US2026648A

US2026648A - Timer

Info

Publication number: US2026648A
Application number: US292834A
Authority: US
Inventors: Alvin O Olafson
Original assignee: NAT TRAFFIC SIGNAL Co
Current assignee: NAT TRAFFIC SIGNAL Co; NATIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL Co
Priority date: 1928-07-14
Filing date: 1928-07-14
Publication date: 1936-01-07
Anticipated expiration: 1953-01-07

Description

Jan. 7, 93. A. o. oLAFsoN 2,026,648

TIMER Filed July 14, 1925 4 Sheer.s-Sheerl l A. O. OLAFSON Jan. 75 1936.

TIMER Filed July 14, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 .w SN

awasow- @ai me Jan. 7, 1936. A o. OLAFSON 2,026,648

TIMER Filed Ju1yl4, 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 A. O. OLAFSON Jan. 7, 1936.

TIMER Filed July 14, 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 g l E 'IIIIIIIIII Patented Jan. 7, 1936 PATENT OFFICE TIMER Alvin 0. Olafson,

St. Paul, Minn., assignor to Na.- tional Traffic Signal Company,

St. Paul, Minn.,

a corporation of Minnesota,

Application July 14, 1928, Serial No. 292,834

15 Claims.

(Cl. 20D-30) My invention relates to a timer adapted to of various ratios that are obtainable with my operate street signals, having means for obtaining different changes of time for signals, particularly the type of signals which direct traffic on the streets, however, of course, my timer can be used for any purpose where an electric circuit is desired to be closed at different predetermined intervals and the primary object is to provide a timer of a simple nature having a small number of parts and yet being adjustable for virtually any ratio of time.

An important feature of the invention resides in the scale which shows certain ratios of time or intervals of operation of the timer. This scale is so arranged that predetermined ratios appear thereon, and by a simple setting of the regulator the ratios of time indicated on the scale are obtained.

It is also a feature of my invention to provide a means of maintaining a constant or predetermined contact for the electrical switch of my timer. In a timer of this nature it is important that the durations of the contact be maintained the same. While this contact may be varied as to the predetermined duration of the same, my means oi providing a constant predetermined period of the operation of the electrical switch irrespective of the speed of the timing disc is an important feature. In setting the operation of the timing disc, means are provided which automatically set the switch operating means so as to maintain the constant predetermined duration of operation of the switch. In other words. the switch is always closed for the same length of time irrespective of the speed of rotation of the timing disc and this is done automatically in the setting or changing of the operating speed of the operating disc.

It is also a feature of my timer to provide a means adapted to indicate the color showing in the different directions of the sides of the signal so that when the timer is set the operator setting the timer can tell exactly what color is indicated in certain directions on the signal after once the signal operated by the timer has been set. Thus even though the timer is remote from the street signal which it is operating, the operator at the timer can tell how the signal is operating and which colors are showing in which directions without even seeing the street signal.

'Ihis signal includes forty-nine different changes on the scale as indicated. Obviously this scale can be varied to give more or less variations. This scale is simply exemplary of a-means timer.

Another feature of my timer resides in a governor operable with the driving motor which is adapted to govern the speed of the motor in such a manner so that irrespective of the ratios set up and illustrated on the scale, my timer can be operated at diiferent ratios of speed to indicate different ratios even to the fractions of a second.

This governor is ordinarily not used, being desir- 1o able only when an extremely exact time adjustment is desired. While I have illustrated the scale with the proportions thereon, I have also indicated a means of setting my timer so as to be operable to set the same at different ratios lo and when setting the signal in this manner the governor is employed to regulate the operation of the operating motor. I also use the opposite side of the timing disc to that used when the scale indicated is employed when the governor is being used to regulate the speed of the operating motor.

My timer includes a means of setting the operating timer disc automatically to any time desired for the complete rotation of the same and I include a means of dividing the time that the timing disc is set into the proportions or ratios indicated by the scale or as may be desired by the setting of the same in accordance with the governor.

My timer is provided with a scale of a nature which permits the selection of different ratios very readily. Knowing the ratio of times desired, the first division such as 30 may be ascertained and then by following from the division 30 diagonally across the scale to the second division desired the position of the timing indicator is ascertained. I believe this is entirely new in its operation in quickly giving the ratios desired and in automatically setting the timing mechanism in proper position to carry out the ratios required.

These objects and features together with others will be more fully and clearly amplied in the specification and claims.

In the drawings forming part of my specification:

Figure 1 illustrates the casing and standard for inclosing my timer, a portion of which is broken away and showing the cover dropped down in open position.

Figure 2 is a side view of the casing, partly in section and partly broken away with the cover in open position and the tray partly drawn out of the casing.

showing the operating switch with the contacts y closed.

