Improvements in Apparatus for Placing Detonators on Top of the Rails for Signalling Trains.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Mar.. 1893
Complete Specification Left, 4th Jan., 1894-Accepted, 17th Mar., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Placing Detonators on Top of the
Rails for Signalling Trains.
ROBERT PLATT Lock or Whitesmith 23 Union Street Hyde Cheshire do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
Namely in the construction of a circular plate or disc having arms, projections or
recesses provided thereon, or otherwise on which can be attached another circular
plate or disc having, arms projections or recesses made thereon to receive the said
detonators as the case may be, which circular plates or discs are fixed on the
permanent way alongside of the rails. By the revolving of these discs one of the
said detonators is placed immediately on top of the rails, and in such a position
as to be in readiness for being operated on as in the ordinary method of hand fogg
signalling. These circular plates or discs are made to revolve by means of a
horizontal shaft running alongside of the rails on which is attached bevil wheels
fixed in a stand and operates on corresponding bevil wheels attached to the under-
side of the lower discs.
In case of the horizontal shaft having either worm and worm wheel, or bevil
wheels attached thereon motion is given by means of a cross shaft running at right
angles in the same direction, on which is fixed other corresponding bevil wheels, and
which is geared to a vertical shaft attached to a stand or bracket having either
hand wheel or handle, but in case of motion being given by means of rack and
pinion it will be operated on by a system of cranks and lever, such lever being
fixed in a quadrant shaped frame with notches cut in to correspond with the number
of detonators fixed on the disc plates.
Motion is given to these discs by the above means or other such contrivances
that can be worked from the signal boxes or cabins or any other such convenient
places.
Other modifications may be made to the above which will be described in the
Complete Specification.
TEL: 051 1 of Munh 1902
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Placing Detonators on Top of the
Rails for Signalling Trains.
ROBERT PLATT 23 Union Street, Hyde, Cheshire, Whitesmith 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 :-
That the object of my invention consists in the construction of circular plates
or discs, with arms, projections or recesses provided thereon to receive the
detonators.
These detonators are attached at one end to tin plates by any suitable means, the
other end being so formed as to fit in the recess or jaws on the circular plates or
discs, which circular plates or discs are placed on the permanent way in pairs along-
side the rails at a distance laid down by the ordinary rules of fog signalling which
is usually about 10 yards apart.

page_text: These circular plates or discs are constructed as follows, namely a circular plate
or disc E on the outer rim of which are formed one or more projecting arms or
lips according to the number required, near the centre of this circular plate
or disc E on the top are vertical projections or snugs in a line with and to
correspond with projecting arms or lips.
To these vertical projections or snugs arms are attached by means of pins which
passes through ears formed at the end of the said arm having holes formed therein,
and a hole formed in the vertical projection or snug, thereby forming a hinge or
joint.
At the other end of the said arın and on the underside is formed a recess, so
formed as to fit on the projecting arm or lip on the circular plate or disc E thus
forming a jaw or clip.
On the underside of this hinged arm Q and at the back of the recess is attached
a vertical projection which passes through a slot hole formed into the circular plate
or disc E at the back of the projecting arm or lip in which it moves freely.
A spring Y is attached to the vertical projection R in such a manner as to keep
the hinged arm or joint Q down on the projecting arm or lip on the circular plate
or disc E.
In the centre of the circular plate or disc E and behind the vertical projections
or snugs a hole is drilled through to receive a stud, at the top of which is formed a
head or flange, at the other end is formed a thread or worn the said thread or
worn screws into a hole tapped to receive it on the top of the support that carries
the horizontal shaft and bevil wheel.
The circular plate or disc E having a corresponding bevil wheel secured to the
underside to gear into the bevil wheel fixed into the bracket or support.
By the revolving of these circular plates or discs E a given distance, one of the
above mentioned arms, projections, or recesses, to which are attached the
detonators D is moved immediately on top of the rail A for being operated on by
the engine or truck as the case may be, as in the ordinary method of hand fog
signalling.
The motion is given to the circular plates or discs E by means of a horizontal
shaft H* Fig. 3 & 4 Sheet 2. running lineable alongside of the rails in suitable
brackets or supports attached to the permanent way in the usual manner Fig. 3 & 4
Sheet 2. Fig. 9-10-11 Sheet 3.
Keyed on this horizontal shaft is a bevil wheel of suitable size corresponding
and working into a similar one attached to the underside of the circular plate or
disc E thereby giving it a rotating motion as described above.
Another way of giving
a rotatory motion to these circular plates or discs E is
instead of having a bevil wheel attached to the under side as described above, it
can be given by means of a worm and worm wheel, the wheel itself being attached
or keyed on a vertical spindle on which the circular plate or disc E is secured to,
and the worm secured on the horizontal shaft running alongside the rails as
described above.
Motion is given to this horizontal shaft by means of a cross shaft H Fig. 3.
Sheet 2. running in right angles with it, on the extreme end of which is attached a
bevil wheel corresponding with a similar bevil wheel keyed on the horizontal shaft
secured by suitable bearings or fixings to the permanent way as indicated Fig. 3 & 4
Sheet 2.
Also on the permanent way and fixed in any convenient position is an upright
hollow fixing or standard, K Fig. 3 & 4. Sheet 2. having on the top a flange or
collar L Fig. 15 of suitable size, on the upper face of which are drilled or bored
two holes M³ at opposite centres, and near the outer edge of the flange.
Also there are formed two recesses N¹ Fig. 15 in the outer edge of the said
flange L', and also at opposite centres, which are close to the said holes M' and cut
in about 30 degrees angle, and of sufficient depth to allow a catch or spawl O' to
fit therein.
Running through the centre of the upright hollow fixing or standard K¹ and

page_text: resting in a footstep at the bottom of same is a vertical shaft P¹ on top of which is
attached a handle Q which is so formed as to only move or rotate in one direction
which is caused by a catch or spawl O' fixed in a recess or box by means of a pin R¹
formed at the extreme end of the lever forming the arm of the handle Q¹, and
projects beyond the top flange L' of the hollow fixing or standard K'
This catch or spawl O' is forced into the recess N formed into the top flange L'
by means of a spring S' secured into the box and immediately behind such catch or
spawl O', which keeps or presses it against the outer edge of the flange L', and
prevents the said lever Q' from being moved backwards beyond half a turn, for the
catch or spawl O' is forced by means of the said spring S' into the recess N³, which
acts as a safeguard from moving the lever Q' the wrong way.
In the arm of this said lever Q' there is cut an oblong slot hole in which is fitted
another cranked lever T¹ working on a pin U. One end of this cranked lever T'
is bent down at right angles with it so as to fit and fall in the hole M' bored in the
top face of the flange L to receive it.
The opposite end of this cranked lever T' is set or cranked down sufficiently to
clear the underside or bottom face of the arm Q' and is bossed out on the extreme
end to receive a vertical pin V1 which works freely but is secured thereto by means
of a nut and screw attached to the bottom end thereof.
At the top of this vertical pin V₁ is formed a head or flange W' against which
works a spiral spring X" of the same diameter which spring X' coils around the
said vertical pin V₁.
The vertical handle of this arm Q is drilled out to receive the vertical pin Vi
along with the spiral spring X, the head of which pin projects beyond the top of
the handle sufficient to allow it to be pressed down so as to raise the pin on the
end of the cranked lever T' out of the hole M' in the flauge L' of upright hollow
fixing or standard K¹.
When the bent end of the cranked lever T¹ is in the hole M¹ on the top of the
flange the catch or spawl O' is slightly behind the recess N' cut in the outer
edge of the flange L'.
The handle is keyed or otherwise secured on the vertical shaft P in the upright
fixing K near the bottom end of which shaft and close to the said footstep is
attached a bevil wheel Y which gives motion to another similar wheel Z¹ of pro-
portionate dimensions to the work required keyed or otherwise secured on the end
of the cross shaft opposite to the end that works into the horizontal shaft, Fig. 3
and 4, Sheet 2.
In place of the cross shaft giving motion to the horizontal shaft as herebefore
described motion may be given by means of a quadrant A', lever B', and weight C¹
fixed in a oblong box or case D' sunk into the permanent way alongside the rails
and under the horizontal shaft Fig. 5 Sheet 2.
