US2348758A - Automatic telephone calling system - Google Patents

Description

May 16, 1944' M. SAMBURG ET AL AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE CALLING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 1S, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet l 37 INVENTORS 36 MA Ae/c5 Afval/RG.

A TN/CK A TTRNE YS May E6 1944 M. SAMBURG ET A1. 2,348,758

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE CALLING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 15, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 A TTORNE YS May 16, 1944. M. SAMBLJRG ET AL V2,348,758

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE CALLING SYSTEM Filed Nov. l5, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 I N VEN TORS MAUR/CE 621MB a/PG WA/Es 7'- A MA T/V/CK Patented May 16, 1944 AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE CALLING SYSTEM Maurice .smburg and Ernest Amainick, New

' York, N. Samburg YJ: said AAmatnick assigner -vto said Application November ,15, 1939, Serial No.` 304,476

19 Claims.

The invention relates to an automatic pushbutton operated device for attachment and use as an adjunct to a manually operated telephone dialing apparatus, and more particularly to an automatic device to take the place of the conventional manual dialing of a series of numbers identifying the particular station to be called.`

In conventional practice, such identifying numbers are coniointly used with a central station designation, usually including the iirst two letters of a name and a sub-central identifying digit. It! all cases however, the station to be called is really identiiied by a series of digits, usually seven, the first two digits representing the numbers on the dial corresponding to the first two' letters of the name of the central station.

The primary object of our invention is to provide an automatic device involving the operation of a single element, for instance, a push-button conveniently located near the telephone receiver, the depression of which push-button will automatically institute a series of mechanical operations equivalent to the dialing by the operator, or the person calling the number, of the various digits sequentially by the turning of the ordinary dialV of the telephone apparatus. 'The purpose of this construction is to make possible the provision of a simple device, constituting an attachment to the telephone instrument, by means of which a party having occasion to call the same station several times during the course of a period, such as a day/may call such party without the necessity, and time-consuming operation, of dialing seven digits in precise sequence each time a connection to the particular station is desired. The tediousness of such an operation and the many possibilities of verror are well recognized and a busy executive having frequent the automatic dialing attachment has been set, so that the device does not in any way interfere with the'normal operation of the conventional telephone instrument. 'Our novel attachment is also so designed that there is no interference with incoming calls and which, upon making an automatically dialed connection, will automatically return, upon completion of such connection, to

occasion to call the same number during any specific period of time would save a great deal of energy, time, and annoyance by the use of our novel improvement.

In accordance with our invention, we construct our novel device so as to constitute an accessory or attachment to the conventional type oi' telephone instrument of the dial' type without the necessity of making any change whatsoever in the construction of such conventional instrument. It isv of course possible, as will be shown in connection with a modified embodiment of our invention, to embody our novel device directly into the structure of the telephone instrument. Furthermore, the provision of our device permits the normal operation of the telephone instrument for making calls other than those for which normal posltion,so that the instrument is again readyfor further operation, either automatically in accordance with our invention, or in the conventional manner of manually dialing a desired number.

The basis of the construction of our novel telephone dialing device is the` System underlying the operation of the conventional dial form of telephone instrument. This system depends upon the transmission of a plurality of impulses upon the turning of the dial to a particular point, producing a number of clicks, equivalent to thev impulses, the clicks being capable of being produced by moving the bar supporting the receiver, or unitary transmitter and receiver, in rapi'd succession the number of times equivalent to the number being dialed, including the numbers equivalent to the letters designating ari exchange.

Our invention is predicatedupon the provision of a device to accomplish this clicking or transmission of impulses with suilicient rapidity and a degree of accuracy to cause the automatic dialing of the particular number desired by sending the plurality of impulses, representing each digit, in series through the wires of the conventional telephone set. Of course, the transmission of the impulses in accordance with our novel construction is accomplished automatically in rapid succession without the rotationof the dial oi' the instrument. The elimination of the rotation of the dial makes it possible to transmit the impulses at a very rapid pace so that the depression of the push-button on'the device identifying the particular station or number to be called, is followed, within an extremely short period of time, measured by seconds, by the completion of the connection between the two stations, one the calling station, and the other the receivingstation.

A particular and preferred embodiment of our inventive structure is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a perspective View of a substantially rectangular box and of a conventional telephone transmitting and receiving set, which may bepositloned either directly upon the box or the latter may be positionedat some distance from the instrument, depending phone number.

upon the convenience of the person making use thereof: Fig. 2 is a plan view of the revoluble disc, having a multiplicity of apertures therein, which is adapted to be operated by a motor, the ilgure showing generally the schematic layout of the electrical system, push-button switches and selectorsz'Fig. 3 is a vertical section longitudinally of the box of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the mechanism within the box, as viewed when the upper hinged cover thereof has been removed, and showing the push-button switches, with the push button and push button plate removed from the box: Fig. is a side view of the telephone instrument, with a portion thereof removed to illustrate the position of the electromagnet effecting.l by the movement of its armature, the clicking of the receiver and transmitter bar; Fig. 6 is an end view of the electromagnet and appurtenant mechanism; Fig. '7 is an enlarged detail showing the operation of the selector switches by the pins inserted into and extendingr through the revoluble disc of Fig. 2; and Fig. 8 is a wiring diagram showing the application of our novel construction to the wiring circuit of the conventional dial telephone apparatus.

Referring more particularly to the drawings. in which similar reference characters identify similar parts i n the several views. a conventional telephone instrument of the dial-operated tvpe is shown in Fig. i and comprises a casing I0. a. unitary transmitter and receiver I I, and switch buttons I2 supporting the unitary transmitter and receiver. The switch buttons I2. when permitted to rise by the removal of the unit II, makes possible the transmittal of impulsesby the manual operation oi. the finger wheel f3 of the dial, in the conventional manner yof dialing a tele- The telephone casing I0 is adapted to be positioned upon a base I4, constituted of a rectangular box within which the maior portion of our novel automatic dialing apparatus is enclosed. The telephone casing I0 may, of course, be positioned at a point remote from the box I4, as indicated in Fig. I, and connected to such box by a cable I5. I have shown in Fig. 1 both of these possible positions of the telephone casing, with the instrument when jhiunted upon the box I4, being shown in dotted The base or box I4 is provided, throughout the width oi its front portion, with a plurality of push-buttons I 6 which 'may be of any convenient number, depending upon the number of stations for the automatic calling of which the apparatus is designed. In front of such series. of pushbuttons is positioned a name plate I1, upon which may be inscribed the name of the party desired to-be called, and whose telephone number corresponds to that of the station connected by the device upon the depression oi one of the push-bilttons I6. Extending from the box I4 is a cable I8, the end of which carries a conventional plug I9, adapted to be inserted into a socket connected to the household source of electricity to supply the current for the operation of our device. The cable I5, from the telephone casing is connected to the base I4 by means of plug to be inserted in a socket 2| in the front .face of the base I4. l

Referring now more particularly to Fig, 2, our novel automatic dialing device comprises a revolvable disc 22 mounted for rotation on a shaft 23 located approximately centrally of the base I4. The revolvable disc 22 is a flat disc,

made of a non-conducting material, and is provided with a multiplicity of apertures drilled concentrically of the disc. There are 10 concentric circles of apertures 24 disposed on the disc in 5 such manner that each series of ten apertures extends radially of the disc. In the preferred embodiment of our invention, each concentric circle comprises 90 apertures, so that the fiat revolvable disc is drilled with a total of 900 apertures.

The disc 22 is revolved by a friction wheel 25 operative against the periphery of the disc, the friction wheel 25 being mounted upon the end of a shaft 26 of a motor 21. The source of current for the motor is supplied through a cable 28, one wire 29 of such cable leading to, an electromagnet 30 mounted upon the rear portion of the telephone box I0, immediately rearwardly of the transmitter and receiver switches I2, and thence 20 by conductor 3l to the source of current derived from the house'fcircuit by means of plug I9. The second wire 32 from the motor cable 28 leads to a switch controlled bythe individual switches of the plurality of push-buttons I6.

The electromagnet 30 has its armature 33, pivoted at 34, extend over the transmitter and ,receiver switches I2, by being clamped in position upon such instrument, the armature for this purpose having a transversely extending bar 35 30 of substantially the distance between the switch buttons' I2.

The coil winding of the electromagnet 30 is connected at one end thereof to the conductors 29 and 3l, the former to the motor 21, and the 3b latter to the source of the current, and the other end of such coil winding is connected by conductor 36 to a plurality of selectors 31 equal in number to the number of push-buttons I6, in the particular embodiment illustrated, this number 40 being 10. Each of the selectors 31 is connected by wires 38 to corresponding push-button switches 39, which in turn, are adapted to contact, in the operation of our device, as hereinafter described, an elongated bar 40, extending throughout the distance occupied by` the pushbutton switches 39.

