IMPROVEMENTS IN PRODUCING REGU- AND APPLYING ELECTRIC CURRENTS
Year: 1841

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE. PRESENTS SHALL COME I CHARLES
WHEATSTONE of Conduit Street in the County of Middlesex Gentleman send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain bearing date at
Westminster the Seventh day of July in the fifth year of Her reign did for
Herself Her heirs and successors give and grant unto me the said Charles
Wheatstone Her especial licence full power sole privilege and authority
that I the said Charles Wheatstone my exors admors and assigns or
such others as I the said Charles Wheatstone my exors admors or assigns
should at any time agree with and no others from time to time and at all
times during the term of years therein expressed should and lawfully might
make use exercise and vend within England Wales and the Town of
Berwick-upon-Tweed my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN PRODUCING REGU-
AND APPLYING ELECTRIC CURRENTS" in which said Letters Patent
is contained a proviso that I the said Charles Wheatstone shall cause
a particular description of the nature of my said Invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed to be enrolled in Her said Majesty's
High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said in part recited Letter's Patent as in and by the
same reference being thereunto had will more fully and at large appear."
NOW KNOW YE that in compliance with the said proviso I the said
Charles Wheatstone do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention
19431-3.

page_text: and the manner in which the same is to be performed are fully described
and ascertained in and by the following description thereof reference being had
to the Drawings hereunto annexed and to the figures and letters marked
thereon (that is to say)
My first improvement relates to the production of electric currents by means
of magneto-electric machines. A magneto-electric machine consists it is well
known of a coil or coils of insulated wire capable of revolving in the vicinity
of a magnet or of a magnet capable of revolving in the vicinity of a fixed coil
or coils of insulated wire to augment the induction current thus produced by
the magnet in the neighboring coils when they are relatively in motion it is
usual to place a bar of soft iron within the coils. The usual magneto-electric
machines produce a series of shocks or instantaneous currents which in some
cases have constantly the same direction and in other cases are alternately
inverted.
The object of this part of my Invention is to combine several such magneto-
electric machines into a single one by so uniting their coils as to form one
continuous circuit and by so arranging the motions of the separate coils
or magnets that the current in any one coil shall commence before the
currents in the other coils have ceased by this arrangement with a moderate
velocity of rotation of the coils or magnets an effect may be produced not to
be distinguished from a perfectly continuous current. A machine thus formed
when kept in motion may be used for many purposes for which a voltaic battery
is employed but more especially to produce those effects which usually require
a battery consisting of a considerable number of small elements. I propose to
call this new combination a magneto-electric battery. One of the methods of
accomplishing this object is represented by Figure 1. N. O. P. Q. R. S are six
double-branch or as they are usually called horse-shoe magnets having their
dissimilar poles alternately disposed in two parallel lines. These six magnets
are fixed parallel to each other and at equal distances upon the wooden frame
A. B, B is the axis of rotation of the five double electro-magnetic coils
D, E. F. G, H this axis is parallel to the two lines in which the poles of
the magnets are situated and is equidistant from them it moves freely
on pivots in the uprights A¹ and A¹ and is caused to rotate by means of a
pinion I which gears with a wheel J on the axis of which a handle is fixed.
Each double electro-magnetic coil D E, F G H. consists of two cylindrical
bars of soft iron on which are wound numerous layers of coils of insulated
wire these coils are kept together by discs K of brass or ivory fixed to the
extremities of the soft iron bars the two cylinders constituting the double
electro-magnetic coil are joined together by two transverse pieces of brass L

page_text: by which they are fixed to the axis and caused to revolve with it the axis of
the soft iron bars revolving round the axis B to which they are parallel. The
five double electro-magnetic coils D, E, F, G, H are so placed on the axis
B, B that the planes passing through this axis and the axes of the two soft
iron bars shall be differently inclined in each double electro-magnetic coil so
that each double coil shall by the rotation of the axis be successively and not.
simultaneously brought directly opposite to the poles of its adjacent magnets.
M, M are small circular hoops consisting of two semicircular pieces of brass
separated from each other and insulated from the axis by means of a partition
of ivory interposed between them and the position of this insulating partition of
ivory in each hoop corresponds with the plane which includes the axes of the
two soft iron bars of the adjacent double coil. T is a wooden bar parallel to
the axis and to it are fixed the strips of metal U, U and U U¹ having no
immediate conducting communication with each other.
U U on the upper
side of the bar and U₁ U₁ on the lower side and at the extremities of the
strips are fixed the springs W W two of which bear in the manner represented.
against opposite sides of the circumference of each hoop. The wire of the
double coil is continuous but is wound in opposite directions on each soft iron.
bar and the two ends of the wire are fixed to the two semicircular pieces of
brass of the insulated hoop.
.
Having described the construction of the machine I will now proceed to ex-.
plain its action. The two ends of the completing or communicating wire P. N
are connected with the strips of metal by the binding screws X X' and in any
determined position of the axis the completing wire and the wire of all the
double coils (except one as will be hereafter explained) forms a single continuous
circuit so that if an electric current were transmitted through it it would
follow the direction indicated by the arrows. When the axis B is caused to
revolve the double coils change their positions with respect to the poles of the
adjacent magnets and as is well known the currents produced in the wires of
the electro-magnetic coils by induction from the magnets are inverted at each
semi-revolution but in consequence of the brass semicircles of the insulated
hoops shifting their contacts from one spring to the other also during each
semi-revolution the resultant current in the communicating wire is always
transmitted in the same direction. The current in each double coil commences
when the axis is in a different position and as each commences before the others
have ceased the effect of a continuous current is obtained. It should be
observed that the ends of the springs never rest entirely on the insulating piece
of ivory for in this case the circuit would be interrupted but in passing from
one semicircle to the other they touch one before they leave the other and

page_text: the current at the instant will pass immediately through the hoop from one
spring to the other diverting the current of the corresponding electro-magnetic
coil for the moment from the circuit. It is obvious that this arrangement may
be applied to any description of magneto-electric machines whether the electro-
magnetic coils or the magnets are in motion by merely making such modifi-
cation in the disposition of their parts as the particular case may require it is
also obvious that the number of the single machines of which it consists may be
more or fewer than the combination represented in the Figure observing that
whatever be the number of coils that they succeed each other around the axis
B in the manner above described and consequently come into action succes-
sively each coming into action just previous to another going out of action as
above explained and although I have described double coils D, D, E, E &c.
cach double coil consisting of two cylinders other numbers of cylinders or
coils might be employed varying other parts accordingly.
My second improvement consists of a means of regulating an electric
current by varying the length of the circuit. It is well known that if a wire
be interposed in any part of a circuit the effect produced by the current will
be varied according to the reduction of length of the circuit and it is of
considerable importance in many operations where an electric current is
employed to have a convenient means of enlarging the length of a circuit
from time to time and thus to control and regulate the current this may be
done to a limited extent by the use of a straight piece of wire having a slide
or other such means for shortening its length but in most cases it would be
extremely inconvenient to employ a straight wire of considerable length.
This part of my Invention has for its object certain methods of varying the
effective length of wire introduced in a circuit by coiling a considerable length
of wire on a cylinder of wood or any other suitable non-conducting substance.
or by bending backwards and forwards a considerable length of wire on a
non-conducting surface either curved of flat.
Figure 2 represents an instrument constructed according to this part of my
Invention for effecting the said purpose. a is a cylinder of well-seasoned
wood on the surface of which a spiral groove is cut and in this groove a
copper wire is wound forming as it were the thread of a screw. Immediately
above the cylinder a and parallel to its axis is a triangular metal bar b
carrying a rider or slide c to this rider or slide a spring d is attached which
constantly presses against the spiral wire. One wire of the circuit Z is
attached to the triangular bar b and the other wire C to a spring which
presses against the metal axis e of the cylinder a and to which axis one end
of the spiral wire is attached. f is a handle by means of which the cylinder

page_text: a is caused to revolve on its axis and according as the cylinder is turned in
one direction or the other the rider or slide c moves along the triangular bar &
and comes in contact with a different point of the spiral wire and a different
effective length is thus introduced into the circuit that effective length
consisting of the portion included between the rider or slide and the end of
the wire which is connected with the axis thus supposing the spring on the
slide or rider to be at the end a' of the cylinder a the whole length of wire
wound on the cylinder a would constitute the length interposed in the circuit
because it will be evident that an electric current would have no course but
through the whole of the wire and as the spring on the slide or rider c is
moved towards the end a² of the cylinder a only that portion of spiral coil
of wire which is between the end a² and the slide or rider will constitute the
length interposed in the circuit that portion of the coils of wire between the
end a' of the cylinder a and the rider or slide c being out of action.
Figure 3 represents another method of obtaining a similar result. 9 is a
cylinder of wood and is a cylinder of brass both are of the same diameter
and have their axes parallel. On the wood cylinder g a spiral groove is cut.
i is a brass ring to which is attached the end of a wire which is coiled round
the cylinder of wood g filling the groove and is fixed by its other end the
extremity of the brass cylinder h. Two springs j and k pressing one against
the brass ring i on the wooden cylinder and the other against the 'extremity
of the brass cylinder are connected with the two ends Z and C of the
circuit wire. Handles l m are respectively fixed to the axes of the cylinders
g. h in order to turn them upon their axes. When the handle in is turned to
the left the wire is uncoiled from the wooden cylinder and coiled on the brass.
cylinder but when the handle is turned to the right the reverse is effected."
The coils on the wooden cylinder are insulated from each other by being
separate the current therefore passes through the entire length of wire"
which may be on that cylinder but the coils on the brass cylinder are not
insulated and the current passes immediately from the point of the wire which.
is in contact with the cylinder along the cylinder to the spring & the effective
portion of the length of the wire is therefore that portion only which is on the
wooden cylinder and the length of which is variable. In this instrument the
wire used is thin and flexible such wire being better suited for circuits in
which the resistances are considerable. In the instrument represented in
Figure 2 the wire is much thicker and it is more adapted for circuits in which"
the resistances are not so great.
Figure 4 represents another method of accomplishing a similar result but
hot in so gradual a manner. n is a cylinder of wood not moveable on its

page_text: axis a copper wire is fixed to it at o and is bent backwards and forwards so
that its different portions are all parallel to the axis of the cylinder and its
other end is fixed at p. At each end of the cylinder are fixed as many pieces
of brass as there are double lengths of the wire. These pieces of brass are
insulated from each other but each is connected with the length of wire by
their projecting parts serving as studs over which the wire is bent backwards
and forwards. One end of the circuit Z is connected with the end of the wire
at o and the other end C with a spring s which pressing against the metal
axis is in immediate conducting communication with the spring s¹ which
by means of the handle v may be brought in contact with any of the pieces of
brass at the end n² of the cylinder n which terminate the separate portions or
double lengths of the wire. The variable effective length of the wire on the
cylinder is that which is included between the end o and the point which is in
contact with the spring s¹ by means of the intermediate piece of brass. The
same purpose would be answered if the wire were similarly disposed on a plane
surface and the spring s¹ to move in a straight line against the edge of such
surface.
These instruments which I call regulators are applicable to various pur-
poses in, which a current of electricity is the agent employed. First to regu-
late or modify the velocity of electro-magnetic engines second to enable the
operator to produce a constant effect in a given time by retaining the current
at the required intensity in the operations of voltai-typing voltaic gilding.
voltaic decompositions and other operations requiring regulation. It will
in general be useful to interpose in the circuit a galvanometer in order that
the equality augmentation or diminution of the current may be indicated and
observed. To obtain a constant or nearly a constant current by either of the
above regulators during a considerable time notwithstanding the fluctuations
of the battery all that is necessary is to observe at the commencement of the
operation the point at which the needle of the galvanometer stand and at
stated times to bring it back to the same point by means of the regulator
if it should indicate an augmentation or diminution of the current.
My third improvement consists in a new method of constructing electro-
magnets by coiling the insulated wire or metallic ribbon in concentric grooves
or grooves one surrounded by another which may be either circular or of any
other form on the surface of plates or discs of soft iron. Figure 5 represents
a disc of soft iron having circular concentric grooves turned in its face the
grooves and the projecting portions of iron between them are of equal breadth
and the grooves. communicate with each other by notches cut to the same
breadth. A continuous length of copper ribbon the breadth of which is equal

page_text: to the depth of the grooves is to be covered with some insulating material and
coiled within these grooves. The coiling is effected in the following manner
One end of the ribbon is inserted in a slit formed in the small central part it
is then coiled several times round this central part until the groove is filled
it is then passed through the notch or cut communicating between two adjacent.
grooves and similarly coiled until this groove also is filled and this is repeated.
until all the grooves are filled and the end of the ribbon forms several coils
around the most external circle. The electro-magnetic discs may be made of
any dimensions. Insulated copper wire may
be substituted for the ribbon in
which case many layers of coils may be placed in the grooves in the direction
of their depth.
I would remark in respect to this part of the Invention that though I have
shewn the grooves to be concentric that is not absolutely necessary to the
result and they may be varied so long as one groove is surrounded by the next
and that the grooves open into each other in the manner explained whereby
several coils may be made in one groove then the wire or strip of metal pass-
into the next groove and make several coils therein and so on till the whole-
is complete as explained.
The fourth part of my Invention relates to new means of arranging the parts
of an electro-magnetic engine for the purpose of producing by the mutual
action of electro-magnets and armatures a continued rotatory or an alternate
reciprocating motion. Hitherto it has been customary in the construction of
these engines to place the electro-magnets and the armatures (when they are.
in the same plane) in the circumferences of two concentric circles one of which
is usually fixed and the other revolves. Supposing the moveable circle to carry
the armatures then as they revolve they pass by the magnets without ever
touching them and it is obvious that the centre of the revolving circle remains a
stationary point. My Invention consists in placing the electro-magnets in the
circumference of one circle and the armatures in the circumference of another
circle which is not concentric with the first one and which does not revolve
about any fixed point whatever situated in its own plane or in other words.
the axis of the two circles never coincide but are either parallel to each other
or inclined at some angle. During the action of the engine the electro-
magnets are magnetized successively and in consequence of the attraction the
circle which carries the armature rolls upon the other circle and consequently
different parts of the circumferences of the two circles are brought successively.
into near contact.
I proceed to describe in detail two variations of my means of constructing

