US2235272A - Noncode alarm signal system - Google Patents

Description

March 18, 1941. J WHEELOCK 2,235,272

uoucoma ALARM SIGNAL SYSTEM Filed June 24, 193a 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 &

]0 k7Z Knee/00% I March 1941- J. H. WHEELOCK NONGODE ALARM SIGNAL SYSTEM Filed June 24, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 77/5674 UPEMI'GB SOLF 6544s Patented Mar. 18, 1941 UNITED STATES NONCODE. ALARM SIGNAL SYSTEM John H. Wheelock, Fitzwilliam, N. 11., assignor to Signal Engineering &

Manufacturing Company,

New York, N. Y., a corporation of Massachusetts Application June 24,

9 Claims.

The present invention relates to alarm signal systems, particularly fire alarm systems, embodying a number of bells or other signals adapted to be sounded or otherwise operated in response to the actuation of any one of a number of separate alarm sending stations, such alarm systems being commonly installed in schools, factories, hotels and other large buildings.

In the installation and operation of alarm signal systems, it is necessary to have continuous electrical supervision of the various circuits and pieces of apparatus embodied in the system, so that any abnormal circuit condition, such as the occurrence of a break or ground will be immediately called to attention upon the operation of a special trouble signal, distinct from the alarm signals. Furthermore, it is most essential that the alarm signals should not be operated to give a false alarm upon the occurrence of any of the abnormal conditions that are noted above.

In my co-pending application, Serial No. 86,512 filed June 22, 1936, there is shown and described an alarm signal system of the above indicated type, which system is particularly characterized by the utilization of a single winding for the operation and supervision of the system, thereby greatly simplifying the system from the standpoint of installation and maintenance. The system disclosed in the aforesaid co-pending application, is responsive to the actuation of any one of a number of sending stations having different code designations, with any given station serving to cause some or all of the signals of the system to give a distinctive alarm, in accordance with the code designation of that particular station.

The present invention relates to an alarm signal system operating on the same general principle as the system disclosed in the aforesaid copending application, with all the signals giving the same alarm in response to the actuation of any one of a number of identical noncode sending stations. The system of the present invention also contemplates the utilization of means for causing all the signals to give a common master code, such as-a repeated sequence of signal impulses, in response to the actuation of any noncode sending station, as well as to provide for the sending of distinctive master codes, in accordance with the location of an actuated noncode sending station in a particular section of the system. The above and other advantageous features of the invention will hereinafter more fully appear from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a schematic view illustrating the sys- 1936, Serial No. 86,921

tem in its normal condition, with continuous electrical supervision of its various circuits.

Fig. 2 is a schematic View similar to Fig. 1, ils lustrating the sending of an alarm upon actuation of one of the noncode sending stations.

Figs. 3 and 4 are schematic views similar to Figs. 1 and 2, illustrating the functioning of the system for sending a mastercode, in response to the actuation of any one of the'noncode sending stations.

Fig. 5 is a View in front elevation, showing the construction of the circuit controlling device embodied in the system. i

Fig.6 is a view in side elevation of the device of Fig. 5. 1

Figs. 7 and 8 are schematic views, illustrating the functioning of the system for sending different master codes, in accordance with the location of the actuated noncode sending station.

Like reference characters refer to like parts in the different figures.

Referring first to Fig. 1, the signals I, which are adapted to be sounded or otherwise electrically operated for giving an alarm are shown, for purposes of illustration, as being of the singlestroke solenoid type, with each signal providing an operating winding 2 within, which moves a magnetic striker 2a. The windings 2 of the signals l are adapted to be connected in sections across the supply mains 3 and 4, with balancing resistors 5 between the sections, by means of a number of pairs of relatively'movable contacts 6 and 1, forming part of a master controller, generally designated by the reference character A.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, the master controller A comprises a magnetic core 8,.one leg of which is surrounded by an energizing winding 9, while the lower end of the other core leg supports a main armature I0 and an auxiliary armature ll, movable independently of the main armature. The main armature carries a bar IE, on which are mounted a number of contacts 6, corresponding to the movable contacts of the several sets shown in Fig. 1 for controllingenergization of the signal windings 2. These contacts 6 are in the form of arms insulated from the bar [2 at E3 and cooperate with the stationary contacts! mounted on an insulating base M of the master controller A. Therefore, closure of the main armature it, in response to energization of the winding 9, is adapted to simultaneously energize the signal windings 2, in sections, according to the connection of the several pairs of contacts 6 and 'l to the signal windings and to the supply mains 3 and 4.

Referring again to Fig. 1, the winding 9- of the master controller A is shown as having one terminal thereof connected to the supply main 3, while the other terminal thereof is connected in series to one end of the thermal element l5 of an automatic circuit interrupter of the type shown in the Hanel Patent No. 1,868,500, issued July 26, 1932.- The interrupter is shown diagrammatically as consisting of a pivoted arm l6 connected to the other end of the thermal element l5, with the initial tension of the element 5 maintaining the arm 6 in engagement with a stationary contact Upon the passage of a predetermined current through the thermal ele-- ment 5, its heating and expansion permits a spring |5a to turn the arm l6 about its pivot to disengage stationary contact 11, whereupon cur rent no longer flows through the element I5. The

resulting cooling and contraction of the element 5 causes the arm It to re-engage contact ll, whereupon the cycle is repeated to cause the interrupter to make and break'the circuit of the element l5 so long as 'sufficient current flows through the element to cause its expansion.

, The stationary contact I! of the thermal element I5 is connected in series with a number of alarm sending stations S, of the noncode type, disposed in various locations throughout the system. Each sending station S provides independentpairs of spaced stationary contacts l8, l9 and 20, 2| and in the normal non-operating con- 'dition of the station a circuit is maintained between the contacts IB and 9 by a bridging member 22, while a second bridging member- 23, insulated from member 22, maintains a circuit between contacts 20 and 2!. The showing of the station, referred to above, is entirely'diagram 'maticand it will be readily understood that a 'stationyof this character can be constructed in various ways in order to accomplish the results contemplated by my. invention. In the illustrated embodiment. of a station S, the breaking of a glass G, permits a spring-actuated plunger P to turn the bridging members 22 and 23 into the position of Fig. 2, the bridging members remaining in this position until the glass at the operated; station has been replaced.

Normally, allthe contacts I8 and 9 of the several stations S are connected in series through the. bridging members 22, and the contact |9 of the station farthest removed from the controller winding 9 in the circuit, is connected through a station conductor 24 to a controlling resistor 25. The resistor 25 is connected to the signal windin s. 2, and the winding 2 of the last signal section is connected to the bridged station contacts 20 and 2|.by conductor 26. The nearest station contact 2| is connected to supply main 4 through a conductor 2!v and resistor 28 and normally, a small supervisory current traverses the parts of theLsystem. described thus far as follows:

Beginningat-the supply main 4, the supervisory current flows through. the resistor28, conductor 21,; station contacts 2| 20 and conductor 26 to the windingsZ and resistors 5 of the several sections of signals l'. The current then passes through the controlling resistor 25 and conductor 24,130 the bridged contacts l9 and I8 of the several. stations S, and. from thence through the thermal element l5 and the controller winding 9, to the grounded supply. main 3. The value of the supervisory current is 'suchas to energize the winding 9 just enough to attract and hold up the auxiliary armature ll, while the main armature remains down; therefore, the system remains in Operation of alarm signals Whenever the glass G, at any one of the stations S is broken, for the purpose of sending an alarm, the plunger P turns the bridging member v 22 into engagement with the contacts l8 and 2|,

while member 23 engages only contact 20, as shown in Fig-2. When this occurs, the resistor 25 and signal windings 2 are cut out of the circuit at the unengaged contact 9 of the actuated station, and the increased current flowing through the master controller winding 9 directly from supply main 4, pulls up the main armature l and closes all controller contacts 6 and 1, Upon closure of the controller contacts, current flows from the supplymain 4 through a conductor 29 leading to the stationary contacts 1 at the left of the winding 9, from which contacts signal operating current may follow two paths. One path includes a conductor 30a, leading to the first section of signals and from then through a conductor 3|a to the closed controller contacts at the right of the winding to the grounded supply main 3, while a second current path for the other sections" of signals is established through a conductor 30b and the conductors Ma and 3").

The closing of the controller contacts, upon full energization of the controller winding 9 also establishes a circuit for the interruptor through a conductor 32, and this circuit permits the flow of a greatly increased current through the thermal element I5. Therefore, immediately following the sending of the first signal impulse upon closure of the controller contacts, the thermal element l starts to heat up and expand until the spring |6a actingv on the arm l6 disengages the arm from contact l1. When this occurs, the winding 9 is completely de-energized, whereupon the armature It] falls and the controller contacts are. opened, followed by cooling and contraction of. the thermal element IE to reengage arm, l6 with contact Since the resistor 25 is still maintained out of the circuit through the bridgedcontacts l8 and. 2| at the actuated station, the winding 9 again pulls up the armature Hi to give a second signal impulse, followed by expansion of the thermal element l5 to'again de-energize the controller. Therefore, as long as the contacts l8 and 2| at the actuated station remain bridged, the signal windings 2 will be intermittently energized and deenergized to give successive signal impulses spaced atregular intervals, without any code designation.

The operation of the signals will continue in the manner described above until the glass at the actuated stationis replaced, thereby unbridging the contacts l8 and 2| and reinserting resistor 25, signal windings 2 and resistors 5 in circuit with the bridged contacts l8, l9 and 29, 2|. This restores the entire system to the supervised condition of Fig. l, in readiness for giving another alarm, or to indicate any abnormal circuit condition through opear-tion of a trouble signal, as will next be described.

Indication of abnormal circuit condition As previously pointed out, the controller A provides an auxiliary armature II, and as long as supervisory .current traverses the winding, this armature II is held up. With the armature II in its raised position, a rod 33 serves to hold a movable bridging member 3411. in engagement with spaced stationary contacts 34. The contacts 34 are in circuit between a resistor 35 connected to main 3 and one terminal of the operating winding 36 of an auxiliary trouble signal, the other terminal of which is connected to supply main 4. Therefore, as long as the armature H holds contacts 34 bridged, the trouble signal winding 36' will be traversed by only a supervisory current just sufficient to hold a plunger 36a out of engagement with open contacts 31', shunted across a resistor 35 in circuit with the winding 35 of 'a main trouble signal. Upon the occurrence of a break or a ground in the circuits of the signals I, the sending stations S, or in the circuit of the thermal element I5,

the auxiliary armature I I will fall, thereby opening the contacts 34 to cause deenergization of winding 36 and closure of contacts 3'I. This short circuits resistor 35 and causes energization of the main trouble signal from source B, all as disclosed in my aforesaid co-pending application, Serial No. 86,512 as well as in my Patent No. 2,170,104, issued August 22, 1939. Additional trouble contacts 51 are held closed while armature III is down, as hereinafter described with reference to Fig. 4.

As previously pointed out, the system of the present invention is characterized by the fact that the signals I cannot operate upon the occurrence of an abnormal circuit condition, such as a break or ground. This is primarly due to the fact that the signals I can only be energized upon closure of the controller contacts 6 and, obviously, the main armature I cannot pull up upon the occurrence of a break or ground in the signal and station circuits. Upon the occurrence of a ground in these circuits, the presence of the resistor 28 limits the current flowing through any of the windings 2 to-such a low value as to prevent operation of the signals, so that closure of the main controller contacts is the only Way in which sufficient current can flow through the signal windings 2 to fully energize them. Therefore, by the present invention there is provided a completely supervised signal alarm system of the noncode continuous type, and the manner in which the system may be extended, without substantial change, to operate in conjnction with means for sending a master code by actuation of noncode stations, will next be described.

