AN ALARUM. FOR THE USE OF RAILWAYS
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edward Funnell, of 54, East Street, Brighton, in
the County of Sussex, Clock Maker, for the Invention of "AN ALARUM.
FOR THE USE OF RAILWAYS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edward Funnell at.
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
26th February 1867.
I, EDWARD FUNNELL, of 54, East Street, Brighton, in the County of
Sussex, Clock Maker, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"AN ALARUM FOR THE USE OF RAILWAYS," to be as follows:-
The nature and particulars of my said Invention will be clearly understood
by reference to the accompanying Sheet of Drawing, in which the same.
letters of reférence are used to represent the same parts in each Figure.
Fig. 1 represents the treadle movement. a, the axle, to which is fixed b
the treadle and c the horizontal lever; d is a step lever turning on the centre
at e, and is pressed against the end of c by f the spring; g is a crank turning.
on the centre at h, and attached to m the spring; i, the upright lever turning
on the centre at j, and is pressed against the stop by the spring; r and s,

page_text: the wire attachments for the conveying of movements at their required
distances.
Fig. 2 represents the alarum movement and attachment. A, the axle and
winding square, to which is fixed B the drum; C is a cord attached to B
and D, the gravity weight; E is the ratchet wheel fixed to B; F is a wheel
set on the axle of B; G is a catch set on F, and pressed into the teeth of E
by H the spring; I and J the pinions, to which are fixed wheels K and L.;.
M, the disc fixed to K, to which is U the lifting pin and Z the recess on the
edge of M; N, the pallets moved by the teeth of L, to which is fixed P the
hammer; R, the bell for P to strike against; S is a detent moving on
the centre at 1, and pressed into the recess of M by 2 the spring, and stops
the rotation of L at 3; T, the crank turning on the centre at 4; V, the detent
turning off the centre at 5, and stops the rotation of L at 6; 7, the spring
attached to V; arrows indicate the rotary movements of F, K, L.
Fig. 8 represents the resetting movement and signal attachment. a, the
axle, to which is fixed c the treadle and d the lever; e the upright rod is
ointed to d, to which is fixed s the catch, and moves freely through the
bearing; 9 and u, the horizontal slide moving freely through bearings 1 and 2,
and attached to h the signal arm; m, the upright lever turning on the centre
at 3 and attached to V, Fig. 2; n, the horizontal catch moving on a stud
fixed to g at 4, and rests on the top of m; t, the gravity crank moving on the.
centre at 5, and joined to g at 6; 7 and 8, the stops fixed to g; R, the
rail on which the train travels, and the extended position of h indicating a
danger signal.
Having given reference to the whole by Figures and letters I will describe
the movements operated by passing trains.
On referring to Fig. 1 it will be obvious that a wheel passing along R will
depress b, and produce upward motion to c and 9, and expand the tension
of m, the return of c and g being simultaneously locked on the step of d by
the tension of f, and prevent the succeeding wheels making contact with b,
and also allow m to transmit its force throughs to unlock S from L at 3,
Fig. 2; the gravity of D being retained by G transmits its force through
F, J, K, I, L, the teeth of L producing a rocking motion to N, P, and striking
Rat each movement, the revolution of M will bring U in contact with T, the
power of which will lift T and produce a forward motion to r, i, and discharge
d from c, Fig. 1; U having revolved sufficiently will discharge T, and allow
T, r, i, g, c, d, and & to return to their former positions; S will also return to
its former position on the rotation of Z by the tension of 2 and stop L at 3,
thus completing its movements for the passage of every train for the position

