CERTAIN IMPROVED MEANS FOR PREVENTING ACCIDENTS ON RAILWAYS
Year: 1853

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Moses Robinson, of Brussels, in the Kingdom
of Belgium, for the Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVED MEANS
FOR PREVENTING ACCIDENTS ON RAILWAYS."
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Moses Robinson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition. and
Declaration, on the 14th April 1853, pursuant to the 9th section
of the Patent Law Amendment Act, 1852.
I, MOSES ROBINSON, of Brussels, in the Kingdom of Belgium, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVED
MEANS FOR PREVENTING ACCIDENTS ON RAILWAYS" to be as follows:-
First and principal, a locomotive self-adjusting parobolic wheel
sleigh, which is constructed on the principle that gravity, friction, and
the angle of inclination at which iron slips upon iron (other things
being equal) are constant quantities.
The sleigh is composed of two small wheel-like arms, keyed on at
right angles to an axle, and resting in all their corresponding parts
in the same plane with it; this axle being in all respects like the axle
of the running wheels, and may be secured to the frame in the same
manner, differing only in the axle boxes being fixed in their guards,

page_text: and having no springs to support. The form of the arms is parabolo-
elliptic, but may be of any curve or curves which, by the placement of
the nave, effect the necessary eccentric action. The nave, in the
present case, is placed at the upper extremity of the wider end, where
its outer circle forms a portion of the inner elliptic rim of the arm.
The naves, spokes, and inner and outer rims, are, in all respects, as to
construction and workmanship, finished in the same manner as the
running wheels, differing only in size, and form, and in being flanged
only on their lower sides, where they work on the rails, adding heels
and toes; or the axle and arms may be in one piece of wrought iron, or
cast iron, or they may be made in the shape of two anchors on the
same stock, or in any manner where the principle of action remains
the same.
The upper side of the toe of the arm at the right hand of
the engineman is furnished with a catch, by which the sleigh is
secured out of action by a spring and lever pall attached to the inner
and upper edge of the frame, and which a rod, by lever or handle,
connects with the engineman's stand. The toe at his left hand is
furnished with a hook (open towards the axle); to this a short chain
is linked, when it is required to lift and pall the sleigh: this chain is
attached to the small axle, around which the pall at the right hand
turns, and which, passing to the left, serves for a winch barrel, and
which, having a head turning close to but outside the frame, with
holes at right angles, a small crow bar, or other agent from the tool
chest, enables the fireman, when danger is past, to lift the sleigh,
already standing on its heels, and to click the pall into its catch.
Thus the whole matter consists of the sleigh and its simple furni-
ture; and, as its height and length depend mainly upon the elevation
of the axle, were this, therefore, placed as low as obstructions observ-
able in many railway locomotive engines, the sleigh would be, although
still an efficient, à very short and low agent indeed; but I have placed
the axle at a height to admit the escape of a man lying flat between
the rails, even where the ballasting of the way may be level with their
upper surfaces, and which also affords excellent facilities for the
placement of the sleigh and its furniture.
So far the sleigh may be considered as an important instrument of
instantaneous application under control of the engine man for the pre-

page_text: servation of life; I can, however, graduate the heels and soles of the
sleigh throughout, so that at 'any time, while in action, it can be with-
drawn. It can also be let forward into action progressively, or, as
before stated, instantaneously, by a lifting pully forward, and a wheel
and pinion power with friction boop attached, placed at the left-hand
side, partly projecting in front of the engineman's stand. Now it
must appear evident, on examination of the principle upon which the
sleigh acts, and its construction, that if its heels and soles are so
arranged as to raise the engine in front or rear, as the case may be,
only a quarter of an inch, it will be so raised precisely, and thrown into
friction only to a degree due to that rise; and if they be arranged so
as to raise it to any height necessary to safety reverse the action
of the machinery, it will be so raised, and the friction encreased pre-
cisely to a degree due to such rise; and it will be so raised not only by
the propulsion or momentun of the engine and train acting on the
sleigh, but also by the aid of the springs resting on the front running
wheels and driving wheels, as high as their necessary limited play will
permit; and the resisting power of such frictions, as compared to the
whole weight due to the rise of the engine, will be as the perpendicular
of the axle on the rail is to from thence to the slipping point, the other
portion acting in direct leverage against the momentum, and so con-
tinues until the velocity ceases. I have, on this occasion, chosen a
rise of four inches; but with the same length of arm, and height of
axle, I could safely rise six; and therefore these sleighs, although of
different lifting powers, may be applied to the same engine; but I
consider three inches under adjustment sufficient to remove one half
of the traction from the driving wheels of most engines, and to secure the
reversion of their machinery at any rate of velocity, free from the slightest
injury; and because I entertain the opinion that, unless the danger be
imminent, it may be prudent to continue the action of the driving
wheels at their reduced power for a moment, to bring up the train gently
on the buffers, fearing any delay on the part of the brakesmen before
entirely turning off the steam and reversing the action; and as import-
ant agents in aid of the reserved action, I propose sand pipes for both
sleigh and wheels. It will be observed that the heels of the sleigh

page_text: take the rails, in wheeling down into action, with a velocity nearly
equal to the ordinary rate of going, and with a movement which it is
constrained to continue, by the momentum of the engine and train,
until it arrives at the slipping point. It will also be observed that its
heels take the rails four inches in advance of the perpendicular of the
axle; but from the free elastic power or upward force of the springs, by
the agency of the volute rolling inclined plane, which rises only one in
eight, the engine instantly yields upwards, and with economy, although
in a moment, through a parabolic curve, truly representing the elas-
ticity of the springs. It will be particularly observed that when the
toes of the sleigh are extended to the point where its rolling power
becomes crippled, a further onward rolling is impossible, because the
slipping angle, the gravity of the engine, and the friction, being all
constant quantities, it must remain on its soles, undulating freely as it
slips over any inequalities in the rails, until the velocity ceases, when
it will roll back guided by its flanges; and, placing the springs upon
the wheels as before, safely following unloaded, and self-adjusted, upon
its flanged heels. Nor should the great advantage be overlooked of adjust-
ing the frames of some of the heavy class carriages to carry each two of
these sleighs in addition to its ordinary brake, and placing it last in the
train, where its whole weight could thus be at once thrown into fric-
tion with a backward leverage always unlocked, the lighter carriages
being left to their ordinary brakes, and all manoeuvred, in case of
danger, under signals from the alarm whistle. But, to ensure the more
certain and prompt application of this confidence-giving and life-
assuring power, I provide a look-out seat in front of the smoke box, to
be enclosed in the following manner:-Two iron sockets, flanged on
their bottoms, are screwed down to the top of the buffer-piece, so far
asunder as to leave ample space for admission to the cylinders and
smoke-box, and for freely throwing open the door of the latter; and in
those sockets I would crect two wooden standards to the height of the
cover. Two strong iron hoop standards, turned to a right angle in their
breadths, are placed over and secured to two brackets of iron resting
on the shoulders of the smoke-box, at the top of which the seat is fixed,
having also a strong iron bracket in the centre, and all at such a height

page_text: as will when the moveable plank which forms the floor is drawn out,
leave the whole front of the smoke-box open. Two iron side rails,
flanged to support the floor, pass from the standards in front to the
smoke-box, where the angular hoop standards, which are cut in their
angles as high as the top of the brackets, their sides at the back
coming in front, and descending, turn under the ends of the flanged
rails, which they support, and to which they are bolted. The whole of
the space between the front of the seat and fire-box is, by these means,
left unoccupied, and shut out by a wooden fall, hinged to the front of
the seat; but when turned up, to clean the pipes of the boiler, is
secured to the front of the box with a hook. The cover supports the
alarm whistle, which a pipe from the boiler feeds, passing through the
smoke box, and from thence through a wooden casing, up the interior
back of the look-out seat. The upper part of the front is glazed, and
a shutter in the rear communicates with the engineman.
In front
there is a small round hole, with stopper as a rest for the telescope.
The lower part of the front is hinged on a level with the seat, and
turns outwards and up, where it is secured to admit the taking out of
the plank which forms the floor. A cover or jacket of sheet iron is
placed on the front of the chimney, so as to admit a current of air
between them; and a breadth of sheet iron on the back of the look-out
box, and resting against the belt of the jacket, secures a second current
of air between the look-out-box and the chimney, in a manner to keep
considerably cool even the slight connecting metallic bodies. Light iron
pipes form the entrance ladders, whose sides serve as braces to the
standards, and at the head of which open the doors, showing the back
of the interior stuffed with wool, and lined with coarse woollen cloth,
not for luxury, but as non-conductors of heat, the whole carefully
finished, painted, and varnished.
I would now call attention to a very essential improvement, arising
from the introduction of the look-out box; namely, the placement of
the white lamp within the box, and working it as a general signal light.
It is placed upon a stand, with an oval pane of plate glass in front,
which, from its length, permits the guard to turn the circular lamp,
to show and search along curves, without cutting off any of its disk
from the distant observer. The chimney of the lamp is constructed on
-t

