FOR IMPROVE- MENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS, AND IN THE ARRANGEMENTS AND APPARATUS TO BE USED THEREIN AND THEREWITH, PART OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO TIMEKEEPERS AND OTHER USEFUL PURPOSES
Year: 1847

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, ALFRED
BRETT, of Holborn Bars, Gentleman, and GEORGE LITTLE, of High Holborn,
Electrical Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at
Westminster, the Eleventh day of February, in the tenth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us, the said
Alfred Brett and George Little, our exors, admors, and assigns, Her especial
licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, that we, the said Alfred Brett.
and George Little, our exors, admors, and assigns, or such others as we,
the said Alfred Brett and George Little, our exors, adññors, or assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at
all times during the term of years therein expressed, should and lawfully
might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town
of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and in the Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney,
Sark and Man, and in all Her Majesty's Colonies and Plantations abroad
(save and except Canada, Novo Scotia, and New Brunswick, and Her
Island of Prince Edward in North America), our Invention "FOR IMPROVE-
MENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS, AND IN THE ARRANGEMENTS AND APPARATUS TO
BE USED THEREIN AND THEREWITH, PART OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO
APPLICABLE TO TIMEKEEPERS AND OTHER USEFUL PURPOSES ;" in which said
Letters Patent is contained a proviso that we, the said Alfred Brett and
George Little, shall cause a particular description of the nature of our said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be enrolled

page_text: in Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months
next and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent,
as in and by the same, reference 'being 'thereunto had, will more fully and at
large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, we, the said
Alfred Brett and George Little aforesaid, do hereby declare that the nature of
our said Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be performed,
are fully described and ascertained in and by the following description thereof,
reference being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and
letters marked thereon, that is to say:-
Our Invention relates,-
Firstly, to improvements in the construction and the arrangement of the
several parts of, and in the means of applying, the electric current to the
working of electric telegraphs, by which visible signals may be indicated and
transmitted, or communications conveyed from one place to a distant place by
the agency of électricity, such visible signals being indicated by the peculiar
arrangement and motions of an indicator or indicators, whereby letters and
figures, or other conventional signals, may be designated. "For this purpose
we 'cause the electric fluid to pass through a number of "coils of' fine wire,
properly coated or covered with silk or other suitable non-conducting material,
which wire is wound round a flat reel or reels of ivory, or other suitable
material; the end of these fine wires being alternately brought into contact
with the galvanic battery by suitable arrangements, whereby the current is
made to act on and give motion to a partially magnetized ring or piece of
metal suspended and moving on a 'fine centre in a plane parallel to the side
or face of the flat reel about which the wire is coiled,-that is to say, parallel
to the planes in which the wire is so coiled; the motions of this partially
magnetized ring being communicated to an indicator or indicators, whose
motions in connection with a peculiarly arranged dial plate with symbols
thereon' may be employed to designate letters, figures, or other conventional
signals, and transmit intelligence by means of electricity.
Secondly, our Invention relates to the arrangement of apparatus for giving
audible signals by ineans of electricity at distant places, which signals are
indicated by one or a number of successive blows on a bell or gong.
Thirdly, our Invention relates to the construction and arrangement of
lightning conductors to be placed in connection with the conducting wire,
along a line of communication by the electric telegraphs, for the purpose of
conducting the elèctric fluid of the atmosphere at once to the earth, and
preventing its'entering the instrument..

page_text: Fourthly, our Invention relates to the means of stretching, insulating, and
supporting the circuit wires of the electric telegraph along a line of com-
munication.
Fifthly, our Invention relates to certain other arrangements and apparatus
to be used in electric telegraphs, for the purpose of enabling the various instru-
ments to be worked independently of each other, or two or more in connection
with each other, but independently of the rest throughout a long line of
telegraphic communication.
Sixthly, our Invention relates to the construction of apparatus for the
purpose of producing and maintaining electricity for the working or operation
of the electric telegraph and other purposes with regularity and uniformity,
and which apparatus we dominate "The Hydraulic Battery."
This part of our Invention and improvements consists in the application
of a reservoir or vessel, placed immediately over and above a trough, which
is divided into a suitable number of cells or compartments partly filled with
sand or other retainer of moisture, in which alternate plates of zinc and
copper, connected together at the top by a piece of metal, are buried. A
small perforation at the bottom of each cell is made corresponding with
another small perforation in the reservoir. or vessel placed above, from whence'
a constant and regular supply of the dilute sulphuric acid or other exciting
liquor is allowed to fall or drip, drop by drop, on to the sand or other
retainer of moisture contained in the cells or compartments, thereby keeping
the sand, or other retainer of moisture, completely saturated. A receiving
trough is placed under the battery trough (which battery trough is divided
into cells or compartments containing the zinc and copper plates), for receiving
the vitiated liquid after the same shall have been filtered through the battery.
By means of these arrangements the vitiated liquid which drops into the
receiving trough below the battery will be that which contains the sulphate
of lime, which proves to be so injurious to the working and operation of
batteries constructed according to the common principle; and the liquid in
the-cells or compartments being comparatively free from sulphate of zinc, will
therefore act and operate more readily on the whole surface of the metallic
plates, and thereby the uncertainty of the action of the battery and the
constant care and attendance for its frequent cleaning are avoided.
Seventhly and lastly, our Invention relates to the application of part of
our improvements connected with the electric telegraph to the working of
timekeepers, clocks, and other similar instruments.
And in order that our said Invention may be better understood, and more
readily carried into effect, we will-now proceed to describe the first part of

page_text: our Invention, which relates to the construction and arrangement of the
various and several parts of the electric telegraphs.
Figure 1, Sheet A, represents the front elevation of our electric telegraph,
and Figure 2 a side view of the same, shewing a deflector applied thereto;
Figure 3, Sheet B, represents the front view of the same open; and Figure 4,
Sheet C, a plan of the interior arrangement for working or setting in motion
the telegraph. A, A, Figure 3, Sheet B, is a wooden case, which may be
constructed of any suitable design. B is the front, which is suspended on
hinges a, a, thereby forming a door, by which, when open, as seen in
this Figure, the interior of the instrument is exposed, and the communi-
cation of the wires easily accomplished. In this front B a space is cut
out of a rectangular shape, as seen by referring to Figure 1 (Sheet A),
through which the engraved front of the dial plate, herein-after to be de-
scribed, is seen. C, Figure 3 (Sheet B), represents the back of the dial
plate, which is secured to the inside of the front B, opposite the rectan-
gular space, by means of the brackets and screws b, b, b, b. The front of the
dial plate C is protected by a plate of glass let into the rectangular space cut
out of the front B. D is a plate of brass or other suitable metal secured to
the front B by means of screws. By referring to Figure 5 (Sheet C), which
represents the same arrangement on a longer scale, and detached from the
case, and Figure 6, which represents the side view thereof, the same will
be better and more readily understood, the same letters referring to similar
parts in all the Figures. E, Figure 5, Sheet C, shews the outside reel of
two reels which are seen at Figures 6, in side view, and are made secure to
the brass plate D, by the screw nut c; one of these reels E, E, is seen separate
in the same Sheet at Figure 7, which shews the front view, and at Figure 8
which shews the edge view, and at Figure 9, which shews a transverse section
through the dotted line 1, 2, Figure 7. The space d, d, round the reel E
seen at e, e, Figure 6, with coils of
(Figures 8 and 9), is to be filled up, as
fine wire, which must be well covered or coated with silk, thread, or any
other suitable non-conductor. In winding or coiling the fine wire e, e, great
care must be taken that the communication thereof should be made properly
secure, and brought into proper contact with the small brass peg f of
Figure 8; the end of which peg ƒ penetrates through one face of the reel
a sufficient length to have a small screw cut, and a nut f¹ fitted thereto. The
use of the peg f¹ is to prevent delay and loss of time, which would otherwise
occur if the commencement of the coil was left out in the usual way, thereby
leaving no length to tie or secure another length thereto, it would then be
necessary to unwind the whole coil for the purpose of making contact and

page_text: bringing the end of the wire again through the face of the reel E. By this
arrangement the under end of the coil is protected, communication for com-
pleting the current being readily made at the screw nut f¹. F is a partially
magnetized ring or piece of metal fitted to and moving freely with its axle g;.
one end of which moves in a screw g¹, screwed in the plate D, and the
other end moves in the screw 9', which is screwed in the cock plate h..
This ring F is suspended and moves about its axis frem right to left and
from left to right between the two flat circular reels E, E; (Figure 6). i is a
piece of metal acting as a counterbalance to the ring F, and secured to it by
the rivets ', ', one of which is only seen in Figure 5. j,j, are two bent arms
attached to the piece of metal i. We must observe, that although we have
just stated that the piece of metal i acts as a counterbalance, it is essential that
the preponderance of the weight should be in favor of the ring F; so that
when the electric current is not passing through the coils of fine wire e, e,
coiled on the flat circular reels E, E, the position of the piece of metal
should be vertical, as at Figure 5. k is a cock plate seen separate in same
Sheet at Figure 10 in front view, and at Figure 11 in edge view. 1, 1, are
two metal indicators extending a certain distance above the upper edge D¹ of
the metal plate D.
Figure 12 shows a front view of one of the indicators detached, and
Figure 18 an edge view thereof. These indicators 7, 1, are suspended on their
axes 1, 1, moving freely in the cock plate k and the metal plate D; and F, F,
are metal pegs or pins fixed to the indicators 1, 1, against which the part j,,
of the bent arms j, j, strike. The axes l, l, are so fixed that the indicators
1, 1, are heavier in their upper ends, and will always have an inclination to
fall back against the small metal pegs or ivory pins m, m, which prevent them
from falling back too far, and retain them, when the electric current is not
passing or the telegraph not in action, in the position seen at Figure 5,
Sheet C. n and n' are the wires through which, according to their connexion
with either pole of the battery, the current either positive or negative is
caused to pass; the wire n shews one end of the coils of fine wire wound'
round or upon the recl E, and is connected to the other end of the wire on
the other reel E, as shewn at n³, Figure 6; and n¹ shews the end or termina-
tion of the coils wound round or upon the reels E, E. It will be very clearly
understood, that as the positive current passes along the wire n' and through-
the coils on the reels E, E, in the direction of the arrows, it will cause the-
partially magnetized ring F to move to the right (as seen with the door open
in Sheet B), thereby causing the piece of metal i, with its arms j, j, to move
to the left, as shewn by the dotted line o (Figure 5); in which action the part:

page_text: of the am will strike against the metal pin
fixed to the indicator l, and
cause it to stand and remain in a position nearly vertical, as seen by the
dotted lines,, until the current is broken; when, by reason of the upper end
of the indicator being heavier than the lower end, and the indicator not being
brought into a vertical position or with its centre of gravity over the centre of
motion, the indicator will fall. back on the pin m into the angular position
shewn in Figures 5 and 14, Sheet. C. q, q, are two small ivory or metal pegs
fixed to the plate D to prevent the indicators 1, 1, from falling over or passing
the vertical position shewn by the dotted line, P, when motion is communi-
cated to them. If the current is made to pass in a contrary direction to
that just before described, it will cause the ring F to move to the left, and the
piece of metal i, with its bent arms j, j, to move to the right; or in the con-
trary direction to that just before described, as seen by the dotted line p
Figure 5, Sheet C. We may here remark, that the indicators 1, 1, are not
magnetized, and are unconnected with the magnetic part of the apparatus;
for it is clearly shewn, by referring to Figures 5 and 6, Sheet C, that they are
merely suspended. on their axes , l, and that the motion is only imparted to
them by the distinct and separate contact of the part of the bent arm j,
which contact is caused by the passing of the electric current through the
coils of fine wire e, e, wound round or upon the reels E, E, as before described.
We would also observe, that if the indicators are unequally loaded, they may
be brought into a position strictly vertical, the object in the arrangement just
described being that they should not, in moving from their position of rest,
pass beyond the vertical line through their centres of motion, and that they
should return to their position of rest when the current is broken. When the
indicator 1, 7, are in a state of rest, and resting against the
as seen in Figures 5 and 6, (Sheet C) the pins 1,, which
indicator 1, 1, and against which the part 1 of the arm j strikes when in
action, are free. By referring to Figure 3 (Sheet B) the arrangement seen
and described with reference to Figure 5 (Sheet C) will be seen fixed to the
inside of the front B by screws, and the metal plate D so fixed that the upper
edge D¹ thereof will be in a line, and level or thereabouts with the lower
edge of the dial plate C; the exact position of which dial plate C and plate D
will be seen and more readily understood by referring to the side view,
Figure 6, Sheet C, in which it will be clearly seen that the dial plate C is
kept a sufficient distance from the metal plate D to allow the upper end of
the indicators I, l; to appear in the front of the plate C; and all that portion
of the said indicators 1, 1, which is seen above the edge D¹ of the plate D,
will be only that portion seen in black in the front elevation, Figure 1,
small pins m; m,
are fixed to the

page_text: Sheet A, and represented by the dotted lines, Figure 3, Sheet B, the distinct;
separate, and successive motions of which for designating letters, figures, or
other conventional signals, we will herein-after fully describe. We wish it to
be perfectly understood that, although we have described the foregoing by the
application of circular coils of fine wire e, e, prepared, as above described,
wound round or upon a flat circular reel or reels in conjunction with a flat
metallic partially magnetized ring moving parallel with such coils of fine wire,
for the giving motion to indicators, by which letters, figures, or other conven-
tional signals are designated, the same. motion can be obtained, and the
same principle applied by other modifications and arrangements, as will here-
after be described; but we prefer using and adopting the arrangement above
described in reference to Figure 3, Sheet B, and Figures 5 and 6, Sheet C;
as being less complicated and better adapted for the purpose. Figures 14
and 15, Sheet C, in which similar parts are referred to by similar letters and
figures, shew an arrangement with two flat metallic partially magnetized rings
F, F; and one flat circular reel E, with coils of fine wire e, e, wound round or
upon such reel. Instead of one flat metallic partially magnetized ring F
being suspended, moving between two flat circular reels E, E, with coils of
fine wire e, e, wound round or upon such reels, this arrangement shews only
one flat circular reel E, with coils of fine wire e wound round or upon such
reel, which is fixed to the plate D in same manner as Figure 5 and 6, by the
screw and nut c, and having two flat metallic partially magnetized rings F, F,
suspended on their axes g on each side of the reel E, one end of which moves
in a screw g¹ screwed into the plate D, and the other end moves in a screw g³
screwed in the cock plate h. The piece of metal i is fixed to the inside flat
metallic partially magnetized ring nearest the plate D; and the arms 3,j, are
so bent that they will, at the part 1, ¹, come in contact (when the current is
passed through the coils of fine wire e) with the pins &, &, which are fixed to
the indicators l, l. k is the cock plate screwed to the plate D, in which the
axes I, l, of the indicators 1,., move; and m, m, are the resting pins against
which the indicators 1, 1, 'rest when in a quiescent state, and q, q, are the ivory
or metal pegs for preventing the indicators 1, 1, from falling or passing over
and beyond the dotted lines ³, , representing the indicators 1, 1, in a position
nearly vertical. n, and n', are the wires through which, according to their
connexion with the battery, either the positive or negative current is made to
pass. The wire n shews the end of the last coil of the fine wire e on the flat
circular reel E; and the wire n' shews the end in connexion with the first coil
of wire 6, or the commencement of the wire e which is wound round or upon
the flat circular reel E. Supposing the positive current to be passing along..

page_text: the wire n¹ in the direction of the arrow, and passing round the coils on the
reel E in the direction of the arrow shewn on the reel E, then the two flat
metallic partially magnetized rings F, F, will be moved to the right, and the
piece of metal i, with the bent arms j, j, to the left, as seen by the dotted
lines o, in which action the part 1 of the arm; must strike against the metal
pin fixed to the indicator 1, and cause it to stand, and retain a position
pearly vertical, as seen by the dotted lines P, P, until the current is broken,
when, by reason of the upper end of the indicator being heavier than the
lower end, it will fall on the resting pin m, in the angular position shewn in
Figure 14 (Sheet C). When the current is made to pass in a contrary direc-
tion to that just described it will cause the two flat metallic partially mag-
netized rings F, F, to move to the left, and the piece of metal i, with its bent
arms j, j to the right, or contrary direction to that just before described, as
seen by the dotted lines p, Figure 14, Sheet C.
Figure 16, Sheet C, shews a front view, and Figure 17, Sheet C, shews a
side view of another arrangement on the same principle. The flat circular
reels E, E, and the coils of fine wire e, e, wound thereon, are shewn in this
arrangement at right angles to the plate D, and are secured to the plate D
by the metallic brackets and the screw c. F is the flat metallic partially
magnetized ring suspended between the two reels E, E, on its axis g, and
moving parallel between the two reels E, E, in screws g¹, g', fixed into the
two metal brackets h¹, h¹. i is a small rod, the end of which is tapped and
furnished with a counterbalance ball or weight for balancing the ring F.
The plate D is furnished with a slot or opening (not seen in either of the
Figures), through which slot or opening the arm k passes, and appears in the
front of the plate D. is ball at the end of the arm k; n and n¹ are
the ends of the coils of fine wire e, e, connecting the two flat circular reels
E, E, at n³ in connexion with the battery; and when the positive current is
caused to pass along the wire n to the coils e, e, in the direction of the arrows,
the arm k and ball will assume the position represented by the dotted lines
, Figure 17 (Sheet C); and if the current be reversed, it will move upwards
and assume a different and opposite position, the distinct respective motions
of which arm and ball are distinguished by the attendant, which distinct
motions may be so arranged as to represent figures, letters, or other conven-
tional signals,
Figure 18, Sheet D, represents another simple arrangement with one
indicator. In this arrangement the flat circular reel E is sunk or let into the
wood B, as seen more clearly by the dotted line, Figure 19, which represents
a side view of Figure 18. It will be perceived that the indicator constitutes

page_text: the balance for the partially magnetized ring F, which is suspended in its
proper position by the cock plate h. 1, 1, are two small pins placed to pre-
vent the indicator from moving beyond that point. This arrangement is only
furnished with one flat circular reel E with coils of fine wire e thereon, and
one flat metallio partially magnetized ring F, which, together with the indi-
cator being fixed to the ring F, constitute the different arrangement to that
described in Figures 5 and 6, 14 and 15 (Sheet C), in which arrangement it
has been shown that the indicators did not pass the vertical line or position,
but which were only raised or moved from their place of rest, which was in an
angular position, as shewn by Figures 5 and 14, Sheet C, to a position nearly
vertical; but, according to the present arrangement referred to in Figures 18
and 19, Sheet D, the indicator moves from right to left or left to right,
passing the vertical position which it assumes when in a state of rest, as repre-
sented by Figure 18. n and n are the ends of the coil of fine wire wound
round or upon the reel E. We will not again repeat the manner in which
the electric current is caused to pass along or through the coils of fine wire e
upon the reel E, as the connexions are precisely similar to those in the
arrangements described in reference to Figures 5, 6, 14 and 15, Sheet C.
Figure 20, Sheet D, represents an arrangement in all respects similar to
the foregoing; but instead of having a flat metallic partially magnetized ring,
as seen detached and more clearly in front view at Figure 22, Sheet D, and
in edge or side view at Figure 23 in the same Sheet, it is furnished with a
flat metallic magnetized plate F of a V shape inverted, as shewn at Figure 20,
which will be found to answer the same purpose; although, as we have
herein-before stated, we prefer using the flat metallic partially magnetized
ring F, as seen separately at Figures 22 and 23, Sheet D, in which "N" is
the north and "S" the south pole. And we would observe, that, for the
purpose of giving strength to the ring when the plate of which, it is made
is of thin metal, the space betwixt the north and south pole may be filled up
with a piece of brass.
We have shewn (in Figures 24, 25, 26, and 27, Sheet D,) another arrange-
ment of two horizontal indicators, each acting with one partially magnetized
ring and one flat circular reel. Figure 24, Sheet D, represents the front view,
Figure 25 the side view thereof; Figure 26 a plan of the same, and Figure 27
a front view of the dial plate, the several parts in the Figures being marked
with corresponding letters of reference. A, A, represents a plate of metal
having a rectangular space cut or formed therein, as seen at a, b, c, and d,
Figure 27. B is a sinall metal plate, but larger than the rectangular space
a, b, c, and d, formed in the plate A, A, which small metal plate B is placed. a

page_text: little: distance from and immediately opposite, the rectangular opening-a, b, c, d,
and is fixed thereto by the four corner screws e, e, e; e. C, C, are two flat
circular reels on which is coiled some fine wire f properly prepared, as herein-
before. described. These flat circular reels C, C, are secured to the plate A, A,
by the screws and: nuts g, g; and the inside surface, of the, reel C is kept at
the distance of about half an inch from the inside surface of the plate A, A.
D, D, are two flat metallic partially, magnetized rings suspended on their
axes h, h, which move in the cock plates i, i, to which are rivetted or other-
wise secured the indicators j, j, which being heavier than the ring D, will lie
in an horizontal position, and rest upon the resting pins j', j, as represented
by the dotted lines Figure 24, Sheet D. It will be easily perceived that the
indicators j, j, move up in the direction of the arrows seen in Figure 24
between the plate A, A, and the plate B, so that when they are in a state of
rest only a portion of the indicators j, j, will be seen through the rectangular
space a, b, c, d, as shewn in Figure 27. k and k¹ are the ends of the coils of
fine wire (Figures 25 and 26) upon or round the flat circular reels C, C, in
connexion with the batteries, the action and description of which is precisely
similar to that described in reference to Figures 5, 6, 14, and 15 (Sheet C).
The small plate B, (Figure 27, Sheet D,) has two symbols or marks thereon,
that is, the indicator to the left hand has for its symbol a small circle 1, and
the right-hand indicator has a black dot m for its symbol, so that the entire
alphabet may be designated and communicated by the arrangement of such
small circle to indicate a letter or figure, and the black dot m to indicate
other letters or figures.
We will proceed to describe the arrangement, use, and meaning of the
letters, figures, and other conventional signals seen on the dial plate at
Figure 1 (Sheet A), which shews the dial divided in its height into thirteen
equal spaces. A less or a greater number of these spaces may be reserved
according to the local position of the instrument for the names of the stations
along the line of communication, or symbols which may refer to a code of
signals. On the dial plate are two vertical columns containing numerals from
1 to 25. The centre of the dial plate is retained for the symbolic arrangement
of letters and figures by which the whole of the letters of the alphabet can be
designated. When the indicators are in the angular position shewn in Figure 1
(Sheet A) they are in a state of rest; and when in action the points thereof
move up to a nearly vertical position, and are prevented from passing the pen-
dants which are seen engraved and suspended from the upper part of the space
behind the indicators. In proceeding to transmit a signal or signals the
letters of the alphabet can be designated by the single or repeated motions of

page_text: either of the indicators, and of both' in conjunction. Thus, for instance; if it
is required to transmit the letter A, being the first letter of the alpliabet, and
the top plate of the left-side column, and the figure 1 opposite to it (which
figure shews that only one distinct motion of the indicator is to be employed
to convey such letter), we cause the electric current to pass through the coils
of fine wire on the réel or reels, the ends of which are in proper connexion
with the battery, thereby setting in motion the partially magnetized ring;
which motion causes the left indicator, which is the nearest to the column
containing the letter to be indicated and transmitted, to move once fowards' a
vertical position, or until the point of the indicator comes in a line with the
pendant seen engraved in the upper part of the left-side space; and when the
current is broken the indicator will immediately résume its angular position,
as already described, and seen at Figure 1, Sheet A. When the letter B;
which is also on the left column, and opposite to figure 2, is required to be
indicated and transmitted, it being in the same column as the letter A, the
left-side indicator is employed, and the figure 2 being opposite or next to it
indicates that two separate and distinct motions of the left-side indicator, from
the angular towards the vertical position, are to be employed. When the
letter C is to be indicated and transmitted three separate and distinct motions
of the same or left-side indicator are employed, and the figure 3 indicates the
number of distinct motions of the left-side indicator for that purpose. When
the letter D is to be transmitted four separate and distinct motions of the left-
side indicator are employed, it being situated in the left-side column, and the
figure 4 indicates the number of separate and distinct motions of the left-side
indicator. These four letters, vedilicet, A, B, C, and D, in the left-side column,
are designated by the motions of the left-hand indicator only. In transmitting
the letter E the separate, distinct, and successive motions of the left-side indi-
cator and tho right-side are required. We should here observe, that the indicator
which is next or nearest to the column of letters or numerals containing the
letter or numerals about to be transmitted is the one which is to be first set
in motion. Thus, for the letters A, B, C, and D, they being all in the left-
side column, are all designated by the separate and distinct motions of the
left-side indicator only. Before we proceed to describe the motions of the
indicators which are to be employed to designate from and including the letter:
E to the letter M, and from the letter R to the letter Z, both inclusive, it
will be necessary to consult and examine the dial plate seen at Figure 1,
Sheet A, where it will be seen that the figures between the two columns of
letters of the alphabet, form one single column as far down as the letters D
and Qu, and from the letters E and R down to the letters M and Z, they:

page_text: form two columns, which two columns, with the view of making our arrange-
ment better understood, we will refer to, in the following description, under
the title of the left and right hand columns of figures between the two
columns of letters of the alphabet. The letters E, F, G, II, I, J, K, L, or
M, which complete the left-side column of letters, cannot by this arrangement
be transmitted or designated without distinct successive motions from both
indicators; for such letters being in the left-hand column, the left-hand
indicator is to be first put in motion, according to the figures in the left-hand
column next and opposite to each respective letter; and after the required
number of separate and distinct motions have been obtained by the left-hand
indicator, according to the figure opposite to such letter, the right-hand
indicator is then caused to give as many separate and distinct motions
as are indicated by the figures in the right-hand column and in the
same horizontal line with the letter to be designated, and next to the
figure in a horizontal line which indicates the number of distinct .motions
the left-hand indicator was to make. Thus, for example, in designating
or transmitting the letter E, which stands in the left-hand column, next
and opposite to which is seen figure 1 on the left-hand column of figures,
and figure 1 on the right-hand column of figures, the left-hand indica-
tor is first caused to give one single and distinct motion, and the right-
hand indicator is afterwards caused to move once, as pointed out by the
Figure 1, Sheet A, which is on the right-hand column of figures on the same
horizontal line with the letter E. The letter F also, on the left-hand column,
is transmitted and designated by causing the left-hand indicator to give one
distinct motion (according to Figure 1, which is seen next and opposite to
it in the left-hand column), followed by two motions of the right-hand
indicator, as pointed out by Figure 2, which is seen in the right-hand column
in an horizontal line with the letter F to be transmitted. The letter G is
transmitted and designated by one distinct motion of the left-hand indicator,
followed by three separate motions in succession of the right-hand indicator;
the figure 1 and figure 3, as seen in the left and right hand column respec-
tively, and in an horizontal line with the letter G, pointing out the number of
motions to be employed. All the rest of the letters in the left-hand column
are transmitted in the same order; that is, the left-hand indicator being the
first moved according to the figure in the left-hand column of figures, in an
horizontal line with the letter to be transmitted, followed by the separate,
distinct, and successive motions of the right-hand indicator, according to the
figure in the right-hand column of figures in the horizontal line with the letter
to be transmitted.

page_text: We will now proceed to describe the manner in which the letters N, O, P,
and Qu, which are in the right-side column of letters, are to be transmitted
and designated. These four letters N, O, P, and Qu, being on the right-
hand column, are all to be designated by the separate and distinct motions of
the right-hand indicator only, in the same manner that the letters A, B, C,
and D, in the left-hand column, are designated by the motion of the left-hand
indicator. Thus the letter N, being on the right-hand column, is designated
by a single distinct motion of the indicator which is nearest to it, which is the
right-hand one; the letter O, being also on the right-hand column, is desig-
nated by two separate and distinct motions in rapid succession from the right-
hand indicator; for the letter P, being also in the same column, are employed
three separate and distinct motions in rapid succession from the right-hand
indicator; and the compound letters Qu are designated by four rapid separate
and distinct successive motions from the right-hand indicator. We have, in
our arrangement of the dial, connected the letter u to the letter Q, thereby
making a compound letter, the letter Q being never used without or followed
by any other letter than u. The letter R (which is the first letter on the right-
hand column of letters requiring the separate and distinct motion of both the
right and left hand indicators conjointly) is transmitted or designated by
causing first the right-hand indicator to give one separate and distinct motion,
followed by one separate and distinct motion of the left-hand indicator, as
pointed out by the adjacent figures in the same horizontal line, as has been
already described. The letter S, being also in the right-hand column, is
transmitted or designated firstly by two separate and distinct motions in rapid
succession from the indicator nearest to it; which is the right-hand indicator,
followed by one separate and distinct motion of the left-hand indicator, the
figure 2 in the right-hand column of figures, and next to the letter to be
transmitted and designated, referring, as we have herein-before fully explained,
to the indicator nearest to such letter, and the figure I, on the left-hand column,
being opposite in an horizontal line, but the farthest distant from the letter S,
refers to the left-hand indicator. The letter T, being also in the right-hand
column of letters, is transmitted and designated first by three separate and
distinct motions, in rapid succession, from the right-hand indicator, followed
by one distinct separate motion of the left-hand indicator, the letter T standing
in the right-hand column of letters, and nearest to the right-hand indicator,
which is the first to be set in motion, and the figure 8 being in the right-
hand column of figures, next or opposite to such letter, which figure 3 indicates
that the right-hand indicator must give three separate and distinct motions in
rapid succession; and the figure 1, which is in the left-hand column of

page_text: figures,, and which is opposite and in an horizontal line with the letter T,
indicates that the left-hand indicator must give one separate and .distinct
motion.
Having described the manner by which letters may be transmitted or desig-
nated, we will now describe the manner by which numerals.can be transmitted
or designated. The numeral 1, being in the left-hand column of numerals,
and opposite to the letter A (which is also in the left-hand. column of letters),
is indicated by precisely the same separate and distinct motion of the left-hand
indicator. The numeral 2 is the same as letter B; the numeral 3, the same
as.the letter C; the numeral 4, the same as the letter D; the numeral 5, the
same as the letter E,-by the conjoint, motion of both indicators, the left-hand
indicator being the first to move, being on the same side of the dial. containing
the numeral to be transmitted; and so on up to the compound nuneral.(14),
which, being on. the right-hand column of numerals, and opposite and in an
horizontal line to the letter N, is indicated in a similar manner by one
separate and. distinct motion of the right-hand indicator, such indicator being
nearest to and on the same side of the dial containing the numeral to be
transmitted or designated. The numeral 15 is designated by the distinct and
separate motions in rapid succession, and by the same indicator as designates
the letter: 0; the numeral 16, the same as letter P; the numeral 17, the
same as. the compound letters QU; the numeral 18, the same as the letter R,
by the conjoint, separate, distinct, and successive motions of the right-hand
indicator and the left-hand indicator; and so on up to and including the
numeral 25, which is indicated in the same manner as the letter Y. The
cipher in the bottom space of the right-hand column of numerals is indicated,
in the same manner as the letter Z, by the conjoint, separate, and distinct
motions in rapid succession of the right-hand and left-hand indicators, which
cipher is used to indicate decimals above. 20. By this arrangement of our
dial plate it is quite clear that we are enabled to transmit or designate any
compound or double numerals, from the numeral 10 to the numeral 25, by
the separate and combined motion of one or both indicators in one operation;
therefore, in transmitting and designating the numeral 25 in one operation,
the separate operations of transmitting the numerals 2 and 5 are avoided.
These numerals may also be used as characters referring to a code of signals;
as, for instance, the figure 1 stands for LONDON, and the cipher 0 stands for
ALL STATIONS; thus each separate space may be filled up with the names of
the different stations along the line of communication; or they may contain cor-
ventional signals or sentences, such as questions and answers, which are most
used along the line of communication, as experience may suggest and poiut

page_text: out. The attendant on 'the instrument can convey to the attendant on the
recipient or any of the recipient instruments, after he has been transmitting
letters, that he is then about to transmit figures or numerals, in the following
manner-It will be seen, by referring to the dial plate, Figure 1 (Sheet A),
that the word Figures fills up the third space from the top immediately
over the right-hand indicator; then the attendant about to convey such his,
intention, transmits the word -Figures (being on the right side of the dial).
precisely by the same separate and distinct motions of the right-hand
indicator as conveys, indicates, or transmits the. letter P and the numeral 16,
both being on the right side of the dial and in the same line as the word
Figures. Having transmitted the signal to the attendant on. the recipient
instrument, who will (on the left-hand indicator. being retained in a position
nearly vertical) understand that such signal for designating figures instead of
letters is 'complete, and 'he (the attendant on the recipient instrument) will.
cause the left-hand indicator to move and. retain a position nearly vertical,.
which signal will shew that he understands that the word-Figures is referred
to, and, in like manner, thereby understands that figures are to be transmitted:
instead of letters. And in like: manner, for conversing by. the aid of the code,.
he would transmit to the attendant on the recipient instrument: the word
Code, which fills up the space immediately under .the space filled up by
the word Figures, which, being on the right side of the..dial, is designated: by
the same separate and distinct motion in rapid succession of the right-hand
indicator as would convey, indicate, or transmit the compound letters Que.
and the numerals 17, both being to the right-hand side of the dial plate,cand
on the same horizontal line 'as the word Code. It will be obvious that the
order of the letters or symbols on the dial plate may be variedi without departing
from the principle of the above, arrangements,.but we believe: the above to
the most convenient in practice.
We will now describe our arrangement of handle for working or causing
the required current of electricity, either positive or negative, to pass through
the telegraph, and give motion to the indicators. The position and situation
of such arrangement is shewn in elevation at A*, Figure 3 (Sheet B), and in
plan of Figure 4 (Sheet C), which represents the inside plan of the bottom of
the telegraph: but, in order that our arrangements may be more fully under-
stood; the same plan and arrangement of handle as seen at Figure 4, Sheet. C,
for passing or changing the current of electricity, is represented at Figure 28,
Sheet E, on a larger scale or working size, wherein the same rletters of.
reference correspond with or indicate similar parts. as thosc.marked by.similar

page_text: letters in Figure 4, Sheet C, with the exception of the letters referring to the
connexion wires, which are not shewn in Figure 4, Sheet C.
Figure 29, Sheet E, represents a front view of Figure 28, Figure 30 a side
view, and Figure 31 a vertical section taken through the centre of the
spring barrels, seen by the dotted lines 1 and 2, Figure 28. The letters and
figures of reference indicate similar parts in all these Figures, as they all shew
different views of the various parts constituting the same arrangement.
A, A, Figures 28, 29, 30, and 31, Sheet E, represents the bottom of the
telegraph, to which is screwed, by screws a, a, a, a, the brass or other metal
plate B. C is a lever, which may be made of brass or other suitable metal,
seen separate and detached in Sheet E, at Figure 32 in side view, and at
Figure 33 in plan view. D is a suitable screw, which passes freely through a
hole b in the lever C, seen at Figure 33, and is screwed by the screw c into
the plate B, thereby forming the fulcrum or centre of the lever C. The end d
of the lever C (Figures 32 and 33, Sheet E,) is formed round, with a small
male screw cut thereon for the reception of the ivory handle C, seen separate
in Figures 34 and 35, which handle E is furnished with a longitudinal hole,
shewn by the dotted lines at Figure 34; so that by removing the small brass
nut d', seen separate at Figure 36, which fits on the screw formed on the end
d of the lever C, the handle E may be withdrawn, which operation must be
effected before the instrument can be opened. The other end of the lever C
has a boss F formed thereon, as seen at Figures 32 and 33, through which a
bolt passes, furnished at each end with the conical steel points e and e, the
shape of which is more clearly shewn at Figure 37, representing thein as
secured and connected together by the bolt f, and at Figure 38 the manner
by which they can be disconnected to allow their being passed through the eye
or boss F. In fixing the conical steel points e and e¹, and the bolt f, through
the eye or boss F, great care must be taken that no portion of the steel points
e and e', or of the bolt f, comes in contact with the eye or boss F, and in
order to prevent such contact we thoroughly encircle the bolt f with one or
more coils of card, paper, or other suitable non-conducting material, and we
apply one ivory ring or washer g, g, on each side, between the conical steel
G and G are two
points e and e, and the edge of the eye or bolt F.
cylindrical boxes or barrels, secured to the bottom of the instrument A, A, by
the binding screws H and H', and the angle plate I and I', clearly seen in
the section at Figure 31, Sheet E. J and J¹ are two helical expanding
metallic springs, one end of which forces against the inside of their respective
angle plate I and I', and the other end forcing against their respective circular

page_text: plates, to which the steel points K and K' are connected, thereby causing the
steel points K and K¹ to force equally against the small dovetailed pieces of
of steel d', d, let into the lever C, and to keep the lever C central when in a
quiescent state. It is clearly shewn by referring to Figure 28, Sheet E, that
when the lever C is at rest it must be in the centre, by reason of the two
helical springs J and J¹ forcing equally on each side thereof, so that when the
handle F and lever C are moved into the position seen by the dotted lines,
(Figure 28, Sheet E,) and the hand of the attendant releases the same, the
spring J', having more force exerted thereon, will immediately press the lever
C back in the centre and state of rest by which the electric circuit can be
completed by the operator upon any other instrument in connexion. L is a
small steel pin fixed to the lever C, more clearly seen in Figure 32, and M is
a piece of brass or other metal, of a crutch form, secured to the flat steel
spring N and binding screw O. P is a bent steel spring (shewn in Figure 39,
Sheet E, previous to its being bent,) secured to one of the steel points e and e¹,
but shewn in Figure 28, Sheet E, as attached against the steel point e', having
the end P¹ thereof always in contact with the binding screw Q, thereby
forming the battery connexion between the binding screw Q and the steel
points e and e. R and R' are two binding screws fixed in the bottom of the
instrument, near and opposite the steel points e and e¹. S and S¹ are two
pieces of brass or other metal, which are in direct contact with the binding
screw R, and R', and H and H. We will now trace out the course of the
electric circuit through this arrangement of handle. Supposing the handle E
to be retained in the position seen by the dotted lines, Figure 28, Sheet E, and
the positive pole of the battery in connexion with the binding screws 3, 3, in
the side of the instrument, the electric current would then travel in the
direction of the arrow along, or through the spiral wire 4, 4, to the binding
screw O, from thence along the flat steel spring N to the crutch-piece of metal
M, which would, by the position of the handle, be brought in direct contact
with the steel pin L, through or along which the electric current would travel
to the steel point K' and binding screw H', in direct contact with the lever C,
from thence along or through the spiral wire 5, 5, to the binding screw 6, 6,
to which binding screw the line wire 7 is attached, forming the line of com-
munication in connexion with the distant instruments, and from thence
returning along or through the carth in connexion with the wire 8, 8; and
binding screws 9, 9, passes through or along the spiral wire 10, which is
connected to the end of the fine wire n', Figures 5 and 6, Sheet C, coiled
round or upon the flat circular reel or reels E, E (which is fully described
and shewn in reference to Figures 5, 16, 14, and 15, Sheet C, the ends of
R

page_text: which fine wire are indicated or shewn in those Figures by the letters n and
'n'). The electric current, on leaving the end of the coils of the fine wire n,
Figures 5 and 6, Sheet C, passes along or through the spiral wire 11 to the
binding screw H, and along the piece of metal S communicating to the binding
screw R, which is in direct contact with the steel point e (seen by the dotted
line), through or along which the current passes to the bent spring P, from
thence along the spiral wire 12, 12, to the binding screws 13, 13, and along
the battery wire 14, which is connected, thereby completing the electric circuit.
By reversing the position of the handle to the left or opposite side to which it
is shewn by the dotted lines in Figure 28, Sheet E, the electric current will be
reversed, and the partially magnetized rings (herein-before described in
reference to Figures 5, 6, 14, and 15, Sheet C), on the electric current passing
through the coils of fine wire opposite to them, will move in a contrary
direction to that where the electric current travelled, as first above described.
We will now proceed to describe the second part of our Invention, which
relates to the arrangement of apparatus for giving audible signals at distant
places, and for calling the attention of the attendant on the telegraph.
Figure 1, Sheet F, represents the elevation of an apparatus for giving
audible signals at distant places, Figure 2 a side elevation thereof, and at
Figures 3 and 4 separate views of some of the parts. A, A, shew the sides or
framework, supported on a suitable stand, and B, B, are two pillar bars for
keeping the frames A, A, together. C is a spring box, containing the steel
spring which actuates the train of wheelwork. D is a chain, which, on
turning the key E, will be wound or coiled on the fusee F, and thereby wind
up the spring contained in the spring box C; but as the wheels and arrange-
ments belonging thereto are similar to the ordinary arrangements for sounding
bells and alarms, we will dispense with describing their various motions, as
the same may be varied in a variety of forms, and we will therefore confine
ourselves to the arrangements of the parts by which we are enabled to liberate
or detain the motion thereof, so that we may give the audible signals, or cause
the alarms or sound the bells at pleasure. G shews the front of one of the
two flat circular reels, supported upon the bracket G', and covered with coils of
fine wire H, H, in connection with the battery by the wires II' and H³, the
end I thereof connecting. the coils of fine wire H, H, on the reels G, G,
together. Figures 40, 41, and 42, Sheet C, represent different views of reels
which we propose using for ringing bells and sounding alarms at distant places.
Figure 40 shews a front view, Figure 41 a longitudinal section, and Figure 42
a transverse section thereof. Where a great number of bells are required to
be rung simultaneously, we use, in conjunction with the flat circular reels G

page_text: and coils of fine wire H, a piece of soft iron, or a cluster of wire placed in
the hollow space H³ (Figures 40, 41, and 42, Sheet C), by the application of
which the power may be augmented if required. We should here remark,
that we are aware that soft iron and clusters of wire have been before used for
sounding alarms, and applied in conjunction with coils of wire, but in a different
manner than here described.
J, Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, Sheet F, is a flat metallic partially magnetized
ring, one end of the axis a of which moves on the cock plate b, and the other
end of the axis a moves in one of the frames A. K is a piece of metal securely
fixed to the axis a, and acting as a counterbalance to the partially magnetized
ring, as well as a liberator to the train of wheelwork, as will hereafter be
explained. The axle which carries the toothed wheel L, Figure 1, Sheet F,
also carries the disc M, which is notched towards the centre, as seen at c,
Figure 3, Sheet F. Now, by referring to Figure 3, Sheet F, it will be seen
that the suspended detent N, being retained in a vertical position by the spring d,
and the pine coming in contact with the fly O, stops it, and prevents its rotat-
ing; but so soon as the electric current is caused to pass through the coils of
fine wire H, H, wound round or upon the flat circular reels G, G, according to
the connexion with the battery, it causes the partially magnetized ring J to
move, and assume the position seen and represented by the dotted lines in
Figure 3, Sheet F; thereby causing the small pin f, which is fixed to the cross
piece K¹ of the counterbalance K, to move the detent N in the direction seen
by the dotted lines N¹ (Figure 3), the pin e thereof liberating the part g of the
fly O, which will immediately revolve at a rapid rate in the direction of the arrow,
and will continue to rotate until the ring J is caused to return to its quicscent
position, when the spring d will press against the detent N, and cause it to
return to its vertical position, and the peg e to come in contact with the part g
of the fly O, and thereby stop the motion to the train of wheelwork which was
set in motion by its liberation. i is a small peg or pin, which keeps the detent
N from resuming its vertical position until the notch in the disc M arrives in
a line, or opposite to it, to allow it to fall in; for during the revolution of the
disc M in the direction of the arrow, shown thereon, the pin i rubs on its
periphery, by which it prevents the detent N from resuming its vertical
position until the notch arrives opposite to it. The pinion of the toothed
wheel L, Figure 1, Sheet F, catches or gears in the toothed wheel P, which is
furnished with a number of small pegs or pins k, Figure 2, Sheet F, which
actuates a tail-piece attached to the axle l, which causes the hammer Q, which
is secured to the axle l, to strike the bell R, in the same manner that the
striking part of clocks and such like apparatus are generally performed.

page_text: Figure 43, Sheet E, represents the arrangements of a bell handle, by which
the apparatus for giving the audible signals may be set in motion. A, A, A, A,
represents the sides of a box or case to which the plate B is screwed by the
screws a, a, a, a. C is the lever moving on its fulcrum, which is formed by
the screw D, freely fitted into a hole 6 in the lever, in a similar manner with
reference to Figure 28, Sheet E. E is the ivory handle fitted on to the end
of the lever C. F is the eye or boss at the other end of the lever C, through
which the bolt and the steel point e are secured. G. is the cylindrical spring
barrel, containing the helical spring, which barrel is secured to the bottom of
the box by the binding screw H and the angle plate I. K is the steel point
connected and secured to the helical spring contained in the spring barrel G,
which is kept constantly pressing against the dovetailed piece of steel d³ let
into the lever C. L¹, L', are two brass plates, by which the bell box A, A, A, A,
is secured to the table, or wherever it may be placed.
We will now describe and trace out the course of the electric current which
may be followed by observing the direction of the arrows when the handle C is
moved, as represented by the dotted lines in Figure 43, Sheet E. Supposing
.the end of the wire 1 to be connected to either the positive or negative pole of
the battery at the other end by the binding screws 2, 2, it passes along or
through the spiral wire 3, to the binding screws 4, from thence along the bent
spring P to the steel point e, which is then in contact with the binding screw 5,
and from thence it passes along or through the spiral wire 6, 6, to the binding
screw 7, 7, thence to the wire 8, to the earth, from which a wire is connected
to either the wire H¹ or H', seen in Figures 1 and 2, Sheet F; and from
either of the two wires H' and H2, along the wire 9, through the binding
screw 10, 10, and along the spiral wire 11 to the binding screw H, to the steel
point K, and from thence along to the lever C, to the steel pin L, to the
crutch spiece of metal M and the flat steel spring N, to the binding screw O,
and along or through the spiral wire 12 to the binding screws 13, 13, to the
other pole of the battery, thereby completing the circuit.
We will now proceed to describe the third part of our Invention, which
relates to an improvement in the construction and arrangement of lightning
conductors, to be placed in connexion with the line wire of communication of
the electric telegraph, to prevent the discharges of atmospheric electricity from
entering such instrument, by carrying it direct to the earth.
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, Sheet D, represents different views of our improved
lightning conductor, and Figures 5 and 6, Sheet D, sections thereof, the same
letters of reference indicating or referring to similar parts in all those Figures.
A, A', are two metal plates fixed to and kept at the distance required by the

page_text: blocks of ivory B, B, or other suitable non-conducting material, which are
secured by the screws a, a, a, a. The plate A is furnished with a number of
metal pins b, b, b, b, the points of which nearly come in contact with the plate
A¹. c, and c, are semi-spheres of metal, the one marked c being secured to the
plate A. Now in lightning conductors for electric telegraphs, as hitherto
usually constructed, the other semi-sphere c¹ is fixed to the plate A¹, being
stationary, the distance between the two semi-spheres cannot be adjusted
according to circumstances. To obviate this, the semi-sphere c' is fixed to a
male screw d, fitting in a corresponding female screw made in the plate A', by
which means, and by the aid of the regulating screw nut e, the semi-sphere
of metal c¹ may be brought either closer or further distant from the semi-sphere
of metal c as may be rendered necessary by the expansion or contraction of the
instrument, or other circumstance, it being well known that the two semi-
spheres of metal c and c¹ should be brought and retained as near together as
possible, but without actually being in contact. C¹, C¹, are two binding screws,
to which the wire C2, C3, in connexion with the line wire of communication, is
attached; and D, the binding screw, to which the earth wire C³ is connected.
Figure 2, Sheet D, shews a top view of Figure 1. Figure 3, a side view.
Figure 4, a view of the underneath part of Figure 1, shewing the metal
plate A, binding screws C, C¹, and the regulating screw nut e.
Figure 5 represents an horizontal longitudinal section taken through the
dotted line 1, 2, Figure 1; and Figure 6 shews a vertical transverse section
taken through the line 3, 4, Figure 1. The manner in which this apparatus
acts, and prevents the atmospheric electricity from progressing along the line
wire connected with the instruments, will be readily understood. The binding
screws C, C, are connected to the line wire by the wires C2, C3; and as it is
well understood that atmospheric electricity will make the shortest circuit to
the earth, it will pass from the line wire through the wire C, along the
plate A', to the semi-sphere of metal c¹, and, from its peculiar property of
making the shortest circuit, will immediately take to the other semi-sphere
of metal c, although not in contact with the semi-sphere of metal c', and will
pass from the binding screw D (which is in connexion with the semi-sphere of
metal c) along or through the wire C down into the earth, and thereby be
stopped in its progress, and prevented doing any injury to any of the instru-
ments which may be in connexion with the line wire of communication, the
pins b, b, b, b, being auxiliaries for conveying the electric fluid, should the
discharge be too great.
.
We will now proceed to describe the fourth part of our Invention, which
relates to means and arrangements for stretching, insulating, and supporting

page_text: the circuit or line wires communicating between the two most distant and all
the intermediate instruments. In order to prevent the electric current. from
passing from the circuit or line wire of communication down into the earth
through the post, bracket, or other apparatus for supporting such circuit or
line wire, it is necessary to effect a perfect insulation, otherwise the electric
current would only travel from the battery along or through the circuit or line
wire of communication to the first point of contact therewith, and pass at once
direct into the earth, and thereby be prevented from passing along or through
the whole length of line wire of communication. We are perfectly aware that
various means and forms and apparatus have been before used and employed
to effect insulation at the point of suspension or support of the circuit or line
wire of communication, but such arrangements have been more or less defec-
-tive, and have not afforded the same security, or the means of applying the
stretcher to the long circuit wire on the insulators. To attain these objects we
construct or form our insulators of a different shape as regards both the
external and internal configuration to any of those hitherto used. These
insulators may be made of glass, earthenware, porcelain, or metal, as cast iron,
the shape and form of the insulator, and not the material, constituting the
novelty of the improvement.
Figure 1, Sheet G, represents the elevation of our improved insulator;
Figure 2, an inside view; Figure 3, a vertical section thereof; and Figure 4,
a view or plan of the top. A is the body of the insulator. B is a circular flat
surface or neck, the peculiar use of which will be herein-after described. . C is
the head or top, with a round hole formed therein, through which the circuit or
line wire of communication passes, and which is seen more clearly in the
section, Figure 3. The body of the insulator A is hollow, as seen at E,
Figures 2 and 3, to prevent the rain from coming in contact with the upper
part of the arm H, so as to make a connection or circuit for electricity. The
hollow space E is contracted at the top, as seen at F. Figures 5 and 6
represent the side and front views of one of the insulators A, with the circuit
or line wire of communication G passing through the hole D, and the insulator
fixed or secured to the iron arm and plate H, which may be nailed or other-
wise secured against the wall, post, or other situation where it would be
required.
Figure 7 represents a section taken transversely through the line of wire G,
and Figure 8 a section taken longitudinally to the line wire G, which Figures 7
and 8 will clearly shew and exhibit the mode in which the insulators A are
secured to the arm H. The upper end of the arm H is made smaller than the
hollow space F, so as to fit therein loosely. I is a groove or notch formed on

