Improvements in Electrical Communicating Apparatus Applicable for Use in Navigable Vessels.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Jan., 1887
Complete Left, 6th Oct., 1887
Complete Accepted, 15th Nov., 1887
TRUVIDIONAL DE DUIFICATION
Improvements in Electrical Communicating Apparatus Applicable
for Use in Navigable Vessels.
I, WILLIAM CHADBURN, of 11 Waterloo Road, Liverpool, in the County of
Lancaster, Optician and Nautical Instrument Manufacturer, do hereby declare the
nature of my said invention to be as follows :-
My invention has for its object certain improvements hereinafter set forth in
electrical communicating apparatus for use for communicating between different parts
or stations in navigable vessels where orders, conditions, or positions of moving parts
have to be transmitted from one position to another.
According to my invention I use a transmitting instrument upon which a number
or series of contact making pieces are arranged, over which a contact maker or a
number of contact makers may be moved to make and break contact, and a receiving
instrument which is in electrical communication with the transmitter. One or both
(as the case may require) of the instruments are provided with a series of electric
lamps and one lamp (having suitable connections) is provided for each order, condition,
or position in or upon the instruments. The lamps are arranged in a suitable case or
cases (to which access can be readily had) and are caused' to illuminate words, letters,
or figures, representing the order, condition, or position sent. This may be effected
by the light of each lamp being reflected upon the word, letters, or figures of the order
or condition with which it is connected. Or it may be effected by the light being
transmitted through apertures or a translucent dial or dials containing the words,
letters, or figures upon its or their face or faces; or the words, letters, or figures may
be delineated upon the lamps or may be otherwise suitably placed.
In the case of an engine room communicating, or telegraphing apparatus of the
ordinary type I prefer to provide both the transmitting instrument as well as the
receiving instrument with the electric lamps for making a return or
tell-tale "system
and 1 also prefer to use a bell or bells operated by electricity which is or are arranged
and connected that a sound will be given when an order is given and the bell may be
made to ring monientarily or it may be arranged to ring until the order is acknowledged.

page_text: This may be effected by a second switch arrangement in the receiving instrument or
by a system of separate switches which when operated by the engine room attendant
will stop the bell ringing and send a current of electricity to the transmitting instrument
and cause the corresponding lamp to the order given in the receiving instrument to
glow.
In all cases the application of this invention to telegraphs or communicating
apparatus for steering, docking, lookout, stokehold and other equivalent purposes
I prefer to employ a bell or like sounding device, but the repeating or tell-tale gear
may be used or omitted as the case may require.
This invention may be used separately or as an adjunct to existing mechanical
systems of ships telegraphs, such as Chadburn's Telegraphs. For example I may
employ electric lamps in say transmitting and receiving instruments of an engine room
telegraph or communicating apparatus for illuminating certain portions of the dial or
dials or for tell-tale and receiving purposes, such as to indicate the messages sent and
the directions in which the engines are set or going. This may be effected by suitable
electrical connections formed between a suitable portion of the engine, such as the
wiper shaft or lever, or reversing mechanism and a lamp or lamps in the instrument.
It may also be applied to illuminate dials of speed indicating apparatus by forming
suitable electrical connections between the mechanism and the receiving instrument
which will be provided with a suitable dial and lamps in lieu of or in combination
with a pointer. The numerals upon the dial would in this case each be provided with
lamps.
I prefer to employ two or more lamps for each order, condition, or position of the
apparatus so that in case one lamp becomes inoperative the remaining lamp or lamps
can be used.
In some cases I employ an electric lamp to travel past or over the words letters and
figures in lieu of a number of lamps as above specified-the lamp is preferably attached
to a suitable portion of the mechanism and serves as an illuminated pointer; this
arrangement is applicable to all forms of apparatus.
1007

page_text: for Use in Navigable Vessels.
I, WILLIAM CHADBURN, of 11 Waterloo Road, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster
Optician and Nautical Instrument Manufacturer do hereby declare the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My Invention has for its object certain improvements hereinafter set forth in electrical
communicating apparatus for use for communicating between different parts, or stations
in navigable vessels where orders, conditions, or positions of moving parts have to be
transmitted from one position to another.
According to my Invention I use a transmitting instrument upon which a number
or series of contact making pieces are arranged, over which a contact maker, or a
number of contact makers may be moved to make and break contact, and a receiving
instrument which is in electrical communication with the transmitter. One, or both
(as the case may require) of the instruments are provided with a series of electric
lamps and one lamp (having suitable connections) is provided for each order, condition,
or position in, or upon the instruments. The lamps are arranged in a suitable case, or
cases (to which access can be readily had) and are caused to illuminate words, letters, or
figures, representing the order, condition, or position sent. This may be effected by
the light of cach lamp being reflected upon the words, letters, or figures of the order,
or condition with which it is connected. Or, it may be effected by the light being
transmitted through apertures, or a translucent dial, or dials containing the words,
letters, or figures upon its, or their face, or faces, or the words, letters, or figures may
be delineated upon the lamps, or may be otherwise suitably placed.
In the case of an engine room communicating, or telegraphing apparatus of the
ordinary type, I prefer to provide both the transmitting instrument as well as the.
receiving instrumient with the electric lamps for making a return, or
tell-tale" system
and I also prefer to use a bell, or bells operated by electricity which is, or are arranged
and connected that a sound will be given when an order is given and the bell may
be made to ring momentarily, or it may be arranged to ring until the order is
acknowledged. This may be effected by a second switch arrangement in the receiving
instrument, or by a system of separate switches which when operated by the engine
room attendant will stop the bell ringing and send a current of electricity to the
transmitting instrument and cause the corresponding.lamp to the order given in the
receiving instrument to glow or a bell to ring.
In all cases of the application of this Invention to telegraphs, or communicating
apparatus for steering, docking, lookout, stokehold and other equivalent purposes,
prefer to employ a bell or like sounding device but the repeating, or tell-tale gear may
be used, or omitted as the case may require.
This Invention may be used separately, or as an adjunct to existing systems of ships
telegraphs, such as Chadburn's Telegraphs. For example I may employ electric lamps
in say the transmitting and receiving instruments of the engine room telegraph, or
communicating apparatus for tell-tale and receiving purposes to indicate the direction
in which the engines are set, or going. This may be effected by suitable electrical
connections formed between a suitable portion of the engine such as the wiper shaft,
or lever, or reversing mechanism and a lamp, or lamps in the instrument.
I may employ two, or more lamps for each order, condition, or position of the

page_text: apparatus, so that in case one lamp becomes inoperative the remaining lamp, or lamps
can be used.
In order that this Invention and the means for performing the same may be clearly
understood reference is given to the annexed sheets of Drawings (which make a part
of this Specification) and to the following explanation of the same. Like, or
corresponding letters and figures of reference on the Drawings denote the same, or
corresponding parts throughout the figures.
Figure 1 is an elevation of a mechanism according to this Invention for communicating
between the bridge and engine room of a steamship.
Figure 2 shows in detail an outside elevation of the transmitting instrument.
Figure 3 is a cross longitudinal section of the instrument shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a cross section at XX Figure 3 looking to the right hand and Figure 5
is a section through YY looking to the left hand.
Figure 6 is a cross section through the receiving instrument.
Figure 7 is a cross section through XX. Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a cross section through Y Y Figure 6 showing the gong mechanism.
Figures 9 and 10 show transmitting and receiving instruments respectively, provided
with numeral dials suitable for use when the code of orders employed consists of
revolutions per minute.
Figure 11 shows diagrammatically the various leads and mechanism.
The above Figures illustrate apparatus for communicating between the bridge and
engine room of a steam ship, but by changing the orders and using the required
words, it can be rendered equally suitable for what is known as a docking, steering and
equivalent telegraph" apparatus on board ship.
The transmitting instrument is designated by A and consists essentially of a hollow
column a and a head a¹ which constitutes a case in which the electric lamps and the
necessary operating mechanisms are placed. The column a is used as a duct for
carrying the electric wires, or leads as far as the seat of the instrument. The head a'
is of cylindrical form and arranged horizontally, but where desired it may be vertically
placed and have a horizontal handle, whereas in the example illustrated the handle a²
is vertically arranged. The handle is placed at such a height above the platform,
or other place where the operator stands as to be convenient to hold and work.
B is the receiving instrument. It consists of a case which may be circular, or of
cylindrical form and holds electric lamps D arranged in cases and a gong E.
In the examples illustrated the orders are marked upon translucent glass, or
"earthenware dials, or panes a³. The letters are in white and are formed by the surface,
other than that occupied by the letters, being coloured purple, or other suitable colour.
The faces a of the instruments are of metal having apertures to form frames for the
orders upon the dials a³.
>>
"
The transmitting instrument A is a double faced one as will be seen upon reference to
the Drawings and the orders are in duplicate upon its faces, namely it is provided with
the orders proper on the dials a³ and has also the same orders provided upon the faces a*
(see Figure 2). C are the electric lamps for illuminating the orders and are always
lit up when the apparatus is being used. The lamps Dare "tell-tale lamps, and
these are employed to show in which direction the engines are running, or are set to
run, and illuminate either the word "Ahead," or "Astern as the case may be. (In
a steering telegraph apparatus these would consist of the word "Port" and
"Starboard"). To effect the operation of the "tell-tale" any known suitable "break
and make contact mechanism may be employed in connection with a convenient
portion of the reversing mechanism of the engine, an example being shown in
Figure 11 hereafter described. "Toll-tale" lamps D¹ are also employed in the receiving
instrument and are worked by the same mechanism as and simultaneously with, the
lamps D of the transmitting instruments.
ور
The operating mechanism of the instrument A consists of the forked handle a²
mounted upon a spindle c and a contact order finger c¹ and a gong finger e² and a
slide consisting of a non conducting material and having conducting metallic
strips, or pieces d'd' on both sides of it. The pieces d on one side of the slide c³

page_text: correspond with the various orders of the two instruments and the pieces which are
the same in number as the pieces d are for making connection with the
gong wire.
The pieces and finger el and the pieces and the finger c are so arranged in relation
to one another that when an order is transmitted from one instrument to another, the
gong is put in circuit during the time the order finger is travelling from one contact
piece d to another and is cut out of circuit so far as this instrument is concerned when
the finger c' is upon any of the pieces d. This may be done by having the pieces d
and disposed between one another on the opposite sides of the slide and the fingers
opposite one another; or by having the pieces d and d¹ opposite one another and the
fingers one in advance of the other in the are through which they travel. Or they
may both be on the same side and placed alternately, in which case there would only
be one finger. The handle a² has a spring retained roller e which works on the stripe' in
which notches e² are formed. These are provided to hold the handle in position over each
order, but in lieu of this mechanism any suitable frictional, or other equivalent retaining
mechanism may be employed. Each of the contact pieces d (see Figure 4) is provided
with a wire which leads to a lamp in the receiving instrument B. corresponding with
it and the order contact pieces d are connected to correspond with lamps in the receiving
instrument B as will be seen upon comparing the dial of the instrument shown in
Figure 2 and Figure 7.
The electricity may be supplied to the instruments by a dynamo-electric-generator,
or other suitable source and the connections coupled up in any known convenient way
such as in Figure 11. Suitable switches may be employed in the line of wires, or at
other suitable points by which the instruments may be employed in the line of wires,
or at other suitable points by which the instruments may be put in and out of operation..
For instance an ordinary switch is placed in the main lead g at h by which the
apparatus can be put in, or out of operation. The source of electricity in Figure 1l
is placed at E and the main lead, or wire g passes up through the column of the
transmitting instrument. A passing the switch in the column thence to one of the
lamps C. The electricity then passes to the second lamp (from whence it goes to
the spindle through the spring brush e (to which the lead is connected) to the
spindle c of the instrument. From here it is free to pass up the fingers cl and c² to
the contact pieces d and d¹. The current flows from whichever of the contact pieces
the fingers are in contact with them to the corresponding lamp in the receiving
instrument through one of the wires fand the current for actuating the gong E flows
through the wire, or lead to the gong actuating mechanism (hereinafter described)
back to the generator through the return lead. The return current from the lamps D
are passed by leads through the lamps D³ to the common lead i. The lamps D³
illuminate dials having the words "Ahead" and "Astern thereon. These are
employed to indicate in a general way (when an order is transmitted) the way the
engines are required to be set and thereby draws the attention of the Engineer to that
direction.
The gong actuating mechanism of the receiving instrument consists chiefly of three
sets of electro magnets j. k and l. and attendant parts. A reply gong E² is employed
in connection with the receiver gong in the transmitting instrument and may be
suitably placed in the column of it. Local circuits and batteries are preferably
employed to operate. the magnets and k.-As previously described when an order is
sent from the instrument A to the instrument B a current of electricity is sent through
one of the order lamps and also to the gong E. This latter current is from the main
source E and passes from the spindle c through the finger c to one of the contact
pieces d', then through the common lead" and lead to the magnet j and from
thence back to the lead to the generator at E¹. This current in passing over the
magnet excites it and causes a rocking armature j¹ to be attracted and drawn to it
thereby withdrawing the projection (formed on the armature j¹) from the armature k¹
of the magnet k. This armature being also a pivotted one and having a downward
tendency through the tension spring k², falls upon its release onto the upper of two
contact springs and brings these together at their ends, thereby making a circuit and
sets the gong E in action. The electricity of this circuit is supplied (preferably) by a

page_text: small battery which excites the magnets 7 of the gong. The
known construction and the leads are designated by the line is of ordinary |
The
gong E when
set in action continues to ring until the circuit by which it is actuated is broken. This
is effected by the contact button and the magnet which is excited by the
battery designates the leads of this circuit in which a reply gong E is placed.
The circuit of the gong E is broken and the ringing stopped by pressing the button k
which makes a circuit and the magnets & draw the armature towards them thereby
allowing the spring contacts to fly apart (this being their normal condition) and so
breaking the gong (E) circuit. The armature when drawn by the magnets k
towards them is caught and held by the projection of the armature of the
magnet. The attendant, at the receiving instrument, in replying, by pressing the
button also causes the gong F to ring and thereby notifies the person in command
of the transmitting instrument that his order has been observed. Thus this mechanism
constitutes a reply mechanism.
"
or
The tell-tale mechanism (see Figure 11) as previously stated consists of two lamps
in each instrument, which render either the words "Astern " "Ahead" visible,
according to which direction the engines are set, in both instruments. The mechanism
shown in the Drawings represents a finger G fastened to the wire shaft" of a
marine engine, employing link gear as a reversing mechanism but insulated thereon.
Electricity say from the battery G₁ is led by the circuit wires m' to the finger G in
connection with which there are two contact pieces m and the finger will be in contact
with either one, or the other of these when the links of the engine are set for either
going ahead or astern. For instance in the Drawings the finger is in contact with
the ahead contact piece m and consequently the "ahead" lamps in the instrument
A and B will glow and the "astern" lamp will be dull, and will thereby show to both
the Engineer and Commander that the engines are set for going ahead. Separate
leads m² and m³ are used for the ahead and astern lamps (see Figure 11) from the
contact pieces m and a common return m² from the lamps D¹ to the battery. The
finger G as well as the fingers c¹ and c² are so constructed that in moving from one
contact piece to the other it does not entirely pass off the one which it is leaving
before it comes in contact with the next. By this means all liability of the fingers, or
contact pieces becoming burnt, through sparks, is obviated. In Figures 4. 5 and 11
it will be seen this is effected by making the finger Ṭ headed. From this construction,
in the case of Figure 11, both the lamps D in each instrument will be in circuit at
once, when the reversing mechanism is in the neutral position, but they will only be
to a small extent illuminated and hence will not cause any difficulties in working the
apparatus.
In all cases the resistances are so arranged that the electrical balance is not affected
in the conductors and lamps. As an instance see Figure 7. In this the current has
in one position, namely the "stop" position, all to pass through one lamp, whilst in
the others it has to pass through three. In the former therefore the resistance of the
one lamp might be say, 40 volts and in the latter it would be 20 volts in the first lamp
of the three and 10 in each of the other two, making in all 40 volts as in the single
stop" lamp. This explanation will suffice to render it unnecessary to enter into
explanations of the resistances in the other examples herein set forth.
<
In Figures 9 and 10 of the Drawings are shown dials of transmitting and receiving
instruments respectively, provided with numerals. This type is suitable for use when
the code of "ahead" orders employed consists of revolutions per minute; the "astern"
and other orders, or notifications being in words as usual as will be seen.-In this case
each revolution number will be illuminated by a separate lamp in the manner already
described. In the outer row of Figures the revolution orders are arranged in a
progression of tens, whilst the inner row are units. A separate handle a² is employed
for each row as shown and the operation of the instrument is the same as previously
set forth with reference to Figures 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8 and 11.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I would state in conclusion that I
am aware that lighting and putting out electric lamps for signalling or communication

page_text: on board ship has heretofore been proposed and I therefore make no claim to such in
principle of operation, but only in so far as they are constructed and operato as, or
substantially in the manner hereinbefore described and illustrated; that is to say, what
is claimed in respect of this Invention is :-
First. An electrical communicating apparatus in which electric lamps are put in and
out of illumination as described, consisting of two instruments, the one for the
transmission of orders, conditions, or notifications and the other for the receipt of same
in which the transmitting instrument consists of a number of contact points d arranged
circularly, or in an arc and corresponding with the orders, or conditions to be com-
municated, a dial containing orders, or conditions and a handle having a movement
about an axis central to the instrument, and operating as described, in combination
with a receiving instrument provided a system of lamps D individually in connection
electrically with the said contact pieces of the transmitting instrument, by electric
conductors, or leads; and a series of contact points (d'), arranged in the transmitting
instrument and connected electrically by a conductor with a gong in, or in connection
with the receiving instrument, and with, or without repeating, or tell-tale mechanisms;
all substantially as set forth, or as specified with reference to the Drawings.
Second. The combination with the instruments A and B of an electric communi-
cating apparatus such as herein described, and as above claimed of the tell-tale herein
specified, consisting of the alternating contact making and breaking mechanism G mm,
or its equivalent and electric lamps D' D' D' D' arranged and operating as, or sub-
stantially as set forth.
Third. In electric communicating apparatus in which electric lamps are put in and
out of illumination as described. A gong actuating and a reply mechanism, consisting
of a magnet, or magnets (such as j) operated by the transmitting instrument, and
which initiates the ringing of the gong E connected with the receiving instrument of
the apparatus, and magnets (such as k); a contact making and breaking device (**);
and a reply gong E2 whereby the action of the gong E is stopped and the reply is
effected, operating substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Fourth. In electric communicating apparatus, in which electric lamps are employed
and put in and out of illumination as described a dial consisting of translucent panes a³
provided with words, letters, or numbers and a metal face a having the same words,
letters, or numbers marked thereon, as, or substantially as set forth for the purposes
specified.
Fifth. In electric communicating apparatus in which electric lamps are employed
and put in and out of illumination as described the arrangement of dials of the
instruments with reference to Figures 9 and 10 of the Drawings in which the "ahead"
order panes a³ are marked with numerals and the "astern" order panes a³ are marked
with words, and either with, or without acknowledging, or tell-tale mechanisms, or
indicators substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Sixth. The transmitting instrument specified with reference to Figures 3. 4. 5 and 11
consisting of a standard a and head a' having the actuating handle a² spindle c
fingers c c² contact points d d'electric lamp C and D' and dials, or faces, a³ and a* all
constructed and operating as set forth.
Seventh. The receiving instrument specified with reference to Figures 6. 7. 8 and 11
consisting of a case in which are contained the lamps D D¹ D³ and a gong mechanism E
having magnets j k and all arranged, constructed and operating as set forth.
Dated this 5th day of October 1887
WILLIAM CHADBURN.
By Cheesbrough & Royston,
15, Water Street, Liverpool,
Agents.