Improvements in and Connected with Pneumatic Telegraphs for Communicating between one Position or Station and another or others on Navigable Vessels and other Structures.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd May, 1888
RE
Complete Specification Left, 4th Feb., 1889
Complete Specification Accepted, 16th Mar., 1889
Improvements in and Connected with Pneumatic Telegraphs for
Communicating between one Position or Station and another or
others on Navigable Vessels and other Structures.
I, WILLIAM CHADBURN of 11 Waterloo Road, Liverpool, in the County of
Lancaster, Telegraph Engineer do hereby declare the nature of my said invention to
be as follows:
This Invention relates more particularly to that type of pneumatic telegraph
apparatus which is employed on navigable vessels for transmitting orders, notifications
or conditions, or positions of the various moving parts of mechanisms, from one part
of the ship to another or others. Some of these telegraphic instruments are known
""Look-
as "engine room telegraphs," "Steering telegraphs," "Docking telegraphs,'
out telegraphs," "Turret telegraphs," "Gun telegraphs," "Stoke hole telegraphs,"
and so on.
It is however to be understood that the invention may be applied to other
local telegraphing and telegraphic apparatus of a like nature on shore where the
conditions of the kind hereafter mentioned exist. Of the various known kinds of
pneumatic telegraphs the one to which my present invention has special reference is
that in which by the compression or rarefaction of air, by a suitable instrument or
appliance, at one part or post of a ship or other structure, a pointer or its equivalent
indicating device of another instrument, is moved and denotes the order or other
notification transmitted. Now in most pneumatic apparatus of this special kind,
hitherto in use or proposed, one chief defect has existed, namely in them their
permanent or lasting correctness has depended in a great measure upon absolute air
tightness of all pipes and working parts, or upon the constancy of the condition of
these parts or pipes in which they are once or from time to time set or adjusted.
They have also depended for constant accuracy upon a constant temperature of the
places or air in which they are used.
Now one of the chief objects of my present invention is to construct and operate
pneumatic apparatus of the kind above specified, in such a manner as to be independent
for its efficient and correct working of refinements of fitting and variation of

page_text: temperature and constant attention. To this end I construct or arrange and operate
pneumatic telegraph apparatus in the manner which I will now describe :-
In the following description I specify for the sake of simplicity and brevity one
example of telegraph apparatus involving my invention applied to a ship, and
consisting of what is known as "Engine room telegraph" having revolution or other
orders; that is a telegraph consisting essentially of a transmitting instrument, and a
receiving instrument communicating with each other by suitable pipes. The trans-
mitting instrument is provided with an air pump, and an indicator, such as a pointer,
and the receiving instrument is provided with an indicator; such as a pointer.
Each pointer or indicating device is so constructed and operated that whatever
position it may be moved to, it will be unaffected by leakage of air to or from the
apparatus or pipes, and will remain in that position until changed by another order
transmitted from the transmitting instrument, that is by a fresh compression or
rarefaction of air by the pump of the transmitter. In this apparatus a convenient
mode of operating the "ahead" and the "astern" orders consists in employing a
double acting pump in the transmitter by which say the "ahead" orders are operated
by compression of air, and the "astern" orders by a rarefaction of air; while each
pointing device may be operated by a flexible diaphragm closing one end of a
chamber, which is in communication with the pump by a pipe. Thus when a
compression of air is made by the pump the diaphragm will extend and move the
pointer over the ahead set of orders whilst for a rarefaction of air created by the
pump the diaphragm will be pressed in and the pointer will be moved over the astern
set of orders. Now this movement of the pointer actuating device is transmitted to
the pointer, by suitable means such as a toothed rack and quadrant in such a
manner that after the pointer is pressed to any point, say to "full speed ahead"
the diaphragm cover upon release of the operators handle resumes its zero position
without moving the pointer. And I so construct and work the apparatus that the
diaphragm or other pointer actuating device does resume its position after each
order is transmitted as will be hereafter explained.
