IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO APPARATUS FOR OPERATING, CONTROLLING, AND SECURING THE EFFICIENT AND PROPER RELATIVE WORKING OF RAILWAY SWITCHES, CROSSINGS, AND SIGNALS, OR PARTS CONNECTED OR COMBINED THEREWITH
Year: 1880

page_text: ETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO APPARATUS FOR OPERATING,
CONTROLLING, AND SECURING THE EFFICIENT AND PROPER RELATIVE
WORKING OF RAILWAY SWITCHES, CROSSINGS, AND SIGNALS, OR PARTS
CONNECTED OR COMBINED THEREWITH." A communication from abroad by
Joseph Stokes Williams, of Riverton, New Jersey, United States of
America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at
ΤΟ
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th September 1880.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING
APPARATUS FOR OPERATING, CONTROLLING, AND SECURING THE EFFICIENT AND
PROPER RELATIVE WORKING OF RAILWAY SWITCHES, CROSSINGS, AND SIGNALS,
OR PARTS CONNECTED OR COMBINED THEREWITH." [A communication from abroad
by Joseph Stokes Williams, of Riverton, New Jersey, United States of America.]
The first part of this Invention relates to improvements in the construction and
arrangement of apparatus for ensuring the proper relative working of railway
switches, crossings, and signals, with which apparatus it will be impossible to give
conflicting signals or set the signals to indicate positions contrary to the actual
positions of the switches or crossings with which the said signals are combined,
that is to say, I arrange the said apparatus to operate in such a manner that any
desired number of levers will be so interlocked as to prevent the movement
necessary to give conflicting signals, or signals to indicate falsely or incorrectly the
actual position of the switches, or crossings, or conflicting parts.
The object of this part of my Invention is to combine a series of levers, and to
construct and arrange the locking pieces, bars, or devices in such a manner as to
provide an apparatus which is effective, easily worked, and not liable to be
strained.

page_text: One method of carrying this part of my Invention into practice is as follows,
that is to say-I combine with each lever of the series a slotted locking drum,
wheel, disc, or piece capable of free movement upon its axes or journals which fit
into suitable bearings. These locking pieces are provided with apertures, which
are so formed and arranged as to allow one of a series of bars or plates to pass
through each aperture, or a series of such apertures in the said slotted locking
drums, wheels, discs, or pieces. The apertures of the said locking pieces are of a
varied depth and width, and the bars or plates placed therein are also of a varied
thickness or depth, so that when any portion of the thick part of the bar is in the
aperture in the locking piece it becomes impossible to move the latter, and
therefore the lever in connection therewith. When I desire to actuate the bar or
plate, so as to move it endwise in the apertures in the locking pieces, I combine
one of the levers of the series with the said sliding bar or plate through the
medium of the locking piece, and if one or more of the slotted locking drums,
wheels, or pieces, and the levers in connection therewith have been moved the part
of the aperture or slot of the least depth will lap the thinnest portion of the sliding
bar or pass out of line with the thickest portion of the said bar, and thereby
prevent such thicker or deeper portion from passing into the aperture in the locking
piece designed to receive it and to permit the bar to be moved endwise; therefore
the lever from which such sliding bar is actuated is prevented from being moved.
For the purpose of holding a lever in position and effecting the necessary
movement to actuate the locking pieces or devices I in some cases employ a bar,
plate, or connection with a recess or recesses which admit a projection attached to
the lever, and there is also a projection extending from the bar or plate which
engages with the projection of the lever that causes the bar to rock or shift, and in
so doing allows the said projection on the lever to pass into the recess and simul-
taneously move the locking pieces necessary to release or lock other levers of the
series, or any other desired form of connection may be employed, which will actuate
the locking devices and maintain the lock during the movement of the lever or
until such lever is returned to its normal position. When I employ a movable bar
arranged at the side of the lever it engages with the lever, or some part or pro-
jection thereon, in such a manner as to cause the adjustment of the locking pieces,
drums, or wheels, so as to hold the levers and lock or unlock other levers, thereby
ensuring the proper relative working of the series.
One convenient method of imparting the requisite movement to the partially
rotating locking pieces is as follows, that is to say:-I provide the said locking
piece with a pin adapted to fit in an aperture or slot in the movable bar at the side
of the lever, or vice versa. The endwise movement of the bars passing through
the apertures in the locking pieces may be effected by causing a pin or projection
on the locking piece or pieces to engage with a slotted projection or projections
on the said bars, so that as the locking piece rotates it carries the bar or bars
endwise; or any other suitable means may be employed for imparting the requisite
endwise movement to the said bars.
In some
cases I use in combination with the levers locking pieces which
partially rotate; the said pieces are so arranged that upon the commencement of
their movement they are also forced forwards, downwards, or upwards. The said
pieces, which are susceptible to this double movement, are provided with pro-
jections and recesses or with apertures and solid parts. When such projections or
solid parts are in or are caused to enter apertures or recesses in other locking bars
or pieces the latter, whether sliding or rocking devices, are prevented from being
moved and also the lever combined therewith; but when the said sliding bars or
rockers are free to move immediately any movement takes place, the solid parts or
projections of the same will engage with or change position relatively to one
or more of the second named locking bars or pieces, so as to prevent any movement
of the same, and consequently the movement of any lever of the series, which is
provided with such locking piece or bar having a double movement, as above
described. The necessary movement may be imparted to the last named locking

page_text: piece by providing an arm or pin upon the same to enter a slot or recess in the
sliding bar or plate at the side of, connected with, or operated by the lever, the
said pin or arm being of sufficient length to prevent any separation of the parts;
or the sliding plate may be provided with the pin or projection and the locking
piece with a groove or recess.
