Improvements in Telephony and Telegraphy.
Year: 1894

page_text: This Print is in accordance with the Original Specification as it stands after
Amendment (under Section 18 of the Patents, &c. Act, 1883), as allowed
by the decision of the Chief Examiner of the 7th day of April 1896.
Date of Application, 3rd Mar., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 1st Dec., 1894-Accepted, 5th Jan,
1895
!
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Telephony and Telegraphy.
CHARLES ADAMS-RANDALL, "Mattapoisett," 1, The Avenue, Bedford Park,
London, W. Electrical and Mechanical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to a novel system or method for utilizing a current of
great energy from a battery or other source of electric power, for the purpose of
the transmission of articulate speech, and other sounds, and to improved and novel
apparatus especially adapted thereto.
The invention has for its object to provide means for utilizing a battery or other
electric current, adapted to the work to be done, without detrimental effects from
"sparking
at the contact points and in such manner that the transmission of
articulate speech and other sounds over long distances is assured without the
necessity of the use of specially constructed circuits, and further to provide a
speech-transmitting-apparatus adapted to convey an electric current of great energy,
and readily and conveniently adjustable by the operator.
66
In telephony it is generally understood that a telephone-apparatus or office-
telephone consists of a sound or speech transmitter, having a fixed adjustment that
does not require adjusting by the user, such an instrument being technically known
as a microphone" in which the battery electrodes are held in a loose delicate
contact, the maximum force of contact of which must be exceedingly light, the
varying pressure of contact at the electrodes when in use varying the electric
energy or current as it passes from one electrode to another, a transmitting-
battery, together with suitable magneto-electric-or electro-magnetic receiving-
apparatus, and apparatus for calling requiring usually a separate electric or magneto-
electric generator, independent of the battery used for transmitting.
It is well known that apparatus of the microphonic class will not convey or
conduct sufficient current or electric energy to serve for the purpose of long-line
telephony or for telegraphing and that the use of such apparatus is limited to
circuits of comparatively short distance, as the maximum of current passing through
transmitters constructed on the microphone principle is of very light power and
quantity, and insufficient to pass over the resistance of distance effectively, the
operation of long circuits being accomplished only by special and expensive
construction of same, and with this class of apparatus very little if anything can

page_text: be done by the user to increase the working current, or to better the adjustment
to make the apparatus more effective, as in telegraphy, all of which defects,
objections, difficulties and troubles, it is the object of this invention to overcome,
and which I accomplish in the manner, and by the means herein generally
described.
To this end the invention consists mainly of a main or transmitting battery
divided into sections and having circuit connections therefrom to the transmitting
instrument; a specially constructed speech-transmitting instrument, together with
means for signalling or telegraphing.
I provide in the circuit an ordinary circuit closing key, adapted to actuate a
single stroke bell or other sounding apparatus, for the purposes of signalling or
telegraphing by "Morse or other codes.
"
For the purpose of telephoning, the main battery is divided into two or more
sections, the like element of each section being electrically connected with separate
and independent contact pieces or primary-electrodes insulated from each other,
thus converting the transmitter into sections corresponding to the sections of the
battery, said electrodes contacting firmly by gravity or spring pressure or both
with the diaphragm or diaphragm-electrode carried or vibrated by the diaphragm,
in either case such part forming a part of the electric circuit, and so connected to
the main line, or to the local circuit when using an inductorium, as to serve as the
return," or to complete the circuit, the current thereby passing from the several
sections of the battery, over or through the several sections of the transmitter, to
the diaphragm-electrode, and therefrom, as a whole, with its maximum energy or
thereabouts over the main line or local circuit.
66
In one form of the apparatus, the independent primary-electrode-carriers, are
severally provided with adjustments for obtaining a very firm contact with the
diaphragm-electrode, with means for obtaining the desirable normal or talking-
contact between the electrodes.
In another form of the apparatus the desired contact is obtained by the use of a
suitable weighted spring-piece carrying the primary-electrode adjustable to and
from the diaphragm-electrode.
I also preferably provide for each section of the transmitter, in combination with
the primary-electrode, a secondary-electrode which is normally in constant, light
and varying talking-contact with the diaphragm-electrode, thus providing two
circuits from each section of the battery to each section of the transmitter, the
current dividing in the transmitter and passing mainly through or by way of the
primary-electrode, which makes a firm variable contact with the diaphragm-
electrode as it vibrates, causing a wide variation of the current passing that way,
the current also having a circuit by way of the secondary-electrode, which is
always in a comparatively light talking-contact with the diaphragm-electrode, by
means of which division of circuits, and combination of parts, substantially as
described, the transmission of articulate speech is obtained in most natural, loud
and full tones and the actual rupturing of the circuit at the electrodes, and
"sparking," and harsh and grating noises prevented.
".
Suitable switches or other circuit-closers are provided for cutting in or out of
the circuit the various sections of the battery.
In these forms of the apparatus, it is contemplated that special or skilled
operators, as in telegraphy, may be employed, such operators being fully competent
to adjust their instruments and adapt them to the conditions and length of circuit,
in which they are used.
It will be apparent that the current from each section of the battery, may be
brought to each section of the transmitter, substantially as described, by using
only the primary or only the secondary-electrode and passed to line or returned to
the battery through other independent electrodes, attached to, or separated or
insulated from the diaphragm, instead of using a single return electrode as set
forth, without departing from the spirit of my invention.
,

page_text: It will be apparent also that the system or method of current division, sub-
stantially as set forth, is adapted to other sectionally made transmitters that may
be constructed to use any of the well known "microphones" such as the "Blake,"
'Hunning" or others.
66
Dated this Third day of March, 1894.
Improvements in Telephony and Telegraphy.
CHARLES ADAMS-RANDALL, of "Mattapoisett," 1, The Avenue, Bedford Park,
London, W., Electrical and Mechanical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to a novel plan or method for utilizing through a
telephonic-transinitting-apparatus an electric current from a battery or batteries or
other source of electric power, whereby an electric current adapted to the work to
be done such as the reliable transmission of articulate speech over long circuits,
cables and the like-can be utilized without " sparking or other detrimental
effects, the invention also relating to new and improved apparatus adapted thereto,
and to use in telephony generally.
In the drawings accompanying this Specification:
"
Fig. 1. represents a plan view of the lower or bottom side of a telephonic-
transmitting apparatus with the circuit connections therefrom to the batteries,
induction coils and main line circuit.
Fig. 2. represents the transmitter in normal position showing part side and
sectional views, and side view of an induction-coil and its support.
Fig. 3. represents modified arrangements of Fig. 2. also, partly in section.
Like figures and letters represent corresponding parts.
In the drawings, the numeral 1. represents a frame, base or part of a box or case
for containing the devices, to which the ring 2. is secured by screws 3. 3', and also
the induction-coil or coils 4, as at 5. The ring 2. is provided with a threaded
recess 6, into which the annular clamping-piece 10. is adjustably fitted. The lower
part of the ring 2. forms a seat 7. that supports an annular washer of felt, or similar
material 8, upon which rests the diaphragm 9, preferably of carbon; the
diaphragm being held in place and with proper tension by means of the clamping-
piece 10, when adjusted into correct position upon the diaphragm or an annular
pad or washer thereon.
A supporting-piece of vulcanite or other non-conducting material 11. is secured
adjustably by means of suitable soft rubber pieces 12, and screws 13. 13. to the
ring 2. The piece 11. is provided with one or more openings 14. 141 142 up to 14',
eight openings being shown in this case, through or in which the electrodes pass or
are contained, that contact directly or otherwise with the diaphragm.
In Fig. 2. two sections of the transmitter 14. 14' taken on the line X. X.
Fig. 1. are shown in which the electrodes 15. 15. are attached to suitable flat
springs 16, and secured to 11. by screws 17, said springs being adjustable by means
of adjusting screws 18. passing therethrough into the piece 11. The electrodes 15. 15,
shown partly in section, are preferably of carbon and concave or hollow at their
upper ends, and surrounded by a tubular piece of felt or rubber 19. and an annular
washer or pad of cotton-wadding or other soft material 20, that bears upon the
diaphragm with suitable pressure, such washer serving to act as a dampener upon
the diaphragm, and also to keep in place the granulated carbou, or other suitable
granular pieces of conducting-material 21, interposed between the diaphragm 9.

page_text: and the electrode 15, the proper normal contact of the conducting parts or
electrodes 15. 21. 9. being obtained by the adjustment of the spring 16. by the
screw 18. A suitable mouth-piece 22-shown broken off-is provided and secured"
to the frame 1.
•
2
In Fig. 3. certain modifications are shown and the position of the parts reversed.
In this form of construction the supporting-piece 11. is adjustably arranged,
similarly as in Fig. 2, but above the diaphragm 9, the mouth-piece 22. being below
the same.
The diaphragm as shown rests upon a suitable annular washer 8. in the recess or
seat in the ring 2, and is held in place by two or more spring-fingers 23, secured to
ring 2. by screws 24, although any other convenient means may be employed.
The electrode 26, of metal or carbon, tubular in form, is attached to a spring 16.
secured together with the metal piece 27-to the support 11. by the screw 28.
A suitable soft washer 20. is provided, preferably secured to 11. and arranged to
surround the electrode 26, and to rest or bear with suitable pressure upon the
diaphragm 9, the pressure being obtained by the adjustment and position of 11.
Interposed between 9. and the electrode 26. and partly and loosely contained
within the electrode, is a small quantity of granulated carbon, or other suitable
material 21, the proper contact upon the granulated material lying between the
diaphragm and the end-surface of the electrode 26. being obtained from the
adjustment of the spring 16. by the screw 18. in the piece 27, the material contained
within the electrode loosely and resting upon the diaphragm, forming at the
same time a microphonic contact between the parts 9. and 26, which are thus
maintained continuously in light normal contact, whereby the rupturing of the
circuit, "sparking" and harsh noises or imperfect articulation is prevented, and the
conducting and varying of the total current of the battery, or thereabouts, is
practically obtained. One advantage derived from surrounding the electrode with
a ring or washer of soft material which is secured to or held against the diaphragm
is that a small quantity of loose granular material will enter between the soft
washer and the diaphragm around and in contact with the exterior of the electrode
and assist in maintaining microphonic contact between the parts.
A modification of this form of construction is shown in Fig. 3, section 141, in
which the electrode 29. is supported upon a spring 16, the screws 30. 30, which
pass through the spring into the support 11, serving to carry 29. towards the
diaphragm 9, which movement is limited by the screws 31. 31-in the pieces 32. 32.
on the spring 16-bearing upon the support 11, whereby the proper pressure-
contact of. 29. directly upon the diaphragm 9. is obtained in a manner well
understood. The electrode 29. is tubular or partly so, and arranged to contain
a determined quantity of granulated carbon 21. that makes a light normal
contact between the two electrodes, similarly as described with reference to
section 14*.
The plan or method for utilizing the electric energy, and also the circuit
connections as used, will be best understood from the following description,
reference being had to Fig. 1. in which, as shown, the same pole or side of the
eight batteries B. to B7 are connected respectively to the inside primary wires of
the eight induction-coils 4, the several outside primary wires being connected
respectively to the several electrode-carriers 16, thence, by the electrodes, to
ring 2, and by wire D, contact E, spring-key F, wire G. to H. and connections
therefrom back to the batteries.
The secondary wires of the several induction-coils are connected up in parallel,
the inside wires to the conductor K, and the outside wires to the conductor L,
that are respectively connected to line L' or earth E¹ or to a metallic circuit M,
which may include any suitable receiving instrument N.
Under this plan the current from the different batteries passes over the primary
of its respective induction-coil and the electrodes in the circuit therewith, thence
back to battery by a circuit common to all; the induced current from the several
induction-coils combining as a whole or acting conjunctively and in unison,

