Improvements in Apparatus for Electrically Transmitting Orders or Signals, Suitable for use as a Ship's Telegraph and the like.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Nov. 1898
Complete Specification Left, 22nd Sept., 1899-Accepted, 24th Nov., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 22nd Sept., 1899-Accepted, 24th Nov., 1899
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Electrically Transmitting Orders or
Signals, Suitable for use as a Ship's Telegraph and the like.
1, ALFRED UPTON ALCOCK, formerly of 138, Swanston Street, Melbourne,
Victoria, but now of 11, Poultry, in the City of London, Electrical Engineer,
do herby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in that kind of apparatus for trans-
mitting orders or signals from one place to another as for example from the
bridge of a steam ship to the engine room, or from the conning tower of a
war-ship to the gun turrets wherein the orders or signals (hereinafter called
orders) are transmitted electrically from one plate to another by disturbing at
the transmitting station, by movement of a transmitting indicator, the balance
between two normally balanced circuits, or two parts of a divided circuit, (herein-
after called the two circuits) traversed by electric currents, and restoring at the
receiving station, by movement of the receiving indicator, the balance between
the two circuits, so that the order given by the receiving indicator will then
correspond to that given by the transmitting indicator.
For transmitting orders in the manner set forth, according to this invention
there are used in conjunction with the two circuits and means for causing period-
ically varying electric currents to traverse the same, a transmitting instrument
(hereinafter called the transmitter) comprising an indicator arranged to move
over a suitable dial, and a circuit disturber connected to the indicator and adapted
to vary the condition of the two circuits at the transmitting end thereof, and a
receiving instrument (hereinafter called the receiver) comprising an indicator
arranged to move over a suitable dial, and a circuit balancer adapted to restore
the balance in the condition of the two circuits at the receiving end thereof.
The receiver indicator may be operated automatically, or by hand. To operate
it automatically, the receiver may be provided with two electro-magnetic devices
or motors (hereinafter called inductors) connected to the two circuits and having
a common armature or rotary body connected to the indicator and circuit balancer
of the receiver. The arrangement in this case is such that when the indicators
of the transmitter and receiver are at rest, the two circuits are balanced and the
action of the two inductors on the armature are neutralized, but when the
indicator of the transmitter is moved from or towards the zero position, it will
cause the circuit disturber to disturb the balance between the two circuits and
so enable one or other of the inductors to rotate the armature in such a way as
to cause the indicator of the receiver to follow the movement of the indicator of
the transmitter and at the same time cause the circuit balancer to restore the
balance between the two circuits as set forth, at which time the indicator of the
receiver will give the same order as the indicator of the transmitter.
Apparatus to operate in the manner described can be constructed in various
forms.
In the accompanying illustrative drawings Fi 1 is a diagram showing

page_text: one arrangement of apparatus according to this invention. Figs. 2 and 3
are elevations at right angles to each other and Fig. 4 a part plan, showing
a receiver suitable for use in such an arrangement. Figs. 5 and 6 show
respectively in plan and side elevation, a modified construction of inductor
apparatus. Figs. 7 and 8 are elevations at right angles to each other, and Fig. 9
is a plan, showing a further modified construction of induction apparatus. Fig. 10
is a diagram showing another arrangement of apparatus according to this inven-
tion. Figs. 11 and 12 are elevations at right angles to each other showing the
transmitter represented in Fig. 10. Figs. 13 and 14 show respectively in plan
and elevation, a two-way polarized relay. Figs 15 and 16 show respectively in
plan and end elevation a single way polarized relay. Fig. 17 is a diagram
showing a modified arrangement of apparatus. Figs. 18 and 19 show respectively
in plan and vertical section, the transmitter used in this arrangement. Figs. 20
and 21 show respectively in plan and side elevation, the indicator and a movable
electrode used in such transmitter. Figs. 22 and 23 show respectively in plan
and vertical section, the receiver shown in Fig. 17. Figs. 24 and 25 show respec-
tively in plan and side elevation, the indicator and circuit balancer shown in
Figs. 22 and 23. Figs. 26, 27 and 28 are diagrams showing further modified
arrangements of the apparatus.
22 "
The
In Fig. 1,1 and 2 are two conductors connected together and to third con-
ductor 3 at the points 4 and 5 so as to form a divided circuit having a common
return. 6 is an electric generator capable of producing a periodically varying
electric current of an alternating, undulating, intermittent, pulsating or other
like nature. 7 is the indicator of the transmitter arranged to revolve over a
dial 8 upon which are marked the orders to be transmitted, for example "ahead,"
astern,' "stop" & so on. 1 and 2 are two similar inductance coils arranged in
series with the two conductors 1 and 2 respectively at the transmitting end, and
provided with a movable iron core 9 connected to the indicator 7, as by a brass
rack and pinion 10 so that the indicator and core will move together.
coils 1 and 2" with core 9 form a circuit disturber. 7" is the indicator and
8 the dial of the receiver, the said dial having orders marked thereon corre-
sponding to those on the dial 8. 1 and 2 are two similar inductance coils
arranged in series with the two conductors 1 and 2 respectively at the receiving
end, and provided with a movable iron core 9" connected to the indicator 7", as
through a brass rack and pinion 10" so that the two will move together. The
coils 1b and 2h with iron core 9" form a circuit balancer. 11 and 12 are two
similar solenoids arranged in series with the conductors 1 and 2 respectively,
and provided with laminated iron cores and 14 (Figs. 2, 3 and 4) so as to
form two similar and equal inductors. The two solenoids 11 and 12 with cores
are fixed upon a base or stand 15, which may be of iron, so as to be at opposite
sides of the centre thereof with the cores 13 and 14 parallel to one another, and
above them is fixed an iron plate 16 provided on its under side with iron pro-
jections 17 and 18 which are located a short distance from the upper ends of
the cores and a little out of line therewith (see Fig. 4) so that lines of force
passing between the upper end of each core and the corresponding iron projection
will take an inclined direction. Arranged to freely rotate between the cores 13
and 14 and iron projections 17 and 18 is a plate 19 of metal, for example
aluminium, upon which the magnetic fields produced by periodically varying
electric currents traversing the two solenoids 11 and 12 will act inductively in
such a way that the plate will be caused to rotate in one direction by a current
traversing one solenoid and in the opposite direction by a current traversing
the other solenoid, and that when the two circuits are balanced and the rotative
force of the two currents flowing through the two solenoids are consequently
equal, the plate 19 will come to rest, or will remain at rest.
The bottom and top plates 15 and 16 of the inductor apparatus may be divided
into two separate parts as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Also each inductor core may
be made shape as shown in Figs. 1, 8 and 9 so that it has two ends acting

page_text: upon the plate 19. 20 (Fig. 1) is a switch by which the two circuits can be
simultaneously closed.
With the arrangement described, when the indicator 7 is turned to send an
order, it simultaneously alters the position of the iron core 9 in the two
coils 1, 2, and thereby alters the inductance of the two circuits 1-3 and 2-3.
The balance between the rotative action of the currents in the two circuits on
the plate 19 of the inductor apparatus being thus destroyed, the plate 19 and
its spindle 19 will be rotated in one direction or the other, and, by acting upon
the core 9 of the solenoids 1b, 2b, will automatically vary the inductance of the
two circuits until a balance between the rotative action of the currents traversing
the two circuits is re-established whereupon the movable parts will come to rest.
and the position of the indicator 7 of the receiver will correspond with that of
the indicator 7 of the transmitter.
Near to the transmitter may be arranged at 21 an electro-dynamometer con-
taining iron cores 21, 21 which need not necessarily be laminated, its movable
coil 21° being connected up between the conductors 1 and 2 and its fixed coil
or coils 21 in series with the conductor 3. 21° is the indicator of the dynamo-
meter. This arrangement of dynamometer has for object to provide a means
of indicating to the operator that the indicator 7 of the receiver corresponds
with that of the transmitter, which he knows will be the case when the indicator
of the dynamometer is at zero, indicating that the two circuits are balanced.
Instead of a dynamometer, there may be used a periodically polarized relay
adapted to operate an electric bell and cause it to ring until the balance between
the two circuits is re-established, as hereinafter described with reference to
Fig. 28.
In Fig. 10 each of the iron cores 9, 9" is connected by a cord to a pulley on
the spindle of the corresponding indicator 7 or 7. On the spindle of the indi-
cator 7 is fixed a pin wheel 22 near to which is a spring 23 connected to the
conductor 3. At 24 is a two way periodically polarized relay, which, as shown
in Figs. 13 & 14, comprises an iron base plate 25 provided with an iron core 26
surrounded by and connected to a polarizing coil 27 in series with the conductor 3,
and also with four iron cores 28 surrounded by deflecting coils 29 arranged in
a shunt between the conductors 1 and 2. 30 and 30" are two soft iron tongues
pivoted to the core 26 and arranged to swing between pairs of pole pieces 28°.
Each tongue is provided at its free end with a platinum contact 30%, that works
between an adjustable agate stop 31 and an adjustable contact screw 32 which
is connected through a conductor 38 (Fig. 10) to the coils 1, 2 at 4 and to the
pin wheel 22. 34. 34 are non-magnetic frames secured to ebonite pillars 35,
and 36 are terminal screws.
At 37, 37 (Fig. 10) are two single way periodically polarized relays, each of
which comprises, as shown in Figs. 15 and 16, a polarizing coil 38 connected to
its core 39 to which the polarized armature 40 is pivoted, and two deflecting coils 41
provided with cores 40" and pole pieces 40b between which the armature 40 works.
The polarizing coils 38 of the two relays are arranged in series with each other
and with the inductor solenoids 11 and 12, which are arranged in series with each
other and with the conductor 3. The deflecting coils 41 of the two relays are
arranged in series with each other and in a shunt across the conductors 1 and 2.
The polarized armatures 40 are each arranged to work between an adjustable
agate stop 42 and an adjustable cantact 43, one of the contacts 43 being connected
to the conductor 3 at one side of the inductor solenoids 11 and 12, and the other
to the said conductor at the opposite side of the said solenoids as shown. In
other respects the arrangement is similar to that shown in Fig. 1 and works as
follows:-
When the parts are in the positions shown in Fig. 10, the two circuits are
open at the relay at 24 and their inductance is equal. Upon moving the trans-
mitter indicator 7, it rotates the pin wheel 22 and causes the pins thereon. to
come successively into contact with the spring 23 so as to complete, in an inter-

page_text: mittent manner, the two circuits through the polarizing coils 27 and 38 of the
relays at 27, 37 and 37. At the same time the indicator 7 moves the core 9
and alters the inductance of the two circuits, the pin wheel 22, when the indi-
cator is over the order to be sent, being in a position in which it is out of contact
with the spring 23. Each time the circuits are completed by the pin wheel,
currents pass in one direction or the other through the deflecting coils 29 of the
relay at 24 and cause one or other of the tongues 30, 30* to connect the con-
ductor 3 direct to the coils 1", 2" through the conductor 33. Currents also pass
in one direction or the other through the deflecting coils 41 of the relays at 37, 37ª
whereby one or other of the armatures 40 of such relays acts to short circuit
one or other of the inductors 11 or 12 and allow the other, through the
rotary plate 19 and gearing 10", to adjust the position of the indicator of the
receiver to agree with that of the transmitter and at the same time operate the
circuit balancer to re-establish a balance between the two circuits. When this
fakes place the circuits will be automatically opened by the relay at 24.
The circuit disturber and circuit balancer can be variously modified. Thus
each pair of coils 1. 2" and 1 and 2b instead of being provided with a movable iron
core as described may be provided with a fixed iron core and a movable closed
coil that may be arranged to move between the pair of coils and its core or
outside the coils for the purpose of varying the inductance of the two circuits.
In Figs. 17 to 25 the circuit disturber, comprises a liquid resistance to which
the conductors 1 and 2 are connected by electrodes 1. 2 respectively and to
which the conductor 3 is connected by a movable electrode 3* carried by a disc 7.
This disc is provided with the indicator 7 arranged to move over a dial 8 forming
the top of a box 8^ enclosing a block 44 of non-conducting material such as
vulcanite, which is formed with a partly circular cell 45 in which the liquid
resistance is placed, and with a bearing for the disc. The circuit controller
also comprises a liquid resistance connected to the conductors 1, 2 and 3 by
electrodes 1, 2 and 3" respectively, the electrode 3" and indicator 7 being
carried by the rotary plate 19 of the inductor apparatus, which, as shown, is
enclosed in the box 8", which also encloses the block 44" formed with the liquid
containing cell 45". In this case it is preferred that the current should be
of an alternating character. The liquid used is preferably one giving a high
resistance, for example ordinary
or distilled water. The electrodes
are preferably of platinum. As will be understood, by moving the
transmitter indicator 7. the resistance of the two circuits, which are
normally balanced, will be altered, with the result that one or other of the
inductors 11 or 12 will cause the plate 19 to move the electrode 3" into a position
to again make the resistance of the two circuits equal and to move the receiver
indicator into a position corresponding. for the time being, to that of the
transmitter indicator 7.
Fig. 26 shows a modified arrangement in which instead of utilizing the differ-
ence between the currents flowing through the two circuits to directly actuate
the inductors 11, 12, there is employed, as shown at 46, a periodically polarized
two way relay of the kind shown in Figs. 13 and 14, connected across two con-
ductors and 2 and adapted to alternately connect up one inductor or the other
through a local circuit 47 or 47" wherein intermittent currents are set up by
the action of an electric bell or vibrator 48 contained in the circuit of each
inductor, the source of energy being derived from an electric battery 49. By
this means the disc 19 is rotated in one direction or the other until the balance
between the two circuits is re-established in the manner already described, where-
upon the relay opens the local circuits.
Fig. 27 shows a modification in which instead of effecting the movement of
the receiver indicator 7 automatically, as herein before described, it may be
effected by hand, the movement being continued until the pointer of an electro-
dynamometer at 21 connected up as illustrated, shows that the two circuits are
balanced.

page_text: Instead of using a dynamometer, there may be provided near to the receiver,
as shown in Fig. 28, a periodically polarized two way relay, such as herein before
described, adapted, when the balance between the two circuits is disturbed, to
complete one or other of two local circuits 47 or 47 with battery 49 and cause
one or other of two electric bells 50 to ring until the receiver indicator is moved
into a position to re-establish a balance between the two circuits which will
be indicated by the bell ceasing to ring. The circuit disturber and circuit
balancer in each of the arrangements Figs. 26, 27 and 28 may be of either of the
kinds hereinbefore described. They are shown as liquid resistances with movable
electrodes.
The periodically varying electric currents may be variously produced. It
may be by an alternating current generator; by a battery and an ordinary vibra-
ting bell by a motor transformer; or by an ordinary inductor transformer having
its secondary winding connected up with the two circuits. As will be obvious,
one transmitter may be used to simultaneously transmit orders to two or more
places, the circuit disturber of each pair of circuits being arranged to be simul-
taneously operated from the indicator of the transmitter.
Improvements in Apparatus for Electrically Transmitting Orders or
Signals, Suitable for use as a Ship's Telegraph and the like.
I, ALFRED UPTON ALCOCK, formerly of 138, Swanston Street, Melbourne,
Victoria, but now of 11, Poultry, in the City of London, Electrical Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is
to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the follow-
ing statement:-
This invention relates to improvements in that kind of apparatus for trans-
mitting orders or signals from one place to another, as for example from the
bridge of a steam ship to the engine room, or from the conning tower of a
war-ship to the gun turrets, wherein the orders or signals (hereinafter called
orders) are transmitted electrically from one place to another by disturbing at
the transmitting station, by movement of a transmitting indicator, the balance
between two normally balanced circuits, or two parts of a divided circuit, (herein-
after called the two circuits) traversed by electric currents, and restoring at the
receiving station, by movement of the receiving indicator, the balance between
the two circuits, so that the order given by the receiving indicator will then
correspond to that given by the transmitting indicator.
For transmitting orders in the manner set forth, according to this invention,
there are used in conjunction with the two circuits, means for causing periodically
varying electric currents to traverse the same, a transmitting instrument (herein-
after called the transmitter) comprising an indicator arranged to move over a
suitable dial and a circuit disturber, such as hereinafter described, connected to
the indicator and adapted to vary the condition of the two circuits at the trans-
mitting end thereof, and a receiving instrument (hereinafter called the receiver)
comprising an indicator arranged to move over a suitable dial and a circuit
balancer such as hereinafter described, adapted to restore the balance in the con-
dition of the two circuits at the receiving end thereof. The receiver indicator

page_text: may be operated automatically, or by hand. To operate it automatically, the
receiver may be provided with two electro-magnetic devices or motors (herein-
after called inductors) connected to the two circuits and having a common arma-
ture or rotary body connected to the indicator and circuit balancer of the receiver.
The arrangement in this case is such that when the indicators of the transmitter
and receiver are at rest, the two circuits are balanced and the action of the two
inductors on the armature are neutralized, but when the indicator of the trans-
mitter is moved from or towards the zero position, it will cause the circuit dis-
turber to disturb the balance between the two circuits and so enable one or other
of the inductors to rotate the armature in such a way as to cause the indicator
of the receiver to follow the movement of the indicator of the transmitter and
at the same time cause the circuit balancer to restore the balance between the
two circuits as set forth, at which time the indicator of the receiver will give the
same order as the indicator of the transmitter.
Referring to the illustrative drawings filed with my' Provisional Specification,
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing one arrangement of apparatus according to this inven-
tion. Figs. 2 and 3 are elevations at right angles to each other and Fig. 4 a part
plan, showing a receiver suitable for use in such an arrangement. Figs. 5 and 6 show
respectively in plan and side elevation, a modified construction of inductor
apparatus. Figs. 7 and 8 are elevations at right angles to each other, and Fig. 9
is a plan, showing a further modified construction of induction apparatus. Fig. 10
is a diagram showing another arrangement of apparatus according to this inven-
tion. Figs. 11 and 12 are elevations at right angles to each other showing the
transmitter represented in Fig. 10. Figs. 13 and 14 show respectively in plan
and elevation, a two-way polarized relay. Figs 15 and 16 show respectively in
plan and end elevation a single way polarized relay. Fig. 17 is a diagram
showing a modified arrangement of apparatus. Figs. 18 and 19 show respectively
in plan and vertical section, the transmitter used in this arrangement. Figs. 20
and 21 show respectively in plan and side elevation, the indicator and a movable
electrode used in such transmitter. Figs. 22 and 23 show respectively in plan
and vertical section, the receiver shown in Fig. 17. Figs. 24 and 25 show respec-
tively in plan and side elevation, the indicator and circuit balancer shown in
Figs. 22 and 23. Figs. 26, 27 and 28 are diagrams showing further modified
arrangements of the apparatus.
<<
The
In Fig. 1-1 and 2 are two conductors connected together and to a third con-
ductor at the points 4 and 5 so as to form a divided circuit having a common
return. 6 is an electric generator capable of producing a periodically varying
electric current of an alternating, undulating, intermittent, pulsating or other
like nature. 7 is the indicator of the transmitter arranged to revolve over a
dial 8 upon which are marked the orders or indications to be transmitted
for example "ahead," 'astern," "stop" and so on, or degrees and fractions
of degrees. 1 and 2 are two similar inductance coils arranged in series with
the two conductors 1 and 2 respectively at the transmitting end, and pro-
vided with a movable iron core 9 connected to the indicator 7, as by a brass
rack and pinion 10 so that the indicator and core will move together.
coils 1 and 2 with core 9 form a circuit disturber. 7 is the indicator and
S the dial of the receiver, the said dial having orders or indications marked thereon
corresponding to those on the dial 8. 1b and 2b are two similar inductance coils
arranged in series with the two conductors 1 and 2 respectively at the receiving
end, and provided with a movable iron core 9" connected to the indicator 7", as
through a brass rack and pinion 10" so that the two will move together. The
coils 1 and 2b with iron core 9ª form a circuit balancer. 11 and 12 are two
similar solenoids arranged in series with the conductors 1 and 2 respectively,
and provided with laminated iron cores 13 and 14 (Figs. 2, 3 and 4) so as to
form two similar and equal inductors. The two solenoids 11 and 12 with cores
are fixed upon a base or stand 15, which may be of iron, so as to be at opposite
sides of the centre thereof with the cores 13 and 14 parallel to one another, and

page_text: above them is fixed an iron plate 16 provided on its under side with iron pro-
jections 17 and 18 which are located a short distance from the upper ends of
the cores and a little out of line therewith (see Fig. 4) so that lines of force
passing between the upper end of each core and the corresponding iron projection
will take an inclined direction. Arranged to freely rotate between the cores 13
and 14 and iron projections 17 and 18 is a plate 19 of metal, for example
aluminium, upon which the magnetic fields produced by periodically varying
electric currents traversing the two solenoids 11 and 12 will act inductively in
such a way that the plate will be caused to rotate in one direction by a current
traversing one solenoid and in the opposite direction by a current traversing
the other solenoid, and that when the two circuits are balanced and the rotative
force of the two currents flowing through the two solenoids are consequently
equal, the plate 19 will come to rest, or will remain at rest.
The bottom and top plates 15 and 16 of the inductor apparatus may be divided
Also each inductor core may
into two separate parts as shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
be made shape as shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 9, so that it has two ends acting
upon the plate 19. 20 (Fig. 1) is a switch by which the two circuits can be
simultaneously closed.
With the arrangement described, when the indicator 7 is turned to send an
order, it simultaneously alters the position of the iron core 9 in the two
coils 1, 2, and thereby alters the inductance of the two circuits 1-3 and 2-3.
The balance between the rotative action of the currents in the two circuits on
the plate 19 of the inductor apparatus being thus destroyed, the plate 19 and
its spindle 19" will be rotated in one direction or the other, and, by acting upon
the core 9" of the solenoids 1b, 2b, will automatically vary the inductance of the
two circuits until a balance between the rotative action of the currents traversing
the two circuits is re-established whereupon the movable parts will come to rest,
and the position of the indicator 7" of the receiver will correspond with that of
the indicator 7 of the transmitter.
Near to the transmitter may be arranged at 21 an electro-dynamometer con-
taining iron cores 21", 21" which need not necessarily be laminated, its movable
coil 21 being connected up between the conductors 1 and 2 and its fixed coil
or coils 21 in series with the conductor 3. 21° is the indicator of the dynamo-
meter. This arrangement of dynamometer has for object to provide a means
of indicating to the operator that the indicator 7" of the receiver corresponds
with that of the transmitter, which he knows will be the case when the indicator
of the dynamometer is at zero, indicating that the two circuits are balanced.
Instead of a dynamometer, there may be used a periodically polarized relay
adapted to operate an electric bell and cause it to ring until the balance between
the two circuits is re-established, as hereinafter described with reference to
Fig. 28.
In Fig. 10 each of the iron cores 9, 9" is connected by a cord to a pulley on
the spindle of the corresponding indicator 7 or 7". On the spindle of the indi-
cator 7 is fixed a pin wheel 22 near to which is a spring 23 connected to the conduc-
tor 3. At 24 is a two way periodically polarized relay which, as shown in Figs. 13
and 14, comprises an iron base plate 25 that is provided with an iron core 26
surrounded by and connected to a polarizing coil 27 in series with the conductor 3,
and also with four iron cores 28 surrounded by deflecting coils 29 arranged in
a shunt between the conductors 1 and 2. 30 and 30 are two soft iron tongues
pivoted to the core 26 so as to be polarized thereby and arranged to swing between
pairs of pole pieces 28 extending from the cores 28. Each tongue is provided
at its free end with a platinum contact 30* that works between an adjustable
agate stop 31 and an adjustable contact screw 32 which is electrically connected
and to the
through a conductor 33 (Fig. 10) to the coils 1", 2" at the point
pin wheel 22. 34, 34 (Figs. 13 and 14) are non-magnetic frames secured to ebonite
pillars 35 and carrying the stops 31 and contacts 32; 36 are terminal screws.
At 37, 37 (Fig. 10) are two single way periodically polarized relays; each of

page_text: these relays comprises, as shown in Figs. 15 and 16 a polarizing coil 38 connected
to its iron core 39 to which the armature 40 is pivoted so as to be polarized
thereby and two deflecting coils 41 provided with cores 40" and pole pieces 40
between which the armature 40 works. The polarizing coils 38 of the two single
way relays at 37, 37° are arranged in series with each other and with the inductor
solenoids 11 and 12 which are arranged in series with each other and with the
conductor 3. The deflecting coils 41 of the two relays at 37, 37" are arranged
in series with each other and in a shunt across the conductors 1 and 2. The
polarized armatures 40 are each arranged to work between an adjustable agate
stop 42 and an adjustable contact 43, one of the contacts 43 being connected to
the conductor 3 at one side of the inductor solenoids 11 and 12, and the other
to the said conductor at the opposite side of the said solenoids as shown. In
other respects the arrangement is similar to that shown in Fig. 1 and works as
follows:-
When the parts are in the positions shown in Fig. 10, the two circuits are
open at the spring 23 and their inductance is equal. Upon moving the trans-
mitter indicator 7, it rotates the pin wheel 22 and causes the pins thereon to
come successively into contact with the spring 23 so as to complete, in an inter-
mittent manner, the two circuits through the polarizing coils 27 and 38 of the
relays at 24, 37 and 37". At the same time the indicator 7 moves the core 9
and alters the inductance of the two circuits, the pin wheel 22, when the indi-
cator is over the order to be sent, being in a position in which it is out of contact
with the spring 23. Each time the indicator is moved from one order to
another, the pin wheel 22 momentarily closes the circuits by contact with the
spring 23. During the period of contact the circuits will be out of balance
and currents will pass in one direction or the other through the deflecting coils 29
of the relay at 24 and cause one or other of the tongues 30 or 30" to bear against
one or other of the contacts 32 and so close the circuits through the polarizing
coil 27 and conductor 33, the circuits remaining closed until they are again
balanced. Whilst the circuits are unbalanced currents also pass in one direction
or the other through the deflecting coils 41 of the relays at 37, 37" whereby one
or other of the armatures 40 of such relays acts to short circuit one or other of
the inductors 11 or 12 and allow the other, through the rotary plate 19 and gear-
ing 10%, to adjust the position of the indicator 7" of the receiver to agree with
that of the transmitter and at the same time operate the circuit balancer to ie-
establish a balance between the two circuits. When this takes place the circuits
will be automatically opened by the relay at 24.
The circuit disturber and circuit balancer can be variously modified. Thus
each pair of coils 1", 2" and 1 and 2b instead of being provided with a movable iron
core as described may be provided with a fixed iron core and a movable closed
coil that may be arranged to move between the pair of coils and the core or
outside the coils, for the purpose of varying the inductance of the two circuits.
In Figs. 17 to 25 the circuit disturber comprises a liquid resistance to which
the conductors 1 and 2 are connected by fixed electrodes 1* 2* respectively, and to
which the conductor 3 is connected by a movable electrode 3* carried by a disc 7*.
This disc is provided with the indicator 7 arranged to move over a dial 8 forming
the top of a box 8" enclosing a block 44 of non-conducting material such as
vulcanite, which is formed with a partly circular cell 45 in which the liquid
resistance is placed, and with a bearing for the disc 7. The circuit controller
also comprises a liquid resistance connected to the conductors 1, 2 and 3 by
electrodes 1, 2 and 3 respectively, the electrode 3 and indicator 7 being
carried by the rotary plate 19 of the inductor apparatus, which, as shown, is
enclosed in the box 8", which also encloses the block 44" formed with the liquid
containing cell 45". In this case it is preferred that the periodically varying
current produced by the generator 6 should be of an alternating character. A
direct or continuous current should be avoided as it would cause polarization of
the electrodes which would introduce disturbances in the circuits and prevent a

page_text: steady balance being obtained. The liquid used is preferably one giving a high
resistance, for example ordinary or distilled water. The electrodes
are preferably of platinum. As will be understood, by moving the
transmitter indicator 7, the resistance of the two circuits, which are
normally balanced, will be altered, with the result that one or other of the
inductors 11 or 12 will cause the plate 19 to move the electrode 3* into a position
to again make the resistance of the two circuits equal and to move the receiver
indicator 7" into a position corresponding, for the time being, to that of the
transmitter indicator 7.
A liquid resistance with fixed and movable electrodes and periodically varying
current producer, may advantageously be used in apparatus of various kinds for
electrically transmitting orders or signals from one place to another.
Fig. 26 shows a modified arrangement in which instead of utilizing the differ-
ence between the currents flowing through the two circuits to directly actuate
the inductors 11, 12, there is employed, as shown at 46, a periodically polarized
two way relay of the kind shown in Figs. 13 and 14, connected across the two con-
ductors 1 and 2 and adapted to alternately connect up one inductor or the other
through a local circuit 47 or 47" wherein intermittent currents are set up by
the action of an electric bell or vibrator 48 contained in the circuit of each
inductor, the source of energy being derived from an electric battery 49. The
intermittent currents thus set up in the winding of the inductor 11 or 12 will
cause the metal disc 19 connected to the electrode 3" to be rotated in one direction
or the other until the balance between the two circuits is re-established in the
manner already described, whereupon the relay will open the local circuits.
Fig. 27 shows a modification in which instead of effecting the movement of
the receiver indicator 7 automatically, as herein before described, it may be
effected by hand, the movement of the indicator 7" being continued until the
pointer of an electro-dynamometer at 21, connected up as ustrated shows
that the two circuits are balanced.
Instead of using a dynamometer, there may be provided near to the receiver,
as shown in Fig. 28, a periodically polarized two way relay, such as herein before
described, adapted, when the balance between the two circuits is disturbed, to
come into action in the well known way and complete one or other of two local
circuits 47 or 47" each of which includes a battery 49 and an electric
bell 50, and cause one or other of the said electric bells 50, according to the
direction in which the indicator of the transmitter is moved, to ring until the
receiver indicator is moved by hand into a position to re-establish a balance
between the two circuits which will be indicated by the bell ceasing to ring.
The circuit disturber and circuit balancer in each of the arrangements shown
in Figs. 26, 27 and 28 may be of either of the kinds herein before described.
They are shown as liquid resistances with fixed and movable electrodes as herein-
before described with reference to Figs. 26, but they may be inductance coils
with iron cores as herein before described.
The periodically varying electric currents may be variously produced, as for
example by an alternating current generator; by a battery and an ordinary vibra-
ting bell; by a motor transformer; or by an ordinary inductor i.e. a static trans-
former, having its secondary winding connected up with the two circuits.
As will be obvious, one transmitter may be used to simultaneously transmit
orders to two or more places, the circuit disturber of each pair of circuits being
arranged to be simultaneously operated from the indicator of the transmitter.
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. Apparatus for electrically transmitting orders or signals wherein the balance
between two normally balanced electric circuits traversed by periodically varying
electric currents is adapted to be disturbed by a circuit controlling device at

page_text: the transmitting station and to be restored by a circuit balancing device that
is located at the receiving station and is set in action to alter the relative induc-
tion or resistance of the two circuits by inductor devices that have a common
armature or rotary body connected to the said circuit balancing device and one
or other of which acts to move the said armature or rotary body and the circuit
balancer connected thereto in one direction or the other when the said circuits
are unbalanced, substantially as described.
2. In apparatus for electrically transmitting orders or signals, the combination
with two electric circuits and a receiving instrument connected therewith, of
means adapted to set up periodically varying electric currents in the said circuits,
and a circuit controller or transmitting instrument comprising a cell charged
with liquid and provided with fixed and movable electrodes connected to the said
circuits, and means for moving the said fixed and movable electrodes relatively
to each other for the purpose set forth.
3. Apparatus for electrically transmitting orders or signals comprising two
normally balanced electrical circuits, means adapted to set up periodically vary-
ing electric currents in the said circuits, a circuit disturber located at the trans-
mitting station and comprising a cell charged with liquid and fixed and movable
electrodes located in the said liquid and connected to the circuit conductors at
the transmitting end, a circuit balancer located at the receiving end of the said
circuits and adapted by movement to restore the balance between the said circuits
when the same has been disturbed, a receiver indicator connected to the said
circuit balancer and an inductor device comprising a rotary body connected to the
said circuit balancer and two normally balanced inductors connected to the said
circuits and arranged to act inductively on the said body and rotate it in one
direction or the other when the balance between the circuit is destroyed and to
be inoperative on the said body when the balance is restored, substantially as
described.
4. Apparatus for electrically transmitting orders or signals, constructed
arranged and operating substantially as hereinbefore described with reference
to and shown in Figs. 1 to 9 inclusive; and in Figs. 10 to 16 inclusive of the
drawings.
5. Apparatus for electrically transmitting orders or signals constructed
arranged and operating substantially as hereinbefore described with reference
to and shown in Figs. 17 to 25 inclusive; and in Fig. 26 of the drawings.
6. Apparatus for electrically transmitting orders or signals constructed
arranged and operating substantially as herein before described with reference
to and shown in Fig. 27; and in Fig. 28 of the drawings.
Dated this 22nd day of September 1899.