1. technology and computing
2. electronic components

June 29, 1948.
2,444,065
w. H. P. PouLlAR‘r
ELECTRICAL SIGNALING SYSTEM
Filed Jan. 16, 1945
2 sheets-sheet 1
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June 29, 1948.
2,444,065
w. H. P. PouLlAR'r
ELECTRICAL SIGNALING SYSTEM
Filed Jan. 1e, 1943
2 Sheets-Sheet 2
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BY
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Patented June 29, 1948
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2,444,065
,UNITED Ys'i'A'l'P-‘s‘ PATENT opt-_m5 ~
2,444,065
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ELEc'rmcAL SIGNALING SYSTEM
Willy H. P. Pouliart, Antwerp. Belgium, assignor
to International Standard Electric Corporation,
New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware
Application January 16, 1943, Serial No. 472,614 '
In the Netherlands April 15„ 1941
.Section 1, Public Law 690, August 8, 1946
Patent expires April 15, 1961
19 Claims. (Cl. 177-353)
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1
This invention relates to new and useful im-_
provements in an electrical signaling system, and
priate detector means inserted in the signaling '
circuit.
' particularly to selective signaling arrangements
.-
_
For the sake of simplicity, in the following
description, we shall assume that apparatus A and
B are switches of the well-known single-motion
for telephone switching systems and the like.
The signaling system' forming the object of
this invention, makes use of apparatus at both
type used in telecommuniction systems, b being
ends of a signaling wire or circuit, ,the appa
the rotating brush member, and a a row of bank
ratus at one end` being used-.for registering or
terminals provided for each switch.’ It should
receiving certain indications, e. g. «a register
- be understood, however, that the inventionis by
controller operated in accordance with the called 10 no means limited to such apparatus.
number, and the apparatus at the other (identi
The individual bank terminals of switch A are
i‘ying) end being used for the identiiication of
so connected that different direct current po
tentials are applied'thereto.
, these indications, e. g. a selector set in accordance
with the setting of the register controller.
In accordance with the present invention. char
In Fig. 1 the source
is, by way of illustration, represented in the
form of a battery, of which a tapping from each
consecutive cell is connected to consecutive bank
terminals. thus creating a diiîerence of potential
acteristic, predetermined direct current poten-.
tials are connected by the receiving apparatus
or register controller to one end of the signaling ` of about 2 volts between adjacent bank terminals.
circuit in accordance with the setting of the
It should be- understood, however, that any other
receiving apparatus. A similar range of differ 20 source of D. C, may be used, and that any ap
ent characteristic direct current potentials are propriate difference of potential between adja
cent bank terminals may be employed.
connected to the other end of the signaling cir
cuit by the apparatus, e. g. selector,I at the identiThe individual bank terminals of switch B are
fying end. An appropriate detector provided in
also connected to diñerent direct current poten
the signaling circuit responds only if the two 25 tials. For the sake of simplicity, the same source
potentials bear a predetermined relationship to
of electromotive force is used for’both switches.
Obviously, individual sources can be used for the
one-another, e. g. 'if a predetermined minimum
difference of a predetermined polarity exists be
two switches, provided that at least one common
tween the potentials applied to the two ends of
connection exists between the two individual
the signaling circuit.
»
80
sources.
v
The details of the signaling system may be
The signaling system comprises also a detector
arrangement D inserted in the signaling circuit.
varied, some variations being described herein
by way of example. This novel signaling system
The purpose of the series rectifier R isl to ensure
oii‘ers many advantages over other systems used
» that the detector is actuatedpnly by a potential
for identification or selection, especially when 35 difference of the correct polarity. The detector
D is so arranged that its functions only if a pre
it is desired to insure reliable, flexible and eco
„ nomic operation.
The principle of operation is diagrammatically
illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows the .diagram
determined relationship, e. s.. a predetermined -
minimum potential-difference of a predetermined
sign (plus or minus) exists between the two ends
of a practical embodiment in a telephone system 40 of the signaling circuit.
or the like. Fig. 3 shows an application of the
The detailed manner in which the new signal
ing system functions will now be explained:l
invention to a circuit arrangement for remote
control.
