US2346869A - Predetermined counter control - Google Patents

Description

April 18, 1944.

F. A. PooLE 2,346,869

PREDETERMINED COUNTER CONTROL Filed Oct. 17, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet l N@ o@ P@ L@ k/ I /PQ /QQ z INVENTOR. Hhcciefq' C7( of?. F00 e @gifs April 18, 1944.' F. A. POOLE FREDETERMINED COUNTER CONTROL Filed Oc't. 17, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

April 1a, 1944, F A POOLE 2,346,869

PREDETERMINED COUNTER CONTROL Filed oct. 17, 1941 5 sheets-sheet :s

' ff 56 fa ,66 ya lApril 18, 1944. F. A. POOLE 2,346,869

PREDETE'RMINED COUNTER CONTROL Filed Oct. 17. 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 F39. 6. ff 55 fa April 1s, v1944. A. POOLE 2,346,869

PREDETERMINED COUNTER CONTROL Filed Oct. 17. 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 @M y MM r@ @27o/72575.'

Patented Apr.ll8, 1944 PREDETERMINED COUNTER CONTROL Frederick A. Poole, Barrington, Ill., assignor to Production Instrument Company, Chicago, Ill.,

a corporation oi Illinois Application October 17, 1941, Serial No. 415,401

28 Claims.

This invention relates to a control apparatus adapted, upon the completion of its responses to a series of separate actuating forces, to close a signal and/or control circuit for a shop machine or other mechanism whose performance is being controlled,

The principal object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the above character which repeatedly counts groups of predetermined numbers of electrical impulses out of a continuous series of impulses.

Another object is to provide, during such continuous series of impulses, means for resetting the counters without interfering with the continuous reception of impulses. l

A further object is to provide means so operative that, during such continuous series of impulses, the predetermined number of impulses in a succeeding group may be changed while counting the preceding predetermined group without interfering with the count of leither group.

The controllv apparatus of the present invention operates on the principle oi a predetermined counter in that it may be set to perform a predetermined number of separate operations and thereafter discontinue such operations. It may be described briefily as follows:

A series of counter switches A, E, C, D, E, etc., are set by means oi cooperative manually operated selector switches Al, C1, D1 and E1, etc., to operate a predetermined number of times in respqnse to energizing electrical impulses. The switch A responds to the units and tens impulses. Switch B responds to all subsequent impulses. The switch C responds once for each ten impulses, the switch D responds once for each hundred impulses and the switch E responds once for each thousand impulses. A s many additional switches may be added to the apparatus as may be necessary or desirable for higher order numerals than are shown in the speciic 4iiorm of the device herein illustrated. The electrical impulses are produced by opening and closing a circuit breaker F interposed in the wires G-H for directing current from the main line I--J to the various counter switches. The circuit breaker F is operated by means of a shop machine K or other device whose operations are being counted or otherwise controlled. The opening of the electrical circuit G-H may be of considerable duration or merely momentary, depending upon the speed of operation of the machine K, However, for the purpose of brevity, each closing of CII ferred to as an electrical impulse regardless of the duration of such energization.

The counter-switch A is referred to herein as the odd units counter. This term is used merely for the purpose of convenience to designate the counter-switch which responds to the number of electrical impulses corresponding to the digit in the unit position of any selected setting whereby the other portion or the remainder, as

the case may be, of the original number, can be accurately counted in groups of ten impulses each. Second, it divides the counters into two parts and makes it practicable to return either portion of the apparatus to its pre-set position while the other portion is counting, for example, while the higher order counter switches are counting, the odds units switch is reset in readiness to start the count of a following series, and while the odd units counter is counting the units oi a following series, the higher order counters are reset in readiness to count their respective orders in the said following series.

In practice, it is found desirable toutiiize the odd units" counter not only to count the number of electrical impulses corresponding tothe digit in the units position of any selected setting of the apparatus7 but to also include in its count, one full group of ten impulses.

The counting of both the units pulses and one group of tens pulses by the odd units counter switch of a following series oi impulses gives ample time to complete the resetting operation of the higher order counters before they are required to begin counting- In the embodiment herein shown, the apparatus is constructed to count down from a pre-set position to zero. The odd units counter switch A, therefore, responds to the number of electrical impulses corresponding to the digit in the unit position of the particular setting and then contnues to count the next group of ten electrical impulses. At this point in the operation the counter-switch A is automatically cut out of the impulse circuit G-H and is reset to its starting the circuit in wires G--H will be hereinafter reposition, All subsequent electricalimpulses are directed to the regular units counter E. The counter E3 responds to all the impulses after the odd units switch i has completed its count and therefore usually responds to many more im pulses than the other counting switches. Switch E has therefore been designed for substantially continuous duty and only operates cam springs once per ten impulses instead ci operating wipers over baule contacts which are subject to wear -from continuous use. This is considered an important commercial feature of the invention. Considering again this operation in connection with the particular setting of the apparatus as herein illustrated: The apparatus is illustrated as being set to operate 1,314 times. The counterswitch A, therefore, will operate four times, corresponding to the digit in the units position of the particular setting and then continue to respond to the next group of ten impulses, making a total count oi fourteen impulses before the count is taken over by the regular units counter B.

At each operation corresponding to a zero anl electrical impulse is transmitted' to one or more counter-switches of higher order.

When the counter-switches B, C, D, E, etc., have completed their required number oi operations, a switch is closed to automatically return them to their initially set position. At this time an appropriate signal L is given together with the closing of an electric circuit through one side of a differential relay M. The closing of the circuit through said relay M energizes a suitable signal or operates mechanism to stop the machine K or perform such other operations as may be suitable or desirable in connection with the control operation.

In addition to the giving of a final signal and the operational a control circuit, the apparatus is preferably provided with a permanent signal N in the form of a white light, which remains energized throughout the entire operation of the apparatus, a green light signal which is energized only when all counter switches are in their pre-set positions, and a signal P in the form of an amber light. The amber light P is preferably energized a short time before the completion of the full series of counts for which the apparatus is set so that the operator or supervisor may have an opportunity to observe and check the results before the full series of operations are completed.

The apparatus also includes, preferably, an electrical counter Q which is operated by the electrical impulses from the impulse circuit G-H. By means of the counter Q in combination with the Various signals O, P and L, the operation of the apparatus can be accurately checked from time to time.

A further object of the invention is to provide a control apparatus constructed and operating as above briely described and including the various other devices and combinations shown in the accompanying drawings and described more in detail in the specifications whichiollow.

In the drawings:

Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate the wiring diagram of the control apparatus.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the counter-switch A.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the counter-switch A together with diagrammatic showings of its counting selector switch A1 and its associated signal selector switch A2.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section through the counter-switch shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. t is a side view in elevation of the regular units countenswltch E.

Fig. 7 is a plan view ofthe tens counter switch C. f

Fig. t is a side elevation of the tens counter switch, and

Figs. 9 and iii are similar views in side elevation of the hundreds and thousands counterswitches D and E.

Referring Lrst to Figs. 3, d and 5 illustrating the counter-switch A: The switch comprises a frame iii on which are suitably secured, in semicircular arrangement, two rows of fixed contact members. Each ci said rows consists of twenf ty-ve ined contacts which are arranged into three groups iii, id and i5. The contacts oi rowl ii are used in connection with a resetting circuit which is closed, as hereinafter described. to return the counter switch to a pre-set position in readiness to begin another series of operations. The contacts of row i2 are used in connection with the circuit for the green light signal O.

inasmuch as the contacts of group i3 in row H do not correspond to any portion of the number for which the apparatus is set, these contacts are not individually identiiied. The ten contacts composing the group it of row ii are numbered A9 to lst 0 (rst zero). The ten contacts composing the group i5 of row lli are numbered 9 to 2nd O (second zero). All contacts in groups i3 and i5 of row il are electrically connected with each other by means of a wire it. The contacts of group it are connected individually with correspondingly numbered contacts (9 to lst 0) of selector switch A1. IThe conductors for elfecting these connections are not individually numbered, but are designated collectively by the numeral il. A wiping contact member it com-v posed of a central portion and oppcsitely extending arms is suitably fixed to a revoluble shaft i9 so that it will engage, successively, each oi the xed contacts in row ii, during each onehalf revolution of the wiper. A line wire contact 20 has constant wiping engagement with the central portion of the wiper and is thereby electrically connected, through the arms of the wiper, with the several xed contacts of said row li.

The group ill of xed contacts in said row i2 are, as before indicated, used in connection with the circuit for the green signal O. The contacts vcomposing groups i3 and i5 of row i2 do not perform any special function in the present circuit for signalrO and therefore do not .require further detailed description. However, the contacts of group It in row i2 correspond to the similar contacts in row il and should be regarded as having the same value of 9 to 1st i). They are electrically connected, successively, to a line wire contact 2i by means of a rotating Wiper contact 22 xed to the shaft i9. They are also individually connected to similarly numbered contacts of the signal selector switch A2. The Wires for eiecting these connections are not individually numbered, but are designated collectively by the reference numeral 23.

The rotating wipers i8 and 22 are operated simultaneously in a step by step movement by imparting intermittent operations to the shaft i9. This movement is obtained by means of a ratchet wheel 24, having fty teeth, xed to one end of the shaft i9 for engagement with a pawl 25. The said pawl is pivotally supported at one end of an arm 26. The said arm is formed integral or otherwise suitably fixed to a pivoted armature 21 of an electro-magnet 28. The armature 21 and arm 28 are pivotally supported at 28 to a portion 38 of the frame III. It will be observed, therefore, that the energization of the electro-magnet 28 attracts the armature 21 and therefore raises the outer end of the arm 28.- This movement of the arm elevates the pawl 25 the height of one ratchet tooth. When the electro-magnet is de-energized the pawl 28 is moved downwardly by-means of a. spring 3l. A stop member 32 is secured to the traine in a position to engage the lower end of pawl 28 at the limit of its downward movement so as to limit the movement of the ratchet wheel to the amplitude of one tooth thereof. Reverse movement of the ratchet wheel 24 is prevented by means of a spring detent 33 mounted on the frame I and engaging the teeth of the ratchet wheel.

A buffer 34 of insulating material iscarried on the arm 28 so that it will engage and separate the spring contact 35 from its associated contact 38 and thereby make and break the previously mentioned re-setting circuit each time the arm 28 is raised.

The numerals 31 and 38 designate cam elements made of insulation and secured to the rotating shaft I9, in predetermined angular relation to each other and to the rotating wipers I8 and 22. Both cams are of identical shape and are so formed as to close their respective switch contacts 39-40 and 4I-42 only momentarily. The cam 31, however, is positioned one step or impulse in advance of the cam 38 and is so positioned relative to the rotating wiper I8 that the movement of the wiper (under the inuence of spring 3l) onto the No. 1 contact of group I5 is simultaneous with the movement of the cam into a position to close contacts 33-48. The cam 38 is set to close contacts 4I'--42 when an arm of the said wiper I8 engages the second zero xed contact in row i I.

In regard to the function of contacts 38-40 it will be suihcient to say, without tracing the circuits at this time, that the fourteenth impulse for the present setting of the apparatus, will energize the electro-magnet 28 of counter switch A and will also pass through. the switch contacts 33--48 to energize a similar electromagnet 28c of counter switch C. This impulse, when operative. has a double action in that it energized the actuating magnets 28 and 28C, respectively, of the counter switches A and C. In this respect it can be regarded as a delayed transfer, to the tens counter switch C, of the impulse corresponding to the rst zero in the operation of the counter switch A.

Immediately following the double action oi the last mentioned impulse, both counter switches A and C are advanced one step by the action of similar springs 3I-3IC. This one step advance of the counter switch A positions its wiper I8 on the second zero contact of row I I, advances the position of the cam 31 so as to permit the spring contacts 39-48 to open, and also advances the position of cam 38 so as to close the cam operated switch contacts 4 I-42.

The closing of the contacts 4I-42 'establishes an energizing circuit for relay R (Fig. l). The energization of this relay opens its normally closed switch 43 and opens a normally closed circuit through the lower contact 44 of a double switch 45. The energization of said relay also closes switches 41, 48 and 48 together with the circuit through the upper contact 48 of the double switch 45.

The closing or said relay switch 41 establishes a resetting circuit through the electro-magnet 28 of the odd units counter switch A, whereby the said odd units counter is returned to its present starting position. wherein it will be in readiness for response to another series of electrical impulses as soon as the present series is completed by all counter switches of higher order. The closing o f said relay switch 48 establishes connection for a circuit through the electro-magnet 28 of the tens counter switch C. The last mentioned circuit is made possible by virtue of the fact that the switchv arm 50 of the regular units counter B is always closed against its contact 8| prior to the transmission of an impulse corresponding to any zero of the count. The closing of relay switch arm against its contact A48 establishesconnections for a circuit through the electro-magnet 28b of the regular units counter B.

From the above it will be seen that the electrical impulse corresponding to the second zero. to wit, the fifteenth impulse of the present setting of the apparatus, is transmitted through certain of the switches of relay R to the actuating electro-magnets of the two counter switches B and C. The said impulse is transmitted to the regular units counter B, because the counter B responds to all impulses after the odds unit counter is cut out of the impulse circuit. The said impulse is transmitted to the tens counter C because it represents a zero insofar as thetens counter C is concerned. The impulse is also transmitted, as will be presently seen, to the hundreds switch D, because it represents a count down from 1314 to 1300.

The above transmission of the 2nd zero impulse to the actuating electro-magnet 28d of the hundreds counter D was made possible by the previous actuation of the tens counter switch C. whereby the switch 4arm 59 was moved against its contact to. This phase of the operation is an important feature of the present invention. In all cases, before the transfer of an impulse to a counter switch of higher order, the previous operation oi the adjacent counter of lower order conditions the connections whereby the next impulse energizes the actuating magnets of two or more counter switches oi successively increasing order.

