Improvements in Electrical Signalling Apparatus.
Year: 1898

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Electrical Signalling Apparatus.
I, HARRY GERARD LEOPOLD, Marine Engineer, of 95, Cumberland Street
Brooklyn, County of Kings, and State of New York, United States of America,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows: —
My invention relates generally to electrical signalling apparatus and more
particularly to that suitable for use as an engine room telegraph.
It is customary in the navigation of vessels, to employ a system of signals as a
means of communication between the officer in charge and the engineer. In the
transmission and execution of these order signals, it is found that mistakes fre-
quently occur notwithstanding the care exercised in the manipulation of the
apparatus and the close attention given by the engineer, and as such misunder-
standings are likely to create confusion and possibly result in extensive damage
or loss of life, it therefore becomes highly important that greater accuracy in
operation than hitherto should be secured.
When mismanagement of vessels is alleged, investigation tending to determine
the facts and place the responsibility, is often extremely difficult, mainly by
reason of the conflicting testimony as to the signals given; it therefore often
becomes necessary, for want of reliable evidence, to resort to assumptions of more
or less doubtful nature, which method of procedure may obviously involve mis-
carriage of justice.
It is the object of the present invention to increase the efficiency of such
systems of signalling by eliminating all uncertainty and to transmit signals in
such a manner as to render mistakes or confusion improbable if not impossible.
For signalling to the engineer, according to this invention, there is a signal
controller or transmitting switch, conveniently placed to be operated by the pilot
or other officer directing the movements of the vessel; and a receiver in the
engine room and comprising the visible or audible signals or both.
These are worked by the controller and retained until discontinued by the
engineer, this being an acknowledgement to the sender that the order trans-
mitted has been received and executed. There is also a tell-tale indicator in
proximity to the controller, and operating simultaneously with the signals at the
receiver, so as to shew the condition of the line and the engineer's response, and
finally, there is a recorder having time and signal indicating mechanism, electric-
ally connected to the signal apparatus, and automatically, so as to record a time
schedule of the transmission and receipt of orders.
I shall describe my invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which like letters indicate corresponding parts in the several views.
Fig. 1 is a diagram shewing one arrangement of the mechanism and connec-
tions.
Fig. 2 is a similar view of a modification operating without a recorder.
Fig. 3 illustrates a further modification, in which duplicate signals are employed.
Fio is a front elevation of the receiver.

page_text: Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5-5, of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is a section of the controller or transmitter.
Fig. 7 is a plan and Fig. 8 is a vertical longitudinal section of the recorder.
A indicates the controller having a transmitting switch arm a movable over
circularly arranged contact points a² which constitute the terminals of shunts a³
of the main electrical circuit at supplied from a battery or other source a³. The
contact points a³ lie normally out of contact with the switch armand are sufficiently
separated to prevent bridging should the arm be turned while depressed, so that
two circuits cannot be simultaneously closed.
B represents the receiver comprising a number of lamps b, suitably coloured and
arranged in a casing 62, (Fig. 4) with apertures to represent any preferred code
of signals. An electromagnet in series connection with each lamp, is controlled
through a shunt lead from one of the contact points a². Wires from all the
lamps b, unite in a common return lead to the source of supply. In addition
to visible signals, it is sometimes desirable to employ an audible signal as indi-
cated at 66, which may be connected directly to the main circuit or through a relay
in a derived circuit.
C, represents a tell-tale indicator at the transmitting station. This may con-
sist either of one lamp (Fig. 1) or of a number (Fig. 3) corresponding with the
signals and connected in series in the main circuit. A second set of contacts c,
radially in line with the contact points a², are successively engaged by an arm
or brush c² moving with the transmitting switch a.
The arm (Fig. 6) lies normally in contact with one or other of the points c
and thereby maintains a metallic circuit in which the magnet and signal of the
receiver and the tell-tale signal at the transmitting station are included in scries
and maintained in operation, as will be explained. A lead c³ is connected at c¹,
with pivotted lever arms c, which are linked to the armatures c, of the lamp
magnets. Branches 8, constituting the terminals of the shunt leads of the receiver
terminate in proximity to these pivotted arms c5 but are normally out of contact
therewith. The operation of the circuit is as follows;
Assuming that the central signal ( Figs. 1 and 2) is to be transmitted, the con-
troller switch is moved to a position to give that signal and depressed to contact
with the underlying point a², the circuit is then from the battery, through the
tell-tale lamp C to the transmitting switch a thence on through the central shunt
lead to the magnet and signal lamp then through the bell 6 and back to the
battery.
The armature of x is however elevated raising the pivotted arm, which closes
the main circuit through the terminal of the branch wire 8, and thereby permits
the switch arm a to break contact without interruption of the signal, as the
current then passes through the spring arm through the lead and the lever
arm, wire c8, magnet and return 65. This new circuit includes the signal
lamp and bell and maintains them independently of the controller switch a also
operating the tell-tale C shewing that the line is in order and that the signal has
been transmitted.
The engineer or his assistant have to notify the transmitting operator that the
order has been received and executed. This is effected at the receiver by depress-
ing the lever arm switch, thus breaking the circuit through the indicator lamp C
and cutting out the signal lamp and bell. D the recording instrument, may be of any
suitable or well known construction connected either in the main or in a local
circuit. It preferably comprises a series of electro-magnetically operated type-
bars d, corresponding in number and character to the signal signs of the receiver
and operating separately upon a travelling tape to mark or puncture it, when
influenced by their respective magnets. The tape from a reel or drum d³, moves
step by step between feed rolls moved by a ratchet d5 actuated by the type
bars. Each of the type bar magnets has a lead do therefrom, terminating at the
receiver in a contact point d, which when engaged by the adjacent lever arm,
closes a circuit from a source of supply 8, through the corresponding type-bar

page_text: magnet and thereby energize the latter, causing the bar to act upon the tape and
indicate the character of the signal operated. The type-bars are retracted by
springs, which also actuate the feed ratchet and advance the tape the required
distance. The recorder circuit includes a suitable time movement, such as a stop
clock or a time printing clock, either of which may be electrically influenced
and connected, to interrupt the flow of current at regular intervals, as for example,
every quarter of a second and the recorder, in responding to each make and
break of the circuit, will then indicate a timed series of characters corresponding to
the signal influenced.
This action continues during the period of operation of the signal and upon
depressing the lever arm to discontinue the signal, the recorder circuit is at the
same time broken. As shewn in Fig. 2 this instrument may be dispensed with
if desired, without necessitating alteration of the signal apparatus.
1000
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Electrical Signalling Apparatus.
I, HARRY GERARD LEOPOLD, Marine Engineer, of 95, Cumberland Street
Brooklyn, County of Kings, and State of New York, United States of America,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the follow-
ing statement:
My invention relates generally to electrical signalling apparatus and more
particularly to that suitable for use as an engine room telegraph.
It is customary in the navigation of vessels, to employ a system of signals as a
means of communication between the officer in charge and the engineer. In the
transmission and execution of these order signals, it is found that mistakes fre-
quently occur notwithstanding the care exercised in the manipulation of the
apparatus and the close attention given by the engineer, and as such misunder-
standings are likely to create confusion and possibly result in extensive damage
or loss of life, it therefore becomes highly important that greater accuracy in
operation than hitherto should be secured.
When mismanagement of vessels is alleged, investigation tending to determine
the facts and place the responsibility, is often extremely difficult, mainly by
reason of the conflicting testimony as to the signals given; it therefore often
becomes necessary, for want of reliable evidence, to resort to assumptions of more
or less doubtful nature, which method of procedure may obviously involve mis-
carriage of justice.
It is the object of the present invention to increase the efficiency of such
systems of signalling by eliminating all uncertainty and to transmit signals in
such a manner as to render mistakes or confusion improbable if not impossible.
For signalling to the engineer, according to this invention, there is a signal
controller or transmitting switch, conveniently placed to be operated by the pilot
or other officer, directing the movements of the vessel; and a receiver in the
engine room and comprising the visible or audible signals or both.
These are worked by the controller and retained until discontinued by the
engineer, this being an acknowledgement to the sender that the order trans-
mitted has been received and executed. There is also a tell-tale indicator in
proximity to the controller, and operating simultaneously with the signals at the
receiver, so as to shew the condition of the line and the engineer's response, and

page_text: finally, there is a recorder having time and signal indicating mechanism, electric-
ally connected to the signal apparatus, and automatically, so as to record a time
schedule of the transmission and receipt of orders.
I shall describe my invention with reference to the drawings accompanying my
Provisional Specification in which like letters indicate corresponding parts in the
several views.
Figure 1 is a diagram, shewing one arrangement of the mechanism and connec-
tions.
Figure 2 is a similar view of a modification operating without a recorder.
Figure 3 illustrates a further modification, in which duplicate signals are
employed.
Figure is a front elevation of the receiver.
Figure 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.
Figure 6 is a section of the controller or transmitter.
Figure 7 is a plan and Figure 8 is a vertical longitudinal section of the recorder.
A indicates the controller having a transmitting switch arm a movable over
circularly arranged contact points a² which constitute the terminals of shunts a³
of the main electrical circuit a supplied from a battery or other source a. The
contact points a² lie normally out of contact with the switch arm and are sufficiently
separated to prevent bridging should the arm be turned while depressed, so that
two circuits cannot be simultaneously closed.
B represents the receiver comprising a number of lamps b, suitably coloured and
arranged in a casing 62, (Figure 4) with apertures to represent any preferred code
of signals. An electromagnet 63 in series connection with each lamp, is controlled
through a shunt lead from one of the contact points a².
Wires 6+ from all the lamps b, unite in a common return lead 65 to the source
of supply. In addition to visible signals, it is sometimes desirable to employ an
audible signal as indicated at 66, which may be connected directly to the main
circuit or through a relay in a derived circuit.
C represents a tell-tale indicator at the transmitting station. This may con-
sist either of one lamp (Figure 1) or of a number (Figure 3) corresponding with the
signals and connected in series in the main circuit." A second set of contacts c,
radially in line with the contact points a² are successively engaged by an arm
or brush moving with the transmitting switch a.
The arm (Figure 6) lies normally in contact with one or other of the points c
and thereby maintains a metallic circuit in which the magnet and signal of the
receiver and the tell-tale signal at the transmitting station are included in series
and maintained in operation, as will be explained. A lead is connected at c4,
with pivotted lever arms, which are linked to the armatures c6, of the lamp
magnets.
Branches, constituting the terminals of the shunt leads of the receiver ter-
minate in proximity to these pivotted arms c but are normally out of contact
therewith. The operation of the circuit is as follows:-
Assuming that the central signal (r Figures 1 and 2) is to be transmitted, the con-
troller switch is moved to a position to give that signal and depressed to contact
with the underlying point a², the circuit is then from the battery, through the
tell-tale lamp C to the transmitting switch a thence on through the central shunt
lead to the inagnet and signal lamp a then through the belf 66 and back to the
battery.
The armature of a is however elevated raising the pivotted arm, which closes
the main circuit through the terminal of the branch wire c, and thereby permits
the switch arm a to break contact without interruption of the signal, as the
current then passes through the spring arm through the lead and the lever
arm, wire 8, magnet and return 65. This new circuit includes the signal
lamp and bell and maintains them independently of the controller switch a also
operating the tell-tale C shewing that the line is in order and that the signal has
been transmitted.

page_text: The engineer or his assistant have to notify the transmitting operator that the
order has been received and executed. This is effected at the receiver by depress-
ing the lever arm switch 5, thus breaking the circuit through the indicator lamp C
and cutting out the signal lamp and bell. D the recording instrument, may be of any
suitable or well known construction connected either in the main or in a local
circuit. It preferably comprises a series of electro-magnetically operated type-
bars d, corresponding in number and character to the signal signs of the receiver
and operating separately upon a travelling tape to mark or puncture it, when
influenced by their respective magnets. The tape from a reel or drum ³, moves
step by step between feed rollers ( moved by a ratchet actuated by the type bars.
Each of the type bar magnets has a lead therefrom, terminating at the
receiver in a contact point, which when engaged by the adjacent lever arm c³,
closes a circuit from a source of supply ds, through the corresponding type-bar
magnet and thereby energize the latter, causing the bar to act upon the tape and
indicate the character of the signal operated. The type-bars are retracted by
springs which also actuate the feed ratchet and advance the tape the required
distance. The recorder circuit includes a suitable time movement, such as a stop
clock or a time printing clock, either of which may be electrically influenced
and connected, to interrupt the flow of current at regular intervals, as for example,
every quarter of a second and the recorder, in responding to each make and
break of the circuit, will then indicate a time series of characters corresponding to
the signal influenced.
This action continues during the period of operation of the signal and upon
depressing the lever arm to discontinue the signal, the recorder circuit is at the
same time broken. As shewn in Figure 2 this instrument may be dispensed with
if desired, without necessitating alteration of the signal apparatus.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
1. An electrical signalling apparatus arranged and operating substantially as
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
2. In an electrical signalling apparatus such as is above referred to the com-
bination of a transmitting switch arın connected to a battery or other source of
electricity, a set of contacts each connected by a separate lead to one of a set of
electromagnets and signalling lamps constituting the receiver, a common return
lead to the battery, and a tell-tale lamp included in the general circuit, substan-
tially as described.
3. In combination with the transmitting switch arm above referred to a second
switch arm and set of contacts connected to contact levers which are linked to the
armatures of the electromagnets of the receiver and when raised thereby make
contacts which maintain the signalling circuit independently of the transmitting
switch arm, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
4. In combination with the signal transmitting and receiving apparatus above
referred to, a recorder comprising a set of electrically worked type bars arranged
to mark on a travelling paper strip representations of the signals transmitted, at
intervals determined by suitable clockwork, substantially as described.
Dated thin th day of May 1908
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.