Turning now to the cross-sectional view of the box I4, as shown in Fig. 3, such box is provided with a cover 4I, hinged at 42, to provide access to the interior of the box and the setting of the revolvable disc 22. Such disc is surmounted by a cover plate 43 which may be removed by removal of the nut 44 to permit the insertion into the plurality of apertures 24 of the disc of a plurality ofpins 45, each having a head 48 in the manner and for the purpose hereinafter described. Extending through the upper surface of the box I4, is a series of push-buttons I6 each of which has a convex bottom adapted to contact the corresponding push-button switch 39. Springs 41, anchored upon a ledge 48, exert pressure on the undersurface of the push-button switches 39, the contact 49 of each switch 39,

, upon the depression of the push-button I6, being 65 adapted to engage the corresponding contact 50 of the bar 40, pivoted at 5I, and to which contact 50 is connected the input wire 52 leading from the household source of current. A spring 53 urges the bar 40 upwardly about its pivot 5I. The bar 40 carries at its extremity .an upwardly projecting pin 54 for a purpose hereinafter to be described.

When the push-'button I6 is depressed, the end of a locking device 55 is adapted to enter a.

circumferential recess 56 in the push-button and thereby hold-such push-button in its depressed position. The locking device is caused to enter the circumferential recess 56 by spring 51. Releasing of the locking device, to permit the pushbutton to assume its original position, is accomplished by the abutment of the nose 58 by an upwardly extending bar 59.

Supported from an extension of the ledge 48 is a shaft 8 0, upon which is mounted for rotation,

a cam or star-wheel 6i, constituting'the means i for locking the disc 22 against continued rotation by the motor 21 when a single switching operation, involving the, calling of a particular station, has been accomplished. The cam 6I is constituted of a at wheel having four radially extending slots 62 into which 'is adapted to enter sequentially upon rotation of the cam, a pin 54, extending upwardly from the bar 40. One of the slots 62, which is opposite that into which the pin 54 enters,V is adapted to receive a pin 63 extending from the surface of the disc 22 near its peripheral edge. 'I he cam 6| is adapted to be rotated in thedirechion of the arrow indicated adjacent the periphery thereof. The peripheral edge of the cam 8| at one side of each of. the radialV slots 62 has extending therefrom a nose having an arcuate cam surface adapted, upon rotation of the cam 6I', to pivot the vertical bar 59, and lrelease the push-button locking device.

In Fig. 8 we have illustrated an embodiment of our invention when applied. directly in the construction of a telephone receiving set.

In this embodiment, shown in Fig. 8, the `structure of Figs. 3 and 4 as disclosed in these figures is utilized. In such embodiment, no electromagnet is attached to the exterior of the telephone instrument. The only structural change in the modification is the incorporation of the wiring, leading from the selector switches `and the push-button switches, into the wiring of the telephone dial. The selector switches are to be actuated by the pinsv positioned in the disc, the selector switches being actuated by ,the abutment of the pins upon the rotation of the disc. A series of buttons 66 (similar to IB of Figs. 3 and 4) are incorporated into the structure. Similarly, there will be a motor and friction wheel lto drive the disc. A cam disc for controlling the rotation of the disc will be utilized and the apparatus will be provided with a locking device such as 55 of Figs. 3 and 4, i. e. the only essential difference will be the absence of a means (such as an electro-magnet) for depressing the telephone switch, since the wiring from the apparatus leads directly into the dial circuit.

In the conventional automatic dialer, there are three pairs of electrical contacts. When the dial is at rest, two of such contacts are closed and one is open. As soon as the dial .is turned away from vits rest position one of the closed contacts, when the dial begins its rotation backward, opens as many times as corresponds to the number to which the dial was turned. This last portion of dialing is the one that actually dials the number.

In the system of the present invention, the same electrical operations, in the same sequence, are performed when a push-button is depressed, as in 'the conventional automatic dial system. These operations are performed by switches 69 and 68.

Functioning of the automatic telephone calling system of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 8 is, thatwhen any push-button 66 is depressed, one of the contacts is opened, and the other is asunto closed. Only the switch which is under the depressed push-button remains open: the contact 68, corresponding to the depressed push-button, remains in sexies with the i'irst contact: switch 6u is interrupted in the manner determined by the pins 45 (Fig. 3) in the rotating disc; electrically this is the equivalent of the interruptions in the main switch when the dial is returning to rest.

In the apparatus of Fig; 8, commercial power `can be used. Substantially the same construction of apparatus as heretofore described is utilized in such embodiment, but the conductors from the various push-buttons and selector switches are connected directly to the` dial mechanism generally designated as .65. From two of the switches in such dial mechanism, conductors lead to the push-buttons 66 and their associated switches through a switch 69 and conductor 10. The individual selectors 61, and their associated switches 68. are connected to each of the push-buttons 66, and to the third switch, respectively, of the dial mechanism. As the interior construction, including the three switches of the dial mechanism. constitutes no part of our invention, their operation and functions are not herein described. It is suiiicient, to embody the struct-ure of our invention in accordance with the embodiment in Fig. 8. to connect the plurality of push-buttons and the selectors and their switches to thedial mechanism as indicated. A

yTurning now to a description to the mode of operation of our novel apparatus, the subscriber, when the automatic dialing device is delivered to him, is enabled to select the particular stations which he desires to be called by the series of push-buttons I6.. The setting of the mechanism for ths purpose is accomplished by such subscriber as follows:

By opening the top of the box I4 and turning the cover 4i about its pivot 42, the interior of the box is exposed. The subscriber then removes phone exchange, usually the rst two letters v thereof, are transposed to their corresponding number on the telephonedial.y Thus"MU on the dial, corresponding to the numbers 6 and 8. The exemplary telephone number may therefore be dialed as 687-43211 Starting with the disc 22 in normal position, the subscriber lls in in succession as many holes with pins .45 as is the numerical value of each digit in the number of the station to be called. Thus, for the particu-- lar number given as an example, for dialing the digit 6, the ilrst six apertures 24 have pins positioned therein. The next three apertures a're left open, to provide the necessary timing element. Thereafter, continuing along the outer concentric circle of apertures, the next eight apertures are filled with pins representing the numerical value of the next digit, to wit 8." thenv three apertures are left open and the next seven apertures, for the digit 7 are lled witl'r'pins; then three more apertures` are left open and the 7n next four have pins placed therein and so on along the concentric series of apertures. until the numerical value of the last digit, i. e. 1. leaves only one pin as the last of the particular number being set.

In like manner, the next succeeding series of apertures, in the' next concentric ring, is setwith pins corresponding in number to the numerical values of each digit of the second telephone number to be dialed. After the last pin or pins have been set, representing the last digit of any number-to be called, the remaining apertures in the concentric series, are left empty.

After the setting of the various numbers controlled by each of the push-buttons I6 has thus been` made, the plate 43 is replaced and secured in position by a nut 44 and the cover 4I returned to its box closure position.

In the operation of our device, when any of the push-buttons I6 is depressed, the circuit is completed tlkough all of the selector switches 31 and the conductors 38. The particular switch $9, operated by the push-button which is depressed, depresses the bar 40 against the tension of the spring 53. This is attained by engagement of the contact 49 of the switch 39 with the contact 50 on the bar 40. The completion of this circuit will cause the operation of the motor 21 and the rotation of the friction wheel 25 and therethrough the rotation of the disc 22 in the direction of the arrow indicated on Fig. 2.- The depressing of the push-button and therefore of the bar 40, causes a depression oi' the pin 54, thereby releasing the star wheel 6I for rotation in the direction of the arrow near the periphery thereof, by the pin B3 extending upwardly from the disc 22 and which pin enters one of the slots 62 to cause a 1A revolution of the star wheel or cam 6| about its shaft 60. When the push-button is released, the pin 54 enters the slot 62, which is then opposite such pin. When the pin 63 and the dialing disc 22 have made one complete revolution, the pin 63 turns the star wheel or cam 6I another 1/4 of a turn, permitting the pin 54, bar 40, and switch 39 to spring back into their original position, stopping the motor 21 from turning the dialing disc 22 and stopping the dialing disc in exactly its original starting position.

As the electromagnet 30 is connected in series with the dialing switches and with the pushbutton switches, when one of the selector switches 31, as selected by a push-button, is moved away from the disc by one of the pins 45, the electromagnetwill be energized, causing its arm 33 to pivot about its pivot 34 and its `extension 35, to depress the two contact points I2 of the telephone instrument to send the necessary impulses. It will'thus be seen that, depending upon the number of pins in sequential series placed into the apertures in any concentric seriesupon the disc 22, the switches i2 will be depressed the same number of times in rapid succession, thereby transmitting the series of impulses in the manner of the ordinary operation of the dial mechanism. By leaving a few, for instance three of the apertures in any concentric series between the numerical values of the various digits open, the various digits are separated by a short time element, so that the numbers of a particular station will be automatically dialed by the rapid and successive clicking of the telephone instrument switches i2.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 3, it will be noted that upon the depression of the pushbutton I6, the locking mechanism keeping it in the depressed position, is operative. When, however, the star wheel or cam Il is rotated as hereinabove described, the cam surface 64 to one side of each ox' the slots 82. pushes against the lower extremity of the pivoted bar 59. causing the upper extremity thereof to abut the lnose 58 of the locking mechanism 55 and pull such locking mechanism against the tension of the spring 51 out of the peripheral recess 56 of the push-button. thereby releasing such push-button, so that it is returned to its original position by the spring 41, which at the same time causes a breaking of the circuit between lthe contacts 49 and 50.

The operation of the embodiment of 4our invention as illustrated in Fig. 8, is substantially the same as hereinabove described, except that in such embodiment, no electromagnet is utilized or necessary, as the 'connection to the impulse sending mechanism is directly made to the appropriate elements of our apparatus.

A particular advantage of our novel apparatus as distinguished from structures of the prior art seeking to provide a device to accomplish substantially similar purposes, is that our novel apparatus is adapted to be set for the calling of any stations or numbers by the person who is to make use of the device. In this manner, he is enabled to select for setting of the apparatus,

any of a number of stations, depending only upon the number of such stations for which the apparatus has been designed and he is enabled to make such changes therein from time to time as he may deem necessary or convenient. This changing over 'to effect the automatic dialing of any selected telephone exchange and number can be accomplished with facility and dispatch by following extremely simple directions. 'In other words, whenever any change has to be made in the particular setup of the various numbers to be called, the instrument does not have to be dismantled-or any new structures provided therein, it being only necessary to remove the plurality of pins set to automatically dial a particular exchange and number and to re-align or reset such number of pins in the particular concentric series controlled by the push-button in which the change is to be effected. The entire operation of changing from one preselected stationl to another takes an extremely short time and, with specific instructions, comparatively no skill whatever. 'Ihis ability of the lsubscriber to make such changes from time to time as may be necessary or convenient is an important feature of our novel construction and which has not heretofore been possible with any device of the prior art.

. Furthermore, our novel apparatus necessitates no change whatsoever in the ordinary dial telephone instrument or appurtenant mechanism and may be attached thereto either in immediate proximity thereof or any convenient distance therefrom. The only element in immediate contact with the telephone instrument is the electromagnet and its armature which may be attached or clamped to the instrument with facility and dispatch and without interfering with the normal operation of the telephone instrument in the dialmight also be exemplified in other alternative constructions, and particularly since legitimate changes in the form, construction, and relative arrangement of the severalparts may be fairly embodied within the spirit and scope of the inci" a revoluble single disc, a Vplurality of pins placed in series within the apertures of said disc in concentric relationship, means formomentarily operating, by said pins a plurality I series of elements, the sequential disposition of which upon the face of said disc corresponds' to the exchange and numerical designation of a subscriber station to be'called. to effect the automatic transmission of impulses corresponding to the said designation of such station, a plurality of pushbuttons for eecting the operative movementof such elements, a motor for moving said elements in their predetermined order upon depression of one of said push-buttons, and means, controlled by the movement of said elements to transmit said impulses through the switch of the telephone instrument, the sequential disposition of said elements being interchangeable without alter-ation kin the mechanical components of the system.

2. In an automatic telephone calling system, the combination with the conventional transmitting and receiving instrument including a switch, oi' a revoluble disc, having a plurality of `rows of concentrically arranged apertures therein, a plurality of selector switches below said disc, and in line with said apertures, one selector switch below each row of apertures, a plurality of series of elements, capable of disposition in said apertures in sequence to correspond to the exchange and numerical designation of a station to be called, to effect the automatic transmission of impulses corresponding to the said designation oi' such' station, a plurality\of push-buttons for eiecting i the operative movement of such elements, a motor for moving said disc and said elements in their predetermined order upon depression of one of said push-buttons, means whereby, upon depression of one of said push-buttons only the single selector switch corresponding to the depressed g-button, is actuated by the elements in the cular row of concentrically arranged apertures corresponding to said single selector switch, to transmit said impulses, and means controlled by the rotation of said disc to transmit said imsingle selector switch corresponding to the depressed push-button, is actuated by the elements in the particular row of concentrically arranged apertures corresponding to said single selector switch, to transmit said impulses, and means constituted of an electromagnet energized upon the rotation of said disc, and clamped to said instrument to transmit said impulses through to the switch of the telephone instrument.

4. In an automatic telephone calling system, the combination with the conventional transmit ting and receiving instrument including a switch, of a revolubledisc provided with a multiplicity of concentrically arranged apertures, a plurality of pins selectively positioned in said apertures, the sequential disposition oi which pins corresponds to a plurality of subscriber stations to be called,- to eiect the automatic transmission of impulses corresponding to the number of such station, a plurality of push-buttons for eecting the operative movement of such pins, a motor for revolving said disc upon depression oi one of said push-buttons, means whereby upon depression oi one of said push-buttons only the single selector switch corresponding to the depressed push-button, is actuated by said pins in the particular row of concentrically arranged apertures corresponding to said single selector switch, to

' transmit electrical impulses and lmeans clamped upon said telephone instrument and controlled by the movement of said pins, to transmit said impulses to the conventional switch of the telephone instrument.

5. In an apparatus ,for the automatic calling of the exchange and number of a telephone subscriber station, the combination of a single revolvable disc having a plurality of series of apertures concentrically disposed throughout the disc, a plurality of pins placed in series within the apertures of said disc` in' concentric relationship, an electric motor for rotating said disc, a plurality of push-buttons corresponding to each of the subscriber stations to be called, a plurality of selector switches disposed beneath said disc and arranged to be contacted by said pins, means whereby upon depression of one of said pushbuttons only the single selector switch corresponding to the depressed push-button, is actuated by said pins in the particular row of concentrically arranged apertures corresponding to said single selector switch, to transmit electrical impulses and means for controlling the rotation pulses through to the switch of the telephone instrument.

3. In an automatic telephone calling system, the combination with the conventional transmittingand receiving instrument including a switch, of a revoluble disc, having a plurality o1' concentrically arranged apertures therein, a plurality -of selector switches below said disc, and in line with said apertures, a plurality of series of elements,- capable of disposition in said apertures in sequence to correspond to the exchange and numerical designation of station to be called, to

effect the automatic transmission of impulses corresponding to the said designation of such station, a plurality of push-buttons for effecting the operative movement of such elements, a motor for moving said disc and said elements in their predetermined order upon depression of one oi said push-buttons, means whereby, upon depression of one oi' said push-buttons only the 'station to be called, the

of said disc to elect the sequential operation of said selectorswitches by said pins.

6. In an apparatus for the automatic calling of the exchange and number of a telephone subscriber station, the combination of a single revolvable disc having a plurality of series of apertures concentrically disposed throughout the disc a, plurality of pins placed in series Within the apertures of said disc in concentric relationship, an electric motor for rotating said disc', 'a plurality of push-buttons corresponding to each of the subscriber stations to be called, a switch disposed below each of said push buttons, a Pivoted bar extending below said switches and carrying a contact element adapted to be engaged by the contact element of any one of said push button switches, a plurality of selector switches disposed beneath said disc and arranged to be contacted by said pins, the number of pins in the series corresponding -to the numerical values of the digits representing the number of the subscriber pins representing each such numerical value of each digit being separated by empty apertures in the disc, means whereby upon depression of one of said pushbuttons only the single selector switch corresponding to the depressed push-button, is actuated by said pins in the particular row of concentrically arranged apertures corresponding to said singleselector switch, to transmit electrical impulses and means for controlling the rotation of said disc to effect theV sequential operation of said selector switches by said pins.

7. In an apparatus for the automatic calling of the exchange and number of a telephone subscriber station, the combination of a revolvable disc having a plurality of series of apertures concentrically disposed throughout the disc a plurality of pins placed in series within the apertures of said disc in concentric relationship, an electric motor for rotating said disc, a, plurality of push buttons corresponding to each of the subscriber stations to be called, a plurality of selector switches disposed beneath said disc arranged to be contacted by said pins, means whereby upon depression of one of said push-buttons only the single selector switch vcorresponding to the depressed push-button, .is actuated by said pins in the particular row of 'concentrically arranged apertures corresponding to said singlev selector switch, to transmit electrical impulses and means for controlling the rotation of said disc to eiiect the operation of said selector switches by the pins, said means comprising a cam having a plurality of radially disposed slots, and a pin projecting from the surface of the disc and adapted to enter one of 'said slots.

8. In an apparatus for the automatic calling of the exchange and number of a telephone subscriber station, the combination of a revolvable disc having a, plurality of series of apertures concentrically disposed throughout the disc a plurality of pins placed in series within the apertures of said disc in concentric relationship, an electric motor for rotating said disc, a plurality of push 4buttons corresponding to each of the subscriber stations to be called, a switch disposed below each of said push buttons,` a pivoted bar extending below said switches and carrying a contact element adapted to be engaged by the contact element 'of any one of said Vpush button switches, a plurality of selector switches disposed beneath said disc arranged to be contacted by said pins, the number of pins in the series corresponding to the numerical values of the digits representing the number of the subscriber station to be called, the pins representing each such numerical value of each digit being separated by empty apertures in the disc,l means whereby upon depression of one of said push-buttons only the single selector switch corresponding to the depressed push-button, is actuated by said pins in the particular row of concentrically arranged apertures corresponding to said single selector switch, to transmit electrical impulses and means for controlling the rotation of said disc to eiIect the operation of said selector switches by the pins, said means comprising a cam having a Plurality of radially disposed slots, a. pin projecting from the surface of the disc and adapted to enter one of said slots and a pin extending from the pivoted bar and adapted to enter the diametrically opposite slot in said cam.

9. In an apparatus for the automatic calling of the exchange and number of a telephone subscriber station, the combination of a revolvable disc having a plurality of series of apertures ccncentrically disposed throughout the disc a plu- 7s rality of pins placed in series within the apertures of said disc in concentric relationship, an electric motor for rotating said disc. a plurality of push buttons corresponding to each of the subscriber stations to be called, a plurality oi' selector switches disposed beneath said disc arranged to be contacted by said pins, means whereby upon' depression of one of said push-buttons only the single selector switch corresponding to the depressed push-button, is -actuated by said pins in the particular 4row of concentrically arranged apertures corresponding to saidvsingle selector switch, to transmit electrical impulses, means for controlling the rotation of said disc to effect the operation oi said selector switches by the pins, said means comprising a cam having a plurality of radially disposed slots, a pin projecting from the surface of the disc and adapted to enter one of said slots and means for locking the pushbutton corresponding to the station to be called in its depressed position until the completion of the automatic calling of the number of said station.

10. In an apparatus for the automatic calling of the exchange and number of a telephone subscriber station, the combination of a. revolvable disc having a plurality oi series of apertures concentrically disposed throughout the disc a plurality of pins placed in series within the apertures of said disc in concentric relationship, an electric motor for rotating said disc, a plurality of push buttons corresponding to each of the subscriber stations to be called, a, switch disposed below each of said push buttons, a pivoted bar extending below said switches and carrying a contact element adapted to be engaged by the contact element of any one of said push button switches, a piurality of selector switches disposed beneath said disc arranged to be contacted by said pins, the number of pins in the series corresponding to the numerical values oi.' the digits representing the number of the subscriber station to be called, each such numerical values of each digit being separated by empty apertures in the disc, means for controlling the rotation of said disc to effect the operation of said selectorv switches by the pins, means whereby upon depression of one of said push-buttons only the single selector switch corresponding to the depressed push-button, is actuated by said pins in the particular row of concentrically arranged apertures corresponding to said single selector switch, to transmit electrical impulses and means for locking the push button corresponding to the station to be called in its depressed position until the completion oi' the automatic calling of the number of said station.

11. In an apparatus for the automatic calling of the exchange'and number of a telephone subscriber station, the combination of a revolvable disc having a plurality of series of apertures concentrically disposed throughout the disc a plurality of pins placed in series within the apertures of said disc in concentric relationship. an electric motor for rotating said disc, a plurality of push buttons corresponding to each of the subscriber stations to be called, a switch disposed below eachof said push buttons, a pivoted bar extending below said switches and carrying a contact element adapted to be engaged by the contact element of any one of said push button switches, a plurality of selector switches disposed beneath said disc arranged to be contacted by said pins. the number of pins in the series corresponding to the numerical values o! the digits representing the number of the subscriber station to be called, each such numerical values of each digit being separated by empty apertures in the disc, means whereby upon depression of one of said push-buttons only the single selector switch corresponding to the depressed push-button, is actuatedby said pins in the particular row oi' concentrically arranged apertures corresponding to said single selector switch, to transmit electrical impulses, means for controlling the rotation of said disc to eiect the operation of said selectorswitches by the pins, said means comprising.a cam having a plurality of radially disposed slots, a pin projected from the surface of the disc and adapted to enter one of said slots and a pin extending from the pivoted bar and adapted to enter the diametrically opposite slot in said cam and means for locking the push button corresponding to the station to be called in its depressed position until the completion of the automatic calling of the number of said station.

12. In an apparatus for the automatic calling of the exchange and number of a telephone subscriber' station, the combination of a revolvable disc havihg a plurality of a series of apertures concentrically disposed throughout the disc, a

digits representing the number of the subscriber station to be called, each such numerical values of each digit being separated by empty apertures in the disc, means whereby upon depression oi one of saidl push-buttons only the single selector switch corresponding to the depressed push-button, is actuated by said pins i'n the particular ,row of concentricallyarranged apertures corresponding to said single selector switch, to transmit electrical impulses and means for controlling the rotation of said disc to effect the operation of said selector switches by said pins, said means comprising -a star-wheel having a plurality of radially disposed slots, a pin projected from the surface of the disc and adapted to enterone of said slots and apin extending from the pivoted bar and adapted to enter the diametrically opposite slot in said star-wheel, and means for locking the push-button corresponding to the station to beY Vcalled in its depressed position until the completion of the automatic calling of the number oi said station, said means comprising a Peripheral recess in said push button, a horizonplurality of pins disposed in' said apertures, an

electric motor for rotating said disc. a plurality of push-buttons corresponding to each of the subscriber stations to be called, a switch disposed below each of said push-buttons, a plurality of selector switches disposedV beneath said disc in concentric relationship, the number of pins positioned in the apertures of the disc corresponding to the numerical values of the digits representing the number of the subscriber station to be called, each such numerical values of each digit being separated by empty apertures in the disc, and means for controlling the rotation of said disc 'to eect the operation .of said selector switches by said pins, means whereby upon depression vof one of said push-buttons only the single selector switch coresponding to the depressed push-button, is actuated by said pins in the particular' row of concentrically arranged apertures corresponding to said single selector switch, to transmit electrical impulses and means for locking the push button corresponding to the station to be called in its depressed position until the completion of the automatic calling of the number of said station, said means comprising f a peripheral recess in said push button, a horizontally disposed locking bar, the end of which is adapted to enter said peripheral recess and a. plurality of cam surfaces on said star-wheel adapted to pivot a vertical lever attached to said locking bar to release the end of the locking bar from within a peripheral'recess.

13. In an apparatus for the automatic calling of the exchange and number of a telephone subscriber station, the combination of a revolvable disc having a plurality of a series of apertures concentrically disposed'throughout thel disc, a plurality of pins disposed in said apertures, an electric motor for rotating said disc, a plurality o! push-buttons corresponding to each of the subscriber stations to be called, a switch disposed below each of said push-buttons, a pivoted bar extending below said switches and carrying a contact element adapted to be engaged by the contact element of any one of said push button switches, a plurality of selector switches disposed v tally disposed locking bar, the end of which is adapted to enter said peripheral recess and a plurality of cam surfaces on said star-wheel adapted to pivot a vertical lever attached to said locking bar to release the end of the locking bar from within said peripheral recess.

14. In an automatic telephone apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the means controlled by the rotation of the disc and therefore the movement of the plurality of elements, is constituted of an' electromagnet andarmature adapted to be energized upon the rotation of said disc to cause its armature to depress the switch of the transmitting/and receiving instrument so as to send a plurality of impulses corresponding to the dialing of the number of the station to be called in series, and with a short-time interval between said series of impulses.

15. The combination claimed in claim 1 in in which the mechanism for eilecting the automatic calling of a subscriber station number constitutes an independent adjunct for association with the telephone instrument without any change in the structure' of such instrument.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the selective setting of the plurality of elements is interchangeable, and is adapted for changing, at the will of the operator, the subscriber stations, the numbers of which are adapted to be automatically called.

17. The combination claimed in claim 1 in which the. mechanism for effecting the automatic calling of a subscriber station number constitutes anindependent adjunct for association with the telephone instrument without any change in the structure of such instrument, and in which the selective setting of the plurality of elements is interchangeable and is adapted for changing, at the will of the operator, the subscriber stations, the numbers of which are adapted to be automatically dialed.

18. In an automatic telephone calling system, the combination with the conventional transmitting and receiving instrument, including a dial mechanism, of a single revoluble disc a plurality of pins placed in series within the apertures of said disc in concentric relationship, means for momentarily operating, by said pins a plurality of'series of elements, the sequential disposition of which upon the face' of said dis'c corresponds to the exchange and numerical designation of a subscriber station to be called, to eiiect the automatic transmission of impulses corresponding to the said designation o! such station, a plurality oi' selector switches below said disc, and in line with a single series of said elements, a plurality ol push-buttons having individual switches for eflecting the operative movement of such elements, a motor for moving said elements in their predetermined order upon depression of one of said push buttons, and means controlled by the movement of said elements, to transmit said impulses to the telephone instrument.

i9. In an automatic telephone calling system. the combination with the conventional transmitting and receiving instrument, of a single revoluble disc a plurality of pins placed in series within the apertures of said disc in concentric relationship, means for momentarily operating, by said pins a plurality ofl series of elements, the sequential disposition of which upon the face of said disc corresponds to the exchange and numerical designation of a subscriber station to be called, to eect the automatic transmission of impulses corresponding to the said designation of such station, a plurality of push-buttons for effecting the operative movement of such elements, a motor for moving said elements in their predetermined order upon depression of one of said pushbuttons, and means controlled by the movement of said elements to transmit said impulses to the telephone instrument, the sequential disposition of said elements being interchangeable without alteration in the mechanical components of the system.

, MAURICE SAMBURG. ERNEST AMATNICK.

Images