Patent GB-190628673-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to Electrically Operated Railway Coupling Apparatus and the like.
Inventor: KILBURN BERTRAM EDWARD DUNBAR
Filed: 1906-12-15
Granted: 1907-10-24
Abstract: 28,673. Kilburn, B. E. D., [Georgiade, J.]. Dec. 15. Swdtches; couplings. - Relates to means for electrically uncoupling any car of a train, the operation being effected from the locomotive or other part of the train, and comprises, among other things, electric switches and couplings used therein. Each car is fitted with a switch comprising contactsegments 1 ... 6 and a rotating arm k, three of these switches I, II, III being shown diagrammatically in Fig. 3. The arm k normally occupies the position shown in the switch III, but becomes rotated through a rightangle for each attraction of an armature c to its electro-magnet M<1>, M', M<3>, such rotation being effected by the engagement of a spring-pawl e, Fig. 2, carried at the end of the arm c, with a toothed bar g mounted in a casing behind the switch and having a rack engaging a pinion h connected to the arm k. A spring tends to press the bar g upwards, and a locking-pawl n is fitted, both pawls being adapted to be released by magnets m<4>, m<5>. The locomotive or other part of the train from which the operation is effected is fitted with a controlling-switch A, a source of electricity B, and an indicating-device C, the indicator being provided with an arm q< >sliding-over contact-rings r, s, and arranged to be rotated through one division of its scale for each-attraction of an armature o to its magnet L. The circuits are connected up as shown in Fig. 3;, and the armature o is arranged to make and break circuit successively at o<1>. For uncoupling, the controller switch is moved so as to connect contacts c<1>, c<2>, whereupon the magnets L, M' become energized, the arm q of the indicator moving over one of its divisions as the arm k of the switch I moves through a rightangle. When this arm k has moved through 270 degrees, the magnet M<2> of the next vehicle becomes energized, and so on throughout the train. The arm k of the car that is to be uncoupled is moved through a right-angle only as shown at the switch II, whereupon the controller switch is moved over to connect contacts c<3>, c<4> so as to energize the uncoupling-magnet m<2> of the vehicle under consideration. Thus, to uncouple the eighth car, the switch arms k of the preceding cars must each be rotated through 270 degrees so that the indicator arm q must move over twenty-one divisions before the controller switch is moved to. the uncoupling position. The electric circuits may be coupled by contact-plates a', Fig. 7, mounted upon insulating- plates b<1>, secured to small buffers which are weaker; than the main buffers, one of the plates b<1> having a tapered projecting-flange. In a modification, the contact-plates are arranged upon the outer and : inner peripheries of telescoping tubes. In order to return the arms q, k to the zero position, contacts t, u, Fig. 3, upon the locomotive are closed, thereby energizing the pawl magnets m<4>, m<5>, Fig. 2. A second magnet m<3> may be energized so as to operate the brakes of any car when the switch arm k of that car has been moved through 180 degrees from its normal position.