Year: 1899

page_text: I, GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE, of Westinghouse Building, Pittsburg, in the County
of Alleghany, State of Pennsylvania, United States of North America, Electrical
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to electro-pneumatic controlling apparatus, and is
especially applicable for use in actuating and governing the controllers of rail-
way motors, although it may be used for various other purposes.
One portion of the invention consists in a construction of apparatus whereby
fluid pressure can be utilised to cause a step by step movement of a mechanical
device in one direction, and also a complete retrograde movement of the device
in a single step.
The invention further comprises an apparatus for controlling the supply of
compressed fluid to one or a number of devices such as above described. Finally
my invention includes a system of electro-pneumatic controlling apparatus com-
bined with the ordinary air brake system for railways, which is very compact
and simple in arrangement.
The general feature underlying my invention is the utilisation of fluid pressure
for operating those devices or parts of the devices where considerable power is
required to be expended, the application of such pressure being regulated and
governed by electro-magnetic means, or in some cases by pneumatic means.
In the accompanying drawings I have shewn devices embodying my invention
and in
Figures 1 to an apparatus for operating a controller for electric motors is
shewn. Figure 1 is a side elevation; Figure 2 a similar view from the opposite
side of the apparatus: Figure 3 is a plan partly sectional; Figure 4 a front eleva-
tion partly sectional; Figure 5 a section on the line V-V, Figure 3; Figure 6 a
section on the line VI-VI, Figure 4; and Figure a section on the line VII-VII,
Figure 3.
7
Figures 8 to 13 illustrate a device for governing the operation of the apparatus
shewn in Figures 1 to 7, which device also indicates to the operator the successive
steps as they take place, and shews what position the apparatus is in. Figure S
is a front elevation: Figure 9 a section on the line IX-IX, Figure 8, parts being
removed: Figure 10 a front elevation with the cover plate removed; Figure 11
a vertical section parallel to the face of the instrument; Figure 12 is a. vertical

page_text: section perpendicular to the face of the instrument, and Figure 13 a horizontal
section.
Figures 14 to 18 illustrate a device for operating a circuit breaker by compressed
fluid Figure 14 being an elevation; Figure 15 an elevation partly sectional
drawn to enlarged scale; Figure 16 a section on the line XVI-XVI, Figure 14;
and Figure 17 a section on the line XVII-XVII, Figure 14.
Figure 18 is a plan view of a car to which my controlling system is applied,
the middle portion of the car being broken away. Figure 19 is a diagram shew-
ing all of the mechanism and the operating and controlling circuits, both electric
and pneumatic in two cars of a train, and Figure 20 is a diagram of a three car
train, the front and rear cars of which are motor cars provided with the fluid
pressure apparatus employed in my controlling system.
Referring now to Figures 1 to 7 of the drawings which shew one form of my
apparatus applied to a controller, said controller has a drum 2 operated through
the gears 4 and 5 from a shaft 3. Said shaft has secured to it a relatively large
disc with two sets of ratchet teeth 9 and 10 and also a relatively small disc 8
having a single tooth 11 and two teeth 12 (see Figure 3). Secured to the main
framework is a cylinder 13 provided with a piston 14, the piston rod 15 of
which has at its outer end a head 16, on or in this head are pivoted two pawls 17
and 18, the former being adapted to engage with the teeth of the wheel 7 and
the latter with the teeth of the wheel 8. Said pawls have laterally projecting
arms 171 and 181 which rest against a portion 19 of the cylinder 13 when the
piston 14 is at one end of the cylinder, and thereby put the pawls 17, 18 out
of gear with their respective discs. Springs 20 and 21 serve to throw the pawls
into engagement with their respective discs as soon as the piston 14 moves along
its cylinder (see Figures 3 and 4). Said piston is moved in one direction by
means of a coiled spring 22 located between the cylinder end and the piston.
23 is a second cylinder provided with a piston 24, the piston rod 25 of which has a
rack 26 and moves in a suitable guide 27, the rack 26 engages with a pinion 28
secured to the shaft (see Figure 3).
The fluid pressure for operating the apparatus is admitted through a pipe 29
to the chamber 30. from which it passes into chambers 31 and 311 (see Figures 1,
4 and 6). The cylinder 13 normally communicates with the atmosphere through
passages 32, 33, chamber 34 and passage or port 35, the valve 36 being held away
from its seat by the spring 37 which also holds the valve 38 against its seat,
thus preventing communication between passage 33 and chamber 30.
The evlinder 23 is in connection by means of the passages 321, 322 with a
passage 331, similar to the passage 33 above described, and the means for closing
the passage 331 is also similar. Interposed between the passages 321 and 322
is, however, a chamber 41 containing a check valve 42 as shewn in Figure 3. For
operating the valves 36 and 38 at the ends of the passage 33, I provide an electro-
magnet 39, a similar magnet 40 being provided for the corresponding valves in
the passage 331.
The operation of the apparatus is as follows:-
If the magnet 39 is energised by closing its circuit, its armature will be drawn
inward closing valve 36 and opening valve 38. Fluid pressure will be, therefore,
admitted from pipe 29, chambers 30 and 31, passages 33 and 32 against the
piston 14 which will be forced to the end of its cylinder 13, compressing the
spring 22. As soon as the piston rod head 16 moves out from the end of the
cylinder, the springs 20 and 21 act to put the pawls 17 and 18 into engagement
with their respective discs 7 and 8. If the discs are in the position shewn in
Figure 3, the pawl 18 will engage with the tooth 11 and rotate the shaft through the
medium of disc 8, and as said dise is smaller in diameter than the disc 7 a complete
stroke of the piston 14 will cause the shaft 3 to rotate so far as to cause the pawl 17
at the next stroke of the piston 14, to be brought into engagement with the first
tooth of the series 9 on the disc 7.. If the circuit of magnet 39 is now opened,
the valves 36 and 38 will be acted upon by the spring 37 and passage 32 be put

page_text: into connection with the atmosphere; consequently the piston 14 will move
back to its initial position under the action of the spring 22. If the circuit of
magnet 39 is closed again, another stroke of the piston 14 is effected and the
pawl 17 engaging with the first tooth of the series 9 rotates the shaft 3 through
the medium of the disc 7, the pawl 18 being inoperative because there is no
tooth on the disc 8 with which it can engage. The opening of the circuit of
magnet 39 will again effect the withdrawal of the pawls 17 and 18. It will be
seen therefore that the successive closing's and openings of the circuit of
magnet 39 will cause the shaft 3 to be rotated through the medium of pawl 17
and ratchet disc 7. When the pawl 17 has engaged with the last
tooth of the series 9, the next stroke of the piston 14 will serve through
the pawl 18 and first of the teeth 12 on disc S to move the shaft 3
a step, the length of which on the periphery of the disc 7 is equal
to one half the distance between the last tooth of series 9 and the first tooth
of the series 10, another stroke of piston 14 will through pawl 18 and the second
teoth 12 of the disc S move the shaft 3 another long step and bring the first
tooth of the series 10 opposite the pawl 17; after this, further strokes of the
piston 14 will rotate the shaft 3 through the medium of pawl 17 and the series
of teeth 10 until the last tooth of the disc 7 is reached, when further strokes of
the piston will have no effect on the shaft 3. In order to prevent the shaft 3
from moving further than a distance corresponding to one complete stroke of the
piston 14, the underside of the disc 7 has a number or projections 52 equal in
number to the teeth of both discs 7 and 8 and spaced apart to correspond with the
several steps which it is desired to rotate the shaft. Located beneath the disc 7 is
a vertical cylinder 53 (see Figures 3 and 7) having a piston 54 with a projecting
rod 55 adapted when the piston is moved upwards to engage with one of the
pins 52, and stop the movement of the shaft 3. Said piston 54 is normally pressed
down and the rod 55 prevented from engaging with the projections 52 by means
of a spring 56. The space underneath said piston 54 is connected by a pipe 57
with a port 58 in the cylinder 13. Said port is located a short distance from
the rear end of the cylinder 13, so that the piston 14 requires to move a short
distance before the port is uncovered and pressure admitted to the pipe 57. By
this means I ensure that the disc 7 shall rotate through a short distance before
the piston 54 begins to rise, whereby the next pin 52 in succession will be
brought in position to engage with the stem 55.
During the rotation of the shaft 3 by the pawls 17, 18 the ratchet wheel 28
acting on the rack 26 causes the piston 24 gradually to move from the position
shewn in Figure 3 to the other end of its cylinder 23. If, therefore, fluid
pressure is admitted to the cylinder 23 through the channel 321 when the shaft 3
occupies any other position than that shewn in Figure 3, piston 24 will be
returned to its initial position and by means of the rack 26 and gear wheel 28
rotate the shaft 3 backwards so as to return the parts to their original position;
the admission of compressed iluid to the channel 321 is caused by closing the
circuit of magnet 40, the armature of which being attracted operates the valves
at the ends of the passage 331 in such a manner as to connect said passage with
chamber 30 and close the connection with the atmosphere. This operation is
similar to that herein before described for the magnet 39 and its co-operating
mechanism.
It will be understood that only one pawl and a uniform ratchet disc may be
employed instead of the two pawls and two discs above mentioned, if a uniform
rotary motion of the shaft be desired, or the discs may be dispensed with
and a straight rack be used to co-operate with a single pawl if uniform rectilinear
motion is required.
Where the device which is required to be actuated is an electrical controller,
the reversing switch may be arranged to be operated by the rotation of a shaft 43
(Figure 3) which is provided with a gear segment 44. Said segment engages with
a rack 45 formed upon the stem 46 which rigidly connects two pistons 47 located

page_text: in cylinders 48. Fluid pressure is admitted to a chamber 49 through a pipe 50
(see Figure 4) and from thence is admitted to the respective cylinders 48 through
passages 491 and 501 and valves 492 and 502, each of which is controlled by an
electro-magnet 51 in a manner substantially similar to that described in con-
nection with the cylinders 13 and 23. Devices for interlocking the controller
and reversing switch drums are or may be provided as is customary in this
description of apparatus consequently the reversing switch can not be operated
until the controller drum is in its zero position.
The apparatus above described is complete in itself and any suitable switching
devices may be employed for governing the flow of current round the electro-
magnets 39, 40 and 51, which control the admission of fluid pressure to the appa-
ratus. I have constructed, however, a specially convenient governing device which
is illustrated in Figures 8 to 13. This device is furthermore arranged to indicate
to the operator the position of the mechanism controlled by it, and shew each
step in the operation of such mechanism. One such device can be employed for
synchronously controlling the admission of fluid pressure to any number of
separate mechanisms.
The device has a removable face plate 60 with a dial 61 and an indicating
pointer 5 secured to a shaft 62 mounted in suitable bearings in the casing of
the device. Said shaft is provided with a pinion 63 and a ratchet wheel 64,
the teeth of the latter corresponding with the divisions of the dial 61; a spring
washer 641 between the face plate 60 and the ratchet wheel 64 serves to prevent
the ratchet wheel and shaft from moving too freely. The casing may be sup-
ported in position by split pins 651 engaging in sockets 66 in the framework 67,
these pins also serving as couplings for the electric circuits (see Figures 12
and 13). Within the casing are secured two cylinders 68 and 69 provided with
pistons 70 and 733 respectively, having stems 71 and 74. The stem 71 is pro-
vided with a rack 72 engaging with the pinion 63 of the shaft 62, but the stem 74
of the piston 73 is cut away so that it will not engage with said pinion (see
Figure 11) Fluid pressure may be admitted at the top of the cylinders 68, 69
through pipes 76 and ports 75, in order to depress said pistons and return them
to their initial position after they have been raised (see Figures 11 and 12).
79 indicates a pair of contact terminals adapted to be bridged by a rod 80 which
is normally held out of contact with said terminals by a spring 81, and the outer
end of the rod is bevelled and projects into a transverse bearing socket 82, designed
to receive the shaft portion 83 of a crank 84 (see Figures 9 and 12). A peripheral
groove 86 is provided on the shaft 83 to receive the end of the rod 80 when
said shaft is in its seat in the bearing socket. The shaft 83 has also a projec-
tion 87 which is inserted through an orifice of similar shape in the casing so
that the removal of the same is prevented except when the projection registers
with the opening (see Figure 8). The terminals 79 are connected in the lead
from the operating battery, so that when the shaft $3 is withdrawn from its
socket and the rod 80 is out of contact with the terminals, no current can be
obtained from the battery.
Mounted to slide in the casing are two rods 89 and 94, the upper portions of
which 891 and 941 project respectively into the cylinders 69 and 68 so as to
engage with the stems of the pistons 70 and 73, said rods are adapted to make
circuit between the terminals 95 and 96 respectively, the terminals 95 being in
series with the controlling magnets 39 and the terminals 96 being in series with
the controlling magnets 40 of the apparatus shewn in Figures 1 to 7. The
rods 89 and 94 can be raised by the operation of the crank 84 through the
medium of the projection 87 and are provided with pins 90 and 901 respectively
projecting laterally through slots in the casing. Pivotally supported on the
pin 90 is a pawl 91 having a tail 92 with which engages the free end of a
spring 93. By this means when the rod 89 is raised to its highest point by a
complete stroke of the crank 84 in the direction shewn by the arrow in Figure 10,

