CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION, AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS MAY BE ALSO APPLIED TO THE MOVING OF OTHER MACHINES AND MACHINERY
Year: 1848

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, WILLIAM
THOMAS HENLEY, of Clerkenwell, in the County of Middlesex, Philosophical
Instrument Maker, and DAVID GEORGE FOSTER, of Clerkenwell aforesaid,
Metal Merchant, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Tenth day of August,
One thousand eight hundred and forty-eight, in the twelfth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us, tho
said William Thomas Henley and David George Foster, our exors, adiñiors,
and assigns, Her especial license, full power, sole privilege and authority,
that we, the said William Thomas Henley and David George Foster, our
exors, adiiors, and assigns, or such others as we, the said William Thomas
Henley and David George Foster, our exors, adñiors, or assigns, should at
any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
during the term of years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-
upon-Tweed, our Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHIC
COMMUNICATION, AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH, PARTS OF WHICH
IMPROVEMENTS MAY BE ALSO APPLIED TO THE MOVING OF OTHER MACHINES AND
MACHINERY;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso that we,
the said William Thomas Henley and David George Foster, or one of us,
shall cause a particular description of the nature of our said Invention, and

page_text: in what manner the same is to be performed, by an instrument in writing
under our hands and seals, or under the hand and seal of one of us, to be
inrolled in Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said in part recited
Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will
more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, we, the said
William Thomas Henley and David George Foster, hereby declare that
the nature of our said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, are fully described and ascertained in and by the present Specifi-
cation thereof, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed,
that is to say :-
Our Invention, in so far as it relates to telegraphic communication, has
exclusive reference to that sort of telegraphic communication which is effected
by means of currents of electricity, and consists:―
Firstly, in certain improved arrangements of electric apparatus, whereby a
visible index hand or pointer is directly acted upon by a single magnet, sus-
pended within the sphere of influence of an electro or other magnet, having
each of its extremities converted or resolved into two or more poles.
Figure 1 is a side elevation, and Figure 1° a plan of an apparatus
embodying one of these improved arrangements. A is an electro magnet
of the ordinary horse-shoe form, the extremities a, a, of which project a little
way above the coil, and have affixed to each a segmental piece of iron B,
the ends of which form two poles, so that, cach pole being thus parted into
two, there are two pairs of poles opposed to each other.
C is the magnet,
which is suspended within the four poles of the electro magnet, and acts
directly on the needle of the dial plate so as to move it according as the
magnet is itself attracted and repelled.
Another arrangement is shewn in Figure 2 (side elevation), Figure 2*
(plan), and Figure 2b (another side elevation). The pieces B, B, are of an
elongated horse-shoe form, and overlap and underlay one another in the
manner shewn..
Two other arrangements are shewn in Figures 3 and 3, and in Figures 4
and 4, the parts peculiar to which will be readily understood by inspection
of the Drawings In all these arrangements there is but one magnet employed,
and that acts directly upon the needles.
Secondly, our Invention consists in keeping the magnetic bar, needle, or
pointer in one position for any length of time, or imparting to such bar,
needle, or pointer any number of distinct deflections or movements, by means

page_text: of the current or currents derived from magneto electricity; and also in making
use of the residual magnetism to act: upon, the needle on its return to.its
stationary position, instead of the force of gravity, that is to say, in moving the
needle in one direction by the induced current, and bringing it back to its
stationary position by the action of the reversed inductive current, whereby, the
motions of the needle are encreased in rapidity, and rendered much more.
marked and distinct than heretofore.
1.99
Thirdly, our Invention consists-in' certain improved, arrangements of the
magneto-electric apparatus used in electric telegraphs, whereby, two distinct.
currents may be derived from! the: same magnet; and the reversed current.
can be made of equal intensity with the primary induced; current, and..single
or double currents may be sent as required through any required. number:.of
instruments at different stations. The details of these improved arrangements
are exhibited! in Figures 6, 6%; 6. A; Figure 6, is an ordinary horse-shoe
magnet fixed in any convenient position. B, B, are two coils of wire which
envelope the soft iron pieces a², a³, and are placed near to but not in actual,
contact with the two poles of the magnet. Each of these:coils is, centred
on a spring lever C, so that when the button;;Con the top of that lever is
pressed upon by the hand of the operator or other. mechanical, means, the
coil is moved away from the pole of the magnet, while on the removal; of the
pressure the lever and coil return to their original positions. Beneath and
outside of the two coils B, B, there is fixed a piece of soft; iron C³, which acts.
as an armature to the magnet A, so that the motions of the coils take place:
from between the poles and the armature.. Figures 7 and 7 represent.
another position in which a coil may be placed in regard to the pole or magnet.
In this case the coil is suspended between the two poles, so as to be near to,
but not in actual contact with them, and is moved from a centre (d) in an arc
of a circle to either side, according as the current is required to flow in one
direction. or. the other. The armaturo is provided as usual with short circuit
and reversing springs, which, during its motion, complete or, destroy the
metallic contacts, but these springs being well known. appendages, to electric
telegraph apparatus, need not be here particularly described. Figures 8
and. 8° shew a different arrangement, which will give the opposite currents of
equal power. A, A, are the poles of any maguet. C, C, the coils of wire
which cover the armature, and are so placed that when. in, motion-one, pole of
the magnet is not released from its opposition to the armature. until. the other
just touches it. By this means the two opposite currents have an equality of
power, and the needle or other, suspended magnetic body is acted upon in
both directions. by opposite.and.equal forces.
Fourthly, our Invention consists in the improved apportionment of the

page_text: signs or symbols used in electric telegraphs, represented in Figure 9. A and
B are two pointers or indicators, which serve as visible signs, as any induced
or other current from either a near or distant station. The pointers may be
placed in any position upon the dial, either horizontal, as represented in the
Drawing, or vertical, or inclined at any given angle, but move only in one
direction. The letters of the alphabet are signified either by the single or
combined motion of the two pointers, in the manner shewn in the Drawing.
Thus A is signified by one motion of the left-hand pointer; B by two; Ciby
three; D by a compound movement of the two, that is, first of the left-hand
pointer and then of the right-hand pointer; E by one movement of the right-
hand pointer; F by two movements of the right-hand pointer, and T. by two
simultaneous movements of both needles, and so on. By: following the signals
upon the dial, the combined movements necessary to complete the remaining
portion of the alphabet and signals will be readily understood. The numerals
attached to the letters are represented by their respective values, the necessary
prefix having been given.
i
Fifthly, our Invention consists of an improved compound of gutta percha,
suitable for the insulation, covering, and exterior protection. of wire and other
metallic substances employed to transmit currents of electricity. We mix
the gutta percha in nearly equal portions by weight with sand, which has:
been ground or pounded to a degree of fineness exceeding that of the finest
natural sand, or with the siftings of glass paper manufactories, or glass
fragments, and particles of any sort reduced to a similar degree of fineness,
and this either by mixing the pulverized sand or glass with the gutta percha
in a state of solution or while in a plastic state.
Sixthly, our Invention consists in the employment of a current reverser of a
peculiar construction, whereby we are enabled to dispense with the use of
magneto apparatuses for the purpose of deriving currents of electricity in the
manner before described, and to substitute in lieu thereof voltaic batteries,
such as are commonly in use for the purpose of transmitting currents of
electricity along metallic conductors, such reverser completing the circuit
twice during its motion by the transmission of a reversed current in' the
manner of the magneto-machines. Figures 10 and 11 represent two views of.
this reverser. B is a lever or key which is actuated by-hand, and centred
upon two detached pins c, c, which are connected as shewn with tho two poles.
of the battery. a, a, are two upright pins, (which are also in metallic contact
with the pieces of metal,, and therefore become the two poles of the
battery, and b, b', are two sets of springs, which press upon the pins a, a, and
are attached to the line wire circuit. When the lover or key B is at rest,
both sets of springs remain off the battery circuit, but when the lever is pressed

page_text: down the pins a, a, are brought into contact with the lower springs, and
the upper springs fall at the same time upon the completing pieces f,f, which
permit the circuit to pass during the return of the lever or key to its former
position. The circuit is broken by, the bottom pairs of springs, and completed
in turn by the upper pair pressing the pins. a, a, but this is effected in a
reversed direction, in consequence of the two pair of springs being connected
crosswise, as indicated in Figure 11. On the final adjustment of the reverser
the current is again cut off, the circuit being broken between the springs and
the completing pieces f, f.
Seventhly, our Invention consists in the employment, in manner fol-
lowing, of currents of electricity to regulate and govern the motions of
time-keepers, whether the same be influenced by a current from a distant
station, or otherwise. We make use for this purpose of the currents of
either magneto or voltaic electricity, but obtained in the latter case
without the aid of soft iron from two hollow coils of insulated wire affixed
to the pendulum of the regulator, and surrounding the poles of two permanent
horse-shoe magnets, which coils vibrate in the direction of their length alter-
nately off one pole on to the other, a current being induced at each vibration,
but in opposite directions. Figure 13 is a side view of the magnets and coils;
and Figure 14 an end view with one magnet. removed. A, A, are two per-
manent horse-shoe magnets. B is a moveable case containing two coils of
fine insulated wire placed parallel to each other. The case oscillates in an arc
which always includes within it the four poles of the magnets, and each coil
as it oscillates along with the case covers alternately the similar poles of cach
magnet, but without touching them. The two free extremities m and n of
the coil are carried to some suitable conductors for conveying, the current
incident upon the vibration of the pendulum or coils over the poles of the
magnets, which current flows in reversed directions as the motion takes place
from one side or the other. C is the necessary adjustment for the regulation
of the pendulum.
Eighthly, our Invention consists in a mode of giving motion to a train of
wheels, with or without an auxiliary propelling power, for the purpose of shew-
ing correct time by means of either voltaic or magneto electricity transmitted
from a standard or primary clock. Figure 15 represents the back of a time-
piece, which may go by means of a spring any required time. The escape
wheel is shewn at A. b, b, are the pallets, with their arbor c, on the end of
which is fixed a light brass arm D. At A³ is seen an electro magnet, with the
soft iron segments on the poles, as before explained, and this, with the axis
which carries the magnetised steel, is placed vertically. On the axis is fixed a

page_text: brass fork & which embraces the arm D, but is left sufficiently wide to have
considerable motion either way without touching the arm, and so acquire
sufficient momentum to move the pallets easily; or the spring and fusce may
be taken away, and the motion produced by the force of the current alone.
When the current passes from the regulator the piece of steel m is deflected,
and, moving the arm, liberates the escape wheel half a tooth, in which position
it is kept by the residual magnetism until the current passes in the opposite
direction, whereupon it is deflected to the other side, allowing the wheel to
move another half tooth, and so on, this motion shewing seconds or half seconds
on the dial. Figure 16 shows part of a time-keeper moved by voltaic
electricity every half minute, having a maintaining power. a is the French
barrel; b, the second; and c the wheel on which the land is fixed. For the
sake of dispensing with the dial work there is but one hand, but the dial is so
engraved as to shew the time as well with one as with two.
We also propose
to apply this description of dial to ordinary clocks. The escape wheel shown
at d revolves once in an hour, having sixty teeth, which are liberated by the
forks c and f, according as these are moved by the action of the steel bar m
and magnet A. The current is transmitted by a reversing instrument shewn
in Figure 17, which is placed on the escape wheel arbor of the regulator, and
is formed of ebony or some other non-conducting material. This reverser has
four segments of brass a, a, pinned on the circumference, two connected with
the arbor, as shown by the screw heads, and the other two with the metal
flangeb dipping in the outer cup of mercury c. Four platina points are screwed
into the segments a, a, and also dip into mercury troughs d, d. One pole of
the battery is connected with the arbor e, and the other with the metal flange b,
by means of the mercury trough c. As the other troughs with the wires lead
to the clocks, the current is thus reversed twice every revolution. Figure 18
represents another current reverser, which may be placed on the pallet arbor
for the purpose of transmitting the current every half second or second, accord-
ing to the length of the pendulum, similar to the magneto current before
mentioned. Of the two beams a, a, one is in connection with the arbor b, the
other with the centre mercury cup c, by means of the wire e dipping into it,
which never leaves the mercury. The beams a, a, are insulated from each
other, and have at each end a platina wire for dipping into the cups d, d, d³, d',
which are connected in pairs by wires passing underneath, as shewn by the
dotted lines in the Drawing. The battery is connected, as in the former case,
with the arbor b and the mercury cup c.
The platina wires dip alternately
into the right and left hand pairs of cups, according to the vibration of the
pallet arbor in the usual manner. The same arrangement may be also applied

page_text: to cause a secondary current to flow in opposite directions for the working of
turret and other clocks. The apparatus for setting the secondary battery or
current before-mentioned in action, consists of one of the electro magnets
before mentioned, with its soft iron segments and magnetised bar, on the axis
of which last is placed a piece of apparatus on a small scale, similar to that
shewn in Figure 18. The magnet and axis in this case must be horizontal.
And having now described the nature of our said Invention in the several
parts thereof, and in what manner the same is to be employed, wo declare'
that the improvements which we claim as constituting our said Invention are
as follow:-
First, we claim in respect to electric telegraphs, and to all machines or
machinery to the moving of which electricity is or may be applied, the
different arrangements of apparatus described under the first head of this
Specification, in so far as respects the division of each pole of the magnet
into two or more poles, and the direct action on the index hand or pointer, or
other recipient of the magnetic influence.
Second, we claim the mode of causing the index hand or pointer to be per-
manently deflected (that is for any length of time required) in one direction,
and bringing it back by the reversed current to its original stationary position,
and keeping it there as before described.
Third, we claim the three several magneto-electric apparatuses described
under the third head of this Specification, in so far as regards the peculiar
arrangements and combinations whereby two distinct currents are obtained
from the same magnet; the reversed current is obtained of equal intensity
with the primarily induced current, and either single or double currents may be
sent as required through any number of instruments at different stations.
Fourth, we claim the improved system of visible symbols suitable for electric
telegraphs before described and exemplified.
Fifth, we claim the employment in electric telegraphs, and in all other
machines and machinery to the moving of which electricity is applied, of the
peculiar compound of gutta percha before described for purposes of insulation
and protection.
Sixth, we claim the improved current reverser before described, in so far as
respects the effecting by a single depression of the lever or key, the completing,
reversing, and breaking of the electric current.
Seventh, we claim the application of currents of magneto electricity to
regulate the motion of time-keepers in the peculiar manner described under
the seventh head of this Specification, that is to say, in so far as regards the