Patent GB-773902-A (GB)
Title: Impulse storage mechanism for telecommunication installations
IPC: H04Q1/34
Filed: 1954-11-16
Abstract: 773,902. Automatic exchange apparatus. SIEMENS & HALSKE AKT.-GES. Nov. 16, 1954 [Nov. 16, 1953], No. 33224/54. Class 40 (4). A mechanical impulse storage mechanism comprises a fixed annulus 2 of inwardly-projecting contact segments, each representing a single impulse, which normally lie on one flank of a concentric rotatable disc 4, registration of impulse trains being effected by rotating the disc and deflecting in turn through a peripheral slot only those segments which correspond to the first impulse of each digit. Regeneration of the stored impulses is controlled by a feeler arm which is rotated independently of the disc. In one arrangement, Fig. 1A, this arm tests at each contact segment position in turn for the deflected marking segments by an axial prodding movement. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3B, the arm depresses sequentially each segment of a further fixed ring of contact segments 30 corresponding to the annulus 2, a circuit being completed between the ring and annulus over a depressed segment each time a deflected marking contact position is encountered. Construction. In the Fig. 1A arrangement the disc 4 and a spring-controlled feeler arm 17 are mounted for separate rotation on hollow shafts 1, 14 which are secured in a casing 27 carrying the annulus 2, the feeler arm being pivoted on a flange 16. The disc and the flange with its pivoted arm are integral with sleeves 3, 15 and ratchet drive wheels 3<SP>1</SP>, 151 respectively and are separately rotated by stepping magnets AM and EM. A spring-controlled marking arm 6 is pivoted on the disc 2 and incorporates a segment guide 8 which is positioned over the peripheral slot and determines the flank to which each contact segment in turn is directed as the disc rotates, deflection to the marking flank being effected by axial movement of a pin 10 each time a marking magnet MM pulls up. A similar axial movement is applied through a pin 21 to the feeler arm by a magnet FM. Operation of FM and MM also controls contact sets 13, 23, 25, the extent of operation of set 23 being limited at those positions where the prodding feeler arm encounters a deflected contact segment. In the other construction, Fig. 2B, the feeler magnet FM is omitted, and testing for a deflected segment is carried out by an arm 32 having an extension 33 which depresses in turn the individual contact segments of a further segment ring 30. The arm 32 is rotated by magnet AM and causes engagement between a segment of each ring 2, 30 at those positions where a contact segment is deflected to the marking flank. When this arm is relatively displaced to the peripheral slot, a hooked member 38 disengages from a cam 40 and disconnects contacts 36 from annular contact discs 41. Operation. Magnet EM responds to incoming impulse trains and pulls up slow-release dialling relay V, Fig. 2. The disc 4 is rotated one segment step each time EM releases. On the first release, a contact segment slides from guide 8 on to the marking flank and marking magnet MM operates. The segment guide is then displaced axially so that the storage segments following are directed to the other flank. At the end of the impulse train EM and MM are de-energized. The same operation is repeated for each digit; the first impulse, the interdigital pauses and the final impulse being marked by segments on the marking flank of the disc, the number of impulses in each train being represented by the angle between successive marking segments. After one rotation of the disc 4, the segments are redirected by the guide 8 to the appropriate flank. In the Fig. 1A arrangement, rotation of the disc causes the feeler arm to be disengaged from a guide extension 8<SP>1</SP> and rest on the first marked segment, the axial movement closing contact SO and maintaining contact pk closed in the contact set 23. A start signal for regeneration of impulses operates contact 5st and relay P pulls up. Magnet AM then responds to a continuously-operating impulse relay I (not shown), operates relay X and steps the feeler arm 17. Each time AM operates and releases, relay FM responds and causes an axial prodding movement of the arm 17. When unmarked segment positions are encountered, this axial movement is sufficient to open contact pk and close contact SO so that relay P remains held and permits continued operation of AM. When a marked segment is encountered the axial movement is restricted and both contacts are closed. Differential release of double wound relay P then takes place so that AM and FM are disabled and relay X slowly released. Suppression of the continuously-produced impulses takes place during this period to represent the interdigital pause. When X falls back, relay P reoperates and further rotational and axial movement of arm 17 occurs until a further marked segment is encountered. When all the stored information is transmitted, the arm encounters the guide extension 81. In this position contact SO is opened and pk closed, and movement of the feeler arm is terminated by release of relay P. Storage of incoming impulses by the storage segments is effected in a similar manner in the Fig. 3B arrangement. After the first impulse is received, contacts 36 are lifted by disengagement of member 38 from cam 49 to open a relay circuit (not shown). The arrangement is then ready for regeneration on receipt of a start signal. Regular impulses from an impulsing relay are again employed and control stepping magnet AM. As previously described, the extension 33 of arm 32 successively deflects the segments of ring 30. When a contact segment on the marking flank is reached a circuit is completed and relays P and X are released for an interdigital pause. When all the stored information is transmitted the contacts 36 are reclosed. A further cam 39 adjacent cam 40 on the device engages member 38 when the storage mechanism is full. In this position contacts 36 are reclosed and cause an external circuit to rapidly restore the mechanism to the position corresponding to all stored information transmitted. Specification 722,761 is referred to.