Year: 1885

page_text: I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, Fel. Inst. P.A., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street, Liverpool, in the county of Lancaster, and
323 High Holborn, in the county of Middlesex, Civil Engineer do hereby declare
the nature of this invention (a communication from Charles Lorenzo Clarke,
Electrician, of New York City, County and State, United States of America,) and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
The invention relates to certain improvements in the organization of electrical
apparatus and in the arrangement of circuits for indicating at distant points,
variations in temperature, atmospheric-pressure or other similar changing force,
occurring at any particular locality, or the movements of any regularly operated
device.
The object of the invention is to cause such indications to be made automatically
and simultaneously with the occurrence of any change of any appreciable amount,
at any required number of different points; to so organize the apparatus as to
most economically apply the electrical energy employed; to prevent the more
delicate parts of the instruments from becoming injured by constant use; to insure
that all the instruments shall operate reliably and to indicate any failure on the
part of the instruments to properly operate.
The invention consists generally in organizing the apparatus in substantially the
following manner. The governing instrument, which is one organized to respond
to any varying force, or to be operated at regular intervals, or to move constantly
under the influence of a constant force, is provided with a circuit-closing device
constructed to transmit electrical impulses of a character and with a frequency
dependent upon the direction and amplitude of the movements of the controlling

page_text: instrument. The various parts of the apparatus are so constructed that imme-
diately upon the completion of a circuit by the transmitter, or by the primal
circuit-closing device, a shunt circuit will be automatically completed around this
device. This shunt circuit remains closed until a separation of the primal contact-
points has been effected. The shunt circuit is completed through a strong and firm
contact-point, thereby insuring more perfect circuit connections than can be readily
obtained by the primal contact when it is operated by delicately adjusted devices.
This also prevents the circuit from being accidentally interrupted before the
electro-magnets, which it is designed to operate, have been vitalized, and it at the
same time prevents electrical discharges from occurring at the delicate contact-
points.
The receiving instruments are provided with devices for advancing an indicating
arm or device correlatively with the movements of the transmitting device or
governing instrument, and these devices are caused to be operated whenever a
circuit is completed.
When the receiving devices have been operated, it is necessary that the circuit
should be again interrupted and this has usually been accomplished by means of
an interrupting device actuated by an electro-magnet inserted in series with the
other electro-magnets, but constructed to respond more slowly and to thus be
brought into operation after the other electro-magnets have performed their
functions. It sometimes chances, however, that some one or more of the actuating
electro-magnets may not operate as quickly as the others and the interrupting
device may respond before some other device has performed its functions. It
is very essential for the perfect operation of the telemeter system that all the
devices should operate before the final interruption of the circuit occurs. For this
reason it is proposed by this invention to place the interrupting device under the
control of currents caused to traverse a third circuit, the connections of which can
only be completed when all the operating electro-magnets have been vitalized.
This third circuit has its connections completed at different points by the move-
ments of the armature-levers of the respective operating electro-magnets, and when
completed the interrupting electro-magnet is vitalized and the circuit-connections
of the battery are interrupted. The invention involves certain details of organi-
zation and construction which will be fully described in connection with the
drawings.
In the drawings figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the general organization of
apparatus and circuits as applied to a telemeter system. Figure 2 illustrates the
invention as applied to a clock system. Figure 3 illustrates a novel method of
applying circuit-closing arms for causing an alarm at extremes of movement of the
transmitting device, and also a recording dial. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate more in
detail the construction of the circuit closing arms for the alarm and also shows
more particularly a novel method of applying the driving pawl to the actuating
wheels employed both in the transmitting and receiving instruments. Figure 6
illustrates a modified organization of apparatus.
Referring to figure 1, represents a circuit-closing arm which may be operated
by variations in temperature or pressure or by any other force whether constant or
variable. In this instance the arm is constructed to move in either of two
directions. At its extremity it carries two contact-points c c. Loosely mounted
upon the sleeve c³ which surrounds the arbor c of the arm C, is a star-wheel El.
This carries two insulated contact-arms C and C. Upon the extremity of the
arm C¹ there is carried a point c¹, and a similar point c² is carried upon the arm C³.
These points are respectively designed to be brought into contact with the points e
of the arm C. The contact-arms are insulated from each other but are both carried
rigidly upon the wheel E. If therefore the circuit-closing arm C be moved in one
direction, it will make contact with one of the arms C¹ and if moved in the
opposite direction it will make contact with the other arm C. A contact-brush e¹
connects the arm C¹ with a conductor 2, and a contact-brush e connects the arin C*
with the conductor 5. A conductor 1 connects the arm C with the earth at G.

page_text: It is designed that the arm C by moving in one direction or the other shall cause
electric impulses to be transmitted through a main line L' or L2 to the receiving:
instrument or to a series of the same and cause them to move in a manner
corresponding to the movements of the arm C. For this reason the conductor 2 is
connected through a conductor 3 with the main line L¹, and the conductor 5 in like
manner with the main line L³, through the conductor 6.
The currents which are required for operating the receiving instruments are of.
such strength that it is necessary to protect the delicate contact points c, c' and c³,
from the electric discharges which tend to take place at the interruption of the
circuit. For this reason it is desired to establish a shunt circuit around the
points c and c² or c and c², when a circuit is first completed by these. To
accomplish this an electro-magnet His included in the conductor 2 and an electro-
magnet H in the conductor 5. The respective armature-levers h¹ and h² of these
magnets are connected by a conductor 4 with the conductor 1 and thus with the
earth at G. Upon the levers h¹ and h³ there are carried flexible springs h7 and h³
respectively supporting contact-points h³ and h. The point is applied to a front
contact-point h³ and the point to a front contact-point . These front contact-
points are respectively connected by conductors 7 and 8 with the conductors 2
and 5 at points 9 and 10. It will be apparent that when the arın C strikes against
the arm C' or C and an electric current is caused to traverse the conductor 2 or 5
the corresponding electro-magnet H¹or H² will be vitalized. The contact of the
point h³ and h with its front contact-point will therefore cause a shunt circuit to
be completed around the corresponding points c, and the coils of the corresponding
electro-magnet H¹ or H* will be included in the shunt circuit thus established.
The springs h and h³ are employed for the reason that were the armature-levers 1
and h² to strike against solid contact-points the blows would jar the instrument
and be liable to separate the point c or c² from the corresponding point c. The
circuit would in that event be interrupted before the electro-magnet H² or H² had
become sufficiently magnetized to hold its armature securely in its forward position,
and there would then be a buzzing contact at the points cand at the points h³
and ho. This would destroy the contact-points although it could not throw the
instrument out of unison. Suitable artificial resistances R1 and R2 are preferably
respectively included in the conductors 2 and 5 between the points 9 and 10 and
the corresponding brushes e¹ and e. By this means strong currents are prevented
from traversing the: points c.
The currents required for operating the various devices are derived from a
battery O which is, in this instance, located near the receiving instrument but it
may be placed at the transmitter station. One pole of this battery is connected
with the earth at G by a conductor 11. The remaining pole is connected by
conductors 12 and 13 with two conductors 14 and 15. The conductor 14 leads to
the line Land the conductor 15 to the line L.
The functions of the currents which are thus transmitted are to operate the
wheel E and thus move the arm C or C2 out of contact with the arm C and also
to move an indicating arm P of the receiving instrument. For this purpose two
electro-magnets F1 and F2 are respectively included in the conductors 3 and 6.
leading to the lines L1 and L2 at the transmitting. station, and two electro-
magnets M² and M³ in the conductors 14 and 15 leading from the same lines at
the receiving station.
The electro-magnet F' is provided with an armature F³ carried upon a lever F³.
A pawl is carried upon the lever F and this serves to impel the wheel E¹
toward the right-hand and thus to separate the arm C¹ from the arm C when the
electro-magnet F¹ is vitalized. A similar pawl k³ carried upon the lever F6 of the
armature Fapplied to the electro-magnet F², serves to impel the wheel E¹ in the
opposite direction when the electro-magnet is vitalized. A suitable retaining pawl
E serves to prevent an accidental displacement of the wheel E¹.
The electro-magnet M2 is provided with an armature m¹ carried upon a lever m²
which carries a driving pawl n'. Likewise an armature m³, a lever m³ and pawl n².

page_text: are applied to the electro-magnet M³. These two pawls n¹ and n³ are applied to
a wheel N¹ which carries the pointer P. When the electro-magnet M is vitalized
the wheel and pointer are moved in one direction and when the electro-magnet M²
is vitalized they are impelled in the opposite direction. In this manner the
pointer P is caused to indicate the position of the arm C. A suitable retaining
pawl N2 is applied to the wheel N¹ for the purpose of preventing it from being
accidentally moved.
It is necessary that after the points c have been separated and the pointer P
has been moved the circuit of the battery O should be interrupted.
Heretofore it has been customary to interrupt the circuit by means of an electro-
magnet included in series with the other magnets and responding more slowly.
While this method is perfectly practicable, it requires careful adjustment and
usually a strong battery is required. According to the present invention it is
proposed to place the interrupting magnet in a third circuit the connections of
which are completed by the movements of the armature-levers toward their
electro-magnets so that it is insured that the circuit of the interrupting magnet
cannot be completed, until all of the electro-magnets have been vitalized and the
several armatures responded. The interrupting device is then immediately
actuated and the main circuit connections are interrupted. This is accomplished,
in the present instance, by means of contact-points f₁ and f₁ carried upon the
levers F and F respectively and by similar points m³ and me respectively carried
upon the levers m² and m of the magnets M and M².
The contact-points f¹ and få are both connected with the conductor 1 leading to
the earth at G.
