Improvements in Actuating Points or Switches and Signals on Railways, and Mechanism for Effecting Same.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Sept., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 18th Feb., 1890-Accepted, 24th Nov., 1890
Improvements in Actuating Points or Switches and Signals on
Railways, and Mechanism for Effecting Same.
I, CUTHBERT ELLISON CARR, of Hedgeley, Alnwick, in the County of Northumber-
land, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
In my Patent No. 9150 of 18SS and Provisional Specification No. 7183 of 1889
I described a proposed method of moving railway switches and signals by fluid or
atmospheric pressure or suction or by a combination of pressure and suction. I
assumed however that fluid pressure would usually be the power used and I shall
describe my present invention on the same assumption. The object of my above
named inventions was to facilitate the moving of railway switches and signals by
apparatus that enabled the motive power to be applied to several switches and signals
by the successive movements of one handle instead of by moving a number of
different handles, to diminish the labour required and the time occupied, and to
simplify the mechanism by dispensing with many of the most expensive and
perishable parts now in use.
The object of my present invention is to facilitate the movement of one signal, or
one pair of switches, or other object to be moved, by each of a number of different
handles as will frequently be necessary in the application of my former inventions.
shall illustrate the working of my invention by the case of a small junction con-
sisting of a single line of railway passing three places called A B and C with a
branch single line from Bto D joining it at 13; and switches C and D, on the main
and branch lines respectively, leading into sidings. As the lines are single lines
there will be traffic passing over both lines in both directions and the three pairs of
switches at BC and D will all face the traffic passing over them in one or other
direction. They will therefore be provided with wedges and lock bars.
assume that there are the following seven signals viz. :-
No. 1. The down distant signal.
No. 2. The down main line stopping signal.
No. 3. The down branch line stopping signal.
No. 4. The up main line stopping signal.
No. 5. The up main line distant signal.
No. 6. The up branch line stopping signal.
No. 7. The up branch line distant signal.
I shall also
By my former inventions, above mentioned, and by my present invention, two
forms of which I am about to describe, I should materially reduce the number of
levers required to work this junction by hand power. In both cases the signals would
be lowered by the motion of the pistons or plungers of single ended cylinders and the
switches with their lock bars and wedges would be moved by the pistons or plungers
of double ended cylinders. The signals would be connected with the plungers of
their cylinders by suitable mechanism and the switches would be connected with the
pistons of their cylinders by means of rods, levers, and other appliances so arranged
that one stroke of the plunger would move the lock bar, withdraw the wedges or
point detectors, move over the switches and force home the wedges or point detectors.
Each single ended cylinder and each end of each double ended cylinder would be
entered by a pipe which would divide into a branch pressure and branch escape pipe,
controlled by suitable valves to be presently described, making when necessary
certain other branches, also to be presently described, and then joining a main
pressure and main escape pipe which lead respectively to an accumulator or some
other apparatus for obtaining the desired pressure, and to a tank from which the fluid
can be again passed into the accumulator.

page_text: By the first form of my invention I should use only two handles each of which
might move in a sector provided with notches so that the handle could be moved
accurately into a number of different positions. Each handle would be able to be
moved in either directions from a normal position so that the two would together be
able to make four classes of movements corresponding to the four directions in which
traffic would have to be passed over the junction. One handle might by its move-
ments to the right and left respectively control the up main and branch line traffic
and the other might control the down main and branch line traffic; or one might
control the up and down amain line traffic while the other controlled the up and down
branch line traffic. I will adopt the latter arrangement for the sake of example. The
working of one handle in one direction will illustrate the working of all.
Take for example the motions of one handle in one direction, say towards the left,
from its normal position by which a down branch line train is passed over the
junction. The movement of the handle to the first notch will set the switches at D)
right, the movement of the handle to the third notch will set the switches
at B right the movement to the third notch will lower the down branch
line stopping signal No. 3 and the movement to the fourth notch will lower the
down stopping signal No. 1 which is common to the down main and branch line
trains.
The backward movements of the handle will perform the reverse operations of
releasing the signals and putting the switches back into their normal positions again;
and all the operations can be performed either in immediate sequence by putting the
handle back at once into its normal position or by checking the backward motion of
the handle at the desired notch. In like manner the motion of this handle to the
right will pass an up branch line train over the junction; and in like manner the
motions of the other handle will set the switches and signals right for the main line
trains.
The means by which these results are effected are as follows:-Each handle is
attached to a valve rod actuating two distinct combinations of valves according as it
is moved by icnsion or compression. These valve rods are provided with slots so
arranged that they act in proper sequence upon the valves in the branch pipes leading
to the cylinders of the switches and signals to be moved so that they permit and cut
off the inflow and outflow of fluid from each cylinder at the proper movement.
In the case of the junction in question it will be observed that distant signal No. 1
which is common to the down main and branch line traffic, is sometimes lowered by
one handle and sometimes by the other. In the first form of my present invention
this is effected as follows:-When the signal is in its normal position, at danger, the
piston of its cylinder is in the position into which it has been drawn by the rising
signal and the necessary weights. The pressure is cut off and the escape open from
the cylinder. Each handle must be able to reverse this state of things. Therefore
the branch escape pipe leading to the cylinder is provided with two consecutive
valves each connected with one of the handles by its valve rod. The closing of either
of these valves will close the pipe so that either handle can do this. On the other
hand the branch pressure pipe, leading to the cylinder, is made to divide into two
branches each of which is provided with a valve connected with one of the handles so
that either handle can open one branch and thus open the pipe.
There is no instance at the small junction described above of a pair of switches that
must be capable of being moved by either of two handles but instances of this will
be very common at large junctions. In such a case when the switches are in their
normal position the piston is at one end of the cylinder: The branch pressure and
escape pipes leading to that end will be treated exactly like those described above in
the case of the distant signal No. 1.
The branch pressure and escape pipes leading to the other end of the cylinder will
be in the reverse conditions and will be treated in the reverse manner. Thus the
branch pressure pipe will be open in its normal condition and will be provided with
two consecutive valves, the closing of either of which will close the pipe; and the
branch escape pipe which will be closed will be provided with two branches each

page_text: cams
57
cams
:
with its own valve the opening of either of which will open the pipe. Each handle
will be connected by its valve rod with one of these escape and one of these pressure
valves at each end of the cylinder so that by moving either handle the condition of
these valves may be reversed and the switches put over. This principle is capable
of indefinite extension so that by merely increasing the number of loops and valves
any number of handles may be given complete control of any switches or signals.
The second form of my invention effects the same objects in a slightly different
manner. Instead of two handles working each in both directions I should preferably
use four handles each working in only one direction. The valves in the pressure
and escape pipes, leading to the cylinders of each pair of switches and each signal, or
each combination of switches or signals that are always worked in unison, are moved
by a rocking bar. These rocking bars may be conveniently arranged parallel with
each other and they will be connected with the handles by means of rods. These rods
may conveniently be made to cross the rocking bars at right angles and be fitted with
to act on levers attached to the rocking bars. By means of these
and levers the rocking bars will be made to make a partial revolution, whenever the
appropriate handle is moved to the requisite extent, and the valves in the branch
pipes will be opened or closed as desired. As two or more handles are to be in
many cases able to move the same valves and, as the movement of the valves by
any one handle must not entail the movement of the other handles connected with
them, it follows that the connection between the handles and the valves must at
some point be a loose one. That is to say that the handles will only be capable
of moving the valves in one direction and these will be brought back to their
normal positions by means of weights, springs or other equivalent mechanism
when the pressure from the handles is removed. This arrangement is quite
appropriate, as it stands, to the case of the signals which must be arranged to
go automatically to danger in case of any breakage in the mechanism. But
it is not desirable that the stitches should in like manner go automatically back
to their normal positions in case of a breakage. This is prevented by means of
rods from the switches or from the wedges or point detectors which are carried
back to interlock with the handles or with the mechanism attached to the handles,
either in the signal cabin or in some other convenient position. This interlocking
effects a double object for it prevents the handles being moved far enough to lower
a signal unless all the switches covered by that sigual are in their exact proper
position; and when the signals have once been lowered it prevents the switches or
wedges being again moved until the handle has been moved back with the object
of releasing the signal and allowing it to rise to danger. This interlocking may be
conveniently effected by making the rods from the switches or wedges cross the rods
connecting the handles with the rocking bars from which it is proposed to work the
valves. The interlocking of the handles one with another may be effected by any of
the well known systems now in use but might conveniently be carried out by means
of levers attached to the rocking bars and so arranged that whenever a rocking bar
was moved by one handle it would lock the rods from all the other handles from
which contradictory signals could be given.
A further development of my invention enables me to make a further reduction
in the number of handles or levers and thus simplify the interlocking of them.
Whenever there are two or more handles working in the same direction and used
for lowering different signals, which are either all actually incompatible with each
other or which, at least, are all so situated that it is not desired to lower any two of
them at the same moment, these handles may be dispensed with; and the rods which
would have communicated their movements to the appropriate valves may be
collectively worked from one handle as explained below.
The rods to be moved will be brought into the vicinity of a main bar. This bar
will be capable of being moved longitudinally backwards and forwards as well as in
a rotary manner on its axis and will be fitted at suitable points with projecting horns
or bosses. These horns will be so arranged that when the bar is in the proper
position one of them will engage in a slot or notch of the rod to be moved and will

page_text: .
then move it by means of the longitudinal motion then given to the bar. The bar
may where desirable be fitted with discs revolving with it which are so supported in
their bearings that though capable of revolving with the bar they are not able to
join in its longitudinal, motions but allow it to slide through them when so moving
backwards and forwards. The use of these discs is that they engage in the slots or
notches of the valve rods when the latter are not engaged by the horn or boss for
moving them, and lock these rods so that no motion can be accidentally given to
them, but when a valve rod is required to be moved longitudinally it moves through
a slot in the revolving disc. The latter is thus locked, and so is the bar, against
any revolving motion, until the valve rod is replaced in its normal position.
The means by which the revolving and longitudinal motion are given at the proper
moments to the revolving bar are as follows:-The bar passes at some convenient
point through the axis of a drum which is fixed so that it cannot move, and is provided
with a number of slots corresponding to the number of different combinations of
switches and signals that the bar has to be able to move. The bar is at this point also
fitted with a strong pointer firmly fixed to it. The end of the revolving bar forms a
hollow screw in which there works a solid screw.
This latter screw is so fitted that it can be revolved in either direction but cannot
move longitudinally.
The outer surface of the hollow screw is cut into notches in which a weighted
pawl engages and the notches are so shaped that the "pawl" prevents the hollow screw
and bar from revolving, except in one direction, say from left to right for example.
When the revolving bar is in its normal position the pointer mentioned above is free
from all the slots in the slotted barrel but is resting opposite the slot into which it
would enter if a train had to be passed in some one direction over the junction.
Take the small junction already described and say, for example, that the revolving bar
was in its normal position when the pointer will be clear of but opposite the slot in
the slotted barrel into which it would have to enter when it was desired to pass a
down main line train over the junction.
**
To effect the latter operation the solid screw is revolved from right to left. As
the hollow screw is prevented by the weighted pawl" from following this circular
movement it is forced longitudinally forward and the appropriate horn being
engaged in the proper valve rod the desired movements of switches and signals are
effected:
In putting the switches and signals back into their normal position the solid screw
is revolved from left to right until the pointer on the revolving bar is again clear of
the slot in the slotted barrel.
This is the furthest point that the revolving bar can reach in its backward
longitudinal motion. If it be now desired to pass, say an up branch line train over
the junction the revolving motion of the solid screw from left to right is continued
and as the hollow screw is now free to revolve from left to right and cannot move
further longitudinally backward it follows the revolving motion of the solid screw.
When the pointer on the revolving bar comes opposite the slot in the slotted barrel
corresponding with the up branch line traffic the motion of the solid screw is reversed
and as the hollow screw cannot join in this reverse motion by reason of the weighted
pawl it is forced longitudinally forward. Another horn on the revolving bar has
now engaged the proper valve rod and the desired changes are made in the positions
of the switches and signals.
Suitable appliances will be used to enable the signalman to revolve the solid screw
and to repeat before him the motions of the pointer on the revolving bar, with
reference to the slotted barrel.
Where more than one revolving bar is used means will be taken to interlock them
or some other part of the apparatus as may be required.
It is obvious that though I have described an apparatus in which circular motion
is applied, for the purpose of adjustment, and longitudinal motion, for the purpose
of performing the operations desired on the switches and signals, the principle of my

page_text: invention would be equally compatible with an apparatus in which longitudinal
motion may be used for the purpose of adjustment and circular motion to apply the
forces by which the switches, signals &c. were to be moved.
Improvements in Actuating Points or Switches and Signals on
Railways, and Mechanism for Effecting same.
I, CUTHBERT ELLISON CARR, of Hedgeley, Alnwick, in the County of
Northumberland, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of said invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
In my Patent No. 9150 of 18SS I described a proposed method of moving railway
switches and signals by fluid or atmospheric pressure or suction or by a combination
of pressure and suction. I assumed however that fluid pressure would usually be
the power used and I shall describe my present invention on the same assumption.
The object of my present invention is to facilitate the movement of one signal, or
one pair of switches, or other object to be moved, by each of a number of
different handles as will frequently be necessary in the application of my former
invention.
I shall illustrate the working of my invention by the case of a small junction
consisting of a single line of railway passing three places called A. Band with a
brunch single line from 3 to D joining it at B; and switches at C, and D, on the
main and branch lines respectively, leading into sidings. As the lines are single
lines there will be traffic passing over both main and branch lines in both directions
and the three pairs of switches at B, C and D will all face the traffic passing over
them in one or other direction. They will therefore be provided with wedges and
lock bars. I shall also assume that there are the following seven signals viz.:-
No. 1 the down distant signal main line
::
main line stopping signal
branch line stopping signal
up main line stopping signal
distant signal
"
3
73
""
"
"
"
"
23
33
"
"
7
"
"
"
32
23.
1;
"
branch line stopping signal
distant sigual.
By my former invention, above mentioned, and by my present invention, two
forms of which I am about to describe, I should materially reduce the number of
levers required to work this junction by hand power. In both cases the signals
would be lowered by the motion of the pistons or plungers of single ended cylinders
and the switches with their lock bars and wedges would be moved by the pistons or
plungers of double ended cylinders. The siguals would be connected with the plungers
of their cylinders by suitable mechanism and the switches would be connected with
the pistons of their cylinders by means of rods, levers, and other appliances so
arranged that one stroke of the plunger would move the lock bar, withdraw the
wedges or point detectors, move over the switches and force home the wedges or
point detectors. Each single ended cylinder and each end of each double ended
cylinder would be entered by a pipe which would divide into a branch pressure and
branch escape pipe, controlled by suitable valves to be presently described, making
when necessary certain other branches, also to be presently described, and then
joining a main pressure and main escape pipe which lead respectively to an
accumulator or some other apparatus for obtaining the desired pressure, and to a
tank from which the fluid can be again passed into the accumulator.

page_text: In my Provisional Specification of this application I described, as the first form
of my invention, working with 2 handles each moving in both directions from a
normal position, but I have now reason to think that the arrangement of working
with 4 handles, each moving in one direction only, described as the 2nd form in
Provisional Specification, will be generally preferable and I have therefore illustrated
my invention as so worked by the drawings accompanying this Specification whether
carried out by the system of simple and compound loops or by that of rocking bars.
It will however be understood that either 2 handles or 4 may be adopted and with
either the loop or rocking bar system of working the valves and that, as an alternative
system, the former will be sufficiently explained by reference to the drawings of the
latter, because the same results are obtained by eitlier system in working the junction
illustrated and which was taken as a typical case. The only difference is that each
handle is moved in both directions from a normal position and the slotted rods are
slightly different to effect the same operations in the cocks or valves. This mode
of working was shewn on drawings filed with application No. 9150 of 1888.
The loop pipes are not required in the rocking bar system but in connection with
this part of my invention the working of valves or cocks in the loops is fully
illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
Referring now to four handles, each working in only one direction. The valves
in the pressure and escape pipes, leading to the cylinders of each pair of switches
and each signal, or each combination of switches or signals that are always worked
in unison, are moved by a rocking bar. These rocking bars may be conveniently
arranged parallel with each other and they will be connected with the handles by
means of rods. These rods may conveniently be made to cross the rocking bars at
right angles and be fitted with "cams" or cam shaped slots to act on levers attached
to the rocking bars. By means of these cams and levers the rocking bars will
be made to make a partial revolution, whenever the appropriate handle is moved
to the requisite extent, and the valves, communicating with the switch and signal
cylinders by pipes, will be opened or closed as desired. As two or more handles are
*
to be in many cases able to move the same valves and as the movement of the
valves by any one handle must not entail the movement of the other handles connected
with them, it follows that the connection between the handles and the valves must
at some point be a loose one: That is to say that the handles will only be capable of
moving the valves in one direction and these will be brought back to their normal posi-
tions by means of weights, springs or other equivalent mechanism when the pressure
from the handles is removed or, as I now intend, by a backward movement of the handle.
This arrangement is quite appropriate, as it stands, to the case of the signals which
must be arranged to go automatically to danger in case of any breakage in the mechan-
ism. But it is not desirable that the switches should in like manner go automatically
back to their normal positions in case of a breakage. This is prevented by means
of rods from the switches. or from the wedges or point detectors, which are carried
back to interlock with the handles or with the mechanism attached to the handles,
either in the signal cabin or in some other convenient position. This interlocking
effects a double object for it prevents the handles being moved far enough to lower
a signal, unless all the switches covered by the signal are in their exact proper
position and, when the signals have once been lowered, it prevents the switches or
wedges being again moved until the handle has been moved back, with the object
of releasing the signal and allowing it to rise to danger. This interlocking may be
conveniently effected by making the rods from the switches or wedges cross the
cam "slotted rods connecting the handle with the rocking bars from which it
is proposed to work the valves. The interlocking of the handles one with another
may be effected by any of the well known systems now in use but might conveniently
be carried out by means of levers attached to the rocking bars and so arranged that
whenever a rocking bar was moved by one handle it would lock the rods from all
the other handles from which contradictory signals could be given,
In the case of this junction worked by the loop system whether with 2 or 4 handles
it will be observed that distant signal No. 1, which is common to the down main aud

page_text: branch line traffic, is sometimes lowered by one handle and sometimes by the other.
This is effected as follows:-When the signal is in its normal position, at danger, the
piston of its cylinder is in the position into which it has been drawn by the rising
signal and the necessary weights. The pressure is cut off and the escape open from
the cylinder. Each handle must be able to reverse this state of things. Therefore
the branch escape pipe leading to the cylinder is provided with two consecutive valves,
each connected with one of the handles by its valve rod. The closing of either of
these valves will close the pipe so that either handle can do this. On the other handt
the branch pressure pipe, leading to the cylinder, is made to divide into two branches
each of which is provided with a valve connected with one of the handles so that
either handle can open one branch and thus open the pipe.
There is no instance at the small junction described above of a pair of switches that
must be capable of being moved by either of two handles but instances of this will be
very common at large junctions. In such a case, when the switches are in their
normal position the piston is at one end of the cylinder. The branch pressure and
escape pipes leading to that end will be treated exactly like those described above in
the case of the distant signal No. 1. The branch pressure and escape pipes leading to
the other end of the cylinder will be in the reverse conditions and will be treated
in the reverse manner. Thus the branch pressure pipe will be open in its normal con-
dition and will be provided with two consecutive valves, the closing of either of which
will close the pipe; and the branch escape pipe, which will be closed, will be provided
with two branches each with its own valve the opening of either of which will open
the pipe. Each handle will be connected by its valve rod with one of these escape and
one of these pressure valves at each end of the cylinder so that, by moving either
handle, the condition of these valves may be reversed and the switches put over.
This principle is capable of indefinite extension so that, by merely increasing the
number of loops and valves, any number of handles may be given complete control of
any switches or signals.
A further developement of my invention enables me to make a further reduction in
the number of handles or levers and thus simplify the interlocking of them. When-
ever there are two or more handles working in the same direction and used for
lowering different signals, which are either all actually incompatible with each other
or which at least are all so situated that it is not desired to lower any two of them at
the same moment, these handles may be dispensed with, and the rols which would
have communicated their movements to the appropriate valves may be collectively
worked from one handle as explained below.
The rods to be moved will be brought into the vicinity of a main bar. This bar
will be capable of being moved longitudinally backwards and forwards as well as in a
rotary manner on its axis and will be fitted at suitable points with projecting horns
or bosses. These horns will be so arranged that when the bar is in the proper position.
one of them will engage in a slot or notch of the rod to be moved and will then move
it by means of the longitudinal motion then given to the bar. The bar may, where
desirable, be fitted with discs revolving with it which are so supported in their
bearings that though capable of revolving with the bar they are not able to join in its
longitudinal motions but allow it to slide through them when so moving backwards
and forwards. The use of these discs is that they engage in the slots or notches
of the valve rods when the latter are not engaged by the horn or boss for moving
them, and lock these rods so that no motion can be accidently given to them.
but when a valve rod is required to be moved longitudinally it moves through a slot
in the revolving disc. The latter is thus locked, and so is the bar, against any
revolving motion until the valve rod is replaced in its normal position.
The means by which the revolving and longitudinal motion are given at the proper
moments to the revolving bar are as follows:-The bar passes at some convenient
point through the axis of a drum which is fixed so that it cannot move and is provided
with a number of slots corresponding to the number of different combinations of
switches and signals that the bar has to be able to move. The bar is at this point
also fitted with a strong pointer firmly fixed to it. The end of the revolving bar

page_text: 27
forms a hollow screw in which there. works a solid screw. This latter screw is so
fitted that it can be revolved in either direction but cannot move longitudinally.
The outer surface of the hollow screw is cut into notches-in which a weighted
pawl engages and the notches are so shaped that the pawl prevents the
hollow screw and bar from. revolving, except in one direction, say from left to
right for example. When the revolving bar is in its normal position the pointer
mentioned above is free from all the slots in the slotted barrel but is resting opposite
the slot into which it would enter if a train had to be passed in some one direction
over the junction.
Suitable appliances will be used to enable the signalman to revolve the solid 'screw
and to repeat before him the motions of the pointer on the revolving bar, with
reference to the slotted barrel.
Where more than one revolving bar is used-means will be taken to interlock them
or some other part of the apparatus as may be required.
On the accompanying S sheets of drawings I illustrate my invention as I at
present propose to carry it into practical application, but various modifications may
be necessary, as to details, as special cases arise in railway practice.
Sheet 1. shows a plan of the junction previously described of one single branch
from a main line (single) with a siding from the main line and from the branch
7 signals controlling the up and down traffic with 4 handles in signal cabin, each
handle being moved in one direction, to effect all the required operations by opening
and closing cocks or valves in loop pipes the return movements of the handle bring-
ing the switches and signals back to their normal position.
Sheet 2. shows the same junction worked by 4 handles, each moving in one direction
only, actuating rocking bars by which the required operations on the cocks or valves
of signal and switch cylinders are effected without loop pipes.
Sheet 3. shows the detail of the mechanism of the rocking bars system.
Sheets 4 and 44 show a continuous plan of an actual junction on an English
railway as it would be worked according to my invention by the loop system
of pipes.
Sheets 5 and 54 show, by enlarged diagrams, the arrangement of loop pipes
required for the above junction and the operation of the cocks or valves, in
4 positions of one handle in signal cabin, the handle being No. 5 of the series of
16 required.
1
Sheet 6. shows the alternative mechanism of the long bar system for operating
cocks or valves in the loop pipes instead of a great number of separate handles for
effecting the required operations on the signals and switches.
Referring to Sheet 1. Fig. 1. The main line is marked ML the branch line BL
the main line siding M L S and branch siding BLS. The signal cabin is at X.
From the source of pressure the fluid is conveyed along the line in a main pipe M P
indicated by a thick line and after having acted in the cylinders returns by a
main escape pipe ME indicated by a double thin line to the source, to be
again used.
From these main pressure and main escape pipes, at suitable points, branch pressure
and escape pipes BP and B E, distinguished by thick and thin lines, form loops L
from which single pipes, indicated by the thick dotted lines, lead to the cylinders S CA;
SC and S Co which are placed at, and work, the switches marked A. B and C with
their lock bars and wedges and to the signal cylinders C, C, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, which
are shewn near to the loops and work the signals 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6 and 7 by chains or
wires indicated by thin dotted lines.
In each of the branch pressure and branch escape pipes forming the loops is a valve
or cock indicated by and all these are opened and closed in proper sequence by
slotted valve rods.

page_text: Handle No. works the switches and signals in connection with a train passing
along the main line in the direction of the full arrow.
Handle No. 2- works the switches and signals in connection with a train passing
along the main line in the direction of the dotted arrow <.
Handle No. 3 works the switches and signal in connection with a train passing along
the branch line in the direction of the full arrow >.
Handle No. 4 works the switches and signals in connection required to pass a train
from the branch onto the main line in direction of the dotted arrow (E;
From the lever handles in sigual cabin X slotted rods VR extend crossing all
the loop pipes connected with the main pressure pipes P and the escape pipes E.
To explain the operations of the 4 handles upon the cocks or valves in the loop
pipes, and through them upon the switch and signal cylinders, I will describe the
case of No. 1. handle which being moved from its normal position at 0' to 1 in
sector diagram Fig. 2 sets switches B, then being moved from 1 to 2 lowers stopping
signal No. 4 and being further moved to position 3 lowers distant signal No. 5.
The other handles Nos. 2.3 and 4 perform similar operations upon the switches A
and and upon the signals 1. 3. 6 and 7. No. 2..handle in addition also works
switch B and signals 1 and 2 in connection.
Referring to Sheet 2 (Fig. 3). The main and branch lines and their sidings are
marked as in: Sheet 1. The signal cabin is at X and in it there are 4 handles which
by mechanism, to be presently described in detail with reference to Sheet 3, open and
close valves which control the operations of the 7 signal cylinders marked C₁, C³, C³,
C, C, C, and placed near the cabin from which chains or cords, indicated by
thin dotted lines, lead to the siguals and of the switch cylinders marked S CA,
SC, and SC placed near their respective switchies to which pipes, indicated by
thick dotted lines, lead from the valves in cabin. The 4 handles perform exactly the
same operations as previously described with reference to Sheet 1.
1.
:
Referring to mechanism in signal cabin shewn on Sheet 3. Fig. 4 is a side elevation of
handle (No. 1 on Fig. 5) with its vertical bar V B' having "cam" shaped slots S¹, S², S³
and Sand working in guides GG. The other handles Nos. 2. 3 and 4 are each
attached to similar vertical bars shewn on Fig. 5 and marked V 1², V B³ and V B
and on Fig. 6 the 4 vertical bars are shewn separately to shew the shapes of the
***cam shaped slots. The handles Nos. 1. 2. 3 and 4, by means of the
shaped slots in the 4 vertical bars acting upon the spindles of the 11 pressure
and 11 escape valves marked P. and E., cause pressure from the accumulator to be
transmitted by pipes to the signal cylinders to lower the signals and to the switch
cylinders to move the switches and also allow the fluid to escape and the signals to
rise to danger and the switches to be moved back in their proper sequence.
cam
Handle No: 1 being in position O on sector and being moved to division 1 actuates
the pressure and escape valves PE and P E', which are worked together, and
alternately admit pressure to or release the fluid from one end or the other of the
switch cylinder S CB by the "cain" shaped slot S through the arm A on the
rocking bar R 13 so as to move the switches at B. The 2nd movement from 1 to 2
actuates the valves P and E2 by the cam shaped slot S³ which causes the stopping
signal No. to be lowered and the 3rd motion from 2 to 3 actuates the
valves P³, E by the "
32
cam shaped slot S¹ and causes the distant signal No. 5 to be
lowered:
The other handles Nos. 23 and 4 perform similar operations upon the switches A
and and upon the signals Nos. 1. 2. 3. 6 and 7 with the following qualifications
viz.:
:―
As distant signal No. 5-is worked only by handle 1 its valves are worked direct
from VB without the intervention of a rocking bar the rocking bar RBI shewn
being in connection with VBand. V B³ (see Fig. 5).
As distant signal No. 1 is common to handles 2 and 3 its valves are worked by the
rocking bar RB in connection with V Band VB3 the horizontal notch N in the
top of the cam" shaped slots of these bars (see Fig: 6) locking No. 2 handle when
No. 3 handle is moved and locking No. 3 handle when No. 2 is moved.

page_text: On Fig. 5 the valves which work the signal cylinders are marked 1. 2. 3. 4., 5. 6
and 7 and those which work the switch cylinders are marked A, B and C.
As distant signal No. 7 is only worked by handle No. 4 its valves are also worked
direct from V B without the intervention of a rocking bar.
Switch B has to be moved by handles 1 and 2 so its valves are moved by a rocking
bar in connection with VB and V B Switches A and C are similarly worked by
handles 3 and 4.
As switchies A and C have always to be moved together one set of valves is
sufficient for both cylinders the pipes being divided after they leave the cabin so as
to lead to each end of the cylinders at switches A and Cras shewn at ** on Sheet 2.
The valves for each stopping signal, 4. 2. 3 and 6 are each worked direct
from VB, VB, V B³ and V B respectively.
The vertical bars VB, VB, VB, V.B are interlocked by means of a rocking
bar RB3 to which motion is given by the slot S Fig. 4 Sheet 3. as soon as any one
vertical rod is moved from its normal position. When this takes place the rocking
bar, by its arms, draws the piu P into the notches N of the slots in the bars VB, VB
and VB so that they cannot be moved from their normal position until the bar V.B
has been replaced in its normal position.
The locking bars from the switches L BA, L BB and L BC, shewn in end view on
Fig. in elevation on Fig. 5, and in plan and elevation on Fig. 7 connected with
the switches by connecting rods marked CR on Sheets 1. 2. prevent the handle
being pulled over far enough to lower any signals until the switch is right home by
the following action.
When the narrow portion of the bar Vis in the slot of any of the vertical bars VB,
which can only be when the switches are fully over, the handle can be pulled over
so as to lower the signals but when the enlarged portion Y of the bar is in the slot
of any of the vertical bars VB the handle will either be entirely locked or can only
be moved so as to actuate the switches and until these are fully over no signal can be
lowered.
Although Sheet 3 shows the slotted rods working reciprocating sliding valves,
either by the intervention of rocking bars or direct, a slightly different arrangement
of slots might be used to communicate revolving motion, through the rocking bars,
to the plugs or keys of circular cocks and the interlocking of the handles could then be
effected by separate rocking bars and slots..
The actual junction illustrated continuously on Sheets 4 and 44 (Fig. 8) consists
of a single main line M L between P and W with a branch B L G and relief
sidings RS with double line opposite platform P and dock D for train from or to G:
At this junction there are 6 switches 5 of which are double ended viz.:-Nos. 1-2,
3-4, 6-7, 8-10, and 9-11 having both ends actuated together No. 5 switch being
single ended.
The locking of handles to prevent a signal being lowered, until the switches it
protects are fully over, is effected in a similar manner, to that shewn and described
with reférence to 'Sheets 1. 2 and 3 by connecting rods CR leading from the switch
to cabin.
Opposite each pair of switches will be placed a double acting cylinder (11 in all)
and there will be a single acting cylinder for each signal (18 in all)..
The groups of loops are shewn, for the sake of clearness, disposed on one plane as
being below the surface but they may be in some cases disposed vertically one group
above another, so as to occupy much less space and permit of their being contained
in a chamber provided for them or even in the signal cabin.
Referring now to Sheets and 5ª Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12 shew 5 groups of loops,
forming part of the arrangement on Sheets 4, and 44 shewn to an enlarged scale and
are as follows (No. 5 handle being that which is operating) viz.:--the loops in
connection with switch cylinders Nos. 1-2. 5, and 6-7 and signal cylinders 4 and 5.
These loops comprise 5 groups viz-
1st. A which is a simple loop.conveying pressure and releasing pressure to and
from signal cylinder No. 5 and is actuated by handle No. 5 only.

page_text: 2nd. B which is a compound loop conveying pressure and releasing pressure to
and from signal No. 4 and is actuated alternatively by handles Nos. 5. 6 or 7.
3rd. C. C C², and C³ which are compound loops conveying pressure to or releasing
it from the opposite ends of the double acting switch cylinders S C¹ and S C and
actuated by handles Nos. 5. G. 10 and 14.
4th. D and D which are similar compound loops conveying pressure to or releasing
it from the opposite ends of the double acting switch cylinder S C³ and actuated by
handles 2. 3. 5. 6 and 10.
5th. E, E, E, and 3 which are similar compound loops conveying pressure to or
releasing it from the opposite ends of the double acting switch cylinders SC and SC²
2nd. B which is a compound loop conveying pressure and releasing pressure to
and from signal No. 4 and is actuated alternatively by handles Nos. 5. 6 or 7.
3rd. C. CC, and C which are compound loops conveying pressure to or releasing
it from the opposite ends of the double acting switch cylinders S C¹ and S C and
actuated by handles Nos. 5. 6. 10 and 14.
4th. D and D which are similar compound loops conveying pressure to or releasing
it from the opposite ends of the double acting switch cylinder S C and actuated by
handles 2. 3. 5. 6 and 10.
5th. E, E, E, and 13 which are similar compound loops conveying pressure to or
releasing it from the opposite ends of the double acting switch cylinders SC and SC
and actuated by handles 2.5. 9 and 10.
On Sheets 4 and 4* these groups 5 of loops are lettered
1st A
2nd B
3rd
C
=
=
C³
(on Sheet 5)
04
(
do. )
=
S C¹ (
do.
=
S C² (
rio.
)
4th
S C³ (
do.
)
E
=
E¹
S C° (
do.
>
5th
E²
=
S C7
do.
)
Es
Each pair of compound loops to work a set of switches consists of a group of
pressure pipes with a single escape pipe and another group of escape pipes with a
single pressure pipe. Taking groups C, C for example, group C consists of
4 escape pipes marked E in each of which is a cock, o worked by slotted rods from
handles in cabin, and a single pressure pipe marked P having in it 4 cocks O.
Group C consists of 4 pressure pipes marked P1 in each of which is a cock and a
single escape pipe E having in it cocks. Thus it will be seen that any one of the
cocks in the pipes of each group being opened or closed opens or closes the switch
cylinder to the main escape pipe ME, or to the main pressure pipe MP, but that
all 4 cocks in the single escape or pressure pipes E and P must be opened or closed
before communication can be made with the cylinders.
The groups of loops may be reduced in number by arranging one group only instead
of two to work those pairs of switches which are double ended and therefore must
work together as for example Nos. 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 5, and 9-11 where one pipe
from the loop may divide into two branches one to each of the switch cylinders.
Thus 5 groups will be saved.
On Fig. 9 the handle H indicated by a full line on sector diagram, is in its normal
position all signals being at danger. This handle is connected with slotted rod V R
No. 5 indicated by a double line.
On Fig. 10 the handle has been moved one division to the right which sets
switches Nos. 1-2, 5, 6-7 (Sheet 1), right for a train passing from G into siding.
On Fig. 11 the handle is in a position in which it will have lowered signal No. 5
which is the home signal from G, see Sheet 4.
On Fig. 12 the handle is in the position in which it will have lowered distant
signal No. 4, see Sheet 4.
Cocks which are closed are indicated by a full
by a O circle.
circle and those which are open
In these 4 diagrams the valve rods crossing the loops from handles 2. 3. 6. 7. 9. 10
and 14, (see Sheet 4.) are indicated by thin lines, and perform the same operations on
the same switches, as also on other switches and signals viz. :-
No. 2 handle actuates switches 5, 6-7 but would at the same time actuate
signals 2 and 1.

page_text: NO. nanare actuates SWIĘC and signals
6
"
"
::
"
"
"
9
"
37
"
"
10
14
"3
"3
23
"
"
switches 1-2 and 5 and signals G and 4.
no switches but signals 4 and 7.
switches 5, and 1-2 and also signal 18.
1-2, 5, and 6-7 also signal 10.
1-2 also signals 13 and 17.
""
11'
The switches Nos. 1-2, 5, and 6-7 having been set and signals and 5 having
been lowered the line is clear for a train to pass from G to siding. The advantages
of the compound loops will be seen by taking as an illustration the groups C.C₁₂,
and Fig. 12 Sheet 54 which have moved and set switches 1-2 by No. 5 handle.
The cocks indicated by Oare open all the others closed. Suppose now handle 6 could
be moved by failure of interlocking gear the opening or closing of any of the cocks
with which it is connected could not affect the switches already set by No. 5 handle,
until that handle was put back to its normal position, when only any of the rods
crossing these 2 groups could affect these switches and afterwards lower other signals
in their proper sequence as previously described.
On Sheet 6 I illustrate a modification of the mechanism by which the slotted rods
opening and closing the cocks upon the loop system of pipes just described may be
effected and by which several handles in the signal cabin may be dispensed with.
The mechanism is shewn on Figs. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17; 18 and 19 (Sheet 6). Fig. 13
being a sectional elevation in one extreme position Fig. 14 a sectional elevation of the
mechanism in the other extreme position. Fig. 15 a plan of the mechanism shown
in Figs. 1 and 2 when actuating one slotted rod VR and Fig. 16 a plan when
operating slotted rod V R. Figs. 17 18 and 19 are end views of portions of the
mechanism.
This mechanism consists of a long bar B carried in bearings at suitable intervals
and it has both a revolving and reciprocating motion given to it and upon it is fixed
an arm A. A drum or barrel D fixed to the frame F; and formed with long slots,
corresponding in number to the requirements of the junction.
At intervals upon the long bar B are horns H, H³ fixed so as to revolve and to
reciprocate with it and projecting from it as shown. These horns operate in their turn
the sliding rods Stand SR so as to open and close the cocks on the loop pipes
of any combination of switches and signals, which may be desired, by the recipro-
cating motion of the long bar imparted to the slotted valve rods VR by the lever
arms LA and LA and they correspond with the slots in the drum D. Upon the
opposite end of the bar is formed a screw box SB with an internal screw thread cut
in it in which works a screwed spindle SS the length of the screw being proportioned
to the reciprocating travel required to be given to the long bar and the thread of a
quick pitch so that say 2 revolutions of the spindle SS will give the required travel
to the long bar. The outer surface of the screw box SB forms a long ratchet wheel
into the teeth of which a 51
pawl Pengages to prevent the long bar revolving in
both directions.
The screwed spindle SS is revolved by a pair of mitre wheels through a vertical
spindle VS which extends into the signal cabin in which is a hand wheel or handle
worked by the signalman with an arrangement of mechanism which indicates to
him the positions of the arm A or long bar B relatively to the slots in the drum D
an index plate informing him which slot is opposite the arm A and this index will
be marked "main line "*** branch line" &c. &c.
The operation of the mechanism is as follows, the switches and signals having been
set say for the "main-line" and required to be changed and set say for the
"branch-line" The signalman by his hand wheel causes the screwed spindle SS to
rotate so as to draw the screw box SB travelling upon it into the position shewn on
Fig. 13 (Sheet 6) in which the end of the screwed spindle abuts against the end of the
box, and the arm A on the long bar is clear of the slot in drum D corresponding say
with the "main-line" switches. The distant and stopping signals protecting say the
main line which were previously lowered will, by this movement of the long bar to
the right, have been released and will have risen to danger. The signalinan, now

page_text: continuing to rotate the screwed spindle also rotates the long bar until the arm A is
in a position to enter the slot in the drum D corresponding say to the "branch-line'
such position being indicated to the signalman on the index plate before named.
The rotation of the long bar will have changed one of the horns II' from the position
in which it was in connection with the slotted rod which opens and closes the cocks in
the loop pipes controlling the combination of switches and signals necessary to open,
say the main-line," into the horizontal position opposite as shewn on Fig. 13. He
now causes the screwed spindle S S to rotate in the opposite direction and the
screw box SB and with it the long bar B, being prevented from revolving by the
"pawl P in the ratchet wheel R, travels to the left the arm A entering the slot in
the drum D corresponding say to the "branch-line" the horn, H will now be
engaged with the sliding bar SR which opens and closes the cocks in the loop pipes
controlling the combination of switches and signals necessary to close, say the
"main-line," and to open, say the "branch-line, and by the continued rotation of
the screwed spindle SS, by the signalman, the long bar will carry with it to the left
the horn H (see Fig. 14) which, through the sliding bar attached by lever arms LA¹
to slotted rod VR which opens and closes the cocks in the loop pipes, will cause the
switches to be moved and the signals lowered, or allowed to rise to danger, in their
proper sequence.
Figs. 15 and 16 shew in plan the left hand portion of the long bar in separate
connections with the slotted valve rods VR and VR².
In Fig. 15 the horn His in the position shewn on Fig. 14 and las carried the.
sliding rod SR to the extreme left and by means of the lever arm L A', has
pulled the slotted rod VR to the extreme right and has acted upon the cocks of
distant and stopping signal cylinders so as to lower these signals in their proper
sequence the switches being already in their proper and normal positions.
The other sliding rod S R is now in its extreme position to the right and the
slotted rod VR2 connected with the cocks of distant signal cylinder does not
operate.
In Fig. 16 the bar has been again drawn by the signalmans operation in cabin
to the right the arm A being clear of the slot in barrel S B corresponding to
stopping signal, and has been revolved half a cirele bringing the horn H² into
operation with the sliding rod S R which has been moved by the horn to the
extreme left and by the lever arm L A has pulled the slotted rod V R toward the
right and operated the cocks of stopping signal cylinder so as to lower that signal.
The same reversed sequence of operation by the signalman will change the signals
again.
In the case of the same valves or cocks being required to be worked for any one
pair of switches in combination with the valves, or cocks of 2 distinct signals it will be
necessary to provide the locking discs LD Figs. 13 and 14 and 17 Sheet 6, the
action of which is as follows:-
The disc LD is keyed on the long bar and has in it 2 slots opposite each other
through either of which the sliding rod SR with the horn H can pass freely when
the slot is in line with the valve rod as shewn. In this case there will be an extra
horn when a set of switches is to be worked in connection with 2 signals so that
when the long bar is turned through a portion of a revolution to throw the horn.
which actuates the valve rod of one signal, out of connection and to put the horn
which actuates the valve rod of another signal into connection, the connection of the
horn which actuates the switch valve rod shall not be disturbed. This locking disc pre-
vents the valve rod being moved when the corresponding horn is not in position
and it also prevents the long bar B being turned if the valve rod is not in its
proper position.
This system of mechanism is equally applicable to the working of the valves con-
trolling the signals and switches by the rocking bar system in which the horns will
act upon the vertical" cam slotted bars V B in the same manner as upon the
slotted rods VR as just described.
و.
In carrying my invention into practical application, either by the system of loop

page_text: pipes or by rocking bars without the intervention of loop pipes I reserve the right
of adopting a modification in which the switches will be worked by one set of handles
and the signals by another separate set. In such cases one-handle would be used to
move the, valves of each signal cylinder (such as a stopping signal, for instance) the
lowering, of which does not depend upon the previous lowering of some other signal.
One handle would move the valves of the cylinders operating all the switches which
had to be moved previously to the lowering of each signal protecting such switches.
Or separate handles might be so arranged, when a number of switches were to be
moved, that one handle should move, simultaneously, the valves of such of the
switches as, are to be moved together and the other handle or handles.should. move,
consecutively and in proper succession, all the other switches..
When any one pair of switches required to be moved in connection with more than
one combination of other pairs of switches, it would have to be capable of. being
moved by each of the handles moving such combinations and, this could be effected by
certain arrangements of the mechanism of the slotted valve rods or of the vertical
bars with cam shaped slots either with the loop. pipes or rocking bars system,
and the interlocking of the handles might be effected as previously described, with
the handles, each working a pair of switches and their signals, or by other means
already in practice.
Distant signals and other signals, the lowering of which depends upon the previous
lowering of some other signal (for instance a stopping signal) would be lowered,
either by separate handles of their own, or by the latter portion of the motion of the
handles which lower, those signals upon the lowering of which their lowering depended
or where no distant signal or other signal of that class was required, the stopping
signal would be worked direct, from the handle by a chain or rod as at present.
When one distant signal required to be worked in connection with separate stopping
signals, its valves would be operated by mechanism (either with the loop pipes or
rocking bar system) which would connect it with the handles of all such stopping
signals.
When in such modifications the revolving and reciprocating bar was used, instead
of a number of handles, the slots in slotted barrel would be so arranged as to operate;
through the horns, lever arms and sliding bars upon the slotted rods or vertical cam"
slotted bars; only such switches and their protecting signals as were required to be
moved in consecutive order, other switches and signals being operated by separate
handles as previously described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said.
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
First. For the purpose of actuating the switches and signals on railways by fluid,
air or gas under direct pressure, or the pressure of the atmosphere, admitted to and
released, from cylinders fitted with. pistons or rams, the application of apparatus con
sisting of a system of loop pipes in which are cocks or valves operated by slotted
rods attached to handles in signal cabin in such succession as to cause the following
operations to be performed by each of a number of different handles imoving
continuously into a series of positions in a sector of a circle viz. :-
1st. Remove all pressure from the switches, as then set raise the locking or
safety bar; withdraw the wedges and move the switches over lower the
locking bar and replace the wedges.
2nd. Lower a stopping signal.
3rd. Lower a distant signal (if required) and. by backward movements of
different handles from certain positions, to allow a signal previously lowered
to rise to danger, when necessary, and again to lower it without interference,
with other signals or with the switches, as then set; substantially as described
and shewn with reference to Sheets 1. 4. 4. 5 and 5 of the drawings.
Second. For effecting the foregoing operations the alternative application of
handles, each moving in both directions, from a normal or
326
zero point; into a

page_text: sories of positions in a sector of a circle, instead of continuously in one direction
with a view to diminishing the number of handles in signal cabin, substantially as in
part described but not illustrated.
Third. For effecting the foregoing operations the application of rocking bars
oporating by means of cam slotted bars, connected to the handles in cabin,
pressure and escape cocks or valves from which pipes lead direct to and from the
switch and signal cylinders, without the intervention of loop pipes; substantially as
described and illustrated on Sheets 2 and 3.
if
::
Fourth. For offecting the same operations by a reduced number of handles, the
application of revolving and reciprocating bars operating, by projecting horns upon
slotted rods, in such a manner as to open and close cocks or valves in loop pipes, or
проп cam slotted bars, causing valves or cocks to be opened and closed by rocking
bars, without the intervention of loop pipes, so as to admit pressure to, or release it
from, cylinders in connection with the switches and signals in required sequence
substantially as described and, in one form, illustrated by drawings on Sheet 6.
Fifth. The alternative mode of application of the loop pipes, or of the rocking bars,
systems in which separate handles may be used for actuating the cocks or valves of the
switches and the cocks or valves of the signals or such of them as it may be expedient
to actuate separately; substantially as described.
Sixth. In combination with mechanism for effecting such operations on the switches
and signals, by loop pipes or by rocking bars, actuated either by a separate handle for
cach switch and its controlling signals or by a separate handle for switches and
signals or some of them (as in previous claim) the application of mechanism whereby
locking discs enable 2 or more distinct and separate signals to be worked in con-
noction with any one pair of switches, so as to lower or release, such signals, without
moving the switches and prevent the valve rod being moved, on the revolving bar
being turned, when the corresponding horn is not in position, or when the valve rod
is not in proper position; substantially as described and shewn by drawings on
Sheet 6.
وو
Seventh. In combination with said mechanism the interlocking of the handles with
cach other by the rocking bar acting upon a lock" notch in slotted bar, as
described and shewn by Sheet 3 of drawings, and the locking of the handles, direct
from the switches, so as to prevent a signal being lowered till they are fully changed
and secured; substantially as described with reference to Sheets 1. 2.4 and 4 and
shewn by Sheet 3 of drawings, as applied to the rocking bar system.
T. J. DANSON, F.I.P.A.,
2, St. Nicholas' Buildings, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Agent for Applicant