IMPROVEMENTS IN PRODUCING ELECTRIC SIGNALS, FIRES, AND LIGHTS, AND IN THE APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN
Year: 1875

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn
Fields, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN PRODUCING ELECTRIC SIGNALS, FIRES, AND LIGHTS,
AND IN THE APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN." -A communication from
by abroad Francois Ernest de Mersanne, of Paris, in the Republic of
France.
Scaled the 28th September 1875, and dated the 7th August 1875.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 7th August 1875.
I, JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN PRODUCING ELECTRIC SIGNALS, FIRES,
AND LIGHTS, AND IN THE APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN," a communication to
me from abroad by Francois Ernest de. Mersanne, of Paris, in the
Republic of France, to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to the production of electric lights to be
employed in signalling and to the apparatus employed therefor, and
A

page_text: national maritime code of signals.
To effect this object electric lights are employed, the positions of.
which vary in relation to a fixed centre light, and among the various
arrangements which may be produced by combining them, viz., 2 to 2,
3 to 3, 4 to 4, &c. For example, take the 18 fundamental characters of
the international code, viz., B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S,
T, V, W, although any other system of characters may be employed
without affecting the principle of the Invention.
Arrange five electric lamps (for example) one below the other, so as to
conform to the order for day signals. The middle lamp No. 3 remaining
always lighted serves as a red permanent light during the exhibition of
signs or characters, and white between two signals the lamps 1, 2, 4, and
5, showing white lights one by one, two by two, three by three, or all
four at once, according to the signal desired.
The apparatus employed to complete what is termed a set of signals
consists of a distributor, or divider a commutator, and the lamps
arranged as above described or otherwise.
To cause several lamps to act at once by means of a single current
emanating from a single generator of electricity, the lamps are con-
structed as herein-after described in such a way as that one of the
electrodes is animated by a rapid vibratory motion, in such a manner
that if the electrodes are in the illuminating current a spark will be
produced at each contact. To obtain these vibrations one of the
electrodes of the lamps is fixed upon a rod or stem connected with the
armature of an electro-magnet traversed by the circuit of a small battery
(herein called the motive battery), the vibrations of which electrode
produce the sparks from the breaks of contact in the electrodes which
arc traversed by the illuminating current generated by a separate and
distinct battery.
In order that two lamps may never vibrate together it is necessary to
divide a motive current of feeble intensity, and to produce in cach of
the lamps sparks which never appear simultaneously, and consquently
the sparks from breaks of contact present an intensity in proportion to
the integral energy of the current of the generator.
The distributing or dividing apparatus consists of a cylinder of wood
or hardened india-rubber mounted upon a metal spindle and rotating in

page_text: suitable bearings; this cylinder carries a number of pieces of metal,
according to the number of different directions it is desired to send
currents, say six for example, each formed with two projecting arms or
pallets, and arranged in six planes 'forming equal angles between them,
which pallets as they rotate dip into a number of small cups or troughs
insulated from one another and containing mercury or an amalgam.
Each time any one of the arms or pallets of the star wheel formed at
one end of the cylinder by the pieces of metal attached thereto dips into
the mercury contained in the end cup or trough connected with the
battery, the arm formed on the opposite end of such piece of metal will
likewise dip into the mercury in one of the other cups which are con-
nected with the commutator. In this manner if the current to be
directed be inducted into the end trough, six currents will be distributed
intermittently, resembling more nearly a continuous current, in pro-
portion as the speed of rotation of the star wheel is increased.
When the number of arms on the star wheel does not exceed twelve,
only one arm at a time dips into the mercury contained in the cup or
trough in connection with the battery, but when the current has to be
directed along a greater. number of conductors the following arrange-
ment is adopted :-One of the arms of each of the insulated pieces of
metal forming the star wheel is made to pass through a small globule of
mercury lubricated with oil or glycerine, and placed in a cavity formed
at the extremity of a copper rod and amalgamated internally: In this
case the arms or pallets may be rotated at any desired speed without any
disturbance being apprehended.
The cavity in which the globule of mercury is deposited is in electrical
communication with the battery, and connected by a channel with a
reservoir filled with mercury, a pump arrangement being provided to
enable the height of the globule to be regulated and the loss of mercury
(if any) to be compensated for. A cover or plug closes the reservoir
hermetically so as to prevent the movement of communicating receptacles,
and a screwed rod is provided to intercept or cut off the communication
between the globule and the reservoir when desired. A trough or basin
is provided containing a small quantity of glycerine which surrounds
the mercury through which the arms or pallets pass for the purpose of
preventing the mercury from adhering to the said arms or pallets. In
this arrangement several of the arms or pallets formed at one end of the
A 2

