IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRO-TELEGRAPHY.
Year: 1873

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Browne, of the Firm of Browne and
"
Company, Patent Agents, of 85, Gracechurch Street, in the City of
London, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRO-TELEGRAPHY.'"
-A communication from abroad by Luis de Bejar O'Lawlor, of
Paris, in the French Republic.
Sealed the 19th December 1873, and dated the 4th July 1873.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Browne at.
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 4th July 1873.
I, ALEXANDER BROWNE, of the Firm of Browne and Company, Patent
Agents, of 85, Gracechurch Street, in the City of London, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRO-
TELEGRAPHY," a communication from abroad by Luis de Bejar O'Lawlor,
of Paris, in the French Republic, to be as follows:-
11
muuastion torenthing

page_text: Second. They are connected one to another by means of separate
wires, each for their private use.
The first of these methods although very simple and economical
requires a staff of skilled employes to look after the apparatus in the
offices.
The second method although to a certain extent more simple has the
disadvantage of being very expensive, and is not casily applied in large
towns either to give an alarm or to establish a direct communication
between two private houses. Again, the public cannot be expected to
give much care and skill in using the electric apparatus. But still this
method has been adopted for town telegraphy, and as many wires are
now laid down as are necessaay to connect houses, offices, etc. together.
This is by far too expensive, and difficulties without end will present
themselves as the number of houses connected by electricity increase.
My Invention consists in laying in each large town a main line com-
posed of four wires, and to work it by means of an apparatus which I
call 'autoquinetic, indicating the object of the apparatus.
. By means of a simple contact the autoquinetic opens the line for
direct communication with a special office, and does not prevent the
working of another apparatus then in action, for in that case it remains
waiting that the line shall be open to send its telegraph to any private
or public office, or its alarm signal of thief, doctor, fire. If help should
be called for in case of theft one contact suitably made will put the.
apparatus in motion. This apparatus can also be placed inside locks,
safes, or boxes containing valuables. The circuit of the autoquinetic
can also be stopped when a thief is breaking a door or is trying to enter
a room through the floor.
As already stated the same apparatus although modified in its electric
contacts and placed on one main line has four wires and allows com-
munication between two separate houses, stopping during that time the
action of the apparatuses placed in other houses.
I will now describe minutely the autoquinetic, the two ways it can be
applied, and the action in both these cases of the four wires.
:
DESCRIPTION OF THE APPARATUS IN CASE OF THEFT, FIRE, OR WANT
OF DOCTOR, AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE SPECIAL LINE.
The autoquinetic apparatus is enclosed in a wooden box A, B, C, D,

page_text: E, F, G (Figure 1). The telegraphic wires of the line are in communica-
tion with the screws o, p, r, t, u, v. The electro-magnet y (Figure 3)
has one end of its wire attached to the slip x, the other to 8; and the
screws q, 1, 2, 21, 21, (Figure 1) are used to connect together the wires
used for exterior communications of the house. The electro-magnet a, b,
c, d, a¹, b, c, d (Figure 2), is horizontal; and the armature e¹, f¹, g¹,
h', e, h, is fixed to a lever i, j, j¹, which moves round a vertical axle, in
which presses the spring k, l; the movements of this lever i, j, ¹, j¹, are
limited by means of the ends of the two horizontal screws m, n, between
which it is- held; the extremity j of this lever forms two arms o, e, and
o, q, p, one rests in e on the regulator z, s, t, of the clock R and so as to
stop it, the other arm rests by its extremity p on the slit cut in the disc
U, V, which has another slit; the arm o, p, q, has a curve so as to allow
the free motion of the regulator r, s, t. The clockwork R has the
necessary number of wheels so as to give to the cylinder A, B, C, D, A¹,
B¹, C¹, D', about the same speed as the Morse receiver; the wheels J, L,
and M give motion to the cylinder on its axle. The disc U, V, is fixed
to the axle 1, 1, of the cylinder A, B, C; this cylinder has several plates
(Figure 3) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, the fourth one being very thin. On the
plan (Figure 2) E¹, F¹, underneath the cylinder, are found the metallic
slips O, P, Q, R, S, T, which are insulated from the rest of the apparatus
but are in communication with the screws O, P, etc., of the box
(Figure 1). These same screws and slips which communicate with each
other have the same letters of reference in Figures 1 and 2. All the
slips (Figure 3) rest against the cylinder; the slips O and P against the
plate No. 1; R, S, against No. 3; U, V, against No. 4; X, Y, against
the plate No. 5; Q and R will rest against that marked No. 2. A few
moments after the motion has begun the slip Z" will rest on the signal
disc No. 6. When the clockwork imparts motion to the cylinder the
slip Z¹ will rest on the plate No. 7 so as to indicate "fire," and the
slip Z on the plate No. 8 to indicate "doctor."
Tlie autoquinetic takes three normal positions:-First, when at rest
(Figure A) the slips Q, T, Z, Z', Z", are insulated, and the extremity of
the lever o, q, rests on the second slit of the disc U, V, (Figure 2);
second, in preparation (Figure B) the slips Q, R, V, Y, Z, Z¹, Z¹¹, are
insulated, the arm o, q, of the lever rests on the second slit of the disc
U. V. (Figure 2).
m
TT V V V 7 71 711
In transmitting. (Figure C), firstly, O, P, S, T, U, V, X, Y, Z,
71711
A 2

page_text: are insulated, and after a short time they are all still so with the
exception of Z" which gives the signals, after which the electrical
current goes into the ground by Z¹ when passing underneath the signal
plate “fire”, or by the slip Z to give the signal doctor. If Z' and Z are
insulated when Z¹ and Z pass underneath the plates No. 7 and 8 notice of
thief will then be given. The metallic axle of the cylinder communicates
with the disc which gives the signals, and with the plates fire and doctor.
The signals I use in my apparatus are as represented at Figure X of
Sheet 2. On the plates No. 6, 7, and 8 each stroke is marked by means
of a small line or type in relief, and the stroke dots by another line, the
length of which is the third of the one used for the strokes; on the plates
marked fire is written the letter F, and on the one marked doctor D.
The manipulator (Figure 4) is a commutator. The plate a, b, c, d,
communicates with the slip Y (Figure 3); the plate e, f, g, h, is insulated,
and bears the word thief; the plate i, j, k, l, communicating with the
slip Z, has the word fire; the plate m, n, o, p, communicating with the
slip Z', has the word doctor; finally, the slip Z" communicates with
the ground. The handle L communicates with the signals or the earth.
The screws B, A, C, D, serve to attach the wires, as already stated, so as
to close the circuit of the manipulator with the autoquinetic.
It will be seen that I have given the description of the autoquinetic
and of the manipulator by means of which it is worked. I will now
proceed to describe the lines which join them together.
IMPORTANT NOTICE.
The Figure No. 3 shows four apparatuses fitted on one line, the Nos. 1
and 4 being at rest, the No. 2 being ready to transmit, and No. 3
transmitting a notice. Each is supposed to be in a different house,
where a bell F and signals 2 are conveniently placed so as to give the
alarm or notice.
General Arrangement of the Wires on the Line.-The wire H, H',
starting from the telegraph office M is connected to the positive pole of
the pile B; the negative pole goes to ground; the wires j, l, m, n, are
respectively joined to the different slips of the apparatus No. 1, 2, the
end H of which is insulated. Another wire starts from the positive pole
of the pile A; the negative pole of which goes to ground. The wire A
passes through the apparatus situated at the telegraph office M, and

