IMPROVEMENTS IN INDICATING APPARATUS APPLICABLE TO RAILWAYS
Year: 1884

page_text: I JAMES MURDOCH NAPIER of York Road Lambeth in the County of Surrey
Engineer do hereby declare the nature of my invention for " IMPROVEMENTS IN
INDICATING APPARATUS APPLICABLE TO RAILWAYS" to be as follows:-
My invention is intended for use on locomotives and tenders, guards vans and
railway cars and carriages, and consists of mechanism with dial and pointer or
other suitable indicating means so contrived and connected with a running wheel
or axle (by preference an axle) that the pointer or dial as the case may be is caused.
to move as the train moves and in such proportion that a certain convenient
distance or division on the dial will represent the movement of the train one mile,
the calculations for the connections to my indicator being made upon the basis
of the circumference of the running wheel from the axle of which the motion is
taken. These divisions may be carried entirely round the dial or partly only if
desired and may be numbered in which case the numbers would usually run from
zero or a principal station from which distances are counted and known on the
line. I provide means by which the pointer or dial as the case may be can be set
with facility to any position to suit the position of the train.
By such means the pointer or dial as the case may be will be set to indicate zero
on the dial when the train is at the principal station and from that or any other
position on the line to which the pointer or dial may be set the pointer or dial as
the case may be will move indicating the progress of the train. I arrange on the
dial not only divisions indicating miles which in certain cases may be dispensed
with as on lines where there are many stations and very short distances between
them but I also arrange and indicate on the dial in a clear manner the positions on
the line, of stations, signal stations, signal posts, level crossings, curves, gradients,
rising and falling levels and the rates of speed to be travelled by the train at
specified places or positions on the line as well as other instructions such as when
to go slow, when to put on the break, which may be considered advisable to secure
the safe punctual and otherwise satisfactory working of the train.
I arrange the dials of my indicators so that the whole or a portion may be
removed and another dial or suitable parts can be put in place of the dial or parts
removed. By this means my indicator can be used on various lines of railway the
dials or parts of dials being changed to suit the route upon which it is to be used.
In long journeys also when the indications of the whole route cannot be clearly
placed on one dial I arrange so that the dial or part of it can be changed when
that part of the whole route which is indicated upon it is completed and a second
dial or part is placed on the indicator having indications suited to the continuance
of the route, a second change or more being made, should it be necessary, in order
to indicate the route of the complete journey. On a return journey over the same

page_text: route the same dials or parts may be used as the pointer or dial as the case may
be will then be moved in the opposite sense and the stations will be indicated in
reverse rotation as they will occur on the line:
In order to show in respect of those indications placed on the dial some of which
serve only when the train is going in one direction and some of which serve
only when the train is going in the opposite direction I indicate by an arrow or
sign attached to each of such indications or directions in which sense of the
movement of the train they are to serve and for greater clearness they may be
printed in different colors. If preferred two of my indicators may be arranged
together and be employed the one for the outward and the other for the return
journey in which case each would be marked with one set of indications only
according to the journey for which it was to be used-or one indicator only may
be used and the dials changed one dial or set of dials being indicated for the
outward journey only and another dial or set of dials being indicated for the return
journey only. If preferred the moveable dials for return journeys only may he
indicated in a reverse sense so that the pointer or the dial, as the case may be, will
be turned in the same direction when used for a return journey as for an outward
journey.
I provide my indicator with suitable gear or means convenient for being actuated
by hand for changing or reversing when necessary the direction of the movement
of the dial or pointer, as the case may be, so as to suit the direction of movement of
the train and so cause the stations and other positions marked on the dial to be
The means
indicated in proper succession as they are arrived at on the line.
provided for reversing the movement of the pointer or dial, as the case may be, of
my indicator will not require to be used on commencing a return journey unless
the locomotive, tender, guards van, car or carriage to which my indicator is
attached has been reversed on the line as the reverse direction of the running of
the axles on the return journey will reverse the movement of my indicators.
Should a train be drawn into a station and then be drawn out by the back end
the front becoming the hinder end of the train my indicators on the train should
be reversed by actuating the means I provide for the purpose so as to continue
their movement in the sense suited to the route and the direction of the train.
When trains are worked in a circle no reversing of the direction of movement of
my indicator will be required and the dials or dial cards for use in the one sense
round the circle may be indicated with the stations, signal stations, signal posts
and other indications to suit for that direction only while the dials or dial cards
used on trains running in the opposite sense may be indicated for that sense round
the circle only-Or the dials or dial cards may be indicated to suit for both
directions, suitable means such as have been already described for designating the
indications which are to serve in the one and in the other sense of the notion of
the train being employed.
