Improved Printing Order Telegraph.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd July, 1889-Accepted, 14th Sept., 1889
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Printing Order Telegraph.
I, HERBERT JOHN ALLISON, of 52 Chancery Lane, London, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which
has been communicated to me from abroad by Major Dane Porter, Gentleman, of 30
Union Square, in the City, County, and State of New York, 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:-
My invention relates to a combined station and want or message indicator suitable
for use in hotels, manufactories, district telegraph systems, or other locations where it
is desired to provide at a number of separate points a means for indicating at a
common station or point both the number or location of any particular station from
which a call or message comes, and the nature of the want, request, or other com-
munication from the person at the station.
The primary object of my invention is to provide a means whereby the number
of the station and the want, message or other communication may be printed at the
cominon receiving station, this result being effected by suitable manipulation of a
transmitter at any one of the separate stations.
In carrying out my invention I propose to indicate or print the number of, the
station or transmitter by controlling the position of a rotary stop arm or similar
device at the central office which is brought to rest at a point corresponding to the
station calling, and for this purpose the separate circuits for the various stations are
disposed at the central station in the circumference of the revolution of the stop arm,
and the arm is brought to rest at the desired point by the action of a stop magnet
which is in the circuit of the station calling at the time the indicator is in position to
indicate such station.
My invention consists also in the special devices for throwing out the printed
slip or tape bearing the number of the station, and the want or message, into position
where it may be detached, for controlling the action of the printing magnet, for
rewinding the ejecting mechanism of the paper strip, for perinitting a number of
wants, messages or characters to be printed in succession without resetting the
transmitter at a station to zero, for supplying motive power to the rotary stop arm
and type wheels, and for other purposes whereby the general and special objects of
my invention are accomplished, as will more particularly hereinafter appear.
In carrying out my invention I employ at the central station or office, a type wheel
bearing figures or other characters indicating the location of the outlying station
each of which is connected with the central station by an independent wire or circuit
normally open. The type wheel being normally at rest is caused to revolve by any
suitable means, (but preferably by an electric motor included in a common return
for the normally open circuits) whenever any circuit is closed, and continues to
revolve until stopped by an electro magnet, in the circuit of the station calling. In
the form of my invention herein described, I employ a separate stop magnet in each
circuit, and the armatures thereof being normally out of the path of the stop arm
or other projection carried by or moving with the type wheel, allow the same to
revolve until the magnet is reached whose armature is drawn forward into the path
of the stop, when the type wheel comes to rest with the number of the station opposito
the printing pad.
When the room
or indicating niechanism has thus been set connection is
automatically made between the circuit of the station calling and the devices controlling
the operation of a second type wheel which may be simply furnished with the letters
of the alphabet, but is by preference provided with types suitably arranged whereby
the want or message, may be printed by a single impression. Thus in the case of a

page_text: "
want printer for an hotel, a printing drum would be employed on which the places
of the letters of the alphabet would be taken by full words as porter," "fire,"
tr doctor,"
""boots," etc.
Connected with this second type wheel and arranged to operate correspondingly
therewith, is a proper pulsator for producing electric pulsations, or other changes of
electric condition, on the circuit calling, which continue until, by the operation of the
transmitting mechanism, a circuit breaking point is reached in the apparatus at
the station which point corresponds to the call or message to be transmitted. When
this point is reached the type wheel comes to rest, it being controlled or operated by
such pulsations, and the printing is then effected automatically by devices to be
presently described.
At the station calling the transmitter is arranged on normally open circuit and the
depression of any one of a series of keys or buttons corresponding to the wants or
2 messages to be printed first effects the closure of the circuit thereby starting the room
or station indicating wheel and at the same time causes a break in one of a series of
branches of the circuit which are successively closed by the action of a rotary com-
mutator at the box, which is caused to rotate by the operation of the pulsator at the
central station. The commutator at the hox is controlled or operated by an electro
magnet therein responsive to the pulsations and moves in unison with the type drum
at the office and in a direction away from its unison or zero point of rest. When
the commutator reaches the branch which is opened by the push button that is
depressed the type drum comes to rest as just explained. On releasing the push
button the circuit is closed and the type wheel at the central station and the com-
mutator at the outlying station both resume their movement in the same direction,
under the action or control of the pulsations until the open branch or circuit
corresponding to another button which may have been depressed, is reached, or until
the zero or normally open circuit point of the transmitter is reached. Each push
button controls a norinally closed branch of the circuit through the commutator at the
box. Each such branch being normally closed the depression of the corresponding
button breaks the branch.
Having indicated the general nature of the apparatus I will proceed to describe
the same in detail.
Referring to the accompanying drawings:
11
Fig. 1, is a side elevation of the apparatus at the central station.
Fig. 2, is a vertical central section through the upper portion of the same.
Fig. 4, is a plan of the apparatus below the horizontal line drawn above the want
or message drum.
Fig. 5, is a plan of the stop arm and connected magnet.
Fig. 6, is a side elevation of the apparatus from the side at which the paper strip is
ojected and shows the stop arms and attachments in end view.
Fig. 7, is a vertical cross section through the mechanism for operating the feed
drum which ejects the paper slip or strip after the number of a station and the want
have been impressed thereon.
