IMPROVEMENTS IN WORK- AND TESTING TELEGRAPHIC CONDUCTORS, AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH
Year: 1860

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Sir Charles Tilston Bright, of Harrow Wear !!
the County of Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN WORK-
AND TESTING TELEGRAPHIC CONDUCTORS, AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED
THEREWITH."
ING
Sealed the 17th August 1860, and dated the 20th February 1860.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Sir Charles Tilston Bright
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 20th February 1860.
I, Sir CHARLES TILSTON BRIGHT, of Harrow Weald, in the County of
Middlesex, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
IMPROVEMENTS IN WORKING AND TESTING TELEGRAPHIC CONDUCTORS, AND
APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH," to be as follows:-
In the first part of my Invention I employ in connexion with the
acoustic system of signalling described in a Patent granted to Edward
Brailsford Bright and myself, dated Seventeenth September, One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, No. 2103, a coil or coils, with two
permanent magnets so arranged in juxtaposition with the poles of the.
coils, that one of them moves when a positive current is sent, and
thereby completes a local circuit, the other being stationary, and vice
versa, when a negative current is sent through the coil or coils. This
part of my Invention is also applicable to the system of signalling
patented by Edward Brailsford Bright, on the Thirteenth January, Onc
T

page_text: thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, No. 54, wherein each separate
current differs from the current preceding it, and produces a separate
and distinct signal, instead of each signal requiring two currents, as is
the case ordinarily when reversed currents are used, and it may be used
in connecting with a recording instrument for indicating signals in a
double line. In sending the currents necessary to produce the various
signals, when this part of my Invention is used with the acoustic appa-
ratus or with a double recording instrument, I employ two finger keys,
each sending currents of opposite character to the other, the receiving
coils at the sending station being taken out of circuit or placed upon
short circuit by the action of either key during the transmission of each
signal to the distant station, and being placed in circuit again so as to
be ready to receive immediately after the signal or signals have been
sent, or as soon after as may be desirable when lines of submarine or
underground wire are used.
In the second part of my Invention I construct apparatus for making,
breaking, or reversing a local or other circuit, or for recording or exhibit-
ing signals directly to the eye or ear, in which electrical currents are used
in combination with power derived from a train of clockwork, or other
convenient means of obtaining motion, the desired effect being produced
from the separate action of such mechanical appliance, which is brought
into play by the influence of the electrical current. In this part of my
Invention I employ two surfaces, one of which is driven by any con-
venient source of power, the other acting as a brake or check upon it,
and causing a difference of rate or an entire stoppage of the motion of
the moving surface upon an electrical current being sent through coils
of wire around or adjacent to either or both of the surfaces, the
difference of rate or entire stoppage of the moving surface causing a
current to be sent through a local circuit (or otherwise made available
for giving a signal) by means of a lever connected with a governor, or
by the difference of rate causing contacts to be made or broken between
parts of the mechanism which are checked or advanced by the action
of the current, or by contacts made by the mechanism, directly pro-
ducing signals by different periods of succession of marks or sounds
through the agency of local circuits. The system may be varied in this
part of my Invention, as, for instance, by employing two surfaces, one
of which is driven by the motive agent, while the other is capable of
motion, but is restrained by a slight check or brake just sufficient to
overcome the adhesion of the surfaces until the influence of the current
causes them to take closer hold of each other when the brake power is
exceeded, and both surfaces move together. In this part of my Inven-
tion I also employ trains of clockwork, or other convenient means of

