IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHIC DISCS OR SIGNALLING APPARATUS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Browne, of the Firm of Browne and Company,
Patent Agents, of 5, Southampton Buildings, Holborn, in the County of
Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEGRAPHIC DISCS OR
SIGNALLING APPARATUS." A communication from abroad by Ursin Juston, of
Paris. France.
Sealed the 20th October 1877, and dated the 25th April 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Browne at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th April 1877.
ALEXANDER BROWNE, of the Firm of Browne and Company, Patent Agents, of
5, Southampton Buildings, Holborn, in the County of Middlesex..
"IMPROVEMENTS
IN TELEGRAPHIC DISCS OR SIGNALLING APPARATUS." (A communication from abroad
by Ursin Juston, of Paris, France.)
The telegraphic disc or signalling apparatus forming the subject of this Invention
is an apparatus composed of three pieces or principal parts, viz.,-
1. An electro-magnet.
2. An apparatus forming a platform or retaining apparatus for the disc, properly
so called, in the lowered position.
3. A disc, properly so called.
In the accompanying Drawings,-
Figure 1 shows a vertical elevation of the telegraphic disc in the lowered
position.
Figure 2 is a face view of the retaining apparatus.
Figure 3 is a face view of the opposite side to that shown at Figure 2, the covering
plate being removed to show the internal arrangement of the different parts which
compose this apparatus.
The other Figures show face views and side views of the different parts detached.
In all these Figures the same letters indicate the same parts.
The electro-magnet a will be simply clectric or clock motion, that is to say, it may
be used for moving or operating the retaining mechanism, or it may be combined
in such manner as to unlatch directly the disc.
The retaining apparatus, Figures 2 and 3, forming a platform, is composed of a
ID 1071

page_text: steel bent plate b, shown in inside and end views at Figure 4, outside face and
bottom view at Figure 14, on which the necessary pieces for operating the disc are
applied, that is to say, to maintain it in the lowered position, not visible, and to
liberate it in order that it may be raised under the action of a counterweight, and
thus rendered visible. Those pieces are as follows:-A lever hammer c, Figure 5,
which can oscillate at d on the plate b, and on a bracket e, Figure 6; a tumbler f,
Figure 7, mounted on the axis d of the lever c; of a spring h, Figure 11; of one or
two levers i, j, Figures 12 and 13; of a spring k, Fig. 8; of a square steel piece
or bolt 7, Figure 9, pushed in a rectilinear direction by lowering the hammer c;
and of a piece m, Figure 10, for retaining the disc. The disc is a plate of square
sheet iron, on which is fixed a spring blade o, the free end of which is provided
with a ring p, into which the retaining apparatus m takes. The ascent of the
disc n is produced by the action of a counterweight r; this disc is guided as well as
the counterweight by wire rods 8, 8, and t, arranged vertically, being fixed at the
lower part to a metallic plate secured to the ground, and at its upper part to
frame v, projecting from a column erected for that purpose, or a telegraphic post,
such as those now employed. The counterweight is held to the disc n by a chain x,
passing round pulleys y, y; z, frame fixed to the lower part of the post, and carrying
the retaining apparatus and the electro-magnet a, the whole being arranged as
described, and the pieces constituting the combination or arrangement of the
telegraphic disc being in the lowered position, as shown in Figure 1, the operation
is most simple.
If a current of electricity is passed into the electro-magnet a, its armature u is
attracted, and pressing on the lever j in the direction of the arrow, Figures 1 and 3,
the lever is caused to oscillate, which, acting in its turn on the lever i, liberates the
tumbler f; this latter under the action of the spring oscillates, and as it is
mounted on the same axis d as the hammer c the tumbler in lowering, pushes the
bolt or piece 7, the outer extremity of which disengages the ring p, Figure 1, from
the retaining piece m. The disc n being then free submits itself to the action of
the counterweight and rises to the height of the post.
It is to be understood that the pallet of the electro-magnet may act directly on
the lever i. To set the disc the attendant lowers it by drawing on that part of the
chain & which is below, and engages the ring p of the blade o on the retaining
piece m, care being taken to previously raise the hammer. This system of disc is
intended principally to be applied to railways and to prevent collisions of trains,
giving to the companies a rapid means of preventing accidents which may be
caused by negligence. To usefully apply this system and to obtain the results and
advantages above enumerated, it is necessary to place one of these discs in each
curve of the line, so as to be able constantly to see from one apparatus to the
other.
The disc is under the control of the departure station and of the arrival station,
whatever the distance may be, provided the electric current is left in communi-
cation.
A pole and a telegraphic wire are necessary to put simultaneously all the
apparatus in motion, whatever the distance may be, whereby all the station masters
may always know the position of the trains which are travelling, and communi-
cate with them by means of a movable telegraphic apparatus, the place being
indicated to or by the disc.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Alexander Browne in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 25th
October 1877.
ALEXANDER BROWNE, of the Firm of Browne and Company, Patent Agents, of
"IMPROVEMENTS
5, Southampton Buildings, Holborn, in the County of Middlesex.

page_text: ATTARATUR.
A wennunication from
abroad by Ursin Juston, of Paris, France.)
The telegraphic dise or signalling apparatus forming the subject of this Invention
is an apparatus composed of three pieces or principal parts, viz.,-
First. An electro-magnet.
Second. An apparatus forming a platform or retaining apparatus for the disc,
properly so called, in the lowered position.
Third. A disc, properly so called.
In the accompanying Drawings,-
Figure 1 shows a vertical elevation of the telegraphic disc in the lowered
position.
Figure 2 is a front view of the retaining apparatus.
Figure 3 is a front view of the opposite side to that shewn at Figure 1, the
covering plate being removed to shew the internal arrangement of the different
parts which compose this apparatus.
The other Figures shew front views and side views of the different parts detached.
In all these Figures the same letters indicate the same parts.
The electro-magnet a will be simply electric or clock motion; that is to say, it
may be used for moving or operating the retaining mechanism, or it may be
combined in such manner as to unlatch directly the disc.
The retaining apparatus, Figures 2 and 3, forming a platform, is composed of a
steel bent plate b, shewn in inside and end views at Figure 4, outside face and
bottom view at Figure 14, on which the necessary pieces for operating the disc are
applied, that is to say, to maintain it in the lowered position not visible, and to
liberate it in order that it may be raised under the action of a counterweight, and
thus rendered visible. These pieces are as follows:-A lever hammer c, Figure 5
which can oscillate at d on the plate b, and on bracket e, Figure 6, a tumbler f,
Figure 7 mounted on the axis d of the lever hammer c of a spring h Figure 11
of one or two triggers i, j. Figures 12 and 13 of a trigger spring k. Figure 8 of a
square steel piece or bolt 1, Figure 9, pushed in a rectilinear direction by lowering
the hammer c and of a piece m, Figure 10, for retaining the disc. The disc n is
a plate of square sheet iron, on which is fixed a spring blade o, the free end of
which is provided with a ring p, into which the retaining apparatus m takes. The
ascent of the disc n is produced by the action of a counterweight 1; this disc is
guided as well as the counterweight by wire rods 8, 8, and t, arranged vertically,
being fixed at the lower part to a metallic plate secured to the ground, and at its
upper part to beam v projecting from a column erected for that purpose, or a tele-
graphic post such as those now employed on railways. The counterweight is held
to the disc n, by a chain x, passing round pulleys y, y; z, frame fixed to the lower
part of the post v, and carrying the retaining apparatus and the electro-magnet a,
the whole being arranged as described, and the pieces constituting the combination
or arrangement of the telegraphic disc being in the lowered position, as shewn in
Figure 1, the operation is most simple.
If a current of electricity is passed into the electro-magnet a its armature u is
attracted, and pressing on the trigger j in the direction of the arrow, Figures 1 and 3,
the trigger is caused to oscillate, which acting in its turn on the trigger i liberates
the tumbler f; this latter under the action of the spring / oscillates, and being
mounted on the same axis d as the hammer c, on turning, causes the notch of the
tumbler f to push the bolt or piece 7, the outer extremity of which disengages the
ring p, Figure 1, from the retaining piece m. The disc n being then free submits
itself to the action of the counterweight and rises to the height of the post.
It is to be understood that the pallet of the electro-magnet may act directly on
the trigger i. To set the disc the attendant lowers it by drawing on that part of
the chain which is below, and engages the ring p of the blade o on the retaining
piece m, care being taken to previously raise the hammer c. This system of disc is
intended principally to be applied to railways and to prevent collisions of trains,
giving to the companies a rapid means of preventing accidents which may be caused

page_text: by negligence or want of care by the servant of the company in charge. To
usefully apply this system and to obtain the results and advantages above
enumerated, it is necessary to place one of these discs in each curve of the line,
Bo as to be able constantly to see what takes place from one apparatus to the
other.
The disc is under the control of the doparture station and of the arrival
station, whatever the distance may be, provided the electric current is left in
communication.
A pile and a telegraphic wire are necessary to put simultaneously all the appa-
ratus in motion, whatever the distance may be, whereby all the station masters may
always know the position of the trains which are travelling, and communicate with
them by means of a movable telegraphic apparatus, the place being indicated to or
by the disc.
Figure 15 shows a front view of a modified arrangement of retaining apparatus.
As seen, the hammer c is modified in form at 1; an iron rod 2 terminated by a
drawing ring 3 is jointed, which allows the hammer to be set without its being
necessary to open the small box closing the apparatus; then on the plate b is fixed
by means of two screws 4, 4, a small bar 8 of iron which limits the rise of the
hammer, and thus prevents the tumbler ƒ breaking the spring k in case the hammer
should be pulled too strongly or by inexperienced hands. The rod or tail of the
trigger i is dispensed with, and this trigger has at 5 a small screw passing through
it, the point of which touches the tumbler f. This screw acts as a regulator, for the
more it is pressed, the less the notch of the trigger will be taken, and its escape will
be all the easier; in a word its object is to put in accord the sensibility of the
trigger with the power of the electro-magnet. Communication to this screw is
made by an aperture formed in the wood and the plate.
