Improvements in Apparatus for Visible Signalling.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Feb., 1896-Accepted, 25th Apr., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Visible Signalling.
I, LEOPOLD SELLNER of Vienna, Austria, Lieutenant in the Imperial and
Royal Austrian Navy do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for visible signalling, more
particularly for use at night, and in localities, such as ships the position of which is
liable to be changed, by meams of which apparatus two signalling elements (signal
lights) arranged at the greatest possible distance apart, are each adapted to shew
five different main signals so that by their combination, any desired number of
combination signals suitable for signalling purposes can be given.
The five main signals of each lantern, when using light of only two colours are
continuous white light, continuous red light, intermittent white light, intermittent
red light, and alternate white and red light.
These signals are produced by dividing a signal lantern, having either one or
more sources of light, in such manner, that the one half is adapted to give white
light and the other red light.
Both parts of the lantern are provided with shutters worked by electrical or
mechanical devices, which are actuated by the operator so as either to permit or
prevent the passage of the light from the part of the lantern, or to alternately
permit and prevent such passage for producing intermittent light.
Two such signal elements constitute a signalling station and are situated
respectively near to the deck of the ship and to the top of the mast.
At every signalling locality (ship) there are preferably arranged two signalling
stations which together render the signals visible all round the horizon.
The present improvements in such signalling apparatus are as follows:-
1. Arrangement of the signal lanterns whereby, on the one hand, any source of
light may be used, and on the other hand signals can be produced that are trans-
mitted farther, better, and equally over the entire horizon, while at the same time
the above mentioned main signals can be given by means of a simple undivided
lantern.
2. Working devices whereby the duration of the visibility of the light signals
with intermittent or alternating light is automatically determined and whereby
consequently a synchronous signalling, at both signal stations is attained.
3. Arrangements at the signal transmitting apparatus by which the giving of the
signals in a simple and at the same time reliable manner is rendered possible, and
the given signals are registered.
4. The arrangement of the signal elements in such manner at the signalling
station that only three thereof are required for signalling over the entire horizon.
On the accompanying drawings
Figures 1 and 2 shew the construction of a divided signal lantern (signal element)
according to the present invention in vertical and horizontal section, in which
electric glow lamps are employed as source of light.
Figures 3 and 4 shew similar views of a lantern, without division in which the.
source of light consists of lamps fed with petroleum, benzine, or other suitable
combustible material.
Figure 5 shews the arrangement for the installation of the signalling lantern at
the top of the mast.
Figures 6 to 9 shew the construction of the signal transmitting apparatus and

page_text: the registering mechanism combined therewith, Figures 6 and shewing two vertical
sections at right angles to each other. Figure 8 a plan, and Figure 9 a horizontal
section.
Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view of the registering apparatus and the releasing
device.
Figures 11 and 114 show two cud positions of the releasing device.
Figures 12 and 13 show diagrams of the electrical connections of two signal
stations provided yith the said lanterns or signal elements, worked with either glow
lamps or petroleum lamps.
Figures 14 and 15 shew the switch apparatus for transmitting signals, corre-
sponding to the said diagrams, respectively in the open and the closed positions.
Figures 16 to 19 shew a switch relay and the switch apparatus actuated thereby,
Figures 16 and 17 shewing an elevation and plan of the same in one position, and
Figures 18 and 19 shew the same views in another position of the parts.
Figures 20 to 23 elevations and plans of ships having such signal stations, with
two different arrangements of the lamps or signal elements.
As shewn at Figures 1 to 4, the signal lantern can either be divided into two
halves of which the one serves to give white light, and the other, red light, or the
lantern can be without a division in which case it is so arranged that by means of
the same source of light signals of both colours can be given.
The sources of light can be of any kind and are so arranged that the light
signals are visible in all directions.
With the divided lantern Figures 1 and 2 glow lamps a a¹ are shewn by way of
example as the sources of light, (or they might be arc lamps) these being arranged
in each compartment in a circle round the axis of the lanteru, and surrounded by a
white and by a red glass; or for the red lights they may have red globes.
Preferably the lamps a giving a red light, and requiring a stronger current, are
placed in the upper part of the lantern so that the heat generated can be made
to pass directly outward out of the casing c without acting upon the lower lamps.
Round each group of lamps is arranged a circular shutter d, which is vertically
moveable and which in the one end position is interposed between the lamps and the
white or red glass bb (or the opening of the lamp casing, when red bulbs are
employed), thereby preventing the emission of light, while in the other end position
they leave the lights uncovered for transmission to the receiving station.
By the proper actuation of the shutters of the two lamp groups with two
different colours, five different main signals can be given, namely, as before stated,
white, red intermittent white, intermittent red, and white and red alternately; in
combination with a second similar signalling element, thirty combinations suitable
for signalling of any kind can be given.
The motion of the shutters can be effected mechanically by means of pulling
cords connected thereto and led over guide pullies, or by electrical agency, by
means of the arrangements shewn on the drawing, in which case the shutters d are
connected by links with levers f' which are pivotted to the bars c' of the lantern
casing c, and are connected by their short arms with the bell shaped cores e' of the
electromagnets ew and e. For each compartment of the lamp is provided an
electromagnet which is arranged centrally in the casing and is surrounded by a
shield 2 serving as reflector.