Fig. 7, shows a part of the paper feeding or ejecting mechanism in one of its
positions.
Fig. 8, is a plan of the type drum, controlling magnet and escapement.
Fig. 9, is a cross section through one of the electric switches employed.
Fig. 10, is a diagram illustrating the connections of the apparatus.
Fig. 11, is a plan of the transmitter at a station with the cover plate broken
away.
Fig. 12, is a plan of the same looking from the rear.
Fig. 13, is a cross section through the transmitter.
Fig. 14, shows parts of the apparatus detached from the box.
Fig. 15, is a diagram illustrating applications of the apparatus.
A, indicates a suitable frame or pedestal upon which is supported the plate B,
carrying at its periphery a number of Electro magnets C, which form the stop
imagnets of the rotary room or station type wheel. Above the plate or table B, are
13.1

page_text: sustained posts and a framework in which the various mechanisms are properly
supported and in which the rotary wheels and shafts are properly journaled. In the
pedestal or base of the apparatus is preferably supported the driving electric motor
as indicated or other suitable driving power for the type wheels and other devices.
The electro magnets C, are supported from the plate É, resting on the periphery of
the plate B, and having suitable notches as indicated into which the armatures D, of
the electro magnets fit rather snugly so that the shock of the stop arm rotating
with the type wheel may be taken off the armatures and sustained principally
by the plate.
F, indicates the room or station indicating type wheel which carries or is connected
with a stop arm G, that extends out to the periphery of the plate or table B, and
into position to engage with the armature 1, of any electro magnet when such
armature is drawn up from its retracted position into a position where its upper or
free end will be in the path of such stop arm. The portion of the stop arin that
engages with the stop armature is peculiarly constructed as will presently appear.
The type wheel F, is loosely supported upon a hub H, fastened to the shaft I,
which is connected with or forms a continuation of the driving shaft K, of the
electric motor or other motive power. Motion is communicated to the wheel F,
by means of a spring L, which surrounds the shaft I, and bears with considerable
friction against the hub of the wheel F, being held against the same between said hub
and the hub of a gear wheel M, above which is a collar N, fastened to the shaft [.
The spring likewise serves to communicate motion frictionally from the shaft to the
wheel M, which latter gears with a wheel upon the shaft or spindle of the want or
message printing drum 8.
Connected also with the type wheel F, so as to move therewith and with the stop
arm is a contact spring O, which travels over a series of contact points P, supported
in a plate B, which latter is conveniently made of insulating material. The spring O,
is conveniently supported from the contact arm G, itself, and, through the attachment
of the latter with the metal part of the type wheel, is in electrical connection with
the shaft and frame of the apparatus. The contact spring O, moves with the type
wheel over the scries of contact studs P, normally out of electrical connection
therewith but is brought into connection with a stud or contact P, whenever the
stop arm and wheel are brought to rest.
The electro magnets C, as before explained, are in the separate circuits leading
respectively from the stations or transmitter boxes, this being offected by carrying
the circuits to the individual contact studs P, upon the lower ends of which bear
normally suitable springs Q, that in turn connect with the coils of electro magnet C,
and thence with the lower part of the frame which is insulated from the
upper part
by means of the plate B, and the clutch R, which is of insulating material and is
interposed between the shafts K and I.
Passing through each of the contact studs P, is a pin S, of insulating material which
hears at its lower end on the spring Q, and serves to disconnect the spring from the
pin P, when the contact spring O, is depressed against the latter and the pin S. The
object of disconnecting the spring Q, and the stud is to cut out the electro magnet C,
of the circuit in use thus removing the resistance thereof from the circuit when the
spring O, connects with P, and brings into circuit the want or message printer as
will be described further on. A further object is to cut off the connection of the line
with the common return wire or connection for all the lines so as to prevent
interference from other lines in case the circuit of a second line should be closed,
after one line is placed in connection with the message receiver. It is to be observed
that when the spring Q, trails behind the contact arm, as in the construction
shown, care should be taken to connect the spring Q, and contact stud with the coils
of an electro magnet C, removed a proper distance forward in the direction of
revolution of the armi so that when the arm is stopped by an electro magnet the spring
shall make contact with the stud connected with such magnet and the circuit thereof.
Mounted on the end of the stop arm, as indicated more clearly in Fig. 6, is a latch
or catch V, having a spring which tends as shown to depress the horizontal arm of said

page_text: catch down into position behind the armature of the magnet in action, while the
vertical arm of said latch is arranged to engage with the side of the armature lever thereby
bringing the stop arm to rest. When the catch or latch and the armature are thus
engaged the horizontal arm of the catch is thrown down behind the armature thus
holding the same up although the circuit through said magnet may be broken,
while the vertical arm engages with a pin A³, projecting behind said arm from
the end of a lever T, which extends from a rock shaft V2, pivoted in suitable bearings
on the type wheel F, and the arm G, as indicated.
Extending from the lever T, or the rock shaft to which the same is secured is an
arm C, carrying at its end a cam E, which, when the lever T, is thrown to one side
by the action of the pivoted catch C, upon the pin A2, at the time of engagement of
the said stop arm with the armature, acts upon the spring O, so as to dopross the same
into connection with the stud or contact P.
