GB12,039 - Improvements in Transmitting Electrical impulses and Signals, and in Apparatus therefor

I will first describe my improvements which are applicable to the receiving instruments. Fig. 4

My first improvement consists in automatically tapping or disturbing the powder in the sensitive tube, or in shaking the imperfect contact, so that immediately the electrical stimulus from the transmitter has ceased, the tube or imperfect contact regains its ordinary non-conductive state. This part of my invention is illustrated in figure 2, in which j represents the sensitive tube and p the trembler or tapper. The current which flows through the sensitive tube or contact, and which is commenced under the influence of the electrical oscillations from the transmitting instrument, is allowed to actuate (directly, or indirectly by means of a relay) the trembler, which is similar to an electric bell. This trembler must be so arranged, as hereinafter explained, that the effect of the sparking at its vibrating contacts, and the jerky currents caused by self-induction, &c., are neutralised or removed.

The small hammer of the trembler hits the tube or imperfect contact and so stops the current, and consequently its own movement, which had been generated by the said current; and by this means the current automatically and almost instantaneously interrupts itself until another oscillation from the transmitting instrument again makes the sensitive tube or imperfect contact a conductor.

I find, however, that the current which can be started by the sensitive tube or contact is not sufficiently strong to work an ordinary trembler and receiving instrument.

To overcome this difficulty, instead of obliging the current of the circuit which contains the sensitive tube or contact to work the trembler and instrument, I use the said current for working a sensitive relay n (figure 2), which closes and opens the circuit of a stronger battery r, preferably of the Leclanché type. This current, which is much stronger than the current which runs through the sensitive tube or contact, works the trembler and other instruments. To prevent the sparks and jerks of current which would be caused by the sell-induction of the relay from interfering with the action of the receiver, certain means must be taken similar to those referred to above in reference to the trembler or tapper, which will be explained hereafter. In the apparatus I have made I have found that the relay a should be one possessing small self-induction, and wound to a resistance of about 1000 ohms. It should preferably be able to work regularly with a current of a milliampère or less. The trembler or tapper p on the circuit of the relay n is similar in construction to that of a small electric bell, but having a shorter arm. I have used a trembler wound to 1000 ohms resistance, having a core of good soft iron hollow and split lengthways like most electro-magnets used in telegraph instruments.

The trembler must be carefully adjusted. Preferably the blows should be directed slightly upwards, so as to prevent the filings from getting caked. In place of tapping the tube the powder can be disturbed by slightly moving outwards and inwards one or both of the stops of the sensitive tube (see figure 5, j¹ j², the trembler p (figure 2) being replaced by a small electro-magnet or magnets or vibrator whose armature is connected to the stop.

I ordinarily work the receiving instrument h, which may be of any description, by a derivation as shown from the circuit, which works the trembler p. It can also, however, be worked in series with the trembler.

It is desirable that the receiving instrument, if on a derivation of the circuit which includes the trembler or tapper, should preferably have a resistance equal to the resistance of the trembler p.

A further improvement consists in the mode of construction of the sensitive tube.

I have noticed that a sensitive tube or imperfect contact, such as is shown in figure 1 T, is not perfectly reliable.

The sensitiveness can also be increased by adding a very small amount of mercury to the filings and mixing up until the mercury is absorbed. The mercury must not be in such a quantity as to clot or cake the filings: an almost imperceptible globule is sufficient for a tube. Instead of mixing the mercury with the powder, one can obtain the same effects by slightly amalgamating the inner surfaces of the plugs which are to be in contact with the filings. Very little mercury must be used, just sufficient to brighten the surface of the metallic plugs without showing any free mercury or globules.

The size of the tube and the distance between the two metallic stops or plugs may vary under certain limits: the greater the space allowed for the powder, the larger or coarser ought to be the filings or grains.

I prefer to make my sensitive tubes of the following size--the tube j is 1½ inch long and 1/10 or 1/12 of an inch internal diameter. The length of the stops  j²  is about 1/5 of an inch, and the distance between the stops or plugs j²  j²  is about 1/30 of an inch.

I find that the smaller or narrower the space is between the plugs in the tube, the more sensitive it proves; but the space cannot under ordinary circumstances be excessively shortened without injuring the fidelity of the transmission.

Care must be taken that the plugs  j²  j² fit the tube exactly, as otherwise the filings might escape from the space between the stops, which would soon destroy the action of the sensitive tube.

The metallic powders ought not to be fine, but rather coarse, as can be produced by a large and rough file.

The powder should preferably be of uniform grain or thickness.

All the very fine powder or the excessively coarse powder ought to be removed from it by blowing or sifting.

