GB2086695A - A data sheet register for a repertory dialler - Google Patents

Abstract

A card index enabling transfer of a selected, tagged card from a stack of such cards and including apparatus for selecting a connection in a communications system in which the information defining a desired connection is transmitted by operating two release members, one of which is connected with a directory of subscribers whilst the other is connected with a coding and transmitting device. The index comprising a casing (2) the upper plate (214) of which has a depression (213) for receiving a stack of index cards (9), and which pivotably supports a cover covering depression (213); the cover (215) being connected with two-armed selection and control levers (220 to 231) which act on the cards by means of levers and which carry at their front free ends keys (220a to 231a) and at their rear ends tongue-like sections. The stack of cards is held in guides (217, 218). The casing (2) includes a keyboard (6) having a call display device (27) the selection keys (220a to 231a) of which are connectable with a coding and information transmitter including a microprocessor (50). Each selection key (220a to 231a) carries a pin which is connectable to a contact plate arranged in the casing (2) in the direction of movement of the pins and which carries a layer of parallel linear contacts (21). Such that one contact may be pressed by means of a pin, onto one of a set of transverse contacts arranged orthogonally below the linear contacts. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A data sheet register with a device for making a selection in telecommunications, in particular, telephone systems The invention relates to a card index with selection devices with which the selected index card can be transferred in a viewing direction from a stack of loose index cards provided with tags for storing subscribers by means of a release device and with an apparatus for making a selection in a communications facility and in particular telephone equipment in which the selection information characterizing a desired connection is transmitted by operating two release members, one of which is in operative connection with a telephone directory divided up into groups in accordance with the initial letters of the subsribers and which can be released, whilst the other release member is in operative connection with a coding and selection information transmitting device.

An apparatus for making a selection in communications facilities, particularly telephone equipment, is already known from German Patent 1803396. However, the known apparatus has the disadvantage that each release member constructed in the form of a key can only fulfil one function. As a result a keyboard with a large number of figures must be provided, because for each letter, each of the digits 0 to 9 and the control functions it is necessary to provide a function key as the release member. The release members therefore require a relatively large constructional volume, so that the casing of the known apparatus must be made relatively large. The large number of release members arranged in a confined space requires very costly manual manufacture to obviate any risks of errors and faults as a result of the large number of electrical lines.

The problem of the invention is therefore to provide a card index with an apparatus for making a selection in communications and in particular telephone equipment with only a few function keys and a small construction, which can be more economically manufactured.

According to the invention this problem is solved by a card index of the aforementioned type characterized by the combination of the following features: (a) on a casing with a box-like bottom, whose upper casing cover plate is provided with a dish-shaped depression for receiving a stack of index cards having marginal, indexlike punched selection openings is pivotably mounted a cover which is pivotable about a horizontal pin and covers the dish-shaped depression with the cards, said cover being in operative connection with two-armed selection and control levers which can be depressed by perpendicular key pressure and act on the index cards by means of pivoted levers and which have at their front free ends selection keys combined together into a keyboard and at the ends opposite to the selection keys tongue-like sections, the index cards of the card stack being held in lateral guides in the vicinity of the cover pivot axis, (b) on the front of the casing is arranged a keyboard with a call display device, whose selection keys are constructed for single and multiple functions and which by means of contacts formed on the selection and control levers are connected with a coding and selection information transmitting device having a microprocessor, (c) on each of the keys connected to a selection and control lever is provided a key pin which, on depressing a selection key is connected to a contact plate with contacts arranged in matrix-like manner, (d) the contact plate is arranged in the casing in the direction of movement of the key pins, (e) on the contact plate is arranged an upper layer of parallel strip-like longitudinal contacts having the spacing of the selection keys, in each case one longitudinal contact being pressable by means of a key pin on to one of the strip-like transverse contacts arranged at right angles below the layer of longitudinal contacts in a raster corresponding to the raster of the selection keys.

A card index constructed in this way is easy to manufacture without significant technical expenditure. In conjunction with the apparatus for making a selection in communications and in particular telephone equipment a high operational reliability and minimum dimensions are obtained. Due to the few function keys the card index is constructed in a well-arranged manner and still permits a large number of functions.

Further embodiments and features of the invention can be gathered from the Subclaims.

The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter, relative to non-limitative embodiments and the drawings, wherein show: Figure 1 a perspective view of a card index with raised cover.

Figure 2 a plan view of the card index with removed upper casing part.

Figure 3 a two-armed operating lever for the card index in side view.

Figure 4 a side view of the cover with lateral guides for the index cards and with the pivot pin holding the cover.

Figure 5 the cover with the index cards of the cover pivot pin and with pivoted levers pivotably mounted thereon in a view from the inside of the cover.

Figure 6 a perspective view of the pivoted lever.

Figure 7 a plan view of the card index casing with raised cover and removed upper casing cover plate.

Figures 8 and 9 the operation of a selection lever cooperating with a pivoted lever, on the one hand with the cover closed and on the other with the cover opened, both inside view.

Figures 10a and 10b plan views of index card sections with punched selection openings in the marginal areas.

Figure 11 a front portion of the card index casing with the apparatus for making a selection in communications and particularly telephone equipment, partly in side view and partly in vertical section.

Figures 12 to 14 the construction of possible matrix circuits for the contacts.

Figure 15 a key lettering space for a key with a quadruple function.

Figure 16 the card index keyboard in plan view.

Figure 17 a circuit diagram of the electronic part of the selection apparatus.

Figure 18 a block circuit diagram of the coding and selection information transmitting device.

Figure 19 the block circuit diagram of a printer.

Figure 20 the block circuit diagram of the alphanumeric display device.

According to Figs. 1 and 2 the card index comprises a casing 2 with a box-like bottom 211, whose base plate is designated 212 (Fig. 7). The box-like bottom 211 is provided with an upper cover plate 214, which passes into a front, console-like, bevelled section 214a. A dish-shaped depression 213 is formed in casing cover plate 214 for receiving a stack of cards 9.

This stack of cards 9 consists of a plurality of sheets or cards provided with tags. In the present embodiment there are thirteen cards, numbered 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312,313 according to Figs. 1 Oa and 1 Ob. There are lines on the front and back of the individual cards for entering names, addresses, telephone numbers and code numbers. The letters of the alphabet are also printed on the cards in such a way that the side of card 301 facing the following card 302 carries the latter "A" whilst the following cards 303 to 313 in each case carry two letters, whereof one letter is printed on the front of the card and the other letter on the back of the card. Another arrangement of the letters is also possible.On their longitudinal edges facing the back of casing 2 cards 301 to 313 also have punched selection openings 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, to which further reference will be made hereinafter. On the narrow sides adjacent to the longitudinal edges of the cards and approximately level with the openings 322 to 333 slots 340, 341 are made in each card 301 to 313 which serve to secure and guide the cards in index casing 2 (Fig. 5).

The dish-shaped depression 213 can be closed by means of a cover 215, preferably constructed in key-like manner and provided with an all-round edge level with the height of the complete card stack 9 (Fig. 1). Cover 215 is pivotably mounted in the direction of arrow X by means of a pivot pin 21 6 fixed to the casing base plate 21 2 and is extended beyond the pivot pin 216 with a section 215a (Fig. 4). Curved guide rails 217, 218 are laterally shaped on to the cover 215 and comprise angle sections guided by in each case one of their two flanges in slots 340, 341 of index cards 301 to 313. Thus, the index cards 301 to 313 are secured even during their pivoting movements on cover 215 (Figs. 1 and 5).

On the front with respect to the dish-shapec depression 213 selection and control levers 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231 and a closing lever 232 are arranged on the console-like bevelled section 214a of the casing cover plate 214.

Selection levers 220 to 231 are used for transferring the selected card in the viewing direction, whilst lever 232 ensures the return of the flapped-up cover 21 5 into the closed position.

Each selection lever 220 to 231 and also closing lever 232 comprises a two-armed lever 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251 and 252. These two-armed levers 240 to 251 and 252 are pivoted by means of pivot pins 235, 236 shaped centrally and on either side of each lever, the pivot pins being held in bearings 237, 238 shaped on to base plate 212. The two arms of each lever are designated 240a, 240b, 241 a, 241b, 242a, 242b, 243a, 243b, 244a, 244b, 245a, 245b, 246a, 246b, 247a, 247b, 248a, 248b, 249a, 249b, 250a, 250b, 251 a, 251b, 252a, 252b (Figs. 1, 2 and 3).

