US1899692A - Circuitous elevator - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 28, 1933. H. D. JAMES 1,399,692

QIRCUITOUS ELEVATOR Q Filed Nov. 25, 1930 2 SheetsSheet 1 WITNESSES: INVENTOR 7 "ATTORNEY Feb. 28, 1933. H. D. JAMES ,8

CIRCUITOUS ELEVA'IIOR 7 Filed Nov. 26, 193Q 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 WITNESSES; INVENTOR W 1 Hen/J12 Jkmg X MW ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 28, 1933 UNITED srA'rEsrArENT OFFICE HENRY 1). JAMES, or nncnwoon, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR r wEs'r'iNGHo'UsE LEG- MANUFACTUR IN COMPANY, CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA 'cIRoUI'roUs ELEVATOR Application filed November 26, 1930. Serial No. 498,420.

ed May 3, 1932, and. assigned: to the Westing- My invention relates to, circuitous elevators and has particular relation-to control sys tems for effecting automatically the movement of any cage or receptacle of a circuitous 5 elevatorfrom a plurality of difi'erent operating positions, in the path of travel of the cages in the building" structure, to a common station by the shortest route,.and-the automatic stopping of the. cage upon its arrival at thecommon station.

Various types ofcircuitous elevators for parking or storing. automobileshave been suggested as a solution of the present acute problem resulting from the difficulty experienced in the parking of automobiles in the congested business areas of the larger cities. In general, the circuitous elevator comprises a plurality of cages or receptacles, for supporting automobiles, successively movable through two adjacent vertical columns in a circuitous or endless path past a station or a plurality of stations at which automobiles may be loaded upon, or removed from, the cages. Y

One type of circuitous elevator is described in my copending application, Serial No. 330,455 filedJanuary'f), 1929, now Patent No. 1,859,874 granted May 24,1932, and assigned to the Westinghouse Electric and Manufac- 0 turing Company. It comprises, essentially, a plurality of automobile-receiving receptacles of box-shape, which are suspended pivotally from, and between, a pair of spaced vertically disposed endless chains in the form of a loop, suitably supported at the top and bottom of a buildingstructure by sprocket wheels or sheaves. A driving mechanism, for moving the endless chains and the cages suspended therefrom successively through the two adjacent vertical paths of movement in a circuitous path, is provided, and usually comprises motor-driven sprocket wheels for engaging the opposite portions of the endless chains.

suggested for controlling the movement of the-cages of circuitous elevators. 1 One of these, described in the copending application of F. E. Lewis, Serial No. 398,898, filed Octo ber 11, 1929, now Patent No. 1,856,876 grant- Various types of control systems have been house Electric and Manufacturing Company, comprises a combination dial and selector switch for calling a selected cage to the loading andunloading station, at the bottom of the building structure, from anyposition in the path of travel of the cages by the shortest route; the selection of the proper direction of travel of the cage being automatically ef fectedbythe selector means." a 1 It has been further suggested, in another of my copending -applications, Serial No; 458,119, filed May. 31, 1930, and assignedtothe Westinghouse Electric Company, to employ a plurality' of push-butand Manufacturing ton switches disposed on a, master control panelat the ground or loading level, each switch corresponding to a particul-arcage andthe operation: of any of the push buttons, in cooperation with a selector-"switch similar to that described in the above-mentioned copending applicationiof F. E."LeWis-, for effecting the automatic selection of the proper direction of movement to move a selected cage to. the ground or loading level by thev shortestroute. i

In both of the above-mentioned copending applications, no provision has been made for controlling the movement of the cages from anyother position than the ground level, and no provision: hasv been made for controlling the. movement of. the cages by means "accessible to aperson on any of the cages, 1

My present invent on provides in combination with a control system, as just mentioned, a plurality of control means, each station arily disposed at different places adjacent to the path of travel of-the cages, which are accessible. for operation byla person on v-a'ny of the cages stopped substantially at the level of the control'means. Each of thecontrolmeans is operable to effect a movement of any of the cages, whichare stopped substantially at the level thereof, to the ground or loading level by the shortest route. That is, regardless of which cage isstopped at the levelof a. controlmeans, my control system effects the movement thereof to'the ground level by the shortest route upon the operation of the single control means. l

This type of control system is obviously advanta cone in various types of applications. gome of the advantages are that it permits the control of the circuitous elevator from' a plurality of stations, and especially by a person in any of the cages when stopped at any of a plurality of positions throughout vator .by the control system, such as described in the above-mentioned copending applications, whenever any of the control means disposed throughout the path oftravel of the cages is operated. Therefore, a per- 7 son in any of the cages may immediately effect his return to the ground-floor level v before the circuitous elevator can be operated by the master control panel, at the ground Therefore, it is an object of my invention to provide a control system for a circuitous elevator which comprises aipluralityof operating means. disposed each at different post.

tionsadjacentto the path oftravel of the cages, the operation of which, either by a person on a cage, or off a cage stopped substantially at the level of an operating means, efiects a movement of the cage to the groundfloor level by the shortest route and the automatic stopping of the cage upon its arrival thereat.

Another objectof .my invention is to so interlock a part of my'control system, comprising operating means adjacent to the path of travel of the cages, withianother part, comprising amaster control panel, that operation of the circuitous elevator 5 by the master, control panel will be prevented upon the'operation of any of theoperating means, adj acent'totthe path of-travel of the cages.

It is another object of my invention to efl'ect the giving of a signal and an alarm'or, optionally, merely a signal whenever any of the operating means adjacent to the path of travel of thecages is operated.

I It is another object of my invention to provide a selector switch which shall be actuated, upon the operation of any of the operating means adjacent to the path of travel of the cages, to move in accordance with the movement of the cages, for the purpose of selectively controlling a motive means for moving the cages and causing it to effect automatically the proper direction of movement to move acage to the ground level by the shortest route and automatically stop itthereat. 7 r

It is another object inventionto pro-- vide a selector switch which shall automatically return to a predetermined, position upon the complete response to a call eifected by the operation of any of the operating means disposed adjacent to the path of travel 'of the cages.

A further object of my invention is to provide a plurality of operating means at each of a plurality of stations in the building route and for stopping it thereat.

Other objects of my invention will, in part, be obvious and, in part, made'clear in the subsequent description of my invention wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in vertical-sectionof a building structure having a circuitous-elevator thereimand including adiagrammatic representation of a control system for the operation of the circuitous elevator in accordance with the principles of my invention, and

Fig. 2 1s a view similar to Fig. 1' illustrating a plurality of operatingmeans at each of a plurality of stations adj acent to the path of travel of the cages, instead of a single operating means at each of the stations. 7 Referring to Fig. 1, the circuitous elevator ture 20, which may or may not be totally enclosed, having therein a plurality of cages or receptacles numbered 1 to 7, inclusive, for

supporting automobiles. Each cage is pivot-- allyattached to bracket arms 22 at each end thereof; the bracket arms being, in turn,

pivotally attached, at regular intervals, to the endless chains 23 (one only of which is shown in Fig.1) at-corresponding levels,

whereby each cage is pivotally suspended between the. spacedendless chains 23; Each of the endless chains 23 is supported, at the 'top of the building structure, bya sprocket wheelor sheave 2i and, at the bottom of the shaft being suitably supported in bearings at both ends thereof. The endless chains 23 and the cages sus pended therefrom are simultaneously moved "in a circuitous orendless path successively through the two vertical .adjacentpaths of shown comprises, briefly, a building struc- 9 movement, resulting from a' movement of the endless chains 23 around the sheaves 24 and 25, by any suitable driving mechanism. A simple type of drive comprises a sprocket wheel 26 engaging each of the endless chains '23 and suitably fastened to a common shaft 27 which is coupled to the shaft 28 of a motor 29, of any suitable type, by the coupling member 30. Although only one sproclret'wheel 26 is shown in the drawing, it should be understood that there is a similar sprocket bile may be moved directly through the end thereof, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cage, either under its own power or by an auxiliary loading mechanism.

I have shown a control system for the motor 29, for effecting the operation of the circuitous elevator, comprising operating means at stations adjacent to the path of travel of the cages and operating means on a master control panel at one station. The operation of a circuitous elevator from a master control panel is, in itself, not a part of my invention, but it constitutes a part of my novel combination.

However, for the purpose of better under standing my entire control system, the portion thereof comprising the master control panel will be first described and its operation explained. r

The master control panel 32 which is disposed at the ground floor 31 in any place-suitably accessible to a person for operating it,

has disposed thereon a plurality of pushbutton switches 1 to 7 inclusive. These switches are of a well known type and are each provided with a hold-down coil H, which maintain the switch closed when the contact membersthereof have been closed by manual operation/The switches 1 to 7 are for the purpose of establishing individual calls for causing one of the cages 1 to 7, rcspectively, to move to the ground floor 31 by the shortest route, and stop thereat. The switches l to 7 may be operated onlyone at a time in order to effect the proper operation of the system. V

A clockwise relay is provided for elfecting the connection of the motor "29 to asource of supply upon the operation of any of the switches 1 to 7, whereby the motor is actuated to rotate in a direction to move the cages of the circuitous elevator within the building structure in a clockwise direction.

A counter-clockwise relay is provided for effecting the connection of motor 29 to a source of supply upon the operation of any switches 1 to 7, whereby the motor'rotates in a direction to of the circuitous elevator within the building structure in a counter-clockwise direction.

For the purpose ofselecting between the relays TO'and 80 in order to effect the move ment of a selected cage to the ground floor by the shortest route, a selector switch 40 is provided. The selector 40, as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1 and as described, in part, in the copending application, Serial Nos. 398,898 and 458,110, above-mentioned, comprises a segmented ring 41 and two collector rings 42 and 43. All the rings are, preferably, coaxially mounted in insulated relation to one another on the outer surface rotatable in accordance with the movement of the cages of the circuitous elevator by any sui able mechanism. As illustrated, the drum upon which the rings 41, 42, and 48 are mounted may be suitably fastened to a shaft '50having a gear wheel 51 keyed thereto for engagement with another gear wheel 52 keyed toa shaft 53 which is coupled'to one of the stub shafts of one of the sheaves 24 by the coupling The ratio of the gear wheels 51 and 52 is such that'rotatio'nv of the drum of theselector through a definite angle is proportional to the movement of the circuitous elevator. Preferably, a complete rotation of the drum corresponds to a complete cycle of movement cuitous path. I I

The ring 41 comprises two semi-circular conducting segment- s 44 and 45 separated, respectively, by a short insulating segment 46 and a slightly longer insulating segment 47, disposed between the cooperatingends of the segments. v Q

A plurality of brushes l" and 7" which are connected, respectively, through switches 1 to 7 to one terminal of asource of'snpply, are disposedstationarily in relative positions, corresponding to that of the cages of the circuitous elevator, at regular angular intervals around the periphery of ring 41 and in engagement therewith. The angular distance between two successive brushes is pro portional to the distancewhich thecircuitous elevator moves between the departure of one cage from the ground door 31 and the arrival of the next succeeding cage thereat.

effect movement of-the cages of a cylinder or drum (not shown) which is 1 of a cage through the cir- The collector rings 42 and 43 are connected,

respectively, to segments 44 and 45 by conductors 48 and49. By means of brushes 60 and 61 engaging rings 42 and 43', respectively, each of the segments 44 and 45 is connecti on of segment 47 with one of the brushes 1 the brushes 1" to 7 are connected through the switches 1 to 7'.

The movement of the drumof selector 40 is such that the insulating segment 47 engages one of the brushes 1 to 7", corresponding to a particular cage at the time that that cage is at the level of the ground floor 31. The length of the segment 47 is such as .to prevent the bridging of the segments 44 and 45 by anybrush, 1 to *5, when it 1s in engagement therewith. The length of the segment 46 is such as merely to insulate the two segments 44 and 45 and not to prevent a bridging thereof by any of the brushes.

