-IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM OR APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL COMMUNICATION ON RAILWAYS
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS`PATENT to Roger Tatham of Rochdale in the County of Lancaster,
Machine Maker for an Invention of "-IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM OR
APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL COMMUNICATION ON RAILWAYS"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Roger Tatham at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th October 1882.
ROGER TATHAM of Rochdale in the County of Lancaster Machine Maker
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM OR APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL COMMUNICATION
ON RAILWAYS"
My invention relates to improvements in mechanism or apparatus by means of
which electrical communication may be established between one portion of a
railway train and another portion thereof, or between separate railway trains when
travelling in the same or in opposite directions, or between a train and a railway
station or stations or a telegraph office or station or vice versa.
For the above object I place between or in proximity to the rails upon which the
train or trains travel an additional rail or rails formed of suitable material
supported in such manner as to be electrically insulated. The aforesaid insulated
rail or rails communicate electrically with any ordinary telephonic or telegraphic
apparatus for receiving and transmitting intelligence, which apparatus is placed in
the guards van or other part of the train, by means of a wheel or wheels or other
equivalent having a grooved angular or other form of periphery, to correspond with
the contour of the above named insulated rail or rails, such wheel or wheels or
other equivalent being carried by levers acted upon by springs or weights so as to
be kept in contact with the insulated rail or rails aforesaid, or instead of the before
named wheel or wheels I propose in some cases to make use of plates or springs
of metal mounted or held so as to be capable of sliding in contact with the
insulated rail or rails before named so as to make electrical contact therewith.
The insulated rail or rails above referred to I form of an angular or other
convenient section, and in some cases I propose to attach thereto strips or bands
of copper or other suitable electric conductor with which the before named wheel
or wheels or equivalents therefor or plates or springs may be in contact. The
LD 21

page_text: insulated rail or rails above referred to I insulate by means of suitable supports
which may either be continuous, or support the said insulated rail or rails at
intervals only.
The insulated rail or rails I put in electrical communication with any ordinary
telephonic or telegraphic receiving and transmitting instruments, which are situato
at the railway or telegraphic station or stations, and are provided with the requisite
and suitable batteries which may be situate at the railway, or telegraphic station or
stations, or other convenient place, or may be carried by the train. The electrical
circuit may be completed by means of the earth or by the ordinary rail or rails
upon which the trains travel, or an additional insulated rail or rails similar to that
previously referred to may be employed.
In some cases I propose to form a groove or grooves in one or both of the
ordinary rails of the railway, within which groove or grooves 1 placo a
wire or wires electrically insulated from tho said rail or rails and conduct the
electrical current therefrom by means of a wheel or wheels or equivalent apparatus
or plates or springs of metal carried by the aforesaid train, and mounted so as to be
in contact with the aforesaid wire or wires so as to make electrical communication
therewith, and also with any ordinary telephonic or telegraphic receiving and
transmitting instruments carried by the train. The insulated wire or wires are in
electrical communication with any ordinary telephonic or telegraphic receiving and
transmitting instruments, which are also provided with the requisite and suitable
batteries which may be.situate at the railway or telegraphic station or stations or
such batteries may be carried by the train, one portion of the electrical circuit
being formed by the insulated wire or wires above referred to, and the other
portion by the rail, or the entire circuit may be through wires carried in the rail as
above described.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Roger Tatham in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 7th April
*1883.
ROGER TATHAM of Rochdale in the County of Lancaster Machine Maker
IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM OR APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL COMMUNICATION
ON RAILWAYS.
My Invention relates to improvements in mechanism or apparatus by means of
which electrical communication may be established between one portion of a
railway train and another portion thereof or between separate railway trains
when travelling in the same or in opposite directions or between a train and. a
railway station or stations or a telegraph office or station or vice versa.
