US738156A - Automatic telephone apparatus. - Google Patents

Description

No. 738,156. PATENTED SEPT. 8, 1903. J. J; BROWNRIGG & J. K. NORSTRUM. AUTOMATIG TELEPHONE APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 26, 1900.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

N0 MODEL.

ashram. WM

No. 788,156. PATENiTED SEPT. 8. 1903. J. J. BROWNRIGG & J. K.v NORSTROM. AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 26, 1900.

3 SHEBTSSEEET 2- R0 MODEL y v gg No. 788,156. PATENTED SEPT. 8, 1903. J. J. BROWNRIGG & J. K. NORSTROM.

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE APPARATUS.

AFPLIOATIQN FILED NOV. 26, 1900.

3 SHEETS-8HEET 8.

N0 MODEL.

UNITED STATES Patented September 8, 1903.

PATENT OFFICE.

JOIIN J. BROWNRIGG AND JOHN K. NORSTROM, OF CHICAGO, ILLINoiS ASSIGNORS, BY DIRECT AND M SNE ASSIGNMENTS, To THE GLOBE AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A COR- PORATION OF ILLINOIS.

AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE APPARATUS;

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 738,156, dated September 8, 1 903.

Application filed November 26,1900. Serial No. 87,717. (No model.-

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, JOHN J. BROWNRIGG and JOHN K. NonSTnoM,citizens of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Automatic Telephone Apparatus, of which the followingis a specification.

This invention relates to automatic telephone apparatus.

The object of the invention is to provide a construction of automatic telephone apparatus which is simple in construction and efficient in operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a construction of automatic telephone apparatus wherein each subscriber can control in a simple and expeditious manner telephonic connection between his line and the line of any other subscriber without the interposition of an operator at the central station.

Afurther object of the invention is to provide a construction of automatic telephone apparatus wherein the line connections of each subscriber are controllable from the subscribers station and the parts are positively returned to normal position.

Other objects of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter.

The invention consists, substantially, in the construction, combination, location, and arrangement, all as will be more fully hereinafter set forth, as shown in the accompanying drawings, and finally pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, and to the various views and reference-signs appearing thereon, Figure l is a diagram of the circuit connections controllable from a subscribers station and illustrating the operation of the principles of the invention. Fig. 2 is a view in front elevation, parts in vertical section, of an illustrative form of mechanism controllable from a subscribers station for effecting circuit connections with the wires or circuits of other subscribers of Ihe system and embodying the principles of our invention. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the same. Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the same. Fig. 5 is a broken detail view in section on the line 5 5, Fig. 4, looking in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 6 is a broken view, in transverse section, on the line 6 6, Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 7 is a broken detail sectional view of the contact-making carrier, showing the yielding stop supported upon an arm of the controlshaft. Fig. 8 is a broken detail view in perspective, showing a form of contact plate or board. Fig. 9 is a broken detail view in section, illustrating a manner of connecting the circuit-wires of the various subscribers to the contact plate or board. Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view on the line 10 10, 4, look ing in the direction of the arrows.

The same part is designated by the same reference-sign wherever it occurs throughout the several views.

Our invention contemplates the provision of means which are simple in construction and controllable from the subscribers station whereby each subscriber in a telephone exchange may effect direct communication with any other subscriber without the inter position of an operatorat the central station. In an automatic telephone system of this character it is desirable to provide means which are simple and efficient and accurate in operation for making the necessary circuit connections. It is also desirable to provide means whereby the circuit connections may be eflected expeditiously and the parts returned or restored to normal position positively and accurately. Our invention thereforeincludes combinations and arrangements of parts whereby these results may be secured, and in carrying out our invention we provide a movable contact in connection with the equipment for each subscriber and which movable contact is adapted to be moved to complete the circuit of the particular subscriber in connection with which said contact is employed with the line of any other subscriber of the system, and we arrange said traveling contact to be moved by gravity in one direction and positively in the other direction as one arrangement embodying the principles ofour invention, and we make provision for controlling the movements of said movable contact from the subscribers station.

Referring particularly to the drawings, wherein is illustrated a construction and arrangement of parts associated with the equipment of one subscriber, reference-sign A designates a contact plate or board of suitable insulating material and which carries terminals to Ct 17 b c c d d e eff, &c., of the circuits of each of the other subscribers in the exchange or system. Cooperating with the terminals a a Z) Z), &c., are movable contacts A A adapted to be moved into any desired position with reference to the series of terminals Ct a b b c c, &c., to complete the circuit connection from the subscribers station to the station of any other subscriber of the system. A convenient arrangement of movable contacts is shown as illustrative of an operative embodiment of our invention, but to which, however, the invention is not limited, wherein said contacts are carried by a carrier B, and, if desired, efficient engagement of the contacts A A withthe terminals a a Z) Z), &c., may be secu red by. means of a spring 0, the said contacts A A being carried upon a plate D, hinged to the carrier B, the spring 0 being interposed between said carrier and plate.