On exciting an electromagnet its core is drawn into the coil, whereby the shutter
is shifted so as to allow free passage for the light, through the glass b or b'.
If the current is interrupted the core is made to resume its original position
either by gravity or by spring action, in which it cuts off the passage of the
light.
If only the lower electro magnet w is excited,
continuous or an intermittent
white light signal is given according as the circuit is kept closed for a longer or a
shorter time, ot is, at short intervals alternately opened and closed.
In the same way, by actuating the electro magnet e, of the upper compartment,
red light will be continuously or intermittently transmitted.

page_text: By alternately exciting both electro magnets e, e, the fifth main signal (alternate
white and red) will be produced.
If the signal lanterns have no divisions, as at Figures 3 and 4, the shutter
apparatus must be so arranged that with one and the same source of light, both.
colours can be given.
For this purpose there are provided behind the colourless glass b, surrounding
the sources of light a arranged concentrically round the central axis of the
casing c, two concentric rings d¹³ respectively of ground white glass and of red
glass, between which is an annular diaphragm d of opaque material.
The two glass rings are each connected by links and levers f¹ to an electro
magnet core, or preferably to a pair of cores el, and are provided at their lower
edges with beaks by means of which on raising the one or the other glass ring,
the diaphragm d is simultaneously raised.
Thus if the one or both of the electro magnets e, is or are excited, whose core is
or are connected to the red glass ring d2, the latter and with it the diaphragm d will be
raised and consequently a white light signal will be made visible by means of the
white glass ring d' remaining in position.
In the same way, on exciting the electro magnet e, the white glass ring d
will be raised and a red signal light will be transmitted through the ring d².
By suitably regulating the duration of the action of the electro magnet the
before mentioned five main signals can be given.
If it is not desired to insure the transmission to equal distances of the white
and the red lights the ground glass ring d can be omitted, and only the red glass
ring d2 and the diaphragm be actuated.
In the arrangement shewn the source of light is supposed to be lamps a² burning
petroleum benzine or the like provided with burners either having chimney glasses
or of the form shewn at Figure 3 which render chimney glasses unnecessary.
The lamps are mounted separately upon a common base plate or a reservoir a³
for the combustible liquid, which is adjustable on the connecting bars c¹, so that
all the lamps can be simultaneously introduced into or removed from the casing c.
Of course electric glow lamps or arc lamps can also be used in such undivided
signal lanterns. The described signal lanterns are connected at bottom to a
cable g containing electrical conductors for the electro magnets, and electric lamps
when employed. At the top they are connected by gimbal rings to a supporting
stay or to a suitable bearer, according to whether the lantern is hung from the
top mast or is placed above the deck.
As with such lanterns the light issues all round the lantern and in all directions
it is not necessary to turn the same, if the siguals are to be given by means of a
single signalling station over the entire horizon.
For the lantern at the top mast, in order to render the signals visible all round,
there is preferably fitted to the end of the mast an upright, Figure 5, formed of
bar iron, projecting up beyond the mast, which offers practically no obstruction to
the light from the lantern which is hauled up along the aft stay .
As also in consequence of the arrangement of the shutters, in the form of
shiftable rings none of the emanating rays of light are obstructed thereby when
open, the lauterns will transmit signals to greater distances and be more distinctly
visible than previous constructions.
The supply of current to the electro magicos e e, is effected according to the
desired signal code by means of a signal transmitter k Figures 6 to 9, according
to the circuit diagram at Figures 12 and 13.
This signal transmitter consists of a casing carried by a standard at the
signalling station (bridge of the ship) and arranged to turn on a hinge at k¹ and
secured by a screw clamp k³, the base k of which casing, secured by a bayonet
joint fastening, carries the contact devices.
The latter is formed of a series of (12) rotatable, rings of conducting material
against which bear contact brushes or springs m, which are guided on their

page_text: respective rings by means of insulating rings introduced between each two
contact rings, and which project beyond the latter, but which are so arranged as
shewn, as not to interfere with the conducting contact between these. The
contact springs, m, are advantageously arranged in two groups, and each group is
rotatably mounted in a support and both groups of springs are connected
together by a spring which presses them against the contact rings l, the latter
being provided at their periphery with tooth like projections Figure 9 arranged in
position to correspond with the signals marked on the signal board. By means
of adjusting screws pressing against the short arms of the brush carriers the
brushes are prevented, after sliding off the projections of the rings 1, on the
turning of these, from bearing against the surfaces between the projections, so
that contact is only made when the brushes rest on the projections.
The signal disc Figure 8 forms the cover n of the casing of the signal
transmitter, and has three concentric rows of holes n' n² n³, which are advan-
tageously bored on the dividing machine.
These holes are covered with glass, and the outer row thereof shew the
signalling code, that is by reference letters and numerals corresponding to the
signal book. The holes of the other two rows shew the signal elements
respectively for the upper lantern I and the two lower lanterns II and II.
With the object of enabling the light signals that are shewn at any time, to be
read with the greatest possible facility at the signal transmitter k itself, both at
the sending station and at the receiving station, and thus of enabling the signal
when received, to be repeated at once without error, the signals are represented
on the signal board with the greatest possible resemblance to the actual signals,
the arrangement being such that they are made similar in colour (red, white)
to the light signals shown by the signalling lanterns, whilst the obscuring or
disappearances of the light in intermittent signals, and the change of the colours
in signals with changing colours, are also represented.
For this purpose the holes corresponding to the white light signals are glazed
with ground or dead white glass; the holes corresponding to red light signals are
glazed with red glass; the holes corresponding to the intermittent light signals (of
one colour) are glazed with black-striped white or red glass, and the holes
corresponding to the alternating rays of light are glazed with glass with alternately
red and white stripes.
This arrangement is illustrated in Figure 8, the blank spaces indicating white
light, and the hatched spaces indicating red light, whilst the intermittent signal is
represented by black stripes in corresponding spaces, and the alternately white and
red signal is represented by hatched stripes. The contact rings I have projections
which as already stated, are arranged so as to correspond with the afore described
kinds of signals, and the said rings are rotated so that the projection of that ring
which is to be set to a signal, comes within the reach of the brushes m. This
rotation is effected by means of the carrier o° (Figure 6) by an operating lever o
which is pivoted at o' to a ring n' so as to be capable of turning in a vertical plane
the ring being adapted to rotate horizontally in a groove of the cover n of the
casing. To this lever there is connected a vertical rod o2 which extends through
the cover of the casing and is capable of being raised and lowered by means of the
operating lever, but which constitutes the axis of rotation of this lever when the
latter is turned in a horizontal direction.
The said lever is provided with a downwardly projecting knife edge o³ which
enters one of the notches of the fixed crown-wheel or ring nº on the lid of the casing
when the operating lever is pressed down, with the object of locking the said lever
after the latter has been rotated in its raised position. The operating lever has
further connected to it a pointer o which moves over the signal board and is
arranged diametrically opposite the handle *.
On the rod o² there is fixed a "bell cut out" p (Figure 6) which consists of a
sleeve p' firmly screwed upon the screwthreaded end of the rod; of a second

page_text: leeve p which is moveable on the sleeve pl and carries the elastic copper cylinder p
hat surrounds loosely the said sleeve p' and also of a coiled spring inserted
between the said two sleeves. This spring keeps the sleeve p³ generally pressed up
gainst a shoulder o of the rod o2. Below this "bell cut-out "there is let into the
base plate k a bush q consisting of two halves of a cylinder insulated from cach
other and from the base plate, the parts of said bush being connectel respectively
with the contact rings and with collecting bars ala (Figure 14) that are suppliet
with current from a source of electricity, such as a dynamo or a battery.
On pressing down the operating lever o, the copper cylinder p2 is forced with
rubbing action into the bush, thereby effecting electrical connection between the
halves of the bush. On again lifting out the operating lever, the copper cylinder
of the bell cut-out is retained for a short time in the bush q by friction, whereby
the sleeve p³ is held fast, and the spring is compressed in consequence of the
movement of the rod o². But as soon as the tension of the spring overcomes the
resistance produced by the friction of the copper cylinder p2 in the bush 9 the spring
causes the copper cylinder to be drawn quickly back, and thereby to suddenly
interrupt the current. The bell cut-out thus acts as a spring contact.
On the base plate k of the casing there are mounted further the glow lamps q1 7²
that serve to illuminate the signal board provided in the cover, and also the screw
terminals g3 which are united together in two groups similarly to the brushes m, and
are respectively connected to the wires of the conducting cable that are introduced
through slots in the base plate of the casing, and to the corresponding brushes.
In the casing of the signalling device k there is also arranged the registering or
recording apparatus (Figures 7 and 10) which serves to record the transmitted
signals, in the same manner as they are marked on the signal board, whereby firstly_
a special writing down of the transmitted signals is rendered unnecessary, a
secondly a permanent and immediate check is provided on the nature and serial o
of the signals that have been previously transmitted. For this purpose, th
recording apparatus consists of a type wheel r which is fixed on the rod of below the
cover of the casing, and therefore partakes of the rotation and shifting movement of
said rod. To the said wheel r is fixed the carrier oº, and it has fixed in its rim the
types that are composed of needles (arranged in groups in accordance with tae
various representations of the signals. Along the underside of the wheel r there
rubs a stud the rod of which is movable in a sleeve and is kept pressed up
against the wheel by means of a spring s3 which is connected at one end to the
eccentric dise or cams and at its other end to the one-armed lever that is pivoted
at s'. The spring s presses by means of the lever pin s upon the nose of the
rod of the stud and consequently has a constant tendency to raise the latter. To
the lever there is connected a two-armed lever s whose axis so carries a ratchet
wheels and a toothed wheel or friction wheel s, whilst the free end of this lever
carries a pawls that is subjected to spring pressure. This pawl is arranged in
such a manner as to slide (in the lefthand direction) over the teeth of the ratchet
wheel, when the stud 2 is pressed down, that is to say, when the rod o² and the type
wheel are depressed. On the stud being raised by means of the previously
energized springs, when the operating lever o is lifted, the aforesaid pawl engages
with the ratchet wheel and rotates the latter.
