US1826766A - Interlocking system for high frequency transmitters - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 13, 1931. L. A. GEBHARD INTERLOCKING SYSTEM FOR HIGH FREQUENCY TRAN-SMITTERS Filed Dec.

23, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR.

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E i Emma Oct. 13, 1931. L. A. GEBHARD 1,326,766

INTERIJOCKING SYSTEM FOR HIGH FREQUENCY TRANSMITTERS Filed Dec. 23, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR. am a. 906 M),

&mrfi9\vm%l AiTORNEY Patented Oct. 13, 1931 UNITED STATES [PATENT OFFICE LOUIS A. GEBHARD, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT: OF COLUMBIA, ASSIGNOR TO WIRED RADIO, INC., OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE INTERLOCKING SYSTEM FOR HIGH FREQUENCY TRANSMITTERS Application filed December 23, 1929. Serial No. 416,157.

My invention relates broadly to frequency changing systems for high power transmitters and more particularly to an interlock circuit for an inductance system.

One of the objects of my invention is to pro- Vide a frequency changing system for high power electron tube transmitters where inductance units of different values may be interchanged in the transmitter and cooled by the circulation of the cooling fluid which passes around the ackets of the high power electron tubes, with interlocking controls operative to stop the flow of cooling fluid during the periods between which the inductance units are being interchanged.

Another ob ect of my invention is to provide a system of interlocking switches for actuation by the movement of the fluid cooled frequency change system of a high power transmitter, where valve mechanism is actuated during the periods intermediate the frequency change operation for cutting off the flow of cooling fluid through the frequency change system and reestablishing the flow when a selected inductance unit of the frequency change system has been properly positioned and connected in the transmitter circuit.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a protective interlocking system for frequency change switches in which the parts of the frequency change apparatus must be mechanicall positioned in proper position before the ow of the cooling fluid may be established and the circuits through the frequency change apparatus com leted.

Other and further objects 0 my invention reside in the electrical interlock circuit and protective system set forth more fully in the specification hereinafter following by reference to the accompanying "drawings in p which Figure 1 illustrates schematically the arrangement of frequency change apparatus and electrical interlock system therefor embodying the principles of my invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of the switchin device which opens the electrical circuit through the frequency change system during the rotative movement of the inductance supporting frame; and Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view showing the operation of the coupling means for interconnecting a selected inductance unit with the fluid cooled jackets of the high power tubes in the transmitter and illustrating the circuit interlock, which is closed when the inductance system is in operative position and opened when the coupling means between the inductance and the high power tube jackets are shifted for the release of a particular inductance from connection with the fluid conductive conduits adjacent thereto.

In my copending application, Serial No. 406,709, filed November 12, 1929, for inductance systems, I have described the details of construction of a fluid cooled inductance change system, wherein a mechanical coupling system is provided between a set of fixed fluid conveying conduits for establishing mechanical connection with the inductance units of different values formed of fluid conveying tubing which are carried by a frame structure which is shiftable in position to bring a selected inductance unit into register and coupling connection with the fixed fluid conveying conduits.

I have found that in operating the frequency change systems of the character described in the aforesaid copending applicationit is essential to control the flow of the cooling fluid to prevent the cooling fluid from flowing out of the open connections in the fixed conduits during the process ofchanging frequencies. It is also necessary to protect the transmitter so that the transmitter cannot be started until the parts of the frequency change switch are locked in proper position. I provide a plurality of interlocking switches all of which must be closed before it is possible to start the transmitter. A circuit closer is operated by the movement of the main support'of the inductance system into position. Another circuit closer is operated as the frame of the frequency change system is rotated, the circuit being closed only when an inductance unit is aligned with the fixed terminals and pipe connections adj acent the inductance frame. A further circuit closer is controlled by the coupling actuating means which connect the fluid supply and delivery conduits adjacent the inductance system with a selected tubular inductance unit. The circuits thus controlled operate a solenoid which controls the fluid supply valve, cutting off the flow of fluid through the cooling system if predetermined conditions have not been met. At the same time the anode potential in the transmitter circuit is cut off so that unless predetermined conditions are fully met the transmitter will not operate and the cooling fluid does not circulate.

Referring to the drawings, reference character 1 indicates a rotatable frame carrying inductance coils 2, 3, 4 and 5. The frame is arranged to rotate about a shaft 6 located at the center of the frame and arranged parallel with the axes of the coils. The structure of the frame and inductance coils will be more fully understood from my hereinbefore referred to copending application Serial Number 406,709. The coolingfluid for the inductance coils enters pipe line 7 and then passes through electrically operated valve 8, from there into insulated tubing coil 9 and through the coupling connection 10 into inductance coil 2. The cooling fluid spreads at this point so as to pass to both ends of inductance coil '2 into the cooling jackets 46 and 47 of the fluid cooled tubes at 11 and 12. After passing through these jackets the cooling fluid returns through llw and 12a through the coil 2 meeting at the connection 13 and passing out through insulated tubing coil 14 and discharging through outlet 15. A flow or pressure indicator 16 is connected into the fluid circuit just beyond electrically operated valve 8. Pressure indicator 16 has a pair of contacts 48 which may be so adjusted that if the pressure or flow falls below a certain value these contacts will be closed. The solenoid coil 17 of electrically operated valve 8 is energized from source 18 through contacts 19,

