IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEgraphs.
Year: 1856

page_text: Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEgraphs.
Dated the 24th December 1856.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Cromwell Fleetwood
Varley at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 24th December 1856.
1, CROMWELL FLEETWOOD VARLEY of 2 Gloucester Terrace St. Paul's Road
Islington in the County of Middlesex Telegraphic Engineer do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPES "
to be as follows.
Firstly I use a soft iron needle free to move inside coils of wire which
needle is deflected by exterior permanent magnetism accordingly as the former
is magnetized. These needles are used for the indicators of telegraphs and
also for completing or opening local circuits. 1 also use moving coils of wire
the needle and magnet being fixed. These coils I use to actuate local circuits
as also to act as indicators. I also use a magnet inside instead of soft iron
according to the use to which the moving coil is to be applied.
Secondly. An improved key which will send reversed or opposite currents or
single currents like the Morse key at the operator's will without the use of a

page_text: separate switch thus enabling the operator with one hand and one handle to
work, the key when not sending currents re-establishes the communication
between the conducting wire and the relay.
Thirdly. I also use the electricity obtained from induction coils of the
following improved constructions. The iron core is made of an endless piece
or pieces of iron or iron wires instead of the forms hitherto used.
Another mode of effecting this object is to make a series of flat bars of iron
or handles of iron wires which are arranged so that the alternating magnetic
poles are of the reserve name.
These poles are sometimes joined together completing the magnetic chain
as in the former case. The before-mentioned iron cores are covered with one
two or more independent layers of insulated conducting wire for obtaining
induced currents.
Another feature in these improvements consists in employing thermo-
electricity to produce induced currents.
burning at the relay or other contacts.
use induction plates to prevent
I so far modify my battery patented
December 5th 1854 No. 2555 that fresh neutral salt can be added without
stopping the action of the battery.
The galvanometer I propose to employ is wound with two layers of insu-
lated wire the action of either of which can be suppressed at will. I thus
make one galvanometer answer the purpose of two of the ordinary construction.
I prefer a needle of a disc-shape form mounted on knife edges and so arranged
as to render it easily magnetized.
Another improvement and which relates to
to step-by-step motion tele-
graphs consists in using opposite or reversed currents to produce the letters
or signals and a series of currents in one direction instead of alternate currents
or bringing the machines to zero.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Cromwell Fleetwood Varley in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 24th June 1857.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME CROMWELL
FLEETWOOD VARLEY of 2 Gloucester Terrace Saint Paul's Road Islington
in the County of Middlesex send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most excellent Majesty Queen Victoria by Her Letters
Patent bearing date the Twenty-fourth day of December in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six in the twentieth year of Her
reign did for Herself Her heirs and successors give and grant unto me the

page_text: said Cromwell Fleetwood Varley Her special licence that I the said Cromwell
Fleetwood Varley my executors administrators and assigns or such others
as I the said Cromwell Fleetwood Varley my executors administrators and
assigns should at any time agree with and no others from time to time
and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed should and
lawfully might make use exercise and vend within the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland the Channel Islands and Isle of Man an
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I the said Cromwell Fleetwood Varley my executors or
administrators by an instrument in writing under my or their or
their hands and seals should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention and in what manner the same was to be performed
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Scal Paient Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
one of
NOW KNOW YE that the said Cromwell Fleetwood Varley do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention and in what manner the same is
to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement thereof, that is to say:
My Invention consists of the following improvements and in the mode of
applying them. I will describe the apparatus first and the mode of applying
them afterwards.
In order to explain my said Invention as completely as possible I now
proceed to describe the best means I am acquainted with for carrying the same
into practical effect reference being had to the illustrative Drawings hereunto
annexed and to the numeral figures and letters of reference marked thereon.
respectively as follows: observing that in the Drawings atiached the contact
screws and other subordinate pieces of mechanism common to all apparatus of
this description, well understood and unnecessary to the explanation are
generally omitted in order to make the Drawings clearer.
Figures 1. 2. 3. 4. and 5 show improved coils and needles which are here
shown applied to relays. Figure 1 is an elevation. Figure 2 a birds'-eye view.
Figure 3 a similar view. Figure 4, a vertical section. Figure 5, a birds'-eye
view. The latters of reference are the same for these five Figures.
c iron
d iron cheeks to the coils b.
a the axle and pivots on which the needle n. s is mounted. b coils of fine
wire wrapped on a frame in the usual manner for a galvanometer.
cores extending inside the coils b as far as f. f.
e.iron casings connecting the cheeks d. d together. the interior surfaces of
the iron cores c. c-g platinum wire projecting into h (in Figure 4 only)

page_text: han iron cup containing mercury. i platinum contact piece.
kset screws
acting as stops in limit the play of i and also to make contact- a piece of
glass or other non-conducting material inserted in one of the screws k. m space
between the iron cores c. c (in Figures 1 and 2 only) . s the needle to be
deflected. N.S poles of a strong permanent magnet. o a division through the
iron casing as at Figure 3. p ends of the wire composing the coil b.
saddles connecting the iron casings e with the poles of the magnet N.S. Fig: 2
7 division between the coils (in Figure 1 only).
g iron
In Figures 1 and 2 the iron needle n s receives its magnetism by induction
from the poles of the large magnet N. S in the following way. The magnetism
of the pole of the large magnet S induces magnetism of the like nature in e. d
and c and the pole N acts in the same manner upon e. d. and c' j. j
becoming southern poles and . '. northern poles, these in turn induce mag-
netism in the needle n. s (which in Figures 1 and 2 is generally made of soft
iron). When a current of electricity is circulating through the wire and coils
p. b the needle n. s endeavours in compliance with a well-known law to stand
at right angles by the direct action of the electrized wire, so far the action is
similar to that of the relay previously patented by me the said Cromwell
Fleetwood Varley on the 16th day of February 1854 No. 371. The electric
current acts upon the iron cores c the checks d and the casing e forming an
electro-magnet whose poles are at !. f. The electro-magnet or magnets thus
formed act also on the needle causing it to deflect with more power than if
the iron were not there. The iron work is divided as shown at m in order to
cause magnetism to be induced in the iron needle such needles are very
sensitive to electric currents and have this great advantage that powerful
currents and lightning discharges cannot demagnetize them.
In Figures 3 and 4 the coils are round and the needle of the shape shown in
Figure 5. Here the same principle of surrounding the wire of the coil with iron
is shewn applied to a permanently magnetised needle in this case the iron is
not divided as in Figure but covers the entire coil thus developing more
magnetism and giving a little more power than in the arrangement shewn in
Figures and 2 such a needle however can be demagnetised by the passage
of a powerful current. The iron is cut through at o to prevent the formation
of secondary currents in the iron e. d and c which would partially neutralize the
action of the original current. Where these relays are used to complete local
circuits including a powerful battery I use the platinum wire g dipping into
the mercury in the cup h which make a better contact than the pivots alone
would. When these are used for indicators in which case they will have con-
siderable play the cores c. c are partially or entirely removed according to

page_text: ircumstances.
In Figures and 2 the coils are made in halves as shown
atr to admit the needle n. s and axle a. I do not however confine myself
o the shapes represented in the foregoing Figures.
ka
Figures 6 and 7 shew another arrangement by which the soft iron needle
can he used for the foregoing purposes. Figure 6 is an elevation Figure 7 is
a birds'-eye view. a axle carrying the needle n. 8. b coils of wire e pieces
of iron placed on each side of the coils to which are attached the magnets N. N
which latter are shown in Figure 6 but omitted in Figure 7. d an adjusting
f an
piece carrying the set screws k.k-e base board only partially shown.
index point running over the scale g. g the scale. h handle to move the
piece d. i piece of platinum attached to needle to ensure clean contact.
set screw tipped with platinum- a set screw containing a piece of non-
conducting material and acting as a stop to n. s. 1 piece of non-conducting
material-m uprights carrying the screws k. N permanent magnets-n. &
needle. o screw on which the piece d turns as a centre. p ends of wire
projecting from the coils b. b. In this arrangement the iron needle . s is
placed between the two pieces of iron c. NS which latter are by con-
tinuation the north and south poles of the permanent magnets: when placed
exactly in the centre each pole of the permanent magnet acis equally upon the
needle but the moment a current of elasticity circulates through the wire b.
magnetism is developed in the iron necdic which is deflected accordingly
When the needle is deflected so as to rest against the local circuit is open
the current cannot pass through the non-conducting glass but when the
needle is so deflected as to rest against k the local circuit is closed and the
local current flows in the usual manner which being well understood I need
not describe more fully.
Figure 8 is a birds'-eye view.
Figure 10 is a birds'-eye view of
Figures 8. 9. and 10 represent a mode of using moveable coils and fixed
magnets for either relays or indicators.
Figure 9 is a side view of Figure 8.
another form in which a single instead of a double coil is used.
The letters
The horse-shoe (may
The peculiarity of this
of reference are the same for all three Figures. a axle carrying the move-
able coils of wire b. b coils of wire. c pivot holes in which a works, da
magnetic horso-shoc e iron ends acting as poles to the magnet m and sur-
rounding as much as possible the moveable coils b.
be made either of soft iron or a permanent magnet).
arrangement consists in placing magnets both inside and outside the coil and
surrounding the latter as much as possible so as to concentrate the magnetic
rays through the coil of wire b which greatly increases the deflecting power

