GB354036A - Improvements relating to traffic control apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

354,036. Road signals for controlling traffic. CHANCE BROS. & CO., Ltd. and SPAINK, J. H. ABBINK-, Lighthouse Works, West Smethwick, Staffordshire. July 19, 1930, Nos. 21870 and 33121. [Class 118 (ii).] In automatic traffic control apparatus comprising a plurality of signal-operating mechanisms at the required distances apart, means are provided for automatically synchronizing the operating motors a in the different signal mechanisms. In each mechanism' except the last there is provided a rotary controlling contact b driven by the motor a so as to bridge intermittently a pair of fixed contacts c, and in each mechanism except the first there is also provided a rotary subsidiary contact d rotated by the motor a and engaging during its rotation either of a pair of fixed contacts e, each connected to an electromagnet f. The parts included in the zones 1, 2, 3 are associated respectively with the first, second and third signal mechanisms in the system. The motor a in the first mechanism is regulated to operate at the desired speed, and it serves to control the speed of the motors in the other signals. If the speed of the second motor a is slow or fast, the contact d will be in contact with one or other of the contacts e when the contact b is in contact with both of the contacts c, and the circuit between l<1>, l<2> will be closed through one or other of the magnets f, one magnet serving when energized to speed up the motor, and the other magnet to slow down the motor. Each motor controls the speed of the next motor in the chain. The magnets f may operate pawls o to turn in opposite directions a ratchet wheel 6 having a crank pin 5 actuating through a lever 4 a friction roller across the face of a disc i. The motor a drives the disc i through reducing gear g, and the electromagnets f are thus used to control the speed of the shaft k which carries the signal lamp controllers. In a modification, a diverter resistance is arranged across the armature of the motor a, and means including switches are provided for short-circuiting a portion of a resistance in series with the motor armature or a portion of a resistance in parallel with the motor armature, the switches being operated by the electromagnets for varying the speed of the motor.