US2281116A - Impulse transmitting device - Google Patents

Description

April 28, 1942. H. SENGEBUSCH 2,231,116

IMPULSE TRANSMITTING DEVICE Filed July 51, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet l 0 3; Insulation Insulatwn INVENTOR. HANS" SENGEBUSCH BY M ATTORNEY-5.

April 28, 1942.

H. SENGEBUSCH IMPULSE TRANSMITTING DEVICE Filed July 31, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEBTI'OR. HANS SENGEBUSCH ATTORNEY S 1 Patented Apr. 28, 1942 IMPULSE TRANSMITTING DEVICE Hans Sengebusch, Villa Park, 111., assignor to Associated Electric Laboratories, Inc., Chicago, lilL, a corporation of Delaware Application July 31, 1939, Serial No. 287,534

10 Claims.

The present invention relates to impulse transmitting devices of the type employed in electrical signaling systems.

The apparatus incorporated in an electrical signaling system is usually controlled by transmitting over the signal circuits therein various series of impulses comprising different numbers of impulses. While conventional calling devices of the types usually employed in automatic telephone systems are well suited. for this general purpose, they cannot be employed in many signaling systems due to the operating requirements of the systems. In the first place, some signaling systems require that a number of impulses which are to be transmitted must first be stored and verified prior to transmission. Furthermore, sigsponding to the sum of the several digits registered and to the number of impulses to be transmitted.

Another object of the invention is to provide an impulse transmitting device comprising facilities for storing and for clearing a number corresponding to the number of impulses to be transmitted and an improved arrangement selectively operative to control the transmission of impulses incident to the clearance of the stored number.

A further object of the invention is to provide an impulse transmitting device comprising facilities for storing and for clearing a number corresponding to the number of impulses to be transmitted and an improved arrangement for indicating the condition of the device.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved impulse transmitting device comprising facilities for storing and for clearing a number corresponding to the number of impulses to be transmitted and an improved latchan impulse transmitting device comprising mechanism operative in one direction away from a normal position to store a number corresponding to the number of impulses to be transmitted and operative in the opposite direction back to the normal position to transmit a number of impulses corresponding to the number stored and an improved arrangement for limiting the travel of the mechanism in either direction. i

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention there is provided an impulse transmitting device comprising a finger dial variably rotatable in a predetermined direction to register different digits and repeatedly rotatable continuously in the predetermined direction to register a plurality of digits and mechanism including a rotatable member operative to store a number corresponding to the sum of the digits registered. Further, the device comprises manually operable means operative to release the mechanism, thereby to a clear from the member the number stored thereby, impulse transmitting means normally efiective to transmit a number of impulses corresponding to the number cleared from the memher and manually operable means operative to render ineffective the impulse transmitting means. Also, an indicator is provided for indicating the number stored by the member which comprises an element overlying themember and having a window therein through which a portion of the member is visible, the member carrying indicia visible through the window and indicating the number stored thereby.

Also, a signal is associated with the device which is operated when the member has stored a number, thereby to indicate the condition of the device. Furthermore, the impulse transmitting device comprises a rotatable arbor arranged in driven relationship with the finger dial and in driving relationship with the rotatable member and an arrangement for limiting the travel of the rotatable member away from and back toward a normal position, the member being ro tatable away from the normal position to store a number and being rotatable back to the normal position when the stored number is cleared. More particularly, the arrangement for limiting the travel of the rotatable member comprises an element commonly associated with the arbor and the member, the element being controlled by a predetermined rotation of the memberaway from the normal position for positively arresting further rotation of the arbor in one direction and controlled by the rotation of the member back to the normal position for positively arresting further rotation of the arbor in the opposite direction.

In one illustrated embodiment of the invention, the manually operable means for releasing the mechanism in order to cause the number stored by the rotatable member to be cleared comprises a latch directly under the control of an operator. In the other illustrated embodiment of the invention, this manually operable means comprises an automatic latching arrangement including a latch normally set to prevent the release of the mechanism, manually operable means operative to trip the latch and automatic means for resetting the latch when the number stored by the rotatable member is cleared.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular construction and arrangement of the elements of the impulse transmitting device whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features are attained.

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a front view of an impulse transmitting device embodying the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the impulse transmitting device shown in Fig. 1; Fig.

