Improved Means for Signalling at Sea, or for other Signalling Purposes.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 30th Dec., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 30th Sept., 1896-Accepted, 31st Oct., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Means for Signalling at Sea, or for other Signalling
Purposes.
We, GERARD JOHAN PIETERS of 96 Van Baerlestraat and ISIDOR SELTEN
of 310 N Z Voorburgwal both in Amsterdam in the Kingdom of Holland
Merchants do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
Seamen and travellers generally are well acquainted with the uncertainty and
insecurity due to fogs or snow in much-frequented waters; whilst at night time
the hitherto existing means provided to enable vessels to communicate almost
invariably prove far from satisfactory. All they have had at their disposal
hitherto has been the signalling or alarm whistle for foggy weather, or coloured
lamps or other artificial lights for the night; signalling by means of flags,
pennants, streamers or the like,--serviceable though it be in the light of day,-
being of course utterly unavailing after dark. But it is chiefly in fogs that the
ordinary alarm whistle or "call" is found altogether inadequate to its purpose;
for although the occupants of one vessel, enveloped by a fog, may hear such a
whistle or call, proceeding from another vessel, it is impossible for them to
ascertain the course or direction being taken by the vessel, the audible signal
indicating only the side on which the vessel happens to be situated; an indication
which, however, only adds to the danger, since it fails to suggest any means for
avoiding the disaster which it threatens. What is, therefore, imperatively needed
is that the signalling arrangement employed should determine the direction which
the ship in motion is following, and not inerely so far as herself is concerned, but
more particularly as regards her relation to the cardinal points of the compass.
It will be readily understood that if vessels progressing in a fog, can inform each
other of the exact course pursued by each, every cause of collision must be
removed if only proper watchfulness and care are exercised by the respective
crews. This object is fully attained by the present invention.
According to this invention instead of the single call or whistle, as at present
employed, use is made of a number of audible signals, or calls, (hereinafter
referred to as "trumpets") each of which is constructed or tuned to emit a
perfectly distinct sound or note. Thus the four notes forming the perfect major
chord of a scale, may be used, that is to say the tonic or key note (whatever it
With C, for a
may be) and the third, the perfect fifth, and the octave thereof.
key-note, for example, C, E, G, C would be the notation, or with D, for a key
note D. FA. D.
The four harmonic notes of a chord (the triad and octave) are preferred, because
the difference between them is readily noticeable even by an unpractised ear; but
it will be understood that a greater or lesser number of different sounds, or a series
of sounds taken at different intervals, may be employed without departing from
the nature of this invention. Thus the minor chord of a scale may be employed;
or an incomplete chord such as the following;-C. G. C or C. C separated by an
octave.
The important point is that the sounds should be readily distinguishable from
each other, so that they may be severally used to represcut, say, thousands,
hundreds, tens and units, and thus to form numbers, whereby reference may be had
to a conventional, and preferably international, code, as hereinafter more
particularly explained. The sounds or notes may be combined in a predetermined
order of succession, say, in gradually ascending tones, always commencing with the
key-note; and the sound of the fog horn may be caused to enter, or form part, of

page_text: the combination, if desired; in which case such fog horn will preferably be sounded
first, to call attention to the ensuing signal from the trumpets and once more after
the signal, to indicate that the signal is completed. For example the following
shews how numbers may be formed by varying the number, and time of duration,
of the successive sounds from the trumpets :-
"
whistles
3
"
"
each)
2
"
"
3
3
3
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
4
2 3
4
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
1 prolonged whistle (lasting 5 or 6 seconds
do.
5 6
"
."
دو
do.
6
دو
"
"
1
do.
5 6
"
"
"
1
do.
5
6
"
"
"
2
do. whistles
5 6
"
"
"
each)
may signify
plus 1 brief whistle = 6
2
whistles
-
7
"
"
8
"
"
4
"
"
9
= 10
This, of course, applies equally to the key-notes, and to their thirds, fifths and
octaves; so that by varying these different combinations according to the
circumstances or requirements of each case, 10,000 different signals may be
produced. Supposing, it is desired to give the signal represented by the No. 2132
in the code; and assuming C to be the key-note, then the trumpets giving the
following notes will be sounded at equal intervals of time, viz. :-( twice, E once,
G thrice, C twice.
Or let the desired number be 1321; then the succession of notes to be sounded
will be-C once, E thrice, G twice, Conce, and so forth, crotchets being
employed to represent short "calls". of 2 or 3 seconds each, and minims ()) to
represent the longer "calls," lasting from 5 to 6 seconds; No. 5162, for example,
being sounded as follows:-C minim 5; E crotchet 1; G minim and
G crotchet .6; C crotchet twice = 2.
=
Whoever hears a signal,such as this is thus enabled readily to count the number
of times each note is played and thereby to know the number the several sounds
are meant to represent and then he can refer to the code to ascertain the purport
of the signal. The expedient of having short sounds (of 2 or 3 seconds) for some
of the units and longer ones (of at least 5 or 6 seconds) for the others is that too
frequent a repetition of the same note might prove inconvenient or confusing.
In establishing a special "Fog Code" it will prove advantageous to simplify the
signals by using, say, short sounds, only, so that they may quickly be acted upon.
Here is an illustration of a possible fog code:-

page_text: direction, while being but faintly audible elsewhere; whereby confusion and loss
of sound will be obviated. To the transmitter of sound a strap may be attached,
and carried over a pulley secured to the funnel or any convenient portion of the
rigging or the like, so that the said transmitter may be raised or lowered to any
desired angle with the horizon. A suitable arrangement for the purpose of
sounding the signals consists of galvanized steel wires or rods passing over pulleys
to convey motion to the cocks or valves, whereby the trumpets are operated, from
levers placed within easy reach of the person in charge.
The pulleys are arranged to enable the valves of the trumpets to be fully
opened by a comparatively slight oscillation of the said levers, so that there need
be no groping or fumbling about before the proper signals are operated, and
consequently errors are avoided. By such means, the person in charge, while
properly supervising the different departments which claim his attention, and
continuing to give orders in the customary way, may, without intermediate agency,
signal another vessel, which the fog prevents him from seeing, so as to arrange the
course to be taken by each of the two vessels in order to ensure their mutual
safety and prevent collision, such correspondence being carried on with the
assistance of a code of reference which should be international as before stated.
The list of fog signals should be clearly written and exhibited in a conspicuous
position on deck; and in order the better to provide against possible mistakes, it
may be advisable to have the first figure of each number painted a different colour
from the rest, say red, and to have the lever operating the corresponding whistle,
painted the same colour; that whistle being here assumed to produce the deepest
or lowest sound. In order to prevent water of condensation from collecting in the
trumpet pipes and interfering with their satisfactory operation suitable means
should be provided. for the discharge of such water; such means being set in
operation either before or during the operation of the whistles.
These signals are applicable not only to vessels in fogs, but will prove serviceable
for night signalling generally i.e. whenever it happens to be desirable for two
vessels to communicate with each other, or for a vessel to communicate with a
station on shore, or for two distant stations or points to communicate. Thus it
may be utilized for communications within a besieged, fortified place or city, in
which case the trumpets should be raised to a higher level.
In some cases, where compressed air or other gas, or, indeed steam, is used, the
apparatus may be erected upon a carriage and thus made portable.
It will be understood that as the code of signals is a matter of convention, the
meaning or purport of each signal may be made to vary by mutual agreement
between the intending correspondents.
Other whistles or trumpets may be employed and the apparatus employed to
operate them may also vary in the details of its construction as that which is here
di scribed is merely intended to exemplify the manner in which the invention may
be carried out.
Dated. this 30th day of December 1895
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.

page_text: Improved Means for Signalling at Sea, or for other Signalling
Purposes.
We, GERARD JOHAN PIETERS, of 96 Van Baerlestraat, and ISIDOR SELTEN,
of 310 N¹ Z¹ Voorburgwal, both in Amsterdam, in the Kingdom of Holland,
Merchants, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
Seamen and travellers generally are well acquainted with the uncertainty and
insecurity due to fogs or snow in much frequented waters; whilst at night time
the hitherto existing means provided to enable vessels to communicate almost
invariably prove far from satisfactory. All they have had at their disposal
hitherto has been the signalling or alarm whistle for foggy weather, or coloured
lamps or other artificial lights for the night; signalling by means of flags, pennants,
streamers or the like, serviceable though it be in the light of day, being of course
utterly unavailing after dark. But it is chiefly in fogs that the ordinary aların
whistle or "call" is found altogether inadequate to its purpose; for although the
occupants of one vessel enveloped by a fog, may hear such a whistle or call, pro-
ceeding from another vessel, it is impossible for them to ascertain the course or
direction being taken by the vessel, the audible signal indicating only the side on
which the vessel happens to be situated; an indication which, however, only adds
to the danger, since it fails to suggest any means for avoiding the disaster which it
threatens. What is, therefore, imperatively, needed is that the signalling arrange-
ment employed should determine the direction which the ship in motion is following,
and not merely, so far as herself is concerned but more particularly as regards her
relation to the cardinal points of the compass. It will be readily understood that
if vessels progressing in a fog, can inform each other of the exact course pursued
by each, every cause of collision, must be removed if only proper watchfulness and
care are exercised by the respective crews. This object is fully attained by the
present invention.
According to this invention instead of the single call or whistle, as at present
employed use is made of a number of audible signals or calls (hereinafter referred
to as "trumpets") each of which is constructed or tuned to emit a perfectly distinct
sound or note. Thus the four notes forming the perfect major chord of a scale
may be used, that is to say the tonic or key note (whatever it may be) and the
third the perfect fifth and the octave thereof. With C for the key note, for
example CE G C would be the notation: or with D for the key note D F A D.
The four harmonic notes of a chord (the triad and octave) are preferred, because
the difference between them is readily noticeable even by an unpractised ear; but
it will be understood that a greater or lesser number of different sounds, or a series
of sounds taken at different intervals may be employed without departing from the
nature of this invention. Thus the minor chord of a scale may be employed; or
an incomplete chord such as the following: C. G. C or C C separated by an
octave.
The important point is that the sounds should be readily distinguishable from
each other, so that they may be severally used to represent, say, thousands,
hundreds, tens and units, and thus to form numbers, whereby reference may be had
to a conventional, and preferably international code, as hereinafter more particularly
explained. The sounds or notes may be combined in a predetermined order of
succession, say, in gradually ascending tones, always commencing with the key-
note; and the sound of the fog born may be caused to enter or form part of the
combination, if desired; in which case such fog horn will preferably be sounded

page_text: first, to call attention to the ensuing signal from the trumpets and once more after
the signal, to indicate that the signal is completed. For example the following
shews how numbers may be formed by varying the number, and time of duration,
of the successive sounds from the trumpets:
1 prolonged whistle (lasting 5 or 6 seconds
do.
6
"
"
99
may signify
plus 1 brief whistle
=
do.
5
6
whistles
"
"
"
"
"
1
do.
6
3
=
"
"
"
"
"
do.
5 6
4
"
"
دو
ور
32
"
do: whistles
"
each)
== 10
567893
This of course' applies equally to the key notes, and to their thirds, fifths and
octaves; so that by varying these different combinations according to the circum-
stances or requirements of each case, 10,000 different signals may be produced.
Supposing, it is desired to give the signal represented by the No. 2132 in the code;
and assuming C to be the key-note; then the trumpets giving the following notes
will be sounded' at equal intervals of time viz. :-C twice; Ę once; G thrice;
C twice:
Or let the desired number be 1321; then the succession of notes to be sounded
will be Conce; E thrice; G twice; C once and so forth, crotchets being
employed to represent short "calls" of 2 of 3 seconds each, and minims to
represent the longer "calls," lasting from 5 to 6 seconds; No. 5162, for example
being sounded' as follows:-Lower C minim E crotchet = 1; G'minim and
G crotchet 6; higher C crotchet twice
-
-
2.
5 ;
Whoever hears a sigual such as this is thus enabled readily to count the number
of times each note is played, and thereby to know the number the several sounds
are meant to represent; and then he can refer to the code to ascertain the purport
of the signal.
The expedient of having short sounds (of 2 or 3 seconds) for some of the units,
and longer ones' (of at least 5 or 6 seconds) for the others is that too frequent a
repetition of the same note might prove inconvenient or confusing. In establishing
a special "Fog Code" it will prove advantageous to simplify the signals by using,
say, short sounds' only, so that they may quickly be acted upon. Here is an
illustration of a possible fog code:

page_text: transmitter D, whilst the other should be readily removable for purposes of
inspection, cleaning or repairs.
Owing to the adjustable nature of the transmitter of sound, which enables it to
be turned in any required direction the sound may be directed wherever required,
and carried to great distances in the direction of the signalling (or responding)
vessel, in such a manner that it is very distinct and powerful in that particular
direction, while being but faintly audible elsewhere; whereby confusion and loss
of sound will be obviated. To the transmitter of sound a strap may be attached,
and carried over a pulley secured to the funnel or any convenient portion of
the rigging or the like, so that the said transmitter may be raised or lowered to
any desired angle with the horizon. A suitable arrangement for the purpose of
sounding the signals consists of galvanized steel wires or rods G passing over
pulleys H to convey motion to the cocks or valves, whereby the trumpets are
operated, from levers I placed within easy reach of the person in charge. The
pulleys H are arranged to enable the valves of the trumpets to be fully opened by
a comparatively slight oscillation of the said levers, so that there need be no
groping or fumbling about before the proper signals are operated, and consequently
errors are avoided. By such means the person in charge while properly super-
vising the different departments which claim his attention, and continuing to give
orders in the customary way, may, without intermediate agency, signal another
vessel which the fog prevents him from seeing, so as to arrange the course to be
taken by each of the two vessels in order to ensure their mutual safety and prevent
collision; such correspondence being carried on with the assistance of a code of
reference, which should be international as before stated. The list of fog signals
should be clearly written and exhibited in a conspicuous position on deck; and in
order the better to provide against possible mistakes, it may be advisable to have
the first figure of each number painted a different colour from the rest, say, red,
and to have the lever, operating the corresponding whistle, painted the same
colour; that whistle being here assumed to produce the deepest or lowest sound.
In order to prevent water of condensation from collecting in the trumpet pipes
and interfering with their satisfactory operation suitable means should be provided
for the discharge of such water; such means being set in operation either before
or during the operation of the whistles.
These signals are applicable not only to vessels in fogs, but will
prove serviceable
for night signalling generally, i.e. whenever it happens to be desirable for two
vessels to communicate with each other, or for a vessel to communicate with a
station on shore, or for two distant stations or points to communicate. Thus it
may be utilized for communications within a besieged fortified place or city, in
which case the trumpets should be raised to a higher level.
In some cases, where compressed air or other gas, or, indeed, steam, is used, the
apparatus may be erected upon a carriage and thus made portable.
It will be understood that as the code of signals is a matter of convention, the
meaning or purport of each signal may be made to vary by mutual agreement
between the intending correspondents.
Other whistles or trumpets, may be employed and the apparatus employed to
operate them may also vary in the details of its construction as that which is here
described is merely intended to exemplify the manner in which the invention may
be carried out.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. A signalling apparatus or arrangement mainly consisting of a number of
whistles or trumpets or equivalent sounding devices of predetermined different aud
clearly distinguishable tones, so that they can be caused to produce certain
musical phrases or tunes which can bear relation to numbers the meanings of which
are recorded in a code previously agreed upon, whereby, advice or information can

page_text: be transmitted from one pre-determined point to another substantially as herein-
before explained.
2. In an arrangement the subject of the preceding claiming clause and having
devices sounded by means of steam, compressed air or other gas under pressure
the combination of a turning and adjustable transmitter of sound and operating
mechanism therefor, consisting of rods or links pulleys and levers or equivalent
devices all substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore described and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
3. The special arrangement of signalling apparatus herein before described and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings whether erected on board ship or on land.
or other place and whether portable or not.
Dated this 30th day of September 1896.
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents..