IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR SIGNALLING ON RAILWAYS
Year: 1865

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Charles Frederick Whitworth, of Lawton's Hotel,
Upper Mill, Saddleworth, in the County of York, Civil Engineer, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR SIGNALLING ON
RAILWAYS."
Sealed the 18th May 1866, and dated the 25th November 1865.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles Frederick
Whitworth at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition, on the 25th November 1865.
I, CHARLES FREDERICK WHITWORTH, of Lawton's Hotel, Upper Mill,
Saddleworth, in the County of York, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR SIGNALLING
ON RAILWAYS," to be as follows:-
The first part of this Invention relates to improvements on former apparatus
described in the Specification of Letters Patent granted to me; bearing date
May 2nd, 1862, No. 1300. These present improvements have for their
object an increase of the benifits. to be derived from my former Invention,
making it more effective, certain, and perfect in operation.
The second part of this Invention relates to means for communicating
signals between different parts of trains in motion. It also relates to audible
signals of alarm to be given to drivers of trains in motion from stations or
other parts of the line.

page_text: The chief objects of the second part are,-1st, to obtain the most ready
and effectual means of communication by signal to and fro between the guard
and the driver of any passenger, luggage, or other train; 2nd, to convey both
to the driver and the guard an immediate intimation of danger, when any
train is accidentally disrupted in transitu; 3rd, to provide means of direct
information to the guard, which at discretion he can impart to the driver if
any carriage be alarmingly unsteady, or as it may be off the line of rails, or
otherwise causing danger; 4th, to insure means of notice and speedy pro-
tection when passengers are in imminent danger or extreme alarm, especially
from fire, or from some treachery or brutal violence; 5th, to provide on the
train itself means of alarm to drivers and guards in danger, especially during
fogs, and where trains have to pass through local obscurities.
This alarm signal is brought into operation for its purpose by apparatus or
portions thereof provided in the first part of this Invention; but the instru-
ments for this object are also modified to act either in connection with the
ordinary distant signal or as temporary inclined fixtures for special occasions."
The improvements on my former Invention, mentioned above, are as
follows: First, a bell apparatus. Experience has shown me that the hammer
of a common electric bell when acted upon by the usual intermittent magnetic
force only is for certain reasons not to be relied on for constant and infallible
operations, and moreover, that the bell when so struck is not so loud as is
desirable for its purpose, viz., the announcement of trains, when yet distant, at
call stations and crossings on the level. For a general announcement at such
places I now therefore purpose to use a gong or other alarm to be struck by
the fall of a hammer, whose descent from a position of rest nearly over its
centre or axle is the result of force imparted from an electric current to a
magnet, the traction of whose keeper forces a vertically poised lever to fall
over its centre, and cause the descent of a hammer upon a gong or other
alarm. The current instead of being dependent for its transmission on the
slight and uncertain contact afforded by that delicate spring which is needed
for a vibratory action on the bell will here pass through a more perfect
metallic connection not liable to interruption from corrosion, dust, or dirt, the
medium of connection being, by preference, quicksilver. But I would still
have an intermittent bell, also acted upon by a second magnet, whose power
is obtained by the transfer of an electric current from the coil of the before-
mentioned magnet to that of this second magnet, which is arranged to cause
vibratory intermittent action in the usual manner on the second bell. The
transfer is obtained by the fall of the hammer that descends on the gong or
alarm, as above stated, for this action in raising one end of a curved connecting

page_text: bar (which may be fixed on the axle of the hammer) from an immersion or
contact with quicksilver in one cup deposits the other end in that metal within.
another cup, and thus it makes and breaks a connection with the wires of each
respectively, terminating as they do in one cup or the other. This second.
bell or alarm is to give the signalman an intimation as to the kind of train
announced by the former, and to make the distinct announcement of each
train doubly certain.
Another improvement in my apparatus before referred to relates to
additional protection to be derived therefrom, when two or more such signals.
are used in immediate sequence, say, a mile more or less apart. The main
wire to the releasing magnet will by this improvement be so interrupted
occasionally that there will be no current of electricity, and therefore no power
in the magnet to cause the release of the back signal to "all clear" until the
next signal in advance has already been set to indicate "danger" by the train.
And from the yet further position of the. inclined instruments which cause a
releasing current, as hereafter described, the train will not release the back
signal until it has made a further advance of a quarter of a mile or more
beyond the signal. The continuation of the main line or releasing wire is
interrupted as a conductor when required by a separation into two parts at or
very near to the signal post. One of these parts or a metallic branch there-
from ends within the post with. immersion in quicksilver contained in a small
cup; a flexible branch from the other part is attached within the post to the
end of a lever or arm, from which, however, it is insulated. This lever having
mechanical connection with the axle of the signal boards, or with an arm
therefrom, rises and falls horizontally with their motions, and the end of the
wire being deflected from the lever so as to reach a few inches below it
descends and is immersed in the quicksilver with the other part of the wire,
and therefore in contact with it when the signal assumes the position indicating
danger, but it rises and is free from contact, causing a break of metallic con-
nection with the other part of the main wire, when the signal assumes the
position which indicates "all clear." Thus there is no current of electricity
past this signal to release one further back, except when the former one is
"at danger."
Another improvement relates to means for connecting the main releasing
wires with earth wires or their equivalents for the purpose in such manner
that the release or back signals may be prevented at the discretion of the
drivers or guards of trains who may find their trains or engines suddenly
disabled, or their immediate and regular advance impolitic or dangerous.
This improvement I effect by means of a lever within the guard's van through

page_text: which he is enabled to elevate or remove a curved arm or other suitable
projection pendent from his van which otherwise by a gradual action on an
inclined board or lever near the rail would occasion a metallic contact
between the releasing line wire and a wire from the rails that, taking effect
as an earth wire, induces an electric current, and occasions the release of
the signal from the position indicating danger to that which represents
"all clear."
Another improvement in the above-mentioned Invention relates to means
for preventing an accidental action of that releasing lever of the signal whose
descent by causing a separation of the catch and pall occasions the signal to
assume the indications for "all clear." This improvement is to counteract
the injurious effects now possible from an accidental blow or the extreme
agitation of some very heavy engine while setting the signal " to danger."
The improvement is effected by the action of a weighted rod affecting a slight
lever pressure which retains the vertical releasing lever of the signal in its
position of rest so long as a passing train is depressing the lever of the main
weight, but the reaction of this by occasioning a counter motion of the
weighted rod leaves the releasing lever free to act when the train has entirely
passed by the signal and left it indicating danger.
Another improvement in my former Invention above mentioned relates to
the use of different materials adapted to each other, and their purpose in
combination for the axles and the bearings for the axles of these levers whose
operation might be liable to occasional obstruction by the varying friction
consequent on any corrosion and adhesion of the metals in common use for
such purposes. The material I use for such axles is hard and tough wood,
such as box, and for the bearings I use glass rings or bushes which may be
cut from strong glass tubes, but I fix these glass bushes within rings of
vulcanized india-rubber, and I impregnate the ends of the axles where there
is any bearing with plumbago or other antifrictional substance.
Another improvement relates to apparatus for operating on signals or on
levers affecting them by means of the expansive force of compressed air.
This compression is effected by bellows or air pump worked either manually
or by leverage acted upon by passing trains, and its expansive force is con-
veyed by a tube or tubes connected with a second air vessel, which by suitable
leverage operates upon signals to effect their retention in a position that
indicates danger or to effect other operations which may be desired for
signalling.
As an improvement on my former Invention referred to above and on other
signals, I also propose to construct an apparatus which, when a signal is set

