Improvements in Fog and other Signalling Apparatus for Railways.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Feb., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 1st Nov., 1894-Accepted, 1st Dec., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Fog and other Signalling Apparatus for Railways.
I, JOHN ORME 65 Barbican London E.C. Scientific Apparatus Manufacturer,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My improvements relate to closed circuit and constant current apparatus employed
for fog and other signalling upon railways, as described in the Specification of
Letters Patent No. 20742/91.
The first part of this my invention relates to the dial mounted upon the engine,
wherein, in addition to a visual signal actuated by a current of one or the other
direction proceeding from the cabin, I employ an additional device whereby the
engine driver is advised that he is on the section independently of such current.
This I accomplish by including in a circuit operated independently of the direction
in which the engine may be going by the mechanism supporting the brush, an
indicator flag or the like bearing the word "IN" or any predetermined word or
symbol having the same effect, the movement of such indicator being announced by
a gong or bell which however will only ring provided there is no current on the
line controlled from the cabin. I find however that it is desirable that the engine
driver should be advised audibly when any section is entered and I therefore so
arrange the mechanism actuating the brush or brushes, as that when tilted by
engaging with the insulated conductor, a momentary current passes through a
separate circuit and calls his attention to the fact, part of such mechanism may
consist of a dash pot containing air, water, oil or other like substance whereby the
duration of the contact may be regulated. The instrument in the signal cabin
working upon the line circuit may contain a similar audible signal to that just
described, and may be so constructed as that part or parts of the apparatus may be
neutralized by causing a current to pass in the reverse direction through a coil or
coils wound over those employed for actuating such part or parts.
Dated 10th 1001
FRANCIS M. ROGERS,
A cent
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Fog and other Signalling Apparatus for Railways.
I JOHN ORME, 65 Barbican, in the City of London E.C. Scientific Apparatus
Manufacturer, 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 improvements relate to closed circuit and constant current apparatus employed
for fog and other signalling upon railways as described in the Specifications of
Letters Patent, Nos. 20,742/91, 20,113/93 and 23,477/93.
The first part of this my invention relates to the dial mounted upon the engine
wherein in addition to a visual signal actuated by a current of one or the other
direction proceeding from the cabin, I employ an additional device whereby the
engine driver is advised that he is on the section independently of such current.
This I accomplish by including in a circuit operated independently of the direction
in which the engine may be going by the mechanism supporting the brush, au
indicator flag or the like bearing the word "IN" or any predetermined word or

page_text: symbol having the same effect, the movement of such indicator being announced by
a gong or bell which however will only ring provided there is no current on th
line controlled from the cabin.
I find however that it is desirable that the engine driver should be advise
audibly when any section is entered and I therefore so arrange the mechanism
actuating the brush or brushes as that when tilted by engaging with the insulated
conductor, a momentary current passes through a separate circuit and calls hi
attention to the fact, part of such mechanism may consist of a dash pot containing
air, water, oil, or other like substance whereby the duration of the contact may be
regulated. The instrument in the signal cabin working upon the line circuit may
contain a similar audible signal to that just described, and may be so constructed as
that part or parts of the apparatus may be neutralized by causing a current to pass
in the reverse direction through a coil or coils wound over those employed for
actuating such part or parts.
The construction and operation of my invention will be better understood by
reference to the annexed drawings, in which :-
Fig. 1, is a front elevation of the instrument mounted upon engine, the dial plate
being removed.
Fig. 2, is a side elevation shewing glass cover in position, part of the side of case
being broken away to enable the mechanism to be better seen.
Fig. 3, is a plan, and Fig. 4, is a side elevation of the brush mechanism attached
to engine.
Fig. 5, a sectional view on line A B, Fig. 3, of the contacts actuated by brush.
Fig. 6, a sectional elevation on line C D Fig. 5.
Fig. 7, a sectional elevation of dash pot.
Fig. 8, is a front elevation of cabin instrument the outer case being removed.
Fig. 9, is a side elevation of same.
Fig. 10, is a plan looking up of mechanism actuating miniature semaphore.
