IMPROVED ELECTRICAL SIGNALLING AND TELL-TALE APPARATUS, CHIEFLY DESIGNED FOR THE USE AND SUPERVISION OF WATCHMEN
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
"
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention of
IMPROVED ELECTRICAL SIGNALLING AND TELL-TALE APPARATUS, CHIEFLY
DESIGNED FOR THE USE AND SUPERVISION OF WATCHMEN." A communi-
cation from abroad by Isaac Towle Campbell, of Boston, Massachusetts,
United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th April 1881.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVED ELECTRICAL SIGNALLING AND
TELL-TALE APPARATUS, CHIEFLY DESIGNED FOR THE USE AND SUPERVISION OF
WATCHMEN." [A communication from abroad by Isaac Towle Campbell, of
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.]
This Invention relates to electric alarm and registering apparatus intended for
the use of, and as a guard upon watchmen; to indicate any neglect of duty.
The special objects of the said Invention are as follows, viz.:-
To cause an alarm at any desired place of case of failure of the watchman from
any cause to perform bis duty.
To obtain a permanent record which shall indicate the time of any dereliction.
To permit the watchman to operate the distant signals at any time independently
of the ordinary working of the apparatus.
To permit the person at the distant point to discern readily between regular and
unusual signals.
To so construct the apparatus that it cannot be tampered or interfered with.
To automatically set the apparatus when the watchman goes off duty, whereby
the negligence alarm is rendered inoperative, and the fire alarm may be sounded.
According to this Invention I make use of a transmitter of peculiar con-
struction, operated by a suitable motor which is locked against movement by the
Pine 71

page_text: armature of an electro magnet. The magnet is in a circuit to the distant signal|
and recording apparatus, and through its transmitting arm, with the finger levers
or press buttons, that are for the use of the watchman. The press buttons are
arranged in number, order and place, as required, and each one is separately
connected to the insulated circuit closing points of the transmitter. The trans-
mitting arm is fitted to be moved over the insulated points in proper order and
in succession as the circuit is closed, the motor is released by the action of the
magnet.
The recording apparatus is driven by clockwork, which gives continuous motion
to a cylinder carrying the record sheet, and the recording pencil is operated by the
armature of an electro magnet which is in the circuit from the transmitter, the
action being that the pencil is brought in contact with the paper when the circuit
is closed.
The armature and pencil arm are retracted by the clockwork, and such retraction
is terminated by an adjustable point which is connected in the circuit of a local
battery, and a signalling device.
The time occupied by the back movement of the armature is arranged to be
greater than the intervals between the currents sent by the transmitter by the
proper movements of the watchman, so that the signal shall not be operated except
by failure of the watchman to close the circuit.
Combined with the devices described I arrange at points convenient for the
watchman, reversing keys by which the signal bell may be operated by a reverse
current and with the distant signal I use a polarized relay which brings the signal
into action by the reverse current.
In conjunction with this I apply a switch fitted for cutting out the local battery
at the signal, whereby it may be determined whether the signal is being operated
by the clockwork or the distant battery, or what is the same thing, whether it is
by will or negligence of the watchman.
In carrying the said Invention into practice, I provide a motor driven by a spring
or weight, or other suitable power fitted to impel an arbor that carries a radial
spring arm. Concentric with the said arbor a ring of india rubber, or other non-
conducting material is fixed, and in said ring, numerators, pins, plugs, or metallic
knobs are fitted in such position as to be insulated from each other, and so that the
end of an arm bears upon said points in succession as the arm is turned. The said
pins connect by separate wires with the pins of the commutator which is formed
by the back of the case or box containing the instrument. The screws for con-
necting the wires are arranged in two concentric circles to give more space while
the pins of the ring are in a single line. I am enabled by this arrangement to
obtain a large number of circuit closing points with a ring of small diameter.
Contiguous to the aforesaid motor is fixed an electro magnet, the armature of
which is carried by a spring arm that is attached on the back plate of the motor.
Upon an escapement arbor of the motor is fitted an arm, which projects at the side
of the spring arm for engagement with a lug on this arm, whereby the motor is
held against movement so long as the armature of the magnet remains in a
retracted position.
The parts are fitted so that the lug is disengaged from the spring arm by
movement of the armature to the magnet, and the motor thereby allowed to turn
the transmitter arm, and the gearing is proportioned so that the escapement arbor
makes a single revolution while the arm is moving from one point to the next.
The electrical connections of these parts are as follows:-The transmitter arm
connects with the magnet and the latter with a battery and distant instrument.
The pins, or so many as are required, are each separately connected with a ground
wire by a wire in which is placed a push button that normally breaks the circuit.
The buttons are to be arranged in proper order at different places in the
beat which the watchman is to traverse, and at such distance apart as may be
desired.
The commutator is used for connecting the pins that are not required for use

page_text: directly with each other and the ground, and for connecting the pins in use
together, in case the watchman is to traverse the same beat twice. In operation,
the first button being pressed down, the transmitter arm being at the starting
point the circuit is closed through one pin and the arm to the distant instrument.
The magnet being in circuit acts to relieve the escapement arm and the motor
moves the transmitter arm to the next pin. The circuit is broken the moment the
latter arm commences to move, and consequently the spring arm which carries the
armature of the magnet moves outward and the motor is stopped by engagement
of the escapement arm with the lug, and the transmitter arm stops upon the second
pin. The same movements take place as each button is pressed in succession, and
it will be seen that to obtain the movement of the transmitter arm it is necessary
to operate the button in proper order, and also that no effect is produced other
than described by holding the button down. Deception is thus prevented, and to
neutralize the effect in case any one of the buttons is wedged down I prefer to use
a circuit closer, which first closes the circuit and then breaks it, so that it will be
difficult to fix the switch permanently closed. It will be understood that the
transmitting instrument will not be accessible to the watchman. In case the
round is to be repeated the remaining pins will be connected in proper order with
those first used. The remaining pins not required will be connected together and
with the ground, so that when the transmitter arm reaches them the circuit will
remain closed and the arm will continue to move until it reaches the starting
point.
The recording instrument is constructed as follows, that is to say:-I employ
a clock movement driven by a spring or weight. On the hour hand arbor is fitted
a cylinder that for convenience is provided with a hour dial on its outer end, and
has attached to its surface a strip of paper for keeping the record. This strip is
marked with lines dividing it into hours and subdivisions of hours corresponding
with the dial. A cylinder sets upon a sleeve to which the cylinder is held by
friction of the surface and pressure of a spring which is fitted in the cylinder, so
that the cylinder may be adjusted or removed as required. The sleeve is caused
to turn with the arbor by a pin projecting from the arbor into a slot in the sleeve,
so that while the cylinder is turned with the arbor it may have an end wise
movement thereon with the sleeve.
This end wise movement is to permit of the record strip for a number of days,
and is given by means of a lever and cam. The lever is hung on the front plate
of the clock movement, and engages by its forked lower end with an annular
groove in the sleeve. The cam consists of a spiral flange secured on the back of a
wheel that is geared to make a revolution in seven days, and the upper end of the.
lever is caused to bear on the cam by a spring, so that during the revolution of the
wheel the lever is moved inward and the cylinder caused to slide on the hour hand
arbor. At the completion of the revolution of the wheel the abrupt end of the
spiral flange comes in contact with the end of the lever and stops the mechanism.
The said wheel is geared from the winding arbor of the clockwork, so that in
winding up the latter, the wheel shall turn backwards and return the cam to the
starting point, it being understood that the wheel makes a single revolution during
the winding operation. Upon the arbor of the wheel is hung an armature lever,
which carries a pencil that marks the record strip. This arm is forked to stride
the arbor of the wheel and is clamped thereto by a set screw, so that the friction
will be sufficient to swing the lower end of the arm away from the cylinder until
stopped by an adjustable set screw. Upon the front plate of the clockwork is
fitted an electro magnet which is in the circuit from the transmitter before
described, so that when the circuit is closed the armature arm or lever is drawn
to the cylinder and the pencil point marks or indents the strip. The moment the
circuit broken the said arm or lever commences to move away from the cylinder
and continues to move until stopped by the set screw, which may be adjusted so
that this movement of the arm shall occupy five, fifteen, or more minutes.

page_text: The contact of the armature arm with the set screw closes a local circuit to the
signalling instrument next described.
I prefer to use for the signals a bell and magnet of usual construction, and fitted
with an automatic circuit breaker to cause a continuous signal. The circuit
includes a local battery and a switch, and goes to the set screw and the arbor of a
wheel, so that when the armature arm is in contact with the screw the signal is
operated. It will be seen that unless the distant transmitter is operated in time to
prevent contact of the armature arm with the screw the signal will be brought
into operation. The arrangement will be that. the watchman in the proper
performance of his duty, that is to say, by pressing the push buttons in proper
time and order prevents any signal, and at the same time a record is made of the
action; but in case of negligence, or if from any cause the main circuit is not
closed at the proper time, the local circuit is closed automatically and the signal
given.
In connection with the signalling apparatus I use a polarized relay, in which
there are helices of an electro magnet, and a polarized armature pivoted between
the poles of the magnet, and fitted with a tongue that is moved to and from the
point of a screw by the oscillation of the armature. The magnet is connected in
the circuit from the distant transmitter. The aforesaid set screw is connected
through a wire with one pole of the local battery, and the armature is connected
to the binding part of the circuit, so that when the tongue is moved in contact
with the screw the local circuit is closed to the signal. The armature is fitted
with a spring, which tends to retain the armature in a midway position and the
tongue out of contact with the screw. The apparatus is organized in such manner
that the currents sent by the transmitter, as before described, shall have no effect
to change this normal position of the polarized relay, and so that the local circuit
may only be closed by the relay on reversal of the current from the distant station.
I provide for such reversal at the will of the watchman by a switch, which reverses
the battery of the transmitter. Reversing switches will be placed at suitable
points in the beat of the watchman, so that any one may be used as most con-
venient. By manipulation of one switch the watchman may signal in accordance
with any pre-arranged system or give a continual signal by leaving the switch
reversed. The reversing switch may also be connected in a line to police and fire
alarm stations arranged to give signals when the current is reversed. Any number
of these alarm bells may be placed in the line at suitable places, which bells, not
having the connections for negligence signals, will be operated only when the
current is reversed by the watchman. In case a continuous alarm is given by
reversal of the transmitter battery it is important that the person at the signalling
instrument should be able to determine whether the bell is being operated by the
clockwork or by the current from the distant battery. For this purpose a switch
is placed in the circuit of the local battery, so that by turning such switch the
circuit is broken, and the bell thereby stopped, unless it is being operated by the
distant battery. If the bell continues to ring after the local circuit is broken it
will be evident that the watchman is making a special signal.
By these combined devices it is not only insured that any negligence on the part
of the watchman shall be quickly detected, but the watchman may give a special
alarm in case of fire or for other purposes, and also that in case of sickness or injury
to the watchman an alarm is given as soon as the proper time for closing the circuit
has passed.
I do not limit myself to the construction exactly as shewn and described, as the
details may be varied without departing from the said Invention. The recording
-devices may be dispensed with if desired or other devices substituted.
A wheel is inserted in the clock train, on which rests a spring through which
the circuit of the alarm battery is made. On each side of this wheel are india
rubber discs a trifle larger than the wheel, so that where the discs come around
the spring will rest on them, and no alarm can be made, except the fire alarm.

page_text: This wheel is made to turn once in 24 hours, so that the clock puts on and takes
off the alarm automatically as the watchman goes off his duty. When the india
rubber comes. around it breaks the circuit and the negligence alarm cannot be
given.
In order to frustrate tampering with the regular operation of the alarm by the
use of batteries applied to the wires outside the building I employ a toothed
wheel and two springs respectively connected to magnets, but insulated one from
the other. Should it be attempted to apply a battery to or cut the leading wires,
and by accident a burglar should succeed in drawing the armature permanently
against the magnet, the wheel owing to its geared connection with the clock work
continues revolving, puts one spring in connection with the signalling apparatus,
sends the current through one magnet, and thus draws the armature against the
screw, and gives the necessary alarm at the point where the guard or independent
protecting parties will at once be notified.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
11th October 1881.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVED ELECTRICAL SIGNALLING AND
TELL-TALE APPARATUS, CHIEFLY DESIGNED FOR THE USE AND SUPERVISION OF
WATCHMEN." [A communication from abroad by Isaac Towle Campbell, of
Boston, Massachussets, United States of America.]
This Invention relates to electric alarm and registering apparatus intended for
the use of, and as a guard upon watchmen, to indicate any neglect of duty.
The special objects of the said Invention are as follow, that is to say:-To cause
an alarm at any desired place in case of failure of the watchman from any cause
to perform his duty. To obtain a permanent record which shall indicate the time
of any dereliction of duty. To permit the watchman to operate the distant signals
at any time independently of the ordinary working of the apparatus. To permit
the person at the distant point to discern readily between regular and unusual
signals. To so construct the apparatus that it cannot be tampered or interfered
with. To automatically set the apparatus when the watchman goes off duty,
whereby the negligence alarm is rendered inoperative while the fire alarm may be
sounded.
