IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR AND IN THE METHOD OF SIGNALLING BETWEEN PARTS OF A RAILWAY TRAIN, PARTS OF WHICH APPARATUS ARE APPLICABLE TO OR FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1875

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Stroudley, Engineer, and Stephen
Rusbridge, Inspector, both of Brighton, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR AND IN THE METHOD OF SIGNALLING
BETWEEN PARTS OF A RAILWAY TRAIN, PARTS OF WHICH APPARATUS ARE
APPLICABLE TO OR FOR OTHER PURPOSES."
Sealed the 16th October 1875, and dated the 6th July 1875.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Stroudley
and Stephen Rusbridge at the Office of the Commissioners of
Patents, with their Petition, on the 6th July 1875.
We, WILLIAM STROUDLEY, Engineer, and STEPHEN RUSBRIDGE,
Inspector, both of Brighton, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR AND IN THE METHOD OF
SIGNALLING BETWEEN PARTS OF A RAILWAY TRAIN, PARTS OF WHICH APPARATUS ARE
APPLICABLE TO OR FOR OTHER PURPOSES," to be as follows :—

page_text: manner of constructing such "trembling bells," such apparatus being
contained within a case, the lower part of which may be devoted to the
battery cells, whilst the bell instrument is fitted to the upper portion
upon a board; but instead of contact being made in the ordinary way
or in the manner ordinarily employed, and such contact being operated
from one portion or side of such instrument case only, we apply a
double action arrangement by which the necessary contact may be
made by the pulling of such elastic arrangement at either end, and by
the interposition of an elastic stop and buffing piece on each of each of
the pulls, the amount of motion is limited, and insulation at the same
time effected.
In addition to this novel arrangement for calling the bell into action
from either side, or in either direction, we also provide in the front of
the instrument a button, key, or plunger, which may project and be
pressed in to bring it into action; or it may be a knob capable of being
pulled out for a like purpose. In the first case such button, key, or
plunger would, by preference, be formed of ebonite or other non-con-
ducting material, and by the addition of a sliding cover plate or guard
fitted on the front of the instrument (as provided in the Patent Specifi-
cation of R. R. Harper, No. 336, /75,) when that sliding cover plate is
moved over the face of the button; or in the case of a pull out
knob it is slid under the shoulder or head thereof, the contact is con-
tinued, and the bell is caused to ring until the sliding plate or guard is
withdrawn. The insulated button or pull picce can however be used
for giving a series of separate and distinct strokes of the bell, by which
prearranged signals may be transmitted from one guard to the other,
and from one part of the train to another, or from any part of the train
to a signal on the engine.
The instrument case has externally metallic contact pieces projecting
for entering into corresponding metallic stop surfaces or supporting pieces,
permanently attached to a board or support within each guard's van, so
that when the case is fitted, slid, or lowered thereinto the corresponding
poles are connected with the circuit wire arrangements of the train
system.
..

page_text: -
When a single through or line wire is used and the circuit completed.
by the metal rail the separate portions of the train of carriages are
each coupled up or connected together by means of short lengths of
elastic coupling pieces, at each end of which a metallic link or loop
with a transverse taper reduction formed in one side thereof to admit.
of a correspondingly formed staple or loop fixed upon the buffer plank,'
or end of the carriage being looped over it, so that when the connecting"
piece assumes its natural position perfect contact is made between two
solid portions of the metallic connection. In like manner where a
metallic wire circuit is used a double set of such couplings and con-
nections is employed.
To either end or to both ends of the elastic pull arrangement,
mounted within the bell instrument case, the ordinary signal line (in
whatever position it may be applied along the train) may be attached
by means of a screw clamp, clip, or gripper, , so that when the line from
the reel has been drawn out from either or both of the guard's vans,
according to the number of the carriages forming the train, with suffi->
cient allowance for the maximum extension, the line is secured at cach:
end of the train by means of the clamp to the projecting portion of the
pull piece on either side (or on both sides) of the instrument; and iti
will not matter whether one passenger pulls the line from the front or
from the rear of the train; or if more than one passenger should at the
same time pull upon the line, and the one pulls in the one direction
and the other in the opposite, the effect would be the same when'
employed in connection with the use of a through line or circuit wire.
So too and in like manner when each carriage is fitted witli its separate
length of line, rope, or cord, when such individual lengths are coupled
and connected at their ends.
When a guard desires to signal to another guard by one or two or,
more strokes of the bell, he can either do so by operating upon the pro-
jecting piece in front of the instrument, or he can by quickly pulling,
the lines in jerks give the requisite or desired number of strokes j
or if promptness of action and a continual ringing be necessary.he:
can leave his hands entirely free to operate the brakes or perform anyt
other duty by drawing the slide or cover piece on to and over thes
projecting button or behind the collar or shoulder of the knob provided,
for the purpose.

page_text: the spiral spring, whilst it becomes locked by the sliding plate being drawn
behind the shoulder through its spring, from which position it can only
be released by the application of the key either in the front or in the
rear as may be arranged. The two metallic springs contained within
the hollow block press their two external projecting points against
metallic terminals in connection with the earth & line respectively,
& a horse-shoe plate is likewise fitted to the partition or division
between the compartments into which the points of the screw take for
securing the block (and key apparatus) in its place.
For the purpose of readily exhibiting by another means which key or
instrument has been operated upon by the passenger, a flat ring may be
mounted on a freely working centre on one side thereof, and have a
central opening of the size of the collar or shoulder of the knob by
which it would be supported concentrically whilst in its normal position,
& it would fall & become eccentric to the metal face plate when the
knob is drawn out.
The two terminals just referred to are each formed by two portions of
metallic tube screwed one into the other, or a male & female screw,
each having a button head projecting beyond the thickness of the
partition. This screw arrangement enables the varying thicknesses of
the partition to be compensated for.
The application of the key by the guard, whether in the front or the
rear of the instrument which has been acted upon, by acting upon the
slide enables the spiral spring on the central stud to draw in the knob
or key by the sliding plate being brought over, & corresponding with
the ebonite or non-conducting shoulder portion which then enters &
passes through the slide & releases, frees, or puts the spiral spring out
of extreme tension, & restores the knob or key to its normal position
& effects insulation as before.
For the purpose of exhibiting on the exterior of the carriage which
knob, pull piece, or key has been acted upon within the carriage, or
from which compartment the alarm signal has been given, the act of
pulling out or operating on the knob or key may be employed to
operate on a semaphore arm contained within a sheath, or to set free
& lower an arm having a weighted disc mounted freely upon it, which
an in falling would permit of the disc changing its position &

page_text: Or any
such indicator may be
presenting its face fore & aft the train.
set free or called into action by such means.
To provide against the breaking away of a portion of a train being
unobserved, or for the "breaking away" signalling itself, we provide in
connection with the herein-before described instruments & apparatus
a metallic connection at each end of each carriage, the parts of which
are only brought into circuit when a forcible separation of the carriages
takes place.
For the purpose of adapting our Invention to trains made up of two
portions, one of which has to be " slipped off" or detached without
stopping the whole train, we apply at what would be the fore end of the
detached portion a spring clip coupling upon the projecting end of the
line wire or its terminal, & which upon being held back against the
spring opens & releases the corresponding connection with the line.
wire. This clip may be formed like a pair of callipers or a double
hook.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said William Stroudley and Stephen Rusbridge in the
Great Seal Patent Office on the 6th January 1876.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, wc, WILLIAM
STROUDLEY, Engineer, and STEPHEN RUSBRIDGE, Inspector, both of
Brighton, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Sixth day of July, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, in the
thirty-ninth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and
successors, give and grant unto us, the said William Stroudley and
Stephen Rusbridge, Her special licence that we, the said William
Stroudley and Stephen Rusbridge, our executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as we, the said William Stroudley and Stephen
Rusbridge, our executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully

page_text: might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man,
an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR AND IN THE METHOD OP
SIGNALLING BETWEEN PARTS OF A RAILWAY TRAIN, PARTS OF WHICH APPARATUS
ARE APPLICABLE TO OR FOR OTHER PURPOSES," upon the condition (amongst
others) that we, the said William Stroudley and Stephen Rusbridge, our
executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under our, or
their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and
ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great
Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said William Stroudley and Stephen
Rusbridge, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The bell instrument which we propose to apply in each guard's van,
and if desired on the engine also, may be constructed in the ordinary
manner of constructing such-like "trembling" and other bells. Such
apparatus, as shown, being contained within a case, the lower part of
which may be devoted to the battery cells, whilst the bell instrument is
fitted to the upper portion upon a board, but instead of contact being
made in the ordinary way or in the manner ordinarily employed, and
such contact being operated from one portion or side of such instrument
case only we apply a double-action arrangement, by which the necessary
contact may be made by the pulling of such elastic arrangement at
either end, and by the interposition of an elastic stop and buffing
piece" on each of the pulls the amount of motion is limited and insula-
tion at the same time effected.
66
In addition to this novel arrangement for calling the bell into action
from either side or in either direction we also provide in the front of the
instrument a button, key, or plunger, which may project and be pressed
in to bring it into action, or it may be a knob capable of being pulled
out for a like purpose.
In the first case such button, key, or plunger
should by preference be formed of ebonite or other non-conducting
material, and by the addition of a sliding cover plate or guard fitted on
the front of the instrument (as provided in the Patent Specification of

page_text: R. R. Harper No. 336/15) when that sliding cover plate is moved over the
face of the button, or in the case of a pull-out knob it is slid under the
shoulder or head thereof, the contact is continued, and the bell is caused
to ring until the sliding plate or guard is withdrawn. The insulated.
button or pull piece can however be used for giving a series of separate
and distinct strokes of the bell, by which pre-arranged signals may be
transmitted from one guard to the other, and from one part of the train
to another, or from any part of the train to a signal on the engine.
The instrument case has externally metallic contact pieces projecting
behind it for entering into corresponding metallic stops, surfaces, or 1
supporting pieces, permanently attached to a board or support within
each guard's van, so that when the case is fitted, slid, or lowered there-
into the corresponding poles are connected with the circuit wire
arrangements of the train system:
The circuit between the extreme ends of the train proper may either
be formed by a metallic circuit or by a main or through wire, and the
earth contact through the wheels to the rail.
When a single through or line wire is used and the circuit completed
by the metal rail the separate portions of the train of carriages are each
coupled up or connected together by means of short lengths of elastic
coupling pieces, at each end of which a metallic link or loop with a
transverse taper reduction formed in one side thereof to admit of a
correspondingly formed staple or loop fixed upon the buffer plank or end
of the carriage being looped over it, so that when the connecting piece
assumes its natural position perfect contact is made between two solid
portions of the metallic connection. In like manner where a metallic
wire circuit is used a double set of such couplings and connections is
employed.
To either end or to both ends of the elastic pull arrangement mounted
within the bell instrument case the ordinary signal line (in whatever a
position it may be applied in or along the train) may be attached
by means of a screw clamp, clip, or gripper, so that when the line from
the reel has been drawn out from either or both the guard's vans,
according to the number of the carriages forming the train, with
sufficient allowance for the maximum extension, the line is secured at a
each end of the train by means of the clamp to the projecting portion of

page_text: will not matter whether one passenger pulls the line from the front or
from the rear of the train; or if more than one passenger should at the
same time pull upon the line, and the one pulls in the one direction and
the other in the opposite, the effect would be the same when employed
in connection with the use of a through line circuit wire. So too, and
in like manner, when each carriage is fitted with its separate length of
line, rope, or cord when such individual lengths are coupled and con-
nected at their ends.
When a guard desires to signal to another guard by one or two or
more strokes of the bell he can either do so by operating upon the pro-
jecting key piece in front of the instrument, or he can by quickly
pulling the lines in jerks give the requisite or desired number of strokes ;
or if promptness of action and a continual ringing be necessary he can
leave his hands entirely free to operate the brakes or perform any other
duty by drawing the slide or cover piece on to and over the projecting
button or behind the collar or shoulder of the knob provided for the
purpose, or he may slide in the bolt or retainer piece for a like purpose.
For enabling a passenger in any compartment of a carriage to signal
to a guard or to the guards of the train, and set the bell or bells ringing,
we apply an improved form of key or pull for making electric circuit,
and calling the bell or bells into action, and we fit the same (by pre-
ference) on the division between the compartments in a position easy of
access, and so arrange this instrument that when it has been operated
on it cannot be replaced in its normal position without the aid of a
proper key or instrument provided for that purpose in the hands of the
guard or other authorized person; and this instrument may be used
alone or in conjunction with a visual signal applied externally to each
carriage, or to each division of cach carriage, so that a guard may at
once ascertain from which compartment or carriage the alarm or signal
was given. Two of such keys or instruments may be applied back to
back against the division of the compartments, and the key for restoring
the pull piece of the instrument to its normal position may be applied in
the adjoining compartment, or it may be set right from the face of the
instrument in the same compartment, as may be arranged or found con-
venient. When such key or apparatus is applied to an end compart-
ment or coupé it may be applied to the pillar or other end portion, and

page_text: may be adjusted or set in its normal position externally, in which case it
would also serve the purpose of a tester or means of testing the con-
tinuity of the train.
"
Within a wooden block piece, which may be turned circular and
hollow, whilst externally of any suitable shape, we fit within it a metallic
plate, through the centre of which passes an ebonite knob or pull-out
piece," to which is attached a metallic stud or pin surrounded by a spiral
spring (or any other form of spring giving a similar action may be
employed). The spiral spring with its pin is contained within a cylinder
projecting from a cross plate screwed to the interior of the block. There
is also a sliding plate held and guided in grooves behind the metallic
front plate, and having a coned hole therein, through which the central
stud or pin passes, and which, when the knob is drawn out slides over
the metallic shoulder, and so makes circuit with the electric apparatus.
The electric contact between the wire or wires carried up from below the
floor of the carriage, or otherwise arranged, is made by means of suitable
metallic (curved) springs fitted within the hollow block, and kept out of
contact whilst the knob or key is in its normal position, and contact is
only effected when the knob or key is pulled out against the resistance
of the spiral spring, whilst it becomes locked by the sliding plate being
drawn behind the shoulder through its spring, from which position it
can only be released by the application of the key either in the front or
in the rear, as may be arranged. The two curved metallic springs
contained within the hollow block press their two external projecting
points against metallic terminals in connection with the earth and line
respectively; and a horse-shoe plate is likewise fitted to the partition
or division between the compartments, into which the points of the screw
take for securing the block (and key apparatus) in its place.
For the purpose of readily exhibiting by another means which key or
instrument has been operated upon by the passenger, a flat ring may be
mounted on a freely working centre on one side thereof, and have a
central opening of the size of the collar or shoulder of the knob, by
which it would be supported concentrically whilst in its normal position,
and it would fall and become eccentric to the metal face plate when the
knob is drawn out.

page_text: each having a button head projecting beyond the thickness of the par-
tition. This screw arrangement enables the varying thicknesses of tho
partition to be compensated for.
The application of the key by the guard, whether in the front or the
rear of the instrument which has been acted upon by operating upon the
slide, enables the spiral spring on the central stud to draw in the knob or
key by the sliding plate being brought over, and corresponding with the
ebonite or non-conducting shoulder portion, which then enters and passes
through the slide, and releases, frees; or puts the spiral spring out of
extréme tension, and restores the knob or key to its normal position, and
effects insulation as before.
For the purpose of exhibiting on the exterior of the carriage which
knob, pull piece, or key has been acted upon within the carriage, or from
which compartment the alarm signal has been given, the act of pulling
out or operating on the knob or key may be employed to operate on a
semaphore arm contained within a sheath, or to set free and lower an
arm having a weighted disc mounted freely upon it, which arm in falling
would permit of the disc changing its position, and presenting its face
fore and aft the train. Or any such indicator according to the views
of the user may be set free or called into action by such means.
To provide against the breaking away of a portion of a train being
unobserved, or for the "breaking away" signalling itself, we apply, in
connection with the herein-before described instruments and apparatus
a metallic connection at each end of cach carriage, the parts of which
are only brought into circuit when a forcible separation of the carriages
takes place.
For the purpose of adapting our Invention to trains made up of two
portions, one of which has to be "slipped off" or detached without
stopping the whole train, we apply at what would be the fore end of the
detached portion a "spring clip coupling" upon the projecting end of the
line wire or its terminal, and which, upon being held back against the
spring, opens and releases the corresponding connection with the line
wire. This clip may be formed like a pair of callipers or a double
hook.
..

page_text: which is attached the cord (either directly or indirectly); there is also
fitted on to such lever a spring and a click or pawl, which upon the
cord being pulled partially winds up the spring in the barrel, and on
returning slips over several teeth of the ratchet when resetting itself to
its position of rest (by the movement of the lever in the arc of a circle).
The action produced upon the cord being pulled or jerked being
generally as follows:-The lever is moved in the arc of a circle; the
click or pawl takes into one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel and
thereby winds up a portion of the spring, and the main wheel which is
attached to the barrel then gives motion to the pin wheel which acts
upon the tail of the hammer stem and continues to produce a vibratory
motion and a series of blows upon the bell or gong until the portion
of the spring which has been wound up runs down; by this means
the apparatus is self-adjusting and always ready for use, whatever
number of jerks may have been given to the cord, as each jerk
causes the apparatus to be reset and run for a correspondingly
lengthened period.
In some cases it may be found more convenient to mount a wheel or
pulley (around which the cord is wound one or more turns) on to the
arbor in lieu of the lever described. This apparatus we prefer to use
when applied upon the engine in connection with the apparatus shown
in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, Sheet. 1. A similar arrangement can also be used
in or on the guard's van, so that both mechanical and electric action
may be called into use by pulling upon the signalling cord.
"..
In Sheet 2, Figures 6 to 18, both (inclusive, are shown some of tho
arrangements and modifications of the "pull-out key" which we apply
to the compartments of the carriages in connection with the bell or bells
on the engine or in the guard's vans.
Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view of a pull-out key as secured to
the division of the compartment or to any other convenient part of the
carriage, showing the male and female screw terminals (shown in
Figures 23 and 24) for connecting the circuit wires, the curved) spring.
making contact on the head thereof, the pull-out knob being shown in.
its position of rest. Upon the key being pulled out the vertically
sliding picco to which the small spiral spring is shown as attached
drops, and thus makes contact with the piston, the piston being

page_text: slipped when detaching portions of a train whilst in motion, in this
view the mechanical arrangement for effecting the ready severance only
being shown, the intermediate connecting wire being applied in any
convenient manner.
Figures 20, 21, and 22, are views of an arrangement of an apparatus for
self-signalling to the guards or the driver should a forcible or accidental
separation of any portion of the train from the other take place.
Within a plate or metal box is mounted a slide with hinged or calliper-
like jaws, attached thereto at the one end, at the other end a spiral
reacting spring for retaining it in its sheathed position; on one side
of the slide is a fixed insulated plate with a vibrating end of a curved
spring resting thereon, so that whilst the slide is in its normal position
or sheathed, there being no circuit, insulation is maintained; the
curved spring having a greater tension than the spiral one at its end,
and the frictional power or tension of such curved spring being greater
than the spiral spring.
The action of the jaws is as follows:-In coupling the carriages of
the train previous to starting the sliding piece with its calliper-like jaws
is drawn out, the connecting chain or cord leading from the under eye
piece shown in Figure 21 is carried to and the end inserted within tho
opposite carriage calliper-like jaw apparatus, and the slide is then pushed
back within its sheath. Should a forcible separation of the carriages
take place the slide is drawn out against the resistance of the spring,
and the sides of the jaws being freed thereby they open, and thereupon
the connecting link is freed, and contact is made through the point of
the spring, leaving the insulated plate.
In some case we employ a similar apparatus to Figures 20, 21, and 22
for a self-acting electric slip coupling. In such cases we dispense with
the curved spring and the insulated parts before mentioned.
Figures 23 and 24 show detached views of the male and female screw
terminals employed in connection with the partitions or other portions
of the framework of the carriage to which the 2 circuit wires arc
attached, and which in turn act as conductors from the pull-out key
blocks heretoforo described.
Figures 25 and 26 are views of a screw clamp or gripper in which the
how of the rone or line is attrated to the huffe

page_text: '
Thirdly. The modes or methods hercin described of resetting such
key's or pull-out knobs, herein described and illustrated in the several
views relating thereto in Sheet 2 of the accompanying Drawings.
Fourthly. The mode or method herein described of making the
permanent connections or fittings to the divisions, partitions, or frame- &
work of railway carriages, by which the disturbing of the linings or
other portions of such carriages is rendered unnecessary for the purpose
of examining, getting at, repairing, and renewing the electric con-
nections between the key instruments or pull-out knobs fitted or applied
within such carriages and the circuit or connecting wires, as herein
described and set forth, and by the use or employment of the horse-shoo
plate and the male and female screw or socket terminals, as herein
described and illustrated, or any mere modification thereof.
Fifthly. The mode or method herein described of mounting, fitting,
and applying within railway carriages signalling keys and key blocks, by
which such apparatus may be interchangeably used, employed, and put
into action, in the manner and for the purpose set forth, and without
necessitating the disturbance or opening out of any part of the linings
or trimmings of railway carriages for any such purpose.
Sixthly. The apparatus, illustrated by Figure 19 in tho accompanying
Drawings and herein described, for the purpose of disconnecting and
effecting a ready separation of the electric connection between parts of a
railway train when one portion has to be slipped or detached from the
other whilst in motion.
Seventhly. The apparatus, illustrated by Figures 20, 21, and 22, in
the accompanying Drawings, or any mere modification thereof, applied
for the purpose of signalling the accidental or other separation of one
portion of a train from another through or by means of the clectric
communication and apparatus applied and used for signalling on railway
trains so fitted, all substantially as herein described and set forth.
Eighthly. The mechanical bell or gong apparatus set in action with, and
producing a series of strokes or blows upon the bell or gong through or
by means of a clockwork movement, or by a simple mechanical action,
either of such being called into operation by the pulling of the signal
cord or line, which also resets or winds up the spring movement, or
otherwise resets the apparatus at the same time and by the same means

page_text: that it is pulled or acted upon for the purpose of signalling, sub-
stantially as herein described in connection with the textual description
of Figure 5, Sheet 1.
In witness whereof, we, the said William Stroudley and Stephen
Rusbridge, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Fourth
day of January, in the year of our Lord 1876.
Witness,
WILLIAM SMITH, C.E.,
Consulting Engineer,
19, Salisbury St.,
Adelphi,
Strand,
WILLIAM STROUDLEY. (L.S.)
STEPHEN RUSBRIDGE.
(L.S.)
птовая
London, W.O.