Improvements in the Art of Transmitting Articulated Speech by the Agency of Electricity, without Employing Pulsatory, Undulatory, or Vibratory Electric Currents on the Line.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 9th Apr., 1889-Accepted, 15th June 1880
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Art of Transmitting Articulated Speech by
the
Agency of Electricity, without Employing Pulsatory,
Undulatory, or Vibratory Electric Currents on the Line.
I, JOHN ABSTERDAM, of 247 Broadway, in the City and State of New York
United States of America, Scientific and Mechanical Engineer, 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 :-
:-
Heretofore, vocal or other sounds have been transmitted electrically on a line wire
by two distinct methods. One of the methods is the transmitting of sounds by the
direct current from a battery, and the other method is the transmission of sounds by
means of an induced current on the line, which is produced by passing the battery
current through the primary wire of an induction coil, which causes the propagation
of an induced current in the secondary wire of the coil, which is the line current that
transmits the sounds over the line wire.
In the United States patent granted to Alexander Graham Bell, March 7th 1876
No. 174,465, the intermittent, pulsatory, undulatory or vibratory electric currents are
well described, and he claims the transmission of vocal or other sounds by the employ-
ment of undulatory or vibratory electric currents.
Prior to the date of the Bell patent aforesaid, others had transmitted vocal and
other sounds on a line wire by electric currents.
In the second volume of Count Du Moncel, "expose des applications de Electricite,"
page 225, published in Paris in 1854, is described the invention of Charles Boursenl,
which is a method of transmitting articulated speech on a line wire by electric
currents, by means of two vibratory plates, placed in the line circuit, and so arranged
in connection with the line and line battery at each end of the circuit, that speaking
against one plate in Paris, will establish and interrupt successively the communication
with the battery at that end of the circuit, and by having at a distance, another
vibratory plate in the same line circuit similarly connected with another battery and
the line, the distant plate will execute at the same time, exactly the same vibrations
of the plate which is caused to vibrate by the articulated speech spoken against it.
The inventor, Bourseul, states that the sound produced at the transmitting point will
be variable, where the plate is vibrating by the voice, but will be constant at the
point of arrival, where the receiving plate vibrates by electricity.
In a "Treatise on Technical Physics" by Professor Heisler, published in Vienna,
in 1866, the telephone of Phillip Reis, is described, which is an instrument for
the transmission of speech by electric currents as published by Count Du Moncel,
in 1854.
But neither Bourseul, Reis, nor Bell have employed an induction coil, or induced
electric currents for the transmission of vocal or other sounds on the line. In Bell's
patent aforesaid, it is stated that an induction coil is dispensed with in his method of
transmitting vocal or other sounds telegraphically, and it is claimed by competent
electricians, that Bourseul and Reis, could only transmit sounds with pulsatory electric
currents, and that in Bell's method the vocal or other sounds are transmitted by
undulatory electric currents, on the line.
In contradistinction to the transmission of vocal or other sounds by pulsatory or
undulatory electric currents. I transinit articulated speech electrically, by the employ-
ment of a charge or body of electricity at rest, upon the line wire.
I have discovered that electricity is sonorous or acoustic, and possesses the property
of transmitting sounds without electric currents, and also the property of rendering
metal sonorous. And it is on these properties that my invention is baseil.
My invention consists First, in the transmission of articulated speech electrically,

page_text: by the employment of a charge or body of electricity at rest on the line wire, in
lieu of undulatory or vibratory electric currents, and in the method of and apparatus
for, charging the line wire with a body of electricity at rest, during the transmission
of speech upon the line.
Second. It consists also in charging the line with electricity at rest, by arresting
the electric currents on the line, by the employment of one or more current arresters
in the line circuit.
Third. It consists also in charging the line with electricity at rest, by sending to
line the energy from two distant batteries of equal electromotive power with their
positive poles or energies directed towards each other on the same line wire.
Fourth. It consists also in charging the line wire with induced electricity at rest,
by causing to be sent to line from opposite directions, the induced electricity propagated
in the secondary wire of induction coils; with their induced energy directed in
opposition to each other on the line wire, thereby creating and maintaining a charge
of induced electricity at rest on the line.
In the transmission of articulated speech without the employment of undulatory or
vibratory electric currents, I charge the line wire with a body of electricity at rest,
which is called static or latent electricity.
By charging the line wire with a sufficiently strong body or charge of electricity
at rest, and maintaining the charge on the line wire during the transmission of speech,
I am enabled to transmit vocal and other sounds between two distant telephoning
stations, without the employment of undulatory or vibratory electric currents on the
line wire. And as electricity is a conveyor of sounds and has the property of
rendering metal sonorous, it follows that the words spoken against the diaphragm of
the transmitter, are heard at the distant station in the telephone receiver through the
medium of the electric charge at rest on the line wire.
The transmitting and receiving diaphragms in my invention perform exactly the
same functions, as the diaphragms of acoustic telephones in the transmission of
articulated speech, for the reason that the electrical charge at rest on the line wire is
acoustic.
Ever since Count du Moncel published the transmission of articulated speech on a
line wire with electric currents, in 1854, as described by Charles Bourseul, I have been
experimenting to ascertain the best way of employing the strongest electromotive
power for the transmission of articulated speech on a line wire, and I have found that
a strong electromotive force can only be employed on the line wire for the trans-
mission of articulated speech, by charging the line wire with electricity at rest; by
using electricity at rest, there is no danger of injuring the fine wire spools or coils of
the telephone receivers. There are many ways of charging the line wire and several
devices can be employed for charging the line wire with a body of electricity at rest,
sufficiently strong, for the transmission of speech on long distance telephone lines.
