IMPROVED MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR SIGNALLING BY ELECTRICITY ON RAILWAYS
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Stanley Charlos Cuthbert Curric, of No. 203, Strand,
in the County of Middlesex, Bachelor of Arts, for an Invention of
"IMPROVED MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR SIGNALLING BY ELECTRICITY
ON RAILWAYS.”
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Stanley Charles Cuthbert
Currie at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th February
1882.
STANLEY CHARLES CUTHBERT CURRIE of No. 203 Strand in the County of
Middlesex, Bachelor of Arts. "IMPROVED MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR
SIGNALLING BY ELECTRICITY ON RAILWAYS."
The main features of this Invention will be readily understood from the
following description, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings and to
the letters and figures marked thereon.
Sheet 1 represents a general plan of the system. aa is the outer rail, connected
by either of the methods as shown in Figures 2 and 3, with a rod b so that upon
the rail being deflected by the passage of the train the rod 6 is drawn towards
the rail returning to its original position as soon as the train has passed.
This rod b is fitted with an adjustable screw as shown so that upon any variation
taking place in the level of the rail when at rest the rod can always be kept in its
proper place.
The rod b when drawn towards the rail moves a smaller lever c (through which
the electrical current passes) from a position as shown in signal A to that of
arrival signal B. It also allows the wire y to be connected for a short time, with
a small lever h and thereby allows a current to pass along 7. This current I call
the "replacing current."
When the signals are all free (that is not disturbed by any train passing) the
main current of electricity passes along m through the magnets M 'M' Mand

page_text: Chereby HOUS one signals down (free). NOW,
train passing
shown in No. 1 that is Arr signal B, it deflects the rail, draws the rod forward,
and turns the small lever c from f to e thereby turning the current off the
magnet M¹ and allowing it to pass through ¹. It (that is the rod b) at the same
time allows a small current to pass through the replacing wire to the small
magnet d, this readjusts the lever c which the train had previously deflected in
passing over A and thereby allows the current to pass again through the magnet M
and free the signal A. It therefore breaks current from M¹ and puts B to danger
and at same time replaces lever c and puts A free.
The same occurs of course on passing B that is on leaving station.
By passing the wires through the signal box as shown in Drawing each signal
can have a small duplicate in the box which will of course show the position of the
larger one, and by passing the replacing wire through a bell in the box the
signalman will be apprized of the fact of the train having passed Dep signal B
and if the main current wire passes through an indicator the signalman will know
whether the current is free or broken.
Sheet 2 shows how my improved system of signalling by electricity may be
applied to junctions.
Now suppose the train to be passing over A from the up branch line towards
the up main line.
On passing A the current is broken from magnets at A and B thereby putting
both to danger but the lever at A alone is moved the lever at B remaining as
before.
Ou the train passing over C it puts both C and D to danger at the same time
on moving one lever C. Thus before arriving at the junction it has blocked both
the up and down main line which remain blocked until the train has passed. F, on
passing which it sends a small replacing current from f through both replacing
_magnets at A and C thus leaving_all_signals_free._
If
A train passing D along down main line moves lever at D and (provided it is
not going along the down branch line) this also breaks current at C thus putting
D and C.to danger." The current is again replaced when it passes H. If
however the train is intended to proceed along the down branch line and the
points are properly adjusted at K the current when broken at D does not affect c
and is replaced on train passing L.
This connection with the points can be dispensed with if considered advisable
and it may be safer to allow C to go to "danger" in any case.
A train passing along up main line in same manner puts B and C to "danger'
and replaces them on passing E.
"
By putting the main line signals at a greater distance from the junction than
the branch line signals the preference will be given to main line trains that is tho
main line trains will be enabled to pass first.
The small lever c is held in its proper positions (that is touching e or f) by means
of a knife spring.
Another portion of my Invention relates to an improved method of combining
my electrical system with the present system of signalling. This will bo understood
by reference to Sheet 3.
Figures 1 and 2 are two views of the arrangement when attached to the usual
signal posts.
The rod s is connected in the usual way with the signalman's lever L. This rod
as shown in Figures 3 4 5 and 6 slides through a the latter being fastened to c.
The rod s has also a metal plate b fastened at its end through which the plate e
slides, and carries a fixed ring c. Thus slides between c and a. The signal is
attached to e and thus it is upon the position of e that the signal depends. This
rode is connected to the magnet either by means of a chain as shown in the
Drawing or by any other suitable means.
Figures 3. 4. 5 and 6 represent the several combinations of the two rods.

page_text: In Figure 3 the lover is shown fixed at danger the magnet in this case being
unable to move.
In Figure 4 the lever is shown fixed at free.
In this case the magnet can move to "caution" or "danger."
In Figure 5 the magnet is at "free." In this case the lever can put to "caution '
or." dangor."
"
In Figure 6 the magnet is at "danger." In this case the lever can put to
" caution only and that by an extra ordinary movement.
I use by preference as the electro motive source dynamo-electric machines at
convenient points with a continuous current the current by preference flowing in
the opposite direction to that in which the train is travelling.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Stanley Charles Cuthbert Currie in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 9th August 1882.
STANLEY CHARLES CUTHBERT CURRIE of 203 Strand in the County of
Middlesex Bachelor of Arts. IMPROVED MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR
"
SIGNALLING BY ELECTRICITY ON RAILWAYS."
My Invention relates to an improved system of signals adopted for use on
railways and for like purposes wherein I use a continuous current of electricity
which with the arrangements of contacts and levers such as are hereinafter described
enables the signals to be worked automatically by the passage of the train and at
the same time allows them (the signals) to be under the control of the signalman
to such an extent that he can always put them "to danger" but can release them
only upon certain conditions such as are hereinafter indicated so that safety in
working the lines may be practically assured.
The advantages of my Invention are
1. That the signal can only be put free for the passage of a train when the whole
arrangement is in perfect order. Any breaking of current or getting out of order
of any portion of the mechanism causes the signals to indicate" danger."
2. Any number of signals can be put to "danger" by the passage of the
train over one lever thus blocking as many lines as may be desired as for instance
at junctions.
3. I dispense with the use of batteries and use a continuous current the electro
motive force being generated by a dynamo machine of small horse power and of any
-suitable-construction and with or without the use of accumulators.
4. My system of signal apparatus can be applied to the present system of
signals signal posts and other working parts now in use by making suitable
modifications which any competent person will be able to make after becoming
acquainted with my present Invention as herein described. It will be readily
understood that improved system is, as regards details of arrangement and
construction of the acting parts capable of considerable variation and it will be
necessary to make such variations according to the locality in and conditions
under which my system is employed.
The main features of this Invention will be readily understood from the
following description reference being had to the accompanying Drawings and to
the letters and figures marked thereon.
Sheet 1 represents a general plan of the system in which I employ a continuous
current of electricity supplied by any suitable dynamo machine with or without
the aid of accumulators. a a is the outer rail connected by either of the methods
as shown in Figures 23 and 4 with a rod b so that upon the rail being deflected by
the passage of the train the rod b is drawn towards the rail or deflected returning
to its original position as soon as the train has passed.
This rod b may with advantage be fitted with an adjustable screw as shown in
Fig. 2 so that upon any variation taking place in the level of the rail when at rest
the rod can always be kept in its proper place.
The rod b when drawn towards the rail or deflected moves a small lever c
(through which the electrical current passes) from a position as shown in signal A
to that of arrival signal B. It also allows the wire g to be connected for a short
time with a small lever h and thereby allows a current to pass along r.
current I call "the replacing current."
This
A suitable arrangement or system of contacts which I find to answer well is
shown in Figure 1 Sheet 2. The construction and working of this arrangement
will be understood from the following description reference being made to the
letters on the Figure.

