US1019879A

US1019879A - Telephone metering system.

Info

Publication number: US1019879A
Application number: US56519210A
Authority: US
Inventors: Garrison Babcock
Original assignee: TELECHRONOMETER Co
Current assignee: TELECHRONOMETER Co
Priority date: 1910-06-06
Filing date: 1910-06-06
Publication date: 1912-03-12
Anticipated expiration: 1929-03-12

Description

G. BABCOGK. TELEPHONE METERING SYSTEM. APPLIoATIoN FILED JUNB'e, 1910.

Patented Marlllz, 1912.

2 SHEETS-SHEBT 1.

4 l i Awffwy G. BABGOGK. TELEPHONE METERING. SYSTEM. APPLICATION FILED .TUNE 6; 1910.

1,019,879. Patented Mar. 12, 1912..

2 SHEETS-HEBT z.

' flor/zeg UNITED sTATEs PATENT oEEioE.

GARRISON BACOCK, OF ROCHESTER, NEW-"YORK, ASSIG-NOR TO TELECHRONOMETER COMPANY,-'OIE' ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, A.' CORPORATIONOF NEW YORK.

TELEPHQNE' METERING' SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

ratentediviaig 12,1912.-

Applicationvled J'un'e 6,1910.v Serial No. 565,192.

To ill whomit may concern:

Be it known that I, GAniiisoN BABCoox, a citizen of the United States, residing at Rochester, in the countyl off"l\1onroe and 'State of New York, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Telephone Metering Systems, of wliichgthe following is' a full, clear, concise, and exact descrip-- tion, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming' a part of this speciication.

My invention relates to an improvement in telephone ineteringsy'steins in which .ap-

paratus at a-central exchange is adapted'to be associated with the connecting mechamsm of the exchange in use toconnect subscribersl for conversat-ion so as to actuate a registering mechanism at the exchange in.

accordance with the rate to be charged for service to the calling subscriber. The mech` yanisin employed tor thus register is adapted, when released hy the operator,

A to send suitable impulses through the line wires ofthe calling subscriber to actuate metering mechanism located 4at the substation of the latter to etlect a charge on the calling subscribers meter corresponding to the amount registered by the apparatus" at' the central exchange.

In carrying out my invention I designate ,A

' the unit of telephone service used in. connection with the registering mechanism at the exchange as atelechrone, which signifies an amount of service consisting of both a time element and the charge per unit of time, which is different for different sub:4

n' scribers, depending upon the distance they are from the exchange. Thus the serviceexpressed in ,telechrones 4may in two different cases' be the saine, although produced byy different factors of time and charge rate.l

The several drawings illustrating my invention are as follows:

Figure l is a diagrammatic drawing,

illustrating the circuit connections involved between a calling and a called subscriber together` with the 'connecting circuits employed at a central exchange for establish-4 l ,registering mechanism' at the exchange;

thev charge Fig. 3 is a detail viewof the connecting keys employed t0 control the receiving and sending operations of theregistering mechanism at the-exchange; Fig. 4t is a detail view of the .mechanism employed to actuatethe registering mechanism at the exchange; F10. 5 is a det-ail view of the mecha-v nism associated with the register `at the@4 exchangefor causingits operation to send the charge made upon such register through the calling line to actuate the meter at .the

callingA subscribers station; Fig.- 6 is an enlarged detail view of the operating-mech#- anism of the meter vlocated at the subscribers station.

As shown in Fig. 1, the substation A is provided' with a transmitter 1 and receiver 2 in the manner well known inthe art, and

also Vwith a switchl hook 3 adapted to either close the line circuit through the transmitter 1.o-r` through. the ringer 4:, depending upon whether the receiver 2 is removed from the hook or is located upon it. The circuit extending' from the transmitter 1' is continued through the energizing coil 5y of' the subscribers meteringmechanism 6. Substation A is connected with the exchange by line wires 8 and 7 terminating in the tip andl sleeve springs 9 and 10, respectively, of the jack J, the ring 11 of whichis connected with the winding of the cut-off relay 12, the other terminal of which is connected with thel battery 13 through the conductor .14. The conductor 14 is also connected with one terminal of the line relay -15and with the pivotalpoint ofthe armatureof such relay, as aV result of which, whenthe hook 3' occupies itsupper position due to the re,- moval of the receiver 2, the line relay 15 is 'energized and .the line signal 17 -is lighted. When lthe subscriber at the substation A Adesires to call central the 'relajy15 ener"- gized, `since for this condition thelcut-oiv relay l2 is inert-.and -connection is established at Vthistiine' between the line wires` 7 and .8 and

conductors

16 and 1,4 with-.the terminals of the battery 13: Thearrnature :of the relay 15 finj attracted posit/ion,v lights the line'lamp 17, thus signaling .the loperator that a connection is desired; AThe substation B is connected with the exchange by linewires 18 and l19 which. have. vassoiciated withthem apparatus similar to that described vabove for the line-7, 8. The line wires 18 and 19'are connected with the tip and sleeve springs 20 and 21 of the jack J1.

p tip strand 22, 23 and sleeve strand 24,. 25,

the sections of each strand being separatedl condensers as indicated. The sections 22 and -24of the cord strands are connected through

supervisory relays

26 and 27 with the

conductors

28 and 16 respectively, and l'thus with the terminals of the battery 13. The sections 23 andl 25 of the cord strands are connected bythe wires 29. and 30, with thewindings of the supervisory -relays 31 and 32 and thus with springs 3,3 'and 34 of .the switch K. The

inner springs

35 and 36 ofthe switch K, which are normally in contact with the

springs

33 and 34, respectively, are connected with the terminals of the battery 13, the path from the' spring 35 being through

wires

37 and 28, while the path from the spring 36 is closed through

wires

38 and 39. s rlfhe

outer springs

40 and 41 of the switch K are connected through wires 42 and '43 with the outer and inner switch springs, respectively, of the reversing switch mechanism K1.' An elect-romagnet 44 islocated in the wire 42, as indicated, for a purpose to be. described, the connection to the springs of theI switch K1 being completed. from such eleetromagnet throughv wire 45. The

sections

23 and 25 of the cord strands are completed through. the ringing key K2 by means of which the ringing generator 46 may be connected in circuit with the calling plug P1 to signal the called subseriber. The operators set 47 may be connected with the sections 22 and 24 of the cord strands when desired by means of the listening-key K3. The back contact 47 of the supervisory relay 31 is connected with the front contact 48 of the supervisory relay 32 through the supervisory lamp 49, and t-he front contact 50 of the superyisory relay 31 is connected by wire'51 with the normally open contacts 52', 52a, 5213.523 53, 53a, 54., 55, 56 and 57 adapted to be connected by

corresponding switches

58, 58, 581, 58e, 59, 59, 60, 61, -62, 63 with brushes bearing upon the

commutators

64, 641, 6411, 64, 65, 651, 66, 67, 68,I 69, as desired. The commutators 64,

64s, 641 and 64 are carried upon a shaft 70 driven by means of gears 71 and 72 from a shaft 73 driven by means of suitable gearing from. time-controlled mechanism not shown so that such shaft 73 will rotate at a uniform rate. The commutators 65 and 6511' 4are mounted upon a ,shaft 74, which is driven from theshaft 73 by suitable gearing at a rate differentfrom the rotation of the shaft 7 0.l Commutators 66,67, 68,and 69 are mounted upon shafts '75, 76, 77 and 78, which are individually driven from. the

shaft 73 by suitable gearing-'at rates -diler- 'ent from each other and rom the rateV of .rotation of the shafts and 74. The body portions ofthe commutators referred to arel electrically connected with theshafts carrying them and the shaft 73 is connected by' spring 7 9 with one terminal of the winding of the electroln'agnet 80, the other terminal of which 1s connected by a Wire 81 wit-h wire l37, and thus through wire 28 with one terminal of the battery 13. The4 electromagnet is provided with an armature 82 pivoted atp83, which armature has pivotally connected to its right-hand end a spring pawl 84 so disposed relatively to a fixed stop 85 that when the armature 82 is attracted the pawl 84 is first moved into engagement with the ratchet wheel 86 and then operates to r0-l tate such ratchet wheel and the shaft l87, to which it -i's secured, one step. A pawl 88, pivoted at 89, is normally held in engagement with the ratchet wheel 86 by a spring 90 to retain the ratchet wheel in the posit-ion to which it is moved by the operating pawl 84. When the magnet 80 is denergized a suitable spring'91 returns the armature 82 to its. normal position, for which position.

has secured thereto a gear 92 meshing with a gear 93 carried by a shaft 94, which latter shaft carries a threaded portion 95 engaging a nut 96 adapted to be moved longitudinally of the shaft 94 by its rotation, while rotation of the nut 96 is prevented by suitable means not shown. The right-hand end of the shaft 94 carries a disk 97, shown more clearly in Fig 5, and to this disk one end of a spring 98 is secured, the other end of Such springbeing connected with the framework of the registering mechanism. The disk 97 alsoaearries a spring pawl.99 adapted to engagea ratchet wheel V100, which is independent of the disk 97 and shaft 94, but is adapted to`bc rotated by such disk when the same is moved in a direction to move the nut 96V to the left. as shown'. in Figf .1. The ratchet wheel 100 has projecting therefrom a stud 101 of insulating materia-l adapted to engage the cam 102 carried by one of the operating springs ofthe switch K1.

The switch K1 consists of two operating- 104 is connected by wire 110 with a pilot lamp 11.1, the other terminal of which is connected with the contact 112 adapted to be engaged by the armature 107 when 'the magnet 44 is denergized. The spring 104 is also connected by

wires

38 and 39 withv one.

tez: vaal of the battery 13. The springs 103 an=:`. 04,l when in their normal position' spectively,

l 1,61%879 y y shown in Fig. 1, are in' contact with the

springs

113 and 114 connected with the

wires

45 and 43, respectively, and when the switch K1 is operatedby means of the stud 101 and. the cam. 102 the operating springs 103' and 104 are moved from engagement with the

springs

113 and 114 and into engagement *with* the

springs

115 and 116, which are connected respectivelyl with the

wires

43 and 45. Thus, as will be seen in connection with the operation of the mechanism as will be described below, the switch K1 constitutes a reversing switch and serves to reverse the direction of current iow through the line with which the plug El is'connected.

The nut 96' when in its normal position, by means of a projecting arm-117 carried thereserves to interrupt connection between the wire 37v and-the Wire 108. Then the nut 96 is moved' from its normal positicn by the operation of the magnet 80, the spring 118 engages the spring 109, thus serving in part to close the circuit controlled by the switch K1. v n, The key K serves, when in its normal position to close the circuits ofthe supervisvory relays v`31 and 32 when the switch hook to the callingplug P1 for a purpose to be' described. i The switch K,v and the switches 5s, 66a, 58h, 58C, 69, 5921,60, b61, 62 and 63am assembled upon a commonA frame, as indicated in Fig. 3, and are provided with a' latch plate 119 ,which retains any one of the operated keys in its actuated position until another of such keys is operated, the operation of the second key servlng to release" ythe locking cam carried by the lirst key.

The commutators driven by the shaft 'Z3- are shown more in detailinFig. 2,y and as a result of the gearingy employed andthe number of segments' in these commutators, they may advantageously be arranged to close the circuit through the magnet 80 as lfollows: The

commutators

64,64% 64h and 64c may'cons'ist of 4, 5, 6 and 12 segments, respectively, and the shaft 7 0 may be driven so as to makeone rotation per minute, as a result of which the commutatorsmentioned will effect la closure of t-he energizing circuit through the magnet 80 once every fifteen seconds, once every twelve seconds, once every ten seconds, andonce every fivelsecends, respectively; the commutators ,65 ,and` 65a may have four and eight segments, re-

ng between the shaft'73 and the shaft 74 sothat the latter shaft is rotated oncelin fifty-six seconds, thecommutators close seventy-two seconds and sixty-four seconds,

by, engages a spring 1,18 to prevent it mak-v ing ,contact with the spring 109 andV thus' and by proportioning the gearthe energizing circuit of the magnet 80011111@4 in fourteen secondsand once v,m seven seconds, respectively;` the qommutators 66 and 67 mayI each consist of four segments and the shaftsf and 76 maybe driven lso as to make one rotation every fifty-two seconds and every forty-four seconds,respectively,l thus energizing the electromagnet 80 once every thirteen seconds and once every eleven seconds, respectively; the commutatore 68 and 69 may consist of eight segments each and the shafts 7 7 and 7 8 may be rotated/by means ofthe gearing between them and the shaft 7 3. so as to make one rotation in respectively, thus closing the energizing circuit ofthe electromagnet 80 once every nine seconds and once every eight seconds,y respectively. Thus mea-ns are provided by the closure of the proper one ofthe keys connected with4 the commutator described to close the energizing circuit through the mag- `net 80 once in siX, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven,'twelve, thirteen, fourteen or fifteen seconds, as` desired, the intervals between successive closures of the circuit being determined by the rate charged for telephone service to the subscriber making the call, which rate may b e determined by the distance the subscriber is from the exchange or the nature of the service offered such subscriber. .1t is to be understood that' any desired rate of operation of the magnet 80 `may be' secured by mechanism similar to `that just described.

l The metermg mechanism 6 located atthe substation A is constructed as indicated in Fig 6 and consists essentially ofv a perma-` nent-magnet `120 to which is pivotally connect'ed at 121 an armature 122 carrying a coil 5, which coil is located in -a block of soft iron'124 carried bythe lower pole of the magnet 120, the block 124 being recessed to receive-the coil 5. The coil 5 is connected in circuit 'with thel transmitter 1 and the line wire 7, as indicated in Fig. .1, 'and thus serves to move the armature 122 in one direction or the other, depending -upon the direction of current flow through the coil 5. The metering mechanism is actuated, as indicated in Fig. 1, by means of suitable pawl and ratchet mechanism connected with the armature 122.

The operation of'my invention is as follows: Assuming' that the subscribe1 at the substation A desires to 'converse with the 'subscriber at subst-ation Bfth receiver 2 is removed from V.the 4switch hook 3 and the. line signal`17 is illuminated as a result in a manner well' known in the art. The current flow through the line wire 7 at. this v -time is in a direction to vattract the `armature 122 ofthe metering mechanism and thus to place the registering vmechanism of the meterr'in condition to be actuated.. The operator at the exchange, 1n response to the signal produced by the line lamp 17, inserts the plug P into the jack J, thus establishing the following circuit from battery 13: battery 13,'wire 14, cut-oif relay 12, ring 11 of the jack J, 'sleeve strand 24, supervisory relay 27, wire 16 back to battery 13. Thus the cuteofll relay 12 is energized and connection between the

wires

14 and 16 and the line conductors 8 and 7 is interrupted. The coil 5 is maintained energized, however, by current iowing over the following pathf battery 13, wire 16, supervisory relay 27, cord strand 24, sleeve spring 10, line wire 7, coil 5, transmitter 1, switch hook 3, line wire 8, tip spring 9, tip strand 22, supervisory relay 26; wire 28, wire 14, back to battery 13. The operator, by depressing her listening key K3, ascertains the connection desired and at the same time depresses one of the ,

