IMPROVEMENTS, IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS
Year: 1848

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, HENRY.
HIGHTON, of Rugby, in the County of Warwick, Clerk, M.A., and EDWARD
HIGHTON, of Regent's Park, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer,. send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-fifth day of
January, One thousand eight hundred and forty-eight, in the eleventh year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
us, the said Henry Highton and Edward Highton, our exors, adñors, and
assigns, Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege. and authority, that
we, the said Henry Highton and Edward Highton, our exors, admors, and
assigns, or such others as we, the said Henry Highton and Edward Highton,
our exors, adñiors, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others;
from time to time and at all times during the term of years therein expressed,
should and lawfully might make, uso, exercise, and vend, within England,
Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and in the Islands of Jersey,
Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Man, and also in all Her said Majesty's
Colonics and Plantations abroad, our Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS, IN
ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a. proviso,
that we, the said Henry Highton and Edward Highton, or one of us, shall
cause a particular description of the nature of our said Invention, and in

page_text: what manner the same is to be performed, by an instrument in writing
under our hands and seals, or under the hand and seal of one of us, to be
inrolled in Her said Majesty's High Court of. Chancery within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said in part recited
Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will
more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, we, the said
Henry Highton and Edward Highton, do hereby declare that the nature of
our Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully
described and ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, reference
being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters
marked thereon, that is to say :-.
Our first improvement consists of modes of substituting horse shoe magnets
for magnetic needles in electric telegraphs, and by horse shoe magnets we
mean such magnets as consist each of two limbs connected at one end, in
contradistinction to bar magnets. The manner in which and the purposes for
which magnetic needles are used in telegraphic operations are well known.
Across the legs of a light horse-shoe magnet, a bar of steel, brass, or other
suitable substance is fixed, with a hole bored in the centre (as in Figure I,
Sheet. I),
on which the magnet may be properly balanced, the axis passing
between the limbs of the magnet, and so that parts thereof are above and
parts below the axis of motion. a, b, c, are adjusting nuts, which may be
moved so as to throw the centre of gravity into the required position. This
horse-shoe magnet is hung on an axis placed above an ordinary multiplying
coil (which is best made double), so that the legs of the magnet may hang
parallel, and near to the flat sides of the multiplying coil, as shewn in Figures
3; 4, and 5. Two or more magnets may be hung on the same axis, so as to
unite their effect, as in Figure 7. A pointer formed of any light substance is
to be fixed on the same axis with the magnet or magnets, moving with them,
and serving the purpose of making the signals, as shewn in Figures 3, 7, and
8. The pointer, though on the same axis with the horse-shoe magnet, works
in a different plane. These pointers may either by their motion point to
symbols, or carry light screens, which by their motion will uncover symbols,
letters, or figures, as shewn in Figure 8. Two or more of these magnets with
pointers may be combined together in one instrument, as shown in Figures 9,
10, 11. The ordinary shape of the horse-shoe magnet may be varied, as
shewn in Figures 6, 6, 6, and otherwise, the shape of the coil being varied to
suit the shape of the magnet, according to the well-known laws of electro-
magnetism.

page_text: Figures 12 and 13 shew a useful modification of the ordinary shape of
a coil. It is formed by taking a long coil of wire and bending it double, as
shewn in those Figures. Besides moving pointers, the horse-shoe magnets
may by their motion remove detents, complete secondary circuits, or per-.
form other telegraphic operations hitherto performed by the angular motion
of needles; as is well known. In all cases, however, when using them
according to this part of our Invention, the axis will pass between the limbs
and the pointer; or other instrument, communicating the motion of the horse-.
shoe magnet or magnets, will be fixed on the axis, so as to move in a different.
plaue to the horse-shoe magnets.
Another mode of using horse-shoe magnets according to our Invention is.
as follows:-Motion may be advantageously given to the horse-shop magnet,
by suspending it on an axis passing through the middle portion of the horse
shoe, as shewn in Figures 6; 7, 10, 11, and 12, Sheet 7, and by placing a
coil of wire either near the poles, as in Figures 6 and 7, or passing round the
magnet with its sides respectively parallel to the flat sides of the legs of the
horse shoe, as shewn in Figures 10 and 11. An electrical current passing
through the coil will then cause the horse shoe to tend to revolve on such.
axis to the right or left, according to the direction of the current. Figure 8.
shews a plan of uniting the force of two magnets on the same axis, and
Figure 18 the union of several. Figure 7 is a top view of Figure 6, Figure 9
of Figure 8, and Figure 11 a side view of Figure 10, and Figure 12 shows.
the magnet removed from the coils shewn in Figures 10 and 11. We prefer
the use of the magnets placed with flat sides, as in Figures 10 and 11; and,
we would state that the shapes of the horse-shoe magnets may be otherwise.
shaped, as mentioned in the preceding part of the Specification. In Figuros
8, 10, and 13, a part of the coil is removed, in order to shew more clearly the
position of the magnets. In Figure 11 the coil is shewn as capable of being
parted in the middle, but having no wood or other material intervening.
Figure 12 is a side view of the magnet removed from the coil, shewn with it
in Figures 10 and 11.
Figure 8, Sheet No. 1, is a front view of an instrument with an indicator,.
being a pointer at the upper end, and having a small screen at the lower end,.
so that the indications may be made either by means of the pointer, or by:
uncovering either of two symbols, which may be placed behind the screen
and hidden by it when.at rest; and one of which is exposed to view when the
screen is moved to the right, and the other when it is moved to the left.
Figure 9, Sheet No. 1, is a front view of an instrument fitted up with two
screens, and adapted to two line wires, each screen being moved to the right
˚

page_text: or left through the action of its own line wire. Two figures, letters, or symbols
are placed behind each of these screens, and indications or conventional signals
may be made by the uncovering of one symbol or two symbols at one and the
same time, or by one or more successively.
.
Figure 10, Sheet No. 1; is a front view of an instrument fitted up with two
simple pointers or indicators, and adapted for two-line wires. Indications or
conventional signals may be made by their motion singly or conjointly at one
and the same time, or successively, in any of the modes hitherto adopted for
such purposes.
Figure 11, Sheet No. 1, is a front view of an instrument fitted up with two
screens, and adapted for one line wire. These screens are moved from a state
of rest, each only in one direction, being prevented from moving in the other
direction by stops. Each screen may be moved by a separate coil and horse-
shoe magnet, the metallic communication with the line wire being continued
from the one coil through the other, or the two horse-shoe magnets may be
applied to one and the same coil, by placing one at either side thereof. This
plan gives greater decision to the indications, as by a proper arrangement
of stops all vibration or swinging motion of the screens, after the current has
ceased, is thereby prevented.
Our second improvement consists of a mode of constructing and arranging
keys in combination with a system of coupling up or conjoining electric
currents, for the purpose of transmitting currents of electricity along wires,
and either along any wire taken separately or along the wires conjointly,
according to the total number of variations which are capable of being formed
by the wires so taken, the currents being transmitted through them severally
in either direction; and the result of our mode of coupling up or conjoining
the circuits will be, that the number of variations so formed will be represented
by the number 3 multiplied into itself once for two-line wires, twice for three-
line wires, and so on, with the number one subtracted from the result. Thus
the number of combinations for two-line wires will be 3 × 3-1, or 8; for
three-line wires, 3' x 3 x 3-1 = 26; for four, 3 x 3 x 3 x 3-1, or 80,
and so on for any number of wires. The system of keys may be thus described:
-Take a number of metallic strips, a, a, a, a, insulated from each other, resting
upon springs, and placed parallel with each other, as in Figure 1, Sheet 2.
There is to be one metallic strip in electrical connection with each of the poles
of each of the batteries used (the number of batterics corresponding with the
number of the line wires), and also with cach of tho wires passing up the line,
and each passing down the line, except at the terminal stations, where one set
of these wires may be placed in connection with the earth, as is well known.

