US3700830A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic call through test set
Assignee: Bell Canada Inc
•
Filing: 1970-07-07
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Granted: 1972-10-24
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Expires: 1990-07-07
Abstract
Abstract This application discloses a test set for testing the telephone switching equipment at an automatic telephone office. The test set can be connected by patch cords to 20 subscriber lines at the office, and the test set can be set to ''''dial'''' any desired seven figure telephone number. The test set takes each trunk in turn and ''''dials'''' the selected number. Prior to each ''''digit,'''' automatic tests are carried out to check for (a) open loop; (b) open sleeve; and (c) reversed loop. At the completion of the dialing operation i.e. the 7th digit, two further tests are carried out (d) no answer, and (e) slow release. If a fault appears at any test, the test set stops and indicates the faulty trunk and the type of fault. If no fault appears, once one trunk is tested the next trunk is seized and tested. Further, after one set of ''''connectors'''' is tested, the next set of ''''connectors'''' is similarly tested.
Inventors
- 👤 David C Naylor
- 👤 Derek Leyburn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 20:20
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/22; H04M3/26; H04M3/28; H04M3/32; H04M3/323
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
261 words
A test set adapted to test each of a group of serially connected selector devices in a telephone exchange, which devices normally operate to establish a trunk, and comprising: a. connections by which a plurality of selected subscriber''s lines can be connected to the test set; b. automatic pulse generating means arranged to apply to a selected subscriber''s line a series of dialing pulses such as would cause the automatic serially connected selector devices to establish a trunk connection from the said subscriber''s line to a proper termination point; c. switch means in the test set are so interconnected to the said connections that the said plurality of selected subscriber''s lines can be utilized in sequence to call the said termination point; d. automatic switch means; e. said automatic switch means being so interconnected with the said connections and the said switch means that the said plurality of selected subscriber''s lines are used automatically in sequence to call the said termination point; f. fault detection means arranged to carry out at least one test for a particular fault after each group of pulses, denoting a digit, has been transmitted; g. means activated by the fault detection means and effective to arrest the pulse generating means upon the detection of a fault by the fault detection means; and h. switch means by which a holding signal can be applied to the trunk so far established to lock the selector devices in set position; whereby an operator can trace the trunk as established to locate the component giving rise to the said fault.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
261 words
A test set adapted to test each of a group of serially connected selector devices in a telephone exchange, which devices normally operate to establish a trunk, and comprising: a. connections by which a plurality of selected subscriber''s lines can be connected to the test set; b. automatic pulse generating means arranged to apply to a selected subscriber''s line a series of dialing pulses such as would cause the automatic serially connected selector devices to establish a trunk connection from the said subscriber''s line to a proper termination point; c. switch means in the test set are so interconnected to the said connections that the said plurality of selected subscriber''s lines can be utilized in sequence to call the said termination point; d. automatic switch means; e. said automatic switch means being so interconnected with the said connections and the said switch means that the said plurality of selected subscriber''s lines are used automatically in sequence to call the said termination point; f. fault detection means arranged to carry out at least one test for a particular fault after each group of pulses, denoting a digit, has been transmitted; g. means activated by the fault detection means and effective to arrest the pulse generating means upon the detection of a fault by the fault detection means; and h. switch means by which a holding signal can be applied to the trunk so far established to lock the selector devices in set position; whereby an operator can trace the trunk as established to locate the component giving rise to the said fault.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
A test set according to claim 1, and in which: a. a tracing signal source is provided in the test set; and b. switch means in the test set enable the tracing signal to be applied to an established trunk, thereby facilitating tracing of the trunk by the operator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A test set according to claim 2, and in which the said signal is an alternating current tone signal of suitable audible pitch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
A test set according to claim 1, in which: a. a set of calibrated dials is provided; and b. manually operated switch means associated with the dials are interconnected so that the setting of the dials by the operator establishes the digits of a number denoTing the said termination point.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
88 words
A test set according to claim 1, and in which: a. switch means in the test set are arranged to indicate a number which is to serve as the said proper termination point; b. automatic switch means in the test set are arranged to control the said switch means in such a manner that the number indicating the said proper termination point will change in a predetermined manner; whereby the test set is caused to call the said termination point through different routes in the telephone exchange equipment.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
64 words
A test set according to claim 5, in which: a. the number indicating the said proper termination includes both ''''thousand'''' and ''''hundred'''' digits indicating connector groups; b. the said number also includes ''''tens'''' and ''''units'''' groups indicating a responder device; and c. the said variation in the number indicating the said proper termination point is effected by variation of the ''''thousands'''' and ''''hundred'''' digits.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
70 words
A test set according to claim 6, and in which: a. a further switching device is provided; b. this further switching device can be preset to one or more connector groups; c. this further switching device is connected to the said automatic switch means in such a manner that the automatic switch means when changing the number indicating the proper termination point will skip the preset connector group or groups.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
107 words
A test set according to claim 7, and in which: a. a matrix of intersecting columns and rows of holes forms part of the said further switching device; b. electrical contacts are associated with each said hole; c. a plug insertable into any one of the said holes is effective to engage the said electrical contacts; d. the electrical contacts are interconnected with the automatic switching means in such a manner that the automatic switching means when changing the number indicating the proper termination point will skip a connector group uniquely represented by the column and the row containing the hole into which the plug is inserted.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
204 words
A test set according to claim 1, and in which: a. connections are provided by which a plurality of selected subscribers'' lines can be connected to the test set; b. automatic switch means are interconnected with the said connections in such a manner that the said subscribers'' lines are used automatically in sequence to call the termination point; c. switch means in the test set are arranged to indicate a number which is to serve as the said proper termination point; d. further automatic switch means are arranged to cause the number indicated by the said switch means to change in a predetermined manner, so that the test set will call the said termination point through different routes in the telephone exchange equipment; and e. said automatic switch means and the said further automatic switch means are interconnected so that each number is first called on each selected subscriber''s line in sequence, and then after operation of the said further automatic switch means, the next number to be called is called on each selected subscriber''s line in sequence, the operation being repeated until each desired number has been called on each subscriber''s line which is at the time available to accept such a call.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
83 words
A test set according to claim 1, and in which: a. the test set is arranged to test each subscriber''s line before it applies dialing pulses to that line; b. the test set is arranged, when it finds a line to be ''''busy, '''' to skip that subscriber''s line and to proceed to the next subscriber''s line and similarly test that line until a non-busy line is found; and c. the test set is arranged to test the first non-busy line so found.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
83 words
A test set according to claim 9, and in which: a. the test set is arranged to test each subscriber''s line before it applies dialing pulses to that line; b. the test sEt is arranged, when it finds a line to be ''''busy, '''' to skip that subscriber''s line and to proceed to the next subscriber''s line and similarly test that line until a non-busy line is found; and c. the test set is arranged to test the first non-busy line so found.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
146 words
A test set according to claim 1, and in which: a. switch means are provided arranged to apply a holding signal to a selected trunk; b. said switch means are arranged to give a ''''busy'''' signal on the said trunk; c. the test set is arranged to test each subscriber''s line before it applies dialing pulses to that line; d. the test set is arranged when a line is found to be ''''busy'''' to skip that subscriber''s line and proceed to the next line; e. when the test set finds a non-busy line, it proceeds to test that line; whereby, in use of the test set, and operator, having located a faulty trunk, can set the said switch means to apply the holding signal to that trunk, and then reactivate the test set so that it can continue to test other trunks through other subscribers'' lines.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
146 words
A test set according to claim 9, and in which: a. switch means are provided arranged to apply a holding signal to a selected trunk; b. said switch means are arranged to give a ''''busy'''' signal on the said trunk, c. the test set is arranged to test each subscriber''s line before it applies dialing pulses to that line; d. the test set is arranged when a line is found to be ''''busy'''' to skip that subscriber''s line and proceed to the next line; e. when the test set finds a non-busy line, it proceeds to test that line; whereby, in use of the test set, an operator, having located a faulty trunk, can set the said switch means to apply the holding signal to that trunk, and then reactivate the test set so that it can continue to test other trunks through other subscribers'' lines.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
53 words
A test set according to claim 1, and in which: a. a test for ''''open loop'''' between tip and ring is automatically applied to each selected subscriber''s line upon connection thereto; and b. upon such a condition being found, the test set withholds application of the dialing pulses and indicates this faulty condition.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
50 words
A test set according to claim 1, and in which: a. a test for ''''open sleve'''' is automatically applied to each selected subscriber''s line upon connection thereto; and b. upon such a condition being found, the test set witholds the application of the dialing pulses and indicates this faulty condition.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
54 words
A test set according to claim 1, and in which: a. a test for reversed polarity between tip and ring is automatically applied to each selected subscriber''s line upon connection thereto; and b. upon such a condition being found, the test set withholds the application of the dialing pulses and indicates this faulty condition.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
62 words
A test set according to claim 1, and in which: a. a test for the existence of battery potential on ring and ground on tip is automatically applied after each group of dialing pulses is sent; and c. in the absence of such a proper condition, the test set ceases the application of groups of dialing pulses and indicates the faulty condition.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
49 words
A test set according to claim 1, and in which: a. a timing sequence is commenced automatically after sending all the requisite groups of dialing pulses; and b. if the call is not answered within a predetermined time, the test set ceases to step and indicates this faulty condition.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
47 words
A test set according to claim 1, in which: a. a timing sequence is commenced automatically after the call is answered; and b. if ground is not removed from the trunk sleeve within a predetermined time, the test set ceases to step and indicates this faulty condition.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-24 | 1976-04-24 | 1976-10-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-24 | 1980-04-24 | 1980-10-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-24 | 1984-04-24 | 1984-10-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |