Improved Apparatus for Producing Audible Signals upon Railways.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Dec., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 8th Sept., 1890-Accepted, 11th Oct:, 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Apparatus for Producing Audible Signals upon Railways.
ROBERT PARKER PALMER 8 Gloucester Street John Street London EC.
Clockmaker and ROBERT ALFRED WORMELL the Elin Park Lane Croydon Surrey.
Electrical Engineer do. hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
Our invention consists in "Improved apparatus for producing audible signals upon
railways" and is carried out as follows:-Upon the signalman putting the signal at
danger a lever or equivalent operating in connection therewith is so arranged as to
place a detonator in a suitable position for explosion by devices operated by the flange
of the wheel of locomotive, van, or equivalent as it passes.
A supply of detonators may be contained in a box having delivering mechanism, or
they can be consecutively fed forward upon a band or cord. In some cases we employ
a bell, gong, horn, or similar signal; operated by suitable mechanism and the flange
of the wheel of engine or van, in place of the detonator. When the line is clear the
devices immediately before described are so constructed and controlled as that no
explosion, or sound upon bell, gong, or horn is produced by the passing engine.or.
train. A further part of our invention consists in mounting at suitable intervals
along the track similar exploding devices bells; gongs or horns or equivalent, which by
an interlocking system audibly convey to the driver or other official an intimation)
that the line is clear, or any other prearranged instructions. The connections between
signal box, signal, and the various forms of apparatus for producing audible signals
herein described may be made by rods, wires chaines or other equivalent means
suited to the purpose.
FRANCIS M. ROGERS,,
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Agent.
"
Improved Apparatus for Producing Audible Signals upon Railways
ROBERT PARKER PALMER 8 Gloucester Street John Street, London EC.,
Clockmaker and ROBERT ALFRED WORMELL, The Elm Park Lane Croydon Surrey
Electrical Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described, and ascertained in'
and by the following statement:-
И
Our invention consists in "Improved apparatus for producing audible signals upɔn
railways" and is carried out as follows: Upon the signalman putting the signal at
danger, a lever or equivalent operating in connection therewith is so arranged as to
place a detonator in a suitable position for explosión by devices operated by the flange
of the wheel of locomotive, van or equivalent as it passes.
A supply of detonators may be contained in a box having delivering mechanisin or
they can be consecutively fed forward upon a band or cord. In some cases we employ
a bell; gong; horn, or similar signal; operated by suitable mechanism and the flange
of the wheel of engine or van in place of the detonator. When the line is clear the
devices immediately, before described are so constructed and controlled as that no
explosion, or sound upon bell gong or horn is produced by the passing engine or
train. A further part of our invention consists in mounting at suitable.intervals
along the track similar exploding devices bells, gongs, or horns or equivalent which
by an interlocking system audibly convey to the driver or other official an intiination
that the line is clear; or any other prearranged instructions.
The connections

page_text: between signal box, signal and the various forms of apparatus for producing
audible signals herein described, may be made by rods; wires, chains or other
equivalent means suited to the purpose.
To enable our improvements to be clearly understood we will refer to the
accompanying drawings in which :-
Fig. 1, is a diagramatic view in plan shewing the general arrangement of the
improved apparatus for producing audible signals upon railways with connections to
signal boxes and semaphores.
Fig. 2, is an elevation of same.
Fig. 3, is a perspective view of exploding apparatus as fixed near semaphore A¹,
and B', operated by a double wire.
Fig. 4, is a perspective view of exploding apparatus as fixed at semaphores A'
and B actuated by a single wire, and shewing the treadle operated by flanges of
wheels.
Fig. 5, is an enlarged vertical section of clutch 32, Fig. 4, shewing internal
spring.
Fig. 6, is a section upon line a b Fig. 7 of scraping device for removing spent
detonators.
.
Fig. 7, is a plan of same.
Fig. 8, is an elevation part in section of chain conveyor.
Fig. 9, is a plan of same.
Fig. 10, enlarged detail of clutch coupling and levers operating with same.
Fig. 11, is a perspective view of gongs and interlocking gear.
Fig. 12, is an end sectional view upon line A B, Fig. 11, to enlarged scale.
Fig. 13, is a section upon line C D, Fig. 12 looking down.
Fig. 14, is an elevation part being in section of syren or horn and air compressing
devices at station A.
Fig. 15, is an elevation of upper part of syren or horn and valve gear at B.
Fig. 16, is enlarged detail of locking gear at B.
Fig. 17, is a plan of flange plate operated by thrust of wheel flange.
Fig. 18, is a modification of the same.
Fig. 19, is a longitudinal section of plunger firing hammer.
Fig. 20 is a transverse section of same.
The audible signals may be produced in three different ways:—
Ist. By means of detonators exploded by percussion or pressure.
2nd. By means of bells or gongs.
3rd. By means of a horn or equivalent device depending for its action upon
compressed air.
Reference to Figs. 1 and 2, will make clear the general arrangement of apparatus
for producing the audible signals; the method employed for stopping and starting the
trains controlled thereby, and the interlocking devices.
1, is the line of rails and for the purposes of description we will assume that a
train is travelling in the direction shewn by the arrow towards the station S. A, and B,
re present two exploders A, being fixed near to the distant or stopping semaphore A³,
and B near to the home semaphore B'.
The exploder A, is controlled from the signal box by a wire rod or cord, connected
to the lever L, therein.
When the semaphore A', is at danger the apparatus A, is actuated and the detonator
exploded by the flange of the wheel of the engine or train entering the section which
is then brought to a stand by the driver. The signalman now operates the exploder
at B, and thereby conveys to the driver "line clear or any other prearranged
instructions.
35
The construction of the exploding apparatus, the interlocking devices and the
connections of the same with the signal box will be readily understood by reference
to the enlarged detail shewn in Figs. 3 and 4.
Fig. 3, shews the apparatus employed when a double wire is used, and Fig. 4, a
modification for use with a single wire. In both cases the train or equivalent is
E

page_text: assumed to be travelling in the direction of the arrow; and the devices A and B,
represent in detail the exploders marked with similar letters in Figs. 1 and 2.
Between the rails 1, see Fig. 4, is pivoted in brackets 2, mounted upon the
sleepers 3, a flange plate or treadle 4, having a counterbalance 5. This treadle is
sufficiently long to permit more than one wheel of the engine or carriage. to press
upon it at a time during the passage of the train, and in the case shewn is operated
by the flange of the wheel 6, and depressed thereby. A rod 7, is pivoted to lug 8,
upon treadle 4, and also to bell crank 9, keyed to shaft 10, and mounted in bearings 11,
secured to bed plate 12. The far end of bell crank 9, engages with trigger 13,
pivoted to hammer 14, mounted in uprights 15. A spring 16, keeps trigger 13, in
firin contact with the end of bell crank 9, and another spring 17, is attached to the
hammer 14, to enable it to explode the detonator 18, when released by the trigger 13
The detonators are stored in the magazine tube 19, and are removed therefrom by
the sliding action of table 20, which passes through a slot therein. This table is
operated by a lever fitted with a counterbalance 21, pivoted as shewn; one end
being coupled to the rod or wire 22, passing over guide pulleys p, leading to lever L,
in signal box.
Secured to table 20, is a leg 23, which determines the position of the bell crank
lever 24, mounted on spindle 25, with regard to the trigger 26, keyed to shaft 10.
In the drawing trigger 26, is shewn as engaging with the interlocking bell crank.
lever 24, the far end of which is connected by rod or wire 29, passing over guide
pulleys p, with trigger 30 of B, exploder. Table 20, is drawn backward or forward by
the slotted lever arm 21, in the slot of which is a pin or stud screwed into a projection
upon the table in a similar manner to that shewn at B.
The exploder at B, is very similar in detail to that described for A. 191, is the
magazine tube, through a slot therein passes table 20', having a recess 2011, for
detonator,a too and fro motion is conveyed to table 201, by a counterbalanced lever 211,
actuating a pin 21*, fastened thereto. Lever 21¹ is connected to signal rod or wire 22.
Pivoted in bearings 15' is the hammer 14'. The table 20¹ is shewn in position for
receiving a detonator from the tube 19', and the hammer 14¹ is when in this position
upheld by a spring strut 31, which is knocked from under it by the forward travel of
table. 20' thereby permitting the hammer to fall upon and explode the detonator.
The table 20, at A, is pulled into the position for receiving a detonator from tube 19,
by the wire 22,.acting through lever 21, and is brought into the firing position by
the counterbalance thereon when the wire is slackened. The table at B, on the other
hand is placed in position for receiving a detonator from tube 191, as shewn, by the
counterbalance on lever 211, when wire 22, is slackened and is pulled into the firing
position by tightening the wire connected to lever in signal box. The recess upon the
tables, 20, 20¹ is so constructed as that the top of the detonator is flush with the
surface of the rest of the plate.
We will now describe the operation of the exploders A, and B, for "line blocked”
and line clear."
When the distant signal is at danger, the respective parts of exploders A and B,
are in the position shewn in Figs. 3 and 4. Upon the flange of the wheel 6,
depressing the treadle 4, lever 9, is pulled in the direction shewn by the arrow, its far
end being.depressed until the trigger 13, raising hammer 11, into the firing position
against the action of spring 17, is released. The hammer now falls sharply upon the
detonator and explodes it. The driver then brings his train to a stand; shaft 10,
being turned by the action of crank lever 9, keyed thereto forces the arm 26, against
the short end of crank lever 24, raising it, and by means of the interlocking wire 29,
and trigger 30, forcing hammer 14' at B, on to the spring strut 31. On the signalman
placing the signals at "line clear" the wire 22, is pulled in the direction of the arrow.
Table 20¹ is drawn forward the spring strut 31, knocked from under hammer 14', and
the detonator exploded; by the same operation table 20, at A is forced backwards
and receives a fresh detonator from tube 19. The lateral pressure of leg 23, being
removed spring 27, forces the interlocking lever 24, away from trigger 26, and on to
the guide 28 thereby disconnecting exploder A from B.

page_text: When "line clear "is given at semaphore A', table 20, with its detonator is drawn
back by the signal wire 22, within the magazine tube 19 the table 20' at B, being
drawn forward into the firing position by the same action. Since however there is no
detonator under the hammer at B, and the interlocking lever 24, is out of gear as
described, the hammer at B, is not raised and no explosion takes place in either case.
Fig. 4, is a perspective view of exploding apparatus as constructed for operation
and interlocking with the single wire rod or chain employed for actuating the
semaphore; the apparatus employed is very similar to that described under Fig. 3,
but the signal rod or wire is connected direct to the exploding tables; springs
replacing the counterbalance weights previously shewn. The respective parts of the
exploding apparatus A and B, are shewn in the position they occupy when the line
is blocked and the semaphore signal is at "danger." 1, is the line of rails, 4, the
treadle, 6 the wheel of engine or car, 8, the lug carrying lever 7, operating bell
crank 9, 13, the trigger, 14, the hammer. Lever 9, is keyed to shaft 10, mounted in
bearings 11, upon this shaft is mounted a spring ratchet clutch 32, see also enlarged
vertical sectional view in Fig. 5, the left half of clutch 32, is loose upon shaft 10, and
carries a lug 33, to which connecting rod 34, is pivoted this connecting rod operates
a stop 35, moving in slot 36, in tube 19, which when forced home can by means of
lug 37, upon underside of table 20, prevent it from being pulled back beyond a
fraction of its full length. The other part or right hand side of clutch 32, slides upon
a feather 10' upon shaft 10. Within clutch 32, is a spiral spring 1011, which tends to
force the ratchet teeth 36, apart when the pressure of leg 23, on table 20, is removed
from the arm 24 of clutch 32. The vertical lever and counterbalance 21, operating
table 20, is replaced in this case by a horizontal lever 21, and spring 21. The
hammer 14 of B, exploder is raised by the jointed cam 301, attached to table 20¹,
against the action of spring 17', and is held in position by spring strut 31. Table 20¹,
is drawn into the feeding position by horizontal lever and spring 21', the lever being
pivoted to table 20¹.
The operation of this modification is as follows:-Upon the treadle 4, being
depressed by the wheels of engine 6, lever 7, is pulled forward, and the haminer 14,
raised and released as described previously, the detonator being exploded by its fall.
By the partial rotation of shaft 10, clutch 32, is turned and the stop 35, connected
thereto by rod 34, drawn out; at the same time spring 1011, forces the half of clutch
upon feather I0', out of contact with the leg 23, upon table 20, the lower part of this
leg is hinged so as to permit of its passage over the spur 241 of clutch 32. Upon
the signalman giving line clear table 20', is drawn forward by wire 22, attached to
signal lever sufficiently to bring the detonator under the hammer 141, the traverse of
table 20' lowers the cam 30', and knocks away strut 31, as previously described
permitting the hammer 14', to explode the detonator. In this modification a spring 35¹,
is placed between the hand lever and wire to take up the shortened stroke. By the
same action table 20, at A being directly connected to table at B, is pulled forward
into position for receiving a fresh detonator from magazine tube 19. Upon the
signalman again blocking the line the leg 23, of table 20, forces the clutch 32, into
gear the ratchet teeth 36 partly rotating the loose half of clutch; and again forcing
in stop 35. When line clear is given at signal A', the table 20 at A, is drawn
forward until the stop 37, on its underside encounters the plug 35, the traverse upon
table 20¹ at B, being insufficient to bring the detonator under the hammer. The
internal spring 101, in clutch 32, again forces out the feathered half of clutch upon
shaft 10, and preventing stop 35, from being withdrawn. When a train passes no
explosion can take place as the detonator is removed from under hammer 14, at A,
and is not brought under it at B.
To enable the spent detonator to be removed from table 20, we employ the device
shewn in Figs. 6 and 7. In Fig. 6, the spent detonator is shewn in the recess
provided for it in the table. Upon the hammer 14, falling the spring tappet 39, is
depressed permittng the scraper and counter balance 40, to fall into the position
shewn; as the table is moved in the direction of the arrow it is swept by the scraper
off the table. When "line clear" is given, as the hammer 14', does not fall the

page_text: line detonator remains in position. The scraper is reset by the ridge 40' formed upon
the table which also prevents the live detonator froin being jerked off by the sliding
motion. At A, the ridge 10¹, is rounded as shewn by the dotted lines in Fig. 6, so
that the scraper 40, is raised by either the backward or forward motion of the table.
We sometimes employ a chain conveyor for feeding the detonators and placing them
under the firing hammer see Figs: 8 and 9d
The apparatus shewn in the drawing is that placed at or near the signal A', the
respective parts being in the position they occupy when it shews "line blocked"
7, is the lever pivoted to treadle 4, see Fig. 4, which when depressed by the flanges
of wheels forces it in the direction of arrow. Mounted in bearings .15, above rod or
lever 7, is a crank arm 9ª, keyed to shaft 10 and having nogs 9b, see enlarged detail
Fig. 10, upon its side face. Loose upon shaft. 10, and having nogs 91, suitably
arranged for engaging with crank arm 9, is a trigger 13, which interlocks with
notch 7, on rod 7. Crank arm 9ª, is pivoted to link 9, which is jointed to the tail
of hammer 14, which is so placed as to fall upon the detonator fed forward by the
hinged and recessed links 43, of chain conveyor. These links revolve upon rollers 41,
mounted upon a spindle 41, in bearings 42, forming part of bed plate. The magazine
tube 19, is placed centrally with regard to the recessed links 43 forming the conveyor.
Roller 41 is cast with a clutch 41, the outer part of clutch engaging with it, having
an arm 45 to which signal wire 22, is secured and a counter weight 44. A spiral
spring 46, surrounds the spindle carrying this part of clutch to keep its prongs
in gear.
