US2248819A - Signal transmitting means - Google Patents

Description

July 8 194- M. l. HAsELToN 2,248,819

SIGNAL TRANSMITTING MEANS Original Filed Jan. 20, 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Ze' f m im;

K a 7 s 5 4 a 2 1 f (1N/rs SELEcoA KEYS INI/ENTOR.

ATTORNEYS i `uly 8, 1941.

M. L. HASELTON S IGNAL TRAN SMITTING MEANS Original Filed Jan. 20, 1928 SARTING WIRE '7 sheets-sheet 2 A ragusa/vas www -A TTORNE YS July 8 1941- M. HAsEL'roN 2,248,819

SIGNAL TRANSMITTING MEANS Original Filed `Jan. 20, 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet IN VEN TR. @fsm/Pano CW/0N EN ATToRNEx/s July 8,1941. M L HASELTON 2,248,819

SIGNAL TRANSMITTING MEANS l Original FiedJarg. 20, 1928 7 Sheets-She'etA I N VEN TOR.

. fk/,w L. Mom

Ma/vw ATTORNEYS July 8, 1941.

M. l. HAsELToN 2,248,819

SIGNAL TRANSMITTING MEANS' l 7 sheets-sheet 5 Original Filed Jan 20, 1928 fr mw 1N VEN TOR.

July 8, 1941. M. l. HAsELToN SIGNAL TRANSMITTING MEANS Original Filed Jan. 20, 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 July 8, 1941. M. L HAsx-:LTON

v SIGNAL TRANSMITTING MEANS original Filed Jan. zo, 1928 {Sheets-Sheet '7 wimm,

Patented July 8, 194i UN il' ED.`

srarss garant' SIGNA-L raANsMir'riNG MEANS 'Navile Application January 20, 1928, Serial N e. 248,068 Renewed October-1i), 1939 29 Claims.

This invention relates to electrical signaling and more particularly to signaling'apparatus and methods whereby distinctive current variations representative of certain information may be transmitted from a central point or points to one or more receiving stations at whichv the information is to be displayed-or posted or otherwise made available for use.

The invention according toone ofits phases, although not restricted thereto, is particularly adaptable to the transmission of varying stock or commodity pricev quotations from a central point, such as a stock exchange, to numerous brokers ofces at each of which the-quotations may be automatically posted on bulletin boards or otherwise. This application relates primarily to improved transmitting methods and means such as may be utilized for example, with receiving means as disclosed in my copending application Ser. No. 244,873, iiled January 6, 1928, entitled Electrical signaling, now U. S. Patents Nos. 1,890,876, 1,890,877 and 1,946,531. However, it will be understood that the invention of this application, according to many of its phases,l is applicable to other forms of receiving apparatus.

The objects of my invention include the provision of apparatus of the above indicated class which will be adaptable with a wide degree of flexibility to various operating conditions and which will be accurate, rapidy and dependable in operation.

Further and more specific objects, features and advantages will clearly appear from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and 'claims which form a part of this specification.

The invention comprises the novel signaling Fig. 3 is a sectional View illustrating typical. selector or actuation keys of the keyboard of Fig. 2;

Fig, 4 is a sectional view showing the construction of typical starting keys'such as, the open,

high, low or last keys, etc., of the keyboard. .i

of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 shows one for-m of impulse counting device, suchas may be used in connection with thevcircuits of'Figs. 1, 1a, 1b and 1c; and

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 6 6 of Fig. 5.

K cyboad arrangement In order to exhibit at brokers offices the-varying quotations of stocks, commodities or other items in the customary manner, means should be provided for posting, say, four digits of each quotation, that is, the hundreds, tens, units and fraction Value. The brokers customers are also generally desirous of knowing the open, high, low and last quotationsv for each stock or item and accordinglyl provision should be made for giving these four quotations for each stock. Furthermore, in order to provide for the transmission of quotationsfor all or'substantially all of the large numbers of stocks and otherV items, such as listed on various exchanges of the country, means should be available for transmitting a corresponding large number of distinctive and different current variations. In my patents,` above referred to, I have disclosed various means whereby such multitude of distinctive current variations may all be transmitted over a relatively small number of line wires used in common for the'current variations representing quotations of the numerous items, selecting meansbeing provided at each receiving station for identifying the current variations according to the respective stocks or items represented: thereby and for applying or causing to be applied, similar identied variations tocorresponding indicating units for pos-ting a plurality of digits for showing either .the open, high, low or last quotation of any desired stock or item. Of course, at times quotations forr either the high and last or the low and last will be alike and for such instances I have provided means for simultaneously actuating the indi- 'cators for either .the high and last or the low and last.

The transmitting arrangement hereinafter described rst performs the function of transmitting a group of distinctive current variations which operate to control the identifying or selector means at the receiving stations. The transmitter then functions to transmit a group of current variationsl for actuating .the particular indicators chosen by the selector means. Also the transmitter of my invention provides means for rendering suchY actuating current variations effective to operate either .the open,

high, low or last quotation indicators, or if desired either the high and last or the low and last together.

In order to provide a rapid and accurate method of performing the selecting steps with the apparatus, each stock or other item, for which quotations are to be transmitted, is preferably arbitrarily designated by a distinctive group of numerals or other characters. For example, a certain stock might be identied as No. 1212. It is convenient to use as many as four digits for identifying the various items inasmuch as with such a system, as many as 9999 separate items may be thus identified and also, if but a relatively smaller number of items are to be frequently quoted, such frequently quoted items, such as active stocks, may be designated by numbers composed of small digits Such as 2--1-2-1, for which only corresponding small numbers of current variations need be transmitted. Furthermore, with the particular system here disclosed, it is of further convenience to provide designating numbers having four digits in that the current variations which perform the selecting steps corresponding to each of such four digits may be simultaneously transmitted over an equal number of line wires, namely four, the same four line wires being subsequently used for simultaneously and independently transmitting the current variations for actuating the four selected indicator units for one quotation.

Referring to Fig. 2, a plurality of tiers of selec-- tor switch keys are indicated at a, b, c and cl, one such tier being provided for each of the four digits of a stock designating number. It will be noted that nine switch keys are provided in each tier, the same respectively bearing identifying numerals from 1-9. Referring to Fig. 3, it will be noted that each of the switch keys when pressed serves to close switches as at c and d',

thus closing a circuit through such switches so long as the operator holds the corresponding switch keys in depressed position. The switches as at c and d have spring contacts as shown, whereby the switches are normally open when pressure is not applied to the switch key buttons. As hereinafter explained, four line wires may be provided respectively corresponding to each of the four tiers of keys a, b, c and d, and the switches operated oy such keys function through apparatus suitable to transmit over said line wires respectively a number of current variations corresponding to the numeral on the particular key which is pressed.

As shown in Fig. 2, another and similar group of keys designated as actuating keys, may be provided and likewise arranged in four tiers, e, f, g and h, corresponding respectively to the four digits of each quotation and also corresponding respectively to the same four line wires above referred to. It will be noted that in each of these tiers ten keys are provided and numbered respectively from l-9 and the 10th key bearing the indicia zero. These keys provide respectively for sending over the several line wires groups of actuating impulses varying in number from 1-10 depending upon which of the keys has been pressed.

It will be noted that although Zero keys are provided in the actuation key group, none are provided in the selector key group. This is for the reason that apparatus hereinafter explained may be provided whereby if no selector key in any or all of the selector tiers is pressed, then on the line wires corresponding to such tiers, ten

selector impulses will be transmitted, thus proventing the selectors from remaining inactive or disconnected at the receiving stations. That is, if no selector keys were pressed in tiers a, b and c and the key l were pressed in tier d, then the quotation indicators for stock number 0001 would be selected at the receiving stations. Again, if the operator pressed key number 9 in tier a, but pressed no other selector keys, the indicators for item number 9000 would be chosen at the receiving stations. It is apparent therefore that zero keys are not necessary in the selector key group. On the other hand in the actuation key group it is desirable to provide for the setting of the quotation indicators either at blank or at zcrof With the keys arranged as shown in Fig. 2, the pressing of the zero actuation keys functions to transmit groups of ten current variations for setting the corresponding chosen quotation digit indicators at zero, whereas if keys are not pressed in the actuation key groups, the digit indicators will remain at positions exhibiting blanks, the indicators after being selected having been automatically restored to blank positions by means hereinafter described.

