Improvements in Train Signalling Apparatus.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 9th Nov., 1891-Accepted, 24th Dec., 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Train Signalling Apparatus.
I, VICTOR ALPHONSE GERMAIN of 3, Rue St. Jean, Batignolles, Paris, France,
Mechanician, 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 relates to improvements in train signalling apparatus of that class
wherein a bar mounted between the rails and set or actuated from a distance is
caused to act on and sound an audible signal on the engine. It is simple in action,
involves no extra labour, presents no impediment to the passage of trains, occupies
but little space, and can be readily adapted to existing railways.
The apparatus is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings,
forming part of this Specification, wherein
Figure 1 represents an elevation and plan of the apparatus in position of rest,
Figure 2 represents similar views of the apparatus in position for operation, and
Figure 3 shews it in operation.
Figure 2A is a sectional elevation of the contact bar and Figure 3A a front
elevation of the engine showing the whistle operating gear, both these figures being
drawn on a larger scale.
Figures 4, 5, and 6, represent a modified arrangement.
Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the signalling apparatus may be worked by a hand
wheel a (or by an ordinary signal lever) acting through a chain wheel b keyed on
its shaft (which is supported in standards c) and geared by means of an endless
pitch chain with-a chain wheel d, the wheels b and d being either sprocket, toothed,
or cupped, according to the kind of chain used. A pair of toothed pinions keyed
upon the same axis with d work a pair of racks e e sliding in bearings f. 9 is a
T-iron bar with sloping ends supported between the rails by radius links fixed on
cross shafts upon which are keyed pinions d', mounted in bearings i. k is a friction
roller carried on the lower end of a rod sliding in a vertical tube / the rod and
tube being square, to prevent the roller deviating from its position parallel to the
rails.
The tube is mounted at the front or other part of the engine and surmounted
by a whistle or siren m.
The bar g is set or raised from the inoperative position, shewn in Figure 1, to
the position Figure 2 by turning the hand wheel a and gear so as to move racks e
longitudinally, these racks being connected to other racks e' at a distance by a chain
or wire guided by sheaves. The racks el gear with the pinions of shafts j and
turn them whereby the links h raise the bar g to the position shewn in Figure 2,
which is about one centimetre above the rail level so as to be in the path of the
roller k on the engine whereupon the roller on striking the inclined end of the barg
will run up it and cause the rod k¹ to open the steam cock to the whistle. On
passing beyond the contact bar g the roller k and its rod k¹ fall and shut off steam
to the whistle or they may be held raised by a detent so that the whistle will
continue to sound until the detent is released by the driver.
Several such apparatus may be placed at suitable distances apart and those
between any two stations would be connected together. Additional hand gear for
setting the apparatus may be placed at intervals along the line as well as at the
stations so that it may be operated from any point in case of danger. The roller k
may be so placed as to act directly on the whistle whether placed at front or at any
other part of the engine either by means of rods, bell crank levers, or otherwise.
The apparatus, when set to its raised position, may also cause an electric bell to be
sounded in each of the terminal stations. The engine after being thus signalled to,
should be stopped and then either backed so as to bring it over the apparatus or

page_text: else to proceed to the next in order to place' it in direct communication with the
station from which the signal emanated whence it can receive fresh orders to
proceed, return, or stop!
Figures 4, 5, and 6, represent the apparatus applied as a stopping signal in
stations; Figure 4 being a longitudinal part-sectional elevation in the raised or
operative position, Figure 5 a cross-section of the same, and Figure 6 a plan of the
apparatus turned down out of action.
The apparatus is set by means of a hand lever 1 through endless chain gear 2, 3, 4,
operating a rock shaft mounted parallel to the rails and to which are attached
arms 6, 6, to which is bolted the bevel-ended contact bar 7 before described which
is turned up from the position 7', shewn in Figure 6, to that shewn in Figure 5 by
moving the hand lever 1 through the are from 1' to 1, Figure 5. When in the raised
position shewn in Figures 4 and 5, it will be in the path of the roller k on the
engine and cause the whistle to be sounded, as before.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is―
In a train signalling apparatus, the employment of bevel-ended contact bars
carried upon arms fixed to rock shafts actuated by pinion, rack, and chain gear
from hand wheels or levers, substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated
in the drawings and for the purpose specified.
Botod time 4th day O November 1891.
Boted the 4th day or November 18MI
V. A. GERMAIN.
By A. M. & Wm. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agents.