When treadle 4, is depressed by the flanges of wheels passing over it rod 7, is
pulled in the direction of the arrow notch 7ª, thereon drawing forward the loose
trigger 138, until the nogs 901, thereon engage with those upon crank arm 9ª, link 9°,
is then pulled down and raises haminer 14, until the point of trigger 13ª clears the
notch 7, on rod 7, the hammer now falls exploding the detonator. The partial
turning of crank arm 93, rotates shaft 10, sufficiently to disengage the prongs of
clutch 41b, by the lateral pressure of the two arins x keyed to shaft 10, see Fig. 8..
Beneath clutch 41, is mounted a spring pin e, in bearings f, the upper part of this
pin engages with a notch g, upon the underside of clutch for the purpose of keeping
the prongs apart until the train has passed. Upon the signalman giving "line clear"
by pulling wire 22, arm 45, is pulled in the direction of the arrow thereby raising the
counterbalance 44, and enabling e, to clear the notch g. The partial rotation causes
the prongs to advance one notch and to enter the corresponding recess upon the half-
forming part of roller 41a, by the lateral thrust of the spring 46. Upon the signal-
inan slacking out the wire the counterbalance rotates the roller and the hinged
links 43, upon it sufficiently to place a live detonator under hammer 14, and withdraw
a fresh one from the magazine at 19.
The spent detonators fall over the end of chain into any convenient receptacle.
When required the interlocking wire to signal and conveyor B may be connected as
in Fig. 1.
This apparatus may be used at B, by so arranging the parts thereof as that the
forks of clutch 41b, shall be disconnected when the signal is at danger.
The second part of our invention consists in the employment of bells or gongs
for producing audible signals for the regulation of traffic on railways. The bell or
gong is mounted upon a bed plate near to the line of rails and is operated by the
treadle device already explained, and by means of a single wire as follows:-The
apparatus consists of a gong or gongs m, mounted upon a stem n, fixed to bed plate,
the hammer o, is mounted upon a sleeve q, sliding upon a spindle forming part of
guide block, r, having a slot 71, the spindle and block are mounted in three
bearings t,, . Upon t¹. is pivoted a bent lever u, one end of which is pivoted
to plug v, which passes through bearing t", and the slotr; the other end is bent
round to a right angle and rests against the stein of haminer o, see Fig. 11.
Fig. 12, 13, shew the enlarged details; Fig. 12 being an end sectional view upon
line A B Fig. 11, and Fig. 13, a section upon line C D Fig. 12, looking down.
When the treadle 4, is depressed by the flanges of wheels rod 7, is pulled in the

page_text: direction of arrows, causing the trigger w, to tilt the hammer o, outwards against the
pull of spring y, until past the tail 7, the hammer then falls and the bell sounds,
the bent rod u, being forced out by the hammer and the plug v, drawn out of slot,
against the action of spiral spring y', plug v, has a bole v", bored in it into which the
spring-spindle, enters; when the plug is forced out by the stein of haminer.
Upon guide block r, is a forked prong k, which passes beneath the box i, containing
the spring y, and plug v, which when the guide block is in the position reverse,
to that shewn in Fig. 11, enters above the collar on spindle z, forcing it
down and liberating v, the plug v, is now forced against the solid portion of
guide block, by the action of spring y¹, The gong at station B, consists of a
stem, carrying a gong or gongs m'. Near to this is pivoted a hammer o', having
a spring y. Within the standard n slides a block to one end of which a check
spring a, is secured for the purpose of forcing it back when released by slackening
the signal wire 22. A spring catch b' is secured to the other end of, which
engages with the tail of hammer o¹. When a sound is given out at A, the plug v
being removed from guide block in the manner described, the guide, at B, can be
drawn in the direction of arrow until the spring catch p', engaging with the tail of
hammer o, causes the saine to strike the gong m', and convey the prearranged signal
to the driver. When the signalman again gives line clear by releasing the wire 22, p'
at B, slips under the tail of haminer o', the guide block r, being forced back by the
action of spring d, coiled upon
rod r.
The plug, which has been resting upon the
solid portion of guide block r, slips again into ", therein. When the signalman
gives line clear plug passing through ", prevents the guide block 7, from being
pulled over its full distance thereby preventing the catch p', trom operating the bell.
The third part of our invention consists in the regulation of traffic by fog horns,
syrens, or equivalent means for producing audible signals by means of com-
pressed air, Figs. 14, 15, shew the apparatus we employ for this purpose which
consists of a metallic standard &, contaiuing an upper and lower cylinder c, c'.
A piston 50 is fitted to the lower cylinder c', the rod of which 51, is connected
by a pin 52, to the crank and slot link 53, pivoted to frame of standard
at 54, and also to treadle lever 7. A valve 55, opening inwards supplies the
cylinder c', with air during the downward stroke of piston. The upper cylinder c,
is fitted with a valve 551, in its base connecting it with the lower cylinder c¹.
Upon the top of cylinder c, is mounted a syren trumpet or whistle 56, having
a cock 57, actuated by a lever 58, and spring 59, secured as shewn. Pivoted to
lever 7, is a crank 60, carrying an upright 61, having a slot at its upper end which
engages when required with lever 58. A circular lever 62, is pivoted at 63, to
standard s, one end being connected to interlocking wire 29, the other so constructed
as to engage with the projection 64, upon upright 61, a crank lever and counter-
balance 65, having a slot 66, through which passes upright 61, is pivoted at 67, to a
standard s¹¹, and connected to signal wire 22.
The apparatus described is that fixed at A and the respective parts marked 61, 65
are in the position they occupy when the line is clear.
When treadle 4, is depressed by the wheels of the passing train the piston 50, is
forced upwards into cylinder c¹, driving the contained air into the condenser c, above
it and so producing a sufficient supply. To regulate the pressure any form of safety.
valve may be mounted upon the condenser.
When the line is blocked by slackening the wire or rod 22, lever 65, forces the slot
at end of the upright 61, over the lever 58, actuating the cock of syren or whistle 57.
Upon the treadle 4, being depressed as described rod 7, is pulled in the direction of
the arrow, forcing down upright 61. opening cock 57, and causing the syren 50, to
sound. The driver now stops, The syren continues to sound until the slotted
lever 61, in its downward pull passes over lever end 58, when the reaction of the
spring 59 will close the valve. The downward pull of 61, causes the lug 64, to
engage with interlocking lever 62. forcing it down and tightening the wire 29, which
opens the cock 57", at B by means of lever 58" connected thereto.
The construction of the apparatus at B, differs but slightly from that just described

page_text: We
56' is the syren horn or whistle, c¹ the condenser, c¹¹ the compression cylinder, with
its levers for charging with air are not shewn, being identical with those at A.
employ two cocks to operate the syren the lower one 57", having a lever 58", is
closed by a spring 59', mounted as shewn the long end of this lever is connected to
the interlocking lever 29, from A. The signal wire 22, is connected to the end of
upper lever 58¹ which operates the cock 57', a locking lever and counterbalance 65",
is pivoted so as to engage with and hold up the lower cock lever 58", see enlarged
detail Fig. 16, when pulled down by the interlocking wire 29, and a pendant lever 61,
is pivoted to the underside of lever 58¹ for operating the upper cock 57¹. The
operation of this apparatus is as follows: When the train has been stopped at A,
wire 29 connected to 58" opens the cock 57", thereby permitting the locking
catch 65, to hold it up. When the signalınan pulls the cord 22, connected to
lever 58', the horn, syren or whistle sounds and the prearranged direction is given
to the driver. The lowering of lever 58¹ enables the pendant catch 64, pivoted to
it to engage with the spur 66, upon locking catch 65", so that when the wire is
released the spring 5911 in raising the same disconnects 6511, from the lower lever
thereby cutting off the sound and economising the air used.
A modified forin of exploding hammer is shewn in Figs. 19, 20. A plunger 14ª,
moving in a vertical guide box E, is raised by the hammer 14, the end of which is
forked as at 14%, and passes under two pins F F, in plunger and working in two
slots G G.
The detonator is placed in position shewn upon table 20, and fired by the recoil
of spring H. At station B, the forked lever is upheld by a strut 31, similar to that
shewn in Fig. 3.
We sometimes replace the treadle device operated by the pressure of wheel flanges
by the modification shewn in Figs. 17, 18. In Fig. 17, a lateral motion is imparted
to the flange plate 4ª, mounted between the rails 1, upon the steady pins 4º, upon
which spiral springs 4°, are coiled, the steady pins slide in guide. holes 4ª, formed in
plate 4, mounted upon sleepers 3. The rod 7, operating the exploder, gong, or horn
is attached to plate as shewn and is pulled in the direction of the arrow by the entrance
of wheel flange 6.
A modification of above is shewn in Fig. 18, the flange plate being mounted upon
two links 4', pivoted to chairs 45, motion is conveyed to rod 7, by bell crank 4h, upon
the flange of wheel entering as shewn.
In sheet 1, we have shewn a set of apparatus marked A B, for producing audible
signals, upon either side of platform 8, which are not connected by an interlocking
wire; these as well as that connected to semaphore A', can be disconnected if requied
from the levers operating them.
We do not confine ourselves to the exact arrangement of parts described and
shewn in the drawings, as these will vary somewhat in a manner depending upon the
special conditions of each case. Again the gongs or horns may be used in
conjunction with each other, or the interlocking exploding devices.
We are aware that numerous devices have been described whereby a fog signal
is placed in position upon the rail and exploded by the tread of the wheel of the
passing engine or train; we are also aware that bells, gongs, and the like have been
employed for producing audible signals by means of cranks, and levers, similarly
operated. We lay no claim to such, except when operated in the manner shewn by
the flanges of the wheels of engine or train.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. In apparatus for producing audible signals upon railways. The combination of
a flange plate or treadle mounted between the rails, which actuates the apparatus
producing the audible signals by the vertical pressure, or lateral thrust of the wheel
flanges of the engine or car in the way and manner set forth.
2. In apparatus for controlling railway traffic by audible signals, the combination

page_text: of interlocking mechanism connecting two, or more than two signal stations operated
by the vertical pressure or lateral thrust of the flanges of the wheels of the engine
or car upon a treadle connected therewith, and thereto, substantially as described, and
for effecting the purposes set forth.
3. In apparatus for controlling railway traffic by audible sounds produced by
means of explosive detonators, the combination of a magazine with a table traversing
the same, for the purpose of conveying the detonators therefrom, and delivering.
same to the firing hammer, operated by the treadle in the manner set forth.
4. The combination in or with apparatus for regulating railway traffic by audible
sounds in the manner set forth in claim 3, of the scraper device for removing the
spent detonators in the manner described.
5. The combination and use in or with the bells, or gongs employed for regulating
railway traffic, of the treadle device, operated by the flange of the wheels of the
engine or train in the manner set forth.
6. The combination in or with the bells or gongs employed for the purposes set
forth in claim 5, of the interlocking devices operating as described.
7. The combination and use in or with the horns, syrens, or whistles employed
for regulating traffic upon railways by audible sounds; or signals, of an air com-
pressor charged by a piston actuated by a treadle subjected to vertical pressure or
lateral thrust by the flanges of the wheels of the engine train or car as described.
8. The combination and use in or with an air compressor and condenser actuated
by a treadle for producing audible sounds, of the valves, cocks, and levers, operating
the same as described under Figs. 14, 15.
9. The coinbination and use in or with horns, syrens or the like, operated by
compressed air of the interlocking devices described.
10. The combination in or with a chain conveyor, constructed interlocked and
operated as described under Figs. 8, 9 of the treadle device actuated by the flanges
of the wheels of engine or car, for exploding the detonators conveyed thereby, in
the manner set forth.
Dated September 6th 1890.