US1854547A

US1854547A - Motor-actuated switch

Info

Publication number: US1854547A
Application number: US159609A
Authority: US
Inventors: Greenewalt Mary Hallock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1924-04-26
Filing date: 1927-01-07
Publication date: 1932-04-19
Anticipated expiration: 1949-04-19

Description

April 1932- M. H. GREENEWALT 1,854,547

MOTOR ACTUATED SWITCH Original Filed April 26, 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet l Flyl April 1932- M. H. GREENEWALT 1,854,547

MOTOR ACTUATED SWITCH Original Filed April 26, 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 19, 1932. M. H. GREENEWALT 1,854,547

MOTOR ACTUATED SWITCH- Original Filed April 26, 192 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 April 19, 1932. M. H. GREENEWALT MOTOR ACTUATED SWITCH Original Filed April 26 Patented Apr. 19, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT I OFFICE HALLOCK -GREENEWALT, F PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA MOTOB-ACTUATED SWITCH Original application filed April 26, 1924,'Seria1 No. 709,283. Patent No. 1,793,284, dated February 17, 1931.

Divided and this application filed January 7, 1927. Serial No. 159,608.

7 My invention relates to means for controlling electric energy and particularly to motor operated mechanisms therefor. This is a di-.

vision of my application Serial 709,283, filed April 26, 1924, now Patent Number 1,793,284

.on Feb. 17, 1931.

One object of my invention is to provide a current modifying mechanism comprising a plurality of plural contact, fluid connector 10 switches and means for actuating the same serially, said actuating means being under the volitional manual control of an operator.

Another object of my invention is to provide a current controlling mechanism having means for limiting the operation of the actuating means in either direction of operation.

Another object of my invention is to provide a relatively simple and compact current controlling mechanism of the fluid connector 2 type that shall be manually or motor operated and permit of controlling relatively large amounts of electric energy by a relatively small number of switches, clean, beautiful in appearance so that concealing it is not necessary if not desired, and carrying within itself the safety element that when a switch is broken through overloading it constitutes a safety fuse. A further object of my invention is to provide an object with configuration, one such object varying from another, that can automatically carry out any variousness of sequence in degree energy translation after such has been found useful by a previous choice or need volitionally arrived at by manual control of said energy.

A further object of my invention is to provide means for connecting up such a mechanically actuating configuration to a regular motive force such as a motor or motor driven energy. I

In practicingmy invention I provide aplurality of tubes of electric-insulating material, each having a plurality of terminal members extending into the same and containing a quantity of electric conducting fluid, that are pivotally mounted on a suitable frame. A shaft, having a plurality of spaced portions thereon isrotatably mounted in the frame and actuated by an electric motor that is under the volitional control of an operator or 1t s automatic counterpart. Means are provided for giving each of the tubes a turning movement. They are also severally provided with means for initiating the engagement of the successive tubes and with means for bemg held in their limiting positions. .The sw1tch actuating means is provided with means for de-energizing the motor to limit the operation thereof in either direction, and wlth means for automatically de-energizing the motor when certain effects are in automatic play.

In a modified form of device embodying my invention I provide a plurality of tubes of substantially annular shape, each having a plurality of spaced contact members extending into the same and partially filled with a suitable electric conducting fluid. Each annular tube is secured on a suitable mounting means, which has operatively associated therewith a gear wheel having only a part1al set of teeth. All of the annular tubes are loosely mounted in spaced relation on a suitable supporting shaft. A motor driven shaft extends parallel to and spaced from the supporting shaft and has mounted thereon a plurality of pinions that are adapted to mesh with and actuate the annular tubes serially.

In all forms of device embodying my invention the first plural contact fluid connector tube is not permitted to become operatively disconnected from the driving means.

I provide a motive power for actuating the switch mechanism that is preferably an electric. motor under the volitional manual control of an operator as to speed and direction of operation. I also provide an automatically operating motive power control means comprising a member of cam shape that is actuated by the switch mechanism and that is effective to vary the speed of the motive power in any predetermined sequence.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a view, in front elevation, of a switch mechanism embodying my invention,

Fig. 2 is a top plan view thereof,

Fig. 3 is a view, in end elevation, of a 100 fluid connector tube and a supporting member therefor,

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a control system comprising a part of my mvention,

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a different method of control comprising a part of my invention,

Fig. 6 is a diagram of connections of a motive power employed with the device embodying my invention,

Fig.7 is a diagram of connections of a plurality of light sources adapted to be controlled by a device embodying my invention,

Fig. 8 is a partial view of a device e mbodying my invention illustrating a modification thereof,

Fig. 9 is a view, in side elevation with parts cut away of an automatic motive power controlling device,

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a modified form of device embodying my invention, and,

Fig. 11 is a view, in end elevation thereof.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings, 1 provide a vertically extendin shaft 21 the lower end of which is locate in a suita le step bearing 22 which is in turn, secured to a base member 23 o a skeleton framework 24. The step bearin 22 is secured to the member 23 by a plur ity of machine bolts 25. The shaft 21 is provided with a plurality of screw threaded

sections

26, 27, and 28, the screw threads whereof are relatively deep and are preferably square. The hereinbefore mentioned screw threaded portions or sections are separated by portions of the shaft 21 having no screw threads thereon and designated by the

numerals

29 and 31 respectively.