page_text: "
.
the principle of the frame of a telescope, and is divided into two tubes,
where it passes around the rest for this instrument: I also propose
to place the red lamp within the heavy class carriage, in. the rear of
the train, and to work it in the same manner, in order that the guard
can always relight it: also, when, by accident or neglect; it may be
extinguished, which
at present too oftens happens, and to raise the top
of its look-out box to the same elevation as the one in front of the
engine, and to place upon its cover, so raised, a machinery or wind
whistle of the best class, valuable to serve for sending conventional
signals to the engineman,, in case of approaching danger, or the
accidental falling off from the train of person or property; or, in case
of a signal, from the chief of the station or other competent person,
to stop the train, or to return; but most valuable in every case where
its signals may serve to prevent the extra danger of employing express
trains. And the shades which are placed over the disks of these lamps,
to give the night signals, if painted in strong contrast with their re-
spective lamps, will serve for day signals, at a very great distance,..by
the aid of the telescope.
:
I will now suppose a guard to see a train coming in the distance, and
who immediately places on the front of this lamp a shade of sheet iron,
which shows to the distant observer that (from the displacement of the
rails or, other cause) the train is on the right hand side of the railway;
thus
The distant guard immediately whistles the alarm,
and answers thus
"I see your signal." But the other, having
heard the alarm whistle, did not wait for this signal, but whistled the
alarm, and both trains are stopped..
An express for a clergyman may be thus

page_text: and so on to the whole number which may be required for the public
or private signals for the service of the line.
All things being now prepared, I would earnestly advise female
guards should be appointed to fill these situations, and would request.
those who may hastily doubt the prudence of this advise to look at
the present time and listen to what is said, and see and hear what
women can do in courageous adventures and transfers of endearing
maternal care, in munificent and brilliant self-denials, and in charitable
and pious self-sacrifices, for the preservation of those placed by Divine
Providence under their protection. Yes, I recommend female look-
out guards, because the vigilance of women, where danger is to be
apprehended, is far greater than that of men; because women are more
regular in their habits; because, when in the stations, and having no
other duty to perform, they will be always ready and disposed to render
a thousand marks of attention to female passengers and children;
because female passengers are often at stations pressed to make
enquiries which they could better answer; because in cases of accident
to female passengers, or sudden illness, their attention at the first
stopping place could not fail to be more desirable; because, when
improper freedoms or insults are offered to female passengers by the
male guards or other servants of the railway, such offended females
would freely tell them the nature of such outrages, which they would
perhaps rather bear in silence than explain to a man; because they
are free from the suspicion of occupying their time in smoking tobacco,
and clouding their boxes, windows, and instruments thereby; because
many well conducted and respectable men, holding situations on
railways, and having daughters capable of performing the duty, would-
be very happy to obtain such employment for them; because there are
many active females with claims on railways, from having been deprived
of their husbands, fathers, or brothers, by accidents thereon; because
there are multitudes of reformed females in asylums, banished from
society for a single frailty, but now repentant and in possession of every
necessary qualification for the situation, and upon whose pious and
benevolent protectors I would call to aid my feeble advocacy in their
behalf, to obtain for them situations of independence, and exemption
-

page_text: from temptations into a relapse; because the look-out seats are
isolated, and preserve them from intrusion; because women are more
in the habit of keeping, arranging, and lighting lamps for domestic
purposes; because the governments and companies employing them
would not fail in any case to place the whole of the female look-out
guards under the care of worthy matrons; because these matrons could
examine and see that each female guard carried with her nothing but a
scissors to trim her lamp, a clean linen cloth to clear the glasses, and a
pocket handkerchief; and because smaller salaries would be thankfully
accepted by them for services better performed.
But, whether male or female guards, an isolated look-out in front of
the engine is indispensable when snow is on the ground, and thrown
in clouds about the engineman and his assistant. It is essential when
dense snow is falling, because the passage of the engine throws it into
eddies, which baffle all endeavours to look ahead. It is essential in
foggy weather, for better hearing as well as seeing; and it is perhaps
more essential when the wind is ahead, accompanied with heavy rain
and a cold atmosphere, because, under such circumstances, the engine-
man and his assistant will rarely decline to take the shelter of the fire-
box, in a position where they do not find it convenient to turn their
attention forward. It is, above all, essential, because the engineman
has so many other things to attend to, his guages, his pumps, his steam,
rate of going, and seeing that the fire is in proper order; nor is the
fireman much less employed in adjusting and feeding his fire, and trim-
ming up his coke. Therefore, it is unquestionably essential that there
should be a guard on the look-out in front, and sheltered from the
inclemency of the weather, and have no other duty to attend to, neither
despatches, nor parcels, nor official letters, to arrange or deliver, nor
anything that could call away attention even for a moment from the
look-out duty.
There is nothing, however, in all this to prevent blame attaching to
the engifeman for negligence in keeping a sharp look-out, and meet-
ing it promptly when he is first in secing the danger, by giving the
alarm from his own whistle, independent of the look-out guard. And it
will be the duty of the look-out guard, on all occasions where danger

page_text: appears at a distance, and affords reasonable time, to communicate the
circumstance to the engineman, who will carefully look forward, and
make his preparations on his own responsibility to meet it. I have,
however, placed at the right hand side of the 'look-out guard's seat the
arm of a bent lever, having the shorter arm connected with the head of
the pall by a jointed rod, having a bolt head which moves up in a
stirrup, if the engine man work the pall, and available to the look-out.
guard to work the sleigh, should any accident disable the engineman
and his assistant, or drive them from their stánd, or in any other case
of imminent danger. Thus the alarm can be, as it ought, whistled from
the front or rear of the engine, and the sleigh worked in like manner.
Here also, during dense fogs, or heavy falls of snow, the whistle
of the look-out guard will announce the approach of the train at very
short intervals.
The views of the sleigh, and other new matters which accompany
these explanations, are attached to outlines taken from a railway
locomotive engine, given by Lieutenant Peter Lecount, in his Practical
Treatise on Railways, published in Edinburg, in 1839, and to which
I refer, because that work is generally in the hands of engineers and
others interested in railways.
The changes involving expense for this engine, will be seen to be a
lengthening of the frame one foot three inches in front of the smoke-
box, and turning the side flanges of the front of the cylinder case in
the same direction, adding the axle guards for the sleigh, lengthening
the strengthening rods, and placing the iron guards of the engine under
the buffer piece, preparing and attaching the sleigh and its furniture,
the erection of the sedan or look-out box, and providing signal shades,
the lamp, chimney, and telescope. There will not be, in the case of any
engine, an expense at all in comparison with the profits and the
security arising from their adoption to railway companies and the
public. There is no overloading even to the lightest engines; on the
contrary, many of them require much more in front to guard the public,
at high volocities, from the hazardous practice of throwing too much of
their weight upon the driving wheels, to make them do the work of:
heavier engines.

page_text: In the foregoing explanations I have endeavoured to avoid all
exageration, by simply confining them to show that the parabolic
wheel, in its application to the locomotive engine, acts as a lever, a
wheel, and inclined plane combined; a traction regulator, a break of
instantaneous or progressive application, an undulating inflexible solid,
acting as a spring. But, in order to sum up all, I will call it an
approximating perfector of the railway locomotive engine, by placing
the control of the constituents of its momentum, at any velocity, in the
hands of the chief engineer, as a mere matter of adjustment and
calculation, to be under his instructions, practically carried out by the
engine man in the application of his sleigh, the economy of his steam
and sand pipes, and the working of his tender brake, this being the last
put into action, and remaining screwed up until the engine, pressing
upon it, is permitted to descend gently upon the springs.
In the designs, I have endeavoured to arrange everything in its
proper place, and in four separates cases.
First, in No. 1, is represented the inner side of the frame at the
right hand side of the engineman, where the sleigh is seen resting in
the pall, secured by its spring, and ready for action; also, the rods or
bridles by which the engineman and look-out guard can command it
into action from their respective places, independent of each other. It
also shows the look-out guard, seated and looking forward through the
telescope; in front of the guard is seen the signal lamp upon its stand,
and above which is seen its chimney; beyond the guard, inclining to the
back of the box, is seen the longer handle of the lever, by which the
sleigh can be let swing into action. On the top of the sedan is seen the
alarm whistle, from which the steam pipe descends; and at bottom,
the arrangements for throwing open and up the lover part of the
front, removing the floor plank, and turning up the plank hinged to the
front of the seat, to give free access to the smoke-box and cylinders; and
on the back, between the seat and the chimney, can be seen the means
for protecting the look-out guard from the excessive heat of the smoke-
box and chimney, and under the seat is the strong iron bracket, which
supports it in the centre, and which is secured to the top and front of
the smoke box. Immediately above the seat is seen the shorter arm of

page_text: the lever in connection, with the rod of the pall; and to the right of the
design, appearing as if standing on the railing (but in reality attached
to the side of the fire-box), is seen the lever and handle, by either of
which the sleigh is commanded through means of the rod, which is
supported by guides for that purpose, and the projections on the outside
of the box. Inmediately above the lamp and telescope are the water-
tablets, for their better security from rain and snow; and, lastly, the
female guard, dressed, distinguished in her sex only by her lower
garments.
The design No. 2, shoves the parabolic wheel at full work, before the
engineman has had time to withdraw his right hand from the lever
or handle, by which he sent it into action; and, with the left hand on
the handle of the steam regulator, he is in the act of turning off the
steam to reverse the action of the machinery in aid of the friction to
stop the train, and, if necessary, to run back from any danger which
may appear otherwise unavoidable. The outlines of the wheels of the
engine are upon the dotted line, above the rail, as they would appear
by the rise of the sleigh, supposing the whole of their axle boxes
fixed in their guards; otherwise the running wheel in front would be
nearer or upon the rail, and the driving wheel would be upon the rail
with any degree of remaining traction, owing to the elastic or down-
ward.force of the springs, while the' machine would be lower over the
running wheel in the rear, that is, would be down to its adjusted check.
A, and B, are two steps to ascend to the guard's box; C, is the head
of the small axle, on which the pall .turns, and by which the sleigh is
lifted, on the principle of a windlass. D, is the open ladder, upon
which, and the one at the opposite side, the sedan rests for its steadier
.support; E, is the open space behind and under the guard's seat, and
shows a part of the strong iron bracket which supports the centre of
the seat; F, is the ornamental iron bracket (one at each side), which
rests upon the shoulder of the smoke-box, and supports the back of the
sedan; G, is the liand rail, leading up to the seat. The door, and all the
parts not referred to, describe themselves, such as hinges and other
fasteners, but which will be generally chosen for self-concealing
qualities.

page_text: Design No. 3, shows the wheel or side of the sleigh upon the rail,
in the position it takes in going into its rolling action, or in running
back to avoid still coming danger. The fireman, having tightened the
short chain into the hook at the toe of the wheel, is about to lift the
sleigh, and click the pall into the catch at the opposite or right side, by
the agency of his small crow-bar. The re-action of the axle from the
clicking of the pall will cause the chain to fall out of the hook, or, if
not, the first action of the engine will do so, should he neglect to look
to it. Thus the sleigh, when the pall is raised, swings into action
unconnected with anything but its axle boxes.
The design No. 4, shows A, A, the heels of the sleigh, resting on the
rails behind the guards of the engine; B, the axle of the sleigh. The
cylinders, the buffers, and the head of the frame, and the lower part of the
two half-doors of the smoke-box, are seen above, between the axle and
the lower part of the front of the look-out box, and which turns out and
up, and has the letter Cupon it. D, D, are the sides of the ladders, with
ornamental scrolls between them and the standards which support the
sedan; E, E, the hand rails, for ascending to the box; F, F, F, F, the
four steps by which the guard ascends to the ladders; G, the signal
lamp, the dotted lines above which show the continuation of the
chimney within the box; I, I, the windows; J, the alarm whistle; K,
the belt of the iron jacket, in front of the smoke-box chimney; L, the
iron jacket, above which is seen the top of the smoke-box chimney;
M, M, the iron sockets upon the buffer piece, in which the feet of the
front standards are secured; N, N, the guards of the axle boxes of the
sleigh; and O, the water tablet over the front of the lamp, whose sheet
iron signals are formed and hung in front at the top of the lamp on a
slightly turned up pin, as shewn in the following front and side views.
The front view of shade
suspended, side view
and the interior of lamp, with shade
being the signal before given for the
chief of the station. By being so formed, they will lie in front of the
lamp's frame, and be placed upon and removed from it with the greatest
chief of the station. By being so formed, they will lie in front of the
lamp's frame, and be placed upon and removed from it with the greatest
facility.

page_text: I claim, first, the constructions, applications, and dispositions of my
excentric acting sleigh, as principal agent with all those my other
Inventions, before in these explanations more fully described as
branches thereof, with liberty to enlarge or diminish them, and to
use heavier or lighter materials in the constructions and applications
of their several parts, as I may deem most proper for the better
adjustments and decorations of the respective locomotives or other
machines to which they may be applied.
Secondly, to apply any machinery which I may prefer for the
purpose of putting the sleigh or sleighs into and out of action, and work-
ing all such machinery and attaching it in any way or ways most
convenient for my use, and placing the same on the left side or right, in
front or rear, or higher or lower, as I may perfer, from the peculiar
form of any locomotive or other machine to which I may have to
apply it.
Thirdly, the right to attach one or more sleighs to any locomotive
or other machine; and, where more than one, to apply them, if I so
please, in counter action, and in such place or places as I may find
most advantageous from the particular construction of any locomotive
or other machine, the better to provide a remedy for burning or
broken brakes, whether for inclined planes, or ordinary ways, or other
purposes.
Fourthly, to make any changes I may find necessary regarding
the lamps in front and rear of the train, by which they will be not only
moveable and available as general lights, and easily relighted, but also
placed at a high elevation to reflect light over curves, advantages
which, under the system now in use, are not obtainable, and my right
thereto, and as before more fully shown and described.
Fifthly, the convenient accommodations I have furnished for the
applications of the telescopes at high elevation in front and rear of the
train, and protected from the effects of rain, hail, and snow, with
Jiberty to form and place their rests as I may deem best.
Sixthly, the placement of the whistles in front and rear of the train,
and at high elevation, and their advantages so placed and so worked,
as I have in my description before more fully explained.

page_text: Seventhly, the look-out guard's boxes or sedans, as I have before, in
these explanation, endeavoured more fully to describe them; and the
several advantages belonging to their constructions and placements;
with liberty to make such changes as I may find necessary in their
forms, from any particularity in the construction of the smoke-box,
chimney frame, or other part of any locomotive, or from the peculiar
construction of any carriage upon which or to or within which I may
have to apply them, and with liberty to apply them in any of these
ways, and to construct them of such materials as I may deem most
prudent for the better regulation of traction, to guard, as throughout
my Invention, against loss of life and property at high velocities, and to
increase confidence in favour of railway travelling.
In witness whereof, I, the said Moses Robinson, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, the First day of April, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
MOSES ROBINSON. (L.S.)
Signed,. sealed, and delivered
in the presence of
E. LEGRUND,
Agent de Brevetes,
86, Rue aux Laines, à Bruxelles.
WM EDEN,