IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH APPARATUS
Year: 1869

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Melville Clark, of 53, Chancery
Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH APPARATUS."-A communi-
cation from abroad by Ludovic Charles Adrien Joseph Guyot
d'Arlincourt, Gentleman, of 13, Boulevart St. Martin, Paris.
Sealed the 10th December 1869, and dated the 23rd June 1869.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Melville
Clark at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition, on the 23rd June 1869.
I, ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of
the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH APPARATUS,"
to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to improvements in electric telegraph apparatus,
and consists,-
1st. In improved mechanical and electrical means of ensuring the
synchronous action of the receiver and manipulator.

page_text: 2ndly. In the application of induction apparatus generally to
telegraphic apparatus with the object herein-after stated.
3rdly. In reversing the decomposing current in autographic telegraph
apparatus for the purpose of reproducing at the receiver cach letter of the
message in a perfectly clear and intelligible manner.
The several mechanical means I employ for obtaining a synchronous
action are, 1st, the circular vibration of a diapason; 2ndly, the
vibration of a cord or flat spring; and 3rdly, two systems of clockwork,
either combined or independent, and arranged in the manner herein-after
described.
The electrical means I employ for obtaining a synchronous action of
the two apparatus consist, 1st, in causing one of the apparatus to
work faster than the other, and arresting it at every turn, when it is
again started by a current from the other apparatus which is kept
in constant motion; in this manner the two apparatus will start
exactly together, and so correspond with each other. 2ndly, in stopping
the two apparatus one after the other, and one by the other, when it is
desired to have the same speed in both apparatus.
The distinctive features of this Invention above referred to are
applicable to all kinds of telegraphic apparatus, whether writing, printing,
or autographic.
'This Invention will be readily understood on referring to the accom-
panying Drawings, the system being shown (as an example only) applied
to an autographic telegraph apparatus in which a chemical decomposition
is produced.
Figure 1 is a plan of the apparatus arranged according to these
improvements; Figure 2 is a back view, and Figure 3, a front view of
same. The remaining detail Figures of the Drawings serve to show
the action of the mechanism or of the electro currents. It is well
known that autographic apparatus are ordinarily provided with two
cylinders, on one of which (viz. that of the manipulator) is placed a
strip of tin, bearing the message inscribed thereon in insulating ink,
while the other cylinder (that of the receiver bears the chemically
prepared paper. Each of the apparatus is provided with a pointer placed
in contact with the cylinder while in motion. The pointer is mounted
on a screw whereby it is caused to travel gradually over the whole
surface of said cylinder, and when the pointer is brought in contact with

page_text: the insulating ink of the transmitting manipulator a point or dot will
be produced on the paper of the receiver, the whole series of points
exactly reproducing the message to be dispatched. Instead of the
messages being reproduced on a roller or cylinder it may be on a flat
strip of indefinite length, the principles or features of the Invention
being the same in both cases.
In the autographic apparatus shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, I make
use of rollers, and I regulate the synchronism at each revolution by
causing the roller of the manipulator to turn faster than that of the
receiver. The manipulator roller is caused to stop at each revolution,
the roller of the receiver which is constantly in motion transmitting a
current to the manipulating apparatus for the purpose. I obtain this
result by the aid of disconnecting gear hercin-after described, which
permits of changing the relative speed of the rollers, and thus trans-
forming the manipulating apparatus into a receiver, and vice versa.
case it is desired to maintain the same speed in both apparatus the
synchronism is obtained by arresting the motion of the two apparatus
alternately one by the other, as before mentioned, and as will be herein-
after described.
In
I will first describe the principal parts shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3,
and then the mechanical and electrical functions of the apparatus.
The synchronism is obtained by the aid of wheelwork independent
of that of the apparatus proper, there being two distinct sets. The
red lines in the Drawings indicate the wheelwork for obtaining
synchronous action, while the blue lines show the gearing serving to
produce the motion of the roller and of the pointer, and also for stopping
either by mechanical or electrical means. The wheelwork serving to
ensure a synchronous action may either be like that of a chronometer,
and regulated by the circular vibration of a diapason, or by the vibra-
tion of a cord, as will be more fully explained, and is kept in constant
motion while the wheelwork of the apparatus, properly so called, has
intermittent motion. These two sets of wheels may either be combined
or separate, and are driven by the same barrel, as shown in Figures 1, 2,
and 3. The synchronism is obtained by throwing the two sets of wheels
in or out of gear with each other, and also by the means employed for
arresting the motion of the two apparatus, and then again starting them
together at the desired moment.

page_text: is enclosed; C, roller, the part D of which is of gutta percha, or
other non-conducting material, for receiving the tinfoil or electro-chemical
paper to be applied on said roller; E, screw for moving pointer F;
G, double-acting spring barrel for transmitting motion to roller spindle
1, Figure 2, by means of wheels I, J, Z. Motion is transmitted to
screw E by a toothed wheel K, which receives motion from a pinion
keyed on the roller axis. L, hand lever for changing the apparatus
from a manipulator to a receiver, and vice versa, by means of a
clutch M and two wheels N, O, having different numbers of teeth
wheel N gearing with wheel P, and O with wheel Q according as more
or less speed is required. R, commutator operated by the hand
lever L, and placed either on the manipulator or receiver, according to
whether wheel N or O is to be put in gear; S, lever fixed to spindle T,
and carrying two small projections U, V, which serve to raise the lever S,
as herein-after described, by means of part X fixed on hand lever 1.;
Y, ratchet wheel mounted loose on spindle Z, said wheel being keyed on
a pinion 1, Figure 2, turning freely on said spindle Z. This pinion forms
part of the wheel gearing, indicated in red color, the movable parts being
I, J, Z, and 2, on the latter of which is mounted the clutch M. 3, arm
mounted on fixed axis Z, and serving to stop the apparatus either
mechanically by means of a pin 4 abutting against a pin 8 of lever S, or
electrically by means of a pin 4 abutting against stop 5 carried on the
armature of electro-magnet. 7. When a current is transmitted from
the other apparatus for stopping the motion, as herein-after described,
the arm 3 will be arrested at every revolution by its pin 4 coming
in contact with pin 8 of lever S when the apparatus is used as a
manipulator, the lever S being in this case held in the lowest position.
When armature 6 of the electro-magnet is attracted by a current
from the receiver, it raises lever S and frees pin 4 of lever 3, which
then again moves with the wheelwork. The lever S only stops the
apparatus once for every revolution of the roller spindle II, and as it
is mounted on the next spindle Z, which moves five times as fast, it will
abut against pin 4 once for every five revolutions of spindle Z. For
this purpose I place a small canh on the roller spindle II, which allows
the arm to fall, and with it the lever S to which it is fixed, at every
revolution; during the four other turns of spindle Z the parts will be
kept raised by cam h. On stopping the motion of spindle Z the ratchet
wheel Y continues to be rotated by the gearing represented in red
color in order to maintain the synchronism, and slips over pawl 9 of

page_text: arm 3. On releasing the pin 4 of the clectro-magnet 7, the arm 3 and
spindle Z. turn with the ratchet Y, the pawl 9 still keeping engaged in
the teeth of same. I have before in describing the part S mentioned.
two small projections U, V, fixed on spindle T and serving to raise or lower
part S. Thus as lever S is caused to stop the motion of the apparatus
at every turn when used as a manipulator, it requires to be raised so as.
not to impede the continuous motion of the apparatus when used as a
receiver. In this case the end of the part before described as
operated by the hand lever I, depresses projection U, bringing the pro-
jection V carried on the same spindle under a spring hook &¹ for keeping
the part S raised. When the apparatus is again converted into a
manipulator by the hand lever L the end of part X acts on the
spring of hook and so releases the projection V, thus allowing lever
S again to fall for the purpose of arresting the motion of the apparatus
at each revolution, as before explained. 10 is a lever jointed at 11 and
provided with a recess, which lever when depressed serves to fix the
hand lever L in position, and prevent the apparatus changing from
a manipulator to a receiver before its motion is entirely arrested. For
this purpose part 10 bears on one end of a lever 12 whose other end
acts by the aid of a spring 13 on a brake wheel 14 keyed on the spindle-
2 carrying clutch M. The lever 10 is held down by a flat spring 15
provided with a catch. Thus in order to move the hand lever L it is.
first necessary to liberate lever 10 by pressing spring 15, which on
releasing lever 12 stops the apparatus by the aid of brake whicel 14.
It will be seen from the foregoing and by examining the Drawing that
the wheel gear shown in red and blue colors are both contained between
the same check plates and are operated by the same spring barrel G..
The barrel enclosing the spring has two toothed wheels, one being fixed;
to the axis serving to wind the spring, the other being attached in the
usual manner to the barrel to which the end of the spring is connected.
In this manner the two wheels are moved in opposite directions by the
same spring and produce the motion of the two sets of wheels which
connect with the common axis Z. carrying the ratchet wheel Y'and
arm 3; only, as the two sets of wheels turn in opposite directions, in
order that the spindle Z may be turned in the same direction thereby
one of the two sets has an extra wheel. Thus the spindle Z is so to
speak in two parts, as the ratchet wheel Y is keyed on the small toothed
pinion 1 mounted loose on said spindle, while arm 3 is keyed on the