In carrying the said Invention into practice I make use of a transmitter of
peculiar construction operated by a suitable motor, which is locked against move-
ment by the armature of an electro-magnet. This magnet is in a circuit to the
distant signal and recording apparatus, and through its transmitting arm with the
finger-levers or press-buttons that are for the use of the watchman.
The press-
buttons are arranged in number, order, and place, as required, and each one is
separately connected to the insulated circuit-closing-points of the transmitter.
The transmitting arm is arranged to be moved over the insulated points in proper
order and in succession as the circuit is closed, the motor is released by the action
of the magnet.
The recording apparatus is driven by clockwork, which gives a continuous
motion to a cylinder carrying the record-sheet, and the recording pencil is operated
by the armature of an electro-magnet which is in the circuit from the transmitter,
the action being that the pencil is brought in contact with the paper when the
circuit is closed. The armature and pencil-arm are retracted by the clockwork,
and such retraction is terminated by an adjustable point which is connected in the
circuit of a local battery and a signalling device. The time occupied by the
backward movement of the armature is arranged to be greater than the intervals
between the currents sent by the transmitter by the proper movements of the
watchman, so that the signal shall not be operated except by failure of the
watchman to close the circuit.
Combined with the devices above described I arrange at points convenient for
the watchman reversing keys, by which the signal-bell may be operated by a
reverse current, and with the distant signal I use a polarized relay which brings
the signal into action by the reverse current. In conjunction with this device I
apply a switch fitted for cutting out the local battery at the signal, whereby it may
be determined whether the latter is being operated by the clockwork or the distant
battery, or whether it is by the will or negligence of the watchman.
My Invention is illustrated in the accompanying Drawing, in which
Figure 1 is a front elevation of the transmitter with its enclosing case or box in
section.

page_text: Figure 3 is a face view of the said commutator.
Figure 4 is a rear view of the transmitter.
Figure 5 is a front elevation of the recording apparatus and automatic circuit-
closer, and
Figure 6 is a side elevation of the same.
Figure 7 is a horizontal section on the line x, x, Figure 5, showing the record
cylinder and pencil-arm.
Figure 8 is a plan or top view of the signalling apparatus and polarized relay.
Figure 9 is a transverse section of the said polarized relay on the line y, y,
Figure 8.
Figures 10 to 16 are detail views showing different forms of switches I employ.
Figure 16ª represents the wheel which is used to render the instrument automatic
by the use of a partial circumferential non-conductor.
Figure 16b shows a modification for causing an alarm when the leading wires
are interfered with.
Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the general arrangement of the whole
apparatus and the connections.
Figure 18 is a face view of the record-strip.
Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawing.
Referring first to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, which shew the transmitter, A is a
motor driven by a spring or weight or other suitable power, and adapted to impel
the arbor a¹ which carries the radial spring-arm a. Concentric with the said
arbor a¹ a ring b of india-rubber or other nonconducting material is fixed, and in
the said ring 6 numerators, pins, plugs, or metallic knobs 6' are fitted in such a
position as to be insulated from each other, and so that the end of the arm a bears
upon the said points in succession as the arbor a¹ is turned. The said pins 61
connect by separate wires with the pins of the commutator B, which, as shown, is
formed at the back of the case or box containing the instrument. The screws for
connecting the wires are arranged in two concentric circles to give more space,
while the pins 6¹ of the ring b are in a single line or circle. I am enabled by
this arrangement to obtain a large number of circuit-closing points 6¹ with a ring b
of small diameter.
Contiguous to the motor A is fixed an electro-magnet C, the armature of which
is carried by a spring arm c which is attached to the back plate of the motor.
Upon an escapement arbor c¹ of the motor is fitted an arm d which projects at the
side of the spring arm c and engages with a lug d¹ on the same, whereby the
motor is held against movement so long as the armature of the magnet C remains
in a retracted position. The parts are so arranged that the lug d¹ is disengaged
from the arm d by the movement of the armature towards the magnet C, the
'motor being thereby allowed to turn the transmitter arm a; and the gearing is so
proportioned that the arbor c¹ makes a single revolution while the arm a is moving
from one point b¹ to the next. The electrical connections of these parts are as
follow, that is to say:-The arm a connects with the magnet C, and the latter
with the battery D and distant instrument (see Figure 17). The pins b¹, or so
many as are required, are each separately connected with the ground wire w by a
wire in which is placed a push button e which normally breaks the circuit. As
illustrated in Figure 17, the buttons e are to be arranged in proper order at
different places in the beat which the watchman is to traverse, and such a distance
apart as may be desired.
The commutator B is used for connecting the pins 6₁ that are not required for
use directly with each other and the ground, and for connecting the pins in use in
case the watchman is to traverse the same beat twice. In operation, the first button
being pressed down and the arm a being at the starting point, the circuit is closed
through the pin b¹ and the arm a to the distant instrument. The magnet C being
in circuit acts to relieve the escapement arm d, and the motor moves the arm a to

page_text: the next pin 6. The circuit is broken the moment the arm a commences to move,
and consequently the spring-arm c, which carries the armature of the magnet C,
moves outward and the motor is stopped by the engagement of the arm & with the
lug d', and the transmitter-arm a stops upon the second pin 6. The same
movements take place as each button e is pressed in succession, and it will be seen
that to obtain the movement of the transmitter-arm it is necessary to operate the
buttons e in proper order, and also that no effect is produced other than that
described by holding the button down. Deception is thus prevented, and to
neutralize the effect in case any one of the buttons is wedged down, I prefer to use
a circuit-closer similar to that shown in Figures 11 and 12, which first closes the
circuit and then breaks it, so that it will be difficult to fix the switch permanently
closed. It will be understood that the transmitting instrument will not be accessible
to the watchman. In case the round or beat of the watchman is to be repeated,
the remaining pins 6₁ will be connected in proper order with those first used. The
remaining pins not required will be connected together and with the ground as
above stated, so that when the arm a reaches them the circuit will remain closed,
and the arm will continue to move until it reaches the starting point.
I will now proceed to describe the recording instrument shown in Figures 5, 6,
and 7. ff, are the front and back plates of a clock movement driven by a spring
or weight, and g is the hour-hand arbor of the same. On this arbor g is fitted a
cylinder g' which for convenience is provided with an hour-dial on its outer end,
and has attached to its surface a strip h of paper for keeping the record. This
strip h, as shown in Figure 18, is marked with lines dividing it into hours and
subdivisions of hours corresponding with the dial. The cylinder g₁ is set upon a
sleeve i to which it is held by surface friction and the pressure of the spring h¹
which is fitted in the cylinder (see Figure 10), so that the latter may be adjusted
or removed as required. The sleeve i is caused to turn with the arbor g by means
of a pin projecting from the latter into a slot in the said sleeve, so that while the
cylinder g¹ is turned with the arbor, it may have an endwise movement thereon
with the said sleeve i. This endwise movement is to permit the use of the record
strip h for a number of days, and is effected by means of a lever k and cam k¹.
The lever k is hung on the front plate f and engages by its forked lower end with
an annular groove in the sleeve i. The cam consists of a spiral flange secured
on the back of a wheel which is geared to make a revolution in seven days, and
the upper end of the lever k is caused to bear on the cam k¹ by a spring k² so that
during the revolution of the wheel the lever is moved inward, and the cylinder g'
caused to slide on the arbor g. At the completion of the revolution of the wheel Z,
the abrupt end of the spiral flange k', shown in Figure 6, comes in contact with the
end of the lever / and stops the mechanism. The said wheel is so geared from
the winding arbor of the clockwork, that in winding up the latter the wheel shall
turn backwards and return the cam to its starting point, it being understood that
the wheel makes a single revolution during the winding operation.
Upon the arbor of the wheel is hung the armature lever m which carries the
pencil m' that marks the record-strip h. This arm or lever is forked to embrace
the arbor of the wheel l, and is clamped thereto by a set-screw, so that the friction
will be sufficient to swing the lower end of the arm away from the cylinder g¹ until
stopped by an adjustable set-screw n. Upon the front plate of the clockwork is
fitted an electro-magnet o which is in the circuit from the transmitter above
described, so that when the circuit is closed the arm or lever m is drawn to the
cylinder, and the pencil point m' marks or indents the strip h. The moment the
circuit is broken the said arm m commences to move away from the cylinder and
continues to move until stopped by the set-screw n, which may be so adjusted that
this movement of the arm shall occupy five, fifteen, or more minutes. The contact
of the arm m with the set screw n closes a local circuit to the signalling instrument,
which I will next describe.
I prefer to use for the signals a bell and magnet, as shewn at F in Figure 8 of
the usual construction, and fitted with an automatic circuit-breaker to cause a

page_text: continuous signal. The circuit, as shown in Figure 17, includes a local battery G
and a switch t¹, and passes to the screw n and the arbor of the wheel l, so that
when the arm m is in contact with the screw n, the signal is operated. The lines v,
of Figure 17, show the local circuit. It will be seen that unless the distant
transmitter is operated in time to prevent contact of the arm m with the screw n,
the signal will be brought into operation. The arrangement will be such that the
watchman in the proper performance of his duty, that is to say, by pressing the
push-buttons in proper time and order, prevents any signal being given, and at the
same time a record is made of the action. But in case of negligence, or if from any
cause the main circuit is not closed at the proper time, the local circuit is closed
automatically, and the signal given.
In connection with the signalling apparatus I use a polarized relay, shown in
Figures 8 and 9, in which p, p, are the helices of an electro-magnet, and p¹ is the
polarized armature pivotted between the poles of the said magnet, and provided
with a tongue o' which is moved to and from the point of a screw by the
oscillation of the armature. The magnet is connected in the circuit from the
distant transmitter, as shown by the wires in Figure 17. The screw n is con-
nected through the wire with one pole of the local battery G, and the armature p¹
is connected to the binding post of the circuit v, so that when the tongue o¹ is
moved into contact with the screw r, the local circuit is closed to the signal F.
The armature p' is fitted with a spring r, see Figure 9, which tends to retain the
armature in a midway or central position, and the tongue o' out of contact with
the screw r.
The apparatus is arranged in such a manner that the currents sent by the
transmitter, as above described, shall have no effect to change the normal position
of the polarized relay, and so that the local circuit may only be closed by the relay
on the reversal of the current from the distant station. I provide for such reversal
at the will of the watchman by means of a switch which reverses the battery
current of the transmitter. This switch is shown at S in Figures 13, 14, 15, and
16, and the arrangement of such switches, for the convenient use of the watchman,
is illustrated in Figure 17. The reversing switches are placed at suitable points
in the beat of the watchman, so that any one may be used as most convenient.
The normal position of the said switch is shown in Figure 15, wherein the line
wires pass directly through the switches, and are connected at their ends 1 to 3
and 5 to 7, and the ground connection 9 of the switch is cut out so that the ground
connection of the transmitter battery is through the press-buttons. The reverse
position of the switch is shown in Figures 16 and 17, wherein the line wire 1 is
connected to 5, wire 3 with the ground connection 9, and direct to ground-wire u,
the wire 7 and transmitter being thereby cut out.
By the manipulation of one of the switches S, the watchman may signal in
accordance with any pre-arranged system, or give a continuous signal by leaving
the switch reversed. The reversing switch may also be connected in a line to
police and fire-alarm stations, arranged to give signals when the current is reversed.
Any number of these alarm bells may be placed in the line at suitable places,
which bells not having the connections for negligence signals, will be operated only
when the current is reversed by the watchman. In case a continuous alarm is
given by the reversal of the transmitter battery, it is important that the person at
the signalling instrument should be able to determine whether the bell is being
operated by the clock-work, or by the current from the distant battery. For this
purpose a switch t' is placed in the circuit of the local battery, so that by turning
such switch the circuit is broken, and the bell thereby stopped, unless it is being
operated by the distant battery. If the bell continues to ring after the local
circuit is broken, it will be evident that the watchman is making a special
signal.
By these combined devices, it is not only ensured that any. negligence on the
part of the watchman shall be quickly detected, but the watchman may give a
special alarm in case of fire, or for other purposes, and also that in case of sickness

page_text: or injury to the watchman, an alarm is given as soon as the proper time for closing
the circuit has passed.
I do not limit myself to the exact construction of the parts shown and described,
as the details of the same may be varied without departing from the principle of
the said Invention. The recording devices may be dispensed with if desired, or
other devices substituted.
In Figure 16ª I have shewn a wheel which is inserted in the clock-train; on this
wheel rests a spring through which the circuit of the alarm-battery is effected. On
each side of this wheel are india-rubber discs, slightly larger than the said wheel,
so that as these discs pass around, the spring will rest on them, and no alarm can
be effected except the fire-alarm. This wheel is made to turn once in 24 hours, so
that the clock puts on and takes off the alarm automatically as the watchman goes
off his duty. The black part of Figure 16a represents one of the indiarubber discs,
a similar disc being provided on the opposite side of the wheel; these discs may be
so made as to cover any desirable part of the wheel. When the india rubber travels
around, it breaks the circuit, and the negligence-alarm cannot be given. In order
to frustrate tampering with the regular operation of the alarm by the use of
batteries applied to the wires outside of the building, I employ a toothed wheel J,
see Figure 16b, and two springs K, K', connected to the magnets o, o¹¹, but insulated
-one from the other. Should it be attempted to apply a battery to or cut the leading
wires, and by accident a burglar should succeed in drawing the armature m
permanently against the magnet o, the wheel J, owing to its geared connection
with the clock work, continues revolving, puts the spring K¹ in connection with
the signalling apparatus, sends the current through the magnet o¹¹, and thus draws
the armature m against the screw n, and gives the necessary alarm at the point
where the guard or independent protecting parties will at once be notified.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,―
First. In a transmitter u for electrical signalling apparatus, the combination
with the revolving arm a adapted to close the circuit intermittently of a magnet
and locking device arranged to arrest the said arm automatically on the intermission
of the current, and a finger key or keys for releasing the said locking device, sub-
stantially as shewn and described.
Second. In an electrical recording instrument for watchmen, the cylinder g¹, the
sleeve i, the forked lever k, the wheel 1, and the spiral cam in combination with
the clockwork, the magnet and the armature carrying the recording pencil, sub-
stantially as shown and described.
Third. In electrical signalling apparatus for watchmen, the combination with the
recording instrument in the main line of a local battery signal apparatus, and
connections forming a local circuit when so arranged that the local circuit is closed
by the retractive movement of the armature of the recording instrument, substantially
as shown and described.
Fourth. In electrical signalling apparatus for watchmen, the combination with a
magnet in the main circuit of an armature adapted to be retracted by a time
movement, a stop for arresting such backward movement and a local battery and
circuit connections to the said stop, and to a signal, substantially as shown and
described.
Fifth. The transmitter consisting of a ring fitted with metallic pins b', the
revolving arm a moving in contact with the said pins, an electro-magnet fitted to
stop the said arm at every retraction of its armature, and finger levers or similar
circuit closing devices combined in an electric circuit with a distant signalling device
or indicator, substantially as shown and described.
Sixth. In a transmitter for electrical signalling apparatus, the magnet C, the
spring armature c, provided with the lug, the escapement arbor c', and the arm d,
in combination with the driving mechanism of the transmitter, substantially as
above set forth, and for the purpose specified.

page_text: Seventh. In electrical signalling apparatus, the combination with a transmitter
adapted to make successive contact with a continuous series of circuit closing points,
of a range of finger levers or other circuit closing devices, having separate connection
with the circuit closing points, a locking device operated by a magnet, and arranged
to stop the transmitter when the circuit is broken, and the wires of an electric
circuit which includes the transmitter, the finger levers, the battery and the distant
indicator, all substantially as shown and described.
Eighth. In a transmitter for electrical signalling apparatus, the commutator B,
combined with the ring b, the pins 6'; and the revolving arm a, substantially as
above set forth and for the purpose specified.
Ninth. In electrical signalling apparatus for watchmen, the recording instrument
consisting of a cylinder revolved constantly by clockwork, an electro magnet in
the circuit, and. an armature carrying the recording point or pencil combined for
operation, substantially as described and shown.
Tenth. In electrical signalling apparatus for watchmen, the combination with
the signalling instrument, adapted to be operated by a local circuit of a polarized
relay in the main circuit, having connections in the local circuit that are normally
broken, whereby the local circuit is closed by the relay only on reversal of the main
current, substantially as described.
Eleventh. An electrical signalling apparatus for watchmen, having provision for
automatically setting the apparatus, whereby the fire alarm may be sounded and
the negligence alarm is made inoperative, as above set forth.
Twelfth. An electrical signalling apparatus for watchmen and others having
provision for preventing the inoperativeness of the signal, and causing an alarm
when the wire is cut or tampered with, substantially as set forth.
Thirteenth. In an electrical signalling apparatus for watchmen, arranged to
operate substantially as described, the combination with the transmitter of a
reversing key or keys placed in the circuit of the said transmitter, and adapted
to reverse the battery current and cut out the transmitter, substantially as shown
and described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Tenth day of October, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
W ROBT. LAKE. (L.S.)