Fig. 11, is a plan of mechanism operating independent indicator.
Fig. 12, is a plan and Fig. 13, an elevation of commutator.
Fig. 14, is a front view of local commutator contact.
Fig. 15, is a diagrammatic view of the winding of electro-magnet in cabin
instrument.
Fig. 16, is a diagrammatic view shewing electrical connections.
In the drawings Figs. 1, & 2, shew the indicating instrument; this, is generally
fixed in some convenient position upon the cab of the engine, it may however be
placed in the guard's van if desired; the directive miniature semaphore shewn in
the upper part of the drawing, when referred to separately is hereafter designated
by the letter A. The instrument consists of a metallic plate 1, which by means of
pillars 2, screwed into holes tapped into it, supports the upper dial plate 3, which is
fastened to the pillars 2, by metal screws 4.
wood screws 4¹ preferably to a wooden seating block 5; the outer case a carrying
The plate 1, is secured by ordinary
the glass cover being secured to plate 1, by metal screws 4.
A channel or channels 6, are cut in seating block 5, to permit the connecting
wires to pass. 8, are the bobbins which are filled with insulated wire 9, of suitable
size, and are fastened to the case by means of cocks or metallic brackets 8'. 10, is
a magnetic needle which is mounted upon a spindle 11, pivoted to the plate 1, and
to the miniature semaphore signal post 12, fastened to the plate 3, by screws 4. A
miniature semaphore arm 12 is fastened upon the spindle 11, by means of a
slieve 12 and when in the position for shewing line clear is usually hidden by the
box forming upper part of the signal post 12.
Beneath this instrument, which is controlled by the means hereinafter described
from the signal cabin, is an additional device for informing the engine driver, guard,
or other official when he has entered the protected section, independently of the
main current of alternate direction which actuates the miniature semaphore
arm 12¹
This instrument when referred to as a whole is hereinafter denominated by

page_text: letter B. This is effected by including in a distinct local circuit an electro-
magnet 13, the battery 15, see Fig. 3, energizing the bell 14', and electro-magnet 13
being carried upon the engine or in the van as the case may be.
The electro-magnet. 13, is fastened to the cock or bracket 81 by screws 4, the
bracket 8 being fastened by the screws 4, to back of case 1. Pivoted to the
plates 1, and 3, is a spindle 11' which carries a T shaped plate 16, to which
the soft iron armature 17, is fastened by screws or rivets. Into the top of this
armature is screwed a bent piece of wire 18, the end of which is slightly flattened
so as to engage with the pin 19, riveted into the spindle 111 pivoted into the
plates 1 and 3.
To this spindle is secured by means of a slieve 12 a light
arm 12 upon which is painted the word "IN," an opening 20, being formed in the
plate 3, (see position indicated by dotted lines Fig. 1) so that this word may be
seen when presented.
To enable the armature to be adjusted a tail piece 21, is secured by means of a
slieve and a pin 22, passing through the same to the spindle 11' a bracket 23, being
screwed or rivetted to the back of case 1, through which passes a set screw 24,
against which the tail piece strikes. The conductors which connect the parts of
the instrument just described with the main and local circuits pass through holes é,
formed in the back of the plate 1, and insulated by a small ferrule of ebonite f, to a
groove 6, cut in the wood or other backing.
The movement of the arm 12 bearing the word "IN" is audibly announced by
the ringing of a bell; only, however, when from a defective wire or equivalent
cause there is no current on the main circuit in which the miniature semaphore 12¹
represented by the letter A, is included. I find however, that in addition to this,
it is desirable that the engine driver should be advised audibly when any section is
entered, and I therefore so arrange the brush mechanism as that a momentary
current shall by means of the mechanism described energise a bell included in a
separate circuit.
The means whereby I accomplish these various effects are as follows:-(sce
Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,) I attach by riveting, screwing or equivalent means preferably
to the inside of step 41, of engine shewn in Fig. 3, the metallic frame 42. In order
that this frame may be perfectly insulated therefrom, the bolts or rivets 43, as the
case may be pass through collars of ebonite or fibre f. Pivoted between the sides
of the said frame is a spindle 45, which carries a grooved roller 46, of hard wood,
fibre, ebonite, or other insulating substance which is keyed to it, and also the brush
holder 47, which is free to swing thereon, when the copper, iron or other wire
fibres 48, mounted in the cup 49, forming its extremity strike the insulated
conductor L.
