IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHIC APPARATUS, RELATING ESPECIALLY TO TELEGRAPHIC RELAYS,' 'REPEATERS,' AND 'COMMUTATORS."
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Walter Gale Brownson, of Wellsville, in the State
of Ohio, and United States of America, Electrician, for the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHIC APPARATUS, RELATING ESPECIALLY TO
TELEGRAPHIC RELAYS,' 'REPEATERS,' AND 'COMMUTATORS."
999
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Walter Gale Brownson
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
14th September 1867.
I, WALTER GALE BROWNSON, of Wellsville, in the State of Ohio, and United
States of America, Electrician, do hereby declare the nature of the said.
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHIC APPARATUS, RELATING ESPECIALLY
TO TELEGRAPHIC RELAYS,' REPEATERS,' AND 'COMMUTATORS,' to be as
follows:-
The nature of my Invention consists, first, in rendering the freedom of
action or sensitiveness of the armature and lever of the "relay" instrument
or "receiving magnet" in an electro-magnetic telegraph apparatus dependent
upon the force of the electric current in the main line of the circuit alone, so.
that the relation of the two shall be constant and uniform, a weakness in the
current increasing the sensitiveness of the armature lever in closing the local.
circuit, and vice versa. I accomplish, this end by counterbalancing the,
attraction of the receiving magnet in a "relay" upon, its armature, either by:

page_text: means of a second magnet excited by the same electrical current as the first,
and so placed in relation to the armature as to attract the same in a direction
opposite to that of the receiving magnet, or by placing the same between the
poles of the receiving magnet itself. The armature lever which opens and
closes the local circuit is thus balanced upon its pivot between the attractive
forces of the two magnets, or of the two poles of a single magnet, and by
placing the armature nearer one of the poles or nearer the receiving magnet
than to the other, or by employing magnets of different power, the armature
lever may be adjusted to the very nicest degree of sensitiveness, and when so
adjusted in the instrument will thereafter uniformly maintain its adjustment,
whatever may be the degree of intensity in the electric current of the main
line, from the fact that this same current influences alike both points of
attraction between which the armature lever is adjusted.
The said Invention consists, secondly, in the combination of the local
battery circuit of any one of two main lines in an electro-magnetic telegraph
system with the "repeater" of the other line by means of extra wires inter-
cepting the local current between the repeating and relay magnets of the first
line, and so arranged as that said local circuit shall be closed by means of the
sounder lever of the "repeater" of the second line when not closed by. means
of the armature lever of its own relay," and vice versa.. Also in the use in
a repeating instrument of elastic or spring connections between the ends of
the cut-off wires and between the main line wire and the ground to be opened
and closed by the movements of the sounder lever of the repeater, and so
arranged as that the connection of the cut-off wires shall not be broken until
the connection of the main line with the ground' is opened, and vice versa.
"
The said Invention consists, thirdly, in a new, simple, and effective arrange-
ment and combination of "switch buttons" or. revolving metallic arms with
suitable metallic connecting plates or points and conducting wires for con-
trolling and changing at pleasure the direction of the electric currents in an
electric telegraph system either to or from one main line to another, or from
main lines to instruments, batteries, or the ground, and also for combining
batteries upon any one line. The "switch buttons" in my new "com-
mutators" for line connections are placed upon à suitable board in parallel
rows, each of which is connected with one main line of the telegraphic system
entering the office. Within reach of any required number of "switch buttons".
in each of these rows upon the several main line circuits are placed metallic:
plates or points connected by transverse conducting wires 'with similar plates
or points placed within reach of corresponding "switch buttons" in every
other-row, and also extra points or plates having connections with batteries,.