page_text: A is a solid piece of brass moving about the centre of the extent of its movement
being limited by the bolts hh. The wire conveying the main current is attached
to A by means of the screw S.
B is composed of two pieces of brass b and c separated and insulated from one
another by any suitable insulating substanco n.
When A is raised by means of the passage of the train to the position shown in
the Figure that is as far as the bolt h will allow it it allows the piece B composed
(as before described) of two pieces of brass with an insulating medium between to
adjust itself to the position shown so that the lower piece of brass c presses against
the surface a of the piece A.
The brass c is connected by means of the screw z to the wire which conveys the
current past the magnet.
When B is raised by means of the replacing magnet it allows A to fall and
press against 6 whereby the current is carried through the magnet by means of
the wire attached to the screw X. A and B assuming the positions shown in
dotted line. It will be seen from the construction that A and B are held firmly
in either position and that the contact is a sliding one and pressure in both cases.
It will also be seen that the current is not even momentarily broken for before a
slides off c it touches b.
The arm H which is in connection with the rail can if necessary be attached to
an air piston or small clockwork arrangement to allow a gradual fall and thereby
give the replacing current sufficient time to replace the previous lever.
By the above arrangement the replacing current passes from A through m
to n or it may as in a former method be connected to m by a separate wire.
Another arrangement of contacts which I have also found useful is represented
on Sheets 3 and 4 and. will be understood from the following description.
A is a rod sliding in the rests R. R and carrying an angular piece of iron a and
a flat piece b b. In this fat piece is a groove to allow T to slide in T being
attached to the rod B which carries a copper plate C (Fig. 1 and 2) the latter
being encased in an insulating substance d d.
Upon the rod A being drawn from left to right by passing train (in Drawing)
the angular iron a comes in contact with the pin D and thereby moves E which
turns about the centre X (Fig 1 2 3 and 4) from G to F E being held in position
by a small knife spring if required. F is attached to wire which passes past the
magnet and also G through the magnet of signal.
At the same time that A is drawn from left to right it also moves the rod B
and the copper plate C forward, this producing a connection between H and K for
the replacing current.
The magnet M draws E from F to G and puts signal free by means of armature N
and rod S.
The rod B slides independently of A by a separate weight W and can be made
to slide with a slow movement if necessary by means of either an air piston or
a combination of cog wheels and revolving fan.
The whole is encased in an iron box lined with wood or indiarubber.
When the signals are all free (that is not disturbed by any train passing) the main
current of electricity passes along m (Sheet 1) though the magnets M. M. M
and thereby holds the signals down (free). Now on a train passing over the point T
shown in Sheet that is Arr signal it deflects the rail draws the rod forward
or deflects it and turns the small lever c from f to e thereby turning the current off
the magnet M and allowing it to pass through K.
It (that is the rod b) at the same time allows a small current to pass through the
replacing wire r to the small magnet d this readjusts the lever c which the train
had previously deflected in passing over A and thereby allows the current to pass
again through the magnet M and free the signal A. It therefore breaks current
from M and puts B to danger and at the same time replaces lever c and puts A free.
The same occurs of course on passing B that is on leaving station.
The lever connected with the magnet when the signal is at danger falls to a

page_text: position about 10° out of the vertical pull of magnet raising it through a space
about 44° (or 54° out of the vertical).
By the above arrangement the required pull of magnet gradually increases as the
armature nears the bobbin and therefore corresponds with the magnetic pull.
The signal falls by its own weight.
By passing the wires or small shunt wires through the signal box as shown in
Drawing each signal can have a small duplicate in the box which will of course
show the position of the larger one, and by passing the replacing wire through a
bell in the box the signalman will be apprised of the fact of the train having
past Dep Signal B and if tho main current avire passes through an indicator the
signalman will know whether the current is free or broken.
Sheet 2 shows how a modification of my improved system of signalling by
electricity may be applied to junctions.
Now suppose the train to be passing over A. from the up branch line towards
the up main line.
On passing A the current is broken from magnets at A and B thereby putting
both to danger but the lever at A alone is moved the lever at B remaining as
before.
On the train passing over C it puts both C and D at danger at the same time
on moving one lever C. Thus before arriving at the junction it has blocked both
the up and down main line which remains blocked until the train has passed F, on
passing which it sends a small replacing current from ƒ through both replacing
magnets at A and C thus leaving all signals free.
A train passing D along down main line moves lover at D and (provided it is
not going along down branch line) this also breaks current at C thus putting
D and C to "danger."-The current is again replaced when it passes H. If
however the train is intended to proceed along the down branch line and the points
are adjusted at K-the-current when-broken-at-D-docs.not.affect_C_and_is_replaced
on train passing L.
This connection with the points can be dispensed with if considered advisablo
and it may be safer to allow C to go to "danger" in any case.
A train passing along up main line in same manner puts B and C to "danger'
and replaces them on passing E.
"
By putting the main line signals at a greater distance from the junction than the
branch line signals the preference will be given to main line trains that is the
main line trains will be enabled to pass first.
Another portion of my Invention relates to a method of using a modification of
my improved system by combining it with the present system of signalling. This
will be understood by reference to Sheet 3.
Figures 1 and 2 are two views of the arrangement when attached to the usual
signal posts.
This rod
The rod S is connected in the usual way with the signalman's lever L
as shown in Figures 3 4 5 and 6 slides through a the latter being fastened to e.
The rod S has also a metal plate b fastened to its end through which the plate c
slides, and carries a fixed ring c. Thus 6 slides between c and a.-The signal is
attached to e and thus it is upon the position of e, that the signal depends. This
rode is connected to the magnet either by means of a chain as shown in the
Drawing or by any other suitable means.
Figures 3 4 5 and 6. represent the several combinations of the two rods.
In Fig. 3 the lever is shown fixed at danger the magnet in this case being
unable to move.
In Figuro 4. the lever is shown fixed at free.
In this case the magnet can move to caution or danger.
In Fig. 5. the magnet is at free.
In this case the lever can put to caution or danger.
In Figure 6 the magnet is at danger.

page_text: In this case the lever can put to caution only and that by an extraordinary
movement.
In some cases instead of the above mechanical arrangement the signalman can
work the signals by an electrical arrangement independently of the automatic
arrangeinent there being in this case two magnets at each signal post, the one
worked by the passage of the train above, and the other under the control of the
signalman. The use of two or more magnets to each signal each worked by a
seperate current can be applied in the case of junctions either in connection with or
instead of the arrangement just shown.
I use by preference as the electro motive source dynamo electric machines at
convenient points with a continuous current, the current by preference flowing in
the opposite direction to that in which the train is travelling.
And having now described the nature of the said Invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed I declare that I claim as my improvements.
1. The employment of a continuous current of electricity for working a system
of signal apparatus wherein are employed levers and contacts such as are herein-
before described and shown in the accompanying Drawings by means of which the
current is automatically disconnected from the magnet which works the signals by
the passage of the train and reconnected by means of a "shunt" current passing
through a smaller magnet.
2. The combination of parts such as are herein mentioned as forming my
improved system of signalling apparatus constructed substantially as herein
described and as illustrated respectively in Sheets 123 and 4 of the annexed
Drawings.
3. The application of my improved system modified as above mentioned and
applied to work junctions substantially in the manner described and indicated in
the annexed Drawings.
4. The use of my improved system modified substantially as herein before
described and as indicated on Sheet 5.
5. The use in a system of signal apparatus such as herein described of contacts
constructed substantially as hereinbefore mentioned and shown on large scale in
Figure 1 Sheet 2 and in Sheets 3 and 4.
In witness whereof I the said Stanley Charles Cuthbert Currie have hereunto
set iny hand and seal this Ninth day of August in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty two.
SET DIT AITTING
ATIMTENDm
ATDDin
סזתיזות
STANLEY
CIL LES OUTHBERT
OURRI