Improvements in connection with Signalling on Railways.
Year: 1894

page_text: This Print is in accordance with the Original Specification as it stands after
Amendment (under Section 18 of the Patents, &c. Act, 1883), as allowed by
the decision of the Comptroller General of the 20th day of January 1896.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in connection with Signalling on Railways.
I WILLIAM KERSHAW of 11 Bandstead Street, Roundhay Road, Leeds, in the
County of York, Machinist do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention has for its object to provide means for giving signals on a train
corresponding to the signals given by the semaphore, whilst the train is in motion
and approaching or passing either the distant or home semaphore and also
whilst standing uear the semaphore (home) such means being actuated by the
same means and operations employed for giving the signals by the semaphore.
My invention provides therefore not only for giving "clear" and "danger
signals when approaching a semaphore, but also for giving the signal "line clear
on the engine or train, whilst the same may be standing close to the home
semaphore after having received a "danger" or stop signal.
""
"
My invention comprises apparatus at the side of the line close to or at some
suitable distance in advance of the semaphore (home or distant), and apparatus at
the side of the line extending over the "standing distance (i.e. the portion of the
line on which any portion of a train may be standing, after having been stopped by
the home signal), and also of apparatus on some part of the train usually on the
engine.
The apparatus on the engine in its simplest form consists of a vertical rod,
attached at its lower end to a sliding plate fitting between vertical slides and
guides. Below this plate is hinged a lever, carrying at its lower end a roller or
runner. This lever in its normal position hangs vertically, and is provided on each
side of and somewhat below the axis of the lever with a projecting pin or stu!.
The beforementioned sliding plate is so formed on its underside, that when the
aforesaid lever is vertical the underside of the sliding plate rests upon both pins or
studs. If however the lever is moved to one side or the other, one or other of the
pins or studs raises the sliding plate and sliding rod. The upper end of the latter
is connected with a gong or bell, in such a manner as to sound the latter whenever
the vertical rod rises sufficiently far. Such an arrangement may cousist of a catch
on the upper end of the vertical rod, and an axle carrying the bell or gong hammer,
and a projection engaged and moved by the just mentioned catch, whereby the axle
is rotated so as to withdraw the hammer from the bell or gong. When the vertical
rod has risen so far that the catch on the same passes or leaves the before
mentioned projection on the hammer axle, the latter (i.e. the axle) is rapidly
rotated in the reverse direction by means of a spiral spring round the axle, thereby
causing the hammer to strike the bell or gong. The aforesaid catch is connected

page_text: to the vertical rod by a hinge, and is kept pressed towards the axle projection by a
flat spring, which latter however yields allowing the catch to swing back as it
passes the projection on the descent of the vertical rod. The vertical rod is caused
to descend either by its own weight or by means of a spring.
The apparatus on the side of the line close to or at a short distance in advance
of each semaphore for giving a signal on an approaching or passing engine,
consists of a pair of long bars of wood or metal hinged together. The opposite end
of one of the bars is hinged to a pedestal, and the opposite end of the other bar is
supported by means of a cross pin in short horizontal slides formed in a second
pedestal. A short bar is hinged on the underside of one of the above mentioned
long bars, and extends equally on both sides of the junction of the two long
bars. Vertically below the said junction I provide a transverse shaft, carrying
immediately beneath the short and long bars a suitably shaped cam, formed
approximately as a quadrant with curved sides. This transverse shaft is connected
either by means of a system of levers and links alone, or with intermediate toothed
gear, (the smaller wheel being on the transverse shaft), with the rods or wires
operating the semaphore signals in such a manner, that when the semaphore board
is raised to a horizontal position, the aforesaid quadrant cam is raised so as to raise
and support in the raised position the junction of the aforesaid bars. The short
bar serves to give an increased lift and also to reduce the friction. It will be
evident that as the outer ends of the long bars are prevented from rising the long
bars assume au inclined position. Also when the semaphore board hangs nearly
vertically downwards, the aforesaid quadrant cam is in such a position that both
long bars are horizontal.
