ELECTRIC SWITCH.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 11326, 2 October 1930, Page 7

ELECTRIC SWITCH .

EFFECT' OF HUMAN BODY.

A Lancashire man gave a demonstration in London recently of an apparatus that is set ill motion by tho mere approach of a human being. Its, practical applications, he claims, are innumerable. Electric lights are switched on automatically as a person enters the room in which they are, a shop window is flooded with light by anyone just looking in. The apparatus will act as'a burglar alarm, ring a bell or set an electric motor to work il anyone moves near to it.

Mr Clifford Sluuwoith, who is.only 24 axul who lives 'in Burnley, gavo his demonstration to a. London Daily Mail reporter and, to the general manager of a big West End store.

TRIED ON SHOW CASE. He adjusted bis invention to r largo showcase fitted with ordinary electric lights. Nothing was to be seen except a small wire running round the ease, which was in darkness, lor his invention uas hidden inside. “Walk up to the case,’ he saidThe Daily Mail reporter did so. When he was within two feel all the lights suddenly turned on. When he moved back the lights went out. It did not matter from whatever angle the showcase was approached as soon as any person was within two loot of it the lights went on. Everyone who tested it, and it was tried thoroughly with all kinds of tricks, was amazed at the result. “I have a large workshop at home, and I have been testing and working for J.S months on this invention,” Mr'Staiiworth* told the Daily Mail. “IL is extremely simple in' system, like all inventions.” lie added: “The human body has electricity in it, and this affects the wire as one comes within a certain range, which 1 can vary from a few inches to several yards- A very delicate instrument turns over the switch.” A BURGLAR ALARM. “I have turned oil the lights in a room by simply walking in, and it will Hood a room with light and so act as a burglar alarm. My invention will be seen at the Drapery Exhibition. where there will be 1(5 wax models. As soon as a woman approaches them they will revolve and •stop when she moves away. There are no selenium cells. It is simply the presence of the human body.” The invention look's rather like a small portable wireless set. One claim made is that it will halve electric light bills- .for shops, because tlio lights will only be ou when needed-