US2049746A - Sign - Google Patents

Description

7 Sheets-Shee'c l Aug, 4, W35. G. E. OAKLEY' ET AL SIGN Filed Jan. 2o, 1934 ,mm E wm wf., ,W

ATTORNEY 4, 11936. -G. E. OAKLEY ET A1.

SIGN

Filed Jan. 20, 1934 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 l X W ATTORNEY y Aug, 4, 1936. G. E. OAKLEY ET AL SIGN Filed Jan. 2o, 1934 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 EN EN moN. No

Aug. 4, E936. G. E. OAKLEY ET Al. 2,049,746

SIGN

Filed Jan. 20, 1934 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 LE i BDD

l El 275 INVEN M; o BY ATTOINEY Aug 4, .1936 G. E. oAKLEY'E-r Al. 2,049,746

SIGN

Filed Jan. 20, 1934 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Ln cn (f) kD CDD CRD

CSR

. IN, hl-af,

M E, ,4, l BY ATTORNEY Aug. 4, 1936.

G. E. OAKLEY ET AL SIGN Filed Jan. 20, 1954 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 g IN LRN.

Aug.- 4, 1936.

A'RD

G. E. OAKLEY ET AL 2,049,746

SIGN

Filed Jan. 20, 1934 7 Sheets-5h66*l 7 Lug N I mmm Patented ug. 4', i936 SIGN George E. akley, Albany, and Arthur E. Tucker,

Schenectady, N. Y., assignors @ar Heating Company, Inc.,

to Consolidated Albany, N. Y., a

corporation of New York l K appagante Jamai-y 2o, 1934, serial No. '107,436

l5 Claims.

This invention relates to remote controlled devices, such as signs, particularly signs for use in connection with railways, and more especially signs for use in connection with a plurality kof cars, units, or compartments connected to form a train.

On railways, railway employees time is saved and travelers journeys are facilitated by a profuse use of informative signs. This is particularly true in the case of high speed urban lines, where the destinations and routes are so numerous, particularly in the case of those in large cities, such as New York, especially where those lines or railways are underground, where a passenger does not have an opportunity to ascertain the general direction oi movement of trains by comparison with known wayside points. On such lines, it is quite desirable to have informative signs, readableboth from without and within the train, associated with each car, unit, section, or compartment, and preferably positioned at each end and at the center thereof.

On the rapid transit lines of New York, at certain hours, the number of passengers is so great that even if an employee were stationed on each car, unit, section, or compartment of a train, it would be difficult for that employee to make his way from one end of the unit to the other and back again, through the mass of passengers, to properly change the signs, so that the persons awaiting trains at the various stations Yand on the train will be informed of the desired facts in regard to route, destination, and so forthv regarding the train. Y

rIrains composed of a very large number of cars, units, or compartments are now being operated by two and sometimes by one man, such as the so-called motorrnan and the so-called rear flagman. To change all oi the signs on all oi the cars when only one or two employees are used on a train composed of say, eight, twelve, or sixteen cars is a task which could only be successfully accomplished in a short time while the train is at a terminus and while free from passengers.

A principal object of this invention is to provide signs of such construction that the requisite number may be well placed in each oar, unit, section, or compartment of a multiple unit train, and a convenient and easily operated means may be installed at one or more points in the train; whereby all signs of a given kind distributed throughout the train, such as, for instance, route signs, may be simultaneously operated; and whereby other signs, all of the same kind, distributed throughout the train, such as, for instance, destination signs, may be simultane-V ously operated; and whereby further signs, distributed throughout the train, giving further desired information, all of the same kind, may be 5 simultaneously operated. s

A further object of this invention is to provide setting means at one or more points on a train whereby a plurality of signs, of different informational type on the train may be operated, in a case where the signs are arranged inV subgroups of one or more, remotely positioned one to the other, each sub-group having an operating motor associated therewith, and the signs arranged in one or more main groups, each main group consisting of all sub-groups of the same informational type.

A further object of the invention is the provision in a system'of the type pointed out of indicating means whereby the proper setting of the several signs will be indicated to the one setting the signs.

A further object of the invention is the provision, in a system of signs, consisting` ofy main groups, each main group consisting of subgroups, and each sub-group consisting of one or more signs, of selector mechanism common to all the main groups but sign operating motor control individual to each main group.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a plurality of signs, disposed in a plurality of positions, as throughout a train in the several cars, operable by a minimum of manipulations by one person at one point.

A further object of the invention is the provision of signs of the type specified which may be controlled manually, but operated by power.

A further object of the invention is a provision of signs of the type specified which may bemoved synchronously from one position exhibiting one indicia, to another position or positions indicating another or other indicia.

A further object of the invention is the provision of signs of the type specified which are arranged 4so that if any particular sign having a plurality of indicia thereon, gets out of step or synchronism, it automatically gets back into step in the normal operation thereof without requiring particular and special attention by the. person operating the signs.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a system whereby a sign is moved to its several informational positions by power means having associated therewith means for automatically controlling the power means so that the and gether to form a train and any number of trains n may be connected together to make a larger train, and the system will continue to function in an identical manner.

A further object of the invention is a system of the type specified in which only one main conductor throughout the train is required for each distinct informational indicia onthe sign having the largest number of informational indicia thereon; one motor control wire for each main group of signs; and one indication wire for each main group of signs.

Other objects and advantages will appear as th-e description of the particular physical embodiments selectedv to illustrate the invention progresses-and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

In describing the invention in detail and the particular physical embodimentselected to illustrate the invention, reference will be had to the accompanying drawings, and the several views thereon, in which like characters of reference .designate like parts throughout the several views,

and in which:

Figure l is a schematic or diagrammatic view of a train composed of a plurality of units, each unit beingeither what is known commonly as a car, or compartment,l or as a section of the Anewer type of what is known as an articulated train, with signs of applicants construction indicated in place therein; Fig. 2 is a somewhat schematick View illustrating, in plan, one preferred arrangement of operating motor, signs associated therewith, and operating connections therebetween; Fig. 3 is a'somewhat schematic elevational View of the device as shown by Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a plan View of a sign operating motor, driving connections and circuit controllers, with part of theinclosing cover removed to more clearly show the internal construction; Fig. 5 is a sectional view on` the planeindicated by the line V-V of Fig. 4 viewed inthe directionV of the arrows at the ends of the line; Figs. 6, 7, 8, 9,-'and 10 are schematic or diagrammatic illustrations of the selecting, controlling, operating, and indicating circuits and the devices associated therewith positioned on the several units of a multiple unit train and are to be read` in connection one with the other, as Fig. '7 is a continuation of the right hand end of Fig. 6, Fig. 8 of the right hand end of Fig. 7, Fig. 9 of the right hand end of Fig. 8, and Fig. 10 of the right hand end of Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a schematic view of an alternative form of construction for a selective circuit controller; Fig. 12 is an elevational View of a hand plug to be used with the alternative scheme as shown by Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a fragmentary sketch illustrating an additional means of control for the motor operating a sign; Fig. 14 is a schematic showing of an alternative form of motor circuit.

In order to better explain the principle, the construction and the mode of operation of the invention, applicants have shown the application thereof to a specic arrangement of signs on a train. l

In Figure 1, applicants have illustrated a numberV of passenger receiving units. Each one of theseV units may be considered as an ordinary car or as one of the sections of an articulated train. The units are designated A, B, C, B, and A.

When such a train, as is illustrated by Fig. 1, starts from a terminus or comes into a station to receive passengers, it is desirable, for the train to exhibit along at least one side thereof, one or more signs having .indicia thereon indicative of the destination of the train, and/or the general route to be taken by the train, and/or in some cases, the fact that the train is going to pass over a general route by someone of several alternative lines. In short, prospective passengers in a terminus or station should be able to determine the facts in regard to the train which are necessary to be known to enable a prospective passenger to determine whether or not he should board the train. This requires that a sign or signs be so exhibited that they may be read by persons standing on a passenger loading platform as a train passes alongside of that platform and comes to a stop. Preferably, several signs, all bearing the same indicia should be exhibited along the length of the train. Y

It is also preferable after one has actually boarded the train, that he may check the destination of the train, or some other information concerning the route or routes to be traversed by the train.

In order to provide the necessary signs for supplying the desired information, applicants contemplate arranging signs, sufficient to give the necessary desired information, so that they may be viewed by passengers on a loading platform. To this end, applicants arrange signs, as in section A, at l, 2, and 3. These signs are arranged, as will be hereinafter more fully explained, so asto be readable from the right hand side of the train, as shown in Fig. l, when traveling in the direction of the arrow 4. Applicants may also arrange corresponding signs, as 5, 6, and 1, readable from the right hand side of the train as shown in Fig. 1, when the train is traveling in a direction opposite to that of the arrow 4.

Applicant may arrange signs upon each of the sections B, C, B and AV exactly corresponding to the signs l, 2, and 3, and 5, 6, and 'l on sectionl A or may diminish the number-of signs, that is, as shown on sections B and B', signs, as S and 8 only, may be exhibited on one side of the train, and signs, as 9 and 9 only, on the other side of the train.

If desired, no signs, or one, two, or more signs may be exhibited in each unit of the train on one side thereof, or no signs, or one, two, or more signs may be exhibited on the other side of each unit of the train.

Section C has been provided by applicants with three signs on 'each side thereof, that is, signs I0, Il, and l2; and I3, I4, and l5. Section A has been provided by applicants with three signs on each side thereof and indicated at IB, ll, and i8; and'l9, 20, and 2|.

' In addition tothe signs readable from the loading platform by which the train passes, applicants also provide signs which are readable from within each unit of the train, In each of the sections, applicants'have provid-ed central signs, as 22, 23, 24, '25, and 26. These signs are to be positioned so as to be readable by passengers within the unit. In addition, applicants provide signs at the ends of some of the sections, as 2l, and 28, at the several ends of section A; 29 and 3B, at the several ends of section C; and 3l and 32, at th-e several ends of section A.

It is applicants intention to arrange their sysis designated a sub-group Y 2, 5, and 22 and amavis signs which are positioned substantially adjacent to one end of a unit are all operated by one motor; and those substantially adjacent the center of a unit to be likewise operated by a separate single motor, thus signs, l, 5, and 2l will be operated by one motor; signs 2, and 22 will be operated by another motor; and signs 3, l, and 28 will be operated by still a third motor. Each of the groups, as l, 5 and 2l,

by applicants.

Where one sub-group of signs is used in a unit, as signs, 2, 5, and they will in general be signs which indicate the destination of the train; where two sub-groups of signs are used in a unit, as signs i, 5, and 2li, one would be a destination sub-group and the other would be a general route sub-group; if three sub-groups of signs are used in one unit then the additional subgroup as 3, l, and 28 would be signs indicating a general route and a specified alternative of that route. It is, of course, to be understood, that if desired, the destination sub-group of a particular unit, as sub-group 2, 5, and 22 of unit A may be absent, but the other two sub-groups as l, 5, and 2l, and 3, l, and 23 may be present. In fact, the number of tem so that all of those signs and the positions of the signs in any given unit may be as desired. There may be a total absence of signs; or one or any plurality of like sub-groups; or any plurality of unlike subgroups, each sub-group containing one or any plurality of signs.

Applicants system of signs, as exemplified by the arrangement of Fig. l results in the presence of numerous sub-groups, each consisting of one or more like signs. These sub-groups fall into main groups, each main group including all sub-groups throughout the train bearing like indicia. There are three main groups shown in Fig. 1; the one containing all the destination sub-groups. that is, the sub-groups including signs 23, i211, 25, and 26; the one containing all the route subgroups, that is the sub-groups including signs 2l, 29, and 3l; and the one containing all the specified. alternatives of a general route subgroup, that is, the sub-group including signs 23, 30, and 52.

It is, of course, to be understood that the illustration and description of only three main groups is not to be understood as excluding the use of more main groups, because as will be apparent from the hereinafter given description, applicants invention is applicable to any plurality of main groups.

Each sign of applicants invention bears one or a plurality of informational indicia thereon, and includes means 'whereby a particular distinct indicia may be conditioned so as to be exhibited to passengers. Various methods may be employed to cause the exhibition of this indicia. Applicants have illustrated and described one method which involves a plurality of faces each movable to a predetermined position, but it is to be understood that applicants do not intend to thereby exclude a single movable face, or a single stationary face cooperating with a movable shield, from the domain of their invention.

Each sign of appli-cants preferred construction is in general a hollow body and preferably provided with a plurality of plane faces. The form illustrated in the drawings for the purpose of explanation of applicants invention is that of a hollow cylindrical prism having six planeV faces 33, 34, 95, 35, 3l, and 38. By so constructing the indicia bearing portion of the sign, ap-

- il bears a beveled gear plicants are enabled to cause each sign to eX- hibit a multiplicity of dilferent information indicia. In the form shown, each sign may exhibit six distinct informational indicia.

Each sign is supported on a longitudinal axis 39 suitably supported in bearings, as i9 and lll,

so that those signs which are mounted adjacent i the sides of the units may be revolved about their axes to bring each of the plane faces, as 33 to 38, inclusive, in position to be Visible along the side 42 of the train and preferably through a transparent window, and those signs which are mounted on the center line of a unit, as sign 22 of section A, are positioned so that the plane faces thereof, as 44, may be exhibited to full view of passengers facing it in the unit.

Each of the side signs is mounted on a longitudinal shaft 39 and have a beveled gear 55 attached to one end thereof. This beveled gear meshes with a companion beveled gear 55 mounted on a shaft lll which is supported in suitable bearings, as 48 and 49. The other end of shaft 59 meshing with a beveled gear 5 l on the end of a shaft 52, one end of which is supported in bearing 53, and the other end of which is connected by universal coupling 55 with a shaft 55 driven by the motor M. Shaft 55 also, o n its other end, has universal coupling 56 connecting with shaft 5l which'is Y in turn connected to universal coupling 58 which is mounted on shaft 59 carrying the sign having the plane face 44. The shaft 59 is mounted in bearings, as 6l! and 6|, and the other end thereof has a universal coupling 62 attached thereto which, through the shaft 63 corresponding to shaft 52, operates the sign on the other side of the car.

By the arrangement hereinbefore described, the sign in the center of the car together with the signs on each side of the car is operated synchronously by one and the same motor by means of connections which insure all of the signs operated from a single motor being in step after once being connected up in step.

Of course, it is understood that although applicants have provided that motor M may be used to operate three separate and individual signs at one and the same time, it may, as is evident, operate only one sign or two signs, and it is to be further understood that applicants do not mean to exclude a construction in which a single motor operates any number of signs, as it is evident that just as two signs, as the sign in the center of Fig. 3 and the one to the right thereof, are operated in tandem from motor M, so may any number of signs be operated in tandem from coupling 56 through motor M. It is further to be understood that applicant does not intend to exclude signs operated in other than tandem by well known mechanical movements operated by motor M, just so long as those signs are so connected as to operate synchronously.

The operating motor M, and its connections to the universal joint couplings 54 and 55, are best shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The motor M may be of any of the usual forms of motors as series, shunt, or compound wound, and operable by alternating or direct current. It is to be understood, of course, that applicants, by the showing of an electric motor acting as a prime mover, do not mean to exclude the use of equivalent prime movers.

Motor M, as is usual, is provided with a shaft 54. This shaft bears a pinion 65 which meshes with a.*gear wheel 66 mountedftoyturn withv shaft B1 supported in suitablebearings.. The shaft 61 bears:a pinion 68 attached to rotate therewith which meshes with gear wheel 69 mounted to turn with shaftv 10 mounted in suitable bearings. The shaft 10 hasmountedthereonso as to be movable therewith a drive-pin.; 1| whichupon rotationengages in slots as 12` off'the star wheel 13 mounted rigidly on shaft 14'. The star.` wheel 13 is providedwith slots to correspond with the number. of plane faces on the plural faced sign, that is, with six slots, as 12. When driving pin 1i, during rotation, engages with a slot as 12 it moves the star wheel 13 and shaft 14 through an angle of GO'degrees and'locking cam 1.5 engages, at times, with the arcuate locking surface, as 16, between slots of star wheel 131 so that star wheel 13 is prevented from turning, that is, is locked.

The shaft 14 is supported in suitable bearings and is otherwise properly arranged in yaccordance with good engineeringpracticeand has connectedV thereto the universal joint 54 at Yone end and the universal joint 56 at theY otherY end through which connection is made to signsto be operated.

The shaft 1l) carries a drum 11 preferablyformed of insulating material and provided Vin the usual way with ametallic contact strip 18 for cooperation with the contacting ngers 19 and 8G for a purpose to be hereinafter more fully described.

The shaft1'4 carries'a drum 8i, termed, by-applicants, a motor operatedselective circuit controller, preferably of insulating material, having contacting lingers 82, 83, S4, 35, 86, 81, 83, 89, and 9B arranged to bear upon-the periphery thereof or upon metallic strips imbedded inthe periphery', but not shownv iny Fig. 4 although shown clearly and diagrammatically in Figs. 6V to l0 inclusive.-

From the hereinbefore given` description, it is apparent that if electrical energy is supplied to the motor M the drum 1l will be rotated together with shaft-14 andv drum 8| so that the sign orsigns connected to -universalecouplings 5d and 56 will be rotated'.v In describing Figs. 6.. to 10 inelusiveit willi-be pointed outhow the driving pin 1i is cause-d to rotate star wheel 13v through only 60 degrees or any multiple of 6.0

degrees as desired so as 'to bring any-desired faceof a sign to a given-position.

It'is, of course, to -be understood that. although.

applicantshave herein shown a sign having six faces and a star wheel 'i3v having six slots 12.

therein so that upon an operation of the motor lvl the star wheel 13 is moved through an angle of sixty degrees and some one of six faces of a sign is exhibited, it is to be understood that forms other than hexagonal prisms may be usedv for signs and in such case the star wheel 13.

will be moved through a number of degrees corresponding with the number of faces. The star wheel 13 will be provided with ainumbery of slots 12 also corresponding with the number of faces on the sign because applicants may use, in accordance with the principles of the invention less than six faces `or more than six faces.

Various arrangement of circuits andfcontrolling relays, together with manually operable circuit closing devices may be employed to operate and control the signs positioned upc-n theY several units of atrain, but in orderto*obtainandmake use of the full capabilities of applicants signs,

applicants have devised a system of control wherebyithe signs throughout the vtrain may be controlled from one point, or from two or more points, preferablyA two, one located at one end of the train, and one located at the other end of the train.

The system of control devised by applicants is illustratedin Figs. 6 to 10 inclusive. These gures when placed end to end; so that the left hand end of Fig. 7 joins the right hand end of Fig; 6 ;the left hand end of Fig. 8 joins the right hand end of Fig. 7; the left hand end of Fig. 9 joins the right hand end of Fig. 8; and the left hand end of Fig, 10 joins the right hand end of Fig. 9, exhibit all of the necessary circuits for a ve unit train, so that Fig. 6 exhibits the necessary mechanism and circuits on the section A of Fig.V 1; Fig. 7 illustrates the necessary circuits andmechanism on section B;,Fig. 8 illustrates that on section C and Fig. 9 that on section B'; and Fig. 10 illustrates that on section A. Sections A and A are, in effect, identical, one being one end of the system, and the other being the other end. The arrangement for section B is the same as the arrangement for section B'. that of A and A except the means provided for operating the signs is absent.

As the units of the train may be either articulated or coupled, it may be necessary to provide ,conductor couplings between the several sections. 'I'hese couplings between A- and B are indicated at 5i and 92; between-B and C at 93 and 9d; between C and B' at 95 and 96; and between Bl and A at 91 and 98. In oase a train, such as is shown in Fig. 1, is coupled to another corresponding train so as to be operated as one, then if it is connected to A, coupling S9, Fig. 6, is attached thereto; if it is attached to section A', then coupling |60 is attached thereto.

It is, of course, to be understood that the arrangement of sections, or units A and A may be varied, in that the particular kind of signs may be as desired, that is, all signs may be absent from sections A or A orone, two, or more different types of signs. belonging to different main groupsmay be` present.

It is also to be understood thatsections B and B' although shown as having theV mechanism for operating onetype only of sign may be equipped tooperate one, two, or more types of signs, or may have no signs at all therein although conductors and wires would pass through the unit.

In each of sections A and-A', devices. are positioned which may be manually operated to position any one or more of the several types of signs positioned throughout the trainV and for indicating that the signs have assumed the desired position.

In order to opera-te any and all of the signs shown, throughout the train, or throughout a double, or triple train, applicants require twelve wiresV extending throughout the train. These wires are the conductors which are coupled together by the coupling members suchas 9i and 92.

Ifone has. to operate theform of applicants invention, as illustrated bythis application, as appliedto a vesection train' with the various parts arranged as shown. by Figures 6 toy l0 incl'usive,.a trainman, stationed in section A, that is, in the section arranged as shown by Fig. 6, Woul'drst placeV acircuit-controller to the on position,.that"is', wouldA operate circuit controller ED. He would thenpositionpartial circuit selec- The arrangement of C is identical with tive circuit controller D of Fig. 6 to a position corresponding to a particular distinct indicia desired. The trainman would then operate a manually operable circuit controller individual to the particular main group of signs to be operated. Such a circuit controller is indicated at 233. The trainman would then wait for an indication which he would receive by the lighting of a lamp individual to the main group of signs which he desires to have operated. Such a lamp is shown at 255. The only further action necessary by him would be to place the circuit controller ED in the ofiV position. If the trainman were in section A', the mode of operation would be the same, as duplicates of all of the devices mentioned are located in section A.

The circuit controller ED is in function merely a manually operable circuit controller which in one position, which may be called the off position, normally closes one circuit, and when in another position, which may be called the on position, breaks the first mentioned circuit and closes other circuits and is primarily for connecting the several circuits with the positive terminal of a source of potential. It is, of course, obvious that other forms of circuit controller than the particular one illustrated by applicants may be used.

The partial circuit selective circuit controller is in function merely a means for partially closing at will, any one of a plurality of partial circuits, and in its simplest mechanical form may be pictured as a swinging arm which sweeps over a plurality of contacts each of which is connected to a conductor where the arm is connected to one terminal of a source of potential and the several conductors are each included in separate circuits.

The manualiy operable circuit controller, such as 233 functions exactly like, and in construction is comparable to any ordinary circuit controller which when operated by hand closes a circuit.

The partial circuit selective circuit controller in the form shown by applicants embodies a drum corresponding to the drum 5| of Fig, 4 in that it is rotatably mounted and has metallic segments in the periphery thereby cooperating with contact iingers arranged in relation thereto in a manner corresponding to the relation of contact lingers 52 to 05 inclusive of Fig. 4 in relation to drum 8|. The manually operable drum and associated contact fingers is indicated in Fig. 5 as a whole by the letter D. It is rotatable in a direction corresponding to the arrow |51 and has six working positions as indicated by lines |02, |03, |54, |55, |55, and |01. When in position |02, Contact fingers and ||2 both bear upon the metallic segment ||5. When the drum is moved to position |03, contact iinger still bears upon segment H5, but contact nger ||2 moves out of contact with lli, and contact finger ||3 contacts with segment H5 which is connected by conductor ||1 with segment iii. In the same way, further movement of the drum D causes H8 to contact with ||4; and Iig, |25, and |2| to contact with M5, |55 and |55 respectively.

If it is desired to position a route sign throughout the train to a position so that some one of its six faces will be exhibited, energy drum ED is operated so that metallic segments |22, |23 and |24 are moved so that |22 bridges contact iingers |25, |25 and itl; segment |23 bridges contact fingers |29 and |30 and |24 is moved out of contact with |35 and i3 then the drum D is placed in that one of its positions, |52 to |51 inclusive, which corresponds with desired face to be exhibited. When drum D has been moved as described, thenroute button |32 is depressed to make contact between wires |33 and |34. Under such conditions, when drum D is in number one position, that is, in position |02, as shown in Fig. 6, current iows from the vpositive terminal of the battery through Wires |35 and |35 to contact nger |21, through contact segment |22 to contact linger |25, wire |31 and wire |33 to contact button |32, thence to wire |34 and through wires |38 and |39 to armature |40 and then through wire |4| to relay, or motor control, or electrically energizable coil |42 and thence to the negative terminal of the source of potential. Current flowing in the above traced path energizes relay coil |42 and causes its armatures |43 and |44 to be moved to the left, as shown in Fig. 6, making contact with wires |45 and |45 which are both connected to wire |41 leading to the positive terminal of the source of potential. When these armatures |43 and |44 are thus moved, current flows through wire |41 and wire |45 through armature |43 and wires |48 and |39 through armature |40 to wire |4| and relay coil |42 to the negative terminal of the source. This last traced circuit is in the nature of a stick circuit to maintain the energization of relay coil |42 even if the finger is removed from button |32.

Not only does current flow in the last above traced path but also current flows from the positive terminal of the source through wires |41 and |43 through Yarmature |44 to wire |40 through mo-tor |50 and to the negative terminal of the source. The motor |50 is one of the motors M as shown in Fig. Lland is connected to operate the motor operated selector circuit controller or route drum RD corresponding todrum 8| of Fig. 4. As route drum tact segments pass in succession into contact with the contact fingers arranged about the periphery thereof. These contact fingers have positions corresponding to the positions of the contact segments of manually operated drum D, that is, they have positions |52, |53, |54, |55, |55, |51 corresponding respectively to positions |02 to |01 inclusive of drum D.

If drum D had been placed in the third position, that is, in position |04 so that segment ||8 made contact with contact iinger I4, then when motor |50 had moved drum RD toa position such that contact segment k|53 contacts contact nger |59 a circuit would be made in which current flows as follows: positive terminal of the source, wires |35 and |35, contact finger |21', contact segment |22, contact finger |25, wire |50, contact finger contact segment H5, wire ||1, contact segment H5, wire |5|, contact segment H8, Contact nger H4, Wires |52 and |53, contact nger |59, contact segment |54, wire |54, contact segment |65, wire |55, contact segment |51, contact nger |58, wire |59, coil |10, wire |1| to the negative terminal of the source. Current flowing in the above traced path will energize relay, or selector controlled, or electrically energizable coil |10 moving armature |40 and |1| to the left as viewed in Fig. 6. The movement of armature |40 will break the stick circuit of the relay coil |42 which will cause the armatures |43 and |44 to return to their normal position, that is, the position as shown in Fig. 6, thereby breaking the circuit of the motor |750 so that the motor will stop, thus leaving the sign in the desired third position.

The other live positions of the route signs throughout the train will be brought about in an RD turns, its several con- 'through couplings r"91 and '98, wire identical manner, the onlydifference--being the positioning `of drum D which willbe-in accordance with the desired face lof the sign which -is to be displayed.

Not only does the drum RD of Fig. 6 and the sign connected thereto assume a, desired position, but in addition, all other route signs throughout the train vassume a like position, as the sign connected with and moving synchronously with drum CRD of Fig. 8 and ARD of Fig. 10, so that the armature I8I adjacent CRD and the armature I 84 acl-jacent ARD move to the closed position.

It is to be observed that although applicants have shown a route sign only in sections A, C, and A', that,.if necessary, one or vmore could be placed in each of the units of the train shown by Fig. 1, it merely being necessary to tap into the control wire and place relays corresponding to |42 and |10 together with amotor corresponding .to |50, and a-drumcorresponding to RD at the particular place where a signv is desired.

It should be noted thatwhen the route drum RD arrived at the desired" position, the armature I1 I was moved to the left. This was for the purpose of giving a return indication of the position of the sign. vThis return indication is to cause a circuit lto form lin `which current iiows as follows: positive terminal ofthe source, Wires |35 and wire |13, contact`iingerl'29, contact segment I28,"contactfnger |30, Wire "|14,.|15 and |16, lampl11, wire |18, armature |1|, Wires |19 and |80, through couplings'SI and92 "and through couplings 93 v'a'ndlf9||,armature |8| inf'the closed position, wire |182, throughcouplings95 and 96, |83, Aarmature |84 in the closed position, wirel85, lamp |86, wire |81, wire |88,'iconta'ct linger |89, contact segment of energy drumED,"contact linger |9| and wire |192 'to the negative 'terminal of the source. The circuit just above traced passes throughzarm'atures'|`8Iirand |84 in the closed position. These are'in the 'closedposition because they correspond to and function exactly as does armature I1| as hereinbefore described.

Current flowing Ithrough 'lamps |11 and |86 cause these lamps to be lighted,i.and`is an indication that the various route signs throughout the train have beenxmoved -and have arrived at the desired position Vso that 'then the Voperator may move the energy drum ED of Fig. 6 to the off position, cutting orf fenergy from the control system.

It will be noted'that the vcircuit for the lamps |11 -and |86 pass through the contact-'segments and contact fingers of the `energydrum'ED at theright hand end of F'g. 10, that is, in section A at the opposite f end of the train'tothat at which the operato-r was 4manipulating the signs, but vin order to vhave 'the :circuit completethe energydrum at the opposite end of the train must be in the 01T position, as shown by FignlO.

'It should .also -be`noted thatv'ifthe operator in section-Arat the energy drum ED, desires to have a certain face "of a certain type of sign exhibited, but does 'not know whether or A-notthe signs are then in'the desired position, itis merely necessaryffor'him to turna drum such as D to the-position corresponding Yto the face which itis desired-to 'exhibit 'and then operate energy drum ED whereupon the llamps as |11 and |86 will light if the -signs'are4 in` the position desired without'=any operation of lthe motors as |50 and the relay as |42, although relays, as |1.='0 Will-be operated.

-It is furtherto beinoted that ythe Vreturn indicationby the lamps persist until the energy drum which was moved to the on position is moved to the 01T position in all cases of normal operation.

If it is desired to exhibit a particular face of the destination type of sign, an operator turns energy drum ED to the on position then moves a drum as D, to a position corresponding to the face to be exhibited, and then pushes destination button |93 to connect wires |94 and |95. When wires I 94 and |95 are connected, current flows as follows: positive terminal of the source of potential, Wires |35 and |36, contact inger |21, contact segment |22, contact linger |26, wire |94, button |93, wires |95, |96 and |91, armature |98, wire |99, relay coil 208 to the negative terminal of the source of potential. Current flowing in the above traced path moves armatures 20| and 202 to the left hand position, as viewed in Fig. 6, thereby energizing the motor 283 by current in a circuit as follows: positive terminal of the source of potential, wires 204 and 205, armature 202, motor 203 to the negative terminal of the source. Current iiowing in the above traced path causes the motor to operate and move the drum DD until it has assumed a position corresponding to the position of drum D, the motor remaining energized even after the button |93 is released by reason of a stick circuit through relay coil 280 identical with the stick circuit through relay coil |42. When the drum DD does arrive at a position corresponding to the drum D, assuming D is in the third position, that is, position |04, then current will iiow in a path as follows: positive terminal of the source, wires |35 and |36, contact finger |21, contact segment |22, contact finger |25, wire |68, contact linger contact segment H5, wire ||1, contact segment IIG, Wire |6I, contact segment H8, Ywires |62, 206 and 251, contact finger 208, contact segment 209, Wire 2|0, contact s-egment 2| I, wire 2|2, contact segment 2I3, contact linger 2|4, wire 2|5, relay coil 2I6, to the negative terminal of the source. Current flowing in the above traced path energizes the relay coil 2 I 6 and moves armatures |98 and 2I1 to the left as viewed in Fig. 6 thereby breaking the stick circuit for relay 200 and causing armatures 20| and 202 to move to the right as shown in Fig. 6, thereby energizing the motor 203.

Not only does the drum DD of Fig. 6 move together with its sign but also the drum BDD of Fig. '1 together with its sign, and the drum CDD of Fig. 8 together with its sign, and the drum BDD of Fig. 9 together with its sign, and the drum ADD of Fig. 10 together with its sign, so that all of the destination signs throughout the train are operated to exhibit the same face.

When the destination signs are operated to show a face armature 2|1 is moved to the left as viewed in Fig. 6 and also armature 2|8 of Fig. 7, 2I9 of Fig. 8, 220 of Fig. 9 and 22| of Fig. l0, so that an indication circuit is formed in which current flows as follows: positive terminal of the source of potential, wires |35 and |13, contact linger |29, contact segment |28, contact linger |30, Wire |14, lamp 222, wire 223, armature 2|1, Wire 224, wire 225, armature 2|8, wire 226, armature 2|9, wire 221, armature 220, wire 226, wire 229, armature 22|, wire 230, lamp 23|, wires 232 and |83, contact finger |89, contact segment |90, contact iinger I9| and Wire |02 to the negative terminal of the source of potential. Current iiowing in the above traced path causes the lamps 222 and 23| to light and so gives an indication that the destination signs throughout the train have moved and have assumed the desired position whereupon the energyr drum ED is moved to the oif position.

If the trainman desires to operate the third type of signs, that is, the alternative route signs, he proceeds by first moving energy drum ED to the on position then turns the drum D to the desired position, say the third position, that is, to position and then pushes alternative route button 233, so that a circuit is formed in which current flows as follows: positive terminal of the source of potential, wires |35 and |35, contact finger |21, contact segment |22, contact nger |26, wires |31 and 234, button 233, wires 235 and 231, armature 238, wire 239 and relay coil 255 to the negative terminal of the source. Current flowing in the above traced 243 which moves armatures 24| and 232 to the left hand position, as viewed in Fig. 6, thus forming the stick circuit for relay coil 243 through armature 233 and energizing motor 2&3 by way of armature 242, so that drum SR together with associated signs is moved until the appropriate segment, that is, segment 244, contacts 245, whereupon a circuit is formed in which current flows as follows: positive terminal of the source of potential, wires |35 and |36, contact finger |21, contact segment |22, contact finger |25, wire |53, contact nger contact segment l5, wire |1, contact segment H6, wire |5|, contact segment H8, contact nger H4, wires |62 and 245, contact finger 255, contact segment 2M, wire 241, contact segment 2118, wire 229, contact segment 255, contact finger wire 252 and relay coil 253 to the negative terminal of the source. Current flowing in the above traced path energizes relay coil 253 and moves armatures 233 and 25e to a left hand position, thereby breaking the stick circuit of relay 240.

The drum SR and its associated signs are operated by the flow of current which energizes relay 255i, and at the same time relay 255 on Fig. 8, and relay 253 on Fig. 1) are energized so as to cause a movement of drums CSR and ASR respectively together with their associated signs, so that armatures 251 on Fig. 8, and 253 on Fig. l0 are moved to the left hand position, as viewed in the gures, so that a circuit is formed in which current flows as follows: positive terminal of the source of potential, wires and |13, contact finger |29, contact segment |28, contact finger |30, wires |14, |15 and |13, lamp 259, wire 23S), armature 255, wires 25| and 252, armature 251, wires 253 and 23d, armature 258, wire 255, lamp 255, wires 261, 232 and |88, contact finger |89, contact segment |35, contact finger |9| and wire |92 to the negative terminal'of the source. Current flowing in the above traced paths illuminates the lamps 259 and 266 indicating that the alternative route drums and signs associated therewith have moved to the desired position, whereupon the energy drum ED is moved to the off position.

Instead of using a rotating drum, such as D,

for selecting a position corresponding to the desired face of a sign to be exhibited, applicants may use the arrangement as shown in Figs. ,ll and l2. Fig. 11 illustrates the possibility of utilizing a entral metallic contact with other contacts arranged on the circumference of a circle thereabout for cooperation with a U-shaped metallic member 233 for making connection between the central contact and the circumferential contacts. In Fig. 1l the wire 25S corresponds to wire |55 of Fig. 6, and feeds positive energy to the central contacts 210, 21| and 212 which correspond to path energizes relay the segment ||5 of Fig. 6. If the U-shapedV metallic member 258 is connected between one of the central contacts as 215, 21|, or 212 and one of the surrounding contacts a circuit is made which corresponds to a circuit made by connection of a metallic segment as it on drum D with a contact finger as ||3, that is, the surrounding contacts 213, 211|, 215, 215, 211 and 218 correspond with the contact fingers |33, |59, ||3 and |12, |13 and ||l| respectively.

Fig. 13 illustrates the manner in which the drum 11 together with its associated contact segment 18 and contact finger 13 and 8f3 may be used. This drum and its associated parts may or may not be included within the circuits as shown by Figs. 6 to 10 inclusive. If it is found that a motor such as |55, as shown adjacent RD in Fig. 6, has a tendency to stop before driving pin 1| has completed a movement of a slot such as 12 through an angle of sixty degrees or then turning locking cam 15 into contact with locking wing 16, then the arrangement as shown in Fig. 13 may be used by which the drum 11 and its associated parts are called into action. The drum structure shown in Figure 13 is the drum structure designated RD in Fig. 6 and the wiring connections thereto are just as in Fig. 6 with the exception of the connection between contact segment |61 and relay coil |13. In the construction as shown by Fig. 13 the conductors between segment |51 and relay coil |13 is not continuous, but has its continuity interrupted by drum 11 and associated parts, in that, a wire from segment |51, that is, wire 219 leads from contact segment |51 to a contact nger 19, and another wire 233 leads from relay coil |15 to contact finger 83. The contact 18 is so positioned upon the drum 11 that it connects contact fingers 19 and 8D only after driving pin 1| has moved out of slot 12 of the star wheel 13 after having moved the star wheel through an angle of sixty'degrees. As a consequence of this method of relay coil |15 is not completed through the drum RD until after the drum has been moved precisely sixty degrees or some multiple of sixty degrees, whereupon asegment as 13 closes contact between contact ngers 1S and 35 so that the motor |55 will always more positively and definitely move a sign through exactly sixty degrees at each energization of the motor.

The form of motor circuit shown in Fig. 14 ernbodies what is commonly known as a snub or brake. In Fig. 14, thewire |413 corresponds to the wire |119 of Fig. 6. There is shown, however, a motor having an armature 23| and field coils 232 and 283. After the motor has operated by armature |52 contacting with |35 and then relay coil |22 is de-energized, the armature |52 falls back to its normal position, that is, inclined to the right as viewed in 14 and in Fig. 6 making contact with wire 234i so that a circuit is completed through armature Uhl, wire |53, motor armature 28|, field coil 232 and wire 23e which 1s in effect a short circuit upon the motor using one of the field coils in the circuit. This acts as an effectual snub or brake bringing it quickly to a stop instead of allowing it to run freely and coming to a stop gradually. This alternative as shown by Fig. 14 may be used if it is found that with the particular motor used there is too much overrun after the circuit of the motor is broken.

From the foregoing it Will be seen that in accordance with .the principle of applicants invention the number of wires extending throughout the train will be one main conductor for each operation the circuit'for i face of the sign having the largest number of faces to be exhibited; one motor relay control wire for each type of sign to be used; and one return indication wire for each type of sign to be used. As ap-plicants have employed signs of three types each having six exhibitable faces, they have consequently sho-wn six main conductors; three motor relay control wires; and three return indication wires, making a total of twelve.

It will be noted that the energy switches ED and ED are so arranged that one complements the other, that is, if a trainman is operating the signs from the end of the train illustrated by Fig. 6, he would move the energy drum ED tothe on position. At this time, the energy drum ED on the farther end of the train would be in the oif position, and necessarily so, in order for the trainman at energy switch ED to receive a return indication of the positioning of the signs, because the return indication wire supplying the lamps with energy is carried to the negative terminal of the source of potential through a segment on the drum ED which bridges the proper contacts only when that drum is in the off position, and reversely if the signs are operating from the end of the train at which the drum ED' is positioned the drum ED must be in the off position in order to obtain the proper grounding of the return indication wire in order to energize the lamps, such as |86, 23! and 255, at the end of the train at which the drum ED is positioned.

Although we have particularly described particular physical embodiments of our invention and explained the operation, construction and principle thereof, nevertheless, we desire to have it understood that the forms selected are merely illustrative, but do not exhaust the possible physical embodiments of the idea of means underlying our invention.

What we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

1. As an operating means for a changeable sign, the combination of a motor; a shaft; mechanism connected between the motor and the shaft whereby an operation of the'motor causes the shaft to revolve; a second shaft mounted to revolve; a sign provided with a movable member movable to a plurality of positions; connections between the sign and the second shaft; a star wheel formed with slots and locking faces on the second shaft; a driver and locking cam on the first shaft cooperating with the star wheel to intermittently move it and lock it between movements; and means for causing the motor to operate; and cooperating means operated by the first shaft and by the second shaft for causing the motor to stop.

2. In a sign system, in combination: a plurality of main groups of signs, each main group consisting of one or more sub-groups, each sub-group of each main group substantially separated from other sub-groups of the same main group, each sub-group consisting of one or more substantially adjacent individual signs, and each sign provided with one or a plurality of distinct indicia, and each sign movable to bring each indicia to a predetermined position; motors, one operatively connected to each sub-group arranged to move the sign or signs of the sub-group to which it is connected; an indicator individual to each main group a manually positionable selector common to all the main groups, and having a plurality of positions at least equal to the greatest number of distinct indicia on any sign, each position corresponding to a distinct indicia; a motor operated selector associated with. each motor; a motor control coil associated with each motor; a selector controlled coil associated with each motor operated selector; a motor control coil manually operable circuit controller individual to each main group; and means including a source of potential and electrical circuits whereby a desired indicia of any sub-group may be positioned, by a manual positioning of the manually positionable selector and the subsequent operation of the manually operable circuit controller individual to the main group to which the sub-group belongs, on a sign on which the desired indicia appears and an indication will be given that the desired indicia has been displayed.

3. In a sign, in combination: a plurality of distinct informational indicia; means movable to a number of positions corresponding to the number of distinct informational indicia whereby any particular one of the indicia is exhibited; a motor for operating said means; connections between the motor and the means including a star wheel formed with slots and locking faces equal, in number, at least to the number of distinct indicia, and a pin and locking cam cooperating with the star, wheel and connected to the motor whereby an operation of the motor causes an operation of the said means; manual means including a selector and circuit controller for causing the motor to operate and automatic means controlled by the motor, and including a circuit controller operated by the operation of the motor for causing the motor to stop.

4. In a system of changeable signs, in combination: a plurality of different type signs, each positionable to a plurality of positions, each sign provided with a plurality of faces each provided with informational indicia; a motor associated with one or a group of each type; positionable a selective means determining a corresponding face of each sign to be positioned; means including a manually operable circuit controller for operating the motor to cause the selected face to be positioned; and means for giving an indication that the particular face has been exhibited.

5. In a system of changeable signs, in combination: a plurality of signs, said signs arranged in sub-groups of one or more, the sub-groups arranged in a plurality of main groups, each sign positionable to a plurality of positions and each sign provided with a plurality of faces, each face provided with informational in-dicia; a motor associated with each sub-group; a selective positionable means determining a corresponding position of each sign to be positioned; a plurality of manually operable means, each associated with a single main group for operating the motors of the sub-groups comprising a main group to cause the selected face of each sign of a subgroup of that main group to be positioned; and means for giving an indication that the particular face has been exhibited.

6. In a changeable sign, in combination: a sign formed with a plurality of faces each bearing informational indicia, and mounted for rotation; a motor operatively connected to the sign to cause it to rotate; a partial circuit for the motor including a source of potential; a iirst electrically energizable coil; circuit controllers operated by the first electrically energizable coil and being normally in the open position, one of said circuit controllers being included in the motor circuit and completing said motor circuit when closed; a second electrically energizable coil; circuit controllers operated by the second electrically energizable coil, one having a normally closed position and the other a normally open position; means for energizing they first electrically energizable coil including a source of potential and a circuit including the normally closed circuit controller of the second energizable coil; another circuit for A energizing said first electrically energizable coil including a source of potential, one of the circuit controllers controlled by the rst electrically energizable coil when in circuit closing position due to the energization of the first electrically energizable coil, and a circuit controller of the second electrically energizable coil in normal position, said normally closed circuit controller controlled by the second electrically energizable coil movable from the normally closed position by the energization of the second mentioned energizable coil to break the circuit of the first mentioned energizable coil and so cause the circuit breakers controlled by the rst electrically energizable coil to move to normal open circuit position breaking the circuit of the motor thereby causing the same means for energizing the second electrically energizable coil whereby the normally closed circuit controller controlled thereby is moved to open position and the normally open circuit controller is moved to closed position; an indicator; a partial circuit including a source of potential including the indicator closed by the normally open circuit controller controlled by the second electrically energizable coil whereby the indicator is operated.

7. In a sign system, in combination: a plurality of main groups of signs, each main group consisting ofV one or more sub-groups, each subgroup of each main group substantially separated from other sub-groups of the same main group and each sub-group consisting of one or more individual signs, substantially adjacent, each sign provided with a plurality of distinct indicia, and each sign movable to bring each indicia to a predetermined position, a separate motor for each sub-group connected to the sign or signs of the su -group to move to bring the indicia to a vpredetermined position; a plurality of selective partial circuits, each including a source of potential, the number of circuits being equal in number at least to the number of distinct indicia upon the positionabl-e sign, having the largest thereon, and each circuit corresponding with indicia similarly positioned upon each sign and upon being completely closed being determinative of the position assumed by that indicia; a manually operable selective partial circuit closing means located substantially remote from each of the several groups and positionable to partially close any one of the selective partial circuits; a plurality of substantially identical means, one corresponding to each main group; a manually operable circuit closer individual to each means and a source of potential included in each means whereby an operation of any one of said manually operable circuit closers causes all of the motors of all of the sub-groups belonging to the main group to which the manually operable circuit closer operated is individual to operate and position the indicia of the signs oi the sub-group connected with the motors with the indicia in a predetermined position; and means for stopping the motor after the indicia has been positioned; and means for giving an indication that the indicia has been positioned.

8. In a system of changeable signs, in combi- Vpotential; manually the sign or signs number of distinct indicia.

Athe circuit of the indication device nation: a plurality of partial selective circuits each includinga source oi". potential; a manually operable selective. circuit closer for partially closing a selected one of the plurality of partial circuits; a motor included in a partial circuit includinga source of potential; a first electrically energizable coil; two normally open circuit controllers operated by the electrically energizable coil and each having anopen position and a closed position, Vone Vof said circuit controllers when in the closed positionclosinlg the circuit for thel electric motor; a second electrically energizable coil; two circuit controllers operated by the second electrically energizable coil, said circuit controllers having an open and a closed position, one of said circuit controllers being normally in the closed position and the other normally in the open position; a partial energizing electric circuit for .the rst electrically energizable coil including the normally. closed circuitcontroller of the second electrically energizable coiland the iirst electrically energizablefcoil and a source of the energizing circuit for the rst electrically energizable coil; a second partialV circuit for the first energizable coil including a source of potential and one of thenormally open circuit controllers controlled-byY the rstmentioned energizable coil and the normally closed circuit controller of the second mentioned energizable coil when that circuit controller is in Ynormal position; a partial indication circuit including a source of potential and an indication device, the normally open circuitl controller controlled by the second mentioned electrically energizable. coil when closed closing the partial indication circuit whereby theindicationdevice is operated; a selectively positionable multi-circuit sequential circuit controller 'operable by the electric motor partially closing in sequence each of the selective partial circuits and serving to partially complete a'circuit through the second mentioned electrically energizable coil; a final closingcircuit controller operated by the "motor also included in the circuit ofV the second mentioned electrically energizable coil `and closing that circuit only at a denite' point in therotation of the motor; and a plural faced movable sign'operated by the motor to sequentially exhibit the several kfaces ofthe sign each of which bears iniormational indicia -whereby any selective partial circuit may be rendered operative by a manual manipulation of the manually operative selective circuit controller, the motor may be operated by the manually operable circuit controller included in the circuit of the rst mentioned electrically energizable coil, the selective multi-circuit sequential circuit closer may be operated by the motor to a position corresponding tothe position of the manually operable selective partial circuit operable means for closing Y closer, and the second mentioned electrically energizable coil may be energized to cause the breaking of the circuit of the motor and close giving an indication that the sign has been moved -to the position desired, exhibiting the proper face.

9.7In a sign system, in combination: a plurality of main groups of signs, each main group consisting of one or more sub-groups, each sub'- group of each main group substantially separated from other sub-groups of the same main group, each sub-group consisting of one or more substantially adjacent individual signs, and each sign provided with one or a plurality of distinct indicia, and means including a selector and a manually operable circuit controller whereby any particular distinct indicia of all of the signs of any particular main group may be. exhibited.

10. In a sign system, in combination: a plurality of main groups of signs, each main group consisting of one or more sub-groups, each subgroup of each main group substantially separated from other sub-groups of the same main group, each sub-group consisting of one or more substantially adjacent individual signs, and each sign provided with one or a plurality of distinct indicia, and means including a selector and a manually operable circuit controller whereby any particular distinct indicia of all of the signs of any particular main group may be exhibited and an indication made that the indicia has been exhibited.

11. In a sign system, in combination: a plurality of main groups of signs, each main group consisting of one or more sub-groups, each subgroup of each main group substantially separated from other sub-groups of the same main group, each sub-group consisting oi' one or more substantially adjacent individual signs, and each sign provided with one or' a plurality of distinct indicia; motors, one associated with each subgroup; and means including a selective manually positionable device and a manually operable circuit controller Whereby the motors of all the subgroups of a particular main group may be caused to operate and cause any particular distinct indicia of all of the signs of the particular main group to be exhibited, and the moto-r then caused to stop.

12. In a sign system, in combination: a plurality of main groups of signs, each main group consisting of one or more sub-groups, each subgroup of each main group substantially separated from other sub-groups of the same main group, each sub-group consisting of one or more substantially adjacent individual signs, and each sign provided with one or a plurality of distinct indicia; motors, one associated with each subgroup; and means including a selective manually positionable device and a manually operable circuit controller, whereby the motors of all the subgroups of a particular main group may be caused to operate and cause any particular distinct indicia of all of the signs of the particular main group to be exhibited, and the motor then caused to stop, and an indication madeA that the indicia has been exhibited.

13. In a sign system, in combination: a plurality of main groups of signs, each main group consisting of one or more sub-groups, each subgroup of each main groupsubstantially separated from other sub-groups of the same main group, each sub-group consisting of'one or more substantially adjacent individual signs, and each sign provided with one or a plurality of distinct indicia; motors, one associated With each subgroup; and means including a selective manually positionable device, and manually operable devices, one individual to each main group whereby the motors of all the sub-groups of a particular main group may be caused to operate and cause any particular distinct indicia of all of the signs of the particular main group to be exhibited, and the motor then caused to stop.

14. In a sign system, in combination: a plurality of main groups of signs, each main group consisting of one or more sub-groups, each suba group of each main group substantially separated from other sub-groups of the same main group, each sub-group consisting ofV one or more substantially adjacent individual signs, and each sign provided with one or a plurality of distinct indicia; motors, one associated with each subgroup; and means including a selective manually pcsitionable device, and manually operable devices, one individual to each main group and indicators, one individual to each main group whereby the motors of all the sub-groups of a particular main group may be caused to operate and cause any particular distinct indicia of all of the signs of a particular main group to be exhibited and the motor then caused tostop and the indicator individual to the particular main group operated to indicate that the particular distinct indicia has been exhibited.

15. In a system of changeable signs in combination: a plurality of diierent type signs, each sign provided with a plurality of distinct informational indicia; movable means for conditioning the indicia so that it may be exhibited; a motor1 associated with one or a group oi each type; selective positionable means determining the distinct indicia tobe exhibited; and means for operating the motor to cause the selected indicia to be exhibited; and means for giving indication that the particular indicia has been exhibited.

l ARTHUR E. TUCKER. GEORGE E. OAKLEY.

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