IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH APPARATUS, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1871

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Samuel Alfred Varley, of Roman Road, Holloway,
in the County of Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH APPARATUS, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS
APPLICABLE FOR OTHER PURPOSES."
ARE
Sealed the 23rd June 1871, and dated the 29th April 1871.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Samuel Alfred Varley
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 29th April 1871.
I, SAMUEL ALFRED VARLEY, of Roman Road, Holloway, in the
County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH APPARATUS, PARTS OF WHICH IM-
PROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE FOR OTHER PURPOSES," to be as follows:-
Electric telegraphs are actuated by electric currents developed either
by chemical action or by inducing magnetic polarity in soft iron cores,
surrounded with convolutions of insulated wire, by means of magnets.
My Invention consists in an improved construction of apparatus
which opens and closes the magnetic circuit through soft iron cores
A

page_text: surrounded with insulated wire developing electrical currents, which
actuate the indicating or receiving portion of the electric telegraph by
means of which the signals are indicated.
I construct the apparatus of a number of bar magnets; these are
made by preference of round steel tempered and magnetized. The
magnets are laid parallel to one another, and are kept a little distance
apart, either by means of plates having holes drilled through them for
the bars to pass through, or by any other suitable way. The magnets
may be arranged in one, two, or more groups; they are generally so
arranged that the disposition of the magnetic poles is the same as that
of an ordinary bar magnet made of one piece of steel. The bundles of
magnetized bars are placed between iron plates which are kept in close
contact with the ends of the magnets; these iron plates I terin the
magnetic conductor plates, as they conduct the magnetic force, and I
call them for distinction numbers "1" and "2" "magnetic conductors."
The magnetized steel bars are made as nearly as practicable of one
length, but as they are liable to vary in length iron screws corre-
sponding in number to the magnetized bars are screwed through one
of the "magnetic conductors," say number "1," and press against
the ends of the magnetized bars, forcing each individual magnet into
close contact with number "2" magnetic conductor. In some cases
instead of using screws I force the "magnetic conductors" into close
contact with the ends of the steel bars by means of hydraulic or other
pressure, which moulds the metal of the magnetic conductors into any
irregularities caused by the bars being of unequal lengths.
The "magnetic conductors " I prefer to make of malleable cast iron,
or of wrought iron, and they are usually constructed with projecting
pieces. In the projecting piece attached to, say, magnetic conductor
number "1," a hole, which I prefer to be conical, and which I term the
"seat," is bored. This seat is closed at the bottom, and forms a chamber
to enable it to hold a supply of oil. A conical plug of iron having bars
radiating from the centre and forming a star wheel works in the seat;
this star wheel I term the magnetic commutator, as it opens and closes
the magnetic circuit through one, two, or more soft iron cores surrounded
with insulated wire, and which are attached to magnetic conductor
number 2." Two soft iron cores are generally sufficient, and when
two are employed they are so arranged with respect to the radiating
arms of the magnetic commutator that when it is turned round the

page_text: magnetic circuit is closed through the two soft iron cores, alternately
developing electrical currents in the convolutions of insulated wire
surrounding the soft iron cores and the electrical circuit in which they
are joined.
The magnetic commutator is usually constructed with thirteen arms,
and when made with this number of arms developes in one whole
revolution thirteen positive and thirteen negative currents through the
electrical circuit. A handle or lever is usually attached to the magnetic
commutator, and moves over a dial having on it twenty-six letters or
signals. The clectrical currents developed by revolving the commutator
actuate a propelling escapement which drives a ratchet wheel one tooth
at a time, and by means of an index or pointer attached to the ratchet
wheel and moving over a dial or indicator indicates the letters of the
alphabet or other signals by pointing towards them. The indicator
dial is a facsimile of the dial over which the handle of the commutator
moves. If a greater number of signals than twenty-six be required the
number of radiating arms in the "magnetic" commutator and the
number of teeth in the ratchet wheel are increased, and if a lesser
number of signals only be required the commutator arms and the teeth
of the ratchet wheel may be reduced.
-I
The propelling escapement is constructed in the following way:-
mount two small levers attached to axles in a light metal frame one
above the other. The axles are pivotted into the frame, and the arms
of the levers are made to project usually on both sides of the frame.
The extremities of these levers on the one side are formed into pawls or
pallets and rest upon the teeth of the ratchet wheel on opposite sides of
the wheel. A spring or springs are employed to ensure the levers being
kept in contact with the ratchet wheel. The motion of the levers towards
each other I prefer to limit. This may be done by means of small screws
working through projections from the frame and pressing against the
levers on the other side of the axles. I prefer, however, to make use of
magnetic attraction in place of springs for keeping the "pallet lovers"
in close contact with the ratchet wheel, and this I do by magnetizing
the "pallet levers," the ratchet wheel, and its axle by rubbing them on
the poles of a magnet, or I render the ratchet wheel magnetic by induc-
tion from a permanent magnet in the neighbourhood which causes the
ratchet wheel to attract the "pallet levers." The "pallet frame" is
attached to the end of a bar or lever to which a reciprocating motion

