IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRICRIC TELEGRAPHS
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Peter Armand le Comte de Fontaine Moreau, of
39, Rue de l'Echiquier, Paris, in the Empire of France, and of 4, South
Street, Finsbury, London, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC
"
A communication farm A TA Dumoulin of Panic
Sealed the 28th October 1856, and dated the 3rd May 1856.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Peter Armand le Comte
de Fontaine Moreau at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
his Petition, on the 3rd May 1856.
I, PETER ARMAND le Comte DE FONTAINE MOREAU, of 39, Rue de l'Echiquier,
Paris, in the Empire of France, and of 4, South Street, Finsbury, London,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS," to be as follows, that is to say:-
This Invention consists, first, of an electro-magnetic arrangement of wheel-
work at each station, the employment of which permits of of a degree of
rapidity of transmission hitherto unattained.
The apparatus consists of a ratchet wheel, to which is fixed á barrel
containing a clock spiral spring. An ordinary toothed wheel, rather less than
the ratchet wheel, is fixed over the barrel, and gears with the pinion of another
wheel. This sets in motion two rather smaller wheels, one of which gears with
the pinion, placed on the axis, on which is fixed the fly wheel. As a farther
means of giving uniformity of motion a flier is also furnished. The pawl which

page_text: works in the ratchet wheel is attached to a swinging lever; to the middle
of the latter is fixed loosely the end of three levers, which form a T. The
end of the middle lever is attached to an armature passing over two magnets;
each movement of the armature causes the pawl to move the ratchet wheel
round one tooth.
.
Secondly, of an improved electro-mechanical arrangement of key-board
conducting metallic band, and means of making and breaking contact. This
apparatus consists of keys like those of a piano, containing the usual number
as well as arbitrary signs. At the bottom of each key is a small platina
plate, which touches a plate of copper when the key is pressed down. A
central wheel, to whose shaft is fixed suitable pulleys, has a series of small
oblong pieces of wood fixed to its circumference in such a manner that in
plan they form a spiral or curved alternately. On each side of the central
wheel a pulley is placed. The pulleys are supported by suitable bearings,
the endless band passes partly round these pulleys and over the central
wheel. The endless band is composed of laminated platina, pierced with small
rectangular openings, which fit the wooden projections on the central wheel.
On this metallic band oiled silk insulators are placed at equal distances; they
are arranged in such relation to the central wheel and the key-board, that
at each complete revolution of the wheel, one of oiled silk insulators being
placed immediately below the first key to the right, it passes over the whole
length of the key-board, plus the distance of two consecutive keys. The
revolution once effected, the same insulators are replaced by the following one,
which takes its place under the first key to the right. Between the metallic
conducting band and the range of twenty-eight keys are disposed an equal
number of flexible brass springs, furnished at their free extremities with small
platina plates.
Third, the peculiar arrangement of the type cylinders and the printing
apparatus. At a suitable distance below the key-board are placed two wheels
together on a suitable axis. On the circumference of each wheel in the middle
.are engraved in relief the twenty-eight signals. Figures may be placed on one
cylinder corresponding with those of the key-board. Near the centre of the
machine are placed four magnets with an armature on each couple. A square
metal frame is fixed to the armatures. Towards the cylinders the metal frame
is extended till is extremity is over the printing cylinders. The extremity is
covered with leather or caoutchouc, and acts the part of a press. Paper is fed
in and regulated by suitable rollers, ratchet wheels, and other means.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Peter Armand le Comte de Fontaine Moreau in the Great
Seal Patent Office on the 3rd November 1856.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, PETER
ARMAND le Comte DE FONTAINE MOREAU, of No. 39, Rue de l'Echiquier, Paris,
in the Empire of France, and of 4, South Street, Finsbury, London, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Third day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, in the nineteenth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
Peter Armand le Comte de Fontaine Moreau, Her special license that I, the
said Peter Armand le Comte de Fontaine Moreau, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said Peter Armand le Comte de Fontaine
Moreau, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agreo
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the
term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELE-
GRAPHS," communicated to me from abroad, upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said Peter Armand le Comte de Fontaine Moreau, by an
instrument in writing under my hand and seal, 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 Peter Armand le Comte de Fontaine
Moreau, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to the
Drawings hereto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon;
that is to say-
This improved telegraphic apparatus, placed at each station, consists, first, of
a motor or wheel-work arrangement, wound up by electro-magnetism, and
having a continuous movement, by which messages can be transmitted with a
rapidity hitherto unattained...
Secondly, of an improved alphabetical key-board current breaker, for the
transmission of the dispatch.
:

page_text: Thirdly, of a printing or typographical apparatus, to be used at will, and
worked by a separate battery.
In the accompanying Drawings, in which the same letters of reference
represent the same parts, Figure 1, Sheet 1, shews a partial elevation of the
motor or wheel-work arrangement, which is placed at each station, and is
composed of a suitable frame, supporting the axes A, B, C, D, E, also shewn
in Figures 2 and 3. On the axis, A. is an ordinary clock-work cylinder,
containing à spiral spring, secured by one of its extremities to the cylinder and
by the other to its axis. On this axis is fixed a ratchet wheel R, having one
hundred and twenty-five teeth. The pinion on the axis E is proportioned to
the speed of the cylinder, in the ratio of 1.750. On the same axis is fixed a
flier, presenting a constant resistance to the air; and also a small fly-wheel b,
serving to accumulate a large amount of motive force, to lessen to a great
extent the intermittent effects of the accidental resistance, and also the space
of time between the transmission of each signal. The movement of the wheel-
work of each station in telegraphic communication ought to be synchronous
within certain limits. To obtain this result, I have recourse to a very simple
and easily regulated electro-magnetic arrangement. On the axis D is fixed a
small excentric d, above which are placed two thin flexible metallic blades y, z,
mounted on an insulating ivory plate; the lower one is provided at its
extremity with a small ivory roller, supported on the excentric d. The blades.
are placed in communication with each of the poles of a special battery by
means of the conducting wires f. f, but having no connection with the line
battery, and serving in fact exclusively to the winding up of the wheel-work
on its becoming exhausted, and to the working of the printing apparatus. At
each revolution of the axis D the excentric d raises the blade y, and brings it
in metallic contact with the blade z by means of the regulating screw on the
latter. The circuit being thus closed, the current passes to the electro-
magnet H; which attracts the armature or keeper K, which, acting by means
of the toggle or knee levers i, i, and the pawl on the ratchet wheel R, moves
one tooth at each revolution of the pinion on the axis D; and as the speed of
the latter is proportioned to that of the cylinder in the ratio of 1.125, and as
the ratchet wheel R has 125 teeth, it follows, that the unwinding of the spring
in the cylinder is compensated by each revolution of the axis. The motive
power is thus rendered constant; and as, on the other hand, the axis E of each
set of wheels carries a flier or regulator and a fly wheel, an almost perfect
synchronous movement is obtained; this uniform action is sufficient to render
almost impossible an error in signalling. This, arrangement of the motive

page_text: wheel-work, by its uniformity of movement, permits of a much higher rapidity
of transmission than hitherto obtained.
Figures 2, 3, 4 shew the improved alphabetical key-board, composed of
twenty-eight keys t, t, t, t, only. Each of these keys is marked by one of the
twenty-six letters of the alphabet, and three conventional signals, signifying
"attention," "cypher," and "print;" their use will be hereafter explained..
The action of the keys is directly dependant on the line battery, and there is
but a single emission of the electric current for each signal transmitted, and it
is in the direction alone of that emission which is relative to the alphabetical
Below the
order occupied on the key-board by the signal to be transmitted.
row of keys on the key-board are arranged a central wheel O, with twenty-eight
teeth, and two connecting pullies M, N, all mounted on their respective axes
by means of two broad plates, between which are interposed two ivory washers,
to prevent metallic contact, and to insulate each of them from its axis and
from the other parts of the apparatus. On these three wheels pass a metallic
the
conducting band or strap, very thin and flexible; it is represented
red line v, v, v, and is composed of laminated platina, pierced with small
rectangular openings, notching with the central wheel O, in the same manner as
in an endless chain; its total length is equal to thrice that of the key-board
taken from centre to centre of the two extremo keys, plus thrice the distance
of the two consecutive keys, also taken from centre to centre. On this metallic
band are formed at equal distances three insulating portions, of about one-tenth
of an inch in breadth; this is effected by covering that amount of surface with
oiled silk x, x', ". These three insulating portions are arranged in such a
manner, and in such relation to the central wheel O and the key-board, that,
at each complete revolution of the wheel O, one of the isolating parts a, x', x",
being placed immediately below the first key to the right t', it passes over the
whole length of the key-board, plus the distance of two consecutive keys and
this same insulating part; the revolution once effected is replaced by the
following one, which takes its place under the first key to the right t. Between
the metallic conducting band and the row of twenty-eight keys are disposed an
equal number of very flexible brass springs u, u, u, u, furnished at their free
extremities with small platina plates. They are all in metallic communication
by means of a copper band, on which they are fixed, and which is interposed
5 in the current or circuit of the line. Each of these twenty-eight springs
corresponds with each of the twenty-eight keys above in such a manner,
in pressing down any one of these keys, the spring which corresponds with it
is pressed down at the same time by means of a small iron pin 9, 9, 9, inserted
that

page_text: in its lower part, and bringing this brass spring into metallic contact with the
platina band, which is itself interposed in the circuit of the line. On the same
axis as the central wheel O is also fixed another toothed wheel P, furnished at
the edge of its circumference with twenty-eight iron pins, corresponding with
the twenty-eight keys. This, at each signal transmitted, that is to say, at each
closing of the current or circuit of the line, is brought into conimunication
with the motive wheel-work by means of two other toothed wheels Q, g,
having a similar arrangement of teeth. The wheel Q is fixed on the pro-
longation of the axis D of the wheel-work, and the other wheel q, fixed to the
extremity of the lever L, gears and ungears with the wheel P at each closing
of the current or circuit of the line, caused by the pressure of a key.
The following is the mode of arrangement for the regulation of this part of
the apparatus. In the circuit of the line is interposed an electro-magnet F.
Its soft iron keeper or armature G puts in action, by means of the toggle
joint levers C, C', first the stop lever T of the pin wheel P, and afterwards, by
means of the small connecting rod e, the vibrating lever L of the wheel q;
each of those levers is brought back to its primitive position at each inter-
ruption of the current by opposing springs S, St. At the moment that the
stop lever T catches the pin corresponding to the signal chosen, another
lever U, fixed at right angles on the same axis as the stop lever, and furnished
with a small ivory button m at its extremity, presses the metallic conducting
piece n, brings it in contact with the blade O, and as each of these two blades
is in communication with the two poles of the battery set apart for the
typographical apparatus, by means of the conducting wires j, k, the closing of
the circuit puts the latter in action.
In Figures 2 and 3 are represented the typographical apparatus in plan and
elevation. The apparatus is composed of a typographic cylinder or wheel V,
on the circumference of which are engraved in relief the twenty-eight signals,
arranged in. a circle, and corresponding with those of the key-board. This
wheel is mounted on an axis or elongation of the axis of the wheel O; they
are joined together by means of a socket h. Before the wheel are placed two
electro-magnets X, X', each provided with a soft iron keeper or armature Y, Y',
fixed together in the same framework, so as to form a single couple interposed
in the same circuit. The framework Z, which unites the keepers, is pro-
longed on the side of the typographic cylinder, and terminates above this
letter in a central arm l, provided at its lower part with caoutchouc or
leather, and acting the part of a press. The paper band serving for the
impression of the dispatch is rolled upon a cylinder I, placed outside the box

page_text: of the apparatus, and protected by a semicylindrical cover, constructed so as
to permit of seeing when a supply of paper is required, and capable of
opening on a hinge to allow the substitution of a new cylinder supplied with
paper. Before and above the typographic wheel are mounted three small
cylinders J, p. r. The centre one J turns invariably upon its axis, which
carries a small rachet wheel; the axis of the two others are received in
small vertical slots on the frame, and secured at the extremity of the same by
small spiral springs, which draw them towards each other, and press them at
their circumference against the central cylinder J. The frame of the
keepers Y, Y, is also mounted with a small return cylinder r. The band
of paper, in becoming unrolled from the 'cylinder I, passes between the lower
cylinder p and the central cylinder, crosses borizontally between the wheel of
the type and the press l, makes a semi-revolution on the return cylinder, and
passing again between the central and the upper cylinder, traverses a small
rectangular opening O, formed in the side of the box of the apparatus, and
passes out within reach of the hand as soon as it is printed. The movement
of this band is regulated by the following arrangement:-At each break of the
printing circuit, corresponding to the printing of a signal, the frame Z of the
keepers Y, Y', rises up by the action of an opposing spring 6, then, by means
of the small lever, secured to the framework by the rod ¹, it turns down
the catch on the rachet of the central cylinder, which then gives off
simultaneously from its upper and lower part a length of paper, according to
the size of the teeth of the ratchet wheel. This length is equal to the breadth
of a sign plus an interval. The three conventional signals, "attention"!
"print" and "cypher," have no corresponding engraved sign on the type
wheel. The place, however, is represented by a blank, which serves to
produce in the impression the separation of the words and phrases. The
type wheel and keys have also in front of each letter a corresponding figure.
To avoid the simultaneous impressions of letters and figures, I have recourse
to a small apparatus not shewn in the Figure. It consists of a small thin
moveable metallic plate of the size of one sign, interposed between the wheel
of the type and the band of paper; it can be worked by the operator by
means of a small knob placed at the exterior. This small plate may be
displaced horizontally to the extent of the breadth of one sign. When in the
course of the dispatch the transmitter has a number to insert, he sends on the
conventional signal "cypher," which, being repeated by the needle of the
ordinary dial W, X, Figure 3, and which is connected by a simple angle
rackwork with the type wheel, gives notice to the receiver to displace the

