IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHIC APPARATUS
Year: 1858

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Edward Newton, of the Office for Patents,
66, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHIC APPARATUS."-A com-
munication.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Edward Newton,
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
23rd October 1858.
I WILLIAM EDWARD NEWTON of the Office for Patents 66 Chancery
Lane in the County of Middlesex Civil Engineer do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHIC APPARATUS,"
to be as follows:-
The first part of this Invention has for its object to send and receive
messages simultaneously over the same wire; and this is accomplished by the
employment of an accessory magnet and an accessory battery to each instru-
ment in combination with the main batteries and main magnets, and with a
means of reversing the direction of the current of each of the main batteries.
The apparatus for carrying out this part of the Invention consists essentially of
two parts viz. the key or transmitting apparatus and the relay or receiving
apparatus. The transmitting key also serves to reverse the direction of the
current, and may therefore be called a reversing key. The reversing key or
transmitting apparatus consists of a key pivoted to standards and regulated in
18976-2.

page_text: position horizontally by screws; it is raised from its anvil by a spring its
motion in this direction being regulated by an adjusting screw and nuts. At
its rear end the key carries three platina points, beneath three springs, the
distance of these points from the springs being adjusted by thumbscrews.
The centre point is in communication with the key and the outside points
are insulated. The key and the other details of the instrument are insulated
by the wooden foundation, except so far as they are connected with the
batteries and with each other by wires. Contact springs rest upon anvils the
height of which is adjusted by screws. The outside contact springs are for
the purpose of reversing the poles of the main battery (or the direction of the
main currents) the middle spring is for the purpose of opening or closing the
accessary circuit.
The key and the springs are so adjusted as to close one circuit, or make one
contact precisely at or before the time of breaking or opening another circuit
or contact, and this is effected by so adjusting the springs with reference to
the key, that when the key is depressed it shall make contact with the springs
at the very moment of beginning to lift them from their stops or anvils.
The relay magnet consists of the main magnet and the accessary magnet;
the two are precisely similar and each consists of a spool of fine insulated
wire inside of which are the cores or magnets which consist of a round bar
of iron armed at each end with a rectangular bar of soft iron, which may be
called the armatures. The face of the outer end of each armature is inclined
at an angle of nearly forty-five degrees and the two are so arranged that when
in contact they seem to form rectangular bars across the poles of the magnets.
The armatures of the main magnet are stationary but the armatures of the
accessary magnet together with its arm are allowed to vibrate a short distance.
The armatures are separated from each other and the arm is drawn down by
a spring and when so drawn down the arm rests upon the platina point and
the local registering circuit is closed, the register being thereby thrown into
action. When the other armature is drawn down, the arm is carried up
against an ivory point. The points are adjusted by screws; and the armatures
and arm pivot with the bar upon the centres. From the above description it
is evident that when from any cause the armatures are attracted to each other
the arm will be raised and the register of that instrument will be thrown out
of action and when from any cause the armatures are separated the arm falls
and the register is brought into action. If either one of the magnets be
charged or if they are both charged so that their armatures indicate opposite
polarities, the armatures are drawn together but when both magnets are charged
so that their armatures possess similar polarities, then the armatures repel each

page_text: other and the register is set in action. The main magnet is included in the
main telegraphic circuit, and the accessary magnet in the circuit of the
accessary battery.
By the depression of the first key the currents of the main batteries will
be caused to move in opposite directions and neutralize each other, and the
accessary battery and accessary magnet of the first instrument will be brought
into action, whereby the register of this instrument is still kept from acting
but if the key of the other instrument be depressed the direction of the
current of the main battery of this instrument is also reversed and the united
currents of the main batteries of the two instruments will proceed together in a
direction contrary to that which they took before either key was depressed.
It should be mentioned here that the strength of each accessary battery is such
that its effect upon its magnet shall be equal or very nearly so to the effect
produced upon the main magnet by the united currents of the two main
batteries. The accessary batteries are so arranged with respect to their
magnets that the armatures shall indicate similar polarities with the armatures
of the main magnets when the currents of the two main batteries are reversed
by the depression of the keys of both instruments.
A similar state of things now exists on each instrument; the armatures
being similarly magnetized repel each other, the levers drop and both registers
are brought into action and thus a message may be simultaneously sent and
received over a single wire. It is evident that a branch of the main battery
may be used as a substitute for an independent accessary battery without
departing from the principle of this Invention.
For generating the electric current, instead of galvanic batteries any other
suitable means of generating this current may be employed, but this forms no
part of the present Invention and need not be further described. And in
lieu of the electro-magnets described electro-magnetic coils and permanent
steel magnets may be employed.
The second part of this Invention has reference to a means of printing
despatches as received which will now be described. Between two plates
which may be called the front and back plates are placed the wheels of two
trains which are operated by weights and cords on their respective drums.
One of the trains runs continuously (when wound up) and gives motion to the
type wheel and the parts immediately connected therewith; this train will be
designated as the type wheel train. The other train which works the printing
apparatus and will be called the printing train is only brought into action at
intervals when the circuit is broken. But as it is essential that the rate of
movement of the two trains should coincide when in motion, they are con

