US1016277A

US1016277A - Lock-out device for party-telephones.

Info

Publication number: US1016277A
Application number: US41690008A
Authority: US
Inventors: Daniel W Kneisly
Original assignee: DAYTON TELEPHONE LOCKOUT Manufacturing CO
Current assignee: DAYTON TELEPHONE LOCKOUT Manufacturing CO
Priority date: 1908-02-20
Filing date: 1908-02-20
Publication date: 1912-02-06
Anticipated expiration: 1929-02-06

Description

D. W. KNEISLY. LOCK OUT DEVICE FOR PARTY TELEPHONES.

APPLIOATIQN FILED FEB. 20, 1908.

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n. W. KNEISLY. I LOOK OUT DEVICE FOR PARTY TELEPHONES. APPLIOATION FILED PEB.20, 1908. 1,01 6,277, Patented Feb. 6, 1912,

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W1 TNESSES:

ATTORNEY.

COLUMBIA I'LANOGRM'II cu wAslllNfiToN, D. c.

D. W. KNEISLY. LOCK OUT- DEVICE FOR PARTY TELEPHONES. APPLIOATION FILED FEB.2'0, 1908.

1,016,277, 1 Patented Feb. 6, 1912.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

WITNESSES.-

ATTORNEY. N

COLUMBIA PLANouRAvn cm. WASHINGTON. u. c

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

DANIEL W. KNEISLY, 0F DAYTON, OHIO, ASSIG-NOR TO THE DAYTON TELEPHONE LOCKOUT MFG. 00., OF DAYTON, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

LOCK-OUT DEVIOE FOR PARTY-TELEPHONES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 6, 1912.

To all whom it may concern:

Be itknown that I, DANIEL W. KNEIsLY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Dayton, in the county of Montgomery and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Lock-Out Devices for Party-Telephones, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to lockout devices for party line telephones and particularly to improvements on the device set forth in my former Patent #860,920, dated July 23, 1907.

The object of the invention is to provide a device of this character in which only the instrument selected from a series of instruments on a common line will be rung in calling the subscriber.

A further object is to provide a device whereby any subscriber other than the one called will be prevented from using his instrument until the line is returned to normal condition, thus preventing interruption of the conversation, and preventing the conversation being overheard by other parties on the same line. i I

Other objects are to provide means for returning the respective instruments to normal instantly, at the will of the operator, without the necessity of completing a series of stepup operations as is usual in such devices, and to accomplish the various objects with but a single break in the talking circuit at the subscribers instrument.

Further objects are to simplify the structure as well as the means and mode of operation of such devices whereby they will not only be cheapened in construction, but will be more positive and eflicient in operation, easily operated, and unlikely to get out of repalr. I

With the above primary and other incidental objects in view as will appear from the specification, the invention consists of the means, mechanism, construction, and mode of operation, or their equivalents hereinafter described and set forth in the claims.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a front elevation of the mechanism in normal position. Fig. 2 is a similar view with the parts operated, but with this particular instrument locked off the line. Fig. 3 is a rear view, relative to Fig. 1,showing the instrument in unlocked condition as when the instrument is in use.

Fig. i is an end elevation of the lock out mechanism, in position similar to Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a detail view of the polarized armature. Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic viewshowing the various circuits.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

The device shown in the drawings and herein described is designed to be one of a series of similar instruments located on a common or party telephone line, and is adapted to be operated from a central station, by a series of separate impulses sent over the line; each instrument being adapt= ed to be released or brought into talking condition by different, predetermined number of separate impulses. The construction is such that only one instrument is ordinarily in talking circuit at a time, the remaining instruments of the line being maintained in inoperative condition, through certain interengaging parts engaging With and preventing the movement of the receiver hook when the receiver has been removed, to close the talking circuit.

In constructing the device there is employed a support or main frame 1 preferably of metal, but which might be of any other suitable material, located within'a case or box 2. The frame 1 might be dispensed with and the various parts of the mechanism may be attached direct to the interior of blades 5, 6 and 7 by the engagement therewith of an insulated finger 8 carried onthe hook arm 4; as in Fig. 3. The respective blades 5, 6, and 7 are mounted on the frame 1 and are insulated from each other and from the frame, except 7 which is electrically engaged with the frame. Supported on brackets 9 and 10 on the main frame is an electromagnet 11, bridged across the main line, and excited by current from the central station. A permanent magnet 12 is also supported on the bracket 9 and extends under the magnet 11.

Pivoted at 13 on the bracket 9 is an armature 14, having a rock arm 15 extending above the magnet 11 and parallel therewith, and carrying at its extremity a spring actuated pawl arm 16 engaging suitable notches in an oscillatory notched segment pivoted 5 15, and a series 21 engaged by the pawl arm 16, whereby the segment 17 is oscillated throughout a step by step movement, against the tension of a spring 22, adapted to return the segment to normal position when released as hereinafter mentioned.

