IMPROVEMENTS IN AND IN PARTS OF APPARATUS IN CONNECTION SIGNALS VOED ON RAILWAYS, AND IN PARTY OF APPARATUS IN CONNECTION " PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
Year: 1855

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Charles Frederick Whitworth, of Halifax, in the
County of York, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
AND IN PARTS OF APPARATUS IN CONNECTION
SIGNALS VOED
ON RAILWAYS, AND IN
PARTY
OF APPARATUS IN CONNECTION
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles Frederick Whit-
worth at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 25th September 1855.
I, CHARLES FREDERICK WHITWORTH, of Halifax, in the County of York,
Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN SIGNALS USED ON RAILWAYS, AND IN PARTS OF APPARATUS IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH," to be as follows:-
These improvements apply, first, to night signals used on railways when the
variation of signal is effected by shifting the position of coloured glasses.
In arrangements as at present adopted, the frame containing such glasses is
either capable of turning on a centre of motion outside of the lamp or lantern,
so as to bring one or other of the glasses as desired in front of the light, or
such frame carrying the glasses is caused to slide in grooves within the lamp
or lantern. In practise it is found that the former plan is objectionable, from
the glasses being exposed to atmospheric influences, whereby they accumu-
late snow, dirt, or other matter, tending to impede their operation, & to
The latter plan is
prevent the rays of light from passing through them.

page_text: objectionable from the friction and impediments in the grooves, whereby the
moving parts frequently become strained & deranged; also, from the ascent
of the "ruby glass" above the frame, it is often deeply coated with smoke,
& sometimes broken into fragments by the intense heat which prevails at
the upper part of the lamp.
My improvements under this part of the Invention relate (when the signal
glasses employed are in frames outside the lamps or lanterns capable of turning
on centres of motion) to placing such frames within the lamps or lanterns,
whereby they will be kept more free from dirt or other matter, besides being
in a better position for receiving the rays of light, and imparting the dis-
tinctive colours, & to placing each glass in a separate frame, and so actuating
them, that when the connecting rod of the signal indicating "all right" is
moved a certain distance "to give caution," it shall bring a coloured glass to
operate in accordance; & when the connecting rod is moved a further dis-
tance to give danger," the caution glass, may be moved back, and another
assume a similar position in relation to, the light, & in accordance with the
position of the arm indicating danger.
:
Also, my improvements relate, when the signal glasses used are fixed in a
sliding frame, to means of guiding such frame without the friction attendant
upon the use of grooves for guides, & without elevating the ruby glass to the
top of the lamp, where it is in danger of being obscured by smoke, or broken
by excessive heat. On one side of the frame carrying the glasses is a slot,
which receives a fixed pin to guide the, frame, & yet leave it at liberty to
work as desired; & instead of attaching a, stiff arm to the connecting rod
in order to move the frame, this motion is obtained by means
a lever
or levers & connecting rod or rods, by which greater freedom & certainty
of action will be obtained.
Secondly, my improvements relate to novel means of effecting connections
to the ends of compound wires employed in communicating motion to signals
& other tractive or retentive purposes. By compound wires, I mean such
as are composed of several wires twisted together. In forming the connec-
tions to the ends of these, it has been usual simply to bend them over or
through the parts with which they are connected into a loop; but it is found,
that from the different tension produced on the several wires at the curve
of the loop, two or three of these only have frequently to withstand all
the strain, until each in succession gives way, and a breakage soon takes
place in many such looped joints; moreover, the very bending of the wire
to make such loops tends greatly to impair it, éspecially in cold weather;"
but with my, Invention, as regards the connections of wires with links*

page_text: uniting them, or with shackles & chains, the wire is kept straight, & each
of its strands has equal strain and tension.
This part of the Invention consists in passing the end of such compound
wire a short distance through a hole sufficiently large to admit it within a
shackle, or a link flattened & enlarged at the end or other instrument to
which it is desired the wire may be connected; the end of the wire is then
also passed through a small metal nut, over which the projecting ends of the
wires are severally turned down and soldered, whilst the wire and nut are held
in such a position as to admit the descent of some of the solder between the
screw grooves of the nut & the folds of the wire. By these means a ready,
efficient, and most durable connection will be obtained, & the wire no way
impaired.
Thirdly, the improvements relate to forming guide pulleys for small chains,
or for wire used in operating with signals. The pulleys now used, from
their lateral friction & their liability to adhere to the sides of their frames
or carriages, are but little better than so many staples; but my improve-
ments here consist in giving the wheels a sufficient boss, & inserting or
casting a circle of brass or other metal favourable for friction near the
centre of each of the sides of the frame or carriage for bearing the pulley
wheel. These circles when bored in the centre will form appropriate
friction guides for the wheel, and the bearings for its axis to work in;
& from the wheels being properly guided at the boss or near its axes, the
lateral pressure & adhesion near the periphery will be avoided. I also make
the carriages or bearing frames of such guide pulleys so that they are capable
of separation in parts, and may thus be taken off to be cleaned, repaired, or
renewed without breaking the wire or chain, or for a moment impeding the
operation of any signal with which such wire, &c. may be connected. The
wheel itself & its centre will be one piece of cast metal annealed.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Charles Frederick Whitworth in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 25th March 1856.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, CHARLES
FREDERICK WHITWORTH, of Halifax, in the County of York, Gentleman, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fifth day of September, in the year of our

page_text: Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, in the nineteenth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Charles Frederick Whitworth, Her special licence that I, the
said Charles Frederick Whitworth, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
or such others as I, the said Charles Frederick Whitworth, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands,
and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SIGNALS USED ON RAIL-
WAYS, AND IN PARTS OF APPARATUS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Charles Frederick Whitworth, my executors
or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of
their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Charles Frederick Whitworth, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, that is to say:-
These improvements apply first to night signals used on railways when the
variation of signal is effected by shifting the position of coloured glasses. In
arrangements as at present adopted, the frame containing such glasses is either
capable of turning on a centre of motion outside of the lamp or lantern, so as
to bring one or other of the glasses as desired in front of the light, or such
frame carrying the glasses is caused to slide in grooves within the lamp or
lantern. In practice it is found that the former plan is objectionable from
the glasses being exposed to atmospheric influences, whereby they accumulate
snow, dirt, or other matter, tending to impede their operation, and to prevent
the rays of light from passing through them. The latter plan is objectionable
from the friction and impediments in the grooves, whereby the moving parts
frequently become strained and deranged; also, from the ascent of the "ruby
glass" above the flame, it is often deeply coated with smoke, and sometimes
broken into fragments by the intense heat which prevails at the upper part of
the lamp.
My improvements under this part of the Invention relate (when the signal
glasses employed would otherwise be placed in frames outside the lamps or
lanters capable of turning on centres of motion) to placing such frames within

page_text: the lamps or lanterns, whereby they will be kept more free from dirt or other
matter, besides being in a better position for receiving the rays of light,
and imparting the distinctive colours, and to placing each glass in a separate
frame, and so actuating them, that when the connecting rod of the signal
indicating all right" is moved a certain distance "to give caution," it shall
bring a coloured glass to operate in accordance; and when the connecting rod
is moved a further distance "to give danger," the caution glass may be moved
back, and another assume a similar position in relation to the light, and in
accordance with the position of the arm indicating danger.
Also, my improvements relate, when the sigual glasses used are fixed in a
sliding frame, to means of guiding such frame without the friction attendant
upon the use of grooves for guides, and without elevating the ruby glass to
the top of the lamp, where it is in danger of being obscured by smoke, or
broken by excessive heat. On one side of the frame carrying the glasses is a
slot, which receives a fixed pin to guide the frame, and yet leave it at liberty
to work as desired; and instead of attaching a stiff arm to the connecting
rod in order to move the frame, this motion is obtained by means of a lever
or levers, and connecting rod or rods, by which greater freedom and certainty
of action will be obtained.
Secondly, my improvements relate to novel means of effecting the con-
nections to the ends of compound wires employed in communicating motion
to signals and other tractive or retentive purposes. By compound wires I.
mean such as are composed of several wires twisted together. In forming
the connections to the ends of these, it has been usual simply to bend them
over or through the parts with which they are connected into a loop; but
it is found, that from the different tension produced on the several wires
at the curve of the loop, two or three of these only have frequently to
withstand all the strain, until each in succession gives way, and a breakage
soon takes place in many such looped joints; moreover, the very bending
of the wire to make such loops tends greatly to impair it, especially in cold
weather; but with my Invention, as regards the connections of wires with
links uniting them, or with shackles and chains, the wire is kept straight,
and each of its strands has equal strain and tension.
This part of the Invention consists in passing the end of such compound
wire a short distance through a hole sufficiently large to admit it within a
shackle, or a link flattened and enlarged at the end, or other instrument to
which it is desired the wire may be connected; the end of the wire is then
also passed through a small metal nut, over which the projecting ends of the
wires are severally turned down and soldered, whilst the wire and nut are held

