US1686615A - Variegated and changeable color sign - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 9, 1928. 1,686,615 P. BALNOJAN VARIEGATED AND CHANGEABLE COLOR SIGN Filed May 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 attorney Oct. 9, 1928. 1,686,615

P. BALNOJAN VARIEGATED AND CHANGEABLE COLOR SIGN Filed May 2, 1927 4 Sheets-Shet 2 6 wuewtoz" pad 05% 9%,

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- P. BALNQJAN VARIEGATED AND CHANGEABLE COLOR SIGN Filed May 2, 192,7 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fly. 6

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P. BALNOJAN VARIEGATED AND CHANGEABLE COLOR SIGN Filed May 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Oct. 9, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

PETER BALNOJAN, OF PANCEVO, YUGOSLAVIA. ASSIGNOR T JOHN YAHRAUS, KARL GOETTL, AND JOHN GOETTL, TBUSTEES, ALL 0F MANSFIELD, OHIO.

VARIEGATED AND OI-IANGEABLE COLOR SIGN.

Application filed May 2,

This invention relates to a sign or the like.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a sign that will automatically display changeable and variegated colors continually through the medium of colored glass or the like, the colors presenting an illuminated outline of the sign varying from a low or soft light to an intense or bright glow, then fading away gradually and repeating the operation.

Another object is to provide means for automatically breaking the circuit of the light current to shut off or on the illumination of the sign by the light globe or globes.

Another object is to provide automatic means for closing the circuit of the electric current at predetermined times and maintaining the current closed for certain intervals of time.

Another object is to provide means for imparting movement to colored glass or the like mounted-on discs or the like which are positioned behind the sign and illuminatedby electric light globe or globes and stopping the movement thereof at a predetermined time.

Further objects are to provide means for transmitting movement to the discs and governing the speed of the movement of the discs and to provide means for removably mounting a sign or emblem cut out of sheet metal or the like and backing same with stippled glass or the like.

A further object is to provide means of constructing a variegated or changeable color sign that can be made in one operative un t or a plurality of units which are operable by a single unit mechanism for the purpose intended.

Another object is to construct a changeable and variegated sign and operating mechanism therefor that can bemounted in a vertical or horizontally positioned casing of any shape, form or configuration without materially changing the. operating mechanism.

Another object to construct a sign that will display a plurality of variegated and changeable colors by the use of a minimum number of light globes.- thereby producing a changeable and variegated color sign that is economical in operation and the use of electric current.

1927. Serial No. 188,314.

These and other objects are obtained by the mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which Fig. 1 is a rear view of the invention, the timing mechanism, transmission and means for operating a disc upon which different colored glass is mounted in spaced relation to each other, the panel being shown in dotted outline.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section of Fig. 1 taken on the line 22.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the casing timing mechanism and transmission mechanism used for operating a plurality of discs upon which is mounted a series of different colored glass which are positioned on the discs in spaced relation to each other. It also shows the means of conducting current to the switches and electric globes which are mounted within suitable auxiliary casings.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of Fig. 3 taken on the line 4.4 thereof.

Fig. 5 is a detailed view of one disc upon which colored glass is mounted in spaced relation and also showing the cover of one casing which is provided with an opening and positioned in such a relation to the colored glass and mounted on the disc to slightly overlap the opening at two points thereof.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of Fig. 3 showing two discs in sections at each end and transmission sprockets.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary side elevation of Fig. 3 showing discs, glass backing and conventional stencil sign.

Figs. 8 and 9 shows face views of discs having variegated colored glass mounted thereon in spaced apart relation to each other.

Fig. 10 shows avertical sectional view of Fig. 9 taken through the center thereof.

Fig. 11 shows a side elevation of the timing and transmission mechanism arranged to operate a plurality of discs which will illuminate a double sign arranged on each side of a casing in which the mechanism is mounted. I 4

-Fig. 12 is a horizontal sectional view of Fig. 11 taken on the line 12-12.

Fig. 13 is a vertical sectional view of Fig. 11 taken on the line 13-13.

Fig. 14c is a side or face view of a disc used for mounting colored glass thereon and til having sprocket teeth formed on the periphery.

Fig. 15 is a sectional view of Fig. 14 taken through the center thereof.

In the drawings Figs. 1 and 2 show the invention arranged for operation in combination with a single lighting and changeable color mechanism for use when a small sign is desired.