Instead however of imparting a rotary as well as an upward, downward, or
forward motion to the said locking piece or bar, I in some cases dispense with such
rotary movement, and impart the necessary lengthwise motion to the bar through
the medium of a crank or lever attached at one end to the sliding plate connected
with or arranged at the side of the lever, and at its other end to one end of a link,
whose other end is secured to the said locking bar or piece, so that as the bell-crank
lever is caused to oscillate by the movement imparted to the lever or the notched
bar on which the lever acts, it effects such endwise or lengthwise motion, and
causes the change of position of the obstructing and releasing mechanism, to ensure
the proper relative working of the levers in the series or system.
In some cases I effect the end wise movement of the locking piece by means of a
screw or cam surface upon the same, or by employing a loose piece or sleeve worked
by a screw or double screws or cams, or double cams with or without anti-friction
balls, rollers, or wheels, the projections and recesses or apertures being arranged in
combination with sliding bars or rocking shafts, as above set forth.
Or I use in combination with each lever of the series a wheel, quadrant, or
rocker, which is arranged to receive a partial rotation or rocking movement in
the same line or direction as that of the movement of the lever; each of these
oscillating wheels or quadrants is provided with recesses or apertures adapted to
receive projections or solid parts upon rockers or sliding bars arranged at or near
the periphery of the rocker or quadrant, or I may use a series of sliding bars or
rockers arranged in combination with a series of quadrants or plates upon the said
rocking quadrant. It will be readily understood that any suitable arrangement of
sliding bars or rocking shafts which are provided with obstructing and releasing
portions may be employed, so as to engage with or become disconnected from the
oscillating quadrants, provided with corresponding apertures, recesses, and pro-
jections, and that any desired number of levers can be combined and interlocked.
The said oscillating quadrants which communicate movement to the sliding bars or
rockers are connected with each other in any suitable manner, so that any movement
of the oscillating quadrant will immediately force the solid parts of the sliding bars
or rocking shafts into recesses, hollows, or apertures, in as many of the other
oscillating quadrants as it is desirable to lock or prevent from being moved, but in
case any of the oscillating quadrants connected with other levers obstruct or prevent
the movement of the sliding bar or rocking shaft, the movement of the oscillating
quadrant connected with the latter, and therefore the movement of the lever
combined therewith, is prevented. The oscillating quadrant may be connected or
combined with the lever by means of rockers, or bars mounted on rockers, or by
notched er inclined bars or otherwise, and these oscillating quadrants may be
operated by an independent spring or weighted hand lever or treadle.
According to another method of carrying this part of my Invention into practice,
I employ in order to actuate the locking devices or mechanism, and to hold a lever
or levers in position, locking bars provided with recesses which correspond with the
periphery of wheels or rollers, or I mount such sliding bars upon rollers or wheels,
and provide recesses into which the said rollers or wheels can pass and fit. I
thereby provide the necessary movement of the locking mechanism to ensure the
releasing or holding and locking of one or more levers of the series dependent upon
the position of some other lever or part. The said wheels or rollers in combination
with the correspondingly shaped recesses may be employed for imparting a vertical
rocking or other movement to the parts connected or combined with the lever. Or
the said wheels or rollers may be employed in combination with inclined surfaces
for effecting the objects above referred to.
Another part of this Invention relates to an improved method of and apparatus

page_text: for controlling and actuating railway signals from more than one place or cabin, and
is designed to be employed instead of the apparatus known as the "slot" arrange-
ment or other arrangements designed for similar purposes.
According to this part of the said Invention, I so combine the wires from the
most distant place or cabin with wires connected with other places or cabins that
it is necessary for all of the levers or actuating devices connected with the different
wires at the various places or cabins to be in a certain position before the signal
can be adjusted to indicate safety or caution, or be caused to occupy a position
other than that denoting danger.
In order to accomplish this result, I employ at some place or places one or more
drums, wheels, pulleys, or equivalent devices which are combined with the wire,
connection, or extension to the signal in such a manner that it can be wound
upon the drum or equivalent device sufficiently to provide for giving out or taking
up the wire or connection, so as to vary its length. The extent to which this
length of the wire or connection may be varied is dependent upon the will of the
operator or operators, or the position of one or more levers or actuating devices at
one or more places or cabins, thereby rendering it impossible to place the signals to
safety unless all the parts are in their proper relative positions.
One method of carrying this part of the said Invention into practice is as
follows, that is to say :-Within a bracket fixed in position at any suitable point or
place I arrange a pulley wheel or drum capable of revolving freely, and preferably
grooved on its periphery. At any suitable point on the periphery of the said
drum I secure the end of the wire or connection communicating with the signal,
and at another point the end or ends of the connection or connections leading to
the cabins or other places. The ends of these wires or connections are so relatively
arranged upon the said drum or wheel that the latter in revolving will give out
and take up the wires or connections in opposite directions, that is to say, when the
wire or connection to the signal is travelling in one direction around the wheel or
drum, the wire or wires to the cabins or other places travel in the other direction,
so that as one wire is being wound upon the wheel the other wire or wires are
being unwound. The giving out or taking up of slack wire or connection may
however be accomplished in various manners, and I do not therefore confine myself
to the devices above described.
Another part of this Invention relates to improvements in compensators for the
wires or connections to signals. The chief object of this part of the said Invention
is to so construct and arrange the said compensators that they will act in an
efficacious manner to take up the slack in the wire or connection, and in all cases
allow the signal arm to automatically go or return to danger in case the said wire
or connection breaks. I also entirely or partially obviate the necessity of having to
lift or pull against the weight as at present, thereby lessening the amount of
exertion requisite on the part of the operator to adjust the signals. Furthermore
I provide for absolute and thorough compensation under all variations in
temperature, and ensure the proper stretching of the wire or connection at all times
and under all conditions.
In carrying this part of the said Invention into practice, I combine the signal
wire or connection with loose wheels, pulleys, drums, or equivalent devices, and
provide for keeping the wires or connections taut through the medium of a weight
or weights. These wires or connections may be wound upon or around or partially
around these pulleys or drums, and be caused to move with the said pulleys, or
devices, or otherwise.
According to one method of accomplishing the above referred to results, I pivot
or otherwise mount upon a suitable support a weighted lever, one part, or the end,
or ends of which is provided with a pulley, wheel, or drum, or a series of them,
which are capable of revolving freely upon their axis or shaft. I combine with this
pulley, wheel, drum, or equivalent device, the signal wire or connection, whose end
Ì secure at a suitable point, the said wire being passed partially or entirely around
the pulley, and thence above or below a pulley supported in stationary bearings to

page_text: the signal. The wire from the cabin or other place also passes above or below
a pulley supported in stationary bearings, and its end is passed partially or entirely
around the loose wheel or pulley, free to move with the weighted lever, but in a
direction opposite to that in which the wire or connection from the signal is wound
upon the said wheel, pulley, or device. The end of the wire from the cabin is then
secured at any suitable point to the pulley, wheel, or drum, as described with
reference to the signal wire. From this construction it follows that when the wire
or connection is pulled to put the signal to safety it will rotate the loose pulley or
wheel on the weighted lever and consequently draw upon the wire or connection
to the signal. As however the weight on the pivotted lever preponderates over that
employed to return the signal to danger, the wire or connection when pulled will
not raise the weighted end of said lever as the pulley on the other end revolves
freely.
Instead of employing a pulley with the ends of the wire or connections leading to
the cabin and signal attached to the same, I in some cases use a loose sprocket or
chain wheel on the end of the weighted lover, and pass a chain attached to the said
wires or connections over the said wheel, this chain being crossed below the latter
to ensure the proper working of the parts.
Or I may apply a weight which tends to revolve the wheels or equivalent
devices with which the signal wires or connections are combined, and thereby keep
the latter taut, or I so arrange the pulleys, wheels, drums, or equivalent devices as to
allow them to move freely except when the lever which actuates the signal is
exerting force in a direction opposite to that of the force of the weight which serves to
keep the connection or signal wire or wires taut, as at such times the wheel
practically becomes a connection to the signal lever. The signal wire or connection
and the wheel or equivalent device, either separately or together, may be combined
with the lever which actuates the signals or extensions of the said lever. This
may be accomplished in various ways, an efficient method however being to provide
a clutch bolt or lock which is either operated by the spring, catch, lever, or by a
weight, or spring treadle, or by the movement of the lever which actuates the
signal.
I sometimes employ drums, wheels, or pulleys with or without a series of grooves
in them and journalled out of their centre or excentrically, or equivalent devices
with or without weights may be advantageously employed for facilitating the
adjustment of the signal or movable parts operated by a flexible connection.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 18th
March 1881.
WILLIAM ROBERT Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. " IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO
APPARATUS FOR OPERATING, CONTROLLING, AND SECURING THE EFFICIENT AND
PROPER RELATIVE WORKING OF RAILWAY SWITCHES, CROSSINGS, AND SIGNALS,
OR PARTS CONNECTED OR COMBINED THEREWITH." A communication from abroad
by Joseph Stokes Williams, of Riverton, New Jersey, United States of America.
The first part of this Invention relates to improvements in the construction and
arrangement of apparatus for ensuring the proper relative working of railway
switches, crossings, and signals, with which apparatus it will be impossible to give
conflicting signals or to set the signals to indicate positions contrary to the actual
positions of the switches or crossings with which the said signals are combined, that
is to say, I arrange the said apparatus to operate in such a manner that any desired
number of levers will be so interlocked as to prevent the movement necessary to
give conflicting signals or signals that indicate falsely or incorrectly the actual
position of the switches or crossings or conflicting parts.
The objects of this part of the said Invention are to combine a series of levers
and to construct and arrange the locking pieces, bars, or devices in such a manner
as to provide an apparatus which is effective, easily worked, and not liable to be
strained.
One method of carrying this part of the said Invention into practice is illustrated
in Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying Drawing, in which,―
Figure 1 is a transverse vertical section, and
Figure 2, a horizontal section of a frame of eight levers.
Figure 3 represents a front view, an end view, and a horizontal section drawn to
an enlarged scale of one of the locking pieces, and the sliding bars hereinafter
referred to employed to secure the proper relative working of the levers and parts
connected or combined therewith.
a, a represent the levers, with each of which I combine a slotted locking drum
or piece b, adapted to turn or rotate upon its axes or journals 6', which fit into
suitable bearings in or attached to the framing of the apparatus. The locking
pieces b are provided with apertures 62, which are so formed and arranged as to
allow a series of bars or plates c to pass through them. The parts of these apertures
6² are of different depth and width, and the bars or plates c placed therein are
also of different thickness or depth, so that when any portion of the projection or
deepest part c¹ of the bar c is in the aperture 62 in the locking piece, it becomes
impossible to move or rotate the latter, and therefore to move or adjust the lever in
connection therewith.
When I desire to actuate a bar or plate c so as to move its projections c¹ endwise
into or through the apertures 62 in the locking pieces b, 1 combine or connect one
of the levers a of the series with the said sliding bar or plate through the medium
of the locking piece b. This combination may be effected by means of a pin or
projection c* which works in a slot 6* in the locking piece b, or vice versa, so that
as the locking piece rotates or turns upon its journals it carries the bar or bars c
end wise; other means however may be employed for imparting the requisite
endwise movement to the said bars. If one or more of the locking pieces b have
been moved, the part of the aperture or slot 6' of the least depth will lap the thin-
nest portion of the sliding bar c, and the part of the aperture or slot of the greatest
depth will pass out of line with the projecting portion c' of the said bar, and
thereby prevent the said portion c¹ from passing into the said part of the
aperture 6² in the locking piece designed to receive it and to permit the bar to be

page_text: moved endwise, the lever from which such sliding bar is actuated will therefore be
prevented from being moved.
In order to combine a lever with the locking piece or pieces b I employ a bar,
plate, or connection d, which is provided with a recess or recesses, and is attached
to or combined with the lever. The said recess or recesses provide for the
necessary movement to vary the position of the parts so as to hold or release a
lever and actuate the locking pieces b. In Figures 1 to 3 the bar d is shewn
provided with recesses d¹, d³, into which the lever or a projection from the same fits.
This bar d is combined through the medium of the cranks e with the locking
pieces b, so that in its endwise movement it causes them to partially rotate, the
possibility of rotating these pieces 6 or of actuating the sliding bars c being
dependent upon the position of one or more of the sliding bars c, or the position of
the locking pieces b, as hereinbefore described.
It will be understood that the bar & must shift in order to release the lever from
the recess d', and in so doing will move the locking pieces b or sliding bars c_ in
such a manner as to cause the adjustment of the same to hold, lock, or release other
levers, thereby ensuring the proper relative working of the system. Or connections
other than the bar d may be employed to hold a lever, actuate the locking
devices b, c, and maintain the lock during the movement of the lever or until
such lever is returned to its normal position.
In Figures 4 to 6 I have shewn another form of apparatus.
Figure 4 is a transverse section of the said apparatus.
Figure 5 is a horizontal section of one of the endwise moving locking pieces and
a sliding bar in connection therewith drawn to an enlarged scale, and
Figure 6 is an elevation partly in section shewing the locking piece, the sliding
bars, and adjacent parts.
In this apparatus the locking pieces 6 are not designed to rotate, but are 50
arranged as to receive an endwise or vertical movement, that is to say, the said
pieces have formed on or attached to them a screw f that fits the screwed
crank e which is combined with the lever through the medium of the bar d. The
pieces which are susceptible of this endwise movement are provided with
recesses 6³, and the sliding bars c which are supported in suitable guides are provided
with projections c³; when these projections are caused to enter the recesses b³ in
any of the locking pieces b the latter, and also the levers and devices connected
therewith, are prevented from being moved, but when the said pieces are free to
move immediately any movement takes place the solid parts or projections of the
same will engage with or change position relatively to one or more of the locking
bars or pieces c and their projections c² so as to prevent the movement of the same,
and consequently the movement of any lever of the series which is connected with
or causes the movement of such sliding or locking bar or bars c.
In order to move a bar or plate c endwise by the adjustment of one of the levers
of the series I combine with the said lever through the medium of the crank 6 and
bar d a rocking shaft 6º, shewn in plan in Figure 6a. This rocking shaft is provided
with one or more arms, projections, or lugs 60*, adapted to enter a recess or slot
in the sliding bar or bars c, or vice versa, so that providing the projection or pro-
jections c³ on the bar or bars c are not obstructed by any of the locking pieces b,
the rotary movement of the said rocking shaft combined with the said sliding bar
or bars c, as above described, will effect the endwise movement of the said bar
or bars, and cause the projections to enter or be withdrawn from the recesses in
one or more other locking pieces b, and when the said projections are in such
recesses the end wise movement of such locking pieces bis prevented, and conse-
quently the movement of the lever or levers in connection therewith. The sliding
bars care supported in suitable guides to prevent their being carried or displaced
in the direction of the end wise movement of the locking pieces b.
In some cases I effect the endwise movement of the locking piece b by means of
a cam surface upon the same, or by employing a loose piece or sleeve worked by
one or more cams with or without anti friction balls, rollers, or wheels between

page_text: them and the said sleeve, the projections and recesses or apertures of the pieces b
being arranged in combination with sliding bars, as above set forth, or in combi-
nation with rocking shafts.
Figure 7 is a transverse section of another form of my apparatus, and
Figure 8 is a plan of the endwise moving bar on which [the lever acts, and
through which motion is imparted to the locking devices.
According to the arrangement shewn in these Figures I employ locking bars or
pieces b which are susceptible of an endwise movement, but are prevented from
rotating by being passed through a fixed guide bar or plate g, and I arrange, in
combination with the said pieces b, a series of rockers or rocking shafts, tubes, or
bars c provided with projections or arms which engage with projections or enter
recesses on the pieces b, and ensure the proper relative working of the levers in
the system, as more fully hereinafter described with reference to Figures 25 to 41.
Another form of apparatus is illustrated in Figures 9 to 20, in which
Figure 9 is an elevation of a set of levers and mechanism connected with the
same for the purpose of this Invention, and
Figure 10 is a transverse section of the apparatus shewing one of the levers in its
normal position.
Figure 11 is a plan of the bar on which the lever acts, and through which motion
is communicated to the locking pieces.
Figure 12 is a front view partly in section.
Figure 13, an end view partly in section, and
Figure 14, a plan drawn to an enlarged scale of the locking pieces, the sliding
bars, and adjacent parts detached.
Figures 15 and 16 are horizontal sections drawn to an enlarged scale on the
lines x, x, x1, x¹, Figure 9.
Figures 17, 18, 19, and 20 are elevations of the sliding bars used in the said
apparatus, which bars are provided with projections as hereinafter described.
In the form of apparatus shewn in these Figures I employ locking pieces b which
are capable of endwise movement, but are prevented from rocking or rotating by
being held in the guide bar or plate g in a similar manner to that described with
reference to Figure 7. These locking pieces are provided with projections 6, and
in combination with the said pieces I arrange the sliding bara c provided with
projections c. These projections b, c, are so relatively arranged that when a lever
which is free to move is adjusted out of its normal position it will act upon the
bar d, and through the crank e and screw f will impart an endwise motion to the
locking piece b, and cause one or more of the projections 6* to engage with or pass
into alignment with one or more of the projections c³ of the sliding bars c, and
prevent any end wise movement of the latter, and consequently lock or prevent
the adjustment of any lever or levers which during their movement impart an end-
wise movement to the said sliding bars c. To effect an endwise movement of such
sliding bars c by the adjustment of certain levers in the series I secure upon a
shaft or rod e¹ attached to or forming part of the crank e, and capable of turning
freely in the locking piece b, a slotted crank or arm es which engages with a pin
or projection c* on the sliding bar, so that when the lever is moved the said bar,
through the bar d and crank e, will be adjusted end wise, and the projections c² on
the said bar will pass into engagement with the projections 6* on the locking pieces b,
and prevent any end wise movement of the latter and consequently any movement of
the levers combined therewith. In Figure 9 I have shewn a series of eight levers so
combined and controlled by the interlocking devices above described as to ensure
the proper relative working of the switches, crossings, and signals at an ordinary
station, that is to say, lever No. 1 is the up distant signal lever, whose movement
is controlled by levers Nos. 2, 4, and 5; lever No. 2 is the up home signal lever,
which controls and is controlled by levers Nos. 1, 4 and 5; lever No. 3 is the up
starting signal lever, and is controlled by levers Nos. 4 and 5 ; lever No. 4 is the
lever for the cross-over road to a siding, and is controlled by levers Nos. 1, 2, 3,
and 5 lever No. 5 is the lever for the cross-over road from one main line to

page_text: another, and controls all the other levers and is controlled by any or all of them;
levers Nos. 6, 7, and 8 are respectively the down starting signal lever, the down
home signal lever, and the down distant signal lever, and control lever No. 5 or are
controlled by the lever No. 5. To ensure the adjustment of the home signal lever
to safety prior to that of the distant signal lever, and back lock the home signal
lever upon the adjustment of the distant signal lever, and prevent its movement
until the distant signal lever is again adjusted to allow the distant signal to return
to danger, I form projections c* on the bars c, as shewn in Figures 15, 16, 18,
and 20, that is to say, the said projections, when the levers 2 and 7 are in their
normal position, are in engagement with and prevent the endwise movement of the
locking pieces b, combined with the levers Nos. 1 and 8, and consequently prevent
the movement of the said levers. But when the lever No. 2 or 7 is adjusted, an
endwise movement is imparted to the sliding bar c in connection there with through
the crank e², and the projection c* is then forced out of line or engagement with
the projection on the locking piece b combined with the lever No. 1 or 8, and
permits the adjustment of the latter, and in such adjustment a projection on the
said locking piece offers obstruction to the endwise motion of the sliding bar
C, and
consequently prevents any movement of the lever No. 2 or 7 until lever No. 1 or
8 is returned to its normal position.
Figure 21 is an elevation partly in section of a modified arrangement of the
locking piece and adjacent parts, that is to say, the screw is at the top of the
locking piece b and fits a screw box e* attached to the shaft or rod e¹ upon the
lower end of which the crank e is fixed.
In Figures 22 and 23, which are a transverse and horizon-al section, I have
shewn a modified arrangement of the mechanism for operating the locking devices
and combining them with the lever, that is to say, I employ a bar d provided with
a slot d* inclined at its ends as shewn, and adapted to receive a pin or stud on the
cranke attached to the shaft e¹, from which an endwise movement is imparted to
the locking piece b in a similar manner to that above described with reference to
Figures 9 to 20.
Figure 24 shews a further modification in the arrangement of the locking devices
and means for operating the same; for this purpose I use a slotted bar d provided
with a slot d", which imparts a vertical movement through the connection do to the
crank e.
I will now proceed to describe the apparatus illustrated in Figures 25 to 40, in
which,
Figure 25 is a front elevation of a set of levers and mechanism connected
therewith to ensure their proper relative working, and
Figure 26 is a vertical transverse section of the same on the line 7, 7, Figure 25.
Figure 27 is an end view of the bar on which the lever acts, and devices in
connection therewith, and
Figure 28 is a similar view of the stationary quadrant with which the catch on
the lever engages when fully adjusted in either direction.
Figures 29 and 30 are an end and front view drawn to an enlarged scale of a
crank, hereinafter referred to, and
Figures 31 and 32 are an end view and central section of a portion of the locking
piece drawn to an enlarged scale.
Figures 33 to 40 represent consecutively the locking pieces and the rocking
shafts, rods, or bars in connection therewith, as applied to the series of levers shewn
in Figure 25, to ensure their proper relative working.
In these Figures, a, a, represent the levers; b, b, the locking pieces; c, c, the
rocking bars, rods, or tubes, and d the bar arranged at the side of the lever and
designed to impart an endwise movement to the locking pieces b.
For this purpose I connect the bar d to the crank e, which oscillates upon a pin
or shaft e supported in suitable bearings, and is provided with an excentric es that
fits into a recess 65 in the locking piece b. The latter is also provided with a slot 66

page_text: through which the shaft cº passes, and the said slot and the recess 6³ are so formed
and relatively arranged as to ensure an endwise movement of the locking piece b
on the commencement of the movement of the lever combined therewith through
the bar d and crank e. These locking pieces b are provided with projections or
thick portions 6, and in combination with the said pieces I arrange the rocking
shafts, tubes, or rods c, which are provided with projecting parts or pieces c², whose
engaging faces on the movement of the said rods describe an arc of a circle, and
offer obstruction to the projections 64 on the bars b, and consequently prevent any
endwise movement of the same and the levers combined therewith. In order to
impart this rocking movement to the bars c, I arrange upon the desired number of
locking pieces 6 pins 6* with which the slotted arms or cranks e² engage, so that
any locking piece b so combined with a rocking bar will on movement being
imparted to it by the lever combined therewith impart a rocking movement to the
said shaft, and will cause the projections on the same to offer obstruction to the
projections on one or more of the pieces b and prevent their endwise movement,
and consequently any movement of the lever or levers in connection therewith.
If however one or more of the locking pieces bare moved endwise by the
adjustment of the lever or levers in connection with the same, the projections b*
will be adjusted into the line of movement of the projections c², and will con-
sequently prevent any movement of the sliding bar or bars and the levers for
operating the same. In order to effect the proper relative movement of the home
and distant signals, I provide on the rocking shaft c a projection or piece c*, which
operates in substantially the same manner as that described with reference to
Figures 9 to 20. Two forms of these pieces care shewn in Figures 33 and 40.
Figure 41 shews a slightly modified form of the locking piece b.
Another part of this Invention relates to an improved method of and apparatus
for controlling railway signals from more than one place or cabin, and is designed
to be employed instead of the apparatus known as the "slot" arrangement or
other arrangements designed for similar purposes. This part of the said Invention
also comprises the combination with such signal controlling apparatus of automatic
compensating devices for the wires or connections to the signals. According to
this part of the said Invention I so combine the wires from the most distant place
or cabin with wires connected with other places or cabins that it is necessary for
all of the levers or actuating devices connected with the different wires at the
various places or cabins to be in a certain position before the signal can be
adjusted to indicate safety or caution, or be caused to occupy a position other than
that denoting danger. Moreover the compensator combined with the signal
controlling apparatus is so arranged as to act in an efficacious manner to take up
the slack in the wires or connections, and in all cases allow the signal arm to
automatically go or return to danger in case one or more of the wires or
connections should break. I also entirely or partially obviate the necessity of
having to lift or pull against the weight as heretofore, thereby lessening the
amount of exertion requisite on the part of the operator to adjust the signals.
Furthermore I provide for absolute and thorough compensation under all variations
in temperature, and ensure the proper stretching of the wires or connections at all
times and under all conditions.
Figure 42 represents a signal in combination with my improved signal controller
and compensator, and shews the said signal arranged to be actuated or controlled
by a wire or connection from two cabins or places.
Figure 43 is a side elevation, and
Figure 44, an end elevation of the said signal controller and compensator, drawn
to an enlarged scale.
Figures 45 and 46 are horizontal sections on the lines z, z, and z¹, z¹,
Figure 43.
In Figure 42 k represents the signal, and l, m, the cabins from which its move-
ments are controlled; n represents the signal controller and compensator, which is

page_text: arranged at a suitable point between the cabin 7 and the signal k, and is connected
through a wire or connection o with the cabin m and the signal k, and by a wire
or connection o with the cabin l.
In Figures 43 and 44, n¹ represents a lever pivoted at n² in suitable bearings on
the post or support n*, and provided at one end with a wheel, pulley, or equivalent
device, which is capable of turning freely upon its axis or shaft; the other end of
this lever is provided with a weight n*. Around pulleys n³, n³, supported in
stationary bearings towards the base of the post, and the chain wheel or pulley n³,
I pass a chain forming part of the connection o, as shewn in Figure 43, and
around a pulley no towards the base, and a pulley n' towards the top of the said
post, I pass a chain or wire forming part of the connection o' to the cabin 7, the
said chain or wire being connected at any suitable point to the weighted arm of
the lever n'.
By the above described arrangement of parts, the weight n* constantly tends to
compensate for any variation in the length of the wires or connections o, o¹, and
when the wire or connection o from the cabin m is pulled to put the signal to
safety, it will rotate the pulley or wheel n³ on the weighted lever n¹, and
consequently draw upon the part of the wire or connection extending from the
said pulley or wheel to the signal.
The wire or connection o¹ is combined with a lever or other device in the cabin
in such a manner that if the switchman or signalman at the said cabin desires to
set one or more switches or signals or other parts controlled from the said cabin
to a position antagonistic to the signals or switches controllable from the cabin m,
it is impossible for him to move such parts prior to the movement of the said
lever. This lever when moved pulls upon the wire or connection o¹, and con-
sequently raises the weighted end of the lever n'. When this weighted end is
thus raised the pulley n³ is depressed, and consequently the compensation is
destroyed, a "slack" being put in the wire or connection o to such an extent as to
prevent the said wire or connection o being drawn taut, or drawn to such an
extent by the adjustment of a lever in the cabin m as to operate upon the signal
or put the same to safety. Consequently so long as the lever in the cabin
adjusted from its normal position, and any lever or part which shall have been
subsequently moved, and which is interlocked with the said lever is moved, and
the wire o¹ is drawn taut, it becomes impossible for the switchman or signalman
in the cabin m to set the signal k to safety; but as soon as the lever in the cabin
is moved to its normal position the wire or connection o¹ is given out, and the slack
previously given to the connection o is taken up by the action of the weighted
lever n¹. The signalman in the cabin m can then, by the adjustment of his lever,
set the signal to safety.
Figure 47 is a side elevation, and
is
Figure 48, an end elevation of another form of the apparatus shewn in
Figures 43 and 46.
Figure 49 is a horizontal section on the line 2³, z³, Figure 47.
In this form of apparatus I employ, instead of the wheel or pulley n³, a wheel or
pulley n* preferably grooved upon its periphery. At any suitable point on the
periphery of the said wheel I secure one end of the part of the wire or connection o
communicating with the signal, and at another point the end of the part of the
wire or connection o communicating with the cabin m, or the ends of other wires
or connections leading to other cabins or places. The ends of the said wires or
connections are so relatively arranged upon the said drum or wheel n³*, that the
latter in revolving will give out and take up the two parts of the wire or connection o
in opposite directions, that is to say, when the wire or connection to the signal is
travelling in one direction around the wheel or drum, the wire or wires to the
cabins or other places travel in the other direction, so that as one wire is being
wound upon the wheel, the other wire or wires are being unwound. Moreover,
when the wire or connection o¹ to the cabin is drawn taut, the wheel 5* is
depressed and a slack is put in the wire o, but when the said wire o' is released

page_text: the weight n draws the wire o taut and permits the signal to be adjusted to safety
by the signalman in the cabin m. In Figure 47, the wire or connection o' is shewn
attached to the arm of the lever n¹, which carries the pulley or wheel n** instead
of to the arm carrying the weight, as in Figure 43. The giving out or taking up
of slack wire or connection may, however, be accomplished in various manners,
and I do not therefore confine myself to the devices above described, as the same
may be modified without departing from the principle of my Invention.
Figures 50, 51, and 52 are similar views to Figures 47 to 49, shewing another
form of combined compensator and signal controller, in which the weighted arm of
the lever n¹ is inclined in such a manner that the weight which is free to slide
thereon will, if the wire or connection o¹ breaks, become disconnected and allow
the arm carrying the pulley or pulleys n* to descend, and thereby ensure the
signal returning to danger and prevent its movement to safety.
In these Figures I have shewn the lever provided with two pulleys or wheels n³*,
of varying diameter, whereby absolute and perfect compensation is ensured,
providing the combined signal controller and compensator is situated at a point
other than at or near the centre point of the length of the connection o between
the cabin m and signal k.
Figure 53 is a side elevation of a compensator and signal controller, with a
modified construction of weighted lever applied to the same.
Figure 54 is a side view, and
Figure 55, a plan of the said lever.
Figures 56 and 57 are a transverse section and side view drawn to an enlarged
scale of the casting, through which the lever is pivotted to its post or support with
the lever in the same.
This lever is formed of the bars or plates no, no, between which at one end the
pulley or wheel n³ is free to revolve. The other end carries the weight n, which
may be fixed thereon, as shewn, or the weighted arm of the lever may be inclined
as in Figure 50, and a detachable weight employed. To pivot these bars to the
post I employ a casting or piece n*, provided with recesses to receive the bars nº,
and with an aperture for the passage of the pivot pin, as shewn in Figures 56
and 57.
Figure 58 is a front elevation, and
Figure 59, an end elevation of another form of combined compensator and signal
controller.
In this form of apparatus I dispense with the weighted lever n¹ and support the
chain wheel or pulley n³ in a carriage or sliding box nº. This carriage free to
slide upon the rods or bars which constitute the post or support, and is combined
with a weight n, which tends to constantly compensate for any difference in the
length of the wire or connection. The chain forming part of the connection o is
passed around the wheel n³, and the chain or connection o' is attached in such a
manner as to put a slack in the wire o when drawn by the signalman in the cabin l
and prevent the adjustment of the signal to safety by the signalman at the cabin m,
as described with reference to Figures 43 to 46.
In Figure 60 I have shewn a combined signal controller and compensator, chiefly
designed to be employed when the part of the wire or connection o from the signal
to the said controller is of greater or less length than the part of the wire o
communicating with the cabin m. In this instance I pivot a lever n¹*
upon the
lever n', and attach the ends of the two parts of the wire o at points on the said
lever at unequal distances from its pivot or axis, so that more slack will be taken
out of the longest part of the wire o than out of the shorter part, and a perfect
compensation will be ensured.
Although I have in the above description described the compensator and signal
controller as combined, I wish it understood that the said compensator may be
used separately when desired without departing from the spirit of my Invention.
As a further explanation of the working or operation of my improved combined
signal controllers and compensators above referred to, I would remark that the

page_text: weight n on the lever n' constantly tends to take up all the slack in the wires or
connections o, o¹, but although the said weight may be heavier than that employed
on the signal post k to return the signal to danger, it cannot under any circumstances
draw upon the wire or connection o to such an extent as to put such signal to
safety, as the wire or connection o¹ will only permit the weighted end of the
lever n¹ to descend sufficiently to take up the slack, and will not allow of its
descent to such an extent as to draw upon the wire o to the signal to effect such
movement of the signal to safety. The wire o' is connected to the lever at a
distance from the pivot n' proportionate to the distance of the connection of the
wire or connection o from the said pivot, this point of connection being also
dependent upon the relative lengths of the said wires, that is to say, supposing the
wire or connection o to be three times the length of the wire or connection o¹, then
the latter will be attached to the lever at such a point that the lever in its
movements will take up three times as much slack in the wire o as it will in the
wire o¹, but will be prevented from further movement to draw upon the wire or
connection o as soon as the wire or connection o' is drawn taut In this manner I
am enabled to ensure absolute compensation for any variation in the length of the
wires due to atmospheric changes, as by ascertaining the lengths of the wires or
connections o, o³, and allowing for the greatest amount of expansion liable to arise
in the wire o¹ I am enabled to connect them with the lever n¹ at such relative
distances from its pivot n³ as to prevent (through the wire or connection o¹) the
wire o being drawn upon to an extent greater than that necessary for taking up
its slack, thereby obviating any liability of the signal being put to safety, as above
set forth.
In cases where a signal control wire o¹ is not employed, and compensation only
of the wire or connection to the signal is required, I employ, in order to prevent
the wire or connection being drawn upon to a greater extent than that necessary
to take up its slack at any time, a wire or connection similar to the wire o¹, and
connected at one end at a distance from the centre of the lever n' proportionate to
the point of connection and length of the wire to the signal as above set forth with
reference to the combined signal controller and compensator. The other end of this
wire similar to the wire or connection o¹ may be wound around a wheel or drum
upon the post or support of the weighted lever n¹, or may be attached at any
suitable point along the line of railway.
By this means the signal is prevented from being drawn to safety by the pre-
ponderance of the weight n¹ over that employed to put the signal to danger, as
above described.
This
In Figure 61 I have shewn in elevation another form of compensator to ensure
the proper stretching of the wire or connection at all times and under all conditions.
For, this purpose I employ in connection with the lever a a chain wheel or pulley n³,
provided with teeth or projections, and free to turn upon its axis or shaft.
wheel is supported in suitable bearings in one arm of the lever n¹ pivoted at n² to
the lever a, and the wire or connection is passed over the same, and over a pulley
on the other arm of the lever n³, and is connected to the weight n4. On the lower
end or arm of the lever a I provide teeth or projections a' in such a manner that
when the lever is in its normal position the said teeth are out of engagement with
the teeth or projections of the wheel n³, and permit the same to revolve with the
chain, as the latter travels with the weight in either direction, by reason of its
expansion or contraction, due to variations in temperature or other causes.
When, however, the lever a is moved to adjust a signal or other movable part or
piece from its normal position, the teeth a¹ on the commencement of such move-
ment of the lever a engage with those of the sprocket or chain wheel n³, and
prevent any rotation of the same, and in the further movement of the lever the
wire or connection is drawn upon and effects the adjustment of such signal or
movable part, and constitutes practically a connection to the lever. When, however,
the lever is returned to its normal position the wheel n³ is again left free to revolve

page_text: and allow of any compensating action which may accrue by reason of variations in
temperature or from other causes, as above specified.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,
First. In an interlocking apparatus for railway point and signal levers, the
locking pieces b provided with apertures, each of which has parts of different depth
and width, and the endwise moving bars c combined and operating substantially as
described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the Drawings, and for the purposes
specified.
Second. In an interlocking apparatus for railway point and signal levers, the
endwise locking pieces b, and the sliding or the partially rotating bars c, combined,
operating, and operated substantially as set forth with reference to Figures 4 to 8
of the Drawings, and for the purposes specified.
Third. In an interlocking apparatus for railway point and signal levers, the
endwise moving locking pieces 6 and the sliding bars c, combined, operating, and
operated substantially as set forth with reference to Figures 9 to 24 of the
Drawings, and for the purposes specified.
Fourth. In an interlocking apparatus for railway point and signal levers, the
end wise moving locking pieces b, and rocking shafts, tubes, or bars c, combined,
operating, and operated substantially as described with reference to Figures 25 to
41 of the Drawings, and for the purposes specified.
Fifth. The apparatus or means for controlling a railway signal from more than
one place, in such a manner as to destroy the compensation or prevent the adjust-
ment of the signal to safety, substantially as set forth with referenco to the
Drawings, and for the purposes specified.
Sixth. The compensating devices, constructed, combined, and operating as above
set forth and illustrated in the accompanying Drawings, and for the purpose
specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
W. ROB. LAKE. (L.S.)