US1721478A - Electric switching - Google Patents

Description

July 16, l929 J. w.. sTocKlNcs ELECTRIC SWITCHING Filed Sept, 23, 1926 mm wm INVEN OR Patented .|915i 16, 192e. V'

rfa-TENT onirica.

.Turns w. s'rockNG, or HOLLYWOOD, cA'LIroRNIA.

ELECTRIC swrrcnme.

This invention relates to electric switching and particularly to an electric circuit controller for use in theatre'lighting.

In order to secure the desired lighting effects in theatrical productions, and particularly the smooth transition from one lighting effect to another, it is necessary to take care of a number of. unusual switching problems. The various theatre lights are arranged in` different banks,and most of these banks require not only individual control, but also control from a master, so that several banks may be switched at the same time. In certain cases, itis also desirable to control the various master switches by a main master so that the various sets of banks will be switched on or olf at the proper time.

Considering a single b ank of lights, experience has shown' that the following controls or control positions are desirable in order to secure all the effects required:

(a) An offposition.

(b) An on position.

(c) A complete transfer position in which the switch for'the particular bank of lights is out of operation and the entire bank is controlled from a master switch. In this position the lights should be capable of being turned on orolf from the master switch regardless of whether they were on or off when the bank switch is moved to the complete transfer position.

(d) A transfer off position. In this position of the bank switch, if the lights are on 'when the transfer is made and the master switch is also on, the lights continue to burn, but if the master switch is then shifted to oif position it will not thereafter turn the lights on.

(e) A transfer on position. In this position, if the lights are ofi' when the transfer is made, the lights will stay off even though the master switch is at on position, but if the master switch is then turned olf and theny on, the lights will come on.

The systems in use today for securing these results comprise a large number of independent switches arranged in special switchboards. The systems are highly expensive, notonly to purchase, but also to operate. The switchboards are necessarily so large that several men are generally required to operate them, and this is undesirable not only because of the additional expense, but

Application led September 23, 1926. Serial No. 137,253.

also because4 valuable space kis-'taken up and theviring connections are unduly complica I provide a single switch which may be placed within a very small compass, and which is effective for giving all of the above recited controls. On this account it is possible to provide al Very large number 'of such switches at a single control station andthus reduce the space taken up, and cut down the operating expensedue to the elimination of one or more electricians.

The accompanying ligure of drawings illustrates diagrammatically the present preferred embodiment of'my invention. Two bank switches are shown, each of them being connected to a master switch, the master switches in turn being connected to a main master switch.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, there are illustrated lamp banks 2 and 3 which are required to be controlled. Current isA supplied from mains L-1and L-2 and one branch of the circuit to the lamp banks is made through wires 4 leading" from the main L-1. If desired, a dimmer 5 may be inserted. 4

The lighting vcircuit for either of the banks 2 and 3 is completed through a wire 6 terminating in one of a pair of contacts 7 The other contact is connected back to the main L-2 through a wire 8.

The circuit is normally open, as shown in the drawings, anda bridge 9 is provided for closing the circuit. The bridge 9 is connccted to the plunger 10 of a solenoid 11, and this solenoid is in turn controlled by my improved switching means.

- In the drawings each bank switch is shown .diagrammatically as a drum type controller having a bridge member 12, with contact portions 13 and 14 therein. This bridge member 12V is adapted to occupy the positions indicated by heavy horizontal chain lines in the drawing. These chain lines are marked with the five positions above enumerated and the operation for each of these positions will kbe described in turn.

( a) 0# position.

When the bridge member 12 is in the olf position, no contacts of any sort are made, and since the bridge member 9 is in low position as shown in the drawings, the lights do not burn. (b) 0n posz'tz'on.

When the bridge member 12 is in the on position, 'current flows from the main L-1 through a wire 15 to a terminal 16,1thence through the contact portion 14 to a terminal 17. From the terminal 17 it flows through a wire 18 to a terminal 19, through a switch member 20 and a wire 21, to the solenoid 11 and thence back to the main L-2 through a wire 22. The switch member 2O is pivoted at 23 and is normally held in the position shown by a spring 24.

The circuit above recited constitutes the closing circuit for the solenoid or closing coil 11. It is effective for pulling the bridge member 9 upwardl towardsthe terminal 7.

The bridge mem r 9 is provided with an insulated extension 25 having a terminal 26 therein, ladapted -to engage an extension or finger 27 on the switch 20. The terminal 26 is connected through a wire 28 to a terminal 29, which is in contact with the contact portion 14 .in the on position. Therefore, as soon as the terminal 26 engages the finger 27 current is free to How through the wire 15, the contact portion 14, the wire 28 and the wire 21 to the solenoid 11, and thence through' the wire 22 to the main L-2. This constitutes the holding circuit for the closing coil or solenoid 11.

Obviously, as the plunger 10 moves -upwardly it will tend to break the connection between the terminal 19 and the switch member 20, but the operation of the closing coil 11 will remain unaffected, since the circuit will be maintained through the holding circuit above described. When the bridge member 9 is in its upper position, the circuit for the lamp bank is completed and the lights will burn and continue to burn so long as the bridge member 12 remains in the on position. If it is shifted back to the off position both the holding and the closing circuits will be broken, the bridge member 9 will drop and the lamps will go out.

(c) Completo tramfer position.

As above stated, it is necessary in this position to put the lamp bank under the control of the master switch so that the lights may be turned on or off from such lmaster switch. Assuming lthat the master switch is on, and the contact lmember 12 is movedfrom the on position to complete transfer position, the lights should remain burning and moreover should not flicker during the time of the transfer. If the master switch is off and the contact member 12 is moved from the on position to the complete transfer position, the

lights, of course, should go out.

The master switch comprises a bridge member 30 having contact portions 31, 32 and 33 and adapted to occupy an off position, an on position and a transfer position, as shown in the drawing. When the bridge member 30 is in the on position, the contact portion 33 bridges a pair of contact members 34 and 35. With the bridge member 12 at the complete transfer position, and the bridge member 30 Y noid 11 and wire 22. It will be recalled that the bridge member 12 has been moved from on position to complete transfer position, and therefore, the bridge member 9 will be up. It will be noted that the contact members 16 and 39 overlap so that no flickering of the lights occurs during the movement of the bridge member 12. i

Now assume that 'the bridge member 30 is shifted to the off position, while the bridge member 12 remains at complete transfer position. The circuit is immediately broken, the solenoid is deenergized, the bridge member 9 dro s and the lamps go out. v

, Nlbw assume that the bridge member 30 is again moved to the on position. Current Hows through the - wires 15, 36 and 37 to the contact member 34, -thence through Vthe coni tact portion 33 to the contact member 35, to

the Wire/38. Current cannot ,flow through l the wife 28 because the circuit is open be tween the terminal 26 and the switch finger 27. However, a closing circuit is provided by a branch wire 40 terminatingin a contact member 41. The Contact member 41 is engaged by the contact-portion 13 of the bridge member 12 and current is free to ow through this contact portion 13 to a contact member 42, thence through a wire 43 connected 'into the wire 18. With the closing circuit thus established, the operation of the solenoid and its connected switch mechanism is the same as was described for the on position.

(d) Transfer o# position.

lil() 12 is moved to transfer oil' position, the holding circuit through wires 15, 36 and 37 con- ,tact member 34, contact portion 33, contact member 35, wire 38, contact member 39, contact portion 14, Contact member 29, wire 23,v terminal 26, switch 27, wire 21, holding coil 11 and wire 22 is maintained. If, however,

with the bridge member 12 in transfer o position, the lights will remain ofi', thus fulfilling the requirements of the transfer ofi?v positlon.

(e) T mnsfer on position.

As stated heretofore, the five position control is preferabl of the drum type, audit 1s therefore possib e to go from the off position direct to the transfer on position. Assume, therefore, that the bridge member 12 is moved from the ofi' position tothe transfer on position, and that when this occurs the master switch is in the on position. It will be noted that while there is an electrical path through the wires 15, 36 and 37 to the Contact member 34, thence through the Contact portion 33, the contact member 35, the wire 38, the contact member v39, the contact portion 14, the vcontact member 29 and the wire 28 to the contact member 26, the circuit for the closing coil 11 will not be complete because the plunger 10 is in its lower position. The lamp bank, therefore, will not burn even though the master switch is in the on position.

N ow assume that the bridge member 12 is left at transfer on position while the master switch is moved to the oif position. At this point it must be mentioned that the drum of the master switch is provided with asuitable ratchet stop so that the movement from on position to ofi' position can only. be accomplished by a movement in the directionl of the arrow A on the drawing. Obviously, the lights will still remain off, as no current'can flow through the wire 15 withpthe bridge member 12 in the transfer on position unless it also flows through the master switch.

Now assume that the bridge member 30 is moved from od to on position in the direction of the arrow A. The contact member 33 not only bridges the contacts 34 and 35, but it is temporarily connected also to a contact portion 44. The closing circuit for the closing coil is established as follows From main L--1 through'wires 15, 36 and 37 to contact member 34, through contact portion 33 to contact member 44, thence through a wire 45 to a. contact member 46, thence through contact portion 13 on the bridge member 12 to a contact portion 47, thence through a wire 48 through contact member 42, wire 43, wire 18` terminal 19, switch 20. wire 21, coil 11 and wire 22 to main L-2. With the closing circuit thus established, the core 10 raises, the holding circuit is established through contact member 35, wire 38, contact member 39, contact portion 14, contact member 29, wire 28, terminal 26, switch finger 27, wire 21, coil 11 and wire 22.

' As above stated, the master switch can only be shifted from on to off position in the direction ofv the arrow A. lHowever, it is desirable to shift from transfer to off position and vice versa without going through the on .position and I therefore arrange the ratchet mechanism to permit of such shifting while at the same' time preventing movement from on to ofi' position, except the arrow.

J aiming of several bank switches to a single master switch.

' Obviously, it is desirable to control a number of banks of lights from a single master switch so that the desired results may be obtained. I, therefore, provide a five position switch for each bank of lights to be controlled. Each of these switches will have its own wire 15, and holding coil 11, and the parts will be connected as shown in the drawings. In order to secure the desired connection with the master switch, I provide a branch Wire 36 connected to the wire 36, and leading to a contact member 16 in another bank switch; a branch wire45 connected to the wire 45 leading to lacontact member 46 in another bank switch-1,' and a wire 38 connected to the wire 38, connected to the contact members 39 and 41 of the other bank switch. Obviously, any 'number of bank switches may be paralleled in this manner and operated from a single master switch.

Transfer from master switch to main master switch.

rThe master switch is provided with a transfer position comprising four contact members 48, 49, 50 and 51. rl`he contact member 48 is connected through a wire 52 to the contact member 35. The contact portion 32 on the bridge member 30 is adapted to bridge the contact members 48 and 49 and thus complete an electrical path from the contact member 35 on the master switch to a corresponding contact member 53 on the main master switch through a wire 54. The contact member 50 is connected to the Contact member 44 through a wire 55 and the contact portion 31 is adapted to connect the contact members 50 and 51 and thus complete an electricalvpath from the contact member 44 to a corresponding Contact member 56 through a wire 57. The main master switch is also provided with al contact member 58 corresponding to the contact member 34 and connected to the wire 36 through a wire 59. A bridge member 60 is provided for the main master switch, and this is also movable only in one direction, as indicated by the arrow B.

It will be noted that the bridge member 30 overlaps the on and transfer positions of the master switch. This prevents flickering of the lightsin case the main master switch is in the on position and the master switch is moved from on position to transfer position.

The main master switch may control a in the direction ofy turn control a number of lamp banks.

number of master switches, which each in In the drawing,'two master switches are connected vto the main master switch, but it will be understood, of course, that others may be connected in the same way.V

If desired, suitable relay circuits may be employedinstead of the simple circuits shown in the drawings. Instead .of drum controls, pan type controls may be employed and the various contact members 'arranged therein as segments of circles. In either case lthe space required for the entire control system' a terminal adapted for connection with the current source and a normally open switch,

means operable upon closing of the mainl switch for opening the switch in the closing is very materially reduced, and generally the '\circuit and closing the switch in the holding services of one or more electricians may be4 dispensed with. This not only represents `material economies in operation, but also assures better results. since one man working at a relatively small control station can obviously time the various effects morel accurately than can several men working at separated stations.

My improved switching means is' not limited to the application illustrated, but may be employed for the control of other power consuming devices, such for example, as a plurality of motors as are used to control drops and flies used for various scenes in theatre work. It will be understood, of course, that the motors may simply be connected in the lines corresponding to 6 and 4 in place of the lamp banks illustrated.

I havev illustrated and described a preferred form of the invention, but it will be understood that the invention is not limited to such form, since it may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the following claims.

I claim 1. An electric circuit controller, including a. normally op'en main switch in the circuit to be controlled, a closing coil therefor, a closing circuit for the closing coil, comprising a terminal adapted for connection with a current source and a normally closed switch, a holding circuit for the closing coil comprising a terminal adapted for connection with the current` source and a normally open switch, means operable upon closing of the main switch 'for opening the switch in the closing circuit and closing the switch in the holding circuit, a bridge member, the bridge member having an off position wherein the terminals are not connected to the current source, an on position wherein the terminals are connected to the current source, and a complete transfer position, and complete transfer mechanism comprising a master switch having a pair of terminals and a bridge therefor, one of the terminals being connected to a current source and the other terminal being connected to a contact means so positioned as to connect with the closing circuit through the first mentioned member when it is in the complete transfer position,

and also connected with theholding circuit source, an on position wherein the termi- :nals are connected to the current source, and a complete transfer positlon, and' .complete transfer mechanism comprismg a master vswitch having a pairof terminals and a bridge therefor, 011e of the terminals being connected to a current source and the other terminal being connected .to a contact means so positioned as tofconnect with the closing circuit through the' first mentioned member when it is in the completetransfer position, and also connected with the holding circuit through said first mentioned bridge member when it is in the complete transfer position, the first mentioned bridge member being adapted, when in'its on position, for contact with a terminal connected to a current source, said terminal being adapted to maintain contact with the first mentioned bridge member until said first mentioned bridge member. is

in contact with said contact means.

3. An electric circuit controller including a normally open -main switch in the circuit to be controlled, a closing coil therefor, a closing circuit for the closing coil comprising a terminal adapted for connection with a current source and a normally closed switch, a

holding circuit for the closing coil comprising a terminal adapted for connection with the current source and a normally open switch,

means operable upon closing of the main switch for opening theswitch in the closing circuit and closing the switch in the holding circuit, a bridge member, the bridge member having an off position, wherein the terminals are not connected to the current source, an on position wherein the terminals are connected to the current source and a transfer off position, and transfer off mechanism comprising a master switch having a pair of terminals and a bridge member therefor, one of the terminals being connected to the current source and the other terminal being connected to a terminal so positioned as to connect with the holding circuit, but not with the closing circuit, when thefirst mentioned bridge member is in transfer ofi' position.

4. An electric circuit controller including a lnormally open main switch in the circuit on position, the intermediate contact being to be controlled, a closing' coil therefor, a closing circuit for'the closing coil comprising a terminal adapted for connection with a current source and a normally closed switch, a holding circuit for the closing coil comprising a 'terminal adapted for connection with the current source and a normally open switch, means operable upon closing of the main switch for opening the switch in the closing circuit and closing the switch inthe holding circuit, a bridge member having an off position, an on position and a transfer on posil ion, and transfer on mechanism comprismg a master switch having a pair of terminals and a bridge member therefor, one of the terminals being connected toa current source, and the other terminal being connected to a terminal so positioned as to connect with the holding circuit through the first mentioned bridge member when it is in the transfer on position, and an intermediate contact for the bridge member of the master switch adapted for connection with the current source through the bridge member of said master switch when said bridge is moved from an off position to an on position, said intermediate contact being connected with a terminal adapted for connectingl the intermediate contact through the first mentioned bridge-member to the closing circuit when said first mentioned bridge member is in the transfer on position.

5. An electric circuit controller including a normally open main switch in the circuit to be controlled, a closing coil therefor, a closing circuit for the closing coil comprising a terminal adapted for connection with a current source and a normally closed switch. a holding circuit for the closing coil comprising a terminal adapted for connection with the current source and a normally open switch, means operable upon closing of the main switch for opening the switch in the closing circuit 'and closing' the switch in the holding circuit, a bridge member, said bridge member having an off position, an on position, a transfer off position'and a transfer on position, and a master switch having a pair of terminals and a bridge member adapted to occupy an' off position and an on position, one Vof said terminals on the .master switch being connected to the current source, the second terminal of the master switch being connected to a terminal so positioned as to connect with the holding circuit, but not with the closing circuit, when the first mentioned bridge member is in transfer off position, said second terminal being also arranged to connect with the holding circuit when the first mentioned bridge member is in the transfer on position, the master switch also havin an intermediate contact adapted for connectlon with'the current source throu h the bridgevof the master switch when said ridge is moved from olf to connected with a terminal adapted forconnecting the intermediate contact throu4 h the first mentioned bridge member to the c osng circuit, when saidl first mentioned bridge member is in the transfer on position.

6. An electric circuit controller including a normally Vopen main switch in the circuitv to be controlled, a closing coil therefor, a

closing circuit for the closing coil comprising,

a terminal adapted for connection with a current source and a normally closed switch, a holding circuit for the closing coil comprislng a terminal adapted for connection with the current source and a normally open switch, means operable upon closing of the main switch for, opening theswitch in the closmg cli-cuit and closing the switch in the holdmg circuit, a bridge member having an 0H position, an on position, a complete transfer postion, a transfer off position, and a transfer on position, and a master switch havlng a pair of terminals and a bridge member adapted to occupy anoi' position and an on position, one of the terminals of the master switch being connected to a current source and the second terminal thereof being connected to terminal means .so positioned as to connect with the closing circuit and also the holding circuit through the first mentioned bridge member when it is in the co-mplete transfer position, the second terminal being also adapted to connect with the holding'circuit, but not with the closing circuit when the first mentioned bridge member is in transfer. oft1 positlon, the second terminal of the master switch being also adapted for connection with the holding circuit, but not with the closing circuit when the first mentioned bridge member is in transfer on position, the master switch having an intermediate contact adapted for connection with the current source through the bridge member of the master switch when said bridge is moved from off position to on position, said intermediate contact bein connected with a terminal for connecting t 1e intermediate contact through the first mentioned bridge member to the closing circuit when said first mentioned bridge member is in the transfer on position.

7. Electric switching mechanism as defined in claim 6 characterized by the lirst mentioned bridge member being adapted, when in its on position, for contact with a terminal connected to a current source, said terminal being adapted to maintain contact with the first mentioned bridge member until said first mentioned bridge member is in-contact with a terminal extending to the complete transfer position. 1*

8. An electric switching mechanism as dened in claim 6, characterized by the iirst mentioned bridge member being movable in either -direction.

9. An electric switching mechanism as deing in the-order of off, on, complete trans-l fer, transfer off and transfer on. A

11. An electric switching mechanism as dened in claim 6, characterized by the several lpositions of the ii'rst recited switch mechanism being in the order of off, on, complete transfer, transfer oif and transfer on, and the bridge member being movable in either direction to such ositions.

A 12. An electric circuit controller, includin a normally open main switch in the circuit to be controlled, a closing coil therefor, a closing circuit for the closing coil Comprising a termina/1 adapted for connection with a current source and a normally closing switch, a

lholding circuit for the closing coil comprisin a terminal adapted for connection with t e current source and a normally open switch, means operable upon closing of the main switch for opening the switch in the closing circuit and closing the switch in the holding circuit, a bridge member having an off position, an on position and a transfer on position, and a main master switch, the master switch having a complete transfer position with terminals connected to 'an intermediate contact and said second terminal, the bridge member for the master switch being adapted to connect said terminals at the transfer position to terminals at the main master switch.

13. An electric circuitcontrolling a paratus comprising a switch having an o position, an on position and a transfer on position, and a mastgr switch adapted to be connected through the first mentioned switch to the circuit to be controlled when said switch is in transfer on position, the master switch having an olf position and an on position and also havinlg an intermediate contact adapted to establis a closing circuit when the master switch is moved from oif position to on position.

14. An electric circuit controlling a paratus comprising a switch having an o position, anon position and a transfer on position, and a master switch adapted to be connected through the first mentioned switch to the circuit to be controlled when said switch lis in transfer on position, the master switch having an off position and an on position and also having an intermediate contact adapted to establish a closing circuit when the master switch is moved from oif osition to on position, the master switch being adapted for movement' from on position to oif position vminal adapted for connection with t e current source and a normally open switch, means operable upon closing of the main switch for opening the switch` in the closing circuit and closing the switch in theholdin circuit, a bank switch having a single han e operable to an off position, an on position, a complete transfer position, a transfer off position and a transfer on posltion, and a master switch having a pair of terminals and a-single handle member adapted to occupy an off position and an on position, one of the terminals of the master switch being connected to a current source and the second terminal thereof being connected to terminal means so positioned as to connect with the closing circuit and also the holding circuit through the bank switch when it is in the complete transfer position, the second terminal being also adapted to connect with the holding circuit, but not wit-h the closin circuit when the lhandle of the bank switch is in transfer oi position, the second terminal of themaster switch being also adapted for connection with the holding circuit, but not with the closing circuit when the handle of the bank switch is in transfer on position, the master switch having an intermediate contact ada ted for connection with the current source w en said handle is moved from oif position toon position, said intermediate contact being connected with a terminal for connecting the intermediate contact through the bank switch to the closing circuit when said handle of the bank switch is in the transfer on position.

16. An electric circuit controlling apparatus comprising a single bank switch having relatively movable contact members engaging in different combinations in an off position, an on position, and a complete transfer position, a master switch adapted to be connected to the controlling circuit through said bank switch when it is in complete transfer position, a master switch having different contact members engaging in an off position, an on position` and a transfer position, and a main master switch adapted to be connected to.the circuit to be controlled through the master switch when it is in the transfer position, said switches each having a single handle for occupying the several positions.

17. In an electrical control system, the combination with an lelectrical device, of a controlling circuit therefor comprising a plurality of circuit controlling devices each having a single operating handle and a plurality of relatively movable contact members actuated by their associated handles, and interconnecting conductors, one of the circuit controlling devices being connected vto directly control both the energzation and de-energization of the electrical device, to transfer through itself the complete control of the electrical device to another of said circuit controlling devices or to transfer through itself v the control of the electrical devices to another of said circuit controlling devices for controlling only a predetermined operation.

18. In an electrical control system, the

combination with an electrical device, of a controlling circuit therefor comprising a plurality of circuit controlling devices each having a single operating handle and a plurality of relatively movable contact members actuated by their associated handles and interconnecting conductors, one of the circuit controlling devices being connected to directly control the energization and de-energization of the electrical device, to transfer through itself the complete control of the electrical device to another of said circuit controlling devices, or to transfer through itself the control of the electrical device to another of said circuit controlling devices for energizing or deenergizing the electrical device under predetermined operating conditions.

19. In an electrical control system, the combination with an electrical device, of a controlling circuit therefor comprising a plurality of circuit controlling devices each having a single operating handle and a plurality of relatively movable Contact members actuated by their associated handles and interconknecting conductors, one of the circuit Controlling devices being connected to directly control both the energization and de-energization of the electrical device, to transfer through itslf the complete control of the electrical device to another of said circuit controlling devices, or to transfer through itself th control of the electrical device under conditions such that the second circuit controlling device is capable of controlling only a predetermined operation.

20. In an electrical control system, the combination with an electrical device, of a. controlling circuit. thcrefor comprising a plurality of circuit controlling devices each having a single operating handle and a plurality of pairs of relatively movable contact members kactuated by their associated handles and interconnecting conductors, one of the circuit controlling devices being connected to directly control both'the energization and de-energization of the electrical device, to transfer through itself the complete control of the electrical device to another'of said circuit controlling devices, or to transfer through itself the control of the electrical device under 4conditions such that the second circuit controlling device is capable of energizing or de-energizing the electrical device under predeterminedvoperating conditions. v

21. An electric circuit controller, including anormally open main switch. in the circuit to be controlled, a closing coil therefor, a'closing circuit for the closing Coil compris'- ing a terminal adapted for connection with a current source and a normally closing switch, a holding circuit for the closing coil comprising a terminal adapted for connection with the current source and a normally open switch, means operable upon closing of the main switch for opening the switch in the closing circuit and closing the switch in the holding circuit, a bridge member having an olf position, an on position, a complete transfer position, a transfer off position and a transfer on position, a master switch and a main master switch, the master switchhaving a complete transfer position with terminals connected to an intermediate contact and said second terminal, the bridging member for the master switch being adapted to connect said terminals at the transfer position to terminals at the main master switch.

22. In combination, an outside switch and an electric circuit controller comprising brid ing means-having a group of Contact mem ers thereon, a second group of contact members of different edective areas and positions cooperating with and engaging ce1- tain of the rst named contact members when the bridging means occupies different positions relative to said second group of contact members; a single handle for causing relative movement between the groups of contact members; electrical conductors connected to the contact members in such manner that in one relative pcsition of the groups of contact members a circuit to van electrical -devlce 1s interrupted; 1n another relative position of the groups of contact members engagement between co-operating Contact members of the group is made for completing a circuit to the electrical device; in another relative position of the groups of contact members engagement between cooperating contact members of the groups is made for completing circuits through the controller through which circuits an electric device may be electrically energized and de-energized by` the outside switch; in another relative potition of the groups of contact members engagement between cooperating contact members of the groups is made for controlling circuits operable by the outside switch, and effective for maintaining the electrical device electrically energized, if energized when engagement is made, until the device is de-energized by said outside switch, and after the de-energization of the electrical device by said outside switch it is impossible to re-energize it therefrom; and in another relative position of the groups of contact members engagement between cooperating contact members of the groups is made by which there is established a circuit with a device of such character that the device if de-energized at the time of such relative movement will remain de-energized even though the circuit' is closed outside the controller, but will thereafter be energized if the circuit is first opened and then closed.

23. In an electrical system, an electrical de,-l vice having electrically energized yand deenergized positions, a switch, and a' circuit controller comprising bridging means havlng a group of contact membersthereon; a second group of contact members of different effective areas and positions cooperating with and enga ing certain of the first named contact memers when the bridging means occupies different positions relative to said second roup of contact members; a single handle for causing relative movement between the groups of contact members electrical conductors connected to the contact members in such manner that in one relative position of the groups of contact members a circuit to an electrical device is interrupted; in another relative position of the groups of contact members engagement between co-operating contact members of the group is made for completing a circuit to the electrical device; in

' another relative position of the groups of contact members engagement between cooperating contact members of the groups is made for completing circuits through the controller, through which circuits said electrical device may be electrically energized and de-energized by said switch; in another relative position of the groups' of contact members engagement between the contact members of the groups is made for completing circuits controllable by said switch and effective for maintaining the electrical device electrically energized, if energized when engagement is made, until the electrical device is de-energized by said switch, and after the de-energization of the electrical device by said switch it is impossible to re-energize it therefrom; and in another relative position of thegroups of contact members engagement between cooperating contact members of the f groups is made by which there is established a circuit with the electrical device of such character that the device if de-energized at the time of such relative movement will remain cle-energized even though the circuit is closed outside the controller, but will thereafter be energized if the circuit is first opened and then closed. 24. An electric circuit controller as defined in claim 22, characterized'by the bridge member being adapted to occupy such positions relative to the second group in the order named and being capable of going from oi position to transfer on position.

25. An electric circuit controller as defined in claim 22 characterized by the bridge memgroups of contact members when it is in a complete transfer position corresponding to the similar'positions of the first mentioned groups of contact members, and a main master switch adapted to be connected to the circuit to be controlled through a master switch when it is in the complete transfer position having an off position and an on position for controlling the electrical device through the master switch and the first mentioned groups of contact members when the master switch and the first mentioned groups of contact members are in their complete transfer positions, all of said switches each having a single control handle capable of performing the foregoing operations.

28. An electrical circuit controlling apparatus comprising an electroresponsive switch, a single switch for controlling the electrical energization and de-energization of the electroresponsive switch and having relatively movable groups of Contact members for completing an off position, an on position, and a complete transfer position, a master switch adapted to be connected to the circuit to be controlled through said switch when it is in complete transfer position, the master switch having relatively movable groups of contact members for defining anoi' position, an on posit-ion and a transfer position, and a main master switch having relatively movable contact members adapted to be connected to the circuit to be controlled through the master switch when it is in the transfer position.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

` JAMESy W. S'IQOCKING.

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