Operation of alarm signals with master code Referring now to Fig. 3, there is shown an extension of the system, wherein the essential elements, such as the controller winding 9, thermal element I5, sending stations S and windings 2, are connected in substantially the same manner as previously described, with reference to Fig. 1. In addition, the master controller A provides a stepping mechanism operated by the main armature I0 through a pivotally connected rod 38, carrying a pawl 39 at its upper end. The pawl 39 cooperates with the teeth 46a of a ratchet wheel 49, so that each upward movement of the rod 38, in response to full energization of the winding 9, results in turning a shaft 4I, carrying ratchet wheel 49, through a predetermined angle. The shaft 4I carries a master code wheel 42, providing a number of projections 42a, each having-a peripheral displacement corresponding to several teeth 4901; on the ratchet wheel 40.

The supply main 4 is connected by a conductor 43 to a stationary contact 44 that is spaced from a movable contact 45, having one end bearing on the'periphery of the master code wheel 42. The contact 44 is connected to a contact 46, movable with the contact 45, although insulated therefrom at 41. The contact 46 is spaced from a stationary contact 48, and the contacts 48 and 45 are connected to the different sections of signal windings 2, by means of conductors 49a and 49b, respectively.

The supervisory circuit of the system of Fig. 3

is substantially the same as that previously described with reference to Fig. 1, the current from the main 4 traversing the resistor 28, conductor 2'! and bridged station contacts 2| and 20. The current then flows through station conductor 26 to the signal windings 2. From the signals I, supervisory current flows through the controlling resistor 25, station conductor 24, bridged station contacts I9 and I8, thermal element I and controller winding 9, tothe grounded main 3. The value of supervisory current is such as to energize the winding 9 just enough to attract and hold up the auxiliary armature I I while the main armature I0 remains down, with the pawl 39 in engagement with a ratchet tooth 40a, in readiness to turn the shaft 4 I, upon full energization of the winding 9.

Whenever the glass G at one of the stations S is broken, for the purpose of sending an alarm, the bridging member 22 is moved into engagement with the contacts I8 and 2I. When this occurs, a, circuit is established from the supply main 4 through the conductor 21 direct through the thermal element I5 and controller winding 9, the resistor 25 and signal windings 2 being entirely removed from the circuit of the controller winding 9. The increased current through the station contacts I8 and 2| fully energizes the controller winding 9 and, as the armature III pulls up, the pawl 39 turns the shaft 4I through one step. This results in closing contacts 44, 45 and contacts 46, 48, by the code wheel projection 420., and as the armature I0 completes its upward movement,-controller contacts 6 and I are closed. Therefore, the first pull up of the main armature III establishes a number of circuits, as follows:

Closure of the contacts 44, 45 and 46, 48 prepares circuits from the supply main 4 through the conductors 49a and 49b to the signal windings, which circuits are completed through the conductors 3Ia and 3Ib leading to the closed right-hand controller contacts 6 and I, and the supply main 3, thereby operating the signals I. Closure of the left-hand controller contacts 6 and I, also establishes a direct circuit from the supply main 4 and conductors 43 and 32, to the thermal element I5, and the resulting heating and expansion of the later then causes the contacts I6 and I! to open and deenergize the controller windingll. As the armature III falls, the pawl 39 is moved into position, in engagement with the next ratchet tooth 40a.

Upon cooling and contraction of the thermal element. I5, reclosure of contacts I6 and I1 again fully energizes the winding 9, since a direct circuit through the winding 9 from the main 4 is still maintained through the closed station contacts l8 and 2 I. The armature I0 again pulls up to turn the shaft 4I through another step, and causes the signals I to be operated again through the circuits previously traced. The projections 42a on the master code wheel 42, each have a peripheral displacement equal to a number of ratchet teeth, four as shown, so that the signals I will be operated in accordance with a predetermined time or rhythm, such as one-twothree-four-one-two-three-four, that is, four signal implses, then a pause, followed by four more evenly spaced impulses. By such timing is meant a "master code which is always the same, in response to the actuation of any station S, as distinguished from a distinctive code for each individual station, as disclosed in my aforesaid co-pending application, Serial No. 86,512.

Following the actuation of a station S, the master code sequence will be repeated by the signals I as long as the glass G remains broken and the station contacts l8 and 2| are bridged by the member 22. In order to restore the system to the condition of supervision, it is only necessary to replace the glass at the actuated station. After this the signals continue to operate until a notch 50a on a disk 50 carried by shaft 4| causes contacts 5| to open. This breaks a circuit to the thermal element l5, so that shaft 4| comes to rest in the position of Fig. 3, with supervisory current traversing the bridged contacts IS, IS and 20, 2| respectively.

In Fig. 4, the system is shown with the provision of means for limiting the number of master code sequences given by the signals in response to the actuation of a station S. To this end, a counter-shaft 4|a is connected by reduction gearing R. to the shaft 4|, the ratio of the gearing being such that the shaft 4| will make several revolutions for each complete revolution of the counter-shaft 4|a. A control disk 52 is mounted on the shaft 4| a, and a movable contact 53 normally has its free end received in a notch 54 provided in the disk 52. The contact 53 is connected by a conductor 55 to the thermal element l5, and turning of the disk 52 is adapted to move contact 53 into engagement with a stationary contact 56. A conductor 43a extends from the supply main 4 to contact 56, as well as to contact 44, which is under the control of the master code wheel 42, in the manner previously described with reference to Fig. 3, and the only other difference is that all the stationary controller contacts 1 are connected to the signals through conductors 3| a and 3|b.

Upon actuation of a station S, the first pull up of the main armature l establishes the same signal-operating circuits as described with reference to Fig. 3, and also causes closure of contacts 53 and 56 upon turning the disk 52 through the displacement of one ratchet tooth 40a. Therefore, a direct circuit from main 4 will be maintained through conductors 43a and 55 to the thermal element l5, as long as the contacts 53 and 56 are closed. The resulting expansion and contraction of the thermal element |5 will cause the signals to give a predetermined number of complete master code sequences determined by the ratio of the gearing R. After the shaft 4| has been turned through a number of complete revolutions, the circuit to the thermal element will be broken at the contacts 53 and 56, as the contact 53 enters the notch 54. When this occurs, the thermal element ceases to function, due to the fact that the resistor 28 is then in circuit with the element |5 through the closed contacts l8 and 2|, at the actuated station.

Since the main armature ID will be held up until the glass at the actuated box has been replaced, even though the thermal element has ceased to function, the system of Fig. 4 makes provision for calling attention to this condition. To this end, a pair of contacts 51 are included in circuit with the contacts 34 controlling the energizing circuit of the auxiliary trouble signal winding 36'. The contacts 51 are bridged by a member 51a, only when the main armature I0 is in its lower position, see Fig. 5, while the contacts 34 are bridged only when the small armature II is held up by the flow of supervisory current through the controller winding 9, as before. Therefore, when the armature 0 is held up after the sending of a predetermined number of master code sequences, the main trouble signal will op-' crate to indicate this condition until the system is restored to the condition of supervision shown in Fig. 4, by replacing the broken glass at the actuated station and re-establishing the flow of supervisory current through the bridged station contacts |8, l9 and 20, 2|.

As previously pointed out, the system can be further extended to cause the sending of multiple master codes, as defined above, in accordance with the location of noncode stations in different sections of the system, and the arrangement and operation of such a system will next be described.

Operation of alarm signals with multiple master code Referring now to Figs. 7 and 8, a master controller A has its winding 9 connected across mains 3 and 4, in circuit with a thermal element IS, the windings 2 and resistors 5 of one or more sections of signals and resistor 28. The system also provides two or more auxiliary controllers A and A", having their windings 9 and 9" connected to two different series of noncode sending stations S and S", located in different sections or floors of the building or buildings which are protected by the system. The stations S and S are identical with the stations S of Fig. 1 and, normally, supervisory circuits are maintained through the bridged contacts l8, l9 and 20', 2| of one section and through bridged contacts I8, l9" and 20", 2|" of the other section in series with resistors 25', 28' and 25", 28", respectively. Thus the system presents three separate supervisory circuits, one including all the signals I, the thermal element l5 and the main controller winding 9; a second circuit including all the stations S of one section and the auxiliary controller winding 9; and a third circuit including all the stations S" of the other section and the controller winding 9".

The main armature ID of the master controller A is connected to a shaft 4| through a ratchet wheel 40, in the same manner as previously described, and the shaft 4| carries master code wheels 42' and 42" having projections arranged for different signal sequences, as will be hereinafter described. Movable contacts 58 and 59, bearing on code wheels 42' and 42", respectively, are adapted to cooperate with stationary contacts 60 and 6|, connected to the supply main 3. The contact 58, bearing on code wheel 42', is connected to one of a pair of spaced stationary contacts 62, that are adapted to be closed by movable contact 63, in response to full energization of the winding 9 of auxiliary controller A. The contact 59 hearing on code wheel 42", is similarly connected to one of a pair of spaced stationary contacts 64, adapted to be closed by movable contact 65, upon full energization of the second auxiliary controller winding 9". The upper contacts 62 and 64 of the controllers A and A", are connected in parallel to a conductor 66 leading to one right-hand stationary contact 1 of the master controller A, the other stationary contact 1 being connected by a conductor 3! to the signal windings 2. Thereiore, connection of the windings 2 to the grounded supply main 3 can be selectively accomplished through operation of either auxiliary controller A or A, and its associated code wheel 42' or 42", as will hereinafter appear.

The terminal of the thermal element l5, far-' thest removed from the controller winding 9, is connected, through contact I1 and conductor 61, in parallel with contacts (58 and 69 provided by the auxiliary controllers A and A, respectively. These contacts 68 and 69 are in pairs, normally spaced apart and the lower the contacts 88 and 69 are connected in parallel to the supp y main 4 through the conductor Ill. The pairs of normally open contacts 68 and 69 are adapted to be momentarily closed and then opened by control members H and 1|", in response to full energization of either auxiliary controller winding 9 or 9". As indicated diagrammatically in Fig. '7, the main armatures Ill. and Ill" are adapted to move the control members H and 11', upon upward movement of either armature, and momentary engagement between contacts 68 or 69 can be obtained in any suitable manner. As shown in Fig. 8, a rod 12' connected to the end of armature l, turns the control member ll through the space-of one tooth 13', to first close and then open the contacts 68, as the armature Ill completes its upward movement. v

Let it now be assumed that one of the stations S in the first section is actuated by breaking its glass. Upon bridging of the stationary contacts l8 and 2|, the resistor 25 is cut out of circuit, thereby causing armature It to pull up, in response to full energization of the'winding 9. This results in closing contacts 62 and 63, thereby selectively preparing a portionof a circuit, which is later completed to the signal windings 2, through the operation of controller A. As the armature Ill pulls up, the contacts 68 are momentarily closed, thereby short circuiting the signal windings 2 and resistor 28, and causing the main armature Ill of controller A to pull up, as shown in Fig. 8.

Upward movement of the armature It turns the shaft 4| through the space of one ratchet tooth 40a, thereby closing contacts 53 and 56, so as to establish a circuit to the thermal element and controller winding 9 from supply main 4, in spite of the opening of the momentary contacts 68 of the auxiliary controller A. Turning of the code wheel 42' also closes contacts 58 and 60 at the first master code projection, thereby further extending the circuit to the supply main 3 from the previously closed contacts 62 and 63 of controller A. Therefore, closure of the master controller contacts 6 and T, as the armature l0 completes its upward stroke, causes signal energizing current from main t to flow through conductors 30 and 55, signal windings 2, conductors 3| and 6E, closedcontacts 62 and 63 of the controller A and closed contacts 58 and 60 to main 3, thereby giving the first signal impulse.

Closure of the contacts 53 and 56 by the disk 52, also causes the thermal element l5 to function in the manner previously described, so as to intermittently deenergize and reenergize the controller winding 9.

The successive turning moveme'nt'sthus imparted to the shaft 4| cause the signals I to be operated in' a sequence determined by the angular displacement of the projections on the master code wheel 42; in this instance a repeated rhythm'corre'sponding to one-two-three one-two-three one. Upon operation of a station S of the other section, -momentary bridging of the contacts 69 initiates the same cycle of operation just described, with the exception that the signal windings 2 are energized through the closed contacts 66 and 65 of controller A". In the latter case, the master code wheel 42" controls the signal sequence, in accordance with a rhythm corresponding to one-two-three one-twothreeone-two. In other words, the particular'master code sequence given by all of the signals l, in response to actuation of any one of the noncode stations S or S", serves as an indication of the particular section in which the actuated station is located.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that by the present invention there is provided an improved alarm signal system, characterized by its ability to operate signals, in response to the actuation of any one of a number of identical noncode sending stations. The signals may be operated either continuously, or for a limited period, and on a master code basis, if desired. Furthermore,

the system can be readily expanded to cause,

the operation of the signals in accordance with a distinctive master code, todesignate the general location of the actuated station.

' In all the various modifications of the system, all parts are under continuous supervision, and the occurrence of a fault in any signal circuit will not prevent operation of a station. Furthermore, the signals are so sectionalized that the occurrence of a fault in one section will not prevent operation of the other sections of signals.

I claim: 1. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmitting stations, each including contacts, with connections therebetween, and means for changing said contact connections upon the actuation of a station, signals of the single-stroke type, an interrupter operable to alternately open and close a circuit there-.

through, when traversed by a current of given value, a controller having a winding in a closed supervisory circuit including said station contacts, with their connections, signals and said interrupter, and signal energizing circuits including normally open contacts operable by said 9 controller, with the flow of supervisory current through said controller winding being'irlsufficient to cause closure of its contacts, or to operate said signals or said interrupter, of

means responsive to a change in the connections of "the contacts of an actuated station to increase the current flow through said interrupter to.

such a value, as to cause said controller to intermittently operate said signals.

2. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmitting stations,each including contacts, with connections therebetween, and

means for changing said contact connections I upon the actuation of a station, signals of the single-stroke type, an interrupter operable to alternately open and close a circuit therethrough, when traversed by a current of given value, a controller having a winding in a closed supervisory circuit including said station contacts, with their connections, signals and said interrupter, and

signal energizing circuits including normally open contacts operable by said controller, with the flow of supervisory current through said controller winding being insufficient to cause closure of its contacts, or to operate said signals or said interrupter, of means responsive to a change in the connections of the contacts of an actuated station, to increase the current flow through said interrupter to such a value, as to cause successive energizations and deenergizations of said controller winding, with resulting intermittent operation of said signals by the opening and closing of said controller contacts.

3- In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmitting stations, each including contacts, with connections therebetween, and

means for changing said contact connections upon the actuation of a station, signals of the single-stroke type, an interrupter operable to alternately open and close a circuit therethrough, when traversed by a current of given value, a controller having a winding in a closed supervisory circuit including said station contacts, with their connections, signals and said interrupter, and signal energizing circuits including normally open contacts operable by said controller, with the flow of supervisory current through said controller winding being insufficient to cause closure of its contacts, or to operate said signals or said interrupter, of means responsive to a change in the connections of the contacts of an actuated station, to increase the current flow through said interrupter to such a value as to cause said controller to intermittently operate said signals, and means for rendering said interrupter non-operative, after said signals have operated over a predetermined period.

4. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmitting stations, each including contacts, with connections therebetween, and means for changing said contact connections upon actuation of a station, signals, an interrupter operable to alternately open and close a circuit therethrough, when traversed by a current of given value, a controller having a windingin a closed supervisory circuit including said station contacts, with their connections, signals and said interrupter, signal energizing circuits including, in part, normally open contacts operable by said controller, and a stepping device also operable by said controller winding and providing contacts in one of said signal energizing circuits, with the flow of supervisory current through said controller winding being insufiicient to cause closure of its contacts, or to operate said stepper, said signals, or said interrupter, of means responsive to a change in the connections of the contacts of an actuated station, to increase the current flow through said interrupter to such a Value as to cause said controller winding to successively open and close both the signal energizing circuit contacts and the contacts under control of said stepping device.

5. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmitting stations, each including contacts, with connections therebetween, and means for changing said contact connections upon actuation of a station, signals, an interrupter operable to alternately open and close a circuit therethrough, when traversed by a current of a given value, a controller having a winding in a closed supervisory circuit including said station contacts, with their connections, signals and said interrupter, signal energizing circuits including, in part, normally open contacts oper- .able by said controller, and a stepping device alsooperable by said controller winding and providing contacts in one of said signal energizing circuits, with the flow of supervisory current through said controller winding being insufiicient to cause closure of its contacts, or to operate said stepper, said signals, or said interrupter, of means responsive to a change in the connections of the contacts of an actuated station, to increase the current flow through said interrupter to such a value, as to cause said controller winding to energize said signals, in accordance with the opening and closing of the contacts under the control of said stepping device.

6. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmitting stations, each including contacts, with connections therebetween, and

means for changing said contact connections upon actuation of a station, signals, an interrupter operable to alternately open and close a circuit therethrough, when traversed by a current of given value, a controller having a winding in a closed supervisory circuit including said station contacts, with their connections, signals and said interrupter, signal energizing circuits including, in part, normally open contacts operable by said controller, and a stepping device also operable by said controller winding and providing contacts in one of said signal energizing circuits, with the flow of supervisory current through said controller winding being insufficient to cause closure of its contacts, or to operate said stepper, said signals, or said interrupter, of means responsive to a change in the connections of the contacts of an actuated station, to increase the current flow through said interrupter to such a value, as to cause said controller winding to energize said signals in accordance with a' sequence determined by a master code wheel driven by said stepper. J

7. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmitting stations, each including contacts, with connections therebetween, and means for changing said contact connections upon actuation of a station, signals, an interrupter operable to alternately open and close a circuit therethrough, when traversed by a current of given value, a controller having a winding in a closed supervisory circuit including said station contacts, with their connections, signals and said interrupter, signal energizing circuits including, in part, normally open contacts operable by said controller and a stepping device also operable by said controller winding and providing contacts in one of said signal energizing circuits, with the flow of supervisory current through said controller winding being insufiicient to cause closure of its contacts, or to operate said stepper, said signals, or said interrupter, of means responsive to a change in the connections of the contacts of an actuated station, to increase the current flow through said interrupter to such a value, as to cause said controller winding to energize said signals in accordance with the opening and closing of the contacts under the control of said stepping device, and means actuated by said stepping device for discontinuing the energization of said signals after a predetermined period.

8. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmitting stations arranged in sections and each including contacts with connections therebetween and means for changing said contact connections upon actuation of a" station, signals, an interrupter operable to alternately open and close a circuit therethrough when traversed by a current of given value, a controller having a winding in a closed supervisory circuit including said signals and said interrupter, signal energizing circuits including, in part, normally open contacts operable by said controller, and a stepping device also operable by said controller winding and providing different sets of contacts adapted to be included in said signal energizing circuits, with the flow of supervisory current through said controller winding being insufiicient to cause closure of its contacts or to operate said stepper, said signals or said interrupter, of means responsive to a change in the [connections of the contacts of an actuated station in one section to increase the current flow through said interrupter to such a value as to cause said controller winding to successively open and close the signal energizing circuit contacts and to include one set of stepper contacts in circuit. therewith while maintaining the other set of stepper contacts out of circuit.

9. In an electric signaling system, the combination with transmitting stations arranged in sections and each including contacts with connections therebetween and means for changing said contact connections upon actuation of a station, signals, an interrupter operable to alternately open and close a circuit therethrough when traversed by a current of given value, a controller having a winding in a closed supervisory circuit including said signals and said interrupter, signal energizing circuits including, in part, normally open contacts operable by said controller and a stepping device also operable by said controller winding and providing difierent sets of contacts adapted to be included in said signal energizing circuits, with the flow of supervisory current through said controller winding being insufficient to cause closure of its contacts or to operate said stepper, said signals or said interrupter, of means responsive to the actuation of a station in one of said sections to connect one set of stepper contacts in said signal energizing circuits and to increase the current flow through said interrupter to such a value' as to cause said controller winding to successively open and close the signal energizing circuit contacts to operate said signals in accordance with a sequence determined by operation of the selected stepper contacts.

JOHN H. WHEELOCK.

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