Improved Electrical Apparatus for Operating Mechanism at a Distance.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Jan., 1899
Complete Specification Left 19th Oct. 1899-Accepted 2nd Dec.
1899
[Communicated from abroad by JOHN SMITH THOMPSON, of No. 79, Fifth Avenue,
Chicago, Illinois, United States of North America, Employé.]
Improved Electrical Apparatus for Operating Mechanism at a
Distance.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, 6. Lord Street,
Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both in the County of Lancaster,
and Lower Temple Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Civil
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The invention relates to electrical apparatus which is adapted to permit or
cause the separate or individual operation from a removed or distant point, of
any desired one of a series of devices, such as typewriter keys, signals and the
like.
The object of the invention is to provide a simple, effective, practical and
inexpensive apparatus of the class specified.
In accordance with the invention, there are located at the distant point, or
transmitting station, as it may be called, suitable devices for developing electrical
currents of different sizes or strengths. These devices may be a combined electric
generator and resistance box, or an electric battery with suitable connections
for using different numbers of the cells or elements composing it, or other equiva-
lent arrangement. Any one of the different sized currents developed by these
devices, can be brought into action by suitable circuit making devices, such as
keys, in which case each key is connected with the current developing means in
such a way that it will cause the development of a predetermined size or strength
of current. The keys are so arranged in a series that they develope successively
smaller currents;-that is to say, each key in the series, when depressed or other-
wise operated, causes the developement of a current less in size or strength than
the one
developed by the next preceding key.
The transmitting station is connected with the receiving station by a single
circuit, which may consist of a couple of conductors or wires.
At the receiving station are arranged a series of electrical devices which are
respectively adapted to be actuated by the successively smaller currents, developed
at the transmitting station;-that is to say, each electrical device is adapted to
be actuated by one of the currents developed at the transmitting station. The
devices are arranged in series so that the first one is actuated by the largest
current, and the others are actuated by the successively smaller ones.
These devices are also so constructed that they require successively greater
periods of time for their actuation; that is to say, each one in the series requires
for its actuation a period of time greater than that required by the one next
preceding it.

page_text: These devices are so connected with the transmitting circuit that they can
act independently of one another, as, for example, by being connected in parallel
in said circuit.
Each device is provided with means whereby, upon its actuation, all of the
devices actuated by the currents smaller than the one required to actuate it, are
cut out of circuit, or rendered inoperative in an equivalent way.
It will be seen that by this construction and arrangement, when a current
is developed in the transmitting circuit, it will divide among the devices at
the receiving station, and tend to energize them all. If the portion of such
current traversing the first device is sufficient to actuate it, this actuation will
occur before that of any of the remaining devices in the series, and will, upon
occurring, break or open the circuit immediately beyond it. As a result, the
other or more slowly operative devices, will be cut out of circuit before they have
time to act, and the first device alone will be actuated.
If the transmitting current is insufficient to operate the first or quickest device,
but is sufficient to actuate the next succeeding one, the latter will, in like
manner, cut out of the transmitting circuit all of the succeeding or slower devices
before they have time to act, so in this case the second device alone will be
actuated.
In a similar manner, when the transmitting circuit is insufficient to actuate
the first two devices, but sufficient to actuate the third one, the latter will cut
out of circuit all of the relatively slower ones and will alone be actuated; and
so on throughout the entire series.
So it will be seen that in order to selectively actuate any desired one of the
series of devices, it is only necessary to press. the key at the transmitting station
which developes in the transmitting circuit the size or strength of current required
to actuate that device.
These differentially operated and successively slower devices can be of any
variety known to possess those characteristics. A simple variety I find to be
electro-magnets. In such case these magnets can be wound either with different
numbers of turns of the same sized insulated wire or with a suitable number of
turns of different sized wire. In either case it will be seen that the currents
required to actuate these magnets will be successively smaller; and also that
the self-induction of the magnets, and therefore the time required for their
actuation, is successively greater.
The mechanical devices such as typewriter keys, signals, or the like, to be
selectively operated, can be individually operated by any mechanical connections
with the various differentially constructed electro-magnets to which they may
be respectively allotted. Or they could be operated by the various ones of a series
of local electro-magnets or like translating devices which could be included in
normally open local circuits at the receiving station. In such case these local
circuits would be allotted to the electro-magnets; and each would be arranged
to be individually closed by the actuation of the magnet to which it was allotted.
