IMPROVEMENTS IN OR APPLICABLE TO APPARATUS FOR WORKING RAILWAY POINTS OR SWITCHES FOR THE PURPOSE OF LOCKING OR SECURING THEM IN POSITION
Year: 1881

page_text: "
LETTERS PATENT to George Edwards, of Cheltenham, in the County of
Gloucester, for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN OR APPLICABLE TO
APPARATUS FOR WORKING RAILWAY POINTS OR SWITCHES FOR THE PURPOSE
OF LOCKING OR SECURING THEM IN POSITION."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Edwards at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd January 1881.
GEORGE EDWARDS, of Cheltenham, in the County of Gloucester. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN OR APPLICABLE TO APPARATUS FOR WORKING RAILWAY POINTS OR SWITCHES
FOR THE PURPOSE OF LOCKING OR SECURING THEM IN POSITION."
My Invention relating to the apparatus for working railway points or switches
has reference to improved means of locking or securing them in position so as to
prevent all liability of the points when set being again moved either intentionally
or by accident during the passage of a train.
In carrying out my Invention I employ a longitudinal bar mounted on radial
arms at the side of one of the rails, so as to be capable of a reciprocating motion,
and when moved in one direction or the other of rising above the level of the rail,
turning upon its radial arms, and the motion being continued, of again falling
below the said level, the arrangement being such that the bar is prevented from
being moved during the passage of a train, and consequently that any actuating
apparatus connected with such bar is also rendered inoperative during the time
that the train is passing.
For the purpose of locking or securing the switch tongues, I employ bolts, cams,
levers, or equivalent devices, which I connect with the longitudinal bar in such a
manner that such bolts, cam levers, or equivalent devices, and the longitudinal bar
shall work in unison, that is to say, that when the longitudinal bar is locked
by the passage of a train over it, any change in the points shall be rendered
impossible.
The switch tongues, longitudinal bar, and locking bolts, cam levers, or equivalent
devices of each set of points are all operated by one and the same lever, the several

page_text: parts being so arranged and combined together that whilst the motion of the lever
is continuous it imparts sequential movements to the switch tongues and locking
apparatus. For example, in the case of double junction points, the single continuous
Inovement of the actuating lever produces three sequential movements, videlicet,
first, a movement to. unlock one switch tongue, secondly, a movement to change
both points, and thirdly, a movement to lock the other switch tongue, and in the
case of single line points, the single continuous movement of the actuating lever
produces two sequential movements, videlicet, first, a movement to unlock the
switch tongue, and secondly, a movement to change the points, or vice versa, the
longitudinal bars being in either case also actuated.
These several sequential actions with the single continuous movement of the
actuating lever are obtained according to my Invention in the following manner,
videlicet:-
1
In the case of double junction points, the actuating lever is connected by a bell
crank lever and rods, or other suitable contrivances, with a sliding plate or bar
fitted so as to be capable of moving to and fro between suitable guides. This plate
or bar is provided with two bolts capable of engaging in suitable apertures in the
stretcher bar connecting the two tongues, so as to lock the same in either of its two
positions. The plate or bar is also provided on one side with a recess which is
divided by an intervening projecting tooth arranged in connection with a counter-
part or recess in a bell crank lever linked to the stretcher bar, so as to operate the
same at the requisite period. The sliding plate or bar is further formed with two
notches, in which respectively engage alternately the extremities of two arms of a
triple armed lever which is connected by its third arm with the longitudinal bar.
Under this arrangement of the parts when the actuating lever is operated, one
bolt is first disengaged from its aperture in the stretcher bar, thus unlocking the
points, the projecting tooth on the sliding plate or bar next engages with the bell
crank, and the points are changed, and finally the second bolt is caused to engage
with its aperture in the stretcher bar, and the points are again locked in position,
the longitudinal bar being during these actions raised, moved longitudinally, and
lowered in the manner herein before described.
In the case of single line points the apparatus is simplified, one of the two
locking bolts being dispensed with, and the recess in the sliding plate or bar being
suitably shaped to engage with the bell crank which actuates the stretcher bar
connecting the switch tongues. It is not essential moreover that the locking bolt
should be carried upon the sliding plate or bar, as it may be arranged separate
from the same, but connected by bell crank levers and rods, or equivalent devices
with the rod leading from the actuating lever or otherwise, so that the whole of
the parts of the apparatus shall still be operated by the continuous motion of one
and the same lever, so as to receive sequential movements in the manner herein-
before described.
