Automatic Transmitting Apparatus enabling an Instrument to Act at a Distance.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 10th May, 1897
Complete Specification Left, 13th Jan., 1898-Accepted, 5th Mar.,
1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Automatic Transmitting Apparatus enabling an Instrument to Act
at a Distance.
I, JULES RICHARD, of 8, Impasse Fessart, Paris, in the Republic of France,
Manufacturer of Instruments of Precision, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
The present invention relates to a system of automatic transmitter enabling any
given instrument furnished with an indicating needle to act at a distance.
My instrument enables particularly an instrument such as a thermometer,
barometer, manometer &c. to operate electrically, by means of a single wire, a
receiving apparatus placed at a distance.
My system of apparatus establishes, at each movement of the indicating needle,
a contact of a certain precise duration, in such manner that the current is sent into
the line during the time necessary to cause the relay of the receiving station to
operate.
My invention is characterized by the combination of a movable counter-needle
terminated by two contact arms insulated from each other against which the indi-
cating needle abuts, according as it moves in one direction or in the other, of a
small electric motor acting the part of servo-motor and constituted so as to turn in
one or the other direction according as the indicating needle comes against one or
the other contact arm of the counter-needle, of a mechanical arrangement operated
this electric motor and which operates two completely independent contacts,
one or the other of these contacts being closed, according to the direction of rota-
tion of the motor, during a certain time, so as to send into the line either a positive
current or a negative current according as the indicating needle comes against
one or the other arm of the counter-needle which limits its motions, of a mechanical
arrangement consisting of a series of toothed gearing driven by the preceding
mechanical arrangement and having the effect of returning the counter-needle to
its normal position, that is to say, so that the two contact arms are at an equal
distance from the indicating needle.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood I have illustrated
in the accompanying drawings my system of transmitting apparatus arranged so
as to transmit the indications of a thermometer.
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the apparatus.
Fig. 2 is a back elevation.
Fig. 3 is an end view.
Fig. 4 is a plan showing the electrical connections.
Fig. 5 is a diagram showing my transmitting apparatus connected with a
receiving and recording apparatus.
Fig. 6 represents a modification in the application of my arrangement.
In all the figures like parts are indicated by similar letters of reference.
In my system of apparatus the course of the indicating needle a of the instru-
ment, whose indications it is desired to transmit, (a thermometer in the case

page_text: supposed) is limited by the two arms 6162 of a counter-needle 6 terminated by an
index which moves in relation to a scale c.
The two arms bb' insulated from each other, are connected electrically by means
of two brushes did to the inductor e of a small dynamo-electric machine; this
inductor comprises two wires connected respectively to each of the arms b1, ba
and wound in such manner that the armature f turns in one direction or in the
other according as the current passes by the one or the other wire.
The indicating needle a is on the electric circuit operating the small dynamo
machine and the circuit will be closed each time the needle a is in contact with
one of the arms b¹ and the armature f will turn, until the current is broken, in
one or the other direction according as this needle a comes against the arm bi or
the arm b³.
On the shaft g of the armature is keyed a pinion which, by means of the
toothed wheels and pinions i, j, k, l, transmits its rotary motion to the toothed
wheel m keyed on the axle n.
This toothed wheel gives motion, according to its direction of rotation, to one or
the other of two groups of apparatus, each combined in such manner as to establish
a contact of a certain duration, each time that they are put in motion.
For this purpose, the toothed wheel m carries two pawls o, o¹ acting in contrary
directions and giving motion respectively to the two ratchet wheels p, p¹ mounted
loosely on the axle n.
.
The wheel m therefore, according to its direction of rotation, gives motion to one
or the other of the two wheels p, p¹.
Retaining pawls q, q' hold these wheels fast when they do not receive the action
of their respective pawls o, o¹³.
In these conditions the two wheels p, 2¹ can only turn in one direction and each
of them in a different direction.
Each ratchet wheel p, p¹ carries a cam wheel r, r¹ acting respectively by means
of levers s, s¹ upon the pawls t, t¹ which are continually returned to their initial
position by the action of springs u, u¹.
These pawls which thus receive, by the action of the cam wheels r, r¹ the one a
movement from left to right and the other from right to left, drive each a ratchet
wheel or, which by turning push back a pawl w or w¹ and apply it against
the second plate or a¹ of the contact.
In order that contact may be established during a certain determined time, each
ratchet wheel or v³, operates by means of a clock motion, a fly y or y¹.
