Improvements in or connected with Electric Block Signalling Apparatus for Railways.
Year: 1895

page_text: Late of Application (in United Kingdom), 30th Apr., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 30th Jan., 1896-Accepted, 11th Apr., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Electric Block Signalling
Apparatus for Railways.
We, ALFRED BERRY, of 24 Avenue de Montsouris, Paris, France, Electrician,
and JOSEPH LIPKOWSKI, of 10 Rue du Mont-Thaba, Paris, France, Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The present application for Letters Patent has for its subject an arrangement of
electro-automatic apparatus intended to prevent collisions of trains and to indicate
their movement.
Between any two successive stations, the line is divided into sections, the number
of which varies according to the requirements of the traffic.
We will suppose two stations to be situated, in the vicinity of each other, one
being the "departure" station, and the other the "arrival" station, and there
being a switch-board at each, a transmitting board, and a receiving board, both
alike in construction, save as regards a few contact-pieces or switches.
These switch-boards aunounce the passage of a train at each section of the line,
by the displacement of an index hand, moving in front of a graduated dial, having
as many divisions as there are sections between the two stations.
The station inaster is thus at all times acquainted with the condition of the "up"
and "down" line sections under the control of his station.
The station-boards carry two series of devices of similar construction, so that
they are adapted to record the movement or progress of two trains travelling in
the same direction and on the same line.
In the signal boxes, at the meeting points of the line-sections, there are placed
"section" switch-boards, indicating the state of the line along each section, both
as regards the "up" line and the "down" line.
An indicating board, arranged upon the engine, transmits to the engine-driver
the signals which are generally made for his guidance along the line.
Special mechanism is arranged upon the line, between the rails, and connected
both with the line-wires, and the wires of each signal box, for the purpose of
placing the devices of the indicator board, arranged on the engine, in communication
with the instruments of the signal box and station.
To facilitate illustration, we will assume that there are three sectious of line
only, between two neighbouring stations.
And in order to assist in forming an idea of the invention, we have illustrated
the principle thereof in the accompanying drawings, being diagrams, given by way
of example only, of our improved electro-automatic plant.

page_text: Figure 1 being (a representation of) the departure switch-board at a railway
station, while
Figure 2 is an end view thereof;
Figure 3 shows the arrival board at a station;
Figure 4 shows a "section" board adapted for use in a signal box.
Figure 5 being a cross section thereof on line 1, 2, 3, 4;
Figure 6 shows the arrangement fitted to the engine and the line devices
connected therewith;
Figure 7 represents the indicator apparatus supported by the engine, and
Figure 8 is a diagram of the complete plant of our apparatus.
In these several figures, the same reference letters designate like parts
throughout.
The station board cemprises a lock S', operated by an official of the company,
say, the station master, by means of a key specially provided for the purpose, with
a view to closing electrical circuits for the operation of the various parts or devices
of our arrangement.
Or such operation may be performed automatically, as shall be explained
further on.
The lock, consisting merely of a species of sleeve, capable of turning about its
own axis, carries two finger-pieces or keys T' T', serving to connect the
contacts C C and C3 C4, so as to close the corresponding circuits.
A spring
controlled contact C³ serves to close the circuit terminating at that contact, through
the medium of the key, when it is inserted into the lock St.
As soon as the departure of a train is signalled, the entrance aperture of the
lock Sis concealed from view by a shutter P
This shutter is suspended from the end of a lever L, which, in its turn, is
supported by the end of another lever, L, which is attracted by the electro-
magnet E', or by the electro-magnet E2, as the case may be.
As shown in Figure 1, owing to the arrangement of the lever L, the shutter P¹
is lowered or raised, according as the lever L' is attracted by either one or the
other of the electro-magnets E' or E².
The shutter remains in the lowered position so long as the other lock is not
operated for the purpose of starting another train along the line.
The station master unable to use the apparatus before the train has reached
the next-succeeding section of line. If it should be necessary for him to send a
second train on the line, he must operate another lock S2 actuating a series of
devices identical with those mentioned above, with which the station board is
provided for the purpose; in that case, as will be explained further ou, the starting
signal cannot be given until after the first train has passed the first section of the
line.
The progress of each train is recorded upon the station-board by means of an index
hand A turning in front of the divisions of a graduated dial.
As soon as a train enters upon the first line-section, the hand A', which was, till
then, concealed, moves the space of one division, whenever the train passes on,
from one division to the next. Upon the arrival of the train at the next-following
station, the index hand under the action of releasing gearing resumes its initial
position, in which it is concealed from view.
The apparatus is, moreover, provided with a second index hand A2, the object of
which is to indicate the progress of a second train which may happen to be
travelling on the identical line and in the same direction.
As the mechanism operating each of the index-hands A' A' is the same, it need
only be described in respect of one hand (say the hand A').
The index-hand A', keyed on to the spindle B, carries a balancing-weight Dat
its end, which weight serves to always return the hand to its initial position. This
spindle receives rotary motion through the medium of a ratchet wheel F, which it
carries, and of a pawl placed upon the end of a bell-crank lever L, operated by an
electro-magnet E³, the hand A is retained in each of its positions by a counter-

page_text: pawl G, pivotted on the spindle H, and maintained in contact with the ratchet-
wheel F by the action of the spring I. A lever L³, according as it is attracted by
the electro-magnet E4, or the electro-magnet E³, serves to bring about the
engagement or disengagement of the counter-pawi G between the teeth of the
wheel F.
As before stated, the hands A' A² move in front of a dial having as many
divisions as there are line sections between the departure station and the arrival
station, and we have supposed the line to be divided into three sections between
those two points.
When a hand is in the zero position, it is concealed from view, and by that very
fact indicates that there is, at the time, no train, upon the first section of the line;
as soon, however, as it appears in a conspicuous position, facing any one of the
divisions I II or III it becomes indicative of the presence of a train, on the first,
second or third section of the line (as the case may be); and as soon as the train
arrives at the station, the said hand returns to the position in front of zero.
The index-land A' is provided with a finger-piece or key T3 adapted to connect.
electrically, in the transmitting or "departure" instrument only, the contacts C'C',
when it comes to occupy the position I.
The key thus forms a circuit which includes the departure signal J.
When the index finger A¹ comes to assume the position III, the said key T
will connect the two remaining contacts C8 C, thereby closing a circuit through
the electro-magnet E, which, in consequence, will attract the lever L³. This lever
will then swing round the counter-pawl G upon its axis or pivot H, and at the
same time raise the pawl of the lever L³, so as to release the ratchet wheel F;
when the hand A¹ will return to its initial position under the action of its
weight.
In the receiving or "arrival" instrument, the contacts C6 C7 correspond to the
zero position, and the contacts C³ C° to the position II (Figure 3), with the result
that, when the index-hand comes to the zero position, the circuit through the
electro-magnet E will thereby be closed. Accordingly, the lever L³ will be
attracted and, under the action of the spring I, the pawl of the lever L2 and the
counter-pawl will both be thrown into engagement with the teeth of the ratchet-
wheel F.
While if the hand assume the position II, the circuit through the electro-
magnet E3 will be closed, the lever L' attracted; the lever L raised, together
with the shutter P¹; and, consequently, the "arrival" switch-board lock
exposed.
The circuits leading to the contacts or switches C and C are closed by means
of the key T and by the lever L, which carries such key, being attracted by the
electro-magnet E, owing to the completion of the circuit formed by the line wire
passing through the said electro maguet E.
As
At the contact C" there terminates a circuit from a local battery, which
comprises an electric bell arrangement J, and is controlled by the key T.
before stated, the station switch-board is fitted with a second series of identical
devices, with those first described, adapted to keep a record of the progress of a
second train which may happen to have been started on the same line, and to be
moving in the same direction as the first. This second series of devices is arranged
below the first series, so as not to add to the size of the indicator-board; the two
locks S'S' only, not being superposed.
The "arrival" board is practically indentical with the "departure" board;
there is, however, a slight difference between them as regards the disposition of
the contacts C C and C³ C, as specified above (Figure 3) and the lock is also
some what different, inasmuch as it is here provided with a third key T, which
serves to connect the contacts C and C¹³, for the purpose of controlling,
through C³, the circuit, which, on starting, from a local battery, passes through
the electro-magnets E' and E.
The switch-board put up at the signal box of a section, has three index