Assume that the brush bu of switch A, as a
In Fig. 1 apparatus A designates a ñrst
consequence of an indication received, has been
set in the position shown in Fig. l, resulting in
switch which may be any kind of electrical or
mechanical appliance and which can -occupy dif
the application of a certain potential to one end
ferent, independent positions. The drawing
of the signaling circut. When so set, switch A
shows a switch having a. brush wiping over a
will, under the control of suitable means which
bank of terminals, but any combination of relays,
contacts on circuit breakers, etc., may be used.
may include the detector D, close a circuit for
the operating magnet M of switch B, which will
Apparatus A is located at one end of a signaling
start to rotate its brush- bo over its bank òf
wire or circuit and is arranged for the reception
terminals b, thus connecting varying direct cur
rent potentials to the other end of the signaling
circuit. When the brush bo of switch B reaches
55 a position in which a potential is applied to its
Vend of the circuit and which differs from the
potential applied to the other end by a 'prede
termined amount 2p, of a predetermined sign,
then, with the series rectifler arranged as shown,
60 the detector D will function and open the cir
and the registering of any kind of electrical or
mechanical- indications, which it is desired to
transmit to the distant end of the signaling cir
cuit for identification.
A second switch B is like A and may be any
kind of electrical or mechanical appliance,- ca~-`
pable of exploring or hunting over a plurality of
independent contacts under control of appro
2,444,065
3
4
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cuit of the magnet M of switch B, which wi
tively. Oneslde of this winding is permanently
~ 'stop rotating. . The position of switch B, shown
connected to brush y of switch SM, while the
other side is connected to brush a (or brush b)
in dotted lines in Fig. 1, serves to identify the
indication originally received by switch A.
of switch S via contacts of the controlling relays
In order to illustrate the practical application
of the signaling system according to the inven
tion, its embodiment in telecommunication, e. g.
telephonesystem, is shown in Fig. 2. However,
Ar `and Br. The purpose of the rectiñers associ
ated with this winding will be explained later.
The secondary winding of T is connected in series
with control> electrode er. The transformer is a
only >such details are disclosed as are necessary
step-up transformer so designed that a. sudden
for explaining the invention, vi. e. the circuit com 10 application of a difference oi potential of +2p
ponents operating during the selection proper, ~
` from the moment a digit is received in a register
. controller until the selector switch has been set
- in accordance with the digit received. .
f
y
or more between the two ends of the signaling
wire, causing a current to flow through the pri
mary wlnding in the direction indicated by an
arrow drawn in full lines, will produce an electri
A step-by-step rotary switch S‘constitutes the 15 cal surge in the secondary winding, which creates
digit receiving apparatus in a register controller.
a potential added to Vp, the sum being sutlicient
. Only two banks of contacts a and b with associ-~
ated brushes are shown. The terminals of these
banks are connected to diiîerent points of a. po
tentiometer.A For the sake of simplicity, the con
nections of only five terminals are shown. l The
ñrst terminal in bank a is connected to the lowest
potential, while the following terminals are con- y
nected to consecutive taps of the potentiometer
- in the direction of growing potentials. The ter
minals in’bank b are multiplied to the terminals
to break down and to ionize the control gap.
'I'he relays Gr and Gtr form part of the register
controller.
The detailed method of operation of the ar
rangement shown in Fig. 2 is as follows:
When the digit receiving switch S has been set
to a position corresponding to a received impulse
train, thus .registering a digit, the register con- .
25 ¥troller closes (by means indicated by switch SW
not fully disclosed but as described for example
of -bank a with a staggering of one terminal, i. e.
in U. S. Patent No. 1,556,474 to A. Barnay) a cir
the first terminal in bank b is >connected to the
cuit for the power magnet of switch SM, via the
second terminal in bank a etc. The purpose of
switch magnet and back contacts of the relays
this staggering will be explained later.
30 Ar, Cr and Gtr to ground. The relay Ar is slow
'I‘he selector switch SM is a single motion
to release. Switch SM starts stepping the magnet
switch of the stepJoy-step rotary type. Only the
acting as its own interrupter, causing brush g
test bank g and cooperating brush are shown.
to wipe over consecutive terminals in the bank.
Consecutive terminals of bank gare connected
Every time that brush y encounters a terminal, a
to consecutive taps of the potentiometer in a 35 certain potential will be applied to one side of
~ manner which depends on the potential difference
the primary of transformer T, the other side of
to which the detector is designed to respond. If
which is connected to the potential determined
the potential diiïerence between consecutive taps
by the position of switch S.
of each potentiometer is designated by p volts,
Assuming that digit 4 has been sent, and that
and if it is> assumed that the detector is designed 40 brush a of switch S is on terminal 4, the potential
to respond to a potential difference of +2p volts,
difference between'the two sides of the primary
then the ñrst terminal in bank g, i. e. the termi
winding of T will vary as follows:
nal identiñed 4by the digit 1 received by switch S,
must be connected to the same potential as termi
When `brush g reaches terminal I, the potential
nal 3 of bank a of switch S. The other terminals 45
diiïerence is _11.
in bank g are connected to consecutively higher
When brush g reaches terminal 2, the potential
potentials.
_
diil'erence is 0.
The detector shown in Fig. 2 comprises a "co1d
When brush g reaches terminal 3, the potential
diiîerence is .+9.
` cathode tube, a transformer, several rectiñers, a
resistance, a potentiometer and a direct current 50 When brush g reaches terminal 4, the potential
source of l130 volts.
difference is +29.
The cold-cathode tube L is of the wen-known
type which requires a speclñc control gap break- ..
When, therefore, terminal t is reached, the
potential diiîerence +2p causes the ionization of
down potential Vx to ionize the control gap be
tween the two electrodes e1 and en and a substan
tially higher main gap breakdown potential Vy
to ionize ‘the main gap between the anode A and
either of the two electrodes e1 and e2. However,
once the control gap has been ionized, ,a sustain
55 the control gap of the cold-cathode tube L, as
previously explained. ‘This ionization causes the
ionization of the main gap of the tube, resulting
_ in the operation of relay Gtr, which is connected
in series with the anode A; Relay Gtr opens the
ing potential VZ, which may be considerably lower 60 circuit of the power magnet of switch SM and
stops the selector brush g on terminal 4.
than Vy, is sufficient to maintaina current inthe
The operation of relay Gtr causes the energiza
main gap.
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tion of relay Ar in a. circuit via the right inner
of the potentiometer P, while over the sliding
back contact of Br to ground at the make con
contact of P a potential Vp is applied to er which 65 tact of Gtr.
is smaller than the control gap breakdown voltage
Relay Ar in turnopens'the anode circuit of the
Vx. The control gap is, therefore, normally not
tube L and, since at this moment the electrical
ionized. The anode A'is connected, in series with
surge in the secondary Winding of T has disap
an anode relay Gtr, to the positive side of the
peared, the tube will be extinguished, resulting
potentiometer. The malin gap breakdown voltage 70 in the deenergization of relay Gtr.
of the tube is such that normally the main gap
At this moment, the selection process proper
Electrode e2 is connected to the negative side «
is not ionized.
-
The primary winding of transformer T is in
serted . in the signaling circuit coupling the
_ brushes a. and b of switches S and SM, respec
is terminated.
~
The release of the selector switch is effected
-in the usual manner -by operating its power mag
net to rotate the switch into the home position,
2,444,065
5
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the circuit of the magnet being closed by the de
diderent ways, by a modification of the control
energization of the relay Br over an off-normal
electrode potential, viz:` -
contact ONC of the selector. »
(a) By increasing the control anode potential
A reference will now be made to some other
with respect to ground, so as to cause the break
features of the invention, which have been intro 5 down (ionization) of the control gap.
1
duced for the purpose of improving the reliability
(b) By decreasing the control anode potential
of the new signaling system.VJ
with respect to ground, so as to cause theibreakf'
Since the detector is made to respond to a given
down (ionization) of the main gap or of the con
potential difference .of a given sign, it will also
trol gap,
'
respond to higher potential differences of the 10 By way of example, the control gap breakdown
same sign. It is, therefore, desirable to check
voltage may be about 'I0 volts, -while the main
before proceeding with _ further selections,
gap breakdown voltage may be about 175 volts,
whether the terminals on which the selector switch
II. The maximum potential dißerence between
y came to rest, are the correct ones, or whether
brushes a and a depends on the maximum num
15 ber of indications which it is desired to receive
ing” i. e. has taken one or more supplementary
and transmit, in the case under consideration, . l
> the switch, for some reason, has been “overshoot
steps.>
`
ten different digits Oto 9. On receipt of digit 0
,
In the case under consideration, if the wire
brush a will be moved to terminal ill, and when
` leading to terminal 4 in bank g is broken, switch
subsequently brush g arrives on terminal l, there
SM would continue to rotate and would come to 20 will be a maximum negative difference of poten
rest on terminal 5, where a potential difference
tial between brushes y and a of _8p volts.A 'I'he
of +31» would be applied to the detector, which
maximum positive difference will normally not
wouldrespond in the usual manner. The selec
exceed +2p volts, because the detector is designed
tion should, however, y,not be allowed to proceed
because it would result in a wrong connection.
For the purpose of checking whether the posi
tion taken up by the selector wipers is the correct
one, an extra relay Br and an additional bank b
in switch-S are provided.
`
’
‘
The operation of this feature is as follows:
Let it first be assumed that selector wiper g
has stopped on terminal 4, which would be cor
25
to function on such adiiference.
lThis leads us to an explanation of the purpose
‘ of the rectifiers shown in Fig. 2.
Let it be assumed that digit 0 has been received
and that brush g has-arrived at terminal l, thus
establishing a difference of ---8p volts between
30 g and a. The direction of the current flowing
through the primary winding of ,transformer T
rect.`_ After the extinguishing of the tube and
the release of relay Gtr, as explained above, relay
is opposite to that required for the regular opera
tion of the tube, and is indicated by an arrow in
dotted lines. This current might be sumcient
Ar will remain energized over its own front con
vto induce an electrical- surge in the secondary
tact. in series with relay Br. Over the left outer
winding of transformer T of, such a direction
and magnitude, that the main gap breakdown
_voltage would be reached. In order to avoid
this, three rectiilers R1, Rz, and Ra have been
' front contacts of Ar and Br the anode A is again
connected to relay Gtr, While the primary wind
ing of transformer T is transferred from brush a
to brush b of switch S via left inner front contact 40
introduced.
l
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of Br. The primary winding of T is now sub-V
jected to a difference .of potential equal to -l-p,
due to the staggering of the terminals of bank b
The rectiñers R1 and Re are placed in series
with the primary winding of transformer T and
with respect to a.
detector is practically not iniiuenced, while the
reverse current is considerably reduced `in magni
v
are so poled that the operating current of the `
The detector will not respond to this difference. 45
If the wire 4 of SM is broken and the wiper g
tude. Due to the leakage current in all com
stops on terminal 5, then after the extinguishing
mercial rectifiers and also dueto the transient
of the tube and the release of Gtr, relays Ar
reverse current passing,`owing to the capacity n
and Br energize in series, and the primary wind
of the rectiilers, a small reverse current will,
ing of transformer T is subjected to a difference
nevertheless, pass- through the primary winding
of potential of +2p. The detector will respond
of transformer T. Even `this small current can
to this diiference. in the manner previously ex
be considerably reduced by the introduction of
plained, resulting in the ionization of the tube
and the energization of relay Gtr for the second -‘
time. Relay Cr will now operate over front con
tacts of Br and Gtr, and Cr in turn opens the
anode circuit, thus extinguishing the tube. Relay
Cr locks over its own front contact and gives
an indication to the register controller that `the
selection has been erroneous., The' opening of
the middle right hand contacts of the relay Cr
may be used, for example, to give such an indi
the oppositely poled rectifier Re, which is con.- ‘
nected in shunt to the primary winding of tranl~
former T and rectifier R2. R3 offers very small
resistance to any reverse current, in comparison
with R'z, so that practically all `reverse current
through the primary windingI of transformer
T is eliminated. A still further safeguard is pro
vided in the rectifier R4, which is poled like Ra
and provides a low resistance path for the elec
trical surges induced in the secondary winding of`
cation.
'I'. in case a reverse current flows through the
Another feature which forms part of this in
vention, will be better understood afterhaving
made an analysis of the two conditions on which
the satisfactory functioning of the new signaling
primary.
system primarily depends, viz:
` l , ,
(a) The operating limits of the cold-cathode
tube.
v
l
(b) The possible variation of potential differ
ence between the two ends of the signaling circuit,
i. e. between brush g of switch SM and brush a
of switch S.
-.
'
Sol far reference has‘been made only to the
current paths established through the primary
winding of transformer T whenever brush `s1
arrives at a terminal. The surge produced in
the secondary winding of transformer T under
70 such conditions is called "make” surge;v f‘ It is
obvious, however, that a surge is also produced,
whenever brush g leaves a'termin'al. This surge,
generally called the “break” surge, is of opposite
' direction of the "make" surge.
I. A cold-cathode tube can be ionized in two 75 >The “break” surge is only of importance in
aumen
cases when high negative potential is applied'to
brush g with respect to brush a.
This is so be
cause the speciiic "break” surge, which may be
particularly great in magnitude, has the same
direction as the normal operating surge and might
provoke the ionization of the control gap.
'I‘his `
vdanger is eliminated by the rectifier arrangement
selector switch by means of grounding a terminal,
hunting for the grounded terminal and stopping
the selector- switch when the hunting brush
reaches the grounded terminal, is well known in
the art `oi’ using selector switches and requires no
further description.
-
Bank b1 of switch Si is wired ' to a poten
just described, whereby the reverse current pass~
tiometer P1 and connects a. direct current poten
ing through the primary winding is reduced to a
tial to the signaling wirel 4" leading over control
minimum.
10 circuit 4_ and, switch 4' (shown in/'dotted lines)
The purpose of the resistancel r is to reduce the
to detector D which in turn is connected over
control gap current consumption.
wire 4"' tothe distant control station.
The purpose of the potentiometer P is to in
` When switch S1 has been duly set in position d
crease the sensitivity of the arrangement, by
of bank al control circuit Z not only deenergizes
normally applying a certain potential, a so-called 15 magnet circuit 3, but also, by means similar to
biasing potential, to the control electrode so as
those used for the deenergization of circuit 3 and
_ to allow a comparatively small additional poten
equally well known in the art, switches 4', 3' and
control circuits 4, 5 are operated. -Control cir
Another application of the invention is shown
cuit 4 and switch 4' connect brush bo1` and poten-`
in Fig. 3, where the remote control of lcircuit A20 tiometer Pi to detector D. Control circuit 5 and
breakers is illustrated to the extent necessary for
switch 5’ are grounded in the front contact of
understanding by those skilled in the art.
relay’Gtr when the latter is operated by detector
Each circuit breaker has associated therewith ' D. Thus, an energizing circuit is closed for the
a pair of signaling contacts SC arranged on rack
power magnet- of the distant control switch S2
RRI. Each pair of circuit breaker signalling con 25 which starts to rotate under control of a detector
tacts of which in Fig. 3 only pair SCi is shown,
D like the one in Fig. 2.
terminates in two terminals SCi in 3. 4 of bank;
Bank b2 of switch S2 has a brush bc2 connected
al of a selector switch S1, after having passed
to detector D, and terminals I, Z ._ . . of bank I)2
control circuits (I, 2) arranged on a second rack
connected to a potentiometer Pz, and connections
RRZ and drawn in dotted lines. 'The function 30 are such that when the two brushes bei and lm2
of these control circuits is indicated by switches
are in corresponding positions then a potential
I", Z'. These switches I', Z' are operated in a _ difference of +23) volts will exist between brush
manner which is not shown and which is con
bo“ of S2 and brush bol of Si which will cause the
sidered immaterial for the invention, whenever a
detector D to respond.
change in the position of contact pair SCi occurs. 35 For checking the correct position of switch S2.
Thus, a change in the position of one of the
a third bank is required on switch Si. ' This third
circuit.breakers causes the associated signaling
bank'has not been shown, since its wire and func
contact SC. in Fig. 3, one of the back contacts of
tions are identical with those in Fig. 2.
SC; to be engaged, the associated switches I",
When the detectorl responds, relay Gtr oper
Z' to be closed and circuits I and Z to be
ates and stops the rotation of switch Se, in exactly
connected to terminals 3 and 4 of bank al. As
the same position of brush lm:i as that of brush
a consequence either 3 or 4 of bank al will be
bol. The indication on a signal panel SP is given
grounded depending on the fact that whether
bank a2 of switch S2.
the circuit breaker changed its `position from
If the circuit breaker at the central station
“out” to “in” or, as shown in Fig. 3, from ‘fin” - is moved from the-“out”-position into the “in"to "out”. The means causing the closure of
position, the brushes aol. bol and an“, lm2 of
switches I', Z' and the connection between con
switches S1 and Sz will occupy the positions
tacts SCi and terminals 3, 4 of bank a1 also close
shown in 'dash dotted lines' over terminals 3 of
switch 3' and control circuit 3 indicated in dotted
`banks 'al and a2 respectively. In this position
lines in rack RRZ. Circuit 3 excites magnet S1 60 of ySn relay Sr at the distant station operates
which produces a. step-wise rotation of brush aul
and locks. causing -the lamp In to light.
tial to cause the ionization of the control gap.
over the terminals of bank al.
As soon as brush
ao1 engages the grounded terminals 4 of bank a1,
When the circuit breaker falls off again into ~
“out”-position, switches Si and S2y will occupy
the positions shown in dotted lines over termi
nals 4 of banks b1 and b2, respectively. In this
position of S2 relay Sr at the-distant end will
control`circuit Z in rack RRZ is energized over
au1 and battery Bo. This causes, by means not
shown but well known in the art. switch 3’ and
control circuit 3 to be opened. This interrupts
then be-short-circuited and unlocked causing i
the energization of switch S1 and causes brush
the lamp Out to light.
aol to be stopped on the grounded terminal 4 of
What is claimed is:
bank a1. Control circuit 2 also operates other 60
1. In an electric signaling system, a iirst switch
control circuits and switches which are described
and a second switch, means for variably operat
further below.
ing the ñrst switch,` means including a detector
In this way a change in the position of one of
for variably operating the second switch de
a number of circuit breakers causes the switch
pendent upon the operation of the ñrst switch,
to rotate to the terminal marked by ground, cor -65 . a source of directcurrent potentials each having
responding to the changed position.
The invention is not concerned with the Way
a different predetermined magnitude, a connec
tion from said source over the first4 switch to
said detector having one of said direct current
in which brush aol is caused to reach a predeter
mined position. Racks RRI and RRZ, contacts
potentials of predetermined magnitude, said conSC. control circuits I, 2, 3, 4 and 5 as well as 70 nection dependent upon the setting of said iirst
switches I', Z', 3', 4’ and 5’ are only symbols
switch, a connection from said source over the
explaining the operations to be performed.'
second switch to said detector having one of said
These symbols can be replaced by any device- for
direct current potentials of predetermined mag
operating selector switch Si, without exceeding
nitude, said connection dependent upon the set
the scop‘e of this invention. The operating of o ting of the second switch, means for actuating
2,444,065
‘said detector when it is subjected to two different
potentials> of predetermined diiference, a relay,
and means for actuating said relay when said
detector is actuated by a higher potential than
said
diil’erence.
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-2. .In an electric signaling system, a i'lrst switch
and a second switch„means for variably operat~
ing the first switch, switch controlling means in
cluding a detector for variablyoperating the sec
ond switch dependent upon the operation of the
iirst switch, a source of direct current 'potentials
l0
selected contact 0! .said ñrst set to said detector
andmeans for maintaining along said first con
nection a single direct current potential of _one
predetermined magnitude. said Aiirst connection
dependent upon the operation of said ñrst
switch, a connection `from a selected `contact of
said second set to said detector and means for
maintaining along said second connection a single
direct current potentialof a predetermined mag
nitude, said second connection dependent upon
a connection from said source over the iirst
the operation of said second switch.' and means
for actuating said detector when the two single
potentials applied thereto bear a predetermined
switch 'to said detector having one of said direct
relationship to one another.
each having a different predetermined magnitude,
i
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_
current potentials of predetermined magnitude, 15
5. In an electric signaling system, variably op
,said connection dependent upon the setting of
erable iirst and second switches, each switch hav
i said first switch, a connection from said source
over the second switch to said detector having
one of said direct current potentials of predeter
-ing a set of contacts and a brush movable over
its associated- set-oi contacts, a magnet for con
trolling the movement of the brush ofthe second
mined magnitude, said connection dependent 20 switch over its ~associated setV of contacts, a de
upon the -setting of the second switch, means for
tector for controlling said magnet, a Isource of
actuating said detector when it is subjected to
different direct current potentials each having a
a potential difference exceeding a predetermined
predetermined- magnitude, connections from said
minimum, a relay for indicating incorrect setting '
source to the respective contacts of _each set of
of said second switch, and means for actuating 25 contacts and means for maintaining along each
said relay when said detector is- subjected to a, po
connection one of said diil’erent direct current
tential diiïerence which exceeds said minimum
potentials, a ñrst connection from the brush of _
potential difference by ya predetermined amount.
the ñrst switch to said detector and means for
3. In an' electric signaling system, a first switch
maintaining along said connection a selected
ì having two backs of terminals and a brush co 30 single direct current potential of a predetermined
operating With each bank, a second switch hav- N
magnitude, said ñrst connections dependent upon
ing a bank of terminals and a brush cooperating
therewith, a magnet for moving the brush of the
second switch over its terminals, a signaling cir
cuit extending from‘the brush of th'e second ’
switch and normally connected to a first brush
of the ñrst switch, a detector in said circuit, a
source of direct current potential, means for ap
the contact engaged by the brush of the iirst _
switch, a second connection to said detector and
means for maintaining along said second connec
tion a single direct current potential of one pre
determined magnltude, said second connection
dependent uponthe position of the brush of the
second switch, and means for actuating said de
plying to said detector direct current potentials
tector` when the vtwo single potentials applied
of predetermined magnitudes depending on the 40 thereto bear a predetermined relationship to one
position of the brush of the second switch, means
for applying to said detector over said first brush
of said first switch direct current potentials of
another.
_
»
_
'
_6. In an electric signaling system, variably op
erable first and second switches, each switch hav
predetermined magnitudes depending on the
ing a'set of contacts and a brush movable over its
position of said first switch, means for actuating 45 associated set of contacts, a magnet for control
said detector when the difference between the two
ling the movement of the brush of the second
potentials applied thereto exceeds a predeter
switch over its associated set of contacts, a de
` mined minimum, a first relay, a second relay for
tector comprising a transformer having a pri
indicating incorrect setting of said second switch,
mary and a secondary winding and an electron
means responsive to the actuation of said detector
discharge tube having a pair of electrodes form
for energizing said first relay, means responsive
ing a control gap and a pair of electrodes forming
to the energization of said first relay for trans
a main gap, a relay for controlling the operating
ferrirg said signaling circuit to the second brush
of said magnet in series with said main gap, con
of said first switch, means for ,applying to said
nections from the ends of said secondary winding
detector over said second brush direct current
Vto the electrodes forming said control gap, means
Ipotentials of different predetermined magnitudes
for simultaneously applying diiîerent direct cur
. dependent upon the position of the ñrst switch, i
rent potentials to the respective contacts of each
means for actuating said detector a second time
set of contacts, means for applying to one end of
if the difference between the two potentials ap
said primary winding over the brush of the ñrst
plied thereto exceeds a predetermined magnitude 60 switch _a selected direct current potential of a pre
and means responsive to the second actuation of
determined magnitude depending upon the con
said detector for energizing said second relay.
tact engaged by the brush of the ñrst switch,
4. In an electric signaling system, a variably
means for applying to the other end of said pri
operable first switch, a second switch, switch
mary winding direct current'potentials of pre
actuating means including a detector for vari 65 determined magnitudes dependent upon the posi
ably operating the second switch dependent upon
tion of the brush of the second switch, and means
the operation of the first switch, a source of dif
for applying a ñxed potential diiïerence to the
ferent direct current potentials each having a
electrodes forming said control gap of such value
predetermined magnitude, a first set of electrical
that when the two potentials applied to the said
contacts in said first switch and a second set of 70 primary winding bear a predetermined relation
electrical contacts in said second switch, con
ship said control gap is ionized and initiates the
nections from said source to the respective con
actuation of said relay.
tacts of the said ñrst and second sets of contacts,
'7. In an electric signaling system, a first switch~
each connection having .one of said diiîerent di
having two banks of terminals of a brush coop
» rect current potentials, a flrst connection froma 75 erating with each bank. a second switch having a
'
2,444,005
ll
.
-
l2
bank of terminals and a brush cooperating there
electrode tube when the potentials applied thereto
with, a magnet for moving the brush of the sec
ond switch over its terminals, a signaling circuit
extending from the brush of the second switch and
normally connected to a iirst brush of` the first
switch, a detector in said circuit, a source of direct
current potential having a row of taps from which
have a predetermined diilerence.
potentialsof step-by-step increasing magnitudes _
14. In a switchinglsystem, designated lines,
switches each having a bank of terminal sets
in which said lines terminate and a set of wipers
arranged to wipe over said terminals, a magnet
for controlling the movement of the wipers of
each-switch, sources of predetermined direct cur
rent potentials, connections for placing potentials
may be obtained, connections to successive taps
for' the successive terminals cooperating with said 10 on lines, one predetermined potential on each
line dependent upon its designation, a multielec
brushes, the connections from the terminals co
trode electric discharge device, means for applying
operating with the second brush of the iirst switch
being staggered with respect to the connections
to the electrodes of the device potentials eidst
to the terminals of the first brush, means for
ing on the terminals of different switches, _means
for operating said device only when the poten
applying to said detector direct current poten
tials of predetermined magnitudes dependent on
tials applied from the switches bear a predeter
the position of the brush of they second switch,
mined relationship to one another, and means
actuated upon the operation of the device for
means for applying to said detector over said iirst
controlling one of said magnets to stop the asso
brush of said flrst switch direct current potentials
of predetermined magnitudes dependent on the
ciated wiper.
