IMPROVEMENTS IN. DETONATING FOG SIGNALS FOR RAILWAYS
Year: 1885

page_text: I WILLIAM FRANCIS RUSTON, of 13 Globe Terrace, Fairfield Road, Pond Lane,
Clapton, in the County of Middlesex, Pyrotechnist, do hereby declare the nature
of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN. DETONATING FOG SIGNALS FOR RAILWAYS,"
to be as follows:-
In the construction of ordinary detonating fog signals a double case is used, the
inner one containing the explosive materials, and the outer case being afterwards
added and pressed into position by the application thereto of a suitable press, the
whole being then painted to render the same weather proof.
Now the object of my invention is to manufacture such cases in a more simple.
and efficient manner, rendering them cheaper both in construction and manu-
facture, more portable and less liable to accident.
I form my improved box in two parts, consisting of a bottom plate with the
sides or edges turned upwards to enclose the lid. The latter in like manner
consists of a single plate with the sides or edges turned down. These two parts
are each formed by stamping to the required shape by means of suitable dies. The
usual clips are added to enable the signal to be fixed to the rail.
My improved signals may be used with gunpowder, or any other suitable
explosive material and means for igniting the same by the pressure of the wheel.
on the rail,
.
12
When my improved boxes have been filled with the necessary ingredients, a
little Brunswick black or other suitable varnish is passed round the inside between
the edges, which renders the joint watertight. The whole is then painted in the
usual manner.
:
My improved boxes are smaller in diameter, thinner, and formed of lighter
material than ordinary boxes, and are put together by hand; not requiring a press
to complete the manipulation.

page_text: WILLIAM FRANCIS RUSTON of 13 Globe Terrace, Pond Lane Clapton in the County
of Middlesex, Pyrotechnist, I 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:-
In the construction of ordinary detonating fog signals a double case is used, the
inner one containing the explosive material and the outer case being afterwards
added and pressed into position by the application thereto of a suitable, press or
other machine, the whole being then painted to render the same weather proof.
Now the object of my invention is to manufacture such cases in a more simple
and efficient manner, rendering them cheaper both in construction & manufacture
more portable and less liable to accident when closing or from other operations in
making such generally now in use.
I form my improved box, case, or cover, in two parts, shape, form, or dimensions
being no object, it consist of a bottom plate with the sides or edges turned
upwards to enclose the lid. The latter in like manner consists of a single plate
with the sides or edges turned down. These two parts are each formed by
stamping or other approved method, to the required shape, by means of suitable
dies or other appliances. The usual clips are added to enable the signal to be fixed
to the rail or were required. My improved signals may be used with gunpowder,
or any other suitable explosive material and means for igniting the same by the
pressure of the wheel on the rail, or what other pressure it may be desired to come
in contact with the case containing the explosive.
When my improved boxes have been filled with the necessary ingredients, a little
Brunswick black, or other suitable material or substance, is passed round the inside
between the edges, which renders the joint or cover watertight.
The whole is then painted in the usual manner, or coated with suitable
substances.
My improved cases are smaller, thinner and formed of lighter material than
ordinary ones in use, are put together by hand, not requiring a press to complete
the manipulation. When the explosion occurs the whole portions of the cases are
left on the rail and are not liable to fly as those now in general use.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
(1.) The manufacture of detonating fog signals for railways or other purposes,
cases closed by hand instead of presses, or machines now in use.
(2.) Making fog signals, in cases or covers made in two pieces or parts only.
(3.) Further safety in the manufacture and further safety in using, not being
liable for the pieces or parts to fly from the rail or whatsoever else attached to,
when explosion takes place.
Datedthin 2nd day of May 1886