IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEPHONE SIGNAL APPARATUS
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Morgan-Brown, Patent Agent, of 38, Southampton
Buildings, London, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEPHONE SIGNAL
APPARATUS." A communication from abroad by George Henry Bliss, of
Pittsfield, County of Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Morgan-Brown at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th December 1880.
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN, Patent Agent, of 38, Southampton Buildings,
London, "IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEPHONE SIGNAL APPARATUS." [A communication
from abroad by George Henry Bliss, of Pittsfield, County of Berkshire, Massachusetts,
United States of America.]
This Invention relates to telephone signal apparatus, and is shown embodied in
an apparatus containing a series of clock works arranged to run synchronously, and
each controlling a signal bell in the circuit so as to allow it to sound only at
certain predetermined periods of time, the said periods being different at each
instrument, so that only one signal can be operated at any one time, the others then
being kept silent by the said controlling clockwork.
The clocks are all automatically stopped at the end of an interval of operation,
in which each has had its individual period in which the signal could be sounded,
and they remain so stopped until it is desired to give a signal at any of the stations,
when the instruments are all started simultaneously by electro-magnets acting on
the stop mechanism.
These electro magnets, herein called starting magnets, by which the clock works
are started are independent of those by which the bells are rung.
The Invention consists in the combination with the clock-work adapted to
control the operation of the signal, and the automatic stop mechanism to stop the
said clock work at definite points, of a starting magnet to operate the said stop
mechanism and allow the clock work to start simultaneously with the others of the
series, and a shunt or short circuit around the said magnet, and a circuit breaker
therein controlled by the said clock work to break the said shunt circuit when the
said clock work is stopped, and close it when the clock work is in motion.
Also in the employment in a time train having an escapement of the herein
Prins d

page_text: described automatic stop mechanism, consisting of a stopping device, and a con-
trolling device therefor to control its position, the said stopping device being
arranged to engage, when permitted by the controlling device, the oscillating
portion of the escapement of the said time train, at or near the end of its oscillating
movement, thereby leaving it ready to again oscillate when disengaged by the said
stopping device.
Also in the employment of a clock work having an oscillating balance and an
enclosing case therefor combined with a starting arm extended outside the said
case, and provided with a finger to engage the said balance and set it in oscillation
when it has stopped in an intermediate position in its oscillatory movement.
Also in the combination of a notched controlling disc, a stop lever and projection
thereon controlled by the said disc and balance shaft of a time train, and a stop
cam thereon, arranged to operate as will be herein after fully described.
That portion of the devices and circuits which is operatively connected with the
starting apparatus will be herein after distinguished by the word "starting" from
that portion connected with the signalling apparatus proper, which will be qualified
by the word "signalling" or "signal."
The signals, which may be operated by magneto-electric currents in the usual
manner, are placed in the main circuit, and shunt circuits are provided which cut
out the said magnets, the said shunt circuits being controlled by the clock works,
to thereby control the operation of the signals.
In this Invention circuit breakers are placed in these shunt circuits, and are
operated by cams placed preferably on an arbor that makes one complete revolution
in the interval that the clock work is running between the moment that it is started
and that at which it is automatically stopped.
This arbor may be called the main arbor, and also operates the mechanism by
which the clock is stopped.
The cams for breaking the shunts are placed at different angular positions on the
said main shaft in the different instruments, each being of proper shape to retain
the shunt broken during a certain period in which the signal at that station may
be sounded, after which the cam disengages the said circuit closer, allowing it to
close the shunt, and the controlling cam in another instrument opens its shunt and
retains it open for a certain period, during which any electric currents that may be
thrown upon the circuit will have to pass through the signal operating magnet and
cause it to sound the signal.
In the central office instrument, and in the others if desired, a pointer is placed
on the main shaft and rotates therewith over a dial, which is divided to correspond
with the cam surfaces in the different instruments, so that while the said pointer
is passing through division one of the said dial, the cam in the instrument of the
first station is holding the short circuit open, all the others being closed, and while
it is in division two the shunt at the second station is open, and so on.
Thus the operator by watching the pointer will know at what time each signal
can be sounded, and by throwing on or generating electric currents at the proper
time, as when the pointer is in a certain division, the currents will be caused to
pass through and operate the signalling magnet at the station corresponding to the
said division, and it will be seen that only the resistance of the particular signalling
magnet in operation is interposed in the circuit at any one time, and that while the
instruments are stopped, all the signalling magnets are short circuited, as there are
no signal shunts open in this position of the main arbor.
The Invention further consists in details of construction and combination of the
mechanical portions of the apparatus, as will be hereinafter fully described.
The clock works are driven by a main spring connected with and actuating a
train of wheel work, which may be the same as that of an ordinary clock, and
terminates in an escapement governed by a balance on a shaft to regulate the
movement of the train in the usual manner, the rate being substantially uniform
in all the instruments that are to control the signals of a given circuit.
The shaft of one of the wheels has upon it the main cams which control the stopping

page_text: mechanism of the clock, as well as the circuits by which the electric currents are
made to pass through the starting and signalling magnets, or are shunted around
the said magnets.
The shaft preferably revolves in about a minute, as this interval is usually
sufficient to allow a proper period for the signalling of all the signals on a circuit,
each in its turn, and is provided with a stop controlling disc which operates on a
projection of a stop lever, pivoted and adapted when in the proper position to
engage a stop cam on the balance shaft, and thereby arrest the movement of the
clockwork.
In order to operate the stop lever to thus stop the clock work, its controlling
disc is provided with a notch to receive a projection of the said lever, and allow it
to turn on its pivot and fall into engagement with the stop cam, the said notch and
cam being so placed with relation to the time of movement of their respective
shaft, that the lever is allowed to turn just when the balance is completing its
oscillation in the direction of the arrow, and falls against a shoulder of the cam and
stops the train when the full force of the hair spring is acting on the balance, so
that the moment the stop lever is disengaged therefrom, the balance begins its
oscillation, and the train starts with certainty.
The lever is disengaged from the cam to thus allow the train to start by an
electro magnet, the armature of which is provided with a long finger, the end
whereof passes in front of an arm extended from the lever, so that when the
starting magnet attracts its armature, the finger thereof strikes the arm and tilts
the lever, disengaging it from the cam, and at the same time raising a projection
from the notch..
The rear face of the notch is inclined, and in a single oscillation of the balance,
the disc is moved so far that the said inclined side of the notch in engaging the
projection will hold the lever disengaged from the shoulder of the cam, so that a
single momentary impulse is sufficient to cause the clockwork to start, after which
the controlling disc or the rear side of the notch thereof will prevent the stop lever
from again stopping the train until the notch comes around again in the rotation
of the disc.
The armature of the magnet has a retractor, consisting of a fine spring wire
bearing laterally against the finger.
The main line circuit in which all the signals are situated, is connected where it
enters the station with a binding screw, whence it passes by a wire to the magnet,
from the coils of which the circuit is continued by a wire to a binding screw,
whence it passes through the signal operating mechanism, and thence to the first
binding screw of the signalling controlling mechanism at the next station, or if at
the last station, it passes to ground to complete the circuit.
Branch wires connected with these wires named respectively on either side of the
coils of the magnet are joined the former to a pin, and the latter to a spring, both
supported on a block of insulating material, the said spring pressing against the
said pin, and forming electrical contact therewith, except when positively. raised
therefrom by a lifting toe on the main arbor.
The said toe is so placed relative to the notch of the stop controlling disc in all
the instruments, that it raises the spring from the pin just before the trains are
stopped by the lever, and retains it thus raised, and the branch or shunt circuits
between the wires broken until just after the trains are started, when the toe at
once passes the end of the spring, and allows it to fall into contact with the pin.
By this arrangement when the clocks are stopped, all the electric currents passing
over the main circuit between the brushing screws first mentioned, are obliged to
pass through the magnets to thus cause the said magnets to attract their armatures,
and start the train as before described, but after the said trains are started, the shunt
circuits through the other wires are closed, thereby cutting out the resistance of
the magnets, which thus does not have to be overcome by the currents which
operate the signals proper.
The signal bells, which may be of any usual construction, as of the well known

page_text: kind containing a light polarized armature adapted to be vibrated under the action
of the rapidly reversed currents generated by an ordinary magneto-electric machine,
but it is obvious that the said signals might be either single tap bells or vibrators,
or the operating magnets might be merely relays to close a local signal operating
circuit.
In either case the electro magnet operating or directly controlling the signal, is
placed in the main circuit between the starting magnet of one controlling
instrument and that of the next, and branch wires pass from either side of the
said signal magnet to the binding screws of the controlling instrument, where the
said branch wires to a pin and springs forming a second circuit breaker, similar to
the one previously described, and mounted beside it on the same insulating block.
The circuit breaker normally remains closed, thus completing the branch or
shunt circuit around the signal magnets, so that owing to the greater resistance of
the said magnets the greater portion of the currents pass through the said shunts,
and the signals are consequently not operated by the currents which operate the
starting magnets to start the trains nor by any currents, except when the said
branch or shunt is broken, which never takes place in but one at a time owing to
the difference in position of the cams.
When the trains are thus started the circuit breakers in the different controlling
instruments are each opened one after the other by the signal controlling cams on
the main arbors, and these cams are properly shaped to retain the said circuit
breakers open for a sufficient period to allow the corresponding signal to be
operated.
The came are so placed on the main arbors relative to the stopping and starting
point of the said arbors governed by the notched controlling discs, that when the
said arbors are all started simultaneously and rotate isochronously, first one engages
the end of the corresponding spring and raises it from engagement with a pin,
breaking the shunt around; and causing the circuit to pass only through the
corresponding signal magnet, and then when the said cam has passed the spring
and allow it to drop and close the said shunt, the cam at the next instrument
engages its spring, and after it has passed the one at the next instrument
operates similarly, and so on for as many stations as there may be, a certain
portion of the isochonous rotation of the said main arbors being devoted to the
operation of each cam, and no two of them operating at the same time to open their
respective shunts.