page_text: obtaining motive power for the retransmission or forwarding on to
another circuit of electrical currents, studs, springs, or other appliances
being brought into play by the action of the mechanism, by which are
made contacts or reversals, and where desirable connections direct
between line and earth for discharge between the separate signals.
Such apparatus may be worked by the system before described, or by
any electro-magnetic escapement or relay, and the force of the different
currents brought into play as well as their duration, and that of the dis-
charge connexion or short circuiting. The coils of one or more of the
relays are capable of adjustment according to circumstances. With this
part of my Invention I also combine the use of a regulator, by which
the speed of the motion of the mechanism may be maintained at a
regular rate, and may be modified by adjustment according to the speed
of signalling required.
In this part of my Invention when used either for direct communica-
tion or retransmission, the system of reading off the signals may be
varied by an isochronous regulation of the mechanism, so that numbers,
letters, or other indications may be read off according to the duration of
the current, the indicator being brought back to zero after each signal,
or not, as the arrangement of signals employed may require.
In the third part of my Invention, I employ a key for the transmis-
sion of the ordinary recording alphabet combined with a switch,
whereby the wire may be discharged, and the circuit changed for receiv-
ing at one operation. A slide fitting upon the key has at one end a
handle, which may be drawn up by the hand engaged in signalling. At
the end of the slide nearest to the axle of the key is a contact plate in
connexion with the line, which presses when at rest against a stud in
connexion with the receiving part of the apparatus. Upon the handle
being drawn up it presses against the battery connexions, and on being
released a spring draws it back, causing it to press against a spring in
direct connexion to the earth before recovering its original position.
The fourth part of my Invention has reference to the transmission of
signals through such lines as from their length or other causes require
great care to be exercised in the duration and nature of each current
sent to produce a given effect, or in the period of discharge between the
separate signals.
This and the second part of my Invention are specially adapted to use
in connexion with the system of signalling patented by Edward Brailsford
Bright, dated Thirteenth January, One thousand eight hundred and
fifty-eight, No. 54, in which each separate current, whether positive or
negative, produces a separate signal compensating when necessary for
the result of the previous current, as well as producing its own effect.

page_text: But these parts of my Invention may also be used for the reversing system
of signal, wherein the moving part of the relay is moved in one direction
by one current, and in the reverse direction by the other, producing one
signal by the two movements, or for the ordinary make and break or
signal current system employed on short submarine lines and wires sus-
pended in the air.
In this part of my Invention I employ a key-board fitted with a finger
key for each of the alphabet or other signs which it is desired to trans-
mit. A train of wheels or other convenient means of obtaining regular
motion is so arranged, that by pressure upon any particular key, a corre-
sponding disc or wheel is set in motion, by which various forces and
durations of different currents are brought into successive action, the
direction of the current sent for each successive signal of which the letter
is composed being reversed, and where desirable varied periods of con-
nexion directly between line and earth for discharge being made.
Upon the completion of the signal or signals necessary to produce the
required letter, the end of a lever, which is raised by the action of the
key, falls into a slot in the disc, which is then ready for the transmission
of another letter when required. The line and earth are connected
directly to each other during the pause between the end of one letter and
the commencement of the next, the first signal of which is opposite in
character to the current producing the last signal of the former letter,
and of such force and duration as the effect of the last current and its own
required result may direct. When great precision is desirable I provide
two keys for each letter, one adapted for use when the last current of
the preceding letter has been such as to leave comparatively greater
residual effects, as when, for instance, in the ordinary recording alphabet
the letter ended with a dash, and the second for use when the residual
effect is smaller, as when the previous letter ended with a dot. A third
key might also be employed after a longer pause than the usual pause
between the letters, but this would only be necessary when working
circuits of very great lengths.
In the fifth part of my Invention I so arrange step by step indicating
or printing telegraphs, that on the transmission of a current from the
sending to the receiving instrument, the latter returns a current back
to the sending instrument, upon the reception of which, and only then,
another current passes to the receiving instrument, and so on until the
desired letter has been reached. I also cause a light spring to be wound
up by rotation of the indicator, which being released by means of a
ratchet, brings back the indicator to zero. I also employ a relay in
connexion with step by step telegraphs, causing a local battery to move
the indicator both in sending and receiving.

