Patent GB-366597-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to electrical signalling systems
IPC: G08B5/22
Filed: 1930-11-07
Abstract: 366,597. Electric signalling systems. ASSOCIATED TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH CO., 1033, West Van Buren Street, Chicago, U.S.A. Nov. 7, 1930, No. 33582. Convention date, Nov. 8, 1929. [Class 40 (i).] In an electric signalling system employing a number of indicators and an electromagnetically-operated multi-position switch adapted under the control of an operator to select a required indicator, the manner in which the selected indicator is to be operated is determined by further control exerted by the operator and is effected by the release of the switch. The selected indicator is adapted to be controlled in different ways in response to different kinds of impulses. The invention is described as applied for use in newspaper printing to convey information as to the number of editions about to go to press and the number of each matrix which has passed inspection. Two transmitting stations are indicated, each being associated with a selector of the type having wipers which are adapted to move in a vertical direction and thence with a rotary movement. The selector E, which is shown in detail, controls the signal lamps on a register panel, one lamp 40 only of which is shown. The wiper 31 is adapted to engage a bank of contacts arranged in ten horizontal rows of ten contacts each, while the wiper 32 has access to ten contacts arranged in a single vertical row. Each contact is in circuit with a relay such as 34 adapted to control the circuit of a lamp. Each room requiring the information signalled is provided with a register panel, and the windings of all corresponding relays on'the panels are connected in parallel. Assuming that the first edition of the newspaper is to go to print and that lamp 40 is the lamp corresponding to this edition, the operator at the transmitting station depresses start key SK and holds this key depressed while he operates an impulsing device S of the finger-dial type. Key SK completes a circuit through resistance R, relay 10, and the lower winding of relay 16. Relay 10 operates, but relay 16, owing to the resistance R, is inoperative. Relay 10 at contacts 11 completes a circuit for relay 8, at contacts 12 prepares the impulsing circuit of the selector, at contacts 13 completes a circuit for relay 26, and at contacts 14 opens a point in the circuit of wipers 31, 32. Relay 8 when energized opens at contacts 9 the impulsing circuit. Relay 26 when energized closes at contacts 27 a point in the circuit of the wipers 31, 32, at contacts 28 removes ground from the circuit of a release magnet 15, at contacts 29 prepares the impulsing circuit, and at contacts 30 completes the circuit of a lamp 41<1> at the second transmitting station to indicate to that station that the selector E is in use. To raise the selector E one step, the operator actuates the finger dial of the impulsing device S accordingly. As the dial is turned from its normal position springs 1, 2 connect ground to the impulsing circuit. The return of the finger dial causes a momentary separation of impulse springs 3, 4, whereby the circuit of relay 8 is momentarily opened. Contacts 9 then close for a moment to complete the impulsing circuit through the winding of vertical magnet 24 in series with a relay 22. This magnet operates to elevate the wipers 31, 32 one step. The elevation of the wipers is adapted to cause the disengagement of springs 21, 19, the engagement of springs 20, 21, and the engagement of springs 37, 38. The relay 22 is slow to release so that it remains energized during any period in which a number of impulses are being delivered to the vertical magnet. After the first vertical step of the wipers the impulsing circuit includes springs 21, 20 and armature 23. After the operation of the calling device by the operator the start key SK is released, whereby relays 10 and 8 are de-energized. Relay 10 at contacts 13 opens the circuit of relay 26 and at contacts 14 closes a circuit through relay 34, this latter circuit remaining closed until the slow-release relay 26 has opened its contacts. Relay 34 energizes and locks up through conductor 44, and at contacts 35 completes a circuit for signal lamp 40, thereby indicating the edition of the paper to be printed. When relay 26 de-energizes it completes at contacts 28 a circuit for release magnet 15, whereby selector E is released and the wipers 31, 32 return to normal position. To indicate the number of a matrix which has passed inspection, the operator depresses the start key SK and operates the impulsing device S in accordance with the digits of that number. The selector E raises the wipers 31, 32 a number of steps corresponding to the impulses in accordance with the first digit. After the last impulse relay 22 de-energizes to prepare at contacts 23 the circuit of rotary magnet 25. This magnet, in accordance with the number of impulses corresponding to the second digit, rotates the wipers 31, 32, wiper 31 being moved into engagement with the contact corresponding to the number of the matrix, and wiper 32 being moved out of engagement with a contact. The release of the start key, operating as in the case of lamp 40, causes a lamp to display the number of the matrix. If an operator wishes to cancel the number of a matrix, he. operates key IWK, and re-operates the impulse device S, thereby causing relay 16 to operate. This relay subsequently locks up. When the selector E has responded to the impulses, the key IWK is released, causing relay 10 to deenergize and close contacts 14, whereby ground is connected to wiper 31 in place of battery through the release magnet. The relay corresponding to the matrix number is thus shortcircuited to open the circuit of the associated lamp and its own locking circuit. When all the matrices have been indicated on the register panel, the indications may be wiped out by the operation of key CWK, which closes a circuit for relay 33 whereby the locking circuit for the lamp relays through conductor 44 is opened. The operator at the first transmitting station, if this station is out of order, may use the second station by operating key COK, providing the second station is not in use, in which case lamp 41 would be lighted. Key COK completes parallel circuits for relays 5, 5<1>, whereby relays of the selector E<1> are connected to the start relay SK and impulse device S, and are disconnected from start relay SK<1> and impulsing device S<1>.