Year: 1888

page_text: made by order of the Comptroller prior to the sealing of the Patent.]
Date of Application, 23rd June, 1888
Complete Specification Left, 22nd Mar., 1889-Accepted, 8th June, 1889
WILLIAM EDWARD Langdon, Electrical Engineer, Midland Railway, Derby, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
In the employment of certain conducting wires arranged in such a manner that in
combination with a specially devised electrical coupling, by which the conducting
wires may be connected between vehicle and vehicle, and an electrical switch, placed
in the Guards Van or other part of the train, the light derived from the source of
electricity, whether primary or secondary battery, arranged on or within the vehicle,
may be turned on or off as desired; and further by the arrangement of a certain
spring connection in the said coupling, that when the coupling is disconnected, the
Electric Light Circuit shall be so completed as to bring into operation the lights
provided for that purpose: and further, in combination therewith, in the employment
of a switch placed upon each vehicle by means of which the lighting circuit thereof
may be broken or completed as may be desired and such also that where more than
one set of batteries is employed on such vehicle, the said switch fixed upon such
vehicle may be used for switching in or out of circuit either set of batteries.
To this end the battery which forms the source of the Electrical current for lighting
a given vehicle is placed in some convenient position on the said vehicle. This battery
may be an accumulator charged from any source, viz.: from a Dynamo driven from
the wheels of the train, from a Dynamo driven by a small motor placed on the engine,
or in other portion of the train, or by a stationary engine apart from the train, or it
may be a "primary" battery.
To one and the same pole of this battery throughout the several vehicles comprising
the train I join an electrical cable or wire (No. 1), and to the opposite pole I in like
manner connect another cable (No. 2). I then carry a third cable also throughout the
train (No. 3). Between No. 2 and No. 3 of these cables I connect the lamps employed
for illuminating each compartment. Each of these cables I insulate and extend from
the ends of each vehicle to an electrical coupling so formed that it shall, when coupled
up, connect through from vehicle to vehicle, each of the three wires in their relative
and independent position: and such that, when uncoupled, it shall by means of certain

page_text: portions or parts connected or arranged upon or with a certain spring or springs bring
into contact those portions connected with cables No. 1 and No. 3--that is it shall
complete the light circuit.
The cables No. 1 and 3 thus extended I connect with a switch placed in the Guards
Van or other portion of the train so arranged that when the lever thereof is placed in
a certain position it shall break the electrical lamp circuit or complete it as desired;
that it shall disconnect No. 1 from No. 3 cable, or connect it as required.
And with the object of further insuring the steadiness of the light where accumu-
lators or secondary batteries are employed upon each vehicle as indicated, and where
such accumulators are charged by a dynamo driven from the wheels of a train I
employ a fourth cable (No. 4) together with additional secondary batteries, the poles
of which I connect to No. 2 and Ño. 4 cable. I continue these four cables by means of
the said coupling between vehicle and vehicle-the said coupling being arranged to
accommodate the fourth cable-to the guards van, and I there connect them to certain
switches of any ordinary character so arranged that they may be employed, one for
turning the light on or off, and the other for placing either set of the accumulators as
may be required in connection with the Dynamo and otherwise, by means of one or
the other of the switches to arrange the wires so as to make the interchange, for the
purpose of charging the batteries independent of the lamp circuit, and yet retain the
power of manipulating the latter so as to turn the lights in and out at pleasure from
the Guards Van.
Thus when the several vehicles composing a train are coupled up the manipulation
of the light is effected from the Guards Van by means of the No. 3 cable and switch,
where only one set of batteries is employed upon each vehicle; and by means of No. 3
cable or No. 4 cable where two sets of batteries are used: and when the whole or any
portion of the several vehicles are uncoupled that the light may be turned on by the
action of the spring portion of the coupling, in placing parts of the coupling connected
to cables Nos. 1 and 3 in contact: the light thereafter in any such uncoupled vehicle
being governed by the switch placed thereon in combination with the said arrange-
ment of wires and batteries.
Dated this 22nd day of June 1888.

page_text: Improvements in Electric Lighting as Applied to Railway Trains.
WILLIAM EDWARD LANGDON Electrical Engineer Midland Railway Derby, 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, that is to say :-
It consists in the employment of certain conducting wires arranged in such
a manner, that in combination with a specially devised electrical coupling, by
which the conducting wires may be connected between vehicle and vehicle, and an
electrical switch placed in the guard's van or other convenient portion of the train, the
light derived from the source of electricity whether primary or secondary battery,
arranged on or within the vehicle, may be turned on or off as may be desired; and
further by the arrangement of a certain spring connection in the said coupling, that
when the coupling is disconnected, the electric light circuit shall be so completed as to
bring into use the lights provided for that purpose, and further in combination there-
with in the employment of a switch placed upon each vehicle, by means of which the
electric light circuit thereof may be broken or completed as may be desired, and such
also that where more than one set of batteries is employed on such vehicle, the said
switch fixed upon such vehicle may be used for switching in or out of circuit either
set of batteries.
To this end, the battery which forms the source of the electrical current for lighting
a given vehicle is placed in some convenient position on the said vehicle. This battery
may be an Accumulator charged from any source, viz.: from a dynamo driven from
the wheels of the train, from a dynamo driven by a small motor placed on the engine
or other portion of the train, or by a stationary engine apart from the train; or it
may be a primary battery.
To one and the same pole of this battery throughout the several vehicles comprising
the train, I join an electrical cable or wire (No. 1), and to the opposite pole I in like
manner connect another cable (No. 2).
I then carry a third cable, also throughout the train (No. 3). Between No. 2 and
No. 3 of these cables I connect the lamps employed for illuminating each com-
partment-Each of these wires I insulate and extend from the ends of each vehicle to
an electrical coupling so formed that it shall when coupled up connect through from
vehicle to vehicle each of the three wires in their relative and independent position ;
and such that when uncoupled it shall by means of certain portions or parts connected
or arranged upon or with a certain spring or springs bring into contact those portions
connected with cables No. 1 and No. 3, i.e. it shall complete the light circuit.
The cables No. 1 and No. 3 thus extended I connect with a switch placed in the
guards van or other portion of the train, so arranged that when the lever thereof is
placed in a certain position, it shall break the electrical lamp circuit or complete it as
desired i.e, shall disconnect No. 3 from No. 1 cable or connect it as required.