page_text: In the sixth part of my Invention I employ relays capable of being
moved in one direction by a positive current, and in the opposite
direction by a negative current, being retained in a central position
when no current is passing by the attraction of the pole or poles of an
electro-magnet, the influence of which upon the moving part of the relay
is neutralised during the passage of a current of either kind through
the coils of the relay:
The seventh part of my Invention has reference to the testing out the
position of defects in telegraphic conductors.
In the Patent granted to Edward Brailsford Bright and myself on the
Twenty-first October, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, No.
14,331, is described the method of testing wires by the use of resistance
coils, then first invented by us. This system is capable of modification
in various ways, whereby a certain amount of check over the results
obtained by means of the resistance coils when connected in one way
may be had by different modes of connecting them with the galvano-
meter line and earth or with the battery, but difficulties have been at
times experienced in carrying the Invention into effect, arising from the
different degrees of defect and from the actual resistance of the con-
ductor not being truly represented by the coils.
In my present Invention the position of a fault in a conductor coated
with an insulator may be discovered irrespective of the degree of the
fault, or the representation by the artificial resistance employed of any
particular length of cable. Each end of the defective conductor is
tested by being connected to a galvanometer, the other side of which is
joined to one pole of a battery, the other pole of which is in connection
with the earth. To the first-named pole of the battery is also connected
another galvanometer exactly similar to the first, to the other side of
which is connected sufficient artificial resistance, in the manner described
in the Patent to which I have just referred, until the result indicated by
the two galvanometers is the same, or until the needle stands at zero, in
case a differential galvanometer is used with coils so connected as to
produce antagonistic effects upon the needle. The position of the fault
from each end of the cable may then be ascertained by comparing the
relative proportions of the resistance found necessary to produce the
above result at each end with the total length of the conductor tested.
The artificial resistance used at each end must be of the same character
and standard one with each other. This
part of my Invention also com-
prises the use of tubes formed of an insulator, and containing distilled
water or other suitable fluid for testing purposes.
Where the resistance of a submarine cable is accurately known, and
can be conveniently and truly represented by resistance coils or other

page_text: reliable standard, I employ a very sensitive galvanometer, upon which
the feeble current generated by any fault of magnitude in the cable may
be indicated; the galvanometer being connected to the line and earth will
show a different amount of deflection when applied to each end of the
conductor (unless the fault is in the middle or nearly so of the line), and
if a resistance corresponding to certain lengths of the cable be then
added to the end which shows the greatest result, until the indication
at each end is the same, the position of the fault may then be easily
calculated.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters. Patent,
filed by the said Sir Charles Tilston Bright in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 20th August 1860..
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME. 1, Sir CHARLES
TILSTON BRIGHT, of Harrow Weald, in the County of Middlesex, send
greeting.
unto me,
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twentieth day of February, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty, in the Twenty-third year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
the said Sir Charles Tilston Bright, Her special licence that I,
the said Sir Charles Tilston Bright, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Sir Charles Tilston Bright, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with,
and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the
term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN WORKING AND TESTING TELEGRAPHIC CONDUCTORS, AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED
THEREWITH, upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
Sir Charles Tilston Bright, my executors or administrators, by
an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and
seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause
the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Sir Charles Tilston Bright, do
hereby declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to the
Drawings hereunto annexed, that is to say:-
"

page_text: In the first part of my Invention I employ for signalling by sound,
through the agency of a local circuit, and for recording signals, a coil
or coils actuating two permanent magnets, so placed that one of the
magnets moves, and thereby completes a local circuit, when a current
of one kind is passed through the coil or coils, while the other magnet
remains stationary; on a current of the opposite kind being passed
through the coil or coils, the latter magnet is moved, and makes contact,
the former being kept in its position of rest.
Figure 1 shews a plan Figure 2 a side elevation, and Figure 3 an end
view, of the arrangement which I prefer for use in this part of my
Invention, which admits of several obvious variations in the method of
carrying it out. In Figures 1, 2, and 3, A, A, are the coils connected
so as to move the magnets B, B, (which are held against stops C, C,
by springs, with adjusting screws, as represented,) against contact studs
D, D, as described above. Or the magnets may be set directly facing
the coils, after the manner of the receiving and retransmitting arrange-
ments described in the Patent granted to E. B. Bright and myself, on
the 21st October 1852, as shewn in plan at Figure 4. This arrangement
of coils, magnets, and contacts is applicable to that system of signalling
alluded to in my Provisional Specification, and patented by E. B. Bright
on the 13th January 1858, No. 54, wherein each consecutive current is
of the opposite kind to that immediately preceding it, and produces a
separate and distinct signal or register or letter, as the case may be,
instead of cach signal being composed of two currents, which were pre-
viously necessary when the nature of the conductor operated upon was
such as to render it desirable to employ successive currents of opposite
kind. In the employment of my Invention after this manner the con-
ventional signs may be either indicated by the contact of the magnets
with their stops, or by the blank periods between the motions of the
magnets, in which case the local currents brought into play by the
magnets record or indicate the spaces between the letters, registers, or
signals. In sending the currents by which the various signals are pro-
duced when this part of my Invention is used to make and break local
currents in connection with bells or other apparatus for reading by
sound, or when it is used in connexion with a double recording instru-
ment, I employ two finger keys in near proximity to each other, each
sending currents of opposite character to the other, and each when used
having the effect (in addition to sending its current) of placing on short
circuit, or of disconnecting altogether, the coil or coils through
and by means of which signals are received at the home station.
the key returns to its position of rest, the receiving coils are again placed
When

