Improvements in Telegraphy and in Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Sept., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 12th June, 1890-Accepted, 19th July, 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Telegraphy and in Apparatus therefor.
We GEORGE ALLAN, Civil Engineer and JAMES WALLACE BROWN Electrician,
both of 10 Austin Friars in the city of London, Middlesex do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The object of our improvements in telegraphy and in apparatus therefor is to effect
the transmission and receiving of signals in Morse or other characters over long
circuits especially long submarine circuits and at higher speeds than that which by
any system of signalling is now obtained over long submarine circuits.
Our invention consists,
First. In the primary charging and maintaining in the main line circuit or cable of
a measured constant normal flow of electric currents of any desired potential, as
distinguished from the ordinary transmission of currents by the Morse or mirror keys;
and in so controlling these constant flowing currents when desired, by a Morse or
like key as to effect at the receiving end of the circuit, the recording of the required
signals only.
Second. In a special form of automatic alternating transmitting instrument actuated
by any ordinary mechanical motor, or preferably by an electro magnet, for the purpose
of transmitting and maintaining in the main line circuit a measured constant and
normal flow of electric currents of any desired potential, and at the same time
controllable in the rise and fall of potential by a Morse or like key preferably a Morse
key in combination with an auxilliary controlling sounder in connection with the main
line circuit and an adjustable resistance to earth.
The automatic alternating transmitting instrument consists of a compound electro-
magnet and an armature made long enough to constitute it a pendulum with an
adjustable bob to regulate the speed of its oscillations. The armature-pendulum is
also equipped with two contact making springs, an insulated one for the purpose of
establishing an alternating connection between the main line batteries and line circuit ;
and the other for the purpose of making a like alternating connection between the local
battery and the electro-magnets whereby the required automatic oscillating movements
are imparted to the armature-pendulum.
Third. In a novel telegraphic main line receiving instrument the distinguishing
characteristic of which is that it has two rectangular coils fixed preferably at right
angles to and rigidly attached to one another. The said coils are freely suspended in
a vertical or other plane, are insulated from each other and each is enclosed within its
own independent magnetic field. One of the coils receives and is actuated by main
line currents only whilst the other coil being rigidly attached to the main line coil
moves with the said main line coil and by its movements creates a current within a
closed circuit in combination with an extremely sensitive relay by which the signal
recording apparatus is operated.
This sensitive relay preferably consists of another suspended coil moving
synchronously in closed circuit with the one of the above mentioned two coils which
is not the main line coil and within its own magnetic field and carries an insulated
fixed contact arm so adjusted that its normal position may be one of equidistance
between two adjustable local battery contact points or it may be adjusted with a bias
against one point or the other. This contact arm forms a part of the local circuit
through a local battery and the recording apparatus.
The working of the principle and the improved apparatus here described under the
foregoing three heads is as follows:
11
The Morse key, preferably in combination with the auxilliary controlling sounder,
controls the strength of the main line currents and thereby the extent of the move-

page_text: ments of the main line coil of the new receiving instrument. That being so, the latter
in turn through its second coil controls the extent of the movements of the contact
arm of the sensitive relay with the result that the full strength of the main line current,
when transmitted, causes the greater range of movement of the contact arm and so
closes the local battery circuit through the recording Morse apparatus, preferably a
Morse inker with an adjustable resistance by which the time of discharge of its own
magnets may be prolonged for the better recording of the required signals.
Following on this we obtain the spacing or definition of the signals as the result of
the releasing of the Morse key and the consequent reducing of the constant alternating
currents to their normal strength, and the failure of the contact arm of the sensitive
relay to close the local or recording circuit.
On the other hand it will be obvious that these conditions in working may be
reversed and the recording of the signals effected upon a fall instead of upon a rise of
potential in the constant alternating currents.
Fourth. We effectively accomplish translating. from terminal to terminal through
any number of intermediate stations without synchronism in the transmitted currents-
an entirely new, novel, and most important feature in translating by the use of the
several apparatus and system of charging the circuits or cables described under the
foregoing first, second, and third heads.
For this purpose we connect a switch actuated automatically or by hand in the.
ordinary manner and in conjunction with the main line and the, main line coil of the
new receiving instrument, whilst the contact arm of the coil of the sensitive relay in
combination with the new receiving instrument operates in local circuit the auxilliary
controlling Morse transmitting sounder, by which the potential of the alternating
currents that are automatically transmitted is controlled and the signals recorded all
as hereinbefore described.
Thus when the switch is over on the down line to receive the transmitted signals,
the automatic alternating transmitting iustrument and the controlling Morse transmitter
sounder will be in circuit with the up line. The reversing of the switch reverses the
conditions.
Under present systems of translation in use the received currents must be trans-
mitted forward at the speed at which they arrive at each intermediate station; but
under our system above described the received currents may be arriving at the rate
of say 800 pulsations per minute whilst the currents from the outgoing translating
automatic alternating transmitter may be transmitting only 600 pulsations per minute
but the actual signalling will be equal over the entire circuit.
The advantage of this is that any ordinary variations or irregular action of currents
will not mutilate the signals.
Besides the means herein before set forth for obtaining Morse signals we
may obtain signals under several combinations of the apparatus with instruments
in use.
Under one modification the recording of Morse signals may be accomplished by
substituting the ordinary Morse key for the automatic alternating transmitter of
currents and by the addition of an independent ordinary local polarized relay in local
circuit with the contact arm of the sensitive relay in combination with the new
receiving instrument, the recording would be effected by the armature of the local
polarized relay making and breaking the local recording circuit.
Under a second combination instead of the Morse key, the mirror keys may be
substituted, in which case the system of transmitting alternating currents and, the
apparatus therefor, as well as the ordinary Morse. recording instrument would be
dispensed with, and the latter replaced by a Morse recording instrument having two
polarized armatures to effect the recording of the signals.
Thus by connecting the zinc pole of the local, recording battery, to one contact
point of the sensitive relay of paragraph 6 and the copper pole to the other contact,
point of the same relay and by leading from the centre of the battery a circuit, through
the electro magnets of the recording instrument to the contact arm of the relay it
follows that if contact is. made with the zinc side marks will be recorded on one side

page_text: only of the travelling strip of paper, and when contact is made on the copper side the
marks will be made on the other or opposite side of the paper. The marks on the one
side would read as dots and those on the other side as dashes; and by the cessation of
the currents, the spacing or definition of the signals would be effected.
Under a third combination we obtain what is known as "Suake" signals which
may be produced by substituting an ordinary relay preferably a polarized relay with a
recording stylus attached to its armature for the ordinary Morse recording instrument,
the same being worked in combination with the alternating transmission of currents
and the Morse key and the new receiving instruments the signals being defined
by the variations from the straight line drawn by the stylus on the travelling strip of
paper.
Under a fourth combination we obtain "Snake" signals by a combination of our
electro magnetic automatic alternating transmitting instrument and our method of
equilibrating the circuit or cable with the ordinary syphon recording instrument in
general use whereby what is generally known as a "Snake" record of the signals
would be produced.
Under a fifth combination we substitute any ordinary chemical paper recording
apparatus for the sensitive relay in combination with the new receiving instrument,
the same being in closed circuit with the second coil (not the main line coil) of the
latter and thereby render unnecessary the local batteries and their recording apparatus.
The transmission of the currents may be effected under any of the methods already
herein described.
Dated this Eleventh day of September 1889.
Per pro J. T. KING,
W. B. Johnson,
Acant
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Telegraphy and in Apparatus therefor.
We GEORGE ALLAN, Civil Engineer, and JAMES WALLACE BROWN, Electrician,
both of 10 Austin Friars in the City of London Middlesex 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 object of our improvements in telegraphy and in apparatus therefor is to effect
the transmission and receiving of signals in Morse or other characters over long
circuits, especially long submarine circuits and at higher speeds than that which by
any system of signalling is now obtained over long submarine circuits.
Our Invention consists:
First. In the primary charging and maintaining in the main line circuit or cable
of a measured constant normal flow of alternating electric currents of any desired
potential as distinguished from the ordinary transmission of currents by the Morse or
mirror keys and in so controlling these constant flowing currents when desired by a
Morse or like key so as to obtain a rise or fall of potential and effect at the receiving
end of the circuit, the recording of the required signals only by means of currents
induced in a coil or coils, caused to oscillate by the action of the said main line
currents.
Second. In a special form of automatic alternating transmitting instrument actuated
by any ordinary mechanical motor or preferably by an electro magnet for the purpose
of transmitting and maintaining in the main line circuit a measured constant and
normal flow of electric currents of any desired potential and at the same time
controllable in the rise and fall of potential by a Morse or like key, preferably a Morse
key in combination with an auxiliary controlling sounder in connection with the main
line circuit and an adjustable resistance to earth.
The automatic alternating transmitting instrument consists of a compound electro
magnet and an armature made long enough to constitute it a pendulum with an
adjustable bob to regulate the speed of its oscillations. The armature pendulum is

page_text: also equipped with two contact making springs, an insulated one for the purpose of
establishing an alternating connection between the main line batteries and line circuit;
and the other for the purpose of making a like alternating connection between the local
battery and the electro magnets whereby the required automatic oscillating movements
are imparted to the armature pendulum.
Third. In a novel telegraphic main line receiving instrument the distinguishing
characteristic of which is that it has two rectangular coils fixed preferably at right
angles to and rigidly attached to one another. The said coils are freely suspended in
a vertical or other plane, are insulated from each other and each is enclosed within its
own independent magnetic field. One of the coils receives and is actuated by main line
currents only whilst the other coil being rigidly attached to the main line coil moves
with the said main line coil and by its movements creates a current within a closed
circuit in combination with an extremely sensitive relay by which the signal recording
apparatus is operated.
This sensitive relay preferably consists of another suspended coil moving synchron-
ously in closed circuit with the one of the above mentioned two coils which is not the
main line coil and within its own magnetic field and carries an insulated fixed contact
arm so adjusted that its normal position may be one of equi-distance between two
adjustable local battery contact points; or it may be adjusted with a bias against one
point or the other. This contact arm forms a part of the local circuit through a local
battery and the recording apparatas.
The working of the improved apparatus here described under the foregoing three
heads is as follows:-
The Morse key, preferably in combination with the auxiliary controlling sounder
controls the strength of the main line currents and thereby the extent of the movements
of the main line coil of the new receiving instrument.
That being so, the latter in turn through its second coil controls the extent of the
movements of the contact arm of the sensitive relay with the result that the full
strength of the main line current, when transmitted causes the greater range of move-
ment of the contact arm and so closes the local battery circuit through the recording
Morse apparatus preferably a Morse inker with an adjustable resistance by which the
time of discharge of its own magnets may be prolonged for the better recording of the
required signals.
Following on this we obtain the spacing or definition of the signals as the result of
the releasing of the Morse key and the consequent reducing of the constant alternating
currents to their normal strength and the failure of the contact arm of the sensitive
relay to close the local or recording circuit.
On the other hand it will be obvious that these conditions in working may be
reversed and the recording of the signals effected upon a fall instead of upon a rise of
potential in the constant alternating currents.
Fourth. We effectively accomplish translating from terminal to terminal through
any number of intermediate stations without synchronism in the transmitted currents―
an entirely new novel and most important feature in translating-by the use of the
several apparatus and system of charging the circuits or cables and utilizing the
currents at the receiving end described under the foregoing First, Second and Third
heads.
For this purpose we combine a switch actuated by hand in the ordinary manner
with the main line and the main line coil of the new transmitting and receiving instru-
ments so that the contact arm of the coil of the sensitive relay of the new receiving
instrument operates in local circuit the auxiliary controlling Morse transmitting
sounder by which the potential of the alternating currents that are automatically
transmitted is controlled and the signals recorded all as hereinbefore described.
Thus when the switch is over on the down line to receive the transmitted
signals, the automatic alternating transmitting instrument and the controlling Morse
transmitter sounder will be in circuit with the up line.
The reversing of the switch reverses the conditions.
Under present systems of translation in use the received currents must be trans-

page_text: mitted forward at the speed at which they arrive at each intermediate station for the
reason that such currents represent signals.
Under our system above described the received currents may be arriving at the
rate of say 800 pulsations per minute whilst the currents from the outgoing trans-
lating automatic alternating transmitter may be transmitting only 600 pulsations
per minute, the actual signalling being nevertheless equal over the entire circuit.
The advantage of this is that any ordinary variations or irregular action of currents
will not mutilate the signals.
Besides the means herein before set forth for obtaining Morse signals we may obtain
signals under several combinations of the apparatus with instruments in use.
Under one modification the recording of Morse signals may be accomplished by
substituting the ordinary Morse key for the automatic alternating transmitter of
currents and by the addition of an independent ordinary local polarized relay in local
circuit with the contact arm of the sensitive relay of the new receiving instrument,
the recording would be effected by the armature of the local polarized relay making
and breaking the local recording circuit.
Under a second combination we obtain what is known as "Snake" signals which
may be produced by substituting an ordinary relay preferably a polarized relay with
a recording stylus attached to its armature for the sensitive relay of the new receiving
instrument the same being worked in combination with the alternating transmission
of currents and the Morse key, the signals being defined by the variations from the
straight line drawn by the stylus on the travelling strip of paper.
Under a third modification we substitute any ordinary chemical paper recording
apparatus for the sensitive relay of the new receiving instrument, the same being in
closed circuit with the second coil (not the main line coil) of the said receiving instru-
ment thereby rendering unnecessary the local batteries and their recording apparatus.
The transmission of the currents may be effected under any of the methods already
herein described.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Fig. 1 Sheet 1 is a view illustrative of the first, second, and third parts of our
invention for working between two stations. The instruments and connections being
similar at both. The same letters denote equivalent parts in this and the following
views. A Morse key a is in local circuit with an electro-magnetic controlling key b
where 1 is an electro-magnet, 2 an armature, 3 an adjustable tension spring, 4 regu-
lating stops, 5 contact spring, 6 contact screw. The said key has its armature
connected both to line and to a vibrator c, the office of which is to transmit continously
alternating currents to line. 7 are electro-magnets, 8 is an armature suspended by a
spring 9 from a contact stud 10 and having an extension 11 fitted with an adjustable
bob 12 so as to form a pendulum. 13 is a local contact spring and adjustable contact for
the electro magnets 7. 14 is a line and battery circuit contact spring. 15 adjustable
contact connected to the line battery. 16 local and main line batteries. 17 main line
and connections. 18 earth plates. 19 adjustable resistance connected to earth and
to the contact screw 6. d is a switch. c is the main line receiving instrument.
20, 20 are electro magnets. 21 and 22 are two independent rectangular coils rigidly
connected at right angles to each other and suspended so as to be free to oscillate.
The coil 21 has one terminal connected to earth and the other to the main line through
the switch d. f, is a sensitive local relay. 7 are electro magnets, 23 is a rectangular
suspended coil. 24 a contact arm pivotted at 25 and secured to the coil 23. 26 are
adjustable contact screws. The terminals of the coil 23 are connected to the terminals
of the coil 22 forming a closed circuit. 27 are local connections. The contact arm 24 is
joined in circuit with a local battery and through the electro magnet of a Morse
recorder gx to the contact screws 26 of the sensitive relay f. 19* is an adjustable
resistance to short circuit the battery 16 through the electro magnet 7 of the Morse
recorder g.
The drawing shows the instruments in their normal condition. That is the Morse
sey a is open and the armature of the controlling key b is up so as to close an earth

page_text: circuit through the adjustable resistance 19, the adjusting screw 6, spring 5 and
armature 2. The said key is also in circnit with the main line and vibrator at 17* so
that the vibrator is transmitting alternating currents to line of a strength that is
regulated by the adjustable resistance 19 as the currents split at 17× one part going
to line and the other to earth. The coils of the main line receiving instrument
oscillate in unison with the vibrator, and the coil 23 of the local relay also oscillates
in unison therewith because it is in closed circuit with the coil 22 of the main line
receiving instrument.
The stops 26 are so adjusted that the range of oscillation of the arm 24 under
normal currents will not cause the said arm to make contact with either of the said
stops 26 therefore there is no record of the vibrations.
If however the Morse key a is depressed the armature of the controlling key c is
drawn down and throws the spring 5 out of circuit with the adjusting screw 6 and
cuts off the earth connection through the adjustable resistance 19, the result being
that there is no division of current at 17x and the entire strength of the main line
battery is transmitted to line. From this it results that the main line instrument
coils have their range of oscillation increased and the coil 23 of the relay passes
through a greater range of movement so that the arm 24 makes alternate contacts
with the stops 26. As the rapidity of the contacts would under ordinary conditions
allow the armature of the Morse recorder to remain closed and as in practice it is not
convenient to so proportion the electro magnets of the recorder as to overcome these
conditions, we interpose an adjustable resistance 19× in shunt circuit to prolong the
discharge of the electro magnets of the Morse recorder and bridge over the time that
it takes the arm 24 to pass from one contact screw 26 to another. The armature of
the Morse recorder is thereby sufficiently acted on to be drawn down and signals are
recorded. As shown the connection is between the transmitting instruments at the
right to the receiving instruments at the left, if the switches d are reversed the action
would be in the opposite direction.
Fig. 2. sheet 2 is a view of apparatus used in translating signals under the fourth
part of our invention, h is a switch having the following parts, a handle 28 pivotted
at 29 to the insulating bar 30, 31 insulating base, 32 spring engaging in a slot in the
centre bearing 29. 33, 34, 35, 36 insulated main line terminals which extend
through the bar 30 and constitute four distinct contact points; 37, 38 main line
receiving instrument contacts, 39, 40 transmitting contacts. The switch is shown in
a neutral or open position having both lines 17", 17° free to be connected through
41 & 42 to the ordinary transmitting and receiving instruments at the translating
station. The instruments b, c, e & fare similar to those previously described. When
the apparatus is to be used for translating a message from one main line 17ª to
another 17h the ordinary instruments are disconnected from 41 and 42, the switch is
turned to the right, and is held in that position by the spring 32 engaging in the
slot 29. The line 17ª will then be in direct circuit through the contacts 36 and 38
and the coil 21 of the receiving instrument e to earth. The relay arm 24 will then
oscillate and will operate the key 2 of the instrument h by local circuit as herein-
before explained in reference to fig. 1. The line 17b will be in circuit through the
contacts 35 and 40 with the vibrator e and controlling key b. The vibrator will send
alternating currents through the line 17b and the key b will vary the potential of the
currents as set forth under fig. 1.
It will be evident that the vibrators at the initial station and the translating station
need not work in unison.
Fig. 3 sheet 3. is a view of the first modification of apparatus under our invention
for obtaining Morse signals. Here an ordinary Morse key a is alone used at the
transmitting end, there is added at the receiving end to the receiving instrument e
and relay combined as in fig. 1. an ordinary local polarized relay h for making and
breaking a local recording circuit and actuating the armature of a Morse recorder g.
The armature of the relay his so adjusted that it will lie on either of the stops 44
according to the direction of the last current transmitted through its local circuit.
For instance if the armature 24 of the relay f closes on the stop 26 a current

page_text: passes from one end of the battery 16 through the armature of the relay f and
electro magnets of the relay h to the centre of the battery and the armature 45 of
the relay h is drawn against one of the stops 44.
The armature of the relay fmay immediately fall from its contact stop whilst the
armature of the relay will remain in position. If the armature of the relay fis
now moved against the stop 26× the local current will be reversed and the
armature 45 of the relay h will thus be moved against the other stop 44. Thus
currents will be sent as required to the key of the recording instrument g and signals
will be recorded.
Fig. 4. sheet 3. is a view of apparatus under the second modification of our.
invention here we obtain what is known as "snake" signals; these are produced by
substituting for the armature 46 of the sensitive relay f fig. 1 an ordinary relay
preferably a polarized relay with a recording stylus 47 attached to its armature 44 in
combination with a travelling strip of paper 48.
The rest of the apparatus with the exception of the instruments g is the same as
that in fig. 1.
Fig. 5 sheet 3 is a view of apparatus under the third modification in which we
substitute for the relay any ordinary chemical recording apparatus preferably
controlled by clockwork. 49 feed rollers for drawing a chemically prepared strip of
paper 48 over a metal rest 50 and under and in contact with the stylus 51 carried by
the swinging arm 52.
The said arm is in closed circuit with the coil 22 of the instrument e. It will be
obvious that the coils 21 and 22 may be one above another and in the same plane
instead of at right angles to each other.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is:
First. Maintaining a normal constant flow of electric currents in a main line
circuit, varying the potential of the said currents and utilizing them to obtain
signals by induced currents substantially as set forth under the first part.
Second. A transmitting instrument consisting of a compound electro magnet a
pendulum armature and two contact making appliances substantially in the manner
and for the purpose set forth under the second part.
Third. A receiving instrument consisting of two freely suspended coils rigidly
attached to and insulated from each other each within its own magnetic field one
being in main line circuit and the other in local circuit substantially in the manner
and for the purpose set forth under the third part.
Fourth. A relay consisting of a suspended coil within a magnetic field in closed
circuit with an oscillating suspended coil substantially in the manner and for the
purpose set forth under the third part.
Fifth. The combination of apparatus substantially as set forth under the fourth
part for the purpose set forth.
Sixth. The combination of apparatus substantially as set forth severally under the
first, second, and third modifications for the purposes set forth.
Dated this 11th day of June 1890.
Per pro. J. T. KING,
J. Johnson,
Agent.