IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRO-MAGNETIC TELEGRAPHIC APPARATUS FOR TRAIN SIGNALLING ON RAILWAYS, PARTS OF WHICH APPARATUS MAY BE EMPLOYED FOR OTHER USEFUL
Year: 1869

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edward Tyer, of No. 15, Old Jewry Chambers,
in the City of London, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
ELECTRO-MAGNETIC TELEGRAPHIC APPARATUS FOR TRAIN SIGNALLING ON
RAILWAYS, PARTS OF WHICH APPARATUS MAY BE EMPLOYED FOR OTHER USEFUL
Sealed the 22nd December 1869, and dated the 6th October 1869.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edward Tyer at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
6th October 1869.
I, EDWARD TYER, of No. 15, Old Jewry Chambers, in the City of London,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE
IN ELECTRO-MAGNETIC TELEGRAPHIC APPARATUS FOR TRAIN SIGNALLING ON
RAILWAYS, PARTS OF WHICH APPARATUS MAY BE EMPLOYED FOR OTHER USEFUL
PURPOSES," to be as follows:-
The first part of my Invention relates to improved arrangements of
apparatus for giving angular motion to the indices or pointers of
telegraphic instruments, which arrangements are applicable to several
useful purposes in electro telegraphy.
sin electro telegraphy. Hitherto it has usually been the

page_text: practice in order to obtain the angular motion or deflection required to the
indices of needle instruments to mount these indices ou an axle with a
small permanent magnet operated on by the passage of electrical currents
traversing suitable coils of wire either surrounding or in close proximity to
such small permanent magnet, or otherwise to induce temporary magnetism
in a soft iron needle by mounting the same within the magnetic field of a
permanent magnet. This soft iron needle is likewise influenced or deflected
by the passage of electricity through similar suitable electro-magnetic coils
as before.
In the first arrangement the small permanent magnet although
working with great delicacy with a feeble current is liable to be demag-
netized or its polarity reversed by abnormal disturbances of atmospheric
electricity.
In the second arrangement the inducing magnet to a great extent
neutralizes these atmospherical disturbances, but on account of its greater
power and the mutual attractions existing between it and the soft iron needle
it causes the latter to "drag" on its fine pivots, and the additional friction
thus produced is detrimental to its working with the same delicacy that the
first arrangement possesses, and for long circuits with high resistances they
incur practical disadvantages.
Now in my improved arrangement I mount a small piece of soft iron
upon an axle carrying at one end the required index or pointer. This
piece of soft iron is suspended near to one of the poles of a steel bar
partially magnetized, and in such a manner that the mutual attractions of
the one to the other which would cause the "drag" before mentioned
are neutralized. Suitable electro-magnetic coils are so adjusted and
fixed that when currents of electricity are traversing them the small
piece of soft iron is attracted and repelled, and if the end or ends
receiving the same polarity by induction as the pole of the partially
magnetized steel bar near to which it is suspended, and as these ends
can be brought very near to or in some cases a short distance within the
electro-magnetic coils an extremely delicate current is sufficient to
produce the requisite angular deflections of the index. The steel bar
being but partially magnetized it might in time become weakened ; I
therefore surround the same with a coil of wire connected up to a few
cells of the battery (employed in working the instrument) in such
manner that upon the partially magnetized bar becoming weak the
operator by depressing a switch key turns on for a short interval the

page_text: current from the said battery, which traversing this coil instantly
restores the magnetism to the steel bar. This coil also together with
the steel bar being out of circuit and independent of the line current no
atmospherical electricity can effect them, and in addition provision is
thus made for restoring the magnetism of the magnetic bar without
having to send for the inspector, or of taking the instrument to pieces,
or of employing large permanent magnets as heretofore. Sometimes
in lieu of the partially magnetized bar I employ a magnetic needle
mounted on the axle; the upper half of this needle is encircled by a
coil of wire in connection with the switch key. This coil is fixed, and
within its centre the other half of the needle has sufficient space to
oscillate, its lower half being deflected either to the right or left by
currents traversing suitable electro-magnetic coils. As the permanent
magnet becomes weakened the operator depresses the switch key with
the same result as before described, viz., the re-magnetization of the
needle. In using this arrangement to produce a permanent deflection
of the index with a transitory current all that is required is to invert
the position of the "T" piece and partially magnetized bar with its
coil, and then the centre of gravity of the "T" piece being slightly
above the centre of suspension the index will remain deflected according
to the direction of the last current sent through the coils.
I employ the above described arrangement for speaking purposes, as
well as for train signalling telegraphic apparatus.
Another arrangement for accomplishing the above described purpose
where extreme delicacy is not of paramount importance, and where the
angular motion produced is employed on comparatively shorter circuits,
such as for train signalling telegraphs :-I employ a horse-shoe per-
manent magnet having a coil of wire placed on each pole. Two pieces of
soft iron are mounted on separate axles, each carrying the index needle
disc or miniature semaphore as may be required. These pieces of soft
iron being placed within the magnetic fields of the poles of the per-
manent horse-shoe magnet become temporarily magnetized by induction
one with north polarity, the other with south polarity. Two electro-
magnets are fixed in proximity with the two soft pieces of iron; these
latter are attracted and repelled whenever currents of electricity are
circulating through the coils of the electro-magnet, and so soon as such
currents cease the piece of soft iron is retained in its last position by
the mutual attraction between the residual magnetism in the iron core

page_text: of the electro-maguet and the induced magnetism in the piece of soft
iron, consequently a reversed current would deflect the piece of soft
iron to the opposite pole of the electro-magnet and impart angular
motion to the attached index. The line current after traversing the
coils of the electro-magnet passes to a relay employed both to call into
action a local battery for the purpose of producing audible signals and
at the same time to close a circuit through the coils fixed upon the poles
of the permanent horse-shoe magnet, this current from the local
battery being always of one name tends to retain the magnetism of the
permanent magnet to its first condition.
In my first arrangement the local current is allowed to traverse the
coil fixed on the pole of the permanent magnet by the operator depressing
the switch key.
In my second arrangement the relay turns on the local circuit auto-
matically every time a current is sent through the electro-magnetic coils,
thereby retaining the magnetism of the permanent magnet at its normal
saturation without the intervention of the operator.
A further arrangement for the same purposes (whenever the angular
motion or deflection is required to be maintained through a considerable
arc) is to employ an electro-magnet combined and so arranged with
an ordinary galvanometer that the poles of the electro-magnet shall be
situated one on each side of the galvanometer frame. To these poles
I attach a pair of "U" or semicircular shaped horns, which become
magnetic by induction during the circulation of the current of electricity
through the coils of the electro-magnet, thus presenting two north poles
and two south poles. The same current that circulates through the
electro-magnetic coils traverses the galvanometer coils, and as the
needles of the latter are deflected from their vertical position the nearer
they come to the more they are attracted by the horns of the electro-
magnet.
In ordinary apparatus a comparatively powerful and constant current
would be required to maintain the deflection of the needle to this arc
for any considerable time, but in this arrangement the needle as it is
being deflected is assisted by the attraction of the magnetism in the
horns of the electro-magnet, and is there permanently held without the
expenditure of so large au amount of battery power. A modification
of the above can be arranged by having the electro-magnet formed in
the shape of the letter "T" or "Y," with one arm encircled by a coil

page_text: of wire in such a manner that each time a current of electricity traverses
the said coil it will induce one north pole and two south poles, or vice
versa, in the "T" or "Y" piece, the two poles of the same name being
employed to attract and repel the magnetic needle of the galvanometer
as in the last described arrangement, or a permanent magnet of the
horse-shoe form suspended between the Y's will accomplish the same
object. I employ the before described arrangements for train signalling
telegraphs and for other useful purposes.
The second part of my Invention relates to improved arrangements of
mercurial and other commutators to be employed for coupling up,
breaking, transmitting, and reversing electric circuits.
For this purpose
I employ one or more chambers or reservoirs hollowed out of the solid
material mounted upon an axle at right angles, by which means they
can be made partially to rotate; they are to be "choked" or partitioned
in the centre, thus dividing them into two parts, and a small opening is
to be made for the purpose of inter-communication between each. The
ends of the reservoirs are closed with screw plugs. The whole arrange-
ment is constructed of some suitable insulating material. A series of
holes are drilled penetrating into the reservoirs, and pointed screws are
inserted through each to the correct depth as may be required. The
heads of these screws are connected by strips of metal the one with the
other as may be required, and again are in connection with the battery
line wire and earth of the electric circuit. A small portion of mercury
is introduced into each of the reservoirs, serving as the medium for
connecting up the points of the screws, and thus coupling up, breaking,
transmitting, and reversing the electric currents by partially rotating
the apparatus on its axle, thus making an incline and causing the
mercury to flow by gravity from the upper to the lower reservoir, and vice
versa. When this apparatus is in a state of rest my object is to leave
connected up by means of the mercury occupying the lower reservoirs
any of the above described electro-magnetic receiving apparatus with
the line wire and at the same time to leave other electro-magnetic trans-
mitting apparatus disconnected from the line wire, and also to leave the
battery connected in such manner that either copper or zinc currents
may be transmitted by a separate key along the line curcuit without
entering either the receiving or transmitting apparatus. When this
apparatus is moved by causing it to partially rotate on its axis for the
mercury to pass into the unoccupied reservoirs the line circuit and

page_text: receiving apparatus are disconnected, but the battery is coupled up with
the transmitting apparatus and the line circuit, and during the time the
mercury is flowing from the former reservoir to the latter copper or
zinc currents are put to "earth" and "line" through the transmitting
apparatus, and the mercury then occupies the lower reservoir (which
was the upper reservoir in the previous instance), and again brings the
apparatus to a state of rest, with similar result as above described, the
receiving apparatus being connected with the line wire and the separate
transmitting key connected with the battery in a reversed manner to
what it was before.
When it is desired to transmit a current either permanently closed
or intermittent, without passing through both the receiving and trans-
mitting apparatus alternately, one or two chambers or reservoirs need
only be used according to the nature of the work required. When I
require to send a current through a number of circuits at the same time
from the same battery I arrange the chambers or reservoirs with a
series of pointed screws converging towards the centre, and upon the
mercury being made alternately to rise and fall within the chambers
the whole of the pointed screws are connected and allow the battery
current to divide and pass to corresponding series of electro-magnets
connected up one with each pointed screw, and upon the mercury
falling the contacts are broken and each of the electro-magnets are
immediately thrown out of action.
This arrangement is particularly applicable to the third portion of my
Invention hereafter to be described.
I employ the above mercurial commutators in combination with either
of the before described electro-magnetic apparatus for train signalling
purposes as well as for repeating signals electrically between distant or
auxiliary signals, levers, points, and semaphore arms on railways, and
also for the transmission of alarm signals between bankers' and
merchants' strong rooms and the apartments of the person in charge.
I also arrange a commutator without mercury whenever it is required
to leave the battery connected up to a ringing key according to the
last current, either zinc or copper, that may last have been transmitted
by the instrument in connection with the said ringing key, so that if
the last current was, say, "zinc to line" the ringing key will be con-
nected up likewise zinc to line, and vice versa; thus although the
transmitting apparatus may be capable of reversing the battery current

page_text: yet the ringing key would only send a current of one name, and that of
the same denomination as the last current sent by the apparatus. To
accomplish the above I employ a disc of insulating material having on
the upper side two pieces of metal se arranged that one piece is in
metallic connection with the upper half of an insulated axle, while the
other piece is in metallic connection with the corresponding lower half
of the same axle; this disc also acts as the medium for insulating the
two halves of the axle from each other.
Upon the surface of each of
the pieces a spring in connection with the battery makes a rubbing contact,
"line" and "earth" being in connection with the two half sections of
the axle. To one end of the axle a cross "yoke" piece is fixed at right
angles for the purpose of communicating motion to the disc. This
commutator is to be used in combination with a pair of spring trans-
mitting keys and the ringing key, as before mentioned, so that when one
key is depressed or pushed in so as to give a signal a projecting pin
communicates motion to one side of the cross yoke, and the springs
rubbing ou the upper metallic surfaces of the disc set the commutator for
the right current required for the succeeding signals to be given with the
ringing key.
Another arrangement of commutator consists of a pair of levers or
tappers mounted parallel to each other with suitable springs fixed at one
end in such manner as to cause the tappers to press upwards against a
fixed stop. Upon the upper surface of each tapper two bosses of metal
are fixed having holes drilled through them at right angles to the levers ;
into each of these holes a steel wire is passed, which projects over the side
of the levers, and is firmly clamped in a required position by means of
screws passing through the upper surface of the brass bosses; these bosses
are also in metallic connection with the springs above mentioned, which
are coupled up with the battery, having alternate poles, two zinc and two
copper. Between the two levers or tappers three springs are fixed parallel
to each other; the centre one is "set" firmly against a metallic stud, the
spring being in connection with line, the stud with instrument and earth.
The other two remaining springs are connected together at one end, and
are also in metallic communication with the before mentioned stud.
Upon depressing either of the levers the projecting wires force away the
line wire spring from the stud, and then couple up the battery in one
direction with line instrument and earth, and vice versâ on depressing the
opposite lever.