page_text: in circuit with the line wire, so as to be ready to receive currents from
the distant station.
Figure 5 represents an elevation, and Figure 6 a plan, of the finger
keys, a, a, being two keys, connected to terminals b, b, one of which is
connected to earth, the other to one end of the receiving coils; c is a
bridge-piece, connected to one pole of the battery by terminal d; e is
a stop, common to both keys, connected to the other pole of the battery
by terminal; g, g, are springs, connected by terminal h to the line,
which is also in connexion with the receiving coils at the opposite end
to that to which the finger key is connected. It will be seen that on
pressing down either of the keys the coils are first put on short circuit,
and then a current of one kind or the other passes direct into the line,
and that when the key is allowed to come to its place of rest the coils
are again in circuit ready to receive signals from the distant station.
The second part of my Invention consists in the employment of
mechanical force for the production of telegraphic signals, such force
being brought into action or regulated by the electrical currents trans-
mitted through the line. This part of my Invention may be carried
into effect by the use of a train of clockwork (or other convenient source
of power), to which is coupled, by the action of the electrical currents,
a wheel, arm, or other appliance, by means of which the necessary
contacts are made, or signals exhibited.
Figure 7 shows an apparatus whereby contacts are made by the move-
ment of a lever in this manner, and it will be seen that like arrangements
may be readily adapted to the production of audible or visible signals,
and 1 do not therefore confine myself to the precise details therein
shewn. In Figure 7, a is a wheel forming part of a train of clockwork;
6 is a lever, centred opposite to the centre of a; c is a wheel carried
by b, and gearing into a; d is a break lever, centred upon b, and pressing
upon break wheel e, which is fixed upon c; f is an armature, attached
to d; and I is an electro-magnet, having its poles in convenient proximity
to f; h is a spring capable of adjustment by stud i, whereby the lever b
is kept against insulated stop j; k is a stop, by which contact is made
on the movement of the lever. The clockwork train continually drives
the wheel a in the direction shewn by the arrow (during such time as it
is desired to keep the apparatus in action), and the wheel c is driven
by it upon its own centre, all motion round the centre of lever b being
restrained by the action of the spring h, which is adjusted in proportion
to the pressure of the break lever d upon f, so as to keep the other end
of the lever pressing against stop j. On a current being passed through
g, the armature is attracted thereto, and the pressure upon e being
increased, the rotation of c and e upon their centre is thereby diminished

page_text: in speed or altogether stopped, and the lever a is moved by the force of
the clockwork train (assisted also by the direct attraction of g for f).
against k. This arrangement may be modified by the use of many well-
known mechanical appliances for coupling to machinery in motion,
instead of the increased friction upon a break wheel which I have
described; and it will be seen that by so arranging the lever break that
its armature may be attracted by the poles of an electro-magnet, in
whatever position the wheel c may be in regard to a, and by removing k
ánd j, signals of various characters may be given directly to the eye,
or be printed by type by the addition of a type wheel and its accessories,
according to the strength or duration of the currents employed; in the
latter case the train of wheels should be controlled by the chronometic
regulator hereafter described, or other convenient mode of obtaining
equal continuous motion. This part of my Invention may be modified
by the employment of a lever connected to an ordinary governor, the
contacts or signals being made by the variations of rate produced by the
variations of pressure upon a break wheel driven by the train of wheels,
and influenced by a break lever and armature, the electrical currents
transmitted through an electro-magnet attracting the armature, and
thereby increasing the friction between the break and the wheel; I also
employ a vessel containing mercury, and carrying glass tubes, as
arranged in Figures 8 and 9, which show respectively a side view and
plan, a being the vessel driven by the train of wheels; b, b, b, b, b, b,
tubes set at an angle from the outer side of a, and closed at their upper
ends by corks; and c is an open tube fixed in a in a line with the axis of a;
d is a wire entering the tube c (but not filling it up), whereby contacts
are made or broken by variations of the height of the mercury in a,
occasioned by differences in the rate of a, or a float may be used to give
direct signals to the eye. The system of signalling by variations in the
rate of mechanism may also be adapted to the production of signals
to the eye or ear by different periods of the succession of marks or sounds
through the agency of a local circuit, by using a wheel driven by the
train of clockwork, which makes contact with a spring or springs at
different points of its rotation, and thereby records signals varying in
their distance from each other, or causes different sounds to be given to
the ear.
I also make contacts by the use of two wheels facing each
other and driven by mechanism at slightly different rates, so that a
contact pin fixed in the face of one of the wheels presses lightly against
an insulated stop set in the face of the other. On the rate of motion of
the mechanism driving the first-named wheel being reduced by the
increased pressure of a brake influenced by electro-magnetism, its
contact pin comes in contact with a contact pin set in the face of the

page_text: other wheel, and on the current being withdrawn, the former wheel
having a slightly faster rate than the other, recovers its position against
the insulated stop.
The system may also be varied in this part of my Invention by
employing two surfaces, one of which is driven by the motive agent,
while the other is capable of motion, but is restrained by a slight check
or brake just sufficient to overcome the adhesion of the surfaces, until
the influence of the current causes them to take closer hold of each
other, when (the brake power being exceeded) both surfaces move
together.
In this part of my Invention I also employ trains of clockwork (or
other convenient means of obtaining motive power) for the retrans-
mission or forwarding on signals to another circuit. Studs, springs, or
other appliances are brought into action by the agency of the mechanism,
and thus are made contacts or reversals of currents, and where desirable,
connections directly between line and earth for discharging what is
technically termed the return current between the separate signals.
Such apparatus may be worked by the system previously described, or
by any electro-magnetic escapement or relay, and the force of the
different currents brought into action, as well as their duration, and
that of the connection to earth for discharge, may be adjusted according
to the requirements of the circuit operated upon.
In this part of my Invention (which may be used for direct communi-
cation, if desired, as well as for retransmission) the signals may be varied
by the use of isochronous mechanism, so that numbers, letters, or other
indications may be read off, varying according to the nature of the
current sent; the indicator being brought back to zero after each signal
or not, as the system of signalling adopted may dictate; in combination
with which I use the chronometric regulator, hereafter described.
In Figure 10, which shows an apparatus for retransmitting signals
through one circuit by the agency of clockwork controlled by electrical
currents received through another circuit, A is the bearing plate of a
train of clockwork which drives the wheel b, b, and is regulated by fly
or fan wheel c; d, d, are arms connected to the line or earth (as the
case may be) of the circuit to be worked by the apparatus, and pressing
against stud C, which is connected to one pole of the battery series used
the wheel b being connected to the other; on b is a stud or contact pin e,
so placed as to make, break, or reverse the current as required by obvious
changes of position. f is an electro-magnet connected with the circuit,
by which the apparatus is operated upon either directly or by means of
a relay and local circuit (as the condition or resistance of the circuit
through which it is influenced may require), and g is an armature

page_text: attached to a lever controlling the motion of 6 by means of an escape
wheel on the axle of 6 (shown in dotted lines), which may be cut as the
system of signalling used may dictate. It will be readily seen that
other arms or springs may be added to make contact with the earth,
if required, and that by variation of the form of escapement and
contacts, a system of signalling by one kind of current only may be
adapted to this part of my Invention, or reverse currents may be used,
each producing a signal by each pair of opposite currents, or reverse
currents may be used, each producing a separate signal by each separate
current, as patented by E. B. Bright, 13th Jan'., 1858, for which-the
escapement represented in Figure 10 is adapted. The apparatus may
be used when required for sending signals directly by hand, by substi-
tuting for the armature and electro-magnet a sending key to work the
escapement in like manner.
At Figure 11 is shown an arrangement whereby the force of the
currents brought into play, as well as their duration (if required), and
that of a direct connection to earth between the currents (where it is
desirable to adopt such a system), may be regulated according to the
requirements of the circuit to be worked. In Figure 11, 'A is a train
of clockwork arranged at 6 (as shown at Figure 12) for the transmission
of currents onwards, and controlled by means of an escape wheel c, by
electro-magnet D, D, and its armature lever E. F is another train of
wheels carrying escape wheel f, shown at Figure 13, controlled also by
the action of electro-magnet D, D, and its armature lever E; upon the
axle off is fixed wheel g, connected with the batteries, by which the
force or duration of the currents used may be varied at different periods
of the signals, as shown at Figure 14.
This may be carried into effect in various ways, and may be applied
to any system of signalling. The foregoing arrangement, which I prefer
for use in signalling by reverse currents, one for each separate signal,
will illustrate the application of this part of my Invention.
Figure 12 shows the armature lever E, escape wheel C (of train A),
and the connections. at b; Z is a lever and fan, whereby the line is con-
nected direct to earth without communication through the receiving
coils of the apparatus (or when worked by relay of the relay coils), and
is kept in contact therewith for a regulated period of time after the
cessation of each signal. This arrangement is not shown in Figure 11,
to avoid complication.
:
At Figure 13 is shown the armature lever E and escape wheel ƒ (of
train F), and at Figure 14 the connections of g. It will be seen that
on the lever E being pressed, down by the action of the electro-magnet
(if used as a retransmitting instrument) or by the hand (if used for
.

page_text: direct sending), the wheel b of train A advances a quarter of a revolution,
thus putting on a current in one direction, and placing the receiving
coils of the instrument on short circuit, the line being directly connected
to earth meanwhile; while this is taking place the wheel (of train F)
advances, and being adjusted by its regulator it cuts off part, of the
force of the current at an appointed period, so that a certain amount of
current of the higher force is permitted to enter the line at the com-
mencement of each signal, and the current is afterwards reduced, as
the conditions of the circuit may direct, to a force sufficient to maintain
the effect produced at the distant end for such a time as the system of
signalling or length of circuit may dictate. Differences in the amount
of surface, or in the number of elements, may thus be made at an inter-
mediate or repeating station, as well as at the terminus of any long line.
In describing the mode which I prefer of applying this part of my
Invention, I have adopted an ordinary escapement for effecting the
changes of connections, but I do not confine myself thereto, as the
system of transmitting signals through one circuit by means of regulated
mechanism brought into action by electrical currents transmitted
through another circuit, and vice versa, may be varied in its details
by the use of other mechanical arrangements for bringing into play the
clockwork or other motive power, or the mechanism may be used for
carrying into effect a part only of the changes of connections required
(as, for instance, the discharge to earth, or the correction of the residual
effects of a former current, by passing another current into the conductor
for a greater or less period as required), the other part being effected
by the action of levers worked directly by relays and local currents, after
the plan now generally adopted for repeating signals at relay stations.
Instead of the motion of the clockwork mechanism being intermittent,
it may be continuous where very great accuracy of the periods of the
various connections is desirable; and the wheel or other appliance used
to produce the different alternations of current may be coupled to and
disconnected from the moving mechanism by the agency of the electric
currents.
In this part and the fourth part of my Invention, I employ, where
great exactitude of motion is desirable, a conical pendulum driven by
the clockwork train or other mechanism, and governed by means of
electrical currents sent at each half second (or other periods) by a
regulator clock, whereby any variation of rate is from time to time
corrected.
At Figure 15 is shown an arrangement of this kind, wherein a is a
shaft of the clockwork mechanism driving pendulum b, and carrying
magnet c (seen in end view), the position. of which in respect to the

page_text: poles of electro-magnets d, d, will be understood from Figure 16, which
represents the same arrangement in plan, the upper part of the pendulum
being removed to show the electrical regulation more clearly. More
electro-magnets may, of course, be added if the length of the two
pendulums require it.
It will be seen that if the power driving shaft a and the dimensions of
pendulum bare so proportioned as to be calculated to produce such a
rate of motion that the magnet a shall be in a line with the poles of
electro-magnets d, d, at the time when the currents are sent from the
clock, the effect of the electro-magnets (which are so connected as to
attract the rotating magnet when a current is sent through them) will
be to compensate for any variation in rate arising from variable friction
or other causes. The magnet, in the case of any lagging behind, will
be attracted towards the clectro-magnets when the current passes
through them, so that an additional amount of force will be distributed
through the rotation of the pendulum for the time; while in the case of
the pendulum overrunning its proper speed from like causes, the currents
will have the effect of spreading a certain amount of retardation over.
its movement, by which its speed will be controlled to the required rate.
By placing a disc upon the shaft a, the coils may be put on short circuit,
or disconnected, when the magnet is opposite their poles, so that when
the pendulum is travelling at the exact speed required no currents will
pass.
'
At Figure 17 is shown in plan a fly wheel with adjusting vanes and
weights, which may be advantageously placed upon the shaft a, in place
of the pendulum arrangement, where it is frequently found necessary.
to adjust the speed of motion, or where from motives of economy. or con-
venience the pendulum is objectionable; the action of the magnet and
electro-magnets is in this case the same as before mentioned.
This system of electrical regulation may be advantageously used when-
ever a great degree of regularity of continuous motion is required, as in
controlling the rate of motion of astronomical instruments or recording
apparatus of various kinds.
In the third part of-my-Invention I employ for sending currents a key
combined with a switch, by which the conductor may be cleared of the
residual effect of a former current, and the circuit changed for receiv-
ing at one operation; a slide fitting upon the key longitudinally has.a
handle at the end of the key, by which it is worked, which is drawn up
by the hand of the operator when sending currents; at the end of the
slide nearest to the axle of the key is a contact stud, which presses,
when the slide is in its place of rest, against a stud in connection with

page_text: the receiving coils of the instrument; upon the handle of the slide being
drawn up, the contact stud presses against a plate (fixed to the key, but
insulated from it) in connection with the battery; on the handle of the
slide being released, a spring draws it back, and in its passage back the
contact stud touches a spring in direct connection with the earth, before'
recovering its original position.
The fourth part of my Invention has reference to the transmission of
signals through such lines as from their length or other causes require
great care to be exercised in the duration and nature of each current
sent to produce a given effect, or in the period of discharge between the
separate signal.
This and the second part of my Invention are especially adapted for
use in connection with the system of signalling patented by E. B. Bright,
dated 13th January 1858, No. 54, in which each separate current, whether
positive or negative, produces a separate signal, compensating when
necessary for the residual effect of the previous current, as well as pro-
"ducing its own effect; but these parts of my Invention may also be used
for the ordinary reversing system of signalling, wherein the moving
part of the relay is moved in one direction by one current, and in the
reverse direction by the other, producing one signal by the two move-
ments, or for the usual make or break or single current system employed
In this part
on short submarine lines and wires suspended in the air.
of my Invention I employ a key board fitted with a finger key for each
separate sign which it is desired to transmit, or for each letter of the
alphabet, where the conditions of the line are such as to require a close
apportionment of the duration or force of each current employed in the
various combinations used for complete letters.
A train of wheels or other convenient means of obtaining regular
motion controlled by the electrical regulator before described, or by any
other governor, is so arranged that by pressure upon any key, a corre-
sponding wheel or disc is geared into or coupled to the machinery when
in motion; upon each such wheel are cams or studs, by which various
forces or durations of currents are brought into successive action (as in
the second part of my Invention), as well as reversals of the currents,
and where desirable, varied periods of connection directly between line
and earth between the currents. Upon the completion of the signal, the
end of a lever, which is raised by the action of the key, falls into a slot
in the periphery of the disc or wheel, which is then ready for the trans-
mission of another signal when required. The line and earth are con-
nected directly to each other during the pause between the end of one
signal and the commencement of the next. When great precision is
desirable, I provide two keys for each sign, one adapted for use when

page_text: the previous current has been such as to leave small residual effects, and
another when the residual effects are great, as, for instance, when in
the ordinary recording alphabet a dot follows a dash; a third key may
also be employed after a longer discharge than the usual pause between
the letters when one letter ends with a dash and its successor com-
mences with a dot, but this is only necessary when working circuits of
very great length.
This apparatus may be adapted for use as a retransmitting instru-
ment after the system described in the second part of this Specification,
where the variety of signs required does not exceed two in number, by
employing two electro-magnets actuating two permanent magnets, one
of which brings into play a wheel by which a current of one degree of
force or duration is forwarded on to another circuit, the other magnet
bringing into play another wheel, by which a current of a different
degree of force is forwarded on. The primary circuit, or that by which
the retransmitting instrument is influenced, may be worked by the finger
keys and relay described in the first part of this Specification, one of
which, in signalling, may be employed for sending a current a dot, the
other a dash; the currents being alternated each time by a separate
commutator in connection with the keys, if the nature of the primary
circuit renders the use of opposite currents desirable.
In the fifth part of my Invention I so arrange step-by-step indicating
or printing telegraphs, that on moving a handle at the sending station
by which a current is sent to the receiving station, the instrument at
the latter station advances one letter or division, and in so doing returns
a current back to the sending instrument, by which the index of the dial
of the sending instrument (or a wheel or other suitable part thereof) is
advanced one division, upon which, and only then, another current
passes to the receiving instrument, and so on, until the desired letter
has been reached. By this system the instruments are both advanced
by currents of equal strength, or nearly so, and the difficulty now
commonly experienced in instruments of this class from the over polari-
zation of the electro-magnets of the sending instrument is avoided.
I also in this part of my Invention cause a light spring to be wound
up by the rotation of the indicator, which gathers it up by a ratchet
wheel and click, upon the release of which by a current differing in
character from those used to advance the indicator, it is brought back
to zero; I also employ a relay in connection with step-by-step telegraphs,
causing a local battery to move the indicator both in sending and
receiving.
In the sixth part of my Invention I employ relays capable of being
moved in one direction by a positive current, and in the opposite by a

page_text: negative current, being retained in a central position when no current
is passing by the attraction of a pole or poles of an electro-magnet, the
influence of which upon the moving part of the relay is neutralized
during the passage of a current of either kind through the coils of the
relay.
The seventh part of my Invention has reference to the testing out the
position of defects in telegraphic conductors. In the Patent granted to
E. B. Bright and myself on the 21st October 1852, No. 14,331, is described
the method of testing wires by the use of resistance coils, then first
invented by us.
In my present Invention, each end of the defective conductor is tested
by being connected to a galvanometer, the other side of which is joined
to one pole of a battery, the other pole of which is in connection with
the earth. To the first-named pole of the battery is also connected
another galvanometer exactly similar to the first, to the other side of
which is connected sufficient artificial resistance in the manner described
in the Patent to which I have just referred, until the result indicated
by the two galvanometers is the same, or until the needle stands at zero,
in case a differential galvanometer is used with coils so connected as to
produce antagonistic effects upon the needle. The relative proportions
of the resistance found necessary to produce the above result at each end
are then compared with the total length of the conductor tested. The
artificial resistance used at each end must be of the same character and
standard one with each other.
In this part of my Invention I use tubes formed of an insulating
material, and containing distilled water or other suitable fluid for test-
ing purposes.
Where the resistance of a submarine cable is accurately
known and can be conveniently and truly represented by resistance coils
or other reliable standard, I employ a very sensitive galvanometer,
upon which the feeble current generated by any fault of magnitude in
the cable may be indicated; the galvanometer being connected to the
line and earth will show a different amount of deflection when applied
to each end of the conductor (unless the fault is in the middle or nearly
so of the line), and if a resistance corresponding to certain lengths of
the cable be then added to the end which shows the greatest result until
the indication at each end is the same, the position of the fault may then
be calculated.
In witness whereof, I, the said Sir Charles Tilston Bright, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, this Sixth day of August, One
thousand eight hundred and sixty.