AN IMPROVED CODE AND APPARATUS FOR MARINE SAFETY SIGNALLING
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Benjamin Barker, of Hoboken, in the County of
Hudson, and State of New Jersey, one of the United States of America,
Master Mariner, for the Invention of "AN IMPROVED CODE AND APPARATUS
FOR MARINE SAFETY SIGNALLING."
Sealed the 24th October 1879, and dated the 24th June 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Benjamin Barker
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th June 1879.
WILLIAM BENJAMIN BARKER, of Hoboken, in the County of Hudson, and State
of New Jersey, one of the United States of America, Master Mariner.
"AN
IMPROVED CODE AND APPARATUS FOR MARINE SAFETY SIGNALLING."
My Invention relates, firstly, to a code or system of signals capable of being
automatically given and repeated by means of a fog-horn, whistle, or other sound
instrument for the purpose of indicating the direction by compass that a vessel is
taking, should take, or may take at sea.
Secondly. It relates to apparatus for automatically operating a fog-horn or whistle
to give such signals.
According to the first part of my Invention I subdivide the horizon or compass
card into eight equal parts and to each part 1 allot a given signal, thus,—

page_text: within a suitable frame and operated by a treadle, lever, or equivalent actuating
device. In connection with this mechanism I employ a plate or disc, perforated or
otherwise, formed with a series of long and short holes, apertures, or operating
devices adapted to control the passage of air, steam, or other fluid to a fog-horn or
whistle in regulated quantities so as to control the blast or signal given.
The signal operating devices are by preference controlled by a pair of cylinders
working one within the other, one provided with cam operating surfaces and the
other with cams or cam surfaces so constructed and arranged that they shall act
together to cause an eighth revolution of the plate or disc containing or having
mounted upon it openings or devices for causing the blasts of the horn, whistle, or
sounding device.
The duration of the sound or signal is determined by the length of the hole or
passage and by the pressure of air in the bellows or other pressure generating
mechanism, or by other suitable means.
A dial is provided at the upper part of the apparatus marked with the eight
points of the compass herein before referred to, and the code indicating the spaces
between the same.
A handle or other device provided with a pointer is applied to the axis of the
apparatus for the purpose of setting the same in position to give any desired
signal.
An automatic locking device is provided whereby when the device has been set
for any given signal the same cannot be changed until that signal has been given.
The apparatus is so arranged that when the device is set for any given signal the
same will be repeated as often as desired.
When using steam as the means of operating the sounding mechanism I employ
a series of cams or pattern surfaces to actuate a lever or levers provided with a
hinged arm or operating piece to turn on and shut off the steam at the desired
times, such hinged arm or operating piece being so mounted that when moving in
one direction it shall turn on steam, but when moved in the roverse direction it
shall be inoperative.
Suitable valves are employed to regulate the passage of the air and steam.
Anti-friction rollers are applied to facilitate the operation of the cylinders.

page_text: horn or other sounding device is fitted in the cover of the box, pressing with gentle
force but tightly upon the smooth upper face of the disc.
Air being supplied under pressure in the box A when the disc is turned so that
one of the holes coincides with the aperture lending to the fog-horn, the latter
speaks.
B is a hollow cylinder of metal; it is permanently fixed to the under side of the
disc B and has helical slots in its sides as shown; E is a sinaller cylinder fitting
within it like another section of a telescope. The latter is moved up and down
within B and is provided with pins carrying rollers e which are adapted to travel
in the slots band to correspondingly turn the disc B in one direction and another
as the cylinder E is raised and lowered, the latter being stiffly held against turning
at such periods. The turning presents the holes C in the proper succession to the
horn D, and provided a sufficient pressure of air be supplied the signal is given by
the proper succession of long and short sounds during such turning motion.
To the underside of the lower cylinder E is affixed an extension E which performs
important functions. Its upper end is larger than the lower part, and is octagonal;
the lower part is smaller and is cylindrical. This piece E extends through an
octagonal hole in a cross-bar H which is guided by the rods a'. The hole in the
bar H is of such size and form that when it is by the action of the foot on the
treadle I raised into contact with the board G it engages strongly on the octagonal
part of E¹ and holds the connected cylinder E rigidly against being rotated. But
when the cross bar H is lowered so that it holds only the smaller cylindrical part
near the lower end of the piece E³, then the piece E' and its connections may be
turned freely around.
The latter condition obtains at each. interval between the operations of my
apparatus.
The index B' is capable of being revolved over a dial a on the upper face of the
box or case A' so that it indicates plainly the point of the compass for signalling
which is adjusted. Any required change produced by revolving the index and its
attachments may be made without fear of mistako.
During each interval between the operation of the apparatus the hand of the
attendant applied to the index B¹ or the knob or any other suitable attachment
conveniently placed at the top, may turn the index instantly to any required part
of the circle. In doing so the connection b turns the disc B and presents a different
part of the disc to the fog-horn or whistle D, so that at the next operation of the
apparatus a different signal corresponding to the new position of the index will be
given. In the turning of the disc B the attached cylinder B³ will be correspond-
ingly turned; so will also the lower cylinder E and the attachment E¹. On the
next operation of the apparatus the depression of the treadle will bring up the
cross-bar H and cause it to engage with the octagonal part E' with the same
firmness as before but in a new position, it having been changed one eighth, two
eighths, three eighths, or any other number of eighths in the interval. The work
will thenceforward proceed with the same certainty as before, and the signals will
be given through the same fog-horn, but being given through a different part of
the circle c in the disc B the signals will possess the character peculiar to such other
part of the circle. A change for example from north by east to east by south will
require a change of the signal from long short short, which is the signal for north
by east, to long short long, which is the signal for the signal for the new course, and
which it now commences to repeat indefinitely as it had previously done the other.
I induce the required pressure of air by a bellows like action at the same
operation, which will now be described. G is the lower board of the bellows. A
bag of leather or other flexible material marked 7 connects the edges of this board
G with the sides of the box A. The movable guided cross-bar H is actuated by
chains h running over pulleys and connecting to cross-bar I, adapted to be strongly
depressed at will by the foot of the operator. At each depression of the foot the
bar His raised, and with it the board G. By this movement not only is the
cylinder E raised and strongly held against a turning motion, but the air previously

page_text: received through a suitable valve, not shown, is forced into the box A, and as the
holes o are successively presented as the disc B is partially turned on its axis 6 the
air actuates the fog horn D.
The first part of the slot b² is upright. During the period while the rollers e are
rising through that part of the slots there is no turning of the disc B, and con-
sequently no hole is presented to allow the air to escape into the fog horn. But
the apparatus is during that period accumulating a pressure of air, so that when a
little later the rollers e enter the inclined parts of the slots b², and commence to
turn the disc, there is a sufficient pressure of air below to induce a loud sound so
soon as a hole is presented. At the extreme top the slot be is again upright for a
short distance; this allows for the ordinary variations in the action or extent of
motion of the bellows in different conditions of stiffness, or as operated by different
men, without making any change in the signalling.
My code of signals is arranged according to system, and in such a manner as not
to interfere with the present international law, which only applies to signals com-
posed of one blast or two blasts. My signals never give so small a number as two
blasts; they always give three or four intimately associated together, so they cannot
possibly be mistaken for the other code.
I make each long blast twice as long as each short blast, with a proper interval
of time between the sounds. My system of signalling invariably reads from left
to right.
The following is my code of marine sound signals to indicate the course of a
vessel:
There is this difference between all the signals east and all the signals west, that
all the signals having any eastern in them begin with a long sound, and all the
signals having any western in them begin with a short sound. There is this
distinctive difference in the termination between the signals north and the signals
south, that all the directions having any northern in them end with a short sound,
and all the directions having any southern in the end with a long sound.
My apparatus may if desired be used on a steam vessel without any change,
supplying the air and using a fog horn or whistle exactly as above described. But
it is important, not only on account of the increased power, but also from the
different manoeuvring expected and required of a steamer in event of a threatened
collision to employ the steam as a means of giving the signal.
I have so far described the apparatus as prepared for sailing vessels, but it is
equally or more important on steam vessels.
Figure 6 is a plan view, and
Figure 7 is a corresponding vertical section partly in elevation showing a modi-
fication in which steam is used.
Figures 8 and 9 are detached parts thereof.
Figure 6 shows a modification of the cams in Figure 6.
Steam may be let on instead of air in conjunction with the ordinary steam
whistle, as at present applied to steam vessels, with very little change in the
apparatus in other respects, provided some suitable means be applied to shut off the
steam during the return motion of the index; but it is well to shut off the steam
during the greater or less interval which occurs between the signals. In fact, the
steam pressure is only required in the brief period during which the holes are
presented to serve as passages for the steam.
To accomplish this I have an independent valve.

page_text: In Figs. 6 and 7, M is a small double valve or balanced valve of any ordinary or
suitable construction. It is operated by the slender stem m and a connection to a
lever N, which turns on a fixed centre as shown, and is equipped with a trip lever
or arm N¹ which is rigid as a part of the lever N when actuated in one direction,
and is hinged to fold easily when actuated in the other direction. It is held by a
spring n. In place of the index B¹ being a simple hand similar to the hand of
a compass, I employ a plate having the hand painted or otherwise indicated upon
the upper sido thereof. And around the periphery of the said plate I arrange eight
cams, corresponding with my eight main divisions of the compass, the said eight
cams being so arranged that when the index B' is turned to any given point, the
cam corresponding to the signal to be given shall come into position to let the
steam on, so that the steam shall pass the valve M during the period while the
proper holes in the plate B are being presented for the passage of steam. But
immediately the signal is completed it shuts it off and it remains shut off during
the reverse motion, the hinged arm N¹ readily yielding to allow the cam to pass
idly backward under it without producing any effect. To prevent the valve from
springing I can provide one or more anti-friction rollers to support it on the
underside.
Instead of a single cam to let on the steam for each signal I propose in some
cases to divide up the cams, so that they shall correspond with the holes in the
disc B below. Such will open and close the valve M at each blast, the time of
opening being always a little in advance of, and the closing a little after the
presentation of the corresponding hole in disc B. This is shown in Figure 6*.
Figure 10 is a section, showing a further modification adapted for use with
steam. In this the upper cylinder B goes inside instead of outside of the lower
cylinder E. At the top the cylinder is enlarged to allow the steam access to any
of the holes c which may be presented. The steam is connected by a hose of
rubber or other flexible material to the smoothly fitted pipe e³, which extends up
through a stuffing into the part B. This allows the device to be worked by
steam in the identical manner as air. I believe this form of the apparatus can be
worked very successfully. A pressure regulating device may be introduced to
avoid a too great pressure of steam, and to insure a uniformity of pressure in our
apparatus independent of the variations which may obtain in the boilers. Rigid
tubes connected by flexible joints may be employed instead of rubber hose to
supply steam in the centre and allow the apparatus to be turned in every
position.
I further propose in some instances to carry the steam directly from the valve M
up to the whistle, having the whistle very closely attached to the valve.
Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 show such modifications of my apparatus.
Figure 11 is an external view (looking at the apparatus from north to south.
Figure 12 is a vertical section of the apparatus looking in the reverse direction.
Figure 13 is a plan view of the device.
Figure 14 is a partial horizontal section on the line Z, Z, in Figures 11
and 12.
Figure 15 is an underside view of the cylinder E, and
Figures 16 and 17 are detached views of the cross-bar H as applied in this
modification.
The main difference between this apparatus and that shown in Figures 6 to 10
is that the lever N with its hinged arm N¹ is within the box A, and works on a
short axis P mounted in bearing carried by a removable plate A forming part of
the side to the box A. On the end of the short lever P outside of the box A I
mount an arm P', which by means of a rod P³ or other suitable means is connected
to one arm of a crank lever P2, the other arın of which is connected to a rod or
other suitable means, operating steam whistle not represented.
The disc B in this case is provided with a series of cam surfaces B³, corresponding
in length with the length of the long and short blasts to be given.
When the cams B³ are caused to pass under the hinged arm N', the said lever N¹

page_text: will be raised, and by means of its connected mechanism the steam whistle will be
operated to give the long or short blasts required.
A pair of strong brackets A, A, are provided in place of the lower or larger
box A', shown in the previous arrangement, for the purpose of supporting the
various parts of the apparatus.
The cylinders B and E are supported on a series of anti-friction rollers a³ working
between a cap b³ mounted on the centre pivot 6 and a suitable way a³, formed on
the upper surface of the dial a.
I form the bar H with a pair of knife shaped projections H¹, H, received into
suitably formed notches E, formed in an annular ring or projection Es on the under
side of the cylinder E
In other respects the construction and operation of the different parts may be
identical with that shown in Figures 6 to 10 inclusive.
The knife like projections H' on the bar H engaging in notches E, shown in the
last form of device may be used with good effect in all the other forms.
Whenever steam is used a steam whistle is substituted for the fog horn D. This
may be placed either in the position shown or at a considerably distant point, care
being taken not to make the distance so great that the distinctness of the several
pulsations or blasts will be lost. The steam may be admitted into the whole space
under the disc, but it is for obvious reasons preferable to concentrate on that part
where it is required. A trap or other usual means may be employed to dispose of
water of condensation.
The same bellows apparatus shown in the preceeding Figures may be retained in
all forms of my steam apparatus simply as a means to aid the judgment of the
operator in regard to the rapidity of the movements. The bellows action is a very
efficient moderator to prevent the device from being operated too fast.
In each and all the forms the same or substantially the same provision is employed
for instantly changing the index or its equivalent B at the top, and thereby bringing
a different set of devices into action, which will induce the corresponding change in
the signals. In each the signals will consist of the same distribution of long and
short sounds, and the same number and order will be made when the apparatus is
adjusted for sailing in the same direction.
The difference in tone between a steam whistle and a fog horn is readily
distinguished at a great distance, and the different manoeuvring due to the classes
of vessels will be consequently expected. But for this reason each steam vessel
should have one of my complete sets of apparatus adapted for sailing vessels ready
for use in case a derangement of the steam power should require her temporarily
assuming the role of a sailing vessel.
Various modifications may be made in the details without sacrificing all the
advantages of the Invention.
A spring may be used, either coiled within the bellows or otherwise arranged to
aid in returning the parts to their place after each operation if it shall be found
necessary. Or a weight may be attached to the lower portion of the board G or to
the cross-bar . I have indicated a coiled spring in Fig. 7. It is marked S.
On small vessels, or any vessels working short handed, it is practicable to place
this apparatus so that it may be worked by the man at the wheel, but where two
are on watch the officer of the deck or man forward will operate the signal and
relieve the helmsman.
An actual change of course in a long vessel is slowly accomplished. Where it is
deemed expedient the device may be changed, the signals indicating the new
course may be commenced so soon as the intention is formed, and before the change
of course has been actually attained.
In emergencies, as when it is discovered that the course must be changed in
consequence of the proximity of another vessel threatening collision, the man at
the wheel, in default of other orders will, from the loud signals given on his own
vessel, instantly learn the new course which he is temporarily to steer.
Having thus described my Invention, I would have it understood that I do not

page_text: confine myself to the precise details shown and described, as the same may be
varied without departing from the peculiar characteristics of my Invention. What
I do claim is,-
1st. A marine code, having all the divisions of the horizon divided into eight (8)
equal parts, with a distinctive sound signal for ench of the eighths, as herein
specified.
2nd. A code of sound signals, giving a different number or order of long and
short sounds for each of the eight divisions of the circle, the four eastern divisions
commencing with the long'sound, and the four western commencing with the short
Bound, as herein specified.
3rd. A code of sound signals composed of long and short sounds, having all of the
eastern begin with a long, and all of the western begin with a short sound, and also
all of the northern end with a short, and all of the southern end with a long sound,
as herein specified.
4th. An apparatus for controlling the passage of air, steam, or other fluid adapted
for signalling by sound, constructed and operated substantially as herein shown and
described.
5th. The marine signal apparatus described, having in combinations means for
producing pressure of air or other fluids, a device for inducing a succession of blasts
in a determined character, number, and order, and means for changing said
mechanism to vary the signals, substantially as and adapted to serve the purposes
berein specified.
6th. In combination with means for inducing a pressure of fluid, and an instru-
ment for producing sound thereby, the cylinder B and its attachments partially
turning with a slow motion to a definitely prescribed extent to induce the signals,
and means for turning the cylinder between the signals, so as to bring a new part
into action as herein specified.
7th. The graduated dial a and index B, in combination with automatic signalling
mechanism, and means for instantly changing the same as specified.
8th. The bellows or wind forcing means G, g, and means for forcibly operating it,
in combination with a sound-producing instrument D, mechanism for inducing a
pre-determined order of blasts, and means for changing the number, or order, or
both, botween the signals, as herein specified.
9th. The slot b, helical in one portion of its length and straight at its lower end,
adapted to serve in combination with the pin e, disc B, or its equivalent, sound
producing instrument D, and air forcing means G, g, so arranged as to cause the
first portion of the motion to generate a pressure, and then to cause turning of the
signalling mechanism to a pre-determined extent to give the signal by such pressure,
substantially as herein specified.
10th. The entire slot 6, formed helical at its mid-length and straight at both its
upper and lower ends, in combination with the bellows G, g, actuating means E,
signalling disc B, or its equivalent, and sound producing device D, to allow not only
the production of a wind pressure during the first portion of the motion, and the
operating of the signalling mechanism to a definite extent during a succeeding
portion, but also to allow of a variation in the extent of the final movement without
affecting the signal, substantially as herein specified.
11th. A sound signalling apparatus or machine, giving a series of sounds by one
motion of a lever, or other device, substantially as shown and described, so that it
will cause the entire signal, consisting of a succession of sounds with intervals
between them to be given with one motion.
12th. An automatic machine, so arranged as to give a succession of sound signals,
whether they be given as described above, or reversed in any way, so long as they
are adapted to indicate danger, such as an approaching vessel, or to distinguish one
light house from another, or for any kind of buoy or light ship which may have this
apparatus attached.
13th. The method of communicating at sea by a succession of mechanically
induced sounds, indicating the direction of the motion of the vessel, and capable of

page_text: being instantly changed on commencing to change the course to avoid collision, as
berein specified.
14th. A code of sound signals, composed of long and short sounds systematically
arranged and actuated by mechanical means, substantially as herein specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Benjamin Barker, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.
Witnesses,
THOMAS D. STETSON,
Patent Solicitor and Expart,
23, Murray Street,
New York City, U.S.A.,
W. COLBORNE BROOKES,
Assistant to Thomas D. Stetson,
23, Murray Street,
New York City, U.S.A.
WILLIAM BENJ. BARKER,
(48