Стцев or other Places, and in Means or Apparatus Employed therein.
Year: 1885

page_text: Стцев or other
Places, and
in Means or Apparatus Employed therein.
I ALFRED GEORGE BROOKES, of the firm of Wm Brookes & Son of 55 &
56 Chancery Lane in the County of Middlesex, Fellow of the Institute of Patent
Agents do hereby declare the nature of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
SIGNALLING, INDICATING OR COMMUNICATING BETWEEN POLICE, OR OTHERS, IN
CITIES, OR OTHER PLACES AND IN MEANS OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN "1
to be as follows:-
This invention is embodied in a municipal or police telegraph system in which
electric circuits are extended from the different police stations or head-quarters
through the regions patrolled by the different policemen, and have at numerous
points signal boxes accessible for operation, to any authorized citizen or "civilian "
who is enabled to transmit a signal which characterizes by a number or otherwise
the box that is operated, and thus gives information of the sub-station or locality
where police aid of some nature is desired so that such aid may be at once sent
from the police head quarters to the said station, or the call for aid otherwise
attended to.
The said boxes are also provided with multiple devices by means of which a
policeman or other authorized person may send special signals indicating just what
is required and the station at which it is required these latter devices preferably not
being accessible to citizens, or persons, promiscuously.
In the operation of the system it is intended that the policeman shall stop at at
each box in going his rounds, and preferably there will be a stated or definite time
for him to arrive at each box where he will operate the box in such manner as to
receive a signal or instruction from the main office as will be described, and he
may if desired be required to transmit a patrol signal which will be distinct from
the other signals transmitted from the box, and will preferably be received on a

page_text: different instrument at the main office from that on which the citizen or
signals are received.
"want"
The term "want" signal or call will be used to designate those signals which
indicate a need of some attention or operation to be performed from the main
office, and the term "patrol" signal will be used to designate those signals which
are transinitted by the policeman merely to indicate their presence at the box and
to thus show whether or not they are properly attending to their duty and calling
at each box at the proper time...
In some localities the policeman's beat and the signal boxes thereon are at such
a distance from the main police stations or head quarters connected with the said
boxes that considerable time is required for assistance to reach the box from which
a call for aid is received and it is desirable to have some means for transmitting
signals from the police head-quarters to the boxes, so that if a
call or
"want
signal for assistance is received at the head quarters, a signal may be sent from the
said head quarters to the policeman when he arrives at the next box on his beat,
directing him to the box from which the call was received.
27
This invention also provides such means for transmitting definite signals from a
main or central station to different signal boxes in circuit with the said station,
and consists essentially in a transmitting apparatus at the main office and receiving
signal at the box which may be operated at the proper time.
As shown in this instance of my invention the transmitting apparatus at the
main station consists of a multiple signal device having upon its surface signals
corresponding to all the boxes or stations on the said circuit, and preferably any
desired number of additional signals, the said device being placed in proper position
to transmit any desired one of the said signals, by the operator at the main station
but not operating to transmit such predetermined signal until caused to do so from
some other point, on the circuit the signal thus being determined as to character
by the operator at the main office, but the act of transmission being controlled from
the point where the said signal is to be received.
Each of the signal boxes is provided with a device for thus causing or permitting
such predetermined signal to be transmitted so that upon the arrival of a policeman
at any box he may cause the transmitter at the main office to operate and transmit
to him the signal which has been previously set up for him by the operator at the
main office, thus enabling the operator at the main office to set up before the
arrival of a policeman at any box of his beat a signal to indicate an order which it
is desired shall be transmitted to the policeman on his arrival at a box, and the
policeman having received the said predetermined signal may by means of the
transmitting devices located in the box indicate to the main office the reception of
the said order and the number of the box or substation at which the said pre-
determined signal was received.
The mechanism for the signal boxes comprises a clock work or notor which may
be actuated or set in operation by the citizen, person, or policeman, and the said
clock work contains a shaft or arbor provided with a break wheel cooperating
with a contact spring to produce a definite series of breaks in the circuit as the
said wheel rotates under the said spring. This wheel will thus produce a definite
series of interruptions in the circuit which may be made to affect a receiving
instrument at the main station which will preferably register the said signal, which
characterises the box operated and thus makes knowu the exact locality from
which the signal was received.
..
In order that the policeman may send various other signals indicating special
wants such for instance as a call for a wagon, or for an ambulance, or for apparatus
for extinguishing fires and so forth the shaft of. the motor is provided with a series
of additional break wheels having their surfaces arranged to produce definite
interruptions in the current, producing signals similar to those employed in
common telegraphy, such for instance as the letters of the Morse alphabet, each of

page_text: which signals will be known to indicate some corresponding want the Morso
character for the letter a for example being a call for an ambulance, the letter f for
aid to extinguishing fires and so forth.
The notched portions of the wheels which produce the "want" or special signals
are so arranged with relation to the notched portion of the wheel which gives the.
number or box signal to indicate the locality of the box, that the "want" signal
which is at any time selected, and the box signal, are transmitted successively in
the rotation of the break wheel shaft, thus indicating definitely what is wanted
and the locality at which it is wanted.
In order that the break wheels which produce. the want signals may be called.
into operation one at a time, and the proper one placed in control of the circuit to
transmit the desired "want" signal, the springs that cooperate with the different.
break wheels are normally disengaged from the corresponding wheels and any
desired one of them is pressed down into engagement with the corresponding.
wheel before the motor is set in operation.
The different springs may be thus pressed down as desired, by means of a
oylinder or shaft extending across them and provided with projections, one.
corresponding to each spring, arranged at different angular positions around the
shaft, so that in turning the latter the springs are pressed one after another each
into engagement with its corresponding break wheel."
The shaft may be provided with a handle or pointer cooperating with a circular
dial having divisions marked to correspond with the different special signals to be
sent and by turning the pointer to any one of the divisions the proper spring will
be pressed into engagement with its break wheel to send the signal corresponding
to the said division of the dial.
The multiple signal transmitting device at the main station may consist of a
similar series of break wheels and springs the break wheels being operated by a
motor governed by a detent operated by an electro magnet controlled by the circuit
and preferably the said magnet is controlled by relays in such manner that it is
operated to release the motor by a reduction in the current strength but not by a
total break in the circuit and the policeman arriving at the box causes resistance
to be included in the circuit weakening the current and thus causing the release
of the motor of the transmitting device at the main station which immediately
operates to transmit the signal which had been previously determined or set by
the operator at the main station.
The "patrol" signals are preferably transmitted from the boxes or substations.
by alternately placing resistance in and removing it from the circuit and such
signals are received by a special relay and receiving instrument or register and
merely indicate that the policeman is present or on duty, and the introduction of
resistance attendant on the transmission of the patrol or "on duty" signal from the
box also, sets the transmitter at the main station in operation to send the
predetermined signal to the policeman.
The signals are preferably transmitted from the main station to the boxes by
reversals in polarity affecting a suitable receiving instrument at the box, and such
signals transmitted from the main stations do not interfere with those transmitted
from the boxes to the main station by weakening or total interruption of the
current.
The receiving apparatus at the main station is controlled by two relays one
adjusted to release or permit the retraction of its armature on the weakening of the
current by introducing resistance at the box, while the other releases its armature.
only on the total interruption of the current.
The local circuit controlled by the first relay is closed by the engagement of its
armature with its back stop when released or retracted and the said local circuit
which includes the register for the "patrol" signal and the detent magnet for the
main station transmitter, includes also the front stop and armature of the other
relay, so that when the armatures of both relays are released by a total interruption

page_text: "
in the circuit such as produced by the citizens or "civilians" or special "want
signals the local circuit for the "patrol” signals and detent magnet although
connected by the relay that responds to the weakening of the current is broken by
the other relay and no effect is produced on the said local circuit which is affected
only when the relay adjusted to respond to a weakening in the current is operated
without the operation of the other relay.
· The latter relay which responds to the total interruptions but not to the
weakening of the current controls a local circuit containing a register or receiver
for the citizens or public and special "want" calls and preferably also includes an
alarm so that attention is at once called when such signal is received, as all such
signals require immediate attention while the "patrol" signals on the other hand
do not.
The boxes at the sub stations have two operating devices one of which is
accessible to citizens or public when the box door is closed and locked, being either
operated by a citizen's or "civilian's" key inserted from the outside of the box or
otherwise, means being provided as will be described to deter citizens or mischievous
persons from sending unnecessary signals.
The citizen's starting device can operate only to cause the transmission of the
box number signals or the citizen's call, the circuit being automatically controlled
by closing the door of the box in such manner that neither the special signals nor
the patrol signal can be transmitted while the box is closed.
When the "citizen's" or "civilian's" calls aro transmitted by, keys inserted from
the outside of the box means are provided for locking the key in the box until the
policeman arrives and opens the box door which will release the key and the latter
may be retained by the policeman as evidence against the person operating the box
in case it were done needlessly. The citizens keys will be each numbered and a
record made of the persons to whom they are distributed for the purpose of
identifying persons sending needless alarms.
The policeman will be provided with keys for opening the doors of the boxes
which will afford access to another starting device to be operated only by the
policeman and will also afford access to the multiple signalling device by which the
policeman is enabled to send any desired special want signal.
The closing of the box door after a signal has been transmitted by a policeman
automatically restores the multiple signal device to its normal condition in which
the citizen's or civilian's call or box number only can be transmitted if the box
door is closed, or the "patrol" signal will be transmitted if the box door be open.
The opening of the box door by the policeman places the box in condition to
transmit the "patrol" signal by alternating interposing resistance in and removing
it from the circuit, but the movement of the multiple signalling device into position
to send any special want signal removes the resistance from the circuit so that such
signal is transmitted by total interruptions in the current or in other words by
alternately breaking and closing the circuit.
Instead of delivering keys to "citizen's" or civilian's the," citizen's" starting
device may be made accessible by means of a door, different from the one that is
unlocked by the policeman, provided with a latch that can be operated without a
special key but which in its operation produces a series of blows on a gong or bell,
or other local alarm at the box, which would call attention of passers by, and
would thus deter any one from operating the box to sound a signal unnecessarily.
The mechanism of the various parts of the entire signal apparatus may be
greatly varied without departing from the invention which consists essentially in
the arrangement and cooperation of various appliances substantially as described to
produce a complete system of signalling between the police stations and various
boxes or sub-stations in the regions patrolled by policemen.
The term "multiple signalling device" is intended to include any mechanism
which may be set in different positions or conditions by an operator, and which
when thus set will automatically transmit a signal which is different and distinct