page_text: And with the object of further insuring the steadiness of the light where secondary
batteries or Accumulators are employed upon each vehicle as indicated, and where such
Accumulators are charged by a dynamo driven from the wheels of the train, I employ
a fourth (No. 4) cable, together with an additional secondary battery, the poles of
which I connect to No. 2 and No. 4 cables. I continue these four cables by means of
the said coupling between vehicle and vehicle-the said coupling being arranged to
accommodate the fourth cable-to the guard's van, and I there connect them to certain
switches of any ordinary character so arranged that they may be employed, one for
turning the light on or off, and the other for placing either set of the Accumulators as
may be required in communication with the dynamo ; and otherwise by means of one
or the other of the switches to arrange the wires so as to make the interchange for the
purpose of charging the batteries independent of the lamp circuit, and yet retain the
power of manipulating the latter, so as to turn the lights in and out at pleasure from
the guards van.
Thus when the several vehicles comprising a train are coupled up, the manipulation
of the light is effected from the guard's van by means of the No. 3 cable and switch
where only one set of batteries is employed upon each vehicle, and by means of No. 3
or No. 4 cables where two sets of batteries are used, and when the whole or any
portion of the said vehicles are uncoupled, that the light may be turned on by the
action of the spring portion of the coupling in placing parts of the coupling connected
to cables No. 1 and No. 3 in contact; the light thereafter in any such uncoupled
vehicle being governed by the switch placed thereon in combination with the said
arrangement of wire and batteries.
And in order that my invention may be more fully understood, I will now proceed
to describe the accompanying drawings with reference thereto.
In order to the better explain the application of the coupling together with the
method of arranging the circuits, wires, lamps etc.: I will take Fig. 1 which is a plan
showing the circuit arrangements and connections complete for a three wire system
with one set of Accumulators in each vehiclo for a train of four coaches and
Guard's van.
Each coach is provided with its own Accumulators A: :BKHC:ⒶRCC) is a permanent resistance
inserted between the junction with the main cables and the leads to the Accumulators
for the purpose of ensuring the more equal distribution of the current by reducing any
differences which may possibly arise in the resistances between, or in the sets of
Accumulators; D is the dynamo machine to be driven from a pulley or pulleys on the
axle of the wheels of the guard's van (or vehicle in which it is fixed) or otherwise ;
CC the commutator brushes; E an automatic switch for disconnecting the machine
from the Accumulators when necessary; F is a small hand switch to enable the guard,
or other appointed person, to turn off, or turn on the lights; and at X in the branch to
the lamp circuit may be employed a variable resistance switch adjustable according to
the number of coaches in use, and which may be brought into operation mechanically
when the current from the dynamo is feeding the lamps, and when, consequently, the
Electro Motive Force would be higher than that of the lamps.
1, 2 and 3 are cables continued by means of the electrical couplings B (shown in
detail in Figs. 3 and 4) from end to end of the train-As diagramatically represented,
the Accumulators A are arranged in parallel between cables 1 and 2 and the lamps L L
etc. between cables 2 and 3. When the switch F in the van, is in the position shown,
and pointing to "ON," cable 1 and cable 3 are placed in contact and the lamps
become illuminant-a a represent ordinary make and break switches placed on each
vehicle which may be actuated by suitable keys for turning the lights of the said
vehicle "OFF" or "ON."
Fig. 2 more fully represents the working of this switch-When the switch is turned
in the direction of "OUT" cable 3 is disconnected. When it is turned in the direction
of "THROUGH," the continuity of cable 3 is completed, and when it is turned in the
direction of "IN," cable 1 and cable 3 are connected, thereby completing the circuit
formed by the batteries, the lamps, and cables 1, 2 and 3.
The arrangement of the coupling also makes provision for this, so that where desired,

page_text: the said switch a may be dispensed with--The couplings B, to be more fully described
hereafter, when coupled up, join the three cables in their relative positions one to the
other, but should the coupling come apart either by accident or design, by a coach
breaking away, or being slipped in the ordinary manner, the coupling will separate at
the point indicated by the dividing dotted line, and, by the special provision made for
that purpose, cable No. 3 is automatically brought into contact with cable No. 1, and
the lamps will be lighted.
Fig. 3 is a section of one of the two halves, which together form a complete
coupling. Each part is made up of four segments of suitable metal (gun metal by
preference) which segments are cylindrical in form, but which may also be rectangular
or flat, together with a central contact-The four cylindrical segments a a¹ bb¹ are so
arranged, and so planted on an ebonite block e, that on placing the two parts of the
coupling together the segment a¹ shall pass inside of, and form contact with the
segment a; and the segment shall in like manner combine with the segment b.
These segments may be employed each in connection with separate and independent
cables or wires, four in number, or they may be coupled together-the two top and
the two bottom or otherwise-and so employed as occasion may demand. In relation
to Fig. 1, where three wires are employed throughout the train, the parts of the
coupling a a' are connected together and employed in connection with cable 3, and the
two lower segments in like manner are connected with cable 1. Cable 2 is
connected to a centre contact shown at d. This is composed either of a solid piece of
metal or of parts brazed together so as to form two bars with a space between the two
said bars, the said space corresponding in depth and width &c., with the bars, so that
the bars of each part of the coupling when placed together may dovetail into or engage
fully with one another, forming a practically homogeneous connection-Now if the
two contacts or segments a a¹ are connected by a spring or piece of metal to the two
bottom contacts or segments bb', cables 1 and 3 fig. 1 will be connected, and the
battery lamp circuit completed, and the lamps will be lighted, and on the spring being
removed from contact with either of them, the circuit will be broken, and the lights
will be turned out.
In Fig. 3 and 4 f is a piece of metal attached to a spring / fixed upon one of the
segments by the screws i Fig. 4.
A portion of one of the four ebonite ribs or projections (sec m Fig. 3) is cut away
to form an inclined plane up which the spring contact piece f of the corresponding
half of the coupling to that shown in Fig. 3 may ride when the two halves of the
coupling are put together so that each half of the entire coupling when put together
raises the contact spring of the other half and thus, when the coupling is complete
breaks the connection between a and b, whilst on the coupling being pulled apart,
the spring is permitted to complete the circuit between a¹ and 6-Of the other parts
shown in Fig. 3, n is a tube or casing of ebonite or other insulating material having
for its object the insulation of the conducting portions of the coupling, from the metal
outer casing or cap P-s is a rim formed at the front edge to hold an india rubber
band so as to make the coupling water-tight when well and properly put together-
U U are metal projections which fit in the slots V VI, and act as guides to the other
portions of the coupling so as to ensure the two parts being properly placed together-
Fig. 8A is an outside view of the complete coupling put together.
It is obvious that the cables No. 1 and No. 3 must not be in contact through the
couplings at either end of the train, or the lights would not be under the control of
the guard, and also when the train is taken apart in daylight, the separation of the
electrical couplings would cause the lights to be turned up when they were not
wanted.
1 therefore provide at each end of every vehicle, a dummy coupling, fixed to the
headstock of the carriage, and on which, the end or uncoupled half of the coupling
may be placed-Fig. 9 shows such a dummy coupling, though any arrangement will
serve the purpose, which by the act of fixing the coupling thereon, raises the contact
spring piece f, the same as it is raised when two halves of a coupling are put
together.

page_text: In Fig. 9, A represents the face of this dummy coupling, which is secured to a
convenient part of the vehicle, and 6 is a piece of hard wood or other insulating
material inserted in the same, of which C is a projection of suitable size and shape to
enter the cavity c¹ of the coupling (see Fig. 3) and having a rib or corrugation with
an inclined surface e, the same as in each half of the coupling, and indicated at M Fig. 3
for the purpose of lifting the spring contact piece out of contact with the segments a¹
and of the coupling. When a carriage is detached from the electrically lighted
train, and the couplings at each end are fixed on the dummy coupling the lights may
be actuated by the small switch on each vehicle previously described, or if preferred,
the switch may be entirely dispensed with and the lights of the detached carriage or
carriages be turned on or off by fixing on or taking off the coupling from the dummy
coupling at the end of the individual vehicle.
Under certain circumstances I prefer to provide the coupling with a contact piece
having a switching arrangement fixed therein as shown in Fig. 6. The complete half
coupling shown in Fig. 6 (which is very much enlarged, as are also Figs. 5 and 7 in
order to indicate more clearly the different parts) combines the spring contacts with
the switch for each vehicle, and enables me when desired to dispense with the dummy
coupling on which to fix the rear and front half couplings, so as to keep the spring
contact piece out of contact with the segments, and also allows me to keep the spring
from falling in the rear half coupling after a slip carriage is slipped.
By its means, the action of the spring, whether it shall be allowed to fall and make
contact between the segments A B Fig. 6, or whether it shall be withheld so as not to
place these segments A B in contact one with the other, is determined. When the
key-piece is set in a certain position, it holds the contact spring free from the
segments A B, and when it is placed in the reverse position, it allows the said contact
spring free action-Normally its arrangement is such, that on the two parts of the
coupling being put together, the said contact spring is raised, and locked so that it
cannot fail to make contact between A and B until the key is placed into a position to
enable it to do so.
In Fig. 6, is the contact piece held up out of contact with the metal segments A. B,
and carried by spring W (see Fig. 7) which is slotted at D to carry a loosely riveted
threaded nut E-a a is a metal pin slotted at the top to engage with the key-piece C
but without being in any way secured to it-the pin a is slotted again as shown at K
for the purpose of inserting but not rigidly securing one end of a flat spiral spring d,
and it is also hollowed out and threaded inside at the bottom to accommodate a piece
of ebonite which is inserted in order to electrically insulate the small metal pin m
from the pin a--This small pin m is provided with a screw thread at o, of suitable size
to engage with the thread of the nut E, and is rigidly secured in its position by the
ivory or ebonite rivet n which also more effectually secures the insulation -a small
box ff of ebonite is secured to the ebonite casing or tubing T (the metal outer casing
being cut away at this point) to accommodate the flat spiral spring d also shown by
dotted lines in Fig. 5, and which is fixed by its end e to the ebonite box f
A A are two metal plates fixed on the top of this box, and having steel facings z z
(Fig. 6) and steel inclined planes -The pin a is also provided with a pin bb
projecting over, and when the spring contact piece is up, resting upon the steel facings
of the plates A A-It is this pin which when in the position shown in Fig. 5 holds the
pin a and contact piece r up-The plates A A are provided with slots i i¹, and are
fixed a little apart, leaving the spaces H H between them. The plates A A are cut
away underneath and between the spaces H H and the slots i -The whole arrange-
ment is then boxed in by the small metal box F to which the key-piece C is secured so
that it may be freely turned round.
Now supposing that the two halves of a coupling are put together, the ebonite slide
piece X of one half, raises the contact piece of the corresponding half, into the position
shown in Fig. 6, and if now with the coupling put together it is desired to set the
contact piece so that it will fall when the coupling comes apart, the key-piece C is
turned into the position indicated by the dotted lines. In doing this, both ends of the
steel pin bb pass over the slots i ¹, and up the inclined planes h, thus raising the