One device which I use for accomplishing this result, consists of two metal plates
painted or varnished on one side with an insulating paint or varnish. I then place
these two metal plates flatwise against each other with the painted or varnished sides
inward, and fasten them together one against the other by any suitable means.
then cut the line wire across in two parts and solder one end of the cut line wire to
one of these plates, and I solder the other end of the other cut out piece to the other
plate, so that these two plates form a part of the line, and I place this device in the
line circuit at each telephoning station, so arranged that when the telephones are to
line, these devices are in the line circuit, and when the call bells are to line, these
devices are out of the line circuit, I prefer using copper plates as the best conductors
of electricity, for this purpose, with at least sixteen square inches of area surface on
each side of each plate; instead of painting or varnishing the inside surface of
both plates, the painting or varnishing of the inside surface of only one plate is
sufficient.
1
This device I denominate a current arrester. It will arrest all the electric currents,
flowing on the line wire, and cause the line to become charged with a body of electricity
at rest.

page_text: The reason that the best conducting metal is preferable for that purpose, and a large
area of surface is that it is not desired to condense a reservoir of electricity in these
plates, as it would be detrimental to the work for which I use them. The object is
to arrest all the electric currents flowing on the line wire, and at the same time to let
the articulated speech filter through the plates.
Another device for this purpose is composed of two permanent steel magnets. I
paint or varnish one side of one of these magnets, and when the paint or varnish is
dry, I place them flatwise against each other, with the painted or varnished side
inward, and place said magnets between two copper plates, and fasten the whole
together by any suitable means. I then proceed as above described with the
plates.
The function of the last is the same as that made of two copper plates, with the
exception that this device will arrest all the electric currents on the line wire, and at
the same time the magnetism contained in the permanent magnets will form a splicing
medium for the filtration of the articulated speech through the current arrester, when
the telephones are to line.
Instead of using two magnets, one magnet may be sufficient by painting or
varnishing one side of the magnet and placing it between two metal plates, all
fastened together. place this device in the line circuit by connecting one side of the
cut line to one of the said metal plates, and the other side of the line to the other
plate, the device being placed in the line circuit the same as the current arresting
devices before described. Instead of painting or varnishing one side of the magnet,
the inside of one of the metal plates enclosing the magnet may be painted or varnished.
The best insulating varnish that is fire proof for that purpose, is silicate of soda, or
soluble glass.
Another manner of charging the line wire with a permanent body of induced
electricity at rest, is to connect the transmitter batteries and induction coils to cach
other, so that when two telephones are to line the induced electricity, propagated in
the secondary wires of the induction coils at both stations, will be caused to go to line
directed towards each other, which will keep the line wire charged with a body of
induced electricity at rest, and will prevent the formation of undulatory or vibratory
currents on the line.
-
When the two ends of a primary wire of an induction coil are connected one to the
positive pole of a battery, and the other to the negative pole of the same battery,
and the battery is in action, the battery current in passing through the primary wire,
will propagate an induced energy in the secondary wire of said induction coil, when
the two ends of the secondary wire of said coil are connected together in a metallic
circuit, or are connected to earth. The direction of the induced energy in the
secondary wire will be in an opposite direction to the primary current, which enables
me to transform the transmitter batteries and induction coils into a device for charging
the line with a body of induced electricity at rest.
I take a telephone with transmitter and receiver with the usual transmitter battery.
I connect the positive + pole of the said battery with the electrodes of the transmitter,
and one of the ends of the primary wire of the induction coil, and 1 connect the other
end of said primary wire to the negative pole of the said battery in such a manner
that the battery current is caused to pass through the said primary wire from right to
left, in its battery circuit.
-
I take another telephone containing the same kind of battery, and induction coil.
I also connect the positive + pole of the battery with the electrodes and one end of
the primary wire of the induction coil, and I connect the other end of the said
primary wire with the negative - pole of the said battery in such a manner that the
battery current, through the primary wire of said coi! passes from left to right. In
one telephone, the battery current will pass through the primary wire of its induction
coil from right to left, and in the other telephone, the primary current will pass
through the primary wire of its induction coil from left to right, when these two
telephones are placed in the line, either with a metallic circuit or in a ground return
circuit and when both telephones are to line, the action of the primary currents in

page_text: passing through the primary wires of the said induction coils so connected, will cause
induced electricity to be propagated in the secondary wires of both induction coils
in opposite directions, which will cause the induced electricity propagated in the
secondary wires of the induction coils of both telephones to go to line at both stations
towards each other, as the said secondary wires form a part of the line, which. will
charge the line wire with induced electricity at rest, and by causing the induced
electricity of both telephones to go to line towards each other, no pulsatory, undulatory
or vibratory electric currents can be produced on the line wire from said induced
electricity.
When it is required to charge the line wire with a stronger body of electricity at
rest, I add to the telephone line, two line batteries of equal electromotive power,
placing these two batteries, one at each end of the line, in the line circuit, with their
positive poles to line, and their negative poles to earth.
-
When it is necessary, I place one or more current arresters in the line-circuit in
the manner before described.
In the drawings forming a part of this specification,―
Figure 1 is a diagram representing a telephone line arranged for the transmission
of articulated speech, according to my invention.
A, A' represent two terminal telephone stations.
B, B are the telephone receivers; C, C¹ the transmitters; D. D the induction coils;
E, E the transmitter batteries: F, F the current arresters; G, G¹ the ground wires
and T the line wire.
When the batteries, E, E are in action the primary current at the telephone
station A, starts from the positive + pole a, of battery, E, through wire 1, trans-
mitter C. primary wire 2, through induction coil D, wire 3, to negative - polo 6 of
said battery. The battery circuit of E at station A is from the positive + pole a',
through wire 1, transmitter Cand primary wire 2 through induction coil D¹ wire 3,
to negative pole of said battery. The line circuit is from ground wires G, G',
through current arresters, F, F1, through secondary wires d, d' of induction
coils D, D¹ wires e, e¹ through the fine wire forming the magnet spool or coils in the
receivers B, B' and out of said receivers to line T.