In order to constantly return the counter-needle to its normal position, so that
the two arms may be at equal distance from the needle a, the axle n transmits, by
means of intermediate toothed gearing a rotary motion to the shaft z which carries
the counter-needle b.
Fig. 5 shows my system of transmitting apparatus connected to a receiving
station A. This station comprises a relay B which operates the needle of an indi-
cating dial C and the style of a recording apparatus D either in one direction or in
the opposite direction, according as the transmitting apparatus above described
sends into the line a positive or a negative current.
This relay B is completely enclosed in a box fixed in the interior of the case A,
which encloses all the receiving mechanism, in such manner that the apparatus B
cannot be disarranged or falsified when the case is opened to change the paper of
the recording cylinder or to ink the style &c.
The operation of my system of transmitting apparatus is as follows:-
When the temperature rises, for example, the indicating needle a is moved
towards the right and comes against the arm 61 of.the counter-needle b; the electric
circuit which operates the servo-motor is thus closed, and the small dynamo machine
turns in the direction of the arrow represented at Fig. 2.
The shaft g of the armature, therefore communicates its rotary motion to the
toothed wheel m by means of the pinions and toothed wheels h, i, j, k, l.
The wheel m gives motion to the ratchet wheel p and the wheel p¹ remains still.

page_text: In these conditions the cam wheel r operates the pawl t which in advancing
causes the ratchet wheel to turn, which in turning applies the pawl w against the
plate and communicates a rotary motion to the fly y, which thus maintains the
contact established during a determined time.
This contact w, thus closes the principal circuit and the current is sent into
the line wire during a determined time which will always be the same, whatever
may be the duration of contact of the needle a and arm b¹.
The shaft n of the wheel m transmits a very slow movement of rotation to the
shaft of the counter-needle in such manner as to bring this latter back to its
normal position.
If the needle a continues to move towards the right, the contact of this needle
and of the arm b¹ remains established and the motor turns always in the same
direction; in these conditions, the contact w, a will be established and consequently
a current will be sent into the line each time, that the cam wheel r raises the
lever s.
On the contrary if the indicator needle a moves in the contrary direction it
comes against the arm 62, the current is sent in the contrary direction into the
servo-motor, and the armature turns in the contrary direction to that of the arrow.
In these conditions, the ratchet wheel 2 remains at rest and the ratchet wheel pl
is moved by the toothed wheel m; the contact w¹, r is then established in the
same manner as the contact w, in the preceding case and a current is sent into
the live wire.
This current will be of contrary sign to that sent by the contact w, so that
the receiving apparatuses will be operated in one direction or in the other according
as the contact w, or wal is established.
My system of apparatus which operates in spite of atmospheric disturbances,
thus permits the constant collection of the indications of an instrument (ther-
mometer, barometer, hygrometer &c.) placed at a point which may be inaccessible
at certain periods of the year.
Further my arrangement having only a single wire diminishes considerably the
costs of installation and of maintenance.
My invention permits also of sending successively the indications of several
instruments by the same wire; in this case I employ for each instrument the
arrangement above described, and I produce alternately an interruption in the.
circuit of the motors, for example in the return wire to the battery.
The circuit being broken, whatever may be the variations of each of these
instruments, the indicating needle, which is mounted on its axle with a certain
elasticity, remains always held between the two arms of the counter-needle, but,
as soon as the circuit is re-established, the servo-motor being put to work, the
counter-needle turns and permits the indicating needle to place itself opposite the
exact division; at the same time, the current whether positive or negative, is
sent into the line wire as many times as is necessary to catch up the delay in the
indications and the relay of the indicator station operates, either in the one direc-
tion, or in the other the indicator mechanisms.
The various apparatuses (thermometer, barometer, hygrometer &c.) furnished
with their servo-motor are grouped for example,. around a circular commutator
having the effect of closing, at regular intervals, the circuit corresponding to each
of them; an analogous commutator is arranged at the receiving station so that the
different receiving apparatuses corresponding respectively with each of the indi-
cating apparatuses of temperature, pressure &c., shall be operated alternately.
These two commutators are therefore operated, either by two motors, or by two
clock movements working synchronously and comprising a special contact stud
intended to ensure this synchronism.
