IMPROVEMENTS IN SIGNALLING ON RAILWAYS AND MEANS OR APPARATUS THEREFOR."
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Wallich Biddulph, of East Sheen, in the County
of Surrey, for an Invention of." IMPROVEMENTS IN SIGNALLING ON RAILWAYS
AND MEANS OR APPARATUS THEREFOR."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Wallich Biddulph at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th November 1880.
WILLIAM WALLICH BIDDULPH, of East Sheen, in the County of Surrey.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN SIGNALLING ON RAILWAYS AND MEANS OR APPARATUS
THEREFOR."
:
One part of my Invention is designed to afford at each signal box or signal
station on a line of railway an approximate indication as to the position of any
train travelling between such signal box or signal station and the next in either
direction. For this purpose I provide at each place where such indications are
required an instrument having a suitably marked disc or indicator, and means for
driving and arresting or locking the same in such manner that it may be released.
temporarily by the train closing or breaking an electric circuit from time to time
as it passes predetermined points along the line, whereupon the disc or indicator is,
by its driving mechanism, caused to make a partial rotation, or other suitable
movement that shews the train has passed the respective part of the line. Thus,
supposing the distance between two stations (which I will call a section)" to be
divided for the purposes of my Invention into, say, seven sub-sections or lengths,
one mode of employing my Invention is as follows:-At six different points along
the line (which for clearness I will call A, B, C, D, E, F,) are placed apparatus by
which trains make electric contact with the telegraph wires and report themselves
as it were to each signal station. At each such station is a disc which is made to
revolve slowly by clock work or other notive power. It is however restrained by
a pawl on an armature controlled by an electro magnet. The disc is divided into
six segments corresponding with the six contact points on the line.
I will now suppose a train to have left the one station and to be travelling
towards A. On moving over the contact point at A a current is passed through the
Price 1

page_text: electro-magnet in the signal boxes at the two stations, i.c., that the train is
travelling from and that towards which it is proceeding. Thus the armatures are
momentarily raised thereby, allowing the discs to revolve till brought up by the
pawls at the mark corresponding to A. The same occurs as the train passes B, and
again as it passes C, and so on, and on the train reaching the station at the end of
the section the two discs will have made a complete revolution.
For working on the absolute "block" system one extra wire and one disc at
each end of each section of line will suffice for each line, i.e., "up" and "down."
According to a modification of my Invention I provide at each signal station a
separate disc or indicator for each subsection of line, dispensing with clockwork or
other driving power.
Another part of my Invention has reference to the mode of making the electrical
contact as required at different parts along the line, and to effect this I utilize the
deflection or depression of the rails caused by the passing trains. The deflection or
depression of the rail is caused to operate a contact point or piece by acting upon
a suitable device, it may be a lever or arm that automatically returns and causes
the circuit to be broken after the train has passed.
Another part of my Invention has for object to indicate in an audible manner to
the signalmen at both ends of a section of line when the signal of either is in the
lowered or "line clear" position. To this end I provide at each end of the section
a gong or alarum with a striker arranged to be operated electrically, and I control
the current by the signal lever at one end of the section, so that the gongs or
alarums at both places shall continue ringing so long as the said lever is in the
position corresponding to the "lowered" or "line clear" attitude of the signal it
operates.
As is obvious various arrangements of apparatus may be constructed to operate
according to my Invention, as hereinabove set forth.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Wallich Biddulph in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
13th May. 1881.
WILLIAM WALLICH BIDDULPH, of East Sheen, in the County of Surrey.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN SIGNALLING ON RAILWAYS AND MEANS OR APPARATUS.
THEREFOR"
One part of my Invention is designed to afford at each signal box or signal
station on a line of railway an approximate indication as to the position of any
train travelling between such signal box or signal station and the next in either
direction.
For this purpose I provide at each place wherein such indications are required
an instrument having a suitably marked disc or indicator, and means for driving
and arresting or locking the same in such manner that it may be released
temporarily by tho train closing or breaking an electric circuit from time to time
as it passes predetermined points along the line, whereupon the disc or indicator is
by its driving mechanism caused to make a partial rotation or other suitable
movement that shows the train has passed the respective part of the line. Thus
supposing the distance between two stations (which I will call a section) to be
divided for the purposes of my Invention into, say, seven sub-sections or lengths
one mode of applying my Invention is as follows:-At six different points along
the line (which for clearness I will call A, B, C, D, E, F), are placed apparatus by.
which trains make clectric contact with the telegraph wires, and report themselves
as it were to each signal station. At each such station is a disc which is made to
revolve slowly by clockwork or other motivo power. It is however restrained by
a pawl on an armature controlled by an electro-magnet. The disc is divided into
six segments, corresponding with the six contact points on the line.
I will now suppose a train to have left the one station and to bo travelling
towards A. On moving over the contact point at A, a current is passed through
the electro-magnets in the signal boxes at the two stations, i.e., that the train is
travelling from and that towards which it is proceeding. Thus the armatures are
momentarily raised, thereby allowing the discs to revolve till brought up by the
pawls at the mark corresponding to A. The same occurs as the train passes B,
and again as it passes C, and so on, and on the train reaching the station at the
end of the section the two discs will have made a complete revolution.
