Designed for Telephonic Purposes.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Jan., 1887.
Specification Accepted, 11th Feb., 1887.
[Communicated from abroad by CLAUDE CORNELIUS GOULD, Telephone Inspector,
and WALTON SMITH, Telegraph Operator, both of Batavia, and PHILIP WARD
SCRIBNER, Merchant of Tonawanda, all in the State of New York, United States
of America.]
Designed for Telephonic Purposes.
1, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
|described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
--
This invention relates to switch boards for making connections between the various
lines which terminate at the central office of a telephone exchange.
The object of the said invention is to provide means whereby the subscriber auto-
matically breaks the connection of his line at the central office and leaves the line
open until the operator closes the same, when the operator is enabled to speak to the
subscriber, thereby placing in the hands of the subscriber means for determining with
certainty whether his call has been received at the central office. A further object of
the invention is to provide means whereby the various subscribers on the section or
table of one operator can be connected with each other without the use of cords, plugs
or other similar contrivances; also to provide means whereby the subscribers on the
section or table of one operator can reach or be reached by any subscriber at the
central office more directly and more expeditiously than heretofore.
The said invention consists of the improvements which will be hereinafter fully set
forth.
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1 is a diagram representing three sectional switch boards of a central office
provided with the improved system.
Figure 2 is a diagram representing the manner of connecting the subscribers on one
section each with the other and also how said subscribers are reached from either of
the other sections.
Figure 3 represents a sectional elevation of one of the switch levers, annunciators
and connecting parts, on an enlarged scale.

page_text: Figure 5 is a front elevation of the vibrating lever.
Figure 6 is a side elevation of the front portion of the same on an enlarged scale.
Figure 7 is a horizontal section on line y, y Figure 3.
Figure 8 is a top plan view of one of the levers.
Figure 9 is a fragmentary rear elevation of the switch lever.
Figure 10 is a diagram representing a through connection between a metallic circuit
subscriber and a ground circuit subscriber.
Figure 11 is a diagram representing a local connection between a metallic circuit
subscriber and a ground circuit subscriber.
Like letters of reference refer to like parts in the several figures.
A, A', A² represent three sectional switch boards arranged side by side, the upper
portions a of which are preferably arranged vertically, or at right angles to the lower
or table portions a¹.
Each table portion a¹ of the sections A, A1, A2 is provided with a number of dises or
rings D. These discs are preferably constructed of gutta-percha, wood or other
suitable non-conductive material and are firmly secured in openings formed in the
table portions in any suitable manner. Each disc is composed of two parallel
parts d, d arranged one above the other and are connected by a central hub 2 as
clearly shown in figure 3.
The upper part of each disc is provided with a contact point d³ and the lower part d'
with a contact point d arranged below the point d. The points ³, dare connected by
a metallic bow spring which is connected with the ground by a wired. The spring s
engages with its lower portion d' against the underside of a nose formed in the
point and with its upper portion d against the lower end of the point d³, whereby
both points and d are connected with the ground, when the parts are in the position
shown in figure 3. The how practically forms a movable connecting terminal
between the two contact points d³, d of the main circuit.
The contact spring is secured to the front end of the lower forwardly bent portion
of a vertically movable switch bar E arranged in the rear of the vertical portion a of
the sections. The bar E is guided in its movement by screws e passing through
slots e' which are secured in brackets; the latter are secured to the rear side of the
vertical portion a.
,et represent two out or dead contact points arranged one above the other in the
discs d, d¹ respectively. The points e³, et are connected by means of cords e, e with
metallic contact surfaces e', e8 formed on the opposite sides of a non-conductive plug
which latter is seated in an opening et formed in the vertical portion a of the
section.
