Improvements in Railway Signalling Apparatus.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd May, 1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Railway Signalling Apparatus.
We, JOSEPH WILLIAM WADKIN, of 100, Mere Road, Leicester, in the County of
Leicestershire, Engineer, and DENZIL JOIN JARVIS, of Charles Street, Leicester, in
the County of Leicestershire, Shop Fitter, etc., do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:
The object of our invention is to supersede and dispense with fog signal men by
an electrical and mechanical system and apparatus for communicating and indi-
cating automatically the signals and position of the ordinary signal arms by
miniature signals fixed on the locomotive guards van or vans as well as in the signal
box applicable at all times as well as in foggy weather snow storms or at night.
The signals all acting simultaneously and giving visible and audible warnings
thereby relieving the driver and guards of much "look out" responsibility and
uncertainty.
The signalman in the signal box actuating the ordinary mechanical signals puts
into or ready for action the means of communicating the signals to the train
whether the train is moving or standing stationary by completing an electric
circuit. Miniature signals fixed in the cab of the locomotive and in one or more
guards vans as well as in the signal box all indicate alike and agree with the signal
arm. The electric current may be supplied either by the service batteries or by
special batteries in the signal box or by special batteries carried in the train.
The existing wires used for operating the home" and "distant" signals may be
insulated and utilised for the low current necessary or a separate wire may be
preferred connected with the switch on signal post or arm with another insulated
wire from switch to insulated copper conductor" fixed parallel with and between
or near rails and opposite or forward of signal post laid in suitable lengths
according to requirements.
On the train and preferably on the "loco" are fixed one or more commutators
or brush contacts free to move and slide easily on the "conductor" which will
commence and end with an incline. The commutators are connected electrically
with the miniature signals which are models of the signal arm & post and are all
in circuit while the train is on the "conductor." The return "earth" current is
taken by the rail with a short connection from the rail to the signal box.
"
The train on entering onto a " conductor may ring an electric bell to draw
attention to the miniature signal arm.
The normal position of the miniature signal arm is at "line clear" as in the
ordinary signal but when the signal is at danger" directly the train passes
conductor" the miniature signals all show "danger" and the train being
pulled up waits for the signal line clear" and then proceeds.
onto a
Short lengths of conductor may be fixed at any point as opposite a "home"
signal post or a distant signal post or both.
23 or elsewhere
One or more miniature signals may be fixed on the "locomotive
so as to keep the "home" and "distant" signals distinct and separate. Or one
miniture signal may be arranged to give "caution" as for instance when repairs
are being done to the permanent way by fixing a short temporary "conductor" so

page_text: "
that all approaching trains are warned by the continuous ringing of an electric
bell while the train is passing over the conductor" causing the driver to look
ahead." In conjunction with or independently of the electric system referred to it
is in some cases preferred to adopt a detonating" fog signal in which case we
attach the arrangement to the "locomotive" consisting of a revolving wheel or a
continuous belt containing cartridges fired either electrically or by percussion and
actuated by an incline or lever fixed by the side of the line or rail and brought into
action by the signal arm when moved to "danger."
The electric signalling system referred to is capable of many modifications and
applications to suit the varied requirements of road side stations complicated
junctions large stations and termini and will be advantageous not only in foggy
weather but also at dangerous parts of the line and tunnels bridges and sharp
curves, etc.
Telephonic communication between driver and guards may easily be arranged
by a slight modification of the same system.
The same system applies equally to a locomotive running alone as with a train
also to a luggage train.
be continuous from one signal post to another or even
The conductor" may
from one station to the next.
Dated this 20th day of May 1898
WASHINGTON HUDSON,
Agent for the Applicants.
53, Elliscombe Road, Old Charlton, London, S.E.
CUMILITE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Railway Signalling Apparatus.
We, JOSEPH WILLIAM WADKIN, of 100, Mere Road, Leicester, in the County of
Leicester, Engineer, and DENZIL JOIN JARVIS, of Charles Street, Leicester, in
the County of Leicestershire, Shop Fitter, etc., 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 object of our invention is to supercede and dispense with fog signal men on
railways by an electric system and apparatus for communicating and indicating
automatically the signals and position of the ordinary signal arms or semaphores
by miniature signal arms fixed on the locomotive guards van or vans as well as in
the signal box available at all times as well as in foggy weather, snow storms,
tunnels, and at night acting simultaneously and giving visible and audible warn-
ings thereby relieving the driver and guards of much of the look out responsi-
bility and uncertainty.
The signal man in the signal cabin actuating the ordinary mechanical signal
put into or ready for action at the same time the means of communicating the
signals to the train either when the train is moving or standing on a conductor.
This is done by completing an electric circuit and actuating the miniature signals
fixed in the cab of the locomotive and in one or more guards vans and may also be
fixed in the signal cabin all indicating the position of the ordinary signal arm.
An electric bell is also fixed on the miniature signals so as to draw attention to
the signal. The bell being on the same circuit rings at the same time as the arm
is moved or as soon as the train enters onto a conductor if the signal is at "danger."
Three or more miniature signals may be fixed on the locomotive and guards vans
one would indicate the "home" signal, one the "distant" signal and one for
plate layers and repairs to permanent way.

page_text: By fixing a portable temporary "conductor" near where plate layers are working
a caution signal may be given to the train on entering on or passing over this
conductor."
conductor" so as to ring the
A portable bell may also be connected with the
electric bell informing the plate layers of the approaching train.
The electric current is obtained from independent batteries carried on the train
and in the signal cabin or elsewhere.
A switch is fixed on some moving part of each signal and post as for instance
the balanced lever and arranged so as to make and break contact according to
the position of the signal arm. This switch" is connected to the conductor and
insulated.
"
The conductors" consist of a copper or iron wire, rope, bar, or other suitable
take off" stretched or fixed on insulators and iron brackets at suitable intervals
and extending from 20 to 100 yards in length or continuous at busy terminii
junctions etc.
Under the locomotive at one or both ends also under guards van or vans is
fixed a swinging frame carrying two contacts or wire brushes and a light elastic
wheel or roller. The frame is self adjusting in every direction so as to allow for
vibration and movement in any direction and whether the train is going forward or
backward.
The commutators or brush contacts are connected electrically to the electro
magnets actuating the miniature signals and all are in circuit while the train is on
any section of conductor.
<<
"
The normal position of the miniature signal arm is down at "line clear" as
would be the case with the ordinary signals when the line is clear. But when the
ordinary signal is up at "danger" directly the train passes on to a conductor
the miniature signal arm on locomotive, guards van, etc., all shew "danger" and
the train being then pulled up waits for the signal "line clear" indicated by
the lowering of the miniature signal arm simultaneously with the ordinary signal.
The portable electric bell used by the platelayers is joined up with a long single
covered wire easily laid and removed.
The bell being set down near the men from the other terminal of the bell a wire
is attached and fixed to one of the rails. One terminal wire of the miniature signal
and bell is also in contact with the metal of the locomotive so that when the loco-
motive passes over the wire bridge referred to the circuit is complete.
This circuit is worked on an independent battery preferable near the signals as
well as with portable bell.
We sometimes give an additional or independent switch bell arrangement for
proving his current when passing over a conductor and when the signal
at
line clear" the signal current being broken one of the brush contacts can be
independent and insulated from the other so as to get a seperate circuit through
the local battery on locomotive which may be utilised by driver without inter-
fering with the other signals.
The bells of the "home" and "distant" signals must be an automatic circuit
and at the same time under the control of the driver to switch out of ordinary
circuit into local bell circuit at will. A switch being arranged with compound
contacts as "ordinary" and "local" and is more or less necessary when on long
or continuous conductors so as to "cut out" the continuous ringing of the bell.
The same system applies equally to a locomotive running alone also to a luggage
train.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
In the accompanying drawings the same letters and figures indicate like parts.
Fig. 1, is a face view of one of the miniature signals shewing the dial and arm
at "danger" in full lines and at "line clear" in dotted lines.
Fig. 2, is a view shewing the electro magnet with levers and spring for
actuating the arm.

page_text: Fig. 3 is a view of the self adjusting brush contacts etc, fixed under the locomotive
and may also be fixed under the guards van if required.
Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view of the same shewing its central position between
the rails.
Fig. shews the lower part of a signal post with a switch on lever etc..
Fig. 6 shews the method of laying a temporary "conductor" and portable
or accidents.
electric bell for use of platelayers during repairs
Fig. 7 shews a diagram arrangement of signals, bells, batteries, conductors, and
wire connectious, etc. only as an example of the system.
Fig. 8 shews an arrangement of switches etc., for cutting out the continuous
ringing of the bells and proving circuit.
A is the distant signal with arm shewn at "danger." A is the arm shewn at
"line clear." A is the electro magnet for actuating the arm through the levers A³
and A. The spring A is for bringing the arm down to its normal position when
the current is broken. The spring may either act in compression or tension
the latter being preferable see A dotted. A" is the frame carrying all combined.
A and As are the terminals for connecting the current wires. B is the "home"
signal of similar construction to A.
C is the temporary platelayers signal also similar to A and B.
"
DD are batteries. E E etc. are the current wires. FF are the return current
conductor on insulated
wires. G is the portable bell and battery. His a
supports. I is the automatic switch on signal post making contact with J when
the signal arm is up at danger," K and L being the terminal wires connected
to the conductor "H. M is a swinging frame fixed under the locomotive and
carrying two or more brush contacts M and M' and a wide roller M² with
springs M³, M³,
N is the signal where N N are the ordinary signal levers with N³ N2 the
connecting rods or wires to signal posts.
O is the bell on the miniature signal fixed on the engine and applying only
the platelayers signals.
01,02, are the bells on the miniature signals forming part of the same box and
applying to the distant" and "home" signals.
P, is the switch for cutting out the bell the current being broken by moving the
handle to Q from Q.
P is the switch for proving local circuit on bell when handle is on Q3 and
cut out when moved to Q².
R1, R2, etc. are terminals for wires.
M and M (see Fig. 8) are insulated and each carry a separate current or circuit
one for the main ordinary current and one for proving current and forming
part of the swinging frame with contact brushes before described.
For example when a train or locomotive is on a "conductor" H the circuit is
formed through M and E to 01, returning to P1 and Q, and the circuit is not
completed until the switch is closed with Q and M.
When the train or locomotive is not on a "conductor" II, there is no communi-
cation through M, to M, but if the switch P is closed on Q the bell 01 will
ring through the ordinary circuit E, E¹. Switch off Ponto Q and the bell
circuit is interrupted but not the signal circuit.
The miniature signals may be of the ordinary construction such as are used in
most signal cabins actuated by an electromagnet in a suitable case but with
special bell circuit and terminals arranged as shewn and described.
In cases where an automatic switch is already fitted for indicators to cabin it
may or may not be utilised for our purpose or it may be necessary to fix the
switch described and shewn in Fig. 5.
In Fig. 6, the contact brush frame M is fixed to the locomotive which carrys the
platelayers signal or indicator C, and battery ID), shewn in diagram form. H is a
conductor "made in the most portable form and temporarily laid, when out of
reach of a permanent conductor." The conductor consisting of a wire rope
"

page_text: stretched over brackets (insulated) and anchored to brackets and tightening
screws Konto wooden sleepers. Wire connections with insulated covering is laid
along the ground to a convenient distance where the platelayers are at work and
connected up to the terminal on the portable bell G another wire is attached to
the other terminal L of the portable bell, and connected to the nearest convenient
rail for the "earth" return current so that when a train or locomotive is approach-
ing the spot where the men are at work the portable bell G and indicator bell (
on the locomotive will both ring as soon as the locomotive enters onto the conductor.
See Fig. the circuit is formed from battery in signal cabin D to rails T, T,
and through rail as conductor to wheel contact of engine and to terminals on
indicators A and 13 (home and distant signals) thence from B on locomotive to Bin
guards van through E and E back to M² contact and conductor H switch J, to
signal cabin indicators and batteries D).
are
The same description applies to the circuit for the distant signal.
two
one
The caution signal C has a separate circuit from battery Don engine to M
contact and conductor H back through indicator C to battery D see Fig. 6. There
of
circuits working independently
but simultaneously
through D, 1, M, H, 2 C back to D, and another from G through K, F, K, H, M,
E, F, L, back to battery see Fig. 8. The circuit H E and E is always open until
closed by the switch on signal post.
The local proving circuit is through Ò¹, P³, Q², Q³, D, M M HE' to 0¹.
"
In Fig. 7 the conductor H is laid in a similar manner to that in Fig. 6
except that is made permanent and in various lengths according to circumstances
of traffic the swinging frame M at one or both ends of the locomotive for
taking off the current when passing over a "conductor." The indicator A B and C
are fixed in the cab of the locomotive and an additional indicator box A and B may
be fixed in the guards van after the same system. The signals A and B represent
the signal posts for the distant and home signals with automatic
switches I, J. The connections from automatic switch to "conductor" are insulated
or covered wire and actuate the indicators or signals on the train as soon as it
enters onto a conductor."
"The connections E to signal cabin may be independent
of the one in ordinary use or such connections may be utilised as preferred..
The indicators" N in signal cabin are similar to those on the train and the
rails may be utilised for return "earth currents. The batteries 1 may be carried
on the train and the one in the signal cabin may be utilised.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is:-
1st. An electric system of automatic fog signalling on railways substantially as
described and for the purpose specified.
2nd. An electric communication between a train either moving or at rest and
the signals and signal cabin substantially as described and set forth.
3rd. Indicating to the driver and guaril the position of the signal arms by audible
and visible signals on the train substantially as described and set forth.
4th. A system of signalling by means of electric conductors laid between the rails
and actuating signals on the train substantially as described and set forth.
5th. A portable apparatus for warning driver of platelayers at work also warning
platelayers of approaching trains substantially as described and set forth.
Dated this 22nd day of February 1899.
W. HUDSON,
Agent for Applicant.
1:
"Kempscote, Coleraine Road, Westcombe Park, London, S.E.