IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR WORKING AND GOVERNING, CONTROLLING, OR REGULATING RAILWAY SIGNALS, POINTS, AND SWITCHES.
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Saxby and John Stinson Farmer, of the
Patent Railway Signal Works, Kilburn, Railway Signal Engineers,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR WORKING AND
GOVERNING, CONTROLLING, OR REGULATING RAILWAY SIGNALS, POINTS, AND
SWITCHES.
Sealed the 20th August 1867, and dated the 27th February 1867.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Saxby and John
Stinson Farmer at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their
Petition, on the 27th February 1867.
We, JOHN SAXBY and JOHN STINSON FARMER, of the Patent Railway Signal
Works, Kilburn, Railway Signal Engineers, do hereby declare the nature of
the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR WORKING AND
GOVERNING, CONTROLLING, OR REGULATING RAILWAY SIGNALS, POINTS, AND
SWITCHES," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to improvements in apparatus and in the combining
and working the parts of such apparatus for actuating and controlling or
governing the movement of railway switches and points, and the signals and
signal apparatus used in connection therewith; as also in the mode or method
of combining and working such apparatus together, and of applying and
working the station, distant, and repeating signals in combination with and in
relation to each other, and with and to the points and switches of railways, for

page_text: the purpose of locking and unlocking, controlling, and regulating them, for
more safely and securely governing the traffic or the movement of trains
upon railways, more particularly at junctions or at the intersections of branch
lines with main lines, as also at the terminal stations.
With the increase of railway traffic, and the multiplication of lines of
railway running into and crossing each other, a more comprehensive arrange-
ment of reliable mechanical contrivances or apparatus by which the various
movements of points and signals can be regulated and effected with safety
has become an absolute necessity; and whilst the various Inventious patented
by John Saxby in the years 1856, 1858, and 1860, respectively, have each
been improvements necessitated by the increased requirements of the develop-
ment of railway traffic, the present Invention is intended to meet more
completely and perfectly than heretofore the working necessities of the existing
combinations and complications of railway lines and their junotions, and to
provide still further the means of working safely and with mechanical
precision every conceivable combination or system which can be effected,
however complex. We effect these objects by means of new forms and the
arrangements of the mechanical parts of such apparatus, and by means of
new combinations of the parts of the locking and signal apparatus patented by
the said John Saxby on the 24th day of June 1856, the register number
whereof is 1749, and on the 11th day of October 1858, the number whereof
is 2258, and on the 19th day of July 1866, the number whereof is 1754; as
also patented by Latimer Clark on the 14th day of February 1859, Number 420,
and by Austin Chambers 5th day of January 1860, Number 31, of which two
last-mentioned Patents we are the assignees.
The first part of our Invention relates solely to locking apparatus in which
Jongitudinally sliding bars, traversing locking bars, vibrating bars, and locking
plates, and other forms of locking plates and bars are employed for the
purposes and in the modes or methods herein-after described; and the first
arrangement or combination which we shall now proceed to describe consists
in forming and combining together.vibrating bars placed and having their
movement longitudinally, and pivoted or working on centres suitably placed
or disposed according to the action or effect they are intended to produce, and
longitudinally sliding plates whereby the capabilities or extent of combination
for regulating or governing railway points and signals is correspondingly
increased. Thus, instead of employing vibrating bars, alone, between which
the point and signal levers are caused; to move or traverse during their motion
into and out of gear, and acting upon, against, or in contact with inclined
surfaces, or wedge-like, or inclined projections on the vibrating bars, by which

page_text: such levers as should be held or stopped are prevented from being moved
until released by the action of some other lever, as described in the Specifi-
ention of the Patent of the said John Saxby, Number 1574, 1860, and as
illustrated by Figures 1 and 2 in the Sheets of Drawings accompanying the
said Specification; instead also of employing parallel moving or sliding bars
having T and L shaped, or other suitably shaped projections therefrom, as
described in the last-mentioned Specification of the said John Saxby, and
illustrated by Figure 3 in the Drawing accompanying the said Specification;
and also instead of employing separately any mere mechanical equivalent
for either of the said parts of the mechanical contrivances or apparatus so
described and illustrated as aforesaid, we employ, for the purpose of this part
of our present Invention, longitudinally sliding or traversing bars in com-
bination with horizontally vibrating bars or levers, and instead of the point
lever acting upon and giving motion to the longitudinally sliding bar through
the direct intervention of a crank or lever, or through a crank and lever,
we cause the point lever to move a longitudinally sliding bar by the following
means, namely, by a diagonal or inelined plate; or it may be a double inclined
or a combined diagonal or wedge-shaped plate attached to the lever and
moving in a straight line through an inclined slot or its equivalent, in or
on the longitudinally sliding bar, the transversely sliding plate being held in
its position, and its right line of motion being insured by means of a fixed
stud pin entering into and passing through a straight slot in the said sliding
plate, or by equivalent means; in this case the vibrating locking bars which
are made of suitable shape are pivoted at or near one end, whilst motion is
communicated to them at the opposite end either by a direct or intermediate
connection with the longitudinally sliding bar. The signal levers are held and
secured in their proper places by means of a shoulder of suitable depth placed
at a suitable distance on the lever, and from and in relation to the longi-
tudinally sliding bar. The vibrating bars or levers form locking plates, and
act as stops invariably to the signal levers, and occasionally to the point
levers; and these vibrating bars or levers for locking may be either single or
double shouldered for enabling them to perform more than one function, and
for the purpose of giving the signal lever the power of locking the point, and
then another signal or point lever to lock another lever that had not been
previously locked. The distance of the shoulder or stop on the vibrating bars
or levers from the sliding bar may be varied according to the requirements of
the apparatus. Where double wedge-shaped plates are used and made to
slide transversely to and through the longitudinally sliding bars or plates, they
may be either straight or angled in the shoulder or connecting arm by which

page_text: the point lever is connected. If the signal levers are held by the shoulder of
the vibrating bars or levers when they are required to be held firm, they may
when they are free to be moved be so arranged by a side contact with the
inclined edge of the vibrating bars as to be employed or be made to move the
vibrating bars or levers for the purpose of effecting some further locking
action, or so as to react upon a a point lever or upon some other signal lever or
levers; and where the transversely moving inclined plate connected with a
point bas to be locked back in its turn, the movement of a signal lever may
be caused to effect that action through the signal lever moving a vibrating
bar sideways, and so bringing the sliding bar in front of or behind the square
shoulder of the transversely sliding inclined plate; or instead thereof, or in
addition thereto, an inclined sliding plate may be connected with and to a
signal lever, by which means the sliding bar may be still further moved or
acted upon.
Another modification in the arrangement of the apparatus consists in com-
bining longitudinally sliding bars or plates with vibrating bars or levers by
means of an intermediate vibrating lever arm, as also by acting either directly
or through a bell crank and lever upon the sliding bar. For this purpose the
point lever is connected to one end of a bell crank by means of a jointed con-
necting rod, whilst the other end of the bell crank is connected to or caused to
come in contact with and move one end of an intermediate pivoted bar or
the vibrating lever arm, the opposite end of which acts upon and gives motion
to (in one direction or the other) the longitudinal sliding bar or plate; this
in turn is connected with and gives motion to the vibrating locking bars,
plates, or levers having shoulders, stops, or notches therein or thereon, for
the purpose of holding or stopping the signal lever or levers, by which
means they become locked either singly or to any greater extent, and whilst
some of the signal and point levers are thereby locked other signal and point
levers are unlocked; by this means a combination of simple or compound
locking is effected in manner similar to that herein-before described in con-
nection with the first herein contained arrangement of parts of such apparatus.
The vibrating bars may be combined together with reversed shoulders for
effecting the locking of the levers either in front or behind, or both in front and
behind where a treble movement of the signal lever is required. The vibrating
bars forming locking plates may also be combined together in sets of 1 and 2
or other combinations for the purpose of enabling simultaneous locking of
certain of the signal levers only, whilst other signal levers not so connected
together by means of a rigid bar are operated through the sliding action of
the longitudinal sliding bar or plate, Where several vibrating bars are com-

page_text: bined together by a rigid connecting bar or rod motion may be given thereto
by the point lever acting upon one end of a pivoted lever, the other end of
which is connected by a pin or slot and link with the connecting bar, to which
two or several vibrating bars or locking plates are hinged, jointed, or otherwise
connected. The point lever being placed in front of the longitudinally sliding bar
(and ranging as it would in a line with the signal levers) it is connected to
the means of actuating the sliding bar, as before described, by a jointed lever
or connecting rod for the purpose of changing the direction of motion and
acting upon the bell crank, one end of which bell crank is attached to the
connecting rod, whilst the other end acts upon the pivoted lever, by which
sliding action or motion is communicated to the longitudinally sliding bar.
In the second arrangement, herein-before referred to, for actuating the
longitudinally sliding bar, the point and signal levers being ranged in front,
the action upon the longitudinally sliding bar or locking plate is effected at
the back thereof by means of a bell crank (or a vertically fixed rocking shaft);
the one end of the crank arm is connected to the jointed connecting rod of the
point lever, whilst the other end of the crank arm may be curved, rounded, or
tapered so as to take into a suitably shaped notch formed in the edge of the
longitudinally sliding bar; or it may be connected thereto or therewith by
means of a link, a lug, or snug, having a hole or a slot therein to permit of
the requisite amount of action or motion between the two parts, whereby a
second movement, produced by an independent or secondary lever action, is
permitted. In like manner the same or a similar connection may be intro-
duced between the free end of a vibrating bar or locking plate and a signal
lever for giving the requisite locking of a point lever or levers, either alone or
in combination with other signals. By placing two vibrating bars or levers
of contrary bevel or angle next to each other in the series, as also by suitably
changing the line of the stop shoulders of the locking plates, either point
levers or signal levers may be locked forward or back, or in an intermediate
position, where three movements of the signal levers may be required.
Instead of the vibrating bars or locking plates being formed with one bevel
edge they may be formed with a bevel on each side and with two shoulders
for locking, and such shoulders may either be on the same plane or be on
different planes and at different distances from the centre of motion of each, or
there may be two shoulders for locking on one side and one or more on the
other side of the vibrating bar or lever, and such bevels or shoulders may be
reversed.
.
Instead of employing vibrating bars or levers having one portion of the
lengtli inclined or made taper in width for the purpose of forming a shoulder

page_text: or stop for the point or signal lever, and instead of pivoting or centring such
taper or bevel-edged vibrating bars at one end, the vibrating bars may be
either straight and parallel and made to vibrate on a point at or near the
centre of their length, or they may be partly straight and partly inclined so as
to form a bent lever, the centre of motion being at or near the junction of the
straight with the angled or bent portion of such lever, whilst the two free or
vibrating ends may be respectively attached, the one to the longitudinally
sliding bar, and the other coupled with a second vibrating bar or a series of
vibrating bars; and where the compound character of the signalling and
point working may necessitate, or where it may be otherwise found more
convenient, each of the free or vibrating ends of these vibrating bars or
locking plates may be connected to or with, or be operated by, or be acted
upon by longitudinally sliding bars, one in front of and the other behind the
row or line of vertical hand levers employed for working the points and signals;
or the free ends of the several vibrating bars thus centrally pivoted may be coupled
or connected together by means of a connecting bar, which in turn may be
acted upon by one or more longitudinally sliding bars of the kind or description
herein-before mentioned. By thus employing centrally pivoted or mounted
vibrating bars, the angular portion thereof is employed to act in front or
behind (as the case may be) a hand lever as a bar to its further movement
in one direction or the other, and by the use or employment of similarly
formed and mounted vibrating bars, one end of which being shorter than the
other, or being cranked or set back, such bars will in each case form a dead
stop, and when suitably moved or acted upon would, as herein-before stated,
be interposed immediately in the front of or at the back of the hand lever for
working points or signals.
Another novel arrangement of the parts of locking apparatus is designed
for the purpose of effecting a simple and direct point and point and signal-
locking action between the band levers or lever handles and longitudinally
sliding plates or bars mounted and worked on their edge; this arrangement
of apparatus also admits of the interlocking of signals by a point or points,
and a point or points by and with signals.
Instead of placing the longitudinally sliding bars which are actuated.
mainly by the point levers, as herein-before described, and as hitherto
practised, so that the one is placed above the other, or face to face (where a
series of bars are employed), we employ, for the purpose herein-before men-
tioned, longitudinally sliding bars placed one in front of the other, and
working on their edge instead of on their face, and such longitudinally sliding
plates, so placed one in front of the other, are drilled with a series of holes or

