US2301823A - Impulse mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 10, 1942. J, H P D 2,301,823

IMPULSE MECHANISM Filed May 16, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet l nvvavroe JUDSOA/ 0 '0. SHEPHERD ATTORNEY Nov. 10, 1942. J. OD. SHEPHERD 2,301,823

. IMPULSE MECHANISM Filed May 16, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 50 r l f INVENTOR By JUDSO/V 00. SHEPHERD WKWKW ATTORNEY V Nov. 10, 1942. J, 011 SHEPHERD 2,301,823

' IMPULSE MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 16, 1941 I 36 I /4 3330 25 jg 9 Wyn/r01? 47 BVJUDSO/V 0D. SHEPHERD ATTORNEY N 0, 1942. J. 0'0. SHEPHERD IMPULSE MECHANISM Filed May 16, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG.

our SWITCH l JTEPP/NG MAGNET Juoso/v. o a SHEPHERD By Kama-l ATTORNEY NOV. 10, 1942. 013, SHEPHERD 2,301,823

IMPULSE MECHANISM Filed May 16, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 m/vs/v TOR JUDSON 0'0 SHEPHERD ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 10, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE particularly useful in telephone systems where the length and condition of a line may introduce distortion in signaling pulses of a character which must be accurately timed.

The object of the invention is to produce a simple and economical device which will store information conveyed in the shape of trains of pulses and which will retransmit such information on demand by regenerating like trains of pulses.

A feature of the invention is a means responsive to trains of pulses for translating each train into a code, displacing a plurality of displaceable members in accordance with such code and adbe tested by a detecting means. Each set of such switches represents one digit and these sets of switches may be rapidly operated one after the other or there may be long and uneven intervals between the operation of one set and a succeeding set, Since the information is recorded by mechanical displacement the record may be preserved as long as desired without adding to the maintenance charges as for battery drain where relays are operated and locked up or other means where electrical marking is employed. Such a vancing before another plurality of such displaceable members for each said train of pulses. By way of example, the code may be a permutation code and where the trains of pulses are to consist of one to ten pulses each such permutation code may have four places. Hence for each train of pulses to be registered or recorded a set of four displaceable members is provided which may be displaced in any combination of such four places.

Thus a series of trains of impulses may be registered by successively displacing the members of a like number of sets of displaceable members. By displaceable member is here meant anything whose position or condition may be changed. As illustrated a displaceable member is a mechanically movable electric switch but it is to be understood that the term is not to be limited by this showing but is to be given a wider connotation.

Later, at a time determined in any one of a variety of ways, a detecting means will be associated with the various sets of displaceable members in order and will translate the code there found into trains of pulses identical in number with the trains of pulses used for recording the information. The outgoing pulses will be regenerated, particularly in the sense that they will be of full strength and accurately timed.

Thus when a pulse regenerator of the type herein disclosed is employed it is possible to signal over longer lines and lines in poorer condition than heretofore. Moreover a time element may be introduced between the recording of the information and the transmission of the information so recorded which may be useful.

A feature of the invention is a means for recording the digits of a telephone designation or like information on a series of sets of mechanidevice lends itself particularly well to uses where the information is recorded piecemeal.

Another feature of the invention is a translator in the form of a device which may be set in any one of a number of positions each corresponding to a particular number of pulses in a train and which in any of said positions will set up a corresponding code. This latter operation consists by way of example in operating a plurality of common members equal in number to the number of places in the code used. Thus a transitory record of an incoming train of imcally operable electric switches which may later pulses is made which may be selectively transferred to a particular set of displaceable elements for what may be termed a permanent record.

Another feature of the invention is a selector which designates the particular set of displaceable elements to be operated and which acts as a link between the said common elements operated by the translator and the selected set on which a record is to be made.

Another feature is a restoring device operated by the said selector which restores to normal all displaced elements of a set just prior to its use for registering a new record.

Thus a record may be mechanically recorded and such record maintained even after it is used and until a new record is madethe old record only being wiped out in the process of making the new record.

The translator may consist of a mechanical device which may be rotated or otherwise moved to a selected position or it may consist of a circuit arrangement consisting of a plurality of magnets one for each place in the code and which are energized in code so as to operate the common members on which the transitory record is made.

The device in its broad form is capable of a variety of uses. In one form it may be used in a line as a simple pulse regenerator to receive incoming trains of pulses and to regenerate and transmit like trains of outgoing pulses. The

outgoing pulses may be arranged to closely follow the incoming pulses or they may be delayed in any on of several known ways. In other words the regeneration and transmission of outgoing pulses may wait upon the operation of astart control circuit.

The device may be used in what is known as a key pulsing circuit, that is, the incoming trains of pulses or their equivalent may be taken from local key sets or the original translation may be dispensed with and the code common elements may be directly set by keys.

Again the device may be used for call indicator work. In this connection the record may be written on the sets of displaceable elements by mechanical movement of such elements in code and this record through appropriate circuit ar rangements may be used to set the well-known call indicators.

Other features and uses will appear in the following description.

The drawings consist of five sheets ccntaimng thirteen figures as follows:

Figure 1 is a side view of the mechanism;

Fig. 2 is a bottom view looking upward;

Fig. 3 is an end view partly in cross section taken as indicated by the line 3, 3 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a detailed side View illustrating how the code switches are operated and released;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary detailed bottom view taken on the line 5, 5 in Fig. 1 illustrating how the outpulse sending mechanism is prevented from overtaking the impulse registering means.

Fig. 6' is a fragmentary View partly in section, taken on the line 6, G in Fig. 2 illustrating the operation of the impulse magnet;

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary side view showing the switch actuating cam of the device and the digit registering arm in counter-clockwise movement illustrating the manner in which the switches are actuated when the cam sector has been moved and the manner in which the switch fails to be- 7,

come actuated when the corresponding cam sector has not been moved;

Fig. 8 is a View similar to that of Fig. 7 showing the position of the parts when the movement illustrated in Fig. 7 has been completed but before the actuated cam sectors have turned to normal;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to that of Fig. 8 showing the positions of the parts after the cam sectors have been returned to normal and the apparatus is ready to record the next digit;

Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating the plan of the cutting of the cam sector drum actuated by the incoming impulse circuit;

Fig. 11 is a circuit showing how th apparatus of Figs. 1 to 9 is operated to regenerate impulses;

Fig. 12 is a circuit diagram alternative to that part of the circuit of Fig. ll to the right of the line X, X showing how the cam sectors may be operated by individual magnets rather than by a cam sector drum; and

Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing how the apparatus may be used to transmit impulses after having been set by manually operated keys rather than by incoming trains of impulses.

The device consists of a frame on which and to which various members are mounted and secured. As illustrated, the device is capable of recording ten digits of a telephone number or ten items of any other information in code. The device has no normal position though as shown in Fig; 1 it is set to record on the number i set Cir of switches. Where the device is arranged to start the sending of outpulses as soon as the first registration has been completed then the number of sets of switches may be reduced even below the number of items to be recorded as, for instance, five sets of switches may be amply sufficient to use for seven. digit telephone numbers, the exact number depending only on the ability of the subscriber to dial faster than the apparatus can transmit outpulses.

Where the device is arranged for delayed starting so that the transmission of outpulses will not begin for an indefinite period after all items of information have been recorded then there must be at least as many sets of switches as the maximum number of items to be recorded. The ten sets shown herein are by way of example and these as shown are numbered I to Ed in Fig. 1. These are secured in a semi-circular frame piece ll. As illustrated in Fig. 2, each set of switches consists of five separate switches, each comprising a plurality of blades, which are here numbered l2 to 21, inclusive. The blades l2, l5, ll, 59 and 2! are grounded here on the frame H or in any other approved manner. The blades i l, [6, i8 and 26 are normally insulated from the frame and from their companion blades. The parts 22 and 23 represent other members of the frame and on the member 22 there is mounted a shaft or bearing member 24 carrying four metallic pieces 25, 25, 2? and 28 which are rotatable. The piece 25 as may be seen from Fig. 1 may be rotated in a clockwise direction and when so rotated will jam between the ends of the blades i i and I5 and thereby ground the blade l4 and any electric circuit connected thereto. While the contact pieces 25 to 28, inclusive. are rotatable on the shaft 2 3, they are mounted in such a way that friction will hold them many position to which they have been moved. As an alternative or supplement to providing friction mountings for pieces 25, the grounded blade, such as l5, of each pair may be extended beyond its companion blade so as to frictionally engage said pieces to assure the circuit between the blades being maintained open unless purposely closed. Thus, in Fig. l the part 25 as shown in its normal position has been moved to this position in a manner to be hereinafter described and limited in such movement by a stop pin 29. In Fig. 7 the piece 25 is shown during its clockwise movement after it has left its normal position and just before it has made electrical contact with the spring l i. In Fig. 3 the piece 25 is shown jammed between the contact springs 54 and it.

At a point which may be defined as the center of the semicircular lines of the frame H, bear ings in the frame members 22 and 23 are provided and in these bearings a shaft 39 is mounted. On this shaft there is also mounted a device 3! which may be termed a digit registering arm. This arm is rotatable in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 1 through a ratchet wheel 32 impelled by the magnet 33. The ratchet wheel 32 is provided with twenty teeth and the digit registering arm 31 has duplicate equipment at either end whereby half a revolution of the digit registering arm 3i will perform a complete operation of the ten sets of switches. The digit registering arm 31 carries a pair of shafts or bearings 34 and 35, on each of which are mounted for cam actuated pallets such as 35. As seen in Fig. 2, the cam actuated pallets 35 to 38, inclusive, are mounted on the shaft 34 and the pallets 40 to 43, inclusive. are mounted on the shaft 35. The pallets 36, 31, 38 and 35 andthe pallets 4|], 4|, 42 and 43 operate the electrical contactpieces 25, 26, 21 and 28 respectively under conditions to be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the digit registering arm 3| is in position awaiting the proper operations for registering a digit. The digit registering arm 3| also carries at its extremities two bars 44 and 45 which act to restore any of the parts, such as 25, to normal. Thus, in Fig. 1 it will be noted that the bar 44 is poised in such a position that upon the next counter-clockwise movement of the digit registering arm 3|, the bar 44 will come into physical contact with any operated switch parts, such as 25 associated with the number 2 set of switches and restore them to normal. Thus, in a manner to be fully described hereinafter, upon the registration of the first digit, the arm 3| will move one step in a counter-clockwise direction whereupon the switches of number 2 set will be restored to normal in preparation for the registration of another digit thereon.

As indicated in Fig. 1 and shown in Fig. 2, the extremities of the digit registering arm 3| have cam surfaces formed thereon which coopcrate with the fifth set of terminals of each set. Thus, with the arm 3| in the position shown in Fig. 1, the normal contact between the spring l2 and the spring I3 is broken as indicated in Fig. 5. As will appear hereinafter during the discussion of the circuit diagram the fifth set of contacts l2 and I3 in Fig. 2 will actually be associated with the four code contacts of the first set. Thus, the operated set shown in Fig. indicated as being physically associated with the No. 2 set i Fig. 1 is electrically associated with the No. I set shown in Fig. 1. This is for the purpose of preventing access of the pulse transmitting apparatus to a set of switches until registration has been made thereon. That is, the registration has been made on the tenth set and the digit registering arm 3| has been moved to the position shown awaiting registration on the first set of switches.

The means be operated is controlled as follows: As may be seen in Fig. 3, a frame piece 46 secured to the frame piece 22 is provided for mounting a shaft 41 which carries what may be termed a code drum 48. This code drum is a cylindrical piece secured to the shaft 41 and having cam faced cuttings for the operation of the code sectors 49 to 52 inclusive. Also secured to the shaft 41 is a. ratchet wheel 53 which is impelled through the movement of the armature 54 of the magnet 55. The magnet 55 will respond separately to the incoming impulses of a train of impulses and thus cause the drum to move to a position corre sponding to the number of pulses in the train. In accordance with the position to which the digit drum has been moved, the cam sectors 49 to 52, inclusive, will be operated in various combinations. Thus, as indicated by the chart, Fig. 10, in which the shaded portions represent cam surfaces with those in lines along A, B, C and D corresponding to cam sectors 49, 50, 5| and 52 respectively, if the code drum has been moved one step then the cam sector 49 willbe operated. And, by way of example, if the cam drum 4!! has been moved six steps cam sectors 50 and 5| will be operated. That is, cam sectors 49! to 52 are mounted on the shaft 30 and are normally held in an extreme position in a counter-clockwise direction as seen in Fig. 4, for eX- ample, by appropriately mounted springs. Each by which the various switches may such cam sector has an arm 55 which bears on the face of the cam drum 48. If'the drum 48 is in position I then the cam sector as indicated in Figs. 4, 7 and 8 will be rotated a short distance in a clockwise direction through the arm riding up on a raised portion of the cam drum 48. Thereafter, if the arm 3| is moved in a counter-clockwise direction one step, the pallet 36 will ride up on the face of the cam provided on the cam sector 49 just ahead of the pallet and engages with blade 25 of the first set of contacts in such a manner that the springs 4 and I5 will be connected together to ground spring I 4. This operation will be clearly understod from the drawings, Figs. 4, 7, and 8, where the sequence of the movement of the pallet 36 may be seen. In Fig. 8 the digit registering arm 3| has been moved in line with the third set of contacts where it is awaiting further move ment for the registration of information on the second set of contacts, as is plainly indicated. In this figure the code sector arm 49 is indicated as being still in its operated position and the code sector 56 is indicated as being in its normal position. In Fig. 9 all of the code sectors have een returned to normal. In this connection it should be noted that a set of contacts 51 and 58 operated by a finger 59 cooperating with the oif-normal bar on the code drum 43 are shown operated in Figs. 7 and 8 and restored to normal in Fig. 9. These contacts and the operating arrangements therefor are for the purpose of controlling the restoration to normal of the code rum after the registration of each digit or item of information.

In the operation of is rotated by a train the device, the code drum of pulses, the registration thereof being effected by operation of a corresponding combination of switch blades through cooperation of the several pallets with the cam faces of the actuated code sectors incident to advancement of arm 3|, and the code drum is restored to normal. This is repeated for each succeeding train of pulses. In this manner, then, the various sets of contacts provided for digits 1 to 10, inclusive, may be operated and it will be recognized that with four switches in each set, a four place permutation code may be used. The information thus recorded may be stored indefinitely and then taken off through appropriate means at any desired time. As indicated in the circuit diagram, Fig. 11, this storage period is at a minimum since the taking oil? of the information will proceed immediately upon the first step of the digit registering arm 3|, but it will be recognized that electrical control may be provided to delay the start of the outpulsing circuit to any other desired time. Since many start control means are known, no other specific means will be illustrated.

The mode of operation of this device when used as a pulse regenerator may be seen from the circuit diagram in Fig. 11. Here a line is represented by conductors 60 and 6| extending from a dial 62 to a relay 63. This showing is schematic and represents a condition established after the line has been taken into use and the dial 62 is ready to be operated. The relay 63 will be operated as soon as the line is seized and through its armature and front contact closes an obvious circuit for the slow-releasing relay 64. A series of impulses are then sent by the dial 62 and each impulse results in a momentary deenergization of the relay 63. The slow-releasing relay remains operated so that a series of impulses are now sent from ground armature and back contact of relay 63, front contact and armature 5 of slow-releasing relay 64 through the windings of slow-releasing relay 65 through the winding of the code drum magnet to battery. The code drum magnet 55 responds separately to each impulse and in a manner herelnbefore described rotates the code drum 48 through the ratchet wheel 53. The movement of the ratchet wheel 53 occurs upon the energization of the magnet 55. The slow-releasing relay 65 responds to the series of impulses as a whole and, therefore, the magnet 33 responds to the series of impulses as a whole also. As soon as the code drum is caused to take one step, the circuit through the off-normal contacts 5'! and 58, is closed for a purpose which will be hereinafter described. The magnet 33, upon energization, prepares to impel the digit registering arm 3! forward but this does not occur until after the full series of impulses has been registered through the operation of the code drum magnet 55 and the slow-releasing relay 65 becomes deenergized through the steady attraction of the armature of relay 63. When relay 85 deenergizes, then magnet 33 deenergizes and impels the digit egistering arm 3| forward whereupon the switches of the first set are actuated. When the magnet 33 becomes completely deenergized a circuit is established from ground, the armature and back contact of slow-releasing relay 65 through the off- normal contacts 51 and 58 through the armature and back contact of magnet 33 through the back contact and armature of magnet 55, through the winding of magnet 55 to battery and ground. In this manner the code drum magnet is put in a self-interrupting circuit so that it will step the code drum around automatically until the normal position is reached, whereupon the off-normal contacts 5'! and 58 open the circuit.

The operation of relay 6% completed a circuit for the operation of relay 13 through the upper armature and back contact of relay '12. Upon the movement of the digit registering arm 3| to the position in line with the third set of switches the springs 12 and I3 physically associated with the second set of switches but electrically associated with the first set of switches are closed together and, therefore, wiper 66 is grounded. Wipers 66 to li] belong to a switch for controlling the output circuit and are moved by the stepping magnet H upon its deenergization. The wipers 66 to 10, inclusive, are shown in association with the first set of code switches. When wiper 56 is grounded as a signal that the first set of switches has been set, then a circuit is established to the winding of relay 72 whereupon this relay becomes energized to open the circuit to the winding of relay 13, which will release after an interval depending on the value of resistance 83 and condenser 84 as will be hereinafter described. A circuit will then be established from the interrupter 3| through armature 3 and front contact of relay 64, armature and back contact of relay 13, front contact and lower armature of relay 72, winding of relay '14 to battery. Relay 14 is known as the out-pulse relay and will attempt to open the outgoing line passing through its armature 2 and back contact and the armature 2 and front contact of relay B4 in accordance with the interrupter 8|. This interrupter being machine-driven will create outpulses' accurate in their timing. However, the

opening of the outpulse circuit by armature 2 of relay M is without effect at this time as this armature and its contact are shunted by the back contact and armature 2 of relay '55. Therefore, the outpulse circuit remains closed.

Upon each operation of relay M a circuit is closed from ground through armature l and front contact of relay i l to the winding of sequence switch magnet 16. This magnet controls a number of sequence switch cams H to 83, inclusive, which are closed in the positions indicated in the conventional manner. The sequence switch is advanced one position upon each release of magnet l6. There are twelve positions of this sequence switch of which the normal one is number eleven. It then passes through positions 12, 1, 2, 3 and so forth until it again reaches its eleventh position.

Now assuming that the digit one has been registered, then in accordance with the chart, Fig. 10, the wiper 6'! will be grounded through its associated bank contact by virtue of the circuit from blade I5 to blade Hi being closed. By the same token no one of the wipers 68, 69 or ill will be grounded.

Upon the first energizaticn and release oi relay l4 after the interrupter St has been connected thereto by relay '72 the sequence switch will be driven to position 12 whereupon relay 75 will be energized through the contacts cooperating with cam T9. Relay i5 looks through its lower winding and its armature 3 to ground now on cam 19 in its 12th position. Relay 15 opens the circuit through its armature 2 and allows relay M to have control of the outpulsing circuit.

Upon the next closure of interrupter EH relay it operates and thereby transmits one properly timed impulse into the outpulse circuit. At the same time the magnet i6 is energized to advance the sequence switch to position 1 at the conclusion of the impulse. in this position the energizing circuits for relay T5 are opened and this relay becomes deenergized to stop the outpulsing.

It should be noted that upon the energization of relay it the stepping magnet ll is energized through armature l and front contact of relay :5. Upon the release of relay l5, magnet ll is released so that the wipers 56 to it, inclusive, are advanced to their next positions. The magnet it is now included in a self-interrupting circuit through cam 86 and the back contact and armature l of relay l5 so that the sequence switch returns to normal automatically. It should be noted that relay 13 is slow to release by virtue of a resistance 83 and a condenser 84 connected to its winding. Thus when relay l2 first opens the circuit of relay 5% it will release after a predetermined time and close the circuit from the interrupter 8: to relay Id to cause the movement of the sequence switch to position l2. Thereafter relay 1% is energized through armature 4 of relay l5 until the complete train of outpulses has been sent, whereupon it is again released but due to its slow-releasing characteristics holds the impulse circuit to relay l4 open until the sequence switch has had ample opportunity to return to normal.

During the energization of relays l3 and 15 a substitute circuit for relay E l may be traced through armature 5 of relay l5 and the lower armature of rela 12.

Through the sequence switch cams being arranged as indicated the relay 75 will remain operated through'po-sitions l2 and l for the digit 2, through positions 12, 1 and 2 for the digit ,3,

through positions 12, 1, 2 and 3 for the digit 4 and so forth.

Upon the movement of the wipers 55 to T0, the next digit is transmitted after a predetermined interval controlled by the release of relay [3, and this action continues automatically until an open contact is overtaken by wiper 66 whereupon transmission is halted. If this is caused by the action of the outpulse transmitting circuit operating faster than the impulses are registered then this halt in transmission is only temporary but if it is caused by completion of transmission of all digits to be handled, the mechanism will rest for the duration of the call.

The device will remain where left at the completion of a call and upon being used for a subsequent call, will register the trains of received impulses on the code switches beginning at the corresponding position. That is, the arm 3| need not be restored to the position shown in Fig. 1 before handling a call.

In the event a call is abandoned after a portion of the digits have been dialed or all have not been transmitted, the resulting release of relay B3 and thereafter relay 64 will cause the circuit from interrupter 8! to be opened and another circuit closed from the back contact of the armature of magnet 'H armature I and back contact of relay 54, wiper 65 to ground at switch cont-acts I3, thus causing magnet H to operate and release repeatedly until the wipers filto H! are associated with the code switches one position back of arm 31, where they will be available to handle a new call. This position will be marked by the movement of wiper 6t to such a position that an open circuit is encountered.

A variation of the invention is shown in Fig. 12 where the circuit arrangement to the right of the line .r-.r be substituted for that part of the circuit arrangement of Fig. 11 to the right of the line a:-:c. In this case instead of having a magnet 55 to operate the code drum there is a minor switch stepping magnet 65. The code drum will be eliminated and four magnets used to operate the code sectors 49 to 52, inclusive. It will be readily understood how these code sectors can be moved by the magnets. Magnets 89 to 92, inclusive, are provided to operate the code sectors 49 to 52, inclusive, respectively. The minor switch stepping magnet 85 will step the wipers 85 and 81 around to a point corresponding to the incoming train of impulses and the magnets 89 to 92 will accordingly be operated in certain code combinations. During the sending of a train of impulses the slow-releasing relay 65 will be operated and will respond to the train of impulses as a whole. The magnet 35 will respond to each impulse separately. During the operation of re lay 55 a slow-releasing relay 88 will be operated by relay 65 and in parallel therewith a slowreleasing relay as will be operated to control the operation of the digit registering arm magnet 33. At the end of the train of impulses relay 65 will release and close a circuit through the upper armature and front contact of relay 83 to the wipers 85 and 8'! to operate the code sector magnets 89 to 92. The circuit for relay 93 will also be opened but this being slow-releasing will not allow the magnet 33 to release and, therefore, to

advance the digit registering arm 3| until the magnets 89 to 92 have been properly energized. Relay 93 is timed to release prior to the release of relay 88. At an appropriate interval after the circuit through the upper armature of relay 83 has been closed this relay will release and thereupon close a circuit through its lower armature and back contact through the off-normal contacts 94 and 95 to the winding of magnet 96 which releases the wipers 83 and 8? of the switch to their normal position. The remaining operations of the device with this variation are the same as hereinbefore described and are believed to be readily understood.

Fig. l3 shows a manner in which this device may be used for key pulsing circuits, that is, the device may be set by the depression of keys, let us say, at'an operators position rather than through the registration of incoming trains of impulses.

hus, the keys marked 1 to 0, inclusive, may be used to register telephone numbers on a device like that herein described. If the digit 1 is to be registered the key marked 1 will be operated and the relay ifll will be energized through its upper winding and the winding of relay HI. This relay becomes operated and causes the energization of the digit registering arm magnet 33. This magnet in turn closes a circuit to complete a locking circuit for the lower winding of relay Nil. Relay 64 is operated by an obvious circuit closed by contacts H2 which may be manually operated or be a part of a relay in an associated circuit, not shown, it being suflici-ent for these purposes that said contacts be closed while a call is being handled. The relay IE! will close an appropriate circuit to operate one of the magnets 89 to 92, inclusive. This condition will be maintained until the key 1 has been released. As soon as the key has been released then relay ill will be released and this in turn will allow the magnet to move the digit registering arm 3| to its neXt position. The operation of the device will be as rapid as it is possible for an operator to manipulate the keys 1 to 0 and, therefore, the registration of a number will proceed simultaneously with the o-p eration of the keys. This registered number will be transmitted in the manner set out above with respect to Fig. 11. I

It is to be recognized that in adapting this device to key pulsing the code sectors may be di rectly set in combinations by keys connected thereto through suitable linkage in which case magnet 33 will be arranged to be operated upon each actuation of the keys.

It will be recognized that this device is cap-able of many other uses and adaptations within the capacity of one skilled in the art. The device would be particularly useful for call indicator working where the four-element switches could act not only as a storage means but as a translating means for translating trains of dial impulses into the well-known four-place call indicator code. By the provision of any well-known start control circuit the device would act as a storage means to hold a plurality of digits indefinitely until a call indicator becomes available.

It is intended that this specification will cover all such modifications of this device which come within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A device comprising a plurality of individual sets of mechanically displaceable elements on which information may be recorded code, a common set of mechanically displaceable elemerits, a means responsive to incoming information in a first code, a translator responsive to said means for operating said common mechanically displaceable elements according to a second code, a selector for designating one of said individual sets of mechanically displaceable elements and means operated thereby for transferring a record established on said common to said individual mechanically displaceable elements.

2. A pulse regenerator comprising a step-oystep member responsive to pulses of incoming trains of digital pulses, a set of common code indicators operable by said step-loy-step member, a plurality of sets of displaceable elements, a means responsive to trains of pulses for associat ing said common code indicators with a different set of displaceable elements for each said train of pulses, means for transferring the record established on said common code indicators to the displaceable elements of the said associated set, and means for generating and transmitting outgoing digital pulses controlled by said displaceable elements.

3. A pulse regenerator comprising a plurality of individual sets of mechanically displaceable elements, each said set comprising four of said elements arranged to be operated in a four-element permutation code, a step-by-step cam surfaced element responsive to the separate pulses of a train of digital pulses, a set of common cam discs operated by said cam surfaced element, a

means responsive to trains of pulses for associating said common cam discs with a different set of said mechanically displaceable elements for each train of pulses for transferring the combination set up on said common cam discs to an individual set of mechanically displaceable elements, and means for generating and transmitting outgoing digital pulses controlled by said in" dividual mechanically displaceable elements.

4. A pulse regenerator comprising a plurality of individual sets of mechanically displaceable elements, each said set comprising four of said elements arranged to be operated in a four-element permutation code, a step-by-step cam surfaced element responsive to the separate pulses of a train of digital pulses, a set of common cam discs operated by said cam surfaced element, a means responsive to trains of pulses for associatsaid common cam discs with a different set of said mechanically displace'able elements for each train of pulses for transferring the combination set up on said common cam discs to an individual set of mechanically displaceable elements, and means for signaling controlled by said individual mechanically displaceab-le elements.

5. A device comprising a plurality of sets of mechanically displaceable elements, each said set being operated to record information in code thereon, a common set of displaceable element operating members, means for associating said common means with each said set of displaceable elements, restoring means operated by said last means for restoring all displaced elements of a set as said associating means moves into position to associate said common means with said set of displaceable elements, and a signaling circuit controlled by said sets of displaceable elements.

6. A device comprising a plurality of sets of mechanically displaceable elements, each said set being operated to record information in code thereon, a common set of displaceable element operating members, a step-by-step means responsive to incoming digital pulses for operating said common members, means for associating said common means with each said set of displaceable elements, restoring means operated by said last means for restoring all displaced elements of a set as said associating means moves into position to associate said common means with said set of displaceable elements and a signaling circuit controlled by said sets of displaceable elements.

7. A device comprising a plurality of sets of mechanically displaceable elements, each said set bein operated to record information in code thereon, a common set of displaceable element operating members, a set of electromagnets equal in number to the number of displaceable element operating members for operating said members, means for associating said common means with each said set of displaceable elements, restoring means operated by said last means for restoring all displaced elements of a set as said associating means moves into position to associate said common means with said set of displaceable elements and a signaling circuit controlled by said sets of displaceable elements.

8. A device comprising a plurality of sets of electrical switches, each said set being operated to record information in code thereon, each said switch comprising a stationary terminal and a freely movable blade, a common set of switch blade moving members, a step-by-step means responsive to incoming digital pulses for operating said common members, means for associating said common members with each said set of switch blades, restoring means operated by said last means for restoring all operated switch blades of a set as said associating means moves into position to associate said common members with said set of switch blades and a signaling circuit controlled by said sets of electrical switches.

9. A device comprising a plurality of sets of electrical switches, each said set being operated to record information in code thereon, each said switch comprising a stationary terminal and a freely movable blade, a set of discs each having thereon a carnming surface for each said set of electrical switches, each said disc having a normal position in which said camming surfaces are displaced from an operative position with respect to said switches, a set of operating members each of which will upon movement operate a corresponding switch when the corresponding disc is moved from its normal position, means for selectively operating said camming discs, means for thereupon moving said operating memhere for transferring the record set up on said camming discs to a set of said switches, means for simultaneously restoring to normal any operated blades of the next succeeding set to be used, and a signaling circuit controlled by said sets of electrical switches.

10. A device comprising a plurality of sets of mechanically displaceable elements, a cam plate for each element of a set and common to said sets of said elements, a cam surface on each of said plates for each of said sets of elements, means for selectively moving said cam plates, each said cam plate having a normal and an operated position, a set selecting arm, an actuator for each cam plate carried by said selecting arm, each said actuator being arranged upon movement of said arm to ride over the corresponding cam surface of its associated actuator and to engage and displace one of said elements responsive to its said associated cam plate being in its operated position.

11. A register device including a row of mechanically displaceable elements in order, an actuator common to said elements, means for advancing the actuator along said elements, a cam plate, means to move said cam plate from 2. normal to an operated position and cam surfaces on said cam plate corresponding respectively to each element and adapted to move by cam action said actuator transversely to its direction of travel as it is advanced to cause it to engage and displace said elements if said cam plate has been moved to its operated position and not to engage said elements if said cam plate is in its normal position whereby said elements may b selectively operated under control of said cam plate moving means.

12. The method of regenerating electrical impulses received in trains over an incoming circuit which consists in translating each of said trains into a permutation code corresponding to the number of impulses therein, momentarily registering each of said codes in a common register, mechanically transferring each of said registrations to registers individual to each train and subsequent to the latter operation decoding the registration in the individual registers into trains of impulses in an outgoing circuit with each of the latter trains corresponding to an incoming train.

13. A device comprising a plurality of sets of mechanically displaceable elements, each said set being operated to record information in code thereon, a common set of displaceable element operating members, a set of electromagnets equal in number to the number of displaceable element operating members for operating said members,

a distributing switch repsonsive to incoming impulses for selectively operating said electromagnets, means for associating said common means with each said set of displaceable elements, restoring means operated by said last means for restoring all displaced elements of a set as said associating means moves into position to associate said common means with said set of displaceable elements and a signaling circuit permanently associated with and controlled by said sets of displaceable elements.

14. A device comprising a plurality of sets of mechanically displaceable elements, each said set being operated to record information in code thereon, a set of common members one for each element in said sets for preparing said sets for operation, a step-by-step means responsive to incoming digital pulses for selectively operating said members, means responsive to trains of said incoming digital pulses for designating a set of r displaceable elements for operation and a set of links carried by said designating means for translating the selectively operated condition of said members to the set of displaceable elements with which said designating means is at the time associated, restoring means carried by said designating means operative upon the movement thereof into association with a said set of displaceable elements for restoring all displaced elements of said set to normal and a signaling circuit permanently associated with and controlled by said sets of displaceable elements.

. 15. A device comprising a plurality of sets of mechanically displaceable elements, each said set being operated to record information in code thereon, a set of common members equal in number to the number of elements in each of said sets, means responsive to trains of incoming digital impulses comprising means responsive to the separated pulses of said trains for selectively operating said members and a selector arm responsive to said trains each as a Whole, a set of links carried by said selector arm operative upon and during the movement of said selector arm from association with one to association with another of said sets of displaceable elements for translating the selected operation of said members into a corresponding selected operation of the elements of that set of displaceable elements with which said arm was operatively associated during the reception or a train of pulses, and a signaling circuit permanently associated with and controlled by said sets of displaceable elements.

16. A device comprising a plurality of sets of electrical switches, each said set being operated to record information in code thereon, each said switch comprising a stationary terminal and a freely moving blade, a common set of switch blade moving members, a step-by-step means responsive to incoming digital pulses for operating said common members, said means comprising a drum having a cam surface responsive to the impulses of a train, a set of camming discs equal in number to the number of said switches in a set and each having a normal and an operated position and being operated to and from said positions by the selective positioning of said cam drum and a selector arm for operatively associating said set of switch blade moving members with one of said sets of electrical switches, a restoring meanscarried by said selector arm for restoring all operated switch blades of a set upon the movement of said arm into cooperative association therewith, and a signaling circuit permanently associated with and controlled by said electrical switches.

JUDSON OD SHEPHERD.

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