The sides of the frame 42, are held together by bolts 43' 43", which also serve
to secure the wood seating block 44 in position. The bolt 43 passes through two
ebonite collars, of the thickness of the metal plate and washers f" are inserted
under the head of bolt and nut.
Lever 51, is formed of thin spring metal, and is platinized at its free extremity.
When the brush is off the rail L and hanging vertically, as see Fig. 4, this spring
lever 51 is separated from the contact 53, mounted upon the wooden block 44,
by the metallic pin 54, driven into the wood, fibre, or ebonite roller 46, see
Figure 5.
The forked lever 52 which is also pivoted on insulated bolt 431, engages at its free
end with lever 55, pivoted to a standard 56, secured to wooden block 44.
The free end of this lever engages with the head 58, of piston rod 56', in dash
pot 57, (see Fig. 7) which is fastened by screws to the seating block 44.
When depressed the head 58, of the piston rod 561, engages with spring contact 59,
sécured to block 44.
This dash pot 57, is of the usual construction and fitted with a spring 60, and
valve 61, in piston 62, opening upwards, which permits of the piston 62, being
quickly depressed; its return is retarded by causing the oil, water, or other fluid,
contents, to pass through a small hole 63, formed therein.

page_text: The indicator B is operated as follows-
Upon the wires 48, of the brush 47, making contact with the insulated rail L,
laid by the side of the track, the roller 46, is tilted and the pin 54, removed from
beneath the lever 51, which therefore drops upon contact 53, closing the circuit
of battery 15, through the electro-magnet 13, which becomes energized, attracts the
armature 17, and raises the semaphore arm 12 into the horizontal position, so
that the word IN can be seen through the hole 20, left in the plate.
The brush 48, upon striking the insulated rail L closes the main circuit repre-
sented by the connections marked w, through the directive semaphore marked A,
which indicates the position of the line signals.
An insulated wire fastened to the frame 42, which is in metallic connection with
the brush 48, by spindle 45, is connected to the coils of a relay 64, mounted upon a
wooden block 44' secured to the frame; it is thence joined to the coils 9, surrounding
bobbins 8 and soldered to the skin of engine or some metallic part of the vehicle
upon which the instrument is mounted passing thence by the wheels to the rails to
earth represented by E. A flexible tongue 65, having an armature of soft iron 66,
is mounted upon a standard 67, secured to block 44'. When the brush 48, is out of
contact with the rail L as shewn, no current flows round the relay 64, and the
directive semaphore marked A, the tongue 65, therefore rests against the top of
contact pillar 68, secured to the block 44 but the lever 51, being disconnected from
contact 53, by pin 54, (see Fig. 5) the gong 14, included in the local circuit w' does
not ring. When the brush strikes rail L it is tilted in one direction or the other,.
depending upon the backward or forward motion of the engine, and the pin 54,
turning with it brings lever 51, into connection with contact 53, but at the same
moment a current from the signal box traverses the coils of relay 64, energizing it
and putting the tongue 65, away from the contact 68, so that the gong does not
ring, should however the main directive current be interrupted the bell sounds.
It will be seen that under the circumstances just described and assuming that the
main circuit is complete the engine driver or other official has no audible warning
that he is upon a protected section; to overcome this which I find in practice to be
objectionable, I arrange and employ another bell 14', this may be worked by the
same battery 15, as shewn or another may be employed. Lever 52, is fitted with a
pin 54 see dotted lines Fig. 4, and section Figs. 5 and 6. When the brush is in
the vertical position as shewn the pin 541, drops into the central recess of those
lettered 64 shewn in Fig. 6, and the end of lever 55 is then clear of the piston
head 58; but when the brush is tilted in either direction by striking conductor L
the pin 54 is raised in passing over the spurs 64 thereby sharply depressing the
piston head 58, and bringing it into contact with spring 59, although only momentary
pressure is exerted by lever 55 on the piston head 58, it is sufficient to cause the
bell 14 to sound when fitted with the spring 59, which follows up the rise of the
piston as the oil or other medium with which the pot is filled escapes through
the small hole 63.
The instrument placed in the signal cabin see Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, is constructed as
follows:-
Upon a plate 3, formed of brass or other suitable metal and preferably painted
with white enamel paint upon its front side are secured by screws 4, two metallic
brackets 8', which support a metallic platform 24, to the underside of this platform
fastened by screws is a cock or bracket 8' to which is secured an electro-magnet 13,
the cores of which are provided with polar extensions 13. Pivoted to the two
brackets 8 and secured by screws 4 to platform 24, is an armature 17, which has
fastened to it by screws or otherwise a narrow strip of metal 27 having its free end
bent over so as to engage with the pin 19 fixed to spindle 11' which has its bearing at
one end in the miniature signal post 12, and at the other at cock 8", this spindle
carries a miniature semaphore arm 121 fixed to it by means of a small slieve 12".
The armature 17, is withdrawn from the poles of the electro-magnet 13, by means
of a spring 25, fastened by screws 4 to the cock or bracket secured to the
plate 24.

page_text: This cock also carries a screw 24' for adjusting the position of armature 17.
The insulated wire 9, surrounding the coils of the electro-magnet 13 is preferably
wound to a high resistance say about a 100 ohms or so. A threaded stud 19¹ is
screwed into the spindle 11 upon which is run a nut 21' for the purpose of
counterbalancing the weight of semaphore arm 12'.
This part of the instrument, which when referred to alone is denominated by the
letter F, is employed for shewing the signalman the position of the signal and is
operated by a local battery as hereinafter described.
Mounted upon the plate 3, beneath this part of the instrument just described is a
device for shewing the signalman when the engine has entered the section it is
worked by the main current operating the instrument denominated by the letter A
in Figs. 1, and 2.
This apparatus denominated by the letter B consists of an electro-magnet 13
which instead of being wound in the ordinary manner is wound with a double coil
so coupled and connected as to cause the magnet to be operative or inoperative as
may be required but so as to suit the set of conditions hereinafter more fully
described.
This electro-magnet 13 is secured to plate 3 by means of a bracket 8' and
screws 4. The armature 17, is secured to spindle 11', pivoted to bracket 8" and
also plate 3, by means of plates 16, through which said spindle passes.
Upon one side of armature 17, is secured by screws a light bent arm 27, which
engages with a pin 19, driven into a spindle 11" pivoted to the plate 3 and to
cock 8 secured thereto by a screw or screws 4, this spindle 11" carries a small
light disc 12 formed of metal or equivalent substance upon which is painted or
engraved the word "IN." A circular hole 201 is formed in plate 3, through which
the word "IN" can be seen when the electro-magnet is energized. The spindle 111
has attached to it preferably by soldering a light metal spring 28, the free ends of
which are bent over so as to alternately engage with the spring contact
plates 29, 291 pivoted to brackets 30, 30' which are secured by screws 4, but
insulated by plates 31, of fibre, ebonite, or the like from the arm 81111 forming part
of bracket 81
The object of this arrangement is to prevent the current from being interrupted
when the larger battery is thrown in, (see 3, Fig. 16).
Beneath the apparatus last described is a relay hereinafter denominated when
referred to as a whole by the letter C. This consists of an electro-magnet 13,
wound with insulated wire in the well known manner and secured by screws passing
through the soft iron yoke 32, to the wooden base 33 of the instrument.
An armature 17, of soft iron is mounted upon a spring tongue t, fastened by
screws at one end to the insulated pillar 34, secured by the nut 35, to the base
of case.