-
The operation of these circuits is as follows: At telephone station A, primary
current from battery E, passes through primary wire of induction coil D. from
right to left. At telephone station A', primary current from battery E¹ passes
through primary wire of the induction coil, D', from left to right. The action of
these two battery currents in passing through the primary wires of the induction
coils from right to left and from left to right, cause the propagation of induced
electricity in the secondary wires of said coils which is caused to go to line from lefs
to right, and from right to left, on the line T, thereby creating and maintaining a charge
or body of induced electricity at rest, upon the line wire between station 'A and A',
as the said secondary wires form a part of the line.
The current arresters F, F¹, will arrest on the line wire any other induced
electricity that may come to the telephone line, from other electric line wires or from
the atmosphere, and cause such electricity to remain on the line wire to form a part
of the electrical body at rest, that I employ for transmitting articulated speech,
without electric currents, the charge or body of induced electricity at rest, on the line
wire, being indicated by numbers 4, 5, 6, 7.
Figure 2 is a diagram representing line, Figure 1, minus the telephone transmitters
and receivers. The charge or body of induced electricity at rest around the line
wire, T is indicated by the numbers 4 and 7.
Figure 3 is a diagram representing line figure 2, with a metallic circuit and with
only one current arrester placed in the line circuit; numbers 4, 6, 7, indicating the
body of electricity at rest, on the line wire.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing the undulatory electric current on the line wire that,
is now employed for the transmission of vocal or other sounds, the undulations being
indicated by the numbers 4, 7.
And in contradistinction to the said undulatory current, the diagrams figures 1, 2, 3,

page_text: show the charge or body of electricity at rest on the line wire, and show also the
contrast between my line wire charged with electricity at rest, and the undulatory
electric current shown in said figure 4.
Figure 5 is a diagram representing a telephone line with a metallic circuit, arranged
with my current arresters. A, A' represent the stations, B, B', are the telephone
receivers, C, C, the transmitters, D, D', the induction coils, E, E¹ the transmitter
batteries, F the current arrester, H H the call belts, and M. M' the electro-magnets
for ringing the call bells, and S, T, the line wires.
The operation is as follows:
When the line is at rest the batteries U, V, are to line through the call bell
magnets, switches N, N' and line wire S. If it is desired to call any station, one of
the two spring keys, K or K' is pushed by pressing on key knobs or ¹, and the
armatures and O' will cause the bells to ring each time that the spring key is
pushed, and when the signalling is over, the switches N, N¹ are moved on the
contact buttons, and which put the telephone to line, and cuts out the signalling
apparatus and telephoning is then carried on the same as in Figure 1.
The current arrester F, will arrest the electric current the same as in figure 1, and.
the transmitter batteries act the same as explained in said figure.
When telephoning is over,.switches N, N' are removed to their former place on the
contact points t, t, and the line is again ready for another operation.
Figure 6 represents my current arrester composed of two steel magnets † g, placed
flatwise against each other, and one or both of their inner sides are covered with an
insulating paint or varnish, and are placed between two copper plates m and n, and it
is to these copper plates that I connect the line wires, through the wires d, d' as
shown in figures 1, 2, 5. The current arresters, F, F' perform the same functions as
described in Figure 1.
Figure 7 represents the flat sides of the magnets.
I have before stated that I place my current arrester in the line circuit by cutting
the line wire across, in two parts, and that I connect one end of the cut line wire to
one of the metallic plates of the current arrester, and the other end, to the other plate
of the same current arrester. I have illustrated that arrangement of the line in
figures 1 and 2. But as in order to carry on the operation of telephoning some sort
of signalling apparatus, or instruments must be used for calling the station required,
and to give notice when the conversation is ended, I must provide means by which
the current arresters can be thrown in the line circuit during the time that
conversation through the telephone is carried on, and be thrown out of the line
circuit, when the signalling apparatus is to line, otherwise it would be impossible to
call the stations, for the reason that no signalling or other electric current can pass
through my current arresters. I have shown several ways of throwing my current
arresters in, and out, of the line circuit; one way, is by placing the current arrester
permanently in the line circuit during the time of conversation, and out of the circuit
automatically when ringing the call bells.
Figure 8, is a diagram" representing a telephoning station at one of the terminal
ends of a telephone line.
A represents the station; B, the telephone receiver; C, the telephone transmitter ;
D, the induction coil; E, the battery: F, the current arrester G and G¹ the
ground wires; T, the line wire; I, the call bells; J, magnet of same, and K, the
magneto for generating the current for ringing the call bells.
The operation with the line arranged as shown in this figure is as follows:
When the telephone receiver B is hanging on the hook lever O, said lever makes
contact with the metallic contact piece 2, then the line circuit is from the ground
at G, to the magneto brush m, then through the commutator of the revolving coil N,
and through the other brush n, wire 5, bell magnet J, wire 6, contact piece 1,
book-lever O, through line wire T, to the other station not shown, while telephone
receiver B, remains hanging on hook lever O, the magneto call bells are to line, at
both stations, so that the call bells can be rung as the current arrester is not now
in the line circuit. When receiver B. is removed from hook-lever O, said lever is

page_text: raised up by the spring L, against the metallic contact piece l, and the lever R is let
down on the metallic contact piece S. On lever R making contact with contact
piece S, the battery circuit is closed, which circuit is from carbon a of battery E,
through wire 1, through transmitter C, wire 2, and through the primary wire of the
induction coil, wire 3, to lever R, contact piece S, wire 4, to zinc pole b, of battery E.
The line circuit is then from the ground G through wire c, current arrester F.
Secondary wire d, through secondary wire of induction coil D, and through wire d',
screw e, from thence through wire r, through the magnet spool of receiver B and
out of said receiver through wire to screw e through wire i, to contact piece p,
from thence through the hook-lever O, through line wire T, to the station at the
other end of the line circuit.
