Patent GB-190126751-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and in connection with Detonating Signal Apparatus for Railways.
Inventor: STRITTER OTTO
Filed: 1901-12-31
Granted: 1902-12-31
Abstract: 26,751. Stritter, O. Dec. 31. Fog and audible signals ; indicators and repeaters, signal ; recording signals.-A ' distant' detonating signal is automatically given by the train, by means of an electric system in connection with the 'home' semaphore signal, when the latter signal stands at ' danger.' On a base-plate P is mounted the drum t, having around its circumference twelve receptacles t for the detonating-cartridges p. The drum is rotated through the bevel gear k and ratchet gear by a weighted cord u, which is wound on a drum, as shown in Fig. 6. The drum is normally prevented from being rotated by the beak n of one of six arms on the gear k engaging with the cylindrical surface of a semi-cylindrical axis h. When, on the passage of a train over a contact treadle, the circuit of the coil 10 is made, the armature lever a is attracted, thus withdrawing a notched axis e, which it carries at its upper forked end, from the beak d of the spring bolt 17, the bolt being then forced down by its spring W to fire the cartridge in the receptacle t which is directly underneath. The bolt 17 is connected by a pin X with a pivoted lever V, which through a lever or arm m tilts the axis h on the descent of the bolt 17, thus setting free the arm of the gear k and allowing the drum to rotate to bring another cartridge under the bolt 17. The arms on the gear k have projections 0, which actuate the lever V to return the bolt 17 to its uppermost position where, in the ordinary course, it is again held by the axis e. Should, however, the first cartridge fail to explode, the bolt will not be engaged by the axis e but will be free to descend on the next cartridge, and so on until one explodes. To effect this, the lever a has a pin q with which, on the lever being attracted, the end of a weighted lever C engages, to prevent the return of the lever a when the circuit is broken. When, however, a cartridge explodes, a pivoted plate underneath, in connection with the weighted lever, is forced down, thus releasing the lever a, which then carries the axis e into position under the beak d. The pivoted plate is provided with an adjustable wing, which projects into the firing nozzle, thus enabling the action of the explosion on the pivoted plate to be regulated. The circuit of the coil 10 and the train-operated contact includes a relay magnet, which breaks the circuit when the detonating apparatus is operated, a shunt circuit controlled by a contact at the semaphore being made and maintained through the relay until the semaphore is put to 'line clear,' so that the coil 10 cannot be energized again until the semaphore has been put to 'line clear' and returned to 'danger.' The firing-bolt 17 controls another circuit, which governs the movement of an indicating pointer on a dial in the signal cabin &c., each operation of the bolt causing the pointer to advance one division. When the magazine t is nearly exhausted, the indicator closes a circuit through an alarm bell and a drop indicator bearing the word " charge." The magazine is covered by a small hut provided with a locked door, and provision is made for removing the spent cartridges and re-loading the magazine.