Patent GB-190917334-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to Devices for Warning off Traffic Automatically on Railroads at Level Crossings.
Inventor: BOUR EDOUARD FRANCOIS
IPC: B61L29/26
Filed: 1909-07-26
Granted: 1910-07-21
Abstract: 17,334. Bour, E. F. July 26. Track apparatus actuating s i g n a l s other than on trains; crossing - gate signals; visual outdoor signals; rods and wires.-For warning road traffic of the approach of trains to level crossings, a board mounted on a pivoted post is swung across the road by springs when a detent is released by an approaching train, and is replaced by the train actuating a resetting - treadle after passing the crossing. Means are provided for double tracks to prevent replacement of the signal if a second train is approaching on the other line. In one form of apparatus, the signal board A is mounted on the pivoted post A' and is moved by a spring E<1> in one direction and by a rope E attached to the arm d' in the other direction. The board is held in both positions by spring catches which are removed by the same rope that serves to operate the signal. The actuating - ropes are attached to spring-held pivoted arms on the track, which are actuated by the locomotive. When a train approaches a crossing, a treadle is moved to pull the rope G', which removes the detent G from the tooth d and allows the post A' to turn under the action of the spring E<1> ; a catch for the board A is simultaneously removed by the cord G'. The board A is held in the 'danger' position by a catch c and the projections b until the train passes the treadle F, which pulls the cable E, removes the catch c, and re-sets the board A to normal. If desired, the catch G may be operated by pneumatic means, either by vacuum or pressure cylinders controlled by valves on the spindles of the treadlelevers. Modifications in the construction of the track levers are described, in which the ropes are attached to bell-cranks which are depressed by an inclined plane normally held in a raised position by a spring. In order that the signal A may not be re-set by the first train X if a second train Y is approaching the crossing, a slip connexion is inserted in the transmission rope so as to cut out the resetting-means actuated by the treadle F. The train X in passing the first treadle sets the signal A at danger' by the cord G', and by the branch cord G' disconnects the slip connexion k<1> shown in Figs. 11 and 13 in detail. The resetting-cord E is divided, one part being connected to the rod K, and one to the rod L. The two rods are connected by a hook k<1> and a tooth l, which are normally in engagement ; and a spring L<1>, compressed between plates l<2>, takes up shocks. The hook k<1> is lifted clear of the tooth l by the eccentric N, which is rocked by an arm o on the spindle n<3>, connected to the eccentric by links. The arm o is rocked by the cord G<2> so as to release the hook k<1>. The first train X cannot then re-set the signal by depression of its treadle F, but, by the treadle S, it pulls on the cable S' and causes the arm o to replace the eccentric and hook, so that the second train Y can re-set the signal. An electric lamp with suitable reflectors, and an electric alarm signal, may be operated by contact devices on the post, and contact members on the track may be arranged for operation by a passing engine to close the circuits during darkness and to reopen the circuit when the lamp is no longer required.