In this case, as in the prior one, the mechanical devices would be operated by
any suitable mechanical connections with the magnets in the local circuits.
It will be observed that when any one of the differentially operative devices
at the receiving station is actuated and cuts out of the transmitting circuit the
relatively slower devices, the current flowing to these cut out devices will be
shut off from them. In such case it will naturally pass through the device
actuated. In order to take care of this excess or surplus current, there are
preferably provided a series of devices for maintaining constant the current in
the actuated device. This can be done by means of a series of resistances
associated with the series of differentially operative devices, and each made with
a resistance equal to the resistance of all of the devices relatively slower than the
one to which it is allotted. These resistances are connected in parallel in the
transmitting circuit so that when any device is actuated the resistance allotted
to it is thrown into circuit. As a result, at the actuation of each differentially

page_text: operative device, there is thrown into circuit a resistance equal to that of all
of the devices which are cut out of circuit by such actuation.
The apparatus described is simple, practical, and satisfactory in its operation.
Dated the 24th day of January 1899.
Improved Electrical Apparatus for Operating Mechanism at a
Distance.
I, WILLIAM PHIllips Thompson, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, 6, Lord Street,
Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both in the County of Lancaster,
and Lower Temple Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Civil
Engineer, 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:-
My invention relates to electrical apparatus which is adapted to permit or
cause the separate or individual operation from a removed or distant point of
any desired one of a series of devices, such as type-writer keys, signals, and the
like.
Prominent objects of my invention are to provide an effective and practical
apparatus of the class specified, to simplify the same and its mode of operation as
much as possible, to reduce to a minimum its cost of construction and mainten-
ance and the liability of its getting out of order, to allow the number of devices
so selectively operated to be made very large, to dispense with mechanical .con-
trivances and adjustments and to accomplish such results in a simple, inexpensive
and expeditious manner.
To the attainment of the foregoing and other desirable ends, my invention
involves matters hereinafter set forth.
In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an electrical
selective apparatus or system embodying my invention, and Fig. 2 is a similar
view of a slightly modified form of the same.
The series of devices--such as typewriter keys, signals, and the like which
are to be selectively operated are not shown in the drawings, but are understood
to be suitably situated in any desired locality, which will be called the "receiving
station" R. (Lower portion of the. drawings.) The removed or distant point
from which the devices are to be thus operated will be termed the "transmitting
station T. (Upper portion of the drawings.) These two stations R and T are
connected with one another by a suitable transmitting-circuit C, conveniently
shown as consisting of a couple of conductors c and el.
In carrying out my invention I locate a series of electromagnetic devices A,
A2, A3-A-at-the-receiving-station R-in suitable position for association with
the series of devices which are to be selectively operated. These electromagnetic
devices A1, A2, A3 are so constructed as to be respectively actuated by successively
smaller currents-that is to say, the device A2 is constructed so as to be actuated
by a current smaller than that required to actuate the device A', the device A³
by a current smaller than the one required to actuate the device A³, and so on.
They are also so constructed as to require necessarily greater periods of time for
their actuations that is to say, the device A2 requires for its actuation a period

page_text: of time greater than that required for the actuation of the device A¹,
the device A3 a period of time greater than that required for the device A³,
and so on. These devices A1, A2, A3 are connected in the transmitting-
circuit C in such a manner as to permit of their acting in accordance with
their own characteristics and independently of the characteristics of each
other when subjected to the influence of the transmitting-current as, for
example, by connecting them in parallel in the transmitting-circuit. When so
connected in parallel, they can be connected with the opposite sides c and c¹ of
such circuit by a series of bridging conductors or shunts a, a, a. Furthermore
they are provided with means whereby upon the actuation of any one of them
the transmitting-circuit is opened or broken at a point immediately beyond it,
so as to, in effect, cut the remaining or the relatively-slower ones out of circuit-
that is to say, the device A¹ is provided with means whereby, upon its actuation,
it will break or open the transmitting-circuit immediately beyond itself, so as
to in effect, cut out of circuit the devices A2, A3, A4; the device A2 being pro-
vided with means whereby, upon its actuation, it will, in effect, cut the
devices A3, A4 out of circuit, and so on. By such construction and arrangement
when a current is developed in the transmitting-circuit it will divide among
the devices A', A2, A³ and tend to energize them all. If the portion of such
current traversing the device A¹ is sufficient to actuate it, this actuation will
occur before the actuation of any of the remaining devices in the series and will
upon occurring break or open the circuit immediately beyond such device A¹.
