An Electrical Indicating, Telephonic, and Signalling System, and the Instruments used in connection therewith.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 16th Dec., 1890-Accepted, 23rd May, 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Electrical Indicating, Telephonic, and Signalling System, and the
Instruments used in connection therewith.
1. HENRY JANSEN HAIGHT, of 156 Broadway, in the City, County, and State
of New York, United States of America, Gentleman do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a 'system for the
intertransmission between a plurality of stations by electrical means of information
which is capable of being rendered intelligible through the movement of the indices
of electric indicating instruments. There is no limit to the character of the
information which may be transmitted by the present system, except that it must
be such as can be interpreted and rendered intelligible by a movable index acting
in conjunction with a dial or reading scale. As examples of the uses to which the
system may be applied may be mentioned the transmission of stock quotations from
a central station to a plurality of receiving stations, and the transmission of
meteorological indications from a central station or observatory to a plurality of
receiving stations.
In any such system it is essential that provision should be made for the
transmission of information of a varied character. For example, if the system is
used for the transmission of stock quotations from a stock exchange to a plurality
of local offices or subscribers, provision must be made for sending out quotations
concerning a large number of the stocks or bonds that are dealt in at the exchange.
So also, if the system is used for the intertransmission of meteorological indications
between a plurality of stations, provision must be made for the transmission of
information concerning the various meteorological phenomena, such as temperature,
height of barometer, direction and force of wind, amount of rainfall, character of
the weather, and the like. Or the system may be used where at the central station
there is received from various localities information concerning the meteorological
conditions at such localities, which information it is desired to transmit to other
stations. In such a case provision must be made for the separate transmission and
indication of the meteorological conditions of each locality which is reported.
To facilitate a clear understanding of the system, reference will be made to a
single specific use of the system. The Observatory at Greenwich, England, may
receive at specified intervals of time temperature records from Paris, Calais,
Brussels and Lyons, and it may be desired to transmit these records when received
to Manchester, York, Dublin and Glasgow. In such an instance, each of the
receiving stations-Manchester, York, Dublin and Glasgow-must be provided
with separate means for indicating the temperatures of Paris, Calais, Brussels and
Lyons. Each receiving station is therefore to be provided with as many separate
electric receiving instruments as there are indications with which it is to be supplied.
In the specific instance referred to, each receiving station-Manchester, York,
Dublin and Glasgow-would be provided with four electric indicating instruments
for indicating respectively the temperatures of Paris, Calais, Brussels and Lyons.
One instrument at each station would be permanently reserved for indicating the
temperature of a single locality, as Paris for example.
The present invention therefore includes as a part of the system an electric
indicating instrument. This instrument, like those employed in dial telegraphy,
comprises a fixed dial or reading scale (which in the case of a temperature indicator
would be provided with proper graduations corresponding with the degrees or other
units of measurement of a standard thermometer), an index capable of a step-by-

page_text: step movement in either direction, two electro-receptive devices such as electro-
magnets, and mechanism intermediate between said electro-receptive devices and
said index which moves said index in opposite directions depending upon which of
said electro-receptive devices is actuated by an electric current.
Obviously it would be impracticable to have separate line wires connecting the
central station with each of the actuating electro-receptive devices of all of the
indicating instruments at all of the receiving stations. Accordingly there is
included in the present system at each station (the central station as well as the
several receiving stations) an instrument which is termed by me a "multiple-circuit
closer." This instrument includes a plurality of electrodes corresponding in number
with the number of all of the actuating electro-magnets of all of the indicating
instruments at one station. Each electrode is electrically connected with one of
said actuating electro-magnets of one indicating instrument, and all of the actuating
magnets of all of the indicating instruments are electrically connected with one
pole of an electric generator. The multiple-circuit closer has a circuit-closing arm
which is in electric connection with the opposite pole of said electric generator.
This arm is given a step-by-step movement so that it is brought successively in
contact with the several electrodes. The position of this circuit-closing arm
consequently determines which particular actuating magnet of a particular
indicating instrument is in circuit. The several actuating magnets are thus
arranged in multiple, and the circuit-closing arm determines the action of each
magnet. The circuit-closing arm is given its step-by-step movement by means of
mechanism operated by an electro-receptive device, such as an actuating electro-
magnet. By connecting in series the actuating magnets of all of the multiple-
circuit closers at the several stations, it is evident that their circuit-closing arms
may be moved simultaneously and in unison by controlling the electric circuit at
the central station. Consequently the proper actuating magnets of corresponding
indicating instruments can be simultaneously brought into operative relation with
their respective electric generators. Then by arranging these circuits in series
they may be simultaneously controlled at the central station so that the indices of
the indicating instruments at the several stations will move in unison.
The secondary object of the present invention is to combine an indicating system
of the character referred to with an electric signalling and telephone system, since
it is frequently desirable that communication should be possible between the stations
concerning other matters than those for which the indicating instruments are
supplied. The same line wires are also employed for both systems, so that the
indicating system may be utilized wherever there is a telephonic system with little
additional expense.
The invention also includes other features connected with its general objects
which will be hereinafter referred to in connection with the detailed description of
the invention which follows.
The present invention, and the instruments and circuits utilized in its operation,
are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein
Figure 1, is a front view of a proper electrical indicating instrument such as is
employed.
Fig. 2, is a rear view of the same with the protecting cover removed, showing
the mechanism for actuating the index.
Fig. 3, is a central vertical cross section of the instrument.
Fig. 4, is a view similar to Fig. 2, looking at the rear of the instrument but with
a part of the mechanism removed.
Fig. 5, is a plan view of the index-actuating mechanism of the indicating
instrument, one of the supporting posts constituting a part of the frame being
broken away to display the mechanism more clearly.
Figs. 6, and 7, are detail views of parts of the indicating instrument, Fig. 7,
being on a larger scale than the preceding figures.
Fig. 8, is a front view of the multiple-circuit closer.
Fig. 9, is a central vertical cross section thereof.

page_text: Fig. 10, is a longitudinal section thereof in a plane indicated by the line 10-10
in Fig. 9, and looking in the direction of the arrow 10.
Fig. 11, is a similar section in a plane indicated by the line 11-11 in Fig. 9, and
looking in the direction of the arrow 11.
Fig. 12, is a rear view of the multiple-circuit closer with the protecting cover of
its actuating mechanism removed.
Fig. 13, is a detail view of a portion of the actuating mechanism.
Fig. 14, is a diagram of the combined indicating, telephone, and signalling
system.
Fig. 15, is a diagram of the indicating system combined with a signalling system
only, and illustrating several modifications.
Fig. 16, is a detail sectional view of one of the special devices shown in Fig. 15.
Referring to Figs. 1, to 7, inclusive, I will first describe the construction of the
improved indicating instrument I. It comprises as its primary features a properly
graduated dial or reading scale a, an index i, capable of a step-by-step movement
in either direction, two actuating electro-magnets m, m2, and mechanism intermediate
between said magnets and said index. The excitation of the magnet m, causes the
movement of the index in one direction, while the excitation of the other magnet m³,
causes its movement in the opposite direction. The scale, index, magnets, and
actuating mechanism are all supported on a suitable supporting plate A, of
insulating material, such as wood; and to the rear of this plate A, is secured a
metal plate C. A cross-bridge F, is rigidly secured to the plate C, by posts b, b.
There is also rigidly secured to the plate C, a hollow sleeve G (shown most clearly
in Fig. 7), the front end of which extends through the plates C, and A (as shown
in Fig. 3), and the rear of which terminates a short distance from the bridge F.
The index i, is secured to a shaft c (so as to rotate therewith) which extends through
said sleeve G, and is journalled in bearings formed by the front end of the sleeve
and in the bridge F, as shown most clearly in Fig. 7. This shaft c, carries at its
rear end, between the rear end of the sleeve G, and the bridge F, a pinion d, which
meshes on diametrically opposite sides with two pinions e, e². The pinion e, is
carried by a shaft f, journalled at opposite ends on the plate C, and bridge F, and
the pinion e, is carried by a similar shaft f, journalled in a similar manner.
pinions e, e, are held in any position in which they may be left by springs g, which
bear frictionally against the shafts, f, as shown in Fig. 4. By rotating these
pinions e, e, alternately in opposite directions, the pinion d (and with it the shaft c,
and index i) will be rotated alternately in opposite directions.
The
To enable the pinion e, to be rotated, the magnet m, is provided. The armature h,
of this magnet is carried by a vibrating armature lever H, which is carried by a
rock shaft j, which is journalled at opposite ends by suitable provisions in the
bridge F, and plate C, (see Fig. 3). This armature lever is vibrated in one
direction when the armature h, is attracted to the magnet m, on the excitation of
the same by the passage of an electric current, and in the opposite direction by a
spring (see Fig. 6). The extent of movement of the armature lever H, is limited
by a set-screw 1, carried thereby, which abuts against one of the posts b. The
upper arm of the armature lever H, carries a pawl n, pivotally mounted thereon.
This pawl engages with a ratchet-wheel o, which is fixed to the same shaft f, that
carries the pinion e. The pawl is normally held in engagement with the ratchet o,
by a spring p, shown most clearly in Fig. 6. When an electric current passes
through magnet m, its armature will be attracted, thus swinging the lever H, and
rotating the ratchet-wheel o, and with it the shaft f, pinions e d, and index i, in the
directions indicated by the arrows 50 in Figs. 1, 2, and 6.
In an exactly similar manner the magnet m³, controls the movement of an
armature lever H³, carrying its armature 2. Lever H2, has a pawl n², which
normally engages a ratchet-wheel o%, on the same shaft, %, which carries the
pinion e, thus rotating the index i, in the opposite direction.
The extent of movement of the armatures of the magnets in connection with the
relative lengths of the two arms of the armature levers, the diameter of the ratchet-

page_text: wheels, and the proportionate sizes of the pinions, determines the distance or step
which the index moves. The dial or scale a, is graduated in accordance with
the length of the step, and each graduation is determined by the particular unit of
mea-urement which may be desired for the instrument. If it is a temperature-,
indicating instrument, this unit would be appropriately a degree of temperature."
By successively magnetizing and demagnetizing one of the magnets, as m, the index
may be moved any desired number of steps or degrees in one direction; and by
successively magnetizing and demagnetizing the other magnet m², the index may be
moved any desired number of steps or degrees in the opposite direction.
Since both pinions e, e³, are constantly in gear with the pinion d, it follows that'
all three pinions and both ratchets o, o², must move together. But, since under
ordinary circumstances the pawls n, n³, would prevent the backward rotation of their
respective ratchets o, o², provision is made to throw one pawl entirely out of action
when the other is in operation.
On the sleeve G, are hung, so as to turn thereon, two sleeves or hubs J, J. The
hub J, has two depending rigid arms 7, r (see Fig. 6), which straddle the upper
free end of the vertical arm of the armature lever H, the army, lying between the
vertical arm of the armature lever H, and the shaft, and the arm, lying between
said vertical arm and the shaft f. The arm r, of the hub J, has a perpendicularly
and rearwardly projecting horizontal pin 8, which in the normal stationary position
of all the parts rests just above the pawl n², of the other lever H³, as shown in
Figs. 4, and 5. When, now, the vertical arm of the lever H, is moved under the
influence of its actuating magnet m, in the direction of arrow l, it strikes the
depending arm q, of the hub J, thus causing the latter to turn on the sleeve G, and
thereby depressing the pin s. The pin s, on being depressed encounters the pawl n²,
and swings it downward so as to cause it to be entirely freed from its ratchet o².
The pinions d, e, e², are then free to be rotated by the action of the pawl n, on the
ratchet o.
In an exactly similar manner the hub J2, has arms which straddle the other
armature lever H2. The pin s2, on the arm of this hub extends forwardly (see
Fig. 5) so as to rest above the pawl n, and throw it out of engagement with the
ratchet-wheel o, when the armature lever H2, and its pawl ³, act upon the ratchet-
wheel o².
It is thus clear that it is only necessary to excite one or the other of the magnets m,
or m², in order to move the index i, in either direction, and that the index will
remain in any given place until one of the magnets is excited. The springs g, g, by
reason of their frictional contact with the shafts f, f, prevent any movement of the
pinions e, e, except by the action of the armature levers.
The means for exciting the magnets in, m², will be described below in connection
with the description of the diagrams. The magnet m, is connected with a leading-in
circuit wire 51; the magnet m², is connected with a leading-in circuit wire 52;`
and both are connected with a common outgoing circuit wire 22.
The plate A, which supports the mechanism of the indicating instrument, may
be mounted in any convenient case It is shown in the drawings of a circular shape
and mounted in a ring or cylinder K, which in turn is carried by a bracket M,
secured to a base N. Covers O, O, are provided for the front and back of the case,
the front cover having a glass plate for enabling the position of the index i, to be
seen. The ring K, and its bracket M, are formed with a passage-way t, for the
circuit wires.
Referring now to Figs. 8, to 13, inclusive, I will next describe the construction of
the multiple-circuit closer, which as a whole is represented in the drawings by the
letters M C.
This instrument includes as its primary and fundamental features a plurality of
fixed insulated electrodes w, w, and a rotary circuit-closing arm C A, which is in
electric communication with one pole of an electric generator L B, and which is
given a step-by-step rotation so as to come successively in contact with the several
electrodes w, w, one by one. In describing this instrument, its mechanical con-

page_text: struction will be first set forth, and then subsequently the manner of its use in
connection with the electric circuits.
On a suitable supporting base N, is secured a metallic bracket M, which supports
a metallic ring or cylinder K, which in turn supports the operative mechanisin of
the multiple-circuit closer, the construction in this respect being similar to that of
the indicating instrument. Centrally secured to the cylinder K, is a circular plate P,
composed entirely of hard rubber or other equivalent insulating material. This plate:
pierced at its centre to receive and support a metallic sleeve Q, through which
passes the arbor U, on which the circuit-closing arm CA, is fastened. On its
rear side the rubber plate P, is formed at its periphery with a rearwardly-extending
annular flange V, having its inner face, planed to a true circle concentric with
the sleeve Q, and arbor U. In this flange the metallic electrodes w, w, are embeded,
with their inner faces exposed and flush with the inner face u, of the flange. The
electrodes are thus insulated from each other and from all other parts of the
instrument. These insulated electrodes are equidistant from each other and extend
around the entire periphery of the flange V. The number of the electrodes depends
upon the particular extent of use to which the instrument is to be put. The
instrument may be made with any desired number. Thirty-two are shown in the
particular instrument described, while eight only are illustrated in the diagrams
Figs. 14, and 15. Each insulated electrode w, extends through the plate P, and is
provided on the front side of the plate with a suitable binding post .r, for the attach-
ment of a circuit-wire 51, or 52. On its under side the ring or cylinder (and
likewise the bracket M, and base N) is provided with a passageway (as in the case
of the indicating instrument) through which extend all of the circuit-wires from'
the thirty-two binding posts, and all of the other circuit-wires connected with the
instrument.
+
The rubber plate P, is covered at the rear by a circular metallic plate Z, which
is secured by screws which tap into the flange V. The plate Z, seats against a
raised annular bead y, of the plate P, so that it is held out of electric contact with
the several insulated electrodes w, ir. This metallic plate Z, carries on its outer
face a binding post z. to which is connected a circuit wire 24, which leads to one
pole of an electric generator L B, (see Figs. 14, and 15). Consequently the plate Z,
and' all parts supported thereby (not otherwise insulated), are in electric connection
with the generator L B. To enable all wires connected at the outer side of plate Z,
to pass out through the passage t, the plates Z, and P, are formed with notches or
slots a, at their bottoms in the immediate vicinity of the passage t, in the supporting
ring or cylinder K.
J
The metallic arbor U, is journalled centrally in the plate Z, so that it (with all
metallic parts carried by it) is in constant electric communication with generator L B.
Owing to the projection of the flange V, a space is left between the plates P, and Z,
for the reception and movement of the metallic circuit-closing arm CA, which is
rigidly secured to the arbor U, and extends radially therefrom. Electric connection
between the arm C A, and the insulated electrodes w, in, is made by means of a
metallic trailing circuit-closing wheel 1, which is rotatively mounted in the end of
a metallic lever, the latter being pivotally connected with the end of the arm C'A
The wheel, is held in proper frictional contact with the face v, of the flange V,
and with the electrodes w, w, irrespective of the radial position of the arm C A, by
means of a coiled spring, which is attached at opposite ends to the inner end
of lever, and to a hook, secured to the arbor and extending at right angles to
the arm C A. Consequently, as the arm C A, rotates, the trailing friction wheel is
brought successively in contact one by one with the several insulated elec-
trodes 10, c, thus bringing them one by one into electric connection with one pole
of generator L B. The arm C A, and the parts carried thereby, are counter-
balanced by a weight ".
As the object and purpose of the present improved multiple-circuit closer is to
enable a plurality of electric circuits 51, 52, to be brought one by one into com-
munication with an electric generator permitting each circuit to be maintained in

page_text: such position for any desired length of time, it is essential that the arm C A, and
its arbor U, should be given a step-by-step movement and be adapted to rest an
indefinite period at each step. The extent of each step is just sufficient to enable
the trailing contact ', to pass from one electrode w, to the next in succession.
Now this step-by-step movement is accomplished by means of the action of
an operating electro-magnet m', carried by the plate Z, and by mechanism inter-
mediate between said magnet and said arbor U. This intermediate mechanism is
as follows:
The armature c', of the magnet m', carried by a swinging armature lever d',
which rocks in suitable bearings n', n', on brackets o¹, o', secured to the rear side
of plate Z. The lower end (the words "lower" and " upper" being here used
relatively only on the assumption that the instrument MC, is to be used in a
vertical position) of the lever d', is provided with an inwardly-extending horizontal
arm pl, carrying a laterally-projecting pin e', which rests and works in a vertical
slot q', in the short lower arm of a vertically-extending escapement lever f¹, which
is pivotally hung near its lower end between brackets 1, 1, on the plate Z. To
the long arm of the lever f', near its upper end, there is pivoted a pawl g', which
co-operates with a ratchet-wheel h¹, on a horizontally-extending cross
shaft A', journalled in and between the brackets o¹, o¹, beneath the armature
lever d¹. The worm of the shaft A', engages a spur wheel B¹, on the arbor U.
The axis of the arbor U, is (it will be observed) at right-angles to that of
the worm shaft A¹. The outer end of the arbor U, is journalled in a vertical
bars, which is rigidly supported at its opposite ends on posts t¹, t', fixed to the
plate Z.
worm
Normally the armature lever d¹, is held (with the armature c¹) away from the
magnet m', by a retractile spring C¹, connected at opposite ends to the short arm
of lever d¹ and to the plate Z, since the circuit in which magnet m¹, is located is a
normally open one. On the closing of this circuit, the magnet armature is attracted,
the lower end of the armature lever d¹, carrying pin e¹, is moved outward, thus
swinging the long upper end of the lever f', outward, and consequently causing the
pawl gl, to rotate the ratchet wheel h', one notch and thereby rotate worm shaft A',
which in turn rotates the arbor and its circuit-closing arm C A, one step. The
number of teeth on the ratchet-wheel h', and spur wheel B', and the pitch of the
worm on shaft A', are properly proportioned with reference to the number of
the electrodes w, so that the extent of each step of the arm CA, is just sufficient
to cause the trailing contact-wheel b¹, to pass from one electrode w, to the next in
succession. The reverse movement of the armature lever d¹, on the breaking of the
circuit in which magnet m³, is located, has no effect on the arm CA. The arm CA,
can thus be moved only by a making and breaking of the circuit in which the
magnet m', is located.
A spring detent to¹, secured to the adjacent bracket o¹, and engaging ratchet
wheel h', prevents the backward rotation of the worm-shaft A¹. The pawl g¹, may
be a gravity pawl merely, in case the instrument is always used in a vertical position.
Otherwise it is kept in engagement with the ratchet wheel by means of a spring v¹,
fixed at one end to the upper end of lever f¹.
.
The leading-in and return circuit wires 25, connected to the magnet m³, are
carried out through the slots a', and passage t. All of the parts carried by
the plate Z, are concealed and protected by a cover O, which fits over the same
and slips on to the rear of the ring or cylinder K, as in the case of the indicating
instrument.
To enable the position of the circuit-closing arm CA, to be known at all times,
a visible index I, is employed in connection with a circular dial or scale-plate D¹.
The circular dial or scale-plate DI, is fitted in the front part of ring or cylinder K,
enclosing and concealing the binding posts, x, but held out of electric contact
therewith by seating against a shoulder on the inner periphery of the cylinder K.
The plate D¹, has a central aperture fitting over the end of the sleeve Q. The
extreme outer end of this sleeve is screw-threaded, and the plate D¹, is held in

page_text: position by a nut E', fitting on this screw-threaded end. The arbor U, extends
through the sleeve and projects in front thereof, the projecting end being screw-
threaded. The index I', is secured to the arbor U, by means of binding nuts x¹,
fitting on the threaded end of the arbor U. The dial is graduated with proper
readings to indicate the several positions to which the index may be moved. The
dial and index are enclosed and protected by a cap O, with a glass front, which
slips on to the front of the ring or cylinder K, as in the case of the indicating
instrument.
This multiple-circuit closer, it will be observed, is one which is actuated by
electric means, and it has a circuit-closing arm which is given a step-by-step move-
ment whereby it is brought successively in contact with a series of electrodes. It
will further be noted that this circuit-closing arm remains in contact with one
electrode until the actuating magnet is excited.
These two instruments, the multiple-circuit closer and the indicating instrument,
are the only instruments used in the system for which any substantial novelty is
claimed. All the other instruments are either well-known, or possess merely minor
features of improvement which will be alluded to when reference is made to them.
The indicating instrument also, in its general characteristics, is not new, since prior
to my present invention electric indicating instruments have been made having an
index capable of movement in opposite directions through the action of two electro-
magnets, and such well-known prior instruments may be used in connection with
the present system. At the same time, the special novel features of the indicating
instrument as shown and described render it especially suitable for the purposes of
the present invention. So also other known instruments for accomplishing the same
purpose may be substituted for the multiple-circuit closer shown and described.
The present invention lies primarily in the improved system in which these
instruments, or their equivalents, are employed, and only secondarily in the
special features of improvement and novelty which are embodied in these
instruments.
In describing the improved system, I will first refer to the diagram Fig. 14, and
will first describe the signalling and telephone instruments and circuits, which in
most respects as shown are such as are adopted in an ordinary telephone system.
In Fig. 14 there are shown, for the purposes of illustration, the instruments at
two stations, and their connecting circuits, one station (✗) representing a central
or transmitting station, and the other station (Y) representing a receiving station.
The two stations are equipped with the same instruments, so that a description of
the instruments at one station will suffice for both stations.
D, is a dynamo-electric machine for generating a current for ringing the call
bells C B. As usual, the operating shaft a³, of the dynamo carries a circuit-
breaker 63, co-operating with a spring contact c³, for opening the shunt circuit when
the dynamo is in use. LA, is the lightning arrester; T, the telephone-transmitter ;
R, the telephone receiver; B, the generator for the transmitter circuit; I C, the
induction coil in the telephone line circuit; and S, the suspension switch on which
the telephone receiver R, is normally hung.
SIGNALLING CIRCUIT.
When a signal is to be sent from station X, the handle of the operating shaft a³,
of the dynamo at the transmitting station is pushed in (thus breaking the shunt
circuit) and is turned, generating an electric current. The current passes from one
pole of the dynamo through wire 1, to the call-bell C B, at the transmitting station ;
thence through wire 2, to the circuit plate 3, of the lightning arrester LA, at
the transmitting station; thence through line wire 3, to the circuit plate d³, of the
lightning arrester LA, at the receiving station Y; thence through wire 4, to the
call-bell C B, at the receiving station; thence through wire 5, to the spring
contact of the dynamo D, at the receiving station; thence through the circuit
breaker, to the metal of which the dynamo is made; thence from the metal of

page_text: as many of these numbered sections as there are electrodes w, w, so that there are ·
two of these electrodes for each of the sections, which correspond in position to two
of the steps of the circuit-closing arm C A, and the index 1', and these positions
may be appropriately designated on the dial by plus and minus signs as shown in
Fig. 8. There is a local battery L B, at each station, one pole of which is
connected by a line wire 24 (and the metallic connections hitherto described) with
the circuit-closing arm C A. The several electrodes r, w, are connected
respectively with magnets m, m2, of the several indicating instruments I, and all of
the magnets m, m³, are connected by a common return wire 22, with the opposite
pole of the battery L B.
Now it will be evident that the position of the circuit-closing arm C A, which
steps from one electrode wc, to the next in order, determines, first, the particular
indicating instrument which is in circuit, and second, the particular magnet of that
indicating instrument which is in circuit. The position, therefore, to which the
circuit-closing arm C A, is to be moved depends upon the information to be trans-
mitted and the character of that information. Assume for example that the system
is designed for the transmission of temperature indications, and that a certain
degree of temperature concerning Paris has just been received at Greenwich which
is to be transmitted to the stations in the system. Assume that the index of the
indicating instrument which is supplied for Paris temperatures already stands
at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the information just received at Greenwich is to the
effect that the temperature at Paris is 70 degrees. The first thing to be done is to
move the circuit-closing arm to the pair of electrodes wo, w, which are shown by the
dial of the multiple-circuit closer to represent Paris, and then to leave the arm C A,
in contact with the proper one of these electrodes, so that the proper magnet of the
Paris indicating instrument will be in circuit to control the movement of its index
in the proper direction to indicate a higher temperature (70 degrees) than that
(60 degrees) which it now indicates. Assuming that the section numbered 8, in
Fig. 8, corresponds with the Paris indicating instrument, the circuit-closing
arm C A, should be moved until the index I¹, points to the plus mark in section 8.
The movement of the circuit-closing arm CA, is effected by the action of the
magnet m', which is in a circuit 25, containing the electric generator L B². By
opening and closing this circuit a proper number of times the circuit-closing
arm CA, will be brought into contact with the proper electrode w.
The operator
who controls the opening and closing of this circuit by observation knows when to
stop the making and breaking of the circuit 25.
This operation leaves the circuit-closing arm C A, in contact with an electrode w,
which is connected by wire 51, with the proper magnet (as m) of the proper indi-
cating instrument, which magnet is consequently in circuit with the generator L B.
This magnet is the proper one for actuating the index i, of the indicating
instrument in a forward direction. As it has been assumed that the index i, points
at 60, and since it is desired to have it moved to 70, so as to indicate the
temperature of Paris, it is necessary that the index should be advanced ten steps.
This is done by making and breaking the circuit containing the generator L B, ten
times. It is necessary, as shown, that there should be indicating instruments at the
transmitting station, in order that the attendant may by observation determine when
the Paris indicating instrument indicates the correct temperature.
Now it is evident that if the making and breaking of the circuits which control
the actuating magnets of the multiple-circuit closers at all of the stations be simul-
taneously effected, then the circuit-closing arms of all the multiple-circuit closers
will be moved in unison, so that after the correct original installation of the system
the positions of the circuit-closing arms at the various receiving stations will always
correspond with that of the circuit-closing arm of the multiple-circuit closer at the
transmitting station. Likewise, if the making and breaking of the circuits which
control the actuating magnets of the indicating instruments at all of the stations be
simultaneously effected, then the indices of corresponding indicating instruments
at all of the stations will be moved in unison, so that after the correct original
B

page_text: installation of the system the indicating instruments at each station will indicate the
same as the corresponding instruments at the main station.
The preferred means for effecting the simultaneous action of the multiple-
circuit closers, and of corresponding indicating instruments, is shown in Fig. 14.
And the
The multiple circuit of the several indicating instruments at each station is
controlled by a relay magnet R M, the circuit being normally an open one.
multiple-circuit closing circuit 25, is controlled by a relay magnet R M², this circuit
also being normally an open one. Now it is clear that by placing the several
relays R M, at the several stations in the same electric circuit in series and then
making and breaking this circuit (which may be appropriately termed the "indicating
circuit"), all of the relays R M, will be simultaneously operated. And likewise by
placing the several relays R M², at the several stations in the same electric circuit
in series, and then making and breaking this circuit (which may be appropriately
termed the "multiple-circuit closer circuit"), all of the relays R M', will be
simultaneously operated. The arrangement of these circuits, the means for
operating the same, and their relation to the signalling and telephone circuits, are
shown in Fig. 14.
MULTIPLE-CIRCUIT CLOSER CIRCUIT.
This circuit includes a main generator M B, preferably one at each station, the
several generators being in series. From one pole of the battery M B, at the
transmitting station X, a wire 26, leads to a Morse key K³. This key is substantially
the same as an ordinary Morse key, except that it has two switches 3, 3, instead of
one. Both of these switches r, s, at the transmitting station are normally open, and
at the receiving stations they are normally closed; and the lever ³, at the receiving
stations is normally locked down so that the circuits through both switches, 3, at
the receiving stations are normally closed. To place the relay magnets R M³, in
circuit, the switch, of the key at the transmitting station is closed. From this
switch the current passes through wire 27, to the relay magnet R M³, at the
transmitting station X; thence through wire 28, to a contact, and a lever L;
thence through wire 29, to the circuit plate &, of the lightning arrester LA, at
the transmitting station; thence through line wire 3, to plate d³, of the lightning
arrester LA, at the receiving station Y; thence through wire 17, and wire 30, to
a lever L, at the receiving station; thence through contact u³, and wire 31, to the
circuit-closer relay magnet R M2, at the receiving station; thence through wire 32,
to the switch ³, of the key K³, at the receiving station; thence through wire 33,
to generator M.B; thence through wire 34, to earth E; and thence through wire 35,
to the opposite pole of the generator M B, at the transmitting station, thus com-
pleting the circuit. Manipulation of the lever t³, of the key K³, at the main station
will thus operate the magnets R M³, at the several stations simultaneously, and
consequently move the arms C A, of the several multiple-circuit closers in unison ;
and hence the corresponding magnets of corresponding indicating instruments at the
several stations will be in their respective local circuit at any moment of time.
INDICATING CIRCUIT.
The proper indicating instrument at the several stations having been determined
by the multiple-circuit closers, their indices are moved in unison by the simultaneous
operation of the indicating relays R M, at the several stations. These relays are
located in series in an electric circuit which starts from one pole of the generator M B,
at the transmitting station X, from which the current passes through wire 26, to
the key K³, at the transmitting station; thence through switch (which is now
closed, the other switch ³, being now open), and wire 36, to relay magnet R M, at
the transmitting station; thence through wire 37, and contact wo³, to lever L, at
the transmitting station; thence through wire 38, and wire 9, to circuit plate f³,
of the lightning arrester L A, at the transmitting station; thence through wire 8
(which in the signalling and telephone circuits was the return wire), to plate f³,.

page_text: of the lightning arrester at the receiving station Y; thence through wires 7, and 39,
to lever L³, at the receiving station; thence through contact w³, and wire 40, to the
indicating relay R M, at the receiving station; thence through wire 41, to the
switch, of key K³, at the receiving station; and thence through wire 33,
generator M B, wire 34, earth, and wire 35, to the opposite pole of the generator M B,
at the transmitting station, thus completing the circuit. Manipulation of lever t³,
of the key K', at the transmitting station will consequently simultaneously operate
the several relays R M, and hence operate the corresponding indicating instruments
at the several stations in unison.
The earth plates 3, of the lightning arresters L A, are connected by wires 42,
with the earth. It will be observed that all of the instruments are protected by the
lightning arresters. All the connections between the indicating instruments and
the signalling and telephone instruments are made under the protection of the
lightning arresters.
The return connection for the circuit-closer and indicating circuits is made
The
through the earth. A wire connection could be used if desired or necessary.
suspension switch S, and its contacts may be of any known and approved con-
struction. Mere conventional contacts are shown for the purposes of illustration.
It is desirable when the telephone circuits are in use that the indicating circuits
should be entirely cut out. For this reason the levers L, L³, and their
contacts u³, to, are employed. Normally the levers L, L, are in electric contact
with the contacts u³, w³, being held thereagainst by springs y³ y (or by weighting
one end of each lever as shown in Fig. 15). The adjacent ends of the levers L, L2 (the
contacts being made at their outer ends) abut against the under side of a disk ³, of
insulating material carried on the end of a stem a', which is connected with the
suspension switch S, preferably in the manner shown in Fig. 15. As there shown,
the stem a, moves longitudinally in a guide 6, and has at its lower end a sleeve c¹,
through which the suspension switch extends. In Fig. 14, when the telephone
receiver R, is removed from the hook end of the suspension switch, the weighted
end of the suspension switch swings down, thus depressing the stem a', and its
disk, which in turn lifts the levers L, L', from their contacts u³, w³, and conse-
quently breaks the indicating circuits. Thus the indicating and signalling circuits
are broken by the suspension switch when the telephones are in use.
use, the signalling and indicating circuits are always ready for operation from the
transmitting station.
When not in
Although the combined indicating, signalling and telephone system has been
described only in connection with two stations, and sending information in one
direction, the extension of the system to a larger number of stations and the
transmission of information in the opposite direction will be readily understood
without further description.
It is clear from the foregoing description of the circuits, that the relay
magnets R M³, are in effect the actuating magnets of the multiple-circuit
closers M C, and that an obvious modification would be to omit the relays R_M²,
and connect directly the magnets m', of the multiple-circuit closers in series. This
would be accomplished at the transmitting station by running the wire 27, directly
to the magnet m, and running the wire 28, directly from it. And at the receiving
station the magnet m', would be connected directly with the wires 31, 32. The
relay magnets R M', with the local circuits 25, however, are preferably employed
since, as is well known, less electro-motive force is required to actuate them than to
actuate the magnets m¹.
Likewise the relays R M, might be omitted, and the indicating instruments
be connected directly with the multiple circuit closers by an obvious change of the
circuits. This would be accomplished at the transmitting station by connecting
wire 26, with wire 22, and wire 24, as it emerges from the multiple-circuit
closer M C, with wire 37. And at the receiving station wire 40, would connect
with wire 24, and wire 22, with wire 41. The relays and local batteries are
however preferable, especially where there are many stations in the circuit.

page_text: The present invention also includes means for determining at the transmitting
station whether or not the multiple-circuit closers M C, at the receiving stations
are operating in unison with that at the transmitting station. This means is
illustrated in Figs. 9, 12, 13, and 14. Adjacent to the short arm of the armature
lever ', of each multiple-circuit closer M C, the metallic plate Z, carries two
posts n, o, of insulating material. To one of these posts (o) most remote from the
lever d', is attached one end of a spring contact S', the free end of which is normally
out of contact with a metallic electrode t, supported by the other post (*) above
the spring contact. The free end of spring contact S, normally rests upon (or
just above) a pin P₁, of insulating material projecting laterally from the short
arm of the armature lever d. When now the long arm of armature lever d', is
depressed by reason of the excitation of magnet m³, the pin P, is elevated, thus
bringing the spring contact S*, into electric communication with electrode t, and
thus closing an electric circuit as will presently appear.
The verifier, Ve, which is located at the transmitting station in convenient
proximity to the multiple-circuit closer, may be a duplicate of the multiple-circuit
closer, or substantially similar to one of the indicating instruments I. It comprises
a scale or dial D¹, graduated to correspond with the graduations of the multiple-
circuit closer, an index I', having a step-by-step movement, and a single actuating
electro-magnet m', (since the index is to be moved in one direction only) which
operates the index through any well-known intervening mechanism. The verifier
magnet m', is located in an electric circuit 53, which extends to all of the multiple-
circuit closers in the system in series, and which is normally broken at each multiple-
circuit closer by the breaks between the several spring contacts S, and their
respective electrodes t'. The spring contact S, of one multiple-circuit closer is
connected with the electrode t, of the next multiple-circuit closer in the series, as
is shown in the diagram Fig. 14.
Now it is evident that the circuit 53, through the verifier magnet can be closed
so as to operate its index only by the simultaneous action of all the multiple-circuit
closers in the series. If any one fails to act for any reason, the circuit will not be
closed, and the verifier will fail to register with the multiple-circuit closer at the
transmitting station. Hence, after the instruments have been placed in unison at
the first installation of the system, any subsequent divergence between the verifier
and the multiple-circuit closer at the transmitting station shows that the system is
not working properly, and the proper steps for correction can be taken.
The verifier circuit cannot extend through the lightning arresters L A, so that
to protect the verifying mechanisms from lightning separate lightning arresters
would be necessary at each station.
In Fig. 15, certain modifications in the circuits are illustrated. The telephone
circuits are omitted, so that only a signalling and indicating system is shown. In
this system the signalling circuit is normally operative, and the indicating and
multiple-circuit-closing circuits are rendered normally inoperative by the suspension
switch. Consequently the attendants at the receiving stations must be called up
before indications can be transmitted. For maintaining the suspension switch in
its normal position, a weight W, is used. When the weight W, is removed, the
levers L, L, make contact with the contacts u³, w. A back stop d', is employed
to limit the movement of the suspension switch.
Slight modifications are shown in the circuits to indicate that they may be
altered in immaterial respects. For example, the circuit-closer relay magnets R M²,
are connected through the return wire 8, and the indicating relays R M, are
connected through the line wire 3, instead of rice versa as in Fig. 14. This change
is effected by running wire 38, from lever L, to plate d³, of the lightning arrester
at station X; by running wire 39, from lever L, to plate d³, at station Y; by
running wire 29, from lever L, to plate f³, at station X; and by running wire 30,
from lever L, to plate, at station Y. Also the circuits are slightly modified by
connecting the suspension switches S, and levers L, by wires 7, and 9, so that
wire 29, coincides with wire 9, and wire 30, coincides with wire 7. In all other

page_text: respects the circuit connections in Fig. 15, are identical with those in Fig. 14, and
the operations of the circuits in both figures are identical.
In Fig. 15, there is also shown how under certain circumstances the number of
indicating instruments at the several stations may be reduced. As has already
been stated, in the arrangement shown in Fig. 15, it is necessary to call up the
attendants at the receiving stations before indications can be transmitted. This
necessitates the active presence at each receiving station of an attendant. Where
the constant services of attendants at the receiving stations are required, the
number of indicating instruments may be largely reduced, it only being necessary
to have one instrument for each character of indications, and that single instru-
ment is used for the exhibition in succession of a plurality of indications. The
means for enabling this to be done are shown in Fig. 15, at the receiving station Y,
and in detail in Fig. 16. As shown in Fig. 15, at the receiving station there is
but one single indicating instrument I, which however is not connected directly by
wires with the multiple-circuit closer M C. There is employed intermediate
between the indicating instrument and the multiple-circuit closer a special device.
This consists of a suitable base A, of insulating material, on which are mounted
two metallic strips a, a', wholly insulated from each other, these two metallic strips
being connected respectively, by wires 54, 55, with the two actuating
magnets m, m2, of the indicating instruments. Fig. 16, shows a vertical cross
section on an enlarged scale of the base A, and the parts carried thereby. In
close juxtaposition to each of these metallic strips, the base carries a plurality of
fixed contact plates 66, 67, which are insulated from each other and from the
strips a, a. One series of contact plates 8, are arranged along one edge of the
strip a, and the other series, 67, are arranged alongside the other strip a. The
several contact plates, are connected by separate wires 51, with every other one
of the electrodes w, of the multiple-circuit closer; and the other contact plates 1,
are connected by separate wires 52, with the alternate electrodes w. Now it is
obvious that electric connection between the indicator I, and the circuit-closer MC,
can be made only by establishing connection between the contact plates 68, 17, and
the strips a, a. This can be done by the use of any suitable movable hand-
operated circuit-closer. I have shown as such circuit-closers two circuit-closing
pins c, c, which can be placed between the strips a, a', and the contact
plates 6, 7, so as to establish electric connection between them. To facilitate
making contact, the pins are split, the cooperating edges of the metallic strips and of
the contact plates are recessed or notched, and the base A, is formed with cavities
for the reception of the ends of the circuit-closing pins, all as clearly shown in
Figs. 15, and 16.
The operation will be readily understood. When the operator at the trans-
mitting station wishes to transmit indications, he calls up the attendants at the
receiving stations by means of the call bells. He then manipulates all of the
multiple-circuit closers until their indices I, indicate the particular character of
information which is to be transmitted. The attendants at the receiving stations
then place the movable circuit-closers between the two proper contact plates and the
metallic strips, which places the indicating instrument in circuit. The index of
the indicating instrument at each receiving station is then under the control of the
operator at the main transmitting station. Two pins c, c, are employed so that
both magnets m, m2, may be in electric connection with the electrodes of the
multiple transmitter.
This modification is a convenient one for sending stock-quotations to subscribing
stations. At such stations it is desirable that the quotations as received shall
be in plain sight of all persons in the apartment. The multiple-circuit closer
index by its position indicates the particular stock, and the index of the indicating
instrument shows its current price.
The base A, may be located in any convenient place, and may conveniently be
a portion of the base of the multiple-circuit closer.
The diagram Fig. 15, also shows other minor modifications.
The verifier

page_text: circuit is omitted. And instead of the double Morse keys K³, being employed, two
plain keys or switches 3, 3, are employed at each station.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim
is :-
:-
1. Combining the electric indicating and multiple-circuit closer circuits and
their instruments with electric signalling and telephonic circuits (one or both) and
the instruments thereof, substantially as set forth.
2. The following specified instruments and circuits in combination, to wit, (a) a
plurality of multiple-circuit closers, one at each of several stations, each multiple-
circuit-closer having a plurality of fixed insulated electrodes, a movable circuit-
closing arm having an intermittent step-by-step movement whereby it is brought
successively into contact with said electrodes one by one, and an electro-magnet
which controls the step-by-step movement of said circuit-closing arm; (b) a
plurality of electric indicating instruments at each of said several stations whereby
there are a plurality of such instruments for each of said multiple circuit-closers,
each of said indicating instruments having an actuating electro-magnet (or
magnets), the said actuating magnets being connected respectively with the
electrode of the multiple circuit-closer at the same station, one magnet being
connected with one electrode, thus connecting the indicating instruments with the
multiple circuit-closer in multiple; (c) electric circuit connections connecting
in series the actuating electro-magnets of all of the multipie circuit-closers at the
several stations, and hand-operated means for making and breaking the said
circuit, whereby intermittent electric currents are simultaneously sent around (or
through) the actuating electro-magnets of the several multiple-circuit-closers,
thereby causing their several circuit-closing arms to move in unison and bringing
at the several stations corresponding electric indicating instruments into electric
connection with the circuit-closing arms respectively; and (d) electric circuit
connections between said indicating instruments, said circuit closing arms and a
suitable source of electric energy, and hand-operated means for controlling said
circuit connections, whereby intermittent electric currents are simultaneously sent
around (or through) the actuating electro-magnets of those indicating instruments
at the several stations which are in connection with the circuit-closing arms of the
multiple-circuit-closers, thereby causing one indicating instrument at each station
to operate in unison with one indicating instrument at each of all of the other
stations, substantially as set forth.
3. A plurality of multiple-circuit-closers, one at each of several stations, each of
said circuit-closers having a plurality of fixed insulated electrodes, a circuit-closing
arm which constitutes a part of an electric circuit, said circuit-closing arm having
an intermittent step-by-step movement whereby it is brought successively into
contact with said electrodes one by one, and an electro-magnet which controls the
intermittent step-by-step movement of said circuit-closing arm, in combination
with a plurality of electric indicating instruments at each of said stations connected
in multiple with the electrodes of the multiple-circuit-closer at the same station,
an electric generator one pole of which is connected with said indicating
instruments and the other pole of which is connected with the circuit-closing arm
of the multiple-circuit-closer, hand operated electrical means for operating in
unison the electro-magnets which control said circuit-closing arms, and independent
hand operated electrical means for simultaneously controlling the action of such of
the indicating instruments at the several stations as are brought in circuit by the
multiple circuit-closers, substantially as set forth.
4. A plurality of multiple-circuit closers, one at each of several stations, each of
said multiple-circuit-closers comprising a plurality of fixed insulated electrodes, &
circuit-closing arm having a step-by-step movement and adapted to bring said fixed
electrodes one by one into an electric circuit of which said circuit-closing arm is a
part, an actuating electro-magnet controlling the step-by-step movement of said

page_text: circuit-closing arm, a main multiple-circuit closer electric circuit connecting said
multiple-circuit-closers in series, and hand-operated means for opening and closing
said main electric circuit, in combination with a plurality of electric indicating
instruments at each of said stations connected in multiple with the fixed electrodes
of the multiple-circuit-closer at the same station, a single indicating electric circuit
(independent of said multiple circuit-closer circuit) connecting the several stations
in series and simultaneously controlling the action of such of the indicating
instruments as are brought simultaneously in circuit by the action of said
multiple circuit-closers, and hand-operated means for opening and closing said
indicating electric circuit independently of the opening and closing of said multiple
circuit-closer circuit, substantially as set forth.
5. A plurality of multiple circuit-closers one at each of several stations, cach
of said circuit-closers comprising a plurality of fixed electrodes, a circuit-
closing arm having a step-by-step movement and adapted to bring said fixed
electrodes into electric connection with one pole of a local electric generator L B,
an actuating electro-magnet controlling the step-by-step movement of said circuit-
closing arm, a main electric circuit connecting said multiple circuit-closers
in series, and means for opening and closing said main electric circuit, in com-
bination with a plurality of electric indicating instruments at each of said
stations, said indicating instruments at one station being all in electric connection
by means of a local circuit with the opposite pole of said local generator L B, and
electric circuit-wires connecting said instruments with the several fixed electrodes
respectively of the multiple circuit-closer at the same station; local means, such as
a relay magnet, at each station for making and breaking each local circuit, an
electric circuit connecting all of said relay magnets at the several stations in series,
and means for making and breaking said electric circuit, substantially as set
forth.
6. A. plurality of multiple circuit-closers one at each of several stations, each of
said circuit-closers comprising a plurality of fixed electrodes, a circuit-closing arm
having a step-by-step movement, and adapted to bring said fixed electrodes into
electric connection with one pole of a local electric generator L B, an actuating
electro-magnet m³, controlling the step-by-step movement of said circuit-closing
arm, a local electric generator L B, a local electric circuit including said local
generator L B³, and said magnet m¹, means, such as a relay magnet R M², for
opening and closing said local circuit, an electric circuit including an electric
generator and connecting the relays R M³, at all of the stations in series, and means
for opening and closing said circuit, in combination with a plurality of electric
indicating instruments at each of said stations, said instruments at each station
being connected in multiple with the generator L B, and with the fixed electrodes
of the multiple circuit-closer at the same station, means, such as a relay magnet R M,
for opening and closing the local circuit at each station which includes said
generator L B, an electric circuit including an electric generator and connecting
the relays R M in the said local circuits at all of the stations in series, and means
(independent of the means which control the relays R M²) for opening and closing
said circuit, substantially as set forth.
7. An electric signalling circuit, including signalling devices, an electric generator,
a line wire and a return wire, in combination with electric indicating circuits, said
indicating circuits being two in number, ciz., (1) a multiple circuit-closer circuit,
including electric means such as relay magnets for operating multiple circuit-closing
instruments, an electric generator, means for opening and closing said circuits for
operating said relay magnets, and a line wire, and (2) an indicating instrument
circuit, including electric means such as relay magnets for operating electric indi-
cating instruments, an electric generator, means for opening and closing said
circuit, and a line wire independent of the line wire of said multiple circuit-closer
circuit; the line wire of one of said two indicating circuits being the same as the
line wire of said signalling circuit, and the line wire of the other indicating circuit

page_text: being the same as the return wire of said signalling circuit, substantially as set
forth.
8. An electric signalling circuit including signalling devices, an electric generator,
a line wire, and a return wire; and an electric telephone circuit including telephonic
instruments, their current generators, and the same line and return wires as the
signalling circuit; in combination with electric indicating circuits, said indicating
circuits being two in number: viz., (1) a multiple circuit-closer circuit, including
electric means (such as relay magnets) for operating multiple circuit-closing instru-
ments, an electric generator, means for opening and closing said circuits for operating
said relay magnets, and a line wire; and (2) an indicating instrument circuit,
including electric means (such as relay magnets) for operating electric indicating
instruments, an electric generator, means for opening and closing said circuit, and
a line wire independent of the line wire of said multiple circuit-closer circuit; the
line wire of one of said two indicating circuits being the same as the line wire of
said signalling and telephone circuits, and the line wire of the other indicating
circuit being the same as the return wire of said signalling and telephone circuits,
substantially as set forth.
9. Electric signalling telephonic and indicating circuits having line and return
wires in common, and having independent generators, in combination with a sus-
pension switch and the contacts thereof controlling the operativeness of said
circuits.
10. Electric signalling telephonic and indicating circuits having line and return
wires in common and having separate electric generators, and telephonic, signalling
and indicating instruments, in combination with a lightning arrester at each station,
each lightning arrester being common to all of said circuits and being interposed
between the line and return wires and all of the telephonic, signalling and indicating
instruments at each station, substantially as set forth.
11. A suspension switch, its contacts, and electric circuits including said switch
and contacts, in combination with an electric circuit controlled by said switch but
not including it, said circuit including an electrode or contact and a lever
co-operating therewith, said lever being moved by said switch, substantially as
set forth.
12. A plurality of multiple-circuit closers, each having a circuit-closing arm
having a step-by-step movement, a verifying electric circuit connecting all of said
multiple-circuit closers in series, and circuit openers and closers in said circuit at
each multiple-circuit closer, said verifying circuit openers and closers operating
synchronously with the step-by-step moving circuit-closing arms of each multiple-
circuit closer respectively, in combination with a single verifying instrument
having an index capable of a step-by-step movement, and an electro-magnet in
said verifying circuit controlling the movement of said index, substantially as set
forth.
13. A multiple-circuit closer comprising a plurality of fixed electrodes and a
circuit-closing arm having a step-by-step movement and adapted to bring said fixed
electrodes one by one into electric connection with one pole of an electric generator,
and an electric indicating instrument having a movable index and two magnets
controlling the same, said magnets being in electrical connection with the opposite
pole of said battery, in combination with two metallic strips in clectrical connection
with said magnets respectively, contact plates in electric connection respectively
with said fixed electrodes of said multiple-circuit closer, a portion of said contact-
plates co-operating with one of said metallic strips and a portion of said contact-
plates co-operating with the other metallic strip, and movable circuit-closers for
establishing electric connection between said contact plates and said metallic strips,
substantially as set forth and as shown in Figure 15.
14. The particular construction of the electric indicating instrument shown in
Figures to 7, inclusive, and as described.
15. The dial plate D', of the multiple-circuit closer, carrying on its exterior face

page_text: a dial or scale, the rear supporting plate Z, the plate P, intermediate between said
plates D, and Z, said three plates being parallel with each other with spaces
between them, and a rotary arbor or shaft extending through said three plates
perpendicularly thereto, in combination with an annular ring or flange V, of
insulating material carried by said plate P, a plurality of insulated electrodes
separated from each other and carried by said flange between the plates P, and Z,
said electrodes having their contact faces concentric with said arbor, a circuit-
closing arm carried by said arbor moving between said plates P, and Z, and
co-operating with said electrodes, the operating mechanism for said arbor carried by
said plate Z, on its exterior, a plurality of circuit wires connected with said
electrodes and occupying the space between said plates P, and D', and an index
carried by said arbor exterior to the plate D', substantially as set forth.
16. The base N, bracket M, mounted thereon, and the supporting ring or
cylinder K, of the multiple-circuit closer M C, said base, bracket and ring or
cylinder having a slot or passageway t, extending therethrough and establishing
communication between the interior of the ring and the bottom of the base, and the
central intermediate plate P, supported within said ring or cylinder K, and having
an annular rim or flange V, of insulating material on its rear side, in combination
with a front dial plate D₁, within said ring or cylinder K, there being a space
between said plates D', and P, communicating with said passageway t, a rear
plate Z, within said ring or cylinder K, and behind said plate P, there being a space
between said plates P, and Z, a rotary arbor extending through said plates P, Z,
and D', perpendicularly thereto, mechanism for operating said arbor carried by
said rear plate Z, on its rear side, a plurality of insulated and separated electrodes
carried by said flange V, between said plates P, and Z, the contact surfaces of said
electrodes being concentric with said arbor, a circuit-closing arm carried by said
arbor between said plates P, and Z, and co-operating with said electrodes, a
plurality of electric circuit wires connected with said electrodes respectively,
occupying the space between said plates P, and Z, and extending outward through
said passageway t, and an index carried by said arbor exterior to said dial plate D',
substantially as set forth.
17. The rotary arbor of the multiple-circuit closer, a plurality of insulated
electrodes the contact surfaces of which are in a circle having said arbor as its
centre, the contact surface of each electrode being perpendicular to a radius of said
circle, an electric generator, a plurality of electric indicating instruments arranged
in multiple, all being in electric communication with one pole of said generator, and
a plurality of electric circuit wires each wire connecting one of said indicating
instruments with one of said electrodes, in combination with a circuit-closing arm
carried by said arbor and adapted to make contact with said electrodes in succession,
said circuit-closing arm being in electric communication with the opposite pole of
said electric generator, substantially as set forth.
18. The rotary arbor of the multiple-circuit closer, a circuit-closing arm carried
thereby, a spur wheel on said arbor, a worm shaft engaging said spur wheel, and a
ratchet wheel on said shaft, in combination with an electro-magnet, a pivoted
armature lever, the armature of said magnet carried by said lever, a retractile
spring acting on said armature to retract the same from its magnet, a pivoted
lever f¹, a pawl pivoted to one end of said lever f³, and co-operating with
said ratchet wheel, said lever f', having a slot in its other end, and a pin carried
by said armature lever and entering the slot in said lever ", substantially as
set forth.
19. In the multiple-circuit closer M C, the base N, bracket M, and supporting
ring or cylinder K, having the passageway t, in combination with the plate P', of
insulating material fixed within said ring or cylinder, and a plurality of electrodes
supported by said plate, each electrode having means for the attachment of a
circuit wire, all of said circuit wires being led out through passageway t, substan-
tially as set forth.
20. In the multiple-circuit closer M C, the supporting ring or cylinder K, the

page_text: plate P, of insulating material fitted within said ring or cylinder, said plate having
a projecting annular peripheral flange V, and a plurality of electrodes secured to
said flange with their contact faces exposed on the inner face of said flange, in
combination with a plate Z, fitted within said ring or cylinder parallel with said
plate P, and next to the flange V, whereby a circular space is formed between the
plates P, Z, encircled by the flange V, a rotary arbor journalled in said plate Z,
and a circuit-closing arm carried by said arbor between said plates P, and Z, sub-
stantially as set forth.
21. In the construction of both the indicating instrument I, and of the multiple-
circuit closer M C, a supporting ring or cylinder K, and a plate fitted therein, in
combination with a rotary arbor journalled in said plate, an index carried thereby,
the actuating mechanism of said arbor mounted on said plate, and a cover slipping
on to said cylinder K, and enclosing and concealing the said plate and all parts
carried thereby, substantially as set forth.
22. In the multiple-circuit closer MC, the supporting ring or cylinder K, having
2 slot, for the passage of circuit wires, in combination with the plates P, and Z,
having slots a', for the passage of circuit wires connected with the plate Z, or with
parts mounted thereon, substantially as set forth.
23. In the multiple-circuit closer M. C, the plate Z, the rotary arbor journalled
therein, the electro-magnet supported by said plate, the movable armature lever d',
and mechanism intermediate between said lever and arbor for rotating said arbor,
in combination with two posts n', o carried by said plate, a spring contact S4,
carried by the post o', a fixed electrode t', carried by the post n, with which said
spring contact is normally out of contact, a pin P, carried by said armature
lever d', and co-operating with said spring contact to bring the same in contact
with said electrode on the excitation of said electro-magnet, and an electric circuit
including an electric generator, said circuit including said spring contact and said
electrode, substantially as set forth.
NEWNHAM BROWNE,
Agent for the Applicant.