page_text: pieces of metal which form the star wheel may dip simultaneously into
the mercury of their respective cups or troughs, but never more than
one of the other series of arms formed on the opposite ends of metal
pieces dip into the globulé of mercury at one time.
According to another arrangement two springs are substituted for the
globule of mercury, the pressure of which against one another is
regulated by a right and left handed screw, between which springs the
arms or pallets of the star wheel pass; in like manner all the cups or
troughs of the apparatus previously described may be replaced by
similar springs. The friction of the arms or pallets between the springs
which offers a certain resistance to the working of the apparatus, may
be diminished by providing each branch of the springs with a series of
small rings acting as rollers, between which the arms or pallets pass.
According to another arrangement a metal spindle is substituted for
the bard india-rubber spindle previously described, and the star wheel
may be replaced by a disc immersed in the mercury or passed between
springs, as last described, the contact blades being screwed or otherwise
secured to the spindle in their proper position.
The commutator is composed of a wooden stand, upon which are
mounted three cylinders arranged side by side, or otherwise, and
capable of being rotated on their axes by means of handles. These
cylinders carry pieces of copper arranged so as to establish with the
springs against which they rub, the contacts serving to distribute the
intermittent currents furnished by the distributor to the lamps, as
required.
The apparatus may be constructed in such a manner as only to
receive from the distributor three distinct motive currents, and to dis-
tribute them among the six lamps composing a set of signal lights to
the three necesary to form the required signal.
The three currents enter the commutator from the distributor, herein-
before described, by three studs or buttons, and pass along wires
arranged on the interior of the stand to the springs, with which they
communicate; then according to the position given to the cylinders, they
pass by the mediation of other springs or contact makers to three other
buttons or studs, communicating with the lamps, by which the required
signal is to be given, and in the electrodes of which they produce the
vibratory motion; they then return by three other buttons or studs

page_text: into the commutator, and pass through the springs and contact makers,
corresponding to the three buttons, thence to the battery which generates
the motive current.
The two outer cylinders through which the currents pass to and
from the lamps, are capable of occupying five or more different positions
according to the number of lamps comprising the set of signals, whilst
the third central cylinder is capable of occupying three different
positions.
.
The cylinders are maintained in any desired position by stops or
recesses formed in the circumference of a disc fixed on each of the
spindles of the cylinders, and with which stops a spring roller engages.
One of the outer cylinders is provided with five sets of contact makers,
and works the lamps 4, 1, and 5, by its five positions, three of which
allow the currents to pass, and the two others intercept them. The
same arrangement applies to the other outer cylinder which works the
lamps 4, 2, and 5. The third or central cylinder of the commutator
only takes three positions and works the lamp No. 3, white, by
extinguishing all the others. The lamp No. 3, white, is extinguished by
allowing the currents of the other lamps to pass. The third position
of the central cylinder opens all the circuits and extinguishes all the
lights.
In lieu of the commutator last described an apparatus, which the
Inventor terms an intercepting commutator, may be employed, in which
case the motive current should first be distributed in as many distinct
currents by the distributing or dividing apparatus as there are lamps
to light or capable of being lighted at will, so that this apparatus is
simply interposed in each of the circuits of the divided currents so as
to intercept them or allow them to pass as required.
This apparatus is composed of a wooden stand, inside which the con-
ducting wires are arranged in the same manner as in the commutator
before described. A cylinder of wood or of any other suitable non-
conducting substance is arranged to rotate upon suitable supports fitted
upon the stand, such rotation being imparted by means of a handle
which is capable of being fixed in any desired position, according to the
signal to be given. Upon the surface of this insulating cylinder there
are fixed rectangular pieces of metal, analogous to those of the dis-
tributing cylinder herein-before described. Underneath the cylinder a

page_text: a vibratory motion is imparted by means of an electro-magnet communi-
cating with the commutator before described in the circuit of the
divided currents issuing from the single current produced by the motive
battery which is solely employed for working or magnetizing all the
electro-magnets of the lamps. In each lamp the moveable electrode
gives as many vibrations as its electro-magnet receives emissions of
current from this battery. The lamps are provided with a metal base
carrying a bracket, to the upper end of which is attached a stationary
electrode holder which is insulated from the bracket and connected by a
conducting wire to the battery which generates the illuminating current.
The lower and moveable electrode holder is hinged to a bifurcated
bracket fixed to the base of the lamp, in which bracket it is caused to
vibrate by the alternate action of a spring and one or more electro-
magnets acting on an armature at the lower end of the electrode holder,
which electro-magnets are connected with and controlled by the com-
mutator herein-before described. The electrodes, which may be composed
of platinum or other suitable metal or of carbon, as found desirable,
may be held in their holders by means of tightening screws which press
the segments of split tubes so as to cause them to press upon the
electrodes and hold them firmly in their holders, or by any other
suitable means.
If desired, both electrodes may be caused to vibrate by providing
magnets for that purpose and arranging them in any suitable way.
In applying the distribution of the electric light for ordinary lighting
purposes the flashing produced by the sparks at the break of contact
may be rendered almost nil without having recourse to increasing the
speed at which the distributing apparatus rotates. Suppose, for instance,
that a hundred lights are to be produced, the lamps herein-before
described will enable two magneto-electric machines to be employed,
fifty lamps being acted upon by one and fifty by the other; or a double.
mechanical arrangement may be employed in the lamp, consisting of
two distinct pairs of electrodes insulated from one another and placed
one on each of the circuits of the currents from the two magneto-·
electrical machines. The distributor being arranged or set in such a
manner that a vibration shall commence in one pair of electrodes before
the other pair has ceased to vibrate, and so as not to cease until after the
other has recommenced, the sparks will be combined in such a manner
that instead of being successive they become partially overlapping, and

page_text: the moment of darkness produced in the succeeding intervals will cease
as well as the flashing consequent upon it. This arrangement gives the
sume result as if there were two distinct lamps side-by-side-acting
separately with two lighting currents emnating from two different
sources, and each having its own source, but set in motion by divided
motive currents emanating from one and the same source.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 7th February 1876.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex, Gentleman, send greeting.
''
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Seventh day of August, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, in the 39th
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said John Henry Johnson, Her special license that
I, the said John Henry Johnson, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said John Henry Jolinson, my executors,
administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
PRODUCING ELECTRIC SIGNALS, FIRES, AND LIGHTS, AND IN THE APPARATUS
EMPLOYED THEREIN," a communication to me from abroad by François
Ernest de Mersaune, of Paris, in the Republic of France, upon the
condition (amongst others) that I, the said John Henry Johnson, my
executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my
hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be
performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date
of the said Letters Patent.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Henry Johnson, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying
Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to
say:-
The said Invention relates to a process and apparatus for producing
signals, fires, or lights of any description by means of electricity, and
among other applications the apparatus is particularly adapted for the
production of night signals in accordance with the current regulations of
the international maritime code of signals.
The apparatus consists of a divider or distributor, manipulator, or
a commutator and lamps.
In order to cause several signal lights to act simultaneously by means
of the electric light furnished by a single current emanating from a
single generator of electricity lamps are constructed, one of the electrodes
of which has imparted to it a rapid vibratory motion in such a manner
that a spark will be produced at each interruption of the contact. In
order to obtain these vibrations one of the electrodes is fixed upon a rod
or stem connected with the armature of an electro-magnet, which is
traversed by the circuit of a current taken or derived from the
illuminating current, or supplied by a small battery, and designated the
motive current; it is simply necessary therefore to divide or distribute a
motive current of feeble intensity in order that two lamps may never
vibrate together, and in order to produce in cach of them successively
sparks which never appear simultaneously, and consequently the intensity
of the sparks produced by the interruptions of contact is in proportion to
the integral energy of the current of the generator.
And in order that the said Invention may bé fully understood, I shall
now proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose
shall refer to the several Figures on the annexed Sheets of Drawings, the
same letters of reference indicating corresponding parts in all the corre-
sponding Figures.
The distributing apparatus or divider is represented in Figures 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, and 6, Sheet 1, of the accompanying Drawings; it is constructed
and arranged to send two consecutive currents into each lamp with two

page_text: electro-magnets, but it can also be used for lamps with a single electro-
-magnet-and-counter-spring.
The apparatus is composed of a distributing -drum A, shewn in
Figures 1, 2, and 3, on the cylindrical portion of which there are
provided copper blades, which as the drum rotates work in frictional
contact with springs B. In the example of apparatus shewn in Sheet 1
108 blades are employed. The drum is composed of two discs A and A',
Figure 3. 54 of the blades are placed on the circumference of one of
them and 54 upon the other at an equal distance apart; these two
discs are then brought together in such a manner that the blades of the
onc enter the intervals between the blades of the other, so that two
consecutive blades are in very close proximity and at a slightly greater
distance from the next two following ones. The first blade of each pair
of blades in passing before the friction springs B will produce the
contact in a lamp, and the next blade following will produce the break
of contact in the same lamp. Each of these 108 blades is soldered to a
copper wire C, which is likewise soldered at its other extremity to one.
of a series of rings D fixed on the common arbor E which turns with
the drum or cylinder. There are 108 of these rings insulated from one
another. Each ring is provided with a swell F for producing the
contact, and the whole forms together a helical curve or twist upon the
arbor. This arbor is formed of a long metal tube to avoid distortion,
and is covered with a wooden jacket or covering; it is actuated by hand
or by the motor.
The 108 rings before mentioned work in frictional contact with 108
copper pieces G supported on springs H, Figure 4, which form a bed,
and are connected by a binding screw to a wire in such a manner that
to any lamp provided with two electro-magnets there shall correspond
two wires for transmitting the motive current, a short spring, and a long
spring, and a single return wire corresponding to the two electro-
magnets.
The divider or distributor shewn in the Drawing is constructed to
work nine lamps. As there are 108 contacts 54 emissions of light for
every revolution of the drum would be produced at the rate of two
vibrations per lamp, only one vibration producing the light if there is
but one lamp, or six vibrations for each lamp if there are nine lamps for
one revolution of the drum.

page_text: By working the apparatus, for example, at the rate of one revolution
in two seconds three emissions of light per lamp and per second is
obtained, which speed is adapted for the lights which require to flash
intermittently; this speed may however be varied, according to the
nature of the lights or signals which it is desired to produce.
By working the apparatus, for example, at the rate of one revolution
in two seconds three emissions of light per lamp and per second is
obtained, which speed is adapted for the lights which require to flash
intermittently; this speed may however be varied, according to the
nature of the lights or signals which it is desired to produce.
In using lamps provided with a single electro-magnet and a counter-
spring, double the number of lamps may be employed for the same
number of emissions of light.
Figure 7 represents a modified arrangement of spring which produces
an excellent contact, and may be advantageously substituted for the
arrangement shewn in Figure 4, when the contact pieces employed are
less in number and arranged at a greater interval apart. This modifi-
cation consists of a segment of a copper ring I, one-third of the ring
having been cut away soldered underneath to a rod J, which supports it
in a piece of wood K provided for the purpose. In this copper segment
there is fixed a spring L, which is capable of being flexed to a con-
siderable degree without distortion, thus forming an excellent support
for the contact makers.
Figure 8 represents a rubber or contact maker with multiple rollers,
which may be substituted for the rubber or contact maker B with
multiple blades, Figures 1 and 5, and which works satisfactorily,
especially at the low speed of rotation of one revolution in two seconds;
Figure 6 represents the contrivance marked M, Figures 1 and 2, and
which simply serves to hold together the bundles of wire on leaving the
drum.
Figures 9 and 10, Sheet 1, illustrate a modification of the divider or
distributing apparatus herein-before described. This arrangement consists
of a cylinder N of wood or hardened india-rubber, mounted on an
arbor O, rotating in bearings P. The cylinder carries 27 metal rods Q,
dipping respectfully at one end into the 27 troughs of mercury,
numbered from 1 to 27, Figure 9, and which rods pass along the cylinder
and terminate at the drum or disc R, where they project at its cir-
cumference to a certain extent. The latter extremities of the rods Q
which form the arms of the star wheel R come in contact during its
rotation with two springs S and T, the pressure of which against one
another is regulated by the screw U with threads in contrary directions,
the arms of the star wheel R, the number of which may be increased

page_text: as desired, passing between the two springs S, T. It is obvious that
similar springs may be substituted for the troughs of the apparatus:-
By providing small rollers at the extremities of the spring $ and T
the friction resulting from the incessant passage of the arms of the star
wheel may be considerably reduced.
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, Sheet 2, of the accompanying Drawings
illustrate a distributing manipulator or commutator constructed and'
arranged according to this Invention, this apparatus is composed of a
wooden stand M, upon which are mounted three cylinders A, B, C, capable
of being rotated on their axes by means of crank handles and carrying
pieces of copper or contact makers, arranged as shewn in the planes of
the peripheries, Figures 5, 6, and 7, and which by means of springs
placed opposite to them serve to distribute to the lamps required the
apportioned currents furnished by the divider or distributor.
The apparatus is constructed in such a manner as only to receive from
the divider 3 distinct motive currents at a time, represented by the
letters a, b, c, and which may be employed to supply six lamps, one
of which for example would give a white signal and another a red
signal.
""
وو
C
I
دو
"
وو
دو
وو
"
3 red, and 3 white.
4, 2, or 5.
These currents respectively enter the manipulator or commutator by
the 3 binding screws on the right, marked by the entering arrow, and
pass along wires arranged on the interior of the stand and shewn in
Figure 2 to the springs with which they should communicate, and are
thence conducted by means of opposite springs or contact makers,
according to the position into which the cylinders are brought, to 3 of
the binding screws communicating with the lamps, as shown by the
arrows. These three currents pass thence to produce the motion in the
electro-magnets of the three lamps required to give the desired signal,
and then return by the three binding screws, as shown by the arrows,
indicating the return from the lamps. From these binding screws they
pass in their return course through the springs and contact makers,
corresponding to the three binding screws where the arrows indicate the

page_text: current.
In order to facilitate the comprehension of the Drawings and the
course, of the current in the apparatus, I shall employ the mark + for
all currents entering the apparatus when coming from the distributor,
and the mark when entering or returning from the lamps.
-
Upon the cylinder A (Figure 5) each metal contact maker is indicated
by the letter a, and followed by the number of the corresponding lamp.
As there are two of these contact makers corresponding to cach lamp,
one will be indicated by a and the other by a'. Thus there are upon the
cylinder A, which is in connection with the lamps No. 5, No. 1, and
No. 4, 2 contact makers for the lamp No 5, which are indicated by α, 5,
and a¹, 5, 2 contact makers for the lamp No. 1, which are indicated
by a, 1, and a¹, 1-2 contact makers for the lamp No. 4, which are
indicated by a, 4, and a², 4.
_
-
The springs are indicated by the numbers of the lamps upon the
circuits of which they are situated, or by the letters a, b, c, if they are
common to several lamps, and according as they are connected with one
of the binding screws indicated by these letters; lastly, the mark + or
the mark
placed after these numbers or letters indicates that the
corresponding spring is in the circuit of a current passing from the
dividor or distributor to the lamps, or from the lamps to the battery
generating the motive current.
-
The cylinder A is capable of assuming 5 different positions as indicated
in Figure 5 by the lines showing the position of the handle. These
positions are determined by five stops formed by a roller catching in
recesses on the circumference of a notched disc fixed on the spindles of
the cylinders, as shown in Figure 3. Five sets of contact makers
correspond to these five positions, and are indicated by the red lines at
the points of contact. Of these five positions three allow the current to
pass, and the two others intercept it. The same arrangement applies to
the cylinder C which works the lamps 4, 2, and 5. When the lamps
4 and 5 are to be worked together they must never be both supplied
from the same cylinder.
The cylinder B, Figure 6, takes only the three positions indicated, it
works the lamp 3 white by extinguishing all the others. The lamp 3

page_text: white is extinguished by allowing the currents of the others to pass.
The-third-position-opens.all.the.circuits and extinguishes all the lights..
In the position of the crank handles, as shewn in Figure 1, the
apparatus gives the signal 3, 2, 5, that is say, the character G of the
international code of signals.
Figures 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 (Sheet 4), represent an interrupting or
intercepting manipulator or commutator which is simply interposed in
each of the circuits of the distributed currents, so as to intercept the
current or allow it to pass as required.
☐
The apparatus is composed of a wooden stand M, inside which the
conducting wires are arranged as shown by dotted lines in the Drawing,
in the same manner as in the distributing manipulator or commutator
herein-before described; P is a cylinder of wood or of any other suitable
non-conducting material, arranged so as to be capable of turning on
supports S, S, when operated by means of a handle. Upon the surface
of this insulating cylinder there are fixed ( shaped rods or bars of
metal analagous to those of the distributing cylinders, and arranged as
shown in Figure 12, which is a plane view of the periphery of the
cylinder. This Drawing together with Figures 9 and 10 show all
the necessary details. This arrangement provides the first six letters
B, C, D, F, G, H, of the international code, and the 12 others are
derived from them by the extinguishing of the lights precisely as with
the distributing manipulator or commutator.
.
Underneath the cylinder there is provided a piece Q of hardened
india-rubber having formed therein ten troughs or cups for containing
mercury or amalgam, as in the distributing apparatus. These ten
troughs are cut by the ten circles described by the arms or pallets, so
that the latter dip into the mercury when the cylinder is in motion.
The handle is formed by a spring carrying a knob or button, and the
frame of the box containing the cylinder (or it may be an independent
piece), carries 6 pins or studs which catch in succession in a hole in the
spring to hold the cylinder in the exact position corresponding to each
character.
Figure 11 shows a view in section of the ten troughs, and Figures 9
and 10 shew the positions of the pallets or arms which dip into the
mercury in the position in which the cylinder is represented in the latter

page_text: two figures. This position corresponds to the letter H (unless altered
by extinguishing lights).
On the right hand side of the stand (Figure 9) there is provided an
clevation for the purpose of receiving a second small spindle Q¹ which is
composed of hardened india-rubber. This spindle carries 5 small lever
arms a (Figure 13), respectively placed opposite the binding screws
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, it also carries a 6th lever arm corresponding to the binding
screw 3 white, exactly similar to the five others, but placed on the right
hand side of the spindle instead of on the left hand side. This spindle
is also provided with a handle R which is capable of being retained in
two positions, one to the right, the other to the left by resting against
the stops K, arranged for the purpose, as shown in Figure 10. Below
cach arm a there is provided a small trough or cup composed of hardened
india-rubber, and having two compartments x and y, insulated the one
from the other, and containing mercury or an amalgam. When the handle
or key R is turned to the right (Fig. 9), the arms a of 3 white dip into
the two compartments x and y of its trough (position a, Fig. 10), and
the other arms a, corresponding to the binding screws 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5,
are all lifted out (position a, Fig. 13). When on the contrary, the key
or handle R is turned to the left (Fig. 9) to the side marked by the
word "signal," the arms a of 3 white are lifted out of the trough and the
arms a of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, dip into the compartments x and y of their respective
troughs. In each of the compartments a of the six troughs there dips a
lever arm ẞ in a similar manner, which arm is capable of assuming the two
positions and B', according as it is required to be in or out of contact
with the mercury (Figure 13). The trough of 3 white contains 3 com-
partments, but the two compartments x, x, are connected by a wire and act
as one only. On the right hand side of the apparatus Figure 9, there are.
placed six binding screws which are in electrical communication with
the mercury in the compartments y of the six preceding troughs, and
receive the six emissions of the motive current sent from the divider or
distributor. And on the other side of the stand there are provided six
other binding screws by which the motive currents are directed to the
lamps which are to be lighted.
The dotted lines in the Drawing indicate the passage or direction of
the currents in the interior of the apparatus.
I shall now proceed to describe an apparatus for intermittent signals
working by hand, and without the employment of a distributor or dividor

page_text: when more than one source of electricity is provided. Assume, for
example,-that-there are three separate sources of light, three-pile bat-
teries, or three magneto-electric machines, and that it is desired to dis-
tribute these three currents to six lamps so as to light any three of them
instantaneously, and then to leave them, giving continuous light during
the whole time of the signal, or causing any one or more or all of them
to give an intermittent light at will. The apparatus which enables this to
be carried into effect in shewn in Figures 6 and 7, Sheet 4, of the accom-
panying Drawings. It is composed of three discs a of hardened india-
rubber, in the centre of each of which moves a button or handle b in
permanent contact with a binding screw, Figure 7. The disc on the left
hand and that on the right hand each carry three contact makers, upon
which the button or handle may be placed. One bears the numbers
1, 4, 2, and 'the other the numbers 1, 5, 2. The central disc only carries
two contact makers, respectively marked 3 red, 3 white. Each of
these contact makers communicates with a binding screw behind the
wooden support. The Numbers 1, 2, 3 white, 3 red, 4, 5 correspond with
the six lamps to be herein-after referred to. It is also to be assumed
that the three currents of light are furnished separately by the three
batteries shewn at the top of Figure 6, and one of these batteries is
intended to supply the lamps 1, 2, 4, another 3 red and 3 white, and
the third, 1, 2, 5. The buttons c, shown below the three discs a, enable
the contacts necessary for working the system to be easily obtained.
An examination of the red lines, which indicate the passage of the
currents, will show their progress sufficiently to enable it to be under-
stood that when, for instance, the handles of the three discs are put on
1, 3 red, 5, as in Figure 6, it will suffice to strike the three buttons
placed below in order to effect the lighting of the corresponding lamps.
When circular clectrodes are used it is simply necessary to strike
repeated blows on the buttons in order to renew the surfaces by adapting
to these discs or cylinders an arrangement which will cause them to
turn on their centres to a certain angle at each vibration. This arrange-
ment is shewn in Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 4, and is herein-after more
fully described.
The button shewn in the Drawing only furnishes a contact corre-
sponding with the electro-magnet for calling attention, and is employed

page_text: In order to employ lamps with two electro-magnets when required,
the second contact corresponding with the electro-magnet for breaking
contact is arranged so that it may be produced at the moment when the
button springs back.
It should be observed that this system is applicable to all kinds of
regulators. For this purpose it is sufficient to adapt to it any arrange-
ment in which a motive current acting directly without the intervention
of mechanism could instantaneously bring the electrodes into contact.
Among the arrangements which would give this result, that shewn in
Figure 8, Sheet 4, may be taken as an example. The upper carbon
holder & moves vertically in a cylinder e, and between them there is
provided a spiral spring of sufficient strength to balance the weight of
the carbon and of the carbon holder, and to maintain the latter con-
stantly in contact with the upper end, as shewn in the Drawing.
If an electro-magnet is arranged on the arm which supports the
carbon holder in such a manner that when it attracts the armature the
latter presses on the carbon holder, instantaneously the are will be
reproduced, and will preserve all the advantages due to the system to
which the regulator appertains.
In the apparatus shewn in Figures, 1, 2, and 3; Sheet 3 of the
Drawings, the upper electrode is fixed immovable, and motion is
imparted to the lower one only. It is controlled by an electro-magnet.
situated, as well as the distributor lastly herein-before described, in the
circuit of one of the distributed motive currents issuing from the single
current produced by a small battery, say, for example, of peroxide of
manganese, provided simply for the purpose of working or magnetising
the whole of the electro-magnets of the lamps. In each lamp the clec-
trode in motion gives as many vibrations as its clectro-magnet receives
emissions of current from the battery.

page_text: The lower electrode holder is composed of aluminum with a view to
diminish the weight of this part. The centre of oscillation of the
armature is placed at the lower part in order to increase the stroke of
the lower electrode C, and the spring D is provided for the purpose of
suppressing the vibrations of the armature in order to cause it to return
always to the central position between the poles of the electro-magnets,
and thus bring it within the sphere of attraction of one of the electro-
magnets when the other ceases to act.
In order to dispense as far as possible with the use of screws which in
vibrating parts are liable to become detached, the armature is provided
with two trunnions which work in the spring pieces E, serving as
bearings, and the lower extremity of the spring D is held by friction in
a piece F oscillating in two small bearings, which are free to rise and
fall in order to regulate its action.
The arrangement of this lamp is such that the electro-magnets, the
armature, the lower electrode, and the lower adjusting spring are fixed.
in a frame G which can be drawn out horizontally in front of the lamp,
and is connected to a second frame which covers it by two bolts. This
second frame, indicated by the letters H, I, J, K, is susceptible of a
vertical motion by means of the screw L which causes it to ascend or
descend on the upright M, and serves to adjust the luminous centre of
the signal light.
The upright M forms part of the outer frame which supports the
whole of the lamps, and is itself fixed to the back of the signal apparatus
in a similar manner to that shewn in Sheet 3. This frame when placed
in the signal apparatus is firmly secured in position by the screw N.
The upper part of the lamp is supported by the second frame H, I,
J, K, herein-before mentioned, which is capable of ascending and
descending. A washer O of hardened india-rubber separates it from the
said frame. This upper part of the lamp is formed of a ring or washer P
of copper supporting 3 uprights Q, which are connected at their upper
part by a copper cylinder R. This cylinder is provided internally with
a tightening screw which supports the upper clectrode S and regulating
screw, for adjusting exactly the distance between the electrodes.
The electrodes may be cither straight or circular, according to cir-
cumstances, and one may be of a different shape from the other, or both

page_text: may be of similar form. If they are both circular, as shown in the
Drawing, the lower electrode holder is provided with a rod T suitably
insulated which transmits motion to a cross piece, causing the discs to
advance or make a partial revolution on their axis at each ocillation.
If only one circular electrode is employed it is evident that only one
rotating apparatus will be required. The mode of operation of the
rotating devices is sufficiently indicated by the Drawing. In Figs. 3, 4,
and 5, an arrangement is shown, which may be substituted for the
trunnions of the armature and the lower spring; this consists of two
wide springs U passed through the armature A at a short distance the
one from the other, and secured in a like manner at their two extremities
at the same distance apart. These springs so arranged allow the
armature to oscillate, as when trunnions are employed, and bring it back
to the central position without vibration in a similar manner to the
lower spring.
For metallic electrodes there may be advantageously employed
aluminium and magnesium together or on iron, silver, platinum, iridium,
platinum-iridium, palladium bronze, and the like; or various alloys of
aluminium or of magnesium with the metals, the spectra of which
present the most suitable characteristics in respect of visibility.
For carbon electrodes there may be employed retort or manufactured
carbon impregnated or not with a solution of salts capable of furnishing
a volatilisable matter under the spectrum analysis, as above referred to,
or into the paste of which metal wires suitably selected and arranged
have been placed.
In lamps of this construction with two electro-magnets it is
required to send by means of the divider or distributor two consecutive
currents into cach lamp, the first effecting the contact, and the second
the separation. The distribution should therefore be arranged in the
manner herein-after described.
The arrangements of the complete circuits traversed by each of the
two currents (the motive current and the illuminating current) in a set
of signalling apparatus are shown in Figures 7 and 8, Sheet 3. Fig. 7
illustrates the arrangement in which a distributing manipulator or
commutator is employed; and Fig. 8, that in which the interrupting
manipulator is adopted.

page_text: In Fig. 7 P is the battery or pile producing the motive current shewn
in green, which enters the divider worked by a small electric motor N
containing its own battery.
The current divided or distributed in three directions a, b, and centers
the distributing manipulator by the binding screws a ++ and c+.
Here it should be remembered that the current a + can be directed at
will to one of the binding screws 1+4+ or 5+, that the current C+
can in the same way be directed at will to one of the binding screws
2+4+ or 5+, and lastly, that the current + can be directed at will
to either of the binding screws 3 white + or 3 red +. It should be
observed that only 3 lights can be lighted together, and that one current
only should be directed to each induction binding screw a + b +
and c+, and never two currents upon one of these points.
From the binding screws 1+ 2+ 3, white +3, red + 4 and 5 + the
currents pass to the electro-magnets of the lamps bearing the corre-
sponding numbers, and return to the manipulator by the binding screws
1-2-3 white-3 red-4-and 5-, then they repass through the
interior of the manipulator and issue at the binding screws a-b- and
On leaving they are reunited and return by the same wire to the
motive battery P.
C.
The current sent from the generator or battery M along the circuit
marked in red is never stopped at two points at once, as it has been
hcrein-before remarked that the vibrations of two lamps could never
occur together.
The sparks obtained by a break of contact are thus produced quite
distinctly and separately in each lamp, and succeed one another with a
rapidity in proportion to the degree of steadiness of light desired, which
rapidity is dependent upon the speed imparted to the divider by its small
electrical or mechanical motor, and which is susceptible of being regulated
at will, or by the number of arms or blades provided for cach lamp on
the spindle of the divider.
In Figure 8 P is the battery, as before, producing the motive current,
which is indicated by a green color. This current enters the divider
worked by the small electric motor N, provided with its battery (or
mechanical motor); it leaves the divider distributed into as many
apportioned currents as there are lamps to be lighted.

page_text: In the arrangement, Figure 8, the eduction binding screws being 3
white, 1, 2, 3, red 4 and 5, these currents pass to the electro-magnets of the
corresponding lamps, returning thence direct to the battery. The battery
or generator for producing the light furnishes a current shewn in red, as
in the preceding example.
Figure 6 shows the general arrangement of the signal lamps for use
at sca.
This Invention is also applicable for producing the three regulation
lights, white, red, and green, used at sea, and for the finder or light to
attract attention, frequently used for buoys, beacons, moorings, floating
lights, semaphores, land telegraphy for armies in the field, factories,
railway stations, market places, public squares, monuments, roads,
nocturnal operations, mines and quarries, signals on railways and railway
trains, for the navigation of rivers by lighting the quays, the under
part of the arches of bridges, and the navigable channel which is only
visible at daytime, and is marked out by stakes.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or
carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider
to be novel and original and therefore claim as the Invention secured to
me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First. The mode of dividing or distributing electric currents, herein.
before described, based upon the employment as an illuminating agent
of the spark produced by the interruption of contact between electrodes
vibrating under the action of the armature of one or more electro-
magnets, in which an auxiliary or motive current is distributed, this
system admitting of the division or distribution of a current of feeble
intensity only, whilst the powerful current destined to produce the light
is directed into the different lamps in succession.
Secondly. The system of dividing or distributing the motive current
either by means of a star wheel with multiple arms or branches insulated
electrically from the shaft and from one another, and passing in frictional
contact between two springs, or by means of an arrangement of cam
rings fitted on a drum, and working in frictional contact with a metallic
keyboard, or by equivalent arrangements, substantially as herein-before
described.

page_text: Thirdly. The peculiar construction of manipulator or commutator,
enabling the light to be produced successively, and in any required order
in the various lamps of the set of signalling apparatus.
Fourthly. The system of manipulator or commutator for intermittent
signals working by hand, and not necessitating the use of the divider
when a number of sources of electricity are at command.
Fifthly. The peculiar construction and arrangement of electric lamp
having moveable electrodes actuated directly by a motive current.
Sixthly. The mode or method of adapting the before-mentioned
apparatus to produce the signals of the international code, substantially
as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this
my Specification set my hand and scal, the Seventh day of
February, One thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (L.S.)