The mechanism by which the recovery of the pointer actuating device to its normal
position is secured, is effected by causing the handle or other means, by which the
pump is worked, to be brought back to its normal or zero position automatically
after each operation that is when the operator removes his hand from it or when
it is brought back by the operator. By this recovery the pump is so arranged that
both sides of the piston are put in connection with the outside atmosphere and a plenum is
formed in it, the pipes and diaphragm chambers. Thus directly the pump resumes
its normal position the whole system of pipes and other parts are filled with air at
atmospheric pressure. The pointer's mechanism is so constructed that when the
diaphragms or their equivalent are operated by the pump the pointer is pressed
forward to the required point, but when they resume their normal position the
pointer is left at the point it has been pressed to. Various mechanical arrangements
may be used to effect this such as a slotted or other rod or lever and a pin or stud
which is pulled when the pump is operated, but is left when the pump is allowed to
assume its normal position.
The normal position of the pump may be conveniently effected by two springs
operating in opposite directions, and so arranged that whether the pump handle or
lever be put over one way or the other it will be pushed back by one or other spring
to its central position; and it is further arranged that neither of these springs shall
press upon the pump or its lever or be pressed upon by it when in and within a certain
range of travel of this normal or central position. The air may be admitted to the
pump and pipes by a valve operated automatically by the return action of the pump or
its lever; and the valve may be closed by the action of the pump when operated.
The pump is made of such a size that only a portion of the air is compressed
withdrawn or displaced by the plunger, so that plenty of air always exists in the
pump and pipe whatever the movement of the pointers required or whatever their
number or wherever placed.
This construction and mode of operating pneumatic telegraphs affords a means by

page_text: which any number of indicators or receiving instruments may be placed and operated
in various parts of a vessel by one transmitting instrument and all of which can easily
be adjusted to indicate with constant accuracy. When a reply apparatus is required
it is only necessary to provide the engine room or receiving instrument with the pump
and indicator and the transmitter with the pointing device, or a gong of any suitable
kind.
With apparatus of the kind herein described I prefer to use as a sounding apparatus,
one having two or more sounding devices such as gongs, of different tones, so arranged
and operated that when a change of order is given a change of sound is given; one
sound, say a slow toned one, being emitted when the apparatus is worked in one
direction, and a shriller toned one for the opposite way. These sounding devices may
be employed and worked pneumatically wherever desired. For instance they may be
employed in connection with engine, rudder and other tell tale pneumatic appliances,
and in reply apparatus. Electric tell tale or reply apparatus may be used instead of
the pneumatic one if desired.
In pneumatic apparatus for transmitting orders or replys I may operate the gong
mechanism by a separate pump or by the order pump as may be deemed expedient.
When the pneumatic appliance is applied to a tell-tale say a rudder tell-tale, the
pump is arranged to act substantially as already set forth, but the pointing or
indicating device need not be provided with the mechanism aforesaid by which the
pointer remains stationary when the operating lever and handle, which in this case
may be the tiller, is brought back to the central or neutral position. The pneumatic
engine tell-tale and speed indicator is employed to denote at any part or parts of the
vessel the direction or way, and speed the engines are running, and consists of an
air pump, an air reservoir, and one or two indicating instruments.
The pump is
worked from any suitable moving part of the engine, and forces air into the reservoir
having an adjustable air escape device. From this reservoir the air is directed by a
valve or cock to either one or other of the indicating instruments, which may consist
mainly of pointers operated by flexible diaphragms. The valve or cock is operated
by any suitable part of the reversing or valve gear of the engine by which when
the engines are set to run in one way, or the other, the air valve will be set to deliver
air in one pointing device or the other. It will be seen that as the speed of the
engines varies so the amount and pressure of air pumped will vary and with it the
pointers will move.
Instead of using two pointers one only may be used to indicate the direction and
speed of the different ways the engines are running..
1000

page_text: Improvements in and Connected with Pneumatic Telegraphs for
Communicating between one Position or Station and another
or others on Navigable Vessels and other Structures.
I WILLIAM CHADBURN, of 11 Waterloo Road, Liverpool, in the County of
Lancaster, Telegraph Engineer, 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:—
"
on.
This invention relates more particularly to that type of pneumatic telegraph
apparatus which is employed on navigable vessels for transmitting orders, notifications,
or conditions, or positions of the various moving parts of mechanisms from one part of
the ship to another or others. Some of these telegraphic instruments are known as
Engine room telegraphs." "Steering telegraphs," "Docking telegraphs," "Lookout
telegraphs," "Turret telegraphs,"
"""Gun telegraphs," "Stoke hole telegraphs," and so
It is however to be understood that the Invention may be applied to other local
telegraphing and telegraphic apparatus of a like nature on shore, where the conditions
of the kind hereinafter mentioned exist. Of the various known kinds of pneumatic
telegraphs the one to which my present Invention has special reference, is that, in
which by the compression or rarefaction of air, by a suitable instrument or appliance,
at one part or post of a ship or other structure, a pointer (or its equivalent indicating device)
of another instrument, is moved and denotes the order or other notification transmitted.
Now in most pneumatic apparatus of this special kind, hitherto in use or proposed, one
chief defect has existed, namely their permanent or lasting correctness has depended
in a great measure upon absolute air-tightness of all pipes and working parts, or upon
the constancy of the condition of these parts or pipes in which they are once, or from
time to time set or adjusted. They have also depended for constant accuracy upon a
constant temperature of the places or air in which they are used.
Now one of the chief objects of my present invention is to construct and operate
pneumatic apparatus of the kind above specified, in such a manner as to be independent,
for its efficient and correct working, of refinement of fitting, variation of temperature,
and constant attention. To this end I construct or arrange and operate pneumatic.
telegraphic apparatus in the manner which I will now describe:-
In the following description I specify for the sake of simplicity and brevity one
example of telegraph involving my Invention, applied to a ship, and consisting of what
is known as an "Engine room telegraph," having revolution or other orders; that is
a telegraph consisting essentially of a transmitting instrument and a receiving instru-
ment, communicating with each other by suitable pipes. The transmitting instrument
is provided with an air pump, and an indicator, (such as a pointer), and the receiving
instrument is provided with an indicator, such as a pointer. Each pointer or indicating

page_text: device is so constructed and operated, that whatever position it may be moved to, it
will be unaffected by leakage of air to or from the apparatus or pipes, and will remain
in that position until changed by another order transmitted from the transmitting
instrument, that is by a fresh compression or rarefaction of air by the pump of the
transmitter. In this apparatus a convenient mode of operating the "ahead" and the
"astern" orders, consists in employing a double acting pump in the transmitter by
which, say the "ahead" orders, are operated by compression of air, and the "astern
orders by a rarefaction of air, while each pointing device may be operated by a flexible
diaphragm closing one end of the chamber which is in communication with the pump
by a pipe. Thus, when a compression of air is made by the pump, the diaphragm will
extend and move the pointer over the "ahead" set of orders, while for a rarefaction
of air created by the pump the diaphragm will be pressed in and the pointer will be
moved over the "astern set of orders. Now this movement of the pointer actuating
device is transmitted to the pointer by suitable means, such as a toothed rack and
quadrant, in such a manner, that after the pointer is pressed to any point-say to full
speed ahead-the diaphragm cover, upon release of the operators handle, resumes its
zero position without moving the pointer, and I so construct and work the apparatus
that the diaphragm, or other pointer actuating device, does resume its position after
each order is transmitted, as will be hereafter explained.
The mechanisms by which the recovery of the pointer actuating device, to its normal
position, is secured, is effected by causing the handle or other means by which the
pump is worked, to be brought back to its normal or zero position automatically after
each operation, that is when the operator removes his hand from it, or when it is
brought back by the operator. By this recovery the pump is so arranged that both
sides of the piston are put in connection with the outside atmosphere and a plenum is
formed in it, and the pipes and diaphragm chambers. Thus directly the pump
resumes its normal position the whole system of pipes and other parts are filled with
air at atmospheric pressure. The pointer mechanism is so constructed that when the
diaphragms or their equivalent are operated by the pump, the pointer is pressed
forward to the required point, but when they resume their normal position, the pointer
is left at the point it has been pressed to. Various mechanical arrangements may
be used to effect this, such as a slotted or other rod or lever, and a pin or stud which
is pulled when the pump is operated, but is left when the pump is allowed to resume
its normal position.
The normal position of the pump may be conveniently effected by two springs
operating in opposite directions, and so arranged that, whether the pump handle or
lever be put over one way or the other, it will be pushed back by one or other
spring to its central position; and it is further arranged, that neither of these
springs shall press upon the pump or its lever-or be pressed upon by it-when in
and within a certain range of travel of this normal or central position. The air
may be admitted to the pump and pipes by a valve, operated automatically by
the return action of the pump or its lever; and the valve may be closed by the
action of the pump when operated.
The pump is made of such a size that only a portion of the air is compressed,
withdrawn, or displaced by the plunger, so that plenty of air always exists in the
pump and pipe whatever the movement of the pointers required, or whatever their
number, or wherever placed.
This construction and mode of operating pneumatic telegraphs, affords a means by
which any number of indicators or receiving instruments may be placed and operated
in various parts of a vessel by one transmitting instrument, and all of which can easily
be adjusted to indicate with constant accuracy.
When a reply apparatus is required it is only necessary to provide the engine
room or receiving instrument with the pump and indicator, and the transmitter
with the pointing device, or a gong of any suitable kind.
With apparatus of the kind herein described I prefer to use as a pneumatic sounding
apparatus, one having two or more sounding devices such as gongs, of different
tones, so arranged and operated that when a change of order is given a change of

page_text: sound is given; one sound, say a low toned one, being emitted when the apparatus
is worked in one direction, and a shriller toned one for the opposite way. These
sounding devices may be employed and worked pneumatically wherever desired.
For instance they may be employed in connection with engine, rudder and other
"tell-tale" pneumatic appliances, and in reply apparatus. Electric sounding "tell-
tale" or "reply "apparatus may be used instead of the pneumatic one if desired.
In the pneumatic apparatus for transmitting orders or replies I may operate the
gong mechanism by a separate pump, or by the order pump as may be deemed
expedient.
When the pneumatic appliance is applied to a "tell-tale"-say a rudder tell-
tale the pump is arranged to act substantially as already set forth, but
the pointing or indicating device need not be provided when the mechanism aforesaid
by which the pointer remains stationary when the operating lever and handle, which
in this case may be the tiller, is brought back to the central or neutral position.
The pneumatic "engine-tell-tale" and speed indicator is employed to denote at any
part or parts of the vessel the direction or way, and speed the engines are running,
and consists of an air pump, an air reservoir, and one or two indicating instru-
ments. The pump is worked from any suitable moving part of the engine, and
forces air into the reservoir having an adjustable air escape device. From this
reservoir the air is directed by a valve or cock to either one or other of the indicating
instruments, which may consist mainly of pointers operated by flexible diaphragms.
The valve or cock is operated by any suitable part of the reversing or valve
gear of the engine, by which, when the engines are set to run in one way, or
the other, the air valve will be set to deliver air into one pointing device or the other.
It will be seen that as the speed of the engines varies, so the amount and pressure of
air pumped will vary, and with it the pointers will move.
Instead of using two pointers one-only may be used to indicate the direction and
speed of the different ways the engines are running.
The drawings which serve to illustrate my Invention, and form a part of this
Specification, show examples of apparatus embodying my present Invention, the nature
and objects of which have in general terms been described; but in the following
description in connection with the drawings, I put forth the invention,
in respect of those examples, in such full, clear and exact terms as will
enable others skilled in the art or arts to which it belongs, or is most nearly allied to
make and use the same.
The drawings are marked with figures and letters of reference, corresponding with
those in the description of them, the same letters and figures being used throughout
the views to denote like or the same parts.
-
Figure 1 is a sectional elevation, showing the air pumping mechanism within a
transmitting instrument of a Steam Ship's "Engine Room" Telegraphic Apparatus.
according to this Invention.
Figure 2 is an end section of same.
Figure 3 is a front elevation in section, showing the pointing or indicator actuating
mechanism.
Figure 4 is a front elevation, showing the dial of the transmitter, which in this
instance is designed to indicate revolutions "ahead" and "astern."
Figure 5 is a detail of valve by which a plenum is established in the pump and
system of pipes.
Figure 6 is a front elevation of the engine-room receiving instrument.
Figure 7 shows diagrammatically the invention as applied to a rudder or steering
" tell-tale."
Figure 8 shows diagrammatically the invention as applied to an
and speed indicator.
"
engine-tell-tale"

page_text: Figure 9 is a detail of the air valve by which the indicator or indicators
are caused to be actuated and to show whether the engine is going "Ahead" or
" Astern."
Figures 10 and 11 are, respectively, back elevation and side elevation, in section,
showing a duplex toned sounding device in the indicating instrument, according to
this Invention.
With reference in the first instance to Figures 1 to 5 of the drawings, A is the case
of the transmitter, being divided into two parts by a diaphragm a¹; b is the air pump,
whose piston 6 is operated by the toothed wheel c and rack piston rod b²; d is a shatt
supported by the frame of the instrument, and supporting the wheel c, and to which
the actuating handle h is fixed; f is the valve (illustrated in detail by Figure 5) by
which communication is made or cut off between the interior of the pneumatic pipes
or system and the outside atmosphere; f' is a pipe on which said valve is placed and
forms communication between the pump and the corrugated hollow diaphragm
device (hereinafter described) which actuates the pointer k; and f is an arm fixed to
the shaft d adapted to open and close the valve by means of two teeth f³. g is the
pipe which communicates with the receiving or indicating instrument or instruments ;
h¹ is an arm fixed on the shaft d, and adapted to compress the spring h² or h³,
according to which direction the handle h is moved, and to cause the return of the
handle upon its release. * are pins fixed on the rod h, and adapted to prevent the
springs pressing on the end of the arm ' when in its central position.
The above parts are provided, in this example, in the rear portion of the instru-
ment as shown, the indicator apparatus of this instrument being in the front portion,
and is shown more particularly in Figures 2 and 3. Referring to these figures, i is the
expanding and contracting hollow closed metallic diaphragm device having a corrugated
end of the "Aneroid" barometer type, and communicating with the pump by the
pipe is the pointer of the instrument fixed upon a spindle ; is a toothed
pinion on the spindle k', gearing with the toothed quadrant ; and is the actuating
bar, provided with a slotted end as above specified, working over a pin on the
quadrant. The mechanism intervening between the bar j, and the diaphragm.
device i, and used to actuate the rod, is that usually employed in, and acts in the
device as an "Aneroid" barometer, and therefore needs no explanation, the bar j,
quadrant and toothed wheel k² being substituted for the usual chain and chain
wheel. The action, therefore, of the diaphragm device, and its transmission of
movement, so far as the bar j, will be taken as understood.
The dial (see Figure 4), it will be seen, is marked with numeral "orders,"
starting from 0 in the centre vertical position, and increasing by increments of 5, to
the right and left in circular lines.
This form of dial is applicable for use when the engines are to be controlled
according to the number of revolutions per minute, but of course the usual "word-
orders" could be employed instead of, or in combination with numerals, or in any
suitable way..
The receiving or indicating instruments of the apparatus are provided with exactly
the same mechanisms as the indicating mechanism just described with reference to
the transmitter, it being in communication therewith, as previously stated, by the
pipe g, and any suitable number of these indicating instruments may be operated and
controlled at different points or parts, from one transmitter, by merely connecting
them up by suitable branch pipes. Consequently, in a ships' telegraph, a number of.
indicating instruments, operated by one transmitter, may be placed in the various
parts of the ship wherever it may be desirable or useful to have one.
In operating the apparatus above described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, the
handle is pressed to either one side or the other of its normal central position; and
by this action the wheel c is partially rotated, and the piston of the pump is moved,
compressing the air within the cylinder b and pipes connected with it, or causing.
a rarefaction of air therein, according to the direction of the movement of the handle.
By the movement of the handle h, the arms f and h¹ will also have been moved,
the arm catching one of the teeth f³ of the lever of the cock f, so closing

page_text: '
the pipes of the apparatus and cutting off communication with the outside atmosphere,
whilst the arm h¹ compresses one of the springs . If it is assumed the handle h
is moved in such a direction that the piston 61 descends and compresses air in the
pipes of the apparatus, this compression of air causes the corrugated diaphragms of
the device to expand or separate, and so press the bar j outwards. Since this bar
is slotted, and the length of the slot is equal in length to the stroke of the pin j¹, in
both directions (such pin, for the central or neutral position of the pointer k, lying
midway in said slot lengthwise), the rod j must first be moved outward until the end
of the slot reaches the pin ¹ before any movement of the pointer is effected, but having
arrived at this point, the further movement of the handle h, and consequent further
compression of air and outward movement of the bar j, causes the pointer to move
over the orders of the dial, and the amount of this travel depends upon the extent of
the movement of the handle h, and the compression of air thereby by the pump.
It will now be plain that when the operator desires to indicate to, say the Engineer,
that he requires the engines to be driven at 60 revolutions "ahead," he moves the
handle in the proper direction, until the pointer of the transmitter stands at this point
on the dial; such a point is equivalent to a certain pressure in the pipes of the
apparatus, and this pressure of air in the indicating instrument will cause the pointer
of that instrument to also stand at the same point-60 revolutions, or any other
instrument in communication with the transmitter or the pipes connected therewith.
A cock f may be placed on the pipe f¹ to regulate and equalize the pressure of
air in the respective devices i of the transmitting and receiving instruments.
When this order has been thus transmitted and received, the handle may be
released, whereupon the spring 3, which has been compressed by the arm, reacts
thereon, and presses the handle back to its central position. In this action, the
piston will have been brought back to its central position in the cylinder b, the
arm being also brought to its central position, (namely, that shown in the drawings).
In this movement of the arm, it catches one of the teeth f³ of the lever of the
valve, and brings the valve into the position (shown in Figure 5), in which
communication between the pipes and the pneumatic system generally of the apparatus
and the outside atmosphere is made, and a plenum is formed in the system, the result
of which is the diaphragms of the device i come back to their normal position (if
they have not already done so by the release of the handle) whatever the pressure
may be in the system, and bringing also thereby the bar j back to its normal
position; but in these actions, owing to the length of the slot, above specified, the
closed end of it (the slot), will not come in contact with the pin j¹ of the quadrant k³,
and consequently the pointer k will remain in the position to which it has been
pressed, and it will stay there until brought back by the actuation of the handle in
the reverse direction to that previously done, and causing thereby a reverse set of
operations and effects within the apparatus.
To operate the "Astern" orders the handle is moved in the reverse direction to
that when "Ahead" orders are to be transmitted, by which a partial vacuum is
produced in the pump and the system. The effect of this is an exactly corresponding
but reverse set of operations to those just above specified.
For the reason that electricity can be more simply and effectively applied to and
used in pneumatic telegraphic apparatus of the types herein specified as the mode
or means for actuating the sounding device, I prefer to combine with the apparatus
an electrically operated sounding mechanism. This may be conveniently done by
providing in the transmitting instrument metallic strips insulated from the case A,
and a spring contact finger wo on the arm adapted to slide on the strips, and said
strips, v, being connected with a gong or bell of any known suitable kind in the
receiving or indicating instrument by a wire. The return wire to make the circuit
is led from the gong to the spindle d, a suitable electric generator, such as a battery,
is placed in the circuit. The strips w stop on each side of the central position of the
arm, but they are connected by a wire or other means to form them into a common
conductor. In action, when the finger is moved and makes contact with either
of the strips to, the circuit is closed and the current flows up the arm h¹ and

page_text: finger vand so on to the bell in the usual way, thereby setting it in action. In
the central position of the arm h¹ the finger w is not in contact with the strips v
and consequently the circuit is broken and the bell is silent. If it is desired to
employ in the receiving instrument a sounding mechanism adapted to emit or give
different tones or kinds of sound, to denote different orders, or a change of orders,
such as specified in the specification of my application for Letters Patent No. 589888,
the strips are not connected electrically, but each is provided with a lead or wire,
by which, when the finger w is in contact with one strip, the sounding device gives
out one tone or kind of sound, and when in contact with the other strip, it gives
out a different tone or kind of sound.
a
The pneumatic sounding device which it is preferred to use with this apparatus, as
already stated, is one by which one or more tones or sounds, or kinds of sounds,
are given to indicate a change of order. A simple and effective form of such sounding
device consists of two gongs or bells p p', and say two hammers or strikers 9 q',
bellows or a metallic diaphragm i in multiple, adapted to operate said strikers as
shown in Figures 10 and 11. The sounding apparatus are located in the back part
of the instrument, and the indicator is in the front part. The gong hammers 9 9
are pivotted at r, and are actuated by the tooth i", on the device i coming into contact
with the triggers of the hammers; thus when the diaphragm device i expands, due
to the raising of pressure within,-such pressure being obtained by the actuation
of the pump in the transmitter-the tooth is moved outwards, and presses
the trigger outwards, until it slips past it, and the hammer then is quickly
brought back by a spring, and strikes its gong. When the pressure in the device i
is released, the tooth moves back to its normal position. In this movement,
the trigger being of the well known jointed kind which is rigid in one direction
and free to move upon its hinge when moved in the reverse direction, the hammer
is not operated.
When a partial vacuum is formed in the device i by the transmitter pump, the
tooth is drawn back and actuates the trigger 1 of the hammer q in the same
manner as just described, thereby causing the larger and low toned gong p to be
struck. The diaphragm device i may be connected to the pump of the transmitter by
the pipe g used in connection with the indicator, or a separate pump and pipe may be
used to operate the sounding device.
In the rudder or steering tell-tale apparatus (shown diagrammatically in Figure 7),
the pump is worked off a lever fixed to the rudder post, and the valve fon
the pipe g is operated by the lever f' through a rod f. The interior of the
cylinder and pipes of the apparatus is put in communication with the outside
atmosphere when the rudder, which is designated R, is amidships; but when it is
moved to either "Port" or "Starboard," the pump 6 is operated precisely the same
as the pump just described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, and the effect upon
the "tell-tale indicating instrument or instruments in communication with it being
also precisely the same, with this exception, that the bars j of these instruments have
no slot, and no free motion, but are fitted to the pin ', and adapted to operate
the pointer whenever moved. The object of this is, that the position of the pointer
of the indicating instrument or instruments in this instance has to show or indicate
the variations of the movements of the rudder in all directions, and all positions of it,
and must consequently move synchronously with it.
It will be evident in this "tell-tale" apparatus, as well as in most cases, the means
or mechanical devices or parts intervening between the pump 6 and valve f, on the
one hand, and the prime mover thereof on the other, and by which the motion is trans-
mitted to the pump and valve, may and will take various forms and arrangements
under different conditions of application of the invention, and it will therefore be
understood that those herein specified, are merely given to show one mode of
transmitting the motion.
The speed indicator adapted to operate according to this Invention, illustrated in
Figure 8, consists of two indicating instruments A, having a pipe each (g'); a valve f
operated by the reversing gear of the engine and controlling the passage of air-to
B

page_text: '
"
the pipes g; a chamber L adapted to serve as an air reservoir and provided with an
adjustable cock 2¹, by which a regulated escape is provided for the air pumped into the
chamber; and an air pump (not shown in the Drawings) for supplying the chamber L
with compressed air. The cock f is shown in section in Figure 9; its plug it will
be seen is provided with a port m, by which, when it is in its neutral or central
position, the supply of air to both pipos g¹ is cut off, but when it is turned to one
way or the other the supply of air is admitted to one or other of said pipes. This
valve is operated by a rod n connected to the reversing arm or Wiper" n¹ of a
marine engine, of which o is the link, and o' the "Draglinks." The action of the
gear controlling the valve f is obvious, namely when the link o of the engine is set
so that the engine will go, say," Ahead," the "Wiper" n operates the valve f, in such a
manner, that air is admitted to the "Ahead" indicator; and vice versa. The operation
of the apparatus is, as follows:-The air pump being operated by the main engine,
forces air into the chamber L at certain volumes according to the velocity of the
engine; consequently the pressure of air varies in the chamber L according to the
velocity at which the engine is running, and this pressure being admitted to one or
other of the pipes g¹ and instruments A, acts upon the diaphragm device in that
instrument, and causes its pointer to move to and stand at a certain point on its dial.
This point will be the equivalent to, and is used to denote, the number of revolutions
at which the engine is running per unit of time; and in a like manner for all
other speeds the chamber L will be under certain pressure, and the pointer of the
indicator will be at a corresponding position.
The dials of the instruments A illustrated are provided with numerals in the
usual way from 5 to 150, but in lieu of employing two instruments one instrument
may be used, having two actuating devices, such as the diaphragm devices i above
specified, and adapted to operate separate pointers in the instrument, or a single
pointer in opposite ways from a central position, according to which of the
pipes gland the diaphragm devices connected with them are in communication with
the chamber L.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said. Inven-
tion and the manner in which the same is to be performed, I would again remark in
conclusion, that although the apparatus herein particularly described, and which are
* hereinafter claimed, are in many respects novel, yet they constitute merely some
examples of the application of my Invention to ships purposes, and therefore the
Invention is not in any way limited to them, and I declare that what I do claim in
respect of the herein described Invention is :-
1. Apparatus for communicating between one position or station and another
or others on navigable vessels and other structures, wherein a pointer or equivalent
indicator is caused to move to a certain point or position by the compression
rarefaction of air and is adapted to remain in that position when or if
the tension of air, due to the said compression or rarefaction which caused
said movement, becomes less or greater, respectively, and approaches the normal
· or
pressure.
2. In pneumatic telegraphic apparatus for communicating between one position or
station and another or others on navigable vessels and other structures, causing a
plenum to be established in the pipes and other parts thereof, in which air is compressed
or rarefied, prior to a change of order, notification, or condition; substantially as set
forth for the purposes described..
3. The employment in combination with pneumatic telegraphic apparatus for
communicating between one position or station and another or others on navigable
vessels and other structures, of a valve or cock operated by the mechanism of
the transmitting instrument, and adapted to form communication between the
interior of the pipes and other parts of the apparatus, in which air is compressed
or rarefied, and the outside atmosphere, or to close such communication; substantially
as set forth.
4. Apparatus for communicating between one position or station and another or

page_text: others on navigable vessels and other structures, wherein the actuating handle or device
and'an air pump are employed in the transmitting instrument; and such device and pump
are brought back to their normal or central position after each actuation of the
instrument automatically; substantially as set forth.
5. The combination in a pneumatic apparatus for the purposes described, of a hand
lever or its equivalent, an air pump actuated thereby, a device adapted to be actuated
by compressed air, or by the rarefaction thereof, within such device, and to operate a
pointer or indicator, and means interposed between said device and the pointer or
indicator, by which said pointer or indicator moved when said hand lever or its
equivalent is actuated, and remains stationary upon the return movement of said hand
lever or its equivalent; substantially as set forth.
6. In a pneumatic telegraphic apparatus, effecting the actuation of an indicator or
pointer in opposite directions by means of a pump or pumping apparatus adapted to
cause a compression and rarefaction of air within said apparatus and pipes connected
therewith operating substantially in the manner set forth.
7. The pneumatic telegraphic apparatus substantially as set forth with reference
to Figures 1 to 7 of the drawings, consisting of a transmitting instrument and
one or more receiving or indicating instruments, the said transmitting instrument
being provided with an actuating hand lever h, a pump b, a valve or cock f, a device
such as adapted to expand and retract as the pressure within it varies, and a
pointer k, and the receiving instrument or instruments being provided with a pointer
and mecharism to operate it corresponding with that of the transmitter; and said
instruments communicating with each other by a pipe or pipes; operating substantially
as described.
8. Telegraphic apparatus for communicating between one part of a ship and another
or others, wherein an air pumping apparatus is provided in or in connection with the
transmitting instrument, and said pumping device is in connection with a sounding
device or devices in the apparatus, said sounding device or devices being adapted to
be operated by the compression or rarefaction of air, and constructed and arranged
to give or emit different notes or tones, or kinds of sounds; substantially as set
forth.
9. In a pneumatic "tell-tale" apparatus for indicating the position of the
rudder of a ship, the combination of an air pump 6, and a valve or cock f,
operating as and for the purposes set forth with reference to Figure 7 of the
drawings.
10. In a pneumatic apparatus for indicating the rate of speed of engines of
navigable vessels, the combination of an air pump operated by the engines, a
reservoir chamber L, a cock or valve f, and an indicator or indicators, A,
operating substantially as set forth with reference to Figures 8 and 9 of the
drawings.
as to
11. A pneumatic apparatus for use in connection with the engines of navigable
vessels adapted to serve as a combined speed indicating device and "Tell-tale"
which direction the Engines are moving or set to move, said speed indicating
apparatus being actuated by an air pumping apparatus operated by the engine,
is effected being operated by
and the arrangement by which the "Tell-tale
or through the "reversing" mechanism of the engine; operating substantially as
set forth.
12. In apparatus of the type described, the combination of pneumatically operated
mechanism used for and adapted to transmit and indicate orders, conditions, or
notifications, for communicating between one position or station and another or
others on navigable vessels and other structures, and an electrically operated
sounding device in or in connection with the receiving or indicating instrument
used for and adapted to notify the transmission of said orders, conditions, or
notifications.
13. The combination of the pneumatic telegraphic apparatus specified in claim 5,
and used for and adapted to transmit and indicate orders, conditions, or notifications,

page_text: for communicating between one position or station and another or others on navigable
vessels and other structures, and an electrically operated sounding device; operating
substantially as and for the purposes set forth."
14. In apparatus for communicating between one position or station and another or
others on navigable vessels or other structures the employment of pneumatic indicating
mechanism wherein a metallic corrugated chamber or device, i, is adapted to expand
and contract by compression or rarefaction of air within it and to operate a pointer or
indicator; substantially as set forth.
Dated the Second day of February 1889
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
15, Water Street, Liverpool,
Applicant's Agents.