page_text: hands a¹ a² a³, the object of the one on the left, a¹ being to signify, whenever it
becomes visible through a slot or window (provided for the purpose) that a train is
travelling upon the section of the line, which precedes the signal box; while the
right index hand, a², similarly appears to announce any train happening to be in
the line-section which follows, or is ahead of, such box; and, lastly, the third
index-finger, a³, which corresponds to the "danger" signal, is adapted to make
its appearance when a train enters upon a section of the line already occupied by
another train.
These index-hands are mounted upon the ends of movable rods, being pivotted
at 1, 2, 3, respectively, each of the pivots being provided with a ratchet
wheel r,,, adapted to co-operate with a pawl secured to a bell-crank lever,
such as 21; these levers being operated by the electro-magnets e¹ e² e³. This
mechanisin is arranged to be thrown out of gear by the pawl being raised by the
corresponding lever or 1, which last mentioned levers are under the control of
electro-magnets et es es.
Thus each hand is operated by means of two electro-magnets, and according as
the current is sent through one or the other of them, the hand will either appear or
disappear.
Each of the hands a¹ a² carries a key ¹² respectively which serve to close
circuits through the insulated contacts c¹ c² c³ có c³ c³.
When the hand a' is in its normal position, that is to say, concealed from view,
the key by connecting the contacts c' and c², places the electro-magnet e in
communication with the contact C' of the station board.
The key of the hand a connects the contacts cc, when it is connected from
view, or the contacts c³ c¹, when it is visible, so as to make connection, in the
former case, between the electro magnet e and one of the line instruments, and, in
the latter alternative between the electro-magnet e and another line instrument,
which instruments shall be described further; the object of this arrangement being,
to cause the band a³ to appear or disappear (as the case may be). The switch-
board in the signal box of the first section of the line is provided with a lever 1,
for the purpose of operating the insulated contacts c and c by means of its key t³,
when the lever is attracted by the electro magnet e', such operation of the contact c
resulting in the generation of a current in the line wire 1, which actuates the
electro magnet E of the station boards.
The operation of the contact c8 results in the completion of a circuit from a
local battery, through the electro magnet e¹ which causes the index hand a' to
move to a visible position.
The signal box board is furthermore provided with another lever 18 which in its
normal position connects, by its key the insulated contacts c2 and 10; and by its
key to the contacts cl and c¹². When this lever is attracted by the electro-
magnet it serves, through the medium of its key 14 to place the contacts c¹³
and ein electrical connection; and through the medium of the key t similarly to
connect the contacts caud 16, while, through the agency of the keys and t' it
closes the circuits leading to the contacts c, cl, cl, and c20.
The electro-magnet 8 is operated by current from a local battery, comprising
the electro magnet e in its circuit, and passing on, either to the electro magnet 10
or to the electro magnet e" and thence to the instruments on the line which shall
be presently described.
The lever 19 operated by the electro magnet e is provided with a pawl operating
in conjunction with the ratchet wheel. This wheel acts upon the lever 110, which
carries a key t, connecting the two contacts 21 c22, when it is desired to close the
circuits terminating at the contact ca for the purpose of restoring the instruments
of the line to their initial position and of closing the circuit through the
electro-magnets or e¹³, the lever 10 being always turned back to its initial
position under the action of a coiled spring.
The spindle supporting the ratchet wheel is provided with two wings or
blades which serve to reduce the speed of motion of the ratchet-wheel when it

page_text: resumes its initial position under the action of the spring controlling it, so as to
extend the space of time during which the contacts 21 and 2 continue in
communication.
The lever is operated by the instruments of the line, and the lever 12 by the
key t³.
The former, by means of its key (electrically connects the contacts 23, 24 or
the contacts 226, according as the current passes through either one or the other
of the electro-magnets e¹³, i.e., according as key to has taken up its position either
upon the contacts c27 28, or upon the contacts c230, while the latter lever, firstly
serves to connect electrically either the contacts 27 28 or the contacts c20 €30,
according as the current passes through either of the electro-magnets 13 2, ..
according as the key t takes up its situation upon the contacts 23 24 or upon the
contacts 252; and secondly, itself enters into communication with either of the
line-wires 1 and 2, according as the key t happens to rest upon the contact or
the contact The circuit passing through the electro-magnets el ell is closed
by one of the instruments of the line, while the circuit passing through the electro.
magnets eel is controlled by the key 18.
The switch-boards in the signal-boxes of the several sections of the line are all
alike, with the exception of- one slight modification.
The board of the first box is alone provided with a commutator, constituted by
the electro-magnet e', lever 1', key ³, and contacts c c; this arrangement being
non-existent in the remaining signal-box boards, where the wire passing through
the electro-magnet e is directly connected with the circuit of the electro-
magnets e e in parallel, without passing through any intermediate device.
Figure illustrates, in mixed lines, the modified course of the current in the
board of the first signal-box.
Opposite the signal-box of each section, and at the stations, outside the shunt.
lines, there is situated mechanism which shall now be described.
Between the two rails, an appliance such as M' is attached to the sleepers; it
comprises an armature of very light structure adapted to shift in the direction.
of motion of the train, under the action of a magnet or electro magnet located.
underneath the engine.
This armature, capable of displacement but within very narrow limits, serves to
connect the two contacts 3 and 4, whenever a train passes; one of the said
contacts, say, being connected to the main apparatus, so as to close the circuit
through the electro-magnets e8 e 10 (or e") of the signal box switch board.
The instrument M further comprises an electro-magnet el, the duty of which is
to bring the armature to its initial position when current is sent through it.
The armature f¹ rests upon the contacts c33 34 until the train meets a second
instrument M, comprising the identical parts, but somewhat differently arranged.
The armature normally connects the insulated contacts so as to keep up
the connection between the instrument M' of the signal box board.
Upon the arrival of the armature at the limit of its movement or stroke, under
the influence of a passing train, there ensues an interruption of circuit extending
from to c³, the consequence being, that the current of the signal box board is
cut off.
The instrument M' also includes an electro magnet es, adapted to restore the
armature to its initial position, when a current is sent through it.
The electro magnets els are connected in series and the circuit through them
is closed by means of the contact c³4.
Somewhat ahead of the signal-box of each section, at a sufficient distance
therefrom to enable a train to stop just in front of the box, the instruments M³
and M are placed. The instrument M³, like M and M², comprises a light
armature which, when shifted by the action of the maguet placed underneath
the engine, connects the contacts 373, one of which, say ", is at the main
apparatus, so as to close the circuit which is to move the index-hand a³ to the

page_text: conspicuous position in front of the "danger" signal on the indicator board of the
signalling box, by passing through the electro-magnet e of the instrument M³,
arranged to operate the mechanism fitted on the engine, so as to transmit the
"danger" signal to the engine driver; which instrument shall be described
further on.
An electro-magnet e returns the armature to its initial position, when a
current is sent through it.
Some distance from M³, there is situated the instrument M', also provided with
an armature, arranged, when in its normal position, to connect the two
contacts 340, and to break the circuit while a train is passing. The said
armature then returns to its initial position under the action of an electro-
magnet els
As soon as the "danger" signal has been transmitted to the engine, through the
medium of devices, which shall be described further on, the engine stops over the
instrument M, which is fitted with an armature y pivotted at h. When attracted
by a magnet placed upon the engine, this armature will, in that position, connect
the two contacts 1012, one of which, c is situated on the main apparatus or
battery, thereby consequently, closing the circuit which leads to the contact c¹ and
passes through the electro magnet e", adapted to act upon the instrument placed on
the engine.
The electro-magnets e17 18 19 are connected in series and are included in the
circuit of a local battery, whereby the index-hand a³ is caused to disappear from
view.
As before mentioned, several instruments are arranged on the engine, and they
are of two classes, one class of devices being provided for the purpose of
acquainting the engine driver with the diverse signals, generally made from the
line, while those of the other class are to exercise their influence upon the instru
ments of the line, so as to place the engine in communication with the switch boards
in the signal-boxes and at the stations.
An indicator board is also provided on the engine, and it carries the several
signals capable of being transinitted to the engine-driver, there being, in front of
cach signal, a slot or window at which an index hand is arranged to make its
appearance when the corresponding signal is transmitted to the engine-driver.
32
To facilitate and simplify illustration we have supposed, in the accompanying
drawings (Figure 7) that the "danger or caution signal alone had to be dealt
with. But it will be readily understood that as many different signals as may be
necessary, may be transmitted in the same manner, there being an index hand
corresponding to each signal, and all hands being operated by devices identical to
the one now to be described.
The hand a is adapted to turn on the spindle, whereon is mounted a ratchet-
wheel operated by the pawl of the bell crank lever 3 when such lever returns
to its normal position after having been attracted by the electro-magnet 20. To
effect the release, the said pawl rises under the action of the bell-crank lever 14
which is being attracted by the electro-magnet e²¹.
This index-hand a¹ may be provided with a key adapted to close the circuit of a
local battery, whereon a bell is arranged, which will ring at the same time as the
hand appears in front of the "danger" signal.
The second series of devices are located underneath the engine and consist of the
following parts:-
An instrument. Me is provided with an armature f which serves to connect the
two contacts, one of which, say e, is situated on the main apparatus; such
connection taking place when the said armature is shifted by the action of the
electro magnet placed upon the line, so that the circuit is closed, whereby the
"danger "sigual is rendered visible. An electro-magnet e is provided to restore
the armature to its normal position, when current is sent through it.
0
The engine is furthermore provided with a device or instrument M' comprising

