Patent GB-190302890-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Apparatus for Operating and Controlling Railway Points, Signals, Crossing Gates, and the like.
Inventor: COSSERAT WILFORD ARTHUR PELOQU
Filed: 1903-02-06
Granted: 1903-08-27
Abstract: 2890. Cosserat, W. A. P., O'Donnell, J. P., and Irving, E. C. Feb. e. Indicators a n d repeaters, point or switch and signal.- Points and switches are operated electrically or by fluidpressure apparatus modified from that described in Specifications No. 183, A.D. 1900, and No. 5575, A.D. 1901, their action being indicated by the automatic completion of the movements of the operating-handles 2. The handle 2 is connected to a controlling-slide, shown in Fig. 2 as a fluid-pressure valve 16<a>, by a headed link 18 moving between a bevelled stationary guide 19 and notches 22, 23 in the plate 1, so that the handle and valve can move independently to some extent. The slide 16<a> normally stands between its extreme positions, and is moved automatically to such normal position by springs, or by the fluid pressure on pistons 46, 47, when the stroke of the operating-handle is completed in either direction. The main valve 56 of a combined controlling and indicating slide or valve, Fig. 4, is connected mechanically at 41<a> to a locking-slot in the motion plate of the points, and controls the supply of fluid pressure to two diaphragm relay valves, which in turn control the supply directly from a main pipe to the cylinder operating the motionplate ; the combined valve also supplies pressure through lift and sleeve valves 74, 75 to indication cylinders 14, 15, Fig. 2, for completing the movement of the operating-handle 2 and slide 16<a>. For each point, two pipes 27, 28 only are necessary in addition to the main supply pipe 24. The valves are arranged so that any leakage past them escapes to the atmosphere. In a modified arrangement, the combined valve, Fig. 4, is replaced by two separate valves, one of which is similar to the valve 16<a>, Fig. 2, but with a central partition and additional ports. It is connected mechanically to the locking-slot, and is arranged so that in case of breakage or disconnection one connecting- pipe is left open to the air, and no return indicacation is made to the operating-handle. The other valve consists of the end parts 74, 75, &c. of Fig. 4. For electric working, the valves are replaced by slides carrying contacts, and electromagnetic relays &c. are used. The Provisional Specification describes a modification in which the operating-handle is connected to the valve-rod by movable tappets, to allow the handle to be returned to the " danger " position before a return indication has been received. It also describes a modification in which the handle is moved its full stroke by the signalman, but cannot be moved again until a return-indication cylinder acts in connection with a rotatable crank disc interposed between the handle and the valve. Semaphore signals; controlling and locking signals ; signal levers; indicating condition of bridges. -A signal may be operated by the apparatus described above, the combined valve, Fig. 4, being however modified so that it contains and operates a small slide valve for directly controlling the supply of fluid from the main pipe to the cylinder operating the signal, no relay valves being used. The combined valve is affixed to the operating- cylinder on the signal post. The return indication for the " danger " position of the signal is given by pressure supplied from a port in the operating-cylinder, uncovered by the piston therein. The valve shown in Fig. 2 is also applicable as a means for selecting either of two signals. The Provisional Specification mentions the application of the invention to bridge locks.