page_text: The arrangement and connections are shewn in Figure 1, Sheet 2. Over these
metallic strips, and at right angles with them, are placed a number of keys, as
in Figure 11, working upon hinges, centres, or spring joints, as at d, d, d,
Figure 11, or e, Figure 15, and formed of dry wood or other non-conducting
substance. Each of these keys has a number of holes passing through it
vertically, immediately over these metallic strips, which it is intended to place
in metallic connection with each other by means of that key. Through each of
these holes is passed a metallic peg, pointed at the lower end and formed into
a male screw, so that it may be made fast to the key by a nut above and below
the key, as shewn in Figure 3; these metallic pegs should be so fixed that
when the key is pressed down each peg may touch the metallic strips simul-
taneously or nearly so. When the key is not pressed down it is kept up by a
counterweight or spring, as shewn in f, Figure 2, and c, Figure 15, so that the
pegs may not touch the metallic strips. These metallic pegs are metallically
connected together two and two, as in Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, by lengths
of metal made fast to them, and insulated from each other, so that when the
key is pressed down the several metallic strips are metallically connected as
required, and the required pole or poles of the several batteries brought into
metallic communication with the line or earth wires. Thus each key when
pressed down causes the signalling instruments in connection with the wires to
exhibit one of the variations of which they are capable.. Instead of metallic
strips, troughs of mercury, or systems of cups of mercury, which are in proper
metallic connection with each other, may be used. The exact position of the
metallic strips and keys, as represented, is not essential; the keys might be
placed under instead of over the strips, and their actual and relative position
otherwise varied at discretion. For convenience of manipulation, the shape
and position of the keys may be made the same, or nearly so, as that of the
ordinary keys of a pianoforte, as shewn in Figure 12.
Besides the keys used for the purpose of making signals, there is one
additional key which, when the other keys are not actually being used, is kept
constantly pressed down, and which, by the means above described, serves to
keep each up line wire in metallic connection with its corresponding down wire,
as shewn in key 27, Figure 11. The system of keys we have thus described
differ from all keys, hitherto used for similar purposes, by having a separate
key for each variation of the transmitting electrical currents along the wires,
so that if the letter or symbol to be produced by the combinations effected by
the key be marked upon it, any person without previous study or practice may at
once use the koys for transmitting a message. We would remark that we are
aware that Mr. Davy under his Patent did describe means of conjoining circuits

page_text: by acting simultaneously on two or three keys so as to obtain marks on
chemically prepared paper or fabric, and the number of distant signs obtained
would be in accordance with the-before-mentioned rule; we do not therefore
claim such mode of coupling up circuits when in combination with marking
chemically prepared paper or fabrics, our invention in respect of such coupling
up of circuits consisting in combining the same with suitable instruments for
'pointing to signs, or dials, or surfaces; and it also consists in combining such
mode of coupling up circuits with suitable instruments for printing; and it also
consists in combining such mode of coupling up with screens.
Our third improvement consists in a method of completing the circuit of
secondary batteries. It is well known that in the case of two distant stations
it is difficult to convey sufficient electrical power from a battery situated at
one station, to perform at the other station any operation which requires much
mechanical power; and for such purposes the electrical power of the battery
at one station is made to complete the circuit of a battery at the other station;
which latter is called a secondary battery. Our. improvement consists in a
method of completing the circuit of such secondary batteries. For this pur-
pose we fix two electro-magnets a, b, c, d (Sheet 3, Figure 1), in a vertical
position to a plate of brass or other suitable material; the wire wound round
these electro-magnets is in electrical connection with one of the line wires,
and is so wound that when a is a north pole c is also a north pole, when a is
a south pole c is also a south pole, and vice versa with the ends b and d.
Above these electro-magnets is hung a bar magnet as at r, p, q, on a centre p
slightly heavier at one end as at 9, and resting against a stop as at r. At the
end r is fastened a piece of insulated wire w, the two ends of which extend
downwards towards two cups; insulated from each other, containing mercury
as at m, Figures 1 and 3. When the electrical power is passing in the
required direction round the electro-magnets a, b, c, d, the pole 9 of the bar
magnet is repelled from c, and the pole r is attracted towards a. Thus the
two mercury cups are metallically connected by the ends of the wire w, and
the circuit of a secondary battery may be thus completed, as is well known.
Instead of mercury cups other similar methods of bringing into contiguity
the electrical power proceeding from the two several poles of a battery may be
employed. Below the electro-magnets is suspended another similar bar
magnet with a piece of wire and mercury cups, and its poles and stops are so
arranged that when the current round the electro-magnets move the magnet
r, p, q, the lower bar magnet is left at rest, and vice versa. The particular
shapes of the electro-magnets and what have been described as bar magnets
are not essential, but may be varied at discretion. Figure 1, Sheet 6, repre-

page_text: sents three such instruments as in connection with three lines wires. By
means of each one of these instruments each line wire, according to the direc-
tion of the current passing through it, completes the circuit of either of two
secondary batteries or either of two different circuits of the same battery. The
use of two permanent magnets in connection with the electro-magnets, each with
liberty of motion only in one direction, is intended to prevent the possibility
of the accidental completion of the circuits of the secondary batteries by the
vibration or swinging of the magnets on withdrawing or reversing the electrical
currents. This instrument, as thus described, we will for convenience sake
call by the name of peranode or circuit completer, from the Greek words
περαίνω and οδος.
A, Figure 2, Sheet 12, shews a percenode with a pair of mercury cups
attached to each end of each bar magnet, so that the motion of each magnet not
only closes one circuit, but also by lifting a small piece of insulated, wire from
one of the pairs of the mercury cups breaks another circuit. B in the same figure
shews a peranode with three pairs of mercury cups to each. end of each bar
magnet C, one with eight pairs at one end and nine at the other. Particular uses
of such perænodes in combination with each other will be described hereafter..
Figure 2, Sheet 3, shews a side view of the perænode; Figure 3,. a top view
with the bar magnet removed; Figures 4, 5, 6, various modifications of the
shape and position of the bar magnet and electro-magnets employed.
.. Our fourth improvement consists in the arrangement of screens perforated
and partly inscribed with letters or other symbols in such a manner, one
before the other, that when one or more of these screens are moved by.
electrical power, a certain required symbol shall be at once exhibited to the
eye of the observer, and for each variation of the method of transmission of
the clectrical power along the telegraphic wires a different symbol shall be
exhibited. The method of performing this may be described as follows:-
Figure 9, Sheet 4, shews a fixed screen with three perforations. Now, if
immediately behind or before this there be hung the screen A, shewn in
Figure 8, so that the middle perforation in each bande shall correspond
with each other, it is plain that: when the screen, Figure 8, is at rest any
symbol placed behind the perforations 6 and e will be visible, but a symbol.
placed behind the perforations a and c will be invisible, being concealed by
the screen A. If the screen A be moved to the right, the perforations a and
d will correspond, and any symbol placed behind a will be visible; similarly,
if it be moved to the left, a symbol placed behind c will become visible. Thus
with one wire any one of three different symbols may be exhibited,: one

page_text: when the screen A is at rest, one when it is moved to the right by the
electrical power, and a third when it is moved to the. left. If now imme-
diately behind these. screens there be hung another moveable screen B,
perforated as shewn in Figure 11, it is obvious that when the two screens
were at rest, the symbol-placed upon or behind the perforation k would be
visible, and by the motion of one or both of the screens A, B, to the right or
left respectively, any one of the other eight symbols placed upon or behind the
perforations g, h, i, j, l, m, n, o, would become visible, as required. If. again
behind this screen B another screen C be placed with symbols upon. it,: as
shown in Figure-10, the symbol..being, visible when all three screens were
at rest, any one of the other twenty-six symbols placed upon it might be
shewn by the motion of one or more of the three screens.
Figures 14, 17 A, 15 B, 16 C, shew a modification of this arrangement
in which only one perforation is necessary in the front fixed screen, all other
points as far as regards the order, succession, and position of the screens
remaining the same as in the description above...
Figures 7 and 6 shew a third modification of the shape and arrangement
of the screens, and other modifications may be formed at discretion:.
Figure 12 is a side. view of an arrangement of coils and magnets for the
purpose of moving the screens, shewn in Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, each screen
being so connected together with its own magnet, that the angular motion of
the magnet produces a corresponding motion in the screen. The motive
power for moving the screens may be produced by coils and horse-shoe
magnets, as above described. (which we prefer), or by coils and needles or
other well-known and suitable methods of causing motion by electricity.
Figure 13 is a front view of the same instrument. Instead of using one
screen to each coil with motions to the right and left, as just described, we
may use to each coil of wire two magnets and two screens, each of which
shall have liberty of motion only in one direction, one of each pair moving
when the electrical current passes in one direction, and the other when it
passes in the other direction. This arrangement will prevent oscillations of
the screens which might confuse the view of the symbols.. Figures 18, 19,
20, 21, shew seven screens intended to. be so used; 18.is a fixed screen; A,
Figure 20, must be placed hindermost, A¹ next to it, and the other four
screens in any order, each having motion only in the directions of the arrows
attached to them, and the screens being so hung that when at rest the
perforations on the left hand of each of the screens shall be in front of the
opening of the fixed screen, and then by the motion of one or
more of the