It will thus be seen that the physical position of the brushes '1 to 7, with respect to the segments 44" and 45, depends upon the physical position of the cages within the building structure 20. It will also be seen that, in any position of the cages, other than that at the level of the ground floor 31, a brush corresponding thereto in engagement either with segment 44 or with segment Themethod whereby the proper relay 7O or is actuated upon the operation of any of the switches 1 to 7 in order to effect the movement of ,a cage, corresponding to the switch operated, to the ground floor 31 by the shortest route, should thus be clear. It

should also be clear that the selected cage is automatically stopped at the ground floor, at its arrival thereat, by the opening of the control circuit effected by the engagement 7'? corresponding to the particular cage selected. V V

A brake of any suitable type may be provided for the motor 29, such as a magnetically operated jbralre which is energized to release upon the closing of contact members on relays 70. and 80 when they are actuated to cause movement of the circuitous elevator, and which is spring-returned to set when the 'relaysare deenergized to cause the circuitous elevator to stop. For the purpose of simplification, sucii a brake has not been shown,

I although it should be understood that it is provided A though not, in'itsel f, a part of my invention, I will further describe the operation of this system 01: control for a circuitous elevator by detailing a cycle of events occurring in the operation thereof, since it will facilitate a better understanding of the remainder of my control system. Let it be assumed that the cages are positionedas illustrated in Fig. 1 and that a call is registered for cage 3 by a person manually operating the pushebutton' switch 3. The closing of the switch 8' .completesa circuit for energizing the relay 7O through-the selector 40, which circuit extends from the supply conductor L1, through conductors and 91,.;

normally closed contact members 0 of relay 92 (the purpose of which will be developed hereinafter), conductor 93, coil H of pushbutton switch 3, contact members of switch 3',conductor 94, brush 3", segment 44,-conductor 48, ring 42, brush 60, conductors 95' and 96, coil ofrelay 70, conductor 97, normally closed interlock contact members 03 of tor L2. 7 V

The energization of relay 7O eflects the closing of the normally open contact members a, Z) and 0 thereof which connect the three-phase windings Y and Z of the mo tor 29 to the three-phase alternating-current time that cage 3 reaches substantially the level the ground floor 31. The engagement of insulating segment 47 and brush 3 opens the circuit, previouslytraced, through the coil oi relay 70, ellecting thedeenergization thereof and the resultant immediate's'topping of the motor 29. 4

It should; be understood that thereis a suilicient time lag between the engagement of brush 3"]with' the insulating segment 47 on tie selector 40, and a complete stopping of cage 3 to efiect the eXact alignment of the floor ofcage 3 with the ground floor 31.

Let it be assumec, in another instance, that, with the cages positioned as illustrated in Fig.1, a call is registered for cage 6 by the operation of push button switch 6"." The closing of the contact members. of switch 6' completes the circuit for energizing relay 80 through the selector 40, which circuit extends from supply conductor L1, through conductors 90 and 91, contact members 0 of relay 92,

conductor 9, holding-coilH of the switch 6', contact members of the switch 6', conductor 81, brush 6", segment 45, conductor 49, ring 43, brush61, conductors 82 and 146, coil of relay 80, conductor 147 normally closed contact members (Z of relay 70 and conductors closing of contact members a, b, and a, connects the three-phase windings X, X, and Z, of motor 29 to the three-phase alternatingcurrent supply conductors AC2, AC1, and AC8, respectively. This circuit is sufliciently obvious and need not be traced.

Thus motor 29 is energized to, move the cages of the circuitous elevator in a counterclockwise direction. It will be seen, by obe relaySO and conductor 98, to supply conducserving the position ofcage 6 in Fig. 1, with stopping of motor 29, the setting of the magnetically operated brakes on the motor 29, and the stopping of cage 29with the floor thereof in exact alignment with'the ground floor 31.

It should be understood that so much of my control system as has been previously described is not, in itself, a part of my invention. However, in combination, it constitutes a part of the complete control system shown in Fig. 1, which comprises my invention.

Having fully described the details of that portion of my control system for effecting the foregoing method of operatingthe .circuitous elevator, thedetails of the remainder of my control system will now'be described and its operation explained.

I have provided a plurality of push-button switches 112 to 117 inclusive, of well known construction, each suitably attached to the building structure 20 adjacent to the path of travel of the cages in a position readily accessible to a person in any of the cages'which stopped at the level thereof. As will be obvious by reference to Fig. 1, the switches 112 to 117 are disposed adjacent to the stops ping positionofeach of the cages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, respectively, three switches being disposed on each of the opposite walls of the building structure 20 and spaced at intervals, substantially equal to the distance between successive cages, between the ground floor 31 and the top of the building structure 20. For

purposes of illustration, the spacing between I I the cages and the walls of the building structure is exaggerated. Actually, the switches 112 to 117 are preferably inset in depressions (not shown) in the walls of the building structure, and the sides of the cages pass closely by the walls.

Each of the switches 112 to 117 is provided with a hold-down coil H which maintains the contact members of the switch closed when once they are moved to closed position 7 by the manual operation of the switch.

The push-button switches 112 to 117 inclusive are for the purpose of registering a call for causing the motor 29 to move any cage, which is adjacent to the switch operated, to the ground floor 31 by the shortest route.

A selector switch 102, similar in construction and function to that of the selector switch 40, is employed, in connection with the switches 112 to 117, for automatically and selectively causing either relay or relay 80, to be actuated for the purpose of effecting the movement of a cage to the ground floor 31 by the shortestroute.

The selector 102 comprises a segmented ring 103 and two collector rings 104 and 105, all mounted coaxially in insulated relation to one another on the periphery of a cylinder or drum, which is-not shownp The ring 103 comprises two substantially semi-circular segments 106 and 107 separated by a short insulating segment 108 and a slightly longer insulating segment 109 between the respective ends thereof. The collect'orringsf104 and 105are connected, respectively, to the segments 106 and 107 by conductors 1 10and 111, respectively. By means of brushes 100 and 101 in engagement respectively,v with rings 104 and 105, thesegmentsjlOG and 107 are connected, through- relays 70 and 80,1to

thesame terminal of a source of supply as are the brushes 60 and61. of the selector 40'; A plurality of brushes 12, 13,14, 15, 16

and 17 are stationarily, disposed around the periphery of the ring 103 in engagement therewith and are 1 connected, respectively,

through switches 112 to 117, respectively, to

the same terminal of the source of supply as are the brushes 1 to 7 The brushes 12 to 17 are so angularly spaced with respect to each other that the distance between brushes 12 and 13, 13 and 14, 141and 15,15 and16 and 16 and 17 is the same and corresponds proportionally .to-the extent of'movemen't' of the circuitous elevator between the depar-:

ture of one cage from, and the arrival of the next succeeding cage at the ground fioor 31 The distance between brushes '12- and '17 is,

however, twice the distance between any other two succeeding brushes. The purpose of this spacing ofthebrushes will-be made clear hereinafter. v i I The drum of the selector 102 is normally stationary during the operation of thecir cuitous elevator, when initiated by -switches 1 to 7,'in a position in-which the segment 109 is equidistantfrom each of the brushes 12and 17 on the shortest are connecting them. 1

The angular distance of movement between this position and a position in which itis in engagement with any of the brushes 12 to 17 is proportional, respectively, to the distance which the circuitous elevator moves when a cage occupying a position adjacent to the switches 112 to 1-17 moves to the ground floor 31 and stops.

