Improvements in Printing Telegraphs..
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Aug., 1890-Accepted, 20th Dec., 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Printing Telegraphs..
I, JOHN BYRON ODELL, residing at Chicago, in the County of Cook, in the
State of Illinois, United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby declare the
nature of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN PRINTING TELEGRAPHS," and
in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement :---
The invention relates to recording telegraphs of that class wherein the type at
the receiver are brought automatically into play for printing, under the selective
control of the transmitter. Instead of the step-by-step feed of the cylinder, which
is the familiar and usual movement for directing the type successively into position,
the improvement designs to mount the set of type in a frame or carrier common to
all of them, and by variable shift of such carrier, to advance the selected type at
once and by a single action into proper situation for printing. In keeping with
this general plan for saving time in operation, provision is also made for striking
the type to effect the imprint, returning the carrier frame to normal position and for
the shift of the roll-carriage, the paper sheet, and of the inking ribbon,, auto-
matically, the various parts of the receiver mechanism necessary to these several
movements being brought into orderly action under electric control of the single
main line wire and its adjuncts, which determine primarily, the play of the type-
carrier. In preferred form the receiver resembles the ordinary hand type-writer;
the purpose being to imprint a wide sheet in regular lines and columns instead of
imprinting a narrow strip or fillet as is the common way in the step-by-step
recorder. A single wire in main line circuit serves to transmit the make and break
impulses to the receiving station, such impulses calling into play there, through
suitable means, the local relays that govern the successive and systematic action of
the several machine parts, constituting together the complete receiving instrument.
A number of receivers can be included in the same main circuit, so that by use. of
a single line, messages can be simultaneously sent to widely distant stations and be
recorded there without the presence of operators or attendants. The nature of the
improvements will appear in detail from the description following and be thereafter
more distinctly pointed out by claims at the conclusion thereof.
In the drawings which accompany and form part of the Specification, like
designating characters denote like parts of structure throughout.
Fig. 1 is a general plan view of the transmitter ;
Fig. 2 a view thereof in longitudinal central section ;
Fig. 3 a view in cross-section, at the differentiator and its adjuncts, looking
towards the front;
Fig. 4 a detail view of the centrifugal governor and gear-train for the
differentiator;
Fig. 5 a view of the receiver in front elevation;
Fig. 6 a plan view of the receiver ;
Fig. 7 a general plan view of the parts of the receiver as arranged beneath the
table;
Fig. 8 a view of the receiver in end elevation;
Fig. 9 a detail view of the step-by-step feed mechanism for the carriage;
Fig. 10 a detial view of the striker relay and its adjunct;
Fig. 11 a diagrammatic view of the various receiver parts involved in local and
main line circuits.
The transmitter mounted upon a box-like frame A, and its base B is furnished
with a bank of key levers a pivoted as at 6 in the machine frame and which corre-
spond in number substantially with the different characters to be transmitted. Each

page_text: lever a is furnished at the front with the usual button or key c, carried by an
upright shank d, secured to the lever. The re-action spring e serves to restore the
lever a to position after the button c has been depressed. Each lever-shank d has
a downward extension or tail-piece f, which encounters an upright post or stop 9,
the latter serving to limit the downward play of the shank, and in consequence, of
its key-lever a. In the form shown, the several posts g are threaded to the bar h,
which extends across the machine in fixed relation. The threaded connection of
the several posts g with the bar h, permits each post to be adjusted by means of its
perforated head and a turning pin, so that the posts can be set at different heights
and thus may vary the extent to which the key levers a can be depressed.
A cross-bar C pivotally sustained by the arms k near the sides of the machine
frame, extends beneath the bank of key levers a, and is shifted in turn about its
pivot when any one of such levers is depressed. The extent of shift of the common
cross-bar C, is determined by the contact of the shank terminalf with its stop or
post g, and this manifestly varies in keeping with the height or position of each
stop. At its lower side, the bar C contacts with the heel m of the release guard D;
such guard being pivoted as at n in the base of the machine, and being projected
upwardly therefrom at about the mid-line, through the top or cover.
When the cross-bar C descends in operation, it actuates the heel m and causes
the guard D to rock forward about its pivot n, a definite distance, the extent of
which varies and depends upon the extent of movement of the cross-bar C. The
adjustable coil spring o secured to the guard or finger D, serves to return said finger
to a position of rest, and acts also to lift the cross-bar C after the operator has
released the button c, and the key lever a has been restored to place by the
spring e.
Near the upper end of the finger D, and vibrating for a limited distance across
the path thereof, is the differentiator E, pivotally set as at p upon the machine
cover, and furnished with a sector gear-rim which is in mesh with the pinion r of
a wheel-train s t u, suitably set to rotate under influence of the vibratory movement
of the differentiator E. The arbor a of the train gear u, has a friction wheel w
thereon near its lower end and extends upwardly a distance sufficient to receive and
carry the governor F. The centrifugal governor F is furnished with a sleeve G,
which during rapid rotation of arbor a, is brought to bear frictionally against the
plate H, whereby the revolution of the arbor, and in consequence of the gear train
is controlled. A spring I secured to the differentiator E, tends to draw the free
end of the latter forward when the guard D is out of the way. The governor F
thereupon, serves to modify the action of the retractile spring I, so that the swing
of the differentiator shall be even and regular. An electro-magnet L is conveniently
set upon the machine frame in position to allow its pivoted armature M to vibrate
back and forth in near proximity to the friction wheel w of the gear train. A
spring y holds the armature M normally retracted, so that a pin 2 thereon bears
against the rim of the wheel w, and thus holds the gear train against rotation. A
stem projects from the armature M through bearings in the standard of the electro-
magnet L, and at its back is pivoted to the swinging arm N, which latter, by means
of the spring pawl 2 and ratchet wheel 3, serves to turn the pointer O, step by step,
along the index plate P in keeping with the successive vibrations of the armature M.