Figure 9 is a diagram showing a way of throwing the current arresters in and
out of circuit by means of switches.
Y and Z represent the stations, I and L₁ are the magneto ringing apparatus,
M M₁ are call bells, N N₁ are cranks of magnetos, O, O are hook-levers of the
automatic switches in magneto bell boxes, P, P₁ are battery boxes containing the
batteries therein. R, R', are current arresters, K, are transmitters, and F, F¹ are
receivers.
2.
Ki
When the telephone receivers are hanging on hook-levers 0, 01, and the magneto
ringers are to line, the line, circuit, is from the line T, through automatic switch
levers O, O', and the magneto ringers L L', and through the ground wires I, 1',
to earth. But when the receivers F, F', are taken off the hook-levers 0, 0¹, then
the circuit is from the line through said switch levers, through receivers F, FI
and through the secondary wires of the induction coils inside of the transmitter
boxes K, K, and through switches E E¹, to earth through wires I, I'.
The operation is as follows:
After the call bells have been used and the receivers are taken off the hooks,
switches E, E¹, must be moved from their contact points on buttons t, t¹, on to contact
points or buttons ?, r, which operation breaks the line in two parts and throws the
current arresters into the line circuit, which arrests all the electric currents that are
flowing on the line wire and thus causes the line to be charged with a body of
electricity at rest. After the conversation is ended, said switches are again moved
on their contact points t, t¹, as when the switches E, E¹, remain on contact points
or buttons,, no ringing current can pass through the current arresters.
Figure 10 is a diagram representing a telephone line provided with my current
arresters as shown in Figure 9, with the exception that a switching device located in
the telephone receivers, is substituted for switches E, E¹. When the telephone
receivers are hanging on the hook-levers O, O¹, the circuit is from the line T,
through the automatic switches and magnetic ringers, contained in magnet
boxes L, L, and through ground wires I, 11 to the ground, and when telephone
receivers F are taken off the hook-levers O, O¹, the call bells are cut out, and the
telephones are to line. In order to arrest the flowing currents on the line and
causing the line wire to be charged with a body of electricity at rest, the operators
will press with their fingers on buttons G and G₁, of the telephone receivers F, F
By pressing on buttons G or G¹ the line circuit instead of being from line to
ground, is at once changed from line through wires 3, 3, of the telephone receivers
and through current arresters R, R¹, and from thence through wires 4, 4, and
wires 1, Ito the ground. The functions of the transmitters K, K', magnetos L, L',
call bells M, M and the batteries P, P1, are the same as described in Figure 9.
Figure 11 represents a longitudinal section of the receivers shown in Figure 10.
A is the body of the telephone receiver, B is the magnet, C the fine wire spool
around the head of the magnet, D is the chamber containing the spool, E the
diaphragm, F the screwed cap and mouth piece of the receiver and G the press
button fastened to the contact spring a in the body of the receiver. Spring a is
constantly bearing against the contact piece 6. The circuit from the line, when the
telephone is to line, is through the fine wire of the magnet spools, and through the
secondary wire of the induction coils, thence to the ground, the current passing

page_text: through the two usual conducting wires 1, 2, of the telephone receivers, figuro 10
and 11. In addition to the two usual conducting wires, I have added a third
conducting wire, 3, which is connected at one end with one of the metallic plates or
magnets forming the current arresters, and at the other end with a third binding
screw, at the lower end of receiver A, while the conducting wire 3, is connected to
the contact piece b, in the body of the said receiver. Supposing that wire,, 3,
figure 11 be connected to one of the plates or magnets composing the current
arrester R, figure 10, then by pressing on the button G, the contact spring dis
caused to make contact against the contact piece in the body of the receiver, then
the circuit is changed from conducting wire 2, to wire 3, through current arrester R,
figure 10, wire 4, and wire 1, to the ground. By pressing on button G all the electric
currents flowing on the line wire are arrested, and the line becomes charged with a
body of electricity at rest.
It is not necessary to throw the current arresters in the line circuit at both tele-
phoning stations, when transmitting articulated speech, as one current arrester will
arrest, all the flowing electric currents on the line wire and cause the line to become
charged with electricity at rest.
Figure 12 represents my current arrester composed of two copper plates m, n, with
tin plate i clasped between them. The tin plate is coated on one side with Japan
varnish, and a copper wire, 3, is soldered to plate n. Another copper wire 4, is
soldered to the plate m, the plates being clasped together as shown. These wires 3
and 4 are the saine as the wires 3 and 4, figure 10.
Figure 13 also represents a current arrester, constructed as shown in figure 12,
excepting that one of the plates is painted on the inside, and that a steel magnet i is
inserted between them.
:
Figure 14 also represents a current arrester composed of two steel magnets placed
flatwise against each other with their N poles placed against the S poles both magnets
being placed between copper plates m, n, by means of which the magnets are connected
in the line circuit.
Figure 15 represents the flat side of the magnets.
Figure 16 also represents a current arrester, .consisting of a steel magnet having a
coating of paint or varnish on one of its flat sides, against which bears a thin iron
plate. A is the magnet, B the thin iron plate, Ca copper plate bearing against the
other flat side of the said magnet, D a copper wire soldered to the iron plate, B, and
E another copper wire soldered to the outer side of copper plate C.
.
Instead of painting or varnishing the side of the magnet, the inner side of the
copper iron plates may be painted or varnished. I try the insulating coating of the
current arresters by placing them in a telegraphing line circuit, in which one side
of the current arresters of whatever form is connected with one side of the line,
and I connect the other side of the current arrester to the other side of the same
line, placing a relay magnet in the same line circuit.
If the current arrester keeps the line open, it proves that no electric currents
pass through the current arrester or flow on the line which is now in condition
for use.
The insulating coating must arrest the electric current, but must be sufficiently
thin, to allow the articulated speech to filter through the current arresters at the
same time that the electric currents are arrested on the line wire, while the line is
charged with electricity at rest. In using the current arrester, for arresting the
electric currents on the line for the transmission of articulated speech by means of
electricity at rest, in lieu of undulatory currents, it is not absolutely necessary to throw
both, the current arresters in the line circuit at both telephoning stations, as one
current arrester, thrown in the line circuit at one station, will arrest the electric
currents on the line wire.
Figure 17 is a diagram representing a telephone line provided with the necessary
devices for a long distance telephone line. A A¹ represents the terminal
stations; B, B' the telephone receivers ; 0, the transmitters; D, 'D' the induction

page_text: coils; E E¹ the transmitter batteries: F F₁ the current arresters; K, K', the
magneto ringing apparatus and U, V, two line batteries with their positive poles
turned towards each other.
The operation with this line arrangement is as follows:-
When receivers B, B' are hanging on hook-levers 0, 0, their weight causes the
said levers to make metallic contact with contact pieces 1, and the magneto ringers
are then to line.
The circuit is then from the line T, through hook-levers O, O' and contact
pieces 1,, wires 6, magneto-ringers K, K¹ wires 5, to the ground at G, G₁,
and the projecting arms, t, t, of said levers, bearing down on the levers R, R
breaks the metallic contact between said levers and contact pieces S, S¹ which opens
the circuit of the telephone batteries, E E¹ when the call bells are to line.
When the receivers B, B1, are removed from hook levers O, O', the said levers are
drawn down by springs, L, L', and said hook levers make metallic contact with the
contact pieces p, p, and the line circuit is from the line T, through hook levers O, O',
contact pieces p¹, wires e e¹ and through the fire wires of the magnet spools
inside of receivers B and B', from thence through wires e, e¹, secondary wires
of the induction coils D, D', wires d.d, and through the batteries U, V, to the
earth at G G'.
On removing said receivers from said hook levers, their projecting arms tt, leave
the short levers R, R', which then make contact with contact pieces S S¹, and the
circuits of the transmitter batteries are closed. The circuit of said batteries is then
from the carbons a, al through wires 1, 1, transmitters C, C³, wires 2, 2, through the
primary wires of induction coils D D wires 3 3, levers R, R¹, contact pieces S, S',
wires 4, 4, to the zinc poles bb¹ of batteries E, E¹.
When the telephone receivers are hanging on hook levers 0, 0¹, the call bells are
to line, calling the stations is performed in the usual manner.
When the receivers B B', are removed from said hook levers, the call bells are cut
out and the telephones are to line. The line is then charged with electricity by
batteries U, V.
As the positive + poles of said batteries are turned to line toward each other
the line is charged with electricity at rest, and while the telephones are to line the
batteries U, V, maintain the line thus charged.
When the circuits of the transmitter batteries are closed, the current of said
batteries in passing through the primary wires of the induction coils, propagate
induced electricity in the secondary wires of induction coils D, D', which mixes with
the static electricity from said line batteries on the line wires.
In order to still better charge the line with electricity at rest, I cause the induced
electricity propagated in the secondary wires of the induction coils to go to line direcied
against each other at both stations, as described in figure 1.
-
Figure 18 is a diagram of a telephone line arranged the same as in Figure 17,
excepting that line batteries U. V, have their negative poles to line and their
positive poles to earth. The line circuit and circuits of transmitter batteries E, E',
are the same as shown in the Figure 17 and the only distinguishing feature of this
arrangement from that illustrated in Figure 17 is that instead of charging the line by
means of the line batteries U, V, I balance the electric charge in the line for preventing
the formation of undulatory electric currents on the line during the transmission of
articulated speech.
The operation is as follows: When telephone receivers B, B₁ are resting on hook
levers O, O', the call bells are to line and the telephones are cut out from the line,
and when said receivers are taken from said hook levers the call bells are cut out and
the telephones are to line as shown in figure 17.
The line wire is caused to be charged with induced electricity, propagated in the
secondary wires of induction coils D, D', and directed to line in opposition to each
other so as to form a body of induced electricity at rest on the line wire, for the
transmission of speech as shown in Figure 1.

page_text: Figure 19 is a diagram representing a telephone line of two terminal stations*
A A are the stations; B, B1, the telephone receivers ; 0, 0, the transmitters;
D, D' the induction coils; E, E¹ the transmitter batteries.
The transmitter battery circuits are the same as shown in Figure 1. The line
circuit is from the ground G G₁, secondary wires d d and through the secondary
wires of the induction coils D, D', wires e, e', and through the fine wires of the
magnet spools or coils in the receivers, B, B, and out through wires e, e³ through
line batteries U, V, and line T.
The line batteries U, V, have their positive + poles turned towards each other
which keeps the line wire constantly charged with electricity at rest. I have not
shown the automatic switches for cutting in or cutting the telephones and call bells
from line or for closing and opening the circuit of the transmitter batteries, being
the same as those heretofore described in connection with Figure 17.
Figure 20 is also a diagram representing a telephone line of two stations.
A A are the stations; B, B₁ the telephone receivers; D, D' the induction
coils C, C, the transmitters; E E' the transmitter batteries and F the current
arrester.
The circuit of the transmitter batteries is the same as in Figure 1, and the line
circuit the same as in Figure 19 with the exception of the current arrester F. which
is substituted for a line battery. The line battery V, will keep the line continually
charged between the ground G¹ and current arrester F, with electricity at rest. The
numbers 4, 5, 6, 7, indicate the body or charge of electricity at rest on the line wire,
for transmitting articulated speech without the employment of undulatory or vibratory
electric currents on the line.
