US1825098A - Automatic calling apparatus for automatic telephones - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 29, 1931 L. SEGUIN ETAL 1 AUTOMATIC CALLING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC TELEPHONES 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 18, 1929 Lauren-11 3 Au3u5+m Sesufn 'INYVENVTORSK (in Attorney.

Sept. 29, 1931. .L. sac-um ETAL 1,825,098

Au'rouATIc CALLING APPARATUS FOR AuTouATIc TELEPH-ONES Filed Dec. 18. 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 gunmanz rg -atom!) ow)? nozwwo Sept. 29, 1931. SEGUIN ETAL 1,825,098

AUTOMATIC CALLING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC TELEPHONES Filed Dec. 18, 1929 5 Sheets-Shee 5 Lawren l' 5691A" Augusu v\ SELQUI" IMVENTORE:

C2 Attornay.

29, 1931. L. SEGUIN ETAL AUTOMATIC CALLING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC TELEPHONES Filed Dec. 18, 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 L ureni' 9 Augus+m 3 INVENTOR5 By W U1; Attorney.

Sept. 29, 1931. L. SEGUIN ETAL AUTOMATIC CALLING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC TELEPHONES Filed Dec; 18, 1929 5 Sheets-Shae 5 Augushn 5630M l VENTOR5 (2 Attunmy o 0 km :0

' Patented Sept. 29, 1931 tion.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE;

LAURENT SEGUIN AND AUGUSTIN SEGUIN, OF PARIS, FRANCE AUTOMATIC CALLING APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC TELEPHONES Application filed December 18, 1929, Serial No. 414,964, and in France January 21, 1929.

The present invention relates to automatic telephones comprising a dial permitting, by a series of successive rotations through determined angles, under manual control, to transmit the call sign which serves to connect two subscribers. With dials of this type, the operation is long and complicated, and is a source of frequent errors. On the other hand, when the same signal is to be called for several times in succession, the same operation must be repeated at each call.

The present invention has for its object to provide an apparatus which permits to store up, so to'speak, the indications registered on" a recorder or setting device, and then to automatically call for the indications thus stored up, whether "separately or successively, by rapid and simple operations, in which all sources of error will be eliminated.

The following descriptionfwith reference to the accompanying drawings, shows a certain number of embodiments of the inven- In these drawings: A Fig. 1 is a general diagrammatic view showing a telephone installation of 'the current type, provided.with the apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the said apparatus.

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of 'a constructional form of the said apparatus, the recorder being omit-ted.- 1

Fig. 4 is a-section on the line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Fig. 5 is a partial section on the line 5-5 of Fi 3, showing the clutch.

Fig. 6 is a partial elevational view of the repeater on the line 66 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the recorder.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a signal card.

Fig. 9 is an elevational view of the dial on the line 99 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view of a modified form of the distributer, combined with a classifier. i v

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view of a call signal perforating device.

Fig. 12 shows diagrammatically a recorder permitting the checking of the telephonic connections. I

dial A is separated from the telephone and is .connected to the latter by a suitable cable A (Fig. 3).

Referring to the diagrammatic Figure 2, the apparatus according to the invention essentially comprises, in combination with the dial A, a recorder or setting device B, a motor C, a controller I), a clutch E and a distributer F.

The principle of the apparatus herein represented is as follows. A call signal, for instance a call number, is set upon the recorder B. The motor C being started, it actuates the arm 7 of the controller D, mounted on the shaft 6, through the medium of the clutch E (which is shown separately in elevation at the lower part, for the sake of clearness, and is also represented in Figure 3). The arm 7 engages a stud 64*, mounted on the disc of the dial A, and causes its rotation. When the controller D has turned through an angle corresponding to the angle through which the dail A must 'be turned to send into the telephone line the first figure or letter of the call signal set upon the recorder B, it closes one of the circuits controlled by the said recorder B, which is closed at this time by the distributer F; the current which then flows through said circuit releases the clutch E. A spring 17 or the like returns the controller to the idle position. In this manner, the shaft 6 rotates the dial A by an angle corresponding to the figure or letter of the signal to be transmitted.

At the same time, the rotation of the con-I troller B has effected the rotation of the distributor F, which opens the circuit which was just closed thereby, and now closes the next circuit, corresponding to'the second figure or letter set upon the recorder B. During the next impulse of the controller D under the action of the motor C, the said controller Wlll rotate until it closes this new circuit, and the current in this circuit will release the clutch E, the arm 7 being brought to the rear by its spring as in the preceding case. The a dial has thus been rotated by shaft 6 through an angle corresponding to the second figure or letter of the signal. The same cycle of operation will continue until all the letters or figures of the signal have been transmitted to the central station, due to the rotation of the dial A. i

Figs. 2 to 8 illustrate a preferred embodiment of said arrangement.

Actuating device mounted on shaft 6, is engageable with disc 3 and is controlled by a pivotin fork 9, whose lower end or shank 10, ma e of soft iron, is movable between the poles of two electro- magnets 11 and 12. A spring 13 normally urges said shank 10 against electromagnet 11, and sleeve 8 is thus released from coupling disc 3; when electromagnet 12 is energized, it attracts shank 10, whereby sleeve 8 engages the teeth of disc 3, thus coupling the controller arm 7 to the motor C.

One terminal of the clutching electromagnet 12 is connected to the terminal a of the hne by a wire 30, a starting switch 77, and wires 3132. The other terminal of the electromagnet 12 is connected by a wire33 to the terminal. b of the line. On the wires -32 are mounted running switches 66 and 20 to be further described) which are closed in t e idle position of the apparatus. Switch 77 preferably comprises a spring adapted to normally maintain it int, its openposition when released. It is represented conventionally with a T-shaped head in Fig. 2, to indicate this function. On the contrary, the control switch 2, which must be open by hand, is shown in a conventional manner with an oval head. When the starting switch 77 is closed, the current flows from the line a returns to the line 6, thus energizing the clutching electromagnet 12 and coupling the device E. If the starting switch 77 is now released, it will automatically open thus de-energizing electromagnet 12. Means have therefore been provided, by which electromagnet 12 remains energized after switch 77 has been released.

For this purpose, terminal a of the line is connected by the wires 300 and 34 to one of the terminals of a switch 15, whose other terminal is connected to electromagnet 12 by a wire 308, in which is mounted a stop switc 68, which is normally closed. When the closing of the starting switch 77 has effected the coupling of clutch 8, the end 10 of the clutch fork closes switch 15, so that the current flows in the circuit 300, 34, 15, 68, 308, 30, 12, 33, 301, 5. Otherwise stated, although the starting switch 77 is released, electromagnet 12 remains energized, and clutch E remains in the coupling position.

The controller arm 7, when once coupled with shaft 6*, continues to rotate in the di- 'rection of arrow After a rotation through an angle corresponding to the angle through which the dial A should be rotated, arm 7 automatically stops, as will be further de scribed.

Controller The controller comprises the rotary arm 7 and a stationary disc 36 upon Which are mounted selecting switches 35. Arm 7 carries a roller 29 which successively engages the stationary selecting switches 35, spaced around the stationary disc 36 coaxially with shaft 6. Each selecting switch is inserted in a circuit including one of the wires 312, the recorder 13 and the distributer F; at a determined instant during the operation, the circuit of one switch 35 is closed through the element of the recorder corresponding to one of the figures or letters stored up or registered upon the latter. Otherwise stated, at a determined instant, one of the switches 35 is connected to the terminal a of the line by means of one of the elements of the recorder B and by the distributer F. Furthermore. the other terminals of the switches 35 are all connected bv a wire 310 to one of the terminals of an electromagnet 67, theother terminal being connected to the terminal 12 of the line by wires 311 and 301.

The armature 37 of electromagnet 67 cooperates with the stop switch 68, thus opening said switch when electromagnet 67 is energized, and it is urged into the idle position against a stop 38 by a spring 69. When arm 7 is coupled with motor C. said arm displaces roller 29 over the switches 35. until said roller 29 closes a certain switch 35 included in the particular circuit which is at this time closed upon the recorder B by the distributer F. At this time, the current will flow from the line a through the distributerF and the recorder B (as will be further described), through the magnet 67, is thus energized, opens the stop switch 68, and hence the circuit of the clutching electromagnet 12. Fork 9 is then pivoted by spring 13 and brought against electromagnet 11, whereby sleeve 8 is uncoupled and arm 7 released.

Since arm 7 is now loose. it will "return to the idle position against a stop 16. in the contrary direction to the arrow 7, under the action of a spiral spring 17 secured at one end Signal recorder I It has been supposed that the recorder B is so constructed as to provide for the simultaneous setting of two distinct call signals,

and that each signal consists of seven figures or letters, the number of different figures or letters being for in tance 30. comprising the figures 1 8, 9, 0 and the letters AB, CD, lE--F and the like.

The two recorders 7 07 1 consist of parallel metallic strips v75. whose number in each recorder is equal to the number of figures or letters forming a call'signal (that is. sevenstrips 75 per recorder. or 14 strips in all), and of parallel metallic strips 76, perpen dicular to the first-mentioned strips. and insulated therefrom. The number of strips 76 is equal to the number of holes in thete lephone dial (i. e. 10) and each hole (Fig. 9) corresponds for example to one figure and two letters, according to known practice. Hence, each strip 76 corresponds to one figore and to two letters, while a rotation of the dial through a given angle corresponds to the call of one figure or of one letter, as is usual in automatic telephones.

The strips 75 and 76 are representeddiagrammatically by single straight lines in Figure 1, but the dial device may beconven iently constructed as follows (Figs. 7 and 8) it comprises two plates of insulating material 516517 respectively carrying the strips 75 and the strips 76. Each strip 75 carries ten spring blades 519 having at one end respective rollers 520 adapted to yieldingly engage the strip 76, so that each ofthe latter will be normally in contact with seven rollers 520. y

A call is set uponthe dial by meansof a perforated card 521 (consisting of cardboard, or the-like) whose perforations are so disposed that when the said card is inserted between the plates 516 and 517, the rollers 520, which register with the perforations,

will be in electric connection with the strips 76 while the non-perforated parts of the card form an insulation between the remaining rollers and the strips 76.

It will be understood that any perforated card will correspond to a given call signal,

for instance to a subscribers station. For instance, the card shown in'Fig. 8 corresponds to the signal 6.314.884 (or KE.14884, or

LF.14884) ,When the card is inserted into the recorder, it will provide for the electric connections between the strips 75 and 76 in the manner indicated in Fig. 2 by the heavy points at the intersections between said strips.

To prevent the insertionof the cards 521 into the recorder in the wrong position, such cards may be provided with cut out parts, slots, apertures or thicker portions cooperating with studs, guards, combs or the like which are mounted on the recorder.

Each strip 76 is'connected by a wire 312 to a corresponding selecting switch 35 of the controller D, and each strip 75 is connected by a wire 313v to a corresponding distributing switch 55 of the distributer F, as will be further specified.

' Distributer The arm 7 of the controller E carries a roller '7 cooperating with an arm 175 rotat ably mounted on a shaft 160 and which carries a pawl 179 cooperating with a ratchet Wheel 22, movable on shaft 160 and provided with a retaining pawl 24. The said ratchet wheel is secured to an arm 23, carrying two rollers 2526, equidistant from shaft 160 and adapted to engage the distributing contacts 55 of the distributer F. The arm 175 is urged against a stop 177 by a spring 176.

When arm 7 is rotated in'the direction of arrow f,arm 175 is urged against its stop 177 by its spring, and pawl 179 slides over the teeth of wheel 22' When arm moves in the reverse direction under the action of spring 17, toward itsv stop piece 16, it causes the arm 175 to rotate in the direction of arrow f, and pawl 179 thus rotates ratchet wheel 22; however, said wheel is only rotated at the end of the return stroke of arm so that arm 23 will turn each time through a small and constant angle, equal to the angle between two successive switches 55. y

The several distributing switches 55 are connected at one end by a common wire 21 to the line a, and at the other end by wires 313 to a multi-piu coupling 53 (or the like) application No. 322,318, filed November 28th,

Dial is shown in Fig. 2, the arm 7 (or preferably, as shown in Fig. 3, an arm 61, mounted on the end of the shaft 6) cooperates with a stud 64 secured to the disc 64 of the telephone dial (Fig. 9), so that the rotation of shaft 6. in the direction of arrow f is imparted to said dial through arm 7 (or arm 61*) and stud 64?; during the rapid return movement of shaft 6 under the action of spring 17, disc 64 is released, and is moved back by a spring, included in the dial structure, (not shown) until itengages a stop (not shown) according to usual construction.

of the dials for automatic telephones.

When disc 64 has resumed its idle position, an arm or'stud'62, secured to said d sc, closes a running switch 66 on a stationary part of the apparatus. ()ne terminal of said switch is connected by wires 3063 to one terminal of a switch 54, whose other terminal is connected by wires 31 and 31, the running switch a 20 and the wire 32 to line a. The other termi- .on the arm 23 of'the distributer F. The

running switch 20, which is inserted in the conductor 32 tends to remain normally open. and it is closed by the engagement with a I roller 56. mounted on arm 175, when arm 7 is in its idle position,

Operation of the apparatus It is supposed that two call signals have been set uponflthe two respective recorders 7071 and that it is desired to call the signal which has been set upon one of said recorders for example, 70. Control switch 2 being closed, and motor C consequently started, the multi-pin coupling 53 is inserted into the sockets of recorder 70. and the starting switch 77 is pressed upon. As above explained,.this latter operation causes the energizing of electromagnet12 and the clutching of device E. Since the running switch 15 is closed bv the shank 10 of fork 9, electromagnet 12 will remain energized and hold arm 7 in clutch engagement (as above explained), even though switch 77 immediately released, is again opened. It will thus be seen that, in order to send a call, the operator has simply to press down the starting switch 77 and to release it immediately. j