Figure 7 is a detail of a portion of the back of y my timer.

Figure 8 is a plan View of my timer, showing all of the parts of the same excepting that a governor means is operable with the operating motor.

Figure 9 illustrates a sectional detail of the governor portion of the timer.

Figure 10 is a detail of a portion of the timer which indicates the color of the screens of the street signal.

Figure 11 is a wiring diagram of my timer.

In the drawings I have illustrated a casing A which is adapted to be supported upon a standard I0 with a base portion II. The standard I0 and base II are placed in any convenient position either on the street or in a remote place such as in the police station or traic station from which the trafiic signal is operated.

The casing A is designed to provide a housing or an inclosure for my timer B. This casing is' formed with a cover I2 which is held by the bracket arms I3 and is adapted to drop into the position illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 when it is opened to permit the sliding table I4 to oe drawn out above the cover as illustrated in Figure 2.

The table I4 includes side members I5, transverse bars I6 which connect the side members I5, and downwardly bent end portions I1 formed on ,the inner end of the side members I5. These ends I1 slide on the rods I 8.

The timer B is supported upon thetable I4 and is thus held within the casing `A slideable intoy and out of the same. The idea of providingthe slideable support for the timer B is to permit the timer to be drawn forward when the door I2 is opened so that the timer B can be easily adjustedand set as desired.

The door I2 is closed by slipping the upper end under the downwardly depending iiange I9. The door I2 is illustrated in dotted outlines in closed position in Figure 2. The lower or bottom end of the door I2 is provided with a shoulder member 20 which engages against the corner 2I when in open position so that the bracket arms I3 hold the cover I2 in the position illustrated in -Figure 2 substantially in a parallel plane with the bottom 22 and with the lower end 23 of the cover engaging under the bottom, as illustrated in Figure 2. The construction of this casing A is important in that it provides a very substantial and practical means for inclosing the timer B. The timer of a street signal is of primary importance for if the timer does not operate properly -then the signal will not operate and traiic is delayed or tied up. While my timer is not of a particularly delicate nature yet it is important that it be protected within a. substantial casing, such as A.

The casing A forms the housing for the timer and also is adapted to support on the panel 24 a switch 25 for the motor C in the street signal D, illustrated in Figure 3. The switch 25 also turns on the `motor E of the timer B. 4 The panel 24 supports a general cut-out switch 26 which cuts out all of the connections from the electrically operated parts associated with the cas- 'ing A. I also provide a light switch 21 which is e that two separate switches may be employed, one

for the motor C and one for the motor E. I will also` clearly set forth the ,operation of the timer independent ofthe switch 25, or circuits for the same, so that the contact or operating switch of the timer B can be readily operated by hand. This hand operation I willdescribed hereinafter.

'I'he standard Ill is hollow or tubular and the wiring can extend from the casing A down through the same and be connected with the signal D or a series of signals D as may be desired.

My timer B is of a simple nature and is designed to'be operable in a manner to be set for predetermined intervals of changes for the operation of the street signal D, or a series of the same, and I have designed the same to be operated by a small motor E which is supported on the base 32. The motor E is provided with an operating shaft 33 which is adapted to operate thetransmission gears 34 inclosed within the casing 35 so as to conceal and protect the transmission.

My timer B is operated by the motor E and the transmission within the casing 35 which are mounted upon the base 32. The main operating switch F of the timer which is adapted to be operated by the same is positioned on the front of the timer across the base of the same and is formed with operating arms 36 and 31 which are superimposed and are formed with contact ends 38 and 39, respectively. The lower arm 3B remains comparatively stationary in position, while the upper arm 31 is of a spring nature and is separated by the insulating 40 at the other endof the arm from the arm 36 and is adapted to move downward when depressed by the timing mechanism which will be hereinafter described. When -the arm 31 is released its spring nature raises it out of contact so that the

contacts

38 and 39 are broken. Suitable connector members- 4I and 42 lead from the arms 36 and 31, respectively, to provide a connection with the magnet G in the signal D. When the switch F is operated the magnet G is operated and this causes the signal D to operate.

My signal D operates in the manner set forth and described in my applications, Serial Numbers 234,168 and 268,552, and I have therefore not illustrated the detail of construction of the signal D. It will also be obvious from the detail which is to follow of the timer B that my timer can be used for other signalling devices than that set forth in my applications and for other purposes, so as to provide a timer of the nature which will be more fully and clearly hereinafter described.

The transmission operates to drive the main timer drive shaft AI4 which extends out of the transmission casing 35 and operates the sliding gear 45. The shaft 44 extends to the vertically disposed side 4S which is supported upon the base 32 by the nuts 41.

The gear 45 is connected to the rack member 48 in a manner so as to be operated to slide the gear back and forth on the shaft 44 when the rack member is moved back and forth.