page_text: for each different position or condition in which the mechanism is set. And the
expressions "citizens" "patrol" and "police" are used for the sake of distinction
but any similar body of the resident public and the constituted authorities may be
included in the respective expressions.
One or more of the boxes in each region may be provided with telephonic
instruments by which the policeman may be placed in telephonic communication
with the attendant at the police station house or main office.
between Police or Others in Cities or other Places, and in
Means or Apparatus Employed therein.
I ALFRED GEORGE BROOKES of the firm of Wm Brookes & Son, of 55 & 56
Chancery Lane in the County of Middlesex Fellow of the Institute of Patent
Agents do hereby declare the nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN
SIGNALLING, INDICATING OR COMMUNICATING BETWEEN POLICE OR OTHERS IN CITIES
OR OTHER PLACES AND IN MEANS OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
This invention is embodied in a municipal or police telegraph system in which
electric circuits are extended from the different police stations or head-quarters
through the regions patrolled by the different policemen, and have at numerous
points signal boxes accessible for operation, to any authorized citizen or "civilian"
who is enabled to transmit a signal which characterizes by a number or otherwise
the box that is operated, and thus gives information of the sub-station or locality
where police aid of some nature is desired so that such aid may be at once sent
from the police head quarters to the said station, or the call for aid otherwise
attended to.
The said boxes are also provided with multiple signal devices by means of which
a policeman or other authorized person may send special signals indicating just
what is required and the station at which it is required these latter devices
preferably not being accessible to citizens, or persons promiscuously.
In the operation of the system it is intended that the policeman shall stop at
each box in going his rounds, and preferably there will be a stated or definite time
for him to arrive at cach box where he will operate the box in such manner as to

page_text: may
receive a signal or instructions from the main office as will be described, and he
if desired be required to transmit a patrol signal which will be distinct from
the other signals transmitted from the box, and will preferably be received on
a different instrument at the main office from that on which the citizen or want"
signals are received.
The term " want" signal or call will be used to designate those signals which
indicate a need of some attention or operation to be performed from the main office,
and the term "patrol" signal will be used to designate those signals which are
transmitted by the policeman merely to indicate their presence at the box and to
thus show whether or not they are properly attending to their duty and calling at
each box at the proper time.
In some localities the policeman's beat and the signal boxes thereon are at such
a distance from the main police stations or head quarters connected with the sai
boxes that considerable time is required for assistance to reach the box from which
a call for aid is received, and it is desirable to have some means for transmitting
"
"want
signals from the police head quarters to the boxes, so that if a
call or
signal for assistance is received at the head quarters, a signal may be sent from the
said head quarters to the policeman when he arrives at the next box on his beat,
directing him to the box from which the call was received.
This invention also provides such means for transmitting definite signals from
a main or central station to different signal boxes in circuit with the said station,
and consists essentially in a transmitting apparatus at the main office and receiving
signal at the box which may be operated at the proper time.
As shown in this instance of my invention the transmitting apparatus at the
main station consists of a multiple signal device having upon its surface signals
corresponding to all the boxes or stations on the said circuit, and preferably any
desired number of additional signals, the said device being placed in proper position
to transmit any desired one of the said signals, by the operator at the main station,
but not operating to transmit such predetermined signal until caused to do so from
some other point, on the circuit, the signal thus being determined as to character
by the operator at the main office, but the act of transmission being controlled
from the point where the said signal is to be received.
Each of the signal boxes is provided with a device for thus causing or permitting
such predetermined signal to be transmitted, so that upon the arrival of a policeman
at any box he may cause the transmitter at the main office to operate and transmit
to him the signal which has been previously set up for him by the operator at the
main office, thus enabling the operator at the main office to set up before the arrival
of a policeman at any box of his beat a signal to indicate an order which it is
desired shall be transmitted to the policeman on his arrival at a box, and the
policeman having received the said predetermined signal may by means of the
transmitting devices located in the box indicate to the main office the reception
of the said order and the number of the box or sub-station at which the said
predetermined signal was received.
The mechanism for the signal boxes comprises a clock-work or motor which may
be actuated or set in operation by the citizen, person, or policeman, and the said
clock work contains a shaft or arbor provided with a break wheel cooperating with
a contact spring to produce a definite series of breaks in the circuit as the said
wheel rotates under the said spring. This wheel will thus produce a definite series
of interruptions in the current which may be made to affect a receiving instrument
at the main station which will preferably register the said signal, which characterizes
the box operated and thus makes known the exact. locality from which the signal
was received.
In order that the policeman may send various other signals indicating special
wants such for instance as a call for a wagon, or for an ambulance, or for apparatus
for extinguishing fires and so forth the shaft of the motor is provided with a series
of additional break wheels having their surfaces arranged to produce definite
interruptions in the current, producing signals similar to those employed in common

page_text: telegraphy, such for instance as the letters of the Morse alphabet, each of which
signals will be known to indicate some corresponding want the Morse character for
the letter a for example being a call for an ambulance, the letter f for aid to
extinguishing fires and so forth.
The notched portions of the wheels which produce the "want" or special signals,
are so arranged with relation to the notched portion of the wheel which gives the
number or box signal to indicate the locality of the box, that the "want" signal
which is at any time selected, and the box signal, are transmitted successively in
the rotation of the break wheel shaft, thus indicating definitely what is wanted and
the locality at which it is wanted.
In order that the break wheels which produce the "want" signals may be called
into operation one at a time, and the proper one placed in control of the circuit to
transmit the desired "want" signal, the springs that cooperate with the different
break wheels are normally disengaged from the corresponding wheels and any
desired one of them is pressed down into engagement with the corresponding wheel
before the motor is set in operation.
The different springs may be thus pressed down as desired by means of a cylinder
or shaft extending across them and provided with projections, one corresponding to
each spring, arranged at different angular positions around the shaft, so that in
turning the latter the springs are pressed one after another each into engagement
with its corresponding break wheel.
The shaft may be provided with a handle or pointer cooperating with a circular
dial having divisions marked to correspond with the different special signals to be
sent and by turning the pointer to any one of the divisions the proper spring will
be pressed into engagement with its break wheel to send the signal corresponding
to the said division of the dial.
The multiple signal transmitting device at the main station may consist of
a similar series of break wheels and springs, the break wheels being operated by
a motor governed by a detent operated by an electro magnet controlled by the circuit
and preferably the said magnet is controlled by relays in such manner that it is
operated to release the motor by a reduction in the current strength but not by
a total break in the circuit, and the policeman arriving at the box causes resistance
to be included in the circuit weakening the current and thus causing the release
of the motor of the transmitting device at the main station which immediately
operates to transmit the signal which had been previously determined or set by the
operator at the main station.
The "patrol" signals are preferably transmitted from the boxes or substations
by alternately placing resistance in and removing it from the circuit and such
signals are received by a special relay and receiving instrument or register and
merely indicate that the policeman is present or on duty, and the introduction of
resistance attendant on the transmission of the patrol or "on duty" signal from
the box also, sets the transmitter at the main station in operation to send the
predetermined signal to the policeman.
The signals are preferably transmitted from the main station to the boxes by
reversals in polarity affecting a suitable receiving instrument at the box, and such
signals transmitted from the main stations do not interfere with those transmitted
from the boxes to the main station by weakening or total interruption of the
current.
The receiving apparatus at the main station is controlled by two relays one
adjusted to release or permit the retraction of its armature on the weakening of
the current by introducing resistance at the box, while the other releases its
armature only on the total interruption of the current.
The local circuit controlled by the first relay is closed by the engagement of its
armature with its back stop when released or retracted, and the said local circuit
which includes the register for the "patrol" signal, and the detent magnet for thẻ
main station transmitter, includes also the front stop and armature of the other
relay, so that when the armatures of both relays are released by a total interruption

page_text: "
in the circuit such as produced by the citizens or "civilians". or special "want
signals, the local circuit for the "patrol" signals and detent magnet although
connected by the relay that responds to the weakening of the current is broken by
the other relay and no effect is produced on the said local circuit, which is affected
only when the relay adjusted to respond to a weakening in the current is operated
without the operation of the other relay.
The latter relay which responds to the total interruptions but not to the
weakening of the current controls a local circuit containing a register or receiver
for the citizens, or public, and special "want" calls and preferably also includes an
alarm so that attention is at once called when such signal is received, as all such
signals require immediate attention, while the "patrol" signals on the other hand
do not.
The boxes at the sub stations have two operating devices one of which is
accessible to citizens or public when the box door is closed and locked, being either
operated by a citizens or "civilian" key inserted from the outside of the box or
otherwise, means being provided as will be described to deter citizens or mischievous
persons from sending unnecessary signals.
.The citizens starting device can operate only to cause the transmission of the box
number signal or the citizens call, the circuit being automatically controlled by
closing the door of the box in such manner that neither the special signals nor the
patrol signal can be transmitted while the box is closed.
When the "citizens" or "civilians" calls are transmitted by keys inserted from
the outside of the box means are provided for locking the key in the box until the
policeman arrives and opens the box door which will release the key, and the latter
may be retained by the policeman as evidence against the person operating the box
in case it were done needlessly The citizens keys will be each numbered and
a record made of the persons to whom they are distributed for the purpose of
identifying persons sending needless alarms.
The policeman will be provided with keys for opening the doors of the boxes
which will afford access to another starting device to be operated only by the
policeman and will also afford access to the multiple signalling.device by which
the policeman is enabled to send any desired special want signal.
The closing of the box door after a signal has been transmitted by a policeman
automatically restores the multiple signal device to its normal condition, in which
the citizens or civilian's call or box number only can be transmitted if the box door
is closed, or the "patrol" signal will be transmitted if the box door be opened.
The opening of the box door by the policeman places the box in condition to
transmit the "patrol" signal by alternating interposing resistance in and removing
it from the circuit, but the movement of the multiple signalling device into position
to send any special want signal removes the resistance from the circuit so that such
signal is transmitted by total interruptions in the current or in other words by
alternately breaking and closing the circuit.
Instead of delivering keys to " citizens," or civilians, the "citizens" starting device
may be made accessible by means of a door, different from the one that is unlocked
by the policeman, provided with a latch that can be operated without a special key
but which in its operation produces a series of blows on a gong or bell, or other
local alarm at the box, which would call attention of passers by, and would thus
deter anyone from operating the box to sound a signal unnecessarily.
The mechanism of the various parts of the entire signal apparatus may be
greatly varied without departing from the invention which consists essentially in
the arrangement and cooperation of various appliances substantially as described
to produce a complete system of signalling between the police stations and various
boxes or sub-stations in the regions patrolled by policeman.
The term "multiple signalling device" is intended to include any mechanism
which may be set in different positions or conditions by an operator, and which
when thus set will automatically transmit a signal which is different and distinct
for each different position or condition in which the mechanism is set.