page_text: nected together by a click and ratchet which prevents the printing train from
being carried any faster than the type wheel train the power driving the
former train being sufficient to oblige it at all times to keep pace with the
other train. In order that the rate of movement of the type wheel train may
be more uniform than it otherwise would be I have attached to it a friction
regulator in which is an annular brass box secured to the top of two
plates within this box revolves a wheel attached to the top end of a vertical
shaft which has its bearings in a stud and rests on a step projecting from one
of the two plates before mentioned, motion being given to this shaft from the
type wheel train by the gearing engaging with a pinion on the vertical shaft.
Attached to the apparatus is a regulator which enables the operators at the
two ends of a telegraphic line to run their instruments at a nearly uniform
rate, and as the type wheel of each instrument may be frequently adjusted
they are enabled to keep the two instruments in unison which is essential to
their correct operation.
There are two screw cups connected with the opposite poles of a galvanic
battery, and from one of these a wire is led to the magnet, from which a wire
attached to the back plate forms an electric connection through the frame and
machinery (which are all of brass or other suitable conducting material) with
the shaft which carries the type wheel. This type wheel has on its periphery
the 26 letters of the alphabet, a character for a dot and one for a dash to
these the 28 keys on a key board correspond, whilst one key marked 29 is
used to set the machinery in motion.
The shaft of the type wheel also carries a ratchet wheel and an arm which
carries at its outer end a spring, the end of which as the shaft revolves passes
over and in contact with the face of an insulated segment circle secured to the
front plate, but not in electric contact either with the plate or the shaft of the
type wheel except through the spring. Each of the metal segments of the
circle is insulated from those alongside of it and is connected by an insulated
wire passing down under the bed of the instrument with the circuit spring of
its corresponding key there are 28 segments and 28 wires. The circuit
spring of key No. 29 is connected by an insulated wire directly with the screw
cup, which as before stated is in communication with one pole of the battery.
A second series of circuit springs rise up between the lower or long keys, and
come in contact with the upper or short keys. Each key (including No. 29)
is mounted on a strip of sheet brass secured to a wooden bar attached to the
bed; the ends of all the strips next to the bar are placed in electric connection
with each other by means of a wire passing over them, whilst the outer end
of each strip where it turns up over the end of the key, is in contact with its

page_text: respective circuit spring. Thus when the keys are at rest an electric circuiț
is established through the instrument as follows; From one pole of the battery
to one of the screw cups, thence to the coil which is thus made a magnet,
then through the framework to the type wheel shaft and the segment of the
circle with which the spring is in contact, thence from the segment through
its wire to the circuit spring of its respective key, thence through a strip and
wire to the strip of key 29, thence by circuit spring and its wire to the other
screw cup and the other pole of the battery. When however a key is pressed
down, its circuit spring rests on a small insulated piece on the end of the key,
and the circuit is broken.
The armature of the magnet is secured to an upright lever carried on a short
shaft which has its bearings in two short standards rising from the bed. As
the armature is drawn up to the coil when it becomes a magnet, or is drawn
back from it by a light spring when the circuit is broken, it acts on a lever
which vibrates in a short arc.
A shaft having its bearings in the frame carries a detent which is held up
in position by a spring placed behind it. This shaft also carries a bent arm
which projects towards the coil, so that when the armature is released from
the coil and the lever is drawn back by the spring, a pin projecting from the
lever strikes against the arm, and vibrates the detent a short distance against
the resistance of the spring. Another shaft, having its bearings in the frame
and in the back plate carries a pinion which engages with the wheel of the
printing train to this shaft is secured a dog the path of the revolution of
which is intercepted by the detent; but whenever the electric circuit is broken,
and the detent is pushed back, the dog is released, and the shaft is left free to
revolve, and the printing mechanism is set in motion. The following device
is employed for holding the type wheel stationary whilst a letter is being
printed and for releasing it A stud projecting from the front plate supports
a bent lever, one end of which is formed into a hook which engages with a
ratchet wheel; the other end hangs down within the path of a cam.
A spring presses the hook into contact with the ratchet wheel whenever the
revolution of the shaft releases the lower arm of the lever from the cam and
holds the type wheel stationary until the shaft completes its revolution, and
the cam again trips the lever, and allows the type wheel shaft to revolve.
The cam is so adjusted with respect to the dog that when the latter is
resting on the detent, the cam shall hold the hook on the end of the arm out
of contact with the ratchet wheel. The notches on the wheel correspond to
the characters on the type wheel.
An arm carries a roll or revolving platen, on which rests the strip of paper

page_text: to be printed, so that at each revolution of the shaft the paper is pressed up
against the type wheel to receive the impression of a letter or character.
Suitable inking rolls furnish the type wheel with ink, but as neither the mode
of inking nor the manner of feeding along the slip of paper as the printing
proceeds form any part of the present Invention, they need not now be
described.
In order that the two instruments at the opposite ends of a telegraphic line
may the one send and the other record the same letter it is necessary that
they shall run in unison; to effect this the following automatic adjustment is
employed, by which the type wheel is arrested at a predetermed letter or
character whenever the operation of the instrument is interrupted a sufficient
length of time to permit the type wheel to make three revolutions. A curved
arm and a longer arm are attached to a disc which is carried loosely on the
arbor of a drum a spring or friction clutch attached to the curved arm presses
against a disc secured to the arbor of the drum so that as the drum is
revolved by the fall of its weight, the arms are carried by the friction of the
disc on the spring slowly down until the end of the curved arm intercepts the
path of a pin projecting from the face of the ratchet wheel and arrests the
type wheel at the predetermined letter. This arm however is raised clear of
the path of the pin at every revolution of the shaft. Thus the printing may
proceed without any interruption from the curved arm but whenever the
printing ceases, the type wheel will be arrested at the predetermined point,
and when it is again started will alway start with the same letter. This (in
connection with the friction regulator) enables the operators to keep the
machines at the opposite ends of the line in unison with each other.
It is obvious that all these machines described as employed at one station
may be combined in one in lieu of being separated as above described.
It is also evident that other forms of transmitting instruments having a key
board, or of receiving instruments that print or indicate letters may be sub-
stituted in lieu of the ones described above, in connection with the reversing
key and accessary magnet. I do not therefore wish to limit myself to the
exact form of transmitting or receiving instruments described above.
The essential features of novelty in the above described apparatus are 1st
the use, in a relay, of an accessary circuit, to counteract the effect upon such
relay, of the reversal of the current of the main battery, situated at the same
station with this relay, in order that this relay and the reversing apparatus
connected with it may be maintained in a proper condition to indicate the
reversal of the current from the main battery situated at the other extremity
of the line,

page_text: 2nd the employment of an accessary magnet and an accessary battery to
each instrument in combination with the main batteries and main magnets,
and with a means of reversing the direction of the current of each of the main
batteries.
3rd the use of a reversing key so constructed and adjusted with reference to
its springs as in its operations to reverse the direction of the current of its
main battery simultaneously with the closing or opening of the accessary
circuit.
4th the employment of wires to connect the several segments of a circuit
wheel with their respective keys in the key board, whereby I am enabled to
transfer to the vicinity of the key board the place for making and breaking
the proper circuit for printing any desired letter.
5th arresting the motion of the letter wheel of a printing telegraphic
instrument at a given point by mechanism that is thrown out of action by the
operations of signalling as set forth, and is automatically brought to bear upon
the letter wheel again, whenever the signallizing is momentarily interrupted
for the purpose of causing the type wheels at each end of the line to correspond
in their indications.
6th the several instruments herein described as being situated at one end
of a line of telegraph when used together have a certain definite relation to
the line, and by means of it, a mutual relation to, and correspondence with,
similar instruments situated at the other end of the line, and thus constitute
a means, instrument, or device for simultaneously transmitting signals both
ways and recording them.
A distinctive feature of the Invention in connection with a line of telegraph,
is the use, at each end of such line, of the instruments herein described, viz
a transmitting instrument having a key board; a reversing key, which in its
action shall reverse the direction of the current of the main battery at its
end of the line, and simultaneously close or open the accessary circuit; a
relay having a main and accessary circuit; and lastly a receiving printing
instrument.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Edward Newton in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 21st April 1859.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME I WILLIAM
EDWARD NEWTON of the Office for Patents 66 Chancery Lane in the County
of Middlesex Civil Engineer send greeting.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her Letters
Patent bearing date the Twenty-third day of October in the year of our Lord
1858 in the twenty-second year of Her reign did for Herself Her heirs and
successors give and grant unto me the said William Edward Newton Her
special license that I the said William Edward Newton my executors
administrators and assigns or such others as I the said William Edward
Newton 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 of "IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHIC
APPARATUS" being communication from M. G. Farmer of Salem Massa-
chusetts United States of America upon the condition (amongst others) that
I the said William Edward Newton by an instrument in writing under my
hand and seal 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 William Edward Newton do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed and to the
letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say)
The first part of this Invention has for its object to send and receive
messages simultaneously over the same wire; and this is accomplished by the
employment of an accessory magnet and an accessory battery, to each instru-
ment, in combination with the main batteries and main magnets, and with a
means of reversing the direction of the current of each of the main batteries,
as will be hereafter more particularly described.
The apparatus for carrying out this part of the Invention consists essentially
of two parts the key or transmitting apparatus, and the relay or receiving
apparatus. The transmitting key also serves to reverse the direction of the
current, and may therefore be called a reversing key.
This part of the Invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 of the accom-
panying Drawings Fig. 1 being a plan of the reversing key or transmitting
apparatus and of the relay or receiving apparatus placed side by side. Fig. 2
is an elevation of the relay or receiving apparatus, as seen from the point A
of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 a section on the line B B of Fig; 1 looking in the
direction of the arrow and showing the reversing key and the parts imme-

page_text: diately connected therewith, in elevation Fig. 4 represents two sets of
instruments in working order, at the opposite ends of a line Figs. 5. 6. and
7. Diagrams to illustrate the operation of the instruments that will be referred
to hereafter.
The reversing key or transmitting apparatus will first be described. The
key C, seen in plan in Figs. 1 and 4 and in elevation in Fig. 3 is pivoted
at a to standards D and is regulated in position horizontally by screws 6
and c it is raised from its anvil E by the spring d its motion in this direction
being regulated by the adjusting screw and nuts F. At its rear end the key
carries three platina points e e¹ e² seen dotted in Fig. 1 beneath the springs
H H H one of these points is seen in elevation at e Fig. 3 their distance
from the springs being adjusted by thumbscrews f. The centre point e¹ is
in communication with the key C; the outside points e e³ are insulated. The
key and the other details of the instrument are insulated by the wooden
foundation G except so far as they are connected with the batteries and with
each other by wires as will be hereafter more fully described. H H¹.H2
are contact springs which rest upon the anvils S S¹ S (Fig. 3) the height of
which is adjusted by screws g. The outside contact springs are for the purpose
of reversing the poles of the main battery (or the direction of the main
currents) the middle spring H¹ is for the purpose of opening or closing what
I term the accessory circuit. The key and the springs are so adjusted as to
close one circuit or make one contact precisely at or before the time of
breaking or opening another circuit or contact, and this is effected by so
adjusting the springs with reference to the key that when the key is
depressed it shall make contact with the springs at the very moment of
beginning to lift them from their stops or anvils.
The relay magnet is seen in plan in Figs. 1 and 4 and in elevation in
Fig. 2. I is the main magnet K the accessory magnet; the two are
precisely similar and each consists of a spool of fine insulated wire, inside of
which are the cores or magnets which consist of a round bar of iron armed
at each end with a rectangular bar of soft iron m m¹ which may be called
the armatures. The face of the outer end of each armature is inclined at an
angle of nearly 45° as seen in Fig. 2 and the two are so arranged that when
in contact they seem to form rectangular bars across the poles of the magnets.
The armatures m of the main magnet are stationary, but the armatures m¹
of the accessory magnet together with its arm L are allowed to vibrate a
short distance under circumstances which will be presently explained. The
armatures m m² are separated from each other and the arm L drawn down
by the spring when so drawn down the arm rests upon the platina point n

page_text: From the above
(Fig. 2,) and the local registering circuit is closed the register (not shown
in these Figures) being thereby thrown into action. When the armature m¹
is drawn down upon m the arm L is carried up against the ivory point / the
points n and being adjusted by the screws o and p and the armatures m³
and arm L pivoting with the bar h¹ upon the centers k.
description it is evident that when from any cause the armatures m m¹ are
attracted to each other the arm L will be raised and the register of that
instrument will be thrown out of action, and when from any cause the
armatures are separated as in Fig. 2 the arm L falls and the register is
brought into action. If either one of the magnets be charged or if they are
both charged so that their armatures m m² indicate opposite polarities the
armatures are drawn together, but when both magnets are charged so that
their armatures possess similar polarities, then the armatures repel each other
and the register is set in action. The magnet I is included in the main
telegraphic circuit and the accessory magnet in the circuit of the accessory
battery as will now be more fully explained.
When the instrument is not in operation as in Fig. 5 the main circuit is
closed, the positive current passing by the wire q to the screw cup M thence
by the wire to the spring H thence to its anvil S and by the wire t to the
screw cup N thence by wire u to screw cup O from which by the wire v it
passes to the main magnet I thence by wire w to screw cup P and ground
plate Z. From the corresponding ground plate at the other station it passes
through this machine in a direction the reverse of that just traced and enters
the main battery at the negative pole; from the positive end of this battery it
passes by the wirej to the screw cup Q thence to the spring H2 and to its
anvil S thence by the screw cup R over the line wire C² to the instrument
at the first station which it re-enters by its screw cup R and by way of the
spring H³ and cup Q enters the negative pole of the main battery. The
main magnets of both instruments are thus charged and each register is held
out of action by the elevation of the arm L. When the instruments are thus
at rest, the circuit of the accessory battery Y is broken proceeding on the one
hand by the wire and screw cup S to the key C and on the other hand by
the wire y screw cup T through the magnet K thence by the screw cups U
and V to the contact spring H' here the circuit is broken the spring H¹ not
being in contact with the key C and consequently the magnet K remains
unchanged and inactive. Thus far the currents of the two main batteries
have acted in unison their poles being reversed with respect to their machines.
It now remains to be seen what will be the consequence of a depression of the
key C of either one of the instruments; whenever the key is thus depressed

page_text: as in Fig. 6 the contact of the springs is changed from their anvils to the
points e ele in the ivory bar W upon the end of the key C. The current
of the main battery of this instrument over the line wire C is now reversed as
will be seen by tracing out the connections. Starting from the positive end of
the main battery X it proceeds by cup M spring H point e and wire a³ to
anvil S³ thence through screw cup R over the line wire in a direction contrary
to that which it took before the key C was depressed. Entering the other
instrument it proceeds through the course already marked out for this current
but in a reversed direction and re-enters the first instrument by its ground
plate Z thence by the magnet I and screw cups O and N to anvil S thence
by wire 6 to the insulated point es on the bar W thence by spring H³ and
screw cup to the negative pole of the battery. No change having taken
place in the direction of the current from the main battery of the other
instrument, the two currents oppose each other and their effect upon the
main magnets of each instrument is neutralized and these magnets are con-
sequently both thrown out of action. Other and differing effects are also
produced upon the two instruments; at that station where the key C is not
depressed, the main magnet ceasing to act, the armatures m m¹ are no longer
attracted to each other, and the arm L drops thus setting the register of this
machine in action as before explained and this instrument receives the
message sent.
The main magnet I of the transmitting instrument is equally
thrown out of action by the depression of its key C and it remains to show in
what manner its registering apparatus is kept quiet while the one at the other
end of the line is in action. As the key is depressed the point e¹ is brought in
contact with the spring H¹ by which the circuit of the accessory battery is
closed and the magnet K within this circuit is charged, by this means the
armature m¹ is magnetized and is attracted towards the armature m by which
means the arm L is retained elevated and the register of this instrument is
not called into action on the depression of its key. The same state of things
however does not exist upon the other instrument as its accessory battery is
not brought into action upon its magnet K.
It now remains to be seen what will be the result of a simultaneous
depression of the keys upon both instruments as in Fig. 7. By the depression
of the first key the currents of the main batteries were caused to move in
opposite directions and neutralize each other, and the accessory battery and
accessory magnet of the first instrument were brought into action whereby
the register of this instrument is still kept from acting. If now the key of
the other instrument he depressed the direction of the current of the main
battery of this instrument is also reversed and the united currents from the