page_text: instruments, or the ground. In "commutators" for telegraphic batteries the
"switch buttons" are placed upon the board in pairs, each pair being con-
nected with the opposite poles of a battery. Within reach of each "switch
button" on the board are placed series of metallic points or plates connected
with the several main telegraphic lines in the office, so that connection may
be established by the "switch button" from either pole of any one battery
with any one of the lines. Extra points having ground connections are also
placed within reach of each "switch button," and extra "switch buttons" are
so arranged in combination with conducting plates as to connect at pleasure
the opposite poles of the batteries in regular succession and thus combine
their power.
The said Invention consists, fourthly, in the combination of a notched plate
with a spring actuated revolving "switch, button" for the purpose of engaging.
the end of the arm of the "button," and securing the same from accidental
displacement..
Fifthly. In the combination of a suitable spring of metal or of india-rubber
with the revolving "switch buttons" of a telegraphic "commutator"
instrument, and also in the combination of a base cap or collar with the
shank or spindle upon which the "switch button" revolves. The spring may
be of metal spirally coiled about the end of the shank of the button, which
projects through on the rear side of the board or base plate of the instrument.
Sixthly. In the use of a coiled metallic spring attached to a revolving
swivel head upon a suitable support on an electric telegraph instrument for
the purpose of forming at pleasure. a connection between the said post and
any adjacent point for the transmission of an electric current between the two,
the connection being established at will by extending the said metallic coil
to the desired point, and securing its free end thereto., A loop upon this free,
end may be passed over a hook arranged to receive it for this purpose..
SPECIFICATION filed in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,'
and of an Order of the Lord Chancellor, by the said Walter Gale
Brownson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 24th March 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WALTER
GALE BROWNSON, of, Wellsville, in the State of Obio, and United States of
America, Electrician, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent, Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fourteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord

page_text: .
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirty-first year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Walter Gale Brownson, Her special licence that I, the said Walter
Gale Brownson, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as
I, the said Walter Gale Brownson, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
should at any. time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all
times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHIC APPARATUS, RELATING ESPECIALLY TO TELEGRAPHIC
RELAYS,' 'REPEATERS,' AND 'COMMUTATORS," upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said Walter Gale Brownson, my executors or adminis-
trators, by an instrument in writing under my, or thier, or one of their hands
and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the
same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months
next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
"
,
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Walter Gale Brownson, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be.
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
The nature of this my Invention consists,-
1. In rendering the freedom of action or sensitiveness of the "armature
and lever of the "relay" instrument or "receiving magnet" in an electro-
magnetic telegraph apparatus dependent upon the force of the electric current
in the main line of the circuit alone, so that the relation of the two shall be
constant and uniform, a weakness in the current increasing the sensitiveness
of the "armature lever" inclosing the local circuit, and vice versa.
2. In the combination of the local battery circuit of any one of two main
lines in a telegraphic system with the "repeater" of the other line by means of
extra wires intercepting the local current between the "repeating" and "relay"
magnets of the first line, and so arranged as that said local circuit shall be
closed by means of the "sounder lever" of the "repeater" of the second line
when not closed by means of the "armature lever" of its own "relay," and
vice versa.
3. In the use in a repeating instrument of elastic or spring connections
between the ends of the "cut-off" or intercepting wires and between the main
line wire and the main battery or ground to be opened and closed by the
movements of the "sounder lever" of the repeater," and so arranged as that

page_text: the connection of the "cut-off" or intercepting wires shall not be broken until
the connection of main line with the main battery or the ground is opened,
and vice versa.
4. In the use of metallic pins or screws passing through or otherwise com-
bined with the "sounder lever" of a "repeating" instrument to open or close'
the connections of the "cut-off" wires or of the main line, which said pins or
screws shall in some cases be insulated from the sounder lever to which they
are secured.
5. In a simple and effective arrangement and combination of "switch
levers" or "switch buttons" with suitable metallic connecting plates or points
and wires for controlling and changing at pleasure the direction of the electric
currents in a telegraphic system either to or from one main line to another,
or from main lines to instruments, batteries, or the ground, or for combining
batteries upon any one line.
the
6. In the combination of suitable springs with the operating "switch levers "
of a telegraphic "commutator" to retain them automatically upon proper
points and plates, and yet permit a ready movement thereof upon their pivots
without contact with other plates.
7. In the combination of a "catch plate" provided with a suitable
engaging recess to catch and engage the "switch lever" of a telegraphic
"commutator."
8. The use of a metallic spiral coil attached to a revolving "swivel head"
upon a suitable support as a means of forming at pleasure an electric
connection between any two points, plates, or lines in a telegraphic
instrument.
"
In the accompanying Drawings, Figure 1 is a top or plan view of my
improved self-adjusting "relay" instrument; Figure 2, a, plan view of my im
proved "repeater;" Figure 3, a side elevation thereof; Figure 4, a diagram
illustrating the connections and operation of my improved "repeating" instru-
ment; Figure 5, a plan view of my double "circuit commutator," the
arrangement of wires on the reverse side thereof being indicated on said plan
in dotted colored lines; Figure 6, a plan view of my "commutator" for terminal
lines; Figure 7, a detached section in the line x, x, of Figure 5, illustrating
the manner of attaching the "switch buttons" or "levers" to the board, and
also my improved combination of spring, collar, and base cup therewith;
Figure 8 is a detached section in line y, y, of Figure 5, showing a detached
elevation of my improved spiral coil connecting device; Figure 9, a similar
detached sectional view in line z, z, of Figure 5; illustrating the combination.
of "switch levers" with line plates when retained by a simple spring without
+

