US1874566A

US1874566A - Telephone system

Info

Publication number: US1874566A
Application number: US511175A
Authority: US
Inventors: Harley B Mcelyea
Original assignee: Associated Electric Laboratories Inc
Current assignee: Associated Electric Laboratories Inc
Priority date: 1931-01-26
Filing date: 1931-01-26
Publication date: 1932-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 1949-08-30

Description

Aug. 30, 1932. H. B. MCELYEA TELEPHONE SYSTEM Filed Jan. 26, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 n v QQ Hari@ E, IUCE aa A118 30, 1932- H. B. MCELYx-:A TELEPHONE SYSTEM Filed Jan. 26. 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 CE1 aa Inuen nr Patented Aug. 30, 1932 HARLEY BQLCELYEA, F CHCAGO,

Tron or DELAWARE LLIENOS, ASSIGNOR,v BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO ASSQOIATEEI) ELECTRIC LABORATORIES,

INC., OF' CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A COR-FORA- TELEPHGNE SYSTEM f Application filed January V26, 1931. Serial No. 511,175.

The present invention relates in general to telephone systems, but is concerned more particularly with the provision of a new and improved combined switchboard and dis- 1" tributing frame for use in an automatic teleL phone system. The main object may be stated to be the provisionof a new and improved automatic switchboard unit to serve as a mounting frame for automatic connector switches and lineswitches, and to serre as a distributing frame through which suitable interconnections may be made between the various cables outgoing from a switchboard and incoming to the switchboard andthe lineswitches and connectors mounted on such switchboard, and whereby the connections between the lineswitches and connectors of tl e switchboard may be readily made and easily changed whenever it is desired to do so. y

A specific object of the invention Vmay be stated to be the provision of the above-mentioned arrangement on a switchboard arranged for connector switches to be mounted on one ,side thereof and for lineswitches to be mounted on the other side thereof.

Other objects and features of the invention will be understood best from a further perusal of the specification in connection with the accompanying drawings, lcomprising Figs. 1 to 4.

Referring now to the drawings, they show a suflicient amount of the Vapparatus of a telephone exchange constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention to enable the invention to be understood. Figs. 1 to 3 are three sei arate Views of an automatic- 'switchboaro unit, and Fig. 4 is a circuit diagrani showing how Various cables and switching units may be interconnected.

The switchboard unit shown in Figs. 1fto 3, and arranged to mount lineswitches onone side thereof and to mount connector switches on the othercside thereof, similargenerally, to the switchboard units shown Aat the ieft in Figs. 163 and 165 in Telephony, Iny cluding Automatic Switching, by Arthur Bessey Snnth, publi liedin Chicago by Fred erich J. Drale Sz Company, copyright 1924. Figs..164 and 167 in the above-mentioned book show opposite sides of switchboard units of this general type. In addition, the lineswitch side of such a unit is shown to the right of a power board in Fig. 187 of the above book.

Reference may also be had to Automatic Telephony, second edition, by Arthur Bessey Smith and lVilson Lee Campbell, published in 1921 by the McGraw-Hill Book Company, lne., N ew York city. Flunger line-switches suitable for mounting on the unitk disclosed herein are described in this book on pages 44 .to 49, and master switches suitable for use with these lineswitches are described on pages 49 and 50. Figs. 44, 45, 46, and 47 of this book arephotographs and circuit drawings of lineswitches and master switches. Fig. 86, page 107, shows a full View of 100 lineswitches served by two master switches, making two groups of 50 lineswitches each, for trunlring purposes. And Fig. 87 shows the connector side of the same unit.

1n the printed matter beginning on page 53y of the above-mentioned book and ending on page 62, connector switches are described. Various views of connector switches and parts thereof are shown in Figs. 50 to 52, and 54 to 59; and circuit drawings pertaining to a connector switch are shown in Figs. 60 and 61. In addition, Figs. 9() and 9:2 to 94 show Various viewsY of connector switches mounted, with covers in place, together with related apparatus. Y

y The conetmctzlon of the um't Referring now particularly to Figs. 1 to 3,

lthe physical aspects of the switchboard unit Vtoward each other and rigidly secured in Vertical position. The entire assembly is mounted on the base 2, which may be of wood or other` suitable material. The upright channel-bars 5 and 6 are resting on and welded to the

support members

3 and 4, which, in turn, are screwed to the base 2. The entire structure is given rigidity by the bracing effect of the angle-bars 7 and 8, Figs. 2 and 3, which are ordinarily first riveted to the uprightchannel bars 5 and 6 in the proper location to enable the lineswitch gates G1 and G2, Fig'.

3, to be mounted thereon, after which the angle-bars 7 and 8 `are securely welded to the upright channel-bars 5 and 6.

From theL illustrations in the two books hereinbefore referred to, it will `be. noted that a switchboard unit of the type shown herein is quite tall relative to its width and breadth. For this reason, part of the lower section of th unit has been broken out and the base has been shown brought nearer to the top portion of the unit, in order to permit the showing of the unit on a relatively larger scale, Without exceeding the limits of the drawing space.

Considering first. the lineswitch side of the unit, two lineswitch gates G1 and G2 are shown. Each gate provides mounting space for fifty lineswitches and for two master switches, one for the lower section of the gate and one for the upper section of the gate (the upper master switch is rarely installed) makj, the bars 7 3 and 74 have the same relative disosition, as may be seen in Fig. 2. The gate 1 is pivotally vmounted by the bolts which pass through the left-hand end of the

horizontal bars

73 and 74 and through the mounting bars 8 and 7. The gate G2 is constructed and mounted in the same mauneras the gate G1, except that it is pivoted to swing toward rthe right instead of toward the left.

The members 75 and'76 are secured to the mounting bars 8 and 7 and arranged to serve as front stops for the gates G1 and G2. The gates are secured in a closed position by being normally bolted to the front stops 7 5 and. 76.

Considering the connector-side of the unit, shown in front view in Fig. 1 and in side view in Fig. 2, mounting space for four shelves of connectors is provided, seven connectors a shelf, giving room for twenty-eight connectors in all. The drawings show shelf A, the top portion of shelf B, and the bottom lportion offshelf Dgthe portion of the units on which shelf C is mounted, being entirely omitted, along with the bottom portionfof shelf B and the top portion of shelf D. A mounting frame for a shelf of connectors comprises essentially a pair oi horizontal angle-bars such as 52 and 53, Figs. 1 and 2, having their Webs disposed relative to one another as seen best in Fig. 2. They are connected together at intervals by vertical bars such as the bar 77, with space between adjacent bars of sufiicient Width to accommodate a. connector switch. Each of the bars such as 77 is beveled in front in order to guide the individual switch cover when it is being placed on the switch. f

Suitably spaced lugs, such as the lugs 54 to 57, Fig. 1, are secured to the faces of the channel-bars 5 and 6 on the connector-side of the unit to support the connector shelves. The horizontal shelf angles are bolted to the supporting lugs as shown best in Fig. 2.

Y Abovethe connectorsl and on the connectorside of the unit, groups of terminal blocks are provided and mounted on the so-called

fanning strips

10, 11, 12, and 13. These terminal blocks are provided with pin termin als of the usual type and are mounted on the tanning strips l0 to 13 in the usual manner,

the fanning strips, in turn, being screwed to brackets mounted on the upright angle-bars 5 and 6.

Between the above-mentioned terminal blocks and the connectors, a jumper-guide bar 9 is mounted on the vertical channel-bars 5 and 6 by being welded thereto. A numberY of jumper-guides or channel members such as 20,21, and 22 are provided. These jumperguides, or channel members are so placed as to line up with the corresponding jumperguides or channel members on adjacent units so as to make a continuous Vjumper-channel from one end ota row of units to the other, whereby a jumper may be extended from a terminal block onvanyrunit to a terminalt block on any other unit'. Each jumper-guide is split near theY upper outside corner so as to permit a jumper to be placed within the jumper-channel without the necessity of placing it through each jumper-guide separately. f

This construction of the jumper-guides may be observed by referring to jumper-guide 22, as seen in Fig. 2.

As may be seen in Figs. 2 and 3, a row of terminal blocks is provided on the lineswitchsideof the unit, near the top, this row of terminal blocks being mounted on the tanning strip 14.

Below the fanning strip 14, two ycovered groups of meter-control relays 38 and 39 are mounted. Group 38 is mounted on a base plate 40, Fig. 2, to which the horizontal angle bars 41 and 42 are secured. The angle bars 41 and 42 are hingedly mounted or pivoted on the

lugs

43 and 44, which are, in turn, se-

cured to the fiat horizontal mounting bars 18 and 19. Group 39 is mounted on the

bars

18 and 19 in the same way.

best from Fig. 2. The bar `18, on the other hand, is a flat, straight barv which is welded to the ends'of the off-set` Usshaped bar 23. rhebar 23 extends between the upright'channel bars A5 and 6 and is welded to them on the line-switch-side thereof. This bar is ott-set between the channel bars 5 and 6vso thatit passes along between the center lines of the two channel bars in the correct position to support the jumper rings 24, 25 and'26, ig. 3.r` Juniper ring 24 may also be seen in dotted outline in Fig. 2, behind the yvertical channel bar 6. Thejumpers passing from the blocks mounted on tanning -strip 14 to otherjumper blocks on the same or4 other units, Vpass through the jumper ringsr24 and 25. j r n The fuse -panel 28 andthe miscellaneousf relay group 29 are mounted below the relay groups 38 and 39 and on the bars loaned 1?. The horizontal mounting-bars 16 and l? are secured directly to the upright,channel-bars 5 Vand 6 and the fuse panel 28 is secured to thebars 16 and 17 by'means of two brackets, of which the bracket SO'can be seen in Fig. rlhe miscellaneous-relay groupv29 is se. cured to the bars 16 and 17 in the saine way astne meter-control relay groups 38 and are secured to the

bars

18 and 19. e, 'si terminal assembly TA. is mounted on the lineswitcli-side of the unit between the lin-eswitch gates G1 and G2 and the fuse panel and relay groups 28 and This terminal. assembly is mounted on the horizontal angle bar 15, which is, in turn, mounted on two support bars, of which: the bar 81 may be seen in Fig. 2. The support bar 8l, together with the corresponding bar at the other end of the anglevbar 15, is secured to one of the uprights by means. of boltsv The terminal assembly consists of live nat terijninal strips such as shown inF ig. 102 of Smith and Campbells book, hereinbefore referred to. rlhese terminal strips are superimposed in a manner shown in Fig. 103 of the book, each strip beinginsulated from the Yother and from the framework by means of suitable insulating strips. rlihe entire assembly isheld together by the siX bolts and AVclamped between the supporting angle bar 1'5 and thepclam'ping bar 2 7.

ustabove the top line of the top connectorishelf A, twoV cover-snpport rbars 82 and Y33 are bolted to the uprioht angle bars 6 and 5, as shown. The

lugs

3d, 35, 86, and are secured to the ends of the

bars

32 and 33 in order to support a suitable form ot cover which lits over the equipment mounted below the

bars

32 and 33; it'being understood, of course, that the lineswitchesand connec.- tors are ordinarily enclosed, as may be seen 4upon reference to theillustrations in the publications hereinbefore referredto.

i'tthe top of the upright channel bar 5, a Avrunway-support'bar l5 is secured.

lar runway-support bar 46 is securedft'o" the A simi-V upright angle bar 6 near the top. These two bars` support the section of thecable run-- The wiring of the @mit rlhe physical construction of the new unit having been explained, the wiring or cabling arrangement of the unit will now be taken up. is has been explained hereinbefore,this unit is arranged to accommodate four shelves of connectors indicated A, B, C, and D, of which shelf C is not shown owing to that portion of the board being broken away'. rlhe incoming machine-made, covered cable 85, Figs.' 1 and 2, contains conductors which are connected to the connector-trunk block 61on fanning strip 13, Fig. 1. From the block 61, a hand-formed cable 84, Fig. 2 ef;- tends to the connector shelves, and a branch of this cable leads to each shelf. The branch 95 of this cable leads to the jacks of the switches in shelf A, and the branch 96 leads the jacks of the switches in shelf D, as may be seen in Fig. 2. The conductors of cables 85V and Se which lead to the connector C1 by way of terminals in group 61, mounted on fanning strip 13, may be seen in the s lieniatic diagram, Fig. 4.

Since fourteen connectors can ordinarily handle the trai'iic directed to one hundred lines or one hundred telephone numbers (several numbers being assigned to one line in cer ain party-line systems) the fourteen connectors, C1 to C14, of shelves A and B have their banks all connected in multiple to serve one hundred connector numbers. In the saine way, the fourteen connectors of shelves C (not shown) and D are arranged to serve a separate hundred group of numbers; and, therefore, have their banks all connected in multiple.

The

bank cable

81, 2, connects the multipled contacts of the banks of shelves A and B with the contacts in the blocks mounted on fanning strip 10, Figs. 1 and 2. rlhe cable 81 'extends from the right-hand end of tanning strip 10 as seen in Fig. 1 to the bank of the connector C7, the vertical portion of the cable lying within the confines of the upright angle-bar 6. From the bank of connector C1 to the bank (not shown) of connector C8, there is a multipling cable which lies within the channel of channel bar 5. The various contacts in the lineswitches of gate G2,

blocks mounted on tanning strip 1() accordinglyrepresent the bank contacts of any one of the connectors G1 to C14.

In vthe same Way, the terminals in the blocks mounted on tanning strip 11 represent the respective'contacts in the bank oiA lany one of the connectors C15 to C21 (not shown) and C22 to C28. To this end, the cable 82 extends from the left-hand end of the tanning stripll, as seen in Fig. 1, to the bank of connector C15 (not shown), While the bank cable 82', Fig. 2, connects the bank of connector C28 to thebank of connector C21 (not shown). This cable lies Within the confines of the angle bar G, as it passes from the connector C28 to the connector immediately above. n

The terminal blocks mounted on the fanning strip 14, Figs. 2 and3 provide terminal facilities for one hundred lineswitches, four Y terminals a lineswitch.

The four terminals of the lineswitch LS, 14, are shown in Fig. 4 serving as a terminus for the four conductors extending thereto from the lineswitch LS via thecable 88. The cable 88, as shown in Fig. 2, extends from the blocks of anning strip 14 through the channel of bar 6 to the lineswitches mounted on gate G1, Figs. 2 and 3. The cable 88 joins with other cable conductors to be pointed out hereinafter Vto form the cable 97, shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The conductors of cable 88 connect to the jacks of the lineswitches on gate G1 as incoming conductors, as shown in Fig. 4. A cable (not shown) similar to cable 88 extends from the right-hand end of the fanning strip 14, as seen in Fig. 3, through the confines of the channel-bar 5 and to the joining with other local cable conductors to be hereinafter mentioned to form the cable 98, Fig. 2.

In order to connect the one hundred lineswitches ot gates G1 and G2 to one hundredY lines of the exchange, the cable 87, Figs. 2, 3, and 4, extends from the line conductor terminals of the terminal blocks mounted on tanning strip 14 to-thc main distributing frame MDF, Fig. 4, Whereat the necessary jumper connections are made to connect the lineswitches with the subscribers instruments by Way of the outside cable plant.

In Fig. 4 it will be noted that one of the trunk lines accessible to the lineswitch LS extendsby way of the cable 93 to one of the strips in the terminal assembly TA, Figs.

2 and 3. 'The terminal. assembly TA is pro,- vided for the purpose o't' enabling the relay groups 38 and 39 to be included in series with the trunks outgoing from the lineswitch banks When metered service is required and to enable the trunks to be connected straight through without the relays when metered service is not required. The terminal assembly TA also serves as a connecting point at Whichthe master-switch bank wires are connected to the so-'called release-trunk andV holding conductors of the trunk lines acces-V sible to the associated lineswitches.

Cable 93 may be seen in Fig. 2, with the wires leading therefrom to the next-to-thebottom strip inthe-terminal assembly TA. Cable'93 may also be seen iny Fig. 4 coming up from the lineswitch gates G1 and G2 to the terminal assembly TA. Some of its conductors are included in cable 97 extending to the gate G1, while others of its conductors extend across behind the channel bar 8 and go to make up part of cable 98 extending to the ate G2.

Upon re erence to Fig. 4, it will be noted that the cable 94 extends from the terminal assembly TA to the relay groups 38 and 39. Cable 94y may be seen in Fig. 2 as the bottom one of the five cables associatedwith the teryminal assembly TA, and its conductors may be seen connecting with the bottom strip in the terminal assembly, the terminals in the two bottom strips being bent and soldered together, as indicated in Figs. 2 and 4. The cable 94 extends up within the confines of the channel 5 (see Fig. 3) and forms part of the cable 89 leading to the meter-control relay groups 38 and 39.

In Fig. 4, cable 92 is shown leading from the relay groups 38 and 39 to the terminal assembly. This cable may be seen in Fig. 2, having its Wires connected with the middle one of the five terminal strips, and it may be seen in Fig. 3 extending from the right-hand end of the terminal assembly up into the confines of the channel-bar 6. This cable joins with the cable'94 to form the' cable 89 leading to the rela groups 38 and 39.

Fig. 4 s ows the master switch bank-cable 91 leading to the terminal assembly TA. This cable may be seen in Fig. 2 with its conductors connected to the second terminal strip, from the top. It may be seen in Fig. 3 leading from the left of the terminal assembly TA. Cable 91 extends down within the confines of the upright channel-bar 6. One portion of this makes up a. portion of cable 97, leading to the equipment mounted onthe lineswitch gate G1, and the remaining ones of its conductors help to make up the cable 98,y leading to the equipment mounted on lineswitch gate G2.

Fig. 4 shows the cable 90 leading from the terminal assembly TA to block 62 mounted on fanning strip 13 (see Fig. l). The terminals in block 62 represent the primary trunks after they have been led through the relay groups 38 and 39. Cable 90 may be seen in Fig. 2,

whereinits conductors are indicated as connecting with the top one of the five terminal strips of terminal assembly TA. Cable 90 is also shown 'in Fig. 3 as extending from the right-hand end of the terminal assembly TA ICS and up through the channel formed by the upm right bar 5.

Ruhm/'ng the jumpers on the' installed 'am-ts In order for an understanding to b-epliad ofthe way in vwhich the jumpers are run between the terminal blocks ofy installed units to vconnect rthe variousl elements together, various types of automatic telephone systems in which the new and improved units may be used will be discussed.

1n case the unit shown in the drawings is used in va-telephone exchange serving individual-liiies only, instead of serving party lines or a Vcombination ofy individual and party lines, the two groups of connectors mounted onone side of aunit assligown in the drawings will suiiicc for twov hundred lineswitches, whereas there is room on `the opposite side of the unit for only one hundr'ed lineswitches. When such a condition obtains one unit out ot every group Aof three may have lineswitches installed on both sides instead of haring connectors on one Yside and lineswitches on the other, in which case the three unit-s will serve to mount tour-hundred lineswitches, and the four groups 'of connectors contained on the twoy connectorequipped units will provide tour-hundred connector numbers,` a separate connector number'for each of the four hundred line-v switches. This Varrangement may be duplicated in each/set of three mounting units.

,Moreoveig a part, or all, of the lines may be arranged for operation on a metered or measured-service basis according to the system disclosed in `the patentto Arthur J. Fay, 1,304,369, granted May 20, 1919, on an application filed January 26, 1915. In Fig.` 1 of Rays patent drawings, a meter M is shown individual to the line of substation A' and associated with the individual lineswitch C, and theillustratedone ofthe trunk lines accessible to the lineswitch C is shown extending to the secondary lineswitch'C2 and equipped with the meter-controlling relays 23 and 24. It is assumed that the meter 100 shown in Fig. 4 oic thepresent drawings is similar' to the meter M in the Ray patent,

that` the relay groups 38 and 39 contain relays similar to the relays v23 and 24 a imilarly related to the Atrunk lines con- .fed through the relay 'groups 38 and 39 as ne einbetore describe h7the unit shownv in Figs. 1 to 3 installed in a system as above outlined, the jumper connections may be made as indicated in Fig. 4. In Fig. 4, it will be noted, the line of substation S enters the exchange at the main frame MDF, and is there extended by means of a jumper and conductors in conductor cable 8?' to terminal mounted on fanning strip 14, Figs. 2 and In order to provide incoming service to the line of substation S from the other lines of the system,

three-conductor jumper 102 is run from three of the contacts of the set mounted on tanning strip 14 and shown in Fig'. 4 to a setof connector bank terminals. The terminal set to which the umper 102 is run depends upcn the numberassigned to the line of substation SQ On the assumption that it is a number served by the connectors C1 to C14, Figs. 2 and' 3, the jumper 102 extends to one of the contact sets in one or" the jumper blocks on tanning strip 10,` Figs. 1 and 2. The jumper102 passesthrough one of the jumper rings 24- 26, Figs. 2 and 3.

Outgoing service it'roin'thcv lline of substation to the other lines'of the exchange is obtained through the lineswitch'LS in the usual manner. l/Vhen the lineswitch LS takes for use` the fourconductor trunk line yshown in Fig. 4 as passing through tour of the conductors of cable 93, the connection extends by way ofcontacts of the terminal assembly TA, to the relay groups 38 and 39 by-wayof conductors ofV cable 94; andthence to the pri# mary-trunk terminal blocky 62 mounted ony tanning strip v13,*by` way of conductors of cable 92, contacts of the terminal assembly TA, and conductors in cable 90.k From the contacts on block 62, Figsl and 4, the connection extends by way'ot a four-conductor jumper 104 to a secondary lineswivtch by lway of contacts mounted on tanningstrip 12, Figs. 1 and 2. From this point, the connection extends by way of conductors in cable 83 to ay secondary lineswitch (not shown), which is operated to extend a connection to a first selector accessible thereto and in the usual manner. l

In'order to connect ,a meter,

such asfthe meter

100, 4, so that it willA register the calls made from the line oi substation S, a single-conductor jumper 103 is run from the meter-actuating contact of the terminaldset associated with the lineswitch LS to a contact on the block 99. lt may be pointed out that the meters, such as 100, are` ordinarily installed on a separate mounting frame, and that cables are extended romthis mounting frame to the terminal. block 99. mounted on another one of the units of the system and in the space occupied by the tanning strip 12, Figs. 1 and 2, and its terminal blocks. It will be understood, oit' course, that the secondarytrunk-cable mounting bloclrs such as those mounted on tanning strip will be required in Yonly a few of the units, as the tanning strip 10 provides for trunks to one hundred secondary lineswitches, whereas a group of "1

strips

10 and 11 from each of the one hundred primary lineswitches makes use of only from 10 to 20 secondary lineswitchcs, depending upon the traffic conditions. The space occupied by the fanningfstrip 12 of the uni-t shown in the drawing may be occupied on most .of the other units by tanning strips terminating meter cables and such other miscellaneous cables as may prove to be necessary or desirable. Y r

It may be mentioned that a line suchas the line of substation A may be shifted to a new lineswitch without changing the connector number by merely shifting the upper end of the jumper 102, Fig. 4, to the new set of lineswitch terminals on vthe same or another unit, and making asimilar shift of the lower end of jumper 101 on the main distributing frame LIDF to the appropriatenew set of `contacts corresponding to the new lineswitch.

I nterce ptz'ng .s erm'ce installed, any calls attempted to the line of .substation S by way of the previously assignedy number are routed by way of cable 86 to the intercepting operators switchboard in the usual manner.

y Four-party-lz'ne service If, the system inwhich the newunits are installed is one having all four-party lines instead of having all individual lines as previously assumed, all of the units may have connectors installed on one side and line-Y switches on the other side, as shown in the drawings, except that a separate bank cable is taken to the terminal block of tanning connector groups instead of the arrangement'.V shown and described of taking one banlrcable for the shelves A and B and another bank cable for the shelves C and D. When the connectors on one side of the unit are arranged in four groups (a separate group for each shelf) theterminal blocks mounted on the fanning strips, 10 and 11 are built up six terminals high instead of three terminals high as shown in Fig. 2, thus doubling the num.- ber of terminals to care Jfor the doubled number of banky cable wires leading from the doubled number of connector groups. With this modified arrangement, each shelf of connectors constitutes a separate connector multiple and provides for one hundred connector numbers. lVith iour groups of connectors and only one group of lineswitches there lare four connector numbers for each of the lineswitches mounted on the opposite side signalled, as, for example, in the case of a harmonic-ringing party-line system, wherein each connector group of a set of four groups applies ringing current of a different predetermined frequency. In such a system, of course, the so-called harmonic or tuned ringers are used on the party lines. It will be understood,of course, that the association of connector numbers and lineswitches with a line is not confined to one unit. A connector-bank terminal set on one unit may be jumpered to a lineswitch terminal set on a different unit by way of a. jumper extending through the jumper channel formed by the jumper supports such as 20 to 22, Figs. 1 and 2.

l It'may be pointed out that the bunching block 64, mounted on fanning strip 13, Figs.

1 and 2, is used as ay common connecting point j for the jumpers in accordance with standard practice. p The terminals on this 4block are multipled together in sets with three or four groups of terminals in a set in order to accommodate a jumper extending from the group to a lineswitch, and a separate jumper extending from the group to each -set of connector-bank terminals through which accessis had to the party line.

j Standard mz'ed ser/vice Inl the majorityof actual installations, the subscribers lines, instead of being all individual lines as in the first assumed example or allfour-party lines as in the second assumed example, are usually a mixture of individual lines, two-party lines, and four-party lines. Ordinarily, then, some of the units of an installation willbe as shown in Figs. 1 to 3; others will have lineswitches mounted on both sides and'noconnectors, as discussed hereinbefore; and still Aothers will have lineswitches yon one side and the four shelves of connectors on the other side, wired up as four separate connector groups as hereinbefore mentioned. In the regular system, therefore, the provisions for inter-unit jumpering f is furnished by any other group of lineswitches. `This is advantageous from ak trunking and trattic-control standpoint, as is' well known.

Modc'ylieci intenable arrangement The line-conductorcables such as the, cable 87, `Figs. 2, 3., and a, may be terminated on the bank multiple terminalsjf'of tlieconnectors such as thosemounted on tanningv strips 10 and ,l1 'of Figs. l and '2 insteadot on the lineswitch terminals such as `those mounted on tanning strip 14,,Figs- 2 and 3, in case it is desired to have vallyconnector numbers appearing on the,k main` distributing trame. This arrangement, ofcourse, requires more cable conductors in afterminal-per-station party-line system, but'is favored by someA operating companies on the stated ground that it results in less labor by the maintenance men in'making jumper connections and alterationshaving to do'wth the balancing of the trattic'on lineswitch units, the changing of numbers, and the like. llVith this modiiedcabling arrangement, a line can be shifted from a lineswitch in` one group to a lineswitch in a diierent group by merely changing one jumper at the switch unit, whereas, in the cabling arrangement shown in ,ther drawings, a jumper must be changed at the main distributing frame as Well.