The construction and assembling of the in vention for operating the disc upon which the changeable and. variegated colored glass discs or the like are mounted and which are to be illuminated by a single light or globe is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The mechanism is installed and mounted in a circular casing comprising preferably a circular drum 1 having a down-turned annular flange 2 formed on one side and having the front portion or side thereof surrounded by an annular angle iron member 3 having one leaf thereof spaced apart from the down-turned flange 2.

The rear end of the drum is provided with an annular angle iron member 4. A panel 5 is attached to the rear side of the casing and 1s ournaled to rotate 1n the bearings. The

is secured to the annular ring member 4 for strengthening and bracing purposes. A disc 6 is attached to the panel and is provided with an aperture 7 for the purpose of supporting or hanging up the sign when desired.

Spaced apart from the panel 5 a partition 8 is secured within the casing which is attached thereto by an annular angle iron member 9. The partition 8 is for the purpose of mounting and assembling the operating mechanism thereon that operates a disc upon which a series of colored or variegated glass 1s mounted in spaced apart relation. Between the panel 5 and the partition 8 a motor 10 is provided and located at any point therein 2 found most convenient.

Transmission.

The motor carries a sprocket wheel 11. A bolt providing a bearing 12 is secured to the partition 8. Two sprocket wheels 13 and 14 are mounted upon the bearing 12 in spaced apart relation from each other and connected by a hub 15. Y

The sprocket wheels 13 and 14 are prefer ably made integral with the hub 15. A sprocket chain 16 imparts movement to the sprocket wheel 14 which in turn imparts movement to the sprocket wheel 13.

A bolt providing a bearing 17 is secured to the upper portion. of the partition 8 and two sprocket wheels 18 and 19 are mounted to rotate thereon. The sprocket wheels 18 and 19 are spaced apart by the hub 20 and preferably made integral therewith. Motion is imparted to the sprocket wheels 18 and 19 by the sprocket chain 21.

Another bolt bearing 22 is secured to the partition 8 below the bolt bearing 17 and above the sprocket wheel 14. A sprocket Wheel 23 having a hub 24 is mounted on the bearing 22 and it is also provided with a bell Lighting mechanism.

An auxiliary circular casing 29 is fastened to the partition 8 by an annular ring member 30 leaving the front open. A cover 31 is fitted over the open end of the casing 29 the flange 32 thereof fitting around the periphery thereof. The cover is provided with an opening or aperture 33.

A cap shaped bearing 34 is fastened to the partition 8 and a similar cap shaped bearing 35 is fastened to the cover 31 and a shaft 36 shaft also passes through an aperture formed in the cover 31 which also bearing therefor.

Timing meckzmimn.

Upon the inner end of the shaft 36 a timing disc 37 is rigidly secured thereto by the set screw 38. The timing disc has mounted thereon adjacent to its periphery a series of shouldered stud shafts 39 which are positioned upon and around the disc in circular position and in spaced apart relation to each other.

In the application of the invention as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the disc has 12 stud shafts 39 arranged thereon and rollers 40 are mounted to rotate thereon. The number of discs and rollers mounted on the timing disc can be varied as desired. On the opposite side of the timing disc 37 pins 41 of any number more or less are secured in spaced apart relation to each other.

F lashing nwclmnism.

In the drawings on Fig. 1 three pins 41 are shown but it will be noted that the num- Movement is imparted to the provides a partial ber of these pins can be varied as desired.

The function of the pins will be described hereinafter. A disc 42 is mounted on the shaft 36 and connected rigidly thereto by the set screw 43, and is preferably provided with three openings 44, 45 and 46 spaced apart from each other.

Different or variegated colored glass or the like is mounted within the openings44, 45 and 46. The openings just described are made substantially of the same size as the opening 33 in the cover of the casing 29.

The openings in the disc into which the colored glass are inserted are arranged to substantially aline with the opening 33 in the cover 31 when rotated to receive the full glare of the light.- A lever 47- is mounted on the partition to pivot on a pin 48, one end thereof extending between the sprocket 14 and the timing disc 37 and a-lined so as to come in contact with the pins 41 periodically when the disc is rotated.

The lever is held in normal position by the expansible spring 49 which holds in against the stop pin 50 when in normal position. When the timing disc 37 is rotated the pins 41 in sequence pivots the lever 47 downward and the opposite end of the lever 47 pulls the chain 51 of the switch 52 alternately flashing the globe 53 on or off.