rate keys

58, 58a, 58", 58", 59, 59a, 60, 61, 62,

63, depending upon the rate that is charged subscriber A for service, or upon the rate that is to be charged him for the connection desired. For example, he may desire a long distance connection, the rate of which 'is determined by the location of the subscriber B relatively .to the exchange and the rate charged for such service may be selected by the rate keys in the same manner as though a certain definite fixed rate were to be charged the subscriber A for any service rendered'him. The closure of the rate key referred to does not complete the energizing circuit of the magnet 80, since at this time the supervisory relay 31 is denergized and its armature is resting upon its back contact. ln response to the request of the subscriber A, the operator inserts the plug P1 in the jack J1 of the subscriber B, who is to be called, and by depressing her ringing key K2 in .the manner well known in the art corinects the ringing generator 46 with the linev conductors 18 and 19, thus causing current to flow through the ringer located at the substation of the subscriber B. At this time the line wires 18 and 19 through the armatures `of the cut-oil' relay is interrupted. 'When the subscriber B responds by removing his receiver from the hook switch, the circuit through the supervisory relays 31 and 32 is closed as follows:,.battery 13, wire 16, wire 39, wire 38, spring 36, spring 34, winding of supervisory relayv 32, wire 30, sleeve strand 25, sleeve spring 21, line wire 19, substation apparatus of subscriber B, line wire 18 tip spring 20, tip strand 23, wire 29, win( ing of supervisory relay 31, spring 33, spring 35, wire 37 ,.wire 28, wire 14, back to battery 13. The energization of the relay 31 completes thefenergizing-circuit of the magnet 8O as follows: battery 13, wire 16, wire 39, wire 38, wire 125, armature of relay 31', contact 50, wire 51,through the springs of the rate switch which has been actuated and through itsassociated comniutator to the shaft 73, spring 79, winding of magnet 80, wire81, wire 37, wire 28, wire 14, back to battery 13. The circuit just traced is closed at intervals, the duration of which is determined by the commutator connected in circuit and the rate of its rotation, as a result of' which the magnet 80 is energized repeatedly at a rate depending upon the charge to be made to the subscriber A for the connection. Each actuation of the magnet 80 operates to advance the shaft 87 one step, as described above, and thus to move the nut 96 to the right by the rotation of the shaft 94 against the action of the spring 98, the pawl 88 serving to hold the shaft 87 and parts driven thereby in the position to which they are advanced. This condition continues either until the subscriber B hangs up his receiver,

which by denergizing the supervisory relay 31 opens the energizing circuit of the magnet 80 above traced, or by the withdrawal of the plug P1 from the jack J1 by the operator, which serves a similar purpose.

The disconnect signals having been received by the operator in the usual manner, the plugs P and P1 are withdrawn and the plug P1 is inserted in the jack J, the subs Vscriber A is called in the usual manner and desired. After the operator has requested "j that the receiver 2 be left in its removed position as describechshe depresses the keyK, thus interrupting the circuit from the battery 13 through the supervisory relays 31 and 32 to the plug P1 and closing a circuit as follows: battery 13, wire 14, wire 28, contact 118, contact 109, wire 108, spring 103, spring 113, wire 45, energizing winding of magnet 44, wire 42, spring 40, spring 33, energizing winding of. the supervisory relay 31, wire 29, tip, strand 23, tip spring 9, line wire 8, switch hook 3, transmitter 1, coil 5, line wire 7, sleeve spring 10,A sleeve strand 25, wire 30,"cnergizing winding of relay 32, spring 34, spring 41, wire 43, Contact 114, contact 104, wire 38, wire 39, wire 16, back to battery 13. As a result of the circuit just traced the magnet 44 is energized ,and the pawl 88 is removed from engagement with the ratchet wheel 86thus permitting the spring 98 to rotate the shaft 94 and parts. carried thereby in the opposite direction to charge.

'ployed l of the shafts 87 and 94 under the action of Lenaerts the motion imparted to themby the operating pawl 84, this rotation being effected by means of the pawl 99 and the ratchet wheel 100. Thus the stud 101 is rotated and at each rotation engages the cam `102, which serves to'imove the springs 103 and 1,04 from engagement with the

springs

113 and 114` together, the alternate position ofthe switch K1 serves to reverse the direction of current How through the circuit above traced, thus serving to reverse the current through the coil 5 to actuate the registering mechanism 6 at the substation A. It is apparent that the mechanism employed at the exchange for sending the charge registered upon the scale 126 back into the calling subscribers meter may be so designed as to operate at the maximum rapidity which practical conditions upon the line circuit will permit, and that therefore a comparatively short space of time is required in which to transmit from the exchange to the subscribers meter a comparatively long conversation and therefore a comparatively high total The mechanism that may be emto properly limit the rate of rotation the spring 99 is not here shown, since any well known escapement mechanismmay be employed for this purpose. When the charge-has been' wholly transferred to the meter 6, the nut 96 is in vits left-hand or normal position and the

contacts

109 and 118 are separated, thus opening the circuit through the magnet 44, as a result of which the pawl 88 is released 'and under the action of the spring 90 again engages the ratchet wheel 86. If the subscriber A hangsup'his receiver before the charge registered by the shaft 94 has been-wholly transferred into the meter 6, the energizing circ'uit lof the electromagnet 44 is interrupted as is the energizing circuit of the supervisory relay 31, and the pilot lamp 111 is lighted by current flowing over the following circuit: battery 13, wireA 14, wire 28, wire'y 37, contact 118, contact 109, wire 108, wire 106, armature 107, contact 112, lamp 111, wire`110, wire 38, wire 39, wire '16, back to battery 13. The denergization of the relay 31 serves to light the lamp 49 over the following circuit: battery 13, wire 14, wire 28, wire 37, wire 127, armature of relay 32, contact 48, lamp 49, contact 47, armature of relay 31, wire 125, wire 38, wire 39, wire 16, back to battery y13. The operator, by the simultaneous lighting of the lamps 49 and 111, is thus advised that the receiver 2 has been prematurely placed upon the hook 3 and a second request may be made of the subscriber A to remove his receiver so that the charge may be properly added to his metering mechanism 6. If, on they other hand, the receiver 2lis not replacedv untilythe entire charge has been added to the metering mechanism 6, the energizing circuits through the relay bythe separation of the contacts 109 'and 31 and the `magnet 44 are opened- 118, and since the circuit of the pilot lamp r111 is closed through these contacts when' the magnet. 44 is 'dencrgized, the lamp 111 is not at this time lighted but the lamp 49 is lighted, thus advisingl the operator that Athe charge has been wholly. transferred'to the metering mechanism 6 and that the connection may be taken down. Y

While I haveshown the` particular mechanism above described for carrying out my invention, I' do not, however, limit myself toy this construction, but may employ any l' equivalent devices that are known inthe art` for accomplish-ing the same result.v

vWhat I claim is: v

1. In a telephone system, the combination of an exchange, substations connected by line conductors with thel exchange, mechanism at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation, and means associated with the connecting mechanism for lregistering at the exchange the charge for a conversation at a desired one of a plurality of rates.

2. In a telephone system, the combinationiofy an exchange, and mechanism at the exchange forregistering at suchexcha-nge the charge for a talking connection established at the exchange at a desired one'of a plurality of rates. A

3. In a telephone system, the combination of an exchange, substations connected by line conductors with the exchange, mechanism atthe exchange for connecting the lines for conversation, means associated vwithfthe connecting mechanism for registering the charge for a conversation at a desired one of a plurality of rates, a'ineterat one 'of the substations, and means for transferring-the charge from the-exchange tothe meter. j

' '4. In atelephone system, the combination of an exchange, substations connected by line conductors with the exchange, mechanism.- at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation, means associated with the connecting mechanism for registering the charge for a conversation at a desired onefof'V a plurality. of rates, a meterfat one of the substations, and means for transferring the charge from the exchange to tlie meter more rapidly thanthe charge was registered at the exchange.

5. In a telephone system, the combination of .an exchange, mechanismy at the exchange for-registering the charge for a talking'connection established at the exchange at a de sired one of a plurality of rates, and means for sending fromthe exchange over a desired connection the charge thus registered and for returning the registering mechanism to 'its normal or zero condition.

6. In a telephone system, the combination of an exchange, substations connected by line conductors with the exchange, mechanism at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation, means associated with the connecting mechanism for registering the charge for a conversation at a desired one of a plurality of rates, a meter atl one of the substations, and means for transferring the charge from the exchange to the meter and for returning the registering means at the exchange to its normal or zero condition.

7 In a telephone system, the combination of an exchange, substations connected by line conductors with4 the exchange, mechanism at the exchange` for connecting the lines for conversation, means associated With the connectingA mechanism for registering the charge for a conversation, a meter at one of the substations, and means for transferring the charge from the exchange to the meter.

8. In a telephone exchange syste'in, the combination of telephone lines extending vfrom subst-ationsto an exchange, switching mechanism at the vexchange for connecting theV lines for conversation as desired, and a circuit independent of `the talking circuit through the connected lines and controlled by such talking circuit, such independent circuit including a-n operating vkey and telechrone registering mechanism.

9. In, a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone lines extending from substations to an exchange, switching 'mechanism at'the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a circuit independent of the talking circuit through the connected lines and controlled by such talking circuit, such independent circuit including an operating key and telechrone registering mechanism, a meter at one of the substations, and means for transferring the charge from the exchange to the meter.

10. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephonev lines extending fromsubstations to an exchange, switching mechanism vat the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a circuit independent of the talking' circuit through\the connected lines and controlled by such talking circuit, such independent circuit including an operating key and tele.- chrone registering mechanism, a meter at one of the substations, and means for transferring. the charge from the exchange to the meter and for returning the registering mechanism-to its normal or zero condition.

11. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone lines extending from substations to an exchange, switching mechanism at the exchange for connecting t-he lines for conversation as desired, a relay in the circuit thus established, a registering circuit closed by energization of such relay, and telechrone registering mechanism operated by the registering circuit when closed.

12. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone lines extending from substations to an exchange, switching mechanism at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversa-tion as desired, a circuit independent of the talking circuit through the connected lines and controlled by such talking circuit, such independent circuit including an operating key and telechrone registering mechanism, a meter at one of the substations, a charge-sending circuit at the exchange completed through a line connected-with the switching mechanism and controlled by the continuity of such line circuit, and devices for transferring to the substation meter over the sending circuitthe charge registered upon the telechrone registering mechanism.

13. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone lines extending from substations to an exchange, switching mechanism at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a relay in the circuit thus established, a registering circuit closed by energization of such relay, telechrone registering mechanism operated by the registering circuit when closed, a meter at one of the substations, a charge-sending circuit at the exchange completed through the line connected with such relay and controlled by the continuity of such line circuit, and devices associated with the registering mechanism for transferring to the substation meter over the sending circuit the charge registered upon the telechrone registering mechanism and simultaneously returning such registering mechanism to its normal or zero position.

14. In a telephone system, the combination of an exchange,'substations connected by line conductors with the exchange, mechanism at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation, and means associated with lfor a conversation at a desired one of a plu- Vrality of rates, a meter at one of the substations adapted to be actuated by reversed currentimpulses in the line, and means at the --exchange for repeatedly reversing the directionof currentflow in the line-to transfer the charge from the register to the meter..

.16. In a ltelphonei exchange system, the

combination of telephone lines extending-v..

from substations to an exchange, switching mechanismfatthe exchange for connecting' the lines for conversation as desired, an-dsa circuit independent of the talkingl circuit,v

y.nism and a plurality Vof operating keys adapted to cause the operat-ion of the registering mechanism at different rates. j

18. In. a telephone exchange system, the combination. of' telephonev lines extending from substat-ions to an excha'nge, switching mechanism at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, and a circuit independent of the talking circuit through the connected lines andy controlled by such talking circuit, such independent circuit including telechrone registering v mechanism and a pluralityof operating keys adapted to cause the operation of the regis.

tering mechanism vat different rates, such keys so related that a depressed key is retained in operative position until released by the operationof a second key. i

19. In a telephone exchange system, the

combination of telephone lines extending from substations to an exchange, lswitching mechanism at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a circuit independent of the talking circuit through the connected lines and controlled by such talking circuit, such independent ciri cuit including telechrone registering mechanism and a plurality of operating keys adapt-A ed to cause the' operation of 'the registering mechanism at .different rates, suchtkeys so related that a depressedkey is'retained-in operativ'eposition until released by lthe operation of a second key,.a meter at lone of thev substations adapted to be` actuated by re`A versed current impulses in the line, and' means at the exchange for repeatedly reversing they direction of current loW in the line to transfer the charge from the-register to `t-he meter.

20. In a telephone exchange system, the combination 'of telephonel lines extending from-substations to .an exchange, swltching ation.

mechanism at the exchange-for connecting the lines for conversationy as desired, .a circult independent, ofv the talking circuit through the `connectedlines and controlled by such talking circuit-such independent circuit including telechrone registering mechamsm anda plurality of operating keys adapt- .ed to cause the operation of the registering "m^echanism at different rates, s'uch keys so related that a depressed key is retained in operative position luntil released by the operation-,of a second key, a meter at one of the substations adapted to be actuated by reversed current impulses in the line, means at the exchange` for repeatedly reversing the direction of current flow in the line to transferthe charge from the register to the meter, and acharge-sending lkey adapted when depressed to'complete the circuit of the current 4reversing means, the operation of such sending key serving to release a previously actuated rate kev.

21. In a telephone system, the combination of `an exchange, substations connected by line conductors with the exchange, mechanism at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation, means associated with the connecting mechanism for registeringl the charge for a conversation at a desired one of a plurality of rates, and a signal for indicating the termination of the charging oper- Q2. In atelephone system, the combination of an exchange, substations connected by line conductors with the exchange, mecha- "nism at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation, means associated with the connecting mechanism for registering thecharge for a conversation at a desired one of a plurality of rates, a meter at one of the substations, Vmeans for transferring 'the charge from the exchange to the meter, and a signal forv indicating rthe termination of the transferring operation. f i

23. In a telephone system, the combination 4of an exchange, substations connected by line conductors- With the exchange, mechanism at the exchange forconnecting the lines for conversation, means associated With the connect-ing mechanism for registering the charge for a conversation, a meter at one' of the substations, means for transferring the charge from the exchange to the meter,

and a signal for indicating the termination o f the-transferring operation.

24. In a telephone system, the combination of an exchange, subst-ations connected "by line conductors with the exchange, mechanism at the exchange for connecting the vlines for' conversation, means associatedwith the connect-ing' mechanism forl registering the charge for a conversation at a desired-A one of a plurality of rates, a meteratone of the substations',l means for transferring the charge-from the exchange to themeter,

a signal for indicating the termination of the charging operation, and a second signal for indicating the termination of the transferring operation. i

25. Ina telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone lines extending from substations to an exchange, switching combination of telephone lines ext'endingV from' substations to an exchange, switching mechanism at the exchange -for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a circuit independent of the talking circuit through the connected lines and controlled byv such talking circuit, such independent circuit including an operating key and telechrone registering mechanism, a meter at one of the substations, a charge-sending circuit at the exchange completed through a line connected with the switching mechanism and controlled by the continuity of such line circuit, devices for transferring to the substation meter over the sending vcircuit the charge registered upon the telechrone re istering mechanism, and a signal for in icat-ing the termination of the transferring operation.

27. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of teleph'one lines extending from substations to an exchange, switching mechanism at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a circuit` independent' of the talking circuit through the connected lines and controlled by such talking circuit, such independent circuit including an operating key and telechronelregistering mechanism, a meter at one of tlie substations, a charge-sending circuit at the exchange completed through a line connected with the switching mechanism and controlled by the continuity of such line circuit, devices for transferring to the substation meter over the sending circuitthe charge registered upon the telechrone registering mechanism, and a signal for indicating the interruption of vthe sending circuit before the termination of the transferring operation,

28. In a telephone exchange system, the' combination of telephone lines extending from substations to an exchange, switching mechanism at. the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a relay in the circuit thus established, a registering circuit closed by energization of such relay,

'telechrone registering mechanism operated by the registering circuit when closed, a meter at one of the substations, a charge-sending circuit at the exchange completed through the line connected with such relay and controlled by the continuity of such line circuit, devices associated withthe registering mechanism for transferring to the substation meter over the sending circuit the charge registered upon the telechrone registering mechanism and simultaneously returning such registering mechanism to its normal or zero position, a signal for indicating the termination of the telechrone registering operation and the termination of the transferring operation, anda second signal for indicatin the interruption of the sending circuit before the termination of the transferring operation` 29. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone lines extending fr om substations to an. exchange, a cord circuit at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a supervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuit adapted to be .energized when the apparatus .at the connected substation is in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, an actuating magnet for such mechanism, an energizing circuit for such magnet closed through a makecontact on such relay, and a commutator for interrupting such energizing circuit at a rate proportionate to the charge rate for the connection effected.

30. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone lines extending from substations to an exchange, a cord circuit at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a supervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuit adapted to be energized when the apparatus at the connected substation is in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, an actuating magnet for such mechanism, an energizing circuit for such magnet closed through a make-contact on such relay, a plurality of commutators associated with the energizing circuit and adapted to send current impulses therethrough at rates proportionate to the rates charged for different connections, and selective keys adapted to connect a desired one of such commutators in the energizing circuit.

31. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone lines extending from substations to an exchange, a cord circuit at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a supervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuit adapted to be energized when the apparatus at the connected substation is in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, an actuating magnet for such mechanism, an energizing circuit for such magnet closed through a make-contact on relay. I v l 34. In a telephone exchange system, the

such relay, a plurality of commutators associated 'ivith lthe energizingf circuit andj adapted to send c'urr'ei'i't "impulses there' through ,at rates'prop'ortionate to therates charged for different connections, selective,-`

keys adapted to connect afdejsired one .of such commutators in the energizing circuit, and .interlocking meclianism' for. retaining an actuatedkey in its operated positionand releasing a previously actuated key.l

32. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone lines .extending from substations toan exchange, a c'ord circuit at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a supervisory relay associated With the calling plug of the cord circuit adapted to be energized When the apparatus at the connected substation is in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, ratchet devices for effecting a l step-by-step actuation of such mechanism, a magnet for operating such devices, an energizing circuit for such magnet closed through a make-contact on such relay and thereby vcombination of telephone lines extending from substations to an exchange, a cord cir-y cuit at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a supervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuit adapted to be energized when the apparatus at th`e connected substation is in talking condition, telechrone registering` mechanism, a meter at one of the substations adapted to be operated by current yimpulses sent over the associated line circuit, impulse sending mechanism associated with the registering mechanism, and a key adaptedby its operation to include the impulse sending mechanism inthe energizing lcircuit o'f such combination of telephone., lines extending' from substations to an exchange, a cord .circuit at the exchange ,for connecting the lin-es Jfor conversation. as desired, Aa supervisory relay associated With the calling plug ofthe cord circuit ,adapted to be energized when the apparatus at theconnected substation is vintalking condition, telechrone registering 'mechanisim yan actuating magnet for such --mechanisim an energizing circuit for such' magnet closed through a make-contact on such relay, a holding device for the registering mechanism, motor mechanism operated by theactuating magnet, al meter at onel of the substations adapted `to? beoperated by ycurrentfimpulses sent over the associated line =alternately in reversed direction, a'reversing ing device to permit operation of the motor mechanism. y

35. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone lines extending from substatons to an exchange, a cord; circuit at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a supervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuit adapted to be energized when the apparatus at the connected substation is in talking condition, telechrone registering switch operatedby. the motorsvniechanism,y anda keyadapted by its operationvto in'-l clude the reversing switch-inthe energizing. i circuit of such relay and to release the holdmechanism, an actuating magnet for such mechanism, an energizing circuit for such' magnet closed through a make-contact on such relay, a holding pavvl for the registering mechanism, a releasing magnet for such pavvl, motor mechanism connected With the registering mechanism and placed in driving condition by the registering operation, a-

polarized meter at one of the substations adapted to be operated by alternating current impulses sent-over the line circuit, a rey versing switch operable by the registering mechanism only in a clearing direction, and

`a key adapted by its operation tol include the releasing magnet and reversing switch in 'the energizing circuit of such relay.

' 36. In a telephone exchange system, the

combination of telephone lines extending from' subst-ations toan exchange, 'a cord circuit at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a supervisory relay associa-tedvvith thecalling plug of the cord circuit adapted te be' energized when the apparatus at the connected substation is in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, an actuating magnet forsuch mechanism, an energizing circuit Jfor such magnet closed through a make-contact on such relay, a holding paWl for the registering mechanism, a releasingymagnet for such pavvl, motor mechanism connected VWith the registering mechanlsm and placed in driving .condition by the registering operation,'a

polarized meter at one of the substations .adapted to be operated by alternating current impulses sent over the line circuit, a

reversing switch operable by the registering mechanism only in a clearing direction, a y

key adapted by its operation to include the releasing magnet and reversing switch in the energizing circuit of such relay, and a switch for opening therelay energizing cir-.

cuit .when the charge lregistered l'has been transferred to the' meter.

- 37. a telephone exchangeisystem, the

combination of telephone lines extending from substations to anexchange, a cord circuit attheexchange for connecting the lines for conversation .as desired, a supervisory relayafssociated with the calling plug of the cord "circuitadapted to be energized when the apparatus at, the connected substation is in talking condition, telechrone' registering mechanism, a meter atone of the substations adapted t be operated by current impulses sentover -the associated line circuit, impulse sending mechanism associated with the'registering mechanism, a key adaptedby its'operation to include the impulse sending mechanism in the energizing circuit of such relay, anda signal for indicating the opening of the line circuitbefore the end of the charge ,transferring operation.

38. In a .telephone exchange system, the combination. of telephone lines extending from substations to an exchange, acord circuit at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a supervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuitadapted to be energized whenv the apparatus at the'connected .substation is in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, an actuating magnet for such mechanism, an energizing circuit for such magnet closed through a make-contact on such relay, a holding pawl' for the registering mechanism, a releasing magnet for such pawl, motor mechanism. connected with the registering mechanism and placed in driving condition by the `registering operation, a polarized meter at one of the substations adapted to be operated by alternating cur- -reht impulses sent o'ver'the line circuit, a reversing switch 'operable bythe registering .mechanism only ingaelearmg direction, a

key adapted by itsoperation to include the releasing n'ragnet and reversing switch in the-energizing circuit of such relay, a switch for opening the relay energizing circuit when the Acharge registered has been transfer-red to' the meter, and an electric lamp signal controlled by the releasing magnet to indicate the premature opening of the charge sending circuit.

'39l In a' telephone exchange system, the combination' of telephone lines extending from substat-ions to an exchange, a cord ciri cuit at the exchange 4for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a supervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuit adapted to be energized when the apparatus at the connected substation is in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, an actuating 'magnet for such mechanism, an energizing circuitfor such magnet closed through make-contacts 'on such relay, a commutator for interrupting such energizing circuit'v at a rate proportionate to the charge rate for the connectlon eiiected, and a signal for indicating the termination of the charging operation.

40. In av telephone exchange system, the combination 4of telephone lines extending from substations to an exchange, a cord circuit at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a supervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuit adapted to be energized when thel apparatus at the connected substation is in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, an actuating magnet for such mechanism, an energizing circuit for such magnet.closed through a make-contact on such relay, a commutator for interrupting such energizing circuit at a rate proportion- ,ate to the charge rate for the connection efected, a meter at one of the substations adapted to be operated by current impulses sent over the associated line circuit, impulse sending mechanism associated with the registering mechanism, and a key adapted by its operation to include the impulse sending mechanism `in the energizing circuit of such relay.4

41. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone lines extendin from substations to an exchange, a cor circuit at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a supervisory relay associated with the calling plu of the cord circuit adapted to be energize when the apparatus at the connected substation is in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, an actuating magnet for such mechanism, an energizing circuit for such magnet closed through a make-contaet'on such relay, a plurality of commutators associated with the energizing circuit and adapted to send current impulses therethrough at rates proportionate to the rates charged for different connections, selective keys adapted to connect a desired one of such commutators in the energizing circuit, a holding device for the registering mechanism, motor mechanism operated by the actuating magnet, a meter at one of' the substations adapted to be operated by current impulses sent over the associated line alternately in reversed direction, a reversing switch operated by the motor mechanism, and a key adapted by its operation to include the reversing switch in the energizing circuit of such relay and to release the holding device to permit operation of the motor mechanism, such last-named key when actuated being retained in operated posit-ion and serving to release a previously actuated selective key.

42. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone lines extending from substations to an exchange, a cord circuit at the exchange for connecting the linesfor conversation as desired, a supervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuit adapted to be energized when the apparatus at the connected substation is in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, ratchet devices for eliecting a step-by-step actuation of such mechanism, a magnet for operating such devices, an energizing circuit for such magnet closed through a make-contact on such relay and thereby under the control of the connected subscriber, a plurality of commutators associated with the energizing circuit and adapted to send current impulses therethrough at rates proportionate to the rates charged for different connections, selective keys adapted to connect a desired one of such commutators in the energizing circuit, interlocking mechanism for retaining an actuated key in its operated position and releasing a previously actuated key, a holding paivl for the registering mechanism, a releasing magnet for such paWl, motor mechanism connected with the registering mechanism and placed in driving condition by the registering operation, a polarized meter at one of the substations adapted to be operated byalternating current impulses sent over the line circuit, a reversing switch operable by the registering mechanism only i'n a clearing direction, a key adapted by its operation to include the releasing magnet and reversing switch in the energizing circuit of such relay, aswitch for opening the relay energizing circuit when the charge registered has been transferred to the meter, and a signal for indicating the opening of the line circuit before the end of the charge transferring operation.

GARRISON BABCOCK. Witnesses:

G. VVILLARD RICH, HENRY WV. HALL.