Figure 21 is a diagram representing a telephone line of three stations. A, A', A³,
are the stations; B, B1, B2 the telephone receivers; C, C, the transmitters;
D, D', D the induction coils; E, E, E the transmitter batteries; I', F the current
arresters; K, K³, K² the magneto-call bells.
When the telephone receivers are hanging on the hook levers at the three stations,
the call bells, K, K, K' are to line and the telephones are cut out. The line circuit
is then from the ground wire, G, through magneto ringer K, wire 6, contact
piece 7, hook lever O, line T, magneto-ringer K, line T, hook-lever 01, contact
piece line T hook-lever 0, contact piece 12 wire 7, magneto-ringer, K³, ⚫to
earth at G.
When telephone receivers B, B2 at stations A, A2 are taken off the hook levers O, O³,
springs L, at said stations, pull up hook levers 0, 0 which then make metallic
contact with the contact pieces p and p2 and the telephones are then to line and the
magneto-ringers K, K are cut out.
The circuit is then from the ground G through current arrester F to wire d secondary
wire of induction coil D, wire e and through the fine wire of magnet spool in the
receiver B, and out through wire e' contact piece p, hook lever O, line T, magneto
ringer K, line T hook lever O', of station A contact piece 1, line T² thence to hock
lever of station A², contact piece p³, wire through the fine wire of the
magnet spool inside of the receiver B and out through wire.e through the
secondary wire of induction coil D', through wire d² through current arrester F¹ to
ground at G'.
The battery circuits E E at terminal stations A A' are from the positive +
poles a, a, through 11 through the electrodes of transmitters C, C, wires 2, 2,
switches R, R2, wires 3, 3, through the primary wires of induction coils D, D³,
wires 4, 4 to negative. poles of the same batteries.
-
The induced electricity propagated in the secondary wires of the induction coils D
and Dat'stations A A are caused to go to line towards each other and cause the lino
wire to be charged with a body of electricity at rest as in Figure 1.
It will be seen by referring to this figure that I have provided the transmitter
battery circuit at the intermediate station A' with a pole changing switch R', for
changing the direction of the battery current in the primary wire of induction coil D'.
As the direction of the primary current through the primary wires of induction
B

page_text: coils D, D, at the terminal stations A A2 is permanently directed from right to left at
station A and from left to right at station A, which causes the induced electricity
propagated in the secondary wires, of coils D, D2 to go to line directed towards each other,
and form a body of induced electricity at rest on the line wire between the stations A A".
Suppose that persons at stations A and intermediate station A' are desirous of
conversing by telephone, and that the call bells are to line at all the three stations, the
persons will signal each other with call bells in the usual way but on taking off the
receivers from the hook lever O, O' the person at the intermediate station A¹ will
move the pole changing switch R to the left over the contact points or buttons m n
which will admit the positive + primary current through primary wire of induction
col D from left to right. This will cause the induced electricity propagated in the
secondary wire of coil D¹ to go to line from right to left which direction is towards
station A, the two transmitter batteries at stations A, A, being of the same-generative
capacity, the induced electricity on the line between said two stations will be at rest
on the line wire.
This
Should it be required to telephone between stations A, A, then pole changing
switch R, must be iroved to the right on the contact points or buttons n, v.
will cause the positive + current from battery E' to pass through the primary wire of
induction coil D', from right to left which primary current will cause the induced
electricity in the secondary wire of said coil to go to line from left to right which is
the direction towards the terminal station A', which induced electricity from coil Di,
will be directed towards the induced electricity propagated from the induction coil D.
The same result will be produced between these two stations, on the line wire as before
described between stations A and A', which is the creating and maintaining of a
charge or body of induced electricity, at rest on the line wires, which will enable the
persons at said stations to transmit articulated speech on the said line wire, without
the employment of undulatory or vibratory electric currents on the line.
Figure 22 is a diagram representing a central office.
A is the central office; A', A² the subscriber's office; B, B1 B2 the telephone
receivers; C, C₁ C² the transmitters; D, D¹, D² the induction coils; E, E, the
transmitter batteries; F F F my current arresters and S central switch board.
The circuits of the transmitter batteries here shown are arranged the same as in
figures 1, 2, 3, 5, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, so that when the transmitter batteries at the
subscribers offices A' A² are in action, the induced electricity propagated in the
secondary wires of induction coils D₁ D2, will be directed towards the central office
switch S.
When transmitter battery E at central office A is in action, the induced electricity
propagated in the secondary wire of induction coil D, will be directed towards telephone
receiver B, so that when the end of the metallic plug is inserted in the orifice 1 or 2
in the switch board S, the line T or T becomes charged with electricity at rest and
persons speaking at the offices A' or A² to the central office A, will transmit
articulated speech by the agency of the induced static electrical charge on the line
wire. When the terminal ends of the line wires T and T are connected at central
switch S, by conducting cord a, the two persons conversing with each other at the
office AA, will transmit articulated speech by the induced static electrical charge
on the line wires T, T¹ without the employment of undulatory or vibratory electric
currents on the line.
The current arresters F, F1, F2 are placed in their line circuits in the manner
shown in Figure 9, when it is necessary to use them.
Figure 23 is a diagram representing a telephone line provided with a high
resistance at each end of the line circuit.
A A¹ represents two terminal stations; B, B1, the telephone receivers; C. C', the
transmitters; D, 1)! the induction coils, E E the transmitter batteries, F F the
current arresters or high resistances.
The circuits of transmitter batteries E, E are arranged as in Figures 1, 2, 3, 5,
17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, so that when said batteries are in action, the induced electricity
propagated in the secondary wires of induction coils D, D¹ will be directed, towards

page_text: each other. The induced electricity, propagated in the secondary wire of induction
coil D at station A, will go to line T, directed towards station A¹, and the induced
electricity propagated in the secondary wire of the induction coil D' at station A¹, will
go to line T, directed towards station A. which will charge the line wire with a body of
electricity at rest. The resistances F, must have a sufficient high resisting power.
to arrest the electric currents on the line wire and to cause the line to be charged
with a body of electricity at rest.