page_text: "stop
small metallic plate, which then covers the rim of the letters of the type wheel,
and uncovers on the contrary those of the figures. The impression of the
numbers being effected, the receiver transmits again the signal "cypher"!
which then signifies conventially the contrary, that is to say,
cyphering" the small metallic plate is then replaced by the receiver in its
primitive position, and the transmission by letters continues. The working
of the apparatus is as follows:-It has been described that the motors of
all the stations in telegraphic communication work synchronically and
permanently, that is to say, that even when the stations are silent, the
apparatus at each station at the same time transmits and receives. When it
transmits, the circuit is in the direction of the red arrows, Figure 4, Sheet 2,
and when it receives, the direction is that of the black arrows. These arrows
show that in the transmitting apparatus the circuit closes between the keys
and the band or metallic strap, whilst in the receiving apparatus, the keys
having no further work to perform, the current is derived from the strap, and
is placed in direct communication with a commutator communicating with
the earth. The line circuits, when the stations are not in communication, is
derived from each of the apparatus, and connected with an alarm bell. The
special battery circuit for the printing apparatus is also broken by a com-
mutator. If in this state any one at the stations wishes to enter into
communication, the operator proceeds thus: he first lowers the key
"attention" which occupies the first place to the left; the interruptor spring
which corresponds with it is then lowered, and placed in contact with the
metallic band, which thus forms the circuit, and the apparatus, instead of
transmitting to the receiving station the lowered sign; the current being then
in communication with the alarum, puts it in motion, and thus awakens the
attention of the operator at the required station. When the repeating dial
indicates the arrival of the signal at its destination the transmittor places.
himself again in communication with the alarm, the receiving station performs
a similar operation, which gives rise to the same results, and afterwards places
it in communication with the telegraphic apparatus.
Let us suppose the currents properly established, and the different parts of.
the apparatus in the state represented. in Figure 4, Sheet 2: the operator
pressing down the key t', the circuit is closed by the contact of the spring u
with the metallic strap; the current then passing by the electro-magnet F, G,
the wheel of the moter approaches to and catches with the wheel P, which
9
is put in action in drawing on the conducting. metallic band, until the insulating
point a arriving under, the key, the current is broken, and the opposing springs

page_text: bring back the different parts to their primitive state; the wheel q of the moter
becomes again disengaged, and the stop lever T seizes- the pin corresponding.
to the sign chosen. This same lever, in lowering, presses by the pieces U in
the two metallic blades n, o, which close the printing circuit, the latter then
strikes and prints at the moment of its arrival the letter selected.
:
Figures 2, 3, Sheet 3, represent a modification of the interrupting alphabetical
key-board. This modification consists in the substitution of the arrangement
represented in the Drawings for the compound arrangement of the chain or
metallic band, mounted with three insulating parts, and three wheels in which
this chain unfolds. The arrangement of the keys t, t, t,... t, the small
ping, g. 9, 9, and the corresponding springs u, u, u,. . . u,. remain the,
same as seen in Figures 2 and 3. The substituted portion consists of a
plate p, p, p, p, placed in the same vertical plane as that occupied by
the chain. On the upper surface of this plate are fixed. immediately under,
each spring or key u, u, u,... u, small oblong pieces of platinised metal
n, n, m, n, which come in contact with each of the springs u, u,... u,
by lowering the keys which correspond with them. Each of these oblong:
pieces is in metallic contact by means of conducting wires f. ff....f, with a
similar number of small springs also platinised r, r, r,... r, disposed radially.
round a circular opening formed in the plate P, P₁, P", P. These springs.
are kept at equal. distances by an ivory ring 0, 0, 0, formed with four pro-
jections or teeth, between which the springs are placed. The springs r, r, r,
press upon a concentric disc d, Figures 2, 3, placed on the axis O. On the
projecting edge of this disc a slot is formed, in which the metal is replaced by:
the ivory insulator a. It is thus seen that the mode of working of this new,
arrangement is identical with that of the chain, for when the the magnet F, G,
Figures 3 and 4, Sheet 2, becomes active, on the lowering of the key the
apparatus is put in motion, turning the disc d, until the ivory insulator x, in
meeting the spring of the depressed key, breaks the circuit, permitting the
keeper G to rise and seize the point corresponding to the letter chosen.
Figure 1, Sheet 3, represents a free escapement commutator for regulating
the synchronism of the movements. This commutator is composed, first; of
two electro-magnets A, B, the keepers of which are acted on by opposite
springs, r; secondly, of two escapement wheels O, O', gearing together, and
on the face of each are distributed fourteen pins corresponding to the twenty-
eight keys. One of these wheels is only auxiliary, the other is mounted on
the axis.of the disc O, Figures 3 and 4, Sheet 2. Thirdly, and lastly, of an
anchor lever a, b, mounted with two screws tipped with platina on its two

page_text: horizontal branches, and carrying the escapement c. A little above the centre u
of this lever is a small ring e, e', to which is hooked a spring V, the tension of
which accelerates or moderates the speed of its vibrations, and regulates the
synchronism. This lever is capable of vibrating, in the positions shewn by the
red lines x, z, the two poles of the battery, communicating on one side with
the keepers of the electro-magnets by the flukes of the anchor lever, after
having passed by the magnetising coil on the other side with the lever a, b, by
means of the friction spring r¹. It is seen that this lever in its two extreme
positions x, z, meets the corresponding spring with which each of the keepers
is mounted, and closes the circuit, if the two poles of the battery already
connected at the other side. Each of the two magnets then becomes active
in succession during more than half of the corresponding oscillation of the
lever a, b, c, which, attracted beyond by the spring V, completes its oscillation,
and closes again immediately afterwards the circuits with the other magnet,
and accomplishes a new vibration, and so on, until the failure of contact of the
disc, placing itself under the spring of the depressed key, breaks the circuit,
and leaves the anchor lever, maintained by its spring V, in the position which
it occupies in the Figure, arresting the pin i, corresponding also to the depressed
key. The combined electro-magnetic machines work by the same circuit, their
synchronism is regulated beforehand by means of the spring V. The electro-
magnet F, G, Figure 4, Sheet 2, then only operates as a relay under the
influence of a circuit derived from that of the escapement, which, being only
broken by the interrupting disc, maintains its keeper depressed, notwith-
standing the oscillation of the escapement, only to be raised by the interruption
of the disc, and send forward by means of its keeper the local current to the
printing apparatus, or to the alarm bell arrangement. This latter consists of
the same escapement commutator, the anchor lever of which is replaced by a
hammer acting on the two inner surfaces of a bell. This arrangement, contrary
to the simple vibration commutators, permits even with feeble currents the
production of up to one hundred signs per minute..
Having now described the nature of the Invention communicated to me,
and the manner in which the same may be carried into effect, I would observe,
in conclusion, that I do not restrict myself to the precise details herein laid
down, so long as the peculiar character of the Invention be retained; but
what I claim is,-
First, the general arrangement and construction of the electric telegraph,
as herein-before described, and represented in the annexed Drawings.
Secondly, the construction and employment of the motor or wheelwork

page_text: apparatus placed at each station, and kept in action by electric agency for
obtaining a greater rapidity in the transmission of messages.
Thirdly, the construction and electro-mechanical arrangement of key-
board, and means of making and breaking contact, as herein-before described,
and shewn in the accompanying Drawings.
Fourthly, the construction and arrangement of the type cylinders and
printing apparatus, as herein-before described, and represented in the annexed
Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Peter Armand le Compte de Fontaine
Moreau, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of
October, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
fifty-six..
L' DE FONTAINEMOREAU. (L.S.)