def blockChildrenSignals(self, block):
        """ If block equals True, the signals of the combo boxes and spin boxes are blocked
            Returns the old blocking state.
        """
        logger.debug("Blocking collector signals")
        for spinBox in self._spinBoxes:
            spinBox.blockSignals(block)
        for comboBox in self._comboBoxes:
            comboBox.blockSignals(block)
        result = self._signalsBlocked
        self._signalsBlocked = block
        return result
If block equals True, the signals of the combo boxes and spin boxes are blocked
            Returns the old blocking state.