Figure 24 is a diagram representing a telephone line as shown in Figure 9, excepting
a different current arrester.
Y. Z represent terminal stations, LL', the magneto-ringers, M M', the bells,
N. N the call bells cranks, 0, 0, the hook levers or automatic switches, F F the
telephone receivers, K, K', the transmitters, l', P¹ the transmitter batteries; R, R' the
current arresters, and H, HI two pipes.
The circuit when the call bells M. Mare to line is from the line T, magneto-
ringers LL, switches E E', contact points or buttons (, t ground wires I, I'
pipes H, H to ground.
When the telephones are to line the circuit is from line T through hook levers or
automatic switches 0. 0' inside of the magneto-boxes, LL, switches . E' contact
points or buttons "", wires d, d', current arresters R, R', and pipes H H to ground.
The operation is as follows:
When the call bells are to line, the current from either of the magneto ringers
passes through the line T, and switches, E, E ground wires I, I', wrapped around the
pipes I Has shown at S, S¹ which pipes have been scraped or filed clean and bright
before wrapping the ends of the ground wires 1, I' around them and before wrapping
the other ground wires d'around the pipes H H', I cover said pipes with an.
insulating paint or varnish and when dried, I wrap the ends of both ground wires, d, d,
around pipes H Has shown at R, R¹.
The said paint or varnish will arrest the flowing electric currents on the line wire,
between the current arrester R, R, when switches E, E are moved on contact points
or buttons r, so that when the line is grounded through wires d, d'an the telephones
are to line, the persons speaking to each other between the stations Y, Z, will
transmit articulated speech by the agency of the charge or body of electricity at rest
on the line wire.
The wrapping of ground wires d, d', around pipes H. H₁ over the paint or
varnish b; forms a good current arresting device, when a sufficient length of pipe is
covered with the said ground wires, and it should be remembered that when the line
is to ground through ground wires d, d, the call bells will not ring as no electric
current can pass through current arresters RR. In order to ring the call bells,
switches E E must be moved on buttons t, t¹ to ground the line through wires I, 11 to
allow the current to pass to the ground.
Instead of using the switches E, E', for changing the line circuit, the end of the
ground wires I, d, may be connected to the automatic switches in the magneto
Boxes L, L' and operated as in Figure S.
Figure 25 represents a current arrester formed by wrapping a copper wire or band
round a metal bar or pipe from 5 to 10 inches long and from 1 to 2 inches in
iameter, the convolutions of the wire or band around the said bar or pipe being close
gainst each other; the said bar or pipe being previously covered with an insulating
aint or varnish. When this current arrester is placed in the line circuit, it is
connected to the line through the wires E, D.
Figure 26 is a diagram representing a long distance telephone line, where a greater
electromotive power of induced electricity is required than for the lines shown in the
revious diagram.
A A¹ represents two terminal stations: B. B', the telephone receivers; C, C¹, the
ransmitters; D, induction coils and E E¹ transmitter batteries.
The signalling apparatus and automatic switches for cutting in or cutting out the
elephones or call bells, and opening and closing the circuits of the transmitter's

page_text: batteries are not shown in this diagram, as their operation is well understood by
telephonists.
The circuit of both transmitter batteries are from positive + poles a, a¹ through
wires 1, 1, and transmitters CC wires 2, 2, and through primary wires of induction
coils D D', wires 3, 3, to negative-poles of the same batteries. The current of the 5
transmitter battery E at station A, passes through primary wire 1, 2, 3, through
induction coil D, from right to left, which current causes the propagation of induced
electricity in the secondary wire d, of induction coil D, directed to line T from left to
right.
The current of the transmitter battery E at station A', passes through primary
wire 1, 2, 3, through induction coil D', from left to right, which current causes the
propagation of induced electricity in secondary wire d', of induction coil D¹, directed
to line T, from right to left. As the induced electricity propagated at station A, goes
to line towards station A¹ and the induced electricity propagated at station A¹
goes to line towards station A, it follows that during the time that the transmitter
batteries are in action, when conversation is carried on between the stations A and A¹
then the line wire between the two said stations is charged with a body of induced
electricity at rest, as the secondary wires of the said induction coils form a part of the
line, and the induced electricity is propagated in the line wire, without forming
electric currents, as the two electrical energies of equal electromotive power are sent
to line in opposition to each other on the same line wire, there can be no current
flowing on the line, and said line wire will become charged with electricity at rest.
In this arrangement, the current arresting devices placed in the line circuits may be
dispensed with, when the telephone line is sufficiently free from induction disturbances,
the charge or body of electricity at rest on the line being indicated by the numbers 5, 6, 7,
on line T.
I have for convenience of illustrating my invention, shown the telephone
receivers in the line circuit on the line side of the apparatus but they may be placed
on the ground side when necessary.
My invention may be used for telephoning on telegraph line wires, by providing
the line with telegraph and telephoning instruments and my current arresters.
When it is desired to transmit intelligence on the line by telephone, the current
arresters may be placed in the line circuit as before described.
My invention is specially valuable for telephoning on telegraph lines constructed
on the "
open circuit" or European plan, adopted in all European countries. With
telegraph lines on the "open circuit" the same line wire can be used for telegraphing
and telephoning when required with the same facility that telephoning is now carried
on on long distance telephone lines with a metallic circuit, as the induction currents
are so arrested on the line which permits the transmission of articulated speech
without being troubled with induction disturbances on tho line.
The advantages derived from the use of a charge or body of electricity at rest on
the line wire, for the transmission of articulated speech in place of undulatory or
vibratory electric currents are,
First. The induction currents on the line are arrested and converted into
electricity at rest on the line wire, which assists the transmission of articulated
speech instead of being a disturbing element.
Second. I am enabled to use a stronger body of electricity on the line for the
transmission of speech than can be done by the employment of undulatory or vibratory
electric currents.
Third. By arresting the electric currents flowing in the line wire, and converting
them into a charge or body of electricity at rest on the line, I am enabled t
transmit articulated speech on telegraph lines without being disturbed by dynami
induction.
Fourth. By charging the line with a body of electricity at rest on the line wire,
am enabled to transmit articulated speech on long distance lines with one lin
wire and a ground return circuit, which saves the expense of a metallic circuit.
Fifth. By causing the induced energies propagated in the secondary wires of t

page_text: induction coils, to go to line directed in opposition to each other, I obtain a steadier
and stronger body of induced electricity along the line wire for the transmission of
speech than can be done by the employment of undulatory or vibratory electric
currents.
Sixth. By arresting the dynamic induction currents on the line, a greater number.
of telephonic messages can be transmitted.
Seventh. By transmitting articulated speech by means of a charge or body of:
electricity at rest on the line wire I am enabled to charge the line with a strong body,
of electricity without interfering with the transmission of speech as the electricity is
at rest on the line, which will enable me to employ a strong charge of electricity for
long distance telephoning.
Eighth. By employing a strong charge of electricity, at rest on the line, I am
enabled to transmit vocal or other sounds electrically, with less induction line
disturbances than can be done in transmitting speech with feeblo undulatory or
vibratory electric currents.
Ninth. By the employment of a charge or body of electricity at rest on the line
wire, I am enabled to charge the line with a strong body of electricity without
danger of injuring the fine wire forming the spools or coils of the telephone.
receivers.
Tenth. By the employment of electricity at rest on the line wire, articulated speech.
can be transmitted in submarine cables.
In the drawings I have shown and herein described such telephoning apparatus as,
may be advantageously used, but I do not confine myself to any particular kind of
apparatus, as I can use various kinds of transmitters and receivers in carrying out my
invention..
Nor do I confine myself to the employment of the current arresters herein shown
and described as a great variety of devices can be used for arresting electric currents
on the line wire which will at the same time allow articulated speech to pass through.
the current arresters; nor do I confine myself to the use of the metals or materials
herein described for constructing my current arresters, as a large variety of materials
can be used for forming my current arresters and I wish it to be understood, that I
have discovered the art or method of telephoning by the agency of electricity at rest,
on the line wire; and I do not limit myself to any particular kind, shape, or form of
devices that may be used for charging the line or causing the line wire to be charged
with electricity at rest, for the transmission of articulated speech by the agency of
electricity at rest on the line wire.
Neither do I confine myself to the employment of any particular kind of electrical.
energy for charging the line wire with electricity at rest, as I can use the energy
generated by dynamos, and some kind of magneto machines, as well as the energy
contained in storage batteries and my invention may be used with submarine cables,
as well as land lines.
My invention would be of great utility to governments for use in war, as I am
enabled to telephone on telegraph lines and any telegraph wire can be transformed
into a telephone line without being troubled with induction disturbances. Also for
use in signal service, and the postal telegraph, as the telegraph wires can be used for
telephoning with my invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is;-
First. The art or method of transmitting and receiving articulated speech by the
agency of electrical energy at rest on the line wire.
Second. The method of, and apparatus for, transmitting articulated speech
electrically, by causing the line to be charged with a body of electricity at rest.
Third. A system of telephoning in which articulated speech is transmitted and
received upon the line wire by the employment of electricity at rest on the line wire.

page_text: Fourth. The method of charging the line wire with electricity at rest, for the
transmission of articulated speech, by arresting the electric currents on the line.
Fifth. The method of charging the line wire with electricity at rest, for telephoning
without undulatory electric currents by arresting all the flowing currents on the line
wire during conversation.
Sixth. The method of charging the line wire with electricity at rest for the
transmission of articulated speech, by sending to line the energy from distant
opposing batteries, substantially as set forth.
Seventh. The method of charging the line wire with induced electricity at rest,
for the transmission of articulated speech, by causing to be sent to line from opposite
directions, the induced electricity, propagated in induction coils, substantially as set
forth.
Eighth. The method of arranging the circuits of the induction coils in connection.
with each other and the line so as to propagate and maintain induced electricity at
rest on the line wire while telephoning, substantially as set forth.
Ninth. A system of electric telephoning in which articulated speech is transmitted
and received upon the line, by the agency of induced electrical energy at rest on the
line wire.
Tenth. In a system or method of electric telephoning by the agency of electricity
at rest on the line wire, the employment of two or more induction coils the secondary
wire of which forming part of the line, with two or more telephone receivers in
circuit in said line, and two or more local batteries connected in local circuit with
primary wires of said coils and telephone transmitters, substantially as set forth.
Eleventh. In a system or method of telephoning by the agency of electricity at rest
on the line wire, the employment of one or more current arresters in said line circuit,
for the purpose set forth.
Twelfth. In a system or method of telephoning by the agency of electricity at rest
on the line wire, the employment of switching devices for throwing the current
arresters in or out of the line circuit, substantially as set forth.
Thirteenth. In a system or method of telephoning by the agency of electricity at
rest on the line wire, the employment of automatic switching apparatus for operating
the telephoning and signal circuits, in combination with said line, substantially as set
forth.
Fourteenth. In a system or method of telephoning by the agency of electricity at
rest on the line wires, the employment of opposing batteries in the line circuit, for
charging the line with electricity at rest between the telephoning stations substantially
as set forth.
:
Fifteenth. In a system or method of telephoning herein described, the combination
of a central switch-board at a central station, with two or more telephone lines
operated with electricity at rest on the line, substantially as set forth.
Dated the 9th day of April 1889.
HERBERT J. ALLISON,
Agent for the Applicant.