page_text: Heretofore in constructing double-lever commutators the line wire spring,
stud, and other points of contact are generally placed beneath the levers,
and are inconvenient for adjustment and rectification.
In my improved arrangement, as above described, the whole of the work-
ing parts are brought parallel with the levers, and consequently any
dis-
arrangement can be easily rectified.
86
The third part of my Invention relates to improved arrangements of
electro-magnetic apparatus in combination with the signals, points, or
levers employed on railways, and in such manner that either of the said
levers or points singly or in combination may be locked or fixed. For
this purpose I suspend at the tail end of the signal lever either a
magnetic bar or au iron locking plate, which magnetic bar or locking
plate is moved by the attraction of an electro-magnet placed in suitable
position; and whenever currents of electricity either from a local battery
or otherwise circulate through the coils of such electro-magnet the
magnetic bar or locking plate is attracted, and a notch or pawl"
catches the tail end of the lever and securely locks the same until the
electric currents cease to circulate. Thus when a semaphore arm or
signal is
on" to danger the signalman at a distant station can by
transmitting a current of electricity through a relay and local battery lock
the lever which works the semaphore arm, so that the levers cannot be
moved or the signal lowered except by the signalman at the distant station
disconnecting the line circuit. The same current can also be employed by
means of a relay to lock any of the levers that work the points and signals
that may be required, or a series of electro-magnets can be so arranged as
to lock any suite of levers in a signal box in such combination as to leave
none available that should be set fast or be contradictory to the proper
working arrangements.
By the above described arrangement instead of using as now a large
number of locks to each lever to work the required combinations
mechanically one locking plate or bar is sufficient for each lever, and
this can be operated on and retained in its position by any one of a
number of electric currents that may be connected up and circulating
through one and the same electro-magnet. Therefore as each lever
makes its own connection between the local battery and one or more of
the electro-magnets (notwithstanding certain levers may be free and
their circuit broken), yet it follows that unless all the levers are in their
correct position the current will still flow, and the locking plate will be

page_text: retained, thereby keeping the lever in combination therewith firmly
fixed. This arrangement by means of the levers themselves making
their respective contacts and combinations is equally applicable to work
automatically on the spot, as well as from a distant station without the
5 intervention of a line circuit.
I employ the arrangements of the electro-magnetic instrument described
in the first part of my Invention in combination with the levers, points,
and signals for the purpose of acting as a "repeating" signal to indicate
to the signalman in charge of his own signals or to a signalman at a
distant station the correct and due performance of the working of the
signals.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Edward Tyer in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
6th April 1870.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, EDWARD
TYER, of No 15, Old Jewry Chambers, in the City of London, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Sixth day of October, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, in the thirty-
third year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said Edward Tyer, Her special licence, that I,
the said Edward Tyer, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or
such others as I, the said Edward Tyer, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to
time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should
and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle
of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRO-MAGNETIC TELEGRAPHIC
APPARATUS FOR TRAIN SIGNALLING ON RAILWAYS, PARTS OF WHICH APPARATUS MAY
BE EMPLOYED FOR OTHER USEFUL PURPOSES," upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said Edward Tyer, my executors or administrators, by
an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands
and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the
B

page_text: said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed,
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Edward Tyer, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, that is to say:-
The first part of my Invention relates to improved arrangements of
apparatus for giving angular motion to the indices or pointers of tele-
graphic instruments, which arrangements are applicable to speaking
telegraphs, train signalling, telegraphic apparatus, and other useful
purposes in electro telegraphy. Hitherto it has usually been the
practice in order to obtain the angular motion or deflection required to
the indices of needle instruments to mount these indices on an axle
with a small permanent magnet operated on by the passage of electrical
currents traversing suitable coils of wire either surrounding or in close
proximity to such small permanent magnet, or otherwise to induce
temporary magnetism in a soft iron needle by mounting the same within
the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. This soft iron needle is
likewise influenced or deflected by the passage of electricity through
similar suitable electro-magnetic coils as before.
In the first arrangement the small permanent magnet although
working with great delicacy with a feeble current is liable to be demag-
netized or its polarity reversed by abnormal disturbances of atmospheric
electricity.
In the second arrangement the inducing magnet to a great extent
neutralizes these atmospherical disturbances, but on account of its greater
power and the mutual attractions existing between it and the soft iron
needle it causes the latter to "drag" on its fine pivots, and the additional
friction thus produced is detrimental to its working with the same delicacy
that the first arrangement possesses, and for long circuits with high resist-
ances they incur practical disadvantages.
Now in my improved arrangement I mount a small piece of soft iron
upon an axle carrying at one end the required index or pointer. This
piece of soft iron is suspended near to one of the poles of a steel bar
partially magnetized and in such a manner that the mutual attractions

page_text: of the one to the other which would cause the "drag" before mentioned
are neutralized. Suitable electro-magnetic coils are so adjusted and
fixed that when currents of electricity are traversing them the small
piece of soft iron is attracted and repelled, and as this piece of soft iron
receives the same polarity (by induction) as the pole of the partially
magnetized steel bar near to which it is suspended, and can also be
brought very near to or in some cases a short distance within the electro-
magnetic coils, an extremely delicate current is sufficient to produce the
requisite angular deflections of the index.
Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 1, illustrate this arrangement, where A repre-
sents the small piece of soft iron mounted upon the axle B carrying
at one end the index C; D is the partially magnetized steel bar; and in
order to prevent the mutual attractions between A and D causing the
axle B to "drag" upon its fine pivot I attach a curved "horn "E, E, to
the lower extremity of the magnetic bar D, which "horn" embracing the
upper portion of the piece of soft iron neutralizes the "drag" by equally
attracting each side of the piece of soft iron and only a small part of the
attraction acts in an upward direction; thus the axle carrying this piece
of soft iron has no tendency to press unequally on its pivots either to
the right or to the left or upwards but is perfectly free. F, F, Figure 2,
represent the suitable electro-magnetic coils connected up with the line
circuit. The steel bar being but partially magnetized it might in time
become weakened; I therefore surround the same with a coil of wire
connected up to a few cells of the battery (employed in working the
instrument) in such manner that upon the partially magnetized bar
becoming weak the operator by means of a switch or key turns on for a
short interval the current from the said battery, which traversing this
coil instantly restores the magnetism to the steel bar. This coil also
together with the steel bar being out of circuit and independent of the
line current no atmospherical electricity can affect them, and in addition
provision is thus made for restoring the magnetism of the magnetic bar
without having to send for the inspector, or of taking the instrument
to pieces, or of employing large permanent magnets as heretofore. G
represents the coil of wire surrounding the steel bar and connected up
to the battery H; I is the switch or key, and the operator by simply
depressing this key restores the necessary magnetism to the steel
har D

page_text: Figures 3 and 4, Sheet 1, represent a modification of the before
described arrangement. In this case the magnetized bar D com-
municates magnetism to the piece of soft iron A along and by means of
the axle B, one end of which passes through a hole in the steel bar. A
represents the needle, B the axle, C the index or pointer, D the
maguetized bar, E the hole at one end of same and through which the
axle passes, F the coils connected to the line circuit, G the coil sur-
rounding the magnetic bar, H the termination of the wires thereof led
to and connected up with the switch key and battery, as in Figure 1.
Figure 5, Sheet 1, represents a similar arrangement, but having the
small piece of soft iron shaped like the letter T inverted. The ends of
this T piece enter a short distance within the coils, and as these coils
are fitted with soft iron cores passing about half way through them the
needle is attracted and repelled by the electro-magnetism excited in
these soft iron cores each time a current of electricity traverses the coils
by which they are surrounded. A is the T piece of soft iron; B, the
axle; C, the index or pointer; D, the maguetized steel bar; E, the hole
in same through which the axle passes; F, F, the electro-magnetic coils
connected up with the line circuit; G, the coil surrounding the magnetic
bar and connected up by the wires H with the switch key and battery,
as in Figure 1; I, I, are the iron cores passing about half way through
the coils F, F. By adjusting the positions of the soft iron piece I, I,
the T piece A may when the current ceases be caused either to remain
in the position to which it was last deflected or to return to zero. In
the first case the instrument is more especially adapted for train
signalling, and in the second for speaking telegraphs.
Figures 6 and 7, Sheet 1, represent a modification of the arrangement
illustrated by Figures 3, 4, 5. In this case in lieu of one steel bar and
one coil two steel bars each having its coil are employed. These steel
bars are partially magnetized and are arranged with their similar poles
placed one on each side of the axle to which is fixed the small piece of
soft iron; the magnetized steel bars being of similar polarity are con-
sequently opposed to each other; they induce a strong polarity along the
axle and down the piece of soft iron fixed thereon. A is the piece of
soft iron; B, the axle; C, the index or pointer; D, D, the two
steel bars; E, E, the similar poles of the partially magnetized bars;
F, F, the electro-magnetic coils connected with the line circuit;

page_text: G, G, the coils surrounding the steel bars and connected to the switch key
and battery, as in Figure 1.
Sometimes in lieu of the partially magnetized bar I employ a
magnetic needle mounted on the axle; the upper half of this needle is
encircled by a coil of wire in connection with the switch key. This coil
is fixed, and within its centre the other half of the needle has sufficient
space to oscillate, its lower half being deflected either to the right or left
by currents traversing suitable electro-magnetic coils. As the per-
manent magnet becomes weakened the operator depresses the switch key
with the same result as before described, viz., the re-imagnetization of the
needle.
Figure 8, Sheet 1, represents this arrangement. A is the magnetic
needle mounted upon its axle B; C, the fixed coil of wire in connection
with a switch key and battery; D, D, two electro-magnetic coils
connected with the line circuit; the upper half of the magnetic needle A
is free to oscillate for a short distance within the coil C. In using this
arrangement to produce a permanent deflection of the index with a
transitory current all that is required is to invert the position of the
"T" piece and partially maguetized bar with its coil, and then the centre
of gravity of the "T" piece being slightly above the centre of suspension
the index will remain deflected according to the direction of the last
current sent through the coils.
Another arrangement for accomplishing the above-described purpose
where extreme delicacy is not of paramount importance and where the
apparatus is employed on comparatively shorter circuits, such as for train
signalling telegraphs, is as follows:-I employ a horse-shoe permanent
magnet having a coil of wire placed on each pole. Two pieces of soft
iron or steel are mounted on separate axles, each carrying the indice
needle disc or miniature semaphore as may be required. These pieces
of soft iron being placed within the magnetic fields of the poles of the
permanent horse-shoe magnet becomes maguetized by induction, one with
north polarity, the other with south polarity. Two electro-magnets are
in proximity with the two soft pieces of iron; these latter are attracted
and repelled whenever currents of electricity are circulating through the
coils of the electro-magnet, and so soon as such currents cease the
piece of soft iron or steel is retained in its last position by the mutual
attraction between the residual magnetism in the iron core of the electro-
magnet and the induced magnetism in the piece of soft iron or steel,

page_text: consequently a reversed current would deflect the piece of soft iron to
the opposite pole of the electro-magnet and impart angular motion to the
attached index. In employing this instrument for train signalling the
line current after traversing the coils of the electro-magnet is caused to
pass to n "relay" employed both to call into action a local battery for
the purpose of producing audible signals and at the same time to close a
circuit through the coils fixed upon the poles of the permanent horse-
shoe magnet. This current from the local battery being always of one
name tends constantly to restore the magnetism of the permanent magnet
to its first condition.
Figures 9 and 10, Sheet 1, illustrate this arrangement, where A, A, A,
represent the horse-shoe permanent magnet, and B, B, two coils of wire,
one fixed on each pole thereof; C, C, two. pieces of soft iron or steel
mounted upon their separate axles D, D; each axle carries at one end its
index or miniature semaphore E, E, as may be required. N, S, the
north and south poles of the permanent horse-shoe magnet A, A, A,
and N¹, S¹, the induced north and south poles respectively of the two
pieces of iron or steel. F, F, F, F, two electro-magnets fixed in
proximity with the pieces of soft iron. To the poles of these electro-
magnets "double horns" G, G, G, G, are screwsed so shaped, adjusted,
and arranged as to render permanently available for any required
interval of time the residual magnetism of the electro-magnets F, F, and
by bringing the tips of these "horns" very close together, as represented
at H, H, and adjusting the pieces of soft iron or steel so as to oscillate
between them the residual magnetism of the electro-magnets F, F, is con-
centrated, directed, and retained at or near to the points H, H, and serve
to keep the pieces of soft iron or steel permanently deflected, thereby
producing a similar effect as if the line current was closed, for so soon
as a current traverses the coils of the electro-magnets F, F, F, F, the
pieces of soft iron or steel will not only be deflected according to the
polarity temporarily excited in the electro-magnets, but will remain
deflected after the said current has ceased to flow, and no vibration of
the instrument or foul play on the part of the operator will permanently
alter the position of the pieces of soft iron and the index or miniature
semaphore attached to the axle thereof. This is of importance when
arranging these instruments for train signalling block telegraphs. In
Figure 9 the exterior edge of the dial plate is represented by I, I,
together with the framing and bed plate J, J. In Figure 10 the dial
plate, front indice, and other parts are omitted so as to show clearly the