page_text: and also preserves the magnetism in the permanent magnets. These moving
coils can be used for relays instead of a moving needle as they contain but
very little wire they offer but little resistance to the passage of a current and
are in consequence very useful where many instruments are included in one
circuit.
I prefer using aluminium wire for these coils because it is weight for
weight a much better conductor than copper or silver. The ends of the wire
coil bare connected to the line wire either by hair springs. by platinum
dipping in mercury or by dividing the axle in half and insulating the halves
the two ends of the wire in the coil being united to them respectively the
circuit in this latter case being formed through the pivots. In Figure 10 one
coil is used and the piece d is a block of iron or magnetised steel with a hole
through it or slot cut half through it to admit the axle a.
I would here remark that I am well aware that Baines has used moving
coils for step-by-step motion telegraphs what I claim as my Invention is
the placing permanent magnets so that the magnetic rays are concentrated
through the coils of wire whereby greater deflection is produced and the
permanent magnets rendered less liable to lose their power. I further claim
the application of moving coils to telegraphic relays.
Figures 11 and 12 represent my double-action galvanometer which enables
the operator to measure either his own current or the current received from
another station. Figure 1 is an elevation. Figure 12 is a birds'-eye view
a knife edges on which the needle is mounted. b coils of wire c grooves in
which the knife edges work. d indicator attached to the needle n. st e scale
in front of which d travels. glass cover to keep out the dust. g base board
on which the whole is mounted. h. i terminals in connnection with the inner
wire. 1. terminals in connection with the outer wire. m. n holes into which
the plug o fits. o metallic plug for making short circuit. The coil b consists
of two distinct wires the one first wrapped on and whose ends are con-
nected with h. i is longer than the wire in the second coil whose ends are
connected with k. 1. I generally arrange them in such proportions that a
current which when passing through the wire . produces about 50 of
deflection shall when passing through h. i produce 15°. When the plug
o is placed between the two half holes mit makes a short circuit from
to 1. The hole n is to receive the plug when the wire '. ' is being used.
The apparatus is connected as follows; The line wire is connected to
terminal, terminal is connected through the key and through the relay with
the terminal i, terminal is connected to the earth or to the other line wire.

page_text: When A is
Call the station at which this instrument is piaced A and the station with
which it is in communication B. When B is sending a current it passes
through the line wire to through the wires b. b. to k thence through key
and relay to i through the longer wire b. b to hand to earth.
sending a current it passes from the key to and through the shorter
wire b. b only to 1 and to line. If the plug be placed at m the current
goes direct from k to without traversing the wire band consequently
produces no motion of the indicator d in this state the action is like that
On long
of an ordinary galvanometer and shews only the received currents.
lines the loss of electricity is generally considerable consequently the current
when it arrives at station B is much weaker than when it left station A.
In my galvanometer the current leaving station A circulates only through
the shorter wire b' b'. in connection with k and while at the station B it
passes through both wires. By this means I bring the strong sending and
the weaker received currents within the range of the same galvanometer.
Hitherto it has been necessary to employ two galvanometers one more
sensitive than the other for this purpose.
Another feature in this part of my improvements consists in polishing the
This is very
surface of the needle and placing it near the top of the coil b. b.
useful at night as it calls attention by reflecting a spot on the ceiling and by
day the motion of the polished surface attracts the eye quicker than tho
motion of an ordinary needle.
Figure 13. represents a self-switching key which will send either single
currents like the Morse key or reversed currents at the operator's will.
Figure 13 is a birds' eye view. a centre on which the key turns laterally.
b a terminal in connection with the line wire ca terminal in connection
with the copper pole of a battery whose other pole is to earth d stop piece
in connection with the terminal R and on which the key bears when at rest
in the oblique position. c. J. stop pieces in connection with the terminal c-
stop piece in connection with the terminal Z-axle on which the key
moves vertically-i handle of key. R terminal in connection with relay
Z terminal in connection with the zine pole of a battery whose other pole is
to earth.
This key is similar in shape to a Morse key but turns upon
the centre a and is retained in the oblique position by a spring and stop
underneath the base board (not shewn but easily understood). The key
can be pulled laterally into the position shewn by the dotted lines there
being a second stop not shewn to prevent its going further to the left
than this. This key when in the oblique position and when elevated and

page_text: depressed for sending a message as with the Morse key bears alternately
upon the stop pieces e and d but when pulled to the left as shewn by the
dotted lines and then elevated and depressed bears upon the stops
and g
In the former position when the handle i is depressed the line wire is con-
nected to the copper terminal c and a positive current flows down the line-
when elevated the line is connected to the relay in this position it acts exactly
like a Morse key when held to the left and depressed a positive current flows
down the line as before but when elevated a zinc current flows down the line.
When the alternate currents only are required I make the pieces and e
incline planes as shown at d'e' Figure 13 A and connect them both with
terminal making a double and much surer contact with the relay than is the
case with the common Morse key. This key does not require a separate switch
to connect the line to its relay when the operator has finished his communica-
tion to a station.
Figures 14. 15. 16. 17. 18 and 19 show improved introduction coils. The
letters of reference show corresponding parts in all these Figures. Figures 14.
16. 17 and 19 are sections Figure 15 an end view Figure 18 an elevation.
a primary wire b secondary wire c an iron box (in Figure 15 only) d
insulator between the secondary wire b and the iron wires i (in Figure 14
only) e ends of secondary wire. 1. ends of primary wire glass tube
h glass discs i iron cores k. junctions of parcels of secondary wire b (in
Figure 19 only) m saw cut in iron to prevent the formation of secondary
currents in the iron itself (in Figures 17 and 18 only). In the coil represented
in Figure 14 the bundle of iron wires instead of being made of about the sane
length or a little longer than the coil as has hitherto been done is made of
rather more than three times the length and its ends are bent back as shown
in the Drawing so as to encase the whole coil with iron wire excepting a
small space purposely left (not shewn in the Drawing) through which the ends
of the primary and secondary wires pass.
the quality of electricity circulated in the secondary wire is very much greater
than when the iron is removed. *
By thus encasing the coil with iron
shewn by the arrows
Figure 15 shows another form of induction apparatus and consists of a
series of flat iron cores whose ends are shewn at NS. N S. N S. at a
represents the primary and b b the secondary wire. These are so wrapped
that the current circulates through them in the manner
producing alternate poles as represented by N S N S. In this arrangement
the secondary wire is placed between two primary wires and between two iron
cores and the primary wire acts upon the iron cores on each side of it by

page_text: this means great power is obtained in the secondary wire. But to make this
coil complete I cover it again with iron box c c c c which has corre-
sponding iron ends (which are removed to show the construction of the coil)
by this means I get very great effects from small battery power and a small
quantity of wire-An opening in the iron case is left to admit the ends of
the primary and secondary wires.
Figure 16. shows another mode of making induction coils. Here the
primary wire is wrapped in separate portions a a¹ a" a all however
electrically connected in one continuous series the intervening spaces are
filled up with secondary wire which is continued above a aa aas shown
at b b b. I have represented this principle as applied to a coil of the
ordinary shape but when applied to the coils shewn by Figures 14 and 15.
I have obtained more induced current from a given amount of battery power
than from any other arrangement but by this plan a considerably larger
amount of secondary wire is required. With all of these improvements com-
bined 1 can work moderate distances by means of thermo-electricity.
The
forms of induction apparatus shown in Figures 14 and 15 do not show any
sensible quantity of magnetism outside of them the magnetism being nearly
all neutralized. The coils of the usual form when of large size for working
long lines will affect magnetic needles many yards distant and consequently
the induction coil cannot be used in the same office that relays are being
worked in. My improved coils obviate this difficulty and several of them may
be used in the same office that relays are being worked in without the latter
being interrupted.
Where the inductive coils are to be used with condensers to produce
electricity of very high tension I construct the coils as shewn in Figures 17
and 18. or that shewn in Figure 19. using glass to insulate the secondary wire
from the primary. In Figures 18 and 19. the iron core ii is wrapped with
primary wire the glass discs h h are then put on the two iron discs i i
attached the primary wire wrapped between the glass discs h and the iron
ends and lastly the space between the glass discs his filled with
secondary wire the inner end of which is soldered to the primary wire before
being wound on. The iron discs are split as shewn at m to prevent the
formation of secondary currents in the iron work.
By increasing the diameter
of this coil the length of spark will be increased without the distance between
the primary and secondary wires being augmented the glass maintaining the
insulation.
Figure 19. is a section shewing another mode of applying glass as an in-

