US2076676A - Recording system - Google Patents

Description

April 13, 1937. A. T. slGo RECORDING SYSTEM Filed Aug. 24, l1934 '7 Sheets-Sheet I mma HSN

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April 13, 1937. A. T. slGo RECORDING SYSTEM Filed Aug. 24, 1954 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENToR ARTHUR T. slGo ATTY.

April 13, 1937. A. T. slGo RECORDING SYSTEM Filed Aug. 24, 1954 Sheets-Sheet 5 c0000 0 ooo INVENTOR ARTHUR T. SIGO ATTY.

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April 13, 1937. A, T. 51Go RECORDING SYSTEM Filed Aug. 24, 1934 7 Sheets-ShedI 4 gg o O O o o o o ig; Otro o j 2 4f E um N u? Y INVENTOR ARTHUR T. SIGO ATTY.

April 13, 1937. A. T. 51Go 2,076,676

RECORDING SYSTEM Filed Allg. 24, 1954 7 Sheets-Sheet 5` INVENTQR. ARTHUR T. SIGO ATTORNEY.

INVENTOR.

ARTHUR T. SIGO BY kwam..

ATTORNEY.

7 Sheets-Sheet 6 A. T. SIGO RECORDING SYSTEM Filed Aug. 24, 1954 April 13, 1937.

April 13, 1937.

FIG. 13

FIG. 12

FIG. 11

A. T. SIGO 2,076,676

RECORDING SYSTEM '7 Sheets-Sheenl 7 Filed Aug. 24, 1934 INVENTOR. ARTHUR T. SIGO BY Z.

MWI/

ATTORNEY.

Patented Apr. 13, 1937 RECORDING SYSTEM Arthur T. Sigo, Maywood, Ill., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Associated Electric Laboratories, Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Dela- Ware Application August 24, 1934, Serial No. 741,275

49 Claims.

` The present invention relates in general to recording systems, and more in particular to novel circuits and equipment for controlling recording apparatus of the type shown in my prior application S. N. 704,851, led `January 2, 1934, or in my application Ser. No. 728,683, filed June 2, 1934. By this invention the necessary equipment items are provided by means of which recording systems suitable for many different industrial situations can be provided. These include a system of recording for a watchmans service installation, which will make a graphic record of the reports made 4by the watchman from the several st-ations which he is required to visit on his round, by marking the time when each visit is made; a system of recording circuit breaker operations in an electrical distribution system, or generating station, by marking` the time,the individual circuit breakers operate; and other situations in which graphic records are required of the occurrence of events and the time at which they occur.

Due to the nature of the problems involved, which are of exceedingly diverse character, it

V has been found advantageous to construct the apparatus in the form of separate equipment units, each of which is provided with terminals by means of which the several units can be connected up to mak-e any recording system demanded by the particular situation being dealt with, Aprovided it is within the limits for which the equipment is designed. These units are referred to hereinafter as a multiple pen recorder, a line relay set, atime clock, and a dater.

5 A complete system, and modifications thereof, will be described hereinafter, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram of the multiple pen recorder;

Fig. 2 is a circuit drawing of a line relay set; Fig. 2A is a circuit drawing of a modified line relay set;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic drawing of the apparatus and circuits of the time clock;

Fig. 4 shows a pair of relays which are provided in an automatic telephone system when the time clock is used for time signalling;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic drawing showing the apparatus and circuits of the dater;

Figs. 6 and I show several examples of the graphic4 records produced; and

Figs. 8 to 15, inclusive, show the mechanical construction of the multiple. pen recorder and 55 parts thereof. More specically,

- individual controlling electromagnet.

Fig. 8 is a front view of the multiple pen 'recorder;

Fig. 9 is a section on the line A, Fig. 8, except for the base;

Fig. 10 is a section on the line B, Fig. 8, 5 also excepting the base; v

Fig. l1 is a detailed view of one of the pen operating levers; y f,

Fig. 12 is a detailed view, partly in section, on`

the line C, Fig. 10, of a portion of the pen oper- 10- ating lever assembly;

Fig. 13 is a view of a portion'of the recorder shown in Fig. 8 as it appears from the right, a partial end view, in other words; I

Fig. 14 shows the ink reservoir, approximatelyV 15 full size; and

Fig. 15 shows one of the pens enlarged about three times actual size.

Referring to Fig. 1, and to Figs. 8 tol 15 inclusive, the multiple pen recorder comprises 20 mechanism driven by^a motor 26 winch has the function of driving a paper tape past a group of recording pens." The paper is unwound from a supply roll and as it leaves the vicinity of the pens may be wound up on another roll. 25 There are twelve pens, each provided with an Fig. 1 shows these magnets, indicated by reference characters II-82, and their circuits. When the paper is advanced each pen draws a line'thereon, 30 and with the pen magnets or relays deenergized the lines drawn will be straight parallel lines longitudinal of the paper. However, when any pen relay is energized, the associated pen is displaced to the left and draws a line which is oif- 35 set from normal.

The apparatus is mounted on a hollow base 9| which is shown clearly in Figs. 1. 2. and 3. The base 9i may be made of sheet metal. Inside the base there is mounted a strip of ten pairs of lamps, 4o which may be of any. well known type. The lamps are in two rows,- comprising lamps LI to LIU, and lamps LII to L20, respectively. The lamp strip is supported inside the base by four screws 49, with the lamps behind translucent 45 caps of standard type which are inserted in openings in the edge of the base which are provided for this purpose, all as is shown clearly in the drawings.

The main frame of the pen recorder includes 50 two end plates 92 and 83, Figs. 8, 9, and 10. These end members are bent over at the bottom as shown in Fig. 8 so as to form two feet resting on the base 9| and secured thereto by heavy machine screws as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. 55

In order to stillen the frame, two heavy cross rods 96 are provided. These cross rods each have a portion at each end which is reduced in size and which is threaded. These reduced end portions pass through holes in the end plates 92 and 93, which are firmly held ag-ainst the shoulders on the rods 96 by means of nuts screwed on the threaded ends of the rods. There is also provided a similar rod 94, which is rigidly secured between the two end members in the same manner as rods 96. The rod 94 supports one edge of a fiat metal strip or apron 95. This member 95 has one end wrapped around the rod 94 and the other edge rests on the base 9I-. l5 It extends clear across from the member 92 to the member 93, as shown in Fig. 8, and provides a support for the roll of paper 99.

The mechanism for handling the record paper comprises an idler spool 84, a. driven roller 91, 20 two take-up spools 85 and 86, and a take-up roller I3, shown in Figs. 8 and 10. The driven roller 91 is supported on a shaft 98, which is mounted in bearings in the two end plates 92 and 93. The take-up roller I3 is supported on 2 5 a shaft I4. The two ends of the shaft I4 lie in slots I5 and I6, which are cut ln the end plates 92 and 93, respectively. The take-up spool 86, which can be seen clearly in Fig. 8, is supported on a shaft 86, forming part of the spool. Bear- 30 -ings for the shaft are provided in the end plates 92 and 93. The shank of the spool is provided with knurled portions such as I8. The spool 85 is constructed the same as spool 86.- The spool 84 is also constructed similar to spool 86, except 35 that the shank thereof may be somewhat smaller in diameter and is not provided with. the knurled portions such as I8. The paper supply roll 99 rests on the plate 95, and against the spool 84, as shown clearly in Fig. 10. The paper is brought around under spool 84, from which point it is carried upward and around over the driven roller 91. As shown clearly in Fig. 8, the paperis preferably perforated along each edge, and these perforations are engaged by pins on the two ends of the roller in order to provide for a positive drive. From the roller 91 the paper is brought down to the take-up roller I3. The roller I3, with the accumulated paper thereon, rests on Athe two take-up spools 85 and 86. 'I'hese take-up spools are positively driven by gears, as will be explained hereinafter, and the knurled portions thereon provide for rotating the take-up roller I3. As the paper -accumulates on the takeup roller, the shaft I4 of the latter rises up in the slots I5 and I6.

As shown in Fig. 8, two curved clips 36 and 31 are provided, which hold the paper in position on the driven roller 91. These clips are desirable because the take-up roller I3 will have to be 60 lifted from position from time to time to remove sections of the paper record, or is dispensed with altogether, and, at these times the clips 36 and 31 keep the paper in position on the driven roll, with the pins at the ends thereof registering with 65 the perforatlons ln the paper. 'Ihe clips 36 and 31 are mounted on a shaft 38, which is provided with bearings in the end plates 92and 93. As shown in Fig. 13, the right-hand end of the shaft 38 is provided with a lever 39. Between the end of this lever 39 and a pin secured to the end plate 93 there is provided a coil spring 40 under tension, which tends to rotate the shaft 38 and hold the clips 36 and 31 in contact with the paper.

'I'he power for driving the apparatus is furnished by a motor 26, shown in Fig. 8. The drawings shoW a bracket or support 25, on which is mounted a gear case 21. The motor 26 is mounted against the face of the gear case by means of two studs, such as 29. The shaft 28 of the motor extends into the gear case 21, as shown. By means of suitable reduction gears which are enclosed in the gear case, the motor transmits power to the shaft 30 which projects from the right-hand side of the gear case. The motor 26 may be of any suitable design, except that it should be of the synchronous type so that it will run at a constant rate of speed. The gear case 21 is also of well known construction and need not, therefore, be described in detail.

On the shaft 30 there is mounted a pinion 23, which may be held on the shaft by means of a set screw. The pinion is in mesh with the gear wheel 22, see Fig. 9, which is mounted on the shaft 98. Thus, the pinion 23 and gear wheel 22 provide for driving the roller 91. There is provided an idler gear ZI which is mounted on a stud secured to the end plate 92. Gear 2| is in mesh With gear 22 and is driven thereby. The spool 85 is provided with .the pinion 20, secured thereto as shown in Fig. 9, which is in mesh with the gear ZI. A small idler gear I1, mounted on a stud which is secured to the end member 92, serves to enable the pinion or gear 20 to drive the pinion I9 which is attached to the take-up spool 86. It will be seen that the spools 85 and 86 are driven in the proper direction so that they both tend to rotate the roller I3 in the proper' direction to wind up the paper as it comes off the roller 91. These spools are driven at a speed which is somewhat higher than that which' is required to rotate the'roller I3 fast enough to keep the paper taut.

The shaft 30 which transmits power from the gear box 21 also has mounted thereon a circular cam 3l, shown in Figs. 8 and 9. This cam may be mounted on a hub which is provided with a set screw so that it can be secured to the shaft 30 like the pinion 23. On the gear box there is mounted a bracket 32, to which are secured by the usual screws and washers a pair of contact springs 33 and 34. As shown in Fig. 9, the outer contact spring 33 has a bent-over end portion which engages the periphery of the cam 3I. As the cam rotates the end of spring 33 will enter the successive notches which are cut in the edge of the cam, and spring 33 thus closes contact with spring 34. The gear ratio may be such that the shaft 3IIl makes one revolution per minute. Since there are ten notches cut in the periphery of the cam. the spring 33 will make contact with spring 34 ten times per minute. A source of potential maybe connected to spring 33 and an impulse lead Amay be connected to the other spring. With this arrangement impulses will be delivered to the impulse lead at the rate of ten impulses per minute.

It will be seen that the motor and gear box together with the cam and pinion carried by the shaft 30, form a detachable unit which is supported by the bracket 25 in the proper position so that the pinion 23 will engage the gear 22. However, this unit may be removed if desired, by merely taking out the screws by which the gear case is attached to the bracket 25. This permits the motor and gear unit to be used separately if desired in case a source of timed impulses is wanted for some purpose which does not require the use of the pen recorder, assuming, of course. that the latter is not in use at the as shown in Fig.

time. The motor is preferably provided with a flexible cord, as shown in Fig. 8, which terminates in a plug so that the motor can be connected up to a source of power.

As shown in Fig. 8 there are twelve pen relays. These twelve pen relays control twelve recording pens, which are numbered, from left to right as pens I to I2, inclusive. are mounted in a row on a drilled cross member 42, Fig. 10. This cross member has two arms 43 and 44 which are formed integrally with it and which extend forward at right angles to it. The construction can be seen clearly from Figs. 8, 9, and 13. The arm 4,3 is pivoted in the end plate 92 of the frame at 45, which the other arrn 44 is pivoted in end plate 93 of the frame at 48. A stop `48, Fig. 10, limits the rotation on the pivots in one direction. The arm 44, Fig. 13, has an adjustable stop screw 41 .which limits the rotation in the other direction. There is a similar stop screw carried by arm 43. It may be stated that this limited movement of the cross member 42 is provided so that the recording pens can be lifted from the paper. The stop screws 41 are, of course, adjusted so that the pens will rest properly on the paper.

The pen relays are constructed along conventional lines. Each relay comprises a heel piece 50 and a coil 1 I, as shown in connection with the relay which can be seen in Fig. 10. Each relay core has a threaded extension which passes through the associated heel piece, and through the drilled cross bar 42, to which'it is secured by a nut on each side of the cross bar. In this r manner the pen relays are securely supportedon three springs the cross bar. Each pen relay has such as 52, 53, and 54, which are attached to the heel piece by means of machine screws as shown in Fig. l0. The springs are suitably insulated from each other. The two upper springs are contact springs and are normally separated from each other. The lower spring 54, which is operated by the armature 56 o f the relay, provides for operating the associated recording pen, and also by means of a bushing operates the spring 53. The recording pens such as 60 are each provided with an operating lever 58. These operating levers are supported on a cross bar BI, which can be seen in Figs. 8 to 12, the latter being a part sectional view which shows the left-hand end of the bar 6I. The bar 6I is supported on two brackets such as 63. The left bracket 63 is secured to the heel piece ofthe first pen relay 1I 10. There is a similar bracket at the other end of the bar SI which is similarly attached to the heel piece of the last pen relay .82. The manner in which the operating levers are supported on the cross bar 6I is shown clearly in Figs. 11 and l2. Thecross bar 6I is provided with twelve short studs or pivot pins, 65, which fit loosely in holes drilled in the operating levers 58 ofthe respective recording pens. There is also a bar 54 which is secured to the bar 6I by a number of machine screws, as seen in Figs. 12 and 8. The bar 64 is spaced away from the bar 6I by means of washers such as 66, the washers 66 being slightly thicker than the levers 58. Thus the operating levers are securely supported on the bar 6I in such a manner as to provide for movement around the pivots 65.

The operating levers are moved on their pivots by the associated pen relays. Each lever 58 has a diagonal slot out in the end thereof, and in this slot there is positioned a round pin 51, which is securely attached to the" operating spring 54 of The pen relays` thev associated pen relay. Considering the first pen relay 1l, shown in Fig. l0, it will be seen that when the armature 56 is attracted the end of spring 54 carrying the pin 51 will be moved upward. This pin engages the side of the slot in lever 58, associated with the rst recording pen 60, and therefore moves the upper end of lever 58 to the right, as seen in Figs. 8 and 11. The member 58 is therefore rotated slightly on the pivot 65, and the pen 60 is moved to the left. When the relay deenergizes, the spring 54 resumes its normal position and accordingly moves the pen 80 back to its normal position.

The slot at the lower end of each operating lever 58 is carefully cut so that its width is just slightly greater than the diameter of the pen tubing. Each slot is enlarged at 59, as shown clearly in Fig. 4. Any pen which is not used may be raised off the side slot 59.

The ink reservoir and the arrangement for supporting the pens can be seen in Figs. 9 and 10, and in Fig. 14. The reservoir 90| is rectangular in cross section, as can be seen from Fig. 10. and is approximately equal in length to the driving roll 91. The reservoir may be made of heavy sheet brass. As .shown in Fig. 14 the rear wall of the reservoir is extended upward at both ends,

forming two brackets or hangers 904 and 905 by means of which the reservoir is attached to the cross vbar 42. For this purpose two screws 906 and 901 are provided, which pass through holes in hangers 904 and 905 and are threaded into the cross bar 42. At the left-hand end there is a filler tube 908, closed with a hinged cap.

To form a cover for the ink reservoir 90|, and also to provide a support for the pens, there is provided a U-shaped channel member 902. As can be seen from Fig. 10, the lower side of this channel is made of the proper width to close the top of the reservoir. Equally spaced holes are drilled through both sides of the channel member to receive the pens such as 60.

An enlarged view of one of the pens is shown in Fig. l5. The pen 50 is made preferably of nickel tubing about .062 inch in outside diameter, bent to the shape shown in Figs. l and 10. The portion I I3 of the pen passes down through the holes drilled in the upper and lower side members of channel 902, which thus provides bearings in which the pen can rotate about the perpendicular portion II3 as an axis. The lower end portion II3 rests on the bottom. of the reservoir and is cut away at an angle at II4, so as to permit the entrance of ink. The other end of the pen 50 is preferably reduced in size at 9I0 for a distance of about if of an inch from the end, by a swaging operation. This substantially closes the bore of the tube, which is then carefully drilled out to the exact size required for the best results.

Very satisfactory operation has been secured with a pen point having an over-all diameter of .025 inch at the point 9II, and a bore 9I2 of .0135 inch. The pen points could no doubt be made in other ways, but satisfactory operation seems to require a reduced bore at the end of about the dimensions given.

Before operating the pen recorder the pens have to be lled with ink. A considerable quantity of ink may be put into the reservoir 90| by `way of the filler tube 908. The pen relay assembly is then tilted back on the pivots 45 and 46 so as to raise the pen points from the paper. A small rubber bulb is now required to which is attached a short length of ne rubber tubing.

paper and allowed to rest in' the enlargement or The bulb is rst pressed together, then the rubber tubing is slipped over the point of the iirst pen. Releasing the bulb will now draw ink up Ainto the pen by suction. Each of the pens may be iilled in turn the same way. The pen relay assembly is now restored to normal position, with the pens resting on the paper. There is no tendency for the ink to run back, and when once filled as described above the pens require no attention for a long time.

The stop screws 41 should be adjusted so that the pen points press lightly on the paper. It will be observed that with the relays all deenergized the recording pens will trace straight lines on the paper, and it will be seen that when any pen relay energizes the associated pen will be moved to the left, so that the line traced by thatvpen will be oiset to the left from its normal position. The stroke of the pen relay armatures is preferably adjusted so as to provide for a pen movement of about one-eighth of an inch. That is, the line drawn by a recording pen when its associated relay is operated may be oiset one-eighth of an inch from the position of the line when the relay is normal. It is preferable to use a special kind of ink which does not readily evaporate, manu- .1

factured for use in apparatus of -this kind.

The reference numeral indicates a terminal block, which may be mounted on the base 0|, as shownin Figs. 8, 9, and 10. This terminal block is of the usual type such as is usedlin telephone systems on distributing frames. It comprises iive rows of terminals which are 'set in hard rubber or iiber blocks as seen clearly in Fig. 8, which i shows an end view of the block. There are preferably twenty terminals in each row. The terminals in the upper row are numbered from 101 to 120, the terminals in the second row from 121 to 140, and so on. It will be understood that in actual practice the terminals may be numbered from 1 to 100, but in order to avoid confusion in the drawings the terminals are numbered herein as stated.

Fig. 1 shows how the pen relays and lamps are i wired to the terminal block. The conductors from block 80. This departure, however, is customary in wiring diagrams and will not cause any confusion.` When the device is to be used, the proper connections to other apparatus and the necessary ,connections between the relays, lamps, etc., which are not a part of the permanent wiring, are made by means of jumpers and by means of strapping on the front side of the terminal block 80. Fig. i shows in dotted lines one particular system of strapping which is required for a certain particular use of the multiple pen recorder.

The line relay set shown in Fig. 2 comprises ten pairs of relays, of which only the first and eighth pairs are shown, and a common relay 201 Relays 20| and 202 constitute the rst pair of the ten, while relays 203 and 204 are the eighth pair. There is also provided a terminal block with numbered terminals, similar to the block provided with the multiple pen recorder, to which the relays are wired as shown in the drawings.

The relays and terminal blocks are all assembled together on a suitable base. The reference letter S indicates a socket and P2 is a plug for connecting up to a sourceof commercial current. y

Referring now to -the time clock. Fig. 3, this comprises a set of time registers, with means for maintaining them set in accordance with the time of day, and means for testing for the time and transmitting it by means of current impulses to the pen recorder. The registers are a units minutes register Uhm, a tens minutes register TMR, and an hours register HR. There is also a weeks register WR. Each register is an automatic switch of the type which advances its wipers on the release of the stepping magnet. Registers UMR, TMR.'and WR. are eleven point switches, while register HR is a twenty-five point switch. The stepping magnets for the three registers are indicated by reference characters 3|0, 3| I, 399, and 3|2, respectively. A disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 1,675,311, while a suitable 25point switch is disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 1,693,027.

The reference character 300' indicates a small synchronous motor such as is commonly used in electric clocks. This motor drives a cam 309 by means of speed reducing gears enclosed in a gear box 30|. The speed reduction is such that cam 209 makes one revolution per minute and transmits an impulse every minute bymeans of the associated contact springs. l

The testing and time transmitting equipment Y referred to includes a distributor DI and a plurality of relays 3|3-3|3,

348, and 350. The distributor is driven by a synchronous motor 302. similar to motor 300, through gear set 303, which is arranged so that the distributor shaft 308 makes six revolutions per minute. This speed is not .critical and may be varied somewhat if desired. brush arm 304, which is shown broken -oi so as not to obscure the drawings. However, it will be understood that this arm carries the two brush sets 305 and 306, moving them in a clockwise direction over their respective rows of contacts. 'I'he distributor brushes have forty-two positions. or contact sets. Sufficient of these positions are indicated by numerals placed opposite the corresponding contacts in the'outer row so that the operation can be readilyfollowed.

All the apparatus shown in Fig. 3, including the two motors, the distributor, the register switches, and the relays, are mounted on a single base as a unitary piece of equipment. This base also carries a terminal block having numbered terminals tov which the apparatus is wired as shown in the drawings.

The dater shown in Fig. 5 is somewhat similar to the time clock eq pment shown in Fig. 3. It comprises a days register DR, a months register MR, a-distributor D2, and ve relays 508-5|2. The register switches are of the same type as those shown in Fig. 3, but differ as to the number of contacts in their banks. The distributor D2 is similar to DI, but is necessarily wired diierently and has a somewhat diierent arrangement of contacts. It may be driven by motor 500, through speed reducing gearing 50|, so that the brush arm 502 makes six revolutions per minute. All this apparatus is mounted on a suitable base having a terminal block to which the apparatus is wired as shown.

In some of the circuit drawings battery and ground symbols are used for convenience and in order to simplify the drawings. It will be undersuitable il-point switch is a speed reducing The shaft 308 carries a i By referring to the drawings in the patent it will stood, however, that these symbols indicate connections to the battery and ground bus bar s, respectively, and are not intended to indicate separate batteriesA or ground connections. In Fig. 2, for instance, the various battery symbols indicate connections to battery bus bar 26|, while the ground symbols indicate connections to ground bus bar 262. InyFig. 3 the battery and ground bus bars are denoted by reference characters 355 and356, respectively, and in Fig. 5 by reference characters 528 and 529, respectively.

The several equipment items having been briefly. described, their operation in a typical installation lwill now be explained. For this purpose the case of a watchmans service system will be considered. A system of this kind may be installed in a factory or other industrial establishment in which a night Iwatchin/an is employed. The watchman is assigned a regular route which he is required to cover at predetermined intervals, usually every hour. AAs the watchman arrives at each station on his route he reports in to the central station where a record is made of the time at which the report is made and the station reported from. The record is-made automatically. The appara- .tus for recording the reports is usually sealed or locked against access by the watchman and affords his employers a means of checking up on the faithfulness with which his duties are performed. Systems of this general character are disclosed in U. S. Patents 1,529,902 and 1,540,786. The system about to be described requires that `the establishment be equipped with a local telephone system or private branch exchange, which may be -an automatic exchange of the general type Adisclosed in U. S. Patent No.1,580,490. This telephone system serves 'its usual purpose during J- working hours, land Iat night or during the watchmans tour of duty it provides the requisite number of reporting stations.. 'I'hese stations are 1ocal telephones distributed around the premises, a number of which located at strategic points are selected` for this purpose. It will be assumed that twenty telephones are 'thus assigned as watchmans stations. They may be numbered consecutively from 1 to 20. These station numbers have no necessary relation to the telephone numbers.

The special equipment required includes one multiple pen recorder, Fig. l, two line relay sets, such as the one-shown in Fig. 2, one time clock, Fig. 3, and one dater, Fig. 5. This equipment may be suitably installed in a cabinet which is preferably located at the same point as the automatic switchboard.

The recording system comprising the equipment units mentioned is connected with the telephone system by means of the line relay sets. Two of these sets are required as stated because there are twenty stations and each set has a capacity often stations. The twenty stations are divided into two groups, group No. 1 comprising stations 1 to 10 and group No. 2 comprising stations 11 to 20.

The stations of group No. l are connected to line relay set No. 1, while the stationswpf group No.

2 are connected to line relay set No.2.

/Referring to Fig, 2 of the drawings and to Pate t No. 1,580,490, therststation'dsrchnected be seen that this result can be secured by adding an extra pair of normally open contact springs to the cut-off relay I6. One of these springs is grounded and to the other is attached the jumper from the line relay set. l On each outgoing call the cut-off relay lI6 operates and by closing theextra set of contact springs will extend ground to terminal 22|. On an incoming call, however, Aa1- though ground is applied to conductor 35 by the connector, the cut-off relay I6 is operated only part way and the extra contact springs are so adjusted that this partial operation will not close them. The jumper can be connected directly to the test conductor at the line switch, and the extra pair of springs dispensed with, if, as is usually the case, the establishment is closed down while the watchman is on duty. With all the employees away, there will be no calls made except by the watchman.

Stations 2 to 10 of group No. 1 are connected up the same way as above described to terminals 222 to 230,. respectively, Fig. 2, of the No. 1 line relay se't.

manent installation. In case cable is. used the line relay end can be fanned out and connected up to the two terminal sets 22|230 in the usual way. The other end of the cable is preferably fanned -out onto a special terminal block at the automatic switchboard.v Conductors from the line switches can be permanently wired to a similar block. Short jumpers canthen be run between the two blocks, thus connecting up any desired telephone lines as watchmans stations.

The connections between the equipment units will now beexplained, it being understood that they can be made with jumper wire, or in any approved manner.

Referring to the multiple pen recorder, Fig. l, terminal |90 is connected to a source of direct current which may be the battery used in the telephone exchange. This battery is usually of 46 volts potential and has its positive pole grounded. Although the relay contacts are not used in this particular instance they may be strapped as shown and terminal |89 may be connected to ground. Plug P| is inserted in socket S, Fig. 2.

At the No. l line relay set, see Fig. 2, terminals 2li- 22D are connected, respectively, to terminels lll-12o, Fig. 1. Terminals zal- 24u are connected, respectively, to terminals |6|-|l0, Fig. 1. Terminal 25| is connected to terminal No. of the group 332 in Fig. 3. Also the following connections are made: terminal 250 to terminal 344,` Fig. 3, terminal 254 to terminal 343, Fig". 3, terminal 255 to terminal 522, Fig. 5, terminal 256 to terminal 34|, Fig. 3, terminal 251 to terminal v33T, Fig. 3, and terminal 259 to terminal 345, Fig. 3. Ground is connected to terminal 253. Plug P2 is inserted in a. convenient socket which is wired to the commercial A. C. supply.

At the No. 2 line relay set, terminals 2| |220 are multipled with the same numbered terminals of the No. 1 set, that is, they are connected to terminals |I||20, Fig. 1.` Terminals 23|-240 are connected, respectively, to terminals HIL-|80, Fig. l. Terminal 25| is connected to terminal No. 2 of the group 332, Fig. 3. These are the group marking terminals and provision is made 70. impulse received at the expiration oreighth minute will cause the wiper 320 to beconnections already mentioned, the following.

connections are made: terminal 33| to 520, Fig. 5, terminal 332 to 523, Fig. 5, terminal 340 to battery, and terminal 339 to ground. Plugs P3 and P5 are inserted in the sockets connected to the commercial A. C. supply, while plug P4 is inserted in socket S2.

Since it will be assumed that at least one set of relays, Fig. 4, is provided -to enable the watchman to hear time signals, terminal 445 is connected to terminal 345, Fig. `3, terminal 446 to terminal 346, Fig. 3, and terminal 441 to terminal 341, Fig. 3. Y

At the dater, Fig. 5, in addition to the connections already mentioned, terminal 521 is connected to terminal |86, Fig. 1, and terminals vto 524 and 525 are connected to battery and ground, respectively. Plug P6 is inserted in a commercial A. C. socket.

` Before starting the explanation oi the system 30 as a whole, the operation of the register switches in the time clock and dater, Figs. 3 and 5, will be described. The way the registers are shown in the drawings, Fig. 3, the time is 2:22 a. m.

In Fig. 5, the registers are set for Jan. 4th. On the assumption that the year is 1934, the weeks register WR, Fig. 3, is set for Thursday, the fourth day oi.' the week.

To facilitate setting the registers when the apparatus is installed and to reset them if their operation is stopped for some reason, permitting them to get behind, each registerV may be provided with a key such vas is shown associated with the stepping magnet 3|0 of the units minutes register UMR. By means of these keys the register switches are stepped are Yset for the correct date, day of the week,

and for a time several minutes ahead of the correct time, the motor 300 being disconnected. The cam 303 is turned by hand until it is just past the point where it closes the associated contact springs, as shown in the drawings. Then when the time for which the registers are set arrives the plug P3 is inserted in a socket connected to A. C. current and the motor 300 starts.

After the lapse of one minute, the cam 309 closes its contacts momentarily, or rather permits them toclose, and thus sends an impulse to the stepping magnet 3i0 of register UMR. Magnet 3|0 energizes responsive to the impulse and deenergizes when the impulse is over. Upon deenergizing, the ` wipers 320, 32| and 322 are advanced one step to the third contacts in their respective banks. The time for which the registers are now set is 2:23 a. m.

Impulses continue to be transmitted 'to magnet 3|0, one impulse at the end of each subsequent minute. When seven minutes have elapsed, seven impulses will have been received, and wiper 320 will be standing on its ninth contact. The of the next advanced to the tenth contact. whereupon a circuitis closed for stepping magnet 3|| of register Upon energizing, magnet 3|| closes a circuit for stepping magnet 3|0. The latter around until they magnet therefore energizes and since it interrupts its own circuit in this instance it instantly deenergizes again, thereby advancing the wipers 320, 32| and 322 to the eleventh or 0 contacts in their banks. The movement of wiper 320 from the tenth contact to the 0 contact breaks the circuit of stepping magnet 3| I, which therefore deenergizes and advances wipers 323, 324, and 325 to the third contacts of their respective banks.

The next impulse received will advance wiper 320 to the first contact in its bank, and one more impulse will move it to the second contact where it stood to begin with. Thus in an interval of ten minutes the wipers of register UMR make one complete rotation: During this operation one impulse is sent to the stepping magnet 3|| of register TMR, causing the wipers of this register to be advanced one step.

Continuing with the operation, after two more vten minute impulses have been received by stepping magnet 3|l, the wipers of register TMR will be standing on the fifth contacts in their banks, and one more impulse w'ill advance them to the sixth contact. Wiper 323 now closes a circuit for stepping magnet 3|2 of register HR. Upon energizing magnet 3|2 closes a circuit for stepping magnet 3||. Since it interrupts its own circuit, magnet 3 deenergizes and advances its wipers one more step. Contacts 6 to 10 in the bank of wiper 323 are strapped together, with the result that magnet 3'|| continues to operate hd rapidly steps the wipers of register TMR past contacts '1 to 10 and onto the 0 contacts, where the operation ceases. Uponleaving contact I0 in its bank, wiper 323 breaks the circuit of magnet 3|2, which thereupon deenergizes and advances wiper 326-330 one step. v

Upon receiving two more ten minute impulses, magnet 3|| will advance the wipers of register TMR to the second contacts in their banks, the

starting position. Thus in six ten minute periods,or in one hour, the wipers of register TMR make one complete rotation.I During each rotation one impulse is sent to the stepping magnet SI2 of the register HR.

The hours register HR having received one impulse as described, nine more impulses will cause its wipers to be advanced to the twelfth contacts "in their banks, marking the beginning of p. rn.

time. At the expiration of twelve hours more it will be midnight, or 12:00 a. m. In this period twelve impulses will be received, the last impulse coming in just at 12:00 midnight. These impulses cause the magnet 3|2 to advance the wipers 326-330 one step per impulse, so that when the hour of 12:00 midnight arrives, wiper 321 will be advanced tothe twenty-fourth contact in its bank. A circuit is thus closed for stepping magnet 3|2. Since magnet 3|2 breaks this circuit upon energizing, it immediately deenergizes again and advances the wipers 326-330 to the twenty-fifth contacts in their banks. Here.

the wipers remain for another hour, when they are advanced to the first vcontacts in their banks, and after another hour to the second contacts in their banks, which is the point from which the operation started. Thus in twenty-four hours the register HR makes one complete rotation.

The weeks register WR is advanced one step every day at 12:00, midnight. At -this particular time of day wiper 326 of the register HR rests momentarily on the twenty-fourth contact in its bank, thus Asending an impulse to the steper of register WR. Since ping magnet 399. Responsive to the impulse,

magnet 399 energizes, and upon the cessation of the impulse, it deenergizes to advance the wipin a week only seven contacts are required in the register bank. The last four bank contacts are therefore strapped and are wired to the' interrupter contact of stepping magnet 399 to provide for automatically ladvancing the register;

and advances the 'wipers 5I35|5 one step per day. Throughout the 31st-day of January, wiper 5|4 willbe'standing on the thirty-first conta'ct, in its bank. At midnight another impulse will be received by magnet 506, which will advance wiper 514 to the thirty-second contact in its bank. This operationcloses a circuit for vthe stepping magnet 501 of the months register MR. Upon the energization of magnet 501, a circuit is completed for magnet 506 of register DR, the circuit including wiper 5|5., Magnet 506 accordingly energizes, -interrupts its circuit, and advances wiper 5|3-5I5 one more step. Wiper 5|5 now finds direct ground on the thirty-third v,contact in its bank, so that magnet 506 is reoperated to advance the wipers 5|3-5|5 another step, bringing them to the first contacts in their respective banks. The circuit of stepping magnet `501 is broken when Wiper 5|4 leaves the thirty-second contact in its bank, with the result that the magnet deenergi'zes and advances wipers 5|6-5I8 one step. t

The registers DR and MR of the dater, Fig. 5, are now set for Feb. 1st. Magnet 506 of register DR continues to receive an impulse every day and eventually will advance the wipers 5|3-5l5 to the twenty-eighth contacts in their banks, this point being reached on Feb. 28th. The next day is March 1st, and therefore when the next impulse is received by magnet 506, marking the end of February, the wipers 5|3-5I5 must be advanced to the first contacts in their banks. 'I'his is taken care of by wipers 5|1 and 5I8 of register MR, both of which rest on grounded contacts during the month of February, and ground contacts 29 to l in the bank of wiper 5|5. As a result of this arrangement, when wiper 5|5 is advanced from contact 28 in its bank to contact 29 (at the end of February) the said wiper will pick up ground on contact 29,

and also on contacts 30 and 31, and magnet 506 will automatically operate to advance the register wipers to the thirty-second contacts of their banks. From this point on the operation is the same as previously described for the moxnth of January, that is, the months register MR is ad-y vanced one' step 'and the days register is advanced to first position.

It will be noted that wiper 5|8 of register MR finds ground only in February, as this is the only month in the year which does not have at least thirty days. The only function of wiper 5|8 is to pass the,days register through positions 29 and 30 at the end of February. Wiper 5|1 is provided in order to pass the wipers of the days `register through position 31 at the end of each month which has only thirty days. These months are April, June, September and November, being respectively the fourth, sixth, ninth, and eleventh aos/alava months.: Wiper 5|1 is therefore arranged to iind I there are seven days s twenty-nine days.

ground'- on the corresponding contacts in its bank. f

With the arrangement shownthe registers will be maintained correctly set indefinitely, o r until some part wears out, assuming there is no interruption in the supply of current to motor 300. The only exception to the foregoing is during leap year, when the month of February has This couldbe taken care of automatically but the event occurs so seldom that it is not worth while. When leap year comes around, anyone havingthis equipment will cut the strap connecting contacts 29 and 3 0 of thev contact bank associated with wiper 5I5 of register DR at least as early as Feb. 28th, vand will replace it on March 1st, or before the end of February the next year. A key or switch can be provided for opening this 1strap ifdesired.

