Improvements in Apparatus for Signalling to a Distance by Night with Automatic Recording of Signals.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Dec., 1896-Accepted, 10th Apr., 1897
COME LEIE DIEVITICATIVA
Improvements in Apparatus for Signalling to a Distance by Night
with Automatic Recording of Signals.
I LEOPOLD SELLNER of VII Kirchengasse 31 Vienna in the Austrian Empire
Lieutenant of Line of Battleship of the Imperial and Royal Navy do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
The present invention relates to improvements in apparatus for signalling by
night (Sellner's system) and it has for its object to render such apparatus much
more simple, exact in operation, and as compact as possible.
The characteristic feature of Sellner's system of signalling consists in producing
signals that are rendered visible round the whole horizon and to great distances
(even further than twelve German nautical miles) by means of two electric
signalling lanterns which are situated vertically above one anothor and are
arranged to show white and red light. These. lanterns are enabled by. the
permanent, intermittent, or alternating visibility of the sources of light, to give
five different light signals, namely (1) a coutinuous white light, (2) a continuous
red light, (3) an intermittent white light,. (4) an intermittent red light, and (5) an
alternately white and red light.
By combining the five fundamental signals of the upper lantorn with those of the
lower lantern, 30 different signals can be given...
The giving of the signals in the two lanterns is effected by means of a signalling
device or signal transmitter by the bringing into position and depression of a
signalling lever which is adapted to be rotated over the transparent signal board in
which are marked the 30 signals in the colour in which they appear in the two
lanterns. This signalling lever operates a recording apparatus which records
upon a strip of paper a mark or character corresponding to the signal which has
been given.
The giving of the intermitting and alternating light signals in the two signal
lanterns is effected by means of a relay which also has the function of causing
equal or uniform intervals of time to take place during the duration of the exhibition
of the signals.
The present improvements relate:-
1. To devices in the signalling lanterns by means of which the electric current
is made to pass through a resistance in the lantern and only passes into the one or
the other group of glow lamps for giving white or red light, when signalling is
being effected. The inner parts of the lantern are rendered casy of access by the
special construction of the lantern, and the lanterns are arranged to be readily
mounted on the signalling station.
2. To dividing the signal transmitter constant block into three groups insulated
from one another, and thereby coupling up the same with a double-contact relay
which acts as an automatic interrupter or switch and which allows of transmitting
intermittent and alternating signals.
3. To special devices in the recording apparatus.
4. To combining the transmitter with the switch box so that switching or

page_text: connecting arrangements result therefrom which allow of lifting the contact
block together with the plate from off the switch box without causing disturbances
in the line.
The accompanying drawings illustrate an apparatus on Sellner's system for
signalling to a distance by night, provided with these improvements.
Fig. 1 shows the arrangement of the apparatus for signalling by night to a
distance applied as a signalling station for ships.
Figs. 2 and 2 illustrate the arrangement of the signalling lanterns of a signal
station on a one-masted vessel, while Figs. 3 and 34 show the preferable arrangement
of the lanterns on a vessel having two or more masts.
Fig. 4 is a vertical longitudinal section of a signal lantern.
Figs. 4 and 4 are plans of the inner portions of the lantern, that is to say,
horizontal cross sections taken ou a level with the lower group of glow lamps and
the electric magnetic cut-out.
Fig. 4 is a rear view of an electro magnet for a lantern.
Fig. 4 shows the signal lantern with lowered casing, and
Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the connections thereof.
Fig. 5 shows in vertical section the complete transmitter together with a switch
box. Fig. 5 is a front elevation of the same with the switch box opened.
Fig. 5 is a plan of the transmitter showing the signal board. Fig. 5 is an
inside plan of the transmitter, and Fig. 5 is a plan of the switch box.
Figs. 6 and 6 are respectively side and front elevatious of the recording
apparatus.
Figs. 7, 74, 7, 7, show a cut-out switch in two positions of working, also a side
elevation and a detail of the same.
Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the relay. Figs. 84 and 8B are frout elevations of
the relay in two positions of working, i.e. before and after switching.
Fig. 9 shows a diagrammatic scheme of the counections of a signalling station
worked out in accordance with Fig. 1, and with the transmitter (Fig. 5).
As shown in Figs. 4, and 44 and 4", the.signal lantern cousists of two groups of
glow lamps W and R which are connected in parallel and are separated from cach
other by a middle cross partition a,, said groups being carried by 4 hollow pillars a
that pass through the lantern and whose lower ends are fixed' in the foot a' of the
lantern: The pillars also form the supports for the ventilating openings a a
of the upper and lower lanterns. When the lantern is employed as the upper
lantern of the signalling station, a lightning conductor a is fixed to the upper ends
of the pillars.
The two groups of glow lamps are onclosed in a casing A which is composed of
several parts, and in which two rings wl and r of glass are fixed with tight joints
and of which the ring w consists of transparent glass, and the ring consists of
red colored glass, so that in giving the signals from the upper group of lamps white
light is emitted, and red light is emitted from the lower group. The several
portions of the casing A together with the glass rings are held together by readily
disconnectable tie rods a (Fig. 4"), which enables the replacing of a damaged
lantern glass to be readily effected.
When the lantern is closed, Fig. 4, the casing A is held by means of a book a
that hooks in the lower ventilating opening, and after the disengagement of
this hook the casing cau be let down into the position shown in Fig. 4" when
required for the purpose of replacing the glow lamps, the casing being guided by
rods a³.
For the purpose of screening the two sources of light towards the one or the
other side, screens a (Figs. 4 and 4") are provided outside the casing which are
capable of moving along the tie bars and which can be easily pulled up by means
of a cord. In order that the lighting current may be able to circulato continuously
in the signal lantern, and that the groups W and R of glow lamps shall only be
illuminated when signals are given, there is provided in the upper part of the
lantern a resistance W which is equal to the resistance of a group of glow lamps

page_text: and through which resistance the current must flow when the signal lantern is
included in the current circuit of a dynamo.
In the lower part of the signal lantern there are arranged for each group of
lamps W and R an electro magnet wo and r respectively, which serve to automatically
operate switches 3 and respectively.
If one of the two electro magnets, or both of them alternately, be energised, then
the switch will be operated so as to out out the resistance and to lead the lighting
current into the corresponding group of lamps. If only the electro maguet w be
energised, a continuous or an intermittent white light signal will be given according
as the magnet current circuit remains closed, or is closed and opened at short
intervals by means of the transmitter relay. In the same manner by energising
the electro magnet r, a continuous red or intermittent red light signal is given.
By alternately energising both electro magnets w and r, the fifth fundamental
signal (white and red alternating) is produced. It is to be noted that in order to
prevent the two colours from running into one another, two colours should never
appear in the lantern at the same time. In the case of two lanterns of similar
construction there can therefore be given as above stated 30 combinations of signals
suitable for any signalling.
The current supply lead RI, WI (Fig. 4") to the two electro magnets w and r,
and the similar lead L + to the two groups of lamps W, R, and the return lead L
are constituted by means of a four-cored lantern cable k (Fig. 4) the contact
plug a of which is fixed in the sleeve a mounted in the foot a' of the lantern and
from which sleeve the leads L+, L-, WI and RI pass into the interior of the
lanterns. The circuit connection for each of the four leads is offected by means
of a contact piece a¹ (Fig. 4) arranged under spring pressure in the sleeve.
The current circuit in the signal lantern is illustrated in the diagram of lantern
connections shown in Fig. 4. When no signals are being given, and the lantern is
included in the current circuit of the dynamo, the two switches to and bear
against the fixed contacts to and . The lighting current L+ then passe: through
the closed contact w³, the resistance W' and the closed contact to the rotura
lead L. When the electro magnet w is energised by the magnet current in the
lead WI, the switch is attracted, whereby the contact is broken at w³ and is
closed at w. The lighting current L + then passes directly to the upper group of
glow lamps W for white light, and through the made contacts to to and to the
return lead L to which the magnet circuit return lead is also connected. In the
same manner the lighting current passes to the lower group of glow lamps R for
red light (when by energising the electro magnet and attracting the switch the
current is interrupted at 3 and is closed at ) through ww, to the group of
lamps R.
In placing the lanterns in position, the foot as of the same is mounted with its
sleeve-like part a¹s (Figs. 1 and 4) upon the lantern carrier a" (Fig. 1) and is
secured by means of a split pin or set screw.
For signalling purposes there are really only two signalling lanterns I and II
(Fig. 1) necessary, which are arranged in a vertical direction as far as possible
apart (lantern distance).
For ships however there are employed in addition to the double lantern I two
lower lanterns II and II', as may be seen from Figs. 1 to 34, of which the one
lantern (II) is mounted on the forward deck and the other (II) is mounted on the
after deck, and which two latter lanterns always give the same signals simultaneously,
and the arcs or horizons of illumination of which complete each other mutually so
that the signals of the lower lanterns can be seen over the whole horizon.
The lantern cable k of a signalling station are connected with the switch boxes
of the transmitter (Fig. 1) by means of plug contacts similar to those used for the
lanterns. The giving of the signals in the signal lanterns is effected according to
an agreed code of signals by means of the transmitter that is shown in
Figs. 5 to 5º.
This transmitter consists of a casing B which is adapted to be turned about a

page_text: binge band is capable of being tightly closed and of being kept in a closed
condition by means of a screw clip b. In this casing B there is inserted a plate B¹
which carries the contact device C, a number of terminals or clamps, the glow
lamps e for illuminating the signal board; it also carries the relay on its under side.
This plate is fixed by means of two screws. in the casing, which serve as bandles
for taking out the plate together with the parts mounted on the same.
The contact device which effects the giving of each single signal of the
30 combinations of signals, consists of a rotatable contact block C which is.
composed of a number of contact rings and of two current supply rings.
This contact block, Figs. 5 and 9, is divided into three groups 1, 2, and 3, which
are completely insulated from each other, and the uppermost of which contains the
contact ring U+ for supplying the current to the relay, and the four contact
rings (WI, RI, WI, RI) for the permanent light signals. The middle group 2
contains a current supplying ring Z and the four contact rings (WII, RII, WII,
RIII) for the intermittent signals; and the lowermost group 3 contains, in
addition to the second current supplying ring Z3, the two contact rings (WRI,
WRII) for the alternating white and red signals, whereby it is rendered possible to
give intermittent and alternate light signals by means of a double-contact relay of
special construction.
The contact rings are designated (see Fig. 9) as follows:-
Z³ current supply disc.
WRI alternately white & red light in lantern 1.
WRII alternately white and red light in lanterns II, II'
The contact rings are provided on their periphery with contact knobs c' (Fig. 5)
which, when the.contact block is set, come in contact with rubbing springs o² which
are preferably arranged in two groups and to which are connected the circuit leads
as will bo hereinafter described with reference to the diagram of connections.
The magnet current M + is led to the contact block through a divided or two-
part insulated contact sleeve c³ when the cut-out switch c (Fig. 5) which is mounted
on the rod c (that can be raised and depressed) of the signal lever. is.inserted
into the contact sleeve by the depression of the signal lever. In order to effect the
rotation of the contact block for the purpose of setting the contacts that
correspond to the signals, the contact block is connected by means of a stud c' with
the rod of the signal lever. The cover Fig. 58 of the transmitter is constructed as

page_text: a transparent signal board B. This signal board in order to correspond with the
30 signals, is provided with three concentric rows of glazed holes, in the first row of
which are contained the designations of the signals, in the second row the coloured
glasses of tlie signalling elements of the upper lantern I, and in the third row those
of the two lower lanterns I, II'.
In signalling, the signal to be given is sought out with the pointer (provided
at its front end with an opening glazed with green glass) of the signal lever, and
then the signal lever is depressed, whereby the desired signal is shown in the
lantern.
The contact knobs are arranged on the contact block to correspond with, the
arrangement of the signals on the signal board, that is to say, each single contact
ring is only provided with contact knobs for signals of one and the same coloured
light. Thus, for instance, the second ring WI is provided with as many contact
knobs arranged according to the signal board as there are permanent white light
Bignals marked on the sigual board.
On the plate B¹ of the transmitter, there are provided, for supplying the current,
six clamps or terminais M +, RII, WH, RI, WI, U-, B- (Fig. 5) which, for
the purpose of enabling the plate of the transmitter to be lifted off from the switch
box, are made in the form of spring plug contacts (shown in cross section in Fig. 5)
which are adapted to be electrically connected with the contact terminals of the
switch box.
The recording of the signals that are given, is effected by means of a recording
apparatus contained in the casing of the transmitter (Figs. 5, 50, 6 and 6A) which
records the signals given in the same manner as they are marked on the signal
board. This recording apparatus consists of the spoke wheel D which is keyed on
the signal lever-axis c', and which bears near to its periphery types a composed of
perforating pius or needles. When the type wheel is depressed, the recording
of the signal given is effected by means of the typed which is thereby brought into
position, and which passes through the aperture e of the paper guide el and stabs a
brush that is situated underneath, and over which the paper strip e' is moved, as
it is drawn from the paper roll E and which passes through the guide e' and the
feeding tongse³ e¹.
.
The two halves of the tongs eet are pivotted on a common axle e and are closed
by means of a levere which is subjected to the action of the spring e, and which
presses upon the half of the tongs, the slot e' of which allows of the movement
necessary for offecting the closure.
The type wheel D acts, during the depressing movement, upon the moveable
stude which, after the signal has been recorded, presses with its shoulder upon the
pin e of the lower half of the tongs whereby the tongs are opened, and then
both halves of the tongs are turned back. When the type wheel is again raised by
the signal lever, the stud elo is returned by the action of the tensioned spring ela
into its normal position. In this movement first the halfe of the tongs is pressed
automatically by the action of the levere and the paper strip is clamped fast,
whereupon the said paper strip is advanced by the rearward turning of the tongs,
and consequently the recorded signal is at once rendered visible outsido of the
transmitter.
The paper strip issuing from the transmitter is moved over the opened inclined
flap-door and is illuminated by the light emitted from the transmitter so that the
perforated characters are rendered visible at night time.
The flap door is glazed on the inside and is provided on the outside with a small
box & that can be pulled out (Fig. 5) and in which there is inserted a note-book
or note-block upon which the signals to be given are to be noted down before
signalling, so as to enable the signalling to be effected in accordance with
said notes.
In order that the paper strip, when the flap-door is closed, shall not be moved
any further along during the operation of the transmitter a stud. el projecting
from the transmitter is moved by the closing operation and acts by rotating

page_text: the bent lever to move the stud e out of the scope of action of the type
wheel..
The production of the white and also of the red intermittent and of the white
and red alternating signals is effected by means of a relay that acts as an
automatically operating interrupting device or switch.
This relay which is fixed in an insulated manner on the base plate B of the
transmitter and is shown in Figs. 8, 8A and 8B, consists of an electro magnet F
between the polepieces of which there is situated a Z- armature which is
adapted to rotate freely on a shaft and which is kept by a spring in the
position of rest shown in Fig. 8 so long as no current is passing through the electro
magnet. To the relay body there are fixed two insulated spring contacts 1 and 2
between which a switch that is loosely rotateable on the armature shaft is
capable of being turned or swivelled and which is arrested in its two end positions
alternately by one of the gravity pawle ff. For the purpose of producing
definite equal intervals of time for the duration of the exhibition of intermittent
and alternating signals, the switch f is connected by means of a slotted piece fand
a spring 3 with the toothed wheel G of an escapement arrangement the adjustable
stopping device 9 of which engages in the toothed wheel, the arrangement being
such that said toothed wheel is, in the position of rest of the Z- armature, kept
turned to the left by means of its. stud 4, whereby a spring g! acting upon the
wheel is placed in tension. The operation of the relay is as follows:-
On the current for an, intermittent signal being sent to the relay bodyf, the
electro magnet Fis energised, the Zarmature is suddenly attracted (see position'
in Fig. 8) and thus its spring is placed in tension. The wheel G being set
free rotates (by the action of its tensioned spring g', and in consequence of the
escapement 9) slowly from left to right, the slotted piece f being also turned
round with it. In the end position of the wheel (see Fig. 8) the stud 5. releases
the gravity pawlf whereupon the switch is turned rapidly to the right by the
spring 3 of the slotted piece, the current for intermittent light is interrupted, and
the relay electro magnet loses its current. The operated switch is now held by
means of the second gravity pawlf. The Z- armature returns under the action
of its tensioned spring into its initial position and takes the wheel G with it;
whereby its spring gl is again placed in tension. In the end position to the left
the wheel releases the gravity pawl by means of the stud 6, whereupon the
switch moving to the left closes the circuit again and the electro magnet is
again energised. This play is repeated so long. as the signal lever is set for an
intermittent signal.
But if an alternately white and red signal is desired to be exhibited, then
moving the switch to the right, the closing of the circuit thus produced in the
lead leading to group 3.gives a red light signal and on moving the switch to the
left a white light signal is produced.
The switch box H (Figs. 5, 5^, and 5) is combined with the casing of the
transmitter and is situated directly under the removeable plate B of the transmitter,
thereby rendering one cable of the transmitter superfluous and forming the shortest
connection between the switch box and the transmitter. The whole arrangement
of connections is consequently readily inspected and controlled and accessible,, and,
is comprised in the smallest possible space.
In the base plate of the switch box there are arranged three sleeves I, II, II' for
the plug contacts of the top mast cable and of the two four-cored deck lantern
cables which are constructed the same as the plug contacts provided in the signal
lanterns. The fourth sleeve serves for the plug contact St of the two-cored
cable for the supply lead coming from the dynamo. The rearward upper part
of the switch box contains six contact terminals M+, RII, WII, RI, WI,
U, B-, arranged in segment-sliupe with which are electrically connected the
six springs plug contacts of the plate B' of the transmitter (Fig. 5°) which are of
similar designation and are also constructed as terminals, as will be seen from the
diagram of connections of Fig. 9.

page_text: In the forward part of the switch box there are provided on a hard rubber
plate h, corresponding to the four cable plug contacts, four switches S, I I, II,
included in the supply lead together with four lead fuses s, which are rendered
accessible from the front of the switch box by opening a door h³ which is adapted
to be closed tight by means of crank handles h¹.
Spring contacts are preferably employed as switches, one of the same is shown
in Figs. 7 to 70. The handle I of this switch is loosely pivotted on an axle i and
on rotating the same, a rod which can be made shorter and is under spring
pressure, is turned, said rod being pivotally jointed in a crank picce that is
coupled to the contact brush (Fig. 7). When the handle, ou closing the switch,
is moved out of the horizontal position almost into the vertical position, the rod has
moved beyond the line a (Fig. 7) so far to the left that the direction of pressure is
a tangent to the axis i, whereupon the contact brush is caused by the force of the
tensioned rod-spring to fly into the end position (Fig. 7A). In switching off the
operation takes place in an analogous manner.
The circuit in the transmitter and in the signal lanterns is shown in the diagram
at Fig. 9. The current led from a dynamoj through the cable k is convoyed to a
Connecting bars + and passes to the four switches S, I, II, II, which must all be
closed when it is desired to signal with all three lanterns I, II, II'. If the switches
are closed, the current (+) passes through the lead fuses s as a lighting.current L +
through the plug contacts, I, II, II' into the lantern cables of the three signal
lanterns I, II, II, and passes, when.the signal lever c of the transmitter is not set
to any signal, through the resistance W₁ of each signal lantern, back to a negative
collecting bar and from the latter through the current supplying cable k to the
source of electricity.
The current passing through the switch S of the transmitter and the lead fuse s'
flows as a magnetising current through the plug contact M+ and the terminal m +
below the plate B' to the signal lever contact ec, and, when the latter is closed,
into the first group of the contact block C. From the magnet lead M+
the current passes through the terminal m + to the illuminating lead. B+ of
the transmitter whilst the illuminating return lead B-passes through the
terminal ub, into the plug contact U-B-, to the negative connecting
bar s-.
From the contact rings WI, RI, WII, RII, for constant lights of the first
group of the contact block, that is to say, from the corresponding rubbing springs,
leads are carried to the similarly named contacts WI, RI, WII, RII, and from
these through the plug contacts I, II, II' of the lantern cables to the electro
magnets to and r of the signalling lanterns I and II, II. The return lead of the
lantern electro-magnets is connected to the return light, lead L. The magnet
leads WII, RII, are carried along in duplicate from the similarly named switchi
terminals in the switch box in order that the two lower signal lanterns shall always
give similar signals.
From the relay contact ring U+ of the first group the magnet current U+
passes to a terminal + and then to the relay bodyf; from thence through the
closed contact and a terminal to the current supply ring Z' of the second group,
that is to say, to the four contact rings for white and red intermittent signals. A
branch lead passes from the closed relay contact / to the relay electro magnet F
and back to the return lead u-b-. The leads of the rubbing springs of the
contact rings of the second group Wil, Ril, and Will Rill, are connected to the
leads WI, RI, WII, RII of the first group, becauso so long as intermittent signals
are given, no permanent signal can be set by means of the contact rings of the first
group.
From the second relay contact 2 the lead for the magnot current passes through
the terminal Z to the connecting disc Z of the third group of the contact blouk,
that is to say, to the contact rings WRI, WRII, for white and red alternating
signals. The leads of these contacts rings are also connected to the, leads RI,
and RII. The contact rings of the third group contain only the contacts for the

page_text: red lights belonging to the alternating signals, whilst the corresponding contacts
for white light are arranged in the contact rings, Wil, and Will of group 2 for
intermittent light. The following is the operation in signalling :-
Assuming the signal lever to he set for a continuous white light signal (sco
signal. A of the signal board Fig. 5) in the lantern I, whereby the signal lever
contact cc and a contact of the contact ring WI, of the first group connected then
the magnet current will pass direct from the contact ring WI, through the plug
contact (WI) through the lantoru cable to the electro magnets of the lantern I,
by the energising of which the resistance W is cut out, and the lighting current
passes into the group of glow lamps for white light.
In the same manner a red permanent light signal (signal B of the signal board)
is given, merely by operating the contact ring RI. The same holds good for the
lanterns II, II' (signal D), when the contact rings WII, RII, are included.
For
If for example in the upper lautern I a red continuous signal and in the
lanterns II and II' a white continuous, signal (signal C or the signal board) are
to be given, then two contact rings viz., RI, and WII are included.
intermittent light signals the relay contact ring U+ and also the desired contact
ring of the second group are included.
If, for example, the contact ring WiII, (signal M) is included, the magnet
current passes, in order to give the intermittent signal, through the relay contact
ring U to the relay, through the closed relay contact 1 to the supply disc Z2 of
the second group, through the included contact WiII to the lead WII of the first
group and to the electro maguets w of the lanterns II, II. If the relay contact 1
is interrupted by the operation of the switch then as the current cannot pass
through contact 2 to the group 3, both the relay electro magnet Fas also the
energised lantern electro magnet w of the lanterus II, II, are without current,
whereby the groups of lamps for white light are extinguished until the relay
switch has again returned into the position of rest, whereupon the operation begins
anew.
For white and red alternating signals (for example in the lanterns I and II II',
see signal of the signal board) the relay contact ring U+, the contact
rings Wil and Will of the second group are included for white: intermittent light,
and the contact ring WRI and WRII of the third group are included for red
intermittent light.
.The circuit for white light (WI, WII,) is the same as above described up to the
switching of the relay. If the switching is effected, the maguet-current is not
interrupted as above described, but is led to the current supply disc Z' of the third
group, whereby the electro.magnets in the lanterns I, II, II are energised, and
the lighting current is led into the group of lamps R designed for red light until
the relay switch is operated to re-make the circuit at contact 1.
In conclusion, it may be mentioned that the lantern resistances and the lantern
electro magnets of the lanterns I, II, II of a signalling, station may also be
arranged outside of the lantern in the switch box or in the base plate of the
transmitter.
:
:
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. A signalling apparatus for giving continuous, intermittent and alternating
light signals by means of lights of two.colours, consisting of two signal lanterns
arranged vertically at a distance apart and adapted for two colours of lights having
groups WR of glow lamps which in signalling are included in the circuit.of a
lighting current by means of electro magnetically operated switchos to through
the medium of the contact blook C of a signal transmitter or signalling device, said
lighting current being passed through a resistance W, whilst said resistance is at
the same time cut out, this being effected in the case of continuous light signals in
a direct manner, and for the intermittent and alternating signals by means of a

page_text: double-contact relay which is included in the circuit of the transmitter, the.
switch of which is dependent on an escapement Gg for the purpose of producing
equal intervals of time for the duration of the exhibition of the intermittent and
alternating signale substantially as described with reference to the drawings.
2. In the signalling apparatus specified in the first claim a signal lantern arranged
for lights of two colours, in which are provided a resistance W and two separate.
groups of glow lamps W and R, and also switches. to, arranged in the circuit,
which latter are operated by means of electro magnets w and r for the purpose of
producing the five fundamental signals, so that by permanent or intermittent
energising of one of the two magnets or the alternating magnetisation of both
electro magnets, the switch is actuated, the resistance is cut out, and the lighting
current is led into one or to the other group of lamps substantially as described
with reference to Fig. 4.
3. In a signal lantern of the kind specified in Claim 2, a lantern casing consisting
of the lantern foot a carrying the plug contact al, a", with pillars a' that are fixed.
therein and support the lantern ventilating apertures a, a, ani the groups of glow
lamps, and of a sliding lantern jacket which is adapted to be fixed by means of a
catch a', the compartments of which together with the intermediately situated
lantern glasses w, 7, are held together by means of disconnectable rods aⓇ provided
with moveable screens a, the lantern foot being provided with a sleeve a¹³ adapted
to be mounted upon a carrier a for the purpose of mounting the lantern in position
substantially as described with reference to Figs. 4, 4.
4. In the signalling apparatus constructed as specified in the first claim a signal
transmitter or signalling device characterised by a rotatable contact block C
connected with rubbing contacts which is divided into three groups 1, 2 and 3
which are insulated from one another and of which the first group contains the
contact rings for continuous signals, the second group those for the intermittent
signals, and the third group the contact rings for the alternating signals, said rings
acting to close the circuit in the leads to the lantern electro magnets w, r, the
arrangement being such that the current supply to the first group takes place
directly, and to the second and third group from the contact ring U+ of the first
group to a double-coutact relay and from the latter alternately to the supply
rings Z3, Z³ of the second and third group; whilst the leads of the second and third
group are directly connected to the leads of the first group substantially as
described with reference to Figs. 5 and 9.
5. In a signal apparatus constructed as specified in the 1st and 4th claims, a
relay for producing the intermittent and alternating light signals, characterised by
an electro magnet F between the pole pieces of which there are arranged in a
rotateable manner a Z- armature and a toothed wheel G engaging with an
escapement g, of which the said wheel G after attraction of the armature and
mutual action of springs gis turned together with a slotted piece, so as to
move a switch which is moveable between contacts 1 and 2, which switch is
kept in the closed position by means of pawls ff reciprocally disconnectable by
means of studs 5, 6 of the wheel G, until the switch is reversed, so that when the
electro magnet is energised; the maguet current leading to the groups 1 and 2 of
the contact block C is either alternately interrupted or alternatoly closed and
interrupted, substautially as described.
6. In a signalling apparatus of the kind specified in the first claim, a switch box H
directly connected with the casing B of the transmitter and containing the plug
contacts St, I, II, II, (arranged on the base plate) for the current supply cable
and lantern cable k₁, k, a negative connecting bars and the externally
accessible switches S, I, II, II, which latter together with lead fuses & are
included by means of a connecting bar s+ in the positive lead of a dynamo, whilst
the leads leading to the transmitter and from the latter to the lantern electro
maguets, and the return lead UB, are connected to contact terminals N +,
RII, WII, RI, WI, UB, Figs. 5, 54, 5D, and 9.
7. In a signalling apparatus of the kind specified in the first claim the

page_text: Arrangement of the contact block C, of the lamps c for illuminating the signal'
board, and of the relay on a plate 'B' which carries the clamps M +, RII, WII,
RI, WI, U B -, which are necessary for the required circuits and are formed
as spring plug contacts which are. electrically connected to the contact terminals
of the switch box so that the plate together with its parts can be lifted off from
the switch box after the screws have been loosened (Figs., 5, 5º, 5º and 9).
8. In a signalling apparatus of the kind. specified in the first claim, & feeding
mechanism for the recording stripe, consisting of a stud el subject to the action
of the type wheel D which stud when the flap door 6 of the casing of the
transmitter is opened operates pivotted tongs ee which draw the paper strip e
from a roll of paper E and moves it between a guide e' in the slot e of which the
type (properly set) of the type wheel stabs through the paper strip into a brush e,
whilst on closing the flap door the. stud eo is moved by means of the stud ea and
the bent lever "out of the scope of action of the type wheel, whereby the
recording apparatus is thrown out of operation substantially as described with
reference to the Figs. 6, 6^.
9. In-signalling apparatus of the kind specified in the first claim for the purpose
of permanently controlling the operation of the signalling, the arrangement of a
small draw-out box 6 on the flap door 6 of the transmitter for renewable writing
surfaces upon which the signals to be given are marked down before signalling
substantially as described with reference to Figs. 5 & 54
10. In a signalling apparatus of the kind specified in the first claim, the
arrangement of the lautern resistances W' and lantern electro-magnets to and r
in the switch box or in the base of the transmitter substantially as described.
Dated this 29th day of December 1896.
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.