Improvements in Electrical Signalling Apparatus.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Apr., 1896-Accepted, 4th July, 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by GWYNNE ERNEST PAINTER, Post Office Box 333,
Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, United States of America, Electrical
Engineer.]
Improvements in Electrical Signalling Apparatus.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent
Agents, 45 Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, 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 following
statement:-
The object of the main features of my invention, is to enable prompt reliable
detailed communication between more or less widely separated points, by merely
moving electric brushes into appropriate positions, and to enable a receiving party,
to at once signal to the transmitting party, a detailed repetition of the communi-
cation received thus affording absolute assurance, as to whether or not the desired
communication has been accurately delivered to, and understood by, the receiving
party, and in the event of discrepancy, to promptly indicate faulty operation of the
apparatus.
As for instance, with an apparatus embodying my invention, in service on steam
ships, an officer at any accessible instrument, can by operating an electric switch,
as by swinging the handle of a brush or switch arm, promptly transmit orders to
the engineer on duty, in any desired predetermined detail, relating to stopping, or
starting the engines ahead, or astern, and at any speed, or to cause any desired
number of revolutions, and the engineer, by similar manipulation of his instrument,
can promptly indicate to the officer, the precise instructions received, and under
which, he has acted, or will immediately act.
Various organizations have been heretofore devised for electric signalling, and
some of them have been specially adapted to service on ship board, for communi-
éation from various places on the ship, to the engine room.
In my complete apparatus organized for personal signalling there are two or more
instruments, electrically coupled and each is provided with a circuit controlling
switch having either an arm, or a rotative switch plate which being movable by
hand, and swung into such position as may have been predetermined for imparting a
given signal is then allowed to rest. Each instrument is also provided with a
receiving pointer, which when electrically operated by the switch at a distant
similar instrument, can be made to move to and rest in, a position conforming with
that occupied by the movable portion of its controlling switch and as the receiving
pointer in each instrument can only be actuated because of the movement of the
snitch arm (or plate) in a distant instrument, and as both switches are operated
by hand, it follows, that the character of the signal transmitted and acknowledged,
remains indicated, until the next transmittal and acknowledgment. If the range
of signalling be limited, as for instance "Start" "Ahead" "Astern" "Fast
"Slow" and "Stop," the variations in the position of the switch arm being few
and radical in their nature, would enable skilled operators of both instruments to
rely for guidance upon the mere positions of the switch arm, and the receiving
pointer, but inasmuch as it is important to specify particular speeds, and stated
numbers of revolution's by. the engines, and also to make the signals promptly and
surely readable, a suitably inscribed and graduated dial is provided for, and swept

page_text: by, the receiving pointer of each instrument. With such a dial, the switch arm
may serve as a home pointer, for assuring accuracy in the position required for
transmitting a desired signal but I employ a separate home pointer, which enables
a dial to be located above the switch and its arm, and when I make said dial of
transparent material, it can be illuminated, and enable it to be promptly read at
night. Certain features of my invention are applicable to that class of signalling
apparatus wherein the operation of the transmitter is mechanically automatic, as
for instance by the movement of a ships rudder for indicating its actual position
or the rise and fall of a float for indicating either the contents of a tank, or the rise
and fall of water in mines and reservoirs, and for other analogous duties, involving
more or less similar conditions.
Although I have devised, and will hereinafter describe, certain novel features
pertaining to the switch, and other novel features which pertain to the mechanism
intervening between the electro magnets and the receiving pointer, and still other
features which pertain to said magnets and their working armatures I desire it to
be understood that I do not restrict the main features of my invention to details of
construction and arrangement in those connections.
I employ in my instruments a main switch arm which carries the brushes, and a
spring mounted auxiliary arm coupled to the main arm, and capable of a slight
initial movement independently of the main arm, in either direction but which then
moves therewith.
The auxiliary arm is provided with contact plates, by which appropriate brushes
are electrically coupled. The auxiliary switch arm is normally so maintained, that
its contact plates afford no circuits, but when continuously moved in either direction,
it will first establish circuits, and then by moving the main arm, cause one pair of
opposing co-operating magnets to be alternately and intermittingly excited, while
the other pair of magnets will remain inactive, one of said pairs of magnets
being operated when the switch arm as a whole is moved in one direction, and the
other pair operated when said arm is moved in the opposite direction.
My switch has also a bell ringing capacity whenever the arm is moved in either
direction, this however being necessary on but one instrument, if orders are to
be transmitted in but one direction, for attracting the attention of the receiving
party.
For convenience in operating the switch arm, I have provided it with a suitable
handle or hand crank, and for preventing it from being actuated with undue rapidity,
a retarder is employed, which may be frictional, but preferably in the form of a
lever escapement coupled with the crank shaft or spindle.
The mechanism devised by me, for operatively coupling the receiving pointer
with the actuating magnets, consists of a shaft rotatively coupled to the pointer,
and provided with a wheel or drum, having at its periphery a cam slot, occupied by
a suitable pin at the free end of the armature lever, so that during the vibratory
movements of the lever, the pointer shaft is partially rotated, this action occurring
step by step, in the same direction during both movements of said lever in opposite
directions. For driving the pointer in the opposite direction, there is a second
cam slot, operative reversely to the other, and this is occupied by a pin at the free
end of another armature lever.