A.dog 4 carried at the upper end of the bell crank lever 5, serves to lock the
ratchet wheel 3 against return movement until the pointer O has reached the end of
its traverse over the index plate P. One of the key levers a (360), is secured by link 6
to a terminal of the bell crank lever 5, and on being depressed causes said crank
lever to rock about its pivot, thus releasing the dog 4. The pawl 2 as retracted, is
held free from the ratchet 3 by the guard pin 8, so that the pointer 0 is free to
swing back again to normal position under influence of its recoil spring 7.
The main battery Q which furnishes the electric impulses, proceeding thence to
the receiving station, is grounded on one side as at R, and on the opposite side has
its line wire S branched or divided as shown; one branch 9 being in electric con-
nection with the release finger D, and by contact point thereon, with corresponding

page_text: contact on the differentiator E. The latter in turn is in electric connection with
the other part of the branch 9, and so with the main line S. The branch 10
connects with the contact piece T, and this at proper intervals (by contact
point 11 carried on armature M), completes the circuit to the other side of the
branch 10 and to the main wire S.
A local battery U is in two-fold connection with the electro-magnet L, energized
therefrom; one connection is by wire 13 to the relay L, thence returning by
wires 14, 15, key shank and pintle df, post g and wire 12. This connection is
established on depressing the button c until contact occurs between the pintle and
post g.
The depression of the button c and lever a, causes the release finger D to
be rocked forward about its pivot n a determined distance, which is precisely fixed
by the adjusted position of stop g. At the outset of its movement, the point 16 on
release finger D, lifts away from the spring piece 17, so that the contact 18 thereon
bears against the button 19, thus closing the second circuit between the local
battery U and the electro-magnet L. Such circuit proceeds from battery U at one
side by wire 20 to button 22, thence by armature M and wire 21 to the
contacts 18 19, and so by wire 14 to the electro-magnet L, and by return wire 13,
to the other side of the battery. It is obvious that this second connection between
the battery U and the electro-magnet L, will not be completely established until
after the depression of the key lever a has brought pintle to bear against the
stop g; such contact sensitizes the electro-magnet L through the first local circuit.
The electro-magnet being energized, attracts the armature M, whereupon the second
local circuit is completely established through the connections already traced.
Being once established, the withdrawal of the pintle f from contact with the post g
(due to the return of the key lever a to normal position), will not disturb the
second local circuit, which will continue to energize the magnet L until such time
as the release finger D has been brought to rest by its spring o. At such juncture,
the point 16 on guard D, separates the contacts 18 19, and thus destroys the second
local circuit. The continuance of the electro-magnet L in play during the interval
stated, is important because the armature M of said magnet carries the friction
brake, which bears against the brake-wheel w of the gear train. The slightest
contact of the brake z against said wheel, is sufficient to arrest the movement of the
train and this must not occur during the time that the guard D is travelling to its
normal position of rest.
The several machine parts being at rest (Figs. 1 and 2), the main line circuit
from battery Q stands closed through its branches 9 10 and contact points, so
that the receiver at the distant station is under its control. On depressing any
of the buttons c of the transmitter series, the release finger D begins its forward
travel, disconnecting the branch 9 at the outset. The main circuit however, is,
still maintained through the branch 10 until the release finger D has reached
the limit of its advance, as the same is determined by the contact of pintle f
with its corresponding post g. The moment this contact occurs, the first circuit,
through the local battery U, is established, thus energizing the electro-magnet L
and attracting its armature M against the force of spring y. The shift of the
armature M breaks the remaining branch 10 of the main line circuit, and also
causes the brake-pin z to be withdrawn from its contact against the friction
wheel w.
The main line circuit being now completely open, sets in play at the
distant station a series of movements in the receiving instrument, which will
result in printing there the particular character selected. A corresponding
movement of the transmitter is also developed at this juncture by reason of the
release of the brake-pin z from its contact with the friction wheel w. The
riction wheel being released, there is no longer any impediment to the move-
nent of the differentiator E under influence of its retractile spring I. The
lifferentiator accordingly swings forward, its advance being regulated under
nfluence of the gear wheel train and the governor F. The swing of the
ifferentiator continues until the free end thereof comes to rest against the release

page_text: finger D, at the advance location which the latter has assumed. Immediately that
the differentiator E contacts with the release finger D, the main line circuit is
re-established through the branch 9 so that the further movement of the receiver
at the distant station is arrested. That is to say, the type-bar at the receiving
instrument has been then brought to final position for printing, in manner to be
explained, and the arrest.of the differentiator E by the release finger D, occurs
simultaneously with such final location of the selected type-bar. Immediately that
the forward swing of the differentiator E has been checked by the guard D, the
operator releases the button c which had been previously held depressed, thus
permitting the retractile spring o to restore the guard D to normal position, and
in its return movement to restore also the differentiator E, which travels back
with the guard, the main line circuit being meanwhile maintained intact through
the branch 9. On coming to rest, the lug 16 near the foot of the release finger D,
breaks the contact 18 19 in the local circuit, thereby de-energizing the magnet L
and releasing its armature M so that the second branch 10 of the main line circuit,
is re-established through the contact plate T and point 11 of the armature M. The
machine is now in readiness to transmit the next letter.
