IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION BY ELECTRICITY, AND APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH
Year: 1852

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, EDWARD
TYER, of Queen's Road, Dalston, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Royal
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-second day of January,
in the fifteenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Edward Tyer, my exors, adñiors, and assigns,
Her especial license, full power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said
Edward Tyer, my exors, admors, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
Edward Tyer, ny exors, admors, or assigns, should at any time agree with,
and no others, from time to time and at all times hereafter during the term
of years therein mentioned, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within that part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland called England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and
in the Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Man, my Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION BY ELECTRICITY, AND
APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH;" in which said Letters Patent is contained
a proviso that I, the said Edward Tyer, shall particularly describe and ascer-
tain the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, to be
enrolled in Her Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar

page_text: months next and immediately after the date of the said in part recited
Letters Patent, as, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large
appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Edward Tyer, do hereby declare that my Invention is to be considered in
its general nature as consisting in establishing an electro-magnetic connection
and action between and in a body in a state of progressive motion and a body
in a fixed state or state of rest, and vice versa, between and in a body in a state
of rest and a body in a state of progressive motion.. And my said Invention
is to be considered as regards its precise nature and intention taken together
with its practical application, and the means by which I organise and put the
same into action; I declare these to be described and set forth in manner
following, having reference to the Drawings hereto annexed:-
my
In this, its precise nature, I declare it to consist in certain mechanical
arrangements and in combinations, such arrangements and combinations
embodying and producing electro-magnetic action between given railway
stations and certain portions of the road and rails of such railway, and this for
the purpose of exhibiting, registering, or marking the approach or advance to
and the recession or increase of distance of railway trains in motion from such
stations. The useful character, the novelty, and the necessity of this said
Invention will be shewn by the following considerations. It is evident
that a system of communicating and exchanging instantaneous signals between
railway trains in motion and the stations in their vicinity at long distances
is a desideratum in the conduct of railway transit. My Invention is based
upon and operates by the known action of voltaic electricity, or electricity in
any of its forms or habitudes; with the apparatus of my said Invention the
engine driver receives such instantaneous notice of the presence of an obstruc-
tion on the line as he practically requires to enable him so to moderate his
speed as to assure him of safety at the point of his arrival at the given
obstruction. I make the following statement in detail of the practical points
of difference between the principle of construction and the action of this my
Invention and the principle of construction and the action of the system of
telegraphic communication on railways which are in ordinary use, in order
more fully to explain the modes of action of my Invention and its practical
advantages; that is to say, a train in its approach to a station, either upon
the down or the up line, at a given distance, gives instantaneous notice of its
arrival at that point of distance to the officer on duty at the station, and thus
enables him to prepare for its reception. If any obstruction be found upon
the line in advance of such advancing train which cannot be removed before
.

page_text: the time at which such train would arrive, the officer on duty at the station,
having set his apparatus accordingly, signals the advancing train at the same
moment that the said train gives him notice of its approach, and the driver
of its engine will instantaneously receive upon an instrument which is fixed
upon the dome or other part of the engine a notice to "stop," for which he
prepares in the usual manner. If, however, the line is perfectly free from
obstruction up to the station, the driver of the train having at the given
distance given notice to the station of his approach, as above described, at the
same moment, receives an instantaneous signal of "All is right." When the
train is proceeding on its journey, and has arrived at a point of distance beyond
the station that will render the line safe, it gives back notice that the line,
either up or down, is for that distance clear of obstruction, and so enables the
officer on duty properly to signal all other approaching trains upon the same
line of rail.
The prominent advantages of the system of action of my said Invention
may be enumerated as follows:-The simplicity and comprehensive character
of its code of signals, under all circumstances of light and darkness, as
fog, &c., the curvature of lines in the vicinity of stations, the inexpensive
character of its maintenance, requiring only the constant working of a small
voltaic battery at each station, and the extreme simplicity of its use, the
reading of the signal being given by a small instrument which is placed in the
engine immediately in front of the driver, and can neither be unobserved or
misunderstood.
My improvements as aforesaid arrange themselves in the following order and
manner:-
Figure 1 of Drawing No. 1 represents in front elevation a view of an
apparatus for making electro-magnetic signals, which I apply to and use for
the purpose of ascertaining, on a line of railway, the position or point of
distance of an engine or train on such line from a station or other given point.
Its action is as follows:-Upon the approach of a train towards a station one
of the indicators marked A, A, in the Drawing, which is there represented
pointing to the words "Line clear," takes up or assumes a new position, viz*,
pointing to the word "Train," and thus giving notice at the station that a
train is at that moment advancing towards it, and the indicator continues to
point to the same word "Train" so long as the advancing train continues its
progressive course towards the station. When the train has passed the
station by a sufficient distance to render that portion of the line secure or free
from danger for any following train to proceed upon the same line of rails
within those limits without risque of collision, then the action of the indicator

