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rent from flowing through the primary of the transformer. When the key is pressed, the circuit is closed and the primary of the transformer is energized, this causing an alternating105 potential at the grounds. This sends out electrostatic waves at the ground, these waves being radiated over the surface of the earth in much the same manner as ripples in a pond when a stone is thrown therein—that 110is, it varies the potential at different points in its path. When these waves reach the receiver, a change of potential is caused at the receiver’s grounds, causing variations of potential between 15 and 20, thus causing the 115plate 20 to vibrate the pointer. The relay is now energized, as the points have made a positive contact, and thus the recorder-circuit is operated and a signal transmitted and received. With this system it is possible to 120operate a great number of transmitting and receiving apparatus without interference, as the plate 20 has a certain natural period of vibration. If these impulses are sent in the same period as the natural period of the strip, 125the plate carried thereby will get its maximum swing, hence will record the characters sent. Should the periods of the transformer not be the same as the strip, it will not get its maximum swing, but may be affected 130to a certain extent, which would not be enough to record the characters. The transformer which furnishes the varying potential should have the same period as the strip.

I would have it understood that in place of 135the transformer and the alternator I may employ an induction-coil and a battery, an ordinary break being used with the coil and being run at the same period as the diaphragm of the receiver. This furnishes a varying potential 140and will operate equally as well.

The condenser in the transmitter is employed for the purpose of keeping the potential up, as it has enough dielectric to raise the potential very high, and also giving two 145negative grounds instead of one.

The battery of the receiver is of very high potential, being about one thousand volts, this being done to keep the diaphragm under a static field, thus making the same more 150sensitive in the same manner as the common magnetic field in magneto-telephones makes them more sensitive.

In the apparatus an air-wire may be employed and if used assumes the relative position155 as shown in Fig. 4.

I have found by experimenting that the grounds of the transmitter and receiver should be substantially the same distance apart—say from twenty to thirty feet—and 160also that the distance between the parts 15 and 20 should not be over one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch, the best results being obtained When the enumerated parts are substantially the distance apart as I have herein 165stated. The purpose of the condenser 7 is to restrict the amount of current through the wires in the transmitter and to prevent a short circuit.

What I claim as new is—

1. In a signal system, a transmitter, which170 comprises a generator of fluctuating potentials, connections from said means to separated earth-plates through a current or kinetic-energy restraining means.

2. A transmitter which comprises means175 for generating high-potential fluctuating energy, connections from said means to separated earth-plates through a current or kinetic-energy restraining means, whereby electrostatic energy of high potential is 180impressed upon the earth.

3. A transmitter which comprises a source of fluctuating electrical energy, a primary of a transformer in the circuit of said source, a means for controlling the energy in 185accordance with the signal to be sent, and connections from the secondary of said transformer to separated earth-plates through a current or kinetic-energy restraining device, whereby electrostatic energy of high potential is 190impressed upon the earth.

4. A transmitter which comprises means for generating fluctuating potential differences, connections for said means to separated earth-plates and a condenser between195 said generating means and one of the earth plates and means for modifying the fluctuating potentials in accordance to the signal to be sent.

5. A transmitter which comprises a source200 of fluctuating electrical energy, a primary of a transformer in the circuit of said source, a means for controlling the energy in accordance with the signal to be sent and connections from the secondary of said transformer205 to separated earth-plates through a condenser, whereby electrostatic energy of high potential is impressed upon the earth.

6. In a signal system the combination of a transmitter which comprises a generator of210 fluctuating potentials, and connections from said generator to separated earth-plates through an energy-restraining means; and a receiver which comprises a plurality of plates in inductive relation, means for permanently215 charging the plates, and a local circuit controlled by said plates.

7. In a signal system, the combination of a transmitter, which comprises means for generating fluctuating potential differences, 220connections for said means to separated earth plates, and means for modifying the fluctuating potentials in accordance with the signal to be sent; and a receiver, which comprises a plurality of plates in inductive relation,225 means for permanently charging the plates, and a local circuit controlled by said plates.

8. In a signal system, the combination of a transmitter, which comprises means for generating high-potential fluctuating energy, 230connections from said means to separated earth plates through an energy-restraining means,