US2043493A - Signaling system - Google Patents

Description

O. -A. ROSS SIGNALING SYSTEM Filed June 25, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet l 4.,c. SUPPLY INYENTOR o. A. Ross 2,043,493

SIGNALING SYSTEM .Filed June 25, 1927 3 She'et-Sheet 2 \HA. I

I INVENTOR June 9, .1936. o. A. Ross 2,043,493

' SIGNALING-SYSTEM Filed June 25, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 B 44 ID LO CAL. DJ; SUPPLY TIME' 50% 1 INTERVAL DEVIC 7 SUPPLY I 7 J g LQCAL All. 3UPPLY IN VEN TOR.

Patented June 9, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 13 Claims.

This invention relates to traffic control systems and more particularly to traffic control systems for trackless Vehicular traffic in more or less large cities, or at rural points or towns where such traffic is sufiiciently dense to necessitate regulation by a governing signal system.

Traffic control systems now in use comprise in general the displaying of color light signals. Some systems employ three distinct colors for each direction of trafiic at an intersection, other systems employ only two colors.

Where three colors are employed, as for example green for proceed, yellow for caution, and red for stop, it is customary to display the yellow light, succeeding the green and red for the purpose of clearing an intersection of vehicles and pedestrians. As a matter of practical experience it is found that unless a trafiic oilicer is present, the motorists (vehicle drivers) of the blocked lane of trafiic start their cars as soon as the yellow light appears and, further that the motorists of the running lane of trafiic also ignore the yellow light and attempt to beat the signal, namely the red light which they know is coming. -Obviously the poor pedestrian has little chance whatever for escape in dense traflic.

Where two color light signals are employed, as for example green for proceed, and red for stop, it is customary to extinguish all signal lights during the period the intersection is to be cleared. Where such systems are installed it is also found that motorists ignore the no ligh period for clearing the intersection, the blocked cars starting as soon as the red light is extinguished and the running lane of cars continuing to cross the intersection in an attempt to beat the red signa which they know is coming, and again hazard prevails and pedestrians are exposed to injury.

Obviously the weakness in the heretofore described systems lies in the fact that the vehicle drivers are advised of the change of signals before the change actually takes place and when such notice is given they immediately start their cars in place of waiting for the proper signal.

One object of this invention is to furnish a traflic signal system for the intersection of two lanes of traflic wherein stop signals are displayed to both lanes simultaneously for the purpose of clearing the intersection of all moving traific before signalling the traflic of the stationary lane to proceed, in this manner preventing the trafiic of the stationary lane from having advance knowledge of change of signal display.

Another object is to accomplish the results described by the use of a single circuit control system whereby more economical installation of the system is obtained.

Another object is to furnish a trafiic signal system wherein three diliering forms of traflic movement is effected by the opening and closing of a single control circuit.

Another object is to furnish a trafiic control system wherein three differing forms of trafiic movement is eiiected by the reversal of polarity of a single control circuit.

Another object is to furnish a novel system of remote control for traflic signal apparatus whereby simple and more economically installed circuits may be employed.

Another object is to furnish a novel signal system wherein energy supply lines local to the signal system may be employed as partial control circuits for the signal apparatus as well as supplying the energy for the signal display.

Another object is to furnish a novel form of signal apparatus for efiecting the desired signal display at trafiic intersections.

Another object is to furnish a novel arrangement ofsignal circuits for effecting the desired display of signals at trafiic intersections.

Another object is to produce novel devices and apparatus for accomplishing the objects of the system.

Other objects and advantages will appear as the description of the invention progresses, and the novel features of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.

This invention consists in the novel construction and arrangement of parts hereinafter described, delineated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in that portion of the instrument wherein patentable novelty is claimed for certain and peculiar features of the invention, it being understood that, within the scope of what hereinafter thus is claimed, divers changes in the form, proportions, size and minor details of the system may be made without departing from the spirit of, or sacrificing any of the details of the invention.

In describing the invention in detail, reference 5 is had to the accompanying drawings wherein I have illustrated embodiments of my invention, and wherein like characters of reference designate corresponding parts through the several views, and in which:-v

Figure l is a part circuit plan, part diagrammatic view of an alternating light signal unit employed in applicants improved system, and Figure 2 is also a part circuit plan, part diagrammatic view of a modified light signal unit adopted for direct current, and Figure 3 is also a part circuit plan, part diagrammatic view of a complete traffic control signal system, and Figure 4 is also a part circuit plan, part diagrammatic view of a modified system for operating on alternating current, and Figure 5 is also a part circuit plan, part diagrammatic view of the same system adapted for operating on direct current.

