IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH APPARATUS, AND CIRCUITS FOR THE SAME.
Year: 1871

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Little, of Rutherfurd Park, in the State
of New Jersey, United States of America, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH APPARATUS, AND CIRCUITS FOR
THE SAME.'
"
Sealed the 31st October 1871, and dated the 30th August 1871.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Little at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
30th August 1871.
.
I, GEORGE LITTLE, of Rutherfurd Park, in the State of New Jersey,
United States of America, do hereby declare the nature of the saiḍ
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH APPARATUS, AND CIRCUITS,
FOR THE SAME," to be as follows :-
•
The first part of this Invention relates to an arrangement of electric
circuits, so as to leave copies of the message at several stations, and
only employ one main telegraph line without local circuits or batteries,
and the surplus electricity passes from the end of the main line to the
earth, thereby clearing the wire.
-
.3
J

page_text: The second part of this Invention relates to the arrangement of
galvanic batteries and telegraphic circuits in such relation to the trans-
mitting instrument that when. the transmitting circuit is broken a
reverse circuit is brought into action to clear the line and prevent
the obstruction that sometimes arises in rapid transmission from the
attenuation of one electric pulsation reaching nearly to the next
pulsation.
The third part of this Invention relates to the apparatus employed
for transmitting the electric pulsations, for regulating the force of the
electric currents, and for recording the message.
First. A single wire is employed for the main line and the earth con-
nection for the return circuit. In order to leave or drop copies of the
message at several stations, I divert a portion of the current through
each receiving instrument, and allow the other portion of the current to
proceed on the main line. This is effected by one of the two following
modes: A branch wire and earth connection is employed at each
station, in which branch circuit is placed the instrument and also a
resistance. If a resistance was not employed the pulsations of electricity
would pass by the shortest route through-the first- branch, and not reach
distant stations, but by the use of a resistance in this branch circuit
only enough electricity is allowed to pass for operating each recording
instrument. A split circuit or "shunt" is sometimes employed without
an earth connection. In this case the main circuit has in it a resistance,
and the recording instrument is connected to the main line at both sides
of the resistance. If a resistance was not employed in the main line all
the electricity would pass through the same, but the resistance is so
proportioned that the necessary diversion of a portion of each electric
pulsation goes through the instrument.
Second. The transmitting instrument is connected with the main linc.
and with the earth. In the metallic connection leading to the earth is
one battery, the other battery is in a metallic circuit -united to the earth
circuit at one side of the instrument; and to the main line at the other
side of the instrument. The batteries are arranged so that the negative.
of one is connected to the negative of the other..
I remark that this feature of my Invention is especially adapted to
transmitting instruments in which a strip of perforated paper and a
metallic stylus are employed. When the perforation of the paper
allows the circuits to close, one battery being in the main line sends

page_text: the pulsations to the distant station, and the circuit of the other battery
is also completed through the stylus, but does not interfere with the
pulsation in the main line. When both circuits are broken at the stylus
by the intervening paper both batterics are in the main line, and being
connected as aforesaid neutralize each other, and thereby prevent the
attenuation of the pulsations, and allow of great rapidity and distinctness.
in the pulsations.
•
In order to clear the line of whatever electricity there may be in
excess of what is required for the various receiving instruments a
connection is made to the earth from the main line.
Third. The instrument which I have made for closing the circuit or
transmitting messages in connection with perforated paper consists of a
plain metal roller and a second roller armed with numerous yielding
metallic projections; the paper is drawn through between these rollers,
and the yielding projections that pass through the perforations close
the circuit.
The improved resistance or "rheostat "is made of a coil of wire
between two metallic heads, and a sliding adjuster is mounted on a
rod insulated at one end, and made with a spring to slide in contact
with the surface of the coil. Where this resistance is used in a branch
and earth connection one wire extends from each end, and according to
the position of the sliding adjuster so there is more or less resistance
according to the length of coil through which the electricity has to pass
before reaching the said adjuster. When this resistance is employed in
the "shunt". connection two wires are connected to each metallic head,
so as to receive both the main line wires and the wires to the receiving
instrument, thereby the current of the main line is divided, a portion
going by one wire to the recording instrument, and another portion
going through the resistance coil, and thence on the main line.
.
The improvement in the recording instrument consists in a pen to
which ink is supplied from a fountain or other source, the pen standing
nearly horizontal, and being vibrated by the clectric pulsations in an
electro-magnet. The point of the pen is brought into contact with a
strip of paper drawn over a roller. In this manner permanent ink
marks instead of indentations are made, and there is no risk of the pen
blotting by the rapidity of the vibration, because the same is in nearly
a horizontal position.

