GB754118A - Improved means for setting up and recording a series of values suitable for use in connection with the testing of the circuits of electric communication cables - Google Patents

Abstract

754,118. Recording - apparatus. SOUTHERN UNITED TELEPHONE CABLES, Ltd. July 22, 1954 [April 22, 1953], No. 11092/53. Class 106 (4). Apparatus for setting-up and summing in groups a series of values and recording values and sums in columns of type across a record sheet, in which the values are set up by a set of electromagnetic relays CA-CW, Fig. 1, comprises a similar set of relays for each group, an electrical impulse generator feeding simultaneously to the summing and setting-up relays a number of impulses determined by the value to be recorded, and the setting-up and summing relays being actuated together and to a corresponding extent by the impulses fed thereto. The apparatus is adapted to initiate and perform a series of tests on the quads of a telephone cable and to set-up, store and record the results in columns across a record sheet in a carriage by electro-magnetically-operated type in a modified typewriter, at the same time summing the results in pre-selected groups. The running totals may be printed at any time by the same type, testing being suspended meanwhile. Four quads can be connected at a time to sockets QSA, QSB, QSC, QSZ, Fig. 2, and when the necessary preparations are complete a 4-state relay circuit controlling two sets of relays, SD to SK and IA to IP, Fig. 3, not shown, selects the first socket QSA and the relay IQ, Fig. 6, not shown, operates to connect the insulation tester I thereto. If there are no faults a relay operates and capacity tests begin, the tests being selected in turn by the relays TA to TL energized successively as a wiper b4 on the typewriter carriage sweeps over contacts of BANK 4 of a position switch. In each test capacities C16 to C28 are added in turn to a bridge by the operation in turn of setting relays CA to CW, Fig. 7, not shown, until a balance is reached, the operation of the relays being in the manner described in Specification 753,471. Balance is indicated by a sensitive relay CY, Fig. 2, initial positive or negative unbalance causing a switch CY1 to energize respectively a relay CV or CW, Fig. 6. During the first capacity test the quad number is printed in column 0 from a quad counter actuated upon each return of the carriage and comprising odd and even relays PA, PB and relays QA to QR, Fig. 4, not shown, operating in the manner described with reference to Fig. 2 in Specification 753,471. Printing circuits for the quad number and results of the capacity tests are set up jointly by the quad counter or setting relays and BANK 2 of the position switch, Fig. 1. After each capacity test the result is transferred from the setting relays CA-CW to store relays HA-HN, Fig. 7, in the manner described in Specification 739,710, so that the setting relays are free to carry out the second test while the first is being typed from the store relays and so on. The setting relays are operated from a pulsing relay PE, Fig. 1, which simultaneously operates the set of counting relays selected by the switches ta11 to tl2, pa6, pb6 and cv11, cw11, Fig. 1, according to the test, the quad being odd or even and the result positive or negative. Each set of counting relays operates in the manner described with reference to Fig. 4 of the Specification 753,471. When it is desired to print the amount stored in the summation unit a key kv7 is operated to suspend testing and transfer earth connections from the wiper b2 of BANK 2 to the wiper b1 of BANK 1, the positive sign is printed four times in column 0 to indicate that there follows a record of sums in the following columns, the printing circuits being set up jointly by the counters and BANK 1 of the position switch. Control banks 3 permit printing only when various other circuit functions have been performed. Various interlocks are provided including several chains of switches for ensuring that the setting relays and summation counters keep in step and that the store relays are free before transferring values from the setting relays and that the storage is complete before releasing the setting relays. Various hand-operated switches are provided for cutting out tests or summations not required.