3. is a rear view of the impulse transmitting device, illustrating one form of latch mechanism incorporated therein for controlling the trans mission of impulses therefrom; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary rear View of the impulse transmitting device, illustrating a modified form of latch mechanism incorporated therein for controlling the transmission of impulses therefrom; Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are enlarged fragmentary front views of I the finger dial control mechanism incorporated in the impulse transmitting device, illustrating different operated positions thereof; Fig.v a is a side elevational View of the finger dial control mechanism shown in Fig. 5; and Fig. 8 illustrates diagrammatically a control circuit utilizing the impulse transmitting device.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, of the drawings, the impulse transmitting device there illustrated comprises a supporting ring Ill and a substantially cup-shaped casing ll provided with a flat bottom wall I2 having an annular rim IS, the casing H being secured to the supporting ring ill by a number of screws l4 extending through holes provided in a number of lugs 85 carried by the supporting .u:

ring 10 and threaded into tapped holes provided in the bottom wall l2 of the casing H. The frontof the casing H is closed by an inverted substantially dish-shaped number plate 16 which cooperates with a finger dial ll rigidly secured to a rotatable arbor i8 suitably journaled in an opening provided, in the bottom wall E2 of the casing II. More particularly, the finger dial I1 is provided with a number of peripherally spaced-apart openings 49 therein constituting finger holds; while the number plate I6 has pe ripherally spaced about the surface thereof the numbers 1 to 0, inclusive, these numbers being arranged in alignment with the respective finger .holds it provided in the finger dial ll. Preferably, the numbers provided on the surface of the number plate I6 are painted or embossed thereon so as to be clearly visible through the finger holds provided in the finger dial ll. Also, the rim l3 of the casing H carries a finger stop 2!! which cooperates with the finger holds provided in the finger dial I! in a well-known manner.

A rearwardly projecting stud 2! is rigidly fixed to the bottom wall l2 of the casing H and carries a surrounding power spring 22, one end of the power spring 22 being secured to a fixture 23 rigidly fastened to the stud 2i and the other end of the power spring 22 being fastened to a winding gear 24 rotatably mounted upon the stud 2!. Also, a winding pinion 25 is rigidly fixed upon the rearwardly projecting end of the arbor 18, the winding pinion 25 being arranged in meshing relationship with the winding gear 24.

As best shown in Figs. 5, 6 and '7, an operating arm 26 is rigidly secured to the arbor l8 and a ratchet wheel 2'! is rotatably mounted upon the arbor Hi, the operating arm Zia and the ratchet wheel 21 being disposed within the casing ll between the bottom wall i2 thereof and the number plate l6. Rigidly secured to the ratchet wheel 27 is a gear 28 arranged in meshing relationship with a pinion 29 rigidly fastened to a rotatable shaft 30 journaled in a bracket 3! suitably secured to the bottom wall l2 of the casing II. It is noted that the pinion 29 meshes with the gear 28 in the casing I! and projects rearwardly through an opening provided in the bottom wall 12 of the casing i I.

Referring again to Figs. 2 and 3, it is noted that the rotatable shaft so has rigidly secured thereto a worm gear 32 and an insulating cam 33. The rear surface of the bottom wall l2 of the casing H carries a speed governor mechanism including a rotatable shaft 34 provided with a worm 35 arranged in meshing relationship with the worm gear 32. Further, the speed governor mechanism comprises resilient friction arms 36 which cooperate with a hollow friction shell 31 in the usual manner. A spring assembly is carried by the rear surface of the bottom wall l2 of the casing ll which comprises a set of impulsing springs 38, a set of shunt springs 39 and a set of switch springs 49, the various springs in the spring assembly being insulated from each other .by interposed strips of insulating material 4|,

More particularly, the set of impulsing springs 38 includes a spring 42 having an operating portion 43 which cooperates with the insulating cam 33. The spring 42 is biased into engagement with the cooperating spring in the set of impulsing springs 38 and is adapted to be moved into disengagement therewith when either end of the insulating cam 33 engages the operating portion 43 of the spring 42 in an obvious manner. The set of switch springs All includes a spring 4 3 having an operating portion 45 which cooperates with an insulating button 45 carried by the rear surface of the winding gear 24. The spring 44 and cooperating spring in the set of switch springs All are biased into engagement and are retained in disengagement by the insulating button 66 carried by the winding gear 24 so long as the winding gear 24 occupies its normal position, thereby to retain the springs of the set of switch springs A i! in disengagement for a purpose more fully described hereinafter. The set of shunt springs 39 includes a spring 41 which cooperates with an insulating button 43 carried by an arm 49 rigidly secured to a rotatable pin 50 journaled in an opening provided in the supporting ring it. The spring 41 and the cooperating spring in the set of shunt springs 39 are biased into disengagement and may be moved into engagement under the control of the rotatable pin 50 for a purpose more fully described hereinafter.

A latching arrangement is provided'for preventing rotation of the shaft 30 and the insulating cam 33 rigidly secured thereto, which arrangement comprises a rotatable pin 5| journaled in an opening provided in the supporting ring 10 and carrying a latching arm 52 provided with an operating portion 53 which cooperates with two spaced-apart pins 54 carried by the worm gear 32. More particularly, the operating portion 53 of the arm 52 is normally biased into engagement with one of the pins 54 carried by the worm gear 32 by a coil spring 55 extending between the arm 52 and a stud 55 carried by the bottom wall 12 of the casing ll.

As best shown in Fig. 1, the operating arms 51 and 5B are respectively secured to the rotatable pins 50 and 5| adjacent the front surface of the supporting ring in and the periphery of the finger dial IT. The operating arm 51 is operable to rotate the pin 50, thereby to control the set of shunt springs 39 in a manner more fully described hereinafter; while the operating arm 58 is operable to rotate the pin 5|, thereby to control the latching arm 52 in a manner more fully described hereinafter. Further, it is noted that the supporting ring I is provided with an opening 19a therein, constituting a window through which an annular portionof the front surface of the winding gear 24 is visible from the front of the impulse transmitting device. As best shown in Figs. 5, 6 and '7, the annular portion of the winding gear 24 visible through the window Illa in the supporting ring I 0 carries indicia including a red dot and a series of successive numbers suitably painted or embossed thereupon. The red dot and the numbers carried by the annular portion of the winding gear 24 cooperate with the window Hla provided in the supporting ring H3 in order to indicate respectively normal and successive cit-normal positions of the winding gear 24 in a manner more fully described hereinafter.

As best shown in Figs. 8, 5, 5a. 6 and '7, a finger dial control mechanism is incorporated in the impulse transmitting device which comprises, in addition to the operating arm 25, the ratchet wheel 2?, the winding gear 24 and the winding pinion 25, a substantially U-shaped bracket 59 pivotally mounted by a pin 66 to the bottom wall 12 of the casing H, a blocking arm 5! disposed on the front side of the bottom wall l2 and a following arm 62 disposed on the rear side of the bottom wall [2. The bracket 59 is biased for rotation in a clockwise direction about the pivot pin 60, as viewed in Figs. 5. 6 and '7, by an arrangement including a coil spring 53 extending between a tab 64 carried by the bracket 59 and a stud 65 carried by the bottom wall 42 of the casing ll; while rotation of the bracket 59 about the pivot pin 50 is controlled by a pin 65 carried by the rear surface of the winding gear 24 and cooperating with the following arm 62 of the bracket 59.

It is noted that the operating arm secured to the arbor 26 rigidly I8 has a pawl 51 pivotally mounted thereon by a pivot pin 62 which cooperates with the ratchet wheel 21. More particularly, the pawl 61 is biased for rotation in a counterclockwise direction about the ivot pin 68, as viewed in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, by an arrangement including a spring 63, thereby to cause the pawl 61 to engage the teeth provided about the periphery of the ratchet wheel 21. It will be understood 1 that when the arbor i8 is rotated in a clockwise operating arm 26 will be rotated in a counterclockwise direction therewith, thereby to cause the pawl 61 to engage one of the teeth provided about the periphery of the ratchet wheel 21 in order to cause the ratchet wheel 21 to be rotated in a, counterclockwise direction with the operating arm 26 and the arbor I8.

More particularly, the following arm 62 of the bracket 59 comprises two correlated surfaces 10 and ,H which cooperate with the pin 56 carried by the winding gear 24, in a manner more fully described hereinafter; while the blocking arm 6| of the bracket 59 comprises a projection 12 which cooperates with the pawl 67 and a recess 13 which cooperates with a projection l4 carried by the operating arm 26, in a manner more fully described hereinafter.

Considering now the operation of the finger dial control mechanism, when the winding gear 24 occupies its normal position, as shown in Fig. 5, the red dot provided on the annular portion thereof is visible through the window l0a provided in the supporting ring In, thereby to instored in the impulse dicate that no impulses are transmitting device. Furthermore, at this time, the power spring 22 extending between the fixture 23 rigidly secured to the stud 2| and the winding gear 24 is under slight tension, tending torotate the winding gear 24 in a clockwise direction about the stud 2|, thereby to cause the pin 66 carried by the rear surface of the winding gear 24 to engage the surface 10 provided on the following arm 62 of the bracket 59 in order to urge the bracket 59 in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin 60. Thus, the projection 12 provided on the blocking arm 6| of the bracket 59 en ages the outer surface of the pawl .61 in order positively to wedge the pawl 61 between the periphery of the ratchet wheel 21 and the projection 12 carried by the blocking arm 6! or the bracket 59. When the pawl 61 is thus wedged between the periphery of the ratchet wheel 21 and the projection 12 carried by the blocking arm 6| of the bracket 59, rotation of the pawl 61 and, consequently, rotation of the operating arm 25 and the arbor l8 rigidly secured thereto in a counterclockwise direction are positively prevented. Accordingly, the finger dial control mechanism positively locks the winding gear 24 in its normal position in order to prevent rotation thereof in a clockwise direction about the stud 2| beyond its normal position.