The other trigger is in a single piece, as shown; below it on the plate b is fixed a
spring blade 6, the object of which is to retain it in the notch of the trigger i. A
pin 7 on the plate b regulates the amount of oscillation of the trigger j.
The arrangement of this telegraphic disc may also be modified, as shown at :
Figures 16 and 17.
These modifications consist in dispensing with the telegraphic post, which is
replaced by a special cast-iron column q, in which the balance weight i is made to
operate in dispensing with the frame, preserving only the arm 10 on the column;
in dispensing with the two supports of the apparatus, and in placing close to the
frame a cut stone 11, on which a case 12 rests, containing all the apparatus and the
disc which forms the cover.
These modifications also consist in placing the apparatus on two cross bars 13, 14,
and in enclosing it in a box 15, in which are formed two apertures for the passage
of the bolt m, and of the rod 2 to ring 3 which serves to set the hammer. The disc
in lowered position slides behind the cross pieces 13, 14; then above and to the right
of the disc is formed an aperture 16 for the lantern. The disc is not more than 90
square centimeters of surface.
It must be understood that the case may be opened in order to examine or set the
apparatus; then on the second cross bar is placed a platform to allow the guard of
the train to place his apparatus to put it in. communication at 17 with those in
charge at the neighbouring stations.
According to the arrangement before described, the weight is maintained,
elevated, and the disc lowered, by means of an arrangement of battery or plate
moved at the distance electrically to liberate the weight, this weight being after-
wards again raised by the hand.
In Figures 18, 19, 20, and 21 another arrangement is shown wherein a special
apparatus, moved electrically at a distance, is employed either to unfasten the weight
and produce the ascent of the disc, or to bring up the weight again and to produce
the lowering of the disc.
Figures 18 and 19 show in vertical elevation a side view and a front view of the
arrangement, the disc pole of the conducting chains and weights,

page_text: Figures 20 and 21 show on a larger scale a front and side view of the arrange-
ment or special mechanism, moved electrically at a distance either to unfasten the
weight and to allow it to lower, or to bring it up again.
In Figure 21 some parts are omitted to avoid confusion; 18, column or post;
19, box containing the mechanism, which is moved electrically; 20, beam at upper
part of post, which serves to support a horizontal shaft 21; 22, lower horizontal
shaft turning on the lower part of the post, and on the box 19 of the mechanism; 23,
24, pairs of toothed wheels keyed on the shafts 21 and 22; 25, two endless chains
passing round the wheels 23 and 24; 26, the disc, properly so called, or sight signal
at one side of the chains 25; 27, weight fixed at the other end of the chains 25;
28, ratchet wheel keyed to the end of the shaft 22 in the box 19; 29, electro-magnet
operating a lever 30, oscillating at 31, at the end of which is a catch 32 taking into
the ratchet wheel 28; 33, retaining ratchet of the ratchet wheel; 34, electro-magnet
operating a lever 35, oscillating at 36, at the end of which are two jointed arms 37
and 38, which connects it with the ratchets 32 and 33. The whole being arranged
as just described, supposing the disc 26 raised at the weight 27, lowered, as shown at
Figures 1 and 2. In order to lower the disc and raise the weight, successive
currents are passed into the electro-magnet 29, at each of which the armature of the
lever 30, being attracted, causes this lever to oscillate and to move the ratchet 32 in
the direction of the arrow 39, Figure 3, which ratchet will cause the ratchet
wheel 28 to turn in the direction of arrow 44, the lower shaft 22 will turn in
the direction of arrow 44, and will communicate through the wheels 24, 24, a
longitudinal motion of the chains 25 in the direction of the arrows 42, 43, Figure 2,
which will have the effect of causing the disc 20 to descend, and of raising the
weight 27. It will be seen that a number of successive currents causes the
weight 27 to be completely raised, and the disc completely brought down, in which
positions they are maintained by the ratchet 33, preventing the wheel 28 from
taking a backward motion.
To produce the ascent of the disc 26 by the fall of the weight 27, it is only
necessary to send a current into the electro-magnet 34, when the latter will attract
the armature armed with the lever 35, and will cause this lever to oscillate, which
raising the weights 37 and 38 in the direction of the arrows 41, Figure 3, will
disengage at one time the two ratchets 32 and 33 from the teeth of the wheel 28, at
the same time this wheel being then free, the weight 27 goes down, thereby pro-
ducing the ascent of the disc 25.
Having now described the nature of the said Invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, I declare that I claim, as the aforesaid improvements in
telegraphic discs or signalling apparatus, the ascent of a disc or sight signal
produced by the lowering of a weight, maintained in its elevated position by
mechanism disengaged at a distance by means of electricity the weight being raised,
and consequently the disc lowered either by hand, mechanically, or electrically.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Browne, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
ALEX BROWNE. (L.S.)