page_text: slots therein intended for the purpose of receiving or permitting to pass there-
through the ends of horizontally mounted bolts or rods which are jointed to
and moved by the signal levers, or, in some cases, by both signal and point
levers. Thus, according to the arrangement and disposition of the holes in
the front bar, as also in relation to other moving parts of the apparatus,
certain of the signal levers are permitted to move, upon being pulled over, by
reason of certain of the holes being moved opposite to the ends of the rods or
bolts corresponding therewith, whilst other signal levers or signals and point
levers are prevented from being moved by reason of no corresponding hole
being presented to the end of the rod or bolt of the signal (or point) lever;
thus those levers, the bolts of which having entered the corresponding holes,
lock and hold fast the longitudinally sliding plate or plates, and prevent the
point lever and the points connected therewith from being moved or their
position changed until the signal which has actuated them has been again put
back, and the longitudinally sliding bars or locking plates are set free. In this
arrangement we propose to place these longitudinally sliding plates beneath
the floor of the signal room or platform, and by jointing to each signal lever
at some convenient point above its fulcrum the horizontal stop rod or bolt,
the hand lever on being pulled over towards the operator so moves the plate
as to permit of the stop bolt or bolts entering the plate or plates placed in
front of the line of point and signal levers. The point lever or levers may
act upon the longitudinally sliding plates at one or both ends, or at any other
point between their extremities, and either by means of a bell crank or by
means of an inclined plane or plate, or any other of the well known mechanical
equivalents therefor. Inasmuch as the arrangement for locking is in this
apparatus placed beneath the floor or platform, and so out of sight. of the
operator, it is desirable that he should be kept informed of the condition or
state of the locking apparatus, so as to render it unnecessary for him to pull at
the levers, we propose to indicate which of the levers are locked and. which
are not locked by the following simple arrangement or contrivance for that
purpose: To each sliding plate we fix at its upper edge an upright 1od or
bar having at its upper end a disc signal so placed as to range with and
correspond to each point and signal lever when they are lockel, and by means
of a screen plate having a series of openings opposite to the levers and blank
spaces between the levers; when the disc corresponding to each lever and
each opening in the screen comes in front of the corresponding opening in the
screen the lever is locked, and when the disc is caused to slide from before
the lever and behind the screen the lever is free to be worked, and may be
moved over accordingly.

page_text: Where it is desirable to have the locking apparatus above the floor or
platform, and accessible to the operator, the longitudinal locking plates,
placed one behind the other and working on edge as last herein-before
described, may be placed behind the line of the point and signal levers and in
front of the operator; and instead of a straight bolt, bar, or rod for the
purpose of entering into and passing through a corresponding hole in the
longitudinally sliding plate or plates a bent or staple-like bolt or bar is
jointed to the signal or signal and point levers, and the shorter end of the bent
bolt or bar is by the act of pulling over the lever towards the operator caused it
to enter the hole in the sliding bar, when it is coincident therewith, and in
other respects the action of locking and the power of reacting by means of the
signals upon one or more points, and of one or more points upon one or more
signals (station and distant), is effected in a manner similar to that just
previously described.
Instead of the bent or staple-like bolt or bar, as last described, the
following modification may be employed:-A longitudinal bar extending from
end to end of the lever frame may have mounted upon it loosely a series of
lever arms, which are connected to the signal or point lever immediately
opposite to it, and each lever arm has also a straight bolt jointed thereto
working horizontally behind the longitudinally sliding and locking bars, so as
to correspond with the hole or holes in the longitudinally sliding plate or
plates which, when, the points are to be locked, will be coincident thereto, and
thus prevent the sliding plates or locking bars being moved, and the position
of the points changed. In like manner for the purpose of more thoroughly
and perfectly indicating which levers are locked and which are free to be
moved an arrangement of discs similar to that we have described in con-
nection with the immediately preceding arrangement may be adapted and
applied hereto.
For the purpose of economising space in the signalling room or signal box,
as well as for the purpose rendering compact and self-contained, the
arrangement of apparatus for effecting the locking and general management
or controlling by mechanical means of the points and signals in combination
with and in relation to each other, we substitute a locking plate, circular in
form or disc like, instead of the elongated locking plate or bar, or longitu-
dinally sliding locking bars or plates heretofore employed; and we apply and
adapt these circular plates or discs (or they may be drums, open or closed,)
and other modifications of the circular form of locking plate in the following
manner-Upon one end of a spindle or shaft we mount or fix the circular
or disc form of locking plate, whilst at the other end of the spindle a lever

page_text: handle is keyed on or otherwise fixed thereto, and by preference we place or
mount the spindle.vertically within a circular standard or pedestal, cylindrical
or conical in shape, and of such a height as to be easily commanded and
permit of the lever handle being worked by the operator; this lever handle is
intended to work the points with which the vertical spindle may be connected
at its lower end by means of a crank or lever or other mechanical equivalent
therefor, and the horizontal rotation of the hand lever with the vertical
spindle and the disc locking plate at the lower end thereof is simultaneous
with the movement of the points; and by means of a series of holes or slots
in the circular disc or plate, or of grooves, channels, or radial openings in the
drum or other form of circular locking plate the locking bolts or tail ends of
the signal levers, or the parts corresponding thereto, are received thereinto
when the signals. are in such relation to the points and the position of the
circular locking plate as will permit of their entering into and so locking or
holding securely the point handle and points when the same should be locked;
these signal levers may be placed in any convenient manner around the case
or pillar. Where two or several points or sets of points are required to be
combined and worked within the same standard or column we employ for
actuating or rotating the lowest of the series of locking dises a solid bar or
spindle; for working or rotating a second circular locking plate we surround
the central shaft or spindle with a tube, to the lower end of which is securely
fixed a second disc or drum or circular locking plate; and in like manner,
when a third point lever and circular locking plate and its connections are
required, we employ a second tube, to the lower end of which is securely
fixed a third disc or drum or circular locking plate, so that in like manner
additional locking plates, point levers, and their connections for working the
points may be added within the same column or pillar which, by preference,
we construct in cast iron.
:
We have now described and set forth the various modifications in the
mechanical details of apparatus intended for producing the locking and inter-
locking effects, herein-before mentioned, as being requisite or necessary for
working railway junctions, terminal station, and other combinations of
intersecting lines of rails, by the employment of which, while a more compre-
hensive and greatly extended system of. train-working can be effected with the
same mechanical certainty hitherto only attained upon a less extensive
system, or in the working of a simpler arrangement and lesser number of
intersecting lines, the uniform and certain action of the various combinations
herein mentioned can be secured by the use or employment of the apparatus
lierein-before described.

page_text: The second part of our Invention relates to means to be employed for the
purpose of reducing the frictional action and manual power necessary to work
the levers of signalling apparatus constructed in accordance with certain
parts of our present Invention, and also for working certain parts or portions
of the apparatus constructed in accordance with the Patent of John Saxby,
dated 9th July 1860, to which Figures 1 and 2 in the Sheet of Drawings
accompanying the said Specification more particularly relate. We construct
the signal and point levers of such apparatus with rollers placed at the back and
front edge thereof of a diameter slightly in excess of the thickness of the lever,
by which the points of contact between the hand lever and the inclined or
bevelled locking plate or vibrating bars are converted from a scraping and
frictional action into a rolling or antifrictional contact; these rollers are made
sufficiently long to take the whole of the locking system of bars or leyers in
their height, or they may be only so long as to command the "working lock"
whilst performing the portion of the circle through which the lever handle is
moved.
Instead of employing lever bars of a parallelogram section with square
edges, as heretofore, we, for the purpose of reducing the frictional wear and
tear, as well as the liability to catch the shoulder of the vibrating locking bars
common to lever handles having cross sections with square angles, prefer for
ordinary purposes to form our levers and lever handles for both points and
signals of an elliptic section, so that there are no square edges or angles, and
the rubbing surfaces are (thereby) reduced to a minimum; and these levers
may also be applied to other kinds of railway signal and point locking
apparatus.
For the purpose of carrying out our present improvements for the more
complete and perfect working of railways with economy and safety in the station
and junction signals, herein-before described as having been worked in connec-
tion with distant signals, by which the safety and efficiency of the station and
junction signals is insured, we have found it necessary to rearrange and
modify the apparatus for working the distant signals, and furthermore to
provide a more safe and thoroughly reliable means of verifying the condition
or state of the distant signals which are generally out of the view of the
station signalman.
For this purpose repeaters or repeating instruments are employed, and it is
in relation to and with these kinds or descriptions of signals that we have
next to address ourselves; and we now proceed to describe the improvements
we have effected therein, and which will form the third part of our
present Invention.

page_text: We will therefore first describe our improvements in connection with
the apparatus for working distant signals, and the mode of constructing and
using the same.
Instead of employing a lever arm and apparatus to which the signal wire
is attached, as is ordinarily done, and by means of which, upon the wire being
pulled by the signalman, the stroke or extent of motion of the wire and lever
arm is limited to a comparatively small amount, we are by this part of our
present Invention enabled to give a more extensive range of motion to the
wire, and obtain a greater certainty of action. This we effect in the following
manner-We construct a self-contained and complete apparatus, consisting
of a wire wheel or pulley in combination with a cam (or the mechanical equi-
valents) mounted upon a fixed stud or pin, which in turn is intended to be
bolted to the side of the signal post.
The action of this apparatus is as follows:-The cam to which the pulling
wire or chain is connected turns loosely on a common stud, the pulling wire
being attached at a convenient part of its periphery; against or upon the edge
of this cam or disc a lever carrying a friction roller is caused to work, and
this lever is fitted to the lower end of the "semaphore" rod, to which also is
attached the means of working the arm and signal lamp. When this cam is
turned partially round the signal will go to "caution or "all right," and
the wire can be pulled after the signal has done its work in a similar way;
when the lever handle is put back and the signal goes to "danger," the
counterweight will draw the cam round, altho' the signal has gone to danger,
the counterweight being attached to the periphery of the pulley working loose
on the common stud or pin; then, for the purpose of insuring that the signals
("semaphore" and lamp) shall be brought to "danger," as their normal
condition, the pulley has projecting from its outer face or periphery a rim,
within which the head of the pin or roller upon the lever is caused to move or
travel, so that it shall be held within and retained for any required extent or
portion of the periphery, and so that the "semaphore" and lamp signals
cannot be contradictory to the cam, which represents the action produced by
the signalman, or the signal apparatus exhibiting the state of the railway lines
at any given time.
For the purpose of working the repeater signal which is placed within view
of the pointsman, signalman, or operator charged with working the traffic, we
employ a somewhat similar arrangement of cam and pulley to that which we have
just described, except that the pulley to which the wire is fastened is not fixed
to the cam, but has a limited freedom of rotation which is regulated by means
cf a pin on the one working into a circular groove or slot in the other, by