As a result, the other or more slowly operating devices A2, A3, A4 will, in effect.
be cut out of circuit before they have time to act, and the device A' alone will
be actuated.
If the transmitting current is insufficient to actuate the quickest device A¹,
but is sufficient to actuate the next succeeding device A2, the latter will in like
manner cut out of the transmitting-circuit all of the devices A³, A relatively
slower than itself before they have time to act. So in this case the device A³
alone will be actuated. In a similar manner when the transmitting-current is
insufficient to actuate the first two devices A¹, and A2, but sufficient to actuate A³,
the latter will cut out of circuit all of the relatively-slower ones A' and will alone
be actuated and so on throughout the entire series. So it will be seen that in
order to selectively actuate any desired one of the series of devices A¹, A2, A3
it is only necessary to develop in the transmitting-circuit a current having a
size or strength sufficient to actuate such desired device, but insufficient to actuate
the relatively quicker ones. Hence in order to procure the desired selective
operation of the series of devices, such as type-writer keys or the like, to be
operated it will be necessary to allott the latter to the differentially-operative
electromagnetic devices A¹, A2, A3 and to connect or associate them therewith
in such a manner that they will be respectively operated thereby.
It will be observed that the breakage or opening of the transmitting-circuit
by the actuation of any one of these devices A1, A2, A3 throws into such actuated
device and the relatively-quicker ones the current cut off from the relatively
slower ones. By so proportioning the resistances of these devices as to prevent
the total current passing through the device or devices relatively quicker than
the one actuated, as augmented by the current so shunted, from becoming equal
to the current required to actuate such device or one or more of such devices,
the latter will not be actuated, and the proper operation of the system will there-
fore not be effected; but in case it is not desired to so proportion the resistances,
or in case it would be inconvenient so to do-as, for example, where the number
of devices in the series is very large-there can be incorporated in the apparatus
some form of independent means for preventing the action of one or more of
the relatively-quicker devices upon the shunting into them of this current.
As a simple arrangement I have shown a series of resistances R1, R2, R3,
Fig. 1, respectively allotted to and associated with the devices A1, A2, A³, and
provided with connections whereby each can be thrown into circuit upon the

page_text: actuation of the device to which it is allotted. In this way upon the actuation
of any of the devices A', A2 the current shunted from the relatively-slower ones
can be diverted from the relatively-quicker ones to a sufficient extent to prevent
the latter from receiving an amount sufficient to actuate one or more of them.
As a preferred arrangement the size or amount of each of the resist-
ances R1, R2, R3 is equal to the combined resistance of all the devices A1, A2, A³
which are cut out of circuit by the actuation of that one of these devices to which
it is allotted that is to say, the resistance R¹ is equal to the combined resistance
of all the devices A3, A3, A cut out of circuit by the actuation of the device A¹,
the resistance R to the combined resistances of the devices A3, A4 cut out of
the circuit by A³, and so on. In this way the amount of resistance thrown into
circuit upon the actuation of any device is equal to that thrown out, and so the
amount of current traversing such device is not changed.
For the differentially-operative devices A1, A2, A3 I can employ any style or
form of device possessing the characteristics above set forth. The style shown
in the drawings consists of suitably constructed electro-magnets provided with
spring-controlled armatures. To so construct them, these magnets can be wound
either with successively smaller wire, as in Fig. 1, or with a successively greater
number of turns of the same-sized wire, as in Fig. 2. It is obvious that in either
case the amount of current required for actuation will be successively less through-
out the series and also that the self-induction, and consequently the periods of
time required for actuation, will be successively greater. If desired, and as a
matter of further improvement, these magnets can be so wound with reference
to the size of their actuating currents as to possess throughout the series the same
number of ampere-turns when actuated. In such case they will all have the
same power, and so, although actuated by different-sized energizing-currents.
may do the same amount of work. Also, if desired, and as a matter of still
further improvement, they may be so wound with reference to the size of their
actuating-currents as to be saturated when actuated. In such case they can all
be made as small as possible and operated in the most economical way.
The devices to be selectively operated could be associated or connected with
their allotted electro-magnet devices A1, A2, A³ in any desired way.
