Electric Signalling on Railways to Trains in Motion or otherwise.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 16th Sept., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 16th June, 1892-Accepted, 16th Sept., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Electric Signalling on Railways to Trains in Motion or otherwise.
We JOHN WATKINSON 27 Albert Terrace Burley Fields Leeds Scientific
Instrument Maker and GEORGE PRINCE Whitesmith 104 Ascot Terrace
Pontefract Lane Leeds both in the County of Yorkshire do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
APPARATUS ON LINE.
1 are two pairs of batteries or any suitable electric current generators fixed
and boxed over one pair by the side of distant semaphore post the other pair by
the side of home semaphore post or in any convenient position on line side. As
the railways work with what is known as the block system we should say two pairs
of batteries for each set of signals to be worked on each particular block. In the
one set of signals we include (Danger and Clear) (Home and Distant) and danger
in case of accident to (Danger and Clear) also bell to ring along with each signal
given.
2 is a current changer or commutator fixed one upon distant semaphore post and
another upon home semaphore post. These current changers are so connected up
as not to give any more work to the man in charge of signal cabin as he actuates
the electrical and semaphore signals simultaneously.
3 are two pairs of conducting metal plates left sufficiently long to give the
required signals when locomotive be passing by them to be raised a little above the
height of line and fixed firmly upon insulating supports and supports located
beside the track said metal plates being horizontal and having their ends bent
down. One pair of said metal plates fixed opposite distant semaphore post and
another pair of metal plates fixed opposite home semaphore post one metal plate
of each said pair of metal plates to be fixed six foot also one metal plate of each
said pair of metal plates fixed off outside line.
Suitable insulated conductors to be taken from batteries to apparatus on
semaphore posts and to apparatus on line side and so connected as to give the
required signals when circuit be closed lines or earth to be used as return conductors
to batteries.
APPARATUS ON LOCOMOTIVE.
1. A simple form of indicator which gives five signals and a bell to ring when
each signal be given the signals are (Danger and Clear) also (Home and Distant)
and Danger to be given separatly in case of accident to (Danger and Clear)
apparatus but not untill indicator to be fixed in any convenient position upon
engine or guards van or both.
The indicator is combined of permanent and electro magnets actuated by two
separate electric circuits one circuit through apparatus for (Danger and Clear)
signals the other circuit through apparatus for (Home and Distant) signals
electric call bell and danger signal. Signals when in view to be vertical when not
in view to be horizontal.
Also upon indicator is a means by which electric circuit if complete for a length
of time may be cut off so as to prevent any waste of battery power cut off to be
actuated by engine driver or person in charge of indicator.
2. Upon each side of engine or guard van or both is fixed one electric current
collector made and adapted to brush across said metal plates upon the railway
track so as to complete circuit of said batteries beside semaphore posts with
indicator upon engine or guards van or both and thereby give the required signals.

page_text: Suitable insulated conductors to be taken from current collectors to indicator
and connected so as to give the required signals. With this form of current
collector it is possible to get the desired signal whichever way the engine may be
travelling be it funnel or tender first upon the up or down line.
By this system the locomotive when travelling will bring the electric current
collector to brush over plates located by the side of distant semaphore post and
by so doing will give; the engineman a signal upon the indicator. If the signal
given be danger the engineman will get his engine under controll so as to stop
upon plates located by the side of home semaphore post and then wait untill he
gets a clear signal to go on if the signals be clear throughout the engine goes on
without a stop.
Signals of this character have the advantage over semaphores or visual signals
located on the track that they may be seen by the engine driver in dark or foggy
weather.
Dated this 15th day of September 1891
JOHN WATKINSON.
GEORGE PRINCE.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Electric Signalling on Railways to Trains in Motion or otherwise.
We JOHN WATKINSON of 27 Albert Terrace, Burley Fields, Leeds in the
County of York Electrician and GEORGE PRINCE of 104 Ascot Terrace Pontefract
Lane, Leeds in the County of York Whitesmith do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
Our invention refers to means or apparatus and method of giving signals. to
indicators fixed upon the locomotive or train corresponding to those given by the
semaphore signals, the connection being made electrically; and comprises apparatus
fixed by the line side and apparatus upon the engine.
The apparatus by the line side consists of:-
1st. Two pairs of batteries or any suitable electric current generators fixed and
boxed over to prevent exposure, damage, or accident, the one pair being located
near the distant semaphore post, and the other pair near the home semaphore post,
or in any other suitable convenient positions on the line side. As railways work
on what is known as the block system, we propose to work two sets of batteries for
each particular block.
The sets of signals we propose to use include danger, and clear signals, home
and distant signals, and a supplementary danger signal in case of accident to the
danger and clear signal apparatus or indicator. We also provide an electric call
bell to be rung with each signal given.
2nd. A pair of current changers or reversers, fixed, the one in connection with
and operated by the distant semaphore signal post apparatus, and the other in
connection with and operated by the home semaphore signal post apparatus. The
connection is such as not to give any more work to the man in charge of the
signal cabin, the electrical clear and danger signals being given simultaneously.
with the semaphore signals.
3rd: Conducting or metal contact plates, (preferably arranged in two pairs), of
sufficient length to ensure giving the required signals when the locomotivei is.
passing by them.. These are raised a little above the level of the top of the rails,
and firmly fixed upon insulated supports located beside the track.. The said metal
plates are horizontal with the exception of their ends, which are depressed or bent.
down so as to obviate or lessen the shock or blow when contact is made with
them, as hereafter described.. One pair of contact. plates. is fixed, opposite, or
alongside the distant semaphore post, and the other pair opposite or alongside the
home semaphore post. One metal plate of each pair may be fixed in the, six-foot

page_text: way, and the other metal plate of each pair may be fixed outside the line. It will
of course be understood that it is not necessary that the contact plates be placed
respectively, the one in the six-foot way and the other outside the line, they may
be both placed within the rails; all that is necessary is, that the respective brushes
(on the engine) come in contact with the corresponding contact plates, which ever
way the engine is going (funnel or tender first); three contact plates even may be
used, one in the centre between the two rails, the other two close to and on each
side of the first but electrically connected to each other and insulated from the
first. Or three brushes may be provided on the engine, (two being electrically
connected), with only two contact plates along the line. Suitable insulated con-
ductors are laid from one of the batteries of each pair directly to one of the
contact plates (of each pair of contact plates); and similar insulated conductors are
laid from the other battery of each pair, first to the current changer or reverser,
and thence to the other contact plate of each pair of contact plates. The con-
nections of the latter conductors, and of the current changers with the operating
semaphore signal mechanism, are such as to give the same (Danger or Clear)
signal on the engine as is given by the semaphore. We purpose to use the railway
lines or the earth as the return conductors to the batteries.
The apparatus on the locomotive consist of:-
1st. A simple form of indicator (which gives five signals), and a bell which is
caused to ring when any signal is given. The signals are danger and clear and
home and distant, two of these being given simultaneously, (i.e. one of each pair);
also a supplementary signal in case of and to indicate any accident to the danger
and clear signal apparatus. The indicator may be fixed in any convenient position
on the guard's van or engine, or an indicator on both. The indicator consists of
two sets of permanent and electro-magnets, the latter, (to which the signal discs
or signal indications are attached), actuated respectively by two separate electric
currents; the one traversing the apparatus for the danger and clear signals, and
the other through the apparatus for the home and distant signals; and which latter
current also operates the electric call bell and the supplementary danger signal.
The actual signals are preferably a red (Danger), and a green (Clear) mark placed
at right angles to each other and carried from the axis of the electro-magnet. A
white horizontal strip of paper (or paint etc.) covers whichever of the two marks is
in a horizontal position, so that only the vertical mark, which is the signal being
given, can be seen. The home and distant signals are preferably a circle and a
triangle, which are covered when in the horizontal positions, not being given; but
which are vertical and exposed to view, overlapping the lower part of the danger
or clear signal when being given. These two signals are both mounted on and
moved by the axis of the second electro-magnet.
The supplementary signals is preferably the intermediate position of the red and
white marks, (i.e. both inclined at 45°), which is brought about by a weight on the
disc carrying the marks, and which can operate to move them into this position,
when not overcome by the passage of the current through the electro-magnet.
We provide a cut off upon the indicator by which the electric circuit can be
broken by the engine driver or person in charge of the indicator, if the engine has
to stand some time with the brushes (hereafter referred to) in contact with the
contact plates, so as to prevent waste of battery power.
2nd. Upon each side of the engine or guard's van, or upon both, is fixed an
electric current collector or brush, made and adapted to brush along the said metal
contact plates, alongside the railway track, so as to complete the circuit from the
before mentioned batteries to the indicator (or indicators) upon the engine (or the
guard's van or both) and thereby give the required signals.
3rd. Suitable insulated conductors are provided from the current collectors or
brushes respectively to the indicator, and are connected so as to give the required
signals. The current collectors or brushes are made flexible, so as to make proper
contact whichever way the engine may be moving, (i.e. funnel or tender first), upon
the up or down line.

page_text: By this system the locomotive when travelling, will cause the electric current
collector to brush over the plates located by the side of the distant semaphore
post, and by so doing will give the engineman the signals upon the indicator.
The clear or danger signal is transmitted to the indicator on the engine, by the
current (from one of the batteries) which traverses the current changer or
reverser. The indication shewing that the clear or danger signal is given at the
'home or distant position of the engine, is given by the current which travels from
the battery direct to the metal plate alongside the line. In order that the home
and distant signals may be different, it is necessary that the electric current should
pass through the home contact plate in a different direction to that in which it
passes through the distant contact plate. In other words the home and distant
contact plates must have different polarities.
If the signal given at the distant semaphore post be the danger signal the
engineman will get his engine under control so as to stop upon the plates located
by the side of the home semaphore post, and there waits a clear signal to go on.
Signals of this description have great advantages over semaphores or visual
signals located on the track, in that they may be seen by the engine driver in dark
or foggy weather.
And in order that our invention may be more clearly understood reference is
given to the accompanying drawings, which are intended diagrammatically to
illustrate in what manner or invention is to be carried out.
In Fig. 1, A represents the track, the arrows indicating the respective directions
in which the trains move over them. D P and HP represent respectively the
distant and home semaphore posts. B. c. d. represent the batteries producing
the current operating the clear and danger signals, and which first traverse the
current changers or reversers R R; whilst B D and B H. represent the batteries,
the currents froin which operate the distant and home signals of the indicator.
C. c. d. are the contact plates for the clear and danger signal currents, whilst
CD and CH are the contact plates for the currents indicating the distant and
home positions respectively, and which two latter plates are of opposite electric
polarities.
Figs. 2 and 3 are diagrammatic views of the indicator. a bare the axes on
which the electro magnets E E are mounted, as also the clear (green) and
danger (red), and the home (circle) and distant (triangle) signals. As indicated
by the dotted lines, these signals cannot be seen, when they are in a horizontal
position. F are the permanent magnets.
Fig. 4 similarly represents one of the insulated .contact plates C bent down at
the ends, and G one of the brushes (flexible) attached to the engine or guard's
van.
In order that any signal given may last longer than the mere time of contact
between the brush or collector and the contact plate; we provide a locking
apparatus, consisting of a catch which engages with a slot hole in a disc on the
axis of the electro magnet, being forced therein by a spring, but which is withdrawn
by an electro-magnet excited by the current giving the signal.
Figs. 5 and 6 are respectively detail elevation and part plan on line X Y of the
indicator shewn in Figs. 2 and 3. In these views a and b are respectively the axes
of the electro magnets E (for the clear and danger signals) and E' (for the home
and distant signals) and ff are the corresponding permanent magnets. c' and c³ are
screws to which the wires from the engine for earth or the lines are led and
and are insulated wires to the brushes G (Fig. 4). A cut out apparatus is
inserted in the path of both currents and consists of the two. vertical plates e e
and the two spring plates ff which press against the former in virtue of their
elasticity. A cross bar of ivory g or other insulating material is attached to the
spring plates ff. By means of a screw and lever or wedge piece attached to the
outer case of the indicator, which is arranged to press against the ivory bar g,
the plates can be thrust back out of contact with the plates e e', thus cutting
off both currents. The current from passes along the wire 2 to the metal

page_text: plate e and thence to the spring plate f. Here it splits, one part going along the
wire 2 to the convolute spring (on the axis a) and thence to the electro magnet E
and returns from the same through the convolute spring along the wire 2x to
the contact screw 1 and thence to the engine for earth. The other portion of the
current, passes from the spring plate round the electro magnet L' (for working
the locking apparatus) and thence back to join the wire 2*. nn are the collars of
insulating ebonite tubes on the axes a and b. The current from c* passes along the
wire 4 and splits at o one portion passing along 4 to the convolute spring m round
the electro magnet E' back through the convolute spring p along the wire 4* to
the spring plate f¹ thence through e and back through to the engine for earth.
The other portion of this current goes to the electric bell, then round the electro
magnet L¹ (for working the locking apparatus,) then by wire to the spring plate f¹.
The locking apparatus for the signals consists of the hinged levers rr, which are
moved by the electro magnets L and L' so as to raise the front ends of the levers
out of notches in the discs s's on the axes a and b. When the current is not
passing, the front ends of the levers are kept pressed in the notches by means of
the springs t t.
Having now. particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is
In electric signalling to trains in motion or otherwise on railways.
1° Apparatus on the line consisting of:-Two pairs of batteries or current
generators, the one pair in proximity to the distant semaphore post, the other in
proximity to the home semaphore post, one battery in each pair being connected
directly to a metal contact plate, (or plates electrically connected), alongside the
line and in proximity to the battery and semaphore post adjoining; the other
battery of each pair being connected indirectly through a current changer or
reverser with a second contact plate or plates correspondingly placed alongside the
line; the said current changer or reverser being actuated by the mechanism
operating the semaphore signal all substantially as herein set forth.
20. Apparatus on the locomotive or guard's van consisting of; an indicator
comprising two sets of permanent and electro magnets, giving respectively the
clear or danger signals and the home or distant signals, and two current collectors
or brushes connected by insulated wires with the electro magnets giving the
home or distant and the clear or danger signals respectively, all substantially as
herein set forth.
3° The combination of the subject matters of Claims 1 and 2, substantially as
herein set forth.
4° The method and means of signalling by an indicator on the engine (or guard's
van) formed of two sets of permanent and electro magnets, the one set giving
clear and danger signals, which are respectively concealed from view when not
being given, the other set giving two signals indicating respectively whether the
signals first given refer to the home or distant position of the engine; and also
with or without a supplementary position of the clear and danger signals indicating
that the apparatus for these signals is not in proper working condition.
Dated this 15th day of June 1892.
J. CLARK JEFFERSON,
2, East Parade, Leeds, Agent for aforesaid two Applicants.