page_text: 11.
terminates in 6 going towards i, where it is joined to a metallic axle j¹,j","
and simultaneously 6 is coiled on the slip O of the apparatus No. 1.
Another section of the wire goes from the slip p to c, and finishes
completely in d, like the end 6 of the apparatus No. 1. The section e,ƒ;
starts from the slip p of No. 2; the section g, h, starts from the slip p
of No. 3, and the section i, k, from the slip p of No. 4. From the
point k the wire comes back, following the direction denoted by the
arrow T, by k, k¹, k¹¹, the end of which ", comes into the telegraph
office M, and remains cut. Suppose, for example, only four apparatuses
to be placed on the line, along the wire k, k¹, k", there are changes
at n¹, m³, l, q. Each respective wire is joined, n' to the slipt of the
apparatus No. 1, m' to the slip t of the second apparatus, & to the same
slip of No. 3, and q' to that of No. 4. A third wire has its end L in the
ground, and is joined to the slip V; the wire b¹, e¹, starts from the slip .V
of the apparatus No. 1, joins the slip V of No. 2; from this slip V starts
the end d¹, e¹, of the wire. From V, apparatus No. 3, starts the
end f¹, g¹, of the wire; and from V, apparatus No. 4 starts the end ², G¹,
the end of which G' is insulated.
Arrangement of the Conducting Wires leading from the Houses.
The wires y, y, z, 2, 2¹, 21, 211, 21, start from the slips y, z, z¹, ll; their
extremities are fixed to the screws A, B, C, of the manipulator; the
wire of the slip " goes in the ground. Another wire proceeds from the
manipulator L, and after having passed through the signal board Q goes
to ground. The slip p is fixed to the wire p, s, t, at the end of the wire,
coming from the bobbin of the bell T, and the other end q¹ goes to
ground.
Position of the Apparatus when at Rest.-When all the apparatuses
are in the same position as the No. 1 and 4, none of them are at work,
but if L and y¹ are put in contact with each other, the electric current
of the pile B will go from H to j and V, and from the metallic plate
No. 3 will go on to the slip 8, a¹; the bobbin T will come out by the
slip to the plate No. 5, and by the slip y to the plate A of the
manipulator will pass by L to the signals Q to the signals of the number,
and from there to the ground; at that moment the armature of T being
attracted permits the cylinder No. 1 to rotate in the direction of the
arrow, so as to take the position of No. 2. Before the action of the
pile B has ceased to make itself felt on T, the pile A acts on that electro-
magnet, and allows the cylinder to continue its rotating motion. Now-

page_text: assuming the apparatus No. 3 to be in the same position as the
apparatus 1 and 4, the electric current of the pile B when it reaches j, v,
will not pass on to L, but the current A will pass through the
wires k, k¹, k¹¹, pass by b, o, p, e, d, o, p, e (apparatus No. 2), f, o, p, g,
(apparatus No. 3), h, o, i, p, (apparatus No. 4), and return by k, k³, k",
to m³, and passes from the slip (apparatus No. 2), by the plate No. 3
to the slip S. From the slip S the current passes into the wires of the
magnet T, comes out by the extremity of x to v, from v to c¹, from c¹
to b¹ to the slip V of the apparatus No. 1, and from there by the plate
No. 4 of this same apparatus to V, and then to A¹ to take ground at G.
The electro-magnet being magnetised will allow the cylinder to continue
its rotating motion, and it will then occur that the plate No. 2 coming
underneath the slips r, q (the cylinder taking then the position of No. 3),
will shut the current of the pile B, which passes from 7 tor, and by the
plate Qto q; from 9 it passes to the wire q, s¹, t¹, passing by the
bobbin of the electric bell F, which it puts in motion. In the same way
the current of pile A passing by b, o, p, c, d, o, p, e, arrives at f, and the
plate No. 1 does not join the slip O with p, it passes to i, and arrives at
the metallic axle of the cylinder, which is in contact with the signal
disc No. 6; but as the slip " goes to ground each time that the type
passes underneath this slip, the pile A will close its circuit, and con-
sequently the telegraph office M will receive a signal.
The arrangement of the apparatus which I have just explained
compels it to remain in its initial position. Since to make the manipu-
lator L work it is simply necessary to pass lightly a handle fixed on L
on a, and leave it in one of the partitions d, b, or c, if it is on the slip 2¹
takes ground by L, and as the current of the pile A passes by the plates
No. 8, 7, and 6, the slip z¹ takes ground, and will give the signal D (doctor).
The same thing happens when the handle rests on, but then the signal
will be F (fire), and when it rests on the white partition the signal will
be thief. Supposing the apparatus No. 3 to be at work, and that No. 2
calls attention, when L of No. 2 joins y, a, the current B will pass, as I
have before stated, by the electro-magnet T of the No. 2, and the move-
ment of the cylinder will be free. When the apparatus occupies the
position shown by the Figure 2 the electro-magnet will lose its attrac-
tion, and the clockwork which moves the cylinder will stop. This is easily
understood, as the current of the pile A passes by b, o, p, c, f, i, but the
No. 3 is in motion, and consequently the current is cut at g. The

page_text: electro-magnet T, No. 2 being no more magnetised the lever i, j, Figure 1,
rests in the second slit of the disc U, V, its cylinder stops, but is ready
to act again.
When the course of No. 3 is finished, and the apparatus assumes its
initial position, then T of No. 2 will be magnetised again, because the
current t will find means of escaping by g, will go by k, k¹, n, m³, a¹, r¹,
a', y, and will be able to continue its course and make its signal. The
same thing would take place if the apparatus No. 1 being in action a
signal was to be made by the apparatus No. 2. Let us suppose now
that the four apparatuses make a signal at the same time. When No. 1
is at work the Nos. 2, 3, 4, remain in position of readiness, as previously
explained. When No. 1 has finished its work the current of the pile A
finds no exit by q¹, t, m, by lª, t. If it had to pass by q¹, t, and by the
plate No. 3 to s, it would come out by x, and by the plate No. 5 it
would pass to the slip V, following g¹, f¹, n, it would then find the
slip V insulated. No. 3 is also in readiness, and consequently not being
able to magnetise T of No. 4, its cylinder will remain stationary. The
same thing happens when at No. 3, but not when at No. 2, because the
current from A passes by b, o, p, c, d, o, p, e, f, o, p, g, h, o, p, i, k, q',
l¹, k¹, m³, t, s, α, T, x, v¹, c¹, b¹³, n, v, a¹, G, to ground, and as then T of
No. 2 is magnetised its cylinder is in motion. In the same way, if
No. 2 is placed in initial position No. 3 will work, then No. 4, and so on.
If there are several manipulators L in one house they will not have
any effect on the action of the apparatus, if circuit y, L, y, is shut at the
same time. The signals would be then repeated several times, and when
they work one after the other the signals will follow each other in perfect
order.
To obtain a good and perfect service in a town it must be supposed to
be divided in telegraphic districts, which would themselves be sub-
divided into sections of no more than 40 streets, and according to the
number of autoquinetic apparatuses employed in cach section will
depend the attention that is required. The lines of the autoquinetics
start from the telegraphic offices, radiating into the streets, and joining
another telegraph office.
In each district there is one central telegraph office, which commands
those in the sections. The safety telegraph offices will have an automatic
alarm bell of the O'Lawlor system for cach subdivision, so that the signalș