The carrier B may be guided in its movements in any suitable or convenient manner. In the form shown, to which, however, the invention is not limited, we have arranged said carrier to be guided by one or more posts or rods E. As above indicated, the movements of the carrier B may be effected in many different ways, either positively in both directions or positively in one direction and by gravity in the other direction. In the particular form illustrated as an operative embodiment of the principles of the invention we have shown said carrier as movable by gravity in one direction and positively in the other direction. To this end we employ a cylinder F, in which operates a plunger G, said plunger being connected to the carrier in any suitable or convenient manner-as, for instance, by means of the cord or rope H operating over a guide sheave or pulley J and in the construction where the carrier is moved in one direction under the influence of gravity we so relatively proportion the Weight of the carrier B and the parts carried thereby to the weight of the plunger G as to secure a movement of the carrier B in one direction or the other by gravity. In the arrangement shown the weight of the carrier 13 is somewhat in excess of the weight of the plungerG, so that the movement of the carrier under the influence of gravity is a falling or downward movement, the movement of said carrier in the opposite direction being etfected positively by any suitable source of power or operating medium, as will be more fully explained hereinafter. The range of movement of carrier B is such as to traverse the entire length of the contact plate or board A, so that the contacts A A may be brought into engaging relation with respect to any pair of contacts or terminals a a b b, &c. carried by the contact plate or board A.

In the proper operation of the apparatus it is desirable to provide means whereby the movements of the carrier B in effecting the circuit connection with the terminals of any desired subscribers line-wire may be made quickly in the desired direction and to be arrested at the desired point to secure the engaging relation of the contacts A A with the desired pair of contacts or terminals on the terminal board or plate A. In order to accomplish this result, we provide a rock-shaft K, having two sets of arms or projections L L L 850., and M M M &c., adapted to be alternately brought into supporting relation with respect to carrier B. In the particular form shown embodying the idea the set of arms L L L project in an opposite direction to the set of arms M 11 M as clearly shown, the members of the two sets of arms or project-ions alternating with respect to each other with reference to the length of the rock-shaft K. From this description it will be readily seen that when the shaft K is rocked into one position the carrier B will rest on an arm in one of the sets of arms, and when said shaft is rocked in the other direction the arm thereon upon which the carrier has been supported will be moved out of supporting relation with respect to the carrier and an arm on the other side of the shaft will be brought into supporting relation with respect to the carrier, the carrier moving or dropping from the position in which it was previously supported until it encounters the arm or projection thus brought into engaging relation with respect thereto. The carrier will thus be supported in its new position until the shaft K is rocked in the opposite direction, when it will be again released and permitted to drop or move to a new position or until engaged by the next succeeding supporting arm or projection on the opposite side of the shaft. Byspacing the arms or projections of shaft K a suitable distance apart it will be readily seen that the carrier B may be permitted to drop or move definite distances in traveling from one supporting-arm to the next succeding one. This definite distance of movement of the contact-carrier in the practical operation of the apparatus and for the sake of convenience should bear a definite proportion to the number of pairs of terminal contacts a 00 I) Z), &c., and similarly the number of alternating supporting arms or projections upon shaft K may conveniently bear a definite proportion to the number of terminal contacts. For instance, and by way of illustration of the principles involved, suppose the terminal-contact board A should have one hundred pairs of terminals a a b b c c, the. Then a convenient arrangement would be to so space the supporting arms or projections on shaft K that the move- ICC ment of the contact-carrier from one supporting arm or projection on one side of the shaft to the next adjacent arm or projection on the other side of theshaft would cause said carrier to traverse, say, for instance, five pairs of the circuit-terminals a a l) l), &c., the same proportion being carried out throughout the other supporting arms or projections of shaft K,and hence when shaftKis given a complete oscillation from the position shown in Fig. 2, for instance, to cause carrier 13 first to descend to engaging relation with stop or projection L and thence to M, the carrier B will have traveled a distance sufficient to cause the contacts A A to pass over ten pairs of the terminal contacts a a b b, (so. In other words, upon each complete oscillation of shaft K the carrier B moves a sufficient distance to pass over ten pairs of the terminal contacts. The movement of carrier B above dedescribed, however, is not sufficient for the practical purposes of an automatic telephone apparatus. For instance, suppose it is desired to make circuit connections between the subscribers line and the line of some other subscriber the terminals of which occur in the terminal board A at a point intermediate the stopping-points of carrier 13 as regulated and determined by the oscillation ofshaft K. In this case it is evident that provision must be made for an additional travel or move ment of carrierB. Such additional travel or movement of said carrier may be effected in many different ways. A simple, convenient, and efficient arrangement is shown as illustrative of the principles involved wherein a step by-step feed of shaft K endwise is effected, each step of the feed corresponding to the distance apart of adjacent terminal contacts a a N2, 62cc. This step-by-step feed ofstop-shaft K permits also a corresponding travel of carrier B, which is supported by said shaft. The step-by-step feed of shaft K may be effected in many different ways. \Ve have shown a construction of ratchet mechanism arranged to sustain or support shaft K and which when properly actuated releases said shaft and permits it to descend by gravity step by step at a time. To this end the shaft K may be provided or formed with ratchet-teeth (indicated at N) on opposite sides thereof, with which engage suitable pawls O P, the pawl P being pivotally connected to pawl 0, said pawls operating as an escapement to permit the alternate release and support of shaft K, said pawls operating independently of the movements above described of carrier B from one to another of the stops or supporting arms of shaft K.

We will now describe as illustrative of an operative embodiment of the principles involved a construction for rocking or oscillating shaft K and for actuating the pawls O P.

Suitably connected to shaft K is a lever Q, upon which is mounted an armature R of an electromagnet S. A retractile 13 serves to normally hold lever Q and armature R separated from the electromagnet. When the electromagnet S is energized, the armature is attracted and lever Q, rocked, thereby rocking shaft K. When the circuit of electromagnet S is broken and said magnet is deenergized, the retractile B serves to restore or return the parts to the position shown in Fig. at, thereby rocking shaft K in the opposite direction, and hence completing the oscillation of said shaft. Thus each time the circuit of electromagnet S is completed and then broken a complete oscillation is imparted to shaft K to permit carrier 13 to move from one supporting stop or arm on one side to the next adjacent stop or arm on the same side with an intermediate stop or rest upon the stop or arm on the other side, and by repeatedly making and breaking the circuit of electromagnet S it will be seen that shaft K will be repeatedly oscillated and that carrier 13 will thereby be permitted to move from stop to stop on said shaft K, and hence will be permitted to traverse all the terminal contacts on the terminal board A. Now in order to secure the step-by-step feed or movement of carrier B intermediate the supporting-stops on shaft K the ratchet or escapement'pawls O P are actuated. This actuation may be effected by many specifically-different constructions. A simple and efficient arrangement for accomplishing this purpose and illustrative of the principles involved is shown, wherein the pawl O is connected to or forms part of a lever A pivotally mounted and carrying an armature B adapted to be attracted by an electromagnet C against the action of a retractile Whenever the circuit of said magnet 0 is completed. Thus by completing the circuit of electromagnet C the armature B is attracted and lever A rocked, thereby causing pawl or escapement tooth O to be moved into engaging relation with respect to a ratchet-tooth N, the same movement of said lever causing ratchet or escapement tooth or pawl P to clear said ratchet N in a well-understood manner. When the circuit of electro magnet C is broken, the retractile D rocks.

lever A in the opposite direction, thereby causing pawl P to be brought into engaging relation with the next succeeding tooth of ratchet N and freeing pawl 0 from engaging relation, and hence permitting the shaft K to move lengthwise one complete step. The distance thus moved by shaft K under the release of the escapement at each actuation thereof corresponds in extent to the distance between adjacent pairs of terminal contacts a a Z) Z), the, and a convenient arrangement is to provide the ratchet N with as many teeth as there are pairs of terminal contacts traversed by carrier 8 when traveling or mov ing from one stopas M, for instanceto another stop on the same side of shaft Kas M for instance. In other words, if when shaft K makes a complete oscillation carrier B moves a sufficient distance to traverse ten pairs of terminal contacts then the ratchetfeed controlled by the escapement-pawls O P should provide ten steps of feeding movement of shaft K longitudinally, so that carrier B may be moved into engaging relation with respect to any particular pair of terminal contacts intermediate the stop-rests afiorded said carrier by the stop-arms on shaft K.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that by oscillating shaft K carrier B will be dropped bodily from one supporting-arm to another, each drop or movement causing the carrier to traverse a definite number of pairs of terminal contacts, but without being arrested at any particular intermediate pair, and the operation of the escapement causes a step-by-step feed of the carrier to any intermediate or particular pair of terminal contacts. Thus suppose the terminal-contact board carries one hundred pairs of contacts and it is desired to make circuit connections between the subscribers line and the sixtyfifth pair of terminal contacts on the terminal board A. Shaft K is oscillated so as to permit carrier B to drop to the sixth supportingstop on said shaft. The escapementfeed is then actuated to permit the carrier B to move five additional steps, thus bringing the contact of carrier B into the desired contact relation with the fifth pair of terminals on terminal board A between the sixth and seventh stops on shaft K, thereby completing the desired circuit connection.

In the foregoing description we have set forth the operation whereby carrier B is moved from an initial position, so as to establish circuit connection with any desired pair of terminal contacts. We will now describe means for returning or restoring the parts to their normal or initial positions.

In the movements above described we have set forth not only a movement of carrier B relative to stop-shaft K, but we have also described a longitudinal feed of said shaft, and we have set forth that the movements described are effected by gravity, in that carrier B somewhat exceeds in weight the weight of plunger G and the friction of the parts. Therefore in order to restore the parts to normal position provision is made for moving plunger G in a direction to return carrier B to its initial position, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In the particular form shown, to which the invention is not limited, however, it will be observed that as carrier B descends plunger G travels through cylinder F. The return of plunger G to efiect the restoration of the carrierB to initial position may be efiected from any convenient or suitable source of power. In Fig. 2 we have shown as illustrative of the principles involved a construction and arrangement wherein cylinder G communicates through a passage E with a valve-chamber F in which is arranged a suitable valve G arranged to control an opening or port with which communicates a pipe H which may connect with an air or exhaust pump reservoir or other suitable means by means of which a suction may be created in cylinder F to draw plunger G back to initial position. It is obvious that any other suitable or convenient arrangement of power mechanism for returning plunger G to initial position maybe employed without departure from the spirit and scope of our invention. In the particular form shown as illustrative of an operative embodiment in which an exhaust or suction mechanism is employed the valve G is normally maintained in closed position, and when in closed position said valve opens a small port J in the valve-casing and establishes communication through said port and a passage K with cylinder F, so as to equalize the airpressure upon both sides or ends of plunger G to permit of the gravity operation of the contact-carrier. A spring A may serve to normally hold valve G in position to cut ofi communication between pipe H and cylinder F and to open air-port J to said cylinder. Valve G may be actuated in many different ways to open the communication between cylinder Fand pipe 11 and to close port J We have shown a convenientarrangement for accomplishing this result, but to which the invention is not limited, whereinsaid valve is provided with a latch B and a lever 0 when suitably rocked is adapted to engage the hook of said latch. The lever G is held in retracted position and out of engaging relation with respect to the hook of latch B by means of a spring D Said lever carries an armature E adapted to be attracted by the energization of an electromagnet F. Thus when the circuit of magnet F is completed lever O is attracted or rocked into position to engage the hook on latch B and when the circuit of magnet F is broken lever C is rocked under the influence of retract-ile D, thereby drawing on latch B and actuating valve G to open up communication between pipe H and cylinder F, the same movement closing port J This operation of the valve mechanism causes the plunger G to return to initial position, thereby effecting a return of carrier B (to which said plunger is connected through cord or other connection H) to its initial position. When carrier B has reached the initial position thereof with respect to its movement relative to shaft K, said carrier engages a pin or projection (indicated at G on shaft K,

so that the continued movement of said carrier B toward initial or starting position will carry with it shaft K until the parts reach their final initial positions. In order to permit the return of carrier B past the stops L L L M M M 850., on shaft K, the following construction may be employed, it being understood that the operating-arm Q, through which oscillations are imparted to shaft K, is normally held in a retracted position by the retractile B this position being such as to permit the series of arms L L L to clear the carrier B, as shown in Fig. 6: The engagement of the series of arms M M M 850., and carrier B is effected through a pivoted arm H yieldingly held in one position upon carrier B by means of a spring J", (see Figs. 6 and 7,) said spring holding arm 11 in position for said arm to rest on an arm, as M, of shaft II in one direction, but permitting said arm H to yield when the carrier 13 is moved in the opposite direction. In this manner carrier B maybe moved past the arms M M M &c., in returning to initial position; but said arms form stops for supporting said carrier whenthe latter is moved in the opposite direction. To permit the return of shaft K to its initial position after being fed longitudinally by the ratchet and escapement mechanisms N O P, one of the pawls, as P, of said escapement is pivoted, as above indicated and as clearly shown, and the ratchet-teeth N are beveled or inclined in one direction, the escapement-pawls N and P being cooperatingly beveled or inclined, and by this construction the return of shaft K to initial position may be readily effected. A spring K may serve to yieldingly draw the pawls O P of the escapement toward each other.

When carrier B is restored to its final initial position, it is desirable to permit valve G to return to normal position to close the communition between pipe H and cylinder F. In order to accomplish this result, means are provided for releasing latch B from engagement with lever G. This result is secured by means of a rod or cord N which is connected to latch B and is provided with a stop (indicated at P Fig. 2) adapted to be engaged by carrier B when said carrier reaches its initial position, thereby rocking latch B to effect a disengagement thereof from lever 0 and'hence permitting spring A to return valve G to its closed position and opening port J to cylinder F.

Having described and set forth an illustrative embodiment of means whereby the desired circuit connections may be effected, we will now describe the arrangement whereby control of the movements of carrier B and of shaft K may be eifected from the subscribers station, particular reference being had to the diagram in Fig. 1, wherein A designates a battery or other suitable source of currentsupply. From one terminal of this battery extends a circuit connection a to circuitclosing devices or terminals a (1, at the subscribers station, through which circuit may be completed through keys or other con venient contacts a a \Vhen circuit is closed between contacts a and (5, then the batterycircuit is completed from battery A through wire of, contacts C or, wire a wire a, magnet S, wire a to battery A, and when circuit is closed between contacts a a" the following circuit is established: from battery A through wire a contacts a a wires a 60 magnet 0 wire a, back to battery A The completion ofthe circuit of magnet S causes arm Q to be rocked, thereby efiecting a rocking movement of shaft K. The shaft K will be held in its rocked position aslong as the circuit of magnet S remains closed. When the circuit of said magnet is closed at the contacts a (t the retractile B rocks said lever Q in the opposite direction, thereby completing the oscillation of shaft K, and hence permitting the carrier 13 (assuming it to be in its initial position at the start) to descend first to stop L by the rocking movement of shaft K, when arm Q is attracted by the magnet S, and thence to stop M when'the circuit of magnet S is broken, and arm Q is rocked under the influence of spring B to complete the oscillatory movement of shaft K, and hence by repeatedly closing and opening the circuit of magnet S, through contacts 0, a or otherwise, carrier B may be caused to move quickly to any desired stop on shaft K. Similarly by completingthe circuit of magnet 0 arm A is rocked by the attraction exerted by said magnet upon the armature B carried by said lever, and when said magnet-circuit is broken armature A is rocked in the opposite direction under the influence of retractile D thereby effecting an actuation of "the escapement, and hence a feed of shaft K, one step longitudinally, and by repeatedly completing and breaking the circuit of said magnet C said shaft K may be fed longitudinally any desired number of steps through the actuation of the escapement. When the circuit of magnet S is broken at contacts a a, connection is made through wire 19 from wire a to the subscribers telephone, (indicated generally at 13 Fig. 1,) and when the circuit of magnet C is broken at contacts a of connection is made from wire at through wire h to the subscribers telephone B Carried by lever Q, but insulated therefrom, as clearly shown in Fig. 10, is a contact 0 which when said lever is in its retracted position completes circuit connections from wire a through wire 12 and wire 6 to one of the contacts, as A,of carrier B. Similarly a contact D carried by but insulated from lever A completes circuit connection when lever A is in its normal or retracted position, as shown in Fig. 1, from wire a. through wire 1) and wire to the other contact A of carrier B. \Vhen lever A is attracted by the energization of magnet 0 the circuit connection through wire b is broken, butanothercircuitis completed from battery A wire 0 electromagnet F wire 0, and contact 0 which is connected to lever A and said lever, being connected to or forming part of the escapement mechanism which is in constant engagement with shaft K, completes this circuit through said shaft to the mass or framework on which lever Q is also mounted. Said lever carries a contact o which completes circuit through wire 0 when lever Q is attracted by magnet S, back to battery A. Thus when contacts a. a are closed upon each other and also contacts a a are closed upon each other both magnets S and O are energized, the former attracting lever Q and the latter attracting lever A and the circuit of magnet F is completed, thereby attracting lever into engaging relation with respect to latch 13. This operation occurs when it is desired to restore carrier B and shaft K to their final initial positions, and after the engagement of lever O with latch B by breaking the connection between contacts a a or a a or at both points the circuit of magnet F is broken and lever O is free to be rocked under theintiuence of its retractile D thereby actuating valve G in the manner above described.

From the foregoing description the operation of effecting a circuit connection between a subscribers station and the line of any other subscribers station will be readily understood and is as follows: Suppose the subscriber desires to establish communication with another subscriber in the system whose terminals are the sixty-fifth pair (by way of illustration) on the terminal board A. Then 7 the local subscriber first makes and breaks circuit connection at a a six times, thereby imparting six complete oscillations to shaft K through the repeated energization of magnet S, and hence permitting carrier B to descend to the sixth supporting-stop M M" M dsc. Then the subscriber makes and breaks circuit connection through contacts a a five times, thereby energizing and deenergizing electromagnet 0 five times, and hence effecting an actuation of the escapement O P five times and the consequent feed of shaft K longitudinally five distinct steps, and hence permitting carrier 13 to descend with said shaft K, so as to bring the contacts A A into circuit connection with the sixty-fifth pair of terminals on terminal board A. This operation completes circuit connection with the desired subscriber, and the call and answer or message may be transmitted in the usual or any convenient or Well-known manner. When the comm unication has been completed, the local subscriber closes the circuit of both magnets S C thereby completing the circuit of magnet F and then the circuits of magnets S C are broken, thereby breaking the circuit of magnet F and effecting the actuation of valve G and, through the construction above described, restoring contactcarrier B and shaft K to their final positions.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that We provide a simple and efficient construction of automatic telephone apparatus wherebya subscriber is enabled to efiect his own circuit connections with the linewires of any other subscriber of the system without the interposition of an operator at the central station. It will also be seen that the current required for the various operations is not designed to effect the movements of the contact-carrierBor of shaft K,but merely control the mechanism which effects the movements of these parts, and hence comparatively Weak currents may be employed, thereby materially reducing the battery-power reqnired in the apparatus. In other Words, the contact-carrier B is operated in one direction by gravity and restored to its normal position mechanically, the control of the mechanical mechanism and of the gravity release being effected electrically, and this we regard as a most important feature of the invention, and while we have described a specific construction for effecting the movements of carrier B it is to be understood that the movements of this carrier may be efiected by many other specifically different constructions of apparatus and still fall within the spirit and scope of our invention. We do not desire, therefore, to be limited or restricted to the exact details of construction and arrangement above described; but,

Having now set forth the object and nature of our invention and a construction embodying the principles thereof, what we claim as new and useful and of our own invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is

1. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a movable contact for completing circuit between a subscribers line and the lines of the other subscribers in the system, devices for effecting the movements of said contact including a delivery-pipe arranged to communicate with a source of operating medium, and electrical connections for controlling said devices, as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a movable contact for completing circuit between a subscribers line and the lines of the other subscribers in the system, devices for effecting the movements of said contact and including a delivery-pipe arranged to communicate with a source of operating medium, a valve arranged in said pipe, and means under the control of the subscriber for operating said valve, as and for the purpose set forth.

3. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact for completing circuit between a subscribers line and the lines of the other subscribers in the system, mechanical devices for efiecting the movement of said contact and including a delivery-pipe arranged to com municate with a source of operating medium, a valve arranged in said pipe, and electrical connections for operating said valve, as and for the purpose set forth.

4. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact for completing circuit between a subscribers line and the lines of the other subscribers in the system, said contact being gravity-actuated in one direction, a cylinder and piston for actuating said contact in the opposite direction, and connections between said piston and said contact, as and for the purpose set forth.

5. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact for completing circuit between a sub scribers line and the lines of the other subscribers in the system, a'cylinder, a piston operating therein and connected to said contact, and means for controlling the operating medium for actuating said piston, as and for the purpose set forth.

6. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact for completing circuit between a subscribers line and the lines of the other subscribers in the system, a cylinder, a piston operating therein, connections between said piston and contact for moving the latter, means for controlling the operating medium for actuating said piston, said means being controllable from the subscribers station, as and for the purpose set forth.

7. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact for completing circuit between a subscribers line and the lines of the other subscribers in the system, a cylinder and piston, said piston being connected to said contact to move the same, a valve for controlling the piston-operating medium to said cylinder, and electrical devices under the control of the subscriber for actuating said valve, as and for the purpose set forth.

8. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact arranged to be moved by gravity into position to complete circuit between the subscribers line and any desired terminal contact, a cylinder, a piston operating therein and connected to said contact for restoring the latter to initial position, and means for controlling a pressure-operating medium for operating said piston, as and for the purpose set forth.

9. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact gravity-actuated in one direction, a cylinder, a piston operating therein to restore or return said contact to initial position, a pipe communicating with a source of operating medium and with said cylinder, avalvechest interposed in said pipe, a valve arranged therein, said valve being normally seated, a lever for unseating said valve, and means for actuating said lever, as and for the purpose set forth.

10. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a gravity-actuated contact, means for restoring said contact to initial position, including a cylinder and piston, a pipe communicating with said cylinder and a source of operating medium, a valve arranged to control said communication, a pivotally-mounted lever carrying an armature, an electromagnet for attracting said armature to rock said lever, means normally operating to return said lever, and means actuated by the return of said lever for operating said valve, as and for the purpose set forth.

11. In an automatictelephone apparatus, a gravity-actuated contact, means for restoring said contact to initial position, including a cylinder and piston, a pipe communicating with said cylinder, a valve arranged to control the piston-operating medium, a latch connected to said valve and provided with a hook, a pivoted lever, a spring for normally maintaining said lever retracted, electrical devices for rocking said lever against the action of said spring, said lever arranged to engage said'hoolr, when returned to initial position by said spring, for actuating said valve, as and for the purpose set forth.

12. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a gravity-actuated contact, a cylinder and piston for restoring said contact to initial position, a pipe communicating with said cylinder, a valve arranged in said pipe, a pivotal latch connected to said valve, electricallyoperated devices arranged to engage said latch to unseat said valve, and means actuated by the return of said contact to initial position for automatically detaching said latch from said electrically-actuated devices, as and for the purpose set forth.

13. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board containing terminal connections of the line-Wires of the subscribers in the system, a contact operating over said terminal connections, said contact being in the circuit of a subscribers line and operated in one direction by gravity, power-actuated mechanical devices for effecting the return movement of said contact and including a pipe, a valve arranged therein, and electrical devices under the control of the subscriber for actuating said valve, as and for the purpose set forth.

14. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact for completing circuit between a subscribers line and the lines of the other subscribers in the system, a movable fluid-actu ated plunger, connections between said plunger and contact, and means for controllingthe movements of said plunger,as and for the purpose set forth.

15. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact for completing circuit between a subscribers line and the lines of the other subscribers in the system, a movable fluid-actuated plunger, connections between said plunger and contact, means for controlling the movements of said plunger, said means being controllable from the subscribers station, as and for the purpose set forth.

16. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact for completing circuit between a subscribers line and the lines of the other subscribers in the system, a movable fluid-actuated plunger, connections between said plunger and contact, mechanical devices for controlling the movements of said plunger, and electrical devices under the control of the subscriber for regulating said mechanical devices, as and for the purpose set forth.

17. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact arranged to be moved by gravity into position to complete circuit between the subscribers line and any desired terminal contact, a movable fluidactuated plunger connected to said contact for restoring the same to initial position, and means for controlling the action of said plunger, as and for the purpose set forth.

18. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact operating thereover, said contact being movable in one di- ICC rection by gravity, and a fluid-actuated plunger for returning said contact to initial position, as and for the purpose set forth.

19. In an automatictelephoneapparatus, a terminal board, a contact operating thereover, said contact operating in one direction by gravity, a cylinder, a plunger operating therein, connections between said plunger and contact, said cylinder communicating with asource of power for operating said plunger, as and for the purpose set forth.

20. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact arranged to move thereover, a cylinder, a plunger operating therein and connected to said contact, said cylinder communicating with a source of power, a valve for controlling said communication, and means under the control of the subscriber for controlling said valve, as and for the purpose set forth.

21. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact operating thereover, a cylinder, a plunger operating therein and connected to said contact, said cylinder communicating with a source of power for actuating said plunger, a valve controlling said communication, and electrical devices under the control of the subscriber for actuating said valve, as and for the purpose set forth.

22. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact operating thereover, a cylinder, a plunger operating therein and connected to said contact, said cylinder communicating with a source of power, a valve controlling said communication, an electromagnet for controlling said valve, and means under the control of the subscriber for controlling the circuit of said electromagnet, as and for the purpose set forth.

23. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact operating thereover, a series of movable stops, and means for moving said stops into and out of supporting relation with respect to said contact, whereby said contact may be moved by gravity with reference to said terminal board, as and for the purpose set forth.

2-1. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact operating thereover, a series of movable stops arranged to be brought into or moved out of supporting relation with respect to said contact, whereby said contact is permitted to move by gravity with reference to said terminal board,and means for restoring said contact to initial position, as and for the purpose set forth.

25. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact operating thereover, a series of movable stop-supports for said contact, and means for moving said stopsupports into and out of supporting relation with respect to said contact, as and for the purpose set forth.

26. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a

terminal board, a gravity-actuated contact.

operating thereover, a series of movable stopsupports for said contact, and means under the control of the subscriber for moving said stop-supports into and out of supporting relation with respect to said contact and means for returning said contact to initial position, as and for the purpose set forth.

27. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact operating thereover, a shaft having arms projecting therefrom, and means for rocking said shaft to move said arms into and out of supporting relation with respect to said contact, as and for the purpose set forth.

28. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact arranged to operate thereover, a shaft having suitably-spaced projecting arms, and means for rocking said shaft to move said arms into and out of supporting relation with respect to said contact, as and for the purpose set forth.

29. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact operating thereover, a shaft having oppositelyprojecting arms, and means for oscillating said arms to alternately move said arms into and out of supporting relation with respect to said contact, as and for the purpose set forth.

30. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact-carrier operating thereover, a rock-shafthaving oppositely-projecting and suitably-spaced arms, and means under the control of the subscriber for oscillating said shaft, as and for the purpose set forth.

31. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a gravity-actuated contact operating thereover, a stop-arm carried thereby and arranged to yield in one direction, supporting-stops, means for moving said stops into and out of supporting relation with respect to said stop-arm, and means for restoring said contact to initial position, as and for the purpose set forth.

32. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact-carrier operating thereover, a stop-shaft carrying supportingstops, means for oscillating said shaft to move said stops into and out of supporting relation with respect to said carrier, to permit said carrier to move by gravity in one direction, means for restoring or returning said contactcarrier to initial position, and yielding stoparms carried by said carrier, as and for the purpose set forth.

33. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact-carrier having a stop-arm arranged to yield in one direction, a stop-shaft having suitably-spaced supporting-arms, means for oscillating said shaft to move said supporting stops or arms into engaging and supporting relation with respect to the stop-arm on said carrier, whereby said carrier is permitted to move by gravity in one direction, and means for restoring said carrier to initial position, as and for the purpose set forth.

34; In an automatic telephone apparatus, a

contact, a shaft carrying stops forming supe ports for said cont-act, a lever connected to said shaft for rocking the same, an electromagnet for rocking said lever, and means under the control of the subscriber for making and breaking the circuit of said electromagnet, as and for the purpose set forth.

35. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact gravity-actuated in one direction, a ratchet-escapement mechanism for releasing said contact step by step, means under the control of the subscriber for actuating said ratchet escapement, a pressure actuated mechanism for automatically returning said contact to initial position, means for controlling said pressure mechanism and means for automatically restoring said controlling means to normal position when said contact attains its initial position, as and for the purpose set forth.

36. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a gravity-actuated contact, a support for sustaining said contact, and a ratchet mechanism for releasing said support step by step to permit said contact to move by gravity in one direction, and means for returning said contact to initial position, as and for the purpose set forth.

37. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a gravity-actuated contact, a support therefor, a ratchct-escapement mechanism for releasing said support step by step, to permit said contact to move under the influence of gravity, and electrical devices under the control of the subscriber for actuating said ratchetescapement, and mechanical devices for returning said contact to initial position, as and for the purpose set forth.

38. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a gravity-actuated contact, a support therefor, a ratchet-escapement mechanism for releasing said support step by step, to permit said contact to move under the influence of gravity, said ratchet-escapement mechanism including a pivoted pawl, and means for restoring said support to initial position, as and for the purpose set forth.

39. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a gravity-actuated contact, a support therefor, means for releasing said support from said contact to permit the same to move from one position to another by gravity, and a ratchetescapement mechanism for releasing said support step by step, and means for restoring said parts to initial position, as and for the purpose set forth.

40. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a terminal board, a contact operating thereover, means for effecting the movement of said contact through definite distances of the length of said board, an auxiliary step-bystep feed mechanism for elfecting the movements of said contact through intermediate steps, pressure mechanism for automatically restoring said contact to initial position, means for controlling said pressure mechanism and means for automatically restoring said controlling means to normal position when said contact attains its initial position, as and for the purpose set forth. I

41. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a gravity-actuated contact, a support therefor, said support provided with ratchet-teeth, in combination Withescapement-pavvls, forsus; taining said support, and means under the control of the subscriber for actuating said escapement-pawls, whereby said support is given a step-by-step feed, as and for the purpose set forth.

42. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact, a support therefor, said support provided with ratchet teeth, a lever having escapement pawls cooperating with said ratchet-teeth, and a magnet for rocking said lever, the circuit of said magnet being under the control of the subscriber, as and for the purpose set forth.

43. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a gravity-actuated contact, a support therefor, means for releasing said support from said contact to permit said contact to move under the influence of gravity, and an auxiliary step-by-step release for said support, and means for returning said contact and support toinitial position, as and for the purpose set forth.

at. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a gravity-actuated contact, a shaft having supporting-arms for said contact, means for rocking said shaft, and a ratchet-escapement support for said shaft, and means for restoring the parts to initial .position, as and for the purpose set forth.

45. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact, a support therefor, an electromagnet for releasing said support from said contact to permit said contact to move under the influence of gravity, a second electromagnet for efiecting a step-by-step release of said support, the circuits of both of said magnets being controllable from the subscribers station, and means for returning said contact and support to initial position, as and for the 'purpose set forth.

46. In an automatictelephone apparatus, a gravity-actuated contact, a support therefor, means for normally maintaining said support in supporting relation with respect to said contact, and means under the control of the subscriber for releasing said support to permit said contact to move under the influence of gravity, and means for restoring said contact to initial position, as and for the purpose set forth.

4.7. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a gravity-actuated contact, a shafthaving a series of supporting-arms for said contact, means normally operating to hold said shaft in position for one of the arms thereof to form a support for said contact, and means for rocking said shaft, as and the purpose set forth.

48. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact, a supporting-shaft therefor, said shaft provided with sets of supporting-arms,

an operating-lever for oscillating said shaft, and an escapement mechanism for supporting said shaft, and electromagnets for actuating said lever and said escapement, the circuits of said magnets being controllable from the subscribers station, as and for the purpose set forth.

49. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a carrier gravity-actuated in one direction, a plunger for returning said carrier to initial position, and means actuatedrby the movement of said contact as it approaches initial position for arresting the action of said plunger, as and for the purpose set forth.

50. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a contact gravity-actuated in one direction, means for restoring said contact to initial position, a valve for controlling said restoring means, and means actuated by the movement of said contact as it approaches initial position for actuating said valve to arrest said restoring means, as and for the purpose set forth.

51. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a movable contact, a cylinder and plunger, said plunger connected to said contact for moving the same to one limit of movement thereof, said cylinder communicating with a source of power, a valve for controlling said communication, a latch connected to said valve, a rock-lever for engaging said latch, a spring for rocking said lever in one direction, an electromagnet for moving said lever in the opposite direction, means for making or breaking the circuit of said magnet, and auxilliary connections actuated by said carrier for releasing said latch from said lever, as and for the purpose set forth.

52. In an automatic telephone apparatus, a gravity-actuated contact-carrier, a shaft havingsnpporting-arms, means foractuating said shaft to move said arms into and out of supporting relation Wit-h respect to said carrier, means for moving said supporting-shaft to effect additional movement of said carrier, means for returning said carrier to initial position, and a stop on said shaft arranged to be engaged by said carrier to restore said shaft to its initial position, as and for the purpose set forth.

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands, this 21st day of November, 1900, in the presence of the subscribing witnesses.

JOHN J. BROWNRIGG. JOHN K. NORSTROM. \Nitnesses:

FRANK A. LUNDQUIST, S. E. DARBY.

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