Improvements in Electrical Signalling and in Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Sept., 1890-Accepted, 21st Feb., 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by THE ELECTRIC SECRET SERVICE COMPANY, of
No. 45, Broadway, New York, United States of America.]
Improvements in Electrical Signalling and in Apparatus therefor.
1, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
45 Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, 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 :-
This invention relates particularly to electrical signalling devices of the type
known as individual call apparatus, in which any one of a series of out-lying signal
receivers located on a single or common main line may be called or signalled to
the exclusion of all the others not wanted.
The objects of the said invention are:-First. To provide an apparatus which will
respond to a certain pre-arranged call, and in the briefest possible time, with a
minimum liability of failure, and be assuredly individual in its response. Second.
To adapt such a device to closed circuit use. Third. To the utilization of electrical
impulses of short duration adapted to be transmitted with great rapidity, and in
any desired sequence or order.
These objects are accomplished by the use of the mechanism hereinafter described,
but particularly pointed out in the claims which follow this Specification.
The invention comprises other improvements, hereinafter set forth.
The said invention will be fully understood by referring to the accompanying
drawings, in which
Figures 1, 2 and 3 are side elevational views of one receiver shown under
different conditions of operation with a transmitter and a main line circuit in
diagramatic view.
Figures 4, 5 and 6 are detail views of part of the apparatus.
This apparatus includes a main line battery M B, relay R, a local signal
operating magnet M and battery L B; a local restoring magnet M¹ and
battery L Ba gravitating circuit closer, consisting of a swinging yoke F, with
arm R, weight W, arm and sector N, the latter having detent stops or
catches &c., adapted to take against the pivoted detent t and hooked stop r
a dash pot D connected by rod R' to yoke F; a local treinbler bell G, with loral
battery L B³, circuit and sliding circuit breaker Sw, and circuit connections
through p' on arm M' as shown.
On the end of the armature lever A, pivoted between standards S, is a pair of
contact springs connected at their upper ends by the wires and 1 to the
magnet and armature lever A' pivoted in standards §¹.
The free ends of these contact springs are adapted, when the armature A is drawn
down to its lowest position, to contact with the adjustable contacts p² p³ connected
to local circuits 16 and 13, and batteries L B' and L B², thence to magnets M
and M'.
Magnet M is connected by a local wire l¹ to an insulated spring s carried by the
armature lever A', and adapted to bear against stops p and ps, as shown.
The signal transmitter consists preferably of a metallic disc T, having connection
through its axis by switch Sw to earth. ii are insulating spaces there be.ng
several such spaces, say three or more, located on each transmitting disc in advance
of the regular signal to be transmitted, the function of which is to unison all of the
outlying receivers before any signal is sent in. The electrical contacting spaces are
all of equal length, save the prolonged space on which the spring s remains when
the apparatus is at rest, as shown in Figure 1.
The insulating spaces i between the contacting spaces are made substantially

page_text: equal to said contact spaces, except where their order is varied, and then these
spaces are made longer so as to cause a prolonged open circuit.
This order is varied at will, and the order of double and single loops or
detent stops &c. and corresponding openings between the same on the
sector N, are made to accord with this arrangement of contact, and insulated
spaces in the transmitter, see Figures 4 and 6.
In Figure 6 is shown a developed plan of a transmitter dine adapted to send
first three unisoning impulses; second, a prolonged break, third, an impulse;
then a long break; then an impulse, then a short break, then an impulses
then a long break; then an impulse; then a long break; then an impulse: then
a long break: then an impulse then a short break; then an impulse: and finelly
a short break.
Now referring to Figures 2, 4 and 5, the signal transmitter has transmitted the
three unisoning impulses to line, and all of the signal receivers (which are duplicates
of that shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3) are in the position shown in Figure 2,
ready to start the main line circuit being open, and signal dise T being rotated
from
left to right.
As the transmitter is advanced the eirenit is closed at the first impulse, thereby
releasing the pivoted detent and allowing it to tilt to the left, and bringing the
hook stop into the middle position shown in full lines, in Figure 5 still holding
the yoke F from tilting under the influence of weight W.
The next break being a long break permits the detent to step into the
first eye of the double loop, or stop,ª (see Figure 4) and the hook stop e to
assume the upper position shown in dotted lines in Figure 5.
Now comes a dot impulse which places hook in the first loop, then a brief
break which allows the detent to bridge the space between the loops, and so
on in the same general manner, the spaces are bridged between the loops or
eyes el &c., as the gravitating circuit closer advances,
When the complete signal has been sent in, the apparatus assumes the position
shown in Figure 3, and the local circuit of battery 1 B is momentarily closed
by the gravitating circuit closer at point p on arin M, and the first stroke of
the trembler bell armature lever causes the sliding circuit closer Sto
permanently close a ringing circuit shown in dotted lines while the signalling
apparatus is restored to its normal condition, as will now be described.
"
As long as the proper sequence of impulses prevails the hooked stop e will
not drop down between the eyes or loops e', until all of said eyes are passed,
as shown in Figure 3, then the local battery I, B, which acts at each closure
of its circuit, causes magnet M to draw its annature down to the extreme
stroke, thereby bringing the springs on its right hand end, into electrical
contact with the points pp. and closing two independent circuits through
magnets M. and M'; the former from battery L B by wires . springs and
wire ; and the latter from battery L by wire P, spring
named magnet causes armature A to be held down firmly while the latter
magnet. Mi, acting through armature A', link M and arm N', restores the
yoke F', sertor N, and honce the entire gravitating circuit closer to its normal
position.
The first
At the extreme end of its stroke, armature A breaks the shunt circuit to
magnet M between point and spring, and allows the armature A. to rise
thereby locking the sector as shown in Figure 2.
A key K may be used in a shunt around the transmitter, or instead of one or
more transmitters, and operate the signals according to a pre-arranged order of
impulses determined upon.
The invention is not limited to the use of this improved apparatus to individual
signalling on telephone, telegraph, and analogous circuits, as it is obvious that
many uses might suggest themselves as for instance its use in connection with
railway signals and for similar purposes or in any place where a prearranged
secret combination could be advantageously used.

page_text: When used in connection with railway signals all that is needed is to locate
one of the receiving devices at each railway station, and provide the train
dispatcher at the train dispatching office with a multiple transmitter which will
transmit an individual signal to each signal station.
Another part of this invention relates to electrical apparatus, the object of which
is to automatically cut out of circuit any one of a series of individual signal
receiving instruments located on a telegraphic or analogous electrical signalling
line.
Its further object is to combine with apparatus of this type a responding
signalling device located at each receiving station, which shall automatically
signal back to other stations an indication that the apparatus has been cut out,
or the signal correctly received.
These objects are accomplished by the use of the apparatus hereinafter
described.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2" in which,
Figure 1 is a diagramatic view, showing one apparatus complete at one
station.
Figure 2" is a modified form of the cut out mechanism proper.
In Figure 1, the line is shown as entering and departing from a single
apparatus, it being understood that at outlying stations, and at the station shown,
there are supposed to be transmitters of any preferred form, such, for instance, as
Morse keys, and that a main line transmitting battery is located at some point on
the line.
Or, that the signalling transmitters, which operate the apparatus to be hereafter
described, may be of the type shown and described in the first part of this
Specification, it being understood that the transmitters shall adapt themselves
to the receiving apparatus which controls the cut out mechanism.
Figure 1 represents such a receiving apparatus, and is not, in substance,
materially unlike the receiver disclosed in the first part of this Specification.
I will first describe so much of this receiver as is necessary to convey a
clear understanding of its operation in connection with the present improved
apparatus.
"1" represents a pivoted arm carrying a curved sector through the agency
of sustaining arms 3, 3. On this curved sector is arranged a series of wire loops
or eyes 5 in substantially the same manner disclosed in the first part of this
Specification.
i
Above the pivoted sustaining rod 2 is a weighted arm 6 for advancing the
sector and attached to a short arm 21, at the point 16, is joined a lever 17,
loosely secured at its lower end to the armature lever 15 pivoted to an upright
standard 14, in the magnetic field of a restoring magnet 18.
The outer end of the arm 21 has secured to it a dash rod adapted to play in a
dash pot 19, and this arm carries a contact 50 which contacts with an electrical
contact point 51 when the sector 4 is held in its extreme right hand position under
the agency of weight 6.
Secured to the framework of the machine is a pair of standards 7 supporting a
pivoted armature lever 8 in the magnetic field of a magnet 12, said armature lever
having a retractile spring 13 for holding it in its extreme upward position, and
carrying at one end a rod 9, which is provided with a detent hook 10 adapted to
drop into the loops or eyes 5 us the sector 4 advances if the prearranged order of
makes and breaks be followed in the act of transmitting a signal, and otherwise to
fall between said loops when the circuit of magnet 12 is broken, and to carry the
projecting end 22 into mechanical contact with spring 23 secured to the frame of
the machine, and having an electrical point on its free end adapted to contact with
a fixed contact 24, thereby closing the local circuit of a battery B through wire 25
and restoring magnet 18, whether this be at the completion of a signal, or at any
intervening point, in substantially the same manner as is disclosed in the first part
of the Specification.

page_text: In the description of the first part of this invention is fully disclosed the arrange
ment of a local circuit, embracing battery B, wire 25, magnet 18, spring 23 and
contact 24, (Figure 1 or the equivalent thereof) operated and controlled by an
armature lever carrying a detent hook adapted to control the movements of the
sector 4.
There is also disclosed a series of shunt circuits for regulating the operation of
the magnet 18 and 12. These shunt circuits are not shown in the drawings of the
second part of this invention, because it is not deemed necessary to uselessly
encumber the drawing with features which are not especially subservient 10 the
complete operation of this portion of the apparatus.
Referring now to Figure 1 and to the parts in detail thereof, 38 is the main line
relay adapted to control the operation of a local sounder 26.
13 is a substitute relay adapted to cut out the main line relay, with the help of
the switch 28, controlled by switch magnets 31 and 31*.
4 is a responding magnet adapted to control the responding signal.
LB is the local sonder battery, and
B' is a local battery, the function of which is to actuate the magnet 12, and again
place the relay 38 in the main line circuit, when it is desired to place the operator
at that station in connection with the distant stations.
The several circuits controlling the relays 38, 43 and the switch magnets 31, 31*
with the signalling magnet 12, restoring magnet 18, and the responding signalling
magnet 64 are indicated by various numbers, s will appear in connection with a
description of the operation of the apparatus, which will now be given.
Suppose it is desired to cut out the sounder 26 from some distant station, in order
that the operator at this station may not hear the message that is to be sent over
the line. In this condition of affairs the circuit of the main line battery, (not shown)
is closed as follows.
By line wire, through wire 39, relay 38, wire 37, contact point 35, contact 33,
switch lever 28, pivot 29, wire 45, and out to the succeeding stations on the
line.
The operator at the station from which the message is to be transmitted then
causes the particular combination of dots and dashes or of dots, as disclosed in the
first part of this Specification, to be sent over the line.
The armature lever 36, therefore, of relay 38 opens and closes the circuit of local
battery LB in this prearranged sequence of impulses, through wire 55 somuder 26,
wire 54, wire 63, magnet 12, wire 57,-and the armature lever 8 of magnet 12,
therefore, is vibrated in accordance with this prearranged order of impulses, and
the hook or catch 10 permits the sector 4 to step forward step by step in the loups
or eyes until the last loop is reached.
When the circuit is left open a brief space of time, sufficient to allow a temporary
closure of local batteries SB through the wire 32. contact points 50 and 51. wire 49,
magnet 64, wire 49, switch magnet 31, wire 46, contact 36, contact 32, (insulated
from switch lever 28 by an insulating block 34), and finally by wire 53 to the other
pole of the battery, S B.
This causes the armature 30 to tilt the switch lever 28 in the opposite position,
thereby bringing the contact plates 32 and 33 into contact with the plates 41 and 40,
said switch lever passing its centre of gravity before the circuit is broken between 35
and 36 so as to fall by its own weight, and make a sure contact with plates 40
and 41.
The main line circuit, through relay 38 and wire 37, is thus broken between te
contact plates 33 and 35, and the switch magnet 31 has its circuit, broken between
the plates 32 and 36, while a new circuit is formed for the switch magnet 31*
between the plates 32 and 41, as will be described later, and a new path is made for
the main line circuit by wire 39, wire 44, relay 43, wire 42, contact plate 40, contact
plate 33, switch lever 28 pivot 29, wire 45, out to line.
It will thus be seen that inasmuch as relay 38 is absolutely cut out, its local
sounder (26) is also ineffective. Of course, the relay 43, being in the main line

page_text: circuit, will receive the signals which would ordinarily come through its companion
relay 38, and such signals might be read by an observer by watching armature 60,
or its local magnet 12, in the circuit of local battery B' and circuit wires 58 and 61,
but ordinarily these two magnets should be concealed and their armatures deadened,
so that no indication can be had of the signals passing through them.
It is, of course, obvious that any preferred means may be utilized for accom-
plishing this end.
When it is desired to restore the relay 38, and hence its sounder 26, to their
normal conditions, the operator at the distant station who has previously cut them
out simply causes a repetition of the character signalled to be transmitted over the
line, whereupon the relay 43, acting through its armature 60, contact point 59, and
wires 58 and 61, local battery B', and signal controlling magnet 12, will cause the
swinging sector 4 to close the circuit of battery S B at the completion of its swing,
as before, at the points 50 and 51 through the magnets 64 and the opposite switch
magnet 31, whereupon the switch lever 28 will be restored to its former
condition.
Every time the circuit of battery S B is closed through either of the switch
magnets 31 or 31", it is also closed through the magnet 64, as heretofore indicated,
thereby causing its armature lever 65 to be drawn down, and thereby counteracting
the effects of the retractile spring 66 and releasing the detent 67 from its bearing
against one of the pins 69 in the signal wheel 68 which is actuated by the weight 70,
on the face of which (the signal wheel) is placed, in Morse characters, a prearranged
signal in duplicate, so that during each half revolution of said signal wheel the
resistance of the main line circuit is varied a definite number of times through the
wire 73, brush 72 signal wheel and wire 74, thereby indicating to the operator who
first cut out this station that he had accomplished this result, and in a similar
manner, after he had again restored it to normal condition, a like announcement to
that effect.
It will thus be seen, of course, that this signal wheel 68 cannot actually interrupt
the main line circuit, inasmuch as said circuit is always closed through either one
or the other of the relays 38 or 43, but inasmuch as the brush 72 is only in contact
with the metallic contact plates 71 of the signal when said contact plates 71 pass
under said brush, the resistance of the line is lowered an amount equal to the
difference between the low resistance paths 73, 74, and that due to the relays 38
or 43, so that if the transmitting operator is provided with a listening telephone
he can readily detect the back signal when sent in.
In Figure is shown a modified form of switch apparatus designed to take
the place of switch 28 and its magnets 31 and 31 with their necessary connec
tions. In this instance the magnet 75 is in the circuit 49, 53, of the local
battery SB and its armature lever, held in its upper position by the spring 77,
acts through the detent 78 to withhold the circuit changing disc 79 from rotation
until said detent is drawn forward under the influence of a current from battery SB
when the contact points 50 and 51 are closed, as hereinbefore described.
When this takes place the disc 79 is caused to rotate one quarter of a revolution,
and at each alternate fourth of its revolution the conductor 87 joins the metallic
plates 81, and is brought electrically in circuit with contact springs 83 and 84,
thereby affording a shunt circuit for the main line current through the conductor 87,
the relay 38 being located in the office wire 85.
An inspection of this figure will reveal the fact that at each quarter of a revolu-
tion of the disc 79 the main line current is automatically thrown, first, through the
office instruments, and then cut out.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondents I declare that what I claim is :-
First. A signalling apparatus consisting of a transmitter having electrical con-
tacting spaces or segments of equal length separated by insulated spaces having a

page_text: prearranged order und langth, in combination with a signal receiver, having a
gravitating circuit closer and means for causing it to respond only to the pre-
arranged order of impulses set up by the transmitter, substantially as described.
Second. An electrical signalling aparatus, consisting of a transmitter having
electrical contacting spaces of equal length separated by a prearranged order of
insulating spaces of different lengths, in combination with a signal receiver having
a circuit controller provided with means for causing the eirenit controller to com-
plete its movement only for a sequence of transmitted electrical impulses corre-
sponding to the arrangement on the transmitter, substantially as described.
Third. An electrical signal receiver, consisting of a circuit closing device, a local
circuit controlled thereby; electro-magnetic means for advancing the circuit closer
step by step, in accordance with a prearranged order of transmitted electrical
impulses of equal duration, and electro-magnetic restoring device for restoring the
circuit closer to normal condition, said restoring device having electrical connections
only with the armature levers of the advancing and restoring magnets and the
frame of the machine, substantially as described.
Fourth. A signal transmitter adapted to transmit electrical impulses of equal
duration, but varying in the order of intervals, according to a prearranged order.
in combination with a signal receiver provided with means for advancing it to the
completion of the signal in accordance with the impulses transmitted, and
additional means for restoring it to normal condition after the signal is com-
pl. ted, substantially as described.
Fifth. A signal transmitter having a series of electrical contacting spaces or
segments all of equal length separated by a prearranged order of insulating spaces
of different lengths, in combination with a step by step receiving apparatus, having
means for advancing it in accordance with the prearranged order of electrical
impulses set up by the transmitter, and additional means for restoring the signal
receiver to normal condition after the signal has been received, substantially as
described.
Sixth. A signal transmitter for an individual call, consisting of a conducting dise
having a series of insulated segments preceding the regular signal, in combination
with a prearranged order of contacting spaces of substantially equal length,
whereby unisoning currents are first sent to line to unison all of the instruments.
and then a code signal of impulses is sent to actuate a particular receiver, substan-
tially as described.“
Seventh. A signal receiver, consisting of a local controlling magnet, a local
restoring magnet, a gravitating cirenit closer controlled by the first magnet in its
advance, mechanical connections between it and the armature of the second
magnet only for restoring it to nonual condition, with local battery connections
between the two armatures and the frame of the apparatus, substantially as
described.
Eight. A signal receiver, consisting of a local gravitating circuit closer having
electrical connections with a local battery and signal mechanism; a controlling
magnet for advancing the gravitating circuit closer: a restoring magnet for returning
the gravitating circuit closer to normal condition; mechanical connections between
the gravitating circuit closer and the armature of the restoring inagnet, and electrical
connections between the armatures and frame of the mechanism, whereby the signal
will be received, if a proper sequence of impulses be transmitted, and restored at
the end of the signal to normal condition, substantially as described.
Ninth. In a signal receiver, a gravitating circuit closer; a controlling magnet,
having an armature with mechanical connections for regulating the advance of the
circuit closer; a restoring magnet having an armature connected mechanically to the
gravitating circuit closer; circuit connections between local batteries and the arma-
tures of the two magnets, whereby the gravitating circuit closer is advanced and
restored in accordance with the signal transmitted, substantially as described.
Tenth. An electrically controlled mechanism, consisting of a movable circuit
closer; an electro-magnet, with an armature having mechanical connection for

page_text: regulating the location of the circuit closer in one direction; a second magner
having an armature mechanically connected to the movable circuit closer; and
electrical connections between the two magnets and their armatures, substantially
as described.
Eleventh. An electrical device, consisting of a circuit controlling apparatus
having contacting spaces or segments of equal length separated by insulating spaces
of varying length, but having a prearranged order, in combination with a receiving
device located in the same electrical circuit, and having a gravitating circuit closer
provided with electro-magnetic means for advancing it step by step as the circuit
controller interrupts the circuit, and additional means for restoring the circuit
controller after it has completed its phase, substantially as described.
Twelfth. An individual signal system, consisting of a series of transmitters
having circuit making spaces or segments of equal length separated by circuit
breaking spaces of varying length, but arranged in a prearranged differing order for
each transmitter; a main line; a series of relays; local circuits and signal receivers ;.
one set for each transmitter; said signal receivers having circuit closers, and local
signal apparatus with electro-magnetic means for advancing the circuit closers to the
completion of their phases in accordance with the particular signal transmitted;
and additional electro-magnetic means for restoring all of the circuit closers to
norinal condition, substantially as described.
Thirteenth. In an electrical signal system, a signal receiving relay located
normally in the main line and having local circuit connections with a local signalling
instrument, in combination with individual automatic cut-out device located in a
local circuit, controlled by the same relay, and responsive only to a prearranged
signal, substantially as described.
Fourteenth. In an electrical signal system, a receiving instrument, such as a
Morse relay, in combination with a local signalling instrument controlled by the
relay and au individual automatic electro-magnetic cut-out apparatus having
circuit connections, substantially as described, whereby the relay is automatically
cut in or out of circuit for a prearranged signal, substantially as described.
Fifteenth. In a signal system, a signal receiver located normally in the main
line; an individual signal apparatus, responsive only to a special or prearranged
signal an electro-magnetic switch and circuit connections between the signal
receiver, the individual signal apparatus, and the electro-magnetic switch, whereby
the signal receiver may be placed in and out of the signal line circuit at the will
of a distant operator, substantially as described.
Sixteenth. In an individual signal system, a pair of electro-magnetic relays, one
of which is normally in the main line circuit and the other disconnected therefrom;
an individual signal receiving apparatus, responsive only to a prearranged signal;
an electro magnetic switch device and circuit connections between the individual
signal apparatus, the switch device and the relays, whereby one of said relays is cut
out of and the other cut into the main line circuit, and vice versa, at the will of a
distant operator, substantially as described.
Seventeenth. In a signal system, an electro-magnetic relay normally in the main
line circuit an individual signal receiver, responsive only to a prearranged call;
and an electro-magnetic switch device with circuit connections, whereby said relay
may be cut out on transmitting said prearranged signal, substantially as described.
Eighteenth. In an electrical signal system, a signal receiver, in combination with
an automatic return signal transmitter located in a normally open shunt around the
signal receiver, and a single source of electrical energy which supplies current for
both the direct and return signals, substantially as described.
Nineteenth. In an electrical signal system, a signal receiving instrument and an
individual call apparatus responsive only to a particular signal, in combination with
an automatic mechanically actuated return signal transinitter located in a shunt
around the individual call apparatus, and adapted to indicate that the call has been
received, substantially as described.
Twentieth. In an electrical signal system, a signal receiving instrument; an

page_text: individual call apparatus, responsive only to a particular signal; an automatic
switch device controlled by the individual call apparatus, and an automatic
mechanically actuated return signal device located in a shunt around the individual
call apparatus, substantially as described.
Twenty-first. In an electrical signalling system, a pair of rolays; an individual
call device; a switch apparatus, and a return signal located in a shunt around the
relays, and electrical circuit connections, whereby the relays are alternately cut in
and out of the main line cirenit, and the fact indicated to a distant operator,
substantially as described.
Twenty-second. An individual signal receiver responsive only to a particular or
special call, in combination with an automatic mechanically netuated return signal
transmitter located in a shunt around the signal receiver, and local circuit connec-
tions, the whole being arranged for indicating that the signal has been correctly
received, substantially as described.
Twenty-third. An individual signal receiver provided with mechanism for
advancing it step by step to the completion of its phase, in combination with an auto-
matic mechanically actuated return signal transmitter located in a shunt around the
signal receiver, and having circuit connections with the individual receiving apparatus
and the main line, substantially as described, whereby a distant operator is advised
of the fact that the special signal has been received correctly, substantially as
described.
Twenty-fourth. An individual signal receiver having means for advancing it to
the completion of its phase for a special signal only, with additional means for
restoring it to normal condition, either at the end of the phase or on the completion
of the signal, or at any intermediate point if the signal be varied, in combination
with an automatic mechanically actuated return signal transmitter loented in a
shunt around the signal receiver, having electrical connections with the individual
apparatus for sending in the return signal only when the individual signal has been
received substantially as described.
Twenty-fifth. An individual signal receiver having electro-magnetic means for
advancing it to the completion of the signal; additional electro-magnetic means for
restoring it to normal position: in combination with an automatic mechanically
actuated return signal transmitter located in a shunt around the signal receiver,
and having local circuit connections with the individual signal receiver for sending
in a return signal only after the individual signal has been completed, substantially
as described.
Dated this 2nd day of September 1890.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,