page_text: t
of fire, thief, or doctor sent off from the autoquinetics may be registered
on their signal boards. The signal received in one telegraph office can be
sent to the other through the wire which connects them together, as well
as to the central office, and so on. If in case of fire notice must be given
to the firemen and others.
In order to facilitate the service of the autoquinetic, and make the
signals as short as possible, cyphers indicating the address very clearly
are used. The town is divided in sections of 40 streets, each street
having its number.

page_text: any manipulator and clear the line, so as to have a direct communi-
cation with the office, but in doing this the autoquinetics fitted on
the line are only used, and these can only work until the line is open,
which would be a great drawback to those using the signals fire and
doctor, therefore it has been found desirable to divide the application
of the autoquinetic into two parts, one for the signals, which are short
and take up the line for a short time, the other for the telegrams.
In this last case it is necessary that the principal offices should be
able to communicate with the private offices without preventing the
other houses also possessing an apparatus from communicating with
each other.
It will be noticed here that the form of the autoquinetic is not
altered, only there are fixed to the cylinder A, B, C, D, Figure 5,
plates marked with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, the shape of which is
visible and easily understood.
The autoquinetic further possess 11 slips; it is enclosed in a box;
one side of which has fasteners to which are fixed the wires (Figure 1*)
in the lower part. A is a button, shown in Figure 6, in profile; this
button A is the extremity of the prism b, c, d. In g¹, g¹¹, is a small
ivory button fixed to the spring e, h; when this button A is drawn
9, 9, appears on the metallic plates q, t, the piece d, f, serves to
stop the clockwork of the autoquinetic in a convenient place. In
pushing the button g, g¹, the plates q, t, shut off the communication
between the springs e and h. To effect this first movement it is
necessary to open the box of the apparatus, which can only be closed
by pushing the prism b, c, d, towards b, d, the object of which is
to allow the course of the autoquinetic to be free to follow the line.
:
In the event of the spring of the clockwork breaking and
stopping the motion, and of the autoquinetic not being wound up,
either of which would prevent it from working, I provide for this.
by the following means:-In the upper part of the drum are three
rings a, b, c, a¹, b¹, c¹, a¹¹, b¹, c", insulated from one another as well
as from the whole of the apparatus. One spring a, b, c, communi-
cates by the interior of the drum with the spring t, y, s; the spring
a¹, b, c, is in communication with the spring u, v, the springs t, y, 8,
and u, r, v, are fixed together by the plate x, y, 8, v, which is insulated,
and in front of the two springs h, y, j, k; the spring j, k, is in com-

page_text: munication with the ring a, b, c, and the spring v, x, u, with the
whole of the apparatus. The mainspring of the clockwork has fixed
to its end at the axle A, B, a plate d, e, f, g, which will strike the
springs t, y, s, v, x, n. The spring o, p, is in communication with an
electric current, the spring m, n, with the end of the wire of a bobbin
of the bell q, r, with the end of the wire, and the whole of the apparatus
communicates with the ground.
.
If the autoquinetic is not wound up the plate d, e, f, g, will make
contact between the spring t, y, s, and y¹, h, and v, x, n, with k, j.
The current which will pass from o, p, to the ring a, b, c, from this to ]
the spring t, y, s, and thence by the spring y, h, to the rings a³, b¹, c¹,
and from the spring n, m, to the electro-magnet of the bell will come
out by r, q, then come back to the plate a", 6", c", and by the spring
j, k, in contact with v, u, x, will take ground, and consequently the bell
will give the alarm signal, and the hand at the office will keep in a 1
continual state of deviation or agitation and by these means, both at the
office where the telegraph announced does not arrive, as well as in the
house where the bell rings, it will be known that the apparatus is either
broken or has not been wound up.
q,
I now proceed to describe the general arrangement of the line with
reference to Figure 5. The pile B has its positive pole coiled to the hand
D, the other end of which is joined to the commutator; t, q, p, t, is coiled
to the central contact of the commutator; the wire p, u, which starts
from q is coiled with the slip to the other autoquinetic No. 1; another
wire which starts from c is coiled with the slip a¹ of the apparatus 2
No. 2; another wire which starts from c¹ is joined to the slip a¹¹ of the
apparatus No. 3, and so on; another wire, which starts from the contact
dies away at m³, and at n¹ is fixed to the extremity of a conductor
which coils on the slip b; n, b, is coiled at H with the end of the wire of
the bobbin A. From m starts another wire, which coils with the mani- 3
pulator, which is in use; m³, n¹, are fixed, m¹ to the spring e, n¹ to the
spring h, as already explained with reference to Figure 6. Another coil
I goes to join the slip g. Another conductor starting from forms also.
contacts to the second house, and from h¹ starts another conductor which
forms the same contacts to the third house. The positive pole of the 3
pile C is joined to the conductor n, o, s, (n being in the centre) and
from s starts a wire going to the hand E or to any other receiver. From
this same hand E starts a wire, which has two directions in t and in n,.

page_text: other n to a bell T, from which
From this enters into each house
the first is joined to the slip j and the
starts a wire which goes to the slip f.
a thread, which coils round each bell T, T", and each slip j', f", j", ƒ";
the other contact o of the commutator n, o, 8, goes to ground. An
insulated wire at E has a direction towards the slip d, and follow until it¨
coils with the other end of the wire of the bobbin A. Another wire,
starting from the slip e goes and makes similar contacts in another house
at d, and at the electro-magnet A; from the slip e it goes on to d¹ and
A", and so on until it reaches the end of the conductor. The opposite
end of the wire E must go to ground. Wires starting respectively in
each house from the slips i, i, ¹¹, as well as from k, k³, k¹¹, go as far as
the buttons of the commutator; l, n, m; l, n¹, m²; l¹, n", m¹; n, n, n¹¹;'
are coiled with the manipulator, which is in use; F, F¹, F", and these are
coiled with the receiver.
I now proceed to describe an arrangement for effecting a call from a
surveying office to a private office as follows:-When the end of the
commutator t, q, p, is placed on p, and the slips are made to bear on the
plate No. 1, also d, and c, b, and a, on the plate No. 3, and y and h on
the plate No. 5, in cach of the autoquinetics the current of the pile B
passes to the slip A from A to 6 by the plate No. 3, thence on to the
bobbin A, and coming out at the other end it comes on to the slip d, and
by means of the plate No. 1 it passes to the slip e, and from e passes to
d, to e¹¹, to d¹¹, to e" to take ground.
When A is clectrified the autoquinetic starts and assumes the position
shown in Figure B'. In this case the circuit of the pile B ceases, and
the hand has no more derivation. When the cylinder of the autoquinetic
turns, the plates take the position shown in Figure 0. If a signal has
to be made to the first house the end of the commutator s, n, o, must be
placed on S, and as has been before remarked. The cylinder of the
autoquinetic No. 1 having taken the position shown in Figure B¹, the
current of the pile C passes from s to u; crossing the bobbins of the bell
F it comes out by f, a, c, passes from e to d¹, to d¹¹, to c¹¹, and takes
ground, consequently the bell will ring, and its action will be continuous
if a small local pile is placed inside the bell.
When the cylinder of the autoquinetic assumes the position shown at
Figure C¹ the circuit of the pile C is cut, and the hand E remains in a
vertical position. If it is not with the first house that communication
:

page_text: has to be established it will not be necessary at the starting point to
place the end of the commutator 8, o, n, on o, but it will be left in
t, p, q, on o, p, and as in this way the cylinder will assume the position
shown at Figure C³, the current of the pile B will pass from A to C, and
passing into the autoquinetic No. 2 will begin to act; all the operations
I have already described will then take place. Since the communication
of the pile with the apparatus No. 2 will be stopped, the hand D will
not deviate any more, and if o is at the second house, to which a quick
message has to be sent after having observed the hand D, the end of the
commutator s, n, o, should be placed on 8; consequently the hand D
will have as many deviations as there are houses between the surveying
office and the one to which the message is intended to be sent. When
once the bell of the house No. 2 has been set in motion the button A is
to be pulled, the autoquinetic will then assume the position shown at
Figure C³, the end of the commutator l', n¹, m³, will be placed on n³, and
at the surveying office the end of the commutator t, p, q, will be placed
on q, and the one of n, o, s, on o; then the current d, B, passes through
the wire q to g, to h, and from h to the manipulator T", and working by
the wire n', m³, 7, and by the plate 2 at j, arrives at the surveying office.
by passing by the hand G. Of course all the autoquinetics placed
between the office and the house from which the despatch is sent will
be in the position shown at Figure A, and the office to which notice is
given will not begin to work until all the other autoquinetics which are
in motion have finished their turn.
I now proceed to describe an arrangement for effecting a call from a
house to the surveying office, as follows:-The box containing the auto-
quinetic is open, and the button A is pulled, the contact g¹, g, is lowered,
as at (Figure 6), and the autoquinetic begins to work. If no other
apparatuses are at work at that moment the clerks at the surveying
office must be continually on the look out, and see that the end of the
commutator t, p, q, is on q, and that of u, s, o, on o. Let us suppose, for
example, that the signal starts from the house No. 1, the circuit m³, n¹, being.
closed, the current of the pile B passes by the bobbin A, from which it
comes out, goes over the plate No. 1, and passes to the slip e. Not being
able to come out by E, which is insulated, it will pass then from d¹ to e¹,
and for the same reason to d¹ and e¹, and so on, until it takes
ground at H', when A is magnetised. The clockwork of the autoquinetic
is set in motion by stopping a at the moment when the cylinder assumes

page_text: the position shown at Figure C¹, and consequently when it is ready to
work.
If the end of the commutator m, n, l, is placed on 1, communication
will be established with the right-hand side office, provided the commu-
nication is closed with the left-hand side office. If an apparatus should
be at work at that moment, say the first, and that the second is giving a
signal, the first will not work because the cylinder of the first apparatus
will be in the position shown at Figure A¹, and consequently the second
house will not receive any current; the electro-magnet A' will not
attract the armature, and the autoquinetic No. 2 will only work when
the first having sent its message will leave the line free. If the third
house is in action, and the second makes a signal in the same time, it
will not stop the current of the third house, because although the first
would receive a current the third would not allow it to shut the circuit,
since the cylinder of its autoquinetic has its slip d¹¹ insulated, as at
Figure C¹.
If there are several apparatuses making signals at the same time it
will easily be understood that they will only work one after the other
with the left-hand office.
To adapt in the same line the autoquinetic, so as to have the alarm
signals and ordinary signals, it will be understood that it is not necessary
to double the number of conductors with six buttons, four exclusively
for the alarm signals, and two for the ordinary signals, but then in this
case each house must have a special. electric pile.
I now proceed to describe the manner of arranging the indications for
the transmission of messages. In order to follow in a strict way the
transmission of messages, without hindering the private telegraph, the
private offices will make a signal to the surveying office, which receives
the message, and will place these offices in communication with another
surveying office, so as to accelerate the transmission. The intermediate -
offices can place a station in communication with another office, but in
this case there would be a fixed time for the signals. In this manner the
communications can be multiplied, and give to the public facilities to
generalize the line which is placed at its disposal, because up to this
time no other communication was used but that going direct from one
office to another, whereas by this improved system the use of telegraphy
will be placed in the hands of all. No fear is to be entertained that too.

page_text: much delay will take place in the delivery of messages because of the
great number sent, for supposing each telegram to be of the average of
20 words, and that 4 minutes is the time necessary to forward the
m message, 15 despatches can be sent per hour, making 360 per day per
office. Supposing again that there are 20 private offices on one line,
and that each office sends 40 despatches in 24 hours, all the offices
together will send 800 despatches, or it may be calculated that each
office sends a little more than one despatch per hour, and supposing
3 houses send their messages together, the last would have to wait 18
minutes before it can transmit its despatch if the signals are made two
by two, 4 minutes, four by four, 12 minutes, which is a short lapse of
time when a great number of general offices and a large telegraphic
service are at work.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Alexander Browne in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 3rd January 1874.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ALEXANDER
BROWNE, of the Firm of Browne and Company, Patent Agents, of 85,
Gracechurch Street, in the City of London, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Fourth day of July, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three, in the thirty-
seventh year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Alexander Browne, Her special licence,
that I, the said Alexander Browne, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Alexander Browne, 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
ELECTRO-TELEGRAPHY,' a communication from abroad by Luis de Bejar
O'Lawlor, of Paris, in the French Republic, upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Alexander Browne, my executors or
administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one
"

page_text: of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be
performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date
of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Alexander Browne, 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, that is to say:
1
The following are the means generally used for connecting together
several telegraph offices.
First. They are all placed on one main wire.
Second. They are connected one to another by means of separate
wires, each for their private use.
The first of these methods although very simple and economical
requires a staff of skilled employes to look after the apparatus in the
offices.
The second method although to a certain extent more simple has
the disadvantage of being very expensive, and is not easily applied in
large towns, either to give an alarm or to establish a direct com-
munication between two private houses. Again, the public cannot be
expected to give much care and skill in using the electric apparatus.
But still this method has been adopted for town telegraphy, and as many
wires are now laid down as are necessary to connect houses, offices, etc.,
together, this is by far too expensive, and difficulties without end will
present themselves as the number of houses connected by electricity
increase.
My Invention consists in laying in each large town a main line
composed of four wires, and to work it by means of an apparatus which
I call autoquinetic, indicating the object of the apparatus.
By means of a simple contact the autoquinetic opens the line for
direct communication with a special office, and does not prevent the
working of another apparatus then in action, for in that case it remains.
waiting that the line shall be open to send its telegraph to any private
or public office, or its alarm signal of thief, doctor, fire. If help should

page_text: be called for, in case of theft, one contact suitably made will put the
apparatus in motion. This apparatus can also be placed inside locks,
safes, or boxes, containing valuables. The circuit of the autoquinetic
can also be stopped when a thief is breaking a door or is trying to
enter a room through the floor.
As already stated the same apparatus although modified in its electric
contacts and placed on one main line has four wires, and allows com-
munication between two separate houses, stopping during that time
the action of the apparatuses placed in other houses.
I will now describe minutely the autoquinetic, the two ways it can
be applied, and the action in both these cases of the four wires.
DESCRIPTION OF THE APPARATUS IN CASE OF THEFT, FIRE, OR WANT
OF DOCTOR, AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE SPECIAL LINE.
The autoquinetic apparatus is enclosed in a wooden box A, B, C,
D, E, F, G, (Figure 1). The telegraphic wires of the line are in
communication with the screws o, p, r, t, u, v, the electro-magnet y
(Figure 3) has one end of its wire attached to the slip x, the other
to s, and the screws q, w, z, z¹, 2, (Figure 1) are used to connect
together the wires used for exterior communications of the house.
The electro-magnet a, b, c, d, a³, b¹, c¹, d', (Figure 2) is horizontal, and 2
the armature e¹, f¹, g¹³, h¹, e, h, is fixed to a lever i, j, î¹, j', which
moves round a vertical axle, in which presses the spring k, l; the
movements of this lever i, j, ¹³, j¹, are limited by means of the ends
of the two horizontal screws m, n, between which it is held; the
extremity of this lever forms two arms o, e, and o, g, p, one rests in e
on the regulator r, s, t, of the clock R, and so as to stop it; the other
arm rests by its extremity p on the slit cut in the disc U, V, which
has another slit; the arm o, p, q, has a curve, so as to allow the free
motion of the regulator r, s, t; the clockwork R has the necessary
number of wheels, so as to give to the cylinder A, B, C, D, A¹, B¹,
C', D¹, about the same speed as the Morse receiver. The wheels I, L,
and M, give motion to the cylinder on its axle. The disc U, V, is
fixed to the axle 1, 1, of the cylinder A, B, C; this cylinder has several
plates (Figure 3) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, the fourth one being very thin.
On the plan (Figure 2) E¹, F', underneath the cylinder, are found the a
metallic slips O, P, Q, R, S, T, which are insulated from the rest
of the apparatus but are in communication with the screws O, P, etc.,

page_text: of the box (Figure 1). These same screws and slips which com-
municate with each other have the same letters of reference in
Figure 1 and 2. All the slips (Figure 3) rest against the cylinder,
the slips O and P against the plate No. 1, R, S, against No. 3, U, V,
against No. 4, X, Y, against the plate No. 5, Q, and R, will rest against.
that marked No. 2. A few moments after the motion has begun the
the slip Z" will rest on the signal disc No. 6. When the clockwork
imparts motion to the cylinder the slip Z' will rest on the plate
No. 7, so as to indicate "fire," and the slip Z on the plate No. 8 to
indicate doctor.
The autoquinetic takes three normal positions, first, when at rest
(Figure A) the slips Q, T, Z, Z, Z", are insulated, and the extremity of
the lever o, q, rests on the second slip of the disc U, V. (Figure 2);
second, in preparation (Figure B) the slips Q, R, V, Y, Z, Z, Z¹¹, are
insulated. The arm o, q, of the lever rests on the second slit of the
disc U, V, (Figure 2).
.
In transmitting (Figure C), firstly, O, P, S, T, U, V, X, Y, Z, Z, Z",
are insulated, and after a short time they are all still so, with the
exception of Z", which gives the signals, after which the electrical
current goes into the ground by Z³ when passing underneath the signal
plate fire, or by the slip Z to give the signal doctor. If Z¹ and Z are
insulated when Z¹ and Z pass underneath the plates No. 7 and 8 notice of
thief will then be given. The metallic axle of the cylinder communi-
cates with the disc which gives the signals and with the plates fire and
doctor.
The signals I use in my apparatus are as represented at Figure X.
On the plates No. 6, 7, and 8 each stroke is marked by means of a small
line or type in relief, and the stroke dots by another line, the length of
which is the third of the one used for the strokes on the plates marked
fire is written the letter F, and on the one marked doctor D.
The manipulator (Figure 4) is a commutator. The plate a, b, c, d,
communicates with the slip T (Figure 3); the plate e, f, g, h, is insu-
lated, and bears the word thief; the plate i, j, k, l, communicating with.
the slip Z has the word fire; the plate m, n, o, p, communicating with.
the slip Z¹ has the word doctor. Finally the slip Z" communicates with
the ground. The handle L communicates with the signals or the earth.
B

page_text: It will be seen that I have given the description of the autoquinetic,
and of the manipulator by means of which it is worked. I will now
proceed to describe the lines which join them together.
.
IMPORTANT NOTICE.
The Figure No. 3 shows four apparatuses fitted on one line, the Nos. 1
and 4 being at rest, the No. 2 being ready to transmit, and No. 3 trans-
mitting a notice. Each is supposed to be in a different house where
a bell F and signals Q are conveniently placed, so as to give the alarm.
or notice.
.
General Arrangement of the Wires on the Line. The wire H, H',
starting from the telegraph office M is connected to the positive pole of
the pile B; the negative pole goes to the ground. The wires j, l, m, n,
are respectively joined to the different slips of the apparatus No. 1, 2, the
end H of which is insulated. Another wire starts from the positive
pole of the pile A, the negative pole of which goes to ground. The
wire A passes through the apparatus situated at the telegraph office M,
and terminates in b, going towards i, where it is joined to a metallic
axle, and simultaneously is coiled on the slip O of the
apparatus No. 1. Another section of the wire goes from the slip p to c,
and finishes completely in d like the end 6 of the apparatus No. 1.
The section e, f, starts from the slip p of No. 2; the section g, h, starts
from the slip p of No. 3, and the section i, k, from the slip p of No. 4.
From the point k the wire comes back, following the direction denoted
by the arrow T by k, k¹, k¹¹, the end of which 4" comes into the telegraph
office M, and remains cut. Suppose, for example, only 4 apparatuses to
be placed on the line, along the wire k, k¹, k¹, there are changes at
n¹, m³, 1, q; each respective wire is joined n¹ to the slip t of the second
apparatus No. 1, m¹ to the slip t of the second apparatus to the same
slip of No. 3, and q¹ to that of No. 4. A third wire has its end L in the
ground, and is joined to the slip V; the wire 6, e¹, starts from the
slip V of the apparatus; No. 1 joins the slip V of No. 2. From this slip V
starts the end d¹, e², of the wire. From V apparatus No. 3 starts the
end f, g, of the wire; and from V apparatus No. 4 starts the end h¹, G¹,
the end of which G¹ is insulated.

page_text: -
Arrangement of the Conducting Wires Leading from the Houses.-
The wires y, y, z, 2, 21, 21, 211, 2, start from the slips y, z, 21, their
extremities are fixed to the screws A, B, C, of the manipulator; the
wire of the slip Zu goes in the ground. Another wire proceeds from the
manipulator L, and after having passed through the signal board Qgoes
to ground. The slip p is fixed to the wire p, s, t, at the end of the
wire coming from the bobbin of the bell F, and the other end q¹ goes to
ground.
Position of the Apparatus when at Rest.-When all the apparatuses are
in the same position as the No. 1 and 4, none of them are at work, but
if L and y' are put in contact with each other, the electric current of the
pile B will go from H to j and V, and from the metallic plate No. 3 will
go on to the slip s, a', the bobbin Y will come out by the slip x to the
plate No. 5, and by the slip y to the plate A of the manipulator, will pass
by L to the signals Q to the signals of the number, and from there to
the ground, at that moment the armature of T being attracted permits
the cylinder No. 1 to rotate in the direction of the arrow so as to take
the position of No. 2. Before the action of the pile B has ceased to make
itself felt on T, the pile A acts on that electro-magnet, and allows the
cylinder to continue its rotating motion. Now assuming the apparatus
No. 3 to be in the same position as the apparatus 1 and 4, the electric
current of the pile B when it reaches j, v, will not pass on to L, but the
current A will pass through the wires k, k¹, k¹¹, pass by b, o, p, e, d, o̟,
p, e, (apparatus No. 2), f, o, p, j, (apparatus No. 3), h, o, i, p, (apparatus
No. 4,) and return by k, k¹, k¹¹, to M¹, and passes from the slip t
(apparatus No. 2) by the plate No. 3 to the slip S. From the slip S the
current passes into the wires of the magnet T, comes out by the
extremity of x to v, from v to c¹, from c¹ to b¹, to the slip V of the
apparatus No. 1, and from there by the plate No. 4 of this same
apparatus to V, and then to A¹ to take ground at G. The electro-
magnet being magnetised will allow the cylinder to continue its
rotating motion, and it will then occur that the plate No. 2 coming
underneath the slips r, q, (the cylinder taking then the position of No. 3),
will shut the current of the pile B which passes from / to ", and by the
plate Q to q, from q it passes to the wire q, s, t, passing by the bobbin
of the electric bell F, which it puts in motion. In the same way the
current of pile A passing by b, o,p, e, d, o, p, e, arrives at f, and the plato
No. 1 does not join the slip O with p, it passes to i and arrives at the
9

page_text: metallic axle of the cylinder which is in contact with the signal diśc
.No. 6. But as the slip Z" goes to ground each time that the type passes
underneath this slip the pile A will close its circuit, and consequently
the telegraph office M will receive a signal.
.
The arrangement of the apparatus which I have just explained
compels it to remain in its initial position, since to make the manipu-
lator L work it is simply necessary to pass lightly a handle fixed on L
on a, and leave it in one of the partitions d, b, or c; if it is on the
slip Z¹ takes ground by L, and as the current of the pile A passes by the
plates No. 8, 7, and 6, the slip Z¹takes ground and will give the
signal D (doctor). The same thing happens when the handle rests on
Z, but then the signal will be F (fire), and when it rests on the white
partition the signal will be thief. Supposing the apparatus No. 3 to be
at work, and that No. 2 calls attention when L of No. 2 joins y, a, the
current B will pass as I have before stated by the electro-magnét T of
the No. 2, and the movement of the cylinder will be free; when the
apparatus occupies the position shown by the figure 2, the electro-
magnet will lose its attraction, and the clockwork which moves the
cylinder signal stop. This is easily understood as the current of the
pile A passes by b, o, p, c, f, i, but the No. 3 is in motion, änd con-
sequently the current is cut at g. The electro-magnet T, No. 2, being
no more magnetised, the lever i, j, Figure 1, rests in the second slit of
the disc U, V, its cylinder stops, but is ready to act again.
When the course of No. 3 is finished, and the apparatus assumes its
initial position, then T of No. 2 will be magnetised again, because the
current t will find means of escaping by g, will go by k, k¹, n, m³, a¹, ¹,
a¹, y¹, and will be able to continue its course, and make its signal. The
same thing would take place if the apparatus No. 1, being in action, a
signal was to be made by the apparatus No. 2. Let us suppose now that
the four apparatuses make a signal at the same time. When No. 1 is at
work the Nos. 2, 3, 4, remain in position of readiness, as previously
explained. When No. 1 has finished its work the current of the pile A
finds no exit by q¹, t, m, by l¹³, t. If it had to pass by q¹, t, and by the
plate No. 3 to 8, it would come out by x, and by the plate No. 5 it would
pass to the slip V. Following g¹,ƒ³, n, it would then find the slip V
insulated. No. 3 is also in readiness, and consequently not being able
to magnetise T of No. 4 its cylinder will remain stationary. The same
thing happens when at No. 3, but not when at No. 2, because the current