For working on the absolute "block" system, one extra wire and one disc at
each end of each section of line will suffice for each line ie., "up" and "down."
According to a modification of my Invention, I provide at each signal station
a separate disc or indicator for each sub-section of line, dispensing with clock
work,
Another part of my Invention has reference to the mode of making the electrical
contact as required at different points along the line, and to effect this I utilise the
deflection or depression of the rails caused by the passing trains. The deflection
or depression of the rail is caused to operate a contact point or piece by acting
upon a suitable device, it may be a lever or arm that automatically returns and
causes the circuit to be broken after the train has passed.
Another part of my Invention has for object to indicate in an audible manner
to the signalmen at both ends of a section of line when the signal of either is in
the lowered or "line clear". position. To this end I provide at each end of the
section, a gong or alarum with a striker arranged to be operated electrically, and I
control the current by the signal lever at one end of the section, so that the gongs
or alarums at both places shall continue ringing so long as the said lever is in the
position corresponding to the lowered or "line clear" attitude of the signal it
operates.

page_text: As is obvious various arrangements of apparatus may be constructed to operate
according to my Invention as hereinabove set forth.
Referring to the accompanying two Sheets of Drawings. Fig. 1 is an elevation of
an instrument according to my Invention, designed to afford at each signal box on
a line of railway an approximate indication as to the position of any train
travelling between such signal box and the next in either direction.
a is a disc or indicator provided with clock work or other motive power not
shewn in the Drawings, which tends to drive or rotate it slowly from right to
left as indicated by the arrows, and divided into six segments marked A, B, C, D, E,
and F. It is controlled by a pawl b connected with and actuated by the armature
of an electro-magnet c. When the coils of the magnet are traversed by a current,
the pawl is lifted out of contact with the tooth or detent with which it is engaged,
and the disc commences to rotate. On the cessation of the current, which is
ordinarily of little more than momentary duration, the pawl falls back on to the
periphery of the disc in readiness to engage with the next tooth or detent. d is a
contact piece pressing against the disc a, and which is in electrical connection with
one pole of a local battery. This battery circuit includes a trembling bell or gong e
of ordinary construction. In the back of the disc is a stud f of ivory, or other
non conducting material, at such a position that it rests over and breaks the
contract of the spring when the disc is at its starting or zero point.
It follows therefore that the bell is silent only so long as the disc is stationary
at its zero point.
Fig. 2 is a side elevation, and Fig. 3 is a plan of an apparatus according to my
Invention, by which a train in motion is enabled by the depression or deflection of
the rail to operate a contact piece to transmit electric currents to the signal
cabin.
g is a lever pivotted at g¹. This lever is connected electrically to "earth," and
with its shorter arm it embraces or is in contact with the rail h, while its longer
arm is provided with a contact piece i, corresponding to the contact piece k on the
spring i.
At six points along the line are placed such apparatus, each connected to the
line wire which is common to them all. Supposing a train to be travelling from
one signal box to another, it will in its progress pass successively the whole of the
six apparatus, and will, by the depression or deflection of the rail, bring each
contact piece against the corresponding contact piece k in succession. Each time
contact is made a current passes along the line wire, excites the olectro-magnet c,
raises the pawl b, and allows the disc a, which is arranged to rotate through one
segment in less time than a train can pass from one apparatus to the next, to
recommence its motion of revolution. Consequently the position of the zero mark
on the disc or indicator in relation to the detent always corresponds to or is
slightly in advance of the position of the train in relation to the signal box at the
entrance of the section through which it is proceeding.
Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate respectively in elevation and plan a modified apparatus
according to my Invention by which a train in motion is enabled by the depression
or deflection of the rail to transmit electric currents to the magnets c shewn in
Fig. 1.
m is a rocking shaft carried in bearings; g is a short arm pressed against
the under head of the rail; g is a longer arm which carries the contact piece i.
The method of operation is similar to that of the apparatus shewn in Figs. 2 and 3.
Figs. 5 shows a modified arrangement of contact spring . The deflection or
depression of the rail carries the contact pin i on the end g of the lover in the
direction of the arrow, first into electrical contact with the side of the spring l
and then past it; thus the contact is momentarily made, and then is broken.
When the rail is relieved of the load due to the presence of the train, the end of
the lever returns to its lowered position down the side of the spring, which side
is insulated so that no electrical contact takes place during the descent of the
lever.
Fig. 6 (Sheet 2) shews diagrammatically an arrangement of two apparatus, such

page_text: as shewn in Fig. 1, Sheet 1, as they would appear in a signal cabin at the com-
mencement or terminus of a line of railway. The upper disc or indicator and gong
serve for the down line, and the lower disc or indicator and bell serve for the up
line.
Fig. 7 shows diagrammatically an arrangement of two apparatus at an ordinary
intermediate signal cabin. Each half of the Figuro includes two discs or indicators,
one for approaching and one for receding trains on each line, and a bell or gong
whose circuit is completed through either or both of the discs.
Fig. 8 shews diagrammatically an arrangement of two apparatus in a signal
cabin situated at and controlling a junction. Considering the upper half of the
Figure, the left hand dial or indicator shews the position of an approaching train on
the down line; the upper right hand dial or indicator shews the position of a
receding train on the main down line, while the lower right hand dial or indicator
refers to a receding train on the branch down line. The lower half of the Figure
is similar to the upper half, except that it refers to up trains.
Fig. 9, Sheet 2, shows in elevation an apparatus which I employ under certain
circumstances in lieu of the dial or indicator hereinabove described, and in which
I dispense with the use of clockwork. On a glass plate are twelve transparent
discs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, and behind the plate are twelve colored
discs indicated by dotted lines. Each of these colored discs is connected by a wire
to one of the apparatus by which electrical contact is made by the depression.or
deflection of the rail under a passing train, and on the passage of a current the
particular disc corresponding to the apparatus over which the train has passed
rises and remains in view behind the transparent disc until the train passes over
the next apparatus and raises the next disc, when the former one falls out of sight.
The raising and lowering of the discs may be effected by a polarised electro-magnet,
or by any other of the well known means for producing such a motion.
Fig. 10, Sheet 2, shews in clevation an apparatus similar to the above, arranged
for use at a junction, the upper two rows of discs serving for the main line trains,
and the lower two rows of discs for the branch lino trains.
Fig. 11 represents a general view of a part of a railway, including both main
and branch lines, provided with signalling arrangements according to my Invention.
The signal cabins are marked 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and each section is divided into seven
subsections, indicated by transverse dotted lines, and provided with contact making
apparatus such as herein above described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3 or 4 and 5,
or modified according to Figs. 50. The dotted lines parallel to the rails represent
the telegraph wires.
Supposing the signal cabin marked 3 to be provided with signal apparatus such as
hereinabove described with reference to Fig. 10. and a receding train on the main
down line to be at x, and an approaching train on the branch up line to be at y, the
indications will be as follows:-The down train will on passing the contact
apparatus at C on the main line transmit a current that. will raise the colored disc
marked C in the upper row of the instrument and will thus apprise the signalman
of its position, while the up train on passing the point E on the branch line will
similarly raise the disc marked D in the lower row. In due course each successive
disc will be raised in regular order in correspondence with the progress of the train
until it passes out of the care of the man in No. 3 cabin.
Fig. 12, Sheet 1, shews in elevation an apparatus for indicating in an audible
manner to the signalmen at both ends of a section of line when the signal of either
is in a lowered or "line clear" position. p is the lever by which the man raises or
lowers the signal. It is represented in full lines in the position of the signal
corresponding to danger and in dotted lines in the position of the signal
corresponding to "line clear." q is a slotted link engaging a pin at one end of the
lever g, the other end g³ of which is situated under one rail h; le is a contact piece
connected to a bell or gong in the local cabin, and thence by a line wire
to a bell or gong in the cabin at the further end of the section. When the
lever p is put into the dotted position to. allow a train to enter the section,

page_text: the lever g falls on to the spring contact piece k, and its shorter end g² rises
against the under head of the rail. The current from the battery traversing
the leading wire r enters the lever at the binding screw r¹, and proceeds through
the lever g, spring contact piece k, and wire 8 to the magnets of the bell u and
from it by the line wire t to the magnets of the bell u¹. When the rail
and end g of the lever (whose fulcrum is at g') are depressed by a passing
train the opposite end of the lever rises in the slot q' and breaks contact at k,
consequently the action of the bells ceases until the train is past. The act of
raising the signal behind the train to block the line puts the parts into the position
shewn in the Drawing and stops the bells.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and the manner in
which it is to be or may be performed or carried into practical effect, I would have
it understood that what I consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as
secured to me by the Letters Patent hereinbefore in part recited, is,-
1. Actuating or controlling signalling apparatus on railways by electric currents
transmitted by contact levers moved by the depression or deflection of the rails
under the weight of passing trains, substantially as described.
2. In a signalling apparatus on railways, a disc or indicator, suitably marked in
correspondence with the sections or subsections of the line, and whose motion
under the influence of clockwork or other motivo power is controlled by currents
automatically transmitted by the deflection or depression of the rail under the
train in its progress from one section or subsection to another, substantially as
described.
3. The improved railway signalling apparatus constructed, arranged, and
operating as shown in and described with reference to Fig. 1 of the Drawings.
4. The improved method of signalling on railways by the use of a series of discs
or indicators suitably marked in sequence and correspondence with the sections or
subsections of the line, and whose motion is controlled by currents automatically
transmitted by the depression or deflection of the rail under the train in its
progress from one section or subsection to another, substantially as described.
5. In apparatus for signalling on railways, operating audible or visible signals by
electric currents transmitted by contact levers moved by the depression or deflection
of the rails, caused by the weight of the trains, substantially as described.
6. The improved railway signalling apparatus, constructed, arranged, and
operated, substantially as described with reference to Fig. 12 of the Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said. William Wallich Biddulph, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
W. W. BIDDULPH.
(T.S.)