COMMUNICATING INFORMATION OR DIRECTIONS TO PERSONS IN CHARGE OF RAILWAY TRAINS
Year: 1853

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Solomon Abraham and Samuel Victor Abraham,
of Lisle Street, for the Invention of "COMMUNICATING INFORMATION
OR DIRECTIONS TO PERSONS IN CHARGE OF RAILWAY TRAINS."
Sealed the 28th April 1854, and dated the 17th November 1853.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Solomon Abraham
and Samuel Victor Abraham at the Office of the Commissioners
of Patents, with their Petition, on the 17th November 1853.
We, SOLOMON ABRAHAM and SAMUEL VICTOR ABRAHAM, of Lislo
Street, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "Com-
MUNICATING INFORMATION OR DIRECTIONS TO PERSONS IN CHARGE OF RAILWAY
TRAINS to be as follows, viz. :-
The application of electro-maguetism to signalling upon a dial or
dials certain instructions or directions for starting or stopping a railway

page_text: train, and increasing, decreasing, or otherwise regulating its speed and
direction while in motion, according to such a code as may be esta-
blished, and in calling the attention of the engine driver, train guards,
or other persons in charge of a railway train to certain of such direc-
tions by means of audible and visible alarums in conjunction with such
signal apparatus.
For these purposes an instrument, properly arranged and protected,
is fixed on the boiler immediately in front of the engine driver. This
instrument has a dial, around which is written a certain code of signals.
A ratchet wheel having the same number of teeth as there are signals
upon the dial is affixed to a spindle running through the centre of the
dial, and carrying a pointer or index hand (or if preferred, a disc having
an aperture cut therein to admit of one signal at a time being read).
The ratchet wheel is governed by the ordinary escapement, one tooth
escaping at a time by the alternate attraction and liberation of a lever
keeper to or from the poles of an electro-magnet...
A battery or batteries are placed in the guards' van at the tail of the
train, and a toothed wheel contact maker of a suitable number of teeth
is fixed therein. These are connected by suitable means with the instru-
ment on the engine.
To the movement of the instrument upon the engine the ordinary
bell or other suitable signal apparatus may be connected and set in
motion by the first signal being transmitted, and from the outside of
the case of the said instrument a socket arm projects, into which a
rocket, squib, Bengall light, fusee, or some such other alarum or means
of attracting, attention is fixed, having a fine platina wire inserted
therein, and through which, upon certain signals being given, the cur-
rent is passed, and thereupon ignites and discharges the rocket, squib,
Bengall light, or fusec, &c.
An ordinary bell and needle instrument may be fixed in each of the
guards' vans, which may be acted upon from any van or carriage in the
train, so as to direct the attention of the proper officer to any obstruc-
tion upon the line or other danger, so that he may communicate the
requisite and proper signal to the engine driver.
The peculiar features of our Invention being the arrangement,

page_text: whereby any of the guards, or, if necessary, any passenger can, in cases
of danger, call the attention of the chief oflicer of the train thereto, and
also enabling such "train guard" or chief officer in charge thereupon
to direct the engine driver by distinctly expressed instruction what to
do, and when to do it, and in case of certain signals, such as "stop at
once," &c., being transmitted, that a general signal or alarum, visible
and audible, is given to verify its proper transmission.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Solomon Abraham and Samuel Victor Abraham
in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 17th May 1854.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we,
SOLOMON ABRAHAM and SAMUEL VICTOR ABRAHAM, of Lisle Street,
Leicester Square, in the County of Middlesex, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Seventeenth day of November, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, in the
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant unto us, the said Solomon Abraham and Samuel
Victor Abraham, Her special licence that we, the said Solomon
Abraham and Samuel Victor Abraham, our executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as we, the said Solomon Abraham and Samuel
Victor Abraham, our 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 "COMMUNICATING INFORMATION OR DIRECTIONS TO PERSONS
IN CHARGE OF RAILWAY TRAINS," upon the condition (amongst others)
that we, the said Solomon Abraham and Samuel Victor Abraham, by
an instrument in writing under our hand and seal, should par-
ticularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and

