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Showing papers in "Transactions of The American Institute of Electrical Engineers in 1904"








Journal Article
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors described the writing telegraph invented by Foster Ritchie and examined it at work, and were able to give a full description of the instrument and its performance.
Abstract: IN an article on “Electric Signalling” which appeared recently in these columns (vol. lxiv, p. 6) we referred to the writing telegraph invented by Mr. Foster Ritchie. We have since had an opportunity of examining the instrument and seeing it at work, and are enabled to give a full description of it. The problem of devising an apparatus which should telegraphically transmit the actual handwriting or drawing of the person sending the message is one which has attracted a number of inventors. The difficulties to be overcome are, however, numerous, and in consequence up to the present no really satisfactory instrument has been invented. These difficulties seem to have been mastered in Mr. Ritchie's telautograph in a very ingenious manner, and the instrument is one which should prove thoroughly trustworthy and serviceable. Although it is not to be expected that the telautograph will replace ordinary telegraphic apparatus to any very marked extent, seeing that the speed of signalling is necessarily limited, yet there are numerous. cases in which it should be of use. To give only one example, there are many persons possessing private telephone lines who would gladly supplement them with an instrument of this kind by which written instructions can be sent whether there is any one present to receive them or not. Other cases of like kind will doubtless occur to the reader.

2 citations







Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the interdependence of questions involved in the selection of electric equipment to replace steam equipment in heavy electric traction service and call for the exercise of great care and well-balanced judgment in deciding the important questions which require decision.
Abstract: L. B. Stillwell: Probably no subject among the many which members of the Institute are called upon to consider is of greater practical interest at the present moment than that which is discussed in some of its phases in the interesting paper presented by Messrs. Lyford and Smith. Many points of view are possible, and the interdependence of questions involved in the selection of electric equipment to replace steam equipment in heavy electric traction service is such as to call for the exercise of great care and well-balanced judgment in deciding the important questions which require decision.