page_text: base cup or collar; and Figure 10, a plan view of my improved "battery
commutator."
:
In Figure 1 (Sheet No. 1) of the accompanying Drawings I have repre-
sented my improved "relay" constructed with a pair of electro-magnets
D, D¹, of equal or nearly equal size and magnetic power arranged opposite to
each other on a suitable support: Between the two is placed and pivotted an
armature lever c of the description common to such instruments, and which is
provided with battery connections to open and close a "local circuit." in the
usual manner. The primary adjustment of this armature lever is obtained by
bringing the magnets D, D¹, more or less near thereto, said magnets being
secured upon adjustable supports operated by the set screws V; V, at either
end of the instrument. The distance of the "receiving magnet" D from the
armature is so adjusted as to be less than that of the opposite "adjusting
magnet" D¹ therefrom, the difference being so regulated as to give to the
former the proper degree of superior attractive power. The automatic discon-
nection of the local circuit through the armature lever c when the armature,
is uninfluenced by a current from the main line is insured by arranging a
spring to act thereon for this purpose, or by so balancing. the armature lever
on its pivot as that the superior gravity of one side thereof shall cause it to
fall back of its own weight against an insulated point when not attracted by
the magnet D. The main electrical current of the line entering at post F,
and passing through the receiving magnet D, is carried by a suitable.com-
necting wire, indicated by dotted blue lines d, under the instrument to the
second magnet D³, and passing through the same is returned by a second
connecting wire d¹ to the post F¹. The current of electricity excites both
magnets with equal force, so that the attractive power of both is uniformly the
same. If then the current in the main line be weakened by any disturbing
causes rendering it necessary that the armature lever c should vibrate more
freely the counter attraction of the second magnet D¹ upon said lever c which
controls its vibration is weakened in a corresponding degree, allowing the
needed freedom of vibration. The adjustment of the armature is thus per-
fectly automatic and constantly accommodates itself to the force of the electric
current in the main line. I prefer to use magnets D, D¹, of nearly equal
power in constructing my "relay" instruments, but it. is very important in all
cases where the magnets differ in power that the most powerful magnet be.
used as a receiving magnet, and in some cases it may be preferable to make
the adjusting magnet D' smaller than the" receiving "magnet. I contemplate
placing both the "receiving" and "adjusting" magnets side by side or above
one another, and in such cases I make use of an armature lever vibrating-upon