page_text: in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to
be filed in the Great Scal Patent Office within six calendar inonths
next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said Solomon Abraham and Samuel
Victor Abraham, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement and accom-
panying Drawings:-
Our Invention consists in the application of electro-magnetism to
certain novel arrangements of machinery and apparatus for signalling
or exhibiting certain pre-arranged instructions or directions for stopping
or starting a railway train, and increasing, decreasing, or otherwise
regulating its speed and direction while in motion; and also for calling
the attention of the engine driver, train guard, or other persons in
charge of a railway train, to such signals, instructions, or directions, by
means of audible and visible alarums set in action or discharged by
the transmission of each or any signal instruction or direction of such
code or selection of signals as may be used.
We now proceed to describe the first part of our Invention, which
relates to the instrument or mechanical arrangement by which, upon
the transmission of an electric current, a signal, distinct instruction, or
direction is exhibited to the engine driver or other person in charge,
and his attentions directed thereto.
Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, Sheet 1, exhibit different views of the mecha-
nical arrangement of the instrument when removed from the case;
Fig. 1, being an elevation of front plate of frame and dial; Fig. 2, is a
view of back plate or frame, exhibiting the detent or locking gearing,
bell, and fly hammer, &c.; Fig. 3, is a side view, shewing the general
arrangement of the various parts; and Fig. 4, is an elevation, the front
plate, a frame with the dial, &c. being removed, the better to exhibit
the action of the principal movements.
The same letters of reference are applied to corresponding parts in
Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, of Sheet 1.
a, a, are the back and front plates of frames, in which the pivots,
spindles, and shafts take their bearing; b, b, the 4 studs or distance

page_text: pieces between the two plates a. a; c, a barrel containing a clock spring;
d, a toothed wheel to transmit the power of the spring e, through the
pinion e and the wheel on the same spindle or shaft as pinion e,
to the pinion g, and wheel h, both on same spindle or shaft.
The wheel h, is shewn as having 6 pins or studs projecting from one
face thereof, see Figs. 3 and 4; these pins or studs are divided equally
around the circumference of the wheel.
A tail piece or lever i, mounted upon one end of a shaft or spindle,
which also carries the lever j, see Figs. 3 and 4, and the hammer k,
see Figs. 2 and 3. The tail piece or lever i, is long enough to come in
contact with and be raised through a given space by the studs of wheel
h, as it revolves.
P, Figs. 3 and 4, is an electro magnet. The 2 soft iron cores are
connected together at the bottom, and are each surrounded by long
coils of covered fine copper wire, connected together so as to form a
continuous circuit when the outer end of such coil is connected with
the poles of a battery or other source of power; q, a soft iron plate or
keeper extending over and covering the two poles of the electro magnet.
It is mounted on a shaft having its bearing and working freely on the
two frames. The boss or carriage piece to which the keeper is attached
has an arm 7, attached nearly at a right angle thereto. Upon the point
or upper end of this arm r, the lever j rests, when the keeper 7 is not
attracted to or in contact with the poles of the magnet p.
The spring S, Fig. 4, is to overcome the friction of the shaft of
keeper, and the residual magnetism of magnet p, and keeps the arm
, securely in its place whilst supporting the lever j. 1, Figs. 2 and 3,
is a lever arm working loosely at its lower end on a stud, having a
locking pin or stud projecting from one face of its upper end, which is
curved or beviled wedge-like to receive the blow of the hammer k,
which in falling overcomes the power of the spring *, and disengages
the locking pin of lever 1, from the notch of the locking wheel m,
which thereupon becomes free to make one revolution, for the locking
pin being kept in contact with the edge of locking wheel by the spring
1. prevents it making more than one at a time, and being fixed upon
the shaft n, also carrying the pinion (as well as another wheel, see

page_text: Fig. 3), permits of the wheel h, making a certain portion of a revolu-
tion corresponding with the respective proportions of the wheel h, and
the pinion o, which in Figs. 3 and 4, should be 6 to 1.
The dial T, Figs. 1 and 3, being divided on its face into six spaces,
each having a signal or direction engraved thereupon, it is caused to
revolve one-sixth part of a revolution each time that the locking wheel
m, and the pinion o, revolve once.
A small pinion u, Fig. 3, supported by a cock at one end, and at the
other in a bearing hole on back plate of frame, is geared into a wheel
, upon the shaft n. The spindle of pinion n, carries on its outer end
a double fly arm V, to the ends of which a striking piece or hammers
is hung loosely by a pin, and upon the arm v revolving rapidly, at each
revolution of the locking wheel m, these striking pieces or hammers
come in contact with and ring a bell V, V, Figs, 1, 2, and 3, which is
planted on back plate of frame.
X, Figs. 3 and 4, is a heavy hammer mounted on a strong shaft
which works freely in bearings at one end in the front plate of frame,
and at the other in the cock, as shewn in Fig. 3. The tail piece a*,
of hammer a, is made long enough to come in contact with studs pro-
jecting from the face of wheel f, which revolving presses downwards
the tail piece, and draws back the hammer until the stud of wheel f
passes the end of tail piece a*, and thereby relieves it, when the ham-
mer is thrown forward with considerable force by the strong spring y,
Figs. 2 and 3, acting upon a stud y*, Fig. 2, projecting from the shaft
of hammer.
The wires from the two poles of the magnet are carried separately to
the outside of the case, properly protected and insulated, and their ends
are respectively prepared to receive a socket binder to connect them
with the main wires.
We will now proceed to describe the action of the instrument shewn
in 4 views, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, Sheet 1, lettered as above referred,
and afterward describe its application to a railway train, and the method
of working the same.
The spring in barrel C, having been first wound up so as to bring
the gearing, &c. to its bearings, and the notch of locking plate hard in

