One of the oddities of picture analytical translation consists of running a perforated paper strip between a source of light and a light sensitive cell, the paper ribbon perforated with a series of groups of holes.
It is intended that the number of holes in successive groups along the ribbon shall represent successive values of light in the different parts of the picture to be transmitted.
While it is possible to perforate such a ribbon it is quite likely that the experienced engineer would adopt some of the simpler forms of picture translation, for there are enough of them which may be used without hesitation, such basic patents as have ever existed having long since expired.
An unusual scheme consists in writing the message in ink made of saltpeter, and then setting fire to the ink line. The ink line of the message burns itself out leaving the paper intact. Thereupon the paper is carefully laid on the metal cylinder of the sending machine, or on “silver paper” which is put on the sending cylinder. The contact point drops through the burnt lines making contact, and the out-going signals, received on a like cylinder at a distant station, make a duplicate of the original message.
A more satisfactory scheme is to put a thin coating of hard wax on a thin sheet of metal, or metal coated papers. These sheets as wanted are laid on an electric hot-plate and the message, picture, or sketch, is written through the warm wax coating with a lead pencil or stylus. Then the paper with its message etched therein, is wrapped around the sending cylinder and rotated under the contact-making finger, which sends out the electrical impulses.
One may also take the sketch, line drawing, or pen picture, to the zinc etcher (halftone engraving plant), and have him make a print on very thin metal, and develop and harden it, but not etch it. This will give a photographically accurate copy. This copy on the metal sheet can then be bent around the cylinder of your sending machine, and sent out by wire or radio, to be received at all stations tuned in. If etched the etching may be filled in with hard wax and this put on the cylinder, and run under the contact finger.
It is possible to write on paper with copper sulphate (blue vitral) solution, for the acidulated line carries the current through the paper to the metal cylinder beneath, and completes the circuit. The acid may even be strong enough to eat through the paper exposing the metal cylinder underneath.
Salt water with a little glycerine to keep it from drying up too fast will also perform.
Another method which has been proposed is to print or write on paper with sticky material, like Japan drier, and sprinkle thereon a fine powdered wax, battery sealing wax, for example. This will stick to the tacky lines and can be melted over a hot plate or in an oven. The melted wax leaves standing lines which will raise a contact-closing pen passing over it. If the lines are sprinkled with metallic powder a double contact pen can be used and the mechanism is still simpler, less delicate, and more dependable.
One of the newer methods of photogram transmission is to use a rotating table, like a talking machine table, with a rectangular piece of paper thereon (tucked under at the corners), from which to send a communication; market bulletins, for example, broadcast by a progressive newspaper to the farmers and truck gardener patrons in their vicinity.