IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC CLOCKS AND TELEGRAPHS, PART OF WHICH IMPROVE- MENTS ARE APPLICABLE FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1845

page_text: BAIN, of Hanover Street, Edinburgh, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date the
Twenty-fifth day of September, in the ninth year of Her reign, did for Herself,
Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said Alexander Bain,
Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said.
Alexander Bain, my exors, admors, and assigns, and such others as I, the said
Alexander Bain, my exors, admors, or assigns, should at any time agree with,
and no others, from time to time and at all times during the term of years
therein mentioned, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC CLOCKS AND TELEGRAPHS, PART OF WHICH IMPROVE-
MENTS ARE APPLICABLE FOR OTHER PURPOSES;" in which said Letters Patent is
contained a proviso, obliging me, the said Alexander Bain, by an instrument in
writing under my hand and seal, particularly to describe and ascertain the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
and to cause the same to inrolled in Her Majesty's High Court of Chancery
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said in.
part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto
had, will more fully and at large appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I the said
Alexander Bain, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention, and
the manner in which the same is to be performed, is particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following description thereof, reference being bad to
the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon
(that is to say):-
My first improvement consists in placing the long telegraphic wires in a
wooden fence, which fence is made to answer the double purpose of an ordinary
railway fence, to prevent cattle, &c. getting upon the line, and also serves as a
protection and insulation to the telegraph wires.
Figures 1, 2, and 3, Sheet I., shew the methods which I adopt in carrying
out this part of my Invention. A, A, Fig. 1, are wooden posts stuck in the
ground about two feet deep, and standing about four feet above the surface;
that portion in connection with the earth being previously charred to prevent
decay; B is a longitudinal hollow bar or box fixed firmly on the tops of the
posts A, the tops of the posts A being morticed in the bottom of the box or
bar B, and still further fixed by means of nails or screws being driven through
the bottom of the box B, and into the tops of the posts A at each side of the
mortice. The posts A should never be more than fifteen feet apart from each
other. In the box or longitudinal bar B are placed the wires L, L, L; they do
not rest upon the bottom of the box, but upon small blocks of asphalte, having
small grooves for their reception (see Fig. 3, which is a plan of a portion of
the box); B, B, represent the sides; I, I, the small blocks of asphalte resting
on the bottom of the box B, they are about three feet apart; L, L, L, the
wires resting in the grooves in the asphalte. The blocks of asphalte are
previously cast in moulds made for the purpose. K, K, is a malleable iron
cover, about one-twelfth of an inch thick, which is afterwards screwed on the
top of the box B; this cover ought to be so firmly screwed down as to make
the box as nearly water-tight as possible, and the several lengths should be
joined exactly on the tops of the posts, and over-lapped by a strap of iron
formed into the shape of the letter U, as shewn at N, Fig. 1, the two ends of
the strap to be screwed or nailed to the posts A. The wires L are to be used
to transmit electricity to the greater distances, as for instance, between the
two termini. There are other wires E, E, which pass through holes in the
posts A. These holes ought to be about an inch in diameter, and having
thick porcelain tubes fixed into them with boiling asphalte or other resinous
cement; the holes in these tubes to be about one-fourth of an inch thick,
the wires to be nearly the same size, and made to pass through these holes.
The wires should be tightened in the usual mode when wire fences are

page_text: erected; but in this case all the joinings should be brazed, and when that
cannot be done, soldered with tin solder, and afterwards painted; but great
care must be taken that no metallic connexion will be made between the wires.
G, G, are thin plates of iron screwed on the posts A, for the purpose of keep-
ing that portion of the wires E dry which are within the confines of the posts;
but these plates of iron must not be allowed to touch the wires; c, c, c, c, are
two tall upright posts stuck in the ground about four feet deep, and are
employed when it is necessary to carry the wires higher than usual, such as
over a common road when on a level with the railway. The wires E, E, in
this case should be stapled, or otherwise well fixed to the parts N, N, N; that
portion in contact with the wood should be covered with wax varnish, and then
carried up in grooves to the top of the post and crossed to the other posts, as
shown by H, they come down and are well fixed to the other posts at N, N, N,
and covered with varnish in the same manner. Another method is shewn at M,
they are in this case carried under ground, and insulated from the moisture of
the earth by being bedded in asphalte; D, D, are two strong posts fixed firmly
in the ground; the ends of the wires E, E, being well fixed to the posts
at N, N, N, are well coated with wax varnish, and carried down in grooves
previously made for them; they cross under ground from one post to the
other, as shown by M, the grooves being covered by a slip of wood or iron well
fixed over them, not shown in the Drawing, for the sake of distinctness (the
grooves in the former posts C, C, should be likewise similarly protected), the
wires in the ground being well preserved by asphalte, which is shown by the
angular lines. The wires E, E, are by these means sufficiently insulated to be
employed to convey currents of electricity for the purpose of working telegraphs
at moderate distances, while the wires L being better insulated, should be
employed for the longer distances. The whole apparatus to be well painted
to protect it from the action of the weather. I may here remark, that I
do not confine my Invention to electric telegraphs in connexion with railway
fences; but that it is equally applicable wherever fences and electric tele-
graphs are required and run in the same direction.
The second part of my improvements consists in certain portions of appa-
ratus shewn in Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Sheet I. But before I
describe the telegraphs and the mode of action, I will first explain the arrange.
ment of the electric circuit on which their actions depend, and my improved
apparatus for connecting the voltaic batteries, so as to transmit the electric
current in either of the two contrary directions through the circuit of earth
and wire. G, G, G, Fig. 11, shows a portion of the ground between 1 and 6,

page_text: which may be considered the two terminal stations of the telegraph; 2, 3, 4,
and 5, may be considered the intermediate stations; M2 is a voltaic battery,
the construction of that which I prefer is known as Smee's arrangement, I
consider it the best for general use. The plates should be in size at least 5
inches square, and the zinc th of an inch in thickness. The platinized silver
may be any covenient thickness, say, 26th of an inch. 16 cells is sufficient
to work this telegraph 40 miles, but if there are instruments to be worked at
several intermediate stations, more cells must be added, about 2 cells for each
additional instrument.
In the ground at M, N, are put, in good contact with the moisture of the
soil, a few bushels of carbon, say, 4 feet under the surface; either charcoal or
coke answers very well; but to insure good contact between it and wire, I dip
a piece of the coke or charcoal in melted lead, so that the lead gets into the
pores and makes perfect contact. I then solder the wire to the lead, and put
this piece of coke or charcoal in the midst of the rest, but at the same time
keeping the wire from touching the coke or charcoal. Metals would answer
the purpose very well, but I prefer carbon; on account of its cheapness and
durability. A, A, is my improved connecting apparatus; B, B, is a block of
hard wood, about one inch in thickness. a, a, are two pieces of brass, let in
flush with the surface of the wood, and project backwards to within th of
an inch of the surface; c, c, are two similar pieces of brass, and are also flush
with the wood in front, and project backwards the same distance as a, a; only
a portion of the brasses c, c, is seen, because the stem of the handle o par-
tially covers them, but their outlines are seen by the dotted lines. b is a thin
plate of brass, about th of an inch thick, let in flush with the surface of
the wood in front, but does not project backwards; d, d, are two longer pieces
of brass, also let into the wood in front, and project backwards to within
of an inch of the surface. The right-hand brass a and the lower piece of
brass c are connected together by a wire, one end of the wire being soldered to
a and the other to c. At the back of the block b there is a small groove cut in
the back of the wood, where the wire lies. The left-hand brass a and the upper
piece c is similarly connected by a wire being soldered in the same manner, but
these two connecting wires are kept from touching each other by a slip of card
being cemented between them. In this way the right-hand brass a and the
lower brass c may be considered one piece, being, by means of the wire in
metallic contact with each other, and the left-hand brass a and the upper brass c
may be considered one piece of metal, being similarly connected to each other.
There is a wire soldered to the upper end of the left-hand brass d, which

page_text: wire lies in a groove in the back of the wood, and is led up to No. 2, which
may be considered the telegraph instrument, in the same case or at the same
station with the apparatus B, B. This wire is led along to No. 1, which is
supposed to be the terminal station on the left, and then down to the charcoal
in the earth at M. There is another wire soldered to the end of the right-
hand brass d, which is led along to No. 3, which may be considered the next
station on the right, to 4, 5, and 6, and is led down to the charcoal in the
ground. Throughout the whole length of this wire the elcetric currents have
to pass, the water or moisture of the ground serving as the other part of the
circuit. O is a handle, having a centre of motion at P, so that it can be moved
either to the right or to the left, until it comes to the stops r. To the stem of
the handle O, which is hard wood, are screwed two flexible brass springs
99.9.9. The points of the springs press gently upon the surface below the
two right-hand ends when the handle O is moved to the right or left, traverses
on the two pieces of brass d, d, and the left-hand ends of the springs when the
handle is pushed to the left, are upon the pieces of brass a, a, and when the
handle is pushed to the right they are upon the pieces of brass c, c, but when
the handle points downwards, being in the centre, they are on the plate of
brass b. Now, if an electric current was sent through the circuit from either
of the other stations, let us suppose passing in the direction of the arrows at
3, 4, 5, and 6, it would pass into the right-hand piece of brass d, from thence
to the lower spring g, g, by the piece of brass b, to the upper spring g, g, from
thence, to the left-hand brass d, from thence by the wire to the neighbouring
instrument Number 2, thence by Number 1, returning back by the ground;
so that the piece of brass b is for the purpose of keeping the circuit closed for
the reception of all the currents that may be transmitted from distant stations.
But when the currents are to be transmitted from the battery M², and if in the
direction of the arrows shewn on the apparatus, the handle O will be pushed
to the right, as shewn by its figure in dotted lines, then the left end of the
upper spring 9 coming in contact with the upper brass c, which is the positive
pole of the battery, and the lower spring g coming at the same time in contact
with the lower brass c, which is the negative pole of the battery, a current of
electricity will pass through the whole circuit of battery apparatus, earth, and
wire, as shown by the arrows. But if the handle O is pushed to the left, the
upper spring 9, 9, will come upon the right-hand brass a, and the lower spring g
will come in contact with the left-hand brass a, so that in the springs and all
the rest of the electric circuit the direction of the current will be reversed,
except from the battery to the brasses a, a, in which portion of the circuit the
direction of the current remains always the same. It will be now clearly seen

page_text: that the brasses a, a, and c, c, are for the purpose of reversing the direction of
the current at pleasure when transmitted from the battery M², and that the
piece of brass b is for the purpose of closing the circuit between the springs
9, 9, 9, 9, so that when a current is sent through the circuit from any other of
the stations the circuit will be complete to receive it. H, II, are two wooden
bobbins, filled with small copper wire previously covered with silk, for the sake
of insulating the several convolutions from each other, the wire on those bobbins,
two of which are in each telegraph instrument; I, I, is a section of one of
the bobbins II, the numerous convolutions of wire, being cut through the ends
of the convolutions, are seen; L, L, are two semicircular magnets fixed to a
bar of brass. There are similar poles opposite each other, which are free to
move within the bobbins (see N, N, S, S,) and the wire on the bobbins must
be so arranged that it must not pass in the same direction in both, or else the.
power produced in one of the bobbins would be against that of the other, and
whenever this is found to be the case, which may happen by not marking care-
fully the direction of the wire on the bobbin it should be disconnected at
W and P, and the wire P brought downwards and connected to the wire W
of the lower bobbin, and the wire X taken up and connected to the telegraph
wire Q. Figs. 4, 5, and 6 are three telegraph instruments at three different
stations being placed in a single electric circuit composed of a single wire, and
the moisture and water of the intervening ground.
The three instruments are exactly similar in all their parts to each other,
and the same letters of reference apply equally to either. Figs. 4 and 6 have
the fronts removed for the purpose of shewing the internal mechanism; on
the front of Fig. 5 is seen the arrangements of the signals by which the
intelligence is given and understood, but I shall first explain the mechanism
and working of the instruments, and afterwards the tables of signals.
To the mahogany box A (Figs. 4 and 6) is screwed the connecting apparatus
B, B, which is already herein-before fully described; C is a pointer fixed on
an axis and free to vibrate from I to V. This axis carries the bar of brass f,f,
to which are fixed the semicircular permanent steel magnets F, F, having
their south poles at S and their north poles at N. E, E, are tubes containing
two reels of small copper wire covered with silk, in the centre of which the
magnetic poles S and N can vibrate freely without touching the reel; this will
be better understood by referring to the side view, Fig. 8, the arrangement of
these coils being herein-before described (see H, H, and I, Fig 11. The
magnets F are kept in their present position by the attraction of the magnet
W, which is fixed to the inside of the dial H, the right-hand screw on the
dial forming a tight axis on which it can be set to the right or left until the

page_text: pointer C takes an exactly upright position between I and. V. P is a brass
frame connected with the frame D; L is a lever having an axis at n, the right-
hand end of which is shown resting on the axis of the pointer C, which also
carries the magnets F; a portion of this axis is cut away, so that when the
pointer indicates V, the end of the lever L, is released (see Fig. 10 L and O).
I, I, is a brass bar having a click e, the point of which rests on the under part
of the lever L, a portion of which is also cut away (see Fig. 9). I, I, is the
brass bar; e is the click, free to move on its screw; n, the axis, the light-
coloured part representing the portion cut away; R is a large bell mounted
on the hard wood board Q, Q, which is itself fixed to the wall, as is also the
case A; V is the bell hammer, having an axis at S, and is attached to the
brass bar I, I, by the bell wire m.
The two upper diagrams
2 of which are stops for
Fig. 7 represents the top view of the apparatus looking downwards. E is
the tube holding the top reel of wire; F, F, are the magnets; o, the axis;
D, the brass frame, which is fixed to the back of the case; this frame carrics
the tubes E, and also the bearings of the axle o, o. P is the brass frame in
which the axis of the lever L acts; p, p, is a light vein of brass attached to
the brass bar f,f, for the purpose of lessening the vibration of the magnets
and pointer, as it presents a large surface to the air.
of Fig. 7 shew the brass bracket q, the two sides
preventing the magnets F from vibrating too far in either direction, a con-
trivance which I employ in every instance where the semicircular magnets are
used, but which is not always shewn in the Drawings, because in the general
arrangements of the machines this part is not easily seen. Fig. 6 is in every
respect the same as Fig. 4, except that a house bell is shewn to be applied in
addition to the telegraph bell. K, K, are two spiral springs for the purpose
of keeing the handle O in the centre when not in use. There is mechanism
in Fig. 5 exactly similar to Figs. 4 and 6. M are voltaic batteries, one at
cach instrument; N, N, is a quantity of carbon at each of the termini; several
instruments may be worked simultaneously in the same circuit, but the wire
should have no connection with the earth except at the extreme ends, as shewn.
The action of the apparatus takes place as follows, every portion of which
stands, when inert, exactly as shewn in the Diagram, except at the handle O,
Fig. 4, which points downwards like the other handles, Figs. 5 and 6, and
however many instruments there might be in the circuit, they should be all:
kept in a corresponding position, viz., the pointer C midway between the I
and V, the handles O pointing exactly downwards, the right-hand end of the
lever L resting on the axle.o of the pointer and magnets, the brass bar I is.
pulled downwards until the click e arrives below and allowed to rest on thei

page_text: .
under side of the axis n of the lever L; it is kept in this position by the
weight of the hammer V, the instruments by these means being all ready for
action.
When intelligence is to be transmitted, let us suppose from Fig. 4 to all
the other stations, the battery M being first put in action, the next thing to be
done is to move the handle O to the right as shown; as soon as the springs g, g,
come in contact with the two picces of brass c, c, a current of electricity will
pass from the C pole of the battery to the binding screw i of the instrument,
from thence by the wire to the left-hand brass a, from thence by the connecting
wire under the block of wood to the upper piece of brass c, from thence through
the upper spring g to the left-hand brass d, from thence by the wire to the
lower reel e, which is composed of about three hundred. convolutions of fine
copper wire covered with silk; great care should be taken to prevent the
convolutions from touching each other or touching the brass tubes; from
thence the current passes to the upper reel E, where it makes an equal number
of revolutions, and from thence by the wire to the binding screw k, from
thence by the long telegraph wire to the instrument, Fig. 5, (which may be
many miles distant) and passes through the apparatus of the instrument in
the same manner as will be immediately explained in Fig. 6; from the
binding screw k, Fig. 5, it passes through the other portion of the long tele-
graph wire to k, Fig. 6, from thence to the top reel e, from thence by the under
reel to the left-hand brass d and to the upper spring g, from thence through
the brass, as shewn by the curred arrow, to the under spring g, from thence
to the right-hand brass d, from thence to the binding screw 1, from thence by
the charcoal N in the ground immediately below; it passes exactly in the
same manner through the whole apparatus of Fig. 5, and would pass exactly
in a similar manner through all the instruments in the circuit; it then passes
through the water or moisture of the earth to the charcoal N, Fig. 4, from
thence to the binding screw l, from thence by the wire to the right-hand
brass d, from which it passes to the under spring g, from thence to the lower
piece of brass c, from thence by the connecting wire to the right-hand brass a,
from thence to the binding screw h, and from thence to the pole z of the
battery; thus completing the circuit.
This motion of the electric current in all the reels of wire E cause the
magnets F to be deflected to the right, so as all the pointers will indicate V.
In doing this all the axles of the pointers and magnets turn partly round to
the right, which releases the right-hand ends of the levers L, which being
heaviest fall downwards (as represented by its figure in dotted lines), carrying
its axfs partly round with it. This last action releases the clicks e of the brass

page_text: bars I, which action allows the hammers V to fall and strike the bells, pro-
ducing a loud sound sufficient to be beard at a considerable distance, thus
drawing the attention of the keepers of the telegraph instruments. To the bell
hammer V, Fig. 6, is attached a common bell-pull wire, for the purpose of
causing the fall of the telegraph bell to ring an ordinary bell in any other
room of the buildings, such, for instance, as the keeper's bed-room, to draw
his attention, should it be necessary during the night.
The attention of the keepers being thus drawn to the telegraph, the intel-
ligence is to be given as follows:-If the handle O, Fig. 4, is moved to the left,
as scen by its figure in dotted lines, so soon as the left-hand ends of the springs
g will come upon the pieces of brass a, a, a current of electricity will pass as
before from the battery to the brasses a, but will pass in a contrary direction
through the springs g, because the upper spring, which was before in contact
with the positive pole of the battery, is now in contact with the negative,
and the under spring, which was before in contact with the negative pole of
the battery, is now in contact with the positive. The electric current is
now transmitted out through the water or moisture of the earth, and returns
by the long telegraph wire. This is what is termed reversing the current. It
passes through the same and all the connecting brasses, as before, but in the
contrary direction, which makes all the maguets F move to the left, so as that
the pointer C indicates I; the V and the I being the two elementary signals,
which are disposed in various combinations, as shewn by the tables T and U
(see Fig. 5).
The intelligence is conveyed, for instance, by table T, if the word "London"
was to be sent, the first thing to be done after the sounding of the bells, as
lierein-before described, would be to move the handle O to the left, which would
cause all the pointers C to point to I, the handle would be then brought to the
centre, when the pointers would also come to the centre, the handle would be
again moved to the left, when I would be indicated a second time; the handle
O would be then moved to the right, when V would be indicated, then once to
the left, when I would be given. These movements being given in rapid suc-
cession would mean the letter L. The letter O would be given by moving
the handle O to the left, then to the right, then to the left, and then to the
right again, which movement would cause the pointers C to indicate I, V, I, V,
which means the letter O. N would be given by moving the handle O once
to the left, and three times to the right; the letter D, four times to the left,
and the remainder of the letters of the word given in the same manner as
before.
At the end of each letter the recipient of the message should move his

page_text: handle once to the left, as all the actions in each of the instruments are
alike; the pointer C will indicate I, which means when transmitted from the
recipient of the message "I understand the letter," and to indicate I twice
in succession means, "I understand the word; " three times, "I understand the
sentence," and so on (see the recipients, "Table of Signals.") When facility of
working is acquired by long practice, these signals will not be much required,
except I, V, which means "I understand the message.”
The same signals that are employed for some of the letters are also employed
to indicate numbers, but the numbers are distinguished from letters by allowing
the pointer to pause a second or two at the end of the last character of the
number; for instance, in giving No. 7, the pointer would first move to V, then
to I twice, but the last time it would be allowed to stand a little, which means
that it is a number and not a letter. The table U is arranged for the purpose of
transmitting sentences without having to spell the words, and is peculiarly
adapted for transmitting the intelligence connected with the working of the
railway, or giving other information when the sentences required can be pre-
viously ascertained and arranged in the squares of the table. In this table
there are two sets of signals composed of combinations of I and V; all those
signals at the top of the table end with I, and when given singly indicate the
progress of the trains. For instance, when I, I, are given, it means the train
has departed from Edinburgh; so soon as it has departed from Ratho (which
is the next telegraph station), I, I, I, will be given by the office keeper there;
so soon as it has left Linlithgow (which is the next telegraph station), V, I,
will be given, which means that it has left that place, and so on at the
respective stations till the train arrives at Glasgow. This is called the down-
train. The up-train from Glasgow to Edinburgh is telegraphed in the same
manner as it leaves the respective stations, as shewn by the table.
There are other signals also composed of I and V at the left-hand side of the
table, all of which end with V; therefore, at the moment when it is intended
to communicate with any particular station,-thus, supposing the person at
Edinburgh wish to communicate with the person at Falkirk,-although the
alarm bell would ring at all the stations along the line; immediately after this
V, V, would be given, which means the intelligence is from Edinburgh, then
I, V, V, V, would be given, which means that it is intended to be received at
Falkirk, the persons at all the stations would see those signals, and would know
by that a message was going to be sent from Edinburgh to Falkirk, so the
rest of the station keepers would know that they were not called upon to pay
any farther attention until the correspondence was ended, when they should
then set the bell hammers ready to be discharged, which is done by drawing

page_text: down the left hand end of the lever L until the right-hand end passes the axis
of the pointer, on which it is then allowed to rest, and the brass bar I is then
to be drawn down until the click e passes the axis of the lever L, on the under
side of which it is allowed to rest, thus pulling up the hammer V, as shewn in
Drawing.
Another method. of using this table is to give one of the signals at the top
ending with I, and another at the side ending with V, thus the intelligence
meant to be conveyed will be found at the point of intersection of the two
spaces. For instance, if V, I, and then V, V, V, were given, it would mean
"carriage off rails;" again, if V, I, V, I, were given, and immediately followed
by I, V, I, V, it would mean "change to small table," which is the table T, but
if the handle is allowed to pause at the last V a second or two, it would mean
the No. 91, and in this way intelligence can be transmitted to any amount.
A is a piece of slate fixed in front of the instrument to mark the messages
upon.
It will be seen that this Invention is founded on two simple elementary
actions obtained by exciting currents of electricity in opposite directions in a
single circuit composed of a wire and moisture of the intervening ground, and
that by transposing the two simple signals produced by these two elementary
actions in various combinations, a complete system of telegraphic signals is
obtained, as shewn by table T, T.
I secured this Invention in England by Patent, in One thousand eight
hundred and forty-three, and put it in action shortly afterwards both by the
voltaic battery and also by electric currents produced by depositing positive
and negative substances in the earth, as shown, and explained in the Speci-
fication of the said Patent. I therefore herein do not claim the general
arrangement of the whole of the apparatus shown; but what I claim is, the
peculiar arrangement of the connecting apparatus B, B, which is much
simpler and more certain in its actions for transmitting and reversing the
direction of voltaic currents for working telegraphs than any apparatus
hitherto used for that purpose with which I am acquainted; I also claim the
method herein shewn and described for discharging the bells, and also the
peculiar arrangement of signals, as shown in table U, when the signals are
produced by the elementary action of a single circuit, as shown.
Sheet II. represents the third part of my improvement, which consists in
applying the two elementary actions explained in Sheet I. as merely giving
two signals, I and V, to work mechanism capable of giving numerous signals.
of various descriptions. Fig. 1 represents one of the telegraph instruments:
complete. A, Fig. 2, is a wooden case. containing the mechanism, there
.

page_text: being similar mechanism in Fig. 1, as also in all the instruments in the
same line of telegraph. The front of Fig. 2 is removed for the purpose of
explaining the mechanism. B, B, is the connecting and reversing apparatus,
herein-before described; D, D, are reels of insulated copper wire, exactly
similar to those already herein before described; E, the magnets, carried by
the brass bar f (see Fig. 4), on which are two pair of small brass disks Q, Q
(see Fig. 2); the axle works in the bearings u, u; C, C, are two wheels, the
teeth of which rest on one of the smaller discs Q; L, L, are two small
weights attached to the cords o and p, each cord makes one convolution
around pullies I, I; at the lower ends of the cords are smaller weights V, V,
as seen under the case. On the axis of the wheels C is also the ratchet H,
and the clicks g, and springs h; the ratchet II is fixed to the pullies I;
the pulleys I are fixed on the axles, and the wheel G is kept gently spring-
tight on the axle by means of a flexible spring, a method well known to
clock makers. Fig. 3 shews the top view of the apparatus, and Fig. 4, a side
view, the letters having reference to similar parts. In the small discs Q are
notches cut out sufficient to let the teeth of the wheels G pass through (see
Fig. 5); N, N, is a plate of brass having small holes to let the cords o, p,
pass through; n is a knce'd pin projecting from the top of the handle C¹ over
the plate N, so that when the handle C¹ is pulled downwards, which it is
enabled to be by the following arrangement:-In the handle stem Y is
screwed a thick iron wire on which the handle C¹ slides up and down, the
lower end of the wire is screwed, and has a nut P, a portion of the handle is
hollowed out, as shewn by dotted lines, for the reception of the spring R; the
bottom of the spring R rests against the nut P, and the top of the spring
pushes up the handle in its present position, but as soon as each signal is
given and understood, the handles are pulled down both by the recipient of
the message as well as by the transmitter, which action causes the pin n
(see Fig. 4) to take hold of the brass plate N, N, which action pulls down
the small weights V, V, consequently winding up the weights L, L, and the
pointer U to the stops, as shewn by their present position (see Fig. 1). The
projecting pin n of the handle pulls the brass plate N along with it, which
also pulls down the small weights V, V, consequently winding up the larger
ones L, L. The handle C' is pushed in its place by the spiral spring R, and
the brass plate is pulled up by the spiral spring O, O. Attached to the front
imagnet E is a small pointer T, the stem of which comes through the dial
(see Figures 1, 3, and 4), and the under part of the magnet being made the
heaviest, the pointer T stands midway between the I and V.
pointers U are fixed on the axis of the rollers I, I. The axis having their
The two

page_text: outer bearings in the brass bridges r, and their inner bearings are seen in
Fig. 3.
The currents of electricity are transmitted through the wire and intervening
ground, exactly in the same manner as in my second improvement, Sheet I. The
action of the apparatus takes place as follows:-If the handle C¹ is moved to the
left, a current of electricity will be thereby transmitted throughout the circuit,
which will cause the magnets to move with its axis, so as that the pointer T
will indicate I, the discs q turning partly round with the magnets, the wheel C
on the left-hand side having a tendency by means of the weight L to move to
the right is allowed to escape one tooth, in consequence of the notch C (sce
Fig. 5) coming opposite the tooth at the same moment the succeeding tooth
rests upon the brass of the neighbouring disc; this action causes the left-
hand pointer U to indicate the letter A; if now the handle C' is brought again
to the centre, the electric current will be cut off and the magnet E will resume
its former position, when the notch a will come opposite a tooth, allow it to
escape until the succeeding tooth falls on the other neighbouring disc, and the
pointer will then indicate C; and so long as the handle C will be made to
move from centre to left, so often will the left-hand pointer U indicate A, C, E,
G, I, L, and so on, until it arrives at X, when it can go no further for the stop 2.
If the handle C¹ is moved from the centre to the right, the right-hand wheel
C is moved by similar means, the brass discs q immediately above it having
similar notches, allowing the teeth to escape at each vibration of the magnets
from centre to left, and the right-hand pointer U being carried by the axis of the
right-hand wheel C, it will indicate B, D, F, HI, K, and so on down to Y, when
it can go no farther for the stop 3. When letters are being given only one of
the pointers U is moved at a time; but when the numbers or sentences in the
squares are to be signalled, both of the pointers U are moved, which is done by
moving the handle C from side to side until one of the pointers comes opposite
the proper square where the required sentence or number is; and if one of the
pointers have to go further to get opposite the proper square, it is done by
moving the handle C from the centre to that side on which the pointer is
placed, until it comes opposite the proper square; as, for instance, if the sen-
tence "tube has burst" was to be given, both of the pointers would be moved
until the left-hand one arrives opposite A, where it will be allowed to stand,
then the right-hand pointer should be carried on from H to Y, which will
indicate the above-named sentence, and so on for any other number or
sentence on the table.
But let it be always understood that when the telegraph commences
working, the first signals given means the two stations between which the

page_text: correspondence is to take place; for instance, if the right-hand pointer U were
to point to H, and the left to P, it would mean, the message was to be given
from "Ratho to Falkirk."
What I claim in this my third improvement is, first, the arrangement of
the signals on the dial (see Fig. 1), and also the general arrangement of the
mechanism (Figs. 2, 3, and 4), for the purpose of causing the two elementary
actions to work two separate pieces of machinery, each piece of machinery
having a pointer to indicate signals.
the case.
My fourth improvement is shewn in Sheet 3 (Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4). Fig. 1
shews one of the telegraph instruments in its case, having the front removed
for the purpose of exhibiting the mechanism. Fig. 4 shews the external part
of one of the instruments complete, and the arrangements of the signals on the
dial. Fig. 3 is a side view of the mechanism of Fig. 1; and Fig. 2 is the top
view, when the observer looks downwards. A is the case, I is the battery,
and B, B, the connecting apparatus, as herein-before described; G, G, is a
double bracket of brass (see side view, Fig. 3); it is screwed to the back of
On the shelves of this bracket are soldered the brass cylinders
E, E, E, E; in each of those cylinders is a reel of small copper wire covered
with silk, as herein-before described when explaining the previous instrument.
D, D, are two pair of permanent steel magnets, each pair mounted on a brass
barf, f, which bars are fixed on axles P, P, P, P, (for greater distinctness, see
Fig. 3); the bearings of the top axle are seen in Fig. 2; the under one has
similar bearings; the poles of the magnets are free to traverse in the openings
in the centres of the reels E (for clearness, see Fig. 2). F is a wheel with
ratchet teeth above and below, but not throughout its whole circumference
(see Fig. 1); attached to the axles P of the magnets are clicks 0, 0, which
when made to move with the axle, works with and propels the wheel F; y is
a spring, pressing upon the axle of the wheel F, for the purpose of keeping it
steady (see Fig. 3); N, N, are small pointers fixed on the axle, and move
with the magnets D (see Fig. 3); M is a long pointer, which is fixed on and
carried by the wheel F. The chief peculiarity of this Invention is the em-
ployment of the two elementary actions herein-before described in Sheet 1, for
the purpose of giving a backwards and forwards motion to a single pointer
capable of indicating several and various signals, which is done as follows:-
So soon as the handle H is moved to the right until the left-hand ends of the
springs e come upon the two pieces of brass c, a current of electricity will rush
from the C pole of the battery I, through the circuit of wire and intervening
ground, and this having to pass through the reels of wire in the tubes
E, E, E, E, it will cause the under. pair of magnets to be deflected in the

page_text: direction of the arrows, so that the click O will push the wheel F forward a
space equal to one tooth, so that the pointer M, Fig. 4, will move one degree
to the right; so soon as the handle II is again brought to the centre, the
magnets will resume their position, so as that the click O will be entirely free
from the wheel F; and so often as the handle H is moved to the right, so often
will the pointer progress step by step on the dial, until it arrives at x, when it.
can go no farther, because the teeth on that part of the wheel are cut away;,
the current then producing this action acts upon the two upper magnets, so as
to keep the click 0 of the upper pair of magnets away from the wheel. The
magnets and clicks are so balanced on their axles, that when no electricity is.
passing, both of the clicks O are entirely free of the wheel F.
If the handle II is moved to the left, the electric current passes in the
contrary direction, and deflects the upper pair of magnets so as that the upper.
click O will in like manner push forward the wheel (but in the contrary
direction), bringing the pointer M step by step to the left, until it arrives.
at, when it cannot go any farther, because there are no teeth in that portion
of the wheel, so that the wheel F cannot be pushed farther forward. In
this manner the pointer M can be moved backwards or forwards at pleasure,"
so as to indicate any signal on the dial.
In signalizing numbers, or the names of stations, the pointer is made to
move to the letter beyond the signal given, and then brought back to the
next letter; for instance, if the word "Falkirk" was the signal to be given,
the pointer M would be taken forward to W, and then instantly brought.
back to V, thus meaning the word "Falkirk" as it is placed on the line
between those two letters. If the figure 9, for instance, was to be given,
the pointer would be brought first to R, and then back to Q. Several"
similar instruments may be placed in the same circuit and worked simul-
taneously.
What I claim, in this my fourth improvement is, the Invention of causing.
the two elementary actions described in my first improvement to produce a
step by step motion of an indicator in two contrary directions, for the purpose.
of giving signals or working any other machinery at distant places, where
such actions might be found desirable.
My fifth improvement consists of a new method of insulating the long.
telegraph wire on posts, as shewn in Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Fig. 5 shews
the general arrangement when a single wire is used; Fig. 6 shews the
methods when more than a single wire is used; Fig. 9 shows a portion of
the top of one of the parts and insulating apparatus in section. A is the
post; F, a round iron spike, driven into the top of the post; E, the asphalte.

page_text: insulator; B, B, a zinc cover, in the top of which the insulator is cemented;
the insulator E turns round on the top of the spike F, and its under end
rests on the top of the post; the cover B does not touch the post, but should
be at least one inch apart from it on all sides.
hook, as already
The apparatus
E, Fig. 8, shews the insulator complete; B, Fig. 8, shews the zinc cover
complete; is an iron hook, soldered to the cover B, in which the long
telegraph wire D lies. Fig. 7 shews the top of the zinc cover B, and two
methods of putting on the wire; the one is to suspend it in a
mentioned, and the other to twist it round the zinc cover B.
on the top of the post, Fig. 6, is the same as herein-before described; but
when more than one wire is required, I adopt the arrangement seen at H, H,
Fig. 6; H, H, are two iron brackets screwed to the sides of the post, ter-
minating in the upper end in a round spike, similar to F (see Figs. 8 and 9),
and the long telegraph wires are hooked on these zinc covers in the same
manner as already described.
Sheet 4. My sixth improvement consists in working mechanism capable of
giving numerous signals, by means of the two elementary actions herein-before
described, and at the same time taking advantage of these actions in their
simple form in conjunction with the action of the mechanism. The apparatus
will be more readily understood by referring to Figs. 1, 2, and 3. B, B,
Fig. 1, is perfectly similar in every respect to those already explained; E, E,
are tubes of wire, similar to those herein-before explained; and F are
permanent steel magnets on the brass bar f, and carried by the axle o; this
axle works in the bearings m, u, (see Fig. 2). The axle also carries the
pointer T. V are stops to prevent the magnet vibrating too far; N is a
pair of small steel discs fixed on the axle o; R is a steel wheel, having long
pointed teeth; Q is a ratchet wheel, fixed to the wheel R; and O, a click,
working in the ratchet; P, Fig. 1, is a pulley on the same axle with the
wheels, but capable of moving spring-tight by itself without carrying the
other wheel when first in the direction of the ratchet teeth, but sufficiently
W is a
tight to carry round the other wheels with it when free to move.
pulley, on which the cord n passes, and to which is attached the weight S;
Z is a larger pulley, fixed to the two wheels, and to which the cord n
is attached. The cord 2 is attached to the pulley P; the steel discs N have
notches cut out to allow the teeth to pass, as already explained in Sheet 2;
K is a brass plate lever, having an axis at 3. The cord 2 passes through a
small hole in the plate T, and terminates in the small weight X; D is a
wooden handle, capable of being pulled down on its rod to II, and is pushed
up in its present position by the spiral spring 5; it acts as follows:-If the

page_text: handle D is either moved to the right or to the left, currents of electricity
pass through the circuit and deflect the magnets F, F, in the same manner
as herein-before described, which allows the wheel R to revolve with a step
-by step motion, in consequence of the notches in the discs N° allowing the
5 teeth to escape, the movement of the wheel being caused by the weight S
pulling it round; and the apparatus is so arranged that the weight S, by the
escape of each tooth, allows the weight to fall from one letter to that im-
mediately under it, and so on till it falls to the bottom at "cancel the last
signal." If the handle D is moved to the right, the pointer T moves to the
right; but if the handle D is moved to the left, the pointer T is also moved
to the left; but the weight S will fall equally the same with either of these
motions, so that when any letter on the right-hand side is to be signalled, the
handle D should be moved from the centre to the right, so that the pointer
will move from the centre to the right, so that whatever two letters the
weight stands opposite, the one on the right is the signal given; but if the
handle D had been moved from the centre to the left, then the pointer T
would have moved from the centre to the left; whichever two letters the
weight stood opposite, that on the left would be the signal given.
What I claim in this my sixth improvement is the employment of the
two elementary actions, in conjunction with other mechanical actions pro-
duced or controlled by these elementary actions, for the purpose of giving
signals.
every
Sheet V.-My seventh improvement is shewn in Sheet V. A, Fig. 1, is
the case of one of the telegraph instruments, the front being removed to shew
the mechanism. There is mechanisin in Figure 4, exactly similar in
respect. Figure 2 is a top view of the same; Figures 5 and 6 are portions of
the same mechanism. I, Figures 1 and 4, are voltaic batteries; W, Figures 1
and 2, represent portions of the earth; D (see Fig. 1) is a time-piece; there
is a similar one in Fig. 4; both of these time-pieces are regulated to keep
time as nearly as possible together. As the time-pieces should be of the
usual method of construction, I do not deem it necessary to describe the
mechanism; it is of no consequence whether the time-pieces are regulated by
a pendulum or balance, all that is requisite is that both the time-pieces should
be so calculated that the hands U should move round the circle at the same
uniform rate, and both to complete the revolution at the same instant. G is
he winding square of the time-piece, and S, see Fig. 2, is the axle which
arries the pointer. There may be several similar instruments in the same
elegraph, but it is essentially necessary that they should all keep tolerably
ear the same time together, although very accurate performance is not

page_text: centre.
required. In the brass tubes E are placed reels of wire, similar to that
herein-before described. F is a permanent steel magnet; being a cylindrical
bar it lies in the grooves of the antifriction wheels O, O; it is free to move
backwards and forwards in the opening of the reels of wire without any risk
of touching, but when there is no electricity passing through the reels of wire
the magnet is kept in its present position by the steel spring L, see Fig. 2.
Fixed to the magnets are the pointers a, a, and are counterbalanced by the
small weight f (see Fig. 2); they are kept level by the weight g, which is fixed
to the magnets, and being the heaviest, continually hangs downwards. Qare
the four bearings of the antifriction wheels O; P is an upright piece of brass,
to which the spring L is fixed; N is a brass pipe, which is made gently spring.
tight on the arbour S, by the end of the brass spiral spring pressing against it,
see Fig. 2. On this pipe is fixed the wheel M, which is hollowed out on that
side facing the time-piece, similar to the contrite wheel of a verga escapenient
watch, but the wheel M has no teeth cut in it. Fixed in the hollow part of
the wheel towards the time-piece are two brass pins in a straight line with the
As the brass pipe N carrying the wheel M is not fixed on the axle S,
but gently spring-tight thereon, a very small pressure on the rim of the
wheel M will stop it, and yet the time-piece will go on as before, because the
pressure existing between the pipe N and axle S is not sufficient to stop
the axle when the wheel and pipe is made to stand still; the whole of the
apparatus described is supported on the long brass bracket K, K, which is
screwed to the back of the case. The currents of electricity are let on and
reversed by the apparatus of the hard-wood block B in the same way as
herein-before described. The mechanism of the time-pieces D should be so
calculated that the axle S would make about four revolutions in a minute.
So long as the magnet F stands in the centre by the action of the spring L,
the wheel M cannot go round with the axle S of the time-piece, because one
of the two projecting pins will come in contact with a flat projecting portion
on the end of the magnet (for the sake of clearness, see the lower Diagram,
Fig. 6). F is a portion of the magnet; M, a portion of the wheel; and e; e,
the stop pins, which prevent the magnet being pushed too far on either hand
when the electricity is let on and reversed; T is the piece of brass, in which
the stop pins are fixed; the piece of brass itself being screwed to the brass
box of the time-piece, see Fig. 2.
It is now evident that if the magnet is pushed either to the right or to the
left at one of the knee'd edges, it will press against the rim of the wheel M,
except at two portions of its periphery, videlicit, opposite each part where a
small bit is cut away (see upper Diagram, Fig. 6). M is the portion of the

page_text: wheel; F, the magnet; T, the piece of brass, holding the stop pinis e, e, the
rim being seen cut away at each side of the magnet. When either of
the pins in the wheel are stopped by coming in contact with the flat projecting
part on the end of the magnet, the pointer U will stand vertical (see Fig. 1),
5 and also in dotted lines Fig. 4, being in this case placed under the brass
bridge, which constitutes the front bearing to its axle S; X, X, is the front or
dial plate; V, V, a piece of slate fixed on the dial plate to write the messages
upon. The action of the telegraph takes place as follows:-So long as the
telegraph is inert, the pointers U in all the instruments, at however many
stations they may be placed, will stand in a vertical position as described,
although all the time-pieces, videlicit, one in each instrument, will be going
and keeping time together; but when a message is begun to be sent, the first
current of electricity sent through the circuit causes all the magnets F to move
to the right or left, according as the handle H is moved in transmitting the
current. This movement of the magnet releases that part of the wheel M which
was in contact with it; consequently the wheel pipe N, being spring-tight on
the axle as herein-before mentioned, will instantly move round with the axle S,
and as the pointer U is fixed on the same brass pipe as the wheel M, it will
also move round, and this motion of the wheel and pointer will continue
until the edge of the opening in the brass rim of the wheel comes in contact
with the magnet; the current must then be cut off, which will allow the
magnet to resume its former position. The wheel and hand will be by this
action allowed again to move forward until the pointer U comes opposite the
signal to be given, when the current will be again let on by moving the
handle H to the right, if the signal is on the right-hand table; but if the
signal is on the left-hand table, the handle H should be moved to the left, and
the apparatus being so arranged that the small pointers a will progress towards
the left when the handle II is put to the left, and to the right when the
handle H is put to the right, thus indicating to the recipient of the message
on which hand the signal is to be found; as the pointer U is a double pointer,
consequently pointing to both sides at once, these actions of the pointers
become necessary. There are two pauses of the pointer U for each signal, as
well as the release of the pins at the first starting. Thus, if the letter A was
o be indicated, the pointer U would first stop at 10, and then at 11; the small
pointers a in both the actions having moved towards the right.
etter R was to be indicated, the pointer U would first stop at 7 and then at 15;
nd if the sentence "what is the cause of delay" was to be indicated, the
ointer U would first stop at 5 and then at 11; and if the sentence "heavy
rain" was to be given, it would first stop at 10 and then at 16, the pointers
Again, if the

page_text: "
a at each pause moving to the right. But if No. 5, for instance, was to be
indicated, the pointer U would first stop at 29 and then at 32; and if the
sentence "I understand the message was to be given, would stop at 27 and
then at 35, the small pointers a at each pause having moved to the left; and
so on for any other number, letter, or sentence formed in the
the dial.
squares on
Sheet VI. The eighth improvemet consists in the arrangement of telegraph
instruments and signal tables, described and shewn in Sheet VI. W, Figures 1
and 2 represent a portion of the earth at each of the two stations, the inter-
vening ground forming part of the electric circuit, as herein-before described.
The instruments, Figures 1 and 2, are perfectly alike in all their parts, and the
same letters of reference apply equally to either. Fig. 1 has the front removed
for the purpose of shewing the mechanism; Fig. 2 shews a front view of the
instrument, exhibiting the arrangement of the signal table. There is but one
table seen, but there may be many, opening up like leaves of a book; being
binged on the right-hand side, they open up from the left. The margins con-
taining the numbers shewn at top and left-hand side form a portion of the
fixed frame of the instrument, and do not open up with the folding tables.
The mechanism (see Fig. 1) consists of the usual connecting apparatus on the
block B, precisely as herein-before described, of a sliding pull frame Q, which
traverses between the brass bars P, and is for the purpose of winding up the
apparatus; it has a spiral spring V, the elasticity of which pushes up the pull
frame and retains it in its place. There is an upright brass plate T, which
is screwed to the back of the uppermost portion of the case S. There is
another smaller brass plate to the left, screwed to the frame below; to the
brass plates the mechanism is fixed; it consists of two reels of insulated copper
wire D, D, exactly similar to those already herein-before described; they are
placed in brass tubes in the same manner as before described, and these tubes
are fixed to the plate T. E are permanent steel magnets, carried by the
spindler, r, which spindle has its bearings in g, g; it has two small steel discs F,
which have similar notches cut out to let the teeth of the wheels K pass, as
those already herein-before described; and these notches are cut out in such
positions in the discs as that when the magnets move from the centre as far as
they can go to the right, which is a point limited by a stop, the tooth of the
right-hand wheel K escapes from the lower disc, and the succeeding. tooth
rests upon the top of the other discs; but so soon as the magnet returns to the
centre, a notch in the upper discs allows the tooth to escape, and it then rests
upon the lower disc, and so often as the handle H will be moved to the right
und taken back to the centre, so often will the escape of the teeth of the right-

page_text: hand wheel take place, the wheel being forced round by the falling of the
weight c. The magnets are brought back to their place by a flexible spring,
which is not seen in the Drawing, as it is placed at the back of the plate T, T,
as its cord passes over the pulley o, then under and over the pulley M, and
then passes on to a pulley of the same size as the ratchet wheel g, and is
placed between it and the wheel K, at the right-hand side. If the magnet is
made to move from the centre to the left, the left-hand wheel K in conse-
quence of a similar contrivance will move in like manner, in consequence of
the falling of the weight a. 6 is a light hollow ball, to correspond in appear-
ance with the weight a; d, d, are two small weights attached to cords leading.
from smaller pulleys on the same axles of the wheels K, and the large and
small pulleys are so adjusted to each other in size, that while the weights a
and c fall the whole depth of the table, the small weights d only rise to the top
plate of the sliding frame Q; the cords pass freely in the top plate of the sliding.
frame Q, but not so large as to let the weights D pass through. The appa-
ratus works as follows:-The squares of the signal tables are filled with the
alphabet and such words and sentences as may be required for the peculiar
kind of intelligence which may have to be telegraphed; if the handle H is.
moved between the extreme points from right to left, the balls a, b, will both
progress step by step equally, a will progress downwards, and 6 will progress
in a horizontal plane towards the right; but if the handle H is moved only.
from the centre to the right, the ball 6 only will progress; on the other hand,
if the handle H is moved from centre to left, the ball a will only progress; so
that by these actions it is evident that any square on the table can be pointed:
out, so that the thing telegraphed is the letter, word, or sentence found in
the square. The teeth of the wheels K are so calculated, and the size of the
pulleys G, to the spaces between the lines on the table. The first step the
balls progress from the point of rest is half way on the double lines, the next
step is on Fig. 1, the second step is next on lines, and the next step opposite.
Figs. 2, and so on to the end of the table; and it is so arranged that when the
handle H is in the centre, so that no current is passing, the balls will be
opposite figures.
Fig. 4, Sheet VII. is a side view of the apparatus, shewing the mechanism
on the top. Fig. 3 is the top view of the mechanism, the observer looking
downwards.
:
My ninth improvement consists in the arrangement of the table, Fig. 2,
Sheet VII. The signals on this table can be indicated by a revolving pointer:
worked by any convenient mechanical contrivance acted on by electricity, but
I herein shew it by the two elementary characters I and V. These characters

page_text: It
being indicated in exactly the same manner as herein-before described in
Sheet I. The method of giving the signals by this table will be understood
by the following explanation:-If the letter A of the alphabet is to be given,
the pointer will be made to indicate I once; this signal represents the spaces
in which are placed G, D, B, A; then I, V, would be given, which represents
the space K, F, C, A; where these spaces intersect each other is found the
letter meant, which is A. Again, if the letter E is to be given, the pointer
will be made to indicate I twice, which means the space H, E, C, then
I, I, I, I, would be given, which means the space I, E, B, and where these
spaces intersect each other is found the letter E, which is the signal meant.
Again, if the letter M was to be telegraphed, V and I, I, I, would be first
given, then VI, V, I. If the figure 6 was to be given, I, I, V, V, would first
be telegraphed, then I, V, I, V; but if the sentence "what is the cause of
delay" was to be telegraphed, V, I, V, would be first given, and then I, I, I.
Again, if the sentence "is there a ticket left at your station" were to be
telegraphed, I, I, I, would first be given, and then I, V, I, and so on.
will be seen from this explanation that when letters or figures are telegraphed,
both the signals which indicate them are contained between the points A² and
B3, if contained in the top part of the alphabet table; but if on the right hand
the indicating signals will be in that part of the circle between B and D²; and
if it be a number to be telegraphed, it will be between D' and E2, and if on
the left-hand side, the signals are contained between E and A2; but when
any sentence in table No. 1 is telegraphed, one of the signals will be found
between E and A2, and the other between A and B, and that for No. 2, one
of the signals one of the signals will be found between A and B, and the other
between B and D. For table No. 3, one of the signals will be found between
E and D, and the other between E and A3; and for table No. 4, the first
signal will be found between B and D2, and the other between D* and E³.
But when any one of the names of the stations are given, as for instance,
Linlithgow Cross, one signal, I, I, I, is given. When this table is employed
on an instrument having a revolving instead of a vibrating pointer, the pointer
is only to be made to pause a little at each of the required signals, as explained
in Sheet V.
Sheet VIII. shows my improvements in the electric clocks. Fig. 1 shews
my new mechanical arrangements for working the pendulum. A, A, is a
portion of the case; B, the pendulum rod; C, the pendulum bob; D, the
regulating nut; E, E, are the brass brackets screwed to the back of the case.
On these brackets are placed a hard-wood bar K; on the right-hand end of
this bar is fixed a piece of brass H. This wooden bar lays between the two

page_text: upright parts g, g, of the bracket k (see Fig. 3), and is bound in its place by
the screws s; fixed on the top of the bar is another piece of hard wood C, in
which is inserted a piece of gold d; the surface of this piece of gold is made
concave longitudinally, and on the surface of the cavity lays the point of the
steel bar L, L, (see Fig. 1). The left-hand point of the bar L is also gold
soldered to the steel bar. On the left-hand end of the bar L is a circular
piece of wood b, similar to that on the right hand, in which is inserted a piece
of stone. (I prefer agate); projecting downwards into the stone is a pin of
gold e, the lower end of which is bent round and soldered to the brass N in
front; that part of the surface a, a, is made concave, smooth, and well
polished. On these concave parts lay the gold points of the steel bar L, L.
T is a knee'd piece of brass screwed to the pendulum rod; F, F, are twe
cylinders screwed to the bracket beneath; the screws are not seen in the
Drawing. In these cylinders are reels of copper wire covered with silk, and
are constructed exactly the same as those used in the telegraph herein-before
described. Q and R are coke and zinc placed in the ground, for the purpose
of generating electricity. These substances are connected with the reels and
apparatus of the pendulum by the wires r, r. The machine works in the
following manner:-When the gold point on the left-hand end of the steel
bar L, L, is in contact with the gold pin e, which is set in the agate, the point
of gold on the right-hand end of the bar (being continually in contact with
the gold below), the circuit is thereby completed and the electric current
passes from the coke through the wire r to the left-hand reel, from thence to
the right-hand reel by the wire. 2 to the bracket below, from thence to the
gold in the circular piece of wood c, from thence by the gold point to the steel
bar L, L, from thence by the other gold point of the bar L, L, to the gold
pin e in the agate, from thence to the bracket below, and from thence back to
the zinc in the ground by the right-hand wire r. This passage of the electric
current through the reels of wire contained in the cylinders F, F, causes the
magnet J, J, to be moved to the left until the small ball 4 comes against the
end of the reel, but so soon as the pendulum has made its vibration to
the left, the edge of the projecting part of the kneed plate T comes against
the left-hand knee of the steel bar L, L, and pushes it a little to the left,
so as to cause the gold point of the bar L to be entirely out of contact with
the gold pin e in the agate. The electric current being thereby cut off, the
magnet J, J, instantly begins to move to the right, in consequence of being
so adjusted in regard to level that it has a tendency to move to the right by
its own weight. The pin 5 in the magnet by these means comes against
the side of the pendulum rod, and gives it an impetus towards the right until

page_text: the plate of brass T carried by the pendulum comes against the right-
hand knee of the steel bar L, L, when by means of the contact with the
knee the steel bar L, L, is pushed a little to the right until the gold
point of the bar L, L, comes again in contact with the gold pin e, in
the agate, which again establishes the electric current, which causes the
magnet J, J, to be moved quickly to the left. The pendulum returns with
the slower motion by its own momentum until the edge of the brass plate
T pushes the bar. L, L, to the left, when the before-mentioned action again
takes place, and so the motion is continually kept up. N, N, represents
mechanism worked by this pendulum. The mechanism may be employed
as a clock to mark time, or it may be used to wind up a weight or spring
ready to give out its power when required, such as for striking the hours,
or ringing bells, or any other similar purpose. Fig. 2, Sheet IX, shews
the method whereby I work clocks by magneto electricity. The pendulum
shewn in the Drawing is worked exactly in the same manner at that of Fig. 1
lastly herein-before described, except that a greater amount of power is
necessary for the purpose of overcoming the resistance between the magnets
and wire, as will be herein-after explained. The pendulum itself is sus-
pended to the top of the case by two flexible springs such as are generally
used to suspend pendulums of the ordinary construction. These springs are
insulated from each other, their ends having brass collars, are well fixed in
hard wood, both at the top of the case and in the top of the pendulum rod.
Although this pendulum is shew to be worked by electricity, it may be worked
by the power of a weight or mainspring transmitted through a train of wheels
and pinions in the usual way. The electric currents are produced by reels of
wire passing to and fro encircling the poles of permanent steel magnets.
D, D,are the magnets, which are fixed to the sides of the case; E, E,
represent portions of the sides of the case, and the magnets D, D, are seen
screwed thereto; C, C, are brass tubes containing reels of insulated copper
wire similar to those herein before described in explaining the telegraph.
The ends of the wires of these reels are joined together, and the other two ends
of the wire are led up the back of the rod of the pendulum, which is wood, and
attached to the suspension springs, a wire to each spring. From the tops of the
prings are wires, which are led to the clock V, V; the springs thus con-
necting the wires of the pendulum with the wires of the clock V, V. This
circuit is always complete, their being no disconnecting apparatus. The
electricity is produced in the reels of wire in the cylinders C, C, of the pen-
dulum; the production of which electricity offers considerable resistance to
the vibrations of the pendulum, and consequently it is necessary to employ a

page_text: considerable deal more power to work it. This resistance does not sensibly
take place between the maguet and the wire when the circuit is not closed;
but, as in this case the circuit is always closed, the resistance is continuous.
The electric currents are produced in the reels of wire in the cylinders C, C, of
the pendulum, by the mere transit of the wires over the poles of the magnets
D, D. The currents circulate through the whole circuit, including the reels
of wires in the tubes X, X, of the clock V, V. The currents are produced in
reverse directions, according the movements of the pendulum, which gives
a similar motion to the magnet 8, 8, in the clock V, V, which keeps it con-
tinually moving to and fro, from right to left and left to right. The click 7,
carried on the magnet 8, 8, acts on the teeth of the ratchet wheel Z, and pushes
it forward one tooth for every second vibration of the pendulum. This gives
motion to the rest of the mechanism of the time-piece in the usual way. The
advantages of this arrangement are these, that by the currents of the earth acting
on magnets, a mechanical motion is produced, capable of exciting other currents
of electricity of greater intensity, which are thereby capable of travelling and
working clocks at greater distances than the currents of the earth. Another
advantage is, that by keeping one clock going by a weight or mainspring
having the magneto-electric pendulum, currents of electricity can be thereby
produced, capable of working several smaller clocks in other places. The
pendulum is regulated by raising or lowering the weight F on its screw.
Fig. 4 is a side view of a portion of the connecting apparatus.
Sheet IX. contains my new method of printing telegraphic messages.
Figures 2 and 4 are two machines; they should be exactly alike in all their
parts; and in the explanation the same letters and figures of reference will
apply equally to either machine. Fig. 3 is a side view of the apparatus, and
Fig. 1 a top view, as seen when the observer looks downwards upon it. A, A,
Fig. 1, is a wooden board, to which is screwed the upright brass bracket B;
C is a cylinder, on which paper is to be placed; it should be covered with two
or three folds of fine cloth, wound tightly round it before the paper is placed
upon it. This cylinder is free to move on a fixed screwed shaft D, D; it is
what is called a left-handed screw. The end of the pin 2 (see Fig. ), which
is fixed to the under end of the cylinder, works in the screw, so that if the
cylinder is turned to the right, as shewn by the arrow (see Fig. 1), it will
gradually ascend on the shaft, so that any point resting on or coming in
contact with the surface of the cylinder would make marks upon the paper
in a continuous spiral line. E is a piece of clock mechanism; it is exactly
alike in each machine; F is a roller, worked by the clock mechanism; G is
another roller, free to rotate on a stud in the top of the pillar H; V is a

page_text: spring, the free end pressing on the edge of the roller G; M, M, is a silk
ribbon, prepared in the same manner as the manifold writing transfer paper..
This ribbon is first wound on the roller G, and in working the telegraph it is
gradually wound off on to the roller F by the action of the clockwork, and
carries round the cylinder C along with it. L, L, Fig. 3, is a brass bracket,
screwed to the back of the upright bracket B. On the bracket L, L, is
placed the cylinders I, I, which contain reels of insulated copper wire. T, T,
are two antifriction rollers, working in suitable bearings, which bearings are
screwed on the bracket L, L. On the tops of these rollers (which are grooved
for this purpose) lays the permanent magnet K. O is a slight spring, the free
end of which stands between two pins, which are fixed in the magnet K;
P is a small knee'd piece of steel, fixed to the magnet K; and Q is a small
lever, having an axis working in bearings, which are fixed to the end of the
reel of wire, as seen in the Drawing; R is a projecting pin, fixed in the end
of the magnet, and sufficiently long to take hold of the top end of the lever Q
when the magnet moves to the right; 4 is a slight spring, to bring the lever
back to its present position after being drawn to the right; U is a small
weight, fixed to the magnet for the purpose of keeping the magnet from
turning round. The action of the machines takes place as follows:-Currents
of electricity are sent through the reels of wire exactly in the same manner
and by the same apparatus as herein-before described in Sheet I., Figures 10
and 11, and according to the direction in which the current is sent, so will the
magnet K be moved to the right or left, so as to indicate I or V on the small
dial. When the magnet moves to the left, indicating I, the knee'd point P
presses against the paper and makes a dot, which corresponds to I on the dial;
but when the magnet moves to the right, the knee'd point of the lever Qis
pressed against the paper by means of the pin R of the magnet taking hold
of the upper end of the lever Q and drawing it along with it to the right,
consequently pressing the under end of the lever Q against the paper. This
mark corresponds with the letter V, and in this manner these characters are
printed or registered as well as indicated on the dial, the upper marks mean-
ing I, and the lower ones V, so that the intelligence printed by this machine
will be understood by referring to the tables of signals explained in Sheet I.
S is a spring, the free end of which presses against the ribbon and makes a
mark on the paper for the purpose of dividing the lines of dots for the sake
of distinctness.
Fig. 5, Sheet IX., shews my double connecting apparatus, which is for the
purpose of causing a feeble current of electricity to pass through the machine
at the place from which the message is being transmitted, at the same time

page_text: that a more powerful current is sent to work the instruments at the distant
stations. The necessity for this improvement arises out of the circumstance,
that if the insulation of the long telegraph wire is not perfect, a great portion
of the current passes, by means of the imperfect insulation between the wire
and the ground, without reaching the distant stations, so that while the neigh-
bouring instrument is working very powerfully, the distant ones are working
feebly, which is liable both to injure the magnets of the powerfully-worked
machine, and also to make the machines work irregularly. To overcome this
difficulty I have contrived this apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF THE APPARATUS.
B, B, a block of hard wood, similar to that already herein-before described;
C, a powerful voltaic battery; D, a small one. No. 1, the neighbouring
instrument; Nos. 2 and 3, the distant instruments. A, A, the intervening
ground. It will now be clearly seen by the Drawing that if the small
battery D is connected with the upper portion of the apparatus, which is
exactly similar to that herein-before described, except that the piece of brass
to close the current is not therein required, because the currents from the
distant stations have not to pass through that apparatus. This upper portion of
the apparatus is connected with the neighbouring instrument No. 1. The
powerful battery C is connected with the lower brasses of the apparatus, which
direct the current to the distant stations without having to pass through No. 1;
the red arrows denote the passage of the feeble currents from the small
battery D, and the black arrows that of the more powerful currents from the
large battery C. The batteries can be so proportioned in respect to each
other, and with respect to the amount of imperfect insulations, that the instru-
ments at each end will work with nearly the same energy, but the intermediate
stations will be but little affected by it.
Fig. 1, Sheet VII., shews my improved telegraph alarm. A, A, and C, C,
is an electric pendulum, such as I employ to work the electric clock, herein-
before described; it is kept continually going by currents of electricity derived.
from zinc and charcoal put into the earth. Y, Y, represents a part of the
earth; Z, the zinc plates; and T, the charcoal. A currency of electricity is
thus generated, and passes from the charcoal through the wire U to the right-
hand bracket E. But the action of this sort of pendulum being now well
known it is not necessary to describe it here. The brass bar P represents
portion of the brass bar I of Figs. 4, 5, and 6, Sheet 1. When the telegraph
s not working the hammer M is kep up from the bell in the same manner as
described in Sheet 1, so as that the brass arm N is entirely out of contact with

page_text: the click K of the pendulum; but so soon as the bar P is released the
hammer M falls and strikes the bell; this action causes the brass arm N
to come in the way of the click K carried by the pendulum, so that the click
K of the pendulum slips over the end of the arm N when the pendulum
moves to the right, and draws the arm N along with it when the pendulum
moves to the left; but before the pendulum arrives near the extreme end of its
vibration to the left the arm N is released, so that the hammer strikes the bell
every second vibration of the pendulum, and thus keeps ringing until the
person whose duty it is to attend comes and stops it, by pulling down the brass
bar P and hooking it on a pin or other suitable contrivance fixed in the case
for the purpose.
Firstly, I claim the Invention, herein-before described, of placing the
telegraph wires in the railway fence.
Secondly, I claim the peculiar arrangement of the connecting apparatus for
transmitting and reversing the direction of voltaic currents for working
telegraphs, herein-before described.
Thirdly, I claim the method, herein-before described, for discharging the
bell hammers.
Fourthly, I claim the peculiar arrangement of signals shewn in table U, U,
Fig. 5, Sheet I., indicated by a single pointer.
Fifthly, I claim the arrangement of the signals on the dial, shewn at Fig. 1,
Sheet II., and also the general arrangement of the mechanism for working the
indexes.
Sixthly, I claim the Invention of causing the two elementary actions, already
herein before described, to produce a step-after-step motion of an indicator in
two contrary directions, for the purpose of giving signals or working any other
machinery at distant places where such actions might be found desirable.
Seventhly, I claim the method, herein-before described, for insulating the
long telegraph wires on posts; but I wish it to be fully understood that
what I claim as my Invention is the peculiar mode of preventing a water
communication between the wires and the posts by placing the wires on the top
of metal covers, which covers protect the insulator from all contact with water.
Eighthly, I claim the employment (as herein-before described, and shewn in
Sheet IV.) of the two elementary actions in conjunction with other mechanical
actions produced or controled by these elementary actions for the purpose
of giving signals.
Ninthly, I claim the general arrangement of the apparatus and signal table,
as herein-before described, and shewn in Sheet V., for the purpose of giving

page_text: Tenthly, I claim the arrangement of the apparatus and signal tables, as
herein-before described, and shewn in Sheet VI., and Figures 3 and 4
in Sheet VII.
Eleventhly, I claim the arrangement of the signal table, herein-before
described, and shewn in Fig. 2, Sheet 7, whether the signals are indicated by
a revolving or vibrating pointer.
Twelfthly, I claim the Invention of ringing telegraph bells, as herein-before
described, and shewn in Sheet 7, Fig 1.
Thirteenthly, I claim the method of printing signals by the arrangement
of apparatus herein-before described, and shewn in Sheet 9.
Fourteenthly, I claim the method, herein-before described, and shewn
in Sheet 8, Fig. 1, for accumulating power to work the striking part of clocks,
or other shuch mechanism.
Fifteenthly, I claim the Invention, herein-before described, and shewn in
Sheet 8, Fig. 2, for working clocks by magnetic electricity.
Lastly, I claim the method, herein-before described, and shewn in Sheet 8,
Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, for making and breaking the electric circuit for the
purpose of working pendulums.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Bain, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of March, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty-six.