I may also substitute for locking bolts cam levers having arms, with which
engage notches in the sliding plate or bar, the cam levers being suitably shaped on
their periphery, so as whilst rotating to remain inoperative, and to operate upon
the switch tongues at the requisite periods, in order to obtain the required
sequential actions hereinbefore described.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said George Edwards in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 20th July
1881.
"
GEORGE EDWARDS, of Cheltenham, in the County of Gloucester. IMPROVEMENTS
IN OR APPLICABLE TO APPARATUS FOR WORKING RAILWAY POINTS ON SWITCHES
FOR THE PURPOSE OF LOCKING OR SECURING THEM IN POSITION."
My said Invention relating to apparatus for working railway points or switches,
has reference to improved means of locking or securing them in position, so as to
prevent all liability of the points when set being again moved either intentionally
or by accident during the passage of a train.
In carrying out my said Invention I employ a longitudinal bar mounted on
radial arms at the side of one of the rails, so as to be capable of a reciprocating
motion, and when moved in one direction or the other of rising above the level of
the rail (or of the bottom of the flanges of the wheels), turning upon its radial
arms, and the motion being continued, of again falling below the said level, the
arrangement being such that the bar is prevented from being moved during the
passage of a train, and consequently that any actuating apparatus connected with
such bar is also rendered inoperative during the time that the train is passing.
For the purpose of locking or securing the switch tongues, I employ bolts or cam
levers, which I connect with the longitudinal bar in such a manner that such bolts
or cam levers and the longitudinal bar shall work in unison, that is to say, that
when the longitudinal bar is locked by the passage of a train over it, any change
in the points shall be rendered impossible.
The switch tongues, longitudinal bar, and locking bolts or cam levers of each set
of points are all operated by one and the same lever, the several parts being so
arranged and combined together that whilst the motion of the lever is continuous
it imparts sequential movements to the switch tongues and locking apparatus.
For example, in the case of double junction points, the single continuous movement
of the actuating lever produces three sequential movements, videlicet, first, a move-
ment to unlock one switch tongue; secondly, a movement to change both points, and
thirdly, a movement to lock the other switch tongue, and in the case of points
which it is only necessary to lock in one position, the single continuous movement
of the actuating lever produces two sequential movements, videlicet, first a move-
ment to unlock the switch tongues, and, secondly, a movement to change the
points or vice versa, the longitudinal bar being in either case also actuated.
These several segmental actions with the single continuous movement of the
actuating lever are obtained according to my said Indention in the manner
hereinafter described, reference being had to the several Figures on the four Sheets
of Drawings hereunto annexed.
Figure 1 (on Sheet 1) of the accompanying Drawings represents a plan of a
portion of a line of railway showing a switch with apparatus applied thereto,
according to one mode of carrying out my said Indention, for locking or securing
the points in position, the apparatus being adapted for double junction points;
Figure 2 is a side sectional elevation corresponding to Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan
of the same apparatus, but shewing the parts in a different position to that
indicated in Figure 1; Figures 4 and 5 (on Sheet 2) are plans illustrating the
application of my Invention to single line points according to one mode of
carrying out the same, the two Figures illustrating respectively different positions
of the points, Figures 6 and 7 (on Sheet 3) are plans illustrating another mode of
carrying out my said Invention as applied to single line points, the two Figures
respectively shewing the parts in different positions; Figures 8 and 9 (on Sheet 4)

page_text: are plans illustrating another modification of my said Invention as applied to
double junction points, the parts being shewn in different positions in the
2 Figures respectively.
The same letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the Figures.
Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, a, a', represent two rails of a line of railway,
and b, b', two switch tongues or points; C is a longitudinal bar which is mounted
on radial arms d at the side of the rail a, so as to be capable of a reciprocating
motion, and when moved in one direction or the other of rising above the level of
the rail a, or above the level of the bottom of the wheel flanges (turning upon its
radial arms d), and the motion being continued of again falling below the said
level, the arrangement being such that the bar is prevented from being moved
during the passage of a train, and consequently that any actuating apparatus
connected with such bar is also rendered inoperative during the time that the train
is passing. For the purpose of locking or securing the switch tongues b, b',
I employ according to the present modification bolts e, e¹, adapted to enter
apertures at f, f¹, in the stretcher bar g, connecting the two tongues b, bl, so as to
lock the latter in their two positions indicated in Figures 1 and 3 respectively.
These bolts are carried on a sliding plate or bar h adapted to work between
suitable guides i, i, and connected by a bell crank lever k centred at 1, and
rods 1, 1, or other suitable contrivances with the actuating lever (not shewn in the
Drawings), and the said sliding plate or bar g, and with the longitudinal bar in
such a manner that the sliding plate or bar is also arranged in connection with the
said stretcher bar g, and with the longitudinal bar c, in such a manner that the
bolts e, e, longitudinal bar c, and tongues b, b, shall work in unison, that is to say,
that when the longitudinal bar c is locked by the passage of a train over it, any
change in the points shall be rendered impossible. For this purpose the sliding
plate or bar h is formed on one side with a recess m divided by an intervening
projecting tooth 2, and a bell crank lever n is provided which is centred at n', and
is formed with a counterpart or recess 3 adapted to the said projecting tooth 2,
and is morcover connected by a link o to the stretcher bar g, so that the latter
shall be operated at the requisite period; the sliding plate or bar h is further
formed with two notches p, p', which respectively engage alternately the
extremities of two arms 4, 5, of a triple armed lever q centred at 6, and which
is connected by its third arm 7 with the longitudinal bar c.
Under this arrangement of the parts the single continuous movement of the
actuating lever produces three sequential movements, videlicet, first, a movement to
unlock one switch tongue, secondly, a movement to change both points, and,
thirdly, a movement to lock the other switch tongue. For example, assuming the
parts to be in the position indicated in Figure 1, when the actuating lever is
operated, the bolt e is first disengaged from its aperture f in the stretcher bar g,
thus unlocking the points; one side of the projecting tooth 2 on the sliding plate or
bar h next engages with the recess 3 in the bell crank lever n, and the points are
changed, and finally the bolt el is caused to engage with its aperture f¹ in the
stretcher bar g, and the points are again locked in position, the longitudinal bar c
being during these actions operated by the sliding plate or bar h acting upon the
arm 4 of the triple armed lever q, so as to cause the said longitudinal bar to be
raised, moved longitudinally, and lowered in the manner hereinbefore described.
This position of the parts is represented in Figure 3 of the Drawings. Conversely
when the points are in the position shewn in Figure 3, and it is desired to bring
them into the position indicated in Figure 1, this result may be accomplished by
the continuous movement of the actuating lever in a direction the reverse of that
hereinbefore described, whereby the bolt e' is first disengaged from the aperture f¹,
thus unlocking the points; the opposite side to that before referred to of the projecting
tooth 2 on the sliding plate or bar h next engages with the recess 3 in the bell
crank lever n, and the points are changed, and finally the bolt e is caused to
engage with its aperture f in the stretcher bar g, and the points are locked in the
position shewn in Figure 1, the longitudinal bar c being during these actions

page_text: operated by the sliding plate or bar h acting upon the arm 5 of the triple armed
lever q, so as to cause the said longitudinal bar to be raised, moved longitudinally.
in a direction the reverse of that of its previous motion, and lowered in the
manner hereinbefore described.
.
1
In the case of points which it is only necessary to lock in one position the
apparatus is simplified, one of the two locking bolts being dispensed with, and the
recess in the sliding plate or bar being suitably shaped to engage with the bell
crank lever which actuates the stretcher bar connecting the switch tongues. This
arrangement is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 on Sheet 2 of the Drawings. e is the
single locking bolt carried on the sliding plate or bar h, and adapted to engage in
an aperture at f in the stretcher bar g, so as to lock the points in position. The
recess m in the sliding plate or bar h is in this case formed with a deep notch 8,
to which is adapted one arm q of the bell crank lever n, the other arm 10 of which
is connected by a link o to the stretcher bar g, and the sliding plate or bar h is
connected to the actuating lever (not shewn in the Drawings, and to the longi-
tudinal bar c by a triple armed lever centred at 11, and suitable levers and
links 1, 11.
Under this arrangement the single continuous movement of the actuating lever
produces two sequential movements, videlicet, assuming the parts to be in the
position shewn in Figure 4, first, a movement to unlock the switch tongues by the
bolt e being withdrawn from its recess f in the stretcher bar g by the motion of
the sliding plate or bar h; and, secondly, a movement to change the points by the
notch 8 being caused to act upon the arm q of the bell crank lever n, and so move
the stretcher bar, the longitudinal bar c being also actuated through the intervention
of the bell crank lever r and link so as to be raised, moved longitudinally, and
lowered again in the manner hereinbefore described. Conversely, when it is
required to move the points from the position shewn in Figure 5 to that indicated in
Figure 4, the actuating lever is moved in a direction the reverse of that of its previous
motion, thus first changing the points and then locking them, the longitudinal
bar c being also raised, moved longitudinally in the opposite direction to that of its
previous motion, and lowered in the manner herein before described.
It is not essential that the locking bolt should be carried upon the sliding plate
or bar, as it may be arranged separate from the same but connected by bell crank
levers and rods or equivalent devices with the rod leading from the actuating
lever or otherwise, so that the whole of the parts of the apparatus shall still be
operated by the continuous motion of one and the same lever so as to receive
sequential movements in the manner hereinbefore described.
An example of this modification of my said Invention is illustrated in Figures 6
and 7 on Sheet 3 of the accompanying Drawings.
In this example the sliding plate or bar h is arranged outside the line of rails,
and the arm 10 of the bell crank lever n which the sliding plate or bar actuates is
connected to one of the switch tongues b', the stretcher bar z connecting the two
tongues. Motion is imparted to the sliding plate or bar h from the actuating lever
(not shewn in any Drawings) through the intervention of rods 12, and the latter
are connected by a bell crank lever and link 13 to one arm 14 of the triple armed
lever r, which in its turn is connected by its other arms 15 and 16 respectively to
the longitudinal bar .c and to the sliding bolt e which engages in an aperture at fin
the stretcher bar g. The action of the apparatus constructed according to this
modification is similar to that of the apparatus hereinbefore described with reference
to Figures 4 and 5. The two views (Figures 6 and 7) of this modification
illustrate respectively two positions of the parts corresponding to the two positions
indicated in Figures 4 and 5. .
According to another modification of my said Invention I substitute for locking
bolts cam levers having arms with which engage notches in the sliding plate or bar,
the cam levers being suitably shaped so as whilst rotating to remain inoperative for
suitable periods, and to operate upon the switch tongues at the requisite times in
order to obtain the required sequential actions herein before described.

page_text: This modification is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 on Sheet 4 of the accompanying
Drawings, as applied to double junction points. s, t, are two cam levers which are
mounted so as to be capable of reciprocating motion upon centres or fulcra 17, 18,.
respectively, and are each provided with a cam portion 20 to act upon the switch
tongues as hereinafter described, and with two arms 21, 22, by which motion is
imparted from the sliding plate or bar h to the cam levers. For this purpose the
sliding plate or bar h is provided with two notches 23, 24, for engaging in turn
with the arms 21, 22 of the cam lever s, and with other notches 25, 26, for engaging
in turn with the arms 21, 22, of the cam lever t. The sliding plate or bar his
itself operated by the actuating lever (not shewn in my Drawings) through the
intervention of connections 12 in substantially the same manner as in the preceding
modification, and is connected with the longitudinal bar c by a lever u centerd
at 27 so that the longitudinal bar c and the cam levers work in unison.
In this modification also the continuous motion of the actuating lever imparts
sequential movements to the switch tongue and locking apparatus. For example,
assuming the parts to be in the position shown in Figure 8 of the Drawings, with
the one tongue 6 maintained closed by the cam lever s, and the outer tongue b²
open, engaged by the cam lever t, on motion being imparted to the actuating
lever, the tongue b is first released by the receding cam surface 20 of the cam
levers, and the points are then changed by the action of the advancing cam
surface 20 of the cam lever t upon the tongue b', after which the points are locked
or secured by the largest portion of the cam being wedged against the tongue b¹, the
longitudinal bar c being raised, moved longitudinally, and lowered in the manner
herein before described. This position of the parts is illustrated in Figure 9 of the
Drawings.
Similarly when it is required to move the points from the position shewn in
Figure 9 to that indicated in Figure 8, the direction of motion of the actuating
lever and of the sliding plate or bar h and cam levers s, t, is reversed as is also the
direction of the longitudinal movement of the longitudinal bar c. In all cases the
continuous movement of one and the same actuating lever produces sequential
movements of the operating parts as hereinbefore described.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and
original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein before
in part recited Letters Patent is,―
The employment in or for working railway points or switches, and locking or
securing the points or switch tongues in position of apparatus so constructed and
arranged that the single continuous movement of one and the same actuating
lever is caused to impart sequential movements to the point or switch tongues and
locking devices, substantially in the manner herein before described and illustrated
in Figures 1, 2, and 3, Figures 4 and 5, Figures 6 and 7, and Figures 8 and 9 of
the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Edwards, have to this my Specification
set my hand and seal, this Twentieth day of July, One thousand eight
hundred and eighty one