page_text: contact with the locking pin or stud, the parts lettered as above should
be respectively in the position shewn at Figs. 2, 3, and 4.
Upon a current of electricity being transmitted through the wires of
the coils surrounding the cores of the electro magnet p, the keeper
plate 7, is attracted thereto, and but for the small ivory studs in the
keeper plate would come into close contact with the poles of the
magnet; therefor the power of the back springs, Fig. 4, is overcome,
and the upright arm is suddenly withdrawn from under the point of
the lever, which falls for want of support, and carries with it the tail
piece or lever i, against a stud of wheel h, also the hammer k, which
in falling strikes the curved or bevilled upper end of the lever or
locking arm 1, overcoming the spring 1*, and disengages the locking
pin or stud from the notch of locking wheel m; the locking wheel m,
the shaft n, and the pinion o, make one revolution, and in doing so
the pinion g, the studded wheel h, and the dial t, each make 1-6th of
a revolution. The tail piece or lever i, has been raised by one of the
pins or studs of the wheel h, lifting also the lever j sufficiently high to
allow of the upright arm r (which by this time has been pressed back
by the spring S) assuming its original position to support the point of
the lever, and the hammer is ready for the next movement.
Each revolution of the locking wheel causes the dial to revolve
exactly one step or division at a time, and so exhibit whatever signal
or direction is engraved thereon. And it also sets in motion a revolving
fly to regulate the action of the machine, and which, in the views
Fig. 1, 2, and 3, is therefor a revolving fly hammer, and serves the
double purpose of regulating the motion of the machine and ringing
an alarum or bell W, which may be planted on the back plate of frame,
as shewn, Figs. 2 and 3, and inclosed in the external case of the
instrument, as shewn at Fig. 1, Sheet 2, or where a much larger bell
or alarum is required it may be fixed outside of the case and to the
prolongation of pinion spindle n, may be worked, as shown at Fig. 5,
Sheet 1.
Having caused the dial to revolve one-sixth of its circumference and
rang the bell or alarum, the instrument is prepared for next current,
which produces a similar effect as the first and causes the bell to ring

page_text: again, and the dial to revolve a second division or one-sixth of its
circumference. And although in the above-described instrument the
number of divisions or spaces, and the signals thereupon are but six,
there may be more or less than six, and the gearing being properly
proportioned thereto, the action will be precisely the same. But as the
instrument is enclosed in a suitable case, as shewn at Fig. 1, Sheet 2,
which has an apperture properly glazed and of a size and shape to
admit of one such signal, direction, or instruction, or being seen at
one and the same time, thus avoiding the perplexity or confusion which
might arise from several or all of the signals being exposed to view.
This socket arm a* is bored
with a flanch being dropped
The arrangement for working the hammer a, shewn at Figs. 3 and 4,
and its use in connection with the above instrument, is as follows:--
Externally on one side of the case for containing the instrument
above described is fixed a metal socket arm, as shewn at Fig. 1,
Sheet 2, and full size at Fig. 6, Sheet 1.
vertically to admit of a tube socket piece
into it, having a hole in the flanch to go on to a steady pin or stud c*
to insure its being placed in the same direction each time. The tube
socket has a vertical slot cut in it to allow of a rib or projection on one
side of the tube or case of a rocket, squil, Bengal light, or other fire-
work, sliding therein; and at the bottom of such socket tube is a narrow
flanch projecting inward, or a cross bar upon which may rest the bottom
of such rocket, squib, or other firework.
Another hole is bored out in the socket arm horizontally, and at a right
angle to the former a steel needle or pin d* is fitted thereto, having a
suitable point; a spiral spring c* is fitted between the head of needle
and flanch of socket arm to withdraw the needle after it has been driven
home by the release of the hammer a, Figs. 3 and 4, Sheet 1.
A small oil hole is drilled into bore of needle hole in socket arm for
the purpose of keeping the needle oiled, and a stopper f is fitted
thereto, as shewn at Fig. 6, Sheet 1.
The hammer a is gradually drawn back by the rotation of the wheel f
as before described, and a suitable fire-work having been placed in the
socket arm of instrument to be discharged upon the first or any pre-
arranged signal being given, the hammer is disengaged, and being acted

page_text: upon by the spring y, is driven forcibly forward, and comes into violent
contact with the needle, the point of which strikes the percussion
powder and explodes it, igniting or discharging the firework imme-
diately, thus appealing to the senses of smell, hearing, and sight, to
call attention to the signals or directions transmitted from some part of
the train.
It is proposed to fix the instrument just described on the fire box of
the engine, at a suitable height in front of the driver, and two insulated
copper wires of a sufficient length to extend therefrom to the end of
the tender are inclosed in a metal tube to protect them from injury by
friction or heat. This tube should be bent over the side of the fire
box to the outside of the engine frame, curved under the step iron and
along the frame of tender so as to prevent its interfering with any part
of the engine or tender. It should be carried up the back of the tender
to a convenient height and position, and the two ends of the insulated
wires separated, having been prepared with sockets or clasps to receive
the wires from the train upon the train being attached thereto and
coupled up.
We will next proceed to describe the second part of our Invention,
which is the instrument we have designed for causing distinct currents
of electricity to be sent along the circuit wires, and which we propose
to call the wheel contact maker. Fig. 8, Sheet 2, is a front elevation
of such instrument, half size. Such an one is intended to be fixed in
one or more guards' vans when the control and conduct of the train by
the working of our signal apparatus is to be under their joint or separate
direction.
A, is the plate. b, a wheel with as many radiating points as there
are divisions and signals upon the dial of instrument, the rim of this
wheel being engraved with the same signals, instructions, or directions
to correspond with those on the dial of instrument. c, a ratchet wheel
with a corresponding number of teeth. d, a lever arm with a toothed
pawl; this lever arm travels only so far as to move one tooth of the
ratchet wheel at a time. e, a back pawl with a spring to retain the
ratchet wheel in its position after being moved forward by the pawl of
lever d. f, a metal spring with a thick striking piece on its point. g,

page_text: a piece of ivory or other non-conductor attached to the spring behind
the striking piece pressed by the spring against the radiating points of
contact wheel to break the electric circuit and form a point of rest.
When the instrument is not in action there is a notch or division
between the ivory and the metal striking piece to break contact between
them. h, the stud to which the spring is securely attached; this stud
has cross holes drilled in its head to receive one end of a circuit wire,
and is fitted with a binding screw to secure the wire when in its place.
This stud is packed with ivory or other non-conducting washers properly
fixed and insulated from electric contact with the plate a, to which it
is attached. i, is a similar stud, but not insulated, being firmly screwed
to the plate a.
When the instrument is not in use the lever arm & is in the position
shewn in Drawing Fig. 8, Sheet 2.
The instrument is worked as follows:-The wire from one pole of a
battery is connected with the stud i; to the stud h, is connected one end
of the main circuit wire; the other end of the same wire being finally
connected to one of the poles of the magnet of the instrument on engine;
the one end of the return wire being connected to the other pole of
such magnet brings the return current back to the battery where it is
connected to the other side thereof in the usual way.
Now, upon raising the lever arm d, against a stud which is placed
sufficiently high to allow of the pawl taking into one tooth only of the
ratchet wheel c, it falls into the notch of such tooth; and the lever arm
being pressed down quickly brings one of the radiating points of wheel
into contact with the thick striking piece on the point of spring f, over
which it passes, and coming in contact with the ivory when the lever
arm has been depressed to its lowest point, it is at rest.
The current of electricity passed from the battery through the wire
at stud i, and through the plate a, and wheel b, to one of the points,
whilst it was in contact for an instant of time with the metal striking
piece of spring, thence passing along to the spring f, to the stud h,
through the circuit wire to the electro magnet of the instrument upon
But the current
the engine, returning by the return circuit wire.
ccases immediately upon the point passing from the metal striking

