IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SIGNALLING ON RAILWAY LINES, AND AUTOMATICALLY INTERSIGNALLING AND RECORDING THE TIME OR PERIOD OF TRAINS PASSING SIGNALS."
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Arthur Wrigley, of 8, Quality Court, Chancery Lane, in
the County of Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD
OF AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SIGNALLING ON RAILWAY LINES,
AND AUTOMATICALLY INTERSIGNALLING AND RECORDING THE TIME OR PERIOD
OF TRAINS PASSING SIGNALS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Arthur Wrigley at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th November 1877.
ARTHUR WRIGLEY, of 8, Quality Court, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middle-
sex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY
SIGNALLING ON RAILWAY LINES, AND AUTOMATICALLY INTERSIGNALLING AND
RECORDING THE TIME OR PERIOD OF TRAINS PASSING SIGNALS."
My Invention relates,―
Firstly. To a novel method of and apparatus for automatically signalling on
railway lines, so as to indicate to coming trains the time that has elapsed since the
preceeding train passed the signal.
Secondly. To a novel method of automatically signalling from one signal to
another, so as to indicate whether a train has passed a certain point or signal in
front.
My Invention consists in various improvements and further carrying out of a
former Invention, for which I obtained Letters Patent on 31st August, 1876,
No. 3439.
The apparatus used to carry out the first part of my present Invention consists
of certain clockwork or mechanism, being a combined mechanical and electric clock,
as herein-after described, arranged to actuate a disc, upon which is displayed, by
being figured, printed, mounted, or otherwise delineated, or cut out, certain
observable figures or letters indicating periods of time clearly visible. The disc upon
which the indications of time are mounted is provided with a small drum, upon
CD 1071

page_text: which is wound a weighted chain or cord. The disc and drum are carried by and
run loose on their axle, so that the weighted chain causes the disc in its normal
state to indicate zero by displaying blank, or a cypher, that being when at rest, the
On the side
upper mounted or otherwise delineated figure, letter, or indication.
opposite to the drum the disc is provided with teeth or projections, which gear into
teeth or projections on a clutch sliding on a keyway. The sliding clutch is actuated
by mechanical means, or by electricity, as herein-after described, by the action of
the passing train. The sliding clutch is carried on and works on the same axis as
the disc and drum, which axis also serves as the axis of the motion wheel of a
clock, which clock is arranged as a mechanical clock driven by weights or a spring,
or as an electric clock driven by the action of a pendulum, which is kept in motion
by an electric magnet, the electric current effecting this by means of an armature
on the pendulum, the end of the pendulum being provided with a spring contact
maker.
The operation of this the first part of my Invention is, the clockwork mechanism
and indicating disc is mounted on a suitable signal post, the clockwork and
mechanism being enclosed so as only to display through a window or aperture
certain of the figures, letters, or indications on the disc. The clockwork is kept in
continuous inotion by electric or mechanical means (and when required is put into
gear with the time-indicating disc by means of the sliding connecting clutch), the
number, letter, or indication on the disc exhibiting zero, or blank through the
window or aperture. The action of a passing train by means of a lever, or a
radiating or rocking lever such as that described in my former Patent, No. 3439,
A.D. 1876, or by means of electricity brought into action by means of a contact
maker and gear such as that described in Figures 8 and 84 of my former Patent,
No. 3439, A.D. 1876, or by means of a mercurial contact, and acting through the
medium of a magnet throws the clutch forward and connects the clock mechanisın
with the time-indicating disc, which then revolves and successively displays the
figures, letters, or indications through the window or door, so that when passing this
signal the train disconnects the disc from the clock, which then falls to zero, and
automatically re-engages with the clock, which will then show to the next train the
number of minutes that have elapsed since the preceeding train passed.
The apparatus used to carry out the second part of this Invention consists of an
electric engine, being a magnet wheel provided with a series of armatures, and
operated, or rotated by a series of electro-magnets. The axis of the magnet wheel
is provided witli, a pinion which drives a spur wheel, on the axis of which is
mounted a second spur wheel, with the teeth on a portion of its circumference cut
away. This last spur wheel operates a toothed quadrant, on the axis of which is
mounted a door, or semaphore of any suitable pattern, a convenient form being a
double door opening in the centre, and connected by means of two levers and a
suitable connecting rod. The double door or its equivalent is fitted on a signal
post, and works within a suitable box, having windows or apertures, so that the
position of the door, or its equivalent, is observable to an approaching train.
By having a portion of the teeth of the operating spur wheel cut away, two
essential objects are attained-First, the door is enabled to be shut by the
quadrant being out of gear with the spur wheel; secondly, the magnet wheel is
enabled to obtain an impetus before the spur wheel comes into gear with the
quadrant which operates the door, the essential features of this Invention being
the opening of the door, or its equivalent, against gravity, and from a position which
indicates danger.
At night the opening and shutting of the door actuates a second door, being
a shield or screen of flint glass hinged in front of a lamp in such a way that when
the large door opens the glass door also opens and indicates line clear, and when the
large door swings to by the power of gravity the glass. door also shuts by gravity
and indicates danger. Thus in its normal position the door or its equivalent is
closed by the force of gravity and indicates danger, and to indicate life clear the
magnetic engine has to open the door, or its equivalent; against idvity!

page_text: In connection with the signal post, and for the purpose of driving the magnetic
engine which operates the door there is 'an electric battery, the contact required
for producing the electric current and starting the magnetic engine being performed
from the signal post immediately in front by means of a lever placed under the line,
which actuates by pressure on a rocking bar, which strikes a pendulum contact
maker, and sends a current to the signal post last past, which actuates a second
contact maker and causes the magnetic engine to work and open the door against
gravity, which as it opens breaks the contact and stops the engine. There may
also be added a second lever between the line and the signal, which acts in con-
junction with the last-named lever and actuates the rocking bar and contact maker.
This second lever is acted upon by a projection on the last carriage of a train, the
object of which is to show that the whole train has passed the signal post.
The contact maker which actuates the engine is formed thus:-A piece of metal
serving as an armature to a magnet is pivotted at the bottom end, the top end
having a lateral movement from right to left, so that when lying to the left it
forms a contact for the wires connecting the electric battery with engine, and is
severed from such contact position by being swung over to the right by a lever, or
its equivalent, on the door or signal, which is set to break the contact at the precise
moment required. The contact is effected, as before stated, by an electro-magnet
connected with the wire from the next signal in advance, and is actuated from
there.
In connection with the doors there is a stop or catch to hold the doors open by
engaging with a lever fastened to the door or signal, which catch is released by the
train passing, the signal actuating an electric contact gear and magnet, the doors
then closing and indicating danger until the train bas reached the next signal in
front, when the electric current is sent back, the magnetic engine started, and the
doors open, indicating line clear.
The requisite intermittent contact for driving the magnetic engine is effected by
interspacing wood or some other non-conductor with metal in the form of a disc, on
which the contact makers of the magnet wheel work. The magnetic engine is
provided with a break which ensures the engine stopping when the doors are open.
The opening of the doors breaks the contact between the magnetic engine and the
battery, and the doors remain open until released by the next passing train.
As described in my former Patent, No. 3439, A.D. 1876, each signal post may be
provided with drums which carry a tape, which is divided to represent days, hours,
and minutes. The tape is caused to unwind or travel at a given speed by means
of suitable clockwork, and a pencil which is fixed at a given point is, by the action
of an electro-magnet, brought to bear on the tape by each passing train, the con-
tact gear used being similar to that before described for sending the current for
driving the magnetic engine. The pencil may be brought in contact with the tape
by the front or commencement of the train, and the contact broken and the pencil
thrown off the tape by the last carriage of the train.
The special novel features of this my present Invention are, the door or doors,
by preference painted red, which constitute the signal, in their normal position
indicate danger, consequently if any of the mechanism should fail in its performance,
the signal will protect the line. The doors being the signal are opened against the
force of gravity by means of electricity, the doors being so hung that they close
by their own weight on being set free. Also a special part of this Invention con-
sists in the use or application of the electric engine herein described to the actuating
of signals, also the manner in which the signal is liberated by means of
electricity.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Arthur Wrigley in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 17th May
1878.
ARTHUR WRIGLEY, of 8, Quality Court, Chancery Lane, in the County of Mid-
dlesex. IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY
SIGNALLING ON RAILWAY LINES, AND AUTOMATICALLY INTERSIGNALLING AND
RECORDING THE TIME OR PERIOD OF TRAINS PASSING SIGNALS."
My Invention relates,-
Firstly. To a novel method of and apparatus for automatically signalling on
railway lines, so as to indicate to coming trains the time that has elapsed since the
preceeding train passed the signal.'
