US2239894A - Display device - Google Patents

Description

April 29, 1941. KEEN 2,239,894

DISPLAY DEVICE Filed May :5, 1939 4' Sheets-Sheet 1 31 v 11 J7 J7 000- O 009 O '00- RESULT TIM o 009 OOQ- -OGO

:40 P wznsut 0 N0 RACE PHOTO A VQLYE 161 3 7 J03 J05 g9 INVENTOR.

79 17 3h m! ZJQZW V ATTORNEY 5.

A ;il 29, 1941. T. A. KEEN 2,239,894

n'isPLAY DEVICE Filed lay 3, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 29, 1941. T. A. KEEN 2,239,894

DISPLAY DEVICE Filed May 3, 1939 4 sheets-she s; 3-

85 EJNTOR INVE J/wm @Jew g9 @x/ww/ ATTORNEYfi April 29, 1941. KEEN 2,239,894

DISPLAY DEVICE Filed Kay 3, 1939 '4 Shaets-Sheet 4 0560 women: 05090009 enaomweama ATTORNEYfi.

INVENT OR.

Patented Apr. 29, 1941 DISPLAY mavrcs Thomas A. Keen, San Mateo, Calii'., assignor to Hannah M. Smith, Chicago, Ill.

Application May 3, 1939, Serial No. 271,607

12 Claims.

My invention relates in general to display devices and has more particular reference to an apparatus for quickly and accurately displaying the results of a race promptly upon the termination thereof, the invention including means for timing the race and for displaying the time, as well as indicia identifyingthe winning contestants.

Animportant object of the invention resides in providing a device by means of which the elapsed time of a race may be visually displayed upon the conclusion of the race; a further object being to provide timing mechanism and display means selectively operable by said mechanism to visually display the time of the race as measured by the timing mechanism, whereby the elapsed time of the race may be flashed on the display device immediately at the conclusion of the race; a still further object being to provide timing mechanism adapted to be set in motion as an incident of the race-starting procedure and actuatedas the leading contestant finishes the race to register the elapsed time.

Another important object resides in utilizing lamps in the display device and selectively operable to visually display numerals indicative of time, and to provide selective means operable under the control of a timing device for energizing the lamps; a further object being to utilize, for the control of the time display lamps, timing apparatus including means for starting the same in operation at the beginning of the race to be timed, and means to stop the timing apparatus at the end of the race, and simultaneously to selectively energize the time display lamps for indicating the elapse of time as measured by the timing apparatus.

Another important object is to utilize progressively operating switch means, including provision for driving the switch means at a uniform rate of speed as a timing mechanism, whereby the switch means may be utilized to energize selected circuits corresponding with the position of the switch means in order to energize the lamp means to indicate the elapsed time of the race.

Another important object resides in providing means for starting the progressively operable switch means in operation, at the desired uniform speed to be maintained, instantly at the start of the race to be measured, and for stopping said switch mechanism instantly at the end of the race; a further object being to utilize light sensitive means for stopping the timing mechanism at the conclusion of the race; and a still further object being to provide switch means adapted for operation by the starter that controls the start of the race, for setting the timing mechanism in operation.

Another important object is to provide a time display device of the character mentioned, including a clock mounted adjacent the zone in which the elapsed time of a race is displayed.

Another important object is to provide, in an elapsed time display device, means operable in conjunction with timing mechanism controlling the time display means, and means selectively operable to display indicia identifying the winning contestants in their order of finish; a further object being to provide for displaying indicia representing various data pertaining to the race, including the number of the race, weightof contestants, betting odds, the character of the finish as, for example, photo-finish, or no race, and the like.

Numerous other important objects, advantages and inherent functions of the invention will become apparent as the same is more fully understood fromthe following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Referring to the drawings,

Figure 1 is a front view of a display device embodying my present invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of apparatus including a timing device used in conjunction with and for the purpose of operating the display device shown in Figure 1, in ac- Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a developed view of contacts forming a part of the timing device shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of V Figure 4;

Figure 6 is' a sectional view through a multicircuit controlling solenoid switch forming a part of the apparatus shown in Figures 2 and 3; and

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of the several structural elements of the timing device.

To illustrate my invention, I have shown on the drawings a displaydevice H, and means selectively operable to actuate the device II in order to visually display indicia thereon. The illustrated device comprises a display apparatus particularly arranged for the display of information relating to racing contests, but it will be obvious that the invention is not necessarily restricted to apparatus for displaying race informa-a tion, and many features of the invention may be incorporated to advantage in apparatus other than for the special purpose mentioned.

