Improvements in Railway Signalling Apparatus.
Year: 1896

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Railway Signalling Apparatus.
I, RICHARD GASCOIGNE, of 84 Sandy Lane, Worksop, in the County of Nottingham,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to railway signalling apparatus, and has for its object to
provide means whereby a train in passing any chosen position, is caused to explode a
detonator, sound a loud gong, or operate any other audible signal which can be heard
by the engine-driver; as well as to simultaneously move a visible signal, and ring a
bell situate in a signal-cabin or other distant position. The whole of the mechanism
being completely under the control of the signalman stationed at such signal cabin
or other distant position.
In any chosen suitable position I apply at the side of one of the rails a pressure
treadle, the greater portion of the length of which projects a short distance above the
surface of the rail; a few feet of each end curving or inclining downwards in such
manner that each of the extremities is below the level of the surface of the rail. By
this means the wheel of the train which first reaches the treadle depresses it gradually,
as it runs upon the inclined part. The part of the treadle which normally projects
above the surface of the rail is of a greater length than the distance between any two
wheels, thus rendering it certain that a second wheel shall reach it before the first
leaves it. By this arrangement when the front wheel of a train has depressed the
treadle, it is kept in the lowest position until the last wheel runs past it. The treadle
may be arranged so as to be depressed either by the treads or by the flanges of the
wheels.
Disposed close by the side of and parallel to the rail and treadle is a spindle capable
of rocking in bearings and a number of arms projecting from this spindle engage
with the treadle in such manner that its depression rocks the spindle. An arm
projecting from the opposite side of the spindle engages with and moves a weighted
lever which in its movement rocks a second spindle which can be caused to slide
longitudinally. Close by the side of this lever and pivoted on the saine spindle is a
second weighted lever the bore of which is so arranged that when the sliding spindle
is moved to one position the first weighted lever can be rocked without the second;
but when the sliding spindle is moved to the other position the two rock together.
This can be affected by forming part of the sliding spindle of a square or rectangular
section while the other portion is round; or by means of a key or feather fixed to
the spindle.
Arranged transversely to and near one end of the sliding spindle is a third spindle,
which has a weighted arm so arranged that the weight normally acts in opposition to
the wire from the signal cabin which moves the sliding spindle longitudinally. An
arm from the third spindle is connected by a link to the sliding spindle in such
manner that while leaving it free to rotate, it can move the sliding spindle
longitudinally in either direction.
The second weighted lever is connected both to a plunger which entering a box
containing a store of detonators, is so arranged that it can push one at a time out, and

page_text: cause it to explode; and to this or another arm a wire is attached, the movement of
which rings a bell and moves a visible signal in the signal-cabin.
Three of these levers may be connected to one sliding spindle, and by the
movement of this latter either of them may be connected or disconnected so as to
give a "line clear" and a "line at danger" signal.
The rod or spindle may be so arranged as to form a portion of the connection
between the seinaphore signal and the signal-cabin; the operation of the semaphore
signal would thus cause the longitudinal movement of the rod or spindle. The
apparatus may be connected to the same wire as the semaphore signal, or to a
separate wire which is worked in accordance with the semaphore signal.
In a modification the apparatus is so arranged that when the signal is at "danger,"
a train passing, first depresses the treadle which fires a detonator, then the train,
moving onward depresses the long bar or treadle. After the train has passed the long
bar resumes its normal position by the action of the weights, and moves the lever and
connection, which liberates a quadrantal catch setting the apparatus at "danger."
The depression of the long bar may be caused to fire an additional detonator, two of
these being thus exploded at an interval, when the signals are at "danger."
Dated this 7th day of September 1896.
WILLIAM J MUNDEN,
106 Priory Park Road, Kilburn, London, N.W.,
Agent for the Applicant.
I, RICHARD GASCOIGNE of 84 Sandy Lane, Worksop, in the County of Nottingham,
Engineer, 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:-
This invention relates to railway signalling apparatus, and has for its object to
provide means whereby a train in passing any chosen position is caused to explode a
detonator, sound a loud gong, or operate any other audible signal which can be heard
by the engine driver; as well as to simultaneously move a visible signal, and ring a
bell situate in a signal cabin or other distant position; the whole of the mechanism
being completely under the control of the signal-man stationed at such signal cabin
or other distant position.
In any chosen suitable position I apply at the side of one of the rails a pressure
treadle, the greater portion of the length of which projects a short distance above the
surface of the rail; a few feet of each end curving or inclining downwards in such
inanner that each of the extremities is below the level of the surface of the rail. By
this means the wheel of the train which first reaches the treadle depresses it gradually
as it runs upon the inclined part. The part of the treadle which normally projects
above the surface of the rail is of a greater length than the distance between any two
wheels, thus rendering it certain that a second wheel shall reach it before the first
leaves it. By this arrangement when the front wheel of a train has depressed the
treadle, it is kept in the lowest position until the last wheel runs past it. The treadle
may be arranged so as to be depressed either by the treads or by the flanges of the
wheels.
Disposed close by the side of and parallel to the rail and treadle is a spindle capable
of rocking in bearings, and a number of arms projecting from this spindle engage
with the treadle in such manner that its depression rocks the spindle. An arm

page_text: projecting from the opposite side of the spindle engages with and moves a weighted
lever which in its movement rocks a second spindle which can be caused to slide
longitudinally. Close by the side of this lever and pivoted on the same spindle is a
second weighted lever, the bore of which is so arranged that when the sliding spindle
is moved to one position the first weighted lever can be rocked without the second;
but when the sliding spindle is moved to the other position the two rock together.
This can be effected by forming part of the sliding spindle of a square or rectangular
section while the other portion is round; or by means of a key or feather fixed to the
spindle.
Arranged transversely to and near one end of the sliding spindle is a third spindle,
which has a weighted arm so arranged that the weight normally acts in opposition to
the wire from the signal cabin which moves the sliding spindle longitudinally. An
arm from the third spindle is connected by a link to the sliding spindle in such
manner that while leaving it free to rotate, it can move the sliding spindle
longitudinally in either direction. .
The second weighted lever is connected both to a plunger which entering a box
containing a store of detonators is so arranged that it can push one at a time out and
cause it to explode; and to this or another arm a wire is attached, the movement of
which rings a bell and moves a visible signal in the signal cabin.
Three of these levers may be connected to one sliding spindle, and by the inovement
of this latter either of them may be connected or dis-connected so as to give a
"line-clear" or a "line at danger "signal.
The rod or spindle may be so arranged as to form a portion of the connection
between the semaphore signal and the signal cabin; the operation of the semaphore
signal would thus cause the longitudinal movement of the rod or spindle.
The apparatus may be connected to the same wire as the semaphore signal, or to a
separate wire which is worked in accordance with the semaphore signal.
In order that my invention may be clearly understood I append drawings in
which:-
Fig. 1 is a plan of the apparatus.
Fig. 2 is a sectional end elevation.
Fig. 3 is a sectional end elevation, showing the detonators and exploding
mechanism.
Fig. 4 is a sectional plan of a modification.
Fig. 5 is an elevation partly in section of the whistle or siren cylinder.
Fig. 6 is a plan, and
Fig. 7 a sectional elevation of a modification.
Fig. 8 shews an end view,
Fig. 9 a side view, and
Fig. 10 a horizontal sectional view of a detonator.
Fig. 11 is a plan, and
Fig. 12 an elevation of a modified form of treadle and connections.
Figs. 13 and 14 are details of Figs. 11 and 12.
Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3
A is one of the rails of a pair of railway lines, which are secured to the sleepers in
the usual manner. Close alongside of this is disposed the pressure treadle B secured
at b to a number of arms el projecting from, and rocking when the treadle is
depressed, a supporting rod C, froin the other side of which a single arm projects,
which rocks or oscillates with the rod C which is supported in suitable bearings firmly
secured to the sleepers at c². The other end of arm c³ is attached at d to a weighted
bent lever D fulcrumed in the bearing F, and rocks when the treadle B is depressed
by the wheels of a passing train. Through a boss d2 in the lever D passes a
spindle G which also rocks or partially rotates with the lever D. The spindle G is of
special construction; for a part of its length it is of round section, while the remaining
portion g is of square or angular section as shewn. The bore of the boss d' of the
lever D is correspondingly shaped to fit. As shewn, the spindle G forms, as it were,
a connecting link between the signal cabin and the semaphore signal, and is free to

page_text: move longitudinally; the wire from the signal cabin being attached to the shackle or
swivel g, while the wire from the semaphore is attached to a similar shackle g. Both
of these shackles allow the spindle G to freely rotate, but will move it longitudinally
in either direction when the signal cabin wire is operated, to lower or raise the
semaphore signal. The longitudinal movement of the spindle G brings into or throws.
out of gear (by means of its special construction) a second weighted bent lever E,
through a boss in which the spindle G passes. The bore of the boss e2 is
correspondingly shaped for a part of its length to fit the portion g' of the spindle, and
the other portion is circular. As shewn in Fig. 1 the lever E is shewn in gear, i.e. both
of the levers D, E, will rock together by means of the angular portion gl of the spindle.
To the latter of these levers is attached, by means of a pin e', link &' and knuckle.
joint h², a plunger H which slides on a guide , backwards and forwards in a passage
formed in a box I which is secured by bolts . The box I contains a store of
detonators in the hopper i so arranged that one detonator at a time may drop into
the passage in which the plunger H reciprocates. The effect of this will be, that
when the treadle B is depressed by the wheels of a passing train, the arm c³ will
oscillate, rock the lever D, and therewith the lever E, which movement will thrust
the plunger H forward, pushing the detonator before it, till it reaches the plate i,
which stops its travel, and the pressure behind it, caused by the plunger still imoving,
will explode it, thus giving a "line at danger" signal. As shewn in Fig. 3 the
space, between the end of the box I and the plate is of less width than that of an
unexploded detonator, to ensure the detonator being exploded by the plunger, and
not allowing it to drop down on to the ridge is until after it is exploded. The
mechanism will be returned to its normal position by the weights d³ and upon the
respective levers D, E, and a fresh detonator will drop, ready to he exploded by
the next forward movement of the plunger H.
When however it is necessary to give the signal "line clear" the semaphore signal
will be altered, and the spindle G, forming a part of the wire leading to the signal,
the movement will throw the lever E out of gear by causing the circular portion
of G to enter the boss of the lever E, which will accordingly be unaffected by the
rocking of the lever D.
fare bolts which hold the two sides of the bearing F together, and are rests for
the levers D, E. f3 are bolts on which the rests f¹ are secured.
It will be understood, that without departing from the principle of the invention,
a wire may be attached to a downward extension of the lever D to operate a wire or
rod leading to the signal-cabin, to operate a visible signal or ring a bell therein to
inform the signalman when a train passes the apparatus.
Referring to Figs. 4 and 5.
These figures shew a modification whereby a detonator is exploded to give a
"danger" signal, and when a "line clear" signal is given, it is emphasised by means
of a whistle or siren, attached to the apparatus. This is effected by means of the
portion g¹ of the spindle G placed at or near the centre thereof made of a square or
angular section so that in its longitudinal movement in either direction, it brings
into gear a lever, and at the same time throws a lever out of gear. The lever D is
rocked in the manner hereinbefore described, and its rocking movement either moves
the lever E on one side, or a supplementary lever K on the other. The movement of
the lever E as above described explodes a detonator to give the "danger" signal, and
the movement of the lever K (the bore of the boss k of which is similar to that of e²)
causes a siren or whistle to sound to give a "line clear" signal. The part g' on the
spindle G is so arranged that the levers K, E, do not operate simultaneously so that
when one is "on" the other is "off" and "vice versa."
The action of the lever K is as follows:- is a link attached at one end to the
lever Kat and at the other end to a piston L in the cylinder M. When the
lever K is rocked, the piston L, provided with leather packing , moves forward, and
forces the air contained in the cylinder M out of the nozzle of the whistle or siren l³ in
the other end of the cylinder, thus giving an audible signal. A valve allows air to
enter the cylinder when the piston recedes, through orifices . is a spring to close

page_text: the valve.
is a perforated dust intercepting plate. is the valve facing, of leather
or other similar material.
The above described apparatus could be substituted for the detonator exploding
apparatus described with reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 to give the "danger" signal if
desired.
Referring to Figs. 6 and 7.1
These figures shew a method by means of which two detonators may be exploded
with an interval between each explosion. This is effected by using an additional
apparatus slightly modified to that alrendy shewn in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, in conjunction
with another apparatus similar to that shewn in the above mentioned figures. In
the apparatus shewn in Figs. 6 and 7 a cam or quadrantal catch J is fixed on the
spindle G so as to permit the spindle to slide freely through J, and rotate the cam by
means of the angular section gl of G. N is a weighted lever fulcrumed at a' on the
frame Fand attached at n³ to a cord or chain which is led round a pulley n' to an
arm of a lever D of an apparatus, such as that described in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 fixed at a
suitable distance away. The operation of the apparatus is as follows:-
When the train reaches the apparatus shewn in Figs. 6 and 7 the treadle B is
caused to rock (in this case the treadle is preferably shorter than that previously
described), which movement operates the lever D, rocks the spindle G and fires a
detonator. The partial rotation of the spindle G brings the cam or quadrantal
catch J into the position shewn in Fig. 7 when the part thereof rises above the
point n of the lever N, thereby preventing the cam J, spindle G and component parts
from assuming their normal position of rest. The train having passed the apparatus
shewn in Figs. 6 and 7, it subsequently reaches the apparatus some distance away,
and depresses the treadle in the usual way and fires the second detonator. The last
wheel of the train having passed and released the treadle the weighted levers assume
their normal positions, and the lever D in falling pulls at the chain or cord attached
to the first apparatus, which rocks the lever N, drawing the part 5 from beneath the
catch of the camn J, which being released, the weights upon the levers D, E cause
the spindle G and cam J to assume their normal position. The loop n serves as a
guide to N, and prevents the cam J moving longitudinally.