By this means both the wheels and the pinion s10 gearing there with are rotated,
the latter being mounted on the shaft of the roller t which serves to feed a
recording strip t forward. -This roller t works together with a second roller t
which is supported in two pivoted arms 3 and which is pressed by means of a
spring (bearing with adjustable pressure upon the said arms) Figures 9 & 10,
against the recording strip that is drawn off from the paper reel t between the two
rollers.
This recording strip, after passing the feed rollers, passes over a table or
5 plate u which is provided with an opening to allow of the passage through it
of needles of a type when the latter is moved down by the depression of the
operating lever. In order that the strip shall remain stretched during this

page_text: movement of the type needles, and shall be pierced with certainty by the
needles, there is arranged above the table u a clamping plate u which is also
provided with an opening for the passage of the needles and which is pivoted
at u² and is connected to a lever u³. This lever is caused by the pull of a spring u
to keep the clamping plate usually raised, whilst a stud u movably mounted on
the latter is kept by the pressure of a spring u (Figure 10) pressed up against
the lower surface of the type wheel r. When the latter is moved down, this
stud and with it the clamping plate u', are moved down until the latter bears
upon the table i.e. the recording strip situated on the same; a set screw u' acting
on the lever u³ serves to determine the amount of the downward movement, so
that as the type wheel is pressed further downwards, the stud u will alone move
down, thereby placing its spring us in tension at the same time.
The strip marked with the character to be recorded is by the depression of the
operating lever and type wheel, fed along by means of the rollers t¹² immediately
after the lever is raised by the action of the ratchet feeding mechanism consequent
thereon, the clamping plate being raised at the same time.
In order that the
character perforated in accordance with a determined signal shall at once move out
of the signal transmitter and thus become visible, the type wheel r is made of as
large a diameter as possible, and the types are arranged on the same near to the
periphery of the casing. The strip passes out through an aperture in the wall of
the casing which is adapted to be closed by a flap v. This flap is provided on its
inner side with a mirror like reflecting surface and is capable of turning outwards
on a hinge v' until it assumes a determined angular position relatively to the wall
of the casing (Figure 7) whereby the rays emitted from the sources of light
situated in the signal transmitter are reflected so as to illuminate the recording
strip or the characters pierced therein from underneath and thus render them
visible.
The flap is fastened in its closed position by means of a bolt v2.
In order to prevent the strip from being fed forward by the operation of the
signal transmitter whilst the flap is closed, which would cause a crowding of the
moving strip between the table and the flap and consequently produce interruptions
or a breakdown, the springs which holds up the stud 2 of the recording device
and actuates the ratchet mechanism, is fixed to the cam s which is mounted on the
axle of the locking bolt v2 and is adapted to be rotated therewith to the extent
of the angle necessary for opening or locking said bolt.
In the latter case the cam is moved into a position such that the spring s3 is
slackened (Figure 114), and the ratchet mechanism remains out of operation. The
said mechanism cannot therefore come into operation when the operating lever o is
raised, so that the strip is not fed forward until the flap is opened and the spring s
is again energized thereby (Fig. 11).
All the movable parts of the casing of the signal transmitter are made to close
tight at the joints. Similarly the rod o2 of the bell cut out is carried through a
stuffing box in order to prevent as far as possible moisture from penetrating into
the signal transmitter.
The ring n is made of the smallest possible diameter and is provided with exit
holes for carrying off any rain water that may collect inside the same, so that the
said rain water can run off over the cover of the casing of the signalling device,
without interfering with the reading of the signals off the signal board..
The contact rings of the signalling device are marked in the diagrams of
connections illustrated in Figures 12 and 13:-11 111, 11 111, 11
W
W
r r wi wi ri ri wr wr
correspondingly with the signals which can be given by combining these rings with
the upper lantern I or the lower lanterns II II.
The lowermost and uppermost rings and serve in this connection for the
%
3
purpose of throwing relays into gear which effect the shifting of the switch for
the purpose of producing intermittent light signals and light signals that appear

page_text: alternately in different colours, and at the same time accurately and regularly
determine in the former case the duration of the "obscurations" or periods of darkness
between any two flashes of light, and in the latter case the duration of the visibility of
a light of one colour, so that a perfectly synchronous signalling is rendered possible.
These relays which are constructed in a peculiar manner for the special purpose
to which they are to be put, are mounted in a switch board which serves to
electrically connect the signal lanterns with the signal transmitter and the source
of electricity.
It consists, as shewn in Figures 14 and 15, of a small box C arranged near the
signal transmitter k into which box there are introduced the conducting cables from
the lanterns I and II 11, the connecting cable from the signal transmitter, and the
supply and return leads to and from the source of electricity.
In the said box there are arranged the two relays Z Z' (the construction of which
is described hereinafter) and two groups of screw terminals to wol, one group w of
which consists of 12 terminals, two for connecting with the leads of the electro
magnet, and two for connecting with the light leads of each of the three lanterns.
The lower terminals we are connected with the terminals g2 in the signalling
device (for the contact rings 1). Furthermore there are providel two terminals.
for connection with the illuminating lamps 'g' in the signal transmitter, and a
terminal for the bell cut-out switch p.
The cover C of the small box is pivotted on hinges for the purpose of opening
and closing, and carries on its inner side the collecting bars a² to which the supply
leads of the source of electricity are connected.