page_text: an axis. placed between armature plates on either side thereof, each opposite
one of said magnets.
Figúres 2 and 3 of the accompanying Drawings represent my improved
instrument for repeating the signals of an electro-magnetic telegraph from one.
line to another, having its operating magnet: Ds connected with one of my self-
adjusting "relay" instruments and with a "local".battery (as illustrated in the
Diagram, Figure 4) as is usual in the arrangement of telegraphic apparatus
of this description. .In its general features my repeating instrument is con-
structed substantially as are those in common use, and my improvements upon
these instruments may be applied to those ordinarily employed. The " sounder
lever "e is pivotted in the usual manner between supports f, f, (Figure 2) at a
point about two-thirds of its length from the "sounder post "G at its forward.
end; this forward end of the lever e vibrates between set screws upon said.
post G, Figure 3, and when at rest is kept up against the upper screw. by
means of a spring attached to an arm g extending from beneath its pivotted
axis, as illustrated in Figure 3 of the Drawings. The magnet D2 actuating
the "sounder lever" e of the instrument is located beneath it between the
"sounder post" G and the pivotted axis of the lever. Through the rear end of
the "sounder lever a set screw i is inserted vertically so that its point shall bear
down when the lever is at rest (as shown in Figure 5 and in the Diagram,
Figure 4) upon a horizontal elastic metallic strip h, Figure 2, extending across
under the lever from the upper end of a post t, to which it is secured upon one
side to within reach of a. set screw projecting vertically through a plate
projecting slightly from the head of a post a on the other side thereof.
Between the pivotted axis of the lever e and its armature plate e¹, Figure 2,
and at a distance from said axis equal to the distance of the set screw i there-
from, a second set screw is inserted vertically..to bear down upon a second
horizontal elastic metallic strip h³, Figure 2; this strip h is supported at one
end by a post b, and extends thence across beneath the lever to the point of
a set screw i projecting from a plate secured upon a post 6 on opposite side.
of the lever. The set screw it is so far shortened as that it will not bear
down upon the spring h² unless the lever e be actuated and drawn down by its
magnet D. The adjustment of the set screws i and with relation to the
springs h and he is so nicely regulated as that so soon as in the movement, of
the lever the spring his allowed to come into contact with the post a the.
The
contact of the spring he with post 6% will be broken, and vice versa.
"sounder lever" e of my repeater being actuated by a local circuit opened and
closed by a relay magnet upon any given line in an office (say for example the
east nain line), I connect the main line wire from the." relay." of any other line

page_text: to which east signals are to be repeated (as, for example, the west line) with the
post a of the instrument, as illustrated by positive blue lines in the Diagram,
Figure 4. To the post t I connect a suitable wire leading to a main battery
and the ground. From each of the wires of the local circuit of the west line
I lead "cut-off" wires m, m, (Figure 4) connected thereto at points between its
local battery and "relay" to the posts 6, 63, as indicated by blue dotted lines in
the Diagrams. In the same manner the main line from east "relay"
connected to post a of "repeater" on the local circuit of the west line, and
"cut-off" wires be extended from posts b, 63, of said "repeater" to intercept the
local circuit of the east repeater between its battery and "relay."
may be
In operation this my instrument for repeating signals from one telegraph
line to another is simple and effective. With the instruments arranged as
illustrated in the Diagram, Figure 4, a signal from the east acting through
its "relay" upon sounder magnet D³ will close the sounder lever e, thus
elevating the screw i from strip h, and allow it to bear up against the
screw of post a, and thus establish a connection between the main line west
and a main battery or the ground through post t. By thus closing the west
Hine the signal from east is immediately repeated west. In the meantime
sounder e is kept closed by the action of its local battery upon its magnet D³,
the local circuit being closed first when east sounder is open through the
"cut-off" wires m, m, by contact of spring or elastic strip h³ from post b, to
which one wire is attached with set screw of post 6, to which the other is
secured, and second when east sounder lever is closed, so that the circuit
through "cut-off" wires m,'m, is broken by the pressure of set screw ** upon
the connecting elastic strip h³, then through the west "relay," which is made
to close the local circuit by the very signal which breaks its connection through
said cut-off wires m, m. The point or set screw i by which west line is
opened lifts from the elastic strip h (and thus allows the west local circuit to
close through its "relay") before the set screw * breaks the circuit through
connecting strip h³ and cut-off wires m, m, so that the west sounder. cannot
open unless a break is made by operation on the west line.
The operations of my improved repeater are substantially the same when
west is repeating east instead of east west, as has just been described, the west
Sounder or 66 repeater "in such case operating in the manner just specified in
relation to the movements of the east sounder. It is evident that any two
lines in an office may be thus connected through the same repeater by means
of suitable "commutators" and by changing attachments of wires to the posts
t, a, b, and b, and I contemplate such changes in the application of my
Invention. When it is desirable the set screws i and inserted through the

page_text: sounder lever e of the instrument may be insulated therefrom, and the main
line wire and one of the "cut-off" wires be respectively connected with said
screws instead of to posts 6 and 6, which might thus be entirely dispensed
with, the contact of the screws directly with the elastic strips serving in such case
to open and close the connection of their attached wires with those attached
to posts t and a. In such case the main line wire would be attached to
the set screws placed between the axis of the lever and its armature, and the
"cut-off" wires to the screw and posts at rear end of lever, as the contact of the
screws with the metallic strip would establish a connection instead of breaking
the same as is done by the form of instrument illustrated in Figures 2 and 3
of the Drawings. My "commutators" for telegraphic purposes are illustrated
in Figures 5, 6, and 10, Figure 5 being a "commutator" for the "through"
lines or circuits of a telegraph office, Figure 6 a commutator for. lines termi-
nating in the office, and Figure 10 a "commutator" for battery connections.
"
In its general arrangement my "commutator" for the line circuits of a
telegraphic system, Figures 5 and 6, consists of parallel rows of "switch
levers" equal in number to the lines entering or leaving the office, each row
forming a connection of the line either to or from its proper instrument, the
continuity of the line and its connection either to or from its proper instrument
being broken at one or two points only, to be restored at the operator's pleasure
by means of a "switch lever "placed there for the purpose. That end of the
board to which the outer lines are attached is considered the top, the instru-
ment connections being from the opposite or bottom end. In a "through line
commutator (Figure 5), the line passes down one row and up the next to and
from the instrument, so that two rows are embraced in each "through line." on
the commutator. In an end line commutator (Figure 6), one, row suffices
for each line. The cross connections of any one line with other lines or
instruments are obtained by series of points or plates placed, within reach. of
the buttons on said line, each point or plate being connected by wires with
corresponding plates within reach of buttons on each of the other lines, each
cross wire having unbroken connection with some one line or instrument, as
well as with detached plates or points near all the lines. Ground connections
are obtained at the upper and lower ends of each row by means of. a switch
lever connected with a ground wire, and placed so as to reach the lines, or
by means of extra points having ground connection placed within reach of
the lower or upper switch lever in each row.
In the improved circuit or "through line" commutator as constructed for
two through lines (numbered 1 and 2) A, Figure 5, represents the board or
plate upon which it is arranged. This board may be made of walnut or other

page_text: hard wood, or of gutta percha, marble, or other handsome non-conducting
material. Upon its upper end are placed at equal intervals four thumbscrews
a, a, a, a¹, to receive the north and south (or east and west) wires of the
respective lines. These thumbscrews are placed upon strips or plates B, B,
of brass or other good conducting metal secured to the board A. in parallel
lines to receive the switch levers C, C¹. Each switch lever has a shank or
pivot (Figures 7 and 9) extending through an aperture in the plate and
board to the under side of the latter, and also an arm d to swing or rotate
upon the face of the plate or board. The shank k is sufficiently extended to
receive an encircling spiral spring P (Figures 7 and 9), which is confined
against the board by means of a nut or other device at the end of the shank.
This spring serves by its elastic tension to keep the arm of the lever firmly
down upon the plate or board at any desired point, and yet allows its free
movement as well as an elevation thereof at pleasure. At the lower end of
each strip or plate B and completing each row I place the independent
"instrument" switch levers Q, Q'; each turning upon a suitable face plate on
the board, and having a pivot shank k and suitable retaining spring P as have
the switch levers above described. Between the switch levers on each through
line No. 1. and No. 2 I place first, and within reach of the two uppermost
a metallic point or plate N, Fig. 5, or connected pins or points N¹, Figure 6,
which may be connected with a main battery or with a ground wire. Next-
thereto and also within reach of said upper switch levers I place a blank
metallic plate W, Figure 5, or blank points W¹, Fig. 6, to serve as a cut
off. 'Next and within reach of the two following switch levers C¹, C¹³, I place
metallic points or plates numbered 1 and 2, which are respectively connected
across to the other lines as berein-after indicated. Where there are more
than two lines, the number of these line points or plates is increased to cor-
respond with the number of lines in use, and additional "switch levers" are
used as may be necessary to reach these extra points. Within reach of the
lower switch lever C¹ in each row I place extra plates or points H, H,. to
which may be connected the wires of extra batteries or of testing instruments.
Below these extra pins or plates are placed similar extra plates or pins H¹, H',
within reach of the instrument switch levers. Q, Q', (or of the uppermost
instrument switch levers where the number of wires require more than one in
a row) for making extra connections through the instrument. I also place
ground connection points, pins, or plates E, E; within reach of these instru-
ment switches (where more than one on a line is used. I place them within-
reach of the lowermost one in a row). The instrument switch levers Q are
each placed so that the extremities of their arms may reach the lower end of the