The main arbors are provided with pointers, which as the said arbors rotate pass
over a dial which is divided into spaces marked 1, 2, 3, etc., which correspond to
the position of the cams at the different stations, so that while the said pointer is
passing through the space marked one, the cam at station 1 is holding the circuit
breaker open, and while passing through the space 2 the circuit breaker at station 2
is open and so on.
A starting arm is pivoted at and provided with a flexible finger, which as the
said arm is rocked in its pivot by its operator depressing the end thereof which
extends out through the case comes in engagement with the side of a balance and sets
it into oscillation, the function of the said arm being merely to start the clock when
it is stopped with the balance in a middle position of its oscillation, as when the
clock is run down.
The operation is as follows:-
The instruments are normally all stopped, the levers engaging the shoulders of the
stop cans, and the toes holding the springs disconnected from the pins.
The cams are then at different distances from the ends of the springs and the
pointers at the zero point or vertical.
Supposing, for example, it is desired to signal station for the operator sends a
current over the circuit, which passes through all the starting magnets and causes
them to attract their armatures, and by the connected fingers to throw the levers
off from the shoulders of the cams, allowing all the clockworks to start simul-
taneously.

page_text: As the pointer passes through the space 1, the signaling shunt at the 1st station
is broken by the cam engaging the spring, and as the said pointer passes to space 2
the signalling shunt at station 1 is closed, and at station 2 is broken, and a similar
operation takes place as the pointer passes into the spaces 3 and 4.
While the pointer is passing through space 4 and the signal shunt at station 4
is consequently broken, the operator sends to line electric currents of the proper
kind to operate the signals, being, in this instance, the short reversed currents
generated by a magneto machine, and the said currents in passing over the line
will follow the shunts around the starting magnets, the said shunts being closed
when the clock works first start, and at all stations, except station 4, the said
currents will also pass through the shunts about the signalling magnets, which will
consequently not be operated thereby, but at station 4 the currents will be obliged
to pass through the coils of and operate the signalling maget since the signalling
shunt is broken at this point by the cam.
The operator may continue to send the currents and operate the signal at
station 4 as long as the pointer is passing over the space 4 and the cam at station 4
is holding up the spring, but the moment that it arrives at the end of the said space
the said currents must cease, as after this moment they would operate the signal at
station 5 instead of that at station 4.
If desired the discs may be provided with two or more notches arranged at
uniform intervals about its periphery, and the dials marked to correspond, as, for
example, if there were only 4 stations on the circuit the said disc might have
2 notches 4 directly opposite one another, and the figures 5, 6, 7, 8 of the dial be
replaced by the figures 1, 2, 3, 4.
If desired a second notch might be placed close to the notch mentioned so as to
stop the pointer just before it arrives at the zero point, such position of the pointer
indicating that the line is not in use, and when the subscribers have finished
their communication the signals will be started again and immediately stop with the
pointer at the zero point, a projection of the levers then falling into the notch first
described.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Morgan-Brown in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
18th June 1881.
"
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN, Patent Agent, of 38, Southampton Buildings, London.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEPHONE SIGNAL APPARATUS.' A communication from
abroad by George Henry Bliss, of Pittsfield, County of Berkshire, Massachusetts,
United States of America.
This Invention relates to telephone signal apparatus, and is shown embodied in
an apparatus containing a series of clock-works arranged to run synchronously, and
each controlling a signal bell in the circuit so as to allow it to sound only at certain
predetermined periods of time, the said periods being different at each instrument,
so that only one signal can be operated at any one time, the others then being
kept silent by the said controlling clockwork.
The clocks are all automatically stopped at the end of an interval of operation
in which each has had its individual period in which the signal could be sounded,
and they remain so stopped until it is desired to give a signal at any of the
stations, when the instruments are all started simultaneously by electro magnets
acting on the stop mechanism.
These electro magnets, herein called starting magnets, by which the clock works
are started are independent of those by which the bells are rung.
The Invention consists in the combination with the clock-work adapted to
control the operation of the signal, and the automatic stop mechanism to stop the
said clock work at definite points, of a starting magnet to operate the said stop
mechanism and allow the clock work to start simultaneously with the others of
the series, and shunt or short circuit around the said magnet, and a circuit breaker
therein controlled by the said clockwork to break the said shunt circuit when the
said clock work is stopped, and close it when the clock work is in motion.
Also in the employment in a time train, having an escapement, of the herein
described automatic stop mechanism consisting of a stopping device and a
controlling device therefor to control its position, the said stopping device being
arranged to engage, when permitted by the controlling device, the oscillating
portion of the escapement of the said time train at or near the end of its oscil-
lating movement, thereby leaving it ready to again oscillate when disengaged by
the said stopping device.
Also in the employment of a clock work having an oscillating balance and an
enclosing case therefor combined with a starting arm extended outside the said
case and provided with a finger to engage the said balance and set it in
oscillation when it has been stopped in an intermediate position in its oscillatory
movement.
Also in the combination of a notched controlling disc, a stop lever, and projection
thereon controlled by the said disc, and balance shaft of a time time, and a stop
'cam thereon arranged to operate as will be hereinafter fully described.