page_text: in such a position as to permit the descent of some of the solder between the
screw grooves of the unt and the folds of the wire. By these means a ready,
efficient, and most durable connection will be obtained, and the wire no way
impaired.
Thirdly, the improvements relate to forming guide pulleys for small chains
or for wire used in operating the signals. The pulleys now used, from their
lateral friction and their liability to adhere to the sides of their frames or
carriages, are but little better than so many staples; but my improve-
ments here consist in giving the wheels a sufficient boss, and inserting or
casting a circle of brass or other metal favorable for friction near the
centre of each of the sides of the frame or carriage for bearing the pulley
wheel. These circles when bored in the centre will form appropriate friction
guides for the wheel, and the bearings for its axis to work in; and from
the wheel being properly guided at the boss or near its axis, the lateral
pressure and adhesion near the periphery will be avoided.
carriages or bearing frames of such guide pulleys so that they are capable of
separation in parts, and may thus be taken off to be cleaned, repaired, or
renewed without breaking the wire or chain, or for a moment impeding the
operation of any signal with which such wire, &c. may be connected. The
wheel itself and its centre will be one piece of cast metal, which I prefer
to be annealed.
I also make the
But that the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner I carry
the same into effect, may be fully understood, I will proceed to describe the
Drawing annexed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING.
Figure 1 shows part of a signal post for a railway, arranged both as a day
and night signal, with part of my improvements applied thereto. In this
Figure the parts are shewn in the position by which to indicate all is clear,"
there being no coloured glasses in front of the light. Figure 2 shows an edge
view of the lantern, with the side thereof removed in order more clearly
to show the interior, the parts being in the saine position as in Figure 1.
Figure 3 shows the upper part of the post and the lantern (which is in
section), with the parts in position to indicate "caution," or with a green glass
intercepting the rays of light in the lantern; and Figure 4 shows the parts in
the position to indicate "danger," or with the green glass withdrawn from
before the light, and a ruby glass raised in its place. In each of these Figures
the same letters indicate similar parts wherever they occur.
a is the lever arm, by which, according to the arrangement shown, the

page_text: The dotted line a
different movements are effected; but this may be varied.
shows the position of the lever a when it is intended to indicate "caution," or
when the parts would be in the position represented by Figure 3; and the
dotted lines a² indicate the position of this lever a when operated upon to
indicate "dauger," as represented by Figure 4. The lever a turns upon a
centre of motion b, and its shorter arm is connected by the rod c to one end of
the lever d, which is keyed to and is capable of turning the axis d', whilst
towards its other end it is by links e and f connected to the separate frames g
and h, carrying the colored glasses for effecting the desired night signals. The
frames g and h both turn upon a centre of motion at i, but are otherwise
independent of each other. The link e is attached by joint e¹ at one end to
the lever d, and at the other end by pin joint e² to the frame 9, whilst the
link fis by pin joint f' at one end connected to the lever d, but at the
other end it is formed with a slot to receive a pin h¹ from the frame h,'
which is thereby unaffected by the movement of the link f in the moveinent
of the lever d until that link has moved sufficiently far for the end of the slot
therein to come against the pin ; and it will be seen, by reference to the
respective Figures 1, 3, and 4, that the position of the pins e¹ and f' in the
lever arm d is such, that, during a part of the motion of that lever d, the frame
g will be raised, as indicated by Figure 3, but in the further movement of the
lever in the same direction the frame g will be drawn back, whilst by the
lower end of the slot in the upper end of the link f coming against the pin h¹,
in the frame h and operating thereon, the frame h will be raised, as shown by
Figure 4; in the back movement of the lever d, the frame h. with its ruby glass
will be first withdrawn, and the frame g with its green glass will be raised'
into operative position, and whilst remaining in such position the parts will
again appear as indicated by Figure 3, then in its further movement the
lever & will cause the parts to assume the position indicated by Figure 1.
Figure 5 shows the upper part of a signal post, carrying a signal lantern with
the different colored glasses in a sliding frame, arranged according to another
part of my improvements. j is the frame, in which are fixed the colored
glasses, as is well understood; but in place of this frame sliding in grooves, as
is ordinarily the case, there is a slot j¹ formed on one side of this frame j,
which receives a fixed pin, projecting froin the inside of the lantern, to act as
a guide; and in place of this frame being attached to a stiff rod with a
tendency to bend it, it is attached by a pin joint k to one end of the lever 1,
which is by means of a connecting rod m attached to one end of the lever n,"
which turns upon the axis n', and at its other end is connected to a rod c
(the ordinary connecting rod of the signal).

page_text: Figure 6 shows the end of a portion of wire connected to a shackle, accord-
ing to the second part of my improvements; o being the small metal nut, with
its screw or other like roughened interior, which is first passed over the end of
the wire before the separated parts thereof are turned back and soldered.
Figures 7 and 8 show a side and edge view of one form of guide pulley and
its bearing, as employed for signal purposes, according to the third part of
my improvements.
Figures 9 and 10 show a side view and plan of the frame; and Figures
11 and 12, the pulley separately.
It will be seen by these Figures that the bearing is provided with a piece of
cast brass or other suitable metal p, which serves to support the pins of the
pulley, as also for the enlargements or boss q of the pulley to work against.
These Figures also shew the frame formed to receive a moveable cover,
capable of being readily removed and replaced for cleaning or oiling purposes,
whilst it is securely held when in position; the sides of the frame being formed
with projections 7, r, standing up so as to pass into recesses s¹ formed for the
purpose in the cover s. The cover is shewn by section and under side views
separately at Figures 13 and 14.
Figures 15 and 16 show two views of another form of pulley and bearings
according to this part of my Invention, but as the same parts are indicated by
similar letters, and the Drawing clearly shows their form, I have not thought
it necessary further to describe them; and I would only further state that the
same advantages in respect of the application of the brass or other mixed metal
may be obtained by employing such to form the boss & centre pin of the pulley
when the frame will be altogether of cast iron.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and the best means
which I am acquainted with for carrying the same into practise, I would
have it understood that I do not confine myself to the precise details shown
and described, as variations may be made therein without departing from
the peculiar character of each part of my improvements; but what I do
claim is,―
First, the so arranging and combining the parts of night signals used on
railways, where the glass frames for holding the different colored glasses turn
on axes, that each glass may be in a separate frame, turning on a centre of
motion within the lantern, and operated substantially as explained; also, I
claim the mode of guiding sliding frames for holding signal glasses of railway
lanterns, and the working such sliding frames to effect the indications desired
by parts k, l, m, n, substantially as explained.

page_text: Secondly, I claim the mode of effecting connexions to the ends of compound
wires, as explained.
Thirdly, I claim the mode of arranging guide pulleys and parts connected
therewith to be used for signal purposes, as explained.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles Frederick Whitworth, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-fourth day of March, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.
Witness,
CHARLES FREDERICK WHITWORTH. (L.S.)
WILLIAM BROOKES,
73, Chancery Lane, London,
Patent Agent.