page_text: brass plates in the main line above, so as to complete the connections thereby
through to the instrument when desired. Within reach of these instrument
switch levers Q, Figure 5, on each circuit and between them on each through
line are also placed two plates or points numbered 1 and 2, each having con-
nections as herein-after indicated with the other main lines in the office. When
found desirable a ground connection may be obtained at the upper end of the
commutator for each line entering or leaving the office by means of an
extra switch K so placed at the top of the board between the two wires of
each through line circuit, as that its arms may reach either of the main line
plates B of the circuit as illustrated in Figure 5, the switch K being con-
nected immediately to a suitable ground wire. A blank plate O is placed
midway between the main line plates B to serve as a rest and catch for the
switch lever K when it is not in use. It is provided with a recess n (Figures
5 and 7), which engages the end of the switch lever and secures it from
accidental displacement.
Any form of catch may be substituted for that indicated, and the device
may be employed for any and all switch levers. As a substitute for a switch
lever in making a ground connection I provide a post L, Figures 5 and 8,
connected with a ground wire, and having upon its upper end a revolving
swivel plate r, to which is attached a metallic spiral'spring S terminating in a
loop to catch over a hook upon the circuit plates B on either side. The
connection is made by simply hooking or unhooking the spiral wire S. To
avoid the objection of connecting the wires directly to the rotating shanks k, k,
of such levers as are independent of the plates (as are those marked Q and K).
I provide these switch levers with a collar M, Figure 7, through which the
shank k passes, and screw upon this collar. a cup R to receive the base spring P,
and to which the wire may be permanently secured, the collar and cup being
stationary. In extending the "commutator" for a larger number of lines it is
only necessary to extend the main line plates B, and to add within reach of the
switch levers thereon so many additional line connecting plates or points
(1, 2, 3, 4, &c.) as there are additional instrument plates or points (1, 2, 3, &c.).
Where more instrument switch levers are required on each line or row they
may be connected as are the line switch levers by brass plates. Although this
mode of connecting the levers to the lines by interposing brass plates B is
preferable I contemplate securing each lever to the board A independently,
and connecting them with each other and the main line by connecting 'wires
instead of a plate B, as illustrated. The apparatus being constructed for
"through lines," as described and as illustrated in Figure 5, the ends of the
main line wire north and south (or east and west) of 1 and 2-are secured