Arm 7 rotates shaft 6 and disc 64 (Fig. 9) of the dial A in the direction of arrow f until it has turned through the angle corresponding to the first number or letter of the call signal, for instance the letter K? When arm 7 has turned through this angle, roller 29 closes is supplied with the current from line a, the circuit being as follows: line a, wires 32, 21, the one of the distributing switches (corresponding to the first strip 75 of recorder which, at this time, is closed by roller 25, the corresponding wire 313, the first of the strips and the strip 76 which is in electric connection therewith through the corresponding perforation in card 521 (Figs. 7 and 8), wire 312, the corresponding selecting switch 35, wire 310, electromagnet 67, and wire 311, thus returning to line b. The current flowing through electromagnet 67 will energize the latter, thus opening switch 68. The clutching electromagnet 12 then releases fork 9, and spring 13 disengages sleeve 8 from disc 3, so that arm 7 will return to the rear under the action of spring 17, as above mentioned. The running switch 15 being now open. the

circuit of the clutching electromagnet 12 is opened even though switch 68 has been again closed due to the opening of the circuit of electromagnet 67 when arm 7 has returned to its idle position. To obtain a more positive unclutching of arm 7, it will be noted that the current from line a which passes through one of the switches 35, at the instant of the clutch release, also flows from this switch to an unclutching electromagnet 11 through a wire 327 and returns through wires 328 and 33 to line byelectromagnet 11 is thus energized and ssists-spring 13 in its clutch release action.

During its rotation in the direction of arrow f, the arm 7 of the controller has turned disc 64 of the dial A. throughan angle corresponding to the first number or letter 70 of the call si nal, and has released the said disc, when returning rapidly to the rear. The dischas also returned to the starting position, as-above indicated.

Arm 7, near the end of its return stroke toward its stop 16. has rotated arm together with arm 23 through an angle which is equal to' the angle between two distributing switches 55. Oi1 the other hand, roller 26, which held switch 54 open at the start, now releases this latter, which closes, so that the current supplied'by line a through wire 32, switch 20 (only when arm 7 has returned touits idle position) and through wires 31 and 31, passes now through switch 54, wire 63, wire 30. switch 66 (onlywhen disc 64 has returned to itsidle position) and then through electromagnet 12, and returns finally to line 6 through wire 33. The clutching electromagnet 12 is thus'again energized, and arm 7 is coupled again with the motor shaft, and it will be noted that the starting switch 77 needs not be pressed upon again for this purpose. a 1

Due to the change in the angular position ofthe arm 17 5 of the distributer, roller 25 now engages the next distributing switch 55,

which will bring the current from the line a to the second strip 75 of recorder 7 O, and thence to the selecting contact 35 of the distributer D which corresponds to the second letter (letter E) of the call signal to be transmitted. Arm 7, which has been again clutched with motor C, as above stated, will now rotate as before, until roller 29 closes the selecting switch 35 corresponding to this second letter E.

Arm 7 and disc 64 will thus be turned through an angle corresponding to the second letter E of the call signal. The same operations will be repeated until all the letters and figures forming the call signal KE.14884 have been transmittedby the dial. At this time,'arm 23 has rotated thro'ugh180 and the roller 25 of the distributer opens switch 54, thus cutting off the current which (through switches 66 and 20) caused the clutching of arm 7 with motor C after each return stroke of said arm and of disc 64 to their idle position. If it is again desired to transmit the call signal which has been set upon recorder 70, the operator again presses upon the starting switch 77, and the operations are repeated in like manner.

If it is now desired to transmit the call signal which has been set upon recorder 71, the multi-pin coupling 53 is removed from the sockets of recorder 70 and is inserted into recorder 71.

It will be noted that the current for energizing electromagnet 12 must flow through the running switch 66, and this prevents the clutching until dial 64 has returned to its idle position, and hence an abnormal operation in case switch 77 would be held depressed during an excessive period. Since the current must also flow through switch 20 before proceeding to switch 77, the apparatus cannot be started until said switch is closed, that is, until arms 175 and 7 have resumed their idle position.

It will be observed that the distributer shown in Fig. 4 carries four rollers 26, 26 25 25 mounted on a disc 23 which is the equivalent of arm 23 of Fig. 2. The object of this arrangement is to reduce the angle of rotation of lever 175 by one-half, and to facilitate the actuation by arm 7 of the controller. In this arrangement, the successive switches. 55, 55 etc. are not connected to the successive strips in their natural sequence, but the switch 55 is connected to the first strip 75, the switch 55 closes switch 55 roller 25 then closes switch 55, after which roller 25 closes switch 55, etc. It is clear that the connections abovementioned between switches 55 and strips 7 5, provide for the proper operation of the distributer which actually takes place, as specified with reference to Fig. 2.