The lever arm ends 24a to 251a and 252a of levers 240 to 25a and 252 carry approximately rectangularly constructed keys 220a, 221 a, 222a, 223a, 224a, 225a, 226a, 227a, 228a, 229a, 230a and 231a which are passed through openings formed in the bevelled section 21 4a of the casing cover plate 214 to such an extent that a portion of keys 220a to 231a and 232a projects out of the bevelled section 214a of casing cover plate 214 and can be depressed by the finger.

In the vicinity of keys 220a to 231a and 232a a foam body 239 is arranged on base plate 21 2. In the relaxed state the foam body maintains keys 220a to 231a and 232a in a raised state, whilst the free ends of lever arm 240b to 251b and 252b rest on base plate 212 (Fig. 3). However, if one of the keys is depressed in the direction of arrow X1 (Fig.

3), foam body 239 is compressed in the vicinity of said key and the other free end of the lever is raised. On removing the pressure exerted on the key the foam body 239 attempts to return to its original state, so that the keys move counter to the direction of arrow X1 upwards into their original position.

Foam body 239 can be replaced by other suitable sprung members. The arrangement of foam body 239 is such that the operation of the subsequently described coding and selection information transmitting device is not impaired.

The ends of lever arms 240b to 251b of selection levers 220 to 231 are constructed as tongue-like portions 240c, 241 c, 242c, 243c, 244c, 245c, 246c, 247c, 248c, 249c, 250c, 251c having a horizontally directed portion 260 (Fig. 3), which on one side passes into an upwardly inclined, angular end portion, whilst at the other end the horizontal portion is associated with an angular guide portion 261 inclined upwards towards keys 220a to 231a (Figs. 2 and 3).

A pivoted lever 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, is associated with each selection lever 220 to 231, the guide surfaces 260 and 261 of the pivoted lever cooperating with the tongue-like portions 240a to 251c of levers 240 to 251.

Each pivoted lever 270 to 281 comprises an approximately rectangular or quadratic, diskshaped mamber with an opening 285 formed in its four corner areas for passing through a pivot pin 21 6. Preferably a cone-shaped bearing 286, 287 is shaped on to both sides of the pivoted lever and through it is placed the pivot pin 216, simultaneously serving as spacers when the pivotal levers 270 to 281 are mounted on pivot pin 216 (Figs. 6 and 7).

Due to the fact that bearing 285 for receiving the pivot pin 216 of each pivoted lever 270 to 281 is provided in one of the four corner areas of the pivoted lever, an eccentric mounting of said pivoted levers 270 to 281 on pivot pin 216 is provided. The four lateral edges of each pivoted lever 270 to 281 are designated 288, 289, 290, 291. The lateral edges 288, 289 are at right angles to one another and in this area is provided the opening 285 for pivot pin 216. Lateral edge 289 passes into a circular portion 289a to which is connected lateral edge 290. The latter is guided in an inclined and arcuate manner with respect to the free end of lateral edge 288.The arcuate portion passes into a portion 291 which is approximately parallel to lateral edge 289, but is shorter than the latter, The surface area 292, indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 6, and surrounded by lateral edges 288, 289, 290, 291 can be in solid-wall form or an opening. In the latter case the bearing lug with opening 285 is shaped on to the two lateral edges 288, 289 in their joining area.

The construction of the pivoted levers 270 to 281 and the shape of the guide surfaces 289, 290 is such that when the cover 295 is closed (Fig. 8) the pivoted lever surface 290 comes to rest on the rising portion 261 of the ends of lever arms 240b to 251 b. If, for example, key 220 is now depressed, then the selection lever 220 is pivoted about its central pivot pin 235, 236 in such a way that the free end of lever arm 240b is raised.Pivoted lever 270 with its guide surface 290 rolls in the direction of its guide surface 289 on guide portion 261 at the free end of lever arm 240b in such a way that pivoted lever 270 is rotated in the direction of arrow Y on pivot pin 21 6. During this rotary movement of pivoted lever 270, the latter with its corner area 288a engages on the inside of cover 215 and simultaneously passes through the particular punched selection openings of those index cards below the card to be selected, so that pivoted lever 270 comes to rest on the card to be selected and this card with the overlying card stack and the cover is raised and transferred into an approximately perpendicular position.To prevent an automatic flapping back of the opened cover 215, the latter has an open position corresponding to an angle to the plane of the casing cover plate 214 which is greater than 90 (Fig. 9). Furthermore the upwardly inclined, angular end portions 240c to 251c ensure that the cover is held in a raised position.

However, the pivoted levers 270 to 281 need not have the construction described hereinbefore. It is also possible to construct the finger keys as selection levers with a key lever arm and a pressure lever arm which pivots the lifting fingers by means of teeth.

The selection levers then engage directly in the pivotable lifting fingers, toothed portions being provided on the selection levers and lifting fingers which, when the said fingers are pivoted downwards are not in reciprocal engagement and only reciprocally engage during the swinging up of the lifting fingers. The selection levers have projections pressing on the lifting fingers in the pivoting direction and causing pivoting to take place until the toothed portions mesh.

The operation of the card index is illustrated by the following comments. If key 224a is depressed lever 244 pivots the pivoted lever 274 associated therewith and the pivoted lever 274 passes through the punched cutouts 326 and the index cards located in slot 213 of the bottom cover plate 214, said cards being from top to bottom 313, 312, 311, 310, 309, 308, 307, and 306 and engages on the bottom of index card 305, as shown in Fig. 1. As pivoted lever 274 is pivoted upwards, cover 215 is opened and at the same time cards 304, 303, 302, 301 resting on card 305 are also flapped upwards.

If key 232a is depressed, cam 282 slides on an inclined surface 283 (Fig. 2) constructed at the free end of lever 242 and rotates about pivot pin 216 in such a way that it engages on the portion of cover 215 positioned below pivot pin 216, so that cover 215 is pressed in the direction of arrow Y1 and is pivoted into the closed position after passing beyond the vertical cover position due to its own weight (Fig. 4) and is simultaneously subject to brake wedging by means of portion 240c of lever 240. The cover is closed by operating the closing key 232 by means of a cam 282, which is also arranged on pivot pin 216 (Fig.

7).

The apparatus for making a selection in a communications facility and particularly telephone equipment arranged in the aforementioned card index is shown in Fig. 11. The selection keys 220a to 231a arranged on a console-like, bevelled section 21 4a of casing cover plate 214 are combined into a keyboard 6. Hereinafter these selection keys 220a to 231a are called 23 for simplification purposes. On to each selection key is shaped a key pin 26, which engages on the contact plate 18 on depressing the particular key 23.

Contact plate 1 8 has contacts arranged in matrix-like manner. They are constructed as longitudinal contacts 21 and transverse contacts 22. The strip-like longitudinal contacts 21 are arranged as an upper layer in recesses 1 9 of contact plate 18, being parallel to one another with the spacing of keys 23. Below the longitudinal contacts 21 are positioned the transverse contacts, 22, which are also constructed in strip-like manner and are arranged at right angles to the longitudinal contacts 21. Each transverse contact 22 is mounted in a recess 20 of contact plate 1 8.

Longitudinal contacts 21 and transverse contacts 22 are preferably constructed as silvercoated leaf springs. However, other contacts can be used instead of these strip-like contacts. Possible matrix circuits 30, 31, 32 used on contact plate 1 8 are shown in Figs. 12, 1 3 and 14. Matrix circuit 30 has four longitudinal contacts 21 and four transverse contacts 22, so that 1 6 pulse signals can be supplied.

Matrix circuit has 3 longitudinal contacts 21 and four transverse contacts 22, so that twelve pulse signals can be supplied. Matrix circuit 32 is constructed as an installed circuit with four longitudinal contact 21 and four transverse contacts 22.

Keyboard 6 shown in Fig. 1 6 has a call display 27, twelve keys 23 corresponding to keys 220a to 230a and in each case one key 24a, 24b, 24c, 25. Matching selection keys 220a to 231a keys 23 shown in Fig. 16 are juxtaposed in series, giving the keyboard shown in Fig. 1. The call display 27 is constructed as an eight segment LED or LCD display. The keys 23 quadruple function keys with the possibility of feeding in alphanumeric values. Keys 23 can fulfil the functions of letter pulse signals, selection of index cards 9, extension of index drawer 8 and figure pulse signal. Fig. 1 5 shows a possible key lettering space 33 of a key 23. Lettering space 33 is subdivided into a letter area 28 and a number area 29. Keys 24a, 24b, 24c are constructed as single function keys and key 25 as a double function key.The contacts of keys 24a, 24b, 24c, 25 correspond to those of keys 23. Keyboard 6 can be extended if further functions are to be observed.

The electronic part 35 of the selectionmaking is shown in the circuit diagram of Fg.

1 7 and essentially comprises the coding and selection information transmitting device 40, which is in turn connected to microprocessor 50 and the call display 27 in the form of an LED or LCD display 60. At the output of the coding and selection transmitting device 40 are provided the selection or dialling relays 43 of relay control 48 which initiate the direct dialling or selection and in turn by means of earthed contacts release the selection pulses in the telephone network, so that the desired subscriber can be obtained. The electronic coding and selection information transmitting device 40 is connected to a sound amplifier 70, which can be switched on and off and a loudspeaker 71 to permit the monitoring of the telephone conversation taking place by means of the loudspeaker.For the purpose the sound amplifier 70 is connected via an adapter coil 72 to the speaking circuit. The desired volume can be set by means of a volume control (not shown in the drawing) located in the input circuit. The power supply of the device is provided by means of the mains unit 80 integrated into a power plug, including a buffer or storage battery 81 connected thereto, so that the installation still functions completely satisfactorily in the case of a prolonged power failure.

The loudspeaker and the coding and selection information transmitting device are arranged in the inner area of the card index casing 2.

The electronic part 35 of the card index functions in the following way. After feeding in the code numbers of the desired subscriber by means of keyboard 6 the coding and selection information transmitting device 40 by means of code converter 42 seeks the subscriber's number stored in internal store 41. This number can comprise subscribers' prefixes, local prefixes and possibly foreign country prefixes. Thus, with each code number range in store 41 of transmitting device 40 is associated a prefix range divided up into three. The subscriber's number comprise in a maximum of three code ranges addressed under the code number and which is called up is read out of store 41 and supplied to the coding and selection information transmitting device 40, which converts the digital information stored into the pulse shape and sequence suitable for trunk operator dialling. If transmitting device 40 receives a busy or engaged signal on the telephone line, said signal is supplied to the internal signal analyser 44 which, via microprocessor 50 brings about an automatic post-selection of the subscriber after a preprogrammed time until, after one of the following dialling processes, the desired freeline signal sounds. In this case the signal analyser 44 frees the monitoring circuit comprising adaptor coil 72, sound amplifier 70 and loudspeaker 71 by switching in the operating voltage. Simultaneously and after the dialled subscriber has removed the receiver and the last free-line signal has ended, the time switch 45 gives a starting order to the microprocessor 50. This serves to start the count of the tariff units in microprocessor 50.

When the conversation is at an end and the subscriber has hung up time switch 45 gives a stop order to microprocessor 50, which ends the counting of the tariff units. Thus, microprocessor 50 is in a position to calculate the accrued fees on the basis of a stored programme. As the microprocessor 50 receives the subscriber's number divided up into parts such as the subscriber's prefix, local prefix, etc., it can make different tariff calculations as a function of whether it is a local, trunk or foreign call.

According to a further development of the electronic part 35 a small printer 90 is connected to the card index and therefore the apparatus with an adaptor plug and cable (Fig. 19). Printer 90 is controlled by microprocessor 50 and retains the name and address of the dialled subscriber, the subscriber's number, the duration of the conversation and the accrued tariff units. For this purpose at the end of the conversation the desired units are read out of the internal store 41 of the microprocessor 50 and transferred via the external data bus of the microprocessor 50 to printer 90 constructed in per se known manner. The latter can, for example, be constructed as a matrix printer which prints its information in the form of a matrix head controlled by means of a point matrix on a paper strip which can be torn off.

Microprocessor 50 controls the multiplace call display 27 which is able to represent the desired subscriber's number, divided up into the subscriber's prefix, local prefix and possibly the foreign country prefix. For this purpose the call display 27 is constructed as an eight segment LCD or LED display 60 controlled by the data bus of (microprocessor 50 via code converter 61. It is assumed that the binary code of microprocessor 50 is converted into a hexadecimal number for digital representation. The eight segment figures can be represented by self-luminous LED displays. In the case of battery operation LCD displays can be used in order to reduce the battery loading. If a printer 90 is not used for printing out the accrued call charges, the accrued amount can be represented in the call display 27 by means of the internall programme control of microprocessor 50.Besides the LED or LCD display 60 it is also possible to directly electronically represent the name and address of the subscriber, as well as clear text information such as e.g. "subscriber busy or engaged", or "subscriber unobtainable", "Fault on the line", "line disconnected", etc.

For this purpose a multiplace alphanumeric point raster display device 100 is used. This display device 100 is controlled by microprocessor 50 in such a way that from the address register contained in the internal store of microprocessor 50 the subscriber's address stored therein is read out after feeding in the associated code number and is transferred to display 100 by means of the external data bus of microprocessor 50. This special information such as e.g. subscriber engaged" etc., is displayed, they are displayed in preferred manner by means of a priority prefix in the addressing.

Fig. 1 8 is a block diagram of the coding and selection information transmitting device 40, which is connected via code converter 42 with keyboard 6. All coded inputs of keyboard 6 are read into store 41 via code converter 42. The input signal is converted into an addressed digital code and the associated data in the store, e.g. subscriber's prefix, etc. are called up and read out followed by transferring to microprocessor 50. Code converter 42 is also connected to relay control 48 comprising the dialling or selection relays 43 in order to convert the determined dialling number into the direct selection function. Relay control 48 has a pulse circuit control, so that the individual prefixes given in digital word form can be converted into a pulse sequence corresponding to a telephone dial.The selection relays 43 of relay control 48 open and close the dialling contacts 46 in the telephone circuit.

At the end of dialling the number the signal analyser 44 is switched on together with the sound amplifier 70. It simultaneously supplies sound amplifier 70 with the operating voltage and receives from it the free-line signal or the engaged signal. In the case of the engaged signal microprocessor 50, which is connected to signal analyser 44, organises one or more post-selections until contact with the subscriber is made or fails to answer when the subscriber's line is free. In the latter case the display device 100 is controlled by means of microprocessor 50. The display gives the information "subscriber fails to pick up re ceiver". Time switch 45 is connected to signal analyser 44 and when the connection is made it ensures by means of a starting order that microprocessor 50 starts to calculate the tariff units based on the prefixes foreign, local, subscriber.When the conversation is ended a stop order is transmitted to the microprocessor and counting of the tariff units ends. The microprocessor 50 now determines the charge and represents it by means of printer 90 and/or display device 100 or some other suitable display. By operating a key it is also possible to represent the charges from a given date to the present time from the store of microprocessor 50.

Fig. 1 9 shows in block circuit diagram form the internal construction of printer 90. It comprises a multiplexer 91 connected to the external data bus of microprocessor 50. Multiplexer 91 receives the information to be transmitted and by code conversion brings about the control of signal generator 93, which prepares the corresponding signal in printing head 95. Control logic 92 ensures that via printing head control 95 printing head 94 receives the correct position in the line. At the end of each line the control logic 92 also operates the feed motor 96 for the paper feed in the following print line.

Fig. 20 shows the construction of the electronic alphanumeric display device 1 00. The information to be displayed is passed via microprocessor 50 to signal generator 101, which converts the digital information into a raster signal and overplugs the latter on to the raster generator 102. The latter prepares the signal raster on display 103 and brings the signal into the correct position thereon. Display 103 comprises a point matrix providing e.g. a maximum of 8 x 4 points for each signal.

The function and operation of the card index with the selection-making apparatus, taking account of the above comments on the index register operation is as follows, the said apparatus being connected to a telephone by a cable not shown in the drawing. Normally the card index cover 21 5 is closed. By pressing a key 23 in direction A the associated keyboard 26 presses onto one of the longitu dinal contacts 21 which touches a lower transverse contact 22. This pulse is transmitted to the electronic coding and selection information transmitting device. Simultaneously with the operation of key 23 cover 21 5 is pivoted into the open position and all index cards positioned above the selected card are moved into the open position with the cover 215.As a result the selected index card with the details of subscribers and the code number is made visible. Each index card is correspondingly provided with the subscriber's name and the corresponding code number. By pressing key 23 with the code number a second code information is fed into the coding and selection information transmitting device, so that on pressing the dialling symbol auto matic through dialling of the stored call num bers can take place.

The following operating modes are possible with apparatus. It is put into operation by plugging in the plug of mains unit 80 and then a point of the LED/LCD display lights up on the call display device 27. If a call number is to be dialled without opening cover 21 5 a key 23 with the lettering corresponding to the initial letter of the desired person being called is lightly pressed and then the point on the call display 27 rhythmically lights up. The key with the numbering corresponding to the desired code number of the person being called is then lightly pressed and the automatic subscriber dialling starts and the digits of the call number appear in the dialling order on the display 27.

If dialling is to take place with cover 215 transferrable into the open position key 23 with the initial letter of the person being called must be pressed, after which cover 21 5 is pivoted into the open position and the point of the LED/LCD display lights up on the call display device 27. The unknown code number must be read off from the index card 9 and then by operating a key 23 with inscriptions corresponding to the code number lightly or strongly pressed.

This is followed by automatic subscriber dialling and the digits of the call number appear on the call display device 27 in the dialling order. Cover 215 can be closed at a random time by additional key 232a, because this has no influence on the telephone conversation or on the selection of the person being called. If the dialling process is interrupted key 24b must be depressed. Key 24b must also be depressed if a key 23 is operated in error and the point rhythmically lights up on display device 27.

If cover 215 is to be pivoted into the open position without dialling after actuating the selection key, key 24b must be depressed, so that the first input pulse is cleared.

A free memory location is programmed in that initially a key 23 is strongly pressed in accordance with the lettering representing the initial letter of the subscriber to be stored, so that cover 21 5 is pivoted into its open position and the point display lights up rhythmically on display device 27. Key 24a is then depressed and the smallest free code number appears on call display 27 and can then be recorded on the appropriate index card 9.

Then by depressing keys 23 the code numbers and the digits of the subscriber's call number are fed in and light up on the display device 27 for checking purposes in the feed-in sequence. After feeding in the digits key 24c is depressed to bring programming to an end.

If the store is fully occupied for a key 23 according to the lettering on depressing key 24a a full symbol, such as e,g. a minus sign appears on the call display device 27 indicating that all stores for this index card 9 are occupied and that no programming can take place.

For clearing a particular memory location and reprogramming a key 23 with the lettering corresponding to the initial letter of the subscriber to be cleared or reprogrammed is strongly pressed, so that cover 21 5 is pivoted into the open position and the point display rhythmically lights up on the call display device 27. Key 25 is then depressed and then a free code number or the engaged signal appears on display device 27. If a store is still free the desired code number is pressed by operating a key 23 and subsequently the new call number is fed in. The process is ended by depressing key 25c. If an interval is fed in in a call number key 25 must be operated.

By the combination of letters, digits and symbols on a few keys it is possible to store in well-arranged manner e.g. 1 20 lines in the case of a three-four matrix, only a single code number being necessary because the first code is the initial letter of the subscriber to be dialled. It is possible to store 120, 160, 240 and more lines by the index cards 9 with the recorded code numbers, it being possible to easily, rapidly and reliably find the said lines.

Despite this large information capacity card index with the selection-making apparatus can be manufactured in a small size and easily operated.

Claims (20)

1. A card index with selection devices with which the selected index card can be transferred in a viewing direction from a stack of loose index cards provided with tags for storing subscribers by means of a release device and with an apparatus for making a selection in a communications facility and in particular telephone equipment in which the selection informatioii characterizing a desired connection is transmitted by operating two release members, one of which is in operative connection with a telephone directory divided up into groups in accordance with the initial letters of the subscribers and which can be released, whilst the other release member is in operative connection with a coding and selection information transmitting device, characterized by the combination of the following features:: (a) on a casing (2) with a box-like bottom (211), whose upper casing cover plate (214) is provided with a dish-shaped depression (213) for receiving a stack of index cards (9) having marginal, index-like punched selection openings (322 to 333) is pivotably mounted a cover which is pivotable about a horizontal pin (216) and covers the dish-shaped depression (213) with the cards, said cover (215) being in operative connection, with two-armed selection and control levers (220 to 231; 11) which can be depressed by perpendicular key pressure and act on the index cards by means of pivoted levers (270 to 281) and which have at their front free ends selection keys (220a to 231 a; 23) combined together into a keyboard (6) and at the ends opposite to the selection keys tongue-like sections (240c to 251c), the index cards of the card stack being held in lateral guides (217, 218) in the vicinity of the cover pivot axis (216), (b) on the front of the casing (2) is arranged a keyboard (6) with a call display device (27) whose selection keys (220a to 231 a; 23, 24a, 24b, 24c, 25) are constructed for single and multiple functions and which by means of contacts formed on the selection and control levers (220 to 231; 11) are connected with a coding and selection information transmitting device (40) having a microprocessor (50), (c) on each of the keys (220a to 231a; 23) connected to a selection and control lever (220 to 231; 11) is provided a key pin (26) which, on depressing a selection key (220a to 231 a; 23) is connected to a contact plate (18) with contacts arranged in matrix-like manner, (d) the contact plate (18) is arranged in the casing (2) in the direction of movement of the key pins (26), (e) on the contact plate (18) is arranged an upper layer of parallel strip-like longitudinal contacts (21) having the spacing of the selection keys (220a to 231 a;; 23), in each case one longitudinal contact (21) being pressable by means of a key pin (26) on to one of the strip-like transverse contacts (22) arranged at right angles below the layer of longitudinal contacts (21) in a raster corresponding to the raster of the selection keys (220a to 231 a; 23).

2. Card index according to Claim 1, characterized in that the contact plate (18) comprises a base plate and on which is constructed a printed wiring board with longitudinal contacts (21) and transverse contacts (22).

3. Card index according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the coding and selection information transmitting device (40) is connected to a long-term store.

4. Card index according to Claim 3, characterized in that the long-term store is constructed as a buffer or storage battery (81).

5. Card index according to Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the coding and selection information trnsmitting device has connecting means for private branch exchanges.

6. Card index according to Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the selection keys (220a to 231 a; 23) connected to the selection and control levers (220 to 231; 11) are constructed as quadruple function keys.

7. Card index according to Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the keys (24a, 24b, 24c) used for control purposes are constructed as single function keys without key selecting hooks (1 2) and key (25) is constructed as a double function key.

8. Card index according to Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a loudspeaker serving as a sound amplifier and in operative connection with the coding and selection information transmitting device is arranged in casing (2).

9. Card index according to Claim 1, char acterized in that the microprocessor is constructed as a mono-chip microprocessor.

10. Card index according to Claim 1, characterized in that the call display device (27) is constructed as an eight segment display.

11. Card index according to Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the call display device (27) is constructed as an LED or LCD display (60).

1 2. Card index according to Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the coding and selection information transmitting device (40) is connected to a mains unit (80).

1 3. Card index according to Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the coding and selection information transmitting device (40) is connected to an earth key.

14. Card index according to Claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal contacts (21) and transverse contacts (22) are constructed as silver-coated leaf springs.

1 5. Card index according to Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the coding and selection information transmitting device (40) is connected to a multiplace LED or LCD display.

16. Card index according to Claim 15, characterized in that the display has 1 6 places.

1 7. Card index according to Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the coding and selection information transmitting device (40) is connected to an electronic, alphanumeric display device (100) controllable by the microprocessor (50).

18. Card index according to Claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the keys (23, 24a, 24b, 24c) of keyboard (6) are connected via the longitudinal and transverse contacts (21, 22) with a relay control (48) of the coding and selection information transmitting device (40), which is connected to microprocessor (50) via control circuit (47) with the LED or LCD display (60) and the selection contacts (46).

1 9. Card index according to Claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the microprocessor (50) is connected to a display or display device (100) and a printer (90).

20. Card index according to Claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the coding and selection information transmitting device (40) is connected to a sound amplifier (70).