The operation of the complete system will now be described. It will be a'ssumedthat between the hours of 8:00 a. m. and 6:00 p. m. the regular working organization is in charge of the premises. The period when the watchman service is in operation, therefore, will extend from 6:00 p. m. until 8:00 a.. m. During. the working hours, when the watchmans service is not used, the apparatus is all inactive, except for motor 300 which keeps on sending impulses to the register UMR to maintainthe timeclock and dater at the correct setting. The non-response of the apparatus to telephone calls during working hours is due to the fact that battery is relays, Fig. 2.

When the time 6:00 p. m. arrives, a circuit is completed over the wiper 391 of the register WR, and wipers 322, 325, and 330 of registers UMR, TMR, and HR,respectively, for the lower winding of relay 349, Fig. 3.- Relay 349 energizes and locks itself energized. At the upper contacts of relay 349, battery is connected to the line relays by way of terminal 340, terminal 338, relay contacts, terminal 331, and terminal 251, Fig. 2, terminals 331 and 251 being connected together as' previously mentioned. Thus battery potential is supplied to bus 26|, Fig. 2. As has also been mentioned before, the corresponding terminals such as 251 in the two line relay sets are multipled together, so that bus 26| in the second set will have battery potential also. vThe two sets operate as one and hence it will not be necessary to further consider the sets individually, except as regards the group identification of a station, which will be pointed out at the proper time.

At one minute past 6:00 p. m., ground is placed on terminal 333, Fig. 3, by wipers 32|, 324, and 32S, of registers UMR, TMR, and HR, respectively. Since terminal 333 is connected to terminal 523, Fig. 5, an energizing circuit is thus closed for relay 508. Upon energizing, relay 508 locks itself, starts the motor 500, and also grounds terminal 522. The latter is connected to terminal 255, Fig. 2, and a circuit is therefore closed for relay 201, which energizes and starts the motor 26/of the multiple pen recorder, Fig. l. It will be recalled that'plug PI has been inserted in socket S, so that motor 26 will start as stated.

' The pen recorder is now in operation, the paper being advanced past the pens preferably at a rate of about 18 feet per minute. The distributor D2 of the dater, driven by motor 500, is also operating. The function of the distributor is to send impulses to the recorder in. accordance with the setting of the date registers, so that the date may be recorded at the beginnlng of the graphic recdisconnected from the line ord which is to be made of the watchmans activities during the period just starting. A part of this record is shown in Fig. 6.

The distributor D2 advances its two brush sets 5 503 and 504 through positions 1 to 5 without effect. In position 6, the outer brush set 504 closes a circuit for relay 5|2, and the circuit remains closed until Ithe brush set leaves position 7. As a result a long impulse is sent to relay l0 5| 2, which operates and grounds terminal 521. This terminal is connected to terminal |86, Fig. 1, so a circuit is completed for the No. 12 pen relay 82. The twelfth penis therefore displaced to the left for a brief interval and marks the paper as shown at 60|, Fig. 6. This mark is a position mark and is always made just prior to recording the month.

In position 8, the outer brush set 504 again closes a circuit for relay 5|2, this time only momentarily, and causes the relay to send an impulse to pen No. 12 by way of terminals 521 and |86. The twelfth pen is therefore again deflected to the left for an instant, marking the paper as indicated at 602. When the inner brush 35 set 503 arrives at position 9 a circuit is completed for relay 5|0, which includes wiper 5|6 of register MR in first or January position, the correspending contact in the distributor bank, brush set 503 in 9th position, and the winding of relay 5|0. Relay 5|0 instantly energizes, being a fast operating relay, and locks. In energized position, relay 5 I 0 opens the circuit of relay 5|2, so that no further impulses can be transmitted by the latter relay while the distributor is passing through po- Simms 9 to 19, incmsive. It will be observed .that brush set 503 is set slightly ahead of brush set 504, which operates relay 5|0 in time to prevent the circuit of relay 5|2 being closed in the 9th position.

When the inner brush set 503 arrives at position 20 a circuit is closed in an obvious manner for relay 5| which operates momentarily and unlocks relay 5|0, permitting the latter to fall back and again connect up relay 5|2. In positions 22 and 23, therefore, another long impulse is transmitted by relay 5|2 to pen relay 82, causing the No. l2 pen to mark the paper as shown at 603. This is another position-mark which is always made just preceding the recording of the tens digit of the day of the month, if there is a tens digit. In the present instance the registers Vare set for Jan. 4th and hence there is no tens digit. In positions 1 to 9 wiper 5|3 of register DR grounds the 0 contact in position 24 of the inner distributor brush set 503 and hence when the brush set reaches position 24 a circuit is again closed for relay 5|0. Relay 5|0 locks itself as before and opens the circuit ofrelay 5|-2, thus preventing this relay from sending any impulses while the distributor is passing through positions 24, 25, and v26.

In position 28, the inner brush set again closes the circuit of relay 5|| to unlock relay 5|0; This again renders relay5|2 operative, and in positions 30 to 33 of the distributor relay 5|2 transmits four impulses to pen relay 82, causing the No. 12 pen to mark the paper as shown at 604. When the inner brush set reaches position 34 a circuit is again completed for relay 5|0, the circuit including wiper 5|4 of the register DR standing on its fourth contact. Relay 5|0 energizes, locks itself and opens the circuit of relay 5|2, preventing any further impulses being transmitted by the latter in positions 34 to 39 of the distributor.

In position 41, the inner brush set again closes the circuit of relay 5| to cause it to unlock relay 5|0. Also the outer brush set 504 closes acircuit for relay 509, which locks itself to the now grounded terminal 523 over. which relay 508 was energized to start the distributor. Relay 509 now disconnects relay 508 from terminal 523 and alters the locking circuit of the relay by replacing direct ground with the circuit from the distributor over which relay 503 is initially energized. Ground is removed from this circuit as the outer brush set leaves position 41 and hence relay 508 falls back at that time, stopping the motor 500 and leaving the distributorbrush sets in position 42, or approximately in that position, as shown in the drawings. Relay 509 remains locked upuntil ground? is removed from terminal 523, which 4occurs one minute after it was applied,

-due to the advance of wiper 32| of register UMR.

When relay 508 falls back it removes ground (fromterminal 522, thus breaking the circuit of relay 201|, Fig. 2, and stopping the pen recorder, Fig. 1. It will be seen that while the pen recorder was running about three inches of paper was fed through and the No. 12 pen was controlled byy the dater to record the date. As stated hereinfrom i to 12 impulses, corresponding to months Y January to December, under control of relay 5| 0, which in turn is controlled by wiper 5|6 of register MR. In positions 24, 25, and 26, relay 5| 2 sends from 1 to 3 impulses, or no impulses, as determined by the setting of the-wiper 5|3 of register DR. In positions 30 to 39, relay 5|2 sends from 1 to 10 impulses, as determined by the setting of wiper 5| 4 of register DR. Thus any date can be transmitted by sending three groups of impulses with the proper number of impulses in each group, which in any case are recorded by the No. 12 pen in the manner described. The

dater can be reoperated at intervals if desired,

although it usually will be enough to operate it at the beginning of each watchmans period. If more frequent operation is wanted, say every hour that the watchman is on duty, terminal 333, Fig. 3, is connected to the proper additional contacts in the bank of wiper 329 instead of only one contact, as4 shown in the drawings. Since the watchman is generally required to make one round per hour the paper can be cut up into sections of one round each, and each section will be dated.

Continuing with the operation, the watchman starts his round .at 6:00 p. m. or shortly afterward, and rst visits station No. 1. 'The stations are visited in regular order from No. 1 to No. 20. Since the fragmentary record shown in Fig. 6 does not include the lines traced by the lower numbered pens, the operations which ensue when stations Nos. 1 to 'I are visited will be neglected, and the explanation will be started on the assumption that the watchman has arrived at station No. 8, which he probably will reach in about fifteen minutes or so. The first operation of the watchman, and the only operation he has to perform, is to remove the receiver from the telephone. It may be replaced again immediately, or the watchman may dial the number assigned to time signalling if he desires to supervise the recording operation or obtain the time to check the rate at which he is progressing on his round.

For the present, it will be assumed that the receiver is merely removed for a moment and then replaced.

The removal of thereceiver operates the line l0 switch in which the telephone line terminates at the branch exchange. See Patent No. 1,580,490. This operation extends ground potential to termi- -nal 228, Fig. 2, closing a circuit for relay 203. Upon energizing, relay 203 locks itself at spring 212, and at spring 215 prepares a circuit for relay 204. Also at spring 213 ground is extended to terminal 259. Since 'terminal 259 is connected to terminal 345, Fig. 3, a circuit is thereby completed for distributor start relay 3|3, which energizes and locks in an obvious manner. In energized position relay 3| 3 extends ground to the front contact of the armature of stepping magnet 3I0 of register UMR, so that in case an impulse is received by the magnet while the distributor is operating themagnet will be held up until the distributor returns to normal. This prevents any change in the setting of the registers during the operation of the distributor. 'I'he distributor'is started by the energization of relay 3 I 3, as will be clear from the drawings, since plug P4 is now inserted in socket S2, as explained before.