In Figs. 1 and 2 three changes in flashing are made by the pins 41 on the disc as each pin contacts with lever 47 the globe is alternately lighted or shut off but, however, as stated other pins can be arranged to contact with the lever 47 to flash the light on or out at various periodical times leaving the light on or 01f for differentperiods of time as desired more or less.

The light plug member 54 is arranged to receive the current from the motor. The return and feed lines 55 and 56 are connected to the motor 10 by the ordinary or conventional wiring for the operation of light globes with respect to the operation of one umt.

Over the opening 33 a lens 57 is preferably attached'to provide a better focus of the light rays andto emit and project same in radiant lines as shown by numerals 58. A stippled glass 59 is preferably fitted between the annular flange member 2 of the drum 1 and the annular angle iron member 3.

Interposed between flange 2 and ring member 33, a stencil 60 is fitted having such wording, letters. emblems, or insignia formed thereon as described and through whichthe light of the globe shines giving the outllnes 1 of whatever configurationletter or words that are formed in the stencil.

The above description describes the construction assemblage of the parts of the invention that perform the objects set out in the specification for a unit lighting means. If desired the openings 44, 45 and 46 in the discs can be filled with different colored glass, or glass of variegated colors as shown in Figs. 8 and 9 for the purpose of givin more changes and blending of the colors in displaying the emblems, letters or figures of the sign and also to illuminate same more intensely or softly thereon runnin into or fading out of the colors as they blen into different color schemes or combinations.

The operation of the invention as applied to use of a unit lighting mechanism in brief is as follows:

Motionv is transmitted from the motor 10 by the sprockets and sprocket chains hereinbefore described imparting movement to a bell crank actuator 25. The bell crank actuator revolves on the shaft 22 with the sprocket 23. I

In Figs. 1 and 2 the bell crank actuator is shown in normal position and when rotated three-fourths of a revolution the arm 27 will contact with one of the rollers 40 on the timing disc and impart movement thereto and revolve or rotate same one-twelfth of a revolution; then the timing disc remains stationary for, one-fourth of a revolution of the bell crank actuator at which time the arm 26 contacts with the next succeeding roller 40 and imparts another one-twelfth of a movement to the timing disc; then the bell crank actuator rotates three-quarters of a revolution without moving the timing disc and it then continues to revolve thedisc in the same sequence and manner, moving the timing disc to make a complete revolution and continuing the same operation.

Different or variegated colors of glass or the like are mounted in the openings 44, 45 and 46 provided in the disc. The disc is rotated or moved until in regular sequence each different or variegated colored glass or the like mounted on the disc in normal position appears opposite the opening 33 formed in the cover of the auxiliary disc 29 and the light globe 53 located in the casing emits and projects the light rays through the colored, variegated glass or the like against and through the stippled glass 59; thence through the stencil 60 showing different, variegated and diversified colors on the glass through the stencil.

The colored glass or the like mounted on the disc for carrying same can be changed or variegated in any combination as desired by the user.

The arrangement of the rollers on the timing disc which contact with the bell crank actuator is such that the colored glass mounted on the disc in the'openings are moved (for illumination) from a position substantially in line with the opening provided in the cover of the disc substantially one-half the width of the colored glass mounted on the disc or the opening in the cover.

In other words the movement of the bell crank actuator which imparts movement to an g the timing disc having rollers mounted there- 42-moves to cover one-half of the opening inv the cover 31 of the auxiliary casing 29 ;-thence it is moved substantially in alinement therewith. The operation described is then continuous and repeated.

The colored or variegated glass mounted in the openings 44, 45 and -16 of the disc when in the position shown in Fig. 5 slightly overlaps the opening 33 of the points 62 and 63 when the portion 61 substantially' covers the opening 33. The portion of the disc 42 is slightly smaller at said point so as to permit a partial light to project through the glass and stencil sign at all times although faint.

'hen the sprocket gear 23 which carries the bell crank actuator 25 with its arms 26 and 27 is revolved a complete revolution for the three-fourths of the revolution of the sprocket gear no movement is imparted to the timing disc, thereby holding the position of a section of the colored glass on the disc or discs upon which the glass is mounted in alinement with the opening 33 of the cover for full and intense glow of light through the stencil or sign for three-quarters of a revolution thereof.