The contact stud corresponding to the instrument which is about to send its
indications should be connected to the line wire always before the closure of the
circuit of the servo-motor of this instrument and the contact of this stud with the

page_text: line will only be broken after the breaking of the circuit of the servo-motor of this
same instrument, when it has sent its indications.
During these intervals of time between the working of two successive appara-
tuses, the line wire may be connected with earth so that this wire may be constantly
discharged and that if there are disturbances in the atmosphere they may be
without effect on the instruments.
In the event of the receiving apparatus being at a short distance I reserve the
right to replace the electric transmission by a mechanical transmission.
Power is then taken directly from the shaft of the armature of the servo-motor
and is transmitted by any appropriate arrangement (endless chain, gearing &c.).
There can be also operated in a public monument or building needles or pointers
of very large dimensions indicating either the temperature, or the pressure &c.;
these needles or pointers will in no way be influenced by external disturbing
causes.
Similarly the temperature of a room or of an apparatus can thus be regulated
(a distilling apparatus for example) by connecting the shaft of the armature with
a cock R or a register, regulating the passage of steam, water, air or gas employed
as the heating means, see Fig. 6.
In order to regulate the working of this cock, the key R¹ of this latter, acts to
break at cach end of its motion (that is to say when it is completely open or com-
pletely closed) a contact established on the electric circuit of the servo-motor.
It should be well understood that my system of transmitting apparatus may
receive various applications and the form, dimensions and accessory arrangements
may be modified according to different cases.
HARRIS & MILLS,
23, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Automatic Transmitting Apparatus enabling an Instrument to Act
at a Distance.
I, JULES RICHARD, of 8, Impasse Fessart, Paris, in the Republic of France,
Manufacturer of Instruments of Precision, 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:--
The present invention relates to a system of automatic transmitting apparatus
enabling any given instrument furnished with an indicating needle to act at a
distance.
My instrument enables particularly an instrument such as a thermometer,
barometer, manometer &c. to operate electrically by means of a single wire, a
receiving apparatus placed at a distance.
My system of apparatus establishes, at each movement of the indicating needle,
a contact of a certain precise duration, in such manner that the current is sent
into the line during the time necessary to cause the relay of the receiving station
to operate.
3
My invention is characterised by the combination of a movable counter-needle
terminated by two contact arms insulated from each other against which the
indicating needle abuts according as it moves in one direction or in the other, of a
small electric motor acting the part of servo-motor and constituted so as to turn
in one or the other direction according as the indicating needle comes against one
or the other contact arm of the counter-needle, of a mechanical arrangement

page_text: operated by ons eiecerie motor and which operates two completely independent
contacts, one or the other of these contacts being closed, according to the direction
of rotation of the motor, during a certain time, so as to send into the line either a
positive current or a negative current according as the indicating needle comes
against one or the other arm of the counter-needle which limits its motions, of a
mechanical arrangement consisting of a series of toothed gearing driven by the
preceding mechanical arrangement and having the effect of returning the counter-
needle to its normal position, that is to say, so that the two contact arms are at
an equal distance from the indicating needle.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood I have illustrated
in the drawings accompanying my Provisional Specification my system of trans-
mitting apparatus arranged so as to transmit the indications of a thermometer.
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the apparatus.
Fig. 2 is a back elevation.
Fig. 3 is an end view.
Fig. 4 is a plan showing the electrical connections.
Fig. 5 is a diagram showing my transmitting apparatus connected with a receiv-
ing and recording apparatus.
Fig. 6 represents a modification in the application of my arrangement.
In all the figures like parts are indicated by similar letters of reference.
In my system of apparatus the course of the indicating needle a of the instru-
ment, whose indications it is desired to transmit, (a thermometer in the case
supposed) is limited by the two arms b', 63 of a counter-needle 6 terminated by an
index which moves in relation to a scale c.
The two arms 61, 62 insulated from each other, are connected electrically by
means of two brushes d', d² to the inductor e of a small dynamo-electric machine;
this inductor comprises two wires connected respectively to each of the arms b¹, b³,
and wound in such manner that the armature f turns in one direction or in the
other according as the current passes by the one or the other wire.
The indicating needle a is on the electric circuit operating the small dynamo
machine and the circuit will be closed each time the needle a is in contact with
one of the arms 61, 63, and the armature f will turn, until the current is broken,
in one or the other direction according as this needle a comes against the arm b¹
or the arm b².
On the shaft g of the armature is keyed a pinion h which, by means of the
toothed wheels and pinions i, j, k, l, transmits its rotary motion to the toothed
wheel m keyed on the axle n
This toothed wheel gives motion, according to its direction of rotation, to one or
the other of two groups of apparatus, each combined in such manner as to
establish a contact of a certain duration, each time that they are put in motion.
For this purpose, the toothed wheel m carries two pawls o, ol acting in contrary
directions and giving motion respectively to the two ratchet wheels P, p¹ mounted
loosely on the axle n.
The wheel m therefore, according to its direction of rotation, gives motion to one
or the other of the two wheels P, 2¹.
Retaining pawls 9, q' hold these wheels fast when they do not receive the
action of their respective pawls o, o¹.
In these conditions the two wheels p, p³ can only turn in one direction and each
of them in a different direction.
Each ratchet wheel p, p¹ carries a cam wheel r, r¹ acting respectively by means
of levers s, s¹ upon pawls t, which are continually returned to their initial
position by the action of springs u, u¹.
These pawls which thus receive, by the action of the cam wheels r, the one a
movement from left to right and the other from right to left, drive each a ratchet
wheel or ¹, which wheels by turning push back a pawl w or w and apply.it
against the second plate x oral of the contact.

page_text: In order that contact may be established during a certain determined time,
each ratchet wheel v or v', operates by means of a clock motion, a fly y or y¹.
In order to constantly return the counter-needle to its normal position so that
the two arms may be at equal distance from the needle a, the axle n transmits,
by means of intermediate toothed gearing a rotary motion to the shaft z which
carries the counter-needle b.
Fig. 5 shows my system of transmitting apparatus connected to a receiving
station A.
This station comprises a relay B which operates the needle of an indicating dial C
and the style of a recording apparatus D either in one direction or in the opposite
direction, according as the transmitting apparatus above described sends into the
line a positive or a negative current.
This relay B is completely enclosed in a box fixed in the interior of the case A,
which encloses all the receiving mechanism, in such manner that the apparatus B
cannot be disarranged or falsified when the case is opened either to change the
paper of the recording cylinder or to ink the style &c.
The operation of my system of transmitting apparatus is as follows:-
When the temperature rises, for example, the indicating needle a is moved
towards the right and comes against the arm b¹ of the counter-needle b; the electric
circuit which operates the servo-motor is thus closed, and the small dynamo
machine turns in the direction of the arrow represented at Fig. 2.
The shaft g of the armature therefore communicates its rotary motion to the
toothed wheel m by means of the pinions and toothed wheels h, i, j k l.
The wheel m gives motion to the ratchet wheel p.and the wheel 21 remains still.
In these conditions the cam wheel r operates the pawl t which in advancing
causes the ratchet wheel to turn, which in turning applies the pawl w against
the plate and communicates a rotary motion to the fly y, which thus maintains
the contact established during a determined time.
This contact w, a thus closes the principal circuit and the current is sent into
the line wire during a determined time which will always be the same, whatever
may be the duration of contact of the needle a and arm b¹.
The shaft n of the wheel m transmits a very slow movement of rotation to the
shaft of the counter-needle 6 in such manner as to bring this latter back to its
normal position.
If the needle a continues to move towards the right, the contact of this needle
and of the arm 61 remains established and the motor turns always in the same
direction; in these conditions, the contact w, a will be established and consequently
a current will be sent into the line each time, that the cam wheel r raises the
lever s.
On the contrary if the indicator needle a moves backwards that is in the contrary
direction it comes against the arm 62, the current is sent in the contrary direction
into the servo-motor, and the armature turns in the contrary direction to that of
the arrow.
In these conditions, the ratchet wheel p remains at rest and the ratchet wheel p¹
is moved by the toothed wheel m; the contact w¹, x is then established in the
same manner as the contact w, x in the preceding case and a current is sent into
the line wire.
This current will be of contrary sign to that sent by the contact w, so that
the receiving apparatuses will be operated in one direction or in the other according
as the contact w, or w₁, is established.
My system of apparatus which operates in spite of atmospheric disturbances,
thus permits the constant collection of the indications of an instrument (ther-
mometer, barometer, hygrometer &c.) placed at a point which may be inaccessible
at certain periods of the year.
Further my arrangement having only a single wire diminishes considerably the
costs of installation and of maintenance.
My invention permits also of sending successively the indications of several

page_text: instruments by the same wire; in this case I employ for each instrument the.
arrangement above described, and I produce alternately an interruption in the
circuit of the motors, for example in the return wire to the battery.
The circuit being broken, whatever may be the variations of each of these
instruments, the indicating needle, which is mounted on its axle with a certain
elasticity, remains always held between the two arms of the counter-needle, but,
as soon as the circuit is re-established, the servo-motor being put to work, the
counter-needle turns and permits the indicating needle to place itself opposite the
exact division; at the same time, the current whether positive or negative, is sent.
into the line wire as many times as is necessary to catch up the delay in the indi-
cations and the relay of the indicator station operates, either in the one direction,
or in the other the indicator mechanisms.
The various apparatuses (thermometer barometer, hygrometer &c.) furnished
with their servo-motor are grouped for example, around a circular commutator
having the effect of closing, at regular intervals, the circuit corresponding to each
of them; an analogous commutator is arranged at the receiving station so that
the different receiving apparatuses corresponding respectively with each of the
indicating apparatuses of temperature, pressure &c., shall be operated alternately.
These two commutators. are therefore operated, either by two motors, or by two
clock movements working synchronously and comprising a special contact stud
intended to ensure this synchronism.
The contact stud corresponding to the instrument which is about to send its
indications should be connected to the line wire always before the closure of the
circuit of the servo-motor of this instrument and the contact of this stud with the
line will only be broken after the breaking of the circuit of the servo-motor of
this same instrument when it has sent its indications.
During these intervals of time between the working of two successive appara-
tuses, the line wire may be connected with earth so that this wire may be constantly
discharged and that if there are disturbances in the atmosphere they may be with-
out effect on the instruments.
In the event of the receiving apparatus being at a short distance I reserve the
right to replace the electric transmission by a mechanical transmission.
Power is then taken directly from the shaft of the armature of the servo-motor
and is transmitted by any appropriate arrangement (endless chain, gearing &c.).
There can also be operated in a public monument or building needles or pointers
of very large dimensions indicating either the temperature or the pressure &c.;
these needles or pointers will in no way be influenced by external disturbing
causes.
Similarly the temperature of a room or of an apparatus can thus be regulated (a
distilling apparatus for example) by connecting the shaft of the armature with a
cock R or a register, regulating the passage of steam, water, air or gas employed
as the heating means, see Fig. 6.
In order to regulate the working of this cock, the key R₁ of this latter, acts to
break, at each end of its motion (that is to say, when it is completely open or
completely closed) a contact established on the electric circuit of the servo-motor.
It should be well understood that my system of transmitting apparatus may
receive various applications and the form, dimensions and accessory arrangements
may be modified according to different cases.
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. The system of automatic transmitting apparatus, enabling an instrument of
any kind provided with an indicating needle to operate electrically, by means of
a single wire,, a receiving apparatus placed at a distance and characterized by the
combination 1st of a movable counter-needle terminated by two contact arms,
insulated from each other, against which the indicating needle comes according as

page_text: it is moved in one or the other direction; 2nd of a small electric motor taking the
part of servo-motor and constituted in such manner as to turn in one or the other
direction according as the indicating needle comes against one or the other arm
of the counter-needle; 3rd of a mechanical arrangement operated by this electric
motor and which operates two completely independent contacts one or the other
of these contacts being closed during a certain time according to the direction of
rotation of the motor, so as to send into the line, either a positive current or a
negative current according as the indicating needle comes against one or the other
arm of the counter-needle; 4th of a mechanical arrangement constituted by a series
of toothed gearing operated by the preceding mechanical arrangement and having
the effect of replacing the counter-needle in its normal position, that is to say, so
that the two contact arms shall be at equal distance from the indicator needle,
substantially as herein set forth.
2. The combination of a certain number of apparatuses constituted as above
claimed, the circuit of the servo-motor corresponding with each of these apparatuses
being closed at regular intervals by a circular commutator, and a second com-
mutator, working synchronously, arranged at the receiving station in such manner
that the different receiving apparatuses corresponding respectively with each of
the indicating apparatuses shall be operated alternately substantially as herein
set forth.
3. The modification of my automatic transmitting apparatus, arranged to act
mechanically on the receiving apparatus substantially as herein set forth.
4. The automatic transmitting apparatus constructed and arranged sub-
stantially as herein set forth and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Daten any
'000Т МУТ
HARRI
& MILLS,
23, Southampton Builds, London, W.C., Agents.