PROVEMENTS IN TRANSMITTING, RECEIVING, AND RECORDING INSTRUMENTS FOR ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS
Year: 1871

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Sir William Thomson, Knight, of Glasgow
Im.
College, Doctor of Laws and Professor of Natural Philosophy in
the University and College of Glasgow, for the Invention of "
PROVEMENTS IN TRANSMITTING, RECEIVING, AND RECORDING INSTRUMENTS FOR
ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS."
Sealed the 21st April 1871, and dated the 31st January 1871.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Sir William Thomson
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 31st January 1871.
I, Sir WILLIAM THOMSON, Knight, of Glasgow College, Doctor of
Laws and Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University and
College of Glasgow, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for IMPROVEMENTS IN TRANSMITTING, RECEIVING, AND RECORDING INSTRUMENTS
FOR ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS," to be as follows:-
The Invention consists in improvements of and adjuncts to my siphou
recorder described in the Specification, No. 2147, 1867, whereby it can
be used both as a sending and receiving instrument, and is also made

page_text: more sensitive and effective, more easily adjusted, and more regularly
supplied with sparks.
The instrument is rendered more sensitive by having each side of the
suspended or signal coil in a magnetic field. This is effected by a fixed
iron core inside the coil and between the two poles of the maguet.
The instrument is rendered more effective and is more easily adjusted
by the application of graduated shunts to the signal coil to regulate
the damping. I also facilitate adjustment by attaching the signal coil
with its new iron core and suspension to a removable plate easily taken
out and replaced. The adjustment of the signal coil is improved by
using the torsional elasticity of stretched wires to give it directing force,
which wires can be shortened, lengthened, and turned. They also serve
as electrodes. I improve the suspension and adjustment of the siphon
by carrying it in a similar manner. These two last adjustments allow
the fibre joining the siphon and coil to be tightened.
I sometimes use a fine glass tube instead of the siphon, fixing the
upper end to the ink bottle, and making the tube of such a shape that
it can spring by torsional elasticity or otherwise, so as to follow the
coil with sufficient freedom. In this case I keep the part of the fine
tube next the ink bottle stretched in a straight line by tension of a
stout fibre cemented to it at a distance of several inches, where it is bent
at right angles to form the marking arm.
This improvement allows ink or other fluid to be forced through the
tube by hydrostatic pressure to clean the siphon, or to mark paper for
signals independently of sparks when mere pressure on the ink will
not remove obstructions. I force down nitric acid or suck it up through
the bottom of the tube from a vessel provided with this object. I give
stiffness to the syphon in one plane by stays and put a counterpoise to
diminish irregular vibrations. I conduct away ink flowing from the
siphon when not in use by an adjustable vessel or reservoir, and I also
provide against the accumulation of large drops of ink at the end of the
siphon when no signals are being recorded by keeping the paper moving
at a slow speed. The paper and statical induction apparatus are driven
by an electro-magnetic engine of improved construction, and the induc-
tion apparatus is constructed so that the " replenisher" is alone used,
and the electro-phorus is dispensed with. I use the armatures of my
eugine disposed as staves of a barrel as part of the carriers of the
ind uction apparatus. The speed of the engine is adjusted by shunts and

page_text: added resistance.
The shunts are thrown off and on by a differential
motion regulated by a pendulum. I connect the engine and paper gear
by a shaft steadied by vertical guides, and hanging on cords to avoid
the transmission of vibrations. The speed of paper is regulated by an
electric chronometer, and a punch on the wheelwork marks the time
on the
paper. I connect the electrified inductor with the siphon by a
semi-insulating thread, which can be lengthened or shortened to oppose
more or less resistance to the passage of electricity. I provide a second
thread by which to drain off any excess in the supply. I use a dry
pile to initiate the electrification of the inductor. The new instrument
sends as well as receives messages. The same motive power and
gearing is used to draw forward punched paper for signalling, and I prefer
to use the same strip of paper to send and receive alternating lengths
being punched and plain. The electrical connections are arranged so
that the signals sent by the paper are recorded on the same paper. The
paper used to send is punched into two or more rows of holes, and
contact made through the holes by dead pressure between two metallic
surfaces at rest a little behind the siphon. A suitable switch is provided
for altering the connections from sending to receiving and the same
instrument with the signal coil sufficiently shunted records the sent
signals. I prefer a simple stout bar pressed against contacts as my
switch. I give positive and negative signals by two contact springs,
only to do this I keep the two poles of the battery constantly connected
with one another through a wire of sufficient resistance, the middle of
this wire being connected with the cable, and the middle of the battery
with earth. If more than two strengths of battery are required for the
signals a similar plan can be adopted with a greater number of rows
of perforated holes in the paper, part of the instrument by which the
paper is punched contains the following peculiarities:-The paper which
is drawn on by a drum after each perforation begins to move gradually,
and after attaining a maximum speed comes gradually to rest.
power employed to make the perforations and to start the paper first
starts a fly wheel loose on a revolver shaft, but tending to draw it on
by friction.
I also pull back any slack in the paper behind the drum by
a spring or weight.
The

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Sir William Thomson, in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 31st July 1871.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, SIR
WILLIAM THOMSON, Knight, of Glasgow College, Doctor of Laws and
Professor of Natural Philosophy in the University and College of
Glasgow, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Thirty-first day of January, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, in the thirty-
fourth year of Her reign, did for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Sir William Thomson, Her special
license that I, the said Sir William Thomson, my executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Sir William Thomson.
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 IMPROVE-
MENTS IN TRANSMITTING, RECEIVING, AND RECORDING INSTRUMENTS FOR ELECTRIC
TELEGRAPHS," upon the condition, amongst others, that I, the said
Sir William Thomson, my executors or administrators, by an instrument
in writing under my, or their, or one 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 Sir William Thomson, 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 thereof, that is to say :-
My said invention consists in improvements of and adjuncts to the
siphon recorder described in the Specification No. 2147, A.D. 1867,
whereby it can be used both as a sending and receiving instrument, and
is also made more sensitive and effective, more easily adjusted, and more
regularly supplied with sparks. The instrument is rendered more sensitive
by having each side of the suspended or signal coil in a magnetic field.

page_text: Figure 1, Sheet 1, shews a front elevation of the suspended coil a, a, a, a,
with a fixed iron core b, b, inside it; Figure 2, Sheet 1, shews a side
elevation of the same coil a, a, and soft iron core b, b; Figure 1, Sheet 2,
shews a front elevation of the same coil and core similarly lettered in
their position between the poles c, c¹, of a powerful electro-magnet;
Figure 2, Sheet 2, shows a side elevation of the case A, A, containing
the large magnet only, one pole c of which is visible in this view. The
coil a, a, a, a, is made in the form of a long rectangle and is supported
at c, c, so that it is moveable about the middle line parallel to the long
sides. The space between the iron core and the magnet is as narrow as
is consistent with the freedom of oscillation for the coil.
By this arrangement I obtain the following advantages:-The force
with which the coil is deflected by any given current in this arrange-
ment is increased because by it the short portions only of the coil at the top
and bottom are not effectively influenced by the electro-magnetic force.
The length of the top and bottom portions of the coil can by the said
arrangement be greatly reduced and so the mass and moment of inertia
of the signal coil are much diminished.
One method
The instrument is rendered more effective and is more easily adjusted
by the application of graduated shunts to the signal coil to regulate
what I designate the damping. This is an effect due to induction
between the moving coil and the magnet, and its effect is to diminish
or wholly prevent injurious oscillation in the signal coil.
of producing this effect was described in my former Specification
No. 2147, A.D. 1867. It consists in applying a shunt to the receiving
coil. I now provide a set of shunt coils of graduated resistances with
a convenient arrangement, whether by a plug or slide, for applying the
desired degree of shunt to the moveable coil. By this means the exact
amount of damping suitable to each speed of signal can be obtained.
This system of graduated shunts is also convenient for assisting in the
adjustment of the sensibility of the instrument. These shunts are for
the sake of simplicity not shewn in the Drawing; they may be placed
inside the case A, A, and are to be in electrical connection with the
terminal screws d, d¹, shewn at Figures 1 and 2, Sheets 1 and 2. The
received current enters by one of these screws d, and after flowing
through the signal coil a, a, goes out by the other screw d¹, a portion of
the received current is necessarily diverted through the shunt. Another
method of obtaining the required damping is to construct the signal

page_text: coil wholly or in part of bare wire, the effect being wholly or partially
to short circuit the signal coil by contact between successive layers. The
advantage gained by this plan is extreme lightness of coil.
The signal coil with its soft iron core and suspension are attached to
a removable plate easily taken out and replaced. This removable plate
is shewn detached from the instrument at Figures 1 and 2 of Sheet 1,
being lettered B, B. In Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 2, it is shewa in its
place. This removable plate B, B, together with the soft iron core b,
suspended coil a, connecting fibre s, and suspended syphon m, may
be kept ready in duplicate to replace almost instantly that which
has been in use in case of any accident, such as the clogging of a
syphon.
The adjustment of the signal coil is improved by using the torsional
elasticity of stretched wires to give it directing force. These wires e
and e¹ are shown in Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 1; the upper one can be
shortened or lengthened by turning the drums f and slipping the little
brass piece on which it is mounted up or down the slide f¹, from which
it is insulated by the piece of vulcanite f". The lower wire might
have a similar adjustment, but I prefer to leave the shortening and
lengthening to be done at one end only, and to attach the lower end to
a spring g, the effect of which is to limit the stress on the stretched wire
and keep it constant. The directive power is given by the torsional
elasticity of the wires e, c¹. The undeflected position of the signal coil
is adjusted by turning the drum h on its axis, this twists the wires e, e¹,
and turns the coil to right or left as may be desired. Three small
adjusting screws ', h¹, are provided, by which the wire e may be made
truly central with the pivot g¹, Figure 3, Sheet 1, and a second set of
three screws is provided by which the pivot g₁ can be made truly
central relatively to the fixed iron core b, b. With these adjustments
the space between b, b, and c, c, can be made much smaller than would
be possible without them. The wires e, e', also serve as electrodes or
terminal wires to the signal coil, and are connected by suitable helixes
1, l, with the insulated terminals d, d². I improve the suspension and
adjustment of the siphon by carrying it in a similar manner, that is to
say, upon a wire stretched in torsion. The long leg of the siphon is lettered
m, and its short end n dips into the reservoir D. The siphon is carried
by a little saddle n¹ which supports the horizontal limb thereof, and is
attached to the stretched wire o, o¹, held tight by springs o³, which can

page_text: be turned round, thereby twisting the wire by the torsion heads p, p¹.
The brass frame q, q', is capable of adjustment by turning on the axis r,
which is at the same time a pinching screw. The whole system q, q¹,
siphon m, m³, and stretched wire o, ¹, can be moved in or out relatively
to the plate B, B, by slipping it between the nut r and the support r¹,
but firmly held by the screw r and nut when the adjustment is complete.
The fibre joining the siphon and signal coil is lettered s, Figure 2,
Sheet 1. The instrument is adjusted as follows:-Lengthen or shorten the
wires e, e¹, to give the required rapidity of oscillation, make the wire e
central with the point g¹, make the point g¹ central with the iron core b, b,
turn the torsion head in such a direction as would tighten the fibre s
turn the torsion heads p, p¹, in such a direction as would tighten the
fibre 8, also move out the frame q so much as would tighten s sufficiently
to bring back the siphon to a mean vertical position and the coil a, a,
to the central position shown in the Drawing; if the fibre s brings the
siphon back to the vertical before bringing the coil a, a, a, a, to its
central position undo a little of the twist given by the torsion head h,
and vice versa. I sometimes use a fine glass tube instead of a siphon,
fixing the upper end to the ink bottle and making the tube of such a
shape that its marking arm can spring by torsional elasticity or otherwise
so as to follow the oscillations of the signal coil with sufficient freedom.
In this case I keep that member of the fine tube next the ink bottle
stretched in a straight line by the tension of a stout fibre connected to
it and extending from the point where the tube is bent at right angles
to form the marking arm. This arrangement is shewn in side elevation
at Figure 4, Sheet 1, and in front elevation at Figure, Sheet 1, where
A represents the ink bottle, B the fine glass tube, of which 6 is the
marking point, c the portion which springs by torsional elasticity, and d
the stout fibre coupling the tube to the arm e. The tube may be fitted to
the ink vessel by a tube of thin sheet india-rubber or similar material,
or the tube may as shewn in the Drawing be rigidly cemented into the
ink bottle, its own flexibility giving sufficient mobility to the outer end.
The fibre connecting the marking arm with the signal coil may, as is
shewn at Figure 5*, be prolonged and provided with a very light spring
of sufficient resilience for the purpose of keeping the connecting fibre
tight during all its motions. I sometimes give stiffness to the siphon
or tube by stays. If in any case the mobility in the plane of the
paper is found too free with a round tube greater rigidity can be given
by making the tube of oval section, or other arrangements of a stretched

page_text: t
fibre acting as a stay or stays, as shewn at Figures 11, 12, and 13, may
be used.
Another method of arranging the marker is shewn at Figure 13*.
a is a fine marking arm cemented into a somewhat coarser horizontal
branch projecting from a glass siphon b. This siphon is supported so as
to be capable of turning round its long vertical leg. The mode of
support is by two stretched wires or fibres pulling in opposite directions.
The axis of motion is in this plan vertical. The fine marking arm is
about as fine as a fine sewing needle. The coarser arm and siphon is of
glass tube just wide enough to let the fine arm slip in.
The fine
marking arm may be pulled out in case of choking, and another slipped
in and cemented with wax at any moment. While giving greater
effective rigidity in the plane perpendicular to the paper it will give
either unchanged mobility or less mobility, or greater mobility of the
tube parallel to the paper according as its fixed end is in a certain line
perpendicular to the length of the tube or nearer the outer end, or
further from the outer end. When the single stay is used its fixed end
is adjusted to give the desired mobility to the outer end of the tube and
the proper tightness of the stay.
This improvement allows the plane of the arc along which the
marking end of the tubes moves in virtue of the signals to be horizontal
instead of vertical as it necessarily is with the siphon if of simplest
form and smallest amount of inertia attainable, and it also allows when
desired the signals to be first shewn on the portion of the paper where
it is running horizontally.
This improvement further allows ink or other fluid to be forced
through the tube by hydrostatic pressure to clean the tube or to mark
paper for signals independently of sparks. In many cases, for instance
in rapid signalling with powerful currents through land lines, the
requisite pressure for good marking whether with or without electrifica-
tion of the syphon may be that due to form one to three or four inches'
head of the liquid. In all such cases this pressure is most conveniently
obtained by having free communication of air pressure between the
atmosphere and the free surface of ink in the ink vessel, that is to say
by having the ink vessel either open or closed by a cover not perfectly
air-tight. When a greater constant pressure is desired than can be
easily thus obtained I produce the requisite pressure either by gravity
acting on a column of mercury or by air or other fluid pressing on the

page_text: free surface of the ink, or by a piston, or by a flexible part of the ink
bottle acted on by force properly applied from without. The column of
mercury is preferable in respect of constancy. I also apply hydrostatic
pressure to free the tube from obstructions. If the tube becomes
clogged at any time so as to impair the marking the obstruction is often
removable by fluid pressure forcing the ink to flow through it. This
cannot be done easily for the siphon otherwise than by the operator's
sucking the lower end of it by his mouth, a delicate operation involving
the probability of breaking the siphon. With the fixed tube various
methods can be adopted by which it may be cleared with much greater
force with perfect safety to the tube and without any dexterity on the
part of the operator. One of these is as follows :-I apply an air syringe
of small bore to the upper part of the ink bottle, which if ordinarily
open to the air is to be closed for the occasion by a proper plug or stop-
cock. Any degree of air pressure required is then readily applied to the
free surface of the ink.
Another method is by a reservoir of mercury connected by a flexible
tube to one branch of a U tube, the upper portion of the other branch of
which is in hydrostatic communication with the ink vessel either through
the liquid itself continued to the surface of the mercury or through a
portion of air intervening. A much greater pressure than cau be
obtained by blowing with the mouth can be easily provided by raising
the reservoir of mercury at any time through the spaces of a few inches
or feet. The mercury reservoir may be left ordinarily in such a position
as to give the proper pressure for regular marking, but at any time (in
case of suspected clogging for instance) it may be instantly raised or
lowered so as to produce a largely increased or largely diminished
pressure. When mere pressure on the ink will not remove obstructions
I force down nitric acid or suck it up from the bottom of the tube
from a vessel provided with this object. This is most easily done by
applying (with the aid of the apparatus above described) nitric acid
to the marking end of the tube, and drawing a very small quantity
of that fluid through the tube, either by a syringe acting as a drawing
air pump or by a mercury vessel lowered several inches below the level
of the tube. I put a counterpoise to the siphon, preferably attached on
the aluminiu:n carrier on the side remote from the marking arm of the
siphon to diminish irregular vibrations. This counterpoise, which may
be of wax, is attached to the carrier n¹, so that the centre of inertia

page_text: of the siphon m and the carrier with counterpoise may lie on the
axis round which the whole turns. This has two advantages, first,
diminishing the tendency to irregular vibrations caused by tremors
transmitted through the framework, whether from the moving gear or
from disturbances in the neighbourhood, such as are experienced when
the instrument is used in a crowded city, in a factory, or at sea. Second,
checking the disturbance of signals caused by the motions of the ship
when the instrument is used at sea.
1 conduct away ink flowing from the siphon when not in use by an
adjustable vessel or reservoir, not shewn in the Drawings. In order to
admit of the introduction of this reservoir, and for other purposes, it is
necessary that there should exist an arrangement for drawing back the
paper from the siphon point. This arrangement is shewn in Figure 1,.
Sheet 2. The paper follows the line 1, 1, 1, 1, being drawn only by
the roller t driven by suitable gear from the prime mover, namely an
electro-magnetic engine herein-after described. Just before reaching this
rollert the paper passes over the shield w, and this shield can be drawn
back or pushed forwards by the screw and thread w¹, which on being
turned causes the shield w to slide backwards or forwards. This
mechanism is shewn in enlarged detached views at Figures 1 and 2,
Sheet 3. The paper can also be adjusted laterally by moving the whole
bracket E, E, outwards and inwards on the frame F; this gives an
adjustment in a plane at right angles to that in which the head w1
causes the paper to move.
on the shaft 5
I also provide against the accumulation of large drops of ink at the
end of the siphon or tube when no signals are being recorded by keeping
the paper moving at a slow speed. I drive the drawing-off roller as
follows: A small V pulley 3, Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 2, is placed on
the shaft of a prime mover 2, a belt passing round 3 drives the large
pulley 4 on the shaft 5, a belt from a small pulley 6
drives the pulley t¹ on the shaft of the paper roller t. Or, instead of
this arrangement, I prefer to use that shown at Figures 6 and 7,
Sheet 3, wherein the paper roller t is driven by means of a clutch q,
and this allows the paper to be moved at a slower rate than obtains
with the mechanism previously described. The clutch q admits of
being thrown back, so as to release the shaft on which the roller t is
fixed by means of the lever r, Figures 6 and 7, Sheet 3, and then
becomes engaged with a toothed pinion g', which drives a spur wheel q²

page_text: оц
a secondary shaft q³, a pinion q* on which again drives a spur
wheel 25 on the shaft of t, which is then driven at a much slower speed.
I prefer to let the shaft 5 be entirely supported by two belts having
only lateral guides to keep it in its place. This arrangement diminishes
friction and prevents the transmission of mechanical vibrations from the
prime mover to the paper.
The paper and statical induction apparatus are driven by a electro-
magnetic engine of improved construction, shewn at Figures 6 and 7,
Sheet 1. This engine consists of a series of bars of soft iron a, a, a,
arranged like the staves of a barrel but separated from one another by
insulating material, and successively attracted by the electro-magnet A.
The make and break apparatus by which the electro-magnet is caused to
attract the successive bars or armatures a, a, a, at the proper time is
shewn in detail at Figures 8, 9, and 10, Sheet 1, and its position in
relation to the electro-magnetic engine is shewn at Figures 6 and 7
thereof. The circuit of the electro-magnet is complete when contact is
made between the platinum knob attached to the spring d and the
platinized contact piece e, which are at other times insulated from one
another by the vulcanite piece f. The moveable contact piece is a short
piece of stout platinum wire e soldered near one end of an approximately
straight steel spring d. This end of the spring is reduced to a round
piu a in line with the middle line of the spring and projecting to a short
distance beyond the platinum contact piece. The other end of the spring
is attached to a fixed insulated piece of metal 9 with which it is in
metallic communication, and through which it forms part of the circuit,
which is completed when the moveable contact piece c is allowed to
press on the fixed contact piece e by the projecting pin being let down
by the cam A. The line of the spring is parallel to the axis of the
electro-magnetic engine, and its plane of motion passes through this
axis.
The cam lifts the projecting pin x to break contact, and leaves it
free at the proper times to make contact by its own elastic force. The
spring d, which is approximately straight, either when making contact
or when ifted through the small space of the cam's action on it is under
considerable elastic strain. When dismounted and allowed to take its
unstrained shape it is curved. In this state the curvature ought if
the flexial rigidity of the spring is uniform throughout to be approxi
mately in simple proportion to length along the curve from the end
which is fixed when the spring is in position. This condition is easily
fulfilled with sufficient approximation to accuracy by giving the spring

page_text: a proper set, so that when mounted it is found to be nearly enough
straight and to press with sufficient force against the fixed contact piece
to secure good contacts. This disposition is such that the motion of the
spring is in a plane perpendicular to that of the cam, the form of the
spring approximately straight, and the point of pressure of the cam very
close to the moveable contact piece. A screw w is used to lift or lower the
spring d and thus adjust the length of contacts. The time when contact
is made is adjusted by turning round the cam A on the axis and fixing
it in the required position by set screws i and j. The bearings of the
electro-magnetic engine should be constructed so as to cause very little
friction, and I attain this end by supporting the pivots of the main
shaft b, b, Figure 6, Sheet 1, on rollers d, d; each pivot is prevented
from slipping off the roller by two smooth parallel guides between which
it plays easily. Motion of the shaft in the direction of its axis is checked
by two hard plates x³ fixed perpendicular to its axis at a distance
asunder slightly greater than its length. The antifriction rollers d, d
each of one piece of steel, are of the shape shewn in the Drawings.
They are kept in position by end plates similar to those herein-before
described for the main shaft b, b. Each of the rollers d, d, dips into an
oil vessel and carries oil round sufficiently to keep its own pivots and
the pivots of the main shaft constantly oiled. The guiding cheeks of
the main shaft and the bearings of the antifriction rollers are so placed
that during the action of the instrument the pivots of the main shaft
press each of them only on one of these guides and on the antifriction
roller, but with much more force on the antifriction roller than on the
guide. It need press with no more force on the guide than to prevent
it from leaving that guide and moving over to the other under the
influence of the varying force to which it is subjected through the
successive electro-magnetic attractions. I regulate the speed of revo-
lution by adding or subtracting resistance from the circuit of the
electro-magnet, and I sometimes diminish the spark at the contact
piece e by using a permanent shunt connecting the ends of the electro-
magnet's coil.
The induction apparatus is constructed so that the
replenisher is alone used, and the electro-phorous described in my
Specification, No. 2147, 1867, is dispensed with.
I use the armatures of my engine disposed as staves of a barrel a, a, a,
Figures 6 and 7, Sheet 1, as part of the carriers of the induction
apparatus, the other part being a series of brass strips f,f,f, (Figures
6 and 7) attached to the soft iron staves.

page_text: The action of the replenisher is as follows:-E, Figures 6 and 7, is a
plate in connection with the earth. B is an insulated plate from which
the electricity of high potential is taken to the siphon. Four springs
g, h, i, k, the last being shewn by a dotted line only, are arranged so as
to make the contacts herein-after described; the carriers a, a, a, a, are
moving in the direction of the arrow. 1°. When a carrier a first
comes under the cover of the insulated plate B which is, say, positively
electrified it is electrically connected with the plate B by the spring g
making contact with the metal bar a¹ attached to a; any positive
electricity on a then flies to B. 2º. When the same carrier a has moved
further so as to be completely covered by the plate B the contact with
the spring g is broken, and a little later a fresh contact made with the
spring h, and a diametrically opposite carrier a is by the spring k at the
same time joined to the carrier a first referred to, and being covered by
the earth plate E the said carrier a becomes by induction positively
electrified while the opposite carrier is negatively electrified. 3º. After
the two contacts with h and have been broken the carrier a now
negatively charged is put into connection with the earth and discharged
by the spring i. 4°. The same carrier is in its turn positively charged by
the spring k.
In place of the electro-magnetic engine herein-before described I
sometimes employ as my prime mover a magnetic engine of the arrange-
ment illustrated at Sheet 7 of the accompanying Drawings, whereon
Figure 1 is a section partly in elevation thereof; Figure 2, an elevation
of that end marked A, Figure 1; Figure 3, an elevation of that end
marked B, Figure 1; whilst Figure 4 is a detached view of the vulcanite
disc G shewing the arrangement of the carriers a situated thereon. This
engine consists of one bar or of a series of bars of soft iron compactly
packed together situated in the interior of and extending the full length
of the cylindrical casing A, which is attached to the engine shaft B, as
shown at Figures 1 and 2. The casing A is so situated in the interior
of a powerful cylindrical compound magnet C that as the engine revolves
the opposite ends of the soft iron bars contained in the casing A are
alternately brought under the influence of the opposite poles of the said
magnet C.
The make and break apparatus by which the magnet is caused to
attract the opposite ends of the soft iron bars alternately is more par-
ticularly shown at Figures 1 and 3. The moveable contact pieces by

page_text: Cart is alternately made and broken consists of a series of
springs arranged in two sets, D and E. Each of these sets are arranged
after the manner of the teeth of a comb, and are made to bear upon the
periphery of the drum F, which is situated upon the engine shaft B, as
shewn. At two points in the periphery of the drum F diametrically
opposite to each other and in the plane of the soft iron bar strips of
agate or other insulating material are inserted, as shewn, which when
brought round by the revolutions of the drum F so as to be in contact
with the springs D and E thereby break the metallic connection and
therewith the attractive influence of the magnet upon the end of the soft
iron bar is reversed.
The induction apparatus is constructed and arranged in the following
manner: Upon a vulcanite disc G the carriers a, a, are arranged, as
shewn at Figures 1 and 4. The disc G and carriers a, a, are partially
enclosed by a metallic casing, but which is insulated from the carriers a, a,
by means of a thin vulcanite lining 6, as more particularly shewn at
Figure 1. This metallic casing is constructed in two parts, as shewn at
Figure 2, one side of which, namely, that marked Ex, is in connection
with the earth, whilst that marked D× is completely insulated, and from
which the electricity to the siphon is conducted, the manner whereby
the electricity is drawn from the earth plate E and discharged on to the
insulated plate B being in every respect similar to that employed for
the same purpose with the electro-magnetic engine herein-before
described, namely, through the medium of the springs g, h, i, and k, as
arranged and shewn at Figure 2. I use a dry pile contained in the
vulcanite chamber X, Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 1, and Figures 1 and 2,
Sheet 2, to initiate the electrification of the inductor B. I connect the
electrified inductor B with the siphon by a metallic conductor W,
Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 2, and a semi-insulating thread v.
ductor W leading from the inductor B rests upon the shaft u¹, upon
which the drum Y is carried. When the conductor W becomes over-
charged with the current a portion of it may be drawn off by placing the
wooden arm W₁ in contact with or very close to the little wooden stud /
attached to the underside of the conductor, and thus a portion of the
current is diverted, the remainder or non-diverted portion passing on
constantly by a semi-insulating thread v, which can be lengthened or
shortened to oppose more or less resistance to the passage of electricity.
The mode of attaching, lengthening, or shortening this thread » is shewn in
The con-

page_text: Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 1, and at Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 2. The one end of
the thread is attached to the metal shaft bearing a vulcanite cylinder F
having a deep screw cut on it. The other end of this thread v is attached
to a small metal drum Y acted on by a spring like that of an ordinary
pocket measuring tape. By turning the vulcanite drum the thread is
wound upon it and pulled out from the metal drum, so as to augment the
resistance as in Wheatstone's "rheostat." When the vulcanite drum is
turned in the other direction the spring draws the string round the metal
drum and the resistance is diminished. If the smallest resistance thus
obtained when the two drums are conveniently placed is found to be too
small, the part of the thread remaining unwound between the vulcanite
drum and the metal shaft of the vulcanite drum may be impregnated
with salt or even replaced by a fine metallic wire. A second thread may
similarly be used between the plate B and earth to draw off an excess
of electricity. The speed of the engine, as has been stated above, is
regulated by shunts and added resistance. The shunts where chrono-
metric accuracy is desired are thrown off and on by a differential motion
regulated by a pedulum. Instead of shunts added resistance might
obviously be treated in the same manner. The mode by which the
shunts are thrown off and on is shewn in Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 4.
The shaft a is called the chronometer shaft. It rests on two anti-
friction rollers ƒ and g attached to one long shaft h (which may be
supported on ordinary bearings) below it. It bears upon these rollers
The roller is rigidly
by two other rollers i and k coaxial with itself.
attached to the chronometer shaft, the other roller k is attached to a
tube mounted on this shaft a by means of a collar at one end of the
tube, and a bearing at its other end for one terminal pivot of the
chronometer shaft a. The four rollers f, g, i, and k, are of such dimen-
sions as to give the tube such a differential motion that it goes round
somewhat faster than the chronometer shaft. I find that something from
five to ten per cent. faster than the chronometer shaft gives good results.
A second tube m fitting between two collars on the chronometer
shaft is placed close to the tube 7, and is carried round by two spring
clips n pressing it externally, or other suitable friction gear may be
employed. This second tube m when unchecked is carried round as if
rigidly connected with the first tube, but it can be checked with ease so
as to be altogether stopped at any time. When it is released the friction
is sufficient to set it very suddenly in motion again with the same speed
as the first tube. The second tube carries one or more arms 0, 0, 0,

page_text: 36
"
which act upon a pendulum p through a pallet or pallets after the
manner of the teeth of a dead beat escapement wheel, as shewn at
Figure 4, Sheet 4. They keep the pendulum p vibrating, and at each
impact on the dead face of the pallet the rotation of the tube is
checked sufficiently to prevent more than one arm from passing for
every period of the pendulum. Thus, if a half seconds pendulum
be used, that is to say, a pendulum whose period is one second, and if
the second tube m is to turn once round in six seconds there must be
six arms, or if it turns once round in five seconds there must be five
arms, as shewn in the Drawing. These arms might be rigid like the teeth
of an ordinary escapement wheel, so that the arrangement would simply
be an escapement wheel loose on the chronometer shaft and influencing
it in the manner described below; but I prefer making the arms elastic
to prevent damage in case of any of them being taken aback by the
pallet, and also to regulate the motive force applied to the pendulum
by each arm in escaping the pallet. There may be either two pallets
arranged just like those of the ordinary anchor of the dead beat escape-
ment or there may be only one pallet, one side of the anchor as it
were being cut away. When only one pallet is used the plane of
motion of the arm may very conveniently be perpendicular to the plane
of motion of the pendulum, which gives an arrangement preferable
in point of simplicity to other more common or obvious transformations
of the general plan described above. Another fixed spring s is similarly
kept in communication with a metal ring r rigidly attached to the
chronometer shaft a. The rim of this ring is composed partly of metal
and partly of insulating material, as seen in Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 4,
and is touched by the spring t, Figure 1, Sheet 4, carried by the escape-
ment wheel or tube m. By insulating materials properly placed these
two springs s and t are cut off from metallic communication through
the moving parts which have been described, except when the spring t
carried by the escapement wheel is in contact with the metallic part
of the rim on which it presses. One or other of the springs s and t
may be in metallic communication with the chronometer shaft and the
two tubes and m, but I prefer insulating all the pieces of metal which
are in connection with either of the fixed wires by vulcanite or other
material, so as to prevent metallic communication between them
proper
and the shaft and tubes. The two springs s and t are connected to the
two ends of the coil of the driving electro-magnet A, Figures 6 and 7,
Sheet 1, by electrodes of proper resistance to fulfil the following con-

page_text: •
dition. When the second tube m is in such a position relatively to the
main shaft a as to make contact the coil of the electro-magnet is
shunted so as to reduce the driving power sufficiently for the purpose
of regulation. For example, if the resistance in the electrodes and
moveable contact pieces which have been described is infinitely small,
the driving power would be altogether stopped when the contact referred
to is made. But this would be a more abrupt controlling action than
is desirable. In most cases I prefer to arrange so that the resistance
in the shunt shall be several times greater than the resistance in the
electro-magnet, and I secure that the controlling action shall be
sufficient by adjusting the rate approximately by the method above-
described. All that is necessary to secure this condition is that without
the regulating shunt the chronometer shaft would attain a speed greater
than the proper speed, but that when the shunt is applied the power is
insufficient to maintain the proper speed.
In connection with my instrument I sometimes employ a chronometer
for the purpose of indicating the time at which a message is being
transmitted or recorded. The position which the said chronometer
occupies in relation to the other parts of the instrument is shewn on
the general arrangement Drawings, Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 2, whilst its
constructive features are more particularly illustrated at Figures 3, 4,
and 5, Sheet 3, which are respectively a side elevation, plan, and end
elevation thereof.
Under the arrangement shewn a pinion a¹ fixed upon the spindle
of the paper roller t is placed in gear with the first wheel b of the
chronometer train, the number of teeth in the wheel and pinion being
such that with the rate at which the pinion a¹ is driven the wheel b
is caused to make a complete revolution in exactly five minutes, in
accordance wherewith its flat face is divided into five equal spaces
numerically marked, as shewn at Figure 3, Sheet 3. Co-axial with the
wheel 6 a pinion d is fixed, which is geared into a wheel e, the number
of teeth in the pinion d being to the number of teeth in the wheel e
on the ratio of one to twelve. The wheel e thus makes a complete
revolution in one hour. In like manner a pinion f upon the same axis
as the wheel e is geared into another wheel g, and the ratio of the
number of teeth in their respective circumferences being as one to
twenty-four, the wheel 9 makes a complete revolution in twenty-four

