US520127A

US520127A - Electric annunciating apparatus

Info

Publication number: US520127A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1894-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 1911-05-22

Description

(No Model.) 10 Sheets-Sheet 1.

H. E. WALTER.

ELECTRIC ANNUNGIATING APPARATUS.

No. 520,127. Patented May 22,1894.

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(No Model.) 10 Sheets-Shet 2.

H. E. WALTER.

ELEGTRIG ANNUNOIATING APPARATUS.

No. 520 627. Patented May 22,1894.

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(No Model.) 10 Sheets-Sheet 3.

- H. E. WALTER.

ELECTRIC ANNUNGIATING APPARATUS.

No. 520,127. Patented May 22,1894.

(No Model.) 1o Sheets-Sheet 4.

H. E. WALTER.

ELECTRIC ANNUNGIATING APPARATUS. No. 520,127. azented May 22. 1894.

(No Model.) 10 Sheets8heet 5.

' H. E; WALTER.

. ELBGTRIG ANNUNGIATING APPARATUS. No. 520,127. Patented May 239%94.

(No Mddl.) 1o Sheets-Sheet e.

H. E. WALTER.

ELECTRIC ANNUNGIATING APPARATUS. No. 520,127. Patented May 22, 1894.

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(No Model.) 10 Sheets-Sheet 7.

H. E. WALTER. ELEGTRIG ANNUNGIATING APPARATUS- No. 520,127. Patented May 22,1894.

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(No Model.) 10 Sheets-Sheet 8.

H. E. WALTER.

. ELECTRIC ANNUNGIATING APPARATUS.

No. 520,127. Patented May 22, 1894.

(No Model.) 10 Sheets-fihaet 9.

H. E. WALTER. ELECTRIC ANNUNGIATING APPARATUS. No. 520,127. Patented May 22, 1894.

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ELECTRIC ANNUNGIATING APPARATUS.

No. 520,127. Patented May '22. 1894.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HORACE E. WVALTER, OF RICHFIELD SPRINGS, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR, BY

MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL MANUFACTUR-' ING COMPANY, OF MILFORD, CONNECTICUT.

ELECTRIC ANNUNCIATING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 520,127, dated May 22, 1894.

Application filed July 23, 1891. Serial No. 400,484. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HORACE E. WALT R, of Richfield Springs, in the county of Otsego and State of New York, have invented a new Improvement in Electric Annunciating Apparatus; and I do hereby declare the following, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and the letters and figures of reference marked thereon, to be a full, clear,

[0 and exact description of the same, and which said drawings constitute part of this specification, and represent, in-

Figure 1, a view in front elevation of the combined main-receiver and switch-board of the central-station apparatus, this view also showing a telephone. Fig. 1, is a similar View showing the variable-signal transmitter of the centralstation apparatus, together with the plug which is used in connection with the switch-board of the preceding figure, the case of the said transmitter containing also the rheotome which co-operates with it. Fig. 2, is a broken view in inside elevation of the main-receiver, and principally 2 5 showing the gang-switch, the circular series of terminals and the revolving circuit-closer thereof.- Fig. 3 is a similar view principally showing the locating and the signal-trains and the restoring-lever of the said main-re- 3o ceiver. Fig. 4, is a broken view of the mainreceiver in vertical central section with its door closed. Fig. 4, is a small vertical section on the line CL-b of Fig. 2, of the right hand end of the gang-switch. Fig. 5, is a simplified vertical section of the main-receiver, and designed to show the gang-switch freed from the other elements thereof. Fig. 6, is a broken view in front elevation of the movement of the main-receiver and particu- '0 larly showing the heart-shaped cam of the Want-train, and the winding mechanism for winding the springs of both the locating and want trains. Fig. 7, is abrokenview in front elevation of the mechanism of the variable 4 5 signal-transmitter located at the central-station. Fig. 8, is a broken view in vertical central section of the mechanism shown in the preceding figure. Fig. 9, is a detached view of the dial of the said transmitter. Fig. 10,

is a detached view of the rheotome which is located in the lower portion of the case inclosing the said transmitter with which it is in circuit as shown. Fig. 1l ,isa View in elevation of a specialized 1amp-post such as may be used to constitute a sub-station and to con- 5 5 tain the several elements thereof. Fig. 12, is a view partly in section and partly in elevation showing the interior of the box of the said post and the several instrumentalities therein contained. Fig. 12 is an enlarged view in central horizontal section through the variable-signal transmitter of the sub-station on the line 0-01 of Fig. 12. Fig. 13, is a view partly in elevation and partly in vertical section of the upper section of the lamp-post and showing the visual-signal and the mechanism for turning the gas on and off. Fig. 14-, is another and larger view of the box of the lamppost and particularly showing the devices for tripping the visual signal so as to permit it to be displayed. Fig. 15, is a view showing the Variable-signal receiver and transmitter of the sub-station, together with elements of the visual-signal tripping mechanism, the case normally covering all of the said parts having been removed. Fig. 16, is a view in elevation of the mechanism of the citizens transmitter located at the sub-station. Fig. 17, is a plan view of the said mechanism. Fig. 18, is a detailed plan view showing the handle-lever and its spring-mounted beveled pin in its relation to the fingered end of the operating-lever with which the said pin cooperates. Fig. 19, is a sectional View of the hub of this instrument and the cutout fingers which engage it. Fig. 20 is a diagrammatic view of the circuits at the central-station together with some of the parts thereat. Fig. 21, is a diagrammatic view of the circuits at a sub-station, together with some of the parts thereat. go

This invention relates to an improved electric annunciating apparatus, of that class in which a series of variable-signal transmitters located at sub-stations are connected with a main receiver located at a central-station and 9 5 arranged to locate the sub-stations and reproduce the signals to which the instruments at the samemre set, the apparatus herein shown being adapted for police service,but containing many features available for use in hotelannnnciators.

The objects of the present invention are as follows, vizz-To provide for avoiding the accidental starting of the main-receiver at the central-station owing to a too great reduction in the resistance of the resistances placed in the line, by arranging the sub-stations and hence the resistance magnets, in groups composed so that their location on the same line will not reduce the resistance therein, sufficiently to permit the starting-magnet of the main-receiver to be operated. To provide for restoring the variable-signal transmitters to their normal adjustments by automatic mechanism controlled by the current, instead of relying upon the current itself to do the work. To provide for the central-station a gangswitch adapted to simultaneously cut in and cutout all of the sub-stations. To provide a simple, compact and safe citizens-transmitter having its key and circuit-changing mechanisms isolated, and furnishing it With a supplemental private wire attachment. To provide for automatically turning the gas off and on at the sub-stations simultaneously with the exposure and retirement of the visual-signal thereat, and to increase the efficiency of the class of apparatus to which the invention belongs, and to reduce the expense of construction and of attention, maintenance and repair.

W'ith these ends in view, my invention consists in certain details of construction and combinations of parts as will be hereinafter described and pointed out in the claims.

In carrying out the invention, the central station is provided with a main-receiver having independent electrical connection with each of the sub-stations, and adapted to be started therefrom, and to automatically locate them and reproduce signals sent in from them; a switch-board which, as shown in the accompanying drawings, is combined with the said main-receiver; a telephone outfit, a variable-signal transmitter, a rheotome connected with the magnet of the said transmitter, and as herein shown located in the same case therewith; a relay, and a register connected therewith. The particular construction and operation of the devices above mentioned, will be fully described later on.

In independent electric connection with a central-station equipped with the above mentioned apparatus, or equivalents thereof, is placed a series of sub-stations of approved construction, and distributed throughout the field under surveillance, in the beats of the several olficers stationed therein. The said sub-stations may take a variety of forms, but preferably they will have the form of specialized lamp-posts, and are so shown herein. Each of these lamp-posts is provided with a visual-signal, adapted to be electrically displayed under the'control of apparatus at the central-station, or mechanically from the post itself. Each lamp-post also contains a variable-signal receiver, adapted to co-operate with the variable-signal transmitter of the central-station a variable-signal transmitter adapted to co-operate with the main-receiver of the central-station; a citizens-transmitter also adapted to co-operate with the said mainreceiver; a telephone outfit; and a switch for use with a portable-transmitter, designed to be carried by a policeman in his pocket.

The particular construction and the operation of the devices above enumerated will also be described later on.

The main-receiver which is located at the central-station, is designed, as herein shown, for use in connection with one hundred sub stations, and has a case A, provided with a door B,carrying upon its outer face a dial 0, displaying a circular series of numbers extending from 1 to 100, running from right to left, and beginning at the center of its upper edge. The said numbers are specified by means of a locating-indicator D, arranged to sweep over them, and secured to a rotating spindle E, projecting centrally through the dial, the said indicator being normally at rest, and started and swept over the dial when the apparatus is set in motion, from any one of the sub-stations and then stopped against the number identifying the sub-station calling. Within the said series of numbers, signals or wants, chosen With special reference to the work which the apparatus is to do, are arranged in a circular series of compartments F, and specified by a signal-indicator G, normally at rest over the zero or uppermost compartment, and secured to a sleeve l-I, encircling the spindle E, aforesaid.

By opening the door B, of the case A, a flat frame I, removably secured to the back of the case is disclosed. This frame contains a contact-button J, for each of the whole number of sub-stations, each button being connected by an independent wire K, (see Fig. 4,) with binding-screws K, located in the top A of the case, as shown by Figs. 4 and 20 of the drawings. \Vires K (see Fig. 20,) lead from the said buttons J, through an opening I (see Fig. 4), in the frame I, to corresponding terminal plates L, arranged in a circle, and insulated each from the other in a flat rubber-disk L, secured to an annular metallic plate L held off from the frame I, by means of pillars L secured to and projecting forward from a corresponding plate L rigidly secured to the frame I, and inclosing the opening I therein. The said terminal plates L constitute in effect the terminals of the special or line wires M, (see Fig. 20) leading to the bindingscrews K of the respective sub-stations. A ring N, lo-