The display device comprises a panel having openings I3. therein, in each of which is arranged means selectively operable to visually display, forwardly of the panel, any one of a desired number of indicia or characters, said selectively operable means comprising, Preferably, lamp banks |=5, each comprising, in the illustrated embodiment, four vertical rows of incandescent lamps each row containing six lamps, so that by selectively energizing certain selected lamps in each bank, various characters may be visually displayed.

In addition to the openings l3 and lamp banks l5 disposed therein, the panel has openings l9 in each of which one or two lamps 2| may be mounted. Certain of the said openings l9 are disposed between adjacent lamp banks 5 so that when the lamps 2| therein are energized, a. hyphen may be visually displayed between the characters disclosed in said adjacent lamp banks.

In the illustrated embodiment, four of the lamp banks [5 are arranged in a vertical row along one edge of the panel, said vertically arranged banks being adapted to form place indicators 23 operable to indicate the race contestants in the order of finishing the race. Other banks l5 are arranged in adjacent relationship to provide time indicators 25 operable to indicate the elapsed time of a race. A pair of the banks also may be arranged to form a race indicator 21 operable to show the number of the race, of a race program, the results of which are being displayed. Additional lamp banks may be arranged on the board to provide indicators 29 operable to display information or data concerning the race being indicated, for example, the number of contestants in the race, the contestant occupying the post position, and the weight of or carried by the contestants.

The hyphen indicating lamps 2| may be used advantageously in conjunction with lamp banks |5 utilized in displaying elapsed time and weight data. Others of the lamps 2| are preferably arranged in position remote from the banks l5 and may be suitably labeled to disclose, when I energized, race information such as the character of the finish, whether photo or dead heat, race cancelled, bets refunded, and that the information displayed is official.

I also prefer to mount-a clock 3| in the display device I adjacent the elapsed time indicating banks 25 as 'I find that racing enthusiasts derive considerable advantage through watching a conveniently located clock so mounted near, and preferably immediately above, the elapsed time indicators 25.

The panel on which the lamp banks IS, the indicating lamps 2|, and the clock are mounted may be of any suitable or preferred construction, and the display devices may be mounted thereon in any convenient arrangement and fashion. I prefer, however, to form the panel of rigid, self-sustaining, board-like material having the openings l3 and ISformed therein, and to arrange the labels Resultf! Time, Race, N., Post," Weight, No race, Photo," "Dead heat, Official, Refund, and the place labels 1, 2, 3 and 4, as translucent characters formed in otherwise opaque plates mounted in suitable openings formed in the panel for illumination from behind the panel, in order that the label plates may be clearly visible adjacent selectively operable information displaying banks l5andlamps2l.

It will be seen that the foregoing arrangement provides a display device visible not only during the daytime, but also highly visible at night, and therefore particularly well suited for use in displaying information in connection with dog races and other racing contests held at night.

The lamps 2| may be mounted in suitable socketed housings adapted to be secured in the openings IS. The lamps comprising the banks I5 also may be mounted in suitable socketed housings 33 comprising frames carrying the lamp sockets and adapted to be mounted in the openings l3 and secured on the panel. The lamp bank housings 33 may also provide support each fora connection panel 35 on which insulated terminals 31 may be mounted and electrically connected with the lamps whereby said lamps may be each interconnected in selectively operated external circuits.

In the illustrated embodiment, each lamp bank I5 comprises twenty-four lamps arranged in four vertical rows, with six lamps in each row. This arrangement permits all of the characters of the Arabic numeral system and, of course, many other characters, to be outlined by energizing selected lamps in the bank. The terminal set 31 includes a common terminal 39 which is connected, through common conductor means 4|, with each of the lamps H. The remaining terminals 43 of the set are connected each with but one of the lamps ll. The twenty-four lamps of a bank, therefore, may be selectively energized to produce any desired Arabic numeral by applying an electrical potential between the common terminal 39 and selected terminals of the group 43.

In order thus to selectively apply potential to energize desired lamps in a bank, I have provided separate switching means for each bank adapted to be electrically connected with the terminals 31, for the purpose of selectively connecting the lamps with a suitable source of electrical power for energizing the same. Of course, any suitable switching arrangement may be employed, but I have shown on the drawings switching means I45 comprising a plurality of individual circuit controlling switches 45, a separate switch being provided for each desired character to be displayed, each switch controlling the energization of a selected group of lamps in a bank to display the desired character.

In the illustrated embodiment, the switching means |45 comprises ten switches 45, the same being the number required in reproducing the ten Arabic numerals, l, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 0, as noted in Figure 3 of the drawings.