The free end of the tongue t, has a platinized tip 36, and engages with the
platinized set screw 37, mounted in the insulated pillar 38, this pillar is connected
by suitably insulated conductor with a bell 14' and one pole of the local battery 15'
the other pole being connected to the pillar 34. The insulated wire surrounding
the bobbins of electro-magnet 13, is connected on one side to the outgoing wire
surrounding the coils of instrument B, see Fig. 8, and on the other to the rubbing
contacts 69, which form the connections to the resistance bobbins R fastened by
brass screws 4 to underside of base 33. A switch lever 39 pivoted at 40 is so
arranged as to make good electrical connection with these contacts, and is connected
by an insulated conductor to the line and insulated conducting rod L mounted upon
the sleepers upon which the track rails are laid. The various parts of this
instrument are connected by insulated wires (see dotted lines) to the terminals T
shewn at the base to which the circuit wires are joined as see Diagram 16.
Fixed in the signal cabin which when spoken of generally is hereinafter
denominated by letter D is a commutator which is constructed as follows-sec
Figs. 12, 13, 14, S represents the ordinary cabin lever employed for shifting the
position of the signal semaphore arms in the well known manner; attached to the

page_text: arms having a counterbalance s" is a chain c which is secured to the arm d, keyed
to the spindle e, of the commutator.
This spindle is mounted in two collars f, f, formed of ebonite or equivalent
insulating material with which the metallic brackets,, fastened to the wood base g
by screws 4' are bushed. Fastened to this spindle but insulated from it by ebonite
collars f,, are two arms ', one arm i, has an angular extension / fitted at its
tip, with a strip of ebonite i see Fig. 14, which presses together when the arms are
in the opposite position to that shewn in Fig. 13, the spring contact k, and thereby
closes the local battery circuit operating the miniature semaphore F, which shews
the position of the distant and home signal. See Figs. 8, 9, 10. The ends of both
arms are platinized and a flexible connecting wire joins the extremity of
each arm with the bracket and respectively.
Immediately under each arm are four platinized contacts 1, 1111111 connected
crosswise by metal strips or other suitable conductors m, m'. The electrical
connections from the 3-batteries placed in the signal cabin employed for operating
the respective parts of the instruments therein and upon the engine are as follows.
Battery 1, (see Fig. 16) is connected by suitable insulated conductors will to the
spring contact, and to the indicating instrument F shewing position of distant
signal see Figs. 8, 9, 10.
Battery 2. This is the battery employed for circulating a continuous current of
one or the other direction as the case may be through the insulated conductor and
main circuit w, and is connected to bracket from which the current passes to arm h,
by flexible conductor, and when the arms are upon the back contact indicating
line blocked as shewn, it passes from, to by strip m thence, by suitable
conductor to double wound coil of electro-magnet 13, in instrument B, which is
unaffected owing to the current returning upon itself, thence round coils of relay C
energizing the same, and holding down the spring armature 17, thereby interrupting
the local bell circuit, from thence to the insulated conductor L, to terminal ¹¹, by
wire m to , by wire to band to spindle 11' of indicator B, returning by wire w
to battery 2. Supposing the arms h, ' to be pressed down upon the front
contacts the current from battery 2, will flow to bracket by wl to arm,
and contact, thence, and by overhead or other conductor m, to insulated rail L,
through resistance R and relay C, around the coils of double wound magnet at B,
which is still inoperative owing to the current returning upon itself; to contact !!!
bracket spindle 11' returning to battery 2, as before. The effect of this
arrangement is such as to preclude the possibility of accident arising from an
imperfect main circuit, for should a short circuit or breakage of wire occur the
current would be in part or wholly diverted from the coils of the relay C, which
would cease to attract the armature 17, thereby closing contacts 36, 37, and ringing
the alarm bell 14' by means of battery 15. Battery 3, is employed for operating
the directive apparatus A, mounted upon the engine and the section signal B, in
cabin which has been already described, it is connected by a suitable conductor to
bracket and is operated automatically as follows-So long as the section is
blocked, that is when the lever S is as shewn at D Fig. 13 the commutator and the
miniature semaphore arm F are, as shewn see Figs. 8, 9, 10, 12.
No engine or train being upon the section, the current flowing out from battery 2,
is compelled to pass through the artificial resistance R placed beneath the relay C
see Figs. 8, 9, 16, which is adjusted by means of lever 39, so as to suit that of line
and earth and is a constant under ordinary conditions for the particular section in
question. When line clear is given the commutator arms h, h' are forced by the
reverse action of lever S, at D, see arrow and dotted lines Fig. 13, into contact with
contacts the current still flows by conductor w to insulated rod L, as before
described, but upon the engine entering the section see Diagram 16, a part of the
current traverses the brush mechanism see Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, mounted upon it passing
through the instrument A described in Figs. 1, 2, thereon (see Fig. 16) its iron
skin, and by the wheels and rails to earth E, thus automatically cutting out the
artificial resistance connected to relay C, the tongue of which being released

page_text: closes the local bell circuit w warning the signalman that the train has entered
the section.
The artificial resistance R being removed or short circuited by the engine
entering the section the current from battery 3 enters by earth plate E passing in
parallel through the coils of the electro-magnet at B (see also Diagram 15) which
are soldered together and united to the wire connected to earth plate E thereby
energizing the electro-magnet 13, which as a consequence attracts armature 17, and
unites contacts 28, 29, that between 28, 29', being so broken by the gradual action
of spring contact 291 as not to interrupt the one circuit until that between 28, 29, is
established. The closing of contacts 28, 29, throws in the more powerful battery 3,
with the result that the instrument A on engine, shews line clear, and B in cabin D,
that the engine is upon the section. The pulling over of lever S in cabin D, closes
the before described local circuit operated by battery 1, by depressing the spring k,
and the miniature arm in instrument F representing the distant and home line
signals is pulled off. When standing within the section the signalman can convey
line clear or blocked to the driver, the instrument A upon the engine responding
to the change of direction of current. On the other hand the driver can see at
once upon entering a section protected thus, the position of the line signals when
obscured by fog or the position they should occupy if out of order.
I lay no general claim herein to a signalling system on railways operated by a
continuous current of variable direction nor to indicating apparatus upon the engine
or in the cabin operated thereby. Nor do I claim a device operated mechanically
for visibly or audibly informing the engine driver or guard when the train is upon
the protected section nor do I lay claim to the particular form of commutator or
the relay or resistances when arranged as described in the Specification of Letters
Patent granted to me and numbered 20742/1891.
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 :-
1. In fog and other signalling apparatus for railways the combination and use in
or with a reversible continuous current, of the particular apparatus described under
Figs. 1 and 2, for shewing when operated by the apparatus mounted upon the engine
independently of that described under letter A, that the train is upon the protected
section.
"
2. In apparatus for signalling upon railways the combination of an electro-
magnet 13, the armature 17, pivoted as described and carrying the bent arm 18,
which engages with pin 19, on spindle 11" carrying the semaphore marked "IN
when the magnet is energized by closing the circuit derived from battery 15,
through lever 51, and contact 53, by the removal of pin 54, upon the brush 48,
striking the rail L as described.
3. In apparatus for signalling upon railways operated by a continuous current of
varying direction, the combination and use of the particular apparatus described
under letter B, in Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, for advising the signal-man when the train has
eutered the section, said apparatus being operated by the main reversible current
employed for operating apparatus A in Figs. 1 and 2.
4. In apparatus operating for the purpose and in the manner described in Claim 3
the use and employment of the double winding whereby the action of the electro-
magnet 13, operating the disc marked "IN" is neutralized except when the
resistance R is short circuited by the engine entering the section as shewn and
described.
5. In apparatus for signalling upon railways as described in Claim 3, the
combination and use of the spring 28, attached to spindle 11 which engages
alternately with the spring contact plates 29, 29¹ mounted as described whereby
interruption of the current in main circuit is prevented.
6. In apparatus for signalling upon railways operated by a continuous current of
varying direction the combination and use of an independent electrical audible

page_text: signal operated by the brush 48, lever 52, having pin 541, engaging with notches 64"
on roller 46, the pivoted lever 55, engaging with lever 52, and piston head 58, of dash
pot 57 and the spring contact 59, which while in contact with piston head 58 closes
the circuit from local battery 15, through bell 14'.
Dated November 1st 1894.
FRANCIS M. ROGERS,
Agent.