page_text: the pawl 91 is caused first to engage with and then to rotate the ratchet wheel 64,
and thereby the pointer 65 through the distance of one space of the dial 61.
It will be understood that the upward movement of the rod 89 caused by
moving the crank 84 in the direction of the arrow (Figures 10 and 11) will bridge
the terminals 95 thereby connecting the electro-magnet 39 in circuit, and will
also through the part 891 cause the piston 73 to rise in its cylinder 69. At the
same time owing to the rotation of shaft 62 by the pawl 91 as above described
the piston 70 through the agency of the pinion 63 and rack 72 is raised step
by step in its cylinder with each upward movement of the said rod. The upward
movement of the rod 94, when the crank 84 is moved in the opposite direction,
will bridge the terminals 96, thus connecting the electro-magnets 40
in circuit. To ensure the downward 'movement of one rod when the other is
raised, I provide a lever 97 pivoted to the casing, the ends of which are adapted
to engage with the projections 90 and 901 (see Figures 10 and 11). I preferably
provide a spring 741 above the piston 3 in cylinder 69 which forces said piston
downward and breaks the connection between the terminals 95 as soon as the
operator moves or releases crank 84.
The switches for controlling the circuits of the magnets 51 which cause the
operation of the reversing switch in the mechanism shewn in Figures 1 to 7,
are shewn in Figures 10, 12, and 13, in which 98 are the terminals of the circuits
containing said magnets, which terminals are adapted to be bridged by pins 99
operated through push buttons 101 and normally maintained out of engagement
with the terminals by springs 100.
The parts marked 102, 103, 104, Figure 11, are not essential for the operation
of the device, but relate to a switch which can be located therein for cutting out
one of two controlling mechanisms governed by the device when desired. The
operation and use of this switch will be hereinafter explained. 126 is a push
button similar to 101 for closing the circuit between the terminals 981 for a
purpose hereinafter explained.
Referring now to Figures 14 to 17 the circuit breaker which is operated by
the device illustrated is not shewn in the drawings, and may be of any suitable
description. The movable member of said circuit breaker is, however, connected
with the shaft 115 and operated by the handle 108, in the usual manner. 109 is
a cylinder having a piston 110 normally held at one end of the cylinder by means
of a spring 111. The piston has a jointed rod or stem 112 the free end of which
is notched to engage a pin on the lever 114 secured to the shaft 115. The
admission of fluid pressure to the cylinder is controlled by the double valve 116
located in a chamber 117 communicating with the cylinder. By this means
when the fluid under pressure is admitted to either pipe 118 or 119 the valve 116
is moved and the piston 110 forced against the spring 111 to the position shewn
in Figure 15 rotating the shaft 115 and resetting the circuit breaker so as to
re-establish the circuit after it has been interrupted.
For tripping the circuit breaker when desired a second cylinder 120 is pro-
vided having a piston 121 the rod 122 of which is adapted to engave a tripping
lever 105. The admission of fluid under pressure to this cylinder from the
pipe 160 is governed by a valve 123 controlled by an electro-magnet 125 and
spring 124 (see Figure 16) similar in operation to those herein before described
with reference to Figures 1 to 7. The circuit of said electro-magnet is closed
when desired by means of a push-button 126 or other suitable switch, preferably
located in or near the controlling device (see Figures 8 to 13).
Referring now to Figures 18 to 20, 128 indicates the motor-man's compartment
of the car in which is located a governing device 59 of a similar kind to that
hereinabove described with reference to Figures 8 to 13 and the engineer's brake
valve 132 which is of the ordinary construction. 135 is a reservoir for compressed
air which is supplied from a rotary air pump 133 operated by an electro-motor 1:34.
The supply of current to said motor is governed by an apparatus indicated at 142

page_text: which cuts off the current when the air pressure in the reservoir reaches a pre-
determined limit and makes circuit again when the pressure falls to a pre-
determined minimum. I is a controlling apparatus for the car motors which is
adapted to be operated by fluid under pressure, the supply of which fluid is
governed by electro-magnetic mechanism such as is shewn in Figures 1 to 7.
107 is an automatic circuit breaker provided with resetting and tripping mechanism
such as described with reference to Figures 14 to 17. 141 indicates an air brake
apparatus of any suitable construction which communicates with the train pipe 127
which with the other connecting pipes is located as usual beneath the floor of
the car.
In Figures 19 and 20, two equipments are shewn, each having a controlling
mechanism and governing device 59, either of the governing devices being
adapted to control either or both of the controlling mechanisms, but it will be
understood that more than two such equipments can be operated in synchronism
and governed by a single governing device such as 59. In said governing device
in Figure 19, there is indicated a circuit changing switch, also illustrated in
Figures 10 and 11, said switch comprises an arm 104 connected through the
terminals 95 and 79 with the battery 136 and adapted to connect with either or
both of the contacts 102, 103 which are respectively connected with the magnets 39
of the two controlling mechanisms 1. By this means when the switch arm is
in its middle position, both controlling mechanisms will be governed by the
device 59, and by moving the arm 104 either one of the controlling mechanisms
may be cut out and the other mechanism alone actuated. The pipe 17 is con-
nected with the pipe 76 which is attached to the cylinder 69 (see Figures 11
and 12) and also to the cylinder 13 (see Figure 4) in such a position that after
the piston 14 has been moved some distance in its cylinder, said pipe will be
open to the air pressure within the cylinder. The pipe 138 is connected in a
similar manner to the cylinder 68 and to cylinder 23 (see Figure 3) at or near
the end of the same, so that when the piston 24 has returned to its initial position
under the influence of fluid pressure entering through the port 321, said pipe 138
will be opened to the fluid pressure.
The operation of the system is as follows:-
If it is desired to start the cars, the controlling mechanism 1 being in its zero
position, the shaft 83 of the crank 84 is inserted into its bearing secket 82 thereby
forcing the pin 80 upward and bridging the circuit terminals 79. This connects
the battery 136 with the terminals 95 and 96 and also to the terminals 98 and 981
If the
which can be bridged by the push buttons 101 and 126 respectively.
crank 84 be now moved to the right in the direction of the arrow shewn in
Figures 10 and 11, the rod 89 will be lifted bridging the terminals 95 and con-
necting the magnet 39 of the controlling mechanism to the battery, thus per-
mitting the admission of fluid pressure to the cylinder 13 and causing the con-
trolling mechanism to move forward one step. As soon as the piston 14 has
moved a short distance in its cylinder, fluid pressure will be admitted to the
pipe 57 and acts on the piston 54 as described with reference to Figure 7, and
also fluid pressure will be admitted to the pipe 137 and thence to the cylinder 69,
where it acts against the piston 73 and its stem 74 to force the rod 89 back to
its normal position and thus break the circuit at the terminals 95. By locating
the entrance of the pipe 137 near the inner end of the cylinder 13, I ensure that
the circuit through the magnets 39 shall remain closed until the controlling
mechanism 1 has done its work, which otherwise might not be the case if the
crank 84 were quickly returned to its zero position. The spring 741 also acts
to force piston 73 downward and thereby break the circuit through magnet 39
as soon as the operator moves or releases the crank 84 independently of the air
pressure received from cylinder 13, the extra pressure of air above the piston
telling the operator that the step has been completed. By this means when the
air from the cylinder 13 is cut off from any cause the circuit round the magnet 39
will notwithstanding be broken. Each movement of the crank in the direction

page_text: of the arrow, Figures 10 and 11, will make the circuit through the magnets 39
and thereby more the controlling mechanism 1 one step in advance, until the
limiting position of said mechanism in that direction has been reached.
Further-
It at any time it is desired to return the controlling mechanism to its zero
position, the crank 84 is moved to the left, that is to say, in the opposite direction
to that above mentioned, thereby forcing the rod 94 upward and bridging the
terminals 96, closing the circuits through the magnet 40. By this means fluid
pressure will be admitted to the cylinder 23 to act on the piston 24 and return
it to its initial position as described with reference to Figures 1 to 7.
more when the piston 24 reaches the end of its stroke, fluid pressure will be
admitted to the pipe 138 and thence to the pipe 76 communicating with the
cylinder 68 and acting on the piston 70 and its stem 71 will return the rod 941
to its initial position and through the medium of the rack 72 rotate the shaft 62,
returning the pointer 65 to zero.
It it is desired to operate the reversing switch the proper button 101 will be
pressed closing the battery circuit through the corresponding magnet 51, and
the latter will actuate the valve 492 or 502 admitting fluid pressure to the corre-
sponding cylinder 48 to act on the piston 47, which being moved operates the
reversing switch through the gear segment 44, as described with reference to
Figure of the drawings. At the same time by reason of the pipe connec-
tions 118, 119, to cylinder 109 of the circuit breaker 107, fluid pressure will be
admitted to act upon the piston 110, and will serve to close said breaker if it is
not already in that position. In lieu of connecting the magnets 51 with earth
they may be connected together and to the terminal of the magnet 40 which is
remote from the earth as shewn in dot and dash lines in Figure 19. By this
means a current sent through either of the magnets 51 to operate the reversing
switch will necessarily pass through magnet 40 and cause a complete retrograde
movement of the controller. The independent operation of magnet 40 will
obviously not be interfered with by this connection.
If it is desired to put on the brakes, the engineer's valve 132 will be operated
and by reason of the pipe connection 140 between the brake cylinder 141 and
the cylinder 23 air pressure will be admitted to said cylinder and the controlling
mechanism returned to the zero position, if they are not already in said position.
In place of or as well as, by the application of the air brakes effecting the return
of the controlling mechanism to the zero position, a pipe connection can be
provided between the brake cylinder and cylinder 120 of the circuit breaker 107
whereby the piston 121 will be operated to trip the circuit breaker and open the
circuit when the brakes are applied.
It will be clear from the diagrams Figures 19 and 20 that the mechanisms of
both equipments are actuated simultaneously by the operation of either governing
device 59 and in a similar manner more than two equipments may be operated.
Also by varying the position of the switch arm 104 as before described the opera-
tion may be restricted to either one of the equipments if desired.
E
1000
I, GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE, of Westinghouse Building, Pittsburg, in the County
C of Alleghany, State of Pennsylvania, United States of North America, Electrical

page_text: 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:-
My invention relates to electro-pneumatic controlling apparatus, and is
especially applicable for use in actuating and governing the controllers of rail-
way motors, although it may be used for various other purposes.
One portion of the invention consists in a construction of apparatus whereby
fluid pressure can be utilised to cause a step by step movement of a mechanical
device in one direction, and also a complete retrograde movement of the device
in a single step.
The invention further comprises an apparatus for controlling the supply of
compressed fluid to one or a number of devices such as above described. Finally
my invention includes a system of electro-pneumatic controlling apparatus com-
bined with the ordinary air brake system for railways, which is very compact
and simple in arrangement.
The general feature underlying my invention is the utilisation of fluid pressure
for operating those devices or parts of the devices where considerable power is
required to be expended, the application of such pressure being regulated and
governed by electro-magnetic means, or in some cases by pneumatic means.
In my drawings accompanying my Provisional Specification I have shewn
devices embodying my invention and in
Figures 1 to an apparatus for operating a controller for electric motors is
shewn. Figure 1 is a side elevation Figure 2 a similar view from the opposite
side of the apparatus; Figure 3 is a plan partly sectional: Figure 4 a front eleva-
tion partly sectional; Figure 5 a section on the line V-V, Figure 3; Figure 6 a
section on the line VI—VI, Figure 4; and Figure 7 a section on the line VII-VII,
Figure 3.
Figures 8 to 13 illustrate a device for governing the operation of the apparatus
shewn in Figures 1 to 7, which device also indicates to the operator the successive
steps as they take place, and shews what position the apparatus is in. Figure 8
is a front elevation; Figure 9 a section on the line IX-IX, Figure 8, parts being
removed; Figure 10 a front elevation with the cover plate removed; Figure 11
a vertical section parallel to the face of the instrument; Figure 12 is a vertical
section perpendicular to the face of the instrument, and Figure 13 a horizontal
section.
Figures 14 to 18 illustrate a device for operating a circuit breaker by compressed
fluid Figure 14 being an elevation; Figure 15 an elevation partly sectional
drawn to enlarged scale; Figure 16 a section on the line XVI-XVI, Figure 14;
and Figure 17 a section on the line XVII-XVII, Figure 14.
Figure 18 is a plan view of a car to which my controlling system is applied,
the middle portion of the car being broken away. Figure 19 is a diagram shew-
ing all of the mechanism and the operating and controlling circuits both electric
and pneumatic in two cars of a train, and Figure 20 is a diagram of a three car
train, the front and rear cars of which are motor cars provided with the fluid
pressure apparatus employed in my controlling system.
Referring now to Figures 1 to 7 of the drawings which shew one form of my
apparatus applied to a controller, said controller has a drum 2 operated through
the gears 4 and 5 from a shaft 3. Said shaft has secured to it a relatively large
disc with two sets of ratchet teeth 9 and 10 and also a relatively small disc S
having a single tooth 11 and two teeth 12 (see Figure 3). Secured to the main
framework is a cylinder 13 provided with a piston 14, the piston rod 15 of
which has at its outer end a head 16, on or in this head are pivoted two pawls 17
and 18, the former being adapted to engage with the teeth of the wheel 7 and
the latter with the teeth of the wheel 8. Said pawls have laterally projecting
arms 171 and 181 which rest against a portion 19 of the cylinder 13 when the
piston 14 is at one end of the cylinder, and thereby put the pawls 17, 18 out
of gear with their respective discs. Springs 20 and 21 serve to throw the pawls

page_text: into engagement with their respective discs as soon as the piston 14 moves along
its cylinder (see Figures 3 and 4). Said piston is moved in one direction by
means of a coiled spring 22 located between the cylinder end and the piston. 23 is
a second cylinder provided with a piston 24, the piston rod 25 of which has a
rack 26 and moves in a suitable guide 27, the rack 26 engages with a pinion 28
secured to the shaft (see Figure 3).
The fluid pressure for operating the apparatus is admitted through a pipe 29
to the chamber 30, from which it passes into chambers 31 and 311 (see Figures 1,
4 and 6). The cylinder 13 normally communicates with the atmosphere through
passages 32, 33, chamber 34 and passage or port 35, the valve 36 being held away
from its seat by the spring 37 which also holds the valve 38 against its seat,
thus preventing communication between passage 33 and chamber 30.
The cylinder 23 is in connection by means of the passages 321, 322 with a
passage 331, similar to the passage 33 above described, and the means for closing
the passage 331 is also similar. Interposed between the passages 321 and 322
is, however, a chamber 4.1 containing a check valve 42 as shewn in Figure 3. For
operating the valves 36 and 38 at the ends of the passage 33, I provide an electro-
magnet 39, a similar magnet 40 being provided for the corresponding valves in
the passage 331.
The operation of the apparatus is as follows:-
If the magnet 39 is energised by closing its circuit, its armature will be drawn
inward closing valve 36 and opening valve 38. Fluid pressure will be, therefore,
admitted from pipe 29, chambers 30 and 31, passages 33 and 32 against the
piston 14 which will be forced to the end of its cylinder 13, compressing the
spring 22. As soon as the piston rod head 16 moves out from the end of the
cylinder, the springs 20 and 21 act to put the pawls 17 and 18 into engagement
with their respective discs 7 and S. If the discs are in the position shewn in
Figure 3, the pawl 18 will engage with the tooth 11 and rotate the shaft through tho
medium of disc 8, and as said disc is smaller in diameter than the dise 7 a complete
stroke of the piston 14 will cause the shaft 3 to rotate so far as to cause the pawl 17
at the next stroke of the piston 14, to be brought into engagement with the first
tooth of the series 9 on the disc 7. If the circuit of magnet 39 is now opened,
the valves 36 and 38 will be acted upon by the spring 37 and passage 32 be put
into connection with the atmosphere; consequently the piston 14 will move
back to its initial position under the action of the spring 22. If the circuit of
magnet 39 is closed again, another stroke of the piston 14 is effected and the
pawl 17 engaging with the first tooth of the series 9 rotates the shaft 3 through
the medium of the disc 7, the pawl 18 being inoperative because there is no
tooth on the dise S with which it can engage. The opening of the circuit of
magnet 39 will again effect the withdrawal of the pawls 17 and 18. It will b
seen therefore that the successive closings and openings of the circuit of
magnet 39 will cause the shaft 3 to be rotated through the medium of pawl 17
and ratchet disc 7. When the pawl 17 has engaged with the last
tooth of the series 9, the next stroke of the piston 14 will serve through
the pawl IS and first of the teeth 12 on disc 8 to move the shaft 3
a step, the length of which
on the periphery of the disc is equal
to one half the distance between the last tooth of series 9 and the first tooth
of the series 10, another stroke of piston 14 will through pawl 18 and the second
tooth 12 of the disc 8 move the shaft 3 another long step and bring the first
tooth of the series 10 opposite the pawl 17; after this, further strokes of the
piston 14 will rotate the shaft 3 through the medium of pawl 17 and the series
of teeth 10 until the last tooth of the disc 7 is reached, when further strokes of
the piston will have no effect on the shaft 3. In order to prevent the shaft 3
from moving further than a distance corresponding to one complete stroke of the
piston 14, the underside of the disc 7 has a number of projections 52 equal in
number to the teeth of both dises and Sand spaced apart to correspond with the
several steps which it is desired to rotate the shaft. Located beneath the disc 7 is

page_text: a vertical cylinder 53 (see Figures 3 and 7) having a piston 54 with a projecting
rod 55 adapted when the piston is moved upwards to engage with one of the
pins 52, and stop the movement of the shaft 3. Said piston 54 is normally pressed
down and the rod 55 prevented from engaging with the projections 52 by means
of a spring 56. The space underneath said piston 54 is connected by a pipe 57
with a port 58 in the cylinder 13. Said port is located a short distance from
the rear end of the cylinder 13, so that the piston 14 requires to move a short
distance before the port is uncovered and pressure admitted to the pipe 57. By
this means I ensure that the disc 7 shall rotate through a short distance before
the piston 54 begins to rise, whereby the next pin 52 in succession will be
brought in position to engage with the stem 55.
During the rotation of the shaft 3 by the pawls 17, 18 the ratchet wheel 28
acting on the rack 26 causes the piston 24 gradually to move from the position
shewn in Figure 3 to the other end of its cylinder 23. If, therefore, fluid
pressure is admitted to the cylinder 23 through the channel 321 when the shaft
occupies any other position than that shewn in Figure 3, piston 24 will be
returned to its initial position and by means of the rack 26 and gear wheel 28
rotate the shaft 3 backwards so as to return the parts to their original position;
the admission of compressed fluid to the channel 321 is caused by closing the
circuit of magnet 40, the armature of which being attracted operates the valves
at the ends of the passage 331 in such a manner as to connect said passage with
chamber 30 and close the connection with the atmosphere. This operation is
similar to that hereinbefore described for the magnet 39 and its co-operating
mechanism.
It will be understood that only one pawl and a uniform ratchet disc may be
employed instead of the two pawls and two dises above mentioned, if a uniform
rotary motion of the shaft be desired, or the discs may be dispensed with
and a straight rack be used to co-operate with a single pawl if uniform rectilinear
motion is required.
Where the device which is required to be actuated is an electrical controller,
the reversing switch may be arranged to be operated by the rotation of a shaft 43
(Figure 3) which is provided with a gear segment 44. Said segment engages with
a rack 45 formed upon the stem 46 which rigidly connects two pistons 47 located
ju cylinders 48. Fluid pressure is admitted to a chamber 49 through a pipe 50
(see Figure 4) and from thence is admitted to the respective cylinders 48 through
passages 491 and 501 and valves 492 and 502, each of which is controlled by an
electro-magnet 51 in a manner substantially similar to that described in con-
nection with the cylinders 13 and 23. Devices for interlocking the controller
and reversing switch drums are or may be provided as is customary in this
description of apparatus consequently the reversing switch can not be operated
until the controller drum is in its zero position.
The apparatus above described is complete in itself and any suitable switching
devices may be employed for governing the flow of current round the electro-
magnets 39, 40 and 51, which control the admission of fluid pressure to the appa-
ratus. I have constructed, however, a specially convenient governing device which
is illustrated in Figures 8 to 19. This device is furthermore arranged to indicate
to the operator the position of the mechanism controlled by it, and shew each
step in the operation of such mechanism. One such device can be employed for
synchronously controlling the admission of fluid pressure to any number of
separate mechanisms.
The device has a removable face plate 60 with a dial 61 and an indicating
pointer 65 secured to a shaft 62 mounted in suitable bearings in the casing of
the device. Said shaft is provided with a pinion 63 and a ratchet wheel 64,
the teeth of the latter corresponding with the divisions of the dial 61; a spring
washer 641 between the face plate 60 and the ratchet wheel 64 serves to prevent
the ratchet wheel and shaft from moving too freely. The casing may be sup-

page_text: ported in position by split pins 651 engaging in sockets 66 in the framework 67,
these pins also serving as couplings for the electric circuits (see Figures 12
and 13). Within the casing are secured two cylinders 68 and 69 provided with
pistons 70 and 73 respectively, having stems 71 and 74. The stem 71 is pro-
vided with a rack 72 engaging with the pinion 63 of the shaft 62, but the stem 74
of the piston 73 is cut away so that it will not engage with said pinion (see
Figure 11). Fluid pressure may be admitted at the top of the cylinders 68, 69
through pipes 76 and ports 75, in order to depress said pistons and return them
to their initial position after they have been raised (see Figures 11 and 12).
79 indicates a pair of contact terminals adapted to be bridged by a rod 80 which
is normally held out of contact with said terminals by a spring 81, and the outer
end of the rod is bevelled and projects into a transverse bearing socket 82, designed
to receive the shaft portion 83 of a crank 84 (see Figures 9 and 12). A peripheral
groove 86 is provided on the shaft 83 to receive the end of the rod 80 when
said shaft is in its seat in the bearing socket. The shaft 83 has also a projec-
tion 87 which is inserted through an orifice of similar shape in the casing so
that the removal of the same is prevented except when the projection registers
with the opening (see Figure 8). The terminals 79 are connected in the lead
from the operating battery, so that when the shaft 83 is withdrawn from its
socket and the rod 80 is out of contact with the terminals, no current can be
obtained from the battery.
Mounted to slide in the casing are two rods 89 and 94, the upper portions of
which 891 and 941 project respectively into the cylinders 69 and 68 so as to
engage with the stems of the pistons 70 and 73, said rods are adapted to make
circuit between the terminals 95 and 96 respectively, the terminals 95 being in
series with the controlling magnets 39 and the terminals 96 being in series with
the controlling magnets 40 of the apparatus shewn in Figures 1 to 7. The
rods 89 and 94 can be raised by the operation of the crank 84 through the
medium of the projection 87 and are provided with pins 90 and 901 respectively
projecting laterally through slots in the casing. Pivotally supported on the
pin 90 is a pawl 91 having a tail 92 with which engages the free end of a
spring 93. By this means when the rod 89 is raised to its highest point by a
complete stroke of the crank 84 in the direction shewn by the arrow in Figure 10,
the pawl 91 is caused first to engage with and then to rotate the ratchet wheel 64,
and thereby the pointer 65 through the distance of one space of the dial 61.
It will be understood that the upward movement of the rod 89 caused by
moving the crank 84 in the direction of the arrow (Figures 10 and 11) will bridge,
the terminals 95 thereby connecting the electro-magnet 39 in circuit, and will
also through the part 891 cause the piston 73 to rise in its cylinder 69. At the
same time owing to the rotation of shaft 62 by the pawl 91 as above described
the piston 70 through the agency of the pinion 63 and rack 72 is raised step
by sten in its cylinder with each upward movement of the said rod. The upward
movement of the rod 94. when the crank 84 is moyed in the opposite direction.
will bridge the terminals 96, thus connecting the electro-magnets 40
in circuit. To ensure the downward movement of one rod when the other is
raised, I provide a lever 97 pivoted to the casing, the ends of which are adapted
to engage with the projections 90 and 901 (see Figures 10 and 11). I preferably
provide a spring 741 above the piston 73 in cylinder 69 which forces said piston
downward and breaks the connection between the terminals 95 as soon as the
operator moves or releases crank 84.
The switches for controlling the circuits of the magnets 51 which cause the
operation of the reversing switch in the mechanism shewn in Figures 1 to 7,
are shewn in Figures 10, 12. and 18, in which 98 are the terminals of the circuits
containing said magnets, which terminals are adapted to be bridged by pins 99
operated through push buttons 101 and normally maintained out of engagement
with the terminals by springs 100.
The parts marked 102, 103, 104, Figure 11, are not essential for the operation
.