page_text: to indicate danger causes an instrument to assume an inclined position that
will take effect gradually on an alarm lever fixed to the engine or other part
of the train, and connected with means of causing an audible alarm to the
driver by operations on alarum, steam whistle, or detonating signal, to be
further noticed when I describe the second part of this Invention.
I also propose to use inclined instruments for similar effects whose con-
nections may be modified so as to be actuated by the inflation of bellows
mentioned above or to be portable and readily applied to the sleepers or
otherwise for temporary or special protection. The inclined instrument which
I use for simultaneous action with signals is a narrow board working on a
hinge or other joint and placed parallel to and near one of the rails. This
board rises and falls a little at one end from the effects of a short arm under-
neath it connected with a transverse rocking shaft. The motion of this shaft
required for effecting the upward action and inclined position of the board is
occasioned by the weight or leverage which causes the signal to indicate
danger, and the motion required for the return of this board to a level
position is occasioned by the weight or leverage which causes the signal to
indicate "all clear." But the motions of the rocking shaft to actuate such
inclines or incline boards are in some cases obtained by means of the lever or
arm, which being keyed on to one end of the rocking shaft has connection with
bellows, which as before described may be acted on by inflation, either manually
or otherwise. Such motions of the inclines are also obtained by connecting a
lever or arm on the rocking shaft with such arrangements of wire and other
parts as influenced by weights and leverage act on ordinary distant signals,
and if required to operate in conjunction with these signals, a lever or arm
from the rocking shaft is so arranged in connection with the weight or
weighted lever of the signal that the rise and fall of the lever occasions the
motions of the rocking shaft required for the proper rise and fall of the
incline.
For means of communicating audible and visible signals between different
parts of the same train according to the second part of this Invention I use
batteries carried by the train to cause electric currents to be conducted and
act when required through magnets, so as to. occasion sounds adapted for the
several purposes of notice or alarm, and the special intimations which may be
required by the guard or the driver from each other. For exciting and con-
ducting electric currents I apply metallic rods and apparatus for their
connection as required to each carriage. The main conductive rods of each
carriage when for use are joined with those of the next by means of flexible
wires and metallic extensions through instruments which, whilst retaining the

page_text: I
wires in some slight tension, freely permit those perpetual variations of length
required for the space between the carriages. The instruments greatly
facilitate the acts of connection, and they also serve to cause an immediate
alarm on any casual or malicious disruption of the connecting wires. Each
of the batteries is in metallic contact with one or more of the axles of the
carriage which conveys it, or with some sufficient substitute for an earth wire
at the one end; at the other end, when in use, it has contact also with main or
line rods and wires, which carried as convenient over, under, between, and by the
carriages, are capable of connections with other rods or instruments, and these
being in contact with some axle or other equivalent for an earth wire will on
such connection occasion an immediate flow of electricity that causes magnets
arranged for such purposes to release or set in motion the hammers of bells
and other mechanical instruments of notice or alarm hereafter described.
use two levers of main rods as conductors over or under each carriage; each
of these rods terminates in contact with a metallic hook at one end of the
carriage and with a spring at the other. The spring has constant contact
also with the axle of a sinall protected or covered roller which, from the effect
of a screw thread on its axle and in one of its bearings, has a short lateral
motion when revolving. Around the roller a covered flexible wire is coiled,
baving metallic connection with the axle of this roller at one end; the other
end when in use is extended from the coil directly to the next carriage, where
it is hung on the book or other connection with which the conducting rod of
that carriage terminates, but when in use the flexible wire needs not be so
extended to the next carriage, but is simply hung on a pin or stud provided for
it near the roller. From the influence of a spring and connections the roller
has a constant tendency to revolve and take upon its barrel all the flexible
wire, but this is counteracted by the retention of the wire, whether on the pin
or the hook; when, however, this wire is let loose either by division or an
accidental release at either end a rapid revolution of the roller causes the
lateral motion of its axle until this makes contact with a metallic conductor
in connection with the axles of the carriage, which, acting as an earth wire,
causes a flow of electricity from that battery which has connection with it
through a series of similar rods, extensions, and instruments thus attached to
each carriage and arranged in connection throughout the train. One line of
such rods, instruments of contact, and flexible connections is arranged along
the carriages near one side of the train and another line near the other side, the
near side being in connection with the driver's larum apparatus, and the other
with the guard's in his van. Each of these men, by using a simple hand
lever near him, can make contact between the main wire extension termi-

page_text: nating there, and a conductor to the axle of the carriage or engine or other
equivalent for an earth wire, and thus they can act on each other's larum
at will.
For the use of passengers in danger demanding the immediate notice of
the guard I provide convenient hand levers in each compartment of secluded
carriages, whose motion by effecting a contact between a main rod and an
earth wire or its equivalent, an axle of the carriage will cause an electric
current to occasion the sound of an alarm in the guard's van. This motion
also effects the protrusion of a flashing metallic disc from each side of that
carriage occupied by the operator who gives the alarm. Each hand lever is
also an inevitable tell-tale as to the particular compartment of the operator
upon it, and the flashing discs are irreversible indicators of the carriage
requiring the guard's immediate and special attention. These effects are thus
explained: Each hand lever moves on a hinge or other joint, and it is con-
nected to a short rod or arm which passes up through the top of the carriage
into a cover like an inverted trough; the arm of the lever has suitable
connection with the lever or other arm of a rocking shaft fixed transversely
in bearings on the end of the carriage, and retained in the position required
for inaction by a spring; but the hand lever on being pulled downwards
causes a motion of this shaft, which liberates two short arms, that then
spring forth, each from a thin box or case at its respective end of the shaft,
and hold out double flashing discs beyond the two sides of the carriage. The
release of the two arms of the discs being caused by pressure on their catches
effected by the motion of the rocking shaft, and the lateral motion of these
arms being by a spring action, the flashing discs cannot be replaced in their
respective covers without previously replacing the shaft in its normal position,
which involves an opening of one of the signal cases, or a special key, in
order to remove a catch effected by the arm which makes contact with the
movable connecting bar. Nor without such opening of the case or special
key to release the catch can the hand lever when drawn down from its normal
position be caused to remain otherwise than pendent at an angle from the
roof with its connecting rod drawn through, affording visible evidence of facts
to be explained by some occupant, for the horizontal position of the hand
lever is due to the normal position of the rocking shaft. A bell or other
simple larum in the compartment is also struck in the motion of the hand
lever, so that it will be evident to other occupants when the alarm is given,
and whose the hand that gave it. An additional point of contact between
the main wire and an axle or earth wire may in preference be caused by one
or other of the arms which bear the flashing discs during its action, and in

page_text: the position it assumes when the arms are released as above described, by
any passenger, but it might not be so safe to depend on this connection alone
if known to malevolent persons that all communication were dependent on
the perfect action of the flashing arms of a carriage, because it is possible to
prevent their action in a moment without discovery.
That this apparatus may not interfere with the convenience of reversing
carriages, there are at each end of the transverse shaft above described
similar instruments in both signal cases for connecting either of the main rods
with an axle or earth wire, and as one of these main rods is continued and
connected for operation on the guard's larum, and the other on that of the
driver, the motion of the rocking shaft would at once cause the sound of
both; the passengers might thus interfere with the driver if not prevented.
To make the means of preventing this evil obvious it must be understood
that in each of the flashing signal cases a movable bar is used for making
contact between the main rod to which it is connected and an axle or earth
wire. Before any carriage proceeds on its course one of these bars, say,
that within the case nearest the off or further side of the carriage as a rule,
is fixed back. This act may realily be done on opening the case or by the
action of the key on the axle of a stop lever, which, when in a certain position,
prevents this contact, and therefore the earth current therefrom on that side
of the carriage where the main rods and wires lead to the driver's larum.
The apparatus for notice or alarm are thus placed; one for the driver is
fixed near him; another for the guard is in his van at the other end of the
train. On the driver's apparatus passengers as just above shown cannot
operate, but the driver and guard have facilities for acting on each other's
larum at will. The electric current will also affect the magnet of the driver's
Jarum, so as to produce a continuous sound and other indications of danger,
when the alarm lever mentioned above is acted upon from the station or
other part of the line by any of the inclined instruments noticed as forming a
portion of the first part of this Invention.
That part of this Invention which may be called the driver's alarm I prefer
to fix in front of him and on the weather plate of the engine or driver's pro-
tection if there be one. The principal agent of this alarm is a common larum
in a thin small box or case, with an opening arched over to keep out the wet
and yet allow the emission of sound. Within this there is also a magnet,
'whose coil is in eontact with one of the batteries above mentioned, and with
the main rods, instruments, and line wires, which extend to a connecting
lever in the guard's van. The magnet is empowered to release a catch by the
traction of its keeper, and thus to liberate the powers of the larum when an

page_text: electric current is passing through its coil, and the current is caused by instru-
ments above described, which make contact between the axles or other equiva-
lents for earth wires and the main or line wire or some of its metallic
connections. When thus liberated the larum will give intermittent or con-
tinuous signals by sound in accordance with the will or the action of the
operator. But if unheard or unheeded by the driver a powerful auxiliary to
the little larum bell close to his head also will expose him, for the action of
the larum, if but a little prolonged without notice, will cause a large gong
to be struck, a whistle to be opened, or a detonating signal to be discharged,
not only to arouse him, but as an evidence of a most dangerous stupidity
and neglect.
The following are arrangements and operations of the auxiliary alarm
apparatus:-The hammer of the gong is the longest and only weighted arm
of a triple lever which is within a second thin box or case fixed to the same
plate as the larum case above mentioned, and by its side but higher up;
this triple lever is capable of free motion on its centre, a stud pin, but it rests
nearly upright, and in this position it is retained by the arm of a check lever
opposed to one of its short arms then directly pendent. The stud or centre
pin of this second or stop lever is latterally about two inches apart and an inch
below the stud pin or centre of the triple lever; but the second or stop lever
has a second and broad arm on which rests the third arm of the triple or
hammer lever, to which it forms a back stay when the hammer or weighted
arm is vertical. The second or stop lever is then nearly horizontal, but its
broad arm is curved a little down towards the end where there is a shackle
connected to a cord; that passing over antifriction pulleys into the larum case
is there coiled round and fastened on the axle of the spring power or motive
wheel of the larum. It follows, then, that when the magnetic power is
incited to draw back the keeper (which at other times forms a secure catch
and stop to the action of the larum) the action of the larum's motive wheel
winds up the cord, and in raising the broad or shackled end of the stop lever
it not only lowers the other end, thus removing the check from the lower arm
of the triple lever, but it also drives the weighted arm or hammer over its
centre, causing its fall with the force due to its ponderance on the gong which
is fixed suitably for this purpose and in front of the driver. By the winding
up of this or other such cord on a similarly actuated spring axle, which in
reality is a power of about twenty pounds, I also, if required or preferred,
operate upon connections with a whistle or upon a vertical heavy or spring
hammer arranged to strike and discharge a detonating signal on the other

page_text: side of the weather plate of the engine, or in any other convenient position on
the train.
The apparatus and general instruments of connection for the guard's alarm
being so similar to those which relate to the driver's, as regards. the larum
and gong (which may suffice for the van), it will be unnecessary to revert to
them further; but I may remark, generally, that the proper insulations and
suitable connections, which to any intelligent electrician would appear
requisite, must be carefully observed in the application, especially on the
engine and the tender, and I may also remark that, for cattle, mineral, and
luggage trains, by no means to be excluded from the benefits of this Invention,
the main or line rods, wires, and instruments may be more conveniently
carried for the most part below the carriages or waggons of the train.
Having mentioned an alarm lever that may be carried pendent from the
engine or some other part of a train to be operated upon when inclined boards
are raised for the purpose with or without signals, especially in fogs and other
extraordinary dangers, I must now remark that this alarm lever is arranged
to cause contact between an axle or its equivalent as an earth wire and the
driver's larum apparatus so as to give an alarm above described whenever in
passing over such inclines the lower limb of this pendent lever is gradually
put in motion and elevated thereby; or, in preference, this pendent lever may
be used to liberate a heavy weight or a spring hammer mechanically arranged
to strike a loud gong, discharge a detonating signal, or open a steam whistle,
when either from negligence or an obstructed vision the driver is unconscious
of an imminent danger in his advance. In case of the disregard of signals
these very audible reports will be tell-tales against drivers, and therefore
constant inducements to vigilance.
I have described above a simple means of connection between conductive
rods, wires, and instruments, and I will here remark, that where the parts for
contact cannot be fastened with solder I would coat them with platinum if
not composed of that metal; but for the insurance of conductive connections
I prefer that the main rods and conductive instruments terminate at the point
of contact with immersion in mercury, with which, either in preference or in
addition to harder metallic connections above noticed, contact may be made
by modifications to favour the immersion of parts required to make and break
contact.
I have also described the reaction of compressed air as a power to be used
for operating on distant signals either with or without inclined boards; but
for this purpose in some cases I prefer to use a small suspended weight

page_text: or a spring, as the motive power arranged to give to a shaft or spindle
within a hollow post a tendency to revolve. On this shaft, or on another
connected therewith for simultaneous action, is a series of three or four arms
detained by a catch or pall, and set free when required for action by magnetic
power and releasing spindle with its weighted and curved arms in like
manner as is the detent or catch of the signal boards described in my former
Specification of Invention referred to above. This shaft, or the upper one if
there be two in connection, is arranged in bearings below the shaft of the
signal boards, so that one or other of its arms when released and revolving
comes in contact with a curved arm dependent from and fixed on the shaft of
the signal boards, and it so operates thereon that if the boards be indicating
"all clear" a partial revolution replaces and causes their detention in a
position which indicates danger. The small motive weight which reacts on
the shaft or shafts is elevated by the traction of a chain or cord over or around
a small roller which has free motion in one direction on the shaft, but is
retained from a counter motion on this shaft by convenient catches or clicks
for that purpose. The traction is obtained by extending the chain or cord
which is over or around the roller, and connecting it to the lower arm of the
bellows, described in my former Specification, above referred to, or to some
lever or arm working in connection therewith, or to some other air vessel,
causing in like manner a gentleness and certainty in operation. It follows,
then, that an engine or train in passing the signal post, and on depressing the
counterbalanced or main levers, as described in that former Specification above
quoted, draws up the small motive weight which will there be retained by the
catch or pall above-mentioned until released, at option, for the required
operation on the signal, that is, to cause the indications of danger for pro-
tection at stations, junctions, or other parts where there are signalmen in
charge. If there be four arms on the shaft or spindle a quarter revolution
will suffice to change the signal, and by this arrangement in connection with
my former Invention above referred to the signalman can set a signal "to
danger" and "all right" alternately eight times at least after each train, and
by electro-magnetic indications for the purpose he can at any time ascertain
in a moment the indications of the signal, and control them as required, how-
ever distant and far out of sight. The small motive weight or spring might
be wound up like that of a clock for a day or even a week's action, but I at
present prefer the mode and means before described.

page_text: 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 May 1866.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, CHARLES
FREDERICK WHITWORTH, of Lawton's Hotel, Upper Mill, Saddleworth, in the
County of York, Civil Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, in the twenty-ninth 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 APPARATUS FOR SIGNALLING ON RAILWAYS," upon the con-
dition (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:-
The first part of this Invention relates to improvements on former apparatus
described in the Specification of Letters Patent granted to me, bearing date
May 2nd 1862, No. 1300. These present improvements have for their object
an increase of the benefits to be derived from my former Invention, making it
more effective, certain, and perfect in operation.
The second part of this Invention relates to means for communicating
signals between different parts of trains in motion. It also relates to audible
signals of alarm to be given to drivers of trains in motion from stations or
other parts of the line.

page_text: The chief objects of the second part are,―
1st, to obtain the most ready and effectual means of communication by
signal to and fro between the guard and the driver of any passenger, luggage,
or other train; 2nd, to convey both to the driver and the guard an immediate
intimation of danger when any train is accidentally disrupted in transitu ;
3rd, to provide means of direct information to the guard, which, at discretion,
he can impart to the driver if any carriage be alarmingly unsteady, or as it
may be off the line of rails or otherwise causing danger; 4th, to insure
means of notice and speedy protection when passengers are in imminent danger
or extreme alarm, especially from fire, or from some treachery, or brutal
violence; 5th, to provide on the train itself means of alarm to drivers and
guards in danger, especially during fogs and where trains have to pass through
local obscurities.
This alarm signal is brought into operation for its purpose by apparatus, or
portions thereof, provided in the first part of this Invention; but the instru-
ments for this object are also modified to act either in connection with
the ordinary distant signal or as temporary inclined fixtures for special
occasions.
The improvements on my former Invention mentioned above are as
follows First, a bell apparatus, which is represented by Figures 1 and 2 of
the Drawings. Experience has shown me that the hammer of a common
electric bell when acted upon by the usual intermittent magnetic force only
is, for certain reasons, not to be relied on for constant and infallible operation,
and moreover that the bell when so struck is not so loud as is desirable for
its purpose, viz., the announcement of trains when yet distant at call stations
and crossings on the level. For a general announcement at such places I
now therefore propose to use a gong a to be struck by the fall of a hammer 1,
whose descent from a position of rest nearly over its centre or axle 2 is the
result of force imparted from an electric current to a magnet 3, the traction
of whose keeper 4 forces another vertically poised lever 5 to fall over its
centre 6, and cause the descent of the hammer 1 upon the gong a. The
current, instead of being dependent for its transmission on the slight and
uncertain contact afforded by the delicate spring 8 used for vibratory action
on the bell 9, will here pass through a more perfect metallic connection not
liable to interruption from corrosion, dust, or dirt, the medium of connection
being by preference quicksilver contained in cups 10, 11, 12.
The mercury
in the cup 10 is for the earth current, that in the cups 11 and 12 is in con-
nection with the line wire; but I would still have the intermittent bell 9, also
acted upon by a second magnet 13, whose power is obtained by the transfer of

page_text: an electric current from the coil of the before-mentioned magnet 3 to that of
this second magnet 13, which is arranged to cause vibratory intermittent
action in the usual manner on the second bell. Upon the axis 2 of the
hammer 1 are formed small arms 14, which are capable of acting upon either
of two small arms 15, 16, formed on the axis 17, on which are also fixed the
two arms 18, 19, one of which 18 is capable of dipping into the mercury
contained in the cup 11, when communication for the flow of electricity will be
opened between the cups 10 and 11 through the magnet 3, and the other.
arm 19 is also capable of dipping into the mercury contained in the cup 12,
when communication between the cups 10 and 11 will cease and be between
the cups 10 and 12 through the magnet 13. These changes are effected
by the action of the small arms 14. The transfer is thus obtained by the fall
of the hammer (1) that descends on the gong a, as above stated; for this action,
in raising one end of the curved connecting bar 18, 19, fixed on the axle 17
from an immersion or contact with quicksilver in one cup 11, and depressing.
the other, makes and breaks a connection with the wires of each respectively,.
terminating as they do in one cup or the other. This second bell 9 is to give
the signalman an intimation as to the kind of train announced by the former
bella, and to make the distinct announcement of each train doubly certain.
The curved lever 20 on the shaft 21 is used to raise the hammer 5 by means
of the horns or arms 22 affixed on that shaft 21, acting on similar arms or
horns 23 on the axis 6; a stud or projection 24 from the outer end of the
arm 20 acts upon the hammer. This lever 20 is worked by a key or by a
lever arm on the outside of the box acting on the shaft or axis 21.
Another improvement in my apparatus before referred to relates to addi-
tional protection to be derived therefrom when two or more such signals are
used in immediate sequence, say, a mile more or less apart. The main wire
to the releasing magnet will by this improvement be so interrupted occa-
sionally that there will be no current of electricity, and therefore no power in
the magnet to cause the release of the back signal to "all clear" until the
next signal in advance. has already been set to indicate "danger" by the
train. And from the yet further position of the inclined instruments which
cause a releasing current, as hereafter described, the train will not release the
back signal until it has made a further advance of a quarter of a mile or more
beyond the signal last, set to danger. The continuation of the main line or
releasing wire is interrupted as a conductor when required by a separation
into two parts at or very near to the signal post. One of these parts, or a
metallic branch therefrom, ends within the post a (see Figures 3 and 4, with
immersion in quicksilver contained in a small cup f; a flexible branch from

