Patent GB-190608031-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Automatic Railway Signals.
Inventor: NEUMAIER JOHN
Filed: 1907-02-11
Granted: 1907-08-15
Abstract: 8031. Neumaier, J., and Baldauf, G. L. Feb. 11, 1907. Stopping trains; automatic systems; miniature signals; contacts, electric.-In an automatic electric system of signalling by visible and bell signals on the engines and simultaneously opening the brake valve, the sections are arranged to overlap. An electric switch is arranged at each end of a section to be closed by a train entering the section partly to complete the circuit to a number of track rails at each end of the section, the circuit being completed through suitable engine sigoal apparatus if a train passes over said rails while the first train is cn the section. The train passing off the section operates the switches so as to energize an electromagnet in the first switch to restore it to normal and to energize a second set of rails for releasing the signals on engines that have been stopped. The miniature signal carried by the engine consists of a semaphore disk driven by a descending weight controlled by an electro-magnetic detent, the signal being held by a second detent in its operated position until a second circuit is closed through an unlocking magnet. A bell is rung as the signal arm moves between its two extreme positions. The blocks are arranged to overlap to a certain extent; a block extends from a switch 2 to a switch 2<c>, Fig. 1, the switch 2<a> forming part of the apparatus of the block to the right and the switch 2<b> part of that to the left of Fig. 1. A train moving from right to left passing the switch 2, shown in detail in Fig. 2, closes the contacts 9, 10 in the circuit from the battery 11 to the track rail 77 and to wire 14<c> and the track rail 77<c>. These two track rails are therefore energized to complete the circuit through the engine apparatus when a second train passes over either rail. When it passes the switch 2<a>, the contacts 18a, 19<a> are closed and the previous block apparatus is released as hereafter described in connexion with the switch 2 when the train passes the switch 2<c>. This switch closes the contacts 18<c>, 19<c>, and the circuit is completed from the battery 11<c> through the wire 23<c> and the magnet 21 to the earthed rail 1, and to the rail 31. The magnet 21 is thus energized and replaces the bar 8, breaking the contact 9, 10 and thus restoring the block to normal. The rail 31 being energized the circuit through the apparatus on any engine stopped at this point is completed, and the stop apparatus replaced as described below. The switch is fixed so that the wheels of a passing train rock the lever 2, Fig. 2, pivoted on the spindle 4. The crank 7 on the spindle 4 engages pins on the rod 8, which is moved to the right by a train passing from right to left, and closes contacts 9, 10. The lever 2 is returned to its mid-position by springs 2", but does not return the bar 8, which is replaced by the magnet 21 when the latter is energized. The contact-arm 18 on the spindle 4 makes contact with the block 19 when the arm 2 is rocked to the right. The switch is enclosed in a water-tight casing 3 with an insulating-lining 6. The engine apparatus shown in Fig. 4 consists of a semaphore signal and an electric bell sounded each time the signal is moved, and a brake valve connected to and operated in conjunction with the semaphore. The conductor 33 is earthed, and the conductors 32, 13<1> are connected through a change-over switch to brushes which make contact with the rails 31, 77, &c. If an engine reaches a rail conductor which is energized, the circuit is completed through the conductor 32, contacts 90, 91, and the magnet 24 to earth. The magnet 24 draws its armature 25, which acts as a detent on the ratchet 61, and this wheel is then moved by the weight 62, attached to a cord round the drum 64. One of the teeth 67 engages and moves forward the rod 68, until its end is clear of the bar 73, which forms the spring- pressed armature of the magnet 76. This bar 73 prevents backward movement of the rod 68, which is connected by a pin-and-slot joint to the semaphore disk 27, and by links to the valve lever 85<1> The bar 68 also carries a contact 29, which while passing the fixed block 30 completes the circuit to the bell 4<1>. The arm of the semaphore 27 carries a contact-piece, which serves to break the circuit of the magnet 24, and complete that of the magnet 76 when moved to the danger' position. The semaphore is replaced, and the valve 80 closed by the completion of the circuit to the magnet 76 through the rails 31, Fig. 1, when a train passes out of the section, as above described. The detent 73 is then withdrawn, and the parts are replaced by the weight of the spectacle 27. Contacts 62', 63' serve to indicate when the weight 62 requires rewinding. Switches operated in conjunction with switch tongues may be used to energize track rails to give warning and stop a train approaching open switches.