Referring to Figure 1, illustrating a light signal adapted for alternating current, signal unit I comprises housing 2 supporting light signals IRE-IGE; lRWlGW; IRNlGN; and IRS-|GS and in which is also suitably mounted signal sequence relay or contacting mechanism 3, comprising A. C. induction motor 4 preferably of the non-magnetic metal shell rotor type of known form having non-magnetic shell rotor 4a arranged to rotate pinion 5, meshing with sector 6 having extension I, to the outer end of which is pivoted link 8, also pivoted to, and adapted to actuate contact levers 9, H1, and II. Contact levers 9 and H are known as make before brea and are preferably arranged whereby the contacts 9a and Ila open just before contact levers 9 and H come to rest in their lower position, and, contacts 9b and Nb open just before said levers come to rest in their upper positions. The contact H3, opens immediately upon movement of link 8 from its extreme upper or lower position. Motor 4 is supplied with operating stator windings i2 and I3, and dampening stator winding M. Winding i2 is preferably locally fed whereas I3 is remotely fed and acts as the control winding for operating motor 5, the rotor 4a of said motor reversing its rotation each time the connection of control wires 94 and are reversed with respect to the alternating source to which they are connected. Dampening winding l4 when energized, acts to produce a substantially large magnetic flux in the motor air gap operating magnet l'i adapted to actuate core l8,

to the upper end of which is secured, rod is supporting rack 20 having toothed section 2| adapted to be free from engagement with'pinion 22 secured to gear 23, during the extreme upper and lower movements of core I8, but adapted to engage said pinion'during the intermediate movement of said core. Secured to governor shaft 24, and allocated by bracket 25 is worm 25 meshing with gear 23. Secured to shaft 24, is frictional centrifuge 21, having governor weights 28-25 adapted to restrain friction members 2929 against fixed disk 35 during rotation of said shaft.

To the lower end of core 3, is secured rod 3i, having collar 32 adapted to raise contact lever 33 during the last portion of the upward movement of core I8 and rod 3|, also collar 35 adapted to lower contact lever 35 duringthe last portion of the lowering movement of core I8 and rod 3!. Spring 35 is adapted to immediately cause lowering of contact lever 53 upon initial lowered movement of core l8 whereafter further movement of said core causes compression thereof, and, as said core is raised from its extreme lowered position, said spring retains contact lever 35, lowered until the final upward movement of said core whereupon collar 32 will raise said lever.

With core I8 in the extreme raised position, collar 37 causes compression of spring 38 whereby contact lever 35 is restrained against its upper position, and will be so restrained during the lowering of core 58 until its final movement whereupon collar 34 impinges on said lever and carries it to its lower position.

Spring 39, secured to the lower end of rod 3|, the tension of which is adjusted by screw 39 and nut 4|, serves to adjust for uniform upward and downward movement of core I 8 and its depending parts.

Referring to Figure 3, time element device 42, may be of any well-known type wherein a circuit controller, as 43 is opened and closed periodically, the time interval of each period being adjusted for the particular location and condition of traffic for which said time clement device is supplied. For example, circuit controller 43 may be actuated to alternately close and open a circuit for equal periods of 45 seconds, or if desired, one of the alternate periods may be made longer or shorter than the other.

Controlled by circuit controller 33, are relays 44 and 45, relay 45 having contact lever 45' supplying direct current to the signal unit relays the relay 44 adjacent the boulevard A having cross streets B, C, and D, and the relay 45 adjacent the boulevard H'having the cross streets I, J, and K, said boulevards and streets being more or less remote from the control station 50.

The signal units as l and !5 are preferably suitably supported above the center of the intersec-' tions of two lanes of traffic, as for example, as

is shown at the intersections of the boulevards A and H and the streets B, C, D, and I, J, K, intersecting therewith.

Referring to Figure 4 illustrating a modified system wherein the illuminating sequence of the light signal units is established by a remote contact unit, or relay, as 5! controlling a plurality of said signals, the unit 5!, is similar in structure to relay 3 except that contact levers l0 and II are substituted by pole changing levers 52 and 53.

Light signals 55 and 55 are of similar structure and comprise an alternating current induction motor or relay 55 similar in operating characteristics as motor' l of Fig. l, the stator winding 5?- of which is preferably fed locally, and the also preferably of the non-magnetic shell rotor type.

Pivoted to crank 59 of motor 56, is link 60 adapted to actuate contact lever 62, and by connecting link 5!, contact lever 63, said last lever being of the make before break type whereby two circuits are closed with the contact lever in the de-energized position as shown by signal 55.

The counter-weight 562) secured to shaft of rotor 55a acts to rotate said rotor quickly to the deenergized position for moving contact levers 62 and 63 to their de-energized positions.

Whereas the signal lights 4GW-4GE--4GN- iGS-ARW SRE4RN4RS of signals54 and 55 are shown in one plane for purpose of clearer illustration, they are in practice arranged substantially as shown in signals I and I5 of Figures 1 and 2 respectively.

Referring to Figure 5, illustrating a modified system similar to the system shown in Figure 4, but wherein the remote control unit, or relay, as it is adapted to operate on direct current, and is located remotely from the light signals, as 65 and 66, said relay unit is of substantially the same structure and function, however, said function is consummated through secondary quick acting relays, as 67-5l' of light signals 65 and 66. Said secondary quick-acting relays are arranged for operation on direct current, and comprise magnets 68 and 69 having core 10, pivoted to which is one end of link H, the other being pivotally connected to one leg of bell crank 12, and to the other leg of which is pivotally connected link I3 adapted to actuate contact lever 62, link BI and contact lever 63 as heretofore described in connection with Figure 4.

Referring to the operation of the system as shown by Figures 1, 2 and 3; during the period time interval device 42 acts to raise contact lever 43, and which for purposes of illustration is assumed to signal east and west traffic to proceed, and north and south traific to be blocked, or stationary, the following circuit is established:

Time element control circuit from, positive energy to wire 15, contact lever 43, wire 16 from whence it branches to wires H and 18 to relays 4t and d5, returning through wires l9 and to negative energy. As relay 44 is energized and its core raised, contact lever 56 establishes the following circuit:

Direct current light signal control circuit from positive energy through contact lever 46, line wire at, from whence it passes through wires 82-3282 to the light signal relays l6|6-l6 and thence to negative energy. As the relays 5-46-45 are energized each magnet as H, (Fig. 2) begins to raise its core l8 toward its upper position and whereas contact lever 35 raises immediately due to free movement of rack 29 before teeth 2i engage pinion 22, contact lever 33 will not raise until the end of the movement of said core. As contact lever 35 raises, a circuit to the ZRN and 2R8 light signals are established as follows:-

ZRN and ERS stop light signal circuit from positive energy through wire 83, contact lever 35, wires 84 and 85 to lights 2RN and 2R8 respectively and thence to negative energy. Inasmuch as contact lever 33 will remain in its lowered position by action of spring 36 until raised by collar 32 at the last end of the movement of core l8, a circuit to the ZRE and ZRW signal lights will be maintained as follows:

ZRE and ZRW stop light signal circuit from positive energy wire 85, contact lever 33 in lowered position wires 8? and 88 to lights ZRE and ZRW respectively and thence to negative energy. From the foregoing it will be noted thatall the red or stop signal lights 2RN--2RS2RE and 2RW are lighted and will so remain as core I8 continues upward slowly by the retarding action of the centrifuge 2'? during the period teeth 2| of rack 20 are in engagement with pinion 22 and whereby gear 23 is restrained to rotate and thereby cause rotation of worm 25 and said centrifuge.

With the four red or stop light signals lighted, as previously described, trafiic approaching the intersection of both trafi'ic lanes, as for example, the boulevard A and cross streets B, C and D, more conveniently indicated by the lines N-S and EW, of Figs. 1 and 2 will be stopped or blocked, in this manner permitting said intersection at which a light signal unit, as I5, is located, to be cleared of traffic.

As core I8 completes its upward movement and teeth 2] pass out of pinion 22, it again moves upward rapidly until rack 29 impinges on stop 20a. and during which movement collar 32 raises contact lever 33 from its lower to its upper position. As this movement occurs a circuit is established to the ZGE and ZGW signal lights as follows:

ZGE and ZGW proceed light signal circuit from positive energy to wire 86 contact lever 33 in raised position, wires 89 and 90 to light signals 2GE and 2GW respectively and thence to nega-- tive energy. As contact lever 33 is quickly raised the signal lights ZRE and 2RW are extinguished simultaneously with the lighting of lights 2GB and ZGW and, therefore, as shown by the arrangement of parts in Figure 2, the east and West tramc is signalled to proceed, whereas those in north and south lanes are signaled to remain stationary.

A predetermined time interval after contact lever 43 (Fig. 3) has raised, it is subsequently lowered, and, as the circuit to relays M and'45 are thereby opened, contact levers 46, 47 and 48 are lowered, contact lever 46, opening the circuit to the light signal relays i6-i6|6. As this occurs the magnets as H, become de-energized whereupon core l8 rapidly drops until teeth 2| engage pinion 22. During this rapid movement contact lever 33 moves from upper to lower position, extinguishing the ZGE and ZGW lights and lighting the ZRE and ZRW lights in this manner stopping the vehicles and pedestrians approaching the intersection from the east and west. As the ZRN and 2RS signal lights will also remain lighted, the blocked trafiic of the north and south lanes will also be signaled to remain stationary. As the teeth 2| engage pinion 22, the further downward movement of core l8 will be retarded by centrifuge 21 until all the teeth 2! have passed positive energy to wire 83, contact lever 35, in

lowered position, wires SI and 92 to lights ZGS and ZGN respectively. As this last named circuit is established vehicles in the north and south trafiic lanes are signaled to proceed whereas those of the east and west lanes are signaled to remain stationary.

During the period that lights 2NR-2SR 2ER2WR are lighted as core It moves slowly downward, the intersection governed by the light signal, as I5, will be cleared of both pedestrians and vehicles whereby and when contact lever 35 is rapidly lowered, and the proceed lights ZGE and ZGW are lighted, the east and west traffic will have a clear right of way.

Referring again to Fig. 3, in conjunction with Fig. 1, with the parts as shown, east and west trafiic, as for example, of the boulevard A is signaled to proceed and north and south traific, as for example, of the streets B, C, D is signaled to stop. Relay 45 as well as relay 44, is energized and with contact lever 41 and 48 in raised position, as shown, energy to alternating current relay units as 33--3, is supplied as follows:

Alternating current light signal control circuit from positive energy to wire 93, contact lever 48 line wire 94 to winding I3 of units 333 returning to negative energy via line wire 95, contact lever 4'! and wires 96 and 91. With the foregoing circuit established with pole changer levers 41 and 48 in raised position, motor 4 revolves counter clock-wise andsector 6 clock-wise thereby restraining contact levers 9, I0 and II downwardly. As-

suming that said last named levers had been in raised position in which case contact fingers 9a and I la are closed while 9b and I lb are open and therefore energy to dampening winding I4 would be cut oif by opening of contact finger 91), but as contact levers 41 and 48 are raised to their upper position and energy is supplied to winding I3, motor 4 revolves rapidly counter clock-wise until contact finger 9b is closed, whereupon the dampening circuit is established as follows:-

Dampening circuit from positive energy to wire 99 dampening winding I4, wire I00 contact finger 9a, contact lever 9, contact finger 9b and wire IOI to negative energy. As this circuit is established motor 4 substantially reduces its speed due to the dampening eifect of winding I4.

