Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1889-12-26

VALUABLE PATENT SEcURED,oOn De-
ccmber II, Mr.. Irwin w. 10y e. Mr.. Richard
O'Toolc of this place secured patent tor an
Automatic Electromagnetic Road Crossing
Signal. MIR. j. +. Mathews, engineer and
road master of the w, MI. railroad is inter-
csted with the above, owning q one-third in
tcrest.
We have carefully examined and have had
intellleently explained to us, this ingenious
device and must allow 10 the inventors the
strongest claims that they make for 1t. The
railway road. signal bell isnot a new
idea rs many of them are in use and
there are q number Of patented plans for rem
derng them effective and reliable. AS few
inventions fully meet every requirement in
the first instance, so in this the ingenuity Of
man has simply set about dcysing contr-
vance that strengthens many weak points,
losing no advantage held by others.
This device Is novel, original and wholly
divorced in first principles aud detail from
all Others and besides includes one mcchani
cal movement patented as wholly novel, y
mos, unusual honor in this day Of great re-
cordng of inventive genius.
The device may be described as electro
magnetic clockwork f; that is, by the move
ment of the train over the track an electric
connection is made IN a circuit that first sets
the clockwork free to moyeby lifting pawl
from slot IN Il tumbler rcvolved by this
clockwork which for a time it does automat
ically Uhis is the new mechanical movement
referred to- this automatic movement of the
clock work. upon the circuit being broken
again by the passing OF the train, defects The
electric current in new direction to an cleo
tro magnet through which reciprocating
molten is obtained that effects the double
service of ringing the alarm bell and by
means of Il pawl anu ratchet moves the clock
work forward one revolution of the tumblcr
from slot in which the pail removed by the
first action of the electric current, set the
machine in motion.
The genius displayed in this invention
finds its most brilliant reflection from the
cogged wheel that has motion on the same
shaft with the tumbler, and consists Of tho
truly brilliant idea Of weighing the wheel on
one side and Immediately opposite, removing
several coos, so that as soon rs the electric
current gives freedom of movement to the
shaft by lifting the pawl from the slot in the
tumblcr, the unbalanced cogwheel turns, the
pawl remains disengaged during revolution
of the wheel, which ends at the instant the
last cog engages with the ratchet wheel and
the blank part Of the wheel stands ready TO
aid the pawl to escape second time. 1t is
a real triumph of mechanical genius, that
little device for outwitting the persi stcnt
stop-pawl.
We have tested the instrument ourselves,
by taking the clectrlc-hcaring wire in our
own hands and whipping it past the connec
ton more rapidly than any tram can pass
the proposed track connection and it ,oiI
work well in spite of electrical adjust
mcnts such as the vcrlest tyro IN electrical
matters would dcspise himself for counte
nancng.
We do not assume TO review this invrn-
ton as an expert in electro mechanism, sim
ply as one who is careful never to crticlse
to commend or condemn that concerning
which We have no light we are pleased with
it haye great confidence in it and were not
"comparisons odious" should he more than
gratitcd to view 1t in the light of an aspir-
ant, by virtue Of comparative merit.
And now word in regard to the inven-
tors Mr.. l. W. 10y comes by his inventive
talent by heredlty: his father Is mechanic
IN the true and only sense ofthe word and is
the designer and patentcc Of more than one
device and there is a marked bent of the
mind towards correct principles in mechan-
les, evlnced by other brothers Of Mr.. I. w.
10y. Mr. 10y IS Chief of the Bridge Men
on the w. Md. Railroad and attained to and
has held that place through merit.
Mr.. Richard O'Toole is an employee OF
the w. Md, one OF the Bridge Men, an
Industrious man and straight and careful
thinker: he is probably as thorough prac-
ticaI electrician rs may be found in Western
Maryland: what he knows, he may thank
his own remarkably reliable mental process
es for knowing he is natural analyst and
synthcsist IN matters mechanical and richly
deserves that this inycntion shall place HIM
beyond the necessities that have heretofore
confronted HIM.
Mr. II. W. kappes of this place did the
work it is needless to say that every part
works and fts with the exact nicely always
found to DO tho result Of Mr. KS labor,