Patent GB-392157-A (GB)
Title: Improvements relating to apparatus for the remote control of railway points, signalsand the like
IPC: B61L7/08
Filed: 1931-11-09
Abstract: 392,157. Railway signals. WOODFORDE, J. and WESTINGHOUSE BRAKE & SAXBY SIGNAL CO., Ltd., 82, York Road, King's Cross, London. Nov. 9, 1931, No. 31065. [Class 105.] A circuit extending from a control point to remote signals or points serves both for the operation of the signals or points and for normally giving a continuous indication of the setting thereof. Operation is effected by energizing a starting circuit which includes relays OS, IS at the control and remote locations contacts of which connect the combined operation and indication circuit into the operating condition. To clear the signal L the lever 8 is moved to the L-position, thereby closing a contact 6, and the pushbutton S is closed to energize the relays OS, IS over the starting circuit line 1. Front contacts OS1, 9, and 18 being thus closed the relay LHR is picked up over the operation and indication line 2 and the lever contact 6. The relay LHR sticks over its own front contact 22 and back contact 26 of relay IS when the relays OS, IS are de-energized on release of the pushbutton S. Front contact 20 of relay LHR clears the signal L. The signal R is cleared in a similar manner by the energization of relay RHR over line 3 and contact 7, closed when the lever 8 is in the R-position. The signals L, R operate contacts 11, 12 respectively whereby normal or reverse current is applied to a polarized indication relay HKR over back contacts 9, 10, OS1, OS2 of the relays OS and IS and lines 2, 3 of the indication circuit. Normal current is applied if signal L is cleared, reverse current if signal R is cleared, and no current if both signals are at danger; the relay HKR lights lamps 16, 17, or 14 correspondingly. In order to effect approach locking the starting circuit may include a front contact of an approach relay and the signal control relays may be electrically interlocked by including a back contact of one relay in the circuit to the other, Fig. 2 (not shown). A hand-driven generator, automatically closing the starting switch, may supply the operating current for a polarized control relay controlling the signals or points ; the polarity of the current is determined by the lever being set in the normal or reverse position, Fig. 3 (not shown). During occupancy of the approach section a time-controlled relay may actuate flasher contacts in the indication lamp circuit and prevent operation of the points until after a pre-determined time, Fig. 4 (not shown). The starting switch may be closed by the lever during its initial movement. Fig. 7 shows additional apparatus whereby any change in local traffic conditions affecting two devices are indicated in turn over a single circuit line. In the case illustrated indication relays ATK, BTK are each actuated over the line 76 as a train passes through approach and fouling sections associated with a set of points ; the control and indications circuits for the points and signals are omitted from the figure, only the starting circuit 1 being shown. The starting relays OSA and ISA normally function as already described, but auxiliary relays OSB, ISB are energized when a train is in the fouling section to prevent the main relays OSA, ISA being operated by the push S. When a train enters the fouling section the relay BK is de-energized by the dropping of contact BTR of the fouling section track relay. The relay ISB is then energized over back contacts 79, 80, 78 of relays BK, BV, VC, and in turn energizes relay OSB ; the approach indication relay BTK is then connected over front contacts OSB3, OSB1, ISB1 to line 76 which is dead as the contact BTR is open and so the indication lamp 74 is extinguished. The relays ISB, OSB are only energized briefly as back contact 80 opens when relay BV is picked up over back contact 82 BK and front contact ISB3 and then stuck over contact 85 and back contacts 84 BK or ISB4. When the train leaves the fouling section the relay BK is energized and in turn energizes relay ISB over front contacts 79, 80 of relays BK, BV and back contact 78 of relay VC. The relay OSB is then energized and the indication relay BTK connected over the line 76 which is now live as contact BTR is closed. The relay BV is de-energized when contact ISB4 opens and this in turn causes relays OSB, ISB to be de-energized by the opening of front contact 80 of relay BV. The indication relay BTK however remains energized by a stick circuit over back contact OSB3 and so maintains the lamp 74 alight. When a points or signal operation is to be effected the push S is closed to energize the starting relays OSA, ISA and to effect the desired operation in the manner already described. The energization of relay ISA also closes at front contact ISA1 a circuit to a slow-release relay VC which prevents the relays ISB, ISA being energized at this time. At all times except when a change of condition as above described is taking place the approach section indication relay ATK is connected to the line 76.