The frame 24 comprises the hereinbefore mentioned bottom member 23, a vertically extending side member 32 and a plurality of horizontally extending portions numbered respectively 33, 34, 35 and 36. The free end of the member 33 is provided with a removable cap member 37 and has an opening there through to receive the upper plain end 38 of the shaft 21 and permit rotation thereof. The member 34 is provided with a substantially similar cap 39, while the

members

35 and 36 have

cap members

41 and 42 associated therewith. All of the cap members are bolted against the outer end portions of the respective members by a plurality of bolts 43. While the cap member 37 co-operates with the outer end of the member 33 to constitute a bearing for the upper end of the shaft, the other cap members do not necessarily constitute bearing members and the openings therethrough may be slightly larger than the external diameter of the shaft.

A worm gear 44 is secured to the lower end of the shaft 21 immediately above the step bearing and is operatively engaged by a worm 45 that is mounted on the outer end of the shaft of anelectric motor 46 which is, in turn, bolted to the upper surface of the member 23.

The

members

33, 34, 35, and 36 are spaced a suitable distance apart to permit of mounting between respectlve pairs of these members a plural contact, fluid connector switch comprisin an elongated tube 47 of a suit able electric-insulating material, such as glass or quartz. The tube 47 is mounted against one side of a bar 48 of a suitable electric-' insulating material such as asbestos lumber or bakelite.

Suitable clamping straps

49 and 51 may be employed to hold the tube 47 a ainst its supporting plate 48. The tube 47 as a plurality of

contact terminals

52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 extending into the same, the outer ends thereof being connected to suitable contact terminals that are mounted on the plate 48 immediately above the tube 47 substantially as illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings. A quantity 57, of a suitable conducting fluid such as mercury, is placed withinthe tube which may either be evacuated, or may be filled with a suitable gas or gases that are adapted to prevent as far as possible, the formation 0 sparks or arcs during the operation of the switch or surface oxidization of the conductin fluid.

A plurality o flexible conductors may be employed to connect the terminals on the bar 48 to fixed contact terminals mounted on a plate of electric-insulating material (not shown) that is, in turn, secured against the skeleton framework, or if desired, a supply circuit conductor and a plurality of con-' ductors connecting the terminals on the bar 48 to the light sources to be controlled, may be employed. As either of these constructions may be employed in accordance to the particular conditions and as such details are well known in the art, I have not illustrated them in detail.

The plate 48 is pivotally mounted, at its rear end, by means of a suitable hinge member 58 on the member 34 adjacent to the vertically extending member 32. A spring member 59 that has one end connected to the member 33 and its other end connected to the top of the plate 48 yieldingly holds the plate and switch in their upwardly tilted position wherein the upper and forward corner of the plate 48 operatively enga es the under surface of the member 33. lug 61 is secured to the lower end of a spring member 62, the upper end of which is suitably secured against a project-ing upward shoulder at the front end of the plate 48, a spring 63 being providedat the lower end of the member 62 to press the plate 48.

Means for holding the switch member in its fully operative position comprises a rethat is secured to the upper surface of the the lug 61 outwardly from ran member 34 where it may be engaged by a suitably shaped lug 65 that is mounted on the rear surface of the plate 48.

A substantially similar switch member comprising a tube 47 a and a plate 48a is pivotallv mounted on the upper surface of the member 35 and a third switch member comprising a tube 47?) and a plate 485 is similarly mounted, on the upper surface of the member 36. As all of the switch members and other appurtenances hereinbefore described in connection with the uppermost switch are the same, I have not thought it necessary to describe or number the respective switches in detail and have also illustrated them in different positions. Whereas the uppermost switch is shown in its fully operative position, the intermediate switch member is shown in its intermediate position, while the lowermost switch is illustrated as in its normal inoperative position.

Means are provided on all switch members except the lowermost one for initiating the actuation of ,a successive switch and this means comprises a lug 66 that is suitably secured against the lower edge or face of the plate 48 and that is adapted to extend through an opening 67 in the supporting member substantially as illustrated in the upper part of Fig. 1.

Suitable means (not shown) may be provided to serve as guide members for the forward end of the

switch supporting bars

48, 48a and 48b in their turning movement to prevent any movement laterally thereof as a result of the friction between the screw threads and the lugs 61.

While I have illustrated a switch mechanism comprising three plural contact fluid connector switches, I do not wish to be limited to this particular number as any .suitable number of such switches may be employed and be operated serially or successively in a manner to be hereinafter set forth in detail. vWhile I have illustrated a switch provided with five terminal contact members, I may employ any number of such contact terminals as may be found possible to embody or associate with such a switch, or as may be found desirable.

The upper end of the shaft 21 projecting through the upper bearing hereinbefore described is reduced in diameter as indicated by the numeral 68 and has mounted thereon a suitable pinion 69. The pinion 69 meshes with a gear wheel 71 that is mounted on a short shaft 7 2 that is rotatably mounted in the upper surface of the member 33. A pinion 73 is mounted on the shaft 72 and meshes with a gear wheel 74 that is loosely mounted on a short shaft 75 mounted on and supported by the member 33. A dial 76 is secured on the upper end of the shaft 75 and has a suitable scale marked thereon. This scale is indicated generally only by the numeral 77 in Fig. 2 of the drawings and is preferably during the operation of the switch mechamsm.

Means for limiting the turning movement of the shaft 21 in either direction of opera tion comprise two

limit switches

79 and 81 that are supported on the upper surface of the member 33. Each of the limit switches comprises a fixed contact terminal 82 and a movable contact that is carried by a spring arm 83, both the fixed contact terminal and the movable contact terminal being suitably insulated from the metal member 33. The two limit switches are located in oppositely spaced positions relatively to each other and are adapted to be engaged by a pin 84 that extends through the gear wheel 74at both sides thereof, one of the limit switches being located above the upper face of the gear wheel 74, while the other limit switch is located below the gear wheel.

In Fig. 6 of the drawings I have illustrated a diagram of connections for the motor 46, which is here shown as a shunt wound direct current motor in order to more clearly describe its control. although of course any suitable or desired type of motor may be em ployed. Suitable

sunnlv circuit conductors

85 and 86 are connected to the fixed terminals of a. two-pole double throw switch 87. A fixed terminal member 88 at the right hand side of the switch 87 is connected to one ter minal of the armature of the motor 46 through one of the limit switches, for example limit switch 79. A second terminal 89 is connected to a pivotally mounted lever 91 that is secured against the under surface of a table top 92, a spring member 93 being provided to yieldingly hold the lever 91 in its inoperative position. An actuating button 94 is secured to the free end of the lever 91 and extends through the top 92 to permit an operator to effect a turning movement of the lever 91, whereby part or all of a resistor member 95 may be cut out of the circuit of the armature of the motor 46. The second limit switch 81 is connected between the contact terminal 89 and a diagonally opposite stationary contact terminal 96. A second sta- .tionary contact terminal 97 is located at the left hand side of the switch and is electrically connected to the same terminal of the motor armature as is the switch terminal 88.

The general construction of the switch and of the electrical connections of the same with the manually controlled resistor 95 is such that the motor will rotate in a predetermined direction when the contact bridging members of the switch 87 operatively engage the terminals 88 and 89 respectively. The speed I of rotation of the motor is determined by the amountof resistance cut out of the circuit of the armature of the motor, and the duration of its operation is determined by the length of time during which the operator depresses the lever 91. When the contact bridging members of the switch 87 are moved in the opposite direction so that the

contact terminals

96 and 97 are engaged, the motor runs in the opposite direction at a speed that is in accordance with the amount which the lever 91 is depressed.

While I have illustrated, in'Fig. 1 of the drawings, a single set of switches, I may employ plural sets of switches and I have illustrated two such switches actuated substantially simultaneously in Fig. 8 of the drawings. I have there illustrated a double frame, the left hand frame being substantially the same as the right hand frame and comprising a vertically-extending side member 98, a horizontally extending upper member 99 and a lower member 101. The inner ends of the

respective members

34, 35, 99, and 101 are enlarged in substantially the same manner as is shown for the member 33 in Fig. 2 of the drawings, and these ends are held together in proper operative position by a plurality of machine bolts 102. A second switch member 103, comprising a tubular member 47 and a supporting plate 48, is mounted in opposed relation to the first switch member located at the right hand side of the shaft 21. As the construction and operation of the switch mem-' ber 103 is substantially the same as for those hereinbefore described, it is not deemed necessary to further describe it in detail. The left hand frame is substantially a duplicate of the right hand frame hereinbefore described and more particularly illustrated in Fi 1 of the drawings. While I have shown only a portion of the switch mechanism in Fig. 8, the construction of the entire device 3 will be evident therefrom.

While I have illustrated, in Fig. 8 of the drawings, two switches between the pairs of horizontally extending members, any suitable or desired number of such switches may be employed. For instance, by providing three skeleton frames spaced equi-distantly in a horizontal plane around the shaft 21, I am enabled to mount three such switches instead of two as illustratedin Fig. 8 of the drawings. Similarly by providing four skeleton frames equi-distantly spaced I may mount four such switches and actuate them substantially simultaneously. This construction permits of increasing the capacity of the switch mechanism by the simple expedient of increasing the number of fluid connector switches that are actuated substantially simultaneously. One motor may actuate a plurality of such switch mechanisms whereby the illumination of all parts of an auditorium may be simultaneously controlled.