page_text: arrangement of the permanent horse-shoe magnet and its position with
respect to the two electro-magnets and their "double horns" G, G. The
method of connecting up this apparatus when employed for train signalling
with the relay bell and other combinations of apparatus will be fully
explained further on in reference to Sheet 7 of the Drawings.
Sometimes in lieu of employing one horse-shoe permanent magnet, as
represented in Figures 9 and 10, I use two magnets arranged with their
similar poles in opposition, and then magnetize my pieces of soft iron
through and along the axle to which they are attached in the same
manner as previously explained by Figures 6 and 7.
.
A further arrangement for giving angular motion to indices or
pointers (whenever the angular motion or deflection is required to be
maintained through a considerable arc, as is frequently required for train
signalling) is to employ an electro-magnet combined and so arranged
with an ordinary galvanometer that the poles of the electro-magnet shall
be situated one on each side of the galvanometer frame. To these poles
I attach a pair of "U" or semicircular shaped "borns," which become
magnetic by induction during the circulation of the current of electricity
through the coils of the electro-magnet, thus presenting two north poles
and two south poles. The same current that circulates through the
electro-magnetic coils traverses the galvanometer coils, and as the
needles of the latter are deflected from their vertical position, the nearer
they come to the required deflection the more they are attracted by the
"horns" of the electro-magnet. In ordinary apparatus a comparatively
powerful and constant current would be required to maintain the
deflection of the needle to this arc for any considerable time, but in this
arrangement the needle as it is being deflected is assisted by the
attraction of the magnetism in the horns of the electro-magnet, and is
there permanently held without the expenditure of so large an amount of
battery power.
Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 2, represent this arrangement, where A, A, is
the electro-magnet combined with a galvanometer B, B; C, C, are the
pair of semicircular shaped "horns" which become magnetic during
the circulation of the line current through the entire combination; N, S,
represent the outer magnetic needle of the galvanometer shown as
deflected through a considerable arc and in close proximity to the
"horns" N, S¹, of the electro-magnet A, A. This needle is retained in
its position by a comparatively feeble electric current traversing the

page_text: electro-magnetic and galvanometer coils in the same circuit. D, Figure 2,
is the exterior index fixed to the axle E. If the galvanometer were
employed without the electro-magnet then in that case a much larger
expenditure of battery force would be requisite to maintain a constant
deflection through so large an arc, and the magnetic needle N, S, would
soon return towards its normal position, but by employing the electro-
magnet A, A, in combination with the galvanometer B, B, the needle N, S,
is assisted in its deflection at the most advantageous period by the attraction
of the "horns" C, C, of the electro-magnet A, A. A modification of the
above can be arranged by having the electro-magnet formed in the shape
of the letter "T" or "Y" with one arm encircled by a coil of wire in such
a manner that each time a current of electricity traverses the said coil
it will induce one north pole and two south poles, or vice versâ in the
"T" or "Y" piece, the two poles of the same being employed to attract
and repel the magnetic needle of the galvanometer as in the last described
arrangement.
Figure 3, Sheet 2, represents this arrangement, where A is the T-shaped
electro-magnet inverted, the longer arm of which is encircled by its coil of
wire; N, S, is the magnetic needle; B, the galvanometer coils; N¹ and N2
are the induced north poles of the electro-magnet; S2, the induced south
pole. The electro-magnet A is connected up to the galvanometer B so as
to form one combination. As the needle N, S, is deflected one pole N is
repelled by the similar pole N', whilst the other pole S is attracted by the
opposite pole N2 of the electro-magnet A. By inverting the current the
poles N', N2, and S* are also inverted.
The second part of my Invention relates to improved arrangements
of mercurial and other commutators to be employed for coupling up,
breaking, transmitting, and reversing electric currents.
For this purpose
I employ one or more chambers or reservoirs hollowed out of the solid
material and mounted upon an axle at right angles, by which means
they can be made partially to rotate. They are to be "choked" or
partitioned in the centre, thus dividing them into two parts, and a small
opening is to be made for the purpose of intercommunication between
each. The ends of the reservoirs are closed with screw plugs. The
whole arrangement is constructed of some suitable insulating material.
A series of holes are drilled penetrating into the reservoirs, and pointed
screws are inserted through each to the correct depth as may be required.
The heads of these screws are connected by strips of metal the one with

page_text: the other as may be necessary, and again are in connection with the
battery line wire and earth of the electric circuit. A small portion of
mercury is introduced into cach of the reservoirs, serving as the medium
for connecting up the points of the screws, and thus coupling up,
breaking, transmitting, and reversing the electric currents by partially
rotating the apparatus on its axle, thus making an incline, and causing
the mercury to flow by gravity from the upper to the lower reservoir,
and vice versa. A commutator of this sort with three chambers is
applicable, especially for train signalling apparatus, where through a
single line wire it is desired to actuate two indicators at each end of the
line wire, and at the same time to admit of a call signal being sent at
any time through the same line wire without affecting the indicators.
One indicator at each end of the line wire applies to each of the lines
of rails. In such an apparatus when it is in a state of rest my object
is to leave connected up with the line wire by means of the mercury
occupying the lower reservoirs the electro-magnetic receiving apparatus
or indicator, and at the same time to leave the other indicator which
records the signals transmitted at this end of the line wire disconnected
from the line wire, and also to leave the battery connected in such manner
that by a separate key a current may at pleasure be sent along the
line wire, which will not alter the receiving indicator at the other end,
but will cause a bell or alarm to sound. When the apparatus is caused
partially to rotate on its axis for the mercury to pass into the unoccupied
reservoirs the line wire and receiving apparatus at this end are
disconnected, but the battery is coupled up with the line circuit, and
during the time the mercury is flowing from the former reservoir to
the latter it affects the receiving indicator at the far end and the
corresponding indicator at the sending end. When the mercury occupies
the lower reservoir (which was the upper reservoir in the previous
instance) and again brings the apparatus to a state of rest the receiving
indicator is again connected with the line wire, and the separate
transmitting key connected with the battery in a reversed manner to what
it was before.
Figures 4 and 5, Sheet 2, represent a set of "triple" chambers, and
is to be used in the following manner:-B' is in connection with the
line wire and also with the screws F5, Fo. By means of the strap G
E, E, are in communication with the receiving indicator, and thence to
"earth;" F and F" are in communication with the indicator which
C

page_text: registers the signals transmitted and thence to "earth;" F7 and F are
connected with one pole of the battery (say copper), F° and F" with the
"zinc" pole of the battery; F2 and F3 are in connection by means of the
strip of metal G, and F1 and F4 by the strip G²; E' and E3 are connected
to a separate ringing key in communication with the line wire, and
E³, E4, to the same ringing key, but in an opposite manner; the battery
is also coupled up with F1, F2. If this commutator is in a state of rest
and one end depressed, as in Figure 4, and the mercury at H the line
wire attached to B' allows an incoming current from a distant station
to pass by G and F5 to the receiving indicator by connecting up (by
means of the mercury in the reservoirs) the screws F5 and E; the
"ringing key" is also connected to the battery by means of the screws
E, E, and F, F3; but the transmitting indicator in connection with
F, F, is out of circuit. Now upon causing the commutator partially to
rotate on its axis the left side will be elevated and the right side depressed,
the mercury in the several reservoirs will flow through the "chokes," and
while it is thus flowing the linecircuit will be disconnected from the receiving
indicator, but the transmitting indicator will be connected in the line
circuit, and the battery current will flow in the required direction along
the line, actuating not only the transmitting indicator at the sending
station, but also the receiving indicator at the distant station. As soon
as the mercury has all passed through from one set of reservoirs to
the others, and thereby assumed its normal level, the transmitting
indicator is thereby thrown out of circuit, the receiving indicator brought
into circuit as previously, and the ringing key connected up but. in a
reverse manner. When it is desired to transmit a current (either
permanently closed or intermittent) without passing through both a
receiving and a transmitting apparatus, but through one such apparatus
only, one or two chambers or reservoirs need only be used according to
to the nature of the work required.
Figures 6, 7, and 8, Sheet 2, illnstrate an arrangement of two chambers
screw plugs and screw connections applicable, for example, as a "repeat-
ing" instrument to signal back from a distance signal to the signalman,
and so to indicate to him that the signal arm has been properly raised or
lowered as may be required. The signals may be received by any of
the indicating instruments shewn on Sheet I. of the Drawings. Figure 6
is a plan of a double chamber; Figure 7 a front elevation, and Figure 8
a section of Figure 6. a, a, a, are the chambers or reservoirs hollowed