The drum of selector 102 is rotated in accordance with the movement of the cages of the circuitous elevator only upon the operation of any of the switches 112 to 117. Any suitable device, such as a magnetic clutch 120, of a well-known type, may be employed to effect this result.

The clutch 120 com prises-two coaxially disposed disk members 121 and 122; The disk member 121 is keyed to a driving shaft, such as-the shaft 50 to which the drum of the selector 40 is keyed, which rotates in accordance with the movement of the cagesof'theicircuitous elevator. Thedisk member :122 is slid'ably keyed to a shaft123 to which the drum of selector 102 isalso keyed and is maintained normally disengaged'from disk member 121 by a tension spring 132 connecting itself and the shaft A plurality of magnet coils 1241, one only of which is shown in Fig. 1, aredisposed at regular angular intervals on the disk 121 and are 'energizab'le, upon the closing of any of the switches 112 to 117, to effect the movement of the disk member 122 axially into frictional engagement 1 with ,the disk 'member 121;

Suitable frictional surfaces are provided on each of the disks 121 and 122, in order that there shall be no. slippage between the two disk members afterthey have once engaged each other. It is important that a fixed relation be maintained between the two disks 121 and 122 in order that the drum of the selector 102 shall move exactly in accordance with the movement of the cages of the circuitous.

elevator. r

' Collector rings 125 and 126, for effecting anelectrical connection of the magnet coils 124130 a source of supply through the brushes 128and 129, associated, respectively, therewith, are mounted on a cylidrical extension 127 of the disk member 121 and they rotate coaxially with the disk 'member 121 upon rotation of the shaft 50.

-A relay 92 is provided for the purpose of which is adjacent to one of the switches 112 to 117, to the ground floor 31 by the shortest" route, and that the cage is automatically stopped at the level of the ground floor 31 by the engagement of segment 109 with one of the brushes 12 to'17 corresponding to the paricular switch 112 to 117 which is operate Inorder to permitthe subsequent operation of any of the switches 112 to 117 toefiect the movement of a different cage at the level thereof .to the ground floor 31, it is necessary that the drum of the selector 102 be restored to the position in which segment 109 is midway between brushes 12and 17. A spiral spring 130 is provided for the purpose of restoring the drum of selector-102 to this pre determined orientation.

It should be clear that, whenever a selected cage arrives and stops at the ground floor 31, theclutch 120 is released, and the drum 1 of the selector 102 is free'to be restoredto its predetermined position under the force of the spring 130. p I

Therefore, it will be seen that the employment of the selector 102 and the associated magnetic clutch 120 permits but one'pushbutton switch, such as any of the switches 112 to 117, to be used to effect the movement of any cage, that is stopped substantially at the level of that switch, to the ground floor 31. I have further provided, as a part of my invention, signal means to indicate to anyone at the ground floor 31 that the circuitous elevator is being operated by that portion of the control system comprising-switches 112 to 117, and is not being operated under the actuation of that portion comprising switches 1"to 7. The signal means'comprises a signal lamp 133 which may be of any suitable or designated color,such as rod,

134, which are respectively illuminated and rung by means of the relay 92, whenever the circuitouselevator is operated under control of any of the switches 112 to 117. V

A. knife switch 135 is provided for establishing circuit which shunts the alarm bell 134, so that, optionally it may be prevented from ringing, and'only the signal lamp 133 employed to provide an indication.

The operation of the latter portion of the control system comprising my invention is best understood by an assumed operation. Let it be assumed that, with the cages positioned as indicated in Fig. 1, 'a person in cage 3 closes the switch 113.

The closing of the switch 113 completes a circuit for actuating the clockwise relay and the interlocking'relay 92, which circuit extends from supply conductor L1, through conductor 90, the coil of the relay '92, conductor 136, holding-coil H of the switch 113, the contact members of the switch 113, conductor 137, brush 1'3, segment 106, conductor 110, ring 104:, brush 100, conductor96, coil of relay 70, conductor 97, contact members (Z of relay and conductor 98', to supply eonductor L2. g

It will thus be seen that the selector 102 has automatically selected the proper direction relay 70 or 80 to be actuated in order to. effect a movement of the circuitous elevator to movea selected cage to the ground floor 31 by the shortest route. It will be apparent from Fig. 1 that to effect the shortest path of movement of cage 3 to the ground floor 31, the circuitous elevator must move in a clockwise direction.

The energization'of the relay 92closes the normally open contact members an and Z) and opens the normally closed contact memberscthereof.

The opening of the contact members 0" opens the connection from supply conductor and an alarm, such as an ordinary alarm bell L1 to the push-button switches 1 to 7', whereby their eilective operation is prevented.

The closing of the contact members b of the relay 92 completes a circuit for causing the signal lamp 133 to be illuminated and the alarm bell 134 to ring, which circuit extends from the supply conductor L1, through conductors 90, 91 and 138, contact members 6 of relay 92, conductor 139, signal lamp 133, conductor 140, alarm bell 134 and conductor 141, to supply conductor L2. If the knife switch 135 is closed, the alarm bell 134 is shunted and does not ring upon the closing of the contact members 0 of the relay 92. r

The closing of contact members a of the relay 92 completes a circuit for energizing the magnet coils 124 of the magnetic clutch 120 which circuit extendsfrom supply conductor L1, through conductors 90, 91 and 142, contact members a of the relay 92, conductor 143, brush 128, collector ring 125, all of the magnet coils 124 (one only being shown) in parallel or in series, but preferablyin parallel, to the collector ring 126, thence, through brush 129 and conductors 144 and 141, to supply conductor L2.

The energization of the magnet coils of the magnetic clutch 120 effects the immediate frictional engagem nt of disk members 121 and 122, whereby, the drum of the'selector 102 is rotated in accordance with the movement of the cages of the circuitous elevator,

' and c, of the relay 70, connects the threephase alternating-eurrent supply conductors AC1, AC2, and AC3, respectively, to the three phases X, Y, and Z, respectively, of the driving motor 29. The motor 29 is, as a result, actuated to rotate in such direction as to cause the cages of the circuitous elevator to move in a clockwise direction.

The motor continues to move the cages until cage 3 arrives substantially at the level of the ground iioor 31. At this time, the insu lating segment 109 on the selector 102 has engaged the brush 13 to interrupt the circuit therethrough for energizing the relays 92 and 70. Therefore, the deenergization of relays 92 and is effected. As a result of the deenergization of the relay 92 and the consequent opening of the contact members a and a and the closing of the contact members c, the magnet coils 124 of the magnetic clutch 120 are deenergized, the signal lamp 133 is extinguished and the alarm 134, if in use, ceases to ring, and the connection between supply conductor L1 and the push-- the disengagement of the disk members 121 i and 122, the spiral spring 130 returns the drum of the selector 102 to the position in which the insulating segment 109 is midway between thebrushes 12 and 17.

The deenergization of relay 70 opens the connection between the windings X, Y and Z of the motor and the supply conductors AC1, AC2 and AC3, and the driving motor 29 immediately stops. The engagement of the insulating segment 109 with brush member. 13 slightly precedes the arrival of the dispatched cage at the ground floor 31 in order to allow for the necessary coasting to a stopped position in which the floor of the cage is exactly at the level of the ground floor 31.

In a similar manner, let it be assumed that, with the cages in the position illustrated in Fig. 1, a person in cage 6 presses and closes the push-button switch 116. The closing of the contact members of switch 16 completes a circuit for energizing the interlocking relay 92 and the counter-clockwise relay 80, which circuit extends from supply conductor L1,

through conductor 90, coil of relay 92, conductor 136, holding-coil H of the switch 116, contact members of switch 116, conductor 145, brush 16, segment 107, conductor 111' ring 105, brush 101, conductor 146, coil oi relay 80, conductor 147, normally closed contact members (Z of'relay 70 and conductors 148 and 98, to supply conductor L2. It will thus be seen that the selector 102 has auto matically selected the proper direction relay 70 or to be actuated in order to eli ect a movement of the circuitous elevator to move a selected cage to the ground floor 31 by the shortest route. It will be apparent from Fig. 1 that, to effect the shortest path of movement of cage 6 to the ground floor 31, the circuitous elevator must move in a counter-clockwise direction. V

The energization of relay 8O closes the normally open contact members a, b and c and opens the normally closed contact members (1 thereof. Q

The contact members (Z are connected in the central circuit of relay 70 and prevent its energization when relay 80 is energized.

The closing of contact members a, b, and

c of relay S0 connects'the supply conductors AC2, AC1 and AC3 to windings X, Y and Z, respectively, of the driving motor 29. Thus, the motor 29 is caused to rotate in such direction that it moves the circuitous elevator in a counter-clockwise direction. It will be understood that the energization of the relay 92 effects the energization of the magnet coils 124 on the magnetic clutch 120, the illumination of the signal lamp 133, the ringing of the alarm bell 134, and the interruption of the connection from supply conductor L1 to the push-button switches 1 to 7, as previously described. 7

i The motor 29 continues to move the circuito us elevator until cage 6 reaches substantially the level of the ground floor 31, at which time the insulating segment 109 on the selec tor 102 has engaged the brush 16, and interrupted the circuit previously traced therethrough for energizing relays 92 and 80.

Deenergization of relay 80 effects the open g of the electrical connection from the supply conductors AC2, AC1 and AC3 to the windings X, Y and Z, respectively, of the driving motor 29 and, as a result, the cage 6 coasts to a stopped position in which the floor is exactly at the level of the ground floorBl. It should be understood that the brake previously mentioned is applied to the motor 29 upon the interruption of the electrical. connection to the motor.

A modification of the control system of Fig. 1 is illustrated in Fig. 2. A portion of the control system which comprises pushbutton switches 1 to 7 is the same in the two diagrams, and corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals. The modification of the structure shown in Fig. 2 over that shown in Fig. 1 lies in the elimination of the selector 102 and the magnetic clutch 120 and substitution of a plurality of push-button switches, equal in number to the number of cages, for each of the pushbutton switches 112 to 117 in Fig. 1. I

More specifically, panels 112 to 117 inclusive. are disposed within the building structure 20 in positions corresponding to those occ pied by the push-button switches 112 to 117, respectively. Each of the panels 112 to 117 has suitably mounted. thereon a plurality of push-button switches 1A to 7 A, corresponding to cages 1 t0 7 respectively, having holding-coils H for maintaining the switches closed when once manually operated to a closed position and otherwise identical with the construction of push-button switches 112 to 117 and 1 to 7. I

The operation of identically designated puslrbutton switches on any of the panels 112" to 117 effects the movement of a cage corresponding thereto, when stopped at the level of the panel on which the switch is disposed, to the ground floor .31 by the shortest route and the automatic stopping of it thereat.

Each of the push-button switches 1A to 7A on the panels 112 to 117 selectively completes a circuit through brushes 1" to 7 respectively, of the selector 10 (see Fig. 2) for energizing either of the relays and 80, de-

pending upon which segment 14 or 15 the brush engages.

In this type of control system, it is necessary that the person on the cage shall select one of the push-buttons 1A to 'TA'which cor responds to the cage upon which he is. For example, a person in cage 3 selects the push button 31%. l

For the purpose of informing a person on acageas to the number of the cage which he occupies, a large placard having the proper numeral thereon, may be suitably attached within each cage, or other means may be em ployed to suitably identify the cage by number. I

An interlocking relay 92 is provided for effecting the actuation of an alarm and signal device and for preventing the effective operation o1 the portion of the control system com prising push-button switches 1 to v'7 whenever one 01" the switches 1A to 7A or any of the panels 112 to 117 is operated. It is si iilar to relay 92, previously described, and

ditiers therefrom only in the omission of normally open contact members a for completing a circuit for energizing magnet coils of the magnetic clutch 120.