Where electromagnets with armatures constitute the devices A¹, A3, A3, as
shown in the drawings, the devices to be operated could be connected with the
armatures of such magnets so as to be operated directly thereby by any well-
known or suitable mechanical connections, as assumed to be the case in the
arrangement of Fig. 1. This is especially desirable and advantageous where
the magnets are so made as to have the same power throughout the series. Or
such devices could be operated through the medium of a series of local electro-
magnets L, L, L, as shown in Fig. 2. In this figure the magnets L, L, L³
are shown respectively allotted to the magnets A1, A2, A3 and included in local
self-exciting circuits M1, M2, M3, which are normally open, but are respectively
closed by the attraction of the armatures of their allotted magnets A1, A2, A³.
The means shown for so closing them comprises the contacts J, J, J³ on the
ends of the magnet-armatures and the contact-jaws H1, H2, H3 opposite such..
contacts J1-J³, 13. Also when electromagnets constitute the devices A¹, A³. A³
the relatively slower ones can be conveniently, in effect, cut out of circuit upon
the actuation of any one of them by the arrangement illustrated in the drawings.
In this arrangement the magnet-armatures are successively included in or
arranged-to-form a part of the side of the transmitting-circuit at points therein
respectively beyond the connections of the branch conductors a', a³, as there-
with. They are also held by their retractile springs normally in contact with
suitable contacts or anvils K, K2, K³, which are respectively connected with
the portions of the side of the transmitting-circuit respectively leading to
the next succeeding magnets. By such arrangement the attraction of any
armature withdraws it from its contact or anvil K¹, K2, K3 and so breaks or opens
the side of the transmitting-circuit at a point between the connections of the

page_text: }:
magnet of such attracted armature and the next succeeding magnet. Also when
electromagnets constitute the devices A¹, A³, A³ the resistances R1, R2, R³ can
be readily substituted in the circuit for the cut-out devices by the arrangement
shown in the drawings. In this arrangement such resistances are connected by
means of conductors 1, 2, 3 with the side c of the transmitting-circuit and also
with a series of contacts or anvils N1, N2, N3. The latter are arranged opposite
and normally out of contact with the armatures of the magnets A1, A2, A, but
in such position as to make contact with these armatures when they are attracted
by their magnets. By such arrangement the attraction of any one of the arma-
tures connects the resistance allotted to its magnet with the opposite sides of
the transmitting-circuit and so in parallel with such magnet in such circuit.
Any suitable apparatus could be employed at the transmitting-station for
developing in the transmitting-circuit the currents of successively smaller size
or strength necessary to selectively actuate the devices A1, A2, A3. As illustrative
of such apparatus I have shown in the drawings two different forms thereof. That
shown in Fig. 1 comprises a series of keys D1, D2, D3, respectively adapted to close
the transmitting-circuits: a generator C, included in the transmitting-circuit
between the side c thereof and the keys D1, D2, D3; a rheostat or resistance-box S,
connected with the side c¹ of the transmitting-circuit and provided with suc-
cessively larger resistances adapted when included in the transmitting-circuit
to cause the current generated by the generator G to assume the successively
smaller sizes or strengths necessary to actuate the various electro-magnetic
devices A1, A2, A3, and a series of conductors F1, F2, F3, connecting the anvil of
the keys D1, D2, D3 in succession with the successively larger resistances of the
rheostat S, whereby the depression of any one of the keys D1, D2, D³ will close
the transmitting-circuit and throw thereinto the corresponding one of the
successively larger resistances of the rheostat S. The means shown in Fig. 2.
comprises similar keys D¹, D2, D3 and connecting-conductors F1, F2, F³, and a
battery E having one terminal connected with the side c of the transmitting-
circuit and the other connected with the conductor F, and also having successively
smaller portions of itself connected in succession with the conductors F2. F³,
whereby, in addition to closing the transmitting circuit, the key D will, when
depressed, throw thereinto all of the battery E and the keys D2, D3 successively
less portions thereof, it being understood, of course. that the battery E and
portions thereof so thrown into circuit are adapted to develop therein the
successively smaller currents necessary to properly actuate the electromagnetic
devices A1, A2, A3. In both arrangements the depression of key D¹ will cause
the independent actuation of the device A¹, and therefore the independent opera-
tion of that one of the series of devices to be operated allotted thereto and asso-
ciated therewith. The depression of the key D2 will likewise, cause the indepen-
dent actuation of the device A2, and therefore the independent operation of its
allotted and associated device, and so on throughout the entire series.
From the foregoing it will be seen that the apparatus embodying my invention
is practical and efficient: that it is exceedingly simple both in construction and
mode of operation; that its action is sure and unfailing that it involves a mini-
mum number of very simple parts, and so is inexpensive to construct and maintain,
and that it dispenses with the many mechanical contrivances and adjustments
heretofore employed in devices for accomplishing the same result
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent I declare that what I claim is :-
1. An electrical selective apparatus, comprising a series of electrical devices
which are constructed so as to be actuated by the successively smaller currents
and also so as to require successively greater periods of time for actuation, and
which are arranged and connected so as to cause their action to be controlled
entirely by their respective characteristics; and means whereby, upon the

page_text: actuation of any one of said devices, the relatively-slower ones are in effect
rendered inoperative.
2. An electrical selective apparatus, comprising a series of electromagnetic
devices which are constructed so as to be actuated by successively smaller currents
and also so as to require successively greater periods of time for actuation, and
which are connected in parallel with one another; and means whereby, upon the
actuation of any one of said devices, the relatively-slower ones are in effect
disconnected.
3. The combination with an electrical selective system comprising a series of
electromagnetic devices which are so constructed as to be actuated by successively
smaller currents, and also so as to require successively greater periods of time
for actuation, and which are connected in parallel with one another; and means
whereby, upon the actuation of any one of said devices, the relatively-slower
ones are in effect disconnected; of a series of devices to be selectively operated,
respectively allotted to said electromagnetic devices, and associated therewith in
such a manner as to be operated by their actuation.
4 The combination with a transmitting-circuit, and with means for developing
therein currents of different predetermined sizes or strengths, of a series of
electromagnetic devices which are constructed so as to be actuated by successively
smaller currents, and also so as to require successively greater periods of time
for actuation, and which are connected in parallel in the transinitting-circuit;
and means whereby, upon the actuation of any one of such devices, the relatively-
slower ones are in effect cut out of circuit.
5 The combination with a series of electromagnetic devices which are con-
structed so as to be actuated by successively smaller currents and also so as to
require successively greater periods of time for actuation, and which are connected
in parallel with one another; of means whereby, upon the actuation of any one
of said devices, the connections to relatively-slower ones are broken or opened;
and means whereby, upon such actuation, the current shunted from the devices
so disconnected, is prevented from actuating one or more of the relatively-quicker
ones.
6-The combination with the transmitting circuit, and with means for develop-
ing therein currents of predetermined different sizes or strengths, of a series
of electromagnetic devices which are constructed so as to be actuated by succes-
sively smaller currents and also so as to require successively greater periods of
time for actuation, and which are connected in parallel in the transmitting
circuit; means whereby, upon the actuation of any one of said devices, the
relatively-slower ones are in effect cut out of circuit; and a series of resistances
allotted to said devices, and each provided with means whereby it is thrown into
circuit upon the actuation of its allotted device.
7-The combination with the transmitting-circuit and with means for develop-
ing therein currents of different predetermined sizes or strengths, of a series
of electromagnetic devices which are constructed to be actuated by successively
smaller currents in successively greater periods of time, and also "so as to have
the same power when actuated, and which are-connected in parallel in the frans-¯
mitting-circuit; and means whereby upon the actuation of any one of such
devices, the relatively-weaker ones are, in effect, cut out of circuit.
S-The combination with the transmitting circuit, and with means for develop-
ing therein different-sized currents, of-a-series-of-electromagnetic devices which
are constructed so as to be actuated by successively smaller currents in successively
greater periods of time, and which are connected in parallel in the transmitting-
circuit; means whereby, upon the actuation of any one of such devices, the
relatively-weaker ones are in effect cut out of circuit; and a series of normally
open local self-exciting circuits respectively allotted to said devices and each
provided with means whereby it is closed upon the actuation of its allotted device,
and also with an electromagnetic or other translating device.
9. The combination with the transmitting-circuit, and with means for develop-

page_text: ing different sized currents therein, of a series of electro magnets constructed
so as to be energized by successively smaller currents in successively greater
periods of time, and connected in parallel in the transmitting-circuit; a series
of resistances respectively allotted to such magnets and made equal in amount
to the combined resistance of all the magnets relatively slower than the one to
which it is allotted; and means whereby, upon the energization of any magnet,
the relatively-slower magnets are thrown out of circuit, and its allotted resistance
thrown into the same.
101
& Oatuli 1900
W. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Of London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham.