US3314064A

US3314064A - Code programming means

Info

Publication number: US3314064A
Application number: US336554A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles R Cahn; Lawrence C Murdock
Original assignee: AO Smith Corp
Current assignee: Smith Meter Inc
Priority date: 1964-01-08
Filing date: 1964-01-08
Publication date: 1967-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 1984-04-11
Also published as: GB1092991A

Description

April 11, 1987 c. R. CAHN ETAL 3,314,064

CODE PROGRAMMING MEANS Filed Jan. 8, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 M k )8 66 w l 'l l l g 1/44; a 16 (44w United States Patent York Filed Jan. 8, 1964, Ser. No. 336,554 12 Claims. (Cl. 340-348) This invention relates to a code programming means for coded control and particularly to a plurality of interconnected random code generating units including code switch. elements which are opened and closed for establishing a predetermined coded circuit connection.

The completion of a power circuit to a load is controlled by a plurality of code generators connected in series witheach other by selectively positioned input switches. Each code generator includes a plurality of parallel branch circuits with a switch at each end of the branch circuits for closing some and opening others of the branch circuits. Cyclically operated cams are connected to the switches of the generators to open the power circuit and also change the required position of the input switches.

Coded control which permit limited and authorized operation of a controlled means have been proposed; for example, a remote inventory control for releasing of gasoline at a remotely located storage unit in any desired increments. In the storing and dispensing of gasoline, the,

individual service stations normally include relatively large storage tanks holding quantities of gasoline much greater than that which the average service station can afford to have or purchase in an inventory. Coded release mechanisms have been proposed employing code cards or tokens for releasing limited quantities of the gasoline stored within the storage tank for subsequent dispensing by the service station operator. The supplier can employ the full capacity of the several of the storage tanks at the various stations to store gasoline and release quantities of the gasoline in increments of inventory adapted to the needs of the service station operator.

Prior art devices however have generally included token operated devices or code card controls wherein periodic servicing is required. In such devices, the release mechanism requires frequent handling of the code means and particularly in a code card system demands relatively complex devices with the high initial investment and danger of malfunctioning of the various components.

The present invention is particularly directed to an inexpensive and reliable code generating system producing a sequence of many ditferent codes before the sequence repeats and within which the sequence is not discernible. The code input is simple and can be operated with a minimum of skill. The code generating system employs code generating switches connected in a plurality of circuts which are interconnected through input selection switches which have a plurality of circuit positions a combination of which completes an output control circuit in accordance with the setting of the code generating switches.

The present invention is hereinafter described with switches which completely open and close an associated circuit or circuits as the operating elements in the code generating systems for simplicity and clarity of explanation. The invention may, if desired, incorporate other means such as variable resistances or impedances within the broad concept of this invention, to selectively establish a coded output circuit.

In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of code generators is provided each including a plurality of paired code generating switches of a multiple position construction which are interconnected to provide a plurality of parallel circuit paths one of which is always completed. Code selection switches. interconnect the code generators into an output circuit which actuates a suitable control either by establishing circuit continuity through the code generators and the release switches or by providing a unique open circuit therein. A code generating drive means such as relay operated cams are coupled to the code generating switches and vary the position of the switches within the code generator in a predetermined manner and thereby establish a series of separate and independent codes each of which requires a particular positioning of the code selection switches to establish a proper out-put circuit. Generally, the drive means is interconnected with the output circuit to step or reposition the switches of the code generators in response to a predetermined actuation of the code circuit.

A particularly effective drive means for the switches includes separate stepping cams having a plurality of sequentially set cam only some of which include projections. The corresponding switches are closed in the presence of a projection and opened in the absence of the projection. The cams are repositioned in a predetermined manner in response to a proper operation of output circuits to establish a new coding of the output circuit. The whole code sequence can then be varied simply by the interchanging of a single cam or the displacing of one with respect to another.

The number of different codes which can be generated is directly related to the number of circuits of each code generating switch and the drive means for periodically changing the position of the code generating switches.

The code generator of this invention may therefore easily accommodate an exceedingly large number of field variations with the use of identical building components or blocks. This of course is of great significance where a substantial number of separate installations are to be installed in one area such as in coded inventory release systems for service stations.