page_text: which means the distant signal is first moved or acted upon in lowering the
arm or signal, and must likewise go first to "danger."
The main advantages effected by this arrangement are that the distant and
repeating signals can both be efficiently worked by one length of connecting
wire instead of, as heretofore, with one length of wire extending to the distant
signal, and another length of wire being employed to connect the distant
signal back to the repeater signal.
For the purpose of more effectively and securely working the signals in
combination, so as to avoid any chance of confliction between one signal and
another, or between the signals and the points, as also to prevent the
mischiefs which arise from the liability of signalmen to give inconsistent and
conflicting signals, when two or more signalmen are working railway traffic
jointly, or where the efficient and safe working of traffic is made dependent
upon two or more pointsmen and signalman placed at different points or
portions of a series of junctions, stations, or intersections of lines, and this
portion of our Invention is intended to be employed in conjunction with the
previously described apparatus, or some of them, although it may be employed
alone as a substitute for the last herein-before described apparatus for working
station or distant signals.
These improvements which will form the fourth part or portion of our present
Invention consist first in fitting to the lower end of the signal rod a "slot" or
link, to contain two, three, or more levers, to be acted upon by wires or rods
connected with the signal apparatus at the pointsman and signalman's boxes,
the levers or arms being respectively weighted so as to always maintain the
signal at "danger," and the proper spectacle or colored glass in front of the
lamp. The several levers being contained within or passing through the same
slot or link, they must all be acted upon before the signal is free to assume
the position representing "all right" or "caution," and a corresponding
result is attained when it is desired to put the signal to "danger" in au
inverse mode; as, in this case, upon the first signalman operating upon the
lever connected with and working in the slot or link moving it for that
purpose, the signal immediately assumes the position indicating "danger,"
irrespective of any other signalman who may have his lever in the position of
"caution" or "all right."
The following modification may be made in the arrangement of the slot and
lever previously described. Instead of employing one slot or link at the
bottom end of the signal rod for the purpose of receiving several levers, we
employ several slots or links, one above the other, and mount and place a lever
to correspond therewith, so that each lever is made to act upon or within its

page_text: own slot or link, and for a like purpose and with a like result to that last
herein-before described and set forth.
The object of both arrangements forming this last part of our Invention is
as follows, viz.:-To enable one and the same signal fixed in any given position
to be worked by two or several signalmen, who may be stationed close by the
signal, as well as at certain distances from it, each signalman using the signal
for the protection of his own station, and yet without the possibility of any or
either of them being able to work the signal contrary to the wish or intention
of the other, or the requirements incident to the safe working of the traffic.
Each and all of the signalmen having the power at will, and independently of
each other, to display and maintain displayed at pleasure the "danger " signal
to stop traffic from passing," while the signal of "safety" to allow traffic to
proceed can only be shewn by the concurrent action and consent of each and
all of the signalmen.
By the use or employment of this part of our Invention we are able to
secure, first, safety, as an engine driver has only one signal to look to
instead of several, and therefore cannot be confused or misled, as in the case
of several signals worked independently by different men, and so liable to be
made to display conflicting indications of "safety" and "danger" at one and
the same time; and, secondly, that, as only one signal post and signal arm or
disc and light is required instead of several, not only is the apparatus more
simple but also less expensive for first cost and maintenance.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Saxby and John Stinson Farmer in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 26th August 1867.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, JOHN
SAXBY and JOIN STINSON FARMER, of the Patent Railway Signal Works,
Kilburn, Railway Signal Engineers, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirtieth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
us, the said John Saxby and John Stinson Farmer, Her special licence
that we, the said John Saxby and John Stinson Farmer,
administrators, and assigns, or such others as we, the said John Saxby and
John Stinson Farmer, our executors, administrators, and assigns, should
executors

page_text: r
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 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 "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN APPARATUS FOR WORKING AND GOVERNING, CONTROLLING, OR REGULATING
RAILWAY SIGNALS, POINTS, AND SWITCHES," upon the condition (amongst others)
that we, the said John Saxby and John Stinson Farmer, 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 John Saxby and John Stinson Farmer,
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 and accompanying Drawings:-
This Invention relates to improvements in apparatus, and in the combining
and working the parts of such apparatus for actuating and controlling or
governing the movement of railway switches and points, and the signals and
signal apparatus used in connection therewith, as also in the mode or method
of combining and working such apparatus together, and of applying and working
the station distant and repeating signals in combination with and in relation
to each other, and with and to the points and switches of railways, for
the purpose of locking and unlocking, controlling and regulating them,
for more safely and securely governing the traffic, and facilitating the rapid
movement of trains upon railways, more particularly at junctions or at the
intersections of branch lines with main lines as also at the terminal stations of
railways.
With the increase of railway traffic and the multiplication of lines of railway s
running into and crossing each other, a more comprehensive arrangement of
reliable mechanical contrivances or apparatus by which the various movements
of points and signals can be regulated and effected with safety has become an
absolute necessity; and whilst the various Inventions Patented by John Saxby,
in the years 1856, 1858, and 1860, respectively have each been improvements
necessitated by the increased requirements of the devilopment of railway
traffic, the present Invention is intended to meet more completely and
perfectly than heretofore the working necessities of the existing combinations
and complifications of railway lines and their junctions, and to provide still

page_text: further the means of working safely and with mechanical precision every
conceivable combination or system which can be effected, however complex.
We effect these objects by means of new forms and the arrangements of the
mechanical parts of such apparatus, and by means of new combinations of
the parts of the locking and signal apparatus patented by the said John
Saxby on the 24th day of June 1856, the register number whereof is 1749,
and on the 11th day of October 1858, the number whereof is 2258, and on
the 19th day of July 1866, the number whereof is 1754, as also patented by.
Latimer Clark on the 14th day of February 1859, number 420, and by
Austin Chambers, 5th day of January 1860, number 31, of which two last
mentioned Patents we are the assignees.
The first part of our Invention relates solely to locking apparatus in which
longitudinally sliding bars, traversing locking bars, vibrating bars, and locking-
plates, and other forms of locking plates and bars are employed for the
purposes and in the modes or methods herein-after described, and the first-
of the arrangements or combinations which we shall now proceed to describe'
is that in which the locking of the levers of signal and point apparatus is
effected near to the fulcrum of cach lever by the interposition of a suitably
shaped shoulder, notch, stop, or stud, or a bar or bars having suitable stops or
stop pieces formed therein or thereon, or attached thereto, or cut out therefrom,
as is shewn more particularly on Sheets 1 to 9 of the accompanying Drawings,
and it consists in forming and combining together vibrating bars placed and
baving their movement longitudinally and pivoted or working on centres
suitably placed or disposed according to the action or effect they are intended
to produce, and longitudinally sliding plates, whereby the capabilities or extent
of combination for regulating or governing railway points and signals are
correspondingly increased. Thus, instead of employing vibrating bars alone,
between which the point and signal levers are caused to move or traverse
during their motion into and out of gear, and acting upon, against, or in
contact with inclined surfaces or wedge like or inclined projections on the
vibrating bars, by which such levers as should be held or stopped are prevented
from being moved until released by the action of some other lever, instead also
of employing parallel moving or sliding bars having T and L shaped or other
suitably shaped projections therefrom, we employ for the purpose of this part
of our Invention longitudinally sliding or traversing bars in combination with
horizoutally vibrating bars or levers, and instead of the point lever acting upon
and giving motion to the longitudinally sliding bar through the direct inter-
vention of a crank, or lever or through a crank and lever, we cause the point
lever to move a longitudinally sliding bar by one of the following means;

page_text: namely, by a diagonal or an inclined plate, or it may be a double incline or
a combined diagonal or wedge shaped plate attached to the lever, and moving
in a straight line through an inclined slot, or its equivalent, in or on the
longitudinally sliding bar, the transversely sliding plate being held in the
position, and its right line of motion being insured by means of a fixed stud
pin entering into and passing through a straight slot in the said sliding plate,
or by equivalent means. In this case the vibrating locking bars, which are
made of suitable shape, are pivoted at or near one end, whilst motion is
communicated to them at the opposite end either by a direct or intermediate
connection with the longitudinally sliding bar. The signal levers are held
and secured in their proper places by means of a shoulder of suitable depth
placed at a suitable distance on the lever, and from and in relation to the
longitudinally sliding bar. The vibrating bars or levers form locking plates and
act as stops invariably to the signal levers and occasionally to the point
levers, and these vibrating bars or levers for locking may be either single or
double shouldered for enabling them to perform more than one function, and
for the purpose of giving the signal lever the power of locking the point, and
then another signal or point lever to lock another lever that had not been
previously locked. The distance of the shoulder or stop on the vibrating bar
or bars from the sliding bar may be varied according to the requirements of
the apparatus: Where double wedge shaped plates are used and made to
slide transversely to and through the longitudinally sliding bars or plates they
may be either straight or angled in the shoulder or connecting arm by which
the point lever is connected. If the signal levers are held by the shoulder of
the vibrating bars or levers when they are required to be held firm they may
when they are free to be moved be so arranged by a side contact with the
inclined edge of the vibrating bars as to be employed or be made to move
the vibrating bars or levers for the purpose of effecting some further locking
action, or so as to react upon a point lever or opon some other signal lever or
levers, and where the transversely moving inclined plate connected with a
point has to be locked back in its turn the movement of a signal lever may
be caused to effect that action through the signal lever moving a vibrating
bar sideways, and so bringing the sliding bar in front of or behind the square
shoulder of the transversely sliding inclined plate, or instead thereof, or in
addition thereto, an inclined sliding plate may be connected with and to a
signal lever, by which means the sliding bar may be still further moved or
acted upon.
Another modification in the arrangement of the working parts of the locking
in combining longitudinally sliding here or plates with

page_text: vibrating bars or levers by means of an intermediate vibrating lever arm, as
also by acting either directly (or through a bell crank) and lever) upon the
sliding bar. For this purpose the point lever is connected to one end of a
bell crank by means of a jointed connecting rod, whilst the other end of the
bell crank is connected to or caused to come in contact with and move one
end of an intermediate pivoted bar or the vibrating lever arm, the opposite
end of which acts upon and gives motion to (in one direction or the other) the
longitudinal sliding bar or plate; this in turn is connected with and gives
motion to the vibrating locking bars, plates, or levers having shoulders, stops,
or notches therein or thereon for the purpose of holding or stopping the signal
lever or levers, by which means they become locked either singly or to any
greater extent, and whilst some of the signal and point lever are thereby
locked other signal and point levers are unlocked; by this means too a com-
bination of simple or compound locking is effected in manner similar to that
berein-before described in connection with the first herein contained arrange-
ment of parts of such apparatus. The vibrating bars may be combined
together with reversed shoulders for effecting the locking of the levers either
in front or behind, or both in front and behind, for working certain compound
junctions, and also where a treble movement of the signal lever (and the
signals connected therewith) is required. The vibrating bars forming locking
plates may also be combined together in sets of 1 and 2, or other combinations
thereof, for the purpose of enabling simultaneous locking of certain of the signal
levers only, whilst other signal levers not so connected together by means of
à rigid bar are operated thro' the sliding action of the longitudinal sliding
bar or plate. Where several vibrating bars are combined together by a rigid
connecting bar or ród motion may be given thereto by the point lever acting.
upon end of a pivoted lever, the other end of which is connected by a pin or
slot and link with the connecting bar to which two or more vibrating bars or
locking plates are hinged, jointed, or otherwise connected. The point lever
being placed in front of the longitudinally sliding bar (and ranging as it would
in a line with the signal levers, as is generally but not invariably the case) it
is connected to the means of actuating the sliding bar, as before described, by.
a jointed lever or connecting rod for the purpose of changing the direction of
motion and acting upon the bell crank, one end of which bell crank is attached.
to the connecting rod, whilst the other end acts upon the pivoted lever, by
which means a sliding action or motion is communicated to the longitudinally
sliding bar. And, moreover, by the use of jointed or articulated levers, or
levers as having the handle portion hinged or jointed, the movement thereof
before the lever is moved, and also after it has done its work, may be employed"

page_text: for actuating the lever locking gear, or for performing either a primary or
secondary action upon the main locks or auxiliary locking apparatus..
In the second arrangement of the working parts of locking apparatus,
herein-before referred to, for actuating the longitudinally sliding bar, the point
and signal levers being ranged in one line in front of the locking gear, the
action upon the longitudinally sliding bars or locking plates is effected at the
back thereof by means of a bell crank (or a vertically fixed rocking shaft)
connected to each point lever; the one end of the crank arm is connected to
the jointing connecting rod of the point lever, whilst the other end of the crank
arm may be curved, rounded, or tapered so as to take into a suitably shaped
notch formed in the edge of the longitudinally sliding bar; or it may be con-
nected thereto or therewith by means of a link, a lug, or snug, having a hole or slot
therein to permit of the requisite amount of action or motion between the two
parts, whereby a second movement produced by an independent or secondary
lever action is permitted. In like manner the same or a similar connection
may be introduced between the free end of a vibrating bar or locking plate
and a signal lever for giving the requisite locking of a point lever or levers,
either alone or in combination with other signals. By placing two vibrating
bars or levers of contrary bevil or angle next to each other in the series, as
also by suitably changing the line of the stop shoulders of the locking plates,
either the point levers or the signal levers may be locked forward or back, or
in an intermediate position where three movements of the signal levers may
be required. Instead of the vibrating bars or locking plates being formed
with one bevel edge they may be formed with a bevel on each side, and with
two shoulders for locking; and such shoulders may either be on the same plane
or be on different planes and at different distances from the centre of motion
of each; or there may be two shoulders for locking on one side, and one or
more on the other side of the vibrating bar or lever, and such bevils or
shoulders may be reversed. Instead of employing vibrating bars or levers
having one portion of their length inclined or made taper in width for the
purpose of forming a shoulder or stop for the point or signal lever, and instead
of pivoting or centering such taper or bevel-edged vibrating bars at one end,
the vibrating bars may be either straight and parallel and made to vibrate on
a point at or near the centre of their length, or they may be partly straight
and partly inclined so as to form a bent lever, the centre of motion being at or
near the junction of the straight with the angled or bent portion of such lever,
whilst the two free or vibrating ends may be respectively attached the one to
the longitudinally sliding bar, and the other coupled with a second vibrating
bar or a series of vibrating bars. Where the compound character of the

page_text: signalling and point working may necessitate it, or where it may be otherwise
found more convenient, each of the free or vibrating ends of these vibrating
bars or locking plates may be connected to, or with, or be opened by, or be
acted upon by one or more longitudinally sliding bars, one in front of and the
other behind the row or line of vertical hand levers employed for working the
points and signals; or the free ends of the several vibrating bars thus centrally
pivoted may be coupled or connected together by means of a connecting bar,
which in turn may be acted upon by one or more longitudinally sliding bars,
of the kind or description herein-before mentioned. By thus employing
centrally pivoted or mounte: vibrating bars pivoting at or near to their centre
the angular portion thereof is employed to act in front of or behind (as the
case may be) a hand lever as a bar to its further movement in one direction
or the other. By the use or employment of similarly formed and mounted
vibrating bars, one end of which being shorter than the other, or being cranked
or set back, such bars will in each case form a dead stop, and when suitably
moved or acted upon would, as herein-before stated, be interposed immediately
in the front of or at the back of the hand lever for working points or signals.
Another novel arrangement of the parts of locking apparatus is designed
for the purpose of effecting a simple and direct point and point and signal
locking action between the hand levers or lever handles and longitudinally
sliding plates or bars mounted and worked on their edges; this arrangement
of apparatus also admits of the interlocking of signals by the movement of a
point or points, and of a point or points by and with the movement of the
signals. Instead of placing the longitudinally sliding bars which are actuated
mainly by the point levers, as herein-before described, and as hitherto
practised, so that the one is placed above the other and face to face (where a
series of bars is employed, we employ for the purpose herein-before mentioned
longitudinally sliding bars placed one in front of the other, and working on
their edges instead of on their faces, and such longitudinally sliding plates so
placed one in front of the other are drilled or fornied with a series of holes or
slots, notches, or grooves therein, intended for the purpose of receiving or
permitting to pass therethrough or thereinto the ends of horizontally or
vertically mounted bolts or rods which are jointed to and moved by the sigual
levers, or in some cases by both point and signal levers. Thus according
to the arrangement and disposition of the holes, slots, or notches, or grooves in
the front bar, in relation to other moving parts of the apparatus, certain of the
signal levers are permitted to move upon being pulled over by reason of
certain of the holes, slots, notches, or grooves being moved opposite to the ends
of the rods or bolts corresponding therewith, whilst other signal levers or
D

page_text: signal and point levers are prevented from being moved by reason of no corre-
sponding hole or opening being presented to the end of the rod or bolt of the
signal (or point) levers, or by reason of a collar on the rod, or a notch or groove
in the bar or plate, being made to come in contact with some fixed plate or
obstruction. Thus those levers the bolts or rods of which having entered the
corresponding holes or openings lock and hold fast the longitudinally sliding
plate or plates, or their mechanical equivalents, and so prevent the point lever
and the points connected therewith from being moved or their position changed
until the signal lever which has actuated them has been again put back, and
the longitudinally sliding bars or locking plates, and all moving parts con-
nected with them are then set free, and in like manner the point lever previously
held fast by a signal being set free and then pulled over will lock the signal
lever which previously acted, and also will unlock other signals that should.be
set free. Generally in this arrangement and disposition of locking gear we
prefer to place these longitudinally sliding plates in most cases beneath the
floor of the signal room or platform, and by jointing the horizontal or otherwise
placed stop pins, rods, or bars to ench signal lever at some convenient point
above its fulcrum the point lever on being pulled over towards the operator
so moves the lock plate or other locking gear as to permit of the stop pin, bolt,
or bar entering the locking plate or plates placed in front of the line of point
and signal levers or in front of the point or signal levers respectively, as the
case may be; or instead of the ends of the pins, bolts, or bars connected with
the signal levers entering into or engaging in the plates or locks we prefer
for some purposes to employ rods, bolts, or bars of any suitable shape, which
may be formed either with notches or grooves therein, or collars thereon, or
projections thereupon at some convenient part of their length, and by means of
notched bars or locks crossing them and at a right angle so as to engage them
and the signal apparatus with the point lever apparatus and locking gear thereof.
The point lever or levers may act upon the longitudinally sliding plates or
their equivalents at one or at both ends or at any other point between their
extremities, and either by means of a bell crank or by means of an inclined
plane or plate, or by any other of the well-known mechanical equivalents
therefor.
Inasmuch as the arrangement for locking may in this apparatus be generally
more conveniently placed beneath the floor or platform, and so out of sight of
the operator, it is desirable that he should be kept informed of the condition
or state of the locking apparatus, so as to render it unnecessary for him to try
or prove it by pulling at the levers, we propose to indicate which of the levers
are locked and which are not locked by the following simple arrangement or

page_text: contrivance designed and adapted by us for that purpose:-To each sliding
plate we fix at the upper edge an upright rod or bar, having at its upper end
a disc signal so placed as to range with and correspond to each point and
signal lever when they are locked, and by means of a screw plate having a
series of openings opposite to the bars and black spaces between the levers,
so that when the disc corresponding to each lever and each opening in the
screen comes in front of the corresponding opening in the screen "the lever
is locked, and when the disc is caused to slide from before the lever and
behind the screen "the lever is free to be worked," and may be moved over
accordingly. Where it is desirable to have the locking apparatus above the
floor or platform, and accessible to the operator, the arrangement of the longi-
tudinally sliding locking plates placed one behind the other, and working on
edge, as last herein-before described, may be placed behind the line of the
point and signal levers (when they are all in the same line) and in front of
the operator; then instead of a straight bolt, bar, or rod for the purpose of
entering into and passing through a corresponding hole in the longitudinally
sliding plate or plates, a bent or staple-like bolt or bar is jointed to the signal
lever (or to the signal and point levers in some cases) and the shorter end of
the bent bolt or bar is by the act of pulling over the lever towards the operator
caused to enter the proper hole in the sliding bar when it is coincident therewith,
and in other respects the action of locking, and the power of reacting by means
of the signals upon one or more points, and of one or more points acting either
directly or indirectly upon one or more signals (station and distant), is effected
in a manner similar to that just previously described.
Instead of the bent or staple-like bolt or bar, as last described, the following
modification may be employed :-A longitudinal bar or plate extending from
end to end of the lever frame may have mounted upon it loosely a series of
lever arms which are connected to the signal or point lever immediately
opposite to it, and each lever arm has also a straight bolt jointed thereto
working horizontally behind the longitudinally sliding and locking bars so as
to correspond with the hole or holes in the longitudinally sliding bar, plate, or
plates, which, when the points are to be locked, will be coincident thereto, and
thus prevent the sliding plates or the locking bars and the hand lever or levers
respectively connected thereunto from being moved and the position of the
points changed thereby. In like manner for the purpose of more thoroughly
and perfectly indicating which levers are locked and which are free to be
moved, an arrangement of discs similar to that we have described in con-
nection with the immediately preceding arrangement may be adapted and
applied hereto.

page_text: Instead of actuating the sliding plates, having the holes, slots, or grooves
formed therein by means of a bell crank or other mechanical equivalent
therefor, interposed between it and the point lever the point lever may be
made to act directly upon the end of such sliding plate, and by the movement
of such lever through the arc of a circle one or more plates may be made to
slide back and forth; and instead of the levers being so connected with
the sliding plates such sliding plate may be directly connected in a similar
manner, and operate them by direct connection (without any change of
direction) between the movement of the lever and the motion of the locking
apparatus actuated thereby. Thus, in one case, plates being moved by the point
levers the pins, bars, bolts, or rods connected with the signal levers, and moved
thereby, are caused to enter into or become engaged by the holes, slots,
grooves, or other contrivances provided in ar upon the plates far that purpose.
In the second case the action would be reversed, and pins, bolts, or rods, would
be operated by the point levers, whilst the change of position in the sliding
plates would be effected by the movement of the signal levers to which they
would be respectively connected. For the purpose of effecting these actions
the signal or point levers may be disposed otherwise then in the same line, as,
for instance, in double lines one facing the other, or at right angles to each
other, point levers being placed side by side in a line at right angles to the
line of the signal bars, instead of as shown in Plate 7, where short bolts are
shewn as being connected to the signal levers and take into or engage with the
sliding plates. Thus for the purpose of economising space within the signal
box, more particularly where a very longe range of levers is undesirable, the
levers may be placed in hollow square or parallelogramme, as we have already
found in the application of our system to the Charing Cross Station that it is
advantageous to place the point levers in one line and the signal levers in
another line. Such lines of levers may therefore either be parallel or at right
angles, and the pins, bars, bolts, or rods may extend from side to side, as may
also the locking plates or other form of engaging or locking gear, and the
operator may either be placed within the square bounded by the levers (which
plan by preference we adopt), or he may operate them from the outside of such
hollow square.
Also for the purpose of economising space in the signalling room or signal
box, as well as for the purpose of rendering compact and self-contained the
arrangement of apparatus for effecting the locking and general management
or controlling by mechanical means of the points and signals in combination
with and in relation to each other, we substitute a locking plate circular in
form, or disc-like, for the elongated locking plate or bar, or longitudinally

page_text: sliding locking bars or plates, and other forms and kinds of locks and locking
gear heretofore described; and we apply and adapt these circular plates or
discs (or they may be drums, open or closed) and modification thereof in the
following manner :-Upon one end of a spindle or shaft we mount or fix the
circular or disc form of locking plate, whilst at the other end of the spindle a
lever handle is keyed on or otherwise fixed thereto; and by preference we
place or mount the spindle vertically within a circular standard or pedestal,
cylindrical or conical in shape, and of such a height as to be easily commanded
and permit of the lever handle being worked by the operator; this lever
handle is intended to work the points with which the vertical spindle and its
adjuncts may be connected, at its lower end by means of a crank or lever, or.
other mechanical equivalent therefor; and the horizontal motion or partial
rotation of the hand lever, with the vertical spindle, and the disc locking plate
at the lower end thereof, is simultaneous with the movement of the points;
and by means of a series of holes or slots in the circular disc or plate, or of.
grooves, channels, or radial openings in the drum or other form of circular,
locking plate, the locking bolts or tail ends of the signal levers (or the parts.
corresponding thereto) are received thereinto when the signals are in such
relation to the points and the position of the circular locking plate as will
permit of their entering into and so locking or holding securely the point.
handle and points, when the same should be locked. These signal levers may.
be placed in any convenient manner around the case or pillar, and the:
operator in his case may operate upon each lever in turn by passing around
the standard frame or pillar. Where two or several points or sets of points.
are required to be combined and worked within the same standard or column
we employ for actuating or rotating the lowest of the series of locking discs
a solid bar or spindle; for working or rotating a second circular locking plate
we surround the central shaft or spindle with a tub, to the lower end of:
which is securely fixed a second disc, or drum, or circular locking plate; and,
in like manner, when a third point lever and circular locking plate and its:
connections are required we employ a second tube, to the lower end of which.
is securely fixed a third disc or drum, or circular locking plate, so that, in.
like manner, additional locking plates, point levers, and their connections for:
working the points may be added within the same column or pillar, which by
preference we construct in cast iron.
We have now described and set forth various modifications in the
mechanical details of apparatus intended for producing the locking and inter-
locking effects herein-before mentioned as being requisite or necessary for
working existing complications of railway junctions, terminal stations, and

page_text: other combinations of intersecting lines of rails, by the employment of which
while a more comprehensive and greatly extended system of train working
can be effected with the same mechanical certainty hitherto only attained
upon a less extensive system, or in the working of a simpler arrangement and
lesser number of intersecting lines, the uniform and certain action of the
various combinations herein mentioned can be secured by the use or
employment of the apparatus herein-before described.
In every illustration of the locking gear or apparatus wherein longitudinally
sliding bars, transversely vibrating plates, and other forms of locking plates
and locks or locking gear have been shown in the Sheets of Illustrations
accompanying this Specification, the transverse sections of the hand levers are
only intended to indicate their respective positions, and are not to be taken as
correct sectional views of such levers and their adjuncts and fittings usually
employed in practice, nor that in every instance we place all the signal and
point levers in a raw or in one line, as we do not limit ourselves to the
placing the levers wholly in one line, or the point levers in one line and the
signal levers in another line parallel thereto ar at a right angle therewith.
Although we have for the sake of perspicuity only shewn in the Drawings
accompanying this Specification a single line of levers, and we have also
confined the number of hand levers to nine for the simple junction illus-
trated, although it will be self-evident that a very much greater number of
levers may be (and constantly are) necessary, in which case the importance of
economising the space and bringing the various levers more immediately
under the control of the operation is the greater.
The second part of our Invention relates to means to be employed for the
purpose of reducing the amount of friction and manual power necessary to
work the levers of signalling apparatus. Instead of employing lever bars of
a parallelogram section with square edges, as heretofore, we for the purpose
of reducing the frictional wear and tear, as well as the liability to catch the
shoulder of the vibrating locking bars common to lever handles having cross
sections with square angles, we prefer (for ordinary purposes) to form our
levers and lever handles for both points and signals of an elliptic section, so.
that there are no square edges or angles, and the rubbing surfaces are
(thereby reduced to a minimum, and we prefer to line with steel or case-
harden them. We also, for a like purpose, construct sigual and point levers.
for such apparatus with rollers placed at the back and front edge thereof, of a
diameter slightly in excess of the thickness of the lever, by which the contact
between the hand lever and the inclined or bevelled locking plate or vibrating
bars is converted from a scraping and frictional action into a rolling or anti-

page_text: frictional contact; these rollers are made sufficiently long to take the whole
of the locking system of bars or levers in their height, or they may be only so
long as to command the "working lock" whilst performing the arc of the
circle through which the lever handle is moved.
For the purpose of carrying out our present improvements for the more
complete and perfect working of railways the station and junction signals,
berein-before described, being worked in connection with distant signals, by
which the safety and efficiency of the station and junction signals is insured, we
have found it necessary to re-arrange and modify the apparatus for working
the distant signals, and, furthermore, to provide a more safe and thoroughly
reliable means of verifying the condition or state of the distant signals, which
are generally so placed as to be out of the view of the station signalman; for
this purpose repeaters or repeating instruments are employed, and it is in
relation to and with these kinds or descriptions of signals that we have next
to address ourselves, and we now proceed to describe the improvements we
have effected therein, and which will form the third part of our present
Invention.
We will therefore first describe our improvements in connection with the
apparatus for working distant signals, and the mode of constructing and using
the same.
Instead of employing a lever arm and apparatus to which the signal wire is
attached, as is ordinarily done, and by means of which, upon the wire be
pulled by the signalman, the stroke or extent of motion of the wire and lever
arm is limited or comparatively small, we are by this part of our present
Invention enabled to give a more extensive range of motion to the wire, and
obtain thereby a greater certainty of action. This we effect in the following
manner-We construct a self-contained and complete apparatus ready to be
attached to the signal post, consisting of a wire wheel, or chain wheel, or
pulley, in combination with a cam (or the mechanical equivalents therefore)
mounted upon a fixed stud or .pin on a plate or carriage which in turn is
intended to be bolted to the side of the signal post.
The action of this apparatus is as follows:-The cam to which the pulling
wire or chain is connected turns loose on the common stud, the pulling wire
being attached to the cam at a convenient part of the periphery; against or
upon the edge of this cam or disc a lever carrying a friction roller is caused
to work, and this lead is fitted to the lower end of the "semaphore" rod, to
which also is attached the means of working the arm and signal lamp or the
glasses thereof. When this cam is turned partially round the signal will go to
"caution" or "all right," and the wire can be pulled after the signal has

page_text: done its work. In a similar way, when the lever handle is put back and the
signal goes to "danger," the counterweight will draw the cam round although
the signal has gone to "danger," the counterweight being attached to the
periphery of the pulley working loose on the common stud or pin; then for
the purpose of insuring that the signals ("semaphore" and lamp), shall be
brought to "danger" as their normal condition the pulley has projecting from
its outer face or periphery a rim within which the head of the pin or roller
upon the lever is caused to move or travel, so that it shall be held within and
retained for any required extent or portion of the periphery, and so that the
"semaphore" and lamp signals cannot be contradictory to the cam, which
represents the action produced by the signalman, or the signal apparatus
exhibiting the state of the railway lines at any given time.
For the purpose of working the repeater signal, which is placed within.
view of the pointsman, signalman, or operator charged with working the
traffic, we employ a somewhat similar arrangement of cam and pulley to that
which we have just described, except that the pulley to which the wire is
fastened is not fixed to the cam, but has a limited freedom of rotation which
is regulated by means of a pin on the one working into a circular groove or
slot in the other, by which means the distant signal is first moved or acto
upon in lowering the arm or signal, and must likewise go first to "danger."
The main advantages effected by this arrangement are, that the distant and
repeating signals can both be efficiently worked by one length of connecting
wire instead of, as heretofore, with one length of wire extending to the distant
signal and another length of wire being employed to connect the distant signal
back to the repeater signal.
For the purpose of more effectively and securely working a series of signals
in combination, so as to avoid any chance of confliction between on signal
and another, or between the signals and the points, as also to prevent the
mischiefs which arise from the liability of signalmen to give inconsistent and
conflicting signals when two or more signalmen are working railway traffic
jointly, or where the efficient and safe working of traffic is made dependent
upon two or more pointsmen and signalmen placed at different points or
portions of a series of junctions, stations, or intersections of lines; and this
portion of our Invention is intended to be employed in conjunction with the
previously described apparatus or some of them, although it may be employed
alone as a substitute for the last herein-before described apparatus for working
station or distant signals.
These improvements, which will form the fourth part or portion of our
present Invention, consist, first, in fitting to or forming upon or at the lower.

page_text: end of the signal rod a "slot" or link to contain two, three, or more levers, to
be acted upon by wires or rods connected with the signal apparatus at the
pointsman and signalman's boxes, the levers or arms being respectively weighted
so as to always maintain the signal at "danger," and the proper spectacle or
colored glass in front of the lamp. The several levers being contained within
or passing through the same slot or link, they must all be acted upon before
the signal is free to assume the position representing "all right" or "caution,"
and a corresponding result is attained when it is desired to put the signal to
"danger," but in an inverse mode, as in this case upon the first signalman
operating upon the lever connected with and working in the slot or link
moving it for that purpose, the signal immediately assumes the position indi-
cating "danger" irrespective of any other signalman who may have his lever
in the position of "caution," or "all right,"
The following modification may be made in the arrangement of the slot and
levers previously described :-Instead of employing one slot or link at the
bottom end of the signal rod for the purpose of receiving several levers we
employ several slots or links one above the other, and mount and place one
of the levers to correspond therewith, so that each lever is made to act upon
or within its own slot or link for a like purpose, and with a like result to that
last herein-before described and set forth.
The object of both arrangements forming this last-described part of our
Invention is as follows, vizt., to enable one and the same signal, fixed in any
given position, to be worked by two or several signalmen, who may be sta-
tioned close by the signal as well as at greater or lesser distances from it, each
signalman using the signal for the protection of his own station, and yet
without the possibility of any or either of them being able to work the signal
contrary to the wish or intention of the other, or the requirements incident to
the safe working of the traffic, each and all of the signalmen having the power
at will, and independently of each other, to display and maintain displayed at
pleasure the "danger signal" to "stop traffic from passing," while the signal
of "safety," to "allow traffic to proceed," can only be shewn by the concurrent
action and consent of each and all of the signalmen.
By the use or employment of this fourth and last part of our Invention we
are able to secure the following advantages:-First, safety, as an engine
driver has only one signal to look to instead of several, and therefore cannot
be confused or misled, as in the case of several signals being worked inde-
pendently by different men, and so liable to be made to display conflicting
indications of "safety" and "danger" at one and the same time; and,
secondly, that as only one signal post and signal arm or disc and light is

page_text: required instead of several, not only is the apparatus more simple, but also
less expensive for first cost and maintenance.
The following is a general description of the foregoing improvements, and
of some of the modes or methods in which we put them into practise :-Our
apparatus or mechanical contrivances for jointly working railway signals and
points or switches is contained generally in a box, frame, or casing of angular
or round shape, having a number of vertical or horizontal hand levers suitably
disposed or arranged, by means of which the semaphore or other kinds of day
signals in use, and the lamps (and white and colored glasses), as also points
and switches, are respectively actuated and made to move or work in con-
junction, so as to prevent contradiction or confusion arising between their
respective indications and positions. The box is generally mounted above,
by may be set up by the side of the rails, and should for sake of convenience
be at such a height above the level of the ground as to enable the signalman
always to discharge his duties with the road before his eyes and become well
aware of all that is going on. Now the various hand levers are by different
arrangements (the character of which we shall describe hereafter) connected
with and made to operate upon a series of either longitudinal, transverse, or
circular stop plates (or their mechanical equivalents) by means of which the
undue motion of one or several of the levers is prevented if by such motion
the signals or points would be put into a position not in keeping with the
requirements of the traffic; this is the chief feature of the system, and it will
become apparent, in the explanations of the several Figures and the uses
thereof that follow, that by working this system in the most diversified
manners, applying it at station and distant signals, using it both at the station
and junctions upon the road, we are enabled to realize the object desired in
the most complete and efficient manner.
COMBINATIONS OF THE SIGNALS WITH THE POINTS, AND VICE VERSA.
A glance at the Sketch, Figures 1 and 2, Sheet I., II., will give a correct
idea of the functions performed by the signals and moveable portions of the
road designated points and switches in the locomotion on railways. We have
shewn here an up and a down main line; i.e., of two pairs of rails, and each
of which is intersected by a branch line, these main and branch lines
respectively consisting of two pairs of rails. The numbers employed therein
are intended to denote.-
I. Up main line.
.II. Down main line.
III. Up branch line.
IV. Down branch line.
It is self-evident that trains cannot ply on all the four roads indiscriminate'y,

page_text: but that if one road is open one or two of the others must be closed.. It is
the duty of the signals to shew which are open and which closed, and of
course the points are moveable portions of the roads must be put into such a
position as while permitting a train entering into one road will prevent.
another train entering at the same time into one or another road that should
be closed. Thus it is clear that when road-
No. I. is open, No. III. must be closed.
II. is open, Nos. III, and IV. do.
III. is open, Nos. I. and II. do.
IV. is open, No. II.
do.
From this it follows that the signals must be set so as to prevent misunder
standings and collisions, and the position of the points, and be regulated
jointly with and correspondingly to that of the signals; this is most efficiently
performed by the mechanical contrivances herein described, as will be seen
from the more detailed descriptions herein-after contained.
By the extension of the mechanical arrangement of parts and combinations
of mechanical movements herein-after described, which are provided to meet
the requirements of an extended system of junctions forming compound lines
and embranchments, an equal amount of safety and facility for working rapidly
and uninterruptedly the traffic of such compound system is insured with the
saine ease and facility as that of the simple branch and double line junction,
shewn at Figure 1 and 2, on Sheet I.-II.
Now it is only for the purpose of providing for the most complicated.
and diversified existing arrangements of main lines and branches that the
numerous modifications in the details of the apparatus herein-before described,
and also herein-after described and illustrated, have been contrived, and also
for the purpose of anticipating the requirements which under the various
combinations of railway lines may hereafter arise, so to provide a complete.
and comprehensive series of mechanical contrivances available for working
the points and signals of terminal and joint and other extensive stations, and
for stations "home" and "foreign" and junction of the most compl forms,
in combining the point working with the various descriptions of day and
night signals ("station," "junction," "distant," and "repeating,") employed
upon railway lines for facilitating the working of the traffic thereon..

page_text: tions accompanying the present Specification and given as exemplars, we have
adopted certain designations, by means of which we are enabled to dispense
with many lengthy explanations and useless and tiresome repetitions in the
descriptions that follow.
We however think it right to repeat here that the apparatus consists
in the first place of a number of hand levers, some of which actuate the
signals whilst others are intended to be used for putting the points or switches
into their proper positions; the first-named kind of levers we designate " signal
levers," and the other "point levers." In most cases the levers are connected
with and are employed to set in motion certain transverse or other stop plates
(or their equivalents) to be styled "main locks; ' these again are generally
working upon or against sliding or oscillating plates or bars, having a longitu-
dinal motion, such plates or bars to be called "slides" or "sliding plates or
bars," or simply locks," nevertheless, in some cases the levers act direct upon
the sliding plates or other locks, and move in the same direction as such
locking apparatus.
As regards the signals we shall have to deal with three different descrip-
tions, but each be it understood refers to combined day and night signals,
which are generally combined together on the same post or standard.
1st, those intended for duty at the stations themselves are called "station
signals."
2nd, those employed at junctions (wherever situated) are called "junction
signals."
3rd, "distant signals," intended for the guidance of the engine driver
whose train is yet travelling at a cei cain distance from and going towards the
station or junction.
And, 4th, "repeating signals" reproduced by the distant signal on an inter-
mediate signal post, and which are intended for the verification of the less
visible distant signals (day and night signals). Moreover, to denote that a
hand lever is worked or placed in such a direction as to put the corresponding
signal lever into the position denoting "all right," or set the respective point or
switch so as to admit a train into the road, we say that we "open" the lever;
the inverse operation is designated by the phrase "closing" or "shutting off"
the lever.
Lastly, an exponent written above any letter of reference denotes the
number of the lever connected with the part or organ in or upon which such
letter of reference is inscribed, thus, n', n³, &c. mean that the parts marked
are connected with the levers No. 1, No. 2, &c.

page_text: The illustrations given in Sheets No. I.-II. to X., accompanying the
present Specification, shew various modifications and arrangements of appa-
ratus for working and regulating signals and points, having for their distinctive
features hand levers of some kind connected with stop plates (slides), locks,
and guide plates of various shapes; these arrangements relate generally to the
combination of main and brauch lines sketched in Figure 1, 2, Plate I-II.,
in each of them there are 9 levers at work, numbered 1 to 9, Nos. 3 to 8
being point levers, and Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9, signal levers; of course
this example is only given with a view to illustrate the system, and be it
understood that the illustrations of the mechanical arrangements shewn on
Sheets I. II. to XII. inclusive are by their extensions suitable for other
than a single junction of the ordinary type.
The following schedule shews what duty each of the levers has to perform
in the organisation of the "service:"-
Lever I actuates the distant signal of the up branch line (III.)
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
.9
the distant signal of the up main line (I.)
the points of the up lines (I. and III.)
the station or junction signal of the up branch line (III.)
the station or junction signal of the down main line (I.)
the station or junction signal of the down main line (II.)
the station or junction signal of the down branch line (IV.)
the points of the down lines (II. & IV.)
the distant signal of the down line (II. & IV.)
We may repeat that this schedule is in force for all arrangements shewn
in Pl. I-II. to ✗. inclusively, and relates to the Sketch, Figure 1, 2,
Plate I-II.; but of course we do not mean to confine ourselves to the nume-
rical arrangements shewn here, the number of levers being liable to vary in
accordance with the requirements of the traffic, the number and arrangement
of roads, and other changes and extensions of conditions.
Sheet I-II., Figures 3 to 6.
+
Here we have shewn an arrangement of apparatus with nine levers,
according to schedule, and with three slides, one above the other.
Figure is a vertical section across the frame of the apparatus. There

page_text: are 3 slides A¹, A², & As, each connected with a certain number of main
locks; Figure 4 shews slide A¹ in plan with locks and other mechanisms
pertaining thereto; Figure 5 is a corresponding view of slide A, and Figure 6
of slide A³. The whole of the levers are indicated only in Figures 4 to 6, where
they are numbered in accordance with the schedule. In Figure 3 the two
point levers only are shewn in elevation, the lever L being closed, i.e., in its
extreme position towards the front, and M open, i.e., in its extreme position
towards the back of the apparatus. The whole of the letters of reference,
except L and M, as well as the exponents and Figures denoting the numbers
of the levers and the parts pertaining thereto, are common to all the Illustra-
tions shewn on this Sheet, and the same notation bas, as far as possible, been
used throughout in all arrangements shewn in Sheet I.-II. to X. If the
band lever L (Figure 3) is moved in the direction of the arrow the forked
lever a connected with the part of L is set in motion; a again actuates the
cranked lever (bell crank) b, one arm of which is connected with the forked
lever a, whilst the other bears upon the extreme (concave) surface of the lever
arm c and causes the latter to vibrate on its fulcrum d in either direction;
the other arm of the lever c bears by means of a fork piece upon a pin e fitted
respectively to the top or bottom surface of any one of the slides A. The
motion of the band lever (L) being thus communicated to the straight lever c,
the latter in its turn imparts a longitudinal motion to the slide a. The slides
A are fitted with another series of pins f taking into the fork-shaped heads of
the locks B, so that the slide A, moving longitudinally imparts a motion to
the locks B, which are thus caused to describe arcs of circles in pivoting upon
their axes g. The locks B are are iron stop plates cut at a right angle, upon
one side of which the respective hand lever bears when it gets into a certain
position, which it will be readily understood take place upon the locks partially
revolving or pivoting round their axes g. The inclined sides or planes are
intended to assist the other mechanisms, seeing that the hand lever bears upon
such an inclined plane if its "open" position is converted into a closed one, and
thus the "shutting" of the levers is facilitated and accelerated. From what
we have explained bere it follows that by actuating a band lever in due time
the corresponding locks may always be displaced or "set," and thus the
motion of one or several of the other levers may be rendered free or be
precluded from moving, as the case may be.
By referring to the above schedule the mode in which this system is to be
worked for putting signals and points into their proper positions may be
readily understood. In Figures 4 to 6, Plate I.-II. the whole of the evers
are shewn in section lines in the "normal" or closed position, i.e., the one

page_text: they must assume to protect the main line traffic and keep the points and
switches in a position forbidding the undue access of trains, whilst No. 8 point
lever is open to the branch in its abnormal position. On the other hand, if
trains are to be admitted the hand lever must be actuated in the direction of
the arrow, Figure 3, and put into the position denoted by lotted lines in Figures
4 to 6, and then the points and signals will respectively show the roads that
should be open as open, and those that should be closed as closed. Thus,
supposing the lever No. 1, Figure 4, to be transferred from the closed
(sectioned) unto the open (dotted) position, it will by means of the levers a',
6, and c work upon the slide a¹ (Fig. 4), causing it to move towards the left
(to speak in familiar parlance, which becomes intelligible by referring it to the
Illustrations). The slide A¹ while moving to the left causes the locks B
and B to pivot in the same direction, and the latter having reached the
extreme positions limits the travel, of the point levers, i.e., they fix lever
No. 3 in its open (dotted) and No, 8 in its closed (sectioned) position. The
operations to be performed with any one of the nine hand levers are analogous
to those just described, and this may be readily understood by pursuing the
same course with each of these levers, as delineated in Figures 4 to 6.
We may therefore dispense with stating this course and the effect thereof
for each individual lever.
By referring to Figures 4 to 6 it will readily be understood that the joint
motion of the signals and points, to essential to secure the efficiency of any
system of railway traffic, and which forms the backbone, so to speak, of our
Invention, is fully secured by this arrangement. The slide A' works in con-
nection. with the signal levers 1 and 5; A, in connection with the signal
lever 7 and the point lever 8; A³, in connection with the signal levers 2 and 4,
and: the point lever 3.
The signal lever 6 (Figure 4) works upon the straight lever C connected
with the locks B and B by means of a longitudinal bar C, thus saving an
additional slide. On the other hand lever 9 actuates an independent
mechanism, which we have not thought expedient to shew in our Illustrations
so as not unduly to encumber them. Now a certain number of levers work
always upon the same slide, and thus complete uniformity and harmony are
produced in the operations of the various parts, precluding most efficiently
errors and misunderstandings between the person signalling and the person
signalled to.
The following schedule shews the mode in which the working of the
signal levers 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 affects that of the point levers 3 and 8, and
vice versa.

page_text: the lever No. 1 then No. 3 is locked in its open and
tto
"
to
do
to
to
to
to
to
وو
وو
8 fixed in its normal position.
2 then No. 3 is locked in its normal
position.
3 then Nos. 2, 5, and 6 are locked in
their normal positions and 1 and
4 unlocked.
4 then 3 is locked in its open and 8
in its normal position.
,,5 then No. 3 is locked in its normal
position.
دو
"
"
6 then No. 3 is locked in its normal
and 8 in its open position.
7 then No. 8 is locked in its normal
position.
8 then Nos. 1, 4, and 7 are locked in
their normal positions, and No.
6 is unlocked.
connection with the points is as before mentioned
lule. By comparing the latter schedule with the
whole of the properties of this system will be readily
ot dwell thereupon any further.
enso the nature and character of this part of our
the combination shewn in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6,
old ourselves bound to give explanations of equal
binations that follow; therefore we shall confine
e particulars in which the modifications differ in
rom the arrangement illustrated in Sheet I.-II.
that the rectangular shoulder of the locks B
hand levers is stopped must always be adapted
f the signals and points connected with these levers.
ingle shoulders like B', B, B, or double shoulders
orne upon by two levers alternately. The arrange-
shouldred locks forms one of the essential features
See Figure 4. By opening the lever No. 1 then No. 3 is locked in its open
د"
وو
"
Figure 6.
Ditto
"
"
Figure 6.
Ditto
"
Figure 6.
Ditto
Figure 4.
Di to
Figure 4.
Di to
"
Figure 5.
Di to
"
21
Figure 5.
Ditto
"
وو
وو
8 fixed in its normal position.
and
2 then No. 3 is locked in its normal
position.
3 then Nos. 2, 5, and 6 are locked in
their normal positions and 1 and
4 unlocked.
4 then 3 is locked in its open and 8
in its normal position.
5 then No. 3 is locked in its normal
position.
6 then No. 3 is locked in its normal
and 8 in its open position.
7 then No. 8 is locked in its normal
position.
8 then Nos. 1, 4, and 7 are locked in
their normal positions, and No.
6 is unlocked.
Signal lever 9 being in no connection with the points is as before mentioned
ot included in this schedule. By comparing the latter schedule with the
revious one (page) the whole of the properties of this system will be readily
nderstood, and we need not dwell thereupon any further.
Having explained in extenso the nature and character of this part of our
nvention, as embodied in the combination shewn in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6,
Plate I.I-I., we do not hold ourselves bound to give explanations of equal
ength respecting the combinations that follow; therefore we shall confine
urselves to explaining the particulars in which the modifications differ in
beir mechanical details from the arrangement illustrated in Sheet I.-II.
We may add, moreover, that the rectangular shoulder of the locks B
y which the travel of the hand levers is stopped must always be adapted
o the respective portions of the signals and points connected with these levers.
Thus the locks may have single shoulders like B', B, Bº, or double shoulders
32, B5, B', intended to be lorne upon by two levers alternately. The arrange-
hent and working of these shouldred locks forms one of the essential features
f this Invention.

page_text: main locking apparatus; the letters of reference denote corresponding parts.
The duties and the working of the hand levers, slides, and locks are the same
as in the arrangement previously described, but the forked levers a and crank
levers (bell cranks 6), instead of acting upon an intermediate lever arms c, as
in Figures 3 to 6, work directly upon notches made in the sides of the
slides A, as shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10. The cranked levers 6 pivot upon
axes fitted to the front part of the apparatus; by this means the intermediate
plate c, Figure 4, Plate I.-II., is also done away with, and the mechanisms
pertaining to the lever No. 6 are put into direct communication with the
lower slide (Figure 10). This simplification in the working gear proves
particularly useful where a combination of the character, as shewn in Figures
5 described is shewn on a vertical section; in this case a series of 4 instead
of 3 slides is used forming 4 stories, so to speak, each of which is shewn in
plan in Plate V., viz. :-
Slide A¹ belongs to lever 7 (Figure 12).
A³
to lever 5 (Figure 18).
A³
to levers 4, 6, 8
(Figure 14).
A¹
to levers 1, 2, 3
(Figure 15).
In this case, too, the locks B are in the same connection with the hand
levers and with the slides A, and have the same duties assigned to them as in the
previous combinations. For the sets of levers a, b, &c., Figures 3 to 6, Plate I.,
II., and a, b, Figures 7 to 10, Plate III., a series of transverse guide plates d
is substituted here, arranged in the manner shewn in elevation in Figure 11,
Plate IV., and in plan, in Figures 12 to 15, Plate V. The back ends of
the guide plates are by means of forks connected in the same manner with
the hand levers, as shewn in Figures 8 to 10, whilst their front parts are
so fitted as to readily slide into and out of angular grooves or recesses cut
into the slides A¹ to A', or between bosses fitted on each side of the guide
plate. The direction in which these inclined grooves are cut into the
surface of the slides being parallel to the sides of the guide plates, it is
evident that if any one of the levers is put in motion in a direction perpen-
dicular to the travel of the slides the slides of the guide plates d bear upon
the sides of the grooves, and the slides A will thus be forced to give way and
glide in either direction. To prevent the guide plates d from deviating from
their proper course, each of themr may be fitted with a groove or aperture
C2

page_text: perpendicular to the slides one to the other; the sides of each groove m will
then be borne upon by the pin, or fitted to the frame of the appa-
ratus, as shown in Figure II. In the groove cut into the top side of the
slide A¹ works the guide plate of the lever No. 7 (Figure 12).
A works the guide plate of the lever No. 5 (Figure 13).
As works the guide plates of the levers No. 4, 6, 8 (Figure 14).
A by the groove cut in its top side links the guide plate of the lever
No. 2 (Figure 15).
whilst, by the groove cut in the bottom of the slide A is worked the guide
plates of the levers Nos. 1 and 3, Figure 15.
As we have said heretofore the motion of the slides has in this case the
same effect upon the position of the locks as in the previous arrangements;
of course the configurations of these locks may be varied at pleasure, and
they do, in fact, greatly differ in Figures 12 to 15 from the shapes shown in
Figures 4 to 6, Plates I.-II., and Figures 8 to 10, Plate III.
locks instead of 4, as in the previous arrangement. Each set contains one or
more slides A connected with the transverse plates V (forming obtuse angles)
and the locks proper B. The hand levers on being opened bear upon the
inclined sides of the angular plates V, the locks B, by means of which the
levers are secured either in their open or closed positions, as per schedules,
pages
of this Specification, are lovers fitted either with rectangular or
hook-shaped, as B1 and B', Figure 18; or they are flat or oval-faced, as B,
Figure 16. This arrangement of slides and locks works as follows, viz. :-
Slide A¹ belongs to lever No. 1.
A'
to lever No. 2.
A³
to lever No. 7.
A³
to levers Nos. 6 and 8,
with slides A³ and A'.
A belongs to levers Nos. 4 and 5.
A' belongs to lever No. 3.
A and As are connected respectively.
By glancing at Figures 16 to 20, of which we have not deemed it
necessary to shew an elevation, it will be readily understood how the slides
are connected with the locks. As we have said heretofore, the effect of the
operation is just the same as in the arrangements previously described. The
distinctive feature of the last combination is the utilization of the inclined
planes or sides of the angular plates V, by which the slides are actuated.
For the remainder no more extensive explanation is requisite.

page_text: Figures 24, 25, shew a partial cross section and plan, a modification of the
arrangements previously described. Here the fulcra or pivots of the cranked
levers 3 and 68, instead of being fitted to the front of the apparatus are at the
back thereof. The remainder of the construction as well as the mode of
working is dentical in both arrangements. Figures 26, 27, of the same
Sheet shew a partial elevation and cross section of an apparatus similar to the
one delineated in Figures 21 to 23, Plate VIII. In this case the W
instead of being a round iron pinion rod with forked end is siphon or staple-
shaped, so as to work backward instead of forward. For the board H,
Figure 21, is substituted here a series of vertical metal plates H, the duties
of which coincide with those of the board alluded to, i. e., they enable the
signalman to ascertain the position of the slide 43 by means of colored discs.
Figures 28 and 29, Plate IX., show a cross section and sectional plan of an
arrangement similar to the one last described. For the cranked lever b,
Figures 24 to 27, is substituted a guide plate a, fitted with a pin n, as in
Figures 11 to 15, in Plates IV. and V. The effect is the same as in all the
previously described arrangements, and consequently it is needless further to
dwell thereupon. We may add that in practise it will often be found
advantageous to fit the body of the apparatus (i. e., the frame enclosing the
mechanisms directly connected the hand levers) below the floor of the box;
in such case the disc plates a are employed for the guidance of the attendant,
as in the arrangements, Figures 21 to 23, and 24, 25, (the disc being omitted
in the latter). Of course the applicants mean to claim these arrangements,,

page_text: whether their apparatus be fitted below the floor (as in Figures 21 to 25,
and 28, 29), or above, as in the arrangement shewn, Figures 26, 27. Of
both these arrangements still further modifications are employed where the
nature of the circumstances to be met demand it, and the requirements of
the point and signal working necessitate a different disposition of the parts.
of the apparatus within the signalman's box; and this consists in trans-
posing the locking gear, and substituting vertical bolts or rods to be moved
up and down, and into and out of locks or locking platės.
Another modification in the arrangements and disposition of the locking
gear or apparatus, and of the levers for actuating consists as herein-before
stated in the following:-Instead of actuating the sliding plates having the.
holes, slots, or grooves formed therein by means of a belt crank or other
mechanical equivalent interposed between it and the point lever, the point.
levers may be made to act directly upon the end of such sliding plate, and by.
the movement of such lever through the arc of a circle one or more sliding
plates may be made to slide back and forth, and instead of the point lever
being so connected to the sliding plate such sliding plate may be directly
connected in a suitable manner, and so operate the locks by a direct connection.
without any change of direction of motion between the movement of the
lever and the motion of the locking apparatus actuated thereby. Thus in
one case the plates or other locks being moved by the point levers the pins,
bars, bolts, or rods connected with the signal levers, and moved thereby, are.
caused to enter into or become engaged by the holes, notches, slots, or grooves,
or other contrivances provided in or upon the plates or locks for that purpose.
In the second case the action may be reversed, and the pins, bolts, and rods
would then be operated or called into action by the point levers, whilst the
change of position in the sliding plates or locks would be affected by the
movement of the signal levers to which they would be respectively connected,
and for the purpose of effecting those actions the signal and point levers may
be disposed otherwise than in the same line, as, for instance, in double lines
one facing the other or at a right angle to each other, the point levers
being placed side by side in a line at a right angle to the line of the signal
levers, and take into and engage with the sliding plates; thus for the purpose
of economising space within the signal box, more particularly where a very
long range of levers is undesirable, they may be placed in a hollow square or
parallelogram, as we have already found by experience in the application of our
system to the Charing Cross Station that it is advantageous to place the point
levers in one line and the signal levers in another line. These lines of levers
may either be parallel or at right angles, and the pins, bars, bolts, and rods

page_text: actuated by them may extend from side to side, as may also the locking
plates, or other form of engaging or locking gear, and the operator may
either be placed within the space bounded by the levers, which plan we
by preference adopt, or he may operate them from the outside of such hollow
To save space a horizontal motion of some parts may as herein-before stated
be substituted for the vertical motion, and vice versâ ; and the rectilinear motion
of some organs may also give way to a rotary motion.
A modification of this kind is shewn in Plate X., where Figure 30 is au
elevation; and Figure 31, a plan of such an arrangement. In this case
the slides and other kinds of locks shewn in previous combinations give way
to circular stop plates 43, 43%, one of which is fastened to the bottom of
the vertical shaft n actuated by the point lever No. 8, the other upon the
hollow shaft m enclosing n, and actuated by the point lever No. 3. These
two point levers describe here arcs of circles in a horizontal direction, as will
be readily understood, and the rods or other organs actuating the points
themselves are fitted to the bottom of the solid or hollow shaft respectively.
These mechanisms have not been shewn here, as we wish only to illustrate the
arrangement of the apparatus proper. The circular plates 43, 43%, are
furnished with slots, holes, or with notes in the edge corresponding to the
holes or slots shewn in the stop plates Figures 21 to 29. Each signal lever is
connected to a vertical rod W worked in a manner similar to the horizontal
rods W, shewn in Sheets Nos. VII. to IX. The signal lever may communicate
with the signals in any convenient manner. It is evident that the effect will
be identical in this and all the previous arrangements. However to elucidate
the modus operandi of the apparatus shewn in Figures 30, 31, we have shewn
in two sketches Figures 32, 33, the point levers Nos. 3 and 8 in their
respective connection with the stop plates AB, 43%, which they actuate.
will be seen that the vertical solid and hollow shafts pass through a hollow
conical column or standard, by which the shafts, frame, and fitting of the whole
apparatus are supported, of course any other kind of frame and standard may
be used. Counterweights are fitted here to the signal levers for the same
purpose as described heretofore as regards the circular stop plates; they may
be combined with other mechanisms than those shewn here; thus, the signal
levers may work directly or indirectly into notches upon the periphery of the
plates, or pins fitted to the signal levers may take into radial openings with
It

page_text: VARIOUS SHAPES OF 11AND LEVERS.
Plate IV.Figures 34 to 36.
In all arrangements hitherto described the hand levers have been shewn as
bars with an oblong cross section. In practice it will be found that this kind.
of lever, which works very well under ordinary circumstances, may to some
extent become inadequate owing to the wear and tear it is subject to, and
also inflicts upon the surfaces against which it works in these arrangements
in which it bears upon the inclined sides of locks, or where it works in grooves
or notches, as is the case, in some of the arrangements shewn in Sheets I.
II., to X; to obviate this we resort to the following means:-Thus, anti-.
friction rollers may be used in those parts most subject to wear and tear. A
combination of this kind is shewn in Plate IV., Figure 34 being an elevation,
and Figure 35 a cross section of a lever and fittings, furnished with anti-
friction rollers. A glance at these Illustrations is sufficient to render them
intelligible to those who have gone with us through the whole of the explana-
tions hitherto given. Again, instead of using antifriction rollers the cross
section of the lever itself may be changed and convex sides substituted for the
flat sides of the levers, as shewn in Figure 36; these Illustrations have been
done to an enlarged scale, so as to render them more intelligible. In some
cases we prefer to let in pieces of hardened steel into the front and back edge
of each lever, instead of case-hardening the wrought-iron lever.
REPEATERS AND DISTANT SIGNAL APPARATUS.
In order to work distant signals and exercise an efficient control over trains
when they are approaching the stations we use and employ special arrange-
ments of apparatus, by means of which these operations are performed in a
more efficient manner than heretofore; these arrangements comprise also a
special mode of actuating repeater signals, complimentary or auxillary to
distant signals, whenever the post of the latter is at too great a distance
from the signalman's box or is in such a position as to render the distant
signals invisible to the signalmen.
Plate XI. Figures 37 to 40.
Figure 37 is a side elevation, Figure 38 a front elevation (or vice versa,

page_text: 65
"5
in his box upon the distant signal lever sets a wire or chain into motion, one
end of which is connected to the apparatus in the box, whilst the other is
fastened on to a cam wheel f, the periphery of which is shaped so as to
correspond to the duties assigned thereto; this cam wheel consists of a pulley
or roller f¹, upon which bears the chain p and the wheel proper f, upon the
flattened portion of the periphery of the latters bears a small roller g connected
with the cranked lever h. The wheelf revolves freely upon its axis i fitted to
the side of the post, and by the partial revolution of the wheel the cranked
lever his acted upon, and one arm of which, by means of an intermediate rod,
acts upon the semaphore or lamp signals, thus it is very easy to actúate the
latter and produce the requisite signal; supposing, for instance, the cam
wheel to describe a limited are of a circle, the signal denotes "caution or
"all right," ("open road"), and the chain p may be pulled as soon as the
signal has spoken. If the lever in the box is closed and the signal denotes
danger," the counterweight s causes the cam wheel to turn, being attached
to the circumference of the pulley k which revolves freely on its axis i. To
keep the distant signals in the position denoting "danger," as a normal
position, the pulley k is furnished with a ring projecting upon its side, upon
which bears the axis g of the cranked lever h, and by the action of the counter-
weights the "danger" position of the semaphore is preserved, as the lever h
can act only if the axis 9 is displaced by the motion of the wire or chain p.
If a repetition of the signals is requisite for the guidance of the signalman, as
we have pointed out heretofore, a repeater signal post may be used, such as the
one shown in side and front elevation in Figures 39 and 40, Plate XI. Tho
arrangement of this repeater signal post, save that the pulley f, instead of being
of one piece with the cam wheelf is separated therefrom, and enjoys a free
motion within certain limits. A pin ẞ fastened on to the inside of the pulley f¹
works in a circular groove e in the wheel f, as shewn in Figure 39. The wire
or chain p on its way to the distant signal post (Figures 37, 38,) travels over the
corresponding parts of the repeater, and as soon as the distant signals speak
the repeator signals echo them, i.e. each displacement of a signal from the
position denoting "danger is reproduced likewise at tho repeater post, the
extent of the groove e being sufficient to cause the distant signals to speak
before the repeater signals. An important advantage derived from this
arrangement is, that there is no necessity to use one chain going to the distant
signal post and another going back to the repeater, but a single chain or wire
passes from the signal box on to the distant signal post via the repeater post,
as herein-before described.

page_text: The next and best part of our present Invention relates to an apparatus for
actuating distant signals to be established at the different parts of a junction
formed by the intersection of several lines of rails (main and branch) upon
the same level. Supposing e. g., that there is one main line A crossed by
another B, and having 2 branches C, D, as per Sketch. In this case it is
most urgently needed to provide means for obviating the liability to disasters
arising from contradictions or collision of signals where several signalmen
operate simultaneously without baving direct means of communication at their
command. (See Fig. 45.) This safety, so much required hitherto, may be
secured by furnishing each distant signal post with an apparatus constructed
upon the following plan, as shown in front and side elevations in Figures 41
and 42, Plate XII. The lower extremity of the signal rod t is formed into
a kind of link a containing a certain number of levers, of which there are 3
shewn here, viz., b, c, d, actuated by wires, chains, or rods to which motion is
given by each signalman separately. To each of the three levers.(respectively
marked b, c, d,) a counterweight is fitted, and consequently the signals are
always kept in the "danger" position, until a proper understanding to change
this position has been arrived at by the whole of the signalmen. Seeing that
the whole of the levers b, c, d, are fitted into the link a, and that they work
jointly together, they are all obliged to speak in the same sense before the
"danger" position of the signal can be changed into "caution" or "all right."
Now supposing that the signal should have to be set into the position denoting
danger," inversely to that before described, the action of the first signalman
upon the lever in the link has an immediate effect, and the signal assumes at
once the "danger" position irrespective of the action of any other signalman,'
the length of the link being sufficient for the aggregate travel of a lever. For
the single link a, Figure 41, an arrangement of several links (one for each)
lever) may be substituted, these links being placed above each other. An
arrangement of this kind is shewn in Figures 43, 44, Plate XII., in side and
front elevation. The explanations given heretofore permit us to dispense with a
special description of these illustrations, the nature and character of which will
be understood at a glance.
66
Having now described the nature of our said Invention, and in what manner
we propose to carry the same into effect, and in the 12 Sheets of Drawings
hereunto annexed have illustrated some of the modes or methods in which wo
prefer to put the several parts of our Invention into practice, and have shewi

page_text: by means of views or sketches such parts or portions thereof only as would
not so readily be understood by means of the textual descriptions or without
the aid of Drawings, we would have it understood that we do not confine
ourselves to the exact shape or configuration or the proportions of the several
parts of the apparatus described under the several heads or divisions of the
Specification herein contained; but what we claim is,-
First, the improvements in apparatus for working and governing, controlling
or regulating railway signals, points, and switches, as herein described.
Second, the several modes and methods herein described or set forth under
the first head or division of the Specification of our said improvements of
constructing railway point and signal locking apparatus.
Third, the several mechanical contrivances and arrangements of the parts
of railway point and signal actuating and locking gear, or apparatus herein
described and illustrated in connection with the first part of our said
Invention.
Fourth, the construction of railway point and signal actuating and locking
apparatus herein described as forming the first part or portion of our said
improvements, or any mere modification thereof.
Fifth, the shape and configuration of the several novel locks or locking
pieces and slides and sliding bars, and the mode or method of combining,
employing, and actuating them for the purpose of locking or controlling the
movement of railway points and signals, as berein described and illus-
trated by the respective Figures in the several Sheets of Drawings relating
thereto.
Sixth, the modes or methods herein described of combining and working,
sliding, or traversing locking plates or bars in connection with traversing
bolts, studs, pins, or rods, such parts being respectively connected to a point
or signal, lever, and of which some illustrations are given in Sheets VII.,
VIII., and IX.
Seventh, the several novel arrangements and dispositions of point and sigual
levers in relation to each other, herein described and set forth in connection
with the first part or portion of our Invention.
Eighth, the railway point and signal locking apparatus having a circular
locking plate, illustrated by Figures 30, 31, 32, and 33 in Sheet X of the
accompanying Drawings, and as herein described, or any mere modification
thereof.
Ninth, the modes or methods herein described of constructing or forming
and fitting the hand levers of railway point and signal apparatus comprised in
the second part or portion of our Invention, as herein set forth.

page_text: Tenth, the mechanical contrivances or apparatus for working distant and
repeater signals for railways, as herein described and as illustrated in the
accompanying Drawings by Figures 37, 38, 39, and 40, Plate XI., and
described as forming the third part of the Specification of our Invention.
Eleventh, the combination in manner described of a cam with a wire wheel
or chain wheel or pulley, as herein described and illustrated respectively in
connection with and for working distant and repeater signals for railways,
whether such forms and arrangements of parps or any mere modification
thereof, be employed for working railway signals, or for a like or analogous
purpose.
Twelfth, the mode or method herein described and forming the fourth part
or portion of the Specification of our Invention of working several compound
junction or distant signals together, so that each of the signalmen has the
power independently of any other to display and maintain displayed the
danger" signal to stop traffic from passing, whilst the safety signal or "all
right," to allow traffic to proceed, can only be shewn by the concurrent action
of and with the consent of all the signalmen whose signals are combined
together as described.
Thirteenth, the mechanical contrivances or apparatus herein described as
forming the fourth part or portion of the Specification of our Invention, and
as illustrated by Figures 41, 42, 43, and 44, Plate XII., of the Drawings
hereunto annexed.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Saxby, on behalf of myself and
John Stinson Farmer, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this
Twenty-fourth day of August, One thousand eight hundred and sixty-
seven
Witness,
WILLIAM SMITH, C. E.,
19, Salisbury Street;
Strand.
JOHN SAXBY. (LS.)