IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS
Year: 1852

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, EDWARD
HIGHTON, of Clarence Villa, Regent's Park, in the County of Middlesex, Civil
Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-ninth day of
January, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, in the fifteenth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said Edward Highton, my exors, adññiors, and assigns, Her especial
license, full power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said Edward
Highton, my exors, admors, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Edward
Highton, my exors, adñiors, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all times during the term of years therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within
England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and in the Islands
of Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Sark, and Man, and also in all Her said
Majesty's Colonies and Plantations abroad, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a pro-
viso that I, the said Edward Highton, shall cause a particular description of
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, to be enrolled

page_text: in Her Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next
and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent,
as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at
large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Edward Highton, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention,
and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described
and ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being
had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked
thereon, that is to say :-
My first improvement relates to keys for sending electric currents for
telegraphic purposes. It is well known that in the handle apparatus generally
used for such purposes in this kingdom in connexion with the needle telegraph,
two springs, which form parts of the long telegraphic circuit, are employed in
each instrument and for each wire. These springs rest against a fixed stud
when no current is being sent from the station at which these springs are
placed. In order to cause a current to flow along the line wire, it is necessary
to separate one or other of these springs from the stud, as is well known, and
the handle apparatus is, as is well known also, so arranged that one spring
is removed when a positive current is being transmitted, and the other spring
removed when a negative current is being transmitted. Now unless each of
these springs returns firmly home to the stud when the current ceases, no
distant station can communicate along the wire in connexion with these two
springs. As all springs resting against studs are liable more or less to
derangement, it is obviously desirable to use as few springs as possible. In the
following description of my improved keys, it will be observed that one spring
is used instead of the two above mentioned. A and B, Figure 1, are two keys
of ebony or ivory working up and down by means of the spring joints C, D,
and E, F. The two spring joints C and E are metallically united to one pole
of the battery, and D and F to the other pole. These spring joints are pro-
longed under the keys A and B, and are connected respectively with the
upright screw pins or studs G and H and I and K. Underneath these keys is a
moveable spring L pressing upwards and resting against the stud M. When
the spring L is pressed away from the stud M, the spring L and stud Mare
insulated from each other. The severed ends of the telegraphic wire are to
be metallically united with L and M. The action of the keys is as follows:-
On pressing down the key A the spring L is thereby forced by the stud E
away from the stud M, and the stud G then comes into metallic contact with

page_text: M, while the stud H remains in contact with L. A current of electricity in
one direction would thus pass over the line wire. On pressing down the key B
a current in an opposite direction would be similarly sent, as is evident. It will
be observed that in the above keys the making and breaking of contact for
sending either a positive or a negative current of electricity requires the use of
only one moveable spring to rest against a fixed stud. It will also be observed
that this arrangement of keys gives a maximum of simplicity, for there cannot be
less than one such moveable spring employed; and every additional spring used
would not only render the mechanism more complicated, but much more liable
to derangement. For facility and simplicity's sake in learning and working
the telegraph, I engrave upon each key the same letter as that which is
denoted by the indicators of the telegraph when that key is pressed down.
Thus, if the letters L and R be placed on the moveable or oscillating disc in
a telegraphic instrument, I have the same letters engraved on the finger keys,
so that when key L is pressed down the letter L on the dial is moved over to
its stationary pointer and thus denoted, and similarly with respect to the
letter R on the disc and on the other key.
My next improvement relates to .alarums. A, A, Figure 2, is an electro-
magnet, having an armature B working on an axle c, c, to the other end of
which is fixed an arm d, d, with projecting catch e. The arm F on axle G
rests against the catch e, pressing with a very slight power, which is caused by
the spring i, fixed to the excentric h, which works on the axle G. The detent
J of the wound-up mechanism rests on the excentric h. On an electric current
being sent round the electro-magnet the armature B and catch lever d, d, are
moved. This allows the arm F to rotate upon its axle G, the motive power
being the force of the spring i, which is so set that the power before the arm
is released is only just sufficient to start it; the spring i acting upon the
excentric principle increases its power as the excentric rotates and raises the
detent J, and thus liberates the mechanism of the alarum, causing the
hammer to strike against the bell. As the works of the alarum rotate, and
with it the arm F, the end of the arm F is left under the catch e (which on
the cessation of the current returns to its place of rest). The spring and
excentric are stopped when in their former position and there detained, thus
making the alarum ready for a second action. K is an arm, which at the
required time is pressed out by a projection or cam on the excentric plate, so as
to meet the arm F, and break the force of its blow when returning to its place
of rest against the catch e. Thus the arm F, on returning to the catch e, has
its force broken, and has a momentum due only to its motion from the point

page_text: A great
where K catches it to the point where it is stopped by the catch e.
advantage possessed by this alarum is, that the revolving catch arm F has its
momentum broken before it reaches the catch e, and is thus prevented from
having its delicate end destroyed by frequent use.
.
My next improvement relates to another form of alarum, which may be
thus described:-A, A, Figure 3, is an electro-magnet with armature B fixed
on an axle E, working on centres C, C. D is an arm fixed to the axle E,
and having upon it a catch F. G is a wheel connected with the wound-up
machinery. This wheel G is kept in a state of continual revolution. H is a
small axle fixed excentrically upon the wheel G. Upon this axle H an arm
or lever I, L, is placed, with a weight or hammer K at the end of it. This
arm I, L, is prolonged to L, so that when the electro-magnet A, A, attracts
the armature B, the catch F would be interposed in the way of the end L of
the arm I, L, but when the armature is not attracted to the electro-magnet,
the catch F does not interfere with the free motion of the arm I, L. The
motion of the wheel G is so regulated by the motion of the wound-up me-
chanism, that it is caused to revolve once in a given definite period of time,
say one, two, three, or more or less seconds. When a current of electricity is
caused to pass round the electro-magnet A, A, and to continue for a long
period, the end L of the arm I, L, is intercepted in its free motion in each
revolution by the catch F. The arm I, L, is then gradually thrown into an
oblique position until it arrives in the position shewn by the dotted lines
M, N, and it then escapes from the catch F. The hammer K, being then at
liberty to resume its wonted position, seeks to do so by the action of gravity
or of a spring, and by the accumulated momentum obtained in doing so it
passes by such wonted position and strikes against the bell O. Now if the
current be not continued for a long period, but only for periods of short
duration, such as are used in sending ordinary telegraphic communications,
then the catch F being suddenly released from the end of the arm I, L, before
the arm I, L, is thrown into the position shewn by the dotted line M, N,
the weight K in resuming its wonted position does not acquire sufficient mo-
mentum to carry it over to the bell O. In this case the bell will not be
struck, but in the former case it will. This arrangement, therefore, of an
alarum will render it possible to continue the electro-magnets of the alarums
in the same circuit with the telegraphic instruments without ringing the bells,
and without the necessity of removing the coils of the electro-magnets from
the circuit when a telegraphic communication is being transmitted, or requiring
another distinct wire for the alarums. But, nevertheless, the alarums may be

page_text: sounded whenever desired by merely continuing the currents of electricity for
a longer period than that required for sending telegraphic communications by
the indicator. It is evident that various mechanical modifications of this ar-
rangement may be constructed. Figure 4 shews one of these modified arrange-
ments. G is a wheel, which is kept in a state of continual revolution by means
of clockwork mechanism. H is a pin placed out of the centre of such wheel,
and forming a centre for the arm I, L, to work on. In this plan, although
the end of the arm I, L, may be caught by the catch F, yet if it be released
shortly after it is caught by the catch F, the hammer will not strike the bell,
but the arm I, L, will fall and rest on the roller R, and it is only when the
current is held on for a long period of time that the excentric pin H places
the arm I, L, in such a position by the motion of the wheel G as to enable
the hammer at the end of such arm I, L, to reach the bell O on its falling
down, when the arm I, L, is released from the catch F.
My next improvement consists in the employment of a fabric for receiving
and recording the transmission of electric currents so prepared that positive.
currents of electricity may produce thereon a mark of one colour, and negative
currents a mark of another colour. I prepare paper, calico, or other suitable fabric
by moistening it with a solution composed by mixing the solutions with which
chemical test papers for acids and alkalis are usually prepared, and also by
the solution of a neutral salt. I then cause metallic points to move over this
fabric, which points may, by the use of any of the proper well-known electro-
telegraphic apparatus for the purpose, be placed in metallic connection
respectively with the two poles of a galvanic battery. By making this
connection a colored mark will be made on the fabric, and when the direction
of the current is reversed a mark of a different colour will be made. By the
combination of these colored marks a code of signals may be formed. It
will be evident that the means of obtaining two different colored marks may
be varied, both in regard to the preparation of the surface and in respect to
the mechanical apparatus employed.
My next improvement has reference to the suspension of wires in the air.
Hitherto it has been usual to attach wires either directly to the posts,
standards, or other supports, or else indirectly to horizontal or vertical arms
fixed to such posts or supports. My improvement consists in attaching the
wires to arms affixed to the posts, and which arms are neither vertical nor
horizontal, but inclined to the posts at an angle of about 45 degrees. When
many wires are to be suspended from the same post and insulated from each
other, it is desirable, in order to reduce the space occupied by the wires as
much as possible, that the wires themselves should be near to each other; but

page_text: for the sake of insulation it is also desirable that each point of support to
which the wires are attached should be as far distant from each other
as possible. Now, in the case of four wires at equal distances from each
other, and two of which four may be on one side of the post and two on the
other, if horizontal or vertical arms be employed, the wires at their supports
are separated only by the length of the sides of a square, whereas if arms
forming an angle of forty-five degrees with the post be used, as shewn in
Figure 5, the wires at their supports will be separated by solid matter
extending a distance equal to the diagonals of that square; and thus under
the well-known laws of electricity the wires will be more securely insulated
from each other, while the space included by the wires themselves will not be
increased.
My next improvement consists in the employment of the mechanical power
developed by the hydraulic pump or press for the purposes of stretching or
tightening wires when suspended in the air. Hitherto ratchet wheels, screws,
pulleys, &c. have been used for such purpose; and I find that the hydraulic
pump possesses many facilities, and may be used with great advantage, instead
of the above-named mechanical means. The liquid to be used therein may
be either water or oil, or other such like fluids. The variety of forms
in which the hydraulic pump or press may be made are so numerous
and so well known as to render any description thereof here wholly
unnecessary.
My next improvement consists in another mode of tightening wires to be
suspended in the air. I first place the wires on temporary supports attached
to the posts or arms by manual labour, in a line nearly straight, and I then
bring them to the desired degree of tension by causing them to assume a
zigzag form, as shewn in Figure 6. This simple plan renders all mechanical
means, such as the employment of ratchets, screws, or pulleys, or the use of
the hydraulic pump or press, in drawing up the wires to the desired degree of
tension, wholly unnecessary, as is evident from the Drawing. Another
advantage arising from this mode of erection is, that when many wires are
suspended from the same posts, a kind of bracing is thus afforded to the
posts by means of the wires themselves, so as to prevent any post from moving
in any direction without greatly stretching or breaking one of the wires, and
great stability is thus given to the posts.
My next improvement consists in insulating and fastening telegraphic wires
when suspended in the air. At the points of support I first varnish the wire with
hard brown or other suitable varnish for some two or more feet on each side of
the point of support; I then wrap the varnished wire with silk dipped in similar

page_text: varnish; I then apply for a few inches on each side of the point of support a
covering of gutta-percha or vulcanized caoutchouc about one half to an inch
thick; I then place over the same for about two inches in length a tag
of zinc or galvanized iron; and I then clamp the whole to the arm by a small
hook of galvanized iron about an eighth of an inch in diameter, as shewn in
Figure.5. It will be observed that in the ordinary plan of insulation it has
been usual to employ sheds, roofs, or inverted bell insulators of porcelain
or glass so as to endeavour to make a break in the line of water formed
by the rain between the wire and the arm or support; but in stormy
weather the rain, being driven on these parts in all directions, such
covers or sheds are practically useless. In the above improved plan the
insulation depends not on a break in the line of water communication, but
in rendering this line of water communication between a naked wire and
the point of support so long as to afford a practical barrier to the passage of
any important portion of the electric fluid along such long line of wet.
Where the length of the wire in the air is not great the varnish and the silk
may be dispensed with, and various forms of clamps may be used instead of the
hook above described, as, for instance, clamps of cast iron or brass, &c., fastened
to the post, arm, or support, with gutta-percha, placed between the wire and
the clamp. Where it is necessary to cause a break in the wire so as to carry
the electric fluid into a station, and then, after passing through the telegraphic
instrument at that station, to proceed along the remaining portion of the wire, I
interpose in the direct circuit of the line wire as it passes that station a rod or
link of iron, brass, or copper, or other hard and tenacious metal, covered with
gutta-percha or vulcanized caoutchouc, and attach the severed ends of such
long direct telegraphic wire to the ends of such covered rod and link, and
interpose at such junction when desired a further insulating substance or
substances, such as those employed for insulating the wires at the points of the
supports at the posts. A great advantage arises from the wire being fastened
or clamped to every point of support, as in case of fracture the wire falls only
between two supports, and does not affect the arrangement and position of the
wires on the posts on either side of such fracture.
My next improvement consists in placing an carth connexion around the
arms or supports about midway between each wire when the wires are
suspended from arms or timber posts, so that any electricity that escapes from
one wire owing to the defective insulation cannot possibly reach or affect
another wire, and thus derange the instruments connected with that other
wire. This may be accomplished in a variety of ways; thus, if on the part of
an arm immediately before it is attached to the post a thin band of galvanized

page_text: iron wire or galvanized iron hooping be affixed, and by a junction with a wire
or other good conducting medium, this band of wire or hooping be put in
direct electric communication with the earth at the foot of the post, then when
any electricity, owing to defective insulation of the telegraphic wire at such
arm, has a tendency to pass into a neighbouring wire, it is at once arrested by
this band or ring of metal and is conducted directly to the earth, and any
electricity passing along the first-named wire is thus effectually prevented
from arriving at any other wire and deranging the instruments connected
therewith.
In witness whereof, I, the said Edward Highton, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-ninth day of July, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight.hundred and fifty-two.