F represents the annunciator, the base thereof, which is secured at its rear end to
the vertical portion a of the section, as clearly shown in figure 3. Each annunciator
is provided with two aprons or drops, which are pivotted side by side at their lower
ends to the front bifurcated portion of the base F, and which engage respectively
with their upper recessed portions over hooks or noses formed on the front end of a
vibrating armature. The armature ƒ³ is pivotted in the usual manner to a bifurcated
standard formed in the base plate F₁ and is arranged above two coils F2, F³. The
lower portion of the apron is provided with a downwardly projecting lip which
engages when released against the front vertical portion of a horizontal sliding
bolt arranged underneath the base F' of the annunciator F. The bolt is suspended
on hangers by screws f" passing through slots 12 F represents a hook formed
on one side of the bolt at the rear end thereof and engaging in a notch or recess F³
formed in the rear side of the movable switch bar E near its upper end to retain the
bar in an elevated position. The bolt is held in engagement with the bar E by a
spring f¹³
10
Upon vibrating or slightly tipping the armature by a light current, such as a
battery current the small apron alone is allowed to fall by being released from the
hook thus notifying the operator upon whose table the apron has fallen that an
operator on some other sectionor table is about to connect with said subscriber. When

page_text: this occurs the operator on whose table the apron has fallen does not loop in his
telephone and thus interfere with making a connection with the subscribers desired to
be reached. By giving the armature a greater vibration, as by a generator, the
apron is disengaged from the hook and is permitted to fall. The lip of the apronƒ
strikes the front portion of the sliding bolt and moves the latter backwardly and
out of engagement with the switch bar E whereby the latter is released and enabled to
be moved downwardly by its spring F. This downward movement of the. bar E,
breaks the connection between the contact points d³, d. Thus if a subscriber rings,
causing the armature to vibrate sufficiently to release the apron f to produce the
above described downward movement of the bar E, the circuit is broken between
the points d, and he is thereby immediately notified that the call has been received at
the central office, from the fact that he can no longer ring his bell. The swinging
movement of the apron is limited by a nose formed on the upper front end of the
holt. It is obvious that when both aprons are engaged with the armature and the
latter is vibrated by a generator, that both aprons will fall simultaneously.
armature is held in engagement with the aprons, by the usual spring f15
The
Grepresents a metal spring finger arranged above the disc D, and G represents a
similar finger arranged underneath the disc D. The fingers G, G¹ bear in their
normal position with their outer free ends against the ground contact points ³, das
shown in Figure 1. The inner ends of the fingers G, G' are respectively provided
with hubs, which are secured to a vertical non-conductive tube seated centrally
in an opening in the hub of the disc D. G³ represents a cup secured to the upper
end of the tube G2 and provided with a screw cap G. g² represents an arm formed on
one side of the cup G³ and provided with a handle 3 whereby the tube G2 and
fingers GG may be moved. The tube G2 is held against vertical movement by the
fingers, G G.
H represents a step-shaped disc of non-conductive material secured to the lower end
of the tube G2 so as to turn therewith and provided with a series of annular metal
plates or rings h, h³, 12, 13, 1, 1, 1 secured to the lower sides of the steps in any
Suitable manner. 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 7, 4, represent stationary metal springs or contact
points secured to a step-shaped cross piece underneath the table a¹ and bearing with
their free ends against the undersides of the rings h, h³, 1², h³, 1, 15, 1º, respectively.
By this construction a uniform contact is maintained between the parts, when the
fingers G, Gare moved on the disc.
2
I represents a push button arranged above the cap Gt and provided with a down-
wardly projecting metallic stem moving in an opening in the cap G. The button I
is provided near its lower end with two metallic contact points, which are separated
by a non-conductor. The lower contact point projects outwardly and is secured to
the inner side of the cup G³ and forms a spring to retain the push button I in an
elevated position, as shown in Figure 3. The free end of the spring or contact point
bears against the underside of a projecting nose j formed on the upper end of a metallic
stem which latter is secured in an opening in the tube G by a screw j. The latter
also serves to form a communication between the finger G and stem j. The point
of the button I is connected with the line K of the main circuit by means of a wire j',
ring and contact spring į.
Krepresents a generator push button which is provided with a metallic stem
moving in an opening in the cap G and provided at its lower end with two metallic
contact points, which are separated by a non-conductor 3. The lower contact
point is secured at one end to the inner side of the cup G³ to retain the push button K¹
in an elevated position. The free end of the contact point bears against the under-
side of a nose formed on the upper end of a metallic stem which latter is secured
in an opening in the tube G2 by a screw 1, whereby a connection is made between the
stem and the lower finger G¹. The lower point of the button K' is connected
with the line L of the main circuit by means of a wire 1, ring and contact spring.