page_text: hours. Upon the flat face of the wheel 9 a drum his fixed concentric
therewith, the outer surface of which is divided into hour units, and
numerically marked in succession, as shewn at Figure 3, Sheet 3; its
outer rim i is correspondingly divided, and at each division has a type
or types situated thereat indicating numerically the successive hours.
As the strip of paper 1, upon which a message is to be recorded. or
which may be employed as the medium of transmission, according as
the instrument is employed for either sending or receiving signals, is
drawn along in contact with the lower surface of the drum h in the
direction indicated by the line 1 and by the arrows at Figure 3, each
hour in succession is stamped thereon, that being effected by means of
a stud k attached to the wheel e being at a point in each successive
hourly revolution brought into contact with and depressing a lever 1.
Immediately that the stud k has passed out of contact with the lever l
a hammer m fixed upon the extremity of a lever n is forced upwards by
means of the resistance of a spring n³, so as to strike the paper 1 against
the periphery i of the drum h, whereby it receives an impression from the
type or types situated thereon, the said impression recording numerically
the hour of the operation, and each successive hour is similarly recorded,
minutes being read off at x upon the wheel b.
The same
The new instrument sends as well as receives messages.
motive power and gearing may be used to draw forward punched paper
for signalling, and I sometimes use the same strips of paper to send and
receive messages, alternative lengths of the paper being punched and
plain. The electrical connections are so arranged that the signals sent
by the paper are recorded on the same paper. The paper used to send
is punched into two or more rows of holes as herein-after set forth and
contact made through the holes by dead pressure between two metallic
surfaces C and D and springs x and y, as shewn at Figures 6, 7, and 8,
Sheet 3. These contacts may be made a little behind the siphon or
elsewhere. A suitable switch is provided for altering the connections
from sending to receiving, and the same instrument with the signal coil
sufficiently shunted records the sent signals. I prefer a simple stout
bar F, Figures and 8, Sheet 3, pressed against contacts as my switch.
I give positive and negative signals by two constant springs x and y only.
To do this I keep the two poles of the battery constantly connected with
one another through a wire S, Figure 8, Sheet 3, of sufficient resistance,

page_text: The diagrain, Figure 8, Sheet 3, shews the proper arrangement of
connections for sending and receiving as above described. The diagram,
Figure 9, Sheet 3, shews the punched paper. The part of the instrument
by which the paper is punched contains the following peculiarities :-
The paper which is drawn on by a drum after each perforation begins to
move gradually, and after attaining a maximum of speed comes gradually
to rest. The power employed to make the perforations and to start the
paper may first start a fly wheel loose on a revolving shaft, but tending
to draw it on by friction. I also draw back any slack in the paper
behind the drum by a spring or weight. The part of the instrument by
which the paper is punched is shewn in Sheet 6 constructed to suit the
Steinheil system with perforations in two rows. The same plan with
obvious enough changes of detail is applicable to perforate the paper for
other modes of signalling which may be desired; in any case I use three
levers A, B, and C, which according to usage will often be called keys.
One of them, C, I call the space key, another the dot key, and another
the dash key, the recent submarine usage having applied the name of
dots and dashes in submarine signalling to left and right motions of the
marker. When any one of the three keys is depressed and allowed to
rise it causes a shaft 1), which I call the revolver, to turn through a
certain angle either a complete turn or any submultiple of a turn. I
now describe the details on the supposition that as in the Drawing it is a
complete turn. This shaft D during a definite part of its revolution acts
upon the paper drum F so as to cause it to commence gradually moving
and after having attained a maximum velocity to gradually cease moving,
when it has reached a perfectly definite position. This effect is produced
by a pin f carried round by the revolver so as to enter a radial notch or
slot in a disc E co-axial with the paper drum moving radially when it
enters and leaves the slot. To make sure that the paper drum F does
not move except through the action of the revolver a clutch not shewn
in the Drawings checking it in exactly the proper position may be
appended. Further this clutch may be so arranged that if through want
of absolute truth in the mechanism the position in which the paper
drum is left by the pin be not precisely correct the drum may be moved
forwards or backwards so as to bring the paper to its precisely correct

page_text: c.
position ready for the punch. Lastly. To make sure of the very definite
action of this clutch it is desirable that the surfaces of the notch on
which it acts should be inclined at an angle smaller than a right angle
To get the best result I therefore sometimes add an application by which
the clutch is lifted through the action of the key shortly before the
instant when the pin of the revolver enters the radial slot, or this clutch
may be dispensed with. But a good result may be obtained more
simply by inclining the faces of the V differently to the radius through
their intersection, and arranging the line of motion of the clutch so that
it cannot jamb either when it is pressing the wheel back or when the
wheel by moving forward lifts it. The mode in which each key acts
on the revolver is as follows, the key being supposed to be approximately
horizontal and the motion of each acting part approximately vertical:-
When the key is pressed down it presses upon a treadle H, which
like that of a foot lathe works on the revolver shaft through some-
thing less than half of its revolution, which may be continued and
completed through inertia, or by the action of springs as herein-
after set forth. The clutch dropping into the V notch stops the revolver
shaft sharply enough in its proper position for the next action of any of
the keys. The notch may be sufficiently obtuse to allow the clutch to
be lifted as by a cam by one side of the √ when a fresh action of one of
the keys turns the revolver. The inertia by which in one form of my
instrument a complete revolution of the revolver in a sufficiently short
time is secured is that of a fly wheel, not shewn in the Drawings, loose
on the revolver shaft but acting on it through friction. This friction is
best produced by a cord having its two ends attached to arms on the fly
wheel and itself wrapped more than once round the revolver shaft.
The arin to which the after end of the cord is attached is rigid, the other
is a spring tightening the fore end of the string with a force approxi-
mately equal to the tangential force required when the fly wheel draws
the revolver after it. This arrangement causes when motive power is
applied to the shaft a much greater force than that of the tightening
spring to act on the rigid arm and accelerate the fly wheel, or in place of
the fly wheel the arrangement of springs a and b acting upon shoulders
c and d formed upon the upper end of the connecting rod H, as shewn
at Figure 3, Sheet 6, may be used, the projecting shoulders c and d being
so situated that the springs a and b respectively press against them
alternately as the crank pin passes the upper and lower dead centres.