For the purpose of more clearly understanding this modification of my invention, an assumed operation will be of further assistance. cages positioned as illustrated in Fig. 2, a person in cage 3 presses and closes the pushbutton switch 3A on the panel 113. The closing of this switch completes a circuit for en ergizing the clockwise relay 70 and the interlocking relay 92, which circuit extends from supply conductor L1, through conductor 201, coil of relay 92, conductors 202 and 203, holding-coil H of switch 3A on the panel 113', contact members oi: the switch 3A, conductor 204, brush 3", segment 1 1, conductor 18, ring 4-2, brush 60, conductor 205, coil of relay 70, conductor 206, normally closed contact members (Z of": relay and conductor 20?, to supply conductor L2.

Contact members a and 7) of relay 92' correspond to contact members Z) and .c of relay 92 and have the same respective functions in that the closing of normally open contact members 001 relay 92 effects the illuminaion of the s gnal lamp 183 and the ringing of the alarm bell 13 1 in the manner previously described for contact members lfof relay 92, and the opening 01 the normally closed contac members Y; oi the relay 92 interrupts the electrical connection from supply conductor L1 to the push-button switches 1 to 7 disposed on the panel 32 and prevents their effective operation in the manner described for Contact members'c of relay 92.

The energization of the relay 70 closes the normally opened contact members a, band 0 and opens the norma ly closed contact members d thereof, and the motor 29 is thereby Let it be assumed that with the connected to the supply conductors AC1, AC2 .and AC3, as previously described for Fig. 1, and actuated to rotate in a direction to move the circuitous elevator in a clockwise direction. The circuitous elevator continues to move until cage 3 reaches substantially the level of the ground floor 31, at which time the insulatingsegment 47 on the selector 40 engages brush 3", thus effecting the opening of the circuit for energizing relays 92 and 70, which has been previously traced.

This effects the deenergization of relay ,92 which opens the circuit previously traced through its con-tact members a and, as a 'result, signal lamp 133 is extinguished and the alarm bell 134 deenergized. The reclosing of the contact members I) of the relay 92 reestablishes the electrical connection from supply conductor L1 to the switches 1 to 7 on the panel 32. thus restoring the control system toa condition in which the circuitous elevator may be operated under the actuation of those switches.

The decnergization of relay 7 0 disconnects of relay 92, conductors 208 and 209,.ho'lding coil H of the switch 6A on the panel 116, contact members of switch 6A, conductors 210 and ;211,brush 6", segment 45, conductor49, ring 43, brush 61, conductor 212, coil of relay 80, conductor 213, normally closed contact members d of relay 7 0 andconductors 214 an 207, :to supply conductor L2.

The actuation of the relay 92 effects the illumination of the signal lamp 133, the ringing of the alarm bell 134 and the interruption of the electrical connection from supply conductor L1 to the switches 1 to 7 in the manner previously described. 1

The energization of relay effects the electrica connection of the windings X, Y and Z of the driving motor 29 to the supply conductors-AC2, AC1 and AC3, as previously described with reference to Fig. 1.

The motor 29 is thus actuated to'rotate in a direction to cause the circuitous elevator .to move in a counter-clockwise direction until cage 6 reaches substantially the level of the ground floor 31, at which time the insulating segment 47 on the selector '40 engages the brush 6 to interrupt the circuit for energizing relay 92 and relay 80, previously traced. The deenergization of relay 92 and relay 80 is thus effected. The deenergization'of relay 92' results in the extinguishment of the signal lamp 133 and the cessation of the ring- 7 ing of the alarm bell 134, and in the reconnection of the switches 1 to 7. to the supply conductor L1, as previously described. "The deenergization of relay 80 disconnects the motor 29 from the supply conductors AC2, AC1 and AC3, and the'motor stops with cage 6 exactly at the level of the ground floor 31.

It will thus be seen that I have disclosed a control system for a circuitous elevator which permits the control of the circuitous elevator and the operation thereof by a person occupying anyof the cages, regardless of its position in its path of travel, and that I have provided a control system comprising a single operating means at each of a plurality of stations for effecting the movement of a cage, stopped substantially at the level thereof, to another station, such as the ground floor, by the shortest route, and its automatic stopping upon arrival at the lattor station. t

It .will be also seen that I have provided a means for interlocking the portion of my control system which comprises operating means adjacent to the path of travel of the cages with the part comprising operating means on a master control panel, whereby the effective operation of the latter is pre vented upon the operation of the former..

It will also be seen that I have provided a modification of my control system,-which modification; has a plurality of operating means at each of a plurality of stations ad- 1 jacentto the path-of travel of the cages of'a c rcuitous elevator, each individual operatng means at eachstation corresponding to a particular cage and torthe purpose of'effecting a movement of that cage from ,a position substantially at the level. of that .operating means to another position, such as at the ground floor, by the shortest routeand automatically stopping it upon its arrival thereat.

It should be understood that the disclosure is illustrative only, and that various, modifications thereof are possible without departing from the scope of my invention, Therefore, I do not intend that the present invention shall be limited -to the specific details shown or described, except as defined in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention: V

1. In a control system for a motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively pasta plurality of stations, control means comprising an operating means, at each of the said stations other than a predetermined one of said stations, operable to effect the actuation of the motive means to move any receptacle adjacent to the operating means-operated to the predetermined station and stop it thereat. I

,2. In acontrol system for a motive means for moving a plurality oi receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, operating means at each of said stations, other than a predetermined one of said stations, for actuating said motive means, and means movable, in accordance with the movement of said receptacles, for controlling said motive means and causing it to stop a receptacle Which Was adjacent to an operating means operated, upon its arrival at the predetermined one of said stations.

3.111 a control system for a motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, operating means at each of stations, other than a predetermined one of said stations, for actuating said motive means and means, movable in accordance with the movement of said receptacles, for selectively controlling said motive means whereby, upon operation of any of t means,

he said operati it moves 111 the proper direction to move the receptacle adjacent to the operating means operated, to the predetermined stationby the shortest route.