Repeater closing will operate the clutch device E, in

the same manner as-the closing of switch 7 7, provided a repeating switch 83 inserted in the repeater circuit is closed.

bwitch 90 may be actuated by a cam 84, mounted on a ratchet wheel 85, actuated by a pawl 86, consisting of a spring strip in contact with a cam or eccentric 87 mounted on the shaft 6 of motor C. Said device is shown to the left of Figure 2 for the sake of clearness, although it has the position indicated in Figs. 3 and 6. A stop pawl 88 prevents back motion of said ratchet wheel 85.

To the device above described may be added an indicating device for informing the oper-' ator that the signal has been called for. Thus, When;the last letter or figure of the signal has been called, and the rollers 25 or 26 of the distributer F has again opened switch 54, an arm (Fig. 2) mounted on the ratchet wheel 22 (or on the shaft 160 in the rear of said wheel 22) will actuate a bell81 as it passes, thus warning the operator. The said device may be replaced by other suitable means, and for instance the arm 80 may close the electric circuit of a pilot lamp.

In Figure 9, the dial A is provided with a stop 300, which, when the dial is actuated by hand, sometimes serves to close a circuit, due

to the operators finger engaging the stop for a certain position of the dial. Our automatic apparatus may comprise any suitable devlce serving the same purpose as the said stop 300, which is now out of use. The said device may consist of a switch (not shown) which would be automatically closed when the roller 29 of the controller engages the selecting switch to which the current proceeds, said switch being inserted in the circuit of any suitable electric controldevice, comprising an electromagnet or the like.

Classifier fier, by which the multi-pin coupling 53 shown in Figure 2 may be eliminated.

Herein the switches 55 are replaced by con tact pieces 555, in the same number as the bars 75 of recorder B. Said contact ieces cooperate with brushes 527, 528, urged by springs against contact pieces 555 and mounted on th arm 23 of the distributer.

Arm 23 also carries brushes 529, 530 which are urged by springs against conducting sectors 533534 separated from one another by insulating intervals. The brushes 530, 528-- 527 529 are connected together in pairs. Each insulated sector 533534 is connected to a respective wire 531-532 leading to respective switches 553-554, each corresponding to a. recorder. The other terminals of said switches are connected bya common wire 521 to the line a. The insulating spaces between sectors 533534 are smaller than the width of brushes 529530, so that the brushes will be always in contact with a sector. Brushes 529-530 and sector 533534 constitute the classifier.

As before, arm 23 carries rollers 525-526, coc iperating with switch 54.

I he operation is as follows:

t is supposed that the call signal set on' recorder 70 is to be transmitted. The operator closes switch 553, leaving switch 554 open. Switches 2 and 77 being closed, motor 0 and arm 7 are started, as above explained. On the other hand, the current passes through the first strip 75 of the recorder through the parts 521, 553, 531, 533, 529, 527, the first contact piece 555 and its corresponding wire 313. The current then flows through one of the selecting switches 35 of the controller D corresponding to one of the stripzs 7 76, thus unclutching the controller arm as before.

When the seven letters or figures forming the call signal have been transmitted by the dial arm 23 has rotated through 180 degrees. Roller 525 opens switch 54 so that the apparatus stops, as above specified with reference to Figure 2.

When the operator again presses upon the starting switch 77 (Fig. 2) the current again energizes the clutching electromagnet 12, and the apparatus is set running. However, the current now proceeds to one of the selecting contacts 35 through the parts 521, 553, 531, 533, brush 530 (since the brush 530 has turned through 180 degrees together with arm 23), brush 528, (this brush being now engaging the contact piece 555 corresponding to the first strip 75 of recorder 313, 75, 76, 312, 35, and the clutch device E is released as above stated. When the seven letters or figures of the call signal have been transmitted by the dial, the arm 23 again assumed the position shown in Figure 10.

If the operator now desires to transmit the call signal set on recorder 71, he opens the switch 553 of recorder 70 and closes the switch 554 of recorder 71; the current now proceeds to one of the selecting contacts 35, through the parts 521, 554, 532, sector 534, brush 530, brush 528, contact piece 555 corresponding to the first strip 75 of recorder 71, wire 313, first strip 75 of recorder 71, strip 76, wire 312, and selecting contact 35. Thus, by pressing upon the starting switch 77, the operator starts the arm 7 ot the controller which will stop, as above explained, as soon as it has closed the selecting switch 35 re ceiving the current through the classifier and recorder 71. The operation then proceeds as before, and the apparatus will stop after the transmission of the seven letters or figures of the call signal; roller 527 after a rotation through 180 degrees will again open switch 54.