page_text: piece to the ivory non-conductor g, by which and the perfect insulation
of the stud h, the continuity of the current is interrupted.
We will now proceed to describe the third part of our Invention; it
being for the purpose of rapidly and certainly connecting in a continuous
and uninterrupted circuit the instrument upon the engine, the wheel
contact maker in the guard's van in the rear or at any part of the
train, and the battery power in whatever situation such power may be
placed.
Fig. 2, Sheet 2, is a side elevation; and Fig. 3, is a front view of
a continuous circuit reel upon which is coiled a sufficient length of
insulated copper wire, or wires properly served over as a protection
from injury by friction, pressure, or other causes, to extend from the
rear of any train to the engine (or tender of engine) in front thereof.
Two such reels, each containing a length of single wire, or one larger
reel containing more than one insulated copper wire, laid up together in
the manner of a strand of rope, and properly protected, or they may be
laid together parallel, wormed, parcelled, and served over in the manner
of a salvage rope, may be fixed in a convenient position in the guard's
box, brake van, or other suitable place, so that the outer cord of the
coil can be carried outside of the roof of such box or van, over suitable
groved anti-friction pullies, and from thence can be easily and without
risk of damage drawn off by a person standing on the roof of any
carriage composing the train.
We will suppose that a train of carriages is being formed in a ter-
minal station: the guard's van, or break having been placed at the tail
of the train, and the other carriages added in front thereof, and properly
coupled up, a carriage porter or person in charge of the arrangement.
will from the roof take hold of the end of the line containing the wire
or wires, and draw it off the reel, and walking along the roofs of the
carriages in the manner of putting in the roof lamps, take with him
the line to the extreme end or front of the train where the ends of the
wires are ready to be attached to those fixed on the engine and tender,
which are already connected to the instrument when the battery power
is at the tail of the train, or to those connected to the instrument and
battery when the battery power for working the instrument is fixed

page_text: upon the engine or tender.
When the engine and tender are attached
to the train, metallic connection is made between the proper ends of the
wires, and if the inner ends of the coils are properly connected, the one
with the battery power, and the other with the wheel contact maker, the
electric circuit would be complete but for the insulation of one of the
ends or poles, by the point of the wheel contact maker pressing against
the non-conducting pad or piece of ivory g, and the insulation of the
stud h, as shown at Fig. 8, Sheet 2; but when the next point of the
wheel contact maker is brought in contact with the metal skirting-piece
of spring f, as before described, the current passes through the coils of
electro-magnet, attracts the keeper to the magnet, and make a signal
appear through the opening in the case of instrument on the engine,
rings the bell alarum, and discharges the firework, as may be
arranged.
To prevent the line being blown or shaken off the tops of the
carriages, scroll hooks of the form of Figs. 9 and 10, Sheet 2, may
be fixed to the tops of the carriages into which the line should be
laid, as by this form of supporter great security is combined with
facility of detaching or arranging in the breaking up or reforming of a
train.
When the battery power is arranged in the guard's break or luggage
van, and suitably protected from injury or injuring, the inner end of the
coil of one of the main circuit wires is connected to one of the poles of
the battery previously to the reel being unwound, and to maintain an
uninterrupted cirenit, and prevent the inner end of such wire being
twisted off by the unwinding or winding up of such coil, we have pro-
vided the following contrivances :-
Figs. 2 and 3, Sheet 2, are different views of a recel, to contain a
single wire only, and Fig. 4, is a view of a reel and arrangement for a
double wire line, and the same principle may be extended to a line
containing 3 or more wires.
Fig. 5, is an enlarged view of the continuous contact maker shewn
in Figs. 2 and 3, as attached to the outer end of hollow centre shaft of
reel.
Figs. 6 and 7, are enlarged views of the arrangement for preserving

