IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHY
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Sydney Pitt, of Sutton, in the County of Surrey, for an
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHY." A communication from
abroad by Orazio Lugo, M.D., of the City, County, and State of New York, in
the United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Sydney Pitt at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th April 1881.
SYDNEY PITT, of Sutton, in the County of Surrey. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
TELEGRAPHY." [A communication from abroad by Orazio Lugo, M.D., of the City,
County, and State of New York, in the United States of America.]
In the Provisional Specification, No. 1119, dated 15th day of March 1881, I
have shown and described a novel method of transmitting electrical pulsations
through a telegraphic or telephonic circuit constituting a solenoid. This solenoid
is shown as consisting of a direct insulated conductor passing longitudinally
through the mathematical axis of a helical conductor or conductors also insulated.
Where more than one helical conductor is described, such helical conductors are
shown with their terminals united in multiple are so as in effect to constitute a
single compound conductor.
The present Invention is based upon that above referred to and constitutes an
improvement thereon. Its object is so to organize the apparatus that two or more
independent electric circuits may be established through a single cable or compound
conductor, each of which may be utilized for work independent of the others, so
that electric currents of different character or independent sets of signals may be
simultaneously sent through the same compound conductor.
The accompanying Drawings shew the improved organization in the best way
now known to me, but the arrangement of apparatus may nevertheless be varied in
well known ways without departing from the principle of the Invention; the
distinguishing characteristics of which are the transmission of one set of currents,
impulses, or pulsations through longitudinal conductors symmetrically disposed
with reference to the axis of a helical conductor, and another similar set through

page_text: other conductors coiled helically around the longitudinal conductors and nearly at
right angles thereto, these conductors being insulated from and wholly independent
of each other, and of course including the generator and the transmitting and
receiving apparatus of each circuit. It is to be understood that the conductors may
be insulated from each other by any well known or suitable method, and may be
adapted for submarine or subterranean uses by being armored or enclosed in
conduits or pipes in well known ways.
In the accompanying Drawing Figure 1 represents the organization of conductors
forming two telegraph or telephonic circuits organized in accordance with the
principles of this Invention; and Figure 2 is a theoretical diagram illustrating the
application of the Invention to a telegraphic and a telephonic circuit.
Two
Two metallic conductors A and a are shown in Figure 1, each enveloped in the
ordinary manner in insulated coatings of any suitable material, which are placed
parallel to and symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the line x, x.
other similar insulated conductors B and b are wound helically and as closely as
possible around the conductors A and a, the line x, x, forming the axis of the
helices.
Thus the direction of electric currents traversing the conductors B, b, will be
nearly perpendicular to the direction of currents traversing the conductors A, a.
If the directions of the two sets of conductors were exactly perpendicular to each
other it would be impossible for any inductive effect to take place between them,
a fact strictly in accordance with the well established laws of electrical action.
I make use of a compound or multiple conductor constructed as above described,
of any desired length, for independent telegraphic, telephonic, or other circuits.
It will be evident upon inspection that the mean distance of the conductors A and a
from each other will be the same throughout the entire circuit, and the same will
also be true of the conductors B and b with reference to each other. It will
furthermore be observed that the mean distance of the two pairs of conductors
A, a, and B, b, from each other will be also equal throughout their length, and that
the mean distance of each pair of conductors from all surrounding objects of
whatsoever nature, and situated at whatsoever actual distance therefrom will be
precisely the same. It follows, therefore, that a current traversing a circuit formed
by uniting the conductors B and b at their ends, necessarily flows in a given
direction through one of the conductors as B, and in the opposite direction through
the other conductor, as b, and therefore the inductive effects of the current tending
to manifest themselves in each conductor, while of opposite character, will be
precisely equal in intensity and in duration, and consequently no effect whatever
will appear. Thus, any mutual inductive action which might tend to manifest
itself between the two pairs of conductors A, a, and B, b, in consequence of their
not being precisely at right angles to each other is entirely counteracted.
It is obvious that under the organization herein before described the total length
and resistance of the circuit formed by the conductors B and b will be much greater
than that formed by the conductors A and a. If for any reason this inequality in
the resistance in the two circuits should be objectionable in any particular case it
may be overcome by making the helical conductor of larger wire than the other,
but such a mode of construction is obviously objectionable for mechanical reasons.