The amplitude of the arc described by the differentiator E in its forward
movement about the pivot p, obviously varies according to the position of rest
which is assigned to the release finger D. And the time necessary for the
differentiator E to describe such varying arc, determines obviously the period during
which the main line circuit is completely broken; the contacts T 11, pertaining to
the branch 10, having been separated by the movement of the armature M towards
its electro-magnet L, at the outset of the forward swing of the differentiator E.
Whilst the main line circuit is thus open, the type-carrier at the receiving
instrument has been moving at a corresponding speed to bring the special character
into position which is then next to be printed. Because of the differences in
interval which are allowed to elapse in the breaking of the main line circuit, it is
clear that a variation in movement can be assigned to the type-carrier (more or less
in extent or duration), and sufficient to bring any one character of the series into
proper place for printing. The variation in swing of the differentiator E,
determines therefore primarily, the period during which the main line circuit is
open, and determines thus the extent of swing in the type-carrier at the receiving
station.
The receiver or printing mechanism proper, is suitably mounted upon a base 50,
furnished near its ends with standards 51 to receive the parallel rails 52, whereon
the sleeves 53 of the travelling carriage 54 are sustained. Coil springs 55
encircle the rails 52 at one end and are fastened within the sleeves 53 of the
carriage, by which expedient the travelling carriage is moved laterally across the
'table against the stress of the spring 55.
The roll 54 which carries the paper is journaled in the cross-bars 56 of the
carriage, its trunnion journals being furnished with a square hole to admit the
angular bar 57. The rotation of said bar causes the roll 54 to turn in its journals
independently of the movement of the travelling carriage. Spring clips 58
mounted upon the sleeves 53 of the carriage, retain the paper sheet in position
upon the roll 54. The bar 57 is journalled at its ends in the standards 51, and is
furnished with a feed ratchet mechanism which consists of a loose gear wheel 59
set about a reduced portion of the bar 57 and engaging an upright rack 60, which
extends through the base plate 50 and is actuated at determined intervals by a
suitable electro-magnet H¹, as presently described. Pinned to the side of the
gear wheel 59 is a pivoted pawl 61, which plays into the teeth of a ratchet
wheel 62 secured to the side of a like wheel 63 mounted rigidly upon the bar 57.
The upward movement of the rack 60 causes the pawl 61 to turn the ratchet 62
and wheel 63, and in consequence to turn the bar 57 and the roll 54 a determined
distance corresponding to the space between succeeding lines of the characters to
be printed. The rack 60 carries at its side a dog 64 which, in the upward

page_text: movement of the rack, is thrown into interdental engagement with the wheel 63
thereby locking such wheel and the bar 57 against irregular or excessive rotation.
Through a circular slot 65 in the bed plate 50, extend the type-bar series 67,
the same being sustained in orderly array upon the carrier 66. The individual
type 67 move back and forth in individual ways or slits of the carrier frame, and
are sustained by means of spring arms 68 fastened thereto. The type remain in
retracted position, beneath the upper plane of the base-50 until such time as they
are advanced by the striker in printing. The carrier frame 66 is radially mounted
upon the pivot pin 69, stepped in the brackets 70 above and below the machine bed.
The pin 69 carries a helical spring 71 having its free end adjustably secured as
at 72 in a notch pin on the machine frame. The spring 71 swings the type-carrier
and advances the same until it reaches the position proper for printing the selected
character. Fastened to the pivot pin 69. is the sector plate 73 having a toothed
rim as shown, with which engages the toothed rim of the wheel 74 constituting
one of the gear train 74 75 76, said train being mounted, as shown, between the
bed 50 and bracket 77. The arbor of the train wheel 76 extends upward above
the bracket 77 and carries the governor 78, having friction sleeve 79 thereon,
which latter, under rapid rotation of the governor, is brought to bear against the
overhanging standard 80. The armature 81 of the electro-magnet 80, is pivoted
as at 82, and near its free end carries a contact pintle 83 to bear frictionally
against a brake-wheel 84 secured to the arbor of the gear wheel 76.
Through the medium of the pintle 83, the gear wheel train is held against
movement, and in consequence holds the pivot pin 69 and the type-carrier 66 in
opposition to the stress. of spring 71. The brake 83 is. brought into play not only
when the type-carrier is in normal situation, but also when the carrier has been
shifted to establish the selected type-bar in position for printing.
The return or reverse vibration of the carrier, frame about its pivot pin 69 is
effected through the medium of the armature lever 85; said lever being projected
slightly through a slot in the machine bed 50, and having an extension 86, which
bears against an ear 87 on the sector plate 73. When the electro-magnet 85* is
energized, the armature lever 85 thereof is attracted, and in its advance movement
towards the magnet the extension 86 pushes against the ear 87, thereby causing
the sector plate 73 to swing about its pivot pin 69 and in turn to swing the carrier
frame 66 until the same has been returned to normal position. Obviously this
swinging movement of the carrier frame is effected against the tension of the coil
spring 71, so that the latter is wound during the return movement, and by its
re-action tends to throw the type-carrier forward into position for printing. The
gear wheel train and its governor 78, operate during the to-and-fro swing of the
sector 73 and type-carrier 66, to render the movement thereof moderate and even.
The step-by-step feed of the roll carriage as the printing progresses, is effected
by means of the rack-bar 90 depending at the front from the carriage brackets 56
and below the rail 65. A vibrating latch 91 is thrown in and out, in right line
engagement with the rack 90, and has also a limited sliding play whilst so engaged,
to effect the desired feed of said rack and of the carriage 54.
To this end, the latch 91 has its arbor 92 stepped in a box 93 which moves back
and forth, a slight distance in a slot of the base-plate 50. A pinion 94 on latch-
arbor 92 meshes with a rack 95 set in guide-channels 96 of the box 93, said rack 95
being connected by pitman 97 with the forked end of armature lever 98. When
the armature 98 is drawn towards its relay, the pitman 97 and rack 95 first cause a
partial rotation of pinion 94 thereby vibrating the latch 91 and throwing its
angular end into mesh with rack-bar 90. The rack 95 has now reached the end of
its travel in channel 96, and with the pivot of pitman 97, abuts against box 93.
The further advance of armature 98 compels the box 93 to slide along its
way in
the base-plate 50, the abutting contact of pitman 97, already referred to, securing
such result. The latch 91 necessarily participates in the sliding movement of
box 93, and thus imparts the desired shift to rack-bar 90 and carriage 54. The
pawl 99 drops into the notch of rack-plate 100, secured as shown to the upper

page_text: face of bar 90, and thus holds the carriage 54 against retraction, when latch 91 is
withdrawn. The withdrawal of said latch 91 occurs on release of armature 98,
the movement of the several parts being in reverse to that already detailed. In
other words, the rack-plate 95 and its pitman 97 first rotate the pinion 94 slightly
about, thereby freeing the latch 91, after which the box 93 makes its return slide,
carrying the latch with it, until both come to rest in location proper for the
latch 91 to engage the next notch of the rack-bar 90.
When the roll carriage under successive step-by-step feed has reached the end
of its sidewise travel, and it is necessary to return the carriage to begin the
printing of the next line of characters, it is necessary to release the pawl 99,
which thus far has remained in contact with the rack 100 formed upon the upper
face of the rack-bar 90. Ordinarily the pawl 99, being in mesh with the rack 100,
holds the roll carriage fixedly in place at the point determined by the feed
movement of the dog 91 upon the rack 90. The successive feed advances of the
rack-bar 90, have caused the coil springs 55 of the carriage to become more and
more distended, so that except for the latch-pawl 99, the release of the dog 91
from engagement with the rack 90 would permit the roll carriage to run free to its
normal position. To allow this to occur it is only necessary to provide for the
release of the latch 99, at the finish of the side traverse of the roll carriage. For
this purpose the latch 99 is pivoted to the post 101, and is pinned to the upper
terminal of a rod 102 which is carried by the armatura 103 of an electro-
magnet I located beneath the table 50. When such magnet is sensitized,
it attracts the armature 103, drawing down the rod 102, and so turning
the latch 99 far enough to release the rack 100 therefrom. By such expedient
the roll carriage is free to run under the re-active influence of the
springs 55, whereby the carriage is restored again to normal situation. The
movement of the armature 103, which causes the release of latch 99, as just
explained, serves also to feed the inking ribbon a determined distance. For this
purpose the upright rod 102 extends below the electro-magnet I', and is pivoted to
a ratchet lever 105 which actuates the ribbon reel 106. The ribbon is carried
from the reel 106 and over the guide-rolls 107 set about the level of the machine
bed, and at its opposite end is supported by feed roll 108. The upward movement
of the armature rod 102, turns the ratchet lever 105 a slight distance, thereby
rotating the reel 106 and winding a certain length of the ribbon thereon, which is
fed for that purpose from the companion reel 108. A crank arm at the reel 108,
serves to re-wind the ribbon thereon after the machine has been in play for such
time as to cause the ribbon length to be coiled about the reel 106. The striker for
imprinting the type against the ribbon and paper blank, preferably consists of the
plunger rod 109 secured to the armature 110 of an electro-magnet 111. A coil
spring about the rod 109 and bearing against the armature 110, serves to restore
the latter to position after the clectro-magnet 111 has been de-energized. The
stroke of rod 109 is evenly made against the foot of the type projecting directly
above it. The type being forced upward in its carrier frame against the tension
of its supporting spring, until the impression has been effected.
In the normal situation of its parts, before the receiving instrument has begun
to act, the circuit of the main line from the transmitting station is by wire S to
relay 80, and thence by the opposite branch of wire S and main battery Q¹to
ground. At this juncture the local battery C¹ is established in circuit with the
local relays A¹ B', as follows. From the battery C¹ by wire 150 through relay A',
opposite branch of wire 150, to contact 83, on armature 81 of main relay 80.
Thence by disc 84, against which the contact 83 bears, wire 151 to the binding
screw 152, spring piece 153, contact 154 on armature a¹ of relay A¹, wires 155, 156,
to insulated contact 157 in proximity to the striker relay 111. Except at rare
intervals, as presently described, the contact 157 is at rest against its companion
contact point 158, so that the circuit continues through the latter, and by
wires 159, 160, to contact piece 161 on armature 85 belonging to the carrier
relay 85", which latter accomplishes the return of the type-carrier frame. From

page_text: contact point 161 and binding screw 162, the circuit is by wires 163, 164, 165 to
the screw 166 and contact 167 on armature b¹ of the local relay B₁, and so by
wires 169, 170, through the local relay B₁ and thence by opposite branch 170 and
wire 171 to the battery C¹.
At this stage of rest, it will be seen that the only electro-magnets in active
play, are the relay 80 in the main line circuit and the local relays A¹ B¹. The
other relays, which severally determine the successive movements in proper order,
of the various mechanical parts to accomplish the printing, the feed of the
paper roller, the return of the latter to its extreme position, and its partial
rotation, in readiness to begin the printing of the succeeding line, being then
completely shunted out. This condition continues until the circuit of the
main line has been broken, which break will occur at the transmitter station
when the release finger there located and constituting a part of the transmitter,
has begun its forward travel.
On breaking the main line circuit as indicated, the main relay 80 is at once
de-energized and its armature 81 thereby released, so that contact 83 clears the disc
or brake-wheel 84 interrupting also the circuit through the local battery. C'
heretofore traced, and which included the local relays A' B'. The local relays A¹ B¹
being thus de-energized, release their respective armatures a¹, so that these
latter are withdrawn breaking contacts which they had previously established at
one side, and closing those which are provided at the opposite. The closing of the
new contacts is designed to effect, in the main, the printing of the successive
characters and the step-by-step feed of the roll carriage. But before the printing
can occur, it is necessary that the character selected shall be advanced and brought
to a standstill at a central point beneath the inking ribbon, in position to encounter
the type-striker 109. The advance of the carrier frame 66, which sustains the
printing type, is effected by the recoil of the feed spring 71, as already explained;
and the spring named is permitted to act when the contact piece 83 on main
armature 81, is released from its friction bearing against the disc 84. The release
obviously occurs when the main line circuit is broken at the transmitter station, so
that the gear train (of which the disc 84 forms part) and as well also the type
carrier 66, will continue to rotate under the recoil influence of spring 71, until and
unless the contact point 83 is brought to bear again, as a friction brake upon the
disc 84. It will be noted in passing, that the presence of the gear wheel train tends
to equalize the movement of the type-carrier 66, so that its swing is more uniform
and is more readily under control. The carrier can be stopped at any chosen point
by the slightest contact of the main armature friction point 83 with disc 84. The
frictional arrest of the gear train, and in consequence, of the type-carrier, is effected
instantly on re-energizing the main relay 80, to attract its armature 81. The
re-establishment of the main line circuit, necessary for this purpose, is effected at
the transmitter station when the differentiator E there operating, comes to rest at the
end of its onward swing against the release finger D. Such position or rest varies
as already explained, in keeping with the particular type lever which has been
struck by the operator at the transmitter. Obviously the extent of swing in the
type-carrier at the receiver, depends directly upon the duration of the period that
the main line circuit remains open. It also appears that the swing of the carrier
and the swing of the differentiator at the transmitter are performed simultaneously
and in unison, and that the extent of movement in one corresponds precisely to the
extent of movement in the other.
Being thus dependent upon each other, it is clear that the arrangement of the type
in the carrier-frame, at the receiver, is made to accord exactly with the arrange-
ment of the type-keys at the transmitter; a greater play to the several type-keys
progressively, allowing for an increased amplitude of vibration in the release
finger D and differentiator E, this being reflected in turn at the receiver by a like
progression in the extent of swing allowed to the type-carrier, before its arrest.
is important that the swing of the type-carrier be arrested instantly when the letter
It

page_text: to be printed arrives in central position, proper to meet the stroke of the striker 109;
such stoppage is effectively accomplished by the slightest contact of friction pin 83
on main armature 81 with the disc 84, in the type-carrier train. The selected type-
bar being brought into position for printing, upon closing the main line circuit at
the transmitter, as described, the next step requires the striker 109 to impinge upon
the letter type and thus to imprint the character upon the paper sustained by the
roll 54. The stroke of the plunger 109 for such purpose, results from the attraction
of its armature 110 by the relay 111, and is accomplished against the stress of
spring 300, encircling the plunger 109 so that when the armature 110 is released,
the spring 300 restores the plunger 109 to a position of rest until the next letter in
succession is properly located in readiness for printing.
