Improvements in and connected with Railway Signalling.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 4th May, 1889
Complete Specification Left. 4th Feb 1890 Accented 29th Mar
1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and connected with Railway Signalling.
I ILLIUS AUGUSTUS TIMMIS of No. 2 Great George Street Westminster London S.W.
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The objects of my Invention are to simplify the arrangements, to economise
labor in working them, to lessen the cost of maintenance and increase efficiency.
With these objects in view I desire it to be understood that there are very many
systems for working and interlocking, by mechanical means, railway signals, discs &c.
and points, facing point locks &c., and also interlocking these with each other and
with block instruments.
I also desire it to be understood that I have patented several arrangements for
electrically working railway_signals.
But by this Invention I work all points and ground movements, affecting the
permanent way itself by mechanical means (preferably, though I may, where con-
venient, use electrical means) and I actuate signals, discs and visual signals, or
Indicators, by means of electro magnets as partly described in patents 571893 299184.
I may find it convenient sometimes to work some of the signals or Indicators
mechanically especially ground discs.
I place a secondary battery or batteries in any convenient position say in the signal
cabin and use the electric current from it to actuate the electro-magnets that I use to
work any signal or Indicator or other gearing and also to light any of the signal
lamps and also for repeating any signals or lamps and for block instrument work.
I may use primary batteries for block instrument work.
I use the ordinary mechanical levers in conjunction with rodding cranks &c. to
work all the points and ground gear and I use small levers placed, by preference,
above the point levers to control the electric current which works the signals and
Indicators in conjunction with contacts and leads. By this means the signal cabins are
reduced in size by about one half the present dimensions A further advantage is that
the signals can be at any distance and all ground wires and compensators are rendered
unnecessary.
I interlock mechanically, as at present the mechanical levers in the locking frame
and I also electrically interlock all the electric levers by arranging the leads so that
the circuit to lower a signal goes through the back contacts of all conflicting
signals.
But in addition to these means I complete the electric circuit, to any signal
governing a set or sets of points, by means of the bolt or plunger-whether a single
or a double plunger-which locks or detects the points in the proper position. This
completed circuit may be taken back to the signal cabin to any lever or levers or
direct to the signal or signals or Indicators.
And to make the system more complete I mechanically interlock the small
electric levers with the large or mechanical point &c. levers by means of rods,
cranks, tappets &c.
Thus a most complete double system of interlocking mechanical and electrical
acts as a check on the whole of the levers and also the work they do
I repeat all visual signals where it is necessary (the points and ground gear may
be directly repeated but they are practically by being interlocked with the visual
signals) as follows:-
Signal arms have electric contacts, of any suitable kind, on them, or connected
with their working, which actuate by means of a return wire or wires, a small
indicator with a relay in the cabin and the ordinary lamps are repeated by means of
an expansion bar which either makes or breaks an electric circuit and works (or the

page_text: use to
reverse) a relay and small indicator. If as hereinafter described I light the signal
lamps electrically I repeat these lamps by means of a return wire or wires and the
making or breaking of the cn cunt in conjunction with a small relay and indicator
To make the system still more complete I pass the main current which
actuate any signal or signals that are worked in conjunction with the line or block
instruments through one of these instruments
the "
say
and I control that
enquirer
instrument from the other (or say 'permitter') instrument at the next station. It
will thus be seen that the system gives full and complete control over all railway
signals, indicators, points, block instruments &c. &c and a complete double or rather
treble check to the working of a railway.
"
In addition to all this, where convenient and advisable I place treadles of any
convenient and available form near the signals or indicators which are actuated by
passing trains or vehicles and which break (or make) the circuit which goes to the
corresponding signal or Indicator and either directly breaks the circuit and sends the
signal or signals to danger or makes a circuit and works a relay which effects
the same purpose.
These are where necessary worked in conjunction with the respective block
instruments.
Instead of using mechanical treadles I find it convenient in some circumstances to
use an electric curient interrupter or maker as follows In the case of a signal or
indicator where a long length of line has to be governed and repeated say in a station
(for instance the condition of a platform whether full, half full or empty) I fix bars
which are depressed or pushed aside by vehicles standing at the platform and thus
prevent the electric circuit to the signal which governs the platform from being
completed and the signal being lowered. Or I fit bars with projecting brushes or
springs as conductors or the bars may act as conductors and the wheels or other
suitable part of any or all of the vehicles may complete a circuit which working a
relay breaks the circuit to the governing signal, or by short circuiting effects the
same purpose.
But for
This latter arrangement I do not piefer in registering the state of platforms or
controlling the platform signals I prefer in these cases to break or interrupt the
circuit A series of interrupters every few yards does not cost much
general out of doors and especially through road signals I make a circuit with bars
and brushes or contacts in combination with the wheels and axles and thus work a
relay which breaks the signal circuit or else a treadle whichever is most convenient.
When the electrically worked or otherwise signal arms, or discs, or other Indicators
are sent to danger automatically by means of springs or weights on the breaking of
the mechanical or electric pull they are locked in that position not by a lock or bolt but
by the two ends of-the-lowering or actuating rod (or it may be simply a locking rod
and the actuating may be effected in another way) being in the same straight line,
or practically so, with the centre of the spindle or shaft which works the actuating
gear. The locking rod may be in any position I use either two or three position
signals or indicators whichever are most convenient in the case of the platform
signals above referred to and in the case of starting signals working with advanced
starters and for signals governing main and loop working especially on single line
railways and also for distant signals I find the three position signals very useful
and economical and they can be worked with exactitude in either position by electro
magnets.
In conjunction with the above arrangements I find it convenient sometimes to light
the signal lamps by electricity and also sometimes the station lamps. If I light the
signal and, or, Indicator Lamps electrically (I may use incandescent or arc lamps
whichever are most suitable) may use one lamp with spectacles as at present or
I may use one lamp and raise or lower it so that its light is reflected through a red
or green or white glass as required or which I prefer I make the signal lamps with
as many glasses and lamps as there are positions to be registered and by the move-
ment of the arm or indicator or in conjunction with it I complete the circuit to the
lamp which corresponds with the position of the arm or indicator-and thus if the

page_text: The
cn cuit is otherwise completed say in the cabin by the signalman the light shown
corresponds to the arm or indicator In case the lamps are repeated in the cabin it
may not be considered at all necessary to use back lights in the lamp cases
lamp circuits may be completed through leads only or partially through the frame
work of the lamp case especially where the lamp is moved and the current may be
arranged in either direction.
If I use one lamp and move it opposite the glass through which its light has to be
reflected or if I use as many lamps as there are glasses through which their light is
reflected I prefer to do away with spectacles This is a special feature which I claim
as new and it is possible to do away with spectacles and raise or lower or move an
ordinary lamp in agreement with the movement of the arm or indicator so that its
rays are sent through the glass which corresponds with the arm or indicator.
I mark the glasses or discs through which the light is reflected when convenient
with such marks as a feather edge or bar or ring or other indication to distinguish
them
In case I use electricity for any of the above purposes or all of them or in addition
to light the station lamps I use accumulators to supply the electric cu rent to actuate
the signals and indicators and also to light the signal lamps and where convenient the
station lamps. But wherever I use accumulators over a length of linee at several
stations in connection with signals I fix a dynamo (and drive it by any convenient and
suitable means) and charge the whole of the batteries as follows Either a small
current may be delivered to all the batteries during a lengthened period through a small
lead or a larger current for a shorter period-or each battery may be charged by
itself and it may automatically cut itself out and switch the next one in or this
work may be done by an attendant The batteries may be charged in parallel or in
series it depends on circumstances but I claim the arrangement of charging all the
batteries at a number of railway stations from one centre in connection with signal
work whether the station lamps are lit or not.
The combinations I claim apart from such of the above arrangements as are new
are as follows:-
Mechanically worked ground gear.
Mechanically and electrically interlocked in conjunction with electrically worked
signals and indicators, which are mechanically interlocked with the mechanical levers
and electrically interlocked with each other and with the necessary ground gear and
with the block instruments
All necessary signals and indicators are repeated and if desired ground gear also.
In addition, signals &c work at two or three positions and automatically lock at
danger."
66
The signal lamps are lit electrically
Spectacles are done away with.
The batteries over a length of line are specially charged.
I claim the combination of all or any of the above.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and connected with Railway Signalling.
I ILLIUS AUGUSTUS TIMMIS of No 2 Great George Street, Westminster London S.W.
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:-
The objects of my Invention are to simplify the arrangements, to economise labor
in working them, to lessen the cost of maintenance and increase efficiency.
.
With these objects in view I desire it to be understood that there are very many
systems for working and interlocking, by mechanical means, Railway signals, discs &c.
and points, facing points locks &c. and also interlocking these with each other aud
with block instruments.

page_text: also desire it to be understood that I have patented several arrangements for
electrically working Railway signals
But by this invention I work all points and ground movements affecting the per-
manent way itself by mechanical means (preferably, though I may, where convenient,
use electrical means) and I actuate signals, discs and visual signals, or indicators, by
means of electro magnets as partly described in patents 571883 2991. I may find it
convenient sometimes to work some of the signals or indicators mechanically especially
ground discs.
I place a secondary battery or batteries in any convenient position say in the signal
cabin and use the electric current from it to actuate the electro-magnets that I use to
work any signal or indicator or other gearing and also to light any of the signal
lamps and also for repeating any signals or lamps and for block instrument work. I
may use primary batteries for block instrument work
I use the ordinary mechanical levers in conjunction with rodding cranks &c. to
work all the points and ground gear and I use small levers placed, by preference
above the point levers to control the electric cui rent which works the signals and
indicators in conjunction with contacts and leads. By this means the signal cabins
are reduced in size by about one half the present dimensions A further advantage is
that the signals can be at any distance and all ground wires and compensators are
rendered unnecessary so far as working them or other electrical work is concerned.
I interlock mechanically, as at present the mechanical levers in the locking frame
and I also electrically interlock all the electric levers by arranging the leads so that
the circuit to lower a signal goes through the back contacts of all conflicting
signals.
But in addition to these means I complete the electric circuit to any signal governing
a set or sets of points, by means of the bolt or plunger-whether a single or a double
plunger-which locks or detects the points in the proper position. This completed
circuit may be taken back to the signal cabin to any lever or levers or direct to the
signal or signals or indicators
And to make the system more complete I mechanically interlock the small electric
levers with the large or mechanically point &c levers by means of rods, cranks,
tappets &c.
Thus a most complete double system of interlocking mechanical and electrical acts
as a check on the whole of the levers and also the work they do.
I repeat all visual signals where it is necessary (the points and ground gear may be
directly repeated but they are practically so by being interlocked with the visual
signals) as follows:-
:-
Signal arms have electric contacts of any suitable kind, on thent, or connected with
their working, which actuate-by-means-of-a-return-wire or wires, a small indicator
with a relay in the cabin and the ordinary lamps are repeated by means of an
expansion bar which either makes or breaks an electric circuit and works (or the
reverse) a relay and small indicator. If as hereinafter described I light the signal
lamps electrically I repeat these lamps by means of a return wire or wires and the
making or breaking of the circuit in conjunction with a small relay and indicator.
[t
To make the system still more complete I pass the main current which I use to
actuate any signal or signals that are worked in conjunction with the line or block
instruments through one of these instruments say the "enquirer" and I control that
instrument from the other (or say "permutter") instrument at the next station.
will thus be seen that the system gives full and complete control over all railway
signals, indicators points, block instruments &c. &c and a complete double or rather
treble check to the working of a railway.
In addition to all this, where convenient and advisable I place treadles of any
convenient and available form near the signals or indicators which are actuated by
passing trains or vehicles and which break (or make) the circuit which
goes to the
corresponding signal or indicator and either directly breaks the circuit and sends the
signal or signals to danger or makes a circuit and works a relay which effects
the same purpose.

page_text: These are where necessary worked in conjunction with the respective block
instruments.
Instead of using mechanical treadles I find it convenient in some circumstances to
use an electric current interrupter or maker as follows
In the case of a signal or indicator where a long length of line has to be governed
and repeated say in a station (for instance the condition of a platform whether full,
half full or empty) I fix bars which are depressed or pushed aside by vehicles standing
at the platform and thus prevent the electric circuit to the signal which governs the
platform from being completed and the signal being lowered. Or I fit bars with pro-
jecting brushes or springs as conductors or the bars may act as conductors and the
wheels or other suitable part of any or all of the vehicles may complete a circuit
which working a relay breaks the circuit to the governing signal or by short circuiting
effects the same purpose.
This latter arrangement I do not prefer in registering the state of platforms or
controlling the platform signals. I prefer in these cases to break or interrupt the
circuit A series of interrupters every few yards does not cost much. But for general
out of doors and especially through road signals I make a circuit with bars and
brushes or contacts in combination with the wheels and axles and thus work a relay
which breaks the signal circuit or else a treadle whichever is most convenient.
When the electrically worked or otherwise signal arms or discs, or other indicators
are sent to danger automatically by means of springs or weights on the breaking of
the mechanical wire or electric circuit they are locked in that position not by a lock
or bolt but by the two ends of the lowering or actuating rod (or it may be simply a
locking rod and the actuating may be effected in another way) being in the same
straight line, or practically so, with the centre of the spindle or shaft which works the
actuating gear The locking rod may be in any position. I use either two or three
position signals or indicators whichever are most convenient. In the case of the
platform signals above referred to and in the case of starting signals working
with advanced starters and for signals governing main and loop working especially on
single line railways and also for distant signals I find the three position signals very
useful and economical and they can be worked with exactitude in either position by
electro magnets.
In conjunction with the above arrangements I find it convenient sometimes to light
the signal lamps by electricity and also sometimes the station lamps. If I light the
signal and, or, Indicator Lamps electrically (I may use incandescent or arc lamps
whichever are most suitable) I may use one lamp with spectacles as at present or I
may use one lamp and raise or lower it so that its light is reflected through a red or
green or white glass as required or which I prefer I make the signal lamps with as
many glasses and lamps as there are positions to be registered and by the movement
of the arm or indicator or in conjunction with it I complete the circuit to the lamp
which corresponds with the position of the arm or indicator and thus if the circuit is
otherwise completed say in the cabin by the signalman-the light shown corresponds
to the arm or indicator. In case the lamps are repeated in the cabin it may not be
considered at all necessary to use back lights in the lamp cases. The lamp circuits
may be completed through leads only or partially through the frame work of the lamp
case especially where the lamp is movable and the current may be arranged in either
direction.
If I use one lamp and move it opposite the glass through which its light has to be
reflected or if I use as many lamps as there are glasses through which their light is
reflected I prefer to do away with spectacles. This is a special feature which I claim
as new and it is possible to do away with spectacles and raise or lower or move an
ordinary lamp in agreement with the movement of the arm or indicator so that
its rays are sent through the glass which corresponds with the arm or indicator.
I mark the glasses or discs through which the light is reflected when convenient
with such marks as a feather edge or bar or ring or other indication to distinguish
them.
In ca
case I use electricity for any of the above purposes or all of them or in addition

page_text: to light the station lamps I use accumulators to supply the electric current to actuate
the signals and indicators and also to light the signal lamps and where convenient
the station lamps But wherever I use accumulators over a length of line 2 e. at
several stations in connection with signals I fix a dynamo (and drive it by any
convenient and suitable means) and charge the whole of the batteries as follows
Either a small current may be delivered to all the batteries during a lengthened
period through a small lead or a larger current for a shorter period or each battery
may be charged by itself and it may automatically cut itself out and switch the next
one in or this work may be done by an attendant The batteries may be charged in
parallel or in series it depends on circumstances but I claim the arrangement of
charging all the batteries at a number of railway stations from one centre in connection
with signal work whether the station lamps are lit or not.
The combinations I claim apart from such of the above arrangements as are new
are as follows
Mechanically worked ground gear.
Mechanically and electrically interlocked in conjunction with electrically worked
signals and indicators which are mechanically interlocked with mechanical levers
and electrically interlocked with each other and with the necessary ground gear and
with the block instruments
All necessary signals and indicators are repeated and if desired ground gear also.
In addition signals &c. work at two or three positions and automatically lock at
"danger
دو
The signal lamps are lit electrically. Spectacles are done away with.
The batteries over a length of line are specially charged.
I claim the combination of all or any of the above.
The drawings herewith and the following description of them will enable my
Invention to be more clearly understood.
Figs. 1 and 2 sheet 1 show respectively a front and side sectional view of the
mechanical levers M M which are used to work the points and ground gearing and
the electric levers E E and also the mechanical locking rods r, r and tappet t. The
tappet Tis worked by the lever M and also, or, by the spring lever m. It is clear
that the levers EE and M M may work any convenient system of tappets and I do
not confine myself to the system shown in Figs. 1 and 2 but claim the mechanical
interlocking of the mechanical with the electric levers-2.e. any of them with any of
them. The levers E. E. & their working have been very fully described in above
named patents
Fig 3 sheet 2 shows a signal post P with arm A which works to two positions
also two lamps and g electrically_lit The electro-magnet-M-actuates the signal
arm as described in previous patents 571883 2991 and 1674088 and the disc d
completes the circuit from the battery b to either lamp corresponding to the position
of the signal arm. The arrows show the direction of the electric current along Y
to the magnet M and also to the disc d along Z from whence it goes to the
lamps.
The circuit may go from the lamps either directly to the return wire R or through
the disc as shown on the drawing There are several ways of manipulating this
arrangement. The levers is shown in its back position and thus it completes the
wire circuits 1 and 2 which are supposed to lead to conflicting signals or indicators.
When the lever & is pulled forward it completes the circuit Y to the magnet M
This
method of working the magnet has been fully described in the above named patents
The circuit Y comes
as also the reducing of the lowering to the holding current
from the battery bat e and enters the enquirer E (block instrument) at 3 and leaves
it at 7. This circuit in E is made or controlled by the permitter (block instrument) P
at Fig 4 which represents another station-through one of the line wires thus-
when the handle of P¹ (not shown) is in its normal position the main circuit Y in E
. Fig. 3 is broken but when the handle of E is moved over a current goes along the
line wire and actuates a magnet or relay in E (this current comes from part of
battery b¹. Fig. 4 entering Pl at 6 and leaving again at 4) and makes the main

page_text: circuit Y in E fig. 3 The signalman at fig. 3 can then lower the signal arm A.
Fig. 4 shows a post P' arm A₁ magnets M and M². Lamps r, g and w and also
disc d' also lever s¹ in back position and completing the circuits 1, 2, 3 and 4 all of
which (supposed to be conflicting circuits) are broken when it is pulled forward The
working of this arm A¹ to three positions by the lever s¹ through the circuits C
and C from the battery 6' has been fully described in the previous patents above
named, as also the reducing of the main or lowering circuits to the reduced on holding
circuits. These circuits it will be noted do not go through a block instrument-but of
course they can be easily arranged to do so
The position of the arm A¹ is repeated through the mercury contact p, on it, and
the loads and s³ to the repeater The repeating of the lamps (electric or ordinary)
has been described in my previous patent 439989.
I have not shown, in the Drawings, a locking or detector bar or bolt attached to a
pair of points or other ground gearing and which I use to complete one or more
electric circuits when advisable as it is not necessary. There are very many known
forms and arrangements of locking and detecting bars and bolts and I claim the use
of them to complete any electric circuit or circuits when they are moved or sent
"Home
so that a circuit thus completed insures absolute safety to
a passing
train when the signal or signals or indicators are electrically worked to "alright
which govern the points or ground gearing containing the said locking bar
or bolt.
"
"
• Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim 18:-
First. The interlocking of any ground gearing connected with Railway signal
work (such as points &c.) with electrically worked signals and indicators by means
of the electric circuit or circuits being completed by the action of the locking or
detector bar or bolt or bars or bolts when moved or sent "Home" substantially as
and for the purposes herein before described.
Secondly The mechanical interlocking of the mechanical levers and gearing with
the electrical levers substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described.
Thirdly The completion and controlling of the main electric circuit through the
block instrument or instruments substantially as and for the purposes herein before
described
Fourthly. The combination of mechanically worked ground gearing by any known
and available means in conjunction with electrically worked signals and indicators
(which may be repeated or not) the whole being both mechanically and electrically
interlocked substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described.
Dated this 4th day of February 1890.