page_text: +1)
Either of the two keys A or B pressed down alone acts through the
treadle on the lever C and presses it down so as to act upon the revolver
in the manner described above. The lever C pressed down acts directly
as the treadle H is attached to it. The keys A and B in being depressed
punch the paper and rise by force either of a stout spring, or of the
treadle, or of both. The dot key makes its perforations in the proper line
of the dots, the dash key in that of the dashes. The punches may be
rigidly attached to the keys or they may move in slides pressed down to
cut the paper by the key, and returning by springs. I prefer to connect
each punch rigidly with its key. The pin ƒ on the revolver which drives
the paper shaft is so placed relatively to the crank pin by which the
connecting rod 11 gives motion to the revolver that the paper is at rest
for the whole time during which the lowest part of any of the punches is
below the upper surface of the paper, it being supposed that the punches
move downwards in cutting, any slack therein being taken up by the
reaction of the spring guide Q, Figure 2.
In lieu of arranging the instrument in all respects as herein-before
described I prefer to dispense with the glass case in which it is enclosed
and sometimes not to use chronometric contact, and to adopt the general
arrangement illustrated at Sheet 5 of the Drawings. In this arrange-
ment an air turbine driven from a pulley on the revolving shaft b, b, of
the electro-magnetic engine is used to drive a current of dried air
through the casing E containing the electro-magnetic engine as well as
through the tubular casing B which surrounds the insulating stem'
bearing the ink bottle and its connections. The turbine is by preference
placed in one side of the casing C which contains the driving electro-
magnet, and the current of air drawn in by its revolution is discharged
up through the floor of the casing E and in part out through perforations o
in the shield P of the conductor W, as shewn, and in part by a pipe q
leading to the tubular casing B. The air driven through the apparatus
may be dried by passing it over sulphuric acid, or other means for
depriving air of moisture may be adopted. The result of this application
of the turbine is both to prevent dust or shreds from settling on the
stems and to keep them dry. The same tubular arrangement allows air
to be occasionally forced through by bellows or a hand fanner so as to
blow away from the case and stems dust which may have accumulated.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and the manner
n which the same is or may be used or practically carried into effect. I

page_text: would observe in conclusion that what I consider novel and original, and
therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in
part recited Letters Patent is,―
First. The improved arrangement of magnet and signal coil in virtue
of which each side of the signal coil is in a magnetic field as herein-
before described in place of one side only being in the magnetic field as
set forth in my Specification No. 2147, 1867.
Second. The construction in virtue of which the suspended signal coil
with the iron core now provided for it can be readily removed, as herein-
before described and shewn detached from the instrument at Figures 1 1
and 2, Sheet 1 of the Drawings.
Third. The improved means of adjusting the signal coil by the use of
the torsional elasticity of stretched wires which can be shortened or
lengthened and turned and also serve as electrodes, as herein-before
described.
Fourth. The improved method of carrying the siphon by attaching
it to a stretched wire of sufficient torsional elasticity, as herein-before
described.
Fifth. The use of a fine glass tube instead of the siphon, this glass
tube having one end fixed to the ink bottle, whilst its outer end is free to
be moved by a fibre in consonance with the oscillations of the signal coil,
as herein-before described.
Sixth. The appliances for directing hydrostatic pressure to force or suck
a cleansing material such as nitric acid through the fixed tube, as
herein-before described.
Seventh. Stiffening the marking arm of the tube in one plane by
means of one or more stretched fibres acting as stays, as herein-before
described.
Eighth. Putting a counterpoise on the siphon to diminish vibrations
as herein-before described.
Ninth. Providing a slow motion for the paper when signals are not
being received, so as to prevent an accumulation of ink at the end of the
siphon or tube, as herein-before described.
Tenth. The use of the electro-magnetic engine first described in
combination with the recorder.

page_text: Eleventh. The use in combination with my recorder of the special
arrangement of replenisher or induction apparatus, herein-before
described.
Twelfth. Connecting the motor and the paper drawing gear by hanging
pullies so as to diminish vibrations, as herein-before described.
Thirteenth. Regulating the speed of the paper by connecting the
drawing rollers with a pendulum in the manner described.
Fourteenth. Marking on the paper the time of day at which it passed
through the mechanism, and the arrangement of mechanism for so
marking it, as herein-before described.
Fifteenth. Connecting the electrified inductor with the siphon by an
adjustable conductor of very high resistance, and by which any excess in
the amount may be drained off, as herein-before described.
Sixteenth. Using a dry pile to initiate the electrification of the inductor
in my instrument, as herein-before described.
Seventeenth. Using the same motive power as is employed to produce
the electric sparks to draw forward the receiving paper in my instrument,
also to draw forward punched paper to send signals, in the manner
herein-before described.
Eighteenth. Using in my instrument the same paper to send signals
and to receive them, as herein-before described.
Nineteenth. Using in my instrument the same paper to record both
the sent and received signals by means of a switch and shunt, as herein-
before described.
Twentieth. The particular arrangement of connections described in
combination with my instrument giving positive and negative signals by
two contact springs only, so that the instrument may be used either
for sending or receiving signals and the similar arrangement where a
greater number of rows of perforated holes are used, as herein-before
described.
Twenty-first. The punching apparatus herein-before described.
Twenty-second. The arrangement of mechanism by means of which
the paper drawn on by a drum after each perforation begins to move
gradually, and after attaining a maximum speed comes gradually to
rest, as herein-before described.

page_text: Twenty-third. Pulling back the slack of the paper in the punching
machine when necessary by means of an elastic fork, as herein-before
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Sir William Thomson, Knight, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-second day of July,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
one.
WILLIAM THOMSON. (L.S.)