page_text: sulator for coils. g. 9. g. g represent a glass unbe containing an iron core Piii
wrapped with primary wire a only part of which is shewn the secondary
wire b being wrapped outside the glass tube and between the discs of glass
hhhh. The secondary wire on being wrapped on the glass tube g g is wound
in the same direction between the first third fifth &c. pairs of glass discs and in
the opposite direction between the second fourth sixth &c. pairs of glass discs.
The inner ends of the first and second third and fourth and fifth and sixth
helices of wire are connected together as shewn at kkk and the outer ends
of the second and third fourth and fifth helices are connected together as
shewn at leaving the outer ends of the first and sixth as the terminals of
the secondary wire. By thus dividing the secondary wire into small parcels
the tendency of the electricity to jump from wire to wire and make short
circuits is proportionately reduced. In some cases a large glass tube may be
slipped over the discs and iron wires placed outside it these last being
insulated from the secondary wire by the tube. These iron wires cause an
increased quantity of electricity to circulate through the secondary wire and
operate the same as Figure 14. In making powerful coils I prefer using wire
whose section is square triangular or parallelopiped so that when wrapped
together the smallest possible amount of space is lost.
In Figure 19. part of a square primary wire is shewn in section. Instead of
solid wire a number of wires may be drawn together so as to fill up the spaces
between them thus forming a bundle whose section is that of any of the fore-
mentioned shapes and uniting the conductability of a large wire with the
flexibility of a smaller one. For some purposes 1 wrap these coils entirely with.
fine wire the use of which is described in Figure 26. These I term primary coils
Where the depth of secondary wire is considerable I sometimes use thinner
wires for the inner layers than for the outer increasing the substance of the
wire gradually as the inductive action decreases by reason of the distance
between the outer wire and the iron core. By thus progressively enlarging the
wire the action throughout the coil is equalized and much more power is
obtained than when wire of the same size is used throughout. This is scarcely
necessary in the arrangement shewn in Figure 15 where each secondary wire
s placed between two primary wires which produces a much greater equality
of action. Hitherto it has been the practice to make the secondary wire of
one size throughout I sometimes wrap the coils of relays and of indicators
in the same manner.
Figure 20 represents a key to be used with induction coils. Figure 20 is
an elevation.
a a key very similar to a Morse key but carrying b the

page_text: projecting arm supporting the ivory commutators-d. c. stops on which the
key rises and falls. . socket in which the key plays g spring to elevate the
key pivot on which the key works handle of key. upright pillars
carrying the springs 1. P. P. 1-1 springs also shown in birds'-eye view under-
neath Figure 20 m pieces of platinum or other metal fixed on the ivory
barn piece of platinum on the end of spring 1 p.primary wire of induc-
tion coil s secondary wire of induction coil. In the birds'-eye view the
springs 1. P. P. 1 are broken off to give a better view of the commutator c.
m and m³ are connected together as shown by the dotted line by a strap of
metal but are insulated from the other pieces. The object of this key is to
use the currents generated both by the breaking and by the making of the
circuit of the primary wire of the induction coil. When the handle i is
elevated a current from the battery is flowing through the primary wire p of
the coil but upon slightly depressing the key the circuit is broken when a
current is induced in the secondary wire s. Upon the key reaching e a
current again flows through the primary wire p inducing in the secondary
wire sa current in the opposite direction but as the commutator c has
changed the connection with the line this current flows down the line in the
same direction as the previous one. On elevating the key a two more
currents are produced which circulate through the line in the opposite
direction to the former two. When the key is elevated the spring is resting
on m which being in connection with m connects it with 1' and Pare
resting on m and are therefore connected together. On depressing the key P.
and rest on n' while and l' rest on m³ thus while depressing and elevating
the key the necessary changes are made. By this key the effect of the in-
duction coil is nearly doubled. A switch not shown cuts off the battery when
not required and also connects the line to the relay for receiving communica-
tions.
Figures 21 and 22 represent another form of key for working with induc-
Figure 21 is a birds'-eye view
tion coils through long submarine wires.
Figure 22 is a side view but the cam wheel c is twisted a quarter round on
the axis g to show the change of connections in the commutator.
a handle
b cam wheel c commutator wheel d contact piece on which the spring e
rests when it is not lifted off by the cam wheel be spring above mentioned
f cock through which the axis g passes axis carrying a. b and c h pillar
carrying the spring ei knob to handle k spring in connection with ter-
minal R 1. P. 13. 1' springs similar to those in Figure 20 m² m². m³. mt. m³
for a similar purpose to those in Figure 20 n picces of platinum. o boss in
The object of this key is to send a
which the axis g turns p base board.

page_text: large number of induced currents down a line so as to combine their effects.
The cam bis insulated from the axis g and elevates the spring e according to
the arrangement exhibited six times in a revolution. The spring e completes
the circuit of the priniary wire when resting on d and when lifted off breaks
it consequently every revolution of the handle a produces twelve currents in
the secondary coil six in one direction and six in the other. The commutator.
wheel c carries a series of commutators similar to those shown at c Figure 20
with four springs 1. P. 1 and 1 and whose ends are shewn at Figure 22 but
removed from Figure 21 resting against them similar to those shown in
Figure 20. The commutators are so arranged that upon the handle a per-
forming part of its revolution the first half or more of the currents pass
down the line in one direction and the remainder of the currents in the oppo-
site thus a series of currents in one direction 1 use to produce one signal and
a series of currents in the opposite direction to produce the interval between
two signals. The commutator wheel c is exhibited turned a quarter round to
show that part which causes the currents to travel in the opposite direction.
The action of this commutator will be better understood on reference to
Figure 20.
The commutator wheel is made of hard wood ivory or other non-conducting
material. The pieces marked m¹ &c. are insulated from each other and from
the axle g and are connected like those in Figure 20. The line wire in
addition to being connected with is connected to the handle a via f. o and g.
This key is chiefly of use for working through very long submarine lines
where the correspondence must be carried on at a slower speed than usual
and great electric power is required to produce a signal. To print a dot with
this key the handle must be carried round from right to left if taken
round twice two dots will be produced and so on. To produce a dash the
handle a must be allowed to pause for a moment over the terminal R before
completing the revolution.
I am well aware that Wheatstone and others have used a series of magneto-
electric currents in one direction to produce letters on a step-by-step motion
telegraph what I claim therefore as my Invention is the use of a series of
currents (three or more) in one direction from an induction machine to pro-
duce each mark on a recording telegraph whose alphabets are produced by a
combination of one or more of those marks as in Morse's and Baines's alphabet
&c. viz. e. i. S. h. 5.
also of a series of currents to discharge
-
the line and produce the interval between the marks. By this means I make a
much smaller battery and induction apparatus sufficient for working long

page_text: submarine wires than would be necessary were not a series of currents
used and further I render the insulated wire less liable to become damaged
because the currents used are not of such high tension. When the tension is
very high the gutta percha covering is in danger of being injured by the same
especially if any slight defect exist in the insulated covering:
Figures 23 and 24 represent another form of relay which I sometimes use
with the induction coils. Figure 23 is a side view Figure 24 is a birds'-eye.
view. a axle
b electro-magnets standing on c-c iron plate d poles of
electro-magnet e pieces of iron attached to d. f piece of iron mounted on
pivot a-g cock receiving the upper pivot of a. h contact screws tipped
with platinum-i pieces of platinum- enlargement of the bar, -m per-
manent magnet. The permanent magnet m induces magnetism in the iron
bar and in the iron of the electro-magnets through the iron plate cas
shewn by the capital letters N S. the iron bar is therefore attracted most
powerfully by that pole which it is nearest. The magnets bare so wound
that the poles are of the order shown by the little letters n. s. n. s.
When a
current of electricity circulates round the iron bar is repelled by the two
northern poles and attracted by the two southern. By reversing the currents
the bar is thrown from side to side and remains on that side to which it
was last attracted. A spring or small separate permanent magnet not shown
in the Drawing may be used to give the necessary bias to the one side or the
other or the contact screws h. h may be mounted as in Figure 7. For some
purposes it is necessary that the piece should stand clear of the screws h. h
when no current is passing this I effect by magnetising the electro-magnets b
and the piece of iron by the same pole of the permanent magnet.. The
piece is then repelled by the electro-magnets and stands between them
until a current passes when it is deflected to the one side or the other
according to the direction of the current. This relay cannot be demagnetized
by a flash of lightning or other powerful current. In the latter form the
picce can be used for the needle of a needle instrument it is particularly
useful for railway signal instruments.
Figure 25 represents a step-by-step motion telegraph to be worked by
alternate currents similar to those generated by induction coils and with an
arrangement to bring the pointer to zero. Figure 25 is a side view. a axle
carrying a needle inside the coil similar to that in Figure 7. b an electro-
magnet cits armature d iron composing electro-magnet e thick copper
tube outside electro-magnet f piece projecting from g and carrying the
upper pivot of a-g bar carrying the armature c h axle carrying g i spring
to press g against the stop screw k. k stop screws partially shown m

page_text: palletts which prevent m from
p pin projecting from, m-q fine-
escape wheel attached to a clock train n
running round. o a piece projecting from g.
wire surrounding b and r. r coil somewhat similar to that shewn in Figure 7.
The electro-magnet consists of an iron horse-shoe d placed inside a copper
reel on which the wire q is wound. Outside the copper reel and wire q are.
placed the copper tubes e. The effect of the copper round the iron is to allow
of the formation of secondary currents in them when currents are circulating
in the wire q. These secondary currents being in the opposite directions to
the first neutralize them to a great extent and retard the development of
magnetism in the iron d so considerably that the momentary alternating
currents from an induction apparatus or magneto machine will not attract the
armature c. These alternating currents however in passing round the coil r
deflect the needle n. s backwards and forwards allowing the toothed wheel m
to escape in the usual way but by introducing a commutator in the circuit
which causes the currents to flow down the line in one direction the needle
n. s will remain stationary on one side while the armature c will now be
attracted removing the pallets n¹. n from the toothed wheel m which will fly
round until the pin p rests upon the stop o. Thus alternate momentary
currents allow the wheel to progress step by step while several currents in
the same direction allow the wheel m to run on to zero. It is not necessary
to describe the commutator here as that form attached to ordinary magneto
machines which is generally used to give currents in one direction or alter-
nating currents will answer the desired end.
Figure 26 represents a key for working with a primary coil only. Figure
26 is a side view. a metal work of key. b stop against which the spring c
rests. c spring which when the key is pressed down bears on e. d stop piece
in connection with relay c stop similar to d but in connection with one pole
of a battery whose other pole is to earth. f supports between which a works
g spring which elevates the handle a. ih pivot on which handle works
i knob of handle. battery primary coil wrapped only with one kind of
wire (similarly to the secondary portion of an induction apparatus vide Figures
14 and 15). The line wire is connected to f and when the key is at rest it is
connected to the relay at d. When the handle is depressed the line is firstly
disconnected from the relay secondly it rests upon the spring c thirdly it
presses the spring c upon e. In this position the current from the battery k
splits, part flowing down the line part going from the primary coil to earth.
Upon elevating the key the contact with the battery is first broken at which
moment a current is induced in the coil which being in the same direction as
that which was flowing through it causes a momentary current to flow through

page_text: the line in the opposite direction to the original current. This is of great use
for submarine lines for on the first moment of making contact the coil opposes
a greater resistance to the current while it is being magnetized than when it
is charged consequently the current flowing down the line is more intense at
the first moment. than afterwards this neutralizes to a considerable extent the
effect of induction in the line wire while the reverse current discharges the line.
For overground wires working with Morse or other relays a beneficial effect
is experienced enabling the communication to be carried on more rapidly. I
use the same general arrangement for translation.
Figure 27 represents a new disposition of apparatus which I use for trans-
lating alternating currents from one line to another. a. a writing levers of
Morse machines and connected with the line wire as shown b. b apparatus,
similar to those in Figures 23 and 24 c. d batteries connected as shown
c. e' points of writing levers
in metallic connection with
same as in Figure 24 g. g' stop screws
h. h stop screws in connection with the
relays working the Morse machines-i. stop screws in connection with the
zinc pole of a battery whose copper pole is to earth . k stop screws in con-
nection with the copper pole of a battery whose zinc pole is to earth. The
magnets actuating are so constructed as to offer a great resistance compared
with the line.
Action. Upon the lever a being depressed a positive current flows, down
the line part of it going to earth through the coil of f¹ this current deflects
the piece against when a rises and touches a negative flows down
the line splitting as before and throwing back the piece against ' when
the line is again connected to its relay. It will be evident that the latter
current is but of momentary duration. By this disposition of apparatus a
positive current traversing one line causes a positive current to flow down the
other line followed by a negative current of short duration which is very useful
for neutralizing the effects of the charge in submarine cables and subterranean
wires. It is also good for overground wires. For working a single line (when
not translating) a Morse key must be substituted for the lever a.
Figure 28 represents a new mode of working through long submarine wires
whereby the speed of the electric wave is increased. a a¹ batteries opposing
each other and of such strength that no current or almost none passes
through the relay b' on causing currents from the induction apparatus to
traverse the wire the waves of electric force will travel to the distant end and
act upon the relay more speedily than when the batteries a are not connected
to the line. The two batteries a. a' hold the wire in a state of electric tension

page_text: and the waves of electric force imparted to the wire travel through it with
increased rapidity. When the wire is perfectly insulated the batteries at both
ends must be of equal power. When not perfectly insulated the battery a'
must be so strong that it absorbs all the leakage and just balances the battery
a at b. I am well aware that Mr. Walker has used opposed batteries for rail-
way signals which latter are produced by connecting the line with the earth
but I am not aware of opposed batteries having heretofore been used for
accelerating the wave in long submarine lines. Another essential difference
between his and my system is that he uses the opposed batteries only and pro-
duces his signals by putting on an earth between them while I do not put on an
earth to produce the signal but use a third source of electricity viz. either an
induction machine or another battery at the communicating station whose poles
are connected in the reverse direction to those of the tension battery or the
same effect may be produced by reversing the poles of the tension battery a
by a key similar in principle to that patenied by me on the 16th day of
February 1854 No. 371.
Another feature of my Invention consists in preventing the burning at the
relay contacts or rather in lessening it. The burning roughens the surface of
the platinum and the relays work irregularly in consequence especially when
the line current is weak this 1 effect by attaching induction plates to the relay
contact pieces similar to those attached to the contact pieces of a Ruhmkorff's
induction coil, which being well known 1 need not describe them further.
The induction plates by reducing the spark reduce the destruction of the
smooth surface of the platinum and the machines will work a much longer
time without attention and produce neater marks.
I modify my battery patented on the 5th day of December 1854 No. 2555
as follows A portion of the metal plates is cut away so as to leave an
opening through which crystals of negative salt can be dropped. The negative
salt I sometimes coat with or grind up with gelatinous or gummy matters such
as common glue &c. to cause them to be longer dissolving.
I claim Firstly surrounding the coils of telegraph apparatus with iron with
the needle placed inside the coil as at Figures 1. 2. 3. and 4.
Secondly I claim the general arrangement of the apparatus shown in
Figures 1. 2. 3. 4. 6 and 7.
I claim Thirdly the arrangement of moving coils shewn in Figures 8. 9 and
10 as adapted to telegraphic relays.
Fourthly the use of aluminium wire in telegraphic moving coils.
Fifthly the double-action galvanometer shown at Figures 11 and 12.

page_text: Sixinly the sell-switching key shown at Figure 13.
Seventhly encasing induction coils with iron outside the primary or primary
and secondary wires for the purposes above stated.
Eighthly placing a series of three or more flat induction coils side by side
so as to place the secondary wire for the most part between two primary wires
as at Figure 15.
Ninethly wrapping the primary wire in parcels as shown in Figure 16 the
intervening spaces being filled with secondary wire.
Tenthly the application to telegraphic purposes of electric currents obtained
from induction machines by thermo-electricity.
Eleventhly the use of glass in the manner shown in Figures 17. 18 and
19 for insulating the primary from the secondary wire.
Twelfthly the general arrangements of the induction machines shown in
Figures 17 18 and 19.
Thirteenthly the use of wire whose section is square or parallelopiped in the
coils of telegraphic apparatus.
Fourteenthly the use of wire in induction machines of progressively
increasing thickness as described whereby the decreasing inductive action in
the more distant coils is rendered as nearly equal as possible to that of the
inner coils also claim the use of coils of wire of progressively increasing
thickness for other telegraphic and magneto electric apparatus.
Fifteenthly the general arrangement of the keys shown in Figures 20. 21
and 22.
Sixteenthly the use of a series of three or more currents from an induction
machine to produce each mark or interval between the marks of recording
telegraphs as described and represented at Figures 21 and 22.
Seventeenthly the arrangement shown in Figures 23 and 24 for the
purposes set forth.
Eighteenthly the application for telegraphic purposes of electro-magnets
covered with a metallic tube or secondary wire to retard their magnetisation
as described and represented at Figure 25.
Nineteenthly the application of "primary" coils to telegraphic lines to
produce a momentary reversed current through the line after battery contact
with the line has ceased.
Twentiethly the disposition of apparatus shown in Figure 27 for translating
currents from one line to another or for working a single line.
Twenty-firstly the accelerating the passage of the electric wave through
long submarine or subierranean wires by keeping them in a state of electric
tension as above described.

page_text: Twenty-second the application of induction plates similar to those used in
Ruhmkorff's machines to relays whereby the burning is reduced and the
action of the apparatus rendered more certain.
Twenty-thirdly and lastly I claim the above-described modifications of my
battery patented on the 5th day of December 1854 No. 2555.
In witness whereof the said Cromwell Fleetwood Varley have here-
unto set my hand and seal this Twenty-fourth day of June in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.
Witness
CROMWELL FLEETWOOD VARLEY. (1..s.)
ALEX. PRINCE Agent for Patents
4 Trafalgar Square.