Also in a series of controlling instruments, each consisting of a mechanical motor
or clock work adapted to run synchronously with the others of the series, and to
control the operation of the corresponding signal and stop mechanism for the said
motor, having a series of definite stop points corresponding to the operative
positions for the signals at the different stations, combined with the controlling
maguet for the said stop mechanism, whereby an operator is enabled to start the
said controlling motors simultaneously, and then stop them at any desired point
at which a signal is in condition to be operated only at the station desired.
Also in the balance of a mechanical motor and the stop lever therefor combined
with the stop cam provided with a series of teeth or stop shoulders.

page_text: Also in the motor, stopping device therefor and controlling disc operated by the
said motor, and provided with a series of stop points combined with the circuit
controller and actuating cam therefor, operated by the motor as described
relatively to the controlling disc whereby the said circuit controller is operated by
its cam only when the controlling disc is in position to engage the stopping device
at a definite one of its stop points.
Also in a series of signalling instruments, each consisting of a clock work or
mechanical motor, the stop mechanism therefor, and its controlling magnet con-
structed or adjusted to be operated only by currents of a definite character, combined
with a signal magnet and shunt and circuit closer therefor, controlled by the said
motor, the said signal magnet being properly constructed to operate by currents of
a character that do not operate the controlling magnet.
Also in a series of signalling instruments, each consisting of a clock-work or
time train, the automatic stop mechanism therefor, and the starting and signalling
magnets in a single circuit, combined with independent shunts around the said
magnets and circuit closers therein operated by the said clock-work, all arranged
as described, whereby when the clocks are stopped the signal magnet shunts are
all closed, and the currents confined to the starting magnets, and when the clock
works are in motion the starting magnet sbunts are closed, and the signal magnet
shunts in the different instruments are opened one at a time in succession.
That portion of the devices and circuits which is operatively connected with the
starting apparatus will be hereinafter distinguished by the word "starting" from
that portion connected with the signalling apparatus proper, which will be qualified
by the word "signalling" or "signal."
The signals, which may be operated by magneto-electric currents in the usual
manner, are placed in the main circuit, and shunt circuits are provided which cut
out the said magnets, the said shunt circuits being controlled by the clock works
to thereby control the operation of the signals.
In this Invention circuit breakers are placed in these shunt circuits, and are
operated by cams placed preferably on an arbor that makes one complete revolution
in the interval that the clock work is running between the moment that it is
started and that at which it is automatically stopped.
This arbor may be called the main arbor, and also operates the mechanism by
which the clock is stopped.
The cams for breaking the shunts are placed at different angular positions on the
said main shafts in the different instruments, each being in one embodiment of the
Invention of proper shape to retain the shunt broken during a certain period in
which the signal at that station may be sounded, after which the cam disengages
the said circuit closer, allowing it to close the shunt, and the controlling cam in
another instrument opens its shunt and retains it open for a certain period during
which any electric currents that may be thrown upon the circuit will have to pass
through the signal operating magnet and cause it to sound the signal.
In another embodiment of the Invention the cams are so shaped as to bring one
after the other of their signal magnets into operative condition in rapid succession,
without however retaining them in such position long enough to be operated while
the said controlling mechanisms are still running and the stop mechanisms are
placed under the control of the operator through the said starting magnet, which
thus becomes a controlling maguet for the clock work, so that the said clock works
can be stopped at any desired point at which any desired one of the signalling
instruments is in condition to be sounded, and the stop mechanism controlled by
the starting electro magnet is so arranged that the signal thus placed in operative
position can be sounded without affecting the starting magnets to start the
controlling devices or clockworks.
In this construction, after the desired signal has been operated as long as
necessary, the said controlling mechanism may be again started by the starting
magnets and allowed to run until they are all automatically stopped, as in the

page_text: construction first described at a common starting point, so that they will be
started in unison when they are next to be operated.
By this arrangement only sufficient time is required to bring each signal to its
operative position, and then to operate the signal, instead of having as in the other
arrangement to consume sufficient time to operate all of the signals.
In the apparatus here shown the starting or controlling magnets require a current
of greater strength to operate them to start the clock works than is required to
operate the signal, the latter being preferably operated by the short reversed
current produced by a magneto-electric generator, and the starting magnets being
operated by battery currents.
In the central office instrument, and in the others if desired, a pointer is placed
on the main shaft and rotates therewith over a dial, which is divided to correspond
with the cam surfaces in the different instruments, so that while the said pointer is
passing through division one of the said dial, the cam in the instrument of the first
station is holding the short circuit open, all the others being closed, and while it
is in division two, the shunt at the second station is open, and so on.
Thus the operator by watching the pointer will know at what time each signal
can be sounded, and in one form of apparatus by throwing on or generating
electric currents at the proper time, as when the pointer is in a certain division
the currents will be caused to pass through and operate the signalling magnet at
the station corresponding to the said division; and it will be seen that only the
resistance of the particular signalling magnet in operation is interposed in the
circuit at any one time, and that while the instruments are stopped all the
signalling magnets are short circuited, as there are no signal shunts open in this
position of the main arbor.
In the other form of apparatus the operator will stop the apparatus when at the
proper point and then operate the signal magnet, the starting magnets remaining
in circuit but their armatures not being affected by the signalling currents.
Figure 1 is a front view of a signal apparatus embodying this Invention, the
parts being in their normal position with the clock work stopped and the front
portion of the enclosing case and the dial being removed.
Figure 2, a detail of the main shaft and mechanism cooperating therewith
in the position assumed shortly after the period of operation of the signal bas
begun.
Figure 3, a front view of the dial and pointer of the instrument in the same
position as in Figure 2.
Figure 4, a side elevation of a portion of the clock work shown in Figures 1
and 2.
Figure 5, a diagram showing the arrangement of circuits and the relation of the
signal cams on the main shaft in a series of signals.
Figure 6, a front elevation of a sufficient portion of a signal apparatus to
illustrate the form of apparatus in which the clock works are stopped by the
operator when sounding a given signal, and
Figure 7, a face view of the dial plate and pointer thereof.
The clock works are shown as driven by a main spring a connected with and
actuating a train of wheel work b, b², b², etc., which may be and is shown as the
same as that of an ordinary clock, and terminates in an escapement shown as
governed by a balance c on a shaft d to regulate the movement of the train in the
usual manner, the rate being substantially uniform in all the instruments that are
to control the signals of a given circuit.
The shaft e of the wheel 63 has upon it the main cams which control the
stopping mechanism of the clock as well as the circuits by which the electric
currents are made to pass through the starting and signalling magnets or are
shunted around the said magnets.
This shaft preferably revolves in about a minute, as this interval is usually
sufficient to allow a proper period for the signalling of all the signals on a circuit,
each in its turn, and is provided with a stop controlling disc f, which operates on

page_text: a projection 2 of the stop lever g, pivotted at 3, and adapted when in the proper
position (see dotted lines, Figure 3) to engage the stop cam h on the balance
shaft d, and thereby arrest the movement of the clock work.
'
In order to operate the stop lever g to thus stop the clock with its controlling
disc fis provided with a notch 4 to receive the projection 2 of the said lever and
allow it to turn on its pivot and fall into engagement with the stop cam h, the
said notch and cam being so placed with relation to the time of movement of their
respective shafts that the lever is allowed to turn just when the balance is
completing its oscillation in the direction of the arrow, and falls against one of the
stop shoulders 5 of the cam h and stops the train when the full force of the hair
spring is acting on the balance, so that the moment the stop lever is disengaged
therefrom the balance begins its oscillation and the train starts with certainty.
The lever is disengaged from the cam h to thus allow the train to start by an
electro-magnet i, the armature of which is provided with a long finger j, the end
whereof passes in front of an arm k extended from the lever g, so that when the
starting magnet attracts its armature the finger j thereof strikes the arm k and tilts
the lever g, disengaging it from the cam h and at the same time raising the
projection 2 from the notch 4.
The rear face of the notch 4 is inclined, as shown, and in a single oscillation of
the balance c the disc f is moved so far that the said inclined side of the notch 4,
in engaging the projection 2, will hold the lever y disengaged from the shoulder 5
of the cam h, so that a single momentary impulse is sufficient to cause the clock
work to start, after which the controlling disc f, or the rear side of the notch
thereof, will prevent the stop lever from again stopping the train until the notch
comes around again in the rotation of the disc f
The armature of the magnet i has a retractor consisting of a fine spring wire l,
bearing laterally against the finger j.
When this construction is employed the main line circuit in which all the signals
are situated is connected where it enters the station with the binding screw 10,
whence it passes by wire 15 to the magnet i, from the coils of which the circuit is
continued by wire 16 to the binding screw 11, whence it passes through the
signal operating mechanism, to be hereinafter described, and thence to the binding
screw 10 of the signal controlling mechanism, such as shown in Figure 1 at the
next station, or if at the last station it passes to ground to complete the
circuit.
Branch wire 17, 18, connected with the wires 15, 16, respectively on either side
of the coils of the magnet i are joined, the former to the pin m and the latter to
the spring n, both supported on a block o of insulating material, the said spring
pressing against the said pin and forming electrical contact therewith, except
when positively raised therefrom by the lifting toe p in the main arbor e.
The said toe p is so placed relative to the notch 4 of the stop controlling disc f
in all the instruments that it raises the spring n from the pin m just before the
trains are stopped by the lever g, and retains it thus raised, and the branch or
shunt circuits between the wires 17, 18, broken until just after the trains are
started, when the toe p at once passes the end of the spring n, and allows it to
fall into contact with the pin m.
By this arrangement, when the clocks are stopped, all the electric currents
passing over the main circuit between the screws 10, 11, are obliged to pass
through the magnets i to thus cause the said magnets to attract their armatures,
and start the train, as before described; but after the said trains are started the
shunt circuits through the wires 17, 18, are closed, thereby cutting out the
resistance of the magnets i, which thus does not have to be overcome by the
currents which operate the signals proper.
In the construction illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 the armature is so located
relative to the poles of the magnet, and its retracting spring is made of such
strength, that the currents employed for operating the signal magnets will not
cause the finger j to engage the arm k, and raise the projection 2 of the stop

page_text: lever g out of the notches 4 of the controlling disc f, but a sufficiently strong
current will so operate the said armature and stop lever g, and allow the clock
work to start as in the other construction.
The starting magnet i remains continually in circuit, and the shunt 17, 18, and
circuit closer m, n, and operating toe p, shown in Figures 1 to 5, are omitted.
The signal bells, which may be of any usual construction, are shown at 8 in
Figure 5 as of the well known kind, containing a light polarized armature adapted
to be vibrated under the action of the rapidly reversed currents generated by an
ordinary magneto-electric machine, but it is obvious that the said signals might
be either single tap bells or vibrators, or the operating magnets, shown might be
merely relays to close a local signal operating circuit.
In either case the electro magnet operating or directly controlling the signal s
is placed in the main circuit between the starting magnet of one controlling
instrument and that of the next, as shown in Figure 5, and branch wires 21, 22,
pass from either side of the said signal magnet r to the binding screws 12, 13, of
the controlling instrument, where the said branch wires 23, 24, to the pin t and
springs u forming a second circuit breaker similar to the one m, n, previously
described, and mounted beside it on the same insulating block o.
The circuit breaker normally remains closed, thus completing the branch or
shunt circuit 21, 22, 23, 24, around the signal magnets (see Figure 5) so that
owing to the greater resistance of the said magnets the greater portion of the
currents pass through the said shunts, and the signals are consequently not operated
by the currents which operate the starting magnets to start the trains, nor by any
currents, except when the said branch or shunt is broken, which never takes place
in but one at a time owing to the difference in position of the cams v.
When the trains are thus started the circuit breakers t, u, in the different
controlling instruments are each opened one after the other by the signal controlling
cams von the main arbors e, and these cams are, in the construction illustrated in
Figure 1 to 4, properly shaped to retain the said circuit breakers open for a
sufficient period to allow the corresponding signal to be operated.
In the construction shown in Figures 6 and 7 the cam vis so made as to open
the said circuit breaker only for a moment, and as the shaft e continues to revolve
to immediately close it.
The said cams v in the different instruments are so placed relative to the notch 4
in the controlling disc f that as the controlling discs and their shafts e start
simultaneously to rotate, the said cams v will open the circuit closers t, u, in turn,
each one just after the previous one has been closed by the point of the cam v
passing beyond the spring portion u of the circuit closer.
The controlling discs fare provided with a series of stop notches 40 to receive
the projection 2 of the stop lever g and cause the said lever to engage the stop
cam h of the balance c just when one of the cams v is holding one of the circuit
closers t, u, open.
In Figure 5 the signalling cams and the circuit breaker t, u, are shown
separately from the toes p and circuit breakers m, n, for the sake of additional
clearness, the shaft e being indicated twice at each instrument, and circuits and
magnets are shown in full at two of the stations, while at the rest of the stations
only the circuit breakers t, u, and their operating cams vare shown as all the
other parts are the same at all the stations."
When the construction shown in Figures 6 and 7 is employed the wires 17, 18,
and parts m, n, p, will be omitted from the diagram, which will otherwise remain
unchanged.
It will be seen that the cams v are so placed on the main arbors e relative to the
stopping and starting point of the said arbors governed by the notched controlling
discs, that when the said arbors are all started simultaneously and rotate
isochronously, first one engages the end of the corresponding spring and raises it from
engagement with the pin t, breaking the shunt around and causing the circuit to pass
only through the corresponding signal magnet 7, and then when the said cam has

page_text: passed the spring u and allowed it to drop and close the said shunt, the cam at the
next instrument engages its spring u, and after it has passed the one at the next
instrument operates similarly, and so on for as many stations as there may be, a
certain portion of the isochronous rotation of the said main arbors being devoted
to the operation of each cam v, and no two of them operating at the same time to
open their respective shunts.
The main arbors are provided with pointers w, see Figure 3 and 7, which, as
the said arbors rotate, pass over a dial x, which is divided into spaces marked
1, 2, 3, etc., which correspond to the position of the cams at the different stations,
so that while the said pointer is passing through the space marked 1, the cam v
at station 1 is holding the circuit breaker t, u, open, and while passing through
the space 2, the circuit breaker t, u, at station 2 is open, and so on.
In the form shown in Figure 6 the numbered spaces are narrow, and all taken
together extend only a portion of the way around the dial, they indicating the
movements at which the different stop notches 40 are in position to receive the
projections 2 of the stop levers g¹¹.
At the right hand of Figure 1 a starting arm y is shown pivotted at 7, and
provided with a flexible finger 8, which as the said arm is rocked on its pivot by
the operator depressing the end thereof, which extends out through the case, comes
in engagement with the side of the balance c and sets it into oscillation, the
function of the said arm being merely to start the clock when it is stopped
with the balance in a middle position of its oscillation, as when the clock is run
down.
The operation is as follows:-
The instruments are normally all stopped, as indicated in Figures 1 and 5, the
levers g engaging one of the stop shoulders 5 of the stop cams h, and the toes p
holding the springs n disconnected from the pins m.
The cams are then at different distances from the ends of the springs u, and
the pointers w are at the zero point, or vertical.
Supposing, for example, it is desired to signal station 4, the operator sends a
current of proper nature over the circuit, which passes through all the starting
magnets i, and causes them to attract their armatures, and by the connected
fingers to throw the levers g off from the shoulders 5 of the cams h, allowing all
the clock works to start simultaneously..
As the pointer w passes through the space 1 the signalling shunt 21, 22, 23, 24,
at the first station is broken by the cam v engaging the spring u, and as the said
pointer passes to space 2 the signalling shunt at station 1 is closed and at station 2
is broken, and a similar operation takes place as the pointer passes into the spaces
3 and 4.
While the pointer is passing through space 4, and the signal shunt at station 4
is consequently broken if the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 4 is used, the
operator sends to line electric currents of the proper kind to operate the signals 5,
being in this instance the short reversed currents generated by a magneto machine,
and the said currents in passing over the line will follow the shunts 17, m, n, 18,
around the starting magnet i, the said shunts being closed when the clock works
first started as hereinbefore described, and at all the stations except station 4, the
said currents will also pass through the shunts 21, 23, u, 1, 24, 22, about the
signalling magnets r, which will consequently not be operated thereby, but at
station 4 the currents will be obliged to pass through the coils of and operate the
signalling magnet r, since the signalling shunt is broken at this point by the cam v,
as shown in Figure 2.
The operator may continue to send the currents and operate the signal at
station 4 as long as the pointer wis passing over the space 4 and the cam vat
station is holding up the spring u, but the moment that it arrives at the end of
the said space the said currents must cease, as after this moment they would
operate the signal at station 5 instead of that at station 4.
If the apparatus shown in Figures 6 and 7 is employed a strong current is

page_text: thrown upon the main circuit, passing to the binding screw 10 of the first instru-
ment, and thence, as before described, through the wires 15 and 16 and the coils of
the starting magnet r to the binding post 11, and thence to the binding post 12,
and by the shunt wire 23, circuit closer t, u, and shunt wire 24 to the binding
screw 13, and thence to the binding screw 10 of the next instrument, and so on,
the circuit closers t, u, being all closed, and the signal magnets (interposed in
circuit between the binding screws 12, 13,) all short circuited by the said circuit
closers and wires 23 and 24.
The current thus thrown on is of sufficient strength to cause the finger j to act
on the arm k and disengage the stop lever g from the stop cam h, causing all the
clock works to start simultaneously.
If the circuit is immediately broken the stop arm g will no longer be held by the
finger j, but the projection 2 will fall on the inclined rear side of the tooth formed
between the stop notch 4 and the next stop notch 40, and the clock works will
continue moving until the said stop notch 40 arrives under the projection 2, which
will then fall therein and automatically stop the clock.
In this movement the cam v of the first instrument of the series will have raised
the spring u from contact with the spring t, and thus opened the shunt between
the wires 12 and 13, so that the succeeding currents that pass over the circuit
would be obliged to pass through the signal magnet r at that station, and cause it
to operate its signal, while the cams of all the other instruments have not
yet reached the spring u, so that the corresponding signal magnets still remain
cut out.
The pointers w will now all stand opposite the line marked 1 on the dial, thus
indicating that the signal at station 1 and that alone can be operated.
If now another current is thrown upon the line and through the magnets i of
proper nature to operate said magnets, the clockworks will again be started, or if
the current were maintained steadily through the said magnets they would continue
moving, and immediately after the pointers passed the first mark the spring u of
the first instrument would drop cutting the corresponding signal magnet out again,
and just as the pointer arrived at the second mark, and the projection 2 was above
the second stop notch 40, the cam v at the second station would raise the spring u
and throw the second signal in circuit, and so on.
The operator accordingly waits until the pointer has passed the line numbered
one less than the number of the station he wishes to call, when he opens the circuit
or demagnetizes the magnets i, so that the projection 2 of the stop levers g will fall
in the next stop notch 40, when the signalling magnet r will be in circuit at the
stations desired to be signalled.
The stop cam h on the shaft d of the balance c is provided with a series of stop
shoulders, forming a series of ratchet like teeth, so that the stop lever g will always
engage the said cam when the balance c is nearly at the end of its oscillation, the
stop notches 4, 8, in the controlling disc f being so located that the projection 2
falls therein, while the balance is moving in the direction of the arrow,
Figure 6.
The amplitude of movement of the balance e varies with the decreasing
strength of the main spring as it runs down in the well known manner, so that
the stop lever g will engage different teeth of the stop cam h at different times, but
the balance will always start off when released by the said stop lever with an
amplitude of vibration nearly the same as that which it had when it stopped.
.It is found in practice that a movement occupying two seconds of time is required {
to open and close the circuit controllers t, u, so that if there be ten stations, only
twenty seconds will have to elapse before the last of these stations is brought into
condition to be signalled, while with the plan illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, five or
six seconds have to be allowed for signalling each station, so that nearly a minute
will have to elapse after the starting of the clock works before the tent station 5
could be signalled, and then its signal bell could only be sounded for three or four
seconds, and if it failed to call attention the clocks would have to be started again,

page_text: and another minute wasted, while with the plan shown in Figures 6 and 7, when
the station is once brought into condition to be signalled it is retained so long
as desired, so that its signal bell may be continually operated if need be until
the return signal is given.
Both plans have advantages, the one requiring less time for operation, while the
other requires less skill and watchfullness on the part of the operator.
After a station has been signalled the strong current is thrown on, and the stop
levers g thus remain disengaged from the controlling disc f, until all the stop
notches 40 have passed beyond the projection 2, the pointers w then having passed
beyond the numbered marks on the dials, when the magnets are demagnetized
and the levers g allowed to remain with their projections 2 resting on the blank
surface of the controlling disc f, until the first or main stop notch 4 receives the
said projection and causes the clocks to stop, as in the apparatus shown in Figures
1 to 5.
If desired there may be two or more cam points v, and two or more corre-
sponding marked and numbered portions of the dial, but it is desirable to have a
blank space on the surface of the controlling disc f between its different notched
portions, so that if the shafts.c do not run in exact unison, the stop levers g may
be kept disengaged from the controlling disc f long enough to insure that the
notched portion of the slowest of the said discs shall have certainly passed beyond
the projection 2, and then when the stop lever is dropped it will stop the clock
when the notch 4 of each arrives under the projection 2, be it sooner or later, and
the clocks will all be ready to start again simultaneously.
Currents of different polarity may be employed to operate the controlling and
signalling magnets independently, or any other characteristic difference may be
made use of.
If desired a second notch 4 might be placed close to the notch shown, so as to
stop the pointer just before it arrives at the zero point, such position of the
pointer indicating that the line is not in use, and when the subscribers have
finished their communication the signals will be started again and immediately
stop with the pointer at the zero point, the projection 2 of the levers g then falling
into the notch we have first described.
Having now described and particularly set forth the nature of the said Invention
and the manner of carrying the same into effect, I would have it understood that
what I claim is,―
1st. In an individual signal apparatus a series of instruments, each consisting of
a clock work adapted to control the operation of the corresponding signal, and an
automatic stop mechanism to stop the said clock work at a definite point, combined
with a starting magnet to operate the said stop mechanism and allow the clock
work to start simultaneously with those of the other instruments of the series, and
a shunt or short circuit around the said starting magnet and circuit breaker therein
controlled by the said clock work, whereby the said shunt circuit is broken when
the said clock work is stopped, and closed when the clock work is in motion,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
2nd. In a time train having an escapement the herein described automatic stop
mechanism consisting of a stopping device and controlling device therefor to control
its position, the said stopping device being arranged to engage, when permitted by
the controlling device, the governing or oscillating portion of the escapement of the
said time train at or near the end of its oscillating movement, thereby leaving it
ready to again oscillate when disengaged by the said stopping device, substantially
as described.
3rd. A clock work having an oscillating balance and an enclosing case therefor
combined with a starting arm extended outside the side case and provided with a
flexible finger or wiper to engage the periphery of the said balance, and set it in
oscillation when it has stopped in an intermediate position in its oscillatory move-
ment, substantially as described.
4th. The combination of the notched controlling disc, the stop lever, and its

page_text: projection controlled thereby, and the balance and balance shaft of the time train
and stop cam thereon arranged and to operate substantially as described.
5th. A series of signalling instruments, each consisting of a clock work or time
train, the automatic stop mechanism therefor, and the starting and signalling
magnets in a single circuit, combined with independent shunts around the said
magnets and circuit closers therein operated by the said clock work, all arranged
as described, whereby when the clocks are stopped the signal magnet shunts
are all closed and the currents confined to the starting magnets, and when the clock
works are in motion the starting magnet shunts are closed and the signal magnet
shunts in the different instruments are opened one at a time in succession, as and
for the purpose set forth.
6th. In an individual signal apparatus a series of controlling instruments, each
consisting of a mechanical motor or clock work adapted to run synchronously with
the others of the series and to control the operation of the corresponding signal and
stop mechanism for the said motor having a series of definite stop points, as
described, corresponding to the operative positions for the signals at the different
stations combined with the controlling magnet for the said stop mechanism, whereby
an operator is enabled to start the said controlling motors simultaneously and then
stop them at any desired point at which a signal is in condition to be operated only
at the station desired, substantially as described.
7th. The balance of a mechanical motor and the stop lever therefor combined
with the stop cam h provided with a series of teeth or stop shoulders, substantially
as and for the purpose described.
8th. The motor stopping device therefor and controlling disc operated by the
said motor and provided with a series of stop points combined with the circuit
controller and actuating cam therefor operated by the motor as described relatively
to the controlling disc, whereby the said circuit controller is operated by its cam
only when the controlling disc is in position to engage the stopping device at a
definite one of its stop points, substantially as described.
9th. A series of signalling instruments, each consisting of a clock work or
mechanical motor, the stop mechanism therefor, and its controlling magnet, con-
structed or adjusted to be operated only by currents of a definite character
combined with a signal magnet and shunt and circuit closer therefor, controlled by
the said motor, the said signal magnet being properly constructed to operate by
currents of a character that do not operate the controlling magnet, substantially as
and for the purpose described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Morgan-Brown, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty one.