page_text: an armature 2 pivotted on the spindle and adapted to connect the two
contacts, one of which e, is placed on the main apparatus, so as to close the
circuit whereby the index hand a is caused to disappear from view.
The engine also carries a permanent magnet or electro maguete, Figure 6,
which serves to actuate the instruments of the line.
In the latter instruments, the armature may be replaced by a magnetized
index-hand, the deviation or deflection of which, under the influence of the magnet
of the engine, will produce the same effects as the said armature.
The operation of our improved arrangement is as follows-
:
Under normal circumstances, whilst no train is travelling between the two
stations, oue "lock" only is exposed on the departure board, the entrance-aperture
of one lock S¹ being uncovered, while the entrance of the other is concealed from
view, it being impossible for both lock-entrances to be at any time opened
simultaneously. Upon the arrival board, both locks are, for the time being,
concealed.
No index-hand is visible on the boards either at the stations or at the signal-
boxes. When the station-master sends a train on the line, he inserts into the open
lock-aperture S¹, a key of suitable shape and imparts to it half a turn from right to
left; which rotary movement is followed, or participated in, by the finger pieces or
keys T T, so that one of them (T¹) connects the two contacts CC, while the
other (T) connects the two C³ C².
The key T thus, through the medium of C2, closes the circuit through the
electro-magnet e' of the first signal-box, the current passing through the contacts c²²,
which are connected by the key t¹ of the index hand a¹, since this hand is concealed
from view, thereby showing that the first section of the line is "clear."
The lever is then attracted and closes the circuit leading to the contact c and
connected to the line-wire 1 by the lever and contact 2. Current is thus sent
through the line wire 1.
Now, as this wire connects the two boards of the departure and arrival stations,
respectively, by passing through the electro-magnets E° of both boards, the
levers L are attracted and their keys T thus come to take up their position upon
the contacts C¹º C.
Through the medium of the contact C10, the lever L', in each board, closes the
circuit from a local battery, which passes through the electro-magnet E. The
lever L is then attracted and the pawl which it carries advances one tooth space
on the ratchet wheel F.
Through the medium of C" the said lever L closes the circuit of another local
battery, comprising a vibratory bell J2.
The presence of the key upon the contact c is the means of closing the circuit
from a local battery and through the electro-magnet e. The lever is then
attracted and the pawl which it carries moves one tooth space further in the
ratchet-wheel arranged at the end of the index hand a².
In the "departure" board, when the key T is upon the contacts C³ C1, it places
the contact C in communication with a local battery, the circuit of which traverses
the electro-magnets E' E' E' connected in series. The circuit from this battery is
therefore closed at C" by the key T which controls it.
Hence it follows,
(1) That the lever L' is attracted by E' and allows the lever L to drop, so that
the shutter P' is brought to the position in which it will conceal the lock S¹ from
view as soon as the key is withdrawn from such lock;
(2) That the lever L is attracted by E' and raises the lever L, when the
shutter P' will uncover the lock-entrance in S*; and
(3) That the lever L³ is attracted by E and thus enables both the pawl of the
lever L2 and the counter pawl G to engage with the teeth of the ratchet wheel F
under the action of the spring I.
In the "arrival" board, when the key T is on the contact C", it thereby closes
the circuit from a local battery, passing through the electro magnet E', the circuit

page_text: 21
being completed by the key T3 resting upon the contacts C' C', whilst the haud A
is in the " zero position, that is to say, when it is concealed from view. The
lever L³, is then attracted, and the pawl of the lever L³, as well as the counter-
pawl G engage with the teeth of the ratchet wheel F under the action of the
spring 1.
As soon as the sound of the call-bell J2 is heard at the "departure" end, the
station master moves the keys T T from left to right i.e. returns them to their
initial position; when the key T', by releasing the contact C2, will open the circuit
comprising the electro-magnet e and passing through the contacts c¹ c². The
lever will then resume its initial position under the action of the spring controlling
it, and its key t³ will leave the insulated contacts c² c8, with the result that the
line-current will be interrupted; the stop-levers L2 (on the "departure" and
"arrival" boards) and l'(in the first signal box) will, respectively, yield to the
action of their springs and cause the ratchet wheels F and each to advance one
space; the index hands A. (at the "departure" and "arrival" ends, respectively,
become visible, by assuming the position I; and the haud a' (in the signal box of
the first section) also appears exposed through its aperture or door.
Thus, at three points of the line (riz. at the "departure" and "arrival" ends,
and at the first section) the information is received, that a train is leaving the
departure station and entering upon the first section of the line.
When the station master turns the lock S¹ from right to left, it is obvious that,
if the hand a' (of the first section) be visible through its window (which means that
the first section of the line is "blocked"), the fact that the keys T' T² are placed
upon the contacts C₁ C² C³ C* will not affect the instruments, as, owing to the
position of the hand a', and inasmuch as the key t¹ has left the contacts c¹² (in the
first signal box), the circuit between those two points and the contact C' is broken
and such contact (at the "departure" end) is therefore no longer connected with
the electro-magnet of the first signal box. The line-current is consequently
•Cut off.
As soon as the hands A' (of the "departure" end) come to occupy the position I,
they are retained in that position by the counter-pawl G, and the key T³ of the
index hand of the "departure" board connects the two insulated contacts C6 C7
and thus places the contact C' in communication with the circuit of a local battery,
wherein is included the trumpet J' which serves to give the departure signal to the
engine-driver. The circuit from the said battery is thus closed at C³ by the key
inserted into the lock S¹ and connected with the main machine or battery.
Henceforward it will be the train itself that will automatically record its progress
upon the instruments at the stations and intermediate signal boxes, the hands
on the station boards advancing one space whenever the train passes on from one
section to the next.
Should it so happen that, no matter for what reason, the index hand A¹ fails to
appear, then, as the key T does not connect the contacts C C7, the circuit,
required for setting the trumpet J¹ in operation remains open, so that no departure
signal will be given.
It is therefore altogether impossible for the station master to send a train upon
the line, whilst another train is travelling within the first section thereof.
When the train passes from one section to the next, it acts upon the signal box
instruments, the operation of which shall be described further on, and generates a
line current which, as has been stated previously, actuates the levers L* on the
boards of the "departure" and "arrival" stations respectively. The keys T* take
up their position upon the contacts C" C", and produce the same effects as before;
and in each case the hands A' advance one space or division.
At the "arrival" board, when the index hand has been brought to its last position
but one, the key T' which it carries, connects the two insulated contacts C³ C³.
As it has here been assumed that there are only three sections of line (between
the two stations), the said contacts C³ C' will be connected by the operation of the
key T, when the index hand comes to occupy the position II.

page_text: the circuit from a local battery passing through the electro-magnet F' and
contacts C° C.
The lever L', on being attracted by the electro magnet E², raises the lever L,
thereby uncovering the entrance-aperture of the lock S₁ of the "arrival" board.
As soon as the train enters the station, the station master inserts his key into
the lock S¹ and turns it from right to left, when the keys T¹ T2 T' will take up the
following positions, respectively;, one upon C¹ C, the second on C³ C, and the
third on CC13.
The key T, being placed upon the contacts C1 C2 connects the line conductor 1
with the source of electricity, at C²; consequently, the levers L' (at the
"departure" and "arrival" ends) will be attracted and their keys T' assume their
positions upon the contacts C10 C1.
"
At this juncture, the hand A' will be at the position III; therefore, on the
"departure" board, the key T³ will connect the two contacts CB and C, and the
circuit from the local battery, passing through the electro magnet E' will be closed
being connected to the source of electricity by the contact C, key T* and lever L.
The lever L³ is accordingly attracted by E³, and the effect of such attraction is
that, both, the pawl of the lever L2 and the counter pawl G rise; while the hand A',
being no longer locked in position returns to its initial position, i.e., becomes
concealed, as a result of the action of its balancing weight D. In the arrival
apparatus, when the key To comes to be placed upon the contacts C12 C13, it thereby
closes the circuit from a local battery, passing through the electro magnets E
and E³, connected in series. The lever I is attracted by E' and allows the lever L
to drop so as to conceal the entrance-aperture, of the lock S', in addition to which
the lever L3 is attracted by E³, so as to raise the pawl of the lever L' and the
counter pawl and enable the hand A' to resume, as before, the position in which it
is concealed from view.
The two hands, at the "departure" and "arrival" stations, respectively, being,
then, concealed from view, it follows that the line is quite clear between the two
stations.
We will now proceed to describe the operation of the devices worked by the
passing trains.
As a train passes from the first to the second section, the permanent magnet or
electro magnet e placed underneath the engine, sets in motion the armature of
the instrument M, so as to connect the two contacts c33 34, for the purpose of
completing, through e, a circuit from a local battery, passing through the electro
magnets e", the insulated contacts cab connected by the key 10 and the
contacts, connected by the armature f2 of the instrument M³.
Hence it follows:
(1) That the lever 18 is attracted by e" and that the keys which it carries will
take up the following positions viz. :--
{"
16
upon the insulated contacts c¹³ 14
upon c¹ c16;
017
upon
upon c'
c18 and
(2) That the lever 19 is attracted by e and the pawl which it carries advances
one tooth space on the ratchet wheel and
(3) That the lever ¹¹ is attracted by the electro-magnet e" and its key t takes
up its position upon the contacts 25 25
The key t (of the first signal box) by being placed upon the contacts e¹³ c¹³,
enabled, by connecting the contact c¹, key to and lever is, to close the circuit from
a local battery, passing through the electro-magnets e. The bell crank lever lis
then attracted and thereby releases the index hand a' which descends by its own
weight and disappears from view.
The key on being placed upon the contacts cc, by connecting the contact c¹8,
key t and lever 18, closes the circuit through the electro-magnets e³, of the first
B

page_text: signal box, and e', of the second signal box, so as to cause the hand a² of the first
box to appear in a conspicuous position, and to set in motion upon the board of the
second box, the pawl of the lever to the extent of one tooth space of the ratchet
wheel r¹.
The key t', on being placed upon the contact e, or upon the contact 20, as the
case may be, through the medium of the lever 1, connects the line conductor,
passing through the electro-magnets E of the station boards (both at the
departure" and "arrival" ends) with the source of electricity. The levers L
are then attracted and as has been set forth above, the result is, that the hands A
move one division or space further.
<<
After travelling past the instrument M³ the train has to pass over the instru
ment M and as it does so the magnet e 23 of the engine sets the armature fin
motion, so as to cause a break, extending from 3 to 6, in the circuit connecting
the contract to the apparatus of the first signal box. Hence the current will be
cut off from the electro-magnets c8, 11 and c³, with the following result :-
15
The lever, yielding to the tenison of the spring by which it is controlled,
resumes its initial position and the keys 4 t t and leave the contracts c¹³,
c10 cl 18 and 120. The key (', by leaving the contract c¹ cuts off the line
current, and the levers I, (both at the departure and arrival ends) are no longer
attracted by the electro-magnets E but under the action of the springs controlling
them, resume their initial position and at C, cut off the current passing through E3.
Then, the lever L, under the action of its spring in its turn swings back to its
initial position, thereby causing the wheel F to turn one space further, and imparting
to the hand A of each indicator board a movement of the same extent.
Consequently the hands A¹ of the departure' board and arrival' board alike
move to the position II, and thereby indicate, at both stations, that the train has
just entered upon the second section of the line.
The key L by leaving the contact cuts off the current from the electro-
magnete of the first signal box, with the result that the lever under the action
of its controlling spring, resumes its initial position and by leaving the contact c
cuts off the current from the electro-magnet e (of the second switch-box). There-
fore, the lever under the action of its spring, also resumes its initial position and
in so doing imparts a movement to the ratchet wheel R', which causes the
index-hand a to become visible on the board of the second signal box.
When the current. passing through the electro magnet is cut off, the lever
causes the ratchet wheel to advance one tooth space, whereby the key t is
moved on to the contacts 21 (22.
By this movement the said key completes the circuit from a local battery passing
through the electro-magnets 13 e else and e18 hence it follows:-
That the lever being attracted by the electric-magnet e¹³ carries its key t" on
to the contact which is thus connected by the second line-wire ready for the
train which is to pass next and
3
That the electric-magnets e¹ else & els attracting their armatures f¹ƒ³ ƒ³ & ƒ^
respectively restore them to their initial positions.
The lever on being released from its engagement with one of the teeth of the
ratchet-wheel is brought back to its initial position under the action of its
controlling spring.
Briefly, then, a train, passing over the instruments M' M² and past the switch
box of the first section of the line brings about the following changes.
(1) The index-bauds A' of the station-boards (at the departure and arrival ends)
move from the first. divisions of their respective dials to the second, thereby
signifying that a train has just entered upon the second section.
(2) And on the board of the first signal box the hand a' disappears from view,
whilst the hand a² becomes visible as does also the hand a' of the second signal box
board.
By such means both at the departure station and at the arrival station the
information is received-as it is also at the respective switch or signal boxes of the

page_text: first and second line sections that the first section of the line is clear while
the second section is "blocked" by a train travelling thereon.
The same applies to the apparatus of each of the remaining sectious.
As has just been stated while a train is travelling on a given section of the line,
the index hand a² of the section which it has just previously left is visible, its key
or switch rests upon the contacts c3 c and owing to its position places the circuit
of a local battery in communication with the insulated contact 038 of the instru-
ment M³ such circuit passing through the electro magnet e of the section board &
through the electro magnet e of the apparatus M³.
Should a second train show a tendency to enter upon a section of the line whilst
it is yet occupied by the first train the magnet e placed underneath the engine, as
it passes over the device M³ carries the armature f³ on to the contacts 37 38. The
current from the battery has thus its circuit completed through e the electro
magnet of the section board attracts the lever 16 and the hand a³ appears in front
of the "danger" signal; and in the same way the electro magnet e of the
apparatus M3 carries the armature f of the apparatus M located underneath the
engine on to the contacts and thus through the medium of e completes
the circuit through the electro magnet e of the engine driver's indicator device,
so that, as the lever has been attracted, the hand a makes it appearance and
notifies "danger" to the engine driver.
As the train passes over the apparatus M the magnet E23 arranged underneath
the engine so operates the armature f that it can no longer connect the contacts 39
and so that the current proceeding to the contact is cut off.
The more, therefore, the instrument M' is distant from the instrument M³ the
longer the current, generated by the train, as it passes over M³ and acts upon the
indicating instruments, will last.
As soon as the engine-driver sees the hand a appearing-its appearance having,
moreover, the effect of closing the circuit of a vibrating call bell calculated to
attract the engine-drivers attention-he must slow down his speed so as to come to
a stop before the section switch box, and so that, when he stops, the instrument M
of the engine is situated just over the instrument M' of the line.
The magnet of the engine will then attract the armature 9', so that the
contracts and 2 are connected, which connection will be maintained so long as
the engine remains over the instrument M³.
As the hand a remains visible whilst the first train is in the next-following
section, the circuit from the local battery, terminating at the contact of the
instrument M, is interrupted between the contacts and c of the section board;
but as soon as the train leaves this section the hand a² will disappear, and its key t
will electrically connect, the contacts cc thereby closing the circuit which leads
to the contact and which is completed through the contact c¹¹.
Hence it follows:
(1) That the electro-magnet e³ will cause the hand a³ of the section board to
disappear.
(2) That the electro-magnets e, of M³ and e, of M', respectively will return
the armatures f³ to their initial positions; and
4
(3) That the electro-magnet e" of the instrument M³ will attract the armature g
of the instrument M' on to the contacts et 15, the current passing through the
electro-magnets 20 and 23, so that the circuit is completed and connected to the
main line by the contact c; the hand at disappears from view and the armature f
of the apparatus M is returned to its initial position by the electro-magnet 23.
As soon as the train starts, the pivoted armature g¹ of the apparatus MS, having
been released by the magnet 3 of the engine, re-descends to its initial position and
the current is cut off.
The pivotted armature g² being no longer under the influence of the electro-
magnete of the instrument M is drawn back to its initial position by its
controlling spring. The contacts are no longer electrically connected and
no more current passes through the indicator board arranged on the engine.

page_text: The same applies to every one of the switch boxes controlling individual sections
of the line.
For the circuit from the local battery to the instrument M³ such provision is
made, that if while a train is passing the signal box of a section, the hand a
whose object is to connect electrically the contacts c³ c, should fail to appear the
said circuit would be closed nevertheless owing to the situation of the key of
the hand a¹ upon the contacts c¹ c² and the hands a³ at adapted to announce danger
would still become visible through their apertures or windows. Should for, any
reason the armatures of the instruments for the time fail to be properly influenced
by the magnete of the engine, the hand a² at the preceding signal box would
continue in a conspicuous position and thus duly warn any approaching train, not
to proceed beyond that particular box.
Our arrangement thus enables railway trains to ensure their safety automatically
and at all times to maintain the distance, prescribed by regulations, between them.
Besides the engine driver receives due notice of every signal thus conveyed so
that any risk attaching to the possibility of a signal escaping notice until too late
is averted.
This arrangement may also be electrically connected with existing apparatus so
as to render safe travelling doubly sure.
Dated this 30th day of April 1895.
FELL & WILDING,
Agents for the Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION. _
Improvements in or connected with Electric Block Signalling
Apparatus for Railways.
We, ALFRED BERRY, of 24 Avenue de Montsouris, Paris, France, Electrician,
and JOSEPH LIPKOWSKI, of 10 Rue du Mont Thaba, Paris, France, Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
The present application for Letters Patent has for its subject an arrangement of
electro-automatic apparatus intended to prevent collisions of trains and to indicate
their movement.
Between any two successive stations, the line is divided into sections, the number
of which varies according to the requirements of the traffic.
We will suppose two stations to be situated in the vicinity of each other, one
being the "departure" station, and the other the "arrival" station, and there being
a switch-board at each, a transmitting board. and a receiving board, both alike in
construction, save as regards a few contact pieces or switches.
These switch boards announce the passage of a train at each section of the line
by the displacement of an index hand moving in front of a graduated dial, having
as many divisious as there are sections between the two stations.
66
The station master is thus at all times acquainted with the condition of the
up" and "down" line sections under the control of his station.
The station boards carry two series of devices of similar construction, so that
they are adapted to record the movement or progress of two trains travelling in
the same direction and on the same line.
In the signal boxes, at the meeting points of the line-sections, there are placed
"section" switch-boards, indicating the state of the line along each section, both
as regards the "up" line and the "down" line.
An indicating board arranged upon the engine transmits to the engine-driver the
siguals which are generally made for his guidance along the line.

page_text: the instruments of the signal box and station.
To facilitate illustration, we will assume that there are three sections of line
only, between two neighbouring stations.
And in order to assist in forming an idea of the invention, we have illustrated
the principle thereof in the drawings filed with the Provisional Specification,
being diagrams, given by way of example only, of our improved electro-automatic
plant.
Figure 1 being a representation of the "departure" switch-board, at a railway
station, while
Figure 2 is an end view thereof.
Figure 3 shows the arrival board at a station,
Figure 4 shows a section-board adapted for use in a signal box,
Figure 5 being a cross section thereof on lines 1, 2, 3, 4.
Figure 6 shows the arrangement fitted to the engine and the line devices.
connected therewith.
Figure 7 represents the indicator apparatus supported by the engine; and
Figure 8 is a diagram of the complete plant of our apparatus.
In the several figures, the same reference letters designate like parts throughout..
The station board comprises a lock S', operated by an official of the company,
say, the station master, by means of a key specially provided for the purpose,
with a view to closing electrical circuits for the operation of the various parts or
devices of our arrangement.
Or, such operation may be performed automatically, as shall be explained
further on.
The lock, consisting merely of a species of sleeve, capable of turning about its
own axis, carries two finger pieces, or keys T¹ T' serving to connect the
contacts C C and C3 C4, so as to close the corresponding circuits. A spring
controlled contact C serves to close the circuit terminating at that contact,
through the medium of the key, when it is inserted into the lock S¹.
As soon as the departure of a train is signalled, the entrance aperture of the
lock S¹ is concealed from view by a shutter P¹.
This shutter is suspended from the end of a lever L which, in its turn, is
supported by the end of another lever, L', which is attracted by the electro.
magnet E or by the electro magnet E, as the case may be.
As shown in Figure 1, owing to the arrangement of the lever L, the shutter Pi
is lowered or raised, according as the lever L' is attracted by either one or the
other of the electro-magnets El or E².
The shutter remains in the lowered position so long as the other lock is not
operated for the purpose of starting another train along the line.
The station master is unable to use the apparatus before the train has reached
the next-succeeding section of line.
If it should be necessary for him to send a second train on the line, he must
operate another lock S actuating a series of devices identical with those
mentioned above, with which the station board is provided for the purpose; in
that case, as will be explained further on, the starting signal cannot be given until
after the first train bas passed the first section of the line.
The progress of each train is recorded upon the station-board by means of an
index hand A turning in front of the divisions of a graduated dial.
As soon as a train enters upon the first line-section, the hand A', which was,
till then, concealed, moves the space of one division, whenever the train passes on,
from one division to the next. Upon the arrival of the train at the next-following
station, the index hand, under the action of releasing gearing, resumes its initial
position, in which it is concealed from view.
The apparatus is, moreover, provided with a second index hand A', the object of

page_text: which is to indicate the progress of a second train which may happen to be
travelling on the identical line and in the same direction.
As the mechanism operating each of the index hands A' A² is the same, it need
only be described in respect of one hand (say the hand A').
The index hand A', keyed on to the spindle B, carries a balancing-weight Dat
its end which weight serves to always return the hand to its initial position. This
spindle receives rotary motion through the medium of a ratchet-wheel F, which it
carries, and of a pawl placed upon the end of a bell-crank lever L², operated by
an electro-magnet E³, the band A' is retained in each of its positions by a counter-
pawl G, pivotted on the spindle H, and maintained in contact with the ratchet-
wheel F by the action of the spring I. A lever L³ according as it is attracted by
the electro-magnet Et, or the electro-magnet E³, serves to bring about the
engagement or disengagement of the counter-pawl G between the teeth of the
wheel F.
As before stated, the hands AA move in front of a dial having as many
divisions as there are line-sections between the departure station and the arrival
station, and we have supposed the line to be divided into three sections between
those two points.
When a hand is in the zero position, it is concealed from view, and by that very
fact indicates that there is, at the time, no train, upon the first section of the line;
as soon, however, as it appears in a conspicuous position, facing any one of the
divisions 1, I or III, it becomes indicative of the presence of a train on the first,
second or third section of the line, (as the case may be); and as soon as the
train arrives at the station, the said hand returns to the position in front of zero.
The index-hand A' is provided with a finger-piece or key T3 adapted to connect
electrically, in the transmitting or "departure" instrument only, the contacts Cª C',
when it comes to occupy the position I.
The key thus forms a circuit which includes the departure signal J.
When the index-hand A¹ comes to assume the position III, the said key T³ will
connect the two remaining contacts C³, C, thereby closing a circuit through the
electro-magnet E³, which, in consequence, will attract the lever L³. This lever
will then swing round the counter-pawl G upon its axis or pivot H, and at the
same time raise the pawl of the lever L, so as to release the ratchet-wheel F;
when the hand A' will return to its initial position under the action of its
weight.
32
In the receiving or "arrival" instrument the contacts C' C' correspond to the
zero position, and the contacts C C to the position II (Figure 3) with the result
that, when the index-hand comes to the zero position, the circuit through the
electro-magnet E will thereby be closed. Accordingly, the lever L will be
attracted and, under the action of the spring I, the pawl of the lever L and the
counter pawl G will both be thrown into engagement with the teeth of the ratchet
wheel F.
While if the band assume the position II, the circuit through the electro-
magnet will be closed, the lever L' attracted; the lever L raised, together
with the shutter P¹; aud, consequently, the "arrival" switch-board" lock exposed.
The circuits leading to the contacts or switches C and C are closed by
means of the key T and by the lever L, which carries such key, being attracted
by the electro-magnet E, owing to the completion of the circuit formed by the
line wire passing through the said electro-magnet E.
At the contact C there terminates a circuit from a local battery, which
comprises an electric bell arrangement J2, and is controlled by the key T. As
before stated, the station switch-board is fitted with a second series of identical
devices with those first described, adapted to keep a record of the progress of a
second train which may happen to have been started on the same line and to be
moving in the same direction as the first. This second series of devices is arranged
below the first series, so as not to add to the size of the indicator-board; the two
locks S1 S2 only not being superposed.

page_text: The arrival board is practically identical with the "departure" board: there
is, however, a slight difference between them, as regards the disposition of the
contacts C and C³ Cº, as specified above (Figure 3); and the lock is also
somewhat different, inasmuch as it is here provided with a third key T³, which
serves to connect the contacts C1 and C3 for the purpose of controlling, through C¹³,
the circuit, which, on starting from a local battery, passes through the electro-
magnets E and E³.
The switch-board put up at the signal box of a section has three index-hands a' a² a³;
the object of the one on the left a', being to signify, whenever it becomes visible
through a slot or window (provided for the purpose), that a train is travelling upon
the section of the line, which precedes the signal box; while the right index hand a
similarly appears to announce any train happening to be in the line-section which
follows, or is ahead of, such box, and lastly the third index-hand, a³ which corre-
sponds to the danger" signal, is adapted to make its appearance when a train
enters upon a section of the line already occupied by another train.
These index-hands are mounted upon the ends of movable rods, being pivotted
at respectively, each of the pivots being provided with a ratchet
wheel, adapted to co-operate with a pawl secured to a bell-crank lever, such
as and ; these levers being operated by the electro-magnets e', e², ³. This
mechanism is arranged to be thrown out of gear by the pawl being raised by the
corresponding lever, 1, 1, or 16, which last mentioned levers are under the control of
electro magnets e, e³, e.
Thus each hand is operated by means of two electro-magnets, and according
as the current is sent through one or the other of them, the hand will either appear
or disappear.
Each of the hands a¹ a² carries a key t¹² respectively which serve to close
circuits through insulated contacts c¹ c² c³ c c c.
When the hand a¹ is in its normal position, that is to say concealed from view,
the key t by connecting the contacts c' and c², places the electro magnet e¹ in
communication with the contact C¹ of the station board.
The key 2 of the hand a² connects the contacts cc, when it is concealed from
view, or the contacts c³ c', when it is visible, so as to make connection in the
former case, between the electro magnet e³, and one of the line instruments, and, in
the latter alternative between the electro-magnet e and another line instrument,
which instrument shall be described further; the object of this arrangement being,
to cause the land a³ to appear or disappear as the case may be. The switch-
board in the signal box of the first section of the line is provided with a lever 1,
for the purpose of operating the insulated contacts c and c by means of its key (³;
when the lever is attracted by the electro-magnet e; such operation of the
contact resulting in the generation of a current in the line wire 1, which actuates
the electro-magnet E' of the station boards.
The operation of the contact 8 results in the completion of a circuit from a local
battery, through the electro-magnet e¹ which causes the index hand a¹ to move to a
visible position.
The signal-box board is further more provided with another lever 3 which, in its
normal position connects, by its key t, the insulated contacts c and c¹0, and by its
key t the contacts c¹ and c¹. When this lever is attracted by the electro-
magnet it serves, through the medium of its key to place the contacts c¹³ and c
in electrical connection; and through the medium of the key to similarly to connect
the contacts c¹s and c₁; while, through the agency of the keys and it closes
the circuits leading to the contacts c clac and cv.
The electro-magnet e is operated by current from a local battery, comprising
the electro-magnet e in its circuit, and passing on, either to the electro-magnet e
or to the electro-magnet e", and thence to the instruments on the line which shall
be presently described.
The lever operated by the electro-magnet e, is provided with a pawl operating
in conjunction with the ratchet wheel. This wheel acts upon the lever o, which
2

page_text: carries a key t connecting the two contacts c1 22 when it is desired to close the
circuits terminating at the contact c" for the purpose of restoring the instruments
of the line to their initial position and of closing the circuit through the electro-
magnets e or e¹³, the lever 10 being always turned back to its initial position under
the action of a coiled spring.
The spindle supporting the ratchet wheel is provided with two wings or
blades d which serve to reduce the speed of motion of the ratchet-wheel when
it resumes its initial position under the action of the spring controlling it, so
as to extend the space of time during which the contacts c2 and 22 continue in
communication.
The lever is operated by the instruments of the line, and the lever 11 by the
key t
The former, by means of its key to electrically connects the contacts c³, 24 or
the contacts 26, according as the current passes through either one or the other
of the electro-magnets e¹³ e, i.e. according as the key t has taken up its position
either upon the contacts c27 28, or upon the contacts cc0; while the latter lever,
firstly, serves to connect electrically either the contacts c27 28 or the contacts 20
according as the current passes through either of the electro-magnets els e¹³,
i.e. according as the key t takes up its situation upon the contacts c³ 2 or upon
the contacts 26; and secondly, itself enters into communication with either of
the line wires 1 and 2, according as the key t" happens to rest upon the contact cl
or the contact c. The circuit passing through the electro-magnets 10 l is closed
by one of the instruments of the line, while the circuit passing through the
electro-magnets ¹¹³ is controlled by the key t³.
The switch-boards in the signal boxes of the several sections of the line are all
alike, with the exception of one slight modification.
The board of the first box is alone provided with a commutator, constituted by
the electro-magnet e', lever 1', key t³ and contacts cc8; this arrangement being
non-existent in the remaining signal box boards, where the wire passing through
the electro-magnet e is directly connected with the circuit of the electro-
magnets e e in parallel, without passing through any intermediate device.
Figure 4 illustrates, in mixed lines, the modified course of the current in the
board of the first signal-box.
Opposite the signal box of each section and at the stations, outside the shunt
lines, there is situated mechanism, which shall now be described.
Between the two rails, an appliance such as M' is attached to the sleepers; it
comprises an armature of very light structure, adapted to shift in the direction
of motion of the train, under the action of a magnet or electro-magnet located
underneath the engine.
This armature, capable of displacement but within very narrow limits, serves
to connect the two contacts c3 and 4, whenever a train passes; one of the said
contacts, say, being connected to the main apparatus, so as to close the circuit
through the electro-magnets e e e¹ (or ell) of the signal box switch board.
The instrument M' further comprises an electro-magnet e, the duty of which
it is to bring the armature f¹ to its initial position when current is sent through it.
The armature f¹ rests upon the contacts cc until the train meets a second
instrument M2 comprising the identical parts, but somewhat differently arranged.
The armature normally connects the insulated contacts cc so as to keep up
the connection between the instrument M' of the signal box board.
Upon the arrival of the armature at the limit of its movement or stroke, under
the influence of a passing train, there ensues au interruption of circuit extending
from to c, the consequence being, that the current of the signal-box board is
cut off.
The instrument M² also includes an electro-magnet e adapted to restore the
armature to its initial position, when a current is sent through it.
The electro-maguets eels are connected in series and the circuit through them
is closed by means of the contact c³4.

page_text: Somewhat ahead of the signal box of each section, at a sufficient distance there-
from to enable a train to stop just in front of the box, the instruments M³ and M⭑
are placed. The instrument M³, like M1 and M2, comprises a light armature f³
which when shifted by the action of the magnet placed underneath the engine,
connects the contacts 37 38, one of which, say, is at the main apparatus, so as to
close the circuit which is to move the index-hand a³ to the conspicuous position in
front of the "danger" signal on the indicator board of the signalling box, by
passing through the electro-magnet e of the instrument M³, arranged to operate
the mechanism fitted on the engine, so as to transmit the "danger" signal to the
engine driver which instrument shall be described further on.
An electro-magnet e returns the armature f³ to its initial position, when a
current is sent through it.
Some distance from M³, there is situated the instrument M, also provided with
an armature, arranged, when in its normal position, to connect the two
contacts, and to break the circuit while a train is passing. The said
armature then returns to its initial position under the action of an electro
magnet e18
As soon as the "danger" signal has been transmitted to the engine, through the
medium of devices which shall be described further on, the engine stops over the
instrument Ms, which is fitted with an armature g' pivotted at h. When attracted
by a magnet placed upon the engine, this armature will, in that position, connect
the two contacts 42, one of which is situated on the main apparatus or battery
thereby, consequently, closing the circuit which leads to the contact 2 and passes
through the electro-magnet e adapted to act upon the instrument placed on the
engine.
The electro-magnets e17 18 19 are connected in series and are included in the
circuit of a local battery, whereby the index-hand a³ is caused to disappear from
view.
As before mentioned, several instruments are arranged on the engine, and they
are of two classes, one class of devices being provided for the purpose of acquainting
the engine-driver with the diverse signals, generally made from the line, while
those of the other class are to exercise their influence upon the instruments of the
line, so as to place the engine in communication with the switch boards in the
signal-boxes and at the stations.
An indicator board is also provided on the engine, and it carries the several
signals capable of being transinitted to the engine driver, there being, in front of
cach signal, a slot or window, at which an index-hand is arranged to make its
appearance when the corresponding signal is transmitted to the engine driver.
But
To facilitate and simplify illustration we have supposed, in the drawings
(Figure 7) that the "danger" or caution signal alone had to be dealt with.
it will be readily understood that as many different signals as may be necessary,
may be transmitted in the same manner, there being an index-hand corresponding
to each signal, and all hands being operated by devices identical to the one now to
be described.
The haud a' is adapted to turn on the spindle 64, whereon is mounted a ratchet-
wheel operated by the pawl of the bell-crank lever 13 when such lever returns
to its normal position after having been attracted by the electro-magnet 20. To
eflect the release, the said pawl rises under the action of the bell crank lever 14
which is being attracted by the electro-maguete".
This index-hand a' may be provided with a key adapted to close the circuit of a
local battery, whereon a bell is arranged, which will ring at the same time as the
hand appears in front of the danger signal.
The second series of devices are located underneath the engine and consist of the
following parts.
An instrument M is provided with an armature f which serves to convect
the two contacts c2c13, one of which, say c is situated on the main apparatus ;
such connection taking place when the said armature is shifted by the action of the
C

page_text: electro-magnet placed upon the line, so that the circuit is closed, whereby the
'danger" signal is rendered visible. An electro-magnet e is provided to restore
the armature to its normal position, when current is sent through it.
an
The engine is furthermore provided with a device or instrument M' comprising
amature pivotted on the spindle and adapted to connect the two
contacts 45, one of which, c, is placed on the main apparatus so as to close the
circuit whereby the index-hand a is caused to disappear from view.
44
The engine also carries a permanent magnet or electro-magnet e³, Fig. 6, which
serves to actuate the instruments of the line.
In the latter instruments the armature may be replaced by a magnetized index-
hand the deviation or deflection of which under the influence of the magnet of the
engine, will produce the same effects as the said armature.
The operation of our improved arrangement is as follows:-
Under normal circumstances, whilst no train is travelling between the two
stations one "lock" only is exposed on the departure board the entrance-aperture
of one lock S' being uncovered, while the entrance of the other is concealed from
view, it being impossible for both lock-entrances to be at any time open
simultaneously. Upon the "arrival" board, both locks are, for the time being
concealed.
No index-hand is visible on the boards either at the stations or at the signal
boxes. When the stationmaster sends a train on the line, he inserts into the open
lock aperture S¹ a key of suitable shape and imparts to it half a turn from right to
left which rotary movement is followed or participated in, by the finger pieces or
keys TT, so that one of them (T) connects the two contacts c, c² while
the other (T) connects the two c³, .
The key thus, through the medium of c² closes the circuit through the
electro-magnet of the first signal box, the current passing through the
contacts ², which are connected by the key of the index hand a-since this
hand is concealed from view-thereby showing that the first section of the line is
"clear."
The lever is then attracted and closes the circuit leading to the contact c² and
connected to the line-wire 1 by the lever and contact c". Current is thus sent
through the line wire 1.
Now, as this wire connects the two boards of the departure and arrival stations,
respectively, by passing through the electro magnets E of both boards, the
levers L are attracted, and their keys T thus come to take up their position upon
the contacts 10, c¹¹.
Through the medium of the contact the lever L, in each board, closes the
circuit from a local battery, which passes through the electro-magnet E³. The
lever L is then attracted and the pawl which it carries advances one tooth space
on the ratchet wheel F.
Through the medium of c¹¹, the said lever L closes the circuit of another local
battery comprising a vibratory bell J'.
The presence of the key t³ upon the contact ca is the means of closing the
circuit from a local battery and through the electro-magnet e'. The lever is
then attracted and the pawl which it carries moves one tooth space further in the
ratcher-wheel arranged at the end of the index hand a'.
In the "departure" board, when the key T is upon the contacts c³ c it places
the contact ci in communication with a local battery, the circuit of which traverses
the electro-magnets E7, E', E' connected in series. The circuit from this battery
is therefore closed at c by the key T which controls it.
Hence it follows,
(1) That the lever L' is attracted by E' and allows the lever L to drop, so that
the shutter P is brought to the position in which it will conceal the lock S¹ from
view as soon as the key is withdrawn from such lock;
(2) That the lever L' is attracted by E' and raises the lever L'; which the
shutters will uncover the lock entrance in S³, and

page_text: (3) That the lever L³ is attracted by E' and thus enables both the pawl of the
lever L and the counter pawl G to engage with the teeth of the ratchet wheel F
under the action of the spring I.
In the "arrival" board, when the key T is on the contact c¹¹, it thereby closes
the circuit from a local battery, passing through the electro-magnet E', the circuit
being completed by the key T³ resting upon the contacts e c', whilst the hand A¹
is in the "zero" position, that is to say, when it is concealed from view. The
lever L is then attracted, and the pawl of the lever L2 as well as the counter-
pawl G engage with the teeth of the ratchet wheel F, under the action of the
spring I.
As soon as the sound of the call bell J is heard at the "departure" end, the
stationmaster moves the keys T T from left to right i.e. returns them to their
initial position; when the key T by releasing the contact c² will open the circuit
comprising the electro-maguete and passing through the contacts c¹². The
lever will then resume its initial position under the action of the spring
controlling it, and its key (³ will leave the insulated contacts ce with the result
that the line-current will be interrupted; the stop levers L2 (on the " departure
and "arrival" boards) and (in the first signal box) will respectively, yield to the
action of their springs and cause the ratchet-wheels F. and each to advance que
space; the index hands A' (at the "departure "and arrival ends respectively)
become visible by assuming the position I; and the hand a' (in the signal box of
the first section) also appears exposed through its aperture or door.
Thus at three points of the line (viz. at the "departure" and "arrival" ends
and at the first section) the information is received that a train is leaving the
departure station and entering upon the first section of the line.
When the stationmaster turns the lock S' from right to left, it is obvious that,"
if the hand a (of the first section) be visible through its window (which means
that the first section of the line is "blocked"), the fact that the keys T' T² are
placed upon the contacts ce²ec will not affect the instruments, as owing to the
position of the hand a', and inasmuch as the key has left the contacts c¹ c2 (in the
first signal box), the circuit between those two points and the contact c¹ is broken
and such contact (at the "departure end ") is therefore no longer connected with
the electro-magnet e of the first signal box. The line-current is consequently
cut off.
As soon as the hands A (of the "departure" end) come to occupy the position I.
they are retained in that position by the counter-pawl G and the key T3 of the
index band of the "departure" board connects the two insulated contacts cc and
thus places the contact c³ in communication with the circuit of a local battery,
wherein is included the trumpet J' which serves to give the departure signal to the
engine-driver. The circuit from the said battery is thus closed at co by the key
inserted into the lock S' and connected with the main machine or battery.
Henceforward it will be the train itself that will automatically record its progress
upon the instruments at the stations and intermediate signal boxes, the hands on
the station boards advancing one space whenever the train passes on from one
section to the next.
Should it so happen that, no matter for what reason, the index hand A' fails to
appear, then as the key T3 does not connect the contacts cc, the circuit, required
for setting the trumpet J' in operation, remains open, so that no departure signal
will be given.
It is therefore altogether impossible for the stationmaster to send a train upon
the line, whilst another train is travelling within the first section thereof.
21
When the train passes from one section to the next, it acts upon the signal-box
instruments, the operation of which shall be described further on, and generates
line current which, as has been stated previously-actuates the lever L' on the
boards of the "departure" and "arrival" stations respectively. The keys T take
up their position upon the contacts coll, and produce the same effects as before;
and in each case the bands A¹ advance one space or division.

page_text: At the "arrival" board, when the index-hand has been brought to its last
position but one, the key T³, which it carries, connects the two insulated
contacts cc².
As it has been assumed that there are only three sections of line (between the
two stations), the said contacts c c will be connected by the operation of the
key T³ when the index-hand comes to occupy the position II.
In that case, the key T by being placed upon the contact will close the
circuit from a local battery passing through the electro-magnet E and
contacts c
The lever L on being attracted by the electro-magnet E², raises the lever L
thereby uncovering the entrance-aperture of the lock S of the "arrival" board.
:
As soon as the train enters the station, the station-master inserts his key into the
lock S and turns it from right to left, when the keys T T will take up the
following positions, respectively one T' upon c¹ c²; and the second T on cla 13.
The key T', being placed upon the contacts ec2 connects the line-conductor I
with the source of electricity, at c²; consequently, the levers L' (at the "departure'
and "arrival" ends) will be attracted and their keys T assume their positions upon
the contacts c¹0 11.
"
At this juncture, the hand A' will be at the position III; therefore, on the
departure board the key T³ will connect the two contacts and c and the circuit
from the local battery, passing through the electro-magnet E will be closed being
connected to the source of electricity by the contact el, key T" and lever L. The
lever L is accordingly attracted by E, and the effect of such attraction is that
both the pawl of the lever L² and the counter-pawl G rise, while the hand. A' being
no longer locked in position returns to its initial position, i.e. becomes concealed, as
a result of the action of its balancing weight D. In the "arrival" apparatus when
the key T comes to be placed upon the contacts 123 it thereby closes the circuit
from a local battery, passing through the electro-magnets E and E connected in
series. The lever L' is attracted by E and allows the lever L to drop so as to
conceal the entrance aperture of the lock St, in addition to which the lever L³ is
attracted by E, so as to raise the pawl of the lever L2 and the counter pawl G
and enable the hand A' to resume, as before, the position in which it is concealed
from view.
The two hands at the "departure" and "arrival" stations, respectively, being,
then, concealed from view, it follows that the line is quite clear between the two
stations.
We will now proceed to describe the operation of the devices worked by the
passing trains:
As a train passes from the first to the second section, the permanent magnet or
electro-magnet e, placed underneath the engine, sets in motion the armature f' of
the instrument M¹, so as to connect the two contacts ce for the purpose of
completing, through a circuit from a local battery, passing through the electro-
maguets e, the insulated contacts 30 connected by the key to, and the
contacts connected by the armature f2 of the instrument M².
Hence it follows:-
(1) That the lever 18 is attracted by e, and that the keys which it carries will
take up the following positions viz.
to
upon the insulated contacts c¹³ 14.
upon
116
t upon 17 18 and
17 upon clo (20
(2) That the lever 19 is attracted by e and the pawl which it carries advances
one tooth space on the ratchet wheel 4 and
(3) That the lever " is attracted by the electro-magnet e", and its key takes
up its position upon the contacts 25 20
The key t (of the first signal box) by being placed upon the contacts e¹³ is
enabled, by connecting the contact c¹, key to and lever to close the circuit from

page_text: a local battery, passing through the electro magnet e. The bell crank lever lis
then attracted and thereby releases the index hand a¹ which descends by its own
weight and disappears from view.
The key on being placed upon the contacts c¹5 c,-by connecting the
contact cl, key and lever 18-closes the circuit through the electro-magnets e², of
the first signal-box, and e', of the second signal box by the line wire (Fig. 4)
entering the dial instrument in the second box like line wire a¹ (Fig. 4) so as to
cause the hand a² of the first box to appear in a conspicuous position, and to set
in motion upon the board of the second box, the pawl of the lever to the extent.
of one tooth-space of the ratchet-wheel ¹.
The key on being placed upon the contact c¹ or upon the contact c20, as the
case may be, through the medium of the lever -connects the line-conductor,
passing through the electro-magnets E of the station boards (both at the
departure" and "arrival" ends) with the source of electricity. The levers L'
are then attracted and, as has been set forth above, the result is, that the hands A'
move one division or space further.
*
After travelling past the instrument M', the train has to pass over the instru-
ment M2, and, as it does so, the magnet e23 of the engine sets the armature 2 in
motion so as to cause a break, extending from 3 to 6 in the circuit con-
necting the contact to the apparatus of the first signal box. Hence the
current will be cut off from the electro-magnets es, ell and e with the following
result:-
The lever, yielding to the tension of the spring by which it is controlled
resumes its initial position, and the keys to to and leave the contacts c¹³ el els
c16 17 18 and 10 The key t by leaving the contact c cuts off the line current,
and the levers L (both at the "departure" and "arrival" ends) are no longer
attracted by the electro-magnets E, but, under the action of the springs controlling
them, resume their initial position and, at clo, cut off the current passing through E³.
Then, the lever L2, under the action of its spring, in its turn swings back to
its initial position, thereby causing the wheel F to turn one space further,.
and imparting to the hand A¹ of each indicator board a movement of the same
extent.
Consequently the hands A' of the "departure" board and "arrival" board
alike move to the position II, and thereby indicate at both stations, that the train
has just entered upon the second section of the line.
The key by leaving the contact c17 cuts off the current from the electro-
magnet e of the first signal box, with the result that the lever, under the action
of its controlling spring, resume its initial position and, by leaving the contact cls-
cuts off the current from the electro-magnet e (of the second switch-box). There-
fore, the lever under the action of its spring, also resumes its initial position, and,
in so doing imparts a movement to the ratchet wheel which causes the index
hand a¹ to become visible on the board of the second signal box.
When the current passing through the electro-magnet is cut off, the lever *
causes the ratchet wheel to advance one tooth-space whereby the key t is moved
on to the contacts c² 22.
By this movement the said key completes the circuit from a local battery passing
through the electro magnet e¹³ el else and e¹s hence it follows:-
That the lever 12 being attracted by the electro magnet e³ carries its key t" on
to the contact 2 which is thus connected to the second line-wire ready for the train
which is to pass next; and
2 3.
That the electric-magnets e" else and e18 by attracting their armatures f¹ƒ ƒ³
&f respectively restore them to their initial positions.
The lever on being released from its engagement with one of the teeth of
the ratchet wheel is brought back to its initial position under the action of its
controlling spring.
Briefly then, a train, passing over the instruments M' M³ and past the-
switch box of the first section of the line, brings about the following changes:-

page_text: (1) The index hands A' of the station boards (at the "departure" and "arrival"
ends) move from the first division of their respective dials to the second, thereby
signifying that a train has just entered upon the second section.
(2) And on the board of the first signal box, the hand a disappears from view,
whilst the hand a² becomes visible as does also the hand a¹ of the second signal
box board.
By such means, both at the departure station and at the arrival station the
information is received, as it is als at the respective switch or signal boxes of
the first and second line sections-that the first section of the line is "clear" while
the second section is blocked" by a train travelling thereon.
The same applies to the apparatus of each of the remaining sections.
As has just been stated, while a train is travelling on a given section of the line,
the index hand of the section which it has just previously left is visible, its key
or switch rests upon the contact and owing to its position, places the circuit
of a local battery in communication with the insulated contact of the instru-
ment M³ such circuit passing through the electro-magnet e of the section board,
and through the electro magnet e¹s of the apparatus M³.
Should a second train show a tendency to enter upon a section of the line whilst
it is yet occupied by the first train, the magnet e placed underneath the engine,
as it passes over the device M³, carries the armature f³ on to the contacts 37 89.
The current from the battery has thus its circuit completed through the
electro-magnet e of the section-board attracts the lever 18 and the hand a³ appears
in front of the "danger" signal; and in the same way, the electro-magnet e of
the apparatus M³ carries the armature of the apparatus M, located underneath
the engine on to the contacts 23, and thus, through the medium of 2 com-
pletes the circuit through the electro-maguete of the engine driver's indicator
device, so that, as the lever has been attracted, the hand at makes its appearance
and notifies danger to the engine driver.
89
As the train passes over the apparatus M the magnet e23 arranged underneath
the engine so operates the armature that it can no longer connect the contacts c
and c, so that the current proceeding to the contact is cut off.
The more therefore the instrument M4 is distant from the instrument M³ the
longer the current, generated by the train, as it passes over M³ and acts upon
the indicating instrument, will iast.
As soon as the engine driver sees the hand A' appearing, its appearance
having moreover, the effect of closing the circuit of a vibrating call bell calculated to
attract the engine driver's attention-he must slow down his speed so as to come
to a stop before the section switch box, and so that, when he stops, the instrument M
of the engine is situated just over the instrument M³ of the line.
The magnet 3 of the engine will then attract the armature g₁ so that the
contacts and 12 are connected, which connection will be maintained so long
as the engine remains over the instrument M*.
As the hand a remains visible whilst the first train is in the next following
section, the circuit from the local battery, terminating at the contact 2 of the
instrument M is interrupted between the contacts and c" of the section board
but as soon as the train leaves this section the hand a will disappear and its key t
will electrically connect the contacts thereby closing the circuit which leads to
the contact and which is completed through the contact ("¹.
Heuce it follows:-
1). That the electro magnet c³ will cause the hand a³ of the section board to
disappear,
2). That the electro magnet e" of M³ and eld of M* respectively, will return the
armatures to their initial positions and
3). That the electro magnet of the instrument M will attract the armature
of the instrument M7, Figure 6, on to the contacts ces the current passing through
the electro magnets 20 on the locomotive indicator, Figure 7 and 2 in M,
Figure 6, so that the circuit is completed and connected to the main line by the

page_text: contact.¿ª³ in M² on the locomotive, the hand a¹ (on locomotive indicator Figure 7,)
disappears from view and the armature ƒ of the apparatus M is returned to its
initial position by the electro magnet e
As soon as the train starts the pivotted armature g of the apparatus M³ having
been released by the magnet 33 of the engine re-descends to its initial position and
the current is cut off.
The pivotted armature being no longer under the influence of the electro
magnet e of the instrument M is drawn back to its initial position by its con-
trolling spring. The contacts 14 15 are no longer electrically connected and no
more current passes through the indicator board arranged on the engine.
The same applies to every one of the switch boxes controlling individual section:
of the line.
For the circuit from the local battery to the instrument M³ such provision is
made that if, while a train is passing the signal box of a section, the hand a²,
whose object is to connect electrically the contacts ec, should fail to appear, the
said circuit would be closed nevertheless owing to the situation of the key of the
hand a upon the contacts cle and the hands a³ a', adapted to announce danger
would still become visible through their appertures or windows. Should for any
reason, the armatures of the instruments of the line fail to be properly influenced
by the magnet of the engine, the hand a² at the preceding signal box would
continue in a conspicuous position and thus duly warn any approaching train, not
to proceed beyond that particular box.
Our arrangement thus enables railway trains to ensure their safety automatically,
and at all times to maintain the distance, prescribed by regulations, between them.
Besides the engine-driver receives due notice of every signal thus conveyed, so
that any risk, attaching to the possibility of a signal escaping notice until too late,
is averted.
This arrangement may also be electrically connected with existing apparatus, so
as to render safe travelling doubly sure.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inveu-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is.
1. The system of electro-automatic block signalling, characterised by the
peculiar arrangement and combination of various devices so electrically connected
as to
1. Indicate upon indicator boards put up at the "departure" and "arrival"
stations, in what section of the line, a train, travelling between two stations,
happens to be at the time.
66
35
33
2. Record on indicator beards, arranged at the meeting points of adjacent
sections of the line, the presence of a train upon either section (ie. the
up section and the "down section); the signal being given at both
ends of the section within which the train happens to be at the time ;
3. Automatically prevent two trains from travelling on one section of the line
at the same time.
4. Electrically transmit various signals to the engine-driver, by means of an
indicator board fitted on the engine, and
5. Electrically to connect a train in motion with the station and section
instruments, or even with another train, through the medium of those
instruments, and of others, arranged upon the line.
II. In the arrangement of the instruments on devices claimed above, the
peculiar arrangement of the station indicator boards viz.-the "departure" board
and the "arrival" board, connected by a line current, comprising index-hands
operated by levers placed under the control of electro-magnets, such hands being
adapted to move in front of a dial having as many divisions as there are line
sections between the two stations-the current being started either by the station-
master acting upon a commutating lock or automatically by the passing train,

page_text: adapted to execute its influence upon special devices or instruments placed along
the line and connected both to the line conductors and to the wires of the apparatus
erected at the sections of the line, the lock remaining concealed from view whilst
the other lock is not used in starting another train; each board carrying devices
identical with, or duplicates of, the devices of the other board, so as to enable the
progress of another train to be recorded in the event of such another train being
sent along the line in the rear of the first, while avoiding or prohibiting any second
train being started on the line at all, so long as the first train has not left the first
section of such line.
III. In the arrangement of devices, as specified in the first claim the special
arrangement of the "section" board connected electrically with the "station" boards
by the line-conductor or wire (6) with the other section boards by section wires
and (c) with instruments or apparatus placed on the line, and provided with three
hands adapted under the action of levers operated by electro-magnets to become
visible through suitably arranged windows, apertures or slots; one of the said
hands being arranged to indicate the presence of a train in the section ahead of the
section-apparatus; the other to notify the presence of a train in the rear of such
section apparatus while the third index band is adapted to appear when, while one
train is travelling in the section in the rear of the section board another train is
about to enter such section also
IV. In the arrangement as specified in the first claim, the special mechanism
enabling the locomotive engine to act without actual contact but by influence or
induction only upon special apparatus or instruments arranged along the line;
such apparatus mainly consisting of an armature or magnetized needle capable of
slight displacement by the influence of the magnetic action of a magnet on electro-
magnet placed underneath the engine, the first of the said apparatus or instru-
ments M' being adapted as the train passes to close the circuit required to operate
the various parts of the indicator boards of the sections and stations while the
object of the other instrument M² is to break the circuit so as to put a stop to the
action of the current just created, suitably arranged electro magnets being employed
to return the armatures to their initial positions, and the action of the current
generated as an effect of the passage of a train being made to last as long as may
be desired since its duration depends upon the distance between, and not on the
size of the said instruments M¹ M².
V. In apparatus as specified in the first claim, the arrangement upon the
locomotive engine of an indicator board having one or more index-hands electrically
operated through the medium of levers and electro magnets, the circuit being
closed by apparatus similar to that specified in the IV Claim, carried by the
engine and whereon a magnet or electro maguet placed upon the line is adapted to
act by induction or influence.
VI. The complete apparatus, whether taken as a whole or divided into its
essential parts substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described, and
illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 30th day of January 1896.
FELL & WILDING,
Agents for the Applicants.