When the outer brush set 306 reaches position No. 1, a circuit is completed for relay 3| 8, which operates momentarily and grounds terminal 344, to close the pick up circuit for relay 204. 'I'his circuit includes terminals 344 and 250, which are connected, and a contact at 215 of relay 203 which was closed when relay/"203 energized. Relay 204 accordingly energizes and locks itself over a circuit including springs 214 and 218, at the same time opening the pick-up circuit. Lamp L8, connected in parallel with relay 204 over terminals 238 and |68, is now lighted. At spring 211 relay 284 closes a circuit for relay 201, which relay pulls up. and starts the pen recorder, Fig. 1. At springs 280, relay '204 closes a circuit for pen relay 18 which extends from ground at the upper contact of relay 3|1, Fig. 3, by way of terminal 34|, terminal 256, spring 280, spring 21|, terminal 2 i8, terminal I8, and winding of pen relay 18 to battery at terminal |90.v Pen relay 18 is accordingly energized and the No. 8 pen, assigned to stations Nos. 8 and 18, begins to draw an off-set line on the paper as 55 the latter moves along. Relay 204 also alters the locking circuit of relay 203, substituting ground by way of the lower contact of relay 3 I 8, Fig. 3, terminal 343, terminal 254, and spring 216, for direct ground. Finally, relay 204 applies ground by way of spring 218 to terminal 25|. This terminal is connected to the No. l'terminal in group 332, Fig. 3.

When the outer brush set 306 of the distributor reaches position 2, a circuit is closed for relay 3| 1. 55 Due to the shape of the contacts in the outer row at this point the impulse received by relay 3|1 is a comparatively long one. Relay 3| 1 responds to this impulse and at its upper contact spring removes ground from terminal 34|, thus breaking the circuit of pen relay 18,' and restoring the pen to normal for a short interval. This operation marks the paper as shown at 6I0, Fig. 6.

When the inner brush set .305 arrives at posi tion No. 3, it finds the No. 1 group contact grounded, due to ground having been applied by way of 'Ill the No. 1 terminal of group 332, as previously mentioned, and closes a circuit for relay 3 I 6. This relay pulls up and locks and also opens the circuit of relay 3|1, thus preventing the latter relay fromfl responding while the other brush set is passing through positions 3 to 6. Positions 2 to 6, it may be stated, are the group marking positions. It will be noted that a single U-shaped mark has been made at 6I0 by the No. 8 pen, indicating that station No. 8 is reporting. Explaining this further, the single mark indicates group No. 1, and since the mark is made by pen No. 8, this identifies the reporting station as the eighth station in group No. 1, which is station No. 8. The eighth stationin group No. 2 is station No. 18, etc.

When the inner brush set 305 reaches position No. 7, it completes a circuit for relay 3I5, which energizes momentarily and unlocks relay 3|6. The latter relay on falling back places relay 3 1 in condition to respond in position 8 and subsequent positions assigned to the sending of the hours impulses. the outer brush set 306 is passing through positions' to 13 relay 3|1 will respond six times and will breakthe circuit of pen relay 18 six times, causing the No. 8 pen to mark the paper as shown at 6| I. Further response of relay 3| 1 in positions 14 to 19 is prevented bythe operation of relay 3|6 the circuitof which is closed by inner brush set 305 when it reaches position 14. Theclosure when me inner brushset reaches the twenuetu position, relay 3| 5 is energized again momentarily to unlock relay 3|6. Thisprepares a circuit for relay 3|1 as before.

It will be assumed now that the exact time 6:16 p. m. It follows that wiper 323 of register TMR will be standing on contact 1 and wiper 320 of register UMR will be standing on contact 6. In position 22 of the outer brush set, relay 3|1 is operated once, thereby controlling the No. 8 pen to mark the paper as shown at 6|2. Relay 3|1 does not respond in positions 23 to 26 due to the energization of relay 3I6, in position 23, under control of'wiper 323 of register TMR.

In position 27 relay 3 I 5 energizes again momen tarily to unlock relay 3|6.

As the outer brush set passes through positions 29 to 34, relay 3 I1 is operated six times, and con- It follows, therefore, that while trols the No. 8 pen to mark the paper as shown at 6 I3. In position 35 of the inner brush setrelay 3| 6 is operated, due to the setting of Wiper 320 of register UMR, and opens the circuit of relay 3|1. Relay 3I6 locks itself and holds this circuit open until the relay is unlocked in position 38 bythe momentary energization of relay 3|5.

In position 40 of the outer brush set along impulse is transmitted to relay 3|1, due to the fact that wiper 321 of register HR is standing on a contact in the p. m. section of its bank. Relay, 3|1 accordingly controls the No. 8 pen to mark the paper as shown at 614.

In position 41, of the inner brush set relay 3|5 again operates, but without effect. In position 41 of the outer brush set a circuit is completed for relay 3I9. Upon energizing, relay 3|8 opens the initial energizingv circuit of relay 313, and also alters the locking circuit of this relay, substituting ground from the distributor in position 41 for direct ground. As the distributor leaves position 41, therefore, relay 3I3 falls back. 'I'he distributor then comes to rest with its brush sets approximately in position 42 as shown in the drawings. Relay 3I9 also hasy its circuit broken as the distributor leaves position 4l, but is slow 5 to release andholds the circuits of relay 3 I3 open long enough to insure that this relay will fall back.

The energization of relay 3|9 also removes ground from terminal 343. This breaks the locking circuit of relay 203, Fig. 2, and relay 203 accordingly deenergizes, thereby removing ground from terminal 259. The latter terminal is connected to terminal 345, Fig. 3. Relay 3|9 is slow to release, as stated before, and holds the initial l5 energizing circuit of relay 3i3 open until after ground is removed from terminals 259 and 345.

' As a further result of the falling back of relay 203, ground is removed from the lockingcircuit of relay 204 at 214 and the incoming circuit from the line switch, connected to terminal 228, is substituted therefor. Whether relay 204 falls back now or not depends on whether or not the receiver has been replaced at station No. 8. Assuming that the receiver has been replaced, terminal 228 will not be grounded and relay 204 will fall back. This breaks the circuit of relay 201, which falls back and stops the pen recorder. It will be observed also that the deenergization of relay 203 breaks the circuit of pen relay 18 under these conditions, permitting the No. 8 pen to restore.

Assuming now that the receiver is still off at station No. 8 when relay 203 falls back, relay 204 is held up over the grounded terminal 228. Lamp L8 accordingly remains lighted. Also, al-

though relay 203 is deenergized, the circuit of the pen relay 18 is now closed to ground at terminal 228, in parallel with relay 204. Relay 204 and pen relay 18 are thus held up as long as terminal 228 remains grounded, or as long as the receiver remains oi at station No. 8. Since the pen recorder keeps on running until relay 204 falls back the No. 8 pen will continue to draw an off set line, making a record of the length of time the receiver remains off, if longer than the period required to record the time of day. It will be seen from the foregoing that the act of the Watchman in momentarily removing the receiver at station No. 8 initiates a series of op erations which result in recording the report and the time at which it is made, as shown in connection with the line drawn by the No. 8 pen in Fig. 6. The record made includes a group marking which in conjunction with the pen by which 55 the mark is made identifies the reporting station.

'Ihe group marking is followed by other niarkings indicating'the hour, the tens of minutes, and the units of minutes, and finally by a marking indicating p. m. time. The sample record in Fig. 6, shows that the report was made from station No. 8 at 6: 16 p. m.

At 12:00 midnight the wiper 321 of the register HR will advance on to a contact in the a. m. 65 section of its bank, leaving the contacts in the D. m. section vungrounded. As a result, whenever a report is made under these conditions, and the distributor DI is operated to record the time, the outer brush set 306 will close no circuit for relay 3| 1 in position 40 and the pen recorder will make no indication corresponding to 6|4, Fig. 6. The presence of the markl I4`therefore indicates p'. m. time and its absence indicates a. m. time. It is thought that the operation of the system will be suiiciently understood from the foreg ing without repeating the explanation in connection with the other stations. It will be clear that each time the watchman visits a station and removes the receiver to report, the apparatus will operate to make a record identifying the Station and indicating the time the report was made. f

The lamps Ll-L20 are not strictly necessary and may be furnished or not as the customer desires. In the event that an attendant is stationed at the oflice where the equipment is located, as is often the case, these lamps afford him a. convenient means of supervising the watchman as he proceeds from station to station on his route. The lamps are visible from some distance and can be observed by the attendant from time to time while engaged in some other task which would make it inconvenient to watch the pen recorder.

When the time of 8:00 a. m. arrives, which marks the end of the watchmans tour of duty on Friday morning, the wipers 322, 325, and 330, of registers UMR, TMR, and HR, respectively, will close a'circuit for the upper winding of relay 349, by way of wiper 398 of register WR. Both windings of this relay now carry current, and since the relay is differentially wound, i. e., with opposing windings, it is at once deenergized. Upon the relay falling back, the circuits of the upper and lower windings are broken and the relay remains back. Thus battery is disconnected from terminal 331, and from terminal 251 connected thereto, so

that during the ensuing hours the normall operation of the. telephone system by the working force will not cause any records to be made by the pen recorder.

On Friday at 6:00 p. m., when wiper 391 of register WR will be standing on its fth contact, relay 349 will be energized as usual, and it will be deenergized on Saturday morning at 8:00 a. m., wiper 398 then standing on the sixth contact. At 1:00 p. m. on Saturday, when wiper 391 will be on its sixth-contact, relay 34'9 will again be energized. This arrangement is based on the assumption that Saturday afternoon is a half-holiday. The next morning, Sunday morning, when the hour of 8:00 a. m. arrives, the relay 349 will not be deenergized due to the fact that wiper 398 is now on its seventh contact, which Contact is not connected up to the circuit from the bank of wiper 330 of register HR. Relay 341 will remain energized all day Sunday therefore. At 12:00 midnight on Sunday, wiper 391 will advance to its eighth contact, closing a self interrupted circuit for stepping l magnet 399, which will automatically advance Wipers 391 and 398 to the rst contacts in their banks. Then on Monday morning, with wiper 398 on its rst contact, relay 349 will be deenergized at 8:00 a. m.

The arrangement described enables relay 349 to be energized at any desired hour of the day and also enables the relay to be deenergized at any desired hour. The time of energization and deenergization is varied by hours by changing the connections to the bank of wiper 330 of register HR. To vary the time by smaller periods changes can be made in the connections at the banks of wipers 325 or 322 of registers TMR and UMR. Of course with the arrangement shown any change made at the bank of wiper 325, for instance, will aiect both the time of energization and also the time of deenergization. If this will not meet the requirements, a separate chain circuit can be pron vided for the upper winding of relay 349 by adding Atributorbrushes the` condition of affairs at the by changing the connections of the banks of wipers 391 and 398 of register WR. It will be noted that Wiper 391. whose primary function is to operate relay 349, is also used to pass the wipers of register WR over contacts 8 to l1 at 12:00 mid- 10 night on Sunday. This saves a wiper, andthe expedient can be used because at this particular time of day relay 349 is energized. If some different timing is used; which causes relay 349 to be in deenergized condition at 12:00 midnight on Sun- 15 day, then wiper 398 can be -used by connecting the interrupter contact of magnet 399 to the bank of wiper 398 .instead of to the bank of wiper 391i The fact has been mentioned that the system may be arranged so that the watchman can obtain timeslgnals at any station, and the way in which the relays, Eig. 4, which are provided for this purpose, are connected up to the rest of the apparatus has been described. Thecontacts 450, 45|, and 452 are connector bank contacts in one 2 of the connector switches of the branch exchange.

it being understood that there are other multiple connected contacts in the banks of the other connectors. Contact 45| is the test contact ofthe set, while contacts 450 and 452 are the negative 30 and positive line contacts, respectively. In this connection, reference may be made to Patent No. 1,580,490.

It will be assumed now that when the watchman reports from station No. 8, he desires to ascertain 35 the time. The correct time is obtained by dialling the number assigned for this purpose and listening in the receiver for the time signals. Since the signals are generated under controll of the distributor DI and the various time registers, which control the pen recorder, the provision of the time signalling feature in' a watchmans system is useful not only to enable the watchman to obtain the time but also to enable him to check up on the operation of the recording equipment and assure 5 himself that it is m werking order.

Responsive to the dialling of the digits in the time ,signalling number, a connector switch is -operated to move its wipers onto .terminals 450, 45|, and 452, Fig. 4. As described previously, the removal of the receiver operates the line' relay equipment, Fig. 2, which is associated with station No. 8, with-the result that the distributor DI is started up to control the pen recorder. The distributor brushes, therefore, will ordinarily be part a way around at the time that the connector corn- .e

pletes its operation responsive to the dialling of the number. When the test wiper engages contact' 45 I a circuit is closed for relay 453, which engages and places ground on terminals 445 and 345,

60 connected together as previously mentioned.

Terminal 345, however;` has already been grounded by way of terminal 259, Fig. 2. The connector switch remains in ringing position for the time being because the upper winding of buzzer relay 65 454 is of relatively high resistance, too high to cordingly-energizes again and restarts the diso tributor. During the second rotation of the disline relay set, Fig. 2, is that relay 203 is back while relay 204 is energized. The pen recorder remains in operation to record the length of time the receiver remains off, butno additional time registration is made because the pen relay 18is energized in parallel withrelay 204 and not over the circuitwhich includes. terminals 256 and 34|, which circuit is 'interrupted by relay 3|1, Fig. 3,

vduring the operationof the distributor.

In position 1 of brush'set 30G-a circuit is closed for relay 3|8. Upon energizing, relay 3|8 applies ground to terminal 346. 'I'his grounds the negative side of the line from the connector switch by way of terminal 446, and operates the ring cut-oil? relay of the connector. cut-off relay locks itself and places the circuits of the connector in talking condition. The back bridge relay of the connector is not operated due to resistance 390, which is high enough to prevent the back bridge relay from pulling up, although the ring cut-oi relay can operate over the circuit including this resistance.

The -rhst signal transmitted is the group signal. In position 2 of brush set 306, a circuit is completed forlrelay 3I1. This relay energizes as previously described and applies ground to terminal 341, connected to terminal 441. Thus a circuit is completed for buzzer relay 454, which rapidly vibrates its armature so long as its circuit rernains completed at relay 3|1. The rapid make and break of the circuit through the lower winding of relay 454 causes a tone current to be inducted in the upper winding of the .relay.`

Since the upper winding is bridged across the talking circuit of the connector switch, the current is .transmitted over the line and produces an audible signal in the receiver at station No. 8,. where the watchman is listening.

The signals indicating the time of day are transmitted in a manner similar to the foregoing, the relays operating the same as has been previously described in connection with recording the time on the pen recorder. It will be noted that each time relay 3|1 opens the pen relay circuit including terminal 34|, it also applies ground to terminal 341 to operate the buzzer relayl454. Thus in positions 8--13 of the distributor, six tone signals will be transmitted, in position 22 one tone signal will be transmitted, and in positions 29--34 six tone signals will be transmitted. Also in position 40 the p. m. signal, which is a long tone like the group signals, will be transmitted. The audible signals received by the watchman therefore duplicate the signals recorded on the pen recorder, unless there has been a change of time, which would make the audible signals one minute late; and not only enable the watchman to ascertain the time if necessary but also give him some assurance that the apparatus is functioning properly.

Relay 350 is a special relay which is provided in order to give a long tone signal indicating zero in case either the register TMR or UMR is standing in the 0 position. To explain this, it will be assumed that the time is exactly 6:00 p. m. When the distributor DI operates to transmit the time signal, it causes relay 3|1 to operate as described in sending the group signal and the hours signals. Since register TMR is in position 0, however, when the inner brush set reaches position 21, a circuit is closed for relay 350 which pulls up and locks. Relay 350 applies ground to terminal 341 and therefore causes the The ring continued operation of buzzer relay 454 while the distributor brushes are passing through positions 22-26. In position 27, relay 315 is operated, unlocking relay 350. This relay energizes again in position 28, due to the setting of register UMR in position 0, and remains locked up through positions 29-3'1' producing another sustained operation of buzzer relay 454. Relay 315 is again operated in position 38 to unlock relay 350. Thus it will be understood that the time 6:00 is transmitted by sending six'tone signals to give the hours followed by two long sustained signals to 4indicate zero minutesand tens of minutes. It

will also be understood of course, that the long sustained signal is produced in either position separately as demanded by the time being transmitted. For instance, at 6:05 the time signals would consist of six short tone signals, followed by a long sustained signal, and then by ve short signals.

The equipment shown in Fig. 3 can be used in an automatic telephone system to give regular time service to the subscribers. When installed for this purpose, the various connections to the equipments shown in the other drawings will be omitted, since these equipments are not furnished. An exception to the foregoing is the equipment shown in'Fig. 4, which is essential. These circuits are installed in suflcient number to provide for the maximum number of simultaneous calls, and may be made accessible to the subscribers through so-called rotary connectors as is well known. These rotary connectors are similar to the connectors shown in Patent No. 1,580,490, except that provision is made for a hunting movement which makes it possible to assign the same number to all the circuits such as Fig. 4 and have any connector operated in ac cordance with such number establish connection with an idle circuit. The terminals 445, 446, and 441 of all the circuits are multipled together and connected to terminals of Fig. 3, as previously described. Also terminals 335 and 335 are connected together.

When a subscriber makes a call for the purpose of ascertaining the time of day, the connector switch -in use will establish connection with a set of bank contacts such as 450, 45 I and 452, belonging to an idle circuit such as Fig. 4. Relay 453, accordingly, operates and grounds terminal 345 to start the distributor Fig. 3, assuming that it is not already running. It will be noted that the distributor will operate continuously, except for momentary stops in position 42, as long as any relay such as 453 is energized. When the distributor reaches position l, relay 318 is operated. This grounds terminal 346 to cut off the ring at the connector in use or any other connectors which may be waiting. Also in position l, the inner brush set 305 closes a circuit for relay 314, terminals 335 and 336 now being connected together. Relay 314 pulls up and locks and at the same time it opens the circuit over which relay 311 sends impulses to the buzzer relays such as 454 via terminal 341. Relay 311 is thus prevented from sending out any group impulses in positions 2-6 of the distributor. Relay 314 is unlocked in position 7 by the operation of relay 315. In positions 8-31, the time signals are transmitted as previously described. In position 39, relay 314 is again energized and held up until unlocked by relay 315 in position 41, so as to prevent relay 311 from sending a p. m. signal. The group and p. m. signals are omitted because the former would obviously have no significance While the subscriber usually would know whether the time is a. m. or p. rn. However, if it is desired to omit-*only the group signal, this can be done by permanently grounding the No. terminal in group 332, which will operate relay 315 before any group impulses can be sent out by relay 311. Terminals 335 and 336 are not connected, so relay 314 does not function to cancel the p. m. signal.

In a situation where the number of watchmans stations does not exceed the number of recording pens a somewhat simpler and more economical arrangement than the one just described may be employed. A modified system of this character will now be described.

The equipment required is one multiple pen recorder, Fig. 1, one relay circuit, Fig. 2A, a time clock and distributor Fig. 3, and a dater, Fig 5. The manner in which this apparatus is connected up for service in a typical installation will first be explained.

As in the system previously described, it will be assumed that the premises where the watchman's system is installed have a branch exchange telephone system in service, and that certain selected telephones are assigned as watchmans stations. The line switches in which these telephone lines terminate are equipped with extra pairs of contact springs as previously described. There may be ten watchman's stations and therefore there will be ten conductors coming from the respective line switches of these stations, each conductor being grounded when the associated line switch is used on .an outgoing call. These ten conductors are connected, respectively, to terminals 111-120 of the multiple pen recorder, Fig. l, that is, directly to the pen relays 1180.

As regards the remainder of the connections at the pen recorder, Fig. 1, terminals IDI- 110, and 185 are connected to battery terminal 190, and the latter is connected to terminal 331, Fig. 3. Terminals 131-140 are connected to ground terminal 189. Terminals 141--150 are respectively connected to terminals 161-110. Terminals |51- 160 are connected together and terminal 15|, instead of being connected to terminal 190 as shown, is connected to terminal 283, Fig. 2A.

Ground is connected to terminal 189, and plug P1 is inserted in socket Sa, Fig. 2A.

Referring now to Fig. 2A, plug P2a is inserted in a socket wired to commercial A. C. supply, and terminals 288 and l288 are connected to ground and battery, respectively. Terminal 281 is connected to terminal 182, Fig. l. Terminals 282, 284, 285, and 286 are connected, respectively, to terminals 344, 345, 343, and 341, Fig. 3. Terminal 281 is connected to terminal 522, Fig. 5.

At Fig. 3, in addition to the connections already mentioned, terminal 331 is connected to terminal 520, Fig. 5, and terminal 333 is connected to terminal 523. Terminals 339 and 340 are connected to ground and battery, respectively; also terminal 338 is connected to battery. Terminal 0 of the group 332 is connected to ground. Plugs P3 and P are inserted in commercial A. C. sockets, and

Fig. 3, which pulls up at 6:00 p. m. as previously explained, or at any other desired time; locks itself in energized position, and connects battery to terminal 331. 'I'he latter being connected to terminal |90, Fig. 1, battery is supplied to the pen relays of the' pen recorder.

The dater' is next set in operationby the application of ground to terminal 333, which is lcon-- nected to terminal 523, Fig. 5. The operation of the dater has. been explained and it will not be necessary to go over the details again. Relay 508 pulls up and starts the distributor D2 and also applies ground to terminal 522 to start the pen recorder, which is accomplished by energizing relay 299 over terminals 522 and 281.-

The distributor D2 makes one revolution and then stops automatically. During its operation it sends three sets of impulses to relay 5|2, which are repeated to pen relay 82, Fig. 1. The No. 12 pen associated with pen relay 82 is accordingly controlled to mark the paper as indicated at 100,

Fig. 7. The date recorded is March 26th. When relay 508 falls Aback to stop the distributor D2 it removes groundfrom terminal 522, which stops the pen recorder.

The watchman proceeds on his rst round and visits the stations in regular order, beginning at station No. 1. In order to explain the process of recording` a report it will be assumed that the watchman has arrived at station No. 10. Upon the removal of the receiver, the line switch in which the telephone line terminates operates in the usual manner and places ground on terminal |20, Fig. 1. Pen relay 80 accordingly operates and the No. 10 pen moves to the left, as indicated at 10|, Fig. 7. Pen relay 80 also closes its spring contacts and thus completes a circuit extending from ground via terminals |89 and |40, springs of pen relay 80, terminals |50 and |10, lamp LIO, terminals |60 and 283, Fig. 2A, and Winding of relay 296 tobattery. Lamp L|0 lights up and relay 296 operates, closing circuits for relays 291 and 299 in parallel. Relay 299 operates and starts the pen recorder. Since the No. 10 pen is in deflected position, due to the energization of pen relay 80, it begins to trace an offsetline 102. Relay 291,' upon energizing, locks itself to ground in an obvious manner, andalso, at spring 29|, it grounds the circuit of relay 299 to maintain 1 it energized. Also at spring 292 relay 291 pre- Apares a circuit for relay 298 and at spring 290 it grounds terminal 284.

By the application of ground to terminal 284 a circuit i s completed for start relay 3|3, Fig. 3, by way of terminals 284 and 345. Relay 3| 3 functions as previously explained, and starts the distributor DI. In position 1 of the outer brush set 306, a circuit is closed for relay 3|8, which energizcs and grounds terminal 344. This closes a circuit for relay 298, Fig. 2A, via terminals 344 and 282. Upon energizing, relay 298 locks itself at spring 293, and at spring 294 it causes relay 291 to be locked to grounded terminal 285 instead of to direct ground. Also since relay 291 is energized, relay 298 at its upper contact springs closes a circuit for pen relay 8|, Fig. 1. This circuit extends from ground by way of terminals 34| and 286, springs of relays 298 and 291, terminals 28| and |82, and winding of pen relay 8| to battery. 'I'he No. 11 pen is therefore deflected to the lett and begins to mark an offset line as indicated at 104, Fig. 7.

In positions 2 6 of the distributor DI, no impulses are transmitted to relay 3|1, due to the fact that the terminal 0 in group 332 has been grounded. Since there is only one group of stations, with an individual pen per station. the group marking is not used.

It Will be assumed that the time is 6:24 p. m. In positions 8-13, therefore, the distributor DI sends six impulses to relay 3|1, which interrupts the circuit of the pen relay 8| six times, causing the No. 11 pen to mark the paper as indicated at 105. The impulsing is stopped by relay 3|6 under control of register HR in position 14 0f the distributor. In positions 22 and 23, two impulses are transmitted to relay 3|1` and in positions 29-32, four impulses.v Responsive to these two groups of impulses relay 3|1 controls the No. 11 pen to mark the -paper as indicated at 106 and 1 01. Finally, in position 40, relay 3 |1 is operated once to cause the No. 11 pen to mark the paper as indicated at 108.

recorded as. 6:24 p. m. s In position 41 of the distributor a circuit is closed for relay 3|9. Upon energizing, relay'3|9 unlocks start relay 3|3, whichfalls back a's the Thus the correct time is distributor leaves position 41 and permits it'to stop in position 42. Relay 3 9 also removes ground from terminal 343, thus breaking the circuit-of .relay 291, Fig. 2A. rRelay 291 accordingly deenergizes, and removes ground from terminal 284. Assuming now that the Watchman has replaced the receiver already, as indicated at 103, the pen relay 80 and relay 296 will be deenergized, and when relay 291 falls back no holding circuit will be established for relay 298. This relay therefore falls back also. When relay 291 falls back the circuit of the pen relay 8| is broken, causing the No. 11 pen to restore, and also the circuit of relay 299 is broken, since relay 296 is back. Relay 299 therefore falls back and stops the pen recorder.

If the watchman should delay replacing the receiver until after4 the time is recorded, the pen relay 80 and relay 296 will still be energized when relay 291 falls back. Relay 298 therefore remains locked up to ground at relay 296, and relay 299 also remains energized. The pen recorder is thus kept going to record the length of time that elapses before the'receiver is replaced. vThe end of this interval will be marked on the paper by the restoration of the No. 10 pen upon the release of pen relay 80 when the receiver is hung up. When relay 80 iinally falls back it breaks the circuit of relay 298, which in turn breaks the circuits of relays 298 and 299, the latter relay stopping the pen recorder when it falls back.

It will be seen that in the system just described, there is a recording pen individual to each station and during the time that the receiver is oi at any station the associated pen marks the paper with a continuous offset line. The time at which the reports are made is marked by the No. 11 pen, which is common to all the stations. The No. l1 pen will therefore mark a series of time reports one after the other and the station concerned with any time report can always be ascertained by noting which pen was drawing an offset line when the report was made. Thus it is obvious that the time report 104-108, Fig. 7, was made responsive-to removal of the receiver at station No. 10.

The watchmans system is cut out of service at the proper time by the deenergization of relay 349, as previously described.

As stated previously herein, the equipment provided by this invention is capable of being connected up in various ways aside from those specincally described, in order to make a given re-

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