It will be noted that a switch 536 is mounted on the wire connecting the brushes 528530. In the above explanation, the said switch is supposed to be closed; but, if switch 536 is opened, and if the two switches 553, 534 corresponding to the two respective recorders 7071, are closed, as well as the switch 83 of the repeater circuit (Fig. 2), and if the apparatus is set running, the current which attains the two sectors 533-534 will first pass to recorder 70 through the brushes 529527, but it will be prevented from flowing through recorder 71, even though switch 554 is closed, since switch 536 is now open. After a rotation by 180 degrees, the apparatus will stop, as in the preceding case.

However, since the repeater is now in operation, it will set the apparatus in movement after a given time, by shunting the starting switch 77; at this time, the brush 529 is in contact with sector 534, and the brush 530 is in contact with sector 533. Thus, the current which proceeds to the two sectors will now pass to recorder 71 throu h brushes 529527, but will be prevented rom flowing into recorder 7 0 (even though switch 553 is closed) since switch 536 is open.

It is thus clear that, by closing the two switches 553-554 and by opening switch 536, the operator is enabled, after suitable intervals of time, to call for the successive call signals which have been set upon the different'recorders.

The apparatus above-described may obviously comprise any desired number of sectors 533534, brushes 527, 529-528, 530, and a corresponding number of recorders 7 07 1 the operator will thus be enabled to automatically call in succession for as many signals as are set upon the recorders; for this purpose, it is necessary to provide a certain number of switches similar to 536, so as to leave in the circuit only a single pair of brushes such as 527529. The switch 536 (or others) may be stationary, the current WI being sent from switch 536 to brushes 528- 530, through the medium of brushes and slip rings, in the known manner.

Modifications The said apparatus above described is susceptible of numerous modifications without departing from the principle of the invention. J

For instance, as concerns the actuating device, motor C may be of any suitable type, such as an electric motor, a clockwork, or the like. The electric motor may be supplied by any suitable source, for example, with the current supplying the electromagnets, whether direct or alternating current. The electromagnets can be supplied with rectitied alternating current, or with the current from a D. C. generator coupled with motor 0, or the like. Spring '17 may be of any suitable kind, and it may be replaced by a friction drive acting in the contrary direction to the positive control by the motor.

The clutch device may be different from the one herein represented, and it may comprise other connecting means, either positive or not, embodying springs, friction drives, magnetic couplings, or the like.

The switches, brushes, contact pieces and like parts may also differ from the ones in- (licated; the contact members may consist of carbon, tungsten, platinum, silver, etc.

As concerns the distributer and classifier, the arrangement above described comprises two sectors 53353A and brushes 529-530 arranged'on the same circle; however, said brushes might be disposed on respective circles of different radii, and the sectors may be replaced by two continuous rings of different diameters. The number of sectors 533534 and of the contact pieces 555 will be obviously proportional to the number of elementary recorders the recorder unit B.

The controller, distributer and classifier may be subdivided into a certain number of discs, arms or the like, and the contact pieces, rings and sectors may be movable, and arranged to cooperate with fixed brushes, 'etc.

The multi-pin coupling 53 (Fig. 2) may be replaced by a multi-way change-over (70, 71, etc.) composing switch controlling seven circuits, for connectfor each recorder, the arrangements (contacts and connections) above specified.

The recorders may have any suitable construction, and for instance, the bands 75 may be eliminated, substituting, for this purpose flexible wires provided at the one end with plugs or jacks adapted to be inserted into holes of the strips 76, each hole and plug corresponding to a given call signal.

When employing signal cards, as shown in Fig. 8, these are preferably perforated by means of key perforators, as shbwn in Fig. 22. A blank card is thus perforated by pressing the keys 525 corresponding to the letters and figures of the call signals to be set, and the number of keys in the device may be equal to the number of holes of the dial multiplied by the number of letters or figures forming a call signal, using keys for this purpose in the example shown in Fig. 8.. However, the device preferably comprises only a single row of keys whose number corresponds to the number of holes in the dial (10 in the present example), the card being displaced after each perforating operation in such manner that the successive perforations will be placed in the corresponding rank in the call signal.

The recorder unit may comprise a plurality of elementary recorders 724, 725, 726 placed in line, the cards being replaced by a continuous perforated band which travels through the whole set of recorders, as shown in Figure 23. The recorder unit may thus comprise three elementary recorders and one perforator 727, the band to be perforated being unwound from a reel 728, and after it has been perforated and has passed through the recorders 726, 725, 724, it is wound on a reel 729. After the said band has been employed for setting the call signals, it may be then used for checking the number and nature of the telephonic connections which have been called for in a given time.

