US1229463A - Electric signaling system. - Google Patents

Description

H. HUBBELL. ELECTRIC SIGNALING SYSTEM.

Anon-FILED Aufmo 191s' l. H l, W W H l l I ,I gy. 2

H. HUBBELL.

ELECTRIC SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED AuG.Io. IaIe.

Patented June 12, 1917.

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3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- R O T N E V .NI

yATTORNEY dental to the above,

ni opinie f Hanvnrnnnnnnn or Bnrnenron'r. CONNECTICUT.

ELECTRIC SIGrBIl'AIalIIl'G-v SYSTEM.

Specication of Letters Patent. Patltttl um@ `l2., llglllg Application filed August 10, 131.6. Serialifo. 114,198.

5 Connecticut, have invented anA Improvement in Electric Signaling Systems, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates generally to call.

systems, with more particular reference to what are known as flash-light signal installations, in which normally open electric circuits run from a convenient central station to a number of ,different local stations, whereby an operative at the central station may close any one of said circuits and thereby transmit a message in the form of a `prearranged signal visible or audible 'at each of said local stations. These systems are especially adapted to save'time and trouble .in large factories, mercantile houses, etc., which comprise a number of. different and sometimes widely separated departments, and it is frequently'necessary to summon from the main oflice an official or an employee permanently stationed in'oneof' the departments or happening to be in such department when l his presence is desired at the main office.

ylhe principal object of the present invention is the provision of av call system of the character outlined which, with a comparatively simple wiring system, will not only transmit any one' of a very largenumber of differently interpretable signals from a single, compact switch-board, but which by a single operation willtransmit the same signal simultaneously to a local station in each department-or variously located throughout the building or the plant. I have further in view the provision of a 'switch-board and connections which will be fool-proofthat is to say, one which can be dependably' operated by an unskilled and inexperienced employee; also, the provision of signaling devices at the local stations'which are simple, compactly arranged and capable of rendering a comparatively large'number of different signals through the instrumentality of a minimum number of signaling instrumentalities; also` the provision of means at the switch-board for instantly :indicating whether or not the system is in order and the proper signal being the provision of an exceedingly comprehensive signaling system which may-be installed at a costv comparap .tve'lyysmall enugh to permit of its installa-- transmitted; and, inci tion by manufacturers and merchants to lwhom the cost ofthe installation o-f more intricate Vsystems would be prohibitive.

. My invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which- Figure 1 is afront elevation of a preferred form of. switch-board adapted for use in connection with a system embodying my inventlon, illustrating diagrammatically certain local appurtenances thereto, a part of theY wiring and threeof the preferred forms of local-station signaling devices;

Fig. 2 is a rear view, in perspective, of the same', the local-station signaling devices being omitted.;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view of a practical and convenient method of switch-board wiring, and,

Fig. 4 isa perspective view 'of one of the .local-station signaling devices shown diagrammatically in Fig. l. f

While it will be apparent that my inventin is applicable to the transmission of forces adapted to produce auditory as well as visual signals,- as a preferredj embodiment of my invention l shall proceed to describe a flashlight call system embodying my invention as probably a system which is in all respects most satisfactory and economical. ln the drawings, therefore, l have shown a switchboard 23 provided with a plurality of snapv switches 10.10. For the purposes of illustration, l .have shown these switches arranged in six rows of five switches each, making 30 switches in all, although it is to be understood that the number and arrangement of these switches forms no part of this invention. However, where lamps of dif-' ferent colors are employed, the illumination4 of one or more of which, steadily or intermittently, constitutes a pre-arranged signal,

and @tell-talev lamps are provided at the switch-board to indicate that the proper signals are being. transmitted, it is desirable that the switches bearranged in. rows,vone row for each color of lamp employed, although the number of switches in each row may be varied to meet individual requirements-that is to say, may be varied to make up a total number of switches corresponding to the total number desirable totransmit from time to time.

of did'erent signals any one of wlich it might become ln a, ash-light'system such as that shownA and now beingdescribed, each of the localstation signaling devices comprises a board or base (Fig. 4L) provided with socketsl for a plurality of electric lamps 12, the number of lamps preferably corresponding to the number of horizontal rows of switches in the switch-board, six of such rows being shown in the drawings, "whereby for ,reasons which will subsequently appear each row of switches in the switch-board more particu larly appertains to lampsof a certain definite color and a lamp of each of the colors employed may be mounted in said board or base. One of these boards or bases, with,

. lamp, burning steadily, may indicate that the presence of a certain person is desired at the oilice; a steadilyburning red lamp may convey the same information to another person; a still different message may be conveyed by the combination of two lamps of different colors burning steadily; another pre-arranged signal may be the constant glow of a lamp of one color and the intermittent glow or flashing of a lamp of another color. In fact, it will be apparent that a practically unlimited number of variationsof the signal is possible, the same signal being simultaneously transmitted to practically any desired number of local stations.

For the purposes ofvthis description, let it be assumed that the switch 10` in the upper left-hand corner (Fig. 1) of board controls the circuit which includes the white lamp of the lamps 12 in the boards Vor bases at each of the local stations. The re maining switches in the same row also control circuits which include each of said white lamps, either 'separately or in combination with a circuit whichv includes lamps of a different color, or circuits which, through the deflectionof one of the branches thereof through what is known as a flasher, cause v the illumination of the white light intermittently with -single flashes'at regular'intervals, or double or triple flashes at regular intervals, or the alternate ilashing'of the white lamp and one of the colored lamps.-

the switch at'the left end of the Similarly, second ronT may control the circuit which includes green lamps, and the switches in this row .may be ccrrespondinglyl adapted to transmlt signals which comprise a steadily burning green lamp,

andthe lamp of another color burnin stead ily or flashmg alternately or interm1ttently.

cally unlimited ynumber of differenty simple the switch-v a flashing green, lamp, or a combination of the green lampA preferably the practiu. v y 1,229,463

andicompound `signalsy may lbe transmitted to`a large-number of receiving stations each equipped with a relatively very small number of lamps. In fact, it may be figured out that the number of different signals which maybe transmitted to a siX-lamp station is for all practical purposes limited only by the number of switches which can and the limit of practicability in the intridescribed, I employ what is termed a flasher.

This flasher is a commonand Well-known device of commerce, readily purchasable on' the market, and need not be described in detail in this specification:l Itis well yknown in this art that the interposition of a flasher in a lighting circuit makes and breaks the circuit at predetermined. intervals, causing theflasliing on and'off of -a lamp lamps in the circuit, the duration of the flash or the interval between flashes, whether constant `or varying,v being predeterminable through proper adjustment of the ordinary circuit making and breaking devices within the flasher. In the drawing, I have designated this flasher by the numeral 14 and shown the same having driving connection with an electric motor 13. f y f The particular method ofwiring employed, to transmit impulses of a selective character to the local-station signals is of course not of the essence of this invention.y

' Different skilled electricians might naturally wire the switch-board and establish the connections with kthe local-station lamps in many different Ways, each accomplishing thev sow or the electric energy. A wirevl leads from the feed wire 15 through an insulating bushing- 18jtoa terminal 28 within the switch-board. From this terminal 28 lead a pluralityof bus- rods 28, 28", 28c and 28dthe`number thereof being 'preferably one less than the number of switches in each of thehorizontal rows. Fromthe bus-rod 28a, a wire 17a leads through-the switch 10a (Fig.` 3) to the busbar 29a, ,from which leads a wire 24 passing through; one of thel fuse-plugs 25 in the 'blocks 26 and thence 'as one of the wires 24'( Figs. 1 and 2) to the various local sta: tions at eachof which it has the usual con.- l'iection with the socket of one of the lamps` in this case', vfor purposes of description, white or clear lamp-the latter being connected in the usual manner with thel return wire 16, which isl similarly one ofv v carried through all of the local stations successively. The switch -10a (again referring to Fig. 3) -may be a single-pole switch, as shown, adapted to merely make and break the circuit, and it will be apparent that when the circuit is completed through the switch, the particular lamp 12 among the lamps at each local station in said circuit wfifll burn steadily until the switch is thrown o f Let it be supposed that another signal is two fiashes of the same lamp in rapid succesion with an appreciable interval of time between each double flash. To render this signal, of course, the circuit must include the flasher .and the latter be provided with the proper making and' breaking mechanism. From the wire 17, which leads from the feed wire 15, a branch 19 is directed into the flasher and connected with the parts of the mechanisms thereof which make and break the circuit atintervals which correspond to the desired intervals between the flashes of the signal lamp. From this particular circuit making v,and breaking mechanism leads the wire 20, which passes through the insulating bushing 18 to connection with the bus-rod a. From this bus-rod 30a leads the wire 24b through-the switch 10"-` through the bus-bar 29a. A wire 31 leads from the busrod 28a through thel switch 10 to the bus-rod 39b and thence through the terminal .40 a'nd the Awire 41 to the motor 13, from which the wire 32 completes the circuitto the return wire 16. 0f course,