It is also desirable that the powder or grains should be dry and free from grease or dirt, and the files used in producing the same ought to be frequently washed and dried, and used when warm.

The powder ought not to be compressed between the plugs, but rather loose, and in such a condition that when the tube is tapped the powder may be seen to move freely.

The tube j may be sealed, but a vacuum inside it is not essential, except the slight vacuum which results from having heated it while sealing it. Care should also be taken not to heat the tube too much in the centre when sealing it, as it would oxidise the surfaces of the silver stops, and also the powder, which would diminish its sensitiveness. I have used, in sealing the tubes, a hydrogen and air flame.

A vacuum is, however, desirable, and I have used one of about 1/1000 of an atmosphere obtained by a mercury pump.

In this case a small glass tube must be joined to a side of the tube j (figure 5), which is put in communication with the pump and afterwards sealed in the ordinary manner.

If the sensitive tube has been well made, it should be sensitive to the inductive effect of an ordinary electric bell when the same is working from one to two yards from the tube.

A sensitive tube well prepared should also instantly interrupt the current passing through it at the slightest tap or shake, provided it is inserted in a circuit in which there is little self-induction and small electro-motive force, such as a single cell.

In order to keep the sensitive tube j in good working order it is desirable, but not absolutely necessary, not to allow more than one milliampère to flow through it when active.

If a stronger current is necessary, several tubes may be put in parallel, provided they all get shaken by the tapper or trembler; but this arrangement is not always quite as satisfactory as the single tube.

It is preferable, when using sensitive tubes of the type I have described, not to insert in the circuit with it more than one cell of the Leclanché type, as a higher electro-motive force than l·5 volts is apt to pass a current through the tube, even when no oscillations are transmitted.

The plates k, tube j, &c., are fastened to a thin glass tube o, preferably not longer than 12 inches, firmly fixed at one end to a firm piece of wood o2, or the sensitive tube j may be fixed firmly at both ends--i.e., preferably grasped near the ends of the tube containing the powder, and not at the ends of the tube o o, which serves as support.

By means of a tube with multiple gaps, as shown in figure 5A, it is also possible to work the trembler and also the signalling or other apparatus direct on the circuit which contains the sensitive tube, but I prefer when possible to work with the single-gap tube and the relay as shown. With a sensitive and specially constructed trembler it is also possible to work the trembler with the single-gap tube in series with it without a relay.

In order to increase the distance at which the receiver can be actuated by the radiation from the transmitter, I place the receiver (i.e., the sensitive tube and plates) in the focal line of a cylindrical parabolic reflector l (figure 2), preferably of copper, and directed towards the transmitting station.

In determining the proper length of the plates of the receiver by means of the detector shown in figure 12, it is desirable to try the detector in the focus or focal line of the reflector, because the length of the strips or plates which gives the best result in a reflector differs slightly from the length which gives the best results without reflectors.

The reflector l (figure 2) should be preferably in length and opening not less than double the length of wave emitted from the transmitting instrument. Fig. 8

It is slightly advantageous for the focal distance of the reflector to be equal to one-fourth or three-fourths of the wave-length of the oscillation transmitted.

The plates k (figure 2) may be replaced by tubes or other forms of conductors.

A further improvement has for its object to prevent the electrical disturbances which are set up by the trembler and other apparatus in proximity or in circuit with the tube from themselves restoring the conductivity of the sensitive tube immediately after the trembler has destroyed it, as has been described.

This I effect by introducing into the circuits at the places marked p1, p2, q, h1, in figure 2 high resistances having as little self-induction as possible. The action of the high resistances is that, while preventing any appreciable quantity of the current from passing through them when the apparatus is working, they nevertheless afford an easy path for the currents of high tension which would be formed at the moment when the circuit is broken, and thus prevent sparking at contacts or sudden jerks of currents, which would restore or maintain the conductivity of the sensitive tube.

These coils may conveniently be made by winding the wire (preferably of platinoid) on the bight, as it is sometimes termed, or double wound, to prevent them producing self-induction.

In figure 2, p2 is one of these resistance coils which is inserted in a circuit connecting the vibrating contacts of the trembler p. I have used in the apparatus a coil which had a resistance about four times the resistance of the trembler p.

p1 represents a similar resistance (also of about four times the resistance of the trembler) inserted in parallel across the terminals of the trembler.

A similar resistance q, figure 2, is placed in parallel on the terminals of the relay n (i.e., the terminals which are connected to the circuit containing the sensitive tube).

The coil q should preferably have a resistance of about three or four times the resistance of the relay.

A similar resistance h1 of about four times the resistance of the instrument is inserted in parallel across the terminals of the instrument.

In parallel across the terminals of the relay (i.e., corresponding to the circuit worked by the relay) it is well to have a liquid resistance s constituted of a series of tubes, one of which is shown full size in figure 14 partially filled with water acidulated with sulphuric acid. The number of these tubes in series across the said terminals ought to be about ten for a circuit of 15 volts, so as to prevent, in consequence of their counter electro-motive force, the current of the local battery from passing through them, but allowing the high tension jerk of current generated at the opening of the circuit in the relay to pass smoothly across them without producing perturbating sparks at the movable contact of the relay.

A double-wound platinoid resistance may be used instead of the water resistance, provided its resistance be about 20,000 ohms.

A resistance similar to h should be inserted in parallel on the terminals of any apparatus or resistance which may be apt to give self-induction and which is near or connected to the receiver.

Condensers of suitable capacity may be substituted for the above mentioned coils, but I prefer using coils or water resistances.

Another improvement has for its object to prevent the high frequency oscillations set up across the plates of the receiver by the transmitting instrument, which should pass through the sensitive tube, from running round the local battery wires and thereby weakening their effect on the sensitive tube or contact.

This I effect by connecting the battery wires to the sensitive tube or contact, or to the plates attached to the tube through small coils (see k1 in the figures) possessing self-induction, which may be called choking coils, formed by winding in the ordinary manner a short length (about a yard) of thin and well-insulated wire round a core (preferably containing iron) two or three inches long.

Another improvement consists in a modified form of the plates connected to the sensitive tube, in order to make it possible to mount the receiver in an ordinary circular parabolic reflector. This part of my invention is illustrated in figure 8, in which l is an ordinary concave reflector. In this case the plates k k are curved and connected at one end to the sensitive tube j, and at the other to a small condenser formed by two metallic plates k2 of about one inch square or more, facing each other with a very thin piece of insulating material k3 between them. p is the trembler. The condenser may be omitted without much altering the effects obtainable.

The connection to the local circuit is made through two small choking coils k1 k1 as already described.

The adjustment of the whole is similar to that already described for the other receivers.

The receiver should be put in such a position as to intercept the reflected ring of radiations which exists behind or before the focus of the reflector, and ought to be preferably tuned with the length of wave of the oscillation transmitted, in similar manner to that before described, except that a ring of tinfoil with a single cut through it is employed.

I will now describe my improvements which are applicable to the transmitting instruments.

My first improvement consists in employing four spheres for producing the electrical oscillations.

This part of my invention is illustrated in figure 3, d d, e e, and in figure 6, d d, e e. The spheres d d, figure 3, are connected to the terminals c1 of the secondary circuit of the induction coil c. The spheres d d are carried by insulating supports d1 d1.

Preferably the supports d1 consist of plates of ebonite having holes to receive the balls, which are fixed by heating them sufficiently to fuse the ebonite and then holding them in place until they cool. e e are two similar balls on supports e1 e1, whose distance apart can be adjusted by ebonite bolts and nuts e2 e2 acting against other nuts e3. e4 is a flexible membrane, preferably of parchment paper, glued to the supports e1 and forming a vessel which is filled with dielectric liquid, preferably vaseline-oil slightly thickened with vaseline.

The oil or insulating liquid between the spheres e e increases the power of the radiation, and also enables one to obtain constant effects, which are not easily obtained if the oil is omitted.

The balls d and e are preferably of solid brass or copper, and the distance they should be apart depends on the quantity and electro-motive force of the electricity employed, the effect increasing with the distance (especially by increasing the distance between the spheres d and the spheres e) so long as the discharge passes freely. With an induction coil giving an ordinary 8-inch spark the distance between e and e should be from 1/25 to 1/30 of an inch, and the distance between d and e about one inch.

When it is desired that the signal should only be sent in one direction, I place the oscillation producer in the focus or focal line of a reflector directed to the receiving station.

f (figure 3) and f (figure 4) show the cylindrical parabolic reflector made by bending a metallic sheet, preferably of brass or copper to form, and fixing it to metallic or wooden ribs f1 (figure 3).

Other conditions being equal, the larger the balls the greater is the distance at which it is possible to communicate. I have generally used balls of solid brass of 4 inches diameter, giving oscillations of 10 inches length of wave.

Instead of spheres, cylinders or ellipsoids, &c., may be employed.

Preferably the reflector applied to the transmitter ought to be in length and opening the double at least of the length of wave emitted from the oscillator.

If these conditions are satisfied, and with a suitable receiver, a transmitter furnished with spheres of 4 inches diameter connected to an induction coil giving a 10-inch spark will transmit signals to two miles or more.

If a very powerful source of electricity giving a very long spark be employed, it is preferable to divide the spark-gap between the central balls of the oscillator into several smaller gaps in series. This may be done by introducing between the big balls smaller ones (of about half an inch diameter) held in position by ebonite frames.

Figure 6 shows a more compact form of oscillation producer. In this each pair of balls d and e is fixed by heat or otherwise in the end of tubes d2 of insulating material, such as ebonite or vulcanite. The tubes d2 fit tightly in another similar tube d3 having covers d4, through which pass the rods d5 connecting the balls d to the conductors. One (or both) of the rods d5 is connected to the ball d by a ball-and-socket joint, and has a screw thread upon it working in a nut in the cover d4. By turning the rod, therefore, the distance of the balls e apart can be adjusted. d6 are holes in the tube d3, through which the vaseline-oil can be introduced into the space between the balls e.

A further improvement consists in causing one of the contacts of the vibrating brake applied to the induction coil to revolve rapidly

This improvement has for its object to maintain the platinum contacts of the interrupter in good working order, and to prevent them sticking, &c.

This part of my invention is illustrated in figure 3 (c2, c3, c4).

I obtain this result by having a revolvable central core c2 (figure 3 and figure 13) in the ordinary screw c3, which is in communication with the platinum contacts. I cause the said central core with one of the platinum contacts attached to it to revolve by coupling it to a small electric motor c4.

This motor can be worked by the same circuit that works the coil, or if necessary by a separate circuit--the connections are not shown in the drawing.

By this means the regularity and power of the discharge of an ordinary induction coil with a trembler brake are greatly improved.

The induction coil c (figure 3) may, however, be replaced by any other source of high-tension electricity.

When working with large amounts of energy it is, however, better to keep the coil of the transformer constantly working for the time during which one is transmitting, and, instead of interrupting the current of the primary, interrupting the discharge of the secondary.

In this case the contacts of the key should be immersed in oil, as otherwise, owing to the length of the spark, the current will continue to pass after the contacts have been separated.

A further improvement has for its object to facilitate the focussing of the electric rays.

This part of my invention is illustrated in figure 7, in which a view is given of the modified oscillation producer mounted in the focus of an ordinary parabolic reflector f.

The oscillator in this case is different from the one I have previously described, because instead of being constituted of two spheres it is made of two hemispheres e e separated by a small space filled with oil or other dielectric. The spark between the hemispheres takes place in the dielectric from small projections at the centres of the hemispheres. The working and adjusting of this oscillator are similar to that of the one previously described.

This arrangement may be also solidly mounted in an ebonite tube, as shown in figure 6.

A receiver which may be used with this transmitter is shown in figure 8, and has already been described.

It is not essential to have a reflector at the transmitters and receivers, but in their absence the distance at which one can communicate is much smaller.

Figure 9 shows another modified form of transmitter with which one can transmit signals to considerable distances without using reflectors.

In figure 9, t t are two poles connected by a rope t1, to which are suspended by means of insulating suspenders two metallic plates t2 t2 connected to the spheres e (in oil, or other dielectric, as before) and to the other balls t3 in proximity to the spheres c1, which are in communication with the coil or transformer c. The balls t3 are not absolutely necessary, as the plates t2 may be made to communicate with the coil or transformer by means of thin insulated wires. The receiver I adopt with this transmitter is similar to it, except that the spheres e are replaced by the sensitive tube or imperfect contact j (figure 5), whilst the spheres t3 may be replaced by the choking coils k1 in communication with the local circuit. If a circular-tuned receiver of large size be employed, the plates t2 may be omitted from the receiver. I have observed that, other conditions being equal, the larger the plates at the transmitter and receiver, and the higher they are from earth, and to a certain extent the farther apart they are, the greater is the distance at which correspondence is possible.

For permanent installations it is convenient to replace the plates by metallic cylinders closed at one end, and put over the pole like a hat, and resting on insulators. By this arrangement no wet can come to the insulators, and the effects obtainable are better in wet weather.

A cone or hemisphere may be used in place of a cylinder. The pole employed ought preferably to be dry and tarred.

Where obstacles, such as many houses or a hill or mountains, intervene between the transmitter and the receiver, I have devised and adopt the arrangement shown in figures 10 and 11.

In the transmitting instrument, figure 10, I connect one of the spheres d to earth E preferably by a thick wire, and the other to a plate or conductor u, which may be suspended on a pole v and insulated from earth. Or the spheres d may be omitted and one of the spheres e be connected to earth and the other to the plate or conductor u.

