US1132499A - Fire-alarm system. - Google Patents

Description

N. H. SUREN.

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM.

APPLIOATION FILED MMM, 1912.

Patented Mar. 16, 1915.

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NATHAN H. SUREN, OF NEEDHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR T0 GAMEWELL FIRE- ALARM TELEGRAPH COMPANY, OF NEW YORK,

YORK.

N. Y., A CORPORATION 0F NEW FIRE-.ALARM SYSTEM.

Specicaton of LettersrPatent.

Patented Mar. 16,1915.

Application filed March 7, 1912. Serial N 0.682,214.

lishments, yards, etc., are usually equipped.

with portable tire-extinguishing apparatus which may be conveyed to any of the buildings, and some of the employees are drilled in operating said apparatus, a local lirebrigade being organized for this purpose.

One of the objects attained by my present invention is the sounding of a general alarm in case of a fire.

Another object is the sounding of a drillalarm by which the local lire-brigade is called to attend a drill. Y

Another object is the sounding of a general drill-alarm in response to which all of the employees are required to leave the buildings in order.

Another object is the sounding of a local drill-alarm by which the employees of any n building or floor of a building are required to leave the building in order.

The alarm-system embodying this invention is especially designed to meet these requirements, it being arranged to sound these various alarms according to the needs;

In the present embodiment of my invention signal-boxes are arranged in the different buildings or stations throughout the establishment or yards, which are connected in circuit with a central station, or headquarters. A local-alarm, such as a gong, is associated with each signal-box, and an electro-magnetically operated gong, towerstriker or whistle is connected in circuit at the central-station or some convenient place, and each signal-box has the capability of sending its box-number signal, and also of operating the local alarmsand the centralstation alarm in dilerent ways, according vto the needs, the box-number of the sendingv'box being tapped on the gongs and sounded on the central-alarm. AsV an illustration the signaling-mechanism of each box may be set to send its box-number signal and cause all of the local-alarms and the centralstation alarm to respond; or cause the central-station alarm only to respond; or cause all of the local-alarms to respond, the central-station alarm remaining silent; or cause only -that local-alarm to respond which is associated with the signal-box which, is belng operated. rl`hus four different signals are provided for. The first is the fire-signal;

the second, a drill-signal for the fire-brigade; the third, a drill-signal for the employees;

and therfourth, a drill-signal for the em- 1* ployees of a building or floor of a building.

Different manufacturing establishments may vary this arrangement somewhat to more fully meet their particular requirements, but in general they will follow this plan. Smaller establishments, however, may not use all of the signals herein provided,ror will vary the signals according to their particular needs. f

Figure 1 is a diagram of a fire-alarm system embodying this invention, four signalboxes being represented, each with its alarmcontroller set in a different position for the sounding of four dierent alarms. Fig. 2 is a front elevation of one of the signalboxes, with its door open, the parts being represented in their normal positions.

10, represent the signal-boxes, four being here shown, for the purpose of illustrating my invention. They are connected in an electric-circuit with a central-station represented at 11. rlhe several signal-boxes are made alike and one will now be described.

12 is the box-number signal-wheel orn any usual or suitable form of signaling-mechanism, herein also referred to as signal formulating mechanism, land 13 the non-interference magnet, the armature 14C of which to operate two circuit-controllers, and to accomplish this result a pivcted lever 20, engages the signal-wheel which may have `a bifurcated end portion, oneof the arms, as

2l, of which is arranged to operate the cirv i cuit- controller 22, 23,' and the other arm, as

24, of which is arranged to operate a circuitl controller 25, 26. Each time a box is pulled both circuit-controllers are operated to control circuits for sending the box-number.

A local alarm, such for instance, as an electro-magnetic gong 30 is associated with each signal-box, and a general alarm, such for instance as an electro-magnetic gong 35, or it may be a tower-striker or whistle, is arranged at the central-station 11, although it is obvious that as many local-alarms and general alarms as desired may be associated, respectively, with the signal-boxes and the central-station. Electric-circuits connect the several signal-boxes with the central-station, and a variable alarm-controller is associated with each signal-box arranged to control the circuits in such manner that the alarms may be caused to respond to the signals in four different ways, according to the position it is set. As here shown, two circuit-wires l0 and 4l lead from one side of the battery 42, or other current supply mechanism, to the several signal-boxes, and a common returnwire 43, leads from the several boxes to the opposite side of the battery, thereby employing three main circuit-wires. Asa variable alarm-controller which may be employed, and which is associated with each signalbox, a pair of four-point switches are here shown, which may be connected together, so as to be moved together.

50 and 60 represent the two pivoted switcharms; 5l, 52, 53, 511, the contact-points with which the switch-arm 50 cooperates, and 61, 62, 63, 64, the contact-points with which the switch-arm 60 cooperates.

represents a bar connecting the two switch- arms 50 and 60 together, and 7l a knob which is arranged on said bar, which may be engaged by hand for the purpose of moving the bar longitudinally to move the switcharms to engage different contactpoints; and said bar also has arranged on it a point 2, which points to one or another indicator-plate 73 as the bar is moved. Springs 75 are attached to the switch-arms which act to move them in a direction opposite to that moved by the bar 70, and to hold them in normal position, said springs serving particularly to return the bar and switch-arms connected thereto to normal position after a signal has been sent. Means are also provided for holding the bar 70 and switch-arms in the diilerent positions they may be set, which is adapted to be operated automatically by the closing of the door of the box to release the bar and switch-arms and permit them to be returned to normal by the springs 75. The means here shown for accomplishing this result comprises a detent-lever 80, pivoted at 8l, and bearing a detent 82, said lever being arranged above the bar 70, and the top of the bar 70 is formed with notches, three being here shown arranged to receive the detent, thereby to hold the bar in three different abnormal positions. Said detent-lever has arranged on it a bevel-ended stud 85, and a bevel-ended stud 86 is arranged on the inside ot' the boxdoor, which, when the door is closed engages the stud 85 and lifts the detent-lever high enough for its detent to disengage the bar 70.

In Fig. 2 the switch- arms 50 and 60 are represented in their normal positions and in engagement with contact-points 51, 6l, respectively. lVhen the box-door is opened the bar 70 may be moved in a direction toward the right to cause the switch-arms to engage any of the other contact-points desired, and when so moved the detent will engage the bar and hold it while the signal is being sent, but when the box-door is closed the bevel-ended pin 86 on the inside of the door will engage the bevel-ended pin on the detent-lever and will lift said lever and cause its detent to disengage the bar 70, whereupon said bar and the switch-arms connected therewith will be restored to normal by the springs 7 5.

@ne arrangement of circuits and switches is here shown for the sake of illustrating my invention, by which the alarms may be sounded in four different ways, that is to say, all of the alarms which are associated with the signal-boxes and the alarm at the central-station may be sounded; or the alarm at the central-station only may be sounded; or all of the alarms associated with the signal-boxes may be sounded, the alarm at the central-station remaining silent; or only the alarm which is associated with the particular box which is being operated may be sounded. The arrangement of the circuits in connection with the switches whereby these results are accomplished will now be described.

rlfhe circuit-wire 40 with the common return-wire 43 is employed as the central-station or general alarm-circuit, and the circuit-wire l1 with the common return-wire 43 is employed as the local alarm-circuit. rThe two box-number circuit-controllers which are arranged in each box are connected, respectively, in said circuits, the circuitcontroller 22, 23, being connected in the central-station alarm-circuit, and the circuitcontroller 25, 26 being connected in the local alarm circuit. Both box number circuit controllers are arranged to be operated simultaneously or thereabout, during the operation of a box to control their respective circuits. The variable alarm-controller or switch-mechanism is herein arranged to control the electrical connections of the boxnumber circuit-controllers with their circuits, so that they may or may not operate their circuits to cause the alarms controlled thereby to sound. The circuit-connections in ea ch box being alike one only need be dcscribed.

` Referring particularly to Fig. 2, the main circuit-wire 40, leads to a binding-post 90, a circuit-wire 91 leads fromV said post to the contact-point 53, a circuit-wire 92 leads from said contact-point to the circuit-controlling member 23, a circuit-wire 93 leads from the circuit-controlling member 22 to the non-interference magnet, a circuit-wire 94 leads from said magnet to the bindingpost 95, and a circuit-wire 96 leads from said binding-post to the common return-Wire 43.

As the circuit is normally closed the noninterference magnet is normally included in a closed circuit. A circuit-wire 96 also leads from the circuit-controlling member 22 to the switch-arm 50, and said arm normally rests on the dead contact-point 51. The contact-point 52 is also dead, but the contact-point 54 is connected by circuit- Vwire 97 to the contact-point 53. The main from said switch-arm to the binding-postl 109, and a circuit Wire 110 leads from said binding-post to the common return-wire 43. The switch-arm 60 normally rests on the dead contact-point 61. A circuit-wire 112 connects the contact-point 62 with the binding-post 105. The contact-point 63 is dead The contact-point 64 is connected with the binding-post 100 by or through a resistance 115, or wire including a resistance. Said resistance is approximately equal to the resistance of the magnet of the localalarm 30. c