As but one of said armature levers, can be in active service at any one time, the
other must not only be inoperative but free from any capacity to obstruct the
proper operation of the lever which is in service, and therefore I have provided
for magnetically actuating each lever in both directions, instead of actuating a
lever in one direction by a spring, as is usual for securing return movements in
ratchet and pawl organizations.
As to means for operatively coupling the cam slotted wheel with the receiving
pointer, they may be indefinitely varied, according to whether or not the pointer is
to indicate many or few distinctive signals. Speed reducing gearing renders it
possible to provide for many signals, while for a few, the pointer may be directly
actuated by the shaft on which the cam slot wheel is carried.

page_text: For protecting their mechanism and enabling the instruments to be exposed to
the weather, if need be, they are each housed within an enclosing structure, the
switch crank being externally accessible, and a dial is provided for the receiving
pointer, and also for a home pointer, which follows the exact movement of the
switch arm, and within said structure, suitable lighting apparatus is provided for
night service.
In many cases no detailed repeat or acknowledgment of a signal received is
desired, and in some cases no such repeat is possible, as for instance when the act
of transmittal depends upon the movement of some mechanically operated device,
and my instrument when organized for such service, will not of course embody my
entire invention, but would contain certain substantial portions thereof.
invention embraces certain other features in matters of construction and organization,
to be hereinafter fully described.
My
To more particularly describe my invention I will refer to the accompanying
nine sheets of drawings, in which
Figure 1 illustrates one of my signalling instruments in an enclosing structure
(shown in section) having a glass top and provided with a lamp.
Figure 2 is a top view of the switch plate and its brush arm.
Figure 3 is a side view of the brush arm witch the swith plate partially in
section.
Figure 4 is a bottom view of the switch plate, showing its electrical connections,
and also the retarding escapement.
Figure 5 is an end view of the brush arm, complete, with the switch plate in
edge view.
Figure 6 is a top view of the main brush arm.
Figure 7 is a top and edge view of the auxiliary brush arm.
Figure 8 illustrates in section, the centre of the switch, and the pivotal connections
of the brush arm.
Figure 9 is a top view of a dial approximately inscribed and graduated for
steam ship engine service.
Figures 10 and 11, in plane projection, illustrate the two reversely operative cam
slots, and the free ends of the armature levers.
Figure 12 diagrammatically illustrates a complete apparatus, with its battery,
and electric connections.
Figure 13 is a diagrammatic illustration of two separate instruments, independent
of each other, but both coupled with one engine room instrument, with appropriate
switch boards.
Figure 14 illustrates in section a modified form of my instrument, wherein
both the receiving pointer and the home pointer radiate from the centre
of a dial.
Figure 15 in side view, and diagrammatically, illustrates a modification of the
switching organization, wherein the switch is in the form of a rotative break
wheel, with stationary brushes, and also the magneto mechanical organization
with a pointer and its electric connections.
Figures 16, 17, and 18 illustrate the invention in an organization wherein the
transmitting instrument is automatically controlled by a mechanically operated
element, in this instance by the rudder of a ship.
It is to be understood that the instrument shown in Figure 1, and illustrated
in detail, is adapted for use in the transmission of orders, and hence its switch
controls a bell ringing circuit for attracting the attention of the receiving party,
to a substantially counterpart instrument, the switch of which need not perform bell
ringing duty.
For use on ship board, this transmitting instrument would ordinarily be located
in the pilot house.
The transmitting instrument Figure 1, is housed within a tight metallic
structure or casing A, which may be widely varied in its form, but is preferably
cylindrical, and adapted to be mounted upon a hollow standard. The base d

page_text: and side wall or barrel a¹, a³, are separate parts, detachably united to admit of the
convenient assemblage of, and access to the electrical, and magneto mechanical
organization. The top a³, of the casing is transparent, usually composed of glass
for exposing the dial B, and as that is also usually transparent, it is illuminated
for night service, by means of a lamp a', in the base, there being a transparent
partition above the lamp, as at a, and ample interior space is afforded for the
diffusion of light to the dial, especially at or near its periphery where the
Inscription and graduations are located, as indicated in Figure 9.
The transmission of signals, is effected by means of a switch hand crank B¹, on a
shaft b, projecting centrally through the cover of the casing, and said shaft is
provided with a radial "home" pointer b', which closely overlies a portion of the dial.
A receiving pointer C, operated electrically from the other end of a line, has an
'annular path, at the periphery of the dial over which its tip projects toward the
centre for sweeping the inscribed portion of the dial outside of the path of the tip
of the home pointer. The dial in this instrument, being supported on a bracket
at one side of the centre, the pointers are restricted in their to and fro movements,
to a little less than a full circle.
Inasmuch as the function of the hand crank is to operate the switch D, by
rotatively sweeping the brush arm D, over the face of the composite switch
plate D, it will be obvious, that said brush by its position on the switch plate,
will indicate the character of a signal transmitted, (if but few signals were deemed
necessary) and that without any dial, the receiving or acknowledging pointer C,
could co-operate with the brush arm, as well as with a "home" pointer, and
that if desired a narrow annular dial could be employed around the switch
plate and a pendant "home" pointer carried at the end of the brush arm and
the receiving pointer tip overlying such dial, all as indicated in dotted lines, in
Figure 1.
The dial here shown, is appropriately inscribed for marine engine signalling,
"Stand by" "Ahead," "Astern," "Quarter Speed," "Half Speed," "Three-
Quarter Speed," "Full Speed," and "Stop." The intermediate graduations
(between 1 and 200) at each side, enable the transmission of orders to drive
ahead, or astern, a given number of revolutions, (and to stop without further
sigual) having first indicated the speed desired, such numerical signals being
specially important in the working of war ships.
Aside from the fact, that the dial in this case is common both to the electric
switching organizations, and to the receiving pointer, the magneto-mechanical
organization E, by which the receiving pointer is actuated, is in no manner
operatively connected with said switch, but is wholly controlled by way of
suitable electro magnetic circuits, coupled with a similar switch however remotely
located.
I will first describe the construction of the several parts of the switching
organization, specially shown in Figures 2 to 8, inclusive and also in Figure 1,
wherein the switch as a whole is designated at D.
The composite switch plate D, is securely mounted on a bracket or arm a,
Figure 1 and it embodies six annular concentrically arranged contact plates, the
largest of which, at c, is the circuit controlling plate, having regularly spaced
contact surfaces c', and intervening insulating material at c, in a manner common
to break wheels, (except that the insulating surfaces are unusually wide) said plate
being common to electric circuits occupied by four properly insulated interior
continuous surfaced plates, as at c, c, c and c, these with appropriate connections
affording four separate electro magnetic circuits as will be hereinafter fully
described. Two interior annular plates c7 and 8, with suitable electric con-
pections afford a circuit independent of the others, for bell ringing. The post
connections for these plates are on the under side, Figures 1 and 4 and are
designated by corresponding letters of reference as shown in Figure 4.
The switch arm D', is complex in its construction, in that it consists of a main
or brush arm d, and an auxiliary arm e.

page_text: The main or brush arm d, is axially mounted on the switch plate, as shown in
Figure 8, by means of a sleeve f. screw threaded at one end and provided with a
clamp nut, at the under side of the switch plate, between which and said nut,.
there is a spring washer, these parts being so arranged, that the brush arm is.
frictionally journalled and so prevented against being too easily moved.
At its outer end, said arm d, Figures 2, 5 and 6, has two oppositely projecting
brushes d', and d, which at their outer ends, bear upon the outer plate c, but said
brusbes so differ in length that while for instance, the brush d', bears upon or is
passing over a contact surface c¹, the brush d, will bear upon an insulated
surface e, as shown in Figure 5, and therefore they will alternate with each other
in making metallic contact. Adjacent to the brush d, there are two other-
brushes d³, and d, which maintain continuous contact, respectively with the
annular plates c³, and c. At the opposite side of the brush, there are two
other brushes do, and de, in contact continuously with the annular plates c³, and co.
Two other oppositely projecting brushes d', and d, are in continuous contact,
respectively with the bell ringing plates c', c. All of these brushes, at their
butts or inner ends, perform brush duty, in connection with switching contact
plates carried by the auxiliary arm e, which is capable of a slight movement in
either direction independently of the frictionally controlled brush arm d, and then,.
its movement controls the movement of the latter.
The auxiliary arm e, overlies, (and has an axial bearing in the sleeve of), the-
main arm, and the two are coupled flexibly by means of a spring g, which projects
as a tail piece from the rear end of the brush arm d, and is freely embraced by a.
pendant fork g', Figures 3 and 7 on the auxiliary arm e, provided with adjusting
screws, 92, which enable an exact adjustment of the two arms, so that the contact.
switch plates carried at the front end of the auxiliary arm may be normally
maintained free from circuit contact with the brushes. At the other side of its
axis, the auxiliary brush arm has a pendant lug g, Figure 7 which occupies the
space between two vertical lugs 9, Figure 2, on the main brush arm, thus
rotatively coupling said arms and the extent of the free movement of the
auxiliary arm. is adjusted, by means of oppositely located nut locked screws go,
in said lugs g.
At the outer end of the auxiliary arm, there is a switch contact plate h, which
co-operates with the brush d2, (plate c) and also with the brushes d*, und d³, (to
annular plates c, and c).
Another contact plate h¹, co-operates with two side by side brushes, d¹ and d³,.
(annular plates c and e), and said plate ¹, by a sub-electric connection, with a
small square contact plate h³, (see Figure 7) also co-operates with the brush de, and
annular plate cº.
Another plate, which is cross shaped, has appropriate arms for co-operating
with the bell ringing brushes d', and d³, and the annular plates c and c³.
It will now be seen, that whichever way the switch arm may be moved, the bell
ringing circuit will be established, and that according to whether the arms of the
plate, are wide or narrow, a bell may be rung during the entire movement of the
arm, or limited to a brief ringing, (as striking a gong), during the free movement
of the auxiliary arm.
As hereinbefore indicated, the hand crank B, is relied upon for moving the
switch arm, as a whole, the shaft b, being squared to fit a square hole in the
auxiliary arm, and journalled at the top of the casing and within the sleeved hub
of the enitch plate, but projecting below the latter, and carrying a spur gear i,
which meshes with a small pinion 1, Figure 4, attached to an escapement.
wheel is, with which a rocking lever, engages all in a manner well known in
retarding devices and employed here for preventing unduly rapid rotation of the
switch arm.
The magneto-mechanical organization E, has its own frame, affording suitable.
supports for four electro magnets, and the base of the frame and appropriate-

page_text: brackets afford suitable supports for the bearings of the shafting of the
mechanism.
Although each magnet is operated independently of the others, each two
co-operate for vertically vibrating or reciprocating an armature lever E', or E,
in both directions, with sufficient force to enable said levers at their free ends to
perform reliable mechanical duty during both movements.
The armature lever E¹, is pivoted on brackets, and has its two magnets k,
and k, in the same vertical plane, so that its armature is properly interposed
between their pole faces, the armature lever E, and its magnets k², k³, being
similarly mounted at the other end of the frame but in a higher plane.
The outer ends of said levers, are adjacent to each other, but in different
vertical planes, affording space between them for a vertical shaft working in an
adjustable step bearing on a base plate of the frame, and an adjustable pivot
bearing, at its upper end, in a bracket l'.
On the shaft, there are two drums or wheels m, and m', which I will term "cam
slot wheels," because each has at its periphery an annular slot provided at its sides
with a series of appropriately inclined faces n, (Figures 10 and 11) which operate
as cam faces when forcibly engaged by the end of an armature lever or a stud
projecting therefrom into the slot as at p, or p'. The cam faces of these wheels
are reversely inclined so that the shaft may be driven in opposite directions with a
well defined step by step movement, each cam face having a stop face n', at the
foot of its incline, which abuts against the stud p, or p', at the termination of each
stroke.
During the active operation of either lever, the other or inoperative lever, by
the contact of the cam faces of its slot with its stud, is freely vibrated, and hence
it offers no resistance to the rotation of the shaft l.
It will be obvious that the shaft l, might carry a pointer moving therewith, and
that if movement in one direction only was desired, one pair of magnets and one
armature lever would with the shaft and a cam slot wheel, constitute an operative
organization.
The value of magnetically actuating the two armature levers in both directions,
in connection with the two reversely operative cam slot wheels, should be obvious,
because when one lever is in service the other is absolutely free, and although one
magnet and a spring might be relied upon for actuating one lever, the other must
have its two co-operating magnets, it being obvious that if there were springs on
both, that either would operate obstructively to the other.
The stop faces at the terminals of the reversely inclined faces in the two cam
slots, serve a double purpose. Although the shaft which carries the cam slot
drums, may be and is so nicely mounted that it may be rotated in either direction
by the armature levers with a minimum of friction, it cannot be rotated by jars
or shocks, or by manipulating the pointer, because it is absolutely locked by the
two armature levers, each respectively engaging normally with an appropriate
stop face n'. Each stop face, therefore serves to properly limit each step by
step movement, and the stop faces in both cam slots, serve as locking faces, to
prevent the accidental rotation of the pointer and a consequent derangement in
adjustment.
In order that the receiving pointer C, may properly co-operate with a dial which
is very finely graduated, speed reducing gearing is interposed between the shaft 1,
and the pointer, as follows:
The pointer C is counter-weighted to balance its long arm, and is carried upon a
sleeve, journalled on the shaft l, and supported upon a spur gear 1, secured to
said shaft. The spur gear 1, meshes with a large gear, on a parallel counter-
shaft, which has secured to it, a pinion , which meshes with a large gear F,
secured to the sleeve , the arrangement for reducing speed in this instance, being
such that one full rotation of the shaft I, causes about one sixth of a revolution of
the pointer all as seen in Figure 1.

page_text: . For describing more particularly the operation of my complete apparatus, I will
now refer to Figure 12, wherein at the "transmitting station," at A', essential
portions of the instrument already described are shown, and at the "receiving
station," similar parts of an appropriate instrument A2, are illustrated, with their
electric connections graphically displayed, a central double dotted line separating
the figure into appropriate divisions.
With the auxiliary switch arms of both instruments in their normal positions,
the battery circuits are broken, but with the first movement of an arm in either
direction, the movable contact plate 3, of the instrument A', for instance causes
the bell F, (at the "receiving station,") to be rung, by closing the circuit from the
battery G, via conductor 9, and branch q', to the annular switch plate c³, to
brush ds, plate h³, brush d', to annular plate c, and thence to and from the
hell by conductors g³ q³, to post 9', and thence to battery by conductor q³.
The auxiliary switch arm of the instrument at A', in moving towards the right
hand, for instance, also couples the brushes d', and d³, by way of the contact plate h,
and further couples the brushes d', and de, by way of the coupled contact plates h¹,
and h.
The brush on being continuously moved in the same direction, say 180°, and then
stopped, (as indicated in dotted lines) would have operated the magueto mechanical
organization E, at the receiving station as follows:
The magnetsk, and k³, of the instrument at A2, would operate alternately, and
each be intermittingly excited in proportion to the number of contact surfaces c',
swept by the brushes d', and d².
The electro magnetic circuit of the magnet k, is as follows: Battery conductor q
break plate c, c', to brush d', contacts h', and 2, to brush do, annular plate c³,
conductor 9, through magnet coil of k, and conductor g', to post q, and thence to
battery by conductor 9.
The brush d¹, having passed to insulating material, the brush 2, then makes
contact with break plate c, c', establishing circuit with the magnet ko, via brush d
contact plate h, to brush d³, to annular plate c, and thence by conductor q³, to and
through the magnet coil, and by conductor q, to post 9, back to battery by
conductor 9. This alternate and intermitting action of the magnets k, and k, so
actuates the armature lever E, as to cause the transmitting pointer C', of the
instrument A, to move to and rest at a position appropriately corresponding to that
at which the brush arm of the instrument A', has been placed.
At the receiving station, in instrument A, the arm of the switch D³, would have
normally occupied the position indicated in dotted lines, but the receiving party
would then move said arm 180°.
The switch arm is a duplicate of the other, (except that in this instance, it has
no bell ringing brushes), and it having been so moved, would then be in the
position occupied by the receiving pointer C, and in so moving the switch arm
this switch would, in the manner previously described, control the magneto
mechanical organization E, at the transmitting station, and impart movement to
the receiving pointer C.
The electro magnets k³, and k³, would be operated respectively by way of
conductors 8, 9, and 10, 11, to post r, and to battery by conductor r³, the
appropriate brushes, contact plates and annular plates having their connections
with the battery by way of conductor r, and hence the armature lever E², would
be forcibly vibrated, and impart proper movement to the receiving pointer C, until
it coincided with the position at which the transmitting switch arm was resting.
If the switch arm of the switch D, in the transmitting instrument A', should be
moved toward the left hand the brushes d', and d², would operate precisely as
before, but the brush d', by plate h¹, would couple with the brush d³, and the
brush d, by plate h, would connect with brush d, thus alternately exciting the
electro magucts ko, and k', at the receiving station A, and by appropriately
vibrating the armature lever E, cause the receiving pointer C', to move to and
rest at the. position. to which the transmitting brush arm had been moved.

page_text: The circuit for the magnet, includes switch plates c, c', brush d, contact /',
brush d³, annular plate c³, conductor go through magnet coil and conductor q", to
post q, and thence by conductor 9, to battery, the latter coupling with plate c, by
conductor q.
The circuit for magnet k', is afforded by battery conductor g, to switch plate c, c',
to brush d, and thence by contact plate h, to brush d, and annular plate c¹, out
by conductor 9, through magnet coil of ', to conductor ql, and post q¹, thence to
battery by conductor 9.
At the receiving station, the then appropriate movement, for causing the receiving
pointer C, at the transmitting instrument A', to indicate the signal received, would
cause the magnets k, and ³, to alternately and intermittingly operate, and to
properly actuate the armature lever E. The electro magnet circuits in such case
would be as follows: for the magnet k, by the appropriate annular plates, brushes
and shifting contacts of the switch D³, as before described, said circuit including
conductor, from the break plate of the switch to battery; conductor, from the
middle annular plate to and through coil of magnet k, thence by conductor », to
post, and thence by conductor, to battery.
The magnet k', has its circuit via conductor r, from the battery to the break
plate c, c, to the second annular plate, through the proper brushes and contact
plate and thence by conductor 2, through magnet coil, out on conductor r³, to
post, and thence to battery by conductor 2.
It will be readily understood that with such signalling requirements as would
call for a sweeping movement of the switch arm equal to or even greater than 360°,
no variation in the electric or the magneto mechanical organization would need be
involved, and although the switch and dial supporting brackets in the instrument
shown, preclude a movement of 360°, the restricted range is ample for the particular
purpose indicated.
It will also be obvious, that the switching and the magneto mechanical organiza-
tion might be separated from each other, and either or both provided with dials,
and each be within its own casing or in one, without departure from substantial
features of my invention.
Although I have illustrated my apparatus with dials, and switch plates horizontally
arranged, each instrument will operate equally well, if so turned and the dials and
Bwitch plates will be vertical.
Although two instruments as already described, will constitute a complete
apparatus embodying my invention, it is to be understood, that any desired number
of widely separated instruments may be employed for separately signalling, to or
through one instrument in the engine room; as for instance, as illustrated in
Figure 13, wherein three instruments are indicated and appropriately designated
"Engine Room "H" Pilot House," I, and "Poop Deck," K, with a suitable switch
board, (here shown as when used for more than these three instruments) which
should be located below the water line, and organized substantially as shown, so
that should either the pilot house or the poop deck instrument or any other in the
same system, be carried away, or disabled by the entanglement of its electric
connections, it can be at once wholly cut out and leave the remainder of the system
intact.
The electric generators or batteries are not here shown it being understood
that they are to be coupled with the appropriately designated switch board
"bat" plates, and that the instruments may be coupled in series, or in multiple.
Assuming all of the instruments to be standing with the receiving pointers C, C',
and C, in coincidence with their respective brushes, let it be supposed that an
order for starting ahead, at say quarter speed, has been transmitted from the
pilot house instrument I, to the engine room instrument H, and that the engineer
in response had caused the receiving pointers C, and C, of both instruments I,
and K, to stand at 'quarter speed. If now the officer of the deck should go
the stern of the ship, to the instrument K, he will find that its receiving
_pointer, indicates the acknowledgment of the quarter speed order, and preparatory
to

page_text: to further orders, he will first throw that switch out of circuit, by pressing upon
an adjacent push button s, and then after swinging the brush arm, or home
pointer into coincidence with the receiving pointer, he will restore the circuit
by releasing the button, and then proceed with his orders, say for half speed.
The officer on returning to the pilot house will find the receiving pointer C,
located at half speed, but the brush or home pointer will be standing where he
left it, whereupon, he will press the adjacent push button s', and move the brush
arm and home pointer into coincidence with the receiving pointer, after which,
and a release of the button, he may proceed with further orders. Upon large
war ships, four or more such separated instruments would he required, for
transmitting orders, and if intact, each of them would at all times indicate the
last order acknowledged from the engine room, and either of them in the manner
described, would enable signalling without liability of error or confusion. If
orders are being transmitted from the stern of a ship, the responses from the
engine room, would be indicated at the pilot house instrument, as well as that
on the bridge, so that the pilot may see just what orders have been given, and
are being carried out. Should the officer in control become disabled, his
successor can at once determine from the inspection of an adjacent instrument,
the precise orders under which the engineer is acting. This organization of
several independent instruments, each containing a receiving pointer, and electrically
coupled to a single instrument, and capable of controlling a receiving pointer
therein, and said single instrument electrically coupled to all of the others, and
capable of simultaneously controlling their receiving pointers, constitutes an
important and valuable feature of my invention, both with and without means
for throwing the switches of the independent instruments out of circuit for
enabling the adjustment of their switches with relation to the adjacent receiving
pointer, without affecting the receiving pointer of the distant single instrument.
Although it will generally be advisable to so-organize the receiving pointer that
its tip will travel in a path peripheral to the switch plate, or the dial, I do not
restrict myself to that arrangement it being in some cases desirable, and sometimes
even imperative, that the receiving pointer should radiate from the centre of a dial
or a switch plate, and, either overlie a home, pointer, or a brush arm, as the case
may be. As for instance as illustrated in Figure 14.
As here organized, the dial B, may be peripherally supported by the casing, and
both the home pointer b', and the receiving pointer C³, radiate from the centre of
the dial. The switch plate D3, and the switch arm D', with its main arm.d, and
auxiliary arm e, are substantially as before described, but instead of applying a
hand crank directly to the switch arm, it is here, applied to a counter shaft t,
provided with a bevel gear meshing with a bevel gear on a sleeve t, which is coupled
to the arm, like the crank shaft before described, and to the top of this sleeve,
above the dial, the home pointer b', is secured, and at its base it carries the gear i,
which operates the retarding escapement wheel. Within said sleeve t', there is a
spindle t, having at its base a centre-bearing for the top of the shaft l, and at its
top it carries the receiving pointer C.
Motion is communicated from the shaft l, to the receiving pointer by the
gearing 1, 1, 1, and 1º, as before described.
This organization, enables the two pointers to be moved throughout the entire
circle in either direction, and if need be, the capacity of the apparatus may be
enlarged for general communication; us for instance, the dials may be provided
with numerous special inscriptions, and also with the letters cf the alphabet, and so
enable complete communication, without the slow operation incident to passing
from one letter or inscription to another, and always in onedirection. My pointers,
can be actuated in either direction, and hence can be swung by the shortest route,
from point to point.
When arranged for general communication, the signal preceding a departure
from the main purpose, might be for instance a repeated to and fro movement, for

page_text: indicating that the matter to be imparted, was not within the scope of ordinary
signalling. During action on a war ship, the delicacy of telephones would render
them liable to derangement, and noise might render speaking tubes ineffective, in
which case the means described for general communication would be profitably
available. For rendering such a system more completely effective, the engine
room instrument could be provided with means for bell signalling to all of the
distant instruments.
While it will generally be deemed advisable to employ stationary switch plates,
and rotative or swinging brush arms, as heretofore specially described, rotative
switch plates and stationary brushes or brush arins, may be employed without
departure from my invention; as for instance, as shown in Figure 15. The
magneto mechanical organization at E, with a receiving pointer C, and the several
electric connections are mainly as heretofore described, but are modified to conform
with this switching organization D. This break wheel or switch plate c', is axially
mounted at the side of a suitable frame, on a hollow stud, within a sleeve to which
the wheel plate is secured, and said plate would be rotated, by gearing, shaft, and
hand crank, after the manner of moving the brush arm, shown in Figure 14.
A brush carrier or arm el, is fictionally mounted upon the sleeve of the wheel, by
means of a hinged clamping finger, and the frictional engagement is rendered
adjustable by means of a screw e, tapped through the finger e, and having a spring et,
interposed between the head of the screw and the arm e'. This arm has a spring
tail piece 9, (like that previously described) but its outer end, is located between
two fixed studs at g', projecting from a portion of the frame g³, so that this arm
possesses a similar capacity for slight movement, as that of the auxiliary arm e, in
the other form of switch. The broken contact plate c, is provided with an annular
continuous contact surface indicated in dotted lines, (and also at a broken portion)
upon which a stationary brush d', bears, for coupling it with a battery as shown,
a push button at s, enabling the circuit to be temporarily broken as before
described.
The brush arm or carrier e', is provided with a head e, on which there are two
oppositely projecting brushes (0, and d", which correspond to the brushes d', and d²,
before described, and on said head, there are two contact plates h, and h³,
respectively coupled to the brushes do, and d", as indicated. At each side
of the brush head and mounted ou the framing, there are two stationary
brushes d, d, and d¹, d, each pair of brushes, being coupled by electric
conductors, with the appropriate pair of co-operative magnets as fully shown.
It will be readily seen that the contact plates, and h, will normally occupy a
position between the stationary brushes, but that when the switch and its sleeve
are rotated, the brush arm will be moved (because of its frictional engagement) so
far as may be permitted by its spring, and that if the wheel be moved in one
direction, say so as to couple the plates h, and h, with the brushes d", and d¹³, the
right hand magnets will be separately and intermittingly excited, the circuits being
say first from brush d, to h, and brush d, to the upper right hand magnet, and
theu from brush do, to h, and brush d", to the lower right hand magnet, and so
OD. A movement of the wheel in the opposite direction, would excite the lower
left hand magnet through brush do, contact. h, and brush d, while the upper
left hand magnet would be excited, via brush d, contact ho, and brush
.
A vertical dial could be used with this instrument, or the wheel might be
horizontal. The sleeve of the wheel would project through the dial for carrying
a home pointer, and the receiving pointer would overlie the home pointer, and be
mounted on a spindle within the sleeve, all substantially as indicated in Figure 14,
wherein there is a swinging, or rotative switch arm.
The magneto mechanical organization described operates equally well, regardless
of shocks, and in any and all positions, or while being rocked to and fro these being
important requirements inasmuch as it has been demonstrated that instruments
intended for more or less similar purposes, but otherwise organized, will do good

page_text: service on a ship while in smooth water, or when tied up at a dock, but which
when the ship was at sea, and even moderately tumbled would become erratic and
unreliable.
Referring now to Figures 16, 17 and 18, it should be remembered that when as
herein before described, the transmitter is operated by hand, the switch arm
(because of its spring) moves backwardly as soon as it is relieved from hand
pressure, thus breaking the electric circuit, whereas with a mechanically operated
transmitter, there could be no such release from the force which moved the switch
arm, and hence an automatic circuit breaker is employed. As shown in Figure 16,
the receiving instrument or indicator E, is substantially as herein before described
its dial being appropriately inscribed.
The transmitter L, however, differs from those previously described in various
particulars all in harmony with the fact that a rudder M, has its head rotatively
coupled by a chain M', with the vertical shaft M, which controls the switch
arm M³, and said shaft has also a pointer M, which overlies a graduated dial M³.
In this transmitter a friction clamp Me, provided with a screw controlled spring
is employed as shown in Figures 17 and 18, for checking free movement of the
shaft and arm, and the auxiliary switch arm can move slightly independently of
the main switch arm, this latter (as in the other instruments), being moved by the
auxiliary arm, which abuts against the ends of lateral adjusting screws carried on
the main arm as clearly indicated.
The electric brush connections on the main and auxiliary portions of the
arm M³, are in the main, similar to those carried by the corresponding arms
previously described, but in this case the brushes b', and 62, do not as before
traverse only one contact breaking plate.
In this transmitter two contact breaking plates, insulated from each other are
employed, the brush b', engaging with the outermost plate c, and the brush 6³, with
the plate cº.
An automatic circuit breaker N, having a switch arm N', controlled by electro
magnets N³, and N3, is employed in the circuit between the battery G₁, and the
two contact breaking plates, the plate c, being coupled to the coil of magnet N³,
and plate, with the coil of magnet N. Said magnet coils are each also coupled
with its appropriate switch plates N, N³, between which the outer end of the
switch arm vibrates, a contact plate on said arm, being connected with the battery
conductor as clearly indicated.
It will be obvious, that so far as causing the indicator E, to be actuated, this
transmitter will operate like those already described, but the two contact breaking
plates, c, and e, their two brushes b', and b, and the circuit breaker N, enable the
electric current to be cut off whenever the switch arm ceases to move.
As shown in Figure 16, it will be seen that the circuit breaker switch arm, N',
communicates with plate N', and through coil of magnet N3, with the transmitter
contact plate c, and that the brush 6', reste upon the insulation between two contact
faces of plate c, and hence the circuit is broken, at that point, as well as between
the switch arm N', and contact plate N', which through coil of magnet N³, couples
with the transmitter contact plate .
If now the rudder should move the transmitter switch arm in either direction,
the magnet N', would be excited and cause the arm N', to shift its position and by
way of its plate N³, place the contact plate e, in circuit, and so on, alternating the
receiving instrument or indicator E, being appropriately actuated by each impulse,
the circuit breaker in the meantime operating and always at the end of each
movement of the rudder, completely breaking the circuit.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent, 1 declare that what I claim is :-
1st. In an electric signalling apparatus, the combination substantially as
herein before described, of electric connections which afford separate electro

page_text: magnetic circuits, a movable switch arm, a main or circuit breaking switch plate
having separated contact surfaces insulated from each other, and a pair of brushes
on said arm which alternate with each other in engaging with said surfaces; other
adjacent contact plates affording continuous surfaces, and brushes which engage
therewith, and intermediate contact or coupling plates, which appropriately connect
the brushes, and during the movement of the brush arm, cause an intermittingly
broken current to be supplied to separate and alternately excited electric magnetic
circuits.
2nd. In an electric signalling apparatus, the combination substantially as
herein before described, of a switch arm, carrying brushes, and provided with
coupling contact plates movable between the butts of the brushes in either
direction; a main or circuit breaking switch plate, provided with regularly spaced
and separated contact surfaces, and intervening insulating material, in the path of
two of said brushes, which alternate with each other in making and breaking
circuit; other adjacent contact plates, having continuous surfaces, in the path of
appropriate brushes; and suitable electric connections which afford separate
electro magnetic circuits, whereby according to the direction in which said arm
may be moving, some of said circuits will be cut out, and others will be alternately
and intermittingly supplied with current.
3rd. In an electric signalling apparatus the combination substantially as
herein before described, of an axially mounted pointer; two pairs of opposing but
co-operating electro magnets two vibrative armature levers, and suitable mechanism
between both of said levers and the pointer for converting the vibrative movement
of the levers into intermitting rotary motion for moving the pointer in either direction,
according to which of said levers may be actuated by its magnets.
4th. In an electric signalling apparatus, the combination with an axially mounted
pointer, of a vibrative armature lever, provided with a pin or stud at its free end,
an electro magnet for vibrating said lever, and a drum or wheel rotatively coupled
to said pointer, and provided with a peripheral cam slot occupied by said pin,
substantially as described, whereby the movements of said lever, in both directions,
impart an intermitting rotary movement to said pointer, in one direction.
5th. In an electric signalling apparatus the combination with an axially mounted
pointer, of a drum or wheel rotatively coupled to said pointer and provided with
two reversely operative cam slots; a pair of armature legers, each at its free end
provided with a pin, located in its appropriate cam slot, and electro maguets for
vibrating said levers, substantially as described, whereby said pointer will be
intermittingly rotated in either direction, by the vibration of the appropriate
lever.
6th. In the switch of an electric signalling apparatus the combination with a
brush carrying arm of an auxiliary arm spring coupled to said brush arm, and
initially movable independently of, and then movable with said brush arm, and contact
plates on said auxiliary arın, which normally, and when at rest, afford no connections
between the brushes, but which while being moved in either direction, connect some
of said brushes for establishing circuits, substantially as described.
7th. In an electric signalling apparatus, the combination of a shaft adapted to
move a pointer, and provided with a cam slot wheel, and a magnetically operated
lever provided at its free end with a stud or pin which occupies the cam slot in
said wheel, substantially as described.
8th. In an electric signalling system, the combination substantially as herein before
described, of two or more independent signalling instruments, each containing a
receiving pointer; another single remotely located signalling instrument containing a
receiving pointer, electric connections coupling said single instrument with each of
the others, and all of them with it, and a switching organization in each instrument,
which enables the receiving pointer in the single instrument to be appropriately
controlled by the switch in each of the other instruments, and their receiving
pointers to be simultaneously controlled by the switch of the single instrument.
9th. In an electric signalling system, the combination of two or more independent

page_text: instruments, a remotely located single instrument, and receiving pointers in each;
electric connections which couple the single instrument with all of the others, and
each of them with it; a'switching organization in each instrument and means for
throwing the switches of the independent instruments out of circuit, whereby the
receiving pointers in all of the independent. instruments may be appropriately
actuated by the switch of the single instrument, and the receiving pointer of the
latter, actuated by either of the switches in the other instruments, and enabling
either of these latter switches to be adjusted with relation to its adjacent receiving
pointer, without affecting the single instrument.
10th. In an electric signalling system, the combination with a magneto mechanical
organization adapted to actuate a pointer in opposite directions, of a switch
electrically coupled to said organization, and provided with a switch arm carrying
appropriate brushes, and having movable contact plates between the butts of the
brushes, substantially as described, whereby according to the direction in which
the switch may be operated, said plates will couple such brushes as will afford
circuits for actuating the pointer in a corresponding direction.
11th. In an electric signalling apparatus, the combination of a pointer, a driving
shaft operatively coupled to said pointer, and provided with a drum or wheel
baving two slots, each provided with appropriately inclined working faces, and
with intermediate stop faces, and two armature levers actuated by appropriate
magnets, and provided at their working ends with pins which occupy said cam
slots, substantially as described, said stop faces serving to restrict the pointer
to a precise step by step movement, and also for locking it against accidental
rotation.
12th. In an automatic electric signalling system, the combination substantially
as hereinbefore described, with a mechanically driven shaft, and a pointer actuating
organization embodying electro magnets, armature levers, and mechanism for
operatively coupling said levers with the pointer, of a switch which is connected
to and mechanically operated by said shaft, is electrically connected with the
indicator, and has a main brush arm actuated by an auxiliary arm, which carries
brush coupling contacts, is secured to said shaft, and has a restricted movement
independently of the main arm, whereby according to the direction in which
said shaft may be rotated, the appropriate pointer actuating magnets will be
excited.
Dated this 28th day of April 1896.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.