page_text: the other part terminates within the post a in the quicksilver in the cup g.
d is a rod used in this case in substitution for the pin link chain i, described for,
a similar purpose in the Specification of my said former patent. On this rod d
is fixed a collar of india-rubber d¹, around which is coiled a piece of copper.
platinized wire e, the ends of which descend respectively into the quicksilver con-
tained in the two cups and g, when, by the descent of the weight h the rod &
is drawn down in causing the signal to indicate "danger;" but the rod d will
rise when the signal is again released to indicate "all clear," and carrying the
curved wire e with it will cause a break of metallic connection between the.
two branches of the main wire. Thus there is no current of electricity past
this signal to release one further back, except when the former one is at
"danger."
Another improvement relates to means for connecting the main releasing
wires with earth wires or their equivalents, for the purpose in such manner
that the release of back signals may be prevented at the discretion of the
drivers or guards of trains who may find their trains or engines suddenly dis-
abled, or their immediate and regular advance impolitic or dangerous. This
improvement I effect by means of a lever within the guard's van, by acting on.
which he is enabled to elevate or remove a curved arm or other suitable pro-
jection pendent from his van, which otherwise by a gradual action on an
inclined board or other counter-weighted or spring lever near the rail would
occasion a metallic contact between the releasing line wire and a wire
from the rails, which taking effect as an earth wire induces an electric
current that occasions the release of the signal from the position indicating
danger" to that which represents "all clear."
66
Another improvement in the above-mentioned Invention relates to means.
for preventing an accidental action of the releasing lever m³ of the signal
described in my said former Specification, whose descent by causing a sepa-.
ration of the catch k, and pall 7 occasions the signal to assume the indications:
for "all clear;" this improvement is to counteract the injurious effects now.
possible from an accidental blow, or the extreme agitation of some very heavy.
engine whilst setting the signal to "danger." The improvement is effected by
the action of a rod i causing a slight lever pressure through the lever j to.
retain the vertical releasing lever m³ of the signal in its position of rest so.
long as a passing train is depressing the lever k of the main weight acting
on the shaft of that lever k; but the reaction of this weight, by occasioning.
a countermotion of the rod i, leaves the releasing lever m³ free to act when.
the train has entirely passed by the signal and left it indicating "danger."
Another improvement in my former Invention above mentioned relates to

page_text: the use of different materials adapted to each other, and their purpose in
combination for the axles, and the bearings for the axles of those levers whose
operation might be liable to occasional obstruction by the varying friction
consequent on any corrosion and adhesion of the metals in common use for
such purposes.
The materials I use for such axles is hard and tough wood,
such as box, and for the bearings I use glass rings or bushes, which may be
cut from strong glass tubes; but I fix these glass bushes within rings of vul-
canized india-rubber, and I impregnate the ends of the axles where there is
any bearing with plumbago or other antifrictional substance. An arrange-
ment according to this part of the improvements is shown in operation at
Figure 5, where a is the axis. The ends a' or bearing parts of which are
formed to touch the bearings only at the central parts thereof, and those ends
or necks turn in glass bearings 6 supported in india-rubber rings c.
b
Another improvement relates to apparatus for operating on signals or on
levers affecting them by means of the expansive force of compressed air.
This compression is effected by bellows or air pump, worked either manually
or by leverage acted upon by passing trains, and its expansive force is con-
veyed by a tube or tubes connected with a second air vessel having a moveable
cover, which by suitable leverage operates upon signals to effect their retention
in a position that indicates danger, or to effect other operations which may
be desired for signalling.
As an improvement on my former Invention referred to above, and on other
signals, I also employ apparatus which, when a signal is set to indicate
danger, causes an instrument to assume an inclined position that will take
effect gradually on an alarm lever fixed to the engine, and connected with
means of causing an audible alarm to the driver by operations on alarum
steam whistle or detonating signal. I also employ inclined instruments for
similar effects, whose connections may be modified so as to be actuated by the
inflation of bellows mentioned above, or to be portable and readily applied to
the sleepers or otherwise for temporary or special protection. The inclined
instruments which I use for simultaneous action with signals is a narrow
board working on hinge or other joints, and placed parallel to and near one
of the rails. This board is raised and lowered a little at one end by means of
a short arm placed underneath it and fixed to a transverse rocking shaft. The
motion of this shaft required for effecting the upward action and inclined
position of the board is obtained by the weight or leverage which causes the
signal to indicate danger, and the motion required for the return of this board
to a level position is obtained by the weight or leverage which causes the
signal to indicate "all clear." The motions of the working shaft to actuate

page_text: such inclines or inclined boards (described in respect of Figure 17) are in
some cases obtained by means of a lever or arm, and which keyed on to ono
end of the working shaft has connection with bellows, which as before
described may be acted on by inflation either manually or otherwise. Such
motions of the inclines are also obtained by connecting a lever or arm on the
rocking shaft with such arrangements of wire and other parts as influenced
by weights and levers act on distant signals, which may be of the ordinary
kind; and if these inclines are required to operate in conjunction with these
signals a lever or arm from the rocking shaft is applied in connection with
the weight or weighted lever of the signal, so that the rise and fall of the
lever will occasion the motions of the rocking shaft required for the proper
rise and fall of the incline.
3
For means of communicating audible and visible signals between different
parts of the same train, according to the second part of this Invention, I use
batteries carried by the train to cause electric currents to be conducted and to
act when required through magnets, so as to occasion sounds adapted for the
several purposes of notice or alarm, and the special intimation which may be
required by the guard or the driver from each other. For exciting and conduct-
ing electric currents I apply metallic rods and apparatus for their connection as
required to each carriage. The main conductive rods of each carriage when
for use are joined with those of the next by means of flexible wires and
metallic extensions through instruments which, whilst retaining the wires in
some slight tension, freely permit the perpetual variations of length required
for the variations of space between the carriages. The instruments greatly
facilitate the acts of connection, and they also serve to cause an immediate
alarm on any casual or malicious disruption of the connecting wires. Each
of the batteries is in metallic contact with one or more of the axles of the
carriage which conveys it, or with some sufficient substitute for an earth wire
at the one end, at the other end when in use it has contact also with main or
line rods and wires, which are carried as may be most convenient, over, under,
or between the carriages, and by them are capable of connections with other
rods or instruments, and these being in contact with some one of the axles or
other equivalent for an earth wire will on such connection occasion an imme-
diate flow of electricity, which will cause magnets arranged for such purposes
to release or set in motion the hammers or bells, and other mechanical
instruments of notice or alarm, hereafter more fully described. I use two
lines of main rods as conductors, by preference, over or under each carriage,
each of these rods or a branch therefrom terminates in contact with quick-
silver at one end of the carriage, and with a spring at the other. An

