USRE22827E - System and apparatus fok facsimile - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 7, I947.- WISE SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR FAcs'IMILE TELEGRAPH! Original Filed ApriI- 4, I942,

4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR R.J.WISE

. ATTORNEY R. J. WISE Re 22,827 SYSTEI AND APPARATUS FOR FACSIMILE TELEGRAPHY 4 Sheets-$heet .2

mtssAcc BEING MESSAGE REWRITE r. G A S s E M D E P E m A D E T n M S N A R T E "G 8% 55 DM Original Filed Ann 4, 1942 Jan. 7, 1947.

INVENTOR ATTORNEY MESSAGE 'SHEET FEEDER Jan; 7, 1947.

Original Filed April 4 1942 4 Sheet-Sheet 3 INVE NTOR RLJ.W |SE RELAY BY 48 ATTORNEY mm MC mu w an J 9 R. J. WISE Re 22,827

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR FACSIMILE TELEGRAPHY Original Filed April 4, 194g 7 4 sheets-shes 4 1 I69 I La L2 ATTORN EY Reissuecl Jan. 7, 1947 SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR FACSIIVIILE TELEGRAPHY Raleigh J. Wise, Dunellen, N. J., assignor to The Western Union Telegraph Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Original No. 2,394,577, dated February 12, 1946,

Serial No. 489,440, June 3, 1943, which is a division of Serial No. 437,719, April 4, 1942. Application for reissue July 24, 1946, Serial No.

11 Claims.

The present invention relates primarily to facsimile telegraph systems and apparatus and particularly to mechanisms and the control thereof for supplying such facsimile apparatus with and the removal therefrom of message sheets and recording blanks.

*This application is a division of application Serial No. 437,719, filed April 4, 1942, System and apparatus for facsimile telegraphy.

While the principles of the present invention are particularly adaptable for use in conjunction with a combined facsimile transmitter-recorder of the rotating-cylinder type, such as for example that disclosed in Patent No. 2,255,868, granted November 11, 1941, to R. J. Wise et al., and is described in a facsimile system employing such a machine and other rotating cylinder type facsimile machines, it will be evident that the principles of the invention are not limited in application to only these facsimile machines and the system described, but may be applied to various other types of machines and systems.

The transmitter-recorder facsimile machine disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent No. 2,255,868 includes a rotatable drum, and when the machine is used in a receiving capacity a recording blank is Wrapped around the drum so that the subject matter received is reproduced on the recording blank by the usual means of a stylus which explores successive areas on the recording blank and marks the same in accordance with signals received. When the machine is employed as a transmitter, the message sheet is wrapped around the cylinder and successive areas of the sheet explored by a photoelectric pickup system and corresponding signals transmitted to a line circuit.

In accordance with the above, one of the primary objects of this invention is to provide selectively controlled means whereby .the rotatable cylinder or cylinders of a facsimile machine for example may be supplied with either a message blank or sheet in the conditioning of the machine for the transmission of a message or with a recording blank in order to condition the machine for the recording of a message.

Another object of the invention is to provide for the selective distribution of message sheets and/or recording blanks removed from the rotating cylinder of a cylinder type of facsimile transmitting machine, receiving machine, or combined transmitting and receiving machine.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art as the following description of the apparatus proceeds together with the description of a facsimile system employing such apparatus with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view partly in section of a combined transmitter-recorder constructed in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary detail view in perspec- 5 tive of the copyholder cylinder of the machine of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a wiring diagram showing a circuit arrangement for controlling and operating the combined machine of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a wiring diagram showing the central ofiice equipment for controlling and operating a number of machines embodying features of this invention;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary View similar to Fig. 1 of a modified machine; and

Fig. 6 shows a modification of Figs, 3- and 4.

In the present invention the novel facsimile transmitter-recorder disclosed herein is connected by a. communication circuit to a communication center equipped with a transmitter, a message recorder, and a. monitor recorder. These three. pieces of central oflice equipment are arranged to be connected to any incoming communication circuit having one or more of the automatic facsimile transmitter-recorders of this invention connected thereto. The central ofiice transmitter and message recorder may be combined into one automatic machine which is of the drum changing type similar to that described in the said Patent No. 2,255,868, and the monitor recorder may be of the type disclosed in Fig. 41 of the drawings of Patent No. 2,255,869,. granted to- G. H. Ridings et al. September 16, 1941. To simplify operation of the system, the monitor recorder may be mechanically driven from the central office transmitter whether or not the latter is combined with the central office message recorder.

The combined transmitter-recorder disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2' may include structural refinements shown and claimed in Patent No. 2,262,715, granted to R. J. Wise et al. on November 11, 19.41, for System and apparatus for automatic facsimile telegraphy, and also in the application of R. J. Wise et al., Serial No. 389,164, filed April 18, 1941, for System and apparatus for facsimile telegraphy.

The combined transmitter recorder 15 is housed in a box 11' which may be placed in any location accessible to a person authorized to collect and distribute received messages or to a member of the general public having a message for transmission. The box H is provided with a bin l2 for receiving message sheets ejected from a co-pyholding cylinder It upon operation of a stripping fhager IS. The bin 12 is accessible through an opening I"! in front of the box, which may be provided with a locked closure 18 if desired. The key for this closure may also operate a lock A series of five signs 2| provided with illuminating lamps 22a to 22s are located in the front panel 23 of the box I I. The lamps are controlled from the central oflice to illuminate the signs at appropriate times whenthemachine is used as a. transmitter in a manner to be described.

The message sheet receiving slot 24. is provided for the insertion of message sheets bearing subject matter to be transmitted when the machine is to be used as a transmitter. The slot 24 communicates with a chute 26, which may be formed as shown between the inwardly directed upper part 21 of the panel 23 and the horizontal portion of an angularly bent cover plate 28' which protects the paper feeding mechanism.

These externally accessible portions of the equipment are all that need be manipulated and observed in operating the machine as a transmitter. The recording functions of the machine are controlled solely from the central ofiice and access thereto is not needed except for purposes of adjustment, when required.

