IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS
Year: 1854

page_text: Sealed the 17th August 1854, and dated the 25th February 1854..
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles William Siemens
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
25th February 1854.
I, CHARLES WILLIAM SIEMENS, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS" to be as follows :-
I employ an improved construction of insulator for suspending telegraphic
line wires from posts or walls or other supports. The hook or eye through
which the line wire is passed is cemented with its stalk into a thimble of
porcelain or other non-conducting material, with a bell-shaped enamelled ring
or annular projection. This thimble on its part is cemented into a cylindrical
chamber at the bottom of a bell of cast iron, which bell is fastened in its
inverted position to the post or wall by a wood screw projecting from the same,
or by means of a flange, and separate screws or otherwise. I prefer to employ
sulphur as the cement. The cast iron bell protects the enamelled rim of the

page_text: porcelain thimble from rain, snow, or accidental blows; which rim, being main-
tained dry both on its outer and inner surface, effectually insulates the cast iron
bell (or the post) from the stalk from which the line wire is suspended. The
form of insulator employed at the stretching posts is similar to that before
described, only it is made stronger in all its parts, and the two ends of line wire
are joined separately to the end of the stalk by means of wedges inserted into
notches in the end of the stalk after the wire has been drawn through
and stretched sufficiently tight by a rack and pinion, or other suitable con-
trivance.
I discharge atmospheric electricity or lightning from telegraphic line wire,
by means of an apparatus which consists of an open cylinder of glass, gutta
percha or other non-conducting material, which is cemented air-tight between
metallic covers, which covers are connected one to the line wire and the other to
the earth. The distance between the two opposed metallic surfaces, and which
the lightning has to traverse, is made adjustable by the introduction of a false
metallic bottom, which is screwed into either of the covers. One of the covers
is perforated and provided with a stop cock through which the air is exhausted
from the space between the metallic surfaces, and this state of vacuity is pre-
served by closing and cementing the cock. The object thereof is to facilitate
the passage of static electricity, (which is known to pass with much greater
facility through a vacuous space than through atmospheric air,) and thereby to
obviate the necessity of placing the two surfaces in very close proximity, which
is attended with the practical difficulty, that metallic particles are sometimes
separated by the electric spark from one plate, and, resting between them,
establish a metallic connection for the passage of the galvanic current.
I establish a telegraphic communication along a train of railway carriages
in the following manner, without involving the necessity of a special metallic
connection between them. For this purpose I place a galvanic battery on the
tender or engine, and a second battery of the same power on the break van or
last carriage in the train; the positive poles of both batteries are connected by
wires to the axles of their respective carriages, which, being in metallic con-
tact with the rails, establish a permanent metallic connection between the
positive poles of the two batteries. The negative poles of the same batteries
are permanently connected to the draw bar of their carriages, provided the
draw bar is insulated by intervening wood work or other non-conducting
material from the axles. Metallic connections are moreover established
between the two draw bars of each carriage throughout the train. In coupling
the carriages of a train in the usual manner, a continuous metallic connection

page_text: is thus established through the draw bars and coupling screws, leading from
the negative pole of the one to the negative pole of the other battery. The
two batteries being placed in the same metallic circuit, but with their poles
opposed to each other, no sensible galvanic current will pass in either direction,
provided the two batteries are nearly of the same power. If, however, in any
one carriage a metallic communication is established between the axles and
the draw bars, a shorter circuit is formed for each battery, through which the
two currents will pass without encountering each other. By placing the coils of
electro-magnets at any points into this circuit, their armatures will be imme-
diately attracted, producing visible signals, by moving a hand or disc or audible
signals by means of alarums, or by acting upon detents, whereby springs or
weights may be released to act upon breaks, and thereby check or stop the
train. If audible signals are adopted, I propose to place an alarum near every
break throughout the train, or at least one upon the engine or tender and
another upon the break van. Every carriage or every guard box should be
provided with a lever or button to establish contact between the axles and
draw bars of the same, which lever may be rendered accessible either to the
guard only or to every passenger in the carriage, by means of a cord running
through the different compartments or otherwise. A variety of conventional
signals may be conveyed between the guards, the engine driver, and the
passengers of a train, by sounding the bells either once, twice, thrice, or
during a considerable period of time, without interuption. The alarums may
he combined with visible signals, which will convey the intelligence even
though the alarum should not be heard or should be deranged. The optical
arrangement I propose to consist of a disc of glass or transparent paper,
divided into sections of different colour, and partly covered over, so that only one
section of the coloured disc is visible at one time. The disc is fixed upon a
spindle, and is made to rotate through the breadth of one segment for every
movement of the armature of an electro-magnet. By placing a light behind
the transparent dise, the optical signals will be rendered visible at night. The
different segments of the disc may also contain words, such as "break," "stop,"
"train behind," &c. If the frame of the carriage is made of iron, I propose to
establish the metallic connection between the carriages by means of the guard
chains or other connections, which in that case must be insulated from the
iron framing, and metallic connections be established by means of an insulated
wire between the opposite guard chains or other connections of cach carriage.
The arrangements may be varied, moreover, by establishing one line of con-
nection through the draw bars and the other through the guard chains. It is

page_text: a matter of indifference through which of the metallic connections either the
positive or the negative poles are united. By removing one of the batteries
entirely, and leaving the circuit of the remaining battery open, signals may still
be transmitted from any part of the train towards the battery, but not in the
opposite direction. If a closed circuit of one battery only is adopted, signals
may be conveyed throughout the train by breaking the circuit at any point,
and causing the armatures to recede from their respective magnets. In lieu
of a galvanic battery, any other suitable source of electricity may be employed,
as for example, a magneto-electric machine, driven by the locomotive engine or
by the wheels of the carriages, or otherwise.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Charles William Siemens in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 25th August 1854.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, CHARLES
WILLIAM SIEMENS, of Adelphi Chambers, in the County of Middlesex, Engi-
neer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fifth day of February, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, in the seventeenth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Charles William Siemens, Her special licence that I, the said
Charles William Siemens, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such
others as I, the said Charles William Siemens, 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 Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS," the said Invention having
been partly communicated to me from abroad and partly my own Invention,
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Charles William Siemens,
by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, 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.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Charles William Siemens, 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, reference being had to the accompanying Draw-
ing, and to the figures and letters marked thereon, that is to say :-
The first part of my Invention consists of an improved insulator for suspend-
ing telegraphic line wires from posts, walls, or other supports.
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawing is a full size sectional representation
of the same.
It consists of a wrought iron hook a, in the eye of which the
line wire is supported. The stalk of the hook a is cemented by means of
sulphur or other suitable binding substance into an inverted cup 6 of porcelain,
glass, or other non-conducting material, the projecting rim of which should
present a smooth surface, by being enamelled or otherwise, in order to prevent
the adhesion of moisture. The cup or thimble 6 is fastened into a cylindrical
chamber projecting from the crown of a cast iron bell c by means of sulphur or
some cement; the bell c itself being fastened to the post or wall either by a
single wood screw projecting from the bell, as shown in the Drawing, or by
means of a flange cast upon the bell to be fastened against the post or wall by
means of two, three, or more separate screws. At certain intervals, or at the
stretching posts, I employ a larger description of insulator to give support to a
stalk of the form as represented by Figures 3 and 4. The end of the stalk con-
tains two notches a and b, which taper slightly in opposite ways to admit of the
introduction of wedges or keys. The ends of two adjoining pieces of line wire
are laid each into the bottom of one of the notches, and being pulled sufficiently
tight by means of suitable mechanism attached to the post, the wedges are
introduced from the opposite sides, so that the pull on the line wire tends to
draw in the wedge and to hold it tight in the bottom of the groove. The
advantage of this mode of fastening the line wire at the stretching posts is, that
the contact between adjoining pieces of the same is established through the
metallic stalk by which they are held, and that each portion may be slackened
out or be drawn in tighter, as occasion may require.
The object of the cast iron bell of my insulator is to protect the glazed or
enamelled rim of the insulating cup 6 from rain, dirt, and casualties, which,
being maintained dry both on the inner and outer surfaces, effectually insulates
the cast iron bell from the stalk, or the post from the line wire.
My Invention also consists of an improved arrangement for the discharge of
static clectricity or lightning from telegraphic line wires. Figure 3 is a sectional
elevation of the apparatus I employ for this purpose. a is a cylinder of glass,

page_text: gutta percha, or other non-conducting material, which is ground and cemented
perfectly air-tight between two metallic covers b, c. A metallic disc f is screwed
into one of the covers, and serves to regulate the distance between the two
metallic faces opposed to each other. The second cover is perforated by a
hole d, which can be closed by a stop cock 7, and serves for the extraction of
the atmospheric air from the interior. The stop cock being closed, it is secured
from interference by a ring 9, which is slipped over it, and the apparatus is
ready for application to the line wire; for which purpose, two set screws i and
h are provided, to establish metallic connection from the one side to the line
wire, and from the other to the earth. Static electricity or lightning will pass
with great facility through the vacuous space between the two metallic discs
opposed to each other, and thereby prevent accident to the telegraphic instru-
ments, &c.
In respect of this part of my Invention, I claim,-
Firstly, the arrangement of insulators to support metallic line wire, by
cementing a metallic stalk into a thimble or cup of insulating material with a
projecting rim, presenting an enamelled or glazed surface, which cup is again
cemented (by means of sulphur or otherwise) into the bottom of a cast iron cup,
affording protection and support.
Secondly, fastening the ends of adjoining pieces of telegraphic line wire
into a common insulated stalk of metal by means of wedges, introduced into
notches from the opposite sides to the lengths of line wire.
Thirdly, discharging the static electricity or lightning from telegraphic line
wire through a vacuous space between two metallic surfaces, which are attached,
the one to the line wire, and the other to the earth.
Another part of my Invention consists in certain arrangements, whereby
I establish telegraphic communication along a railway train which is in
motion, without the necessity for special metallic connections between the
carriages.
I place a galvanic battery upon the engine or tender of the train, and a
similar battery upon the last carriage or brake van. I establish two metallic
connections between these two batteries through the line of draw hooks,
through the two lines of side chains (by connecting the opposite chains of cach
carriage by means of wires passing underneath or through the framings), or
through the wheels and rails, or through several or all of them conjointly, in
such a manner, that the one metallic connection combines the two positive and
the other the two negative poles of the batteries. Supposing the power of the
two batteries to be alike (or nearly so), they will completely neutralize or

page_text: balance each other, and in consequence no current will pass through the
metallic connections.
If, however, at any one point of the train the two metallic lines of connec-
tions be joined by a metallic cross connection, then a perfect metallic circuit
will be formed for each battery.
By placing into these circuits the coils of electric magnets, the galvanic
currents that ensue upon the cross connection being established, will cause their
armatures to be attracted, whereby alarums may be liberated, or other conven-
tional signals be made.
Figure 4 shows a plan of two railway carriages, forming part of a train to
which my apparatus is attached. A is an enlarged plan of one of the batteries
employed on one extremity of the train, and B is the plan of the battery
eniployed at the other extremity. a, a, a, shows the metallic line of connec-
tion established through the draw hooks between two similar poles of the
batteries; and b, b, b, the metallic connection between the other similar poles
through one line of side chains; C is an alarum which is placed into the
metallic line of connection b, b, b, and which is represented on an enlarged
scale by Figures 5 and 6. D is a communication by which the cross connec-
tion between the two lines can be established in pressing down a button, and
which is represented in real size by Figures 7 and 8. Instead of the line of
connection a through the draw hooks, it may be taken through the second line
of side chains c, as shewn by red lines on the Drawing. In order more fully
to ensure continuity of communication, the two lines of side chains may form
the connection between two similar poles of the batteries, and the line of draw
hooks together with the rails may form the connection between the other
similar poles; or a double system of communication may be established to
produce combined signals, by adapting one line of side chains with the
draw hook and earth (singly or combined) for one circuit, and the second
line of side chains with the line of draw hooks and rails for the other.
Figure 9 is a sectional elevation of one carriage, showing an arrangement
by which every passenger in the same has the means given him to establish
the cross connection between the two lines of communication, and thereby to
sound alarums or produce visible signals simultaneously in all parts of the
train where such instruments may be placed. The arrangement consists simply
of a line or wire l, which passes longitudinally through the carriage near the
roof. This line is fastened at one end of the carriage, but the other end is
attached to the lever of a communicator or contact lever at m. The com-
municator is connected to the two main lines of electric communication by

page_text: means of branch wires n, and establishes metallic connection between the same
upon the line 7, being pulled sufficiently hard to overcome the retaining spring
of the contact lever.
In order to ensure metallic continuity through the lines of side chains, I
prefer to galvanize the same (they being at present commonly painted). If
the frame of the carriage is of timber, no precaution is required in fastening
the holding bolts of the chains to them; but if the frame is made of iron, then
the bolt and nut must be insulated from the same. The mode in which I
effect this insulation is shown by Figures 10 and 11. f, f, are plates forming
part of the frame; g is the chain bolt, which is made somewhat less in diameter
than the hole through the frame, to allow for the thickness of a short tube of
gutta percha that is slipped over it; washers of gutta percha or other insulat
ing material k, k, are made to intervene between the frame and the shoulder of
the bolt on the one side, and the washer o on the other side. The wire p
establishes the metallic communication between the two opposite chain
bolts, by being looped at the ends, and screwed fast between the washer o
and the nut h.
The galvanic battery I prefer is a modification of Daniell's battery, one cell
of which is represented in section by Figure 13. B is a casing of gutta percha,
divided by cross partitions into a number of insulated cells; cach cell contains
a porous pot P, to the open end of which a truncated conc of gutta percha is
cemented. A strip of copper 7 passes to the bottom of the porous pot, to
which is attached crossways a perforated disc of copper p.
Around the porous
pot is an open cylinder of zinc, connected by a strip of metal to the copper of
the adjoining cell, and so forth, as is well understood. Both the pots and the
spaces surrounding the same being filled with water, the truncated extensions
of the same are filled with crystals of sulphate of copper, which, being partly
immersed in the water, will dissolve in the same until the entire pot is filled
with saturated solution, which will be maintained during the working of the
battery so long as their are crystals in the cone. The advantages of this
arrangement of battery are, that it is very constant in its action, and requires
but little attention. Other constructions of batteries may, however, be
used.
Figure 12 shews the end elevation of the similar battery A.
The alarm I prefer to employ is represented by Figure 5 in transverse section,
and by Figure 6 in elevation, supposing the door of the casing removed. F is
the electro-magnet with its armature r, which latter is attached to a detent
lever s. The attraction of the armature causes the release of a clock work,

page_text: which imparts motion to two hammers t and t', causing them to strike alter-
nately two bells u and u' of different tones, whereby the sound of the alarm
is more easily distinguished from other sounds on the train. The clock work
is periodically wound up by the trunnion v, which in each rotation moves the
segment w with its lever a through the breadth of one tooth. When the
clock work is fully wound up, the lever a is in a horizontal position, but in
proportion as the motive spring is expended, the position of the lever alters
until it attains a certain position, which indicates that the tension of the spring
is entirely expended, and gives a warning to the guard or attendant to wind it
up again.
The motion of the armature is rendered visible by means of an extension of
the lever s, forming an index y that comes into view every time the armature
is attracted, as will be readily perceived.
Figure 7 shews a plan, and Figure 8 an elevation in full size, of the com-
municator by which the signals are made. It consists of a piece of wooden
board, to which two contact screws 1 and 2 are attached, communicating by
means of wires, the one to a metallic point 3, and the other to a spring 4,
terminating in a metallic point 5. The contact is made by depressing the
metallic spring 4. I propose to place a contact lever of this description,
together with one alarm, upon the engine, and upon every brake van within the
train, for the use of the guards and engine driver, who will be able to convey
to each other several conventional signals, such as "stop," "look out," "brake,"
&c., by sounding the alarms once, twice, or continually. The power of signal-
ling may also be given to the passengers within the train in the manner before
described. If it is desired only to communicate to the engine driver, then the
battery at the end of the train may be suppressed. It is evident, moreover,
that the apparatus before described may be varied in many respects without
departing from the essential features of my Invention, for which I claim,―
Firstly, the connecting the similar poles of two batteries of nearly equal
power, which batteries are placed at the two extremities of a railway train,
for the purpose of sending signals from any intermediate point simultaneously
in both directions."
Secondly, effecting the metallic communication for electric telegraphic pur-
poses along a railway train through the draw chains and the side chains usually
connecting the carriages composing the train.
Thirdly, the mode of insulating the side chain bolts from the metal work
of the carriage frame, herein-before described with reference to Figures 10
and 11.

page_text: Fourthly, the construction of alarum, as herein-before described, having
a hand or visible signal and two bells of different sound, which are struck
alternately, and a lever or indicator to shew when the spring requires
winding up.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles William Siemens, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of August, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
Witness,
CHARLES WILLIAM SIEMENS. (L.S.)
CHARLES COWPER,
20, Southampton Buildings,
Chancery Lane.