US514462A

US514462A - Eleoteioal apparatus

Info

Publication number: US514462A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1894-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 1911-02-13

Description

(No Model.) G W- HEY 4 Sheets-:Sheet 1. ELECTRICAL APPARATUS Patented Feb. 13, 1894. [55

ATTORNEY n4: ummuhu. LIYHOGRAPHIIIG com-Arm wAsumu-mu. a. c.

(No Model.) 4 Sheets8heet 2.

G. 'W. HEY.

v BLEGTRIGAL APl ARATUS- No. 514,465. PatentedFeb. 13, 1894.

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' ATTORNE (No Model.)

- 4 Sheets-Sheet 3. w. HEY. ELEGTRIGAL APPARATUS Patented Feb. 13, 1894.- I

unk/77% W ATTORNEY THE NATIONAL LH'NQGMPHING COMPANY,

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(No ModeL) .4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

G. W. HEY. ELECTRICAL APPARATUS.

DH 0 I N E V W WITNESSES: @f w, ia/fima ATTORNEY THE NAwouAL LXTNOGRAPHING ccunm'.

UNITED STATES PATENT Prion.

GEORGE 1V. HEY, OF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK.

ELECTRICAL APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 514,462, dated February 13, 189 4.

Applicationfiled May 9, 1892. Serial No. 432,284. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

, Syracuse, in the county of Onondaga, in the State of New York, have invented new and useful Improvements in Electrical Apparatus, ofwhich the following, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a full, clear, and exact description.

My invention relates to improvements in an apparatus for electrically transmitting signals, particularly designed for use in telephonic and telegraphic service, and is somewhat similar to the apparatus described and claimed in my pending application, Serial No. 430,274, filed April 22, 1892, and it consists, essentially, in a central or main telephone station, a series of branch circuit wires connected to the main station, branch stations connected to branch circuit wires, automatically operating switches between the main station and the branch circuit wires, and between th eseveral branch stations and their respective circult wires whereby the branch stations of separate circuits may beconnected through the medium of the main station, or the branch stations of one of the circuits may be connected without the main station and in the detail construction and arrangement of the parts, all as hereinafter more particularly described and pointed out in the claims.

In describing this invention, reference is bad to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which like letters and figures indicate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure l is a diagrammatic view, illustrating the general construction and arrangement of one form of apparatus for carrying out my invention. Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of one of the series of branch stations of the apparatus shown at Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional viewof onset the detached switches, adapted to be interposed between the separate or independent circuit wires and the main and branch stations, shown as inclosed in a casing or box. Fig.4 is a front face view of the detached switch shown at Fig. 3, illustratedas in its normal position. Fig. 5 is a front face view, similar to Fig. 3, representing the terminals of the switch as just on the point of engaging one another for permitting thepassage of the current to the station connected thereto for ringing its signal. Figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 are vertical sectional detail views, representing the terminals of one of the switches in various positions for clearly illustrating the action of said switch; and Figs. 13 and let are detail sectional views, taken on lines 13-43, l4.1t, Fig. 4.

In my atoresaidprevious application I have called attention to the well known fact that the continued ringing of the bells and the liability of mistaking a telephone call. I am aware, however, that certain telephone call bell systems have been devised for calling a predetermined station of a series on a single line, but as usually constructed, these systems are dependent in operation either upon complicated mechanism, wiring, electric motors, currents of different quality and nonautomatic resetters,or are so constructed and arranged as to momentarily close the signaloperating circuits in stations other than the one to which the predetermined call is addressed.

My present signaling system, like the one set forth in my aforesaid application, Serial No. 430,274, is entirely differentiated from devices of this character, in that, it is extremely simpleand practical in construction and operation; does not, for its practical operation, require complicated wiring, electric motors, or currents of dilferent quality. Moreover, it is so constructed and arranged, that the switches at each station are automatically reset as soon as one of the signal-operating circuits is closed by the switch at any station of the series on the same circuit Wire and that the signal-operating circuit of the station to which the call is addressed is positively and effectually closed without requiring momentary closing of the signal-operating circuits at the other stations of the series.

LCD

I have illustrated, described and claimed in my aforesaid application an apparatus for electrically transmitting signals whereby a number of telephones may be connected upon a main wire and any particular telephone called at will from the main station without operating the signal bells of the other telephones.

In this invention I have sought to still further simplify the art of transmitting signals for telephonic, telegraphic and similar purposes so as to enable one station to positively and practically call another without the necessity of calling upon the central station for connection to the other station, or the inconvenience and annoyance of ringing the signal bell upon any station other than the required one.

It is well known that at present each separate station is compelled to apply to the main station for connection to another and that the main station is filled with a net-work of wires and an extensive and complicated switch board requiring constant care and numerous attendants; consequently, as by my improved. invention I enable one station to call another on either side thereof without theaid of the main station, great inconvenience and annoyance is obviated and agreat saving in the time, labor, cost and mainte-' nanceof telephonic systems efiected. To effect this result, I connect to the main station a'series of branch circuit wires, provide each of these circuit wires with a series of branch stations, and interpose between each of the circuit wires and the main and branch stations automatically operating switches so arranged, connected and constructed that any one is automatically closed and the others automatically returned to their normal position whenthe currents passed through the branch circuit wires are of a predetermined number and duration,whereby one may be automatically closed while the others remain open.

In order that my invention may be readily understood, I have here shown as one of the forms embodying the same, a simple telephonic system, but it will be evident, as will be hereinafter reiterated, that my invention is not limited to this particular form of mechanism, or to use upon telephonic systems.

-R-S-S'S S S branch stations, and -II-T-U- branch circuit wires connected to the main and branch stations.

I have here illustrated the corresponding divisions or sections I-I Il -I-I H I l25 H26 127, 'l2l T22 T23 T24 T25 T26 T27 d U21 U22 U23 U24 U25 U and U of the branch circuit wires -HT-U- as substantially parallel, and at Fig. l have shown a series of six stations connected to each circuit wire, the parts of the first branch station of each series being diagrammatically illustrated and the remaining stations being indicated by rectangles,

as the space is insufficient to diagrammatically indicate the parts of each station. The inner sections I-I T U of the wires --I-I'T- and U- are provided with terminals -1-2 and 3 connected to one end of the levers -H'T andU- of a switch H The other end of the levers -H'T-r and U are each alternately movable between terminals 45-, -6-7-, and 8--9-. The terminals at-- 6 and -8 are connected respectively to the inner ends of movable switches or keys -H T and -U having their opposite ends interposed between the terminals -10- 11., -12 13, and 14.-l5. The terminals l012- and 14- are connected respectively to one end of the wiresH T and U having their opposite ends connected to the upper end of the wire H the lower end of which is connected to the ground H and the terminals l1-13 and -15 are each connected to the upper end of a wire H having its opposite-end secured to the positive pole of a suitable'battery or other electrical generator H The negative pole of the battery -I-I-is connected by a wire H to the ground wire -H. The wires H T and U are provided with the respective-loops H T and U connected to magnets H T U adapted to close automatic switches h-, t, and -u,- interposed in the electric circuit H to which are connected suitable signals as electric bells il -T and -U The circuit I*l consists of a suitable battery or electric generator I-I a positive wire I-1 having branches H H H leading t5 the respective switches These switches htu are normally open or out of circuit and as will be presently described, are of such construction as to be closed one at a time.

The bell -H is of the usual construction and consists of a magnet -H --connected to the branch I-I a clapper or hammer -H and a vibrating shell H of the same construction as the shell -B shown in cross section at Fig. 3. The bells T and ---.U" are composed of corresponding parts 'l --U T -U and --T -U the magnets T and -U being connected, respectively, to the branches H and H of the wire H Whenthe switch -h is closed, or in circuit the current is passed through the wire -H branch H branch H magnet -H and return wire --I-1 thus bringing the bell l'l into action by striking the clapper H- upon the Vibrating shell -I-I On theeontrary,whentheswitcht-isclosed,the current passes from the wire H through the branches --I-I --H to the magnet -T and thereby causes the signal or bell ---T to operate and when the switch ais open, the current passes from the wire -H through the branches 'H H to the magnet -U and brings the bell U into action.

The rear end of thefirst section H of the branch circuit wire -H- is connected to a terminal bof the first telephone station of the series connected to said wire, as best seen at-Fig. 2.

, The outer end of a switch lever -B' of the' switch -B swings upon the terminal band the other end of said lever is movable between terminals Zl"-b The terminal-b-- is connected to one end of a switch or key --B-- having its opposite end movable between terminals -b -h connected,

respectively, to one end of the section l-l of the circuit wire -H and to the upper end of a wire B connected to the positive pole of a battery -B--.

The negative pole of the battery B is connected by a wire B to the ground H The section H of the wire H- extends from the terminal -42 through, (or in suitable proximity to) a suitable magnet -Z for operating the switch -i' of an independent circuit -I connected thereto and extends to the terminal t mer station.

pendent circuit -J- corresponding to the terminal 1, sections H H H -H -H -H H of the wire H, the terminalsh cde-fg, switch levers B-C-D'E'F-G-,terminals --b -cde-f g-, switches or keys B' -O D -E -F G and the magnets -b c -d -e --f and -g hen desired to call from the main station any of the branch stations connected to the main wire --H, the key or switch vH is depressed into contact with the terminal '1l and the current passes from the battery H through the wire -I-l terminal -ll-, switch or key -H terminal -4-, switch lever H, terminal 1 and wire section -H to the first telephone station,thence through the terminal bswitch lever --B', terminal -b-, switch or key -B terminal b wire section --H and magnet b-- of the station -B, thence through the wire sections H -'H -H finally through the wire section =-H to the The battery -H may consist of any de sired form of electric generator, the switches H2 s 2 B3 O2 G3 2 3 2 s ried or constructed and the magnets -b -c --d -e and -g may be of any suitable construction capable of being energized or brought into action by the passingcurrent and the particular form of wiring connecting the aforesaid parts may be varied at will.

The main station -A is provided with a transmitter a'- connected by a wire -a having a primary coil -a, to the negative pole of the battery H bya portion of the ground wire H and the wire -H and is connected by a wire -a to a terminal a with which is registered one end of a switch lever -0 hinged to a terminal a connected. by a wire a with a positive pole of the battery H This main station is also provided with a receiver-a connected to the ground wire -H- bya wire -e provided with a sec ondary coil a surrounding the primary coil a and connected by a wire -a to the terminals 97- and 5- with which the switch levers U''l" and H are separately registered in order to connect the receiver --a with the circuit wires UT- and -H. l

The lever 0, is independently connected to the levers -H-T and U by the respective insulating bars a a and -ct having open slots at their ends engaged with pins -aprojecting from said lever. Consequently,when either of the switch levers H"-'T"'U-:-:is recked'irom-itspositiomshown at Fig. 1; into engagementwith the correspondingoneof the terminals '-5-: 7* or -r9'",- the :lever -'-a: is I sim ultan e:- i ously shifted into engagementwith the ter minal --co and, assaid one of the levers position; asuitablespring 55 3 retracts the extremitiesiareadaptedrto register withtermt rials ---'w -w upon'th'e wires s lls-U for :1 'c'on'n'cotin g said wires together; The levers r act-20 1+ are mounted onsthe respective in- 1' v j sulatin'gp'osts -+w +w e-'and tlieiropposite 'ends-areadaptedto register with the terminals wi ew k and arl/ moan ted on the respectivewires H-'-T U- for connecting:

' the wire -"T= to either-oi the wires il 1 I The telephone station Bee connected to the circuit wire -I-l-i is provided with a 1 transmitter sews-'5 wire ""b primary coil The remaining stations OD-E-F b represents a switch or key having one end registeredwith the terminal b on the wire B and the other adapted to be brought into contact with the terminal b on the wire section H- for passing a current from the wire B through the stations ODEF and G- in the same manner as a current is passed from the wire -l-l' through the stations -B- CDEF- and -G.

The wires C D"?E and F are provided with terminals c -d e and '1 i When'desiredto call the mainstationfrom;

the first station of the seriesfoonnected to the w I wire H--'-, the switch or key --B'--'- is de- 1 1 V I {HQSSQdElBlZO contact with the terminal-'b v andthe electric'current'passes from'thebat terminal iebie iwire +3 terminal ebi-e',

tery -B through the switch or key -B +13 and wire section r switch levers-8' terminal --b-;- themain' wire section t il theterm inai dee, switch r i lever:eeH :terminalil--, switch or key l-1 terminal: o--10--;wire fit-e,- the mag a net-"41 01? thebe ll H and ground wire o '-H "Tlle bfil l li f isthus operatedand V I attracts the attention of the operator at the central office andimmediately he moves the i s witch levers -kl ii ea inte contactwi-th'the terminals ;-r5-'-' and o i-- and the userof the l I 1 f telephone atthe branch station B-1- moves It i then generated in the secondary coil+-a ++1 I 7 t which is conncctedto the'grou ndhythewire g 5 I-l'and the portion of thewire-a interposed between the coil --a and the wire I-l and said current is passed from the coil a through the opposite portion of the wire a, the receiver a--, wire a terminal -5-, switch lever H', terminal l, branch Wire section -H terminal b, switch lever B, terminal -b wire b receiver b and through the wire b to the ground. The induced current may be generated in like manner in the station -B by the passage of a current from the positive pole of the battery --B* through the wire b terminal b switch lever -b terminal b wire -b transmitter b wire -b primary coil b and wire B to the negative pole of the battery B and said induced current will pass from the secondary coilb which is connected to the ground -H by one extremity of the wire -b and by the wire B through the opposite extremity of the wire b --,the receiver 17 Wire b terminal b switch lever B, terminal b, wire section H terminal 1-, switch lever --H, terminal 5, wire a, receiver --a, and wires a and H" to the ground. It will be noted that when the switches -I-1 and B are shifted as just described, for transmitting speech from the line, so that the free ends of the lovers H'B- rest upon the terminals 5:-

series connected to thh wire -H-.-, it being" understood thatthe sections of the wire H between the main station and the branch station in circuit with the main station, are utilized for the transmission of the current and that the sections of the wire -l-I on the opposite side of said branch station remain cut out. The first branch stations -O and R- of the series connected to the sections T -U of the wires --T, U are of similar construction to the station -B,

previously described, connected to the section batteries 0 R terminals or-, -o'r -o r o-r-, magnets --0 r transmitters -o -r wires 0 -r primary coils -0 -'r wires "o -4 terminals *0- r switchlevers o r -,terminals0 F wires -o"r receivers o-r wires o secondary coils o"--*r-, wires -o r -,insulatiug bars 0 r switches or keys -0 -r terminals 0 r, 0 r circuits -X-Y, and switches ,r--g of similar construction and arrangementtothecorrespondingpartsB-- B B B*-B -B bbb -b b b b7 b8 b9 bill Z711 bl2 bl3 b14 bl5 bl0 b -b -b ZJ -b -b Ii of the telephone stat-ion .B-. The remaining stations -P-P-P --P P and SS-- 8 -3 -3 of the separate series of branch stations connected to the respective wires -TU- are here indicated only by rectangles as previously stated, but it will be evident that they are composed of parts similar in construction and arrangement to those of the first stations -OR connected to said wires -TU- and just described.

The described main station -A and branch stations BCD-E--F-G, -O-P-P'P P -P ,RSS S S S may be of any desirable form, size, and construction, and I have here described only a simple form thereof, it being understood that any construction and arrangement of electric generators, wires, connections, receivers and transmitters, suitable for use in the transmission and reproduction of sound may be used.

U and -H T U of the bells n T and U previously described, but it will be evident that these signals or bells may be of any desired construction capable of being set in motion through the medium of an electric current. As these bells -B -C may be'of any desirable form, size and con structionto attract the attention of the operator at the stations provided therewith, it is unnecessary to f urtherillustrate and describe said parts, especiallyas at Fig. 3 I have, in illustrating the switch i-,presently described,

of the bell--B in enlarged scale as operat-ively mounted on the casing 1inclosing the switch z. The switches -ij-7c-l mnm y are of si m ilar construction and arrangement and I have here illustrated, at Figs. 3, a, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, the switch z' of the first telephone-station B connected to the wire H-. This switch consists of a movable disk --i', which forms a support for the terminal 1? and is provided with ratchet teeth t' upon its periphery, a resetter or spring i* for returning the disk or terminal support to its normal position, an actuator or lever i carrying a terminal adapted to be brought into registration with the terminal -1? for closiug the circuit I and carrying a dog i' for engaging the teeth -t' of the disk i' and partially rotating said disk on its pivot i and a stop or dog -t' for holding the disk or terminal supporti in its adjusted position. The switch 'i is preferably mounted in a frame or box I'-, Fig. 3, which may be arranged in suitable proximity to the ordinary telephone frame or box, not necessary to herein illustrate, adaptedto support the parts of the telephone station B, and may, if desired, be a part of said box. The pivot i for the disk iis, as best seen at Fig.3, journaled in the walls of the case 1"- and oneend of the spring-z' is rigidly secured to said pivot and the other to the disk ifor automatically forcing said disk to its normal position with the stop i thereon in contact with the stop z' provided upon the frame I. upon the pivot 2l and extends outwardly beyondtheperipheryofthe disk e"and the terminal i on said lever is arranged midway hetween its extremities ata point directly above the outer portion of the disk 'i'-. This terminal -z' consists, preferably, ofa

screw inserted into the side of an insulating block 'll secured by screws i to the under faoe of the lever -t' and formed with the head --rI projecting upwardly in a side out out z' in the lever. The outer endof IIC The lever z"" is hinged 7 the lever z' is deflected downwardly and iinto engagement with the ratchet teeth -?l*., The magnet -Z is in proximity to one end of the lever i which is provided with an armature --1l opposite to the pole thereof and when the magnet is energized by the current passed therethrough in calling the station -B, the lever t' is drawn forwardly as shown by an arrow at Fig. t, and the disk -i is thereby partially rotated. The dog t' for holding the disk from return movement consists of a bell crank lever having one arm provided with a tooth t' adapted to engage the teeth t" of the disk 'L and the other with a projecting lug -t and is supported upon the pivot projecting from the wall of the outer case I". A lever "11 is pivoted on a post 7, projecting from the case 1'-- and is provided at one end with a slot t' registered with the lug -1?- and at the other with an armature -i adapted to be drawn toward the magnet -h when the same is energized, thus disengaging the tooth 7l from the teeth vl to permit retraction of the disk z"- to its normal position by the spring i represents a cam mounted on a post -W- and adapted to engage a shoulder -t' on the dog t'*- and force the same as the lever -t' is drawn forward by the magnet --b out of engagement with the teeth -z' against the action of the spring t surrounding said dog for throwing the same into action. It will thus be understood that when the armatures -t" and -1l are in engagement with the magnet b the dog -z' and the tooth -z' are out of engagement with the teeth t' in order to permit retraction of the disk --i by the spring -i and that when the main circuit is broken immediately after being closed to effect the energization of the magnet b the lever-vF-is forced to its normal position byaspring-t bearingagainst thesame,the dog 17- is then engaged with the teeth -t' by the'spring -i and rides over said teeth against the action of said spring -t' and the tooth --c'- of the dog --z" is forced into instant engagement with the teeth z by a spring -t' bearing against the dog 2'-. The movement of the lever t' and the length of the teeth -t' are so proportioned with reference to each other that by each movement of the lever, the disk z"- is rotated forwardly a tooth and a half, but when the main circuit is instantly broken and the tooth z' forced against the teeth z''-, the spring retracts said disk a half a tooth, so that the actual advance of the diskis but a single tooth, although the same moves forwardly a tooth and a half, since the disk also moves backwardly a half a tooth with each forward movement. This peculiar construction of the parts insures positive and automatic return of the diskshould the current passed through the wire -H- and the magnet b be of considerable duration, since the dog z' and the tooth 2'- are then held out of engagement with the teeth z' and the spring 1l instantly returns said disk to its normal position. On the contrary, when said current is of short duration, the dog -t' is instantly returned and engages the disk z"-- without permitting the retraction thereof for more than half a tooth. It is thus evident that when a series of consecutive currents of short duration are passed through the magnet-N- by rapidly closing and breaking the circuit through the wire H, the disk t" rotates forwardly one tooth for each pulsation of current passed through the main wire and when the current of long duration is passed through the magnet b the disk is immediately retracted to its normal position. The disk c" is formed with a concentric groove or slot -t' arranged directly beneath the terminal and the groove is provided with serrations or notches i in its longitudinal edges.

represents a head or box supported in the groove and formed with shoulders i resting upon the top and bottom faces of said disk, which is preferably reinforced along the edges of the slot z' The head is held from rearward lengthwise movement in the slot -t' by a plate 1l engaged with the serrations --7; in the edges of the slot -i and from forward movement by a spring t' having one end engaged with the forward face of the head t' and the other with a plate t' corresponding to the plate 1l It will thus be noted that the terminals t 'and -'i" are separated one from the other, and that, as the lever 2' rotates the disk --.1l', the terminals are approximated for opening the circuit -I and bringing the bell B into action to attract the attention of the user of the station -l I In order that. the approximation of the terminals may be readily perceived, I have, at Figs. 6 to 12 inclusive illustrated the movements of said terminals from their extreme separated position to their position assumed when in contact.

At Fig. 6 the terminals are in their extreme separated position, and, as clearly seen in this View, the terminal -i is forced downwardly by a coilspring -t' bearing against ashoulder -t' on said terminal. As the lever --1l moves forwardlyfrom its position'shown at Fig. 6, it carries with it the disk -i' and the terminal t' until it assumes its position shown at Fig. 7 and upon reference to these figures it will be noted that therelative distance between the terminals -1?- and -i has not been changed. As-soon, however, as upon the breaking of the 'main circuit, the lever i is retracted by the spring 1? to its position shown by dotted lines at Fig. 7, and full lines at Fig. 8, the terminals i and i are somewhat approximated, since the disk is held by the dog 2' from backward movement after having been retracted a half tooth by the spring -1I ICC The terminal a? projects beneath the head t and directly in the path of the projecting end thereof is a cam t"- for raising said terminal upwardly against the action of' At Fig. 6 theprojectingendot the terminal is shown at its greatest separation from this cam t',' at Fig. 7 it has approached the cam .t: a distance corresponding to the forward rotation of the disk -i'- a single tooth,

and atFig. 8, which represents the parts as in the position when the lever z' has twice moved the disk forward, it has still further approached the cam -2'. The current being quickly broken when the lever i is in its position shown by full lines at Fig. 8, it moves backwardly to its position shown by dotted lines at Fig. 8, thus approximating the terminals -1?- and t" suificiently so that the upper end of the terminal -t' is directly beneath the forward edge of the lever 'i but, owing to the presence of the insulating block t' directly above said terminal the passage of electricity between the terminal r?- and lover t' is absolutely prevented.

At Fig. 9 I have shown the parts in the position assumed when the lever t' has rotated the disk "t" a third "tooth, and, although the relat-ive approximation of the terminals -i 2'- has not varied from that j ust, described, the lower end of the terminal -i is at the foot of the upward inclination of the cam -i--. The lever t' when re tracted by the spring c' from its position shown by full lines at Fig. 9 assumes its position shown by dotted lines at said figure and moves from above the terminal --i As the lever -t' moves the disk -i'-- a fourth tooth the terminal 4 is forced upwardly by the cam 1I against the action of its spring --t'-, and, if the electric current is of duration sufficiently long to permit the return movement of the disk i'-'-, the terminal-fiim mediately contacts with the terminal 'z'- and the circuit--I- is closed. Owing to the contact of said terminals, the head 1l -isheld from retraction and the spring c' is compressed by the return movement of the disk t". When the main circuit is broken thelever -i moves to its position shown by dotted lines at Fig. 10, the

spring Z forces the head -Z rearceding, the lever -z' returns to its normal position, and moves above the post -i movable through insulatingbushings z' in the head ---2'-. lfthe fifth current is then of z', and, when the disk i returns, the

insulatingpost encounters the terminal -i as shown by dotted lines at Fig. 12, thus preventing the contact of the terminals 1l i and the closing of the circuit I. It will thus be seen that the terminals z' and t"'- can only come into contact when three currents of short duration are passed through the branch circuit wire H-- and are followed by a fourth of longer duration, and that should but three consecutive currents of either equal or unequal duration be passed through the main circuit, the switch i will be automatically reset and that should, as described, four currents of short duration be followed by one of either long or short duration, an insulating post intervenes between said terminals. The terminals -z' and i may, however, be so relatively arranged as to vary the number of currents of short duration required in connection with one of long duration to bring said terminals into contact, since the terminal t' may be moved on either side of its position shown at Figs. 4 and 5 by removing the stop plate forcing the head t' to the desired position, and returning the plate -i into engagement with the serrations i to form a stop for said head.

The circuit I-- consistsof a positive wire F- from a battery I"- to the pivot i of the disk t", the negative wire -I from the negative pole of the battery I to the magnet -B of the bell B and the wire -1 from the magnet "B to the terminal -.-t'

As previously stated, the terminal z" is insulated from the lever i and consequently, there is no flow of electricity through the switch -'i until the terminals 7? and ?l are in contact. As the lever i is continuously in movement when the current is passing, I obviate wear on the wire -l to the greatest possible extent by winding the same around the pivotal pin t'*' and running the same lengthwise of the lever -z until the terminal -t" is reached.

As described, a separate battery I is used for the circuit I-, but it is evident that the battery B* may be provided with an extra pair of positive and negative poles connected to the wires -I l -I or that any other suitable electric generator may be used, and that the circuit -I- is not limited to any particular form of wiring.

The circuits JKLMN-X and Y are each shown as composed of1part's 3 corresponding to the like parts I I The switches -htu of the circuit I-I previously described, which bring into action the respective bells l-l 'l of the main station, are also constructed in the same manner as the switch t and are composed of corresponding parts as movable disks h'tu, terminals -h -t u levers h --t -u terminals h tu, slots -h -t u heads h i 2t springs -h -t 'u, and insulating posts h t u corresponding in construction and operation to the like parts rl-i t i i -i and i of the switch i'. It is therefore unnecessary to illustrate, in enlarged views, any of these switches h-t uj7c-Z-m-nxy-, it being understood that their respective terminals-h h t 25 u u, -j j -7c lc PZ", m m n n :u .'x; -y -y and the terminals vl -vj of the switch --i are of unequal separation. To illustrate: the terminals h -h are separated but slightly so that they are approximated by the forward movement of the disk -i'-a tooth and a half and the return movement of the disk a tooth and a half occasioned by the passage of a single current oflong duration through the circuit -I-I The terminals --t t are separated twice as far as the terminals -h .h and are approximated by the passage through the circuit I-l of a current of short duration followed by one of long duration. Theterminals to u are separated three times as far as the terminals h h and are approximated by two currents of short duration followed immediately by one of long duration and as just fully described, the terminals i t' are approximated by the passage of three currents of short duration followed by one-0t long duration.

Each pair of the terminals -j 7' ,-7t l -Z m -m are separated a greater distance than the terminals of the switch next in advance thereof so as to be approximated by the passage of a current of long duration followed by a number of currents of short duration exceeding the number of currents of short duration for approximating the next preceding station when followed by a current 0t long duration.

As illustrated, the terminals --x x -y y are separated the same distance as the terminals i -i-- but they may be separated a greater distance than the terminals of the last stations G-P of the series of branch stations connected to the branch wires HT-- This unequalseparation of the terminals of the respective switches -h-- m n x y when the currents of short 7 duration passed through the circuit wires -HT-Uare in excess of the number designed to approximate said terminals when followed by a current of long duration; in the same manner that the terminals-i 4l are separated by the post ---i when four currents of short duration are followed by one of long duration. It will also be evident that the disks ht-u'-i-jZo-lm n0cy are automatically returned to position when a current of long duration is passed through the magnets H T U b5 5 d5 5 5 5 5 5 As previously stated, I have not herein illustrated the stations -PP-P -P -P SS-S S --S but have only indicated said stations by rectangles. It will be evident, however, that these stations are also provided with switches corresponding to, and operating in the same manner as, those previously described, and so arranged that the terminals of the switches of the branch stations of each series are of unequal separation in the same manner as the terminals -t' i j -j 7c 7o PZ, m -m and -n n of the stations -BODEF G- of the seriesjust described and connected to the circuit wire H are separated. These switches h tu 1' j-7cZ-m-nx y and the switches of the stations P PP P P SS'S S S not illustrated nor described are a simple form of mechanism for carrying out my invention and may be of any desired form, size and construction to attain the desired end, that is, the bringing into action of a particular or predetermined signal of a series of connected stations without bringing the signals of any of the other stations into action.

As hereinbefore stated, the operator at one of the stations, as F-, who wishes to call the central station, depresses the key F into contact with the terminal -f and the electric current passes through the wire -H- and theinterveningstations E.DO-B to the central station A-- and rings the bell -H thus attracting the attention of the operator at the main station. As each of these stations E-D-'-O-B and --A- are provided with normally open switches -l7cj-i-hhaving their terminals of ICC unequal separation, the operator, at the branch station F, can ring any of said stations by regulating the number and duration of the consecutive currents passed through the wire I-I- by the ,contact of the key -F and with the terminal and the withdrawal or" said key from the terminal f*- in thesame mannerthat, as previously described, the operator at the main station rings the signal bell of either of the branch stations connected thereto. Consequently, great inconvenience and annoyance in the use of telephones is obviated and a great saving in the costand maintenance of telephone systems efiected since one of the branch stations connected to the same wire can call, without the aid, or even the knowledge of the main station, any other station connected on the same wireinterposed between said branch station and the main station.

The station -F is provided with a switch or key--f and with terminals f and -f mounted, respectively, on the wires F and H as previously described, and when the switch...f is in contact with the terminal -f an electric current is sent from the battery -F -through the wire section H and if the number and duration of the currents passed through the wiresection -lI correspond to the number and duration of currents for bringin,s the terminals -n n into contact, the bell G is brought into action thus attracting the attention of the operator at station G-.

As previously described, each of the stations BCD-EF is provided with keys b -,c d e terminals h c d21 21, f21 d b22 22 d22 22 :f22 whereby any of these stations may pass an electric current through the outer or succeeding sections of the wire -H- and the succeeding branch stations connected thereto.

The stations -O- and --R of the series of branch stations connected to the wires .-T-U have been described as provided with keys -o -r and terminals --0 r -'-o r and it will be readily understood that the stations PP'P -P -SS S S are provided with corresponding switches and terminals. It will thus be readily understood that by my invention any branch station connected to a single wire may call, without the aid of the central station, a branch station on either side thereof, that the central ofice is called by a branch station only when desired to connect with a branch station on a separate wire, as if the station -B- wishes to connectwith the station O and that as the switch at one station is automatically closed, those at the others are automatically returned to their normal position.

It will be evident that the number of stations connected to a single wire may be varied at will; that the connections or wiring between the separate stations may also be varied and that, as previously described, the switches for controlling the action of the respective signals of the stations may also be greatly varicd without departing from the spirit of my invention, which I do not limit to the precise features of detail construction and arrangement.

The operation of my invention will be readily perceived from the foregoing description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings, and it will be particularly noted that the essential feature thereof is a method of transmitting signals, and an apparatus for connecting telephone or other stations so that the stations are divided into series so arranged and connected that any one of the series may call another of the same series or may call a central office for connection with astation of another series. Moreover, as each of the stations is provided with an electric generator, several pairs of stations may be simultaneously connected on the same wire and several messages may be simultaneously transmitted, as for instance, when six stations are connected to the same wire, the first and second, third and fourth, and fifth and sixth stations may be automatically connected as described.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same consisting of a main station, branch circuit wires connected to the main station, branch stations connected to the branch circuit wires, automatically operatingswitches, as 7ztu-, at the main station connected to the branch circuit wires, and like op-' erating switches as -t'jkZmn-0- and r in the branch circuit wires at the branch stations; whereby the branch stations of separate circuits are connected through themedium of the main station or the branch stations of one of the circuits are connected without the medium of the mainstation, and magnets at each branch station connected to said circuit wires for automatically closing one of said switches and simultaneously returning the others to their normal position, substantially as set forth.

2. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a main station, circuit wires connected to the main station,

branch stations connected to the circuit wires,

each being provided with a signal operating electric circuit, normally open switches at the branch stations, each being provided with a movable mechanism for closing and breaking the signal operating circuit and a stop for-'- tus, the same consisting of a main telephone station, branch circuit wires connected to the main station, branch stations connected to the branch circuit wires, automatically operating switches as ht-ui-g'-7cZ- m-n0- and 1" between the main station and the branch circuit wires and between the branch stations and their respective wires said switches being provided with movable mechanisms and with stops therefor whereby the branch stations of separate circuits are connected through the medium of the main station, or the branch stations of one of the circuits are connected without the medium of the main station, and movable resetters connected to said movable mechanisms for retracting the same when the stops therefor are out of operative position, substantially as specified.

4. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a main station, a circuit wire connected to the main station, branch stations connected to the circuit wire, independent signal operating electric circuits for the main and branch stations, normally open switches at said stations, each be ing provided with a movable mechanism for closing'and breaking the signal operating circuit and with a stop for holding a portion of said movable mechanism inits adjusted position, and magnets at said stations connected to' said movable mechanisms and to said stops and provided with armatures for operating said mechanisms to close the signal operating circuits and for actuating the stops out of their operative position, substantially asand for the purpose set forth.

5. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a main station, a circuit wire connected to the main station, branch stations connected to the circuit wire, independent signal operating electric circuits for the main and branch stations, normally open switches at said stations, each being provided with a movable mechanism for closing and breaking the signal operating circuit and astop for holding a portion of said movable mechanism in its adjusted position, magnets at said stations connected to said movable mechanisms and to-said stops and provided with armatures for operating said mechanisms to close the signal operating circuits and for actuating the stops out of operative position, and a series of movable resetters connected to said movable mechanisms for retracting the same when the stops are out of their operative position, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

6. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a main station, circuit Wires connected to the main station, branch stations connected to the circuit wires, a terminal at each of the branch stations, a second terminal at each of the branch stations arranged to move from its normal position into contact with the first terminal, suitable actuating mechanisms between the circuit wires and the second terminals for moving the same into contact with the first terminals, a magnet at each station and a plurality of armatures operated by each magnet, said armatures being connected to operate said terminal actuating mechanisms and electrical cu rrent generators at the main and branch stations independently operating said actuating mechanisms, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

7. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a main station, circuit wires connected to the main station, branch stations connected to the circuit wires,

a plurality of armatures at each of the branch stations connected, substantially as described, to the circuit wires, and normally separated circuit terminals at each of said branch stations, connected, substantially as described, to said plurality of armatures, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

8. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a main station, circuit wires connected to the main station, branch stations connected to the circuit wires, electric magnets at the branch stations, normally separated electriccircuit terminals at each of said branch stations, and a plurality of armatures for each of said magnets connected, substantially as described, to said terminals, sustantially as and for the purpose set forth.

9. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a main station, a circuit wire connected to the main station, branch stations connected to the circuit wire, normally separated terminals at each of said stations, and a plurality of armatures at each of said stations connected, substantially as described, to said circuit wire and to said terminals, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

10. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a main station, circuit wires connected to the main station, branch stations connected to the circuit wires, a terminal at each of the branch stations, a second terminal at each of the branch stations, a magnet at each station, and-a plurality of armatures operated by each magnet and connected to the corresponding terminals for antomatically connecting and disconnecting the same and electrical current generators at the main and branch stations, substantially as and for the purpose described.

11. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a main station, circuit wires connected to the main station, branch stations connected to the circuit wires, normally separated terminals at each of the branch stations, an automatically returning movable support at each branch station for connecting the separated terminals at said station, stops for holding the movable supports in their adjusted position, magnets connected to the circuit wires and provided with armatures connected to said movable ICC supports for operating the same to connect the terminals and connected to said stops for holding the same out of their operative position when one of the switches is closed, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

12. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a main station, circuit wires connected to the main station, branch stations connected to the circuit wires, normally separated terminals at each of the branch stations,a movable support at each station for connecting the terminals at said station, stops for holding the movable supports in their adjusted position, magnets connected to the circuit wires and provided with armatures connected to said movable supports for operating the same to connect the terminals and connected to said stops for holding the same out of their operative position when one of the switches is closed, and resetters for automatically returning the su pports when one of the switches is closed,substantially as and for the purpose specified.

13. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a main station, circuit wires connected to the main station, switches between the main station and the circuit wires, each provided with normally separated terminals, and with a movable support for connecting said terminals, branch stations connectedtothe circuitwires,switches between the circuit wires and their respective stations each provided with normally separated terminals and with a movable support for connecting said terminals, stops for bolding the movable supports of the switches in their adjusted positions, magnets connected to the circuit wires and provided with armatures connected to saidniovable supports for operating the same to connect the terminals and connected to said stops for holding the same out of their operative position when one of the switches is closed, and resetters for automatically returning the supportswhen one of the switches is closed, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

14. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a circuit wire, stations connected to the circuit wire, generators at each of the stations, and connections between each station and the portions of the circuit wire on opposite sides thereof for passing a current from the generators at said stations through opposite sides of the circuit wire, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

15. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a circuit wire, stations connected to the circuit wire automatic switches between each of the stations and the circuit wire for connecting said stations to the circuit wire, generators at each of the stations, and connections between each station and the portions of the circuit wire on opposite sides thereof for passing a current from the generator through opposite sides of the circuit wire, and automatically closing one of said switches, substantially as and'for the purpose specified.

16. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same comprising a main station, branch circuit wires connected to the main station, branch stations connected to the branch circuit wires, automatically operating switches between the main station and the branch circuit wires and between the several circuit wires and their respective branch stations, electric generators at the branch stations, and connections between the branch stations and the portions of the circuit wires on opposite sides thereof for passing a cur-' rent from the generators at said stations through opposite sides of said circuit wires, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

17. The herein described electrical'apparatus, the same comprising a circuit wire, stations connected to said wire and provided with normally broken electric circuits and with signals adapted to be brought into op- (nation by the closing of the normally broken circuits, normally open switches connected to the normally broken circuits for automatically closing the same, magnets at said stations connected to said switches for automatically closing the said switches one at a time and closing the'normally open signal operating circuits connected thereto, electric generators at said stations, and connections between the branch stations and the portions of the circuit wire on opposite sides thereof for passing a current from the generators through the opposite sides of said wire, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

18. The herein described electrical apparatus, the same consisting of a main station, branch circuit wires connected to the main station, switching mechanism at the main station for connecting said branch circuit wires, automatically operating switches as ht uat the main station connected to the branch circuit wires, signal mechanisms at the main station connected to said switches, like operating switches as -'ij7cZ-mnoand --rin the branch circuit wires at the branch stations, signals at the branch stations, generators at each of the stations and connections between each branch station and the portions of the circuit wires on opposite sides thereof for passing a current from the generators at said stations through opposite sides of the circuit wire, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name, in the presence of two at testing witnesses, at Syracuse, in the county of Onondaga,in the State of New York, this 22d day of April, 1892.

GEORGE W. HEY.

Witnesses:

CLARK I-I. Neuron, L. M. BAXTEE.