Improvements in Electrical Signalling and Printing Telegraph Systems, and in Apparatus employed therein.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 30th May, 1893-Accepted, 21st Oct., 1893
COMPLETE DI BUIFICAT
Improvements in Electrical Signalling and Printing Telegraph
Systems, and in Apparatus employed therein.
I, JAMES YATE JOHNSON of 47 Lincolns Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which has been com-
municated to me from abroad by Alfred Samuel McCaskey Attorney at Law
of Chicago Illinois in the United States of America) and in what manner the
same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
This invention has reference generally to electrical signalling or communication
wherein it is desired to produce by electrical impulses distinct mechanical effects
and relates more particularly to printing telegraph systems but may be employed
in other electrical signalling operations.
Primarily the object of the invention is to produce, with the minimum number
of working parts, the maximum number of electrical signals, represented by com-
binations of electric impulses, in which each individual signal differs from all the
others, in the number of operating impulses which compose it, or in the intervals
separating these impulses. Thus with the maximum number of five impulses to
each signal it is possible to produce thirty different signals. If each signal is com-
posed of six impulses, sixty two different signals or characters can be produced at
the receiving station, and so on.
In applying the principle of the invention, it is first necessary to provide a
transmitting apparatus, or device, whereby a distinct combination of electrical
impulses for each character or signal is produced and sent to line. These impulses
are sent to line through the operation of a rotary-circuit-maker, (actuated by clock-
work, or by any suitable mechanism) which, in performing a single revolution,
operates say five contact points or springs, if that be the maximum number of
impulses necessary to form any signal or character.
The number of operating impulses sent to line at a revolution of the circuit-
maker, and the intervals between them will be determined by a combination
forming device, having a key for each character to be formed. In a printing
telegraph system, it is of course necessary that the transmitter at each station
should have the capacity to produce all the signals comprised in the code; but in
other systems (such as telephone signalling, block signalling &c.) a different signal
or group of signals is assigned to each local station, all being connected with a
common receiving apparatus capable of responding by a distinct mechanical action
to each signal of the entire code. The depression of a key at the key-board, or
other equivalent operation, releases the circuit-maker from an arresting pin,
permitting it to make a single revolution, and it also connects certain of the
contact points through the main battery with the line, in such manner that the
predetermed group and arrangement of impulses, representing the character
assigned to that particular key, will be thrown upon the line.
The currents used may be all of one polarity; but in that case it will be
necessary to depend upon the synchronous movement of the receiving apparatus
or distributer. It is preferred, therefore, to use reversals of current in connection
with a polarized relay of special construction, as hereinafter explained. In this
case the circuit-maker will, at each contact point, send an impulse to line, those
which are herein termed "operating impulses" being all of the same polarity; the
others being of the opposite polarity, and being designed merely to operate the
circuit-maker or distributer of the receiving apparatus, so that the proper circuit
at the receiving station will be closed when one of the operating impulses is thrown
unan the line

page_text: The circuit connections of the branch circuits terminating at the contact points
of the circuit-maker, are controlled by a series of switches or pole-changers, one
for each branch. In the printing telegraph system herein described there are five
pole-changers. Each normally connects its branch to line through say the positive
pole of the battery, so that the circuit-maker in passing each contact point would
send a positive impulse to line. The depression of a key on the key-board
actuates one or more of these pole-changers, so that at one or
more of the
contact-points the circuit-maker will send a negative, instead of a positive impulse
to line. The details of this part of the apparatus may be varied in many ways,
and while the construction herein described has been found to be simple and
effective, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto.
Having obtained by the making and breaking of five branch circuits, twenty
eight distinct signals, any one of which may be produced at a single rotation of the
circuit-maker, it is necessary to provide apparatus at the receiving station, so
constructed that each distinct signal may produce a distinct effect. This effect
may be the operation of one lever of a type-writer or printing machine, or the
bringing into printing position of a particular type, or the operation of any audible
or visual indicating device which can be recognized as representing the particular
signal which set such device in operation.
In the simplest form in which the principle of the invention is embodied the
receiver consists of a series of rods, one corresponding to each character, embraced
within the adopted code of signals, and specially devised selecting mechanism,
whereby each signal is caused to select and actuate its appropriate rod.
The selecting mechanism comprises a series of controlling bars crossing the rods
at right angles, and an actuating magnet for each bar. In the system herein
described for purposes of illustration, there will be five of these controlling bars,
one for each of the contact points on the transmitting circuit-maker, and twenty-
eight signal actuating rods. Each group of impulses, representing a letter or
character, actuates one or more of the controlling bars, which in turn operates
that particular rod which corresponds with the bar or group of bars so actuated,
all other rods being simultaneously held out of action. The actual mechanical
details of the bars and rods will be hereinafter explained.
Each bar-operating magnet is in a branch separate from the other magnets, and
each of these local branches terminates at one of the five contact points of the
receiving circuit-maker or distributer. This distributer is similar to that at the
sending station, but preferably has a step-by-step movement, resting for an instant
at each of the contact points. If while resting at point No. I an operating
(negative) impulse comes from the sending station, this impulse causes (through
the action of a relay) a current to pass over the branch of bar-magnet No. 1, and
operates selecting bar No. 1 and so on.
The distributer is preferably driven at a greater speed than that at the sending
station, so that it is sure to arrive at each of its resting points when the trans-
mitting circuit-maker passes over its corresponding contact point. In so passing,
the latter sends to line either a positive or a negative impulse. If a positive
impulse it simply releases the distributer which immediately passes to the next
resting point. If the impulse be a negative one the distributer is released as before,
and in addition, through the operation of the polarized relay magnet, the circuit of
the bar-operating magnets is closed through that bar-magnet which is connected
with this contact point. Escapement mechanism of various sorts may be used in
connection with the distributer.
The polarized relay magnet has two armatures for controlling parallel local
circuits, one of which includes only the escapement or release magnet of the
distributer, and the other includes this magnet, and also the bar-operating magnets.
One armature is operated to close its circuit by currents of positive polarity, and
the other by currents of negative polarity. The armatures are so disposed with
reference to the poles of the magnet that when the main circuit is broken each
armature is attracted to and normally remains in its resting position.
The

page_text: of these impulses will depend upon which terminal of each pair of contact points
of the branches a', a² and so on is at the time connected with the positive pole of
the main battery M B. As shown in Figures I and II the pairs of contact points
are represented by springs a² and the arbor A has two contact plates A* A' so
placed as to make a contact, simultaneously with the two springs of each pair.
One plate A is permanently connected with the main line L by line spring AⓇ
(Figure 1) and the other with the earth by spring as (Figure 1). In the diagram
(Figure V) I have for convenience shown the contact plates A' A°³ on the end of
an arm A carried by arbor A, and the contact points of the battery branches are
shown arranged in such position that the plates A* A* will respectively make
contact at the same moment with one of the pair of contacts, and so close a
circuit to line L. The arbor A carries also a trailing arm A, whose function will
be presently explained.
It will be assumed, in this instance, that the combinations which are to form the
code of signals, are composed of negative impulses; that is, that it is only the
negative impulses sent to line at the contact points I to V which are to actuate
the selecting magnets of the receiver. As an illustration, let it be assumed that
the letter F is represented by the combination 2, 3, 5. To transmit that character the
circuit maker A should send to line negative impulses at the points II, III and V,
and positive impulses at the points I and IV. Therefore the apparatus must be
so constructed that, when the operator desires to transmit the letter F, the
branches a², a³ and as will all connect the negative pole of the battery M B with
the line contact A' and the branches a' a' will connect the positive pole with the
line contact. These connections will vary for each letter according to the
combination by which it is arbitrarily represented.
The combinations are formed at the apparatus B which consists of an upright
frame to which is connected a key-board similar to that of a type-writer. Any
mechanical device, which an operator can manipulate to designate different
characters may be employed in this part of the system, but a key-board has certain
well known advantages, and is therefore preferred.
