IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR WORKING ELECTRIC CLOCKS, AND CERTAIN COMBINATIONS OF ELECTRIC CLOCK APPARATUS UPON ONE AND THE SAME LINE WITH DEVICES FOR SENDING FIRE ALARM AND OTHER SIGNALS UPON LINES USED FOR TELE- PHONIC COMMUNICATION
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edward Griffith Brewer, of 33 Chancery Lane in the
County of Middlesex for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS
FOR WORKING ELECTRIC CLOCKS, AND CERTAIN COMBINATIONS OF ELECTRIC
CLOCK APPARATUS UPON ONE AND THE SAME LINE WITH DEVICES FOR
SENDING FIRE ALARM AND OTHER SIGNALS UPON LINES USED FOR TELE-
PHONIC COMMUNICATION." A communication from abroad by Charles E
Buell of the City of New Haven, State of Connecticut, United States of
America
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edward Griffith Brewer at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th December 1881.
EDWARD GRIFFITH BREWER of 33 Chancery Lane in the County of Middlesex
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR WORKING ELECTRIC CLOCKS AND CERTAIN
COMBINATIONS OF ELECTRIC CLOCK APPARATUS UPON ONE AND THE SAME LINE
WITH DEVICES FOR SENDING FIRE ALARM AND OTHER SIGNALS UPON LINES
USED FOR TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION (A communication from abroad by
Charles E. Buell of the City of New Haven State of Connecticut United States of
Ainerica)
"
The object of the first part of this Invention is to dispense with the use of local
batteries as ordinarily used at the sub-stations of a line used for controlling electric
clocks, and to this end is devised a certain combination of a relay in a constantly
closed main line circuit with a secondary battery in a derived circuit, together with
a clock to be operated by the battery in such circuit, the whole being combined
with an electro-magnetic switch controlled by the relay in the main line circuit in
such a way that in one position of the switch the secondary battery is charged by
the current flowing through the main line while in the other position of the switch
the derived current from the main line is broken and the current of the secondary
battery is closed locally through the operating or controlling electro-magnet of the
electric clock. By this combination of apparatus the clock can be operated with
certainty and at the same time dispense with the use of local galvanic batteries as
ordinarily employed in conjunction with relays in the main line circuit.

page_text: The object of the second part of this Invention is to operate fire alarm signal
apparatus upon the same circuit with electric clock apparatus in such a way that
the operation of signalling by the fire alarm devices shall not interfere with the
correct transmission of the impulses which control the clocks while vice versa the
operation of controlling the clocks at sub-stations from the standard clock at a
central or terminal station shall not at any time prevent the transmission of the
fire alarm signals.
In carrying out this portion of the Invention it is proposed to control the electric
clocks at the sub-stations by means of reversed electric impulses which are sent
from the controlling clock by a continuity preserving apparatus which reverses the
polarity of the main line current which charges the line without interrupting the
continuity of the current and by means of which battery current also the fire alarm
or other signals are sent.
The apparatus for sending the fire alarm signals consists of an ordinary circuit
breaking wheel turned by hand or driven by clockwork wound up by hand
combined with an artificial resistance placed in a branch circuit around the fire
alarm box so that when the circuit in the fire alarm box is broken the current from
the main battery is compelled to take a path through the resistance, thus decreasing
the tension of the main line current, while on the contrary when the circuit is
closed through the make and break wheel the resistance is cut out, thus increasing
the tension of the main line current and causing the apparatus at the central office
to record the fire alarm signals.
The object of the third part of the Invention is to so combine the apparatus for
sending the controlling impulses for electric clocks, and telephone indicating and
signalling apparatus that the two systems may be used upon the same line without
interference with one another.
This object is attained by the employment of continuity preserving apparatus
worked by a controlling clock which reverses the polarity of the main line current
without interrupting its continuity and by the employment of signalling apparatus
for a telephone so constructed that its signals are sent by changes of tension of the
main line current without interruption to said current.
In operating the electric clocks at the sub-station of line upon which fire alarmı
apparatus or telephone apparatus is used the clocks may either be operated by
means of the secondary batteries in local circuits said batteries being charged from
the main line circuit or ordinary galvanic batteries may be employed, controlled by
relays in the main line circuit.
Having thus described the general objects and purpose of the Invention I will
proceed to describe the special apparatus that is employed for the purpose of
producing the required results.
A secondary battery may be combined in a sub-circuit with an electric clock in
such a way that the secondary battery is charged by a derivation from the main
line. The pole changing or reversing apparatus may be worked by the controlling
clock in such a way as not to interrupt the continuity of the main line circuit.
The electric clock controls the pole changing apparatus. It is constructed in any
of the well known manners and is provided with a disc of metal keyed to the
minute shaft of the clock and insulated upon its entire periphery except at a single
point. Upon the edge of this disc bears a metallic spring supported in any suitable
manner in the frame of the clock or in the case thereof and insulated therefrom.
Connected to the disc is a wire while to the spring is connected a wire leading to a
local battery. Enclosed in the local battery circuit is an electro magnet which
serves to operate the pole changing apparatus.
There provided a main line battery connected by wires with the spring points
of the pole changer. This pole changer consists of a vibratory lever carrying at
one end a double contact point which plays between the springs connected to the
battery. Placed between the springs is a double contact point which is connected
directly to earth. The vibrating lever is connected to line. In one position of the
lever the contact point is connected to a spring while another spring is connected

page_text: with the point. Under this condition the main line battery flows to line with a
certain polarity. In the other position of the lever the connections of the parts
are reversed. A point makes contact with the second spring while the other
spring rests against the contact point. Under this condition of the parts the
opposite pole of the main line battery is connected with line, thus reversing the
polarity of the main line current. At every revolution of the disc upon the minute
arbor of the clock the circuit of local battery is closed through an electro magnet
thus reversing the poles of the main line battery.
The apparatus at the sub-station is constructed as follows.
There is a polarized relay provided of any preferred construction such as that
known as the "Siemens" polarized relay consisting of a vibrating armature lever
pivoted upon one pole of the magnet and polarized therefrom and vibrating
between two electro-magnets attached to and polarized from the other pole of the
terminal magnet; there are contact stops of the polarized relay one contact is
connected to main line while another contact is connected to an electro-magnet
which operates or controls the mechanism of an electric clock. The vibrating
armature lever is connected by a wire with one pole of a secondary battery the
other pole of which is connected by wire with the main line wire. The wire from
the latter pole of the secondary battery connects with electro-magnet.
The electric clock may be operated by electro-magnet in the following manner :-
A ratchet wheel of clock train operated by a pawl carried upon the end of a
vibrating armature lever movement being imparted to the lever by an electro-
magnet, adjustable stops serve to limit the vibration of the lever while a pawl
prevents back motion of the ratchet, the pawl is provided with a stop. It is so
located as to lock the pawl and the ratchet wheel at the completion of the pawl's
movement so as to prevent over-feeding. A disc is connected in any suitable
manner to the gear train of the clock so as to impart movement to the hands of
the clock. The various parts are mounted in a suitable frame.
While the parts are in their normal position the polarity of the main line
current is such as to hold the armature lever against the contact stop. The circuit
through contact stop and the electro-magnet is then broken and the secondary
battery is connected in a derived circuit around the electro-magnet of the relay.
The secondary battery then becomes charged from the main line current flowing
from the main line battery at the controlling station when by the revolution of
the disc in the controlling clock the local circuit of battery is closed the pole
changing lever is operated and the polarity of the main line current is reversed, so
as to throw the armature lever against contact stop thus breaking derived circuit
from main line through contact stop and secondary battery and connecting the
charged secondary battery through wires and contact stop with electro magnet,
thus causing the armature lever to be drawn forward so as to carry the ratchet
forward one step.
No particular construction of pole changing apparatus to be operated by the
controlling clock need be employed as other devices may be employed instead of that
described, other arrangements of batteries and short circuiting wires whereby the
desired reversal of polarity is attained may also be employed. Instead of electric
clock here described any other of the well known forms may be used and may employ
either those in which the necessary movement of the parts is produced wholly by
the electro-magnets or those in which an ordinary spring driven clock train is used
and the movement of the parts is controlled by the movement of the lever.
The secondary battery may be employed in conjunction with a relay which is
operated by changes of tension in the main line circuit instead of by reversals of
polarity.
The controlling clock may be in a metallic disc secured by the minute arbor of
a clock and provided at one point in its periphery with a block of insulated
material. A spring bears upon the edge of the disc so that once in every
revolution of the disc the electrical contact between the spring and the disc is
interrupted.

page_text: '
An artificial resistance connected in the circuit with a battery may be employed.
The disc and the spring are connected respectively with the main. circuit upon
either side of the resistance. During the greater portions of the revolution of the
disc the resistance is short circuited. When however the spring bears upon the
insulated portion of the disc the short circuit is broken and the line current is
passing through the resistance, thus decreasing the tension of the main line
current.
An ordinary non-polar relay is located at the sub-station. The armature of the
electro-magnet vibrates between the contact stops, one of which is connected to the
main line circuit, while the other is connected with the controlling or operating
electro-magnet of the electric clock. The armature lever itself is joined to one pole
of the secondary battery, the other pole of which is provided with circuit connec-
tions leading respectively to electro-magnet and to the main line upon the side of
electro-magnet remote from that which contact stop is connected. When the
tension of the main line current is sufficient to hold the armature lever against the
contact stop, the secondary battery is in a derived circuit around the electro-magnet
and receives a charge from the main line current. When the tension of the main
line is decreasing the armature lever is drawn back, thus breaking contact dis-
connecting the secondary battery from the main line and connecting it through
contact stop with the controlling electro-magnet of clock,
The necessary
movements of the armature lever are produced by changes of tension brought
about by the operation of the controlling clock. Under the normal conditions of
the apparatus the derived circuit around the resistance is closed through the disc
and the contact spring and the tension of the main line current is then sufficient
to hold the armature_lever_against the contact stop so as to put the secondary
battery into connection with the main line and to disconnect it from the electro-
magnet of clock. When the disc in the controlling clock has revolved to a point
where the spring bears upon the insulated piece the short circuit is broken and the
current from main line battery is compelled to pass through the resistance. The
tension of the main line current is thus decreased so as to allow the armature lever
to drop back against contact stop thus disconnecting the secondary battery from
the main line and connecting it in a local circuit with the magnet of clock.
The arrangement of the parts may be reversed and the controlling clock and the
relay electro magnet with their contact stops and connections may be so constructed
that the controlling electric impulses from the clock is sent by increasing the tension
of main line current.
The disc may be insulated upon its edge except at a single point so that during.
the greater portion of its revolutions the main line current is compelled to take
the path through the resistance. When the disc has revolved so that the spring
resting upon its periphery bears upon the insulated portion thereof the resistance
is short circuited and the tension of the main line current is increased.
At the sub station containing the electric clock the contact stop of the electro-
magnet is provided with connections that is the back contact stop is connected to
line, and the front contact stop is connected to the controlling electro magnet of the
clock.
Under normal conditions of the apparatus the main line current being through
the resistance its tension is insufficient to hold the armature lever against its contact
stop. The branch circuit to the secondary battery is then closed through the back
contact stop and the secondary battery receives its charge from the portion of the
current which circulates through the derived circuit around magnet.
When the resistance is short circuited by the disc the tension of the main line
current is increased so that the armature lever is drawn against the front contact
thus breaking the derived circuit of the secondary battery and closing the local
circuit of said battery through contact stop and the electro magnet of the controlling
clock. Electric clock apparatus and fire alarm signal apparatus upon one and the
sume wire are according to this Invention combined. The casing of a fire alarm
sigual box or any similar apparatus is provided in which a predetermined signal is