Thus it will be seen that the lines K and L of the main circuit are connected through
the fingers G, G¹, contact points d³, and spring d³ completing the circuit and
enabling the subscriber to call the central office.

page_text: m represents a stationary metallic contact point secured in the cup G³ underneath
the contact point ; and in line with the same. The contact point m is connected with
the operator's listening telephone M by a wire m², ring, spring and a cord or
wire m². The return wire m of the listening telephone is connected with the contact
point of the stem j, by means of a wire net, ring ³ and spring. It will thus be
· seen that upon depressing the push button I so as to form a contact between the
point and nose and the spring point and stationary contact point. m, the
operator's listening telephone. M is looped in on the main circuit.
n represents a metallic contact point arranged in the cup G³ diametrically opposite
the point m, and underneath and in line with the lower contact spring of the push
button K. The contact point n is connected with the generator by a wire n', ring h²,
spring and wire n². The return wire n³ of the generator is connected with the
contact point of the push button K' by means of a wire n, ring hand spring.
Upon pressing down the bution K' so as to make a connection between the point /¹
and the nose and the point and stationary contact n, the generator N is looped in
on the main circuit.
N represents the battery push button, the metallic stem of which is provided
with a contact point n which is connected with a battery N2 by means of a wire n',
ring h, spring and wire n³. The opposite wire n of the battery N is grounded, as
clearly shown in Figure 3, and establishes a contact through the ground with the
ground wire of the bow d'.
o, o represent two metallic contact points secured to the rear side of the vertical
portion a of the section and arranged one above the other, as clearly shown in Figures
3 and 9. represents a bow spring secured to one side of the upper conductive
portion E of the switch bar E and which is arranged between the contact points o, o!
and bears against the underside of the contact point o when the parts are in their
normal position, as shown in Figure 3. The upper portion E¹ of the bar E is separated
from the lower portion E2 by a non-conductor E³ which connects the two portions of
the bar.
When the parts are in their normal position, as shown in Figure 3, the subscribers
line o enters the central office from one side of his instrument through the contact
point o, to and through the annunciator F, to the contact point o', line K, spring,
metallic ring, wire contact point metallic stem, finger G and contact point d
and returns through the contact bow to the contact point d', finger G¹, metallic
stem, to the contact point 1, wire l, ring 5, contact spring, and line L, to the
opposite side of the subscriber's instrument.
P, represent a series of local contact points secured to the discs d, d', the
points p p being arranged in pairs one above the other in the two parts d, d¹ of each
disc, so that when the fingers G, G¹ are turned to engage with a pair of said points the
finger G will engage with the upper point and the finger G with the lower point p
as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Each disc D is provided with as many pairs of local
contact points P, p' as there are subscribers on the table, less one, and each of these
contact points of one section is numbered to correspond with the numbers of the
subscribers with which it is connected.
For instance, the subscriber's dise D No. 1 is provided with two pairs of local contact
points p, p, which are numbered 2 and 3.
The subscriber's disc No. 2 has a similar number of contact points, which are numbered
1 and 3, and the subscriber's disc No. 3 has its contact points p, p numbered 1 and 2.
If No. 1 subscriber calls and thereby releases the apron and switch bar E, as above
described, the operator raises the bar E by a handle E' so as to again complete the
circuit by connecting the points d³ and d by the bow spring d³. The bar E when
lifted by the operator does not engage with the hook of the sliding bolt, as the latter
is held back out of engagement with the bar by the lip of the fallen apron. He
then loops in his listening telephone by pressing on the button I and ascertains that
the subscriber wants, for instance, No. 2. The operator again allows the bar E to
descend and break the connection between the fingers G G¹. The operator now turns
the fingers G G¹ on the subscriber's disc No. 1 to the contact points p, p³ marked No. 2.

page_text: The upper contact point p (No. 2) on disc D No. 1 is connected with the upper contact
point o of No. 2 subscribers annunciator F by means of a wire and the lower
point (No. 2), disc No. 1 is connected with the return wire L of No. 2 sub-
scriber's instrument by a leg or wire p³ as clearly shown in Figure 3. The operator
now presses the generator button K on No. 1 subscriber's disc which causes the arma-
ture of No. 2 subscribers annunciator to vibrate and release its aprons and the
switch bar E in the same manner as in the case of No. 1 subscriber's first call,
thereby automatically breaking the circuit between the points d³, d and fingers G Gi
on No. 2 subscriber's disc D. This movement rings both subscriber's bells simul-
taneously, notifying them that the connection between them is completed. No. 1 is
now connected with No. 2 by wire o³, annunciator F contact point ¹, line K to and
through finger G, as above described, to contact point p, disc D No. 1 to upper contact
point o of No. 2 subscriber's annunciator by wire and to No. 2 instrument by
wire o³, returning through instrument No. 2 to wire L, to leg p³ to contact p¹ No. 2
on No. 1 disc to and through finger G, as above described to number 1 subscriber's
instrument by line L. The operator now replaces the fallen aprons, of both
subscribers annunciators F, leaving them ready to be rung off. By thus replacing
the aprons the sliding bolt is released from the lip of the aprons f
and is moved forward by the spring 13 ready to engage with the switch bar E.
:
When the subscriber rings off causing the aprons of No. 1 annunciator to again
fall, the operator again replaces the same and lifts the switch bar E by the handle E
of both annunciators until they are again in engagement with the sliding bolt".
The operator also turns the fingers G G¹ on disc No. 1 back to the points d³ whereby
both subscribers lines are again ready for another call.
By connecting the various subscribers on one section in this manner, we dispense
entirely with the use of the usual plugs, cords, and other devices for effecting a local
connection, whereby the connection is made more rapidly and with greater certainty
than heretofore.
It will thus be seen that the connection between the two subscribers is entirely
metallic, whereby the transmitted speech is rendered more audible and transmitted to
a greater distance than when the usual ground or semi-metallic circuit is used.
P represents a series of duplex contact points arranged in rows in the vertical
portions a of each of the sections A A¹ A².
:
The number of contact points P on each section corresponds with the number of
subscribers on every other section or table. For example, section A has numbers 4, 5,
6, 7 8 and 9, as this section can reach Nos. 1, 2 and 3 locally. Section A¹ has numbers
1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and section A² has numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 their own local numbers
not being represented in the contact points P. The contact points P are provided at
their upper and lower ends with separate metallic contact surfaces or springs P P
The springs PP are adapted to form contacts with the metallic contact points e, e
respectively of the plug e also to securely hold the plug e when the latter is inserted
in the contact point P. Each annunciator is connected with all of the contact points P
of the several sections bearing the same number as of the annunciator by a wire Qor
other metallic connection which is secured with one end to the upper conductive
portion of the switch bar E and connected with the upper contact surfaces of the
several contact points P. Q' represents a similar wire or metallic connection which
connects the lower contact surfaces P of the contact points P in the same manner and
which is connected to the main or return wire L of the subscriber's instrument
corresponding with the annunciator with which the wire Q is connected.
For instance, the wire is connected with the upper contact surfaces P¹ of the
contact points No. 7 and with the switch lever E of the annunciator No. 7 and the
wire Qis connected with the lower contact surfaces P of the contact points No. 7
and with the wire or line L of the subscriber's instrument No. 7.
Thus it will be seen that the various subscribers in a central office are practically
grouped within reach of each operator on each of the sections A A' A², whereby we
dispense with the use of checks, speaking circuits and the like, between the various
operators at the central office and whereby all unnecessary delays are obviated.

page_text: The operation of our improved system for connecting the subscribers on one table
or section with a subscriber located on any other section or table is as follows:-
For instance subscriber No. 1 calls the central office through the lines o³ annun-
ciator F, line K, fingers G G and line L, as above described. The operator raises the
switch bar E presses the button I, loops in the listening telephone M, and ascertains
that subscriber No. 1 wants, say No. 9. The operator again allows the switch bar E
to drop and break the connection between the two fingers G, G¹ he then turns the
fingers G G by means of the handle g³ to the dead contact points e³, e of the disc D
'and inserts the plug e of disc No. 1 in contact point P No. 9 of the section A. The
connection is now made with the contact surfaces P P by the metallic contact
surfaces ee of the plug e and with the fingers G G by the wires or cords e³ e and
contact points e³ et. By thus inserting the plug e the wires Q and Q' are connected
with the fingers G G₁ respectively. The operator now presses the battery button N¹
on the disc D No. 1 which causes just sufficient vibration of the armature to release
the apron of annunciator No. 9 thereby notifying the operator on whose table
annunciator No. 9 is located that an operator on some other section desires to connect
with No. 9; he therefore does not interfere and permits subscriber No. 1 to complete
his call. The operator of section A now releases the battery button N¹ and presses
the generator button K' on disc D No. 1 thus ringing through wire Q finger G to the
upper contact P1, plug contact e' to switch bar E of subscriber's annunciator No. 9 to
the upper contact point o of the same, to and through annunciator No. 9 to contact o³,
to fingers G G³, disc No. 9, returning by wire Q' to finger G on disc D No. 1. This
movement causes the apron of subscriber's annunciator No. 9 to fall also and
disengage the switch bar E, thereby disconnecting the fingers G G₁ on disc D No. 9
as in the case of No. 1 subscriber's first call. This movement also rings the bells on
the instruments of both subscribers notifying them that the connection between them
is completed. Subscriber No. 1 is now connected with subscriber No. 9 to and through
the finger G as above described, wire, contact e, upper contact surface P¹ of
point No. 9 on section A wire Q to switch bar E and lower contact o of annunciator
No. 9 to and through said annunciator to the upper contact o of said annunciator, to
the instrument of subscriber No. 9, returning from said instrument through line I to
the lower wire Q to the lower contact surface P of point No. 9 on section A to the
lower plug contact e to wire e to lower finger G to line L of the instrument of
subscriber No. 1 thus completing the metallic circuit. The operators now replace the
fallen aprons on annunciators 1 and 9 ready to be rung off.
Any electrical disturbances such as electric light wires crossing the lines, lightning
or other electrical disturbances or currents which may influence the main line sufficient
to vibrate the armature will be instantly turned off by the bar E moving downward
and breaking the connection between the fingers G G¹ thus breaking the circuit,
thereby ensuring the system against fire.
Figure 10 is a diagram shewing subscriber's line No. 3 having a metallic circuit
connected with subscriber's line No. 9 having a ground circuit. "Such a connection
may become necessary when the same central office has subscribers with these
different circuits, or when a subscriber in one place having one of these circuits is
connected. with a subscriber in another place having a different circuit. As shewn
in Figure 10 the lower finger G¹ of the ground circuit subscriber No. 9 is grounded..
The metallic circuit of subscriber No. 3 is also grounded by a ground connection
made by the lower wire Q' as shewn.
Figure 11 is a diagram shewing local connection between a subscriber's line No. 8
having a metallic circuit and a subscriber's line No. 9 having a ground circuit. In
this case the lower contact point pl No. 9 is grounded on disc D No. 8 and on any
other disc on the same table on which it may appear.
The bowd constitutes the automatically movable contact piece which is interposed
in the central office between the two terminal points of the metallic circuit and which
completes the circuit through which the subscriber reaches the central office. This
movable contact piece, upon being automatically moved out of its normal position
leaves the line open and ready to be connected with the terminal points of another

page_text: metallic circuit. The operator by calling the line which is to be connected with the
calling line, opens the called line automatically, whereby the called line is made ready
for connection with the calling line. When the contact piece is in its normal position
it connects the movable terminal fingers G G of the line by means of the contact
points d³, and when the line has been opened by moving the connecting bow d
out of its normal position the line is ready to be connected by the fingers G G¹
with the terminals of another metallic circuit.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondents I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a switch board system, the combination with the main line, of a movable terminal
and a line opening mechanism, substantially as described, whereby the terminal is
automatically moved to open the line and is held open upon a current passing through
the line substantially as set forth.
2. In a switch board system the combination with a metallic circuit line of a movable
contact bow connecting in its normal position the terminal points of the line and
mechanism substantially as described, whereby the contact piece is automatically moved
out of its normal position by a current passing through the line thereby opening the
line, substantially as set forth.
3. In a switch board system the combination with a metallic circuit line of a movable
contact piece which completes the circuit when in its normal position, an annunciator,
and mechanism, substantially as described, whereby the annunciator, and the movable
contact piece are operated simultaneously substantially as set forth.
4. In a switch board system the combination with a metallic circuit line, of terminal
fingers G G¹ contact points d³, d', contact piece d³, a bar E to which said contact piece
is attached and mechanism, substantially as described, whereby the bar E is operated
automatically, substantially as set forth.
5. The combination with the main line and its terminals, of a bar E, carrying a
contact piece d', a movable bolt ƒ³, an apron f, an armature f³, and coils F, F³
substantially as set forth.
6. The combination with the bar E carrying a contact piece ³, of the locking
bolt and an annunciator apron provided with a lip, whereby the locking bolt
operated to release the bar E when the apron drops, substantially as set forth.
7. The combination with the bar E carrying a contact piece d³ and provided with
a notch F³, of a locking bolt f provided with a hood F and a retracting spring f
substantially as set forth.
8. The combination with the annunciator coil of two aprons and an armature lever
provided with locking hooks of different lengths, whereby one apron is released by a
short movement of the lever and the other apron by a longer movement of the lever,
substantially as set forth.
9. The combination with the annunciator coil, of two aprons, an armature lever
provided with locking hooks, of different lengths, and a battery producing a light
current, and a generator producing a strong current, both capable of being connected
with the annunciator coil, substantially as set forth.
10. The combination with the disc D, of the terminal fingers G G¹ secured to a
non-conductive carrier G³ and connected respectively to different portions K L of the
main line, substantially as set forth.
11. The combination with the disc D provided with a pair of through contact
points p, p, of separate terminal fingers G, G¹ connected to different portions of the
main fine and adapted to be placed in contact with the points p, p, substantially as
set forth.
12. The combination with the terminal finger G, of the stem j³, connected with the
finger G, the button I, provided with contact points j, j a stationary contact point m,
and a listening telephone connected with the contact points m and j' substantially as
set forth.
13. The combination with the terminal finger G1 of the stem ³ connected with said

page_text: finger, the button K' provided with contact points 1, a stationary contact point n
and a generator connected with the contact points and substantially as set forth.
14. The combination with the separate terminal fingers G G¹, the battery Nº, and
the battery push button N', of the automatically movable contact piece d³, provided
with a ground connection do, substantially as set forth.
15. The combination with the disc D provided with dead contact points e³, e¹ of
the terminal fingers G G adapted to be placed in contact with the points e³, e¹, a
plug e provided with two separate contact surfaces e, e and wires e³, et connecting
said surfaces with the points e³, e, substantially as set forth.
e3
et
of
El
16. The combination with the dise D provided with dead contact points e³,
the terminal fingers G G¹ adapted to be placed in contact with the points
plug provided with two separate contact surfaces e, e³, wires es e connecting said
surfaces respectively with the points e³, e and a contact point P adapted to receive
the plug, and provided with two separate contact surfaces P1 P2 and conducting
wires QQ substantially as set forth.
17. In a switch board system, the combination with two or more sections, each
provided with a series of duplex local contact points, and a series of duplex through
contact points P numbered on each section to correspond with the local points on
the other sections and each having two contact surfaces P" P² of wires Q connecting
the contact surfaces P¹ of the contact points P having the same number on the several
sections with the movable bar E of the corresponding annunciator, and wires Q
connecting the contact surfaces P2 of the contact points P having the same number
on the several sections with the corresponding subscriber's line, substantially as set
forth.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.
Agents for the Applicant.