The connections of the local branches are reversed at will by a series of five
circuit-changers or pole changers B1, B2 and so on one in each branch. These
consist, as shown, of pivotted levers arranged for sake of compactness, three on
one side and two on the other side of the frame. Each lever has two contact
plates b, b, the former on each lever is permanently connected with the positive
pole of the battery M B, the latter with the negative pole (see Figure V). Near
each end of each lever are two contact springs c, e¹ the latter being connected with
what may be called the earth wire c', of one of the local branches, and the former
with the line wire c', of the same branch. In the normal position of each circuit
changer what may be termed its positive end is in contact with line spring c, and
its other end with earth spring. It is obvious that when tilted slightly (as
shown in the case of the levers B2, B3 and B', Fig. V) these connections will be
reversed, and that to make up any combination it is only necessary to reverse
the proper circuit-changers. This is the function of the vertical rods d', d'
and so on, of which there are one for each character, see Figures 1 and 3 and
mechanical connections are provided such that on lifting a rod, its movement will
shift those circuit-changers which produce the combination corresponding to the
character represented by that red. Each pole changer has a long operating bar B
extending across the entire series of vertical rods, the operating bar of each rod
being at a different elevation from any of the others. Each vertical rod has one
or more projecting arms d so placed as to engage and move one of the operating
bars upon the elevation of the rod to which it (the arm) is attached. Each
rod d', d, and so on differs from every other, either as to the number or position of
its projecting arms, so that each rod will operate a distinct combination of pole-
changers. Thus the rod d", which corresponds with the letter F has its arms so
placed that it will actuate pole-changers B2, B3, B' and no other rod will actuate
this particular combination of pole changers.

page_text: Each vertical rod is connected by a lever f, with a finger key f₁ of the key-
board, and by these meaus any combination may be formed by depressing the
appropriate key.
Two other functions are necessary to make the transm tting apparatus complete ;
first, the depression of any key must initiate a revolution of the circuit-maker A'
and second, the parts must all be returned to their normal position in the brief
interval between the striking of successive keys.
Under the key levers is a rocking frame G, pivotted at g, its forward end being
in such position that it will be depressed each time a key is struck. Its rear end
carries a bracket g' in which is pivotted a tooth 2, which on its ascent strikes and
oscillates a tripping lever Fig. 2. The forward curved end of this lever enters a
slot in the stop-bar g', and when this curved end moves downward, it withdraws
the said bar from the path of the stop arm g' carried by the arbor A and permits
this arbor to make one revolution. As soon as the tooth g² passes the tail of the
lever g, the spring 9° at once returns the stop-bar g, so that even if the operator
should keep his finger on the key, the arbor A will be arrested at the completion of
its revolution. The tooth g, which is held rigidly in its ascent by the spring g',
can tilt in descending, and so pass the tail or trip lever y³.
I will now explain how each key is held down during the entire revolution of the
circuit-maker, and restored to its normal position as soon as the revolution is
completed.
Each key-lever has on its underside a hook, and when a key is depressed its
hook will be caught by a spring-actuated rock-bar . So long as this key is
depressed the circuit connections of the branches a', a² and so on, made by it will
remain established. The bar or catch f³ is connected by the rods ƒ³ (both of
which are pivotted to the oscillatory arm /) to the armature of the restoring
magnet II. The circuit 30 of this magnet includes springs 31, 32 whose resiliency
tends to keep them apart. When, however, the circuit-maker is at rest its arm A³,
hereinbefore referred to, presses upon and closes the circuit at this point. As soon
as the arbor A begins its revolution the arm A³ releases the springs and opens the
circuit of the restoring magnet H which remains open until the revolution is
completed, whereupon the circuit is closed, magnet H energized, and bar ƒ³
withdrawn. This circuit 30 also includes contact springs 33, 34, arranged under
the rocking frame G, at which point the circuit is normally open, so that no
current flows in the circuit when the instrument is out of use. When the frame G
is tilted by the depression of a key it closes the circuit at 33, 34 at the same time
that it is opened at 31, 32, so that when the arm A³ reached the latter point the
circuit will be closed.
I will now describe the apparatus at the receiving station. This comprises (see
Figure VII) the polarized relay I, the distributer K, and the selecting
mechanism S whereby the combinations are resolved into the different characters
which they represent.
