THE DYNAMOGRAPH | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 22, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 49.

THE DYNAMOGRAPH.

THE following interesting description of the dynamograph, an electric type-writer and automatic telegraph receiver, is from the Baltimore Sun, and will be interesting reading, especially to those who are more or less familiar with ordinary type-writers and telegraphic instruments:—

The dynamograph in appearance somewhat resembles an ordinary mechanical type-writer. It has a key-board, and the types are placed on steel bars, which play upon a common center, as is the case with the type-writer. The motive power used is electricity, by means of which evenness of action is assured. No matter how heavily or how lightly the keys are struck, the impression on the paper is the same. A remarkable feature of the invention used as a type-writer is that the carriage moves automatically both forward and backward. When the end of the line is reached, the carriage returns to the starting-point without the aid of the operator, and the paper bar moves one notch, so that all that is required of the operator is to depress the keys.

The most important field for the new invention is said to be in connection with the telegraph. It is said at the Patent Office that the instrument can be used both as a transmitter and receiver of intelligence over a single wire, no matter how great the distance may be. The receiving instrument does not require the attendance of an operator, but prints the dispatch automatically. The instruments at both ends of the line print the dispatch sent, and so a safe-guard against mistakes is provided. It is claimed that the electric type-writer will be valuable as a local aid to business, and offers many advantages over the telephone. One advantage claimed for it is that, no matter whether a person called up is at his place of business or not, the message can be printed through the medium of his type-writer, and will be there for perusal on his return. The dispatches printed are in letter form and not an endless tape.

This instrument, which has been christened the dynamograph, is considered by Patent Office officials to be one of the greatest inventions upon which patents have been issued. The electricians do not stint their praise, and are positive that the machine will greatly simplify business intercommunication.