Vthis switch 1()b must be a double-pole 'switch which, when closed, establishes two circuits; one, a circuit from the feed wire 15 through the wire 17, the terminal 28, the bus-rod 28, Lthe wire 31 which includes the switch 10b, the bus-rod 39", the terminal 40, the wire 41, the motor 13, and the wire 32 to the return wire 16, whereby the motor is energized and the flasher operated; the other a circuit .from the feed wire 15 through the wire 17 andthe branch 19 thereof, the flasher, thewire 20 there-v from, the bus-rod 30, the wire 24" which includes the switch 10b, to the bus-bar 29a,

from which a wire lea-ds through one of the fuses to vone of' the lamps 12 at each local station in the manner hereinbefore. de-

' scribed. 1t will Abe apparent, therefore, that when these circuits are 'made through the switch 10"; the motor will be driven and the `mechanism of the asher thereby set in motion,. and simultaneously a current be directed intermittently through the lamp to ash the same at, thedesired intervals.

Another signal may be the periodically recurring single flash 'ofgeach lamp appertaining to the switches-in this row-ffor 1nstance, the white or clear lamp to Vwhich ll have referred. To render this signal the third switch *10c (Fig. 3) may be employed,

x anotherwire 24, the current the switch 10c to the bus-rod 39, and thence through the terminal 40 to the motor 13 which is in circuit with the return wine 16 inthe manner described. The lamp circuit includes the wire-17 from the feed wire 15, the branch 19 thereof into the flasher, the wire l21 from the flasher through the terminal 42 to the bus-rod 30", andthe Wire 34 leading through the switch 10.to the busbar 29a and thence through the lamp in the manner described. In this case, the current from the wire 19 passes through mechanism in the flasher 14 which affects the making and breaking of the circuit at regular intervals, whereby the white orclear lamp at eachA local station will -be flashed at correl sponding intervals.

rFhe signal transmitted vby the fourth switch in this row'may be the alternate flashing of two lamps, one white or clear and one colored. 'llo render this signal, a triple-pole switch must be employed, and a suitable V.connection established with a busbar (corresponding to the bus-bar 29a) which is comto the bus-bar 29a for each horizontal row of.-

lamps. Assuming that the second row of switchesprimarily control the circuits which include, the green lamps, the fourth switch in the first .row (Fig. 1) may be assumed to make circuits which will result in the alternate regular dashing of a clear and a green lamp onv the` board at each local statio n.

rlhree circuits, of course, must be established, these three circuits comprising, first, the motor circuit, which includes the wire 17 from the feed wire 15, the terminal 28, the

bus-rod 28, the wire 35 through the switch 10d (Fig.` 3), the busrod 39d and thevterminal 40 to the motor-13, and the wire from Y said m'otor to the return wire l16; second, the wire 21 from the flasher, the terminal 42, the bus-rod 30d, and the ,wire-36 leading therefrom through the switch 10d to tlle bus-bar 29a and thence through'the same (white or l clear) lamp in the manner'described, where'- l.' `bysaid lamp ris regularly flashed; third, vthe f wire 22 from the flasher, the terminal 43, the

bus-rod 30P, and-ithewire 37 vleading throughv the switch lQd'tovth'e bus-bar'29", from which a wire-24"- lea'ds through another fuse 25 to energizes another Yof the lamps' 12 at veach of .thelphicalstations. "lfh'ere fore'it will be seen through which aan I yim' that the closing of these three circuits' through `operation of the switch 10d will effect the-alternate flashing of a white or v vclear lamp and a lamp ofthe color associated with the switches inthesecond horizontal -row thereof.

As shown in Fig. 3, the signal designed to be transmitted by operation of the fifthswitch in. this first row is the same as the signal designed to be transmitted'by operation of the fourth switch, except that the alternate flash is by a ,lamp of a different thanvthe bars 29a and 29"---as7 for instance,

the bus-bar 29, which is'l common to lamps E of a color-associated with the switches in the third horizontal row thereof.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that through the snappingofany one of the switches a pre-arranged and readily distinguishable signal may be transmitted simultaneously to each of a comparatively large number of local stations, and thus any particular oiiicerfemployeebr other person summoned (or other'message conveyed-to him.) irrespective--within reasonable limitsof his whereabouts 1n the factory or plant at the time his attendance is desired or other message is required to be conveyed ,to him. To guard against mistakes in the selection of the vcard-holders 11 may be provided, each be# ing adaptedto receive a card bearing the name of a particular person to whom it is more or less lfrequently necessary to convey a message7 and each located in immediate proximity to the particular switch the signal controlled by which is intended to be y noted and `answered by the individual whose I provide a series of tell-tale lamps, cor"l name appears upon the identifying card. Of course, the system is. adapted to be used in connection with a telephone system, if

desired, in which event the signal may con-- vey the message to some particular individual that hei is. to forthwith communicate with the main voiice by phone. It is also'highly desirable that'the switchboard operator knowat all times that the system is working properly, and to this end responding to the series of lamps at each of the local'stations. Of course, this might be done by merely providing an additional local station, with its series of lamps mounted on a single and separate board or base, at

or near the central station and in viewr of the switch-board operator. `However, I pre- VVfer -to-arrange these tell-tale lamps 44 on y mitted.

proper switch to be thrown,l

provided inthe form of an additional local.l

station mounted in viewof theoperator at' the switch-board, the lamps will ,simply be' 75 included in the local-station lamp circuits in a manner kwhich will be clearly understoodfrom the foregoing description. If these tell-tale lamps are located at the ends of the horizontalrows of switches switch-board, as illustrated inthe drawings, branches 24g may be run from each of the l lamp wires 24 (Fig. 3) each leading-through one of the lamps 44 Afrom which a common return Wire'v 16a leads to the main return wire-16. It will thus b e. seen that in this manner the switch-board operator,f 5upon throwing a switch, is instantly made aware whether or not the. signal is being trans- In connection with the present invention, y

vit will .be apparent .that through the provision of aA single and' simplyoperable switch, associated with an identifying card f or name-plate, for the'transmission of any 95 given predetermined signal, the merest tyro might reasonably safely be depended upon to properly transmit the` desired message; '1 VAthat taking into consideration the number of different selective signals which by my .100

new system can be transmitted to many 'compact local-station receiving devices, lthe switch-board wiring is of a comparatively Simplecharacter; that operation vof the system is economical, in that current is never employed except when a signal is being transmitted even when such signal is of anintermittent character and "thus necessitates energizing the motor to operate the flasher;

and that as a whole the system is simple, 110

effective and dependable, -as well as being `economical and fool-proof.

Many modifications of minor details of my improved electric signaling system will doubtless readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art to which it apper-. tains, and I therefore dov not desire to limit myself to the specific constructionand arrangement herein shown and described.

I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent:

1. A signaling system of the character described comprising a pluralityA of electricy circuits, a grouped set ofv electrically actuated signals in said circuits, a grouped series of selective circuit making and breaking devices, an automatic circuit making and breaking device in and common to atleast a part of said circuits, and means controlled by each of certain"seletive circuit making on the 30 incarna and breaking devices for inter-connecting and 'simultaneously energizing a .plurality of circuits. I Y c 2; A signaling system of the character described comprising a plurality of electric` circuits,'a grouped set of` electrically ,ac-' c tuated signals in said circuits, a groupedseries of selective circuit making and breaking. de'- vices, an automatic circuit making and break! ing device including its actuating motor in v and common to at least a part of said cir# cuits, and means controlled by each of certainv selective circuit makingand breakingA devices for inter-connecting and simultar vices, an automatic -circuit making and `circuits, each of breakingdevice inv and common to at least a part of said circuit, and means controlled vby 'each of certain selective circuit making and breaking devices for inter-connecting and simultaneously energizing a plurality of circuits.

4i. A signaling system of the character described comprising a plurality of electric I circuits, each including at least one signal in each of a plurality of separated and corresponding groups thereof, a grouped series of selective circuit making and breaking devices, an automatic circuit making and breaking device including its actuating mo tor inand common to at least a part oi' said circuits, and means controlled Aby each of certain selective circuit making and breaking devices for inter-connecting andsimultaneously energizing a plurality of circuits.

5. A` signalingsystem oi the character described comprising a said circuits including at least one signal in each of a plurality of separated and corresponding groups thereof and each of at least: a part of the signals in each group being common to a plurality of said circuits,'a grouped seriesof selectivvelcircuit making and breaking devices, an automatic circuit making and breaking device in and common to i circuits, and means controlled -by each of certain selective circuit'making and breaking devices for inter-connecting and 'simultaneously energizing a 'plurality of circuitst 6, Asignaling system of the character de-` scribed comprising .a pluralitylofjelectric circuits, each of, saidl circuits including at 'least one signal in each of a plurality of separated and identicalgroups thereof and each of at least a part of the signals in each grou being commona plurality of said circuits,v a grouped series of selective circuit making and breaking devices, an

sets of plurality of electric a `iiasher, .a switch corresponding ,signal to 'be' rendered', and electric connec- 1 tions between, the lamps and switches at at least a kpart .of said` automatic circuit Iinakiirg. and breakindevice including its actuating motor-.in an common to l atleast apart of said circuits,

and means controlled' by each Vof certain selective- .circuit .making and breaking devices for'inter'- connecting and simult-ator in and common to at least a part of said circuits, and at least a part of said switches being in and common t6 a pluralityof said circuits.

8, 'A signaling system of the' character described comprising af plurality of electric circuits, each circuit including a switch and also including at least one lamp ,in each of a plurality of separated and corresponding grouped sets thereof, a switch-board upon which said switches are accessibly mounted in regular- -varrangemeiiu a flasher and its driving motorin and common 'to/at least a part of saidcircuits, and at least a part of said switches being in and common to a plurality ot-said circuits.

9. A signaling system of the' character described comprising a plurality of electric circuits, eachcircuit including a switch and also including at least one lamp in each of y a plurality of separated and corresponding grouped .Sets thereof, a'switcheboard upon which said switches are accessibly mounted in regular arrangement, one ofsaid grouped switcl'i-board,l a Hasherand its driving motor lin andcommon to at least a part of said circuits, and at least a part ofsaid switches being in and common to a plurality of said circuits. l

10. A signaling system of the character described-comprising a plurality of sets of dierently colored lamps, an electric motor, with each least a part of whichincludesaid motor and said flasher, whereby operation of a switch causes the rendering of la predetermined 4 signalattlie severalsets offlamps. A

11. A signaling. system of' the. character describedl comprisin' a plurality of corre-` erently colored lamps,- l a switchboard, a- ',plurality of switchesthereon each corre-,-

sponding sets ofV di an electric motor, a asher,

sponding with a particular signal to be' rendered, and

lamps being associated with saidl .125 lectric connections through the.

switchboard to the lamps inleach set,` at least a vpart of saidA connectionsV including theV 'iiaslier, substantially as described, for the purpose specilied.' i

. differently colored lamps, a flasher, a switchf. board, a switch thereon'corresponding with 12.. A 'signaling system of the character described comprising a plurality of sets of each signal to be rendered,and an independent electric -V connection from the switchboardto the lamp of each color respectively in each set of lamps, at least ja part of said connections including the flasher, substantially as described, for the purpose specified.

13. A signaling system of the character described comprising a vplurality of sets of dierently colored lamps, a flasher, a switchboard, a switch thereon corresponding withv each signal to be rendered, an independent electric connection-from each lamp of a particular color in all the sets of lamps to a corresponding switch, at least ya part of said connections including the flasher, and means Afor interconnecting at least a part4 of said l connections, whereby the operation of a i switch causes the .rende-ring of a predeterminedsignal at each set of lamps.

14. A signalingsystem of the character described comprising a plurality of sets of differently colored lamps, a flasher, a switchboard, a switch thereon corresponding with v eachvsignal to be rendered, a vtelltale signal f associated with the switchboard, and electric connections through the switchboard to the lamps in each set and to the telltale signal,

at least apart of said connections including.

`the flasher, substantially asV described, for

the purpose specified.

15. A call system of thev character described comprising a plurality of sets ,of differently colored lamps,- a flasher, a switchboard, a switch thereon corresponding with switchboard corresponding with the lamps in the sets for calls, and electric connections between the lamps, flasher and switches, whereby operation of a switch causes the flasher to produce a predetermined call at the several sets of lamps and a corresponding telltale signal on the switchboard.

veach call to be made, a telltale -signal on the c 16.4 A call 'system'of the character` de- HARVEY HUBBELL.

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