page_text: The ink fountain may be made of a syringe, so as to facilitate the
filling of the fountain. Two pens may be employed, and operated by
reversing the circuit, the armature of one pen. being a permanent
magnet, and the other soft iron, and these may operate with one
magnet, or two magnets may be provided.
In telegraphic instruments it is usual to employ a spring to draw
back the armature of the electro-magnet. I am enabled to employ my
said resistance instrument to regulate with great accuracy the force of a
withdrawing electro-magnet to draw back the armature. This resistance
instrument is to be placed in the circuit of a local battery, or in a
circuit to the earth in which carbon and copper or other sources of
positive and negative electricity are buried, and by said resistance
instrument the proper quantity of electricity is passed through the
withdrawing magnet, and the surplus clectricity returned to its source.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said George Little in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 21st February 1872.
TO ALL TO WHOM. THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, GEORGE
LITTLE, of Rutherfurd Park, in the State of New Jersey, United States
of America, send greeting.
.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Lotters Patent, bearing date the Thirticth day of August, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, in the thirty-
fifth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said Georgo Little, Her special licence that I,
the said George Little, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or sucli
others as I, the said George Little, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from timo. to
time and at all times thereafter during the torm therein expressed,
should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands,
and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH
APPARATUS, AND CIRCUITS FOR THE SAME,' upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said George Little, my executors or administrators,
by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands
"
"

page_text: and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Scal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I; the said George Little, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement, reference being made to the annexed Drawing, and
to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say) :—
.
The first part of this Invention relates to an arrangement of electric
circuits, so as to leave copies of the message at several stations, and
only employ one main telegraph line without local circuits or batteries,
and, the surplus electricity passes from the end of the main line to the
carth, thereby clearing the wire.
The second part of this Invention relates to the arrangement of
galvanic batteries and telegraphic circuits in such relation to the
transmitting instrument that when the transmitting circuit is broken
a reverse circuit is brought into action to clear the line and prevent
the obstruction that sometimes arises in rapid transmission from the
attenuation of one electric pulsation reaching nearly to the next pul-
sation.
The third part of this Invention relates to the apparatus employed
for transmitting the electric pulsations, for regulating the force of the
electric currents, and for recording the message.
r
First. A single wire is employed for the main line, and the earth
connection for the return circuit. In order to leave a drop copy of the
message at several stations I divert a portion of the current through
each receiving instrument, and allow the other portion of the current
to proceed on the main line. This is effected by one of the two following
modes: A branch wire and carth connection is employed at each
station, in which branch circuit is placed the instrument and also
a resistance. If a resistance was not employed the pulsations of
electricity would pass by the shortest route through the first branch
circuit, and not reach. distant stations, but by the use of a resistance
in this branch circuit only enough. electricity is allowed to pass for
operating each recording instrument.
•

page_text: :
f
In Fig. 1 of the Drawing a is the main line, g' the branch circuit
connection to the earth, e the resistance, and b, c, the recording instru-
ment. The Drawing illustrates the recording instrument as a stylus
and drum for chemically prepared. paper of usual character. My
improved recording instrument is hereafter described, and also my
improved resistance or "rheostat," by means of which the resistance
may be varied to suit the different stations.
A split circuit or shunt is sometimes employed without an earth
.connection. In this case the main circuit has in it a resistance, and
the recording instrument is connected to the main line at both sides
of the resistance. If a resistance was not employed in the main line
all the electricity would pass through the same, but the resistance is
so proportioned that the necessary diversion of a part of each electric
pulsation goes through the instrument.
Fig. 2 illustrates these circuit connections. In the main line a the
resistance.e.is introduced at cach station, and the wires from the main
line a to the receiving instrument.b, c, connect to the main line at
each side of the resistance; this connection to the main line is shown
as through the metal heads t, u, of the resistance instrument hereafter
described.
Second. The transmitting instrument is connected with the main
line and with the earth. In the metallic connection leading to the
earth is one battery; the other battery is in a metallic circuit, united
to the earth circuit at one side of the instrument, and to the main
line at the other side of the instrument. The batteries are arranged
so that the negative of one is connected to the negative of the other.
I remark that this feature of my Invention is especially adapted to
transmitting instruments in which a strip of perforated paper and a
metallic stylus are employed. When the perforation of the paper allows
the circuits to close, one battery being in the main line send the
pulsations to the distant station, and the circuit of the other battery
is also completed through the stylus, but does not interfere with the
pulsations in the main line. When both circuits are broken at the
stylus by the intervening paper both batteries are in the main line, and
being connected as aforesaid neutralize each other, and thereby prevent
the attenuation of the pulsations, and allowing of great rapidity and
distinctness in the pulsations.

page_text: In order to clear the line of whatever clectricity there may be in
excess of what is required for the various receiving instruments a
connection is made to the earth from the main line as at g, Fig. 3,
which Figure illustrates this part of my Invention. The main line a,
earth connection g, instrument b, c, and batteries e¹, k, are arranged
as last stated. When the perforation allows the circuit of. the battery k
to connect through the stylus c, roll b, wires i, l, to z, the pulsation
passes from said battery k, as well as from the battery c¹; the latter
however has its circuit through the line wire a and earth connection
to the distant station, but when the paper. intervenes and breaks the
circuits at the stylus c the two batteries e¹, k, are both in the main
circuit g, c, e¹, z, i, l, z, k, c, 'a, and the opposite polarities of the
batteries neutralize each other and clear the line of surplus clectricity.
The switches 17 and 18 are to be turned into the position shown by
dotted lines when the instrument is to be used for receiving instead of
sending messages.
Third. The instrument which I have made for closing the circuit or
transmitting messages in connection with perforated paper consists of
a plain metal roller, and a second roller armed with numerous yielding
metallic projections, the paper is drawn through between these rollers,
and the yielding projections that pass through the perforations close the
circuit.
In Figs. 4 and 5 longitudinal and transverse sections of these rollers
are shown. The roller a³ is plain and supported in the frame b³, c³.
The roller f is also supported in the same frame, and carries the
numerous metal spring projections 2, 2; these may be at the ends of
arms or otherwise made so as to yield. The binding screw d³, for the line
wire is in metallic connection with one of the rollers, and the binding
screw e² for the battery wire is in metallic connection with the other roller.
The improved resistance or "rheostat" is made of a coil of wire
between two metallic heads, and a sliding adjuster is mounted on a
rod insulated at one end, and made with a spring to slide in contact
with the surface of the coil. Where this resistance is used in a branch
and earth connection one wire extends from each end, and according
to the position of the sliding adjuster so there is more or less resistance
according to the length of coil through which the electricity has to
pass before reaching the said adjuster. When this resistance is employed
in the "shunt" connection two wires are connected to each metallic

page_text: head, so as to receive both the main line wires and the wires to the
receiving instrument; thereby the current of the main line is divided,
a portion going by one wire to the recording instrument, and another
portion going through the resistance coil, and thence on the main line.
This resistance instrument is shown in section in Figs. 6 and 9, and
in plan Fig. 2. The coil & is connected to the metallic heads t, u, and
between these is the rod v, insulated from u. p is the sliding spring
adjuster that can be moved upon the rod v, and its spring 10 being
in metallic contact with the coil s, will regulate the resistance according
to the position of the same. A rack and pinion may be used to move 1
the adjuster p.
The improvement in the recording instrument consists in a pen, to
which ink is supplied from a fountain or other source, the pen standing
nearly horizontal, and being vibrated by the electric pulsations in an
electro-magnet. The point of the pen is brought into contact with a 1
strip of paper drawn over a roller. In this manner permanent ink
marks, instead of indentations, are made, and there is no risk of the
pan blotting by the rapidity of the vibration, because the same is in
nearly a horizontal position.
Fig. 8 is a side view of this instrument. The pen to is attached to 2
an armature x. I prefer that the said armature be made of a metal
tube, either iron or steel. The magnet y draws down the pen; the
magnet y¹ may be employed to lift the same, or a spring might be used,
or the armature made a permanent magnet and lifted by a reverso
current. The paper passes over the roller ¹, and beneath the pen w. 2
The ink fountain has a small tube extending to the pen, in which is
a hole immediately over the pen at 15, and the ink passes from the
fountain to the pen, and as the pen vibrates the ink film is attenuated;
and when the film separates a bubble of air will pass up into the
fountain and allow a fresh supply of ink to flow to the pen. Two pens 3
may be employed and operated by reversing the circuit, the armature
of one pen being a permanent magnet, and the other soft iron, and
these may operate with one magnet, or two magnets may be employed.
The ink fountain may be made of a syringe as represented, so as to
facilitate the filling of the fountain.
There are three electro-magnets shown, the middle one supporting
the axis of the armature; this middle helix might be dispensed with,
and only the iron core retained.
3

page_text: In telegraphic instruments it is usual to employ a spring to draw
back the armature of the electro-magnet. I am enabled to employ
my said resistance instrument e (Figs. 2 & 6) to regulate with great
accuracy the force of a withdrawing electro-magnet y³, to draw back the
armature y³, as shown in Fig. 7. This resistance instrument is to be
placed in the circuit of a local battery, or in a circuit to the earth, in
which carbon and copper, or other sources of positive and negative
electricity are buried, and by said resistance instrument the proper
quantity of electricity is passed through the withdrawing magnet, and
the surplus electricity returned to its source.
To illustrate my Invention I have shown in Fig. 10 of the Drawing
connections at five different stations marked New York, Trenton,
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington. It is to be understood that at
each station the connections may be changed so as to effect what is
effected at other stations; but to avoid complications only one character
of connection is shown at any one station.
The batteries are marked B, and the positive pole c, and at the
negative z. The instruments marked R are adapted to receiving the
message, the electricity passing from a stylus to the chemical paper.
The instruments .marked T represent transmitters adapted to sending a
message by a strip of perforated paper and a brush or rollor. The
rheostats A are made adjustable, and are substantially such as shown
in Fig. 6. The resistance B¹ is a tube of alcohol and glycerine, and a
movable wire or any other device that can be varied to afford greater
or less resistance to the passage of the current. The flexible conductor
and wedge C inserted either way between the poles 2 and 3 of the main
linc servó to adapt the station to receiving or transmitting in either
direction on the main line. The galvanometer G is to be of a delicate
character so as to indicate simply whether there is any charge on the
line, and in that way the receiving and transmitting operators both
know whether the line is in work or not.
.
1
The illustration shows that at the Washington station the battery is
connected by the switch S, and the transmitting instrument T is in
operation. At Baltimore a branch circuit connects with the earth; the
resistance B¹ determines the total quantity of the current; the rheostat
A splits that current, and it is adjusted so that the proper proportion
makes the; mark in the chemical paper; and the remainder leaks away.
to the earth, thus the operator does not have to vary the resistance B¹,

page_text: except in cases where he is taking too much or too little of the entire
current transmitted. If desired to make a second or third copy at
Baltimore of the message the current is still further subdivided to the
second instrument R', the connection to the rheostat A being at the
same points as the wires to the instrument R.
At the station marked Philadelphia the rheostat A can be in the main
line, and the flexible conductor C and wedge can be inserted so as to
receive from either way on the line. The adjuster of the rheostat is
positioned so as to cause the resistance necessary to split the current,
passing a portion thereof through the receiving paper, and thence to the
earth; but if the current passing to the earth is so powerful as not to be
casily controlled by the adjustment of the rheostat, a resistance at B¹
may be employed to lessen the current passing to the earth, and this
resistance may be connected with the rheostat as shown, so that there
will be a leakage of surplus current to the earth, even when the receiving
stylus is thrown back.
"If the earth circuit is connected between the rheostat and receiving
instrument, as shown by dotted lines, the receiving instrument will be
in a shunt of the main line, and there will be a constant leakage of
surplus electricity to the earth through a resistance B³.
At the station marked New York the rheostat only serves to divert
the proper current through the receiving instrument, tho remainder
leaking away to the earth.
At the station marked Trenton a transmitting instrument is shown,
and when the battery is connected with the same by the switch & the
current is sent to the main line and branches off, going both ways, and
the operators at the receiving stations will adjust their rheostats so as to
allow the necessary portion of the current to pass through the chemical
paper, and in so doing there will be a resistance to the entire current
passing through the nearest receiving instrument, therefore the current
will be dammed back sufficient to cause it to reach one or more stations
aț a greater distance.
What I claim as my Invention and desire to secure by Letters
Patent is,―
First. The arrangement of the electric circuits, substantially as set
forth, for operating several receiving instruments at different stations by
electrical pulsations on one main line without local batteries.

page_text: Second. The arrangement of two separate batteries and a transmitting
telegraph instrument, substantially as specified for clearing the main
line of surplus electricity.
Third. The circuit closing roller armed with numerous yielding. pro-
jections for the purposes set forth.
Fourth. The resistance instrument or "rheostat " made with a coil
and a sliding adjuster, substantially as set forth.
Fifth. The recording telegraph instrument made with a pen for ink
attached to an armature, and standing nearly horizontal, and actuated
by an electro-magnet.
Sixth. The ink fountain applied to and combined. with the pen,
armature, and magnet, substantially as set forth.
Seventh. Two or more receiving instruments in one main telegraph
circuit, and resistance in the main line; so as to divert a portion of the
current through the receiving instrument.
Eighth. A connection and resistance between the main line and the
earth for clearing the line of surplus electricity, as set forth.
Ninth. An electro-magnet employed for drawing back the armature
of an electro-magnet, and in combination therewith a resistance instru-
ment to regulate the force of such withdrawing magnet, as specified.
Tenth. An adjustable rheostat applied in a circuit between the main
line and the earth in combination with a receiving telegraph instrument
to regulate the proportion of current passing to the said instrument,
substantially as set forth.
Eleventh. A resistance to regulate the entire proportion of electricity.
passing over a branch circuit to the earth in combination with an
adjustable rhcostat and receiving telegraph instrument, substantially
as set forth.
.
Twelfth. A wedge circuit closer and flexible conductors in combination
with an adjustable rheostat, and receiving telegraph instrument, sub-
stantially as set forth.
Thirteenth. A transmitting instrument connected to a main line,
substantially as specified, so that the current is subdivided, passing in
two opposite directions on the main line to two or more distant receiving
stations.

page_text: Fourteenth. Two circuits each provided with .a receiving telegraph
instrument connected to an adjustable, rheostat, substantially as and for
the purposes specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Little, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Second day of February, A.D. One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-two.
Witnesses,
.
CHAS. H. SMITH,
121, Nassau St., New York,
GEO. T. PINCKNEY,
121, Nassau St., New York.
GEORGE LITTLE. (L.S.)

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Little, of Rutherfurd Park, in the State
of New Jersey, United States of America, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH APPARATUS, AND CIRCUITS FOR
THE SAME.
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Little at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
80th August 1871.
I, GEORGE LITTLE, of Rutherfurd Park, in the State of New Jersey,
United States of America, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for." IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TElegraph ApparaTUS, AND CIRCUITS
FOR THE SAME," to be as follows:-
-
The first part of this Invention relates to an arrangement of electric
circuits, so as to leave copics of the message at several stations, and
only employ one main telegraph line without local circuits or batteries,
and the surplus electricity passes from the end of the main line to the
earth, thereby clearing the wire.

page_text: The second part of this Invention relates to the arrangement of
galvanic batterics and telegraphic circuits in such relation to the trans-
mitting instrument that when the transmitting circuit is broken a
reverse circuit is brought into action to clear the line and prevent
the obstruction that sometimes arises. in rapid transmission from the
attenuation of one electric pulsation reaching nearly to the next
pulsation.
.
The third part of this Invention relates to the apparatus employed
for transmitting the electric pulsations, for regulating the force of the
. electric currents, and for recording the message...
:
First. A single wire is employed for the main line and the earth con-
nection for the return circuit. In order to leave or drop copies of the
•message at several stations, I divert a portion of the current through
each receiving instrument, and allow the other portion of the current to
proceed on the main line. This is effected by one of the two following
modes: A branch wire and earth connection is employed at each
station, in which branch circuit is placed the instrument and also a
resistance. If a resistance was not employed the pulsations of electricity
would pass by the shortest route through the first branch, and not reach
distant stations, but by the use of a resistance in this branch circuit
only enough electricity is allowed to pass for operating each recording
instrument. A split circuit or "shunt” is sometimes employed without
an earth connection. In this case the main circuit has in it a resistance,
and the recording instrument is connected to the main line at both sides
of the resistance. If a resistance was not employed in the main line all
the electricity would pass through the same, but the resistance is so
proportioned that the necessary diversion of a portion of each electric
pulsation goes through the instrument.
Second. The transmitting instrument is connected with the main line
and with the earth. In the metallic connection leading to the earth is
Fone battery, the other battery is in a metallic circuit united to the earth
circuit at one side of the instrument, and to the main line at the other
side of the instrument. The batteries are arranged so that the negative
of one is connected to the negative of the other..
I remark that this feature of my Invention is especially adapted to
transmitting instruments in which a strip of perforated paper and a
metallic stylus are employed. When the perforation of the paper
allows the circuits to close, one battery being in the main line sends

page_text: tlie pulsations to the distant station, and the circuit of the other battery
is also completed through the stylus, but does not interfere with the
pulsation in the main line.. When both circuits are broken at the stylus
by the intervening paper both batterics are in the main line, and being
connected as aforesaid neutralizo each other, and thereby prevent the
attenuation of the pulsations, and allow of great rapidity and distinctness
in the pulsations..
7
In order to clear the line of whatever electricity there may be in
excess of what is required for the various receiving instruments a
connection is made to the earth from the main line."
Third. The instrument which I have made for closing the circuit or
transmitting messages in connection with perforated paper consists of a
plain metal roller and a second roller armed with numerous yielding
metallic projections; the paper is drawn through between these rollers,"
and the yielding projections that pass through the perforations close
the circuit..
'
The improved resistance or "rlicostat" is made of a coil of wire
between two metallic heads; and a sliding adjuster is mounted on a
rod insulated at one end, and made with a spring to slide in contact
with the surface of the coil. Where this resistance is used in a branch
and earth connection one wire extends from each end, and according to
the position of the sliding adjuster so there is more or less resistance
according to the length of coil through which the clectricity has to pass
before reaching the said adjuster. When this resistance is employed in
the "shunt" connection two wires are connected to each metallic head,
so as to receive both the main line wires and the wires to the receiving
instrument, thereby the current of the main line is divided, a portion
going by one wire to the recording instrument, and another portion
going through the resistance coil, and thence on the main line.
The improvement in the recording instrument consists in a pen to
which ink is supplied from a fountain or other source, the pen standing
nearly, horizontal, and being vibrated by the electric pulsations in an
electro-magnet. The point of the pen is brought into contact with a
strip of paper drawn over a roller. In this manner permanent ink
marks instead of indentations are made, and there is no risk of the pen
blotting by the rapidity of the vibration, because the same is in nearly
a horizontal position.
i.

page_text: **_ink_fountain may be made of a syringo; so as to facilitate the
filling of the fountain.. Two pens may be employed, and operated by
reversing the circuit, the armature of one pen being a permanent
magnet, and the other soft iron, and these may operate with ono
magnet, or two magnets may be provided.
:
A
In telegraphic instruments it is usual to employ a spring to draw
back the armature of the electro-magnet. I am enabled to employ my
said resistance instrument to regulate with great accuracy the force of a
withdrawing electro-magnet to draw back the armaturo. This resistanco
instrument is to be placed in the circuit of a local battery, or in
circuit to the earth in which carbon and copper or other sources of
positive and negative electricity are buried, and by said resistance
instrument the proper quantity of electricity is passed through the
withdrawing magnet, and the surplus electricity returned to its source.
"
a
:
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent
☐ filed by the said George Little in the Great Seal Patent Office or
the 21st February 1872.
:
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, GEORGE
LITTLE, of Rutherfurd Park, in the State of New Jersey, United States
of America, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Thirtieth day of August, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, in the thirty-
fifth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said George Little, Her special licence that I,
the said George Little, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such-
others as I, the said George Little, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to i
time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed,
should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands,
and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH
APPARATUS, AND CIRCUITS FOR THE SAME," upon the condition (amongst
thers) that I, the said George Little, my executors or administrators,
y an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands 3
•

page_text: and scals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said George Little, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement, reference being made to the annexed Drawing, and
to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say) :-
'
The first part of this Invention relates to an arrangement of electric
circuits, so as to leave copies of the message at. several stations, and
only employ one main telegraph line without local circuits or batteries,.
and the surplus electricity passes from the end of the main line to the
carth, thereby clearing the wire.
The second part of this Invention relates to the arrangement of
galvanic batteries and telegraphic circuits in such relation to the
transmitting instrument that when the transmitting circuit is broken
a reverse circuit is brought into action to clear the line and prevent
the obstruction that sometimes arises in rapid transmission from the
attenuation of one electric pulsation reaching nearly to the next pul-
sation.
The third part of this Invention relates to the apparatus employed
for transmitting the electric pulsations, for regulating the force of the
electric currents, and for recording the message.
First. A single wire is employed for the main line, and the earth
connection for the return circuit. In order to leave a drop copy of the
message at several stations I divert a portion of the current through
each receiving. instrument, and allow the other portion of the current
to proceed on the main line. This is effected by one of the two following
modes: A branch wire and earth connection is employed at each
station, in which branch circuit is placed the instrument and also
a resistance. If a resistance was not employed the pulsations of
electricity would pass by the shortest route through the first branch
circuit, and not reach distant stations, but by the use of a resistance
in this branch circuit only enough electricity is allowed to pass for
operating each recording instrument.

page_text: {.
In Fig. 1 of the Drawing a is the main line, g' the branch circui
connection to the earth, e the resistance, and b, c, the recording instru
ment. The Drawing, illustrates the recording instrument as a stylu
and drum for chemically prepared paper of usual character. My
improved recording instrument is hereafter described, and also my
improved resistance or "rheostat," by means of which the resistanc
may be varied to suit the different stations.
'A' split circuit or shunt is sometimes employed without an earth
connection. In this case the main circuit has in it a resistance, and
the recording instrument is connected to the main line at both sides
of the resistance. If a resistance was not employed in the main line
all the electricity would pass through the same, but the resistance is
so proportioned that the nccessary diversion of a part of each electric
pulsation goes through the instrument.
Fig. 2 illustrates these circuit connections. In the main line a the
resistance e is introduced at each station, and the wires from the main
Jine a to the receiving instrument b, c, connect to the main line at
each side of the resistance; this councction to the main line is shown
as through the metal heads t, u, of the resistance instrument hereafter
described.
Second. The transmitting instrument is connected with the main
line and with the earth. In the metallic connection leading to the
earth is one battery; the other battery is in a metallic circuit, united
to the earth circuit at one side of the instrument, and to the main
line at the other side of the instrument. The batteries are arranged:
so that the negative of one is connected to the negative of the other.
...I remark that this feature of my Invention is especially adapted to
transmitting instruments in which a strip of perforated paper and a
metallic stylus are employed. When the perforation of the paper allows
the circuits to close, one battery being in the main line send the 3
pulsations to the distant station, and the circuit of the other battery
is also completed through the stylus, but does not interfere with the
pulsations in the main line. When both circuits are broken at the
stylus by the intervening paper both batteries are in the main line, and
being connected as aforesaid neutralize each other, and thereby prevent
he attenuation of the pulsations, and allowing of great rapidity and
distinctness in the pulsations.

page_text: In order to clear the line of whatever electricity there may be in
excess of what is required for the various receiving instruments a
☐connection is made to the earth from the main line as at g, Fig. 3,
´ which Figure illustrates this part of my Invention. The main line a,
6 carth connection g, instrument b, c, and batteries e¹, k, aro arranged
as last stated. When the perforation allows the circuit of the battery k
to connect through the stylus c, roll b, wires i, l, to z, the pulsation
passes from said battery k, as well as from the battery e¹; the latter
however has its circuit through the line wire a and earth connection
10 to the distant station, but when the paper intervenes and breaks the
circuits at the stylus c the two batteries c¹, k, are both in the main
circuit g, c, e¹, z, i, l, z, k, c, a, and the opposite polarities of the
batteries neutralize each other and clear the line of surplus clectricity.
The switches 17 and 18 are to be turned into the position shown by
15 dotted lines when the instrument is to be used for receiving instead of
i sending messages.
Third. The instrument which I have made for closing the circuit or
_transmitting messages in connection.with perforated paper consists of
a plain metal roller, and a second roller armed with numerous yielding
20 inetallic projections, the paper is drawn through between these rollers,
and the yielding projections that pass through the perforations close the
circuit.
"
""'
****In Figs. 4 and 5 longitudinal and transverse sections of these rollers
are shown. The roller a³ is plain and supported in the frame b³, c³.
25 The roller f* is also supported in the same frame, and carries the
numerous metal spring projections 2, 2; these may be at the ends of
arms or otherwise made so as to yield. The binding screw &, for the line
wire is in metallic connection with one of the rollers, and the binding
screw e for the battery wire is in metallic connection with the other roller.
30 The improved resistance or rheostat is made of a coil of wire
between two metallic heads, and a sliding adjuster is mounted on a
rod insulated at one end, and made with a spring to slide in contact
with the surface of the coil. Where this resistance is used in a branch
and earth connection one wire extends from each end, and according
35 to the position of the sliding adjuster so there is more or less resistance
according to the length of coil through which the electricity has to
pass before reaching the said adjuster. When this resistanco is employed
in the "shunt" connection two wires are connected to each metallic

page_text: head, so as to receive both the main line wires. and the wires to the
receiving instrument; thereby the current of the main line is divided
a portion going by one wire to the recording instrument, and anothe
portion going through the resistance coil, and thence on the main line
This resistance instrument is shown in section in Figs. 6 and 9, and
in plan Fig. 2. The coils is connected to the metallic heads t, u, and
between these is the rod v, insulated from u. p is the sliding spring
. adjuster that can be moved upon the rod v, and its spring 10 being
in metallic contact with the coils, will regulate the resistance according
to the position of the same. A rack and pinion may be used to move
the adjuster p.
:
The improvement in the recording instrument consists in a pen, to
which ink is supplied from a fountain or other source, tho pen standing
nearly horizontal, and being vibrated by the electric pulsations in an
electro-magnet. The point of the pen is brought into contact with a
strip of paper drawn over a roller. In this manner permanent ink
marks, instead of indentations, are made, and there is no risk of the
pan blotting by the rapidity of the vibration, because the same is in
nearly a horizontal position.
Fig. 8 is a side view of this instrument. The pen wo is attached to
an armature x. I prefer that the said armature be made of a metal
tube, cither iron or steel. The magnet y draws down the pen; the
magnet y' may be employed to lift the same, or a spring might be used,
or the armature made a permanent magnet and lifted by a reverse
current. The paper passes over the roller z¹, and beneath the pen w. 2
The ink fountain has a small tube extending to the pen, in which is
a hole immediately over the pen at 15, and the ink passes from the
fountain to the pen, and as the pen vibrates the ink film is attenuated,
and when the film separates a bubble of air will pass up into the
fountain and allow a fresh supply of ink to flow to the pen. Two pens 30
may be employed and operated by reversing the circuit, the armature
of one pen being a permanent magnet, and thic other soft iron, and
hese may operate with one magnet, or two magnets may be employed.
The ink fountain may be made of a syringe as represented, so as to
acilitate the filling of the fountain.
There are three electro-magnets shown, the middle one supporting
he axis of the armature; this middle helix might be dispensed with,
ud only the iron core retained
35

page_text: In telegraphic instruments it is usual to employ a spring to draw
back the armature of the eléctro-magnet. I am enabled to employ
my said resistance instrumente (Figs. 2 & 0) to regulate with great
accuracy the force of a withdrawing electro-magnet y², to draw back the
5 armature y³, as shown in Fig. 7. This resistance instrument is to be
placed in the circuit of a local battery, or in a circuit to the earth, in
which carbon and copper, or other sources of positive and negative
1. electricity are buried, and by said resistance instrument the proper
quantity of electricity is passed through the withdrawing magnet, and
10 the surplus clectricity returned to its source.
To illustrate my Invention I have shown in Fig. 10 of the Drawing
connections at five different stations marked New York, Trenton,
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington. It is to be understood that at
each station the connections may be changed so as to effect what is
15 effected at other stations; but to avoid complications only one character
of connection is shown at any one station.
The batterics are marked B, and the positive pole c, and at the
negative z. The instruments marked R are adapted to receiving the
message, the electricity passing from a stylus to the chemical paper.
20 The instruments marked T represent transmitters adapted to sending a
message by a strip of perforated paper and a. brush or roller. The
✓ rheostats A are made adjustable, and are substantially such as shown
in Fig. G. The resistance B'₁ is a tube of alcohol and glycerine, and a
movable wire or any other device that can be varied to afford greater
5 or less resistance to the passage of the current. The flexible conductor
and wedge C inserted either way between the poles 2 and 3 of the main
line servo to adapt the station to receiving or transmitting in either
direction on the main line. The galvanometer G is to bo of a delicato
character so as to indicate simply whether there is any charge on the
0 linc, and in that way the receiving and transmitting operators both
know whether the line is in work or not..
The illustration shows that at the Washington station the battery is
connected by the switch S, and the transmitting instrument T is in
operation. At Baltimore a branch circuit connects with the earth; the
resistance B' determines the total quantity of the current; the rheostat
A splits that current, and it is adjusted so that the proper proportion
makes the mark in the chemical paper, and the remainder leaks away
to the earth, thus the operator does not have to vary the resistance. B',

page_text: except in cases where he is taking too much or too little of the entire
current transmitted. If desired to make a second or third copy at
Baltimore of the message the current is still further subdivided to the
second instrument R', the connection to the rheostat A being at the
same points as the wires to the instrument R.
At the station marked Philadelphia the rheostat A can be in the main
Jiné, and the flexible conductor C and wedge can be inserted so as to
receive from either way on the line. The adjuster of the rheostat is
positioned so as to cause the resistance necessary to split the current,
passing a portion thereof through the receiving paper, and thence to the
earth; but if the current passing to the earth is so powerful as not to be
easily controlled by the adjustment of the rheostat, a resistance at B'
may be employed to lessen the current passing to the earth, and this
resistance may be connected with the rheostat as shown, so that there
will be a leakage of surplus current to the earth, even when the receiving
stylus is thrown back.
If the earth circuit is connected between the rheostat and receiving
instrument, as shown by dotted lines, the receiving instrument will be
.in a shunt of the main line, and there will be a constant leakage of
surplus electricity to the earth through a resistance B³.
At the station marked New York the rheostat only serves to divert
the proper current through the receiving instrument, the remainder
leaking away to the earth.
At the station marked Trenton a transmitting instrument is shown,
and when the battery is connected with the same by the switch & the:
current is sent to the main line and branches off, going both ways, aud
the operators at the receiving stations will adjust their rheostats so as to
allow the necessary portion of the current to pass through the chemical
paper, and in so doing there will be a resistance to the entire current
passing through the nearest receiving instrument, therefore the current a
will be dammed back sufficient to cause it to reach one or more stations
at a greater distance.
What I claim as my Invention and desire to secure by Letters
Patent is,--
First. The arrangement of the electric circuits, substantially as set 3
forth, for operating several receiving instruments at different stations by
electrical pulsations on one main line without local battorios.

page_text: Second. The arrangement of two separate batteries and a transmitting
telegraph instrument, substantially as specified for clearing the main
line of surplus electricity.
D
Third. The circuit closing roller armed with numerous yielding pro-
5 jections for the purposes set forth.
Fourth. The resistance instrument or "rheostat " made with a coil
and a sliding adjuster, substantially as set forth.
Fifth. The recording telegraph instrument made with a pen for ink
attached to an armature, and standing nearly horizontal, and actuated
10 by an electro-magnet.
Sixth: The ink fountain applied to and combined with the pen,
armature, and magnet, substantially as set forth.
Seventh. Two or more receiving instruments in one main telegraph
; circuit, and resistance in the main line, so as to divert a portion of the
15 current through the receiving instrument.
Eighth. A connection and resistance between the main line and the
earth for clearing the line of surplus electricity, as set forth.
Nintli. An electro-magnet employed for drawing back the armature
of an electro-magnet, and in combination therewith a resistance instru-
30 ment to regulate the force of such withdrawing magnet, as specified.
Tenth. An adjustable rheostat applied in a circuit between the main
lino and the earth in combination with a receiving telegraph instrument
to regulate the proportion of current passing to the said instrument,
substantially as set forth.
35 Eleventh. A resistance to regulate the entire proportion of electricity
passing over a branch circuit to the earth in combination with an
adjustable rheostat and receiving telegraph instrument, substantially
äs set forth.
Twelfth. A wedge circuit closer and flexible conductors in combination
30 with an adjustable rheostat and receiving telegraph instrument, sub-
stantially as set forth.
Thirteenth. A transmitting instrument connected to a main line,
substantially as specified, so that the current is subdivided, passing in
two opposite directions on the main line to two or more distant receiving
35 stations.

page_text: . Fourteenth. Two circuits each provided with a receiving telegraph
instrument connected to an adjustable rheostat, substantially as and for
the purposes specified.
3
. In witness whereof, I, the said George Little, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Second day of February, A.D. Onc
thousand eight hundred and seventy-two.
Witnesses,
CHAS. H. SMITH,
121, Nassau St., New York,
GEO. T. PINCKNEY,
121, Nassau St., New York.
GEORGE LITTLE. (L.S.)
: