IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRICAL SIGNALLING APPARATUS, AND IN METHODS OF TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING SIGNALS ELECTRICALLY communicated him
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills of the firm of Harris
and Mills of 23 Southampton Buildings in the County of Middlesex Patent
Agent for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRICAL SIGNALLING
APPARATUS, AND IN METHODS OF TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING SIGNALS
ELECTRICALLY communicated to him from abroad by James Urquhart
Mackenzie, Electrician of the City County and State of New York, in the
United States of America
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard
Mills at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th April 1883.
BENJAMIN JOSEPH BARNARD MILLS of the firm of Harris and Mills of
23 Southampton Buildings in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent IMPROVE-
MENTS IN ELECTRICAL SIGNALLING APPARATUS, AND IN METHODS OF TRANSMITTING
AND RECEIVING SIGNALS ELECTRICALLY A Communication to me from abroad by
James Urquhart Mackenzie, Electrician, of the City County and State of New
York in the United States of America
The object of one part of this invention is to produce means for transmitting
signals electrically which will be simple cheap, compact and durable in construction
aud reliable in operation.
The features of the invention are applicable to signal boxes of various con-
structions, working with the circuit either closed or open normally; to those
adapted to transmit any one of a number of signals forming a code, as well as to
boxes transmitting a fixed signal as well as any one of a code of signals.
The character of receiving apparatus will depend upon the use to which the
signal box is put. It may be employed with any suitable apparatus for receiving
signals electrically, such as with a chemical or embossing register or with an
electric visual indicator, with or without a bell connection as desired.
The signal box is adapted for a large number of uses, such as for all systems of
code telegraphy, private line systems, bell signalling systems, telephone calls, fire
telegraphs, district telegraphy, police signalling, hotel annunciators and so forth.
•
R

page_text: The signal box is provided with one or more revolving spindles or contact
carriers
The spindle (or each spindle if there are two or more) is provided with a number
of projecting contacts.
These contacts are discs or rings, cut away more or less on their edges, and
secured upon the spindle so as to present more or less contacts in the path of a
moving contact spring according to the adjustment of the spindle.
If there are two or more of these spindles or revolving contact carriers, they
The box is
will be arranged side by side and not in line with each other.
provided with one or more character cylinders according to the number of contact
spindles.
Each character cylinder is mounted directly upon a contact spindle or is
operated by it through cog wheels or otherwise. The character cylinders carry
numbers, letters, words or characters of any desired kind, each being a distinct
signal or service, and all forming a code, or where there are a number of character
cylinders provided with numbers, the cylinders may represent units, tens, hundreds
and so forth. Each cylinder is placed opposite an opening in the enclosing case,
through which one character or word only can be seen.
The contact spindle projects through the case and is provided with a milled head
by which it can be turned. Or, where the character cylinder is on a separate
spindle connected with the contact spindle, the spindle of the character cylinder
may be provided with the milled head for adjusting the parts.
Upon each contact spindle, preferably within the case, is secured a toothed wheel,
with which engages a tooth on a spring.
This spring regulates the movement of the spindle and may serve also to connect
the spindle through one or more strips or wires with one binding post, the spindle
or spindles being mounted in or upon insulating supports.
There is provided in connection with each contact spindle, a circuit closing block,
arranged in the path of the moving contact spring and mounted upon an insulating
support.
This block is arranged in the path of the moving contact spring after or before
the contacts carried by the spindle. It is used to begin or finish alternate signals,
by a prolonged closure or opening of the circuit.
It is brought into circuit by being connected with the spindle. This is done by
means of a spring engaging with the teeth of a wheel on the spindle for alternate
signals and resting clear of such wheel between the teeth of the same for the other
signals.
The box is provided with one or more moving contact springs according to the
number of contact spindles. A shaft is provided arranged at right angles to the
contact spindle or spindles, which shaft is given one revolution at each operation
of a clock train. The train is prevented from movement by the engagement of the
operating sector with a stop. This operating sector is moved by a handle as usual
and winds up the spring to the same extent that it runs down at each operation.
The shaft operated by the train carries one or more rigid arms having contact
springs travelling over the spindle contacts. Each of these springs is secured to
the arm and bent forward away from the arm and then backward across the end
On the
of the arm, its end being bent outwardly to form a contact point.
end of the arm is a screw which passes loosely through the spring. This screw
guides the spring contact, preventing the movement of the same in all directions
except one; and by turning it the spring contact can be properly adjusted to the
stationary contacts.
Where there are a number of the revolving contact arms, they are arranged on
the shaft at different points of a circle, so that they will operate in succession or
progressively, one contact spring leaving the last contact before the next spring is
brought into operation.
One binding post as has already been intimated is connected with the contact

page_text: spindles; the other binding post is connected with the contact arms through the
metallic base or frame.
As so far described, the box is adapted for transmitting variable signals only.
For many purposes it is also desirable that it should transmit a fixed signal at
each operation indicating the number of the box or station, or other signal to
designate the point from which the signal is sent.
For this purpose a stationary segment is mounted upon an insulating support
and connected by a strip or wire with the same binding post that the contact
spindles are connected with.
This segment is cut with proper teeth or spaces to give the fixed signal and it
may be arranged to be brought into operation before or after the spindle contacts.
This fixed segment may be arranged in the path of a contact spring which acts
upon the contacts of a spindle, or a separate contact arm and spring may be
employed for the segment.
The box will be arranged to send the fixed signal with each of the variable or
code signals and it may also be arranged for sending the fixed signal alone which
can be one of the signals of the code.
This can be done by cutting away all the spindle contacts on one line, so that
when the spindles are adjusted to a certain position none of the spindle contacts
will be touched by the moving spring contacts.
It may be here observed that for fire or police telegraphs, it will be desirable to
lock from public access all parts of the box except the operating handle. The
proper authorities will however have keys giving access to the adjusting devices to
adjust the box for sending code signals.
Heretofore in fire or police telegraphs it has been found necessary to employ in
addition to the line for giving the fire or police signal, which is used by the public,
a separate line by which the policeman or fireman or other authorized person
may communicate with a central office or station by telephone, bell signals or
telegraph or printing instruments; but by the use of this box the extra line may
be dispensed with and the signals can be sent by adjusting the box in accordance
with an understood code.
Another part of the invention relates to a method of transmitting and recording
numerical signals electrically the same consisting of a new code of characters
whereby the time required for the reception of the longest signals will be but
slightly greater than required for receiving tho shortest signal; and for this reason
great economy will result in the saving of time, in the saving of paper when a
registering apparatus is employed, and in the construction of the line, since a much
larger number of signal boxes can be placed in one circuit than heretofore, with no
greater liability of the interference of signals.
Heretofore two systems or codes of numerical signals have been used. One
code cousists of dots representing the number of the box, this number being
transmitted once, twice or more times according to the signal desired to be sent.
In that system the number 25 is represented by two dots, a space and five dots.
This would be the number of the box. For service number 3, these dots would be
repeated three times thus
-->
The other system or code consists of dots representing the number of the box,
and dashes representing the signal number. For box N° 25 and service N° 3 two
dots, a space, five dots, a space, and three dashes would be transmitted thus
By this invention, dots and dashes are employed, each dot representing two,
and each dash one. An even number would consist wholly of dots, while an odd
number would consist of a dash or would have in addition to the dots, a dash,
which would preferably precede or follow the dot or dots.
For box No 25 and service N° 3 the box would transmit a dot, a space, a dash
two dots, a space, a dash, and a dot, thus
This code is adapted for
all numerical signals and posseses the advantages before set forth. It also
-
•

page_text: possesses a further advantage in that the numbers represented by the characters
could be distinguished at a glance without counting the dots and dashes, while
with the codes heretofore used this is not possible.
It is well understood that a character consisting of more than seven dots or
dashes cannot be distinguished except by counting.
Some persons cannot distinguish more than five dots or dashes. By the systems
heretofore used, the number 9 would be represented by nine dots or dashes.
These would have to be counted.
By this invention the number 9 would be represented by a dash and four dots
or by four dots and a dash, or the dash might be between dots. This number
could be easily distinguished at a glance.
The signal box before described is well adapted for transmitting this code of
signals. It is preferred to use for the receiving apparatus with this code of
numerical signals, either a chemical or embossing register, although a sounder
might be used either alone or with a register.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 10th October 1883.
BENJAMIN JOSEPH BARNARD MILLS of the firm of Harris & Mills of
23 Southampton Buildings in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN ELECTRICAL SIGNALLING APPARATUS AND IN METHODS OF TRANSMITTING
AND RECEIVING SIGNALS ELECTRICALLY." A Communication to me from abroad by
James Urquhart Mackenzie, Electrician, of the City, County and State of New
York in the United States of America
The object of one part of this invention is to produce means for transmitting
signals electrically, which will be simple, cheap, compact and durable in construction,
and reliable in operation.
The features of the invention are applicable to signal boxes of various
constructions, working with the circuit either closed or open normally to those
adapted to transmit any one of a number of signals forming a code, as well
as to boxes transmitting a fixed signal as well as any one of a code of signals,
The character of receiving apparatus will depend upon the use to which the
signal box is put. It may be employed with any suitable apparatus for
receiving signals electrically, such, as with a chemical or embossing register,
or with an electrical visual indicator, with or without a bell connection as
desired.
The signal box is adapted for a large number of uses, such as for all systems
of code telegraphy, private line systems, bell signalling systems, telephone calls,
fire telegraphs, district telegraphy, police signalling, hotel annunciators and so
forth.
The signal box is provided with one or more revolving spindles or contact
carriers.
The spindle (or each spindle if there are two or more) is provided with a number
of projecting contacts.
These contacts are discs or rings cut away more or less on their edges on
concave lines and secured upon the spindle so as to present more or less contacts
in the circular path of a moving contact spring according to the adjustment of the
spindle.
Or the contacts may be in the form of a cylinder, secured upon or forming part
of the spindle, and cut away to produce contacts similar to those produced by the
discs or rings. If there are two or more of these spindles or revolving contact
carriers, they will be arranged side by side, and not in line with each other. The
box is provided with one or more character cylinders according to the number of
contact spindles. Each character cylinder is mounted directly upon a contact
spindle or is operated by it through cog wheels or otherwise. The character
cylinders carry numbers, letters, words or characters of any desired kind each
being a distinct signal or service and all forming a code, or where there are a
number of character cylinders, provided with numbers, the cylinders may represent
units, tens, hundreds and so forth.
Each cylinder is placed opposite an opening in the inclosing case, through which
one character or word only can be seen.
The contact spindle projects through the case and is provided with a milled
head, by which it can be turned. Or where the character cylinder is on a separate
spindle connected with the contact spindle the spindle of the character cylinder.
may be provided with the milled head for adjusting the parts.

page_text: Upon each contact spindle, preferably within the case is secured a toothed
wheel with which engages a tooth on a spring. This spring regulates the
movement of the spindle and may serve also to connect the spindle through one or
more strips or wires with one binding post, the spindle or spindles being mounted
in or upon insulating supports.
The toothed spring and the wheel are preferably so constructed that the contact
spindle may be turned in either direction.
There is provided in connection with each contact spindle, a circuit closing block
arranged in the path of the moving contact spring, and mounted upon an insulating
support.
This block is arranged in the path of the moving contact spring after or before
the contacts carried by the spindle. It is used to begin or finish alternate signals
by a prolonged closure or opening of the circuit.
It is brought into circuit by being connected with the spindle. This is done by
means of a spring engaging with the teeth of a wheel on the spindle for alternate
signals, and resting clear of such wheel between the teeth of the same for the
other signals.
This block however and the connecting spring and wheel can be dispensed with
and the prolonged opening or closing of the circuit for alternate signals can be
produced by providing the contact spindles with the additional contacts or spaces
for this purpose.
The box is provided with one or more moving contact springs according to the
number of contact spindles. A shaft is provided, arranged at right angles to the
contact spindle or spindles, which shaft is given one revolution at each operation of
a clock train.
The train is prevented from movement by the engagement of the operating
handle, or sector or wheel, with a stop. This operating sector or wheel is moved
by a handle as usual and winds up the spring to the same extent that it runs down
at each operation.
The shaft operated by the train carries one or more rigid arms, having contact
springs travelling over the spindle contacts. Each of these springs is secured to
the arm and bent forward away from the arm, and then backward across the end
of the arm, its end being bent outwardly to form a contact point. On the end of
the arm is a screw, which passes loosely through the spring. This screw guides
the spring contact, preventing the movement of the same in all directions except
one; and by turning it the spring contact can be properly adjusted to the stationary
contacts.
Where there are a number of the revolving contact arms, they are arranged on
the shaft at different points of a circle so that they will operate in succession or
progressively, one contact spring leaving the last contact before the next spring is
brought into operation.
One binding post, as has already been intimated, is connected with the contact
spindles; the other binding post is connected with the contact arms through the
metallic base or frame.
As so far described the box is adapted for transmitting variable signals only.
For many purposes, it is also desirable that it should transmit a fixed signal at
each operation, indicating the number of the box, or station, or other signal, to
designate the point from which the signal is sent.
For this purpose, a stationary segment is mounted upon an insulating support
and connected by a strip or wire with the same binding post that the contact
spindles are connected with.
"
This segment.is cut with proper teeth or spaces to give the fixed signal, and it
may be arranged to be brought into operation before or after the spindle contacts.
This fixed segment may be arranged in the path of a contact spring which acts
upon the contacts of a spindle, or a separate contact arm and spring may be
employed for the segment.
•
•
The box will be arranged to send the fixed signal with each of the variable or

page_text: code signals, and it may also be arranged for sending the fixed signal alone, which
can be one of the signals of the code. This can be done by cutting away all the
spindle contacts on one line, so that when the spindles are adjusted to a certain
position none of the spindle contacts will be touched by the moving spring
contacts.
Instead of a separate segment for the fixed signal, which however is preferred,
the contact spindle if there is but one or the first or last contact spindle if there
are two or more may be provided with contacts and spaces to produce the fixed
signal, and these contacts and spaces would extend entirely around the spindle so
as to produce the fixed signal with each signal for which the contact spindle or
spindles may be adjusted.
The signal boxes may be provided with a feature heretofore employed in signal
boxes, namely an electro magnetic bell operated by a current thrown upon the line
from the receiving station after the signal has been received, notifying the sender
of that fact. The magnet releases the bell hammer and cuts itself out of circuit,
it being again thrown into circuit and the bell hammer being thrown back and
locked by the act of moving the operating handle of the box.
The principal features of construction of the apparatus for transmitting signals
electrically are embodied in the signal boxes illustrated in the drawing in which
Figure 1 is an external view of a box:
Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are views of the mechanism of this same box, which is
an open circuit box adapted to transmit variable signals only:
Figures 7, 8, and 9 are views of a closed circuit box, adapted to transmit
a fixed signal as well as variable signals:
Figures 10, 11 and 12 are views of a box with but one contact spindle and
having the additional feature of the bell mechanism :—
With reference more especially to Figures 1 to 6 inclusive.
A is the case of the box having the openings shown, through which the signal
for which the box is set may be seen. B B' B are contact spindles arranged side
by side parallel with each other within the box. These spindles project through
the box and are provided with milled heads a by which they are adjusted.
CCC are the character cylinders, which are shown as carried by the contact
spindles. These cylinders are inclosed within the case A and carry the numbers.
or other characters of which the variable signals are composed.
Each spindle carries a number of contacts b, which are arranged so that the
adjustment of the spindle axially will bring more or less of them into the path of
a moving contact arm, and since the contact arm describes a circle the contacts
are formed on the same circle. Each contact spindle also has a toothed wheel c
with which engages a toothed spring c¹. The wheel c has a notch for each adjust-
ment of the spindle, and these notches and the toothed spring are preferably
constructed as shown in Figure 6 so that the spindle can be turned in either
direction.
