IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHIC RECORDING APPARATUS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Kirk Boyle, of the City of New York, in the
United States of America, at present residing in Bloomsbury, in the County
of Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHIC RECORDING
APPARATUS."
"
Sealed the 10th April 1879, and dated the 30th December 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Kirk Boyle at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th December 1878.
ROBERT KIRK BOYLE, of the City of New York, in the United States of America,
at present residing in Bloomsbury, in the County of Middlesex.
"IMPROVEMENTS
IN TELEGRAPHIC RECORDING APPARATUS."
This Invention has for its object improvements in telegraphic recording apparatus,
and consists of one or more hollow coils of wire placed in suitable position, and
having suspended between them by any convenient mechanism a steel magnet and
a bar of platinum, which both oscillate to and fro from side to side, and has
suspended beneath the bar of platinum three or any other suitable number of
metal fingers or pointers which are connected to a corresponding number of pens,
by means whereof the message is recorded upon the recording slip.
In order to ensure a uniform travel of the recording slip underneath the pens and
platinum bar, I employ a suitable train of clockwork, so arranged as to move the
slip forward at one regular degree of speed, while, to produce the record thereon, I
connect a suitable induction coil with the oscillating inagnet, pens, and paper.
In order to clear the static current remaining in the line wire, I form a relay
therein, which relay is operated by the oscillating magnet so as to throw in the
line a current of the opposite kind.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Robert Kirk Boyle in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
19th April 1879.
ROBERT KIRK BOYLE, of the City of New York, in the United States of America,
at present residing in Bloomsbury, in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN TELEGRAPHIC RECORDING APPARATUS."
This Invention has for its object improvements in telegraphic recording apparatus
by means whereof currents of electricity sent over long lines or cables can be
recorded with great facility.
And in order that my Invention and the principles on which it is founded, as
well as the manner in which I carry the same into effect may be fully understood,
I desire to make the following preliminary observations.
it.
It is well known that in transmitting messages over long cables it is desirable to
employ a feeble battery and have the receiving part of the apparatus as light and
delicately mounted as possible, also, that there is a certain amount of retardation of
the electricity, or in other words, a lengthening of the electric waves in both
directions so as to almost fill up the spaces between them, which retardation has a
tendency to hold the receiving needle in the position the wave has given it, not
allowing sufficient time for it to return to zero before the succeeding wave is upon
Various means are used in order to assist the movable parts of the receiving
apparatus, but if the waves are sent rapidly they accomplish this only in a partial
way, while if the waves come slower the desired result is obtained. Now it is
evident that if the cable could be cleared of all surplus electricity after the needle
has been deflected to one side that the needle would return to its position of rest or
zero, and that electric currents could be sent over the cable with greater speed from
the transmitting end of the cable. Keeping this fact in view, I have invented and
constructed an apparatus requiring only a light battery power with an exceedingly
light magnetic needle capable of recording on proper chemically prepared paper
with great speed, and clearing the cable of all remaining electricity after each wave
or oscillation of the needle by throwing on the cable an opposing battery at the
receiving end of the cable.
And in order that my said Invention may be better understood and more
readily carried into effect, I will now proceed more particularly to describe and
ascertain the same.
My Invention consists of certain improvements in receiving apparatus for cables
or land lines, and in order to carry out the same I proceed as follows:-I employ or
combine two hollow coils of wire in connection with the receiving end of the cable.
These coils are placed face to face on an upright stand made of brass and having a
sufficient space left between them to suspend a magnetic needle as presently men-
tioned. Such stand is furnished with an elongated arm projecting a sufficient
height above the coils, and surmounted at the top with an adjustable apparatus
from which is suspended by means of a fine fibre a fine steel magnet or needle with
a fine platinum wire through its centre. This wire oscillates freely in two brass or
other suitable metal eyes, while on the upper end of the wire there is a hook, to
which the fibre is attached. The other end of the wire below the metallic eye is
bent outwards and downwards so that if the needle is deflected to one side the
platinum wire would describe part of a circle. The arm of the platinum wire
stands on a line looking through the centre of the coils, while the magnetic needle
which it carries stands at right angles to it, or in a line with the space between the
two coils. This I will hereafter call "the zero point." The whole is so arranged as
to be free to move in either direction without friction, as it is held by a fine fibre
and is suspended through two loose metal eyes so as to keep it in its proper place.
These metallic eyes form a fork, which has an orifice and set screw to adjust it on
an upright stud standing on the base which supports the coils. The fork is raised

page_text: or lowered on the stud so as to bring the magnetic needle in the centre of the
hollow part, while between the two coils and screwed to the base of the apparatus
are two adjustable steel magnets near to and facing one of the coils.
The current from these magnets acts upon the suspended needle, and such mag-
nets are so adjusted as to keep the needle at zero when not acted upon by a current
from the cable. Three metallic fingers or pointers insulated from each other and
supported on a pillar springing from the base of the apparatus pass through the
centre of the coil opposite to the one where the steel magnets are; the points of
such fingers extend a little beyond the centre of the space between the two coils,
just beneath the platinum point of the needle and close to but not so as to come
into contact with it. It is necessary that the ends of such fingers or pointers be so
arranged as to be in juxtaposition with each other without being in actual contact.
When the needle is at rest the platinum point will stand over the middle pointer or
finger at zero, but when a current is sent through the coils the needle will be
deflected to one side, while the platinum point will approach nearer to the outside
finger or pointer than to the middle one, and so on, if it be deflected to the other
side, as presently more fully described. The moment however the current leaves
the coil the needle will invariably return to the centre finger or pointer. The two
outside fingers or pointers are connected by means of a suitable wire to two pens
and are insulated from each other. These pens rest on chemically-prepared paper
which is stretched over a revolving metallic drum or cylinder which unrolls the
paper from off a reel at a uniform speed by means of a train of suitable clockwork.
The cylinder which carries the paper is connected by means of a spring and wire
with one of the terminal wires of the secondary wire of an induction coil, while the
other terminal wire is connected by wire with the support carrying the coils and fork
and platinum wire, and with the second finger or pointer, also to one of the
electro-magnets which break the cable from the receiving apparatus. The induction
coil is provided with an autoinatic circuit breaker and local battery.
The operation of the above-described combination is as follows:-If the local
battery is connected with the primary wire of an induction coil, a steady stream of
intermittent currents of electricity will flow from one of the secondary wires of the
induction coil along a wire conductor to the metallic stand of the receiving
instrument, and thence through the metallic eyes and platinum wire to the middle
finger or pointer, whence it passes along a wire connected with it to the other
terminal of the induction coil. Now if a current of electricity from the cable passes
through the coils of the receiver the needle will be deflected to one side, say, the
right over the right outside metallic finger or pointer, then the platinum point
being nearer to it than the middle finger the induced electric current will leap to it,
and thence through the wire connected thereto to the pen also connected therewith,
and through the paper or recording slip on which it leaves a mark the length of
which will depend upon the duration of the current, and the speed at which such
recording slip travels under the pen.
As already stated the current passes through the paper and metallic drum spring
and wire to the other terminal of the secondary wire of the induction coil, but the
instant such current ceases to act on the coils of the receiving instrument the
needle will return to zero, and the platinum point over the middle finger, and thus
the current of electricity will be diverted as already described without going
through the paper, but if a current should deflect the needle to the left the left-hand
outside finger would receive the current of electricity, and go through the left-hand
pen, leaving a dot or line on the paper as already described. Thus it will be seen
that the oscillations of the needle from side to side, or one or other of the outside
fingers, according to the kind or direction of the currents coming from the cable,
causes one or other of the pens to make dots and dashes, while the middle finger
makes spaces by diverting the electric current away from the paper. These dots
and dashes in combination can readily be converted into letters.
In order to clear the cable of all useless or superabundant electricity, I place an
electro-magnet in the wire leading from one of the outside fingers or pointers, and

page_text: the pen with which it is in connection and another and corresponding electro-
magnet in the wire leading from the middle finger and the induction coil. These
electro-magnets are so placed as to be face to face, and to allow sufficient space for
the free play of an armature between them without coming in contact with either
of such electro-magnets. This armature has an elongated arm, the extremity of
which plays between two insulated set screws placed in the top of the support of
the armature. One of such insulated set screws is connected with the receiving
instrument, cable, and the earth, while the other screw is connected with a wire
leading to a battery and the earth, this battery is so arranged that its poles are
placed towards the cable so that when the armature connects it with the cable a
current will flow therefrom into the cable, and so neutralize the surplus electricity
remaining in the cable. The operation of this part of my Invention is as follows:-
If there be no current flowing in the cables the needle will be at zero, and the
platinum point over the middle finger, this will cause the electro-magnet in the
wire to which it is attached to attract the armature against the screw which leads!
to the receiving instrument and earth, and break contact with the battery at the
receiving end of the cable. Now if a current comes over the cable the needle will
be deflected to the side, over the outside finger, which has the electro-magnet in its
circuit. This latter will attract the armature and break contact with the receiving
instrument and earth, and connect the cable with the battery at the receiving end.
Then an opposing current will flow into the cable, and the needle being thus
entirely free from the influence of the current will instantly return to zero and
the platinum point to the middle finger. This will cause the electro-magnet in its
circuit to break contact with the battery, and so restore its connection with the
receiving instrument and earth to the cable. This operation is repeated at every
oscillation of the suspended magnetic needle.
The first part of my Invention is illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, of the
accompanying Drawings, of which Figures 1, 3, and 4, represent plan views, and
Figure 2 a view in elevation of the same. In Figure 2, the letter A indicates the
rubber base from which rises a metallic pillar or support B on which two coils C, C,
are placed one on either side, connected to each other by a suitable metallic band
which is screwed to the support B. Projecting a given height from the hard rubber
base A are two upright rods E, E, standing up between the coils C, C, and fixed to
the stand. The shorter of such rods E has a small adjustable metallic fork provided
with a set screw, and working either up or down so as to give its needle Mits
proper position.
The magnetic needle is shewn in plan view at G, Figures 3 and 4, and in side
elevation at G2 in the same Figures, together with the eye in the upper end of the
platinum wire, and the hook at the lower end of the same wire, Figure 4; letter G,
plan view, shews the fork with the needle between its legs, and Figure 3, letter G²,
the end of fork and needle. In Figure 2, the rod F carries at its top a milled
friction stud indicated by the Figure 5 for unwinding the tension of the fibre, while
Figure 4 in the same Figure indicates the winder to wind up the fibre in order to
raise and lower the needle. Letter J indicates the fibre which is wound on the
winder 4, and goes through the milled friction stud 5 to the hook K on platinum
wire. The letter D, Figure 2, represents an upright set in the rubber base A facing
the hollow centre of the cone of the coils, and screwed to the top of such upright
are three metallic fingers shewn in Figure 4, letter N, N, N, 1, 2, 3, insulated from
each other, and attached to a piece of hard rubber indicated at letter O, Figures 2,
3, and 4. These fingers pass in through one of the coils, and thence under the
platinum point, as shewn in Figures 3 and 4. The binding posts 1, 2, and 3,
Figure 2, are connected to fingers 1, 2, and 3, respectively.
Facing the other coil C which the fingers pass through are placed two adjustable
permanent magnets which are adjusted to keep the needle always at zero, as shewn
in Figure 2, letters L, L.
The second part of my Invention is illustrated in Figure 5. A, A, is the base,
and B, B, the frame to support the armature F. C and D are the electro-magnets,

page_text: and the support for the electro-magnet D is indicated at letter E. The adjusting
screws and connections are indicated at Figures 4 and 5; Figure 1, to which the
terminal wires of the electro-magnet C are connected. The wire 6 is connected to
the binding post 2, and middle finger and platinum wire and fork G, support B, and
wire 5 to induction coil, Figure 1. The other terminal of the electro-magnet C is
connected through wire 7 to binding posts 2 and 4, Figure. The wire 11 of the
electro-magnet D, Figure 5, is connected with the binding post 3, and outside
finger 3, as shewn in Figure 2, and the wire 12 from the same electro-magnet is
connected to the binding post 1, Figure 9, and pen 2, Figure 9. The set screw
numbered 5, Figure 5, is connected with the wire 9, 9, and battery 10 in the same
Figure to earth.
The third part of my Invention is illustrated in Figure 6, which represents an
ordinary induction coil X and insulator Y, the secondary terminals 8 and 9,
primary terminals 10 and 11, and the local battery 12. The secondary terminal 9
is connected with wire 5 to the metallic support of the coils C, C, Figure 1, and the
terminal is connected by means of the wire 8 to the binding post 4 and cylinder E,
as shewn in Figure 9.
The fourth part of my Invention is illustrated in Figure 7, which shews an
ordinary double current transmitter. A is the base of the apparatus with keys B¹
and B, earth connections C, and the batteries D and E. Battery D connects with
key B¹ and cable wire 1, and battery E connects with key B2 and also to cable
wire 1. The batteries have opposite poles to the cable, and are both connected
therewith and to the set screw 4, Figure 5.
The fifth part of my Invention is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a
view in elevation of the clockwork, and Figure 9, a plan view of same. The letter A
represents the base of the apparatus B, the clockwork regulated by a double с
turning in opposite directions by three pinion wheels in a cylinder of fluid. From
the clockwork extends a shaft D carrying a metallic cylinder E which unwinds the
recording slip F from off a paper reel G through the guide H, and causes it to travel
at one uniform speed under the pens which are mounted and insulated from each
other upon the hard rubber arm and support I.
It will be easily understood from the Drawing that by pressing down the key B',
Figure 7, a current will flow from the battery D through the cable wire and
screw 4, Figure 5, through the armature F and frame B, and wire 2 to post 4,
Figure 1, and coil C, C, post 5, and wire 3, which represents the earth. This would
deflect the needle to the side over finger 3. Then the current from the induction
coil, Figure 6, which is always in action, passes through wire 5 to support B (see
Figure 2) through the platinum point K, Figure 3, to finger 3 and wire 11, and
thence to electro-magnet D, Figure 5, back by wire 12 to post 1 and pen 2, Figure 9,
through the paper F, and marks or writes thereon, and through the cylinder E and
wire 8 to the induction coil, Figure 6. This causes the electro-magnet D, Figure 5,
to attract the armature and so break the connection with the cable and the re-
ceiving instrument and earth, but by connecting the cable for an instant with the
battery 10, Figure 5, a current is produced which neutralizes all extra or super- .
abundant electricity in the cable, and the needle having ceased to be influenced by
the current, instantly returns to zero, and the platinum point over the middle finger
as already described. If the key B2, Figure 7, be pressed down, the opposite effect
is produced, and the pen 1, Figure 9, will then write on the recording slip.
Having thus particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner of carrying the same into effect, I would have it under-
stood that what I claim is,-
Firstly. The principle of combining with a telegraph line or electric cable a
receiving apparatus or magnetic needle and automatic switch, to change at each
oscillation of the needle the cable from the receiving apparatus and earth to a new
battery and earth, for the purpose of clearing the cable of all surplus electricity
as herein-before described, and illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the accom-
panying Drawings.

page_text: Secondly. The principle of combining with coils C, C, a magnetic needle M, bent
arm K, fork G, upright F, fibre J, support for coils B, permanent magnets L, L,
terminals of coils 4 and 5, post D, fingers 1, 2, and 3, with their corresponding
terminals, substantially in the manner and for the purpose herein-before described
and illustrated.
Thirdly. With reference to Figure 5, the principle of combining an automatic
switch, whose armature represents the terminal of the cable at B and F, contact
screws 4, continuation of cable wire 1, electro-magnet C to change the cable to
battery 10, and earth wire 9, electro-magnet D to reconnect the cable to receiving
instrument through wire 2, substantially as herein-before described and illustrated.
Fourthly. The principle of combining an induction coil or other means of pro-
ducing like currents in connection with the movable parts of a receiving apparatus
on telegraph lines or cables for recording the currents on paper or operating relay or
or sounder, also to open and close an automatic switch, substantially as herein-before
described, and illustrated in Figures 5, 6, and 7 of the accompanying Drawings.
Fifthly. With reference to Figure 6, the principle of combining an induction coil
X, commutator Y, local battery 12, connections 10 and 11, binding posts 8 and 9,
and wires 3, to the needle fork G (Figure 4), wire 8 to the paper cylinder (Figure 9),
pen 1, wire 13, to finger 1 (Figure 1). Fingers 1, 2, and wire 6, to electro-magnet C
(Figure 5), wire 7, to binding posts 2 and 4, finger 3 to wire 11, to electro-magnet D
and wire 12, to binding post 1 (Figure 9), and pen 2 on the paper cylinder con-
structed and operating, substantially as herein-before described and illustrated.
Sixthly. The principle of combining with a telegraph line, wire, or cable, the
automatic switch, Figure 5, the receiving apparatus, Figure 1, the induction coil,
Figure 9, and recording apparatus, Figures 8 and 9, with their connections as
herein-before described and illustrated.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Kirk Boyle, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.
ROBERT KIRK BOYLE. (L.S.