page_text: to the thumbscrews on top end of the board. From the instrument switch
levers wires (indicated in the Drawings by dotted blue lines) extend to the
instrument thumbscrews b, b, which hold the wires from the instruments.
The upper switch plate 1 on No.'I line is connected directly with instrument
of No. 1 line by a wire extending therefrom to instrument button Q.
From this same plate or switch lever 1 a wire extends across to corresponding
switch plate 1 on No. 2 line, and if there were ore lines it would be
continued across to the corresponding switch plates on each. In the same
manner switch plate 2 on No. 2 line is connected by a cross wire to corresponding
switch plate 2 on No. 1 line (and on all other lines if there be more on the
board), and with the instrument switch lever Q¹ of the instrument in its line
No. 2, my design being to connect each plate in the rows or series connected
with one line with the instrument in said line, and with corresponding line
switch plates, pins, or points on every other line on the board. Following
this same system each instrument switch plate, as 1' and 2¹ on No. 1 line, is
connected to its own main line by a wire therefrom to the main line plate B
(as indicated in blue dotted lines, Fig. 5), and also to each corresponding
instrument switch plate on every other line on the board 1' on line 1¹ to 1' on
line 2, 2 on line 1 to 2¹ on line 2, &c. A thumbscrew t on one side of the
board holds the ground wire of the apparatus which is connected by wires on
back of the board to post L, switch lever K, and extra instrument ground
connecting points E, E, as indicated by yellow dotted lines in Figure 5.
Although I have described metallic springs as best adapted to secure the
switch levers of the apparatus I contemplate using also springs of india-rubber
as an equivalent; my Invention being the combination of any form of spring
with the revolving switch levers of a telegraphic "commutator" in such
manner as to allow the revolutions of said levers and yet hold them firm at
any desired point.
I need not describe in this connection the various combinations which may
be made with this improved commutator. In Figure 5 of the accompanying
Drawings however the switch levers on the No. 1 line are illustrated as arranged
in proper positions to secure the working of the line through its instrument
direct. On No. 2 line the north wire entering is working through the instru-
ment, and thence through the instrument switch lever Q to the ground
by point E and its ground connection. The wire leading south on same line
is connected with the ground through the post L by means of its connecting
spring S. The positive red lines indicate a change in the connections, No. 1
north being connected through its instrument with No. 2 south, No. 1 south
being at the same time connected directly with the instrument of No. 2, and

page_text: through the same with north wire of No. 2. Where the commutator is to be
used only for lines terminating in the office I prefer to arrange it as illustrated
in Figure 6 of the Drawings. On this commutator as the lines on each
row 1, 2, &c. terminate at the instruments the points 11,21, on the through
or main circuit commutator, Figure 5, for connecting the wires out' are not
needed, but I place a switch lever Q3 (Figure 6) at the lower end of the
board near each line, said lever having connection with the instrument and
being within reach of the ground connecting point E¹ and extra end battery
connecting point N', which points are also within reach of the lower instrument
buttons Q, Q, of the lines. By this arrangement the current passing through
the instrument direct may be returned to the end battery by means of the
switch lever Q upon N (see line No. 1, Figure 6) or to a ground connection
upon, E, or the line may be cut off from the instrument and connected
immediately with the end battery by the button Q, illustrated in line No. 2.
In order to obtain through battery connection on the end line I make
a second break in the rows, as shown in Figure 2, to be closed at pleasure
by switch levers C³, which reach battery points H. By turning said switch
upon one battery point and the switch lever above the same upon the
other the line will pass through the connected battery before reaching the
instrument. By connecting posts and switch levers directly through wholly upon
the face of the board by means of strips B instead of by wires upon its under
side the difficulty attending an inspection and repair of the latter is avoided.
My improved battery commutator is illustrated in Figure 10 of the
Drawings. The switch levers C³, C, are arranged in pairs, each pair being
connected to the opposite poles of a battery. These levers turn upon brass
plates or strips B₁, B', extending centrally from the edge of the board, and
provided each with a suitable binding post and thumbscrew 6¹ to receive and
hold the wires from the batteries. For the sake of convenience and com-
pactness of arrangement I place the pairs of levers in rows at a proper distance
from the edge of the board, and place the binding posts along that edge, as
seen in the Drawings. By thus arranging the battery connections one above
the other the connections from the opposite poles of the different batteries
follow each other, and by placing a switch lever 'C upon every alternate
battery plate and extending a strip or plate X from the next adjacent battery
plate within reach of the arm of said button C* I am enabled to unite the
opposite poles of the batteries, and thus combine their action and concentrate
the united force thereof upon any one line. Within reach of the arm of each
switch lever C³, and in an are about its pivot, 'I place points or plates 1, 2, 3,

page_text: 4, &c. corresponding in number to the wires entering or leaving the office,
and also a ground connecting point E". The corresponding points or plates
within reach of each switch lever connected with the positive poles and of each
connected with the negative poles of the batteries are respectively united
upon the board, by means of insulated wires on the under side thereof, as
indicated by the blue dotted lines in, the Drawing, Figure 10. The ground
connecting points. E are also united by means of a wire from the one to the
other, connected with a'ground wire at the binding post X upon the edge of
the board; this board admits of a great variety of combinations of the
batteries with the lines in a telegraphic system.
.
In the Drawing, Figure 10, the switch levers of each pole of battery No. 1
are represented as turned upon the points connected with the in an out wires
of main line No: 1, so that the battery may work as a through battery upon
said line. Of battery No. 2 the lever of its negative pole is turned upon line
No. 4, and of its positive pole upon the ground connecting point E", hence
this line would be working. through this battery to the ground. To combine
these two batteries upon any one line, as, for instance, line No. 3, I would
turn back the positive switch lever of battery.I and the negative switch lever
of battery 2 upon. their plates B¹, B¹, respectively (as indicated by positive
red lines in the Drawing), thus cutting off any connection through them, and
turn the positive switch lever of 2 and the negative switch lever of 1 upon the
connecting points of line No. 3; then by turning the condensing lever C
upon, the plate X the two batteries will work together with united power as a
through battery on on line No. 3... To make it an end battery either positively
or negatively, the one button or the other is turned upon its ground connecting
point E, leaving the others all arranged as just described and as illustrated
in red lines, and the line will then work through the two batteries to the
ground.
Having thus fully described my improvements in telegraphic apparatus, I
claim therein as new and of my Invention,-
1st. The use of one or more adjusting or counterbalance magnets in com-
bination with the armature lever of the receiving magnet or magnets in an
electro-magnetic telegraph relay or receiving instrument when said adjusting
magnet or magnets are excited simultaneously with the receiving magnet by
the same electrical current, the whole operating substantially as herein set
forth.
.
2nd. The combination of the local battery circuit of any one of two main
lines in a telegraphic system with the repeater of the other line by means of

page_text: extra wires intercepting the local current between the sounder magnet and
the relay of the first line, and so arranged as that said, local circuit may
be closed by the lever of the repeater when not closed by the armature
lever of said relay, and vice versa, substantially in the manner herein set
forth.
3rd. Metallic rods or pins passing through or secured to the sounder
lever of a telegraphic repeater, in combination with the wires of a local
circuit and a main line, and operating to open or close said line or circuit
by the movements of said lever, substantially in the manner herein set
forth.
"
4th. The combination of a main line wire with a pin or rod on the sounder
lever of a telegraphic repeater, and with a ground connecting spring or wire so
placed within reach of said pin as to be in contact therewith when the sounder
is closed, substantially in the manner herein set forth.
5th. A telegraphic switch board or "commutator" having the within.
described system of "switch buttons" or levers arranged upon parallel main
lines in combination with any desired number of transverse series (1; 1, 2, 2,
11, 11, 21, 21,) of switch plates, pins, or points, and with suitable ground and
extra connection plates or points, the points, plates, or pins in each particular
series being connected together by wires, rods, or plates transversely to
said main lines, and each of said lines and each of their instruments having
direct connection with one and one only of said series in regular order, all
substantially in the manner herein set forth (see Figure 5).
6th. Combining the positive and negative poles of any number of batteries
separately with the lines of an electro-magnetic telegraph system or with the
ground by means of independent switch buttons arranged upon a switch board
(Figure 10) to turn into contact with a point connected with the ground, and
with points or plates connected with each line, all substantially in the manner.
herein set forth.
7th. Combining and uniting any two batteries connected with the lines of a
telegraphic system by means of suitable buttons and points or plates upon a
switch board, by means of a condensing key or button combined with said
board and the battery connecting devices thereon, substantially in the manner
herein set forth.
8th. The combination of a metallic spiral, an india-rubber or other equi-
valent spring with the operating buttons or levers of a telegraphic commutator
substantially as herein set forth.
9th. The combination of a revolving head plate (Figure 1) and an

page_text: attached metallic spring with a metallic post or other support for making
ground and other connections for electro-magnétic telegraph lines and instru-
ments, substantially as herein set forth.