The rack member 48 is formed with a projecting portion 49 which engages about the collar 50 of the gear so that the gear 45 may rotate freely even though it is operable by the rack member 48 back and forth on the shaft 44. I'he gear 45 is keyed in an ordinary manner to the shaft 44 so that when the shaft 44 rotates the gear 45 also rotates therewith. Thus the shaft 44 is adapted to rotate the gear 45 through the transmission in the casing 35 when the motor E is in operation. The rack member 48 is formed with an integral upwardly extending portion 50 from which project the ear members 5I and which are adapted to engage the horizontally disposed shaft 52. A further extension 53 projects upwardly from the portion 50 and over the top of the plate member 54, the portion 53 being bent downward so as to provide a pointer end 55 which indicates the position of the rack. The plate 54 forms a bearing for holding the upwardly projecting ends 58 and 53 of the rack member 48 so as to hold the same upright and in line with the

portions

50 and 53 bearing against the back of the plate 54, and thus the plate 54 forms a guide for holding the rack member 48 from tipping or tilting in its reciprocating operation. The shaft 52 supports the rack 48 permitting the ears 5l to slide freely on the shaft so that the rack 48 may be slid back and forth into the desired position. 'I'he teeth 56 of the rack 48 engage with the gear teeth 51. The gear 51 is segmental as illustrated in Figure 10 and is carried by the operating arm 58 which is provided with an inwardly turned end 59 between which a color indicating disc 6U operates to disclose a particular color through the opening 6|. The disc 60 is operated by the cross member 62 which is secured thereto and which is rotated by the inwardly extending pins 81 and 91' which turn the cross 62 one quarter turn at each contact. The disc is divided into quarters and two diametrically opposite quarters are colored red and the remaining two quarters are colored green. The pins 91 and 91' change the color displayed through the opening 6l each time they pass, to indicate the color displayed by the operated signal through one pre-determined side thereof.

The timer B is provided with an operating disc member 63 which is supported by the shaft 64 in the upwardly projecting side wall 46. The shaft 64 extends virtually at right angles to the shaft 44 and supports the operating dise member 63 with the outer face 65 toward the front and with the disc 63 extending so that it is in a position to operate the switch F when the same is rotated.

The disc 63 is formed with a series of rows of pins 66 which project from the back face 61 of the disc 63. Each row of pins 66 are positioned concentric to the other rows so as to provide a series of concentrically extending gear-like pin projections to form a pin gear on the back face of the disc 63 adapted to engage with the gear 45. The gear 45 is slidable as heretofore described and may be set so as to function with any single row of pins 66 at one time. 'I'his operates the operating disc member 63 in the operation of the timer B. Thus when the motor E is operated and the shaft 33 drives the transmission within the casing 35, the shaft 44 will operate the gear 45 and this gear will drivel the disc 63 to rotate the same by engagement with one of the rows of pins 66. The rows of pins 66 closer to the axis of the shaft 64 drive the disc 63 faster, while the rows of pins nearer the circumference of the disc 63 drive the disc slower. In this manner I provide a timing means which operates the timing disc 63 in proportion to the time desired, by setting the gear 45 to operate the disc 63 at the desired speed. 'I'he pin gear formed by the pin 66 together with the gear 45 prevent slipping of the driving parts and positively drive the disc 63 without any slippage, and thus I am able to time the rotation of the disc 63 by selecting the row of pins 66 for the particular time desired which it takes for the disc 63 to rotate a full revolution.

The setting of the gear 45 is accomplished by the arm 58 which operates the gear 51 to engage the teeth 56 of the rack 48 and move the gear 45 to the desired position to engage the desired row of pins 66. The operating arm 58 is provided with a catch member 68 which is held slidable to the back of the member 58 by the pins 69 and the spring 10 operates to hold the latch 68 with the pointed end 1l normally engaging in one of the notches 12 formed in the quadrant 13 which is supported from the side wall of frame portion 46. The latch 68 is provided with an offset upper end 14 from which a pin 'l5 projects toward the front so that the latch may be engaged by this pin 15 and raised out of the notches 12 to permit the arm 58 to be moved in a manner to move the rack 48 and set the gear 45 with the desired row of pins 66.

The plate 54 is provided with a gauge plate member 16 secured to the face thereof, as illustrated in Figure 4. The gauge member 16 is divided off by vertical lines 11 and horizontal lines 18. The gauge plate 16 ls angular in shape having one side thereof extending virtually parallel with the top edge 19 of the plate 54 over which the pointer 55 engages so that the pointer will indicate the divisions or spaces formed on the plate 'I6 by the vertical lines 11. 'I'his gauge plate 16 is adapted to indicate the relative ratios of speed of rotation of the operating timer disc member 63.