. 19a, 20, 20a, contactor 21 and switch 22. Contacts 19 and 19a are so arranged that when frame 23 which supports coils 2, 3, 4 and 5 is rocked to disengage a particular coil the contacts 19 and 19a are opened. The contacts 19 and 19a are closed when the frame 23 is returned to the proper position. Contacts 20 and 20a are shown more clearly in Fig. 2 and are so arranged that when frame 1 is rotated in frame 23 the contacts 20 and 20a are opened by means of spring member 50 having a cam 51 which is shifted by means'of the cam faces or notches 52 in disc 53 to open or close contacts 20 and 20a. When the frame lating arms 26, 27, and 28 and through levers 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34. Lever 29 has a means of lockingits adjustment through slots 35 and 36 which engage with a projection in the front panel 37. Lever 29 has a handle 38 which permits operation by an attendant. Lever 29 carries a projection which operates to close contacts 21 when the locking devices are closed. These contacts may conveniently be supported on panel 37 as shown in Fig. 3. These contacts are arranged to be closed when the locking devices are closed and opened when the locking devices also are opened.

A momentary contact switch is shown at 39, a relay at 40, with a current limiting resistor at 41. Relay 40 has contacts 42 and 43 which are opened when the coil 40 is deenergized and closed when the coil is energized. Contact 42 is a hold contact which serves to connect the coil of relay 40 to source 18 after the momentary contact switch has been closed. Contact 43 is connected in serics with the anode supply 44 for the high power tubes of the radio transmitter. This supply passes through radio frequency choke 45 to a center connection of coils 2, 3, 4 and 5, and thence to the anodes of the tubes 46 and 47.

In operating the circuit of my invention the attendant closes switch 22. If contacts 19, 20 and 21 are properly closed, coil 17 of electrically operated valve 8 will be energized. This permits the cooling fluid to pass through its normal circuit. Flow or pressure indicator.16 is actuated, which opens contacts 48, removing the short circuit from coil of relay 40. The attendant then presses the start button of the momentary contact switch 39 which energizes the winding of relay 40, closing contacts 42 and 43. The attendant may now release the start button of momentary switch 39 for contact 42 will energize the coil of relay 40. Contact 43 being closed the anode potential from source 44 is connected to the transmitter circuit.

Suppose now that the attendant attempts to shift frequency without opening the proper switches. He will move the lever 29 to disengage the coil 2. This automatically opens contacts 21 which will de-energize coil 17 of electrically operated valve 8. Valve 8 will close cutting off the fluid supply to coil 2 and to the indicator. Contacts 48 will c ose, short-circuiting the coil of relay 40. Relay 40 will thus be deenergized, and contacts 42 and 43 will open, thus preventing further energization of the coil of relay 40. The opening of contacts 43 also opens the anode circuit to the anodes of the vacuum tubes, thus preventing breakage of contacts 2 with high voltage connected to them. Suppose now the operator has shifted frequency but has neglected to set frame 1 in its proper position. The operator will be unable to start the transmitter and close the fluid cooling circuit because contact 20 isopen. Similar action occurs if the operator neglects to rock frame 23 back to its proper position for contact 19 in this case would be open. If the operator forgets to lock the lever 29 contacts 21 would be open which would prevent the operator starting the transmitter.

The several safety devices which I provide on the transmitter insure both the protection I made and that no limitations upon my inven tion are intended other than are imposed by the scope of the appended claims.- a

What I claim as new-and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:

1. In a frequency changing system for high frequency transmitters, means carrying a multiplicity of tubular inductance units of different inductance values, a fluid cooling system having fluid conveying conduits extending therefrom, a set of fluid supply and delivery conduits, means for re 'stering a selected inductance unit with sai fluid conveying and supply and delivery conduits, and circuit controllers actuated by said aforementioned means for electrically de-energizing the circuits of said frequency changing system until a selected inductance unit is effectively coupled with said fluid cooling system.

2. In a frequency changing system, a multiplicity of tubular inductance units of different inductance values, a cooling system including fluid conveying and sup ly and delivery conduits terminating a jacent said tubular inductance units, means for selectively couplin said tubular inductance units with said con uits, a plurality of circuit controllers, and means actuating said circuit controllers for completing the electrical cir-' cuits through said frequency changing system when a selected tubular inductance unit is mechanically coupled with said fluid conveyin supply and delivery conduits.

3. n a frequency changing system, a multiplicit of tubular inductance units of different in uctance values, a cooling s stem including fluid conveying, supply an delivery conduits terminating ad'acent said tubular inductance units, means or selectively coupling said tubular inductance'units with said conduits, a plurality of circuit controllers, and means actuated by said circuit controllers for opening the electrical circuits to said frequency changing system when a selected inductance unit is uncoupled from said fluid ing, supply and delivery conduits. n a frequency changing system for high frequency-transmitters, a multiplicity of inductance units of different values each having means for circulating cooling fluid therethrough, a multiplicity of fluid conveying conduits terminating inpositions with which said inductance units may be selectively registered, means for controlling the flow of fluid through said fluid conveying conduits, and electrical means for cutting off the flow of fluid when said inductance units are out of register with said fluid conveying conduits.

5. In a high frequency signaling system, a frequency changer including a frame structure, a multiplicity of inductance units carried by said'frame structure each having different inductance values, a multiplicity of fluid conveying conduits positioned adjacent said frame structure, means for aligning a conve selected one of said inductance units with respect to said fluid conveying conduits for coupling said inductance units with said fluid conveyin conduits, a valve system for controlling t e flow of cooling fluid throu h said fluid conveying conduits and throug a selected inductance unit registered therewith, and means controlled by the movement of said frame structure for cutting off the flow of cooling fluid intermediate the periods of interchange of one inductance unit with another inductance unit in coupled relation with said fluid conveying conduits.

6. In a frequency changing system, a frame structure, a rotatable carrier supported by said frame structure, a multiplicity of inductance units of different frequency characteristics supported by said rotatable carrier, a pluralit of fluid conveying conduits positioned a jacent said frame structure, means for angularly shifting'said frame structure and rotatably moving said rotatable carrier for selectively aligning a particular inductance unit with said fluid conveying conduits,

coupling means for mechanically coupling said fluid conveying conduits with a selected one of said inductance units, and a multiplicity of electrical circuits controlled by the angular movement of said frame structure,

the rotative movement of said rotatable carrier and the operation of said coupling means for cutting off the flow of cooling fluid through said fluid conveying conduits and deenergizing the circuits through a selected indi m ncerunit.

7. In a frequency changingsystem, a

be aligned with said fluid conveying conduits, said inductance units and the terminals thereof being of hollow tubular construction for the circulation of a cooling fluid therethrough, means for coupling a selected inductance unit with said fluid conveying conduit-s, electromagnetic means for controlling the flow of cooling fluid through said fluid conveying conduits, and an electrical circuit effective upon the proper positioning of said frame structure, the proper rotation cf said rotatable carrier and the proper operation of said coupling means for cutting on the flow of cooling fluid and/establishing a circulatory path for cooling fluid through the selected inductance aligned with said fluid conveying conduits.

8. In a frequency changing system, a frame structure shiftable to either of two limiting positions, a movable carrier on said frame structure, a multiplicity of inductance units each having different frequency characteristics and being constituted by a hollow tubular conductor having fluid conveying terminals projecting therefrom, a multiplicity of fluid conveying conduits, means for coupling the projecting terminals of'a selected inductance unit with said fluid conveying conduits, electrical means connecting said coupling means for establishing a circulatory passage for cooling fluid through said fluid conveying conduits and a selected inductance unit, said means being controlled by the rotative movement of said movable carrier and the angular movement of said frame structure, whereby the flow of cooling fluid is cut off when said frame structure is shifted to one of its limiting positions and the selected inductance unit is out of alignment with said fluid conveying conduits.

9. In a frequency changing system, a multiplicity of inductance units having different frequency characteristics, means for rendering a selected one of said inductance units effective while the others of said inductance units are ineffective, means for circulating a cooling fluid through a selected inductance unit having electrical means for rendering the operation of said cooling means ineffective when all of said inductance units are ineffective. and rendering the operation of said cooling means effective when one of said inductance units is rendered effective.

10. In afrequency changing system, a movable frame structure, a multiplicity of inductance units each having different frequency characteristics and carried by said frame structure, cooling means for circulating a cooling fluid through a selected inductance unit, and means controlled by the movement of said frame structure for electrically controlling the operation of said cooling means for effectively maintaining a selected inductance unit at predetermined temperature while said inductance unit is energized by high frequency current.

11. In a frequency changin system, a frame structure, a multiplicity o inductance units of different frequency characteristics supported by said frame structure, coolin means for circulating a cooling fluid throug a selected inductance unit, a power supply circuit and means controlled simultaneously with the connection of said power supply circuit to a selected inductance for initiating the circulation of a cooling fluid through the selected inductance unit.

12. In a frequency changing system, a movable frame structure, a multiplicity of inductance units each having different frequency characteristics carried by said movable frame structure, a power supply circuit, said movable frame structure being shiftable to effectively connect a selected inductance unit with said ower supply circuit and to simultaneously su ject the selected inductance unit to the effect of a cooling fluid, and means controlled by the movement of said frame structure for disconnecting the power supply circuit from the selected inductance unit and interrupting the flow of cooling fluid thcrethrough.

-LOUIS A. GEBHARD.

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