The upper portion of the box II houses the feeding mechanism for successively delivering individual recording blanks to the copyholding cylinder I4. As illustrated, the paper feed includes a roll 3| of individual blanks 32 supported, preferably in overlapping relationship, as shown in the copending application, Serial No. 389,164, above referred to, on an elongated belt 33 of any suitable material, the end of the belt being secured to a mandrel 34. The belts and the blanks supported thereby are rolled together around the mandrel to form the blank supply roll 3|- The opposite ends of the mandrel may be conveniently supported in notches 36 in a pair of reel supporting bracket arms 31 mounted on the upper front panel 38 of the box II. The belt 33 passes downwardly around the lower edge of the panel 38 and thence to "a belt takeup reel 39 which is in driving engagement with a motor (not shown) contained within the housing 4!.-

Unwinding of the belt 33 and the blanks 32 releases them one ata time, permitting each blank to drop onto the copyholding cylinder I4, provideo. with teeth 42 as disclosed and claimed in Patent No. 2,262,715, referred to above. A hinged cover 44 gives direct access to the reel 3|, and a side panel or cover plate 46 may be removed.

to facilitate removal of the belt 33 after it has been wound on the mandrel 33. It will be understood that the structural elements and indicating devices disclosed in the application. Serial No. 389,164 above referred to may be associated with the paper supply reel 3 I.

The copyholding cylinder I4 is mounted on a shaft 41 supported in suitable bearings and driven from a motor 48, indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 3 of the drawings, which also drives a lead screw 49 in a well-known manner.

A peripheral groove 5| formed in the cylinder and receives a finger 52 secured to a rock shaft 53 rotatably mounted at each end in any suitable manner in the frame of the machine In. The rod into the position shown, aifording a convenient means for controlling the locking magnet 53 of the chute 26 and the tape reel motor'which is operatively connected to the mandrel 33.

A presser roller 5| is rotatably mounted on a stem 62 projecting outwardly from a bracket arm 63 pivoted at 54 to a stationary portion 56 of the machine frame. A spring 61 resiliently urges the roller 6I into engagement with the periphery of the cylinder I4. The roller 6| is grooved at 69 to accommodate the teeth 42. The roller BI in conjunction with the teeth 42 serves to draw either a recording blank 32 or a message sheet bearing subject matter for transmission onto the copyholding cylinder I4.

A scanner carriage is, housing and supporting the optical transmitter scanning device II including a chopper motor 12 (Fig. 3), the recording stylus I3 and the stylus operating magnet I4, is supported for scanning movement longitudinally of the cylinder I4 on a rod I6 by a beveled roller I'I' mounted in brackets 78 on the bottom of the. box. An inverted U-shaped bracket IS in the upper portion of the box slidably embraces a guide rod 8 I. The stylus 73 is carried on a pivoted arm 83, the projecting end 84 of which is the armature of the stylus magnet 14.

A half-nut 86 is located beneath the scanning box for vertical movement into and out of en-' gagement with the feed screw 49. This range of vertical movement is provided by securing the half-nut 86 to a pivoted arm 88, one end of which serves as an armature for the half-nut magnet.

39. A spring 9! serves to maintain the half-nutout of engagement with the lead screw until themagnet 89 is energized. A pair of contacts 92 are brought into circuit-closing engagement when the half-nut magnet 89 is energized. Scanningmovement of the carriage 10 also occurs when the half-nut magnet 89 is energized.

The circumference of the recording cylinder I4 is preferably such that, when a blank 32 is wrapped around the cylinder for scanning, its edges overlap slightly to provide a smoother path for the recording stylus and to prevent its. contacting the drum. In order to facilitate stripping: the blank from the drum after scanning, each blank is preferably notched in one corner, as at.

90, in Fig. 2, in such a way that, when the blank is on the cylinder, the notch provides anopen space between the edges at one end. This space permitsthe stripping finger Iii to be inserted through the open space and under a blank for the purpose of stripping it from the cylinder. If desired, the message sheets to be inscribed with subject matter for transmission may be shorter than the circumference of the cylinder I4, providing a space between their edges when inposition to facilitate operation of the stripper finger I6. The portion of the light reflective drum which is exposed between the edges of the sheet} in either case may be used in conjunction with the optical scanner II to derive a framing signal. Also, a contact arm may bear on thecylinder and makecontact with the exposed cylinder for the purpose of providing a framing signal. The stripper finger I3 is adjustably secured to a rock shaft33 by a set screw 94. The rock shaft 93, journaled in any suitable manner in the;frame of the machine Iii, carriesthe armature 96 of a strippermagnet 91. A return spring 98 maintains the stripper finger out of'engagement withthe cylinder I4 until :the magnet 91 isenergized;

In operation of the mechanical features thus far described and assuming that the machine is to be used as a recorder, the ,motor'associatedwith the blank feeding mandrel 39 is energized over a circuit to be described in connection with Fig. 3 of the drawings, or over any desired circuit which includes the contact 56 and the switch arm 54. A blank 32 will be released and wrapped around the cylinder I4, whereupon the circuit controlling the motor will be interrupted. During the scanning operation, the feed screw 49 is rotated from the motor through the feed screw driving gears to produce the necessary scanning movement of the scanning carriage I and the stylus I3 longitudinally of the rotating cylinder. When scanning is completed, or at any desired time, the half -nut 86 is disengaged from the carriage feed screw, permitting the carriage to be returned to its. starting position by a strand or cord under tension secured to the carriage, as shown in Patent No. 2,262,715. Upon completion of a scanning operation, the magnet 91 may be energized, causing the stripper finger to strip the message sheet from the cylinder so that it drops into the bin I2.

When the machine is to be operated as a trans" mitter, the lock switch or push-button I9 is operated, following which the chute lock magnet '59 is energized in any desired manner, either locally at the machine Ill or from a remote point with which communication is desired. The armature of the magnet 59 is connected by a link IGI to a bell crank I02 which carries a bar 13 normally obstructing entrance to the chute 25. Insertion of the message sheet in the proper manner may be insured by beveling one corner of the blank for cooperation with an arrangement such as is disclosed in Patent No. 2,262,715, referred to above.

When the sheet in position on the cylinder I4 bears subject matter for transmission, the optical scanning device I2 will be in operation with the stylus I3 retracted.

The transmitting and recording equipment I04 installed at a central oihce for interconnection with one or more of the machines III is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 4 of the drawings. A suit-- able machine of the automatic drum changing type combining transmitting and recording functions is shown in complete detail in Patent No. 2,255,868, referred to above. Separate amplifiers IE6 and I! are provided for the transmitting and recording functions, respectively, of the machine I04. A signal inverter I08 feeds the recording stylus I09. The monitor recorder III, as stated above, is disclosed in Fig. 4 of Patent No. 2255,869. An amplifier II2 feeds the recording styli II4 of the monitor recorder. It will be understood that any type of facsimile equipment may be employed at the central ofiice. However, the arrangement of apparatus to be described is quite convenient and represents a desirable embodiment of the system of this invention. The combined transmitter-recorder, I04 is driven through a gear mechanism M by a motor III; which operates in synchronism with the motor 48 of the machine or machines I0 and drives a power shaft I I! through a constantly engaged friction clutch H8. The shaft II'I drives the transmitter-recorder I04 through any suitable means, such as the gear and pinion combination H9 and I2I, diagrammatically shown. The stylus moving mechanism I22 and the paper feed mechanism I23 of the monitor recorder are also driven from the shaft 1, for example, by a worm and worm wheel combination I24 and I26, also represented diagrammatically in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The shaft H1 is. locked against rotation by a tooth or pawl I21 onan armature I28 pivoted at I29 which engages a notch I3I' formed in a disc I3 2 which is secured to the shaft. A spring I33 serves to withdraw the tooth I21 from the notch I3I upon deenergization of. a phasing or framing magnet I34. The gear ratios of the worm and worm wheel combination I24 and I26 are selected so that a copy-holding drum I35 of the transmitter-recorder I04 rotates once while a recording stylus II4'of the. monitor recorder traverses its recording strip I36. This arrangement is employed, as it simplifies phasing or framing of subject matter transmitted from one of the machines III. The blanks upon which incoming messages are to be recorded and the message sheets bearing subject matter for transmission to the machine III are mounted on the copyholding drums I35 which are inserted in the transmitter-recorder appaa ratus I94 one at a time, as shown and explained 'in Patent No. 2,255,863. The recording drum in operative position is rotated by power supplied from the shaft I I! and during rotation the marking stylus I05 or a light spot from an optical transmitting scanner I31 scans the message sheet in a direction parallel to the axis of the copyho1d ing drum. Mechanism similar to that disclosed in the patent is provided for removing a copyholder drum with its attached message sheet after a scanning operation.

The transmitting and recording amplifiers I06 and It? and the monitor amplifier II2 are connected to the contact studs of the fifth and sixth levels of a rotary switch I38 made up of eight levels. Each level is provided with twenty-one contact studs and a movable contact arm. The eight contact arms are designated I39a to I39h and are moved simultaneously, Each is provided with abridging wiper MI whereby connection is made with each of the studs before the connection with the preceding stud is broken. The contact arms I39a to I39h of the switch I38 normally remain in the neutral position (Fig. 4) when the system is idle; and are moved in a counterclockwise direction, as shown in Fig. 4, from the neutral position over thirteen studs when a message is to be transmitted to a machine Ill, and in the opposite direction from the neutral position over eight studs when the central station attendant is responding to acall from one of the machines II! and is taking the steps necessary to record an incoming message.

The communication circuit connecting a single machine or a plurality of machines I 0 and the central ohlce is shown as a line L comprising a pair of conductors LI and L2, which are used simultaneously for the transmission of the alternating current facsimile signals or messag impulses andthe direct current control signals by which selection and operation of a machine III is obtained.

When a machine I is in use as a transmitter, the facsimile signals originate at the optical scanning device 'II including a light source 'II' which is connected to an amplifier I42, as shown in Fig. 3, the output circuit of which is connected to a pair of contacts I43 of a relay I44. When the machine I is in use as a recorder, the incoming facsimile signals are applied to a receiving amplifier I46 and to the stylus I3 by way of make contacts I41 of the relay I44. The tongues of the relay which cooperate with the contacts I43 and I41. are connected through a pair of blocking condensers I48 to the line conductors LI and L2. The purpose of the blocking condensers is to isolate the alternating current facsimile signals from the direct current control signals. The:

polarity of the direct current potentials which are applied to the conductor LI is controlled by the apparatus at the central office for the purpose of operating a polar relay I49 connected to this conductor at the machine I0. Similarly, the

- polarity of the direct current potential applied to the conductor L2 is controlled by the apparatus at the central ofiice for the purpose of operating a polar relay I5I connected to this conductor at the 'machine I0. Each of these polar relays is of the three-position type, whereby the tongue is moved to one extreme contact in response to the polarity of potential, to the other extreme contact in response to the opposite polarity of potential, and to a mid position disengaged from both of the extreme contacts in response to a no-current condition. The tongue I52 of the relay I49 cooperates with contacts M and S. The tongue I53 of the relay I5I cooperates with the contacts M and S.

It should be understood that a number of machines IIJ, as stated above, will normally be connected to a single communication circuit in a party line system, and that each machine I9 is adapted to be locked'against operation when any other machine on the same line is operating, as will be described hereinafter, and as is fully set forth in Patent No. 2,262,715.

1 The operation of the complete system will be described in connection with Figs. 3 and 4 taken together. It is assumed that power is supplied at the machine I 9 by connecting a suitable source of alternating current I55 through a switch I56 to the bus bars A and B. The switch I56 is kept closed to maintain the heaters of the amplifiers I42 and I46 fed from the transformer I51 in condition for immediate operation. The motors 48 and 12, the plate supply for the amplifiers and the light source or other active element of the optical scanner are controlled from the central ofiice following operation of the push button I9 or selection of themachine by the central office.