The switches 45 are mounted in a suitable housing or container 41 which may be secured onthe back of the display panel preferably adjacent the lamp bank which the switches control. The container 41 provides support for a terminal mounting 49 carrying terminals 5| corresponding with and adapted for electrical connection with the terminals 31. The switch housing 41 also provides terminal mountings 53 and 55 thereon, the mounting 53 carrying a pair of terminals 51 and 59, while the panel 55 is provided with a plurality of terminals 6|.

The switches 45 each comprise a common conductor plate 62 (Figure 6) connected with the terminal 59 (Figure 3) by the common conductor means 63. Each switch 45 likewise has a switch plate a plurality of relatively insulated switch elements 84 which are electrically connected by means of suitable conductors, as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings, with the terminals of the set 5| which are adapted for connection with the terminals 43 of the lamp bank. The terminal 51 is connected directly with the terminal of the set 5| .which is adapted for connection with the common terminal 39 of the lamp bank terminals.

Each of the switches 45 includes an operating solenoid 55, one end of which is connectedwith a common terminal 61 of the set 5|, through common conductor means 89. The other ends of the solenoids are each connected with oneof the remaining terminals 58 of the set 5|, so that any selected one of the ten switches 45 may be operated by applying electrical potential between the terminal 61 and the terminal of the group Gil-with which such solenoid is connected. When the solenoid of a switch 45 is thus energized, contact members carried by the conductor plate 62 of the switch engage the several switch elements 54 so that electrical circuits are completed from the terminal 59 through the comimon conductor 63, thence in parallel through each of the several circuits, including the lamps l1, controlled by said switch elements, thence through the common conductor 4|, to the terminal 51.

By connecting the terminals 51 and 59 with a source of electrical power suitable for energizing the lamps l1, it will be seen that, by energizing the solenoid of a desired one of the switches 45, the lamps |1 required in producing a desired character will be energized and display the desired character in the lamp bank.

The switch sets I45 used in controlling the lamp banks forming the indicators 23, 21 and 29 are controlled preferably by circuits including a suitable power source and manually operable switches electrically connected with the terminals 6| and located at a control station usually remotely situated from the display device Suitable manually operated switches at the control station and electrically connected with the power source and the lamps 2| may also be provided for controlling the No race, Photo and Dead heat finish, Oflicial and Refund" indicators.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elapsed time indicating means comprises three lamp banks 1|, 13 and 15,.and a hyphen lamp 2| between two of the lamp banks, so that any elapsed time up to and including- 99 seconds may be expressed in seconds and tenths of seconds, by' means of display apparatus shown on the drawmgs.

The operation of the elapsed time indicator means 25 also maybe controlled by manually 11 preferably formed of insulating material and comprising preferably a rotatable wheel 19 upon which is mounted a plurality of preferably circularly arranged rows of contacts, there being, in the illustrated embodiment, three rows of contacts 8|, 83 and 85, peripherally arranged on the wheel.

Means, preferably an electric motor 9|, is provided for moving the support 11 ata uniform speed to progressively engage the contacts of the rows 8|, 83 and 85 with stationary contact means comprising wiping blades 93, whereby to provide a progressively operable multiple circuit switch adapted to control circuits operable to actuate the switch means I of the lamp banks 1|, 13 and 15,

Since the illustrated embodiment contemplates a range of elapsed time indication up to 59% seconds, the contacts in row 8| are arranged to control five circuits, each capable of flashing one of the numbers from one to five, inclusive, in the lamp bank 1|, the contacts of the row 83 are arranged to control ten circuits, each capable of flashing one of the ten numerals of the decimal system in the lamp bank 13, while the contacts of the row 85 are arranged to control four circuits, each capable of flashing one of the numbers from one to four, inclusive, in the lamp banks 15. If it is desired to indicate time at onetenth second intervals, the contacts in the row 85 may be arranged in sets of nine to display the numbers from one to nine in the lamp bank 15. To indicate elapsed time in minutes, additional banks and corresponding rows of contacts I interconnected terminals in the illustrated emoperable switches at the control station, but I prefer to provide automatic timing means for controlling the actuation of the elapsed time indicator 25 in order to eliminate the delay of manual control. As shown, the timing device is arranged to register and display elapsed time,

bodiment. I find it'more expedient, however, to provide contacts in the row 8| of the same size and shape as used in the row 83, If it be desired to register more than the numerals one to five in the bank 1|, an additional set of contacts may be provided in the row 8| for each additional numeral required. For example, a total of nine sets of contacts may be used if the display of numerals one to nine is desired in the lamp bank 1|, ten sets if zero is to be displayed also.

The contacts in row 83 also are divided in sets corresponding in number with the sets in row 8|. Each contact set in row 83 comprises ten successive contacts, and the corresponding contacts of each set are connected to provide ten circuits, as shown in Figure 4, for controlling the operation of the lamp bank 13.

The contacts in the row 85 preferably comprise buttons arranged insets of four, to control the lamp bank 15 which indicates one-fifth second intervals. There are four contacts in the row 85 for each contact in the row 83, or a total of two hundred contacts in row 85. If one-tenth second intervals are to be displayed in the bank 15, then nine contacts in row 85 may be employed for each contact in row 83, or a total of four hundred and fii'ty contacts in the row 85.

:Since it is ordinarily unnecessary to display zero-in the fractional second lamp bank 15, the first or zero contact of each set may be omitted, as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 5, so that in the illustrated embodiment only four active contacts in each set, or a total of two hundred contacts, are shown.

It will be noted that the leading edge of the first or.zero button of the contact sets in row 85 is in line with the leading edge ot-the corresponding contact in row 83, the remaining buttons being spaced with the leading edges thereof opposite one-fifth intervals along the length of said corresponding terminal in row 83.

The timing member 11 comprises an axle portion 81 on the wheel 19, said axle portion carrying a plurality of relatively insulated circular conductors 89, preferably in the form of slip rings.

"The rotatable timing element 11 may be mounted or supported for rotation in any suitable or convenient manner, and I provide preferably electric motor 9| drivingly connected with the member 11, preferably through suitable reduction gearing and a clutch. The motor when energized, is adapted to rotatethe member 11 at a uniform speed with respect to the blades 83 which are supported in position to bear each upon one of the rows of contacts 8i, 83 and 85 at the periphery or the wheel 19. s the wheel is turned at uniform speed by the motor, the stationary. contact blades 08 will successively engage the successive'contacts comprising the rows 8i, 83 and-85. I v

The wheel 19 is turned by the motor ii at a speed such that the switch means 83 progresses from the leading edge of one contact in the row 85 to the leading edge of the next adjacent contact in an elapsed time of one-fifth of a second, progresses from the leading edge of one contact to the leading edge of the next adjacent contact in the row 83 in an elapsed time of one second, and from the leading edge of one interconnected contact set in the row 8| to the leading edge of the next contact set in an elapsed time of ten seconds. I

A plurality of stationary slip contact fingers 95 are provided and mounted in position, each beari'ng upon a corresponding one of the slip rings 88, and these slip fingers are connected with the terminals SI of the switch sets I45 controlling the lamp banks 1i, 13 and 15 forming the elapsed time indicator, whereby the wheel, as it rotates Lirom a starting position, may successively form circuits adapted to actuate the switch units 45 to display elapsed time indicia on the indicator 25.

If desired, the device may be used to flash elapsed time on the indicator at intervals as the race progresses, but I prefer not to energize the indicator 25 until after the race has ended.

Since ordinarily it is not necessary to show elapsed times of less than ten seconds, I may utilize the five contact sets commencing from the zero or starting position, in the illustrated device, to control circuits adapted to flash numerals five, one," two, three and four, respectively, thereby affording a range up to 59% seconds, by allowing the times greater than 499? seconds to be flashed after the wheel has turned more than one complete revolution from the zero or starting position. I thus can obtain maximum space efficiency. If, however, times of less than ten seconds are required to be flashed, the first means is provided also for stopping the motor and wheel at the conclusion of the race, so that the elapsed time may be displayed immediately on the device Il.

liThe rings 88 are arranged in sets I0l, I03 and I05, respectively, comprising, five, four and ten rings for connection, respectively, with the five, (our and ten circuits connected with the contacts in rows 8|, 85 and 83, respectively. Connections between the contacts and the rings is accomplished by means or conductors extending within the wheel 19 and the axle 81, portions of which conductors are shown at 95.

The slip rings 80 are connected with the terminals ii of the switch sets I45 by suitable conductors arranged in sets III, 3 and N5, the set III comprising five conductors engaging each fa ring of the ring set IOI, the conductor set I I3 nals SI of the switching means I that actuates the lamp bank 1| to display numbers from 1 to 5, inclusive. The four conductor of the set iii are connected with the solenoid supply terminals 6| of the switching means I45 that controls the lamp bank 15 to display the numbers 1 to 4, inclusive.

The ten conductors of the set I I5 are connected with the solenoid supply terminals of the switching means I45 that controls the lamp bank 13 for the display of numbers 0 to 9, v

inclusive.

For convenience, the conductors I II, H3 and H5 are brought from the slip rings 89 to terminals on a connection panel 01, whence the nine conductors comprising the sets I II and 3 extend to a ten-terminal connector I01, the tenth terminal of which is connected, by means of a conductor 99 through a terminal on the panel 91 and through a circuit control switch I2I and a manually operated toggle switch I23, with the contact blades 03.

The mating connector I00 for the ten-circuit connector I01 has five of its ten terminals connected with the appropriate terminals 6| of the switching means that controls the lamp bank 1|. Four of the remaining five terminals of the connector I09 are connected with the appropriate solenoid supply terminals of the switching means I45 controlling the lamp bank 15. The tenth terminal is connected in a circuit I25, including a each of the switching means I45.

from a suitable commercial power source, as

shown. r

The ten conductors II extend from the connection panel 91 to a twelve-terminal connector 1,. the additional two terminals of the connector being attached to the commercial power source.

The mating connector I I9 has ten of its twelve terminals connected with the appropriate terminals of the switching means I45 that controls the lamp bank 13. The remaining two terminals of the connector II9 are connected by means of conductors I29 with the terminals 51 and 59 of all of the switching means I45, and also with the clock 3I. The conductors I29 also, if desired, may be connected to energize the primary winding of the transformer I21.

It will be seen from the foregoing that all of the equipment, including the lamp banks H, 13 and 15, the corresponding switching means I45, the connectors I09 and H9, the transformer I 21, and the conductors forming connections between the aforesaid apparatus, may all be mounted on the panel II in permanent fashion, preferably completely housed from the weather, connection with the timing apparatus being made by means of multi-conductor cables between the panel II and the connectors I01 and I I1.

A brake, preferably comprising a drum on the wheel 19 and a band cooperatively associated with the drum, is provided for stopping rotation of the wheel instantly at the end of a race being timed. This brake is preferably arranged adjacent the clutch through which the wheel is drivingly connected with the motor 9|, and suitable mechanism is provided for interconnecting the brake and clutch so that the brake may be released as and when the clutch is engaged and vice versa.

The brake and clutch actuating mechanism preferably includes biasing means normally urging the brake toward engaged, and the clutch toward disengaged, position, and a manuallyo erable handle may be provided to disengage the brake to permit the timing device to be initially set to a starting position. A solenoid motor I3I is also provided which, when energized, serves to hold the brake in the released position and the clutch in engagement.

The circuit control switch III is of a type normally closed by suitable switch biasing means,

and means I33, drivingly connected with the clutch operating mechanism, is provided for holding the switch I2I open against the urge of said switch biasing means, the switch being open as long as the clutch is engaged, and closing as soon as the clutch disengages and the brake is applied at the end of the race being timed. It will thus be seen that the switch I2I, in the illustrated embodiment, since it is in the common'or return circuit of the operating solenoids 65 of all of the switching means I45, serves to hold the solenoids and the lamp banks controlled thereby in inactive condition, so that the time indicators H, 13 and 15 will remain dark and inactive so long as the timing wheel 19 is being turned. As soon, however, as the clutch is disengaged and the brake applied to stop the wheel 19 at the conclusion of the race being timed, the switch I2I will close and energize the lamp banks H,

13 and 15 through their respective switching trolled manually by the switch I23} particularly if the lamp banks are used to display the elapsed time during the progress of the period bein measured; and, of course, various other arrangements may be employed for controlling the circuits in order to render the same active and inactive at desired periods.

The motor 9| and the clutch and brake operating solenoid I3I may be interconnected in parallel for operation from any suitable power source, usually a commercial power outlet, as shown. The motor and solenoid may be energized by manually operable switching means to permit the motor circuit to be energized instantly at the start and deenergized at the conclusion of the race. I prefer, however, to control the motor and solenoid by connecting them in a circuit including a switch I35 adapted to be closed to energize the circuit and start the motor in operation at the start of the race, and another switch I 31,. adapted to be normally closed at the start of the race and to open at the end of the race.

The switch I35 is preferably positioned at or near the location of the start of the race, and where the device is used for timing dog, horse or other races employing starting chutes, the switch I35 preferably is mounted on the chute in position to cooperate with the starting handle which is pulled to open the doors of the chute. When so mounted, the switch I35 may be closed by the movement of said starting handle, thus insuring switch closure at the instant the race starts. As shown in Figure 2, the switch I35 includes-a switch blade I65, a spring I61 biasing the blade to open position, and a holding coil I69. The switch blade is, of course, as previously noted, moved to closed position upon the starting of the race. The holding coil I69 is controlled by the blade I65 and the switch I31, for when the blade is in closed position, the coil is in series with the blade I65 and the switch I31. Therefore, if the blade I65 is moved to closed position when the switch I31 is closed, the coil I69 will be energized and hold the blade I65 in closed position, but when the switch I31-is opened, the coil I69 'will be deenergized, the spring I61 will move the blade I 65 to open position, and the blade will remain in open position until subsequently mechanically actuated to closed position as by manipulation of the starting handle to initiate a race.

The switch I31 preferably is located opposite the finish line of the race' and may comprise a part of photoelectric equipment I39. The equipment I39 maybe of any suitable or preferred form adapted, when energized, to close the switch I31 and retain the same inclosed position until the race participant first to finish deenergizes the apparatus I39,as by interrupting a light beam. To this end the equipment I39 may comprise a light-sensitive cell I 4| suitably housed in a casing disposed on one side of the track and provided with a windowed aperture I43 to receive therethrough a light beam I46 projected across the track. in alignment with the finish line by a light source I41.

The light-sensitive cell I4I may be connected with suitable power amplifier, relay device I49 connected with a coil I5I which serves to close the switch I31 and retain the samein closed position against the influence of a spring I53. The light source I41 and the switch operating mechanism I49 may be energized from a suitable power source by conductor means I55, preferably including a control switch I51. Suitable tell-tale circuits also may be utilized in conjunction with the light-sensitive equipment and the switch I3I to advise the omcials in charge of the contest that the timing mechanism is in operative condition immediately before the start of a race.

The device illustrated herein may be conditioned for operation at the start of a race by closing the switch 'I5I, to thereby place the photosensitive apparatus I39 and I" in operation. This results in the closure of the switch I3I which remains closed until the light beam I46 is interrupted at the conclusion of an elapsed time interval to be measured.

The switch means 11 may then be set to the zero or starting position by manual operation of the resetting handle or knob I6I (Figure 7), suitable means being provided for releasing the brake during the resetting operation. The resetting operation terminates when. engagement occurs between a pair of cooperating stops I63 on the wheel I9 and on any suitable stationary frame member as, for example, a part of a supporting frame on which the wheel and associated driving means is mounted.

I prefer to arrange said cooperating stop means I63 to prevent rotation of the wheel in one direction only. This arrangement is particularly desirable where the wheel is required to drive more than one complete revolution in measuring an elapsed time interval.

After the wheel is set to the starting position, as aforesaid, the switch I35 may be closed at the start of the time period to be measured. As heretofore mentioned, this switch I35 may form a part of a race track starting box, whereby the blade I65 of this switch is mechanically actuated to closed position as a part of the operation of starting the race. Since the switch I3I is already closed, the blade I65 of the switch I35 now completes the circuits to the solenoid |3I and the motor 9| through the holding coil I69. The solenoid |3| releases the brake and moves the clutch into engaged position and the motor now drives the wheel I9 at a uniform, relatively slow rate through the reduction gearing. As the wheel is thus turned, the switches 93 progressively engage the contact elements in the rows 8|, 83 and 85, to thus progressively select a plurality of the lamp bank controlling circuits III, 3 and I I5.

In the illustrated embodiment, the selected circuits will not be energized due to the fact that the switch I2I remains open because of its me' chanical connection with the clutch. As previously explained, however, this switch I2I may be eliminated, in which case, the switch I23 being closed, the selected circuits will become immediately energized as soon as the switch blades 93 engage with the corresponding circuit contacts in the rows 8|, 83 and 85.

At the conclusion of the elapsed time period to be measured, the circuit which energizes the motor 9| and solenoid I3I opens. This is accomplished in the illustrated embodiment as a result of the interruption of the light beam I46, although, of course, the same effect may be accomplished in any other suitable fashion. Upon interruption of the beam I46, the switch I31 will be causedto open by the operation of the relay of the power ampifier, relay device I49, thus breaking the circuits of the motor 9|, the solenoid I3I and the holding coil I69 of the switch I35. As soon as the motor 9| and solenoid I3I thus become deenergized, the motor stops, the

clutch releases, and the brake becomes set, thus stopping rotation of the wheel I9 substantially instantly. At the same moment, ii the switch |2| is used in the system, said switch closes be cause of its mechanical interconnection with the clutch, thus energizing those of the circuits which correspond with the contacts en aged by the switch blades 93. Deenergization of the holding coil I69 permits the blade I65 to move to open position under the action of the spring I61. The motor and solenoid circuits are accordingly held open until the blade I65 of the switch I35 is again moved to closed position at the commencement of a succeeding race or at the beginning of a later period to be timed.

If the elapsed time between the closure of the switch I35 and the opening of the switch I3I be 28% seconds, the wheel will have turned to a position such that the blades 93 engage the contacts indicated by S, in Figure 4. These contacts are connected, respectively, with the second ring of the set IOI, the fourth ring of the set I03, and the eighth ring of the set I65, said rings, respectively, being connected in the circuits adapted to control those solenoid switches 45 which in turn actuate the lamp banks II, I3 and I5, respectively, to show the numerals 2, 8 and 4, so that when said circuits are energized, said solenoid switches will be energized to close, thereby completing the necessary lamp energizing circuits, as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings, in order to display the numerals, as aforesaid, in the lamp banks II, I3 and I5.

It is thought that the invention and numerous of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it is obvious that numerous changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the several parts without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, or sacrificing any of its attendant advantages, the form herein described being a preferred embodiment for the purpose of illustrating the invention.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. In display apparatus comprising selectively operable indicia display means, the combination, with said display means, of a cyclically operable timing device, control means under the control of said timing device for actuating said display means in accordance with the position occupied by said timing device at any predetermined position thereof within its operating cycle, means for setting and holding said timing device in a predetermined initial or starting position, means to release said timing device for operation at the beginning of a time interval to be measured, and means operating at the conclusion of said interval, as measured by the timing device, for actuating the display means to indicate the extent of said interval.

2. In display apparatus comprising selectively operable indicia display means, the combination, with said display means, of a cyclically operable timing device, and control means under the control of said timing device for actuating said display means in accordance with the position occupied by said timing device at any instant during its operating cycle, said' timing device comprising progressively operable switch means driven at uniformyspeed, electrical circuits interconnected with said switch means and said control means whereby said timing device is adapted to progressively select and condition said circuits for energization and apply the same to the control of said display means whereby to actuate said display means for the purpose 0! indicating elapsed time, means for initiating operation of said timing device at the beginning of a time interval to be measured. means for automatically terminating the operation of said timing device at any instant during its operating cycle upon ending of the time interval bein measured, and means for energizing the circuit then selected and conditioned by said timing device. I

3. In display apparatus comprising selectively operable indicia display means, the combination, with said display means, of a cyclically operable timing device, and control means under the control of said timing device for actuating said display means in accordance with the position occupied by said timing device at any predetermined position thereof within its operating cycle, said control means comprising a plurality of actuating elements operatively associated with said display means and each adapted to operate the display means for the display of indicia of a predetermined character, separate electric circuits for actuating the actuating elements, each of said circuits being interconnected with switch means progressively .operated by said timing device whereby said circuits, during the operation of the timing device, are successively selected and conditioned for energization, and means operating to energize the circuit so selected and conditioned when the timing device stops.

4. In display apparatus comprising selectively operable indicia display means, the combination, with said display means, of a cyclically operable timing device, and controlmeans under the control of said timing device for actuating said display means in accordance with the position occupied by said timing device at any instant during its operating cycle, said control means comprising a plurality of actuating elements operatively associated with said display means and each adapted to operate the display means for the display of indicia of a predetermined character, separate electric circuits for actuating the actuating elements, each of said circuits being interconnected with switch means progressively operated by said timing device whereby said circuits, during the operation of the timing device, are

successively selected and conditioned for energization to actuate the circuit connected actuating elements whereby said display means may function as an elapsed time indicator, means operating when the timing device stops for energizing the circuit then selected and conditioned by said timing device, and light-sensitive means for stopping said timing device at any instant during its operating cycle.

5. In display apparatus comprising selectively operable indicia display means, the combination. with said display means, of a cyclically operable timing device, and control means under the control of said timing device for actuating said display means in accordance. with the position occupied by said timing device at any predetermined position thereof within its operating cycle, said timing device comprising a rotary member carrying a plurality of spaced, circularly-arranged switch contact elements, a motor, clutch means for drivingly connecting the motor with said rotary member, a brake operatively associated with said rotary member, brake and clutch operating means for applying the brake and releasing said clutch substantially instantaneously and vice versa, and means to actuate said oper-.

ating means and said motor substantially simultaneously.

6. A timing device comprising a rotary member carrying a plurality of spaced, circularlyarranged switch contact elements, a motor, clutch means for drivingly connecting the motor with said rotary member, a brake operatively associated with said rotary member, brake and clutch operating means for actuating the brake and releasing said clutch substantially simultaneously and vice versa, and means, including electrical circuits, under the control of said switch contact elements and op'eratively associated with a time indicator.

'1, A timing device comprising a wheel and an axle, the wheel carrying a plurality of-spaced, circularly-arranged switch contact elements on the periphery thereof, and said axlecarrying a plurality of slip rings, means interconnecting each of said slip rings with certain of said contact elements, means for rotating said wheel, switch blade means in position to progressively engage said contact elements, and brush mem;- bers in position engaging said slip rings whereby electrical circuits connected between said brush members and the blade means may be progressively selected, as a result of the rotation of said wheel, in accordance with the engagement of the blade means on said contact elements.