With the alarm-controller in its normal position, as represented in box marked No. 1 Fig. 1, the apparatus is in condition to send a box-number signal and to cause the central-station alarm and all of the local-alarms to respond. Normally the switch-arm 50 rests on the dead contact 51, and the switch-arm 60 rests on the dead contact 61, and as the box-number circuit-controllers are operated the centralstation alarm and all of the local-alarms are sounded. The central-station alarm-circuit is as follows: battery 42; circuit-wire 40, including the central-station alarm; circuitwires 91, 92; box-number circuit- controller 22, 23; circuit- wires 93, 94, 96; common return-wire 43 to battery. Said circuit is operated by the box-number circuit- controller 22, 23, and the box-number is sounded on the central-station alarm 35. rlhe localalarm circuit is as follows: battery 42'; main circuit-wire 41;-circuit- wires 101, 103, in'- cluding local-alarms 30; circuit-wire 104,-

106; box-number circuit- controllerv 25, 26; circuit- wires 107, 108, 110, and the common return-wire 43 to battery. 'Said local alarmcircuit isoperated by the box-number circuit- controller 25, 26, and the box-number is sounded on the local-alarms 30. In View of the fact that all of the boxes are connected with the circuits when in their normaly positions and their local-alarms 30 are nor-y alarm-controller is moved onestep to the right, as represented in boX marked No. 2 Fig. 1, it' is set in position to send a boxnumber signal and to cause the central-station alarm only to respond. Referring to said view, the switch-arm 50 is moved onto the contact-point 52, which is a dead contact-point, and the switch-arm 60 is moved onto the contact-point 62, and by circuitwire 112 and switch-arm 60, the box-number circuit- controller 25, 26, is shunted, so that although operated by the signaling-mechanism the local alarm-circuit including the;

main circuit- wires 41, 43, is not operated, hence the local-alarms will not respond, but the central-station alarm will respond to the operation of the box-number circuit- controller 22, 23. When the alarm-controller is moved another step to the right. as represented in boX marked No 3 F ig. 1, it is set to send a box-number signal and to causev all of the local-alarms to respond, the central-station alarm remaining' silent. When in this position the switch-arml 50 rests on the contact-point 53, and the switcharm 60 rests on the contact-point 63, the latter being' dead and by circuit-wire 96 and switch-arm 50the box- number circuitcontroller 22, 23 is shunted, so that although operated by the signaling-mechanism the central- station alarm circuit 40, 43 is not operated, hence the central-station alarm Y will not respond, but all of the local-alarms will respond to the box-number circuit-controller 25, r26. When the alarm-controllerl is moved another step'to the right', as rep- Y' resented in box marked No. 4 Figfl, itis set to send a box-number signaland to cau'se only the local-alarm to respond which is i' associated withthe boX Ywhich is being 4op-'l erated. When in this position the switcharm 50, rests on the contact-point 54, and the switch-arm 60 rests,` on the contact-point 64, and the box-number circuit- controller 22, 23 is shunted, asin box marked No. 3

and the resistance 115 is included in parallel with said lccal-alarm 30, and the boX- number circuit-controller` 25, 26, and as a result said lccal-alarm only is caused to respond, all the other local-alarms remaining silent.

I do not desire to limit my invention to the particular arrangement of circuits here shown, as it is obvious that they may be changed and yet the results herein set forth accomplished. l/Vhile ordinarily the signalboXes will be provided with non-interference means to control the operation of the signaling-mechanism, yet it is obvious that said means may or may not be employed.

If employed, however, it is important that they shall be so arranged that precedence is given to actual iire or general alarms, so that even though the local alarms are operated from any of the stations the tire or general alarm Will immediately and correctly respond in case a fire or general alarm signal is sent in from any other station.. rlhe results which are desired in this particular are as follows:-

lst: lf, When the system is in normal condition, the mechanism at any one of the stations is actuated, such station will immediately take control of the entire system, and Will cause response of all the alarm devices, both local and general.

2nd: If, when the system is in normal condition, the mechanism at one of the stations is operating to send an alarm over the system to be received on all 01"' the alarm devices, attempt is made to send in a signal from some other station, the alarm transmitted from the station first actuated Will remain in control of the system and the correct transmission oit this fire alarm will not be interrupted as a result of actuation of mechanism at such other station. rlhe local alarm devices and the central or brigade calling mechanism Will give the signal of the station first actuated, and there can be no interference With such signal as a result of an attempt to send in an alarm from another station.

3rd: It the system is being used for drill purposes and is set at one station to select one or all of the local alarm devices for operation and to exclude the general alarm mechanisms, and at another station the system is controlled for sending` in an alarm of lire, the station thus actuated for lire Will immediately take control and continue the operation ol the selected local alarm devices and at the same time Will cause transmission of its tire alarm number to the fire brigade or central station Without interference. y

4th: lf the system is being used `for drill purposes and is selectively controlled from one of the stations to cause response only of the general alarm or brigade calling mechamsm, and an actual alarm of fire 1s sent in from another station, the station using the system for drilling Will retain control until its signal has been sounded on the general alarm mechanism, and the station attempting to send in an alarm of fire Will then take control and will cause the sounding of all the local alarm devices and of the general alarm mechanism and will cause no incorrect signal or interference in the action of the general alarm mechanism While such mechanism is responding to the drill conditions set up at the station first actuated.