As each separate impulse sent over the line from the central station excites the magnet 11 the armature 14 is attracted thereby, the arm 15 being regidly attached thereto is elevated, and the pawl arm engaging one of the notches 21 is elevated to advance the notched segment one step. The engagement of the detent 20 with the notches 19 at each elevation of the arm 15, prevents the overthrow of the segment 17 or limits the movement thereof to one step at each operation. The notched segment 17 is held. in its operated position by a detent tooth 23, on an oscillating lever 24 pivoted to the main frame at 25. The detent tooth 23 is held in engagement with the notched segment 17 by a spring 26 connected to the lever 24. The upper extremity of the lever 24 is adapted to contact with a terminal 27,

thereby closing the ringing circuit, of which the frame 1 and lever 24 form a part.

In the series 21 of notches in thesegment 17 there are three notches of greater depth than the others, a deep notch X which varies in its relative location in each of the series of instruments on a common line, according to the number of steps or impulses required to bring the instrument into operative condition, a second similar deep notch y located in the same relative position in each instrument of the series, whereby all the instruments may be synchronously connected and a third notch Z, the initial notch of the series 21 of less depth than the notches X and y but of greater depth than the remaining notches. The notch Z is similarly located in each of the instruments on the line being the initial notch, the second notch being in each instance a shallow notch, the notch X being variable in its location and occupying a different position in each instrument while the notch Y located near the subsequent end of the series is constant in its location being the same number of steps from Z in every instrument.

Pivoted to the rear of the frame 1 is a swinging dog 28, adapted to engage a pin 29 in the receiver hook 4 and prevent the elevation of said hook as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. A finger 30 on the arm 25 engages the dog 28, when the detent tooth 23 drops into any one of the deep notches X, Y, Z, of the series 21, and presses the dog 28 out of the path of the pin 29 in the hook arm 4, thus permitting the hook to rise to close the talking circuits through the blades 5, 6, and 7. See Fig. 3. The adjustment of the parts is such that when the detent finger 24 is in the deep notches Y or X, the ringing circuit between the arm 4 and the terminal 27 iscomplete through the contact of said parts, and the hook 4 is unlocked through the engagement of the finger 30 with the (log 28. However, the notch Z being of less depth than X and Y, the adjustment is such that when the tooth 24 is in said notch Z the dog 28 will be pressed out of the path of the pin 29 by the finger 30, but on account of the less depth of said notch, the arm 24 will not contact the terminal 27 and the ringing circuit will remain open. lVhen the finger 24 is in engagement with one of the shallow notches, not only will the ringing circuit be broken by the arm 24 being held out of engagement with the terminal as in Fig. 2, but also the finger 30 will be held out of engagement with the dog 28, permitting the dog to swing into the path of the pin 28 and so lock the hook 4 against movement even though the receiver be removed therefrom.

In Fig. 1 is shown the normal position of all the instruments on the line, with the detent finger 24 in the initial deep notch Z, which permits the arm 25 to oscillate sufficiently to cause the finger 30 to push the dog 28 out of the path of the pin 29 in the hook arm 4, thus allowing any subscriber to communicate with central by removing the receiver from the hook, permitting the hook to rise and close the talking circuit. However, when in this position the ringing circuit is open intermediate the arm 24 and the terminal 27, due to the initial or medium deep notch not being of sufficient depth to permit the contact of said parts, thus preventing any other subscribers bell ringing when any one subscriber calls the central station. hen the detent finger 24 is in the extreme deep notch X the arm 24 contacts the terminal-27 and the ringing circuit is complete, and the hook 4 is unlocked This is also true at the engagement of the tooth 23 in the deep notch Y. The object of the deep notch Y is to permitthe instruments to be used for code ringing in the usual manner. In some instances the central station is closed during certain hours, and it is desirable to so arrange the instruments on the line that there may be inter-connnunication over thecommon line between the respective instruments, independent of the central station. This may be done by stepping up the device until the detent tooth'23 is in the third deep notch Y, at which time the ringing circuits of each instrument will be closed and the respective receiver hooks unlocked.

After the respective devices have been stepped up to bring the desired instrument into the talking circuit, and the conversation finished it becomes necessary to return the devices to normal condition, preparatory to the next call.

Attached to the lower end of the lever 24 is an armature 32, attracted by the magnet 11 at each impulse. Pivoted on the bracket 10 is a polarized armature 33, influenced by the magnet 11 and the permanent magnet 12. The lower end of the lever 24 is turned at right angles as at 34 and carries in said turned portion a pin 85. During the normal operation of the device, that is, during the stepup or selecting operation, the infiuence of the magnets 11 and 12 on the polarized armature 33, is such that said armature projects into the path of the pin 35 and limits the movement of the arm 24. The polarized armature in position to so limit the movement of the lever 24 is shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4.