The code generation technique is non-repetitive over a great period of code numbers. Although the period of each individual switch Within the system will allow prediction of the code sequence within a relatively small number, the prediction of the code would require an unusual ei'lort and time and is not of any practical significance. Greater periods are established if desired by interconnecting the drive for the second switch non-periodic as by the use of an additional cam to determine Whether or not the second switch advances or by interconnecting the drive means for the second switch in an operating circuit including one of the circuit connections of the code generator.

In accordance with another important feature of the present invention, a disconnect system is interconnected with the code circuit and responsive to preselected in1-' proper setting or settings of the circuit altering means to positively disenable the system and require resetting by limited and authorized personnel.

The present invention thus provides a very relatively simple and inexpensive system for sequentially generating a substantial number of diflerent code programs and wherein several similar code operated devices can be readily provided with completely different code sequences. The structure of the present invention employs rugged and reliable components of a low cost construction and is therefore adapted to field inventory installations and the like such as service stations or other industrial plants.

The drawings furnished herewith illustrate one mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a dispensing system having a coded release system and illustrating a front panel having the input controls of a coded release mechanism constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a control circuit incorporating the controls shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a stepping switch mechanism and code generating switches incorporated in the circuit of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view taken from the right of FIG. 3.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, a pair of conventional service station dispensing pumps 1 is shown mounted in suitably spaced relation to a central storage tank 2 which is buried within the ground. Individual suction lines 3 connect the pump 1 to the tank 2.

Each pump 1 is of any suitable construction and is generally shown including a dispensing nozzle 4 which is connected to the output side of the suction line 3 and permits selective discharge of fuel from the central storage tank 2. A computer 5 is provided for recording the gallonage and the cost of the fuel which is dispensed at each operation. The computer 5 establishes a mechanical movement in accordance. with the fuel flow which movement is translated into a visual gallonage and cost reading in accordance with well-known construction. A stub shaft 6 projects outwardly of one side of the computer 5 within the pump 1 and is driven in synchronism and proportion to the fuel flow.

A pump-motor unit 7 is housed within the pump 1 and connected in the suction line 3 for propelling the fuel out of the nozzle 4. Suitable power lines 8 are connected to energize the pump-motor unit 7 in response to proper operation of the dispensing nozzle 4 which normally includes a suitable pump-motor unit switch control, not shown.

A small signal transmitter 9 is mounted within the pump 1 and is connected to be driven in synchronism with the discharge of fuel. from the pump 1 in any suitable manner, such as by a flexible shaft 10v connecting the transmitter 9 to the stub shaft 6.

The transmitter 9 may be of any suitable construction such as the switch described in the copending application of James H. McGaughey entitled, Control System, and which was filed on Feb. 9, 1961, with Ser. No. 88,208 and which is assigned to a common assignee. The transmitter establishes a control signal which is transmitted over control signal lines 11 to actuate a gasoline control release mechanism 12 mounted in the wall 13 of a service building or the like, not shown. A front panel 14 of the release mechanism 12 is mounted flush. with the wall 13 with a counter 15 disposed behind an opening 16 in panel 14 for visual reading of the counter 15 which indicates the quantity of gasoline which has been released for subsequent delivery through the pumps 1. The counter 15 I controls the operating circuit of pumps 1 as subsequently described and disenables the pumps 1 when a zero reading is established. The counter 15 is preset from zero to release a corresponding increment of the stored gasoline. As the gasoline is withdrawn from the storage tank 2, the counter 15 is actuated through a suitable fluid responsive drive to subtract from the counter reading and continuously indicate .the remaining increment. In this manner, the operator can determine when a new release is required to maintain an adequate supply of gasoline for subsequent dispensing.

The present invention. employs a coded control circuit, one embodiment of which is. shown in FIG. 2 and hereafter described, for presetting of the counter 15 by a predetermined increment. Five switch levers 17 are mounted on the front of the panel 14 for selective positioning in levers 17 is made. A key actuated lock 18 is also provided on the front of the panel 14. The key actuated lock 18 controls a final release switch shown in FIG. 2 to complete the circuit if a proper setting of the levers 3 has been established. The key 19 for operation of lock 18 is under the control of the service station operator.

