the contact of the knobs 39 with the respective buttons 4| and 43, and thus provide the proper change-over for the contact with the respective a. m. and p. m. hour circuits hereinafter described. This structure will provide a very simple and efficient means for permitting the proper change of the contact for actuating the desired a. m. and p. m. hour cir-' cuits merely through the rotation'of the tripping spoke wheel 31jwhich will be actuated by the tripping lug 44 engaging the spokes'31 asshown,

this being caused by the movement of the hand 20 over the trip lug 44. 9 a a v The contact rings 24 are arranged in concentrio circles, there preferably being ten of these rings which are split throughout their length or circumference and divided into six spaced segments, thereby providing 60 different contacts for the minute hand for each hourto provide for the minutes of the-hour. Each segment of each concentric contact plate 24 is spaced from the adjoining-segment for a suitable distance to provide a perceptible break in each circuit as the minute hand2l passes over the contact plates 24.

It should'be understood that the contact strips 24*may be modified in any suitable or desired manner, and may be multiplied or decreased in number, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1 "-As is-shown in Figure 6, as well as Figures 2 'and'3, the "outer minute current supply ring 28 is mounted; concentric with the inner ring 21. The minute hand 2| carries aninwardly projecting insulated finger 50 which carries a springpressed brush 5| for normally contacting with the current supply ring 28. This spring-pressed brush 5| is electricallyconnected in any suitable ord'esiredmanner, such forinstance as by means or; afwii'e 5 2 to a spring-pressedpin 53 carried by the insulated head 54 of the hand- 2|. This insulated head is provided with a plurality of sockets 55 withinwhich are mounted springs 56 for engaging the contact plate 51. This contact I plate 51 carries a plurality of brush pins 58 which are adapted to contact with the various contact plates 24 constituting-the minutehand contact previously described. By referring particularly to Figures 9, 10 and 12,.it will be seen that in conjunctioriiwiththeclock panel and chart, there is arranged in spaced relation a switch panel or switch board 60, which switch board is connected with the various contacts on the plug panel or race of the clock 22 by means of suitable connecting wires GI and 14. Switches 62 are mounted upon the main switch board or-switch panel 60, andtheseswitches may be of any. suitable or desired type of manually. operated switch. The" switches are indicated in Figure .10 generally by the numeral 62, and for the purpose of distinguishingbetween the different groups of switches, as illustrated in Figure 9, the switches for controlling the minute'wires from the clock are indicated as 62a, and the switches controlling the a. m. and p.fm..circuits actuated by the hour hand being indicated as 62b. Normally all of the switches are closed in order to provide for the automatic operation'through the actuation of the hour and minute hands, but the manual switches have been provided in order-to permitthe device to be manually operated, if desired, in order to render certain circuits inoperative at any particular time desired when it may be found convenient or desirable.

It is to be noted that the train number indi cator is visible to the public and is illuminated by tapping the wires which illuminate the name of the train and the time of departure, this tapping being made between the display panel and the train announcing chart, the same as for the extra stops as illustrated in Figure 8.

The train number chart or charts, if more than one is required for different directions, should :preferably be as close as possible to the main switch board and of course not visible to the pub lic, a cable of. two wires leading from the back ofthe train number chart to the regular circuit used-for announcingthat'particular train, and

tapping the same to that circuit between thehour panel and theelectro-magnet, the opposite ends oficourse .being connectedtothe proper binding pcsts on the back of the'train number'chartior that particular train. Now assuming that this particular train is one hour late, prior to the time for its regular announcement, the minute switch will be opened breaking the circuit and preventing its announcement by automatic means. Assuming that the train is going to be one hour late, all that is necessary for its proper announcement is to insert the extension cords in the proper place opposite the train number on the train number chart and insert the opposite ends in the proper switches on the switch board, and except for changing the figures for the time of departure in the name announcing bracket, the matter can then be forgotten. The extension cords may be removed at any time within the next twenty-four hours.

For the purpose of simplification, in Figure 9 there is only illustrated a typical time controlled circuit, and this circuit which is illustrated in Figure 9 may be multiplied in any suitable or de sired manner to connect up all the various contacts actuated by the minute hand and these various contacts actuated by the hour hand. In conjunction with the main switch board panel 50,-there is provided an a. m. switch board panel 63, and a p. m. switch board panel 64. Each of the panels 63 and 54 is provided with a suitable number of sockets 55 and 65, respectively, for receiving a removable'plug 61, which plug Bl is carried by a cable 68 to lead from the a. m. hour panel to the display panel 5, and a removable plug 69 connected to a cable it may be used in conjunction with the p. m. panel to lead to the display panel 6. Each of the panels 63 and 64 is provided with a group or" socketbanks, numbered l to IE, inclusive, each group of socket banks being provided for each hour of the day, there being twelve socket banks in the a. ,m. panel 63, and twelve socket banks in the p. m. panel 54, as shown clearly in Figure 9. Each group of socket banks in the a. m. panel is indicated by the numeral 65a, and each group of socket banks in the p. m. panel 64 is indicated by the numeral 66a. Each socket bank 65a, as well as each socket bank 660. is provided with three or more sockets 65, 66, and four or more terminal connections I I, as shown clearly in Figure 9. The employment of a plurality of sockets S and corresponding connections ll, there always being one more connection H than the number of sockets 65, is to permit the indication of a plurality of vehicles starting in'any given hour as will be presently understood.

By referring particularly to Figure 9 and the diagram indicated therein, the plug 61, by fitting into one of the sockets 65 will cause the a. in. display panel to be illuminated at the desired point, and current will pass from the minute hand of the clock in the typical circuit illustrated in Figure 9, from a switch 62a at the left hand side of Figure 9, through the wire 12, through the contact H of one of the switch panel banks, due to the fact that the circuit is closed through the plug 61, then up through the wire I3, through a switch 62b, and out through the wire i4.

As shown in Figure 9, the p. in. panel 64 is connected with the minute contact by means of suitable wires, a wire 15 being illustrated, passing from a minute contact 62a to one of the plugs or terminals Ha, and from the other terminal Ha extends a wire 16, which wire 76 connects to the hour hand of the p. in. side with one of the contacts 52b, and the current will then pass the chart or map I.

out through the wire CI to the other side ofthe line. Theplug 69 may be inserted in any suitable or desired receptacle 66 to close the desired circuit to the p. m. display panel 6, shown in Figure 1. By considering Figure 9, and referring to the above description, it will be seen that asimple circuit running from one minute to the a. m. hour has been illustrated and traced, and a typical circuit has also been illustrated and traced from the p. m. circuit to the p. m. hour panel.

Typical circuit for lighting track circuit train announcing sign, and train indicator In Figure 12 there is shown a typical a. m. and a similar p. m. circuit through the system with one of the switches 62a and one of the switches 62b, such for example as on the p. in. side, in connection with a lamp 8!) associated with the train number indicator board 9. light 80' is connected to one of the switches 62!) by means of a wire 80a and to one of the switches 62a by means of a wire 80b thereby completing a circuit through the number indicator sign to indicate the number of a train displayed upon the display panel or map I, the destination of which is also, at the moment, illuminated upon A light H in the train announcing sign or one of the compartments thereof, is lighted through the medium of the plugs 22 and the wires 83a and 84a which are connected to the conductors 85 and 86 respectively through the relay 93. The plug 69 carried by the cable supports or carries wires 85 and 88, which are in turn connected by the suitable plug-in socket 81 to a plug I! carried by the cable M, which cable I4 carries the wires 83a and 84a leading to the train announcing sign. The plug l2 may be manually placed in the suitable socket to illuminate any of the panels l0 which may be desired either in the east or west-bound display board.

To illustrate a manual control of the aforesaid circuits, it will be seen by reference to Figure 12, that the minute current supply ring 28 is connected to the power line wire 79 by a conductor 18, and that the hour current supply ring 21 is connected to the power line wire 80 by means of a. conductor 8!. Interposed in the conductors 18 and BI is a switch 82 and in the power line J wire 80 a switch 83. The power line wire 80 leads through the switch 83 and conductors 82b and 820 to the stationary contacts of the switches 62b and wire 13 leads from the switch blades of each of the a. m. switches 62b to the a. m.

hour panel 63 as previously described, and from the other switch blades of the p. m. switches 62b to the p. m. hour panel 64; while the minute wires 12 and from the a. m. and p. m. hour panels 63 and 64 will pass through the movable contacts of both switches 62a, so that the current will then return to the power wire 19, as will be evident.

From the switch 83, which is arranged to throw in such manner as to provide current for either a. m. or p. m. indications, wires 82b, and 820, lead to certain of the contacts of the switches 62b, as will later be obvious. Adjacent each minute and hour switch on the switch board is a constant button 82d which lies in the path of the movable arm of the respective switch. All the minute switch contacts 82d are connected in multiple to the wire 82a, all the similar a. m. hour contacts are connected in multiple to the This .wire 82b, and all the similar p. m. hour contacts are connected in multiple to the wire 820. Thus, by opening the switch 83 and closing'the-switch 82, the minute and hour switches on the switch board may be manipulatedto .close the signal currents at any hour desired by swinging the switch arms for the respective hour and minute into engagement with the respective contacts 82d. p

As shown in Figure 13, this construction may be modified to advantage in, some cases by connecting the wires 8 la and 82a directly to the wires 83a and 84a insteadof the connections just described. ,z

In Figure 8, there is shown a magnetic circuit closer orrelay indicated in general atl93pand this circuit closer is illustrated in detail in Figure 8a. In the construction of this partof the devicethere is provided a magnet 94 to the terminals of. which the wires 85 and 8 6 are connected. Thesewi'res are also connected byconductors 9| to a pair of fixed contacts 95; An armature 96 is provided for the magnet and insulatedly supports'themovable contacts 91 arranged, upon energization" of the magnet 94,.to be brought into engagement with the respective contacts 95; Wires 85a and 86a incable 92 connect the respective contacts 91 with the plug for the socket 81. reason, as by apartial short circuitoccurring in the time controlled circuits of the system, the current is weakened, the relay 93 will'not respond thereto and its armature 96 will hold the contacts 91 thereon out of contact with the fixed contacts 95, hence the lamps in the indicator panels I, '5, 6 and 8 will remain unlighted, eventhough the system is otherwise in condition to. perform its intended functions.

Electrically connected to the plug-in socket 81 is an electro-magnet 88 (Figures 8, l1 and 12) whichis adapted to be energized to actuate the armature 89 and bring its contacts89' into contact with the contact arms 90 forclosing the: oilcuit with the wires 9| and connecting the wires 92 in electrical contact with the contact arms 90 and furnishing current through the track circuit light 3.v As shown in Figure 8,.it will be seen that the east-bound lights are -con trolled by a plug-in socket bank A, and the, west-bound track and lights on the chart, as well as the display board, are 'controlled'by the plug-in socket bank'yB. Any 'numberflof these plug-in sockets may be employed without departing from the spirit of the inventionand as illustrated in-Figures 8 and 12, only atypical circuit has been described as well as illustrated :for the purpose of simplification and to prevent an un- ,havinga delayed illumination through the neon tube. In Figure 11, there is shown a multiplicity of circuits for carrying out the desired objects of I the invention, but it is thought unnecessary to I describe every circuit, ,a typical circuit having been selected in each instanceandiollowedout throughout its entirety. It of course is obvious that the circuits may be multipliedto the desired number without departing from the spirit of the invention. In connectionwith the display chart or map, it should be understood that any-numher of locations or towns alongthe line oi right- If for any of way or track circuit, may be illuminatedsimultaneously to indicate the, various stops of the train or vehicle along that particular route.

For the purposeof simplification, only east and west-bound display panels have been illustrated.

. Should atrain be of! schedule sogthat its departure no longerifollows the regular order of train departures, the slides bearing the train names or designations are re-arranged to bring the ofi schedule train into'its proper. position on the chart and theplugs and connections are shifted to conform to such changes. When thus ref-arrangedthe chart, and the stations and tracks on the map will be illuminated in accordance with the new arrangement. a g

In some instancesit may be advisable tohave a separate source of current supply for emergencies should the normalsource of electrical supply I fail throughinadvertence or some other cause.

The device just described is especially adapted for agstationary chart,'but it should be understood that any suitable or desired form of chart maybe purpose the current supply will enter the structure through the back of the clock and through the contact plates Hand '28; previously described,

thence through thehands ofthe clock,.thence,

through the switch board panel, thence through the p. m or a. m. panel where the current will then pass through the display panel forQwestbound according to the proper connection made previously described, illuminating all west-bound panel charts, and also illuminating the geographic charts indicating the trackways and the names ofthe towns. t r

In the event that a train is late, or' if for any reason announcement is not desired at the regular time, the minute switch on the switchboard shown in Figure 9 is simply moved from'its normal position of automatic operation to therneutral position. This of course is in the event that the announcement'will be required tobe made within the samehour as the ordinary time of announcement, but, if the announcement is to -be changed for more than one hour, the hour switch is likewise manipulated in the same manner.

For the purpose of summary, it will be noted that: the current supply will enter the structure through the. back of the clock as illustrated,

thence to the contact plates which extend unbroken the entire circumference of thefront of the clock as illustrated, one of these plates preferably the smallercircle, supplies current-that is one side of the circuit for the hour hand, and the other or opposite side of the, circuit supplies current to theminute hand, the two sides of the circuit remaining separated while passing through theswitch board until they enter thehour panel. When leaving the hour panel each plug cord represents a complete circuit'and is arranged at this point according to schedule requirements. There are two separate hour panels, one, representing, the twelvemorning hours and the other the twelve afternoon hours. Wires from the hour switches on theswitch board are connected to binding posts for corresponding hours on the hour panel, there being only one wire for each hour, each section or hour on this panelcontaining as many sockets for cords the schedule re-' quires, it being necessary only to connect the wires from the minute switches on the switch board to complete the circuit.

From the hour panel plug, cords extend to the display panel. This panel has three separate outlets for the current. At one end of the panel there are two contact plates, also illustrated, two wires from each socket on the panel extending to these plates, two wires extending to the electro-magnet which closes the circuit at the end of the panel at the proper time and illuminates the track circuit, the other outlet is another socket from which a plug cord is extended to the train display chart for the purpose of illuminating the name of the train, the time of departure, etc., these wires may be tapped to show any number of stops required for any particular train, thereby making possible the use of one track to display both local and through trains. The amount of space required for track display is so small that in most cases it will likely be preferable to dis"- play local and semi local trains on separate tracks.

The train display chart, as previously stated, may be stationary as there would be nothing to get out of order, no machinery being required to operate it, and it simplifies considerably the wiring arrangement. Letters of about three inches should be sufficiently large for this purpose and two spaces each about ten feet square would be ample room for this display. With this arrangement, should a train be late, the only change that would be necessary is the time of departure, this would be a very simple operation to remove the regular figures and substitute those required, a couple of sets of figures from O to 9 being kept at hand for this purpose. If very late, it may be desirable to re-arrange the order of the designations on the board, which may be done as above noted.

It will be noted that the hour hand contact changes from a. m. to p. m. and vice versa, every twelve hours, this being performed automatically by contact changing switch in the hour hand contact brush coming in contact with contact changing post as illustrated, when and just before the hour hand reaches the hour of twelve.

As previously stated, this structure is so designed that it can be changed from automatic operation to manual operation without alteration, provision being made in the original installation by tapping the regular source of current supply and installing a two way switch from which wires lead directly to the switch board, wires from one side of the switch would lead to all minute switches and all a. m. hour switches, while the other side of the switch would be wired to all minute switches and all p. m. hour switches. Only one contact is necessary for the minute side or" this switch for both a. m. to p. m. hours, only one wire being required from this switch to all minute switches on the switch board. This source of current supply must be turned oil when the structure is being operated automatically. When manual operation is desired, care must be taken to be certain that all switches on the switch board are turned oh before turning the current supply on direct to the switch board, this being done, it is only necessary to use the same switches that control the automatic operation for each train to be announced, and as previously stated, a chart should be prepared for this purpose. In the event of a general disarrangement of the train performance, this operation may be simplified by using train number chart as illusmemos trated, extension wires being inserted at the exact moment the train is to be announced.

In the modified arrangement of the display board and apparatus ilustrated in Figures 14 to 17 inclusive, there is provided a display board I00 having a suitable opening therein preferably closed by a glass IOI. Above the opening is a horizontal shaft I02 and vertically below this is a second shaft I03 which is located below said opening. On these shafts are mounted sprockets I 04 around which are trained sprocket chains I carrying leather belts I06 to which are secured a series of transparent or window provided brackets I01. Transparencies I08 are used for the name plates and are selectively slidable in the brackets so that they may be arranged in any desired order, being interchangeable in the brackets. The arrangement is such that a definite number of the name plates are visible at the same time through the glass or window NH. The tubes II are arranged to lie behind the exposed name plates as shown in Figure 14.

Mounted on a base I09 is a motor H0 which is provided with a belt wheel I I. I connected by a belt II2 with a large belt wheel H3 fixed on the shaft I03. Spaced along one of the belts IDS is a series of stops II4, there being one of these stops for each set 01' name plates to be displayed through the window IOI. In the path of these steps is a wheel switch H5 having a series of pairs of arms II6, the arms of each pair being opposite each other. One arm of each pair has a contact H1 and the other arm has a contact I I8, these contacts projecting laterally from the arms. The alternate pairs of arms have these contacts reversely arranged. A wire II9 connects each pair of contacts. Opposite the lower part of the switch is a pair of spring contacts I 20 one of which is connected by a wire I2I to a binding post I22 on the a. In. line of a binding post panel, the other being connected by a wire I23 to a post I24 on the p. m. line of this panel.

At I25 is suitably fixed an electro-magnet having an armature I26 carrying a movable stop I21 which normally lies in the path of the stops 1 I4, being drawn out of said path upon energizetion of the magnet. The stop I21 thus effects stopping of each set of name plates in correct position for display.

Opposite the upper part of the wheel H5 is a pair of spring contacts I28 which are connected by wires I29 with one terminal of the magnet I25 and a wire I30 also connects this terminal with one brush of the motor I I0. From a post I3I on the binding post panel leads a wire I32 which connects to the remaining terminal of the magnet I25, this terminal being connected by awire I33 with the remaining brush of the motor IIO.

Upon the time arriving for a selected one of the lamps II to be energized a circuit will be established from one of the binding posts I22 or I24 through one of the wires I2I or I23 to a respective contact I20, and from thence through wheel II 5 to a contact I28, through a wire I29, magnet I25, and wire I32 to post I3I. Also the motor will be connected to this circuit by wires I30 and I33. The magnet will be quickly energized and the stop I21 moved out of engagement with the stop H4. The motor, responding less rapidly than the magnet, will now start and the series of name plates will be moved until the next Step III engages the wheel H5 and turns it to break the circuit, whereupon the magnet I 25 will be de-energized and the movable stop will project into the path of the stop I to stop the new set of name plates in correct display; position. Atthe same time, the motor circuit wfll be broken and the motor will stop.

Having described the invention, what isclaimed a contact fixed on said member, a changeover switch carriedby saidmember andarranged to move from one position to another and thereby to eifectconnection between the fixed contactof the member and remaining contacts carried by the member in succession, and means in the path of said member engaging andactuating said switch. v j 9 2. In a device oi. the kind described, a pair of parallel series of fixed contacts, a contact support movable oversaid series, a pair of contacts carried by'saidmember and each engaging a respectiveseries of fixed contacts, a terminal on said support foreachof said pairs of contacts,

a third contact fixed on'said support, a'sWitch device shiftable to eiIect connection of said third contact alternately with said terminals, and means in the path of said support to engage and shift the switch device as the' support" moves past said'mean's. T a

' 3. In a deviceof the kind described, a pair of parallel series of fixedcontac'ts, 'a contact sup port movable over said series and including a pair of spaced legs each traversing a respective series, a contact on each leg engaging the series of contacts traversedby said leg and having 'a terminal on the side of the leg confronting'the remaining leg, a third contact carried by said support between said legs; a rotary switch sup ported between said legs, said switch having peripheral contact means engaging said third contact and having spaced contact means; on its sides engaging the terminals, the contact means on one side of the switch being staggered with respect to the contact means on the other side of the switch whereby said terminals arealternately connected to the said'third contact as the switch is rotated, and means in the path of said support to effect rotation of the switchasi the support moves past said means.

- 4'. In a device of the kind described, a pair of parallel'series of fixed contacts, a' contact support movable over said series and includingv atpair of spaced legs each traversing a respective series, a contact on each leg engaging the series ofcontacts traversed by said leg and having a terminal on the side of the leg confronting the remaining leg, a third contact carried by said support" betweensaid legs, a rotary switch supported between said legs, said switch including aplurality of radial arms each having an end contact adapted to engage-said third contact'and ha'vinga lateral contact conductively connected to'the end contact and adapted to engage a respective terminal,

the latcralcontacts being arranged alternately oncne side andthe'other of saidarmsand af fixed 'stop member between said series oif'contactsposi. tioned to engage and turn said switch as the support'moves past'the stop member;

5. In a device of the kind described, a plurality of parallel series of fixed contacts, a contact carrying member movable over said fixed contacts, contacts carried by said member each positioned to traverse a respective series of fixed contacts, acontact fixed on said member, a change-i over switch carried by-said member and arranged to move iromone position to another and thereby to effect connection between the fixed contact of the member and remaining contacts carried by ther'nember in succession, means in the path of said member engaging and actuating said switch, a continuous supply contactparallel to the series of contacts, a fourth contact carried by said mem- 7 third contact fixed on said support, a switch device' shiftable to efiect connection of said third contact alternately with said terminals, means in the path of said support to engage and shift the switch device as the support moves past said means, a continuous supply contact parallel to the series of contacts, a fourth contact carried by the support and'engaging the supply contact, and a, conductive connection between said third and fourth contacts. w

7. In a device of the kind described, a pair of" parallel series of fixed contacts, a cont'actsup port movable over said series and including a pair of spaced legs each traversing a respective series, a contact on each leg engaging the series of contacts traversed by said leg and having a I terminal on the side of the leg confronting the remaining leg, a third contact carried by said supportbetween said legs, a rotary switch supported between said legs, said switch having pea ripheral contact means engaging said third contact/and having spaced contact means on'its sides engaging the terminals, the contact means on one side of the switch being staggered with respect to the contact means on the other side of the switch whereby said terminals are alternately connected to the said third contact as the switch is rotated, means in the path of said support to effect rotation of the switch as the support moves past said means, a continuous supply contact parallel to the series of contacts, a fourth contact carriedlby the support andengaging the supply contact, and a conductive connection between said third and fourth contacts. f k

8. Inadevice of the kind described, a pair of parallel series of fixed contactssa contact support movable over said series and including a pair of spaced legs each traversing a respective series, acontact oneach legengaging the series of contactstraversed by said leg and having a terminal on the side of ,the leg'c'onfronting the remaining leg, a third contact carried by said supportbetween said legs, a rotary switch supported between said legs, saidswitch including a plurality of radial arms each having an end contact tacts positioned to engage and turn said switch as the support moves past the stop member, a continuous supply contact parallel to the series of contacts, a fourth contact carried by the support and engaging the supply contact, and a conductive connection between said third and fourth contacts.

9. In a device of the kind described, a plurality of parallel series of fixed contacts, a contact carrying member movable over said fixed contacts, contacts carried by said member each positioned to traverse a respective series of fixed contacts, a contact fixed on said member, a changeover switch carried by said member and arranged to move from one position to another and thereby to eil'ect connection between the fixed contact of the member and remaining contacts carried by the member in succession, means in the path of said member engaging and actuating said switch, aplurality of series of signals, and conductive connections between the contacts of each series of fixed contacts and the signals of a respective series of signals.

10. In a device of the kind described, a pair of parallel series of fixed contacts, a contact support movable over said series, a pair of contacts carried by said member and each engaging a respective series or" fixed contacts, a terminal on said support for each of said pairs of contacts, a third contact fixed on said support, a switch device shiftable to eiiect connection of said third contact alternately with said terminals, means in the path of said support to engage and shift the switch device as the support moves past said means, a plurality of series of signals, and conductive connections between the contacts of each series of fixed contacts and the signals of a respective series of signals.

11. In a device of the kind described, a pair of parallel series of fixed contacts, a contact support movable over said series and including a pair of spaced legs each traversing a respective series, a contact on each leg engaging the series of contacts traversed by said leg and having a terminal on the side of the leg confronting the remaining leg, a third contact carried by said support between said legs, a rotary switch supported between said legs, said switch having peripheral contact means engaging said third contact and having spaced contact means on its sides ongaging the terminals, the contact means on one side of the switch being staggered with respect to the contact means on the other side of the switch whereby said terminals are alternately connected to the said third contact as the switch is rotated, means in the path of said support to effect rotation of the switch as the support moves past said means, a plurality of series of signals, and conductive connections between the contacts of each series of fixed contacts and the signals of respective series of signals.

12. In a device of the class described, a pair of parallel series of fixed contacts, a contact support movable over said series and inciuding a pair of spaced legs each traversing a respective series, a contact on each. leg engaging the series of contacts traversed by said leg and having a terminal on the side of the leg confronting the remaining leg, a third contact carried by said support between said legs, a rotary sw ch supported between said legs, said. switch including a plurality of radial arms each having an end contact adapted to engage said third contact and having a lateral contact conductively connected to the end contact and adapted to engage a respective terminal, the lateral contacts being arrangedalternately on one side and the other of said arms, a fixed stop member between said series 0! contacts positioned to engage and turn said switch as the support moves past the stop member, a plurality of series of signals, and conductive connections between the contacts of each series of fixed contacts and the signals of a respective series of signals.

13. In a device of the kind described, a plurality of parallel series of fixed contacts, a contact carrying member movable over said fixed contacts, contacts carried by said member each positioned to traverse a respective series of contacts, a contact fixed on said member, a changeover switch carried by said member and arranged to move from one position to another and thereby to effect connection between the fixed contact of the member and remaining contacts carried by the member in succession, means in the path of said member engaging and actuating said switch, a continuous supply contact parallel to the series of contacts, a fourth contact carried by said member and engaging said supply contact, a conductive connection between said third and fourth contacts, a plurality of series of signals, and conductive connections between the contacts of each series of fixed contacts and the signals of a respective series of signals.

14. In a. device of the kind described, a pair of parallel series of fixed contacts, a contact sup port movable over said series, a pair of contacts carried by said member and each engaging a respective series of fixed contacts, a, terminal on said support for each of said pairs of contacts, a third contact fixed on said support, a. switch device shiftable to eifect connection of said third contact alternately with said terminals, means in the path of said support to engage and shift the switch device as the support moves past said means,,a continuous supply contact parallel to the series of contacts, a fourth contact carried by the support and engaging the supply contact, a conductive connection between said third and fourth contacts, a plurality of series of signals, and conductive connections between the contacts of each series of fixed contacts and the I signals of a respective series of signals.

15. In a device of the kind described, a pair of parallel series of fixed contacts, a contact support movable over said series and including a pair of spaced legs eachtraversing a respective series, a contact on each leg engaging the series of contacts traversed by said leg and having a terminal'on the side of the leg confronting the remaining leg, at third contact carried by said support between said legs, a rotory switch supported between said legs, said switch having peripheral contact means engaging said third contact and having spaced contact means on its sides engaging the terminals, the contact means on one side of the switch being staggered with respect to the contact means on the other side of the switch whereby said terminals are alternately connected to the said third contact as the switch is rotated, means in the path of said support to efifect rotation of the switch as the support moves past said means, a continuous supply contact parallel to the series of contacts, a. fourth contact carried by the support and engaging the supply contact, a conductive connection between said third and fourth contacts, a plurality of series of signals, and conductive connections between the contacts of each series of fixed contacts and the signals of a respective series of signals.

16. In a device of the kind described, a pair of series, a contact'on each leg engaging the series of contacts traversed by said leg and having a ported between said legs, said switch including a plurality of radial arms each having an end i contact adapted to engage said third contactand having a lateral contact conductivelyconnected to the end contact and adapted to engage a respective terminal, the lateral contacts being ar-' ranged alternately on one side and the other of said arms, a fixed stop member between said series of'contacts positioned to engage and turn said switch as the support'moves' past the stop member, a continuous supply contact parallel to the series of contacts, a fourth contact carried by said support and engaging the supply contact, a conductive connection between said third and fourth contacts, a plurality of series of signals, and conductive connections between the contacts of each series of fixed contacts and the signals of a respective series of signals. I

' ARTHUR T. CARNEY.

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