The contact-point f¹ has a, front-contact-point f³ and the point fa has a similar
front contact-point f* These front contacts are connected with a third line L³
leading to the receiving instrument. This line leads to an electro-magnet Q and
from this magnet through a conductor 16 it is connected with two front contact-
stops m² and m³ which are respectively applied to the points m³ and m³.
The contact-points me and me are connected through their respective levers and
the conductors 14 and 15 with the conductor 13 and thus with the battery O.
When therefore the armature-levers F5 and m² for instance, are in their forward
positions the circuit of the line L³ will be complete and this will be the case it is
evident only when both the transmitter and the receiver have been operated.
The manner in which the circuit is interrupted is as follows: The conductor 12
leads to a stationary arm g¹ carrying a yielding contact-spring g². This spring
carries a contact-point g³ the face of which is preferably in the form of an arc of
a circle. The armature-lever g of the electro-magnet Q is normally held away
from its electro-magnet but when it is drawn forward it strikes against an arm
of the interrupting lever go. A contact-point gº carried upon this lever is normally
against the point g³ pressing the spring 92 outward and it is held in this position
by gravity. When however the electro-magnet Q becomes vitalized the arm or
lover g is struck by the armature-lever 9' and the point g is thrown out of
contact with the point g³. The momentum of the lever or arm prevents the point
from returning immediately into contact with the point g³ even though the
armature-lever gå fall away from its magnet. The point 96 is connected with
the conductor 13 and thus, by its separation from the point g³ the circuit is
interrupted. An adjusting screw 97 is applied to the spring 92 which serves to
press the same outward a sufficient distance to permit the point go to fall behind
it and to press it still further forward. A rubbing contact is thus secured.
Upon the interruption of the connections of the battery O at the point g³, all the
electro-magnets become demagnetized, and the parts return to their normal positions,
the arms C and the pointer Phaving been advanced or caused to recede, accordingly:
as a current has been transmitted over the line L³ or L².
It may sometimes chance that when the arm C¹ is moved away from the arm C
the point carried upon the other arm C will strike against the point c on the
arm C and vice versa, unless some means are provided for obviating the difficulty.

page_text: This would be especially liable to occur were the arms adjusted very closely to the
points c; also if from any cause the transmitter should receive a violent blow or
jar the arm C might, for the moment, vibrate so as to make contact with both
arms C and C at nearly the same instant. To prevent this the conductor 6 lead
to a contact-point y against which there normally rests an insulated contact y³
carried upon the lever h¹³, and the line L leads to the point 5. A spring supports
the point and this is employed for affording a yielding contact between the two
parts. When the armature h¹ is away from its electro-magnet H', the spring is
pressed backward and when the lever is drawn forward the spring at first clings
to the point y¹ but separates therefrom before contact is made at the point h³.
In this manner the connections between the conductor 6 and line L³ åre
interrupted before the connections of the conductor 2 are completed through the
point ³, the points being properly adjusted for that purpose. It is not always
necessary to resort to the use of this spring but it is preferred to employ it for the
purpose of preventing a jarring contact. The connections of the line L' are made
and interrupted in like manner through contacts y² and y6 a spring being employed-
for supporting the latter from the armature-lever h².
The electro-magnet Q included in the conductor 12 is employed for giving an
indication in the event that the strength of the battery O should become insufficient
to supply a current of the strength required to operate the devices. If by some
chance the circuit should remain completed through this magnet, the armature gl
would be drawn forward against the slowly yielding plunger or dash-pot q².
The dash-pot consists of an enclosing cup q³ containing a plunger q² through which
is formed a small perforation q'. A viscid oil or other similar substance may be
contained in the cup above the plunger, which is also preferably cup-chaped as
shown. The continued attraction exerted by the electro-magnet causes the
plunger to gradually rise and thus allows the armature to approach the magnet.
Upon an arm q' of the armature-lever there is carried a detent 9 which normally
engages a catch q7 upon a sliding rod Q. This rod, together with a disc or visual
signal q is normally held in the position shown in the drawing by the catch, but
when the armature-lever is- drawn forward, the rod is released and the disc is
permitted to fall through an aperture in the case and thereby to indicate that the
circuit has remained closed and that for some reason the apparatus has failed to
operate. Such failure being usually due to the weakness of the battery, it is
preferable to locate this indicating device at the station where the battery is placed,
in this instance, at the receiving station or if a series of receiving instruments are
employed at any one of the stations.
This method of controlling and operating circuits is not confined to the precise
organization of apparatus shown in figure 1 but is equally applicable for instance
to an electric clock system as shown in figure 2.