Counter switch E The counter switch B (Fig. 6), as before stated. takes up the count of all impulses after the odd units counter switch A has been disconnected` from the impulse circuit. lThe counter switch B includes a frame, an actuating electro-magnet, ratchet means, actuating spring and a cam shaft which are constructed and operate in the same manner as the corresponding elements cf switch A. These elements are therefore identied ii switch B by corresponding reference numerals provided with an exponent b. .inasmuch as the counter-switch B responds to all electrical impulses in said impulse circuit after the odd units counter A has been disconnected from such circuit, it does not require the xcd and the rotating contact members shown in the previous switch and such members are therefore omitted from the present switch B. The omis-sion of said rotating and fixed contacts is made possible in the present counter-switch since it is unneces sary to set the switch B at any particular starting point, it being adapted to always reset to zero.

Switch B is further distinguished irom counter switch A by the lprovision of switch cam 52. The cam is nxed to the shaft isb and is formed on its periphery with five lugs E3. The said lugs are spaced apart a distance equal to ten intermittent step operations ci the switch device. lt will be observed, therefore, that for each ten electrical impulses through the magnet 2S a cam lug 53 will pass beneath the spring arm 23 to open the electrical Contact between said arm bil and arm 55 and simultaneously close electrical contacts between the arm and arm S and also close the previously mentioned contacts l. Each upward movement of the electrically operated arm 2th presses a buer sdb against spring arm 35h to open the contact between the arm 35 and arm 56 of a circuit making and breaking device interposed in the resetting circuit for counter-switch B.

Tens counter switch C The tens counter switch C is illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawings. In general construction it is somewhat the same as switch A in that its frame, electromagnet, ratchet means, actuating spring and cam shaft are identical. These identical elements are therefore designated .for switch C by the same reference numerals provided with an exponent c.

The switch C, being intended to start its operation from a selective pre-set position, it is provided wit'n two rows of fixed contacts designated i l and 52, respectively. These rows or" contacts have ten contacts each. rIhey are numbered 9 to il are electrically connected to corresponding contacts of associated selector switches C1 and C3 (Fig. 2). The electrical connections may be made substantially as indicated (Fig. 3) by similar groups oi wires il and 23 (Fig. 2).

A rotating wiper contact 93, comprising a central portion and ve radially extending arms, is xed to the shaft i9 so that the ends ci the arms will wipe each of the contacts 9 to ii in row ii, successively, during the rotation of the wiper and thereby eiect momentary electric connection between the said contacts 9 to 0 with a line wire contact 243, which-has engagement with the central portion of the wiper. A line wire contact 2i engages the central portion or a similar wiper contact 22 which wipes across the similar contactsA in row i2".

The xed contacts in row i2 are used, like the similar contacts of switch A, in a circuit controlling the relay S which in turn controls the circuit for the green light signal O. Thereiore, one arm of the Wiper 22 is positioned on the contact No. lto correspond to the digit appearing in the tens position of the particular setting (1B-14) of the apparatus. A cam 52 of the same configuration as shown in the switch B (Fig. 6) and provided with iive lugs 53 is nxed to the shaft i9. The cam member is so positioned that one cam lug 53 thereof will engage Athe switch arm E5 when the wiper and cam are moved one step forward. In otherA words, any time the Wipers i8 and 22 move onto the zero contacts a cam lug 53 will force the switch arms 65 and 59 against their cooperating contacts 6 and 60, whereby arm 59conditions the connections, as previously described in connection with the 2nd 0 operation, to directV to the hundreds counter D, the said 2nd 0 impulse. This impulse, as previously noted, corresponds to the second zero of the count down from the setting of 1314 to 1300 and istherefore directed to the hundreds assenso counter D and to all other counters of higher order. The transmission of said 2nd 0 count to the hundreds counter D is determined by the particular setting (131i) of the apparatus. it might be directed through the cam switch oi any number of the higher order counters according to the requirements of the selected setting oi' the apparatus.

Warning signal com switch.

lin order to close an energizing circuit through the relay 'E' and thereby in turn control the warnI ing signal P in advance of the nal signal, a cam el is iixed on the shaft i9 of counter switch C. The lugs t2 of cam ti are positioned to close switch contacts t3 and 6d (Figs. 2 and 7) in ad Vance of the closing of switch contacts liti-@ by the cam lugs 53. The amount of the advance spacing or lugs 52 relative to lugs 53 depend upon the length of the warning signal desired. In the present embodiment the lugs 62 are spaced four steps in the operation of the tens counter C or approximately forty impulses in advance of the operation of the iinal signal. The said lugs S2 will, of course, close the switch contacts -Sil many times during the operation of counter switch C, but these closings will not be eiiective unless the cam switch contacts oi the higher order counters D and E are closed.

Counter switches D and E Referring now to the hundreds counterswitch` D illustrated in Fig. 9 and also the thou sands counter-switch illustrated in Fig. l0 oi the drawings: Both of these counter-switches D and E are identical with each other and with the tens counter-switch C except in those respects hereinafter mentioned. Those parts of the said switches D and E which correspond in structure to the parts illustrated in Fig. 3 are given like reference characters with the addition of exponents d and e, respectively and therefore need not be again described. The switch members D and E are provided in each case with a single cam member designated bgd, 52 provided with iive cam lugs thereon. The cam lugs 53d of the counter switch D, operate to close the electric contacts between arma bsd-d and also the contacts between arms @5d-66d. The similar cam lugs 53 of the coun ter-switch E (Fig. 10) operate to close the electric contact arms 65e-dBi when it reaches its zero position in the series for which the appa ratus is set to operate. The above switches S54, 65 when closed also condition the nal signal circuit so that the final signal will be ener; gized when all previously described cam operated switches are closed in series with the switch contacts 55-56 of the tens counter switch C.

Selector switches The several selector switches are arranged in pairs .A1-A2, C-CQ, IBI-D2, Ell-E2, etc., there being one pair for each counter switch A, C, D, E,

etc. The switches of each pair are preferably, though not necessarily, embodied in a unitary device so that they may be operated in unison.

between said contact 69 and any one of the con-- tacts 9 to 0, respectively, of group 6l. In the illustrations in Figs. 1 and 4, the said contacts 9 to 0 are shown electrically connected by the group 23 of wires to correspondingly numbered fixed contacts in row i2 of counter switch A. However, the electrical connection from contact S9 is completed through only one of such wires, depending upon the particular setting of the selector switch. In the illustration in said Figs. 1 and 4 the electric connection is through the contact No. 4 of the selector to the No. 4 contact of group i5 in row i@ of counter switch A, so as to correspond with the particular setting of the apparatus. In the selector switches C, D2 and E, the similar electric connections for the control circuit of thev green signal relay S are etlected through contacts Nos. l, 3 and l, respectively, so as to correspond with the setting of the several switches.

rShe said lower group of contacts te includes ten contacts numbered 9 to 0 and aline wire contact il connected with line IUS.. The 9 to 0 contants are connected by the group of wires il to correspondingly numbered contacts in group ill, row li of counter switch A. A revoluble member it?. effects electrical connection between the said contact 1i and any nine of the selector switch contacts numbered 9 to 0, depending upon the particular setting of the switch. inasmuch as the upper revoluble member l and the lower revoluble member-.12 of the pair of switches are suitably connected so as to operate in unison, the hlarik or open connection of the lower member i2 is disposed directly beneath the pointer @t of the switch A2.

Erom the above description it will be seen that when the selector switch pointer 93 is positioned at any one of the numbered contacts 9 to 0 in group 61, the selector control circuit for the green signal relay S is closed at that contact and that the like contact in the lower group 58, for the resetting circuit of the counter switch, is open. Consequently in the present setting oi the apparatus for 1,314 operations, the re-setting circuit of the odd units counter-switch A is opened at the contact No. 4 of the lower group G8 of selector switch contacts. Likewise the re-setting circuit or counter-switches C, D and E, respectively, are opened through the selector switches at the fixed contacts indicated by the pointers on the several dials, 4izo-wit: numerals l, 3 and l, respectively.

When the resetting circuit is in control of said counter-switches, the switches will operate in a `forward direction until one of their wiper arms comes to rest on the xed Contact in the re-setting circuit (contact No. 4 in group it of present illustration for switch A) which is connected to the corresponding open contacts in the selectorswitch. The corresponding counter-switch will l 'then remain in that position until it receives an electrical impulse from the pulsating circuits G-H.

The green light signal O operates only when all counter switches are in their pre-set positions, the circuit including one contact in the inner row i2 of fixed contacts of each selector switch. The

Operation and circuits Referring now to the diagram shown in Figs. l and 2: The operation of the device as a whole may be described as follows: Assuming that all oi' the counter-switches A, B, C, D, E, etc., are set to their starting positions, the closing of the main circuit switch 14 connects the positive line wire I and the negative line J with the service line or other suitable source of direct electric current. It should be understood that in the description oi the wiring. all wires marked or (plus or minus) connect directly with the positive or negative lines -J, as the case may be. These various wires have been given the plus and minus symbols but have not been shown extended to and connecting with the said positive and negative lines I and J' since to do so would unduly multiply the wires in the diagram.

Circuit- Green signa! O thence through the closed contacts of signal sef lector switch D2 and wiper contact 22d to line contact 2id of .counter switch D to `wire 8D; thence through the closed contacts of signal selector swtch C2 to the rotating wiper 22e and line contact 2 lc of counter switch. C to wire 8| and the coil of relay S to the negative line J.

The energiaztion ci relay S opens its normally closed switch 82 and closes its switch 33. The

closing of switch t3 establishes a circuit from the positive line through switch 83, wire Bd, through the closed contacts of signal selector A2 to the rotating wiper t2 and line contact 2i of counter switch A, thence through wire and green signal O to the negative line J'. An additional green signal light O' may be connected in the above circuit by means oi'. Wire 85.

The continuity of the above signal circuit is conditioned upon the accurate setting of all counter switches. Consequently whenv the green signal O is operating it is certain that all counter switches are in their starting positions.

As soon as the apparatus starts its counting operation, that is 'to say as soon as the rst counter to operate, for example the odd units counter A, responds to the rst electric impulse, the green signal circuit is broken hy 'the movement of the signal wiper. for example wiper 22 of counter switch i off its closed contact No. 4 in said row i2 of signal contacts. However, the green signal is not extinguished until the starting circuit is energized.

Starting circuit The second circuit is established by operating the starter key Si for the purpose of energizing a starting relay U. lt comprises positive line I, starter push button or key 81 and wires 88 and 89, through the upper coil of the differential relay U to the negative line J. The energization of relay U closes circuits through switches 9D and 9 l The circuit through switch includes wires 93 and 89. It constitutes a holding circuit for the said upper coil of the starting relay U.

Circuit ,for signal N Simultaneously with the closing of the starting circuit through the said relay U, a circuit leading from wire 88 is established through wire 94 and light N to the negative line J. This circuit is maintained and consequently the white light signal is illuminated throughout the entire operation of the apparatus.

Pulsating circuit The circuit closed through switch 9i of relay U is a pulsating circuit. It includes the wires G-H and the circuit breaker F. When the circuit breaker F is operated by the shop machine K or other device being controlled, the electric current passes from the lead G through the circuit breaker to the pulsating side H thereof. The wire H for the electric impulse leads to a normally closed switch te of a re-set control relay V. From here the impulse follows wire 98 to contacts l5-ttl of relay R, thence through wire Si and electromagnet 28 to the negative line wire J. It will be seen, therefore, that the electro-magnet 28 of the counter-switch A will be energized with an electric impulse each time the circuit breaker F is closed until the said counter-switch A is cut out of the impulse circuits G-H.

The ilrst electrical impulse transmitted through the electro-magnet 28 raises the arm 28 and the ratchet pawl 25 to engage the lower edge of the pawl with the next successive tooth of the ratchet wheel 2d. When the said electro-magnet is deenergized by the breaking of the said pulsating circuit at F the spring 3l operates to move the pawl downwardly into engagement with a ratchet tooth and impart movement to the ratchet wheel 20. This movement of the ratchet wheel moves the rotating Wipers I8 and 22 off their fixed contacts B and onto the adjacent contacts designated 3 in each row Il and I2 of xed contacts shown in Fig. 4. The movement of the wiper I8, while the impulse circuit is in control, does not establish an additional circuit since the said contacts engaged by the wiper I8 function only in connection with the re-setting circuit hereinafter described. The movement of wiper 22 oi its contact No. 4 breaks the green signal circuit at the wiper 22 and therefore extinguishes the green light signal. However, the green signal relay S remains energized so that the green signal O will be again established by the return of the odd units counter A to its pre-set position when the series of impulses being counted do not require the operation of the regular units counter B.

First zero transfer The pulsating energization of electro-magnet 28 moves the wiper contact I8 of counter-switch A in a step-by-step movement from the xed contact 4 in group I4 to the lst 0 (rst zero). For the time being the count to the first zero is not transferred to higher order counters. The counter-switch A merely functions to count through the next group No. l5 of fixed contacts from contact No. 9 to contact No. l. Simultaneously with the movement of wiper I8 onto contact No. 1 of said group I5 of contacts, the cam 3l (Fig. 4) closes the switch contacts 39-40 momentarily so that the next impulse (the fourteenth transmitted and corresponding to the rst zero) is directed to the tens counter C. The circuit above established leads from the normally closed contact 44 of relay R, through connector 99, normally closed switch 43 of relay R, wire |00 to cam switch arms 39-40 of counter-switch A, wires IOI, |02, normally closed switch contact |03 of a re-setting relay W, and wire |04 to counter switch magnet 28 of counter switch C.

thence to negative line wire J.

assenso .Re-setting of old imite counter A The last mentioned (the fourteenth) impulse, it will be observed, energizes the relays rof vboth counter switches A and C. Immediately following this impulse, the springs 3i and 3 Ic and their associated ratchet means (Figs. i and 8) function'to move the wipers i8 and I8 of counters A and C one step forward. This movement positions wiper i8 of counter A on the 2nd 0 contact and positions wiper lc'on the zero contact of counter switch C. The movement of' wiper 22C from the No. l contact to the zero contact breaks the circuit of relay S, which now deenergizes.

Ignoring for the present the zero position of counter switch C, it will be seen that simultaneously with movement of wiper I8 of the odd units counter onto the second zero, its cam 3d operates to close the switch-contacts ii-32. These contacts close au energizing circuit from positive line I through wire ISG to the magnet coil of relay R and thence to the negative side of the main line J. The energization of the relay R opens its switch d3 and the pulse circuit for counter A through the lower contact it of switch fit. 'I'he said energization of relay R also closes the normally open switches Si, d8, d@ and the contact d6 of switch 135. The circuit established through switch 09 and wire lol constitutes a holding circuit for the relay. The circuit established through switch @l is the resetting circuit for counter switch A. It leads from the positive line I through theswitch @l of relay R, wire |08, closed switch arms 35-3tof counter switch A, Wires |08 and IIO to the connected groups I3 and I5 of contacts in row II of switch A to the wiper I8 thereof. This circuit also er:n tends from wire |08 through the closed contacts of selector switch Al to said wiper I8, and thence through line contact 20 and wires III and 91 to the electro-magnet 28 and thence to the negative line J. The circuit .lust described, being opened at the spring contact arms 35-36 each time the ratchet arm 26 is raised, is in the nature of a buzzer circuit whereby the -rapid series of energizations of the magnet 28 Second aero transfer The said closing of the pulse transfer relay R., as before indicated, closes its switch contacts 45--46 and thereby directs the next impulse (the fifteenth and corresponding to the second zero) to counter switches B, C and D. This transfer of the impulse is eected through the following circuit: From wire 96 and switch contacts 45-46 of relay R through wire H2, normally closed switch ||3 of the re-setting relay W, thence through wire IM, and electro-magnet 28h of counter switch B to the negative line J. The said second zero impulse is directed to the electro-magnet 28 of the tens counter C by virtue of the fact that the cam switch arms 50 5| of the regular units counter switch B are closed when the counter switch is at rest. All subsequent transfers of zero impulses to higher order counters are effected because said cam switch arms 50-5I are closed immediately prior to the transmission of all subsequent zero lmpulses.

The circuit for the tens counter C insofar as the iirst zero is concerned has been previously described. The impulse circuit to said tens counter C, in connection with the second and all subsequent zero impulses, leads from the impulse wire 96 through switch contacts 45--46 of relay R, thence through conductor H5, switch 8 of relay R and wire H8 through said cani switch contacts Sii-| of the regular units counter B, thence through wire |02, closed switch contact |03 of the resetting relay W, wire ili, and electro-magnet 28 to the negative side oi the main line J.

inasmuch as the counter switch C was previously energized by the transfer of the iirst cam switch arm the impulse follows through wire iii through the closed cam switch arms 59-60 of counter switch C, thence through wire H8, closed contact H9 of resetting relay W, wire H9', and electro-magnet 28d to the negative line J.

As soon as the secondzero impulse is conns pleted the springs 3ib, Sic and Bid function to advance their respective counter switches B, C and D one step forward, thereby -:moving the wiper iSd of counter switch D onto its iixecl contact No. 2; moving a wiper arm idC of counter C onto the No. 9 contact and also opening the cam switch contacts 'dS-60 of counter switch C and opening the cam switch arms Sil-5i, and

54--55 of counter switch B. The said movement of counter switch B also closes cam switch arms ill-55. However, the circuit controlled by said cam switch arms Sii-55 and wire 28 is open at contact |22 oi said resetting relay W.

Operation of counter switch B and subsequent zero transfers onto its zero contact, whereupon its cam switches 59-60 are again closed to direct the next iml pulse (corresponding to lthe final impulse of an@ other series of one hundred impulses) to both the tens counter C and the hundreds counter D.

When the hundreds counter-switch D has received sufiicient impulses to move one of its wiper arms Iiili onto its zero contact (three impulses for the indicated setting of the apparatus) the cam switch arms tEd- 66d of counter-switch D close so .that the next impulse reecived by electro-magnet 28d of counter-switch D will .he transmitted also to the thousands counterswitch E as follows: Through cam switch arms SWL-d, wire |23, contact |24 of re-set relay W, wire |25, and electro-magnoy 28 of counter switch E to the negative line The energization and deenergization of electromagnet 28 is effective to move an arm I8e oi' counter-switch E to its zero position. In Athis position of counter-switch E a lug 53 of cam 52 closes the switch arms and 66, thereby preparing the iinal signal circuit for energizing relay X. The iinal signal circuit is not completed at this time because the impulse which energizes the electromagnet 28 (the 315th impulse) also energizes the electromagnet 28"V of the hundreds counter-switch D (also 28 and 28h) and the counter-switch D is moved in position 9 at the same time that counter-switch E is moved to zero position. IThe movement of counter-switch D to position 9 opens the final signal circuit at switch arms 65d and 56d.

The counter-switches B, C and D continue to respond to impulses in the manner described. The Iilth impulse moves the hundreds coun" ter-switch D to position 8, the 515th impulse moves it to position 7, and so on, until finally, in response to the i2i5th impulse, the counterswitch D is moved to zero position, thereby closing another point in the nal signal circuit at switch arms $54 and Sd. This circuit is opened at counter-switch C, however, which moves from zero position to position ii at the saine time that counter-switch D :moves to Zero position The counteruswitches B and C continue to respend 'to impluses. rThe l225th impulse moves the counter-switch C to position 8, the l235th impulse moves it toposition 7, and so on, and the 1305th impulse moves the switch to zero position, whereupon the cam 52 closes. the switch arms E5 and ist and closes another point in the final signet circuit. The circuit is simultaneously owned at counteruswitch E, however, 'which moves from zero position to position 9 in response to the i305th impulse.

lThe counter-switch B new responds to the remaining impulses to be counted. The switch moves to position e in response to the lth im pulse, to position 7 in response to the l3|i7th irnpulse, and so on, reaching its zero position :In respouse to the ilith impulse. When switch B moves to zero or normal position, the cam 52 closes the switch 5ft-56 and completes the nal signal circuit. Theexplanation of this circuit will be deferred until after the warning signal circuit has heen explained.

Wuming signal circuit `During the count of the last one hundred electricai impulses the counter-switch C continues its operation of receiving impulses from the regular units counter B, as just described. When it has received sin of such impulses so that one of its wiper arms i8 cornes to rest on the iixed contact Li oi said counterswitch, a cam lug @2 of the cani iii closes the switch arms 53-64 of counter-switch C. This operation prepares a circuit for the warning signal relay T, which is completed at the counter-switch B the next time this switch reaches its zero or normal position. rrhis circuit leads from the positive line I through 're-setting switch contacts 35h-35D of counterswitch B, wire i1, cam switch- arms 54 and 56 of counter B, wire 18, wire 227i, closed cam switch arms 65 of counter-switch E, wire |28, closed cam switch arms 65d-ii5d of counterswitch D, wires i 29 and $30, through cam actuated switch arms BS-BR of counter C, thence through wire i3| and coil of relay T to the negative line J. Relay T, upon energizing, closes a holding circuit through switch |32, a circuit through the amber light signal P and a circuit for an additional warning signal member P. The said relay holding circuit leads from the positive line I to a normally closed contact |35 of relay V, wire |35 through a normally closed contact |31 of a final signal relay X, wire |38, closed switch |32 of relay T, thence through wire |89 and coil of relay T to the negative line J. The closing of the switch |84 of the warning signal relay T establishes a circuit through the said amberlight signal as follows: Positive lead to said switch |34, wire Mii through amber light P (Fig. l) to the negative line J. The switch |33 establishes a circuit through a second warning signal P' which may be arranged at a remote location, for example at the machine being controlled. This circuit is from positivev lead to switch |33 of said warning signal relay, wire Mi to the remote signal P', thence to the negative line J. The signals P and P are operated until the relay T is unlocked by the energization of relay X responsive to the completion of the final signal circuit.

Final signal circuit The final signal circuit over which relay X is energized is closed by the movement of the counter-switch B to zero position, as previously mentioned, and may be traced from the positive line I by way of re-set switch arms 35h- 35h of counterswitch B, wire 11, cam-operated switch arms 55-55 of counter-switch B, wires 16 and |21 to closed switch arms tie-65 of counter-switch E, wire |28, closed switch arms BSL-65d of counter-switchD, wire |29, closed switch arms 55-55 of counter-switch C, wire |42, and through the coil of the final signal relay X to the negative line J.

The energization of final signal relay X opens the two normally closed circuits through its switch contact |31 and the normally closed switch |43. The opening of said contacts |31 of said relay X breaks the circuit through the warning signal relay T. This opens all circuits controlled by said relay T and, thereforede-energizes the amber light signal P and the remote signal P'. 'Ihe opening of said switch |43 opens aline of a holding circuit for the pulse transfer relay R, which holding circuit leads from the positive line I through the normally closed switch contact 82 of relay S, wires |44 and |45 to said switch |43 of the final signal relay X, thence through wire |46. switch 49 of the pulse transfer relay R, and coil of relay R to negative line J. Relay R accordingly deenergizes. In addition to breaking the two circuits above mentioned, the final signal relay X closes four actuating circuits as follows: One circuit includes the wire |35, closed contact |41 and wire |48. It directs the electric current I through the lower coil |51 of differential relay M for closing and holding certain final signal and control circuits hereinafter described. A second circuit includes the switch |49 and wire |50. This circuit energizes the re-set relay W, Fig. 2, which in turn establishes re-setting circuits through each of the counter-switches B, C, D and E to return their respective wiper contacts to their respective starting positions. A third circuit closed by the final signal relay X comprises switch and wires |52|53 for energizing the lower coil of the start and stop relay U, thereby causing said relay to deenergize, opening the several circuits closed by such relay and also extinguishing the white signal light N. A fourth circuit closed by said final signal relay X includes the switch |54 and wire |55 for momentarily energizing a signal, preferably, though not necessarily, an audible signal |55, in the vicinity of the machine K.

4mentary balance.

Final signal holding circuits Referring again to the i'lnal signal holding relay M which is energized by the first of the said circuits closed by the energization of the relay X: The energization of the coil |51 of relay M closes a holding circuit from positive line I through switch |58, and through coil |51 of relay M to the negative line J. Another circuit includes the switch |6| and wire |52, through the red light signal L and to the negative line J.'

A third circuit closed by relay M includes positive lead through the switch |63 and wire. 665, through a maintained signal L', preferably a red light in the lvi-cinity of the machine K. The signals L and L continue to function until a switch or other circuit closing device |65 is closed in the negative lead |55 from the coil |61 at the other end of relay M. At this time both coils |51 ani-i- |61' of relay M are brought into mo- Consequently, relay M is deenergized and the switch arms controlled thereby are returned to their circuit opening positions. f

R'settz'ng circuits Referring now to the re-setting circuits ,of the counter-switches B, C, D and-E: The re-setting relay W is energized, as before stated, by a momentary circuit closed through switch |69 of the final signal relay X and through wire |55. This momentary energization of the re-setting relay W closes a holding circuit whi-ch leads from positive lead and switch contact 82 oi' green light signal relay S, wire |44, switch W1 and Wire |58 through coil of re-set relay W and to the negative line J. In addition to closing the said switch W1 the re-set relay W also actua-tes its four additional switches W2, W3, W4 and W5 to close the normally open contacts |22, |69, |15 and |1|, respectively.

Resetting counter switch B The closing of contt v|22 of switch W2 does not, in the present instance, result in any resetting function of counter-switch B, because the counter-switch normally stops at 0 and therefore requires no re-setting. However, it'is pessible, by pressing the stop button to close a stop circuit through switch contactI 90, wires 93, 85 and |12 to stop button |13 and wire |14 to energize the lower coil of the differential start and stop relay U, and thereby deenergize said relay to interrupt the operations of the apparatus when the counter-switch B is not at its 0 position. In such event the cam switch contacts 54-55, of counter-switch B, will be closed. Consequently the re-setting circuit for said counter-switchB will be established from positive lead I by way of the make and break contacts 35h-36" ofthe re-set circuit switch, cam switch arms S11-55, wire |2| and contact |22 of switch W2, Wire H4, and through the electro-magnet 28" of counterswitch B to the negative line J. The making and breaking of this circuit at the contacts 35"--35b produce rapid intermittent; energlzaticn cf said electro-magnet 28b and therefore rapidly advances the counter-switch B to its zero position and thereby opens the re-settingcircuit at the cam switch contacts 54-r55.

Resetting counter switch C Referring` now to the re-setting circuit of counter-switch C: The closing of contact |69 of switch W3 closes the ref-setting circuit for this counter-switch as follows: Positive wire I, the resetting circuit making and breaking contacts BBQ-38 of the counter-switch C, wire |18 through the closed contacts of selector switch C1 and counter-switch C to the wiper contact l8 oi' said counter-switch, thence through nxed contact 20 o said` counter-switch and wire |11 to closed contact 169 of relay switch W3, wire E04, and through electro-magnet 28 to negative line J. The resetting of counter switch C continues until one ci its wiper arms l comes to rest on the open contact No. l.

Reeettinc counter switches D und E The closing oi' contact lli or resetting switch W establishes a re-set circuit, similar to the one described for counter-switch C, through counterswitch D to move its wiper arm onto the fixed contact (No. 3) which is opened through the nxed contact No. 3 of the selector switch D1. The wires and making and breaking contacts of this circuit are given the same reference characters as the circuit for counter-switch C, but with the addition of the exponent d Alike resetting circuit for counter-switch E is effected by closing the contact lll of switch W5. This circuit is designated by the same reference characters as the corresponding re-setting circuits for counter-switch C, but with the exponent e. The opening and closing of this circuit operates its wiper contact le in a forward direction until it cornes to rest on the iixed contact (No. l), the connection to which is open dus to the particular setting of the selector switch E.

Upon the completion of the re-setting operation oi' the counter-switches C, D and E, the previously described circuit for relay S is again completed and this relay energizes. At switch 82 relay S breaks the holding circuit oi the reset relay W, which accordingly deenergizes. Also, and since the counter-switch .A has already been reset, relay S closes the previously described circuit for the green signal lights O and O' at switch 83.

Continuous counting operation .de hereinabove described, one possible circuit closed by the unal signal relay X may establish a circuit including wires 952 and 53 through the lower coil oi' the start; and stop relay U to release the switch arms oi this relay and thereby stop all further response to the impulses from impulse circuit G-H, for example, by breaking 'the connection between the circuit G--H and the positive line I. .Such Stoppa-se results when switch llc is closed. However, when it is desired that the apparatus begin inmediately to count or respond to another full series ci impulses from the said line G-H, the switch l'l8 is opened in the lead wire i53. When the switch H8 is opened before the energization of the nal signal relay X, the start-stop relay U remains energized. Consequently, the electric impulses from line G-H are again directed to the electro-magnet. 28 of the counter-switch A, which switch A begins the count; of a new series as previously described.

Changing number` of count In some situations it may be desirable to increase or diminish the number of impulses for which the apparatus is set to count for each full series. Ii' the apparatus is so constructed that the odd units counter begins its operation near the end ot a series-in other words. if the apparatus is so modined or connected that it resets to zero and will count up from zero to a predetermined number. the said number may be increased or H diminished for any current vseries during the count of that series. However, in the speciiic con- .Reset control' relay V In the specliic form of apparatus herein illustrated, as above indicated, the pre-setting oi the selector switches determines `the starting point oi a series ci' counts rather than the finish oi such series. Therefore, it is necessary for accuracy, when beginning operations, to set the selector switches the desired positions and then reset the apparatus to the newly set positions before starting the counting operation. The above resuits may be accomplished in the present apparatus by pressing a re-set push button V19 to energize the re-set control relay V.

The energization of relaly V closes its switches to2-53 and opens the switches S5 and i3d. The closing of switch 682 oi said relay establishes connection from the positive line I through lead :84 to the make and break contacts BEL-36 of the previously described resetting circuit of the counter switch A.

The closing of the switch H3 of relay V connects the positive lead iM with wire 50 and. therefore energizes resetting relay W, whereupon the several relay switches W1, W2, W3, W4 and W5 are actuated to close the previously mentioned resetting circuits through counter switches B, C, D and E.

Additional start, stop and re-set push buttons may be connected in series with the buttons 8l. G13 and llt to permit the apparatm to be controlled from a plurality of locations.

i claim:

Il. A control apparatus responsive to a series of snake and break impulses in a direct current electric circuit comprising an odd units counter switch, a regular units counter switch, a plurality of additional counter switches of higher order, operating means for said switches including electromagnetically energized means, means providing electric circuits for energizing the electromagnets of said switches, a circuit making and breaking device interposed in said energizing circuit to provide electric impulses, means connecting said impulse circuit with the electro-magnet ci the odd units counter, means including a selector switch for determining the number oi.' energizing impulses to be received by said odd units counter, circuit closing means eiective at the termination of the counting operations of said odd units counter to transfer all subsequent impulses to said regular units counter, and means actuated l a circuit making and breaking device interposed in said energizing circuit to provide electric irnpulses, a relay for connecting said impulse circuit with the electro-magnet of the odd units counter, means including a selector switch for determining the number of energizing impulses to be received by said odd unite counter, circuit means closed by the nal counting movement of saidodd units counter to energize said relay and thereby transfer all subsequent impulses to said regular units counter, and means for transferring certain of said subsequent impulses to a counter of higher order, and selectively positioned means for determining the number of impulses to be received by each of said higher order counter switches.

3. An apparatus for counting a predetermined seriescf electric impulses including a counter member operable to count the number of impulses corresponding to the lowest order digit of the series plus ten, and a second counter member thereafter operable to-complete the count of the series and comprising a step by step switch operable one step for each impulse and including means actuated whereby each tenth impulse is also received by a counter member of` higher order; means for also transmitting to said higher order counter member an impulse for said additional ten count oi' the rst mentioned counter member, the said additional ten count constituting a time period during which the higher order counters are re-set to their starting positions, and means for re-setting said higher order counters to their starting positions during said time period.

4. In a counting device, a plurality of electromagnetically operated step-by-step counter switches of different numerical order,l each said switch having ten positions corresponding to the ten degits, means for setting said switches to positions corresponding to digits of a number to be counted, and means responsive to a series of electrical impulses containing a'number of impulses equal to said number to be counted for successively restoring said counter switches to zero position, the restoring of each counter switches of higher numerical order being controlled by counter switches of lower numerical order.

5. A counting device as claimed in claim 4, including a circuit completed through said switches responsive to the restoration thereof.

6. In a counting device, a plurality of electromagnetically operated counter switches of difierent numerical order, each switch having ten positions corresponding to the ten digits, a device to be operated responsive to a predetermined number of electrical impulses, means for setting said switches to positions corresponding to the digits in said number, means responsive to said impulses for successively restoring said switches to zero position, the restoring of the switches of higher numerical order being controlled by switches oi lower numerical order and means controlled by the last -oi? said switches to return to zero position for operating said device.

tions corresponding tc the adjusted positions of aaeasoe their respective selecting switches, indicating means responsive to the correct setting of said counter switches, and means responsive to eleci trical impulses to be counted for restoring said counter switches to zero position.

8. In a counting device. a plurality of counter switches of diierent numerical order, each switch having a wiper and a bank of contacts, a plus' rality of selecting switches associated with counting switches, respectively, each selecting switch also having a wiper and a bant: of con?" tacts, means for adjusting the wipers of saidselecting switches to desired contacts in the associated contact banks, means for automatically, operating said counter switches to position the wipers thereof on bank contacts corresponding to the contacts engaged by the wipers of said.

selecting switches, and a circuit including all said wipers and the engaged contacts in series.

9. In an impulse counting device, a plurality of step-by-step counter switches of different niimerical order, each switch having ten positionsl corresponding, respectively, to the ten digits o the decimal system, means for pre-setting said switches, respectively, in accordance with thedigits in a number representing the number orimpulses to be counted, means responsive to said impulses for successively operating said switches, to set each switch in accordance with the aero position thereof, a relay energized responsive to the completion of the setting of said switches inA zero position, and means including a second relay controlled by said rst relay for resetting' said switches in accordance with the digits in the number of impulses -to be counted.

10. in an impulse counting device, a plurality of step-by-step counter switches of dierent nu-v merical orderfeach switch having two positions corresponding, respectively, to the ten digits of the decimal system, means for pre-setting said switches in accordance with the digits in a number representing the number of impulses to be counted, means responsive to said impulses forI successively operating said switches to set each switch in accordance with the zero position thereof, a relay energized through serially related contacts in said switches which are closed in the zero position thereof, a self-locking relay energized by said rst relay, a third relay energized; by said rst relay, and means including said third relay for resetting said switches 'in accordance with the digits in the number oi impulses to be counted.

ll. In an impulse counting device, a plurality oi step-by-step counter switches of dinerent numerical order, each switch having ten positions corresponding, respectively, to the ten digits of the decimal system, means for pre-setting said switches in accordance with the digits in a number designating the number of impulses to be' counted, means responsive to said impulses for successively operating said switches to set each switch in accordance with the zero position thereof, a relay energized responsive to the setting of said switches to zero position, means including said relay for automatically resetting said switches in accordance with the digits in the number ci impulses to be counted, and a resetting control relay' adapted when energized to stop the response of said switches to said impulses and to energize said nrst relay. f

12. In a counting device for counting a predetermined number of electrical impulses. main and auxiliary units counters, a tens counter, means for operating the auxiliary units counter responsive to certain of said impulses, means for operating said main units counter responsive to the remainder o! said impulses, and means in each counter.

13. In a counting device for counting a predetermined number of electrical impulses. main and auxiliary umts counters, a tens counter, means including an impulse circuit for operating said auxiliary units counter responsive to a number of impulses corresponding to the units digit of said number and responsive to a plurality of succeeding impulses, means in said auxiliary units counter for controlling said tens counter, means effective upon the response of said auxiliary units counter to the last of said succeeding impulses for transferring said impulse circuit to said main units counter, whereby the latter counter responds to the remainder of said impulses, and

means in said main units counter for controlling said tens counter.

14. In a counter for counting successive series of impulses, each series having a predetermined number of impulses, a plurality of switches adapted to be set in accordance with digits in said number, a plurality of counters, means including said switches for operating said counters to set the same in different positions in accordance with the digits in said number, means responsive to a said series of impulses for restoring said counters, a circuit completed responsive to the restoration of all said counters for marking the end of the series, and means controlled over said circuit for automatically resetting said counters to the same positions as before to enable them to respond to the impulses of the next series.

l5. In a counting device for counting impulses, a units counter responsive to impulses to be counted, a tens counter, and means for causing two successive impulses which actuate said units counter to also actuate said tens counter.

16. In a counting device for counting impulses, a units counter responsive to a variable number of impulses not less than ten nor more than nineteen, a tens counter, means for causing the last impulse which operates the units counter to also operate said tens counter, and means for causing the next impulse to operate the tens counter again.

17. In a counting device for counting impulses, a units counter responsive to a variable number of impulses not less than ten nor more than nineteen, a tens counter, means for causing the last impulse which operates the units counter to also operate said tens counter, a second units counter, and means for causing the next impulse to operate said second units counter and said tens counter.

18. In a counting device for counting a predetermined number of impulses, a units counter responsive to a part of the impulses to be counted, a second units counter responsive to the remainder of the impulses to be counted, a tens counter, and means for causing the last impulse which operates the first units counter and the ilrst impulse which operates the second units counter to operate said tens counter.

19. In a counting device for counting a predetermined number of impulses, a units counter having ten different starting positions, means for setting said counter in any one of said positions, a second units counter having only a single starting position, means for directing impulses to be counted to said first units counter, means controlled by said umts counter responsive to the receipt of a number of impulses determined by the starting position to which it was set for directing subsequent impulses to said second umts counter, and a tens counter controlled by said units counters.

20. In a predetermined counting device for counting series of electrical impulses, a counter adapted to respond to impulses. a circuit over which impulses are delivered to said counter, a second counter, a transfer relay controlled by said first counter for switching said circuit from the first counter to the second counter, whereby the second counter is enabled to respond to the remaining impulses of a series, means for restoring said iirst counter to its starting position during the operation of the second counter, and means responsive to the last impulse of the series for deenergizing said transfer relay to switch the said impulse circuit back to the tlrst counter, whereby said first counter is made responsive to impulses of the next series.

2l. In a counting device for counting successive series of impulses from an indenite train of impulses, a counter responsive to certain individual impulses at the beginning of a series, a second counter responsive to the remaining impulses of said series, means for restoring said ilrst counter to its starting position during the operation of the second counter, counters of higher numerical order controlled by said rst and second counters, means responsive to the last impulse of the series for restoring said higher order counters to their starting positions, and means also responsive to said last impulse to cause said first counter to start responding to impulses of the next series.

22. In a counting device for counting a predetermined number of impulses a plurality of times, tens and units step-by-step counting switches, means for setting said switches in accordance with the tens and units digits of said number,

respectively, means responsive to impulses for advancing said switches to zero position, said means including a second units counter-switch responsive to impulses received subsequent to the restoration oi said iirst units counter-switch, means for resetting said first units counter-switch to prepare it for use in counting said number of impulses the second time, means controlled by said second units counter-switch and said tens counter-switch in zero position for restarting the operation of said irst units counter-switch, and means for resetting said tens counter-switch while said iirst units counter-switch is again advancing to zero position responsive to impulses.

23. In a counting device for counting a predetermined number of impulses, a tens counter, means for setting said counter in accordance with the tens digit of said number, a units counter normally standing in zero position, means responsive to impulses to be counted for operating said units counter, means including a switch closed by the units counter in zero position for causing each impulse received by said units counter in zero position to operate said tens counter, whereby said tens counter is moved to zero position, and a circuit jointly controlled by said counters the next time said units counter reaches zero position.

24. In a counting device for counting a predetermined number of impulses, iirst and second counting switches of different numerical order, each switch having a bank of ten contacts and wiper means adapted to traverse said contacts always in the same direction, means responsive to impulses to be counted for advancing said first switch repeatedly to zero, means eil'ective whenever the rst switch is in zero position for causing the next impulse to advance both switches, whereby when the second switch arrives at zero the rst switch is advanced to the next adjacent position, and a circuit completed by the said first and second switches the next time the said rs't switch reaches zero. jj

25. In a counting device for counting a prede termined number of impulses, first and second counting switches, each having motion in one direction only, means for setting said switches in accordance with two digits, respectively, of a number of impulses to be counted, means respon-y sive to impulses to be counted for advancing the first switch repeatedly through its zero position, means effective each time the irst switch 'is in zero position for advancing both switches, whereby when the second switch reaches zero position the nrst switch will leave zero position, and a circuit extending through both'switchs in zero position which is completed the next time the ilrst switch reaches its zero position.

26. In a counting device for counting successive series oi impulses from an indenite train of impulses, a signal circuit, counters of different numerical orders responsive to impulses of said train, means controlled by said counters for closing said circuit at the endl of each series of impulses, and means for predetermining the number of impulses in each series. including selecting means adjustable while a seriesvof impulses is being counted for changing the length of the n assenso next series without affecting the length of the series being counted.

27. In a counting device for counting successive series of impulses from an indefinite trainof impulses, counters of dierent numerical orders having diiiferent starting positions dependent upon the length of said series, means responsive to the impulses of each vseries for restoring said counters to zero position and for resetting them to their starting positions, a signal circuit completed by said counters each time in zero position, and switching means adjustable during the count'ot one series of impulses to predetermine new starting positions to which the counters are reset upon the completion of the count, whereby the length of the next series to be counted may be changed.

28. In a predetermined counter, a plurality oi step-by-step counter switches of diilerent numerical order, each switch having a plurality of digit positions and a pair oi contacts closed in only one of said positions designated as the control position, means for setting said switches, respectively, in accordance with digits in a number representing the number of impulses in a train of impulses to be counted, means responsive to said train of impulses for restoring said switches successively step by step to their control positions, including means whereby the switch of lowest numerical order is restored last, and a circuit extending through said pairs of contacts in series upon the restoration of the last of said switches to be restored.

FREDERICK A. POOLE.

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