US1926833A - Electrical flasher - Google Patents

Description

p 1933- I R. E. BECHTOLD 1,926,833

ELECTRICAL FLASHER Filed April 26, 1926 8 Sheets-Sheet. l

x 0o E E ATTORNEY 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 12, 1933. R. E. BECHTOLD ELECTRICAL FLASHER Filed April 26, 1926 M INVENTOR B. 9% ATTORNEY Sept. 12, 1933. E, BYECHTOLD 1,926,833

ELECTRI CAL FLASHER Filed April 26, 1926 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 W INVENTOR v ATTORNEY R. E. BECHTOLD ELECTRICAL FLASHER Filed April 26, 1926 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 W I W INVENTOR ATTORNEY Sept. 12, 1933.

Sept. 12, 1933. R. E. BECHTOLD ELECTRICAL FLASHER Filed April 26, 1926 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 W V QM INVIENTOR ATTORNEY P 12, 1933- AR. E. BECHTOLD 1,926,833

ELECTRICAL FLASHER Filed April 26, 1926 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 W G INVENTOR M BY ATTORNEY P 2, 1933- R. E. BECHTOLD 1,926,333

ELECTRICAL FLASHER Filed April 26, 1926 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 ll Ill 27 2 :51 I1 24 A H v I 1 1 INVENTOR @5455 3!!!!1 NORTH EAST SOUTH WE T Patented Sept. 12, 1933 PATENT OFFICE ELECTRICAL FLASHER Reuben Bechtold, Fort Wayne, Ind., assignor to The Tokheim Oil Tank and Pump Company,

Fort Wayne, Ind.

Application April 26, 1926. Serial No. 1 34.54

11 Claims.

, provide a controlling unit for the group of electric lamps and bell of a street traflic signal of the stop and go type, which unit will be automatic in its operation and which will function for an indefinite period of time Without requiring the "attention of an operator; second, to provide in the unit, means of adjustment so that the various lamps and bell of the signal controlled by the unit willbe operated in such'chron'ological order and for various periods. of time respectively as may be desired; third, to provide apparatus ineluding a flasher for the control of the electric lamps and bell of a traific signal, and an electrically driven motor for actuating the flasher and which motor will be controlled by the flasher; fourth, to provide a controlling means for traflic signals of the class described, including a flasher, and an electric motor in geared relation with the flasher and so constructed as to be operable at such speeds, according to adjustments, as may be required during fractional portions of the cycle of the flasher; fifth, to provide a flasher and motor therefor so constructed that the flasher will be actuated during the different periods in its cycle with corresponding speeds varying more or less according to adjustments of the motor mechanism, and thereby regulate the chronological operation of the lamps and bell of the signal; and sixth to provide a controller for a traific signal of the class described, including a flasher and motor therefor and means for varying the velocity. of the motor during various fractional portions of the cycle of the flasher. Another'object of the improvement is to connect the flasher and speed adjuster with the motor in such manner as will admit of their ready separation without disturbance of the mechanism of the flasher,

speed adjuster or the motor, in order to facilitate assembly, repair and replacement of the various r mechanisms and parts thereof. A principle contemplated in the invention is the operation of the lamps and bell of a traflic signal by the use of a flasher driven by a motor that is sodevisedas to run at various rates of speed selectively with respect to the several periods in the cycle of the flasher to thereby regulate the duration of the operating periods of. the respective lamps and bell, and is fundame'atal-to the invention.

These objects are accomplished by, and the principle is embodied in, the construction illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in Which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a signal controlling unit embodying the invention, a portion of the housing being cut away to disclose the interior apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a front elevation similar to Fig. 1 and with the cover and other parts omitted, and partially broken away;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation projected from Fig. 1, the housing being shown in central section;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the make and break mechanism of the flasher, a portion thereof being broken away;

Fig. 5 is a rear elevation of the adjusting mechanism for the motor;

Fig. 6 is a vertical central section of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary side elevation in section of the flasher mechanism;

Fig. 8 is a detailed View showing an elevation of the cross arms employed in the flasher;

Fig. 9 is a projection of Fig. 8 in a plane at right angles thereto;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary cross section of the flasher mechanism on the line 1010 of Figs. 7,

8 and 9; p

Fig. 11 is a similar section on the line 1111 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 12 is an elevation of the group of electromagnetic field units and the armature of the driving motor used in the appliance;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary detail view of one of the adjustable magnetic poles projected from Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a side elevation of one of the electromagnetic field units and the armature of the motor;