At the receiving station, figure 11, I connect one terminal of the sensitive tube or imperfect contact j to earth E, preferably also by a thick wire, and the other to a plate or conductor w, preferably similar to u. The plate w may be suspended on a pole x, and should be insulated from earth. The larger the plates of the receiver and transmitter, and the higher from the earth the plates are suspended, the greater is the distance at which it is possible to communicate at parity of other conditions.

The figure does not show the trembler or tapping arrangement. k1 k1 are the choking coils, which are connected to the battery circuit, as has been explained with reference to the previous figures.

At the receiver it is possible to pick up the oscillations from the earth or water without having the plate w. This may be done by connecting the terminals of the sensitive tube j to two earths, preferably at a certain distance from each other and in a line with the direction from which the oscillations are coming. These connections must not be entirely conductive, but must contain a condenser of suitable capacity, say of one square yard surface (parafined paper as dielectric).

Balloons can also be used instead of plates on poles, provided they carry up a plate or are themselves made conductive by being covered with tinfoil. As the height to which they may be sent is great, the distance at which communication is possible becomes greatly multiplied. Kites may also be successfully employed if made conductive by means of tinfoil.

When working the described apparatus, it is necessary either that the local transmitter and receiver at each station should be at a considerable distance from each other, or that they should be screened from each other by metal plates. It is sufficient to have all the telegraphic apparatus in a metal box (except the reading instrument), and any exposed part of the circuit of the receiver enclosed in metallic tubes which are in electrical communication with the box (of course the part of the apparatus which has to receive the radiation from the distant station must not be enclosed, but possibly screened from the local transmitting instrument by means of metallic sheets).

When the apparatus is connected to the earth or water the receiver must be switched out of circuit when the local transmitter is at work, and this may also be done when the apparatus is not earthed.

Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is

1. The method of transmitting signals by means of electrical impulses to a receiver having a sensitive tube or other sensitive form of imperfect contact capable of being restored with certainty and regularity to its normal condition substantially as described.

    

2. A receiving instrument consisting of a sensitive imperfect contact or contacts, a circuit through the contact or contacts, and means for restoring the contact or contacts, with certainty and regularity, to its or their normal condition after the receipt of an impulse substantially as described.

    

3. A receiving instrument consisting of a sensitive imperfect contact or contacts, a circuit through the contact or contacts, and means actuated by the circuit for restoring with certainty and regularity the contact or contacts to its or their normal condition after the receipt of an impulse.

    

4. In a receiving instrument such as is mentioned in claims 2 and 3, the use of resistances possessing low self-induction, or other appliances for preventing the formation of sparks at contacts or other perturbating effects.

    

5. The combination with the receivers such as are mentioned in claims 2 and 3 of resistances or other appliances for preventing the self-induction of the receiver from affecting the sensitive contact or contacts substantially as described.

    

6. The combination with receivers such as herein above referred to of choking coils substantially as described.

    

7. In receiving instruments consisting of an imperfect contact or contacts sensitive to electrical impulses, the use of automatically working devices for the purpose of restoring the contact or contacts with certainty and regularity to their normal condition after the receipt of an impulse substantially as herein described.

    

8. Constructing a sensitive non-conductor capable of being made a conductor by electrical impulses of two metal plugs or their equivalents, and confining between them some substance such as described.

    

9. A sensitive tube containing a mixture of two or more powders, grains, or filings, substantially as described.

    

10. The use of mercury in sensitive imperfect electrical contacts substantially as described.

     

11. A receiving instrument having a local circuit, including a sensitive imperfect electrical contact or contacts, and a relay operating an instrument for producing signals, actions, or manifestations substantially as described.

     

12. Sensitive contacts in which a column of powder or filings (or their equivalent) is divided into sections by means of metallic stops or plugs substantially as described.

     

13. Receivers substantially as described and shown in figures 5 and 8.

     

14. Transmitters substantially as described and shown at figures 6 and 7.

     

15. A receiver consisting of a sensitive tube or other imperfect contact inserted in a circuit, one end of the sensitive tube or other imperfect contact being put to earth whilst the other end is connected to an insulated conductor.

     

16. The combination of a transmitter having one end or its sparking appliance or poles connected to earth, and the other to an insulated conductor, with a receiver as is mentioned in claim 15.

     

17. A receiver consisting of a sensitive tube or other imperfect contact inserted in a circuit, and earth connections to each end of the sensitive contact or tube through condensers or their equivalent.

     

18. The modifications in the transmitters and receivers, in which the suspended plates are replaced by cylinders or the like placed hat-wise on poles, or by balloons or kites substantially as described.

     

19. An induction coil having a revolving make and break substantially as and for the purposes described.

Dated this 2nd day of March 1897.