page_text: spindle. From this arrangement it results that the motion of arm 3
connected with one set of wheels is independent of the motion of
wheel Y connected with the other set. Arm 3 turns with wheel Y by
means of its spring catch 9 taking into one of the teeth of said wheel,
but immediately pin 4 of arm 3 abuts against stop 8 of lever $ the
movement of the arm and consequently of the wheels in connection
therewith is arrested, but wheel Y and its set of wheels continue to turn,
the teeth of Y slipping over the spring pawl 9, as before mentioned.
The foregoing constitute the means I employ for operating either one
set of wheels only or bath together. I will afterwards describe the
electrical means 1 employ for liberating arm 3 at the desired time and
for again starting its wheelwork. The Morse manipulator shown in
Figures 1, 2, and 3 serves for cutting off the correspondence. This is
effected mechanically when the apparatus acts as a receiver before
sending the current which is to start the manipulator. The manipu-
lator thus remains arrested, and the correspondent will know that com-
munication has been cut off. By pressing the knob of the Morse
manipulator its stem 17, Figure 3, oscillates lever 18, the end 19 of
which forms a stop for the stud 19', and thereby stops the motion of
the roller spindle. This Morse manipulator also serves to stop the receiver,
but in this case by electrical means, as the receiver is always in motion;
for this purpose it is simply a fixed current which acts on the electro-
magnet of the receiver, and so stops the apparatus by the aid of pin 5
acting on pin 4 of arm 3.
I will now proceed to describe the passage of the current in the appa-
ratus for stopping the manipulator which turns faster than the receiver.
Figure 3 shows a front view of the apparatus with the electrical con-
nections, while Figure 4 shows the arrangement of the latter separately,
The positive pole of the battery is distributed as follows:-1st, from
hand lover L to screw 20 (when said haud lever is placed in the position
of manipulatar), and to stud 21 of the Morse manipulator 16; 2ndly,
to spring 22 when hand lever L is on the receiver. The line from stud 23
always communicates with the centro of the Morse manipulator 16, and
also with spring 24 and pointer F. The part carrying the spring 25
which falls at cach revolution by the aid of cam 26 communicates
with stud 27 of the Morse manipulator, and the end 28 of spring 25
communicates when the latter is lowered with one end of the electro-
magnet 7 whose other end is in the earth. The negative pole of the

page_text: battery and the roller are constantly connected with the earth. I
have before mentioned that the manipulating apparatus turns faster
than the receiving apparatus, and is arrested at every revolution by a
mechanical arrangement, and that it is further released electrically and
again started by a current from the receiver.
I will now describe the action-of the currents:-At cach revolution of
roller spindle H, cam or finger 26 depresses spring 25, by which com.
munication is had with the line, and connects the line by means of
branch 28 with the stud communicating with one end of the electro-
magnet 7 whereby the latter may receive a line current. The apparatus
at this moment will be arrested by the pin 4 of arm 3 abutting against
pin 8 of lever S, the receiver then transmits a current to the electro-
magnet 7 which attracts the armaturo 6 and so raises lever S, the finger 8
also rises and releases the pin 4. The spindle I then resumes its
motion as also cam 26 and liberates spring 25 which in rising comes in
contact with the screw 20 communicating with the positive pole of the
battery. The positive pole is thus connected with the pointer and
transmits the current required for decomposing the paper on the receiver
roller until the cam 26 after one revolution of the roller again isolates
the line of the positive pole by causing it to communicate with tho
electro-magnet, the apparatus at same time stopping mechanically as
before explained. The above arrangement serves for throwing out of
gear the mechanical stop motion of the manipulator. The same action
takes place for the purpose of stopping the receiver (when the manipulator
is to cut it off), that is to say, the cam 26 of receiver depresses: the
springs 25 and 28, and places the coils in communication with the line;
however in this case the part S does not act as a stop to pin 4 by means
of pin S (said part S being kept raised as a receiver), but instead. of
this the armature of the electro-magnet which receives a current from
the manipulator serves to arrest the pin 4 by means of pin 5. I have
in Figure 4 for greater clearness shown the pin 4 and cam 26 as placed
above the roller, but they would be disposed as described and represented
in Figures 1, 2, and 3.
Having thus explained the course of the current of the manipulator;
as regards the receiver there is only the current from the battery to be
transmitted, and this is effected once for every revolution: of the roller,
which as before mentioned has continuous motion.. This current is

page_text: transmitted at the moment spring 22 is brought in contact with a small
projection on an insulated wheel (Figure 4), mounted on the roller
spindle. The short interval in which the battery of receiver acts
corresponds to that when the manipulator is stopped mechanically by the
pin 4 abutting against 8. Thus the battery of receiver transmits a
current which regularly starts the manipulator at each turn at the
moment the spring 22 touches the projection on the wheel. I have
above mentioned that the manipulator travels faster than the receiver,
this being necessary as one apparatus is required to stop and the two to
travel together. It is also necessary that the speed of each apparatus
should be reversed as the same apparatus is to serve both as manipulator
and receiver. This object is attained by the aid of the gearing described
with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3, and which is further explained by
reference to Figures 5 and 6. P, Q, are two crown wheels fixed on the
coupling M. and gearing alternately with pinions N and O. The coupling
M is mounted on the squared shaft 2 of the apparatus so as to slide freely
thereon, and also turn therewith. I, hand lever by which the conpling M
is traversed to the right or left, so as to throw wheel P or Q into gear;
m, small pulley placed on the end of a spring plate attached to the
coupling, and which when placed on one side or the other of a stop n
fixed on the shaft 2 prevents the coupling from moving. The pinion O
has a less number of teeth than N, and the two crown wheels P, Q, have
the same number of teeth. When coupling M is moved from left to
right by the aid of lever L, wheel Q is thrown into gear with pinion N,
the contrary being the case when the apparatus is to act as a receiver.
As the pinions N, O, and the spindle on which they are mounted turn
in contrary directions, according to whether wheel P or Q is in gear
therewith, in order to prevent the hand lever L changing its position
while the apparatus is in motion, which would create a shock, the
lever 10 before mentioned is brought down so as to embrace it, and so
prevent its moving. This lever 10 when down also determines the
movement of the apparatus, as on being raised it allows the brake
lever 12 (shown in the general plan of the apparatus) to act on wheel 14
for instantly stopping the apparatus, and allow of the wheels P and Q
being shifted by the aid of hand lever L. I have before explained the
manner in which said lever establishes and changes the electrical com-
munications by being placed on the stud either of the manipulator or
receiver. I apply the several means of obtaining the synchronous action

page_text: before mentioned on the axis carrying pinions N, O. The vibrations of
a diapason have before been used for regulating the motion of clockwork,
but these vibrations being rectilinear, that is to say, to and fro in a
straight line, in order to transform it into circular motion intermediate
mechanical aids are required, such as escapements which greatly
complicate the whole and produce friction. According to this In-
vention I apply the circular vibration of a diapason for regulating
the motion of electric telegraph apparatus, it being also applicable
to other purposes.
I obtain the circular motion direct on the
diapason without the aid of intermediate parts for converting the
motion. In this apparatus the diapason is disposed in the manner
shown in Figure 7. On the end of the spindle carrying the pinions
N, O, before referred to, I place a crank at right angles, secu also in
detail in Figures 8 and 9. This crank is connected to a small grooved
part a fixed on a spring b which latter has a constant tendency to
press part a up to the end c of the diapason V. The end of spring b
is fixed on a crank d mounted on the axis of pinions N, O, and turning
therewith. On the spindle being turned by means of the wheel train
before described, it presses by the aid of crank d excentrically on point
c fixed in one limb of the diapason producing a circular vibration
which is also imparted to the other limb. By this means I am enabled
to obtain a continuous and regular motion of the apparatus. The
small grooved part a serves to maintain the connection between the
crank and diapason whatever may be its extent of vibration. Each
manipulator and receiver is provided with a diapason of similar con-
struction and strength for obtaining the mechanical synchronism of
the wheelwork, which is further controlled or rectified by the clectrical
synchronism. In order to prevent any shaking of the support of the
diapason I may also arrange it in the manner shown in Figure 10. In
this case instead of bending the rod forming the diapason at its
centre I bend it on both sides, as at e, e', the part/being fixed at f¹
to the apparatus, the two bent ends, 9, 9', being also brought in a line
with the axis of the apparatus and caused to vibrate thereby. I may
also regulate the synchronism by means of a cord having more or
less tension and fixed at each end. This cord may be either of metal
or gut, or instead of a cord it may be a flat spring. The vibrations
would be transmitted to the apparatus either by means of the escape-
ment shown in Figure 11, or by a crank, excentric, or otherwise, one
or the other acting on the last or other wheel of the train, so as to