Extending also from the rock shaft so as to move with or actuate the lever T, as
may be required, is an arm F. Supported by said arm, but insulated therefrom, is a
contact plate G, that sorves to close or open the contacts of an electric switch
consisting of two contact plates H³, 12. Plate H2, is carried by a block fastened to
the sleeve K2, of insulated material fixed to the type wheel or other part of the
apparatus moving therewith, while the contact plate 12, for said switch is fastened to a
circular plate L³, also secured to said sleeve of insulating material. These two
plates K², L2, are kept in constant electrical connection with an external local circuit by
means of the springs M2 N2, the former of which is fixed to the plate H, and bears
constantly against the ring or plate [2, while the latter which is supported by an insu-
lating block secured to the sleeve K, and is electrically connected with the support
for 2, as shown in Fig. 5, bears constantly upon ring 02, mounted upon the base
plate B, of insulating material. By this expedient the switch may be opened or closed
at any point in the revolution of the type wheel by the arm or other device, which
moves with the said type wheel and is operated upon by the stop devices for bringing
said wheel to rest and for-releasing the same.
P, indicates an electro magnet of any suitable character which is preferably
mounted as shown' upon the type wheel so as to move therewith-and has an armature
which is secured to the arm F2, or other part connected with lever T, and with a
switch contact G'. The connection for the magnet with a suitable source of electricity
and a controlling switch is through the spring N², connected to one terminal of said
magnet and a second spring Q³, mounted on an insulating block and bearing constantly
upon a ring of metal R², secured to the plate B, as shown.
The lever T, is thrown in one direction by the impingement of the stop arm upon
the armature lever or any electro magnet C, thereby closing the switch at H²; L², and
also bringing the turning spring O, into contact with the corresponding stud P. The
arm of lever T, is moved in the other direction by the action of the electro magnet P³,
thereby opening the switch at G³, L², permitting the spring O, to break the connection
at the contact, and acting on the latch V, so as to lift the the horizontal arm of the
same from behind the armature lever which is thereby permitted to fall back out of
the way of the vertical arm. The action of the electro magnet P², is controlled by
some device moving with the want or message type drum 0%. A suitable switch for this
purpose is indicated in Fig. 10, and consists simply of two contact springs connected
with electro magnet P2, as will be presently described, and normally insulated from one
another. One of said springs is in the path of an operating stud or projection V+,
that is secured to the type drum O. The springs S²; T, are properly secured to a
block of insulating material fastened to some portion of the frame as indicated in
Fig. 4, and are properly located so that the projection V, will operate upon them and
close the circuit just before the time when the drum reaches the zero or unison point at
the completion of the operation of the apparatus in the manner to be presently described.
A³, indicates a controlling electro magnet which operates upon or controls the
escapement lever B³, for an escapement wheel C³, secured to the shaft of the drum 0³.
The impelling or controlling escapement may be of any desired form. The electro
magnet A³, is in connection with the spring O, by means of the frame of the apparatus,

page_text: the shaft I, and the conducting portion of the type wheel F, or is placed in connection
with said spring O, in any other suitable manner. The opposite terminal of the
controller magnet A³, is connected with one of tho springs of a pulsator D, of any
suitable character. That shown consists of a pole changer of any desired construction
operated by the shaft I, or a part moving therewith so as to produce pulsations for
controlling the movement of the drum 0. The current which is alternated or pulsated
as described may be derived from a battery L, B, which is independent of a
battery L, B3, employed for operating the electric motor in the base of the apparatus
and for actuating the electro magnet C. The pole changer or pulsator D², being of
the ordinary character need not be described further in detail.
The armature lever and the type drum 05, are properly mounted in any desired
manner in the frame or in parts connected therewith. The electro magnet is con-
structed to respond to alternations of the electric current.
D', indicates a strip or ribbon of paper which is fed from a suitable reel over the
faces of the type wheel F, and the type drum 03, and between the same and a suitable
printing pad E, as indicated more clearly in Fig. 2. The paper ribbon after passing
the type wheels or drums is fed out through feed rolls m p³, to be presently describer!
which are suitably constructed and controlled to feed the paper after an impression to
such a distance as to bring the portion of the ribbon bearing such impression out of
the apparatus where it may be detached.
The inking device for the wheels consists of an inking ribbon F³, which passes
over suitable rolls G³, m³, and between the message sheet or ribbon and the face
of the printing pad. By passing the ribbon over the feed roll m³, or a part of the
same of reduced size, as will be presently described, a fresh portion of inking ribbon
is presented before each impression. The drum G³, is preferably made hollow, as
shown in Fig. 2, and is filled with ink through a tube H, connecting with the bollow
shaft for said drum in obvious manner. The interior portion of the drum is sealed
up and is formed with perforations through which the ink may escape into an outer
layer or surface thereon formed of some absorbent material from which the inking
ribbon may take up fresh ink.
of
any
The printing pad E³, is operated by means of an electro magnet 13,
suitable
character whose armature is connected or attached to the lever K³, carrying the
printing pad. The operation of the printing magnet is governed by a circuit con-
troller indicated at L³. This controller consists of a spring M³, normally held out of con-
tact with a contact stud N³, by means of a rotary cam 03, of irregular contour as indicated,
which cam is mounted upon the vibratory or movable support p³, having a stud bearing
against the free end of the spring M³. By a means to be presently described the rotary
cam 03, is moved intermittently out of contact with a rotary impelling disc or wheel R³,
which constantly tends to move the cam 0³, so as to move the depressed portion of the
can into coincidence with R. Whenever this occurs the spring M³, is permitted to
nake contact with the stud N3, closing the circuit to the printing magnet. A spiral
spring S³, connected with the cam 0, tends to move the same in a direction opposite
to that in which the wheel R, acts upon the cam. A suitable stop is provided for
limiting the rotary movement of the cam. It will be seen therefore that if the cam is
permitted to remain in contact with the driving surface for wheel R, for a determinate
time the circuit controller will be permitted to act owing to the fact that the depressed
portion of the cam will permit the lever P³, to fall away. If, however, the cam is
moved away from the wheel R², for an instant the spring S³, for said cam will rotate
the same so as to carry its depressed portion around and in a direction away from the
engaging surface of the wheel R³, to a distance determined by the position of the stop
for the can.
The intermittent disconnection for the cain and wheel R³, is to be
produced so long as the type drum 0, continues to rotate. When, however, the rota-
tion stops and the cam and wheel R³, remain in engagement the circuit 'controller
cones into action to effect the printing. The connection and disconnection of the cam
and wheel is conveniently effected by means of the arm V, extending from lever P³,
into the path of the vibrating escapeinent B³. By this means at every whole vibration
of said escapement the rotary cami is disconnected from its driving wheel and allowed

page_text: to resume its normal position. When the escapement comes to rest through the cessa-
tion of the pulsations or alternations of current in the circuit including magnet. A³, the
printing will be effected. The position assumed by the escapement when brought to
rest by the action of the transmitter is always that shown in Fig. 10, and corresponds
to a current of certain polarity. This polarity of current is the same as that required
to oporate the commutator at the transmitter to bring the same into circuit breaking
position as will be described further on.
It will of course be understood that the stop electro magnet C, for each circuit is
located at a proper point in the circumference of revolution of the stop arm so that
when the type wheel F, is stopped by said magnet the number or character on said
wheel corresponding to said magnet and circuit, will be opposite the printing pad E³.
The paper feeding or ejecting mechanism is constructed as follows:-
The paper feed roll indicated at m³, is made of larger diameter at its edges where
it engages with the paper strip than at its centre or intermediate portion over which
the inking ribbon passes. The roll is connected by suitable gear with a wheel n³,
which may be either a spring or weight driven wheel as desired. In the present case
the wheel, is shown as propelled by a spring one end of which is connected to the
wheel or shaft for the same, while the other is connected to a wheel a', which may be
a ratchet wheel or may be otherwise properly constructed so that a suitable propelling
or winding device may engage with the same for the purpose of rewinding the spring.
The rewinding device is here shown as consisting of a pawl, which is reciprocated
by suitable connection with the driving power for the indicators. The wheel nº, is
keyed to a suitable shaft to which are connected a detent or stop arm A, and a pin or
projection, secured as indicated to a nut fixed to the shaft. The pin or stop arm h³,
normally engages with a detent, carried by some portion of the printing
mechanism, as for instance the printing lever or pad. The wheel n³, and the paper
feed roll are held from rotating normally by the detent, which engages with h
when the printing lever is retracted. When the lever is moved forward for effecting
an impression upon the paper strip, the wheel nº, is allowed to rotate a short distance
but immediately thereafter is brought to rest by the detent o, with which the pin h³,
now engages. When now the printing lever is retracted after the impression, the
pin, is disengaged and permitted to make nearly a complete revolution until again
stopped by the detent. By this revolution the paper strip is moved sufficiently to
bring the impression out from the case of the machine where it may be detached and
used as a memorandum, and if desired subsequently filed away.
The retaining pawl 6, for the ratchet wheel a³, is provided with an arm c³, with
which an arm or projection e³, tends to engage so as to lift the pawl from
engagement with the wheel and thus permit the wheel to move backwards against
the actuating pawl s³. The arm
or projection, is carried by a loose disc or
plate, to which movement is communicated by a pin or projection 1, carried by
the ratchet wheel or the hub of the same and engaging with an elongated notch or
offset in the disc as indicated more clearly in Fig. 1. By this device a lost motion
of certain extent is permitted between the disc and the ratchet wheel. When the
spring is wound up sufficiently to cause the spring e³, to lift the pawl 65, the ratchet
wheel will be permitted to move back with the actuating pawl a, as the latter recedes.
As both reciprocate under these conditions, the wheel a, simply oscillates with the
pawl and the latter cannot engage with a fresh tooth. Overwinding is thus pre-
vented. The loose disc i, carries also a pin d³, with which the pin or projection f*,
is adapted to engage when the actuating wheel n³, for the feed roll is released and
permitted to make a complete turn. By this means the projection e, carried by the
disc is moved beyond the lifting arm c; of the retaining pawl in the direction of
revolution of the ratchet wheel so that the spring may be rewound ready for the
next operation.
In the action of carrying the projection e, beyond the pawl, the disc ³, must
evidently be permitted to move independently of that end of the coiled spring which
is connected with the pin . This is provided for by mounting the disc loosely and
arranging by means of the extended notch in the disc, for a lost motion between the

page_text: disc and the pin *, sufficient to permit the projection e, to pass beyond the lifting
arm c, before the disc and pin, again engage.
In the operation just described, which will be understood more clearly by reference
to Fig. 7, as well as to other figures showing the projecting mechanism, it will be
observed that the pin P, and disc are brought into engagement at the opposite end of
the notch from that at which they are shown engaged in Fig. 1, and that the pin f
will have been brought around to the opposite side of the pin d', and left in
engagement therewith. As the ratchet wheel begins to rotate under the action of
the pawl, the pin 1, will begin to move independently of the disc or until it
engages with the same in the position shown in Fig. 1, when the two will begin to
move together until they assume finally the position indicated in Fig. 7. The
pin will in the meantime have retained the position shown which is that assumed
after it has rotated the projection es, beyond lifting position and has been brought to
a stop by the engagement of the detent arm, with the stop pin, of the printing
mechanism, as shown in Fig. 2. at the termination of the full movement which
follows the recession of the printing and produces a feed of the strip to bring the
impression into view.
The reciprocating movement is imparted to the winding wheels, by means of the
eccentric a. which is fixed to the shaft 1, and engages with projections 6º, f ; a
plate or bare, to which the pawl is secured. Any other mechanical device may
he employed for communicating a reciprocating movement to the pawl from some
portion of the mechanism driven by the motive power of the apparatus.
:
The electric motor employed for driving the shaft K, may be of any desired
character and may be driven from any suitable source. The source here shown is
indicated at I, B³, as a galvanic battery one pole of which leads by a common
leading wire 3, to the series of transmitters A', A', distributed or located at any
desired points. The opposite pole of the battery connects with one pole of the
electric motor as shown, while the other pole of said motor connects with the
plate B, of conducting material through the shaft of the motor.
To the plate B, all the electro magnets C, are connected.
As these electro
magnets C, are placed severally in the several circuits leading from the respective
transmitters A, it will be obvious that the motor becomes a part of the common
return for said separate circuits and that if such circuits be normally open said motor
will remain at rest while on the closure of any circuit it will immediately begin to
operate. The separate branches or circuits leading from the transmitters respectively
are indicated by the numeral 4. Suitable electric connections are made so that circuits
through the apparatus may be formed as follows:-
From one pole of battery L, B³, through any transmitter A', so long as circuit is
closed at the same to a contact stud or block P, spring A, electro magnet (, frame or
plate B, motor shaft, electric motor and back to the battery L, B. When spring O,
makes connection with a stud P, the circuit just traced is broken at the point of
spring Q, thus cutting out the electro magnet C, and the connection to the common
return.
Another circuit for the battery L, B, which is formed at this time is now formed
through spring M, plate 12, contacts 12, G3, R2, spring N³, ring 0, wire connecting
same with plate B, and electric motor as before, thus putting the motor in a local
circuit with the battery L, B, independently of the main circuits connecting the
stations with the apparatus.
When spring 0, makes contact with any stud P, a connection from battery or
generator L, B, is formed as follows:-
From one pole thereof through the lower spring of the pole changer to wire 3, a
transmitter A, through which circuit is supposed to be closed, stud P, corresponding
to said circuit, spring O, shaft I, electro magnet A³, controlling the movements of
printing drum and by way of the pole changer to opposite pole of battery L, B.
When contact is closed by the circuit controller S, T, the circuit is formed from
the positive pole of battery L, 13, through spring M², contacts 1, G, H², electro

page_text: unu Dack to the opposite pole of the
battery.
When contact is closed at the circuit controller L³, the circuit is formed from
positive pole of battery L, B, through electro magnet I, spring M³, contact N³,
and back to the opposite pole of the battery.
The construction and connections of the transmitters is shown in Figs. 11, 12, 13
and 14.
D', indicates the case for the apparatus secured to a suitable base plate fastened to
a proper support, while E, indicates a number of controlling push buttons or knobs
designed to operate upon electric switches within the case each of which switches
when depressed closes the circuit for the box to the central office and also breaks
one of the connections of the line or circuit through a rotary or step by step com-
mulator which is moved by the operation of an electro magnet 04, contained within
the box and responsive to the pulsations produced at the central station by the
operation of the pulsator D². The commutator in the box may be formed in any
desired way, but for the sake of simplicity is made by arranging the inner ends of
a series of contact springs G, upon which the push buttons operate, in a circle as
indicated in Fig. 12, and in the path of a rotary circuit closing and breaking
spring M.
The springs G, are fixed at their inner ends in suitable blocks of
insulating material as shown while their outer or free ends are connected with the
push buttons and normally by their spring action make connection with a plate
ring or wiro H, permanently connected with one of the circuit wires 3, after the
manner indicated in Fig. 14. The contacts of the commutator formed by the inner
ends of the springs G, are so arranged that the spring M, in moving over the same
will keep up a continuous electrical connection by making connection with a new
contact before breaking with the preceding one.
