Improvements in Method of and Apparatus for Signalling by means of Sounds.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Oct., 1898-Accepted, 3rd Dec., 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Method of and Apparatus for Signalling by means
of Sounds.
I, ROBERT FREDERICK FOSTER, a Subject of the Queen of Great Britain, residing at
No. 170, Nassau Street, in the City, County, and State of New York, United States of
America, Draftsman, 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 :-
My invention relates to a method of and apparatus for signalling by means of
sounds to indicate the direction from and to which the signal is sent, the object being
to provide an improved system or method of signalling and an apparatus for carrying
it out, and to these ends my invention consists in the various features substantially
as hereinafter more particularly pointed out.
and
Referring to the accompanying drawings
Figure is a horizontal section on the line -, Fig. 2, looking downward;
Fig. 2 is a vertical central transverse section of Fig. 1.
It is a well recognized fact that some improved method or system of signalling is
desirable whereby the direction of a dangerous object can be determined with
accuracy and certainty, especially in connection with vessels at sea and more
especially in foggy weather, so that the direction of other vessels or of a dangerous
object, as for instance, a point of land, can be ascertained. Many systems and devices
for accomplishing this general object have been proposed, and without reciting the
various suggestions in detail it may be said in general that these suggestions embody
some sort of an apparatus which disseminates the sound equally in all directions; as
for instance, when used on a moving vessel these sounds have been made distinctive
for the purpose of indicating the course the vessel is taking or the direction in which
it is being steered. In this latter case the predetermined signal is repeated con-
tinuously as long as the vessel holds a given course, and while it may be more or less
effective in furnishing information as to the course of the vessel it does not furnish
what has been demonstrated to be a more important fact, which is the direction
of the dangerous object with relation to the observer or party receiving
the signal. It has also been proposed to overcome the above objection by providing
the observer or party hearing the signal with some sort of an instrument which will
aid him in determining the direction from which the signal came, but even these in
actual practice have proven faulty in many instances, owing to the difficulty in
positively determining the direction of the dangerous point, and it may be observed
that instances are known where two officers on the same vessel have differed widely
in their opinions as to the real direction of the dangerous object, and without such
Appliances it is still more difficult to determine the direction of the dangerous object,
and many instances are on record where serious accidents have happened through a
misjudgement of the observers as to the real direction of the danger.
My invention is distinguished from these various systems or methods of signalling
in that the signal itself is of such a character that it indicates to any observer hear-
ing the signal the absolute direction from which the signal is sent, and consequently

page_text: the direction from the observer of the dangerous object, whether a moving or
stationary object, as a vessel in motion or at anchor or a point of land or other
object to be avoided. Further, by my invention the signals sent are projected in
certain given and definite directions, in contradistinction to being spread in every
direction equally, and this is accomplished, broadly considered, by projecting con-
centrated sound waves in a certain predetermined direction or directions. Further-
more, by my invention I provide a certain predetermined character of signal to be
projected in the different or desired directions and each signal indicates to the
observer a certain definite direction under all conditions.
In carrying out my invention or system of signalling I provide what may be
broadly defined as a sound-director, which is an instrument such, for instance, as a
megaphone or reflector, which will concentrate the sound waves and project them
in substantially the general direction of the axis of the instrument so that within a
given radius in front of the sound-director the sounds will be heard much more
distinctly than in any other position with relation to the axis of the instrument.
Furthermore, I provide means for varying the character of the sounds produced
and sent by the sound director in certain given directions, which characterizations
enable the observer to determine with accuracy the direction from which the sounds
proceed and to distinguish the different signals the one from the other.
I also pro-
vide means whereby the various characteristic signals may be given in a predeter-
mined order or succession and whereby they may be directed in certain predeter-
mined directions from the dangerous object. Other features of my invention will be
apparent from the more detailed description hereafter given, and it will be observed
also that my improved method or system of signalling is distinctive from others
which have been proposed principally in that the signals sent always indicate to the
observer the direction from which and to which the signals are sent, and it is
evident that various forms and constructions of apparatus may be used in carrying
out the broad principles of my invention and the one which I am about to describe
is set forth as typical of such a construction and as one which is effective and simple
in operation although, of course, it is to he understood that my invention is not
limited thereto.
Referring to the drawings, A is what I have termed broadly a sound-director,
shown in the present instance in the shape of a megaphone or reflector and adapted
to concentrate the sound waves and project them with greater intensity along the
axis of the sound-director than in any other direction. Arranged preferably within
the focus of the sound-director is a sounder or sound producing device, B, which may
be in the forin of a whistle, reed, siren or any other proper instrument adapted for
the purpose.
In the present instance it is shown typically as a whistle adapted to be
operated by steam, air or fluid. This sound-director and sounder are so mounted as
to be readily brought into certain definite positions or relations to a certain point, as for
instance, the north point of the compass, and while many and various means may be
employed for this purpose I have shown it as mounted on a wheel C, by suitable sup-
ports, C, C, and this wheel is itself supported upon a bearing, D), of any suitable
character mounted on a proper base, D¹.
When the sounder, B, is only operated by a fluid, as it must rotate with the sound-
director it is preferable to provide means, as a pipe, B¹, passing through the
bearing, D, and having a suitable joint connection with a pipe, B2, directly connected
with the sounder so that the connection may be maintained regardless of the position
of the sounder and sound-director.
Some suitable means should be provided for giving a motion of rotation to the
sound-director and in the present instance as this is mounted upon the wheel, C,
I have shown a worm, E, engaging the worm teeth, C2, on the wheel, C, the worm
being mounted in bearings, E¹, on the base, D¹. This worm wheel may be driven in
any desired manner from any source of power, as a wire rope from the engine room
passing around a drum, F', on the worm wheel shaft. Any means of producing a
regular motion of rotation of the sound-director may, of course, be used, that shown
being simple and effective, and has the additional advantage that the sound-director

page_text: is securely held in its proper position against any tendency of its motion being
affected by the force of the wind or other disturbances.
Some suitable means must be provided by which the character of the signals given
by the sounder, B, can be determined, and these, of course, will depend upon the
character of the sounder itself, and in the present instance where the sounder is
operated by a fluid under pressure, I have shown a valve device, G, arranged in the
pipe, B2, and while many forms of valve devices may be used I have indicated a slide
valve arranged in the pipe, B2, and normally under the stress of a spring, G¹,
tending to close and keep the valve closed, this spring being mounted in a suitable
housing in the valve device.
In order to operate the valve to produce the predetermined signals many devices
may be used, and as in the present embodiment of the invention I produce a certain
number of characteristic signals in a certain definite relation to each other I have
shown a device which is simple and yet effective to accomplish this purpose in the
form of a ring, H, mounted on the bise, D₁, in proper relation to the valve device, G,-
arranged so that its upper edge, H¹, will operate the valve. The upper edge of the
ring in the present instance is shown as provided with a series of notches, h, h¹, h²,
etc. of different shape or character and so arranged that when the notches come
opposite or under the valve the latter will be opened against the stress of the spring
thus producing a signal, and the character of the signal is determined by the length
of the notches and the particular arrangement of a group of notches with relation to
each other. Thus it will be observed that some of the notches are short and give a
short blast and others are longer to give a longer blast, and the length of the blasts
and the relations of the short and long blasts can be arranged on any predeter-
mined plan.
If the signalling device is located on a fixed point as a point of land, it is only
necessary to properly adjust the ring, H, with relation to the point of the compass
in order that the sound-director shall give the proper signals at each desired
point of its rotation, but if the signalling device is located on a moving
object as, for instance, a ship, which changes its relations to the point of compass,
it is necessary to provide means for adjusting the signal-determining device, as the
ring, with relation to the vessel's course and I, therefore, provide some means for
rotating the ring, H, as for instance, a handle, H2, and preferably also provide
some means for securing the ring in position, as for instance, the locking
cam, H³.
With this simple construction it will be seen that the general features of my inven-
tion may be carried out whether the signalling device is used in a stationary or
moving position, and it will also be observed that other devices accomplishing the
same general result will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without
a departure from the principles of my invention.
As it is also desirable in the case of a moving object provided with my signalling
device to give a signal indicating the course or direction in which the object is
moving I preferably combine with my signalling device thus far described an
independent signal for accomplishing this object, and in the present instance I have
shown an independent signal, J, which is preferably of different character from that
of the sounder, B, as for instance, of an entirely different tone or otherwise, and
which is mounted in fixed relation to the bow of the vessel and in juxtaposition to
my signalling device. This course or secondary signalling device may be operated
from an independent source of power or from the same source, but its operations are
controlled by my improved signalling device in any suitable way, the essential feature
being that when my sound-director points directly towards the bow of the vessel on
which it is placed it shall operate the course or auxiliary signalling device and if
perchance the course of the vessel corresponds with any one of the predetermined
directions in which the sound-director is operated both signals will be sounded simul-
taneously and will not only indicate the direction from which the sound
proceeds but also the direction or course of the vessel carrying the signalling
instrument.

page_text: It will also be observed that if the course signalling instrument should sound
between two signals of the sound-director the course of the vessel would evidently
be between the two directions indicated by the sound-director.
In order to operate the auxiliary sounder in the present instance I arrange a valve
device, J¹, with a projection, extending within the path of travel of the pipe B², of the
signalling device, or any other moving part thereof,.so that as the signalling device
rotates once during each revolution it will operate the auxiliary or course signalling
device.
"
While in carrying out my invention any desired code of signals may be used and
they may be arranged in any desired order, sequence or relation I have found it
desirable and satisfactory to provide eight different signals corresponding with the
eight principal divisions of the compass, and in order to aid the memory and serve to
readily distinguish the different signals, in the present instance I have arranged the
signals so that all those signifying the general direction of "West" commence with
a short signal, while all those signifying the general direction of "East commence
with a long signal, and in the present instance these signals increase in number or
duration from south towards north. Thus, referring to Fig. 1 the notch, h³, is a
short notch to produce a single short blast or signal while the next notch, h³, is a
long notch to produce a longer blast, and the next succeeding blast will be made up
of two long blasts by means of the two long notches, h³, and so on, as clearly
indicated therein.
It will be understood that under all conditions a single short signal such as pro-
duced by the notch, h5, will indicate that the sound-director projects the sound waves
toward the north, thereby indicating that the source of the signal is due south from
the observer. So on the other hand if the signal produced is a short, a long, and
then a short signal the observer will at once recognize that the source of the signal is
due north and so on in connection with all the other points of compass, the character
of the signal distinctly defining to the observer the direction from which the signal
proceeds.
As before indicated, if the observer is in a direct line with the axis of the sound-
director he will hear the signal with the greatest distinctness, but if perchance he is in
some other position with relation to the axis of the instrument, as for instance, midway
between the positions of the axis in two successive signals the observer will hear the
signals less distinctly than when in the direct line of the axis, but will hear the two
signals with equal distinctness and will then be able to determine the exact direction
from which the signals proceed, which will be midway between the points indicated
by the two successive signals.
One of the advantages arising from the use of my invention, especially where it is
in a stationary position as adjoining a light-house, is that an observer, for instance, on
a moving vessel can not only determine the direction from which the signal proceeds
but also with greater or less exactness the distance of the dangerous object. Thus,
for instance, supposing a moving observer should hear a signal indicating that the
dangerous point was northwest from him and after his vessel had moved a given
distance, as two miles, he receives a signal indicating that the dangerous object is due
north knowing that the axis of the sound-director in giving these two distinctive
signals is exactly 45° apart he has his base line and his two angles and can readily
calculate the distance of the signalling device.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1st. The method substantially as herein before set forth of signalling to indicate the
direction from and to which a signal is sent, which consists in projecting concentrated
sound waves in various predetermined directions and in varying the character of the
signals in accordance with the various points of the compass, whereby the observer
within the range of any of the sounds can determine the direction of the source of
said signals.

page_text: 2nd. In a signalling device, the combination with a sound-director adapted to
project concentrated sound waves in various given directions, of means for varying
the sounds in accordance with the direction from and to which they are sent,
substantially as described.
3rd. In a signalling device, the combination with a sound-director adapted to
project concentrated sound waves in various given directions, of means for varying the
sounds in accordance with the direction from and to which they are sent, and devices
for adjusting said means with relation to the points of the compass, substantially as
described.
4th. In a signalling device, the combination with a sound-director adapted to
project concentrated sound waves in various given directions, of means for varying
the sounds in accordance with the direction from and to which they are
sent, and an auxiliary signal arranged to be operated by the sound-director
and adapted to indicate the course of the moving object, substantially as
described.
5th. In a signalling device, the combination with a rotating sound-director, of
means for varying the sounds in accordance with the direction from and to which
they are sent, substantially as described.
6th. In a signalling device, the combination with a rotating sound-director,
of means for rotating the same, and adjustable means for varying the sounds
in accordance with the direction from and to which they are sent, substantially
as described.
7th. In a combined signalling device, the combination with a rotating sound-
director, of means for varying the sounds in accordance with the direction from and
to which they are sent, an auxiliary signalling device, and means controlled
by the sound-director for operating the auxiliary signalling device, substantially as
described.
8th. In a signalling device, the combination with a sound-director, of a sounder
located in operative relation therewith, means for rotating the sounder and sound-
director, and means for operating the sounder to produce varying signals in accordance
with the position of the sound-director, substantially as described.
9th. In a signalling device, the combination with a sound-director, of a sounder
located therein, a rotating support for the sounder and sound-director, a pipe connected
to the sounder, a valve device located in said pipe, and means for operating said valve
device, substantially as described.
10th. In a signalling device, the combination with a sound-director, of a sounder
located therein, a rotating support for the sounder and sound-director, a pipe
connected to the sounder and extending through the pivot of the rotating support,
a valve device controlling the sounder, and means for controlling the valve,
substantially as described."
11th. In a signalling device, the combination with a sound-director, of a sounder
located therein, a rotating support for the sounder and sound-director, a pipe
connected to said sounder, a valve device in said pipe, and a ring for operating said
valve, substantially as described.
12th. In a signalling device, the combination with a sound-director, of a sounder
located therein, a rotating support for the sounder, and a sound director, a pipe
connected to said sounder, a valve device in said pipe, means for operating the rotating
support continuously, a ring for operating the valve device, and means for adjusting
the ring, substantially as described.
PHILIP M. JUSTICE,
Chartered Patent Agent, London, for the Applicant.