page_text: ;
is to resume its former position, viz, pointing to the words "Line clear."
The utility of this part of my Invention is manifest, for by its operation the
officer on duty at a station is duly and unerringly apprised of the approach of
a train, and is informed with precision of its distance from the station. When
the same train has arrived at and has passed the station, he is also duly and
unerringly apprised of its having attained a distance beyond it which renders
it safe to allow another and following train to proceed on the same course.
The mechanical construction of the aparatus, and the arrangement by which
this is effected, is shewn with reference to the Drawing No. 2, which repre-
sents the arrangement as I make it for one line of rails only. Description:-
A shews the indicator. B shews an electro-magnet placed in connection
with the line wire. C is the armature of the electro-magnet, and it is
held in its position either by a lever and counterpoise or by the tension
of a spring D, both or either. E is a small column on which the spring D
is supported. F, F, are adjusting screws for the regulation of the action of
the spring D and the armature C. G is a catch which is supported by the
spring or lever H, and having an attached armature I. K is an electro-
magnet in connection with the other line wire. L is an adjusting screw by
which the distance from the armature I is regulated. M is a supporting plate
or base on which the apparatus is arranged. N is the axis of the indicator A.
O is a pin passing through the axis N, and P an upright bar fixed to C,
through which the pin O passes for the purpose of giving motion to A, multi-
plying the distance through which A passes, and so producing a dead beat.
The action of the apparatus thus constructed and arranged is as follows:-
When a train is approaching a station, and has arrived at the prescribed
distance from it, it operates (by a means herein-after to be described) to close
the circuit of a voltaic battery in connexion with the electro-magnet B,
causing the armature C to be drawn downwards by attraction, giving motion
to the indicator A, which at the same time it becomes and remains fixed in
the catch G, and where it so remains during the time the train occupies in its
advance to the station. When the train has arrived at the station, and has
progressed to a sufficient distance beyond it to render it perfectly safe for
another train to follow it on the same line of rails (estimated with due reference
to the relative speed of such two trains), then the first advancing train, (by a
means also to be hereafter described, again operates to close the voltaic battery
in connexion with the electro-magnet K, which, causing the armature I to be
drawn towards it by attraction, releases the catch G from the holding position it
before had, and C, P, and O, are lifted through a sufficient space by the action
of the spring D or lever and counterpoise, and releasing the indicator from

page_text: the fixed position it was caused to assume on the advance of the train towards
the station, it resumes its former free position. In both the Figures I and 2
of the Drawing the same letters of reference are set upon and indicate the
same parts. respectively.
Figure 3 represents the method I use to make or establish a connexion
with the line wires and of closing the circuit of the voltaic battery at the
station. A, A, shew the line of rails; B, a sleeper or block of wood by
which I attach the connecting bars to the sleepers of the line; C', C³, shew
two bars of iron or other metal, and which are fixed or secured to B.
D, D, D, D, are four blocks of insulating material, and by which the bars
C¹, C², are supported. The bars C³, C², are attached to the line wires by
insulating those wires and passing them beneath the rails, one line wire to
each bar forming the termination of the poles of the voltaic battery at the
distant station, requiring only metallic contact between C', C, to be made to
establish a current of electricity from the battery through the magnet B,
Figure 2, through the line wire to C', thence across to C³, or vice versa to C³,
and thence across by C', and after thence to the battery at the station, which
contact is made by the approaching train by means herein-after to be described
operating the required action of the indicator A, Figure 2, as herein-before
described. In general practice I find this arrangement and construction of
effective and correct action, and prefer it in use; but as under varying
circumstances it will occasionally be found necessary to
arrangements and constructions and make other combinations of the same,
and such other arrangements, constructions, and combinations I claim to
make and use, provided in all cases that they be such as naturally fall within
the limits of the same general principal of construction and action as the
former herein described. One of such methods is shewn in the Figures 3 and
4, as follows: A is a cylinder of metal; B is a piston rod, which works in
the cylinder A; C, a double incline, which is fixed to the piston B; and D, a
spring for the purpose of securing C in its place. Two of these cylinders
(having a wire leading from each and insulated from the other parts of the
engine, which said wires are attached to the instrument fixed upon the engine)
are fixed upon a block of wood which is attached to the engine-tender, or any
convenient part of the train, in such a manner and position that the train
when in motion shall cause the inclines C, C, of Fig. 3, 4, to slide up the
inclines C, C2, of Fig. 1 of the metal bars, which are fixed upon the line, thus
closing the circuit of the voltaic battery by allowing the current to pass along
the two insultated wires and through the instrument fixed upon the engine.
modify these

page_text: Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, shew other modifications by which the same end is
effected, viz, to close the voltaic circuit.
Figure 5 shews a spring connected with the line wires insulated from the
earth by any suitable non-conducting material A, A. Figure 6 shews a
metal bar which works upon a pin A, and has a lever B attached to it,
and to this is suspended a counterpoise weight C, and the whole is
insulated by D. Figure 3, in Drawing No. 5, shows another modification
of the apparatus for the same purpose. A is a bar of metal, which is
insulated by B, B, and in connection with the line wire C, being a block of
wood, which is fixed to any convenient part of the train. D is a bar of metal,
which is fixed to the block C. E is a metal spring brush, constructed of
elastic wire or any arrangement of a series of elastic springs of any suitable
metal; two of such brushes or series of springs are fixed to the block C, and
being made of a suitable length, upon the approach of a train towards the
bar A, they brush over it with its progress, and so form metallic contact with
the line wires. D is a metal spring, the flexure of which after contact is
prevented by the suspender E, and for the same purpose. Figure 8 is another
modification of the Figures 3 and 4.
Drawing No. 4 shews the method of completing the circuit of the
voltaic battery and magnet K (of Drawing No. 2) when the train has
arrived at a sufficient distance past the station to render the line safe for a
following train, and without making any connection with the parts shewn in
the Drawing No. 3. A, A, shews the line of rails; B, B, a block of wood
attached to the sleepers; C, a treadle upon which the flange of the wheels
press, operating to make the treadle move through a small space downwards,
and so giving motion to an axle D, which raises a lever E, E, actuating
the motion of a crank F, and thus completing the circuit. G, G, G, shew a
box which is placed at the side of the rails, or in any other convenient
position; H is the support for the axis and crank F, F; I is a curved
spring fixed upon the axle ; K, K, two strips of metal connected with the
line wires by the binding screws L, L; M is a string, by which I is pressed
and secured upon N when out of action. When the treadle C is pressed
upon the lever E is raised, and forces up the crank F, operating to make a
spring I come in contact with the metal strips K, K, and thus completing the
circuit.
Drawing No. 5. Figure 1 shews another method which I use to signal the
station of the approach and the departure of a train, by causing the flanges of
the wheels to close the circuit of the line wires. Thus A, A, shew the rails;

page_text: B, a small box, containing the connecting spring apparatus, which is placed
either between the rails, as shewn in the figure of the Drawing, or in any
other convenient position. C is a curved lever, which presses against the side
of the rail. D, D, D, are a counterpoise, by which the curved lever C is kept
to such action of pressure. In Figure 2 is shewn the interior construction of
the box B. A is a framework of metal, in which the rod B is allowed to
work freely up and down, but which (when not influenced by the lever C,
Figure 1) is kept in one position by the action of the spring C. D is a
curved metallic spring, which, when the rod B is moved by the lever C of
Fig. 1, presses upon E, E, two plates of metal, which are in connection with.
the line wires from the station. Now, when a train approaches the lever C
of Figure 1, the flanges of its wheels open the lever C from the rail, which,
pressing down the rod B of Figure 2, the spring B then presses upon the
plates of metal E, E, and thus closing the electric circuit, gives the required
signal.
Drawing No. 6. In this the Figure 1 represents a front view of what I
term a single station instrument, having its dial plate removed in order to shew
the magnetic needle and the poles of the electro-magnet. Figure 2 shews a
side elevation of the same, and Figure 3 a view in horizontal plan; the
letters of reference of these Figures being placed respectively to the same
parts. A, A, are the poles of an electro-magnet; B a magnetic needle which
is freely suspended upon the pivot C, and communicates its motion to one of
the indicators shewn at (Figure 1 of the Drawing No. 1); D shews one
extremity of the wire as coiled round the electro-magnet and in connection
with the battery; E is the same connected with one of the line wires, and I
coil the magnet so that when a current of electricity passes in the direction
D, E, it produces south polarity in the core on the right hand and north
polarity in the core on the left hand, then by the known laws of megnatic
attraction and repulsion the north pole of the permanent magnet B will be
repelled from the north pole of the temporary magnet A, and will be attracted
by the opposite pole S. This current being thus established, it consequently
causes the indicator to move whenever a train makes a connection with the
line wires by any of the methods herein-before described. It will be seen
that if the current of electricity here described is allowed to pass only in the
direction D, E, it then becomes necessary to place another electro-magnet
immediately opposite and facing the former magnet, in order to bring the
needle back again to its first position, and this is represented in the Drawings
and shewn at A'. The action is thus exhibited :-When a train approaches that
point on the rails at which the connection herein-before described takes place,

page_text: the electric current will leave the battery at the station at D, will pass through
the magnet A, will cause the indicator and permanent magnet to take up a
new position, giving the signal of the train's approach, and by the mutual
attraction of the permanent magnet B with the soft iron cores N, S, the
permanent magnet will retain whichever of the two positions in which it may
be placed until the time has arrived when the train, having progressed to a
sufficient distance beyond the station, connection with the line wires will
again take place, and the current will pass through D, E, of the temporary
magnet A¹, A (of Fig. 3), which in its turn will cause the magnet B to
resume its former position.
Drawing No. 8 shews the method I use to communicate a signal to an
approaching train, which signal is regulated by the apparatus at the station
for the purpose of receiving such signal, as herein-before described.
Figure 1 shews the external arrangement of the apparatus I use for giving
the signal with the indicator pointing to the signal "All right," and such
indicator is kept to the signal "All right" when the indicator of the receiving
apparatus points to the words "Line clear," for the obvious reason that if the
line is clear it is safe, and only then, to give the signal "All right" to any
approaching train; if, however, the station indicator points to the word
"Train," then it shews that a train is either immediately approaching or
departing from the station, and that consequently another train should not be
allowed to enter the station until the indicator shall resume its former position
at "Line clear." Then the indicator must be put over to "Stop" in order to
signal the next train, and that by an apparatus herein-after to be described.
Figure 2 shews the internal arrangement of the Figure 1. It consists of a
cylinder of wood or other non-conducting substance. Upon the circum-
ference of this I fix six pieces of metal A, B, C, D, E, F, upon which
there press five springs of metal, two of them marked W, W (in con-
nection with the line wires), and three others N, P, N (in connection
with the battery), N' N², in connection with the negative pole, and P
connected with the positive. The action of this apparatus (to reverse the
direction of a current of electricity) is as follows:-A positive current entering
the instrument by the spring P passes across a piece of metal E to the
spring W, then along the wire line to its destination, back by a second
wire to W, then across the plate D, and so completing the circuit. If
the cylinder of wood with the six pieces of metal, as above described,
be made by any means partially to revolve, then the three other plates
shown in Fig. 3, will be brought into contact with the five springs, as
before described, but in such a manner that the current of electricity will