It Will be observed that actuation key tiers e, f and g, bear indicia which may be used respectively to correspond to the hundreds, tens and units of the quotation transmitted, while the tier h bears indicia corresponding to various fraction values, either decimal or common, depending upon which characters are used on the corresponding quotation digit indicators which are selected at the receiving stations. For example, the ten keys of this tier may be labeled with the characters .1 to .9 and 0 and keys from .1 to .7 may be also labeled with common fraction characters from 1/3 to 'V8 respectively.

On the keyboard as shown in Fig. 2 an additional key i, similar in construction to the keys above described, but bearing the indicia error may be used to operate circuit arrangements for releasing the connections established by reason of the previous pressing of any of the selector or actuation keys. Another group of similar keys may also be provided as indicated at lc, which are utilized to determine whether the actuation impulses shall function to operate the open, high, 1ow, last, high and last or "low and last quotation indicators.

The keyboard may be operated as follows: For example, if the operator wishes to transmit for item No. 1212 a quotation comprising 106%, he may press selector keys 1-2-1-2 respectively of the four selector tiers, and also press actuation keys 1-0-6-% respectively of the four actuation tiers. That is, these eight keys may be pressed either in succession in any convenient order, or simultaneously as the operator may desire. After all of these keys have been pressed, if it should be discovered that one or more of the keys have been pressed by mistake, the operator would press the error key z', whereupon circuit connections set up by reason of the previous pressing of the eight keys, selector and actuation, would all be restored to normal. That is, circuit connections which have not as yet actively operated to transmit signals will be restored, but circuit connections which may have been established before a previous pressing of one of the keys lc will continue to be engaged in transmission of signals and will be unaffected by the error key. The operator will next press the desired eight keys or a lesser number. Then if none of the keys 7c are. in depressed condition, one of the same may be now pressed by the operator, which will start the sending of distinctive groups of impulsesfover the line wires corresponding to the particular eight Selector and actuation keys which have been pressed. Immediately upon pressing one of the keys of the group k, suc'hkey as pressed will be locked down and thev other keys of this group will be locked up, such locking continuing until the transmission of the distinctivegroups of current variations is automatically completed.

Meanwhile, however, during the automatic transmission of these groups of impulses, the operator may reset the selector and actuation keys to correspond to any desired new quotation which is to be next transmitted. Then as soon as the locking of the keys of the group lc is released, another key of such group may be pressed for starting the transmission of the second quotation. It is therefore unnecessary for the operator to await the actual transmission of a quotation over the line wires before setting the selecting and actuating keys for the next quotation, and accordingly substantially the maximum possible speed of operation of the keyboard is obtainable. That is, the speed of operation of the keyboard may be limited only by human skill in operating the same. Yet the locking of the keys of the group lc automatically prevents confusion of the digits of one quotation with those of the succeeding, andr since the selector and: actuation keys may be pressed in any desired sequence or concurrently at the operators convenience, in any event there is nov possibility of confusion of the selector impulses with the actua-tion impulses by reason of false settings.

Inasrnuch as provision is made to actuate the keyboard for selecting and sending a new quo- 'tation before the previous quotation is completely transmitted, it is apparent that storage means is necessary for storing the information of each setting, at least for a limited time. In my aforesaid patent-s provision for such storage is made in the form of a perforated tape, the perfo'rations being made prior to actual use of the tape and being distinctively arranged to indicate the quot.

tations of desired stocks. Another manner in which such storage could be accomplished would be by the use of two or more keyboards, but according to the particular embodiment of my invention hereV disclosed, I have obviated the necessity for a plurality or" keyboards, and instead have provided two sets of relays operated upon alternately by a single keyboard. Typical groups of relays for this purpose are designated on Fig. l, as Groups I and II, the operation of which will be hereinafter described in detail.

In the system described in my aforesaid patents, the choice as between open, highg low and last, high and last or low andI last is accomplished by establishing various combinations of polarities on the four line wires. That is, when the transmission of signals is initiated, a sustained potential on each line wire of a predetermined polarity is setup. then the subsequent selecting and actuating current variations take the form of potential interruptions or drops on the line wires. With the keyboard and circuit arrangements of this invention, such sustained potentials are established b-y the pressing of the keys ls, which at the same time initiate the tra'nstion is completed, it is apparent that the predetermined line potentials established by pressing one of such keys may also be maintained, subject to the current variations, throughout the send-ing of one quotation, and therefore all sclecting and actuating impulses of a given group will be directed either to the openj high, low or last indicators, vdepending upon which key Ic is pressed.

Storage relay circuits The circuits ofv the digit storing relays are largely indicated on Fig. 1. At the top of Fig. 1 the two alternately used groups of the relays for the units selector keys are shown. It will be understood that similar groups will be provided respectively for the tens, hundreds and thousands digits of the stock or item designating numbers. Tliese additional relay groups are attachedl respectively to the Wires bearing the indicia tens, hundreds and thousands on Fig. lo. For simplicity such additional groups of relays are not shown as they are constructed and arranged in the same manner as those shown at the top of Fi'g. 1'.

Likewise, at the lower part of Fig. I, the two alternately usedY groups of storage rela-ys for the hundreds actuation keys are illustrated, additional groups (not shown) being provided and connected to operate over the wires designated as tens, units and fractions on Fig. 1b.

The miniature numbers used designating the keys, relays andv impulse counter contacts are considerably smalleithan the numeral-S used in designating other parts of the apparatus and should not be confused therewith.

Referring to Fig. l, we will rst assume that all relays are cle-energized' and that the operator presses the units selector key #9'. This closes the corresponding switch contacts l and establishes a circuit from gr'ormd' 2, through ground wire 3', the switch I and the corresponding relay bus 4, a normal contact 5 of a transfer relay E, the coil of a digit storing relay l (relay for digit #9) to battery and ground at 8. Digit storing relay l thereforev operates and closes contacts at 9 and le; Contact lli' prepares a circuit to the transmitter but this circuit is however open at a con tact il of a transfer relay l2. Contact 9 in clos# ing establishes a holding circuit for relay l which is as follows: battery and ground at 8, coil of relay l, contact 9, a normal Contact i3 of the trans'- fer relay l2', an error release bus Ill, thence to a normal'contact i5" of an error release magnet f6. (See Fig; lb.) This circuit holds digit' storing relay l' operated but conditions its circuit so that it may be released whenever error release magnet It' is energized.

In a similar manner any digit storing relay may be locked up over the error release bus Hi by pressing the keys. It may be noted that digit storing relays in Group II as at Il are disconnected at normal contacts I 3' of transfer relays i9 andV 23. Therefore pressing of the keys has no effect at this time on any of th'e relays in Group II. The error release bus i4 as well as a transmission release bus 25 and a transfer bus 2| are common to all digit storingV relays, both for se lection and actuation.

If, now, the transfer bus 2i is grounded, all the transfer relays such as 5', l2, i9, 22, 23 and 2Q are energized, since all have one' terminal connected to the battery and ground 8 and their otherV terminal connected to the bus 2l. This groundv may be placed in the transfer bug at the proper time by the transmitter per se, as eX- plained hereinafter. The transfer relays therefore open all normal contacts as at 5 of relays 6 and 22 of Groups Nos. I, and close make contacts as at I8 of relays I9 and 23 of Group No. II. Also the contact 9 of relay 'I which is closed, is transferred from the ground on error bus I4 to another ground on the transmission release bus 29, by the closing of a contact 25 and subsequent opening of the contact I3 of relay l2. The holding circuit of relay 'I is now completed over the transmission release bus 20, (see Fig. 1b) and a contact 26 of a transmission release relay 21 to ground. This relay is energized by the transmitter when all impulses for one quotation have been transmitted, as explained hereinafter. The relay I2 in closing also closes the contact II, thereby placing a ground on the 9th contact of a units selector impulse counter, through the contact II! of the relay 1, and through a sender bus as at 2S to the 9th contact of the units selector impulse counter as shown on Fig. la.