During the previously mentioned rapid movement of motor 4 contact lever I0 lowers slightly and opens the proceed circuit to the green, or proceed lights IGN and IGS; also, contact lever I I is also slightly lowered whereby contact finger III) is caused to supply energy to the north and south stop signals IRN and IRS as follows:-

IRN and IRS stop light signal circuit from positive energy to'wire I02, contact lever I I, contact finger IIb wires I05 and I06 to light signals IRN and IRS respectively and thence to negative energy. Simultaneously energy from lever II passes to contact finger I Ia wires I03 and I04 to light signals I RE and IRW respectively and thence to negative energy. Also simultaneously with the primary rapid movement of motor 4, contact lever I0 is slightly lowered thereby opening the circuit to the proceed signals IGN and IGS whereupon they become extinguished substantially simultaneously with the lighting of the red or stop signals IRN and IRS. It will be now noted that all the red or stop signals, as I RN- IRSIRE and IRW are lighted and will so remain during the slow movement of motor 4, the interval of time of slow movement being preferably proportioned to permit clearing of the intersection at which signal I is located and as more fully described in connection with signal unit I5.

As motor 4 continues to rotate counter clockwise slowly under the dampening effect of winding I4, contact lever 9, maintains the dampening circuit, and contact lever II maintains both the north and south and east and westred or stop signal circuits. Just as sector 6 is completing its clock-wise movement, contact finger 9a lowers and opens the circuit to the dampening winding I4, whereupon motor 4 again rotates I .rapidly andcontact levers 9, I0, and II are rapidly' lowered to the position shown in Fig. 1. As the foregoing rapid movement takes place contact finger IIa opens the stop circuit to the east and west red or stop signal lights IRE and IRW. and simultaneously the east and west proceed signals IRE and IGW are lighted as follows:

IGE and IGW proceed light signal circuit from positive energy to wire I0'I contact lever I0, wires I08 and I09 to proceed lights IGE and IGW respectively and thence to negative energy, in this manner indicating that trafiic may proceed in the east and west traific lanes as for example, boulevard H, whereas the north and south bound traffic, as for example, streets I, J, and K, is stopped at the intersections.

As time element device 42 (Fig. 3) lowers contact lever 43 and relays 44 and 45 are de-energized, or reversed, the pole changer contact levers 41 and 48 also lower causing a reversal of polarity, the positive energy from wire 93 passing to line wire 95 in place of line wire 94 as formally and returning through line wire 95 to negative energy through wire 91. As this occurs the energy to windings, as I3 of the signal units 3--3-3 is also reversed and motor 4 is caused to rotate clock-wise and sector 6 counter clock-wise. As contact finger 9a is now open, said motor rotates rapidly and contact lever I0 is slightly raised thereby opening the proceed circuit to green proceed lights I GE and IGW. Simultaneously contact lever I I is slightly raised and contact finger Ila closes the previously described stopcircuit to thestop lights IRE and IRW. Substantially simultaneously the contact finger 9a closes the dampening circuit to winding I4 and motor 4 is caused to rotate slowly. It is to be noted that all four stop lights IRNIRS- 5 RE and iRW are again lighted and will so remain during the entire slow movement of motor 4, the period of time of slow movement being preferably suflicient to clear the intersections as for example, the intersections of the boulevard H and the streets I, J, and K at which signals are located.

As the contact levers 9, I0, and I I approach their uppermost position contact finger 9b opens the circuit to the dampening winding 54 and motor 4 is caused to again rotate rapidly. As this occurs contact finger Ilb opens the stop circuit to the IRN and IRS signal lights and substantially simultaneously the contact lever I0 closes the proceed circuit to signal lights IGN and IGS as follows:-

IGN and I GS proceed light signal circuit from positive energy to wire I07, contact lever I5 in raised position, wires Ilii and ill to lights iGN and IGS, and thence to negative energy in this manner indicating that the vehicles in the north and south traffic lanes may proceed. It is to be noted that the stop signals iRE and IRW remain lighted thereby notifying vehicles in the east and West traffic lanes, as for example the boulevard H to remain stationary.

Referring to Fig. 4 illustrating a modified system wherein quick acting alternating current relays are employed at the light signal locations and a light sequence alternating current relay unit as 5! is interposed between the master control unit as 50, and a plurality of light signals, as 54 and 55. Light sequence relay 5! is substantially of the same structure as relay 8 of Fig. 1, however, contact levers Iii and I I are substituted by pole changer contact levers 52 and 53.

As time element 42 of master control unit 50 raises contact lever 43 and energizes relays 44 and 45, and the raising of contact levers 4'! and 48 causes a lowering of contact levers 9, 52, and 53 are previously described, energy to the light signals, as 54 and 55, is supplied as follows:

Quick acting alternating current light signal relay circuit from positive energy to wires H2 and H3, contact lever 52 wires H4, II5II5 resistances II 6I l6, windings 58-58, wires II'! II'I-switches II8-lI8 wires II9II9, I26, contact lever 53 wire I2I to negative energy. With this circuit established, motors 56-56 rotate clockwise moving contact lever 62 to the left and contact lever 63 to the right as shown, whereupon contact lever 62 establishes a circuit to the signal lights 4GB and 4GW as follows:-

4GE and 4GW proceed light signal circuit from positive energy to wire I 23, contact lever 62, wires I24 and I25 to signal lights 4GE and 4GW respectively and thence to negative energy. Simultaneously and as contact lever 63 swings to the right a circuit to the east and west stop signals 4RE and 4RW is opened by contact finger 63a, however, contact finger 63b is caused to more firmly impinge on its contact and thereby maintain a circuit to the north and south stop signals 4RN and 4R8 as follows:-

4RN and 4RS stop light signals from positive energy to wire I26 contact lever 63 contact finger 63b wires I21 and I 28 to light signals 4RN and 4RS respectively and thence to negative energy. With the three foregoing circuits established, the stopped vehicles in the east and west traflic lanes at the intersection are signaled to proceed and those of the north and south lanes to stop.

For the purpose of clearer illustration, the switch I I8 of signal 55 is shown to be open thereby permitting its relay 53 to assume the deenergized position, and whereby contact finger 63a is also supplying energy to the stop signal lights 4RE and 4RW as follows:

4RE and 4RW stop light signal circuit from positive energy to wire I25, contact lever 63, contact finger 63a wires I29 and I36 to lights 4RE and 4RW respectively and thence to negative energy. With all switches as II8-II6 closed, this de-energized position also obtains with all light signals as 54 and 55, during the period that contact lever 52 and 53 are moving from front to back contact, or a similar reverse movement from back to front, this period further comprising the period during which motor 4 is revolving slowly due to the dampening effect of winding I4 as more fully heretofore described. It is to be noted that during this de-energized period of relays as 5556 both the north and south stop signals ERN and 4RS and the east and west stop signals 4RE and 4RW are lighted, indicating that vehicles in both these lanes of trafiic must stop at the intersection. Said de-energized period is preferably of a time interval sufficient to permit trafiic to clear said intersection before a subsequent traific lane is signaled to proceed.

Assume now that time element device 42 has operated to lower contact lever 43, and whereupon relays 44 and 45 are de-energized, and, as pole changer contact levers ll and 48 of relay 45 are lowered, the polarity of the circuit to line wires 34 and is reversed. As this occurs motor 4 of signal sequence relay 5! will rotate clockwise thereby causing contact levers 3, 52, and 53 to be raised. During the primary or rapid movement of motor 4, contact levers 52 and 53 will open, and contact finger 3a will close the dampening circuit,,whereafter motor 4 will slowly revolve while contact lever 52 and 53 are moved from back to front contact. During the slow movement of motor 4, motors 56-56 will be deenergized and contact levers 62 and 53 of light signals 53 and 55 will lower to the de-energized position, as shown by signal 55. As this occurs 5 the lever 52 opens the circuit to the proceed signals 4GE and 4GW and contact finger 53a establishes the circuit to the stop signal 4RE and 4RW and both the stop signals 4RW and 4RS of the north and south lanes, as well as the stop signals 10 4E and 4W of the east and west lanes will be lighted, indicating that all traffic must stop and permit the intersection to be cleared.

As the contact levers 9, 52, and 53 approach their upper contacts, contact finger 3b opens the 15 dampening circuit to winding I4, and motor 4 revolves quickly causing contact levers 52 and 53 to contact with their front contacts whereupon the polarity to the light signal relays, as 5656 is reversed and said relays will rotate counter 20 clock-wise in this manner causing contact lever 62 to swing to the right and establish a circuit to the proceed signals 4GN and 4G8 as follows:-

4GN and 4GB proceed light signal circuit from positive energy to wire I23, contact lever 62 wires 25 I3I and I32 to signal lights 4GN and 4G8 respectively and thence to negative energy. Simultaneously with the establishing of this circuit the contact finger 63?) opens the stop signal circuit to lights 4RN and 4R8, and as a result the vehicles in the east and west trafiic lanes are signaled to proceed and those in the north and south lanes to remain stationary.

Referring to Fig. 5,'illustrating a similar system to that shown in Fig. 4, however, arranged 35 for operation on direct current, the signal sequence relay, as 3, is substantially of the same structure as relay 3 of Fig. 2. The light signals 65 and 66 are similar to those of 54 and 55 except that the alternating current relays as 56, are substituted by a direct current mechanism 61 operating as follows:

When time element 42 raises its contact lever 43 and the relays 44 and 45 are energized the contact lever 46 of relay 44 supplies energy to magnet I1, (Fig. 5) through line wire 8| whereupon core I8 is drawn to its upper position and as contact levers 33 and 35, are raised to upper contact position a circuit through contact lever 33 is established as follows:

Quick acting direct current signal relay circuit from positive energy to wire I33, contact lever 33 line wire I35, wire I36 magnets 69-69, and thence to negative energy. With this circuit established, core 16 is drawn to the right whereupon contact lever 62 is drawn to the left and contact lever 63 to the right, as contact lever 62 moves to the left the east and west proceed signals 5GE and 5GW are lighted and as contact lever 63 moves to the right the contact finger 63a simultaneously opens the stop circuit to lights 5RE and 5RW, however, maintains the stop signals 5RN and 5R8 lighted in the same manner as described in connection with signals54 and 55. Contact levers 62 and 63 assume a de-energized position for display of stop signals RE RW RS and RN immediately upon the lowering of said core, the circuit to magnet 69 is opened and contact levers 62 and '63 move to the de-energized or midway position as shown in signal unit 55, and whereupon both the north and south signals 5RN and 5R8 and the east and west signals 5RE and 5RW are lighted, as described in connection with Fig. 4 and for the same purpose.

During the final downward movement of core I8, collar 34- causes contact lever 35 to impinge on its lower contact whereupon the following circuit is established:--

Direct current quick acting signal relay circuit N and S proceed from positive energy to wires I33, I34, contact lever 35 in lowered position, line wire I38, wires I3'I--I3I to magnets 68-68 and thence to negative energy. As this circuit is established core 10 moves to the left, in this manner causing contact lever 63 to move to the right and light signals 5GN and 5G8, and

. contact lever 63 to move to the left whereby contact finger 63b opens the stop circuit to lights 5RN and 5R8 in the same manner and for the same'purpose as described in connection with signals 54 and 55 of Fig. 4.

During the period the movement of core I8 is retarded by the centrifuge, both the circuits to magnets 68 and 69 are open and therefore contact levers 62 and 63 assume the de-energized position by action of counter-weight 12a, whereupon all the stop signals as 5RN-5RE and 5RW are lighted to permit the clearing of the intersection of trafiic and pedestrians, as heretofore described in connection with signal units 54 and 55.

Whereas relays 44 and 45 are shown as two units, relay 45 may be omitted and the pole changer levers 4! and 48 added to the relay 44.

Whereas signal sequence relay unit 3 of Fig. 1, and I6 of Fig. 2, are shown as part of signal units I and I 5, they may be placed remotely therefrom and the wires I63, I05, I08, and III) may be arranged as line wires suppling energy in proper sequence to a plurality of signals as I or I5, as for example, master control unit 50 may control ten each of the signal sequence relays 3 and I6 and each of said relays may supply energy in proper sequence to 1O signal units as I or I 5, or a total of 200 signal units may be thusly controlled. It is to be noted, however, that, neglecting return feed wires, it is necessary to employ 4 feed wires, whereas in the systems shown in Figs. 4 and 5 only two such feed wires are required for the alternating current and one for the direct current system. The latter systems being preferable wherever signal units are widely separated, and the former where signals are closer together.

'Whereas two general directions of traflic have been shown, namely north to south or south to north and east to west or west to east, it is to be understood that intersections of traific at any point of the compass may be thusly controlled and that the angles of intersection may be varied.

The resistances Y I4Il-I4Il may be employed to assist in correcting phase displacement for economical operation of the motor or relay units. It may be substituted by a reactance or condenser as conditions require. Likewise resistances II6-I I5 are employed for the same purpose.

Whereas the signals, as IGN- I GS I GE--I GW .and I RNIRSIRE IRW are shown as housed in a light signal unit, as I, each pair of proceed and stop lights as IGN and IRN, may be a signal unit and placed adjacent to the correlated corner of the artery leading to the intersection.

Referring to Fig. 3, it is to be understood that the signal units as 54-55 of Fig. 4, may supplant the similar units I--I of lower roadway H in which instance the mechanism 5I will supplant the similar mechanism 3, mechanism 5I receiving energy from control relay 45. Also signal units as -436 of Fig. 5, may supplant the similar units 2--2 of the upper roadway A in which instance the mechanism I6 of Fig. 5 will supplant the similar mechanism I6 of roadway A, the mechanism I6 of Fig. 5, also receiving energy from control relay 44. Control mechanisms of Figs. 4 and 5 preferably control a plurality of signal units as 54 and 55.

By two position relay is meant a relay wherein the circuit controllers move from front to back or back to front contacts without interruption of movement thereof in opening and closing cir cuits, and by three position relay is meant a relay wherein the circuit controllers remain stationary in an intermediate contacting position for a predetermined interval during the movement thereof from one fixed contacting position to another upon periodically reversing the flow of energy tothe relay sequentially with canceling the flow of energy thereto for other intervals.

What I claim is:

1. In a signaling system for directing traflic at the intersection of two roadways, stop and go signals arranged to be displayed at the intersection for directing trafiio thereacross, a source of energy for the signals, signal control devices arranged to connect the signal source and the stop signals of both roadways when the devices are de-energized and connect the source to one order therebetween alternately with canceling the flow 4 for predetermined intervals upon reversing the flow of energy through the intermediate control devices, a source of energy for the intermediate control devices, and a remote control device normally connecting the last named source and the r intermediate control devices arranged to periodically reverse the flow of energy to the devices.

2. In a signaling system for intersecting roadways, stop and go signals at the intersection, a signal relay including mechanism arranged to be moved from one fixed position to another fixed position in response toreversal of flow of energy through the relay, means actuated by the mechanism for efiecting display of one code of stop and go signals to the roadways when the mechanism is in one fixed position and effect display of an opposite code of stop and go signals thereto when the mechanism is in the other fixed position, and effect display of stop signals only to both roadways during the interval the mechanism is in operation from one fixed position to the other, means operated by the relay for producing a predetermined retarded movement of the mechanism during the operation thereof from one fixed position to the other whereby the stop signals are displayed to both roadways for a predetermined interval for clearing the intersection, a source of energy for the relay, and means for maintaining the mechanism in one fixed position when energy from the source flows through the signal relay in one direction and maintaining the mechanism in the other fixed position when the energy from the source flows through the relay in the opposite direction.

3. In a signaling system for roadway intersections, stop and go signals at the intersection, signal devices including mechanism arranged to be moved from one fixed position to another fixed position in response to establishing a flow of energy through the devices alternately with canceling the flow therethrough, means actuated by the mechanism for effecting display of one code of stop and go signals to the roadways when the mechanism is in one fixed position and effect display of an opposite code of stop and go signals thereto when the mechanism isin the other fixed position and effect display of stop signals only to both roadways during the period the mechanism is operating from one fixed position to the other, means affecting the signal devices for producing a predetermined retarded movement of the mechanism during the operation thereof from one fixed position to the other whereby the stop signals will be displayed to both roadways for a predetermined interval for clearing the intersection of traffic, a source of energy for the signal devices, and means to supply energy and disconnect said supply of energy from said signal device.

4. In a signaling system for roadway intersections, stop and go signals at the intersections for display to direct the traffic at the intersection of tworoadways, signaling devices arranged to effect display of stop signals only to both roadways when de-energized and effect display of one code of stop and go signals thereto when supplied with energy of one polarity and effect display of an opposite code of stop and go signals to the roadways when supplied with energy of opposite polarity, a polarized source of energy for the signaling devices, a circuit control device including circuits connected to the! signaling devices for supplying energy from the polarized source to the signaling devices arranged to cancel the fiow therebetween for predetermined intervals alternately with establishing oppositely polarized flows therebetween for other predetermined intervals upon energizing the circuit control device for a predetermined interval alternately and sequentially with de-energization thereof for another predetermined interval, and means for energizing the circuit control devices for a predetermined interval alternately with deenergization thereof for another predetermined interval.

5. In a signaling system for roadway intersections, stop and go signals at the intersection, signal devices arranged to effect display of stop signals only to both roadways when de-energized and effect display of one code of stop and go signals thereto when energy flows through the devices in one direction and effect a display of an opposite code of stop and go signals to the roadways when energy flows through the devices in the opposite direction, a source of energy for the signal devices, a circuit control device, circuits, means operated by the circuit control device for connecting the circuits arranged to connect the source to the signal devices to cancel the flow of energy therebetween for predetermined intervals alternately with establishing reversed flows of energy therebetween for other predetermined intervals upon establishing a fiow of energy through the circuit control device in one direction for predetermined intervals alternately and sequentially with establishing a flow of energy therethrough in the opposite direction for other predetermined intervals, and means for establishing fiow of energy in one direction through the circuit control device for predetermined intervals alternately with establishing flow of energy in the other direction therethrough for other predetermined intervals.

6. In a signaling system for roadway intersections, stop and go signals at the intersections, a source of energy and circuits therefrom to the signals, a normally energized motor arranged to operate from one fixed position to another fixed position in response to reversal in flow of energy thereto, circuit closers in said circuits actuated by the motor for connecting said circuits to connect the signal source to the stop signals of one roadway when the motor is in one fixed position and to the stop signals of the other roadway when the motor is in the other fixed position and to the stop signals of both roadways during the period the motor is operating from one fixed position to the other, other circuit closers in said circuits actuated by the motor for connecting said circuits to connect the signal source to the go signals of one roadway when the motor is positioned in one fixed position and to the go signals of the other roadway when the motor is positioned in the other fixed position and cancel the fiow of energy to all the go signals during the period the motor is operating from one fixed position to the other, a source of energy for the motor, means for maintaining the motor in one fixed position when energy from the last named source flows therethrough in one direction and maintaining the motor in the other fixed position when the flow of energy from the last named source is reversed, and retarding means operated by the motor for requiring a predetermined interval of operation thereof from one fixed position to the other.

'7. In a signaling system for roadway intersections, stop and go signals at the intersections, normally energized signal devices arranged to be operated from one fixed position to another fixed position in response to reversal of fiow of energy thereto, means actuated by the devices for effect-- ing display of one code of stop and go signals to the roadways when the devices are in one fixed position and reverse the code of stop and go signals thereto when the devices are in the other fixed position and effect display of stop signals only to both the roadways during the period the devices are operating from one fixed position to the other, a source of energy for the devices, means affecting the devices for requiring a predetermined interval of operation from one fixed position to the other whereby the stop signals only are displayed for a predetermined interval to clear the intersection, and means for supplying energy flowing in one direction from the source to the signal devices for predetermined intervals alternately with supplying energy flowing in the opposite therebetween for other predetermined intervals, the interval for supplying energy from the source to the signal devices being longer than the interval during the operation of the devices from one fixed position to the other.

8. In a signaling system for roadway intersections, stop and go signals at the intersections, a three position relay arranged to effect display of one code of stop and go signals to the roadways when in one energized position and effect display of an opposite code of stop and go signals when in the other energized position and effect display of stop signals only to both roadways when in the de-energized position, a two position relay arranged to be operated from one fixed position to another fixed position, means affecting the last named relay producing a predetermined interval of operation from one fixed position to the other, means actuated by the two position relay for maintaining the three position relay in one energized position when the two position relay is in one fixed position and maintain the three position relay in the other energized position when the two position relay is in the other fixed position and de-energize the three position relay during the period the two position relay is operating from one fixed position to the other fixed position, a remote control relay arranged to be operated from one fixed position to another, means actuated thereby for maintaining the two position relay in one fixed position when the remote control relay is in one fixed position alternately with maintaining the two position relay in the other fixed position when the remote control relay is in the other fixed position, and a master control device for maintaining the remote control relay in one fixed position for a predetermined interval alternately with maintaining the relay in the other fixed position for other predetermined intervals.

9. In a signal system for intersecting roadways, a source of energy therefor, circuits, a signal relay at each intersection including means connecting the circuits for connecting the source to stop signals of both roadways when the relays are de-energized and connect the source to one code of stop and go signals when the energy is flowing through the relays in one direction and connect the source to an opposite code of stop and go signals when the energy flow through the relays in the opposite direction, a source of energy for the signal relays, a control relay including means connecting the last named circuits to connect the second named source to the signal relays to cancel the flow to said signal relays for a predetermined time and then supply a flow therethrough in one direction with the flow of energy through the control relay in one direction and cancel the flow to said signal relays for a predetermined time and then supply a flow in the reverse direction with the flow of energy through said control relay in a reverse direction, and means for establishing a flow of energy in one direction through the control relay for a predetermiend time alternately with establishing a flow therethrough in the reverse direction for another predetermined time.

10. In a signal system for roadway intersections, stop and go signals at the intersections, signal devices controlling a certain group of intersections for effecting display of one code of stop and go signals when de-energized and display on an opposite code of stop and go signals when energized and display of stop signals only when initially energized and ole-energized, a two position control relay operable to one position when energized and to the other position when de-energized, means operable thereby including a source of energy for connecting the source to the signal devices when the relay is energized and disconnecting the source therefrom when the relay is in the other position, other signal devices controlling another group of intersections for effecting display of one code of stop and go signals when supplied with energy of one polarity and another code of stop and go signals when supplied with energy of opposite polarity and stop signals only when reversing the energy fiow to the devices, a two position pole changing control relay operable to one position when energized and to the other position when ole-energized, means operable thereby including a source of polarized energy for establishing flow of energy of one polarity between the source and the pole changing relays upon being energized and reverse the polarity of the energy flow therebetween upon being deenergized, and means for energizing both the control relays for predetermined intervals alternately with de-energization thereof for other predetermined intervals.

11. In a signaling system, stop and go signals at the intersection of two roadways, a two position relay including circuit controllers operated thereby movable between oppositely fixed contacting positions, the circuit controllers being maintained in one fixed contacting position upon energizing the relay and in the other fixed contacting position upon deenergizing the relay and in an operating contacting position during the interval of movement thereof from one fixed contacting position to the other, and means including a source of energy and contacts engaged by the circuit controllers for producing, (1) display of one code of stop and go signals to the roadways when the circuit controllers are positioned in one fixed contacting position, (2) another code of stop and go signals thereto when the circuit controllers are positioned in the other fixed contacting position, and (3) a display of a code of stop signals to both roadways during the interval the circuit controllers are moving from one fixed contacting position to the other, means for producing a predetermined time interval of operation of the relay in moving the circuit controllers from one fixed contacting position to the other, and means for energizing the relay for predetermined intervals of time alternately with deenergization thereof for other predetermined time intervals.

12. In a signaling system, stop and go signals at the intersection of two roadways, a two position polarized relay, circuit controllers operated thereby movable between oppositely energized fixed contacting positions alternately and sequen- .tially with movement through an energized operating contacting position upon reversing polarity of energy fiow to the relay, means including a source of energy and contacts engaging the circuit controllers for producing, (1) display of one code of stop and go signals to the roadways when the circuit controllers are positioned in one energized fixed position, (2) display of another code of stop and go signals thereto when the circuit controllers are positioned in the opposite energized fixed contacting position, and (3) display of a code of stop signals to both the roadways during the interval the circuit controllers are moving through the energized operating contacting position, means producing a predetermined time interval of movement of the circuit controllers from one energized fixed contacting position tothe other, and means including a polarized source of energy connected to the relay for, periodically reversing the polarity of the energy flow therebetween for maintaining the relay in one fixed energized contacting position when the energy flow therethrough in one direction and maintaining the relay in the other fixed energized position when the energy flows therethrough in the opposite direction.

13. In a signaling system, stop and gosignals at the intersection of two roadways, a three position signal relay including a motor and a plural- 75 ity of circuit controllers operated thereby having oppositely fixed energized contacting positions and a stationary deenergized contacting position, means including a source of energy and relay contacts engaged by certain of the circuit controllers for producing display of one or another of selected codes of go signals when the motor and said certain circuit controller is positioned in one or the other of the fixed energized contacting positions and cancel display of said go signals when positioned in the deenergized contacting position, means including a source of energy and other relay contacts engaged by other circuit controllers for producing display of one or another of selected codes of stop signals when the motor and said other circuit controller is positioned in one or the other of the fixed contacting positions and also produce display of both codes of stop signals when positioned in the deenergized contacting position, and means including a source of energy for maintaining the motor and circuit controllers at opposite fixed contacting position for predetermined intervals sequentially with maintaining said motor and circuit control in the deenergized contacting position for other predetermined intervals.

OSCAR A. ROSS.

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