page_text: from A passes by b, o, p, e, d, o, p, e, f, a, p, g, h, o, p, i, k, q³, lª, k³, m³,
t, 8, a, T, x, v, c¹, b, u, v, a¹, G, to ground, and as then T of No. 2 is
magnetised its cylinder is in motion. In the same way if No. 2 is
placed in initial position No. 3 will work, then No. 4, and so on.
If there are several manipulators L in one house they will not have
any effect on the action of the apparatus if circuit y, L, y, is shut at the
same time.
The signals would be then repeated several times, and when
they work one after the other the signals will follow each other in perfect
order.
To obtain a good and perfect service in a town it must be supposed to
be divided in telegraphic districts, which would themselves be subdivided
into sections of no more than 40 streets, and according to the number
of autoquinetic apparatuses employed in each section will depend the
attention that is required. The lines of the autoquinetics start from the
telegraphic offices, radiating into the streets, and joining another telegraph
office.
.
In each district there is one central telegraph office, which commands
those in the sections. The safety telegraph offices will have an automatic
alarm bell of the O'Lawlor system for each subdivision, so that the
signals of fire, thief, or doctor, sent off from the autoquinetics may be
registered on their signal boards. The signal received in one telegraph
office can be sent to the other through the wire which connects them
together as well as to the central office, and so on. If in case of fire.
notice must be given to the firemen and others.
In order to facilitate the service of the autoquinetic, and make the
signals as short as possible, cyphers indicating the address very clearly
are used. The town is divided in sections of 40 streets, each street
having its number.
D is used for doctor; F, for fire; and T, for thief.
In each district cental office are placed tables, on which are marked
all these indications, so that if the following telegraph be received :-
3, 4, 30, 40, F, it will signify third district, fourth section, thirtieth
street, 40 number of house, and F fire. The public can be assured that
the agents of public order and the police will be able by these means to

page_text: In order to work the autoquinetic it is only necessary to cut off the
circuit of the pile. This contact can be used in different ways, either by
placing it in a drawer of a desk, or in a desk itself, in case of theft,
either by.concealing it in the locks of doors or safes, so that the locks so
disposed when forced will be set in motion, and give notice to the police.
It is useless to enumerate the variety of ways this current of electricity
can be used, because any person having a little knowledge of the course
of the currents can arrange them at his will; but I have arranged all
the most certain and efficacious means to secure locks and afford security
to the public.
When a thief cuts through a floor he invariably cuts a circuit, and
in so doing produced another current, which not only makes the
autoquinetic work, but also acts on a bell which strikes an alarm in the
house.
I now proceed to describe the second part of this Invention, namely,
the arrangement of the line and autoquinetic to send despatches from
one house to another. It is clear that if the course of the autoquinetic
is stopped when signals are first given, the current can be sent on to any
manipulator and clear the line, so as to have a direct communication
with the office, but in doing this the autoquinetics fitted on the line are
only used, and these can only work until the line is open, which would
be a great drawback to those using the signals fire and doctor, therefore
it has been found desirable to divide the application of the autoquinetic
into two parts, one for the signals, which are short and take up the line
for a short time, the other for the telegrams. In this last case it is
necessary that principal offices should be able to communicate with the
private offices without preventing the other houses also possessing an
apparatus for communicating with each other.
It will be noticed here that the form of the autoquinetic is not altered,
. only there are fixed to the cylinder A, B, C, D, Figure 5, plates marked
with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, the shape of which is visible.
The autoquinetic further possesses 11 slips; it is enclosed in a box,
one side of which has fasteners, to which are fixed the wires (Figure 1*).
In the lower part A. is a button, shown in Figure 6 in profile. This
button a is the extremity of the prism b, c, d. In .g¹, g", is a small
ivory button fixed to the spring e, h. When this button A is drawn
9, g', appears on the metallic plates q, t; the piece d, f, serves to stop

page_text: the clockwork of the antoquinetic in a convenient place. In pushing
the button g, g', the plates q, t, shut off the communication between the
springs e and h. To effect this first movement it is necessary to open
the box of the apparatus, which can only be closed by pushing the
prism b, c, d, towards b, d, the object of which is to allow the course of
the autoquinetic to be free to follow the line.
.
In the event of the spring of the clockwork breaking and stopping the
motion, and of the autoquinetic not being wound up, either of which
would prevent it from working, I provide for this by the following
means :—In the upper part of the drum are three rings a, b, c, a¹, b¹, c¹,
a, b, c, insulated from one another, as well as from the whole of the
apparatus. One spring a, b, c, communicates by the interior of the
drum with the spring t, y, s; the spring a, b, c, is in communication
with the spring u, v; the springs t, y, s, and u, n, v, are fixed together
by the plate x, y, s, v, which is insulated, and in front of the two
springs h, y, j, k; the spring j, k, is in communication with the
ring a¹¹, b¹¹, c¹¹; and the spring v, x, u, with the whole of the apparatus.
The mainspring of the clockwork has fixed to its end at the axle A, B,
a plate d, e, f, g, which will strike the springs t, y, s, v, x, n. The
spring o, p, is in communication with an electric current; the spring m, n,
with the end of the wire of a bobbin of the bell q, r, with the end
of the wire, and the whole of the apparatus communicates with the
ground.
If the autoquinetic is not wound up the plate d, e, f, g, will make
contact between the spring t, y, s, and y¹, h, and v, x, n, with k, j.
The current which will pass from o, p, to the ring a, b, c, from this
to the spring t, y, s, and thence by the spring y, h, to the rings
a¹, b¹, c¹, and from the spring n, m, to the electro-magnet of the bell
will come out by r, q, then come back to the plate a", 6", c¹¹, and
by the spring j, k, in contact with v, u, x, will take ground, and con-
sequently the bell will give the alarm signal and the hand at the
office will keep in a continual state of deviation or agitation, and by
these means both at the office where the telegraph announced does
not arrive, as well as in the house where the bell rings, it will be
known that the apparatus is either broken or has not been wound up.
I now proceed to describe the general arrangement of the line with
reference to Figure 5. The pile B has its positive pole coiled to the.

page_text: hand D, the other end of which is joined to the commutator t, q, p, t,
is coled to the central contact of the commutator; the wire p, a,
which starts from q is coiled with the slip to the other autoquinetic,
No. 1; another wire which starts from c is coiled with the slip at
of the apparatus No. 2; another wire which starts from c¹ is joined
to the slip a¹¹ of the apparatus No. 3, and so on; another wire which
starts from the contact q dies away at m³, and at n¹ is fixed to the
extremity of a conductor which coils on the slip b, n; b is coiled
at H with the end of the wire of the bobbin A. From m¹ starts
another wire which coils with the manipulator which is in use; m³, n¹,
are fixed, m¹ to the spring e, n¹, to the spring h, as already explained
with reference to Figure 6. Another coil I goes to join the slip g;
another conductor starting from h forms also contacts to the second
house, and from h¹ starts another conductor which forms the same
contacts to the third house. The positive pole of the pile C is joined
to the conductor u, o, s, (u being in the centre), and from s starts
a wire going to the hand E, or to any other receiver. From this
same hand E starts a wire which has two directions in tand in u.
The first is joined to the slip j, and the other n to a bell F from
which starts a wire which goes to the slip f; from this enters into
each house a thread which coils round each bell T¹, T", and each
slip ƒ³, ƒ“, ƒ“, ƒ"; the other contact o of the commutator u, o, 8, goes
to ground. An insulated wire at E has a direction towards the slip d,
and follow until it coils with the other end of the wire of the
bobbin A; another wire starting from the slip e goes and makes
similar contacts in another house at d¹, and at the electro-magnet A¹
from the slip ei it goes on to d¹¹ and a", and so on until it reaches
the end of the conductor. The opposite end of the wire E must go
to ground. Wires starting respectively in each house from the slips
i, ¹, ¹¹, as well as from k, k¹, k¹¹, go as far as the buttons of the
commutator 1, n, m, l¹, n¹, m¹, l¹¹, n¹¹, m¹; n, n¹, n¹¹, are coiled with
the manipulator which is in use F, F¹, F", and these are coiled with
the receiver.

page_text: current of the pile B passes to the slip A from a to 6 by the plate
No. 3, thence on to the bobbin A, and coming out at the other end
it comes on to the slip d, and by means of the plate No. 1 it passes
to the slip e, and from e passes to d, to e¹¹, to d¹¹, to e¹¹ to take
ground.
When A is electrified the autoquinetic starts and assumes the position
shown in Figure B¹. In this case the circuit of the pile B ceases, and
the band has no more derivation. When the cylinder of the auto-
quinetic turns the plates take the position shown in Figure C. If
a signal has to be made to the first house the end of the commutator.
s, n, o, must be placed on S, as it has been before remarked. The
cylinder of the autoquinetic No. 1 having taken the position shown
in Figure B¹, the current of the pile C passes from s to u; crossing
the bobbins of the bell F it comes out by f, a, c, passes from e to d¹,
to to e, and takes ground, consequently the bell will ring, and
its action will be continuous if a small local pile is placed inside the
bell.
When the cylinder of the autoquinetic assumes the position shown at
Figure C¹ the circuit of the pile C is cut, and the hand E remains in a
vertical position. If it is not with the first house that communication
has to be established it will not be necessary at the starting point to
place the end of the commutator 8, o, n, on o, but it will be left in t, p,
q, on o, p, and as in this way the cylinder will assume the position
shown at Figure C¹ the current of the pile B will pass from A to C, and
passing into the autoquinetic No. 2 will begin to act; all the operations
I have already described will then take place. Since the communication
.
of the pile with the apparatus No. 2 will be stopped, the hand D will
not deviate any more, and if o is at the second house to which a quick
message has to be sent, after having observed the hand D the end of the
commutator 8, n, o, should be placed on 8, consequently the hand D will
have as many deviations as there are houses between the surveying
office and the one to which the message is intended to be sent. When
once the bell of the house No. 2 has been set in motion the button A is
to be pulled, the autoquinetic will then assume the position shown at
Figure C¹, the end of the commutator l, n², mi¹, will be placed on n², and
at the surveying office the end of the commutator t, p, q, will be placed
on q, and the one of n, o, s, on o, then the current d, B, passes through
the wire a to g to h, and from h to the manipulator T', and working by

page_text: the wire n¹, m³, k¹, and by the plate 2 at j arrives at the surveying
office by passing by the hand G. Of course all the autoquinetics placed
between the office and the house from which the despatch is sent will be
in the position shown at Figure A, and the office to which notice is given
will not begin to work until all the other autoquinetics which are in
motion have finished their turn.
I now proceed to describe an arrangement for effecting a call from a
house to the surveying office as follows:-The box containing the
autoquinetic is open and the button A is pulled, the contact g¹, g¹¹, is
lowered as at (Figure 6), and the autoquinetic begins to work if no
other apparatuses are at work at that moment. The clerks at the
surveying office must be continually on the look out and see that the end
of the commutator t, p, q, is on q, and that of u, s, on o. Let us suppose
for example that the signal starts from the house No. 1, the circuit m¹, n³,
being closed the current of the pile B passes by the bobbin A, from
which it comes out, goes over the plate No. 1 and passes to the slip e;
not being able to come out by E which is insulated it will pass then
from d¹ to e¹, and for the same reason to d¹¹ and e¹, and so on until it
takes ground at H³. When A is magnetised the clockwork of the
autoquinetic is set in motion by stopping a at the moment when the
cylinder assumes the position shown at Figure C¹, and consequently
when it is ready to work.
If the end of the commutator m, n, l, is placed on 7, communication
will be established with the right hand side office provided the com-
munication is closed with the left hand side office. If an apparatus should
be at work at that moment, say the first, and that the second is giving
a signal, the first will not work because the cylinder of the first
apparatus will be in the position shown at Figure A¹, and consequently
the second house will not receive any current; the electro-magnet A¹
will not attract the armature, and the autoquinetic No. 2 will only work
when the first having sent its message will leave the line free. If the
third house is in action and the second makes a signal in the same time
it will not stop the current of the third house, because although the first
would receive a current the third would not allow it to shut the circuit
since the cylinder of its autoquinetic has its slip d¹¹ insulated as at
Figure C¹.
If there are several apparatuses making signals at the same time it

page_text: w easily be understood that they will only work one after the other
with the left hand office.
To adapt in the same line the autoquinetic so as to have the alarm
signals and ordinary signals, it will be understood that it is not
necessary to double the number of conductors with six buttons, four
exclusively for the alarm signals, and two for the ordinary signals, but
then in this case each house must have a special electric pile.
I now proceed to describe the manner of arranging the indications for
the transmission of messages. In order to follow in a strict way the
transmission of messages without hindering the private telegraph the
private offices will make a signal to the surveying office which receives
the message and will place these offices in communication with another
surveying office so as to accelerate the transmission; the intermediate
offices can place a station in communication with another office, but in
this case there would be a fixed time for the signals. In this manner
the communications can be multiplied and give to the public facilities to
generalize the line which is placed at its disposal because up to this time
no other communication was used but that going direct from one office
to another, whereas by this improved system the use of of telegraphy.
will be placed in the hands of all. No fear is to be entertained that too
much delay will take place in the delivery of messages because of the
great number sent, for supposing each telegram to be of the average of
20 words and that 4 minutes is the time necessary to forward the
message, 15 despatches can be sent per hour, making 360 per day per
office. Supposing again that there are 20 private offices on one line
and that each office sends 40. despatches, in 24 hours all the offices
together will send 800 despatches, or it may be calculated that each
office sends a little more than one despatch per hour, and supposing
three houses send their messages together, the last would have to wait
18 minutes before it can transmit its despatch, if the signals are made
two by two, 4 minutes, four by four, 12 minutes, which is a short lapse
of time when a great number of general offices and a large telegraphic
service are at work.
.
Having now described and set forth the nature and object of this
Invention for "Improvements in Electro-telegraphy," I would remark
in conclusion that I hereby declare this Invention to consist in, and I
claim, the electric apparatus for alarm bells and telegraphy in connexion

page_text: with several wires forming the line and communication with four
different receivers, the working of the apparatus for one of the receivers
not interfering with the working of the said apparatus with another
receiver which would take place at the same time, substantially as above
described and represented.
with several wires forming the line and communication with four
different receivers, the working of the apparatus for one of the receivers
not interfering with the working of the said apparatus with another
receiver which would take place at the same time, substantially as above
described and represented.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Browne, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Second day of January, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
four.