page_text: of the device, but relate to a switch which can be located therein for cutting out
one of two controlling mechanisms governed by the device when desired. The
operation and use of this switch will be hereinafter explained. 126 is a push
button similar to 101 for closing the circuit between the terminals 981 for a
purpose hereinafter explained.
The
Referring now to Figures 14 to 17 the circuit breaker which is operated by
the device illustrated is not shewn in the drawings, and may be of any suitable
description. The movable member of said circuit breaker is, however, connected.
109 is
with the shaft 115 and operated by the handle 108, in the usual manner.
a cylinder having a piston 110 normally held at one end of the cylinder by means
of a spring 111. The piston has a jointed rod or stem 112 the free end of which
is notched to engage a pin on the lever 114 secured to the shaft 115.
admission of fluid pressure to the cylinder is controlled by the double valve 116
located in a chamber 117 communicating with the cylinder. By this means
when the fluid under pressure is admitted to either pipe 118 or 119 the valve 116
is moved and the piston 110 forced against the spring 111 to the position shewn
in Figure 15 rotating the shaft 115 and resetting the circuit breaker so as to
re-establish the circuit after it has been interrupted.
For tripping the circuit breaker when desired a second cylinder 120 is pro-
vided having a piston 121 the rod 122 of which is adapted to engage a tripping
lever 105. The admission of fluid under pressure to this cylinder from the
pipe 160 is governed by a valve 123 controlled by an electro-magnet 125 and
spring 124 (see Figure 16) similar in operation to those herein before described
with reference to Figures 1 to 7. The circuit of said electro-magnet is closed
when desired by means of a push-button 126 or other suitable switch, preferably
located in or near the controlling device (see Figures 8 to 13).
Referring now to Figures 18 to 20, 128 indicates the motor-man's compartment
of the car in which is located a governing device 59 of a similar kind to that
hereinabove described with reference to Figures 8 to 13 and the engineer's brake
valve 132 which is of the ordinary construction. 135 is a reservoir for compressed
air which is supplied from a rotary air pump 133 operated by an electro-motor 134.
The supply of current to said motor is governed by an apparatus indicated at 142
which cuts off the current when the air pressure in the reservoir reaches a pre-
determined limit and makes circuit again when the pressure falls to a pre-
determined minimum. 1 is a controlling apparatus for the car motors which is
adapted to be operated by fluid under pressure, the supply of which fluid is
governed by electro-magnetic mechanism such as is shewn in Figures 1 to 7.
107 is an automatic circuit breaker provided with resetting and tripping mechanism
such as described with reference to Figures 14 to 17. 141 indicates an air brake
apparatus of any suitable construction which communicates with the train pipe 127
which with the other connecting pipes is located as usual beneath the floor of
the car.
In Figures 19 and 20, two equipments are shewn, each having a controlling
mechanism and governing device 59, either of the governing devices being
adapted to control either or both of the controlling mechanisms, but it will be
understood that more than two such equipments can be operated in synchronism
and governed by a single governing device such as 59. In said governing device
in Figure 19, there is indicated a circuit changing switch, also illustrated in
Figures 10 and 11. said switch comprises an arm 104 connected through the
terminals 95 and 79 with the battery 136 and adapted to connect with either or
both of the contacts 102, 103 which are respectively connected with the magnets 39
of the two controlling mechanisms 1. By this means when the switch arm is
in its middle position, both controlling mechanisms will be governed by the
device 59, and by moving the arm 104 either one of the controlling mechanisms
may be cut out and the other mechanism alone actuated. The pipe 137 is con-
nected with the pipe 76 which is attached to the cylinder 69 (see Figures 11
and 12) and also to the cylinder 13 (see Figure 4) in such a position that after