page_text: whereby the working current is augmented pro rata with the number of sections
of the transmitter employed, thus largely increasing the results at the receiving.
apparatus.
It will be understood that a single transmitter may have any number of sections
proportioned to the diameter of the diaphragm and the size of the electrodes, and
that all of the electrodes are actuated and controlled simultaneously, and the
current carried thereby, varied by the movement of a single diaphragm.
By means of a suitable circuit-closing key, as at E. F, included in the battery
circuit, telegraphing and calling or signalling, can be accomplished with the
main battery, thereby dispensing with the use of magneto bells, or other signalling
devices.
Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to
secure by Letters-Patent is ;-
1. An apparatus for the electrical transmission of articulate speech consisting
of a transmitting device having, in combination, two or more independent spring
supported electrodes or contact-points, two or more independent batteries, two or
more induction-coils having the primaries in circuit with their respective electrodes
and their respective independent batteries and having the secondaries connected to
line, a diaphragm or vibrator common to all of the electrodes and actuating the
same, and connected to the return circuit of the several batteries, substantially as.
shown and described.
2. In an apparatus for the transmission of articulate speech a diaphragm, two.
or more independent electrodes, arranged opposite to and in electric contact with
the diaphragm, adjustable means for obtaining the proper spring pressure-contact
between the diaphragm and the electrodes, two or more independent batteries, two
or more independent induction-coils having their primaries in circuit with their
respective batteries and electrodes, and having the secondaries connected in parallel,
together with suitable line and local connections, substantially as shown and
described.
3. In a telephonic-transmitter the combination, with a diaphragm, of means
for supporting and securing the same under proper tension, spring-supported
electrode-one or more below or under the diaphragm, but not in contact there-
with, a ring or washer of suitable soft material, surrounding the end of the electrode,
and held to or against the diaphragm independently of the electrode granulated
carbon or other suitable conductor, interposed in the space between the diaphragm.
and the electrode, and adjustable means for obtaining the proper pressure-contact
between the electrode, granulated material, and the diaphragmn, as and for the
purpose set forth.
4. In a telephonic-transmitter the combination, with a diaphragm, of suitable
means for supporting the same, tubular electrode-one or more--preferably spring-
supported and arranged opposite the diaphragm, granulated carbon or other
similar conducting material interposed between the diaphragm and the tubular
electrode, and partly contained within the electrode, a ring or washer 20 of
suitable soft material surrounding the end of the electrode and held to or against.
the diaphragm independently of the electrode with adjustable means for obtaining
the proper pressure-contact between the diaphragm, the electrode, and the
granulated material, whereby a desired normal contact may be obtained between
the diaphragm and the electrode by pressure, and simultaneously therewith, a light
or microphonic contact obtained between the same by means of the loose granules.
contained within the electrode, as and for the purpose set forth.
5. In a telephonic-transmitter a diaphragm 9, a hollow or partly hollow or
tubular electrode 29, flat spring 16. provided with lugs 32. 32, adjusting screws 30.
30. 31. 31, a ring or washer 20 of suitable soft material surrounding the end of the
electrode and held to or against the diaphragm independently of the electrode
granulated material 21, whereby a desired normal contact may be obtained directly

page_text: between the electrode and the diaphragm, and, simultaneously therewith a micro-
phonic contact between the same by means of the loose granules contained within
the electrode, as and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 1st, day of December 1894.
CHARLES ADAMS-RANDALL.