In Figs. 10 and 11 of the drawings I have illustrated a modified form .of device embodying my invention, in which I employ fluid connector tubes of substantially annular form instead of the elongated form hereinbefore described. A base plate 104 has mounted thereon a pair of spaced hearing members 105 and 100 that su port a shaft member 107. The shaft member 107 has mounted thereon a plurality of

annular tubes

108, 109, and 111 that are substantially identical in construction. Each of the

tubes

108, 109, and 111 comprises an annulus of a suitable electric -insulating material, such as quartz or glass, that has a plurality of spaced contact terminals 112 extending into the tube through the outer peripheral surface thereof. As all of the terminal members are of the same construction I have designated them by the same number. I have illustrated eight such terminal members spaced substantially equidistantly from each other and extendin over slightly more than ninety degrees 0 the periphery. A quantity 113 of a suitable conduct-ing fluid, such as mercury, is located within the respective annular tubes and is just suflicient to fill substantially one half the interior of the tube.

Each of the annular tubes is clamped between two

coo erating plates

114 and 115 that are each 0, substantially circular shape, and are held together by a plurality of machine screws 116. The

respective plates

114 and 115 are provided with a roove in their opposing outer edges that is of such diameter as to receive the annular tube lined with a protecting material and to hold it tightly between the two plates. The annular tubes, together with the supporting plates, are loosely mounted on the shaft 107 and areheld in spaced relation by pairs of

collars

117 and 118 that are secured on the shaft in any suitable manner. The annular tubes are therefore free to turn on the shaft but are prevented from longitudinal movement relatively thereto.

The annular tube 108 has a gear wheel 119 operatively associated therewith by being suitably secured against the outer surface of the plate 115, while the tube 109 has a gear wheel 121 operatively associated therewith, and the tube 111 has a gear wheel 122 associated therewith. The tubes therefore turn with the respective gear wheels.

A second shaft 123 is supported in a plurality of bearing

members

124 and 125 on the base 104 and is alined substantially parallel to the shaft 107: A worm gear wheel 126 is mounted on the shaft 123 adjacent to one end thereof, and is operatively engaged by a worm 127 that is mounted on the outer end of the shaft of a suitable driving motor 128 which is, in turn, mounted on a supportin base 129 located on the base plate 104 in order that it assess? may be located 1properly relatively to the worm gear whee 126. Collars 131 are secured to the shaft 123 outside of the bearing

members

124 and 125 to revent any longitudinal movement of the s aft in its bearings. A plurality of

pinions

132, 133, and 134 are secured to the shaft 123 and are so located that under the proper conditions of operation they may mesh with the

gear wheels

119, 121 and 122 respectively. Each of the hereinbefore described gear wheels is provided with teeth over a portion only of its periphery for a purpose to be hereinafter described in detail.

The flexible lead wires from the respective contact terminals of the

tubes

108, 109, and 111 extend to stationary contact terminals mounted on

terminal boards

135, 136, and 137 respectively, the contact terminals mounted thereon being so constructed as to permit of conductors indicated by the numeral 138 to be connected thereto.

A limit switch 139 is provided in such location as to be operated by a member 141 that a is mounted on the plate 114 associated with the annular tube 108 and is efiective to open the energizing circuit of the motor 128 when the tube 108 has been given a turning movement in a clockwise direction as viewed from the right hand end of the shaft 107, andit is desired to terminate the turning movement thereof. A similar limit switch 142 is mounted on the bearing member 105 and is actuated by a pin 143 that is carried by the gear wheel I 122. The limit switch 142 is effective to limit the operation of the motor in causing a turning movement of the gear wheel 122 in a counter clockwise direction as viewed from the right hand end of the shaft 107.

In actual operation the turning movement of the gear wheel 119 and therefore of the tube 108 is terminated while the pinion 132 is still in mesh with the teeth of the gear wheel 119. The turning movement of the gear wheel 122 in a counter clockwise direction is terminated while the teeth thereof are still in mesh with the pinion 134. Means for initiating the operation of the gear wheel 121 are constituted by a pin 144 mounted on the gear wheel 119 and effective to operatively engage a pin 145 carried by the gear wheel 121. Means for initiating the operation of the gear wheel 122 is constituted by a pin 146 carried by the gear wheel 121 and eficctive to engage a pin 147 carried by the gear wheel 122. The

terminal boards

136 and 137 carry

resilient members

148 and 149 respectively which normally engage the

pins

145 and 147 respectively and yieldingly hold the

gear wheels

121 and 122 in their normal inoperative positions wherein no circuit is energized through the respective fluid connector switch tubes 109 and 111 and which also hold the

gear wheels

119 and 121 respectively in their fully energized or operative positions.

