Year: 1886

page_text: I, HERBERT JOHN ALLISON, of 52 Chancery Lane, London, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, which
has been communicated to me from abroad by the Writing Telegraph Company,
(Incorporated) of the City and State of New York, United States of America, and
in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :—
My invention relates to that class of Autographic Telegraphs for which I have
heretofore filed several applications for Letters Patent, in the United States.
The object of this invention is to improve the several parts of such an apparatus,
so that it will operate with greater certainty, exactness and promptness. It
consists in the several combinations of parts hereinafter described and claimed.
In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification :-
Figure 1 represents a plan view of an apparatus embodying my invention.
Figure 2 is a side view of the same.
Figure 3 represents an end view.
Figure 4 is a view taken on a horizontal line immediately below the top of the
table shown in Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a view in cross section taken on line x-x of Figure 6 of a part of
the receiving instrument.
Figure G is a top view of the armatures and magnets of the receiving instrument.
Figure 7, is a horizontal cross section taken on line y-y of Figure 5, and
Figure 8, represents a vertical cross section of a part of the sending or
transmitting instrument.
Figure 9, is a modification of the lever, in which it is formed with a socket at
its top for a pencil or other holder.
Figure 10, is a view showing the switch mechanism, and its connections, with a
diagram of the circuits.
Figure 11, represents an elevation of a modified form of receiving and
transmitting apparatus.
Figure 12, is a cross section on line x-x of Figure 11.
Figure 13, represents a side elevation of the receiving pen and transmitting
atylus or holder,

page_text: Figure 14, is a plan view of the apparatus.
Figure 15, represents another modified construction, and
Figure 16, is a detailed view of a part of Figure 11.
Referring to the transmitting instrument, the reference numbers 1 and 2,
(see Figures 4 and 8), represent the piles of carbon disks as described in one of the
previous applications herein before referred to.
For convenience the two series of carbon disks are placed in receptacles, formed
in one piece of wood 3. Each pile of disks is provided with a screw follower 4,
for adjusting the normal pressure of the disks on each other. The means I use for
varying the pressure on the piles of carbon disks consists of a rod or lever 5,
pivoted at its lower end in any suitable manner. In this instance, the rod is
provided at its lower end with an aperture into which a pin or wire 6 fits, the
latter being secured to the base of the instrument. I preferably make the lever 5
long so that the hand of the operator has a large field of motion, and is not
cramped in its movements. On this rod or lever opposite one pile of disks I locate
pressure points 7 of non-conducting material, and between said points and piles I
arrange strips of metal 8, to which the conductors are secured. I apply to the
upper end of the lever at about the surface of the table 9, a holder 10 pivoted to
said lever by a universal joint 11. Instead of this arrangement I can provide the
upper end of the lever with a cavity 11' of any form, into which a lead pencil or
other holder can be inserted for giving movement to the said lever. As the
operator manipulates the holder as in writing, outlining the letters, the pressure on
the carbon disks is increased or diminished with results as described in one of
my applications hereinbefore referred to.
The electro-magnets 12 and 13, of the receiver are arranged at right angles to
each other, and at the point where the poles would meet, if extended, I locate a
carrier rod 14 for carrying the armatures 15, 15', 16 and 161, of said magnets (the
latter 161 is not shown in the drawing). The poles of said magnet are secured in
position in the standards 17, by set screws 18, and can be adjusted as may be
required, each pole being adjustable independently of the other. The armatures 15
and 16, for the two magnets 12 and 13, are separated from each other by a
non-magnetic block 19, the object of which is to prevent any influence being
exercised by one magnet on the armature of the other, which would be the case
were the two armatures formed in one piece or united by magnetic materials, that
is to say if both magnets had one armature in common. The armatures are united
to the carrier rod by set screws 20, passing through the blocks 19. The arma-
tures 151 and 16', are united to the armatures 15 and 16 respectively by an
iron rod or post 21. This connection of the two armatures of opposite polarity
completes the magnetic circuit and of course gives an increase of power. I have
made the connection 21 with a screw thread on its lower end, so that the parts
connected can be adjusted nearer to or farther from each other. The carrier rod 14,
is reduced in thickness at 22, forming a spring, so that its armatures can casily and
quickly respond to the varying attraction of the electro-magnets. The entire rod
may be made of flexible material if desired, or it may be pivoted, but in this case
spiral or other springs will have to be used to keep the rod and armatures in their
normal positions.
To steady the movements of the carrier rod I secure it to an arm or extension 23,
which dips into a liquid contained in a vessel 24 adjustably mounted, through
arm 27, on standard 25. This vessel has a depression 26, in one side extending a
little beyond its centre so as to allow the carrier rod 14 to occupy a central position
in regard thereto, said rod carrying the extension 23, shaped as shown to correspond
somewhat with the form of the vessel. This extension can be adjusted on the rod
by means of the said screw 27, so as to dip into the liquid more or less as may be
found necessary. The carrier rod extends above the table 9 through an enlarged
aperture 28 in the same and is bifurcated at its upper end, each bifurcation 29
being provided with a screw bearing 30 in which the pivot or shaft 31 of the
counter weighted arm 32 carrying the eceiving pen 33 is mounted.
The arm is

page_text: weighted so that the pen shall bear only lightly on the paper. The said arm has
a screw threaded hole at its outer end into which the receiving pen is screwed.
The pen illustrated is a reservoir or fountain pen of the stylographic kind, but an
ordinary fountain pen may be used, if it is placed at an angle so as to pass freely
over the paper.
The reel of paper used in the apparatus is contained in the receptacle 34, and as
the paper 37, uncoils it passes from said receptacle under the receiving pen or
stylus and between the feed rolls 35 and 36 of the paper feed mechanism whereby
it is fed forward. With the exception of the arresting means herein after described
I do not claim any novelty in the said feed mechanism and it will not therefore be
necessary to describe the same herein.
The switch lever 38 is shown in the drawing in its normal position with the
bell 39 in circuit. The said switch lever is provided with two contact makers 40
and 41, for the two circuits of the instruments and these contact makers in the
normal position of the switch lever connect with binding posts 42 and 43, which
are joined by wire 44, (see Figure 4). The circuit in this case is from battery 45 to
binding posts 46, thence by conductor 47, springs 48 and 49, conductor 50, bell
electro-magnets 51 and conductor 52 to ground. When the circuit is made and
broken by the push button 53 which acts to separate the springs when pressed,
the bell is operated.
If it is desired to put the receiver only in circuit the switch lever is shifted to
make contact with binding posts 54 and 55. The circuits in this case will be from
battery 45, switch lever, binding posts 54, conductors 56, 57, receiver magnet 12, con-
ductors 58, 59, to ground, and from battery 60, binding posts 61, switch lever binding
posts 55, conductors 62, 63, receiver magnet 13, and conductors 64, 59, to ground.
If it is desired to put both receiver and transmitter in circuit the switch lever is
shifted until its contact makers are in connection with binding posts 65, 66. The
circuits in this case are as follows: from battery 45, switch lever, binding posts 65,
conductors 67, 68, pile of carbon disks 2, conductors 69, and 57, magnet 12, and
conductors 58, 59, to ground; and from battery 60, binding post 61, switch lever,
binding post 66, conductors 70, 71, pile of carbon disks 1, conductors 72, 63,
receiver magnet 13, and conductors 64, 59, to ground.
Whenever both transmitter and receiver or receiver only are put in circuit the
clock work escapement is automatically released, and this is accomplished as follows:
The switch lever carries a roller or projection 73, which when the lever is thrown
into its normal position rides over and depresses the outer end of brake lever 74,
pivoted at 75, causing its inner end to press firmly against the under side of
ratchet wheel 76 of the clock work mechanism, thus preventing any movement of
the paper.
As the switch lever is shifted to throw the receiver alone or both
receiver or transmitter into circuit, the said projection of the switch lever passes
beyond the brake lever and the outer end of the latter is then thrown up by
spring 77 leaving the clock work mechanism free to move the paper.
It will be observed that the two circuits used are connected near the instruments,
and between the same and ground to one and the same ground wire and this is
done of course both at the transmitting and receiving stations. It will also be
observed that the poles of the two batteries in the two circuits are opposed to each
other the purpose of which is to secure a more regular action.
In Figures 11 to 16, 1, and 2, represent the electro-magnets of the receiver, of
which magnet 1 is shown as supported from standard 3 by adjustable set screws 4
connected with the cores 5 of said magnet. These cores of course, may be made
longitudinally adjustable with reference to their coils. Electro-magnet 2 is
supported (not shown) in the same manner as magnet 1. The armature of
electro-magnet 1 is pivoted at 7, to a standard S, and is arranged very near to said
magnet as shown, so as to utilize as much of the power of the magnet as possible.
To the lower part of said armature, or to a projection 9 thereof, a rigid bar 10
is pivoted, which latter is universally pivoted to or connected by a ball joint 11
with block 12 secured by set screw 18 to the vertical rod or carrier 14 holding the

page_text: receiving pen or stylus 15. This rod is arranged to pass between the legs of said
magnets as shown in Figure 12. To the said block 12 is also connected by a ball
joint 11 another rigid bar 16 pivoted to the projection 17 of the armature 18
which latter is pivoted in a standard or standards 19 in front of electro-magnet 2.
The rod or carrier 14 is stepped in the base or block 20 and consists in its entire
length or only in its lower part, of a stiff spring which acts to keep the two
armatures 6 and 18 the normal distance away from their magnets and thus act
in opposition to the force of said magnets, not pulling but pushing said armatures
away from their magnets. The tension of the spring part of said rod or holder is
such that the armatures are kept out of absolute contact with the cores. The
rod 14 is bifurcated at its upper end and carries a counterweighted stylus 15 as
more fully described in one of my previous applications herein before referred to.
In Figure 15, I have arranged the electro-magnet 1 and its armature by the side
of instead of above electro-magnet 2 as shown in Figure 11. This arrangement is
not quite so compact and I therefore prefer the arrangement first described.
For the sake of compactness I also arrange the two piles of carbon disks 21 of
the transmitter over the receiver magnets supporting said piles on a standard 22.
In the horizontal part of this standard I also support the lower end of the vertical
rod 23 which carries at its upper end the holder 24.
In order to assist the operator in the operation of writing or outlining correctly
with the stylus or holder held in the hand the letters desired to be re-produced by
the receiver, I attach to the rod 23, moved by the holder or stylus of the
transmitter, an arın 25 which projects over the top of the receiving stylus or pen
without touching the same (see Figure 13). As the receiver responds almost
instantly to the movements of the transmitting stylus it appears to the operator
that the movements of his hand are directly, instead of indirectly, concerned in
causing the movement of the receiving stylus, and as also the latter is arranged
near the transmitting stylus, he can readily see by watching the characters traced
on the paper by the receiving pen how to modify the movements of his hand if the
receiver fails to produce correctly formed letters or characters.
I have not herein shown any arrangement of circuits, as that is well understood,
nor have I considered it necessary to show more than the apparatus at one end
of the line, since that at the other is only a duplication thereof.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is ;-
First. The combination with two electro-magnets placed at an angle to each
other of an armature carrier mounted to have a lateral motion and provided with
magnetically separate armatures for said electro-magnets substantially as described.
Second. The combination with two electro-magnets placed at an angle to cach
other of an armature carrier mounted to have a lateral motion and provided with
magnetically separate armatures arranged to overlap the poles of said magnets
substantially as shown and described.
Third. An armature carrier provided with two sets of magnetically separate
armatures, the armatures of one set being magnetically connected with those of
the other substantially as described.
Fourth. An arinature carrier provided with two sets of magnetically separate
armatures, the armatures of one set being magnetically connected with those of the
other by an adjustable connection whereby the two sets can be adjusted nearer to
or farther from each other, substantially as described.
Fifth. An armature carrier provided with magnetically separate armatures secured
to said carrier by a non-magnetic block and set screw substantially as described.
Sixth. A flexible laterally movable armature carrying rod provided with mag-
netically separate armatures substantially as described.
Seventh. A movable armature-carrier provided at its upper end with a stylus or
pen pivoted thereto, substantially as described,

page_text: Eighth. An armature-carrier provided at its upper end with an arm pivoted
thereto and carrying a fountain pen substantially as described.
Ninth. A movable armature-carrier provided with a counterbalanced stylus or
pen pivoted thereto, substantially as described.
Tenth. A movable armature-carrier provided at its upper end with an arm
pivoted thereto and having an opening and a stylus or pen secured in said opening
substantially as described.
Eleventh. An armature-carrier provided at its upper end with a bifurcated part
in combination with an arm pivoted to said part and carrying a pen or stylus at
its outer end substantially as described.
Twelfth. A movable armature-carrier provided with a projection in combination
with a vessel containing liquid in which said projection is arranged to dip substan-
tially as described.
Thirteenth. An armature provided with a projection in combination with a
vessel containing liquid in which said projection is arranged to dip substantially as
described.
Fourteenth. A movable armature-carrier provided with a projection in combi-
nation with a vessel having a depression in its side as described to permit said
armature-carrier to occupy a central position, said projection being arranged to dip
into a liquid contained in said vessel, substantially as described.
Fifteenth. The combination with two line wires and receiving and transmitting
instruments which latter vary the current included therein, the said line wires.
being connected at each end to a single ground wire, of two batteries of equal
power having like poles, opposed to each other substantially as described.
Sixteenth. The combination with the paper feed mechanism of a brake lever for
arresting the action of said feed mechanism and a switch lever arranged to disen-
gage said brake lever when said switch lever is shifted to put one or both
instruments in circuit substantially as described.
Seventeenth. The combination with the paper feed mechanism of a brake lever
for arresting said feed mechanism a switch lever provided with a projection for
depressing said brake lever and a spring for returning the latter to operative
position substantially as described.
Eighteenth. The combination with two piles of carbon disks placed near, and at
an angle to each other, of a lever arranged to exert a pressure on either one or
both of said piles according to the direction in which said lever is moved substan-
tially as described.
Nineteenth. The combination with two piles of carbon disks placed near, and at
an angle to each other of a long lever arranged to exert a pressure near its pivot
on either one or both of said piles, whereby the free end of said lever has a large
field of motion, and the hand of the operator is not cramped in its movements
substantially as described.
Twentieth. The combination with two piles of carbon disks placed near, and at
an angle to each other, of a lever arranged to exert a pressure on either one or
both of said piles, according to its movements, a table provided with an opening
through which said lever extends, and a holder for the band of the operator sub-
stantially as described.
and
Twenty-first. The combination with two piles of carbon disks placed near,
at an angle to each other, of a lever arranged to exert a pressure on either one or
both of said piles according to its movements, and a holder for the hand of the
operator substantially as described.
Twenty-second. The combination with two piles of carbon disks placed near
and at an angle to each other, of a lever arranged to exert a pressure on either one
or both of said piles according to its movements and a holder for the band of the
operator, universally pivoted to said lever, substantially as described.
Twenty-third. The combination with two piles of carbon disks placed near, and
at an angle to each other, of a lever arranged to exert a pressure on either one
or both of said piles according to its movements and strips of metal arranged

page_text: between said levers and piles to which the conductors are attached substantially
as described.
Twenty-fourth. The combination with two piles of carbon disks placed near and
at an angle to each other of a lever provided with pressure points and arranged
to exert a pressure on either one or both of said piles, and strips of metal
arranged between said lever and piles for attachment of conductors substantially
as described.
Twenty-fifth. The combination with two piles of carbon disks placed near and
at an angle to each other, of a lever universally pivoted at its lower end, and
arranged to exert a pressure on either one or both of said carbon piles according to
its movements at points between its pivot and free end substantially as described.
Twenty-sixth. In an Autographic Telegraph, the combination with the receiving
stylus, arranged to have a free lateral motion over the surface of the paper, and
armature or armatures, of a liquid containing receptacle, substantially as described.
Twenty-seventh. The combination with a rod carrying the receiving stylus or
pen of a pair of rigid bars connecting said rod with the armatures of two electro-
magnets arranged substantially at right angles to each other, substantially as
described.
Twenty-eighth. The combination with a rod made to act as a spring and
carrying the receiving stylus or pen of the armatures, of two electro-magnets
arranged substantially at right angles to each other and a pair of rigid bars
connecting said armatures with said rod, substantially as described.
Twenty-ninth. The combination with two electro-magnets arranged substantially
at right angles to each other and two armatures arranged very near to the same,
of a rod carrying the receiving stylus and two bars connecting said armatures with
said rod, substantially as described.
Thirtieth. The combination with two electro-magnets arranged substantially at
right angles to each other, and two armatures arranged very near to the same, of
a rod carrying the receiving stylus, a block secured to said rod and two bars
connecting said armatures with said rod and connected by a ball and socket joint
with said block, substantially as described.
Thirty-first. The combination with two electro-magnets arranged substantially
at right angles to and vertically over each other, of two armatures for said magnets,
a rod carrying the receiving stylus arranged to pass between the legs of said
magnets and two bars connecting said rod with the two armatures, substantially
as described.
Thirty-second. The combination with two electro-magnets arranged substantially
at right angles to and over each other, and two armatures therefor, of a rod
carrying the receiving stylus and connected by bars with said armatures, two piles
of carbon disks placed above said magnets and a transmitting stylus arranged
near the receiving pen, substantially as described.
Thirty-third. The combination with the receiving stylus of the transmitting
stylus and an arm projecting from the latter and arranged in proximity to the
former, substantially as described.
Thirty-fourth. The combination of the receiving stylus with the transmitting
stylus arranged near the same and an arm projecting from the latter and arranged
in proximity to the former, substantially as described.
Dated the 30th day of November 1886.