1862 London Exhibition: Catalogue: Class V.: John Copling
1243. COPLING, JOHN, ESQ., Inventor, The Grove, Hackney, N. E.
Railway signal (patented), single or double—guards' communication with drivers, and passengers' with guards.
The communication between guards and drivers is by means of the steam whistle, or a spring bell on the engine and guard's van; that from passengers to guards by a spring bell on the guard's Ian. The signals, in both cases, are worked by small wire ropes from a reel or drum; while, in the latter, side lines, with a flag or lantern, indicate to the guard the compartment from which the signal proceeds. On signal being made by a passenger in case of accident or other emergency, the guard can ascertain the cause of alarm without, or previous to, stopping the train, by safe and easy passage along the roofs of the carriages to the compartment, or private carriage, indicated by the signals. Odd carriages, not fitted with the apparatus, can be let into the train at junctions, etc., without interfering with the working, as the wire ropes will be suspended over them and kept level by the balance weights. Spare compartment-lines can be always kept in store in the guard's van, and affixed instantaneously by means of spring-hooks. This apparatus is simple, cheap, and not liable to get jammed, or out of order. If desired, the upper line (guard's and driver's), which is free from the control of passengers, can be used alone, — without the lower or passengers' line. The signal rods are kept lower than the chimney or luggage gauge.