If desired more full indications and instructions concerning the route may be
arranged on those of my indicators which are intended for use on locomotives
and tenders than on those used on Guards Vans Cars and Carriages as the driver
of the Engine will be primarily or more especially concerned in the guidance of
the Train.
Regarding those forms of my indicator already referred to as arranged with
pointer and dial the dial or the pointer as the case may be being inoveable
I provide a frictional or other engagement by releasing or overcoming which the
moving dial or pointer as the case may be can be set to position and also adjusted
if in error with facility. When my indicator is arranged for the dial to be moved
and the pointer or pointer mark to be fixed I prefer to place the pointer or pointer
mark at the side of the dial so that the indications printings or markings on the
dial may be the more easily read.
The moveable dials of my indicators may be made of any suitable material such
as paper or cardboard printed or metal engraved or prepared and printed with the
indications and instructions already referred to.

page_text: Instead of using dial and pointer I also when preferred arrange my indicator
with a travelling pointer which is moved in unison with the train in the manner
already explained in respect of that form of my Indicator arranged with dial but in
a straight line along a plane which may be divided into miles On this plane also
in their proper positions the stations, signal stations, signal posts and other
indications and directions before referred to as marked on my dial arrangement
are exhibited. The pointer may be attached to a tape or band passing over
rollers at each end of the indicator plane and may receive its motion from an
actuating roller operating against the tape or band such actuating roller being
of exactly calculated circumference so that through suitable connections with the
running wheel or axle the required quantity of motion is communicated to the
pointer to indicate a convenient distance or division on the indicator plane for each
mile of travel of the train.
The pointer may be double if preferred so indicating on both sides right and left
and on one side may be arranged the positions or indications for the journey in one
direction while on the other side are arranged the positions or indications for the
return journey The indicator plane may also be mounted with moveable plates or
cards on which the indications for the outward journey only are arranged to be
replaced with other plates or cards on the return journey with suitable indications
Such moveable plates or cards may also be used when it is required to change the
indications for those of another route and also for the continuation of journeys
which may be longer than the instrument is designed to indicate without a change
as explained with respect to my dial arrangement. I provide this form of my
indicator also with reversing gear for reversing the direction of the movement of
the pointer as already explained in respect of my arrangement with dial and
pointer. I also provide this form of my indicator with suitable means by dis-
engagement or frictional attachment for setting the pointer to position with facility
and for adjusting it with accuracy when found to be in error.
I also arrange a form of my indicator with a band of paper, paper cloth, paper
faced linen or other suitable material stretched on rollers with springs and wound
off and on such rollers one end of the band being attached to one roller and the
other end to the other roller the winding off and on from one roller to the other
being performed by an actuating roller of exactly calculated circumference against
which the band is pressed and clipped or held by another roller acted upon by a
spring or springs. Two other rollers serve to guide the band so that its indicating
face is kept close to a glazed front of the indicator.
.
The actuating roller just referred to receives its motion in the same manner as
I have described in respect of the dial or pointer of that form of my indicator and
of the actuating roller in the last form of my indicator described, that is to say,
through suitable connections from the running wheel or axle (preferably the axle)
of the locomotive tender guards van car or carriage of the train on which my
indicator may be fixed the movement communicated by the actuating roller to the
band for every mile of movement of the train being calculated to form a convenient
quantity for a division on the band to indicate a mile.
Into such divisions indicating miles the band may be divided and they may be
numbered as from a principal station from which distances on the line are reckoned
and known-I also mark on the band the stations on the route to be worked in
their proper positions the signal stations and signal posts the level crossings rising
and falling gradients, curves the proper rates of speed at indicated places and
instructions where to go slow where to use the brake and any other useful
directions and instructions applicable to the journey. I arrange the indicator band
with its rollers as before described in a suitable case with glazed face through
which the indications on the band can be clearly seen the glazed face having an
extent sufficient so that a convenient number of miles represented on the band may
be exhibited at a time and thus enable the engine driver, guards and others on the
train to observe on the indicator band the progress of the train as it approaches
the various stations and other positions marked on the indicator band. The

page_text: pointer or pointer mark which is fixed may be attached to the glazed case and
appear in a suitable position over the indicator band which will then move at the
back of it or it may be placed so as to come to the edge of the band, or the pointer
mark may be made in a suitable position on the inside of the glass face of the case
so as to denote when a division or position indicated on the band arrives opposite
to it. The pointer or pointer mark may be placed midway between the top and
bottom of the glazed-face of the case so that both on the outward and on the return
journey the same convenient amount of space on the band or the same length of
the band representing the same distance in miles may be exhibited at a time during
both journeys and enable the engine driver, guards and others on the train to
observe with equal facility and clearness the progress of the train as it approaches
the various stations and other positions marked on the indicator band both in its
outward and in its return journey. The indications for. the outward and for the
return journey may be marked on the same band with arrows or other signs as
already referred to in my other arrangements to show which indications are to
serve for the outward and which for the return journey or if preferred two bands
may be used the one. being indicated for the outward and the other for the return
journey.
The form or arrangement of my indicator with a travelling band will be
convenient for long routes as the band can easily be made of sufficient length to
permit of the necessary indications being put on it to serve for a long through
journey while when desired the band can be made of suitable length for short
journeys.
I also provide this form of my indicator with reversing means or gear with
which the direction of the movement of the travelling indicator band can be
-reversed with facility when required to suit it to the direction of the movement of
the train the position on the line reversed or otherwise of the locomotive tender,
guards van car or carriage on which my indicator may be fixed or for any cause
arising in the working of the line so that the indicator band may be made to travel
always in accord with the train and indicate the stations and other positions in
proper succession as they are arrived at by the train both on the outward and on
the return journey.
I provide ready means also in this form of my indicator for setting the indicator
band to any position in respect of the pointer or pointer mark and for adjusting it
with exactness in case any error is observed during the journey which by the means
provided can be at once rectified on the arrival of the train at any known station
place or position indicated on the band by setting the band so that the indication
on it of the station place or position at which the train has arrived will be exactly
. opposite the pointer or pointer mark the indications on the band being thus
adjusted into correct relation with the position of the train on the line. For the
purpose of setting the travelling indicator band to any position and for effecting
the adjustments just referred to I provide suitable means for disengaging from its
connections the roller which actuates the indicator band so that it may be turned
and the band set to position. Or otherwise I employ a frictional attachment for
the actuating roller which may be overcome when it is desired to set the indicator
band to position.
I desire it to be understood that to secure as fully as possible the safety of
a train and to ensure its being well and carefully worked by those in charge I fix
one of my indicators on the engine or tender for the engine drivers use and one on
each of the guard's vans attached to the train as well as on each of the more
important cars or carriages which form part of the train so that a thorough check
upon the working of the train may be provided.
In order however at the same time that the instructions given on my indicators
with respect to the rates of speed at which a train is to be run at different parts of
a route may be the more strictly and accurately followed and checked I place in
close proximity or combination with each of my indicators on a train any suitable
and reliable speed indicator which will indicate the actual rate of speed of the train

page_text: in miles per hour in a clear and easily readible manner so that my invention may
be used in conjunction with the speed indicator and both the instruments being
easily readable at a glance the instructions as to speed given on the one can be
readily and accurately carried out with the assistance of the other.
When my invention is so used in combination with a speed indicator I prefer to
employ the same driving connections as far as they will conveniently serve for both
instruments but as a different rate of speed will be required for each instrument
each will also have its separate means of connection with those parts of the driving
connections which are coinmon to botb.
As I have already stated I obtain motion for my indicator herein described from
a running wheel or axle by preference an axle In locomotives where there is slip
in the coupled wheels I prefer to connect my indicator with a trailing or uncoupled
wheel-axle so that the rate of rotation of the axle may be more constantly in accord
with the rate of travel of the train-should all the wheels of a locomotive be
coupled an axle of the tender may be used if found necessary to avoid slip or
a connection may be made from an axle of a car or carriage to my indicator on the
engine should there be no separate tender, suitable junctions in the connections
from the car or carriage to the indicator on the engine being arranged.
The connections for transmitting motion from an axle to my indicator may
consist of pulleys and bands or cords, toothed gearing and spindles worm wheels
and worms or other usual mechanical means for transmitting motion suited to the
peculiarities of the situation but I prefer to employ a friction wheel or roller made
of leather or other suitable material acting in immediate contact with the running
axle such friction wheel or roller to have its hearings in a moveable frame and be
kept by springs in contact with the axle, notwithstanding the constant changes in
position of the axis of the friction wheel or roller in virtue of its being kept
in contact with the cylindrical surface of the axle while it is attached to the body
or frame of the locomotive tender guard's van car or carriage which rosts on Springs
and is subject to movement up and down in respect of the axle. That this movement
may be the less felt I place the friction wheel or roller in contact with the axle at
the side of the axle instead of at the top or bottom-I take the motion direct from
the friction wheel or roller or its spindle by a coiled wire connection guided in
a flexible tube or sheath such as is used in certain drilling apparatus and for other
purposes or I connect the friction wheel or roller or its spindle by gearing or
otherwise with a spindle carried on bearings fixed to the body or framework of
the Locomotive tender guard's van car or carriage from which spindle I transmit
the motion through any convenient connections according to the peculiarities of the
situation but in certain cases for greater convenience and economy I use coiled wire
running in bent metal tubes and for turning, corners where bevil gear could not be
EO conveniently employed I prefer to use a linked chain of general cylindrical form
each succeeding link being jointed at right angles to the last so as to permit to
a certain extent of universal action and of its being rotated in a bent tube. In
straight connections I also use a tube with a rod or wire working in it and to such
wires or rods the linked chain just referred to may be connected.
·

page_text: Improvements in Indicating Apparatus Applicable to Railways.
I JAMES MURDOCH NAPIER of York Road Lambeth in the County of Surrey
Engineer do hereby declare the nature of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
INDICATING APPARATUS APPLICABLE TO RAILWAYS" and in what manner the same
is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
My invention is intended for use on locomotives and tenders, guards' vans and
railway cars and carriages and consists of mechanism with dial and pointer or
other suitable indicating means so contrived and connected with a running wheel
or axle (by preference an axle) that the pointer or dial as the case may be is caused
to move as the train moves and in such proportion that a certain convenient
distance or division on the dial will represent the movement of the train one mile,
the calculations for the connections to my indicator being made upon the basis of
the circumference of the running wheel from the axle of which the motion is taken.
These divisions may be carried entirely round the dial or partly only if desired
and may be numbered in which case the numbers would usually run from zero or
a principal station from which distances are counted and known on the line. I
provide means by which the pointer or dial, as the case may be can be set with
facility to any position to suit the position of the train.
By such means the pointer or dial as the case may be will be set to indicate zero
on the dial when the train is at the principal station and from that or any other
position on the line to which the pointer or dial may be set the pointer or dial as
the case may be will move indicating the progress of the train: I arrange, on the
dial not only divisions indicating miles which in certain cases may be dispensed
with as on lines where there are many Stations and very short distances between
them but I also arrange and indicate on the dial in a clear manner the positions on
the line of stations, signal stations, signal posts, level crossings, curves, gradients,
rising and falling levels and the rates of speed to be travelled by the train at
specified places or positions on the line as well as other instructions such as when
to go slow when to put on the break, which may be considered advisable to secure
the safe punctual and otherwise satisfactory working of the train.
I arrange the dials of my indicators so that the whole or a portion may be
removed and another dial or suitable parts can be put in place of the dial or parts
removed. By this means my indicator can be used on various lines of railway the
dials or parts of dials being changed to suit the route upon which it is to be used.
In long journeys also when the indications of the whole route cannot be clearly
placed on one dial I arrange so that the dial or part of it can be changed when
that part of the whole route which is indicated upon it is completed and a second
dial or part is placed on the indicator having indications suited to the continuance
of the route, a second change or more being made, should it be necessary in order
to indicate the route of the complete journey. On a return journey over the same
route the same dials or parts may be used as the pointer or dial as the case may be
will then be moved in the opposite sense and the stations will be indicated in
reverse rotation as they will occur on the line.

page_text: In order to show in respect of those indications placed on the dial some of which
serve only when the train is going in one direction and some of which serve only
when the train is going in the opposite direction I indicate by an arrow or sign
attached to each of such indications or directions in which sense of the movement
of the train they are to serve and for greater clearness they may be printed in
different colors. If preferred two of my indicators may be arranged together and
be employed the one for the outward and the other for the return journey in which
case each would be marked with one set of indications only according to the
journey for which it was to be used-or one indicator only may be used and the
dials changed one dial or set of dials being indicated for the outward journey only
and another dial or set of dials being indicated for the return journey only. If
preferred the movable dials for return journeys only may be indicated in a reverse
sense so that the pointer or the dial as the case may be will be turned in the same
direction when used for a return journey as for an outward journey.
I provide my indicator with suitable gear or means convenient for being actuated
by hand for changing or reversing when necessary the direction of the movement of
the dial or pointer, as the case may be, so as to suit the direction of movement of
the train and so cause the Stations and other positions marked on the dial to be
indicated in proper succession as they are arrived at on the line. The means
provided for reversing the movement of the pointer or dial, as the case may be, of
my indicator will not require to be used on commencing a return journey unless
the locomotive tender, guard van, car or carriage to which my indicator is attached
has been reversed on the line as the reverse direction of the running of the axles
on the return journey will reverse the movement of my indicators. Should a train
be drawn into a station and then be drawn out by the back end the front becoming
the hinder end of the train my indicators on the train should be reversed by
actuating the means I provide for the purpose so as to continue their movement in
the sense suited to the route and the direction of the train.
When trains are worked in a circle no reversing of the direction of movement of
my indicator will be required and the dials or dial cards for use in the one sense
round the circle may be indicated with the Stations, signal stations, signal posts
and other indications to suit for that direction only while the dials or dial cards
used on trains running in the opposite sense may be indicated for that sense round
the circle only. Or the dials or dial cards may be indicated to suit for both
directions, suitable means such as have been already described for designating the
indications which are to serve in the one and in the other sense of the motion of
the train being employed.
If desired more full indications and instructions concerning the route may be
arranged on those of my indicators which are intended for use on locomotives and
tenders than on those used on guards' vans cars and carriages as the driver of the
engine will be primarily or more especially concerned in the guidance of the train.
Regarding those forms of my indicator already referred to as arranged with
pointer and dial the dial or the pointer as the case may be being noveable
I provide a frictional or other engagement by releasing or overcoming which the
moving dial or pointer as the case may be can be set to position and also adjusted
if in error with facility. When my indicator is arranged for the dial to be moved
and the pointer or pointer mark to be fixed I prefer to place the pointer or pointer
mark at the side of the dial so that the indications printings or markings on the
dial may be the more easily read.
The moveable dials of my indicators may be made of any suitable material such
as paper or cardboard printed, or metal engraved or prepared and printed with the
indications and instructions already referred to.
Instead of using dial and pointer I also when preferred arrange my indicator
with a travelling pointer which is moved in unison with the train in the manner
already explained in respect of that form of my indicator arranged with dial but
in a straight line along a plane which may be divided into miles. On this plane
also in their proper positions the stations, signal stations, signal posts and other

page_text: .
indications and directions before referred to as marked on my dial arrangement are
exhibited. The pointer may be attached to a tape or band passing over rollers at
each end of the indicator plane and may receive its motion from an actuating
roller operating against the tape or band such actuating roller being of exactly
calculated circumference so that through suitable connections with the running
wheel or axle the required quantity of motion is communicated to the pointer to
indicate a convenient distance or division on the indicator plane for each mile of
travel of the train.
The pointer may be double if preferred so indicating on both sides right and left
and on one side may be arranged the positions or indications for the journey in one
direction while on the other side are arranged the positions or indications for the
return journey.
The indicator plane may also be mounted with moveable plates or cards on which
the indications for the outward journey only are arranged to be replaced with other
plates or cards on the return journey with suitable indications. Such moveable
plates or cards may also be used when it is required to change the indications for
those of another route and also for the continuation of journeys which may be
longer than the instrument is designed to indicate without a change as explained
with respect to my dial arrangement. I provide this form of my indicator also
with reversing gear for reversing the direction of the movement of the pointer as
already explained in respect of my arrangement with dial and pointer-I also
provide this form of my indicator with suitable means by disengagement or
frictional attachment for setting the pointer to position with facility and for
adjusting it with accuracy when found to be in error.
I also arrange a form of my indicator with a band of paper paper cloth paper
faced linen or other suitable material stretched on rollers with springs and wound
off and on such rollers one end of the band being attached to one roller and the
other end to the other roller the winding off and on from one roller to the other
being performed by an a tuating roller of exactly calculated circumference against
which the band is pressed and clipped or held by another roller acted upon by a
spring or springs. Two other rollers serve to guide the band so that its indicating
face is kept close to a glazed front of the indicator.
The actuating roller just referred to receives its motion in the same manner as
I have described in respect of the dial or pointer of that form of my indicator and
of the actuating roller in the last form of my indicator described that is to say
through suitable connections from the running wheel or axle (preferably the axle)
of the locomotive tender guards' van car or carriage of the train on which my
indicator may be fixed the movement communicated by the actuating roller to the
band for every mile of movement of the train being calculated to form a convenient
quantity for a division on the band to indicate a mile.
Into such divisions indicating miles the band may be divided and they may be
numbered as from a principal station from which distances on the line are reckoned
and known-1 also mark on the band the stations on the route to be worked in
their proper positions the signal stations and signal posts the level crossings rising
and falling gradients curves the proper rates of speed at indicated places and
instructions where to go slow where to use the brake and any other useful directions
and instructions applicable to the journey-I arrange the indicator band with its
rollers as before described in a suitable Case with glazed face through which the
indications on the band can be clearly seen the glazed face having an extent
sufficient so that a convenient number of miles represented on the band may be
exhibited at a time and thus enable the Engine Driver guards and others on the
train to observe on the indicator band the progress of the train as it approaches the
various Stations and other positions marked on the indicator band-The pointer or
pointer mark which is fixed may be attached to the glazed Case and appear in a
suitable position over the indicator band which will then move at the back of it or
it may be placed so as to come to the edge of the band or the pointer mark may be
made in a tuitable position on the inside of the glass face of the case so as to denote

page_text: when a division or position indicated on the band arrives opposite to it.-The
pointer or pointer mark may be placed midway between the top and bottom of the
glazed face of the case so that both on the outward and on the return journey
the same convenient amount of space on the band or the same length of the band
representing the same distance in miles may be exhibited at a time during both
journeys and enable the engine driver guards and others on the train to observe
with equal facility and clearness the progress of the train as it approaches the
various Stations and other positions marked on the indicator band both in its
outward and in its return journey-The indications for the outward and for the
return journey may be marked on the same band with arrows or other signs as
already referred to in my other arrangements to show which indications are to
serve for the outward and which for the return journey or if preferred two bands.
may be used the one being indicated for the outward and the other for the return
journey.
The form or arrangement of my indicator with a travelling band will be
convenient for long routes as the band can easily be made of sufficient length to
permit of the necessary indications being put on it to serve for a long through.
journey while when desired the band can be made of suitable length for short
journeys.
I also provide this form of my indicator with reversing means or gear with
which the direction of the movement of the travelling indicator band can be
reversed with facility when required to suit it to the direction of the movement
of the train the position on the line reversed or otherwise of the locomotive tender,
guards' van, car or carriage on which my indicator may be fixed or for any cause
arising in the working of the line so that the indicator band inay be made to
travel always in accord with the train and indicate the Stations and other positions
in proper succession as they are arrived at by the train both on the outward and,
on the return journey.
I provide ready means also in this form of my indicator for setting the indicator:
band to any position in respect of the pointer or pointer mark and for adjusting it
with exactness in case any error is observed during the journey which by the.
means provided can be at once rectified on the arrival of the train at any known
Station place or position indicated on the band by setting the band so that the
indication on it of the station place or position at which the train has arrived will.
be exactly opposite the pointer or pointer mark the indication on the band being
thus adjusted into correct relation with the position of the train on the line-For
the purpose of setting the travelling indicator band to any position and for
effecting the adjustments just referred to I provide suitable means for disengaging
from its connections the roller which actuates the indicator band so that it may be
turned and the band set to position. Or otherwise I employ a frictional attach-
ment for the actuating roller which may be overcome when it is desired to set the
indicator band to position.
I desire it to be understood that to secure as fully as possible the safety of a
train and to ensure its being well and carefully worked by those in charge I fix
one of my indicators on the Engine or Tender for the Engine Drivers use and one
on each of the guards' vans attached to the train as well as on each of the more
important cars or carriages which form part of the train so that a thorough check
upon the working of the train may be provided. .
b
In order however at the same time that the instructions given on my indicators
with respect to the rates of speed at which a train is to be run at different parts.
of a route may be the more strictly and accurately followed and checked I place
in close proximity or combination with each of my indicators on a train any
suitable and reliable speed indicator which will indicate the actual rate of speed
of the train in miles per hour in a clear and easily readable manner so that my
invention may be used in conjunction with the speed indicator and both the
instruments being easily readable at a glance the instructions as to speed given

page_text: on the one can be readily and accurately carried out with the assistance of the
other.
When my invention is so used in combination with a speed indicator I prefer
to employ the same driving connections as far as they will conveniently serve for
both instruments but as a different rate of speed will be required for each
instrument ench will also have its separate means of connection with those parts
of the driving connections which are cominon to both.
As I have already stated I obtain motion for my indicator herein described
from a running wheel or axle by preference an axle. In locomotives where there
is a slip in the coupled wheels I prefer to connect my indicator with a trailing or
uncoupled wheel axle so that the rate of rotation of the axle may be more
constantly in accord with the rate of travel of the train-should all the wheels of
a locomotive be coupled an axle of the tender may be used if found necessary to
avoid slip or a connection may be made from an axle of a Car or Carriage to my
indicator on tlie Engine should there be no separate tender suitable junctions in
the connections from the Car or Carriage to the indicator on the Engine being
arranged.
The connections for transmitting Motion from an axle to my indicator may
consist of pulleys and bands or cords toothed gearing and spindles worm wheels
and worms or other usual mechanical means for transinitting motion suited to the
peculiarities of the situation but I prefer to employ the means described in the
Specification of my Patent dated 7th July 1884 N° 9864 for "Improvements in
appara us for transmitting Motion to speed indicators" viz a friction wheel or
roller made of leather or other suitable material acting in immediate contact with
the running axle such friction wheel or roller to have its bearings in a movable
frame and be kept by springs in contact with the axle notwithstanding the
constant changes in position of the axis of the friction wheel or roller in virtue of
its being kept in contact with the cylindrical surface of the axle while it is
attached to the body or frame of the locomotive tender guards van, car or carriage
which rests on springs and is subject to movement up and down in respect of the
axle That this movement may be the less felt, I place the friction wheel or roller
in contact with the axle at the side of the axle instead of at the top or bottom.
Or as described in the specification of my patent for "Improvements in trans-
mitting Motion to speed Indicators" dated 23rd July 1884 No 10514-I take the
motion direct from the friction wheel or roller or its spindle by a coiled wire
connection guided in a flexible tube or sheath such as is used in certain drilling
apparatus and for other purposes or I connect the friction wheel or roller or its
spindle by gearing or otherwise with a spindle carried on bearings fixed to the
body or framework of the locomotive tender guards van car or carriage from which
spindle I transmit the motion through any convenient connections according to the
peculiarities of the situation but in certain cases for greater convenience and
economy I use coiled wire running in bent metal tubes and for turning corners
where bevil gear could not be so conveniently employed I prefer to use a linked
chain of general cylindrical form each suceeding link being jointed at right angles
to the last so as to permit to a certain extent of universal action and of its being
rotated in a bent tube In straight connections I also use a tube with a rod or
wire working in it and to such wires or rods the linked chain just referred to may
be connected.
In order that my said Invention may be most fully understood and readily
carried into effect I will proceed to describe the drawings hereunto annexed.

page_text: Dial A is marked with divisions representing miles running from zero or
station A supposed to be the principal station and comprising in the circle
100 divisions or miles Before the train starts from the principal station the
pointer B. may be set to zero by the two little knobs upon it a, a, as it is arranged
to fit frictionally upon its spindle a¹ The pointer B will be turned as the train
progresses on its journey in the proportion of one division to a mile, motion being
transmitted to the pointer B through spindle a worm wheel a³ worm a spindle a
mitre wheels as a a' and spindle a³ which last may receive its motion through any
convenient connections from a running axle The outer journey from station A
having been completed when the pointer has arrived at station F the action of the
pointer can be reversed for the return journey by shifting the lever handle aº
downwards first releasing the spring catch a which is arranged upon it and
which catches in the guide bar a thus raising the wheel a into gear with
wheel as into which position it can be fixed by letting go the spring catch a so
that the catch falls into the lower notch in the guide bar a" the middle notch
being used when required for throwing out of gear It will therefore be under-
stood that owing to the frictional fit of the pointer on its spindle it can bo
correctly adjusted to position to suit the position of the train or at any known
point on the line should deviation or error have taken place and by the use of
lever handle a and spring catch at the direction of the course of the pointer can
be changed to suit the direction of the train.
The dial plate or card A is here shewn removeable and it is held to the front
plate of the case of the instrument by the friction fitted ring C-at its circum-
ference and near its centre it fits a projection on the case front plate at 6 To
change the dial plate the ring C must be removed and the pointer also. The
markings or indications on the dial plate will be readily understood. They will of
course depend upon the requirements of the road for which the dial plate is to
serve while many inay be represented by signs easily intelligible. The markings
or indications which have arrow heads only serve when the train is travelling in
the direction indicated by the arrow head. The markings or indications showu are
intended only to serve as illustrations.
The description which I have given of Figures 1 and 2 have little to be added
to make figures 3 & 4 understood which also illustrate my Indicating apparatus
with dial but in this arrangement the dial A turns as the train travels and the
pointer at B is fixed to the case of the instrument The dial plate or card A is
removeable by being attached to the supporting plate D by the four screw nuts c.
In order to enable the dial to be adjusted to true position as in the case of the
pointer in figures 1 and 2 the friction washer d is provided-Between this washer
and the boss of the worm wheel a³ is placed, at d' a washer of leather or other
suitable material which is compressed between the washer d and the buss of the
worm wheel a the worm wheel being supported on the other side of its boss by a
collar on the spindle a¹, the friction thus obtained being sufficient to ensure tho
turning of the spindle a¹ with the dial which is upon it when the Instrument is
working while at the same time it allows of the spindle a¹ and the dial being
turned at will in order to set the dial to position by employing sufficient force on
the milled button d³ on the end of spindle a¹ to overcome the friction of the clutch
arrangement just explained upon the boss of the worm wheel a². The driving and
reversing arrangements may be the same for this form of instrument as for that
shewn in figures 1 and 2.
Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate that form of my indicating apparatus arranged
with travelling pointer working in a straight line along a plane by attachment to
a tape or band passing over rollers at each end of the indicator plane and being
actuated by a roller of exactly calculated circumference operating against the tape
or band.
A, A¹ are two indicated plates or cards A for the down line and A¹ for the up
line. They are shewn fixed with screw nuts c to the front plate of the case of
the instrument down the centre of which is a slot e which forms a guide for the

page_text: pointer traveller e¹. At the back e¹ is attached to an endless tape or band e³
which passes downwards from the pointer traveller e¹ round tension roller c³ and
upwards between driving roller E and spring contact roller e and then over top
roller down to pointer traveller e¹. The driving roller E as explained in
reference to this arrangement of my Indicating apparatus is made to an exactly
calculated diameter so that with suitable connections to a running axle the
divisions on the scale planes A and A¹ will indicate miles of movement in the train.
A similar means of reversing the action of the instrument may be used as explained
in Figures 1 and 2 and to adjust the pointer to position I have shewn a means
analogous to that illustrated in Figure 4-In this case the worm wheel a³ is held
in connection with its spindle a¹ by friction resulting from its being presse l
between a washer of leather or other suitable material d¹ and a collar fixed on its
spindle, by means of the nut d-The milled button d serves to turn the spindle a³,
and adjust the pointer-The several Indications or markings on the scales will be
readily understood-Indications such as arrow heads are not required in this
arrangement of scale plates, as one side serves for the down and the other for the
up journey.
Figures 8 and 9 illustrate that arrangement of my indicating apparatus in
which a band is used attached to spring rollers and one end attached to one roller
and the other end to the other roller and kept duly stretched the winding off and
on from the one roller to the other being performed by an actuating roller of
exactly calculated circumference against which the band is pressed by another
roller acted upon by a spring.
A is the indicating band part of which is seen through the glazed opening in the
case of the instrument. Upon the glass plate g in the inside is placed the pointer
mark B. The band A is shewn stretched between the spring barrels or rollers F
and G, the larger quantity being shewn on barrel G off which it is being wound,
the actuating roller E working in the direction of the arrow and the train
progressing one mile for each division of movement of the indicating band.
•
In the figure the pointer B indicates nearly 57 miles already travelled.
The adjustment of the band A to position in case of error or deviation is effected
by means similar to those already explained in respect of the arrangement
illustrated in figures 5, 6 and 7 and the means used for driving and reversing the
action of the Instrument may be similar to those already explained with reference
to the other arrangements of my Indicating apparatus.
The indicating band A. for this Instrument is shewn marked to serve for both
directions of the train, arrow heads being used to shew which markings or
indications are to servo for one direction of the train only and which for the
other only.
Figure 10 illustrates my arrangement of a chain such as I have described for
transmitting motion round corners and curves where bevil gearing or other ordinary
means could not be so easily applied.
The tubular corner bearing H is shown with its cover off revealing the chain in
the balf diameter hollow of the bearing H-the cover is formed with the other half
diameter hollow so that when it is fixed to the bearing H the chain works round
as in a bent tube. To the ends of the chain are attached rods hi which can be
rotated freely in tubes h¹¹. The ends of these tubes are fitted to each end of
the bearing H and are held in and supported by the bearing H when its cover
is put on but are free to be taken out along with the chain when the cover is
removed. A collar is provided on each rod h i at h which serve to keep the
rods and chain in position while rotating as they work in the spaces left between
the ends of the tubes h¹ and the bottom of that part in the hearing H into which
each tube fits. The rod h and tube h¹ are shown broken off but rod i at its end i³
is flattened off so as to fit freely into the cut in rod i which rod is also flattened
at its other end and fits freely into a cut in rod this mode of using rods in
several lengths so fitted together is intended to facilitate the making up of required
lengths in the connections as well as to give play for adjusting the rod or rods to

page_text: length between the bearings-Tube is also shown coupled by the coupling I to
tube 16 a space being left between the tubes at i for adjusting to length Figure 11
is a side elevation of this arrangement in which the cover H' of bearing H is
seen Figures 12, 13, 14 and 15 show on an enlarged scale four views of the form
of link composing. the chain-Each link carries a transverse pin or axis which
passes through an eye in the next link-Thus the chain is universibly flexible but
is able when confined in a tube to transmit a torsional strain-The links are
advantageously alternately of brass and iron-The links of the chain may be
varied in figure to suit for sharp and for casy turnings.
To the method of gearing the indicator with a wheel or axle of the train by
means of an universally jointed chain working in a curved guide tube or passage
I make no claim under my present patent, it forms the subject of another patent
application.
-
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. Indicating apparatus for use on railways consisting of an index or pointer
and dial; the dial so marked as to give necessary information in respect to the
road to be travelled; and the index or pointer so arranged that it can be set to
any mark on the dial, and so geared with a wheel or axle of the train, that it
moves over the face of the dial as the train travels along the line and that the
direction of its motion can be reversed.
2. Indicating apparatus such as the above but with the dial geared and capable
of being set to the index or pointer.
3. Indicating apparatus such as the above in which the index or pointer is
carried upon a travelling tape or band.
4. Indicating apparatus such as the above in which the dial is replaced by a
travelling band on which is marked information in respect to the road to be
travelled.
5. Indicating apparatus such as the above in which the dial is replaced by a
travelling band wound up on spring rollers and passed from one to the other by
a third roller driven at suitable speed and against the surface of which the band
is held.
6. Indicating apparatus such as the above but without reversing gear.
7. The combination of indicating apparatus giving necessary information in
respect to the road to be travelle 1, with a speed indicator and with a driving gear
by which both the indicating apparatus and the speed indicator are driven simul-
taneously from a wheel or axle of the train.
8. Indicating apparatus for use on railways as herein described and illustrated
by the annexed drawings.
Dated this 2nd day of September 1885