US1029591A - Electrical switching apparatus for telephone systems. - Google Patents

Description

B. E. CLEMENT.

ELECTRICAL swrrcnme APPARATUS FOR TELEPHONE SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 6, 1906. RENEWED D110. 31, 1910. 1,029,591, Patented June 18,1912.

6 SHEETS-'SHEET 1.

hwsozo E. E. CLEMENT.

ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS FOR TELEPHONE SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 6} 1906. RENEWED DEC. 31, 1910.

1,029,591. Patented June 18,1912.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

2 7 SJ n wanton Witnesses E. E. CLEMENT.

ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS FOR TELEPHONE SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. s, 1906. RENEWED DBO. 31, 1910.

1,029,591, Patented June 18,1912.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

vv vvvvvvrr animator E. E. CLEMENT. ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS FOR TELEPHONE SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 6, 1906. RENEWED DEC. 31, 1910.

1,029,591 Patented June 18,1912.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

E. E. CLEMENT.

ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS FOR TELEPHONE SYSTEMS.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. a, 1906. RENEWED DEO.31,1910.

1,029,591; Patented June 18, 1912.

v 6 SHEETSSHBET 5.

Patented June 18, 1912 6 SHEETS-SHEE 6 For E. E. CLEMENT.

GTRIGAL SWITGHKNG APPARATUS FOR TELEPHONE SYSTEMS.

ELE

GATION TILED JAN 6, '916. RENEWED DEC. 31, 1910 'UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDNARD E. CLEMENT. OF WASHINGTON. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS FOR TELEPHONE SYSTEMS.

Application filed January 6, 1906. Serial No. 294.97?

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I. Enwann E. CLEMENT. a citizen of the United States. residing at \Vashington, in the District of Columbia. have invented certain new and useful Tm provements in Electrical Switching Apparatus for Telephone Systems, of which the following is a specification. reference being bad therein to the accompanying drawings.

My invention relates to electrical switching apparatus for telephone systems and has for its object the improvement of such apparatus in both construction and arrangement. as will appear from the following description.

My invention relates particularly to ap paratus of that class commonly known as automatic, wherein switching devices are mechanically actuated to interconne t (il'- cults, their operation being ordinarily controlled electrically frol'n a distance.

In some cases. and in some systems which I have designated as semi-automatic those machine or automatic switching devices are combined with manual apparatus. in other cases or systems the general equipment is all manual, with auxiliary devi es of an automatic nature.

My present invention is applicable to any system in which automatic or nun-hintswitching devices are to be employed. whether full automatic. semi-automatic. or manual with automatic branches or aux1liaries.

The gist of the invention lie in the design of what I may call the switch unit. that is to say. the individual mechanism which forms the unit whose lnllltll ilk'lllllill makes up a system or exchange. and the use in corn nection with this switch unit of what I shall hereinafter call unit sections. each made up of a frame work or casing adapted to receive and hold a certain, number of the switch units constituting a group. each group being in itself a self-contained and complete sub divided. section of an ext-hang equi 'wment.

Perhaps the most important feature of nrv design and of the invention is the capability of apparatus thus made to be built up by aggregating unit switches in a section. and

then by aggregating sections. each complete in itself, to form a complete cfv hci'i le or switching outfitof any desired size and capacity. So far as. I know this has never i before been acpomplished. Heretofore. a considerable part of telephone engineering Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented J unc 18.1912.

Renewed December 31. 1910. Serial No. 80027 work has consisted in the dcsign of cxchange ctpiipments. that is to sa v in the preparation f plans and specifications for the b ilding and installation of omplete suit hlurards or automatic outfits. with the auxiliarv apparatus and littings appertaining thcrcto. It has been necessary to design and install each plant as a whole. its so-callcd ultimate capacity being limited. with thc prcscni equipment anything dcsircd within the limit. The principal reason for this in manual switchboard installations has been that in n urlv all cases they have emplovi-[l multiplc swit hbour s. but in all installzr lions an additional reason has bccn found in thc disregard of all dl)tli\'i it)ll in the general arrangement. cable and wiring pla .\ccordin;r to my present invention I h .ide switch units which arc uniform. anti each of which is intcrclmng ealdc with every ither unit. This permits great economy in manufacture. I mount the parts of each unit n a pert'w-tl tlat skeleton frame. and provide a unit section or cabinet into which the frames can he slid edgewise. (pen the back of each unit section or *abinet l mount contact strips of the switches. these being straight strips containing preferably one hundred sets of springs. with platinum points for all contacts included in talking circuits. The switch frames sdde into the cabinets from the front. and are provided with guides so that they will auton'mticall alinc themselves with the contact strips when in place. I make the frames of the switches. the unit sections or cabinets. and the contact strips all of metal. so that ex cept for the nece insulation on tile switch num net:--. and between the. contact springs n the strips. tlicrc is absolutely nothing combustible in any part of the outfit. All wire connections are made to the contact strips on the back and outside thereof. the same being inclosed by metal covers titted on the backs of the cabinets. the fronts of which are also fitted with'covers which ma be either all of metal or metal frames with glass pan ls The unit sectnm.--: or cabinets being? all the same. another great economy in manufa ture brought about. and instead (it ha 'iz'rg to design complete frameworks and in closulcfor switching outfits. it i ni rciy ncct sary to pile up unit sect ion cabinets in any desired manner to form the required ag qgiegatiou of switches for any given change. This arrangement is exceedingly flexible, and as the design of the back covers of the cabinets leaves the same open at top and bottom, the wiring and cables can be led up and down without any special provision being made therefor, no matter what the combination. Thus, sections may be piled up to form banks of any desired height and of any length, or they may be piled to formbays or aisles, or irregularly around the sides of a room. or in any other desired manner. The usual provision will of course have to be made in every case for cables, which may be the employment of a false floor upon which the switch units are placed.

In order to render any aggregation of units complete, I provide top and base sec-' tions which are standard units in themselves, adapted to register with any unit sections or cabinets, and with the covers then of back and front.

It will be perceived from this brief statementthat I have produced what may be called a" system of mechanical construction and arrangement of automatic switches which is very flexible, highly etlicient. and

adapted to produce the greatest economy in manufacture.

In conjunction with my switches as such I employ relays, for controlling and dirt-cling the various switching operations, and these relays. which in lliQttlStlYtS form no part of the present invention, are separately mount ed on racks or frames, and incloeed in dust and nioi turwproot' eases. uitablc provision being made for the inelosure and protection ol the wire and cabl s in the Ellulll,

it is her fore po-silue in the przr'tictof my some high potential dischargrr or alien current getting pa t. the proteitive devices of an exchange. the damage don in my system would be l mited strictly to tin particular unit. section in which ihc burn-out takes place.

lv believe l am the first to ilc ign a system outfit of apparatus whi h can be asscnr bled and operated in the manner stated, and l thcrclorc desire my cl-inns t; be given a broad ctmstruction.

My invention illustrated in the ac ompanying drawings. in a hich-- Figme 1 is a side \l w of a switch unit and its contact hank. Fig. 2 is an edge vii-w of the same. part of the switch frame being broken away to show lhe nuignet mountings. Fig. 3 is a detail hgure presenting a side view of the magnet mountings, armature,

and working pawls. Fig. 4 is a face view of the left'hand vertical member in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an end view of the contact bank and the switch spindle with the operating studs thereon. Fig. 6 is a detail figure showing a portion of the switch spindle, together with the fixed dctent which holds the same against rotation during its vertical movement. Fig. 7 is a side view similar to Fi 1, showing the manner of mounting the switch and its bank in the unit section frame or cabinet. Fig. 8 is a face view of a unit section, with five switch units mounted there in. Fig. 9 is an end view of the same. Fig. 10 is a rear view of a portion of the same. Fig. 11 a top plan view of the samef Fig. 12 is a front view of a cabinet formed by aggregating four unit sections with bases and tops. Fig. 13 is an end view of the same. Fig. let is a detail perspective view of a pair of fastening devices for securing the unit sections together.

Fig. 1 shows a unit switch. with its contact bank, removed from the frame or cabi net. This switch is marked Z, and the colitact bank, which is manufactured and cone pletely assembled apart from the switch. marked Z. The switch comprises a flat.

( pen frame, 2*, having pro ectmg ends,

and a central lateral displaced. portion, ,2, forming one side and the ends of a rec tangle in which I locate the o iicrating magnets, K. L, W. The corners of the rectangle' are preferably connected with the corners of the frame by the web 2 which merge into a flange, 2 which extends entirely around the frame and serve... a double purpose; it no. nly stilfens and strcnglhcn.-- the structure, but the end flanges slide in grooves in the unit section cabinet and ther by support the switch.