4. In a control system for a motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, operating means at each. of said stations other than a predetermined one of said stations, for actuating said motive means, and means movable in accordance With the movement of the receptacles, for selectively controlling said motive means whereby, upon operation of any of the said operating means, it moves in the proper direction to move the receptacle adjacent to the operating means operated, to the predetermined station by the shortest route and stops when that receptacle arrives thereat.

5. In a'control system for a motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, control means, for causing any receptacle to be moved to a predetermined one of said stations and automaticallystopped thereat, said control means comprising an operating means disposed at each'of the said stations other than the said predetermined station, and each operable to actuate the motive means to move the receptacles, and means for controlling the motive means to cause it to stop upon the arrival at the predetermined station, of any one of the receptacles, which WELSfLCljrlCBIllJ to the operating means operated.

6. In a control system for a motive means for moving a plurality o'f receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, control means for causing any receptacle to be moved to 'a predetermined one of said stations and automatically stopped thereat, said control means comprising an operating means disposed at each of the said stations other than the said predetermined station and each'operable to actuate the motive means to move the receptacles, and

means, movable in accordance with the movetacle to be moved by the shortest route to a predetermined one of said stations from any of the other of said stations, said control means comprising an operating means at each of said stations other than the said predetermined station for effecting the actuation of said motive means, and means, movable in accordance with the movement of the re CGPiLEIlOlQS, for selectively determining the direction in which the motive means moves to eilect the movement of a receptacle,-adjacent to the operating means operated, to the pre determined station by the shortest route.

8. In a control system for a motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, control means for causing any receptacle from any other of saidstations to a predetermined one of said stations and automatically stopped the'reat, said control means comprising an operating means at each of said stations other than the said predetermined station for effecting the actuation of said motive means, and means, movable in accordance with the movement of the receptacles, ior selectively determining the direction in which the motive means moves to effeet a movement of a receptacle, adjacent to an operating means operated, to the predetermined station by the shortest route and for causing said motive means to stop when that receptacle arrives at said predetermined station.

9. In a control system for a motive means for moving .a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, operating means each of said stations other than a predetermined one thereof for effecting the actuation of said motive means, and means movable inaccordance with the movement of the receptacles only upon the operation of any of said operating means, for selectively controlling motive means Wherebyit is actuated 'tomove a receptacle, adjacent to an operating means operated, to the predetermined station by the shortest route.

10. In a control system for amotive means eceptacles in an v of for moving a plurality of endless path successively past a plura stations, operating means at cachet sa d tions other than a predetermined one of said stations for efiecting theactuati'onoi to be moved by the shortest-router said motive means, and means movable in accordance with the movement of the receptacles onl upon the operation of any of the said opera-ting means, for selectively c0ntrolling the said motive means whereby it is actuated to move a receptacle adjacent to an operating means operated, to the predetermined station by the shortest route, and means, responsive to the operation oi any of the said operatingmeans, for causing said movable means to move in accordance with the movement of the receptacles.

11. In a control system for a motive means for-moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, operating means at each of said stations other than a predetermined one of said stations, for effecting the actuation of saidmotive means, means movable in accordance with the movement of the receptacles only upon the operation of any of the said operating means, for selectively controlling said motive means to move a receptacle, adjacent to an operating means operated, to the predetermined station by the shortest route, said movable means being adapted to assume a predetermined position under other circumstances, and means responsive to the operation of any of the said operating means, for causing said movable means to move in accordance with the move ment of the receptacles.

12. In a control system for a motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in endless path successively past a plurality of stations, operating means for effecting the actuation or said motive means and disposed at each of said stations other than a predetermined one, of said stations, means movable in accordance with the movement of the receptacles only upon the operation of any of the said operating means, for selectively controlling said motive means to move a re ceptacle. adjacent to an operating means operated, to the predetermined station by the shortest route, said movable means being adapted to assume a predetermined position under other circumstances, and means, comprising a magnetic clutch actuable upon the operation'of any'of the operating means, for causing said movable means to move in accordance with the'movement of the receptacles.

13. In a control system for a motive means for moving a. plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, operating means for effecting the actuation of said motive means and disposed at each of said stations other than a predetermined one of said stations, means movable in accordance with the movement of the receptacles only upon the operation of any of the said operating means, for controlling said motive means to cause it to stop when the receptacle, which was adjacent to the operating means operated, arrives at the predten '14. In a control system for a motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in-an endless path successively past a pluralitycf stations, operating means for effecting the actuation of said motive means and disposed at each of said stations other than a predetermined one of said stations, means movable in accordance with the movement of the receptaoles only'upon the operation of any of the said operating means, for selectively controlling said motive means whereby it isactuated to move a receptacle, adjacent to an operating means'operated, to the predetermined station by the shortest route, and means for efi'ectmg the return of movable means to a predetermined position after cessation of movement therefrom.

15. In a control system for a motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, in combination, control means comprising operating means at one of said stations for eflectmg the actuation of said motive meansto move any of the receptacles to that station from any other of said stations by the shortest route and'stop it thereat, control means comprising operating means at each of the said stations, other than the said one 0'1": saidstations, for effecting the-actuation of said motive means to move any receptacle adjacent to the operating means operated to the said one station by the shortest route and stop it thereat, and means for interlocking the first and second mentioned control means to render the former inefi'ective'up on the operation of the latter. v V v 16. In a control system for controlling a motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, in combination, a plurality of operating means disposed at one of said stations for severally selecting one of said receptacles and for causing-said motive means to move the selected receptacle to a predetermined station, means, movable at all times in accordance with the movement of the said receptacles, for causing said motive means to stop a selected receptacle at the predetermined station upon its arrival thereat, an operating means at each of said other e stations for eflecting the actuation of said motive means to move any receptacle which is stopped adjacent to said operating means to the predetermined station, means movable in accordance with the movement of the re ceptacles only upon the operation of one of the operating means at one of the said other stations for causing said motive means to stop the receptacle which was adjacent to the operating means operated upon'its arrival at the predetermined station, and means operably responsive to the operation of the operating means at any of the said other stations, for rendering the operating means at the said predetermined station ineliective and for causing the second mentioned movable means to be moved in accordance with the for moving a plurality of receptacles in an movement of the receptacles.

17. In a control system for controlling a motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, in combination, a plurality of operating means disposedat one of said stations each for selecting one of said receptacles and for causing said motive means to move the selected receptacle to a predetermined station, means, movable at all times 7 in accordance with the movement of the said receptacles, for selectively determining the 1 direction of movement of said motive means to move a selected receptacle to the predetermined station by the shortest route, an operating means at each of saidother stations for. eii'ecting the actuation of said motive means to move any receptacle Which is stopped adjacent to said operating means to the predetermined station, means, movable in accordance with the movement of the ceptacles only upon the operation or" one of the operating meansat one of the said other stations, for selectively determining the direction of movement of the said motive means to move the receptacle adjacent to the operating meansoperated to the predetermined station by the shortest route, and means operably responsive to the operation of anyof the operating means at the said other stations for rendering the operating means at the said one station ineffective. ,18. In a control system for a motivemeans for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, in combination, a plurality of operating means disposed at one of said stations operable severally to select one of the receptacles corresponding respectively thereto and to cause said motive means to move the selected receptacle to said one station, means, movable at all times in accordance with the movement of the said receptacles, for selectively'determining the direction of movement of said motive means to movethe selected receptacle to the said one station by the shortest route and to stop it thereat, an operating means at each of said other stations for effecting the actuation of said motive means to move any receptacle from a position ad acent to said operatmg means to the said one station, means movable in accordance with the movement of the receptacles only upon operation of oneof the operating means at the said other stations, for selectively determining the direction of-movement of the said motive means: to move the receptacle adjacent to'the operating means operated to the said one station by the shortest route and stop it thereat, and means operably responsive to the operation of any of the operating means at the said other stations, for rendering the operating means at the said one station ineiiective.

' 19. In a control system for a. motive means the former ineffective upon the operation of the latter.

, 20. In a control system for a motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, a plurality of operating means at h ot said stations other than a predetern; ned one oi said stations each for selecting one of the said receptacles and for causing the motive means to move it to the predetermined station from a position adjacent to the operating means operated, and means movable in accordance with the movement of the receptacles for selectively determining the direction of movement of the motive means whereby the selected receptacle is moved to the predetermined station by the shortest route. r

21. In a control system for a motive means for moving a. plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, a plurality of operating means at each of said stations other than a predeter-- mined one of said stations, for severally selecting one of the said receptacles and'for causing the motive means to move it to the predetermined station from a position adj acent to the operating means operated, and means movable in accordance with the movement of the receptacles for stopping the selected receptacle upon its arrival at the predetermined station.

22; In a control system for a motive means for moving a plurality ofreceptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, a plurality of operating means at each of said stations other than a predetermined one of said stations for severally selectin one of the said receptacles and for causing the motive means to move it to the predetermined station from a position adacent to the operating means operated, and

'means movable in accordance with the movement of the receptacles for select vely determining the direction of movement of the modetermining the direction ofmovement oi tive means, whereby the selected receptacle is moved to the predetermined station by the shortest route, and for stopping the selected receptacle upon its arrival at the predetermined station.

23. In a control system for a motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, in combination a plurality of operating means at a predetermined one of said stations operable severally to select one of the said receptacles corresponding respectively thereto and to cause said motive means to move it to the said predetermined station from any other position in its path of travel, a plurality of operating means at each of said other stations operable severally to select one of the said receptacles corresponding respectively thereto and to cause said motive means to move it to the said predetermined station, and only one means, movable in accordance with the movement of the said receptacles,

for selectively determining the direction of movement of said motive means to cause it to move a selected receptacle to the predetermined station by the shortest route, in re-.

sponse to the operation of any of the said operating meansa 24:. In a control system for a motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, in combination, a plurality of operating means at a predetermined one'of said stations operable severally to select one of the said receptacles corresponding respectively thereto to cause said motive means to move it to the said predetermined station from any other position in its path of travel, a plurality of operating means at each of said other stations operable severally to select one of the said receptacles corresponding respectively thereto and to cause said -motive means to move the receptacle to the said predetermined station, and only one means movable'in accordance with the movement of the said receptacles for selectively said motive means to cause it to move a selected receptacle to the predetermined station by the'shortest route and stop it thereat, in response to the operation of any of the said operating means. 7

25. In a control system for a motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, in combination, a plurality of operating means ata predetermined one of said stations for severally selecting one of said receptacles and for causing the motive means to move the receptacle corresponding 7 to the operating means operated tothe predetermined station from any other position,

in its path of travel, a plurality of operating means at each of said other statlons for severally selecting one of said'receptacles and for causing the motive means to move the receptacle to the predetermined station, and

'means for preventing the effective operation 26. In a control system for a motivemeans I for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, control means-at each station operable to effect the actuation of said motive means, and signal means actuable, upon operation of any of said control means, for indicating that the movement of the receptacles has been initiated by operation of said control means.

27. In a control system fora motive means for moving a plurality of receptacles in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, control means at each station operable to etlect the actuation of said motive means,signal means and an alarm actuable upon operation of any of said control means for indicating that the movement of the receptacles has been initiatedbyoperation of said control means, and means for optionally rendering said alarm inoperative.

28. In. combination, a plurality of recep: tacles movable in an endless path successively past plurality of stations, a motive means for moving said receptacles, control means for said motive means comprising operating means at each of said stations, meansassociated wit-h said operating means and mov-' able in accordance with the movement of the said receptacles for selectively controlling said motive means, whereby it is actuated automatically in the proper'direction to move a receptacle to a predetermined station by the shortest route upon the operation of the one of the operating means adjacent to the receptacle.

29. In combination, a plurality of receptacles movable in an endless path successively past a plurality of stations, a motive means for movmg said receptacles, control means for said motive means'for causing any receptacle to move from other positlons 1n 1ts path of travel to a predetermined position therein by theshortest route and stop thereat, said control means comprising an operating means at eachol' said stations for effecting the actuation of said motive means, and means movable in accordance with the movement of the receptacles for selectively determining the direction of movement of said motive means to effect a movementof a receptacle to a predetermined position by the shortest route and for stopping the receptacle at the predetermined position.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 21st day of November, 1930. HENRY D. JAMES.

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