Referring more particularl to the mechanism illustrated in Fig. 1 o the drawings, the respective plural contact fluid connector switches are illustrated in three different positions; the uppermost switch is shown in its fully energized position, the second switch is shown in its partially energized position, and the lowermost switch is shown in its fully deenergized or inoperative position. In the operation of the mechanism it is necessary that the member 61 of the uppermost switch be always in engagement with the screw threads of the portion 26, and the limit switch 79 is so arranged in relation to the pin 84 that such engagement at the upper limit of travel of the uppermost switch 47 is maintained. In other words, the turning movement of the uppermost switch in a clockwise direction is continued only enough to interrupt the circuits that are established thereby and therethrough without the member 61 being disengaged from the screw threaded portion 26. This is for the reason that when the shaft 21 is actuated in such direction as to cause a turning movement of the uppermost switch in a counter clockwise direction on its pivotal support, no means is provided to effect operative engagement of the lug 61 with the screw threads of the portion 26 and hence the lug 61 must remain in engagement with the screw threaded portion.

If it be assumed that the switch 87 illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings be tilted to the right to engage the terminals 88 and 89 to efiect a turning movement of the tube 47 of the uppermost switch in a clockwise direction, the pin 84 will finally engage the limit switch 79 and actuate the same to deenergize the motor, thereby preventing further rotation of the driving shaft 21. By moving the reversing switch 87 to its second operative position wherein the

terminals

96 and 97 are engaged, the motor is energized to run in the opposite direction and the limit switch 7 9 is then immediately permitted to reclose. When the motor 46 is energized to actuate the shaft 21 and to effect a turning movement of the switches in a counter-clockwise direction and the uppermost switch has reached a position that is somewhat lower than that illustrated by the intermediate switch in Fig. 1 of the drawings, the lug 66 secured to the supporting plate 48 engages the top of the second or successive switch bar 48a and pushes it downwardly until the member 61 operatively engages the screwthreaded portion 27. The turning movement of the uppermost switch continues until the member 61 thereof occupie's substantially the position illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings when the lug 65 operatively engages the resilent holding means 64, and the uppermost switch is held in substantially the position shown in the drawings. The intermediate switch is givena turning movement on its hinge by the continued actuation of the shaft 21 and when the lug 66 carried by it operatively engages the upper edge of the supporting bar 4812, the latter is given a preliminary turning movement in a counter clockwise direction until the lug 61 carried thereby engages the screw threaded portion 28. Further actuation of the shaft 21 causes a turning movement of the intermediate switch until it is yieldingly held in its limiting and substantially horizontal position.

The turning movement of the lowest switch is continued until it is in almost horizontal osition with the member 61 still fitting 'with- 1n the screw threads of the portion 28. The limit switch 81 is so located as to be actuated by the pin 84 to prevent further turning of the lowermost switch, thereby ensuring that, when the motor operation is reversed, the lowermost switch is immediately ready for operation in the reverse direction.

If the motor 46 is energized to cause a turning movement of the switches in a clockwise direction, the lowermost switch 476 is actuated first and in its upward movement the top of the bar 481) engages the end of the lug 66 of the bar 48a and effects disengagement of the lug 65 on the bar 48a from the resilient holding means. At the same time the lug 61 on the bar 48a engages the screw threads of the portion 27 whereby a further continuous turning movement of the switch 47a is effected. The top of the bar 47a engages the lug 66 in the bar 48 and the same sequence of operations is effected as was hereinbefore described for the bar 486 and the lug 66 on the bar 48a. The relative location and dimensions of the cooperating parts effective in the serial actuation of the switches is such that all of the circuits connected to one switch are energized or de-energized before the circuits connected to the next switch are energized or de-energized whereby a plurality .of circuits may be energized or de-energized in a predetermined sequence.

In Fig. 4 of the drawings I have illustrated a plurality of

light sources

151, 152, 153, and 154 that are electrically connected to an elongated tube 47 to be controlled thereby by a turning movement thereof. I have illustrated successive levels of an upper surface of the fluid connector 57, when the tube 47 is given a turning movement in a counter clockwise direction, by the broken lines indicated by the

numerals

155, 156, 157, 158 and 159 respectively.

supply circuit conductor 161 is connected to the first contact terminal 52, while the contact terminals 53. 54, 55 and 56 are connected to one terminal of the respective light sources. The other supply circuit conductor 162 is connected to the other side of the respective light sources hereinbefore mentioned.

