US2301393A

US2301393A - Telegraph system

Info

Publication number: US2301393A
Application number: US275834A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles C Gall; Walter H Borneman; Percy L Myer
Original assignee: Western Union Telegraph Co
Current assignee: Western Union Telegraph Co
Priority date: 1939-05-26
Filing date: 1939-05-26
Publication date: 1942-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 1959-11-10

Description

Nov. 10, 1942- c. c. GALL EIAL TELEGRAPH SYSTEM Filed May 26, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 W. H. BORNEMAN BY P. L. MYER ATTOENEY Patented Nov. 10, 19 42 UNITED ST'iES rer other.

TELEGRAPH SYSTEM Application May 26, 1939, Serial No. 275,834

3% Claims.

This invention relates in. general to an automatic tape feeding system for use in conjunction with a system such as a stock quotation broadcasting system employing tape recorders, and more particularly to a system and apparatus for automatically feeding a predetermined. length of advanced one letter space. When there are no quotations to be transmitted for the time being,

tape throughpredetermined of the recorders on a system, such as those on the system which may be associated with projectors, whenever the character selecting impulses cease to be transmitted for a predetermined length of time. The invention is hereinafter shown and described as applied to tickers of the step-by-step types known in the art as universal and self-winding tickers, however the application of the principles'of the invention is not limited to systems employing only these types of tickers but can readily be applied to others. Two line circuits are employed to control the above named types of tickers. One of the circuits, called the type circuit, in the case of the universal tickers, operates an escap'ement magnet which steps the typ-ewheel around to the desired position relative to the press pad. The other circuit, called the press circuit, controls a press magnet which when operated actuatesthe press pad to press the recording tape against the typewheel to record the selected character there- In tickers of the self-winding type four ma nets are employed, namely, a press magnet, an

escapement magnet, a winding magnet, and a shift magnet. The press and escapement magnets are connected in series and are controlled by the so-called escapement and press circuit. The press magnet operates the printing hammers while the escapement magnet allows the typewheel to be stepped around to bring the desired characters thereon over the printing hammers. The press magnet is a marginal or slow operating magnet and the short escapement impulses do not operate it, it being operated only by the longer press impulses. The other circuit to a selfwind ticker, called the shift and winding circuit, controls the operation of the shift and winding magnets. The shift magnet is a polarized magnet which determines whether a letter or a figure on the typewheel will be printed on the operation of the press magnet. The winding magnet is a neutral magnet which operates on make and break signals of either polarity and serves to wind up a spring which tends to rotate the typewheel.

In both the above types of tickers each timethe press magnets are operated to print a character on the recording tape, the recording tape the escapement impulsescontinue to be received and rotate the ty-pewheels to a unison position where further rotation thereof is prevented until after the receipt of a press impulse. 7

Each of the above types of tickers are used in conjunction with projectors which, as well known, project an enlargedimage of the characters on the recording tape onto a screen where they can be observed by a group of people. Where such tickers are used in conjunction with projectors and there are no more quotations to be printed for the time being, a number of; tape stepping signals are usually transmitted to ad-v Vance blank tape through the tickers so that the last quotation may be projected on to the screen. All the tickers in a system are usually controlled from one transmitting source and Where the tape stepping signals are introduced for the purpose of advancing blank tape, in the tickers associated with projectors blank tape is also advanced through those tickers in the system which are not associated with projectors. Obviously such an arrangement wastes considerable. tape in the tickers not associated with projectors and in addition constitutes an annoyance to observers reading the tape as the blank spaces in the tape decrease the number of quotationsv in a given length. As in the above, the tape advancing through the tickers without having quotations thereon is hereinafter considered and referred to as being blank tape although it. may or may not have a series of dots, such as unison dotsf thereon.

It is therefore one of the primary objects of this invention to provide a means whereby predetermined of the tickers in a broadcasting system, such as for example those associated with projectors, may automatically have a predetermined length of blank tape or a length of tape having no quotations printed thereon advanced therethrough when character selecting conditions cease to be received for the time being, while the rest of the tickers in the system, such as those not associated with projectors, do not have tape advanced therethrough.

During normal operation of transmitting quo tations, there are usually short delays between some of the quotations which may or may not be inherent in the broadcasting system and during such short delays it is not desirous to initiate the advancing of blank tape through the tickers associated with projectors as such a condition would unnecessarily waste the tape.

Accordingly another object of the invention is to prevent the initiation of the advancement of blank tape through certain tickers until after the elapse of at least a predetermined length of time.

Another object of the invention is to enable the interval of time before the commencement of the advancement of blank tape through the desired tickers to be easily varied.

Another object of the invention is to stop the advancement of blank tape through the desired tickers after a predetermined amount has been advanced.

Another object of the invention is to easily vary the predetermined length of blank tape advanced through the desired tickers.

These and other objects of the invention will be more apparent in the following detailed description thereof when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the latter of which;

Fig. 1 is a perspective diagrammatic view of one form of the invention together with a circuit panel and circuits extending therebetween for use in conjunction with universal type tickers;

Fig. 2 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a modification of the invention together with circuit panels and controlling circuits extending therebetween for use in conjunction with selfwinding type of tickers; and

Fig. 3 illustrates the manner in which the signals on the escapement and press circuit are modified to control self-winding tickers in accordance with the invention.

In general the invention consists, in the case of the universal ticker, or" a so-called switching unit, which for predetermined conditions automatically switches the impulses normally transmitted over the escapement circuit to the press circuit whereupon these escapement signals operate the press magnet and serve to advance blank tape through the ticker and after a predetermined length of blank tape has been advanced, the switching unit operates to stop further advancement of the tape. In the case of the selfwinding ticker, a modified switching unit alters the impulses normally going to the escapement and press circuit so that they operate the press magnet to advance blank tape until a predetermined length of tape has been advanced whereupon the advancement of blank tape ceases.

Both of the above forms of the switching unit are fully described in the following paragraphs.

Referring first to Fig. l, the elements of a standard circuit control panel are shown within a dot-dashed rectangle l l which is adapted to be controlled from a transmitting point or station such as that represented by the rectangle T. Tickers diagrammatically represented at 22 are shown connected to the control panel H by line conductors hi and [6 to be controlled in accordance with the operation of the invention as will be described, whereas tickers it are shown connected by line conductors i4 and it directly to the transmitting station T to operate in the regular well known manner. As is the general practice, the tickers i2 and i3 are shown connected in series to ground. Each such panel as I i may be adapted to control one or more tickers. The control panel H comprises a press relay ii, an escapement relay i8 and jacks such as 99 and 2|. The press and escapement relays i! and It, respectively, are operated in the well known manner by signals from the transmitting point T and have associated

tongues

22 and 23, respectively. 'The

tongues

22 and 23 are connected to battery and the associated make stops are connected through the jacks associated therewith to the press and escapement circuit conductors l4 and 16, respectively, and in accordance with the operation of the relays, impulses of current and no current are transmitted over the line circuits l4 and 58. Each of the tickers such as i2 and i3 have press magnets 24 and escapement magnets 26. As is well known, the escapernent magnets 25 cause the type wheels in the tickers to be stepped around to bring the desired character thereon in a printing position following which the press magnets are energized to record the selected character and concomitantly advance the associated tapes. Between printing operations the escapement relay I8 is energized and deenergized at a certain rate and when a printing operation is being performed as the result of the energization of the press relay ll, the escapement relay is is maintained in its last operated position so that the typewheels will be held from rotating during the press or printing operation. When there are quotations to be recorded, the press relay I1 operates comparatively frequently and whenever there are no more quotations to print, the escapement relay [8 continues to operate and the typewheels on the tickers are stepped around to a unison position where further rotation thereof is prevented until another press impulse is received. The escapement impulses, however, continue to be received but have no effect on the rotation of the typewheels after they reach their unison position.