When it is desired to return the parts to normal, an impulse is sent over the line in reverse direction from the central station, thus reversing the poles of the electromagnet 11 and causing the polarized armature to move on its pivot to the position indicated in Fig. 5, in which case it will be out of the path of the pin 35, and through the attraction of the magnet 11 and the armature 32 the lever 24 will be oscillated to withdraw the detent finger 23 from engagement with the segment 17; at the same time a hook extension 36 carried on the lever 24 will engage the pawl arm 16 and withdraw same from engagement with the segment 17, thereby permitting the segment to return to normal position under the action of the spring 22, when the detent tooth 23 will rest in the initial or medium deep notch Z of the series as before described. Upon the return movement of the segment to normal position the teeth of the segment will ride freely over the detent 20, said detent 20 being pivoted to the lever 15 and free to move about its pivotal connection in one direction but limited against movement in the opposite direction.

Circuits-in Fig. '6 is illustrated diagrammatically the various circuits, and operating parts and connections, the central station apparatus being indicated at the right, and the subscribers instrument at the left of said figure. a and a is the main line, common to a number of subscribers instruments. The magnet 11 is bridged across the line, the drop line 40 connecting with one terminal of the magnet 11, the opposite terminal being attached to the frame 1, as at 41. The second drop line 42 connects with the switch blade 7 which is in electrical contact with the frame 1, thus completing the circuit between opposite sides of the line 0;, (b through the magnet 11 and frame 1 as indicated in dotted lines Fig. 6. The subscribers call bell b is bridged between the terminal 27 on the main frame 1, and the drop line 40, the circuit being from the line a through the drop 42 to the frame 1, through the frame 1 and lever 24 to the terminal 27 when the lever 24 contacts therewith, thence through the bells Z) to the drop 40 and to the line 06 The subscribers calling magneto 0 is bridged between the drop lines 40 and 42. The receiver circuit extends between the blade 6 through the secondary of the coil 01 to the drop line 40, including in said circuit the receiver 6 and condenser The transmitter circuit extends from the switch blade 6 through the primary of the coil (Z to the switch blade 5, including the transmitter g, and battery h. At the central station, are the two

lines

44, and 45 connecting with the main line through the usual calling and answering jacks, not shown in the present drawing. The

lines

44, 45 connect with the sides a, a respectively of the main line. The usual annunciator drop is indicated at 2', and is normally bridged across the

lines

44, 45 through a switch j; is the operators instrument; Z is a key for sending separate selecting impulses over the line, to operate the subscribers selector mechanism. A pole changer m is provided to reverse the direction of the current from the battery or other source of energy n, 0 is a generator, adapted to be brought into circuit by the closing of the switch 37.

Operation-WVhen in normal position as indicated in the drawings with the detent tooth 23 engaging the notch Z the receiver hook is unlocked as indicated by dotted lines Fig. 1. The subscriber operates the magneto 0, and removes his receiver 6 from the hook allowing the hook to be elevated by the action of the spring 43, to close the circuits between the switch blades 5, 6 and 7 as in Fig. 3. This call is indicated to the central operator by the drop i, the operator moving the switch to cut the drop 71 out of circuit and to bring the operators instru ment 7: into the talking circuit.

The transmitter circuit of the subscribers instrument is closed through the switch blades 5 and 6; the receiver circuit being from the line a through the drop 42, the blade 7 to the blade 6, thence through the coil (Z, the receiver 6 and condenser f to the drop 40 and to the line a The break in the ringing circuit between the lever 24 and the terminal '27 when the parts are in normal position, prevents the current generated by the magneto c to call central, short circuiting through the instrument to ring bells b of the calling or any other instrument on the line. Upon receiving the sub scribers call, the operator will move the switch j to cut out the operators instrument is and to bring into the circuit the impulse sending key Z. It will be assumed that the subscribers instrument illustrated is the desired instrument, which is in normal condition as shown in said Fig. 6 also in Fig. 1. The operator will select, or unlock the desired instrument by operating the key Z to close the circuit a predetermined number of times, as may be necessary to bring the detent tooth 23 into the deep notch X. At each closure of the key Z the electric impulse will pass from the battery it through the key Z and switch j to the line 4-4- thence to the main line a and over the drop lines 42 and through the magnets 11 of every instrument on the line, over the drop lines 40, main a and drop 45 to the battery completing the circuit. Each impulse exciting the magnet 11 will cause the oscillatory segment 17 to be stepped up one notch, as before described. At the first step or impulse, the detent tooth 23 of each instrument on the line will engage the second notch which in every instrument is a shallow one. This will hold the lever 24 in such relation that the dog 28 will be disengaged by the finger 30, and will be permitted to swing into the path of the pin 29 in every instrument on the line. At each subsequent step the detent tooth 23 of some one of the series of instruments will engage the notch X, said notch X being differently located in each instrument. The instrument of the drawings is the number six instrument, being brought into operation on the seventh step or impulse. The first step serves to lock every instrument, while the sixth subsequent step will release the illustrated instrument, by the tooth 23 engaging the notch X which will permit the lever 24 to oscillate to close the ringing circuit by the contact of the lever 24 with the terminal 27, and will release the receiver hook by the engagement of the finger 30 with the locking dog 28. The subscriber is now called by closing the switch 39 thus sending the current from the generator 0 over the line 44 and a to 42, thence through the frame 1, and lever 24, the terminal 27, through the bell ringing magnet as indicated at Z), to the drop line 40 to the return main 0, and the line 45 to the opposite pole of the generator 0. At the time the tooth 23 of the illustrated or called instrument engages the notch X, the tooth 23 of every other instrument on the line is engaged with a shallow notch, and the ringing circuit is broken, and the receiver hook is locked in inoperative position as described.

When it is desired to return the instruments to normal after the completion of the conversation, the pole changer m is operated. and the key Z is closed to send an impulse in the opposite direction over the line and through the respective magnets 11. The changed polarity of the magnet 11, will cause an oscillation of the polarized armature 33, causing said armature 33 to move out of the path of the lever 24, thereby permitting said lever 24 to oscillate, through the attraction of the magnet 11 and armature 32 on said lever, to disengage the detent tooth 23 from the notched segment 17 and to withdraw the pawl 16 from engagement with the notched segment, by means of the hook extension 36 carried by the lever 24. When so disengaged the segment will be returned to normal by the spring 18. While a double metallic circuit a, a has been described, the main line wire a might be dispensed with, under certain conditions, and the lines 40 and 45 may be grounded as at 47 and 48 in Fig. 6, thus completing the circuits through ground instead of through the line al If metallic talking and selecting circuits are desired, the ringing may be accomplished through ground as indicated at 49 and 50 in Fig. 6. Thus but two conductors are required to form both the operating and talking circuits, one of which conductors may be the ground, or two metallic conductors may be employed with an additional grounded ringing circuit. However the preferred form is two metallic conductors as shown in solid lines in the drawing. The construction is also applicable to common return systems of telephony. The notch Y is so located that the teeth 23 of each instrument on the line will enter the notch Y simultaneously, thus unlocking every instrument on the line, and closing all the ringing circuits, whereby intercommunication may be had, the desired instrument being indicated by code ringing. As shown in the drawing all the instruments will be thus unlocked on the eleventh step.

In order that the ringing circuit will be broken when the receiver and transmitter circuits are in use, a stud 51 is provided, projecting from the hook lever 4, and carrying a roller 52, which roller is adapted to engage a pin 53 in the lever 24 when the hook 4 is in its elevated position, and thereby oscillate said lever to break the contact of the lever 24 and the terminal 27. construction is best shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

In calling a second party on the same party line the operation is the same as if the calling and called parties were on different lines. The calling party removes his receiver and instructs the operator in the usual manner. It is not necessary that the subscriber should hang up his receiver again while the party is being called, but to the contrary he should keep the receiver off the hook in the customary manner. The operator will proceed to select the desired instrument on the calling line in the manner as described, and upon completion of the conversation the instruments will be returned to normal, by the usual operation of reversing the direction of the current.

This

It is to be noted that no adjustment of resistance according to the position of the instrument on the line, or the strength of current is necessary. The locking, unlocking, and selecting operations are mechanical, and while actuated by the electrical impulses, the operations are performed independent of the strength of the current, the instrument being unaffected by any variations thereof, providing it is always of sutficient strength to excite the magnet 11 to attract the respective armatures.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus produced a device of the character described, possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which, obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportion, detail construction, and arrangement of parts, without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a device of the character described, the combination with lockout mechanism of means controlling the ringing circuit and receiver hook and comprising an oscillating segmental plate having a series of recesses therein, said recesses being greater in number than the number of instruments on the line, the initial recess of said series being adapted to maintain the lockout mechanism in such position as to release the receiver hook while maintaining the ringing circuit in open condition and one of said recesses being of greater depth than the others and adapted when engaged to permit the closure of said ringing circuit and simultaneously release the hook, a means for operat ing said controlling mechanism, substantially as described.

2. In a device of the character described, the combination with means for locking the receiver hook in inoperative position, of controlling means therefor comprising an oscillating segmental plate having a series of recesses therein of diiferent depths, a pivoted lever adjacent to said segmental plate and having a tooth adapted to enter the recesses at different depths in said segmental plate thereby controlling the position of said lever, and means for operating said mechanism and means controlled by said lever adapted to release the receiver than the other recesses,a second recess of break less depth than the first mentioned recess and of greater depth than the remaining recesses, and means for oscillating said plate means engaging the recesses of said plate and when in engagement with the first mentioned recess adapted to cause the release of said hook and the closure of the ringing circuit but when engaged by the second mentioned recess adapted to release only said hook while maintaining the ringing circuit open, substantially as and for the purpose specified. i

4. In a device of the character described, the combination with means for rendering the receiver hook inoperative of means con trolling same and comprising an oscillating segmental plate, a series of controlled teeth of different depths in the edge of said segmental plate, an additional series of detent teeth also in the edge of said segmental plate a detent adapted to enigage said detent teeth to limit the movement of the segmental plate and a pawl engaging the variable depth control teeth for oscillating said segmental plate both said detent and pawl being carried on a common lever, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

5. In a device of the character described,

-mental plate to prevent said plate from moving a greater distance than the space of one tooth at each movement of said lever, substantially as described.

6. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit make and mechanism of controlling means therefor comprising an oscillating segmental plate having a series of teeth in the edge thereof, a pawl engaging said teeth to actuate said plate, a lever upon which said pawl is carried, stop mechanism adapted to engage said teeth and hold said plate in its adjusted position, a detent adapted to engage said plate and prevent same from being moved a greater distance than the space of one tooth at each movement of said lever a magnet for operating sald lever, one of ,the teeth of said plate being of greater depth than the remaining teeth, a movable member, the movement of which is limited by said plate and permitting the additional movement when the top tooth reaches a predetermined position, and means whereby said member, by this additional movement, will operate said make and break mechanism, substantially as described.

7 In a device of the character described,

the combination with circuit make and break devices of control mechanism therefor including a movable member, a variable stop limiting the movement thereof, adapted when in a predetermined position to permit the movement of the said member through a greater path of traveland thereby operate the make and break devices, a second stop limiting the movement of the movable member in the opposite direction, means for moving the second stop member to permit an additional movement of the member in reverse direction, thereby allowing the first mentioned stop to return to normal.

8. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism, of means controlling same comprising oscillatory segmental plate having a series of recesses in the edge thereof, a pawl engaging said recesses to oscillate said plate, a lever upon which said pawl is carried, means for operating said lever, a spring pressed pivoted lever adjacent to said plate, a tooth carried by said lever and adapted to engage said recesses to hold said plate in its operative position and to .limit the oscillation of said lastmentioned lever, means for permitting said lever an additional degree of oscillation at a predetermined point in the movement of said segmental plate whereby the make and break device will be operated, a detent on said pawl carrying lever adapted to engage said plate and prevent same from being operated a greater distance than the space of one tooth for each operation of said lever,

substantially as described.

9. In a mechanism of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of controlling means comprising an oscillatory segmental plate having a series of recesses in the edge thereof, means for engaging said recesses and operating said plate the distance of one recess at a time, a lever pivoted adjacent to said plate, a spring tending to force said lever toward said plate, a tooth carried by said lever and adapted to engage said recesses to limit the oscillatory movement of the lever and means whereby said lever will be permitted an additional degree of movement at a predetermined point in the movement of the segmental plate and means for operating the make and break mechanism by such additional movement of the lever, and a detent also engaging said plate and adapted to limit the oscillatory movement of the same, substantially as described.

10. In a device of the character described. the combination 'with circuit make and break devices, of control mechanism therefor including a movable member and actuating means therefor, means for limiting the movement of the member in either direction, means for permitting the movable member a greater degree of movement in either direction whereby when permitted additional movement in one direction it will operate the circuit make and break devices, and when permitted additional movement in the other direction will permit the return of the operated parts to normal.

11. Inadevice of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of control mechanism therefor comprising an oscillatory segmentalplate having a series of recesses in the edge thereof, a lever, a pawl carried thereby and adapted to engage said recesses to oscillate said plate, a magnet adapted to operate said lever, a spring'pressed lever adjacent to said plate, a tooth on said lever adapted to engage the recess in said plate and limit the oscillatory movement of the lever, means for permitting said lever an additional degree of oscillation at a predetermined point in the movement of said segmental plate, an armature for said magnet attached to said lever and adapted to oscillate the same when said armature is attracted, means carried by said lever adapted to engage said operating pawl and disengage the same from said plate upon the retraction of said lever, substantially as described.

12. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of control mechanism therefor comprising an oscillatory segmental plate having a series of notches in the edge thereof, means engaging said notches to oscillate said plate, a lever pivoted adjacent to said plate, means carried by said lei er for retaining said plate in its operative position, a double ended magnet having an armature at one end adapted to operate said oscillating means and an armature at the opposite end connected to said lever and adapted to move the same away from said plate, a means connected with said lever and adapted to engage said oscillating means to move the same out of engagement with said notches, and means for limiting the movement of said lever when actuated by said magnet.

13. In a device of the character described,

the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of cont-r01 mechanism therefor comprising a plate having a series of recesses in the edge thereof, means for engagconnected to said lever and adapted to engage said step by step mechanism and move same out of engagement with said recesses, a spring tending to hold said second armature away from said magnet, means project ing into the path of said second armature and adapted to limit the movement thereof when said magnet is energized for operating the step by step mechanism, and means for removing the obstruction from the path of said armature when it is desired to return the plate to normal position, substantially as described.

14L. In a device of the character described, the combination with a telephone receiver hook and lockout mechanism adapted to lock said hook in inoperative position of control mechanism therefor comprising an oscillatory segmental plate having a series of recesses in the edge thereof, one of said recesses being of greater depth than the remaining recesses, means for oscillating said plate on its pivotal connection, a tooth adapted to engage said recesses and means for releasing said receiver hook when said tooth enters the deep recess, substantially as described.

15. In a device of the character described, the combination with a receiver hook and means adapted to hold samein its inoperative position, of control mechanism comprising an oscillatory segmental plate having a series of recesses therein, one of said recesses being of greater depth than the others, means for oscillating said plate, a tooth engaging said recesses, and means for engaging said hook restraining means to release said receiver hook when said tooth engages the deep recess in said oscillatory plate, substantially as described.

16. In a device of the character described, the combination with talking and ringing circuits, of the receiver hook adapted to control said talking circuit, means adapted to engage said receiver hook and hold the same in in-operative position, a control mechanism comprising an oscillatory segmental plate having a series of recesses therein, one of said recesses being of greater depth than the other, a second recess of less depth than said first named recess and of greater dept-h than the remaining recesses, means for oscillating said segmental plate, a spring pressed lever adjacent to said oscillatory plate, a tooth carried by said lever and engaging said recesses, a projection on said lever adapted to engage said hook engaging means and release said receiver hook when said tooth is in either of said deep recesses, av ringing circuit contact carried by said leverand adapted to close said ringing circuit when said tooth is in said first mentioned recess, substantially as described.

17. In a device of the character described, the combination with talking and ringing circuits of a receiver hook adapted to control said talking circuit, means engaging said receiver hook and retaining same in its iii-operative position when the line is in use, control mechanism comprising oscillatory segmental plate having a series of recesses in the edge thereof, one of said recesses being of greater depth than the re maining recesses, a second" recess of less depth than the first mentioned recess, and of greater depth than the remaining recesses, means for oscillating said segmental plate, normally open contacts for said ringing circuit, a spring pressed lever adjacent to said oscillatory plate, a tooth carried by said lever and engaging said recesses, a projection carried by said lever and adapted to operate said hook engaging means to release said receiver hook when said tooth enters either of said first or second mentioned deep recesses, means carried by said lever to close said ringing circuit when said toot-h is in said first mentioned deep recess, means car ried by said receiver hook for moving said lever and breaking said ringing circuit when said receiver hook assumes its operative position and closes the talking circuit, substantially as described.

18. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit closing mechanism of control mechanism therefor comprising an oscillatory segmental plate having a series of recesses in the edge thereof, one of said recesses being of greater depth than the remaining recesses, a tooth adapted to engage said recesses, and means connected to said tooth for making and breaking an electric circuit and adapted to maintain said circuit open when said tooth enters the shallow recesses, and for closing said circuit when the tooth enters said deep recess, and means for oscillating said oscillatory segmental plate through a step by step movement, substantially as specified.

19. In a device of the character described, the combination With circuit make and break mechanism of control mechanism therefor, comprising an oscillatory segmental plate having a series of recesses in the edge thereof, an initial unlocking recess in said series of greater depth than its adjacent recess, a circuit closing recess of greater depth than said unlocking recess, a tooth adapted to engage said recesses, and means connected with said tooth for unlocking said instrument when said tooth enters said unlocking recess, and for locking said instrument when said tooth. enters the recess next adjacent thereto and means for unlocking said mechanism and closing the ringing circuit when said tooth enters said circuit closing recess and means of oscillating said oscillatory segmental plate, substantially as described.

20. In a device of the character described, the combination With circuit make and break mechanism of control mechanism therefor comprising an oscillatory segmental plate having a series of recesses in the edge thereof, an initial unlocking recess of greater depth than its adjacent recess, an electric circuit a circuit closing recess corresponding in number to one more than the'number of the particular instrument to which said control mechanism is attached and being of greater depth than said unlocking recess, a

tooth adapted to engage said recesses and means connected to said tooth for unlocking said instrument when said tooth is in engagement with said unlocking recess, and for locking said instrument when said tooth engages the recess next adjacent to said unlocking recess, and for unlocking said instrument and closing said circuit when said tooth engages said circuit closing recess, and means for oscillating said oscillatory segmental plate, substantially as described.