For the above object I place between or in proximity to the rails upon which
the train or trains travel an additional rail or rails formed of suitable material
supported in such manner as to be electrically insulated. The aforesaid insulated
rail or rails communicate electrically with any ordinary telephonic or telegraphic
apparatus for receiving and transmitting intelligence which apparatus is placed in
the guards van or other part of the train, by means of a wheel or wheels or other
equivalent having a grooved angular or other form of periphery, to correspond with
the contour of the above named insulated rail or rails, such wheel or wheels or
other equivalent being carried by levers acted upon by springs or weights so as to
be kept in contact with the insulated rail or rails aforesaid or instead of the
before named wheel or wheels I I propose in some cases to make use of plates or
springs of metal mounted or held so as to be capable of sliding in contact with the
insulated rail of rails beforê named so as to make electrical contact therewith.
.1.
;!
The insulated rail or rails above referred to, I form of an angular or other
convenient section, and in some cases I propose to attach thereto strips or bands of
copper or other suitable electric conductor with which the before named wheel or
wheels or equivalents therefor or plates or springs may be in contact. The
insulated rail or rails above referred to I insulate by means of suitable supports
which may either be continuous or support the said insulated rail or rails at
intervals only.
The insulated rail or rails. I put in electrical communication with any ordinary
telephonic or telegraphic receiving and transmitting instruments which are situate
at the railway or telegraphic station or stations, and are provided with the
requisite and suitable batteries which may be situate at the railway or telegraphic
station or stations or other convenient place or may be carried by the train. The
electrical circuit may be completed by means of the earth or by the ordinary rail
or rails upon which the trains travel or an additional insulated rail or rails similar
to that previously referred to may be employed.
In some cases I propose to form a groove or grooves in one or both of the
ordinary rails of the railway within which groove or grooves I place a wire or
wires electrically insulated from the said rail or rails and conduct the electrical
current therefrom by means of a wheel or wheels or equivalent apparatus or plates.
or springs of metal carried by the aforesaid train and mounted so as to be in contact
with the aforesaid wire or wires so as to make electrical communication therewith
and also with any ordinary teleplionic or telegraphic receiving and transmitting
instruments carried by the train. The insulated wire or wires are in electrical
communication with any ordinary telephonic or telegraphic receiving and
transmitting instruments which are also provided with the requisite and suitable

page_text: k
batteries which may be situate at the railway or telegraphic station or stations or
such batteries may be carried by the train one portion of the electrical circuit
being formed by the insulated wire or wires above referred to and the other portion
by the rail or the entire circuit may bo through wires carried in the rail as above.
described.
In order that my invention may be better understood and more readily carried.
into effect I will now proceed to more particularly describe the saine reference
being made to the drawings hereunto annexed..
Fig: 1 is an end view in section and, Fig 2 a side elevation also in section of so much
of a railway and railway train as is requisite to illustrate one portion of my invention
At ab are the ordinary railway rails upon which the carriage or other vehicle.c is
capable of travelling Between and parallel with the rails a b I provide a rail, rod
or bar d which rail rod or bar is supported at suitable intervals, by supports ef
tliese supports are formed of earthenware or other suitable material for insulating
electrically the rail rod or bar d from the earth.
The insulators or supports ef I secure by bolts or other suitable means either
to the sleepers g used for supporting the rails a bor separate supports of timber
stone or other suitable material may be employed..
Secured to the carriage or other similar vehicle is a bracket to which is
jointed one end of a frame i by means of a pink within the end of the frame i
opposite to that previously referred to is a wheel mounted so as to be capable of
being rotated upon a pin m carried by the frame i
The periphery of the wheel rests upon and is supported by the rail rod or
bar d the said rail rod or bar d acting as a guide to the wheel The rail rod or
bar dI connect at one of its extremities or at any other desired point or points by
means of a wire n to an ordinary telegraphic transmitting or receiving apparatus A
such telegraphic transmitting or receiving apparatus being situate at a station or
other desired place. From the telegraphic instrument A proceeds a wire or wires o
to connect it to earth. The telegraphic receiving or transmitting instrument A is
also provided with a battery which is situate at p or at any other convenient place
or may be carried by the carriage or other vehicle c.
Within the carriage or other vehicle c is placed a telegraphic receiving or trans-
mitting apparatus B of any convenient and suitable construction, which telegraphic
receiving or transmitting apparatus is connected by means of the wire g to the
bracket h, from the telegraphic receiving or transmitting apparatus B proceeds.n
wire by which the apparatus. B is connected to any part of tlie metallic framework
of the carriago or other vehicle c which has a metallic connection to one or more
of the ordinary wheels 8 of the carriage c. To the frame i is secured a spring t by
'means of a set screw one end t* of the spring t resting upon one side 7* of the
boss of the wheel so as to be in electrical contact therewith.
If the carriage or other vehicle c is travelling in the direction of the arrow C'the
wheel will be carried along the rail d and kept in electrical contact therewith by
means of a spring one end of which is secured to a projecting part h* formed
upon the bracket h. The end of the spring opposite to that previously referred
to acts against tho frame and presses it in the direction of the arrow D thereby
keeping the wheel aforesaid in contact with the rail d. If it be desired to com
municate from a person in the carriage or other vehicle c to the person in attendance
upon the telegraphic instrument at A the person in the carriage or other vehicle c
operates the instrument B by means of the handles w which by means of the
wire 9 bracketsh frame spring wheel rail d wire n battery p wire o earth,
wheels wire completes the electric circuit so that the instrument: A is actuated.
It it be. desired to communicate from the station or other point A to a persün
within the carriage or other vehicle d the person at the station or other point A
operates the instrument A by means of the handles which by means of the
wire n* battery wire n rail dwheel springt framme i bracketh wire q instru-
ment B wire wheel 8. earth connection and wire o completes the electric circuit
with the telegraphic instrument B' situate within the carriage or other vehicle c

page_text: thereby enabling a communication to be sent from a person at A to another person
within the carriage or other vehicle o.
When a railway train is provided with two or more carriages or vehicles
provided with telegraphic instruments communications may be sent from one of
such carriages or vehicles to another in the following manner among others:-The
bracket his connected by means of a wire y to a telegraphic instrument E situate
in one ex of the carriages or vehicles forming the train. From the instrument E
passes a wire connecting it with the instrument B situate in another portion of
the train, a wire, r from the instrument B is connected to earth by means of one
of the ordinary wheels 8 of the train. If a person actuates the instrument E by
means of the handles 1 an electrical circuit will be completed through the wire z
to the instrument B thence by the wire r to the wheels then to earth and from
thence by the wire o to the instrument A thence by the wire n* battery p wire n
rail, d wheel 7 spring t frame i bracket, h wire y to the instrument E thereby
enabling communication to be made between the instruments A B E and it will be
readily understood that communications can be sent from any one of the instru
ments A B E. to any other of such instruments and that the number of such
instruments may be increased as desired. The rail d' wheel and parts for carrying
the same, may if desired be placed at one side of the rails ab as shown by.f
7.the
dotted lines at the right hand of Fig 1.
l
The rail d may if desired be discontinued at stations or crossings where such
rail d would be inconvenient, as shown in Figs 3 and 4 in which Fig 3 is a plan
and Fig 4 an elevation of so much of a railway line as is requisite to illustrate this
part of my invention. At 3, 4 are the rails upon which the train travels from
which rails extend the rails 5, 6 of a branch line-At 7 is the rail d previously
referred to in reference to Figs 1 and 2 at the portion between the points 8 and 9
where the rail 7 would cross the branch rails 5-6 the rail 7.is omitted but the two
portions F, G of such rail 7 are electrically connected by means of a conducting
wire 10 which may either pass underground as shown or be carried overhead or
as may be found most convenient. The frame previously described in reference
to Figs 1 and 2 is provided with a projecting part 11 which prevents, the wheel
from striking the rails 5, 6 when passing the points where the rail 7 is
interrupted.
When the wheel / carried by the carriage or other vehicle cis passing over such
interruptions the electrical communication between the instruments carried by the
train and the instrument at the station or other place will be broken but as the
break will be of short duration little inconvenience will be felt but if from accident
or any other cause it becomes necessary to establish communication between the
instruments B, E in the train and the instrument A at the station during the time
the wheel is over the break it will only be requisite to make electric communi-
cation between the wheel and the rail d at any convenient point by means of a
suitable wire with which the guard or other person in charge of the train may be
provided for use upon such emergency.
When necessary a brush or other similar apparatus may be affixed to the
carriage or vehicle c to remove snow or other material from the rail d
The rail d may be formed of such section as may be found most suitable either
tubular solid round square or other section but I prefer to form it of a V section as
shown at 12 in Fig 5. this section of rail inay be used either in the position shown
in Fig 5 or reversed as in Fig 6. in all cases the wheel rolling upon such rail d
must have a periphery, adapted to the section of the rail employed as shown so that
the rail d. will act as a guide therefor.
2
In some cases I propose to attach to the rail d wires strips tubes or bands of
metal of a higher electric conducting power than that of the metal forming the
rail d such as copper or other electrical conducting material such wires strips tubes
or bands of metal being attached to the rail d either by rivetting or by any other
convenient means as shown at 13, Fig.7 and 14. Fig 8.
Instead of using the wheel for making electrical contact with the rail. d I in

page_text: some cases make use of the following apparatus shown by Fig 9.-To the carriage
or other vehicle c is secured a bracket 15 to which is binged a part. 16 by means of
the pin 17. To the part 16 are secured by means of bolts 18 or other convenient
means wires strips or plates of metal 19 such wires strips or plates of metal serving
to conduct the electric current from the rail d to the bracket 15 from which it may
be conducted by the wire q as described in reference to Figs 1, 2. Upon the
bracket 15 is formed a projecting part 20 through which passes a screwed bar 21
jointed to the part 16, by means of which screwed bar 21 and the nuts 22, 23 the
pressure of the strips or plates 19 upon the rail d can be regulated.
A further portion of iny invention is shown in Figs 10, 11. In this instance
I form a groove 24 in one of the rails 25 upon which tho train travels. The lower
portion 26 of the groove 24 I line with some nonconductor of electricity, upon
which rests a wire, rod, or wire rope. 27 formed of material capable of conducting
electricity. To the railway carriage or other vehicle travelling upon tho rail 25 is
attached a bracket 28 secured thereto by bolts 29 the lower end of such bracket 28
is provided with a stud or pin 30 upon which and capable of being rotated thereon
is a grooved pulley 31. The wire rod or rope 27 is passed partially around the
pulley 31. between the points H, J and is in electrical contact with the said
pulley 31 the electric curront is conducted from or to the bracket 28 by means of a
wire 32-The wire rod or rope 27 being connected to telegraphic apparatus in a
manner similar to the mail d as described in reference to Figs 1 and 2 communi-
cations may be transmitted, to and from the carriage or other similar vehicle c
of which a portion only is shown, travelling along the rail 25 in a manner siinilar
to that described in reference to Figs 1 and 2. In.order to ensure the return of
tlie wire rod or rope 27 to its normal position in the groove 24 in the rail 25
1. provide a wheel 33 which has a groove formed around its circumference. This
wheel 33 is carried upon a pin 34. upon which it is capable of being revolved, the
pin 34 is carried by an arm 35 capable of being vibrated upon a pin 30 secured to
à bracket 37 fastened to the framework of the carriage or other vehicle travelling
upon the rail 25. Upon the bracket 37.is.formed a projecting part 37* to which
by means of the bolts 38 are secured springs 39. The springs 39 force the framé
downward in the direction of the arrow . The wire rod or rope 27 after leaving
the groove of the wheel 31 passes partially under the wheel 33 by which it is
conducted into its normal position within the groove 24 formed within the
rail 25.
•
Fig 12 shows another arrangement by which I form electrical contact between
the wire 27 in the groove 24 within the rail 25 and the wire 32 of the carriage or
other vehicle c. To a bracket 40 secured to the carriage or other vehicle c is
jointed by means of the pin or stud 41 an arm 42 forced in the direction of the
arrow L by a spring. 43 secured to the bracket 40 Curried by the arm 42 is a
wheel 44 the circumferences of which is formed with a groove 45 The periphery of
the wheel 44 rests upon the wire 27 and is kept in contact therewith by the
spring 43. The wheel 44 must be of such width. that it is clear of the sides of the
groove 24 formed within the rail 25 as shown in Fig 13 which is a partial end
view of Fig 12.
In Fig 14 is shown another arrangement by which I make connection between
the wire or rope 27 within the groove 24 in the rail 25 and the wire 32 secured, to
the carriage or other vehicle c To the carriage or other vehicle c is secured a
bracket 46 to which is jointed a short arm 47 by means of the pin or stul 48 to
the arm 47 are secured metal strips plates or wires 49 by means of bolts.50. The
ends 49* of the said metal strips plates or wires 49 rest upon the wire 27 situate
within the groove 24 formed in the rail 25. The plates, springs strips or wires 49
must be formed of such breadthi that they will not come into contact with the sides
of the groove 24 formed within the rail 25 as shown in Fig 15. which is a partial
end view of Fig 14. The contact of the plates springs strips or wires 40 upon the
wire 27 is regulated by means of the screw nuts 51, 52 and screwed bar 53 jointed
to the arm 47:

page_text: In some cases I also propose to make use of the following arrangement shown in
Fig 16. at 54 is one of the railway rails by which the carriage or other vehicle
travelling thereon is supported-Upon the surface of the rail 54 I secure.a wire 55
in any convenient manner by means of which I establish electric communication
with the carriage or other vehicle. The wheels. 56 of the carriage or other vehicle
travelling upon the rail 54 one only of which wheels is shown, are formed with
grooves 57 around their circumferences such grooves preventing their making
electric contact with the wire 55 Electric communication is established between
the wire 55 and the wire carried by the carriage or other vehicle travelling upon
the rail 54 in a manner similar to those described in reference to Figs 12, 13,
14.and 15.
Although I have above described my Invention as being used in conjunction with
telegraphic apparatus it will be readily understood that it may also be used in
connection with telephonic or other telegraphic apparatus.
My Invention may also be used for conveying the electricity for illuminating
railway trains or other vehicles:
Having thus described and ascertained the nature of my said invention and the
manner in which the same is to be performed I desire it to be understood that I
claim as secured to me under the above in part recited Letters Patent.
Firstly. The use in combination of the metallic wheel l'and metallic rail d for
conducting electricity such rail d acting as a guide and support to the wheel
substantially in the manner and for the purpose herein before shown and described
in reference to Figs 1 and 2.
Secondly. The use in combination of the metallic rail d and metallic strips wires
or plates of metal 19 for conducting electricity substantially in the manner and
for the purpose hereinbefore shown and described in reference to Fig 9.
Thirdly. Supporting a wire, rod, or tube for conducting electricity by means of a
supporting rail substantially in the manner and for the purpose herein before shown
and described in reference to Figs 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Fourthly. Placing or laying a wire or wires or a metallic rope or ropes for
conducting electricity within a groove formed in one or both of the rails upon
which the railway carriage or other vehicle travels substantially in the manner and
for the purpose herein before shown and described in reference to Figs 10, 11, 12,
13, 14 and 15.
Fifthly. The use in combination of the wire or wires or metallic rope or ropes
for conducting electricity such wire or wires or metallic rope or ropes being placed
or lying within a groove or grooves formed in the ordinary rail or rails upon which
the carriage or other vehicle travels and a grooved wheel or plates wires or springs
of metal substantially in the manner and for the purpose shown and described in
reference to Figs 12, 13, 14 and 15.
In witness whereof I the said Roger Tatham have hereunto set my hand
and seal this third day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and eighty three.
ROGER TATHAM (L.S.)