page_text: sent by the automatic operation of the contained parts. A circuit making and
breaking wheel is employed of such a device which may be turned by a handle or
by clockwork released when the signal is to descend; a contact making and
breaking spring bears upon the edge of the circuit wheel. The wheel may consist
of a metallic disc insulated at the greater portion of its edge but exposed at
portions of its surface so as to close the electric circuit between spring and the
body of the disc. The spring and wheel or disc are connected with a main line by
wires which are joined to the line upon either side of an artificial resistance. In
the normal condition of the apparatus that is when no signal is being sent the
spring bears upon the insulated portion of the disc and the main line current is
then compelled to take the path through the resistance. When the disc is revolved
for the purpose of giving a predetermined signal a short circuit around tho
resistance is intermittently completed as the metal surface of the disc comes in
contact with the spring thus intermittently completing the derived or short circuit
around resistance and increasing the tension of the main line current.
The signal bell is located at the central office of the system and it indicates a
register or recorder for recording the signals sent from the apparatus.
The main line charging battery is connected to line and to earth through the
contact points of a pole changing apparatus which is circulated in the manner
heretofore described or in any other suitable manner.
When these devices are combined upon the same line the operation of neither
will interfere with the proper action of the other. As the electric clock is operated
only by reversals of the main line current produced by the pole changing apparatus
changes of tension produced by the signaling apparatus will not affect it, while
vice versa as the apparatus is adjusted to respond only to increase of line current
tension produced by the apparatus, changes of polarity by the apparatus which
changes are not accompanied by changes of tension will not affect them. It should
also be observed that as a condition of this non-interference, the changes of tension
by the apparatus and the changes of polarity by the apparatus are produced
under all circumstances without interruption to the continuity of the main line
circuit.
Arrangements are provided for charging batteries and short circuiting wires for
sections thereof the circuit through which is controlled by the regulating or
controlling clock so as to cause reversed regulating or controlling impulses to flow
through the various lines connected to a central station provided with the apparatus
for receiving the fire alarm or other signals; for this purpose independent line wires
may be used each leading to stations provided both with fire alarm signalling or other
signalling apparatus adapted to send signals by changes of tension without break
of circuit, and with electric clocks controlled or operated by reversals. of the main
line currents. There are signal bells for receiving the fire alarm or other signals
and recorders or registers for recording those signals, the reversals of line current
upon lines are produced by the regulating or controlling clock for the purpose of
actuating or controlling the clocks at sub-stations; an electro-magnet is energized
by a local battery whenever the circuit of the local battery is closed by the
controlling clock which is accomplished in the manner heretofore described or in
any other suitable manner, and at intervals of a minute, or greater or less intervals,
as may be desired.
The armature lever of magnet is a circuit closer and
whenever it is drawn against its front stop by the magnets short circuits the
greater of two opposed electric batteries in each line so as to produce a reversal of
current.
Tho opposed batteries are placed with the same poles opposed to another and
directly in the main line circuit, one battery is stronger than the other preferably
of twice the strength so that when both are in circuit, one will overcome the
other, and the polarity of the line current will be that due to the stronger battery.
Leading to the contact points of the magnet are short circuiting wires, through
which a short circuit may be simultaneously formed for batteries when the short

page_text: circuits are closed. When this is done one set of batteries is only connected to
line and the polarity of the line current is thereby reversed.
By a modified arrangement of devices one controlling clock may produce reversals
of current upon the various lines centring at a station. The main line charging
batteries for the lines are connected to line and earth through the contact points of
the pole changers constructed and operating in the manner heretofore described.
The operating electro-magnets of those pole changers are connected in multiple
arc or in any other manner from the same local battery the circuit of which
through the electro-magnets is completed and through contact spring and metallic
disc revolved by a wheel of the controlling clock whenever the spring rests upon
the metallic portion of the disc. Any number of lines used for fire alarm or other
signals may be thus used at the same time for conveying reversed electric impulses
for operating or controlling electric clocks, the reversals of current upon all the
lines being produced by a single controlling clock.
An electric clock apparatus and speaking telephone apparatus may be combined
upon one and the same line, for this purpose a controlling electric clock which
through a local battery whose circuit is closed at any desired intervals by the
clock through an electro magnet operates the pole changer..
The main line battery current flows constantly to line with one polarity or the
other according to the position of the pole changing lever. The clock at a distant
station upon the line is controlled by the reversals of line current; the polarized
relay in the main line circuit, which is provided with circuit closing stops and
connections so arranged with reference to the line to the operating or controlling
_electro-magnet of the clock and to the secondary battery, that in one position of
the armature lever the secondary battery is in a derived circuit around the magnet
of the relay, so as to receive a charge from the portion of the main line current
forced through the derived circuit by the resistance of the magnet, while in the
other position of the lever the connection of the main line with the secondary
battery is broken and a circuit is at the same time closed frown the secondary
battery through the operating or controlling magnet of the clock. The operation of
the clock apparatus is the same as herein before explained.
The central office telephone switch board is provided with apparatus adapted to
receive and send calls or signals between the operators at the central office and the
subscribers upon the telephone lines. The devices for connecting and disconnecting
the various lines and for holding oral communication may be of any preferred or
desired construction. There is a signalling key for signalling from the central
office to a subscriber and an artificial resistance in a branch circuit around the key.
Normally the circuit is through the key and the resistance is shunted. When the
key is depressed, the circuit through the key is broken and the resistance is
thereby thrown into the line circuit thus diminishing the tension or strength of the
main line current, and causing the armature lever of a non-polarized signal bell
magnet at a subscribers' station to be released and strike a bell. In this operation
the continuity of the main line current is not broken. The devices employed at a
subscriber's station are of any preferred construction but preferably consist of a
receiving or magnet telephone, a battery or contact transmitter with devices for
connecting it in short circuit with a local battery and the primary coil of an
induction coil and for connecting the secondary coil into the main line circuit, and
key which is adapted to diminish the strength of the main line current without
interrupting it.
AL
The switches for connecting the telophone apparatus with and disconnecting it
from the main line must be of such construction as not to interrupt the main line
circuit, will be presently described, a secondary battery is placed in a derived
circuit around the electro magnet so as to receive a charge from the main line
current. A switch serves to disconnect the secondary battery from the line and
connect it to a wire leading through the primary wire of the induction coil and
the contact points of the telephone transmitting instrument. By the above