page_text: of h, Fig. 8. It is also obvious if a downward movement be given to h,
Fig. 3, for the indication of line clear the operation of which will nove g, n,
and u forward, and be stopped by 7 against 1, and also raise the gravity
of t, n will also move m forward, and raise V, Fig. 2, for the retaining L at 6.
It is also obvious the passage of a train will communicate the movements at
Figs. 1 and 2,. as before described, and allow V to retain Lat 6 until the same
train arrives and depresses c, Fig. 3, which produces upward motion to e, s,
and n, c,. will be retained from making contact with succeeding, wheels, being
locked by s. over the top of u, m being disengaged by the upward. motion
of n will allow mand V to return to their former positions by the tension.
of 7, Fig. 2, and also allow L to rotate and complete the movements before.
described, until the downward motion of his repeated; hon being extended
will allow g, u, n, to return to their former positions by the gravity of t,
and g be stopped by 8: against 2...
Having described the movements of each Figure, firstly, it is obvious that
a train arriving at treadle b. will produce the required operation for the dis-
charging of the alarum at the requisite distance in advance when the signal is
set to danger, and that the alarum will commence sounding before the train.
reaches it, proclaiming to the driver accordingly as he passes, as herein-before-
shewn and described; secondly, it is also obvious that the alaruin. becomes
inoperative with a clear signal; and that the train for which the clear signal
is given to pass, on arriving at treadle c, will disconnect the alarum from the
clear signal, and that the alarum will operate proclaiming danger to all
succeeding trains until the all right signal be given for their passage, as herein-
before shewn and described.
Having thus fully described the nature and particulars of my said
Invention I desire it to be distinctly understood that I do not confine myself
to the exact details herein set forth, as such may be varied or modified
without departing from the principle thereof.
Firstly, I claim as my Invention the construction of the combined move-
ments by which the before-named alarum is constructed to proclaim danger
in conjunction with the signal to which the alarum is attached, as herein-
before shewn and described.
Secondly, I claim as my Invention the production of movements by which:
the before-named alarum is detached from a clear signal for the proclaiming
of danger to the drivers of engines for which the clear signal is not intended,
as herein-before shewn and described.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Edward Funnell in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
23rd August 1867.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS. SHALL COME, I, EDWARD
FUNNELL, of 54, East Street, Brighton, in the County of Sussex, Clock
Maker, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-sixth day of February, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirtieth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Edward Funnell, Her special licence that I, the said Edward
Funnell, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said Edward Funnell, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at
any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
thereafter, during the term therein expressed should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "AN.
ALARUM FOR THE USE OF RAILWAYS," upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said Edward Funnell, my executors or administrators, by an
instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention,
and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to
be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Edward Funnell, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
The principle of this Invention is produced by the operation of passing
trains over two treadles, the alarum being fixed from 50 to 100 yards
in advance of the first treadle, and the second treadle connected with the
signal and alarum is fixed at a required distance in advance of the alarum; a
passing train depresses the first treadle which simultaneously actuates the
alarum for a given time for the proclamation of danger when recorded by the
distance signal; the alarum is also inoperative to all passing trains for which
a clear signal is recorded until the passage of such trains depresses the second
treadle in advance of the alarum, by which the alarum is detached from the
clear signal and operates on the passage of all succeeding trains or engines

page_text: until a clear signal is manipulated expressly for the passage, the utility being
the sounding of a bell or gong for the proclamation of danger to the drivers of
engines as an auxiliary to the distance or other signals rendered obscure by
acts of nature or otherwise.
The nature and particulars of my said Invention will be clearly understood
by reference to the accompanying Sheets of Drawings, in which the same
letters and figures of reference are used to represent the same parts in each
Figure.
Fig. 1 represents the first operating treadle movement. R, the rail on
which the train travels, to which is fixed b a bearing; F, the perpendicular
square frame to which the movements are fixed; a, the horizontal axle turns
freely on F and 6; and to which is fixed d the upright lever and the treadle;
e and 8, the projecting stop pins fixed to d; i, j, are springs attached to d and
F, the tensions of which forces d against 2 the projecting stop C; the lever
turns on a stud to which is jointed D the horizontal link, the aperture of
which slides freely on d, e; E, the horizontal link slides freely on a stud fixed
to C; g, h, are springs attached to d, C, the tensions of which are retained
by D and e; M, m, the crank pall turns on a stud p, the spring attached to
M, F, the tension of which presses m on to the end of d; G, the lever turns
on a stud, and to which is fixed at 5 and 6 the projecting lifting pins; u, r,
the springs attached to G and F, the tensions of which forces G against the
stop at 7; J, the lever turns on a stud, the gravity of which is retained at 5;
, w, the wire conductors attached to E, G; W represents the tire of a first
wheel of a train passing over t in the direction of the arrow.
:
Fig. II. represents the alarum movements. T, the frame to which the
movements are fixed; A, the axis and winding square, to which is fixed B
the barrel and ratchet, wheel, to which is attached C the cord, and D the
weight; E, the main wheel set on the axis of B, and to which is fixed F the
pall to maintain the gravity of D after winding, projecting lifting pins are also
fixed to E at 1, 2, 3, 4; J, the pinion (driven by E) to which is fixed Ma
circular disc with notch on the edge, and H the wheel; L, the pinion driven
by II, on which is fixed N the wheel, to which (5 and 6) are projecting stop
pins, and 7, 8, 9, lifting pins; P, the fly pinion driven by II, to which is fixed
K the arm and S, T, the vanes to regulate the revolving speed; U, V, tho
hammers to which are attached springs a, b, by which a force of blow is given
to the bells; R the detent turns on the axis at'a, to which is attached C the wire
conductor; the spring is attached to R and T, the tension of which forces R
against the stop at d; W the detent turns on the axis at e, to which is
attached w the wire conductor; t the spring is attached to Wan T, the

