Automatic Electric Fog Signal

An automatic electric fog signal has just been invented. It consists of a large wheel placed at the side of the line near a station, and containing round its circumference thirty-two barrels, each holding two cartridges. A second rail laid down near the apparatus is depressed by the passing train, and in its turn pulls back and then releases a hammer, which strikes a cap and explodes the two cartridges. By means of a rod attached the machine is automatically reset when the train is passed, and the hammer returns into position to flre the next barrel. It is connected by electricity with the signáis, and the man in the box can set or disconnect it by touching a button. The disconnection is worked by a magnet, which draws down the hammer and prevents firing. Moreover, a tell-tale in the box shows the signal man exactly when the train fires the carj tridges, and if the line is clear hd presses a button, which rings a gong close to the engine. The train can thus proceed without loss of time, and often without slackening.