Improvements relating to Electric-bells and to Indicating Apparatus for Use in Connection therewith.
Year: 1888

page_text: [Communicated from abroad by WILLIAM HUMANS, of Cambridge, Massachusetts,
United States of America.]
Improvements relating to Electric-bells and to Indicating Apparatus
for Use in Connection therewith.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
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 :-
The object of this invention is to produce a simple, effective and economical
apparatus for electrical signalling, and the said invention comprises various improve-
ments in apparatus suitable therefor, certain features of the said invention not being
claimed herein, however, as they have been already patented.
Inasmuch as the art of making electric connections between electric apparatus
is well understood by a large number of persons skilled in electrical science, I have
not shown in the accompanying drawings the apparatus connected together electrically
but simply illustrate the construction and operation of the three chief features,
namely (1) the generator for the signalling current, (2) the bell and (3) the
annunciator.
Electricians will readily understand how to arrange these devices and how to
connect them together electrically; and it will be quite plain that the current
generator and the bell may be readily used together without the annunciator, if
desired. However, when the improvements are to be used in large buildings,
factories and inns for example, the annunciator will commonly be combined with
the generator and bell, so that a person in the main office can sec at a glance from
what room the signal is given, the current generators being placed in different rooms
as desired and electrically connected with the bells and annunciator, in a way too
well known to require further mention.
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1 is a cross-section on line x, x of Figure 2.
Figure 2 is a plan and
Figure 3 is a bottom plan with the bottom removed, illustrating one form of
apparatus employed to generate the signalling current.
Figure 4 is a plan illustrating the top case G of this apparatus.
Figure 5 is a detail showing one-half of cover G.

page_text: Figure 6 is a detail showing the handle; its sleeve and one of the gears in side
elevation.
Figure 7 illustrates one part of the washer which surrounds the sleeve of the
handle.
Figure 8 is a diagram for illustration.
Figure 9 is a section, and
Figure 10 a plan of the modified form of this part of my apparatus.
Figure 11 is a plan of one of the bells.
Figure 12 is a section on line a¹, ¹, of Figure 11.
Figure 13 is a similar view to Figure 12 but drawn on a smaller scale to show
the box or case..
Figure 14 shows the 'case on a metal stand the bell parts being adjustable on
the stand.
Figures 15 and 16 show in plan and section one of the instruments with but one
bell instead of two.
t
Figure 17 is a diagram for illustration.
Figure 18 is a modification, and Figures 19, 20, 21 and 22 are details of the electro-
magnetic-bell used in the system and hereinafter explained.
Figure 23 is a front elevation of one of the annunciators which I sometimes use
in connection with my system showing sixteen drops or numbers.
Figure 24 is a side view of one form of drop embodying my invention.
Figure 25 is a rear view, and
Figure 26 a lengthwise section of Figure 24 and shows also a
circuit closer.
circuit and a
Figure 27 is a perspective detail of the armature and its connections, and
Figures 28 and 29 illustrate a modification of the annunciator.
(One feature of my invention comprises a case which is composed of a series of
permanent magnets arranged to form a permanent compound magnet in combination
with an armature arranged within the case, and suitable means for revolving the
armature and connecting its coil with the line wire my device being a substitute
for both the ordinary.push bottoms and the battery now employed with them, for
bells or other signals are operated by my device without the expense and care of
batteries.
In Figures 1 to 10 inclusive the case A of my device is composed of a number of
permanent magnets 1, 2, held together, like pole to like pole (and this although
of the present invention, is not here described or claimed.
Within this case are two pole pieces a, a, which are shown as held in place by
means of the screws a¹ which pass through lugs on each magnet, and also through
the pole pieces and nuts a². The ends of these screws a', project sufficiently to
receive the nuts by which the bottom'a' is held in place, as shown in Figure 9,
in which B is a hoop and G a cover.
The armature B¹ is of the Siemens type, but is also new in its construction, but is
not here claimed the end pieces b, b, being recessed into the armature and held by
cross rods ; and the cross pieces 62, 63 serving to support the journals of the
armature, and being held together by the cross rods ; but neither of these features
is here claimed.
The bridge has upon it a tubular post 6 which is the box or bearing for one
journal of the armature, as clearly shown in Figure 9. This tubular post has a
sleeve upon it to which the gear d is fast, and to which also the shoe of the
crank D is fast. The gear d meshes with pinion d² which is fast to gear d³ 'which
latter gear_meshes with the pinion i on the armature shaft. By this feature of my
invention, I am enabled to make the axis of the crank in line with the axis of. the
-armature, and yet cause the armature to revolve many times for each revolution of
the crank.
One end of the coil on the armature is in electric connection with the armature,
and the other. end with the electrode ƒ; and the électrode is held out of contact with
the electrode by the spring f'; but, of course, is electrically insulated from the

page_text: spring. The line is kept closed and the magneto machine out of line by making
the electrode in the form of a spring with a pressure against the electrode f³; but
when the armature is revolved to induce currents in the line, the pressure of the
fingers on the crank D moves the armature so as to bring the electrode f in contact
with f, and also to break contact between f¹ and 3; thus throwing the currents on
to line, by means of the branch /.
.
In the diagram Figure 8. I have shown two generators and two signals in one,line,
in order to illustrate clearly this feature of my invention which consists in the.com.
bination of the armature coil with the line wire by means of an electrode fast to the
armature, but insulated from it and in electric connection with the armature. coil and
a second electrode connected to line, but out of contact with the insulated electrode
on the armature until the armature is moved endwise, against the force of a spring;
this spring acting to break contact between the armature and line electrodes. as soon
as the armature is left free.
I have shown the crank D hinged to the shoe d' and bearing upon a spindle.q. fast
to the upper journal of the armature, all so arranged that when the fingers are applied
to the crank handle g' the armature will be moved end wise, and thereby the armature
coil be connected to line, by means of the electrodes ff, as above described: The
shape of the handle shown in Figure 1, is especially devised for this purpose.;. for..it
is practically impossible when the handle is shaped as shown to revolve the armature
without pressing it in, and thereby, forcing electrode f against electrode f¹; and also
forcing electrode f¹ away from electrode f³.
The stop d prevents the crank D from moving too far away from shoe d¹.
In Figure 1, I have shown this part of my apparatus constructed to be inserted. in
a recess in the wall of the room, or the like by making a flange g around the top of
the magnetic box or case, this flange being preferably in two parts integral with the
upper magnets 1 and 2 as shown; but it may, of course, be made separate, and
properly secured to the magnetic box or case. This is an important feature of my
invention, the novelty of which resides in a permanent magnet whose component
magnets form a magnetic box or case, and which has a flange, or its equivalent around
one end, whereby it may be fitted into and held in a recess in the wall with its
exposed flanged end nearly flush with the wall. This form of apparatus is especially
desirable, where buildings are to be permanently fitted up with electric signalling
apparatus; for the permanent magnet has heretofore been the bulkiest and most
unsightly part of the magneto instrument, while by my construction the magnet is
mainly or altogether out of sight.
Another feature of my invention consists in recessing the front piece of the
apparatus as shown in Figures 1 and 9; the walls of the recess. serving as a guard to
prevent accidental injury to the crank. I have shown the crank in a recess in the
outer magnets 1, 2, but it will be clear as before that the magnet 1, 2 may be replaced
by a non-magnetic mould board.
That part of my apparatus illustrated in Figures 11 to 22 inclusive relates to the
combination of a magnet and an armature of the well known Siemens type and an
arm which is attached to or moves with the armature; this arm may carry a bell
hammer or may be connected to a lever rod or the like. In Figures 11 to 22
inclusive I show my new combination as used to sound a bell; but it will be clear
that the main feature of my invention is not restricted in this way.
In Figures 11 to 22 A A¹ represent the poles of a magnet
is preferably a permanent magnet.
which for use in a bell
U is an armature of the Siemens pattern, and b, b, are pole pieces, preferably of
soft iron, fast to the poles A A¹, and shaped to correspond with the armature in the
usual way.
The armature is supported on an axis, as will be
without further description, these parts being all well
this art.
clear from the drawings
known to all skilled in
That part of my invention illustrated in Figures 11 to 22 consists mainly.in.combining
with these elements an arm, marked F which projects from the armature. C, or from

page_text: its axis and which is shown in the drawings as a bell hammer; this arm being
reciprocated as reverse currents are sent through the coil of the armature.
+
My invention, illustrated in Figures 11 to 22 further consists in the combination
of, two magnets and two armatures each with a coil around it, these two coils being
in one circuit, one of the armatures adapted to be rotated on its axis and the other
to be oscillated on its axis by the current generated from the first. This combination
is illustrated by the diagram Figure 17, where R' represents a magneto of the
Siemen's type and R represents my new instrument arranged as an electro magnetic
bell with such an instrument the revolution of the armature of R' will give a
rapid vibration to the arm F of the armature of R, sufficient to give a sound fully
equal to that of any electric bell known to me. It will be seen that the distinguishing
character of both these features of my invention is the arm F in combination with
the oscillating armature and its magnet; one advantage being the utilization of very
feeble currents; another being the ready increase of power (to overcome resistance
of the line) by simply adding magnets; and a third being the great simplicity,
cheapness and durability. All other magneto bells known to me, require very
accurate adjustment, and are wholly inoperative with such currents as I use unless the
quantity of wire used be considerably more than is necessary in my instrument;
the increased quantity of wire, increasing the cost and also the resistance. I am in
fact the first so far as I know or believe, to arrange an armature whose pole surfaces
are segments of a cylinder so that these segments stand normally with their angles
and that part of the coil between them next the poles of the magnet, and to move
such an armature on its geometrical axis from its normal position by polarizing it by
the passage of a current through its coil.
I connect the coil on the armature with the line wire by means of a light hair
spring between the line wire and the end of the armature coils substantially as shown
in Figures 15 and 20. In Figure 15 the inner end of the covered wire which forms
the coil of the armature is bared and wound tight upon the cross piece or core of the
armature so as to make a good contact while the outer end of the coil (shown on the
left of Figure 15) is passed through a small hole in an insulating sleeve t on the arbor
of the armature and forms a coil w around that sleeve, the coil being slightly unwound or
relaxed when the armature moves in one direction, and made slightly tense when the
armature moves in the other direction; the outer end of the coil is connected with a
binding post or the like this wire w, for convenience is firmly clamped at k¹, and
a stouter wire leads from ¹ to k; care being taken to make good contact between the
stouter wire and the wire w.
The wire w must be considerably longer than the distance between the clamp ki
and the point where it joins the coil; and while it is preferably in the form of a
coil, as shown it may of course be in the form of an ox how, or any like form
which will permit the armature to move freely on its axis; the main purpose being
to obtain a far better connection than is possible when the armature coil is con-
nected to wire by a bearing spring, as is the ordinary way, for in connections of this
class the spring must bear upon the shaft or upon the metallic sleeve insulated from
the shaft, with such force, as to create considerable friction, and this is wholly
avoided by this feature of my invention, while the current is nowhere compelled to
pass between two surfaces which are constantly rubbing together. It will be clear
that the other end of the armature coil may he connected to line in the same way;
.but I prefer to connect the inner end of the wire to the shaft for as the shaft is
connected by a brass plate to the armature, and as the inner end of the coil is in
contact with the core of the armature as already described, it will be plain that the
shaft is, in substance, for all purposes of passing the current, the inner end of
the coil.
I, prefer that the wires w we shall be in the form of a coil as shown in Figure 15,
or helix as in Figure 20, and that they be reversely curved so that one shall balance
the other accurately.
In Figures 19 and 20 the wires w, w³, are hair springs, and w is fast at its inner
end to a metal sleeve t insulated from the shaft of the armature; while ¹ is fast at

page_text: its inner end to the shaft of the armature; as shown in detail in Figures 19
and 20.
Where two bells are used, as in all the figures 11 to 22, except 15 and 16, each
bell acts as a stop to limit the movement of the arm F; and the bells are therefore
preferably made adjustable by mounting the post you an adjustable base," as clearly
shown in Figures 14, 21 and 22. The bell post is mounted on a lever p; the
position of this lever being readily adjusted by means of the slot p' and a binding
screw, as clearly shown in Figure 14, and Figure 21, which is a section on line 1.
of Figure 14. Or a base with the post fast to it (see Figure 22) may be
held to the bed piece by two screw bolts which pass through a slot in the bed
piece.
To give greater firmness to the bell post, I form a slot o' in the bed piece,
as shown in Figures 14 and 21 and use a second screw by which the lever and
post are firmly clamped to the bed piece.
.
The bell may be used as a stop for the arm F; as distinguished from using a stop
to limit the motion of the armature and a spring wire for the arm, as in common
electro-magnetic bells; that is to say, in all other bells known to me, the blow of the
hammer on the bell takes place after the motion of the armature is stopped, the
momentum of the knob slightly bending the arm in order that the knob may strike
the bell; the adjustment being so nicely made that the knob would never strike the
bell were the arm carrying the knob absolutely rigid; the operation being to arrest
the armature or its arm just before the knob or the arm would strike the bell; and
so that the momentum of that knob springs the arm, thereby giving a short sharp
blow, and the spring of the arm being an essential element; for as tho knob moves
forward against the spring of the arm to strike, it is consequently pulled back by the
spring of the arm, to prevent damping the sound of the bell. This is one of the
nicest adjustments required in the practical manufacture of all such bells known to me,
requiring skilled labor and great care, adding much to the expense of construction,
and being especially liable to get out of order. By limiting the stroke of the
armature by the contact of the knob with the bell, I do away with all this nicety of
adjustment, and also greatly increase the effective force of the blow and yet retract
the knob quickly enough to prevent damping the sound; for the armature in my
device is always in a strong magnetic field, and the action of the current on that
field is quite as rapid as is the spring action of the arm in the ordinary bell.
When but a single bell is used as in Figures 15 and 16, I use a spring m²;
arranged in the path of the arm F; and which is deflected when the arm is moved
away from the bell; and which consequently adds additional force to the blow of the
knob carried by the arm F on the bell. This is fully shown in Figures 15 and 16
where m² is the spring and m' is its adjustable base.
The poles g of the armature shown in Figures 11, 12, 13 and 18 will be prevented
from coming in contact with the pole pieces by the knob of arm F striking the
bells but when for any reason the bells are not in place, and their is no equivalent
stop, these poles y should have brass wire stops t¹ inserted in the usual way; in order
to prevent adhesion to the poles 6 of the magnet.
In practice it is well to use a counter-weight m, especially when the arm fis
horizontal and the axis of the armature is also horizontal.
When set up for use the line is connected by one binding screw k, and this binding
screw is connected to the clamp, which is insulated from the magnet; this
clamp is in electric connection with the wire c, which is insulated from the shaft
of the armature, but in electric connection with one end of the coil of the armature ;
the other end of the armature coil is connected to wire w¹, which is held by clamp k³,
and clamp is electrically connected to binding post k³.
In Figures 15. 16 and 18 I show two magnets, with like pole to like pole, but
forming a parallelogram; while in the other figures the magnets are compounded in
the usual way, one being laid directly on the other.
In Figure 18 the pole pieces form part of the frame by which the armature and its
shaft are supported.

page_text: In Figures 11'to 22 inclusive excepting Figure 18, I show the magnets in a case;
but in Figures 15 and 16 and also in Figure 18, I show imperfectly a valuable novelty
of construction, to wit; making the magnets themselves so as to form the case; but
I do not lay any claim to this..
I am aware of the United States Patent to Weston, No. 301,028, dated June 24,
1884, and disclaim all that is shown, in that patent, for it will be seen that the
armature described in that patent is radically unlike that used by me in that it has
'a series of coils connected in a well known way to the segments of the commutator,
while my armature has a single coil, forming a portion of the circuit.
I am also aware of the magneto induction key, described in Prescott's Electricity
and the Electric Telegraph, page 503, and disclaim all therein shown.
I am also aware of United States Patents to Gary No. 240,692, and 240,693, dated
April 26, 1881'; also No. 250,042, dated November 22 1881; but in these patents,
the armature with its coil is made fast to a rod, which rod is mounted on an axis so
that the armature does not move at all upon its own axis but moves bodily with the
rod towards and from the poles of the magnet.
I am also aware of the United States Patent to Watson No. 233,899 dated
November 2, 1880, in which a polarized armature is shown polarized by means of a
permanent magnet, but its poles are not cylindrical nor does it carry a coil, nor is it
in any respect like the armature of my instrument except in its function of causing
the bell hammer to strike the bell. My instrument differs from all other signals and
call-bells with polarized armatures not only in that it is more compact and simple
(consisting of only three elements combined with the bell and its hammer or other
signal, viz. the permanent magnet, polarized armature and its coil instead of four as
in Watson, viz., the polarized armature, the permanent magnet the coil and the core
of the electro magnet) but also in that the magnetic attraction and repulsion is
exerted to vastly more advantage upon my cylindrical armature B1 placed between the
poles of the permanent magnet than it can be upon an armature which extends across
the poles as in the ordinary call-bells, and also in the instrument shown in the Gary
patents. This is indeed the main difference between my instrument and all others
and upon this difference depends the very great advantages of my instrument over all
signalling instruments known to me.
"
Another part of my apparatus is illustrated in Figures 23 to 29 inclusive, and my
invention herein embodied relates to annunciators, which may, as I have said above,
be used either with or without the apparatus hereinafter described, although it will
ordinarily be used in combination with that apparatus and thus form a very simple
and complete system of electrical signalling.
Annunciators are usually made in one of three ways; viz. the number is upon a
stationary plate and there is a cover in front of the number, which cover is held in
that position until opened by the index of the armature, the removal of the cover
disclosing the number; the cover is then replaced by hand or by some appropriate
meclianism commonly called a drop raiser. Secondly. The index carriers a piece of
sheet material with the number-upon it, and is so arranged with relation to a cover
that the number is visible when in one position and not visible when in another
position this being the converse of the first way that is in the first way the cover
is moved to disclose the stationary number, while in the second way the cover is
stationary and the number is moved in order to become disclosed. The third way is
to use the index simply to call attention to the number.
My invention so far as it relates to annunciators is of course applicable in
annunciators on all these plans, but I have shown it in Figures 23 to 26 as applied to
cause the cover to move in order to disclose the number and in Figures 27, 28 and 29
as applied to cause the number to move either behind a cover with suitable apertures;
or simply as an index, as in the third way above mentioned.
In Figures 23 to 29 inclusive A is a magnet, and a its armature; the armature
being mounted on its axis, as clearly shown in Figures 24, 25 and 26. The armature
is preferably constructed as described in my United States Patent No. 375,750 dated
January 3rd 1888; but as it may be constructed in the usual-way; familiar to all

page_text: skilled electricians it is not necessary to describe it in detail. The frame which
supports the armature is made up of the cross pieces b, b', which are connected by
the rods ; thereby making the armature and its supporting frame, so that the
whole can be readily inserted between the poles of the magnet, the head b¹ centring
one end of the armature, and the connection being completed by inserting the cross
piece in the recesses in the poles of the magnet. This makes a simple and
exceedingly cheap and durable device, which can be readily put together with
extreme accuracy by ordinary workmen; and this combination of an armature with
its magnet by means of the cross-pieces b, connected by the rods 62, constitutes.one
feature of my invention.
The cross piece or head 6 has cars upon it which serve as bearings for the index D),
which in Figures 23 to 29 both inclusive, is a lever, the inner end of which is in a
groove in the end piece d of the armature; and the outer end of which is a latch
which holds the cover F in place.
The index D is adjusted in this form of my drop, by the light spring d¹ which is
carried by the block d' and this block is adjustable by the set screw d³ See
Figure 24.
The index D extends through a slot in the neutral portion of the magnet as shown
in Figure 26. I prefer to make a double catch on the index and on the cover F so
that in case the armature shall be attracted to either side, the cover will be held up by
the catch. The spring d¹ and this double catch are precautionary for obviously a
counterweight on the lever or on the armature will answer instead; but where feeble.
alternating currents are to be used, counterweights and springs are undesirable, and
in such cases the double catch is important.
:
In Figures 28 and 29 the index D is in one piece with the end piece d, but the
construction is otherwise the same as that above described.
Another feature of this part of my invention relates to the connections between the
armature coil and line and consists in carrying one end of the coil to the insulating
block which is firmly attached to the cross piece band the magnet A, and has a
wire secured to it, which is held in contact with the end of the wire from the coil
by the screw (which is of course out of contact with the magnet A). The other
end of the wire from the coil is in electrical connection with the cross piece b. The
springs are attached to the wooden shelves H of the casing of the annunciator
and are electrically connected to the line wire. Consequently when the armature and
its supporting frame are put in place between the legs of the magnet, one spring 2
will bear upon the electrode and the other spring f³ will bear upon the end of the
cross piece b, as clearly shown in Figure 26; and thus the armature coil will be
connected to line in a very simple and perfect manner.
The packing together of a series of my drops, as shown in Figure 23 with like poles
to like poles, makes one compound magnet of all the drops, and thus increases the
magnetic energy of the magnet of each drop.;.thereby considerably increasing the
efficiency of each drop; and making each sensitive to very feeble currents.
The part G to which the cover F is hinged is shown as secured to the shelves. H but
may of course be secured only to the magnet A. In Figure 26 it is shown secured
to the magnet by lips g which are bent into a recess in the magnet.
It will be observed that when the armature and its frame are supported by the
magnet as clearly shown in Figures 24, 25, and 28, the device is very compact and.
strong and a number of them can be readily packed together, or arranged upon a back
board. I have shown the index finger at right angles to the axis of the arinature,
but that is not essential as will be clear to all familiar with this art.
The tablet J in Figures 23 to 26 inclusive, is inserted in a'recess formed in the
magnet, and covered by the front.G.; and is pressed forward close against the rear
surface of front G, by the spring. This is in order that the tablets may be shifted
readily, and constitutes a feature of my invention.
:
The operation is as follows: The-battery-circuit-shown in Figure 26 is kept open
normally and closed by the ordinary push bottom, too well known to require
description.

page_text: When the current passes, the bell shown in Figure 26 sounds and the lever D is
moved by the partial rotation of the armature on its axis, unlatching door which
discloses the number of the room as indicated in Figure 28. In Figure 26, the door
remains open until closed by the attendant and caught again by the latch on the end
of the lever D. In Figures 28 and 29 the armature may be operated by alter-
nating currents and may stand normally as shown in Figure 28 or it may be
moved in one direction by making the battery circuit and returned by the usual
drop raiser.
The operation of the various parts of the apparatus embodying my invention and
used by me in my new system will be readily understood by electricians and it is to
be understood that the current generating apparatus and the bell, may be used without
the annunciator if desired and that the current generating apparatus, the signalling
apparatus and the announcing apparatus or annunciator may be readily electrically
connected in ways too well-known to electricians to require explanation.
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 correspondent I declare that what I claim is :-
11
First. In combination with the armature coil a magneto machine and the line, an
electrode on, but insulated from, the armature, a second electrode connected with the
line, and a spring by which the two electrodes are held out of contact until the
armature is moved against the force of that spring substantially as described.
Second. In a magneto-machine, the crank Ď in combination with shoe d¹ and
armature B, whereby when the crank is turned the armature is moved endwise as
well as revolved substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Third. In a magneto-machine in combination, the crank, the armature, gear d,
pinion d², gear d³ and the armature pinion, the axis of the gear d and of the arinature
pinion being coincident with the axis of the crank and armature, all substantially as
described.
Fourth. A magneto-machine, whose body is formed of magnets arranged together
substantially as shown, closed at the ends by covers, and with the armature and pole
pieces within the case so formed, all substantially as described.
Fifth. In combination the armature having the surface of its poles cylindrical, its
coil between its cylindrical pole surfaces, its shaft coincident with the geometrical axis
of the cylindrical surfaces of the armature; an arm fast in relation to the armature, a
permanent magnet, and a circuit of which the armature coil forms a part; the
armature standing normally with the angles of its segmental pole pieces and that part
of the coil between them next the poles of the magnet, and moving to one or the other
side of its normal position according to the direction of the current through its coil,
all substantially as described.
Sixth. The electro-magnetic bell, above described, consisting of the permanent
magnet; the armature with its pole surfaces cylindrical; its shaft coincident with
the geometrical axis of the cylindrical surfaces of the armature; its coil between
its poles; the arm F and one or more bells combined together substantially as
shown.
Seventh. An annunciator having a series of permanent magnets arranged with like
pole to like poles of the neighbouring magnets, the magnets being substantially
uniform in size and shape and each magnet having its armature arranged within and
supported by it, substantially as described.