page_text: arrangement for this purpose is shown at Figures 6, 7, and 8, where the
spring a, which is in metallic contact with a main rod at a¹, is shown to have
constant contact with the axle 6 of a small protected or covered roller c, which
from the effect of a screw thread 6* on the axle 6, and a corresponding thread
in one of its bearings d, has a short lateral motion when revolving. Around
the roller ca covered flexible wire e is coiled, having metallic connection with
the end 6 of the axle 6 of this roller at one end; the other end of the wire e,
when in use, is extended from the coil directly to the next carriage, where by
means of the pin e¹ it is connected with quicksilver in the socket h, where
also the conducting rod of that carriage terminates, but when not in use the
flexible wire need not be so extended to the next carriage, but the pin is then
simply fixed in an eye provided for it near the roller c. From the influence.
of a spring affixed at one end to the axle f, and at the other end to the inside
of the roller f¹, which by the band g is connected to the roller c¹ on the
axis b; the roller c has a constant tendency to revolve and take upon its
barrel all the flexible wire e, but this is counteracted by the retention of the
wire whether in an eye or in the tube h; when however this wire is let loose,
either by division or an accidental release at either end, a rapid revolution of
the roller causes the lateral motion of its axle until this makes contact with
the metallic conductor i in metallic connection with a wire i¹ to the axles of
the carriage, which acting as an earth wire causes a flow of electricity from
that battery which has connection with it through a series of similar rods,
extensions, and instruments attached to each carriage, and arranged in con-
nection throughout the train.
One line of such rods, instruments of contact, and flexible connections is
arranged along the carriages near one side of the train, and another line near
the other side, the near side being in connection with a driver's larum appa-
ratus, and the other with the guard's in his own van. These two apparatus
are very similar. That in the guard's van is shown by Figures 9, 10, and 11,
and is hereafter described. Each of these men by using a simple hand lever
hear him can make contact between the main wire extension terminating
there and a conductor to the axle of the carriage or engine or other equi-
valent for an earth wire, and thus they can act on each other's larums at will.
For the use of passengers in danger demanding the immediate attention of
the guard I provide convenient hand levers in each compartment of secluded
compartments of carriages, whose motion by effecting a contact between a
main rod and an earth wire or its equivalent an axle of the carriage will
cause an electric current to occasion the sound of the alarm in the guard's
This motion also effects the protrusion of a flashing metallic disc from
van.

page_text: each side of that carriage occupied by the operator who gives the alarm.
Each hand lever is also an inevitable tell-tale as to the particular compart-
ment of the operator upon it, and the flashing discs are irreversible indicators
of the carriage requiring the guard's immediate and especial attention. These
effects are thus obtained:-Each hand lever moves on a hinge or other joint,
and it is connected to a short rod or arm which passes up through the top of
the carriage into a cover; the arm of the lever has suitable connection with
the lever or other arm of a rocking shaft a (as indicated at Figures 12, 13,
14, 15, 16), fixed transversely in bearings on the end of the carriage, and
retained in the position required for inaction by a spring b. But the hand
lever on being pulled downwards causes a motion of this shaft a, which
liberates two short arms c, c, that then spring forth each from a thin box or
case d each at its respective end of the shaft a, and hold out double flashing
discs e beyond the two sides of the carriage. The release of the two arms c of
the discs c¹ being caused by pressure on their catches f effected by the motion
of the rocking shaft a, and the lateral motion of these arms c being by
the action of springs 9, 9, the flashing discs c¹ cannot be replaced in their
respective covers without previously replacing the shaft a in its normal
position, which involves an opening of one of the signal cases d, or a special
key applied to the shaft h, in order by means of the projection h¹ to press
forward the conducting bar j, thereby releasing the catch a* (affixed on the
shaft a) from contact with the moveable connecting bar j. Nor without such
opening of the case or special key to release the catch a" can the hand lever
when drawn from its normal position be caused to remain. otherwise than
pendant at an angle from the roof, with its connecting rod drawn through,
affording visible evidence of facts to be explained by some occupant, for the
horizontal position of the hand lever is due to the normal position of the
rocking shaft a. A bell or other similar larum in the compartment is also
struck in the motion of the hand lever, so that it will be evident to other
occupants when the alarm is given, and whose the hand that gave it. An
additional point of contact between the main wire and an axle or earth wire
may, in preference, be caused by one or other of the arms which bear the
flashing discs during its action, and in the position it assumes when these
arms are released,, as above described, by any passenger, but it might not be
so safe to depend on this connection alone if known to malevolent persons,
that all communication were dependent on the perfect action of the flashing
arms of a carriage, because it is possible to prevent their action in a moment
without discovery..
That this apparatus may not interfere with the convenience of reversing

page_text: carriages, there is at each end of the transverse shaft a a similar instru-
ment j in both signal cases d for connecting either of the main rods A with
an axle or earth wire through the wires % and 7, and as one of these main
rods is continued and connected for operation on the guard's larum, and 'the
other on that of the driver, the motion of the rocking shaft a would at onee
cause the sound of both; the passengers might interfere with the driver if not
prevented. To make the means of preventing this evil obvious it must be
understood that in each of the flashing signal cases & the moveable bar jis
used for making contact between the main rod A, to which it is connected,
and an axle or earth wire 7. Before any carriage proceeds on its course one
of these bars, say that within the case nearest the off or further side of the
carriage, as a rule, is fixed back, as indicated by Figare 14, by means of the
catch h¹ within the notch of the lever j. This act may readily be done on
opening the case or by the action of the key on the axle h of a stop lever h¹,
which, when in position, prevents this contact, and therefore the earth current
therefrom on that side of the carriage where the main rods and wire lead to
the driver's larum.
The apparatus for notice or alarm are thus placed; one for the driver is
fixed near him, another for the guard (see Figures 9, 10, 11,) is in his van at
the other end of the train. On the driver's apparatus passengers, as just
above shown, cannot operate; but the driver and guard have facilities for
acting on each other's larum at will. The electric current will also affect the
magnet of the driver's larum, so as to produce a continuous sound and other
indications of danger when the alarm lever mentioned above is acted upon
from the station or other part of the line by any of the inclined instruments
noticed as forming a portion of the first part of this Invention.
That part of this Invention which may be called the driver's alarm I
prefer to fix in front of him and on the weather plate of the engine or driver's
protection, if there be one. The principal agent of these alarms is a common
larum a, in a thin small box or case b, with an opening arched over to keep
out the wet, and yet allow the emission of sound. Within this case 6 there is
also a magnet c, whose coil is in contact with one of the batteries above
mentioned, and with the main rods, instruments, and line wires which extend
to a connecting lever in the guard's van. The magnet c is empowered to
release a catch d by the attraction of its keeper e, and thus to liberate the
powers of the larum when an electric current in passing through its coil, and
the current is caused by instruments above described, which make contact
between the axles of the carriages or other equivalents for earth wires and the
main or line wire, or some of its metallic connections. When thus liberated

page_text: the larum will give intermittant or continuous signals by sound in accordance
with the will or the action of the operator. But if unheard or unheeded by
the driver a powerful auxiliary to the little larum bell close to his head also
will expose him, for the action of the larum if but a little prolonged without
notice will cause a large gong to be struck in the guard's van, or a whistle to
be opened on the engine, not only to arouse him but as an evidence of a most
dangerous stupidity and neglect..
The following are arrangements and operations of the auxiliary alarm
apparatus:-The hammer f of the gong g is the longest and only weighted
arm of a triple lever h, which is within a second thin box. or case i fixed to
the same plate as the larum case b..above mentioned, and by its side. This
triple lever his capable of free-motion on its centre, a stud pin h', but it rests
nearly upright, and in this position it is retained by the arm of a check lever j
opposite to one of its short arms h³, then directly pendent. The stud or
centre pin of this second. or stop lever j is laterally about two inches apart,
and an inch below the stud pin or centre of the triple lever h, h², h³. But the
second or stop lever . has a second.and broad arm, over which is the third
arm h³ of the triple or hammer lever h. The stop lever is then nearly
horizontal, but its broad arm 23 is curved a little down towards the end
where there is a shackle k connected to a cord k¹, which passing over anti-
friction pulleys into the larum case is there coiled. round and fastened on the
axle 1 of the spring or motive wheel m (indicated by red circle) of the larum.
It follows then that when the magnetic power is excited to draw back the
keeper (which at other times forms a secure catch at d and stop to the
action of the larum), the axle of the larum's motive wheel m winds up the
cord k¹, and in raising the broad or shackled end of the stop lever³ it not
only lowers the other end, thus removing the check from the lower arm h*
of the triple lever b, but it also drives the weighted arm h of the hammer f
over its centre, causing the fall of the head f with the force due to its
ponderance on the gong g. The difference between these apparatus when for
the use of the driver and of the guard is that in that for the driver the
hammer has a fixed axis, which being extended is connected. by suitable
leverage to act on a whistle. The shaft of the hammer is also longer and the
weight or head heavier as a motive power to act on the whistle.
By the winding up of this or other such cord h¹ on a similarly actuated
spring axle (which in reality is a power of about twenty pounds) I also, if
required or preferred; operate upon connections with a whistle or upon a
vertical heavy or spring hammer arranged to strike and discharge a detonating

page_text: signal on the other side of the weather plate of the engine, or in any other
convenient position on the train.
The apparatus and general instruments of connection for the guard's alarm
being so similar to those which relate to the driver's as regards the larum 'and
gong (which may suffice for the van) it will be unnecessary to revert to them
further, but I may remark generally that the proper insulations and suitable
connections which to any intelligent electrician would appear requisite, must
be carefully observed in the application, especially on the engine and the
tender; and I may also remark that for cattle, mineral, and luggage trains
(by no means to be excluded from the benefits of this Invention), the main
or line rods, wires, and instruments may be more conveniently carried for the
most part below the carriages or waggons of the train.
Having mentioned an alarm lever that may be carried pendent from the
engine or some other parts of à train to be operated upon when inclined
boards are raised for the purpose, with or without signals, especially in fogs
and other extraordinary dangers, I must now remark that this alarm lever is
arranged to cause contact between an axle or its equivalent as an earth wire
and the driver's larum apparatus, so as to give an alarm above described.
Whenever in passing over such inclines, such as shown at Figure 15, the
lower limb of a pendent lever is gradually put in motion and elevated thereby.
Or in preference this pendent lever may be used to liberate a heavy weight
or a spring hammer mechanically arranged, as shown and described in case i,
Figure 9, to strike a loud gong, discharge a detonating sigual, or open a
steam whistle when either from negligence or an obstructed vision the driver
is unconscious of an imminent danger in his advance. In case of the dis-
regard of signals these very audible reports will be tell-tales against drivers,
and therefore constant inducements to vigilance.
I have described above a simple means of connection between conductive
rods, wires, and instruments, and I will here remark that where the parts for
contact cannot be fastened with solder I would coat them with platinum, if
not composed of that metal. But for the insurance of conductive connexion
I prefer that the main rods and conductive instruments terminate at the
point of contact with immersion in mercury, with which either in preference
or in addition to the harder metallic connections above noticed contact may
be made by modifications to favor the immersion of parts required to make
and break contact.
I have also described the reaction of compressed air as a power to be used
for operating on distant signals. But for the purpose of resetting signals to

page_text: danger, either with or without the simultaneous action of inclined boards, I
prefer to use a small weight as the motive power, as shown at Figures 3 and 4.
This weight suspended by a cord or chain which is coiled round the fixed
roller or pulley 2 gives to the shaft y within the hollow post a a tendency to
revolve. On the shaft y is fixed a disc 8, which is grooved almost to its
centre, and on the shaft of the signal arms is a deeply-notched lever arm 5,
whose projections when the signal indicates "all clear," come within the
groove of the disc, so that when the power weight A is released a series of
pins through the disc 3 operate by degrees against the projections of the
arm 5 in succession, and cause a quarter revolution of the shaft ³ and signal
arms thereon, which are then retained in position by the pall 7, as when set by
the action of the power weight on the depression of the main lever k by the
passing trains, as described in the Specification of my former Patent above
mentioned. The cord or chain 1 descending from its coil on the roller 2 is
coiled and fastened on another roller 6 fixed on the shaft 7 below, and this
shaft 7 having bearings for one end at 8 within the hollow post a has bearings
at 9 within the resetting case 10, wherein is arranged apparatus provided to
release and control the action of. the power weight. This case 10 is firmly
united to the hollow post a, and within it on the shaft 7 is fixed the disc 11,
from which the two pins 12 and 13 project, and in their revolution they come
in contact with the catch or pall 14. This pall 14 being similar to the catch
or pall mentioned above and described in the Specification of my former
Patent, and in like manner operated on by the fall of a weighted lever when
acted upon by magnetic force, I need do little more than refer to the indica-
tions of the Drawing in the upper part of this resetting case and the said
Specification. But in this case when through the action of the weighted
lever either of the pins 12 or 13 is released, the power weight A will
occasion a revolving motion of the disc 11, during which the two pins w
and v will respectively operate successively on the levers 15, 16, fixed on the
same axle as the weighted lever z, and their resetting of this lever will permit
the pall 14 to catch each of the pins 12 and 13 after a semi-revolution of the
disc, and this is the motion required to operate (through the cord or chain 1
and the rollers 2 and 6 the pins of the grooved disc 8, and the notched lever-5
on the shaft of the signal arms) for setting them to indicate danger. The
release of the pins 12 and 13 from the pall or catch 14 is effected in like
manner as the release of the catch and detent k, so that to describe the one
will suffice to indicate the other. The weighted lever Z in Figure 4* rests
against a pin z, and is drawn over its centre by the magnet 3, which when
excited draws the keeper carried by the lever, thereby causing the

page_text: lever to move the arm z fixed on the spindle, thereby causing the
weighted lever z to fall over its centre, which brings the short arm with
force under the pin affixed on the end of the pall 14, and releases the
pin 12 and allows the disc 11 to make a partial revolution. At the end of
the shaft 7 is fixed a crank 17, which is connected to an air vessel 18 fixed
below, which by having very small air holes instead of a valve, whether
moving up or down, will serve therefore to retard the motion of the weight A;
and consequently the action of the pins 12 and 13 when coming in contact
with the pall 14. The weight I prefer to wind up as required, but a cord or
chain may be so connected with the end of the lever 19, which operates on
the bellows 20, that the action of that lever on the passage of trains will
effect a partial elevation of the power weight A. The apparatus in the
case 10 above described, for resetting signals to danger, is also adapted to
raise a board 21, such as that shown by side view, Figure 17, on hinge or other
joint 22 to an " position at the side of the rail, and this board 21 may
be let fall alte
same action of the same weight and leverage of
the resetting apparatus, or it may by preference, be otherwise released by the
operation of a signal connected therewith. For raising the incline 21 an
arm 23 fixed on the transverse shaft 24 must be caused to move under the
incline 21. This transverse shaft 24 works in bearings a little below the
level of the rails at one end, and at the other it may have bearings within the
bellows box of the hollow signal post a, and be operated upon so as to rise
and fall by means of leverage worked by a tappet on the shaft 7, Fig. 3.
When this arrangement is in operation the engine is supplied with a jointed
pendent lever, so arranged laterally and vertically that when the incline 21
is raised such lever in passing over it will be moved and caused to operate
upon a connecting wire to cups of quicksilver arranged to make contact
between an earth wire and a branch wire from that which is connected with
the magnet of the driver's alarm apparatus, in manner such as above
described.
Figures 18 and 19 represent a bell indicator on the same principle as the
announcing bell, Figures 1 and 2, and it may be so modified with 3 instead of
2 cups as to act upon a vibratory bell, also upon or near its frame, like the
vibratory bell 9. I use this indicator to tell the position of distant signals
in general in the form here represented, and in its modified form I use
it to indicate that the signal has duly operated when being set to danger or
all right by means of the releasing and resetting apparatus. The hammer
lever 24 may be reset for action, and the end of the curved conducting wire
25 replaced within the mercury in the cup 26 as the little hand lever 27

page_text: (which is capable of elevating the interior curved lever 28, and the weighted
lever or hammer 24 with it) will indicate. But the lever 27 may be modified
and connected with a small chain or flexible branch from that wire which
operates on the distant signal, so that whenever the ordinary hand lever of the
signal is used to set the distant signal "all clear" the lever 28 will raise the
hammer 24, and cause the end of the conducting wire 25 to be replaced in
the cup 26 as when operated upon by the little hand lever 27; 31 is a collar
of india-rubber fixed by a screw. It is intended to cause the rebound of the
hammer from the bell 32. These indicators may either be affixed by bolts or
pins to low posts 4 or 5 feet high near the hand lever of the distant signal, or
they may be affixed to the wall within the signalman's hut as the holes through
the bottom part of the frame 33 indicate. Suitable connections are to be
made with a main or line wire, and a branch from the signal where it is
connected with apparatus hereafter described and between the same main or
line wire, and a branch to this bell apparatus, Figures 18 and 19, where this.
branch should have connection with the coil of the magnet 34, and thence
with the mercury in one of the two cups 26 and 35, the other cup having the.
end of an earth wire immersed in its quicksilver. As the proper connections
will be obvious to practical railway electricians, it is not necessary to describe.
them further, but I may here remark that economy may in some cases dictate
a partial use of the ordinary distant signal wire as a line wire. In this case
it must be insulated at least where it has contact with the levers (that is at
both ends), and the pin links or shackles shewn at Figures 20, 21, 22, 23,
which have collars of india-rubber 36, and interior side pieces 37 of the same
are simple instruments adapted for this purpose.
Figures 24 and 25 represent a single post to which the apparatus for acting
on the bell indicator Figures 18 and 19 is fixed. In Figure 24 the arm is
represented (by red lines) as indicating "all clear," and the curved conducting
wire t is represented as carried up from contact with the quicksilver in the
cups and 2. But the black lines of the post 24 represent the signal as
indicating danger" with the curved conductor t connecting the metal in the
two caps t¹, t, in one of which t* is immersed the end of a wire t³ connected
with the rails, which act as an earth wire in the other cup, t¹ is the end of a
branch wire t', connected with the main or line wire leading to the indicating
5 bell Figures 18 and 19. Therefore when the arm to of the signal post is
elevated to indicate "danger" as shown by the black lines an electric current
will pass from end to end through the cups, the line wire, the magnet, and
battery causing the fall of the hammer 24 on the bell 32 the moment this
signal arm is duly indicating "danger," and the current will cease the

page_text: moment the falling of the hammer 24 causes the curved conducting wire 25
to ascend from the cup 26 (as before described), thereby breaking the electric
current. The signal indicator either with or without a vibratory bell is also
used to show when the distant signal duly acts in accordance with the respective
levers which may be used to effect a release or a resetting to "danger" or "to
all clear as may be required. The connection of the main wires with
battery and earth wires for the purpose of release may be made by a simple
hand lever connecting the line wire or a branch therefrom through the
magnetic coil and battery to the earth wire; or this operation may be per-
formed by the moveable projection for this purpose which is before described
as in the guard's van, or by the action of the flange of the wheel on a main
weighted lever, letting fall a curved conductor suspended from a lever into
cups of quicksilver, from which respectively are branch wires, the one con-
nected with a line wire, and the other with the earth where it has contact
with the rails to insure an earth current.
Figure 26 represents an improvement on the lever r and connections there-
with as described in my said former Specification for indicating the position
and action of the distant signal. This apparatus is also indicated in its posi
tion in connection with the axle 2, Figure 3, which operates thereon by means
of the branch lever 7, which is formed with two arms 7, 7, to act alternately
to raise and lower the wire 2 in and out of the cups of mercury b and c, which
are respectively connected to the main and earth wires.
Having thus described my Invention, and means by which I. carry
the same
into effect, I would have it understood that I do not confine myself to the
precise arrangements of parts. as shown and described, as such may be varied
without departing from the peculiar character of the improvements, but what
I claim is,
First, the adapting or combining parts forming bell apparatus for announcing
at stations and crossings on the level, or at opening bridges, substantially as
.described.
Secondly, I claim the adapting or combining parts whereby magnetic
power is transferred to a second bell for the purpose of prolonging sound
until a train has passed a distant signal which it sets to danger, substantially
as described.
Thirdly, I claim the adapting or combining parts whereby the severance
and connection of the main conducting wires for back signalling is effected, so
that such signals may remain when required to indicate "caution" to drivers
(unless there be another signal in advance indicating "danger"), substantially
as described.

page_text: Fourthly, I claim the adapting or combining means for effecting a connec-
tion between an earth wire or its equivalent and a main wire leading to the
back signal, so that the guard can at his option prevent the release to "all
clear" when he may find his train incapable of advancing as required for
safety, in manner substantially as described.
Fifthly, I claim the adapting or combining means for preventing the
accidental release of signals which should be set and left indicating danger by
each passing train in manner substantially as explained.
Sixthly, I claim the use or application of axles of hard and tough wood in
glass bearings with india-rubber packings for the axles of levers that are
liable to be occasionally obstructed by a little extra friction or adhesion,
substantially as explained.
Seventhly, I claim the means of operating on signals as required by the
expansive force of compressed air, substantially as described.
Eighthly, I claim the mode of applying inclined instruments, and means
of causing moveable arms to rise near the rails, and form inclines for effecting
a gradual action on arms or levers pendent from trains as described.
Ninthly, I claim the arranging main rods and wires on and between the
carriages of a train, and their general connection with the batteries and the
earth wires and hand levers used by the guard and driver for effecting them,
substantially as described.
-
Tenthly, I claim the use of flashing discs and hand levers within the
carriages to release these discs, and cause contact with earth wires so as to
induce electric currents which occasion alarms in the guard's van, substantially
as described.
Eleventhly, I claim the means for preventing the effect of the passengers'
hand lever on the driver's larum so that passengers can only call forth the
guard's attention, substantially as described.
Twelfthly, I claim the operating on larums, gongs, and steam whistles,
substantially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles Frederick Whitworth, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of May, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.
C. F. WHITWORTH. (L.S.)