page_text: The same:
screens the various symbols will become visible, as before.
principle may be applied, where there is a lesser or greater number of line
wires with their respective coils, by means of a fixed screen with one
opening, as shewn in Figure 1, and four moveable screens, three with
openings in them, and one with symbols inscribed upon it, as shewn in
Figures 2, 4, 5, and 3, the last being placed hindmost, and the three others
between this and the fixed screen, or in front of the fixed screen', each of
the moveable screens severally having motion in the directions of the arrows.
adjoining them, and screen Figure 3 having motion laterally, and on either:
side to the extent of one-third of its width, and screen Figure 2, upwards.
and downwards to the extent of one-third of the vertical length of screen
Figure 3, and screen Figure 4 having motion on either side to the width of
one lateral row of symbols, videlicit, from a to b, Figure 3 and screen Figure
5 having motion on either side to the width of one vertical row of such symbols,
videlicit, from c to d, Figure 3 and the centres of all four screens when at rest
coinciding, and, consequently, exposing to view the blank dotted circle shewn
on screen Figure 3. It is plain that by moving one or more of the screens in
either direction, any one, and one only at a time of the eighty symbols inscribed
thereon may. be made visible at the opening in the fixed screen, Figure 1;
and if any other number of screens were arranged on a similar principle, moved
by electro-magnetic power and corresponding with the number of the line
wires, the number of different symbols, any one of which would thus be instantly
exposed to view would be equal to the number 3 raised to the power of the
number of line wires and moveable screens used, diminished by one, as before
described in the case of the keys.
.
We would remark in respect to this part of our Invention, that we are aware
that screens have before been.used for exposing to and for covering from view
signs or symbols; we do not, therefore, claim the use of screens generally for
such purpose, this part of our Invention consisting of the use of a series of
screens so combined in their. construction and movements that the desired
results are obtained by the relative positions in which the several screens are
placed before each other from time to time.
Our fifth improvement consists in the use of an escapement for producing a'
step by step movement of alternately unequal lengths, namely, such that the
first, third, fifth, &c. step shall be respectively equal to each other in length, and
likewise the second, fourth, sixth, &c., but the first, third, fifth unequal to the
second, fourth, sixth, &c. Figures 4, 5, and 6, Sheet No. 5, shew one method'
of accomplishing this purpose; D is an axle which has a tendency to revolve
under the action of a weight, spring, or other moving power in the direction-

page_text: shewn by the arrow thereon; A is a wheel fixed tight on this axle, and B is
a similar wheel fixed loose on the axle so as to have the power of revolving
thereon, and both wheels 'have any equal number of teeth and spaces cut in
them. In the wheel A the pin P is fixed, and on the wheel B a spring S is
fixed, which acts on the pin P, so that the wheel B under.such action has a
tendency to progress in its revolution on the axle, and in the same direction as
the axle, but is prevented from moving more than a certain distance owing to
the pin P passing into or through a slot, F, Figure 6, of only a certain length,
and equal in the clear to the distance to be moved over. by wheel B. Care
however, must be taken that the force of this spring S is less than the force of
the pin P on it under action of weight or moving power. E is a thin pallet
resting on a platform or ground, and with freedom of motion in the direction
h, g, and g, h, and consisting of a piece of metal with two cheeks or catches
9 and h, so arranged that on the moving of this pallet backwards and forwards
in the directions h to g, and g to h, the teeth of the two wheels are alternately
caught and released, and these projections are. so made with respect to the
wheels A and B, that they are always in a position to catch the succeding
tooth before the one then resting on it is released. When the wheel A is held by
the pallet, then is B released and moves forward by the action of the spring S,
the remainder of the distance of the tooth and space not completed by the
motion of the wheel A.
If then the slot F be so cut that on the pallet holding a tooth in the wheel B
the next tooth of the wheel A is all but on a level with the top of the pallet,
on the disengaging of the tooth in B the wheel and consequently the axle will
move but an extremely small distance, while the releasing of that tooth in A,
and the catching of the next tooth in B, will allow the axle to progress the
remainder of the distance due to the length of a tooth and space on A. Such
an alternately extremely unequal motion given to a moving or revolving body
will be found in many cases of great service in apparatus for printing or stamp-
ing by means of electricity; for supposing such revolving body to be a cylinder.
with paper thereon, and to be allowed to be moved onwards by any locking
escapement, it is very desirable for. a clear impression of the letter or symbol
that the cylinder should move as little as possible while the letter or symbol is
being stamped, printed, or marked. And it is also necessary that the cylinder
should afterwards move a distance equal to that usually left between letter and
letter; such an arrangement enables any of the escapements known as locking
escapements to be used for such purposes.
.Figures 1, 2 and 3, in the same Sheet, shew a modification of the above plan,
and in order to shew the action more clearly only four teeth are cut on these

page_text: wheels. Instead of the length of the slot F, in Figure 6, being permanent, if
a piece of metal r, as shewn in Figure 2, be attached to the wheel which is not
fast to the axle, and by 'any of the well known mechanical means be capable of
being moved and then fixed thereon, so as to lengthen or shorten the opening or
slot F, then any relative proportionate length of the two successive movements
produced by the escapement can be given to a cylinder or other moving body,
and such movements can from time to time be varied by moving the position
of piece of metal r.
.
Figures 7, 8 and 9, on the same Sheet, shew modifications of the above first
plan, and render the spring S, and slot F, in Figures 6 and 4, unnecessary and
one wheel only is sufficient; h shews a portion of a wheel fixed fast on an axle
which has a tendency to revolve under the power of a spring weight or other
moving power, as before. In this wheel any desired number of fixed pins
1, k, l, k, &c. are placed; m is a pallet capable of moving in two directions
n, o, and o, n, so as to catch alternately the ends of these pins; q is a stud
piece fixed on the pallet, and of such height that when an end k of a pin is
about to rest on it, the pin may have to travel but a very small distance
with respect to the distance it has to travel when the other ends I, 1, &c. of
these pins rest on the other catch n of the pallet m. The wheel h then being
allowed to revolve by the action of such a pallet, it will obviously move dis-
tances alternately unequal.
Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13, in the same Sheet, shew another modification. In
this arrangement two wheels are used both being fixed on the axle; one wheel
is fixed but a very little in advance of the other, and it will be evident at once
on the inspection of the Drawings that the wheels and axle being allowed to
revolve by the motion of the flat pallet T, a motion of alternately unequal
lengths will be given to the axle or any thing firmly connected therewith.
Our sixth improvement consists in the arranging of apparatus so that a
hand, or pointer, or wheel, or disc, or cylinder, or other instrument worked by
a step by step action may be enabled at once and by one bound to complete
the remaining part of a revolution, or be carried forward to some determinate
point.
Let Figure 4, Sheet No. 5, represent a step by step movement of which D
is an axle with a tendency to revolve in the direction of the arrow, and A and B
two wheels, as described in our fifth improvement, with a pallet E, but which
need not, unless required, produce unequal movement of the axle D, but in this
our sixth improvement the distance travelled by the axle by each motion
of the pallet E in the direction h, 9, and g, h, may be equal, if desired.
Now, instead of the pallet E having motion given it only in two directions,

page_text: g
videlicet, h, g,
and 9. h, let it be fixed to distant centres x and y, which have
sufficient play afforded to them, so that the pallet E can move in four
directions, videlicet, g towards h and back, and also from Z towards g and back.
If then the pallet. E in its motion in direction of g towards h and back
produce a step by step action in wheels A and B, and the pallet E. have a
catch Z attached to it, so that when the pallet is moved in the direction Z
towards the pallet is thrown out of gear from the teeth of the wheels, but the
catch Z is brought into a position to receive or catch the pin P when at the
pallet (which pin in this case is to project beyond the wheel B, so as to rest
on the pallet when thus moved), it is obvious that if in any position of the
wheels the pallet be moved in, the direction Z to g, the step by step part of
the pallet being thrown out of gear from the teeth of the wheels, the wheels
will revolve until pin P rests on the pallet. On replacing however the pallet,
videlicet, by moving it from g towards Z, the step by step action will again be
thrown into gear, and the pin P released from the pallet at Z, and the wheels
be ready for progressing forward by a step by step action, as before. Caro
must be taken in the construction of the pallet that pin P is not released before
step by step movement is in gear, nor the step by step movement thrown out
of gear before the cheek Z is in a position to catch pin P; the means of thus
throwing out of gear a step by step action, and allowing the revolving axle or
other machinery to progress at one bound or step over the uncompleted distanco
of a revolution, will be found of great service in electric telegraphs.
The motion thus given to the pallet may be produced primarily or ultimately
by the attractive force of magnetism developed in any of the electro-magnetic
metals, such as iron, or nickel, or it may be produced by any of the other well
known methods of producing mechanical motion in bodies by means or through
the agency of currents of electricity.
Thus it is obvious that in a telegraphic instrument using a pointer or
disc to exhibit a point to the letters of the alphabet, which are arranged for
example's sake in the order of the alphabet, if it is desired to point or exhibit
the letter A immediately after pointing to or exhibiting the letter B, instead
of being compelled to progress by a step by step motion over the whole
alphabet, the step by step motion can be thrown out of gear and the
hand or disc progress forward at one bound to the starting point or zero, and
on putting such step by step action again into gear one single move may
exhibit the letter A. It has also the advantage of enabling a great number of
figures, or symbols, or sentences to be added to the alphabet on the disc or face,
and which may be used when required, but which addition will not necessarily
impede to any considerable extent the progress of exhibiting one after the other

page_text: any of the letters or characters at the commencement of the series, for these
latter symbols may all be passed over at one bound when not required to be
noticed.
Such a plan prevents also an error or single non-movement of one or more
instruments in a set from necessarily entailing further errors until rectified. by
hand, because the instrument is caused to start from the same point or position
each time. The peculiarity of this part of our Invention consists in so arranging
apparatus that the pointer, hand, or instrument used may for each sign or symbol
indicated or marked be caused to complete its circuit in the same direction and
start again from the same point, and from which point of starting the step by
step action will be uniform in length till the hand or pointer indicates or mark's
the sign or symbol, and then the remainder of the circuit will be completed at
one bound or movement in the same direction, whatever be the length of the
incomplete circuit.
.
It is unnecessary to describe the precise method of producing a like effect
on other kinds of escapements, as the application of this "principle to other
escapements of different shapes will be obvious. Figure 14, in the same
sheet, shows a modification of the above plan, suited to a wheel carrying type
for the purpose of being impressed on paper or other suitable material; D is
an axle, with a tendency given to it to revolve in direction of the arrow shewn
thereon; a is a wheel fast thereon; is another wheel, these two 'wheels
forming with the pallet E a step by step escapement; k, l, is a wheel capable
of revolving on axle D; N, is a box attached to the wheel k, l, and containing
a coiled spring. This coiled spring has one end fast to the box, and the other
to the axle D, and it is so wound up that it causes the pin F in the wheel k, l;
to press against the stud m on wheel a, but which spring is still capable of
allowing the wheel k, l, to make at least one complete revolution in the oppo-
site direction to that in which the wheel a tends to move beforó it is rendered
incapable of further tension. The power of the spring must of course be less
than the power which moves forward the wheel a, as compared in their effect
at the point m. To the wheel k, l, any requisite number of type Y, Y, are
attached by means of fine springs o, o, &c., thus rendering the type capable of
being pressed down a little, and of recovering their original position on the
removal of such pressure. On the wheel k, l, are also fixed a number of
studs, pins, or teeth c, c, c,. &c., corresponding with the number of type
attached to the wheel, and the pallet E is so made that when the step by step
action is thrown out of gear, a projecting piece X of the pallet E comes in
the way of the next pin on the wheel l, k. A pin P is also fixed in wheel a,
and a projection Z made to suit it on pallet E, as described in the former part.

page_text: It will thus be obvious that by means of the motion of the pallet in the
direction S, R, and R, S, a step by step action can be given to the axle D
and by it transferred through the coiled spring in the box N to the wheel l, k
which keeps during such step by step action the pin F in the wheel l, k, in
contact with stud m on the fixed wheel a, and by such means any of the type
on wheel l, k, may be caused to be brought into the required position on the
circumference of a circle described by them all. If then the pallet E be
moved in direction T, V, the step by step action is thrown out of gear, and
the wheels a and b revolve until the pin P rests on Z, the wheel l, k, being at
the same time kept from revolving with a and b by means of the part X of
the pallet E coming in contact with one of the pins c. The action of the
wheel a and axle D thus then complete the remainder of a revolution at one
bound, and wheel 1, k, being stationary the coiled spring in the box N. would
be further wound up, and on releasing the caught pin c by the back movement
of the pallet E in the direction V, T, the wheel Z, k, would then instantly
revolve until its pin F come in contact with stud m, the same motion that
caused the step by step action to be thrown out of gear and the wheel i, k, to
be held, and consequently with it the type thereon might also it is obvious
have caused by proper mechanical arrangement the type then in any particular
direction to be stamped or pressed, and immediately on the return of the
wheel l, k, it would progress till stud m arrested its further progress by its
action on pin F, and as wheel a was brought home to zero or starting point,
so will, by the above means, the type wheel after having remained stationary
for purpose of having the type. pressed or struck afterwards itself return
forward to the same zero or starting point.
We would remark, that we are aware that it has before been proposed so to
arrange apparatus that after the hand pointer or instrument used has by a
regular step by step motion arrived at the sign or symbol, the instrument may
be carried back to the starting point; we do not therefore claim the bringing
of the hand or instrument each time to the same starting point, after indica-
cating or marking a sign or symbol, this part of our Invention consisting of
so arranging apparatus that the hand or instrument may, after indicating or
marking a sign or symbol, complete the revolution by moving in the same
direction at one bound.
Our seventh improvement consists in. a method of exhibiting to the eye sym-
bols or letters by means of one line wire and the combination of the peramode
with our fifth and sixth improvements, as shown in Figures 7, 8, 9, Sheet 11I.
By means of the perænode P the electrical current of the secondary battery
B is sent round either of the electro-magnets m¹ or m². ..

page_text: In connection with the keepers of these electro-magnets, which keepers are
retained by springs at a small distance from the electro-magnets when the
currents are not passing, is a pallet E, such as described in the fifth and
sixth improvements.
When the current is passed round the electro-magnet m³ a step by step
motion is produced in the wheel a, as before described. In front of this
wheel and moving with it is fixed the dial D, and the step by step motion is
continued by means of the alternate transmission and cessation of the electrical
current round the electro-magnet m³ (which alternate transmission and cessa-
tion is produced by the motion of one of the magnets of the perœnode as
before described,) till any required one of the symbols on the dial is brought
to a determined position for the purpose of being exhibited or indicated, the
number of symbols corresponding with that of the teeth on the wheel. The
dial being left in this position for a space of time sufficient to enable the
observer to ascertain the symbol intended to be indicated, the other magnet
of the peranode is brought into action; the current of the battery B is thus
passed round the magnet m³, its keeper is attracted to it, the pallet is thus
thrown out of gear with the step by step movement, and the wheel and dial are
moved forward to their original position or zero, as before described. If
desired, there may be placed on the dial two symbols corresponding with each
tooth of the wheel a, one of them being. exhibited by the first part of the
step by step movement of each tooth and the other by the remaining part.
Our eighth improvement consists in the application of the power derived
from secondary batteries to the purpose of printing, stamping, or perforating,
for obtaining permanent signs for electro-telegraphic purposes. For whereas
an operator at a distant station may by this means gain the controul over a
power of a very considerable force capable of performing powerful mechanical
operations, and hitherto the power thus gained has been applied merely to the
sounding of bells or moving of needles or other pointers, we find that it may
be used with considerable advantage for the purpose of printing or stamping
or perforating letters or other symbols where a force is required incapable of
being conveniently conveyed from a distant station by a primary battery.
Figure 2, Sheet 6, shews one method of applying this power for the purpose
of printing symbols. a is a percenode, which, through the medium of two
pairs of mercury cups 6 and c, completes, as desired, either of the two circuits
d, d, d, d, e, e, e, e, e, which are colored blue, one of which passes round the
electro-magnet f, and the other round the electro-magnet g. Each of theso
clectro-magnets has attached to it a keeper, as shewn in Figure 5, Sheet 7,

page_text: which moves on a joint as at a, Figure 1, Sheet 7, and when the current is
not passing round, the electro-magnet is held away from it by a spring's, as
shewn in Figure 1. This spring, as shewn in the Figure, is not attached
directly to the keeper, but to the top of the keeper is fixed by a joint an
arm r, 'r, which, by a joint at its other end, is fastened to the short arm of a
lever moving on the centre c, and on this lever the spring s is so made to
act that when the current is not passing round the electro-magnet the keeper
is held away from it, and the long arm of the lever is pulled upwards, as
shewn in Figure I. But when the current is sent round the electro-magnet,
the keeper is attracted to it, and the long arm of the lever attached to it is
thrown down, as shewn in Figure 2. Now, if at the end of this long arm of
the lever be fixed a head, as of a small hammer, with a type cut upon it, it is
plain that when the hammer is thus thrown down, a mark will be stamped or
imprinted on paper or other suitable substance placed under it. Figures s
and 4 shew the same apparatus as viewed from above.
Now, if under the hammers attached to the electro-magnets, ƒ and g (Figure
2, Sheet 6), be placed a cylinder, as shewn in that Figure, on which are placed
layers of paper and carbonic paper or other similar substances, as is well known,
and if on every blow of either of the hammers the cylinder be worked by a
step by step movement by means of an escapement e, in the manner described
under the head of our fifth improvement, which escapement is worked by an
'arm r, .r, attached to the keeper k of a third electro-magnet h, round-which
clectro-magnet the current passes whenever it passes round either of the other
electro-magnets for g, by means of the wire which passes round each of them
being continued round the magnet h, as shewn in the Figure, it is plain that
by the working of the perænode, a, a number of symbols of two different kinds
will be imprinted in a line on the paper placed on the cylinder. The two
hammers may be made to strike upon the same point of the cylinder, inasmuch
as they can never interfere with each other, because they never can be working
at the same-time, since the construction of the percenode only allows the closing
of one of the two circuits, d, d, d, d, e, e, e, e, at the same time. Now, if by the
side of each of the two electro-magnets, ƒ and g, be attached another electro-
magnet with their own perœnode battery and circuit, as shewn colored yellow
in the Figure, the wires of these other electro-magnets, insulated from each
other, being continued in like manner. round the electro-magnet which works
the escapement, and the type hammers of these electro-magnets being placed
so as to strike the cylinder at a point by the side of the hammers belonging
to the first pair of electro-magnets, it is plain that by the combinations which

page_text: may be formed by the blows of one of either of the pairs, or of both of the pairs
of hammers, any one of eight symbols may be printed. Another pair of
electro-magnets with the same arrangements, as colored red in the Figure, will
increase the combinations to the number of .26, and so on with any further
number; thus, supposing that the symbols imprinted by each of six hammers
were such as represented in Figure 3, Sheet 6, and in the position there' repre-
sented, it is plain that lines of printing might be formed by: their combined
action, as shewn in Figure 4. Care must be taken so to arrange the poles of
the batteries belonging to the different secondary circuits, that they shall
always work in the same direction round the electro-magnet h, which works the
escapement, and so not counteract each others effect when two or more arë
working together..
.
Figure 5, Sheet 6, shews the words "London" and "Liverpool," as printed
by the machine just described. If desirable, the stems: or arms of the middle
printing hammers may be made more rigid laterally than those of the two ad-
joining hammers, and the heads of the side hammers so arranged, that when
they come down singly the impression made thereby would be in the position
of the impression of the middle hammer'; but when' a middle hammer comes
down with any side hammer, the middle hammer by the greater rigidity of its
stem or arm retains its own position and thrust's on' one side the side hammer,
and by so arranging the percenode in connexion. with such middle hammer; so
that on the transmission of a line' current, the middle hammer' shall come
down a little before any of the side. hammers; the symbols belonging to the
side: hammers, when printed alone, may be made to take the middle position:
The works." Manchester," "Edinburgh," "Dublin," as: shewn in Figure 5,
exhibit the result of such arrangement.
On Sheet 12 is represented' an apparatus for printing. instantly any one of
the twenty-six letters of the alphabet, or any other twenty-six symbols without
the use of any step, by step movement (except for moving. the paper to be
printed on); by means of the combinations produced by the action of three
percenodes 1, 2, and 3. Figure 1; are three batteries; the circuit of battery. I'
passes through the pair of mercury,cups a of the percenode A'; that of the battery:2
through the pair b, and that of battery. 3, through the pairs cand d.. Thus as far
as the percenode A is concerned; the motion of the upper magnet closes the circuit'
of the battery 1, that of the lower magnet the circuit of the battery, 2; and when'
the magnets are at rest the circuit of battery 3-is closed; the circuit of one
only of the three batteries being closed at one.and the same time: Each of the'
three circuits of the three batteries is then: split as it were into three different'
channels by, being taken each through one of the three pairs of mercury cups

page_text: at e, of the perænode B; each also through one pair of those at f, and each
again also successively through one pair of those at g and h. Whichever
therefore of the circuits is closed by the percenode A, it has one only of its three
channels closed (that is, made electrically continuous by the percenode B,
according as either one of its magnets is moved or both are at rest. Each of
these nine channels is similarly subdivided into three by the percenode C,
except the channel through c, d, g, h, which is not continued through k and l;
otherwise the battery No. 3 would be constantly in operation when the
mingnets of the three percenodes were all at rest. Each of these channels thus
formed then passes round one of the twenty-six electro-magnets, arranged as
represented in the Figure, and through whichever of the channels the electrical
current passes it, attracts the keeper of the electro-magnet, round which it
passes and strikes down' the type hammer. connected with it upon
the paper
and cylinder beneath it in the same way as has before been described, the
type hammers in this instrument being so concentrically arranged that each of
them shall strike upon the same point; and as only one can ever be moved at
the same time, they can never come into collision with each other. Each of
these twenty-six channels is then brought round a twenty-seventh electro-
magnet E, by means of three insulated wires belonging respectively to the
three batteries back to that pole of its own battery, which is contrary to the
one from which it started. The use of the twenty-seventh electro-magnet is to
work an escapement and move the cylinder, on which the paper is placed by
a step by step motion, as before described. In the Figure where the channels
(which are formed, as is well known, of covered wire) are represented as
crossing each other at right angles, they are supposed to be insulated from
each other, but when they are seen to join one another tangentially by a short
curve, to be then metallically connected. In the instrument just described each
peranode being connected with one line wire, and the combination of the cur-
rents on the wires being formed by the keys, as before described, the system of
keys, perænodes; and printing apparatiis may be worked in combination, so that
the movement of any one of the keys will instantly cause the stamping of a.
corresponding letter or symbol at a distant station.
Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 10, shew a method of combining a percenode with the
escapments before described for the purpose of printing telegraphic informa-
tion, and adapted to one line wire E'; Figure 2 is an electro-magnet attached
to pallet P. This pallet when worked by electro-magnet E' produces in
the type wheel a step by step movement through the medium of wheels a and b,
axlef, and weight W, as before described; a current is sent round the electro-
magnet E³ by means of the perænode Z, Figure 1 (a front view of which is

page_text: shewn at Figure 8), by metallically uniting the two mercury cups c', c', as
before described. By the action of the electro-magnet E', the type wheel
9 can be moved circularly, and any particular type t, t, &c. can be thereby
brought into any desired position, n, under the hammer h, as before described
in our sixth improvement; E³, E³, and E, are three electro-magnets, the first
working the pallot P in the direction P, E, and back, the second working an
escapement Ps, causing an unequal step by step motion in paper cylinder x, by
means. of weight W, and the third electro-magnet working a hammer h,
similar to the plan described before in this our eighth improvement, and
shewn in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, Sheet No. 7, but in this case the ham.
mer h has no letter or symbol cut on the end thereof. When a current is
sent by means of the percenode through cups C, C, then will E hold the
type sheet from moving, E³ work the paper, the small part of one step
movement, and E' strike the type then under the hammer, and impress the
character on the paper under it on cylinder X. On the cessation of sucli
current the type wheel g progresses forward the remainder of a revolution, the
paper cylinder is moved, the remainder of the step movement and the hammer
h is raised to its original position. Thus by the combination of the perænode.
and the step by step movement, before described, any desired letters can by
means of one line wire be successively printed on paper placed for such purpose.
Instead of the three electro-magnets E, E, and E, only one electro-magnet can,
if desired, be employed, the work performed by the other two being obtained
from the single one by mechanism connected with it, as described in our tenth
improvement, and shewn in Figure 2, Sheet No. 8; Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4,
Sheet No. 11, shew a one-wire printing telegraph formed by the combination
of a peranode, with the step by step movements before described, and by means
of which with one line wire any desired letter or character may be printed.
'
a is a cylinder of metal insulated from the axle n, and which revolves in the
direction shewn by the arrow thereon by a step by step motion, caused by the
wheels c, and d, and g, and weight w', pallet P, and electro-magnet E'; this
cylinder is also capable of completing at any time the remaining part of a revo-
lution by one bound under the action of pins p, p, &c., pallet P, and electro-
magnet E, as before described. Upon the circumference of the cylinder are..
arranged spirally a number of pins p', p', p', &c., Figure 4, to correspond with.
the number of springs A, B, C, &c., Figure 2, and so placed that by each step,
by step movement of the cylinder each pin is successively brought into metallic.
contact with one of the springs A, B, C, &c.; and the preceding one removed-
therefrom. At the end of the cylinder A is fixed a blank wheel 7 of: metal,:
and in metallic contact with the cylinder a, and pins p', P', p'; &c., and on this,
9

page_text: wheel the spring 27 constantly presses. A, B, C, D, &c. are springs insulated
from each other communicating by wires or other metallic conductors with the
respective electro-magnets A, B, C, D, &c., in Figure 3. When no stud pin
on the cylinder is under a spring, and consequently raising it a little 'to obtain
secure metallic contact, the spring. rests on a non-conducting block.r, as shewn
in Figure 4, so as to prevent the springs from having metallic contact with
the cylinder when they are not raised by a stud pin under them. The electro-
magnets E' and E' are respectively worked by a percenode Z, as shewn in
Figure 1. A number of electro-magnets, A, B, C, &c., in Figure. 3 are
arranged so that the hammers belonging to them, and with symbols or type on
them, may all strike on the same point of the cylinder. m, as already described.
m is a cylinder having a forward motion given it by a screw, and a circular.
motion also by the weight W, and step by step movement k, l, as before
described; the pallet, however, as shewn in the Figure, works on a centre l,
but its principle of action is just the same, as before described.
9
The action of the machine then is as follows:-By means of one of the mag-
rets of the percenode a secondary current is caused to pass through cups and to
proceed round the electro-magnet E', and by such action the pallet P working
into the step by step motion allows the cylinder a to revolve until a stud pin is
in contact with any desired spring, say M for instance. By means of the motion
of the other magnet of the percenode, by a current being passed along the line in
a direction contrary to that first sent, a communication is established between
the cups c, c; the secondary current will now pass round Es, and by its action
the cylinder a will be held fast in its then position (but the wheels c and d will
progress the remainder of a revolution, as before described); the current will
then pass from electro-magnet E² to spring 27, then to the wheel 7 of the
cylinder, thence by the cylinder to the stud pin in contact with spring M,
thence to electro-magnet M, Figure 3, working it, and stamping on the paper
cylinder m the letter corresponding to it, in manner similar to that already
described and shewn in Sheet No. 12; the current will then pass into the
common wire h round the electro-magnet E³, working the step by step motion
belonging to the paper cylinder M and allowing it to move forward a very
small distance under action of weight W³; the current will now pass uninter-
-ruptedly to the other end of the battery. On breaking the metallic continuity
of the cups c, d, by cessation of action on the perænode, the pallet P will be
disengaged from wheel (o), and consequently allow the cylinder to follow the
wheels c and d to the starting point, the printing hammer at M will be released
and be raised off the paper, and the step by step movement working the paper
cylinder will allow the paper to progress the remainder of the distance due to

page_text: the space between centre and centre of such letter, and so by first sending
currents along the line wire in one direction, and thereby moving the cylinder
(a); until a communication is established between a stud pin on the cylinder
and any desired spring A, B, C, &c.; and then by passing a current in the
opposite direction along the line wire, any desired letter may be stamped,
marked, or printed on paper placed for such
purpose.
Instead of the metallic springs A, B; C; &c, Figure 2; above the cylinder
(a), troughs of mercury insulated from each other; and placed below the
cylinder, and communicating with the respective electro-magnets A, B, C; &c.,.
Figure 8, might be substituted, the requisite changes being made in the step
by step movement to cause the first. pin to dip into the first mercury trough,
after the step by step movement and cylinder have returned to the starting
point, and the stud pins in the cylinder a being lengthened to suit such
dipping into mercury troughs. Of course any other number of stud pins and
metallic springs and electro-magnets might be used than are shewn in the,
figure, but in all cases care must be taken to prevent two stud pins touching
two metallic springs at any one and the same time, or two pins being
simultaneously. in two mercury cups, the cylinder (a) being increased or
diminished in diameter accordingly as more or less stud pins are required, and
the step by step movement altered to suit the number stud of pins &c. used.
Sheet No. 13 shews a plan for a printing telegraph instrument with two
line, wires, and capable of printing the letters of the alphabet. This is effected
by means of a perænode and of escapements, as before described. One of the
line wires is connected with the percenode A, and the other with the perænode B
as shewn in Figures 1 and 5; n, n, Figure 2, is an axle with a tendency to
revolve, in the direction of the arrow shewn thereon, by the power of the weight
W', and it is regulated in its motion by a step by step movement under the
action of pallet P; in manner already described in description of Figure 2.
Sheet 11, but the wheels of which step by step movement have in this case
only five teeth; k', k, l, k, ; are five metal cylinders insulated from the
axle n, and from each other; all fastened together and to the wheel (o). The
action of the wheel o is similar to. the action of the wheel (o) in Figure 2,
Sheet 11, but in this case the wheel (o) has but five stud pins therein, and
these are so placed that when by the step by step movement wheel (o) is
brought into any desired position; it can by means of one of such pins and
motion of pallet P.be retained in that position, while the axle n with the
wheels (r and q) complete the remainder of the revolution; as before de-
scribed. At the end of each of the five metal cylinders are fixed five
metal wheels t, &, s, t, t, projecting beyond the cylinders, ; &c., sọ

page_text: as always to be in metallic connection respectively with springs 1, 2, 3, 4,
and 5, and around each cylinder are fixed five stud pins similarly arranged,
and spirally, also, so as to come successively in contact with each of the
five springs 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, &c., and so that when
a pin in cylinder is immediately under and in contact with spring 6,
the corresponding pins on 1, 1, 1, &c. are in contact with their corro-
sponding springs, videlicet, with. 11, 16, 21, and 26, and so on with the
remainder of the pins on the five cylinders. All the stud pins on each
cylinder are to be in metallic contact with their respective wheels t', t, &c.
And all the springs 1 to 30 inclusive are to rest on an insulating block when
no pin is under them, and are to be insulated from each other, except at such
times when a pin on a cylinder touches one, and thus makes metallic
continuity between such spring and the one resting on the corresponding
wheel, t, t, t, or t. If then these cylinders be made to revolve, it is
evident that metallic continuity will be successively made between the springs
resting on the wheels t', 't, &c., and the other springs belonging to each
cylinder connected therewith. The springs from 6 to 30, both inclusive, are
each to be metallically connected with the commencement of the wire
surrounding one of the twenty-five electro-magnets, as shewn in Figure 1.
And the end of such wire of each electro-magnet is then to be metallically
connected with the common return wire, Z, which, after proceeding round the
paper moving electro-magnet E", and the electro-magnet E¹, is to be con-
nected with that pole of the secondary battery which is not carried direct to
the mercury cups of the perænode.
•
One end of such secondary battery is to be metallically connected with
front cups c, c, and c³, and the back cup of c³ is to be metallically connected
with front cup c'; back cups c³, c, and c', are to be metallically connected
with front cups c³, c, and c', and 'back cup c' and care to be also metalli-
cally connected with front cups c³ and c. The wires also at the ends b, d,
and g of the magnets a, b, d, e, and f, g, are respectively to connect metallically
the front and back cup c³, c, c³, and c, when the magnets are at rest, and
to disconnect them when they move; and the springs 1, 2, 8, 4, and 5,
Figure 2, are to be metallically connected with the back cups c, cº, c², c³,
and c³.
And it will be evident from what has been before described in referenco to
the percenode, that by means of the movements of the magnets a, b, d, e, and
f, g, either singly or in combination, a secondary current can be sent through
either of the back cups c, c, c', c³, or c³, and consequently into the springs
1. 2. 3. 4. and 5. Figure 2.

page_text: The other magnet h, i, of the percenode is to be reserved for sending currents
round the electro-magnet E³, and thereby working the step by step movement
so as to bring any desired pin in any of the cylinders in contact with any of
the five springs belonging thereto. The percenode may be worked by means
of a system of keys according to the plan before described, bnt in this case
there need only be six keys, one to work through the medium of one line
wire, the magnet (h, i) and five others to work separately and in combination
the three magnets a; b, d, e, and f, g, by means of both or one of the line
wires, as before described'; a top view of these- keys is shewn in Figures 13
and 14, Sheet No. 2. The action then of the machine is as follows:
Suppose it is desired to print the letter G; by means of key 6, Figures 13 and
14, Sheet No. 2, two successive currents are to be sent along the one-line
wire in the same direction, and to move the magnet h; i, accordingly;. and by
the action of this part of the perænode the step by step movement q, r; so that
the cylinders k, l, k³, &c., have thereby their second stud pins brought in
connection with springs 7, 12, 17, 22, and 27. If then one of the other five
keys which acts on the peranode, so that a secondary current is sent only.
through cup c, be pressed down, then will such current pass through spring 2,
and by cylinder to spring 12, thence to electro-magnet in Figure 3, connected
with it, say G, thence to the paper moving electro-magnet, thence to electro-
magnet E, and lastly to the other end of the battery completing thereby a
secondary current and causing wheel o to be held in its then position, and
wheels 9, r, to complete the remainder of their revolution, and the electro-
magnet G, Figure 3, to stamp letter G on paper, on cylinder, and the electro-
magnet E to move paper a very short distance, all of which actions have
before been described. On the cessation of such current by removing the
pressure on key causing it, the cylinders ',, &c. will complete at one bound
the remainder of their revolution, the type hammer of electro-magnet G,
Figure 8, will be raised up, the paper on paper cylinder moved remaining
distance due between the letters to be printed centre and centre, and the step
by step movement thrown again into gear and all made ready for commencing.
to print any other desired letter. In this instrument it has been thought.
unnecessary to describe more minutely the step by step movement in Figures
2 and 3, or the arrangement of the electro-magnets in Figure 3, as they are all::
the same in principle as those used and described in Sheet No. 11.
It is obvious that any other number than five stud pins might be placed in.
the cylinders k, k³, &c., respectively, and springs put to suit them, and electro- .
magnets added in Figure 3 to correspond, and escapement wheel'o made to suit
such alteration, and by such alteration or addition the power of printing-any.

page_text: one of any greater number of characters or symbols could be thus obtained from
two line wires. In the same manner four keys, with three cylinders and any
number of stud pins on them may be used, and then there would be no neces
sity for the effect of three magnets a, b, d, e, and f, g, to be combined or
compounded; but each of the three magnets might then cause a current to be
sent direct to each of the three, cylinders, and instead of springs 1 to 80
inclusive, insulated troughs of mercury might be substituted by being placed
under the cylinders, and the necessary consequent alterations in the studs made
to suit such alteration. It is also evident that if to the revolving axle n a disc
were attached, with five concentric. rings of letters or symbols, the letters in
each arranged in the same radial lines, that any radial row of five letters could
by the step by step movement be brought to the front of a stationary screen;
with a long orifice. capable of exposing to view a whole, radial row of five
letters or symbols at once, and if then the five wires proceeding from the five
mercury cups of the percnode to the springs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, were instead thereof
carried round five electro-magnets, and five screens were attached to such
electro-magnets, each screen covering one of the five letters at the orifice of
the stationary disc, then could any one of such five screens be thereby removed,
and thus exposed to view any one and only one at a time of any radial of
five letters or symbols that might be brought to the stationary orifice for the
purpose of being exhibited; so on mutatis mutandis with any lesser or greater.
number of line wires used, the single moveable screen being adapted to such
alteration, and with it the number of concentric rings of letters also.
row
Our ninth improvement consists in the application of the percenode to a
telegraph constructed after the manner of Morse's American Telegraph, which
is well known. For this purpose we use one of Morse's instruments, with two
pens or markers, such as would require, on the plan ordinarily used, two line
wires; but instead of working it by a primary battery from, the distant station,
we work it by a secondary battery, either of two circuits of which is brought
into action by a percenode, so that one line wire is saved, and either of the two.
pens or markers is worked, as required, by means of the battery and circuits.
connected with the mercury cups of the percenode..
Our tenth improvement consists of an instrument of the following descrip-
tion: A chain, cord; or band, a, b, c, d, e (Sheet VIII., Figure 1), is made
fast at one end as at a. At the other end it is held by a spring, as at f. E',
E, E, shew three electro-magnets, fixed near the chain or cord.. m³, m², m³,
mt, m³, me shew six permanent magnets, with their poles so placed that if m
be attracted by the electro-magnet E', m³ is repelled, and, vice versa, and.
so on with the others. Each of these permanent magnets, is held by. a.

page_text: spring, as at s, s³, s³, 8, 8, 5º, at a short distance from the electro-magnets.
When an electrical current is sent in either direction round any electro-
magnet, one of the permanent magnets is attracted towards it, and turning
on a fixed centre at k, so moves the lever l, m, as to pull back the
arm m, n, which is fastened to the lever (l,m) by a moveable joint at (m),
and this arm, which has a pulley at p. passing over the chain or cord, pulls it
back to the position shewn by the dotted line qrt, q and t being two fixed
pulleys over which, the cord passes; the motion of the magnet is checked by
an adjusting screw at a, which serves as a stop to it, so that the cord can be
pulled back only a certain distance. Now, to the cord, as at e, is fastened a
scale, on which are inscribed the letters of the alphabet, or other symbols, so
that when the cord is pulled back by one or more of the electro-magnets, one
of these letters.or symbols is thus drawn to the point of the arrow represented
at h. And if the spaces between the letters or symbols on the scale e be made
equal, and the adjusting screws x, x, x, x, x³, a, be so set that the magnets,
shall respectively by their motion draw up the scale through 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18,
of such spaces; then by the motion of one or more of the magnets, as shewn,
any one of twenty-six letters of symbols, as required, may be drawn up opposite
to the arrow. If only two electro-magnets and four permanent magnets were,
used, only eight different symbols could be shewn; if four. electro-magnets and,
eight permanent magnets, then eighty different symbols, and so on. Instead of
a moveable scale and fixed pointer, it is plain that a fixed scale and moveable
pointer might be substituted, or a disc with screen or pointer, as about to be.
described in Figure 2. The electro-magnets E¹, E³, E³, may be either in
immediate connection with the line wires, or may be worked by three perænodes,
with secondary batteries, as before described.
Figure 2, Sheet VIII., shews a modified form of the same instrument.
Instead of each electro-magnet with its two permanent magnets, as in
Figure 1, there are two electro-magnets with keepers or armatures of soft
iron or nickel, round either of which the current is sent by a perænode, as
before' described. When the current is passed round one or more of these
electro-magnets, the respective keepers previously retained from contact by
a spring or other power are attracted, and by means of an arm and pulley
the cord is drawn up as before. Also, instead of a scale being attached to
the cord as in Figure 1, the cord is made fast round the axle of a wheel, as
at a, a, a, and thus, when the cord is pulled back, as before described, the
wheel is moved round,, and symbols attached to its circumference, as at b, G
,e,f,&c. are brought round as required to a particular position, as at h
Figure 2 also shews an apparatus attached to this instrument for the purpose

page_text: of printing or stamping each symbol when drawn to the required position.
This apparatus is thus described:-When the current passes round any of the
electro-magnets E¹, E', E, E, E, E, it also passes round the electro-
magnet E', as shewn in the Figure; an armature k is attached thereto, work-
ing on centres l, l, and kept at a slight distance from the electro-magnet by a
spring or other power. To the extremity of this armature is attached an arm
or rod m, extending to the lever q, r, and connected to it by a joint r; this
lever q, r, is fixed at the other end to a fixed centre q, and it has an arm
attached to it at o by a joint thereat; to this latter arm the pallet p is attached,
which pallet works into the step by step movement and, so that on
the armature k being drawn. towards the electro-magnet E' by a current being
passed' round it, and on the cessation of the current round E7, it being drawn
back by a spring or weight, a reciprocating action will be given thereby to the
pallet p, and by means of a weight attached to the axle of the cylinder y and
the wheel y, and pinion z, and escapement wheels 2, 3, a step by step
movement will be given to the cylinder y, and this step by step movement is
to be of that unequal character described in our fifth improvement, the least
motion being given to the cylinder when the armature k is drawn from the
électro-magnet: A slot m¹ is made in the arm m at t, and into this slot the
stud of the tail of a clicks passes; this click works on a fixed centre s', and a
spring w is attached so as constantly to press the end of this click towards
the wheel a, a, a; underneath the type wheel c', c', c', is fixed a ratchet
wheel 6, 6, 6, having teeth to correspond with the number of type, and
so placed on the wheel that when any type is at a certain fixed point h
the click may fit into a space between two teeth, and thus hold the type
wheel in that position, although the string, cord, or chain were loosened
or set free; the slit in m, for the tail stud t to work in, is so cut, that when
the armature is attracted to the electro-magnet E', the click can fall into the
ratchet wheel b, b, b, but when the armature is relieved and falls away by its
spring or weight, then the clicks is forced out of this ratchet wheel. In the
same arm m, another hole or slot m³ is cut; into this a pin fast on the hammer
axle v works; h is a hammer attached to the axle v, by an arm w; the axle v
works in fixed centres x, x. The slot m³ is so cut that the pin in axle v has
such play therein, that when the armature k is drawn towards its electro-
magnet, the hammer head h is raised up, and when the armature is released
the hammer falls and strikes the type then under it; and the slots m
and m³ in the arm m are so cut, that on the return of the armature k, the
hammer his to return home and strike the type before the clicks is forced
out of the ratchet wheel b¹; b', b. It will thus be evident, that when the

page_text: cord is drawn up, and by it any desired type is brought under the hammer
head h, the bammer is through the action of electro-magnet E' raised up,
the clicks falls into ratchet wheel 6, 6, 61, and the cylinder and paper y is
moved forward a space. On the current ceasing, the cord is loosened (but
the type wheel cannot return immediately, it being held by the click s), the
hammer descends and strikes the type, and the click s is then withdrawn, allow-
ing the type wheel to return back to the starting point, tightening thereby the
cord, and the paper cylinder is moved forward the remaining small distance
due to the step by step movement; and if proper material is placed on the
cylinder y to receive impressions of the type, it is evident that each time
a current is sent round any one or more of the electro-magnets E³, E³, E³, E,
E, E, that a letter would be printed on the cylinder y, such letter being that
corresponding with the amount of distance the cord or chain is pulled by these
electro-magnets. Various other mechanical devices can be used for causing
the electro-magnet E7 to perform the work it has to do, and in the order of
succession required; but it is unnecessary to describe them, as they may be
varied in so many ways.
:
In all the instruments described under the head of these our first' ten
improvements, we have only thought it necessary to describe a single instru-
ment of each kind, the method of working two or more telegraphic instruments
at different stations reciprocally with each other being now well known.
In the description of the foregoing instruments, and upon the Drawings
accompanying it, for the sake of greater clearness, the letters of the alphabet
are mostly shewn in the order of succession of the English alphabet. In most.
cases, however, it will be found much more advantageous, and especially in
the plans with screens, and the printing instruments, to arrange the letters in
the order of succession of what is known as the printers' alphabet, that is, by
placing the letters or symbols that most frequently occur near the beginning of
the alphabet, and those that occur less frequently near its termination, or so
arranging them that the letters, which occur most frequently in communications,
shall require the least work to be done by the machine or instrument.
Our eleventh improvement consists in the use of a pedal for the purpose of
completing or breaking an electrical circuit, so as to place into that circuit or
remove from it the wire coils of a bell apparatus, or for the
rating from the liquid of a battery the metals employed, or replacing them
purpose of sepa-
when so separated; for whereas it is frequently necessary or useful to be able
to make or break an electrical circuit for the purpose of placing a bell appa-
ratus in the circuit; or removing it from such circuit, and also to be able to
remove some or all of the metals from the liquid of the battery when such

page_text: battery is not actually in use, or to replace, them when the battery is required;
so as to preserve the battery of uniform strength, and to prevent the wasting
of the materials employed, and at the time when such operations are required
the hands of the operator may be in use for the purpose of making signals or
other purposes; and it is convenient to be able to use the feet for such pur-
poses; we make use of a pedal connected with the neccessary apparatus applied
to such purposes, as is well known.
Our twelfth improvement consists in the application to electric telegraphs of
batteries in which the exciting liquid is a solution of one of the salts of
ammonia. We prefer for this purpose the muriate or sulphate of ammonia.
The metals also which we prefer for the purpose are zinc and copper. It is
advisable also that the metallic elements be of large size, since the conducting
power of the solution is less than that of the solution of the acid, as generally
employed. It is also advisable that the metals be placed at a considerable
distance from each other, since otherwise a salt of copper which is formed
spreads itself to the zinc, and makes there a metallic deposit of copper. Tho
superiority of this kind of battery consists in this that the ammonia which is
set free at the negative metal, being soluble in water, does not form à coating
of non-conducting matter on the surface of the metal, and so retard the
current, as is the case with the hydrogen set free in the batteries ordinarily
used. It is also advisable that there should intervene between the two metals
a porous jar or layer of sand or mould, as is generally known. Batteries thus
made with & solution of muriate of ammonia have previously been used for
other purposes, and therefore we only. claim their use for the purpose of
working electric telegraphs, they being peculiarly suited for this purpose by
the quality they possess of retaining a constant action unimpaired for great
periods of time without any attention or the addition of fresh liquid.
Our thirteenth improvement consists in a method of insulating suspended
wires. Through the suspending posts, or through arms fastened to them,
perforations are made (say) an inch or two in diameter. Through these holes
the wires are passed. If necessary, slits are cut in the posts or arms, reaching
from their outside surface to the perforation, for the purpose of enabling the
wire to be readily slipped into the hole, as in Figures 15 and 16, Sheet IX.
Upon the wire is then strung a bead, as represented in Sheet IX., Figures 3, 4,
and 5, formed of glass or other insulating material, the hole through the head
being so formed that it is widest towards the exterior and narrowest. in the
interior, so that the wire shall rest on a small surface, and if. ariy. wet
finds its way into the bead it may immediately run off from it. Across the
bead from the circumference to the centre is cut a transverse slit, as repres

page_text: sented in Figure 4, so that the wire may be passed through this slit, and the
bead so strung upon it; but, when the bead is once so strung upon the wire it is
impossible that the wire should again escape from it, except the bead be
allowed to turn round transversely to the direction of the wire for the purpose.
The bead being thus strung upon the wire, it is slipped along till it reaches
the centre of the hole through the post, where it is made fast by cement or
other means.
The bead with this transverse slit may be otherwise described
as forming part of a spiral, which 'figure the transverse slit causes it to
resemble, or a regular spiral may be used instead of the bead, as shewn in
Figures 6 and 7, which will have nearly the same advantages as the bead
above described. The bead or spiral, being thus placed in the centre of the
hole through the post, is protected from wet, the substance of the post or arm
forming itself a covering to it, and rendering any roof or cover to the post
unnecessary. In Figure 13, Sheet, IX., are shewn two grooves or cuts in the
post, so as to direct away from the centre of the hole any wet which may be
running down the post, and it shews a groove cut under the bead for the pur-
pose of draining from it any wet which may beat into the hole through the post.
Our fourteenth improvement consists in the application of metals. enamelled
or glazed by the processes well known for the purposes of insulating. tele-
graphic wires, instead of porcelain, glass, gutta percha, dry wood, and other
substances; hitherto used for the purpose. By this means we may obtain
insulators not brittle, and much stronger for the same weight and bulk, than,
those formed of the ordinary materials. Thus, for instance, we find that
tube of enamelled iron passing through the suspending posts, and with the
telegraphic wire passing through it, or enamelled iron rod passing through
the posts, and with the telegraphic wire fastened to each end of the rod by
means of a loop or other contrivance (the metal of which loop is left un-
enamelled) form convenient methods of insulating telegraphic wires; and in
the latter case of metallically connecting at the same time different lengths of
such wires. Figures 11, 12, and 13, Sheet IX., shew such an enamelled rod
passing through a post, and it is there represented as supported in a spherical
bead, which may be, added if required for the purpose of ensuring a still more
•
perfect insulation.
&
Our fifteenth improvement is as follows:-It is frequently convenient to
nsulate suspended wires by means of covering them with a wrapping of cotton,.
ilk, or other such insulating materials, over which also a coating of varnish is
requently placed, but at the points of suspension such coating and covering
s liable to. be worn off by the friction caused by motion of the wire.
Our fifteenth improvement consists in the use of a metallic tag or covering

page_text: placed in a manner resembling the tag of a boot lace for the purpose or
protecting such covered wires from the effects of friction at the points of
suspension, as represented in Figures 1 and 14, Sheet No. 9.
First, we claim the so arranging horse shoe magnets on axes that the axes
shall pass between the limbs thereof, thus causing parts of such magnets to be
above and parts below the axis of motion.
And we also claim the applying to the axes of magnets, pointers, or instru-
ments for communicating the motion of horse-shoe magnets, so as to move in
a different plane to the magnets.
And we also claim the mode of suspending horse-shoe magnets on axes, ns
described in respect to Figures 6 to 13 inclusive, on Sheet No. 7 of the
Drawings.
Secondly, we claim the 'so arranging keys or apparatus in combination with
the means herein described for coupling up circuits that each key or instrument
may be used only for obtaining the indication or printing of a single sign or
symbol.
And we also claim the combination of the mode of coupling up circuits,
herein described, with suitable instruments or apparatus for pointing out signs,
or symbols on dials or surfaces, and for printing signs or symbols, and for
exhibiting signs or symbols by screens.
Thirdly, we claim the modes of constructing apparatus which we have called
a perænode, or circuit completer of secondary batteries, whereby an electro-
magnet or electro-magnets in each apparatus are, used to give motion to two
magnets in such manner that each magnet is allowed to act onlyin one direction.
And we also claim the combining apparatus, acting in the manner of what
we have called per cenodes, so that the electric currents used for electro-
telegraphic purposes shall pass from one to the other, as described.
Fourthly, we claim the combining a series of screens in such manner that
being placed one before the other they shall, by their relative positions, changed
from time to time, shew the desired signs or symbols.
Fifthly, we claim the means of constructing escapement apparatus for electro-
telegraphic purposes, herein described, whereby motion is alternately produced
of unequal lengths.
Sixthly, we claim the so arranging apparatus that a hand or pointer or disc,
or wheel, or cylinder, or other instrument worked by step by step action may
be released therefrom and move forward to zero or determinate point, when
tlie same is combined with electric apparatus for working thereof.
Seventhly, we claim the combination of a percenode with the escapement
apparatus, described under the fifth and sixth parts of our Invention.

page_text: Eighthly, we claim the use and application of secondary batteries to the
purposes of printing, stamping, or perforating, so as to obtain thereby electro-
telegraphic communications..
Ninthly, we claim the combining what we have called peranodes with the
arrangements of electric telegraphs, known as Morse's American telegraphs.
Tenthly, we claim the mode of constructing an electric telegraph instrument
for indicating or printing signs or symbols on suitable dials or surfaces by
employing a chain;.cord, or band, as herein explained.
Eleventhly, we claim the application of a pedal for the purpose of completing
or breaking an electrical circuit, as herein explained, or separating from or
replacing in the liquid of a battery one or more the metals employed, as also
herein explained.
Twelfthly, we claim the combining with electric telegraph apparatus the use
of batteries with salts of ammonia as the exciting matter.
Thirteenthly, we claim the use of bead or spirals placed in the centre of a
hole through a post or through an arm attached to it.
Fourteenthly, we claim the application of enamelled or glazed coatings for
insulating the wires of electric telegraphs, as herein explained.
And fifteenthly, we claim the application of metal tags or coverings at
the points of suspension over the insulating covering of wires, as herein
explained.
In witness whereof, I, the said Edward Highton, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fouter night
5
EDWARD (L.S.) HIGHTON.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twenty-fifth day of July, in the
year of our Lord 1848, the aforesaid Edward Highton came before our said
Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification afore-
said, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form above
written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the
tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and forty-eight.