21. In a device of the character described, the combination with electric circuit closing and breaking mechanism of control mechanism therefor comprising an oscillatory segmental plate having a series of recesses in the edge thereof, said recesses varying'in depth, a tooth spring pressed toward and engaging said recesses, means connected with said tooth for controlling said circuit closing and breaking mechanism according to the depth of recess engaged thereby, a pawl engaging said recesses, a lever on which said pawl is carried, a magnet operating said lever'to oscillate said oscillatory segmental plate the space of one tooth at a time, and means for sending a series of pulsations through said magnet for oscillating said segmental plate a suflicient number of recesses to allow said tooth to engage any desired recess, substantially as described.

22. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of control mechanism therefor comprising an oscillatory segmental plate having a series of recesses in the edge thereof, two of said recesses being of greater depth than the remaining recesses, a tooth adapted to engage said recesses, means connected to said tooth controlling said circuit make and break mechanism according to the depth of the recess engaged thereby, and means for oscillating said oscillatory segmental plate, substantially as described.

23. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of a control device therefor, comprising a plate, a series of recesses in said plate, a magnet, a pawl operated by said magnet to move said plate through a step by step movement, a lever, a detent tooth carried by said lever and engaging said plate to retain same in its adjusted position, an armature attracted by said magnet and operating to oscillate said lever to release said plate, a movable member normally in the path of said lever and adapted to limit the movement thereof, and means for withdrawing said member from the path of said lever whereby said lever will be permitted to oscillate, substantially as specified.

24. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of a control device therefor, comprising a plate, a series of recesses in said plate, a magnet, a pawl operated by said magnet to move said plate through a step by step movement, a lever, a detent tooth carried by said lever and engaging said plate to retain same in its adjusted position, an armature attracted by said magnet and operating to oscillate said lever to release said plate, a movable member controlled by said magnet and normally in the path of said lever and means for moving said member from the path of said lever whereby said lever may be operated by said magnet, substantially as specified.

25. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of a control device therefor, comprising a plate, a series of recesses, in said plate, a magnet, a pawl operated by said magnet to move said plate through a step by step movement, a lever, a detent tooth carried by said lever, and engaging said plate to retain same in its adjusted position, an armature attracted by said magnet and operating to oscillate said lever to release said plate, a movable member controlled by said magnet whereby when the current is passed in one direction through said magnet said member will project in the path of said lever, and when the current is passed in the opposite direction through said magnet said member will be withdrawn from the path of said lever, substantially as specified.

26. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of a control device therefor, comprising a plate, a series of recesses, in said plate, a magnet, a pawl operated by said magnet to move said plate through a step by step movement, a lever, a detent tooth carried by said lever, and engaging said plate to retain same in its adjusted position, an armature attracted by said magnet and operating to oscillate said lever to release said plate, means normally limiting the movement of said detent lever, and controlled by said magnet whereby upon the reversal of the current through said magnet said lever will be permitted an additional degree of oscillation to release said plate.

27. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break devices, of control mechanism therefor including a movable member, variable stops limiting the movement of the member in either direction, means for adjusting one of the stops to permit the movable member to operate the circuit make and break devices, and means for varying the other stop to permit the return of the first mentioned stop to normal.

28. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of control mechanism therefor including a plate having recesses therein, a pawl adapted to operate said plate, a magnet actuating said pawl, a lever normally retaining said plate in its operated position and adapted by its oscillation to release said plate, a stop in the pat-h of said lever and normally preventing its oscillation to effect the release of the plate, and means to remove the stop from the path of the lever upon the reversal of the direction of current through said magnet.

29. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of control mechanism therefor including a plate having recesses therein, a pawl adapted to operate said plate, a magnet actuating said pawl, a lever normally retaining said plate in its operated position and adapted by its oscillation to release said plate, a permanent magnet and a polarized armature, movable into and out of the path of the lever according to the changed polarity of said magnet and means to change the polarity thereof, substantially as specified.

30. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of control mechanism therefor including a plate having recesses therein, a pawl adapted to operate said plate, a magnet actuating said pawl, a lever normally retaining said plate in its operated position and adapted by its oscillation to release said plate, a pivoted polarized armature adapted to be moved about its pivotal connection into and out of the path ofsaid lever and means to change the polarity of the controlling magnet, substantially as specified.

81. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of control mechanism including a movable plate having a series of notches therein, a pawl adapted to engage and operate said plate, an arm on which said pawl is carried, means for permitting the arm an additional degree of movement when the plate has been moved to a predetermined position, a detent on said actuating arm engaging the plate and limiting the movement thereof to predetermined distance, a detent for retaining the plate in operated position, and means for returning the plate to normal position after each series of operations synchronously withdrawing the operating pawl and retaining detent, substantially as specified.