Referring to Figs. 11, 12, 13 and 14.
These figures shew a treadle which is capable of being depressed by the flange of a
wheel of a passing train..
A is one of the mails, close alongside of which the pressure trendle B is disposed, to
the downwardly extending web of which is pivoted a short forked arm fixed on the
short spindle R which rocks a lever 7 attached to a horizontal rod S, one end of which
rocks one arm of a horizontal lever T fulcrumed at ; the other arm is pivoted to an
arm which rocks the weighted lever D as above described with reference
to Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The rod S runs on a guide roller & supported in a pedestal &
attached to the sleepers s³.
Referring to Figs. 8, 9 and 10.
These figures shew a preferable form of detonator to be used with my apparatus.
O is the shell. P is the anvil with one or more projecting legs pl (preferably three)
provided with caps Q which are struck by the plunger H, and this fires the powder
arranged inside the shell O around the legs p.
The apparatus may be connected to the same wire as the semaphore signal,
or to a separate wire which is worked in accordance with the semaphore signal.
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. The improved railway signalling apparatus, substantially as described and shewn
with reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 3.
2. The improved railway signalling apparatus consisting essentially of a treadle
placed close to the rails, depressed by the wheels of a passing train, said depression
causing a weighted lever to rock by means of other levers, the rocking movement of

page_text: such lever causing a second lever to rock intermittently, according to the position of
a spindle, which passes through a boss on each lever, causing a detonator to
be exploded when said second lever is rocked, substantially as described and shewn.
3. In a railway signalling apparatus, the treadle B, actuating a system of levers,
which rock the spindle G, which for a part (y') of its length is formed of a square or
angular section, said part g' fitting a correspondingly shaped bore in the boss 2 of
the lever D, and also fitting a part of the bore in the boss e2 of the lever E, for the
purpose of causing the lever E to rock intermittently with the lever D, according to
the position of the spindle G, which is capable of being caused to move longitudinally;
the rocking movement of the lever E reciprocating a plunger H connected therewith,
in a passage formed in the box I, said plunger in its forward movement exploding a
detonator, a number of which are supplied one by one from the hopper i', substantially
as shewn and described.
4. In an improved railway signalling apparatus, the modification substantially as
shewn and described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.
5. The improved railway signalling apparatus, consisting essentially of a spindle G
capable of being moved longitudinally, thereby bringing into gear the lever E, or the
lever K, thereby causing the lever so brought into gear, to rock in unison with the
lever D, when the treadle B is depressed as above described; the lever E when rocked
exploding a detonator to give a "danger" signal, and the lever K when rocked
causing a whistle or siren to sound, thus giving a "line clear" signal, the intermittent
action of the levers K, E, being effected by means of the squared or angular portion g'
of the spindle G. substantially as shewn and described.
6. The improved railway signalling apparatus for exploding two detonators, with
an interval between each explosion, substantially as shewn and described with
reference to Figs. 6 and 7.
7. The improved railway signalling apparatus consisting essentially of the
spindle G, upon which is mounted a cam or quadrantal catch J which rocks with the
spindle G when the treadle B is depressed, thereby exploding the first detonator as
above described, so that the part j¹ of the cam J engages the part n of the lever N,
thus preventing the apparatus assuming its normal position, till the train has reached
a second apparatus, and depressed the actuating treadle thereof, thereby exploding a
second detonator, and when the second apparatus is assuming its normal position of
rest, a cord or chain attached to an arm on the lever I rocking the lever N and
thereby releasing the part n thereof from engagement with the part j of the cam J
fixed on the spindle G of the first apparatus, and allowing it to resume its normal
position of rest, substantially as shewn and described.
8. In combination with a railway signalling apparatus, as above claimed, the form
of detonator shewn in Figs. 8, 9 and 10, and the treadle B depressed by the flange of
a wheel of a passing train, and thereby rocking the lever D by means of arms r
spindles R, rod S and lever T, substantially as shewn and described.
9. In a railway signalling apparatus, the attachment of a wire or rod, to an arm on
the lever D, leading to the signal cabin, and operating a visible signal therein in such
a manner, that the signalman may know when the front wheel of a train reaches the
treadle, and when the last wheel leaves the same, substantially as described and
shewn.
Dated thin 9th day of Tu 1007
WILLIAM J. MUNDEN,
"Inventors' Assistant " Office,
75 Chancery Lane, W.C., Agent for Applicant.