At this time, when the finger dial I1 is operated or rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, whil the winding gear 24 occupies its normal position, the arbor i8 is rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 5. Also, the operating arm 25 and the winding pinion 25 rigidly secured to the arbor l8 are rotated in a clockwise direction, whereupon the pawl 67 pivotally mounted on the operating arm 26 rides over the teeth provided on the periphery of the ratchet wheel 21 and the winding pinion 25 rotates the winding gear 24 in a counterclockwise direction about the stud 2|. Accordingly, when the arbor I8 is rotated in a clockwhile the winding gear 24 is rotated in a coun wise direction and, consequently,

terclockwise direction about the stud 2| in order to store energy in the power spring 22. It is noted that as the winding gear 24 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, the red dot and the numbers providedon the annular portion of the winding gear 24 are rendered successively visible through the window Illa provided in the supporting ring l9, thereby to indicate the number of impulses stored at any given time in the impulse transmitting device.

As the winding gear 24 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction about the stud 2| from its normal position, as shown in Fig. 5, to its partially operated position, as shown in Fig. 6, the pin 69 carried by the rear surface thereof slides along the surface 19 provided on the following arm 62 of the bracket 59, in order to allow the spring 63 to rotate the bracket 59 in a clockwise direction about the pivot pin 69. Ultimately, the pin 65 disengages the surface it provided on the following arm 62 of the bracket 59, whereupon the bracket 59 is rotated in the clockwise direction about the pivot pin 99 into the operated position shown in Fig. 6. At this time, the projection Hi provided upon the outer end of the operating arm 25 is free to pass the recess I3 provided in the outer end of the blocking arm 6| of the bracket 59 when the arbor l8 and. the operating arm 29 rigidly secured thereto are rotated in a clockwise direction. After the arbor I8 is rotated two and fraction revolutions in the clockwise direction, the winding gear 24 is rotated substantially one revolution as determined by the gear ratio between the winding pinion 25 and the Winding gear 24, whereupon the pin 66 carried by the rear surface of the winding gear 24 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction about the stud 2| to engage the surface provided upon the following arm 62 of the bracket 59. Continued rotation of the winding gear 24 in the counterclockwise direction about the stud 2| causes the pin 96 carried by the rear surface thereof to slide along the surface provided on the following arm 62 of the bracket 59, thereby to force the bracket 59 to rotate in a counter-.

clockwise direction about the pivot pin 69 against the bias of the spring 63. Ultimately, when the winding gear 24 is fully wound, the pin 66 carried by the rear surface thereof slides over the surface 1| and upon the surface 12 provided on the following arm 62 of the bracket 59, at which time the bracket 59 is urged in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin 69 in order to 'cause the recess 13 provided in the blocking arm 6| of the bracket 59 to be rotated into the path 1 t of movement of the projection 14 provided on p the operating arm 29. I At this time, when the arbor l8 and the operating arm 26 rigidly secured thereto are rotated slightly further in the clockwise direction, the projection 14 carried by the operating arm 26 engages the recess 13 provided in the blocking arm 6| of the bracket 59, as shown in Fig. '7, thereby positively to prevent further rotation of the arbor l8 and the operating arm 26 rigidly secured thereto in the clockfurther rotation of the winding gear 24 in the counterclockwise direction.

From the above it will be understood that the finger dial control mechanism positively pre-L vents overwinding of the power spring 22 and the consequent injury thereto. At this time, the winding gear 24 occupies its fully wound position, as best shown in Fig. 7, and the number '34 provided on the annular portion of the front surface of the winding gear 24 is visiblethrough the window Illa provided in the supporting ring Hi. It is noted that, in the present example, the gear ratio between the winding pinion 25 and the winding gear 24 is so proportioned and arranged that the arbor l8 may be rotated two and ten-twelfths revolutions in the clockwise direction in order to cause the finger dial control mechanism to operate from its initial position as shown in Fig. 5 through its operated position as shown in Fig. 6 to its final position as shown in Fig. 7 before further rotation of the arbor l8 in the clockwise direction is positively arrested, whereupon thirty-four impulses are stored in the impulse transmitting device. Of course, it will be understood that the gear ratio between the winding pinion 25 and the winding gear 24 may be varied as desired, in order to permit a greater or fewer number of revolutions of the arbor I8 before further rotation thereof is arrested, thereb to permit the impulse transmitting device to store a correspondingly greater or fewer number of impulses.