page_text: represents an electro-magnetic engine in which the axis of the circle carrying
the armature is parallel to the axis of the circle of the fixed magnets and
revolves round it. a, a is the axis of motion of the engine a crank 6 fixed
to this axis carries at its other extremity the axis of a wheel c the circum-
ference of which consists of a broad ring of soft iron but the spokes may be of
any other suitable metal. Eight double-branch electro-magnets 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. and 8 are placed so that their poles are arranged in a circle concentric
with the axis a and consequently excentric to the wheel c. The magnets are
placed equally distant from each other and the opposite poles of each are
placed so that the line joining them is parallel to the axis a. d is a ring of
brass or copper to which is attached all the corresponding ends of the insulated
wires of the electro-magnets while the other ends e of the wires are attached
each to a spring & insulated from every other metallic part of the engine.
C, Z are two wires which proceed to the two ends of a voltaic battery C is
attached to the metal ring d and Z is connected with any metallic part of the
engine having an intermediate conducting communication with the axis a.
Supposing the wires C, Z, to be connected with the battery at the instant the
excentric wheel is in the position represented in the Figure then because its
circumference presses against the spring & the current will pass through the
electro-magnet 1 and the circumference of the wheel will be attracted until it
becomes nearly in contact with it. At this instant the circumference will bear
against the spring & quitting the spring s and the current will therefore be
transferred to the wire of the electro-magnet 2 and in a similar manner the
current will be successively transferred through all the eight electro-magnets
and the revolution of the axis a be continued so long as the electric current
produced by the battery continues to act.
Figure 7 represents an electro-magnetic engine involving the same prin-
ciples as the one just described in which the axis of the circle carrying the
armature is inclined with respect to the axis of the circle of the fixed.
electro-magnets. a is the axis to which a continued rotatory motion is to
be given it works against a pivot 6 and in two collars c. c. and carries
with it the wheel d by which the motion is to be communicated to any
machine. On the extremity a¹ of the axis a is fixed a crank having at its
end a socket e and another similar socket e¹ is formed at the end of the.
bar e which lies in the same line as the rotating axis a. In the two
sockets e; e¹ are fitted the two spherical ends of the axis f carrying a disc of
soft iron g so that when a rotatory motion is given to the axis a the axis f
moving freely in its sockets describes the surface of a coue. h is a ring of
soft iron the face and profile of which are represented more distinctly in

page_text: Figures 8 and 9. The face of this ring is bevilled so that the edge towards
the centre is higher than that at the circumference it is deeply grooved in
radial lines and the grooves and the metal partitions which separate them are
of equal breadth. Thick copper wire or ribbon is coiled round the partitions
so as completely to fill the interstices and in such manner that if a current
were transmitted continuously through the entire wire the faces of the partitions
would be alternately north and south poles constituting a series of electro-
magnets. I shall call two partitions with their encircling wire a single portion
of the electro-magnet. The wire of each portion is separated from the rest
the corresponding ends of all the portions are fixed to the brass circle i and
the opposite ends of each are attached after passing along the frame to sepa-
rate insulated pieces of brass arranged in the circumference of an ivory circle j
concentric with the axis a but not touching it being supported by the upright
but insulated from it. On the axis a is fixed. a spring m which presses
against this circle and during one revolution of the axis successively comes in
contact with every insulated piece of brass... The communicating wire C is"
attached to the brass circle i and the end of the wire Z to the upright k
which is in immediate conducting communication with the axis a and the
spring m. The position of the spring m is so adjusted that the current is
always transmitted through that portion only of the magnet which is adjacent*
to and immediately in advance of that portion with which the disc g has been
last in contact. Supposing the disc g to be in near contact with the portion 1 of
the electro-magnet the portion 2 then exerting its attraction the disc will-
approach to it and in so doing will move the crank on the axis a through an
arc of a circle. When the attraction of the portion 2 ceases and that of the
portion 3 begins the crank will pass through another equal arc of the circle
and in like manner each portion of the electro-magnet will attract the disc g in
succession until the entire revolution of the axis a is accomplished. I wish it
to be understood that I do not confine myself to the above details as it will be
evident that they will admit of several modifications and I will proceed to
point out some obvious ones.
I
First the electro-magnets and the armatures may be arranged in two lines
or curves which are not circles and one of these curves may be made to roll
on the other in a similar way to that above mentioned but I prefer to use the
circular form.
.
:
+
Secondly instead of two curves as above mentioned a curve and a straight-
line may be employed the electro-magnets being arranged in a straight line
and the armatures in a curve (or vice versa). In this case a reciprocating.
motion is obtained and not a motion of, revolution-the curve rolling on the

page_text: straight line until it reaches the end of it then rolls back again in the contrary
direction to its other end.
Thirdly it is not material whether the armatures or the electro-magnets are
affixed to the moveable part of the machine and the arrangement here
explained may be stated generally in the following terms videlicet that the
electro-magnets and armatures are arranged in two lines or curves one of
which rolls upon the other bringing different parts successively into contact.
Fourthly instead of one of the curves carrying armatures both of them may
carry electro-magnets.
Fifthly instead of employing a continuous ring of soft iron for the armature
as above described and represented in Figures 6 and 7 soft iron armatures
separate from each other and arranged in a circle may be employed.
The general mode of action of the above-mentioned arrangements is as
follows The electric current is so managed that there is no magnetic
attraction at the point where the rolling line approaches nearest to contact
with the fixed line but that the principal force of the magnetic attraction lies
at a point a little before the point of nearest contact. In consequence of this
attraction the line rolls onward but in proportion as it does, so the seat of the
magnetic attraction is carried forwards so as always to be a little in advance
of the rolling line and thus causes its motion to continue..
My fifth improvement consists of a new mode of combining the parts of an
electro-magnetic engine in order to produce continued rotatory motion by the
mutual actions of permanent magnets and electro-magnets or electric coils
the essential principle of the improvement being that the magnetic bars are
arranged as radii of a circle in proximity to electro-magnets or electric coils
which electro-magnets or electro-magnetic coils never extend over or pass the
centre of motion of the magnetic bars.
Figure 10 represents an arrangement for this description of electro-magnetic
engine. a is the axis of motion to which is fixed a disc 6 of brass or wood.
On this disc 6 are fixed three double-branch magnets arranged in a circle
with all their branches N, S. N S. N S in the same plane forming equidistant.
radii the north and south poles alternately succeeding each other. On a
fixed circular frame c through the centre of which the axis a passes without
touching are arranged six electro-magnets d. e. f. g. h and i constructed
of flat bars of soft iron wound round with insulated copper wire or ribbon the
direction of the coils coinciding or nearly so with radii of the circle. The
wire is coiled in opposite directions on each alternate electro-magnet and the
coils of the six electro-magnets are formed into a single circuit by uniting
together their adjacent ends leaving unconnected two only which are to,
!

page_text: be connected with the communicating wires X and X': According to this
arrangement the poles of the adjacent electro-magnets are in inverted positions
with respect to each other and their similar poles are consequently in
proximity. In consequence of this alternately inverted polarity of the suc-
cessive electro-magnets combined with the alternating polarities of the mag-
netic bars the latter will all be impelled in the same direction that is the
pole of each magnetic bar will be driven from the similar pole of the electro-
magnet towards its dissimilar pole. By means of the rheotrope or current
inverter j which I shall presently describe the electric current is cut off while
the magnetic bars pass over the short intervals between the poles of two
adjacent electro-magnets and is then inverted in order that the magnetic bars
shall continue to be impelled in the same direction. The means by which the
inversion of the current is simultaneously effected in all the electro-magnets is
the following is a disc of ivory which is fixed to the support Z¹ and
allows the axis a to pass freely through its centre. On the circumference of
this disc are inlaid six arcs of brass which do not touch each other the arcs
a a¹ a¹ or connected together at the back by wires as are also the arcs
a a a but the wires joining one set have no conducting communication.
with the wires of the other set. These connections are shewn by the dotted
lines at a³. Two small brass cylinders k, k are fixed on the rotating axis but
are insulated from it by collars of wood. The springs 1, 1, press continually
against the circumferences of the cylinders k, k, and are immediately connected
with the two extremities of the wire or ribbon of the electro-magnets. Two
other springs m. m¹ are fixed one to each of the insulated cylinders and.
revolve with them and the axis the spring m¹ being insulated as it passes
through the cylinder k the free ends of these springs press against the
circumference of the disc j the two springs. always being on arcs of brass
belonging to a different set and their positions are so adjusted that they shall
be on the junctions between a¹ and as at the moments the magnetic bars are
in the intermediate position between two adjacent electro-magnets. It is
important to notice that the non-conducting intervals between the metal arcs
on the discj must be proportionate to the interval between the poles of two
adjacent electro-magnets. The wires C Z which are connected respectively.
with each set of the metal arcs of the discj are to be united to the two wires
proceeding from the battery..
Having described an engine constructed according to my new method.
I will now point out some of the more obvious modifications of which it is.
susceptible.
First the electro-magucts, may be converted into electric coils or multipliers

page_text: as they are sometimes called merely by omitting the soft iron bars round
which they are wound.
Secondly the electro-magnets or electric coils may be lengthened in the
direction of the radii and shortened in the perpendicular direction.
Thirdly electro-magnets may be substituted for the permanent magnets.
Fourthly the electro-magnets or electric coils may revolve and the magnetic
bars may remain at rest.
Fifthly the wires of the electro-magnets or electric coils instead of being
connected so as to form one continuous circuit as represented in Figure 10
may be connected so that the current dividing itself may pass through all the
coils simultaneously this change is simply effected by joining all the similar
ends of the coils together and connecting them with a wire proceeding to the
spring and all the opposite ends to a wire proceeding to the other spring 7.
Sixthly the magnetic bars may be entirely disconnected from each other
instead of being combined two and two to form double-branch magnets as
represented in Figure 10 and all their similar poles may be directed towards
the circumference of the circle. In this case the coils of the electro-magnets
are to be wound in the same direction and the current is to be merely inter-
rupted instead of inverted at the moment the magnetic bars pass between two
electro-magnets by means of a "rheotome" or current changer similar to that
represented at Figure 7.
Seventhly any number of circles of magnetic bars and circles of electro-
magnets or electric coils may be alternately disposed on the same axis in order
to augment the power of the engine. By this arrangement not only will the
power be augmented in proportion to the number of circles added, but in
consequence of the electro-magnets or electric coils acting on both sides the
magnetic bars excepting those which are outermost the effect will be
augmented beyond what would result from the former cause alone.
The sixth and seventh parts of my improvements refer to machines in which
two or more electro-magnets are applied to produce or govern their successive
movements.
My sixth improvement consists in the employment of the attractive force of
an electro-magnet for the purpose of releasing a detent of a clock movement
and thereby causing a hammer to act so that by its stroke characters may be
impressed upon a surface. I. shall proceed to show how this Invention may
be applied to the electro-magnetic telegraph described in the Specification of
a Patent granted to myself and William Fothergill Cooke on the Twenty-first
day of January One thousand eight hundred and forty and duly inrolled.
The machine Figure 11 consists of two independent movements A B the

page_text: first A being for the purpose of bringing any required stamp or type to the
proper position and the second B for moving the cylinder so that the type
may be opposite a fresh place and for causing the hammer to strike upon it
when placed there. The mechanism of the first part A is similar to that of
the electro-magnetic telegraph described in the Specification of the Patent
above mentioned the difference being that the axis of the escape wheel carries
instead of a paper disc with letters printed upon it a series of steel punches on
which the letters of the alphabet or other markers are cut and which are
arranged in a circle each at the extremity of a separate spring forming a
radius of the circle. This disposition of the punches or types is shewn at C.
The mechanism of the second part B may be described as follows A clock
movement is kept from running down by a detent n having at its upper end a
piece of soft iron opposite to which a small electro-magnet W is placed.
When an electric current is passed through the communicating wires b, c and
the coil of the 'electro-magnet W by the attraction of the latter the detent n is
removed from the notch of the quickest wheel x of the train which it before
withheld and the wheel is allowed to revolve. The detent is applied to this
wheel because it can be withheld by the least power but as the time of a.
single revolution of this wheel would not be sufficient to accumulate the power
requisite to produce the desired effects it is allowed to revolve several times
the detent being in the meanwhile, prevented from acting by another pro-.
jection on the detent lever bearing against the circumference of a slower
wheel y of the train upon which there is a notch into which it may fall..
This wheel y has a pins i standing at right angles to its circumference.
every revolution of this wheel the pin i strickes the ratchet wheel Q which
is at the end of a long pinion 9 and causes it to advance one tooth. This
pinion is geared into a wheel fixed to the end of the cylinder C round.
which the paper to be printed upon is rolled and the cylinder moves on
a spiral groove cut on the axle p round which it turns so that at each action
of the pin i on a tooth of the ratchet the cylinder C not only makes a part of
its revolution but at the same time moves parallel to its axis presenting every,
time a different place for the type to make its impression on. Immediately
after the pin i has moved the ratchet it acts upon the lever of the hammer H
in such manner as to remove it gradually and then allow it to spring suddenly
in order to give a blow to the type and produce the impression. Alternate.
layers of thin white paper and the blackened paper employed for the manifold
writer are rolled on the cylinder C and as many copies are produced as there
are superposed sheets. The characters thus impressed are legible and clear..
A coating of smooth thick leather should be fixed to the surface of the brass
At

page_text: cylinder in order that a good impression may be obtained. Instead of the
sheets of printing and transfer paper rolled on the cylinder as above described
other materials may be used. for instance a thin sheet of metal of lead or tin
foil may be employed. In this case the characters will be stamped or indented
instead of being printed. Instead of a cylinder revolving on its axis on a spiral
groove as represented by Figure 11 any of the other well-known means of
bringing different points of a surface successively into the same position may
be substituted. Thus the platform moved by the rack and pinion shewn at
Figure 12 may be employed for this purpose. In order to print any required
letter the type wheel is brought into its proper position by exactly the same
means which are employed to bring to its proper position the letter disc or dial
of the electro-magnetic telegraph specified in the above-mentioned Patent and
which means are fully described therein.. This operation being effected a
key (similar to that represented at Figure 13) interposed in the circuit of the
electro-magnet W is touched by the finger of the operator and if a voltaic
battery be also in the circuit the attraction of the electro-magnetic causes the
detent to be released. The cylinder consequently advances and the hammer
strikes the punch.
My seventh improvement relates to a method of causing an electric current
transmitted through a single circuit to act successively in any required order
on any number of electro-magnets intended to produce actions of different
kinds that I may thereby obtain any determined succession of independent
actions.
Figure 14 represents this apparatus applied to the electro-magnets of a
telegraphic printing apparatus though for convenience of representation they
are shewn differently arranged to what they are in Figure 11. In this instru-
ment two electro-magnets a and W are employed the former acting as has
been already explained to bring the type wheel to any required position and
the latter to release the detent which occasions the blow of the hammer and
the advance of the cylinder. I effect both these purposes in their proper order
of succession by means of a single electric current transmitted from a voltaic
or magneto-electric battéry. c is a disc of ivory on the circumference of which
are fixed insulated from each other as many arcs of brass as there are inde-
pendent actions to follow in succession the lengths of these arcs being propor-
tionate to the respective durations of the successive actions. On the arbor dof
the clockwork movement a spring e is fixed which revolves with it and bears
against the circumference of the disc c and passes successively over all the arcs
of brass. One end of the circuit wire Z is attached to any part of the brass
frame of the movement and is thereby in conducting communication with the

page_text: spring e. One end of the wire of the electro-magnet a is attached to the brass
arc f and one end of the wire of the electro-magnet W to the arc g and if
other intermediate actions were to be determined the ends of the wires of the
electro magnets producing them would be attached to other arcs as i the
other ends of the wires of all the electro-magnets are all to be united together
and connected with the other circuit wire C.
diverted from the
bears against the
This arc being of
The effect of this arrangement may now be described. In the position of
the spring e represented in the Figure the electro-magnet W is brought
into the circuit and consequently when a current is made to pass through
it, the armature a¹ is attracted and the detent released which occasions
the spring
e to begin to revolve immediately after the spring has com-
menced its motion it leaves the arc and the current is
electro-magnet W but continuing its motion the spring
arc f and the current passes into the electro-magnet a.
considerable length gives time for the operator whilst the temporary con-
nection lasts to perform the proper operation to bring the type wheel to
the required position. This having been done before the spring completely
describes its revolution the cylinder is advanced and the blow of the hammer
is struck by the clock movement. The spring then finally rests in its first
position on the arc g completing the circuit through the electro-magnet W and
the apparatus is ready to recommence the same series of operations. Thus by
means of an electric-current transmitted through a single circuit the detent of
the clockwork movement is released the type wheel brought to any required
position the cylinder advanced in order to present a different place for the
impression and the blow of the hammer struck. But in addition to these any
number of intermediate actions might be produced. I have represented this
part of the Invention as applied to the electro-magnetic printing apparatus
but it is equally applicable to automatic or imitative machines in general
capable of being set in action by electro-magnetism though the motions may
be very dissimilar and unequal in duration they may in this manner each
operation having its eletic-magnet be made to follow each other in any required
order by the transmission of an electric current through a single circuit.
My eighth improvement has for its object to record the time at which any
distant action or actions take place the act of recording being effected by
means of electric currents. This part of the Invention consists of a surface
moved equally by means of a clock or time-keeper in order that a pencil or
other suitable marker may by electro-magnetic attraction be brought in con-
tact with such surface and leave a mark which may afterwards indicate by
its position on the surface the time at which it has been made. Figure 12

page_text: represents an apparatus by which this end is attained. a is a platform or sur-
face moved uniformly in the same direction by means of a rack 6 and pinion c
the pinion being driven by being connected with and driven by the power of a
clock or time-keeper. On the surface a a sheet of paper is placed ruled with
lines the distances between which correspond with definite intervals of time.
d is an electro-magnet fixed above the surface a and e is an armature of soft
iron placed directly opposite its poles and connected with the instrument which
carries the pencil or marker f so that when the armature is attracted by the
electro-magnet the lever g connected with the armature depresses the pencil
or marker and brings it into contact with the paper when the attraction of
the electro-magnet ceases in consequence of the cessation of the current in
the wire which is coiled round it the pencil resumes its former position.
The ends CZ of the wire of the electro-magnetic coils may be connected
with wires of any length if a voltaic battery be interposed at any point in
either of these wires. So long as they remain disjoined no effect is produced
but if the two ends are brought into contact a circuit will be completed and
an electric current will be immediately established and the electro-magnet d
will attract the armature e and the pencil or marker will act upon the paper.
One of the simplest means of completing the circuit is shewn at Figure 13.
h is a block of metal to which one end of the circuit is attached and i is an
insulated spring to which the other end is fixed on pressing the spring with
the finger the circuit will be completed.
I would remark that many variations may be made in this apparatus thus
instead of the platform being moved by the rack and pinion as represented in
the Figure a cylinder revolving on its axis and advancing at'the same time in
the direction of its axis on a spiral screw as shewn in Figure 11 may be sub-
stituted. In like manner a cylinder of larger diameter moving on its axis
without the longitudinal motion may be employed or indeed any of the known
means by which a surface may be moved in order to place its different portions
successively under the same point.
Instead of a mark being made by a pencil on the surface as above described
the contrivance represented at Figure 11 may be made use of that is the
electro-magnet may by its action on an armature release a detent which sets
clockwork in motion and occasions a hammer to strike on the surface and
thereby make a mark in the manner described in the explanation of that
Figure.
I have above supposed that the action (the time of which is to be recorded)"
is made by the voluntary act of a person completing the circuit but it will be
evident that the circuit may be completed in various ways by any occasional

page_text: or periodical mechanical motion and the time of its action be thus recorded
at any distance from the place where it actually occurs.
:
Two electro-magnets each acting upon a separate pencil or marker on the
same moving surface are represented in the Figure and it will be obvious that
any number of electro-magnets and pencils or markers may be made to act
in a similar manner on the same surface so that any number of occurrences
may be recorded.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention and the manner of
carrying the same into effect I would have it understood that what I claim
is
First the mode of constructing what I have called a magneto-electric battery
by combining several magneto-electric machines so that the separate currents
produced by each shall be transmitted successively through the same circuit
in such manner that each current commences before the preceding one has
ceased whereby a continuous current is obtained proceeding always in the
same direction.
:
Secondly I claim the means above described of varying or regulating the.
resistance in an electric circuit by occasioning the current to pass through
insulated wire suitably coiled or bent the length of which interposed in the
circuit is capable of being varied.
".
Thirdly I claim the mode of constructing electro-magnets (of soft iron plates.
or discs) in such manner that the insulated wire or metal ribbon (through
which the electric current circulates) is coiled in grooves surrounding yet
opening into each other and allowing of several coils being made in the first
groove and then to pass into the next groove and make several coils therein
and so on as above described.
Fourthly I claim the constructing electro-magnetic engines with a series of
electro-magnets arranged on a circle and an armature or armatures arranged in
another circle one of these circles being fixed and the other moveable and the
axis of the latter not being coincident or in the same line with the axis of the
former but being parallel or inclined thereto and the axis of the moveable
circle describing in its rotation either a cylindrical or a conical surface round
the axis of the fixed circle so that each point of the moving circle in succession
may approach to and recede from the fixed circle..
And I also claim the constructing electro-magnetic engines in such manner
that the electro-magnets and an armature or armatures are arranged in two.
surfaces one of which being curved rolls upon the other which may be either
curved or plain bringing the moving points successively to approach and recede
from the fixed surface.

page_text: Fifthly I claim the mode of constructing electro-magnetic engines in which
permanent or electro-magnets having their axes or lengths in the same plane
rotate round a common centre near fixed electro-magnets or electric coils so
arranged that these electric magnets or electric coils do not extend over the
centre of motion of the magnetic bars by this arrangement several electro-
magnets or electric coils are made to exert their tangential force simultaneously
on several magnets the lengths or axes of which are disposed circularly in the
same plane.
Sixthly I claim the employing the attractive force of an electro-magnet for
the purpose of releasing a detent of a clock movement which carries a hammer
to act so as by its blow to impress characters or marks on a surface.
And I also claim the mode of obtaining several copies of marks by the use
of surfaces of transfer paper when the markers are brought into action by
electric means.
Seventhly I claim the employment of the means above described for causing
an electric current transmitted through a single circuit to act successively in
any required order on two or more electro-magnets so as thereby to obtain
any determined succession of independent and dissimilar actions.
And eighthly I claim the causing through the agency of electro-magnetic
attraction marks to be made on paper or other suitable material on a cylin-
drical or other surface regularly. moved by a clock or time-keeper in order that
the time at which marks so made shall be recorded.
In witness whereof I the said Charles Wheatstone have hereunto set my
hand and seal this Seventh day of January in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and forty-two.
CHARLES (L.s.) WHEATSTONE..