The number of the teeth of the propelment or escape wheel with which the rotary
spring is connected is such that a complete oscillation backward and forward of the
escapement will be required in order to move the spring from position of connection
with one contact into position of sole connection with the next contact. That is to
say, if the spring rests upon one of the contacts a movement of the armature of the
electro magnet so as to vibrate the escapement one tooth will allow or cause the
spring to move into an intermediate position between the two contacts and in con-
connection with both, while a reverse movement of the armature and the escapement
to complete the wholo oscillation will move the spring along out of connection with
the preceding to the next contact of the series. The electro magnet being polarized
it will be observed that a current of a given polarity will always be required in order
to move the spring from the intermediate position between the two contacts into
position where it will break connection entirely with the first and rest solely upon
the next contact. The polarity of a current required to effect the second step of the
movement just described is the same as that which is required in order to move
the armature of the printing drum magnet into the position shown in Fig. 10, where
it will leave the arm V3, of the circuit controller L, free.
-
The initial or zero contact of the switch upon which it normally rests is formed
by the inner end of a wire or connection L, permanently connected with a plate,
strip or contact ring K*. Rods or pins I, of conducting material carried by the
several push buttons E, are arranged to make connection simultaneously with the
ring H, and the ring K, whenever any button is depressed.
By means of the switch or circuit closers formed by the pins 14, and rings H*, K*,
the circuit may be closed by the depression of any button.
The rotary arm M', is suitably connected by running a connection from the con-
ducting journal bearing for the same to the electro magnet 0, from which a
connection is formed with the wire 4, in any suitable way.
The circuit from 3 to 4, is, as will be seen, open therefore at the plate K', when
the arm M, is at the zero point, but may be closed through the operation of any
push button. The circuit will remain closed while the button is depressed until the

page_text: arm M, rotates to connection with the spring G, corresponding to the button
depressed. Up to the time that it rotates to such point the circuit will remain
closed owing to the fact that the intermediate push buttons are up or in a position
to permit their springs. Gʻ, to make connection with the ring H, the springs G', the
contact arm M, the electro magnet 04, and out. When, however, the arm reaches
The rotation of the arm to open the
the button depressed the circuit is broken.
circuited point is. produced by means of the electro magnet O', whose armature P',
carries an impelling anchor or escapement to engage with an impulse wheel T*, on
the shaft of the circuit closing arm. The shaft also carries the pointer B, which
rointes with the same and will come to rest opposite the button depressed when the
rotation of the circuit closing arm ceases.
The face of the transmitter is provided with suitable indications or characters
corresponding to those upon the drum type wheel 0, at the central station.
Connection with the circuit is formed at the back of the transmitter by means of the
plates A, B, fastened to the insulating plate F, in which the push buttons E',
work and connect respectively with the ring or contact H, and with the electro
magnet O. The plates B, A, rest upon the heads of contact screws or bolts fixed
to the base of the transmitter as shown in Fig. 3, such establishment being established
whenever the case D4, carrying the working parts of the transmitter is screwed down
or secured to the base plate.
Circuit wires 3, 4, are attached to the screws or bolts in obvious manner.
The electro magnet 0', may be a polarized magnet of any desired description.
Its armature P, is in the present case shown as polarized from a flat permanent
magnet S, which is secured to the yoke piece of the electro magnet at one of its
poles and at its other is provided with bearings for the armature lever of soft iron.
This electro magnet O', which controls or operates the commutator or circuit changer
of the transmitter might be of any other form or character but should be properly
constructed to respond to the pulsations produced by the apparatus at the central
office.
When the apparatus is out of use the contact arm M, at the transmitter occupies
the unison or zero position shown in Fig. 12, and the push buttons all being up
owing to the actions of the springs G, no circuit is formed for any wire or transmitter
from the generator and back to the central office.
At the central station or office the apparatus is normally in the condition indicated
in Fig. 10, the various circuit controller contacts at T, I, and O, being in the con-
dition shown, while the connection from any wire 4, through the electric motor or
starting magnet is closed at the contact Q, connecting with the stud P, of that
circuit.
The armatures of the magnets and the printing mechanism and type wheels are in
the position shown in Fig. 2, and the cam O³, will be in the position shown in Fig. 10,
where it is left on the cessation of movement of the driving shaft I, carrying the
wheel R³.
The general operation of the apparatus would be as follows
On the depression of any push button in a transmitter the circuit for the station at
which said transmitter is located is closed by the pin 1', for that push button thereby
energizing the electro magnet C, corresponding to the circuit and at the same time
energizing the electric motor which drives the shaft K. The movement of the
shaft. K, is communicated to the type wheel and connected stop arm by the friction
connections and said stop arm begins to rotate and continues to rotate past the
retracted armatures of the intermediate electro magnets until it reaches the electro
magnet of the circuit in action where it finds the armature drawn up and in position
When this
to be struck by the pivoted latch or catch V, on the end of the stop arm.
occurs the horizontal arm of the catch V, is drawn down behind the armature lever,
and the lever T, is operated so as to depress spring O, into contact with the stud P,
thereby breaking the connection of the magnet and common return to the circuit and
forming a connection between said circuit and the message or want printing
apparatus. At the same time, owing to the operation of the lever T, on the arrest of
B

page_text: the stop arm a local circuit has been formed for the electric motor at contacts H³, 1,
so that the motor will still continue to rotate and drive the shaft I, although the con-
nection thereof with the general circuit has been broken at the spring Q. The
number of type wheel F, corresponding to the station calling will now be opposite
the printing pad E. During the rotation of the type wheel to the proper point the
circuit should remain closed at the station by keeping the push button depressed.
The user of the apparatus should also be properly instructed to keep the button
depressed until the pointer R*, moves and comes to a stop opposite the push button.
By the operation of the spring O, in the manner already described the circuit calling
is now in connection with the pulsator D2, and the mechanism for controlling the
position of the message or want drum, and for controlling the operation of the
printing pad. The moment this connection is formed the pulsator D', begins to
produce alternations of current on the circuit containing the transmitter and the
magnet A'.
At
The controller magnets at the transmitter and at the receiving instruments being
correspondingly polarized the first pulsation over the circuit of proper character to
operate said magnet will cause their armatures to move thereby allowing their escape
wheels to move one tooth. The effect of this is, at the transmitting station, to move
the commutator spring M*, into the intermediate position between the initial or unison
contact and the first contact connected with a push button where it will be in con-
nection with the last named contact. At the receiving station the drum will be
moved a half space towards the initial character upon its surface. At the succeeding
pulsation which is of opposite polarity the two armatures will be moved in a reverse
direction and at the transmitter the contact spring M, will be moved into a full
connection with the first contact of the series and will rest solely upon the same.
the receiving station the escapement wheel will move another step and the drum 0º,
will present its first charactor in position for printing. At the conclusion of the two
pulsations on the line first of one and then of the other polarity the spring M*, will be
in connection with the first contact of the commutator and the escapement of the
drun 0, will be in the position with relation to the arm V8, as shown in Fig. 10.
In this position the printing would be effected as hereinafter explained if there should
be a cessation to the pulsations. The pulsations being continued the movement of
said conductor and the type wheel of drum 0, will continue, in unison, through the
operation of the pulsator until the open circuit of the transmitter is reached. At this
point the button having been kept depressed, the movement of the commutator and
the pointer at the transmitter will cease and the drum 0, will come to rest with the
indication or type corresponding to the depressed button in position opposite the
printing pad E. During the operation of the pulsator and message or want drum,
the cam 03, will be controlled in the manner already explained, being frequently
moved from connection with its driving surface R³, so that the circuit for the
printing magnet 13, cannot be closed at L³, but the moment that the circuit of the line
is broken and the movement of the message receiving apparatus ceases the cam 0³,
will remain in contact for a prolonged period sufficient to permit the circuit con-
troller L, to bring the magnet 13, into action. The printing pad E³, is then drawn
forward to effect the impression but in coming forward it allows only a limited move-
ment, of the paper ejecting mechanism as before explained.
The operator at the station observing now that the pointer or index hand is opposite
the point depressed relieves the pressure on the button whereby the circuit is closed
at the station owing to the contact between the spring G, with the contact plate B*;
the circuit for the pulsator and the controller magnet A3, is now again complete and
the parts begin to again move under the control of such pulsator with the effect of
moving the arm V₁, of the circuit controller L³, so as to open the circuit of the
printing magnet. The arinature of the latter now recedes and produces a complete
release of the paper ejecting mechanism in the manner before explained so that the
matter printed from the wheels F, O', is thrown out into position to be detached from
the ribbon D³. In the meantime the pulsator being in condition to act upon the
apparatus the movement of the type drum 0%, and of the commutator at the station
U

page_text: continues under the action of the controlling magnet as before explained, and if no
other push button is depressed the circuit will remain closed through the commutator
and the various springs G, and plate H, so that the pulsator may act upon the circuit
and magnets until the commutator has revolved to the unison point or that where the
spring M, bears on the end of the wire IA. At this point the circuit is opened and
the type drum 03, having been rotated also to zero point will with the transmitting
apparatus come to rest. it is obvious however that at any intermediate point between
the button first depressed and the zero point another button might have been
depressed with the effect of printing a second message or letter forming part of a
message in the manner already explained since in this case the relieving of the
pressure on the button first depressed would close the circuit as before and the parts
would continue to act until the commutator spring at the transmitter finds the contact
at which the second button had opened the circuit. Just before the parts reach the
zero position as before explained the circuit changer or controller T, will come into
action, its circuit having been already partially completed at the contacts H, L2, at
When this magnet is
the moment the stop arm of the wheel F, is brought to rest.
actuated the lever I', is moved with the effect of resetting the apparatus to the original
or starting position.
The unlatching of the armature lever D, is produced by the fact that the lever T, is
moved forcibly in a direction to lift the horizontal arm of the latch; the arm (2, is
moved in a direction to carry the cam E2, away from spring 01, and the contact G²,
is moved in a direction to open the connection between the contacts 12, H, K². The
armature lever D, being thus permitted to fall back retains its retracted position owing
to the fact that the circuit of the transmitter has been broken in the transmitter itself,
when the zero point is reached, and the stop arm is now ready to resume its movement
until it finds the armature lover of another circuit in attracted position. Such move-
ment is obviously not resumed until the closure of circuit again at some other station
or at the station first supposed to be in connection.
It is to be observed also that the motor will come to rest and the shaft I, cease to
move because the circuit will be open at the transmitter, although the resetting
magnet may have restored connection with the motor of spring Q, when it breaks
the local connection for the battery L, Be, at contacts [², H².
It will also further be seen that the moment the motor begins to move with the
wheel F, that the winding pawl for the paper ejecting mechanism will begin to
wind up the spring ready for the operation of the printing pad.
It will also be seen that during the rotation of the wheel F, by the frictional
connection with the shaft I, the wheel M, may remain at rest while, after the wheel F,
has been brought to rest at the proper point, the wheel M, may begin to rotate and
move the type wheel under the control of the electro magnet A³, without interference
from the wheel F.
I have described one form of device for controlling the printing pad of the
apparatus when the transmitter comes to rest, but it is obvious that other devices
might be used without departing from the general principles of the combinations
hereinafter claimed and I do not limit myself to the special devices.
Nor do I limit myself to the details of the resetter or devices for effecting
restoration of the parts to their original positions, the gist of this part of the
invention consisting in resetting the switches and unlocking or resetting the stop
arm by devices controlled or operated from the message or want indicator or wheel
when the latter approaches or reaches the zero or unison position.
It is obvious further that the forms of electro magnet employed might be indefinitely
varied, and that any kind of a pulsator known in the art might be used in place of
the pole changer. I prefer however to use a pulsator which shall produce alternations
of electric currents on the circuits.
In Fig. 15, I have illustrated the application of the apparatus for use in connection
with several central offices. The transmitter A, is placed at the station connected by
lines 10, 11 and 12, the several receiving stations H', H, and H³, such for instance

page_text: as a stable, office of a district telegraph company, and a restaurant. The transmitter A
may be placed in connection with any one of said lines by means of a switch plug
or button A, of obvious construction. The face of the transmitter has a dial or
index mark to correspond with the usual messages to be transmitted to the stations H
while supplemental dials B7, B8, for use in connection with the apparatus when
employed for transmitting signals over the circuits 10 or 12. The dials or cards B7, B
and a number corresponding to the several push buttons of the instrument A', is
placed opposite each one. By depressing the properly numbered push button the
corresponding want may be transmitted to be received upon a printing apparatus
provided with the proper characters at the stations H, H. For the sake of convenience
and to guard against mistakes in the use of the apparatus the connecting plates or
sockets which receive the plug A', and which are connected with the several lines 10, 12,
are placed in proximity to the cards or indexes B7, B8, corresponding to said lines.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. An electric indicating or printing apparatus for indicating or printing the
number of any one of a series of stations as well as printing the want or message
from any station, and comprising a type wheel bearing characters corresponding to
the stations, and a type wheel for printing the message or want, both type wheels
being controlled by the transmitting apparatus of any station over a circuit connecting
the same with the printing apparatus, as and for the purpose described.
2. The combination with the impelling shaft, of a room or station indicating
device frictionally connected with said shaft, a series of separate stations or circuits
controlling the position of the same, a want or message transmitter in each circuit,
and a want or message indicator or receiver common to the circuits and also frictionally
connected with the impelling shaft, as and for the purpose described.
3. The combination with the station indicating type wheel for the different circuits,
of a switch for connecting any circuit with the want or message printer when the
first wheel comes to rest, and a dial transmitter in each circuit for controlling the
want or message printer when its controlling magnet is connected to the circuit of
the transmitter of the switch.
4. The combination with a rotary station or circuit indicating device controlled
from a number of separate stations, a series of stop magnets disposed in the
circumference of revolution of said device, a latch or lock for temporarily holding
the armature of the magnets in stopping position, and the releasing electro magnet
for withdrawing the latch or lock, as and for the purpose described.
5. The alternating current pulsator placed in a circuit common to a number of
separate lines each containing a dial transmitter, and a type wheel at a station
common to such line for receiving the message sent by any dial transmitter when its
circuit is automatically connected to the common circuit containing the controlling
magnet of the type wheel.
6. The combination of the type wheel or indicating devices for showing the
number of the station calling, and a resetting or releasing mechanism controlled by
the want or message printer for automatically releasing or returning the station
indicator to zero or norimal position after the message or want has been printed.
7. The paper strip common to the station type wheel and the want or message
type wheel, and a paper ejecting mechanism controlled by the printing lever, as and
for the purpose described.
8. The propelling electric motor for two type wheels placed in a connection
common to the circuits leading from the transmitting stations frictionally connected
with both type wheels.
9. The paper strip ejecting mechanism having an actuating spring or weight
wound by the power which propels the type wheels.
10. The dial transmitter at each station placed on normally open circuit but

page_text: adapted on depression of any button or key to close such circuit, and electro magnets
in such transmitter for moving the same by reversed currents around to the open
circuit position when the keys are permitted to rise.
11. The combination with the dial transmitter, of the supplemental dials or
indexes, and connecting or switch devices for connecting the instrument with the
lines corresponding to said dials, as and for the purpose described.
12. The combination with the dial instrument having means for connecting it with
different central stations, of the supplemental cards or indexes B', B. inscribed with
the wants or messages to be transmitted to such stations, and with characters
opposite the wants corresponding to the push buttons of the transmitter.
Dated this 23rd day of July 1889
ALLISON BROS.,
Agents for the Applicant.