page_text: main batteries of the two instruments will proceed together in a direction
contrary to that which they took before either key was depressed.
It should be mentioned here that the strength of each accessory battery is
such that its effect upon its magnet K shall be equal or very nearly so to the
effect produced upon the magnet I by the united currents of the two main
batteries. The accessory batteries are so arranged with respect to their
magnets K that the armatures m' shall indicate similar polarities with the
armatures m of the magnets I when the currents of the two main batteries
are reversed by the depression of the keys of both instruments. A similar
state of things now exists on each instrument, the armatures m m¹ being
similarly magnetized repel each other, the levers L drop and both registers
are brought into action and thus a message may be simultaneously sent and
received over a single wire. Figs. 5. 6. and 7 are diagrams which illustrate
the course of the currents when the instruments are at rest or in operation.
The right-hand portion of each of these diagrams which may denote the in-
strument in London corresponds to the left-hand instrument in Fig. 4 and the
left-hand portion of the diagrams which may denote the instrument in Liverpool
corresponds to the right-hand instrument in Fig. 4. In Fig. 5 neither instru-
ment is writing. The current from the positive end of the Liverpool battery
passes by the spring H' and line wire C³ to the instrument in London, and by
the spring H of this instrument to the negative end of its battery, leaving
the positive end of this battery it passes by the spring H to the magnet I
thence to the ground plate Z and by the ground to the corresponding plate of
the Liverpool instrument thence by the magnet I and spring H to the
negative end of the battery from which it first started. In Fig. 6 the
Liverpool key C¹ is depressed and the current from its battery then takes the
following course Starting from the positive end as before it passes by spring
H2 to the key C thence by the wire (62 of Fig. 4) and the anvil of spring H
to the magnet I (the auxiliary magnet K of this instrument being brought
into operation as before explained to hold the lever L up from its anvil) from
the magnet I and ground plate it passes to the instrument at London and
from its magnet I it passes by spring H to the positive end of this battery
thence from the negative end of this battery by the spring H and line wire C²
back to the Liverpool instrument entering by the anvil of the spring H'
thence by the key C and spring H back to the negative end of the battery.
The two currents moving in opposite directions neutralize each other as before
explained and the arm L of the London instrument sets the register battery
of this instrument in operation.
In Figure 7. the keys of both the Liverpool and London instruments are

page_text: represented as depressed the currents of both batteries taking the following
course. Starting from the positive end of the Liverpool battery the current
passes by spring H2 key C and anvil of spring H to magnet I thence by
ground plate to London entering the magnet I thence by anvil of H key C
and spring H² to the negative end of this battery, thence from the positive end
of this battery to spring H key C and wire to the anvil of H2 thence by
main line wire C back to Liverpool and by the anvil of H2 and wire to
key C and by spring H and wire back to the negative end of the battery.
It is evident that a branch of the main battery, may be used as a substitute
for an independant accessory battery without departing from the principle of
this Invention. Thus far galvanic batteries have been spoken of as a means
of generating the electric current any other suitable means of generating this
current may be employed, but this forms no part of the present Invention
and need not be further described and in lieu of the electro-magnets described,
electro-magnetic coils and permanent steel magnets may be employed.
The second part of this Invention has reference to a means of printing
despatches as received which will now be described. The Drawings referred to
in illustration of this part of the Invention are numbered 8. 9. 10. and 11. in
which Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the telegraphic printing machine. Fig. 9
is a rear elevation the back plate being removed. Figs. 10 and 11 details,
which will be referred to hereafter.
A is the box or bed of the instrument from which rise the front plate B³
and the back plate C³ (the latter being removed in Fig. 9.) Between these
plates are placed the wheels of two trains, which are operated by weights and
cords on their respective drums E2 and D. The train E² runs continuously
(when wound up) and gives motion to the type wheel and the parts imme-
diately connected therewith, this train will be designated as the type wheel
train. The train D' which works the printing apparatus and will be called
the printing train is only brought into action at intervals when the circuit is
broken, as will be hereafter described. But as it is essential that the rate of
movement of the two trains should coincide when in motion, they are
connected together by a click and ratchet (shown in Fig 11) this prevents the
train D' from being carried any faster than the train E², the power driving
the train D being sufficient to oblige it at all times to keep pace with the
train E. In order that the rate of movement of the train E' may be more
uniform than it otherwise would be I have attached to it a friction regulator
(shown in Figs. 8 and 9) in which F is an annular brass box secured to the
top of the plates C and B' within this box revolves a wheel G attached to
the top end of a vertical shaft a³ which has its bearings in a stud 6³ and rests

page_text: on a step c³ projecting from the plate C³. Motion is given to this shaft from
the train Es by the gear d³ engaging with a pinion on the shaft a. To the
periphery of the wheel G there is attached on each of the two opposite sides
(so as to balance it) a heavy segment f which is so attached to the wheel
that one end of the segment may play towards and from the centre of the
wheel. The end of the segment thus vibrating is drawn towards the centre
of the wheel by a light adjustable spring es so that the segment is kept out of
contact with the inner side of the annular box F but when the motion of
the train becomes more rapid than is desirable the revolution of the wheel G
causes the segments f³ to be thrown out by centrifugal force against the box
when the friction of these parts retards the velocity of the machinery.
This regulator enables the operators at the two ends of a telegraphic line
to run their instruments at a nearly uniform rate, and as the type wheel of
each instrument may be frequently adjusted (in a manner which will be
presently described) they are enabled to keep the two instruments in unison
which is essential to their correct operation. Three posts projecting
horizontally from the front plate B2 support a frame H³ which serves as a
bearing for one end of certain shafts and arbors while their opposite ends are
carried in the plate B2 I2 and K are screw cups connected with the opposite
poles of a galvanic battery. From one of these K² a wire is led to the
magnet L from which a wire 20 attached to the back plate C³ forms an
electric connection through the frame and machinery (which are all of brass
or other suitable conducting material) with the shaft 23 which carries the type
wheel. This type wheel (in the instrument here represented) has on its
periphery the 26 letters of the alphabet a character for a dot and one for a
dash to these the 28 keys on the key board correspond whilst one key
marked 29 is used to set the machinery in motion in a way which will be
hereafter told. The shaft also carries a ratchet wheel and an arm
which carries at its outer end a spring m³ the end of which as the shaft
revolves passes over and in contact with the face of an insulated segment
circle M³ secured to the front of the plate B2 but not in electric contact
either with the plate or the shaft 3 except through the spring m³. Each of
the metal segments of the circle M' is insulated from those alongside of it and
is connected by an insulated wire W passing down under the bed of the
instrument with the circuit spring n³ of its corresponding key. There are 28
segments and 28 wires (the wires being shown in green). The circuit spring
03 of key No. 29 is connected by an insulated wire (shown dotted in Fig. 8)
directly with the screw cup I³ which cup as before stated is in communication
with one pole of the battery.