page_text: is communicated when the instrument is in work, and when the frame
is moved in one direction, say to the right, one of the small levers
mounted in the frame (usually the upper one) pushes the ratchet wheel
forward one tooth, and at the same time the other small lever passes
over the back of the opposite tooth and drops into a space between the
teeth. When the " pallet frame" is moved the opposite way the lower
pallet lever which is hook-shaped pulls the escape wheel another
tooth forward, and at the same time the upper pallet lever passes
over the tooth of the ratchet wheel on the opposite side of the wheel
and drops into a space between the teeth ready to push the ratchet
wheel another tooth forward at the next movement of the "pallet
frame."
The motion of the pallet frame is regulated and limited by means of
adjusting screws, and the ratchet wheel is prevented from moving more
than one tooth at each alternate movement of the pallet frame by
adjusting screws which come in contact with the ends of the pallet
levers and which are formed of a suitable shape for this purpose. The
number of teeth in the ratchet wheel corresponds to the number of
arms in the commutator, and consequently when the commutator has
thirteen arms the number of teeth in the ratchet wheel is also thirteen.
A pointer is attached-to-the-ratchet wheel, which passes over a divided
dial having the letters of the alphabet or other signals upon it which
are indicated by the pointer pointing towards them.
The reciprocating motion may be communicated to the pallet frame
by any of the well-known methods. I prefer, however, the following
method on account of its simplicity :-I mount a cylinder of soft iron
in a hollow bobbin surrounded with convolutions of insulated wire.
The cylinder of soft iron is mounted on pivots and has horns or projecting
pieces of soft iron outside the bobbin. When the instrument is at work
the alternate positive and negative currents developed by moving the
magnetic commutator pass through the convolutions of insulated wire
surrounding the iron cylinder, rendering it temporarily magnetic, first
in the one direction and then in the other. The horns attached to the
cylinder play between the poles of two permanent magnets which alter-
nately attract and repel the horns in accordance with the direction of the
magnetic polarization induced in the iron cylinder, and in this way a
reciprocating motion is given to them. The "pallet frame" is mounted
on a lever which is attached to the iron cylinder and consequently

page_text: partakes of the reciprocating motion communicated to the horns of the
cylinder.
When great sensitiveness is desired instead of constructing the
cylinder which carries the pallet frame of solid iron I form a thin
hollow cylinder of iron either by electro depositing iron on a cylinder of
wood or other suitable substance, or by wrapping one or more layers of
fine iron wire round a cylinder of any suitable substance. In this way
I obtain a cylinder containing a very small weight of iron, and which
consequently requires but little electrical force to render it highly
magnetic.
I
As it is desirable the commutator be turned in only one direction I
usually mount upon it a circular disc, which may be made of wood or
other suitable material. One or more levers rest at an angle against the
periphery of the disc, and allow the disc to be revolved freely in one
direction, but prevent it it being turned in the opposite way by sticking
into it if the commutator be attempted to be turned in the wrong
direction. I prefer to coat the periphery of the disc with leather or
other suitable substance to deaden the sound caused by the levers
rubbing against the edge of the disc when the instrument is being used.
The commutator handle may be made to pass over a ring having notches
cut into it corresponding to the letters or signals on the dial for the
commutator handle to drop into when over the desired signal, and the
commutator handle is usually attached to the commutator by a joint
which allows of an upward and downward movement, so that it be
raised above the ring or depressed into the notches when desired.
may
Two sets of apparatus are required for establishing telegraphic com-
munication between two stations, and the instruments are usually so
connected that the electric currents developed by moving the magnetic
commutator handle at the sending station pass through the indicator of
the sending instrument to the line wire through the coils of the indicator
of the receiving instrument to the earth. The signals on the dial of the
indicator are the same as those on the dial over which the magnetic
commutator handle is moved, and the index or pointer of the indicator
simply repeats the motion communicated to the magnetic commutator
handle by the operator at the sending station. The instruments
are furnished with a contact closer, which enables the extremities of
the indicator coils by depressing a knob or button to be brought
into metallic contact, or as it is technically termed "short circuited,"

page_text: whenever desired. The object of this is to enable the index or pointer
of the indicator to be adjusted to the signal to which the magnetic
commutator handle is pointing should they not agree.
Instead of using for the indicator or receiving portion of the apparatus
a propelling escapement having an index, as herein-before described, the
alternate positive and negative currents developed by the magnetic
commutator may by the aid of a current reverser be made to leave the
instrument all in the same direction, and the signals forwarded to the
distant station by a second commutator, which I construct of two metal
discs, having a handle attached for communicating motion to the discs ;
the two discs are mechanically connected together, but are electrically
insulated from one another, and work on pivots placed centrally with
the discs between uprights or standards. The handle of this second
commutator is also electrically insulated from the discs. Jointed levers
called numbers "1" and "2" rest against the upper and lower sides of
the discs, but portions of the discs are cut away, so that when the handle
is upwards number "1" lever rests against the upper side of, say, the
right hand disc, and number "2" lever rests against the under side of
the left hand disc. When the handle is fully depressed number "1"
lever rests upon the upper side of the left hand disc, and number "2"
lever rests against the under side of the right hand disc. On number
"1" lever another jointed lever number "3" rests, which also projects
over the end of number "1" lever. The handle is actuated by a spring
which tends to keep it upwards. The discs are made by preference of
iron, and casehardened; numbers "1," "2," "3," levers are made by
preference of tempered steel magnetized, so that numbers "1" and "3"
levers are held against the discs by magnetic attraction, and number "3"
is also held against number "1" lever in the same manner; the levers
may however be actuated by springs. The commutator handle has a
projection on its upper side, which when the handle is upwards rests
against the under side of number "3" lever, and removes it from
contact with number "1" lever. The commutator handle is connected
through the receiving portion of the instrument with the earth, number
"3" lever is connected with the line wire, and number “2” lever is
connected with the earth. The two discs are connected through the
current reverser with the convolutions of insulated wire surrounding the
soft iron cores, in which electric currents are developed by opening and
closing the magnetic circuit through the iron cores as herein-before

page_text: described. When the commutator handle is upwards, which is its position
when at rest, number "3" lever is removed from number "1" lever
and electrically connected with the commutator handle, the line wire is
now in connection with the receiving connections of the instrument..
When the commutator handle is partially depressed number "3" lever
comes in contact with number "1" lever, which is now in connection
with the right hand disc, and number "2" lever rests against the left
hand disc connecting it to the carth, a negative current of electricity
now passing through the line wire. On the handle being fully depressed
number "1" lever is electrically connected with the left hand disc, and
number "2" lever is electrically connected with the right hand disc, a
positive electric current passing through the line wire. When this
second commutator is employed the magnetic commutator is only made
use of for developing the electric force, the telegraphic circuit being
opened and closed, and the signals transmitted by the aid of the second
commutator.
I do not confine myself to the precise details herein-before described,
as the arrangement of the different parts admits of modification, for
example, two, three, or more sets of magnets may be employed, and
they may be arranged with opposite poles facing one another, the soft
iron core or cores also, instead of being stationary, may be made to
revolve between the projecting pieces of the magnetic conductors.
As the convolutions of fine wire surrounding the soft iron cores are
liable to be damaged by lightning storms I usually protect the instru-
ments in the following way :-I take a piece of wood or other suitable
material and bore a hole through it; this wood is placed between
standards, through which pointed cylinders of metal pass and enter
into the wooden cylinders. A second hole is cut in the wood, usually
at right angles to the first hole; this second hole forms a chamber, into
which the points of the metal cylinders enter and approach one another
to within, say, one-thirticth of an inch, more or less. This chamber
is filled nearly full with powdered carbon or a mixture of carbon and a
non-conducting material in a minute state of division. The top of the
chamber is then closed. The piece of wood moves freely enough on
the pointed cylinders to enable the wood to be turned round, which
may be done from time to time in order to bring fresh particles of the
powder between the pointed conductors. One of the metal standards
is connected to the line wire, and I term it for distinction the line

page_text: connection; the other standard is connected with the earth, and termed
the earth connection. A fixed chamber may be substituted for the
chamber, which can be revolved, and one of the connections, say the
line connection, so constructed as to be capable of being adjusted
farther from or nearer to the earth connection. The earth connection
is covered with powdered carbon or other conducting matter in a fine
state of division, and the line connection may be adjusted either to
enter into the powdered matter or not quite to touch it. In some
cases instead of using powdered matter I attach a light spring to the
earth connection, and the line connection, which I prefer to be made
of a piece of blacklead or some non-metallic conducting substance, is
adjusted almost to touch the spring. I prefer however to use powdered
matter in place of a spring. When a lightning discharge takes place
through a telegraph circuit the lightning striking the wire magnetizes
it, but as the convolutions of wire surrounding the soft iron cores
momentarily oppose a very great resistance to being electrically or
magnetically polarized the lightning finds an easier passage through
the powdered matter, which opposes very much less resistance than a
space of air for the electricity to pass. The electricity in its passage
renders the particles of divided matter highly incandescent, and the
particles of matter are also brought into close contact with one another
by electrical attraction. Incandescent matter opposes but little resistance
to the passage of electricity, and the secondary current developed by
the rapid demagnetization of the line wire which immediately follows
the lightning discharge finds an easier passage through the incandescent
particles than through the convolutions of insulated wire surrounding
the soft iron cores. When a spring is substituted for the fine powder
it becomes raised by electrical attraction and brought into contact
with the earth connection during the time occupied by the electrical
discharge.
The apparatus herein described for developing electricity, as also the
commutators secondly described, and the method of constructing a
light iron cylinder, may also be used for other clectrical purposes, and
the portions of the apparatus exclusive of the parts used for developing
electrical currents may if desired be used with electrical currents
developed by other means.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of hers at
filed by the said Samuel Alfred Varley in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 28th October 1871.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, SAMUEL
ALFRED VARLEY, of Roman Road, Holloway, in the County of Middlesex,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-ninth day of April, 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 suc-
cessors, give and grant unto me, the said Samuel Alfred Varley, Her
special licence that I, the said Samuel Alfred Varley, my exccutors,
administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Samuel Alfred
Varley, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agrec with, and no others, from time to time and at all times there-
after during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, excrcise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH APPARATUS, PARTS OF WHICH
IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE FOR OTHER PURPOSES," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Samuel Alfred Varley, my exccutors
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 Samuel Alfred Varley, do hereby
declare the nature of my 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:—
Electric telegraphs are actuated by electric currents developed either
by chemical action or by inducing magnetic polarity in soft iron
cores surrounded with convolutions of insulated wire by means of
magnets:

page_text: My Invention consists in an improved construction of apparatus
which opens and closes the magnetic circuit through soft iron cores
surrounded with insulated wire developing electrical currents which
actuate the indicating or receiving portion of the electric telegraph
by means of which the signals are indicated.
The
I construct the apparatus of a number of bar magnets; these are
made by preference of round steel tempered and magnetized. The
magnets are laid parallel to one another, and are kept a little distance
apart either by means of plates having holes drilled through them
for the bars to pass through or by any other suitable way.
magnets may be arranged in one, two, or more groups; they are
generally so arranged that the disposition of the magnetic poles is
the same as that of an ordinary bar magnet made of one piece of
steel. The bundles of magnetized bars are placed between iron plates
which are kept in close contact with the ends of the magnets. These
iron plates I term the magnetic conductor plates, as they conduct
the magnetic force, and I call them for distinction Nos. "1" and
"2" " magnetic conductors." The magnetized steel bars are made as
nearly as practicable of one length, but as they are liable to vary in
length iron screws corresponding in number to the magnetized bars are
screwed through one of the "magnetic conductors," say No. "1," and
press against the ends of the magnetized bars forcing each individual
magnet into close contact with No. "2" "magnetic conductor." In
some cases instead of using screws I force the "magnetic conductors"
into close contact with the ends of the steel bars by means of hydraulic
or other pressure, which moulds the metal of the "magnetic con-
ductors" into any irregularities caused by the bars being of unequal
lengths.
The "magnetic conductors "I prefer to make of malleable cast iron
or of wrought iron, and they are usually constructed with projecting
pieces. In the projecting piece attached to, say, magnetic conductor
No. "1" a hole, which I prefer to be conical, and which I term the
"seat," is bored. This seat is closed at the bottom and forms a
chamber to enable it to hold a supply of oil. A conical plug of iron
having bars radiating from the centre and forming a star wheel works
in the seat; this star wheel I term the magnetic commutator as it
opens and closes the magnetic circuit through one, two, or more soft
iron cores surrounded with insulated wire, and which are attached to

page_text: magnetic conductor No. "2." Two soft iron cores are generally suffi-
cient, and when two are employed they are so arranged with respect
to the radiating arms of the magnetic commutator that when it is
turned round the magnetic circuit is closed through the two soft iron
cores, alternately developing clectrical currents in the convolutions of
insulated wire surrounding the soft iron cores and the electrical circuit
in which they are joined.
The magnetic commutator is usually constructed with thirteen arms,
and when made with this number of arms developes in one whole
revolution thirteen positive and thirteen negative currents through the
electrical circuit. A handle or lever is usually attached to the magnetic
commutator and moves over a dial having on it twenty-six letters or
signals. The electrical currents developed by revolving the commutator
actuate a propelling escapement which drives a ratchet wheel one
tooth at a time, and by means of an index or pointer attached to the
ratchet wheel and moving over a dial or indicator indicates the letters
of the alphabet or other signals by pointing towards them. The
indicator dial is a facsimile of the dial over which the handle of
the commutator moves. If a greater number of signals than 26
be required the number of radiating arms in the "magnetic" com-
mutator and the number of teeth in the ratchet wheel are increased,
and if a lesser number of signals only be required the commutator arms
and the teeth of the ratchet wheel may be reduced.
The propelling escapement is constructed in the following way :-I
mount two small levers attached to axles in a light metal frame one
above the other. The axles are pivoted into the frame, and the arms
of the levers are made to project usually on both sides of the frame.
The extremities of these levers on the one side are formed into pawls
or pallets and rest upon the teeth of the ratchet wheel on opposite sides
of the wheel. A spring or springs may be employed to ensure the
levers being kept in contact with the ratchet wheel. The motion of
the levers towards each other I prefer to limit; this may be done by
means of small screws working through projections from the frame and
pressing against the levers on the other side of the axles; I prefer,
however, to make use of magnetic attraction in place of springs for
keeping the "pallet levers" in close contact with the ratchet wheel, and
this I do by magnetizing the "pallet levers," the ratchet wheel, and
its axle by rubbing them on the poles of a magnet, or I render the

page_text: ratchet wheel magnetic by induction from a permanent magnet in the
neighbourhood which causes the ratchet wheel to attract the "pallet
levers."
When magnetic attraction is employed the pallet levers may be
connected together by a link or light chain which allows them to
be separated from one another sufficiently for the ratchet wheel to pass
and prevents their further separation. The pallet frame is attached to
the end of a bar or lever, to which a reciprocating motion is com-
municated. When the instrument is in work and when the frame
is moved in one direction, say to the right, one of the small levers 1
mounted in the frame (usually the upper one) pushes the ratchet wheel
forward one-half tooth, and at the same time the other small lever
passes over the back of the opposite tooth and drops into a space between
the teeth. When the "pallet frame" is moved the opposite way the
lower pallet lever which is hook-shaped pulls the escape wheel another
half tooth forward, and at the same time the upper pallet lever passes
over the tooth of the ratchet wheel on the opposite side of the wheel
and drops into a space between the teeth ready to push the ratchet
wheel forward at the next movement of the pallet frame.
The motion of the pallet frame is regulated and limited by means
of adjusting screws, and the ratchet wheel is prevented from moving
more than one-half tooth at each alternate movement of the pallet
frame by adjusting screws which come in contact with the ends of
the pallet levers, and which are formed of a suitable shape for this
purpose. The number of teeth in the ratchet wheel corresponds to
the number of arms in the commutator, and consequently when the
commutator has thirteen arms the number of teeth in the ratchet wheel
is also thirteen. A pointer is attached to the ratchet wheel which
passes over a divided dial having the letters of the alphabet or other
signals upon it, which are indicated by the pointer pointing towards
them.
The reciprocating motion may be communicated to the pallet frame
by any of the well-known methods; I prefer, however, the following
method on account of its simplicity :-I mount a cylinder of soft iron in
a hollow bobbin surrounded with convolutions of insulated wire. The
cylinder of soft iron is mounted on pivots and has horns or projecting
pieces of soft iron outside the bobbin. When the instrument is at
work the alternate positive and negative currents developed by moving

page_text: wire surrounding the iron cylinder, rendering it temporarily magnetic
first in the one direction and then in the other. The horns attached to
the cylinder play between the poles of two permanent magnets which
alternately attract and repel the horns in accordance with the direction
of the magnetic polarization induced in the iron cylinder, and in this
way a reciprocating motion is given to them. The "pallet frame" is
mounted on a lever which is attached to the iron cylinder, and con-
sequently partakes of the reciprocating motion communicated to the
horns of the cylinder.
When great sensitiveness is desired instead of constructing the
cylinder which carries tlie pallet frame of solid iron I form a thin hollow
cylinder of iron either by electro depositing iron on a cylinder of wood
or other suitable substance, or by wrapping one or more layers of .fine
iron wire round a cylinder made of a thin shell of iron, wood, or other
suitable substance. In this way I obtain a cylinder not so liable to
retain permanent magnetism and containing a very small weight of
iron, and which consequently requires but little clectrical force to render
it magnetic. Advantage may be taken of the cylinder formed of con-
volutions of wire surrounding the core to pass through them alternate
positive and negative currents from a local battery at so rapid a rate
that the inertia of the soft iron core is not overcome; the tendency of
this is to neutralize any permanent magnetism which may be retained
by the soft iron core and to increase the sensitiveness of the iron core
to electric impulses of longer duration. As it is desirable the com-
mutator be turned in only one direction I usually mount upon it a
circular disc which may be made of wood or other suitable material.
One or more levers rest at an angle against the periphery of the disc
and allow the disc to be revolved freely in one direction, but prevent it
being turned in the opposite way by sticking into it if the commutator
be attempted to be turned in the wrong direction. I prefer to coat the
periphery of the disc with leather or other suitable substance to deaden
the sound caused by the levers rubbing against the edge of the disc
when the instrument is being used. The commutator handle may be
made to pass over a ring having notches cut into it corresponding to
the letters or signals on the dial for the commutator handle to drop
into when over the desired signal, and the commutator handle is usually
attached to the commutator by a joint which allows of an upward

page_text: and downward movement, so that it may be raised above the ring or
depressed into the notches when desired.
Two sets of apparatus are required for establishing telegraphic com-
munication between two stations, and the instruments are usually so
connected that the electric currents developed by moving the magnetic
commutator handle at the sending station pass through the indicator
of the sending instrument to the line wire through the coils of the
indicator of the receiving instrument to the earth. The signals on
the dial of the indicator are the same as those on the dial over which
the magnetic commutator handle is moved, and the index or pointer
of the indicator simply repeats the motion communicated to the
magnetic commutator handle by the operator at the sending station.
The instruments are furnished with a contact closer which enables the
extremitics of the indicator coils by depressing a knob or button to be
brought into metallic contact, or as it is technically termed "short
circuited," whenever desired. The object of this is to enable the index
or pointer of the indicator to be adjusted to the signal to which the
magnetic commutator handle is pointing should they not agree.
Instead of using for the indicator or receiving portion of the apparatus
a propelling escapement having an index as herein-before described, the
alternate positive and negative currents developed by the magnetic
commutator may by the aid of a current reverser be made to leave the
instrument all in the same direction and the signals forwarded to the
distant station by a second commutator, which I construct of two metal
discs having a handle attached for communicating motion to the discs.
The two discs are mechanically connected together, but are electrically
insulated from one another and work on pivots placed centrally with
the discs between uprights or standards. The handle of this second
commutator is also electrically insulated from the discs.
Jointed levers called Nos. 1 and 2 rest against the upper and lower
sides of the discs, but portions of the discs are cut away, so that when
the handle is upwards No. 1 lever rests against the upper side of, say,
the right hand disc, and No. 2 lever rests against the under side of the
left hand disc. When the handle is fully depressed No. 1 lover rests
upon the upper side of the left hand disc, and No. 2 lover rests against
the under side of the right hand disc. On No. 1 lever another jointed
lever No. 3 rests, which also projects over the end of No. 1 lever. The
handle is actuated by a spring which tends to keep it upwards. The discs

page_text: arc made by preference of iron and case hardened. Nos. 1, 2, 3, levers are
made by preference of tempered steel magnetized, so that Nos. 1 and 3.
levers are held against the discs by magnetic attraction, and No. 3 is also
held against No. 1 lever in the same manner. The lovers may however
be actuated by springs. The commutator handle has a projection on its
upper side, which when the handle is upwards rests against the under
side of No. 3 lever and removes it from contact with No. 1 lever. The
commutator handle is connected through the receiving portion of the
instrument with the carth, No. 3 lever is connected with the line wire,
and No. 2 lever is connected with the carth. The two discs are con-
nected through the current reverser with the convolutions of insulated
wire surrounding the soft iron cores in which electric currents are
developed by opening and closing the magnetic circuit through the iron
cores as herein-before described. When the commutator handle is
upwards, which is its position when at rest, No. 3 lever is removed
from No. 1 lever and electrically connected with the commutator handle;
the line wire is now in connection with the receiving connections of tho
instrument. When the commutator handle is partially depressed "No. 3"
lever comes in contact with No. 1 lever, which is now in connection with
the right-hand disc, No. 2 lever rests against the left-hand disc, con-
necting it to the earth, a negative current of electricity now passing
through the line wire. No. 1 lever may be connected direct to the line in
place of being connected through No. 3 lever, and the projection on the
handle lever may be made to raise No. 1 lever; this enables No. 3 lever
to be dispensed with as shown in the Drawings, and the construction is
thereby simplified, there are however some advantages in using three
levers. On the handle being fully depressed No. 1 lever is electrically
connected with the left-hand disc, and No. 2 lever is electrically con-
nected with the right-hand disc, a positive electric current passing
through the line wire. When this second commutator is employed the
magnetic commutator is only made use of for developing the electric
force, the telegraphic circuit being opened and closed and the signals
transmitted by the aid of the second commutator.
I do not confine myself to the precise details herein-before described, as
the arrangement of the different parts admits of modification, for example,
two, three, or more sets of magnets may be employed, and they may be
arranged with opposite poles facing one another. The soft iron core or
cores also instead of being stationary may be made to revolve between
the projecting pieces of the magnetic conductors.

page_text: As the convolutions of fine wire surrounding the soft iron cores are
liable to be damaged by lightning storms I usually protect the instru-.
ments in the following way:-I take a piece of wood or other suitable
material and bore a hole through it; this wood is placed between
standards through which pointed cylinders of metal pass and enter into
the wooden cylinders. A second hole is cut in the wood usually at right
angles to the first hole; this second hole forms a chamber into which the
points of the metal cylinders enter and approach one another to within,
say, th of an inch more or less. This chamber is filled nearly full with
powdered carbon, or a mixture of carbon and a non-conducting material
in a minute state of division, the top of the chamber is then closed.
The piece of wood moves freely enough on the pointed cylinders to
enable the wood to be turned round, which may be done from time to
time in order to bring fresh particles of the powder between the pointed
conductors. One of the metal standards is connected to the line wire,
and I term it for distinction the line connection, the other standard is
connected with the carth and termed the earth connection. A fixed
chamber may be substituted for the chamber which can be revolved, and
one of the connections, say the line connection, so constructed as to be
capable of being adjusted further from or nearer to the earth connection.
The earth connection is covered with powdered carbon or other conducting
matter in a fine state of division, and the line connection may be adjusted
either to enter into the powdered matter or not quite to touch it. In
some cases instead of using powdered matter, I attach a light spring to
the carth connection, and the line connection, which I prefer to be made
of a piece of black lead or some non-metallic conducting substance, is
adjusted almost to touch the spring. I prefer however to use powdered
matter in place of a spring.
When a lightning discharge takes place through a telegraph circuit
the lightning striking the wire magnetizes it, but as the convolutions of
wire surrounding the soft iron cores momentarily oppose a very great
resistance to being electrically or magnetically polarized, the lightning
finds an easier passage through the powdered matter, which opposes
very much less resistance than a space of air for the electricity to pass.
The electricity in its passage renders the particles of divided matter
highly incandescent, and the particles of matter are also brought into
close contact with one another by electrical attraction. Incandescent
matter opposes but little resistance to the passage of electricity, and the
secondary current developed by the rapid demagnetization of the line

page_text: wire which immediately follows the lightning discharge finds an easier
passage through the incandescent particles than through the convolutions
of insulated wire surrounding the soft iron cores. When a spring is
substituted for the fine powder it is moved by electrical attraction,
and brought into contact with the earth connection during the time
occupied by the electrical discharge.
The apparatus herein described for developing electricity, as also the
commutator secondly. described, and the method of constructing a light
iron cylinder may also be used for other electrical purposes, and the
portions of the apparatus exclusive of the parts used for developing
electrical currents may if desired be used with electrical currents
developed by other means.
And in order that the Invention may be more clearly understood
and readily carried into effect I will proceed aided by the accompanying
Drawings more fully to describe the same.

page_text: E is the dial of the indicator; F, F, F, F, are four of the bar magnets,
the remainder are hidden from sight; G, G³, are Nos. "1" and "2"
magnetic conductor plates; H, H, are the nuts of screw bolts which
pull the magnetic conductor plates towards one another against the
ends of the magnets; I is the magnetic commutator; J is the seat
into which the conical plug of the magnetic commutator fits; K is
the wooden disc fitted on the top of the magnetic commutator; K1, K2,
are soft iron cores surrounded with convolutions of insulated wire, and.
through which the magnetic circuit is opened and closed; k is the-
lever which rests against the periphery of the disc K and prevents it
being turned the wrong way.
Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, show the working of the parts of the
apparatus used for indicating the signals; Figure 6 is a front view of
the indicator, the wooden case in which it is enclosed being removed;
Figure 7 is a back view; Figure 8 is a top view of part of the apparatus
showing the hollow coils in which the soft iron cores work and the way
they are mounted; Figure 9 is a front view showing the pallet frame,
pallets, and ratchet wheel separately; Figure 10 is a front view of the
pallet frame, pallets, and ratchet wheel on an enlarged scale to enable
the action to be more clearly understood; the motion is indicated by the
dotted lines; Figure 11 is a side view of the pallet frame showing the
axles on which the pallet levers work and the way in which the pallet
frame is attached to the soft iron cylinder. L is the pointer which
indicates the letters or signals by pointing towards them; M is the,
ratchet wheol attached to an axle which works through pivot holes in
the cock N, N¹; O, O', are the pallet levers; o, o', are the axles to
which the pallet levers are attached and which work in the pallet
frame P; Q, Q, is the soft iron cylinder passing through the hollow
bobbin R, to which cylinder the pallet frame is attached; S, S¹, are
the soft iron horns attached to the cylinder Q, Q'; T, T, T, T¹, are the
poles of two U shaped magnets between which the soft iron horns work;
Q1, Q1, is a second soft iron cylinder passing through a hollow bobbin
wrapped with insulated wire and is similar to Q, Q' having soft iron
horns, S1, S1¹, and working between the poles of the magnets T1, T1'.
This second soft iron cylinder is actuated in a similar way to the cylinder
Q, Q, by the alternate positive and negative currents of electricity.
and carries the hammer L' which plays between two bells V, V, for
calling attention before sending a message; t, t, are iron screws passing.

page_text: through the poles of the magnets which enable the attractive force of
the magnets for the soft iron horns to be adjusted; u, u, are adjusting
screws usually made of brass for regulating and limiting the motion
of the soft iron horns; v, v', are adjusting stops which limit the motion
of the pallet levers and prevent the ratchet wheel from tripping or
passing more than a half tooth at a time. W, W, is the frame
in which the hollow bobbin and soft iron cylinders are fitted; X, X,
is a metal frame to which the frame W, W, and other parts of the
indicating apparatus are attached.
Figures 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, show the method of constructing the
commutator when a second commutator is used for sending the signals.
Figure 12 is a side view of a portion of the commutator shewing the
position of the handle when a message is being received; Figure 13
shows the position of the different parts when the handle is slightly
depressed, and the dotted lines indicate the position of the different parts
when the handle is fully depressed; Figure 14 is a top view of the com-
mutator; Figure 15 is a top view in section; Figure 16 is a side view
of another arrangement of commutator; Figure 17 is a back view of
the same. Y, Y, Y¹, Y¹, are two metal discs; Z is the handle lever
electrically connected to the receiving connection; a, a', are pieces of
ebonite or other insulating material which insulate the metal discs and
handle lever from one another; b, b, are the uprights or standards;
c, c, c¹, c³, are tweezer springs which press against the metal discs
making electrical connection with them, and by means of which they
are connected either to the insulated convolutions of wire in which
electrical currents are developed by means of the magnetic commutator,
as herein-before described, or they may be connected to the poles of a
galvanic battery. d is No. "1" lever or line connection; e is No. "2"
lever or earth connection; fis the stop which limits the motion of the
commutator; Z, Figure 16, is a handle attached to an axle working
through the standard or metal bush 6, and having a cross piece =
attached to it; a, a, are pieces of insulating material fitted into the
cross piece preventing electrical contact between it and the springs d, d,
and e, e, when they come in contact; B is the base board attached to
the standard or bush 6, to which the springs and connections are
attached; b³, b¹³, are projecting pieces of metal made in one solid piece
with b, and which limit the motion of the cross piece ; Z1, Z2, are
two pieces of metal against which the springs d, d, and e, e, press.

page_text: 'd, d, may be connected through the telegraph instrument to the line
wire, and e, e, may be connected to the earth. c, c, may be connected
with one pole of a galvanic battery, and c¹, c¹, connected to the other
pole; or they may be brought into connection with the magnetic com-
mutator, as herein-before described. When the handle Z is moved either
to the right or to the left, as indicated by the dotted lines, electrical
connection between the springs d, d, and e, e, is broken, and the clec-
trical circuit completed. through the battery, earth, and line wire, a
positive or negative current passing into the line according as the handle
is moved to the right or to the left.
Figures 18, 19, 20, show my method of protecting the convolutions of
insulated wire from being damaged by lightning. ff, is the cylinder
usually made of wood; g, Figure 18, is the chamber inside the cylinder f;
h, h, are the pointed metal cylinders which enter the chamber g; i, i¹,
are the standards through which the pointed metal cylinders pass.
Figure 19 shows another method of protecting the coil wires from
lightning. is the line connection passing into the chamber g, and
covered with finely divided carbon or conducting matter; is the carth
connection; m, m, are adjusting screws which enable the earth con-
nection to be adjusted nearer to or farther from the finely divided
matter.
Figure 20 shews the method of protecting the coil wires when I use ·
a spring in place of the finely divided matter. i is the metal standard
or line connection; il is a metallic lever or pendant hanging freely
from the standard i; i2 is a light spring attached to the pendant il;
is the earth connection; m is an adjusting screw by means of which
the pendant and spring can be adjusted nearer to or farther from the
earth connection. In the Drawings the protectors shown at Figures 19
and 20 are represented connected together, as I sometimes use them in
conjunction with one another, thereby obtaining greater protection.
is
Figure 21 is a modification of Figure 18, in which the chamber in
the cylinder is partially exhausted, thereby facilitating the passage of
electricity across the particles of powdered matter in the chamber.
a block of glass or other suitable substance having a hole bored through
it forming a chamber in which the pointed metal cylinders h, h, enter
and approach near to one another. A conical seat made flat at the
bottom is turned in the block of glass at each end. The pointed metal
cylinders are constructed with shoulders of metal which rest against the

page_text: flat bottom of the conical scats. The metal cylinders are coated with
lead or tinman's solder, and air-tight joints are made by ramming an
amalgam of mercury and tin or other suitable metal into the conical
portion of the seats. One of the pointed cylinders has a small hole
drilled in it by means of which the air in the chamber is with the aid
of an air pump exhausted. The small hole in the pointed cylinder is
hermetically sealed before the air pump is removed, and this may be
done by any of the well-known methods.
Having now described the nature of the said Invention, and the
manner in which I carry the same into effect, I wish it to be understood
that I do not confine myself to the precise details herein set forth;
what I do claim is,―
but
First. The general construction and arrangement of the various parts
for developing clectric currents by mechanical force, as shown in
reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Second. The general arrangement of the indicating parts of the
apparatus. I wish it, however, to be understood I do not claim the
use of soft iron cylinders working in hollow bobbins wrapped with
convolutions of insulated wire, what I claim is, the combination and
arrangement of the different parts by which I obtain a reciprocating
motion, and communicate it to the pallet frame, substantially as
described in reference to Figures 6, 7, 8.
Third. The method of constructing a propelling escapement, sub-
stantially as described in reference to Figures 9, 10, 11.
Fourth. The employment of magnetic attraction in place of a spring
for keeping the pallet levers in contact with the ratchet wheel, as
herein-before described.
Fifth. The method of constructing iron cores or cylinders which
require but little electrical force to render them magnetic, either by
electro-depositing a thin shell of iron, or by wrapping iron wire spirally
over a cylinder, which also enables me to neutralize any permanent
magnetism which may be retained by means of rapid alternate currents
developed from a local battery, as herein-before described.
Sixth. The combination of the different parts and the method of
constructing commutators, substantially as described in reference to
Figures 12. 13. 14. and 15.

page_text: Seventh. The mode of constructing lightning protectors which
enables them to be revolved so as to bring fresh particles of matter
between the pointed conductors.
Eighth. The method of constructing lightning protectors, substantially
as described with reference to Figures 18, 19, and 20.
In witness whereof, I, the said Samuel Alfred Varley, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-eighth day of October,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
seventy-one.