page_text: arrangement, electric clocks and telephone apparatus may be used and effectively
operated in the same circuit without interference with one another, the telephone
apparatus being so constructed as not to be affected by changes of polarity in the
main line current, and the clock relays being polarized so as to be affected only by
changes in the polarity of the main line current, the whole being so combined with
local circuits and secondary batteries, that a single main line battery located at a
central station may supply all of the electrical force necessary in the multifarious
operations. By operating the electro magnet of the electric clock at a sub-station
by a local current controlled by a relay certainty and precision of action in that
portion of the apparatus is assured while at the same time magnets of lower
resistance and power can be used in the main line circuit so as to oppose much
less resistance to the currents used in operating the telephone apparatus. If
magnets of sufficient size and power to operate the clocks directly were placed in
the main line circuit, the resistance opposed to the telephone currents would be
much greater.
The same general results may be attained so far as certainty of operation in the
clock devices is concerned by the arrangement of a clock and telephone where an
ordinary galvanic battery is substituted for the secondary battery or batteries
charged by a derivation of the main line current. The polarized relay is constructed
in any well known manner. When in its normal condition its lever rests against
stop. When a reversal of the line current is produced at the distant or central
station by the controlling or regulating clock, its lever makes contact with another
stop and closes a circuit from battery, through wire, stop, lever of relay wire, electro-
magnet of clock and wire to battery. The main line circuit after passing through
relay passes to the secondary of an induction coil in the telephone apparatus and
then to one pole of the receiving telephone, the other pole of which is connected
to a contact stop of a spring switch held down by the weight of the telephone
against the stop when the telephone is suspended, by its hook, so as to close a shunt
circuit around the induction coil and telephono through a wire connected to the
metallic switch lever. A stop is connected to line upon the other side of the station
through a key and an electro-magnetic call bell which sounds the bell upon a
decrease in the strength of the main line current. An artificial resistance is
arranged in a branch circuit around the key so that when the main line circuit
through the key is broken the resistance is interposed and a signal is given at
other stations upon call bells. Branch wires from battery convey a current from
said battery through the primary of the induction coil and the contact points of
the transmitter and which may be of any suitable construction. A portion of the
latter circuit is through a switch and its upper contact stop. When the spring
switch is freed from the weight of the telephone it completes the local circuit of
the transmitter, and breaks the shunt circuit of the telephone. When the spring is
drawn down by the weight of the telephone the local circuit is broken. The switch
never interrupts the main line current and so does not interfere with the proper
operation of the electric clock apparatus. Other switch devices might be employed
in its place for producing the desired changes in the connections so as not to
interfere with the continuity of the main line current and the proper operation of
the electric clock. Separate local batteries might be used for the clock and the
telephone apparatus. It will be apparent that the combination of the relay, the
constantly charged line and the secondary battery connected to the line so that it
may be disconnected and its current be turned into a local circuit for performing
any useful work is applicable to other uses besides with electric clocks. By its
employment the annoyances and uncertainties attending the use of galvanic
batteries at the sub-stations of lines are dispensed with and the battery charged
so that it may do the required work in the local circuit, without transporting the
battery to and from the source of the electrical energy by which it is charged, and
without any special manipulation of switches for connecting it and disconnecting it
from the main line, the operation being wholly automatic; It is obvious that the

page_text: secondary battery may be placed in a derived circuit connected to line upon either
side of an extra artificial resistance placed in the line instead of being connected in
a derived circuit as described around the relay electro-magnet. Devices may be
adapted to send automatically a signal having a definite signification. Any of the
instruments ordinarily in use in fire alarm telegraph district or domestic telegraphs
may be used. If the apparatus be such that when at rest the circuit is completed
through it, as is ordinarily the case, the signals will be given at the distant station
by the interposition of the artificial resistance in the circuit around the box. The
signal receiving devices would be then so constructed as to record or ring when the
strength of the normal main line current is diminished.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Edward Griffith Brewer in the Great Seal Patent Oflice on the
23rd June 1882.
EDWARD GRIFFITH BREWER of 33 Chancery Lane in the County of Middlesex
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR WORKING ELECTRIC CLOCKS AND CERTAIN
COMBINATIONS OF ELECTRIC CLOCK APPARATUS UPON ONE AND THE SAME LINE
WITH DEVICES FOR SENDING FIRE ALARM AND OTHER SIGNALS UPON LINES
USED FOR TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION (A communication from abroad by
Charles E. Buell of the City of New Haven State of Connecticut United States of
America
"
The object of the first part of this Invention is to dispense with the use of local
batteries as ordinarily used at the substations of a line used for controlling electric
clocks and to this end is devised a certain combination of a relay in a constantly
closed main line circuit with a secondary battery in a derived circuit together with
a clock to be operated by the battery in such circuit the whole being combined
with an electro magnetic switch controlled by the relay in the main line circuit in
such a way that in one position of the switch the secondary battery is charged by
the current flowing through the main lino whilst in the other position of the
switch the derived current from the main line is broken and the current of the
Secondary battery is closed locally through the operating or controlling electro
magnet of the electric clock.
By this combination of apparatus the clock can be operated with certainty and
at the same time dispense with the use of local galvanic batteries as ordinarily
employed in conjunction with relays in the main line circuit.
The object of the second part of this Invention is to operate fire alarm signal
apparatus upon the same circuit with electric clock apparatus in such a way
that the operation of signalling by the fire alarm devices shall not interfere with
the correct transmission of the impulses which control the clocks while vice versâ
the operation of controlling the clocks at substations from the standard clock at a