The contact spindles are mounted in insulating supports, and are connected
with the binding post or screw D by the springs c¹, which are connected by a strip
or wire running to such binding post. The wheels c and springs c¹ not only
regulate and determine the adjustment of the contact spindles, but, by their
frictional contact, keep good the electrical connection of the spindles with the
binding post D. Extra springs bearing on the plain stems of the spindles may
also be employed to improve the connection. In the path of each contact arm, is
a block E for producing a prolonged closure of the circuit for alternate signals.
These blocks are mounted upon insulating supports and have each a spring d
making contact with the teeth of a wheel d' on the corresponding contact spindle.
There are half as many teeth on each wheel d' as there are adjustments for each
contact spindle, the spring & resting in the spaces between the teeth for alternate
signals and in contact with the teeth as shown in figure 5, for the other signals
the blocks being in circuit for alternate signals only.
F, is a shaft arranged at right angles to the contact spindles and extending.
-

page_text: across the box back of such spindles. This shaft is given a revolving movement
by a spring-operated mechanism. G is the operating handle, which being thrown
forward winds up the spring G³ to the same extent that it runs down each time.
The movement which the mechanism is permitted to make gives the shaft F one
complete revolution at each operation as will be well understood. The speed of
the spring mechanism is controlled by an escapement bob e, so that the box will
work properly in connection with the receiving apparatus.
Upon the shaft F are secured three contact arms H arranged at different points
of a circle, and carrying each contact spring f. This spring fis secured to the
arm at its end and is bent forward away from the arm and then backward across
the end of the arm, its end being bent outwardly to form a contact point. An
adjusting and guiding screw f' passes loosely through this spring and enters the
end of the arm.
The points of the springs ƒ describe circles and touch the spindle contacts b and
blocks E in their movement.
This however is done progressively, the contacts of one spindle and the corre-
sponding block being passed over before the spring of the next contact arm reaches
the contacts of its spindle. The shaft F is journalled in the metallic frame G³ of
the spring mechanism, and with this frame is connected the second binding post or
screw D¹. The box is connected in circuit with the receiving instrument by the
wires 1, 2. As constructed each contact spindle with its block E is adapted to
produce ten different signals, but of course this number can be varied as desired.
By adjusting the contact spindles, any number of signals within the capacity of
the box can be produced. Thus with the box shown, one thousand different
signals can be produced. It will be seen that the circuit will be completed when
a contact spring touches one of the contacts. The circuit is from the post D by
stripe and spring c¹ to wheel c and its spindle, through the contact b to the
contact spring touching it, to contact arm H shaft F frame G and post D¹.
The box is an open circuit box-the circuit being normally open and it is
adapted to produce variable signals only.
-
A closed circuit box and one adapted to transmit a fixed signal as well as any
one of a number of variable signals is illustrated in Figures 7, 8 and 9 to which
reference is now particularly made.
This box has all the elements of the box first described and is in every respect
like that box with the exceptions now to be noted.
In addition to the adjustable contact spindles the box is provided with a
stationary segment I, which is connected by wire c with the binding post D the
same as are the contact spindles. This stationary segment is provided with
contacts or spaces 6' representing a fixed-signal which may be, for instance, the
number or other designation of the box. This segment is in the path described by
the spring of an extra contact arm H¹ secured to the revolving shaft F.
The segment I is adapted to be acted upon before any of the spindle contacts.
To make the box a closed circuit box, the segment I has a projection g upon which
the spring of arm H' rests normally or while the box is at rest, thus completing
the circuit through the box.
Another difference over the box first described, is the location of the blocks E
before instead of after the spindle contacts. This however is a matter of choice
the change not affecting the operation of the box, otherwise than bringing the
prolonged closing or opening of the circuit for the alternate siguals at the beginning
instead of at the end of the divisions of the signals. The spindle contacts of this
box are cut away on one line so that the box can be adjusted to send the fixed
signal alone or in connection with any one of the variable signals.
A box provided with but one adjustable contact spindle and character cylinder,
and having other peculiarities is shown in figures 10, 11 and 12, to which reference
is now particularly made.
This box is shown as a closed circuit box and it is provided with an insulated
stationary segment I for giving a fixed signal at each operation of the box.

page_text: One insulated contact arm H is employed; it passes over the contacts of the
stationary segment I as well as those of the contact spindle B. The spindle
contacts b are formed in a solid cylinder as shown.
The surface of this cylinder is shown laid out in figure 12, the solid black
portions being spaces or depressions.
The contact cylinder is located between the ends of the stationary segment, the
segment and cylinder forming a complete circle, with the exception of break g
between one end of the segment and the cylinder which break forms one of the
signal spaces. As shown the spindle can be adjusted for any one of ten signals but
it is evident that this number can be changed as desired.
No block E is used to produce a prolonged opening or closure of the circuit for
alternate signals, since this is provided for in the construction of the spindle contacts.
The spring c' is secured to the stationary segment I and bears on the wheel c of
the contact spindle.
The character cylinder is arranged parallel with the contact spindle and is
connected therewith by cog wheels as shown.
It carries upon it the services for which the box is intended and these will
appear singly at an opening, showing the sevice for which the box is adjusted.
K is a bell preferably arranged within the shell; its hammer is attached to a
pivotted lever K' and is thrown forward by a spring (not shown) arranged around
the pivotting pin. The lever K' has a tail h by which the hammer is thrown back
by an arm moved by the operating handle of the box.
This lever also has a head h³ with which engages the hooked end of the armature
lever of an electro magnet L to lock the hammer back. Two shunt closing
springs kk' are forced together when the hammer lever K¹ is released and moves
forward, and these springs are allowed to separate when the hammer is locked back.
The circuit connections of the box are as follows.―
From the insulated screw D, a wire 2 runs to the shunt spring k and on through
the magnet L to the point l.
Another wire 3 extends from the second shunt spring k' to the point 6, the two
wires 2 and 3 being joined at that point. The wire 3 forms a shunt around the
magnet L when the springs kk¹ are in contact.
From a wire 4 extends to the insulated segment I. The insulated contact
spindle is connected with I by wheel and spring c c' as before explained, and the
circuit is completed at one of the contacts of the segment or spindle through the.
contact spring, the arm, and shaft, to the frame and the second binding screw D¹.
The operation of the contacts and moving arm will be understood from the
foregoing explanations.
It now remains to explain the operation of the electro magnetic bell.
When the box is not in operation, the parts will be in the position shown in
figure 11, the hammer being thrown forward and the shunt around the magnet
being closed by the forcing together of springs kk. The movement of the operating
handle G to start the box, throws the bell hammer back until it is locked by the
armature lever, and the springs k k are allowed to separate breaking the shunt
and throwing the magnet coils into line. The retractile spring is strained to such
an extent that the magnet does not attract the armature while the signal is being
sent, After the signal is received, a stronger current is thrown upon the line,
causing the magnet to attract its armature and release the bell hammer. The bell
sounds and the springs k k are forced together, closing the shunt around the
magnet and cutting it out of circuit.
The signal boxes described possess many advantages over those set forth in
Patent No 3346 of 1881, being more certain in their action, less liable to get out
of order and more simple and compact in construction.
Another feature of the invention relates to the use of the signal boxes before
described, or those operating upon the same principle, for fire and police telegraphy,
the box being used to transmit the alarm and also to communicate with the station
or stations to which the line runs by means of a code formed of the variable signals

page_text: for which the box can be adjusted. But one line will be used and both classes of
signals will be transmitted over the same line.
It will be desirable to lock from public access all parts of the box except the
operating handle. The proper authorities will however have keys giving access to
the adjusting devices, to adjust the box for sending code signals.
Heretofore in fire or police telegraphs, it has been found necessary to employ in
addition to the line for giving the fire or police signal, which is used by the public,
a separate line by which the policeman or fireman, or other authorized person may
communicate with a central office or station by telephone, bell signals or telegraph
or printing instruments; but by the use of this box the extra line may be dispensed
with and the signals can be sent by adjusting the box in accordance with an
understood code.
Another part of the invention relates to a method of transmitting and receiving
numerical signals electrically, the same consisting of a new code of characters,
whereby the time required for the reception of the longest signal will be but
slightly greater than required for receiving the shortest signal: and for this reason
great economy will result, in the saving of time, in the saving of paper when a
registering apparatus is employed, and in the construction of the line since a much
larger number of signal boxes can be placed in one circuit than heretofore with no
greater liability of the interference of signals.
Heretofore two systems or codes of numerical signals have been used. One
code consists of dots representing the number of the box, this number being
transmitted once, twice or more times according to the sigual desired to be sent.
In that system the number 25 is represented by two dots a space and five dots.
This would be the number of the box. For service number three, these dots
would be repeated three times, thus ;
The other system or code consists of dots representing the number of the box,
and dashes representing the signal number.
For box N° 25 and service Ñ° 3 two dots, a space, five dots, a space and three
dashes would be transmitted thus;
-->>
--
The dashes taking as long to make each as at least three dots, this system would
be especially defective for a large number of services.
By this invention, dots and dashes are employed, each dot representing two
and each dash one. An even number would consist wholly of dots, while an odd
number would consist of a dash, or would have, in addition to the dots, a dash,
which would preferably precede or follow the dot or dots. The minimum number
of dashes is employed.
For box N° 25 and service N° 3, the box would transmit a dot, a space, a dash,
two dots a space, a dash and a dot thus ;
This code is adapted for all numerical signals, and possesses the advantages
before set forth.
It also possesses a further advantage, in that the numbers represented by the
characters could be distinguished at a glance without counting the dots and dashes,
while with the codes heretofore used this is not possible.
It is well understood that a character consisting of more than seven dots or
dashes cannot be distinguished except by counting.
Some persons cannot distinguish more than five dots or dashes. By the systems
heretofore used the number nine would be represented by nine dots or dashes.
These would have to be counted. By this invention the number nine would be
represented by a dash and four dots, or by four dots and a dash, or the dash
might be between dots. This number could be easily distinguished at a glance.
Ten or a cipher is represented in the systems before employed by ten dots or
dashes, while by this system it is represented by five dots and can be read at a
glance without counting.
The signal boxes before described are well adapted for transmitting this code of
signals.
It is preferred to use for the receiving apparatus with this code of numerical

page_text: signals either a chemical or embossing register, although the ordinary telegraph
sounder might be used, either alone or with a register, or an electro magnetio
visual indicator might be provided with characters in accordance with this system
and be used as the receiving apparatus.
Having thus described the nature of the said Invention and the mode in which
the same is carried into effect I would have it understood that what I claim
is
First, In electrical signalling apparatus, two or more spindles arranged side by
side, each carrying two or more series of contacts and adapted to be adjusted
axially to bring into position any one of the series of contacts, in combination with
two or more contact springs acting progressively upon the contact spindles,
substantially as herein described.
Second. In electrical signalling apparatus, the arrangement of one or more
contact arms upon a revolving shaft, in combination with one or more adjustable
spindles, each carrying two or more series of contacts, substantially as herein
described.
Third. In electrical signalling apparatus, the combination of the adjustable
spindle contacts for producing variable signals, and contacts for producing a fixed
signal, substantially as herein described.
Fourth. The spring and toothed wheel for regulating the adjustment of each
contact spindle, and maintaining the circuit connection therewith alone or with an
additional spring, substantially as herein described.
Fifth. The block in connection with each contact spindle for producing a
prolonged closing or opening of the circuit, and provided with means for bringing
the block into operation for alternate signals, substantially as herein described.
Sixth. The construction and arrangement of the signal box mechanism,
substantially as herein described in connection with figures 1 to 6 of the drawing.
Seventh. The construction and arrangement of the signal box mechanism
substantially as herein described in connection with figures 7 to 9 of the drawing.
Eighth. The construction and arrangement of the signal box mechanism
substantially as herein described in connection with figures 10 to 12 of the
drawing.
Ninth. The arrangement for fire or police telegraphy substantially as herein
described.
Tenth. The improved system of numerical signals for electrical transmission,
substantially as herein described.
In witness whereof I the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills have hereunto
set my hand and seal this tenth day of October in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
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