Referring to figure 2, R represents a circuit-closing device applied to a moving
part say the second-hand arbor of a regulator. This device consists of an arm 1
which is carried forward by the movements of the second-hand arbor and makes
sliding contact, once each minute or at any other predetermined interval, with a
contact point supported between two non-conducting points or surfaces ³ and 74
The point is preferably narrow and located between two of the points of rest of
the circuit-closing arm, so that by a single beat of the pendulum the arm will be
carried into and out of contact with the contact-points. In the drawing the point ¹
indicates the position of the circuit-closing arm at say the 59th. second and a² at
the 60th. second the contact being made while r² is sweeping over 72. The circuit
of the battery O, one pole of which is connected through the interrupting device Q
with the point 72 will thus be completed with the arin r¹, once each minute or at
the predetermined intervals. This arm is connected by the conductor 2 with the
coils of the shunt magnet H₁ and through the coils of the same with the main
line L¹. This main line includes in series any required number of electro-
magnets M. designed to operate the several secondary clock movements. The

page_text: line L is connected with the earth at the distant station, as shown at G³, by the
conductor 29.
The shunting magnet H¹ is employed for completing a circuit around the points
and before that arm carried beyond the point. This shunt prevents a spark
at the point when the arm 1 leaves it on account of the resistance R³. Its
operation will be evident without further description. The first operation of the
circuit-closing arm is to vitalize the electro-magnet H¹ and thus to complete the shunt
circuit with the main line, thereupon all the armature-levers m³ of the magnets M
will be actuated. An artificial resistance R³ is inserted in the conductor leading to
the point for the purpose of preventing an undue amount of current from being
transmitted through that point, all that is requisite being that necessary to vitalize
the shunting magnet H.
The interruption of the circuit is secured by means of the electro-magnet Q
which is included in the circuit of the line L³ and the operation of which is
precisely similar to that described with reference to figure 1. The main line L³
leads from this magnet to the armature-lever m² of the first clock. This lever is
provided with a contact-stop m² from which a succeeding section of the main line
leads to a lever m² of the second clock. The front contact-point of this lever is
connected with the succeeding section of the main line and so on throughout the
series the line being ultimately connected with the earth. It is evident therefore
that the circuit connections of the line L³ will be completed only when all the
armature-levers have been drawn toward their electro-magnets. The electro-
magnets are shown in this instance as being so applied that the driving pawls
actuate the wheels. N when the electro-magnets are demagnetized, but the con-
struction shown in Figure 1 may be adopted. The construction here shown is,
however, preferred, for the pawls are then always driven toward the wheels by the
same force and the driving force applied is independent of the battery strength,
provided only that this be sufficient to draw the levers back.
At O¹ there may be inserted a battery indicating device similar to that shown in
figure 1.
In figure 1, 3, 4 and 5, there are shown two contact-arms 21 and 22 placed upon
opposite sides of the insulating arm P and these are employed for the double
purpose of indicating the extreme of movement of the arm P and also of sounding an
alarm in the event of an excess of pressure, heat or other force which it is desired
to indicate or, on the other hand, too great a diminution of the same.
The arms pl
and are supported upon an insulated sleeve surrounding the arbor of the
indicating arm P and they normally stand in whatever positions they are manually
placed; but they are movable upon their support being secured thereto by frictional
connection. They may for the purpose be slotted longitudinally the divisions
having sufficient resilience to press against the sleeve. Intervening washers p
and p are employed for retaining the arms in position but the friction is secured
with the sleeve rather than with the washer. When therefore the indicating arm
strikes against one or the other of the arms p¹ or p it will not only make contact
therewith but will advance the same in the direction of its own movement. These
alarm hands also serve to register the extremes of movement of the arm P. The
alarm hands P and P2 are made of, or else carry their contacts upon, springs which
are stiff enough to allow the arms to be moved by the hand P, but which prevent
the sudden blow of the arm from giving them sufficient impetus to throw them
out of contact with the hand as would be the case if the arms P¹ and P¹ were
rigid.
It is designed that one pole of a local battery o shall be connected with the
indicating arm, and the other pole through a suitable signaling device, with the
two contact-arms p² and p². Upon each of these arms there is carried a contact-
point p³ which consists of a flat piece of platinum or other suitable metal secured
against the side of the arm and projecting outward into the path of a corresponding
point p carried upon the pointer. When therefore the arm P makes contact with

page_text: either arm p' or p³ the circuit of the battery will be completed and it will remain
completed, even though the movements of the arm P have carried it beyond the
point at which the arm p¹ or p² has been set. The alarm will continue to sound
therefore until the arm P is caused to move in the other direction. This secures a
great advantage over the former devices which have been employed in that it
provides a continuous alarm where heretofore it has been customary to allow the
indicating arm to pass beyond the contact-arm and to thereby sound an alarm only
when the indicating arm is set at a given point, and exceeding this point the alarm
ceased.
+
For the purpose of conveniently keeping a record of the variations which the
arm P indicates, there is provided a novel form of chronograph. This consists of a
suitable train which is adapted to revolve a disc P³ at a regulated speed. The
disc is divided into radial sections which correspond to the days of the week and
these sections may be further divided by hour lines as indicated at v v². The
circle is also further divided into circular sections w which indicates the degree of
the variations which it is desired to record. Against the surface of the paper there
rests a recording pen V. which preferably consists of a narrow tube pointed at the
end and containing any suitable recording ink. This pen is supported upon an
arm V₁ carried upon a suitable pivot V. The upper end of the arm is provided
with a segment V gearing with a toothed wheel or segment V³ supported upon
the arbor of the indicating arm P. The movements of the arm V₁ will be recorded,
it is evident, upon. the disc, thus indicating the movements of the arm P and the
variations occurring at the transmitting device.
