US1105545A - Telephone-exchange system. - Google Patents

Description

E. B. CLEMENT.

TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 10, 1914.

Patented July 28, 1914.

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E. E. CLEMENT.

TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED APR.10, 1914 Batented July 28, 191%.

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E. E. CLEMENT.

TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM.

APPLICATION rum) APR. 10. 1914.

1,105,545 Patented July 28,191

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E. E. CLEMENT. TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM. APPLICATION FILED APR.10, 1914.

IL, E1. Patented July 28, 1914.

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ucnto-c 13L CLEMENT.

TELEPHONE 'lr'IXUHANGE SYSTEM.

APPLIUATIOII YILPD APR-10, 1014.

Patented July 28, 1914.

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E. E. CLEMENT. TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM. APPLIUATION mum APR. 10. 1914.

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(inventorlatented July 28, 1914 @FTCE.

EDWARD E. CLEMENT, OF 'W'ASHIZNGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

TELEPHONE-EXCHANGE SYSTEM.

mosses.

Specification or Letters Patent.

Patented July 28, 1914.

Application filed April 10, 1914. Serial No. 831,048.

.matic controlling apparatus for automatic switches of the various types used in automatic and semi-automatic telephone systems, and particularly to the latter, to enable the operator to directively control the connection of a calling to a called line, by predetermination, coincidently with the reception of the number of the called line, and without waiting for the various switches tocomplete their several operations.

The apparatus and system shown herein are in part disclosed in several prior ap' plications of mine, including among others, one filed lll areh' 30, 1906, Serial No. 3 9,010.

Of the drawings Figure 1 is a diagram of subscribers lines and operators cord circuits, Fig. '2 is a diagram of the operators controlling apparatus which isin this systcm associated with the operators cord cir cult, Fig. 3 is a diagram oi an :mtomatic connector switch and trunk adapted to be connected to the cord circuit and in turn to be controlled by the operator through the apparatus aforesaid to connect with a called line, Figs. 4i and 5 show in diagram a modified form of my invention in which a multiple number of key sets are associated commonly with a single set of iiulependently characterized control circuits of the sending machine, Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are plan, and side and end elevation respectively of a row of the push button keys of the lrey sets showing their-,htructural details.

lteiwrring to the drawings and particularlyto' 1, A. is a subscribers station having the usual subscribers common battery outfit, consisting of transmitter, re-

ceiver, switch-hook, ringer and condenser,

From this substatioi'l the line-wires l-2 extend to the central oflice, whcrc they. pass through the contacts of the cut-oil relay, M, which normally connects them to the lilie'relay Mand ground, respectively. This line relay is connected on the other side to tlierinain battery, l3, and controls a signal lamp, L, associated with the answeringj 210k,

J. The answering-jacks, are sii'pposed to be grouped in a convenient manner, together with their signal lamps, L, in front of the operators, and when any line is calling it is intended that it'shall be connected through a trunk-jack. J.with a trunk-line leading to an automatic switch, S, (see Fig. i3),by which thesubscriberwanted can be directly reached. In order to interconnect the line and trunk-jacks I provide a pair of plugs, P, P, having their tips and sleeves respectively connected through the conductors and 46, these conductors be ng interrupted for-direct currents by the W densors, C. The answering plug, 1, has". sociated with it a supervisory signaling lamp, L directly controlled by the tip relay, ld, \vhiclrresponds to current in the subscribe1"s line as long as the plug is in a jack; the lamp also indirectly controlled by the sleeve relay, R, which puts battery on the armature of the tip relay when the plug is first inserted. Current through the sleeve relay is also necessary in order to energize the cut-oil relay, M, of the line in makin connection therewith. The calling plug, has three contacts, which I may call the tip, the ring, 72, and the sleeve, the ring in this case corresponding to the sleeve of the plug 1. lVhen the plug is in sorted in a trunk-jack, J, the tip and ring come into connection respectively with the jack springs, j, j, while the sleeve, p comes into contact with a thimble, 9'', connected through a resistance, j, to ground. This lhinible is for test and also to furnish a circult for the cord cut-oll' relay, R". There are two relays, R, R, associated together for controlling the connection of the operators telephone. The relay, R takes current through the wires 17 and 18 when the plug, P, is first inserted inanswcr to a call, the circuit--B. .15), 17, '18 and ground being then immediately closed by the relay R, pulling up. Thereupon the relay, R immediately pulls up, the relay, R which also controls it remaining quiescent. In so pulling .up it closes the two sides of the operators secondary circuit --9--10 onto the bridge wires 7-S across the coI'd-conductors 3-4. This secondary circuit contains the operators receiver,.T, and the secondary windinn, '2', of the induction coil, 1. The primary, i is included in a short-circuit 13-14 with the condenser, C, and the transmitter, T, the latter deriving its current supply dithe same time.

root from the main battery through the cholm-coil, i by the cir'cuitl3, 20, 21, 22'

and ground. The tertiary winding i is included in the test circuit ll12, which. passes from ground through a back contact on the relay, B to the tip conductor 5 and so to the tip of the calling plug, P.

The trunk-lines 23 24c which terminate in the jacks, J,-arc each multiplied to all the sections of the switchboard, so that any operator can reach any trunk. The trunks are arranged in groups, those of each group leading to similar switches in which, the same group of subscribers line-wires are multiplied. This is necessary so as to always have enough idle trunks and switches to reach a number of subscribers of the same group at the same time. Each connector switch is supposed to contain the terminals oi? one hundred lines, and as a fair average I may assign ten switches to each one hundred lines, so as to be able-to call ten subtrunk, the operator will simply run the tip of her plug down the row in the group de sired. These groups are numbered, from O to 99, which means that through the trunks otNo. 0 group the subscribers lines whose numbers are from 0 to 99 can be reached;

through No; 1 group those whose numbers are from 100 to 199 can be reached; through lilo. :2 group those whose numbers are from 200 to 299 can be reached, and so on up to 9999, or it it be desired to carry it so far, even to 99,999, which would of course require 10,000 multiplejacks per section of three operators positions, which is the same as in a ten thousand multiple-board now. In other words, the same multiple-board which now serves 0,000 subscribers can be cut over by my present invention to accommodate 100,000 subscribers, at least so far as regards the multiples. In actually reconstructing such a board, it would be necessary to increase the number of answeringjacks, and also of cords and plugs since the operators will handle a great many more calls than before.

In answering a call and making the con: nection the operator proceeds as follows:'

to the line-extension 25, to the cut-ofi'relay' M and ground. The cutbfi relay thereupon pulls up, puttlng the line-wires l-2 onto their extension 26 and 25 and thence onto the cord-conductors 8 and 4, whereupon relay R pulls up and opens the conductor leading to'the lamp L which had jus', been closed by the relay R, the entire action being too quick for the lamp to have time to ligh'. At the same timerelay R pulls up and the o erators set 0 is brid ed across the answering cord, while the test wire 11l2 remains connected tothe tip of the calling plug. The operator picks up the plug P and at the same time asks Number? Ascertaining the number, she tests with the plug P, the trunk-jacks corresponding to the hundreds of the line wanted, by running the tip, 7), along the row of thimbles, j until she no longer gets a click.

If an trunk is bus having a lu in it the potential of its jack thimbles, jtfwill be raised, by main battery B, through the cir cult-19, 27, 28 and the relay R Hence the tip of the testing plug will take current off of this through the conductors 5, 12 and 11 to the testing operators tertiary windingi ,-this producing a click in the receiver, T,

each time the tip, p, passes over a charged or busy thimble. Having. reached a jack which produces no click, the operator puts in the plug, P. Relay R pulls up, the op erators telephone is disconnected and the test circuit of-that plug is broken. This much ofthe operation. is substantially the same as in any manual system, substituting trunk-jacks for lin-multiples, of course. The balance of the operation,'however, is entirely difierent. The trunk 14, 13 shown in the diagram, leads. to the connector switch S, shown in Fig. 3, and this switch is operated by means of impulses over the two sides of the trunk, in a manner which is generally familiar to those acquainted with the art. Inorder to do this I provide the operators with impulse transmitters or senders? These devices I term multiple signal senders. The term multiple applies first because the device-has the power to produce and send simultaneously a plurality of series of signal impulses; and second because -in each cycle of operation of the device these series of impulses are each produced a plurality of times.

It will be obvious from the following disclosure of the operation of this device that in each' cycle of the multiple signal sender the condltions of proper electrical potential for a plurality of simultaneous series of impulses and forthe repetition of each of these series of impulses are produced upon the leading out wires or bus wires, whence by the proper provision of path for current through auxiliary signal selecting means, current impulses may be taken corresponding to anyone of the series of potential impulses of the signal sender, or corresponding to a. plurality of such series. For convenience I will first describe this arrangement ash; is shown in Fig. 2, and will then proceed to point out its effect upon the apparatus oi. Fig. In this figureQ", Q, Q, QZQ, Q, Q, etc, are a set of wheels mounted on and turning with a common shaft, .which may be driven in any suitable manner. The wheel Q", puts battery and ground alternately on the wire 29, which for purposes of illustration represents the-metallic shaft connection between the wheels. The WheelQ is insulated from the shaft and is grounded, has an insulating spot in its peripher and controls by means of this spot the lockingand unlocking wires 30and 31,-in a manner which will appear from the statement of operation. The wheels Q, Q Q Q, etc., are numberwheels, the first one havingone tooth, the second two teeth and so on up to ten teeth. (For simplicity of illustration only Wheels are shown.) Around these wheels are three sets of pens, connected to the three sets of keys, K, K K lircuits including any set of pens and the associated number wheels are thus both independently and differently electrically characterized. As the wheels revolve from the position in which they are shown in the figure, they first make contact with the upper pens, q, then with the pens, then with those, 1 The first set with their buttons or keys, K transmit the tens digits oi? any number, the next settransmit the units digit, and the third set transmit the ringing number. All this will appear more clearly from the statement of operation.

The keys, K. K K are of the so'called self-latching selective ringing type now in common. use on manual switch-boards, and employ the principle shown in the patent to Ham, No. 605,097 granted June 7, 1898. When any key is pressct down it pushes back the latch and releases the one that was previously down, then latching itself. It will. be noted that the bank of keys is divided into three sets or rows, K K" and K respec-' tively. The rows are each provided. with the latching device of Ham, cited, the rows being independent of each other in this respect; thus one key and only one "of each row will remain depressed, the previously depressed key of each row being released by the depression of any other. In a bank or row of keysof this nature, a key is depressed through a travel carrying, it beyond the locking point; upon release it returns a very short distance and remains locked there until released by the depressimi of the next key used. I take advantage of this detail in the row of keys K in the following manner: The pairs of springs as is are to remain locked when the key is pressed, f later, but the tripple springs k are springs requiring but a momentary contact to men described size primarily the pair oi. locking relays it It. To secure'the desired end, I so gage the relation of the springs k to the push button of the key 'that they are closed by :the button when at its point of farthest travel but are released by the slight return travel of the button before it is locked. The springs In however remain closed until the button is unlocked and fully released. Each set o3! keys has a common wire, this forthe 'ing that key serving, to energize and lock the relays It It, and then the signal is started at thebeginning of a rotation of-the shaft, when the first tooth of each wheel 'is about to strike its pen I by the relay, B, being deenergized, while the relay, B, 'remains energized. The means of this is in the arrangement of the spring pens, (1 ,11 on the wheel Q, lhis wheel is rotated with the others in the direction of the arrow, and its insulating spot passes first under the spring pen, momentarily cuttingground ott of that and the wire 31, then subse quently under the pen, taking ground off of that.

In calling; the number wanted, which we will assume to bow-53, the operator plugs into the ch lling line jack, then presses down button No. 3 ofthe set, 'K; No. 2 of the set, K and No. 3 of the set, K. The buttons o't the sets, K and K have their several individual wires connected to the springs or pens q (7 on the several indi'viduil wheels, Q, Q etcaand the ettect oi pressing down the buttons as mentioned is to connect the pen 7' of the wheel, Q through'the springs, 7c of the l/utton Zr to the wire 32. At the same time the pen, -7 of the wheel Q is connected through the springs, 12?, of the button N'- to the wire 33 and the spring, t, of the wheel, Q, is connected through tie springs, In of the button, to the wire 32. The set of buttons. K, also have the starting springs, in". This set of buttons bein'g the last, or ringing set, the number is ready for trzmsmission when any one of them is depressed. hence any one of these buttons not only finishes setting up the number, but by closing: the springs Kc, puts ground :nomentarily on the starting wires 37 and '38, which pass to the two relays, R, R, respec lively, and thence through the common return wire 39h) l'iattery Fi l and ground. ,Both the relays pull up, and both look, the locking circuit. 01'' the relay, R", being as follows: it. 39. R 1*, 30. a, Q. and ground. The look- I ing circuit of R is as follows: 13,39, R, r,

die

31, Q; and ground. Having thus set up the signal and put it in condition to be have hung up, whereupon the relay, .R, in Fig. 1 lets go, and the lamp, 7 lights to call for disconnection. The operator then pulls the plug, P. I

The signal having been set up as described, the apparatus of Fig. 2 then operates as follows: The wheel, Q, in revolving will bring the insulating spot under the pen, at first, and might thereby cut off-the relay, R prematurely, but this is provided for by making a branch locking circuit 310 which is controlled through a contact of the armature, 9-, and a ground wire 36 of the starting relay R Hence as long as the relay, It, is energized, the relay, R cannot be affected.

Moreover, it will be obscrvedthat the wires- 32 and 33 remain disconnected from the wires 1516 until the relay R is energized, while the relay R is denergized. This condition is brought about when-the insulating spot reachesthe pen 9. The relay R, then lets go, and we have a continuous circuit from wire- 32 as follows: 32, r 34, r, 16, 5 (in Fig. 1) and to trunk-wire 23. We also have a circuit for wire 33 as follows: P 35, T 15, 6 (Fig. 1) and the other trunkwire'24e. The insulating spot reaches the pen, 7 just before the first tooth on each wheel reaches its pen, (1,- hence as soon as the above desired condition is attained, the set of impulses which has been determined by the key k, of the set K comes from bat- I tery-through-Q" and wire 29 through conimutator and key and thence over the wire 32 to the wire 16 and so onto the wire 23 of the trunk, through which it passes into Fig. 3 to the relay, R, which will be presently described, and which I shall call for convenience the vertical relay. At the end of this group of impulses, the teeth on the wheels will have gotten around to the pens and so the next group of impulses determined by the A, will pass from ground through the wheel Q and wire 29 through commutator and key and thence onto the wire 33 and so to the wire 15 and the trunk-wire 24, through which they reach the relay R in Fig. 2, which will also be presently described and which I'shall for convenience.

call the rotary relay. The names of these two relays are quite accurate in this system, because the relay It does really prod uce'a vertical motion of the switch S, while the relay R produces a rotary motion thereof. At the end of this second group of impulses. the teeth on the wheels have gotten around to the third set of pens, g andthe impulses She pays no further attention to the connection until the subscribers have completed their conversation and determined by the key 7,2 then come, from battery through wheel. Q9 and wire 2%) t1 rough commutator and key and thence through the wire 32 onto the wire 16 and so again to the trunk-wire 23 and to the vertical relay, B. After this, the insulating spot on the wheel, Q, reaches the spring, Q5, and momentarily cuts off the ground therefrom. Since the relay, R is already deenergized, this breaks the locking circuit of the relay, R and it lets go, disconnecting the wires 16 from the wires 35 3 l, and leaving the apparatus free from the talking wires 23-24- of the trunk. It may be stated here that each cord pair is equipped with a pair ot relays R -R and a bank of keys mechanical structure is so' far the same that I employ a vertical spindle, s, which carries wipers, s, to cooperate with the lineterminals 8 (see Fig. 1) or line-multiples, iu the switch-banks; the switch spindle is setup step by step by the vertical magnet, 8 and is rotated step by step by the rotary magnet. 8', controlled respectively by the relays, R and R There are supposed to be one hundred pairs of line-terminals in the,

switch-banks, and I do not require any separate test terminals, since'I test directly on the tip side of the line for a ground. The switch spindle controls a pair of springs, s, which it openswhen it is down in its normal position of disuse, for restoring purposes, as will presently appear. 5 is the release magnet of the switch, which when energized removes the detent pawls from the respective ratchets of the spindle, '2, allowing: the spin dle to drop down and rotate back to zero,

as fully described in the patents referred to.

This release magnet is under the control of the relay, R which in turn is controlled by the relays, R and R It is alsounder the control of-the tcst relay R. R is a ringing selector control relay, R is a trunk cut-oil relay and R 4 is a ringing relay controlled by thecommutator, X, which is common to the entire exchange and is mounted upon th shaft carrying the wheels Q, Q, Q, etc, of Fig. 2 or is mounted to revolve in synchronis'm with that shaft and its commutator wheelsf R is a slow acting relay, preferably a solenoid, which connects the test relay, R, at the moment of efi'ecting connection, as controlleclby the first ringing impulse, and at the same times opens the generator circuit, -tO--;l-"1, while the proper current is being selected. it to It. inclusive, are selective relays for enabling onecr the other of the ringing generators, (1:, G, G and G, to be connected onto the ringing conti'icts' of the ringing relay, R theparti-cular generator being determined the number of impulses received through the, ringing-selector control relay, R, which o 'ierates the relays, R R, ..t'", R", R R, or as many of them as are desired in succession, each of them locking as it operates.

The operation of this trunk scheme is as follows In selecting the number we have assumed 312 -3; the trunk itsclt corresponds to the number -14, we have first three battery impulses coming over the wire to the relay, R, followed by two ground impulses oyer the wire to the relay, R and then three hattery impulscs again over the wire to the relay R. The first battery impulses coming over the wire caused the relay it to pull up three times, each time closing the following circuit: l5, l2, {3, i t, a, 45, ll), 47, and ground to battery. The vertical magnet, 3', steps the spindle, s, of. the switch up three steps, so that the wipers 8', stand opposite the third row of contacts. Two ground impulses then comeover wire, a l'l'ecting the relay, R which pulls up twice, the first time closing the followingcircuit: B, 42, 48, 11", if), 50, armature of R 51 to grk'nind andto battery. The relay, It, in-

stantly pulls up, cutting oil the vertical magnet s and locking itself by the followingpart: B, 4-2, 4-8, H", r", 52, 5O 51 and ground leach to battery. The vertical magnet, ",,is therefore ,cut oil for the rest of the taiisinission. The rotary magnehs, however, gets current each time the relay, R], is energized, over the following .path: 13,42, 43, 141 of, 53, 54, 55 and ground back to' battery. The rotary magnet, 8, turns thejspindle, 8, two steps, so that the wipers s rest on the second pair of contacts in the third row, on No. 32. Three battery impulses now come over the wire 23, causing the relay, R", again to pull, up three times. Each 'ime i't- ClOT-QS the following local circhit: 42,56, R9, 57, 46, 4-7 and ground baclt to battery XS a' branch of this same circuit, the'wirhS comes in from the battery wire 42 through the solenoid it to 57, l 47 and'ground. At this point in the development of the connection immediately Following the closure of the contacts of relay R" at the beginning of the lirst generator-selection in'ipulse, two things occur simultaneously,

(1) The solenoid ll attracts its core, opening the wires ill--41 and closing the switch (12 whereby a test circuit is formed iii through elements ll, 42, ll), ll, (I to upper a, which at this moment is resting in contact with the line selected tliu'oug'li the agency ot vertical and rotary magnets a a. lit the line be busy ilien a. circuit will exist from upper wipers s to the tip of the plug and through the relay it to ground in case the line tested has called or to another wiper a and thence through a trunking equipment following the path through contact of ll", contact. It, conduclazr 2;) and winding of ll. to ground it that; line has been called; in either case the test relay ll" will be energized and in turn will energize the release magnet s. It, however, the selected line with which the test wiper rests in contact is not busy no circuit will exist from that test wiper to ground and the test relay R will not be energized; a. branch path for the conductor (5Z3 exists through the talking, conductor of the trunk to the l'e'l t hand contact of relay It. and thence to an armature contact of relay ll" where it terminates open, but subsequent to the energization of relay it as about to be described, this branch path passes to the inner contact ol the lefthand armature of that relay and thence over the conductor it to the right hand switch of; 3 the solcnoid R x i is open, and thus test relaydl has its cirwhich durin the test period cuit open at all points and the design ol' the device as a whole is that no energization of, .that relay may result when the line selected is in a condition of disuse and subject to use l in the connection now being established,

(2) The relay lt energized over the lpatli ll, th, 56, ll, 37, ill, l? and ground. l 3y the closure of the lcl't-haud armature of l relay R, circuit is 'l'ornual throughelements l [3,42, 5t}, fill armature 0t It, 60, winding of It, (31. switch a and ground. energizing rejlay R which 'loclts itseli" energized orcr the circuit ll, "J, lil, armature and inner contact of relay R, winding 01' relay 1. (31, s and ground. This cnergization of trunk-connectiug relay R connects the conductors fl t--24, of the trunk through to the outer contacts of the ringing relay ll and through to the wiper s. This furnishes a path through test relay It as :lollows: ll, l2, (lit, R". '3. talking coi'iductor to lefthand armature of R bacl; contact and talking conductor to armature ol' energized relay il conductor 23. winding of relay ll and ground; however, this circuit is adapted to be opened by the attraction ol the armaturcs of relay ll" and it is the llluclion oi the connector switch that the opening oi this circuit at it shall succeed its closing at 11" by a time limit so small that restoration of the connector switch is not pcruiitted. It will be noted in the study of this time element that the test relay ll must attain the degree oi cuergization required to attract its armature, must swing its armature lease occurs. '1

through its full travel to close its contact and that subsequently to the closure of'the contact of. R the -release magnet 3 must reach the required degree of magnetization and must overcome the inertia of its ar1na ture and move it through some definite are before the release-of theswitch S Wlll be effected, Since the circuit of the'test relay.

R from the wiper s to ground through the relay R of the same connector isat best only momentarily closed, this closure being during theinstant after the operation of relay R and before the operation of B, it follows that the series of necessarily consecutive operations just traced with respect to the release magnet cannot occur during this very short interval, and therefore no false test resulting in a conesquent'improper re he commutator X, as has been mentioned, is carried up on the shaft which carries the number Wheels and .com-

mutator-devices QKQ, Q, Q, etc., and the commutator X is, adjusted angularly with respect to those wheels so that theconduct ing portion of X is in electrical connection with its brush at the time that the ene'rgization of the relay R occurs. It" is seen that by the closing of contacts of R byfwhich' current flow through relay R yvasperifiitted, current was simultaneously provided for through path B, 42, X, winding of R contact and armature r .68, 50, 1' and ground. Thus current begins to; flow through the winding of relay-llthesame instant that current begins to'flow through the winding of relay it, and, assuming equal speed in the operatlon of armatures relay R fwill have'moved its armature and will have broken its back contact, thereby commutator'X shall" be 'such that the relay R is held energized throughout the maxi-- mum period occupied by generator-selection impulses and until the opening of the circuit of the test relay R by the opening-of the switch-62 upon release of the armature of the The armature of the solenoidsolenoid R R is sluggish and does not open the switch 62 between the generatorselection impulses,

so that the test circuit here described is maintain ed continuously during the period of generatonselec'tion. I

Leaving the various parts of apparatus in theco'ndition now considered, we will follow the action of the apparatus in response, to the generator-selection impulses. In' the inmoaaaa stance assumed, since station No. 3 is to be called three battery impulses will be received over the Wire 28 operating the armature ofthe relay R successfully three times, which in turn acts over the path 47, L6, 57, R, etc. to operate the 'armatures of relay R in succession three times. The armature r 'through its front and back contacts effects. the selection ofwthe desired ringing generator as follows: Upon attraction of r by'the firstgenerator selection impulse, it makes electrical connection with its inner contacts, but inasmuch as the wire 64 is open at the armature of relay R no complete circuit is closed. Upon the releaseiof the armature r at the cessation of the first generator-selection impulse, circuit is closed through elements B, 42, 43, contact of R 60, "r 65, contact of R winding of R and ground, energizing relay R which locks over the circuit B, 42, 43, contact of R 60,

69, armature and contact of R winding of R and ground. If but one generator-selection impulse were received, the generator G would remain in connection with conductor 40 ready for connection through conductor 41 to the contact of the ringing relaylt. At the beginning of the second generatorselection impulse, relay R is energized and armature r is attracted, closing circuit through elements B, 42, 43, contact of R 60, T 64 closed contact of lower armature of relay R back contact of relay R winding-of relay R and ground, energizing relay R which then looks over the circuit B, 42, 43, contact of'R, 60, 69, armature cont-actand winding of R Upon the cessation of the second generator-selection impulse, the armature r is released, closing circuit over 13, 42, 48, contact of R (30, W 65, closed. contact of lower armature of energized relay R back contact of lower armature of unenergized relay R Winding of relay R and ground, energizing. relay H, which then locks itself through its own contact by current received oy er conductor 69 to ground as in the case of relays R end It. I If no more generator-selection impulses were received, the effect ofthe two impulses thus far followed would-be to leave generator G connected to conductor 40 through contact of energized relay R that being the proper generator for ringing the second station on a party line. At the beginning of the third and last generator-selection impulse, the armature r is again attracted, closing circuit over. elements B, 42, 4,3, contact of R 60, r, 6%, closed contact of energizedrelay R closed inner contact of energized relay R closed outer contact of unenergized relay R winding of relay R" and ground, ener gizing relay R, which then locksitself by current through its own contact and wind- 111g over conductor 69 to ground. Upon the mosaic,-

cessation of the third andlast generator-- selection impulse, the armature r is released, closing circuit through elements TB, 12, 43, contact of It, 60, 1' (353, closed inner contacts of energized relays- R and R, closed outer contact of unenergized relay R winding of relay it and ground energizing relay R which then locks itself by current tbrougl'i its own arn'iature contact and winding from conductor (39 to ground. This leaves relays R and R energized and leaves relay R i'inenergized, thus etl'ecting the connection of generator G to the conductor 40, and as the generator-selection impulses now cease, solenoid it releases its armature, opening'thc circuit of the test relay R and closing the circuit between conductors :041, thus connecting the selected generator G over conductor ii to the inner contact of the left-hand arn'iature of ringing relay R and thus through the upper wiper s and to the line conductor of the selected line to ring the third station upon the party line selected. a

'The ringing will continue until the insulated portion of the commutator X passes under the brush of that conunutator when the circuit of the winding of relay It will be interrupted and by release of that relays armature the circuit "from the wiper .5" will be removed fromtho generatm' and carried to relays 11- and 11 respectively. The line selected will be subjected alternately to periods oi ringilig when the relay R is energized and to periods of non-ringing when the relay it is deiinergiaed. Upon the answering ot the called sub-station, or of any sub-station upon that partly line, during a period of non-ringing, current immediatelv will flow through elements B, 4-2, winding of It, 24, lower a, line coiuhictor, substation bridge, return line conductor upper s, 23, winding oi R and earth energizing R and attracting its arinatin'es.

By the operation of the left-hand armature of R, circuit is closed through elements B, 42, lcft hand armature and inner contact of It, winding of R 5 contact and lefthand armature ct I", 55 and groiuid, encrgizing R which then locks over the circuit B, 1-2, right-hand armature and contact of 11" to winding of It, all, contact and arinature of It, 55 and ground. By cnergization of relay It ground is taken oil? of wire 50 so that ringing relay R may not again be energized. Also by the energization and locking of It the relay R" is released and remains released throughout the remainder of the connection. This is the condition of conversation and continues until the hanging up of the telephone and the breaking. of the substation bridge upon the called line.

Upon the hanging up of the telephone and the breaking of the substation bridge upon the called line, disconnection of the switch F5 is eflected =as tollows z Circuit is inter rupted over thereturn wire of the hne and through relay R to' gmund, releasingthe arniatures of relay R but current-continues through elements 13, 42, winding of R 24, lower wiper 5",- and the sleeve side of the connected line an b the winding of its cutoil' relay M to ground, 'Il'lttilliltliliifig:-i;ll0 energization of the relay-R. By the release of the left-hand armature of relay R a release relay circuit is established through clemcnts 1%,"42, left-hand armature andouter Contact of detinergized relay 1t, winding oi release relay'R, inner contact and armature '1' of "relay 1 51 and ground, energizing releaserelay11 which, by closing its contact, energizes; release magnet S; which cfiectsinnnediate restoration of all parts of the switch S to the normal position oi disuse.

A consideration of test conditions during the process of the' connection is desirable. lVhen the test 'wi'pe'r or upper wiper s connects with the testconductor ot' the selected line, no action is taken 'either to test for busy or to place a busy test upon the line until the wheels QQQF, Q9, etc, have in due course of progress begun to send the generator-selection impulses; at this time, by the action of the solenoid It, the selected line is tested for busycondition,"the testing for busy condition being continued throughout the receipt of the generator-solection impulses and the line being left unguarded against connection by other connectors: at the close oi the generator-selcction impulses the test relay is taken off and the ringing generator is substituted. From this time a busy test guard condition is placed upon the test conductor of the selected line, being alternately the potential of the selected ringing generator when the relay It is energizeth which is sutlicient to energize any rclay R which may test the line during the interval of ringing, and between the intervals of ringing the busy test consists of the ground circuit through the relay It". If the line thus connected with be tested for busy condition by some other connector attempting a connection with it and during the iiiterval of deenergization of ringing relay It, a current will flow from the connector then testing to the test conductor of the line, thence through the test wiper of the connector of Fig. 23 holding the line, and through hark contact of relay R, front contact of It 2 23. and winding of R" to ground. This current will be of suilicient strength to energize the test relay R of the distant con- Htt'tiil' attempting to take the line being held, and this will effect disroiniection of that cormector but it will not be of sullicicnt strciigth to energize the relay ll inasmuch as by the cncrgizatiou and subsequent deenergiaation of that relay. the said testing current would also restore the holding con mo u i-e nector of Fig. 3 to its normal condition of idleness.

t will be observed that the circuitduringconversation is the same as the standard manual talking circuit, having a single pair of condensers, C, and the main battery 13 bridged across each side of these condensers through a pair of relays.

In Figs. 4- and 5 l have shown in diagram a form of my invention diifering from the foregoing form principally in two respects. In the first place instead of having a plurality of sets of penson the sending ma chine, one for each row of buttons of the key set, a single set of pens common to all the rows is used together with switching devices which shift the set from row to row in .the-

order of transmission of the impulses. In the second place, a plurality of key sets are associated with the same sending machine, and in addition are supplied'with impulses through the same set of contact pens. All of the parts in Figs. 4 and 5 of the same general character as those in Figs. 1 and 2 bear the same reference cha 'acters.

Referring particularly now toFig. 5, the sending machine of this modification comprises in detail an impulse generating wheel W provided with teeth 100 at regularly recurring intervalsaround its periphery and preferably separated at their points by fillings 101 of insulating material. This wheel "W is connected with positive battery B by conductor 102 .and brush 103 bearing on shaft 104 on which the wheel is mounted. Bearing on the periphery of the wheel is a brush 105 comiecting by conductor 106 and brush 107 with shaft 108 of a set of Wheels Q. to f of the sending machine. These wheels, instead of having teeth on their peripheries are provided each with a plurality of contact cam or wiper surfaces 109 arranged to make contact as the wheels re volve with the associated fixed contact pens 110. In the form shown there are provided tour of the contact cams 109 on each wheel and spaced apart 90. From disk Q, to disk Q, the cams 10$) are of progressively increasin length. Those on wheel Q are of a length sufiiclcnt to make contact with the associated pen 110 for a period of one impulse, those I on wheel Q? of sufficient length to maintz'iin'contact with the associated pen 1.10 for a period of two impulses, those of disk Q, for a period of three impulses and so on, the number of impulses being measured by the number of teeth 100 which pass under brush 105 or wheel W, wheel ll and disks Q, to Q being driven in synchronism, though insulated from each other. Disk Q. connected with battery through a conductor 102 and brush 111 and on the periphery of which bear contact pens and q, is of the same character as the disk Q, of Fig.2. Disk Q however is insulated from shaft 108, connected to ground through conductor 112 and brush 113. and provided with tour contact cams 114 at right angles to each other and of a length sulficient to make contact with the associated pen 115 for a' period of approximately one impulse. On the other end of shaft 108 and preferably insulated therefrom. and sup plied with battery through conductor 102 and brush 116 is a series of four disks 9* q to r 9*, each of which bears a'single contact cam 117 somewhat less than a quadrantin extent and each displaced from the other by 90. These cam contacts 117 make contact with pens 118.connected respectively with impulse grpup relays r to- W, the arrangement being such that the relays r to r are successively energized each for a period somewhat less than a quarter of a revolution of the disks of thr sending machine. ljVhile there are shown herein disks having cam contacts in a 90 relation, obviously the number of cam contac?- per disk, and their relations may be varie atwill and is to be chosen in accordance with the number of groups of impulses to be sent. Associated with this sending machine is plurality of key sets, designated respectively I, II and III. Each set consists of four rows K to K. The contacts made by the push buttons of the rows are substantially the same as those made by rows K and K of Fig. 2, but instead of being connected by rows each with a set of contact pens 110, the rows of all the key sets are multiplied commonly to contact pens 110. "On the other hand the common conductors 0' to c of eachkey set- I, H and III are connected each to an individual contact in one of the impulse grou relays r to r in the order of the rows, a1

conductors c of rows K extending to contacts in relay 9?, all conductors 0 of rows extending to contacts in group relay 1, etc. {Ira-responding contacts of the relays 7" to 1' are connected with common 'conductors C", C and G whichextend' to the cuton and cut-elf relays R211 of Fig. 5, and of which relays there are three groups, one for each key set I, H and Ill, and controlled from disk Q; in essentially the same manner as in the term of Fig. 2. Instead, how-- ever, of initial closure of the circuit of relay R from the last row K in which a'push button is depressed, special starting keys S A: b", S k are used, one for each key set, and each adapted to. initially, energize the relay R of the corresponding group R R ltis of course apparent that conductors C, C and C correspond to conductors 32 and of F 2. Four rows of K push buttons areprovided in each key set, but obviously this may be varied at will and depends solely upon the number of groups of con-- trolling impulses to be transmitted, and the number of groups of impulses depends in manently or temporarily l whdidb turn upon the number of switching operatiens incident to the system.

Referring now to Fig. 5, it will be seen that the arrangement of the individual groups of cut-.on and cut o il relays R, R difiers from that of Fig. 2 in that the relays B are pulled up through contacts w on relays R instead of the closure of the cir- .cuit directly by the stunting keys S is .corresponding to contacts is of Fig. 2. (Conduotor 119 connected with brush 115 ofdisk Q is multipled to'contacts 1" of relays Rt Through indiwidual keys ,or plugs Y, Y, Y, conductors 15, 16 of the groups Br", R may be individually connected with conduotors 15, 16 which are connected per with a link or trunk [circuit such as that shown in Fig. 1, and in the same manner ,as conductors 15 and L6 of Fig. 1'.OO,IIIIQQlIBCl with that circuit. An additional contact r on each of the relays R is arranged normally to close the diwquit of a lamp 120 through contacts :121 filmed when key Y is pressed. Conductors 15, L6 and {122 are multipled to other sets of keys Y, K, Y associated with other links .or .m-,un;ks, in the manner illustrated in I connection \With the link circuit of Fig. 1,; there being provided a set of lamps 120 tori each set of keys h. and a set of keys Y forj each link or trunk. The operation of this modification is as follows: Impulses are conrtinuously generated by the continuous revof lution [of Wheel llV of the sending machine, 5 Theloperator answering ;a call aiiter connect- 1 an idle-cord circuit with the calling line 1 obtains from the subscriber the number he desines. Guided by the lamps 120 which are illuminated when the corresponding key sets ane busy, she picks out an idle key set and 1 sets up ,on the rows of buttons K the number of (the gelled line immediately thereafter (it not immediately before) pressing the corresponding key 1 connecting the. selected key set with the cord circuit, and then pressing the corresponding starting key S 70. llhis at once energizes the corresponding r ela R, which pulling up locks up over co r duct-or 123 and ;pen disk Q and conductor 1052 to battery. biinultaneously relay R closses the .circuit of relay R by its Contact 9", and u'elayllt docks ;up ,over conductor 124 and by pour and the path ust traced lirom pen 7 to batterv. From this point on, the operation of the relays R, R is essentially the Sunless-the operation of the samegroup n ,i -ig. The operation of the sending niavhine and the multiply fed key sets, howcuer, is difierent. Relay R having fallen lack and the cenductors 15, 16 haui-ng bcen closml to cm'dcircuit, the rows K of each key .set are sunultancously associated with the impulse conductors. U to ,C" by means of .thc energgizution ct unpulse group relay r, [the wiper 11,7 of this relay having or g: god the pen 118. Impulscs generated by the wheel ,W are then transmitted by way of the disk of the group Q to Q .connected by pen 110 with the individual but ton o l the row K which is pressed, through the contacts of this button, by common conduuator c, by that one of conductors C, C, C corresponding to the key set selected, to the contacts of the co responding group 1t, R and the corresponding key Y to the link circuit. This group having been transmitted, in a period of time somewhat less than a quarter 11$,V0lllti0n of the sending machine, the impulse group relay R is deenergizied, ands. shifting impulse is ,trans- I inittecl trom ground by way of conductor 5112, brush 113, cam 11+} and pen 115 of w icel Qf ,oyer conductor 1,19 and by conductor 16 to the opposite side of the link. The first group ,of selecting impulses having directed the selecting switch through its primary ,openation, the shifting impulse starts the switch on its secondary .operatitm to find an idle trunk in the succeeding group.

.Saificient time hayingelapsed tor this pur-' pose, impulse group relay rr 'is energized by theclosureot' its circuit through contact 117, 118 of .disk r 1 its re ay connecting with common conductors :0, G C the rows K out the key sets with {the result that the second digit of the number is translated into impuls s transmitted over the path iu d scribed and through the first selector switch to the second with the same result. Thereafter. the ,relay 1' having been deenergized, the second shifting impulse follows and so on. The fourth group of impulses resulting from the translation of the number set up on the rows K may be used for party Line selection. From this it will be seen that from the one sending machine it is possible to supply impulses to a multiple number of key sets, and to use this multiple number of key sets variably with a multiple number of link circuits or trunks without any confu sion whatsoever. The lamps 120 indicate at all times the busy or idle condition ,of the key sets, and the transmission-of the sets of impulses for any number is commenced always from the same point as determined by the wheel 'Q and the relays R, R The transmission simultaneously of ,a plurality of sets of controlling impulses proceeds without disorder .of any kind.

In Figs. 6, ,7 and 8 I show the mechanical construction of the rows of buttons in the key sets. As illustrated them are ten buttons, l to 9 and 0, while in the diagrams I have illustrated only 5. This diagrammatic illustration is simply for convenience, ,there being provided ten buttons in each row ,to represent the ten digits] These buttons are mounted on the LLPPerends of push rods 125 extending through d pper and lower plates 1.26 and 127. The ,plate 12,7 is composite,

and composed in its main body of insulating material in which are socketed or embedded the contacts etc. which control the circuits of the sending machine. On each plunger 125.just beneath plate 126 is fastened a block 128 provided on, one side with an insulating lug 129 bearing through a beveled face on the outturned end of one of the contacts is, while on the opposite side the rod 128 is provided with a dog 130 which bears by its bevel face on a pin 131 in the bar 132.

This bar is slidably mounted in uprights tacts is are closed as illustrated in the-third key. Spring 135 normally bias the keys upwardly so that when any key is pressed down, the key at that time latched is released, whereby as hereinbefore mentioned,

it is impossible to have two or more keys closed at the same time without holding a finger on each key. Confusion in .the number of impulses is thereby avoided.

In detail construction, the insulating main body of plate 127 is embracedby metallic side plate 136 into which the upright end members 133 are entered in lateral sockets, the ends being riveted oven, .The upper ends of 133 are entered in vertical sockets in plate 126 and likewise riveted over. Stop pins 137 are passed transversely of plates 136 immediately below the ends of plungers While I have shown and described the best-forms of my invention now known to me, it is of course well understood that my invention maybe embodied in many forms without departing in any wise from its generic spirit. I desire to cover all such forms in the annexed claims.

I have not deemed it necessary to show the selector and connector circuits of the larger system to which the form of Figs. 4 and 5 is especially adapted, since my invention does not have to do with the number of trunks used. 7

It is contemplated by my invention and a part of the same, that the keys of the sets Y and Y are to be formed in an essentially similar manner to those of the rows K as illustrated in Figs. 6 to 8 and furthermore that the same latching means .is tobe used in connection with these keys Y to Y whereby when any one of them is pressed t e other is released. However this feature may beomitted its use being optional.

By the term latent signal transmitter I mean a transmitter which the setting act does not directly or immediately operate asinoaaaa th unit digits or other code ,indications are set up, but in which the signal is stored up latent until its character is fully completed and some further act or condition supervenes to release it. This further act may be the closure of the last button of the ring.

ing set asdescribed or ome other occurrence mission of each part ofthe code signal before setting Up the next part as in the use of single diglt or direct acting transmitters. The total operator time per connection thus saved is several seconds. i

What I claim is 1. In a telephone system, a continuously driven multiple signal impulse transmitting device, together with automatic switches for connecting lines, controlled by said transmitting device. I 2. In a telephone'system, a system of continuously driven commutators, producing impulses continuously, and a bank of selecting keys adapted to select from said commutators the impulses desired for any specific selection, together with automatic line connecting switches controlled thereby.

3. In a telephone system, a system of continuously driven commutators producing. im-

pulses continuously, and a plurality of im-- pulse selecting devices adapted to select from said commutators the impulses desired for any specific selection together with automatic line connecting switches controlled thereby.

i. In a telephone system, a system of continuously driven commutators producing selective impulses continuously, and a plurality of sets of selecting keys adapted to select from said commutators the impulses desired for any specific selection, together with automatic line connecting switches controlled thereby. Y

5. In a telephone system, a system of continuously revolving commutators producing in each revolution a complete cycle of selective impulses in the maximum required for any possible selection; and means for excerpting from any cycle the impulses required for any. specific selection, together with automatic line connecting switches controlled thereby.

6. In a telephone system, a system of continuously revolving commutators producing in. each revolution a complete cycle of selective impulses in the maximum required for any possible selection; and a bank of selecttinuously revolving commutators producing in each revolution a. complete cycle of signaling, impulses in the maximum number required lior any possible selection; and a plurality of sets of keys associated with said system of commutators and adapted to excerpt from any cycle of impulses the specific impulses required for any specific selection, together with automatic line connection switches controlled thereby.

8. In a telephone system, a pair of bus conductors leading to an operators keyboard; a source of current; a plurality of keys; :1 commutator device, auxiliary conductors leading from said keys to said commutating device and arranged in said commutating; device to receive impulses from said source of current varying with the difh'erent auxiliary conductors, said keys being adapted to connect a limited plurality of said auxiliary conductors to one of said bus conductors.

In a telephone system, a system of continuously driven commutators producing selective impulses repeatedly, and a bank of selecting keys adapted to select from said commutators the impulses required for any specific selection, and in a predetermined order, togetl'ier with automatic line connecting switches controlled thereby, substan tially as described.

10. In a telephone system, a plurality of subscribers lines, automatic switching apparatus, means for connecting said lines to said automatic switching apparatus, a mechanical number recording device whereon an operator may record individually a plurality of digits of the number of the line desired, and independently and differently characterized electrical circuits selectively associated with said recording device and including automatic means whereby the mechanically recorded directory digits are subsequentl translated consecutively into corresponding controlling impulses whereby the automatic switching apparatus is controlled to complete the connection of the calling line to the line desired.

11. In a telephone exchange system, a plurality of lines to be interconnected, a plurality of automatic switches for effecting the interconnection, but normally disconnected from the lines. means for connecting the switches to calling lines, and switch controlling means comprising an operators keyboard having keys or buttons arranged in groups corresponding to the digits of the number to he called and a plurality of independently and differently characterized electrical control circuits governed by the keys, with means to connect the keyboard to any of said switches for actuating the same.

12. A semi-automatic telephone exchange system comprising a plurality of lines to be interconnected, a' number of automaticswitches less than the numbe of lines, and

a number of operators sendingor controlling devices less than the number of switches, with means to bring a sending device into temporary association with the various switches for actuating the same, each sending device comprising a composite variable signal wheel, a motor for driving the same, and a keyboard having a plurality of digital rows of keys connected with the wheel for setting up the number wanted, substantially as described.

13. In a telephone exchange system, a plurulity of lines to be interconnected, a number of trunk circuits less than the number of lines, automatic switches for connectingsuid trunk circuits with called subscribers lines, an operators sender for controlling said automatic switches, said sender comprising a number wheel and a plurality of rectilinear rows of selective buttons, each row having a limited number of buttons cotiperating there with to determine the digits of the number transmitted, and means for connecting calling lines with said trunks, substantially as described.

14. In a telephone system, a plurality of telephone lines; a link circuit; a constantly revolving generator of signal impulses; automatic selective switches adapted to be actuated by said impulses; means for connecting said link to a callin line; means for connecting said link to sai generator of signal impulses; and means for connecting said link to an automatic selective switch.

15. In a telephone system, trunks, automatic switches, a system of continuously driven connnutators, producing impulses continuously, and a bank of selecting keys adapted to select from said. commutators the impulses required to actuate said switches for any spccific selection.

16. In a telephone system, automatic connecting switches, trunks to said automatic connecting switches, a system of continuously driven commutators, producing selective impulses continuously, and a bank of selecting keys adapted to select from said commutator the impulses desired for the operation of that trunks selector switch.

17. In a telephone exchange system, a plurality of subscribers stations, a central station, line-wires passing from the sub-station to the central station, automatic switches for interconnecting the lines, latent signal trans mitters at the central station comprising continuously revolving commutator devices,. a

number selecting bank of ush buttons, and devices for connecting to tie said automatic switches for actuating said switches.

18. In a telephone exchange system, a plurality of subscribers stations, a central station, line-circuits interconnecting them, antomatic switching devices less than the number of lines, at the central station, and latent signal transmitters alsoat the central station 25. In a telephone exchange system, a plurality of automatic switching devices, trunk lines therefor, a constantly driven multiple signal transmitter common to said switches,

comprising continuously revolving c0mmutator devices and a bankof signal-varying push buttons adapted to be controlled by operators thereat for'setting the switches,

19. In a telephone exchange system a pluand operators keys for selectively connectrality of. subscribers lines, a central ofice ingthe said signal transmitter to-said autotherefor, automatic switching apparatus at matic switching devices. said cent-ral'ofice, an operating device at the 26. In a telephone exchange systema plucentral oiiice consisting of constantly driven rality of automatic switches, a common commutators associated with signal-selecting variable signal transmitter comprising a push buttons and common tO' 'a plurality of plurality of independently and difl'erently theswitches thereof, and switching means characterized electrical control circuits, controlled by an. operatorto connect said switching keys for selectively connecting the device to any desired switch or switches so same'to the switches, and a trip device to as tooperate the same. disconnect the same after a particular sig- 20. In" a telephone exchange system a' plunal has been completed. rality of automatic switching devices, and a 27. In a telephone exchange system, a plucontroller' consisting of constantly driven rality of automatic switches, a common signaling commutators and an associated variable signal device comprising a plurality bank of signal selecting push buttons and of impulse transmitters, operating switching common to all of them, together with means keys for selectively connecting the elements to apply the same to any desired switch for of said transmitter to the automatic switches the purpose of actuating the same. as desired, and a trip device controlled in 21. In a telephone exchange system a pluthe operation of the transmitter for disconrality of line-circuits, a plurality of'autonecting the same after each connection when matic switches, and a common impulse genthe selected signal. has been completely orator or commutating device continuously transmitted to the switches. driven and continuously producing uniform 28-"II1 an aHt matiC telephone ex hange repeated cycles of automatic-switch control-. system, a' plurality of line-circuits and a pluling impulses, and a bank of push buttons rality of'automatic switches for interconter consisting of necting the same, a common constantly driven multiple signal and impulse generator or commutator, selective keys controlled by an operator and adapted to be set so as to determine a particular number or group 0 of numbers, a starting device automatically controlled in the operation of the generator or commutator to connect the same through the keys to the switch associated therewith,

so as to transmit the selected number in order; and a disabling device thereafter controlled bythe generator'or commutator to efi'ect disconnection of said generator from the switch when the selectednumbers have been transmitted complete.

29. In a telephone exchange system a plurality of automatic switches for interconnecting lines, and a controlling device therefor comprising the following instrumentalities: a set of contact makers and contacts cooperating therewith, so as respectively to produce groups of current impulses .from 1 to 10, a group of ten selective keys or switches, each when actuated "adapted to select and connect with the corresponding contact maker, and means to efiect disconnection when a complete number has been transmitted.

30. In a telephone exchange system a plurality of automatic switches for intercon- 1 necting lines and controlling means-therefor comprising the following instrumentalities:

a multiple contact sender having elements adapted to produce current impulses in groups from 1 to l0,'selective keys in groups adapted to excerpt from a complete cycle any desired combination oi impulses re quired for properly operating one of said automatic switches, together with means whereby selected operating impulses-therefrom may be sent to any desired switch or; switches'for the purpose of operating the same. I

'22."In a telephone exchange system a plurality of subscribers lines, a plurality of antomatic switches, a variable signal transmitcontinuously rotating commutators and associated selecting push buttons and common to said switches, and contact devices whereby'said .variable signal transmitter may be connected to said switches so as to supply the same with any desired number and arrangement of impulses to produce a given connection.

23. In a telephone exchange system, a subscribers line, and signal devices responsive to calls thereover, an automatic switch associated with said line, and an operators controlling device consisting of a set of impulse selecting push buttons associated with a continuously'operating impulse producing mechanism for actuating said switch to effect any desired connection.

24. In a telephone exchange system, a cen tral otfice equipment comprising a plurality of automatic switches, a multiple commutating device common to a plurality of said switches, and operators keys for selectively connecting said commutating device to the switches.

adapted :to lreceive ssaid impulses in IPI'OPEZI'I sequence ,when set, ;-a starting device :for completing operative connection from said multiple contact sender through the selective key or-keys to the desired switcher-switches, becoming operative at the ,lbeginnin of a l sequence, and a sto ping device 'for e ectingg' disconnection of t e previously connected switchor switches from said multiple contact sender in any articular case at the end ofthe sequence'oi impulses.

31. In altelephone exchange system a .p1u-: rality of automatic switches for interconnecting lines, and a controlling device there-i .for comprising the following ,instrumentali ties: a constantly driven common multiple snumber transmitter having ten elements with associated contacts adapted to produce impulses from 1 to '10, respectively, a group of selective keys adaptedto be set by an operator 11:0 partially connect !the selected elements to a switch circuit, a relay for completing the connection, a starting device adapted to control said relay, said starting deviceacting at the beginnin of a sequence of impulses produced by vt e transmitter only, andQmeanS controlled by the operator in setting theselective keys, to connect said relay so that it will be actuated by said stantingrdevice at the beginning of the next succeeding sequence of impulses.

-32. In-a telephone exchange system, a plurality of subscribers lines, one or more of said lines having a plurality of substations 'upon it, automatic switching apparatus for interconnecting the lines, selective signal- .ingmeans associated with said switching apparatus, an automatic impulse transmitter, switching means-controlled by an operator .to connect the sameto the automatic switching apparatus in order to select the desired sline and means also controlled by an oper- .ator toconnect the same to the selective signal means whereby the latter will be automatically actuated to select and signal the desired substation, substantially as de scribed.

33. Ina telephone exchange system, a plurality-of subscribers stations; a central station; line Wires passing'from the substations to the central station; automatic switches tor interconnecting the lines; latent signal transmitters at the central station com-prising revolving commutator devices and ,a number selecting bank of push buttons; and devices for connecting said sig nal transmitters tosaid automatic switches for actuating said switches, substantially as described.

34. In atelephoneexchange system, a plulrality of subscribers stations; a central station; line wires passing from the substations .to the central station; automatic switches for interconnecting the lines; latent signal transmitters .at the central station comprising ecommutator devices and a number selleeting bank of push buttons; and devices for connecting said signal transmitters to said automatic switches for actuating said switches, substantially as described.

35. In a telephone exchange system, a pinrality of subscribers stations; a central staltion line wires passing from the substations ltothe centralstation; automatic switches for interconnecting the lines; latent signal transmitters at the central station comprising-continuously revolving commutator devices and a number selecting bank of keys; and devices for connecting said signal transmitters 'to said automatic switches for s actuating said switches, substantially as described. p

36. In-a telephone exchange system, a .plurality of subscribers stations; a central station; line circuits interconnecting them; automatic switching devices less than the number of lines at the central station; and latent signal transmitters also at the central station 'comprisin revolving commutator devices and a ban of signal varying push buttons adapted to be controlled by operators thereat for setting the switches, substantially as described.

37. In a telephone exchange system,.a plulralityof subscribers stations; a-central station; line circuits interconnecting them; automatic switching devices less than the number-of lines, at thecentral station; and latent signal transmitters also at the central station comprising a bank of signal varying keys adapted to be controlled by operators thereat for setting the switches, substantially as described.

88. In atelephone exchange system, a plurality ofsubscribers lines; a central oflice therefor; automatic switching apparatus at said central ofiice;'an operating device at the central oflice consisting .of commutators associated with signal selecting push but- .tons and common to a plurality of the switches thereof, and switching means con trolled by an operator to connect said device to any desired switch or switches so as to operate.the same, substantially as described.

39. In a telephone exchange system, a plurality of subscribers lines; a central oilicc therefor; automaticswitching apparatus at said central office; an operating device at the central oflice consisting of constantly driven commutator-s associated with signal selecting devices and common to a plurality of the switches thereof and switching means controlled by an operator to connect said device to any desired switch or switches so as to operate the same, substantially as described.

40. In a [telephone exchange system, a plurality oiautdmatic switching devices; and a controller consisting of signaling commutators and an associated bank of signal selecting push buttons and common to all of said automatic switching devices, together with means to apply the same to any desired switch for the purpose of actuating the same, substantially as described. I

41. In a telephone exchange system, a plurality of automatic switching devices; and a controller consisting of constantly driven signaling commutators and associated signal-selecting devices and common to all of said automatic switching devices, together with means to apply the same to any desired switch for the purpose of actuating the same, substantially as described.

42. In a telephone exchange system, a plurality of subscribers lines; a central office and a plurality of automatic switches thereat; together with an impulse generator or number transmitted consisting of a plurality of independently and differently characterized electrical control circuits including impulse generating devices associated with a bank of circuit selecting push buttons and common to said switches, and means whereby an operator may connect the said transmitter to send selected controlling impulses to any desired switch, substantially as described.

43. In a telephone exchange system, .a plurality of subscribers lines; a central office and a plurality of automatic switches thereat; together with an impulse generator or number transmitter consisting of constantly driven impulse generating devices associated with a bank of impulse select- 'ing keys and common to said switches; and

means whereby an operator may connect the same to send selected controlling impulses to any desired switch, substantially as described. v I

44. In a telephone exchange system, a plurality of subscribers lines; a central office and a plurality of automatic switches thereat; together with an impulse generator or number transmitter consisting of constantlydriven impulse generating devices associated with impulse selecting means common to said switches; and means whereby an operator may control the same to send selected controlling impulses to any desired switch, substantially as described.

45. In a telephone e change system, a

plurality of subscribers stations; a central station-5' line wires passing from the substations to the central station; automatic switchesfor interconnecting. the lines; latent signal transmitters at the central station comprising commutator devices and a number selecting bank of keys; and devices for connecting said signal transmitters to said automatic switches for actuating said switches, substantially as described.

46. In atelephone exchange system, a

plurality of'subscribers stations; a central station; line circuits interconnecting them; automatic switching devices less than the number of lines at thecentral station; and latent signal transmitters also at the central station comprising commutator devices and be controlled by operators thereat forsettin the switches, substantially as described. I 4%. In a telephone exchange system, a plurality of subscribers lines, a central station in which said lines terminate, 'automatic switches for interconnecting the lines, and latent signal transmitters at the central station comprising mechanism for transmitting impulses, w1th means selectively controlled by the operators'to determine the numbers, and connections from said latent signal transmitters to the switches, whereby the operators may predetermine the movement of the switches, without being compelled to progressively follow or direct the same.

.a bank of signal varying keys adapted to n 48. Ina telephone exchange system, a plurality of subscribers lines, automatic switches for interconnecting the lines, means whereby an operator may connect with the lines for purposes of conversation, and a latent multiple signal transmitter associated with the switches and controllable by the operator to predetermine the operation of the switches in selecting a number without requiring further action on the part of the operator.

49. In a telephone system, a systemof con tinuously driven commutators producing impulses continuously, and a plurality of adapted to eycerpt from any cycle the im-,

pulses required for any specific selection, together with automatic line selecting switches controlled thereby.

51. Ina telephone system, a plurality'of pairs of bus conductors leading each to an operators key board, a source of current, a plurality of sets ofkeys on said key board, a commutating device, auxiliary conductors leading from said sets of keys to said commutating device and arranged in said commutating device to receive impulses from said source of current varying with. the

diflerent auxiliary conductors, saidset's of keys being each adapted to connect a lime ited plurality'of said auxiliary conductors to one of said bus conductors.

.52. In a telephone exchangesystani, a-

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