82. In a device as described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of control mechanism therefor, ineluding a movable plate, a pawl adapted to operate said plate, a magnet actuating said pawl, a lever, a detent carried thereby and engaging said plate to retain it in adjusted position, a connection between said lever and operating pawl whereby the pawl will be withdrawn by the oscillation of the lever to permit the plate to be returned to normal, means to oscillate said lever through the action of said magnet and means normally preventing the oscillation of the lever to withdraw the pawl but rendered inoperative by the reversal of the direction of current through the magnet, substantially as specified.

83. In a construction of the character described, a series of instruments each having circuit make and break mechanism, individual control mechanism for each in strument including a movable plate a plurality of notches in said plate, two of said notches being of greater depths than the remaining notches, one of said deep notches being differently located in the series in each of the instruments on a common line whereby said notch of each instrument will be engaged at a different point in the travel of said plate, the other deep notch being correspondingly located in the series ofnotches of each of the instruments whereby said notch will be synchronously engaged in the instruments, a detent tooth engaging the notches, release devices and circuit closing mechanism brought into operation when said tooth is in said deep notches and inoperative when said tooth is in the shallow notches, substantially as specified. Y

34. In a device as described, the combination with circuit make and break mechanism of a control device therefor including a movable plate, actuating means therefor, a series of notches in said plate, two of said notches being deeper than the rest of the notches, a detent tooth engaging said notches and bringing into operation circuit closing devices and release mechanism when in the deep notches, one of said deep notches being differently located in each of a series of in struments on a common line whereby said instruments will be brought into operation at different stages of the operation of said plate and whereby the engagement of the detent tooth with the second deep'notch will be synchronous in all the instruments on a common. line thereby bringing all said instruments into operation at the same time, substantially as specified.

35. In a system as described,the combination with means for sending separate electric impulses of a line comprising two conductors, one of which may be the ground, a plurality of telephone lockout devices, bridged across said line of two conductors, an oscillating lever adapted by its position to control the lookout device, a movable stop to limit the oscillation of the lever in one direction, said lockout devices being nor mally in position whereby all of said instruments will be normally unlocked, but the talking and ringing circuits, open, means for electro magnet bridged between said conductors and adapted to actuate said variable stop, means for retaining said plate in its operated position and means for releasing said plate by a current sent in reverse direction through said conductors whereby the variable stop may be returned to normal after each series of operations, substantially as specified.

37. In a device of the character described, talking circuits controlled by the receiver hook, means for'locking the receiver hook in inoperative position, means including an electro magnet and a movable armature capable of diiferent degrees of movement for releasing any one of a series of instruments by sending a predetermined number of separate impulses over the line, and means to return the parts to normal position by sending an impulse in reverse direction over the line whereby the armature will be moved to a different degree thereby eflecting the return of the parts to normal, substantially as specified.

38. In a device of the character described, lock mechanism, means including an electro magnet, a movable armature capable of different degrees of movement for operating sundry parts to unlock said mechanism by a predetermined number of separate electric impulses, means to hold said parts in operated position, and means for releasing said parts'whereby they may return to normal by sending an impulse through the operating circuit in a direction opposite that required ,to operate said parts and thereby causing said armature to move through a path of difierent extent, substantially as specified.

39. In a device of the character described, talking circuits, a lever controlling same, a dog adapted to hold said lever in inoperative position, a pivoted member adapted by its oscillation to disengage said dog from said lever, means brought into operative condition by a predetermined number of separate impulses controlling the oscillation of said pivoted member and limiting the movement of same whereby said dog willbe engaged or disengaged according to the number of separate impulses sent over the line, and means for returning said parts to normal, substantially as specified.

40. A series of instruments of the character described on a common line, talking and ringing circuits, lock mechanism adapted to prevent the closing of said talking circuits, and means for controlling said lock mechanism in each of said instruments, said control mechanism adapted when in normal position to maintain the lock mechanism in inoperative or unlock condition, said control mechanism operated by a predetermined number of separate electric impulses, said control mechanism being adapted at the initial impulse to look all the instruments on the line and to release the respective instruments on difi erent subsequent impulses, and on a predetermined number of impulses to synchronously unlock all the instruments on the line, substantially as specified.

41. In a device of the character described, the combination with circuit make and break devices of control mechanism therefor including a movable member adapted by its extreme movement in one direction to operate the make and break devices, a variable stop member normally limiting the movement of the movable member, said movable member being adapted by its extreme movement in the opposite direction to permit the return of the variable stop to normal when moved therefrom, a second stop limiting the opposite movement of the member, and means for actuating the stops.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 13th day of February A. D.

DANIEL W. KNEISLY. Witnesses:

HARRY F. NOLAN, F. L. WALKER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

. Washington, D. c.