During the 1800s, coupling railroad cars together was a dangerous business. Securing the old-style "link and pin" couplers required a brakeman to reach in and drop a steel pin into place just as two cars slammed together. An imperfectly timed drop could result in maiming or death.
Injuries and Deaths
The link-and-pin system caused more than one-third of the annual deaths of railroad personnel in the late 19th century; a safer way to couple cars was obviously required.
Industrywide Standards
Since freight railroads circulated cars throughout the country, universal standardization would be required for any new coupler system adopted.
Birth of the Knuckle Coupler
In 1873, Eli H. Janney registered a patent for a coupler that has stood the test of time. The action of a knuckle coupler, which uses a drawhead divided into two branches along with a swiveling hook, can be simulated by putting both hands in front of the chest and using the fingers of each hand to grasp the other.
Improved Safety
The Janney system still required the brakeman to set the couplers to the open position, but the actual coupling was done while the brakeman stood off to the side.
Slow Recognition
In 1888, Janney's design was adopted as an industry standard. After 1900, the number of deaths resulting from car coupling procedures had dropped precipitously.
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