Secondly. To a novel method of automatically signalling from one signal to
another, so as to indicate whether a train has passed a certain point or signal in
front.
My Invention consists in various improvements and further carrying out of a
former Invention for which I obtained Letters Patent on the 31 August 1876,
No. 3439.
The apparatus used to carry out the first part of my present Invention consists of
certain clockwork or mechanism, being a combined mechanical and electric clock, as
herein-after described, arranged to actuate a disc, upon which is displayed by being
figured, printed, mounted, or otherwise delineated, or cut out certain observable
figures or letters indicating periods of time clearly visible. The disc upon which
the indications of time are mounted is provided with a small drum, upon which is
wound a weighted chain or cord. The disc and drum are carried by and run loose
on their axle, so that the weighted chain causes the disc in its normal state to indicate
zero by displaying blank or a cypher, that being when at rest the upper mounted or
otherwise delineated figure, letter, or indication. On the side opposite to the drum the
disc is provided with teeth or projections, which gear into teeth or projections on a
clutch sliding on a keyway. This sliding clutch is actuated by mechanical means
or by electricity, as herein-after described, by the action of the passing train. The
sliding clutch is carried on and works on the same axis as the motion wheel of a
clock, which clock is arranged as a mechanical clock driven by weights or a spring,
or as an electric clock driven by the action of a pendulum, which is kept in motion
by an electric magnet, the electric current effecting this by means of an armature
on the pendulum, the end of the pendulum being provided with a spring contact
maker.
The operation of this the first part of my Invention is, the clockwork mechanism
and indicating disc is mounted on a suitable signal post, the clockwork and
mechanism being enclosed, so as only to display through a window or aperture
certain of the figures, letters, or indications on the disc. The clock work is kept in
continuous motion by electric or mechanical means, and is kept in gear with the
time-indicating disc by means of the sliding connecting clutch and a spring or its
equivalent, the numbers, letters, or indications on the disc exhibiting successively
through the window or aperture. The action of a passing train, by means of a
lever, or radiating, or rocking lever, such as that described in my former Patent,
No. 3439, A.D. 1876, or by means of electricity brought into action by means of a
contact maker and gear, such as that described in Figures 8 and 8 of my former
Patent, No. 3439, A.D. 1876, or by means of a mercurial contact, and acting through
the medium of a magnet, throws the clutch out of gear, and disconnects the clock
mechanism with the time indicating disc; passing this signal the train disconnects
the dise from the clock, and the disc then falls to zero, and automatically re-engages
with the clock when the train has passed, and then shows to the next train the
number of minutes that have elapsed since the preceeding train passed by, ex-
hibiting through the window or door successively the letters, figures, or indications
on the disc.

page_text: The apparatus used to carry out the second part of this Invention consists of an
electric engine, being a magnet wheel provided. with a series of armatures, and
operated or rotated by a series of electro-magnets. The axis of the magnet wheel is
provided with a pinion, which drives a spur wheel, on the axis of which is mounted
a second spur wheel, with the teeth on a portion of its circumference cut away.
This last spur wheel operates a toothed quadrant, on the axis of which is mounted
a door or semaphore of any suitable pattern, a convenient form being a
double door, opening in the centre, and connected by means of two levers and a
suitable connecting rod. The double door or its equivalent is fitted on a signal post,
and works within a suitable box having windows or apertures, so that the position
of the door or its equivalent is observable to an approaching train.
By having a portion of the teeth of the operating spur wheel cut away, two
essential objects are attained; first, the door is enabled to be shut by the quadrant
being out of gear with the spur wheel; secondly; the magnet wheel is enabled to
obtain an impetus before the spur wheel comes into gear with the quadrant which
operates the door, the essential feature of this Invention being the opening of the
door or its equivalent against gravity, and from a position which indicates danger.
At night the opening and shutting of the door actuates a second door, being a
shield or screen of red glass hinged in front of a lamp in such a way that when the
large door opens, the glass door also opens and indicates line clear, and when the
large door swings to by the power of gravity, the glass door also shuts by gravity
and indicates danger. Thus in its normal position the door or its equivalent is
closed by the force of gravity and indicates danger, and to indicate line clear the
imagnetic engine has to open the door or its equivalent against gravity.
In connection with the signal post, and for the purpose of driving the magnetic
engine which operates the door, there is an electric battery, the contact required
for producing the electric current and starting the magnetic engine being performed
from the signal post immediately in front by means of a lever placed under the line,
which actuates by pressure and strikes a contact maker and sends a current to the
signal post last passed, which actuates a second contact maker, and causes the
magnetic engine to work and open the door against gravity, which as it opens
breaks the contact and stops the engine. There may also be added a second lever
between the line and the signal, which acts in conjunction with the last-named lever,
and actuates the contact maker. This second lever is acted upon by a projection on
the last carriage of a train, the object of which is to show that the whole train has
passed the signal post.
The contact maker which actuates the magnetic engine is formed thus:-A
piece of metal, serving as an armature to a magnet, is pivotted at the bottom
end, the top end having a lateral movement from right to left, so that when
lying to the left it forms a contact for wires connecting the electric battery
with the engine, and is severed from such contact position by being swung over to
the right by a lever or its equivalent on the door or signal, which is set to break
the contact at the precise moment required. The contact is effected, as before
stated, by an electro-magnet connected with the wire from the next signal in
advance, and is actuated from there.
In connection with the doors there is a stop or catch to hold the doors open by
engaging with a lever fastened to the door or signal, which catch is released by the
train when passing the signal, actuating an electric contact gear, and magnet, the
doors then closing and indicating danger until the train has reached the next signal
in front, when the electric current is sent back, the magnetic engine started, and the
doors open, indicating line clear.
The requisite intermittent contact for driving the magnetic engine is effected by
interspacing wood or some other non-conductor with metal, in the form of a disc, on
which the contact makers of the magnet wheel work. The magnetic engine is
'vided with a break, which ensures the engine stopping when the doors are open.
The opening of the doors breaks the contact between the magnetic engine and
pro-

page_text: the battery, and the doors remain open until released by the next passing
train.
As described in my former Patent, No. 3439, A.D. 1876, each signal post may be
provided with drums, which carry a tape which is divided to represent days, hours,
and minutes. The tape is caused to unwind, and to travel at a given speed by
means of suitable clockwork, and a pencil, which is fixed at a given point, is, by the
action of an electro-magnet brought to bear on the tape by each passing train, the
contact gear used being similar to that before described for sending the current for
driving the magnetic engine. The pencil may be brought in contact with the tape
by the front or commencement of the train and the contact broken and the pencil
thrown off the tape by the last carriage of the train.
The special novel features of this my present Invention are, the door or doors, by
preference painted red, which constitute the signal, in their normal position, indicate
danger, consequently if any of the mechanism should fail in its performance, the
signal will protect the line. The doors being the signal are opened against the
force of gravity by means of electricity, the doors being so hung that they close by
their own weight on being set free.
Also a special part of this Invention consists in the use or application of the
electric engine herein described to the actuating of signals, also the inanner in which
the signal is liberated by means of electricity.
In order that my Invention may be clearly understood, I will now proceed to
more particularly set forth the apparatus and the system, mode, or manner in or
under which my Invention is or may be used, or practically carried into effect,
reference being had to the accompanying three Sheets of Drawings, which are illus-
trative of my Invention, and on which like letters and figures denote the same or
corresponding parts throughout the various views.
Figure 1, Sheet 1, illustrates a front elevation of a signal post, constructed
according to my Invention, in connection with a cross section of a line of
railway.
Figure 2, Sheet 1, is a section through A, B, Figure 1.
Figure 3, Sheet 1, is an enlarged view of clockwork and disc shown at
Figure 2.
Figure 4, Sheet 1, is a side view of electric pendulum.
Figure 5, Sheet 1, is an elevation of an electric contact maker.
Figure 5A, Sheet 1, is a plan of Figure 5, illustrating electric contact maker.
Figures 6 and 7, Sheet 1, illustrate another form of contact maker.
Figure 8, Sheet 1, is a plan of rail with extra bar for working electric contactor.
Figure 9, Sheet 1, is an elevation of upper part of Figure 1, showing method of
melting snow by heating by hot water, or hot air pipes, and which act as a
guard.
Figure 10, Sheet 2, illustrates a front elevation of a signal post, constructed
according to my Invention, in connection with a cross section of a line of
railway.
Figure 11, Sheet 2, is a section through C, D, Figure 10.
Figure 12, Sheet 2, is a plan of Figure 10, with cover removed.
Figure 12ª, Sheet 2, is an elevation, showing arrangement for working signal
doors by hand, by the use of chains or their equivalent.
Figure 13, Sheet 2, is a section in plan through E, F, Figure 10.
Figure 14, Sheet 2, is a section in plan through G, H, Figure 10.
Figure 15, Sheet 2, is a plan of a line of railway, showing two signal posts,
according to my Invention and arrangement of contactors.
Figure 16, Sheet 2, is a sectional elevation, illustrating an electric time recorder
according to my Invention.
Figure 17, Sheet 3, is a plan of signal box, constructed according to my Invention,
illustrating electro-engine according to my Invention in detail.
Figure 18, Sheet 3, is a side elevation of Figure.17.

page_text: Figure 184, Sheet 3, is an elevation, showing arrangement for releasing the signal
doors by hand, by the use of a chain or its equivalent.
Figure 19, Sheet 3, is an end elevation through J, K, Figure 17.
Figure 20, Sheet 3, is an end elevation of Figure 19.
Upon reference to the Drawings, it will be seen that a signal post constructed
according to my Invention is illustrated at Figure 1, and consists of a post, or a
post set in brickwork A, which is provided with a numeral or time disc B, and
duplex signal doors C, C₁, and a night light signal door C and a reflector
door C The signals are worked by an electric battery or batteries contained in
the box D at the bottom of the post A (see Figure 10, Sheet 2).
The apparatus used to carry out the first part of my Invention, and to work the
numeral disc or time signal B, consists of certain clockwork or mechanism, as
illustrated at Figure 2; and an enlarged view of which is shown at Figures 3
and 4.
The apparatus consists of a numeral disc B, upon which is displayed by being
figured, printed, mounted, or otherwise delineated, or cut out, certain observable
figures or letters, indicating periods of time, clearly visible by day and illuminated
by night. The disc B is provided with a small drum E, upon which is wound a
chain or cord F, provided with a weight F¹. The disc B is also provided with a
toothed clutch G, and is so arranged as to run loose on its axle H, together with
the drum E and the clutch G, so that the weighted chain F causes the disc in its
normal state to indicate zero by displaying blank, or a cypher, as shown at Figure 1,
that being when at rest the upper mounted or otherwise delineated figure, letter, or
indication. The teeth or projections of the clutch G gear into teeth or projections
on a second clutch I, which slides on a keyway on the shaft H. The sliding clutch I
is kept in gear with the clutch G by a spring, and is actuated by mechanical means
or by electricity, applied by the magnet J and the lever K, the electric contact
being broken by the falling action of the weight F', or otherwise, which actuates a
contactor. It will be seen that the sliding clutch I is carried on the shaft or axis H,
which is also the axis of the motion wheel of the clock L. The clock L may be
arranged as a mechanical clock, worked by a cord and weight on the drum M, or
by a spring; or the clock L may be an electric clock, in which latter case it is
driven by the action of the pendulum N, which is kept in motion by an electric
magnet O, the electric current effecting this by means of an armature P on the
pendulum N. The pendulum N is provided with a spring contact maker (see
Figure 4). This contact maker consists of the two springs Q, R. The spring Q
has a rough projection on its end, over which a swinging pallet at the bottom of the
pendulum N works. The action is, that when the swing of the pendulum slackens
the pallet at the end thereof presses down the spring Q, and makes contact with
the spring R, which by this means causes a current of electricity to pass through
the magnet O, which attracts the armature P and gives a fresh impulse to the
pendulum. This performance is repeated each time the oscillations of the pendulum
are reduced to about one degree of arc of circle, when the pallet at the bottom
causes a fresh current to repeat the performance.
The operation of this the first part of my Invention is, the clockwork mechanism L
and indicating disc B is mounted on a signal post, in manner such as shown at
Figures 1 and 2, so that figures, letters, or indications on the disc B can be displayed
separately through a window or aperture, such as S, Figure 1. The clockwork L
is kept in continuous motion by electric or mechanical means, and when required is
put into gear with the disc B by the sliding clutch I. The clutch I is kept in gear
by a spring, and is worked by the action of a passing train by means of a lever, or
a radiating or rocking lever, such as that described in my former Patent, No. 3439,
A.D. 1876, or by an electric magnet which is operated by means of a contact
maker, such as shown at Figures 5, 6, and 7 of the Drawings accompanying this
Specification, and herein-after described. The time-indicating disc B is thus con-
nected with the clock mechanism, and is revolved thereby, and successively displays.
the figures, letters, or indications through the window or door S, and when passing

page_text: this signal the train disconnects the disc B from the clock L. The disc B then falls
to zero and automatically re-engages with the clock L immediately the train has
passed. By this means the disc Bindicates to the next train the number of minutes
or time that has elapsed since the preceeding train passed.
.
The apparatus used to carry out the second part of my Invention consists of an
electric engine, which is illustrated in detail at Figures 17, 18, 19, and 20. Upon
reference it will be seen that a is a magnet wheel, provided with a series of
armatures b, and operated or rotated by a series of electro-magnets c. The axis of
the magnet wheel a is provided with a small pinion d, which drives a spur wheel e,
on the axis of which is mounted a second spur wheel f, having the teeth on a portion
of its circumference cut away. The spur wheel operates a toothed quadrant g,
upon the axis of which is mounted a door or semaphore C, a convenient form being
a double door C, C', opening in the centre, and connected by means of two levers
and a suitable connecting rod, as shown in the Drawings, Figure 12. The double door
C, C¹, works within a suitable box on the signal post, and is fitted in manner such
as shown at Figures 1, 10, 11, 12, and 13. The box containing the signal doors
C, C, is by preference glazed on both sides so as to show a clear light through
when the doors C, C', are open. The same object can however be attained by
glazing only the front of the box. To protect the glazing of the box I use a guard,
such as that shown at T, Figure 9. In winter the guard may be composed of a
series of small tubes in connection with a lamp, such as shown at V, Figure 9, hot
air or water heated from the lamp passing through the pipes and keeping the signal
free from snow. The lamp may be an ordinary oil lamp, or a parrafine lamp, but
preferably it may be an automatic benzoline gas burner with lamp, modified in
form to suit the purposes of this Invention.
Referring again to Figures 17, 18, 19, and 20, it will be seen that a portion of
the teeth of the operating spur wheel fare cut away. By this means two essential
objects are attained, namely: :-
First. The doors C, C¹, being set so as always to close by their own gravity, they
are able to close by the quadrant g being out of gear with the spur wheel f
Secondly. The magnet wheel a is enabled to obtain an impetus before the spur
wheel comes into gear with the quadrant g, which operates the doors C, C¹,
the main essential feature of my Invention being the opening of the doors C, C¹,
by the magnet wheel a, and its attendant parts against gravity, and from a position.
which indicates danger. The doors C, C¹, are held open by the catch h, which is
operated by electricity by the medium of the magnet i.
The catch also serves to operate the break gear k by the pressure of the door
against the catch; the rubber of the break at k is applied to the magnet wheel a.
The electric current which operates the magnet wheel a is controlled by the contact
maker in connection with the door C¹ (see 7, Figures 17 and 18).
The operation is, as the door C¹ opens the lever throws over the lever and
armature, and lifts the arm m out of the mercurial contact n. When the door
closes the electro-magnet p is free to attract the lever and armature 1, and renew
the contact by inserting the arm m into the mercury n, which is effected by an
electric current from (and when the train reaches) the next post in front.
The opening and shutting of the door C, C, operates a second door C", being a
shield or screen of flint glass hinged in front of a lamp (see Figures 10 and 13) in
such a way that when the larger doors C, C¹, open the glass door C¹¹ also opens,
and indicates line clear by showing a white light.
When the large door C, C, swings to by the power of gravity, the glass door
also shuts by gravity, or by its connection with the main door, and indicates danger
by displaying a red light. This arrangement serves as a night signal. Lower down
on the post (and on the same level as the front light carried by an engine) there is a
third door C, which is in connection with the doors C, C', and worked thereby.
This third door C¹¹ serves as a shield to a reflector, and is arranged so that when the
doors C, C, are open, it will reflect the light carried by the engine; and when the
doors C, C, are shut, no reflection takes place. The door C¹ thus acts as a tell-tale,

page_text: Thus, in their normal position the signal doors, or their equivalent, always remain
closed by the force of gravity, and indicate danger; and, to indicate line clear, the
magnetic engine a has to open the doors, or their equivalent, against gravity.
As before mentioned, in connection with each signal post there is an electric
battery, which may be placed at D, as shown at Figures 1 and 10. This battery is
for the purpose of driving the magnetic engine u, which operates the signal doors
C, C¹.
The same electric battery may also be used for releasing the signal doors C, C¹,
and also for working the electric clock and time recorder, and any other purposes
that may be required; or it may be divided into two or more batteries, should it be
expedient to do so.
"
The contact required for producing the electric current, and thereby starting the
magnetic engine, is performed from the signal post immediately in front of the
signal post just referred to, where such signal is being exhibited.
For example, upon reference to Figure 15, the contact required for causing the
electric battery in the post A to work the signal of the post A is sent from the
electric battery of the post A' as the train passes the post A¹.
A novel and convenient form of contact maker to be operated by the passing
train, and for the purpose of carrying out my Invention, is illustrated at Figure 5
in elevation, and Figure 54 in plan.
Upon reference, it will be seen that ? is an ordinary length of rail, also r, Figure 1.
The rail is so arranged that, as the wheels of the train pass over, it is slightly
depressed, say, about a quarter of an inch. This depression actuates the vertical
bar, which is attached to the rail, and wbich works the bell-crank lever r¹¹, which
increases the stroke, and works the contact bar 11, the contact being effected by
the bar entering between the spring jaws 1111. This contact arrangement is
contained in the hermetically sealed box 8, which is rigidly fixed to the rail r by
the strong rods 8', the contact taking place by the depression of the rail between
the points of support of the box 8.
A convenient form of contact maker is illustrated at Figures 6 and 7. In this
case the bar is caused by the depression of the rail, or a rocking bar or lever, to
effect a contact by dipping into a cup t, which contains mercury, the contact being
broken by a spring, which lifts the bar out of the mercury.
The contact may be effected by the main rail, such as shown at r, Figure 8, or
by a rocking bar or lever, or their equivalent 7, alongside of the rail.
The operation of the second part of my Invention may be thus summarized:-
The train as it passes a signal post, such as that shown at Figure 10, sets the
signal doors C, C¹, at danger by causing the catch h (see Figures 17, 18, 19, and 20)
to be drawn down by the electric magnet i; the doors C, C, which may be painted
red, then swing to by their own gravity, and indicate danger.
When the train arrives at the next signal post it, in like manner, actuates the
signal of this post, and sets such signal at danger; and, at the same time, sends a
current of electricity which causes the electric magnet p to actuate the contact
maker, such as m, n, (see Figures 17 and 18), and thus complete the electric
circuit which is required to work the magnetic engine a, and thereby open the
signal doors C, C', which when open are again held by the catch h, the magnetic
engine a being stopped by the break, and at the same time the contact by which
the electric current is caused to work the magnetic engine is broken by an arrange-
ment of levers, such as that shown at 1, 1, Figures 17 and 18.
The power required for working the magnetic engine is obtained from the
electric battery contained in the same signal post while such power is operated and
controlled by the electric battery in the next signal post in front.
It will be seen by this arrangement that the electric engine in each post has the
advantage of being worked by the battery in the same post.
The posts can be worked to great advantage on the duplicate system.
In case of anything going wrong with the battery, or otherwise, each post can be
worked separately.

page_text: I also propose to run a wire from each signal post back to the station in the
rear, and so actuate an electric indicator, and cause each train to report its own
progress, and to serve as a signal to each signal post.
The various motions thus produced by the machine can, of course, be produced
equally well by magneto-electric force and arrangements, as well as by galvanic
battery; also by mechanical means in case of breakdown (see Figures 12 and 184).
Having thus described my said Invention and the system, mode, or manner in or
under which the same is or may be used or practically carried into effect, I would have
it understood that I do not restrict myself to the precise details herein described and
shown; but what I believe to be novel and original and therefore claim as the
Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,
-
Firstly. The method of and apparatus for automatically signalling on railway
lines and automatically intersignalling and recording the time or period of trains
passing signals, in manner such as herein-before described, and such as illustrated
in the accompanying three Sheets of Drawings, or any modification thereof.
Secondly. The method of operating signals, such as C, C¹, by means of a magnetic
engine such as a, the signal C, C', in its normal position indicating danger, and
being opened by such magnetic engine against the force of gravity to indicate safety
in manner such as herein-before described, and illustrated by the accompanying
Drawings, or any modification thereof.
Thirdly. The method or system of working or leading the currents of electricity
for the purpose of intersignalling from one post to another, as herein-before
described, and illustrated in the accompanying Drawings, or any modification
thereof.
Fourthly. The methods of effecting and breaking contact for completing and
stopping the electric circuits for the purposes of signalling, as herein-before
described, and illustrated in the accompanying Drawings, or any modification
thereof.
In witness whereof, I, the said Arthur Wrigley, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-eight.
ARTHUR (L.S.) WRIGLEY.