I have worked out a series of data which will facilitate in the simple operation of my timer B and have placed upon the plate 16 such data as is indicated in Figure 4. This data starting with the upper right hand corner in the first division, indicates 15/15, indicating a total of thirty seconds for the complete rotation of the disc 63. The next space adjacent would indicate a time of a total of forty seconds for the rotation of the disc 63, and in this space I indicated 20" and so on extending toward the upper left corner of the plate, the ratios would figure 25/25, 30/30, 35/35, 40/40, and 45/45. These numerals indicate the time it takes to rotate the disc 63 by using the respective rows of pins 66 in the setting of the gear 45. When the arm 58 is set so that the pointer 55 indicates any one of these ratios the timer disc 63 will operate to operate the switch F in the proportions of time as set forth on the indicating plate 16.

The lines 18 which extend horizontally across the plate 16 divide the plate in spaces horizontally and the first division horizontally I have indicated by A which are the equal ratios in the operation of the disc 63 so that each half operation of the disc is equal. The next horizontal division includes for the rst space from the left hand side B, the second C, the next D, the next E, the next F, and the next H, horizontally across the plate. Below these ratios I have indicated, starting from the left, the ratios G, H, I, J andfL. The next ratios below these starting from the left "J", K, M, and O. 'Ihe next below from the left, N, O", Q. The next below these from the left, P, R, and below this the ratio S.

It will be noted that my ratio plate 18 has indicated dilerent numerals in the horizontal divisions thereof so as to indicate different times starting from the left of the plate in the rst ratio below 45/45, I have indicated 40/50. The next division indicates /45, and extending on to the right, the next division 30/40, and so on, to indicate the different divisions of time for the rotation of theI timing disc 63. It will be noted however, that all of the divisions below the upper equally divided ratios have a sum total Athe same as the sum total of the upper ratios in the uppermost row on the plate 16. In other words, my ratio indicating plate has been worked out to give diiferent times for the operation of the timing disc 63 in a simple manner so that when the timer B is desired to be set for the ratios indicated on the plate V16, it is only necessary for the operator to engage the pin 15 and move the operating arm 58, so that the pointer 55 will indicate the ratio onvthe plate 16 del sired. These ratios set the timer B so that it will operate `the signal D to direct traffic the number of seconds according to the numerals indicated von vthe ratio plate 16 in each direction. One numeral of each division indicates the number of seconds that the signal D remains constant to direct the traic in a particular direction, while the numeral directly below the selected numeral indicates the number of seconds that the signal D remains constant in the other direction. Thus if it is desired to operate the trac twenty-five seconds in each direction the pin 15 is engaged to release the member 58, sliding the pointer 55 so that it will be set directly above 25 in the third column from the right hand corner of the plate 16.

When the timer B is set in this manner the timer disc 63 will operate the traffic signal D so as to direct traflic twenty-five seconds in each direction. The timer disc 63 is provided with a switch operating member 18 which is secured by the plate 19 to the face 65 of the disc 63 at the periphery thereof. The plate 19 carries a slidable plate 88 which is held by the pins 8| and is slidable by means of the slots 82 which permit the sliding of-the plate 88 on the pins 8l. The plate 80 carries a roller lug 83 on` the end of the same at the periphery -of the disc 63 which projects forwardly from the plate and which is adapted to rotate freely. vA spring member 84 holds the plate 80 with the roller lug 83 normally positioned so that the surface of the roller lug 83 is virtually tangential with the periphery of the disc 63. In the rotation of the disc 63 in operation the roller lug 83 is adapted to engage against the top of the adjustable plate 85 which is slideably positioned just above the depressor insulator block 86 carried by the switcharm 31 andas the disc 63 rotates in the direction of the arrow, illustrated in Figure 4, the roller lug 83will roll off of the plate 85 and engage the depressor block 86 by the action of the spring' 84 to press the switch arm 31 toward the arm 36 and cause the

contacts

38 and 39 to come in contact, closing 'a circuit through the arms 36 and 31 which are connected by suitable electrical conductors, not illustrated in the drawings, and with the magnet G of the signal D. Thus the roller lug 88 forms one operating member for the switch F carried by the disc 68. I provide a similar roller 88 which is carried by the slideable plate 89 held by the pins-98 and provided with slots 91. A spring 92 holds the lug 88 and the plate 89 with the lug 88 normally tangential with the periphery of the disc 63. This operating roller lug 88 is positioned diametrically opposite the lug 83, as illustrated in the drawings in Figure 4, and when so positioned, the operation of the timing disc 63 divides the time of the change or operation of the switch F equally owing to the position of the