Operation of the system to select and communicate with a particular machine III will first be described. The attendant at the central office inserts the copyholding drum bearing the message to be transmitted in position in the transmitterrecorder I 94 by operating a key I6I (Fig. 4) This corresponds to the key 221 disclosed in Fig. 3 of Patent No. 2,255,868 and operates the drum changing relay I62. The drum changing relay I62 is also controlled by the contact'arm I39h of the rotary switch I38. A plug I63 is inserted in the line jack I64 of the line L to which the desired machine I0 is connected. This connects the line conductors LI and L2 through a pair of blocking condensers I66 and through a power level adjustment pad I61 to the movable arms I39d and I390 of the rotary switch and disconnects the line amplifier I66 and its associated equipment, which is not needed at this time, from the line L. The line conductors LI and L2 ar also connected through a pair of inductances or choke coils I69 to the control signaling apparatus comprising the contact arms I39b and I39a of the rotary switch.

The contact arm I391), in its neutral position, rests on a contact stud to which the positive pole of a suitable source of direct current signaling potential is connected. Referring to Fig. 3, it will be noted that line LI controls operation of the three-position relay I49 and, when a positive potential is applied to this relay, its tongue I52 cooperates with th contact M to complete a circuit through the stepping magnet coils I1I not be operated because of the of a' selector switch I12. The connection to line LI at the central ofilce includes a dialing device,

terrupter consisting of a cam engaging the impulse springs. The line circuit is normally closed, and the impulse so-called is a brief interruption of the line current. These impulses or cur-. rent interruptions are effective to step the switch arm I14 of th selector one point for each impulse. With the selector diagrammatically shown by way of example in Fig. 3, insertion of the plug I63 into the jack I64 at the central office will cause the switch arm I14 to move to its second contact stud. To select the machine III of Fig. 3, the dial will be manipulated by dialing N0. 4, which will produce four successive interruptions, stepping the switch arm to the fifth contact stud to which the operating coil of a relay I16 is connected. Th system is preferably so designed that when positive potential is removed from the line LI, it is applied to line L2- to maintain the selection of the machine by way of the make contact 92 of the switch associated with the half-nut magnet and energization of its relay I16. Stepping of the selectors of other machines connected to the line L occurs, but noselection will result, as their relays I16 will presence of contacts I11.

The effect of the positive potential maintained on the line conductor LI or on the line conductor L2 is to maintain the busy signal lamp 22a illuminated in all the machines connected to the line L. The circuit of the signal lamp 22a.

with positive potential applied to LI may be traced from the bus bar B through the contact tongue I52 and contact M of relay I49, the

break contacts I18 of a multicontact switch I19 to bus bar A. The circuit for the signal lamp 22a with positive potential applied to L2 may be; traced from th bus bar B through the make contact 92 of the switch associated with the: half-nut magnet 89, the break contacts I18'0f the multicontact switch I 19 and the lamp 22a to the bus bar A. The push button I9 at the selected machine III and at the other machines connected to the line L is rendered ineffective by' a break contact I8I of a relay I82 which is connected in parallel with the signal lamps 220. When the calling plug at the central ofiice is inserted in the line jack, placing a plus-potential on line LI,

terminal being connected to the bus bar B whereby this magnet becomes energized to attract its armature I84. As the facsimile communication process is carried out in a manner to be de-' of this armature moves beneath the armature I I16 of the multicontact switch I19 to,lock it in the upper or 011 position shown. This occurs at the other machine on the line L as well as. the selected machine I 9.

The selector arm I14 is shown as being stepped,

by a. pawl I88 which engages the teeth of'a ratchet wheel I89 carried by a shaft I9I towhich 22a and bus bar A is connected to one ter? minal of the magnet I83 through the tongue I52 and contact M of the polar relay I49, the otherbus bar B throughthe make contact 92 of the switch associated with 9 the switch arm I14 is secured. A pawl I92 also engages the teeth of the ratchet wheel and maintains the selected position of the arm I14 while the stepping magnet coil i1I is deenergized. A coil I90 is provided for withdrawing the pawl I92 from the teeth of the ratchet when it is energized in a manner described below. One side of this coil I90 is connected to the alternating current bus bar A, the circuit being completed under conditions described below to the bus :bar B through a thermal time delay switch I94. The coil I99 of the thermal switch H4 is energized through a pair of cooperating contacts I95, the movable one of which is carried by the pivoted armature I96 of the stepping magnet I TI. With this arrangement, the magnet coil I90 is normally deenergized, even during the selecting operation, as the time of closure of the contacts I95 during a stepping pulse is insufficient to cause heating of the thermostatic bar !81 of the thermal time delay switch I 94. When the selection is completed, energization of the stepping magnet IN is maintained, which maintains the circuit through the heater element I99 by way of the contacts I85, for a sufflcient period to effect closure of the contacts of the thermal switch, thus energizing magnet Hit. The pawl I92 is thus retracted so that the ratchet wheel I89 is free to return to its normal position under the influence of the torsion spring 250 when the central office attendant has completed the steps to be described of transmitting a message to the machine Ill and checking its receipt.

The relay I16, which is energized upon selecing the machine Ill by the dial H3, completes a circuit through its make contact 21H, which circult includes the coil of the send-receive relay I44 and the contact S of the polar relay I49. This circuit enables the central oilice attendant to control the transmitter and recorder functions of the machine I8 by reversing the polarity applied to the line LI. When the negative pole of the signaling current source is connected to the line LI, relay tongue I52 moves to the contact S, thereby energizing the relay M4 to connect the receiving amplifier I 46 to the lines LI and L2. The make contact 204 of relay I16 serves to control the connection of the amplifiers I42 and I45 across the alternating current bus bars A and B and, also, energizes a relay 285 over the conductor 206 which closes the circuit from the amplifiers to the line L at its make contact 221i. This relay is included for connecting the amplifiers to the line only when power is applied to the machine so that, in party line operation, only the machine in use will be bridged across the line, and the signal will not be weakened by the unnecessary connection of other machines on the line. The cylinder driving motor 48 and the light chopper motor 12 of the optical scanner 1! are also energized over the conductor 286 when the relay I 15 is energized by selection of the machine.