page_text: spring carrying the contact piece. As the pin passes over the top of the inclined
planes it is pulled into the spaces H H by the tension of the flat spring W Fig. 7.
The act of turning the pin a, winds or tightens up the flat spiral spring d whilst the
steel pin bb having dropped into the spaces H H and resting against the ends of the
inclined planes, is held or locked in that position. There is nothing now to prevent
the contact piece from falling into contact with the metal segments A B except the
insulated sliding piece X of each half of the coupling, and therefore when the
coupling pulled apart, the contact piece and also the pin a falls, and the steel pin b,
no longer held up by the end of the steel inclined plane is turned back by the
action of the flat spiral spring d into a position directly under the slots i i¹, and thus
completes the circuit for bringing the lighting of the vehicles into operation.
Fig. 8 is an outside view of the complete coupling showing the key-piece-that
marked C being turned into position to let the spring fall when the coupling comes
apart, whilst that marked D in the other half is turned so as not to admit of the spring
falling and completing the lighting circuit-It will be observed that in the perspective
sketch illustrating this figure, the guides by which tho couplings are placed together
in their respective positions, are at the sides, instead of at the top and bottom of the
coupling, as explained in dealing with Figs. and 8. The main object of this
alteration is to enable this coupling-switch arrangement to be fixed in a position
observable to those who have control of the train.
Figs. 13 & 14 is a further method of effecting a similar object, the only difference
being, that the spring and contact piece are in these cases dispensed with, and a small
inclined cavity formed in the ebonite tongue into which a quantity of mercury is
inserted to form the necessary electrical contact between the parts A and B when the
coupling comes apart and hangs down-When the coupling is held up in an horizontal
position the mercury falls back down the incline D as shown in Fig. 14, and A and B
are then disconnected-When the coupling is coupled up, it will hang in an horizontal
position, and the mercury will be as shown at D in Fig. 14, and free from contact
with both plates a and b. When the coupling comes apart and falls into a vertical
position, the mercury runs into the space E Fig. 13, placing plates a and b in
electrical connection the one with the other.
Fig. 10 is a method for using two sets of Accumulators for electrically lighting
railway trains. D is the dynamo machine, CC commutator brushes, E automatic
switch for the purpose previously described in explaining Fig. 1, F is the lighting
switch, and G is the charging switch, A and A' the two sets of Accumulators in each
vehicle, L the lamps, and B the couplings between each vehicle. The permanent
resistances KCCRCRC: Fig. 1 I also place in circuit with each set of Accumulators in the
manner, and for the purpose previously set forth.
The coupling shown in Fig. 12 which will be clearly understood from the
explanation given with Fig. 3 is however in this case made to accommodate four
cables, one cable being connected to each of the three pairs of segments of which the
coupling is formed the contre connection in this case being connected to cable 4.
The fourth cable is in connection with one pole of the set of Accumulators A¹ A¹ etc.:
and cable No. 1 is in connection with the similar pole of the set of Accumulators A A
etc. One pole of the dynamo machine is permanently connected with cable No. 2
which is in connection with the similar poles of both sets of Accumulators A and A'.
The lamps L L etc. are arranged in parallel between cables Nos. 2 and 3. The mani-
pulation of the Accumulators is effected through the charging switch G. a is the
contact lever of the switch in permanent contact with one pole of the dynamo (the
opposite pole to that in contact with cable No. 2)-b is a rocking contact spring under-
neath contact lever a, c is a contact spring in electrical connection with cable No. 1,
and d is a similar spring connected to cable No. 4-The underside of contact lever a
is insulated, so as not to make electrical contact with the rocking spring b. Now when
the switches are as is shown in Fig. 10, when the dynamo machine is running, the set
of Accumulators A³ are being charged through cable No. 4, whilst the set of Accumu-
lators A are connected over to the lighting switch, and when that switch is in the
position indicated, the lamps are illuminant.

page_text: When the Accumulators A¹ are considered to be sufficiently charged, the contact
lever a is turned over from contact spring d to contact spring c-The rocking spring b
at once rises into contact with spring d, and is forced out of contact with contact
spring c.
This places the set of Accumulators A on the dynamo machine for charging, and
the other set of Accumulators A' on the lighting switch for lighting.
Fig. 11 shows a similar arrangement with two sets of Accumulators, but having a
small hand switch S which may be fixed to each vehiclo, and to be operated by a
suitable key for using either set of Accumulators for lighting the lamps when
any vehicle or vehicles are detached from the electrically lighted train-In this case
the coupling must be fixed on the dummy coupling at either end of the detached
vehicle or vehicles.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, 1 declare that I am aware
that it has been heretofore proposed to use in connection with the electric lighting of
railway trains electrical couplings which were provided with a circuit closing device
for placing the lamps in the vehicle in circuit with the source of electricity when the
coupling came apart, and I make no general claim to such an arrangement, but what
I claim is
In an arrangement for electrically lighting railway trains,
Firstly. The provision of an electrical coupling for the purpose of connecting
together the cables of the several vehicles of a train in combination with a circuit
closing device for placing the lamps in circuit with the batteries when the coupling
comes apart substantially as described.
Secondly. In the provision in connection therewith of a special fixed spring for the
purpose of closing or completing the circuit between two or more parts of the said
coupling or not as desired substantially as described and illustrated in Figs. 5, 6
and 7.
Thirdly. In the provision of a means of effecting a similar connection between parts
of the said coupling by means of a mercury contact substantially as described and
illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14.
Fourthly. In the provision of a duplicate set of Accumulators or batteries, so that
one set may be ready for use for lighting, whilst the other is being charged or idle,
in combination with the coupling substantially in the manner and for the purpose set
forth and described in the text and in Fig. 10.
Fifthly. In the employment, in combination with the circuits and coupling as
explained, of an electrical resistance inserted between the batteries, and the main wire
or cable, for the purpose of more completely equalising the resistance of the several
parts, and thus securing more equable distribution of the current, throughout the
several parallels or parts of the circuit substantially as set forth and described.
Sixthly. The combination of a coupling having a circuit closing device, as set forth,
with a dummy coupling to switch the light on or off substantially in the manner and
for the purpose described.
Seventhly. The combination of two sets of batteries or accumulators and a hand
switch for each vehicle capable of connecting either set of Accumulators with the lamp
circuit, substantially as described and illustrated in Fig. 11.
Eighthly. The combination of the several parts with the method of electrically
lighting railway trains, as shown in the several diagrams, and as described in the text
hereof.

page_text: -
Date of Application, 23rd June, 1888
Complete Specification Left, 22nd Mar., 1889
Complete Specification Accepted, 8th June, 1889
WILLIAM EDWARD LANGDON, Electrical Engineer, Midland Railway, Derby, do..
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:- .
In the employment of certain conducting wires arranged in such a manner that in
combination with a specially devised electrical coupling, by which the conducting
wires may be connected. hetween vehicle and vehicle, and an electrical switch, placed
in the Guards Van or other part of the train, the light derived from the source of
electricity, whether primary or secondary battery, arranged on or within the vehicle,
may be turned on or off as desired; and further by the arrangement of a certain
spring connection in the said coupling, that when the coupling is disconnected, the
Electric Light Circuit shall be so completed as to bring into operation the lights
provided for that purpose: and further, in combination therewith, in the employment
of a switch placed upon each vehicle by means of which the lighting circuit thereof
may be broken or completed as may be desired and such also that where more than
one set of batteries is employed on such vehicle, the said switch fixed upon such
vehicle may be used for switching in or out of circuit either set of batteries.
To this end the battery which forms the source of the Electrical current for lighting
a given vehicle is placed in some convenient position on the said vehicle. This battery
may be an accumulator charged from any source, viz.: from a Dynamo driven from
the wheels of the train, from a Dynamo driven by a small motor placed on the engine,
or in other portion of the train, or by a stationary engine apart from the train, or it
may be a "primary" battery.
To one and the same pole of this battery throughout the several vehicles comprising
the train I join an electrical cable or wire (No. 1), and to the opposite pole I in like
manner connect another cable (No. 2). I then carry a third cable also throughout the
train (No. 3). Between No. 2 and No. 3 of these cables I connect the lamps employed
for illuminating each compartment. Each of these cables I insulate and extend from
the ends of each vehicle to an electrical coupling so formed that it shall, when coupled
up, connect through from vehicle to vehicle, each of the three wires in their relative
and independent position: and such that, when uncoupled, it shall by means of certain

page_text: portions or parts connected or arranged upon or with a certain spring or springs bring
into contact those portions connected with cables No. 1 and No. 3-that is it shall
complete the light circuit.
:
The cables No. 1 and 3 thus extended I connect with a switch placed in the Guards
Van or other portion of the train so arranged that when the lever thereof is placed in
a certain position it shall break the electrical lamp circuit or complete it as desired
that it shall disconnect No. 1 from No. 3 cable, or connect it as required.
;
And with the object of further insuring the steadiness of the light where accumu-
lators or secondary batteries are employed upon each vehicle as indicated, and where
such accumulators are charged by a dynamo driven from the wheels of a train I
employ a fourth cable (No. 4) together with additional secondary batteries, the poles
of which I connect to No. 2 and No. 4 cable. I continue these four cables by means of
the said coupling between vehicle and vehicle-the said coupling being arranged to
accommodate the fourth cable-to the guards van, and I there connect them to certain
switches of any ordinary character so arranged that they may be employed, one for
turning the light on or off, and the other for placing either set of the accumulators as
may be required in connection with the Dynamo and otherwise, by means of one or
the other of the switches to arrange the wires so as to make the interchange, for the
purpose of charging the batteries independent of the lamp circuit, and yet retain the
power of manipulating the latter so as to turn the lights in and out at pleasure from
the Guards Van.
Thus when the several vehicles composing a train are coupled up the manipulation
of the light is effected from the Guards Van by means of the No. 3 cable and switch,
where only one set of batteries is employed upon each vehicle; and by means of No. 3
cable or No. 4 cable where two sets of batteries are used: and when the whole or any
portion of the several vehicles are uncoupled that the light may be turned on by the
action of the spring portion of the coupling, in placing parts of the coupling connected
to cables Nos. 1 and 3 in contact: the light thereafter in any such uncoupled vehicle
being governed by the switch placed thereon in combination with the said arrange-
ment of wires and batteries.
Dated this 22nd day of June 1888.

page_text: Improvements in Electric Lighting as Applied to Railway Trains.
WILLIAM EDWARD LANGDON Electrical Engineer Midland Railway Derby, 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, that is to say :-
It consists in the employment of certain conducting wires arranged in such
a manner, that in combination with a specially devised electrical coupling, by
which the conducting wires may be connected between vehicle and vehicle, and an
electrical switch placed in the guard's van or other convenient portion of the train, the
light derived from the source of electricity whether primary or secondary battery,
arranged on or within the vehicle, may be turned on or off as may be desired; and
further by the arrangement of a certain spring connection in the said coupling, that
when the coupling is disconnected, the electric light circuit shall be so completed as to
bring into use the lights provided for that purpose, and further in combination there-
with in the employment of a switch placed upon each vehicle, by means of which the
electric light circuit thereof may be broken or completed as may be desired, and such
also that where more than one set of batteries is employed on such vehicle, the said
switch fixed upon such vehicle may be used for switching in or out of circuit either
set of batteries.
:
To this end, the battery which forms the source of the electrical current for lighting
a given vehicle is placed in some convenient position on the said vehicle. This battery
may be an Accumulator charged from any source, viz. from a dynamo driven from
the wheels of the train, from a dynamo driven by a small motor placed on the engine
or other portion of the train, or by a stationary engine apart from the train; or it
may be a primary battery.
To one and the same pole of this battery throughout the several vehicles comprising
the train, I join an electrical cable or wire (No. 1), and to the opposite pole l'in like
manner connect another cable (No. 2).
I then carry a third cable, also throughout the train (No. 3). Between No. 2 and
No. 3 of these cables I connect the lamps employed for illuminating each com-
partment--Each of these wires I insulate and extend from the ends of each vehicle to
an electrical coupling so formed that it shall when coupled up connect through from
vehicle to vehicle each of the three wires in their relative and independent position;
and such that when uncoupled it shall by means of certain portions or parts connected
or arranged upon or with a certain spring or springs bring into contact those portions
connected with cables No. 1 and No. 3, i.e. it shall complete the light circuit.
The cables No. 1 and No. 3 thus extended I connect with a switch placed in the
guards van or other portion of the train, so arranged that when the lever thereof is
placed in a certain position, it shall break the electrical lamp circuit or complete it as
desired i.e. shall disconnect No. 3 from No. 1 cable or connect it as required.
:

page_text: And with the object of further insuring the steadiness of the light where secondary
batteries or Accumulators are employed upon each vehicle as indicated, and where such
Accumulators are charged by a dynamo driven from the wheels of the train, I employ
a fourth (No. 4) cable, together with an additional secondary battery, the poles of
which I connect to No. 2 and No. 4 cables. I continue these four cables by means of
the said coupling between vehicle and vehicle-the said coupling being arranged to
accommodate the fourth cable-to the guard's van, and I there connect them to certain
switches of any ordinary character so arranged that they may be employed, one for
turning the light on or off, and the other for placing either set of the Accumulators as
may be required in communication with the dynamo; and otherwise by means of one
or the other of the switches to arrange the wires so as to make the interchange for the
purpose of charging the batteries independent of the lamp circuit, and yet retain the
power of manipulating the latter, so as to turn the lights in and out at pleasure from
the guards van.
Thus when the several vehicles comprising a train are coupled up, the manipulation
of the light is effected from the guard's van by means of the No. 3 cable and switch
where only one set of batteries is employed upon each vehicle, and by means of No. 3
or No. 4 cables where two sets of batteries are used, and when the whole or any
portion of the said vehicles are uncoupled, that the light may be turned on by the
action of the spring portion of the coupling in placing parts of the coupling connected
to cables No. 1 and No. 3 in contact; the light thereafter in any such uncoupled
vehicle being governed by the switch placed thereon in combination with the said
arrangement of wire and batteries.
And in order that my invention may be more fully understood, I will now proceed
to describe the accompanying drawings with reference thereto.
In order to the better explain the application of the coupling together with the
method of arranging the circuits, wires, lamps etc.: I will take Fig. 1 which is a plan
showing the circuit arrangements and connections complete for a three wire system
with one set of Accumulators in each vehicle for a train of four coaches and
Guard's van.
Each coach is provided with its own Accumulators AB R is a permanent resistance
inserted between the junction with the main cables and the leads to the Accumulators
for the purpose of ensuring the more equal distribution of the current by reducing any
differences which may possibly arise in the resistances between, or in the sets of
Accumulators; D is the dynamo machine to be driven from a pulley or pulleys on the
axle of the wheels of the guard's van (or vehicle in which it is fixed) or otherwise;
CC the commutator brushes; E an automatic switch for disconnecting the machine
from the Accumulators when necessary; F is a small hand switch to enable the guard,
or other appointed person, to turn off, or turn on the lights; and at X in the branch to
the lamp circuit may be employed a variable resistance switch adjustable according to
the number of coaches in use, and which may be brought into operation mechanically
when the current from the dynamo is feeding the lamps, and when, consequently, the
Electro Motive Force would be higher than that of the lamps.
1, 2 and 3 are cables continued by means of the electrical couplings B (shown in
detail in Figs. 3 and 4) from end to end of the train-As diagramatically represented,
the Accumulators A are arranged in parallel between cables 1 and 2 and the lamps LL
et. between cables 2 and 3. When the switch F in the van, is in the position shown,
and pointing to "ON," cable 1 and cable 3 are placed in contact and the lamps
become illuminant-a a represent ordinary make and break switches placed on each
vehicle which may be actuated by suitable keys for turning the lights of the said
vehicle "OFF" or "ON."
Fig. 2 more fully represents the working of this switch-When the switch is turned
in the direction of "OUT" cable 3 is disconnected. When it is turned in the direction
of "THROUGH" the continuity of cable 3 is completed, and when it is turned in the
direction of "IN," cable 1 and cable 3 are connected, thereby completing the circuit
formed by the batteries, the lamps, and cables 1, 2 and 3.
The arrangement of the coupling also makes provision for this, so that where desired,

page_text: the said switch a may be dispensed with-The couplings B, to be more fully described
bereafter, when coupled up, join the three cables in their relative positions one to the
other, but should the coupling come apart either by accident or design, by a coach
breaking away, or being slipped in the ordinary manner, the coupling will separate at
the point indicated by the dividing dotted line, and, by the special provision made for
that purpose, cable No. 3 is automatically brought into contact with cable No. 1, and
the lamps will be lighted.
Fig. 3 is a section of one of the two halves, which together form a complete
coupling. Each part is made up of four segments of suitable inetal (gun metal by
preference) which segments are cylindrical in form, but which may also be rectangular
or flat, together with a central contact-The four cylindrical segments a a¹ bb' are so
arranged, and so planted on an ebonite block e, that on placing the two parts of the
coupling together the segment a¹ shall pass inside of, and form contact with the
segment a; and the segment shall in like manner combine with the segment b.
These segments may be employed each in connection with separate and independent
cables or wires, four in number, or they may be coupled together-the two top and
the two bottom or otherwise-and so employed as occasion may demand. In relation
to Fig. 1, where three wires are employed throughout the train, the parts of the
coupling a a¹ are connected together and employed in connection with cable 3, and the
two lower segments bin like manner are connected with cable 1. Cable 2 is
connected to a centre contact shown at d. This is composed, either of a solid piece of
metal or of parts brazed together so as to form two bars with a space between the two
said bars, the said space corresponding in depth and width &c., with the bars, so that
the bars of each part of the coupling when placed together may dovetail into or engage
fully with one another, forming a practically homogeneons connection-Now if the
two contacts or segments a a¹ are connected by a spring or piece of metal to the two
bottom contacts or segments 6 b', cables 1 and 3 fig. 1 will be connected, and the
battery lamp circuit completed, and the lamps will be lighted, and on the spring being
removed from contact with either of them, the circuit will be broken, and the lights
will be turned out.
In Figs. 3 and 4 f is a piece of metal attached to a spring / fixed upon one of the
segments by the screws Fig. 4.
A portion of one of the four ebonite ribs or projections (see m Fig. 3) is cut away
to form an inclined plane up which the spring contact piece f of the corresponding
half of the coupling to that shown in Fig. 3 may ride when the two halves of the
coupling are put together so that each half of the entire coupling when put together
raises the contact spring of the other half and thus, when the coupling is complete
breaks the connection between a¹ and ', whilst on the coupling being pulled apart,
the spring fis permitted to complete the circuit between a¹ and 6'-Of the other parts
shown in Fig. 3, n is a tube or casing of ebonite or other insulating material having
for its object the insulation of the conducting portions of the coupling, from the metal
outer casing or cap Ps is a rim formel at the front edge to hold an india rubber
band so as to make the coupling water-tight when well and properly put together-
U U are metal projections which fit in the slots V V₁, and act as guides to the other
portions of the coupling so as to ensure the two parts being properly placed together-
Fig. 8A is an outside view of the complete coupling put together.
It is obvious that the cables No. 1 and No. 3 must not be in contact through the
couplings at either end of the train, or the lights would not be under the control of
the guard, and also when the train is taken apart in daylight, the separation of the
electrical couplings would cause the lights to be turned up when they were not
wanted.
I therefore provide at each end of every vehicle, a dummy coupling, fixed to the
headstock of the carriage, and on which, the end or uncoupled half of the coupling
may be placed-Fig. 9 shows such a dummy coupling, though any arrangement will
serve the purpose, which by the act of fixing the coupling thereon, raises the contact
spring piece f, the same as it is raised when two halves of a coupling are put
together.
.

page_text: In Fig. 9, A represents the face of this dummy coupling, which is secured to a
convenient part of the vehicle, and 6 is a piece of hard wood or other insulating
material inserted in the same, of which C is a projection of suitable size and shape to
enter the cavity c¹ of the coupling (see Fig. 3) and having a rib or corrugation with
an inclined surface e, the same as in each half of the coupling, and indicated at M Fig. 3
for the purpose of lifting the spring contact piece out of contact with the segments a¹
and of the coupling. When a carriage is detached from the electrically lighted
train, and the couplings at each end are fixed on the dummy coupling the lights may
be actuated by the small switch on each vehicle previously described, or if preferred,
the switch may be entirely dispensed with and the lights of the detached carriage or
carriages be turned on or off by fixing on or taking off the coupling from the dummy
coupling at the end of the individual vehicle.
Under certain circumstances I prefer to provide the coupling with a contact piece
having a switching arrangement fixed therein as shown in Fig. 6. The complete half
coupling shown in Fig. 6 (which is very much enlarged, as are also Figs. 5 and 7 in
order to indicato more clearly the different parts) combines the spring contacts with
the switch for each vehicle, and enables me when desired to dispense with the dummy
coupling on which to fix the rear and front half couplings, so as to keep the spring
contact piece out of contact with the segments, and also allows me to keep the spring
from falling in the rear half coupling after a slip carriage is slipped.
By its means, the action of the spring, whether it shall be allowed to fall and make
contact between the segments A B Fig. 6, or whether it shall be withheld so as not to
place these segments A B in contact one with the other, is determined. When the
key-piece is set in a certain position, it holds the contact spring free from the
segments A B, and when it is placed in the reverse position, it allows the said contact
spring free action-Normally its arrangement is such, that on the two parts of the
coupling being put together, the said contact spring is raised, and locked so that it
cannot fall to make contact between A and B until the key is placed into a position to
enable it to do so.
In Fig. 6. is the contact piece held up out of contact with the metal segments A B
and carried by spring W (see Fig. 7) which is slotted at D to carry a loosely riveted
threaded nut Ea a is a metal pin slotted at the top to engage with the key-piece C
but without being in any way secured to it-the pin a is slotted again as shown at K
for the purpose of inserting but not rigidly securing one end of a flat spiral spring d,
and it is also hollowed out and threaded inside at the bottom to accommodate a piece
of ebonite which is inserted in order to electrically insulate the small metal pin m
from the pin a-This small pin m is provided with a screw thread at o, of suitable size
to engage with the thread of the nut E, and is rigidly secured in its position by the
ivory or ebonite rivet n which also more effectually secures the insulation -a small
box ff of ebonite is secured to the ebonite casing or tubing T (the metal outer casing
being cut away at this point) to accommodate the flat spiral spring d also shown by
dotted lines in Fig. 5, and which is fixed by its end e to the ebonite box f.
Z 2
A A are two metal plates fixed on the top of this box, and having steel facings
(Fig. 6) and steel inclined planes h -The pin a is also provided with a pin bb
projecting over, and when the spring contact piece is up, resting upon the steel facings
of the plates A A-It is this pin which when in the position shown in Fig. 5 holds the
-pin a and contact piece r up-The plates A A are provided with slots ii, and are
fixed a little apart, leaving the spaces H H between them. The plates A A are cut
away underneath and between the spaces H H and the slots i -The whole arrange-
ment is then boxed in by the small metal box F to which the key-piece () is secured so
that it may be freely turned round.
Now supposing that the two halves of a coupling are put together, the ebonite slide
piece of one half, raises the contact piece of the corresponding half, into the position
shown in Fig. 6, and if now with the coupling put together it is desired to set the
contact piece so that it will fall when the coupling comes apart, the key-piece C is
turned into the position indicated by the dotted lines. In doing this, both ends of the
steel pin pass over the slots i i¹, and up the inclined planes h h¹, thus raising the

page_text: spring carrying the contact piece. As the pin passes over the top of the inclined
planes it is pulled into the spaces H H by the tension of the flat spring W Fig. 7.
The act of turning the pin a, winds or tightens up the flat spiral spring d whilst the
steel pin bb having dropped into the spaces H H and resting against the ends of the
inclined planes, is held or locked in that position. There is nothing now to prevent
the contact piece from falling into contact with the metal segments A B except the
insulated sliding piece ✗ of each half of the coupling, and therefore when the
coupling is pulled apart, the contact piece and also the pin a falls, and the steel pin b, .
no longer held up by the end of the steel inclined plane h' is turned back by the
action of the flat spiral spring d into a position directly under the slots i i¹, and thus
completes the circuit for bringing the lighting of the vehicles into operation.
Fig. 8 is an outside view of the complete coupling showing the key-piece-that
marked C being turned into position to let the spring fall when the coupling comes
apart, whilst that marked D in the other half is turned so as not to admit of the spring
falling and completing the lighting circuit-It will be observed that in the perspective.
sketch illustrating this figure, the guides by which the couplings are placed together
in their respective positions, are at the sides, instead of at the top and bottom of the
coupling, as explained in dealing with Figs. 3 and 84. The main object of this
alteration is to enable this coupling-switch arrangement to be fixed in a position
observable to those who have control of the train.
Figs. 13 & 14 is a further method of effecting a similar object, the only difference
being, that the spring and contact piece are in these cases dispensed with, and a small
inclined cavity formed in the ebonite tongue into which a quantity of mercury is
inserted to form the necessary electrical contact between the parts A and B when the
coupling comes apart and hangs down-When the coupling is held up in an horizontal
position the mercury falls back down the incline D as shown in Fig. 14, and A and B
are then disconnected-When the coupling is coupled up, it will hang in an horizontal
position, and the mercury will be as shown at D in Fig. 14, and free from contact
with both plates a and b. When the coupling comes apart and falls into a vertical
position, the mercury runs into the space E Fig. 13, placing plates a and b in
electrical connection the one with the other.
Fig. 10 is a method for using two sets of Accumulators for electrically lighting
railway trains. D is the dynamo machine, C C commutator brushes, E automatic
switch for the purpose previously described in explaining Fig. 1, F is the lighting
switch, and G is the charging switch, A and A' the two sets of Accumulators in each
vehicle, L the lamps, and B the couplings between each vehicle. The permanent
resistance:KHC:CE:CK Kig. 1 I also place in circuit with each set of Accumulators in the
manner, and for the purpose previously set forth.
etc.
The coupling shown in Fig. 12 which will be clearly understood from the
explanation given with Fig. 3 is however in this case made to accommodate four
cables, one cable being connected to each of the three pairs of segments of which the
coupling is formed-the centre connection in this case being connecte! to cable 4.
The fourth cable is in connection with one pole of the set of Accumulators A' A' etc.:
and cable No. 1 is in connection with the similar pole of the set of Accumulators A A
One pole of the dynamo machine is permanently connected with cable No. 2
which is in connection with the similar poles of both sets of Accumulators A and A...
The lamps LL etc. are arranged in parallel between cables Nos. 2 and 3. The mani-
pulation of the Accumulators is effected through the charging switch G. a is the
contact lever of the switch in permanent contact with one pole of the dynamo (the
opposite pole to that in contact with cable No. 2)-b is a rocking contact spring under-
neath contact lever a, c is a contact spring in electrical connection with cable No. 1,
and d is a similar spring connected to cable No. 4-The underside of contact lever a
is insulated, so as not to make electrical contact with the rocking spring b. Now when
the switches are as is shown in Fig. 10, when the dynamo machine is running, the set
of Accumulators A' are being charged through cable No. 4, whilst the set of Accumu-
lators A are connected over to the lighting switch, and when that switch is in the
position indicated, the lamps are illuminant.

page_text: When the Accumulators A¹ are considered to be sufficiently charged, the contact
lever a is turned over from contact spring d to contact spring c-The rocking spring b
at once rises into contact with spring d, and is forced out of contact with contact
spring c.
This places the set of Accumulators A on the dynamo machine for charging, and
the other set of Accumulators A' on the lighting switch for lighting.
Fig. 11 shows a similar arrangement with two sets of Accumulators, but having a
small hand switch S which may be fixed to each vehicle, and to be operated by a
suitable key for using either set of Accumulators for lighting the lamps when
any vehicle or vehicles are detached from the electrically lighted train-In this case
the coupling must be fixed on the dummy coupling at either end of the detached
vehicle or vehicles.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
In an arrangement for electrically lighting railway trains,
Firstly. The provision of an electrical coupling for the purpose of connecting"
together the cables of the several vehicles of a train in combination with a circuit
closing device for placing the lamps in circuit with the batteries when the coupling
comes apart substantially as described.
Secondly. In the provision in connection therewith of a special fixed spring for the
purpose of closing or completing the circuit between two or more parts of the said
coupling or not as desired substantially as described and illustrated in Figs. 5; 6
and 7.
Thirdly. In the provision of a means of effecting a similar connection between parts
of the said coupling by means of a mercury contact substantially as described. and
illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14.
Fourthly. In the provision of a duplicate set of Accumulators or batteries, so that
one set may be ready for use for lighting, whilst the other is being charged or idle,
in combination with the coupling substantially in the manner and for the purpose set
forth and described in the text and in Fig. 10.
Fifthly. In the employment, in combination with the circuits and coupling as
explained, of an electrical resistance inserted between the batteries, and the main wire
or cable, for the purpose of more completely equalising the resistance of the several
parts, and thus securing more equable distribution of the current, throughout the
several parallels or parts of the circuit substantially as set forth and described.
Sixthly. The combination of a coupling having a circuit closing device, as set forth,
with a dummy coupling to switch the light on or off substantially in the manner and
for the purpose described.
Seventhly. The combination of two sets of batteries or accumulators and a hand
switch for each vehicle capable of connecting either set of Accumulators with the lamp
circuit, substantially as described and illustrated in Fig. 11.
Eighthly. The combination of the several parts with the method of electrically
lighting railway trains, as shown in the several diagrams, and as described in the text
hereof.
DJ 0 1 1000