Extending longitudinally of the frame. and parallel to the long inanbers thereof. is the tubular operating spindle. sliding upon end studs 2'", .2, which are rigidly secured to the end pieces .2. .2 respectively. The spindle. 2. is broken in the middle to receive the ratchet member, which has a. vertical ratchet. 2 with eleven annular teeth, and a rotart ratchet. 2 with straight teeth around its periphery. These ratchets are cut in a solid piece of brass or other.suitable metal, which has projecting end studs, 2?". 2*. brazed into the dividednds of the tube, The studs or pos s. a, .2 are shown of considerable length, and in fact 1 find it advlsable to make them as long as possible. allowing for the length of the ratchet body, and the necessary movement of the tube or spindle. The end studs are of course spaced so as to permit free up and spi .dle, and their length, by giving an ex; tended bearing Within the tube, prevents *n as well as rotary movement. of the binding or friction, and also adds stiffness and insures good alinement. making one of the end studs of sufficient length and diameter as respects'the spindle to give the requisite rigidity and provide the proper bearing surfaces for the spindle. only one such end stud may be used.

Inside the rectangle formed by the frame member. 2, frames. W, Z and it. The first of these forms a part of the magnetic circuit of the release magnet W. and serves also to sup port the release bar, to, having the pawls or fingers. or. 105. In addition I fasten to this member. \V',- a knife edge detent'bar, to, best shown in Figs. 4 and .6. and concealed by the member. 10, in Fig. 1. This knife edge is engaged by some one of the teeth of the rotary ratchet, 2'. after it has been turned and the spindle is being raised, and 1 the adjustment. of the parts is such that the spindle cannot be turned after it has stepped up vertically to the first contact position. Because of lack of space, Fig. 1 is slightly shortened, and is shown with the first vertical step of the spindle at once bringing a stud into engagement with the first contact in its series, but attention is called to the fact that in describing the circi-iit'arrangen1ent.'I have stated that this may andin the circuit shown should require two steps. hence the arrangement in Fig. l may be changed Without altering the mechanism. the primary or initial position of the studs being entirely a matter of adjustment. to determine whether one. two or more steps shall be taken before any of them can reach the contacts.

In Fig. 3 I have shown a detail of the.

three soft iron frame pieces. with the magnet cores and windings removed. also with the release lever taken otf by loosening the screw. 10'. which with the fixed pivot point. [172. support it in position. The vertical ratchet. .2 of the spindle is engaged by a pawl, Z pivoted to the end of the armature. P. of the vertical magnet. L. This armature is pivoted between ears. 7'. formed on the frame. I. and normally rests against the adjustable bat-k stop, I. which is tapped into an extension on the frame. The toe of the pawl (Xttlitls out through an opening. Z". cut. into the plate. ll". just above the top of the knife edge. r. The heel (-f the pawl is pulled back toward the pivot point of the armature lever by means of a spring. 7".

Tn order to assist gravity in pulling down the armature lever. 7 and retracting the pawl when the magnet L is detinergized. i provid a coiled spring on a spindle having an end key. the spindle i-ng parallel with the pivot of the armature. and the key resting in either one of the two diametral slots in the ears of the and serving when twisted to wind up the frame.

and spring extendl l t j ratchet. z

are secured three soft iron;

to the j spring so as to adjust it to any desired strength. The opening. Z". not only guides but limits the movement of the pawl. l", which normally rests against its lower edge and is thereby turned upon its pivot so as to be withdrawn from engagement with the when the armature. 1 drops back. \Vhen the armature is attracted, on the other hand. the pawl is lifted off the edge of the opening. and the spring. Z pulls back its heel. throwing its toe forward through the opening. so that it will engage with and move the ratchet one step. It can not go farther than this one step. by reason of the toe striking against the upper edge of the opening. Z which thus becomes the vertical limiting stop.

The frame. I: is three-sided. and carries between its left-hand ends the armature. It. pivoted at its lower edge (looking down on Fig. 3) between the members. It", It. Secured to the lower part of the armature. near the pivot point. is a righthand lever armJr which normally lies away from the observer looking at Fig. 3. withdrawing the pawl. k through the opening. 7v. shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Vl'hen the magnet K is energized. the armature. is rocked on its pivots to the right in Fig. 3. as indicated by the arrow: the lever. 7c, then comes forward toward the observer. (or to the right in Fig. l) and pushes the toe of the pawl. in, against a tooth of the rotary ratchet, .2 so as to turn the same. The armature. it normally rests against an adjustable set-screw, tapped into the extension, is. on the arm, It": and the armature is held in this position by means of the coiled retracting spring. 7c. secured at its lower end to the member, la", and at its upper end to a key. is. similar to that shown at Z for magnet. L. It will thus be perceived that the walls of the opening. Z serve as limiting stops for the rotary pawl. Zr. just the same as those of the opening. I. serve as limiting stops for the pawl. F. The iron member. V. in which these openings are formed. is punched and formed up so that it is always the same and interchangeable: moreover. its relation with the other members. 1 and Z. is the same in all switches. by reason of the method of attach ing these parts to the frame. They all tit into the rectangular space. and register with each other. being secured to the frame y suitable screws or other fastening devices passing through the frame. It will be ob served. after studying Figs. 1. 2. 3. 4 and 6. that the magnets. K. L. and each with its ircn frame and the parts attached thereto.

can be separately removedfrom the frame. 2'-" 'The magnets and their working parts are made up and assembled separately. and applied to the frame as units. which tends to economy and uniformity in manufacture. Whereas each of the magnets, K andL, has

two spools, the release magnet \V has only one spool, its work being slight, and thh parts which it moves being very light. When the magnet K is energized one or more times it steps around the spindle, in a rotary direction, and the return of the spindle is prevented by the detent pawl. 11-. on the pivot lever, 11:. When the magnet b is energized one or more times it lifts the spindle vertically, and the same is prevented from falling by the pawl. w which engages the vertical ratchet-,2. As soon as the vertical pawl comes into play the rotary pawl loses its function, since the ratchet wheel, a, then engages the knife edge, 21;, and cannot turn 1 This which occurs when the proper circuits are a, which it will be observed are inserted in closed as I have already pointed out in my description of the diagram. This lever, 1 has a projecting arm, 2.0 which is shown on the side toward the observer in'Fig. 'l. and on the side away from the observer in Fig. 7. The lever being pivoted on the soft iron frame. 7 and the pivot screw and point. 1r. a being preferably of iron, the mag netic circuit is completed through the frame member, the ore of magnet through the arm. to, and the body of the lever, 11 Then the magnet energized the arm. 1r. is drawn in to its pole, and in order to 'l acili tate this operation l prefer to curve the end of the arm somewhat, to form a hook p ity surrounding the pole of the-magnet. \Yhen the arm is attracted to the pole, the lever. 11:. is rocked on the pivots, w", w and the toes of the two detents. in, 70 are removed from engagement with the ratchets, .2. the latter eing then released so that pring pressure or gravity or both may return the spindle to its initial position as shown in the figures. Thereturn of the spindle. in arotary direction to its initial position is ac complishcd by means of a coiled spring sur-- rounding the spindle, at 2 one end of this spring being tapped to the spindle and the other to the lever, ra fwhose end is fitted t and travels in a longitudinal slot cut in the inner face of the frame. 2'. The initial position of the spindle determined and fixed by means of the stop lever, 2 This lever is carried rigidly on the spindle in a yoke. 2 which may be adjusted and then locked upon the spindle. A

The contact strip, Z, is made and assembled separately from the switch, andiq adapted to be secured to the unit ection cabinet so that when the switch is placed -therein it will register with the strip and may be 2 secured together by screws, 2 and clamping between them one hundred sets of securcdthereto. The strip consists t essentially of two channeled side bars,

line or trunk circuit. These one hundred sets are dividedintoten groups, which Ihave indicated in Fig. 1 by the letters 2", 2 2 Below each group I leave a space, 5 2, z, 2, 1', 2 2 2, z and 2 Opposite these spaces, I secure upon the spindle radial studs, 2' 2* 2", 2, .2, 2' .2, .2 2". and .2 These studs are set helically around the spindle, as clearly indicated in Fig. .7. to which I will now refer in order to mak clear the construction of the contact strip. Each set of springs comprises a pair of outside line springs, 2 .2. a pair ol trunk springs, 2', .2 and a pair of test springs, .2, Interposed between these springs are strips of in snlation, preferably. of hard rubber, and the whole is joined together by the side bars,

.2 through the medium of the screws,

the spaces between the groups of springs. All the springs, 5 thrtmgh the length of the entire strip are coni iectcd together, and may in fact be merely projecting comb teeth on a common plate or strip. All of thesprings, 5. are individual springs, that is each pair forms outgoing line or trunk terminals. All of the springs. 2', and all of the springs 2 are joined together throughout the entire strip, and therefore these also may merely be teeth on a comb. The springs, .2 however, are individual, each being associated with a pair of springs, s, so that when the sprin a is tested it indicates the con dition of the circuit connected to the other twonamed. One of the studs being brought in line with one of the groups of contacts by means of rotary movement of the'spindb .2, is then moved up vertically by the corre' sponding movement of the spindle. passing between one pair after another of the contacts r as it pa. ses. 1 might dispense with the common contact set, and make the studs carry the test current as wipers, but I prefer to have all the contacts fixed and no cir uit carried through the spindle or other moving parts. As the stud passes upward between these test contacts, it also spreads apart the which move with the inner -trunk circuit correspondingly.

The frame 00 has the ends of its transverse members a received into m0rtises formed in solid end pieces fitted between the side bars a -s2 of the contact strips. and is secured in this position by screws passing through lugs Contact springs, each set associated with a formed on the inner faces of the end menr and bridging across: each pair which are indicated in Figs. 1 and the letter a.

The end members themselves, 2 are partly cut. away at z to I will d fol-iii shoulders which rest against the inner faces of the contactstrips and the solid end pieces thereof. so to afford a positive and invariable means of elinement for the switch ports with respect to the Contact. strip.

Referrii i now to Figs. 8 to 14 inclusive, t be my unit section cabinet. In Fig". this shown with five switches Z slid into gzlace. looking at them from the front. N one of the contact strips are shown which belong to these switches. The frame l. of the unit section is formed of four vertical channel irons, two at each end, set per-- ellcl to ouch other, transversely connected across the top and bottom at each end by an angle iron 7')", and longitudinally connected i'ront and'bucir by the upper and lower'anglc irons 72 A skeleton frame or cage is .hus formed. which I c ose on the top, bottom and by means of sheet iron. On the ends this is slnnvn as a plain facing p hold in place by being passed between the inbefore they are secured "e and channel 11 i i prorribly do by riveting. ittom closures. however, have top and another function, which is to support and ii'al' tingle irons on the back of the ser e as guides for the switches Z. As

Each is pro he. with a series of trans- ;e grooves 71 formed in it by rolls or dit It convenient method of forn'iing this intiterml with the grooves in it is to pass up of the required width between two llors or cylinders, one of which has transverse g1 coves and the other has correspond.

in; transverse projections to register with the 'rooves as the rolls are rotated. These may then be cut into the desired len; h, and secured in place as shown in the figures by bolting or riveting the ends, pref eruhly the latter.-

The contact strips Z are secured verticz lly upon the upper and lower longitudi frame, as shownin Fig. 10, and as indicated in plan in Fig. 11. The simplestway oi" securing these in place is by the screws passing 1 through the upper. and lower end pieces I and tapped into the feces of the angle irons.

These strips being; thus fixed upon the frame, support upon'their rear feces all the circuit wires leading-to their coi'itects, that is, all the wiring of the SW1tCt1S,- exc pt only the wires leadin to the three 317.11 7 1 r: i p n s b s K. L end ll, .VlHCi] are suitably oisposeu upon the frame of each switch, nnnate contacts a COOI)I9 UH' tiXed co-ntacts (see Figs. 1 and 10 strips bein all in position, the ppcrstin portions of each switch are introduced i'roi ill and it, these are lettered V the front by sliding them into the grooves 79 in the top and bottom plates 19*. As they ere slid into place they automatically aline themselves with the contact strips, by the ends of the end flanges 2 entering the mortises in the blocks 2 of the strips, and the shoulders coming against the inner faces of the strips. Screws 2 and 2 are then turned home in the lugs 2- and 2, so as (4) hold the parts in position. It will be apparent from this description that the magnets K L and XV are brought into connect-ion with their respective circuit wires by the mere act of inserting theswitch parts inthe frame; and the entire switch'body is therefore instantly detached, and all the switch bodies are absolutely interchangeable. In manufacturing and assembling they are-all 'set up and tested in a common frame and with a common set of contacts, in addition. to which the other contact strips are all made in the same templet, which itself is made from the common set of contacts with which the switch bodies are tested, {hence therecan be no variation, but all parts are standard.

Referring to Figs. 12, 13 and 14,1 here show the method of assembling my unit sections into a complete cabinet. In Figs. 12 and '13 I give u front and a side elevation, respectively, of a cabinet formed by aggregating four unit sections, two bases and two tops. Each of the .unit sections is shown at 1. Each of the tops is shown at N,'and each of the bases at N. It will be observed from Fig. 13 that the top N and base N are back of the frame, and along their rear edges fitted with 2L stiffening angle plate 72*. The sheet. iron end cover 7) is also extended back to the rear edge of the angle iron p and across the whole rear faceof the section,

from one angle plate 7." to the other is eX- tended a. straight piece of sheetiron 29, secured by detachable devioessuch as screws 2 It will be perceived. that in the rear of each frame there an. inclosed chamber which I have marked 7) in Fig. 11., open at the top and bottom, and permitting the passage of circuit conductors to the strips. The top N and the base N are made of sufiicien" depth to cover the top and bottom, respectively, of these chambers, and since the base hollow, being itself formed of sheet nets! i estiiieniug' frame, the cables may he town from. the strips and through the we to any desired point. The bacloof the for this purpose is also fitted with u. removable cover 72 in order to carry the weight which is placed upon it, each base sent an ornamental appearance.

section N is formed with a skeleton frame having vertical members a, two at each end, registering with and of the same shape as the. channel irons p of the unit sections. These end members are united top and bottom by'longitudinal members a which may advantageously be angles, and transversely they are united at their front ends by their angle bases n -n*,the latter of which is extended out front and rear to give a wide footing for the base. Upon this skeleton frame is fitted the sheet iron cover a, having an ornamental front, and end pieces, with a removable back. This cover as well as all of the other parts of the cabinet may be painted or enameled, or galvanized or otherwise treated to preserve and ornament the metal. p

The top N is made in any suitable or preferred manner from sheet metal, with accurately fitted edges so that it Willtake over the top of the upper unit section I all around, and close the same-in a substantially dust and moisture-proof manner.

Each section P of the cabinet is closed in front by a metal cover 22, fitted, if desired, with a glass panel 79". I have shown only one of these covers, and it should be under stood that they may be merely of iron without panels, if desired. Glass used in such relations is very liable to breakage, and the panels are large enough to be quite expensive,hence I prefer plain iron covers, except where it is desired to have the cabinIet 1prelfivt) shown covers secured at top and bottom by 'screws 7), upon loosening which the same may be removed by means of the handle 7). The edges of. this cover may rest all around upon a strip of felt, to exclude dust and moisture, and the same material may, in fact, be used elsewhere in the joints, if desired,'for the same purpose.

It remains to describe the method of fastening the unit sections together to form the cabinet. For this purpose I employ corner blocks N -N, shown. in F g. .l-l. flhcse arev .of proper shape-to have their bodies slid into the channel in the end-members 7) of the frames. As clearly shown in 12. there are four of llltsr members f unit section P, and four for ea h h: The top N has none. but is itled 'n'i sockets to receive those of the sect upon which it may be-placed in buile up a cabinet, the base is fir sci (1m n a the floor, and fastened f ing down the end slri four corner blocks sticking .ip, i tion P which comes next in order 1.-,. pla upon the base so that these blocks the channels of its end members 7;. top of thissection there are four i, I blocks sticking up, and if another section 3:

added, it is similarly placed upon the first one, so that these blocks will enter its end members, and so on, until the case is finally placed upon the top section P, with the ing it in place. Where two vertical sets are to be piled up, as shown in Fig. 12, the two bases N are first laid down and secured, and then the blocks N'-'-N of the bases which come together receive a bolt shown in dotted lines in Fig. 12, at These two bolts confine the bases together, and when the sections P are put upon them,, they confine these sections together also at the bottom. The blocks N"N ont-he twosections at their meeting places are then bolted together in the same manner, and so on up, each protruding pair of blocks being bolted together before the next pair of sections P is put in place; so that when the two tops N are finally superposed on the cabinet, the whole is firmly tied together and cannot be disturbed except by vertically lifting the members apart, which their' town weight and the weight of their contents sufficiently provides against. In order to insure great steadiness,

same trnnlcor line circuit. Instead of putt ng these side by side I may put them vertieally above each other forconvenience in wiring the multiples; and I maymake the frames of other material than iron; but such changes, and many details which will at once occur to those skilled in the art after reading j t'rnis comprising a this specification, I do not describe herein,

5 and do not specifically claim, Wishing it understoodnevertheless that they are included withinihe scope of my invention, and while generically covered herein, may be specifi cally covered in other cases.

2 Having thus described. my invention what l "witch for-automatic telephone sys- ,JY'ISlDg a flat open frame having projecting ends, a straightstrip of contacts extending parallel to the body of said frame between the ends thereof, an operating mem mounted in the frame longitudinally and electromagnetic means'for actuatihi; aperating mcmbc 1.11110. sub tantially as r :ribed.

.\ switch for autmnatic telephone systlal .fame having proof contacts'secured he:

are those which contain multiples fthev I claimand desire to secure by Letters Pat-' ml is:

srm'f and parallel with the strip of con-' tro mounted upon the nallel t5 the body of the blocks thereof entering its sockets and'holdframe. an ope 'ating member for said contacts extending parallel thereto and carried upon the frame. and electro-magnets for actuating said member also mounted within and upon the frame, substantially as described.

3. switch for automatic telephone s\ tcms comprising a flat open frame, ,stitfcning flanges upon said frame.'a contact strip connected to said frame, an operating member for the contact stri carried in the frame, and electromagnetic actuating means for said member supported in and upon the frame, substantially as described.

4. A. switch for automatic telephtme systems comprising a flat open frame, a straight strip of contacts mounted lengthwise of the f -ame, an operating member mounted in the frame parallel thereto. and electro-magnetie actuating means for the operating member also mounted in and upon the frame. the dimensions and arrangement of all the'parts being such as to constitute a structure hav ing relatively greater length than thickness. substai'itially as dcscri bed.

3. switch ft automatictelephone systems comprising a flat frame of considerable length relativeto its thiclcm-ss, with stiffening flanges and projecting ends, a straight strip of contacts and an operating member therefor secured to the frame within the ends, and electromagnetic actuating means for the ope 'ating member carried upon and within an intermediate portion of the frame, all the parts being so proportioned and arranged as to lie substantially within the.

thicltrwss of the frame, substantialh as described.

t. switch for automatic telephone systems having a frame composed of longitudinal body members and transverse .irojccting' end members. with stiffening flanges all lying between the same plai'ies. and of small thick ness relatively to the end of the frame together with contacts, an operating member therefor, and cleotro-magnet ic actuating means. all secured upon and lying substantially within the thickness of the frame, substantially as described.

7. A switch for automatic telephone systems comprising a. long tlat frame. with operating parts all mounted upon and within the thickness of the frame. and c ntacts onstituting line terminals arranged in a straight line and in general parallelism with the major dimension of the fra he. nbstau tiall v a-.- described.

8. switch for automatic telephon sr tents comprising a flat and open fram with extended longitudinal members and trans verse ends. a strip of contacts mounted to lie parallel with the longitudinal members and lwtv'i-cn the end an op rating spindle cooperating with said contacts and mounted upon the frame between the ends i'lii't 'tlf,

and actuating means for said spindle also mounted on the frame, substantially as d'e scribed.

9. A switch for automatic, telephone sy tems comprising a flat fra-tue raving ex tended longitudinal members and transverse ends, contacts secured to said frame. anda tubular operating spindle working upon studs secured to theends thereof, substan tially as described.

10. A switch for automatic telephone sys tems comprising a frame. movable contact members, fixed terminal contacts in longi tudinal order. and a tubular operating spindle working upon studs in the frame, substantiall f as described. 1 r 11'. A switch for automatic telephone systems comprising an elongated frame carrying an Operating member extended in the direction of its lengtln-and electromagnetic actuating means therefor intermediate of its ends, a straight supporting strip detachably secured at its ends to the ends of the frame, and a plurality of contacts for the operating member supported in said strip. substantially as described.

12. A switchfor automatic telephone systems comprising an elongated frame, operating parts mounted thereon. to work on the long axis thereof, a straight line unitary .mounting strip in substantial parallelisn'i with the said long axis of the frame, a plu rality of contacts secured upon said strip, and detachable connections between the frame and the contact strip, substantially as described.

13. A switch for automatic telephone systems con'iprising an elongated flat frame having an open central portion, and operating parts mounted thereon in the opening approximately within the thickness of the. frame. substantially as described.

14. A switch for automatic telcplione systems comprising an elongated frame. ontacts in straight line parallel relation thereto, terminal studs secured upon said frame, and a'tubular spindle lying paral let with and cooperating with the contacts and working upon said studs. substantially as described.

15. A switch for automatic telephone tems comprising a Hat elongated frai having a wide central portion and reduced ends, a spindle.cxtending in the dire tion of its length, and the central portion open, with electromagnetic actuating means for the working parts mounted upon the frame within said central portion substantially as described.

16. switch for autonnitlc telephone sys tents comprhing an elongated frame, electro-magnetic actuating means mounted then-on, contacts there o? supported in a straight line, in a fixed :l'iit and means for deachahly securing fl of the frame to the contact strip with the actuating parts in operatii e relation with said contacts, substantially as described.

17. A switch for automatic telephone systems comprising a support, a straight bank of contacts rigidly mounted as a unit on said support, and an elongated switch frame carrying operating parts extending along an axis parallel to said bank, and adapted to be detachably secured upon said contact bank, substantially as described.

18. A switch structure for automatic telephone systems comprising a support, a straight bank or strip of contacts rigidly mounted as a unit upon said support, a frame carrying parts extended along. the length of the frame, adapted to cooperate with said contacts, and means for detachably securing said'frame upon said bank with the cooperating parts in working parallcl relation with the contacts, substantially as described.

19. A switch structure for automatic telephone systems comprising a support. a straight bank or strip of contacts rigidly carried upon said support, a switch frame carrying working parts extending in parallelism to said bank, guiding means on the support over which the switch frame is adapted to travel and means to secure the switch frame upon and in operative relation to said guiding means and thereby .to ad just it on the support with its parts in operative relation to the contacts, substantially as described.

20. In an automatic telephone system. a switch system comprising a support, separable units carried on the support, each unit having a plurality of sets of contacts carried upon it, and a'switch frame carrying operating parts, adapted to be detachably connected with and carried on each unit in operative relation with its contacts, substantially as described.

21. Automatic switching apparatus for telephone'systems comprising a support or frame structure in separable interchangeable units each complete in itself, a plurality of individual switch banks mounted in parallelism upon each unit, and a plurality of associated interchangeable switch frames carrying working parts detachably secured in operative relation to the respective banks, substantially as described.

Automatic switching apparatus for telephone systems comprising separable groups of fixed banks and detachable individual switches, each group mounted. and

secured together as a unit and all groupsor units being interchangeable, substantially as described.

23. Automatic switching apparatus for telephone systems comprising a supporting structure formed of an agprcgaicn of separable units. each unit composed of an inclosure complete in itself, and a complete group of switches containing related multi ples, mounted in each supporting unit, sub stantially as described.

24. Automatic switching apparatus for telephone systems comprising a supporting structure formed of an aggregation of separable units, each unit complete in itself and all units interchangeable, together with a plurality of switches containing related multiples mounted dctachably in each unit, substantially as described.

Automatic switching apparatus for telephone systems composed of a built-up aggregation of separable and interchangeable units, each composed of a complete and symmetricalgroup of fixed banks and detachable interchangeable switches, and-a containing case, substantially as described.

26'. In automatic switching apparatus for telephone exchan es, a supporting structure comprising a plurality of unit cabinets having metal frames and mounting strips, said units being interlocking and separable with out the use of tools, a set of contact banks or strips carried on the mounting strips in each unit. and a corresponding of frames with operating parts detachably connected to said banks and inclosed within-the unit cabinets, substantially as described.

- '27. Switching apparatus. for telephone exchanges comprising an aggregation of separable unit cabinets having means to pass cable from each unit to and through other units without interference, and with a complete unit group of switches containing multiples of the same group of circuits, mounted and inclosed within each unit cabinet, substantially as described.

- 28. In a telephone exchange system, switching apparatus composed of a plurality of separable and interchangeable selfcontained units, each unit comprising a complete and symmetrical group of fixed banks and detachable switches sembled and connected together for switching a definite number of circuits, substantially as described.

29. In a telephone exchange system, an automatic switch out-fit comprising a frame. inclosing walls for saidframe, mounting strips secured upon said frame, switch banks secured in a homogeneous group upon said mounting strips, and frames carrying the working parts of the switches secured upon said banks, and a front plate or panel for inclosing the frame'and contacts, substantially as described.

30. Telephone exchange switching apparatus built up of standard interchangeable units each comprising a frame formed of metal strips or angle bars with sheet metal inclosing walls, and a group of automatic switches mounted within and upon said fra ne, substantially as described.

closed and located in operative relation to the switch contacts, substantially as described.

.32. Automatic switching apparatus for telephone systems composed of a built-up aggregation of separable and interchangeable units, each composed of a complete and symmetrical group of relatively fixed banks with separable and interchangeable switches, substantially as described.

33. Automatic switching apparatus for telephone systems composed of a built-up aggregation of relatively fixed but separable and interchangeable groups of separable and interchangeable switches, each group complete for a predetermined number of lines, and each switch composed of separable and interchangeable parts, substantially as described.

34. Astep by step selector switch comprising bank contacts, a spindle and Wipers carried thereon, together with actuating mechanism for the spindle adapted to rot-ate the same and also-to reciprocate it in a vertical direction, a rotary ratchet carried on the spindle, and a knife edge carried on a fixed portion of the switch body normally out of contact with said ratchet but adapted to engage the same when the spindle is reciprocated'and thereby prevent rotation of the spindle except in one position.

35. A step by step selector switch having contacts, wipers, a rotary ratchet, fixed and movable means for actuating and holding said ratchet, said fixed means being normally disengaged from the ratchet, and

means for. causing engagement of the ratchet by said fixed holdin means.

In testimony whereof I a x my signature in presence of two witnesses.

EDWARD E. CLEMENT.

Witnesses.

E. EDMONSTON, J r., JAs. ONEAL.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for live cents each, by addressing the Commissioner '0": Patents,

Washington, D. C."

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