page_text: tension of which forces W into the notch of M; Z, the detent turns on the
axis at h, to which the wire conductor is attached; G, G, represents
the bells.
Fig. III., represents the attached second treadle. movement. R, the rail to
which is fixed ba bearing; G, the perpendicular frame to which the move-
ments are fixed; a the horizontal axle turns freely on G and b, and to which
is fixed t the treadle, and d the lever; f. f, the springs attached to d and G,
the tensions of which forces d on 5 the projecting stop; e, E, the crank gravity
lever turns on a stud, to which is jointed's the horizontal pall, and also h the
perpendicular pall; i the spring is attached to h and e, and forces h against
the projecting stop at j; m, M, the crank pall turns on a stud; u, the spring
attached to G and M forces M. also on the stop at j; p, the perpendicular
lever turns on a stud to which is fixed n the projecting pin; C, C, the wire
conductor is also attached to p, by which p is forced against the projecting
stop at 2 by the tension of s, Fig. II.; 3 and 4 are projecting stops to e, E;
A the band lever turns on a stud which is fixed to the signal post, to which is
attached S the signal arm, and also to E by the wire conductor.
Fig. IV., represents the first wheel of a passing train, and the raised position
of the treadle.
Fig. V. represents the compensating movement for regulating the expansion
of the rods or wires; G, 9, the frame to which the movements are fixed; p, P,
the pulleys turns on a stud which is fixed to G; P the large pulley turns on a
stud which is passed through e, e, the carriage; L, l, the crank turns on a stud
which is fixed to G; R, the rod or wire is attached to land on to G, Fig. III.;
W, the weight is fixed to e, e, the gravity of which rests on L, and is retained
by R and G, Fig. III; n, n, the guide in W, e, and moves on projecting pins
fixed to Gats, s; B the chain attached to C, C, passes over p, p, and under P.
I propose to attach this movement to each wire conductor, one Figure being
sufficient to explain the nature of the movements.
Having thus described the whole by Figures and letters, I will now describe
the nature of the movements produced by the operation of passing trains.
Firstly, on referring to Fig. IV. and Fig. I., it is obvious that a tire of the
first wheel of a train will depress t level to the surface of the rail, and d,
Fig. 1, will be carried backward beyond the end of m, by which the tension
of will force m downward for M to unite with G at 6 simultaneously,
d being thus locked on the end of m will retain the extended tensions of
g, h, i, j, the position of e being also changed to the opposite end of slot
on D, by which the tensions of g, h, is transmitted from D to E, w to W,
Fig. II., by which the tension of t is extended, and W raised from M and N