cated in the circuitof the main-receiver, is arranged concentrically within the circular series of terminalplates L, and insulated therefrom in the rubber disk L. A rotating circuit-closer designed to form electrical connection between the several terminal plates L, and the said concentric ring N, consists of an arm 0, secured midway of its length to a small disk 0', (see Fig. 4,) of rubber, or equivalent insulating material, the said disk being mounted upon a short shaft 0 having its inner end journaled in abearingO and its outer end journaled in a three-armed frame 0 which has the ends of its arms secured to the circular metallic plate L before mentioned. One end of the arm 0, is provided with three spring-fingers 0 arranged to trail over the terminal plates L as the circuit-closer is rotated, the said springs being longitudinally bowed to conform to the circle in which the plates are arranged. Three springs are used so as to be sure of securing a good contact with the plates. The other end of the arm 0, is provided in Fig. 4 with three spring fingers, and in Fig. 2 with one corresponding spring finger 0 arranged to engage with the concentric ring N, and longitudinally bowed to conform to the circle thereof. The extreme outer end of the shaft 0 has rigidly secured to it a locking-wheel P, which is therefore perman ently and positively coupled with the circuit-closer, whereby the integrity of the relations between the same and the locking-wheel is always preserved, and reliability of operation secured. The face teeth of the said wheel P, are engaged by the short arm of a locking-lever P, pivoted to the frame 0 at a point below the wheel, and having the free end of its loiig arm notched to adapt it to be engaged with a catch formed at the lower end of an armature P hung from its upper end in bearings P and located in the presence of the poles of a magnet P secured to the frame I, as shown by Fig. 2 of the drawings. From the function that it performs, this magnet P* will be hereinafter called the lockingmagnet of the apparatus. A spring P attached to the upper end of the armature P and adapted to be adjusted in tension, is provided for controlling the action of the same. A spring P attached at one end to the long arm of the lever P, and at its other end to a movable arm P connected with the frame 0 is provided for engaging the short arm of the saidlever with the locking-wheel P the moment the long arm of the lever is released by the armature P The contact-buttons J, are arranged in parallel vertical rows in the upper portion of the frame I, and are normally engaged by circuit-closers in the form of bifurcated contact springs Q, attached to the inner faces of perpendicular bars Q, arranged side by side, and secured to the inner face of a long, heavy horizontal metal bar Q attached to the upper ends of two heavy upright bars Q Q and insulated therefrom by a rubber strip Q. A metal bar Q and an insulating strip Q interposed between the extreme upper ends of the upright bars Q and the upper ends of the strips Q, prevent the same from springing outward, and insure the contact of the springs Q with their proper buttons J. The lower ends of the upright bars have chosen to designate the feature or device now being described. The said rigid frame is connected to the frame I by means of four links Q pivotally attached to its upright bars Q and also pivotally connected with small blocks Q attached to the said frame as shown by Figs. 2, 4, and 5 of the drawings. Under the described construction the rigid frame carrying the contact springs Q, is suspended from the frame A, and will, when moved up or down, travel in a circular path, owing to the character of its connection through the links Q with thesaid frame. Normally, the springs Q are held in engagement with their proper buttons by locking the frame in its lifted or closed position by means of a notched tripping-lever Q (see Fig. 4) provided with a shoulder Q and arranged to engage with the lower cross-bar Q midway the length thereof, the inner end of the said lever Q being passed through an opening Q formed in the frame I and piv-- oted to the back of the case A, and its outer end being pivotally connected through a link Q with the lower arm of an armature Q hung in adjustable centers Q and having the form of a bell-crank lever, the upper arm whereof stands in the presence of the poles of a tripping-magnet Q which, when energized, attracts its armature toit, and so effects theliftin g of the arm Q and releases the gang-switch, which thereby drops downward under the control of the long, spiral counter-balance springs Q Q which are attached to its arms Q Q toward thelower ends thereof,and to the upper portion of the case A, of the main-receiver.

When the gang-switch drops downward, as described, all of its springs Q are simultaneously disengaged from the contact-buttons J. The gang-switch is lifted into its normal position, in which it is locked by the mechanism just described, by means of two lifting arms R R, arranged to engage with the outer face of its lower cross-bar Q and mounted in a heavy shaft'R, having its opposite ends journaled in bearings R R secured to the lower end of the frame I, the said shaft R being rotated by means of a pin R mounted in it, so as to project outward, and arranged to be engaged by the free end of a horizontal lever R forming a part of the mechanism secured to the inside of the door B, of the case of themain-receiver. A small foot or standard R secured to the frame I, is arranged to support the pin R and so hold the same in a position of readiness to be engaged by the lever R before mentioned. The bars Q before referred to, are insulated each from the other by rubber strips Q and Q but are coupled together in groups of three by means of horizontal straps S, as shown by Fig. 2 of the drawings, where the cross-bar Q and the insulating strip Q are broken away for the purpose. One of the said strips is also shown by Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings. In this manner the contactsprings Q are divided into isolated groups, whereby the buttons with which they respectively engage and which form terminals of the sub-stations, are also divided into groups. The number of sub -stations so grouped will depend upon practical conditions, and may be more-or less, but as herein shown, each group contains ten sub-stations, it having been found that that number can be conveniently operated in one group. Each group of contact-buttons J, is provided with a relay-button J, connected by a wire J (see Fig. 20) with a relay J connected by a wire J with the main relay line J which includes the gravity battery 3, connected through a wire J with the ground. One of the three bars Q of each group, is provided with a bifurcated contact spring for engagement with the relay-button J. These springs are like the springs Q but for convenience of identification they will be designated by Q. Each group of bars Q, therefore carries eleven con tact-springs, While each group of buttons contains the same number, although of course, the number of buttons and springs in each group may be varied if desired, as before referred to. Each group has its independent relay, and each relay is independently connected through a wire corresponding to the line J with the main relay line .1, including the battery J as before referred to. The object of arranging the sub-stations in groups, as above set forth, will be fully explained after a detailed description of the other apparatus of the central and sub-stations has been given. At the inner end of the horizontal series of contact-buttons including the buttons J and the relay-buttons J, are located two buttons J J 200 (see Fig. 2) which are arranged one above the other, and respectively engaged by contact-springs Q Q (see Fig. 4t") attached to the inner face of the vertical bar Q located at the extreme inner end of the gang-switch. The said buttons and springs make and break the circuit through the tripping-magnet Q as will appear later on. A coupling-pin T, projecting from the locking-wheel P, (see Figs. 2 and 4) is engaged when the door B, is closed, by a rotating-arm T (see Fig. 3) secured to the inner end of the spindle E, carrying the locating-indicator D, which is thus caused to operate in unison with the rotal circuit-closer O, as the same sweeps over the terminal-plates L. When the said arm T is engaged with the coupling-pin T, the said circuit-closer, the locking-wheel P, and the locating-indicator D, are, for all purposes of reliable indication, positively coupled together. The said spindle E is journaled in two movement-platesU and U, secured together and to the back of the door 13, and corresponding to the two plates of a clock-movement. A heavy coiled spring W, is located between said plates and drives a train of wheels and pinions including a pinion W and a wheel W mounted on the spindle E, which is thus actuated. An escapement wheel WV engaged by an anchorshaped pallet controls the running of the train, which is normally locked by the OU- gagement of a stop-tooth WV located upon the periphery of a wheel VV mounted on the same shaft with the escapement-wheel W, with a detent formed by the tail of an arm:- ture W located in the presence of the poles of the starting-magnet W which is mounted horizontally upon the upper edges of the plates U and U, and located over the train just described, the upper end of said arm ture being provided with a finger W adapted so far as locating the sub-stations is concerned, but to release the train, whereby the 1 device may be operated with a very light current. Although the said train has been fully shown in the drawings, it has been deemed unnecessary to specify and letter its several members further than to identify those wheels and pinions directly co-operat ing with other parts of the machine. The spindle E, also carries the sleeve H, of the signal-indicator G, such sleeve being provided with a heart-shaped cam V (see Figs. 4 and 6) the function of which will be set forth later on. A pinion V, frictionally coupled with the said sleeve, meshes into an idle pinion V which in turn meshes into a pinion V secured to an arbor V jonrnaled in the plates U and U, and also carrying a pinion V and a wheel V constituting elements of a train actuated by a coiled spring V forming the motive power for the actuation of the signal-indicator G, and corresponding to the spring WV before mentioned. The said train is controlled in running down by an escapement-wheel V and an anchor-shaped pallet V shown by Fig. 3 of the drawings. The hub of the said escapement-wheel V is pro vided with a detent'arm V, which normally engages with a detent pin V carried by a stop-lever V pivotally secured to the plate U, and having its lower end normally held in engagement with the cogs of the make-andbreak wheel V by the spiral-spring V7 before referred to. The upper end of this lever V is pivotally connected with an armature V located in the presence of the poles of the signal-magnet V which is secured to the upper edges of the plates U and U over the train last described, which will be called the I so signal-train, because it actuates the signalindicator G in reproducing the signals to which the variable-signal transmitters at the sub-stations are set. This train thus forms mechanical means for operating the signalindicator, leaving nothing for the current to do, so far as the reproduction of the signal is concerned, but to release the signal-train, whereby the apparatus works with the minimum of current. The signal-train also has another important function in actuating the make-and-break wheel, and thus relieving the current of that work.

Although the locating and signal-trains are herein shown to be operated by springs, it is apparent that they may be operated by weights if desired. The signal-train is also fully shown by the drawings, but for reasons before set forth in connection with the locating-train, it has been deemed unnecessary to identify each of its members by letters or numbers. A long restoring-lever X, adapted to be vertically reciprocated in bearings X X, secured to the back of the door B, is located between the same and the outer plate U of the two plates U and U. This lever is adapted at its lower end to be engaged with the long horizontal lifting-lever R with which it is kept in engagement by the guardplate X The outer end of the said lever R is pivoted in a bracket X secured to the back of the door near the outer edge thereof. The free inner end of the lifting-lever R rests upon the edge of an eccentric X rigidly secured to a horizontal shaft X journaled in the said door, and provided at its outer end with a crank X having a handle X, by means of which the crank is swung from the vertical to lift the restoring-lever X through the medium of the eccentric X and the horizontal lifting-lever R Small rollers Y Y, (see Fig. 6,) located side by side, and extend ing inwardly from the lever X, to which they are secured, are respectively engaged by the inner ends of two horizontal winding-arms Y, Y, attached to the forward ends of the arbors to which the inner ends of the actuating-springs XV and V are attached, whereby the lifting of the said restoring-lever operates to wind the springs, and so furnish power for the actuation of the locating and signaltrains. A lever Z,'pivoted to the restoringlever at a point thereon near the rollers Y Y, but on its opposite side therefrom, stands in an inclined position and has its upper end notched for engagement with an anti-friction roller Z carried by the lower end of a short lever Z pivoted to the outer face of the movement-plate U. The lower end of the said lever Z, receives one end of a bowed spring Z the opposite end whereof is secured to a small block Z attached to the outer face of the operating-lever X. When the said operatinglever is lifted by the means heretofore described, the notched upper end of the lever Z, lifts the anti-friction roller Z of the lever Z into engagementwith the periphery of the heart shaped cam V, and inverts the same with the effect of restoring the signal-indicator G,

carried by the sleeve H, which also carries the said cam, to its normal position, in which it points to the uppermost or zero compartment in the series of signal compartments on the dial 0, the said indicator and cam being arranged so that the indicator extends 1n exactly the op positedirection from that in which the depression of the cam normally faces. The said spring Z is-provided for holding the lever Z up in position for doing its work and yet permitting it to yield after the cam has been inverted, so as to avoid any strain upon the spindle B upon which the sleeve H carrying the cam is mounted. The wheel V 1s frictionally coupled with the sleeve H in order to permit the cam V and the signal-ind cator G to be restored to their normal positions independent of the wheels V, V and V which are in positive connection with the signal-train. The friction established be tween the said pinion V and the sleeve H, 18 however, sufficient to couple the two partstogether for all purposes of driving the signal indicator G from the train. A long pin 2, projecting inwardly from the upper end of the restoring-lever X, co-operates with a horizontal catch 3, pivoted over the starting-magnet W and provided upon its lower face with a shouldered finger 4, the shoulder whereof is normally engaged with the upper end of the armature W of the said magnet, so that when the magnet is energized, and the armature is withdrawn from under the said shoulder, the catch 3, will drop by gravity, and

hold the armature in its attracted position,

in which its lower end, forming a train-detent, is carried beyond the range of the stoptooth W of the wheel W of the locatingtrain,which will run as long as the armature is so held, and there is any power in its actuating spring W. When the restoring-lever X is lifted, its pin 2 lifts the catch 3, and permits the spring W to pull the armature W back to its normal position, in which its detent stands in the path of the stop-tooth 7 The lifting of the restoring-lever therefore permits the spring V to look the locatingtrain and hold it against operation after the locking-lever P has by the same movement of the lever, been disengaged from the locking-wheel P. A bent arm 5, secured to the inner face of the restoring-lever X, is shaped so that when the door Bof the case A is closed, its free end will extend under the long arm of the locking-lever P. The function of this rod is to lift the said arm of the locking-lever and so disengage the short arm thereof from the locking-wheel P, which is thus unlocked, the lever being held in this adjustment by the engagement of the end of its long arm with the lower end of the armature P of the locking-magnet P The said locking-lever P is automatically released for locking the locking-wheel P when the look ing magnet P is energized, whereby the-armature P is attracted thereto and disengaged from the long end of the lever, permitting the spring P to'throw the short and hooked end of the said lever into engagement with the teeth of the locking-wheel P. The arm 5, therefore provides for mechanically operating the locking-lever to release the lockingwl1eel,and leave it in a position of readiness to perform its locking function automatically.

In connection with the main-receiver a switch-board 6 is employed. As herein shown (see Figs. 1 and 4), it forms an extension of the lower end of the case A, but this is not of course essential as it may constitute an independent structure. Each jack has abowed arm 7, having its inner end pivoted to a binding-screw 8, and its outer end shaped to fit into a shoe 9 with which it is normally en gaged by a spring 10. If desired, however, the construction described may-be replaced by a plug-switch or any other form of springjack, or any equivalent thereof. But whatever form they or equivalent devices replacingthem, assume, they will be connected with the respective sub-stations. This is illustrated in Fig. 20 of the drawings which shows a wire K leading from the shoe 9 of the springjack to one of the contact-buttons J additionally identified by the number 171 and a wire K leading from the stud 8 of the jack to one of the binding-screws K located in the top of the case and also identified by the number 170. The spring-jacks are thus virtually interposed between the contact-buttons and the terminal-plate L, and theirfunction is to cut the main-receiver out of the main-line and to cut a telephone or a variable signaltransmitter into that line, as will be fully described at another time.

The apparatus at the central-station also includes, as has been already mentioned, a telephone (see Fig. 1) having a transmitter 11, receiver 12, and a plug 13, the latter being adapted to be inserted into any of the spring-jacks of the switch-board, so as to cut out the main-receiver, and cut the telephone into connection with any of the sub-stations. The central-station also includes a variablesignal transmitter inclosed in a case 14 (see Fig. 1) and having a magnet 15 (see Figs. 7 and 8), an armature 16 therefor, hung between bearings 17 and a vertically movable operating-rod 18, having its upper end archor-shaped pallet 21, co-operates with a starthe instrument.

wheel 2a, mounted upon an arbor 25, journaled in the plates 22, and also carrying a hub 26, provided with an insulating strip 27, which is set into its surface, the said hub being constantly engaged by two trailing springfingers 28 (only one of them is shown) the connections whereof will be described hereinafter. An indicator 29 (see Fig. 1") secured to the outer end of the arbor 25, sweeps over a dial 30 (see Fig. 9) secured. to the front of the case 14, and having its face divided into a circular series of compartments, each of which contains a signal or want. The insulating strip 27, before referred to, and the indicator 29, are relatively arranged so that when the indicator is in its normal or zero position, in which it stands against the starcompartment of the dial, the insulating strip will stand under the spring-fingers 28, the circuit being thus normally broken through A knob 31, (see Fig. 8) secured to the extreme outer end of the arbor 25, is provided for turning the same, in setting the indicator against the compartments on the dial containing the signal which it is desired to transmit to asub-station. A spring (see Fig. 8) encircling the arbor, and having one of its ends attached thereto and its other end secured to the outer of the two plates 22, is provided for actuating the arbor in its m trograde movement instead of relying upon the current for such work, the spring'operating to turn the arbor and the star-wheel as rapidly as the latter is released by the actu ation of the pallet 21 through the link 19 and the rod 18, which are thereto moved by the armature 16, under the in fluence of the magnet 15. Heretofore the pallet itself has been relied upon to actuate the star-wheel, and hence the arbor and indicator in their retrograde movement, and my improvement consists, so far as the transmitter is concerned, in providing means for actuating the said parts in their retrograde movement independently of the current, whereby I secure positiveness of action, and therefore greater reliability of communication. A stop-pin 33, (see Fig. 7) carried by the hub 26, and projecting radially therefrom, is arranged to be engaged with a corresponding stop-pin 34, mounted in a block 35, and thus prevent the arbor from being turned more than one revolution in either direction to avoid the winding or unwinding of the spring 32 beyond safe limits.

I would have it understood that I do not limit myself to the use of a spiral-spring for mechanically effecting the retrograde movement of the indicator under the control of the magnet of the instrument, but that I may replace the said spring by a spring of other form, or by a weight; nor do I limit myself to using this feature with the particular form of instruments shown and described, as it is applicable to other forms of transmitters, such for instance as one in which the indicator is moved over a series of wants arranged in a straight line, in which case the star-wheel would be replaced by a rack, and the anchorshaped pallet by a pawl.

A rheotome 36, (see Fig. 10) located in' the lower part of the case 14, containing the transmitter, is operated by a rotary handle 37, (see Fig. 1,) projecting forward from the said case, and located under the dial 30 before mentioned. This rheotome may be of any approved construction, and will not be particularly described. It is provided with a plug 38 designed for insertion into any one of the spring-jacks of the switch-board for the purpose of cutting the main-receiver out of line, and for cutting the variable signal-transmitter into the line, and connecting it with any one of the sub-stations.

In operating the variable signal-transmitter the knob 31, located at the outer end of its arbor, is grasped, and the indicator 29 turned to a signal displayed on its dial, the signals whereof correspond to the signals upon the dials of the receivers located at the sub-stations, but arranged in reverse order.

I After the transmitter has been so set, the rheotome is operated by its handle to make and break the circuit so as to step the indicator of the transmitter back to its normal or zero position, and the indicator of a receiver at a sub-station forward to the same signal to which the indicator of the transmitter at the central station was set, as will be hereinafter described.

The central-station apparatus is also provided with a relay 212, (see Fig. 20,) which operates in conjunction with a register 39, shown in the same figure of the drawings.

Having described the apparatus located at the central station, all of the apparatus connected with one of the sub-stations will now be explained. The sub-stations, as herein shown, (although not necessarily) have the form of specialized lamp-posts, each consisting of a standard 41 (see Fig. 11) forming its lower section, abox 42, having adoor 43 forming its central section, and a top 44, forming its upper section. The upperend of the said top of the post is enlarged as at 45, to receive avisual signal formed by a colored glass globe 46, (see Fig. 13,) which is removably secured to a globe-carrier 47, attached to the upper end of a tube 48, encircling the gas-pipe 49, and adapted to be raised and lowered over the same, so as to permit the said globe to be lifted to inclose the gas-burner 50. The said tube 48, extends downward into the box 42, and is provided at its lower end with two horizontal arms 51 51, to the ends of which are attached chains 52 52, running over roll ers 53 53, journaled in the tapering upper end of the box 42, the said chains being provided with weights 54 54, which exert'a constant tendency to lift the globe into position to inclose the gas-burner. Normally, however, the globe is retained in its retired position against the tendency of the said weights to elevate it, by means of a finger 55, (see Fig. 14,) having the lower face of its outer end beveled, and forming a part of a collar 56, secured to the lower end of the tube 48, the, said finger 55, being normally caught under a corresponding finger 57 (see Fig. 14), having its upper face beveled, and projecting forward from the mner end of a short shaft 58,journaled in bearings 59 59, connected with the back of the box 42. The said shaft 58, is provided with a downwardly projecting tripping-pin 60, having its lower end notched and beveled for en-' gagement with a beveled nose 61 formed at the outer end of the armature 62,0f the magnet 63, which is of high resistance. A long flat spring 64, (see Figs. 12, 14 and 15) having its upper end curved to pass in front of the shaft 58, is arranged to engage with a pin 65, mounted therein, and exerts a constant effort to rotate the shaft and swing the notched tripping-pin 60 into position to engage with the beveled nose 61 ofthe armature 62. The said armature is itself normally lifted into position for being engaged by the pin GObyacoiled spring 66, (see Fig. 15,) adapted to be adjusted in tension, and connected with a curved arm 67, united by a link 68, with a small vertically movable rod 69, the upper end whereof stands in close proximity to the inner end of the said armature when the same is in its normal or unattracted position. The curved arm 67, before referred to, is pivotally connected with an anchor-shaped pallet 70, (see Fig. 15,) which .co-operates with the star-toothed escapement wheel 71, of a variable signal-receiver. The said wheel 71, is mounted upon an arbor 72, journaled in a frame, consisting of two plates 73, (only one of them is shown,) and provided at its outer end with an indicator 74, see Fig. 12, consisting of a disk having a heavy line marked upon its outer face, and located behind a dial 76, provided with a central opening through which the said mark 75 is visible, and divided into a circula'rseries of compart- ITC ments, each containing a signal or want, the

said signalsor wants corresponding to those inscribed u pen the dial of the variable-signal transmitter located at the central-station. The said arbor is also provided with asmall pinion 77, (see Fig. 15) which inter-meshes with a toothed segment 78, hung on. a pivot 79, and provided with an offsetting arm 80, to which a restoring-arm 81 is pivoted by a screw 82, on which the arm is permitted to turn within the limits of a short slot 83, receiving'a stop-pin 84, mounted in the arm 80. A stiff spring 85, secured to the lower edge of the segment 78,'and engaging with the lower edge of the inner end of the restoringarm 81, holds the latter in its normal position, but permits it to yield and be depressed within the limits of the slot 83, in case the outer end of the arm 81 is pushed down too far in retiring the visual signal globe 46. When the magnet 63 is energized, which it will be when the circuit at the central-station is closed,its armature 62, is attracted, re-

leasing the pin 60, and permitting the shaft 58, to turn in its bearings under the action of the weights 51 5i. As the said shaft is rotated, its finger 57, (see Fig. 11,) clears the finger 55, of the collar 56 on the tube 4.8 which is now free to be raised by the weights, whereby the signal-globe 4:6 is lifted into its elevated position, in which it surrounds the burner 50. It will thus be seen that the visual signal is automatically displayed under the control of the central-station. It is mechanically retired by the officer at the substation by means of a manual or hook 86, secured to a rigid upright bar87, having its upper end attached to the forward face of the collar 56, and its lower end attached to the corresponding face of a collar 88, located upon the lower end of the tube 48, the extreme lower end whereof carries a nut 89, forming a buffer, which engages with a spiral spring 90, (see Fig. 12,) encircling the gaspipe 49 at the point where the same enters thelower end of the box 42. A restoring-pin 91, (see Fig. 14) secured to the rear face of the collar 88, and guided atits inner end between two upright parallel guides 92, (only one of them is shown) attached to the back of the box, is provided for engaging with the outer end of the restoring-arm 81, when the hook 86 is pulled down to retire the glass globe 46, whereby the segment (see Fig. 15) operating upon the pinion 77, causes the indicator '74: to be restored to its normal or zero position, in which its indicating line or mark is brought into alignment with the compartment on the face of the dial 76 containing the zero mark or star.

By my invention also the gas is turned on and ofi by the vertical movements of the tube 48. To this end the burner 50 (see Fig. 13), before mentioned, is constructed in the well known manner of sustaining an extremely small flame constantly, so that when the gas is turned on full head, the small flame will light the gas. As these burners are well known, I will not describe the one I have shown, specifically. Its key 931s provided with an arm 94, having arod attached to its outer end, the lower end of the said rod being connected with an arm 96, attached to the tube 48. A spring 97 encircling the upper end of therod 95, is secured thereto at its upper end, while its lower end is provided with a washer 98, loose to move up and down on the rod. A corresponding spring 99 encircling the lower end of the rod and held thereon by a small button 99, is adapted to be engaged at its upper end by the arm 96. Under this construction, when the tube is raised, the arm 96 will engage with the movable washer 98 and gradually compress the spring 97, until the endwise resistance thereof is sufficient to overcome the friction under which the pin 93 turns in its bearings, after which the arm 91 will be gradually lifted and the gas turned on, and immediately lighted by a flame communicated from the small constant flame before referred to. On the other hand, when the rod 48 is pulled down, the arm 96 will engage with the upper end of the spring 99, and m the same manner gradually pull the arm 94 down and turn off the gas, except for the small quantity which is allowed to escape to 808" tain the constant flame. The springs 97and 99 prevent the gas fixture from beingin any way strained under any sudden upward or downward movement of the tube 48. Asrnnll buifer 100 located within the carrier 47, in provided with a small spiral spring 101, which engages with the base of the burner 50, and cushions the risingaction of the carrier. It will thus be seen that the gas is automatically turned on and shut off by means of the tube 48, which in its Vertical movement, also retires and displays the signal and restores the variable signal-receiver to its normal adjustment. A telephone consisting of a receiver102, (see Fig. 12) and a transmitter 103, is also located within the box 42, for use in conjunction with the variable signal-receiver already described. The said receiver and telephone are supplemented by a variable signal-transmitter, which is provided for use in communicating with the central-station, when it may not be possible or convenientto use the telephone. This variable signal-transmitter corresponds in its essential featuresto the variable-signal transmitter located at the central-station, and already described. It is provided with a dial 104, divided into a cit cular series of compartments, containing a series of signals or wants chosen to meet the requirements of code communication and corresponding in matter and arrangement to the Wants or signals on the dial of the main-receiver. This dial has a large central opening 105, (see Fig. 12) through which is displayed an indicator 106, consisting of a disk having an indicating mark 107, drawn upon it, the disk being secured to the outer end of an arher 108, which is also provided at its outer end with a knurled thumb-nut 109, by mean! of which it is manually rotated to set the mark 107 in line with any one of the signals or wants in the compartments on the dial. The said arbor is journaled at its outer end in a frame-plate 110, and at its inner end in the back 127 of the case which incloeee the instrument being described, as well as the variable signal receiver and the tripping mechanism interposed between the magnet of the same and the tube of the visual signal.

The said arbor 108 also carries a star-wheel 111, (see Fig. 15,) embraced by an anchor-shaped pallet 112, the shank whereof is rigidly secured to one leg of an armature 113, pivoted in the frame 110, and having its upper arm located in the presence of the poles of a magnet 114, the connections whereof will be described hereinafter. A spiral-spring 115, connected with the armature 113, and adjustable in tension, is provided for regulating its action. A hub 116, also mounted on the arbor 108, is provided with an insulating strip 117',

set down flush with its periphery, which is constantly engaged by two spring-fingers 118 118, normally engaged with the said strip,

- whereby the circuit is broken through the instrument, the indicator 105 whereof normally stands against the star located in the uppermost compartment of the dial 104. A strap 119 secured to the case 120, carries at its outer end a circuit-interrupter, consisting, as shown, of a hasp 121, provided midway of its length with a hollow boss 122, adapted to fit over the thumb-n ut 109, and forming a guard therefor, an operating button 123, and an inwardly projecting finger 124, which engages, when the hasp is closed, with a contact-spring 125, inclosed in a chambered block 126 of insulating material, secured to the case 120 at a point thereon opposite the strap before mentioned. When the hasp is closed, the circuit through the magnet 114 is completed, but when the hasp is open, this circuit is broken. It will be understood from this construction that when the hasp is open, the transmitter is cut out of the circuit, whereby its indicator may be set against any of the signals dis played upon its dial. After the instrument has been set as described, the hasp is closed, and the circuit completed. Except for breaking the circuit before setting the indicator of the instrument, the circuit would be closed with the first movement of the indicator, and the main-receiver located at the central-station would be actuated in operation before the officer at the substation had time to set the indicator, in case he desired to place it against any signal removed more than one point from its zero position, but by temporarily cutting out the instrument by means of the hasp, the officer is given all the time that he needs for setting it. I do not, however claim the hasp which is described and claimed in United States Patent No. 414,868, granted November 12, 1889, to Frank Edward Morgan. The shaft 58, the variable signal-transmitter and the variable signal-receiver, are secured to the back 127 of the case 120, the said back being a plate which is fastened to the back of the box 42, as well shown by Fig. 12 of the drawings. The inner edge of the case 120 is cut away to permit the restoring-arm 81, to project through it into the range of the restoring-pin 91.

Acitizenstransmitter, located Within a case 128, (see Fig. 12) secured to the back of the box 42, and situated under the telephonetransmitter 103, is designed to be operated by means of a key inserted into a key-hole 129, (see Fig. 11) formed in one corner of the door 43. This device is designed to enable citizens as well as policemen or officers to send in numbers to the central-station, where such numbers are recorded as identifying special localities. As herein shown, this instrument is provided with a flat-key lock 130, (see Fig. 16) constructed on the principle of retaining the key when the bolt is thrown. As locks of this description are well known, detailed description of the lock is unnecessary.