page_text: A second series of circuit springs (not shown in the Drawings) similar
to n³ rise up between the lower or long keys and come in contact with the
upper or short keys. Each key (including No. 29) is mounted on a strip of
sheet brass secured to a wooden bar N' attached to the bed A* the ends
of all the strips ps next to the bar N2 are placed in electric connection with
each other by means of a wire q³ passing over them, whilst the outer end of
each strip where it turns up over the end of the key as at 7 is in contact
with its respective circuit spring n³. Thus when the keys are at rest an
electric circuit is established through the instrument as follows From one
pole of the battery to screw cup K² thence to coil L' which is thus made a
magnet, then through the framework to the shaft 3 arm and spring m³ to
the segment of the circle M² with which the spring is in contact thence from
the segment through its wire W to the circuit spring n³ of its respective key
thence through strip p³ and wire q to the strip p³ of key 29 thence by circuit
spring o³ and its wire to screw cup Is and the other pole of the battery.
When, however a key is pressed down its circuit spring rests on a small
insulated piece 8 on the end of the key and the circuit is broken. The
armature O Fig. 10 of the magnet L' is secured to an upright lever P* carried
on a short shaft which has its bearings in two short standards rising from
the bed A. The lever P vibrates through a short arc as the armature O2 is
drawn up to the coil L when it becomes a magnet or is drawn back from it
by a light spring when the circuit is broken. The tension of the spring is
regulated by turning a thumbscrew in the usual manner. A shaft Q³
having its bearings in the frame H3 and in the plate B carries a detent ³
which is held up in position by a spring 5 placed behind it. The shaft Q³ also
carries a bent arm which projects towards the coil L³ so that when the
armature O2 is released from the coil and the lever P³ is drawn back by the
spring S³ a pin 6 projecting from the lever P strikes against the arm v³ and
vibrates the detent us a short distance in the direction of its arrow, against the
resistance of the spring 5. A shaft R' has its bearings in the frame H³ and
in the back plate C² and carries a pinion c¹ which engages with the wheel
h³ of the train D' shown in Fig 9 to this shaft is secured a dog w³ the path
of the revolution of which is intercepted by the detent ; but whenever the
electric circuit is broken as before explained and the detent us is pushed back
the dog wo³ is released and the shaft R2 is left free to revolve, and the printing
mechanism is set in motion. As the armature O* might sometimes be drawn
back so far as to be out of the influence of the magnet, a cam 9 on the shaft
R³ strikes the upper end of the lever P2 at each revolution of this shaft
and moves the armature within reach of the influence of the magnet.

page_text: The following device is employed for holding the type wheel ³ stationary
whilst a letter is being printed and for releasing it by the revolution of the
shaft R. A stud a¹ (Fig. 10) projecting from the plate B³ supports a bent
lever one end of which is formed into a hook which engages with the
ratchet wheel the other hand hangs down within the path of a cam 10
on the shaft R2. A spring 12 presses the hook into contact with the
ratchet wheel, whenever the revolution of the shaft R2 releases the lower arm
of the lever from the cam 10 and holds the type wheel stationary until the
shaft R2 completes its revolution and the cam 10 again trips the lever ³ and
allows the shaft 23 to revolve.
An arm S
The cam 10 on the shaft R³ is so adjusted with respect to the dog w³ that
when the latter is resting on the detent ³ the cam shall hold the hook on the
end of the arm out of contact with the ratchet wheel k³. (The notches on
the wheel correspond to the characters on the type wheel h³.)
(Figs. 8 and 10) is attached to a shaft q³ having its bearings in the frame H*
and plate B2, it is vibrated up and down by a rod 13 pivoted excentrically
to a disc 14 on the end of the shaft R³ the rod being connected to an arm
6 projecting from the arm S³. The arm S³ carries a roll or revolving platen
(Fig. 10) on which rests the strip of paper to be printed so that at each
revolution of the shaft R' the paper is pressed up against the type wheel /³ to
receive the impression of a letter or character. Suitable inking rolls (not
shown in the Drawings) furnish the type wheel with ink; but as neither the
mode of inking nor the manner of feeding along the strip of paper as the
printing proceeds, form any part of the present Invention they need not now
be described.
In order that the two instruments at the opposite ends of a telegraphic line
may the one send and the other record the same letter it is necessary that they
shall run in unison; to effect this the following automatic adjustment is em-
ployed, by which the type wheel is arrested at a predetermined letter or
character, whenever the operation of the instrument is interrupted a sufficient
length of time to permit the type wheel to make three revolutions. A curved
arm at and a longer arm 6* (Fig. 10) are attached to a disc e¹ which is carried
loosely on the arbor c³ of the drum E. A spring or friction clutch e³ attached
to the arm a* presses against a disc d secured to the arbor c so that as the
drum E' is revolved by the fall of its weight, the arms a* 6* are carried by
the friction of the disc d on the spring e³, slowly down in the direction of the
arrow Fig. 10 until the end of the arm a intercepts the path of a pin 19 pro-
jecting from the face of the ratchet wheel ³ and arrests the type wheel at the
predetermined letter. This arm, however, is raised clear of the path of the

page_text: pin 19 at every revolution of the shaft R* by a pin 15 projecting from a disc f
attached to the shaft R2 which pin strikes the arm 6* and lifts the end of the
arm at so high above the path of the pin 19 that the type wheel ³ may make
the required number of revolutions (in this case three) before the pin 19 is again
caught by the slowly descending arm a'. Thus the printing may proceed with-
out any interruption from the arm a' but whenever the printing ceases and
the shaft R ceases to revolve for a short time the type wheel will be arrested
at the predetermined point, and when it is again started will always start
with the same letter. This (in connection with the friction regulator) enables
the operators to keep the machines at the opposite ends of the line in unison
with each other. In order that the type wheel ³ may be thus abruptly
arrested without stopping the type wheel train the wheel (Fig. 9) is con-
nected with the shaft is by a spring or friction clutch so that the wheel g* may
continue to revolve with the train after the type wheel has stopped. The
movement of the type wheel train E2 (when wound up) is continuous and
uniform, and whenever the ratchet wheel ³ is released from the arm ² the
type wheel is revolved in the direction of its arrow (Fig. 8). As however
the shaft R is arrested by the detent whenever the circuit is closed to
allow the train Es to proceed without it the two trains as before stated are
connected by a click and ratchet (see Fig. 11) as follows; the shaft R³
carries a pinion C¹ which engages with and is driven by the wheel
(Fig. 9) of the train D'. A sleeve embracing the shaft R* carries a ratchet
wheel and a pinion which engages with a wheel m* upon the shaft of the
wheels (Fig. 9) of the train E*; whilst a disc n attached to the shaft R
has secured to its face a click o* held in contact with the ratchet wheel 2 by
a spring 16. This arrangement allows the shaft R2 to be driven by the train
D (but at no greater speed than is allowed by the train E) whilst when this
shaft is arrested by the detent us the train Es can proceed without it. The
spring ms which bears against the stationary insulated segment circle M³ is
split at its outer end, and is so arranged that it shall touch on one of the
insulated segments before it leaves the preceding one, as the shaft 23 revolves―
this is to keep the circuit through the instrument always closed unless a key is

page_text: R2 (driven by the train D) now makes one revolution the pin 15 lifts the
arm band with it the arm a' this releases the ratchet wheel from the
arm a and the type wheel ³ is free to be revolved in the direction of its
arrow (Fig. 8) whenever the wheels is released from the hook on the arm
003. A finger key corresponding to the letter desired to be printed is now
depressed, this interrupts the electric circuit through the circuit spring n³ of
this key, but does not break the circuit through the instrument until as the
shaft revolves the spring m³ is brought on to the middle of the insulated
segment of the circle M³ which corresponds with the depressed key; when the
circuit is momentarily broken and the shaft R2 is allowed to make a revo-
lution. As soon as this shaft commences to revolve the lower end of the
lever drops off from the cam 10 and the hook at the other end of it
catches a tooth of the ratchet wheel and holds the type wheel stationary
with the letter corresponding to the key depressed next to the strip of paper
on the platen d². As the shaft R³ continues its revolution, the arm S2 is
vibrated and the strip of paper is pressed up against the type and receives an
impression from it. A key of another letter is then depressed and the operation
continues When the printing ceases the type wheel will be brought to a
stand (by the arm a) always at the same predetermined point. Thus the two
instruments at the opposite ends of a telegraphic line may be automatically
kept in unison, and the letter transmitted by one will be printed by the
other.
The operation of printing upon one instrument has been described, but as
both instruments are embraced in the same circuit the breaking of the circuit
in one instrument will demagnetize the coil L' in the other and set its shaft
R2 in motion: So that depressing a key of one instrument will print the cor-
responding letter on the instrument at the opposite end of the line. But it is
evident that if the two instruments were not caused to run in unison, as they
are by the regulator G' and the automatic adjuster at the letter printed might
not correspond with the key depressed at the other end of the line.
The third part of this Invention has for its object to send and receive
simultaneously over a single wire and to print the messages so received at
either end and this is accomplished by the union of two printing instruments,
such as is described in the 2nd part of this Invention and represented in
Fig. 8 with one relay and key which forms the subject of the 1st part of the
Invention (Fig. 1) at each station, in such a manner as to unite the capa-
bilities and functions of both the first and second parts of the Invention as will
now be more particularly set forth and described. In order to effect this the
key C (Fig. 1), in lieu of being depressed by hand as thus far described is

page_text: operated by one of the printing machines at the same station and for this
purpose the key may be depressed by a spring and raised by a magnet in the
circuit of the said printing instrument, or it may be depressed by a cam upon
the shaft R of this instrument (Fig. 10) for the present purpose the former
method will be described.
Fig 12 is a Diagram which will serve to illustrate this part of the Invention.
A is the transmitting instrument, B the receiving instrument of one station
which may be denominated station 1-the other station (2) having similar
instruments the one A' for transmitting, and the other B¹ for receiving.
These four instruments A A¹. B. B' may be constructed and operated in
every way like that represented in Figs. 8 and 9 and are actuated by local
batteries D. E. D¹. E¹. The instruments at station 1 will now be described
those at the other station being precisely like them in every respect.-C¹ is the
reversing key of the transmitting instrument and is constructed as represented
in Fig 3 this key in lieu of being operated by hand is controlled by a
magnet b by which it is raised and held out of contact with the springs
H. H. H (of Figs. 1. 3. and 4) and by a spring f by which it is drawn
down, and the contact made whenever the magnet 6 is demagnetized. The
magnet 6 is within the local circuit of the transmitting instrument A and is
constantly charged when the instrument A is not in operation whereby the
lever C is held up (against the action of its spring f) and the currents of
the main batteries N N¹ are sent in unison over the main wire C.-Z is
the ground. plate I is the main circuit magnet of Figs. 1 2 and 4 K the
accessory magnet Y the accessory battery and L the armature lever of the
same Figures.
To transmit a signal from station 1 the type wheel of its instrument A
being locked by the automatic locking arrangement (a of Fig. 10) and the
travelling circuit spring (m³ Fig. 8) resting upon the segment connected with
the key "A" (Fig. 8) the type wheel of the instrument A is first to be set in
motion and this is effected by depressing momentarily either one of its keys
"A" or "29" (Fig. 8.) This same action will also set in motion the type
wheel of the receiving instrument B¹ at station 2 as will be presently more
fully explained. To transmit any letter say "X" we now depress the key
marked "X" and when the travelling spring m³ arrives upon the segment
connected with the key "X" the circuit of the battery E (Fig. 12) is broken.
The breaking of this circuit demagnetizes the magnet L (Figs. 8 and 12) sets
in motion the printing train and locks the type wheel of the instrument A
(Fig. 12) as already described in the explanation of the 2nd part of this
Invention. The breaking of the circuit of the battery E also demagnetizes
B 2

page_text: the magnet 6 (Fig. 12) and this permits the spring f to repress the reversing
key C by which the circuit of the accessory magnet K is closed, the current
of the main battery N is reversed as has been explained in the description of
the first part of this Invention and the effects of the reversal of the current of
the battery N are manifested at the opposite end of the line as follows. The
current through the magnet I being neutralized the spring breaks the
contact between the lever L' and the screw and the circuit of the battery D¹
is broken by which the magnet (L³, of Fig. 8) is discharged and the machine
B¹ of station 2 is caused to register the letter signalized from the machine A
of station 1. If now it be required at the same time to transmit from station
2 to station 1 over the same wire, the type wheels of the instruments A¹ and
B having been set in motion in a manner similar to that before explained for
A and B a key (say "X" Fig. 8) of the instrument A¹ is depressed by which
on the arrival of the circuit spring m³ of the instrument A¹ at the segment in
connection with the key X the circuit of the local battery E¹ is broken, the
magnet is discharged and the reversing key C¹ is depressed by the action of
the spring the circuit of the accessory magnet K₁ is closed the current of
the main battery N¹ is at the same time reversed and the united currents from
the two main batteries N N neutralize the effect of the accessory battery Y¹
upon the accessory magnet K' which leaves the instrument B¹ free to be con-
trolled by the instrument A of the other station and the united force of these
two currents N N¹ also neutralizes the effect of the accessory battery Y of
the other station upon the magnet K and permits the spring i to retract the
armature L and thus break the circuit of the local battery D of the receiving
instrument B and set in motion its printing apparatus by discharging its
magnet L and the letter X is registered upon this instrument.
It is obvious that when thus arranged the transmitting instruments A A
may dispense with the letter wheel, and the printing apparatus (S' Fig. 10)
and that the receiving instruments B B may dispense with the key board and
circuit segment wheel.
It is also obvious that all these machines described as employed at one
station may be combined in one in lieu of being separated as above described.
It is also evident that other forms of transmitting instruments having a key
board, or of receiving instruments that print or indicate letters may be sub-
stituted in lieu of the ones described above in connection with the reversing
key and accessory magnet. I do not therefore, wish to limit myself to the
exact form of transmitting or receiving instruments described above.
Having now set forth the nature of this Invention, and explained the
manner of carrying the same into effect, I wish it to be understood that under

page_text: the above recited Letters Patent I claim the use, in a relay, of an accessory
circuit, to counteract the effect upon such relay, of the reversal of the current of
the main battery situated at the same station with this relay; in order that this
relay and the receiving apparatus connected with it, may be maintained in a
proper condition to indicate the reversal of the current from the main battery,
situated at the other extremity of the line; for the purpose and in the manner
substantially as herein set forth.
2nd the employment of an accessory magnet, and an accessory battery to
cach instrument in combination with the main batteries, and main magnets
and with a means of reversing the direction of the current of each of the
main batteries for the purposes and in the manner substantially as herein set
forth.
3rd the use of a reversing key C so constructed and adjusted with refer-
ence to its springs H H H as, in its operation, to reverse the direction of
the current of its main battery, simultaneously with the closing or opening of
the accessory circuit; for the purpose, and in a manner substantially as herein
set forth.
4th the employment of wires to connect the several segments of a circuit
wheel, with their respective keys in the key board; whereby I am enabled to
transfer to the vicinity of the key board, the place for making and breaking the
proper circuit for printing any desired letter for the purpose and in the manner
substantially as herein described.
5th arresting the motion of the letter wheel of a printing telegraphic
instrument at a given point, by a mechanism (a*b* or its equivalent) that is
thrown out of action by the operation of signalizing as set forth; and is auto-
matically brought to bear upon the letter wheel again, whenever the signalizing
is momentarily interrupted for the purpose of causing the type wheels at each
end of the line to correspond in their indications; in the manner and for the
purposes herein set forth.
6th the several instruments herein described as being situated at one end
of a line of telegraph when used together, have a certain definite relation to
the line, and by means of it, a mutual relation to and correspondence with
similar instruments situated at the other end of the line, and thus constitute a
means, instrument, or device for simultaneously transmitting signals both ways
and recording them. I therefore claim, in connection with a line of tele-
graph the use at each end of such line, of the instruments herein described;
viz., a transmitting instrument having a key board; a reversing key, which in
its action, shall reverse the direction of the current of the main battery at its
end of the line, and simultaneously close or open the accessory circuit; a relay

page_text: having a main and accessory circuit; and, lastly, a receiving printing instru-
ment for the purposes and substantially as herein described.
In witness whereof I the said William Edward Newton have hereunto
set my hand and seal the Twentieth day of April in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.
Witness
J. W. MOFFATT
66 Chancery Lane.
W. E. NEWTON. (L.S.)