page_text: central or terminal station shall not at any time prevent the transmission of the
fire alarm signal.
In carrying out this portion of the Invention it is proposed to control the electric
clocks at the substations by means of reversed electric impulses which are sent
from the controlling clock by a continuity preserving apparatus which reverses the
polarity of the main line current which charges the line without interrupting the
continuity of the current and by means of which battery current also the fire alarm
or other signals are sent.
The apparatus for sending the fire alarm signals consists of an ordinary circuit
breaking wheel turned by hand or driven by clockwork wound up by hand com-
bined with an artificial resistance placed in a branch circuit around the fire alarm
box so that when the circuit in the fire alarm box is broken the current from the
main battery is compelled to take a path through the resistance, thus decreasing
the tension of the main line current, while on the contrary when the circuit is
closed through the make and break wheel the resistance is cut out thus increasing
the tension of the main line current and causing the apparatus at the central
office to record the fire alarm signals.
The object of the third part of the Invention is to so combine the apparatus for
sending the controlling impulses for eléctric clocks and telephone indicating and
signalling apparatus that the two systems may be used upon the same line without
interference with one another.
This object is attained by the employment of continuity preserving apparatus
worked by a controlling clock which reverses the polarity of the main line current
without interrupting its continuity and by the employment of signalling apparatus
for a telephone so constructed that its signals are sent by changes of tension of the
main line current without interruption to said current.
In operating the electric clocks at the substations of line upon which fire alarm
apparatus or telephone apparatus is used, the clocks may either be operated by
means of the secondary batteries in local circuits said batteries being charged from
the main line circuit or ordinary galvanic batteries may be employed controlled
by relays in the main line circuit.
Having thus described the general objects and purpose of the Invention I will
proceed to describe the special apparatus that is employed for the purpose of
producing the required results.
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings is a diagram illustrating the manner in
which I combine a secondary battery in a subcircuit with an electric clock in
such a way that the secondary battery is charged by a derivation from the main
line This Figure of Drawings also shews one form of the pole changing or
reversing apparatus worked by the controlling clock in such a way as not to
interrupt the continuity of the main line circuit.
A represents in outline the electric clock which controls the pole changing
apparatus It is constructed in any of the well known manners and is provided
with a disc of metal a keyed to the minute shaft of the clock and insulated upon
its entire periphery except at a single point. Upon the edge of this disc bears a
metallic spring 6 supported in any suitable manner in the frame of the clock or
in the case thereof and insulated therefrom. Connected to the disc a is a wire 1
while to the spring b is connected a wire leading to a local battery l. Enclosed
in the local battery circuit is an electro magnet c which serves to operate the pole
changing apparatus. M B represents a main line battery connected by wires 3
and 4 with the spring points of the pole changer. This pole changer consists of a
vibratory lever d carrying at one end a double contact point e which plays between
the springs 5 and 6 connected to the battery as shewn. Placed between the
springs is a double contact point 7 which is connected directly to earth.
The vibrating lever is connected to line L. In one position of the lever the
contact point is connected to the spring 6 while the spring 5 is connected with
the point 7 Under this condition the main line battery flows to line with a certain
polarity. In the other position of the lever the connections of the parts are roversed

page_text: The point e makes contact with spring 5 while spring 6 rests against contact
point 7. Under this condition of the parts the opposite pole of the main line
battery is connected with line thus reversing the polarity of the main line current.
At every revolution of the disc a upon minute arbor of the clock the circuit of
local battery C is closed through the electro magnet c thus reversing the poles of
the main line battery.
The apparatus at the substation is constructed as follows B represents the
polarized relay that is of any preferred construction. The form here shown is
known as the Siemen's polarized relay consisting of a vibrating armature lever t
pivotted upon one pole of the magnet and polarized therefrom and vibrating
between two electro magnets attached to and polarized from the other pole of the
terminal magnet. 9 and 10 represent the contact stop of the polarized relay.
Contact 9 is connected to main line while contact 10 is connected to an electro
magnet E which operates or controls the mechanism of an electric clock C. The
vibrating armature lever t is connected by a wire 11 with one pole of a secondary
battery S the other pole of which is connected by wire 12 with the main line wire
at point 13. The wire 14 from the latter pole of the secondary battery connects
with electro magnet E' as shewn.
The electric clock C here represented is operated by electro magnet E¹ in the
following manner: f represents the ratchet wheel of the clock frane operated by a
pawl g carried upon the end of the vibrating armature lever h movement being
imparted to the lever by electro magnet E¹.
15 and 16 are adjustable stops which serve to limit the vibration of the lever
while 17 is a pawl to prevent back motion of the ratchet; i represents a stop for
-the pawl-17-It-is-so-located-as-to-lock-the-pawl-and-the-ratchet wheel at the
completion of the pawl's movement so as to prevent over feeding. The disc is
connected in any suitable manner to the gear train of the clock so as to impart
movement to the hands of the clock The various parts are mounted in a suitable
frame.
While the parts are in their normal position the polarity of the main line
current is such as to hold the armature lever t against the contact stop 9.
The circuit through the stop 10 and the electro magnet E' is then broken
and the secondary battery is connected in a derived circuit around the electro
magnet of the relay as may be readily seen by following the connections. The
secondary battery then becomes charged from the main line current flowing from
the main line battery at the controlling station when by the revolution of the
disc a in the controlling clock the local circuit of battery 1 is closed the pole
changing lever d is operated and the polarity of the main line current is reversed
so as to throw the armature lever t against contact stop 10 thus breaking derived
circuit from main line through contact stop 9 and secondary battery and connecting
the charged secondary battery through wires 11. 1+ and contact stop 10 with
electro magnet E' thus causing the armature lever h to be drawn forward so as to
carry the ratchet f forward one step.
No particular construction of pole changing apparatus to be operated by the
controlling clock need be employed as other devices may be employed instead of
that shown and I have described in conjunction with other Figures of the Drawings
other arrangements of batteries and short circuiting wires whereby the desired
reversal of polarity is obtained. Instead of electric clock C here described I may
use any other of the well known forms and may employ either those in which the
necessary movement of the parts is produced wholly by the electro magnets or
those in which an ordinary spring driven clock frame is used and the movement of
the parts is controlled by the movement of the lever h.
In Figure 2 I have shewn how the secondary battery may be employed in
conjunction with a relay which is operated by changes of tension in the main line
circuit instead of by reversals of polarity.
G represents the controlling clock and in a metallic disc m secured by the minute
arbor of a clock and produced at one point in its periphery with a block of

page_text: insulated material. The spring n bears upon the edgo of the disc m so that onco
in every revolution of the disc the electrical contact between the spring and the
disc is interrupted.
R represents an artificial resistance connected in the circuit with a battery M. B.
The disc m and the spring n are connected respectively with the main circuit upon
either side of tho resistance R. During the greater portions of tho revolutions of
the disc m the resistance R is short circuited. When however the spring n bears
upon the insulated portion of the disc the short circuit is broken and the line
current is passing through the resistance R thus decreasing the tension of the main
line current.
H represents an ordinary non polar relay located at the substation.
The armature of the electro magnet vibrates between the contact stops 5 and 6
one of which namely 5 is connected to the main line circuit while the other 6 is
connected with the controlling or operating electro magnet p of the electric clock C.
The armature lever itself is joined to one pole of the secondary battery S the
other pole of which is provided with circuit connections 7 and 8 leading
respectively to electro magnet p and to the main line L upon the side of electro
magnet H remote from that which contact stop 5 is connected with. When the
tension of the main line current is sufficient to hold the armature lever against
the contact stop 5, the secondary battery is in a derived circuit around the electro
magnet H and receives a charge from the main line current. When the tension of
the main line is decreasing the armature lever is drawn back, thus breaking
contact at 5 disconnecting the secondary battery from the main line and connecting
it through contact stop 6 with the controlling electro magnet of clock C. The
necessary movements of the armature lever are produced by changes of tension
brought about by the operation of the controlling clock G. Under the normal
conditions of the apparatus at G the derived circuit around the resistance R is
closed through the disc m and the contact spring n and the tension of the main
line current is then sufficient to hold the armature lever of the electro magnet H
against the contact stop 5 so as to put the secondary battery into connection with
the main line and to disconnect it from the electro magnet of clock C. When the
disc m in the controlling clock has revolved to a point where the spring n bears
upon the insulated piece the short circuit of R is broken and the current from main
line battery M. B. is compelled to pass through the resistance.
The tension of the main line current is thus decreased so as to allow the
armature lever of H to drop back against contact stop 6 thus disconnecting the
secondary battery from the main line and connecting it in a local circuit with the
magnet of clock C.
In Figure 3 the arrangements of the parts are reversed and the controlling clock
and the relay electro magnet H with their contact stops and connections are so
constructed that the controlling electric impulses from the clock G are sent by
increasing the tension of main line current.
In the controlling clock G of Figure 3 the disc m is insulated upon its edge
except at a single point so that during the greater portion of its revolutions the
main line current is compelled to take the path through the resistance R. When
the disc has revolved so that the spring resting upon its periphery bears upon the
insulated portion thereof the resistance R is short circuited and the tension of the
main line current is increased.
At the substation containing the electric clock C the contact stop of the electro
magnet H is provided with connections the reverse of those shown in Figure 2
that is the back contact stop 6 is connected to line and the front contact stop 5 is
connected to the controlling electro magnet of the clock.
Under normal conditions of the apparatus the main line current being through
the resistance R its tension is insufficient to hold the armature lever at H against 5.
The branch circuit to the secondary battery in then closed through the back
contact stop 6 and the secondary battery receives its charge as in Figure 2 from

page_text: the portion of the current which circulates through the derived circuit around
magnet H.
When the resistance R is short circuited by the disc m the tension of the main
line current is increased so that the armature lever of H is drawn against the
front contact 5 thus breaking the derived circuit of the secondary battery and
closing the local circuit of said battery through contact stop 5 and the electro
magnet of the controlling clock.
Figure 4 shows the manner in which I combine electric clock apparatus and fire
alarm signal apparatus upon one and the same wire.
A represents the casing of a fire alarm signal box or of any similar apparatus
in which a predetermined signal is sent by the automatic operation of the contained
parts. ris supposed to represent the circuit making and breaking wheel of such
a device which may be turned by a handle or by clock work released when the
signal is to descend. 8 represents the contact making and breaking spring bearing
upon the edge of the circuit wheel r. The wheel here shown consists of a
metallic disc insulated at the greater portion of its edge but exposed at portions
of its surface as indicated so as to close the electric circuit between spring 8 and
the body of the disc. The spring 8 and wheel or disc r are connected with a main
line L by wires 5 and 6 which are joined to the line upon either side of an artificial
resistance R. In the normal condition of the apparatus A that is when no signal
is being sent the springs bears upon the insulated portion of the disc and the
main line current is then compelled to take the path through the resistance R.
When the disc r is revolved for the purpose of giving a predetermined signal a
short circuit around the resistance R is intermittently completed as the metallic
surface of the disc comes in contact with the springs thus intermittently completing
the derived or short circuit around resistance R and increasing the tension of the
main line current.
M represents the signal bell located at the central office of the system and N
indicates a register or recorder for recording the signals sent from the apparatus A
M B represents the main line charging battery connected to line and to earth E
through the contact points of a pole changing apparatus T which is circuited in the
manner heretofore described or in any other suitable manner
B represents the controlling clock through which the local circuits of the battery
operating pole changer is intermittently completed in the mauner heretofore described
in connection with Figure 1
C represents the electric clock apparatus at a sub-station upon the line consisting
of the secondary battery S the polarized relay R' all constructed and arranged in
the manner described in connection with Figure 1
When these devices are combined upon the same line the operation of neither
will interfere with the proper action of the other. As the electric clock C is
operated only by reversals of the main line current produced by the pole changing
apparatus at T changes of tension produced by the signalling apparatus at A will
not affect it while vise versa as the apparatus at M and N is adjusted to respond
only to increase of line current tension produced by the apparatus A changes of
polarity by the apparatus T which changes are not accompanied by changes of
tension will not affect them. It should also be observed that as a condition
of this non-interference the changes of tension by the apparatus at A and the
changes of polarity by the apparatus at T are produced under all circumstances
without interruption to the continuity of the main circuit.
In Figure 5 I have shown an arrangement of charging batteries and short
circuiting wires for sections thereof the circuit through which is controlled by the
regulating or controlling clock so as to cause reversed regulating or controlling
impulses to flow through the various lines connected to a central station provided
with the apparatus for receiving the fire alarm or other signals; L and L
represent independent line wires each leading to stations provided both with fire
alarm signalling or other signalling apparatus adapted to send signals by changes
of tension without break of circuit and with electric clocks coutrolled or operated

page_text: by reversals of the main line current. The signal bells for receiving the fire alarmn
or other signals are shown at band the recorders or registers for recording
those signals are shown at d: C represents the regulating or controlling clock by
means of which the reversals of line current upon lines Land L' are produced for the
purpose of actuating or controlling the clocks at sub-stations: D is an electro magnet
which is energized by a local battery whenever the circuit of the local battery
is closed by the controlling clock which is accomplished in the manner heretofore
described or in any other suitable manner and at intervals of a minute or greater or
less intervals as may be desired. The arinature lever of magnet D is a circuit closer and
whenever it is drawn against its front stop by the magnet, short circuits the greater
of two opposed electric batteries in each line so as to produce a reversal of current.
The opposed batteries are represented at p and pl and are placed with the same
poles opposed to another and directly in the main line circuit, battery p is stronger
than p preferably of twice the strength so that when both are in circuit p will over.
come and the polarity of the line current will be that due to battery p. Leading
to the contact points of the magnet D are short circuiting wires 5, 6, 7 and 8
through which a short circuit may be, simultaneously formed for batteries p and p¹
when the short circuits are closed by D. When this is done the batteries p only
are connected to line and the polarity of the line current is thereby reversed.
Figure 6 shows a modified arrangement of devices whereby the one controlling
clock may produce reversals of current upon the various lines centring at a station..
L and L represent two of such lines and C the controlling clock. M. B. and
M B. represent the main line charging batteries for the lines said batteries being
connected to line and earth through the contact points of the pole changers T and T¹
constructed and operating in the manner heretofore described.
The operating electro magnets & and d' of those pole changers are connected in
multiple are as shown or in any other manner from the same local battery L B the
circuit of which through the electro magnets is completed and through contact
spring and metallic disc m revolved by a wheel of the controlling clock, when-
ever the spring rests upon the metallic portion of the disc. Any number of lines
used for fire alarm or other signals may be thus used at the same time for
conveying reversed electric impulses for operating or controlling electric clocks, the
reversals of current upon all the lines being produced by a single controlling clock.
D and D' here represent the devices for receiving the fire alarm or other signals.
Figure 7 shows the manner in which I arrange and combine electric clock
apparatus and speaking telephone apparatus upon one and the same line. A
represents a controlling electric clock which through a local battery whose circuit
is closed at any desired intervals by the clock through an electro magnet d operates
the pole changer f. M. B¹. represents the main line battery the current of which
flows constantly to line with one polarity or the other according to the. position of
the pole changing lever f.
The clock at a distant station upon the line which is controlled by the reversals
of line current is represented at C. D represents the polarized relay in the main
line circuit which is provided with circuit closing stops and connections so arranged
with reference to the line, to the operating or controlling electro magnet of the
clock and to the secondary battery that in one position of the armature lever the
secondary battery is in a derived circuit around the magnet of the relay so as to
receive a charge from the portion of the main line current forced through the
derived circuit by the resistance of the magnet while in the other position of the.
lever the connection of the main line with the secondary battery is broken and a
circuit is at the same time closed from the secondary battery through the operating
or controlling magnet of the clock C.
The operation of the clock apparatus is the same as hereinbefore explained in
connection with Figure 1. H indicates a central office telephone switch board.
provided with apparatus adapted to receive and send calls or signals between the
operations at the central office and the subscribers upon the telephone lines
The devices for connecting and disconnecting the various lines and for holding;

page_text: oral communication are not here shown as they may be of any preferred or desired
construction. Krepresents a signalling key for signalling from the central office
to a subscriber and R' an artificial resistance in a branch circuit around the key
normally the circuit is through the key and the resistance is shunted, when the
key is depressed, the circuit through the key is broken and the resistance is
thereby thrown into the line circuit thus diminishing the tension or strength of
the main line current and causing the armature lever of a nonpolarized signal bell
magnet P at a subscribers station to be released and to strike a bell In this
operation as will be readily observed the continuity of the main line current is not
broken. E represents the apparatus for use at a subscriber's station. The devices
employed are of any preferred construction and consist of a receiving or magnet
telephone; a battery or contact transmitter with devices for connecting it in short
circuit with a local battery and the primary coil of an induction coil and for
connecting the secondary coil into the main line circuit and a key preferably of
the same or similar construction to that shown at K which is adapted to diminish
the strength of the main line current without interrupting it
The switches for connecting the telephone apparatus with and disconnecting it
from the main line must be of such construction as not to interrupt the main line
circuit A device of suitable construction for this purpose is shewn in Figure 7
and will be presently described. S2 represents a secondary battery placed in a
derived circuit around the electro magnet P so as to receive a charge from the
main line current A switch 9 serves to disconnect the secondary battery from the
line and connect it to a wire 7 leading through the primary wire of the induction
coil and the contact points of_the_telephone_transmitting instrument. _ The return.
wire from the transmitter to the other pole of the secondary battery is indicated
by the Figure 8 By the above arrangement electric clocks and telephone
apparatus may be used and effectively operated in the same circuit without
interference with one another the telephone apparatus being so constructed as not
to be affected by changes of polarity in the main line current and the clock relays
being polarized so as to be affected only by changes in the polarity of the main
line current the whole being so combined with local circuits and secondary batteries,
that a single main line battery located at a central station may supply all of the
electrical force necessary in the multifarious operations. By operating the electro
magnet of the electric clock at a sub station by a local current controlled by a relay
certainty and precision of action in that portion of the apparatus is assured while
at the same time, I am enabled to use magnets of lower resistance and power in
the main line circuit so as to oppose much less resistance to the currents used in
operating the telephone apparatus. If magnets of sufficient size and power to
operate the clocks directly were placed in the main line circuit the resistance
opposed to the telephone currents would be much greater
I attain the same general results so far as certainty of operation in the clock
devices is concerned by the arrangement of the clock and the telephone apparatus
shown in Figure 8 Here an ordinary galvanic battery is substituted for the
secondary battery or batteries charged by a derivation of the main line current.
This battery is indicated by the letters L B
The polarized relay is indicated at R and is constructed in any well known
manner When in its normal condition its lever rests against stop 5 when a
reversal of the line current is produced at the distant or central station by the
controlling or regulating clock its lever makes contact with stop 6 and closes a
circuit from battery L B through wire 7 stop 6 lever of relay wire 9 electro
magnet of clock and wire 10 to battery. The main line circuit after passing
through relay R passes by wire 11 to the secondary of an induction coil I in the
telephone apparatus and then wire 12 to one pole of the receiving telephone T the
other pole of which is connected to a contact stop 13 of a spring switch 14 held
down by the weight of the telephone against the stop when the telephone is
suspended by its hook so as to close a shunt circuit around the induction coil and
telephone through a wire 15 connected to the metallic switch lever Stop 13 is