page_text: obtain the desired synchronism in the action of the apparatus. k, k,
supports between which the cord is stretched; i, escapement through
a slot in which the cord passes so as to permit of its free vibration;
j, screw for regulating the tension of the cord or flat spring.
The Invention further relates to the application of induction coils
to telegraphic apparatus, and I will now proceed to describe the mode
of reversing the decomposing or reactinge urrent, whether the said
current acts chemically or electrically on the receiver, according to
the kind of telegraphic apparatus in which it is employed. Ilitherto
in telegraphic apparatus the current in the electro-magnet has been
reversed by mechanical means, and the improvement of this Invention
consists in reversing the current electrically. Thus I may reverse
the current electrically in the electro-magnet of any receiver, or of
a relay for example, and I intend to apply it to telegraphic apparatus
generally, and more especially to autographic apparatus. The electro-
magnet in which I reverse the current may also serve any mechanical
purpose in the apparatus desired. In autographic apparatus there is but
one current at disposal which is closed by the tinfoil and broken by the
passage of the pointer over the insulating ink. With this single current
I propose to reverse the current of a battery on the line in order to prevent
the formation of unintelligible marks which are liable to be made at the
receiver in consequence of the line being thus charged. litherto it has
been usual to discharge tho line, either by causing a current to pass into
the earth at the receiver or by a discharging battery the poles of which
are placed inversely to those of the main battery; but these means have
the disadvantage of diminishing the force of the current at the receiver.
According to this Invention I obtain a complete discharge of the
line, (while at same time preserving the full power of the battery to
be used for decomposing at the receiver,) by reversing the current of
the main line battery at the manipulator in the following manner :---
It is well known that in an induction coil when closing the inductive
current an induced current is produced in one dircetion in the small
covering wires, while on opening this same inductive current an
induced current is produced in the same wires in the reverse sense
to the former. These apparatus thus possess of themselves a source
of inversion which has never hitherto been utilized in telegraph
apparatus generally for reversing a battery current on the line. I
obtain this reversal by the aid of a reversing relay on any suitable

page_text: system, for example that described and illustrated in Figure 12 still
as applied to an autographic apparatus. C, roller on which the tinfoil
is placed and communicating with the positive pole-of the local battery
A. F, pointer to which is connected the negative pole of the same
battery after having passed through the inductive wire of the induction
coil k. When the pointer comes in contact with the tin the circuit
is closed, and when it touches the insulating ink it is broken. Every
time the current is opened by the passage of the pointer over the ink
a current is produced on the outside of the induction coil k, which
current passes in one direction into the reversing electro-magnet 7.
Every time the inductive current is closed by the tinfoil, a current
is produced in the coil and also in electro-magnet in a reverse
direction to the first. In this manner the pallet m will receive a
to-and-fro motion which I utilize for the purpose of again reversing
the current of the main line battery A' by any suitable means; for
example, in the following manner :-The pallet m is made forked, the
one part or spring a communicating with the line, and the other o
with the carth. The two ends of these springs fit respectively in small
couplings cach composed of two parts isolated one from the other, as
seen separately in Figure 13. One of these parts p for example, com-
municates with the positive pole of the main line battery, and the other
part with the negative pole of said battery. It will be seen by
examining the Drawing that the to-and-fro motion of the pallet produces
the reversal of the main line battery current by the aid of the springs
and o, which are applied alternately in reverse directions, first on the
part communicating with the negative pole, and then on that conneeted
with the positive pole. It is well known that in autographic tele-
graph apparatus the chemical decomposition of the matter deposited
on the paper of the receiver may be effected in two ways; 1st, by
the aid of electricity which is conveyed to and decomposes the pointer,
the pointer reacting in its turn on the chemical composition so as to
produce legible marks; 2ndly, by the aid of a pointer inattackable by
electricity, such as platina for example, said pointer simply serving to
conduct the decomposing current by direct contact with the compo-
sition with which the paper is covered. When employing the latter
mode I obtain (by electrically reversing the decomposing current in
the manner herein-before described), a perfectly clear reproduction of the
writing or other marks, exempt from all uncertainty. This is ensured
inasmuch as the writing is reproduced on the reverse side of the

page_text: paper in light color on a dark ground, while on the face of the paper
the writing will show in dark color on a light ground. This result is
obtained in consequence of the positive current acting on the side next
the roller or other part carrying the paper, that is to say, it acts on the
under side of the paper when the current is reversed, and on the face
of the paper when it is direct, making in the latter case marks of a
deeper color than the ground as a result of the decomposition.
I have before described the application of an induction coil for
electrically reversing the decomposing current, as this apparatus effects
the desired result under the best conditions as regards speed. It
should however be understood that I do not limit myself to this
particular means, as the Invention consists in reversing the decom-
posing current by any suitable means so that a perfectly correct and
legible copy of the message may be produced at the receiver, this
result never having been hitherto perfectly realised. Instead of em-
ploying an induction coil for reversing the current into a relay which
then again reverses a battery current on the line, I may also make use
of this relay for supplying a battery current to the line, and instead
of placing the induction coil near the transmitting apparatus, I may
place it and the relay at the end of the line at Lyons, for example, when
transmitting a positive battery current from Paris. This positive current
would be received at Lyons in the induction coil, and by making and
breaking the circuit in Paris a reversal of the induction will be produced
in the relay placed near the coil at Lyons. This relay then transmits
a fresh current from the line battery from Lyons to Marseilles, for
example, thus constituting a transferring relay. The transferring relays
hitherto employed receive a current direct from Paris, for example, in
the electro-magnet of the relay at Lyons, while on this system a current
is received from Paris by an induction coil at Lyons, which transmits"
another induction current to the relay placed contiguous thereto for
moving the pallet of the relay, whereby the current of the Lyons
battery may be transmitted to Marseilles. This arrangement is
represented in Figure 14 of the accompanying Drawings. The Paris
line, and also that of Marseilles communicate with the pallets of the
electro-magnets of the reversing relays, ", that of Paris with the pallet
m, and that of Marseilles with pallet m'. The regulating stud P, and
consequently the Paris linc, communicate with the induction coil A¹.
The stud P and the Marseilles line communicate with the induction

page_text: coil . The other ends of the wires of the induction coils communicate
with the earth. The two other regulating studs Q, Q', of pallets m, m',
communicate with the Lyons battery A'. A current sent from Paris
will pass by means of pallet m and stud P to the induction coil A, where
it produces an induced current in the electro-magnet A, causing pallet
to effect contact with stud Q. The current from the Lyons battery
A will thus pass to Marseilles by the pallet m¹ and the line wire.
When the Paris current ceases an induction current in the reversc
direction is produced in the induction coil and in relay which
will return pallet m¹ to its original position in contact with stud P.
If in the next place the current be sent from Marseilles it will pass by
means of m', P', and while the relay whose pallet m is in contact
with stud Q will transmit to Paris the current from the Lyons battery A¹.
It will be understood that I reserve the right of using any suitable
arrangement of induction coil based on the induction of wires coiled one
on the other, or it may be on the induction of iron contained within the
coil on the outer wires.
I also claim the combination of an induction coil with an electro-
magnet forming an improved system of transferring relay as herein-
before described. I have before mentioned that in order to regulate
this improved apparatus at every turn I arrest the motion of the
manipulator only, while the receiver has constant motion and serves
merely to transmit the current at each turn which is to re-start the
manipulator. It has been shown that on this system it is necessary for
the manipulator which has intermittent motion to turn quicker than the
receiver which is in constant motion. For this reason I employ the
disconnecting gear described, consisting of two wheels, one having a
greater number of teeth than the other.
I will next describe a means by which I stop both apparatus
successively, and so dispense with the gearing before referred to, both
the apparatus travelling at the same speed.
Figure 15 of the Drawings shows the distribution of the currents. In
this case I will take a moment when the manipulator stops. The pin 4
will abut against pin 8, but cam 26 having depressed spring 25 the line
will be in communication with electro-magnet 7 by mcans of the stud,
said electro-magnet consequently receiving a current for throwing the
apparatus out of gear. This current is transmitted to the receiver by
the spring U (communicating with the positive pole of the receiver

page_text: battery), and contact part U" in communication with the line. The
manipulator is in this manner disconnected by the receiver, which still
acts until stopped by the pin 4 of receiver coming in contact with pin S.
The manipulator then again starts, while the receiver is thrown out of
gear and stops. This result is obtained by the aid of the spring U
(communicating with the positive pole of the manipulator battery)
coming in contact with the part &, which connects with the line. The
receiver is thus thrown out of gear, and the two rollers work in
synchronism until the next turn, when the above action again takes
place, and so on. Figure 15 is shown as arranged so that the apparatus
A may act as manipulator, and apparatus B as receiver, but in order
to reverse their functions, it is simply necessary to exchange the
positive pole by a commutator in the two apparatus.
In this case
the positive pole of apparatus A would connect with spring U instead
of V, and in apparatus B, the positive pole would communicate with
spring instead of spring U', as shown by the dotted lines. It will
be understood that 1 reserve the right of employing any suitable
arrangement for disconnecting the stopping apparatus or the one
having continuous motion.
Having thus described the distinctive features of the Invention as
applied to an autographic telegraph apparatus, I would observe that the
same may be applied with equal advantage to telegraph apparatus
generally, including printing and writing apparatus. Further in the
case of an autographic apparatus instead of reproducing the message on
a roller I may as before mentioned employ a flat strip, and still obtain
the same synchronous action as before.
Figures 16 and 17 show such a disposition of parts in front and
side views. In this apparatus the rollers are replaced by a small
cylinder of helical form as shown. The pitch of the
arranged that in its rotary motion it acts on a pin S, fixed to
screw is so
part T so as
This part. T
to move the latter on a pin U in the direction of the arrow.
las at its lower end a small lever Y on which is mounted a pointer V,
which traverses the whole width of the paper from point X to point X'.
On reaching point X', that is to say, when pin S coincides with point R
of the screw which is cut off at right angles, the pin S, and consequently
part T, will immediately fall to R, Figure 16, aided by the spiral
spring Y, which has a constant tendency to hold back the part T. The
poiuter also returns to X, and if the screw recommences to turn, it will re-

page_text: commence travelling gradually over the paper towards point X' afterwards
returning to point X as before. This return movement coincides with
the starting of both apparatus on equal terins by the clectro-magnets
as before described. In order to isolate the pointers as in the roller
apparatus before described, I arrange the parts as follows:-The pointer
is mounted on a small lever Y oscillating at T. When the pointer
arrives at point X' the fixed stop A raises lever Y, and also the pointer,
which is held raised during its return to point X by the action of a
spring Z carrying a small projection V. The pointer is thus isolated
from the paper which communicates with the earth. On reaching
point X the spring Z supporting the pointer abuts against the fixed
stop B, and releases the projection V, thus allowing the pointer to effect
contact with the paper and move to point X'. The
paper is
advanced under the pointer by means of the rollers C, D, Figure 17,
which are connected by wheel gearing, and before passing under the
pointer the paper passes between two other felted cylinders G, H, one
of which is partly immersed in a bath serving to render the paper
decomposable by electricity. The foregoing relates to the receiver and
the same applies to the manipulator as regards the pointer, but in this
case the endless paper is replaced by a plate on which is fixed the
metallic paper having the message inscribed; this arrangement is scen in
Figure 18. The plate carries a rack I, gearing with a small wheel J,
fixed at one end of roller D, Figure 17. Care should be taken to raise
roller C which is not used with the manipulator.
I will next describe another mode of writing on a flat surface, but
instead of using a continuous strip a small sheet of prepared paper is
used which is to be placed in a sliding frame, and another one substituted
when the message is received. Instead of imparting to-and-fro motion to
the pointer as before described, I make the paper to move in a longi-
tudinal direction, as indicated in Figure 19. The toothed wheel A gears
with a rack B, so as to move it in the direction of the arrow, and put the
spring T in tension as shown. The wheel A has a gap M, in the teeth,
and when the rack B is no longer held by the teeth, it immediately returns
by the action of the spring from position P to P', while the wheel
continuing to turn again gears with the rack and moves it from right to
left until the wheel has completed one turn, when the rack will have
reached position P. The rack forms part of the horizontal frame, on which
the paper C is placed, as shown in Figure 20, thereby imparting to-and-

page_text: fro motion thereto as described. The pointer is mounted on n
micrometric screw, and is caused to travel gradually over the surface
of the paper. The sudden stoppage of both apparatus at each turn is
effected immediately on the return of the rack, and at the moment
when the first tooth is brought in gear. As before mentioned when
the motion of the apparatus is arrested the pointer requires to be out of
contact; this I effect by means of the lever arrangement A, C, D, E,
Figure 21, which oscillates on points B, F. At the moment the sliding
frame reaches P it acts on point A of lever A, B, C, while point C
of said lever presses on finger G for raising the pointer. When the
sliding frame returns instantaneously to point P', it bears on the end
of lever E, F, D, and by means of stem C, and D, the lever A, B, C, is
moved in the reverse direction, after which point G is freed, and the
pointer falls by its own gravity on to the paper, and ceases to be isolated.
It will be understood that I reserve the right of reversing the above
arrangement, that is to say, of fixing the paper and placing the pointer
on the sliding frame, which would be made to travel in the manner
before described with reference to the paper. The means above de-
scribed are also applicable for re-producing printing type instead of
writing, which would also render the apparatus much more rapid in
its action. This I effect as follows:-Instead of making the pointer
to travel over the surface of the paper by means of the screw as
described, which is very tedious, I simply make it travel over the surface
of the line of type, and then pass it to the next line. In this manner I
save the time occupied by the pointer in travelling over the surface of
the paper between any two lines. I divide cach line, or preferably cach
letter, into five parts, for example, as effected by Bonelli, and thus obtain
great rapidity of action. In order to obtain this result I simply modify
the action of the pointer and replace the tinfoil contained in the
sliding frame of the manipulator by a block containing printing type
or by small strips of tin printed in advance, and fixed on the frame
at suitable distances apart. The modified action of the pointer consists
simply in causing it to advance to a slight extent at each to-and-fro
motion of the sliding frame corresponding to a fifth, sixth, or other part
of a letter, instead of moving it gradually, as in the case of the screw
before described. For this purpose I use an escapement A, Figure 22,
which every time it is displaced by the sliding frame is caused to abut
against the tail Q and allow a small pin a on the stem C to pass, the

page_text: pointer placed on part S moving forward therewith through the action
of spring T. It will be observed that the pins a are placed in groups
of five, the groups designed by D corresponding to the surface of the
printing type letter, which is thus divided into five parts by the pointer.
The space E between each group of pins corresponds to the intervals
between the lines. The pointer it will be seen thus passes immediately
from one line to the next.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Alexander Melville Clark in the Great Scal Patent
Office on the 20th December 1869.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ALEXANDER
MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-third day of June, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, in the
thirty-third year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Alexander Melville Clark, Her
special licence that I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Alexander
Melville Clark, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully
might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH APPARATUS," a com-
munication to me from abroad by Ludovic Charles Adrien Joseph
Guyot d'Arlincourt, Gentleman, of 13, Boulevart St. Martin, Paris,
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Alexander Melville
Clark, my exccutors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under
ny, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe
and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
he same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the
Great Scal Patent Office within six calendar months next and imme
liately after the date of the said Letters Patent.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement, reference being had to the three
Sheets of Drawings hereunto annexed and to the letters and figures
marked thereon (that is to say): :-
This Invention relates to improvements in electric telegraph apparatus
and consists :-
1st. In improved mechanical and electrical means of ensuring the
synchronous action of the receiver and manipulator.
2ndly. In what are known as autographic telegraph apparatus I
produce the reversing of the line current by an electro-magnet which
may also serve as a transferring relay for bringing another battery in
communication with the line, or it may be as simple relay for decom-
posing the paper or receiver by the aid of a local battery which said
relay operates.
The several mechanical means I employ for obtaining a synchronous
action are; 1st, the circular vibration of a diapason; or, 2ndly, the
vibration of a cord or flat spring, and 3rdly, two systems of clock-
work either combined or independent, and arranged in the manner
herein-after described.
The clectrical means I employ for obtaining a synchronous action of
the two apparatus consists, 1st, in causing one of the apparatus to
work faster than the other and arresting it at every turn, when it is
again started by a current from the other apparatus which is kept
in constant motion, in this manner the two apparatus will start exactly
together and so correspond with each other; 2ndly, in stopping the
two apparatus one after the other and one by the other when it is
desired to have the same speed in both apparatus.
The distinctive features of this Invention above referred to are
applicable to all kinds of telegraphic apparatus whether writing,
printing, or autographic.
This Invention will be readily understood on referring to the accom-
panying Drawings, the system being shown (as an example only)
applied to an autographic telegraph apparatus in which a chemical
decomposition is produced.

page_text: Figure 1 is a plan of the apparatus arranged according to these im-
provements; Figure 2 is a back view, and Figure 3 a front view of same.
It is well known that autographic apparatus are ordinarily provided
with two cylinders, on one of which, viz. (that of the manipulator) is
placed a strip of tin bearing the message inscribed in insulating ink,
while the other cylinder (that of the receiver) bears the chemically
prepared paper. Each of the apparatus is provided with a pointer
placed in contact with the periphery of the cylinder while in motion.
The pointer is mounted on a screw, whereby it is caused to travel
gradually over the whole surface of said cylinder, and when the pointer
is brought in contact with the insulating ink of the transmitting
manipulator a point or dot will be produced on the paper of the
receiver, the whole series of points exactly reproducing the message
to be despatched. Instead of the message being reproduced on a
roller or cylinder it may be on a flat strip of indefinite length, the
principles or features of this Invention being the same in all cases.
I
In the autographic apparatus shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 I make
use of rollers, and I regulate the synchronism at each revolution
by causing the roller of the manipulator to turn faster than that of
the receiver. The manipulator roller is caused to stop at each revolution
by the roller of the receiver (which is constantly in motion) transmit-
ting a current to the manipulating apparatus for the purpose.
obtain this result by the aid of disconnecting gear, herein-after described,
which permits of changing the relative speed of the rollers, and thus
transforming the manipulating apparatus into a receiver, and vice versa.
In case it is desired to maintain the same speed in both apparatus, the
synchronism is obtained by arresting their motion alternately one by
the other, as will be herein-after described.
I will first describe the principal parts, shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3,
and then the mechanical and electrical functions of the apparatus. The
synchronism is obtained by independent wheelwork, there being two
distinct sets. The red lines in the Drawings indicate the wheelwork for
obtaining synchronous action, while the blue lines show the gearing serving
to produce the motion of the roller and of the pointer, and also for stopping
either by mechanical or electrical means. The wheelwork serving to
ensure a synchronous action may either be like that of a chronometer and
regulated by the circular vibration of a diapason, or by the vibration
of a cord, as will be more fully explained, and is kept in constant.

page_text: motion while the wheelwork of the apparatus, properly so called, has
intermittent motion. These two sets of wheels may either be combined
or separate, and are driven by the same barrel, as shown in Figures 1, 2,
and 3. The synchronism is obtained by throwing the two sets of
wheels in or out of gear with cach other, and also by the means
employed for arresting the motion of the two apparatus, and then
again starting them together at the desired moment.
A, base of the apparatus; B, B, plates between which the gearing is
enclosed; C, roller, the part D of which is of gutta percha or other non-
conducting material for receiving the tinfoil or electro-chemical paper to
be applied on said roller; E, screw for moving pointer F; G, double acting
spring barrel for transmitting motion to roller spindle H, Figure 2, by
means of wheels I, J, Z. Motion is transmitted to screw E by a toothed
wheel K, which receives motion from a pinion keyed on the roller
axis. L, hand lever for changing the apparatus from a manipulator
to a receiver, and vice versa, by means of a clutch M and two wheels
N, O, having different numbers of teeth; wheel N gearing with wheel
P, and O with wheel Q, according as more or less speed is required.
R, commutator operated by the hand lever L, and placed either on the
manipulator or receiver according to whether wheel N or O is to be
put in gear; S, lever fixed to spindle T, and carrying two small pro-
jections U, V, which serve to raise the lever as herein-after described
by means of part X fixed on hand lever L; Y, ratchet wheel mounted
loose on spindle Z, said wheel being keyed on a pinion 1, Figure 2,
turning freely on said spindle Z. This pinion forms part of the wheel
gearing indicated in red color, the movable parts being I, J, Z, and 2,
on the latter of which is mounted the clutch M. 3, arm, mounted on
fixed axis Z, and serving to stop the apparatus either mechanically by
means of a pin abutting against a pin 8 of lever S, or electrically by
means of pin 4 abutting against a stop 5, carried on the armature 6 of
electro-magnet 7. When a current is transmitted from the other appa-
ratus for stopping the motion as herein-after described, the arm 3 will be
arrested at every revolution by its pin 4 coming in contact with pin 8
of lever S, when the apparatus is used as a manipulator, the lever S
being in this case held in its lowest position. When armature 6 of the
electro-magnet is attracted by a current from the receiver it raises
lever S and frees pin 4 of lever 3, which is then again moves with the
wheelwork. The lever S only stops the apparatus once for every

page_text: revolution of the roller spindle II, and as it is mounted on the next
spindle Z, which moves five times as fast, it will abut against pin 4
once for every five revolutions of spindle Z. For this purpose I place
a small cam on the roller spindle H which allows the arms to fall,
and with it the lever S to which it is fixed at every revolution, during
the four other turns of spindle Z the parts will be kept raised by
cam h. On stopping the motion of spindle Z the ratchet wheel Y
continues to rotate by the aid of gearing, represented in red color, in
order to maintain the synchronism, and slips over the pawl 9 of arm 3.
On releasing the pin 4 of the electro-magnet 7, the arm 3 and spindle
Z turn with the ratchet Y, the pawl 9 still engaging in the teeth of
same. I have before mentioned in describing the part S two small
projections U, V, fixed on spindle T and serving to raise or lower
part S. Thus as lever S is caused to stop the motion of the apparatus
at every turn when used as a manipulator, it requires to be raised so as
not to impede the continuous motion of the apparatus when used as a
receiver. In this case the end of the part before described as
operated by the hand lever L, depresses projection U bringing the
projection V carried on the same spindle under a spring hook v¹ for
keeping the part S raised. When the apparatus is again converted into a
manipulator by the hand lever L, the end as of part X acts in the spring
of hook and so releases the projection V, thus allowing lever S again
to fall for the purpose of arresting the motion of the apparatus at
cach revolution as before explained. 10 is a lever jointed at 11, and
provided with a recess, which lever when depressed serves to fix the
hand lever L in position and prevent the apparatus changing from a
manipulator to a receiver before its motion is entirely arrested. For
this purpose part 10 bears on one end of a lever 12, whose other end
acts by the aid of a spring 13 on a brake wheel 14 keyed on the
spindle 2 carrying clutch M. The lever 10 is held down by a flat
spring 15 provided with a catch. Thus in order to move the hand
lever L it is first necessary to liberate lever 10 by pressing spring 15,
which, on releasing lever 12, stops the apparatus by the aid of brake
wheel 14.
It will be seen from the foregoing and by examining the Drawing
that the wheel gear shown in red and blue colors are both contained
between the same check plates, and are operated by the same spring
barrel G. The barrel enclosing the spring has two toothed wheels, one

page_text: being fixed to the axis serving to wind the spring, the other being
attached in the usual manner to the barrel to which the end of the.
spring is connected. In this manner the two wheels are moved in
opposite directions by the same spring, and produce the motion of the
two sets of wheels which connect with the common axis Z carrying the
ratchet Y and arm 3; only as the two sets of wheels turn in opposite
directions, in order that the spindle Z may be turned in the same
direction thereby, one of the two sets has an extra wheel. Thus the
spindle Z is, so to speak, in two parts as the ratchet wheel Y is keyed on
the small toothed pinion 1 mounted loose on said spindle, while arm 3
is keyed on the spindle. From this arrangement it results that the
motion of arm 3 connected with one set of wheels is independent of the
motion of the wheel Y connected with the other set. Arm 3 turns with
wheel by means of its spring catch 9 taking into one of the teeth of
said wheel, but immediately pin 4 of arm 3 abuts against stop 8 of
lever S the movement of the arm is arrested and consequently of
the wheels in connection therewith, but wheel Y and its set of wheels
continue to turn the teeth of Y slipping over the spring pawl 9 as
before mentioned.
The foregoing constitute the means I employ for operating either one
set of wheels only or both together. I will afterwards describe the elec-
trical means I employ for liberating arm 3 at the desired time and re-
starting its wheelwork. The Morse manipulator shown in Figures 1, 2,
and 3, serves for cutting off the correspondence. This is effected
mechanically, when the apparatus acts as a receiver before sending the
current which is to start the manipulator. The manipulator thus
remains arrested, and the correspondent will know that communication
has been cut off. By pressing the knob of the Morse manipulator its
stem 17, Figure 3, oscillates lever 18, the end 19 of which forms a stop
for the stud 19', and thereby stops the motion of the roller spindle e'.
This Morse manipulator also serves to stop the receiver, but in this case
by electrical means, as the receiver is always in motion; for this purpose
it is simply a fixed current which acts on the electro-magnet of the
receiver, and so stops the apparatus by the aid of pin 5 acting on pin 4
of arm 3.

page_text: Figure 3 shows a front view of the apparatus with the electrical connec-
tions, while Figure 4 shows the arrangement of the latter separately.
The positive pole of the battery is distributed as follows:-1st, from
hand lever L to screw 20 (when said hand lever is placed in the posi-
tion of the manipulator), and to stud 21 of the Morse manipulator 16;
2ndly, to spring 22 when hand lever L is on the receiver. The line
from stud 23 always communicates with the centre of the Morse
manipulator 16, and also with spring 24, and pointer F. The part
carrying the spring 25, which falls at each revolution by the aid of
cam 26, communicates with stud 27 of the Morse manipulator; and the
end 28 of spring 25 communicates when the latter is lowered with one
end of the electro-magnet 7, whose other end is in the earth. The
negative pole of the battery and the roller are constantly connected
with the earth. I have before mentioned that the manipulating apparatus
turus faster than the receiving apparatus and is arrested at every revolu-
tion by a mechanical arrangement as described, and that it is further
released electrically and again started by a current from the receiver.
I will now describe the action of the currents: -At each revolution
of roller spindle H the cam or finger 26 depresses spring 25 by which
communication is had with the line, and connects the line by means of
branch 28 with the stud communicating with one end of the.electro-
magnet 7, whereby the latter may receive a line current. The apparatus
at this moment will be arrested by the pin 4 of arm 3 abutting against
pin 8 of lever S; the receiver then transmits a current to the electro-
magnet 7, which attracts the armature 6 and so raises lever S, the finger
8 also raises and releases the pin 4. The spindle H then resumes its
motion, as also cam 26, and liberates spring 25, which in rising comes in
contact with the screw 20 communicating with the positive pole of the
battery. The positive pole is thus connected with the pointer and
transmits the current required for decomposing the paper on the roller
receiver until the cam 26, after one revolution of the roller again isolates
the line of the positive pole by causing it to communicate with the
electro-magnet, the apparatus at same time stopping mechanically as
before explained. The above arrangement serves for throwing out of
gear the mechanical stop motion of the manipulator. The same action
takes place for the purpose of stopping the receiver, that is to say, the
cam 26 of receiver depresses the springs 25 and 28 and places the coils

page_text: in communication with the line. However in this case the part S does
not act as a stop to pin 4 by means of the pin 8, said part S being kept
raised as a receiver, but instead of this the armature of the electro-
magnet, which receives a current from the manipulator, serves to arrest
the pin 4 by means of pin 5. I have in Figure 4 for greater clearness
shown the pin & and cam 26 as placed above the roller, but they would
be disposed as described and represented in Figures 1, 2, and 3.
Having thus explained the course of the current of the manipulator
as regards the receiver, there is only the current from the battery to be
transmitted, and this is effected once for every revolution of the roller,
which as before-mentioned has continuous motion. The current is
transmitted at the moment spring 22 is brought in contact with a
small projection on an insulated wheel, Figure h, mounted on the roller
spindle. The short interval in which the battery of receiver acts cor-
responds to that when the manipulator is stopped mechanically by the
pin abutting against S. Thus the battery of receiver transmits a
current which regularly starts the manipulator at cach turn at the
moment the spring 22 touches the projection on the wheel. I have
above mentioned that the manipulator travels faster than the receiver,
this being necessary as one apparatus is required to stop and the two
to travel together. It is also necessary that the speed of each apparatus
should be reversed, as the same apparatus is to serve both as manipu-
lator and receiver. This object is attained by the aid of the gearing
described with reference to the Figures 1, 2, and 3, and which is
further explained by reference to Figures 5 and 6. P, Q, are two bevil
wheels fixed on the coupling M and gearing alternately with pinions
N and O. The coupling M is mounted on the squared shaft 2 of the ap-
paratus so as to slide freely thereon and also turn therewith. L hand
lever by which the coupling M is traversed to the right or left so as to
throw wheel P or Q into gear; m, small pulley placed on the end of a
spring plate attached to the coupling, and which when stopped one side
or the other of a stop » fixed on the shaft 2 prevents the coupling from
moving. The pinion O has a less number of teeth than N, and the two
bevil wheels P, Q, have the same number of teeth. When coupling
M is moved from left to right by the aid of lever L, wheel Q is thrown
into gear with pinion N, the contrary being the case when the apparatus
is to act as a receiver. As the pinions N, O, and the spindle on which
they are mounted, turn in contrary directions according to whether

page_text: wheel P or Q is in gear therewith, in order to prevent the hand lever
L changing its position while the apparatus is in motion, which would
create a shock, lever 10 when down also determines the movement
of the apparatus, as on being raised it allows the brake lever 12
(shown in the general plan of the apparatus) to act on wheel 14 for
instantly stopping the apparatus and allowing of the wheels P and
Q being shifted by the aid of hand lever L. I have before mentioned
the manner in which said lever establishes and changes the clectrical
communications by applying it on the stud either of the manipulator
or receiver. I apply the several modes of obtaining the synchronous
action before-mentioned on the axis carrying pinions N, O. The
vibrations of a diapason have before been used for regulating the
motion of clockwork, but these vibrations being rectilinear, that is
to say, to-and-fro in a straight line, in order to transform it into
circular motion intermediate mechanical aids are required, such as
escapements, which greatly complicate the whole and produce friction.
According to this Invention I apply the circular vibration of a dia-
pason for regulating the motion of telegraph apparatus, it being also
applicable to other purposes. I obtain the circular motion direct on
the diapason without the aid of intermediate parts for converting the
motion. In this apparatus the diapason is disposed in the manner
shown in Figure 7. On the end of the spindle carrying the pinions
N, O, before referred to, I place a crank at right angles, scen also in
detail in Figures 8 and 9. This crank is connected to a small grooved
part a fixed on a spring b, which latter has a constant tendency to press
part a up to the end c of the diapason V. The end of spring b is
fixed on a crank d mounted on the axis of pinion N, O, and turning
therewith. On the spindle being turned by means of the wheel train
before described it presses by the aid of crank d eccentrically on point
c fixed in one branch of the diapason producing a circular vibration,
which is also imparted to the other branch. By this means I am
enabled to obtain a continuous and regular motion of the apparatus.
The small grooved part a serves to maintain the connection between
the crank and diapason whatever may be its extent of vibration. Each
manipulator and receiver is provided with a diapason of similar con-
struction and strength for obtaining the mechanical synchronism of
the wheelwork, which is further controlled or rectified by the electrical
synchronism. In order to prevent any shaking of the support of the
diapason, I may also arrange it in the manner shown in Figure 10.

page_text: Instead of bending the rod forming the diapason at its centre I bend
it on both sides as at e, e', the part being fixed at to the apparatus.
The two bent ends g, g' are brought in a line with the axis of the
apparatus and are caused to vibrate therchy. I may also regulate the
synchronism by means of a cord having more or less tension and fixed
at each end. This cord may be either of metal or gut, or instead of a
cord it may be a flat spring. The vibrations would be transmitted to the
apparatus either by means of the escapement shown in Figure 11, or
by a crank, eccentric, or otherwise, one or the other acting on the last
or other wheel of the train, so as to obtain the desired synchronism
in the action of the apparatus. k, k, supports between which the cord is
stretched; i, escapement through a slot in which the cord passes so as
to permit of its free vibration; j, screw for regulating the tension of the
cord or flat spring.
I will now describe the system of electro-magnet serving either to
reverse the line current as a transferring relay, or as a simple relay
for decomposing the paper at the receiver by a local battery, to be
operated by said relay. The advantages resulting from the use of this
electro-magnet are, 1st, a more rapid action is obtained than has
hitherto been possible; 2ndly, it requires regulating less often; and 3rdly,
it may serve for reversing with a single current. The electro-magnet is
based on a novel principle, and consists in the combination of one, two,
or more ordinary electro-magnetic coils, with a natural magnet, or it
may be with an electro-magnet through which a permanent current
passes, said coil or coils, and magnet, or electro-magnet being disposed
in juxtaposition with the pallet oscillating or being attracted and
repelled near their point of junction. With such a disposition of the
parts when a current is transmitted to the coil (it being considered as
but a coil connected with the magnet) the pallet will be attracted and
immediately the current be interrupted, there will be produced in
consequence of the natural magnet, or of the electro-magnet which is
permanently magnetized, a current in the reverse direction which will
repel the pallet. It will be readily understood that by passing the
current in the contrary dircction the pallet will be first repelled and then
attracted immediately the current is interrupted. By employing two
bobbins disposed one on each side of the pallet, the power of the
apparatus may be readily increased as they would then produce effects
contrary the one to the other, the one attracting while the other repels,
and vice versa.

page_text: It should be understood that I reserve the right of varying the
arrangements of this principle, for example, the magnet may be either of
a bar, horse shoc, or other form. I have represented in the accom-
panying Drawings several arrangements of electro-magnets on the above
principle.
Figure 12, shows a front elevation, and Figure 13 a side view of one
arrangement; Figures 14 and 15 show front view and plan of another
arrangement; Figures 16 and 17 show front and side views of a third
arrangement consisting of a bar magnet; Figures 18 and 19 show side
and front views of another arrangement in which the natural magnet is
replaced by two coils or electro-magnets in which a permanent current
is passed for magnetizing the soft iron cores of said coils. The same
reference letters apply to all these Figures.
a, a', ordinary electro-magnets having soft iron cores; b, natural
magnet connected to coils a, a', that is to say, the soft iron cores of said
coils form, so to speak, a continuation of magnets b. c, pallet which is in all
cases pivotted at same suitable point on magnet b, with its free end near
the point of junction of the coils with said magnet d, Figures 18 and 19,
coils to be used in lieu of natural magnet b, and for a similar object; for
which purpose a permanent current is maintained in the coils to
magnetize the soft iron cores. In this manner as I have before-mentioned
if a current be passed in one direction through coils a, a¹, coil a for
example will attract pallet c, while coil a' will repel it, and immediately
the current be interrupted, the natural magnet 6 (or its equivalent
coils d, d) will produce a magnetic current in coils a a¹ in the reverse
direction to that transmitted, thus causing coil a to repel pallet c, and
attracting coil a. From the foregoing it will be readily seen that this
system of electro-magnet provides a natural means of reversing, rendering
said electro-magnet applicable either for reversing a current on the line
or as a transferring relay for connecting another battery with the line, or
lastly as a simple relay for decomposing the paper at receiver by means
of a local battery operated by said relay.
I will first describe the application of the electro-magnet for reversing
the current of the line battery. This example is illustrated in Figure 20
of the Drawings. C is the roller carrying the strip of foil and with
which the positive pole of the local battery A' communicates; F, stylet,
communicating with the negative pole of the same battery through the
medium of the electro-magnets D, D, before referred to. When the

page_text: stylet touches the foil the current is closed, and when it touches the
isolating ink the current is opened. Each time the current is closed
by the stylet passing over the tinfoil, said current passes in one
direction through electro-magnet D; and when the current is opened by
the contact of the stylet with the isolating ink the current passes through
electro-magnet D in the reverse direction by the aid of the natural
magnet or permanently magnetized electro-magnet, as herein-befor
explained. The pallet m has thus a to-and-fro motion which I utilize
for reversing the current of the principal line battery A by suitable
means, such as in the following manner:-The pallet is forked, one
branch communicating with the line, and the other o with the earth.
The ends of said branches are received respectively in two parts, cach
isolated one from the other, as seen in Figure 21. One of these parts p,
for example, communicates with the positive pole of the principal battery,
while the other part q communicates with the negative pole of said battery.
On examining the Drawings it will be seen that the to-and-fro motion of
the pallet will produce the reversal of the main battery on the line by the
aid of the branches n, o, which are brought alternately and in reverse
directions in contact with the part communicating with the positive pole,
It is well known that in autographic telegraph apparatus the chemical
decomposition of the matter deposited on the paper of the receiver
may be effected in two ways, 1st, by the aid of electricity which is
conveyed to and decomposes the pointer, the pointer acting in its turn
on the chemical composition so as to produce legible marks; 2ndly, by
the aid of a pointer, the point of which is inattackable by electricity
such as platina, for example, said pointer simply serving to conduct
the decomposing current by direct contact with the composition with
which the paper is covered. When employing the latter mode, I
obtain by electrically reversing the line current. in the manner herein-
before described, a perfectly clear reproduction of the writing or other
marks, exempt from all uncertainty. This is ensured inasmuch as
the writing is produced on the reverse side of the paper in light color
on a dark ground, while on the face of the paper the writing will
show in dark color on a light ground. This result is obtained in
consequence of the positive current acting on the side next the roller
or other part carrying the paper, that is to say, it acts on the under-
side of the paper when the current is reversed, and on the face of the
paper when it is direct, making in the latter case marks of a deeper
color than the ground, as a result of the decomposition.

page_text: I will now describe the application of the electro-magnet above
described, as a transferring relay for connecting a battery with the line.
The electro-magnet instead of being near the transmitting apparatus
is placed near the line at Lyons, for example, and receives a positive
battery current from Paris. By making and breaking this current at
Paris a reversal of the electro-magnet placed at Lyons is obtained.
This relay or electro-magnet then transmits a new line battery current
from Lyons to Marseilles, for example, thus forming a transferring relay.
This arrangement is represented in Figure 22 of the accompanying
Drawings. The Paris line, also that of Marseilles, communicate with
the pallets of the electro-magnets D, D, D', D', that of Paris with pallet
m, and that of Marscilles with pallet m'. The regulating stud P, and
consequently the Paris line, communicates with the clectro-maguet
D', D'. The stud P and the Marseilles line communicates with the
electro-magnet D, D. The other cuds of the electro-magnets commu-
nicate with the carth. The two other regulating studs Q, Q, of pallets
m, m', communicate with the Lyons battery A'. A current sent from
Paris will pass, by means of pallet m and stud P, to the electro-maguet
D', D', causing pallet m' to effect contact with stud Q. The current
from the Lyons battery A' will thus pass to Marseilles by the pallet
m and the line wire. When the Paris current ccases a current in
the reverse direction is produced in the electro-magnet D', D', which
will return pallet m' to its original position in contact with stud P'. If
in the next place a current be sent from Marseilles, it will pass by means
of m', P, and electro-magnet D, D, whose pallet being in contact with
stud Q, will transmit to Paris the current from the Lyons battery A'.
When the electro-magnet is used as a relay for decomposing the paper
at the receiver by means of a local battery to be operated by said
relay, it may be modified so as to permit of constantly and completely
discharging the line. This modified arrangement of electro-magnet is
represented in Figure 23 of the Drawings. a, b, is a. part isolated
from the other portion c, d, of the pallet of the electro-magnet with
the object of obtaining a double communication. a, b, is the portion
of the pallet communicating with the local battery A, while the other
part c, d, communicates with the earth for discharging the line. Thus
I connect the line before passing to coils B, B, with part d, c, of the
pallet when said part d, c, touches screw f, this being the case when
the current in the line coils is in communication with the earth by
In this manner the pallet will remain affected all
means of stud f.

page_text: the time the current continues, and will thus prevent the coils and the
line from becoming charged; and when the current, ceases the pallet
moves in the direction of the arrow, part a, b, being then in contact
with stud e, while the local current will be closed and may be employed
as desired. In the above manner the line may be discharged during
the whole time the current is passing.
I have before mentioned that in order to regulate the improved
apparatus at every turn I arrest the motion of the manipulator only,
while the receiver is in constant motion and serves merely to transmit
the current at each turn which is to re-start the manipulator. It has been
shown that on this system it is necessary for the manipulator, which has
intermittent motion, to move quicker than the receiver, which is in con-
stant motion; hence I employ the disconnecting gear described consisting
of two wheels, one having a greater number of teeth than the other.
I will next describe a means by which I stop both apparatus
successively, and so dispense with the gearing before referred to,
both the apparatus travelling at the same speed. Figure 24 of
the Drawings shows the distribution of the currents.
In this case
I will take the moment when the manipulator is stopping. The
pin will abut against pin e, but cam 26 having depressed spring 25
the line will be in communication with electro-magnet. 7 by means of
the stud, said magnet consequently receiving a current for throwing the
apparatus out of gear. This current is transmitted to the receiver by
a spring U (communicating with the positive pole of the receiver
battery) and contact part U in communication with the line. The
manipulator is in this manner disconnected by the receiver which still
acts until stopped by the pin 4 of receiver coming in contact with pin 8.
The manipulator then begins to act, while the receiver is thrown out
of gear and stops. This is effected by the spring U (communicating
with the positive pole of the manipulator battery) coming in contact
with the part which connects with the line. The receiver is thus
thrown out of gear and the two rollers work in synchronism until
the next turn, when the above action again takes place, and so on.
Figuro 24 is shown as arranged so that the apparatus A may act as
manipulator and apparatus B as receiver; but in order to reverse their
function it is simply necessary to exchange the positive pole by a
commutator in the two apparatus. In this case the positive pole of the
apparatus A would connect with spring U instead of V, and in apparatus

page_text: B the positive pole would communicate with spring V instead of spring
U', as shown by the dotted lines.
It will be understood that I reserve the right of employing any
suitable arrangement for disconnecting the apparatus whether having
intermittent or continuous motion.
Having thus described the distinctive features of this Invention as
applied to an autographic telegraph apparatus, I would observe that the
same may apply with equal advantage to telegraph apparatus generally,
including printing and writing apparatus. Further, in the case of an
autographic apparatus instead of reproducing the message on a roller,
I may as before mentioned employ a flat strip and still obtain the same
synchronous action as before. Figures 25 and 26 show cach a disposition
of parts in front and side views. In this apparatus the rollers are
replaced by a small cylinder R, R', of helical form, as shown in
Figure 25. The pitch of the screw is so arranged that in its rotary
motion it acts on a pin S fixed to part T so as to move the latter (which
works freely on stem U) in the direction of the arrow. This part T has
at its lower end a small lever, Y on which is mounted a pointer V which
traverses the whole width of the paper from point X to point X'. On
reaching point X', that is to say, when pin S coincides with point R' of
the screw, which is cut off at right angles, the pin S, and consequently
part T, will immediately fall to R, Figure 25, aided by the spiral spring
Y', which has a constant tendency to hold back the part T. The pointer
also returns to X, and if the screw continues to work, the pointer
recommences travelling gradually over the paper towards point X',
afterwards returning to point X as before. This return movement
coincides with the starting of both apparatus on equal terms by the
electro-magnets as before described.
In order to isolate the pointers, as in the roller apparatus before
described, I arrange the parts as follows:-The pointer is moved on a
small lever Y oscillating at T". When pointer arrives at point X' the
fixed stop A raises lever Y and also the pointer, which is held raised
during its return to point X by the action of a spring Z carrying a
small projection V. The pointer is thus isolated from the paper, which
communicates with the earth. On reaching point X the spring Z sup-
porting the pointer abuts against the fixed stop B, and releases the
projection V, thus allowing the pointer to effect contact with the paper,
and move to point X'. The paper is advanced under the pointer by

page_text: means of the rollers C, D, Figure 26, which are connected by wheel
gearing, and before passing under the pointer the paper passes between
two other felted cylinders G, H, one of which is partly immersed in a
bath serving to render the paper decomposable by the aid of electricity.
The foregoing relates to the receiver, and the same applies to the
manipulator as regards the pointer; but in this case the paper is replaced
by a plate, on which is fixed the metallic paper for having the message
inscribed. This arrangement is seen in Figure 27. The plate carries a
rack I gearing with a small wheel J fixed at one end of roller 1,
Figure 26.
Care should be taken to raise roller C, which is not used
with the manipulator.
.
I will next describe another mode of writing on a flat surface; but
instead of using a continuous strip a small sheet of prepared paper is
used, which is to be placed in a sliding frame, and another one sub-
stituted when the message is received. Instead of imparting to-and-fro
motion to the pointer, as before described, I make the paper to move in
a longitudinal direction, as indicated in Figure 28. The toothed wheel A
gears with a rack B so as to move it in the direction of the arrow, and
put the spring T in tension, as shown. The wheel A has a gap M in
the teeth, and when the rack B is no longer held by the teeth it
immediately returns by the action of the spring from position P' to P,
while the wheel continuing to turn again gears with the rack and
moves it from right to left until the wheel lins completed one turn,
when the rack will have reached position P. The rack forms part of a
horizontal frame on which the paper C is placed, as shown in Figure 29,
thereby imparting to-and-fro motion thereto as described. The pointer
is mounted on a screw, and is caused to traverse gradually over the
surface of the paper. The sudden stoppage of both apparatus at cach
turn is effected immediately on the return of the rack, and at tho
moment when the first tooth is brought in gear.
As before mentioned, when the motion of the apparatus is arrested
the pointer requires to be out of contact; this I effect by means of the
lever arrangement A, B, C, D, F, E, Figure 30, which oscillates on
points B, F. At the moment the sliding frame reaches P it acts on
point A of lever A, B, C, while point C of said lever presses on finger Ga
for raising the pointer. When the sliding frame returns instantly to
point P it bears on the end of lever E, F, D, and by means of
stem C, D, the lever A, B, C, is moved in the reverse direction, after

page_text: which point & is freed, and the pointer falls by its own gravity on to
the paper, and ceases to be isolated.
It will be understood that I reserve the right of reversing the above
arrangement, that is to say, of fixing the paper and placing the pointer
on the sliding frame, which would be made to travel in the manner
before described, with reference to the paper.
The means above described are also applicable for reproducing printing
type instead of writing, which would also render the apparatus much
more rapid in its action. This I effect as follows:-Instead of making.
the pointer to travel over the surface of the paper by means of the
screw, as described, which is very tedious, I simply make it travel over
the surface of the line of type, and then pass it to the next line. In
this manner I save the time occupied by the pointer in travelling over
the surface of the paper between any two lines. I divide each line,
or preferably each letter, into five parts, for example, as effected by
Bonelli, and thus obtain great rapidity of action.
In order to obtain this result I simply modify the action of the
pointer, and replace the tinfoil contained in the sliding frame of the
manipulator by a block containing printing type, or by small strips of
tin printed in advance, and fixed on the frame at suitable distances apart.
The modified action of the poiuter consists simply in causing it to
advance to a slight extent at each to-and-fro motion of the sliding frame
corresponding to a fifth, sixth, or other part of a letter, instead of
moving it gradually, as in the case of the screw before described. For
this purpose I use an escapement A, Figure 31, which every time it is
displaced by the sliding frame is caused to abut against the tail Q, and
allow a small pin a on the stem C to pass the pointer mounted on part S
then moving forward by the aid of the spring T. It will be observed
that the pins a are placed in groups of five, the group designated by D
corresponding to the surface of the printing type letter, which is thus
divided into five parts by the pointer. The space E between each group
of pins corresponds to the intervals between the lines. The pointer it
will be seen thus passes immediately from one line to the next.
I have before described a mode of reversing by means of a particular
arrangement of electro-magnet, I may, however, obtain the complete
reversal of the line current in the manner shown in Figure 32. It
will be readily seen by examining this Figure that the relay is used for
writing in a dark tint on a white ground, while without the aid of the

page_text: relay the message would be shown white on a dark ground. Thus with
the small relay above described I may so arrange that when the pallet
passes over the ink the pallet of relay will so act that the main
battery A will connect with the, carth and so permit of battery B
decomposing, while when the stylet passes over the tinfoil the contrary
effect will take place, that is to say, main battery A will then annul
the action of battery B, and there will be no marks produced on the
paper.
Having described the nature of this Invention, and the manner
of performing the same, 1 declare that what I claim as the Invention
to be protected by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent
is,-
1st. 1 claim obtaining a synchronous action of the manipulator and
receiver by causing said receiver to work faster than the manipulator
and stopping it at every turn, when it is again started electrically by a
current from the receiver at the monent when the two apparatus
correspond, employing for the purpose the two independent systems of
wheelwork, arranged as described and illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4
of the Drawings.
2ndly. I claim regulating the motion of the wheelwork of telegraph
apparatus generally by the circular vibrations of a diapason or the
rectilinear vibration of a cord or flat spring, as herein-before described
and illustrated in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of the Drawings.
3rdly. I claim the system of disconnecting gear, described and
illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 5 of the Drawings, for changing the
relative speeds of the two apparatus, whereby the manipulator may serve
as a receiver, and vice versa.
4thly. I claim obtaining the synchronous action of the two apparatus
without the aid of disconnecting gear, by arresting their motion alter-
nately one by the other; when it is desired they should both have the
sume speed, in the manner shown and described with reference to
Figure 15 of the Drawings.
5thly. I claim the arrangement of electro-magnet, described and
illustrated in Figures 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 of the Drawings,
to be applied either for reversing a line current. (as in Figure 20), as a
transferring relay for connecting another battery with the liuc, as in
Figure 22, or as a simple relay for decomposing the paper at the receiver
by means of a local battery operated by said relay. In the latter case

page_text: the relay is arranged as described and illustrated in Figure 23, so that it
may be completely discharged, as also the line during the whole time the
current is passing.
6thly. I claim the arrangements described and illustrated in Figures
16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 of the Drawings, by which the improve-
ments are rendered applicable for producing copies of messages on a
horizontal flat surface, in lieu of on paper coiled on a roller as usual,
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, have
hereunto set my hand and scal, this Fourteenth day of December,
in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty
nine
Witness,
JAMES DAISHI,
53, Chancery Lane,
London.
A. M. CLARK. (L.S.)