8. A timing device comprising a wheel and an axle, the wheel carrying a plurality oi spaced, circularly-arranged switch contact elements on the periphery thereof, and said axle carrying a plurality of slip rings, means interconnecting each of said slip rings with certain of said contact elements, means for rotating said wheel. switch blade means in position to progressively engage said contact elements, and brush members in position engaging said slip rings whereby electrical circuits connected between said brush members and the blade means may be progressively selected, as a result of the rotation of said wheel, in accordance with the engagement of the blade means on said contact elements, and indicator means adapted to provide time indication corresponding with the circuits so selected, said indicator means being operatively associated with and under the control of said circuits.

9. In display apparatus comprising selectively operable indicia display means, the combination, with said display .means, of a cyclically operable timing device, and control means under the control of said timing device for actuatin said display means in accordance with the position occupied by said timing device at any instant during its operating cycle, said control means comprising a plurality of actuating elements operatively associated with said display means and each adapted to'operate the display means for the display of indicia of a predetermined character, separate electric circuits for actuating the actuating elements, each of said circuits being interconnected with switch means progressively operated by said timing device whereby said circuits, during the operation of the timing device, are successively selected and conditioned to actuate the circuit connected actuating elements whereby said display means may function as an elapsed time indicator, photosensitive means operating at the conclusion of the elapsed time interval to be measured to stop said timing device and means to energize the circuit then selected and conditioned by said timing device.

10. In display apparatus comprising selectively operable indicia display means, the combination with said display means, of a cyclically operable timing device, control means under the control of said timing device progressively actuated by said timing device during its operation to successively condition said control means to actuate said display means in accordancewith the posi tion occupied by said timing device at any instant during its operating cycle, means for setting and holding said timing device in a predetermined initial or starting position, means for releasing and starting said timing device at the beginning of a time interval to be measured, means operating at the conclusion of said time interval to be measured to stop and hold said timing device, and means cooperating therewith to actuate the display means in accordance with the position occupied by said timing device at the end of the time interval to be measured.

11. In an indicating timer, a group of electric lamps arranged so that any digit can be formed by lighting the proper lamps in the group, a supply circuit, and means for selectively controlling the connection of the lamps to said supply circuit to cause the lamps to b lighted in the proper combinations to form any digit, said controlling means comprising a contact unit and a cooperating contact member, said contact unit including a plurality of spaced contacts engageable with said cooperating contact member in succession, means for setting and holding said contact unit and cooperating member in a pre determined initial or starting position relative to each other, means for moving said contact unit and cooperating contact member relatively at a uniform speed to cause the contacts of said unit successively to engage said contact member, means for releasing and initiating relative movement of said contact unit and said contact member at the beginning of an event to be timed, means for automatically stopping and holding said contact unit and cooperating contact member against relative movement at the conclusion of the event being timed, and means cooperating with said contact unit and said contact member to energize a group of lamps from said supply circuit in accordance with the selected contact in engagement with the contact member at the termination of the event being timed.

12. In an indicating timer, a group of electric lamps arranged so that any desired digit can be formed by lighting the proper lamps in the group, a supply circuit, a plurality of selector relays for selectively controlling the connections of the lamps to said supply circuit to cause the lamps to be lighted in the proper combinations to form any desired digit. a plurality of selector circuits for energizing said selector relays, a shaft, a plurality of selector contacts mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, a cooperating contact member adapted to engage said contacts, synchronous motor drive means for rotating said shaft and moving said contacts at a uniform speed to cause said contacts successively to engage said contact member in a predetermined timed sequence, electrically operable clutch means for connecting and disconnecting said drive means to and from said shaft, a control circuit for said electrically operable clutch means, said control circuit comprising a light-sensitive relay means operable upon the termination of an event being timed to break the control circuit for said electrically operable clutch means, a relay operable upon the initiation of the event to be timed and in series with said light-sensitive relay means for completing the control circuit to said electrically operable means upon initiation of an event to be timed, said electrically operable clutch means when energized, connecting said shaft to said drive means and when deenergized, disconnecting said shaft from said drive means, whereby move ment of said shaft and said contacts is initiated upon the initiation of the event to be timed and is terminated upon conclusion of the event being timed, and means for preventing energization of said selector circuit through said selector contacts during rotation of said shaft and operable when the shaft has been disconnected from the drive means for completing the selector circuitvthat includes the selector contact then engaged by said contact member.

THOMAS A. KEEN.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION. Patent No. 2,2 9,891 April 29, 19u1.

THOMAS A. KEEN.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: ffage 2, first column, line 69, for-""N.," read --"No.,"--; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the 'same may conform tothe record of the case in the Patent Office. I

Signed and sealed this 22nd day of Ju1 ,1A. D. 19in.

Henry Van Arsdale, l) Actihg Commissioner of 'Patents.

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