page_text: at 5; N being thus liberated will transmit its force to P, and the gravity of D
will rotate, B, E, J, M, H, L, N, P, and S, T, and each projecting pin of N
will raise the hammers alternately to strike the bells until M, H, completes
one revolution, during this performance one pin on E being employed by
lifting Z, the operation, of which moves X, G, M, Fig. 1, forward, by which
the end of J gradually descends to receive the projecting stop of d, d, on
being discharged from m, and thus transferred on to the end of J until Z,
Fig. II., is discharged from E, thus allowing the tensions of u, v, and p,
Fig. I., to force G, M, m, to the former positions, by which J will be lifted
at 5, and discharge d, t, thus allowing the tensions of g, h, i, j, to force d, C,
to the former positions.. The position of C thus changed to the forward end
of slot E will allow the tension of t, Fig. II, to force W into the notch of M
to lock N at 5, thus completing the movements for the passage of one train.
Secondly, an upward motion given to A, Fig. III., will allow S to descend
by its own gravity for the indication of clear signal in the ordinary manner,
the movements of A being united by t to s, E, e, h, and transmitted to M, m,
by the upward motion given to A will discharge d, by which d will be forced
dwn on to the stop at 5 by the tensions of f, f, thus raising the position of t,
and allows to fall on the projecting stop of p, by which the continued upward
motion of A is united to p, C, and R, s, Fig. II., which also moves R forward,
and extends the tension of s and locks N at 6; h, Fig. III., will also be
forced forward by the stop at 1, by which the end of M is disengaged, and m
will be forced on to the end of d by the tension of u, the whole as described
being thus set by the manipulation of A it is obvious that the passage of a
train will operate Fig. I., as before described, and N, Fig. II., remain locked
at 6 until the train depresses t, Fig. III., the operation of which d will be
carried upward and forces from n, and also allow the tension of u to force m
against the stop at 5, by which d will be locked on the end of m, and t remain
at the depressed point p, being thus separated from A will allow the tension
of s, Fig. II., to force R, C, p, backward to the former position, by which N
at 6 is unlocked, and allows Fig. II. and Fig. I. to complete the movements,
as before described.
Thirdly, it is obvious that R, Fig. II., being detached from s, A, Fig. III.,
cannot make a second contact with N, Fig. II., until A, Fig. III., is moved
downward to allow the gravity of e to descend on the stop at 3, and to pass
under M by the tension of i, as shown in the Drawing, and that every train
passing over t, Fig. I., will actuate the movements, as first described, until the
upward movement of A, Fig. III., is repeated.
Fourthly, it will be obvious that the movements of Fig. V. being fixed at
1

page_text: half length of the rod or. conductors, as shown and R, the half length being
united, as described will expand and contract in the same ratio as C, C, by the
changing degrees of temperature, the expansion of R will allow L, e, e, P, to
descend by the gravity of W, by which the increased lengths of C, C, will be
contributed by the chain over p, p, to the descent of P, and allow the attached
ends of C, C, to remain at the set distance for the transmission of action
without producing upward motion to W.
Lastly, it is obvious that the contraction of R will produce an upward motion
to L, W, e, e, P, by which the centre of P will be raised nearer the parallel
line to the centres of p, p, accordingly, and thus allow the contractions of C, C,
to partake of the relaxed portion of the chain produced by the upward motion
of P for the retaining of the set distance, and also allow the tension trans-
mitted through C, C, to produce the attached movements without actuating
the gravity of W.
Having thus fully described the nature and particulars of my said Inven-
tion, I desire it to be distinctly understood that I do not confine myself to the
exact details herein set forth, as such can be varied or modified without
departing from the principal thereof.
Firstly, I claim as my production the construction of the treadle, as herein-
before shown and described.
Secondly, I claim as my Invention the production of the combined move-
ments for the locking and the unlocking of the treadle, by which the force of
action is retained for the transmission of power through the combined and
attached movements, by which the united movements are made to perform
the intended operations and maintained from recoiling, as herein-before shown
and described.
Thirdly, I claim as my Invention and production the combined movements
for the uniting of the signal connection by which the attached alarum is made
inoperative to a passing train, for which the connected clear signal is intended
to indicate, and also the combined movements by which the signal connection
is separated by such passing trains, by which the alarum is made to operate
with every succeeding train for which the clear signal is not intended to pass,
as berein-before shown and described.
Fourthly, I claim the right of production and construction of the combined
movements by which the alarum is made to sound in advance of approaching
trains for the proclamation of danger to the drivers of engines as an auxiliary
to the distance or other signals set to record danger, and made obscure by acts
of nature, as herein-before shown and described. .
Lastly, I claim as my Invention and production the combined movements

page_text: for the compensation of wire and rod conductors, by which the transmission of
action to the signals is made to perform without increasing or diminishing the
action of the attached movements with changes of temperature, as herein-
before shown and described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Edward Funnell, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-third day of August, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.
EDWARD FUNNELL. (L.s.)