lugs

83 and 88 semicircumferential from each other. The plate 89 carries the lug 88 projecting from the iront of the same in the same manner as the lug 88 projects from the plate 80. The plate 89, however, is carried by a pointer arm 93 formed with apointer end 98. This arm 93 lies flat against the face 65 of the disc 63 and is pivotally and slideably connected at the .axis of the disc 63 by vthe pin 95. The slot 98 formed in the pointer arm 93 permits the arm 93 to be slideably mountedl on the axis pin 9 5 and to be pulled outwardly radially and circumferentially adjusted. The

other end of the pointer arm 93 opposite to the positioned diametrically opposite to the positionof the roller lug 83 and designates the semicircumference of the' disc 63 in relation to the roller lug 83. A coil spring 99 holds the pointer arm 93 with the pin 91 normally in the notch 98. The pin 91 is not clearly visible in Figure 4 as it is directly in aixal alinement with the roller lug 88. However, thisl pin may be seen clearly in Figure 8, the plan View of the timer B.

The roller lug 83 is held fixed in relation to the timer disc 63 as the position of the same in relation to the circumference or periphery of the disc 63. It is, of course, radially slideable to compensate in the operation for engagement with the plate 85 and to press against the insulating block 86 to operate the switch F. This operating lug 83 is termed the ilxed timer operating lug. The other timer operating lug 88 is the adjustable or time divider operating lug to change the operation of the timer B so that dierent periods of time may take place in the operation of the signal D for trac in different directions. The adjustable timer lug 88 is readily adjusted into the desired position by engaging the roller lug 88 and sliding the-pointer arm 93 against the operation of the coil spring 99 on the I pin 95 which slides in the slot 96, permitting the pin 91 to be raised out of the normal position in the notch 98. The outer arm 93 canthen be moved in counter-clockwise rotation toward the notches |80 formed in the periphery of the disc 63 to permit the adjustable roller lug 88- to be set in different positions. The pointer arm 94 of the armf93 points to the indicia H on the face of the disc which indicates graduations extending to the letters A, B, C, D, E, etc., to S, inclusive, as indicated in Figure 4. This indicia refers to the indicia of a similar nature on the ratio plate 16, and is placed upon the face of the disc 63 for convenience to the operator of the timer B, so that the timer disc 63 of the timer B may be set to operate the switch F in accordance with the ratios set up on the ratio plate 16. The setting and operation will be presently described.

'I'he ratio plate 16 accomplishes a very important function in my timer B in conjunction with the indicia H on the timer disc 63. I have described how equal ratios may be accomplished by the timer disc 63 by permitting the switch operating roller lugs 83 and 88 to remain diametrically opposite to each other as positioned in Figure 4, and only changing the speed selector operating arm 58 by engaging the pin 15 and raising the catch 68 out of the notches 12 to operate the rack 48 to change the position of the gear l5 in its engagement with the rows of pin teeth 66 on the back of the disc 63. 'I'he changing of the gear 45 as just set forth and previously described, changes the speed of rotation of the disc 63. If the operating lugs 83 and 88 are left to remain diametrically opposite and the speed of the disc 63 is changed, it operates the pointer 55 to any of the ratios indicated in the rst horizontal column from 15/15 to l)i5/45 of the ratio plate 16. This is readily apparent as the two switch operating lugs 83 and 88 always remain diametrically opposite to each other.

However, if it is desired to change the ratio as indicated by the other horizontal columns and also the vertical columns of the ratio plate 16, this can be readily accomplished, for instance, as follows: The ratio of operation of the signal D is first determined, such as thirty and forty seconds, indicating that the signal would remain 'thirty seconds for one direction of tramo and forty seconds for the other direction of traffic. Then selecting the smallest numeral of the ratio which is follow along the top of the ratio plate 16 until 30 is indicated, then from this point follow along in an angle virtually parallel with the angular side 962 of the right hand side of the ratio plate 16 over the face of the ratio plate until the combination 30/40 is obtained. This will be found under the column indicated in the top column by /35, which is the total seventy seconds, the same sum total as the top column 35/35. Then by engaging the releasing pin 15 and setting the arm 58 so that the pointer 55 is positioned pointing to this column, the speed f the timer disc 63 is set. After the speed of the timer disc is set, then the roller lug 88 is engaged and the pointer 94 is turned so that the pointer will be set pointing toward the letter on the indicia of the face of the disc 63, the same as which appears in the space with the ratio 30/40. AThis is in the space where the ratio 30/40 appears D. Thus the pointer 94 is set so as to point toward the letter D in the indicia H on the timer disc 83. The timer disc 63 is then set to operate the switch F so that the distance between the operating roller lugs 83 and 88 will be thirty seconds on one side of the disc and forty seconds on the other side of the disc.