Considering now the general operation of the impulse transmitting device, the operator operates the finger dial thereof one or more times in order to cause the device to store a number of impulses corresponding to the number of impulses which it is desired to transmit over an associated control circuit. In the event this desired number of impulses comprises ten or fewer impulses, the operator merely inserts her finger in the appropriate finger hold is in the finger dial I1 and rotates the finger dial in the clockwise direction, as shown in'Fig. 1, until her finger engages the finger stop 29. 'On the other hand, in the event this desired number of impulses comprises more than ten impulses, the operator rotates the finger dial H in the clockwise direction a number of times in such a manner that the sum of the numbers corresponding to the utilized individual finger holds provided in the finger dial is equal to the desired number of impulses. As previously noted, the finger dial ll of the impulse transmitting device may be successively operated in order to cause the device to store a maximum of thirty-four impulses, at which time the finger dial control mechanism, shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, operates, in the previously described manner, in order to arrest further rotation of the finger dial ll.

Prior to operation of the finger dial H, the winding gear 24 occupies its normal position in order to cause the red dot provided on the annular portion of the front surface of the winding gear 24 to be visible through the window lilo provided in the supporting ring In, thereby to indicate that no impulses are stored in the impulse transmitting device. As the finger dial I1 is operated, the winding gear 24 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as previously explained, thereby to cause the numbers appearing upon the annular portion of the front surface of the winding gear 24 to be rendered visible through the window Illa provided in the supporting ring it, the number appearing in the window Ilia at any given time indicating the total number of impulses stored in the impulse transmitting device.

Continuing now with the operation of the impulse transmitting device incident to the operation of the finger dial IT, when the finger dial I1 is rotated in the clockwise direction, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5, the arbor l8 rigidly secured thereto is also rotated in the clockwise direction,

thereby to cause the winding pinion 25 to rotate the winding gear 24 in the counterclockwise direction and to cause the pawl 6! carried by the operating arm 26 to ride over the teeth provided about the periphery of the ratchet wheel 27. After the finger dial I! has been operated in order to cause a corresponding number of impulses to be stored in the winding gear 24 of the impulse transmitting device, the power spring 22 tends to rotate the winding gear 24 in the clockwise direction about the stud 2|, as viewed in Fig. 5, thereby tending to cause the winding pinion 25 to be driven in the counterclockwise direction. The bias of the winding pinion 25 in the counterclockwise direction causes the pawl 61 carried by the operating arm 26 to engage one of the teeth in the periphery of the ratchet wheel 21, the op erating arm 26 and the winding pinion 25 being rigidly secured to the arbor It as previously noted, thereby to urge the ratchet wheel 21 in a counterclockwise direction. The bias of the ratchet wheel 21 in the counterclockwise direction urges the gear 28 connected thereto in a counterclockwise direction, thereby to cause the pinion 29 to be urged in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 5. The clockwise urge upon the pinion 29 tends to rotate the shaft 39 rigidly secured thereto in a clockwise direction, rotation of the pinion 29 in the clockwise direction being prevented at this time due to the latching mechanism including the latching arm 52 previously described.

, Referring now to Fig. 3, the shaft 30 is urged to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in this figure, thereby to cause one of the pins 54 carried by the worm gear 32 rigidly secured to the shaft to engage the operating portion 53 of the latching arm 52 in order to block rotation of the shaft 30 in the counterclockwise direction. Further, it is noted that when the winding gear 24 is rotated away from itsnormal position in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, the insulating button 46 carried by the rear surface of the winding gear 24 disengages the operating portion of the spring included in the set of switch springs 40, whereupon the set of switch springs 40 is actuated into engagement for a purpose more fully described hereinafter.

In order to initiate operation of the impulse transmitting device to transmit impulses over the control circuit associated therewith, the operating arm 58 carried by the rotatable pin 51 is operated,.thereby to cause the pin 5| to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3. When the pin 5| is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the latching arm 52 carried thereby is rotated in a counterclockwise direction against the bias of the spring 55, thereby to cause the operating portion 53 of the latching arm 52 to disengage the associated pin 54 carried by the worm gear 32, whereupon the rotatable shaft 39 and the worm gear 32 and the insulating cam 33 rigidly secured thereto are rotated in a counterclockwise direction under the urge of the power spring 22 by way of the previously, described gear train. The rotation of the shaft 39 is maintained at a substantially constant speed by the speed governor mechanism associated therewith. More particularly, the rotation of the shaft 30 is transmitted to the shaft 34 of the speed governor mechanism by way of the worm gear 32 rigidly secured to the shaft 39 and the worm 35 rigidly secured to the shaft 34. The rotation of the shaft 34 causes the friction arms 35to be thrown outwardly into frictional engagement with the interior surface of the hollow friction shell 31, thereby to maintain the speed of the rotatable shafts 34 and 30 substantially constant. As the shaft 39 is rotated, the opposite ends of the insulating cam 33 alternately engage the operating portion 43 of the spring 42 included in the set of impulsing springs 38, thereby to cause the set of impulsing springs 38 to be moved into alternate engagement and disengagement, whereupon impulses are transmitted from the impulse transmitting device in a well-known manner.

As the impulse transmitting device is operated to transmit the impulses stored therein, the arbor i8 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 5, while the winding gear 24 is rotated in the clockwise direction about the pivot pin 2|, as previously explained. After the impulse transmitting device has operated to transmit all of the impulses stored therein, the finger dial control mechanism, shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, operates in order to arrest further rotation of the pawl 61 carried by the operatin arm 26 in the counterclockwise direction and, consequently, further rotation of the arbor H! in the counterclockwise direction, as previously explained. At this time, the winding gear 24 has been returned to its normal position and the red dot provided on the annular portion of the front surface thereof is visible through the window we in the supporting ring 16, thereby to indicate that all of the impulses previously stored in the impulse transmitting device have been transmitted therefrom over the control circuit associated therewith.

During the operation of the finger dial I! to store impulses in the impulse transmitting device, should the operator operate the finger dial H in such a manner as to store more than the desired number of impulses therein, these additional impulses may be cleared from theimpulse transmitting device in a simple manner without being transmitted over the associated control circuit. More particularly, this may be accomplished by first operating the operating arm 51 in order to cause the pin 50 to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, whereupon the insulating button 48 carried by the arm 49 rigidly secured to the pin 50 engages the spring 47 included in the set of shunt springs 39 and moves the set of shunt springs 39 into engagement. While the arm 51 is retained in its operated position, the arm 58 is operated in order to cause operation of the impulse transmitting device in the previously described manner. After the impulse transmitting device has operated in order to reduce the total number of impulses stored therein, as indicated by the number provided on the annular portion of the front surface of the winding gear 24 rendered visible through the window Illa provided in the supporting ring H), the operating arm 58 is released and subsequently the operating arm 5! is released. When the operating arm 58 is released, the spring 55 acts upon the latching arm 52 carried by the pin 5| to cause the operating portion 53 of the latching arm 52 to be returned into the path of movement of the pins 54 carried by the worm gear 32, whereupon further rotation of the shaft 30 is arrested. At this time, the finger ,dial I1 is again operated in order to increase the number of impulses stored in the impulse transmitting device to the desired number, as previously explained.

Referring now to Fig. 8, it will be observed that posed arms 85, 86 and 81.

the control circuit associated with the impulse transmitting device illustrated schematic-ally in the rectangle comprises a line 15 including two line conductors, an impulse responsive device It, a source of current supply indicated as a battery 11, and the set of impulsing springs 33 of the impulse transmitting device, these elements being connected in series circuit relationship. Normally, this control circuit is completed and extends from one terminal of the battery 11 by Way of one of the line conductors of the line 15, the device 16, theother line conductor of the line 15, the set of impulsing springs 38 and the one line conductor of the line 15 to the other terminal of the battery ll. When the impulse transmitting device is operated, the insulating cam 33 is rotated in order to cause the set of impulsing springs 38 to be actuated into alternate engagement and disengagement as previously explained, whereupon impulses are transmitted over the control circuit in an obvious manner to the impulse responsive device 16. Further, it is noted that when the set of shunt springs 39 is actuated into engagement, an obvious shunt path is provided around the set of impulsing springs 38, thereby to render the operation of the impulsing springs 38 into engagement and disengagement ineffective to transmit impulses over the control circuit. 7

Further, it is noted that a signal lamp it is associated with the operator position at which the impulse transmitting device is positioned, the signal lamp 18 being provided with a series signal circuit including a source of current supply indicated as a battery 19 and the set of switch springs 4!] of the impulse transmitting device. As previously noted, when'the finger dial ll of the impulse transmitting device is operated, thereby to cause impulses to be stored in the impulse transmitting device, the set of switch springs 4|) is actuated into engagement, whereupon the previously mentioned signal circuit for the signal lamp [8 is completed in order to cause illumination thereof. On the other hand, after all of the impulses stored in the impulse transmitting device have been transmitted therefrom over the associated control circuit, the set of switch springs 40 is actuated into disengagement, thereby to interrupt the signal circuit for illuminating the signal lamp 78. Accordingly, the illumination of the signal lamp 18 indicates to the operator at the operator position that the impulse transmitting device has impulses stored therein.

' The modified form of latch mechanism incorporated in the impulse transmitting device for controlling the transmission of impulses therefrom comprises, as shown in Fig. 4, a latching arm 80 rigidly secured to the rotatable pin and biased in a clockwise direction by a coil spring 8| extending between the latching arm 60 and a stud 82 carried by the bottom wall l2 of the casing into cooperating relationship with respect to one ofthe pins 54 carried by the worm gear 32, thereby to prevent rotation of the shaft 3|! rigidly secured to the worm gear 32 in a counterclockwise direction, after the power spring 22 has been wound as previously explained. Further, this latching arrangement comprises a bell crank 83 pivotally mounted upon a pin 84 carried by the bottom wall 2 of the casing H and provided with three angularly dis- The bell crank 83 is biased in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin 84, as viewed in Fig. 4, by a coil spring 88 extending between the arm Bl thereof anda stud 89 carried by the bottom wall l2 of the casing I Further, it is noted that the latching arm 8!] is provided with two steps 90 and 9| in the surface thereof which cooperate with the outer end of the arm S5 of the bell crank 83. Normally, the arm 85 of the bell crank 83 engages the step 913 provided in the surface of the latching arm 80, thereby to restrain the latching arm iii! in the path of rotation of the pins 54 carried by the worm gear 32. Also, the front surface of the winding gear 24 carries a pin 92 which cooperates with the arm 85 of the bell crank 83 in a manner more fully described hereinafter.

After the finger dial ll of the impulse transmitting device has been operated in order to cause the power spring 22 to be wound, as previously explained, operation of the impulse transmitting device is initiated by operating the arm 58, whereupon the pin 5| is rotated in a counterclockwise direction in order to cause the latching arm rigidly secured thereto to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction out of the path of the pins 54 carried by the worm gear 32. Furthermore, when the latching arm 80 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction with the pin 5|, the outer end of the arm 35 of the bell crank 83 rides out of the step 90 provided in the surface of the latching arm 80 and into the step 9| provided in the surface thereof, this movement of the arm being the result of the rotation of the bell crank 83 in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin 84 by the coil spring 88. At this time, when the outer end of the arm 85 of the bell crank 83 engages the step 9| provided in the surface of the latching arm 8|], the latching arm 80 is restrained in a counterclockwise direction against the bias of the spring 8| in order to cause the outer end of the latching arm 80 to be restrained out of the path of the pins 54 carried by the worm gear 32. Accordingly, after the operating arm 58 has been manually operated by the operator, the operation of the impulse transmitting device is rendered entirely under the control of the bell crank 83.

When the impulse transmitting device operates to transmit the last impulse stored therein over the control circuit associated therewith, the winding gear 2d, rotating in a counterclockwise direction about the stud 2|, as viewed in Fig. 4, causes the pin 92 carried thereby to engage the arm 86 of the bell crank 83, whereupon the bell crank is rotated in a clockwise direction about the pivot pin 84 against the bias of the spring 88. When the bell crank 83 is rotated in the clockwise direction about the pivot'pin 84, the arm 35 thereof disengages the step 9| provided in the surface of the latching arm 80, thereby to permit the spring 8| to rotate the latching arm 8|] in a clockwise direction with the pivot pin 5|, whereupon the outer end of the arm 85 of the bell crank 83 engages the step 90 provided in the surface of the latching arm 86 and the outer end of the latching arm 80 is moved in the path of thepins 54 carried by the worm gear 32 in order positively, to arrest further rotation of the shaft 3|! and consequently, further operation of the impulse transmitting device.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention,- it will be understood that 'vari ous modifications may be made therein, and it is contemplated to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A unitary impulse transmitting device for electric circuits comprising manually operable means operative to register a plurality of digits, mechanism operative to store a number corresponding to the sum of the digits registered, an indicator operative to indicate the number stored insaid mechanism, impulse transmitting means operative to transmit a single series of substantially evenly spaced-apart impulses corresponding in number to the number stored in said mechanism, and manually operable'means for operating said impulse transmitting means.

2. A unitary impulse transmitting device for electric circuits comprising a manually operable member variably operative to register different digits and repeatedly operative to register a plurality of digits, mechanism operative to store a number corresponding to the sum of the digits registered, an indicator operative to indicate the number stored in said mechanism, impulse transmitting means operative to transmit a single series of substantially evenly spaced-apart impulses corresponding in number to the number stored in said mechanism, and manually operable means for operating said impulse transmitting means.

3. A unitary impulse transmitting device for electric circuits comprising a finger dial variably rotatable in a predetermined direction to register difiei'ent digits and repeatedly rotatable continuously in said predetermined direction to register a plurality of digits, mechanism operative to store a number corresponding to the sum of the digits registered, impulse transmitting means operative to transmit a single series of substantially evenly spaced-apart impulses corresponding in number to the number stored in said mechanism, and manually operable means for operating said impulse transmitting means.

4. A unitary impulse transmitting device for electric circuits comprising manually operable means operative to register a plurality of digits, mechanism operative to store a number corresponding to the sum of the digits registered, a set of impulsing contacts, means for operating said impulsing contacts to transmit a single series of substantially evenly spaced-apart impulses corresponding in number to the number stored in said mechanism, manually operable 'means for controlling the operation of said lastmentioned means, a set of shunt contact included in a shunt circuit around said set of impulsing contacts, said shunt contacts normally being in disengagement and being operative into engagement, thereby to render the operation of said impulsing contacts ineffective to cause impulses to be transmitted, and manually operable means for operating said shunt contacts into engagement.

5. A unitary impulse transmitting device for electric circuits comprising manually operable means operative to register a plurality of digits, mechanism operative to store a number corresponding to the sum of the digits registered, an indicator operative to indicate the number stored in said mechanism, manually operable means operative to release said mechanism, means controlled when said mechanism is released for clearing from said mechanism the number stored therein, impulse transmitting means normally effective to transmit a single series of substantially evenly spaced-apart impulses correspondirig in number to the number cleared from said mechanism, and manually operable mean operative to render ineffective said impulse transmitting means.

6. A unitary impulse transmitting device for electric circuits com-prising manually operable means operative to register a plurality of digits, mechanism operative to store a number corresponding to the sum of the digits registered, a latch normally set to prevent the release of said mechanism, manually operable means operative to trip said latch, thereby to cause the release of said mechanism, means controlled when said mechanism is released for clearing fromsaid mechanism the number stored therein, automatic means for resetting said latch when the number stored in said mechanism is cleared therefrom, and impuls transmitting means effective to transmit a single serie of substantially evenly spaced-apart impulses corresponding in number to the number cleared from said mechanism.

7. An electrical control system comprising manually operable means operative to register a plurality of digits, mechanism operative to store a number corresponding to the sum of the digits registered, a signal, means for operating said signal while any number is stored in said mechanism, a latch normally set to prevent the release of said mechanism, manually operable means operative to trip said latch, thereby to cause the release of said mechanism, means controlled when said mechanism is released for clearing from said mechanism the number stored the-rein, automatic means for arresting the operation of said signal and for resettin said latch when the number stored in said mechanism is cleared therefrom, and impulse transmitting means effective to transmit a single series of substantially evenly spaced-apart impulses corresponding in number to the number cleared from said mechanism.

8. A unitary impulse transmitting device for electric circuits comprising a finger dial having a normal position, said finger dial being variably rotatable in a predetermined direction to register different digits and repeatedly rotatable continuously in said predetermined direction to register a plurality of digits, means controlled by the rotation of said finger dial in said predetermined direction away from its normal position a given number of revolutions for positively preventing further rotation thereof, mechanism operative to store a number corresponding to the sum of the digits registered, impulse transmitting means operative to transmit a number of impulses corresponding to the number stored in said mechanism, and manually operable means for operating said impulse transmitting means.

9. A unitary impulse transmitting device for electric circuits comprising a finger dial variably rotatable to register different digits and repeatedly rotatable to register a plurality of digits, a rotatable arbor driven by said finger dial, a rotatable member driven by said arbor and rotatable to store a number corresponding to the sum of the digits registered, an element commonly associated with said arbor and said member and controlled by a predetermined rotation of said member for positively preventing further rotation of said arbor, impulse transmitting means operative to transmit a number of impulses corresponding to the number stored by said member,

and manually operable means for operatingsaid impulse transmitting means.

10. A unitary impulse transmitting device for electric circuits comprising a finger dial variably rotatable in a predetermined direction to register different digits and repeatedly rotatable in said predetermined direction to register a pluralityof digits, a rotatable arbor driven by said finger dial when said. finger dial is rotated in said predetermined direction, a rotatable member having a normal position, means including said arbor for rotating said member away from its normal position to store a number corresponding to the sum of the digits registered, manually operable mea'ns operative to release said member, means for rotating said member back to its normal position when it is released, an element coma:

HANS SENGEBUSCH.

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