The reverse of the above described circuit changes occurs by the operation of transfer relays I9, 23 and 24. tact 29 of relay 24 is removed from sender busses 28 by the opening of the contact 29; also the holding circuit of all of the Group II relays is transferred from the transmission release bus to the error release bus by operation of the contacts 3B and 3l of the relay 24. This places the Group II digit storing relays in condition to record such digits as are next chosen on the keyboard.

The operation of the digit storage relays of the actuation groups may be the same as of those above described. However, as above explained, it is desirable to provide ten actuation keys in each group and accordingly ten storage relays are provided in each actuation group, and furthermore, as shown in the lower portion of Fig. 1, relays 32 and 33 have been added which are in series with the holding circuits of the groups of digit storing relays. The relays 32 and 33 correspond to the blank spaces on the indicator units selected at the receiving stations.

Parts of the actuation storage relay circuits which are similar to corresponding parts of the selector storage relay circuits are identified on the drawings by the same numerals accompanied by prime marks.

If no keys are pressed, relays 32 and 33 do not operate and the blank wire of the actuation bus group 28 remains grounded through one or the other of contacts 32 and 33. Assuming however that a contact of Group I has been pressed, then the circuit of relay 32 will be closed either by way of error release bus I4' or transmission release bus 29', through either contact I3 or 25', thence through the coil of relay 32 to one of the contacts as at 9 of the particular storage relay which has been actuated, thence through such relay to battery and ground at 8'. Therefore, when certain of the actuating keys of Groups Nos. I are pressed, the relays such as at 32 (of the hundreds, tens, units and fractions groups) cause the ground connections to be removed from the blank actuation busses, but when no actuation keys are pressed, the relays 32 being inactive permit the contacts 32' to remain closed. The contacts 32' complete their circuits through other contacts as at 32 which are under the control of transfer relays I2. When the actuation keys of Groups Nos. I are being set, the transfer relays I 2 are inactive and hence contacts 32 remain open until a That is, the ground at contransfer to Groups Nos. II is made, whereupon energization of relays I2 closes contacts 32 for effecting completion of the grounding circuits through contacts 32' whenever no keys have been pressed in the corresponding groups. Then, as will be hereinafter explained, the corresponding contact marked on the actuation impulse counters being grounded, will cause the impulse counter to send no impulses, thus leaving the corresponding selected indicators at the receiving stations in positions to indicate blanks. Actuation storage relay Groups Nos. II are arranged in a similar manner, that is, when transfer is made from Group I to Group II, relay 24 will be energized, thus opening a ground circuit through a contact 33". Then if keys are not pressed in Groups Nos. II, the relays 33 will remain idle permitting the ground circuit to be conditioned through closed contacts 33. Thereafter upon transfer back to Group I, relay 24 will be de-energized, thus closing the ground circuit through the contact 33, contact 33', blank actuation bus, to the contact on the corresponding actuation impulse counter, such ground being maintained during the existing actuation cycle and until the next transfer, but not interfering with the resetting of Groups Nos. I.

As to constructional features and details of the digit storing relay groups which are not herein described at length, reference may be had to various prior art patents and publications, which describe somewhat similar arrangements, but modified and adapted to a distinctly different purpose, namely automatic telephone switching, as explained for example by H. H. Harrison in his book on Automatic Telephony, Longmans Green & Co., London, 1924, pages 13G-134.

It will now be apparent that by the use of the storage relays above described, the actual transmission of current variations may be provided for to take place simultaneously with the resetting of the keys for a subsequent quotation. The function of the storage relays it will be observed is to apply a ground connection to proper contacts on the selector and actuation impulse counters. That is, referring to Figs. la and lb, it will be noted that an actuation impulse counter is provided respectively for each of the groups of transmitter busses 28 and 28', such impulse counters having arcuately arranged groups of contacts corresponding respectively to the units, tens, hundreds and thousands selector digits and the fractions, units, tens and hundreds of the actuation digits. Such impulse counters will be hereinafter described in detail.

Assuming new that the operator has pressed the desired selector and actuation keys, he is now ready to start the actual transmission of the current variations which will correspond in number to the designating numbers of the storage relays of the various Groups Nos. I which have been energized by the pressing of the corresponding keys.

Starting keys and choice of open, hir/h, "low and last indicators Referring now to Fig. 1c, the next operation is the depression of any desired one of the six keys 34 (which have been designated as group 7c in Fig. 2 in order to distinguish from the numbered digit keys). For example, if the open key is pressed, this completes a circuit from a ground at 35 through contacts of a switch 34 through a corresponding one of the connection wires 36 to one of the corresponding potential selector relays as at 37, the winding of a starting relay 38 to battery and ground 39. The relay 38 thereupon operates and completes through a contact 40, a circuit from the transmission release bus 2li, through a key release magnet 4| to battery and ground at 42. The holding magnet 4I (see Fig. 4) operates to displace a template as at 43 against the tension of a spring 44. The template 43 is shaped so as to engage with the various keys of group lc as follows: When for example a key as at 45 is depressed and the magnet 4! is thereupon energized as above explained, the template will engage the stem of such key in a manner apparent from the drawings and prevent the same from being raised until the magnet is deener- .gized At the same time keys which are in raised position, as for example key 4E, will also have their stems engaged by the template i3 in the manner shown, whereby such keys are held against being depressed until the magnet 4| is de-energized.

Referring now again to Fig. 1c, concurrently with the actuation of the relay 38, the particular relay 3l which has been energized will cause a group of four contacts as at 47, 48, 4S and 59 to be closed. The relays 3l are each arrangedV with these groups of four contacts so as to apply a ground connection to one or the other of the two Wires of each of four pairs of connection Wires 5I. These pairs of wires are in turn connected respectively to pairs of line polarity relays as at 52 (see Fig. 1b), so that when certain of the groups of contacts 4l, 48, 4S and 58 are closed, the corresponding relays 52 operate to connect the four main line wires, Ll, L2, L3, L4, each to either a source of negative potential 5l or a source of positive potential 56. This operation it will be understood serves to apply the sustained potentials to the lines, of such polarities as to determine whether open, high, low or last indicators will be operated by subsequent current variations, and also with certain combinations of potentials to permit the operation of high or low indicators with the last indicators at the receiving stations. On Fig. 1b, a tabulation is given of suitable line potentials which may be applied to permit the desired control of the receiving indicators arranged as described in my aforesaid patents. For example, if the last key is pressed, potentials will be normally applied to the line vwires Ll, L2, L3 and L4, respectively, as follows: plus, minus, plus, minus. With these potentials, any actuation impulses transmitted over the lines will serve to operate the last receiving station indicators.

Now, if it is desired to operate the transmitter of this invention in conjunction with receiving circuits such, for example as shown in Fig. 12 of my Patent 1,890,876, the line polarities may be iirst established for restoration purposes as indicated in the tabulation of Fig. 1 of this application. After the necessary number of restoration impulses are transmitted in a manner hereinafter explained, the polarity of line L3 may be quickly reversed, whereupon the line potentials will be such as to permit actuation of the chosen indicators at the receiving stations. This shifting of the polarity of line L3 is accomplished by the operation of a relay 53 acting in conjunction with relay switch members 54, 55 and 55, the operation of which will be hereinafter explained in detail. The association of the line wires with the line polarity changing switches and the sources' of potential 5l and 58 is fully s explaine'dlinconnection with Fig. 6 of my Patent No. 1,890,876..

4Selector impulse transmitting circuits At the sarne time that the line potentials are being establishedas' above explained, the starting relay 38:A ('s'ee Fig. 1c) also closes a contact 59 which, it will Abe observed, connects a ground with a starting wire (s'e'e Figs. lb'and la) which, when energized, initiates the transmitting action through the medium of relays 6| and 52. Thev relay Simay be of a slow acting type'with a coppery slug von its armature' 'end causing the relay to be slow to operate. The relay 62 maybe of the ordinary quick acting" type. Upon energization of the starting wire 6G, the relay 5| operates after a short delay, but only after the quick acting relay 62 has operated through a normally closed contact 63, such circuit running from ground through Contact 59, startingwire 6U, contactjS, co'il of -relay 62, a contact 64, to battery and vground a-t 65, the vcontact 64 being under the control of ,selector impulse counter stepping magnet G. The relay @2 then is provided with a holdingn circuit by' reason of the closing of a Contact 6T which yconnects the relay BZ directly to groundi'n lieu of having its circuit run through contact 53 andthe starting wire to ground. Upon the actuation of relay BI the starting wire circuit is broken at the contact 63. kThis may occur at approximately 0.1 second after relay 62 has operated andv causes the circuit of the starting wire to remain open `at this point until the transmission of current variations for one quotation is completedf thereafter the same circuit is opened a'tl'contabt '59 until the starting key is pressed for the following v(giuot'altion. Thereby, repetition of the actuation of the selector circuits is prevented until a startir'ig key is again pressed. Before proceeding further with the transmitting circuits, thev iiiipuise' counter construction will be described.

Impulse counter constrnction.-Ihe impulse counters or switches may take the general form of the well known rotary line switches as used in automatic telephony switching, one example of such a switch being shown in the above cited work by Harrison on page 4l. Inasmuch as the details of construction of such switches are well known, only the features particularly adapting such switches to this invention will be here described.

As shown in Fig. 5, this switch may be of the rotary stepeby-step' type having ve double rotary wiper arms as at I3y and one single rotary wiper arm as at 14. (See Fig. la for schematic illustration.) These wipers may all be mounted in alignment on, but insulated from, a single shaft as at 'l5 (see Fig. 5), cooperating with a ratchet 16 and pawl 'il so as to be rotatedstep-by-step always in the same direction. The pawl in turn may be driven by an armature as at 'I8 of the stepping magnet 66. The pawl as advanced by the armature engages one of the teeth of the ratchet 'i5 and as the magnet E6 is de-energized, the ratchet together with the wiper arms are rotated one step in the direction of the arrow by the force of a spring 19 acting against the pawl member. Reverse movement of the ratchet and wipers may be prevented as by a spring dog 80.

The outer endsfof four of the wipers 'I3 respectively are arranged to come into contact successively with thirteen contact points as at 8| arranged as shown in arcuate groups. Two of the wipers, namely one of the double wipers 73, and

the single Wiper 16 come into contact with con-y tinuous arcuate segments 82 and are used for the.

control of the transmitters and the `transfer bus as hereinafter explained. The manner in which the switch |54 above mentioned is associated with the stepping magnet 66 is indicated in Fig. 5, the switch 64 being arranged to open its circuit whenever the magnet B is energized.

The operation of the selector impulse counter or switch will now be explained in connection with the diagram on Fig. 1a.

It will be observed that for clearness on Fig. la. the step-by-step switch of Fig. 5 has been shown schematically as divided into six groups or parts, one bank of contacts or else a segment being included in each part. The manner in which segments 82 cooperate with wipers 13 and 14 is shown. That is, wiper 14 is normally out of contact with its segment 82, but when the wiper 14 is advanced in the direction of the arrow through, say, approximately one-half step, then contact will be made with its corresponding segment 82 (which is grounded), and such contact will be maintained throughout the succeeding one-half revolution of the wiper, whereupon such contact will be broken during the next one-half revolution. The Wiper 13 (having double arms) above referred to, which cooperates with another of the segments 82, it will be observed, normally has both its arms out of contact with the segment 82. However, upon rotation of such double wiper through an angle equivalent to substantially one full step, contact will be made with the segment 82 (which is also grounded) and such ground connection will be maintained until the wiper rotates through one-half revolution to another normal position. Upon rotation of the wipers through the succeeding one-half revolution, the above action will be repeated. The manner in which the other Wipers 13 cooperate with f the various contacts 8| is apparent from the above description taken in connection with the drawings.

Reverting again to the operation of the selector transmitting circuits: relay 62 in operating also closes a contact at ES, which conditions an impulsing circuit from ground to the make contact 6B, through the winding of an impulsing relay 69, to a make contact 10 of a motor driven interrupter 12 and thence to battery and ground at 1|. The interrupter 12 may comprise a motor operated cam as shown for closing the switch 10 during intervals of time substantially equal in length to the desired length of the current variations or impulses which are transmitted. After the preparation of the circuit through impulsing relay 69 by the closing of contact 68, subsequent operations of the interrupter 12 cause groups of impulses to be generated in the circuit.

When the rst impulse from the interrupter 12 causes energization of magnet .69, this magnet closes contacts as at 81| and 85. Contact 84 merely grounds a circuit without immediate eiect, since it will be noted that its circuit remains open at contacts 85, 81, 88 and 89. Accordingly, if the rst impulse generated by the interrupter 12 should happen to be of abnormally short duration, such clipped impulse cannot be made effective to cause false operation of the transmitter. circuit through the stepping magnet 66, such circuit comprising battery and ground at 65, magnet 66, contact to ground. 'Ihis energizes the magnet 66 and causes the wipers 13 and 14 to be advanced the initial step. Concurrently Meanwhile contact 85 closes the contact 64 is opened by the energization of magnet 6G and consequently, relay 62 is dropped out, releasing its holding circuit at the contact 61 and also releasing its contact 08. The releasing oi' contact t8 in turn removes the ground return ol the circuit of impulse relay 69. However, another ground return is applied to the winding of impulse magnet 60, placing the same now under control of the impulse counter, by the action of a relay 90 connected in circuit with a relay Sl and battery and ground at 92, and operating to close a contact 93, which in turn con nects the coil of relay G0 to ground. Contact 68 is then ineffective until the next quotation is to be transmitted. The circuit of the coil of relay 90, it will -be observed, has just been completed through that one of the wipers 13 which has advanced one step into contact with its grounded segment S2. Meanwhile also the single wiper 14, as soon as it has advanced as much as one-half step, causes the transfer bus 2| to be grounded through its grounded segment 82, thereby causing the transfer bus to be energized to eiect a transfer ci one group of storage relays from the operating key control to the transmitting apparatus, while transferring the other group o storage relays from the transmitter to the key board control in a manner as above explained. It will be observed that inasmuch as the wiper 1d continues in contact with its segment 82 only during one-half revolution of the impulse counter, the transferring action will be reversed during the succeeding one-half revolution. That is. one complete cycle of operation of the impulse transmitting switches is completed upon movement of the same through but the wipers 13 having double arms, upon completion of one cycle are again ready to operate through another cycle utilizing the wiper arm which was inactive during the previous cycle.

Relay 9| upon being energized through its circuit above traced, closes the contacts 86, 81, 88 and 09, which serve to complete impulse circuits to line impulse relays 94, 95, 9G and 91, respectively, which circuits are each completed through contacts 98, 99, |00 and |0|, respectively, the latter contacts in turn being respectively under the control of digit cut-off relays |02, |03, |04 and |05. At the same time relay 9| also prepares a holding circuit for the digit cut-orf relays by closing a contact |06. The circuits through the line relays run from ground through Contact 84, respectively through the contacts 85, 81, 88 and 89, thence respectively through contacts 98, 99, |00 and |0| to the line relays, thence to battery and ground in each case as shown. The holding circuit for the digit cut-off relays runs from ground through contact |06, thence through contacts as at |01, one of the latter being provided as shown for each of the digit cut-off relays, and thence through the respective digit cut-off relays to battery and ground.

These circuit changes are made successively upon the occurrence of each succeeding impulse as generated at the interrupter 12, and the wipers 13 and 14 continue to advance step-by-step. When one of the wipers 13 reaches a contact 0| which has been grounded by the operation of the keyboard as above explained, then the corresponding digit cut-oil relay is actuated and its corresponding holding circuit is established, thus preventing the sending of further impulses over the corresponding line wire by reason of the opening `oi contacts 98, 99, |00 and |0|.

For example, supposing contact #9 of the thousands bank has been grounded. Then immediately upon the arrival of the brush-13 upon contact relay operates, opening the contact Nil which prevents further impulses from going to theline relay El. Also relay |535 at the same .time closes its Contact Itl'l, which establishes its holding circuit from ground through contacts '|96 and ll', relay |65, to battery and ground Idil.

Each of the relays |62, iii and 'it operate in a similarmanner when the other wipers 73 arrive at grounded contacts of the hundreds, tens and units impulse counter groups. In each case the particular contacts 6| which represent zeros, it will be noted, are permanently grounded as above stated in connection with the description of the keyboard, so that a total of ten impulses will be transmitted whenever no oth-er contacts of the corresponding groups have been grounded.

The relays 9|, H22, |33, |64 and H25 are of a and '|5 operates, it closes a corresponding one f of the series contacts |99, lli), lll and H2. When all of these series contacts are closed, then the transmission of selector current variations over the four `line wires is completed. Accordingly at that time the circuits are ready for the transmission of impulses for restoring the selected indicators to Zero prior to reactuation. Thus when all of these .four series switches are closed, a ground connection is made forthe circuit of a relay H3, which circuit is continued to ground through a battery H. The relay ||3 is of the type which is slow to operate as symbolically indicated and serves to interpose a delay between the transmission of selector impulses `and the succeeding transmission of restoration impulses, such delay being desirable by reason of the selector circuit `arrangements lat the receiving stations as described in my aforesaid patents.

Transmission of indicator restoring impulses The relay l |3 after the short delay, closes contact H5, which establishes a circuit through relay 5| as follows: ground, contact H5, coil of relay t to battery and ground |41. The relay 5l' corresponds in function t-o the relay 6| above described in connection with the selector transmission circuits. From this point the circuits for the transmission of indicator restoration impulses are analogous to the circuits above described for transmission of the selecting impulses and the relays, contacts and parts which perform similar functions are therefore indicated on Fig. 1a with the same reference numerals, such reference numerals being accompanied by prime marks in the case of the restoration impulse transmitting circuits. With receiving arrangements as described in my aforesaid Patent No. 1,890,876, provision is made for restoring the indicators tozero by applying to such indicators as have been selected a sufficient number of impulses, namely ten, to advance the indicators to either a blank or zero setting regardless of what their previous setting may be. Therefore, it is not necessary in the restoration impulse transmitting circuits tocut off the number `of impulses except after ten have been transmitted. Furthermore, the ten restoration impulses may be transmitted simultaneously over the four line Wires so that but a single restoration impulse counter is required, common to all four lines, having ten steps or contact positions as indicated at-l. lThe construction of such impulse counter may be the same as that shown in Fig. 5, except that only one bank of contact points 8| need be provided to operate in con-junction with a double wiper 13. Furthermore, the transfer bus controlling wiper 'It of course need vnot be here provided, although for control purposes a wiper F3 is used in conjunction with an arcuate segment 82.

Since the ten restoration impulses are Vtransmitted simultaneously over all four line wires, the four separate relays |072, |03, |94 and |05 may be Areplaced by a single relay iii-2', having a single set'offcontacts 98', lill and it', the functions of which are obvious from reference to the description of contacts 93,167 vand |69. The contacts 86', yl, 63' and 89 operating in conjuncti-on with the relay 9| serve to bring the impulses from cont-act 8f3 directly to 4the connections for the four line relays Sii, 95, S5 and 91 respectively.

It will be observed that an interrupter 12 (see Fig. 1b) independent of the interrupter 12 may be provided so that if desired the duration and spacing of the restoration interruptions may be made different from that of the selector interruptions. This is desirable for the reason that in some instances it may be found advisable to operate the receiving station selecting devices at a step-by-step ratediferent from that of the indicating devices. However, inasmuch as the restoration and actuation impulses both act upon the receiving station indicators, the same interrupter l2 may be conveniently used for the transmission of restoration impulses, as well as the transmission of actuation impulses in a manner hereinafter described.

The function of the Icontact |39 is to cause 4a connection wire H6 to be grounded upon co-mple'tion of the transmission of restoration impulses. At this time the circuits are ready for the transmission of the 'actuation impulses for moving vthe receiving station indicators to the desired new :positions to exhibit a new quotation. The wire HB has the same function in respect to the actuation impulse transmission as the starting wire 60 has in connection with the selector impulse transmission. When the wire i6 is grounded at contact H39 the relays and contacts of the restoration impulse transmitting circuits are brought to normal positions in readiness for the succeeding quotation transmission.

Transmission of indicator actuation impulses In a manner similar to the operation` of the selector and restoration impulse transmitting circuits, the indicator actuating impulse transmitting circuits shown on Fig. 1b are placed in operation by the energization of a relay From this point -on the actuation impulse transmitting circuits continue through a cycle of operations in the same manner as the above described operation of the `selector impulse transmitting circuits, and on Fig. 1U the actuation impulse transmitting relays and contacts bear reference numerals with double prime marks, the same numerals being used as on corresponding `parts of the selector transmitter.

An actuation impulse counter is provided similar in practically all vits details to the selector impulse counter except that of course the transfer bus control wiper T4 and its segment 82 are omitted. Also the Zero contacts here are not permanently grounded since zero actuation keys are provided instead. After the last actuation impulse has been transmitted, the series contacts |09, II", Hl and H2" are all closed whereby a circuit is completed through a contact Ill to the transmission release magnet 2`| above referred to. This causes relay 2l to operate for a short time, thus opening the ground connection at 26 to the transmission release bus 2D. After a short delay, a relay H8 opens the contact H1, whereby relay 21 is again de-energized. Referring to Fig. l, it will be noted that the momentary removal of the ground at contact 25 from the transmission release bus 2i! will cause the storage relays, then associated therewith, to be released in preparation for a new setting.

On the other hand, if the operator had made a mistake in pressing certain of the keys prior to the transfer action, then pressing of the error key would have actuated error release magnet I6, which would have momentarily removed the ground at contact I5, of error release bus I4. f

remain open until another quotation is to be transmitted.

Referring again to Fig. lb, it will be observed that at the relay 62 I have provided an additional make contact H9, which becomes closed upon actuation of relay 32". 'I'hat is, upon initiation of the transmission of actuation impulses, a circuit is then established from ground, through contact ||9, through the coil of polarity reversing relay 53, to battery and ground. Thereupon the relay 53 operates and actuates its contacts 54 and 55, and also upon its contact 5S. It will be observed that contacts 54 and 55 comprise in effect a double pole, double throw switch which is associated with two of the polarity connections 5| in a manner whereby the polarity applied to line L3 is reversed upon actuation of relay 53. Therefore, when the circuits above described are prepared for the initial transmission of actuation impulses after the completion of the transmission of restoration impulses, the polarity of line L3 is reversed so as to shift the receiving station apparatus from restoration conditions to actuation conditions. Inasmuch as relay 62 remains energized only for a short period, the contact 55 on relay 53 is provided for establishing a holding circuit for relay 53 by way of the transmission release bus 2U, the latter being grounded at contact 26. Relay 53 therefore remains actuated throughout the period of transmission of actuation impulses, but upon removal of the ground from the transmission release bus, relay 53 drops to normal thus preparing the circuits to apply the proper line potentials for the next selecting step. H

Receiver As hereinbefore stated, the transmitter may be employed with any suitable type of receiver, for example, as disclosed in my aforesaid application Ser. No. 244,873, on which, among others, U. S. Patents Nos. 1,890,876 and 1,890,877 have issued, and to which reference may be had for a more detailed disclosure of such a receiver. Figs. '7 to 9 diagrammatically illustrate the receiver.

The various potentials imposed on lines L1, L2, L3, L4 by the transmitter energize selecting magnets 23|), 23|, 232 and 233 (Fig. 3). Line L1 is eX- tendcd through the coils of magnets 239 and 23| and line Lz is extended through the coils of magnets 23| and 232. The operation of these two magnets is to effect selection of indicators within a group of indicators by connecting the various bus lines last, low, high and open, with main actuating lines B1, B2, B3, B4. Line L3 is extended through the coil of magnet 232 which controls the selection of restoration and actuation busses for the indicators. Line L4 is extended through the coil of the magnet 233 and the coil of the magnet 239. The magnet 233 connects the various selecting switches and magnets to the grounded battery.

If, for example, the transmitter causes positive potentials to be set up in lines L1 and L4 and negative potentials in L2 and L3, line L4 energizes the magnet 233 which through its switch 234 connects the switch system to the battery. The potentials on lines L2 and L3 being of like sign, the magnet 232 will be energized and its switch member 235 will be drawn into position to complete a circuit from the battery through the restoration magnet 236 connecting all the restoration bus lines to the main bus lines for the last, low, high and open indicators. The positive potential on line LI and the negative potential on line L2 will have no effect on the magnet 23| and, accordingly, its spring switch 238 will remain in the position shown. The positive potential on line Li and the positive potential on line L4 will cause energization of the magnet 230 and closing of the open switch 239 and opening of the closed switch 24U. This completes the circuit from the battery through switches 234, 238, 239 to low magnet 24|, which connects the main low bus wires to the main actuating wires Bl, B2, B3 and B4. The potentials imposed on these lines have therefore connected the restoration bus lines for the low indicators to the main actuating lines Bl, B2, B3, B4. The last, high and open magnets 242, 243 and 245 are controlled respectively by potentials as shown in Fig. 1b.

Selection of groups of indicators Referring to Fig. 7, the potential on line L| will have energized magnet 245 which attracts its spring switch 246 to complete a circuit from a battery through the coil of a slow-to-release magnet 241, and the spring switch 24S to ground. The polarity imposed on line L2 will have energized magnet 248 in the hundreds selector which completes through its spring switch 249 a circuit from a battery through the coil of a sloW-to-release magnet 255 to ground. Similar magnets in the tens selector and units selector will have been energized, but the description of the selecting mechanism will be limited to the cooperating thousands and hundreds selectors, which are the same respectively as the tens and units selectors.

When the selection impulse counters of Fig. 1a operate, the potentials over lines LI, L2, L3, L4 are interrupted -by the relays 94, 95, 95 and 91. Considering, first, the interruptions of potential in line Ll, the effect of an interruption is to deenergize the magnet 245 of Fig. 7 so as to complete a circuit from ground through spring switch 246, spring switch spring switch 252 of magnet 241, through the coil of the slow-to-release magnet 253, and the coil of the vertical stepping magnet 254, to a battery and ground. As set forthin detail in my aforesaid patents, selector switches of the Well known Strowger type are employed, in which a selector shaft in the thousands selector is raised one step for each energization of a vertical magnet, such as the magnet 254. As the shaft is raised, it permits the switches 268 and 26 Iv to close and remain closed as long as the shaft is in elevated position.

An interruption of the potential on line L2 deenergizes the magnet 248 in the hundreds selector and establishes a circuit from ground through spring switch 249, spring switch 262, spring switch 263 of slow-to-release magnet 250, coil of theV slow-to-release magnet 264 and coil of the stepping magnet 285 to theebattery and ground.

\ the selector shaft of the thousands selector and the angular adjustment of shaft 298 of the hundreds selector have beencompleted,- the cessation of interruptions of potentials on line Ll will cause the magnet 245 to remain energized, which will maintain the magnet 241 energized and prevent further energization of magnets 253 and 254 and cause the slow-to-release magnet 253 to deenergize. drawn its' switch member 213 to complete the circuit from the grounded battery, switch member 213, coil and shunt of magnet 214, switch member 215, switch member 216, switch 26| through the coil of a magnet 211 to ground, thus preparing a circuit through the switch member 218 of the magnet 211.

'Ihe cessation of impulses on line L2 maintains the magnet 243 energized, which maintains the circuit over the magnet 250 and breaksthe circuit through the magnet 264, which closes a f circuit at the point 219. As the magnet 253 in the thousands selector deenergizes, it closes a circuit from the battery-over the switch'213', switch 286, switch 218, through the coil of the horizontal stepping magnet 28|, through the switch 21| in the hundreds selector, switch 219, and switch 282 of magnet-259 to the ground. This energizes the horizontal magnet 28| which rotates the thousands selector shaft one step, and opens the switch 216 which breaks the circuit through the magnet 211 thus breaking the circuit through the magnet 28|. When thev circuit through the magnet 28| is broken the switch 216 again completes the circuit through the magnet 211 which in turn completesthe circuit through magnet 28|. v

When the selector shaft of the thousands selector is elevated by interruptions over line LI as previously described, the contacts' 286 and'281 are raised into alinement with a horizontal row of contacts 288 and 289. As the magnet 28| is energized and deenergized to rotate the shaft these contacts are moved along the selected row of` contacts 288 and 289 and the energization and deenergization of the magnet 28| is continued until Energization of the magnet 241.. has

the Contact 286 finds a live contact 288 which is grounded through one of the contacts 21|] (Fig. 9)` and the arm 269. When this occurs the circuit over the magnet 211 will be shunted `and the magnet 214 will be energized to attract its switch 215 and prevent further energization of the magnet 211. This in turn prevents completion of the circuit through the magnet 28| over the switch member 218. Energization of the magnet 214 also moves theswitch member 25| to connect the line BI through switch membersr 25| and 246 to ground. Energization of magnet 214 also attracts its' switch member 29| which extends a circuit from ybattery over switch member 29|, contacts 281 and 289, selector line 292 to apanel board (Fig. 8),.

A, One of the tens selector' lines 293Y hasbeen connected by mechanism similar to that in the thousands selector through av switch 294 to ground.. vThe selector line 292 at the point of intersection with the line 293,- is connected by one side of a double plug to a-line 295 extending through the coil of a group selector magnet 296 and then over linev 291to the other side of the plug to the line 293 and toground.- This energizes the magnet 296 and selects a group of indicators corresponding to the adjustment of the selectors in Fig. 7 under the control of the selection impulses received from the transmitter. Each of the indicator elements of the indicator units of the groups of indicators is diagrammatically indicated at 299.

Whenthey circuit was made at 219 in the hundreds selector, the magnet 298 in the selector was energized by a circuit from ground, battery, coil of the magnet^298 over switch 21|, switch 219, switch 282 to ground. Energization of the magnetV 298 attracts the switch member 262 and connects line B2 through the switch member 262 and switchv member 249 to the ground, upon deenergization of magnet 248 byinterruptions on line L2. In the same manner lines L3 and L4 are connected respectively to lines B3 and B4 in the ten and units selectors.v Bymeans of the mechanism so far described the impulses sent over the lines LI, L2,'L3, L4 have caused-the selection of a group of indicators, of certain indicators within the group, and have connected these lines with restoration busses for these indicators, and the restoration impulses sent over the lines LI, L2, L3, L4v will cause corresponding impulses over the` lines BI, B2, B3, B4, and over the restoration bus lines t0 the selected indicators to restore the indicator elements of the selected indicato-rs to zeroV or blank, depending upon the particular type of indicators employed. lBy means of a known construction, as stated in the aforesaidV patents, and a structure similar to that shown in the patent toFrischknecht et al., 1,852,994, dated April5, 1932, thecircuits leading to these indicators will be opened at the time the indicators reach their zero or blank positions. After the selected indicators havev thus. been restored, positive polarity is quicklyappliedjto'the line L3. This will cause deenergization of the magnet 232 in 8 which Will release its switch member 235 and connect the battery to the actuation magnet 380, which will connect the main buslines to the forward actuation bus lines. The actuation impulses are then sent over lines Ll, L2, L3, L4 and theresulting impulses over lines BI, B2, B3, B4 will pass through the indicator actuating bus lines to the selected group of vindicators and the selected indicator in thegroup. This will actuate the indicators forwardly an amount determined by the actuation impulses received.

The restoration and actuation of the selected indicator is now complete and the positive and negative sources of polarity 51 and 58 (Fig. 1b) will be disconnected from the lines LI, L2, L3, L4. This will cause the magnet 245 in the thousands selector (Fig. '1) to be deenergized, which causes the deenergization of magnet 241, which in turn causes deenergization of magnet 214, and all the parts will be restored to the position in Which they are shown in the drawings. The same thing will occur in the hundreds, tens and units selectors. After the magnets 245 and 241 have been deenergized a circuit will be completed from the battery through the release magnet 302, switch 26B, switch 252, switch 25|, and switch 24B to ground. Energization of the magnet 3D2 permits the selector shaft to be rotated to home position and to drop under the influence of gravity to vertical home position, and as it drops into its home position, it opens the switch connections 26D and 261. All the elements of the thousands selector are now in home position. In the hundreds selector deenergization of the magnets 248, B and 298 completes a circuit from the battery through the release magnet 301, through contacts 212, switch 263, switch 262, and switch 249 to ground. This energizes magnet 3D1 which causes the shaft 258 (Fig. 9) to return to its home position. The same thing occurs in the tens and units selectors.

Combination selection of indicators It may at times be desirable to simultaneously restore and actuate a plurality of indicators in a group, such as the low and last, and the` high and last, indicators of the selected group. For this purpose the line Ll is branched over the coil of the polarized magnet 3I0, Fig. 8,

which is responsive to negative impulses from line Ll. When the magnet 3H) is energized it prepares a circuit from the low and high magnets 241 and 243 over the switch members 3H and 3|2 and over its own switch 3l3 to the circuit which controls energization of the last magnet 242 of the last switch member 3|4. When the polarity on line LI is negative and either the "low" or the high bus line is selected, the last bus line Will be selected simultaneously.

While the invention has bee-n described in detail with respect to a particular preferred example thereof which gives satisfactory results, it will be understood by those skilled in the art after understanding the invention, that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and it is intended therefore in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modications.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. The combination of two setsof groups of storage relays, a bank of keys for energizing each group of relays, holding circuits for said relays, a common error release bus for said holding circuits, a key for opening said bus to release the l connected set of relays, means for connecting the sets of relays alternately to said keys, a transmission release bus for releasing a set of relays after transmission under their control has been effected, means for initiating control of transmission under one set and transferring the connection from the holding circuits to the transmission release bus and for disconnecting this set from the keys and connecting the other set to the keys.

2. The combination of two sets of storage relays, a set of keys, means normally connecting one set of relays to said keys, an error release bus, a transmission release bus, holding circuits for said relays comprising alternately the error release bus and the transmission release bus, said holding circuits for the connected set comprising the error 'release bus and said holding circuits for the disconnected set comprising the transmission release bus, and means for disconnecting said one set from the keys and connecting the other set to the keys and simultaneously substituting the transmission release bus for the error release bus in the holding circuits of the set being disconnected and for substituting the error release bus for the transmission release bus in the holding circuits of the other set.

3. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of transmission lines, sources of positive and negative potentials, means for connecting each of said lines with either source of potentials, keys for controlling said connecting means for s-electively applying different characters of potentials to said lines, locking means for said keys operated under control of said keys as said keys control the connecting means, means for transmitting impulses over said lines by interrupting said potentials, keys for controlling the number of impulses transmitted, and a transmission release magnet automatically operable after the completion of transmission of impulses to release said locking means for said rst mentioned keys.

4. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of impulse transmission mechanism, a plurality of transmission lines over which impulses are transmitted by said transmission mechanism, a plurality of keys, means controlled by the keys for selectively imposing and maintaining diiferent characters of potentials on said lines, and means also controlled by said keys for initiating transmitting action by said transmission mechanism.

5. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of impulse transmission mechanism, a plurality of transmission lines over which impulses are transmitted by said transmission mechanism, a plurality of keys, means controlled by the keys for selectively imposing and maintaining different characters of potentials on said lines, means also controlled by said keys for initiating transmitting action by said transmission mechanism, and means for preventing initiation by said keys of transmission of impulses prior to the completion of the transmission previously initiated.

6. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of two sets of a plurality of denominational series of digit relays, a corresponding plurality of series of digit contacts adapted to be grounded by energization of its associated digit relay, a switch mechanism comprising a switch member for connecting said sets of relays alternately to said contacts, switch members traveling over said contacts, an impulse control switch, an impulse stepping magnet for operating all of said switches, a series of denominational transmission control impulse lines, means controlled by said impulse control switch for electrically responsively connecting said lines to said impulse stepping magnet, and means for opening said lines as their respective switches engage grounded contacts.

7. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of impulse transmission mechanism for automatically successively transmitting two sets of variable numbers of impulses, ra plurality of transmission starting keys, a plurality of transmission channels over which said impulses are transmitted, means controlled by said -keys for imposing diierent combinations of positive and negative potentials on said channelsfand means for preventing a second operation of said keys prior to completion of transmission of both sets of impulses.

8. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of means `for simultaneously transmitting a plurality of series offa yvariable number of impulses over a` plurality of'line channels, means for controlling the number vof im-l pulses transmitted over each line channel by cut# ting oi the line channel from the impulse transmitting means, means for transmitting a series of a xed number of impulses over said line-channels, and means actuated as the last line channel is cut oi for setting the second mentioned utrans-A mitting mechanism in operation. i' A' 9. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of means for simultaneously transmitting a plurality lof series of aY variable number of impulses over a plurality of lineichannels, means for disconnecting each` line channel as the series ofV impulses transmitted thereover has been completed and for'closing oneaf aplurality of contacts in series, said series of contacts when closed establishing a circuit, anda transmitting mechanism for sending a xed number of impulses, set in operation under control of said circuit. p v

10. In an apparatus of the character described,

the combination of means for simultaneously transmitting a plurality of series rof a variable number of impulses over a plurality 'of line-chang nels, means for disconnecting each4 line channel as the series of impulsestransmitted 'there-v over has been completed and for closingoneof la' plurality of contacts in series, said series of contacts when closed establishing acircuit, a slw acting magnet 'in said circuit,l and a transmitting mechanism for sending a fixed number of im-1 pulses, set in operation by saidmagnet.`

11. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of means for simultaneously transmitting a plurality of series of variable num'- bers of impulses over a plurality of line channels, means for disconnecting each line channel jas the series of impulses transmitted therecverhasr been completed and for closing one of a plurality of contacts in series, said series of contacts when closed establishing a circuit, a slow acting magnet in said circuit, a transmitting mechanism for sending a iixed number of impulses, setin operation by said magnet and comprising a'single impulse counter switch, and means to `vconnect said switch to said plurality of line V channels rto transmit impulses over said channels simultaneously.

12. In an apparatus of the character described; the combination of a pluralityof transmission channels, means for sending avariable number sending'means to said channels and to set it in operation.`

13. Inaan apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of transmission channels, means for sending a variable number of impulses over said channels, means for sending a fixed number of impulses over said channels,- means. for sending a second variable number of impulses over said channels, means for connecting said rst sending means tosaid channels and for setting it in operation, means actuated automatically concurrently with the transmission of the last of said first variable number of impulses on each line channel `to disconnect this channel from the sending means and to prepare a circuit completed concurrently with the l-ast of said impulses on the channel disconnected last, to connect the xed number sending means to said channels and set it in operation,v and means actuated automatically concurrently with the transmission of the last of the xed number of impulses to disconnect the fixed number sending means from said channels '.-and to connect the second variableV number sending means to said channels and to set it in operation.

' 14. In an apparatus of the character described, a transmission mechanism, the combination of ak plurality of transmission channels, means for imposing diierent 'combinations of positive and negative potentials on said channels, a transmission mechanism for automatically successively transmitting vby interruption of said potentials a variablenumber of impulses, a xed number of impulses and a rsecond variable number of impulses over said channels, means operated 'as anlincident to the operation 'of said iirst mentioned means for setting said transmission mech-l anism in cperation, and means automatically operated at 'the termination of the transmission' of the'iixed number of impulses to modify the combination of ypotentials on said channels.

15. In an apparatus of the character described, transmission :channels'means for imposing com` binf'ations of positive and negative potentials on saidchannels, means for sending a fixed number of impulses over said ychannels by interrupting said potentials, means for sending a variable number'of impulses over said lchannels by inte'rr'uptingl potentials, and means set in operation after ter'n'iination of transmission of said xe'd number of' impulsesfto change the combination 'ofpotentials andl to set said variable number sending means in operation.

16'. In' an apparatus of the class described, the combination of means for transmitting a variable number'of impulses, keys for controlling saidY transmitting means, means for setting said transmitting means in operation, vmeans for transmitting a xed number of impulses, means for"automatically setting said seco-nd mentioned transmitting means in operation at the 'conclulsi'onof the operation of said first mentioned transmitting means, and a third transmitting means 'for transmitting a variable munber of impulses, means for controlling said last mentione'dtransmitting means, and means automatically setting said last' mentioned transmitting 'means in operation at the conclusion of the operation of said second mentioned means. i

17. `In a sending mechanism, the combination ofA means for transmitting two sets of variable electrical signals in succession, means vfor controlling thevariations in said sets of signals, and automatic means providing for a time lapse between the transmission of said sets of signals equal to the maximum time allowedy for-the transmission of the second set of variable signals.

18. The combination of two sets of electrically controlled storage devices, means for alternately controlling said storage devices, means for alternately sending signals under control of said sets of storage devices, means for initiating the transmission of signals under control of one set and for conditioning the other set to be controlled, means controlling said sending means to transmit spaced signals under control of the controlling set of storage devices, and means for controlling the automatic transmission of a constant signal during the time space interval between said spaced signals.

19. The combination or" two groups of storage relays, means for operating said groups of storage relays for elccting a subsequent control, means for transmitting impulses under control of one of said groups of storage relays, means responsive tofcircuits made over the 4contacts of said group of storage relays during the operation of said transmitting means for terminating the transmission of impulses under control of said group of storage relays, means automatically set in operation by the operation of said responsive means for transmitting a constant signal, means for transmitting impulses under control of the other of said groups of storage relays, means automatically set in operation at the termination of the transmission of said constant signal for setting said last mentioned transmitting means in operation, and means controlled by circuits made over the contacts of operated relays of said second group of storage relays for terminating the transmission impulses under the control of said second group of storage relays.

20. In a system for disseminating information in regard to stocks or other items, the combination of two sets of storage devices each set comprising storage devices for storing information as to the item designation and storage devices for storing information as to the price or value, a transmitting mechanism common to said two sets of storage devices for transmitting signals under control of said sets of storage devices, range registering means, means under control of said range registering means for setting said transmitting mechanism in operation to transmit signals under control of an operated set of storage devices, means for locking said range registering means in operated condition, means for automatically conditioning the other set of storage devices to receive registrations whereby the storage devices of said other set may be operated as transmission is being made under control of said first set of storage devices, means automatically operable at the conclusion of transmission of signals under control of the first set of storage devices for releasing said storage devices and said range registering means whereby said range registering means may again be operated to immediately eiect transmission of signals under control of the second set of storage devices.

2l. In a system for disseminating information in regard to stocks or other items, the combination of storage means for storing information as to the item designation and as to the price or value, a transmitting mechanism for transmitting signals under control of said storage means, range registering means, means under control of said range registering means for setting said transmitting mechanism in operation, means for locking said range registering means, means for setting up item designation and price or value in said storage means during operation of the transmitter while transmitting information under control of said storage means, and means for releasing said range registering means automatically at the conclusion of the operation of said transmitter whereby said range registering means may again be operated to immediately eiect transmission of signalsv under control of the second set of storage devices.

22. In a transmitter for transmitting messages each composed of a plurality of groups of code impulses, a keyset having a plurality of Ykeys including a group of initiating keys; a common group of contacts adapted to be closed in varying combinations by depression of said keys; means for storing the code signals resulting from closing of said contacts, each message being completed by depression of one of said initiating keys; and means for locking all of said initiating keys while the preceding message is stored in said means for storing the signals.

23. In a system for disseminating information in regard to stocks or other items, the combination of an assembly of indicators, groups of price or value digit storage relays, a counting mechanism, impulsing means for actuating said indicaters, circuits including digit lines adapted to be prepared by said groups of storage relays and adapted to be completed by said counting mechanism during actuating of said indicators under the control of said price or value digit groups, and switching relays in said circuits adapted to disconnect the indicators from the impulsing means as the circuits are completed across the price or value digit groups of relays.

24. In a system for disseminating information in regard to stocks or other items, a plurality of groups of indicators, impulse leads, means for associating the indicators of any group with said leads, impulsing means for sending actuation impulses over said leads to set the indicators in any group associated therewith, stop relays for opening said leads, price or value registers, counting mechanism, circuits for said stop relays controlled during impulsing by said counting mechanism cooperating with said price or value registers, other circuits for certain of said stop relays which are independent of control by said counting mechanism, and means for closing a variable number of said other circuits before starting to1 send said actuation impulses.

25. In a vtelegraph system, a channel of communication, means to transmit groups of signals over said channel representative of quotations of stocks or other items, and means to transmit concurrently with the transmission of each of said groups of signals an additional signal for indicating the range of a quotation represented by the particular group.

26. In a system for transmitting quotations in regard to stocks or other items, a transmission circuit, means for transmitting groups of signals over said circuit representative of quotations of stocks or other items, said groups each including item selection and item price or value signals, and means for transmitting concurrently With the transmission of each of said groups of signals an additional signal for indicating the range of the quotation represented by the particular group.

27. In a quotation transmitting system for stocks or other items, a plurality of price or value digit storage devices, each comprising a plurality of relays, means for setting the relays of said storage devices to store quotations, a plurality of impulsing circuits, means for intermittently closing said circuits, means operated in timed relation with said closing means for causing the relay contacts of said storage devices successively to control said impulsing cincuits, an outgoing transmission circuit, and relays included in said impulsing circuits for repeating impulses over said transmission circuit.

28. In a quotation transmission system, a transmission circuit having alternative tributary branches, transmitting apparatusv associated with each of said branches for transmitting quotations and including a set of levers and means for generating groups of electrical impulses representative of quotations in accordance with the variable actuation of said levers, a storage device in each of said branches for momentarily storing the quotations set up, and means for operatively connecting each of said branches in which a quotation is sto-red successively to said transmission circuit and for preventing such connection when no quotation is stored.

29. In a transmitter for transmitting groups of code impulses representative of quotations, a key set having a plurality of keys for initiating and controlling the transmission of the item selection, range and actuation signals which comprise the quotations, a group of contacts adapted to be closed in varying combinations by depression of said keys, means for storing the key signals resulting from said contacts, each quotation being completed by depression of one of a plurality of said initiating keys, means controlled by the depression of one of said initiating keys for initiating transmission of a quotation, and means for rendering ineiective all of said initiating keys while the preceding quotation is stored in said means for storing the signals'.

' MERTON L. HASELTON.

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