It will be noted that I have made my ratio plate 16 with forty-nine combinations in changes of speed, each of which are set up in a space marked oi by vertical and horizontal lines and in each space I have indicated a letter of the alphabet such as A, B, C, etc., to indicate certain indicia which also appears in the indicia column H on the face of the disc 63. I have worked out my ratio plate 16 in this manner so as to give the most common changes adaptable to a street signal such as D which are ordinarily employed and to permit the operator of my timer to be able to set the same very quickly whenever it is desired.

The setting of the timer B is thus simple, by opening the casing A to expose the timer, and the operator can set the roller lugs 83 and 88 in the desired position to give the ratios of operation as'desired and as indicated on the ratio plate 16.

The ratio plate is very simplyconstructed and easy to understand after one once becomes familiar with the same. The top row of ratios, such as 15/15 from the right corner to the left corner 45/45 give the total number of seconds in each of these spaces that it takes to rotate the timer disc 63. The spaces below these spaces each indicate the same total of seconds as the respective top space in the top row. Thus the timer may also be set by selecting the ratio desired, summing the total of the ratio, and then looking in the top column for the sum total, such as /40, equaling eighty seconds and then selecting below this top space the ratio of change desired which would sum total eighty seconds.

The setting of the speed of the timer disc 63 is simple by rst setting or selecting the speed of operation of the disc G3 by the selector pointer 55, then dividing the time into the desired ratios by the divider S3 in setting the pointer 94 of the same to the proper indicia. in the illustrated column H as hereinbefore described.

In the change of speed of operation of the time ing disc 63 it is essential that the switch operating lugs 83 and 88 uniformly depress the operating arm 31 of the switch F. The switch F is closed just momentarily, but this momentary closing should be constant. To accomplish this I have provided an adjustable bearing plate 85 which is automatically adjusted to extend over the bearing block 88 the proper distance to malntain either the operating

roller lug

83 or 88 approximately the same period of time in contact with the depressor block 8E. The bearing plate 85 is pivotally and slidably connected at 983 to the operating arm it in back of the timer disc 63 and adjacent the rack 48. The operating arm ili is pivotally mounted at 485 near the pivotal connection 83 and the other end of the operating arm tll is pivotally and slideably connected at i105 to the back or" the upwardly projecting portion of the rack 48 between the rack i8 and the hori zontal portion 58 thereof. All oi these parts are clearly indicated in Figure 5 of the drawings.

Thus when the speed of the timer disc 83 is changed by releasing the catch 68 by engaging the pin 15 and operating the rack 48 to change the position of the gear with the pin 66, the arm 84 automatically slides the bearing plate 85 above the top of the depressor block 86, When the speed of the timer disc 63 is increased, then the bearing plate 85 is slid over automatically by the arm |04 to expose a greater surface on the bearing block 86 for engagement of the depressor lugs 83 and 88, while when the speed of the timer disc 63 is diminished so that the same runs slower, then the bearing plate 85 is automatically moved in the setting of the speed of the disc 63 by the rack 45 so that the roller lugs will remain the same proportionate time, engaging the depressor block 86 so that the switch Fis always operated at virtually the same length of time In other words, no matter how fast or how slow the timer disc operates, the switch F will be closed the same length of time by virtue of the automatic adjustment of the bearing plate 85. This is important because it insures the operation of the magnet G in the signal D by permitting the switch F to be always operating uniformly. The manner in which the switch F controls the magnet G is shown in Figure l1.

In Figure 6 I have illustrated the detail showing the operation of one of the roller lugs either 83 or 88 in position to close the switch F to close the

contacts

38 and 39. This illustration shows the roller lug 83 engaging the depressor block 86 and the relative position of the automatically adjustable bearing plate 85.

My timer B may be operated to regulate the time of operation of the same in another manner independent of the setting of the same by placing the pin 91 in the notches |00. This may be done by disengaging the pin 91 by an outward radial pull on the pointer arm and then pivoting the pointer arm 93 to any desired position. The lug 83 is then released into the corresponding notch |00. This is accomplished by a series of closely related notches |08 which are positioned from the notch 98 along the periphery of the disc 63 on the opposite side of the disc 63 to the notches |00. By engaging the roller lug 88 and releasing the same from the notch 08 the pin 91 may be placed in one of the notches |08 which may be selected. The selection of the desired notch will be hereinafter set forth.

In this setting of my timer B I have provided the timer motor shaft 33 with a governor J. The governor J is provided with governor weights |00 which are adapted to rotate about the shaft 33 as the shaft rotates, being carried by the spring arms IIB which are fixed to the shaft on one end I I2. The other ends of the spring arms IIO support a disc II3. As the motor E operates the governor J is rotated and the disc II3 is also rotated and drawn back and forth on the shaft |03 in proportion to the rotation of the governor J.

I provide a governor regulator which includes a thumb operated screw' I I6 threaded into the supporting wall I I5, which also supports the outer end I I6 of the shaft 33. The operating screw I I9 is adapted to move the arm I I1 which is provided with a felt or leather bearing member II8 so as to move the arm II1 away from or toward the surface |I9 of the governor disc |I3. The thumb screw I I9 is rotatably connected at |20 to the operating arm II1 so that the screw I III may rotate without rotating the arm I |1, and to hold the arm II1 in proper alinement I have provided a guide pin I2I which slides freely in the bearing |22 when the thumb screw IIllv is operated. In the operation of my timer B when it is desired to set the same with different speeds and ratios of speed other than those illustrated'on the ratio plate 16, I employ the governor J and the notches |08 for the setting of the time divider pointer 93.

To set the timer B in this manner it is desirable to use a stop watch, so that the desired timing may be more readily obtained. Then the speed regulator may be operated by setting the pointer 55 at the minimum speed desired and then by regulating the governor by means of the screw II4 which will cause the member II8 to engage the disc II3 to retard the speed of the governor J, the desired time of rotation can be obtained for the disc 63.

Thus the timerdisc 63 may be set lfor any speed between the speeds such as 30, 40, 50, and so on up to 90 seconds in a very simple manner by setting the speed indicating pointer 65 at one of these ratios indicated on the ratio plate 16 which indicates the minimum speed and then adjusting the governor to slow down the motor E the desired number of seconds for the complete rotation of the timer disc 63. For example: should the minimum time of rotation be not more than fifty seconds and the maximum is less than sixty seconds for the selected rotation of the timer disc 63, the speed indicating pointer 55 is placed above the space indicating 25/25 in the top column of the ratio plate 'I6 in the ordinary manner heretofore described, and then by comparison with the stop watch the governor J may be regulated to set the time of the complete rotation of the timing disc 63 at the desired time by regulating the speed of the motor E. In this manner any of the speeds between the respective total'speeds indicated in the top horizontal column or spaces of the ratio disc 16 may be obtained, and each time that a minimum new speed is selected between the minimum totals of that indicated by the ratios on the top column in the plate 13 the governor J is readiusted as just described. In this manner my timer B is easily set so as to accomplish virtually any setting of time between thirty and ninety seconds. This limitation between thirty and ninety can be, of course, varied if it is desired, by enlarging or decreasing the timing disc 63 and the ratio plate 16. After the total rotation time for the timer disc 63 is accomplished by setting the timer disc 63 and the governor J as just described, then the division of the time of rotation of the timer disc 63 may be accomplished by setting the time divider 93 with the pin 91 in one of the notches |08 to properly divide the time of oration of the respective operating roller lugs 83 and B8. The setting 0f this time divider in the proper notch |08 can be also accomplished by referring to the stop watch to get the correct division of time. In this manner I provide a timer capable of timing the street signal D with almost any range of time or ratio of periods with respect to each other, yet the parts are comparatively simple, easily adjusted and quickly set to accomplish the results desired.

When using the ratio plate 16 with the division of time for the timer disc 63 as indicated by the ratios on the plate 16, the governor is not ordinarily employed. It may remain without effecting the operation of the timer B in any way so long as the retarder arm I I1 is not operated in a manner to engage with the surface I i9 of the disc I I3, but permitting the motor shaft 33 to be rotated freely independent of the governor, or the governor may be dispensed with if the ratios on the plate 16 are sufficient to accomplish the changes of time desired.

My timer B may be operated by hand independent of the timer disc 63 by opening the case A and permitting the traic officer or anyone to engage the depressor block 86 and switch F into operation by making the contacts of the

points

38 and 39. This is an important feature of my timer as it permits the trafiic oiiicer if he desires, to direct the operation of the signal D either by shutting oi of the motor E or by throwing the speed gear 45 into a neutral position between the rows of pins 66. Thus my timer B may be readily operated by hand by the simple operation of depressing the block 86 each time it is desired to change the signal D.

In accordance with the patent statutes I have described the principles of operation of my timer and I have endeavored to set forth the best embodiment thereof, however, the illustrations 7i are only suggestive of a means of carrying out my invention and other uses and changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A traffic signal timer comprising, a timer disc, switch operating lugs carried by said disc, means for supporting said lugs radially slidable, resilient means for holding said lugs in operative position, one of said lugs being adjustable circumferentially, notches for holding said adjustable lug in set position, means for indicating the position of said lug, and means for operating said timer disc at various speeds.

2. A timer comprising, an electric switch adapted to close a circuit for a street signal, a timer disc, switch operadng lugs carried by said timer disc in a manner to be rotated to operate said switch, means for slidably supporting each of said lugs radially, means for adjusting one of said lugs circumferentially to change the operating position of the same, means for driving said timer disc, and means for varying the rotative speed of said timer disc.

3. A timer for traflic signals, including, an electric motor operable at a constant speed, a rotatable timer disc, an electric switch, operating lugs carried by said rotatable disc in a manner to close said switch in the rotation of said rotatable disc, means for adjusting the position of one of said operating lugs to cause the lugs to operate said switch at different relative intervals during a rotation of the disc, and means for regulating the speed of said rotatable disc while said motor is operating at a constant speed.

4. A timer operable in cycles including, a self contained electric switch, operable into open and closed positions, external means for operating said switch to close the same at intervals during each cycle of the timer, means for regulating said switch closing means to change said intervals of time elapsing between the operations of said switch during each timer cycle, electrical means operable at a constant speed for operating said timer, and means ior varying the speed of said switch operating means while said electrical means operates at a constant speed.

5. A timer for traiiic signals including, a timer disc, an electric motor for operating said timer disc, variable speed regulating means interposed between said motor and said timer disc, radially movable switch operating lugs carried by said timer disc, one of said lugs having circumferential adjustment and position indicating means associated with said lug on the face of said disc, a member for operating said variable speed regulating means, and means for indicating the position of said variable speed regulating means by a ratio plate and pointer to said ratio plate operable automatically by said variable regulating means.

6. A timer for traific signals including, an electric switch for closing a signal operating circuit, a rotatable operating member having lugs for engaging said switch to close the same, one of said lugs including means for adjusting the position of the same on said rotatable member, a motor for operating said rotatable member, variable speed operating means interposed between said motor and said rotatable member, and means for indicating the position of said variable speed operating means.

7. A trailic signal timer including, motor means operable at a constant speed, a self contained switch for closing a circuit to a trailic signal, a disc timer member, means for operating said disc at variable speeds while said motor operates at constant speed, means including a ratio plate for indicating the speed of operation of said disc, pointer means associated with said disc operating means acting in conjunction with said plate, switch operating lugs carried by said disc, one of which is adapted to be adjustable on said disc to be set as indicated by said pointer and plate.

8. A timer for traiiic signals including, a self contained switch operable into open or closed position for closing a circuit for operating a traflic signal, a rotatable member, means on said rotatable member for engaging said switch to close the same, variable speed means for operating said rotatable member, and means for regulating the engagement of said switch engaging means with said switch.

9. A timer including, a timer disc, switch operating lugs carried by said timer disc, means for operating said timer disc at various speeds, an electric switch, means for resiliently supporting said switch engaging lugs to move radially in operation, means for supporting one of said lugs circumferentially adjustable on said disc, and means for automatically equalizing the length of time said operating lugs engage said switch for each rotative speed.

10. A timer for street traffic signals including, an electric switch means which is adapted to operate a trac signal, means for operating said electric switch means at different intervals of time to vary traffic past said signal, .a ratio plate having a series of time ratios appearing on the face thereof in spaced horizontal and vertical columns and an indicator operatively connected `to said second-named means and to said plate, whereby the setting of said timer at the desired ratio may be effected by placing the indicator at the desired position at said ratio plate.

11. A timer for traffic signals including, means for closing an electric circuit by lug members, one of said members being adjustable in position and the other a rotatably fixed member, means for indicating the position of said adjustable lug, means for varying the speed of operation of the timer, and a ratio plate adapted to indicate the setting of said timer speed varying means to set the timer at the time ratios indicated on said ratio plate.

12. A timer for traffic signals including, an electric switch member, means for operating said electric switch member to operate a street tramo signal, a computed ratio plate adapted to indicate various ratios of time at which said timer can be set, and a speed regulator having an indicating pointer adapted to coordinate with said ratio plate to indicate the setting of said timer in accordance with the ratios of said plate and the setting of said indicating pointer.

13. n timer for street signals, a timer disc, operating lugs carried by said disc, a self contained switch operable into open and closed positions and operable by said lugs, a motor for operating said disc, a transmission and gear shaft between said motor and said disc, means for automatically varying the duration of time which said switch is held closed in proportion to the speed of rotation of said lugs operable by said gear shaft for said disc, and ratio plate and pointer means for automatically indicating the operation of said timer.

14. A timer for traic signals including gearing, means for changing the gear ratio thereof to change its speed of operation, a ratio plate having ratio and speed-indicating indicia, thereon, and

a slidable indicator operatively connected to said means and said ratio plate, whereby the rate of s operation oi said timer may be indicatedV on the said ratio plate.

,15. A tramo signal timer including, electric motor means, a rotatable switch operating disc, lugs carried by said disc for operating an electric 10 switch which is adapted to operate a traffic signal, means for slpporting one of' said lugs ad- Justable circumferentially to different positions Y on said disc, the other of said lugs fixed tosaid ALVIN O. OLAFSON.