page_text: the piston 14 has been moved some distance in its cylinder, said pipe will be
open to the air pressure within the cylinder. The pipe 138 is connected in a
similar manner to the cylinder 68 and to cylinder 23 (see Figure 3) at or near
the end of the same, so that when the piston 24 has returned to its initial position
under the influence of fluid pressure entering through the port 321, said pipe 138
will be opened to the fluid pressure.
The operation of the system is as follows:-
If it is desired to start the cars, the controlling mechanism 1 being in its zero
position, the shaft 83 of the crank 84 is inserted into its bearing socket 82 thereby
forcing the pin 80 upward and bridging the circuit terminals 79. This connects
the battery 136 with the terminals 95 and 96 and also to the terminals 98 and 981
which can be bridged by the push buttons 101 and 126 respectively. If the
crank 84 be now moved to the right in the direction of the arrow shewn in
Figures 10 and 11, the rod 89 will be lifted bridging the terminals 95 and con-
necting the magnet 39 of the controlling mechanism to the battery, thus per-
mitting the admission of fluid pressure to the cylinder 13 and causing the con-
trolling mechanism to move forward one step. As soon as the piston 14 has
moved a short distance in its cylinder, fluid pressure will be admitted to the
pipe 57 and acts on the piston 54 as described with reference to Figure 7, and
also fluid pressure will be admitted to the pipe 137 and thence to the cylinder 69,
where it acts against the piston 73 and its stem 74 to force the rod 89 back to
its normal position and thus break the circuit at the terminals 95. By locating
the entrance of the pipe 137 near the inner end of the cylinder 13, I ensure that
the circuit through the magnets 39 shall remain closed until the controlling
mechanism has done its work, which otherwise might not be the case if the
crank 84 were quickly returned to its zero position. The spring 741 also acts
to force piston 73 downward and thereby break the circuit through magnet 39
as soon as the operator moves or releases the crank 84 independently of the air
pressure received from cylinder 13, the extra pressure of air above the piston
telling the operator that the step has been completed. By this means when the
air from the cylinder 13 is cut off from any cause the circuit round the magnet 39
will notwithstanding be broken. Each movement of the crank in the direction
of the arrow, Figures 10 and 11, will make the circuit through the magnets 39
and thereby move the controlling mechanism 1 one step in advance, until the
limiting position of said mechanism in that direction has been reached.
It at any time it is desired to return the controlling mechanism to its zero
position, the crank 84 is moved to the left, that is to say, in the opposite direction
to that above mentioned, thereby forcing the rod 94 upward and bridging the
terminals 96, closing the circuits through the magnet 40. By this means fluid
pressure will be admitted to the cylinder 23 to act on the piston 24 and return
it to its initial position as described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Further-
more when the piston 24 reaches the end of its stroke, fluid pressure will be
admitted to the pipe 138 and thence to the pipe 76 communicating with the
cylinder 68 and acting on the piston 70 and its stem 71 will return the rod 941
to its initial position and through the medium of the rack 72 rotate the shaft 62,
returning the pointer 65 to zero.
It it is desired to operate the reversing switch the proper button 101 will be
pressed closing the battery circuit through the corresponding magnet 51, and
the latter will actuate the valve 492 or 502 admitting fluid pressure to the corre-
sponding cylinder 48 to act on the piston 47, which being moved operates the
reversing switch through the gear segment 44, as described with reference to
Figure 3 of the drawings. At the same time by reason of the pipe connec-
tions 118, 119, to cylinder 109 of the circuit breaker 107, fluid pressure will be
admitted to act upon the piston 110, and will serve to close said breaker if it is
not already in that position. In lieu of connecting the magnets 51 with earth
they may be connected together and to the terminal of the magnet 40 which is
remote from the earth as shown in dot and dash lines in Figure 19. By this

page_text: means a current sent through either of the magnets 51 to operate the reversing
switch will necessarily pass through magnet 40 and cause a complete retrograde
movement of the controller. The independent operation of magnet 40 will
obviously not be interfered with by this connection.
If it is desired to put on the brakes, the engineer's valve 132 will be operated
and by reason of the pipe connection 140 between the brake cylinder 141 and
the cylinder 23 air pressure will be admitted to said cylinder and the controlling
mechanism returned to the zero position, if they are not already in said position.
In place of or as well as, by the application of the air brakes effecting the return
of the controlling mechanism to the zero position, a pipe connection can be
provided between the brake cylinder and cylinder 120 of the circuit breaker 107
whereby the piston 121 will be operated to trip the circuit breaker and open the
circuit when the brakes are applied.
It will be clear from the diagrams Figures 19 and 20 that the mechanisms of
both equipments are actuated simultaneously by the operation of either governing
device 59 and in a similar manner more than two equipments may be operated.
Also by varying the position of the switch arm 104 as before described the opera-
tion may be restricted to either one of the equipments if desired.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
―:
1. An electro pneumatic mechanism so constructed and arranged that a
mechanical device forming a portion thereof can be caused to execute a step by
step movement in one direction, or a complete retrograde movement in a single
step, by the application of fluid pressure, the supply of which is governed by
electro-magnetic devices, substantially as described.
2. A modified form of the mechanism as claimed in Claim 1, so arranged that
some of the steps in the forward movement of the mechanical device are larger
than others.
3. In combination with the mechanism claimed in Claim 1, an additional
pneumatically operated piston the stem of which acts as a stop to prevent the
mechanical device moving forward more than one step at a time, said piston
being projected in its cylinder by fluid pressure which is automatically admitted
after the mechanical device has been moved forward a short distance.
4. For electric motors, a controller operated by fluid pressure which is governed
by electro-magnetic means, substantially as described with reference to l'igures 1-7
of the drawings, either with or without the device for operating the reversing
switch.
5. In a controller for electric motors a reversing switch, the shaft of which is
operated by fluid pressure acting on pistons connected with said shaft, the applica-
tion of fluid pressure being governed by electro-magnetic devices, substantially
as described.
6. A circuit breaker in which the movable member can be re-set so as to make
the circuit by admitting fluid under pressure to a cylinder having a piston which
is in mechanical connection with the movable member, and can be operated to
break the circuit by closing a circuit including an electro-magnet and thereby
admitting fluid under pressure to a cylinder to act on a piston, the movement
of which piston trips the releasing apparatus of the breaker.
7. A combination of the reversing switch mechanism claimed in Claim 5 with
the circuit breaker claimed in Claim 6, in which the pneumatic cylinders of the
former are connected with the cylinder of the latter whereby the circuit breaker
is caused to make the circuit at the commencement of the operation of the reversing
switch.
8. A circuit breaker so arranged that it cannot be re-set and the circuit made
after being automatically interrupted unless the main controller is in its zero
position, and until the reversing switch is operated,

page_text: 9. A pneumatically operated circuit breaker constructed substantially as
described with reference to Figures 14-18 of the drawings.
10. A governing device for controlling electric circuits which regulate the
operation of pneumatic appliances so arranged that after the commencement of
such operation the electric circuit is automatically broken at the governing device,
and the parts returned to their initial position."
11. For electro-pneumatically operated mechanism a governing device con-
structed and operating substantially as described with reference to Figures S
to 13 of the accompanying drawing.
12. For a train of electric vehicles an electro-pneumatic circuit breaker com-
bined with an air brake mechanism so that the operation of the brakes causes the
circuit breaker to interrupt the circuit.
13. In an electric vehicle, the combination with an air brake system of a con-
trolling device for the electric motors combined with the air brake cylinder, so
that the operation of the brake automatically causes the electric controller to
return to its zero position, and so cuts the motors out of circuit.
Dated the 10th November 1899.
W. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Of London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham.