Improved System and Apparatus for Signalling on Railways.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 10th July, 1889-Accepted, 21st Sept., 1889
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved System and Apparatus for Signalling on Railways.
WILLIAM ANDREWS, (Electrician) and WILLIAM HENRY PARKER (gentleman) both
of St. Anns Crescent Nottingham 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:-
This invention is for new and improved means and apparatus for providing a
complete electric communication (either by means of the telephone or indicators and
such like) between one railway train and another when in motion or between a train
and a signal box or boxes or between the engine and guards van and signal box
when required for the purpose of indicating or communicating the position of the
signal to the engine driver and guard of a train and all cases where telephonic com-
munication is required also to indicate when a train is in motion and at a stand still
and the distance between one train and another travelling in line of transit and all
such like purposes for regulation of traffic and prevention of accidents and the same
is carried out in the following manner.
We provide an insulated rail or other conductor of a suitable size and shape which
is laid down at a suitable distance outside the off rail or rails at a suitable eleva-
tion. This said rail is connected with each signal box. We provide on the engine
or any part of the train an adjustable insulated brush or contact roller which may be
lifted or turned out of contact hy the engine driver or guard. To this said brush or
contact roller we attach a copper wire or other suitable contact maker, to a
suitable transmitting and receiving apparatus F, galvanometer or semaphore indicator
by means of line G or wire, fixed in any suitable position on the engine or in the
guards van of train. We also provide a similar transmitting and receiving apparatus
which is fixed in each or every signal box, or on every train and connect same with
the insulated rail in the same manner as above described and thus when the brush
or contact roller is connected to the insulated rail telephonic communication may be
carried on electrically between one train and another next in line of transit, or one
train and the signal box which it is approaching or leaving. According to a modi-
fication of this invention we use indicators instead of the telephonic apparatus for
signalling or communicating as set forth, such indicators being to show one engine
driver the distance he is from another train next in line of transit, or to show the
signalman the distance one train is from another, or other purposes. In the accom-
panying drawings Fig. 1 shows engine A with brush or contact roller C fixed
thereto and travelling along insulated rail D. with which the indicators or telephonic
instruments are in connection both on the train or trains and the signal box or boxes.
F galvanometer or semaphore indicator G line or wire.
Fig. 2 shows front elevation of insulated brush or contact roller C on insulated
rail D. The same brush or contact roller is regulated or held in position by a
spring E or its equivalent and when desired may be raised out of contact with rail D.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed what we claim and desire to
secure by letters patent is
1. In an apparatus and means for communicating between railway trains and
signal boxes an insulated brush or contact roller C in contact when in use with an
insulated rail D which is connected by means of suitable contact makers with a
receiving and transmitting apparatus placed in the engine or guards van of a train or
trains and connected in a like manner with the signal box or boxes for the purpose
of electrically communicating by means of the telephone between one train and
another or a train or trains and a signal box or boxes.

page_text: na-
'ng
2. In an apparatus for communicating between railway trains and signal wes an
insulated brush or contact roller C connected with suitable galvanometers
phore indicators fixed in the train and in the signal box for the purpose o.
the distance of one train from another next in line of transit and for reco.ding the
progress of a train, substantially as described and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 9th day of July 1889.
E. EATON,
Agent for Applicants.