Improvements in Railway Signalling Apparatus.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 14th Feb., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 14th Nov., '1895-Accepted, 28th Dec., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Railway Signalling Apparatus.
"
1º
I, RICHARD GASCOIGNE of 84 Sandy Lane, Worksop, in the. County of
Nottingham, Miner, do hereby declare, the nature of this invention to be as
follows:
This invention relates to railway signalling apparatus, and consists of improved
mechanism whereby a train passing over, the rails above it causes a fog signal to
explode, or sound, and simultaneously rings a bell or gong in a signal box sitante
at any convenient distance; and this mechanism is so arranged and combined that
the whole is completely under the control of a person located in this box.
I arrange my apparatus under one of the rails at any chosen spot, and the rail
above it is pierced vertically so that a pressure bar can slide freely up and down
in it. The head or upper end of this pressure bar normally projects through the
rail; and stands about of an inch above its upper surface, in such manner that the
front wheel of a train passing over depresses it to a level with the upper surface of
the rail: The lower end of the pressure bar is rigidly attached to an upper plate,
and this latter has underneath it a lower plate, the two being thrust apart by one
or more interposed springs, thus keeping the pressure bar normally projecting
above the rail, until it is depressed by the wheel passing over it; and when
this occurs the downward movement of the upper plate operates a lever which
is connected with the trigger of a revolver, a detonating signal, or a loud gong.
The lever has an arm, to which is fastened a wire leading to the signal box, and
the same movement of the lever which explodes the detonator rings a bell in the
signal box.
"
When the first wheel of the train has depressed the pressure bar and the upper
plate, these are retained in their lowest position by one or more catches. These
catches are so arranged and connected that the movement of the "semaphore
signal to "danger" simultaneously retracts the catches, and allows the upper
plate and pressure bar to rise, so that the top of the latter projects above the
rail ready for the next passing train.
-
The upper plate has fastened to it one or more chains, and these passing under
pulleys, and being attached to a wire which leads to the signal box, enables the
signalman to depress the pressure bar to its lowest position when not required;
this is in some cases done by the same movement of the "semaphore" which
places it at "line clear The first lever and its fulcrum is also depressed by
the same movement, so as to preserve the relative. positions of the upper plate and
dever:
This, apparatus can be used, independently of the detonator, to indicate to the
signalman the passing of a train over it.
In order that the catches may be retained in a position suitable for the passing
of the next train, I use a slotted lever and weight arranged in such manner that
(the pulling of the signal to "danger" leaves the catches free to operate, and in
order that the part which carries the fulcrum of the first lever may not rise
before the upper plate, and thus sound the bell, I use a lever and weight, or

page_text: springs, and a cam, or cams, which retain the fulcrum in a lower relative position
than the upper plate.
Dated this 14th day of February 1895.
c
:
WILLIAM J. MUNDEN,
106 Priory Park Road, Kilburn, N.W., Agent for the Applicant.
Improvements in Railway Signalling Apparatus.
I, RICHARD GASCOIGNE, of 84 Sandy Lane, Worksop, in the County of
Nottingham, Miner, do hereby declare the nature: of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
.
This invention relates to railway signalling apparatus and consists of improved
mechanism whereby a train passing over the rails above it, causes a fog signal to
explode or sound, and simultaneously rings a bell or gong in a signal box situate
at any convenient distance; and 'the mechanism is so arranged and combined that
the whole is completely under the control of a person located in the box.
The particular forms of mechanism, which constitute this invention, consist of
improvements upon the apparatus for which.. Letters Patent No. 15,048 .dated
August 7th 1894 were granted to me.
Zi
I arrange my apparatus under one of the rails at any chosen spot, and the rail
above it is pierced vertically, so that a pressure bar can slide freely up and down
in it. The head or upper end of this pressure bar normally projects through the
rail and stands about of an inch above the upper surface in such manner that the
front wheel of a train passing over depresses it to a level with the upper surface of
the rail. The lower end of the pressure bar is rigidly attached to an upper plate,
and this latter has underneath. it a lower plate, the two being thrust apart by one
or more interposed springs, thus keeping the pressure, bar normally projecting
above the rail, until it is depressed by the wheel passing over it; and when-this
occurs the downward movement of the upper plate operates a lever-which is
connected with the trigger of a revolver, a detonating signal, or a lond gong.
This first lever has an arm to which is fastened a wire leading to the signal box,
and the same movement of the lever which explodes the detonator rings a bell,.in
the signal box.
4.
When the first wheel of the passing train has depressed the pressure bar and the
upper plate these are retained in their lowest positions. by one or more cams.
These are so arranged and connected that the movement of the semaphore signal
to "danger" simultaneously moves the cam and allows the upper plate and pressure
bar to rise so that the top of the latter projects above the rail ready for the next
passing train.
.f
The upper plate has fastened to it. by an interposed rod or rods, one or more:
chains and these passing under pulleys are attached to a lever which can be moved
by a wire or rod from the signal box, thus enabling, the signalman to depress.the
pressure bar to its lowest position when not required; this is in some cases done by
the same movement of the, semaphore, which, places. it at line clear." The first
lever and its fulcrum is also depressed by the same movement, so as to preserve the
relative positions of the upper plate and lerer...p
This apparatus can be used independently, of the detonator. to indicate to the
signalman the passing of a train over it
.3
In order that the cam may retain the pressure: bar in a position suitable for the
passing of the next train, I use a slotted lever and weight arranged in such
manner that the pulling of the signal to "danger" leaves the cam or cams free.to
operate, and in order that the part which carries the fulcrum of the first lever-may

page_text: than the upper plate.
'In the accompanying drawings:-*
Fig. 1 is a plan, and
Fig: 2 a side elevation of an apparatus according to my invention.
Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are views of modified forms of apparatus.
Figs. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 are detail views.
The pressure bar, and the parts immediately connected therewith are placed at
any chosen spot underneath or close by the side of one of the rails over which the
train passes and in the former case the rail is pierced vertically so that the
pressure bar A can slide freely up and down through the rail, or in the latter case
by its side. In either case the head a normally stands about of an inch above
the upper surface of the rail in such manner that either the tread or the flange of
the front wheel of a train passing over depresses it to a level with such upper
surface.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 the pressure bar A is shewn with its lower_end
attached to a pressure foot A¹ which fits in and is attached to a ring 6 formed on
the surface of an upper plate or crosshead B. This latter is supported by four
springs C, each of which encircles one of the four guides c, these being formed in
such manner with guide rods c', that they allow the upper plate B to move freely
in a vertical direction, but prevent any horizontal movement taking place. The
guide rods care attached to the upper plate by nuts, and the extent to which
the upper plate can rise is limited by nuts The guides c are attached to and
the springs C rest upon the lower plate D, which is supported by feet d, and under
normal conditions when the apparatus is in a suitable position ready for a train to
pass the four springs force the upper plate, ring, pressure foot, and bar upwards to
such an extent that the upper end a of the pressure bar projects above the surface
of the rail. An upright bar b¹ is attached to the upper plate B, and passes freely
down through the lower plate D.
יי
Firmly attached to the upper surface of the lower plate D is a cylinder E
outside which fits loosely (so as to slide freely) a second cylinder E', and inside
and between these is inserted a spring e, which normally forces the upper cylinder E'
upwards. To the top of the cylinder E' are fixed two cheeks e', and through these
is passed a pine which forms a pivot or fulcrum for a lever F. A vertical bar 63
is attached to the cylinder El and passes (inside the helix of the spring) down
through the lower plate D.
The lever F is pivoted on the pin e³, and has a nearly vertical part with a
number of holes fi pierced through it, and a point f of the form shewn in Fig. 2.
Into one or other of the holes f¹ is hooked or otherwise attached one end of a
rod or wire f, the length of which can be accurately adjusted by means of the
sleeve f which screws over the other end of the rod f, and also over one end of a
rod f; and by reason of these ends being screwed, one right and the other left
handed, the turning of the sleeve alters the length of the double rod or wire f³,f".
The other end of the rod f' is hooked in one of a number of holes
g or otherwise
attached to a bent lever G which is pivoted at g' to the upper end of an upright g
The bent arm of this lever has a weight g attached to it in such manner that it
causes the lower end of the lever to pull the rod f, f, and the arm of the
lever Fas far as suffices to keep the point. f of the lever F normally in
contact with the underside of the upper plate B. The shape of the point f
is such that the movement of the lever first of all takes up any slackness
of the parts, and then pulls the rod or wire h which is hooked in one of the
holes in the lever G and the other end of which is attached either to the
trigger of the revolver as shewn, or to any device suitable for the purpose of
exploding a detonator or sounding a. loud gong, or, other sounding instrument.
The same movement of the lever G which fires the revolver by means of a wire
or other connection attached to the lever also rings a bell situate in the signal
4.

page_text: cabin or other suitable position within the bearing, ob the, signalman in charge.
Or the wire or other connection, may be attached to the lever F instead of the
lever G.
The vertical rod b¹ passes down through the centre of the lower plate D, and
through a slot k in a cam K which can be moved on a pivot k through an arc of a
circle. The lower surface of this cam is inclined and free to slide upon the upper
surface of the collar 62 (which forms part of the rod ) in such manner that when
the cam K is moved so as to bring. the thicker end of the slot-k up to the rod b²,
the rod 61 (with its attached upper plate, pressure foot, and pressure bar) is held in
its lowest position; while when the thinner end of the slot k is brought up to the
rod, the rod with the upper plate, pressure foot, and bar are free to be forced
upwards by the springs C. The cam K is operated in one direction by the rod k²
and lover, and in the other direction by the action of a spring; consequently.
when a train passing over presses down the pressure bar, foot, rod 61 and
shoulder the cam K is free to be pushed round by the action of the spring k
until the thicker portion of the cam is brought into a position above the shoulder 6²,
and holds it and the pressure foot and bar in its lowest position. This movement
is unaccompanied by any corresponding movement of the rode and cylinder E¹,
and consequently the lever F is tripped thereby; but when the two chains R and S
are simultaneously actuated by the lever L when it is pulled by the signalman,
both the rod and a similar rod m² are moved by their springs and also move both
the cam K and a similar cam M (hereinafter described) to the positions which
secures both the upper plate B and the cylinder E' in their lowest positions. When
the chains R, S¹ are pulled by the-signalman at the same time that the semaphore
or other signal is placed at "danger." the two cams are retracted against the
action of the spring and a similar spring on the rod m³ these two chains R¹
and S being attached to a gravitating weight sliding in a. bracket as shewn in
Fig. 5 of the drawings.
.
The vertical bar e passes down through the lower plate D and through a slot m
in the cam Mf which is pivoted at m² so as to be moveable througli an arc of a
circle. The cam M is similar in shape to the cam K but is smaller; and-is
operated by means of the rod m², lever m and chain R which latter is connected
to the lever L in such manner that the movement of the lever actuates the cam, M
in one direction, while it is moved in the other direction by a spring similar to k.
The lever L is pivoted at 1, and has a bent arm to the end of which a
weight is attached; by means of this lever L the cams K and M are operated.
Fig. 3 shews an elevation of an apparatus in which the parts are arranged and
operate as in the foregoing but the pressure bar A is shewn in side elevation and
passes through a slit in the rail The four springs and guides shewn in Figs. 1
and 2 are not used, one strong. centrally disposed helical spring, C being used in
place thereof, and this is arranged inside two concentric cylinders, one of which c
slides inside the other ; thus forming a guide for the upper plate B. In other
respects the apparatus is similar to that shewn in Figs. 1 and 2.
Figs. 4 and 5 shew in plan and elevation an apparatus which is constructed and
operates in a manner similar to that shewn in Fig. 3 except that it has a sliding
block N which when the normal position of the
the parts: exists, slides, in guides. Ni
under the lower ends of the outside cylinder E thus taking all stress from the
spring e, and preventing the cylinder from descending. The sliding block is
connected to the lever L by means of chain, or wire. n, and consequently, when
the lower end of the lever Lis pulled by the signalman in the direction shewn by
the arrow for the purpose of drawing the upper plate B and the cylinder E
downwards, the sliding block is caused slide out from under the end of the
cylinder E, and allow it to be. depressed. horizontal Tever is pivoted at n³
and its other end is connected so as to move with the sliding block N. Half-way
between the point n' and the sliding block, a rod is co
19 connected to the lever m
and passing through a guide n has a spring n and collar nº upon it. When the
eliling Klook is nullod from undaunonth thi

page_text: G
and compresses the spring n°. But when the, normal position of danger." is
resumed the chain n becoming slack allows of the spring pressing. on the collar nº
and guide n, and retracting the lever n', thus causing the sliding block:to.slide
under and support the end of the cylinder E....
.In Fig.
is shewn a rail with the pressure. bar passing up through a slit in it,
the pressure bar being in this case arranged across the apparatus.
In Fig. 6 the apparatus shewn, is similar to that shewn in Figs. 3, 4, and 5 as to
general arrangements, but four springs C are employed as in Figs. 1. and 2 and. the
pressure bar A does not, pass through a slit in the rail but divides into two parts-a
and a³, which pass up one on each side of the rail in such manner as to be depressed
one by the projecting portion of the tread and the other, by the flange of the
passing wheel. Also the position of the weight. on the lever L is reversed, it
being at bottom, and arranged to fall into an excavated pit in the ground. A sliding
block N is employed as in Figs. 4 and 5, but it is operated in a different. manner
as shewn in detail in Figs. 12. and 13. The chain from the lever L which pulls.
down the cylinder E' in Fig. 5 is in this case (instead of spassing round,a pulley)
attached to a lever O which is pivoted..at o. and has, an arm o¹ formed integrally
with it. The upper end, of the lever O is attached to the sliding. block N in such
manner that when, the lever is pulled; so as to rock, upon. its pivot o, the sliding
block is drawn back so as to allow the cylinder Eto be pulled down. The same
movement raises the arm o' and a pin o² at its end works in the slotted arm of: a
lever P, which is pivoted at p and having its other end pattached by a link¨p² to
the lower end of the hare by which the cylinder Elis. pulled down. The raising
of the pin o causes.a rise in the slotted arm of the lever P, and a corresponding
depression of the arm.pl, link p², bare³, and cylinder E. To a projection..from
the upper end of the lever O is attached a rod o which passes through a guide: o,
and has a helical spring of and a collar o; and by this, means when, the, chain-
which attaches the lever O. to the lever L is slacked the spring of pulls back the
lever and sliding block N to a position underneath the end of the cylinder. E',
and simultaneously, allows the cylinder to rise to the position it normally occupies.
m is the spring which operates the cam M by means of the rod-m² and lever m².
In Fig. 7 is shewn in elevation the device by which the alarm bell origong..in
or near the signal box is sounded by the movement of the lever G. R.is.the gong
supported by an upright.. to which one end of a. spring is. secured, the..other
end being, fastened to a striking lever which is pivoted at to the uprightin;
is the hammer: The heel of the striking, lever, is shaped, as shewn with a
point . S is a lever pivoted at s and having a point s which presses against, the
heel of the striking lever, and a weight 2, as well as holes s into one of which
the wires from the lever G is hooked, or otherwise attached. At a points in the
lever S is pivoted..a rod.t which moves a-visible,signal T by means of which
the signalman can inform himself of the position of the apparatus, even when it is.
placed in a tunnel or elsewhere; t¹ is a cover for T.
!.
When the movement of the lever G pulls the wire the lever S is rocked upon.
its pivot, and the points passing over the heel. retracts the, hammer from, the
gong and allows it to return suddenly thus sounding the gong; when the wire: &* is
slacked the weights brings the lever back to the position shown. ..
1.'
:
Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11 .shew details. of modified forms, of pressure bar. and parts-
where the pressure, bar passes up on one or both sides of the rail as shewn-in
Figs. 6, 8, 9, and 11 instead of through it as shewn in Figs. 2, 3, and 5.
Having now, particularly described and, ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is, to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
::
A
.
1. A railway signalling apparatus, consisting essentially of a pressure bar-
arranged so as to be depressed by the wheel of a passing train, an upper plate
rigidly attached to such pressure bar and which is normally forced upwards by one
or more springs interposed between the upper and a lower plate, a lever moved by

page_text: the descent of the upper plate by means of which a revolver is fired, or a detonator
exploded, a cam by means of which the upper plate and a second cam by means of
which the lever are held in their lowest positions, and means for operating the same
from a distance, substantially as described and shewn.
2. In apparatus for signalling on railways, the combination of a pressure bar or
its equivalent, upper and lower plates with one or more änterposed springs and
guides, in dever the movement of which produced by the descent of the upper plate
fires a revolver, explodes a detonator, or sounds a gong, a cylinder carrying-a
levers and supported by a spring or springs, means for pulling down the cylinder
and attached lever simultaneously with the upper plate, cams for retaining the
mapper plate and lever in their lowest positions, and the lever, chains, and guide
pulleys for operating the same, substantially (as described and shewn.
3. Li apparatus for signalling on railways, the combination of a pressure bar, or
its equivalent, upper and lower plates with one or more interposed springs and
guides, a lever the movement of which produced by the descent of the upper plate
fires a revolver, explodesta detonator for sounds & gong, a cylinder carrying a lever
and supported by a spring or springs, means for pulling down the same, a sliding
block which supports the lever cylinder, means for operating the block and
simultaneously pulling down the lever with its cylinder, cams for retaining the
upper-plate; and the lever in their lowest positions, and the lever, chains, and
guide pulleys for operating the same, substantially as described and shewn with
reference to Figs. 4, and.5.
T
4: In apparatus for signalling on railways, the combination of a pressure bar or
its equivalent, upper and lower plates with one or more interposed springs and
guides, ta lever the movement of which produced by the descent of the upper plate
fires a revolver;explodes a detonator, or sounds a gong, a cylinder carrying a lever
and supported by a spring or springs, means for pulling down the same, a sliding
block which supports the lever cylinder, means for operating the block and
simultaneously pulling down the lever with its cylinder, cams for retaining the
upper plate, and the lever in their lowest positions, and the lever, chains, and
guide pulleys, for operating the same, substantially as described and shewn with
reference to Fig. 6*
5. For use in a railway signalling apparatus for the purpose of: simultaneously
eliding a block and pulling down a lever fulcrum, the combination of the sliding
block N the lever, the rod and spring, together with the guide pulleys
and chains all operating substantially in the manner described with reference to
Figs. 4 and 5
-.
+
:
1- -
6. For use in a railway signalling apparatus, for the purpose of simultaneously
sliding a block and pulling down a lever fulcrum, the combination of the sliding
Iblock Nthe lever O, the arm with pin o³, the lever P with arm pl, the rod o
and spring:o; all operating substantially in' the manner described with reference
to Fig. 6.
7. For use with a railway signalling apparatus, 'the device described and shewn
with reference to Fig 7, for the purpose of indicating to the signalman the operation
of therapparatus
1:
8. For use in railway signalling apparatus as herein before described and claimed,
the modified form of pressure bar, substantially as described and shewn with
.reference to Figs: 8, 9, 10, and 11 qu