Auto Radio Warns of Train’s Approach

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 106, 7 May 1938, Page 11

Auto Radio Warns of Train’s Approach

GARY, Ind.—A red light will flash on the dashboard and the automobile radio will blare a warning of trains approaching grade crossings with a new radio invention described here.

Designed to work in automobiles that are within the danger zone when a train approaches a crossing, tho device signals the automobile dashboard at tho same time that it starts the usual crossing red lights and bells.

its inventors aro J. Edwin Smith, of Gary, aud Leroy M. E. Clausing, Chicago radio consulting engineer. The device, they said, worked at a private demonstration held recently in Chicago. Public showings are planned for this spring.

The device, Mr. Clausing explained, consists of a small radio transmitter placed at grade crossings and actuated

by approaching trains as aro warning bells and gates. A wire is strung from tho transmitter to a distance of about one-quarter mile along the road on both sides of the crossing. Waves emanating from the wire within a 100-foot radius are picked up by a mechanism installed in automobile radio receiving sets. The pick-up in the radio can be set to operate at varying distances from a crossing. It operates only when a train is approaching. Even if tho radio is playing music, the warning signal will drown out the harmony, said its inventors. Installation of tho red warning light on tho dashboard can be optional. Tho pick-up, it was said, could be built into radio sets for from 3doi. to Idol., and the crossings transmitters could be installed for small cost. Botn Ways. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were arguing on the subject of women’s beauty, and Hra Brown was loudly singing the praises of her sex. “Have you never noticed, my dear,” she said, * * that famous designers taka a woman’s head to adorn many of your coins?” Mr. Brown shook his head meekly. “I can’t say that I’ve noticed it,” hi. replied, “but I have observed that designers take many of my coins to adorn a woman’s head.” <s> 3> Romance. Muriel is a queer sort of girl, aud the other day she received a proposal from a man she had always regarded as a brother than a lover. “Muriel,” ho began, “you know 1 have always turned to you, that 1 have thought of you. May I—that is—would you—er —oh, hang it! Muriel, will you bo my wife?” “Good gracious!” exclaimed Muriel. l “What a start you gave me! At first I thought you were trying to borrow