Referring particularly to FIG. 2, the counter 15 is diagrammatically shown coupled to a switch 20 in the pump motor control 21 for the pumps 1. When counter 15 is at a zero reading, the switch 20 opens and prevents operation of the pumps. At all other readings of counter 15, the switch 20 is closed to permit pump operation.

A counter preset stepping relay 22 is connected in the output of preset release circuit 23 and includes a relay switch deck 24 coupled to preset counter 15 by a predetermined increment when energized.

The illustrated release circuit includes a suitable DC. power source 25 shown as a conventional step-down transformer and a full wave rectifier.

Five code generators 26 are interconnected within the release circuit 23 by a bank of five toggle switches 27, each of which is associated with one of the switch levers 17. Generators 26 and switches 27 are connected in a series to form a coded control circuit 28 which is serially connected with the stepping relay 22 and a key lock operated switch 29 to the power source 25. Switch 29 is normally open and controlled by the lock 18. When switch 29 is closed, the relay 22 is energized by current from the power source 25 if toggle switches 27 are properly set.

A disconnect relay 30 is connected in parallel with the coded control circuit 28 formed by generators 26 and toggle switches 27 and is responsive to a predetermined improper operation of the release mechanism 12 to disenable the release circuit 23 and prevent subsequent operation.

Each of the toggle switches 27 is of a single-pole double-throw construction and includes a contact arm 31 which is selectively positioned in engagement with an up contact- 32 or a down contact 33 corresponding to the respective position of the associated toggle levers 7.. The contacts 32 and 33 are connected to open ends of branch circuits of the code generators 26.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, each of the five code generators 26 is similarly constructed and a single generator is described.

The generator 26 includes a pair of cam operated double-pole double-

throw switches

34 and 35 of similar construction. Switch 34 includes a pair of contact poles or

arms

36 and 37 ganged for simultaneous and similar positioning. Contacts 38 and 39 are associated with the contact arm 36 and the corresponding

contacts

40 and 41 are associated with the contact arm 37. Similarly,

switch 35 includes

contact arms

42 and 43 associated respectively with

contacts

44 and 45 and

contacts

46 and 47.

A. jumper lead 48 connects the corresponding

contacts

38 and 44 of

switches

34 and 35 and a jumper lead 49 connects the corresponding contacts 39 and 45. A jumper lead 50 interconnects the contact 40 of switch 34 to the opposite contact 47 of switch 35 and a jumper lead 51 connects the, contact 41 of switch 34 to the opposite contact 46 of switch 35. The

contact arms

36 and 37 of switch 34 are interconnected by a jumper lead 52 to form a common input or code generator connection at one end thereof. A jumper lead 53 connects the arm 42 of switch 35 to the up contact 32 of the associated toggle switch 27 and a jumper lead 54 connects the arm 43 of switch 35 to the down contact 33 of the same toggle switch. 27.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the code generators 26 are illustrated in a vertical array and the uppermost generator 26 has the common input lead 52 connected to one side of the power source 25 by lead 55 in series with a set of normally open contacts 56-1 of a stepping relay 56 and the key lock operated.

switch 29. The same uppermost code generator 26 in the drawing has the contact arm 31 of the associated toggle switch 27 connected by a jumper lead 57 to the contact arm 31 of the second toggle switch 27 which is associated with the second code generator 26. The common lead 52 of the second code generator 26 is interconnected to the common lead of the third generator 26. The third, fourth and fifth generators are interconnected by the toggle switches 27 in the above manner to form the coded control circuit 28 between the lead 55 and a lead 58 from arm 31 of the final toggle switch 27 for selective control of the energization of the preset stepping relay 22.

The double-pole double-

throw switches

34 and 35 establish four parallel branches via

leads

48, 49, 50 and 51, one of which is completed for each of the four possible relative positions of the

contact arm

36, 37, 42 and 43. Leads 48 and 49 may complete a path to the upper contact 32 of toggle switch 27 and leads 50 and 51 may complete a path to the lower contact 33 of toggle switch 27. Although any one toggle switch 27 can be positioned by arbitrary positioning of the associated lever 17 in the correct position fifty percent of the time, the incorporating of five code generators 26 and the five toggle switches 29 in the coded control circuit 24 reduces the chance of selecting the correct position of all five switch levers 17 and associated toggle switches 27 to only one in thirty-two. If this degree of security is not considered sufiicient, additional generators can be provided with each additional generator reducing the chance of success by two.

The switches 34 of all generators 26 are positioned in a random manner by the stepping relay 56 and the switches 35 of all generators 26 are randomly positioned by a similar stepping relay 5 9. 7

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2-4, a rotary magnet type switch relay employed in telephone connecting systems is shown as illustrative of a suitable stepping relay for the stepping relay 56 and the associated switches 34.

The illustrated stepping relay 56 includes an operating coil 60 suitably secured to a mounting frame 61. An armature 62 is pivotally secured on the mounting frame 61 adjacent one end of the coil 60 and terminates in a pawl 63. A ratchet wheel 64 is fixed to one end of a hollow shaft 65 which is rotatably and coaxially secured on a stationary shaft 66 afiixed to the mounting frame 61. Ratchet wheel 64 is aligned with pawl 63 for stepped rotary movement as follows. A coil spring 67 has one end secured to the frame 61 and the opposite end secured to the armature 62 and continuously urges the armature 62 to pivot to a retracted position spaced from the operating coil 60 and engaging wheel 64. When the coil 60 is energized, the armature 62 is attracted against the force of the spring 67. The pawl 63 pivots freely over the adjacent tooth of the ratchet wheel 64 and is angu larly displaced into alignment with a ratchet tooth in accordance with predetermined angular displacement. When the coil 60 is de-energized, the spring 67 pulls the armature 62 to the retracted position causing the pawl 63 to rotate the ratchet wheel 64 and attached shaft 65 through the predetermined angle.

Five cams 68, one for each of the double-pole, doublethrow switches 34, are secured in axially spaced relation to the shaft 65 for simultaneous movement therewith. The cams 68 are stepped with the ratchet wheel 64 and thus establish a plurality of equicir-cumferentially distributed switch settings positions. Each of the cams 68 includes a plurality of operating projections or arms 69 selectively provided in the possible switch setting positions. The illustrated switch 34 is shown as a conventional leaf spring construction having the leaf

spring contact arms

36 and 37 biased to engage the projections 69 on an aligned cam 68. The positioning of switch 34 is therefor controlled by the presence or the absence of the projections 69.

Any suitable number of projections can be provided depending upon the maximum number of code settings desired before repetition of the sequence of the code numbers. One cam is shown in FIG. 3, with a plurality of projections 69; for example, ten projections may be assumed to constitute the maximum for any one cam in the illustrated embodiment of the invention for purposes of discussion. The ratchet wheel drive 64 is con structed to move the wheel and attached cam 68 through a selected number of degrees for each energization and de-energization, depending upon the number of steps of the relay.

If a projection 69 is aligned with

arms

36 and 37, the contacts 39 and 41 are engaged. Otherwise,

arms

36 and 37 engage

contacts

38 and 40.

Referring particularly to FIG. 2, one side of the operating coil 60 of the stepping relay 56 is connected to the high voltage side of the power source 25 by key lock operated switch 29 and the opposite side is serially connected to a ground '70 in series with a set of its own normally closed contacts 56-2 and the disconnect relay contacts 30-1 of the disconnect relay 39. Upon closing of the key lock operated switch 29, coil 60 is energized and retracts its armature 62. The norm-ally closed contacts 56-2 immediately open and break the circuit whereupon the force vof spring 67 returns armature 62 to the normal position and steps the ratchet wheel 64 and attached cams 68. The position of the switches 34 of all code generators 26 are then set by the new operating position of cams 68, depending upon the presence or absence of a projection 69.

As the coil 60 is de-energized, contacts 56-2 close and :again complete an energization circuit. A latching resistor 71 is connected in series with a set of normally open contacts 56-3 of the stepping relay 56 in parallel with the normally closed contacts 56-2. The previously described energization of the coil 60 and the opening of contacts 56-2 occurs very rapidly. Upon the second energization of the coil 60 the contacts 56-3 are closed and insert the resistor 71 in parallel with the normally closed contacts 56-2. When contacts 56-2 open upon the second energization of the coil 60, an energizing circuit for coil 60 is maintained through the now closed contacts 56-3 and the resistor 71. The armature 62 is then held in the retracted position until the key lock switch 29 is opened at which time coil 60 is de-energized and another step of the cams 68 is effected with the consequent repositioning of the switches 34.

The normally closed contacts 56-1 of the stepping relay 56 are then closed upon the second energization of the coil 60 and connect the high voltage side of the power source 25 to the common lead 52 of the first generator 26 for actuation of the relay 23 if the toggle switches 27 are properly set.

The stepping relay 59 is generally similar to the stepping relay 56 but with a single set of normally closed contacts 59-1 connected in series with an operating coil 72 thereof and in parallel with a latching resistor 73 to ground 74. Upon initial energization of coil 72, the contacts 59-1 open inserting resistor 73 in series with coil 72 to maintain energization thereof.

An input lead 75 connects the coil 72 of relay 59 to the switch connection or jumper lead 49 which interconnects the contacts 39 and 45 of

switches

34 and 35 in the first generator 26. The stepping relay 59 is therefore actuated to step the associated cams, not shown, and reposition the switches 35 only when the circuit through the first code generator 26 is completed via the lead 49. Energizing of relay 59 is in a random manner and increases the sequence length or number of different code combinations before again repeating the sequence.

Further, the sequence length for different code generators may be varied by varying the number and placement of projections 69 on the appropriate cam.

The counter preset relay 22 is actuated when the coded control circuit 28 creates a complete circuit path from the power source to the output line 58 for presetting of counter 15.

The specific construction of the counter which is actuated by the relay 22 may be of any suitable construction for example a magnetically driven counter 15 having input means responsive to the pulses from transmitters 9 to reduce the setting and input responsive to pulses from relay 22 to preset the counter in a predetermined increment for each pulse.

The counter preset stepping relay 23 is generally of the same type as the stepping relays 56 and 59 and includes an operating winding 76 connected in series with a set of normally closed contacts 22-1 electromagnetically coupled to and operated thereby. The relay 22 includes the first switch deck 24 for operating the counter 15 and a second switch deck 77 for cycling the operation of the relay 22.

The switch deck 77 includes a contact arm '78 and a series of open contacts 79 and a final stop contact 80 successively engaged. A resistor 81 is connected in parallel with contacts 22-1 by the switch deck 77. When arm 78 engages contact 80, the resistor 81 is connected across contacts 22-1 and maintains energization of winding 76, thereby preventing further stepping of relay 22.

Switch deck 24 is similar in construction to switch deck 77 and includes a contact arm 32 engaging, alternately, pairs of open contacts 83, 84 and 85 and pairs of preset contacts 86 and 87 before engaging a single preset contact 88 and a final open contact 89. The contacts 86, 87 and 88 are connected to a ground 90 and arm 82 is connected to the counter 15 which is connected to the high voltage side of power source 25. The switch deck 25 is operated in synchronism with the switch deck 77 and establishes alternate continuity and open circuit to ground for the counter with each pair of ground and open circuits connections advance the most significant digit by an increment of one.

The relay '22 has its winding 7 6 connected in series with switch 29, relay contacts 56-1, the coded control circuit 28, a set of normally open contacts 56-4 of stepping relay 56 via a lead 91 and the set of normally closed contacts 30-1 of disconnect relay 30. Therefore when the toggle switches 27 .are properly set and switch 29 is closed, the winding 76 is energized and relay 22 steps through one cycle to preset counter 15. The gasoline released for Withdrawal from tank 2 is increased by that increment.

The disconnect relay 30 includes a disconnect relay winding 92 connected in parallel with the coded control circuit 28 formed by the code generators 26 and the toggle switches 27 and between lines 55 and 58. The relay winding 92 is therefore in normal operation of the apparatus short circuited by the coded control circuit 28 and the relay contacts 30-1 remain closed to allow the previously described energization and operation of the stepping relays 22 and 56.

However, if the key operated switch 29 is closed and the toggle switches 27 are not properly placed to complete the coded control circuit 28, power is applied across the relay winding 92 which is energized and opens the contacts 30-1,

The contacts 30-1 include a contact arm 93 engaging an inclined cam surface 94 on the end of a pivoted latch arm 95.

The arm 95 is held by a spring 96 in engagement with a stop pin 97 in the normal standby position. As contacts 30-1 open, the contact arm 93 pivots past the latch arm 95 after which the latch arm 95 returns to the normal position. The switch arm 93 then engages the back side of the latch arm 95 and is held in the open position.

Relay 30 is mounted behind panel 14 and a suitable reset lock98 is provided for resetting of relay 30. The

key, not shown, for lock 98 is held by the supplier.

Lock 98, as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 2, includes a member 99 which engages the latch arm 95 and pivots 8 it past contact arm 93 which returns to the normal position of FIG. 2.

In summary, the illustrated embodiment ofthe invention operates in the following manner.

The gasoline control mechanism 12 is mounted within the wall 13 with the panel 14 flush thereto to prevent tampering with the code mechanism. The sequence of the cams 68 is recorded at a control center under the operation of the supplier of the gasoline.

Whenever an additional increment of gasoline is desired, a code is obtained from the control center informing the operator to place the respective toggle levers 17 in an up or down position. The code may be in any convenient form such as the character 1 for up andthe character 0 for down. The levers 17 are correspondingly positioned and the switch 29 subsequently closed.

The present code system tends to minimize errors in setting of the code input, as the operator can set the levers 17 and then check the setting against the code before closing switch 29. This feature is desirable in order to minimize service calls and maintain customer satisfaction.

Further, the position of the levers 17 is not indicative of the position of the internal switches such as present in certain code card systems wherein knowledge of the card gives knowledge of the panel. switches. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the switch lever 17 corresponds rather to the logical sum of the paired switches 36-37 and 42-43; thus, a lever 17 is up if the corresponding switches 36-37 are the same as 42-43, and is down if the pair of corresponding switches- 36-37 is different from 42-43. In the present. system, even though short interval sequences are used, the external levers do not repeat inposition excepting on extremely long sequence.

Immediately upon closing of switch 29, the stepping relay 22: is energized if the coded control circuit 28 has been completed by proper setting of levers 17 and the associated switches 27. Relay 22 operates through one cycle and presets the. counter 15 in accordance with a predetermined increment.

After completion of the cycle of. the relay 22 which is noted by the presetting of the counter 15,. the' key actuated switch 29-is opened to return the control mechanism to standby. Relay 22 automatically resets-in any suitable manner, not shown.

As previouslyv described, the opening of switch 29' results in the de-energization of relay 56' and stepping thereof to reposition switches 34 and establish a new code setting. Relay 59 may or may not be energized. depending upon whether the code included line 59 of the first. codegenerator 26, and correspondingly position the switches 35 for further modification of the code setting.

If the switch levers 17 are erroneously or through attempted fraud improperly set, the coded control circuit 28. remains open and the disconnect relay 30 is energized. The associated contacts 30-1 open and are held in the open position by the latch arm 95. No

further operation of the circuit is then possible and in order to obtain a subsequent release, the disconnect relay 30 must be manually reset by a suitable authorized representative. skipping one code inthe master list'held at the central control office.

Although the illustrated embodiment of the invention employs circuit continuity in the coded control circuit for proper operation of the controlled means, a unique open circuit path or combinations thereof might be. employed within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention provides a simple and reliable code mechanism establishing a code sequence of substantial length before repetition. A great variety of different code sequences can be rapidly and readily established from identical or similar components. for. pro.-

The next proper code is obtained by ducing a number of code mechanisms for use in related areas or installations.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

We claim:

1. In a code program generating means,

(a) a plurality of code generators, each including a pair of similar multiple position switches interconnected to the opposite ends of conductors to form parallel circuit branches one of which is completed in each switch position,

(b) first drive means to simultaneously actuate first corresponding switches in each pair of switches,

() second drive means to simultaneously actuate second corresponding switches of each pair of switches, and

(d) means to actuate said drive means in a predetermined different circuit connection within said code generators.

2. In a code program generating means according to claim 1 wherein said last named means includes,

(a) cyclically operable means movable in stepped relation within each cycle to actuate said drive means in a predetermined plurality of steps and generate a plurality of predetermined different circuit connection within said code generators.

3. The code program generating means of claim 1 including,

(a) a plurality of individual switches connecting said code generators in an output circuit, each of said switches having a plurality of positions operatively connected to different parallel circuit branches of a corresponding code generator.

4. In a code program generating means,

(b) a plurality of first cams interconnected for simultaneous incremental displacement and having a plurality of switch operators spatially distributed in accordance with said displacement for successive and simultaneous actuation of switches connected to the corresponding ends of the conductors in the code generators,

(c) a plurality of second cams interconnectedfor simultaneous incremental displacement and having a plurality of switch operators spatially distributed in accordance with said displacement for successive and simultaneous actuation of the switches connected to the opposite ends of the conductor in the code generators,

(d) drive means to move said cams and actuate the switches to generate a plurality of predetermined different circuit connections within said code generators, and

(e) a plurality of selection switch means interconnecting said code generators in a coded output circuit and each including means to select one of said parallel circuit branches of each generator.

5. The code program generating means of claim 4 wherein said drive means includes (a) a first stepping relay coupled to drive said first cams through said incremental displacements,

(b) a second stepping relay coupled to drive said second cams through said incremental displacements,

(c) an energizing circuit for said first stepping relay,

and I (d) a separate energizing circuit for said second stepping relay and including switch means operated by said first stepping relay.

6. The code program generating means of claim 4 wherein said selection means comprises (a) manually operable switches connecting said code generators in an output circuit, each of said switches having a plurality of code positions connected to different parallel circuit branches.

7. The code program generating means of claim 4 wherein (a) each generator has a pair of output points one of which is connected to the complete circuit branch,

(b) the selection means is a selection switch for selective connection to said output points for connecting said code generators in an, output circuit,

(c) switch levers are provided for selective positioning of each of said selection switches, and

(d) a control switch is serially connected in an energizing circuit with the coded output circuit.

8. In a code program generating means,

(a) a plurality of code generators each including a pair of double-pole and double-throw switches, each pair having aligned poles for simultaneous movement and having the coresponding contacts of the first half of each pair of switches being interconnected and opposite cont-acts of the second half of each pair of switches being interconnected,

(b) a common generator connection to each code generator being connected in common to the poles of one of said switches,

(c) a single-pole, double-throw switch having contacts individually connected one each to each of the poles of the other of said switches and having a pole constituting a second generator connection of the corresponding code generator,

((1) circuit means interconnecting said generator connections to connect said code generators in a series coded output circuit,

(e) electroresponsive means actuating a step drive to effect a step movement in response to energization and de-energ-ization thereof and having a set of normally closed contacts connected in series with the electroresponsive means to form an input circuit thereto and having a first set of normally open contacts and a resistor connected in parallel with said normally closed contacts and a second set of normally open contacts connected in series with the coded output circuit :and having a third set of normally open contacts,

(f) means coupled to said ratchet drive and having spaced cam surfaces aligned one each with the aligned poles of one of said pair of switches in each of said code generators,

(g) a second electroresponsive means actuating a second step to effect a stepped movement in response .to energization and tie-energization thereof and having a set of normally closed contacts connected in series with the electroresponsive means to form an input circuit thereto and having a resistor connected in parallel with said normally closed contacts, one end of said input circuit being connected to one of said interconnected contacts of the code generator connected to said normally open contacts of the first named electroresponsive means whereby energization of said second electroresponsive means is dependent on the status of said interconnected generaton and (h) means coupled to the ratchet drive of said second stepping relay and having spaced cam surfaces aligned one each with the aligned poles of the other of said pair of switches in each of said code generators.

9. In a code program generating means,

(a) a plurality of code generators each including a pair of double-pole and double-throw switches each having a first half and a second half, corresponding contacts of the first half of each pair of switches eing interconnected and opposite contacts of the second half of each pair of switches being interconnected,

(c) a similar plurality of single-pole, double-throw switches having contacts individually connected one each to each of the poles of the other switch of said' pair of switches and a pole constituting a second generator connection of the corresponding code generator,

(d) circuit means interconnecting said generator connections to connect said code generators in a series coded output circuit,

(e) a stepping relay having a relay coil and a ratchet drive actuated thereby to efiect a step movement in response to energization and de-energiz'ation thereof and having a set of normally closed contacts connected in series with the relay coil to form an input circuit of the relay and a first set of normally open contacts and a resistor connected in parallel with said normally open contacts and a second set of normally open contacts connected in series with the codedoutput circuit,

(f) rotary cams releasably coupled to said ratchet drive, a separate rotary cam being aligned with the aligned poles of a first of said pair of switches in eachcode generators and having circumferentially spaced peripheral cam surfaces,

(g) a second stepping relay having a relay coil and ratchet drive actuated thereby to efiect a stepped movement in response to energization and de-energization thereof and having a set of normally closed contacts connected in series with the relay coil to form'an input circuit of the second stepping relay and having a resistor connected in parallel with said normally closed contacts, one end of said input circuit being connected to one of said interconnected contacts of the code generator connected to said normally open contacts of the first stepping relay whereby energization of said second stepping relay is dependent on the status of said interconnected generator,

(h) rotary cams releasably coupled to the second ratchet drive, a separate cam being aligned with the common poles of the other of said pair of switches in each code genera-tors and having circumferentially spaced peripheral cam surfaces, and

(i) a disconnect relay having a relay coil and having a set of normally closed contacts connected in series with the input circuit of said first named stepping said output circuit to reset at least one of said code switches and thereby vary the position of the release switches for operation of the output circuit. 11. The construct-ion of claim 10 having,

7 (a) switch means connected in circuit with said load,

and (b) means responsive to predetermined operation of said output circuit to actuate said switch means. 12. A code program generating system, which comprises (a) a plurality of code generators, each of said code generators having a plurality of branch circuits and a first switch means to selectively close some of said branch circuits and simultaneously open the other of said branch circuits,

('b) :a selectively positioned second switch means connected in series between each of said code generators and having a first position connecting selected branch circuits of adjacent generators to each other and having a second position connecting different selected 'branch circuits of the same adjacent genera-tors to each other,

(0) control circuit means having input power connection means and output connection means connected with said second switch means and said code generators, said first switch means determining a required related setting of the record switch means to complete the circuit of the input power connection means to the output connection means, and

('d) first switch actuating means coupled to the first switch means to cyclically change said branch circuits to find an' open connection of the power connection means to the output connection means and thereby change the required position of saidsecond switch means for the next operation.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED" STATES PATENTS relay and separately in circuit with the coded output 2,441,136 5/1948 Charles 34O*348 circuit, said relay coil being connected in parallel 2,622,145 12/1952 Kennedy with the series coded output circuit and energized 2,660,720 11/1953 Dehmel if said coded output circuit is interrupted. ,68 4 9 Ha k 34 8 10. Ina code program generating means for selective 3,187,318 v6/ 1965 Chapman 340-348 energization of a load from a power source, FOREIGN PATENTS (a) a plurality of code generators each including a pair'of double-pole and double-throw code switches, 327,884 3/1958 swltzerlan'dcorresponding contacts of the first half of each pair of switches being interconnected and opposite contacts of the second half of each pair of switches being interconnected,

NEIL C. READ, Primary Examiner.

THOMAS B. HABECKER, Examiner,

Claims

1. IN A CODE PROGRAM GENERATING MEANS, (A) A PLURALITY OF CODE GENERATORS, EACH INCLUDING A PAIR OF SIMILAR MULTIPLE POSITION SWITCHES INTERCONNECTED TO THE OPPOSITE ENDS OF CONDUCTORS TO FORM PARALLEL CIRCUIT BRANCHES ONE OF WHICH IS COMPLETED IN EACH SWITCH POSITION, (B) FIRST DRIVE MEANS TO SIMULTANEOUSLY ACTUATE FIRST CORRESPONDING SWITCHES IN EACH PAIR OF SWITCHES, (C) SECOND DRIVE MEANS TO SIMULTANEOUSLY ACTUATE SECOND CORRESPONDING SWITCHES OF EACH PAIR OF SWITCHES, AND