The other one-fourth movement of the bell crank actuator that is completed by the revolution of the sprocket wheel moves the timing disc by means of arms 26 and 27 of the actuator one-sixth of a revolution each, but the arms 26 and 27 being spaced apart 90 degrees impart movement to the timing discs at different intervals or in other words the actuator revolves one-fourth of its revolution without imparting movement to the timing disc.

The same construction and assemblage of the parts described is used for the purpose of illuminating a series of light discs having different colored or variegated glass or the like mounted thereon and the same means also is used for the purpose of illuminating a double sign from each side of the casing.

As the same means as described is used for operating and displaying the variegated and changeable colors for a double sign showing the slgn from two sides of the casing as well as operating a plurality or series of lighting means or discs from one side of a casing, reference to said means is hereby made to said Figures 1 and 2.

Figs. 3, 4:, 6 and 7 show the invention as disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2 except that conventional means are used to operate and transmit movement to a series of discs arranged for simultaneous movement.

The structure and assemblage as shown in Figs. 3, 4, 6 and 7 is the same as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 except connecting means are shown to provide for movement of a series of discs as shown by said figures.

The same numerals on the drawings with referenceto Figs. 1 and 2 refer to the same elements of the invention or device as shown in Figs. 3, 4, 6 and 7 of the drawings, except exactly alike.

nism is mounted. Reference numerals 6666 represents compression springs which are adapted to press against the timing disc and hold same in normal position.

A shaft 36. the same structure as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, as described hereinbefore is jou'rnaled and mounted substantially the same as described with respect to said Figs. 1 and 2 but it is preferably made longer, extending outwardly from the side in spaced apart relation from the rectangular casing.

On the projecting end of the shaft 36 a sprocket wheel 67 is mounted and rigidly secured thereto by the set screw or the like. The shafts 36 of each unit of light mechanism for displaying the light, project beyond the side ofthe casing and are located in alinement with each other. The shaft 36 and the sprocket wheels 68, 69, 70 and 71 mounted on said shafts 36'. A chain 72 engages therewith said sprocket and imparts simultaneous movement to the series of discs upon which the colored or variegated glass is mounted and secured. .The center shaft 36 imparts the same movementto the auxiliary shafts 36' that the timer imparts to it.

It will, of course, be understood that the colored glass mounted on the disc or discs can be made of different colors or variegated as desired in the separate units of the plurality of lighting discs thereby covering an extensive range of colors and combinations thereof.

In the operation of the series of discs as described the sign, configuration or emblem being displayed is continuously changing and diversified in color. The colors change continuously The above describes the operation of a plu rality of lighting units by the same means as hereinbefore described with respect to Figs. 1 and 2.

Figs. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 show the same operating means and lighting mechanisms as that described and shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, except that last named figures show the invention applied to a double sign, that is, showing the sign in variegated different color combinations oneach side thereof.

The timing disc 37 as shown in Fig. 13 has made integral therewithand located in opposite relation thereto, a sprocket wheel 73 which is rotated in synchronism with the timing disc by the bell crank actuator, as described.

The mechanism shown in the last named types is mounted upon a U-shaped supporting member 74. An expansible spring 75 yieldingly holds the timer and sprocket and at no time are they blended wheel in their normal positions. Movement is imparted to the disc upon which the colored glass is mounted thereto, illuminating each side of the casing as shown in Fig. 11. The partitions 76 and 77 are secured to the casing 78 to the other end thereof.

Discs similar to those described and-shown on Figs. 1 and 2 having mounted thereon colored or diversified glass are journaled in the caps bearing 7 9 and 80 and also partially in said partitions. They are attached to shafts 81 by the set screws 82.

The discs indicated by numerals 83 and 84 are similar to the dics 85 and 86 and (as shown in Figs. 1 and 2) except that upon the periphery thereof a series of sprocket teeth 87 are formed thereon to receive and engage a sprocket chain 88 which engages the com-- bined sprocket wheel and disc 7 3 and the combined sprocket wheels and discs 85 and 86 of the other discs shown.

The specific construction of the discs with sprockets formed thereon is shown in Figs. 14 and 15. In order to'take the slack out of the sprocket chains 88 and 7 2 a small adjustable sprocket wheel 89 is provided and used as shown in Fig. 11.

The operation, construction and assemblage of the parts in all respects as shown in all of the figures are the same except that connecting means are employed to adapt the invention for use in operating a pluralit of discs and to display the combination of colors on the sign from both sides of the casing.

I The stippled glass on each side of the casing shown in Figs. 12 and 13 is indicated by reference numerals 90 and 91.

The casing for the double sign and for a. plurality of discs is preferably made rectangular in shape as shown butcan be varied as desired. It will be noted that the mechanism herein described for use for a double sign or a series of lights for a single sign is the same as that shown and described with respect to Figs. 1 and 2 for the unit lighting mechanism.

The above describes a conventional means of using the operating mechanism for a single or double sign or a plurality of lighting mechanisms all being operated in a similar manner and for achieving the objects hereinbefore set out.

It is further suggested that many changes in detail and immaterial alterations may be made in the mechanism above described and outlined without deviating from the spirit or principle of the invention herein set out. Hence, I do not limit myself to the exact construction as shown in the drawings and described in the specification.

It will be apparent from a study of the construction and operation of the signsdescribed that changeable and variegated colors can be shown outlining the letters, emblem or insignia, that the colors will be varied in intensity from a bright intense glow to a soft glow blending into and out of each other with various shades of light and that the periodical movement of each disc will show different and variegated combinations of colors and different shades thereof, or in other words breaking up and vanishing the color combinations and then gradually emitting and projecting an intense illumination of the sign.

It will also be observed that different light ing effects can be made by locating the lighting globes in different parts of the casing and further that movement can be imparted to the various mechanisms other than by a motor such as for instance, attaching same to a revolving shaft or the like receiving power from some other source.

It will also be observed that the speed'of the mechanism for operating the lightmg and timing means of the signs can be varied.

The invention can be ap lied and installed in any type, shape or con guration of a casing such as hexagon, octagon, round, rectangular, square or other modification of shape without the exercise of invention.

l-Vhen it is desired to change the subject matter of the sign the stencil plate can be removed and another stencil plate with different subject matter inserted in the casing in juxtaposition to the stippled glass.

Attention is further called to the fact that the timing of the discs with respect to the opening in the cover can be altered or adjusted by changing the sprocket chain on the sprocket wheel to engage another link of the chain either forward or backward and that the cover of the casing can be adjusted around the casing to aline with the openings in the disc at different points by shifting the cover back and forth around the casing.

I claim:

1. In a changeable and variegated color sign, a sign plate, means to change the color of the sign plate, a globe, a switch controlling the illumination of the globe, means to flash on and off the switch connected to the globe that illuminates the sign whereby different and variegated colors of the sign can be shown from fading out to an intense glow as and for the purpose described.

2. In a changeable and variegated color sign, a sign plate, means to change and variegate the colors of the sign, a lighting globe, means to flash the globe on or off through the medium of a switch and means whereby different and variegated colors of the sign can be shown varying or blending from fadingout to an intense glow, as and for the purpose described. v

3. In a changeable and variegated transparent sign, a casing, a stencil arranged on thecasing, a stippled glass in juxtaposition to the stencil, a disc having colored glass mounted to rotate within the casing and positioned to aline with the stippled glass and stencil, an auxiliary casing having a light globe mounted therein and enclosing said disc and having an opening formed therein to aline with the colored glass mounted-on the rotating disc.

4. In a changeable and variegated transparent sign, a casing, a stencil arranged on the casing, a stippled glass arranged in juxtaposition to the stencil, a disc having colored glass mounted thereon to rotate within the casing and positioned to aline with the stippled glass and stencil, an auxiliary casing having a light globe mounted therein enclosing said disc and having an opening formed therein to aline with the colored glass mounted on the rotating disc and means to intermittently rotate the disc.

5. In a changeable and variegated transparent sign, a casing, a stencil arranged on the casing, a stippled glass arranged in juxtaposition to the stencil, a disc having colored glass mounted to rotate within the casing and positioned to aline with the stippled glass and stencil, an auxiliary casing having a light globe mounted therein enclosing said disc, having an opening formed therein to aline with the colored glass mounted on the rotating disc, a timing means connected to said disc, and means to rotate the timing means and thereby the disc at predetermined intervals.

6. In a changeable and variegated transparent sign, a casing, a stencil arranged on the casing, a stippled glass fitted in juxtaposition to the stencil, a plurality of discs having colored glass mounted to rotate within the casing and positioned to aline with the stippled glass and stencil, auxiliary casings,

light globes mounted in said casings, a coverfor the discs having openings therein to aline with the colored glass mounted on the rotating discs, means to rotate the discs, a timing apparatus rotated at intervals and con-" nected to rotate the discs simultaneously therewith and means to flash the light globes on or off at predetermined times.

7. In a changeable color sign, a sign, a source of illumination, means intermediate the source of illumination. and the sign for controlling the illumination of the sign, and

a portion of the opening and thereafter through the full opening.

9. In a changeable color sign, a sign, a source of illumination therefor, a member arranged between the sign and source of illumination to control the lighting of the sign from said illumination, and means for intermittently operating said member to pcriodically varythe degree of illumination on the sign without completely interrupting such illumination.

10. In a changeable color sign, a sign, a source of illumination therefor, a member arranged between the sign and source of illumination to control the lighting of the sign from said illumination, and means for intermittently operating said member to periodically vary the degree of illumination on the sign without completely interrupting such illumination, said operating means controlling the member to vary the time periods of the respective degrees of sign illumination.

11. A changeable color sign including a sign plate, a source of illumination for said sign plate, and a disc intermediate the source of illumination and sign plate and formed with openings adapted when in line with the source of illumination to permit a full illumination of the sign plate, and means for operating the disc to cause it to have periods of rest with its opening partly in line with the source of illumination at one interval and wholly in line with the source of illumination at another interval.

12. A changeable color sign including a sign plate, a source of illumination for said sign plate, and a disc intermediate the source of illumination and'sign plate and formed with openings adapted when in line with the source of illumination to permit a full il-' lumination of the sign plate, and means for operating the disc to cause it to have periods of rest with its opening partly in line with the source of illumination at one interval and wholly in line with the source of illumination at another interval, said means maintaining the position of partial illumination for a less interval than the position of full illumination. a

13. In a changeable color sign, a casing, 21. sign plate carried thereby, a source of illumination for the casing, a disc operating between the source of illumination and the sign plate and formed with openings adapted in the movement of the disc to permit the passage of light rays from the source of illumination to and through the sign plate, a timing member for controlling the movement of the disc, and means for operating the timing member to successively present the openings in the disc first partly in line with the source of illumination and then fully in line therewith.

14. In a changeable color sign, a' casing, a

sign plate carried thereby, a source of illumination for the casing, a disc operating be. tween the source of illumination and the sign plate and formed with openings adapted in the movement of the disc to permit the passage of light rays from the source of illumiings in the disc in line wlth the source of il opening with the source of illumination.

lumination, said actuator initially moving the member to partly align an opening with the source of illumination and thereafter moving the disc to completely align said 15. In a changeable color sign, a sign plate, a source of illumination therefor, a light controlling disc formed with openings and arranged between the source of illumination and the sign plate, a timing member for oper-" ating the disc, and an actuator for operating the timing member, said actuator in a complete cycle of movement imparting two relatively similar movements to the timing member and to the disc for varying the degree of illumination on the sign, these respective movementsbeing of different time duration. A

16. A. changeable color sign including a sign plate, a source of illumination therefor,

a disc formed with a plurality of openings, transparent members of diiferent colors in the respective openings, a timing member connected to and operating the disc, rollers mounted on the timing member and an actuator having arms to operate the timing member, the respective arms being arranged at relatively right angles whereby, in a cycle r of actuation of the operator, the timing member and thereby the disc is given two movements of diflerent time duration to thereby vary the illumination transmitted to the sign through the disc openings.

17. A changeable color sign including a sign plate, sources of illumination for the sign plate, a series of discs formed with openings between the sources of illumination and the respective sign plates, and means for simultaneously operating said discs to first present the openings therein partly in line with the sources of illumination and thereafter present the openings therein fully in line with the sources of illumination.

18. A changeable color sign includin 'a sign plate, a source of illumination there or, a switch for controlling the source of illumination, a disc movable between the source of illumination and the sign plate and formed with an opening to permit the passage of light rays to the sign plate, a timing element connected to the disc for operating the same, means for intermittently operating the timing element topermit a short period of rest thereof during which the opening.- in the disc is partly in line with the source of illumination and a longer period of rest thereof during'which the opening in the disc is fully in line with the source of illumination, and means carried by the timing element for operating the switch in accordance with the movement of the disc.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

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