The closing of the main line circuit to stop the swing of the type-carrier,
preparatory to printing, finds the local relays A'B' still at rest and free from the
influence of the local battery C. But the same movement of the armature 81
belonging to main relay 80, which stops the gear train and with it the type carrier,
establishes the striker relay 111 in the local battery circuit, without as yet
admitting thereto either of the local relays A' B'. Proceeding as before from the
local battery C', the circuit mentioned can be traced by wires 150 and 172 to the
binding screw 173, spring contact.174, wire 175, screw 176, contact 177 on
armature a (relaxed) and so by wire 178 and spring piece 179 on armature 61
(relaxed) to binding screw 180 wires 181 and 150 to friction contact 83 on main
armature 81; thence by disc 84, wires 151, 182, through the striker relay 111 and
so by wires 183 and 155 to the contact point 154 on armature a', proceeding thence
by spring piece 184, wires 185 and 186, to binding screw 187, spring contact 188
and wires 189, 171 to the opposite pole of the battery C¹. In this situation of the
local circuit, it is obvious that the striker armature 110 will advance towards its
relay, causing the plunger 109 to impinge upon the type standing opposite thereto,
and thus to accomplish the imprint. Just as the armature 110 completes its
advance, the tip thereof encounters the spring piece 174, thus breaking the
connection at 173, 174, between the wires 172, 175, of the shunt circuit around the
local relay A¹, so that such relay is at once brought into the circuit which includes
as yet the striker relay 111. For the instant therefore, the circuit may be traced
from battery C¹ by wire 150 and local relay A', through the other branch of
wire 150 to friction contact 83, disc 84, wires 151, 182, striker relay 111, wires 183
and 155, contact 184 on armature a', spring piece 184, wires 185, 186,
contacts 187, 188 and by wires 189 and 171 to opposite pole of battery C. The
moment the local relay A' becomes sensitized, its armature a¹ is attracted, thus
breaking the upper contacts thereof, viz.: 177 176 and 184 154, and advancing to
establish the lower contacts 177 190 and 154 153. The break of the upper
contacts 177 176, opens the shunt circuit around the relay A¹ at an additional
point, which will continue to remain open even though the contacts 174 173, at the
striker relay 111 and pertaining to the same shunt circuit, are closed again. By
which expedient, the de-magnetization of relay A', which would otherwise occur on
closing contact at 173 174, is prevented. The breaking of the remaining
contact 184 154 on the upper side of the armature a', establishes the following local
circuit, to-wit-From battery C¹ by wire 150, through relay A¹ opposite branch
wire 150, friction contact point 83, disc 84, wires 151 182, striker relay 111,
wires 183 156 contacts 157 158, wires 159 160, contacts 161 162, wires 163 164 193,
relay 85, by opposite branch wire 193, wire 169, to contacts 167 168, wires 194 186,
contacts 187 188, wires 189 171, to battery C¹. This provision causes the local
relay A¹ to be maintained in circuit so as to attract its armature a during the
interval which must elapse before the lower contacts of said armature
established. The advance of the armature a¹ towards its relay A', establishes
eventually the lower spring contacts 154 153 and 177 190, and also the stop
contact 196 197. When the spring contact 154 153 is effected, the result will be
to shunt the striker relay 11; the circuit for such purpose being traced from
are

page_text: battery. C¹ by wire 150 through relay A¹ and opposite branch 150, friction.
contact 83, disc 84, wire 151, screw 152, spring contact 153 154, wires 155.156,
contacts 157 158, wires 159 160, screw 161 on armature 85, contact point 162,
wires 163 164 193, relay 85%, wires 193 169, contacts 167 168 at armature b¹,
wires 194 186, contacts 187 188, wires 189 171 to battery C. On establishing the
second of the lower contacts, to-wit 177 190 pertaining to the armature a¹, provision
is made for maintaining the circuit through the relay A', even though the
contact 83 84 at the main relay 80, is broken, which latter contingency is about to
occur. The breaking of the friction contact 83 84, is necessary in order to release
the gear train and thus to permit the return swing of the type-carrier. To break
the friction contact named, requires that the main relay 80 be de-energized, which
result is accomplished by shunting the main line circuit around said relay 80, on
contact of the point 97 in armature a', with the stop screw 196. The main line
circuit then proceeds by wire S from the transmitter station, wire 195,
contacts 196 197, wire 198, contacts 199 200 at relay B¹, wires 201, S, to battery Q.
and ground.
The release of the main armature 81 thus effected, opens the friction contact 83 84.
The local relay A' is thereupon kept in circuit as follows, to wit:-From battery C'
by wire 150, through relay A¹ thence by wire 181, contacts 180 179 at relay B¹,
wire 178, contacts 177 190, wires 191 155 156, contacts 157 158, wires 159 160,
contacts 161 162, wires 163 164 193, relay 85° opposite branch of wire 193,
wire 169, contacts 167 168, wires 194 186, contact 187 188, wires 189 171 to
battery. C¹.
From the foregoing it appears that the main line circuit remains unbroken, being
shunted merely into a new path which does not include the relay 80. The meeting
of contact 197 on armature a¹ with the stop contact 196 beneath, serves to
de-energize the main relay 80, but before this is finally effected, the advance shift
of the armature a¹ has diverted the current from the local battery C¹ through a
shunt circuit which includes the carrier relay 85". So far as such relay 85ª becomes
energized, the tendency must be to attract its armature 85, whereby the
contact 161 162 thereon may be prematurely broken and the shunt circuit referred
to, destroyed. Notwithstanding this risk, the local relay A will still be maintained
in circuit, the current being merely diverted through another path which includes
the feed relay T¹. Thus if we conceive the contact 161 162 to be opened, the
circuit will be traced as before to the switch piece at striker relay 111, then by
wires 159 and 192 through the feed relay T¹ opposite branch of wire 192,
wires 165 193, carrier relay 85*, and so by opposite branch 193 in course already
described.
At this stage in operation, the printing of the character has been accomplished
and the carrier train stands released in readiness to be reversed, during which period
also the roll carriage is to be fed or advanced step by step a single space. The
carrier relay 85 and the feed relay T' are now in circuit with the local relay A¹,
and begin at once to effect the movements just stated. The armature 85 of the
carrier relay 85, being drawn towards said relay, its upper extension 86 (Fig. 6)
thrusts against the ear 87 on sector plate 73, swinging the latter about its axle 69
and thus reverting the carrier frame 66 and re-winding its spring 71. The gear
train 74 76, together with its governor, revolve freely at this juncture and insure
regularity of movement. Just before the armature 85 completes its advance
towards the carrier relay 85, the heel 301 of said armature, lifts the spring piece 188
from its contact 187, thus breaking the shunt which had before existed around the
local relay B', and admitting said relay into the same circuit with the companion
relay A. The admission of the local relay B' effects the advance shift of its
armature and this in turn breaks the main line shunt around the relay 80, so that
the latter is re-energized, attracting its armature 81 and causing the friction
contact 83 to bear upon the disc 84, thus holding the gear train and the type-
carrier in readiness to be tripped for printing the next letter. As will presently
B

page_text: appear, the advance shift of armature b¹ towards its relay B¹, shunts out the carrier
relay 85, so that armature 85 is withdrawn closing the contact 161 162 again, thus
shunting out the feed relay T¹. The shift of the armature 85, throws its extension 86
from the path of lug 87 on sector 73, so that there is no obstruction to the free
swing of the carrier frame in moving forward to print the next letter. During the
interval that the armature 85 is effecting its vibration to and from the carrier
relay 85, the feed relay T¹ is in play to accomplish the step-by-step movement of
the roll carriage. We have already seen that the feed relay is energized,
practically, at the same moment with the carrier relay 85. Accordingly the feed
armature 98 is drawn to the relay T¹, thereby shifting the rack 95 in its box 93,
turning the pinion 94 and dog 91, which latter, engaging the rack-bar 90, propels
the roll carriage a single step forward against the tension of its springs 55. During
the first part of the advance of armature 98 towards the carrier relay T¹, the
pinion 94 is shifted a slight distance so as to throw the dog 91 into rack-bar 90.
During the latter part of such advance, the rack-plate 95 or head of link 97, abuts
against the end bearing on box 93, moving such box bodily and causing the dog 91
to pull the roll carriage a single step. A stop 401 (Fig. 11) limits the lateral shift
or throw of box 93 so as to make the latch 91 mesh accurately with rack 90. When
the armature 98 drops away from its relay T', the pinion 94 is first turned by the
rack-plate 95, the dog 91 clearing the rack-bar 90, after which the further reversal
or armature 98 forces the pinion box 93 back again, so that the dog 91 is in position
to engage the rack-bar 90 for the next feed. Whilst the latch 91 is acting as just
detailed, in connection with rack-bar 90 to advance the carriage 54, the rack-
plate 100 on the upper face of said bar 90 is riding beneath the spring pawl 99, to
alternately raise and release the dogging end of said pawl. Such movement of.
pawl 99 is imparted in turn by rod 102 and ratchet lever 105 to ribbon reel 106,
which thereupon shifts the inking ribbon slightly, and presents a fresh surface
thereof for each succeeding letter in printing.
The several working parts are now restored to normal position; the main relay 80
being in closed circuit which is also true of the local relays A¹ B¹. A succession
of letters having been printed and spaced by the break and make of the main
circuit at the transmitter, the roll carriage at the receiver is finally advanced step
by step to the extreme limit of its outward travel. It then becomes necessary to
release the spring pawl 99 which dogs the rack 100 (sustained by the roll carriage),
so that the spring 65 may return the carriage to the opposite end and the roller
thereon be slightly rotated a distance sufficient to allow for printing the next
succeeding line.
To effect these movements, one of the type-bars 302 on the carrier frame 66, is
furnished with a toe 303 extending laterally therefrom beneath the switch
springs 304, which carry the contact points 157. On shifting the carrier frame in
the usual fashion, by breaking the main circuit at the transmitter, the type-bar 302
is eventually brought to a central location, and the plunger 109 is advanced against
said bar, as if for printing. Obviously, a key-lever as at 360 in the bank at the
transmitting instrument, is selected to accomplish such shift of the carrier frame and
serves to bring the modified type-bar to position, the same as if it were to print.
When the key 360 at the transmitter is struck, its lever a not only acts to break
the main line circuit, but through the link 6 and bell crank lever 5 withdraws the
pawl 4 from ratchet wheel 3, so that the pointer O is released, and under influence
of its spring 7, swings freely back to its normal position. During the occurrence
of this movement, the type-carrier at the receiving instrument has acted to present
the modified type-bar directly opposite the plunger 109. The rise of the
plunger 109 against the bar 302, causes the toe piece 303 to lift the springs 304,
thus breaking the contacts 157 158. The break at said contacts shunts into the
circuit of the local battery C', the relays H¹ I', controlling respectively the rotation
of the paper roller and the release of the pawl trigger 99 at the roll carriage.
That is to say, on break at the contact 157 158, the local circuit after leaving the

page_text: plunger relay 111, passes by wires 183 155 and 320, through roller relay H¹, thence
by wires 321 and 322, through ratchet relay I¹ and so by wires 323 159 and 160 to
contacts 161 162, wires 163 164 165, contacts 166 167, wires 169 170, local relay B¹
opposite branch of wire 170, and wire 171 to battery C₁. By such connections the
roller relay H and the ratchet relay I' are brought into action simultaneously, the
first causing the carriage roll 54 to turn upon its axle 57 a distance equal to one
line in printing, and the second causing the pawl 99 to release the ratchet 100, so
that the carriage is free to run under recoil tension of its springs 55. The advance
of the plunger 109 to actuate the modified type-bar 302, must ultimately cause the
trip 110 carried by said plunger, to prematurely open the contact 173 174, which
is depended upon to energize the local relay A'. To avoid this, it will be seen that
the toe 303 of the type-bar 302, in lifting the spring piece 304, brings the latter
finally against the fixed stop 305, which prevents the further rise of type bar 302
and checks also the advance of plunger 109 before the tip of armature 110 can open
the spring contact 173 174. A sufficient interval having elapsed to insure the turn
of the roller and the return of the roll carriage, the operator at the transmitter
station touches another special key as at 362, or a simple switch there located,
which serves merely to open the main line circuit. The opening of the main line
circuit de-energizes the relay 80 at the receiver, and this in turn breaks the local
circuit passing through the relay 111 at friction contact 83 and 84. Plunger 109
thereupon drops away, releasing type-bar 302 and clearing the path of the carrier
frame and at the same time restoring contacts 157 158 to cut out the relays H' I¹.
The carrier frame being now free to resume its swing, does so until it reaches the
end of its travel. On arriving there, the main line is again closed at the trans-
mitter, which brings the receiver relay 80 into play, thus establishing the circuit
through the relay 111 and causing said relay to repeat its movement as in
the act of printing. Manifestly the same special key 362 at the transmitter, may
be used to open the main line circuit for the purpose of bringing the feed relay T
successively into play, as in the act of printing, so that the roll carriage can be fed
step by step to make a blank spacing.
In addition to the special type-bar 302, which lifts both of the spring pieces 304
carrying the contacts 157, there is provided another special type-bar 306 (Fig. 7)
having a toe piece 307 thereon similar to the toe 303 but shorter, the purpose being
that it shall contact with only one of the spring pieces 304, namely that which
serves as a shunt switch to the roller relay H'. This second type-bar is con-
trolled from the transmitter by a special key 361 there provided, and constituting
one of the series or bank at the instrument. On being brought into play, the roller
relay H is admitted into circuit with the plunger relay 111, whilst the ratchet
relay I' is excluded. By such expedient the roller is caused to turn a space equal
to the width between the lines without returning the carriage.
Note: It will be noted that in the operation of the instruments, the main line
circuit stands normally closed and the action of the receiver is made to depend upon
the length of time which supervenes between the opening and closing of such
circuit at the transmitter. It must be understood however, that the invention is
not limited to such electrical condition of the main line, since it is obvious that by
inverting the operative arrangement of certain of the relay contact points to
effectively employ the transmitter and receiver in connection with a main circuit
which stands normally open: the action of the receiver in such case, depending
upon the length of time which supervenes between the closing and opening of the
main line circuit, instead of vice versa.
Other means than the particular forms of mechanical structure herein described
may be used to advantage in carrying out the general features of invention, which
is not limited to the details set forth, but includes the equivalents thereof such as
are within the skill of the mechanic to employ.
By reason of the peculiar structure and organization of the several machine
parts hereinbefore detailed, it appears that the movements of the type carrier "and

page_text: the receiver, are synchronous with and are definitely determined by the movement
of the transmitter parts that come into play to vary the periods during which the
condition of the main line circuit stands changed or reversed. The circuit control
mechanism at the transmitter is actuated by any of the series of character keys, and
each key when in operation fixed the release guard or travelling adjuster common
to all of the keys, in a special location, distinctively assigned to such key only. It
is by reason of the different situations at which the adjuster can be set that corre-
sponding periods in time ensue before the line circuit is restored to normal through
the operations of the differential mechanism. The different periods of time which
elapse before such normal condition is resumed, suffice to secure the various move-
ments of the type-carrier at the receiver. The duration or extent of such move-
ment in the carrier enables any desired letter to be brought to position for printing,
and after such operation has been effected, the carrier returns to its place,
immediately after the normal circuit has been re-established in the main line, and
ordinarily during the return of the control mechanism at the transmitter to a state
of quiet.
In lieu of a single guard or adjuster common to all of the finger-keys, and which
is made to assume different positions thereby, it is obvious that a series of guard-
pins equal in number to the number of keys and each actuated separately by its
own individual key, may be employed, and be projected at will into the path of the
circuit closer or differentiator; the places taken by the guard-pins severally, corre-
sponding with the positions assigned seriatim to the common adjuster under influence
of the key series.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that "what I
claim is:
1. In printing telegraphs, the combination at the transmitter with a circuit-
control mechanism for changing the normal condition of the main line circuit and for
keeping such circuit in its changed condition temporarily, of a series of keys each
arranged to variably operate the circuit-control mechanism, and a differentiating
mechanism arranged to restore the main circuit to normal condition at the ends of
various periods during which such condition remains changed or reversed, substan-
tially as described.
2. In printing telegraphs, the combination with the receiver having a shifting
type-carrier, of a transmitter for determining the movement of said carrier, the
same comprising a control mechanism for changing the normal condition of the main
line circuit and for maintaining such circuit in its changed condition temporarily,
and having a travelling adjuster, a series of keys each arranged to operate the
circuit-control mechanism and to variably position the adjuster thereof, and a
differential mechanism arranged to restore the normal condition of the circuit after
the various periods have elapsed during which such condition remains changed or
reversed, substantially as described.
3. In printing telegraphs, the combination at the receiver, with the printing
mechanism, of the swinging type-carrier under electric control from the main line
circuit, substantially as described.
4. In printing telegraphs, the combination with a main line, and with a receiver
comprising a movable type-carrier, of a transmitter for determining the movement
of said type-carrier, comprising mechanism for reversing the normal condition of the
main line circuit as for example by opening said circuit if normally closed, and
differential mechanism for restoring the normal condition of said circuit, as for
example, by closing the same at the ends of different periods of time after said first
mechanism has been brought into action, and a series of keys for bringing said
above-mentioned mechanisms into operation, substantially as described.
5. In printing telegraphs, the combination at the transmitter, of suitable
mechanism for changing the condition of the main line circuit, the same comprising

page_text: a shifting differentiator, a release guard therefor, and a series of adjustable key
fingers to variably control the range of travel of the release guard, substantially as
described.
T11
Vitnesses:
JAMES HARVEY PEIRCE.
GEO. P. FISHER, Jr.
JOHN BYRON ODELL.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.