IMPROVEMENTS IN REGISTERING APPARATUS FOR USE IN TELEPHONE SYSTEMS OR EXCHANGES
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the
"
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN
REGISTERING APPARATUS FOR USE IN TELEPHONE SYSTEMS OR EXCHANGES."
A communication from abroad by Charles James Bell, of Germantown,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Sumner Tainter, of Charlestown, Massachusetts,
both in the United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th June 1880.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN REGISTERING APPARATUS FOR USE IN TELEPHONE
SYSTEMS OR EXCHANGES." A communication from abroad by Charles James Bell,
of Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Sumner Tainter, of Charlestown,
Massachusetts, both in the United States of America.
This Invention relates to apparatus for registering the number of times which the
several telephones in a telephone system or exchange comprising a number of
stations or subscribers' offices connected with a central office have been used.
It is the usual custom of telephone companies or administrations to make a fixed
charge for connection with the central office of a telephone exchange, which is based
upon the average cost to the company or administration of each subscriber and not
upon the amount of service performed for him. This is found to operate unequally
upon the subscribers, as a person who seldom uses his telephone is charged as much
as one who employs it constantly in his business.
The object of the Invention is to provide a means whereby a telephone company
or administration may ascertain the exact amount of service performed for each
subscriber, and thus be able to make a proportionate charge. For this purpose
there is combined with the call arrangement in each subscriber's office a registering
apparatus for recording the number of times the call apparatus has been worked.
The telephone call registers, like gas meters, can be inspected periodically,-and-the-
amount of service performed for each subscriber be ascertained.
The. Invention also has for its object to provide means so as to permit the

page_text: operation of the call apparatus to be repeated without effect upon the registering
apparatus should the central office fail to respond to the first operation, or for other
reasons the repetition of the signal be desired. For this purpose with the call-
arrangement and registering apparatus a switch is combined, so that the first
operation of the call arrangement to send a signal causes the operation of the
registering device, but the subsequent operation of the call-arrangement to repent
the signal fails to affect it until the switch has been moved. The switch is so
arranged that it is impossible to use the telephone for the purpose of conversation
without moving it from its normal position, and the motion of the switch sets the
actuating portion of the registering device, so that it can again be operated by the
call apparatus.
The Invention also consists in combining with the call arrangement and
registering device a stop piece attached to and moving with the switch, so as to
prevent the subscriber from calling the central office while the telephones are in
position to be used.
In the majority of telephone exchange systems operated by batteries the
telephones and call bells in the different subscribers' offices are so arranged that the
main circuit can be broken and the central office called either by pressing the push
knob attached to the call bell or by the lifting one of the telephones from its
support. The present Invention further consists in an arrangement for the
purpose of preventing a subscriber from calling the central office, except by using
the proper push knob or other contrivance specially provided for that purpose.
This is accomplished by the employment of an automatic arrangement which short
circuits the telephones at each station while the central office battery is on the
circuit, and only allows the use of the telephones when the battery current is
removed.
In carrying out this Invention the push knob (by the depression of which the
circuit is broken by separating contact pieces, and a signal thus transmitted to the
central office) is attached at a suitable point to an actuating lever, having pivoted
thereto a pawl, which turns a ratchet wheel through say one tenth part of a
revolution each time the push knob is depressed. The ratchet wheel is rigidly
attached to an axis which carries a pinion, which gears into a large toothed wheel
upon the axis of a pointer. By a similar system of gearing other axes are
connected together, so that one revolution of one corresponds to ten of another, one
hundred of a third, and one thousand of a fourth. The apparatus so far described
is placed in a box, and the ends of the axes project slightly through a circular plate
or disc, upon which are four dials. The Figures 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, are
arranged in a circle upon each dial at equal distances apart. Index hands or
pointers are rigidly attached to the axes as before mentioned. The dials and
index-hands are protected by a glass plate covering the face of the apparatus.
The call arrangement of the telephone system here referred to depends for effect
upon a galvanic battery included in the circuit at the central office, but it is obvious
that the Invention can be equally applied to a system of telephones in which the
call signals are produced by magneto electricity. The contact pieces can be used in
place of the ordinary short circuiting arrangement of the magneto generator
employed at the subscriber's office for the purpose of calling the central office. The
depression of the push knob breaks the short circuit by separating the contact
pieces, placing the magneto generator in the main circuit so that the central office
can be called. It is obvious also that the Invention can be applied to systems of
telephones in which the call signals are occasioned by the contact instead of the
separation of contact pieces. For this purpose it is only necessary that the one
contact piece be placed on the opposite side of the other, but not in contact with it,
so that the depression of the push knob should bring them together. The Invention
can also be applied to telephone exchange systems, in which the central office is
called by switching the telephones from the ordinary or private wire to a special
call wire or common call circuit. It is only necessary that the actuating portion of
the call register should be attached to the switch employed in the exchange system

page_text: BO that the switch cannot be moved to call the central office without turning the
ratchet wheel.
One form of call register is arranged in the following manner:-The registering
combined with the switch for cutting out or connecting in the telephones, and
adapted to admit the repetition of the call as already indicated. In the telephone
system here referred to a voltaic battery at the central office is placed in circuit
with the line and instrument. The depression of a push knob breaks the circuit by
separating contact pieces, thereby causing a signal at the central office. A ratchet
wheel is provided for operating a registering device of convenient or usual
construction. This ratchet wheel is operated by a pawl pivoted to a lever, which is
supported by a spring, and works between two stops. It carries a pin working in
a slot in the push knob, and it is held against one stop by means of a catch attached
to the switch.
The extremity of a contact spring rests upon an insulated portion of the switch.
The motion of the register switch in one direction brings the said extremity of
the spring into metallic contact with a point on the switch so that the telephone
can be used, and at the same time releases the lever, which then rests against the
other stop. Under these circumstances the depression of the push knob to send a
signal causes the depression of the lever and pawl, thus turning the ratchet wheel
and causing the operation of the registering dovice. The lever returns to the stop
secondly referred to on account of the action of a spring provided for the purpose.
If the switch is retained in this position the registering device will be operated
every timo the push knob is depressed. If the switch is restored to its previous
position a catch will be under the end of the lever, and the lever will be in contact
with the stop secondly mentioned. Upon depressing the push knob the lever will
be depressed also, thus causing the operation of the registering device, but when the
lever touches the stop first mentioned it is caught by the catch and retained in that
position, so that the subsequent operation of the push knob fails to affect the
registering device until the motion of the switch for the purpose of enabling the
subscriber to use his telephone releases the lever, and restores the registering
apparatus to a position in which it can be acted upon by the push knob. It will thus
be seen that the telephone call register is set by a single motion of the switch.
The apparatus may be so arranged that the registering device shall be set by a
to-and-fro motion of the switch, and that the call apparatus shall not be able to bo
worked while the switch is in the position for using the telephones.
According to this arrangement the pawl and lever are combined to form one
piece, which is pivoted by means of a screw and an elastic washer to an upright
pieco rigidly attached to the switch, and is carried with it.
Upon depressing the push knob a projecting portion of the push knob strikes
the pawl which turns the ratchet wheel (thus causing the operation of the
registering device), and then the lower extremity of the push knob forces a spring
against a stop, thus breaking the main circuit by soparating two contact-pieces.
The inner edge of the pawl is made of such a form as to enable it to fit two
of the teeth of the ratchet wheel, so as to prevent the ratchet wheel from being
moved by more than one tooth at a time, however forcibly the push knob may be
depressed.
The combined lever and pawl remains in the position in which it is placed by
the push knob on account of the friction produced at its pivot by the action of the
elastic washer and upright piece, and the subsequent operation of the call arrange-
ment fails to affect the registering device until the lever has been restored to its
original position. In order to do this it is necessary to move the switch and there
to restore it to its normal position.
The resetting of the apparatus may be effected in the following manner :-
:-When
the lever has been depressed by the push knob the pawl fits the tooth of the ratchet
wheel very closely, and a spur leans forward towards one of the axes.
The motion of the switch causes the said spur to come in contact with such axia,
and the further operation of the switch in the same direction causes the elevation

page_text: of the pawl so that it clears the top of the next tooth of the ratchet wheel when
the switch is moved back into its original position. The switch carries a stop
piece, so that when the switch is in a suitable position the push knob cannot be
depressed. A secrecy switch may be usod in conjunction with the apparatus
hereinbefore described.
It is necessary for the purposes of the Invontion that the contact spring referred
to when in contact with its point, and while the telephones are being used forms
a portion of the main circuit, so that it is impossible to use the telephone excepting
when the register switch is in such a position that the two points are in metallic
contact with one another.
The automatic short circuiter is arranged in the following manner:-
It is intended more particularly to be used in connection with the form of
apparatus first heroin before described, the register being combined with the push
knob.
The short circuiter consists of an electro-magnet placed upon the main line
between the telephone and the central office. When the electro-magnet is excited
by the passage of a battery current through its coils, its armature is attracted, thus
causing one point to come into contact with another point and short circuiting the
telephone. This is the normal condition of the apparatus and line. Under these
circumstances any break occurring in the telephone loop does not cause a break of
the main circuit, and the central office can only be called by pushing the push
knob. When a subscriber wishes to use the telephones he calls the central office
by pushing the push knob; the central office responds by removing the battery
from the circuit, when the armature flies back by the action of a spring or other
suitable arrangement and the points are thereby separated. The subscriber can
then talk with the central office. When the central office wishes to speak to a
subscriber the bell is rung by interrupting the battery current so as to produce the
signal for that subscriber. The battery is then removed from the circuit and n
telephone substituted. When the subscriber hears his call he simply removes the
telephone from its support and places it to his ear. No change need be made in
the arrangement of the telephone, and the usual secrecy switch may be retained.
It is intended that the short circuiter should be placed in a sealed box where it
cannot be tampered with. The magnet and armature of the call bell may be used
instead of the special electro-magnet and armature, but this would render it
advisable or necessary to box up the bell or place it in such a position that it could
not be tampered with.
Although the register apparatus has been described in connection with a
telephone system employing a battery it is also applicable to systems employing
magneto generators or calls in whole or in part. The Invention is not limited to
the particular form of registering apparatus hereinbefore described nor to any
particular system of telephones, but includes within the scope the combination of
any convenient or suitable form of registering apparatus with any telephone
exchange system so as to indicate the number of times the call apparatus has been
worked, or that messages have been sent by the telephone. Although the call
register is primarily intended to be used in the office of each subscriber to a
telephone exchange for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of service performed
for him by the company, it may also be placed in the central office itself, where it
could be used for checking the records of the subscribers' instruments, for ascer
taining the amount of services on each telephone circuit, for recording the number
of connections made by each operator, and for other purposes useful to telephone
companies or administrations.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 28th
December 1880.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN REGISTERING APPARATUS FOR USE IN TELEPHONE
SYSTEMS OR EXCHANGES." A communication from abroad by Charles James Bell,
of Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Sumner Tainter, of Charlestown,
Massachusetts, both in the United States of America.
The said Invention relates to apparatus for registering the number of times
which the several telephones in a telephone system or exchange, comprising a
number of stations or subscribers' offices connected with a central office, have
been used.
It is the usual custom of telephone companies or administrations to make a fixed
charge for connection with the central office of a telephone exchange, which is
based upon the average cost to the company or administration of each subscriber,
and not upon the amount of service performed for him. This is found to operate
unequally upon the subscribers, as a person who seldom uses his telephone is
charged as much as one who employs it constantly in his business.
Now this Invention has for its object providing a means whereby a telephone
company or administration may ascertain the exact amount of service performed
for each subscriber, and thus be able to make a proportionate charge. For this
purpose there is combined with the call arrangement in each subscriber's office a
registering apparatus for recording the number of times the call apparatus has been
worked. The telephone call registers, like gas meters, can be inspected periodically,
and the amount of service performed for ench subscriber be ascertained.
The Invention also has for its object providing means so as to permit the
operation of the call apparatus to be repeated without effect upon the registering
apparatus should the central office fail to respond to the first operation, or for other
reason the repetition of the signal be desired. For this purpose with the call
arrangement and registering apparatus a switch is combined, so that the first
operation of the call arrangement to send a signal causes the operation of the
registering device, but the subsequent operation of the call arrangement to repeat
the signal fails to affect it until the switch has been moved. The switch is so
arranged that it is impossible to use the telephone for the purpose of conversation
without moving it from its normal position, and the motion of the switch sets the
actuating portion of the registering device, so that it can again be operated by the
call apparatus.
The Invention also consists in combining with the call arrangement and
registering device a stop piece attached to and moving with the switch, so as to
prevent the subscriber from calling the central office while the telephones are in
position to be used.
In the majority of telephone exchange systems operated by batteries, the
telephones and call bells in the different subscribers' offices are so arranged that the
main circuit can be broken and the central office called, either by pressing the push
knob attached to the call bell or by lifting one of the telephones from its support.
The present Invention further consists in an arrangement for the purpose of
preventing a subscriber from calling the central office, except by using the proper
push knob or other contrivance specially provided for that purpose. This is
accomplished by the employment of an automatic arrangement which short circuits
the telephones at each station while the central oflice battery is on the circuit, and
only allows the use of the telephones when the battery current is removed.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood, I shall now

page_text: proceed more particularly to describe the same, and in so doing shall explain its
application to a system employing a battery for calling the central office from the
various stations, referonco being had to the several Figures on the Sheet of
Drawings hereunto annexed.
The diagram, Figure 1, illustrates the combination of the telephone call registers
with the usual appointments of a telephone station. A is the registering device;
B, the push knob or key used for calling the central office; C, the call bell by
which a subscriber is called, and D, the telephone and transmitter arranged in any
convenient or suitable manner. In the telephone system here indicated a galvanic
battery at the central office is placed in circuit with the line and instruments
shewn in the diagram. The depression of the push knob or key B breaks the
circuit by separating the contact pieces E, F, thereby causing a signal at the
central office. The push knob B is attached at the point G to the actuating
lever H whose fulcruin is at I. The pawl K is pivotted to the lever H at L, and
turns the ratchet wheel M through one tenth part of a revolution each time the
push knob B is depressed. The ratchet wheel M is rigidly attached to an axis N
which carries a pinion (concealed from view by the ratchet wheel M) which gears
into a large toothed wheel O upon the axis P. By a similar system of gearing the
axes P, Q, and R, are connected together, so that one revolution of R corresponds
to ten of Q, one hundred of P, and one thousand of N. The apparatus, so far
described, is placed in a box S, and the ends of the axes N, P, Q, R, project slightly
through a circular plate or disc T upon which are four dials, three of which are
shewn at U, V, W. The figures 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, are arranged in a circle
upon each dial at equal distances apart. Index hands are rigidly attached to the
axes N, P, Q, R. Three of these are shewn at x, y, z. The dials and index hands
are protected by a glass plate covering the face of the apparatus. One depression
of the key B causes the index hand upon the axis N to shift from one figure upon
its dial to the next, and ten (10) depressions of the push knob cause it to make a
complete revolution, and occasion the movement of the index hands from one
figure of its dial W to the next. If all the index hands are set at zero, then the
apparatus will indicate correctly the number of times the push knob B has been
depressed up to ten thousand, the units being indicated by the index hand
attached to the axis N, the tens by z, the hundreds by y, and the thousands by x.
The call arrangement of the telephone system here shewn depends for effect upon
a galvanic battery included in the circuit at the central office, but it is obvious
that the Invention can be equally applied to a system of telephones in which the
call signals are produced by magneto electricity. The contact pieces E, F, can
be used in place of the ordinary short circuiting arrangement of the magneto
generator employed at the subscribers' office for the purpose of calling the central
office. The depression of the push knob B breaks the short circuit by separating
the contact pieces E, F, placing the magneto generator in the main circuit, so that
the central office can be called. It is obvious also that the Invention can be
applied to systems of telephones in which the call signals are occasioned by the
contact instead of the separation of contact pieces. For this purpose it is only
necessary that the contact piece F be placed on the other side of E, but not in
contact with it, so that the depression of the push knob B should bring them
together. The Invention can also be applied to telephone exchange systems, in
which the central office is called by switching the telephones from the ordinary or
private wire to a special call-wire or common call circuit. It is only necessary that
the actuating portion H of the call register should be attached to the switch
employed in the exchange system, so that the switch cannot be moved to call the
central office without turning the ratchet wheel M.
Figure 2 illustrates one form of call-register combined with the switch for
cutting out or connecting in the telephones, and adapted to permit the repetition
of the call, as already indicated. A is the portion of the call register to which this
portion of the Invention moro particularly relates; B, the push knob used for
calling the central office; C, the call-bell by which a. subscriber is called; D, the

page_text: register switch for cutting out or connecting in the telephone; E, telephone and
transmitter; F, the secresy switch by which the privacy of telephonic communication
is obtained.
In the telephone system here illustrated a voltaic battery at the central office is
placed in circuit with the line and instrument shewn in the Drawing. The
depression of the push-knob B breaks the circuit by separating the contact piccos
G, H, thereby causing a signal at the central oflice; I is a ratchet wheel for
operating a registering device of convenient or usual construction, which is not
shewn in the Drawing, as it in itself forms no part of the present Invention.
The ratchet wheel I is operated by a pawl K pivoted to a lever L which is
supported by a spring M and works between two stops N, O. It carries a pin P
working in a slot in the stem of the push-knob B, and it is held against the stop O
by means of a catch Q attached to the switch D.
The extremity R of a contact spring rests upon an insulated portion of the
switch D.
The motion of the switch in the direction indicated by the arrow hend brings
the point R into metallic contact with S, so that the telephone can be used, and at
the same time releases the lever L, which then rests against the stop N. Under
these circumstances the depression of the push knob B to send a signal causes the
depression of the lever L and pawl K, thus turning the ratchel wheel I and causing
the operation of the registering device.
The lever L returns to the stop N on account of the action of the spring M. If
the switch D is retained in this position the registering device will be operated
every time the push knob is depressed. If the switch is restored to the position
shown in the diagram, Figure 2, the catch Q will be under the end of the lever L,
and the lever will be in contact with the stop N.
Upon depressing the push knob B the lever L will be depressed also, thus causing
the operation of the registering device, but when the lever L touches the stop O it
is caught by the catch Q, as shown in the diagram, Figure 2, and retained in that
position, so that the subsequent operation of the push knob B fails to affect the
registering device until the motion of the switch D in the direction of the arrow for
the purpose of enabling the subscriber to use his telephone releases the lever Land
restores the registering apparatus to a position in which it can be acted upon by
the push knob B. It will thus be seen that the telephone call register shewn in
Figure 2 is set by a single motion of the switch D.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate an apparatus embodying the Invention, whereby the
registering device is set by a to and fro motion of the switch, and the call apparatus
cannot be worked while the switch is in the position for using the telephones.
Letters used in Figure 2 where they occur in Figures 3 and 4 indicate similar
parts.
In the improved form of apparatus shown in Figures 3 and 4 the pawl K and
lever L are combined to form one piece, which is pivoted by means of a screw and
an elastic washer to an upright piece J, rigidly attached to the switch D, and is
carried with it. T, U, V, are the axes, upon which turn the toothed wheels
composing a portion of the registering apparatus. Upon depressing the push
knob B (Figure 3) a projecting portion W of the push knob strikes the pawl K,
which turns the ratchet wheel I (thus causing the operation of the registering
device), and then the lower extremity of the push knob B forces the spring H
against the stop X, thus breaking the main circuit by separating the contact
pieces G, H.
It will be observed that the peculiar form of the inner edge of the pawl K
enable it to fit two of the teeth of the ratchet wheel I, so as to prevent the ratchet
wheel from being moved by more than one tooth at a time however forcibly the
push knob B may be depressed.
The combined lever and pawl L, K, remains in the position in which it is placed
by the push knob B on account of the friction produced at its pivot by the action
of the elastic washer and upright piece J, and the subsequent operation of the call

page_text: .
arrangement B, H, G, fails to affect the registering device until the lever K, L, has
been restored to the position shown in Figure 3. In order to do this it is necessary
'to move the switch D as indicated by the arrow, and then to restore it to its normal
position shown in Figure 3.
The process of resetting the registering apparatus will be understood by com-
paring Figures 3 and 4. When the lever L, K, has been depressed by the push
knob B (Figure 3) the pawl K fits the teeth of the ratchet wheel I very closely,
and the spur Y leans forward towards the axis U.
The motion of the switch D, as shown by the arrow (Figure 3), causes Y to come
in contact with U, and the further operation of the switch in the same direction
causes the elevation of the pawl K (as in Figure 4), so that it clears the top of the
next tooth of the ratchet wheel I, when the switch D is moved back into its
original position, as shown in Figure 3. The switch D carries a stop picce Z, so
that when the switch D is in the position shown in Figure 4 the push knob B
cannot be depressed.
Figure 5 is a front elevation of the call register showing the dials, index hands,
and other parts of the registering device and the actuating knob of the switch D.
The operation of the telephone and transmitter E and secresy switch F (Figure 2)
is not described, as such is well known, and as any arrangement of telephones may
be combined with the improved call register. It is only necessary for the purposes
of the Invention that the spring R, when in contact with S, and while the telephones
are being used, forms a portion of the main circuit, so that it is impossible to use
the telephone excepting when the switch is in such a position that the points R, S,
are in metallic contact with one another.
The automatic short circuiter is arranged in the following manner :-It is
intended more particularly to be used in connection with the form of apparatus
shown in Figure 1, the register being combined with the push knob, as therein
indicated.
Figure 6 illustrates in connection with the usual appointments of a telephone
station (namely, A, a call bell, B, a push knob, and C the telephone and transmitter),
the short circuiter D, which is the subject of this portion of the present Invention.
It consists of an electro magnet E placed upon the main line between the
telephone C and the central office. When the electro magnet E is excited by the
passage of a battery current through its coils, the armature F is attached, thus
causing the point G to come into contact with the point H, short circuiting the
telephone C. This is the normal condition of the apparatus and line. Under these
circumstances any break occurring in the telephone loop I, C, K, does not cause n
break of the main circuit, and the central office can only be called by pushing tho
push knob B. When a subscriber wishes to use the telephones he calls the central
office by pushing the push knob B; the central office responds by removing the
battery from the circuit, when the armature F flies back by the action of a spring
or other suitable arrangement, and the points G, H, are thereby separated. The
subscriber can then talk with the central office. When the central office wishes.to
speak to a subscriber, the bell A is rung by interrupting the battery current so as
to produce the signal for that subscriber. The battery is then removed from the
circuit and a telephone substituted. When the subscriber hears his call he simply
removes the telephone from its support and places it to his car. No change need
be made in the arrangement of the telephone, and the usual secresy switch may be
retained. It is intended that the short circuiter D should be placed in a sealed box
where it cannot be tampered with. The magnet and armature of the call bell A
may be used instead of the special electro-magnet E and armature F, but this would
render it adviseable or necessary to box up the bell or place it in such a position
that it could not be tampered with.
Although the register apparatus has been described in connection with a telephone
system employing a battery, it is also applicable to systems employing magneto
generators or calls in whole or in part.
It may be observed that the Invention is not limited to the particular form of

page_text: registering apparatus shewn, nor to any particular system of telephones, but
includes within the scope the combination of any convenient or suitable form of
registering apparatus with any telephone exchange system so as to indicate the
number of times the call apparatus has been worked or that messages have been
sent by the telephone. Although the call register is primarily intended to be used-
in the office of each subscriber to a telephone exchange, for the purpose of
ascertaining the amount of service performed for him by the company, it may also
be placed in the central office itself, where it could be used for checking the records
of the subscribers' instruments, for ascertaining the amount of services on ench
telephone circuit, for recording the number of connections made by each operator,
and for other purposes useful to telephone companies or administrations.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original,
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein before in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The combination in a telegraph or telephone system with an electrical
circuit connecting a central office and a station or subscriber's office, of the apparatus
by which the subscriber calls the central office, and a counting or recording register
disposed with referenco to the said apparatus substantially as herein before described,
whereby the operation of calling the central office effects automatically the movement
of the said register.
Second. The combination with an electric circuit of a push knob, switch, key, or
similar device for altering the electrical condition of the circuit, a counting or
recording register and electrical connections as indicated, whereby the movement of
the register is automatically effected by means of the operation of the said push
knob, switch, key, or similar device, substantially as herein before described.
Third. In an electric telephone system comprising a central office, with stations
located upon circuits connected with the said office for intercommunication, a
telephonic apparatus through which the central office can be called and verbal
messages conveyed combined, substantially as hereinbefore described, with a
registering or recording apparatus, whereby no message can be sent without being
recorded, the said telephonic and registering apparatus being located at the several
stations, as set forth.
Fourth. The combination with an electrical call apparatus and a telephone, of a
numbering register, telephone, switch, and electrical connections, substantially as
herein before described.
Fifth. In an electrical system, a registering apparatus combined as described
with a call apparatus, a moveable piece or switch, and devices connected with the
said pieces or switch for setting the actuating portion of the said register,
substantially as hereinbefore described.
Sixth. A counting register combined, substantially as hereinbefore described
with a telephonic apparatus comprising a call a telephone, a telephone switch and
means, as indicated, for locking the call while the said switch is in position for
connecting in the telephone, as and for the purpose set forth.
Seventh. The combination with a call apparatus and a telephone of a telephone
switch and device connected therewith for locking the call apparatus when the
said switch is in position for connecting in the telephone, substantially as
herein before described.
Eighth. In a telephone call register the combination with the registering device
of an actuator which will remain in any position in which it is placed, substantially
as herein before described and illustrated in the accompanying Drawings.
Ninth. The combination with a telephone call register of a switch and stop
piece, substantially as bereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying
Drawings.
Tenth. In a telephone call register the combination of a spur with the actuator

page_text: of the registering device, substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in
the accompanying Drawings.
Eleventh. The combination with a system of electro-telephones of a short
circuiting arrangement, operated by the battery current upon the main lino so as
to short circuit the telephones while the battery current is on the line, and introduce
the telephone into the main circuit when the battery is cut out, substantially as
herein before described and illustrated in the accompanying Drawings.
Twelfth. The combination with an electric call bell and telephones of a short.
circuiting device, substantially as shewn and described, operated by the armature
of the call bell, whereby the telephones are short circuited as long as a current
traverses the electro magnet of the call bells.
Thirteenth. The electro magnet E, armature F, and contact pieces G, H, in
combination with the telephones C, substantially as shewn and described, so that
the contact pieces G, H, are caused to come into contact and short circuit the
telephone C during the passage of an electric current through the coils of the
electro magnet E, and are caused to separate when no current passes through the
electro magnet E, thus allowing the telephone C to form part of the main circuit,
as set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this my Speci-
fication set my hand and scal, the Twenty second day of December, One
thousand eight hundred and eighty.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (L.s.)