Patent GB-156331-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to signalling or indicating apparatus
IPC: B61D41/00
Filed: 1919-10-07
Abstract: 156,331. Waller, P. H. Oct. 7, 1919. Reel and endless-web apparatus.-In electrically-operated signalling or indicating apparatus in which a definite sequence of movements takes place each time a circuit closer is operated, a mechanical locking device is provided to hold the circuit closer in the closed position until the required movements have been completed, whereupon the lock is electrically released, the closing of the release circuit depending upon completion of the required movements. The device is particularly applicable to stopping place and like indicators on vehicles or to signals operated by passing vehicles and may be used in conjunction with indicators of the kinds described in Specifications 139,255, 144,370, 145,219, [Class 118 (i) Indicators &c.], and 145,220. Means may be provided for enabling the device to operate for either direction of travel of the vehicle, and .for permitting temporary reversals in the direction of travel without destroying the correctness of the indications. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the circuit closer is operated by a lever 4 pivoted on the vehicle and engaging fixed stops 3 arranged along the track to operate a stopping-place and like indicator on the vehicle or pivoted at the side of the track and engaged by a projection on a passing vehicle to operate a signal. The lever has pin-and-slot connection 8 with a sliding bar held in central position by springs 14, 15. The upper end of the lever engages a sliding contact 16 normally held retracted by a spring 19, moved into engagement with a contact 20 when the vehicle passes a stop 3, and held in engagement by a catch 23 entering a notch 21 under the action of a spring 25. The rod 24 forms the core of a solenoid 26, which, when energized, releases the catch. Contacts 16, 20 control the circuit of a solenoid 30 which, when energized, raises the core 31 and operates a pivoted member 36 to step round a ratchet-wheel 2 on the shaft of the indicator. When the required movement of the ratchet has been made, a sliding contact 37 raised by the core 31 engages a contact 88 and closes the circuit of solenoid 26, thus releasing catch 23 and breaking the circuit of solenoid 30. The arrangements shown in Fig. 1 may be duplicated and disposed to operate the indicator in opposite directions, the two bars 16 being placed on opposite sides of the lever 4 so that one or other of the bars is operated according to the direction of travel of the vehicle. Fig. 5 shows a modification to allow temporary reversals in the direction of travel of the vehicle without affecting the correctness of the indications with a single operating mechanism. The lever 4 works in a slot 55 in a sliding member 53 having a projection 56. When moved to the right, lever 4 works freely in the slot and operates the bar 16 in the normal manner. When moved to the left, lever 4 moves the member 53 causing the projection 56 to ride on to a raised cam surface on the bar 16, so that the bar 16 is displaced laterally out of the path of the lever 4. When lever 4 again moves to the right, bar 16 is not operated, but member 53 is returned so that after return to the normal position of lever 4, bar 16 returns laterally to its normal operative position under action of springs not shown.