In such a case it may be advisable to form the external helices of four equal wires
and to join one pair of wires at their extremities in multiple are to constitute the
direct conductor, and the remaining pair also in multiple are for the return
conductor.
.
In case one circuit is designed to be used for telegraphic and the other for
telephonic communication, it will be advisable to make use of the longitudinal
conductors A and a for the telegraphic circuit, and the helical conductors B, b, for
the telephonic circuit, as the increased resistance will have but little effect in
diminishing the strength and distinctness of the rhythmical vibrations, by which
the sounds in the telephone are produced.
Figure 2 represents the organization of telephonic and telegraphic apparatus,

page_text: which it is preferred to use in connection with this Invention. E represents the
buttery; E, the telegraphic trusemisting key, and the corresponding sevsining
instrument at the opposite terminal station. This organization of apparatus and
conductors constitutes what is termed a metallic circuit, which is termed either an
open or a closed circuit, according to the normal position of the transmitting key.
T and T¹ in like manner represent two telephones adapted for sending or receiving,
placed at opposite terminal stations, and included in the metallic circuit formed
by the direct and return conductors B and b.
It is obvious that in apparatus thus organized electric currents or pulsations
transmitted through one conductor of each metallic circuit will return through the
other, and that the inductive influence of the currents passing through the two sets
of conductors will be equal and opposite, not only upon each other but upon all
surrounding objects whatsoever. It follows therefore that any inductive effects of
whatsoever nature which have a tendency to be produced in or by the direct
conductor of each circuit will be neutralized by similar or opposite effects tending
to be produced in the return conductor.
Any required number of independent circuits of conductors organized as above
described may lie parallel and close together within a single conduit or pipe, or
enclosed in a single armor, and each circuit will be absolutely protected against
the effects of induction both in itself and in the neighbouring conductors, whatever
may be their number or relative position.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Sydney Pitt in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 18th October
1881.
SYDNEY PITT, of Sutton, in the County of Surrey. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
TELEGRAPHY." A communication from abroad by Orazio Lugo, M.D., of the City,
County, and State of New York, in the United States of America.
In the Specification of previous Letters Patent, No. 1119, dated the 15th day of
March, 1881, I have shown and described a novel method of transmitting electrical
pulsations through a telegraphic or telephonic circuit constituting a solenoid. This
solenoid is shown as consisting of a direct insulated conductor passing longitudinally
through the mathematical axis of a helical conductor or conductors, also insulated.
Where more than one helical conductor is described, such helical conductors are
shown with their terminals united in multiple arc so as in effect to constitute a
single compound conductor.
The present Invention is based upon that above referred to, and constitutes an
improvement thereon. Its object is so to organize the apparatus that two or more
independent electric circuits may be established through a single cable or compound
conductor, each of which may be utilized for work independent of the others, so
that electric currents of different character or independent sets of signals may be
simultaneously sent through the same compound conductor.
The Invention contemplates the employment of the most improved apparatus
for transmission known and in use at the present day, but as the details of such
apparatus are well understood they need not be herein described, especially as such
details constitute no part of the subject matter hereinafter claimed.
The accompanying Drawings shew the improved organization in the best way
now known to me, but the arrangement of apparatus may nevertheless be varied
in well known ways without departing from the principle of the Invention, the
distinguishing characteristics of which are the transmission of one set of currents,
impulses or pulsations, through longitudinal conductors symmetrically disposed
with reference to the axis of a helical conductor, and another similar set through
other conductors coiled helically around the longitudinal conductors, and nearly at
right angles thereto, these conductors being insulated from and wholly independent
of each other, and of course including the generator and the transmitting and
receiving apparatus of each circuit. It is to be understood that the conductors
may be insulated from each other by any well known or suitable method, and
may be adapted for submarine or subterranean uses by being armoured or enclosed
in conduits or pipes in well known ways.
In the accompanying Drawing Figure 1 represents the organization of conductors
forming two telegraph or telephonic circuits organized in accordance with the
principles of this Invention, and Figure 2 is a theoretical diagram illustrating the
application of the Invention to a telegraphic and a telephonic circuit.
Two
Two metallic conductors, A. and a, are shown in Figure 1, each enveloped in the
ordinary manner in insulated coatings of any suitable material, which are placed
parallel to and symmetrically disposed on opposite sides of the line x, x.
other similar insulated conductors B and b are wound helically and as closely as
possible around the conductors A and a, the line x, x, forming the axis of the
helices.
Thus the direction of electric currents traversing the conductors B, b, will be
nearly perpendicular to the direction of currents traversing the conductors A, a.
If the directions of the two sets of conductors were exactly perpendicular to each
other, it would be impossible for any inductive effect to take place between them,
a fact strictly in accordance with the well established laws of electrical action.
I make use of a compound or multiple conductor, constructed as above described,

page_text: nt
any desired length for independent telegraphic, telephonic, or other circuits. It
will be evident upon inspection
t
from each other will be the same throughout the entire circuit, and the same will
also be true of the conductors B and b with reference to each other. It will
furthermore be observed that the mean distance of the two pairs of conductors
A, a, and B, b, from each other will be also equal throughout their length, and that
the mean distance of each pair of conductors from all surrounding objects of what-
soever nature and situated at whatsoever actual distance therefrom will be precisely
the same. It follows therefore that a current traversing a circuit formed by uniting
the conductors B and b at their ends necessarily flows in a given direction through
one of the conductors, as B, and in the opposite direction through the other
conductor, as b, and therefore the inductive effects of the current tending to
manifest themselves in each conductor while of opposite character will be precisely
equal in intensity and in duration, and consequently no effect whatever will appear.
Thus any mutual inductive action which might tend to manifest itself between the
two pairs of conductors A, a, and B, b, in consequence of their not being precisely
at right angles to each other is entirely counteracted.
It is obvious that under the organization herein before described the total length
and resistance of the circuit formed by the conductors B and will be much
greater than that formed by the conductors A and a. If for any reason this
inequality in the resistance in the two circuits should be objectionable in any
particular case, it may be overcome by making the helical conductor of larger wire
than the other, but such a mode of construction is obviously objectionable for
inechanical reasons. In such a case it may be advisable to form the external
helices of four equal wires, and to join one pair of wires at their extremities in
multiple arc to constitute the direct conductor, and the remaining pair also in
multiple are for the return conductor.
In case one circuit is designed to be used for telegraphic and the other for
telephonic communication, it will be advisable to make use of the longitudinal
conductors A and a for the telegraphic circuit, and the helical conductors B, b, for
the telephonic circuit, as the increased resistance will have but little effect in
diminishing the strength and distinctness of the rhythmical vibrations by which
the sounds in the telephone are produced.
Figure 2 represents the organization of telephonic and telegraphic apparatus
which it is preferred to use in connection with this Invention. E represents the
battery, K the telegraphic transmitting key, and R the corresponding receiving
instrument at the opposite terminal station. This organization of apparatus and
conductors constitutes what is termed a metallic circuit, which is termed either an
open or a closed circuit, according to the normal position of the transmitting key.
T and T in like manner represent two telephones adapted for sending or receiving,
placed at opposite terminal stations, and included in the metallic circuit formed by
the direct and return conductors B and b.
It is obvious that in apparatus thus organized, electric currents or pulsations
transmitted through one conductor of each metallic circuit will return through the
other, and that the inductive influence of the currents passing through the two sets
of conductors, will be equal, and opposite not only upon each other but upon all
surrounding objects whatsoever. It follows therefore that any inductive effects of
whatsoever nature which have a tendency to be produced in or by the direct
conductor of each circuit will be neutralized by similar or opposite effects tending
to be produced in the return conductor.
Any required number of independent circuits of conductors organized as above
described may lie parallel and close together within a single conduit or pipe or
enclosed in a single armor, and each circuit will be absolutely protected against the
effects of induction, both in itself and in the neighbouring conductors, whatever
may be their number or relative position.
I claim,―
The compound electric conductor hereinbefore set forth consisting of two or

page_text: more parallel insulated conductors constituting a helix, and united in pairs at their
extremities to complete one or more metallic circuits, with parallel insulated
conductors disposed symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the helix, also
united in pairs at their extremities to complete an additional independent metallic
circuit.
In witness whereof, I, the said Sydney Pitt, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Twenty second day of September, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
SYDNEY PITT. (L.S.)