This box or case D' is made in the usual way having sides, ends and bottom,
with ears or projections E¹ cast on the top of both sides in suitable positions,
having holes formed therein for the horizontal shaft to pass through. On one end
of this box D' is formed a slot hole F having ears or projections G formed on
both sides between which projections or ears G¹ fits a sinall grooved pulley H'
secured by means of a centre pin I passing through both the ears G¹ and pulley H',
and on which pin I¹ the pulley H' revolves.
Inside of this oblong box or case D₁ is fixed a quadrant A' with a boss on its
centre to receive the horizontal shaft, and also a groove formed on its outer rim to
receive a chain or wire rope J' which rope J¹ is carried forward to any suitable
position either in the signal box or permanent way, and connected to a lever as in
the ordinary way of signalling. Fixed alongside the quadrant A' is a lever B¹
having a weight C attached to one end and a boss at the other to receive the
horizontal shaft, both the quadrant A' and lever B' is secured to the horizontal
shaft by means of set screws, pins, or keys, or any other suitable means of
fastening.
When the oblong box or case D' containing the quadrant A' lever B' and

page_text: weight C is fixed ready for work, the relative position of the balance weight C
in the oblong box or case D₁ should be vertical when the detonator D is clear of
the rail A, and horizontal when the hinged arm Q on the circular disc E is
opposite to the receiver P and in the act of taking a detonator D out thereof.
When it is desirous to place a detonator D upon the rail A, the man in charge
pulls over the lever until it arrives at a notch formed on the surface of the frame
to receive the catch on the lever, the weight C' in the oblong box D' being slightly
out of the vertical position.
When the signal arm falls to line clear the man in charge pulls the lever more
towards himself and to the extreme end of the frame which allows the weight C'
in the oblong box D' to fall vertically when it brings the detonator D clear of the
rail A and prevents the engine from operating on it.
When the engine or train has passed and the signal arm is at danger the lever
must be pushed back again until the catch falls into the notch formed on the frame
thereby ready for being operated on again, this latter movement can be repeated
any number of times provided the detonator D does not get exploded.
When it is required to take out of the receiver P a fresh detonator D it requires
the lever to be forced back again into its normal position when it is pulled over
into the notch again ready for being operated on.
Motion can also be given to the circular plates or discs E by means of rack and
pinion as described below:-Fig. 1 & 2. Sheet 1. Fig. 6. 7. 8. 12. 13 & 14 Sheet 3.
Fixed on the permanent way in any convenient position is a quadrant shaped
frame J. Fig. 1 & 2. Sheet 1. having its circular part notched out on its top
surface for the reception of the catch or catches M attached on the moveable
operating lever K.
In this quadrant shaped frame J fits a lever K as used in the ordinary way of
signalling, which works to and fro on a centre pin L fitted in a boss cast on the
said frame J to receive it.
The bottom part of the lever K is formed as a quadrant having teeth cut or cast
in its lower face which works into or gives motion to a toothed wheel G fixed in a
support on the bottom of the quadrant shaped frame J.
This toothed wheel G is attached to a cross shaft H on the other end of which
is attached a similar toothed wheel G which gears into a rack F, both of which
works into a frame or trough I attached to the permanent way.
In a suitably shaped stand or bracket C Fig. 1. 2. 6. 7. 8. 12. 13 & 14. Sheets 1.2
& 3. fixed on the permanent way alongside the rail is cut or cast an oblong hole
made to receive the said rack F and pinion the pinion itself being keyed or
otherwise fastened on a vertical shaft passing through centre of bracket on the top
part of which shaft is also secured the circular plates or discs E.
These racks F are connected together by means of gutter rodding B or other
such like contrivances, thereby with working the lever K in the quadrant shaped
frame J as described above a horizontal backward and forward motion is given to
the rodding B which also imparts a similar motion to the said circular plates on
discs E.
When it is desired to have a greater number of detonators D than those on the
circular plates or discs E a receiver P. Figs. 1. 2. 3. 4. 9. 10. 12 & 13. Sheets 1. 2
& 3. is provided which fits into an outer casing sunk in position and fixed alongside
the rails of the permanent way, which outer casing forms part of the brackets o
supports C which carry the circular plates or discs E, and in which receiver
detonators D are placed or stored.
This receiver P which is of an oblong shape is made to fit or slide into the oute
casing and held in this position by means of a spring catch, attached to the back o
the outer casing thereof.
In this inner casing or receiver P is a spiral spring of suitable strength for the
purpose of raising the detonators D to the top of such receiver P one after anothe
as they are taken out by the hinged arm Q.,
On the top of this spiral spring is attached an oblong shaped head which fits int

page_text: the said receiver P, this head has the form of a step on the top portion of which
rests the detonators D, the lower portion forming a clearance for the projecting arm
or lip on the circular plate or disc E with the hinged arm Q on top thereof, when
the said receiver P is empty and not in use.
This receiver P is designed for its handiness in putting a quantity of
detonators D in at one operation, thereby saving a considerable amount of time
in charging the casing one by one if they were put in the outer casing or receiver P
itself.
The inner receiver P itself forms an oblong shaped box having one of its sides
open one half its depth, this half being fitted with an hinged door and a spring
catch for securing same, the door opens outwards so as to allow the casing to be
recharged with detonators D when empty.
The top part of this receiver P which is immediately in front of the projecting
hinged arm or lip Q on the circular plate or disc E when in the act of taking a
detonator D out of the receiver P is cut away to correspond with the head on top
of the spiral spring thereby allowing the detonator plate D to project beyond it
ready to be clipped or grasped by the projected hinged arm or lip Q on the circular
plate or disc E.
These detonator plates D. Fig. 16. Sheet 3. are made of tin of oblong shape
having a loop formed at one end in which the detonator D itself is fixed, with the
loose end of this loop slightly bent in so that when the detonator D is pressed into
the said loop it is somewhat locked in position between the top and bottom parts of
the loop, the other end of the detonator plate D is so constructed as to fit exactly
into the hinged arm Q of the circular plate or disc E as in Figs. 10. 12. 13 & 14.
Sheet 3.
In order that my said invention may be more clearly understood I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe same by the annexed sheet of drawings, the
same letters of reference indicating parts in all the respective figures.
Figure 1. Sheet 1. illustrates a plan of my said invention worked with rack and
pinion operated by the lever fitted in a quadrant shaped frame.
Figure 2 Sheet 1. shows an elevation of the same.
Figure 3. Sheet 2. illustrates a plan of my said invention worked by means of
bevil wheels operated by the turning of an handle in a suitable fixing or hollow
standard.
Figure 4. Sheet 2. shows an elevation of the same.
Figure 5. Sheet 2. illustrates by plan elevation and side view another method of
working these circular plates or discs by means of wire roping attached to a
operating lever from the signal box.
Figs. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13 & 14. Sheet 3. gives the various details of the parts
which will be more fully described below:-
A is the ordinary rail, B the gutter rodding, C brackets or supports carrying the
circular plates or discs fixed to the permanent way as in the ordinary method, D are
the detonators fixed in position on the circular plates or discs E. is the said circular
plates or discs on which are attached the detonators. F. is the rack attached to
the gutter rodding. G. is the small rack pinion keyed or otherwise secured on
cross shaft H. which works into a troughed shaped frame I. at one end, and the
quadrant shaped frame J. the other, the top surface of which frame is notched out
to correspond with the number of detonators fixed on the circular plates or discs.
K is the lever the bottom part of which is formed as a quadrant with teeth on its
outer rim or edge to gear into the teeth of the rack pinion, which lever works on a
centre pin L. fixed into a boss cast on the quadrant shaped frame J.
.
On the lever K is attached by means of studs or otherwise 2 catches M.
working in opposite directions in the notches formed into the top surface of the
quadrant shaped frame J.
:
The circular plate E. as shown is divided in eight divisions, detonators being
placed on seven of them only thereby leaving one space vacant, the reason for this
being that it gives the lever K in the quadrant shaped frame J. its extreme position

page_text: or starting point as shown by the lever in dotted lines Figure 2. Sheet 1. which also
denotes that the line is clear.
When the signal arm is at danger the man in attendance on the apparatus lifts
one of the catches M. on the lever K Fig. 2 Sheet 1. which catch must always be
in advance of him out of the notch and moves the said lever K one space or limited
traverse letting the catch M fall back into its position, the other catch M at the
same time or moment falls into a notch cut the opposite way in the other half of the
frame J. thereby holding the lever K. in this position until released by the man in
attendance, this movement of the lever K places one of the detonators of both
the circular plates or discs on the top of the rail ready for being operated on by
the engine.
If the signal arm falls or signifies the line clear which necessitates the removal
of the detonator from the rail unexploded as it continually happens, a backward
movement of the lever K will accomplish the object, this operation is repeated
until the lever K falls into the position or other end of the frame from whence its
starts, which position indicates that the whole of the detonators have been exploded
and wants replenishing.
In place of the circular plates or discs E. having preparations made thereon to
receive the detonators D. a plate N. Figs. 6. 7 & 8 Sheet 3. can be used which have
projections with recesses formed therein to receive the said detonator D. which is
secured to the circular plate or disc by means of a thumb screw or pin O. thereby
making it easier for the man in charge to replenish the apparatus with detonators
more quicker.
When it is required to take out of the receiver P. a detonator D. the vertical
projection R Fig. 14 Sheet 3 on the underside of the hinged arm Q, on the circular
plate or disc E. is brought in contact with a curved shaped race S Fig. 13. Sheet 3
which is secured to the outside casing of receiver P. by means of a bracket T cast
on in such a position as to be above the lowest point of the vertical projection R.
at the other end of the race S. furthest from the receiver casing P. is formed a
joint U to which is attached a short bent curved arm V. by means of a pin W.
forming a continuation of the race S. This short bent curved arm is forced in
position by a spring X which is fixed or attached to the outer edge of the race S.
the extreme end of which is below the bottom of the vertical projection R which
has the hinged arm ou top of the circular plate or disc, and opposite the rail when
not in use, is moved towards the receiver P bringing the vertical projection with it
and coming in contact with the short bent curved arm of the race S. causing the
hinged arm on the circular plate or disc to raise up and is so held until brought
opposite the receiver P. when it is forced down by the spring Y. attached to the
said vertical projection for this purpose on one of the detonators D. by the curved
race S. terminating at this point which also clears the race S.
To place the detonator on the rail the circular plate or disc is caused to revolve
back bringing out of the receiver the detonator until opposite the rail over which
it is placed, during this movement the vertical projection R. is moved along the
inner surface of the race S. until it comes to the joint U. of the short bent curved
arm V which it forces outwards until the end is reached when it is again forced in
position by the spring X.
The detonator stays on the rail so long as the signal is at danger and allowed to
be exploded by the passing train or engine, or to be taken off when the arm of the
signal is down, which indicates that the line is clear.
The detonator is taken off or placed on the rail by the man in charge of the
apparatus by moving the circular plate or disc slightly forward towards the receiver
and just clear of the rail.
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
1st. The construction of a circular plate or disc with arms, projections, or recesses

page_text: formed thereon to receive the detonators as shown in Figures 1. 2. 3. 4 & 6, 7 & 8
Sheets 1. 2 & 3 as herein described and set forth.
2nd. The construction of a circular plate or disc having one or more hinged
arm projections or lips formed thereon to receive the detonators as shown in
Figures 1. 2. 3. 4. 9. 10. 12. 13 & 14 Sheets 1. 2 & 3 as herein described and set
forth.
3rd. The construction of a plain circular plate or disc with a thumb screw hole
provided thereon for the purpose of which is to attach another loose circular plate
with projections or preparations made thereon to receive the detonators as shown in
Figures 7 & 8 Sheet 3. as herein described and set forth.
4th The construction of a upright hollow fixing or standard with handle, vertical
shaft, and bevil wheels, as shown in Fig. 3 & 4 Sheet 2 as herein described and set
forth.
5th. The construction of a quadrant shaped frame or support with notches,
catches, operating lever with quadrant on bottom having teeth formed thereon as
shown in Figures 1 & 2 Sheet 1. as herein described and set forth.
6th. The construction of an oblong casing with the circular race attached, and
in which fits a receiver in which the detonators are stored as shown in Figures 1. 2.
3. 4. 9. 10. 12. & 13. Sheets 1. 2 & 3 as herein described and set forth.
7th. The construction of an oblong box or casing having horizontal shaft,
quadrant and balance weight attached as shown in Figure 5. Sheet 2. as herein
described and set forth.
Dated this 26th day of December 1893
ROBERT PLATT.