A handle-lever 131, hung midway of its length upon a screw-stud 132 entering the frame-plate 133, projects at its upper end through an opening in the case 128, so that it may be operated by an officer when the door 43 of the box 42 is opened for restoring the instrument to its normal. adjustment. Nor-' mally the lower end of the lever is engaged with the inner edge of the bolt 134 of the lock 130, as shown by the full lines in Fig. 16 of the drawings. When, however, asuitable key 135 is inserted into the lock, and the bolt 134 thereof retracted, the lever is at once thrown by its spring 131" into the vertical position in which it is shown by dotted lines in the same figure of the drawings. The lowerend of the lever now stands directly over the bolt, which cannot be thrown out again until the lever has been swung back into its normal position, which can only be done from the inside of the box 42, and as the key cannot be withdrawn from the lock except when the bolt thereof is thrown, the person using the key is forced to leave it in the lock, whereby he becomes responsible for the operation of the device, for the different persons having the keys are charged with them, and a record kept at the central-station. Afiat spring 136, having its upper end secured to the handlelever. just below the stud 132 thereof is pro-. vided at its extreme lower end with a beveled pin 137 (see Fig. 18), which projects through an opening 138, formed for it in the lower end of the handle-lever. This beveled pin co-opcrates with a finger 139 having its outer edge made straight and beveled, and its inner edge out on an incline, the said finger forming the outer end of an operating-lever 140, the inner end whereof is rigidly secured to an arbor 141, carrying a star-wheel 142, embraced by an anchor-shaped pallet 143, the shank whereof is rigidly secured to one arm of an armature 144, pivoted in the frame 145, and having its other arm located in the presence of the poles of a magnet 146. A spiral spring 147, adapted to be regulated in tension and attached to the said armature, controls the action of the magnet. The arbor 141 also carries a hub 148 (see Fig. 19) provided with an insulating strip 149, normally engaged by two spring contactfingers 150, whereby the instrument is normally cutout of circuit. When, however, the key is entered into the lock through the door 43 of the box 42, and turned, and the bolt withdrawn from engagement with the lower end of the handle-lever, thesame is thrown insulating-strip 149 out of engagement with the fingers 150, whereby the instrument is cut into the circuit. When the handle-lever is manually swung back into its normal position, the beveled pin 137 being carried by a spring-plate 136, rides over the said finger 139 formed at the outer end of the operating-lever and engages with the inclined inner edge thereof, and thus resu mes its position of readiness to lift the operating-lever and when the bolt is withdrawn by the key as above described.

A light spiral-spring 151, connected at one end with the arbor 141, and at its opposite end with the frame 145, is provided for automatically turning the arbor 141 back into its normal position, in which the insulating strip 149 is brought into engagement with the contact-fingers 150, when the escapement wheel 142 is released to permit the said movement of the arbor by the anchor-shaped pallet 143, which isthereto actuated by the armature 144 acting under the control of the magnet 146, which is energized once for the purpose by a single closing of the main-circuit in the mainreceivcr at the central station, the said arbor having to move only one step so to speak, in order to be restored toits normal position,inasmuch as the citizens transmitter is constructed with reference to locating the want which indicates its use," in that one of the compartments next to the zero or uppermost compartment on the dial 0, of the main-receiver. The spring 151 acts in exactly the same way as the spring 32, (see Fig. 8,) of the variable signal-transmitter located at the central-station. The said citizens-transmitter is located in a branch of the main circuit, which includes the high resistance magnet 63, (see Fig. 15,) the said branch circuit being normally closed through the hub 148 and the fingers 152 152, (see Fig. 19.) lVhen, however, the hub is rotated as described, the magnet 63 is cut out of the circuit by the engagement of the insulating strip 153, mounted in the hub, with the said finger 152. The object of cutting out the high resistance magnet 63 before operating the citizens-transmitter is to clear the line sothat magnet 146, (see Fig. 16,) may work freely.

The citizens-transmitter is also adapted to be operated Without a key, and from aremote point, such as a private house. Vith this end in view, the arbor 141 is provided with a secondary operating-lever 154, which is normally engaged by the tail 155 of the armature 156 of the magnet 157, (see Fig. 17,) which is secured to the edge of the plate 158 forming the back of the case 128, the said magnet being located in a local circuit including the private house, and closed thereat for the operation of the transmitter by any suitable device, such as a key. When the magnet 157 is energized, it attracts the armature 156 to it whereby the tail 155 of the armature is caused to move the secondary operating lever 154, so as to rotate the arbor 151 sufficiently to cut the instrument out of the circuit of the high resistance magnet 63, and into the circuit of the magnet 146, which corresponds in resistance to the starting-magnet. V of the main-receiver at; the central-station. This actuation of the arbor 141 in no wise interferes with the handle-lever 131, or the adjuncts thereof, Each sub-station is also preferably furnished with a switch adapted to receive a small pocket signal-transmitter designed to be carried by the respective officers, and adapted to send in their several numbers. As herein shown (see Fig. 21) this switch consists of two parallel spring-plates 159 159, insulated from each other by blocks 160 160, to which their ends are secured, the said blocks being in turn attached to one of the side walls of the box 42. The two sections 161 161 of a smallsplit tube are respectively secured to the inner surfaces of the plates 159 159, so that their edges will come close together without touching. These two tube sections together form a spring-jack and a holder, and receive the circular plug of the pocket-transmitter. It is designed that each officer shall have one of these transmitters, adapted to send in to the central station a number corresponding to his number, every one of them being internally adapted to send in a different number. This instrument is usgd in conjunction with the variable signaltransmitter in the lamp post, and with a small switch located in the main-receiver, situated at the central station, and shown by Figs. 6 and 20 of the drawings.

In Fig. 6 of the drawings the sleeve or hub of the heart-shaped cam V is shown to be provided with a pin 163, arranged so that just before the cam completes a rotation, the pin will operate to lift the spring 164 out of engagement with a finger 165, and thus cut the starting-magnetV of the receiver out of the circuit, (see Fig. 20 for wiring and re-engage the spring 164, with the finger 166, whereby the relay 212 is cut into the circuit, and hence also the register 39.

By reference to Fig. 12 of the drawings, which also represents the dial of the variable signal-transmitter located at a sub-station,it will be noticed that the last signal point thereof is represented by the word Register. Now whenever the indicator of the said transmitter is set against that signal, the same signal will be produced in the main-receiver at the central-station by carrying the signal-indicator D of the said receiver around to the last compartment in the want series. This movement of the indicator is accompanied by a corresponding movement of the heart-shaped cam and the sleeve thereof, whereby the pin 163 is caused to operate to lift the spring 164 from engagement with the spring 165 into engagement with the spring 166, whereby the main-circuit is shifted from the starting magnet V of the receiver to the relay and the register. lVhen, therefore, an officer having one of these pocket-transmit-