Patent GB-193128-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to mine signalling systems or the like in which the signals consist of a single series of impulses
IPC: B66B19/06
Filed: 1921-11-15
Abstract: 193,128. Automatic Telephone Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and Remington, C. Nov. 15, 1921. Order apparatus; mine signalling systems.-In a system of the kind in which signals consist of a single series of impulses and are indicated by electric lamps connected to the bank contacts of an electromagnetic step-by-step switch, certain lamps are controlled by a locking relay which is released only at the end cf the word- Other lamps are adapted to be extinguished . either by movement of the switch wiper or through operation of cancelling relays. The switch may have a normal position corresponding to a signal of one impulse, controlling magnets being arranged so that a first impulse restores the wiper to normal if necessary, and effects circuit changes to cause it to be stepped on by further impulses. A recording key may be provided to re-light the lamp corresponding to the last signal seat. An emergency " stop " key may also be provided which cancels all signals except the '' men " signal and causes the " stop " lamps to remain alight until the operation of a special key. In the system described, an indicator I individual to a level and comprising a stepping switch SS, controlling relays 10-14, and lamps behind an opalescent screen, is controlled by a banksman at B or onsetter at A. The relays &c. in the dotted rectangle are common to a number of levels. Suppose the onsetter at A wishes to signal '' raise " " men " to the 6th level. When key TK is first depressed, relay 10 closes circuits for the release magnet RM which returns wiper 34 to the position shown, and for a slow-release relay 14, and over contacts 35, 36 for a relay 11. Relay 11 locks up, prepares a circuit over the wiper 34, and lights the " level " lamp. On release of key TK, relay 10 energizes a relay 13 which locks up and disconnects the release magnet RM, and brings the stepping magnet SM under control of relay 10 so that further impulses step round wiper 34. When key TE is again depressed, relays 10, 11, 13 and magnet SM are energized, wiper 34 advancing one step. The third impulse moves the wiper in a similar manner to the 3rd position. During the pause following the third impulse, relays 13, 14 fall back and relay 12 is energized over wiper 34 and the 3rd bank contact. Relay 12 locks up in a circuit depending on contacts 40 or 46 of cancelling relays CR, CR<1> and at contact 43 completes the circuit of the " men lamp and at contact 42 a parallel circuit for the level " lamp. The onsetter now sends six impulses, and wiper 34 is first released and then stepped to the sixth position to light lamp 6. Relay 12 remains locked up and keeps the " men " signal alight and relays 13, 14 fall back. A single impulse is now sent and destination signal is cancelled, the " raise " lamp is lighted and the " level " and " men " signals remain alight. Cancelling. On the starting of the engine, cancelling-relay CR is energized from dynamo 18 and at contact 44 completes the circuit of sluggish relay CR<1>, and at contact 36 opens the circuit of relay 11 so that the " raise " lamp goes out. The circuit broken at 36 is re-made at contact 45 when relay CR' engages. Contact 46 closes before contact 40 opens, so that relay 12 does not fall back and the '' men " signal remains alight. When the engine comes to rest, contact 46 opens before contact 40 closes, so that relay 12 is de-energized and the " men " lamp goes out. Alternative arrangement to time-lag relays 13, 14. In order to make a signal produced by a series of impulses independent of the time element of relays 13, 14,' a cam 50 on the key TK closes contacts 51, 52 to keep relav 13 energized independently of contacts 28, 51. During a signal the key is not moved enough to open contacts 51, 52. Emergency stop signal. If key EK is pressed, relays 10, 15 energize in series. Relay 10 controls magnet RM to release wiper 34, and relay 15 at contact 62 completes a circuit for relay CR in series with the " stop " lamp and at contact 63 locks itself up so that the " stop " lamp remains alight until the locking circuit is broken by the key CK Relay 15 also breaks the circuit of relay 11 to prevent energization of the " raise " lamp. Energization of relay CR prevents cancellation of the " men " signal at the end of the wind. A trembler bell may be included in the " stop " lamp circuit. Recording key. When a signal is cancelled by the winding engine, wiper arm 34 remains on the contact corresponding to the signal, the circuit being broken by relay 11 at contact 38. This circuit may be re-made by pressing key RK so that the lamp corresponding to the last signal sent is lit. Locking arrangements similar to those for the men " signal may be provided for destination or other signals. Off-normal springs may be provided in series with release magnet RM arranged to prevent its being energized when wiper 34 is in the first position. The Provisional Specification refers to the selective operation of " raise " and " stop " lamps according to whether the engine is in motion or not as described in Specification 193,361, whereby the " men " signal if sent during a wind is not cancelled till the end of the next wind.