Who invented the coupler thats used on trains today?

Question

I always thought it was kinda cool that it looks like a human hand ... lol

Answer 1

It is popularly called as "Knuckle coupler" or "Buckeye" or "Janny Coupler", it was invented by Eli H. Janney(Verginia, USA) in the year 1873...

Answer 2

A quick correction.

It is a knuckle coupler, but it is properly called an 'automatic coupler'.

If you see pictures of older equipment with a first generation of the Janney automatic coupler, you'll see a 'slot' across the face of the knuckle.  These were in use during the transition period from the old link and pin coupler system.  The slot allowed it to be coupled to link and pin equipment still in use.

But, the coupler mechanisms of today are far different from the original knuckle couplers, with different kinds of cushioning devices, for the most part incorporating 'end of car' devices that incorporate coupler pockets that allow for travel of the draw bar that are spring loaded, to reduce the mechanical shock from 'slack action'.

There are others with the 'sliding sill' draft gear.  These too are spring loaded, but instead of the draw bar being allowed to move, the entire center sill that runs the length of the car is movable, which provides the greatest protection against damage to lading on the account of slack action or rough coupling.

As far as a 'hand' goes, the air hoses below the couplers are interlocked with each other by means of the 'glad hand', as the joining is like a hand shake..........

Good question.

Answer 3

Yep, they're right, it was the Janney feller. When my Dad started RR'ing in the 1940s the "old timers" there, guys that had started near the turn of the century, and had used the older link and pin couplers started comparing hands. Not one of them had all 10 fingers.

Answer 4

The "knuckle coupler" is what they call it.  And it was invented by Eli H. Janney