'Flatfrzzlzf'ehv ser/vice In the case of the line of substation S, Fig. 4, in case flat-rate service ist-o be given instead of metered service, the'jumper 103 is removed andV the CorrespondingA contact on :tanning strip 1s'- is groundedin yorder to secure the correct circuit operation. As an alternative way of lmaking thechange, the line maybe shifted to a lineswitchinvanother lgroup wherein metering relays are notl provided and wherein the fourth terminals of the lineswitch terminalfsets are permanently grounded, asno Vmeters are ever to be attached.

What is claimed is: f

l.` A switchboard for use 'in an automatic telephone system, said switchboard being composedoiz separate switchboard units disposed in a row, connector switches mounted on one side ot each unit, line switches mounted on the other side oit `each unit, two groups ot terminals mounted on each unit, the ban s ot the connector switches on the same unit being multipled together and'conf nectedY to one group 'erminals, the lineswitches on same 't conn` to the other group ott inals, fm: tor makin@` jump-er coi` terminal groups whH nector-banl; contacts on a u A nected to any lineswitch on the saine Au and facilities for melting inter-ra it j it i per connections w -eieby lany set ot connector bank contacts on any unit may be connected with any lineswitchv on any other unit.l

2. An automatic switchboard unit having automatic connector switches mounted on one lside thereoi1 and having automatic lineswitches ot each unit being multipled to-g gether, connections from the multiplied bank` contacts ot said units to the res ective 'Grou s ot terminal sets mounted on said units, a group ci secondary-lineswitch terminals mounted on one of said units, and facilities for making jumper connections :trom the primary ln one of said uni-is to said secondary-line-swit'ch terminals. i

An automatic telephone switchboard unit havingl connector switches mounted on one side and primary lineswitches mounted on the other side, ay group of connector-bank terminals, the banks of ythe connectors mountedon said unit ybeing connected'in multiple with each other and connected to saidV group et connector-bank terminals, a group of primary-lineswitch terminals, said primary lineswitc'hes being connected with said te minals, a group o1" primary-line switclrbanlr terminals, thebanls of said lineswitches being connectedv in multiple (with each other and to said primary-lineswitchbaril; terminals, a group or" secondary-lineswitch terminals mounted on said unit, i'acilif ties including the said connector-bank terminals and primary-lineswitch terminals for making a jumper -connection from any multip-led set of connector bank contacts to any one of said primary llineswitches, and facilities including said primary lineswitchbank termin al s and said secondaryllineswitch terminals for making a jumper connection between any group or" multipled primarylineswitch-banl; contacts andvany .group of secondarylineswitch terminals.

5. ln an automatic telephone switchboard unit having provisions for mounting automatic connector switches on one side thereof and having provisions for mounting subscribers individual line switches on the other side thereof; a group ot meter-control relays mounted on the lineswitchside ot said unit;

unit, a subscribers-line cable 'terminating in ieswitch banl; terminals on any one of said terminal blocks; cable connectionsy from the line-cable terminal block to said lineswitches; whereby the lines and lineswitches are connected together cable connec-I ltions from the banks of said connectors to another group of said terminal blocks; a ter-` minal assembly mounted on said unit and comprising terminals fixed in superimposed fiat strips and arranged to be bent together and soldered insuitable combinations; connections from the banks of said lineswitches line-cable terminal blocks to enable connections to be extended to subscribers lines by way of said connectors, and'tacilities for making jumper connections between the said terminal blocks to which the lineswitch banks .f are connected by way of said terminal assembly and meter-control relays tosaid outgoing trunk cable terminal blocks, whereby calls may be made Vfrom said subscribers lines through said lineswitches and the trunk represented by the saidoutgoing trunk cables.

6. In an automatic telephone system,l a group of switchboard units arranged in a row, each unit having connector switches mounted on one side and lineswitchesmounted on the other side, a group of terminal blocks on the connector side of each unit terminating cable conductors extending from the connector banks, terminal blocks mounted on the lineswitch side of each unit, conductors connecting theterminal sets in the lineswitch blocks with the lineswitches on the same unit, facilities including jumper rings or running y f jumpers between the two sides of any unit to connect connector-bank contact-sets and s. lineswitchesv together, and facilities including jumper guides on all said units whereby a jumper may be run from any lineswitch iterminals on any unit across the said any unit and through said jumper guides to a set of terminals mounted on the connector side of any other unit, in order to make interunit associations of connector-bank contactsets and lineswitches'.

7. An automatic telephone switchboard n comprising a row of switchboard units` each unit having automatic connector switches mounted on one side and subscribers individual lineswitches mounted on the other side, a group of terminals mounted on the lineswitch side of each unit and connected with the lineswitches on the same unit, a group of terminals mounted on the connector side of each unit and containing terminals cable-connected to the connector-bank contact sets, a-

cilities including jumper rings for running jumpers across any unit between the said terminal groups and facilities including a jumper channel extending along the row'o units and formed by jumper guides mounted on the units for making inter-unity jumper connectionsibetween terminals ofdifferent units.V

8. An automatic telephone lswitchboard` comprising a group Vof switchboard unitsV placed in a row, automatic switchingapparatus mounted on each of said units, a group of terminals mounted on each unit above the automatic switching apparatus thereon and cable connected to the associated apparatuson the same unit, and facilities including a jumper channel formed by jumper guides mounted on said units above the automatic switching apparatus for making jumper connections between the terminals of all said units.

9. An automatic switchboard unit having automatic switches mounted onv one side thereof, a group of terminals mounted on the same side of the unitrabove the switches and cable connected to said automatic switches, said unit having automatic switches mounted on the other side thereof and cable connected A' to a group of terminals mounted on the said other side of the switchboard above the associated automatic switches, and jumper facilities including jumper rings for running jumpers between the two sides of said switchboard above the switches mounted thereon in order to connect the automatic switching apparatus on one side of the switchboard With the automatic switching apparatus mounted on the other side of the switchboard.

10. An automatic switchboard comprising a row of separate switchboard units, each unit having automatic switches mounted thereon, a group of terminals mounted on each unit above the automatic switches and cable connected to the switches on the same unit, and facilities for running jumpers between the terminals ofsaid units, said facilities including a jumper channel lformed by jumper guides mounted on said units above the automatie switches and below said terminals.

l1, In an automatic switchboard unit, a pair vertically disposed main supporting bars located at opposite ends of the unit, switching apparatus mounted on each side of said unit and supported by said bars, a y'horizontally disposed strip of terminalscrmounted on one side of the unit and supported by said bars and specific to the automatic switching apparatus mounted on the same side of the unit, another horizontally disposed strip of terminals mounted on the other side of said unit and supported between said main support bars and specific to the switching apparatus mounted on the said other side of the unit. a mounting strip disposed horizontally between said main supporting bars and lying within the conines of the space included within the outer vertical edges of said bars, and j umper-guiding means mounted on said mounting strip and arranged to guide jumpers between the two said terminal strips.

12. In an automatic switchboard unit, a pair of vertically disposed main supporting bars located at opposite ends of the unit, switching apparatus mounted on each side of said unit and supported by said bars, a horizontally disposed strip of terminals mounted on one side of the unit and supported by said bars and specific to the automatic switching apparatus mounted on the same side of the unit, another horizontally disposed strip of terminals mounted on the other side of said unit and support between said main support bars and specific to the switching apparatus mounted on the said other side of the unit, a mounting strip disposed horizontally between said main supporting bars and lying within the confines of the space included within the outer vertical edges of said bars, and a pluralityV of jumper rings disposed along the said horizontal bar to support jumpers passing between the two said terminal strips.

13. In an automatic switchboard composed of similar units placed end to end to form a complete switchboard, a pair of vertically disposed main supporting bars forming opposite ends or" a switchboard unit, automatic switching apparatus mounted on said unit and supported between said bars, a horizon tally disposed strip of terminals mounted on` said unit, said terminal strip being supported on said bars and lying parallel to the face of the unit, a horizontally disposed support bar mounted directly on said main support bars: above the automatic switching apparatus and below said terminals, and a plurality of jump- Y er guides secured to said horizontal support bar to form a jumper channel through which inter-unit jumpers may be run from the said terminal strip to terminal strips on other units.

la. in an automatic switchboard composed of similar units placed end to end to form a complete switchboard, a pair of vertically disposed main supporting bars forming opposite ends of a switchboard unit, automatic switching apparatus mounted on said unit and supported between said bars, a horizontally disposed strip of terminals mounted on said unit, said terminal strip being supported on said bars and lying parallel to the face of the unit, a. horizontally disposed support bar mounted directly on said main support bars above the automatic switching apparatus and below said terminals, and a plurality of jumper guides secured to said horizontal support bar to form a jumper channel through which inter-unit jumpers may be run from the said terminal strip to terminal strips on other units, said jumper guides being disposed so that they lie outside oi the Jfaces of the main support bars of the unit and within the faceof the unit as defined by the outer