page_text: now be reversed, and consequently by reversing the current along the line
wires either of the signals, "All right" or "Stop," can be communicated to
the approaching train by means of the instrument fixed upon the engine.
The novelty of this arrangement consists in the having two springs N1, N2, as
the medium for completing the circuit, by which arrangement cross pieces of
metal are avoided, which by induction materially obstruct the transmission of
electric currents.
Figures 4 and 5 shew an arrangement by which a signal can be given to an
approaching train without the necessity of insulating the conducting media, by
which means a much smaller power will be requisite to produce a given effect,
the battery being placed at the point where the signal is given instead of, as
before, at the station. A shews an instrument the same as Figs. 1, 2, 3, as
regards its internal arrangements, having the battery placed within it, and
instead of the handle (in Fig. 1) having a lever B fixed to a wire of any
required length at C, and terminating at an apparatus Fig. 5. The counter-
poise and lever D, E, (Fig. 4,) operate to keep the whole in a proper position.
In Fig. 1 the current is reversed, and the signal is given by the action of the
handle. The same result is obtained by moving the lever A, Fig. 5, which by
means of the. wire moves C of Fig. 4.
Engine Indicator.-In the Drawing No. 1, Fig. 1 shews a front elevation of
an apparatus which is to be fixed upon the dome of an engine or any other
convenient part of the train. A is the dial, shewing 2 signals, viz., Stop and
All right. B is a fixed screen, behind which the indicators are placed. C, C,
are two wires or conductors in connection with the "factometers" herein-
before described. D is a small bandle, by which a piston rod E is worked,
passing through a stuffing box F, for the purpose of resetting the indicators
after the signal has been given. Fig. 2 is the internal front elevation, having
its dial plate and axle supports removed to show better the working parts
more distinctly. A, A, are the indicators, mounted on axles B, B. C, C,
are two electro-magnets. D', D2, are two permanent magnets mounted in
such manner that although the current of electricity passes through both
the electro-magnets C, C³, yet only one of the permanent magnets is
attracted. Thus, if we suppose the current to go through the electro-magnet C³,
and then on to C², in the direction of the arrows, north polarity will be pro-
duced in the two poles of the electro-magnets nearest to the front of the
instrument, and consequently the poles of the permanently magnets being placed
in contrary positions, it is evident by the known laws of magnetic attraction
and repulsion that D' will be attracted towards C', whilst D' will be unable
to change its position, being repelled, but kept fixed by the axle of B. Now if

page_text: we reverse the direction of the current, we also reverse the polarity of the
electro-magnets, and the contrary effect will then be produced, and D2 will
then be attracted, and D' fixed. E, E, are two slender springs pressing on small
pins projecting from the axles B, B, for the purpose of giving motion to the
indicators. F, F, are two catches which keep A, A, in their vertical position
until either of the permanent magnets being withdrawn, the springs E, E,
allows the indicators to take up a new position. G, G, are the two wires
from C¹, C², fixed to tactometers (Figs. 3 and 4, Drawing No. 3). H is a con-
tinuation of the piston rod E of the Fig. 1, to press upon two pieces of metal
fixed on to the axis B, B, one of which is seen in I,) and which is kept in
its position by an helical spring K. Fig. 3 is a horizontal ground plan of the
Fig. 2, the letters referring to the same parts respectively as in the Fig. 2. The
wires G, G, being fixed on to the tactometers, when the engine makes a con-
nection with the line wires it follows that the current must pass through
C³, C2, before the circuit can be completed, and upon the direction of the said
current will depend the motion of either of the indicators A, A, and thus
giving the required signal to the engine driver. After the signal has been
given the engine driver by pressing upon the knob D brings back the indicator
behind the screen B (of Figure 1), so as to be reacted upon. The whole
of the signalling apparatus is thus arranged:-At the station is fixed Figure 1,
Drawing No. 1, for the purpose of ascertaining the position of any train;
and for the more effectual working of the Figure 1, of Drawing No. 7.
Figure 1, Drawing No. 8, (the engine indicator), is to be placed upon the
engine, and the movement of either of the indicators A, A, is controlled by
Figure 1, Drawing No. 7, and to whichever of the signals its indicator points
the same will be received by the approaching train. The precise details
of Figures 1, 2, and 3 (engine indicator) I do not confine myself to, as an
instrument similar to Fig. 1, Drawing No. 6, if placed upon the engine, will
effect the same purpose by substituting a different dial plate.
In the Drawing No. 7, Figure 1 shews an elevation of an apparatus which I
use for giving audible sounds, and Figure 2 shews a horizontal plan of the
same, their letters of reference being placed on the same parts respectively in
both those Figures. A is an electro-magnet in connection with the line wire,
and forms part of the electric circuit. Bis the armature of the magnet A, which
is drawn downwards by attraction when A has the current passing through
it. C, C, C, mark a slender metallic spring giving support to the armature B,
which itself rests upon the pillar D, and having screw adjustments at E.
F is a pillar holding a disc of platinum G, G. H is an adjusting screw
having a platinum wire passing through its centre, and also through the