When the tube 47 is tilted farthest upwardly the fluid has the position indicated by the line 155 and hence none of the light sources are energized. When the tube 47 has been given a predetermined movement in a counter clockwise direction, the mercury level is indicated by the line 156. This establishes a connection between the

contact terminal

52 and 53 and therefore energizes In Fig. 5 of the drawings I have illustrated the use of an elongated tube switch in controlling the energization'of a single 1i ht source through a resistor 163 that is provi ed with four spaced leads that are connected to the

respective contact terminals

53, 54, 55, and 56 of the fluid connector switch. The contact terminal 56' is connected to one'end of the resistor 163 and also to one terminal of a light source 164, the other terminal of which is connected to a supply circuit conductor 162. When the fluid level is indicated by the line 155 the light source 154 is fully de-energized. When the fluid level is indicated by the line 156 all of the resistance of the resistor 163 is connectedin circuit with the light source 164. Further turning movement of the tube 47 so that the fluid level is indicated by the

lines

157, 158, and 159 successively, cuts out one portion after the other of the resistor 163, thereby increasing the current traversing the light source 164 and increasing the intensity of the light produced thereby. This allows of a greater load being carried by a switch, since the amount of the sudden rush of current makes a great difference inthe carrying capacity of such a switch. It may be noted that in the above described operation, the fluid connector switch varies the energy expended in an energy-translating device, in a plurality of steps or by successive steps.

In my copending application Serial No. 684,162, filed Jan. ,3, 1924, I have disclosed a system of light and color play and have indicated that it is possible to add entire light units to others already energized, while still increasing the intensity of illumination by steps of least visible increments. A rheostat for controlling the energization of a light source by steps of least visible increments is disclosed and claimed in my Patent No. 1,357,- 773. The steps of the resistor 163 in the diagram of connections illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings are so selected, relatively to the light source 164, that the intensity of illumination is increased by steps of least visible increments as the consecutive portions of the resistor 163 are short circuited by the continued turning movement of the tube 47. The tube 47 illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings may therefore represent the uppermost tube of the switch mechanism illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings, that is being employed in controlling the illumination of an auditorium, the intensity being varied by steps of least visible increments. I

The diagram of connections illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings may also represent a system in which the intensity of illumination is increased by steps of least visible increments by the successive additions of either an entire light unit or of a plurality thereof. In other words the respective

light sources

151, 152, 153, and 154 are so selected as to their respective intensities that the illumination provided thereby will be by steps of least visible increments. These least visible increments of illumination may be computed to be effective simultaneously in various sections of the auditorium, to make a reduction or an increase of illumination universal, when such plan is desired. This may include stage, auditorium proper and street front as desired.

If the motor 46 is constructed as a direct current shunt wound motor it may be so energized as to operate at any predetermined speed, and its operation, effected by the means illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings, is under the direct volitional control of an operator. As theoperator presses downwardly on the member 94 he increases the speed of the motor, that is the greater the pressure by the operators hand, the greater the speed of the motor. In addition, the longer the motor is permitted to operate, the greater will be the turning movement of the actuating shaft driven thereby and hence the greater will be the amount of turning movement of the successive plural contact fluid connector switches actuated by the actuating shaft.

It may be desirable at times to move the plurality of switches to predetermined positions such, for instance, as illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings, before the main line control switch is closed. In such cases it is high ly desirable to know how many light units will be energized or what the intensity of illumination will be when the main line switch is closed, and the indicator on the disk 76 will give such information when the scale 77 is calibrated in light units or in intensity of illumination. The operator need only continue the energization of the driving motor until such time as the pointer 78 is opposite the proper number of light units on the scale 77 when he will effect de-energization of the motor and then effect the closing of the main line circuit breaker.

I have illustrated such a system in Fig. 7 of the drawings wherein

supply circuit conductors

165, 166, and 167 comprise a threewire system. of supply of electric energy. A main line circuit reaker 168 controls the energization of all of a plurality of light sources while a remote controlled circuit breaker 169 controls the energization of that part of the light sources arranged as to give a lue light only. A second remote controlled circuit breaker 171 controls the energization of another portion of the light units that are adapted to give a red light only. A third remote controlled circuit breaker 172 controls light sources giving a white light only, while a fourth remote controlled breaker 173 controls light sources giving amber light only or any other desired spectral color, it being understood that varying quantities of light are needed for the varying colors, since these are not found in equal proportions in artificial light. As noted above, the

circuit breakers

168, 169, 171, 172, and 173 may all be remote controlled by an operator from a light console of the type disclosed and claimed in my co-pending application, Serial No. 684,162 filed Jan. 3, 1924, while the circuit breakers themselves may be located at any suitable or desired point with reference to the plurality of light units which may be distributed in more or less uniform manner around an auditorium. I have illustrated a panel board 174 with a plurality of

fuses

175 and 176 for each of the subdivisions of the groups of light units and plural contact fluid connector switches such as hereinbefore described may be connected in circuit with the respective circuit breakers 169, 171, 172 and 17 3 in order to control the energization of the respective groups of lamps, or the fluid connector switches may be connected in circuit with the respective subdivisions of light ulnits7 one of which is indicated by the numera 7 If it is desired to bring up the illumination of one of the groups of lamps, for instance that controlledby the circuit breaker 169, the

operator need only cause the closing of the main breaker 168 and then of the breaker 169. after which he may energize the motor 46 and operate the same at any desired speed to effect an increase in the intensity of illumination in any desired timed sequence. He may stop the increase of illumination at any desired point by de-energizing the motor, and may reduce the intensity by reversing the operation of the motor.

It may become desirable to effect automatic control of the speed of the actuating motor and Fig. 9 of the drawings illustrates schematically a means for expecting such control. The upper end of the shaft 21 illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings has an extension 178 thereon, that carries a worm 179. A worm wheel 181 is engaged and actuated thereby and is mounted on a suitable shaft 182 which carries a pinion 183. A cam memher 184 has its upper surface formed as a 7 been moved to such a point as will permit rack bar with teeth 185 that are in engagc-.

ment with thepinion 183. The lower surface of the bar 184 is provided with a cam surface 186 of a predetermined shape. The cam member 184 moves in a supporting member 187, that may be of channel form in lateral section and have a longitudinally extending slot 188 in the bottom portion thereof.

A two part lever189 is pivotally mounted on the member 187 and has its outer end operatively engaging the motor speed controlling rheostat- 95 illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings. An arm 191 extends from the lever 189 and carries a roller 192 that operatively engages the cam surface 186. A spring 193 ensures that the roller 192 will be pressed against and follow the camsurface and vary the position of the lever 189 relatively to the resistance 95 to vary the speed of the motor 46.

g The above described automatic control mechanism may be mounted on the top of the skeleton frame illustrated in Fig. 1, or in any other suitable or convenient location. As stated above the illustrated arrangement is schematic only and any equivalent mechanism'effective for the purpose described may be employed.

It is evident that any desired time sequence of motor operation may be effected by providing a suitable cam surface and provides an automatic counterpart of any predetermined choice of light succession for any purpose, whether conceived as a fine art or for the purposes of convenient utility, such as timing the number of seconds or minutes required for lowering or raising the lighting of a stage or auditorium.

Each cam surface would have its particular form or pattern in accordance with its use or the feeling it is meant to counterpart, previously determined on through the volitional choice of the operator. The controlling mechanism with or without the automatic element, may be made a part of any light player console.

Should theoperator desire to fully energize a predetermined number of light units, he may do so by efi'ecting operation of the motor for a predetermined length of time until the indicator associated therewith shows that the fluid connector switches have energization of the desired number of light sources when the main circuit breaker is closed. Upon closing either the main circuit breaker or the secondary circuit breaker, the desired number of light sources will be fully energized.

It will be remembered that I have suggest ed the use of a plurality of supporting frames and of fluid connector switches, and I may employ such a mechanism in connection with the four groups of lamps illustrated in Fig. 7 of the drawings. That 1s,

one of the fluid connector switches ma be connected in circuit with one of the su ivisions of the group of lamps controlled by the breaker 169, a second fluid connector switch connected in circuit with one of the subdivisions of the group of' lamps controlled by the breaker 171, and so on for the other two groups of lamps. As there are three or a multiple of three subdivisions in each group, illustrated in Fig. 7 of the drawings, the three successively actuated fluid connector switches may be connected to control the energization of different subdivisions of the respective groups of light units. Hence, any desired color of illumination may be obtained by the operator by controlling the operation of the

respective breakers

169, 171, 172, and 173. As hereinbefore noted, a switch mechanism comprising respective pluralities of fluid connector switches as illustrated in Fig. 8 of the drawings, where however, only two such switches are illustrated.

Referring more particularly to the modification illustrated 1n Figs. 10 and 11 of the drawings, the operation thereof is substantially as follows: It is understood that the operation of the motor 128 was terminated with the teeth of the pinion 132 still in mesh with the teeth of the gear wheel 119. The limit switch 139 prevents the operation of the motor in such direction asto cause a turning movement of the gear wheel 119 in a clockwise direction as viewed from the right hand end of the shaft 107. The spaced terminal members 112 of the tube 108 are in substantially the position shown by the broken lines in Fig. 10 of the drawings, that is, they are disengaged from the connecting fluid 113 in the tube. U on energization of the motor 128 the pinion 132 causes a turning movement of the gear wheel 119 and of the tube 108 in a counter clockwise direction, and the left hand terminal member 112 first operatively engages the connecting fluid 113. If this is connected to one supply circuit conductor, a circuit is established as soon as the second contact terminal operatively engages the connecting fluid. It is evident that the connectin fluid remains in substantially the same position while the annular tube is undergoing a turning movement on the shaft 107 by the gear wheel 119.

As the pinion 132 continues its turning movement and effects a corresponding turning movement of the gear wheel 119, one contact terminal after another is moved into engagement with the connecting fluid 113, thereby energizing the light sources electrically connected thereto. When the turning movement of the gear wheel 119 has continued to such a degree that the pin 144 operatively engages the member 145, the gear wheel 121 is given a turnin movement until the teeth thereon operative y mesh with the teeth of the pinion 133. At about this time the gear wheel 119 has been moved to such a position that the last tooth thereof is out of engagement with the pinion 132, after which no further turning movement of the gear wheel 119 can take place, and the latter 15 held in its normal operative position by the i-l'lgagement of the pin 144 with the resilient holding member 148. In this position all of the spaced terminal members 112 are in engagement with the connecting fluid in the tube 108.

Further turning movement of the shaft 123 causes a corresponding turning -movement of the gear wheel 121, and a successive energization of light sources connected to the respective terminal members extending into the tube 109. When the member 146 engages the member 147 the gear wheel 122 is given a turning movement that effects the meshing thereof with the pinion 134. The gear wheel 122 is then permitted to remain in its normal operative position with the member 146 engaging the resilient member 149, further turning movement thereof being prevented by the lack of further teeth in the gear wheel 121.

The operation of the motor 128 may continue until the member 143 engages the limit switch 142, which effects de-enerization of the motor, with the teeth of the pinion 134 and of the gear wheel 132 still in mesh, and with all of the annular switch tubes moved to their fully energized positions. As was hereinbefore stated in connection with the in the opposite direction to effect a turning movement of the switch tubes serially in clockwise direction as viewed from the right hand end of the shaft 107, the action of the various parts of the device is substantially similar but in a reverse sense. The pin 147 operatively engages the pin 146 which has been in engagement with the resilient holding member 149 and moves it and the gear wheel and annulartube in a clockwise direction until the teeth on the gear Wheel 121 engage the teeth on the pinion 133, after which further turning movement of the gear wheel 121 and of the switch 109 associated therewith is effected by the pinion 133. -The pin 147 is held by the member 149 whereby the switch 111 is held in its normal inoperative position. The annular switch tubes are thus operated serially or successively until the tube 108 has been moved into its normal inoperative position when further turning movement is stopped by the de-energization of the motor 128 by reason of the actuation of the limit switch 139 by the pin 141. It is understood that the diagram of connections illustrated in Fig. 6 is employed with'this form of device and that the. mechanism illustrated in Fig. 9 is also applicable to it, such modifications being made as are necessary to adapt it to be operatively associated therew1t The device embodying my invention thus provides a relatively simple and compact means for controlling the energization of a plurality of light sources, said means comprising a plurality of plural contact, fluid connector switches that are successively or serially actuated bya motor that is under the volitional, manual control of an o erator to effect any desired timed sequence 0' operation of the successive switches.

The device embodying my invention provides relatively simple means operatively associated with the actuating means for limit ing the travel thereof in either direction of operation, and I further provide means for indicating the number of light sources energized at any time or for indicating the intensity of illumination corresponding to any predetermined position of the mechanism.

The device embodying my invention further provides a means for effecting automatically and predetermined sequence or progress of the energization or de-energization of a plurality of circuits or light sources, which means is actuated by the mechanism itself.

Such a timed sequence of illumination control may be used as a means of abstract and emotional expression. In this event the exercise of such choice as to make clear the purpose of any illumination succession, will require time, thought and labor, and once determined on and embodied in a cam surface can be easily made available to many through such automatic mechanical patterns as have been used in the phonograph, or the auto- 110 matic piano for multiplying a conception once made. The cam pattern herein disclosed permits of effecting repeated operations of the switch mechanism also herein disclosed, according to a light-color sequence once determined upon as being the most fitting to accompany a parallel expression made siilpultaneously in another art, or for its own sa e.

Various modifications may be made in the 120 device embodying my invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and I desire that only such limitations shall be placed thereon as are imposed by the prior art. 125

I claim as my invention:

1. A switch mechanism comprising a plurality of switches, power actuated means for effecting actuation of the switches, means whereby actuation of one switch initiates ac- 1O I 1,ao4,a47

tuation of a succeeding switch, and means for controlling in a predetermined manner the timing of the successive actuations, said last named means including a controlling 5 pattern member.

2. A switch mechanism comprising a plurality of switches, power actuated means for effecting actuation of the switches, means whereby actuation of one switch initiates actuation of a succeeding switch and means for controlling in a predetermined manner the timing of the successive actuations, said last named means including a controlling pattern member determining the speed of operation of the power actuated means.

3. An electric current controlling mechanism, comprising a plurality of current connecting units, current modifying means associated with one or more of said units, power actuated means for effecting actuation of said units, means whereby actuation of one unit defines actuation of a succeeding unit and means for controlling in a pre-determined manner the successive actuations, said last named means including a controlling pattern member.

In testimony of which invention I have hereunto set my hand, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on this sixth day of January, 1927.

MARY HALLOGK GREENEWALT.