Fig. 15 is a view showing the arrangement of the electro-magnetic field units on the line 1515 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a detail view of the adjustable pole of one of the electro-magnetic field units;

Fig. 17 is a detail view showing a section of the stationary pole of one of the electro-magnetic field units; 10

Fig. 18 is a diagram of the flasher, the motor by which the flasher is actuated and the electrical connection for same; the contact members being shown in position for energizing the green north and south and. the red east and west signal lights;

,Fig. 19is a diagrammatical view of the electrical make and break mechanism of the flasher showing the contacting members in position for energizing the green north and south, and the red east and west lights, and all of the amber lights;

Fig. 20 is a similar diagrammatical view showing the contact members in position for energizing the green east and west and the red north and south lights;

Fig. 21 is also a similar diagrammatical view showing the contact members in position for energizing the green east and west and the red north and south lights and all of the amber lights;

Fig. 22 is another diagrammatical view showing the contact members in position for energizing the green north and south and the red east and west lights;

Fig. 23 is a diagram showing a group of lamps and electrical connections therefor of a traffic signal with which the invention is employed; and

Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating the electrical circuits and related parts of the apparatus, the contacting members being shown in the positions of the corresponding members illustrated in Fig. 22.

The invention consists of a controlling means for traffic signals of the stop and go type in which groups of electric lamps of various colors are arranged to be turned on and off in a predetermined order of succession and for varying periods of time for the regulation of the traflic, and the invention comprises a controller in which is included a flasher A, a motor B, and a speed adjuster C all of which are grouped together and encased in a housing consisting of a base D and cover E, forming a compact unit.

The flasher The flasher has a frame consisting of end plates 1 and 2 spaced apart and connected together by tie rods 3 and 4. Upon the tie rod 4, at the middle thereof, is fixed a bracket'5 that forms a bearing for the abutting ends of a .pair of alined shafts 6 and 7, there being a bearing 8 in the plate 1 for the outer end of the shaft 6, and a-bearing 9 in the plate 2 for the outer end of the shaft '7, in which bearings said shafts have turning movement. Upon each shaft 6 and 7,

is fixed a corresponding block 10 and 11 respec-' tively so as to be held rigidly thereon and moved therewith.- Mounted loosely upon the shaft 6 is a series ofv blocks 12, 13 and 14 and upon the shaft 7 is, mounted loosely a similar series of blocks 15, 16 and 17 so that each block of said series of blocks has independent oscillating movement upon the corresponding shaft, all of said blocks being of insulating material.

In the end plates 1 and 2 is mounted a cam shaft 18 having adjustably fixed thereon a series of similar earns 19, 20, 21 and 22, of insulating material, each having an offset 1', and a driving gear 23 is fixed on said cam sh'aft by which said shaft is actuated.

The block 15 has fixed thereon a follower 24 consisting of a projecting metal bar actuated by the cam 19; the block '11 has a similar follower 25 actuated by the cam 20; the block 10 has a follower 26 actuated by the cam 21; and the block 12 has a follower 2'7 actuated by the cam 22, by means of which followers said blocks are oscillated upon their respective axes independ ently of each other.

The block 16 has fixed thereon two contact members 28 and 29, and the follower 24 has a laterally extending contact member 30 that overlaps the contact member 28 and has electrical contact and actuating relation with the contact member 28 when the follower 24 is swung outwardly by the action of the cam 19, and thereby the block 16 is oscillated. The block 1'7 has a contact member 31 fixed thereon that extends laterally and overlaps the contact member 29 and has electrical contact therewith. Also, the follower 25 has a laterally extending contact member 32 that overlaps the contact member 31 and has electrical contact and actuating engagement therewith. The block 13 has a pair of contact members 33 and 34 fixed thereon, and the follower 27 has a laterally extending contact member 35 that overlaps the contact member 33 with which it has electrical contact and actuating relation. The block 14 has fixed thereon a laterally extending contact member 36 that overlaps the contact member 34 with which it has electrical contact. Also, the follower 26 has a laterally extending contact member 37 that overlaps the contact member 36 with which it has electrical contact and actuating relation.

In fixed connection with the block 10 is a laterally extending operating arm 38 having two adjustable insulated posts 39 and 40 positioned thereon respectively in the paths of the contact members 31 and 29 with which said posts have actuating relation. The block 11 also has a laterally extending operating bar 41 having two adjustable insulated posts 42 and 43 positioned respectively in the paths of the contact members 36 and 34 with which said posts have actuating relation.

An anchor bar 44, of insulating material, is secured at its ends to the frame plates 1 and 2 respectively, and a series of electrical conductors 45, 46, 4'7, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 and 54 are secured individually to said anchor bar. Each of said conductors consists of a stripof spring metal and is secured at one end to said anchor bar by means of screws 55, and at its opposite end with one of the said oscillating blocks; viz: the strip 45 is connected with the block 15 and is bowed under tension so that torque is applied to said" block and the follower 24 is thereby held against the cam 19; the strip 46 is similarly secured to the block 16 and has electrical connection with the contact member 28 thereon; the strip 4''! is also connected with the block 16 and has electrical connection with the contact member 29 thereon; the strip 48 is secured to the block 17 and has electrical connection with the contact member31 thereon; the strip 49 is secured to the block 11' and has electrical connection with the contact member 32 thereon;-the strip 50 is secured to the block 10 and has electrical connection with the contact member 37. thereon; the strip 51 is secured to the block 14 and has electrical connection with the contact member 36 thereon; the strip 52 is secured to the block 13 and has electrical connection with the contact member 34 thereon; the strip 53 is secured to the block 13 and has electrical connection with the contact member 33 thereon; and the strip 54 is secured to the block 12 and has electrical connection with the contact member 35 thereon. The tension of all of said springs or strips is in the same direction, and the torque of all of said blocks is accordingly in a common direction, and the respective followers on the blocks 10,

ll, 12 and 15 are held in bearing relation with the corresponding cams, while the contact members on the other blocks tend to swing inwardly as the corresponding blocks are turned by the q action of the springs respectively connected therewith.

As the follower 24 is swung outwardly by the action of its cam 19, the contact member 30 on said follower engages the contact member 28 on the block 16 forming electrical connection therewith, and causing the block 16 to turn so that both contact members 28 and 29 on said block 16.

swing outwardly. The inward swinging movement of said contact members 28 and 29 is limited a one stage by engagement of the contact member 29 with the contact member 31, and at a second stage by engagement of the member 29 with the post 40. The inward swinging movement of the contact member 31 on the block 17 is limited at one stage by engagement with the post 39, and at a second stage by engagement with the contact member 32 on the block 11.

As the follower 27 is swung outwardly by the action of its cam 22, the contact member 35 on said follower engages the contact member 33 on the block 13 forming electrical connection therewith, and causing the block 13 to turn so that both contact members 33 and 34 on said block 13 swings outwardly. The inward swinging movement of said contact members 33 and 34 is limited at one stage by engagement of the contact member 34 with the contact member 36, and at a second stage by engagement of the member 34 with the post 43. Inward swinging movement of the contact member 36 on the block 14 is limited at one stage by engagement with the post 42 and at a second stage by engagement with the contact member 37 on the block 10.

The cams 19, 20, 21 and 22 are relatively positioned upon the shaft 18 so that when revolved, the ofiset of the cam 19 will precede the offset of said cam 20, and the offset of the cam 22 will follow that of cam 20 and precede that of the cam 21, andthe followers will snap from their outermost to their innermost positions in corresponding order of succession, one complete revolution of the cam shaft 18 occurring with each cycle in the operation of the flasher A.

As shown in the diagram, Fig. 18, when .the follower 24 is in its outermost position, members 30 and 28 have contact, as have also members 31 and 32, while the members 29 and 31 are held apart. Coincidentally therewith members 37 and 34 are held from contact with member 36; and members 33 and 35 are also held apart. v

At the stage of operation indicated in the diagram, Fig. 19, the follower 24 has passed to its innermost position, having snapped past the offset 1' of its cam, causing the member 30 to move out of contact wtih the member 28, which permits the members 28 and 29 to swing inwardly so that member 29 has contact with member 31, while coincidentally therewith the other contact members are sustained in the same relation as in the previous instance, member 34 being held apart from member 36 by the post 43, member 36 being held apart from member 3'7 by the post 42, and member 33 held apart from member 35.

At the stage of operation indicated in the diagram, Fig. 20, the follower 25 has passed to its innermost position, having snapped past the offset of itscam, causing the member 32 to move out of contact with member 31, the inward swing of the member 31 being interrupted by the post 34, and the inward movement of member 29 being arrested by the post 40 so that members 32 and 29 are held from contact with member 31. Coincident with the movement of the follower 25, the cross-arm 41 swings inwardly so that the posts 42 and 43 thereon are withdrawn from support-- ing relation with members 36 and 34, whereupon member 36 moves into contact with member 37, and member 33 moves into contact with member 35.

At the stage of operation indicated in the diagram, Fig. 21, the follower 27 has passed to its innermost position, having snapped past the offset of its cam, causing the member 35 to move out of contact with the member 33, which permits the members 33 and 34 to swing inwardly so that member 34 has contact with member 36, while member 36 has contact with member 37. In this instance, the contact members 28, 29 and 31 are sustained out of contact with their cooperating contact members as in the previous instance. (Fig. 20.)

At the stage of operation indicated in the diagram, Fig. 22, the follower 26 has passed to its innermost position, having snapped past the olfset of its cam, causing the member 37 to move out of contact with the member 36, so that member 36 and member 34 rest respectively against the posts 42 and 43 with member 36' held apart from member 34. coincidentally therewith, the posts 39 and 40 are moved from engagement with the members 31 and 29 permitting member 31 to contact with member 32, and member 28 to contact with member 30, while member 29 is held apart from member 31. The make and break of electrical contact between the various co-operating contact members is repeated with each complete revolution of the cam shaft 18, the make and break actions oc curring instantaneously, and simultaneous with the snap action of the followers by the contact members affected respectively thereby.

The motor lit! The motor 13 has driving relation with the cam shaft 18 through a train of gears 56 which engages the gear 23 on the cam shaft and a pinion 5'7 on the motor shaft 58. The motor is constructed so as to operate at different speeds as may be desired to accelerate more or less the progress of the flash"? between its various stages of operation. The motor hasan armature in the form of a disc 60 fixed upon the drive-shaft, 53

that is rotatably mounted in a frame 61, the ar mature, preferably of aluminum, being actuated severally by three'independent electro- magnetic field units 62, 63 and 64, each of which is mounted rigidly in the motor frame 61. Said units are so grouped and disposed in the frame that the armature passes between the poles 65 and 66 of each unit.

The electro-magnetic field units are of a type of known construction consisting of a metal laininated U-shaped core 67 having thereon a pair of magnet coils 68. Upon one end of the core is a fixed magnetic pole 65 and upon the other end of the core is an adjustable magnetic pole 66 mounted so as to be turned upon a pivot 69, there being a slotted jaw 70, of insulating material, fixed on the adjustable pole by means of which the pole is adjustably turned. Each pole has set eccentrically in its outer portion an induction member 71 of copper so formed as to encompass a portion of the corresponding magnetic pole. When in position the magnetic poles 65 and 66 are disposed upon opposite sides of the disc 60 approximately in alinement with each other, and by adjusting the jaw '70 so as to turn the pole 66 upon its axis, the induction member 71 thereon may be moved to a point more or less out of alinement with the induction member on the opposite pole 65. When an alternating current passes through the magnet coils 68 the magnetic field generated thereby in the poles will cause the armature to revolve with more or less velocity, directly as said induction members are moved out of alinement with each other, and inversely as alinement of said members is approached.

The speed adjuster The speed adjuster C consists of a base 72 mounted upon the front of the motor frame 61 and extending through the cover E of the hous-- ing so that its front is exposed. In said base are independently positioned three studs '73, 74 and 75 so as to be turned therein, each having upon its outerend a corresponding index 73', 74 and 75' by which said studs are manipulated. Upon the outer face of the base '72 are provided a series of dials 76, 77 and 78 corresponding with the series of indexes by which the positions of the several indexes may be gauged. Fixed upon the inner end of each stud is a crank ,79 that projects through a corresponding opening 80 in the motor frame 61 and engages in the slotted jaw on the adjustable pole of the corresponding electro-magnetic field unit, so that said magnetic poles may be individually adjusted accordingly as the indexes are manipulated. A friction plate 81 is positioned within the base '72 .so that each of the studs 73, 74 and pass therethrough, said plate having frictional contact with the hub 82 of each of said cranks, and a compression spring 83 is positioned around each of said studs and interposed between the outer wall of the base andsaid friction plate. In this manner the cranks 79 and indexes are frictionally retained in adjusted positions.

A feature of the invention is in the arrangement of the flasher, the motor, and the speed adjuster in the housing, and the connections between the fiasher and speed adjuster with the motor whereby the speed adjuster and flasher may be readily dismounted from the motor separately without interference with the motor mechanism or the mechanism of the speed adjuster or flasher. The speed adjuster C is secured upon the front end of the motor frame 61 by means of screws 85 which pass through the base 72 into said frame, the cranks 79-projecting into loose engagement with the corresponding slotted jaws '70 on the adjustable poles of said field units so as to become disconnected therefrom when the base 72 is removed from the frame.

The flasher A is supported upon a bracket 86 that is fixed on the bottom of the motor frame 61, the rear end plate 2 of the flasher frame being secured to the bracket 86 by screws 8'7, the front plate 1 of said flasher frame being supported by a prop 88 that projects from the front end. of the motor frame 61, from which prop said plate becomes detached when the flasher frame-is disconnected from the bracket 86. Likewise the gear 22 on the cam shaft of the flasher.

becomes disengaged from the train of gears 56 when the flasher is removed from its supports on the motor frame. Or, by removing the screws 89 that secure the motor frame to the base of the housing, the motor, speed adjuster and flasher ensembled. may be bodily removed from the housing.

A packing ring 90 fitted in the front wall of the cover E and bearing against the adjacent perimeter of the base 72 of the speed adjuster, and

a gasket 91 inserted between the cover E and base D of the housing prevent ingress of moisture, dust, etc. into the housing, whereby its contained mechanism is completely sheltered from climatic interferences.

Electrical connections binding posts 93, 94, 95, 96 and 97 which have connections within the housing" with the various parts of the mechanism contained therein respectively as indicated by the diagram, Fig. 18, viz: The post 94 is connected with the spring conductors 46, 49, 50 and 53 by conductors 101 and 102; the post 95 is connected with the spring conductor 51 by a conductor 103; the post 96 is connected with spring conductors 47 and 52 by conductors 104 and 105; and the post'97 is connected with the spring conductor 48 by a conductor 106.

The coils 68 of the" electro-magnetic field unit 62 are connected in circuit with the common terminal post 93 by a conductor 98 and with spring conductors 47 and: 52 by conductors 107 and 105; the coils of the unit 63 are connected in circuit with the common terminal post 93 by a conductor 99 and with the spring conductor 45 by a conductor 108; and the coils of the unit 64 are connected in circuit with the common terminal post 93 by a conductor 100, and with the spring conductor '54 by a conductor 109.

The signal The signal with which the controlling means herein set forth is applicable may be of any suitable character such as those. in common use having various colored lamps and a bell which are electrically operated and arranged in such manner as shown, as an example, in the diagram Fig. 23. In this instance two pairs of green lamps G and H are grouped, the two lamps G being for exposure respectively to the north and south, while the two lamps H are for exposure respectively to the east and west. In juxtaposition with the green lamps are corresponding red lamps J and K, the two lamps J being for exposure respectively to the north and south, while the two lamps K are for exposure respectively to the east and west. Also a series of amber colored lamps L are arranged for exposure respectively to the north, south, east and west in juxtaposition with the corresponding green and red lamps. The pair of green lamps G are connected in circuit with the common terminal post 93 of the controlling means by a conductor 110, and with the terminal post 97 by a conductor 111, as are also the pair of red lamps K; the pair -of green lamps H are connected in circuit with said-common terminal post 93 by the conductor 110 and with the terminal 95 by a conductor 112, as are also the pair of red lamps J and all of the amber lamps L. are connected in circuit with said common terminal post 93 by the conductor 110 and with the terminal post 96 by a conductor 113, as also is the bell 114. With the lamps thus arranged and connected, the green lamps G, exposed to the north and south will be lighted 1 light simultaneously with the operation of the bell.

An alternating current generator 115 or other suitable-source of energy is connected in circuit with the common terminal post 93 of the controller bythe conductor 110, and with the terminal 94 by a conductor 116;

The particular arrangement and the coloring of the lamps are immaterial to the present invention, as lamps otherwise arranged and displayed, or other electrically operated signalling devices may be successfully employed with the controlling means herein set forth, and therefore, my invention is extensive in the manner of its use to such other appliances as may be controlled thereby. Furthermore, my invention is not confined to the particular construction and arrangement of the various parts thereof as herein shown and described but is extensive to such alterations in the construction and arrangement of its parts as may be made through the exercise of skill in the art.

Operation In the operation of the invention the controlling means is installed at any suitable place either remote from or in the vicinity of the signal to be controlled thereby, and. the electrical connections are made with the source of energy and the lamps and bell ofthe signal in the manner indicated. When current is supplied as through the connections with the terminal posts 93 and 94, and while the flasher is at the stage indicated by the diagram Fig. 18, the current will pass through the coils of the magnetic unit 63 because of the contact of members 28 and 30, and to the green lamps G and red lamps K because of the contact of members 31 and 32. Thus, the Go or green lamps facing north and south and the stop or red lamps K facing east and west will be lighted, while the motor armature 60 will be actuated by the magnet unit 63, by the action of which armature the cam shaft of the flasher will be progressed thereby to that stage indicated in the diagram, Fig. 19, whereupon contact between members 28 and 30 is broken, cutting out magnet unit 63, and members 29 and 31 make contact so that current passes to the amber lamps L and bell, and the coils of the magnet unit 62, the lighting of which lamps signify Caution, or ordinarily an impendin change in the lighting of the green and red lamps. Also, the motor armature 60 is actuated by the magnet unit 62, whereby the cam shaft of the flasher is progressed to the next succeeding stage indicated in the diagram Fig. 20, whereupon contact between members 29 and 31 is broken, thereby cutting out the magnet unit 62, and also the amber lamps and the bell; contact between members 31 and 32 is broken, thereby cutting out green lamps G and red lamps K; contact between members 33 and 35 is made so that current passes to the magnet unit 64; and contact between members 36 and 37 is also made so that current passes to green lamps H and red lamps J, the motor armature being actuated by the magnet unit 64 so that the cam shaft of the flasher is progressed thereby to the next succeeding stage as shown in Fig. 21. At this stage, Fig. 21, contact between members 33 and. 35 is broken, cutting out magnet unit 64; and contact between members 34 and 36 is made so that current passes to magnet unit 62 and also the amber lamps and bell, the motor armature being actuated by the magnet unit 62 so that the cam shaft of the flasher is progressed thereby to the next succeeding stage indicated in diagram Fig. 22. At this stage, Fig. 22, contact between members 34 and 36 is broken, cutting out magnet unit 62 and also the amber lamps and bell; contact between members 36 and 37 is broken contact is made between members. 28 and 30 so that current passes again to magnet unit 63; and contact is made between members 31 and 32 so that current passes to green lamps G and red lamps K; the motor armature being actuated by the magnet unit 63 so that the cycle of the cam shaft of the flasher is thereby completed.

By the operation of the flasher in passing through its cycle of stages repeatingly, the signal lamps and the bell are controlled so that the green or go'north and south lamps G, and the red or stop east and west lamps K, as one group, and the green or go east and west lamps H and the red or stop north and south lamps J, as the other group, are lighted or turned on, collectively in said groups, in alternate succession, the one group being turned on as the other group is turned olf. Also, preceding the turning on of each of said groups of lamps, the amber or caution lamps and the bell are momentarily turned on. The duration of the lighted periods of the respective groups of lamps, as well as the period of operation of the amber lamps and the bell, may be independently varied as the preponderance, in

one direction or the other, of opposing trafficcontrolled by the signal makes desirable. This is accomplished initially by adjustably turning the cams 19, 20, 21 and 22 upon the cam shaft 18 so that, upon operation of the motor at intermediate speed, the active periods of the signal members affected respectively thereby will be approximately of the desired duration. Preferably, such adjustments are madeby-the manufacturer before the'controller is installed. secondarily, the duration of any of said periods maybe increased or reduced at the convenience of an operator, as traffic conditions make desirable, by merely adjustably turning the indexes 73', 74' or 75 so that the motor armature will be driven respectively by the corresponding magnet units affected thereby at higher or lower rates of speed accordingly.

Although there is shown in the drawings but one signal unit (Fig. 23), numerous additional signal units may be simultaneously operated by a single controller by making proper electrical connections therewith directly, or indirectly through relay apparatus (not shown) such as is ordinarily employed in the art.

What I claim is:

1. In electrically operated traffic signal apparatus of the stop-and go type, a signal including grouped lamps, a flasher having a series of make and break contact members disposed to operate successively, an alternating current motor having an armature and a series of individually adjustable electro-magnetic field units operatively associated with the armature disposed to independently rotate said armature in the same direction at speeds variable accordingly as adjusted, mechanism operatively connecting the motor and flasher, a separate circuit for each of said field units and groups of lamps controlled by corresponding contact members of said flasher, anu means for adjusting each unit separately whereby the armature is impelled at selected speeds by Said units respectively when active so that the armature operably connected with said flasher, a

series of field units disposed to independently actuate said armature in the same direction, which armature extends between the poles of each unit, a separate circuit for each of said units and groups of lamps controlled separately by said flasher, a mount for one of the poles of each field unit upon which the pole is movable to be adjustably positioned more or less out of alinement with its opposite pole whereby the armature is operated at selected speeds by said units when active and the duration of the signal periods of the lamps are accordingly varied, and means for independently adjusting said movable poles.

3. In electrically operated traffic signal apparatus, a signal having groups of signal members, a flasher having make and break contact members disposed to operate in successive order, an electric motor operatively associated with said flasher and having a series of independently operable electro-magnetic field units disposed when active to impel the armature of the motor in the same direction, circuits for said field units and groups of signal members controlled separately by corresponding-contact members of said flasher, and means in connection with said field units for separate adjustment thereof whereby the motor is operated at selected speeds by the respective units when active so that the signal periodsof said groups of signal members are varied.

. 4. In electrically operated traflic signal apparatus, a signal having groups of signal members, a flasher having make and break contact members disposed to operate in successive order, an electric motor operatively associated with said flasher and having a series of independently operable field units disposed when active to impel the armature of the motor in the same direction at selected speeds to thereby vary the timing of the flashes, and circuits for said field units and groups of signal members controlled individually by corresponding contact members of said flasher.

5. In electrically operated traffic signal apparatus, a signal having electrically operatedsignal members, a flasher having successively operable make and break contact members and actuating means therefor, a motor for said actuating means operable in one direction at selected speeds, circuits for said motor and signal members controlled by said fiasher, and means associated with the motor and said circuits to cause operation of the motor at difierent speeds during certain periods so that the relative duration of ,the respective signal periods in the cycle of the signal is accordingly increased or decreased.

6. In combination with a signal means having groups of signal members, an electric flasher having make and break contact members connected in circuit with and controlling said signal members, an alternating current motor of the induction disc armature type having an armature operatively associated with said flasher and a series of field units connected in circuit with and controlled by other corresponding contact mem bers of said flasher, said units having independent actuating relation with said armature and. being adjustable relative thereto so that said armature is impelled with more or less speed in the same direction by the respective units when active according to adjustment thereof, and means for separately adjusting said units.

7. In combination with a signal means having groups of signal members, an electric flasher having a series of make and break contact members connected in circuit with and controlling said groups, and an alternating current motor the armature of which is operatively connected with said flasher, said motor having a plurality of field units disposed to actuate the armature independently in the same direction when active, each unit being connected in circuit with and controlled by a separate corresponding contact member of said flasher whereby said units are energized singly in a predetermined order of succession.

8. In combination with a signal means, an electric flasher therefor having a series of make and break contact members disposed to operate in successive order, an electric motor having several independently operable fleld members controlled separately by said flasher, energizing circuits for said motor field members, and means for adjustments affecting said energizing circuits separately whereby the motor is operated through corresponding periods continuously in the same direction at various speeds according to said adjustments.

9. In an electrically operated traffic unit, a plurality of different signals, a flasher switch having a plurality of circuit opening and closing contacts, an alternating current motor having an armature and a series of electromagnetic driving devices each when energized actuating said armaturein the same direction, a plurality of circuits each containing one of said contacts and means to operate one of said signals, a plurality of circuits each containing one of said contacts and one of said driving devices, means connecting said armature to said flasher switch whereby said contacts energize said circuits successively and for a predetermined angular rotation of said 110 armature, and means for varying the driving power of each of said driving devices.

10. A motor driven time switch comprising an induction disc armature, a plurality of shaded coil driving elements associated with said disc, any one of which is capable when energized of driving said disc in the same direction by induction motor action, each driving element being adjustable to vary its torque and the disc speed when operated thereby, a flasher switch having a plurality of contacts, means connecting said disc to the flasher switch for operating said contacts for a predetermined movement of said disc, and means for separately energizing said driving elements in a desired sequence. I

11. In electrically' operated traffic signal apparatus, a signal means having electrically operated signal members, a flasher switch operatively connected with said members, a motor actuating said flasher, and means associated with the motor and controlled by the flasher to alter the speed of the motor while driving continuously in one direction and during selected periods whereby the duration of the respective contacting periods in the cycle of said flasher is varied.

REUBEN E. BECHTOLD.

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