page_text: spring C, C, C, and so adjusted thereto as to stand at a small distance
from the platinum dise G, G. I is an electro-magnet, put in connection with
a local battery, and having an armature K, which is supported by a spring L,
or lever and counterpoise, carrying a striking hammer M of a bell. N shews
the bell itself. The wire of the local battery passes from the terminal O to
the pillar D, where it is prevented making contact (when in a state of rest)
with the disc G, G, by the action of the spring C. One extremity of the wire
from the magnet I is fixed to the pillar F, while the other end is fixed to the
remaining pole of the local battery, and the action of the apparatus is as
follows: If a current of electricity proceeding from a distant place be
transmitted through the magnet A, it causes the armature B to, be drawn
downwards by attraction, and the platinum wire H then comes in contact with
the disc G, G; the current from the local battery thus passes through the magnet
I, and this exercises a powerful attraction on the armature K, and causes the
hammer M to strike upon the bell N, and such effect is reproduced at each
passage of the current through the magnet A. I here desire it to be
understood that the principle of calling local batteries into action being well
knewn does not form any part of my claim in the apparatus herein last
described, but that what I do claim therein is the general construction and
arrangement of the apparatus, with especial reference to the contact pieces,
which are applicable to a variety of useful constructions and purposes, on account
of the facilities by which a fresh contact surface can be renewed at pleasure by
rotating the disc on its own plane and on its centre, so as to present a fresh
surface to the point of H. It is well known that when the contact of an electric
circuit is broken the phenomenon is exhibited, which in common parlance is
termed the electric spark, and the constant result of this is generally found in
practice to produce oxidation or other injury of the contact surfaces, more or
Jess, so as ultimately to render points of contact imperfect. To remedy this
evil various plans have been devised; platinum with its various alloys have
been employed, but hitherto such contact points or plates have required
frequent renewal; it is, therefore, evident that by adopting a circular disc, that
can be rotated afresh on its centre, a fresh portion of surface can at pleasure
be brought under the contact point.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and the manner
in which the same is to be performed, I would here have it to be understood
that although I have herein set forth particular examples and instances of
express organizations in shewing, referring to, and in describing the same, and
various arrangements more or less in detail of the machinery and apparatus
used and applied by me in carrying out my said Invention, yet I say that I

page_text: present the same in this my Specification of the same rather as modes of
elucidation of the principle of construction, and as giving some positive modes
of organization for those principles of construction, than as exclusively and
strictly confining myself to, or giving them as the only definite and positive
modes of practical construction in which my Invention is to be carried out.
But that I claim them generally in the manner and as they are herein stated,
but not confining myself to such precise organizations, such actual com-
binations, or such definite and fixed applications, provided the peculiar
character of any or either part of the said Invention, or the entirety thereof,
in its principle of construction and practical use, be used, retained, or put in
practice under any change or changes of form and configuration, any
transposition of parts or any modification thereof whatsoever.
In witness whereof, I, the said Edward Tyer, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, the Twentieth day of July, in the year of our Lord One
Enrolled the Twentieth day of July, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.