A New Electric Destination Indicator
Page 50
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
IN our issue dated January 6th, when describing the Whitley destination indicator, we mentioned that the Whitley Tool Co., Ltd., Lemuel Street, Wandsworth, London, S.W., was working on a design of electrically operated gear which could be remote-controlled. This has now been brought to a commercial stage.
The mechanism is contained in a cabinet having a glass front, behind which is the screen mounted on two rollers extending across the box. The drive from the electric motor is conveyed to the rollers through chains. We are told that the amount of current used is negligible.
The screen is divided into sections, each exhibiting a different announcement. When it is -desired continuously to run the apparatus a clockwork time 028 switch may be incorporated, and by means of this the period for which each section of the screen remains stationary may be varied.
At the top of each section of the sheet is a small metal tab. Above the upper roller is a spindle carrying a number of small wheels, each tab being arranged so that it registers with its own particular wheel. Thus, it will be realized that the little metal plates are staggered across the sheet.
When the wheels and tabs are brought into contact with one another (that is, when the screen is in position and is stationary) they complete an electrical circuit and cause numbered lamps on the switchboard to be•illuminated. In this way the controller is advised as to -which sign is being shown, and in order to make the next announcement
move into position a button on the con-. trol board is pressed. This board may be placed in any suitable poSition. When the screen is stationary two lamps in the cabinet flash on and help to attract attention to .the announcement.
It is possible to arrange about 60 announcements on one sheet, which is reversed at the end of its run.
The Whitley concern believes that there are many applications for an apparatus of this class. The electrical indicator has, however, been designed with an eye to requirements of the passenger-vehicle operator and tt coachstation proprietor.
An important point is that ordinary paper posters may be used in the device, these being gummed together in the form of a long sheet.