page_text: connected to line upon the other side of the station through a key K' and an
electro magnetic call bell P which sounds the bell upon a decrease in the strength of
the main line current. An artificial resistance is arranged in a branch circuit
around the key K' so that when the main line circuit through the key is broken
the resistance is interposed and a signal is given at other stations upon call bells
like P Branch wires 17 and 18 from battery L. B; convey a current from said
battery through the primary of the induction coil and the contact points of the
transmitter which is indicated at M and which may be of any suitable construction
A portion of the latter circuit is through switch 14 and its upper contact stop 19
when the spring switch is freed from the weight of the telephone it completes the
local circuit of the transmitter and breaks the shunt circuit of the telephone
through 15. When the spring is drawn down by the weight of the telephone the
local circuit is broken. The switch as will be seen never interrupts the main line
current and so does not interfere with the proper operation of the electric clock
apparatus Other switch devices might be employed in its place for producing the
desired changes in the connections so as not to interfere with the continuity of the
main line current and the proper operation of the electric clock. Separate local
batteries might be used for the clock and the telephone apparatus
It will be apparent that the combination of the relay the constantly charged line
and the secondary battery connected to the line so that it may be disconnected
and its current be turned into a local circuit for performing any useful work is
applicable to other uses besides with electric clocks By its employment. I am
enabled to do away with the annoyances and, uncertainties attending the use of
galvanic batteries at the substations of lines and to charge the battery so that it
inay do the required work in the local circuit without transporting the battery to
and from the source of the electrical energy by which it is charged and without
any special manipulation of switches for connecting it and disconnecting it from
the main line the operation being wholly automatic
It is obvious that the secondary battery may be placed in a derived circuit
connected to line upon either side of an extra artificial resistance placed in the line
instead of being connected in a derived circuit as described around the relay
electro magnet.
The apparatus contained in box A Figure 4 may consist of any devices adapted
to send automatically a signal having a definite signification. Any of the instru-
ments ordinarily in use in fire alarm telegraph district or domestic telegraphs may
be used.
If the apparatus be such that when at rest the circuit is completed through it as
is ordinarily the case, the signals will be given at the distant station by the inter-
position of the artificial resistance in the circuit around the box. The signal
receiving devices would be then so constructed as to record or ring when the
strength of the normal main line current is diminished.
It has been proposed heretofore to employ the same line for electrically con-
trolling or controlled checks and for fire alarm and other telegraphs; but the
distinguishing characteristic of this Invention lies in the fact that the clocks and
the telegraph or telephone apparatus are both utilizable at every instant of time
without interfering with one another all the apparatus being at all times connected
to the line, the necessary independence of return being secured by the use of
currents of different kinds for the various systems and by the employment of
continuity preserving signal devices such as described which act to give their
signals without interrupting the general current.
What I claim is-
First The combination of a relay in a constantly charged inain line circuit a
secondary battery, and switch connections substantially as described to the relay,
the secondary battery, and an electro magnet in a local circuit, whereby the
secondary battery, may by the operation of the relay, be connected in a derived
circuit from the main line for receiving a charge therefrom or may be disconnected
from the main line and connected to the local circuit electro magnet.

page_text: Second: The combination with an electric clock and its operating magnet placed
in a local circuit, of a secondary battery, a relay placed in a constantly charged
main line circuit, and provided with contact stops and connections for connecting
the secondary battery to the main line, or disconnecting it therefrom and simul-
taneously connecting it to the operating or controlling local electro-magnet of the
electric clock, and at another station or a central station, a controlling or regulating
electric clock provided with suitable apparatus for intermittently varying reversing
or interrupting the main line current so as to cause the operation of the relay.
_
Third The combination substantially as described upon the same line of a
combined signalling and electric clock system, comprising automatic signalling
apparatus adapted to send a predetermined signal by changing the strength of a
constantly flowing main line current, without interrupting the continuity of the
current, apparatus at a central station for responding to such changes, and electric
clock apparatus consisting of a controlling or regulating electric clock provided
with devices for reversing the direction of the main line current without inter-
rupting its continuity and a sub-station, an electric clock in a local circuit combined
with a polarized relay in the main line circuit adapted to control the flow of a
local galvanic or secondary battery current through the electric clock.
Fourth The combination with a normally closed electric circuit and with
signalling appliances of any desired description adapted to produce signals by
variations in the tension of said circuit without interrupting said circuit of a relay
electro-magnet a secondary pole or battery connected in a derived circuit and
means for disconnecting said secondary battery from the main circuit and con-
necting it through a sub-circuit having an electric clock connected therein.
Fifth: The combination substantially as described in a single system or upon
the same electric conductor of telephone apparatus provided with signalling and
switching appliances adapted to work without interrupting the continuity of the
circuit, and electric clock apparatus comprising controlling clocks and at sub-stations
electric clocks in local or sub-circuits controlled by relays in the continuously
closed main circuit.
Sixth: In a combined telephonic and electric clock station apparatus, the com-
bination with the main line of, a relay included therein, a local battery circuit for
the primary coil of an inductorium whose secondary is connected to the main line
and branch wires leading from the local battery to an electric clock and arranged
to be broken and closed by the relay substantially as described.
In witness whereof I the said Edward Griffith Brewer have hereunto set
my hand and seal this Twenty second day of June in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty two.