The other elements of the said apparatus are further susceptible of the following modifications.

As concerns the repeater, the repeating switch 90 may be actuated at stated intervals by a clockwork with uniform speed, which is substituted for the motor C.

The disc 64 of the dial Amay be positively actuated'in either direction by the arm 7 of the controller (Fig. 2), or by a suitable arm 61 mounted on the shaft 6 (Fig. 4), with a rigid or an elastic connection with stud 64; or the like, optionally with a determined play or lost motion. Thus, disk 64 may be actuated by a projection or stud secured to arm 7 or arm 61 and projecting into one of the existing holes for hand-control, thus requiring 31o lchange in the known automatic telephone The device may comprise suitable retarding means such as a dash-pot, an air-brake, a

clockwork escapement, or the like, for regulating the return movement of arm 7 in the contrary direction to arrow 7 under the action of spring 17 (Fig. 2). The return of arm 7 may also be controlled by a second clutch device, which would positively rotate shaft 6 in the contrary direction to arrow "7, at a given speed, spring 17 being eliminated.

The closing of starting switch 7 7 mi ht be controlled by a coin or the like adapted to be inserted through a slot, as well known in the art, and thus payment may be made for the telephone connection at the time of making the call, and means may be provided for restoring the coin if the line is not free.

According to the automatic telephone system employed, the call may be made with the telephone receiver in place or removed.

The dial may be mounted upon the telephone itself, as shown in Fig. 1, or on the contrary it may be connected to the telephone by a flexible cable of any desired length A (Fig. 3), the telephone being still provided with its usual hand-control dial.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the apparatus according to the invention may be mounted on a bridge-shaped case Gr disposed above the dial.

The apparatus according to the invention may be employed not only for transmitting call signals in automatic telephones, but also for any other distant signal transmission devices comprising a dial which is to be actuated for any purpose by turning it through successive and well-determined angles, with or without return to the idle position after every rotation through said given angle. F or example, the invention may be used for the transmission of a signaladapted to actuate a relay or signal (such as a pilot lamp which is lighted in front of a board carrying a suitable indication)" The distributer F, instead of being actuated automatically by the controller, may be actuated independently of this latter, and, for instance, the said controllermay be operated by hand, it being turned through the desired angle after the controller has resumed its neutral position. t

Having now described our invention what we claim as new and desire to secure by Let ters Patent is: v

1. In combination with an automatic telephone having a rotary call transmitting means: a recorder for setting a call signal, a movable controller adapted to actuate said .rotary call transmitting means, driving means for moving said controller, electric circuits adapted to be selectively controlled by said recorder and including means whereby said circuits are closed for determined respective angular positionsof said con troller, and electric means controlled by the current from said circuits for stopping the moyement of said controller when the latter closes one of said circuits, which is also closed over one element of said recorder.

2. In the combination claimed in claim 1, means operative upon the stopping of said controller for returning the latter to its idle position, whereby said rotary call transmitting means are caused to resume their idle position.

3. In thecombination claimed in claim 1, a distributor adapted to successively close said circuits through the elements of said recorder corresponding to the successive signs composing the call signal set thereon. and means whereby said driving means are made again operative after said distributer has closed a successive circuit.

4. In the combination claimed in claim 1, a distributer operatively connected with said controller and adapted to be moved at each impulse of the latter through a determined amount, and to successively close said circuits through the elements of said recorder corresponding to the successive signs composing the call signal set thereon, and means whereby said driving means are made again operative after said distributer has closed a successive circuit.

5. In combination with an automatic telephone having a rotary call transmitting means; a recorder unit comprising a number of elementary recorders for setting a number of call signals to be transmitted, a movable controller adapted to actuate said rotary call transmitting means, driving means for moving said controller, electric circuits adapted to be selectively controlled by said recorder and including means whereby said circuits are closed for determined respective angular positions of said controller, electric means controlled by the current from said circuits for stoppingthe movement of said controller when the latter'closes one of said circuits, which ,is also closed over one element of said recorder, a distributer adapted to successively close said circuits through the elements of one of said elementary recqrders, corresponding to the successive signs of the call signal set thereon. means whereby s'aid driving means are made again operative after said distributer has closed a successive circuit, and means for switching in any one of said elementary recorders into said circuits.

6. The combination claimed in claim 5, wherein said latter means consist of a classifier. operatively connected with said distributer and adapted to close said circuits through said elementary recorders successively.

7. In an automatic calling device of the class referred to, a movable controller, a recorder for setting a call signal and comprising a set of conducting members corresponding respectively to the various signs used for forming call signals, a set of conducting members, whose number is equal to the number of signs forming a call signal, a number of electric circuits connected at one end to said first-mentioned conducting members and havlng common conductors adapted to be successively connected to said last-mentioned conducting members, means for selectivelysetting in electric connection the conducting members of both sets, whereby closing said electric circuits selectively, and means, assoclated with said circuits for controlling the movement of said controller.

8 In an automatic calling device as claimed in claim 7, a number of switches in said circuits, respectively, and adapted to be successively closed by said controller, and electric means adapted to be actuated by the current flowing through anyone of said electric circuits for stopping the movement of said controller.

9. In an automatic calling device as claimed in claim 7, a distributer operatively connected with said controller, and a number of switches in said common conductors and adapted to be successively closed by said distributer.

10. In combination with an automatic telephone having a rotary call transmitting means: a recorder for setting a call signal, a movable controller adapted to actuate said rotary call transmitting means, power means adapted to rotate continuously, clutch means adapted to couple said controller with said power means, an electric source, electric circuits including said electric source and adapted to be selectively controlled by said recorder and including means whereby said circuits are closed for determined respective angular positions of said controller, an electro-mag-' net adapted to be energized by the current flowing through anyone of said circuits and a movable armature adapted to control said clutch means.

11. In the combination claimed in claim 10, a spring for returning said controller to its initialposition when said controller is uncoupled from said power means.

12. In the combination claimed in claim 10, a common conductor for said circuits, said electric source and said electromagnet being insertedon said conductor, and a starting switch on said conductor.

.13. In the combination claimed inclaim 10, a common conductor for said circuits, said electric source and said electromagnet being inserted on said conductor, a starting switch on said conductor. and a running switch on said conductor, adapted to be normally open and to be'closed by said controller in th idle position of the latter. I

- 14. In the combination claimed in claim 10, a common conductor for said circuits, said electric source and said electromagnet being inserted on said conductor, a starting switch onsaid conductor, and a' running switch on said conductor, adapted to be normally 0 en and to be closed by said call transmitting means in the idle position of the latter.

on said conductor adapted to be closed when depressed and to open again when released, a circuit including said electric source and said electromagnet, and a switch in said circuit, adapted to be normally open and to be closed by said armature when said electromagnet is energized. i

16. In the combination as claimed in claim 10, a common conductor for said circuits, said electric source and said electromagnet being inserted on said conductor, a starting switch on said conductor adapted to be closed when depressed and to open again when released, a movable member operatively connected with said controller and adapted to be rotated thereby constantly in the same direction, a switch shunted to said starting switch and adapted to be normally closed and to be open by said movable member when the latter has been equal to the number of said circuits, and has thus been returned to its initial position.

17. In the combination claimed in claim 10, a common conductor for said circuits, said electric source and said electromagnet being inserted on said conductor, a starting switch 4 on said conductor, a'repeating switch shunted to said starting switch, and automatic means for periodically closing said repeating switch at determined time intervals.

18. The combination claimed in claim 7, wherein said conducting members are parallel in each set and one set is at an angle to the other, yielding contact members on each conducting member of one set, adapted to engage all the conducting members of the other set, respectively, and an insulated member adapted to be inserted between said contact members and the conducting members of said other set, and having perforations through which the corresponding contact members are adapted to project for engaging the conducting members of said other set..

19. The combination as claimed in claim 7 wherein said conducting members are parallel in each set and one set is at an angle to the other, yielding contact members on each conducting member of one set, adapted to engage all the con'ductin-gmembers of the other set, respectively, a band of insulating flexible material adapted to travel through "said reverse recorder between said contact members and the conducting members of said other set, and a perforating device adapted to be traversed by said insulating band for making perforations therein.

. 20. .In the combination claimed in claim 1, a movable member operatively connected with said controller and adapted to be rotated thereby constantly in the same direction, and a signal device adapted to be actuated by said movable member when the latter has been imparted by said controller a number of impulses equal to the number of said circuits, and has thus been returned to its initial position.

21. In the combination, claimed in claim 1, a loosely rotatable arm engageable by said controller through a determined angle in the rotation of the latter, means for urging said arm in an idle position, a pawl on said arm, a ratchet wheel, and a distributer associated with said ratchet wheel and adapted to successively close said circuits through the ele ments of said recorder corresponding to the successive signs composing the call signal set.

thereon, and means whereby said driving means are made again operative after said distributer has closed a successive circuit.

In testimony whereof we have signed our names to this specification.

LAURENT SEGUIN. AUGUSTIN SEGUIN.

Images