By arranging the non-interference mechanism 13 in the general alarm circuit, as here shown and described, and its cooperating armature structure la for controlling the movement of the lever 20, as here shown and described, these results will be obtained, the general alarm circuit through the non-interference mechanism controlling the local alarm circuit at all times.

I claim l. In a signaling-system, the combination of a general alarm circuit including general alarm mechanism, a local alarm circuit including one or more local alarm mechanisms, a plurality of stations, circuit-controllers at each station in the general and local alarm circuits, respectively, signal formulating mechanism at each station for operating both circuit-controllers, and an alarm-controller at each station having means to variably control the responsive action of the alarm-mechanism, substantially as described.

2. ln a signaling-system, the combination oit' a general alarm circuit including general alarm mechanism, a local alarm circuit including` local alarm mechanisms, a plurality of stations, circuit-controllers at each station in the general and local alarm circuits, respectively, a signal formulating-mechanism at each station for operating both circuit-controllers, an alarm-controller at each station having means adapted to be set to cause response of all the local alarm mechanisins and the general alarm mechanism, the setting of said alarm-controller to another position causing response of only the local alarm mechanisms, substantially as described.

3. ln a signaling svstem, the combination of a general alarm circuit including general alarm mechanism, a local alarm circuit including lccal alarm mechanisms, a plurality of stations, circuit-controllers at each station in the general and local alarm circuits, respectively, signal formulating mechanism at each station for operating both circuitcontrollers, an alarm-controller at each station having means adapted to be set to causa response of all the lccal alarm mechanisms and the general alarm mechanism, setting of said alarm-controller to another position at one station causing response of all the local alarm mechanisms upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at said station, and setting of the alarm-controller at one of said stations to another position causing response of onlv the local alarm mechanism associated With the signal formulating mechanism which is being actuated, substantially as described. y

fl. In a signaling-system, the combination of a general alarm circuit including general alarm mechanism, a local alarm circuit including local alarm mechanisms, a plurality of stations, circuit-controllers at each station in the general and local alarm circuits, respectively, signal formulating mechanism at each station for operating both circuit controllers, an alarm-controller at each station having means adapted to be set to cause response of all the local alarm mechanisms and the general alarm mechanism, setting of said alarm-controller to another position at one station causing response of all the local alarm mechanisms upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at said station, and setting of the alarm-controller at one of said stations to another position causing response of only the local alarm mechanism associated With the signal formulating mechanism which is being "actuated, and setting of the alarm-controller to another position causing response of only the general alarm mechanism upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at said station, substantially as described.

5. In a signaling-system, the combination of a general alarm circuit including general alarm mechanism, and a local alarm circuit including local alarm mechanisms, a plurality ofstations, circuit-controllers at each station in the general and local alarm circuits, respectively, signal formulating mechanism at each station for operating both circuit-controllers, an alarm-controller at each station having means adapted to be set to cause response of the general alarm mechanism upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism, the setting ofv said alarmcontroller to another position causing response of the lrcal alarm mechanism which is associated with the station upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at said station, substantially as described.

6. In a signaling-system, the combination of a general alarm circuit including general alarm mechanism, and a local alarm circuit including local alarm mechanism, a plurality of stations, circuit-controllers at each station in the general and local alarm circuits, respectively, signal formulating mechanism at each station for operating both circuit-controllers.l an alarm-controller at each station having means adapted to be set to cause response of the general alarm mechanism upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism, the setting of said alarmcontroller to another position causing response of the local alarm mechanisms, upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism, substantially as described Y 7. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of stations, a general alarm circuit running through saidstations, general alarm mechanism therein, a local alarm circuit vrunning through said stations, local alarm mechanism at each station forsaid local alarm circuit, circuit-controlling contacts at each station connected With said general alarm circuit, circuit-controllin contacts at each station connected with sai local-alarm circuit, and a signal-Wheel at each station adapted to control both contact sets thereat, said circuits including suitable current supply mechanism, substantially as described.

8. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of stations, a main circuit eX- tending to said station, signaling-mechanism for said main circuit, a local circuit extending to said stations, a local signaling device at each station connected with said local-circuit, a set of contact members at each station connected with said main circuit for controlling the opening and closure thereof, a

second set of contact members at each station connected With said local circuit forV controlling the opening and closure thereof, signal formulating mechanism at each station connected with both sets of contact-A members thereat for actuating said contactmembers to control the opening and closure of said circuits, switch-mechanism at each station and circuits controlled thereby for rendering the main-circuit contact-members ineffective, and switch-mechanism at each station and circuits controlled thereby for rendering the local contact-members at said station ineffective, and suitable current supply mechanism for said circuits, substantially as described.

9. In a signaling-system, the combination of a plurality of stations, a main circuit extending to said stations. main alarm-mechanism included in said circuit, a local circuit ing and closure thereof and thus cause re sponse of all the local signal receiving devices and the'main signaling mechanism, and means at each station for rendering the main circuit contact-springs ineffective whereby upon operation yof the signal formulating mechanism the local circuit will he opened or closed, each of said circuits including suitable current supply mechanism, substantially as described.

10. In a signaling-system, the combination of a plurality of stations, a main circuit extending to said stations, main alarm mechanism included in said circuit, a local circuit extending to said stations including local signal receiving mechanism at each station, a set of contact springs at each station, said contact-springs at the various stations being normally positioned to close the main circuit, a second set of contact-springs at each station and said springs at the various stations being normally in position to close the local circuit, signal formulating mechanism at each station operatively connected with both sets of contact-springs thereat to control the opening and closure thereof and thus cause response of all the local signal receiving devices and the main signaling mechanism, and means at each station for rendering the local circuit contact-springs thereat ineffective whereby upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism the local circuit will remain closed and only the main circuit controlled, said circuits including current supply mechanism, substantially as described.

11. In a signaling-system, the combination of a plurality of stations, a main cir-l cuit running serially through said stations including a main signal receiving device, a set of contact-members at each station normally closing said main circuit, a local circuit extending serially through said stations including a local signal receiving device at each station, a second set of contact-members at each station normally closing said local circuit, signal formulating mechanism at each station coperating with both sets of contact-members to actuate said contactmembers to open and close said circuits to cause said signal receiving devices to respond, means at each station adapted to be set to close the main circuit independently of the main circuit-contacts thereat whereby upon operation of the signal formulating mechanism only the local circuit-contacts will be effective, means at each station for closing the local circuit in bridge of the local signal receiving device and the local contact-members at said station whereby the local signal receiving devices at all the other stations will remain silent upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at the one station, a resistance at each sta.- tion included in said local signal receiving device holding-circuit upon closure thereof, the local signal receiving-device and the local contact-members at the station at which the local holding-circuit is closed being included in a shunt about the resistance at said station whereby upon actuation of the signal aisance formulating mechanism at said station said shunt circuit will be opened and closed and the local signal receiving-device at said station will respond, said circuits including suitable current supply mechanism, substantially as described.

l2. In a signaling-system, the combination of a plurality of stations, a main circuit running serially through the stations and including main signal receiving devices, a set of contact-members at each station normally closing said main circuit, a local circuit running serially through the stations and including a local signal device at each station, a second set of contact members at each station normally closing said local circuit, said signal receiving devices responding upon openings of their respective circuits, signal formulating mechanism at each station for both sets of contact members thereat to open and close said circuits, and switch mechanism at each station adapted to be set to close a holding-circuit for all of the local signal receiving devices, setting of said switch-mechanism at any station causing closure of said holding-circuit independently of the local circuit contact-members thereat whereby upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at said station all the local signal receiving devices will remain silent and only the main signal receiving devices actuated upon control of the main circuit by the main circuit contactmembers at the said station, each of said circuits including suitable current supply mechanism, substantially as described,

13. ln a signaling-system, the combination of a plurality of stations, a main circuit running serially through the stations and including main signal receiving devices, a set of contact-members at each station normally closing said main circuit, a local circuit running serially through the stations and including a local signal device at each station, a second set of contact-members at each station normally closing said local circuit, said signal receiving devices responding upon openings of their respective circuits, signal formulating mechanism at each station for both sets of contact-members thereat to open and close said circuits, and switch-mechanism at each station adapted to be set in various positions to adjust the circuits to variably control the responsive action of the alarm devices upon actuation of the associated signal formulating mechanism, substantially as described.

14. ln a fire-alarm system, the combination of a plurality of signal-boxes connected by two electric-circuits with a central-station, each signal-box having signalingmechanism including two circuit-controllers, one for each circuit, to send a box-number signal over each circuit, an alarm associated with each box arranged in one of said circuits, an alarm at the central-station arranged in the other circuit, and an alarmcontroller at each boX -having means to variably control the responsive action of said alarms, substantially as described.

15. In a lire-alarm system, the combination of a plurality of signal-boxes connected by two circuits with a central-station, each signal-box having signaling-mechanism including two circuit-controllers, one for each circuit, to send a box-number signal over each circuit, an alarm associated with each .box arranged in one of said circuits, an alarm at the central-station arranged in the other circuit, and an alarm-controller hav-v ing movable means to separately shunt said circuit-controllers, thereby to cause the alarms at the boxes or the central-station to sound according to the position of the alarmcontroller, substantially as described.

16. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of stations each having signal formulating mechanism and local alarm mechanism, general alarm mechanism, current supply mechanism, circuits for connecting said various mechanisms, `and switch mechanism at each station adapted to be set to adjust the circuits to cause response of `all the alarm Adevices upon actuation of the associated signal formulating mechanism, the switch mechanism at any station being adapted to be set to adjust the circuits tov cause response of only the local alarm devices upon actuation of the associated signal formulating mechanism.

17. In a signaling system, the Vcombination of a plurality of stations each having signal formulating mechanism and local alarm mechanism, general alarm mechanism, current supply mechanism, circuits for connecting said various mechanisms, and switch mechanism at each station for adjusting the circuit conditions of the system, setting of the switch mechanism at one station causing adjustment of the circuits to cause response of all the alarm devices upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at said one station, setting of the switch mechanism to another position at one station effecting adjustment of the circuits to cause response of all the local alarm vdevices only upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at said station, settingof the switch mechanism at one of said stations to another position effecting adjustment ofl the circuits to cause response of only the local alarm device of the said station upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at the said station.

18. In a signaling svstem, the combination of a plurality of stationsl each having a signal formulating mechanism and local alarm mechanism, general alarmmechanism, current supply mechanism, circuits for connecting said various mechanisms and switch mechanism at each station for adjusting the circuit conditions of the system, setting of the switch mechanism at one station causing adjustment of the circuits to cause response of all the alarm devices upon actuation .of the signal formulating mechanism at said one station, setting of the switch mechanism to another position at one station effecting adjustment of the circuits to cause response of all the local alarm devices only upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at said station, setting of the lswitch mechanism at one of said stations to another position effecting adjustment of the circuits to cause response of only the local alarm device 'of the said station upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at the said station, and setting of the switch mechanism to another position at one of said stations effecting adjustment" of the circuits to cause response of only the general alarm devices upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at the said station.

19. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality ofstations each having signal formulating mechanism and a local alarm device, general alarm mechanism, cur-rent supply mechanism, circuits connecting said various mechanisms and devices, and selective switch mechanism at each station, the switch mechanisms at the stations being normally set to adjust the circuits to cause response of all the alarm devices upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanisms at any one of said stations, setting of the switch mechanism at one station to another position effecting adjustment of the circuits to cause response of all the local alarms only upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at the station, and setting of the switch mechanism at any station to another position effecting adjustment of the circuits to cause response of only the general alarm mechanism upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at the said station.

20. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of stations each having signal formulating mechanism and a local alarm device, generalY alarm mechanism, current supply mechanism, circuits connecting said various mechanisms and devices, and selective switch mechanism at each station, the switch mechanisms at the stations being normally set to adjust the circuits `to cause response of all the alarm devices upon actua.- tion of the signal formulating mechanisms at any one of said stations, setting of the switch mechanism at one station to another position effecting adjustment of the circuits to cause response o f all the local alarm devices only upon actuation of thel signal formulating mechanism at the station, and setting ofthe switch `mechanism at any station effecting adjustment of the circuits to cause response of only the general alarm mechanism upon actuation of thel signal formulating mechanism at the said station.

21. In a signaling system, the combination ofa plurality of stations each having signal formulating mechanism andr local alarm mechanism, general alarm mechanism, current supply mechanism, circuits for connecting said various mechanisms in various relations, switch mechanism at eachl station for controlling the connection arrangement of said circuits, the switch mechanism and the signal formulating mechanisms at the stations being normally in position to close .a circuit through all said various alarm mechanisms and signal formulating mechanism and current supply mechanism whereupon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at any station will effect opening and closure of said circuit to cause response of all the alarm mechanisms, and a holding circuit for the general alarm mechanism, setting of the switch mechanism to another position at any one sub-station causing closure of said holding circuit to prevent operation of the general alarm mechanisms whereby the local alarm mechanisms only will respond upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at the said station.

22. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of stations each having signal formulating mechanism and local alarm mechanism, general alarm mechanism, current supply mechanism, circuits for connecting said various mechanisms in various relations, switch mechanism at each station for controlling the connection arrangement of said circuits, the switch mechanism and the signal formulating mechanism at the stations being normally in position to close a circuit through all said various alarm mechanisms and signal formulating mechanism and current supply mechanism whereupon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at any station will effect opening and closure of said circuit to cause response of all the alarm mechanisms, a holding circuit for the general alarm mechanism, setting of the switch mechanism to another position at any one station causing closure of said holding circuit to prevent operation of the general alarm mechanisms whereby the local alarm mechanisms only will respond upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at the said station, a holding circuit for the local alarm device, setting of the switch mechanism at any one station to another position causing closure of the holding circuit through the general alarm mechanism and causing closure of the local alarm device holding circuit through all the local alarm devices except at the said one station whereby the local alarm de 'ice at only kthe said one station will respond and the local alarm devices at all the other' stations and the general alarm mechanism will remain silent upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at ythe saidv one station.

23. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of stations each having signal formulating mechanism and local alarm mechanism, general alarm mechanism, current supply mechanism, circuits for connecting said various mechanisms in various relations, switch mechanism at each station for controlling the connection arrangement of said circuits, the switch mechanism and the signal formulating mechanism at the stations being normally in position to close a circuit through all said various alarm mechanisms and signal formulating mechanism and current supply mechanism whereupon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at any station will effect opening and closure of said circuit to cause response of all the alarm mechanisms, a holding circuit for the general alarm mechanism, setting of the switch mechanism to another position at any one station causing closure of said holding circuit to prevent operation of thev general alarm mechanisms whereby the local alarm mechanisms only will respond upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at the said station, a holding circuit for the local alarm device, setting of the switch mechanism at any one station to another position causing closure of the holding circuit through the general alarm mechanism and causing closure of the local alarm device holding circuit through all the local alarm devices except at the said one station wherebythe local alarm device at only the said one station will respond and the local alarm devices at all the other stations and the general alarm mechanism will remain silent upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at the said one station and setting of the switch mechanism at any one station to another position effecting adjustment of the circuits to cause closure of a holding circuit through all the local alarm mechanisms whereby upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at the one substation only the general alarm mechanism will respond.

24. In a signaling system the combination of a general alarm circuit, general alarm mechanism therein a local alarm circuit, a plurality of stations, a set of contacts at each station for opening and closing said general alarm circuit, a set of contacts at each station for opening and closing said local alarm circuit, and a signal formulating mechanism at each station for controlling both contact sets, each of said circuits including suitable current supply mechanism. v v v 25. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of stations, a main circuit running serially through the stations and including main signal receiving devices, a set of Contact members at each station normally closing said main circuit, a local circuit running serially through the stations and including a local signal device at each station, a second set of contact members at each station normally closing said local circuit, said signal receiving devices responding upon openings of their respective circuits, signal formulating mechanism at each station for both sets of contact members thereat to open and close said circuits, a non-interference electromagnet at each station signally included in the main circuit, and an armature structure at each station for the electro-magnet thereat, and having interlocking association with the signal formulating mechanism at said station for preventing interference between signals when the signal formulating mechanisms at a number of stations are operating at the same time, each of said circuits including suitable current supply mechanism.

26. ln a signaling-system, the combina tion of a plurality of stations each having a signal-formulating mechanism and localalarm mechanism, general-alarm mechanism, current-supply mechanism, circuits for connecting said various mechanisms, and switch-mechanism at each station for adjusting the circuit conditions of the system, setting of the switch-mechanism at one station causing adjustment of the circuits to cause response of all the alarm devices upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at said one station, setting of tho switch-mechanism at one of said stations to another position eiecting adjustment of the circuits to cause response of only the local alarm device of the said station upon' actuation of the signal-formulating mechanism at the said station, and setting of the switchmechanism to another position at one of said stations eecting adjustment of the circuits to cause response of only the general alarm devices upon actuation of the signalformulating mechanism at the said station, substantially as described.

27. In a signaling-system, the combination of a plurality of stations each having signal-formulating mechanism and local alarm mechanism, general alarm mechanism, current supply mechanism, circuits for connecting said various mechanism in various relations, switch-mechanism at each station for controlling the arrangement of said circuits, the switch-mechanism and the signal formulating mechanism at the sta- Y tions being normally in position to close a circuit through all said various alarm mechanisms and signal-formulating mechanism and current supply mechanism whereupon actuation of the signal-formulating mechanism at any station will effect opening and closure of said circuit to cause response of all the alarm mechanisms, a holding-circuit for the local alarm device, setting of the switch-mechanism at any one station to another position causing closure of the holding-circuit through the general alarm mechanism and causing closure of the local alarm device holding-circuit through all the local alarm devices except at the said one station whereby the local alarm device at only the said one station will respond and the local alarm devices at all the other stations and the general alarm mechanism will remain silent upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at the said one station and setting of the switch-mechanism at any one station to another position eecting adjustment of the circuitsto cause closure of a holding-circuit through all the local alarm mechanisms, whereby upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism at the one substation only the general alarm mechanism will respond, substantially as described.

28. In a signaling-system, the combination of a general alarm circuit including general alarm mechanism, a local alarm circuit including local alarm mechanism, a plurality of stations, circuit-controllers at each station in the general and local alarm circuits, respectively, signal formulating mechanism at each station for operating both circuit-controllers, an alarm-controller at each station havingmeans to variably control the responsive action of the alarmmechanisms, means to lock said alarm-controller in the different positions it may be set, and means to operate said lockingmeans to disengage the alarm-controller, and means to return the alarm-controller to normal position when disengaged and hold it in normal position, substantially as de-v scribed.

29. In a signaling-system, the combination of a plurality of signal-boxes connected by two electric-circuits with a central-station, each signal-box having signalingmechanism including two lcircuit-controllers, one for each circuit, to send a boX- number signal over each circuit, an alarm associated with each bo-X arranged in one of said circuits, an alarm at the central-station arranged in the other circuit, and an alarm-controller at each box having means to variably control the responsive action of said alarms, means toloclz said alarm-controller in the diferent positionsit may be set, and means controlled by the door of the hoX to operate said locking-means to disengage the alarm-controller, and means to return the alarm-controller to normal position when disengaged and to hold it in normal position, substantially as described.

30, ln a signaling-system, the combination of a plurality of stations each having signal formulating mechanism and local alarm mechanism, general alarm mechanism, current supply mechanism, circuits for connecting said various mechanisms, switch-mechanism at each station normally set to adjust the circuits to cause response of all the alarm devices upon actuation of the associated signal formulating mechanism, the switch-mechanism at any station being adapted to be set to adjust the circuits to variably control the responsive action 0f said alarm devices, means to lock said switch-mechanism in the different positions it may be set, means controlled by the door of the box to operate said locking-means to disengage the switch-mechanism, and means to return said switch-mechanism to normal position when disengaged and hold it in normal position, substantially as described.

3l. In a signaling-system, the combination of a general alarm circuit and a local alarm circuit, a plurality of stations, circuitcontrollers at each station in the general alarm and local alarm circuits, respectively, a signal formulating mechanism at each station for operating both circuit-controllers, and non-interference mechanism at each station for preventing interference between signals when the signal formulating mechanisms at a number of stations are operating at the same time, substantially as described.

82. In a signaling-system, the combination of a general alarm circuit and a local alarm circuit, a plurality of stations, circuitcontrollers at each station in the general alarm and local alarm circuits, respectively,

signal formulating mechanism at each station for operating both circuit-controllers, a non-interference mechanism at each station under the control of the general alarm circuit for preventing interference between signals when the signal formulating mechanisms at a number of stations are operating at the said time, substantially as described. 33. ln a signal system, the combination of a general alarm circuit and a local alarm circuit, a plurality of stations, circuit-controllers at each station in the general alarm and local alarm circuits, respectively, a signal formulating mechanism at each station for operating both circuit-controllers, a noninterference mechanism at each station, the general alarm circuit-controllers being subject to the non-interference control of said mechanism, substantially as described.

84E. In a signaling-system, the combination of a general alarm circuit and a local alarm circuit, a plurality of stations, circuitcontrollers at each station in the general alarm and local alarm circuits respectively, a signal formulating mechanism at each station for operating both circuit-controllers, a non-interference mechanism at each station under the control of the general alarm circuit to prevent interference between signals when the signal formulating mechanism at a number of stations are operating at the same time, both the general alarm circuit-controllers and the local alarm circuit-controllers being subject to the non-interference control of said mechanism, substantially as described.

35. In a lire alarm system, the combination of a plurality of non-interference fire alarm signal boxes connected by two electric circuits with a central-station, the signalingmechanism of each of said boxes Aincluding two circuit-controllers, one in each circuit, means for operating the same to send a boxnumber signal over each circuit, an alarm at the central-station arranged in one of said circuits and subject to control of the noninterference mechanism of each signal-box, an alarm associated with each box arranged in the other of said circuits and also subject to the control of said non-interference mechanism, and means at each local-station for variably controlling the responsive action of the said alarms, substantially as described 36. In a signaling-system, the combination of a general alarm circuit including general alarm mechanism and a local alarm circuit including local alarm mechanism, a plurality of stations and circuit-controllers at each station in the general and local alarm circuits respectively, signal formulating mechanism at each station for operating both cuit-controllers, an alarm-controller at each station having means to variably control the responsive action of the alarm mechanism, a non-interference mechanism at each station for preventing interference between signals when the signal formulating mechanisms at a number of stations are operating at the same time, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

NATHAN H. SUREN.

Witnesses CHARLES H. MoUL'roN, EDWARD J. COLEMAN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Gommissioner of latents,

Washington, D. C.

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