page_text: continuous contact with several distinct wires at the same time, and
as shewn affixed to the outer end of the hollow centre shaft of reel,
Fig. 4.
a, Figs. 2 and 3, is a wooden reel; b, a forked carriage for supporting
the same; c, an iron shaft working freely in the eyes of carriage b, and
to which is fixed the reel a, to prevent its turning thereon. One end of
this shaft is a hollow tube, the other end is solid, and has a handle fitted
thereto for turning the reel to wind up the line thereon; to the hollow
end is attached, the brass flanged ring d, which has working upon it
freely, the brass hoop or strap e, somewhat similar to the eccentric and
strap of a steam engine.
The inner end of the line having been passed through a hole in the core
of reel and also through a hole in the hollow end of shaft c, is brought
out, and the wire affixed to the brass flanged ring by a binding screw
thereupon, as shewn in Figs. 2 and 3, as also at d* Fig. 5. Thus it will
be seen that the flanch ring being fixed to the reel, they all revolve
together, and carry the inner end of the wires round with them without
twisting or cutting it, and as the brass hoop or strap e will remain
stationary while the flanged ring d revolves, the connection made
thereto at the point ex from the battery to complete the circuit is
undisturbed.
In Fig. 4, a, is the wood reel as before; b, the forked carriage; c, the
shaft, larger at one end, and hollow as before; d, d, are two brass single
rings or flanged plates as before, but of different diameters, and fixed
on a hard wood core, which surrounds and is secured to the hollow end
of shaft c, insulating the rings from the metallic shaft c, and from each
other. The wires of the inner end of coil after being brought through
the centre of hollow tube are separated and secured to their respective
metal rings d, d, Fig. 7. These rings d, d, have hoops or straps e, e, see
Fig. 6, similar to those before described, which revolve freely around
the circumference of the rings d, d, and so likewise by means of
these hoops distinct and separate connection is maintained and ensured
without injury to the wires, whether the line or wire upon the reel is
longer or shorter, and while the wire is being wound up or unwound.
A solution battery or a sand battery of sufficient power for working

page_text: the instrument may be placed in a box in the guard's van at the tail of
the train, and the wires from the plates thereof may be carried up direct
to the wheel contact maker, and the reel or a very weak battery may
be placed in the guard's van of only sufficient power to close a de-
flecting arm piece or needle to call into action a larger battery fixed
upon the tender by connecting its poles and making circuit between the
more powerful battery and the instrument fixed upon the engine.
An electro-magnetic wheel may be so arranged in connexion with the
axle of the guard's van as when required to transmit a current of
electricity to be worked by its rotation, whilst the train is in motion,
and it should be capable of being disconnected so that it may be worked
by hand when the train is stationary, should it be necessary.
We have described the arrangement which we prefer for connecting
the various parts of the train together in circuit with the greatest
certainty and the smallest number of joints or points of contact, but the
instrument may be worked by any arrangement of battery, and each
carriage may have lengths of wires permanently fixed under the frame
or along the sides or roof in any convenient and suitable manner, and
the ends of such wires may be hooked, clasped, or otherwise fastened
between each carriage in a manner similar to the hooking together of
the ordinary coupling chains.
By inserting in the circuit wire in guard's van a needle deflector or
electro-magnetic bell, cach signal transmitted to the engine driver will
be proved and made apparent to the guard, for each time that a current
of electricity is transmitted along the wires the needle or bell will be
set in action thereby.
There are several well-known methods or arrangements more or less
simple which may be used in conjunction with our Invention, and by
which the engine driver may signal a reply to the guard, and the guards
may signal to each other, or have their attention arroused by the pas-
sengers, irrespectively of the action and the direct communication
between the guard or guards and engine driver; it is therefore neces-
sary to describe them here.
Having now fully described our Invention, and the method of carrying
the same into effect,―

page_text: We claim, first, the novel construction and arrangement of the instru-
ment described as the first part of our Invention, by which a current of
electricity generated by any suitable form of battery or otherwise is
under control made to convey certain pre-arranged signals or distinctly
expressed instructions or directions to the engine driver what to do
and when to do it, whether it be to start or stop a railway train, or to
increase, reduce, or otherwise regulate its speed and direction while in
motion, in conjunction with the discharge of some firework or other
similar signal for the purpose of calling attention to such directions or
instructions, and with or without the bell alarum.
Secondly, we claim the wheel contact maker, described as the second
part of our Invention, when used either in conjunction with the
instrument before, described, or with any similar arrangement of
machinery for the same purpose.
Thirdly, we claim the arrangements described for maintaining a
continuous circuit while winding on or unwinding the line or lines of
circuit wire without the necessity of disconnecting the wire or wires
from the reel or reels when used in connection with the above
described or with any other electro-magnetic signal for railway trains.
In witness whereof we, the said Solomon Abraham and Samuel
Victor Abraham, have hereunto set our hands and seals this
Seventeenth day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and fifty-four.
5
WILLIAM SMITH,
10, Salisbury St.,
SOLOMON ABRAHAM.
(L.S.)
SAMUEL VICTOR ABRAHAM. (L.S.)
Adelphi.