page_text: the upper end of the arm H, so as to enable the cement J, J, to hold more
firmly; the insulator A to be secured to the arm H by any suitable means, as
cement or otherwise; but when the insulator is made of cast iron or other
metal, care must be taken effectually to insulate the metal of the insulator
from the metal of the support H. For this purpose the substance known as
vulcanized india-rubber may be employed with advantage; or the inner part
of the contracted hollow F, or the upper part of the support H, may be coated
with a non-conductor.
We will now describe the apparatus which we employ for stretching the
circuit or line wire of communication in connection with these insulators.
Figure 9, Sheet G, represents the apparatus; Figure 10, the plan view;
and Figure 11, the end view. K, K, is a divided spring ring, which is made
to fit on the insulator A round the flat circular part B, Figure 1, Sheet G.
L is a spring boss or moulding, with a hole and slit a cut therein, which
causes the divided spring ring K, K, to open, as seen by the dotted lines in
Figure 10. M, M, are two screw eyes attached, and form part of the
ring K, K, fitted with a thumb screw N, by which the ring K, K, is made secure
to the part B of the insulator, Figure 1, Sheet G. By means of this divided
ring K, K, the stretcher can be applied over and to any insulator, without
cutting or disconnecting the line wire G. O, O, are two arms, attached and
forming part of the ring K, K, in which the axle 6 of the pulley P works. Q
is a ratchet wheel fixed on the axle b, and R a pall to prevent the pulley P and
ratchet wheel R from moving backwards when a contrary strain is applied.
S is a small winch handle or key, with a square hole formed in the pipe T
thereof, fitting on the square end of the axle b. These stretching apparatuses
may either be left on to the insulator A, or they may be removed; when the
circuit or line wire G will be found to be sufficiently stretched. The method
of stretching the wire is as follows:-The wire G is secured at some little
distance to a suitable clamp or vice, to which is fastened one end of a piece of
rope or cord, and the other end of the rope or cord is coiled once round the
pulley P, which coil is kept tight by the operator who holds the end of the
rope or cord in his hand, whilst he is engaged with the other in turning and
giving motion to the small winch handle S, by which action he will wind the
coil of rope round the pulley P, and thereby cause the clamp or vice to be
drawn nearer to the insulator A, drawing with it the wire G, to which it is
fastened.
We will now proceed to the description of the fifth part of our Invention,
which relates to the construction and arrangement of certain parts to be used
in connection with our improved telegraph. And, first, with respect to a
deflector for changing the electric current up or down the circuit or line wire

page_text: of communication, or turning off the electric current from any respective
instrument to which it is applied. One of these deflectors is seen at Figure 2,
Sheet A, applied to the telegraph. a, a, is a small stand of mahogany or other
wood, secured to the side of the telegraph by the screws b, b. c and c¹ are two
binding screws, to which are secured the bent pieces of metal d and d¹, having
an inclination, by their mode of fixing, to bear or press towards the centre.
e is a plate and bracket, upon which the metal lever f is fixed by the screw g.
his a small handle fixed to the lever f, by which the deflector is caused to
operate. is a binding screw screwed on to the plate e. The wire attached to the
binding screw c is in connexion with the earth, the wire attached to the binding
screw C¹ is in connexion with the up line wire communicating to the telegraph,
and the binding screw i is attached to the down line wire of communication, so
that when the lever f, which is also in connexion with the down wire line of
communication, is caused to come in contact with the piece of metal d¹ the
electric current is prevented from entering the telegraph by reason of the
current taking the shortest or nearest circuit; and when the reverse action
is given to the lever f, by causing it to come in contact with the bent piece
of metal d, then the electric current can be passed or employed to any or every
instrument up the line of communication, without interfering with any instru-
ments below itself down the line of communication.
Next, as to certain arrangements by which we are enabled to transmit mes-
sages or communications up or down the line of communication. Figure 1,
Sheets M, represents a line of communication, with three instruments A, B,
and C, in connexion therewith, the instrument A representing London, the
instrument B representing York, and the instrument C representing Edin-
burgh. D is a plate of metal, which is buried in the earth, in connexion with
the telegraph A. D' is another plate of metal, also buried in the earth, and in
.connexion with the most distant instrument C. E, E, is the line wire of com-
munication for the telegraph, to which, if required, an additional wire may be
added for the bell. Figure 1 only represents an instrument applied to an
ordinary line of communication. Figure 2 represents an arrangement by which
we are enabled to transmit and receive intelligence to or from any number of
telegraphs on a line of railway and communication; the object being for the
more economical working and use of the battery power, such battery power
being placed at either terminus, but shewn at Figure 2, Sheet N, as placed in
direct connexion with the instrument marked A, which represents London.
Figure 3 represents another arrangement with a number of instruments
marked A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, shewing the arrangement by which any two
consecutive instruments can convey or transmit intelligence from any one or to
each other, without interfering with any instrument either up or down the line

page_text: of comminication; therefore the instruments A and D, representing London
and Birmingham, can communicate on a different subject to the instru-
ments E and G, which respectively represent Crewe and Liverpool. If the
instrument D, which represents Birmingham, is to communicate to the instru-
ment A, which represents London, the earth wire I, which is connected to the
metal plate H, and buried in the earth, is brought in contact with the line
wire J, then intelligence can be transmitted to all or any instrument towards
London. During the time that such intelligence is about being transmitted,
the instrument E, which represents Crewe, can at the same time communicate
with the instruments F and G, the former representing Manchester, and the
latter Liverpool. By means of the arrangements described under this head of
our Invention, each instrument being furnished with a deflector and earth plate,
intelligence on different subjects may be going on at the same time between
particular. stations on a long line of telegraph communication.
We will now proceed to describe the sixth part of our Invention, which
relates to the construction of apparatus for producing and maintaining a
current of electricity, which apparatus we denominate "The hydraulic
battery."
Figure 1, Sheet H, represents a front elevation; Figure 2, a side elevation;
Figure 3, Sheet I, a longitudinal section; and Figure 4, a transverse section
of the apparatus; but by following the sections seen at Figures 3 and 4,
Sheet I, the construction and action of the apparatus will be more readily
understood. A, A, are two uprights, which are secured by the screws a, a, a,
to the end B of the receiver C, C; D, D, is a trough supported by the rabbets
b, b, fitting in corresponding grooves made in the trough D, D, and in the
uprights A, A. This trough D, D, is divided into a number of cells or com-
partments c, c, c, c, c, c, by the suitable partition d, d, d, d, d, d, made of any
non-conducting material, such as glass, slate, porcelain, earthenware, or wood, if
coated with some non-conducting cement or covering so as to prevent. the
damp or moisture from penetrating from one cell or compartment into the next
cell or con:partment. These cells or compartments c, c, c, c, c, c, have no flat
bottom, but each terminate with the cones e, e, e, e, e, e, with a hole formed at
the bottom thereof, into which is pressed and retained a piece of sponge or
other filtering material f, f. f. f. f. f. E, E, is a trough or reservoir fitted and
supported on rabbets and grooves in a similar manner as trough D, D, in
which the sulphuric acid or other exciting liquor is contained. This trough
or reservoir E, E, is not divided into cells or compartments in the same
manner as the battery trough D, D, but is furnished with the same number of
cones, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, and small holes filled with sponge or other suitable

page_text: filtering material h, h, h, h, h, h, one each of which cones 9 is situated imme
diately above and over one each of the cells or compartments c, the use of
which cones will be herein-after explained. i, i, i, i, i, i, are plates of copper,
one of which only must be placed in each cell or compartment c, c, c, c, c, c, and
close to the partitions d, d, d, d, d, d. k, k, k, k, k, k, are plates of zine, one of
which also must only be placed in each cell or compartment c, c, c, c, c, c, and
close to the partition d, d, d, d, d, d, so that each cell or compartment
c, c, c, c, c, c, shall contain one plate of copper i close to one of its sides, and
one plate k of zinc, close to the opposite side. The plate of zinc connected
to the binding screw F forms the positive pole of the battery, and the plate of
copper m in connection with the binding screw G at the other end of the
battery forms the negative pole of the battery. These alternate plates of zinc
k and copper i are connected together at their top edges by the bent straps of
metal n, n, n, n, n, n, and by rivets 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, or other suitable means.
The cells or compartments c, c, c, c, c, c, are to be filled with loose sand or cther
suitable retainer of moisture, thereby burying the respective plates of copper i
and zinc therein, leaving only a small portion of each of the copper plates i
and zinc plate k exposed or above the surface of the sand or other retainer of
moisture contained in the cells or compartments c, c, c, c, c, c. Although we have
stated that the cells or compartments c, c, c, c, c, c, may be filled with loose
sand, or other retainer of moisture, we propose also to insert and fit bags of
parchment, vellum, or other flexible filtering material, containing the sand or
other retainer of moisture, into the cells or compartments c, c, c, c, c, c, which
bags of parchment, vellum, or other flexible filtering material must be so filled
with sand or other retainer of moisture that the two sides thereof shall come
in contact and be pressed against the respective plates of copper i and zinc
k. This arrangement will be found of great value should at any time any
derangement take place in any of the cells or compartments c, c, c, c, c, c, or
to any of the plates of metal i and k, when the whole body of the sand or
other retainer of moisture being contained in the bags of parchment, vellum,
or other flexible material would be totally removed, and that cell or compart-
ment left thoroughly clean and free. The action of this arrangement of
battery will be readily understood in and by the following description, refe
rence being had to the different figures represented in Sheets H and I. After
the sulphuric acid or other exciting liquid has been poured in the top trough
or reservoir E, E, and the cones 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, it will be prevented from
dropping through too fast by the pieces of sponge h, h, h, h, h, h, or other
suitable filtering material, but will leave or detach itself from the end of the
cones 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, (which are immediately over the cells or compartments

page_text: c, c, c, c, c, c,) drop by drop, which drops will fall in succession on the sand or
other retainer of moisture contained in the cells or compartments c, c, c, c, c, c,
or in the bags of parchment or vellum containing the sand or other retainer of
moisture which are placed in the cells or compartments c, c, c, c, c, c, between,
the plates of copper i, i, i, i, i, i, and the plates of zinc k, k, k, k, k, k, until such
sand or other retainer of moisture shall be completely and thoroughly satu-
rated and moistened with the sulphuric acid or other exciting liquor which
shall have been placed in the upper trough or reservoir E, E. When the
sulphuric acid or exciting liquor has filtered or penetrated to the bottom of the
cones e, e, e, e, e, e, of the cells or compartments c, c, c, c, c, c, of the trough
D, D; the sand or other retainer of moisture contained therein will be
saturated and moistened, and as one drop of sulphuric acid or exciting liquor.
drops or detaches itself from the end of the cones 9, 9.9, 9, 9, 9, of the upper
trough or reservoir E, E, one corresponding drop will be observed to detach
itself or fall from the corresponding underneath cones e, e, e, e, e, e, into the
receiver C, C, carrying with it the sulphate of zinc with which it is impreg-
nated, and which had accumulated during its action on the metal and progress
through the sand or other retainer of moisture. C¹ is a hole made in the
bottom of the receiver C, to which a pipe may be fixed for carrying off the
vitiated liquid. It is evidently seen that there being a constant change of
sulphuric acid or other exciting liquor into and through the sand or other
retainer of moisture contained in the cells or compartments C, C, C, C, C, C,,
(thereby keeping up and maintaining a constant percolating and downward
filtering action), the salts precipitated or formed in the common batteries,
known by chemists as "sulphate of zinc" (and which sulphate of zinc
crystallizing on the plates of metal is so very injurious and detrimental to the
action and working of such batteries), will be prevented from crystallizing on
the plates of the batteries constructed according to our Invention, by, reason
of the cells or compartments being furnished with holes or perforations through
which the vitiated liquid is allowed to drop and carry with it the sulphate of
zine with which it is impregnated in the manner herein-before described.
Figure 5, Sheet J, represents the elevation of another arrangement of
"hydraulic battery;" Figure 6, an end view thereof; Figure 7, Sheet K, a
longitudinal section, and Figure 8. a transverse section, the same letters of
reference indicating similar parts in Sheets J and K. The action and
working of this arrangement is precisely similar as in the foregoing description
with reference to the Figures. seen in Sheets H and I.. A, A, are the two;
ends or uprights supporting the trough B, which is furnished with a number
of cones a, a, a. C' is a frame also supported on the uprights A, A, which

page_text: frame is furnished with a number of rectangular openings, through and on
which the copper or other metal cells D, D, D, are fixed and supported;
E, E, E, are plates of zinc, one only of which is buried in the sand or other
retainer of moisture contained in each of the copper cells D, D, D; F, F, F,
are binding screws soldered to the end of the cells D, D, D; and G is a copper
wire, one end of which is screwed to the zinc plate E, and the other end to
the binding screw F of the next copper cell D. By referring to Figures
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, Sheet L, different and separate views of the copper or
other metal cells are shewn, the same letters of reference marked thereon as
appears on similar parts in Sheets J and K. Figure 1, Sheet L, shews a side
view; Figure 2, an inside view; Figure 3, an end view; Figure 4, & longi-
tudinal section taken through the line 1 and 2, Figure 5; Figure 5, a plan of
the cell with the zinc plate E fixed therein, and the connecting wire G secured
thereto; and Figure 6, a transverse section through the line 3 and 4, Figure 5.
H (Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8, Sheets J and K,) represents a receiver to receive
or hold the drops of vitiated liquor when they drop from the cells D, D, D.
h' is a hole made in the bottom of the receiver H, to which a pipe may be
fixed for carrying off the vitiated liquid. The cells D, D, D, being made of
copper and connected to the zinc plate E by the wire G, both sides of the zinc
plate and both internal surfaces of the copper cells are brought into action,
thereby obtaining nearly double the amount of surface or a greater number of
elements in use, giving increased power in proportion. I, I, are two wires
soldered on each side of the cells D, D, D, forming the support on which they
rest on the frame C. As it is necessary to avoid contact between the copper
cells D, D, D, and the zinc plates E, E, E, we have shewn at M, Figure 7,
Sheet L, a front view of an insulator, made of glass or other non-conducting
material, by which the edge of the plate of zinc E is prevented from coming in
contact with the ends of the copper cells D, as seen at M, M, Figures 4 and
5, in the same Sheet, and in plan view at Figure 8.
Figure 9 shews a section through the line 1 and 2 of Figure 7; Figure 10,
a section through the line 3 and 4 in Figure 7, and Figure 11, a side view of
the insulator M. It will be seen, by referring to Figure 5, Sheet J, that the
binding screw N is in connection with the copper cell D by the binding screw
F, thereby forming the negative pole of the battery, and the binding screw
O is attached to the wire in connection with the end zinc plate E or positive
pole of the battery. Instead of using a reservoir above the trough containing
the plates of metal where a long continuous and undisturbed supply would be
required, we propose the following arrangement, seen at Figure 12, Sheet L
in side view. Figure 13 is a longitudinal section, and Figure 14 a trans-

page_text: -
verse section thereof through the line 1 and 2, Figure 12. A, A, is a metal
tube, which may be made of any suitable length and diameter, and furnished
with a number of perforated nipples a, a, a, which perforation must be the
same in number, and fixed so as to correspond with the cells or con partments
below. This tube A should be well stuffed and filled with sponge, or other
suitable material, to prevent the exciting liquid dropping through too fast into
the cells or compartments below. B is a pipe and union joint supplying the
same from a suitable reservoir or cistern containing the exciting liquid, which
cistern may be fixed or situated in any convenient or local situation; C, C,
are two screw caps fitted to the ends of the pipe A, A, which can be removed
at pleasure to allow the insertion of a rod for forcing the sponge or other
filtering material out of the tube A, A, when the same is required to be
changed or supplied.
Figure 15, sheet L, shews a longitudinal section of a separate cell Q, with
a regulating cock P fixed at the bottom thereof to prevent the exciting liquid
from dropping too fast, and to answer the same purpose as the sponge or other
filtering material. But we prefer using the sponge for its regularity of action
and being the most effective. Figure 16 shews a transverse section of Figure
15; Figure 17, an inward plan; and Figure 18, a view of the bottom thereof
with the regulating cock P upwards.. The cell or compartment Q is made
separate, and not as seen at c, c, c, c, c, c, Sheet II and I, so that they may be
removed and fixed to the frame at pleasure. One advantage possessed by
the application of the regulating cock P is, that should the cell Q containing
the sand or other retainer of moisture be found to be too moist or too much
saturated, its drainage or filtration can be accelerated by opening in full the
regulating cock P; or, if found to be too dry, it can in like manner be soon
saturated by the entire or partial closing of the regulating cock P. A battery
constructed as above described will be found extremely useful, not only for the
communication of signals and intelligence by means of electricity, and for
timekeepers, as herein-after described, but for other purposes in which an
uniform and steady galvanic action is required.
We will proceed to describe the eighth and last part of our Invention,
and which relates to the manner in which we apply part of the improvements
herein-before described, in connection with other arrangements herein-after
described, to keep in motion a pendulum in connection with a train of wheels or
clockwork for moving hands or needles so as to indicate the time; and in order
that these arrangements, which form a principal feature of our Invention, may be
better understood, we will describe the Drawings exhibiting such arrangements.
Figure 1, seen in Sheet N, represents the front elevation of a timekeeper,

page_text: with a circular dial plate fixed at the upper part thereof. The dial is shewn
as divided on its periphery into sixty equal spaces indicating minutes, which
are pointed out by the needle or hand in the centre of the dial plate. In the
upper part of the dial plate is seen engraved a small circular dial, also divided
into sixty equal parts, representing seconds, and which are indicated by the
revolution of the needle or hand moving on the centre within, in the engraved
circular dial. In the lower part of the circular dial plate is engraved another
small dial with the Roman characters, representing figures from one to twelve,
which are spaced out and divided into twelve equal spaces, the character XII
being at the top and in a vertical position to the centre of such small dial,
which twelve Roman characters I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X,
XI, and XII, represent the hours, and are indicated by the revolutions of
the hand seen fixed to the centre thereof. Figure 2, Sheet N, represents the
side view of Figure 1. Figure 3, sheet O, represents the same view of the
timekeeper as seen at Figure 1, Sheet N, with its case and dial plate removed,
and Figure 4, Sheet O, shews a side view of Figure 3, Sheet N. The same
parts of the arrangement which are seen in Figure 1, Sheet N, being like-
wise shewn in Figures 3 and 4, Sheet O, we will, in order to avoid confusion,
refer only to such parts as are shewn in Sheet O. A, A, Figures 3 and 4,
Sheet O, represents the back of the timekeeper, at the upper part of which
is fixed a bracket B, supporting a train of wheels working or gearing in each
other, similar to those used in timekeepers actuated by means of weights or
springs; the axis C carrying the seconds' hand D; the axis E carrying the
minutes' hand F; and the axis G carrying the hours' hand II. I, I, are two
suitable brackets on which the horizontal regulating screw J is supported.
By referring to Sheet P, wherein Figure 5 represents a similar front but
enlarged view of working size of the arrangements seen and represented at
Figure 3, Sheet O, with the respective and similar parts thereof indicated
with the same letters of reference; and Figure 6, Sheet P, which represents a
side view of working size of that seen at Figure 4, Sheet N; and at Figure 7,
Sheet P, which represents a plan thereof, by which these arrangements will
be better understood. K is the pendulum rod suspended from the horizontal
regulating screw. J by the steel spring L. By referring to Sheet P, wherein
Figure 5 represents a similar but enlarged view of the arrangements seen
at Figure 3, Sheet O, M, M, Figures 3 and 4, Sheet O; and Figures 5 and 6,
Sheet P, represent two metallic partially magnetized rings, which are fixed
to the pendulum rod K by means of the oval tube N, secured to the metal
plates 0, 0, 0, by the adjusting screws P, P, and tightening nuts. Q, Q.
The oval tube N is allowed to move freely up and down the lower end of the

page_text: pendulum rod K, in which end of the pendulum rod K is solidly fixed the
regulating or adjusting male screw R, so that, by either bringing the graduated
nut or thumb piece S up or down the adjusting male screw R, the two
metallic partially magnetized rings M, M, can be brought closer or to a
greater distance from the suspending spring L (Figures 3 and 4, Sheet O),
to which, by their connection with the pendulum rod K, they are suspended;
and by means of such arrangement the timekeeper may be regulated in the
same manner by which such like operations are effected in timekeepers
actuated either by weights or springs. Although it may be seen that these
arrangements are in principl similar to those used in the telegraph, we think
it advisable to describe the same fully with reference hereto, and the mode
of fixing the parts constituting such arrangements (being on a much larger
scale) may be somewhat different to those in reference to the telegraph.
T is a flat circular reel, on or round which is wound coils of fine wire pre-
pared in a similar manner to those used in the arrangements referred to and
described in reference to Figures 5, 6, 14, and 15, Sheet C. This flat circular
rell T is secured to the crutch piece T by the screws a, a, which crutch piece
T is secured by the screw to the double adjusting clamp U. V, V, are the
pillar brackets, the screws V¹, V, of which pass through the vertical slots
U, U, in the double clamp U; so that, when the flat circular reel T
is adjusted in its proper position, it may be so secured and retained by
screwing up the screw nuts V2, V3, of the pillar brackets V, V. W and W'
are battery wires, one of the ends of which is in connexion with the first coil
of fine wire on the flat circular reel T, and the other end connected to the
binding screw W³, Figure 3, Sheet O.
We will now proceed to the description of the break or arrangement
attached to the pendulum rod K, by which the current of electricity is let on and
cut off from its connexion with the battery. c, c, are two arms of brass or
other metal, secured to the pendulum rod K by the screw c¹, and is finished
at each end with the regulating screws d, d¹. e is a metal bracket secured to
the back A by the screw e². This arrangement of break will be more clearly
shewn on a larger scale at Figure 8, Sheet P, which shews it in side elevation
at Figure 9 in front view, and at Figure 10 in plan, wherein the same parts
are also indicated or marked by similar letters of reference to those seen on
a smaller scale in Figures 5, 6, and 7, in the same Sheet. f is a plate cf
ivory or other non-conducting material, which is secured to the metal bracket e
by the screw e', which bracket is secured to the back A by the screw . 9 is
a lever working on a centre, the point h' of which works into a suitable block
or screw fitted into the ivory or other non-conducting plate f¹, and the
upper

page_text: point he works into the screws ", which is nxed to the metal bracket 2. It
should here be observed, that the object of the plate f¹ on the metal bracket e
(being of a non-conducting material) is to prevent the electricity from com-
municating with the piece of platinum k, until the piece of platinum m fixed
to the end of the metallic lever g shall have been pushed thereon by the reci-
procating action of the pendulum rod K, by coming in contact with the
adjusting screw d, as seen by the dotted lines K', Figure 3, Sheet O. 7 is a
similarly-shaped non-conducting substance as the piece of platinum k; but
we prefer using a jewel, such as a diamond, ruby, or other hard substance,
that will be less subject to wear away by the constant friction of the lever g.
Having now described the various parts connected with this arrangement,
we will proceed to describe the action, which will be readily traced by refer-
ring to Figures 3 and 4, Sheet O. When the pendulum rod K is in the
position shewn by the dotted lines K¹, the wire W, being connected to the
positive pole of the battery, causes the electric current to pass to the lever g
(more readily scen at Figure 4), to the piece of platinum m on the end
thereof, from thence to the piece of platinum k on the piece of ivory f¹;
from thence along the wire W to the binding screw W; from thence to
the flat circular reel T, along or through the wire W¹, round or through
which reel the electric current passes in the direction of the arrows; from
thence along or through the wire W to the binding screw W³, in connec
tion with the continuation of the battery wire W', Figure 4, Sheet O, thereby
completing the electric circuit. But as the pendulum rod K vibrates to the
position seen by the dotted lines K2, which is in opposite direction to that
seen and represented by the dotted lines K', it causes the piece of platinum m
which is fixed to the end of the lever g to leave the piece of platinum k,
and brings it in contact with the jewel or other hard non-conducting sub-
stance, thereby entirely cutting off the flow of electricity, which current is
regained by reason of the impetus of the pendulum rod K, whereby it again
assumes the position as before, and represented by the dotted lines K¹, and so
on alternately so long as the power of the electric current is sufficient to keep
it in action. Figure 11, Sheet P, represents a front view; Figure 12, a side
view; and Figure 13, a plan of the same principle in a different form; whereby
it will be seen that the same action can be obtained by fixing the flat circular
reel T to the pendulum rod K, and fixing the metallic partially magnetized
rings M, M, to the bottom X of the timekeeper, by means of the brackets
P. P.
It will be clearly seen that it matters not whether we make the flat
circular reel or reels, or the metallic partially magnetized ring or rings to
move or vibrate, as the same result can be obtained by placing or fixing them

page_text: parallel to each other; but in case of the reel or reels moving and the mag-
netized ring or rings being fixed, the conducting wire from the battery would
be brought down at the back of the pendulum rod K. We also propose
applying the same arrangement on a smaller scale to timekeepers, musical
boxes, or other such instruments or purposes which require liberation and
detention, as the variety of such purposes and the application of our arrange-
ments are unlimited.
As these arrangements for electric timekeepers require but a small power
for keeping the pendulums in motion, a sufficient current may be obtained
from two series of any one kind of metal (for which purpose zinc or iron
are the most economical) buried in the earth, one of which series is in con-
nexion with one of the binding screws of the timekeeper, and the other series
in connexion with the other binding screw; and when zinc is used for the
series, the supply of electricity may be augmented, by surrounding one set of
the plates of the series so employed with a solution of ammonia. We would
observe, however, that the hydraulic battery above described of two pairs of
plates of about three inches square will be found best adapted for producing
the requisite electricity for the timekeepers and clocks in ordinary cases.
Having now described the nature of our said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, we hereby declare that what we claim
as the Invention, whereof the exclusive use is intended to be secured to us by
the said Letters Patent, is as follows:-
Firstly, we claim as an improvement in electric telegraphs, the use of a ring
or piece of metal partially magnetized, in combination with a reel or coil of
wire as above described, whereby and wherein the electric current so acts
that the motions take place in a direction transverse to the action of the
coil, and parallel, or nearly so, to the planes in which the wire constituting the
coil lies.
Secondly, we claim as an improvement in electric telegraphs, an indicator
or indicators, deriving motion respectively from a current of electricity trans-
mitted through a coil arranged and acting on a partially magnetized ring or
piece of metal as above described, and the adaptation of such motions to con-
municating intelligence between distant places.
Thirdly, we claim as an improvement in electric telegraphs, the adaptation
of an indicator or indicators to a dial plate constructed and arranged as above
described. :
Fourthly, we claim as an improvement in electric telegraphs, the working
two indicators so as to give the requisite motions by means of a single handle,
constructed and arranged as above described..

page_text: Fifthly, we claim as an improvement in electric telegraphs for giving
audible signals, the use of a ring or piece of metal partially magnetized, in
combination with a reel or coil of wire as above described, whereby and
wherein the electric current so acts that the motions take place in a direction
transverse to the axis of the coil, and parallel, or nearly so, to the planes in
which the wire constituting the coil lies, and actuate suitable. apparatus for
giving such signals.
:
Sixthly, we claim as an improvement in electric telegraphs the use of an
apparatus for conducting the atmospheric electricity to the earth, in which
the two semi-spheres of the lightning conductor, as usually constructed for
that purpose, may be adjusted to or from each other as circumstances require.
Seventhly, we claim as an improvement in electric telegraphs, the insulation
and stretching of the long circuit wires upon an by means of an insulator bell-
shaped in the interior, so as to prevent the rain establishing a circuit for the
electricity from the wire to the support upon which the insulator is affixed,
and so shaped on the exterior as to admit of a stretcher constructed as above
described being applied at pleasure to stretch the long circuit wires from
insulator to insulator.
Eighthly, we claim as an improvement in electric telegraphs; a deflector,
constructed and arranged as above described, in combination with an earth
plate to each instrument, whereby the electric current may be diverted and
the instruments insulated in such manner as to allow the instrument, at two
or more stations on a long line to communicate with each other independently
of the other stations.
Ninthly, we claim as an improvement in electric telegraphs, the use of the
apparatus called "the hydraulic battery," in which the acid to the sand or
other retainer of moisture is supplied from above drop by drop, and escapes
from below drop by drop, so as thereby to keep up continuously a percolation
through the sand or other retainer or moisture, and by such percolation carry
off the sulphate of zinc and prevent its becoming crystallized on the plates.
And we claim the said hydraulic battery, both as an improvement in, the
working of electric telegraphs and as applicable to the working of timekeepers
or clocks where electricity is employed as a motive power, and for other
purposes in which a steady uniform current of galvanic electricity is
required.
Tenthly, and lastly, we claim for timekeepers in which electricity is a
moving power, the use of a ring or piece of metal partially magnetized, in
combination with a reel or eoil of wire, as above described, whereby and wherein
the electric current so acts that the motions take place in a direction transverse

page_text: to the axis of the coil, and parallel, or nearly so, to the planes in which the
wire constituting the coil lies, and are adapted to suitable apparatus for mea-
suring and indicating time.
In witness whereof, we, the said Alfred Brett and George Little, have
hereunto set our hands and seals, the Eleventh day of August, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty-seven..