The recording arm V₁ and other parts moved by the segment V* are of such a
shape and so arranged as to cause a preponderance of weight on one side of the
pivot about which the segment V* revolves, always tending to make the arm V
swing in towards the centre of the recording dial. This preponderance of weight
on one side thus takes up the lost motion between the teeth of the segments V*
and V³ always in one direction and therefore there will be no error in the position
of the recording pen V from lost motion.
The recording device may be applied it is evident to the transmitting instrument
and the receiving device may be omitted by placing the circuit interrupting device
at the transmitter.
The portion of the arm carrying the recording pen is pivoted so that by loosening
a set screw V it may be turned back for the purpose of removing the disc..
A pin determines the proper position of the pivoted portion of the arm. Small
clamps are employed for fastening the paper to its support.
•
In figure 4 there is shown in detail the form of driving pawl and the method of
applying it which is found to possess great advantages.
This consists of an arm
or pin n rigidly carried upon the armature-lever. The lines of the faces of this
pawl form an angle very little less than a 90 degree angle, and the movement of
the same is very nearly in the line of a chord of the circle of the wheel N¹, and
meeting a radial line bisecting said chord at a point distant from the centre of the
circle about two thirds of its radius. The point is, however, further dependent for
its location upon the angle of the teeth of the wheel, and the chord should nearly
coincide with the line of the face u³, of the tooth against which the pawl strikes.
The best results are obtained when the re-entrant angles of the teeth are very
slightly more than 90 degrees, and the line of the driving face of the pawl is
approximately perpendicular to the face u of the tooth which comes into contact
with the remaining face u² of the pawl when the wheel is advanced. When the
lever is actuated the face u¹ strikes the tooth-face u³ and advances the wheel N¹,
meanwhile sliding down the face of the tooth until the face u is approximate to
the face u. The lines of these two faces are such that the pawl may be drawn
back without causing a retrograde movement of the wheel. The configuration of
the pawl and teeth and the location of the pivot are such that the pawl locks the
wheel in pushing it, and no excess of battery power can cause the force with which
the pawl propels the wheel to move it more than one tooth. When the driving

page_text: pawl is withdrawn the pawl N³ causes the wheel to advance a slight distance
further, bringing the crown of the next tooth beyond the line of movement of
the pawl
In figure 6, a somewhat modified organization of circuits is illustrated.
Referring to this figure, C represents the circuit-closing arm, which is carried
upon a shaft b. A conductor 1, leading from the earth at E is connected with the
shaft or arbor b', while two conductors 2 and 3 are respectively placed in connection
with the contact-arms C¹ and C³, by, means of contact-brushes d' and d' respectively.
For this purpose the several arms C, C¹ and C are insulated from each other.
The conductor 2 leads through the coils of an electro-magnet F¹ to a main line L¹
leading to a distant station. In like manner the conductor 3 leads through the
coils of an electro-magnet F to a second main line L². The electro-magnet F¹ is
provided with an armature f¹ carried upon a lever ƒ³. This lever also carries a
contact-point h' which is designed to be placed in contact with a spring h³ when
the lever is moved into its forward position, by reason of the vitalization of the
electro-magnet F. The lever itself is connected by a conductor 7 with tho
conductor 1 leading to the earth, and the spring is connected with the conductor 2.
When therefore the point h¹ is brought into contact with the spring h³, a shunt
circuit is closed around the points c. and c¹ through the conductor 7, armature-
lever f and spring h³.
A pawl is carried upon the lever f³ and. this pawl engages the teeth of a
wheel A, when the lever is moved into its forward position. The axis of the
wheel A, carries the two contact-arms 0 and C, and the movement of the wheel
in one direction or the other causes the arms to move in like manner.
The pawl
is so applied however, that such a inovement of the arms and wheel will occur after
the shunt circuit above described has been completed. The operation therefore,
when the electro-magnet F¹ is vitalized is to complete the connections of the shunt
circuit and subsequently to move the contact-arms forward thereby interrupting
the connections between the points which were first brought into contact.
The electro-magnet F2 is in like manner provided with an armature f* carried
upon a lever f, and the lever f' is connected by a conductor 8 with the conductor 1.
A contact-point h* is carried upon this lever and is applied to a spring h* connected
with the conductor 3. A driving pawl k² is also carried upon the lever f* and
applied to the wheel A, for the purpose of moving it in the direction opposite to
that in which it is driven by the action of the pawl k¹.
The main line L' leads, at the distant station, through the coils of an electro-
magnet M¹, to a conductor 4, and this conductor is connected through a conductor 6
including the coils of an electro-magnet G¹ with a circuit-interrupting device g¹.
This device however, normally completes the circuit connections through a spring
carrying a contact-point g' carried upon the device g¹ to a contact point g³ upon
which the spring rests. A conductor 9 leads from the point g³ to one pole of a
battery and the remaining pole of the battery is connected by a conductor 10
with the earth at Ea
When therefore, the circuit of the main line L' is completed by the operation of
the circuit-closing arms C and C₁ a current from the battery O will cause the
electro-magnet F¹ to be vitalized and the shunt circuit to be completed at the
point ; the electro-magnet M¹ will also be vitalized and also the electro-magnet G¹.
The latter magnet, however, is preferably so constructed that it will respond more
slowly than the electro-magnets F¹ and M. After therefore, the shunt circuit has
been completed around the points cand c¹ and the point c¹ has been moved away
from the point c, and after the electro-magnet M1 has caused its armature-lever to
be actuated, the armature of the electro-magnet G will respond and its lever will
strike against one arm of the interrupting device g¹. The point g² will thereby be
raised from the point g³ and the circuit of the battery O' will be thus interrupted
and both electro-magnets M¹ and F', as well as the electro-magnet G,.will be
demagnetized.

page_text: The yielding. spring carrying the contact-point g² is preferably employed in
connection with the interrupter, for the purpose of obviating a jarring or vibrating
of the contact, such as might otherwise be made.
Upon the armature-lever P¹ there is carried a driving pawl p³, which is designed
to engage the teeth of the wheel W and move it in the direction corresponding to
the movement of the arm C of the transmitter. Upon the shaft n there is carried
an arm or index N¹, which is thus driven forward a distance corresponding to one
tooth of the wheel W each time the arm C makes contact with the arm C¹.
The electro-magnet M* is provided with an armature p* carried upon a lever P²
similar to the armature and lever p' and P. Likewise the lever P' carries a pawl p
applied to the wheel Wand serving, when the electro-magnet M2 is vitalized, to impel
the wheel in the opposite direction. A conductor 5 leads from the conductor 6;
through the coils of the electro-magnet M², to the main line L. It will be evident
without further description; that when the arm C moves toward the arm C' and the
circuit of the main line L is completed, precisely the same operation will occur as
described with reference to the electro-magnet F' and main line L', the electro-
magnets F2 and M2 being vitalized and subsequently the electro-magnet G¹. In
this manner the wheel W and the index N¹ will be driven in one direction or the
other accordingly as the arm C moves in one direction or the opposite, and the
various devices having operated, the circuit will be interrupted at the point g².
It may here be observed that owing to the delicacy of the contact which is
required at the points c, c¹ and c², it is necessary that the circuit be interrupted at
some point other than at these contacts. For this reason the shunt circuits around
the points are employed for the purpose of permitting the contact-point c¹ or c² to
be removed from the point e while the main line connections are still completed
and, for the purpose of further protecting the points h' and h², the interrupting
device g' is employed and this device may be constructed with a strong heavy
contact such as is not liable to become corroded.
For the purpose of automatically giving an alarm when the index has been
revolved to a predetermined point, which has been chosen indicative of the limit
of the force which it is designed that the telemeter shall register, a battery o¹ is
employed, having one pole connected by means of a conductor 11 with the index
arm N and its other pole connected by means of a conductor 12 through a
signalling device of any well-known construction, and by means of a conductor 13
with a contact-brush q¹, applied to the hub of an arm n¹ applied to the index
arm N¹. The index arm N₁ carries a contact-point n³, and the arm n' carries a
similar point n³. The two arms are insulated from each other and the one n¹ may
be placed in any desired position, and when the arm N is moved, the arm n¹
remains stationary. When however, the arm N₁ has been moved through a pre-
determined distance, it carries the point n² into contact with the point n³, thereby
completing the circuit connections of the battery o' and causing the bell or
signalling apparatus Q to be actuated.
It may sometimes happen that the strength of the battery O becomes so much
diminished that it will not serve to cause the electro-magnets in the series to
perform their several functions, so that the circuit having been completed it is not
again interrupted. Should therefore, the apparatus remain in this condition, the
battery would be upon the closed circuit and its strength would be rapidly
diminished. For the purpose of giving an alarm should such a state of affairs
exist a conductor 14 leads from the conductor 11 to the armature-lever p¹ and a
contact-point q2 is applied to one arm of this lever. This stop is connected by
means of conductors 16 and 17 with the brush q¹ so that when the electro-
magnet M is vitalized and the armature-lever P¹ moved into its forward position
the circuit of the battery o¹ will be completed through the conductors 11 and 14,
the armature-lever P¹, the conductors 16 and 17 and 13, to the signalling device Q;
then through the conductor 12, back to the battery. So long therefore, as the
armature-lever P¹ remains in its forward position the bell. will sound the alarm.