page_text: And the expressions "citizens," "patrol" and police" are used for the sake
of distinction but any similar body of the resident public and the constituted
authorities may be included in the respective expressions.
One or more of the boxes in each region may be provided with telephonic
instruments by which the policemen may be placed in telephonic communication
with the attendant at the police station horse or main office.
Figure 1. is a front elevation of a signal box embodying this invention being
shown with the door open and with the pointer in its normal position so that the
patrol signal will be transmitted if the box is operated without further change.
Figure 2 is a rear elevation of the signal transmitting and receiving apparatus
contained in the box.
Figures 3 and 4 a plan view and front elevation respectively of the multiple
signal transmitting device of the box, the front parts of the frame work being
removed in Figure 4, and .
Figure 5 a diagram showing the circuit and arrangement of the instruments
therein at the main and sub stations.
The box A, see Figure 1 is of suitable size and shape to contain the signal
transmitting and receiving apparatus C, and the telephone receiver T, and
transmitter T¹, and the local battery B for the battery, the said box having a
door D provided with a suitable lock, so that when closed it can only be opened
by an authorized person provided with a suitable key, it being intended that the
policeman shall have such keys and that they shall open each box and operate the
same at definite times while on duty.
The signal transmitting apparatus C, best shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, consists
essentially of a motor a which when actuated by its spring or actuator a¹ when
properly wound by the pull or box operating device operates a break-wheel b which
in connection with its cooperating spring b', see Figure 5, will operate to produce
a series of interruptions in the current in the usual manner, the said break-wheels
being different at each box in the circuit and each being adapted to transmit a
signal characterizing the box or station in the manner of the well known fire
alarm telegraph apparatus.
The signal transmitting apparatus C also includes a multiple signal device
operated by the same motor a in conjunction with the said break-wheel b to send
any desired one of a series of special signals in connection with the number or box
signal of the wheel b to thus indicate a want, or the nature of the assistance needed
at the box.
The multiple signal device consists of a series of break-wheels e mounted on the
same shaft with the break wheel b and moving simultaneously therewith, and
a series of cooperating springs c¹ normally disengaged from the surface of the
corresponding wheels but adapted to be pressed into engagement each with its
corresponding break-wheel by projections d of a shaft or cylinder d' provided with
a pointer d², see Figure 1, cooperating with a dialhaving indicated on it the various
different signals that are to be transmitted, said cylinder d' constituting a signal
selecting-device, the movement of the pointer d³ to any of the said signals on the
dial bringing a corresponding one of the projections d (which are distributed
around the shaft d¹ to correspond with the different signals of the dial) into
position to press the corresponding spring against one of the break-wheels e, which
will produce a signal that will be understood at the main office as meaning the
same as that indicated on the dial by the pointer, the signal usually consisting of
a combination of long and short interruptions in the current such for instance as
employed in the Morse alphabet.
A star wheel do in connection with a suitable spring-dog arrests and holds the
shaft din correct angular position for each signal.
The pointer d is automatically placed by the closing of the door in a definite
position which may be done, as shown in Figure 1, by a cam d³ on the said pointer,
and a projection D¹ on the door.

page_text: The box is also provided with a receiving signal instrument S, see Figure 2,
consisting of a magnet with a polarized armature operating a bell hammer and
thus signalling by taps upon a bell, the instrument being operated by reversals in
polarity of the current produced by the signal transmitter at the main station.
The box also contains a conductor of considerable resistance shown at R, Figs. 1
and 5, preferably consisting of wire of high resistance wound around the local
battery B, so that the heating effect of the current in the said conductor will be
utilized to prevent the freezing of the battery B. When the apparatus is to be used
in a warm climate the resistance may be in a compact coil as shown in dotted
lines at R10, Figure 2.
The box is provided with a circuit changing device or switch E, operated by a
projection D2 on the door of the box, the said switch or circuit changing device
operating when the box door is closed to shint the magnet of the signal S, and to
open circuit the resistance R so that the main circuit passes directly through the
break-wheel and spring b, b', which operate to alternately break and close the said
circuit in the usual manner.
The motor a is provided with two pulls or operating devices for winding its
spring a so as to permit the said spring to actuate the motor to produce one turn
in the break-wheel.
One of the said box operating devices consists of a slide f having a handle or
finger piece, see Figure 1, connected by a link f³, see Figure 2, with an arm f³
forked to embrace a rod f³ and to engage a projection f* thereon the said rod being
connected with the winding shaft.
One end of the spring a¹ is attached to the said shaft which is connected with
the main wheel of the motor by a ratchet and pawl as commonly practised in signal
boxes employed for fire alarm and district signalling purposes.
The rod f is also connected with an arm f³, see Figure 2, turning around a
stud f and provided with a projection f' to be engaged by the bit of a key
inserted through a key hole f8, see Figure 1, which is accessible when the box
door is closed, it being intended that responsible citizens shall be provided with
keys for entering the key hole f8 and operating the box motor.
A dog or pawl g is provided to engage the bit of the key after it has entered the
key-hole and been turned therein, thus preventing the removal of the key which is
held until the arrival of the policeman when it may be removed and retained to
indicate the person operating the box in case it has operated needlessly.
The dog is supported on a lever g¹, one arm of which is engaged by a projec-
tion D³, on the door turning it on its pivot g³, so as to retain the dog g in the path
of the key as described, but when the door is opened a spring g³ turns the said
lever sufficiently to withdraw the dog from the path of the key bit, leaving the key
✓ free to be removed.
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The circuit and operation will be best understood by referring to Figure 5, which
shows at the part marked "main station' the receiving and transmitting instru-
ments at the main office, and at the part marked "sub-station the apparatus of
one of the boxes the mechanical construction of which has been already described.
The main line circuit L shown in heavier lines than the branch and local circuits
includes at the main station the main battery B', the poles of which are connected
with the line by a pole changing instrument P, of usual construction, by which the
position of the said battery in the main line is reversed, the said pole changer being
of any well known construction, and being operated by an electro magnet p² in a
local circuit L', containing a multiple signal transmitting device T3, which may be
of similar construction to the one previously described in connection with the box,
including a shaft i acted upon by a suitable motor tending to rotate the same, and
provided with a series of break-wheels ¹, and corresponding springs i³ normally
disengaged from the break-wheels, but adapted to be pressed into engagement
therewith one at a time by a shaft or drum having projections which in their
different angular positions act on the different springs 2, it being understood that

page_text: the shaft will be provided with a pointer cooperating with a dial to indicate the
different signals that will be transmitted in the different positions of the said
pointer.
•
The motor of the shaft i is adapted to turn the same for a large number of
revolutions and the movement of the said shaft is controlled by a detent k, operated
by an electro magnet in a local circuit L' controlled by the joint action of two
relays R¹, R², in the main line L, the former of which relays will for distinction be
called the weaker relay having the stronger retractor 8 so that it releases its
armature lever upon a definite reduction in the strength of the current, while the
latter relay R is not caused to release its armature upon such weakening of the
current, but will release it upon the total interruption of the same.
The local circuit L of the detent magnet ¹ includes the armature lever and the
front stop o of the stronger relay R2, and the armature lever and back stop o¹ of
the weaker relay R¹, so that when the latter relay is operated while the former is
unaffected, as by the before mentioned weakening in the current, the local circuit L
will be closed at the back stop o¹ and the detent magnet k¹ energised causing the
release of the multiple signal transmitting devices t³, which will then operate to
transmit the signal for which it has been previously set by the operator turning
the shaft i.
When however both relays R1, R2, are affected simultaneously by the total
interruption of the current, the local circuit L' is broken by the relay R² so that no
effect is produced upon the detent magnet by the retraction of the armature of the
relay R¹ and the transmitter T3 consequently is not set in operation by the total
interruption of the current in the main line circuit L.
The local current L' also contains a signal receiving instrument or register R³,
which will thus respond to reductions in the current strength in the main line, but
will not respond to total interruptions therein.
The relay R2 controls a local circuit L³ in the usual manner operating a receiving
instrument or register R which thus responds to total interruptions in the main
line current but not to the reductions in current strength that effect the operation
of the register R³ and transmitter T³. Normally when the box door is closed at
the sub-station the main line circuit includes the spring b¹ and break-wheel b by
which the number or box signal is transmitted and also includes the circuit closer e
which when the door is shut is closed by the projection D³, as shown in Figure 5,
thus shunting the magnet of the signal S, so that there is practically no resistance
in the line at the boxes when they are closed.
In this condition when the motor a is operated by means of a key inserted in
the key-hole f as previously described, the wheel b in revolving will alternately
break and close the circuit in the usual manner producing movements of the arma-
ture of the relay R' and thus producing signals which are recorded in the Register
R* while the other apparatus at the main station included in the local circuit L³ is
not affected.
The break-wheels c and springs c¹ constituting the multiple signal apparatus of
the box are included in a branch circuit m, around the break-wheel b and its
spring 6, the said branch circuit being opened by a circuit closer e¹ when the box
door is closed, the said circuit closer e¹ as well as the one e previously mentioned
being part of the circuit changer E that is operated by the projection D2 on the box
door.
The resistance R, which when included in the circuit by a suitable switch pro-
duces a sufficient weakening in the current to cause the relay R¹ to release its
armature, is itself included in a branch n from the main circuit terminating in a
spring n so located as to be engaged by the spring c¹ of the multiple signalling
device by which the patrol or "on duty" signal is transmitted the said spring n
being normally touched by the spring cl when the pointer d² forming part of the
signal selecting cylinder see Figure 1, is in its normal position. The signal
selecting cylinder cooperating with the spring c¹ and it in turn cooperating with

page_text: the spring n¹ in the substation constitute what may hereinafter be termed the
circuit selecting device F.
When the box door is opened the circuit changing device E is moved opening the
circuit closer e and closing the one e¹.
The opening of the circuit closer e throws the magnet of the signal S. into circuit,
and the resistance of the said magnet is very small compared to the resistance R.
so that when the said magnet alone is in circuit the current is not sufficiently
weakened to produce any appreciable effect on the relays therein.
When the parts are in this position namely, with the box door open and the
circuit closer e¹ closed. there are two circuits from the point 2 to the point 3. one
over the main line as before described through the break wheel b b² and spring,
without appreciable resistance, and the other through the branch m, which is
again branched at the point of contact between the springs n¹ and c¹, the
branch m from the wheel c being without resistance while the branch n contains
'the resistance R.
With the parts in this position when the operator sets the motor of the box
in action by the pull f, see Figure 1, the wheels b-c (which it will be understood
are on the same axis although shown separately for convenience in Figure 5) will
revolve simultaneously, and the spring b₁ will first pass off from the wheel b at
the long notch bª thereon, while the spring c¹ is still on the long raised portion c³ of
the wheel c.
The current will not at this time be effected as it will pass from the point 2. to
the point 4 over the branch m instead of over the main line.
As soon however as the raised portion c³ of the wheel c passes from beneath the
spring c¹, the branch m will be opened, and then when a notch of the wheel b
passes beneath the spring b¹ both branches will be opened between the points 2, 4,
and the current will pass from the point 2 over the portion of the branch m con-
nected with the spring c¹, thence to the spring n' and through the branch n
including the resistance R, thus causing the current to be weakened and the
armature of the relay R¹ to be retracted, closing the local circuit L' at o¹ and causing
the register R³ to operate, and also causing the release of the transmitting device T¹
at the main station.
When the raised portions of the wheel b between the notches touch the spring b¹
the resistance R will be short circuited by the main line L and the current restored
to its full strength, and thus each notch of the wheel b produces a weakening of
the current affecting the register R³ just as when the box door is closed it produces
a total interruption in the current operating the registers R*.
The transmitter T operates through the pole changer P. to reverse the polarity
of the current without opening the circuit such reversals affecting the polarised
signal S. but not affecting the relays R¹ R' so that the patrol signal may be received
on the register R³ at the same time that the signal is being transmitted outward to
the operator at the box or sub-station.
When the pointer & operating the signal selecting cylinder is moved from the
normal position for the purpose of sending any of the special want signals indicated
on the dial Figure 1, the circuit selecting device is operated as follows to cause the
register R to receive the said signals, the spring c¹ that cooperates with the
wheel c of the patrol signal will be disengaged from the said wheel, and by the
same movement will also be disengaged from the spring n¹ so that the resistance
R will remain in open circuit, and the signals will be transmitted by breaking and
closing the circuit first between the particular spring c¹ and wheel c that have been
placed in contact by the movement of the shaft d¹, and then between the break
wheel band spring b₁, the notched raised portions of the wheel c'corresponding with
the long notch 6 of the break wheel b so that the circuit is left wholly under
control of the wheel c, while the said portion of the wheel b having the long notch 6ª
is passing the spring 6 the circuit then being completed through the branch m and
the surface of the wheel c is cut away in the part corresponding to the notched part
of the wheel b.