The polarized relay consists of a curved permanent magnet 1, to the lower end of
which are attached the cores terminating in pole pieces, 2. These pole pieces
are consequently of like sign, say south poles. To the upper end of the permanent
magnet are pivotted the two tongues or armatures j,', which constitute the north
poles of the magnet. These armatures are arranged one above the other. The
armature is set nearer to the pole than to the pole and the armature is set
nearer to the pole than it is to the pole i'. Consequently when the coils of the
magnet are not in circuit with a battery, the permanent magnetism attracts the
arinatures in opposite directions, each resting against an insulated point or }³.
The coils J J are wound in opposite directions-consequently a positive current
will neutralize or completely reverse the polarity of pole and reinforce that of
pole 2
The armatures therefor will both be attracted towards the latter, but j
alone will move, being held by its insulated stop. A current of opposite
direction will produce the contrary effect, causing the tongue to move towards the
pole .

page_text: The
Thus with this relay the sensitive action (due to the absence of springs) which
characterises the Siemens relay is obtained and it enables one circuit to be
controlled with positive impulses and another with negative impulses.
armature, responding to a positive impulse, closes the circuit of the escapement
magnet M of the distributer by contact with the point. The armature touches
two contact points, the former being in the circuit of the escapement magnet,
and the latter in the circuit of the circuit-making arm 2 of the distributer,
Fig. V.
7
The distributer K comprises an arbor k rotated by a suitable spring-motor at a
speed somewhat greater than that of the circuit-making arbor A of the transmitter.
The movements of this arbor are controlled by an escapement lever & (Fig. VIIIA)
actuated by the armature m of an escapement magnet M whose circuit is closed by
the relay at every impulse coming from the transmitting station. The arbor k
therefore moves step by step, and completes its revolution in five movements, one
for each of the five impulses which make up a signal. In its revolution the circuit-
closer k, carried by the arbor k, touches each of the five contact springs
marked N', N", N¹, N, NY, which are the contact springs of the five-bar-
operating magnets or as they may be conveniently termed "selecting magnets," and
correspond in position with the five contact points of the transmitting circuit-maker.
In the diagram Figure V the circuit closer ³ is shown as an arm, and the branch
contacts N' and so on as plates or points instead of springs.
It will be convenient here to trace the circuits of the distributing device and the
escapement magnet. When the armature j moves towards the pole in response to
a positive impulse, it touches the point j³, and closes a circuit from the positive pole
of the local battery L² to the escape:nent magnet M, thence to contact point j³, to
armature j, and back to the battery. When a negative impulse shifts armature j
it also closes the circuit of the escapement magnet by touching the point which is
electrically connected with the point. It also touches the point closing a
circuit which may be traced from the local battery L³ by the wire 34*, to the
armature, point and thence by the wire 35 to the arbor k and arm . As the
latter will at this moment be resting on one of the points N', N", the circuit will
continue by one of the bianches marked O' to Or to the corresponding selecting
magnet O, O and so on and the ce by the common return wire 36 to the battery.
The selecting mechanism S Figs. VII to XII involves a principle of construction
similar to that of the combination-forming mechanism of the transmitter. It
comprises a series of upright rods S', S and so on corresponding to the rods d', d
and so on of the transmitter, and each representing a distinct character or signal,
and a series of transverse bars S₁*, S₁*, S₁₁ and so on, capable of a slight
longitudinal movement. In Figure XI, is shown a top view of bars S₁* and also a
side view of the rod S. The former has at certain points notches 40, and the
latter has corresponding lugs 41, these lugs being just above the bar and a little to
one side of the notches 40 when the parts are in their normal position.
When a
bar S* Su* S* Siv* or Sv* is shifted its notches will all be brought into register
with those lugs on the upright rods which are just above it, and consequently the
rods to which such lugs are attached are free to descend so far as that bar is
concerned. The displacement of one or more bars is necessary to release any rod,
and each rod is controlled by a distinct combination of bars. For example the
letter F, represented by the combination 2, 3, 5 and to which the rod S" corresponds,
is controlled by bars S S Sv*. These bars therefore will have each a releasing
notch adjacent to a lug on the rod S¹.
Some rods are held only by a single bar. Thus the rod representing letter E is
held only by the bar S. Since this bar enters into many combinations, it is
evident that at the formation of any such combination the letter E would be
indicated by the dropping of its rod, unless provision to prevent this were made.
It will be observed that all the rods are upheld by a stop-bar T extending across
the top of the frame, this stop-bar being controlled by a magnet T' (herein called
the release magnet) whose circuit is closed as hereinafter explained, after the

page_text: selecting bars have been operated. Hence when the bar St* is shifted, letter E
does not immediately drop, for the signal when arriving may be a combination of
No. 1 with other numbers. In this case the movement of the other bar or bars
making up the combination to lock the rod cone-ponding to letter E, is or are
utilized and this principle of interlocking is applied to all the bars and rods.
Thus
bar S (Figure XI) has at each point of intersection with a rod where there is no
releasing notch 40, a locking lug 42, and the rods adjacent thereto have corre-
sponding notches 43, and it will be evident upon calculation that where 28 characters
are to be formed by a combination of five elements three of the selecting bars will
have 14 and the other two will have 13 releasing notches 40, there being locking
lugs 41 at each of the other intersections.
The shifting of any bar occurs when the armature (P1, P2 and so on) of its
selecting magnet is attracted, the armature striking the end of the bar and giving
it the required movement. The circuits of the bar magnets have already been
traced, and it will be understood how each signal selects and operates the com-
bination of bars which control the corresponding rod The operation of the release
magnet T is necessary to drop the rod. This magnet is in a branch circuit of the
local battery L³, Figure V, which branch is normally open at the springs 45, 46
on the distributer. The circuit is as follows (Figure V). From spring 45 to
magnet T thence by wire 37 to wire 36, to battery L³ and by wires 38, 39 to
spring 46.
Just before the arbor k completes its revolution, the arm ³ presses
together the springs 45, 46 and immediately releases them, thus momentarily
closing the circuit of the magnet T', depressing the stop bar T and permitting the
selected rod to drop.
This
The selecting bars are all returned to their normal positions by the action of the
restoring plate U, carried by the armature U of the restoring magnet U2.
magnet is in a circuit which branches from the cucuit of the release magnet Tat
the point 52 (see Fig. V); thence it proceeds to magnet U2 by wire 41, by wire 42
to finger t³, to tongue t' of the armature when the said tongue momentarily touches
the finger as presently explained and by wire 43 to wie 36, and thence through
battery Land by wire 38 back to the point 52.
When the armature & descends, its tongue depresses an insulating block t
(Figure VIII) carried by the bent lever t2, and brings the metallic finger 3 of this
lever into such position that electrical connection is inade with it by the tongue t
when the latter again rises, which it does immediately. This contact closes the
circuit of the restoring magnet U2, which becomes energized, attracts its armature
and operates the restoring plate U, returning all the selecting-bars to their normal
positions. The plate U has a projection which in this movement of the armature
strikes the end of a rod u' connected with the lever 2, and returns the said lever
to its normal position. Thus the movement of the armature of the restoring
magnet U breaks the circuit of that magnet. To summarize the operations that
occur during one rotation of the distributer; the circuits of one or more of the
selecting magnets are closed at the contact points of the distributer, the corre-
sponding selecting bars are shifted, the circuit of the release magnet T¹ is closed
depressing the stop-bar T and permitting the selected rod to drop, the last named
circuit is instantly broken when the aim has passed the springs 45, 46, and the
armature t is retracted by its spring, lifting the said rod, the tongue t¹ on its return
closes the circuit of the restoring magnet Us by making contact with the finger t³
of lever 2, the restoring plate U shifts the selecting bars back to their normal
positions and breaks the circuit of the restoring magnet, and all is again in readiness
for the next signal.
From the foregoing description it will be seen how two stations properly equipped
with line batteries, may communicate with each other; but it is desirable that
provision should be made whereby a line having a number of intermediate stations
may be operative for communication between such intermediate stations in either
direction, with line batteries only at the terminal stations. The difficulty to be
overcome in making this provision is to give each station complete control of the

page_text: direction of impulses on the line. The manner in which this object is attained will
be understood from the following explanation taken in connection with Figure XII,
in which A, A1, A", A¹² represent respectively separate stations connected by a
single line. The main batteries at the terminal stations are divided into two
groups M B, and M B', the same pole in each being connected to line. Between
each group of batteries at each station is a switch s by which one group may be
switched out. As shown in the diagram both groups of batteries at terminus A"
are in circuit, and but one group at the other station, this being the condition when
station A desires to communicate with station A⁰ or any station to the left of it.
In the condition here presented, in which the transmitter at station A" is supposed
to be communicating with the receiver at A, it is evident that when the circuit is
completed through the entire line from earth at A to earth at A, a current will
flow in the direction of the single headed arrow, and the strength of the current
will be proportional to the difference of energy between the two groups of batteries
at the former station and the single group at the latter station, the batteries being
connected in opposition, that is, with like poles in line. On the other hand when
by the action of the rotating arm A2 of the transmitter at A" the circuit is
grounded at that station, the batteries at A12 will be cut out, and the current will
How through the receiving station A, from the batteries at station A°. The
direction of this current will of course, be that indicated by the double headed
arrow. Thus we have a means whereby the operator at station A" can produce
impulses in either direction in the receiving instrument at A 10.
I
The contact points and V of the transmitter at A" are, as shown, so connected
that a positive impulse will be thrown upon the line at the points I, IV and V and
Thus when the arm A2 closes the
a negative impulse at the points II and III.
contact at points I the circuit is made through the contacts I from the stronger
But when the arm A² rests
batteries at A12 through the weaker batteries at A'.
on the contacts II it will be seen that the batteries at A" are entirely disconnected
and an impulse in the opposite direction passes from the batteries at A through
the points to the earth. Thus the station A" has complete control of the
polarity of the line.
To communicate in the opposite direction it is only necessary by an agreed signal
to switch in all the batteries at A' and cut out one group at A In other words
the preponderance of electric pressure must be behind the transmitting station.
For sake of simplification and cleaness the pole-changing devices are omitted, it
being obvious that their operation is precisely as before described.
As already stated, the dropping of the rods S1, S2 and so on may be utilised in
various ways
For example each rod may control the type-bar of a type-writing
machine. This plan is illustrated in Figure XIII, In this figure R represents a
printing magnet, which gives a printing stroke through a lever or striker R¹.
Each type-bar Q has an arm Q1 to receive the impact of the striker R¹, and each
arm has at its fice end a pivoted finger q flexibly connected by a spring 7' with one
of the rods S. The finger g is normally in such position as to be clear of
striker R; but when the rod S¹ drops, the end of the finger q is pushed by the
projection into the path of the striker R. The latter now makes its stroke
thereby depressing the arm Q' and operating the type-bar connected therewith.
This further descent of the finger y is permitted by the spring q'.
The circuit of the printing magnet R is closed when the head bar T drops and
makes contact with a spring from which a wire 47 runs to the local battery L B'.
The circuit continues from this battery by a wire 48 to the magnet R, and from the
said magnet by a wire 49 to the frame of the selecting mechanism which is in
metallic contact with the head bar T.
Another and preferred form of recording mechanism is illustrated in Figures XIV
to XXVI, whereby the dropping of one of the rods S1, S2 and so on, is caused to
release a moveable type, bring the same to the printing point, take an impression
therefrom, and return the type to its original position, the object being to reproduce
the message upon a printed page as in a type-writer.

page_text: The type-holder is in the form of a cylinder 60 having a series of type-channels 61,
one for each type 62, the latter being in the form of a block of iron or steel with a
raised letter on the face. The type normally stand at the end of their channels
near the top of the cylinder, each type being held by a pivoted stop 63. From this
point downwards the sides of the type holder y converge forming a chute leading
to the point 64 forming from that point down to the printing point a vertical type-
channel 65 whose shape is shown in Figures XVIII and XIX. Just before
reaching this channel the type brushes against an inking roller 66. After passing
the printing point the common type channel W communicates with a series of
individual type channels, the entrance to each of the latter being guarded by a
pivoted gate having two arms 67, 68. When the gate is open the arm 67 stands
across the common type channel and deflects the type into its individual channel.
The releasing stop 63 and the corresponding gate 67 are actuated by a sliding
wire 69 having an operating lever 70, and working in guides 80, formed
in a strip 81 crossing under the partitions 82 of the type channels (see
Figures XXIV, XXV).
When the lever 70 is struck, as by one of the character rods S', the wire 69
trips the stop 63, and a lug 83 (Figure XXIV) on the lower side of the wire tilts
a horizontal lever 71 thereby opening the gate corresponding to the stop 63.
Consequently a type will fall to the printing point, and the guiding gate of the
channel to which the type belongs will be opened ready to guide it back to its
normal position. As the type reenters its channel it brushes against a wing 68,
thereby closing the gate behind it.
The return of the type after printing is effected by a rotatory type-carrier,
shown as a permanent magnet 72 carried by an arm 73 which is feathered on the
shaft 74, so that it can move lengthwise thereof while rotating therewith, this
lateral motion taking place when the arm 67 leaves the common type channel W
for that to which the type individually belongs. The shaft 74 is turned by a
weight 75 through gearing as shown in Figure XIV.
The magnet 72 has a tongue 76 which can slide in slots in the end of the magnet
poles and projects into the path of the type channel (Figures XXI and XXII).
The type-block has a groove in its under side, which receives the tongue 76, and
the latter carries a little shelf 77 upon which the type is caught as it falls to the
printing point. The magnet is held in the position shown in Figures XIV
and XXII by stops 78 which are caught by the ends of the forked printing
lever 79 (Figure XXII). This is the normal position of these parts. The groove
in the type may be enlarged at its bottom as shown in Figure XIX.
The platen or printing roller 85 is supported in bearings in a carriage 86 having
wheels 87 upon which the carriage can move lengthwise of the platen. A step-by-
step movement is given to the carriage by the mutilated gear wheel 90 which
engages a rack-bar 91 on the carriage, moving the latter and lifting a weight 92
(Figure XV). A stop pawl 93 prevents the weight from pulling back the carriage
until the end of the line is reached. When the pin 94 on bar 91 strikes the
pivoted cam arm 95, the latter lifts the pawl 93, thereby releasing the bar, and
the weight 92 returns the carriage and roller to the starting point. At the end of
this return movement a pin 96 throws the cam 95 in the other direction, thereby
releasing pawl 93.
On the same shaft with the mutilated gear 90 is a disc 97, having on its outer
face a toothed ring 98, with which engages a pawl 99. The latter carried by a
lever 100 to one arm of which is attached the armature 101 of the feed magnet 102.
The latter is connected in circuit with a local battery 103 (Figure XVII) the
wires of which run to the insulated plates 104, 105 which form the extremities of
the type-chute or channel. Consequently, when a type falls to the printing point
it closes the circuit of the feed-magnet, causing the shaft of disc 97 and wheel 90
to turn one step. The disc 97 has a cam groove 105* into which projects the
end of the printing lever 79. The latter is thereby actuated and caused to
B

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page_text: Having now described the invention and in what mauner the same is to be
performed what I claim is :-
1st. In a printing telegraph system, the combination of a transmitting circuit-
maker in the main-line, a series of battery branch terminals in the path of the said
circuit-maker, a circuit-changer in each of the said battery-branches, and a series
of keys each key operating a distinct combination of circuit-changers, whereby
signals, composed each of a distinct arrangement of impulses may be sent to line
substantially as hereinbefore described.
2nd. In an electrical signalling transmitting apparatus, the combination of a
rotary main line circuit-maker, a series of battery branches connected to terminals
in the path of said circuit-maker, a pole-changer or current reverser in each branch,
and a series of keys each operating a distinct combination of pole-changers,
whereby the normal connections of any one or more of the battery branches at the
points of contact with the circuit-maker may be reversed by striking the proper
key, substantially as herein before described.
3rd. In an electrical signalling transmitting instrument, the combination of a
main line circuit-maker, a series of battery branches adapted to be connected to
line by the said circuit-maker, a series of circuit-changers one in each branch,
a series of keys exceeding the number of circuit-changers, a series of rods connected
with each key, actuating bars for the said circuit-changers, and projecting arms on
the said rods for operating the said bars, each rod having a distinct number and
arrangement of arms, so that it actuates a distinct combination of circuit-changers,
substantially as herein before described.
4th. The combination forming mechanism, comprising the finger-keys, a series of
rods, one for each key, each rod having one or more projecting arms, and a series
of transverse bars, arranged relatively to the said rods and arms so that each rod
actuates a distinct bar or combination of bars, substantially as herein before
described.
5th. A polarized relay composed of a permanent magnet having at one end two
reversely wound coils with their cores, and at the other end two pivoted tongues
free to vibrate between the extremities of the cores, one being normally attracted
by the permanent magnetism towards one of the cores, and the other towards the
opposite core, whereby the tongues will respectively respond to currents of opposite
polarity substantially as herein before described.
6th. The combination of a transmitting apparatus such as described, of a dis-
tributer comprising a circuit-maker and terminal contact points corresponding to
those of the transmitting apparatus. escapement mechanism for arresting the arm of
the distributer at each contact and releasing it at each impulse traversing the line
from the transmitting station, and means for driving the said arm at a slightly
greater speed than that of the circuit-maker of the transmitting station, substantially
as described.
7th. The general combination and arrangement of the transmitting apparatus
for sending negative and positive impulses, the distributer, the polarized relay and
the selecting mechanism substantially as herein before described.
8th. The combination of a series of parallel selecting bars a magnet for moving
each bar independently of the others, and a series of transverse rods intersecting the
said bars and normally upheld by lugs, the said bars having release notches adapted
to register with the said lugs when the bar is moved by its magnet, substantially as
herein before described.
9th. The combination of a series of parallel selecting bars having release notches
and locking lugs, a series of transverse rods each controlled by a distinct bar or
combination of bars, and each having notches and lugs adapted to register with
certain of those on the selecting bars, and means for moving any bar or combination
of bars longitudinally, thereby releasing one of the rods and locking all the others,
substantially as described.
10th. The combination with the selecting bars, and the rods controlled thereby,

page_text: of a magnet for each selecting bar, and a restoring magnet and its circuit and
connections for restoring the selecting bars to their normal positions, substantially
as hereinbefore described.
11th. The combination with the selecting mechanism comprising a series of
selecting bars, electro-magnetic actuating mechanism therefor, and character rods
each actuated by a distinct bar or combination of bars, of recording mechanism
comprising moveable types and mechanism for actuating the same whereby the
movement of each rod is recorded, substantially as hereinbefore described.
12th. In an electric printing telegraph system, such as herein before described
the combination with the receiving apparatus having a series of moveable rods, one
for each character or signal, of a series of moveable type, controlling devices for
each type actuated respectively by the movement of one of said rods, a printing
lever or striker for giving a printing stroke to the type when brought to the
printing point, and restoring devices for returning the type to their normal positions,
substantially as hereinbefore described.
13th. In a printing telegraph system such as hereinbefore described the com-
bination of a type-holder having a series of independent type-channels converging
to a common printing point, and return channels diverging therefrom and means
such as described whereby the type may be brought to the printing point, an
impression made therefrom, and the type restored to its proper type-channel
substantially as hereinbefore described.
14th. The combination with the systems of printing telegraphs hereinbefore
described and claimed of the type-holder, the series of independently moveable type
supported normally above a type-chute leading to a common printing point, means
for releasing at will any type, a printing platen mounted on a moveable carriage,
a feed-magnet controlling the movements of said carriage, and an electric circuit
including said magnet and having normally open terminals in the path of said type
and adapted to be closed thereby, substantially as hereinbefore described.
15th. The combination with the systems of printing telegraphs hereinbefore
described and claimed of the type holder, the independently moveable type made
of magnetic material, means for bringing any desired type to the printing point,
the platen and its moveable carriage, the printing lever, the type-carrier in the
form of a magnet, and means for actuating the said carrier to return the type to
its normal position in the holder after the printing lever has operated, substantially
as hereinbefore described.
Dated this 30th day of May 1893.
J. H. JOHNSON & Co.,
Agents.