page_text: out of the solid materials; B', B2, the axle upon which they are mounted
and by which means they can be made partially to rotate; C, C, C, the
points where the chambers are "choked" in the centre dividing them into
reservoirs with openings D, D, for intercommunication; E, E, E, E, the
screw plugs; F, F, F3, F4, the pointed screws passing into the several
reservoirs; G¹, G, G³, G', the connecting strips of metal to connect one
reservoir with another as may be requisite.
93
The action of this mercurial commutator for coupling up, breaking,
transmitting, and reversing electric circuits is as follows:-Let B¹ be in
connection with the line wire and also in metallic connection with the
screws E, E, by means of the strips of metal G₁, G. The other portion
of the axle B (which is separated and insulated from B¹) is in connection
with the "repeating" indicators and thence to "earth," and also in con-
nection with the screws E¹, E², by means of the strips of metal G³, G*.
Let F and F be connected with one pole of the battery and F³, F³, with
the remaining pole of the battery. Now if this commutator is placed in
an horizontal position, as in Figure 7, the mercury breaks the metallic
contact and the "repeating" indicator in connection with B³ is thrown ort
of circuit; but if the commutator is made partially to rotate upon its axle
then the mercury falling to the lower ends of the reservoirs connect up line
earth battery and indicator in circuit, allowing the current to flow in one
direction, say "copper to line, as may be required. Upon partially
rotating the commutator on its axis in the opposite direction then the
circuit is first broken and immediately connected up the reverse way, and
the current from the battery flows from "zinc" to line, and the action
produced upon the indicator in circuit is reversed. These mercurial com-
mutators are of great service in arranging outdoor connections and circuits
upon railways, as the points of contact are kept perfectly free from
dust, dirt, corrosion, and many other sources of annoyance to which out-
door contacts made by means of spring connections are peculiarly liable.
When I require to send a current through a number of circuits at the
same time from the same battery I arrange the chambers or reservoirs
with a series of pointed screws converging towards the centre, and upon
the mercury, being made alternately to rise and fall within the chambers
the whole of the pointed screws are connected up and allow the battery
current to divide and pass to corresponding series of circuits connected
up one with each pointed screw, and upon the mercury falling the con-
tacts are broken and each of the currents are immediately thrown out of
action,

page_text: Figures 9, 10, and 11, Sheet 2, represent this arrangement of mercurial
commutator; Figure 9 is an elevation; Figure 10 a section of same; and
Figure 11 a plan of the upper portion shewing the converging points of the
screws to form contact together with the terminal screws for connecting up
the electro-magnetic apparatus. A is the chamber; B, an insulated reser-
voir; C, a plunger and piston rod attached; D, D, D, D, screws passing
through the reservoir and converging towards the centre; E, the mercury.
It will be readily understood .from an inspection of Figure 10 that if
the mercury in the chamber is caused to rise into the reservoir by simply
depressing the pistou rod C the plunger will displace the mercury and this
will immediately connect up the several converging screws, and as each
of these screws is in connection with its separate circuit the currents
from a battery (one pole of which is attached to A) will divide and
operate simultaneously in the series of circuits in connection. Upon
raising the plunger the mercury falls and the contacts are broken and
the series of circuits thrown out of action, Although one screw would
of course serve to connect up any number of circuits, yet I prefer to
arrange this apparatus with a separate screw for each circuit so as to
avoid any confusion in arranging, altering, or combining the several
circuits as may from time to time be required, especially in using this
form of commutator with the third part of my Invention. I employ the
above mercurial commutators in combination with either of the before
described electro-maguetic apparatus for train signalling purposes as well
as for "repeating" signals electrically between distant or auxiliary signals,
levers, points, and semaphore arms on railways, and also for the transmission
of alarm signals between bankers' and merchants' strong rooms and the
apartments of the person in charge.
I also arrange a commutator without mercury by which a battery
may be connected up to a "ringing key" according to the last current,
either "zine" or "copper," that may last have been transmitted to the
instrument worked through the same line wire as the said ringing key
in the following manner :-I employ a disc of insulating material
having on the upper side two pieces of metal so arranged that one piece
is in metallic connection with the upper half of an insulated axle, while
the other piece is in metallic connection with the corresponding lower
half of the same axle; this disc also acts as the medium for insulating the
two halves of the axle from each other. Upon the surface of each of the
pieces a spring in connection with the battery makes a rubbing contact
"line" and "earth," being in connection with the two half sections of the

page_text: axle. To one end of the axle a cross "yoke" piece is fixed at right angles
for the purpose of cominunicating motion to the disc. This commutator
is to be used in combination with a pair of spring transmitting keys and
the "ringing key" before mentioned, so that when one key is depressed
or pushed in so as to give a signal a projecting pin communicates motion
to one side of the cross yoke, and the springs rubbing on the upper
metallic surfaces of the disc "set" the commutator for the right current
required for the succeeding signals to be given with the ringing key.
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Sheet 3, illustrate this arrangement of
commutator in combination with a transmitting apparatus and "ringing
key." A is the disc of insulating material; B and C, Figure 3, the two
pieces of metal on the upper side; B in metallic connection with the
upper half of an insulated axle D, and C in connection with the
corresponding lower half of the same axle E. Two springs F, G, are in
connection with the battery, the ringing key being in connection with
the two halves of the axle by means of the upper and lower bridge
pieces H, I. A cross "yoke" piece J is fixed to the upper axle for
the purpose of communicating motion to the disc. K', K³, Figure 5
represent a pair of "plunger" keys adapted to send positive and negative
currents respectively in combination with the commutator and connected
with the ringing key, Figure 6. Upon pressing in the key K2 the pin or
stud LP pushes against the "yoke" J and turns the disc partially round,
causing the spring G to rub along the upper surface of the metal C and
pass over the small insulated intervening space to B.
The spring F
likewise rubs along the upper surface of B, and passing over the
intervening space rests upon C, and thus the battery in connection
therewith is reversed with respect to the ringing key, Figure 6. Upon
releasing the key K² the pin or stud L' leaves the yoke and the disc is
"set" to the proper battery connection as may be required; thus if by
pressing in the key K' I send "copper" currents along the line the
commutator will be set to copper currents and the ring key will only
then transmit copper currents; but if I press in the key K² and thereby
send a "zinc" current along the line, then the stud L will force the
disc partially round and set the ringing key so as only to transmit zinc
currents along the line. By this arrangement and combination I insure
the correctness of the signals transmitted by the ringing key not only
without the necessity of the operator having to refer to the last key K¹
or K³ he employed, but also without an additional line wire being
required. Figure 6 is a plan, and Figure 7 an elevation of the ringing

page_text: key employed. A is a spring connected to the line wire; B, a stop against
which this spring presses; C,
a "plunger" with button 1) and piston rod
E; F', a connecting spring and plate in communication with the lower
bridgo piece I of the commutator, Figure 5; F³, a spring and plate in
commanication with the upper bridge piece H; F³, a similar spring and
plate in connection with earth; G, an insulated strip of metal to connect
across F¹, and F³ each time the button is pressed in. As the disc A, B, C,
Figure 5, is "set" so will the battery also be set with regard to the spring
F, F, either to "zinc" or copper as may be required and in exact
accordance with the last signal transmitted by the keys K1, K2, Figure 5.
Therefore the operator by pressing on the button D disconnects the instru-
ments from the line and immediately transmits to line copper or zinc
currents as may be necessary.
$6
Another arrangement of commutator consists of a pair of levers or
tappers "mounted parallel to each other with suitable springs fixed
at one end, and in such manner as to cause the tappers to press upwards
against a fixed stop. Upon the upper surface of each tapper two bosses
of metal are fixed having holes drilled through them at right angles to
the levers. Into each of these holes a steel wire is passed, which projects
over the side of the levers, and is firmly clamped in the required position
by means of screws passing through the upper surface of the brass
bosses. These bosses are also in metallic connection with the springs
above mentioned, which are coupled up with the battery, having alternate
poles, two zinc and two copper. Between the two levers or tappers
three springs are fixed parallel to each other; the centre one is "set"
firmly against a metallic stud, the spring being in connection with
"line," the stud with instrument and earth, or vice versa. The other
two remaining springs are connected together at one end, and are also in
metallic communication with the before mentioned stud. Upon depressing
either of the levers the projecting wires force away the line wire spring
from the stud, and then couple up the battery in one direction with line
instrument and earth, and vice versa on depressing the opposite lever.
Heretofore in constructing double lever commutators the line wire
spring stud and other points of contact are generally placed beneath
the levers and are inconvenient for adjustment and rectification.
In my improved arrangement, as above described, the whole of the
working parts and contacts are brought parallel with the levers, and
consequently any disarrangement can be easily rectified.

page_text: Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 4, represent this arrangement of double lever
commutator. A, A, are the levers; C¹, Z, C2, Z3, are the springs fixed
at one end of the same; B, the fixed stop; D1, D2, D3, .., are the bosses
of metal; E1, E2, E3, E4, are the steel wires passing through the bosses
and projecting over the sides of the levers; these are clamped in the
required position by means of the screws F, F; G, G3, G³, are the three
springs fixed parallel to each other, the centre one G³, being "set"
firmly against the stop or stud B; H is a terminal to connect the centre
spring with the line wire; I, a terminal to connect the stud with the
instrument and earth; J and K, two terminals to connect up the battery
with the springs C¹, Z².
One of the advantages of this form of commutator is the freedom the
operator experiences from all unpleasant jar, and the frequent adjust-
ments which the ordinary double lever commutators require (caused by
the loosening of the screws forming the points of contact) are not
requisite with this instrument.
Figures 3 and 4, Sheet 4, represent a slight modification of Figures 1
and 2. In this case an additional stop or stud L is introduced. This stud
is in metallic connection with the terminal M with which the receiving
instrument is coupled. The object of this addition is to enable the
operator to cut out of circuit his own instrument whilst transmitting
signals but to leave such instrument always in circuit and fit to receive
signals, from a distant station immediately after such transmission is
completed. The bosses D³ and D4 in this case make their contacts with
the fixed stop B which is coupled to earth, but for this purpose springs
G' and G³ might be employed, as in Figures 1 and 2, and the use of
springs is preferable. The remaining letters in Figures 3 and 4 refer
to similar parts, as in Figures 1 and 2 previously described.
The action when a lever A is depressed is first to disconnect the
receiving instrument from the line wire, and then to make a battery
connection with the line wire, and lastly to put the other pole of the
battery to earth through the fixed stop B.
The third part of my Invention relates to improved arrangements of
electro-magnetic apparatus in combination with the signals, points, or
levers employed on railways in order that either of the said levers
or points singly or in combination may be "locked" or fixed. For
this purpose I prefer to suspend near to the tail end of the signal
lever either a locking instrument, which is moved by the attraction of

page_text: an electro-magnet placed in suitable position, and whenever currents of
electricity, either from a local battery or otherwise, circulate through
the coils of such electro-magnet the locking instrument is operated on
and a tooth catches the tail end or crank of the lever and securely
"locks" the same until the electric currents cease to circulate. Thus
when a semaphore arm or signal is "on" to danger the signalman at a
distant station (can by transmitting a current of electricity through a
"relay") "lock" the lever which works the semaphore arm, so that the
lever cannot be moved or the signal lowered except by the signalman at
The same current
the distant station disconnecting the line circuit.
can also be employed by means of a relay to lock any suite of levers in
a signal box (or boxes) in such combination as to leave none available
that should be set fast or be contradictory to the proper working
arrangements.
Figure 1, 2, 3, and 4, Sheet 5, illustrate this arrangement. A, A, is
the outdoor signal post and semaphore arm; B, the lever in the signal-
man's box for the purpose of elevating or lowering the said arm;
C, the back crank or tail end of the lever; D, the locking instrument
suspended near thereto; E, an electro-magnet with its accompanying
armature attached and fixed in such a position as when the electro-
magnet is excited by currents of electricity from a local battery
G the locking instrument is driven forward and the tooth "F"
securely locks the tail end or crank of the lever B. G is a local battery
in connection with the electro-magnet E, and also in communication
with a "repeating" signal instrument and "relay" H. This "repeater
is connected with a line wire W communicating with a distant signal-
man or with another distant signal switch or set of levers, and in such
manner as when either are worked by hand or otherwise the current
and
from a battery passing along the line actuates the "relay
repeater H, the local battery G is thereby called into action, the electro-
magnet E is excited and the tooth F "locks" the arm of the signal A
until the signalman at the distant box disconnects the line current.
The electric current being thus disconnected or cut off immediately
ceases to flow, the relay returns to its normal position, the "repeater"
shews "clear," and the electro-magnet E not being any longer excited
the armature falls away by means of the recoil spring I, and the tooth F
ceases to lock the lever B, C. By this apparatus a distant signalman
can "lock" any of the levers, points, or signals either singly or in

page_text: combination in another signalman's box, and at the same time indicate
to the signalman in charge by means of the "repeater" H that the lever
or levers are thus locked.
The mercurial commutators previously described and illustrated on
Sheet 2 may be employed to transmit and intermit the currents for locking
the signal levers and switches.
By applying similar arrangements to suites of switch and signal levers
at junctions and such like places, instead of using as now a large number
of locks to each lever to work the required combinations mechanically,
one locking plate or bar is sufficient for each lever, and this can be
operated on and retained in its position by any one of a number of electric
currents that may be connected up and circulating through one and the
saine electro-magnet.
Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 6, represent a set of nine levers suitable to
work the signals and switches at an ordinary junction upon a railway.
The levers are numbered from one to nine, and operate on the "distant"
and "station" signals and switches by means of chains, cranks, and
wires in the usual manner. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 represent the
levers; A 1 to 9, the quadrants; B1 to 9, the handles of the catch
rods; C1 to 9, the bearings suspending the locking instruments; D 1,
to 9, the locking instruments; E1 to 9, the electro-magnets; F 1 to 9,
the armatures, which when attracted by the electro-magnets E 1 to 9
push forward the locking instruments so as to "lock" the tail end of
their respective levers.
Immediately beneath each of the tail ends or back cranks of the
levers or in connexion with and worked mechanically by the "catch
rods "I fix one or more of the mercurial commutators previously
described and illustrated by the Drawings, Figures 7, 8, and 11, on
Sheet 2. These commutators are connected up by their terminals to
the several electro-magnets and a local battery in such order and com-
binations as may be required to render the action of the several signals
non-contradictory and according to the rules which are now acted upon
in arranging the mechanical locking combinations in ordinary use.
It.
will at once be readily understood that any variety of combinations can
be arranged or any after alterations accomplished by simply rearranging
and reconnecting up the electro-magnets with the several commutatore,
for although a number of electric currents previously circulating may
cease to flow through any particular combination of electro-magnet, yet

page_text: so long as one lever is "over" and its commutator thereby called into
action an electric current will flow through the coils of the required
electro-magnets forming a part of such combination, and thus their
respective "locking plates" will still securely lock the levers in connexion
therewith. Thus I am able to accomplish with a number of currents and
one locking instrument to each lever the same results as have been
heretofore accomplished by a number of locking plates to each lever, and
also without the costly mechanical gearing necessary to work the required
combinations in unison.
I employ the arrangement of the electro-magnetic instruments
described in the first part of my Invention in combination with the levers,
points, and signals for the purposes of acting as a "repeating" signal to
indicate to the signalman in charge of his own signals or to a signalman
at a distant station the correct and due performance of the working of the
signals.
Figure 1, Sheet 7, represents the first part of my Invention combined
with the second part, thus forming a complete signalling instrument for
a speaking telegraph. A is an exterior dial, upon which can be painted
any signals that may be required, such as "trains on line," "line
clear," &c. for train signalling purposes, or the letters of the alphabet
with their accompanying symbols in the usual manner for speaking
purposes. The index of this instrument is operated upon and angular
motion produced by any of the before-described arrangements illustrated
on Sheet 1. B is the switch key for turning on the current from the
battery to the coils C, C, fixed on the magnetized steel bar; D, D, two
terminals in connection with such battery; E, one of the double-lever
commutators illustrated on Sheet 4.
Figures 2, 3, and 4, Sheet 7, represent a complete instrument for
train signalling purposes. A, Figure 4, represents the apparatus
illustrated by Figures 9 and 10, Sheet 1, the indices in this case
representing miniature semaphores. The left-hand lower corner of the dial
plate is cut away so as to shew the electro-magnet with its "horns,"
and also the coil of wire fixed to one pole of the horse-shoe magnet,
where A is the dial; B, B, the electro-magnet; C, C2, the "horns"
attached thereto; D, the small piece of soft iron or steel fixed upon the
axle carrying at one end the miniature semaphore E; F, a counterpoise
to the semaphore; I, I, two terminals communicating one with the line
wire or transmitting key, the other with the "relay," Figure 3; G³, G³,

page_text: a pair of transmitting keys previously described and illustrated on
Sheet 3; H, an electro-magnetic bell called into action by the relay,
Figure 3. Each time a current from a distant station traverses the coils
of the electro-magnet B, B, the semaphore is actuated, the relay called
into action, the bell sounded, the current from the local battery I
traversing the coils K, K, fixed on the permanent magnet and keeping
it constantly magnetized, as previously explained. The ringing key is
not shown

page_text: Sixth. The arranging rocking mercurial commutators with choked
chambers or reservoirs for the purpose of coupling up, breaking, trans-
mitting, and reversing electric circuits, substantially in the manner
described in reference to Figures 4, 5, 6, 9, and 1", Sheet 2, of the
Drawings.
Seventh. The arranging mercurial "plunger' commutators, sub-
stantially in the manner described in respect to Figures 9, 10, and 11,
Sheet 2, of the Drawings.
Eighth. The arranging commutators of electro-magnetic telegraphic
apparatus in combination with transmitting keys and a "ringing key"
in such manner that whichever current from a battery either "zinc to
line" or " copper to line" was last sent to a distant station by one of
the transmitting keys, the said key by means of the commutator will
leave the "ringing key" so connected with the battery that the operator
can only send by it currents of like denomination to that last sent,
substantially in the manner described in reference to Figures 1 to 7,
Sheet 3, of the Drawings.
Ninth. The arranging "double lever commutators with all the lever
contact pieces mounted on the upper surfaces of the levers and making
their contacts or some of them on a spring or springs parallel with the
levers, substantially as described in respect to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4,
Sheet 4, of the Drawings..
Tenth. The combining electro-magnets, armatures, and telegraphic
wires with the levers by which signals and switches are actuated in such
manner that a signalman at a distance by transmitting and intermitting
currents of electricity in the coils of such electro-magnets (either
directly or by means of a relay) may be able to "lock" and "unlock"
the switch and signal levers, substantially as described in respect to
Sheet 5 of the Drawings.
Eleventh. The combining electro-magnets, armatures, and telegraph
wires with the levers or mechanisms by which signals and switches are
actuated in such manner that by the movements of such levers or
mechanisms currents of electricity may be transmitted and intermitted in
the coils of such electro-magnets and in such manner that the electro-
magnets so operated on may by means of their armatures and locking
instruments in connection therewith lock and unlock the levers or

page_text: mechanisms locking such of the levers or mechanisms as it would be
dangerous to move, and freeing such as may be moved with impunity,
substantially as described in respect to Sheet 6 of the Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Edward Tyer, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fourth day of April, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy.
EDWP. TYER. (L.S.)