IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHING OR SIGNALLING APPARATUS
Year: 1859

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James MacNab, of the Town and County of Linlith
gow, North Britain, Designer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
TELEGRAPHING OR SIGNALLING APPARATUS,"
Sealed the 8th September 1859, and dated the 12th March 1859.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James MacNab at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
12th March 1859.
I, JAMES MACNAB, of the Town and County of Linlithgow, North
Britain, Designer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHING OR SIGNALLING APPARATUS," to be as
follows, that is to say:-
This Invention relates to the working of telegraphic apparatus of
various kinds, and thereby transmitting signals by means of a line or lines
of atmospheric or hydrostatic tubes, such line of tubing or pipes being
the actual means of communication between the distant points to and
from which telegraphic signals are to be sent and received. The end of
the line of tubes or the portion whence signals are to be sent is fitted with
a cylinder and piston, or a flexible chamber, or other apparatus, by the
agency of which the requisite forcing pressure can be communicated to
the fluid contents of the line of pipes, whilst at the receiving stations on
the line there is a recording, and, if necessary, a printing apparatus,
through which the action of the fluid movement or pressure is communi-

page_text: cated and delivered in the form of signals. Thus, when the actuating
piston at one end or point is pressed upon, the force is communicated
through the fluid to a receiving cylinder at the required station. This
cylinder is also fitted with a piston, the piston rod of which operates upon
one end of a double lever working upon a fixed centre in the framing
of the receiving instrument. The other end of this lever carries a needle,
pricker, or marker, made to work over the line of traverse of a band of
paper during its unwinding from one drum or pulley and its winding
upon another. The same lever also actuates a ratchet or other move-
ment for causing the step-by-step revolution of the pulley carrying the
blank band of paper. In this way as the necessary motions are communi-
cated through the pipes, the predetermined pricks or marks are made
upon the paper band at the necessary intervals, the spaces between each
positive mark being determined by the greater or less continuance of
pressure upon the operating mechanism of the line of pipes. Instead
of mere hieroglyphical marks, any ordinary printing apparatus may be
fitted up to be operated upon in the same way. Of course, each receiv-
ing instrument is also fitted up with a cylinder and piston, or other
operating arrangement for working, the fluid in the connecting line of
pipes for the transmission of signals therefrom in either direction. Such
a general arrangement as this is obviously generally available for use
with all or nearly all kinds of signalling apparatus. It may be adapted
for signalling by perforations in the paper band, or receiving surface, or
for giving motion to needles, hammers, or bell works, or a pen, pencil or
other marker, or by operating upon chemically prepared paper, so as to
produce signal marks. When a bell or other indicating apparatus is
fitted up at the stations, the action communicated through the line of
-pipes is made to indicate the particular station to be signalled to, so as to
secure immediate attention on the part of the attendant at that particular
-station, and at no other. This system of telegraphing is obviously capable
of adoption in connection with most of the existing instruments used on
railways, and in other situations for transmitting messages, a line of pipes
being laid down to take the place of the present wire, whilst the batteries
and other apparatus necessary in electric telegraphing are dispensed
with. The system is very suitable for signalling in hotels, on railway
trains, in large offices, and commercial establishments, between the dif
ferent fire and other stations in towns, and on ship board.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said James McNab in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
12th September 1859.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JAMES
MCNAB, of the Town and County of Linlithgow, North Britain, Designer,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twelfth day of March, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, in the twenty-second
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said James McNab, Her special license that I, the
said James McNab, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such
others as I, the said James M Nab, my executors, administrators, or
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time
to 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 Ire-
land, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN TELEGRAPHING OR SIGNALLING APPARATUS," upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said James M Nab, by an instrument in writing under
my hand and seal, 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 James McNab, 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 had to the accompanying Drawings
and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:―
My said Invention relates to the working of telegraphic apparatus of
various kinds, and thereby transmitting signals by means of
line or
lines of atmospheric or hydrostatic tubes, such line of tubing or pipes
being the actual means of communication between the distant points, to
and from which telegraphic signals are to be sent and received. The
end of the line of tubes, or the portion whence signals are to be sent, is
fitted with a cylinder and piston, or a flexible chamber or other apparatus,
by the agency of which the requisite forcing pressure can be communi-
cated to the fluid contents of the line of pipes, whilst at the receiving
stations on the line there is a recording, and, if necessary, a printing appa-

page_text: ratus, through which the action of the fluid movement or pressure is
communicated and delivered in the form of signals. Thus, when the
actuating piston at one end or point is pressed upon, the force is
communicated through the fluid to a receiving cylinder at the required
station. This cylinder is also fitted with a piston, the piston rod of which
operates upon one end of a double lever, working upon a fixed centre in
the framing of the receiving instrument. The other end of this lever
carries a needle, pricker, or marker, made to work over the line of tra-
verse of a band of paper, during its unwinding from one drum or pulley,
and its winding upon another. The same lever also actuates a ratchet
or other movement, for causing the step-by-step revolution of the pulley
carrying the blank band of paper. In this way, as the necessary motions
are communicated through the pipes, the predetermined pricks or marks
are made upon the paper band at the necessary intervals, the spaces
between each positive mark being determined by the greater or less con-
tinuance of pressure upon the operating mechanism of the line of pipes.
Instead of mere hieroglyphical marks, any ordinary printing apparatus
may be fitted up to be operated upon in the same way. Of course, cach
receiving instrument is also fitted up with a cylinder and piston, or other
operating arrangement, for working the fluid in the connecting line of
pipes, for the transmission of signals therefrom in either direction. Such
a general arrangement as this is obviously generally available for use
with all or nearly all kinds of signalling apparatus. It may be adapted
for signalling by perforations in the paper band or receiving surface, or
for giving motion to needles, hammers, or bell works, or a pen, pencil, or
other marker, or by operating upon chemically prepared paper, so as to
produce signal marks. When a bell or other indicating apparatus is
fitted up at the stations, the action communicated through the line of
pipes is made to indicate the particular station to be signalled to,
so as to secure immediate attention on the part of the attendant at that
particular station, and at no other. This system of telegraphing is
obviously capable of adoption in connection with most of the existing
instruments used on railways, and in other situations for transmitting
messages, a line of pipes being laid down to take the place of the present
wire, whilst the batteries and other apparatus necessary to electric tele-
graphing arc dispensed with. The system is very suitable for signalling
in hotels, on railway trains, in large offices, and commercial establish-
ments, between the different fire and other stations in towns, and on ship-
:board.
And in, order that my said Invention may be properly understood, I
shall now proceed to describe the several illustrative Figures on the
explanatory Sheet of Drawings, which I have hereunto appended for the

page_text: purpose of showing certain modifications under which my improvements
in telegraphic or signalling apparatus may be judiciously carried out in
practice, that is to say:-
Figure 1 on the accompanying Sheet of Drawings is a partially sec-
tional elevation of one modification of my improved atmospheric tele-
graphing apparatus, in which the alphabetical or numerical signals are
arranged and shown in a vertical column.
Figure 2 is an elevation of a portion of another modification of tele-
graphic apparatus, in which the letters, figures, or code of signals, are
shown on a circular disc. Figure 3 is a sectional elevation of a tele-
graphic apparatus, in which the signals are indicated by means of an
index moving up and down a vertical column, and actuated by means of
atmospheric pressure. Figure 4 is an elevation of an atmospheric tele-
graph, in which the signals are printed or impressed upon a strip of
paper, caused to move at a uniform rate beneath the style or marking
instrument. Figure 5 is a plan and elevation of an apparatus for ring-
ing a bell, or communicating audible signals, by compressing or putting
in motion a column of air.
According to the modification shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying
Drawings, the apparatus consists of a table or platform A, on which is
fixed the circular base B; this base has fitted thereto the cylindrical
cover or guard C; which may be of brass or other suitable metal. The
cover C has a tubular aperture made in the upper part, through which
the rod or presser D works; the upper end of the rod is jointed to the
hand lever E, one extremity of which works on a pin carried in the
forked end of the arm F. The lower extremity of the presser D forms
a concave or convex disc, which presses on the upper part of the elastic
air holder or chamber G. The air chamber in this modification of my
Invention consists of a hollow ball of vulcanized india-rubber, or other
similar flexible material may be used in lieu thereof. The lower part
of the air chamber G rests on the concave surface of the base B, and at
this part it is connected with the pipe H, which enters the main tube I..
This tube consists of ordinary iron gas tubing, and it extends from sta-
tion to station, or from one point to another throughout the line or dis-
ance it is desired to convey the signals. Immediately contiguous to the
tube H is an outlet tube J, which communicates with the mercurial
syphon K, the upwardly directed column of which is made of smaller
diameter than the parallel leg. This is done in order that the depression
of the mercury in the larger tube may raise the column through twice
the distance or more in the smaller tube. The syphon K is fitted in the
base L, and its upper part is enclosed by the glass shade M. The exterior
of the smaller tube of the syphon K has upon it or arranged parallel

page_text: thereto the letters of the alphabet, numerals, words, or a code of signals.
The open end of the syphon tube has fitted within it a small plunger N;
this is a cylindrical piece of wood tipped with brass at the upper end.
When the mercury is forced to a sufficient height, the column raises the
plunger, and it comes in contact with the bell O, which is suspended
above. An instrument corresponding to the one here described is fitted
at each station or place, to which communication is to be made, and upon
the operator or attendant at either station depressing the hand lever E,
the air contained within the air chamber G is forced out of the same and
along the main tube I. The impulse thus given to the air causes the
mercury in the syphons K to be depressed in the larger tubes, and ascend
in the smaller, and give the audible signals so as to draw the attention
of the several attendants to the communication which is to be made.
The telegraph clerk who is about to make the communication now, by
means of the hand lever E, compresses the air chamber G, and causes
the column of air to raise the mercury to the desired letter in the alpha-
bet, numeral, or signal. In this manner the operator is enabled by put-
ting the air in motion to cause the column of mercury to indicate any
letter or signal he may desire, and this can be done throughout the num-
ber of telegraphic instruments in connection with the main tube I. In
some cases it is preferable to have another audible signal apparatus
arranged in conjunction with the instrument herein-before described.
A tube P branches off laterally from the tube J, and this branch tube
is by preference made of an elastic substance, so that it may be readily
.collapsed by turning the thumb screw Q, which brings the discs through
which the spindle passes towards each other. The pressure of the lower
disc collapses the tube P, and shuts off the communication; I prefer this
arrangement to the ordinary stop-cocks. The tube P opens into the
cylinder R, which is made in two parts that are screwed together, the
lower part being fast to the table A. Between the upper and lower
parts of the cylinder R is interposed the edge of a circular piece of thin
sheet vulcanized india-rubber or other easily yielding material S, form-
ing a flexible diaphragm, which divides the cylinder R into an upper and
lower chamber. The upper part of the cylinder R is made with an aper-
ture, through which the rod T passes; the lower end of this rod carries
two discs, which are arranged on each side of the diaphragm S, and
secured thereto by a nut. To the upper end of the rod T is jointed a
small catch U, which is limited in its motion about the centre. When
air is forced through the tube P, the diaphragm S is raised, which causes
the catch U to strike the bell-crank lever V, that carries at its lower end
The clapper W, which strikes against the bell X, and thus gives the
signal.
By means of this signal the attendant at a station may be

page_text: warned of a communication about to be made to his station, or the num-
ber struck on the bell may indicate that he is to shut the tube P, in order
that a message may be sent to a particular station and not to the others.
By using two or three bells in conjunction a complete code of signals
may be arranged so as to be used under other circumstances than in con-
nection with the mercurial syphonic telegraph shown in Figure 1. The
arrangement shown in Figure 2 on my Drawings is adapted for indicating
the letters or signals on a stationary disc by means of a moveable index
or pointer. In this arrangement the mercurial syphon K is connected
to the air tube J, as shown in Figure 1; a rod L rests upon the surface
of the mercury, the upper end of this rod or float carries the cross head
M, to which the cords N and O are attached. The cord N is fastened
to one part of the periphery of the pulley P and the cord O at another,
so that when not otherwise acted upon, the counterweight Q brings the
index R, which is carried upon the spindle of the pulley P, down to zero
or below the letters or signals on the disc S. The cords N and O pass
partially round the pulleys T before reaching the pulley P, the two
pulleys being so arranged as to keep the cords parallel to one another
during the ascent and descent of the cross-head M. The depression of
the mercury causes the float L to rise, which draws round the index R
to the desired letter or signal. This apparatus may be arranged in con-
junction with a bell for giving audible signals, as shown in Figure 1, and
herein-before described. In arranging telegraphic apparatus according
to these modifications, sufficient space is left between the surface of the
mercury and the lowest letter or signal, to allow for the variation of the
atmospheric pressure on the mercury. These instruments may also be
arranged to be worked by means of water or other liquid, in lieu of air
and mercury. In this modification the same general principle is carried
out, but using a cylinder for containing the water, which cylinder is con-
Onected to the main tube I, the water is depressed in the cylinder by
means of a piston, actuated by a hand lever, in manner similar to the
arrangement shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings. The
telegraphic instrument shown in Figure 3 is actuated by air alone, with-
out the use of mercury or other fluid. It consists of a cylinder R, made
5 in two parts, and screwed together at the centre, the juncion serving to
retain the flexible diaphragm S, which is secured at the central part to
a light tubular piston T. The upper end of this piston works out through
the cylinder R, and carries an index U, which moves across the divisions
of the vertical column of letters or signals V. The lower part of the
0 piston or plunger T is connected to a thin tube W, which slides freely
within the tubular extremity X of the cylinder R. The part X is con-
nected to the air tube Y, which corresponds to the branch tube J, Figure

page_text: 1; when the air chamber of the apparatus is compressed, the air presses
upon the under side of the diaphragm S, which yields to the pressure
and lifts the piston T, and the index U points to the required letter or
signal. By a slight modification the pneumatic apparatus may be caused.
to indicate the signals upon a circular disc, similar to the arrangement
shown in Figure 2 of the accompanying Drawings. Figure 4 represents
an arrangement of my pneumatic telegraph apparatus adapted to mark or
impress the signals or cyphers upon a moving band or strip of paper.
The parts which are similar to those shown in Figure 1 are marked with
corresponding letters of reference, and have been herein-before described.
The air is forced into the cylinder R, which raises the diaphragm and
rod T, that is connected by a link V to the weighted lever X. This lever
is centred upon a stud projecting from the standard Y; the longer arm
of the lever has a catch U jointed to it, which strikes a bell where an
audible signal is required. The free extremity of the lever X has attached
to it a style Z, or marking instrument for impressing or marking
the paper.
The band of paper a is wound upon the reel b, the
spindle of which is carried in the standards c; the paper passes under the
tensional pulley d, and over the cushion or pad e, which is arranged below
the style Z, and thence is wound upon the reel f, which is carried in the
standards 9: The paper is wound upon the reel by means of a clock-
work movement; the reel has attached to it the ratchet wheel h and
pulley i, upon which is wound the cord j, carrying the weight k. The
motion of the pulley is controlled by the pendulum and the escapement
m, the pallets of which take into the teeth of the ratchet wheel h. When
the audible signal is given to intimate that a message is about to be
sent, the attendant in charge of the receiving instrument sets the
pendulum going, the paper moves on at a uniform velocity, and as the
Jéver X is actuated by the movement of the diaphragm in the cylinder R,
the dots or lines representing letters or words are marked or impressed on
the moving band of paper. The instrument I prefer to use for marking
the paper consists of a small tube bent to the form of a syphon, the
extremity of the longer leg being drawn out to a fine point, having a
capillary aperture; the shorter leg of this syphon is immersed in a holder
or reservoir of .marking fluid, which holder is attached to the free end
of the lever X. As the paper moves beneath this marking instrument,.
the ink is deposited upon its surface in dots or lines, at the will of the
operator who is, sending the message. Figures 5 and 6 represent a simple
arrangement of pneumatic apparatus for ringing bells or giving audible
signals in public or other buildings, or on shipboard. The apparatus
consists of the flexible air chamber G, which is fixed to a vertical stand. or.
base plate, and communicates with the air tube H, that either branches

page_text: off or forms a continuation of the main tube I. The apparatus is con-
cealed behind the wall or partition J, from which the handle K projects;
this handle is connected by the rod L to the frame M, which encircles
the air chamber G. At the backward part of the frame L is a spherical
projection N, which compresses the air chamber G; when the handle K
is drawn outwards, the compressed air is driven along the tube I into the
cylinder R, the diaphragm of which is raised, and causes the catch U to
strike against the projecting rib V, and so ring the bell W. A modifica-
tion of this apparatus may also be arranged for giving a signal by means
of a whistle in lieu of the bell, and if adapted for giving signals on
shipboard or from one part of a railway train to another, the air chamber
inay be collapsed by means of a weight or other similar contrivance. The
flexible tubing for conveying the air to the whistle is carried along
beneath the carriages, and is connected in a very simple and efficient
manner by forming a ring, or increased thickness of india-rubber, at the
ends of the tubes to connect these tubes to each other; the end of one tube
is distended so as to pass over the thickened portion of the contiguous tube,
and thus form an air-tight junction. The signals at railway stations
also be worked by means of my pneumatic or hydrostatic apparatus
arranged to produce, by the simple motion of a lever, a sufficient pressure
to raise or display the signal to the driver of the approaching train. Thic
signals of electric telegraphic apparatus may also be conveyed by means
of a suitable fluid through hydrostatic non-conducting tubing, arranged
for the purpose and in lieu of the ordinary wire connections. The various
modifications of my improved pneumatic and hydrostatic telegraphic
apparatus may be applied to all the purpose for which the electric
telegraph is used, and is also well adapted as a means of giving signals
in commercial, manufacturing, and domestic establishments, as well for
conveying orders or signals on board steam-ships and other vessels, or for
the like purposes in garrisons or fortifications; the primary expense of.
laying down and adapting this apparatus being much less than the electric
system, at the same time being equal in point of efficiency and precision
of action.
may
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my
said Invention and the manner in which the same is or may be used or.
carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider
novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to.me by.
the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,―
First, the general arrangement and construction of pneumatic and
hydrostatic telegraphic apparatus for communicating visible or audible
signals to distant places, as herein-before described and shown in .the
accompanying Drawings.

page_text: Second, the system or mode of communicating visible or audible signals
by means of the pneumatic or hydrostatic apparatus herein-before de-
scribed, and shown in Figures 1 to 3 on the accompanying Drawings, or
any mere modification of the same.
.
Third, the system or mode of obtaining visible telegraphic signals or
communications by means of an instrument arranged for printing or
marking the communication, which instrument is brought into action from
a distant station or place by means of the pneumatic or hydrostatic
apparatus herein-before described and shown in conjunction with the
printing instrument in Figure 4 of the accompanying Drawings.
Fourth, the application and use of a syphonic pen or marking instru-
ment.in conjunction with printing or marking telegraphic instruments or
apparatus, for the purpose of obtaining visible marks or symbols upon a
moving band or strip of paper, as herein-before described. -
Fifth, the system or mode of communicating audible or visible signals in
public or commercial buildings, dwelling-houses, factories; on ship-board,
military stations, and other places by means of the apparatus shown in
Figures 5 and 6 of the accompanying Drawings, and herein-before de-
scribed, or any mere equivalent therefor.
:
.:
Sixth, the system or mode of communicating signals by means of
whistles, which are operated or brought into action by means of the
pneumatic apparatus herein-before described or any mere modification
thereof.
Seventh, the system or mode of operating the signals at railway stations
by means of the pneumatic or hydrostatic apparatus herein-before de-
scribed or any mere modification thereof..
Eighth, the system or mode of conveying the signals of electric
telegraphic apparatus from one station to another by means of non-con-
ducting tubes, containing a suitable conducting fluid, as herein before
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said James MacNab, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Tenth day of September, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine