IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CODEING TELEGRAPHIC MESSAGES AND FOR TRANSMITTING SIGNALS, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS RELATE TO SIGNAL AND OTHER LAMPS
Year: 1874

page_text: LETTERS .PATENT to William Henry Clapp, of No. 14, Austin
Friars, in the City of London, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN APPARATUS FOR CODEING TELEGRAPHIC MESSAGES AND FOR TRANSMITTING
SIGNALS, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS RELATE TO SIGNAL AND OTHER
LAMPS."
Sealed the 28th July 1874, and dated the 4th June 1874.
.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Henry Clapp
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 4th June 1874.
I, WILLIAM HENRY CLAPP, of No. 14ª, Austin Friars, in the City of
London, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CODEING TELEGRAPHIC MESSAGES AND FOR TRANS-
MITTING SIGNALS, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS RELATE TO SIGNAL AND OTHER
LAMPS," to be as follows:-
The object of this Invention 1° is to translate messages into numerals
or letters by means of the part of my Invention to be known as the

page_text: "Clapptograph," and I dispense with the ordinary spaces required to
separate groups of numerals or letters, and I am by this means enabled
to transmit signals free from error otherwise caused by the various
groups of signs running the one into the other, and thus necessitating
the repetition of signals several times before they are correctly read off.
"universal
Messages thus translated or coded either in the open key,
language," or into any of the numerous private keys provided can be
signalled by the apparatus which is the second part of my Invention and
the annexed code of signals.
The first red dot is always a stop separating the next signal, and is
equal to a "Morse dash."
A red dot or flash repeated counts "five," and is also equal to a
"Morse dash."
The white dots or flashes count one each respectively, they are cach
equal to an ordinary "Morse dot.'
"
In constructing the part of my Invention known as the " Clapp-
tograph" I shape six pieces of metal or cardboard in the form of discs of
various diameters. The two larger discs having a sunken surface to
receive cach one of the smaller discs; these smaller have also a sunken
surface made to receive the centre or fixed discs; the discs thus made
concentric present a flat and even surface.
In the centre of the face of each of the larger discs is fixed an arbor or
centre pivot, but if more convenient it can be made to pass through a hole
in the disc and then be fixed in a box to be afterwards described; around
this pivot the middle disc is made to revolve spring tight. The arbors
are made with a shoulder at the top squared to receive or enter a corre-
sponding square hole made in centre of the small disc. A flush screw
or nut is made to fasten the disc in its place and prevent it revolving.
Toothed racks are made to gear with the pinions that are attached to
the discs, each rack having an arm extending a little beyond the cir-
cumference of the discs. Two circular bosses having a shoulder turned
the required depth for the purpose of fixing and containing the outer
dises are hinged together, so that when the two bosses are closed they
form a compact box. The extremity of the arm of the rack is bent so

page_text: as to have a return end; attached to this is a small metal projection or
handle, by moving this handle to the right or left the middle disc is
made to revolve and the wheels and racks have their teeth so regulated
that a very small movement to the right or left is sufficient.
2
The discs have engraved or impressed upon them concentric circles
having lines radiating from their inner circles to their extreme cir-
cumference. Letters of the alphabet and numerals are inserted in the
spaces formed by the intersection of the concentric rings and vertical
lines, and as the lines are drawn to radiate at equal distances from each
other, the letters or numerals come opposite each other as the discs
revolve and thus change their meaning and signification.
.
Certain spaces are perforated in the small fixed centre disc, these per-
forations expose numerals impressed upon the under disc, and as the
discs are made to revolve other numerals are also made to appear in
their places. The two square perforations, one in cach of the two
smaller centre discs expose the various keys of the cypher. The
"pasigraph" or "open key" is colored red, and when this is shown
through the holes in both of the discs the "Clapptograph" is set to
"universal language," and in order that this part of my Invention for
providing private or cypher keys may be made more secure to govern-
ment or private persons. using them I prefer to make or sink a hole
opposite and corresponding to the projection attached to the handle of
the rack. When the "Clapptograph" is set to the open key each of
the projections of the handles are directly opposite to the holes sunk,
and the box may be easily closed. If however after using the apparatus
with a private cypher key the user having finished his message wishes to
close the box, and in attempting to do so finds the projection in the way,
this immediately reminds him that his private cipher is exposed as the
box cannot be closed with any private key so exposed.
I now proceed to describe the third part of my Invention (viz.) the
various apparatus I prefer to use in transmitting signals indicated by
my code, and I proceed to describe them in the following order:
Electro-magnetic, acoustic, pyrotechnic, semaphore, and lamp
signalling.
Electro-magnetic.—In this part of my Invention I pronose to use the

page_text: "
of a much higher rate or speed than the Morse, the cus
a black dot
equal duration, a red dot being equal to a "Morse dash,
representing a "Morse dot." The instrument to be described can be
worked upon the Morse system of dot and dash if preferred, and to
which it is equally adapted. In that case the "dots and dashes
made both by currents in the same circuit, the black recorder marking
the spelling code, and the red recorder marking the numeral code from
a select number of letters.
are
I prefer to use two transmitting keys for the purpose of reversing the
currents of electricity, and I employ the ordinary and common appliances
to form a single needle instrument. This being the most simple of all
clectric telegraphs I prefer to use it for my object. The feature of
novelty in my Invention is making the needle used to record the
messages transmitted so that when the positive current is used to deflect
the needle it marks with red dots or dashes, and when the negative
current deflects the needle in an opposite direction than the recorder
marks with black dots or dashes, or vice versa. For this purpose I
balance between two magnets having the usual electric connections a
needle somewhat longer than the needle at present in use, the lower
part of the needle terminating in a very fine toothed rack. This toothed
rack is geared to a small pinion having also very fine teeth extremely
light and delicate in its action, and if preferred the bearings may work
in jewelled holes in order to reduce the friction. This pinion may have
its bearing either on the face of the instrument or at its back so that it is
made to gear with the needle rack. A square arbor or shoulder is
attached to this pinion to receive the two recorders or pens; the recorders
are made of any material most suitable for the purpose, and if necessary
the recorders may be provided with absorbent and elastic material
suitable as an ink pad if ink be used. These recorders are formed at
such an angle, or if made separately are placed upon the shoulders of
the pinion at such an angle that when in gear with the needle rack they
shall receive a rocking motion; this motion will only allow one of the
at
paper a
recorders to come in contact with the strip of
time. The
recorders are not made to give dots and dashes on the same line but
upon two parallel lines, according as the needle rack is deflected either by
the positive or negative current of electricity. When the needle is at
zero or in its normal position both recorders are removed from contact
with the strip of paper; a fine spring may be used if necesary to ensure

page_text: the needle being kept in its central position when not affected by the
currents. The recorders are supplied with ink from flexible tubes
placed in communication with small reservoirs in convenient positions;
a small table or projection is placed at the proper depth and position
immediately under the recorders, and along this table on its surface is
made to travel when required a strip of paper; it is carried by rollers and
regulated by clockwork, as in the ordinary Morse recorders, the message
or signals being recorded during the transit of the paper over the
table.
I
may also use my Invention of a magnetic needle terminating in a
rack for the purpose of striking bells of different sounds or tone. In
that case the pinion with which the needle rack is geared would have
two projections to actuate two corresponding levers or bell hammers
placed in convenient positions, the tops of the levers being jointed
or hinged, so that the projection would only catch and move its point.
one way.
The needle recorder may be also so delicately constructed as that upon
its being placed in clectrical communication with properly constructed
apparatus it shall indicate in red and black parallel lines, upon a
revolving drum placed for that purpose, the positive and negative state
of the atmosphere at various times and at different heights.
It will be seen from the above description of my Invention of a
needle rack and pinion that any other recording material may be used,
such as pencils or chalk of two different colours.
Acoustic Signalling.-In that part of my Invention relating to sound
or fog signalling I prefer to use any of the common apparatus, such as
the "fog horn,” "steam whistle," or "syren," only that I prefer to
construct them with two valves or connected to a tap, known as a two-
way tap or cock, through which the steam or the compressed air rushes
to suitable openings, giving two different sounds, the one representing
the red dot, the other sound representing the black dot or white flash of
my code. I prefer a high note, known as upper "C," for the one, and
for the other note I prefer a third below, or "G." A metal tongue or a
small ball may be inserted in the throat of the whistle that will give
a vibratory motion to the sound, causing it to be heard at a greater
distance.
Pyrotechnic Signalling In this part of my Invention for trans

page_text: mitting signals by means of rockets, it will be observed that the use of
my code is particularly valuable. As between cach rocket fired and the
next there is an interval which constitutes a pause in itself, I dispense
with the first red dot of my code, so that in each display of a rocket
signal a red star always counts "five;" and in order to obviate the
inconvenience of having to carry rockets representing each number
respectively, I manufacture the stars of either color separate and distinct
from the rocket cases. I prefer to construct rockets in the ordinary
manner, with this exception, that the upper portion of the case is left
empty for the reception of the star pots. I place at the the top of the
rocket case a conc-shaped lid that can be removed and placed on again
after the rocket has been loaded with stars (small discs or pots, each
containing one red or one white, or two red or two white stars manu-
factured by the usual process). The star pots have the same diameter
as the bore of the rocket case. Pots containing red stars are for con-
venience wrapped in red paper. The pots containing white stars aro
wrapped in plain uncolored paper. In order the more readily to ignite
the stars, meal or ordinary gunpowder is placed at the top of the
composition in that part of the rocket case that contains the charge for
causing the ascent of the rocket. If necessary, the case can be pierced
before inserting the stars by a sharp bone or wooden piercer, provided
and kept for that purpose. A similar composition surrounds the stars,
and the star pots can be pierced in the same manner, or the pots con-
taining the stars may have a hole through the centre of the composition
and pot, so that the flame from the charge in the rocket case may in its
ascent communicate with the stars and ignite them. It will be observed
that by the use of my code the relative position of the red to the white
stars makes no difference to their meaning, so that directly the rocket is
seen to explode the number may be read off, a red star counting five,
and white stars counting one each respectively; in this case two red
stars are nought (cypher).
Semaphore Signalling.-In constructing apparatus for semaphore or
coast signalling I prefer to erect a structure of wood or metal lattice
work in the form of an obelisk. I next construct a double semaphore,
that is, I attach to one end of a bar of iron a round wicker ball, and to
the other end of the bar of iron I attach a form of wickerwork nearly a
cube, but oblong (a long tube.) Wickerwork is used because it admits
of a very large apparatus being made extremely light, and being open

page_text: work the storms of wind on the coasting stations will pass through it.
The bar of iron has a projection from its centre carrying a toothed wheel
or pinion fixed to it (the projection) and working in suitable bearings
near the top of the obelisk. The bar of iron carrying the wickerwork
revolves freely on its axis; a rack is geared to the toothed wheel or
pinion attached to the bar of iron; this rack carries at its other end a
suitable projection or handle, and is made to work between two studs
placed in such a position as to stop the arm of the rack when it is either
turned to the right or left so soon as either the wicker cube representing
the red dot or "Morse dash," or the wicker ball representing the white
flash or
"Morse dot" is exactly vertical with the top of the obelisk.
The bar of iron is made of sufficient length between the wicker ends
that a portion of the iron is seen above the top of the obelisk; the cube
or ball will then have a distinct appearance when raised. When the
bar of iron is at rest across the top of obelisk no signals are being made,
but when commencing to signal" either the ball or cube is seen at the
top of the obelisk and their appearance there from time to time agrec-
able with my code will indicate the signals desired to be given. It will
be preferred to have a raised platform around the base of the obelisk
approached by steps and railed off for the purpose of the signalmen
taking observations. The obelisk should also have a flag staff carrying
a large ensign that might be hoisted during signalling. The wicker is
painted a suitable color according to the back ground of its situation.
The part of my Invention for working semaphore signals by means of
a rack and pinion is to be preferred for the purpose of railway signalling,
as it is more reliable than the lever and weight systems, but it should be
understood that I may prefer to use in some cases a crank and lever to
work the semaphore instead of the rack, as described.
Lamp Signalling.-This part of my Invention has for its object the
transmitting the signals of my code by means of signal lamp apparatus,
and I prefer to construct these in two forms. One being all round or
globe signal lamps, the other that class of signal lamps known as hand
signal lamps for throwing the rays of light from the lens in ono
direction.
In constructing all round lamps I prefer to have a globe of glass made
to any desired dimensions, the globe having a part of its circumference
at the top and bottom removed to allow other parts of the apparatus to
enter. The top and bottom edges of these openings have a return edge

page_text: or shoulder formed upon them, and upon these shoulders I fix per-
manent metal rings having flanges of a suitable diameter and projecting
outwards from the globe. These fixed flanges have slots or holes in
them for the purpose of receiving corresponding studs attached to the
top and bottom of the lamp; and by these means the parts are firmly
secured to their places. The slots and studs are arranged so that in
fastening the top of the lamp it is required to be turned in a contrary
direction to the bottom of the lamp. The permanent ring or flange
fixed to the bottom of the globe carries an inner flange or shoulder
having its edges turned up within the lamp and made to receive the
lower portion of the "hour glass" reflector. This reflector may be
slightly parabolic, the two parts are formed in the shape of cones, and
when placed in the lamp the top cone or reflector is reversed or inverted,
the parts are each made with an opening at the top having a convenient
diameter to receive the shoulder of a small inner globe or glass that is
placed between the two parts of the reflectors. This arrangement
serves to keep the reflectors in their place as well as prevents the
products of combustion from greasing the inner surface of the outer
globe or the polished reflectors. The edges of the top reflector are
turned over and form a flange that rests on the surface of the metal
ring formed on the top of the globe. The bottom part of the reflector
I first place in the glass globe; it cannot pass through as it is held by
the metal ring turned up and fixed to the shoulders of the bottom metal
ring attached to the globe. I now place the flange of the smaller globe
into the metal ring of the lower reflector, then I place the other reflector
reversed or inverted upon the top flange of the small inner globe, and
when the lower portion of the top reflector is quite home upon the
flange of the globe its top flange should rest firmly upon the metal ring
fixed to the top of the large globe made to receive it, thus keeping the
two reflectors having the small globe between them firm and compact
together in their respective places, and by this arrangement they can be
easily removed for cleaning. I do not entirely confine myself to the
use of the inner globe, for instance, when using the electric light or
limelight I may prefer to dispense with it, and then I keep the bottom
reflector in its place by means of a flange similar to the one on the top a
reflector

page_text: construct cylindrical screens of colored glass and metal or other opaque
substance; these cylinders are slightly thicker at their top outer
circumference and have their edges bevelled similar to the head of a
screw. The cylinders are fitted to place in and take out of a circular
ring or metal frame, and each frame has an inner bevelled edge to
receive the top of the cylinder. I place the bottom part of the cylinder
first through the frame and allow it to pass through until it is caught
by its bevelled head, which retains it in its place; the two cylinders with
their frames made to receive them are concentric, the smaller passing
through the larger cylinder, and there are attached to these circular
frames, and firmly secured there metal rods or vertical racks for the
purpose of lowering the cylinders into the small or inner globe. I
construct the top of the lamp in the usual way having suitable handles
attached for the purpose of carrying the lamp from place to place.
The top is made of any convenient form or shape having a vertical rim
of some depth through which the handle that actuates the two cylinders
is passed. The top of the lamp has studs fixed upon its lower flange;
these studs enter corresponding holes or slots in the permanent metal
rings fixed to the shoulder at the top of the globe, so that when the
studs enter the slots or holes by simply turning the top of the lamp.
round it becomes securely fastened in its place.
From the centre of the top of the lamp and fixed there securely is the
chimney in the shape of a cone having an opening in the top. The
diameter of the mouth of the chimney is a little less than the diameter
of the smaller cylinder with its metal ring. The position the mouth of
the chimney occupies when the top of the lamp is fastened in its place
is immediately over the top opening of the small inner globe sufficient
circular space being left between the outer circumference of the mouth
of the chimney, and the edge of an inverted cone placed to protect the
glass cylinders. I prefer to place in the reserved space between the outer
casing of the lamp and the chimney the part of the apparatus for
actuating the vertical racks and screens; suitable guides are placed for
the parallel racks to run in.
It will be understood that the two cylinders are raised just sufficiently
to clear the small globe or inner glass, and the cylinders are kept in this
position in their guides by a toothed wheel fixed on bearings attached to
the chimney and side of the lamp. This toothed wheel is made to gear

page_text: with the parallel racks and they are made with just sufficient teeth to
lower and lift the cylinders the required depth.
As the space between the chimney and the outer case of the lamp is
not sufficient to allow of a large toothed wheel to be used, I effect my
purpose by fixing a small pinion to the large wheel and make it work
upon the same axis, I then gear with this small pinion a quadrant rack
working upon suitable bearings and carrying such a number of teeth
that the movement of the rack through a very small arc is quite sufficient
to cause the larger toothed wheel to revolve more than once, I thus get
the power of a larger wheel. The end of the spindle or arbor carrying
the quadrant rack has a square shoulder and passes through the outside
of the top of the lamp, and to the square shoulder is fixed a suitable
handle or it may have affixed to it a quadrant or bell crank to be kept
in its normal or central position by suitable springs.
At each of the two angles of the crank may be attached a chain or
cord of any desirable length, for the purpose of working the signals
from a height. For convenience and certainty of action the cords or
chains are painted the same color as the lamp exhibits when the
chain or cord is tightened.
It will now be understood that upon turning the right-hand handle or
pulling the right-hand red cord or chain, the quadrant rack will describe
in its place a part of a circle, and this will actuate the toothed wheel to
lower the red screen or cylinder, thus changing the color of the light.
If the cord is slackened and the handle allowed to return to its normal
position, the red cylinder will be raised and the light again uncolored.
By turning the handle to the left or pulling the left-hand black cord or
chain the dark or negative screen or cylinder will be lowered, and the
light obscured again by placing the handle in its normal position, the
dark screen will be lifted and the light allowed to pass through
the globe, and by repeating these movements from time to time agreable
to my "Clapptograph signal code" messages can be transmitted.
When I desire to use this part of my Invention for steering signals or
for railway signalling, I prefer to dispense with the negative or dark
screen, and in the place of it I insert a green glass or a glass
of any desired color. The lamp will then shew a light that can be
changed into one or more colours, the action and arrangement of the
apparatus being the same as before described, only that the black chain

page_text: DECURE
screen.
The bottom of the lamp is made in the usual manner and contains
the oil reservoir. The reservoir is made of the same shape as the inside
of the lower reflector, and it has an opening passing through its centre for
the purpose of supplying air to the wick of the lamp. The oil reservoir
with the wick is placed in such a position on the bottom of the lamp
and secured there that the flame from the wick is only seen in the exact
centre of the small or inner globe.
It will be understood that by the arrangement of the hour glass
reflectors the oil reservoir and the apparatus for actuating the screens
are hidden from view, thus the lamp when scen from a distance having
the appearance of a globe of light. The bottom of the lamp is made to
fasten to the metal ring on the lower shoulder of the globe by means of
slots and studs, as before described, and by turning it in a reverse way
to the top of the lamp. An inverted metal conc is made to cover the
toothed wheels and cylinders'; it is constructed to project a little lower
than the cylinders when in their normal position, and it thus makes a.
convenient stand for the top of the lamp when out of its place. This
cone may be made to fasten in the usual way with slots and studs to
the top of the lamp, or screens may be used for the same purpose.
In describing that part of my Invention which I have called the hour
glass reflectors, it is understood that I claim their use and application
with or without the small or inner globe to all kinds of lamps known as
"all round lamps," their adaptability to street lamps and lighthouses is
apparent. When using such reffectors for lighthouses they may be
built up in segments for the purpose of easy removal. The light from
the lamp proper being in the exact centre is equally reflected all around,
the rays of light that would otherwise escape and be wasted are by the
reflectors condensed and utilized.
Cone reflectors have hitherto been made and used having their inner
surface polished and silvered for the purpose of reflecting the rays of
light in a downward direction; it will be scen that the object of this
Invention is to direct the rays of light equally around the lamp, and
for this purpose I construct the "hour glass" reflectors to any desired
curve, either convex or concave, and polish and silver their outer surface
only.

page_text: I now describe the part of my Invention for transmitting signals by
means of hand signal lamps constructed with a lens for throwing the
rays of light in one direction only. These lamps may also be used as
ordinary dark lanterns or signal lanterns for throwing different coloured
lights. For these purposes I construct a cylindrical screen or frame of
metal having openings to place glass of different colours, red and green,.
and having the usual opening to allow the rays of uncoloured light to
pass through the lens when desiring to exhibit a white light. Or the
screen may only carry a red glass, the other part of the screen being
opaque for the purpose of obscuring the light from time to time. At
the bottom of the screen are cross pieces of metal radiating from the
centre to which is riveted at the underneath part of the centre a small
pinion or toothed wheel having a point of hard metal projecting from its
centre to serve as a pivot or centre bearing, it enters a corresponding
hole sunk in the inner bottom of the lamp, the pivot being the axis
upon which the screen revolves, I gear with the small pinion a quadrant
rack fixed in suitable bearings, and also working upon the inner portion
at the bottom of the lamp. This rack has a handle passing through the
sides of the lamp in any convenient place for its use.
In some lamps I prefer to work the screen carrying the coloured glass
from the top of the lamp; for this purpose the lamp has working upon
its outer surface, close to the handle, a vertical lever mounted upon a
pivot fixed to the lamp. The bottom end of this lever is in connection
with the handle of the rack, the other end passes up to the top of the
lamp, and is there worked from right to left by means of a thumbpiece.
The moving the lever to the right causes the screen to revolve, bringing
with it the red glass and causing the lamp to shew a red colour. By
turning the lever to the extreme left the screen is turned in the opposite
direction, and the rays of white light pass through the opening in the
screen and out through the lens of the lantern. When the lever is in
its central or normal position the negative screen obscures the light.
If a green glass is substituted for the negative screen, then when the
lever is turned to the extreme left the green glass will come in front of
the light and cause the lantern to exhibit a green coloured light; in this
case when the lever is in its centre or normal position the white light is a
exhibited through the lens.
The case of the lamp is made in the ordinary way to any desirable
outer form; it carries a suitable handle with the usual door carrying the

page_text: lens of the lamp. The top of the lamp is made to take off and on, and
can be fixed in its place by slots and studs, or it may be hinged and
fastened by a spring catch. In the centre of the metal at the bottom
of the inside of the lantern is sunk a hole to receive the pivot or centre
bearing of the screen. This arrangement will allow the screen to be
casily lifted in and out of the lamp for the purpose of cleansing. The oil
reservoir carrying a reflector is also lifted in and out of the lamp. The
screen being placed in first this enables me to have a much larger reservoir
than if I passed the oil reservoir through the door in the usual way.
In order to prevent the reservoir being carried round by the action of
the screen I fix three vertical strips of metal, one on each sido of the
reservoir and one at the back. The strip of metal at the back of the
reservoir carries a catch or convenient fastening to which the reflector
is fixed. The other ends of the vertical strips of metal are bent back
to form hooks by which the oil reservoir with the reflector is suspended
from suitable catches placed upon the inner rim at the top of the lamp.
The screen is first made to enter the lamp and is caused to gear with the
rack and pinion; then the oil reservoir is passed into its place and
suspended from the catches. The top or lid of the lamp with its
chimney is placed in its position and fastened, the inner portion of
the top of the lamp having a flange that keeps the screen in its place
and prevents its jumping out of gear with the rack. It will be thus
seen that all the parts are extremely simple and casy of adjustment, and
I wish it to be most clearly understood that in all the various parts of my
Invention, when I use the rack and pinion for the purposes of signalling
as described, I use them for giving a rotary or circular motion to the
various parts of my apparatus in as small an are as possible, and by this
means I am enabled to attain my object of flashing signals for the
purpose of transmitting messages as described.
"

page_text: "
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent bearing date the Fourth day of June, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-four, in the
thirty-seventh year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and
successors, give and grant unto me, the said William Henry Clapp, Her
special license that I, the said William Henry Clapp, executors,
administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William
Henry Clapp, 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, usc, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CODEING TELEGRAPHIC MESSAGES AND FOR
TRANSMITTING SIGNALS, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS RELATE TO SIGNAL AND
OTHER LAMPS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
William Henry Clapp, my executors or administrators, by an instrument
in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and scals, should
particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the 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 William Henry Clapp, 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 object of this Invention 1° is to translate messages into numerals
or letters by means of the part of my Invention to be known as the
'Clapptograph," and I dispense with the ordinary spaces required to
separate groups of numerals or letters, and I am by this means enabled
to transmit signals free from error otherwise caused by the various
groups of signs running the one into the other, and thus necessitating
the repetition of signals several times before they are correctly read off.
Messages thus translated or coded either in the open key "universal
language" or into any of the numerous private keys provided can be
signalled by the apparatus which is the second part of my Invention
and the annexed code of signals :-

page_text: The first red dot is always a stop separating the next signal, and is
equal to a "Morse dash." .
A red dot or flash repeated counts "five," and is also equal to a
"Morse daslı."
The white dots or flashes count one each respectively; they are cach
equal to an ordinary "Morse dot."
In constructing the part of my Invention known as the "Clappto-
graph" (which is shown in Figure 1, and also with the parts in another
position in Figure 2) I shape six pieces of metal, or cardboard in the
form of discs of various diameters, the two larger discs having a
sunken surface to receive each one of the smaller discs. These smaller
have also a sunken surface made to receive the centre or fixed discs.
The discs thus made concentric present a flat and even surface.
In the centre of the face of cach of the larger discs is fixed an arbor
or centre pivot, but if more convenient it can be made to pass through
a hole in the disc, and then be fixed in a box to be afterwards described.
Around this pivot the middle disc is made to revolve spring tight. The
arbors are made with a shoulder at the top squared to receive or enter a
corresponding square hole made in centre of the small disc. A flush
screw or nut is made to fasten the disc in its place and prevent it
revolving. Toothed racks are made to gear with the pinions that are
attached to the discs, each rack having an arm extending a little beyond
the circumference of the discs. Two circular boxes having a shoulder
turned the required depth for the purpose of fixing and containing the
outer discs are hinged together so that when the two boxes are closed
they form a compact box. The extremity of the arm of the rack is bent
so as to have a return end. Attached to this is a small metal projection
or handle. By moving this handle to the right or left the middle disc
is made to revolve, and the wheels and racks have their teeth so
regulated that a very small movement to the right or left is sufficient.
The discs have engraved or impressed upon them concentric circles
having lines radiating from their inner circles to their extreme circum-
ference. Letters of the alphabet and numerals are inserted in the

page_text: spaces formed by the intersection of the concentric rings and vertical
lines, and as the lines are drawn to radiate at equal distances from each
other the letters or numerals come opposite each other as the discs
revolve, and thus change their meaning and significance.
•
Certain spaces are perforated in the small fixed centre disc. These
perforations expose numerals impressed upon the under disc, and as the
discs are made to revolve other numerals are also made to appear in their
places. The two square perforations, one in each of the two smaller
centre discs, expose the various keys of the cypher. The "pasigraph"
or "open key" is coloured red, and when this is shewn through the
holes in both of the discs the "Clapptograph" is set to "universal
language," and in order that this part of my Invention for providing
private or cypher keys may be made more secure to governments or
private persons using them I prefer to make or sink a hole opposite and
corresponding to the projection attached to the handle of the rack.
When the Clapptograph is set to the open key each of the projections of
the handles are directly opposite to the holes sunk, and the box may be
casily closed.
If however. after using the apparatus with a private
cypher key the user having finished his message wishes to close the box,
and in attempting to do so finds the projection in the way, this imme-
diately reminds him that his private cypher is exposed, as the box cannot
be closed with any private key so exposed.
As Clapp's Patent "cypher wheel pasigraph" (otherwise the "Clapp-
tograph") is essentially a numeral code it will be apparent that it is only
necessary to commence a message with a "prefix" number from the
right-hand wheel, and then the numbers following will always be
assumed to have reference to that "prefix" until another prefix number
follows..

page_text: It will be observed that as the highest number in the numeral code
left-hand wheel is "9," all numbers having either one or two cyphers
placed before them must of course refer to the right-hand wheel or prefix
code, and thus I am enabled to dispense with the space usually required
to separate various groups of figures and letters, and to prevent their
running the one into the other.
The red figures or letters only in each cypher wheel are used for
transmission.
The red cypher, 3 figures or two letters of the prefix code, refer to
the codes, &c. of the outer circle, while those of only 2 figures or 1 letter
have reference to the inner circle of prefix signals.
The spelling code or alphabet is placed in the outer circle of the left-
hand wheel, and the letters are represented by the figures placed imme-
diately below them. The numbers are sent through the red or cypher
only, same as any other of the codes referred to by the prefix numbers.
It will be observed that as "onc." and "two are left out of the
numbers referring to the alphabet, and as 29 is the highest number in
the code it is not necessary to have the usual separation between the
various figures representing the alphabet.
"
The most important part of the Invention is the facility for changing
key. It will be seen that as there are 9 keys in cach wheel capable of
interchanging it makes 81 distinct keys in all. The keys of the left-
hand wheel are single numbers, commencing with two, the units being
used as a prefix to the double numbers of the right hand or prefix
wheel.

page_text: The cypher keys pass through the numeral code and are sent from
the red figures or letters, the open key is, of course, sent as it is in the
code.
I now proceed to describe the third part of my Invention (viz.), the
various apparatus I prefer to use in transmitting signals indicated by
my code, and I proceed to describe them in the following order :—
electro-magnetic, acoustic, pyrotechnic, semaphore, and lamp signalling.
Electro-magnetic.-In this part of my Invention I propose to use
the system known to telegraphists as the "Steinheil," this system
admitting of a much higher rate of speed than the Morse, the currents
being of equal duration, a red dot being equal to a "Morse dash," a
black dot representing a "Morse dot." The instrument to be described
can be worked upon the Morse system of dot and dash, if preferred,
and to which it is equally adapted. In that case the "dots and
dashes" are made both by currents in the same circuit, the black
recorder marking the spelling code and the red recorder marking the
numeral code from a select number of letters.
I prefer to use two transmitting keys for the purpose of reversing
the currents of electricity, and I employ the ordinary and common
appliances to form a single needle instrument; this being the most
simple of all electric telegraphs, I prefer to use it for my object. The
feature of novelty in my Invention is making the needle used to record
the messages transmitted, so that when the positive current is used to
deflect the needle it marks with red dots or dashes, and when the
negative current deflects the needle in an opposite direction then the
recorder marks with black dots or dashes, or vice versa. For this
purpose I balance between two magnets having the usual electric con-
nections, a needle somewhat longer than the needle at present in use,
the lower part of the needle terminating in a very fine toothed rack.
This toothed rack is geared to a small pinion having also very fine
teeth, extremely light and delicate in its action, and, if preferred, the
bearings may work in jewelled holes, in order to reduce the friction.
This pinion may have its bearing either on the face of the instrument
or at its back, so that it is made to gear with the needle rack. A
square arbor or shoulder is attached to this pinion to receive the two
recorders or pens. The recorders are made of any material most suitable
for the purpose, and if necessary the recorders may be provided with

page_text: absorbent and elastic material, suitable as an ink pad if ink be used.
These recorders are formed at such an angle, or if made separately are
placed upon the shoulders of the pinion at such an angle that when in
gear with the needle rack they shall receive a rocking motion; this
motion will only allow one of the recorders to come in contact with the
strip of paper at a time. The recorders are not made to give dots and
dashes on the same line but upon two parallel lines, according as the
needle rack is deflected either by the positive or negative current of
electricity. When the needle is at zero, or in its normal position, both
recorders are removed from contact with the strip of paper, a fine.
spring may be used, if necessary, to ensure the needle being kept in its
central position when not affected by the currents. The recorders are
supplied with ink from flexible tubes placed in communication with
small reservoirs in convenient positions. A small table or projection
is placed at the proper depth and position immediately under the
recorders, and along this table on its surface is made to travel, when
required, a strip of paper; it is carried by rollers and regulated by
clockwork, as in the ordinary Morse recorders, the message or signals
being recorded during the transit of the paper over the table.
I may also use my Invention of a magnetic needle terminating in a
rack for the purpose of striking bells of different sounds or tone, in
that case the pinion with which the needle rack is geared would have
two projections to actuate two corresponding levers or bell hammers
placed in convenient positions, the tops of the levers being jointed or
hinged, so that the projection would only catch and move its point
one way.
The needle recorder may be also so delicately constructed as that
upon its being placed in electrical communication with properly con-
structed apparatus it shall indicate in red and black parallel lines upon
a revolving drum placed for that purpose the positive and negative
state of the atmosphere at various times and at different heights.
It will be seen from the above description of my Invention of a
needle rack and pinion, that any other recording material may be used,
such as pencils or chalk of two different colours.
Acoustic Signalling.-In that part of my Invention relating to sound
or fog signalling, I prefer to use any of the common apparatus, such as
the "fog horn," "steam whistle," or "syren," only that I prefer to
B2

page_text: construct them with two valves, or connected to a tap known as a
two-way tap or cock, through which the steam or the compressed air
rushes to suitable openings giving two different sounds, the one repre-
senting the red dot, the other sound representing the black dot or white
flash of my code. I prefer a high note, known as upper "C," for the
onc, and for the other note I prefer a third below, or "G." A metal
tongue or a small ball may be inserted in the throat of the whistle that
will give a vibratory motion to the sound, causing it to be heard at a
greater distance.
Pyrotechnic Signalling.-In this part of my Invention for transmitting
code
signals by means of rockets it will be observed that the use of my
is particularly valuable, as between each rocket fired and the next there
is an interval which constitutes a pause in itself. I dispense with the
first red dot of my code, so that in each display of a rocket signal a red
star always counts "five," and in order to obviate the inconvenience of
having to carry rockets representing each number respectively I manu-
facture the stars of cither colour separate and distinct from the rocket
cases. I prefer to construct rockets in the ordinary manner, with this
exception, that the upper portion of the case is left empty for the
reception of the star pots. I place at the top of the rocket case a cone-
shaped lid that can be removed and placed on again after the rocket has
been loaded with stars (small discs or pots, each containing one red, or
one white, or two red, or two white stars manufactured by the usual
process). The star pots have the same diameter as the bore of the
rocket casc. Pots containing red stars are for convenience wrapped in
red paper; the pots containing white stars are wrapped in plain
uncolored paper. In order the more readily to ignite the stars meal or
ordinary gunpowder is placed at the top of the composition in that part
of the rocket case that contains the charge for causing the ascent of the
rocket; if necessary, the case can be pierced before inserting the stars
by a sharp bone or wooden piercer provided and kept for that purpose.
A similar composition surrounds the stars, and the star pots can be
.pierced in the same manner, or the pots containing the stars may have a
hole through the centre of the composition and pot, so that the flame
from the charge in the rocket case may in its ascent communicate with
the stars and ignite them. It will be observed that by the use of my
code the relative position of the red to the white stars makes no
difference to their meaning, so that directly the rocket is seen to explode

page_text: the number may be read off. A red star counting five, and white stars
counting one cach respectively in this case; two red stars are nought
(cypher).
Semaphore Signalling.-In constructing apparatus for semaphore or
coast signalling I prefer to erect a structure of wood or metal latticework
in the form of an obelisk. I next construct a double semaphore, that is,
I attach to one end of a bar of iron a round wicker ball, and to the other
end of the bar of iron I attach a form of wickerwork, nearly a cube, but
oblong (a long cube) wickerwork is used because it admits of a very
large apparatus being made extremely light, and being openwork the
storms of wind on the coasting stations will pass through it. The bar of
iron has a projection from its centre carrying a toothed wheel or pinion
fixed to it (the projection) and working in suitable bearings near the top
of the obelisk. The bar of iron carrying the wickerwork revolves freely
on its axis. A rack is geared to the toothed wheel or pinion attached to
the bar of iron; this rack carries at its other end a suitable projection or
handle, and is made to work between two studs placed in such a position
as to stop the arm of the rack when it is cither turned to the right or
left so soon as either the wicker cube representing the red dot or "Morse
dash," or the wicker ball representing the white flash or "Morse dot" is
exactly vertical with the top of the obelisk. The bar of iron is made of
sufficient length between the wicker ends that a portion of the iron is
seen above the top of the obelisk; the cube or ball will then have a
distinct appearance when raised. When the bar of iron is at rest across
the top of obelisk no signals are being made, but when "commencing to
signal" either the ball or cube is seen at the top of the obelisk, and
their appearance there from time to time agreeable with my code will
indicate the signals desired to be given. It will be preferred to have a
raised platform around the base of the obelisk approached by steps, and
railed off for the purpose of the signalmen taking observations. The
obelisk should also have a flag staff carrying a large ensign that might
be hoisted during signalling. The wicker is painted a suitable colour,
according to the back ground of its situation.
The part of my Invention for working semaphore signals by means of
a rack and pinion is to be preferred for the purpose of railway signalling,
as it is more reliable than the lever and weight system, but it should be
understood that I may prefer to use in some cases a crank and lever to
work the semaphore instead of the rack as described.

page_text: Lamp Signalling.-This part of my invention has for its object the
transmitting the signals of my code by means of signal lamp apparatus,
and I prefer to construct these in two forms, one being all round, or
globe signal lamps, the other that class of signal lamps known as hand
signal lamps for throwing the rays of light from the lens in one
direction.
In constructing all round lamps I prefer to have a globe of glass mado
to any desired dimensions, the globe having a part of its circumference at
the top and bottom removed to allow other parts of the apparatus to
enter. The top and bottom edges of these openings have a return edge
or shoulder formed upon them, and upon these shoulders I fix permanent
metal rings, having flanges of a suitable diameter, and projecting
outwards from the globe. These fixed flanges have slots or holes in them
for the purpose of receiving corresponding studs attached to the top.
and bottom of the lamp, and by these means the parts are firmly secured
to their places. The slots and studs are arranged so that in fastening
the top of the lamp it is required to be turned in a contrary direction
to the bottom of the lamp. The permanent ring or flange fixed to the
bottom of the globe carries an inner flange or shoulder, having its edges
turned up within the lamp, and made to receive the lower portion of the
"hour glass" reflector. This reflector may be slightly parabolic. The
two parts are formed in the shape of cones, and when placed in the
lamp the top cone or reflector is reversed or inverted. The parts arc
cach made with an opening at the top, having a convenient diameter to
receive the shoulder of a small inner globe or glass that is placed
between the two parts of the reflectors. This arrangement serves to
keep the reflectors in their place, as well as prevents the products of
combustion from greasing the inner surface of the outer globe or the
polished reflectors. The edges of the top reflector are turned over, and
form a flange that rests on the surface of the metal ring formed on the
top of the globe. The bottom part of the reflector I first place in the
glass globe; it cannot pass through as it is held by the metal ring
turned up and fixed to the shoulders of the bottom metal ring attached
to the globe. I now place the flange of the smaller globe into the metal
ring of the lower reflector, then I place the other reflector reversed or
inverted upon the top flange of the small inner globe, and when the
lower portion of the top reflector is quite home upon the flange of the
globe its top flange should rest firmly upon the metal ring fixed to the

page_text: top of the large globe made to receive it, thus keeping the two reflectors
having the small globe between them firm and compact together in
their respective places, and by this arrangement they can be easily
removed for cleaning. I do not entirely confine myself' to the use of
the inner globe, for instance, when using the electric light or lime light
I may prefer to dispense with it, and then I keep the bottom reflector in
its place by means of a flange similar to the one on the top reflector.
I proceed to describe that part of the lamp that changes the colour and
obscures the light from time to time, and for this purpose I construct
cylindrical screens of coloured glass and metal or other opaque substance.
These cylinders are slightly thicker at their top outer circumference,
and have their edges bevelled similar to the head of a screw. The
cylinders are fitted to place in and take out of a circular ring or metal
frame, and each frame has an inner bevelled edge to receive the top of
the cylinders. I place the bottom part of the cylinder first through the
frame, and allow it to pass through until it is caught by its bevilled
head, which retains it in its place. The two cylinders with their frames
made to receive them are concentric, the smaller passing through the
larger cylinder, and there are attached to these circular frames, and
firmly secured there, metal rods or vertical racks for the purpose of
lowering the cylinders into the small or inner globe. I construct the
top of the lamp in the usual way, having suitable handles attached for
the purpose of carrying the lamp from place to place. The top is made
of any convenient form or shape, having a vertical rim of some depth,
through which the handle that actuates the two cylinders is passed.
The top of the lamp has studs fixed upon its lower flange; these studs
enter corresponding holes or slots in the permanent metal ring fixed to
the shoulder at the top of the globe, so that when the studs enter the
slots or holes by simply turning the top of the lamp round it becomes
securely fastened to its place.
From the centre of the top of the lamp and fixed thero securely is the
chimney in the shape of a cone, having an opening in the top. The
diameter of the mouth of the chimney is a little less than the diameter
of the smaller cylinder with its metal ring. The position the mouth of
the chimney occupies when the top of the lamp is fastened in its place
is immediately over the top opening of the small inner globe, sufficient
circular space being left between the outer circumference of the mouth

page_text: of the chimney and the edge of an inverted cone placed to protect the
glass cylinders. I prefer to place in the reserved space between the
outer casing of the lamp and the chimney the part of the apparatus for
actuating the vertical racks and screens. Suitable guides are placed
for the parallel racks to run in.
It will be understood that the two cylinders are raised just sufficiently
to clear the small globe or inner glass, and the cylinders are kept in this
position in their guides by a toothed wheel fixed on bearings attached
to the chimney and side of the lamp. This toothed wheel is made to
gear with the parallel racks, and they are made with just sufficient tecth
to lower and lift the cylinders the required depth.
As the space between the chimney and the outer case of the lamp
is not sufficient to allow of a large toothed wheel to be used, I effect
my purpose by fixing a small pinion to the large wheel, and make it
work upon the same axis. I then gear with this small pinion a
quadrant rack working upon suitable bearings, and carrying such a
number of teeth that the movement of the rack through a very small
arc is quite sufficient to cause the larger toothed wheel to revolve
more than once, I thus get the power of a larger wheel. The end
of the spindle or arbor carrying the quadrant rack has a square shoulder,
and passes through the outside of the top of the lamp, and to the square
shoulder is fixed a suitable handle, or it may have affixed to it a
quadrant or bell crank to be kept in its normal or central position by
suitable springs.
At each of the two angles of the crank may be attached a chain or 2
cord of any desirable length for the purpose of working the signals
from a height. For convenience and certainty of action the cords or
chains are painted the same colour as the lamp exhibits when the chain
or cord is tightened.
It will now be understood that upon turning the right-hand handle, &
or pulling the right-hand red cord or chain, the quadrant rack will
describe in its place a part of a circle, and this will actuate the toothed
wheel to lower the red screen or cylinder, thus changing the colour of
the light. If the cord is slackened and the handle allowed to return
to its normal position the red cylinder will be raised and the light a
again uncoloured. By turning the handle to the left, or pulling tho
left-hand black cord or chain, the dark or negative screen or cylinder

page_text: will be lowered and the light obscured. Again, by placing the handle
in its normal position the dark screen will be lifted and the light
allowed to pass through the globe, and by repeating these movements
from time to time agreeable to my "Clapptograph signal code "
messages can be transmitted.
When I desire to use this part of my Invention for steering signals,
or for railway signalling, I prefer to dispense with the negative or
dark screen, and in the place of it I insert a green glass, or a glass
of any desired colour. The lamp will then show a light that can be
changed into one or more colours, the action and arrangement of the
apparatus being the same as before described, only that the black
chain should be coloured the same as the glass inserted in place of
dark screen.
The bottom of the lamp is made in the usual manner, and contains
the oil reservoir. The reservoir is made of the same shape as the inside
of the lower reflector, and it has an opening passing through its centre
for the purpose of supplying air to the wick of the lamp. The oil
reservoir with the wick is placed in such a position on the bottom of
the lamp, and secured there, that the flame from the wick is only seen
in the exact centre of the small or inner globe.
It will be understood that by the arrangement of the hour glass
reflectors, the oil reservoir, and the apparatus for actuating the screens
are hidden from view, thus the lamp, when seen from a distance, having
the appearance of a globe of light. The bottom of the lamp is made
to fasten to the metal ring on the lower shoulder of the globe by means
of slots and studs, as before described, and by turning it in a reverse
way to the top of the lamp an inverted metal conc is made to cover
the toothed wheels and cylinders; it is constructed to project a little
lower than the cylinders when in their normal position, and it thus
makes a convenient stand for the top of the lamp when out of its
place. This cone may be made to fasten in the usual way with slots
and studs to the top of the lamp; or screens may be used for the same
purpose.
In describing that part of my Invention which I have called the
hour glass reflectors, it is understood that I claim their use and appli-
cation with or without the small or inner globe to all kinds of lamps
known as "all round lamps." Their adaptability to street lamps and

page_text: light houses is apparent. When using such reflectors for light houses
they may be built up in segments for the purpose of easy removal.
The height from the lamp proper being in the exact centre is equally
reflected all around, the rays of light that would otherwise escape and be
wasted are by the reflectors condensed and utilized.
Conc reflectors have hitherto been made and used having their inner
surface polished and silvered for the purpose of reflecting the rays of
light in a downward direction, and it will be seen that the object of
this Invention is to direct the rays of light equally around the lamp, and
for this purpose I construct the "hour glass" reflectors to any desired
curve, either convex or concave, and polish and silver their outer
surface only.
I now describe the part of my Invention for transmitting signals by
means of hand signal lamps constructed with a lens for throwing the
rays of light in one direction only. These lamps may also be used as
ordinary dark lanterns, or signal lanterns for showing different coloured
lights. For these purposes I construct a cylindrical screen or frame of
metal, having openings to place glass of different colours, red and green,
and having the usual opening to allow the rays of uncoloured light to
pass through the lens when desiring to exhibit a white light; or the
screen may only carry a red glass, the other part of the screen being
opaque for the purpose of obscuring the light from time to time. At
the bottom of the screen are cross pieces of metal radiating from the
centre, to which is rivetted at the underneath part of the centre a small
pinion or toothed wheel having a point of hard metal projecting from
its centre to serve as a pivot or centre bearing; it enters a correspond-
ing hole sunk in the inner bottom of the lamp, the pivot being the axis
upon which the screen revolves. I gear with the small pinion a
quadrant rack fixed in suitable bearings and also working upon the
inner portion at the bottom of the lamp. This rack has a handle
passing through the sides of the lamp in any convenient place for its
use.
In some lamps I prefer to work the screen carrying the coloured
glass from the top of the lamp. For this purpose the lamp has working
upon its outer surface close to the handle a vertical lever mounted upon
a pivot fixed to the lamp. The bottom end of this lever is in connection
with the handle of the rack, the other end passes up to the top of the

page_text: lamp and is there worked from right to left by means of a thumbpiece;
the moving the lever to the right causes the screen to revolve, bringing
with it the red glass and causing the lamp to shew a red colour. By
turning the lever to the extreme left the screen is turned in the opposite
direction, and the rays of white light pass through the opening in the
screen and out through the lens of the lantern. When the lever is in
its central or normal position, the negative screen obscures the light.
If a green glass is substituted for the negative screen, then when the
lever is turned to the extreme left the green glass will come in front of
the light and cause the lantern to exhibit a green coloured light, in this
case when the lever is in its centre or normal position the white light is
exhibited through the lens.
The case of the lamp is made in the ordinary way to any desirablo
outer form; it carries a suitable handle with the usual door, carrying
the lens of the lamp. The top of the lamp is made to take off and
on, and can be fixed in its place by slots and studs, or it may be
hinged and fastened by a spring catch. In the centre of the metal at
the bottom of the inside of the lantern is sunk a hole to receive the
pivot or centre bearing of the screen. This arrangement will allow the
screen to be casily lifted in and out of the lamp for the purpose of
cleansing. The oil reservoir carrying a reflector is also lifted in and out
of the lamp, the screen being placed in first; this enables me to have a
much larger reservoir than if I passed the oil reservoir through the door
in the usual way.
In order to prevent the reservoir being carried round by the action of
the screen I fix three vertical strips of metal one on each side of the
reservoir and one at the back. The strip of metal at the back of the
reservoir carries a catch or convenient fastening to which the reflector
is fixed. The other ends of the vertical strips of metal are bent back to
form hooks, by which the oil reservoir with the reflector is suspended
from suitable catches placed upon the inner rim at the top of the lamp.
The screen is first made to enter the lamp, and is caused to gear with
the rack and pinion, then the oil reservoir is passed into its place and
suspended from the catches, the top or lid of the lamp with its chimney
is placed in its position and fastened, the inner portion of the top of tho
lamp having a flange that keeps the screen in its place and prevents it
jumping out of gear with the rack. It will be thus seen that all the
parts are extremely simple and casy of adjustment, and I wish it to be

page_text: most clearly understood that in all the various parts of my Invention
when I use the rack and pinion for the purposes of signalling, as
described, I use them for giving a rotary or circular motion to the
various parts of my apparatus in as small an arc as possible, and by this
means I am enabled to attain my object of flashing signals for the
purpose of transmitting messages as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Henry Clapp, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, this Third day of December,
in the year of our Lord One thousand cight hundred and
seventy-four.