The rotary switch I38 (Fig. 4) is moved from the neutral position counterclockwise to the first position to obtain a positive check of the selection of the desired machine I0. Positive potential is maintained on LI by the contact arm I391), and positive potential is connected to L2 by the arm I390. whereby the half-nut magnet 89 of the selected machine is energized to scan a distinctive mark 209 (Fig. 2) which is repeated around the periphery of the .copyholding cylinder I4. In the example shown, the mark 209 takes the form of letters SK, and it will be understood that the copyholding cylinders I4 of the other machines available for selection will also be provided with distinctive marks diilering from each other. The contact arms I38c and I38d of the rotary switch I38 in its first position connect the lines LI and L2 to the amplifier II2 of the monitor recorder III by Way of the blocking condensers I66. The marks 209, in this instance SX, will be recorded on the web or strip I36 of recording paper in the monitor recorder. The paper feed mechanism of the monitor recorder operates, since the relay 2I0 is deenergized at the contact arm I39), and the latch I29 is withdrawn from the notch l3l, since the arm I395! opens the circuit of the looking coil 2 I 4 of the relay 2| 6. It will be noted that, inasmuch as the marks are repeated upon the periphery of the copyholding cylinder I4, phasing of the machine I8 with the monitor recorder III is not necessary at this time, as one or more of the marks will be reproduced in their entirety. The rotary switch I38 is maintained in its first position until the central office is satisfied that the desired machine III has been selected.

The rotary switch I38 is next moved to its second position to secure a message blank 32 on the copyholding cylinder of the selected machine. This is accomplished by placing a negative potential on conductor LI and maintaining the connection of the conductor L2 to the positive pole of the signal source. At the machine I0 this energizes the relay I44, incidentally connecting the selected party's receiving amplifier I46 to the line, but it has no function at this time. The half-nut magnet 89 remains energized, causing the stylus to feed, but this action is also incidental. Energization of the relay I44 in the man ner just explained completes a circuit from the bus bar A by way of the switch arm 54 and the cooperating contact 56, a make contact 2 of the relay I44 and a make contact 2I2 of the relay I16 to the driving motor of the message feeding device 4|. The message blank 32 is thereby applied to the copyholding cylinder I4 in accordance with the description above, which raises the finger 52 from its groove and breaks the circuit which was made at the contact arm 54 and contact 56, stopping'the driving motor of the sheet feeding device 4 I.

The next active step, which is the fifth position of the rotary switch, phases the selected machine It] with the combined monitor and transmitterrecorder at the central ofiice, and to do this it is necessary to apply positive potential to the conductors LI and L2. However, to insure the main tenance of communication with the selected machine IO, two transition steps of the rotary switch I38 are included. The third position reverses the polarity of conductor LI and holds conductor L2 positive to avoid losing the selected party. The fourth position opens the connection to the conductor L2 with the signaling source, thereby spacing back the scanning carriage 10 of the selected partys machine I8. If,-in the fifth or phasing position mentioned above, a black line on the blank 32 is used extending all the way across the blank instead of a black spot of limited area in a definite position, the back spacing step provided by the fourth position will not be necessary, as the phasing signal will be generated at all points in the longitudinal travel of the carriage 10.

When the rotary switch 138 is passing over its fourth position to its fifth or phasing position noted above, a coil 2 of a relay 2I6 is energized at this time by way of contact arm I399 and thereby energizes a relay 2l1 by applying ground at a make contact 2I8. In the fifth position of 1 1 the rotary switch, the circuit of the coil 2I4 is opened; however, the relay 2 I4 stays up, since its coil 226 is energized from ground at make contact 2I3, switch arm I33e and the make contact 221 of the phasing relay 224. The relay 2" energizes the phasing magnet I34 at its make contact 2I9 and also energizes the half-nut magnet 220 of the transmitter-recorder section I04 of the central oflice equipment, This steps the transmitterrecorder I04 and also the monitor recorder II I until the scanning light spot at the machine I passes over'the non-reflecting mark 222 (Fig. 2) on the recording blank in position on the recording cylinder I4 at the machine I0. This causes a drop in the signal fed to the phasing amplifier 223, resulting in substantial deenergization of the relay 224, which opens the circuit of the locking coil 225 of the relay 2I6 at the make contact 221. Deenergization of the locking coil 226 of the relay 2I6 opens the circuit of the relay 2II, resulting in release of the relay 2I'I, starting the shaft ill to drive the monitor recorder III in phase with the machine I0. Operation of the carriage of the machine I04 is incidental. If the exposed portion of the reflective cylinder is used for the purpose of deriving a framing signal at the machine I0, the phasing relay may be of the high current type provided with a break contact instead of a make contact. The signallevel will be higher when scanning the bright drum than when scanning the less reflective surface of the message blank.

As the amplifier II2 of the monitor recorder III is connected to the line L at this time by the contact arms I330 and I 39d of the rotary switch I38, a portion of the blank will be scanned, thereby checking positively application of the blank to the copyholding cylinder of the selected machine I0 by a record on the web 2 I 0.

The sixth and seventh positions of the rotary switch I38 are carriage space back and transition steps, respectively. In the sixth position the positive pole of the signaling source is connected to line LI by way of the contact arm I391), and the line L2 is unconnected at this time. In the seventh position positive potential is maintained on the line LI, and the line L2 is also connected to the positive pole of the source of signaling potential by way of the contact arm I39a.

Transmission from the central office to the se- 1 lected machine occurs at the eighth position of the rotary switch I38. The contact arm I39b connects LI to the negative pole of the source of signaling potential, and the contact arm I39a connects the line L2 to the positive pole of the signaling source. The negative potential on line LI moves the contact tongue I52 of the relay I43 to its contact S, operating the send-receive relay I44. The positive potential on the line L2 which is maintained from the previous step causes the p carriage 10 of the selected machine I0 to feed. The stylus magnet I4 is energized at this time from the bus bar A through the arm 54 and contact 51 of the paper control switch, the operating coil of the stylus magnet, a make contact 232 of the relay I44 to the bus bar B. The rotary switch is left in its eighth position until the message on the copyholding drum at the transmitter I04 has been completely scanned, after which the rotary switch is moved through its ninth and mits the carriage I0 of the selected machine to return to its initial position.

The eleventh position of the rotary switch'is' effective to permit the central station attendant to obtain a record of all of any portion of the subject matter which was recorded on the message blank at the selected machine in the eighth position of the rotary switch. Positive potential is connected to the lines LI and L2 which, in ac-' cordance with the previous description, deenergizes the'send-receive relay I44 to connect the sending amplifier I42 to the line and also to cause engagement of the half-nut with the lead screw 49 to propel the carriage 10. The rotary switch is maintained in this No.11 position until the record appearing on the monitor recorder satisfies the attendant that the message has been received.

The twelfth position of the rotary switch maintains Ll positiveand connects line L2 to the negative pole of the source of signaling potential; which moves the contact arm I53 of the three position'relay I5I against its S contact to energize the peel magnet to remove the blank 32 from the drum. The switch arm 54 of the selected.

machine I 0 comes in contact again with the contact 53, thereby preparing the circuit which places a new blank in position upon the next operation of the relay I44, in accordance with the previous description. This contact also connects the magnet 59 of the chute locking mechanism across the bus bars A and B. However, this circuit is interrupted at this time at the'make contact 233 of a-relay 234, the operating coil of which is connected from the bus bar 13 to the bus bar A in parallel with the deposit message signal lamp 22b over the conductor 236. The conductor 231 for feeding the lamp 22b is connected to the make contacts 238 of the multicontact switch H! which are closed only when thepush button I0 is operated by a person desiring to operate the machine I0 as a transmitter. The relay 234, therefore, permits the chute 24 to open only when the machine I0 or the machine I0a is operative as a transmitter and the copyholding cylinder I4 does not contain a message sheet. Also, in the twelfth position of the rotary switch I33 its contact arm I339 energizes the coil 2I4 of the relay I26, thereby to stop the copyholding drum of the transmitter-recorder I04 and energize its half-nut to efiect a'carriage return. The contact arm I39h energizes the relay I62 to eject the copyholding drum from the machine I04 in the manner described in Patent No. 2,262,! 15 referred to.

The thirteenth'position of the rotary switch is similar to the first position. The monitor re corder amplifier H2 is connected to the com: munication circuit L, and the selected machine I0 is operated as a transmitter byplacing a positive potential on the lines LI and L2. Trans mission from the machine I0 need be continued only until a record. is obtained oi the distinctive mark 209 on the copyholding cylinder.

The central station attendant may now remove the plug I63 from the jack I54 which turns off the selected machine I0 by deenergizingthe stepping magnet coil III, permitting the pawl I88to release the ratchet wheel ,I89. The mag net I30 is energized atthis-time through the thermal time delay switch I94,.tl 1ereby' keeping the pawl I02 from engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel at this time.- After a short.

time interval, the thermostatic bar I of the switch I94 cools and opens the circuit of the magnet I30 which permits the pawl I92 to drop sacs-r in place in readiness for the next operation of the selector.

-'When the contact arm I74 of the selector is returned to its normal position, the relay I16 is deenergized, which disconnects the power supply from the amplifiers at the make contact 204 of the relay, thereby stopping the motors and disconnecting the amplifiers. The relay 205 is deenergized, which disconnects the sending amplitier I42 from the lines Li and L2 for the reasons stated above.

The rotary switch I38 at the central oflice is preferably returned to its neutral position when the operator removes the plug I63. However, if the switch is left in the thirteenth position inadvertently, selection is possible, since the posi tive pole of the signa ling source is connected to LI when the plug is next inserted to select a machine Ill.

If the central o-fiice attendant is dissatisfied with the appearance of the record obtained on the strip I36 of the monitor recorder when the rotary switch was in its eleventh position, he may move the rotary switch to position twelve to remove the unsatisfactory copy and return it to the second position to place a fresh blank on the machine and then re-run the transmitter at the central ofiice. Before doing this, he may, if he so desires, write the words second transmission or words of similar import on the original message mounted on the copyholding drum of the transmitter so as to apprise the person removing the received message from the bin I2 at the machine III that two of the record sheets to be found there are duplicates. This will avoid any confusion which may result if the first transmission is so poor that it cannot be deciphered and will be a clear indication that the transmission has been repeated.

The steps of the entire process of selecting and transmitting a message to the machine II) will be accurately "recorded on the web I33 of the monitor recorder III and may be preserved at the central oflice for accounting and other purposes.

Any one of the machines I may be operated as transmitters in a manner similar to that set forth in detail in Patent No. 2,262,715, referred to above. The rotary switch I38 is, therefore, provided with eight steps which are covered by the contact arms I39a :to I39h when these contact arms are moved in a clockwise direction from the neutral position.

To use any one of the machines It! as a transmitter, the patron or other authorized person operates the push button l9 or its equivalent, thereby energizing the operating magnet 24I of the multiconta'ct switch I19. This results in closure of the make contacts 242 which perform the same function as the make contact 204 of the relay I16. The amplifiers of the machine are energized at this time, and the driving and light chopper motors 48 and I2 are started. An alternating current signal is generated by the optical pickup dei ice II which is received by the previously mentioned line amplifier IE8 at the central oili'ce. The output of this amplifier energizes a relay 243 which in turn energizes a, relay 244 by way of .a make contact 246. A make contact 241' of the relay 244 lights a, supervisory lamp 248 to apprise the central station attendant that acall is to be answered and also connects the positive pole of a signaling source, which may be the signaling source previously mentioned, to line LI.

'14 The positive potential on the line LI moves the contact tongue I52 of the relay I 49 to'its contact M, thereby illuminating the deposit message lamp 22b over the closed contacts 238 and also looking the switch I19 by energizing the locking magnet I 83.

The patron will now insert in the slot 24 a message sheet inscribed with the subject matter to be transmitted, the slot being open at this time by reason of the energization of the relay 234 over the conductor 236. When the message sheet is wrapped on the copyholding cylinder I4, the switch arm 54 interrupts the circuit of the chute locking magnet 59 which was maintained at the contact 56.

The central station attendant, responding to the signal lamp 248, inserts the plug I 63 in the jack I64, which disconnects the line amplifier I68 but maintains LI positive over the contact arm I391). The .receiving amplifier Ill'I at the central office is maintained in communication with the line L over the contact arm I390 and I39d of the rotary switch I38. The attendant may now move the rotary switch I38 clockwise from the neutral position to its first position, which is, as regards the polarity of LI, the same as the neutral position. L2 is maintained open. The coil 2I4 of the relay H6 is energized by way of the contact arm I39g to prepare the phasing circuits originating at the make contact 2 I8.

If a. copyholding drum bearing a record blank is not in position in the central oflice recorder, the key 5| may be operated to insert a copyholder in the machine. However, one will usually be present if the machine has been previously used as a recorder, and the message drum feeding magazine of the machine is provided with copyholding drums having message blanks.

The attendant will now move the rotary switch I38 to its second position if he has not immediately done so after inserting the plug I63. In the second position of the rotary switch, line L2 is connected to the positive pole of the signal source, line LI being maintained positive. The contact tongue I53 of the relay I5l moves to its M contact, engaging the half-nut 86 to start the scanning process at the machine Ill. The lamp 22c 01 the message being transmitted sign is illuminated. Also, in this position of the rotary switch, the holding coil 2I4 of the double current relay ZIE is deenergized so that this relay may respond to the drop in carrier current energy which occurs when the spot of light from the light source in the optical transmitter II passes over the black spot on the message sheet in position on the cylinder I4. The stylus IDS is brought in contact with the record blank by a stylus magnet 249 which is energized at this time by way of the arm I38) of the rotary switch.

Recording is permitted to proceed until the central station attendant observes that the entire subject matter has been recorded by the machine IM, whereupon he moves the rotary switch I38 to its third position, which energizes the relay I62 to remove the copyholder drum bearing the recorded message from the machine I04. The coil 2I4 of the relay 2E6 is energized to stop the scanner of the machine I04, and communication with the machine I0 is maintained by maintain: ing a positive potential on line LI. Its scanner is returned by opening the line L2.

The recording process may be repeated by again moving the switch to the second position if the central station attendant so desires. A fresh :oopyholder drum I35 will "be in position in the 15 machine I64, and the tongue I55 of the relay II will. again move'to its M contact to energize the half-nut magnet 89. 1

If the central station attendant is satisfied with the quality of the received message, he moves the rotary witch to its fourth position, which applies negative potential to the line L2 to move the contact tongue I53 of the relay I51 to its S contact, which energizes the peel magnet 51. The rotary switch is turned to the eighth position.- In passing over the seventh positiomthe lines LI and L2 are opened, which shuts down-themachine I8, and in the eighth position negative potential is applied. to the line LI, which lights the lamp 22d of the message acceptedsign. Th'e'circuit for this may be traced from bus bar A, contact S of relay I29, a break contact 259 of relay I76, closed contacts 25I or the multicontact switch use and the lamp 22rd. The plug I63 may be removed from the jack I64 and the rotary switch turned to its neutral position in preparation for the next operation at the central office.

If, after repeating the recording process, the central station attendant is satisfied that a good recording cannot be obtained, or if the message i illegible, he may move the rotary switch to the sixth position, which will apply negative potential to the line LI to move the contact arm I52 of the relay I49 to the contact S, thereby illuminating the signal lamp 22e ofthe rewrite message sign by way of the contacts253 of the multicontact switch I19, which is maintained closed by keeping the line L2 positive. The ro-' tary switch is then returned to the deposit message position in readines to again receive the message or subject matter, which must be reinscribed by the patron upon a fresh message sheet.

Fig. 5 of the drawings illustrates a modification of the transmitter-recorder of this invention provided with means for electively distributing message sheets removed from the copyholding cylinder. In the illustrative embodiment of Fig. 5, two electromagnetically operated message sheet removing devices are shown for selectively distributing message sheets into one or the other of two compartments. It'will be understood'by one skilled in the art that a number of angularly spaced message sheet removing devices may be provided, together with a compartment or receptacle associated with each device, and that any desired means for selectively operating these message sheets may be employed.

The machine of Fig. 5 is substantially the same as the machine In of Fig. 1,,and therefore like parts are designated by the same reference characters to facilitate identification of these parts. The copyholding cylinder I4 is positioned as before to-be fed with blanks 32 or message sheets manually introduced into the chute 2E bywayof the slot 24. The switch arm 54 i operated by an arm 252 similar to the arm 52 of Fig. 1' which cooperates with a groove 5| in a'jcopyholdi'ng cylinder I4. The contacts 56 and 51 are shown as being interchanged in position, since the arm 252 lies above the cylinder I4. The stripping finger I6 is eflfective upon energization of the magnet 9! to remove a message sheet'from the copyholding cylinder so that it is deposited in the binpr compartment I2. Access'to message sheets in the-compartment I2 is obtainedthrough'the closure I8 which, if desired, may be provided with any suitable type of lock.

'An' additional stripping finger 254 is" provided, which is adjustably secured to a rock shaft 255 by a set screw 251. This rock shaft is journaled 116 in any suitable manner from thesides ofthe machine It and carries the armature 258 of a stripper magnet 259. A return. spring 26I ,maintains the stripper finger out of engagement with the cylinder I4 until the magnet is energized. The magnet 259-may, as shown,bemounted' at one side of the machine, and to the rear of the stripper magnet 61 which operates the stripper finger i5. A.;compartmentT252 having side walls 263, one of which is shown, and a front wall 264 is pro; vided for receiving message sheets ejectedfrom the copyholding cylinder 14*upon operation of the stripping finger 254. Access to the compartmerit 262m obtained through a' closure member 256 hinged at 261 to the rear panel of the box II which houses the entire machine ID. The clo sure member 26-6 maya-lso, if-desireol, be pro= vided with a lock. By selecting locks for the closures i3 and 265 which are-opened by difierent keys, it will be noted that message sheets of any kind removed by the stripper finger IE-wil1 be accessible only to a person-provided with a key for the closure I8, and likewise message sheets of any kind removed by the stripper finger 254 will be accessible only to a, person provided with a key for the closure 266.- Y