Y
'
15. The -system according to claim 14, and in
position of said first switch, means for actuat
ing said detector when the difference between the
which the device is common to said switches.
` `l6. The system according to claim 14, and
two potentials applied thereto exceeds a prede
means for operating one of said switches in
termined minimum, a first relay, a second relay
for indicating incorrect setting of said second 25 accordance with the designations of said lines.
switch, means responsive to the actuation of said
17. In an electric switching system, a plurality
detector for energizing said iirst relay, means re
of conductors, means- for maintaining along each
sponsive to the energization of said first relayy
conductor a predetermined steady direct cur
for transferring said signaling circuit tothe sec
rent potential, a device responsive to single po
ond brush of said first switch, means for apply 30 tentials of predetermined diiference, means for
ing to said detector over said second brush direct
applying to said device a desired one of prede
current potentials of different predetermined
magnitudes dependent upon the position of the
first switch, means for actuating said detector
termined direct current potentials, and means
controlled by said device for connecting said con
ductors to said device so as to operate the device
a second time if the diiïerence between the two 35 when the potentials applied thereto have a pre
determined diiîerence.
18. In an electric switching system, a plurality
second actuation of said detector for energizing
of conductors, means for maintaining along each
‘ potentials applied thereto exceeds a predeter
mined magnitude, andmeans responsive to the ~
said second relay.
8. An arrangement according to claim 6, fur
conductor a. predetermined steady direct current ,
40 potential, a potential responsive device, a unidi
ther comprising a rectifier connected in series
rectional rectiñer in series with said device, means
with the primary winding of said transformer.
for applying to said device a desired one of pre
9. An arrangement according to claim 6, fur
determined direct current potentials, means con
ther comprising a'rectiiier poled in one direction
trolled by said device for connecting said con
connected in series with the primary winding of 45 ductors to said device, and means for operating
said transformer and a further rectifier poled in
the device when the potentials applied thereto
the opposite direction connected in shunt to said
bear a predetermined relationship to one an
primary winding. »
,
l
.
10. An arrangement -according to claim 6, fur
ther comprising a rectifier connected in shunt to
the secondary winding of said transformer.
11. In an electric switching system, a plurality
of conductors, means for maintaining along each
conductor a predetermined direct current poten
tial, a potential responsive device, means for ap 55
plying to> said device a desired one of predeter
mined direct current potentials, means controlled
other.
`
19. In a system according to claim 17, means
for connecting said conductors to said device suc
cessively, and means controlled by the device for
stopping the connecting means.
WILLY H. P. POULIART.
REFERENCES CITED
The following references are of record in the
file of this patent:
by said device for connecting said conductors to
,
UNITED STATES PATENTS
said device, and means for operating the device
when the potentials applied thereto are different 60 Number
Name
Date
and have a predetermined difference.`
1,212,554
Prache ___________ __ J'an. 16, 1917
12. In a system according to claim 11, means
for connecting said conductors to said device suc
cessively, and meanscontrolled by the device for
65
stopping the connecting means.
13. In an electrode switching system, a plural- `
ity of conductors, means for maintainingalong
each conductor a predetermined direct current '.
potential, a detector including a multi-electrode
tube, means for applying to an electrode of said 70
1,669,112
Winter ________ -_-_-_ May 8, 1928
1,736,259
1,952,368
Gardner __________ __ Nov. 19, 1929
Gardner _________ _.. Mar. 27, 1934
1,982,290
2,032,514
2,060,184
2,323,019
2,333,195
_2,279,232
Gardner _________ __ Nov; 27, 1934
Swart ____________ __ Mar. 3, 1936
Dimond ...... _1---" Nov. 10, 1936
tube a desired one of predetermined direct cur
rent potentials, means controlled by said de'tec
tor for connecting -said conductors to said means
for applying, and means for operating the multi- `
Dohle ___________ __ June 29, 1943
Pouliart ___________ __ Nov. 2, 1943
Graham ___________ __ Apr. 7, 1942
FOREIGN PATENTS
Number
.266,798
Country
Date
Great Britain ..... -_ Feb. 28, 1927