II
To the collecting bare there are attached the three supply leads of the lantern
cables g (through the lend safety fuses yy yli) whilst the return leads of these
light leads pass over the cut-outs A A A to the collecting bar a'.
The supply lead to the bell cut-out and to the illuminating lamps in the signal
transmitter, branches off from the collecting bar a through the safety fuse y and
over the cut-out A. The return lead of the illuminating lamps is carried to the
other collecting bar a, whilst the return lead of the bell cut-out is situated in the
light lead of each signalling lantern, as shewn in Figure 12.
The relays ZZ (Figures 16 to 18) necessary for producing the intermittent
light signals, and the alternate colour signals, are of the saine construction, and
differ only in respect of the duration of their operation.
is
Each of the said relays consists of an electro magnet whose armature
connected by means of a forked radius rod 22 with a lever 23 which is connected at
its free end by means of the tension springs 2 (arranged in pairs) with the end of
the drop lever 25. The pivot 2 of the latter serves also as the axis of the switch U
(Figures 17 and 19) which consists of five radial arms u, u, u, u, and u₂, that
W
r
serve respectively for throwing into and out of operation the white and red light in
the upper and lower lanterns, that is to say, the respective electro maguet leads;
and also for placing the relay itself in and out of action. For this purpose the
switch U is capable of executing an oscillating or 'rocking movement about its axis
in both directions, the arrangement being such that its arms slide each with the aid
of bridges up over a pair of contact pieces u, and u₁.
These bridges are mounted on these arms in such a manner as to be capable of
rotating at right angles to their plane, of oscillation, and are pressed by springs so
as to be capable of adjusting themselves automatically for the purpose of effecting
a permanently effective contact.
Of the contact pieces w, w, the latter are longer than the former, and bear with
a lateral shoulder in the prolongation of the contact pieces u, (insulated therefrom)
so that when the switch arms are in one position, the said contact pieces are
electrically connected together by means of the bridges, whereas when these arms
5 are in another position, the said contact pieces are electrically separated from
each other.
The switch U (Figures 17 and 19) is counterbalanced by means of an adjustable

page_text: weight 1, and its drop lever 26 is provided with a tappet 2 against which two spring-
pawls 3 and 31 are pressed, viz. one pawl on the up stroke, and the other pawl ou
the down stroke of the drop lever, and with this object they are carried along in
the respective direction by means of a forked arm 4 which engages with the slotted
rod 51 of an air pump cylinder 5, said rod 5' being capable of being freely moved
down on the cross pin 2 of the electro magnet armature . The said air pump
cylinder is adapted to move on a piston 6 which is formed with holes or grooves so
as to allow the air contained in the cylinder to pass out slowly from the latter
when the cylinder moves down, and thereby to break the descent of the cylinder;
whereas it is designed to allow of the in-drawing of air when the cylinder is rising.
The two pawls, 3, 3', meanwhile maintain the drop lever in dependence upon the
pump so that the said lever can become disengaged at the desired moment of the
up or down stroke.
The electro magnet armature is further provided with a return or separating
spring 2, in the ordinary manner. Instead of the latter end of the tension
spring, weights may be employed to produce the same results.
On current passing, the armature is attracted and moved down; the lever ³
connected with the armature being moved down, and the switch springs 24 attached
thereon and to the drop lever 2, becoming stressed, whilst by the movement of the
lever, they are placed at a downward inclination with reference to the drop lever.
At the same time the return spring 28 is stressed. The pump cylinder which sinks
down by its own weight, requires a certain time for displacing the air which is in
the cylinder and which acts as a brake therefor, (Figure 18).
Meanwhile the relay and signal contact arm moved or set by the signalling
device, is caused by the energizing of the relay, to come into operation, and the
corresponding lamp is illuminated, that is to say, its shutter is so moved as to allow
its light to be visible.
When the pump cylinder has sunk down till the forked arm 4 (that is carried
along by the same and acts during this time upon the pawls 3, 3') has thrown the
pawl 3 out of operation, the drop lever 2 is, with the aid of the switch springs 2,
caused to fall, the pawl 31, is brought over the tappet, and the switch is thereby
reversed.
By the rotation of the latter, the relay and signal contact arm moves into the
inoperative position (Figure 19), so that the relay is deprived of current, and the
shutter cuts off the light of the lamp.
As soon as the relay is without current, the armature is pulled off by its spring 28,
whereby the drop lever (which is released at the proper moment from the pawl 3')
is raised, and the switch is rotated back into its operative position (Figures 16
and 17), in which the shutter is opened, and the light is allowed to pass out of the
lantern or respective portion of the lantern. As, the relay circuit is also closed at
the same time, the armature is attracted afresh, and the whole series of operations
is repeated in the same manner at regular intervals, with the result that the corre-
sponding lantern or part of the lantern is allowed to emit a white or red light
intermittently at short intervals.
The second relay Z' is of similar construction, only that the signal contact arins
are changed or shifted from the contact for white light to that for red light and
vice versa. Moreover the air pump is made somewhat larger, in order to produce
longer intervals for the white and red cchanging light than is necessary for
intermittent signals.
lustead of the relays, there may also be employed a contact roller (driven by
spring power or by means of a weight) which is provided for this purpose with full
contact rings for continuous light, and with interrupted contact rings for inter-
mittent light, the arrangement being such that the last mentioned rings are arranged
shifted relatively to each other with the object of given signals which shall appear
alternately in the. two colours of the lights, so that during the duration of
the disappearance of the light of oue color, the light of the other colour will
be visible.

page_text: The mode of operation of the signalling apparatus, and the manner of giving
signals is illustrated by the diagrams of connections shewn in Figures 12 and 13.
The diagram of connections suitable for signalling lanterns with electric
incandescent lamps, and illustrated in Figure 12, shows the signal-transmitter k
with its contact rings 1, the bell cut-out p and the illuminating lamps 993; also the
parts of the switch board (collecting bars xx, cut out A AAA, the two
relays Z Z' and the clamps w w¹) and the three signal elements I, II and II', which
are represented for the sake of simplicity, each by a pair of glow lamps and the
corresponding pair of electro magnets wer
All the supply leads are indicated by full lines, and the return leads by dash-
dotted lines.
The clamps or terminals w for each lantern are marked respectively I, I, W, R,
II, II, W, R, and II II, W, R; W and R indicating the terminals of the electro
magnet leads and II, II II, II II, the terminals of the light or lamp leads.
The lower terminals w¹ of the switch board are :-the illuminating terminal + B
(connected to the cut-out A) for the (positive) supply lead to the illuminating
lamps qq of the signalling device k, from which terminal a branch, in which is
inserted a resistance E, leads to the positive terminal M of the electro magnet
lead which is connected to the bell cut-out p.
The resistance E is inserted with the object of reducing the strong current
(required by the illuminating lamps) down to the voltage for energizing the
electro-magnets in the signalling lanterns, for which a relatively weak current is
necessary.
2
There is further a terminal U¹ which connects the relay arm u, of the relay Z
intended for intermittent light, with the relay contact ring . There are also
terminals WR WR for direct electrical connection of the contact rings,
,,, with the lanterns; terminals WI, R¹, W", R", WR, WR" which
serve to connect the respective contact rings 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, with the contact
W
'
wi ri wi ri wr wr
pieces u for the respective contact arms u¹ u u, u and uz of the two relays,
wr W
branch leads being provided to the contact arms which serve to effect the throwing
into operation of the white and red light.
Finally there is also a terminal U which connects the second relay contact ring
of the signal transmitter with the relay arm u₂ of the relay Z¹ for changing or
alternating light, and a terminal - BU U", to which are led the return lead from
the illuminating lamps q1q2 of the signalling device, and the lead that is divided
and connected to the switch arms uz of the two relays Z Z.
In order to set the apparatus in operation (the signals being visible over the
entire horizon), first, before signalling can be begun, all the cut-outs A A'AH AI
in the switch board must be closed thereby lighting up the glow lamps in the
several lanterns I, II and II. By closing the cut-outs A A" A for the three
lamps, the current passes from the one collecting bar al over the lead seal y', y y 1
to the lanterns, and back from the latter to the other collecting box ; the
annular shutters remaining closed. On closing the cut-out A, the current passes
from the one collecting bar over the lead fuse y and the cut-out A to the
terminal + B, and thence to the lamps q' 92 of the signalling device, whereby these
lamps are lit, and back again through the terminal B to the second collecting
bar a. At the same time a branch current passes from the terminal + B over the
resistance E to the bell cut-out p of the signalling device.
Assuming now that it be desired to signal with the upper lantern I alone, and
the signal "continuous white light"--is to be given;-Then in this case the
operating lever o of the signalling device is set to the signal n', and by depressing

page_text: this lever, the bell cut out p is closed. The current entering through the contact
ring, passes through the terminal W¹ to the terminal W of the lantern I in the
upper group of terminals, thence into the lantern cable g, and energizes the
electromagnet e, whereby the shutter of the lamps emitting white light is raised.
The currents return through the return lead of the light lead and the cut-out A¹ to
the collecting bar a².
If it is desired to give an intermittent for instance, red-signal, then on the
signalling device being set to this signal, the current traverses the bell-cut out
and the ring, to the terminal R³, the switch arm u³ of the left hand relay Z,
T
through this switch to the upper terminal R and to the lantern cable g of the
lantern I, energizing the electromagnet er At the same time the relay contact
ring in the signalling device is included in the circuit, thereby conducting
the current to the terminal U, and to the switch U for the purpose of actuating
the relay Z and thence to the collecting bar a².
The current to the lamp is interrupted by the relay, and then the relay current
is interrupted and so on, which produces a rising and falling (repeated at
determined and equidistant intervals) of the annular shutter of the upper part of
the lantern giving red light.
When the signal "white and red alternately" is given, the contact rings
Wr
and are thrown into circuit by means of the operating lever. The course of the
current is then as follows:-To the terminal WR and thence to the contact
arm u, and also to the contact arm u, of the relay Z. The current through
the relay circuit, which is closed at the same time, passes through the contact
ring to the switch for the relay Z', through the relay to the second collecting
bar . By this means the contact arms and u¹ are brought alternately into the
z
W
I
closed position, and consequently from them the current is led alternately to the
electro-magnets e, and e, of the lantern I, whereby the two annular shutters chereof
are moved alternately.
In signalling with two (or three) lanterns, when for instance red light is to be
shown by the upper lantern, and white intermittent light is to be shown by the
lower lantern, the contact rings 1, 1, and are placed in circuit.
wi
Z
The current then passes from the contact ring to the terminal R', thence to
T
the upper terminal R and to the lantern cable g of the lantern I; and on the other
hand also from the contact ring to the terminal WI, and to the switch of the
wi
1
left hand relay Z, thence to the two terminals W of the lanterns II II. From the
relay contact ring, a current passes at the same time through the terminal U' to
the relay switch of Z, whereby this relay is brought into operation, and therefore
produces an intermittent white light signal in the lower lamps.
When lamps fed with petroleum or other combustible are employed, the light
leads are omitted, and there is then employed as the source of electricity with
advantage a battery F, as shown in the diagram of connections (Figure 13).
In the switch board there are also arranged a number of cut-outs corresponding
to the number of lanterns employed for signalling, of which one cut-out serves for

page_text: the supply lead to the signal transmitter к.
Ine terminals w and
-
arranged
in the same manner, only the terminals + B, B, for illuminating the signalling.
device h, and the resistance E are omitted.
With lanterns arranged in this manner when it is desired to give the signal:-
"upper lantern to show red intermittent light, the lower lanterns to show white
and red light alternately," the contact ring, and in the signal transmitter
ri WT
are placed in circuit by means of the operating lever.
The path of the current is then as follows:-
Z Z
From the contact ring to the terminal R', to the switch of the relay Z, through
ri
I
the upper terminal R and the electro magnet e, of the upper lantern I, back
through the cable to the terminal I and through the cut-out A to the battery.
After the relay Z has also been placed in circuit, its action produces the
intermittency of the red signal light of the upper lantern.
From the contact ring there passes at the same time a current to the
terminal WR, and to the contact pieces ue (corresponding to the relay contact
arms u and u) of the switch.
r
Thence the current is led, according to the position of the switch, either to the
terminals W of the lanterns II II or to the terminals R of said lanterns, the
reversal of the connection being effected by the switching-in of the relay Z, so
that in the lower lanterns, the aunular shutters are raised and lowered alternately
for the white and the red light.
If it is not desired to have any difference in the length of the intervals between
intermittent and alternating light signals, a single relay is sufficient, whose switch
must then of course have seven contact arms (in place of five). In this case one
contact ring is omitted in the signal transmitter and the relay contact ring is
placed in circuit at each intermittent or alternating signal. Of course the
corresponding supply leads are dispensed with.
In mounting the lanterns, as for example on a ship, care should always be taken
that the greatest linear distance or distance of lanterns is obtained.
As the lanterns, by reason of their construction, emit equal amounts of light all
round, they can be employed to give signals that will be visible simultaneously
around the whole horizou, without it being necessary to rotate the lanterns.
And, further, as the lanterns mounted at the top, are by reason of their suspension
from a support projecting above the mast, visible from all sides, it will be sufficient
to employ only one upper signalling element which, in combination with two lower
signalling elements situated fore and aft on deck, and suitably shaded with relation
to each other, forms two signalling stations consisting only of three lanterns.
Thus with this night signalling apparatus, and utilising the greatest possible
lantern distance, the same signals can be given at the same time round the entire
horizon with the aid of only three signalling elements.
If signals are to be given only with the signalling elements of one or the other
station, which signals therefore are visible only over a determined portion of the
horizon, there is fitted on the upper lantern a shade which shuts off the light on
the desired side. Figures 20 and 21 illustrate this signalling apparatus with only
three lanterns on a ship with only one mast.
I is the upper lantern which is situated at the top of the mast and is visible
from all sides, and belongs to the two signal stations; II, II are the lower
lanterns. The mode of suspension of the lanterns on gimbals serves to ensure the
horizontal emission of the light in spite of the plunging of the ship. The lower
lanterns are always mounted at a height such that they can be seen by the person
signalled at the maximum signalling distance. Of course they can serve for
signalling either fore and aft or to starboard and to port, according as they are
arranged.

page_text: Figures 22 and 23 illustrate the arrangement of the two signal stations (con-
sisting together of three lanterns) for ships with two (or more) masts, the upper
lantern I being arranged in the same manner as before upon the higher or highest
mast.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. An apparatus for signalling, in which the several signals or combinations of
signals, are caused at will to give light either continuously in one colour, inter-
mittently in one colour, or in alternating colours, characterized by two signalling
elements I, II, which are provided with any desired sources of light and give
signals that are equally visible around the whole horizon, said elements being
adapted to be connected with contact rings 1 of a signal transmitter k provided for
producing the several signals in each element, said connection being effected
directly for the continuous signals, whilst for the intermittent and alternating
signals it is effected by the actuation of relays Z and Z' respectively which are
placed simultaneously in operation by the signalling device, said relays serving to
operate simultaneously and automatically, in both elements switches U which
produce the intermittent visibility of light of one colour, and the alternating
visibility of lights of two colours at predetermined times substantially as
described.
2. In the apparatus referred to in Claim 1, a divided signalling lantern,
consisting of sources of light a a¹ or a² arranged in each division or compartment
round a central axis, said sources of light being surrounded by annular shutters d
which are adapted to be shifted (raised and lowered) by energizing electro-
magnets ee, substantially as described with reference to Figure 1.
3. In the apparatus referred to in Claim 1, a signalling lantern, with single
compartment consisting of sources of light a al or a² arranged in a circle, which are
surrounded by movable diaphragms d and rings d' d² of transparent material of
suitable colour, said rings being shifted with the diaphragm by energizing electro-
magnets ee, according to the colour of the light to be rendered visible substantially
as described with reference to Figure 3.
4. In the apparatus referred to in Claim 1, a signal transmitter & consisting of
contact rings and brushes m, which are capable of simultaneous rotation in a
closed casing, the rings being caused to make contact with the brushes at the
places corresponding to the signals marked, and being actuated by means of an
operating lever o which operates a rising and falling bell cut-out p, so that by
pressing the same into a divided case 9 it places the adjusted contact ring (or
rings) in electrical connection with the source of current, whilst on rising, it
produces the sudden interruption of the current by the fact that one of the two
spring-pressed pieces pl p³ of the bell cut-out is first held back in the case g and is
then pulled out from said case by the tension of the spring which then comes into
action substantially as described with reference to Figs. 6-9.
5. In the apparatus referred to in Claim 1, a signal board with concentric rows
of holes n n n provided in the cover n of the casing of the signal transmitter of
which one row represents the designations of the signals, and the two others
represent the main signals corresponding in colour and kind with the light signals
that are to be given by means of the two elements substantially as described with
reference to Figure 8.
6. In the apparatus referred to in Claim 1 a registering apparatus for recording
the signals that have been given, consisting of a type wheel r (capable of being
moved by means of the operating lever o of the signalling device) and of a feeding
or ratchet mechanism which is operated by the spring actuated lever s² when
the wheel r is raised, and which serves to effect the advance of a recording strip
which is held stretched between the table plate u and a clamping plate u (that
is turned down by the type wheel) for the purpose of enabling an impression to be

page_text: made by the type when the type wheel is pressed down substantially as describe
with reference to Figures 7, 9 and 10.
7. In the apparatus referred to Claim 1, a disengaging device for the recording
apparatus for the purpose of keeeping the latter operative only when the flap.
5 door of the casing is open, consisting of an eccentric s which is mounted on the
axle of the door bolt 2 and is connected to and keeps the springs (that operates.
the feed mechanism 7 ) without stress so long as the bolt is in its closed
position, but it is rotated so as to place said spring in stress, when the inwardly
turning flap door is opened substantially as described with reference to Figures 7,
11 and 11.
8. In the apparatus referred to in Claim 1, a switch board for effecting electrical
connection of the signalling elements, the signal transmitter and the source of
electricity the casing C of which switch board carries the leads to the signal.
elements I II, II', to the signal transmitter k and to the source of electricity as
also the relay or relays Z, Z for producing the intermittent and alternating light
signals, and also the terminals w w¹ which serve to connect the electro magnet
leads, and the light leads, respectively, with the signalling device and these relays,
whilst on
the lid C there are arranged the collector bars and the
cut-outs A A A, of which the former are connected with the source of electricity,
with the leads leading through the lead fuses y y', y", y to the signalling elements,.
and with the signal transmitter, whilst the cut-outs (with the exception of the
one (A) situated in the supply lead to the signal transmitter are inserted in the
return leads from the signalling elements substantially as described with reference.
to Figures 14 and 15.
9. In the apparatus referred to in Claim 1, relays for producing intermittent
and alternating light signals, consisting of a drop lever z connected to the electro
magnet armature 2, upon the tappet 2 of which lever, during the rising and falling
thereof, is made to act one of the pawls 3, 31, mounted on a forked arm 4 connected
to the movable air pump cylinder 5 which pawls release the drop lever at a
determined moment of the up or down stroke of the pump, the arrangement
being such that the oscillating movement of said drop lever is transmitted to a.
switch U whose arms slide, separately over contact pieces u u, and serve to effect
the connection of the corresponding electro magnet leads in both signalling-
elements as also the throwing into and out of operation of the relay itself, so that,.
when current passes, the relay circuit is alternately broken and remade, whereby
the switch U in the respective lanterns or portions of a lantern is made to actuate-
the annular shutters in suitable manner for intermittent or for alternating light,
or for both substantially as described with reference to Figures 16 to 19.
10. In the apparatus referred to in Claim 1, arranging the upper signalling
element I on a support which projects above the upper end of the mast, for the
purpose of rendering the said signalling element visible on all sides substantially
as described with reference to Figure 5.
11. The combination of two apparatus of the kind specified in Claim 1, to-
constitute one signalling station, in such a manner that one upper signalling
element (I) is employed simultaneously with each cf the two lower signalling
elements II II', so that with only 3 signalling elements similar signals simul-
taneously visible around the entire horizon can be given, the arrangement being
such that each of the lower signalling elements (suitably shaded relatively to each
other) can be employed alone with the upper signalling element (which is
in this case suitably shaded) for the purpose of signalling towards or over
a determined portion of the horizon substantially as described with reference to-
Figures 20 to 23.
Dated this 25th day of Feb 1000
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant..