William Robinson (inventor)

William Robinson (November 22, 1840 – January 2, 1921) was an American inventor,

Early life and education

William Robinson was born in

• 1870: automatic electrical and electrically controlled fluid pressure signal systems (U.S.)
• 1871: automatic electro-pneumatic electric signal systems (U.K.)
• 1872: closed track circuit system (U.S. and France).[1]^: 59–63

Robinson's invention of the closed track circuit, often referred to as "failsafe" due to its ability to reliably detect abnormalities such as broken wiring or a broken rail, was one of the key developments in railway safety, and paved the way for trustworthy railway signaling. The failsafe track circuit remains in widespread use.

He established the Robinson Electric Railway Signal Company in 1873 and during the 1870s his signal systems were installed on railroads throughout the United States. He lived in

Following the sale of Union Electric Signal to US&S, Robinson turned his attention to other fields, particularly mechanical inventions.[3] His other significant inventions included:

• the Robinson radial car
  truck
• the first
  coaster brake used on bicycles
• roller bearing skates, and
• a repeating telephone.^[1]: 59

William Robinson was the author of History of Automatic Electric and Electrically Controlled Fluid Pressure Signal Systems for Railroads (1906).

Professional recognition

Robinson was a Fellow of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers,^[1]: 50 and an esteemed member of the Signal Section of the American Railway Association.

Robinson died on January 2, 1921, in Brooklyn.^[1]: 59

References