Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 March 1893 — LIFE-SAVERS FOR GRIP-CARS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

LIFE-SAVERS FOR GRIP-CARS.

A Xsw Device to Prevent Front-End Accidents on Cable Trains. Mr. A. J. Brown, of Chicago, is the inventor of what appears to be a practical device for preventing front.end accidents on grip or electric cars, says the Chicago News. It is in the form of an attachment projecting about four feet from the

front platform, a couple of inches above the rails. The frame is of gas pipe, across which is stretched an elastic wire netting, and the edges are protected by pneumatic cushions, so that any one coming in violent contact with this new kind of cow-catch-er is not likely to be seriously hurt. Instead of throwing persons off the track or under the wheels, the device picks them up and carries them until the car can be stopped. The appliance is so arranged that the grip or motor man can raise or lower it at will by means of a lever. When raised it folds up in front of the dashboard, occupying very little space. It is supposed to remain down all the time when the car is on the road, except when there is danger of collision with some other vehicle.

Then it is easily lifted out of the way. The device weighs about one hundred and twenty-five pounds, and costs from sls to S2O. The accompanying cuts will give some idea of what it looks like when attached to a grip car.