Patent GB-189823-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to metering or registering means with special reference to automatic telephone systems
IPC: H04M15/38
Filed: 1921-06-14
Abstract: 189,823. Lenaghan, T. June 14, 1921. Statistical machines; zeroizing-mechanism.-In a metering system especially applicable to automatic telephone exchange systems, a record of every call is recorded without allotting a separate meter to each subscriber's line. The invention is described as applied to an automatic exchange system in which calls are recorded by associating with each calling line finder, a recorder to record 'the number of each calling line extended by the line finder, and, if it is desired to make different charges for varying distances, a part or the whole of the designation of the wanted subscriber. The recorder is controlled to record the number of the calling party by the hunting movement of the line finder, whilst the record of the wanted number is determined by the setting of the register controller which responds to the dialling impulses. The records may be stamped on cards differently coloured to indicate the subscribers' groups served by the line finders, but in the particular arrangement described the records are punched in code on a tape by a perforator. After a certain period the tape is collected, the group of subscribers served by the particular line finder is marked upon it, and it is run through a, discriminator, Fig. 2, which controls the circuits of counters in accordance with the code punchings, so that the calls made by each of the subscribers in the group are registered on a separate counter. These readings are then taken, the counters are zeroized and the tape record of another line finder dealt with in a similar manner. Construction of discriminator, Fig. 2. The tape 21 is fed between a punch block 33 and a bar carrying a set of four plungers 34 for each code sector, each set of plungers being adapted to operate a set of springs such as 35, and, according to which plunger or plungers is operated when the magnet 32 raises the block 33, close one of ten circuits. On the release of magnet 32 a clutch magnet 36 is energized and couples the reel 38 to the rotating roller 41, thereby advancing the tape 21 until a spacing perforation is below the spring 29 and the tape is arrested ready for another perforated record to be dealt with when the magnet 32 is energized by the other spacing perforation permitting contact between the spring 31 and the frame 30. Construction and arrangement of counters, Fig. 3. The counters such as 41, 42, each comprising three digital rollers 59, 60, 61 with transfer mechanism, are arranged in vertical rows upon horizontally disposed spindles 55. All the counters in a selected horizontal row are prepared for actuation on the energization of the corresponding horizontal magnet 43, which brings the levers 48 controlling the counters under the control of pins 49 mounted on bars 45 corres. ponding to the vertical rows and actuated by vertical magnets 47. Thus on a vertical magnet 47 being operated after the energization of a horizontal magnet 43, the counter situated at the intersection of the horizontal and vertical rods is actuated. The counters are zeroized by a solenoid which moves the rack 53 in the direction of the arrow, thereby imparting a rotary movement to a barrel 56 associated with each spindle 55. The spindles 55 are first given a longitudinal movement by the groove and pin device 57, 58 and upon completion of this movement are rotated. The longitudinal movement serves to separate the digital rollers 59, 60, 61, this being effected bv cams 62, 63 mounted on the spindle 55 and normally lying in recesses in the rollers 59 &c. Projections 66 on the cams 62 &c. are also brought into the path of pins 67 fitted on each of the rollers 59 &c., so that on the rotary movement of the spindle 55 all the rollers are zeroized, their longitudinal movement having previously released the transfer star-wheels 64. Movement of the rack 53 is limited by collars such as 68, and on its return the rollers 59, 60, &c. are again brought together and made ready for operation.