page_text: In like manner a conductor 15 connects the conductor 11 with the armature-
lever P2 and a contact-stop q³ applied to this lever and this stop is connected by
conductors 18 and 17 with the brush q¹. When therefore, the armature-lever P² is
in its forward position the circuit of the battery will be completed through the
conductors 11 and 15, armature-lever P2 and conductors 18 and 17 to the con-
ductor 13 and thence in the same manner as already described with reference to
the lever P¹. When however, the strength of the battery O is sufficient to cause
the several electro-magnets to operate in a normal manner, the duration of the
time when either armature-lever P¹ or P2 is against its stop is insufficient to cause
the bell Q to respond.
Adjustable artificial resistances R¹ and R³ may be included in permanent shunt
circuits around the points c c' and c² as indicated in dotted lines. The resist-
ance contained in each circuit is sufficient to prevent the passage of a current
of sufficient strength to actuate either electro-magnet Fi or F2 or the electro-
magnets M, M² and G¹.
When however, one of the points c is in contact with the corresponding point c'
or c² then the several electro-magnets will perform the same functions as already
described. At the separation of the point c¹ or c² from the corresponding point c
any electrical discharge which might possibly occur at that point will be prevented
by the presence of the shunt circuit through the artificial resistance and all
possibility of corrosion of the parts is thus precluded.
Electro-magnets responding to currents of the strength traversing the main lines
through the resistances R¹ and R² may be included in circuit at the receiving
station for operating alarms when the batteries run down or when the lines are
permanently interrupted, the release of the armatures serving to close a local
circuit for instance. These magnets are preferably so organized that they will not
be sufficiently demagnetized during the short interruptions of circuits occasioned
by the interrupting device, to allow their armatures to fall back.
Should the circuit of either main line be permanently broken as for instance, by
the operation of the interrupting device, both signalling devices will in this instance
be actuated. When however the circuit of either line is interrupted independently
of the other the one bell alone will be actuated. It will be understood that when-
ever either circuit-breaker is operated to open the corresponding circuit during the
normal operation of the instruments the alarm circuit will be completed, but the
time during which it is completed will be so short that the alarm will not have
time to respond.
Having thus described the nature of this invention and the manner in which it
is to be performed, I would have it understood that
. I claim as my invention:-
1. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of a battery, a
circuit-closing point for automatically completing a circuit for said battery, means
for automatically completing a second or shunt circuit around said point when the
first named circuit is completed, one or more electro-magnets included in the circuit
of the battery, an indicating device operated through the instrumentality of said
electro-magnet or magnets, a third circuit the connections of which are completed
by circuit-closing points controlled by said electro-magnets when they are vitalized
and a device for interrupting the connections of said battery operated by currents
traversing said third circuit.
2. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of a circuit-closing
and a contact-point, a battery, a circuit for the same the connections of which are
completed by said points, means for completing a circuit around said points, an
electro-magnet for separating said points, one or more indicating devices, electro-
magnets included in said circuits for operating said indicating devices, a third
circuit for said battery the connections of which are completed by the armature-
levers of said electro-magnets when they have been vitalized and a circuit-
interrupting device operated by currents traversing said third circuit,

page_text: 3. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of a circuit-closing
point, means for moving the same in either of two directions, two contact-points
against the one or the other of which it is caused to impinge according to the
direction of its movement, a battery, two lines leading from said contact-points
respectively and connected with the battery whereby the circuit of the latter is
completed through one or the other of the lines accordingly as contact is made
with one or the other contact-point, electro-magnetic devices included in said lines
respectively, a third line leading from said battery and circuit-closing points for
completing the connections of said third line at various places, which points are
under the control of said electro-magnetic devices, whereby a current traversing
either of the first named lines and actuating the corresponding electro-magnetic
devices will serve to complete the connections of the third line.
4. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, of a battery, two
lines, means for completing a circuit for either of said lines, electro-magnetic devices:
included in said lines respectively, means for completing the circuit connections of.
either of said lines and thereby operating the corresponding electro-magnetic
devices, a third main line the connections of which are normally interrupted at
various points, means substantially such as described, for completing the connections,
of said third line at such points by the operation of all of said electro-magnetic
devices contained in either of the first named lines, and a circuit-interrupting.
device for severing the connections of both of said lines when the last named
connections have been completed.
5. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, of a battery, a
conductor leading therefrom, a circuit controlling device for completing the con-
nections of the same, two or more electro-magnets included in the circuit thus
completed, their armatures and armature-levers, contact-points carried upon said
levers, contact-stops respectively applied to said points, a second conductor leading
from said battery to one of said contact-points, a conductor leading from the
corresponding contact-stop to a second of said contact-points, and so on throughout
the series whereby a circuit of said second conductor is completed when all of said
electro-magnets have been vitalized and their armature-levers have responded, an
electro-magnet included in the circuit of the second conductor and a contact-stop
and contact-point caused to temporarily separate from each other when the last
named electro-magnet is vitalized, through which point and stop the primary.
circuit of said battery is normally established.
6. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, with a circuit-closing.
point and means for moving the same, in either of two directions, of a battery,
two lines through the one or the other of which a circuit is completed by said
point, and means for interrupting the normal connections of either of said lines
when the circuit through the other line is completed.
7. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, with a movable
circuit-closing point and two contact-points, a battery two lines respectively leading
from said contact-points, two interrupting devices one being included in each of
said lines and means substantially such as described for operating each interrupting.
device by currents traversing the other line.
8. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, with a movable
circuit-closing point and two contact-points, of a battery, two lines respectively
leading to said contact-points, an interrupting device included in each line, two
shunt circuits respectively applied to said contact-points, two electro-magnets one.
or the other of which is vitalized by the contact of said circuit-closing point
whereby the interrupting device of the other line is actuated and the connections
of the corresponding shunt circuit are subsequently completed.
9. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, of a circuit-closing
point responding to variations in temperature or other changes, a second circuit-
closing point, an electrical apparatus for causing said second point to move
synchronously with the movements of the first point, a contact-point capable of
being placed in any required position relative to said second point, means,

page_text: substantially such as described, for permitting said contact-point to be moved
forward by the movements of said second-point, a battery the connections of which
are completed through the second circuit-closing point and the contact-point and
a signaling device included in the circuit of said battery.
10. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, of a circuit-closing
point responding to variations in temperature, pressure or other changes, an
indicating arm, electrical devices for causing the same to register the position of
the circuit-closing point, two circuit-closing and registering arms respectively
applied to the opposite sides of said indicating arm, a local battery the connections:
of which are completed by the contact of said indicating arm with either of said
registering arms, a signaling device included in the circuit of said battery, and
means, substantially such as described, whereby either of said registering arms
may be normally placed in a given position and be advanced therefrom by the
movements of said indicating arm while maintaining the circuit of said battery
complete.
11. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of a device
responding to variations in pressure temperature or other changes, an indicating
device and electrically operated devices for causing said indicating device to
register the movements of the first named device, and a device for indicating the
failure of said devices to operate, which consists of an electro-magnet, its armature
and armature-lever, a dash-pot for preventing said armature from responding to
the normal magnetism of said electro-magnet but permits a retarded movement of
the same, and a visual or other indicating device operated by said armature when
it has responded.
12. In a device for indicating changes in pressure, temperature, time or the
equivalent, a star-wheel, a pawl for actuating the same having faces forming an
angle less than the re-entrant angle of the teeth of the wheel, and so organized as
to advance the wheel nearly the distance corresponding to a tooth during its
forward movement, and to be withdrawn without causing a retrograde movement,
and a retaining pawl for completing the forward movement, substantially as
described.
13. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, in an apparatus for
indicating changes in temperature, pressure etc., of a circuit closing device operating
to complete the connections of either of two circuits, an interrupting device for
each of said circuits each of which is operated by the completion of the other
circuit, and a yielding contact constituting the interrupting point of each of said
interrupting devices.
14. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, in a telemeter
system, with a circuit-closing device for completing the connections of either of
two circuits, of an interrupting device for each circuit, each of which is operated
by the completion of the other circuit, a device for completing a shunt circuit
around the points through which each of said circuits are completed, and means for
causing the shunt circuit to be formed after the interrupting device of the other
circuit has been operated...
15. In a telemeter system, the combination, substantially as hereinbefore set
forth, of a battery, a main line, one or more electro-magnets included therein, a
circuit-closing and a contact-point for completing the connections of said battery
through said main line, an indicating arm, means for advancing said arm syn-
chronously with said circuit-closing point, a second line the connections of which
are completed by the operation of said electro-magnets, and a device for inter-
rupting the connections of said battery, which device is operated by currents
traversing the connections of said second line.
16. The bereinbefore described method of controlling the connections. of
electric circuits for operating one electrical instrument correspondingly with the
movements of another, which consists in completing a circuit connection at one
point, thereby causing the connections of a shunt circuit to be automatically com-
pleted at a second-point around the first named point, interrupting the circuit

page_text: through the first named point, temporarily interrupting the circuit at a third point
and causing the connections of the circuit to be interrupted at the second point
before it is again closed at the third point.
17. The herein before described method of controlling the connections of an
electric circuit for operating one electrical instrument correlatively with the
movements of another, which consists in completing the connections of the same
at one point, thereby automatically causing a circuit to be established around that
point at a second point, then interrupting the connections at the first named
point, temporarily interrupting the connections at a third point, and subsequently
interrupting the circuit at the second point.
18. The herein before described method of controlling the circuit-connections of a
battery for the purpose of operating one instrument correlatively with the move-
ments of another, which consists in completing a circuit for the battery at a given
point, subsequently causing a second circuit to be automatically completed around
that point, interrupting the first named circuit and finally interrupting the second
circuit at a third point.