The apparatus on the engine is fixed in such a position that the lever carrying
the runner passes over the long bars or lifting inclines; and at such a height that
when the flat bars are horizontal, the lower end of the lever and the runner clear
well the long bars; but when the long bars are lifted up at their junction as
described, they catch against the runner pushing the lever back, thereby operating
the vertical rod to sound the bell. It will thus be seen, that when the seinaphore
sigual is clear," the train passes by the long bars without receiving any audible
signal, whilst when the semaphore signal is set to "stop" the train in passing
receives an audible signal from the bell.
The above described apparatus may conveniently and suitably be designated the
"lifting incline" apparatus, and it will be understood that one such apparatus is
placed in proximity to each (home and distant) semaphore).
In case it is desired to obtain a third signal consisting of two sounds from the
bell or gong, I place a second portion of my line apparatus at a short distance from
the first, which is likewise connected to the semaphore wire or rods. The connection
however is so made, that the quadrant cam on the latter is 90 degrees behind the
quadrant cam on the former. This allows of both sets of bars being in a raised
position at the same time, or only one; in the latter case one ring on the gong
corresponding to what used to be called the "caution position of the semaphore
board.
"
6
"
The apparatus for giving the signal "line clear, or the starting signal on the
engine, when standing on the line after having been stopped by the home signal,
and which may therefore be suitably designated "the starting" signal apparatus,
consists of a long rail capable of being raised and lowered by the rods or wires
actuating the home semaphore signals, in such a manner, that the rails is raised and
held raised when the home signal is put and kept at danger or "stop," and
consequently also when the "home" lifting inclines are raised and kept raised ;
whilst the rail is lowered to give the "starting" signal and kept down, when the
home sigual is lowered and kept lowered to signal "line clear" and consequently
also when the home lifting inclines are lowered and kept lowered. The "starting
rail is supported by means of pin joints from a series of pivotted levers mounted on
pedestals close to the side of the line, and the last of these is connected either
directly or by means of an intermediate pivotted lever (with a balance weight) to

page_text: a (rod) lever on the axle of the semaphore (bottom) lever; the rod lever being
connected to the rods or wires passing to the signal box (or cabin). Or the last
of the starting rail levers (or the rail itself) may be less conveniently connected
direct to rods passing to the home lever of the signal box (or cabin).
Where the starting rail is close to a curve on the line, the connection of the rail
to the levers is made by a double pin joint to accommodate the curve.
The starting rail when lowered is at the same height as the lifting inclines when
the latter are lowered; but when the starting rail is fully raised, it is some distance
below the top of the lifting incline when the latter is fully raised, and is on a so much
lower level that the vertical rod on the engine apparatus is not lifted sufficiently
far to sound the bell, (which would cause the vertical rod to drop), but is sufficiently
high to cause a pointer attached to the axle of the bell hammer to be clearly
raised, so that when the vertical rod on the descent of the starting rail also falls,
the said pointer also falls, indicating that the line is clear, i.e. giving the driver a
signal to start; whilst at the same time and by the same operation the home
semaphore signal is set to "line clear," and also the home semaphore lifting inclines
are lowered.
If desired the vertical rod can be arranged to operate a steam whistle or other
audible signal or lastly any sight signal (for example a disc) placed on the engine.
It may be desirable that the engineman should always receive an audible signal
when close to the distant semaphore, in which case a pair of inclined bars may be
provided, fixed permanently in position close to the distant signal post.
It will be evident that my improved apparatus serves completely for signalling
in foggy weather, whilst it may at all times be used as a check on the semaphore,
and all signals or communications are made between the signal man and the driver
direct under all circumstances.
Although I have described my invention as if applied to the usual system of
signals adopted on most railways in this country, it will be evident that the
apparatus can be applied to other systems which have a more local use.
Dated this 20th day of November 1894.
J. CLARK JEFFERSON,
2 East Parade, Leeds, Agent for Applicant.
COMPLETE DIMITIVATION (AMEND
Improvements in connection with Signalling on Railways.
I WILLIAM KERSHAW of 11 Banstead Street Roundbay Road Leeds in the
County of York Machinist 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 invention has for its object to provide means for giving signals on a train,
corresponding to the signals given by the semaphore, whilst the train is in motion
and approaching or passing either the distant or home semaphore; and also whilst
standing near the home semaphore; such means being actuated by the same means
and operations employed for giving the signals by the semaphore. My invention
provides therefore, not only for giving "clear" and " danger signals, when
approaching a semaphore; but also for giving the signal "line clear" on the engine
or train whilst the same may be standing close to the home semaphore after having
received a "danger" or stop signal.
"
My invention comprises; apparatus at the side of the line, close to or at some
suitable distance in advance of the semaphore, (home or distant); and apparatus at
the side of the line extending over the standing distance, (i.e. the portion of the
line on which any portion of a train may be standing after having been stopped

page_text: by the home signal); and also of apparatus on some part of the train, usually on
the engine.
The apparatus on the engine in its simplest form, consists of a vertical rod
attached at its lower end to a sliding plate, fitting between vertical slides and
guides. Below this plate is hinged a lever, carrying at its lo ser end a roller or
runner. This lever in its normal position hangs vertically, and is provided on each
side of and somewhat below the axis of the lever with a projecting pin or stud.
The before mentioned sliding plate is so formed on its under side, that when the
aforesaid lever is vertical the under side of the sliding plate rests upon both pins or
studs. If however the lever is moved to one side or the other, one or other of the
pins or studs raises the sliding plate and sliding rod. The upper end of the latter
is connected with a gong or bell, in such a manner as to sound the latter whenever
the vertical rod rises sufficiently far. Such an arrangement may consist of a catch
upper end of a vertical rod and an axle carrying the bell or gong hammer,
and a projection engaged and moved by the just mentioned catch, whereby the axle
is rotated so as to withdraw the hammer from the bell or gong. When the vertical
rod has risen so far, that the catch on the same passes or leaves the before
mentioned projection on the hammer axle, the latter (ie. the axle) is rapidly rotated
in the reverse direction by means of a spiral spring round the axle, thereby causing
the hammer to strike the bell or gong. The aforesaid catch is connected to the
vertical rod by a hinge, and is kept pressed towards the axle projection by a flat
spring, which latter however yields allowing the catch to swing back as it passes
the projection on the descent of the vertical rod. The vertical rod is caused to
descend either by its own weight or by means of a spring.
on the
The apparatus on the side of the line close to or at a short distance in advance
of each semaphore for giving a signal on an approaching or passing engine, consists
of a pair of long bars of wood or metal hinged together. The opposite end of
one of the bars is hinged to a pedestal, and the opposite end of the other bar is
supported by means of a cross pin, fitting in short horizontal slides formed in a
second pedestal. A. short bar is hinged on the underside of one of the above
mentioned long bars, and extends equally on both sides of the junction of the two
long bars. Vertically below the said junction, I provide a transverse shaft, carrying
immediately beneath the short and long bars a suitably shaped cam, formed
approximately as a quadrant with curved sides. This transverse shaft is connected
either by a system of levers and links alone, or with intermediate toothed gear,
(the smaller wheel being on the transverse shaft), with the rods or wires operating
the semaphore signals; in such a manner, that when the semaphore board is raised
to a horizontal position, the aforesaid quadrant cam is raised, so as to raise and
support in the raised position the junction of the aforesaid bars. The short bar
serves to give an increased lift and also to reduce the friction. It will be evident,
that as the outer ends of the long bars are prevented from rising, the long bars
assume an inclined position, when the junction is raised. Also when the semaphore
board hangs nearly vertically downward, the aforesaid quadrant cam is in such a
position, that both long bars are horizontal.
The apparatus on the engine is fixed, in such a position, that the lever carrying
the runner passes over the long bars or lifting inclines, and at such a height, that
when the flat bars are horizontal, the lower end of the lever and the runner clear
well the long bars; but when the long bars are lifted up at their junction as
described, they catch against the runner, pushing the lever back, thereby operating
the vertical rod to sound the bell. It will thus be seen, that when the semaphore
signal is "clear," the train passes by the long bars without receiving any audible
signal, whilst when the semaphore signal is set to "stop," the train in passing
receives an audible signal from the bell.
The above described apparatus may conveniently and suitably be designated the
"lifting incline" apparatus, and it will be understood that one such apparatus is
placed in proximity to each (home and distant) semaphore.
In case it is desired to obtain a third signal, consisting of two sounds from the

page_text: bell or gong, I place a second portion of my line apparatus at a short distance from
the first, which is likewise connected to the semaphore wire or rods. The connection
however is so made, that the quadrant cam on the latter is ninety degrees behind
the quadrant cam on the former. This allows of both sets of bars being in a raised
position at the same time, or only one; in the latter case one ring on the gong
corresponding to what used to be called the "caution position of the semaphore
board.
"3
The apparatus for giving the signal "line clear" or the starting signal on the
engine, when the engine is standing on the line after having been stopped by the
home sigual, and which may therefore be suitably designated the starting signal
apparatus, consists of a long rail, capable of being raised and lowered by the rods
or wires actuating the home semaphore signals; in such a manner, that the rail
is raised and hell raised when the home signal is put and kept at "danger" or
stop, and consequently also when the "home" lifting inclines are raised and kept
raised; whilst the rail is lowered to give the "starting" signal and kept down,
when the home signal is lowered and kept lowered to signal "line clear," and
consequently also when the "home" lifting inclines are lowered and kept lowered.
The starting rail is supported by means of pin joints from a series of pivotted
levers, mounted on pedestals close to the side of the line, and the last of these is
connected either directly, or by means of an intermediate pivotted lever, (with a
balance weight) to a (rod) lever on the axle of the semaphore (bottom) lever;
the rod lever being connected to the rods or wires passing to the signal box
(or cabin). Or the last of the starting rail levers, (or the rail itself) may be,
less conveniently connected direct to rods passing to the home lever of the signal
box or cabin.
Where the starting rail is close to a curve on the line, the connection of the rail
to the levers is made by a double pin joint, to accommodate the curve.
The starting rail when lowered is at the same height as the lifting inclines when
the latter are lowered; but when the starting rail is fully raised, it is some distance
below the top of the lifting incline, when the latter is fully raised; and is on a so
much lower level, that the vertical rod on the engine apparatus is not lifted
sufficiently far to sound the bell, (which would cause the vertical rod to drop),
but is sufficiently high to cause a pointer or disc attached to the axle of the bell
hammer to be clearly raised; so that when the vertical rod on the descent of the
starting rail also falls, the said pointer also falls, indicating that the line is
clear, i.e. giving the driver a signal to start; whilst at the same time and by the
same operation the home semaphore signal is set to "line clear," and also the home
semaphore lifting inclines are lowered.
If desired the vertical rod on passing over the lifting incline apparatus can be
arranged to operated a steain whistle or other audible signal, or lastly any sight
signal, (for example a disc) placed on the engine. It may be desirable that the
engineman should always receive an audible signal when close to the distant sema-
phore, in which case a pair of inclined bars may be provided, fixed permanently in
position close to the distant signal post.
It will be evident, that my improved apparatus serves completely for signalling
in foggy weather, whilst it inay at all times be used as a check on the semaphore;
and all signals or communications are made between the signal man and the driver
direct under all circumstances.
Although I have described my invention as if applied to the usual system of
signals adopted on most railways in this country, it will be evident that the apparatus
can be applied to other systems which have a more local use.
And in order that my invention and the manner in which the same is to be
performed may be more readily and clearly understood, reference is also given to
the accompanying drawings in which :-
Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic elevation of a railway line, shewing the general
arrangement of my invention ;
Fig. 2 is a side elevation, and Fig. 3 is a plan of the lifting inclines;

page_text: Fig. 4 is a vertical side elevation, and Fig. 5 a vertical cross section of the
striking lever apparatus; whilst
Fig. 6 is a vertical side elevation, Fig. 7 a vertical cross section, and Fig. 8 a back
view of the bell apparatus, the latter as seen from the inside of the engine cab.
The lifting inclines or the apparatus at the side of the line consists of a pair of
long bars a a', hinged together at b. The opposite end of the bar a is hinged in
bearings c in the pedestal d, and the opposite end of the other bar a' is supported
by means of a pin e in the short horizontal slides on the pedestal f.
A short barg may be hinged to the underside of one of the bars a at h, and
extends equally on both sides of the junction b. Vertically below the said junction
is provided a transverse shaft i, carrying immediately beneath the junction of the
bars a and below the bar g a cam j, formed approximately as a quadrant of a circle
about the centre of the shaft i. This transverse shaft is connected by means of
the toothed pinion k, and the toothed sector 1, and lever m, attached to the sector 1,
and the connecting rod or wire n, see Fig. 1, with the rods or wires o operating the
adjoining semaphore. The connections are so made, that when the wires or rods o
are operated to raise the semaphore signal board to a horizontal position, the
aforesaid cam j is raised so as to raise and keep the incline bars a, a', raised at the
junction, as shewn by full lines in Fig. 2; and also so that when the semaphore
board hangs down for the signal "line clear," the aforesaid cam j is in a lower
position, so that the bars a, a, are horizontal, as indicated by dotted lines. The
short barg serves to give an increased lift to the junction of the inclined
bars a, a', beyond what would be given by the cam j alone, and also to reduce the
friction.
The cam is most suitably quadrant shaped, which is necessary when two incline
apparatus close to each other are employed to obtain two rings on the bell; and by
making the cam as part of a circle over about 90 degrees, any ordinary variation
in the extent of the movement of the actuating wires o (necessitated by expansion
or contraction), does not vary the height to which the junction is raised.
In Fig. 1 F represents the "distant" and N the "home" semaphore signal post.
The apparatus for giving the signal "line clear" or the starting signal on the
engine, when standing on the line after having been stopped by the home signal N,
and which may therefore be suitably designated the "starting signal" apparatus,
consists of a long rail or light tube p. Fig. 1, carried by short levers mounted
upon and hinged in pedestals S. By means of a lever (or levers) t connected to
one (or more) of the pedestals S, and connecting the free end of the lever (or
levers) to the wire or rods actuating the "home" semaphore signal, the long
rail p can be raised or lowered as the "home" semaphore signal board is raised
and lowered, and consequently also as the incline bars a, a', adjoining the "home"
semaphore post are raised and lowered.
The starting rail P when lowered is at the same height as the incline bars a, a¹,
when also lowered; but when the starting rail p is fully raised, it is raised only
about half the height the junction b is raised, so as not to cause the bell hereinafter
referred to to be sounded.
As may be found desirable or necessary, weighted or balance levers are provided
in connection with both the incline apparatus and the starting bar.
The striking lever apparatus which is most conveniently attached to the underside
of the footplate of the engine, in the position indicated by S' in Fig. 1, consists of
a lever u, Figs. 4 and 5, hinged at vand carrying at its lower end a runner w.
The lever u in its normal position hangs vertically, and is provided on each side of
the axle v with a pin x. y is a vertical rod attached at its lower end to a sliding
plate z, fitting between vertical slides or guides formed in casing 1. When the
lever u is in a vertical position, the underside of the sliding plate z rests upon the
pins z. If however the lower end of the lever is moved to one side or the other,
the corresponding pin a raises the plate z and the rod y. A spring 2 returns the
rod y, sliding plate z, and lever u, to their normal positions as soon as the end of
the lever u is released.

page_text: 39
The bell apparatus which is conveniently attached to the upper part of the "cab
of the engine, as shewn at B in Fig. 1, consists of a case or box 3, carrying the
axle 4; on which are mounted a gong or bell hammer 5, a disc arm 6, a two
armed cam or tumbler 7, and a coiled spring or springs 8. The upper end of the
vertical rod y passes through the box or casing, and carries a pawl or catch 9 in a
slit on the rod y; the catch 9 being pressed towards the tumbler 7 by a spring 10..
It will be evident that as the vertical rod y rises, the catch 9 catching against the
arm of the tumbler 7 will partially rotate the axle 4 carrying the tumbler, and will
coil up or tighten the springs 8, so that when the rod rises sufficiently high for the
pawl to pass beyond the arm of the tumbler, the axle 4 is rapidly rotated by the
springs 8, so as to cause the bell hammer to strike. As the vertical rod y descends.
due to its own weight and the pressure of the spring 2, the spring 10 yields,
allowing the pawl 9 to be pushed back by the back of the tumbler arm, and permits
the continued descent of the rod.
23
It will be evident that the vertical rod y must rise sufficiently, otherwise the bell
hammer and also the disc arm 6 may be merely moved without sounding the bell.
This corresponds to the motion caused by the rise or fall of the starting rail
P:
The disc at the end of the arm 6 is preferably painted red, having the word " stop
left in white letters. When the vertical rod y is raised, but not sufficiently far to
cause the be hell to be sounded, this disc covers a plain white disc 11. 12 indicates
the sheet metal of the side of the engine cab.
"
$5
The apparatus works as follows:-in which discription it is presupposed that
only two signals, viz. " clear ΟΙ "line clear," and "stop or line blocked," are
employed though it will be evident that the apparatus may be arranged, by
adding extra incline
apparatus to give more, say three signals, viz. :—
corresponding to "line clear," "go słow," and "stop."
""
"
As the engine approaches the distant semaphore F, if the signal is "stop," the
inclines a, a, will be raised at their junction B, so that the runner w, Fig. 4 & 5,
will catch against the incline, and the lever u is pushed to one side, causing the
bell inside the engine "cab to be sounded as before described. The driver then
slackens speed in approaching the home semaphore N, and if this be set to "stop,"
the adjoining inclines will be set up, and the bell again sounds, when the engine
driver will bring the engine to a standstill over the starting rail p.. In running on
to the rail p, the runner 13 see Fig. 5 on the end of the lever u will ride up on to
the rail p, causing the lever u to be pushed back, but not sufficiently to sound the
bell, but bringing the "stop disc over the white disc 11. When the signal man
operates the wires or rods to lower the home semaphore signal board giving the
signal to start i.e. "line clear," the rail p is simultaneously lowered by the same
operation, and the stop disc moves away from the white disc 11, behind the bell.
If the "distant" and "home" semaphore siguals are down i.e. line clear," the
incline bars a, a, are down level, and the runners and 13 pass over these and the
rail p without touching, so that the bell is not sounded.
"
It will thus be evident that this invention serves all the objects and require-
ments stated at the commencement of this Specification.
I am aware that moveable inclines on the side of the line, and a hinged lever
attached to the engine operating a vertical rod to sound a bell on the engine and
also a long bar in proximity to the home semaphore for giving a starting signal
have been previously proposed for signalling purposes; I do not therefore claim
such broardly, but
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. Apparatus for signalling on railways comprising; incline apparatus place in
proximity to each semaphore and consisting of a pair of bars a, a', capable of
being raised and lowered by a cam j operated by the means employed to actuate
the corresponding semaphore signal board; a striking apparatus consisting of a

page_text: hinged lever u operating a vertical rod y through a sliding plate ; and a bell
apparatus consisting of an axle 4 carrying a tumbler 7, a bell hammer 5, and
coiled springs 8 operated by a pawl 9 carried at the upper end of the vertical
rody substantially as set forth.
2. In apparatus for signalling on railways the combination of the long rod or
rail p placed in proximity to the home semaphore and arranged so as to be (by the
means employed to raise and lower the home semaphore signal board) raised and
lowered to a different extent to the inclines or bars a a¹ or their equivalent with
the mechanism for actuating a visual or disc or pointer signal on the engine so as
to give a starting signal on the engine when the starting signal is given by the
home semaphore after the engine has been stopped in proximity to the home
semaphore, substantially as herein set forth.
3. In combination with the subject matter of Claim 1, the employment of a
starting rail p in proximity to the home semaphore, actuated by the means employed
to operate the home signal board; and a disc arm 6 operated from said starting
rail p through the mechanism of the bell- or other engine signal apparatus,
substantially as herein set forth.
4. In apparatus for signalling on railways, the employment of a cam j formed
approximately as a quadrant of a circle about the axle i on which the cam is
mounted, substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth.
5. In apparatus for signalling on railways, the construction of lever apparatus
attached to the engine or train, for use in combination with the incline apparatus,
substantially as herein set forth and illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5.
6. In apparatus for signalling on railways, the construction of bell-, or bell and
disc apparatus, attached to the engine or train, substantially as here set forth and
illustrated in Figs. 6, 7 and 8.
7. In apparatus for signalling on railways, the incline apparatus substantially as
herein set forth and illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3.
Dated this 20th day of July 1895
J. CLARK JEFFERSON,
2 East Parade, Leeds, Agent for Applicant.