page_text: The circuit breaker t operated by a button t¹, see Figure 1, may be employed to
open the main circuit between the points 3. and 4 and thus throw the resistance R
into circuit if the operator at the box desires to set the transmitter at the main
station in operation without operating the box to transmit the patrol signal.
The local circuit L³ will preferably contain an audible signal instrument so as to
attract the attention of the attendant whenever the register R is operated receiving
a citizen's or special want call.
The local battery B will preferably have outside of the conductor R a jacket or
covering that is a poor conductor of heat, such for instance, as layers of felt shown
at F. Figure 1.
In some cases it may be necessary to have more than one receiving station in the
circuit where one or both sets of signals may be received, and it may also be desir-
able in some cases to have the alarm signals received at several different localities
at the same time, and it can readily be seen that under this system any number of
receiving instruments may be easily looped into the circuit for this purpose.
I deem myself to be the first to employ a circuit selecting device to cooperate
with a transmitting instrument and two or more receiving instruments substantially
as herein described to determine the transmission of the signal that it may be
received on one or another receiving instrument, and I have shown as I prefer the
said circuit selecting device as under the control of the signal selecting cylinder.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. A main station containing signal receiving apparatus, and a multiple signal
device, and a main line or circuit leading from said station, and signal boxes or
sub-stations therein containing signal transmitting and signal receiving devices
whereby different definite signals may be automatically transmitted from the main
to the sub-stations and the reverse, substantially as and for the purpose described.
2. The main and sub-stations, and line or circuit connecting them, the said
main station containing a multiple signal transmitting device, combined with an
actuating motor for said transmitting device, and detent for said motor, and con-
trolling device for the said detent located at the sub-stations, whereby .a person
at a sub-station may cause a signal the character of which has been determined
at the main station to be automatically transmitted to him at the sub-station,
substantially as described.
3. A main station, line and substation, the said main station containing a
multiple signal transmitting device, actuating motor therefor, and detent for the
said motor, combined with signal receiving apparatus, at the sub-stations, resistance
and devices controlling the introduction of the said resistance into the main circuit
and its removal therefrom, substantially as described.
4. An electric circuit connecting a main and sub-station, combined with relays
at the main station, one adjusted to respond to changes in current strength and the
other to total interruptions in the current and signal transmitting apparatus con-
trolled by the said relays, as described whereby the said transmitting apparatus
is set in operation upon a change in current strength but not upon a complete
interruption, substantially as described.
5. An electric circuit and main and sub-stations therein, the said main station
containing a multiple signal transmitting apparatus, adapted to transmit any
desired one of a series of definite signals, combined with controlling devices for
the said transmitting apparatus located at the sub-stations, whereby an operator at
a sub-station may call into operation the transmitting device at the main station,
in order to receive at the sub-atation a signal, the nature of which is determined at
the main station, substantially as described.
6. A system of electrical signalling between a main and sub-station compre-
bending a multiple signal-transmitting apparatus at the main station, and a series

page_text: of signal boxes constituting the sub-stations in electrical circuit therewith, the
signal transmitting apparatus at the main station containing an index which may
be set to indicate the signal it is desired to subsequently deliver or produce at the
sub-station, the said signal. being made effective at the sub-station by or through
mechanism located at the box of the sub-station, substantially as described.
7. The main electric circuit and two relay magnets therein having their armatures:
adjusted to respond to currents of different strength, combined with two inde-
pendent local circuits, one controlled wholly by the relay having the weaker
retractor, and the other controlled by both relays as described, and independent.
electro magnets in the said local circuits operated independently of one another by
different changes in the current in the main circuit, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
8. An electric circuit and main and sub-stations therein, the said main station
containing a visual signal transmitting apparatus controlled as to the character of
the signal by an operator at the said main station, combined with a controlling
device for the said transmitting apparatus located at a sub-station governing the
transition of the signal which has been previously determined by the operator at
the main station, substantially as described.
9. The motor and series of signalling surfaces, simultaneously moved thereby,.
combined with the series of cooperating contact pieces normally disengaged
therefrom, and the movable signal selecting cylinder provided with a pointer and
cooperating with the said contact pieces for throwing any desired one of the latter
into engagement with the corresponding surface, substantially as described.
10. The motor and series of signalling surfaces simultaneously moved thereby,
combined with the series of contact springs normally disengaged from the said
surfaces, and the selecting cylinder provided with projections corresponding to the
said springs, and distributed about the periphery of the said cylinder whereby any
desired one of the said springs may be brought into engagement with the corre-
sponding one of the said surfaces by the rotation of the said cylinder, substantially
as described.
4
11. The motor and series of break-wheels rotated simultaneously, thereby, com-
bined with a series of contact springs one of which is normally engaged with the
corresponding wheel, and the others of which are normally disengaged from the
corresponding wheels and a selecting device mechanically cooperating with the
said. springs for throwing any desired one of the latter into engagement with
the corresponding wheel, substantially as described.
12. The combination with a series of contact springs and cooperating members
normally disengaged, therefrom, of a cylinder provided with projections distributed
along and around its surface, and cooperating with the said springs as described,
each projection mechanically pressing a corresponding spring into engagement
with its cooperating member as the said cylinder is turned to different positions
on its axis, substantially as described.
.
13. In an electric circuit, a signal box containing signal transmitting apparatus
and having a cooperating circuit selecting device under the control of the operator,
combined with two or more receiving instruments connected with the same circuit
and independent ef each other to receive the signals produced by the signal trans-
mitting apparatus, the said circuit selecting device determining which receiving
instrument shall receive the signal transmitted, substantially as described.
14. In an electric circuit, a signal transmitting apparatus constructed and
arranged substantially as described to transmit signals cither by total interruptions
in the current or by changes in the current strength, combined with a circuit
selecting device substantially as described forming a cooperative part of the signal
transmitting apparatus and under the control of the operator, he determining by
which way the signal shall be transmitted, as set forth.
15. In an electric circuit, a signal transmitting apparatus constructed and
arranged substantially as described to transmit signals either by total interruptions

page_text: in the current or by changes in the current strength, two receiving instruments
connected with said circuit and independent of each other to independently respond
to signals produced by the said transmitting apparatus by the different ways,
combined with a circuit selecting device substantially as described forming a
cooperative part of the signal transmitting apparatus and determining by which
way the signal shall be transmitted, as set forth.
16. In an electric circuit, two independent recording instruments at one station,
each actuated by a distinct and different change in the said circuit, and a pole
changing transmitter also at said station and operating substantially as described,
combined with a polarised receiving instrument at another station, as set forth.
17. In an electric circuit, two independent recording instruments at one station,
each actuated by a distinct and different change in the said circuit, and a pole
changing transmitter at said station and a signal transmitter to actuate the pole
changer and operating substantially as described, combined with a polarized
receiving instrument at another station, as set forth.
18. In a system for transmitting signals from a sub-station to a central office.
a signal transmitting apparatus, a dial and cooperating pointer, each located at the
sub-station, two or more independent receiving or recording instruments at the
central station connected in circuit with the signal transmitting apparatus at
the sub-station, the said signal transmitting apparatus including as a cooperative
part of it a circuit selecting device controlled by the pointer to determine at will
which of the said recording devices shall operate, substantially as described.
19. In a signal transmitting apparatus, a main electric circuit, a break wheel
therein, a multiple signal transmitting device substantially as described, in a branch
circuit around the said break-wheel, and a resistance in a branch circuit around the
multiple signalling device, combined with a switch located at the junction of said
branch circuits and the main line and operating substantially as described to
control the said branch circuits, as set forth.
20. In an electric circuit, a galvanic battery and a conductor of considerable
resistance in proximity thereto combined with a switch controlled by the operator
to permit a current to pass through the resistance and impart heat to the said
battery at such time, substantially as described.
21. A signal box containing a break-wheel or equivalent in the main circuit, and
a cooperating inultiple transmitting device substantially as described, and a switch
in a branch circuit, said switch being controlled by the door of the box or station
and operating when closed to cause a signal characteristic of the box or station
together with one of a series of auxiliary signals characteristic of the multiple signal
transmitting device to be transmitted and and operating when open to cause a signal
characteristic of the box or station only to be transmitted, substantially as described.
22. An electric circuit containing automatic signal transmitting instruments, sub-
stantially as described, adapted to transinit signals by changes of current strength
and also by total interruptions thereof, and receiving electro-magnets adjusted to
respond to the signals produced by the changes of current strength and to those
produced by total interruptions of the said current, and receiving electro-magnets
adjusted to respond only to signals produced by total interruptions of the said
current, substantially as described.
23. An electric circuit containing automatic signal transmitting instruments sub-
stantially as described adapted to transmit signals by changes of current strength
and also by total interruptions thereof, and one or more receiving electro-magnets
adjusted to respond to the signals produced by the changes of current strength and
to those produced by total interruptions of the said current, and one or more signal
receiving electro-magnets adjusted to respond only to signals produced by total
interruptions of the current, combined with a battery reversing instrument and
polarized receiving instruments in the same circuit, substantially as described.
24. In an electric circuit, a signal box containing signal transmitting apparatus
consisting of a series of signalling surfaces, springs cooperating therewith and a

page_text: signal selecting cylinder in the main circuit and a resistance in a branch circuit,
combined with means substantially as described controlled by the signal selecting
cylinder to introduce the resistance into the main circuit and remove it therefrom,
all as set forth.

page_text: This Specification was, upon the 12th day of August, 1889, amended under
Sections 18 to 21 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1883.
[The Amendment is shown in erased type.]
Improvements in Signalling, Indicating,
between Police
Or Others in Cities
or
in Means or Apparatus Employed therein.
Or
.
Communicating
other Places, and
1 ALFRED GEORGE BROOKES, of the firm of Wm Brookes & Son of 55 &
56 Chancery Lane in, the County of Middlesex, Fellow of the Institute of Patent
Agents do hereby declare the nature of iny.invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
SIGNALLING, INDICATING OR COMMUNICATING BETWEEN POLICE, OR OTHERS, IN
CITIES, OR OTHER PLACES
IN MEANS OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN
to be as follows
AND
"""
"
This invention is embodied in a municipal or police telegraph system in which
electric circuits are extended from the different police stations or head-quarters
through the regions patrolled by the different policemen, and have at numerous
" civilian
points signal boxes accessible for operation, to any authorized citizen or
who is enabled to transmit a signal which characterizes by a number or otherwise
the box that is operated, and thus gives information of the sub-station 'or 'locality
where police aid of some nature is desired so that such aid may be at once sent
from the police head quarters to the said station, or the call for aid otherwise
attended to.
The said boxes are also provided with multiple devices by means of which a
policeman or other authorized person may send special signals indicating just what
is required and the station at which it is required these latter devices preferably noi
being accessible to citizens, or persons, promiscuously.
In the operation of the system it is intended that the policeman shall stop at ai
each box in going his rounds, and preferably there will be a stated or definite time
for him to arrive at each box where he will operate the box in such manner as to
receive a signal or instruction from the main office as will be described, and he
may if desired he required to transmit a patrol signal which will be distinct from:
the other signals transmitted from the box, and will preferably be received on

page_text: different instrument at the main office from that on which the citizen or
signals are received.
" want
The term "want" signal or call will be used to designate those signals which
indicate a need of some attention or operation to he performed from the main
office, and the term "patrol" signal will be used to designate those signals which
are transmitted by the policeman merely to indicate their presence at the box and
to thus show whether or not they are properly attending to their duty and calling
at each box at the proper time.
In some localities the policeman's beat and the signal boxes thereon are at such
a distance from the main police stations or head quarters connected with the said
boxes that considerable time is required for assistance to reach the box from which
a call for aid is received and it is desirable to have some means for transmitting
signals from the police head-quarters to the boxes, so that if a
"want call or
signal for assistance is received at the head quarters, a signal may be sent from the
said head quarters to the policeman when he arrives at the next box on his beat,
directing him to the box from which the call was received.
This invention also provides such means for transmitting definite signals from a
main or central station to different signal boxes in circuit with the said station,
and consists essentially in a transmitting apparatus at the main office and receiving
signal at the box which may be operated at the proper time.
As shown in this instance of my invention the transmitting, apparatus at the
main station consists of a multiple signal device having upon its surface signals
corresponding to all the boxes or stations on the said circuit, and preferably any
desired number of additional signals, the said device being placed in proper position
to transmit any desired one of the said signals, by the operator at the main station
but not operating to transmit such predetermined signal until caused to do so from
some other point, on the circuit the signal thus being determined as to character
by the operator at the main office, but the act of transmission being controlled from
the point where the said signal is to be received.
Each of the signal boxes is provided with a device for thus causing or permitting
such predetermined signal to be transmitted so that upon the arrival of a policeman
at any box he may cause the transmitter at the main office to operate and transmit
to him the signal which has been previously set up for him by the operator at the
main office, thus enabling the operator at the main office to set up before the
arrival of a policeman at any box of his beat a signal to indicate an order which-it
is desired shall be transmitted to the policeman on his arrival at a box, and the
policeman having received the said predetermined signal may by means of the
'transmitting devices located in the box indicate to the main office the reception of
the said order and the number of the box or substation at which the said pre-
determined signal was received.
The mechanism for the signal boxes comprises a clock work or motor which may
be actuated or set in operation by the citizen, person, or policeman, and the said
clock work contains a shaft or arbor provided with a break wheel cooperating
with a contact spring to produce a definite series of breaks in the circuit as the
said wheel rotates under the said spring. This wheel will thus produce a definite
series of interruptions in the circuit which may be made to affect a receiving
instrument at the main station which will preferably register the said signal, which
characterises the box operated and thus makes known the exact locality from
which the signal was received.
In order that the policeman may send various other signals indicating special
wants such for instance as a call for a wagon, or for an ambulance, or for apparatus
for extinguishing fires and so forth the shaft of the motor is provided with a series
of additional break wheels baving their surfaces arranged to produce definite
interruptions in the current, producing signals similar to those employed in
common telegraphy, such for instance as the letters of the Morse alphabet, each of

page_text: which signals will be known to indicate some corresponding want the Morse
character for the letter a for example being a call for an ambulance, the letter f for
aid to extinguishing fires and so forth.
The notched portions of the wheels which produce the "want" or special signals
are so arranged with relation to the notched portion of the wheel which gives the
number or box signal to indicate the locality of the box, that the "want" signal
which is at any time selected, and the box signal, are transmitted successively in
the rotation of the break wheel shaft, thus indicating definitely what is wanted
and the locality at which it is wanted.
"
In order that the break wheels which produce the want signals may be called
into operation one at a time, and the proper one placed in control of the circuit to
transmit the desired " want signal, the springs that cooperate with the different
break wheels are normally disengaged from the corresponding wheels and any
desired one of them is pressed down into engagement with the corresponding
wheel before the motor is set in operation.
The different springs may be thus pressed down as desired, by means of a
cylinder or shaft extending across them and provided with projections, one
corresponding to each spring, arranged at different angular positions around the
shaft, so that in turning the latter the springs are pressed one after another each
into engagement with its corresponding break wheel.
The shaft may be provided with a handle or pointer cooperating with a circular
dial having divisions marked to correspond with the different special signals to be
sent and by turning the pointer to any one of the divisions the proper spring will
be pressed into engagement with its break wheel to send the signal corresponding
to the said division of the dial.
The multiple signal transmitting device at the main station may consist of a
similar series of break wheels and springs the break wheels being operated by a
motor governed by a detent operated by an electro magnet controlled by the circuit
and preferably the said magnet is controlled by relays in such manner that it is
operated to release the motor by a reduction in the current strength but not by a
total break in the circuit and the policeman arriving at the box causes resistance
to be included in the circuit weakening the current and thus causing the release
of the motor of the transmitting device at the main station which immediately
operates to transmit the signal which had been previously determined or set by
the operator at the main station.
The patrol" signals are preferably transmitted from the boxes or substations
by alternately placing resistance in and removing it from the circuit and such
signals are received by a special relay and receiving instrument or register and
merely indicate that the policeman is present or on duty, and the introduction of
resistance attendant on the transmission of the patrol or on duty signal from the
box also, sets the transmitter at the main station in operation to send the
predetermined signal to the policeman.
ני
The signals are preferably transmitted from the main station to the boxes by
reversals in polarity affecting a suitable receiving instrument at the box, and such
signals transmitted from the main stations do not interfere with those transmitted
from the boxes to the main station by weakening or total interruption of the
current.
The receiving apparatus at the main station is controlled by two relays one
adjusted to release or permit the retraction of its armature on the weakening of the
current by introducing resistance at the box, while the other releases its armature
only on the total interruption of the current.
The local circuit controlled by the first relay is closed by the engagement of its
armature with its back stop when released or retracted and the said local circuit
which includes the register for the " patrol" signal and the detent magnet for the
main station transmitter, includes also the front stop and armature of the other
relay, so that when the armatures of both relays are released by a total interruption

page_text: "want
23
in the circuit such as produced by the citizens or
"civilians or special
signals the local circuit for the "patrol" signals and detent magnet although
connected by the relay that responds to the weakening of the current is broken by
the other relay and no effect is produced on the said "local circuit which is affected
only when the relay adjusted to respond to a weakening in the current is operated
without the operation of the other relay.
The latter relay which responds to the total interruptions but not to the
weakening of the current controls a local circuit containing a register or receiver
for the citizens or public and special "want" calls and preferably also includes an
alarm so that attention is at once called when such signal is received, as all such
signals require immediate attention while the "patrol signals on the other hand
do not.
The boxes at the sub stations have two operating devices one of which is
accessible to citizens or public when the box door is closed and locked, being either
operated by a citizen's or civilian's" key inserted from the outside of the box or
otherwise, means being provided as will be described to deter citizens or mischeivous
persons from sending unnecessary signals.
The citizen's starting device not operate only to cause the transmission of the
box number signals or the citizen's call, the circuit being automatically controlled
by closing the door of the box in such manner that neither the special signals nor
the patrol signal can be transmitted while the box is closed.
When the citizen's" or "civilian's" calls are transmitted by keys inserted from
the outside of the box means are provided for locking the key in the box until the
policeman arrives and opens the box door which will release the key and the latter
may be retained by the policeman as evidence against the person operating the box
in case it were done needlessly. The citizens keys will be cach numbered and a
record made of the persons to whom they are distributed for the purpose of
identifying persons sending needless alarms.
The policeman will be provided with keys for opening the door of the boxes
which will afford access to another starting device to be operated only by the
policeman and will also afford access to the multiple signalling device by which the
policeman is enabled to send any desired special want signal.
The closing of the box door after a signal has been transmitted by a policeman
automatically restores the multiple signal device to its normal condition in which
the citizen's or civilian's call or box number only can be transmitted if the box
door is closed, or the "patrol" signal will be transmitted if the box door be open.
The opening of the box door by the policeman places the box in condition to
transmit the patrol" signal by alternating interposing resistance in and removing
it from the circuit, but the movement of the multiple signalling device into position
to send any special want signal removes the resistance from the circuit so that such
signal is transmitted by total interruptions in the current or in other words by
alternately breaking and closing the circuit.
Instead of delivering keys to "citizen's" or civilians the "citizen's" starting
device may be made accessible by means of a door, different from the one that is
unlocked by the policeman, provided with a latch that can be operated without a
special key but which in its operation produces a series of blows on a gong or bell,
or other local alarm at the box, which would call attention of passers by, and
would thus deter any one from operating the box to sound a signal unnecessarily.
The mechanism of the various parts of the entire signal apparatus may be
greatly varied without departing from the invention which consists essentially in
the arrangement and cooperation of various appliances substantially as described to
produce a complete system of signalling between the police stations and various
boxes or sub-stations in the regions patrolled by policemen.
The term "multiple signalling device" is intended to include any mechanism
which may be. set in different positions or conditions by an operator, and which
when thus set will automatically transmit a signal which is different and distinct

page_text: " "
for each different position or condition in which the mechanism is set. And the
expressions "citizens' patrol" and "police" are used for the sake of distinction
but any similar body of the resident public and the constituted authorities may be
included in the respective expressions.
One or
more of the boxes in each region may be provided with telephonic
instruments by which the policeman may be placed in telephonic communication
with the attendant at the police station house or main office.
WM BROOKES & SON,
55 & 56, Chancery Lane, London,
Agents for the said Alfred George Brookes.
Improvements in Signalling, Indicating, or Communicating
between Police or Others in Cities or other Places, and in
Means or Apparatus Employed therein.
I ALFRED GEORGE BROOKES of the firm of Wm Brookes & Son, of 55 & 56
Chancery Lane in the County of Middlesex Fellow of the Institute of Patent
Agents do hereby declare the nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN
SIGNALLING, INDICATING OR COMMUNICATING BETWEEN POLICE OR OTHERS IN CITIES
OR OTHER PLACES AND IN MEANS OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
This invention is embodied in a municipal or police telegraph system in which
electric circuits are extended from the different police stations or head-quarters
through the regions patrolled by the different policemen, and have at numerous
points signal boxes accessible for operation, to any authorized citizen or "civilian"
who is enabled to transmit a signal which characterizes by a number or otherwise
the box that is operated, and thus gives information of the sub-station or locality
where police aid of some nature is desired so that such aid may be at once sent
from the police head quarters to the said station, or the call for aid otherwise
attended to.
The said boxes are also provided with multiple signal devices by means of which
a policeman or other authorized person may send special signals indicating just
what is required and the station at which it is required these latter devices
preferably not being accessible to citizens, or persons promiscuously..
In the operation of the system it is intended that the policeman shall stop at
each box in going his rounds, and preferably there will be a stated or definite time
for him to arrive at each box where he will operate the box in such manner as to

page_text: receive a signal or instructions from the main office as will be described, and he
may if desired be required to transmit a patrol signal which will be distinct from
the other singnals transmitted from the box, and will preferably be received on
a different instrument at the main office from that on which the citizen or * want"
signals are received.
The term want" signal or call will be used to designate those signals which
indicate a need of some attention or operation to be performed from the main office,
and the term "patrol" signal will be used to designate those signals which are
transmitted by the policeman merely to indicate their presence at the box and to
thus show whether or not they are properly attending to their duty and calling at
each box at the proper time.
In some localities the policeman's beat and the signal boxes thereon are at such
a distance from the main police stations or head quarters connected with the said
boxes that considerable time is required for assistance to reach the box from which
a call for aid is received, and it is desirable to have some means for transmitting
signals from the police head quarters to the boxes, so that if a
* want" call or
signal for assistance is received at the head quarters,, a signal may be sent from the
said head quarters to the policeman when he arrives at the next box on his beat,
directing him to the box from which the call was received.
This invention also provides such means for transmitting definite signals from
a main or central station to different signal boxes in circuit with the said station,
and consists essentially in a transmitting apparatus at the main office and receiving
signal at the box which may be operated at the proper time.
As shown in this instance of my invention the transmitting apparatus at the
main station consists of a multiple signal device having upon its surface signals
corresponding to all the boxes or stations on the said circuit, and preferably any
desired number of additional signals, the said device being placed in proper position
to transmit any desired one of the said signals, by the operator at the main station,
but not operating to transmit such predetermined signal until caused to do so from
some other point, on the circuit, the signal thus being determined as to character
by the operator at the main office, but the act of transmission being controlled
from the point where the said signal is to be received.
Each of the signal boxes is provided with a device for thus causing or permitting
such predetermined signal to be transmitted, so that upon the arrival of a policeman
at any box he may cause the transmitter at the main office to operate and transmit
to him the signal which has been previously set up for him by the operator at the
main office, thus enabling the operator at the main office to set up before the arrival
of a policeman at any box of his beat a signal to indicate an order which it is
desired shall be transmitted to the policeman on his arrival at a box, and the
policeman having received the said predetermined signal may by means of the
transmitting devices located in the box indicate to the main office the reception
of the said order and the number of the box or sub-station at which the said
predetermined signal was received.
The mechanism for the signal boxes comprises a clock-work or motor which may
be actuated or set in operation by the citizen, person, or policeman, and the said
clock work contains a shaft or arbor provided with a break wheel cooperating with
a contact spring to produce a definite series of breaks in the circuit as the said
wheel rotates under the said spring. This wheel will thus produce a definite series
of interruptions in the current which may be made to affect a receiving instrument
at the main station which will preferably register the said signal, which characterizes
the box operated and thus makes known the exact locality from which the signal
was received.
In order that the policeman may send various other signals indicating special
wants such for instance as a call for a wagon, or for an ambulance, or for apparatus
for extinguishing fires and so forth the shaft of the motor is provided with a series
of additional break wheels having their surfaces arranged to produce definite
interruptions in the current, producing signals similar to, those employed. in common

page_text: telegraphy, such for instance as the letters of the Morse alphabet, each of which
signals will be known to indicate some corresponding want the Morse character for
the letter a for example being a call for an ambulance, the letter for aid to
extinguishing fires and so forth.
23
The notched portions of the wheels which produce the "want" or special signals,
are so arranged with relation to the notched portion of the wheel which gives the
number or box signal to indicate the locality of the box, that the " want signal
which is at any time selected, and the box signal, are transmitted successively in
the rotation of the break wheel shaft, thus indicating definitely what is wanted and
the locality at which it is wanted.
In order that the break wheels which produce the "want" signals may be called
into operation one at a time, and the proper one placed in control of the circuit to
transmit the desired "want" signal, the springs that cooperate with the different
break wheels are normally disengaged from the corresponding wheels and any
desired one of them is pressed down into engagement with the corresponding wheel
before the motor is set in operation.
The different springs may be thus pressed down as desired, by means of a cylinder
or shaft extending across them and provided with projections, one corresponding to
each spring, arranged at different angular positions around the shaft, so that in
turning the latter the springs are pressed one after another each into engagement
with its corresponding break wheel.
The shaft may be provided with a handle or pointer cooperating with a circular
dial having divisions marked to correspond with the different special signals to be
sent and by turning the pointer to any one of the divisions the proper spring will
be pressed into engagement with its break wheel to send the signal corresponding
to the said division of the dial.
The multiple signal transmitting device at the main station may consist of
a similar series of break wheels and springs, the break wheels being operated by
a motor governed by a detent operated by an electro magnet controlled by the circuit
and preferably the said magnet is controlled by relays in such manner that it is
operated to release the motor by a reduction in the current strength but not by
a total break in the circuit, and the policeman arriving at the box causes resistance
to be included in the circuit weakening the current and thus causing the release
of the motor of the transmitting device at the main station which immediately
operates to transmit the signal which had been previously determined or set by the
operator at the main station.
The patrol" signals are preferably transmitted from the boxes or substations
by alternately placing resistance in and removing it from the circuit and such
signals are received by a special relay and receiving instrument or register and
merely indicate that the policeman present or on duty, and the introduction of
resistance attendant on the transmission of the patrol or "on duty" signal from
the box also, sets the transmitter at the main station in operation to send the
predetermined signal to the policeman.
The signals are preferably transmitted from the main station to the boxes by
reversals in polarity affecting a suitable receiving instrument at the box, and such
signals transmitted from the main stations do not interfere with those transmitted
from the boxes to the main station by weakening or total interruption of the
current.
The receiving apparatus at the main station is controlled by two relays one
adjusted to release or permit the retraction of its armature on the weakening of
the current by introducing resistance at the box, while the other releases its
armature only on the total interruption of the current.
The local circuit controlled by the first relay is closed by the engagement of its
armature with its back stop when released or retracted, and the said local circuit
which includes the register for the "patrol" signal, and the detent magnet for the
main station transmitter, includes also the front stop and armature of the other
relay, so that when the armatures of both relays are released by a total interruption

page_text: in the circuit such as produced by the citizens or
civilians " or special "want”
signals, the local circuit for the "patrol" signals and detent magnet although
connected by the relay that responds to the weakening of the current is broken by
the other relay and no effect is produced on the said local circuit, which is affected
only when the relay adjusted to respond to a weakening in the current is operated
without the operation of the other relay.
The latter relay which responds to the total interruptions but not to the
weakening of the current controls a local circuit containing a register or receiver
for the citizens, or public, and special "want" calls and preferably also includes an
alarm so that attention is at once called when such signal is received, as all such
signals require immediato attention, while the " patrol signals on the other hand
do not.
The boxes at the sub stations have two operating devices one of which is
accessible to citizens or public when the box door is closed and locked, being either
operated by a citizens or "civilian" key inserted from the outside of the box or
otherwise, means being provided as will be described to deter citizens or mischievous
persons from sending unnecessary signals.
The citizens starting device can operate only to cause the transmission of the box
number signal or the citizens call, the circuit being automatically controlled by
closing the door of the box in such manner that neither the special signals nor the
patrol signal can be transmitted while the box is closed.
"2
When the " citizens or "civilians" calls are transmitted by keys inserted from
the outside of the box means are provided for locking the key in the box until the
policeman arrives and opens the box door which will release the key, and the latter
inay be retained by the policeman as evidence against the person operating the box.
in case it were done needlessly. The citizens keys will be each numbered and
a record made of the persons to whom they are distributed for the purpose of
identifying persons sending needless alarms.
The policeman will be provided with keys for opening the doors of the boxes
which will afford access to another starting device to be operated only by the
policeman and will also afford access to the multiple signalling device by which
the policeman is enabled to send any desired special want signal.
The closing of the box door after a signal has been transmitted by a policeman
automatically restores the multiple signal device to its normal condition, in wbich
the citizens or civilian's call or box number only can be transmitted if the box door
is closed, or the "patrol" signal will be transmitted if the box door be opened.
The opening of the box door by the policeman places the box in condition to
transmit the patrol" signal by alternating interposing resistance in and removing
it from the circuit, but the movement of the multiple signalling device into position
to send any special want signal removes the resistance from the circuit so that such
signal is transmitted by total interruptions in the current or in other words by
alternately breaking and closing the circuit.
Instead of delivering keys to "citizens," or civilians the "citizens" starting device
may be made accessible by means of a door, different from the one that is unlocked
by the policeman, provided with a latch that can be operated without a special key
but which in its operation produces a series of blows on a gong or bell, or other
local alarm at the box, which would call attention of passers by, and would thus
deter anyone from operating the box to sound a signal unnecessarily.
The mechanism of the various parts of the entire signal apparatus may be
greatly varied without departing from the invention which consists essentially in
the arrangement and cooperation of various appliances substantially as described
to produce a complete system of signalling between the police stations and various
boxes or sub-stations in the regions patrolled by policeman.
The term multiple signalling device" is intended to include any mechanism
which may be set in different positions or conditions by an operator, and which
when thus set will automatically transmit a signal which is different and distinct
for each different position or condition in which the mechanism is set.

page_text: "
And the expressions "citizens," " patrol" and "police are used for the sake
of distinction but any similar body of the resident public and the constituted
authorities may be included in the respective expressions.
One or more of the boxes in each region may be provided with telephonic
instruments by which the policemen may be placed in telephonic communication
with the attendant at the police station house or main office.
Figure 1. is a front elevation of a signal box embodying this invention being
shown with the door open and with the pointer in its normal position so that the
patrol signal will be transmitted if the box is operated without further change.
Figure 2 is a rear clevation of the signal transmitting and receiving apparatus
contained in the box.
Figures 3 and 4 a plan view and front elevation respectively of the multiple
signal transmitting device of the box, the front parts of the frame work being
removed in Figure 4, and
Figure 5 a diagram showing the circuit and arrangement of the instruments
therein at the main and sub stations.
The box A, see Figure 1 is of suitable size and shape to contain the signal
transmitting and receiving apparatus C, and the telephone receiver T, and
transmitter T, and the local battery B for the battery, the said box having a
door D provided with a suitable lock, so that when closed it can only be opened
by an authorized person provided with a suitable key, it being intended that the
policeman shall have such keys and that they shall open each box and operate the
same at definite times while on duty.
The signal transmitting apparatus C, best shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, consists
essentially of a motor a which when actuated by its spring or actuator a when
properly wound by the pull or box operating device operates a break-wheel b which
in connection with its cooperating spring, see Figure 5, will operate to produco
a series of interruptions in the current in the usual manner, the said break-wheels
being different at each box in the circuit and each being adapted to transmit a
signal characterizing the box or station in the manner of the well known fire
alarm telegraph apparatus.
The signal transmitting apparatus C also includes a multiple signal device
operated by the same motor, a in conjunction with the said break-wheel to send
any desired one of a series of special signals in connection with the number or box
signal of the wheel to thus indicate a want, or the nature of the assistance needed.
at the box.
The multiple signal device consists of a series of break-wheels e mounted on the
same shaft with the break wheel and moving simultaneously therewith, and
a series of cooperating springs c¹ normally disengaged from the surface of the
corresponding wheels but adapted to be pressed into engagement each with its
corresponding break-wheel by projections d of a shaft or cylinder d' provided with
a pointer ², see Figure 1, cooperating with a dial having indicated on it the various
different signals that are to be transmitted, said cylinder constituting a signal
selecting-device, the movement of the pointer 2 to any of the said signals on the
dial bringing a corresponding one of the projections d (which are distributed
around the shaft d¹ to correspond with the different signals of the dial) into
position to press the corresponding spring against one of the break-wheels
will produce a signal that will be understood at the main office as meaning the
same as that indicated on the dial by the pointer, the signal usually consisting of
a combination of long and short interruptions in the current such for instance as
employed in the Morse alphabet.
which
A star wheel do in connection with a suitable spring-dog arrests and holds the
shaft d' in correct angular position for each signal.
The pointer d is automatically placed by the closing of the door in a definite
position which may be done, as shown in Figure 1, by a cam ³ on the said pointer,
and a projection D' on the door.

page_text: The box is also provided with a receiving signal instrument S, see Figure 2,
consisting of a magnet with a polarized armature operating a bell hammer and
thus signalling by taps upon a bell, the instrument being operated by reversals in
polarity of the current produced by the signal transmitter at the main station.
The box also contains a conductor of considerable resistance shown at R, Figs. 1
and 5, preferably consisting of wire of high resistance wound around the local
battery B, so that the heating effect of the current in the said conductor will be
utilized to prevent the freezing of the battery B. When the apparatus is to be used
in a warm climate the resistance may be in a compact coil as shown in dotted
lines at R, Figure 2.
The box is provided with a circuit changing device or switch E, operated by a
projection D2 on the door of the box, the said switch or circuit changing device
operating when the box door is closed to shunt the magnet of the signal S, and to
open circuit the resistance R. so that the main circuit passes directly through the
break-wheel and spring b, 61, which operate to alternately break and close the said
circuit in the usual manner.
The motor a is provided with two pulls or operating devices for winding its
spring a so as to permit the said spring to actuate the motor to produce one turn
in the break-wheel.
One of the said box operating devices consists of a
finger piece, see Figure 1, connected by a link f¹, see
forked to embrace a rod 3 and to engage a projection
connected with the winding shaft.
slide f having a handle or
Figure 2, with an arm f
thereon the said rod being
One end of the spring a is attached to the said shaft which is connected with
the main wheel of the motor by a ratchet and pawl as commonly practised in signal
boxes employed for fire alarm and district signalling purposes.
The rod is also connected with an arm f', see Figure 2, turning around a
stud and provided with a projection to be engaged by the bit of a key
inserted through a key hole f8, see Figure 1, which is accessible when the box
door is closed, it being intended that responsible citizens, shall be provided with
keys for entering the key hole fs and operating the box motor.
A dog or pawl g is provided to engage the bit of the key after it has entered the
key-hole and been turned therein, thus preventing the removal of the key which is
held until the arrival of the policeman when it may be removed and retained to
indicate the person operating the box in case it has operated needlessly.
The dog g is supported on a lover g¹, one arm of which is engaged by a projec-
tion D³, on the door turning it on its pivot g², so as to retain the dog g in the path
of the key as described, but when the door is oponed a spring turns the said
lever sufficiently to withdraw the dog from the path of the key bit, leaving the key
free to be removed.
The circuit and operation will be best understood by referring to Figure 5, which
shows at the part marked "main station" the, receiving and transmitting instru-
ments at the main office, and at the part marked sub-station the apparatus of
one of the boxes the mechanical construction of which has been already described.
The main line circuit L shown in heavier lines than the branch and local circuits
includes at the main station the main battery B¹, the poles of which are connected
with the line by a pole changing instrument P, of usual construction, by which the
position of the said battery in the main line is reversed, the said pole changer being
of any well known construction, and being operated by an electro magnet p² in a
local circuit L, containing a multiple signal transmitting device T3, which may be
of similar construction to the one previously described in connection with the box,
including a shaft i acted upon by a suitable motor tending to rotate the same, and
provided with a series of break-wheels, and corresponding springs normally
disengaged from the break-wheels, but adapted to be pressed into engagement
therewith one at a time by a shaft or drum having projections which in their
different angular positions act on the different springs, it being understood that

page_text: the shaft will be provided with a pointer cooperating with a dial to indicate the
different signals that will be transmitted in the different positions of the said
pointer.
The motor of the shaft i is adapted to turn the same for a large number of
revolutions and the movement of the said shaft is controlled by a detent k, operated
by an electro magnet in a, local circuit I controlled by the joint action of two
relays R, R, in the main line L, the former of which relays will for distinction be
called the weaker relay having the stronger retractor s¹ so that it releases its
armature lever upon a definite reduction in the strength of the current, while the
latter relay R2 is not caused to release its armature upon such weakening of the
current, but will release it upon the total interruption of the same.
The local circuit L of the detent magnet k¹ includes the armature lever and the
front stop o of the stronger relay R2, and the armature lever and back stop o' of
the weaker relay R¹, so that when the latter relay is operated while the former is
unaffected, as by the before mentioned weakening in the current, the local circuit L³
will be closed at the back stop o¹ and the detent magnet ¹ energised causing the
release of the multiple signal transmitting devices t³, which will then operate to
transmit the signal for which it has been previously set by the operator turning
the shaft i.
When however both relays R1, R2, are affected simultaneously by the total
interruption of the current, the local circuit L' is broken by the relay R² so that no
effect is produced upon the detent magnet by the retraction of the armature of the
relay R¹ and the transmitter T³ consequently is not set in operation by the total
interruption of the current in the main line circuit L.
The local current L also contains a signal receiving instrument or register R³,
which will thus respond to reductions in the current strength in the main line, but
will not respond to total interruptions therein.
The relay R² controls a local circuit L³ in the usual manner operating a receiving
instrument or register R* which thus responds to total interruptions in the main
line current but not to the reductions in current strength that effect the operation
of the register R³ and transmitter T³. Normally when the box door is closed at
the sub-station the main line circuit, includes the spring and break-wheel b by
which the number or box signal is transmitted and also includes the circuit closer e
which when the door is shut is closed by the projection D2, as shown in Figure 5,
thus shunting the magnet of the signal S, so that there is practically no resistance
in the line at the boxes when they are closed.
In this condition when the motor a is operated by means of a key inserted in
the key-hole as previously described, the wheel in revolving will alternately
break and close the circuit in the usual manner producing movements of the arma-
ture of the relay R2 and thus producing signals which are recorded in the Register
R while the other apparatus at the main station included in the local circuit L' is
not affected.
The break-wheels and springs e constituting the multiple signal apparatus of
the box are included in a branch circuit m, around the break-wheel b and its
spring 61, the said branch circuit being opened by a circuit closer e¹ when the box
door is closed, the said circuit closer as well as the one e previously mentioned
being part of the circuit changer E that is operated by the projection D² on the box
door.
The resistance R, which when included in the circuit by a suitable switch pro-
duces a sufficient weakening in the current to cause the relay R¹ to release its
armature, is itself included in a branch n from the main circuit terminating in a
spring n so located as to be engaged by the spring c¹ of the multiple signalling
device by which the patrol or on duty" signal is transmitted the said spring n¹
being normally touched by the spring e¹ when the pointer d² forming part of the
signal selecting cylinder see Figure 1, is in its normal position. The signal
selecting cylinder cooperating with the spring c¹ and it in turn cooperating with
«

page_text: the spring in the substation constitute what may hereinafter be termed the
circuit selecting device 'F.
When the box door is opened the circuit changing device E is moved opening the
circuit closer.e and closing the one e¹.
The opening of the circuit closer e throws the magnet of the signal S. into circuit,
and the resistance of the said magnet is very small compared to the resistance R.
so that when the said magnet alone is in circuit the current is not sufficiently
weakened to produce any appreciable effect on the relays therein.
When the parts are in this position namely, with the box door open and the
circuit closer closed there are two circuits from the point 2 to the point 3. one
over the main line as before described through the break wheel 6¹ and spring,
without appreciable resistance, and the other through the branch m, which is
again branched at the point of contact between the springs n¹ and c¹, the
branch m from the wheel c being without resistance while the branch contains
the resistance R.
With the parts in this position when the operator sets the motor of the box
in action by the pull, see Figure 1, the wheels -c (which it will be understood
are on the same axis although shown separately for convenience in Figure 5) will
revolve simultaneously, and the spring will first pass off from the wheel at
the long notch & thereon, while the spring ¹ is still on the long raised portion e³ of
the wheel c.
The current will not at this time be affected as it will pass from the point 2. to
the point over the branch m instead of over the main line.
As soon however as the raised portion c³ of the wheel c passes from beneath the
spring, the branch m will be opened, and then when a notch of the wheel b
passes beneath the spring both branches will be opened between the points 2, 4,
and the current will pass from the point 2 over the portion of the branch m con-
nected with the spring c, thence to the spring and through the branch a
including the resistance R, thus causing the current to be weakened and the
armature of the relay R¹ to be retracted, closing the local circuit L³ at o¹ and causing
the register R³ to operate, and also causing the release of the transmitting device T
at the main station.
When the raised portions of the wheel b between the notches touch the spring
the resistance R will be short circuited by the main line L and the current restored
to its full strength, and thus each notch of the wheel produces a weakening of
the current affecting the register R³ just as when the box door is closed it produces
a total interruption in the current operating the registers R*.
The transmitter T3 operates through the pole changer P. to reverse the polarity
of the current without opening the circuit such reversals affecting the polarised
signal S. but not affecting the relays R1 R2 so that the patrol signal may be received
on the register R³ at the same time that the signal is being transmitted outward to
the operator at the box or sub-station.
When the pointer operating the signal selecting cylinder is moved from the
normal position for the purpose of sending any of the special want signals indicated
on the dial Figure 1, the circuit selecting device is operated as follows to cause the
register R to receive the said signals, the spring that cooperates with the
wheel of the patrol signal will be disengaged from the said wheel, and by the
same movement will also be disengaged from the spring so that the resistance
R will remain in open circuit, and the signals will be transmitted by breaking and
closing the circuit first between the particular spring c¹ and wheel c that have been
placed in contact by the movement of the shaft d, and, then between the break
wheel and spring, the notched raised portions of the wheel c corresponding with
the long notch of the break wheel so that the circuit is left wholly under
control of the wheel c, while the said portion of the wheel & having the long notch 62
is passing the spring 6' the circuit then being completed through the branch mand
the surface of the wheel c is cut away in the part corresponding to the notched part
of the wheel b.

page_text: The circuit breaker t operated by a button t¹, see Figure 1, may be employed to
open the main circuit between the points 3. and 4 and thus throw the resistance R
into circuit if the operator at the box desires to set the transmitter at the main
station in operation without operating the box to transmit the patrol signal.
The local circuit L³ will preferably contain an audible signal instrument so as to
attract the attention of the attendant whenever the register R' is operated receiving
a citizen's or special want call.
The local battery B will preferably have outside of the conductor R a jacket or
covering that is a poor conductor of heat, such for instance, as layers of felt shown
at F. Figure 1.
In some cases it may be necessary to have more than one receiving station in the
circuit where one or both sets of signals may be received, and it may also bo desir-
able in some cases to have the alarm signals received at several different localities
at the same time, and it can readily be seen that under this system any number of
receiving instruments may be easily looped into the circuit for this purpose.
I deem myself to be the first to employ a circuit selecting device to cooperate
with a transmitting instrument and two or more receiving instruments substantially
as herein described to determine the transmission of the signal that it may be
received on one or another receiving instrument, and I have shown as I prefer the
said circuit selecting device as under the control of the signal selecting cylinder.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
1 claim is :-
1. A main station containing signal receiving apparatus, and a multiple signal
device, and a main line or circuit leading from said station, and signal boxes or
sub-stations therein containing signal transmitting and signal receiving devices
whereby different definite signals may be automatically transmitted from the main
to the sub-stations and the reverse, substantially as and for the purpose described.
2. The main and sub-stations, and line or circuit connecting them, the said
main station containing a multiple signal transmitting device, combined with an
actuating motor for said transmitting device, and detent for said motor, and con-
trolling device for the said detent located at the sub-stations, whereby a person
at a sub-station may cause a signal the character of which has been determined
at the main station to be automatically transmitted to him at the sub-station,
substantially as described.
5. A main station, line and substation, the said main station containing a
multiple signal transmitting device, actuating motor therefor, and detent for the
said motor, combined with signal receiving apparatus, at the sub-stations, resistance
and devices controlling the introduction of the said resistance into the main circuit
and its removal therefrom, substantially as described.
4. An electric circuit connecting a main and sub-station, combined with relays
at the main station, one adjusted to respond to changes in current strength and the
other to total interruptions in the current and signal transmitting apparatus con-
trolled by the said relays, as described whereby the said transmitting apparatus
is set in operation upon a change in current strength but not upon a complete
interruption, substantially as described.
5. An electric circuit and main and sub-stations therein, the said main station
containing a multiple signal transmitting apparatus, adapted to transmit any
desired one of a series of definite signals, combined with controlling devices for
the said transmitting apparatus located at the sub-stations, whereby an operator at
a sub-station may call into operation the transmitting device at the main station,
in order to receive at the sub-station a signal, the nature of which is determined at
the main station, substantially as described.
6. A system of electrical signalling between a main and sub-station compre-
hending a multiple signal-transmitting apparatus at the main station, and a series

page_text: of signal boxes constituting the sub-stations in electrical circuit therewith, the
signal transmitting apparatus at the main station containing an index which may
be set to indicate the signal it is desired to subsequently deliver or produce at the
sub-station, the said signal being made effective at the sub-station by or through
mechanism located at the box of the sub-station, substantially as described.
7. The main electric circuit and two relay magnets therein having their armatures
adjusted to respond to currents of different strength, combined with two inde-
pendent local circuits, one controlled wholly by the relay having the weaker
retractor, and the other controlled by both relays as described, and independent
electro magnets in the said local circuits operated independently of one another by
different changes in the current in the main circuit, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
8. An electric circuit and main and sub-stations therein, the said main station
containing a visual signal transmitting apparatus controlled as to the character of
the signal by an operator at the said main station, combined with a controlling
device for the said transmitting apparatus located at a sub-station governing the
transition of the signal which has been previously determined by the operator at
the main station, substantially as described.
9. The motor and series of signalling surfaces, simultaneously moved thereby,
combined with the series of cooperating contact pieces normally disengaged
therefrom, and the movable signal selecting cylinder provided with a pointer and
cooperating with the said contact pieces for throwing any desired one of the latter
into engagement with the corresponding surface, substantially as described.
10. The motor and series of signalling surfaces simultaneously moved thereby,
combined with the series of contact springs normally disengaged from the said
surfaces, and the selecting cylinder provided with projections corresponding to the
said springs, and distributed about the periphery of the said cylinder whereby any
desired one of the said springs may be brought into engagement with the corre-
sponding one of the said surfaces by the rotation of the said cylinder, substantially
as described.
11. The motor and series of break-wheels rotated simultaneously, thereby, com-
bined with a series of contact springs one of which is normally engaged with the
corresponding wheel, and the others of which are normally disengaged from the
corresponding wheels and a selecting device mechanically cooperating with the
said springs for throwing any desired one of the latter into engagement with
the corresponding wheel, substantially as described.
12. The combination with a series of contact springs and cooperating members
normally disengaged therefrom, of a cylinder provided with projections distributed
along and around its surface, and cooperating with the said springs as described,
each projection mechanically pressing a corresponding spring into engagement
with its cooperating member as the said cylinder is turned to different positions
on its axis, substantially as described.
13. In an electric circuit, a signal box containing signal transmitting apparatus
and having a cooperating circuit selecting device under the control of the operator,
combined with two or more receiving instruments connected with the same circuit
and independent of each other to receive the signals produced by the signal trans-
mitting apparatus, the said circuit selecting device determining which receiving
instrument shall receive the signal transmitted, substantially as described.
14. In an electric circuit, a signal transmitting apparatus constructed and
arranged substantially as described to transmit signals either by total interruptions
in the current or by changes in the current strength, combined with a circuit
selecting device substantially as described forming a cooperative part of the signal
transmitting apparatus and under the control of the operator, he determining by
which way the signal shall be transmitted, as set forth.
15. In an electric circuit, a signal transmitting apparatus constructed and
arranged substantially as described to transmit signals either by total interruptions

page_text: in the current or by changes in the current strength, two receiving instruments
connected with said circuit and independent of each other to independently respond
to signals produced by the said transmitting apparatus by the different ways,
combined with a circuit selecting device substantially as described forming a
cooperating part of the signal transmitting apparatus and determining by which
way the signal shall be transmitted, as set forth.
16. In an electric circuit, two independent recording instruments at one station,
each actuated by a distinct and different change in the said circuit, and a pole
changing transmitter also at said station and operating substantially as described,
combined with a polarised receiving instrument at another station, as set forth.
17. In an electric circuit, two independent recording instruments at one station,
each actuated by a distinct and different change in the said circuit, and a pole
changing transmitter at said station and a signal transmitter to actuate the pole
changer and operating substantially as described, combined with a polarized
receiving instrument at another station, as set forth.
18. In a
system for transmitting signals from a sub-station to a central office,
a signal transmitting apparatus, a dial and cooperating pointer, each located at the
sub-station, two or more independent receiving or recording instruments at the
central station connected in circuit with the signal transmitting apparatus at
the sub-station, the said signal transmitting apparatus including as a cooperative
part of it a circuit selecting device controlled by the pointer to determine at will
which of the said recording devices shall operate, substantially as described.
19. In a signal transmitting apparatus, à main electric circuit, a break wheel
therein, a multiple signal transmitting device substantially as described, in a branch
circuit around the said break-wheel, and a resistance in a branch circuit around the
multiple signalling device, combined with a switch located at the junction of said
branch circuits and the main line and operating substantially as described to
control the said branch circuits as set forth.
20. In an electric circuit, a galvanic battery and a conductor of considerable
resistance in proximity thereto-combined with a switch controlled by the operator
to permit a current to pass through the resistance and impart heat-to-the-said
battery-nt such-time, substantially as described.
21:20. A signal box containing a break-wheel or equivalent in the main circuit, and
a cooperating multiple transmitting device substantially as described, and a switch
in a branch circuit, said switch being controlled by the door of the box or station
and operating when closed to cause a signal characteristic of the box or station
together with one of a series of auxiliary signals characteristic of the multiple signal
transmitting device to be transmitted and and operating when open to cause a signal
characteristic of the box or station only to be transmitted, substantially as described.
22:21. An electric circuit containing automatic signal transmitting instruments, sub-
stantially as described, adapted to transmit signals by changes of current strength
and also by total interruptions thereof, and receiving electro-magnets adjusted to
respond to the signals produced by the changes of current strength and to those
produced by total interruptions of the said current, and receiving electro-magnets
adjusted to respond only to signals produced by total interruptions of the said
current, substantially as described.
23 22. An electric circuit containing automatic signal transmitting instruments sub-
stantially as described adapted to transmit signals by changes of current strength
and also by total interruptions thereof, and one or more receiving electro-magnets
adjusted to respond to the signals produced by the changes of current strength and
to those produced by total interruptions of the said current, and one or more signal
receiving electro-maguets adjusted to respond only to signals produced by total
interruptions of the current, combined with a battery reversing instrument and
polarized receiving instruments in the same circuit, substantially as described.
24. 23. In an electric circuit, a signal box containing signal transmitting apparatus
consisting of a series of signalling surfaces, springs cooperating therewith and a

page_text: signal selecting cylinder in the main circuit and a resistance in a branch circuit,
combined with means substantially as described controlled by the signal selecting
cylinder to introduce the resistance into the main circuit and remove it therefrom,
all as set forth.
בזי
1
100K
W BROOKES & SON,
55 & 56, Chancery Lane, London,
Agents for the said Alfred George Brookes.