In accordance with the invention the switching unit, referred to in general by reference numeral 25, comprises parts of a universal ticker among which are a press magnet 28, an escapement magnet 2?: and a typewheel shaft 3|, the typewheel being removed therefrom. Although these elements of the universal ticker are employed, it will be obvious that they are not necessary for the operation of the invention, as other elements adapted to perform similar functions could be employed, the elements of the universal ticker being employed merely for the purpose of convenience. One terminal of the escapement magnet 29 is connected by a conductor 32 to the tip terminal of a double conductor cord plug 33 which may be associated with one of the jacks 2!. The other terminal of the magnet 29 is connected by a conductor 34 to the tongue 36 of a break-make contact indicated in general by reference numeral 31 having a break stop 33 and a make stop 33. The break contact 38, normally in contact with the tongue SE, is connected by a conductor ii to the sleeve terminal of plug 33. The make stop 39 of the contact 31 is connected by a conductor 62 to the tongue es of a normally closed contact indicated in general by reference numeral 44. The break stop 45 of the contact at, normally associated with the tongue 53, is connected by a conductor i! to the sleeve terminal of a double conductor plug i8 associated with one of the jacks E9 in parallel with one of the terminals of the press magnet 28. The other terminal of the press magnet 28 is connected by a conductor 59 to the tip terminal of the plug 48.

When it is desired to control the tickers such as l2 associated with a panel such as H by and in accordance with the operation of a switching unit such as 25, the plugs 33 and 7.8 are inserted in the jacks El and i9 respectively. With the plug 33 in one of the jacks ii, the escapement magnet 2c, the tongue 35 and break stop 38 of th contact 31 are in series with the escapement circuit conductor [6. Similarly when the plug 48 is in one of the jacks 19, the press magnet 28 is in series with the press circuit conductor M. Accordingly, each time the escapement relay l8 is energized, the magnet 29 is also energized to actuate a lever 5| pivotally supported on a rod 52 a slight amount in a counter-clockwise direction against the action of its attached spring 53, and when the magnet 29 is deenergized the lever 51 is actuated in a clockwise direction. A pin 54 in the upper end of the lever 51 cooperates with crown wheels 5i; fixed to the shaft {ii to rotate the same a predetermined amount, in the direction indicated, on each of the above movements of the lever 51. Associated with the press magnet 28 is an armature 51? which is attached to a bracket 58 pivotally supported on a rod 59. Each time the press relay i2 is energized, the press magnet 28 is also energized and. the bracket 58 is rocked a slight amount in a clockwise direction against the action of its attached spring 5|, the spring 6i returning the bracket to its normal position when the magnet 28 is deenergized.

Fixed to the bracket 58 by shoulder screws 62 are two

levers

63 and 54. Pivotally mounted on the shoulder screw 62 associated with the lever 63 is an arm 68 similar to another arm 67 pivotally mounted on the shoulder screw 62 associated with the lever 54. Fixed to the ends of the

levers

63 and 64 are single wire springs 68 and to respectively which have the free ends thereof engaged in pins H on the

arms

63 and 61 The springs 68 and $9 tend to pivot the arms 66 and $7 to keep them in engagement with stops E2 on the

levers

63 and 63. The arms 66 and 6'! are comparatively loose on the shoulder screws 62 for reasons hereinafter apparent and extending from the arms are contact actuating members '13 and 14 respectively which are adapted to operate the contacts 31 and M in a manner hereinafter described.

Fixed to the shaft 3! for rotation therewith are two collars or sleeves l6 and H which have formed integral therewith worms l8 and 19 hereinafter referred to as the start worm and the tape metering worm respectively. In the free end of the arm 66 is a follower of which is normally in operative relation or engaged with the start worm 13. A similar follower 82 in the free end of the arm 6'? normally rests on a smooth portion of the sleeve Tl but is adapted as hereinafter described to be engaged with the worm 19.

The escapement impulses hereinbefore described operate the magnet 29 to rotate the shaft 3! and during such times the follower 8! moves along the worm l8 and the arm 66 is pivoted in a counter-clockwise direction. However, when quotation signals are being transmitted a press impulse is received on the magnet 23 before the follower at has traveled very far along the worm 18. The press impulse energizes the magnet 28 and rocks the bracket 58 to raise the free end of arm 66 and withdraw the follower 8! from engagement with the start worm 18 whereupon the spring 68 pivots the arm 66 back to its normal position against its stop 72. When the magnet 28 is subsequently deenergized the follower 8| again engages the worm 18 near the beginning thereof. Thus during normal operation or when quotation signals are being transmitted the follower BI is lifted out of engagement with the worm i3 and returned to its normal position to re-engage the worm adjacent the beginning thereof before the follower 8| has time to approach very near the end of its worm. When there are no more quotation signals to be transmitted the escapement impulses continue but there are no press impulses. In the absence of the press impulse the follower 8i continues to move along the worm 73 until it reaches the end of the worm whereupon it drops down upon the shaft 3|. The loose connection between the pivoted end of the arm 65 and the shoulder screw 62 permits the follower 8! to drop down Without any appreciable movement of the bracket 53, the spring 68 assisting in this movement of the arm 66. As the follower 8! moves along the worm E8 the upper end of the member i3 moving with the arm 65 is brought opposite an insulating button 83 on the tongue 35 of the contact t7 and when the follower 8i drops on to the shaft 3! the member l3 engages the button 523 to move the tongue 35 out of engagement wi 11 its break stop 38into engagement with its make stop 39. When the contact 31 is thus operated the impulses which originate at the escapement relay l3 and continued from the make stop thereof through the jack 2i, plug 33, conductor 32, magnet 29, conductor 34 through the tongue 36 and break stop 38 of relay 3'5, conductor ll to the escapement circuit conductor l6 are switched to the make stop 39 of the contact 3?. From the make stop 39 the impulses continue over conductor Q2 through the normally closed contact it over conductor 6? through the plug 3% and jack it to the press circuit conductor Hi. Thereupon these escapement impulses are received on the press magnets H of the tickers such as l2 associated with the control panel I l to operate the press magnets and step out the tape. At the time the contact 31 is operated the escapement impulses received on the tickers l2 prior to the operation of the contact 31 will have rotated the type-wheels therein to a unison position and therefore, as the press magnets 25 are subsequently operated as hereinbefore described only unison dots will appear on the recording tapes. If desired the unison dots on the typewheels may be removed and with the dots removed each time the press magnet is operated with the typewheels in unison positions a section of blank tape will be advanced through the tickers an amount equivalent to one letter space. The above method of operating the contact 37 allows it to be quickly operated and by adjusting the position of the worm it the contact 31 will operate when there is no current therethrough, thus eliminating any sparking at the contact;

Some time prior to the time the follower El drops off the start worm 13 the arm 6% engages the end of a wire 84 adjustably secured to the arm tl whereupon as the follower 8i continues along the worm 78, the arm Bl is pivoted so that its follower 82 is moved over and engages the metering worm T9. The escapement impulses continue to be effective on the magnet 29 to rotate the worms l3 and i9 and a predetermined amount of rotation of the shaft 3! after the follower 8! drops off its worm T8, the follower 82 approaches and drops off the end of its worm '59 onto the shaft 3!. The adjustment of the wire 84 determines the time interval or the number of revolutions of the shaft 3! between the time the follower 8! drops off its associated worm and the time the follower 82 drops off its worm. Also by adjusting the lever t3 so as to change the position of the stop 12, the follower 8! can be made to start at different points on the worm l8 and various amounts of rotation of the worm T8 will be necessary before the follower drops onto the shaft 3|.

As the follower 82 moves along the worm l9 the arm 61 pivots and in so doing the member 14 movable therewith moves over opposite a button 88 on the tongue of the contact 44. Thus when the follower 82 drops off the worm T9 the member 14 engages the button 8% to open the normally closed contact 44 and in so doing opens the circuit heretofore described from the make stop of the escapement relay [8 to the press circuit conductor 14. Thus the impulses originating at the escapement relay it are no longer effective on the press magnets of the tickers associated with panel H and the advancement of blank tape through the tickers ceases. The tickers thereupon remain inactive until a press impulse preceding a quotation is transmitted which releases the typewheels from their unison position. The press impulse is effective on the magnet 28 of the switching unit to energize the same and rock the bracket 58. As the bracket 58 is thus rocked the free ends of the arms 66 and 61 are raised whereupon the

followers

81 and 82 clear the worms [8 and 19, respectively, and the

springs

68 and 69 pivot the arms back against the stop 72 on the

levers

63 and 54. Energization of the magnet 28 also removes

members

13 and 74 from engagement with the

buttons

83 and 86 allowing the contacts 31 to 44 to resume their normal positions and restore the circuits controlled thereby to their original condition. Subsequent deenergization of the magnet 28 allows the spring to rock the bracket 58 to bring the follower 8| into engagement with its worm 18 and the follower 82 onto the clear portion of the sleeve Tl.

From the above it can be seen that when the press impulses are not received for a certain length of time the follower 8i moves along and drops on the worm 18 allowing the member 13 to operate the contact 3?. The operation of the contact 37 switches the normal escapement impulses to the press circuit, the impulse operating the press magnets to advance blank tape through the associated tickers. While the follower 35 is moving along the worm 13 the follower is started in the worm l9 and after a definite number of impulses are transmitted to the press magnets the metering worm "it allows the ii? to pivot downward and cause the opening of the contact it. The opening of the contact 54 breaks the escapement circuit to the press magnets whereupon they cease operating. Thus each time the transmission of press impulses ceases for a predetermined length of time the predetermined length of blank tape is advanced through the associated tickers. The number of impulses thus shifted to the press circuits to operate the same to advance blank tape through the tickers are sufficient to advance the last quotation on the tape into the projecting field of associated projections where it can be projected onto a screen and the length of blank tape is always substantially the same.

Only those tickers associated with projectors or those in which it is desired to advance blank tape on the cessation of quotations are associated with panels controlled in accordance with the operation of a switching unit such as 25, and therefore the other tickers in the system do not have blank tape automatically advanced therethrough. Obviously the panel II could be employed in conjunction with the switching unit 25 as a master panel to control other panels instead of the tickers I2 and l3.

Referring now to Fig. 2, the applicationof a switching unit to a self-winding ticker system will be described. In the application of a switching unit to a self-winding system, various factors have to be considered in addition to those considered in applying a switching unit to a universal ticker system as polar signals are employed to control the self-winding ticker. However, the fundamentals are the same and consist primarily of changing the impulses normally transmitted to the escapement and press circuit to operate the press a predetermined number of times when the tickers cease operating for at least a predetermined length of time. As stated, the press and escapement circuit controls by means of the press and escapement magnets, the operation of the printing or press mechanism, and the rotation of the typewheel, the press magnet being a neutral magnet and the escapement a polar magnet. Normally the impulses which operate the press magnet are elongated escapement impulses, such pulses stepping the typewheel to its finally selected position and thereafter operating the press mechanism. Obviously, if a succession of polar impulses suffici ntly long to operate the press magnet are transmitted, the impulses would also operate the escapement magnet, the result being that consecutive characters on the typewheel would be printed on the tape as the typewheel would be stepped one step for each impulse. Therefore, when it is desired to operate the press magnet in response to a succession of press impulses to advance blank tape through the ticker, it is necessary to keep the escapement magnet from operating, In accordance with the invention, this is accomplished by preventing the current in the escapement and press circuit from changing polarity and the succession of impulses which operate the press magnet are impulses of the same polarity but of different current values. A slight bias being maintained in the circuit insufficient to hold the press magnet operated but sufficient to hold the escapment magnet in its last actuated position to prevent rotation of the typewheel. Thus the succession of impulses of different values of current of the same polarity operate the press mechanism to advance the tape in the tickers while the typewheel is held from rotation.

In Fig. 2 the elements of three self-winding ticker circuit control panels represented within the dot-dashed

rectangles

81, 88 and 89 are shown, they being controlled as hereinafter described by impulses received over the four conductors st to 9 1 from a master circuit control panel or a transmitting mechanism T in the manner well known in the art. The circuit control panel 8? is shown connected to a switching unit, indicated in general by reference numeral 9's, to which may also be connected the circuits to other self-winding tickers such as $1 and 98.

The panels 88 and 89 may be employed to control tickers, the operation of which are modified by the switching unit 96 in a manner hereinafter described. One self-winding ticker indicated in general by reference numeral 99, is shown connected to the panel 89 to be controlled thereby and usually several such tickers are connected in series to be controlled from one panel. Like in the switching unit of Fig. 1 comprising elements of a universal ticker to control the universal tickers in accordance with the operation of the switching unit, the switching unit employed in conjunction with self-winding control panels,

comprises elements ofa self-winding ticker, the elements of the self-winding ticker being employed merely as a matter of convenience as they are well adapted to operate in response to the ticker signals. However, other elements and arrangements thereof could be employed. The self-winding switching unit 96 comprises neutral winding magnet I ill which in a well known manner winds up the spring 32 which through the gears I63 and IM tends to rotate the typewheel shaft Ice. Also employed in the switching unit is a polar escapement magnet Isl, the armature operated escapement I88 of which cooperates with the escapement wheel I89 to allow the shaft to rot to one step for each change of condition of the magnet Iii'I. Fixed to the shaft its for rotation therewith are two sleeves lit and it? which have formed integral therewith worms I 53 and IM, respectively. The worms H3 and H5. are similar to the worms I8 and is of Fig. l and have associated followers lit and lit, respectively, Fig. 2-, which operate in much the same manner as the followers M and 82 of Fig. 1. The followers i if: and I I7; Fig. 2, are supported in the free ends of arms HS and H9, respectively, pivotally mounted on shoulder screws l 2! supported in a bracket I22. The bracket 622 is pivctally supported ona rod i233 and a spring i2 5 attached to the bracket normall holds the follower H6 engaged with the worm I53 and the follower H I on a smooth portion of the collar H2. Springs 128 bias the arms IE8 and H9 downward and in a clockwise direction against stops such as i21 An arm iii-3 extends beneath the arms IE8 and He and is adapted to be operated by the energization of a press magnet I29; Whenever the press magnet IE9 is energized the arm E23 lifts the followers H6 and In from engagement with the worms I i3 and lit, respectively, whereupon the springs I25 pivot the arms against the stops I27, if at the time of the energization of the magnet 29 they are not already engaging the stops 52?. Associated with the arms H8 and H9 are contact actuating members it! and i322, re-

spectively, which are adapted to operate contacts indicated in general by reference numbers I33 and I3 5, respectively, in a manner which will hereinaf er be described.

When no quotation signals are to be trans mitted for the time being, impulses of current of equal length are alternately transmitted over conductors 9i and s2, first conductor 9! receiving an impulse and then. conductor one circuit being open while the other is closed. The conductor 9! is connected in series through the left hand coil of the escapement polar relays I36 of each of the panels 81 to 89 and through a jack I3! to ground. The conductor 92 is connected through the right hand coil of the escapement polar relay I35 of panel 87, over conductor I38, through the tongue I39 and break stop MI of contact over conductor 52, through the right hand coils of the escapernent polar relays i36 of panels 83 and $9 and through the jack I37 to ground. Thus as the alternate impulses are received over conductors 9i and 92 the tongues M3 of the escapement polar relays I36 on the panels 8'! to 88 make contact first with one of their stops and then with the other. The

left and right hand stops associated with the tongues M3 are connected to positive potential and negative potential respectively. Thus as the tongues vibrate positive and negative potentials are alternately applied thereto.

The tongue 23 of panel 8? is connectedby a the associated winding relays W9.

conductor I 54 through the coil of the polar escapeinent magnet I01 of the switching unit 9'5 inseries with the neutral press magnet I29 to a line conductor I46 which may complete the circuit to ground through the press and escapement magnets M1 and I43 respectively of tickers such as 91 and Q8 which are to be controlled from the panel 81. The tongues N3 of the escapement polar relays iii-ton the panels 38 and 89 are connected byconductors Mathrough resistances [5| in parallel with the tongues and break stops of the auxiliary press relays I52 to escapement and press circuit conductors I57 and I53 respectively. The circuit conductor IE3 is shown connected in series with the press and escapement magnets 554 and I58 respectively of the ticker 99 to ground. Usually the prssand escapement magnets of several tickers such as 99 are connected in series to ground. Similarly the conductor I5! of panel 88 may extend to the press and escapement magnets of one or more tickers adapted to be controlled by the panel 88.

The impulses received over the

conductors

93 and 94 are for the purpose of operating the shift and winding relays I53 and I59 respectively on the circuit control panels ill to 89. These impulses are intervals of current and no current and allof the shift relays I58 are connected in serieswith the conductor 33' to ground. In a similar manner the winding relays I59 are connected series with the conductor st to ground. The break and make stops, or the right and. left hand stops, associated with the tongues of the shift relays we are connected to positive and negative potential respectively, the tongues being connected by conductors Hil to the tongues of The break stop of the winding relay I59 of panel 81 is connected by a conductor Hi2 through the neutral winding magnet {ill of the switching unit 96. As shown, this circuit is continued over line conductor I83 through the winding and shift magnets fet and I66 of the tickers 91 and 98 to ground. It will be noted that a shift magnet is not em-ployed in the switching unit 9% for reasons hereinafter apparent. The break stop associated with the tongue of the winding relay I59 on the panel SQis connected by a conductor I61 through the winding and shift magnets. of the ticker 99 and may be continued through the shift and winding magnets of other tickers controlled by the panel to ground. Similarly the break contact associated with the winding relay l59of panel 88' may be connected by a conductor I68 to control tickers associated with this panel.

The make stop of the winding relay I59 of panel 8'! is connected by a conductor N59 to a tongue IH of the contact I33. A make stop I12 associated with the tongue l?! is connected by a conductor I '53 through the tongue and break stop of the normally closed contact EM and thence over a conductor I'M, through the coils of the auxiliary press relays I52 of the panels 83' and $9 to ground. The make stop Ilfi associated with the tongue 39 of contact I33 is connected by a conductor ll? through a compensating resistance 173, a variable impedance coil H9 and the jack I37 to ground.

As hereinbefore stated, the impulses received over conductor 93 are intervals of current and no current, an interval of current being transmitted when the tickers are to print letters and an interval of no current being transmitted when the tickers are to print figures. The intervals of current and no current continue until the condition of the printers is to be changed and they control the operation of the shift relays I58 on the panels 81 to 89. The impulses transmitted over conductor 94 are also intervals of current and no current which operate the winding relays I59 on the circuit panels 81 to 89 to make and break the circuit from the tongue of associated shift relays I58 to the shift and winding circuits such as I62, I61 and I68. Thus the impulses sent over the shift and winding circuits, such as IE2 consist of make and break impulses of either positive or negative polarities, the polarities of the impulses depending upon the condition of the shift relays I58. These winding impulses energize the winding magnets such as ml and IE9 to wind up the springs such as I92 tending to rotate the typewheel shafts. During the printing operation the winding impulses are momentarily stopped for obvious reasons, but following a print ing operation they immediately begin again.

When there are no more quotation signals to be transmitted for the time being, the escapement and winding impulses continue and perform their related functions as outlined above. After a suflicient number of escapement impulses have been received to allow the typewheel shafts of the tickers to make three revolutions following a press impulse, they are stopped in their unison positions. However, the shaft I86 on the switching unit 99, rotating in response to these continuing escapement impulses does not stop as there is no unison device and the follower H8 continues to move along the worm II3. After the typewheel shafts on the tickers in the system are stopped in their unison position, a few more revolutions of the shaft I96 allows the follower H9 to drop off the end of worm H3. This allows 'the member I3I to operate the contact I33 and move the tongues I39 and HI thereof into contact with their make stops I16 and I12 respectively. As the tongue I39 moves from its break stop I4I to its make stop I16, the circuit from the right hand coil of the escapement polar relay I36 of the panel 81 which heretofore continued throughthe right hand coils of the escapement polar relays of the panels 88 and 89 is switched by thetongue I39 to the make stop I16, over conductor. I11 through the compensating resistance I18 and variable impedance I19 to ground at the jack I31. Thereupon the impulses received over conductor 92 have no further effect on the relays I36 of panels 88 and 89 and tongues I43 thereof remain stationary on their left hand stops. However, the tongue I43 of the relay I39 on panel 81 continues to vibrate in response to the impulses received over conductors 9| and 92 as the circuits thereto were not disturbed.

When the tongue I1I of the contact I33 engages its make stop I12, a circuit from the make stop of the winding relay I59 of panel 81 is completed over conductor I99 through the tongu I1! and stop I12, over conductor I13 through the normally closed contact I34, over conductor I14 and through the auxiliary press relays I52 of panels 88 and 89 to ground. Thereafter each time the winding relay I59 of panel 81 is operated by a winding impulse received over conductor 94, an impulse of potential from the tongue of the associated shift relay I58 is transmitted to the auxiliary press relay I52 to operate the same.

Each time these auxiliary press relays operate in response to these impulses they cut the resistances II into the escapement and press circuits I51 and I53 of panels 88 and 89. The value of the resistances I5I is such that when they are out into the escapement and press circuits they reduce the currents therein to a value of about one-seventh its former value. Thi current is always a positive current for the above condition as the tongues I43 of the escapement polar relays I38 on the panels 98 and 89 are at this time always in their left hand position. As the current in the escapement and press circuits such as IE3 falls to about one-seventh its normal value, the press relays such as I54 connected therein return to an unoperated position as the decreased current is insufficient to hold them in an operated position. However, the current in the circuit is sufficient to hold the escapement magnet, such as 58, in its last operated position which is the unison position. Therefore each time the auxiliary press relays I52 are operated the current in the associated es-capement and press circuits is decreased and returns to its normal value during th time the relays I52 are unoperated. The frequency of these changes is sufficiently slow to permit the press magnets such as I54 in the circuits to operate and each time they operate they advance the tape through the tickers. Therefore each time the win-ding relay I59 on panel 81 is energized and dee-nergizcd for the above conditions the tape in all the tickers that may be associated with panels such as 88 and 89 continues to be advanced one letter space until stopped as hereinafter described. It is obvious, however, that tickers such as 91 and 98 associated with panels such as 81 not having an auxiliary press relay do not have blank tape advanced therethrough as the impulses in their press and escapement circuits continues to be only short escapement impulses.

Some time before the follower I I6 drops off the worm H3, the arm H8 engages a wire I 8! adjustably secured to the arm H9 and pushes the follower I11 over and into engagement with the worm I i4. As the escapement impulses over conductors 9! and 92 are still effective to rotate the shaft I89 the follower I I1 moves along the worm I 14. When the follower I I1 travels the length of the worm I I4 it drops on to the shaft I I8 allowing member I32 associated therewith to open the contact I34. The opening of the contact I34 opens the circuit to the auxiliary press relays I52 and thereafter the impulses previously transmitted thereto from the make stop of the winding relay I59 of panel 81 are no longer effective to operate the same.

The tongues of the auxiliary press relays I52 thereupon return to and remain in their unenergized positions until they are again energized in the same manner as hereinbefore described. When the tongues of relays I52 return to their unenergized positions the currents in the press and escapement circuits such as I53 and I51 return to and remain at their normal maximum value.

Fig. 3 illustrates the various impulses that may occur in an escapement and press circuit such as 353 for the above described conditions. Starting at the left, the short intervals in section I82 represent escapement impulses which operate the escapement magnet such as I58 to step the type wheel as above described. Following the escapement impulses in section I82 is an elongated negative press impulse in section I83 which operates the press magnet such as I54 to actuate the press mechanism to print the selected character on the typewheel. Following the press impulse in section I33 are more escapement impulses in section I84 which step the typewheel from its last selected position to a new selected position whereupon the positive press impulse in section l 8 5 again ac tuates the press mechanism to record this second selected character. Let it be assumed that the character recorded by the press impulse in section 486 is the last to be recorded for the time being whereupon as described above the escaperne'nt impulses continue who received. These impulses are represented in section [8? and on the receipt of about 90 or" these escap'ement impulses all the tickers in the system are run to their unison position which will occur at some point such as I88. At this time th follower l i6, Fig. 2, will have traveled a predetermined distance on the worm H3 and continues to move therealong as the escapement impulses in section l'c'i, Fig. 3, continue to be received. At the point seem the curve the follower H5 drops of? the worm H3 whereupon the auxiliary pres relays I52, Fig. 2, are connected in the circuit from the make stop of the windingv relay use to be operated in re sponse to the shift impulses as described. As the relays I52 are operated'the resistances R51 are cut into their associated escapement and circuits I53 and as? lowers the currents therein. When the relays 552 are unoper'ated' the currents in the circuits and iii"? return to their normal maximum value. The high. values of current in section 93, Fig. represent the time when the relay it?! of panel 59 is unoperated and the low values the times when the relay is operated. These changes of current value or the samep'olark ity continue until the follower Ill drops oiiits associated worm i it to operate the contact I34 and each time a change occurs the press magnet such as I54 is operated to advance the tape in the ticker. The operation of the contact i3 3 opens the circuit to the relays E52 whereupon their tongues return to their normal condition and the current value in the conductor it? re turns to its normal maximum value where it remains until a regular printing pulse is received hence the advancement of blank tape through the ticker ceases.

It will be obvious that by adjusting the position or the stop til, Fig. 2, associated with the arm M8, the point at which the follower H6 engages the worm H3 can be changed. Accordingly, the time interval between the time the tickers run to unison such asthe point we on the current curve in Fig. 3 and the time the follower H6 drops oh its worm H3 such as the point E89 on the curve can be varied. This, as described, varies the time after the'ticlrers run tounison before they start feeding out blank tape. Adjusting the wire till determine at what position of the follower HS along the worm M3 the follower lll begins traveling along its associated worm H4. Thus the length of time that the follower i ii is traveling along its worm after the follower H5 drops on to the shaft I i-5 is varied. During this time the winding impulses are effective on the relays I52 and accordingly the adjustment of the wire 386 determines the number of operations of the relays I52. The number of operations of the relays i52 determine the number of operations of the press magnets, such as 554 and accordingly determine the length of blank tape advanced. The length of blank tape advanced is such that the last printed quotation can be advanced until it is in the projecting field of associated projectors.

Following the advancement of a predetermined length of blank tape through the tickers controlled by panels such as 88 and 89 the next regular press impulse energizes the magnet E29 and the arm I'28 lifts the arms H8 and HE! whereupon the springs !26 pivot them back against their stops I21. This allows the contacts H3 and M4 to return to' their normal positions and restore the circuits to normal. Similarly a press impulse received on the magnet E29 during the advancement of blank tape or for any position of the followers H6 and it! along their worms restores the contacts I33 and H34 to normal.

Thus when quotation signals cease to be received for a predetermined length of time, tickers such as 99 that may be associated with panels suchas 88 and 89 have the tapes therein advariced a predetermined length while tickers such as 97 and 98 which maybe associated with panels such as 87 do not have the tapes advanced therein. In this manner the tickers in a system may be selectively controlled so that only the desired ones will have blank tape advanced therein when quotation-signals cease to be transmitted. As a switching unit 95 control a plurality of panels in accordance with the operation thereof it is necessary to employ only one such switching unit at a distribution point. Obviously where the signals are transmitted for considerable distances to a distribu ing point from whence they continue to tickers may and may not beassociated with pro-actors the signals transmit-ted to these distributing points would be similar to those transmitted o r conductors 9i to 94; Therefore at larger dis 'ibuting points other switching units such as 56 would be employed to control panels associated with tickers operated in conjunction with projectors.

It is obvious, of course. that various other modifications of the invention may be made to accomplish the above results without departing from the spirit or essential attributes of the invention, and it is desired, therefore. that only such limitations be placed thereon as are imposed by the prior art or are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a step-by-step printing telegraph system of the type described employing tape r corders selectively controlled by impulses received over a type circuit and a press circuit. for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said type circuit has successions of impulses of varying numbers transmitted thereover to select characters and said press circuit has impulses transmitted thereover to operate recording mechanisms to print the characters selected by the impulses transmitted over said type circuit and concomitantly advance the recording tape, means operative after the receipt of a predetermined number of type impulses over type circuit followinga press impulse received over press circuit for switching said type impulses to said press circuit to operate said recording mechanism and advance the tape in said reco. ders and means for stopping the transmission of said type impulses over said press circuit after a predetermined number have been transmitted thereover.

2. In a step-by-step telegraph system employing a type circuit and circuit, for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said type circuit normally successions of con.- secutive groups of type selecting impulses of varying numbers transmitted the cover to efieot character selection, each of said successions of type selecting impulses normally being terminated and ceasing for at least a predetermined length of time on the transmission of a press impulse over said press circuit to cause the recording of t e selected character, operative following a consecutive succession of a predetermined number of type selecting impulses transmitted over said type circuit for automatically transmitting a succession of impulses over said press circuit and means for stopping the transmission of impulses over said press circuit after a predetermined number have been transmitted thereover.

3. In a step-by-step telegraph system employing a type circuit and press circuit, means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said type circuit normally has successions of consecutive groups of type selecting impulses of varying numbers transmitted thereover to effect character selection, each of said successions of type selecting impulses normally being terminated and ceasing for at least a predetermined length of time on the transmission of a press impulse over said press circuit to cause the recording of the selected character, means operative following a consecutive succession of a predetermined number of type selecting impulses transmitted over said type circuit for automatically transmitting a succession of impulses over said press circuit, means for varying the consecutive number of type selecting impulses in a succession necessary to initiate the transmission of a succession of impulses over said press circuit and means for stopping the transmission of impulses over said press circuit after a predetermined number have been transmitted thereover.

4. In a step-by-step telegraph system employing a type circuit and press circuit, means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said type circuit normaliy has successions of consecutive groups of type selecting impulses of varying numbers transmitted thereover to effect character selection, each of said successions of type selecting impulses normally being terminated and ceasing for at least a predetermined length of time on the transmission of a press impulse over said press circuit to cause the recording of the selected character and means operative in the absence of press impulse transmitted over said press circuit for at least a predetermined length of time for transmitting a predetermined number of consecutive impulses over said press circuit.

5. In a step-by-step telegraph system employing a type circuit and press circuit, means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said type circuit normally has successions of consecutive groups of type selecting impulses of varying numbers transmitted thereover to effect character selection, each of said successions of type seiecting impulses normally being terminated and ceasing for at least a predetermined length of time on the transmission of a press impuise over said press circuit to cause the recording of the selected character, means operative in the absence of press impulse transmitted over said press circuit for at least a predetermined length of time for transmitting a predetermined number of consecutive impulses over said press circuit and means operative after the transmission of a predetermined number of impulses over said press circuit for ceasing the transmission of impulses over both of said press and type circuits.

6. In a step-by-step telegraph system employing a type circuit and press circuit, transmitting means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said type circuit normally has successions of consecutive groups of type selecting impulses of varying numbers transmitted thereover to effect character selection, each of said successions of type selecting impulses normally being terminated and ceasing for at least a predetermined length of time on the transmission of a press impulse over said press circuit to cause the recording of the selected character, a unison press impulses invariably being transmitted over said press circuit to initiate recording operations Wl enever the number of impulses in a single consecutive group transmitted over said type circuit exceed a first predetermined number, means operative following the transmission of a second predetermined number of type impulses over said type circuit for stopping transmission thereover and transmitting a series of impulses over said press circuit, means for stopping the transmission of said series of press impulses over said press circuit when a predetermined number have been transm' ted and means operative thereafter on the next unison press impulse for returning said press and type circuits to normal condition,

7. In a step-by-step telegraph system employing a type circuit and press circuit, transmitting means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said type circuit normally has successions of consecutive groups of type selecting impulses of varying numbers transmitted thereover to effect character selection, each of said successions of type selecting impulses normally being terminated and ceasing for at least a predetermined length of time on the transmission of a press impulse over said press circuit to cause the recording of the selected character, a unison press impulse invariably being transmitted over said press circuit to initiate recording operations whenever the number of impulses in a single consecutive group transmitted over said type circuit exceed a first predetermined number, means operative following the transmission of a second predetermined number of type impulses over said type circuit for stopping transmission thereover and transmitting a series of impulses over said press circuit and means op erative on the transmission of a unison press impulse during the transmission of said series of impulses over said press circuit for returning said press and type circuits to normal.

8. In a step-by-step telegraph system, a transmitting station, a plurality of receiving stations, a plurality of press and type circuits con necting said transmitting station with said receiving stations, transmitting means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said type circuits normally have successions of groups of type selecting impulses transmitted thereover, each of said groups being terminated by the transmission of a press impulse over said press circuits, means operative following the transmission of a group of impulses of a predetermined number over said type circuits for automatically transmitting consecutive impulses over predetermined of said press circuits to predetermined of said receiving stations and means forstopping the transmission of the consecutive impulses over said press circuits after a predetermined number have been transmitted.

9. In a step-by-step telegraph system, a transmitting station, a plurality of receiving stations, a plurality of press and type circuits connecting said transmitting station with said receiving stations, transmitting means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said type circuits normally have successions of groups of type se lecting impulses transmitted thereover each of said groups being terminated by the transmission of a press impulse over said press circuits, means operative after the lapse of a predetermined length of time following the last press impulse transmitted over said press circuits for transferring following type impulses to predetermined of said press circuits and means operative following the transmission of a predetermined number of said type impulses over said press circuits for stopping the transmission thereof.

10. In a telegraph system, a transmitting sta tion, a plurality of receiving stations, a plurality of type and a plurality of press circuits extending from said transmitting station to said receiving station, each of said receiving stations having a press and a type circuit associated therewith, transmitting means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said type circuits normally have successions of impulses comprising alternate open and closed line conditions transmitted thereover to effect character selection and said press circuit-s normally having press impulses transmitted thereover following each succession of type impulses to effect recording of said selected characters, said type impulses continuing in the absence of a press impulse, means operative after the transmission of a predetermined number of type impulses following a press impulse for transmitting type impulses over predetermined of said press circuits while preventing the transmission of type impulses over the type circuits associated with said predetermined press circuits and continuing the transmission of type impulses over the other of said type circuits and means for stopping the transmission of said type impulses over only said predetermined press cir cuits after a predetermined number of said impulses have been transmitted thereover.

11. In a step-by-step telegraph system, a transmitting station, a plurality of receiving stations, one or more type circuits and one or more press circuits, each of said receiving stations being connected to said transmitting station by a type and a press circuit, transmitting means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said type circuits normally have successions of impulses transmitted thereover to efiect character selection, said successions of impulses ceasirm momentarily on the transmission of a normal press impulse over said press circuits to effect character recording, a unison press impulse invariably being transmitted over said press circuit to initiate recording operations whenever a succession of type impulses exceeds a first predete mined number, means operative following the transmission of a second predetermined number of type impulses over said type circuits in' excess of said first predetermined number for stopping transmission of type impulses over predetermined of said type circuits and transmitting the same over predetermined of said press circuits, means for stopping the transmission of type'impulses over said predetermined press circuits after a predetermined number have been transmitted and means operative on the transmission of a unison press impulse following the transmission of said type impulses over said predetermined press circuits for returning said predetermined press and type circuits to normal.

12. In a step-by-step telegraph system, a transmitting station for transmitting type and press impulses, said press impulsesnormally separating groupsof said type impulses, a plurality of receiving stations, each of said receiving stations having a type selecting mechanism for selecting characters and a press mechanism for recording characters and concomitantly advancing associated recording tapes thereat, circuits connecting said stations, means at said transmitting station automatically operative following a period of inactivity of a predetermined length of said press mechanisms at said receiving stations to transmit impulses for causing operation of press mechanisms at predetermined of said receiving stations a predetermined number of times and means for maintaining the press mechanisms at the others of said receiving stations inactive during such operation of the press mechanisms at said predetermined stations.

13. In a telegraph broadcasting system, a broadcasting station, a plurality of receiving statimes; each having a type selecting mechanism for selecting characters and a press mechanism for recording selected characters and concomitantly advancing associated recording tapes thereat, channels of communication extending between said broadcasting station and said receiving stations, means at said broadcasting station associated with predetermined of said channels for automatically initiating the transmission of impulses to cause the operation of the press mechanisms at the stations associated with said predetermined of said channels for a series of abnormal operations following a period of inactivity thereof of at least a predetermined length and means for maintaining the press mechanisms at the receiving stations not associated with the said predetermined channels inactive during the abnormal operations of the press mechanisms at the stations associated with the said predetermined channels.

14. In a step by step telegraph system, an escapement and press circuit, means for transmitting escapement and press impulses over said circuits whereby said escapement impulses comprise successions of alternately opposite polar signals of predetermined length and said press impulses normally separate said escapement successions and comprising an elongated impulse of the polarity of the last escapement impulse in a succession, means automatically operative following a succession of a predetermined'number of escapement impulses for transmitting a series of abnormal press impulses, said abnormal press impulses comprising impulses of different values of the same polarity and means for stopping the transmission of said abnormal press impulses when a predetermined number have been transmitted.

15. In a step by step telegraph system, an escapement and press circuit, means for transmitting escapement and press impulses over said circuits whereby said escapement impulses comprisesuccessions of alternately opposite polar signals of predetermined length and said press impulses normally separate said escapement successions and comprising an elongated impulse of the polarity of the last escapement impulse in a succession, means automatically operative following a succession of a predetermined number of escapement impulses for maintaining a predetermined polarity on said circuit and means for simultaneously varying the strength of the current in said circuit in a predetermined manner.

16. In a step by step telegraph system, an escapement and press circuit, means for transmitting escapement and press impulses over said on;

cults whereby said escapement impulses comprise successions of alternately opposite polar signals of predetermined length and said press impulses normally separate said escapement successions and comprising an elongated impulse of the polarity of the last escapement impulse in a succession, means operative following the transmission of a succession of at least a predetermined number of escapement impulses over said circuit for impressing a predetermined polarity on said circuit, means for changing the current values of said predetermined polarity in a predetermined manner and means for maintaining a steady state of current in said circuit of said predetermined polarity aiter a predetermined number of changes have been made in the value thereof.

17. In a step by step telegraph system, an escapement and press circuit, means for transmitting escapement and press impulses over said circuits whereby said escapement impulses comprise successions of alternately opposite polar signals of predetermined length'and said press impulses normally separate said escapement successions and comprising an elongated impulse of the polarity of the last escapement impulse ina succession, means operative following the transmission of a succession of at least a predetermined number of escapement impulses over said circuit for impressing a unidirectional current on said circuit, means for changing the number of escapement impulses in a succession necessary to initiate the impression of said unidirectional current on said circuit, means for automatically and alternately changing the value of said unidirectional current a predetermined number of times,

means operative thereafter for impressing a uniform value of said unidirectional current on said circuit and means for varying the number of changes in said unidirectional current prior to the impression of said uniform value.

18. In a step by step telegraph system, a transmitting station, a plurality of receiving stations, circuits connecting said receiving stations to said transmitting station, means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said circuits normally have escapement and press impulses alternately transmitted thereover to effect character selections, and recording and associated functions respectively at said receiving stations, means operative following the transmission of a predetermined sequence of escapement impulses over all of said circuits for automatically transmitting press impulses over predetermined of said circuits and means for continuing the transmission of escapement impulses over the remainder of said circuits during the transmission of press impulses over said predetermined circuits.

19. In a step by step telegraph system, a transmitting station, a plurality of receiving stations, circuits connecting said receiving stations to said transmitting station, means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said circuits nor-' mally having escapement and press impulses alternately transmitted thereover to eiTect character selections and recording and associated functions respectively at said receiving stations, signal responsive means at said transmitting station and means controlled by said signal responsive means following the transmission of a sequence of at least a predetermined number of escapement impulses for transmitting a predetermined sequence of press impulses over only predetermined of said circuits.

20. In a step by step telegraph system, a transmitting station, a plurality of receiving stations,

circuits connecting said receiving stations with said transmitting station, means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said circuits normally have escapement and press impulses alternately transmitted thereover to effect character selections, and recording and associated functions respectively at said receiving stations, signal controlled means at said transmitting station, means including said signal controlled means following the transmission of a first predetermined sequence of signals over all of said circuits for transmitting a second predetermined sequence of signals over only predetermined of said circuits and means for varying the number of signals in both of said sequences of signals.

21. In a step by step telegraph system, a transmitting station, a plurality of receiving stations, a plurality of circuits connecting said transmitting station With said receiving station, transmitting means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said circuits normally have escapement impulses comprising successions of alternately opposite polar signals transmitted thereover with each succession normally being terminated by a press impulse comprising a prolongation of the last escapement impulse, means operative on the transmission of at least a predetermined number of successive escapement impulses for automatically stopping the transmission of further escapement impulses over predetermined of said circuits while continuing the transmission thereof over the remainder of said circuits, means also operative thereupon for impressing a unidirectional current on said predetermined circuits and means for alternately varying the magnitude of said unidirectional current within predetermined limits.

22. In a step by step telegraph system, a transmitting station, a plurality of receiving stations, a plurality of circuits connecting said transmitting station with said receiving station, transmitting means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said circuits normally having escapement impulses comprising successions of alternately opposite polar signals transmitted thereover with each succession normally being terminated by a press impulse comprising a prolongation of the last escapement impulse, a unison press impulse invariably being transmitted to initiate the transmission of a succession of escapement impulses when the preceding succession of escapement impulses exceeds a first predetermined number, means operative following the transmission of a succession of escapement impulses of at least a second predetermined number over all of said circuits for stopping transmission of further of said escapement impulses over predetermined of said circuits while continuing the transmission thereof over the remainder of said circuits, means operative thereupon for transmitting a unidirectional current of varying magnitude over said circuits, means for maintaining a steady state of current of said unidirectional current polarity on said predetermined circuits after a predetermined number of variations in the magnitude thereof, means for restoring all of said predetermined circuits to the condition of the remaining circuits on the transmission of the unison press impulses irrespective of the condition of said predetermined circuits at the time of transmitting said unison press impulses.

23. In a step by step telegraph system, a source of pressand a source of escapement impulses, press and escapement circuits, means for transsec ets mitting said press and escapement impulses respectively over said circuits whereby the escapement impulses are normally transmitted in the absence of said press impulses, first and second rotatable worms, means responsive to each escapement impulse from said source for rotating said worms a predetermined amount, a first follower normally associated with said first worm at a starting point adjacent the beginning thereof and adapted to travel therealong as said worm rotates, a second follower normally out of operative relation with said second worm and adapted to be moved into engagement therewith to travel therealong as said second worm rotates, adjustable means operable by said first follower after a predetermined amount of travel along said first worm for causing engagement of said second follower with said second Worm for movement therealong, both of said followers being movable in a direction substantially at right angles to the direction of travel along said worms when reaching the ends thereof, means controlled by said first follower on reaching the end of said first worm for connecting said source of escapement impulses to said press circuit, means controlled by said second follower when reaching the end of said second worm for opening said press circuit and means operative by a press impulse from said source of press impulses for returning said followers and said circuits to normal.

24. In a step-by-step telegraph system, a source of press and a source of escapement impulses, press and escapement circuits, means for transmitting said press and escapement impulses respectively over said circuits whereby the es-' capement impulses are normally transmitted in the absence of said press impulses, first and second rotatable worms, means responsive to each escapement impulse from said source for rotating said worms a predetermined amount, a first follower normally associated with said first worm at a starting point adjacent the beginning thereof and adapted to travel therealong as said worm rotates, a second follower normally out of operat-ive relation with said second worm and adapted to be moved into engagement therewith to travel therealong as said second worm rotates, adjustable means operable by said first follower after a predetermined amount of travel along said first worm for causing engagement of said second follower with said second worm for movement therealong, both of said followers being movable in a direction substantially at right angles to the direction of travel along said worms when reaching the ends thereof, means controlled by the right angle movement of said first follower on reaching the end of said first worm for connecting said source of escapement impulses to said press circuit and opening said escapement circuit, means controlled by the right angle movement of said second follower on reaching the end of said second worm for opening said press circuit and means controlled by a press impulse from said source of press impulses for withdrawing said followers from engagement with associated worms and returning said first follower to the starting point on said first Worm and said second follower to a normal position in operative relation with said second worm irrespective of the position of said followers at the time of transmission of said press impulses.

25. In a step-by-step telegraph system, a source of press and escapement impulses, circuits for transmitting said impulses, means for trans- 75 mitting said escapement impulses comprising successions of alternately opposite polar signals and said press impulses comprising prolongations of the last impulse of a succession of escapement impulses over said circuits, said escapement impulses normally being transmitted continuously in the absence of press impulses, first and second rotatable worms, means responsive to each es-- capement impulse from said source for rotating said worms a predetermined amount, a first follower normally associated with said first worm at a starting point adjacent the beginning thereof and adapted to travel therealong as said worm rotates, a second follower normally out of operative relation with said second worm and adapted to be moved into engagement therewith to travel therealong as said second worm rotates, adjustable means operable by said first follower after a predetermined amount of travel along said first worm for causing engagement of said second follower with said second worm for movement therealong, both of said followers being movable in a direction substantially at right angles to the direction of travel along said worms on reaching the ends thereof, means controlled by said first follower on reaching the end of its worm for impressing a unidirectional current on said circuits, means operative during the time of travel of said second follower along its worm after said first follower reaches the end of said first worm for varying the magnitude of said unidirectional current within predetermined values and in a predetermined time relationship, means controlled by said second follower on reaching the end of said second worm for maintaining a steady state of current on said circuit and means operative on the transmission of a press impulse from said source for returning said circuits to normal condition irrespective of the positions of said followers.

26. In a step-by-step printing telegraph system of the type described employing tape recorders selectively controlled by impulses received over a type circuit and a press circuit, means for transmitting signals over said circuit whereby said type circuit has successions of impulses of varying number transmitted thereover to select characters and said press circuit having impulses transmitted thereover to operate recording mechanisms to print the characters selected by the impulses transmitted over said type circuit and concomitantly advance the recording tape, means operative after the receipt of a predetermined number of type impulses over said type circuit following a press impulse received over said press circuit for switching said type impulses to said press circuit to operate said recording mechanism and advance the tape inv said recorders, means for stopping the transmission of said type impulses'over said press circuit after a predetermined number have been transmitted thereover and means for restoring said type and press circuits to normal on receipt of a regular press impulse over said press circuit.

2'7. In a step-by-step telegraph system employing a type circuit and press circuit, means for transmitting signals over said circuit whereby said type circuit normally has successions of consecutive groups of type selecting impulses of varying numbers transmitted thereover to efiect character selection, each of said successions of type selecting impulses normally being terminated and ceasing for at least a predetermined length 01 time on the transmission of a press impulse over said press circuit to cause the recording of the selected character, means operative following a consecutive success-ion of a predetermined number of type selecting impulses transmitted over said type circuit for automatically transmitting a succession of impulses over said press circuit, means for varying the consecutive number of type selecting impulses in a succession necessary to initiate the transmission of a succession of impulses over said press circuit, means for stopping the transmission of impulses over said press circuit after a predetermined number have been transmitted thereover and means for varying the number of impulses in, a succession transmitted over said press circuit.

28. In a step-by-s-tep telegraph system employing a type circuit and press circuit, means for transmitting signals over said circuit whereby said typecircui-t normally has successions of consecutive groups of type selecting impulses of varying numbers transmitted thereover to effect character selection, each of said successions of type selecting impulses normally being terminated and ceasing for at least a predetermined length of time on the transmission of a press impulse over said press circuit to cause the recording of the selected character, means operative following a consecutive succession of a predetermined number of type selecting impulses transmitted over said type circuit for automatically transmitting a succession of impulses over said press circuit and means for stopping the transmission of impulses over said type circuit during the transmission of said succession of impulses over said press circuit.

29. In a step-bystep telegraph system employing a type circuit and press circuit, means for transmitting signals over said circuit whereby said type circuit normally has successions of consecutive groups of type selecting impulses of varying numbers transmitted thereover to effect character selection, each of said successions of type selecting impulses normally being terminated and ceasing for at least a predetermined length of time on the transmission of a press impulse over said press circuit to cause the recording, of the selected character, means controlled by the transmission of a consecutive succession of an abnormal number of type impulses over said type circuit for transferring following of said type impulses to said press circuit and means for halting transmission of impulses over both of said type and press circuits after a predetermined number of said type impulses have been transmitted over said press circuit.

30. In a telegraph system, a transmitting station, a plurality of receiving stations, a plurality of type and a plurality of press circuits extending from said transmitting station to said receiving stations, each of said receiving stations having a press and a type circuit associated therewith, transmitting means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said type circuits normally have succession-s of impulses comprising alternate open and closed line conditions transmitted thereover to effect character selection and said press circuits normally having press impulses transmitted thereover following each succession of type impulses to effect recording of said selected characters, said type impulses continuing in the absence of a press impulse, means operative after the transmission of a predetermined number of type impulses following a press impulse for transmitting type impulses over predetermined of said prms circuits while ceasing the transmission of type impulses over the type circuits associated with said predter'mined'press circuits and continuing the transmission of type impulses over the other of said type circuits, means for stopping the transmission of said type impulses over only said predetermined press circuits after a predetermined number of said impulses have been transmitted thereover, means for changing the number of type impulses'transmitted over said type circuit following a press impulse transmitted over said press circuit to initiate the transmission of type impulses over said press circuits and means for changing the number of type impulses in a series transmitted over said press circuit.

31. In a step-by-step'telegraph system, a transmitting station, a plurality of receiving stations, one'or more type circuits and one or more press circuits, each of said receiving stations being connected to said transmitting station bya type and a press circuit, transmitting means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said type circuits normally have successions of impulses transmitted thereover to effect character selection, said successions of impulses ceasing moment'arily on the transmission of a normal press impulse over said press circuits to effect character recording, a unison press impulse invariably being transmitted over said press circuit to initiate recording operations whenever asuccession of type impulses exceeds a first predetermined number, means operative following the transmission of a second predetermined number of type impulses over said type circuits in excess of said first predetermined number for stopping transmission of type impulses over predetermined of said type circuits and transmitting the same over predetermined of said press circuits and means operative on the transmission of a unison press impulse during the transmission of said type impulses =over said predetermined press circuits for returning said predetermined type and press circuits to normal condition.

32. In a step-by-step telegraph system, an escapement and press circuit, means for transmitting escapement and press impulses over said circuits whereby said escapement impulsescomprise successions of alternately opposite polar signals of predetermined length and said press impulses normally separate said escapement successions and comprise an elongated impulse of the polarity of the last escapement impulse in a succession, means operative following the transmission of a succession of escapement impulses of a predetermined length for stopping further transmission thereof and initiating the transmission of a series of abnormal press impulses of a uniform polarity and means for transmitting a steady current of the polarity of .said abnormal press impulses after a predetermined number have been transmitted.

33. In a step-by-step telegraph system, an escapement and press circuit, means for transmitting escapement and press impulses'over said circuits whereby said escapement impulses comprise successions of alternately opposite polar signals of predetermined length and said press'impulses normally separate said escapement successions and comprise an elongated impulse of the polarity of the last escapement impulse in a succession, means operative following the transmission of a succession of at least a predetermined number of escapement impulses over said circuit for maintaining ..a uniform polarity on saidcircuiaa resistance and means for cutting said resistance into and out of said circuit to alternately change the magnitude of the current therein a predetermined number of times and in a predetermined time relationship.

34. In a step-by-step telegraph system, an escapement and press circuit, means for transmitting escapement and press impulses over said circuits whereby said escapement impulses comprise successions of alternately opposite polar signals of predetermined length, and said press impulses normally separate said escapement successions and comprise an elongated impulse of the polarity of the last escapement impulse in a succession, means operative following the transmission of a succession of at least a predetermined number of escapement impulses over said circuit for transmitting a unidirectional current over said circuit, means operative thereupon to change the value of said unidirectional current in a predetermined manner and means for varying the number of escapement impulses transmitted prior to the initiation of the transmission of said unidirectional current.

35. In a step-by-step telegraph system, a transmitting station, a plurality of receiving stations, a plurality of circuits connecting said transmitting station with said receiving station, transmitting means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said circuits normally have escapement impulses comprising successions of alternately opposite polar signals transmitted thereover with each succession normally being terminated by a press impulse comprising a prolongation of the last escapement impulse, means operative on the transmission of at least a predetermined number of successive escapement impulses for automatically stopping the transmission of further escapement impulses over pretransmission thereof over the remainder of said circuits, means also operative thereupon for impressing a, unidirectional current on said prede-' termined circuits and means for alternately vary-.

ing the magnitude of said unidirectional current within predetermined limits a predetermined number of times and means for maintaining a steady state of said unidirectional current of the value of one of said predetermined limits on said predetermined circuits following the transmission of said unidirectional variations.

36. In a step-by-step telegraph system, a transmitting station, a plurality of receiving stations, a plurality of circuits connecting said transmitting station with said receiving station, transmitting means for transmitting signals over said circuits whereby said circuits normally have escapement impulses comprising successions of alternately opposite polar signals transmitted thereover with each succession normally being terminated by a press impulse comprising a prolongation of the last escapement impulse, individual resistances connected in shunt relation with predetermined of said circuits, means operative following the transmission of a succession of at least a predetermined number of escapement impulses over all of said circuits for stopping the transmission of further escapement impulses over said predetermined circuits, means operative thereupon for impressing a unidirectional current on said predetermined circuits and means for shunting said resistances into and out of said circuits a predetermined number of times to vary the magnitude of said unidirectionalcurrent within predetermined limits.

CHARLES C. GALL. WALTER H. BORNEMAN. PERCY L. MYER.

determined of said circuits while continuing the