The magnets 91 and 259 may be energized in any desired manner to effect operation of the respective stripper fingers. Fig. Gdiscloses a modification of the system of Figs. 3 and 4 for obtaining selective operation of the stripper- 1ingers in a manner to cause distribution of message sheets bearing recorded subject matter to the compartment I2 and message sheets bearing subject matter for transmission into the compartment 262. Only the modified portions of the apparatus and circuits of Figs. 3 and 4 are disclosed by Fig. 6. The switch arms I39a and I391) of the multicontact switch I38, when operated in a counterclockwise direction, cause operation of a selected machine It in the manner previously described. When the contact arm I 3911 reaches its twelfth stud, the stripper finger I6 is operated in the manner previously described. The contact arm I39d in Fig. 4 also causes operation of the stripper finger I6 when the rotary switch is operated in a clockwise direction to the fourth stud from the neutral position. In Fig. 6'; the fourth contact'stud which cooperates with the contact arm I394; is left blank, thereb to afford an opportunity for operating the stripper finger 25 1. This is accomplished in'the modified system of Fig. 6 by providing a relay 269 which is responsive only to values :of current higher than those normally flowing in the line LI for operation of the polar relay I49. Themake contact2'II of this relay completes a circuithinclud-j in the peel magnet 259 from the bus barA through the contacts 242 of ,the multicontact switch I19 to the bus bar B. When ahigher than normal signal potential is applied to the line LI, the relay 269 will close its contacts and energize the peel magnet 259'to bring the stripper finger 254 into engagement'with the copyholding cylinder 14. This higher potential is applied to the contact arm I351) at the fourth contact stud in a clockwise direction from the neutra'l position. Message sheets bearing subject matter for transmission and introduced through the chute 26 are'thus removedfrorn'the copy holding cylinder I4 and distributed to the com partment 262.

' While the invention has beenexplained in detail in connection with several illustrative embodiments thereof, it is understood that the invention may be embodied in other forms, and therefore the invention is not limited except as indicated by the terms and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Automatic telegraph apparatus comprising a rotatable telegraph message sheet copyholder,

means on said copyholder to receive and retain thereon for one or more revolutions a telegraph message sheet, a first means for guiding and conveying message sheets to said receiving on said copyholder, means for automatically providing said conveying means with message sheets, a second means for guiding message sheets to said receiving on said copyholder. said last named means having provisions for receiving message sheets inserted manually therein and means controlled by the presence of a sheet copyholder for preventing the guild and conveying of a second message sheet to receiving mean on said copyholder from either said. first or second means.

2. Automatic telegraph apparatus comprising a rotatable telegraph message sheet copyholder, means on said copyholder to receive and retain thereon one at a time for a plurality of revolutions telegraph message sheets, means for guiding and conveying message sheets to said receiv ing means on said copyholder, means for automatically providing said conveying means with message sheets, a second means for guiding message sheets to said copyholder, said last named means having provisions for receiving message sheets inserted manually therein, means for preventing operation of said automatic means and the manual inserting of a message sheet in said second guiding means when a message sheet is on said copyhclder, and means for automatically removing message sheets from said copy holder.

3. Automatic telegraph apparatus comprising a rotatable telegraph message sheet copyholder, means onsaid copyholder to receive and retain thereon for a plurality of revolutions a telegraph message sheet, and a plurality of separate and selective electromagnetically operable means for automatically removing message sheets from said copyholder.

4. Automatic telegraph apparatus comprising a rotatable telegraph message sheet copyholder, means on said copyho-lder to receive and retain thereon for a plurality of revolutions telegraph message sheets one at a time, a plurality of receptacles to receive message sheets removed from said copyholder, and a plurality of selective e1ectromagnetically operable means to selectively direct message sheets to said receptacles.

.5. Automatic telegraph apparatus comprising a rotatable telegraph message sheet copyholder, means on Said copyholder to receive and retain thereon for continuous rotation therewith a telegraph message sheet, a plurality of separate and selective electromagnetically operable means for automatically removing message sheets from said copyholder, and a receptacle associated with each of said message sheet removing means to receive message sheets removed from said copyholder.

6. Automatic telegraph apparatus comprising a rotatable telegraph message sheet copyholder, means on said copyholder to receive and retain for one or more revolutions a telegraph message sheet, a first means for guiding message sheets of one kind to said receiving means on said copyholder, a second means for guiding message sheets of another kind to said receiving means on said copyholder, a. first means selectively operable for automatically removing message sheets of one kind from said copyholder, and a second means selectively operable for automatically removing message sheets of the other kind from said copyholder.

7. Automatic telegraph apparatus comprising a rotatable telegraph message sheet copyholder, means on said copyholder to receive and retain for one or more revolutions a telegraph message sheet, a first means for guiding message sheets of one kind to said receiving means on said copyholder, a second means for guiding message sheets of another kind to said receiving means on said copyholder, a first receptacle, a first means selectively operable for automatically removing message sheets from said copyholder and directing said removed sheets into said receptacle, a second receptacle, and a second means selectively operable for automatically removing message sheets from said copyholder and directing said removed sheets into said second receptacle.

8. In a facsimile telegraph machine, a rotatable copyholder, means including said copyholrlcr for receiving and retaining for a plurality of revolutions telegraph message sheets one at a time, a plurality of separate electromagnetically controlled means for selectively removing said message sheets from said copyholder, a like plurality of receptacles for receiving removed message heets and means including said separate removing means for selectively directing removed message sheets to selected ones of said receptacles.

9. In a facsimile telegraph machine, a rotatable copyholder, a plurality of separate sources of telegraph message sheets, means including copyholder for receiving and retaining thereon for continuous rotation therewith telegraph mes-- sage sheets one at a time from either one of sources, electromagnetically controlled means for removing said message heets from said copvholder, a plurality of message sheet receiving receptacles and means for removing and selectively directing message sheets from said copyholder to said receptacles.

10. In a facsimile telegraph machine, a rotatable copyholder, means including said co oyholder for receiving and retaining thereon for continuou rotation therewith telegraph message sheets one at a time, a plurality of separate sources of telegraph message sheets, means for selectively presenting to said copyholder message sheets from said sources, means for removing said message sheets from said copyholder, a plurality of message sheet receiving receptacles, means including said removing means for removing and selectively directing message sheets from said copyholder to said receptacles and means for automatically controlling the operation of said first and last named means whereby message sheets from said sources are deposited in respective receptacles.

11. A facsimile telegraph machine comprising in combination a scanning mechanism, a movable cylindrical copyholder therefor, a plurality of means for directing copy to said copyholder, copy retaining means carried by said copyholder and actuated solely by operation thereof for securing copies thereon for scanning, and means for removing copies directed by either of said copy directing means for said holder.

RALEIGH J. WISE.

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