A SELF-ACTING ELECTRO-MAGNETIC CLOCKWORK SIGNAL FOR RAILWAY PURPOSES
Year: 1863

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edward Funnell, of Brighton, in the County of
Sussex, Watch and Clock Maker, for the Invention of "A SELF-ACTING
ELECTRO-MAGNETIC CLOCKWORK SIGNAL FOR RAILWAY PURPOSES."
Sealed the 7th January 1864, and dated the 15th July 1863.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edward Funnell at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 15th
July 1863.
I, EDWARD FUNNELL, of Brighton, in the County of Sussex, Watch and
Clock Maker, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "A SELF-
ACTING ELECTRO-MAGNETIC CLOCKWORK SIGNAL FOR RAILWAY PURPOSES," to be as
follows:-
The principle of this Invention is to indicate space and time for passing
trains, which consists of clockwork mounted on the top of a column, and is
furnished with an arm of suitable dimensions for day signalling, and a lenze
by which red, green, and white transparent signals are displayed for night on
being illuminated. The mechanism is wound up by the passing trains, which
rotates the arm from a vertical to an horizontal position, and shows a red light,
which remains thus locked until the same train passes the next signal, which
is operated upon in the same manner, and releases the pendulum of the former
by its communicated electricity, after which the arm lowers to an oblique
position and displays a green light after the interval of one minute, thus indi-
cating the space of two miles and one minute; and at the interval of a
succeeding three minutes the arm again falls to a vertical position and displays
white light until the passage of a succeeding train, by which the movements

page_text: are again repeated, as before described. The Inventor proposes to fix the
signals at every two miles distance, by which a communication can be
employed throughout the length of the line of railway.
The manner in which I carry my Invention into effect is particularly shewn in
the Drawings hereunto annexed as explained by the description thereof herein 5
contained, reference being had to the figures and letters marked on the Drawings
in correspondence with the figures and letters inserted in the description.
Fig. 1 represents the traddle movement. (A) is the outer side rail and
bearing for (B), the axle; (C) is the second bearing for (B); D is a traddle
fixed to (B); (E, e,) is a double lever fixed to (B); (F) is an upright lever
moving on a stud fixed to (E) at (a), and is pressed forward by (b) the spring,
which is fixed to (E); C is a catch, and (d) a relieving plane to (F); (f) is
a stud fixed to (G) the framework; (H) is a axle passed through (G), to
which is fixed ratchet wheel (I) and (J) the horizontal gravity lever; (K) is
a rod set on a stud, which is fixed to (J) at (h); (i) is a bearing, through which
(K) moves freely; (s) is a catch fixed to (J); (L) is a toothed wheel, which
turns freely on (H), to which is screwed (N) the catch, and is pressed into
the teeth of (I) by (0) the spring, which is also fixed to (L); (P is a pinion
employed by (L), and is fixed to (Q) the scape wheel; (R) is the palletts
employed by (Q), to which is fixed (S) the pendulum; (T) is a locking levers
moving on a stud, which is fixed to (G) at (m), and is pressed forward by (n)
the spring, which is also fixed to (G); (r) is the locking step to T; U is a
spring and block fixed to (G), to which is attached the electric wire (W); V is
a block of ivory fixed to (K), to which is attached (w) the second electric wire;
(1) is a stop for (J); (2 and 3) are stops for (E); (B) is a conductor
attached to (e) and fixed to (C).
Fig. 2 (W, w,) represent their electric attachments, but must not be connected
with the same mechanism to which (e and c) are connected; the connection,
Fig. 1, of (W, w,) must be applied, as shewn, to a former, and the (s) connection
of Fig. 2 to a succeeding; (Fig. (1) is fixed to the earth, as also bearing (c)
and (A); Fig. 2 is mounted on the top of a column (B), passes up the
column; (D, d,) are leather straps passed round (E, e,) the drums, and
attached at (2 and 1) and to (C); H is a stud fixed to (A) (the framework)
on which (e) turns freely; (f) is a coiled spring, the outer end of which is
fixed at (4), the inner to (H); F is also a coiled spring, the outer end fixed
at (3), the inner end to (G); the axle (I) is a stop fixed to (E); (J) is a
ratchet wheel fixed to axle (G) and also (K); the stop (h) is a stop pin fixed
to (J); (L) is a toothed wheel, and turns freely on (G), to which is fixed
stud (s); (M) is a slotted catch to move backward and forward on (s), and is

page_text: pressed forward and into the teeth of (J) by (N) the spring, which is fixed
to (L); (P) is a pinion employed by (L), and is fixed to (Q) the scape
wheel; (R) are snail-shaped pallets fixed to (S) the axle; (T) is a pendulum
or balance fixed to (S); (U) is an arm fixed to (S), which also vibrates with (T);
(v and V) are bearings for (S); (X, Y, and W) is a three-armed lever, and moves
on its axle at (Z); (a) is a plate of steel fixed to (Y); (c, c,) are magnetic
poles fixed to (A); (D) is an axle prolonged through front and back of (A);
(u) is a catch spring fixed to (A), which presses against (n) a pin fixed to (W);
(m) is a stop pin for (X); (5, 6, 7, and 8) are pillars, by which the frames
are screwed together at their required distance, through which axles (G, P,
D, and Z) have their bearings.
Fig. 3 represents the arm-movement axle; (G) is prolonged through, to
which is fixed the gravity lever (B) and (C), which is the segment pulley, and
with two relieving planes (R and (S); (E) is a disc with three slots (1, 2, and 3),
and is fixed to axle (D); F is a segment pulley with two arms (4 and 5), and
turns freely on the socket of (E); 6 and 7. are stop pins fixed to (E); (L) is
a locking lever, which moves on a stud fixed to (A) at (M); (N) is a friction
roller, which turns on a stud fixed to (L); (P) is the locking stop fixed to (L).
Fig. 4 represents the transparent signal motion axle. (D) is prolonged
through (A), to which is fixed (A) the arm and (C); (B) is a counterpoise;
(T) is a three-armed disc, to which is fixed (G) and R); (G) green glass, and
(R) red glass, and also (F) the counterpoise, and turns freely on a stud at (J),
which is fixed to (A) the frame; (V) is a connecting lever which moves on
its centres at (1 and 2); (L) is a lens, which is fixed to the case which covers
the whole. .
Having given reference to the whole by figures and letters, it remains to be
seen how the movements are performed. Firstly, Fig. 1, it is obvious that (D).
being depressed by the wheel flange will move (e) downwards, by which (F, ƒ,)
Fig. 2, will be rewound by the connection of (B, C, d, D,) producing back-
ward rotation to (e, E, & I); the upward motion of (E & F), Fig. 1, will
rise (J) by (c and s); (J) will move (K) horizontally backward, and allow (T);
to move forward; (w) will also make contact with (U), and (E) will rest
on (r), and (s) will be discharged from (c) by the contact of (d) with (f),
by which J is set at liberty, the gravity power of which is transmitted.
through (H) to (I, N, L, P, Q, & R,) by which (S) vibrates, and (J) gra-
dually descends and moves (K) forward, which produces a second contact
between. (v and w) by which the electricity passes on to a former signal
to which (w.and: W) is connected, and discharges the pendulum; (K) cou-.
tinues to move forward and presses (T) backward until (J) rests on (1),

page_text: by which (E) will be discharged from (r), and will be pressed downward on
to (3) by the tension of (f), (Fig. 2), which also carries B upward; it
is obvious that (I) having parted from (K), and being retained by (E, r,)
(Fig. 1), the inner power of (F), (Fig. 2), will be employed by rotating
(G and J) backward and winds (B) upward, and rotates (C), Fig. (3), forward; !
(C) by the connection of (H) will move (F) at (5) to (6), and (4) will lift
(P) out of (1), (C) rotating forward will move (E) at (3) to (P); (P) will
fall into (3) and lock (E), which stops (C) and (B); (M), at Fig. 2, will
also be pressed forward by the length of its slot against (s), and also into
the teeth of (J) by (N), and (h) will lift (X) with (y, a,) from (c, c,) to (m)
for (u) to lock (n) and (y) to retain (w); the whole remains at rest until
(E), Fig. (1), is disengaged from (T) at (r); it will be seen that when (E),
Figure (1), is discharged that (d), Figure (2), will be liberated the length of
its winding over (E), that (I) will unite with (K) as one mass, by which the
influence of (F) is locked; the gravity power of (B) is transmitted through
(G, J, to M), by which M moves the length of its slot against (S) and (N) to
allow (h) to part from (X), and (F) at (5) will move to (7); at Fig. (3) the
gravity of (B) being transmitted through (S, L, P, Q, R, and U), and
retained by (y) being locked at (n) by (u), and thus remains until the same
wheel's flange passes over (D) of a succeeding signal, the electric current
being sent through (w), as before described at (Fig. 1), will attract (a) down-
ward on to (c, c,) by which (y) will disengage U; (T) will then vibrate until
(B) descends on (W) and move (n) the under side of (u) by which (y) is
locked at rest during the descent of (B); it is obvious that the return of (C),
Fig. (3), that (R) will make contact with (N), by which (P) will be lifted
out of (3), and allow (E) to rotate forward until (2) meets (P), by which
(P) will fall into (2), and (E) will be locked until the larger diameter of (C)
at (F) makes contact with (N), which will again lift (P) out of (2), and
allow (E) to rotate at (1) opposite (P); (P) will again fall into (1) and lock
(E) at rest; it is also obvious that (A), (Fig. 4), being fixed to the same
axle as (E), (Fig. 3), that (A), (Fig. 4), will perform the same movement
(namely) (E) being locked by (P) at (3) will retain (A) horizontal, and
(E) being locked at (2) by (P) will retain (A) in an oblique direction,
and (E) being locked by (P) at (1) will retain (A) vertically; by the gravity
of (A) it will be seen that (L, being illuminated,) that the horizontal posi-
tion of (A, Fig. 4,) will retain (R) the red glass opposite (L), and that the
oblique position of (A) will retain (G), green glass, opposite (L), and that
the vertical position of (A) will leave (L) to display its own light.
Having explained the whole of the movements, it is obvious that the move-

page_text: ment of (Fig. 1) being fixed by the side of the rails, and being united with
(Fig. 2), that the passage of a train will make contact with (D) by the first
wheel's flange, by which the arm will rotate from vertical to a horizontal
position and display red light, and remain thus locked until the same train
makes contact with another (Fig. 1) at any distance to which it may be fixed,
by which the movements of the second (Fig. 1) will release the pendulum
of the former (Fig. 2) by its connected electric communication, by which it
is obvious that the same train must travel over such space, and that one
minute must elapse before such communication can be recorded by the former
(Fig. 2) with its oblique position of the arm and display of green light, and
that the vertical position of the arm and display of white light will also record
that such space is unemployed by a train, and that four minutes have elapsed
since its last movement was performed; it is also obvious that the motion of
(Fig. 1) is only required to produce communication to the last movement
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Edward Funnell in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
13th January 1864.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, EDWARD
FUNNELL, of Brighton, in the County of Sussex, Watch and Clock Maker,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fifteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, in the twenty-seventh year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Edward Funnell, Her special. licence that I, the said Edward Funnell,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
Edward Funnell, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times there-
after 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 "A SELF-ACTING
ELECTRO-MAGNETIC CLOCKWORK SIGNAL FOR RAILWAY PURPOSES," upon the con-
dition (amongst others) that I, the said Edward Funnell, 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,

page_text: 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 Edward Funnell, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
The principle of this Invention is to indicate space blocked or clear to the
drivers of trains or engines, and also for every engine or train to produce and
discharge its own signalling, and can be fixed at any required distances apart
throughout the line of railway.
The mechanism consists principally of clockwork combined with electricity,
and is mounted on the top of a post or column, and is furnished with an arm
of suitable dimensious for the day signalling, and a lenze by which transparent
colors are displayed for night signalling on being illuminated; the mechanism
is rewound by the first wheel of an engine or carriage depressing a lever and
locked, and are also connected alternately by an electric attachment. On
the passage of a train the arm rises to an horizontal position, and displays
red light simultaneously and remains thus charged, by which space blocked
is indicated, until the same train or engine arrives to the next or a third
signal, which will also be thus charged, by which the first or former are
discharged, and the arm falls from an horizontal to an oblique position, and
displays green light simultaneously, or at the lapse of an interval (as may
be required), thus indicating space clear between the one charged and the
discharged, and so on throughout any number employed, and the terminating
signal is discharged by a lever being placed at a suitable distance, which is
depressed as before described.
The manner in which I carry my Invention into effect is particularly shewn
in the Drawings hereunto annexed, as explained by the description thereof
herein contained, reference being had to the figures and letters marked on
the Drawings in correspondence with the figures and letters inserted in the
description.
Fig 2 represents the movement fixed on the top of a column where time
is indicatel in conjunction with space, and is attached to Fig. 1, the treadle
movement, which is fixed to earth. A is the rail on which the train travels ;
(B) the axle is prolonged through the centre of A, to which is fixed (D) the
treadle; (G, G, G,) is a framework fixed to earth, through which (B, H, P,
and R) have three bearings, to which is also fixed stud m; stops 1, 2, 3, 4;
spring (n), and (2) the block of insolation, to which is fixed (U) the contact

page_text: spring, and (W) the electric wire; (B) is prolonged through (G), to which
is fixed an horizontal lever (E, e,) 5 and 6), to which is also fixed stud (a)
and spring (b); (F) is the upright lever with discharging plane (d) and
catch (c), and is pressed against (4) by (6); (H) is the axle, to which is
5 fixed (I) the katchet wheel; (L) is a wheel which turns freely on (H), to
to which is screwed (N) the catch, which moves freely, and is pressed into
the teeth of (1) by (0) the spring, which is also screwed to (L); (P) is a
pinion driven by (L), to which is fixed (Q) the escape wheel; (R) is the
palletts employed by (Q), to which is fixed (S) the pendulum; (J) is a
O gravity arm fixed to (H), to which is fixed (s) the catch, and (h) the stud;
(k), the horizontal rod, moves freely through (i) and on (h), to which is fixed
(V) a piece of insolation, by which (w) the electric wire is passed through
and fixed; (T) is an upright locking lever with catch (r) and discharging
point (X), and moves freely on (m), and is pressed against (5) by (n) the
5 spring. (A) Fig. 2, and (A), Fig. 3), are frames, to which are fixed pillars
(5, 6, 7, and 8), by which their required distance apart is fixed, through which
axles (G, D, H, P, and Z) have their bearings, to which is also fixed bearings
(V, v); stops m, n, and u, the spring; (G), Fig. 2, the axle, to which is fixed
(J) the katchet wheel, on which is fixed K, the stop, and pin (h); B, the
0 gravity arm; Fig. 3 and (C) the grooved segment, with discharging planes
(R and S), is also fixed to (G); L, Fig. 2, is a toothed wheel which turns
freely on (G), to which is screwed (M) the slotted catch, which moves freely,
and is pressed backward and into the teeth of (J) by (N) the spring; (E)
is a drum with stop (i), and turns freely on (G); (F) is a coiled spring inside
5 of (E), the outer end of which is fixed to (E), and the inner end to (G);
(e) is also a drum which turns freely on (H); (f) is a coiled spring fixed to
e, and the inner end to (H); (D, d.) are leather straps passed over (E, e,)
and attached at (1 and 4); (F) is partly wound, and the tension of which
rests against (k by i), by which (E and J) moves as one mass; (f) is also
O partly wound and attached by (D to B); the conductor (d) is also attached
to (B), and B attached to e at 6, Fig. 1); P is a pinion driven by L, to which
is fixed (Q) the escape wheel; (R) is the snail-shaped pallets employed by
(Q), and is fixed to (S) the axle, to which is also fixed (T) the pendulum,
and (U) the locking. arm; W, X, Y, is a three-armed lever, and moves
5 freely on axle (Z), and is pressed against (n) by (u); (c, c,) are magnetic
coils fixed to (A) by insolation; (a) is the armature which moves freely on
centre at (6), and is pressed on (n) by (d) the spring; (D) the axle is pro-
longed through (A) at Fig. 3), to which is fixed (E) the locking disc, to
which is fixed stops 6, 7, and notches (1, 2, and 3); (F) is a grooved segment

page_text: with two arms (4 and 5), and moves freely on the socket of (E), and is
attached to (C) by (H) the conductor; L is a lever on which is the
friction roller (N), and (P) the stop, which moves freely on (M) the stud
which is fixed to (A).
Fig. 4, (A) is the arm, which is fixed to axle (D), to which is also fixed
(R and G); (R) the red glass, and (G) the green glass; (L) is a lenze,
which is fixed to a case for enclosing the whole. Figs. 5 and 6 represents
the manner in which it is planned on a railway, which contains the principle
of (Fig. 2), being fixed to earth instead of the top of a column, as before men-
tioned, when the interval of time is not required, by which two motions of the
arm is only required. (A) is the rail on which the train travels; (B) is the
axle which is prolonged through the centre of (A), to which is fixed (D) the
treadle; (G, G, G,) the framework, is fixed to earth, and through which
axles (B, H, P, R, and Z) have their bearings, to which is also fixed studs
m, y, stops 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, springs (n, u), and (e) the block of insolation, to
which is fixed (U) the contact spring, and (W) the electric wire. (B) is
prolonged through (G), to which is fixed (e) the horizontal lever, to which is
fixed studs (a and G), 6 the spring, and (C) the catch; (E) is the drum with
arm d and stop (i), and turns freely on (G); (F) is the coiled spring set
inside of (E), the outer end of which is fixed to (E), and the inner end to
(G); F is partly wound and is retained by (i), locking on (e); F¹ is an
upright lever with catch (c) and discharging plane (d), and is pressed against
4 by 6 the spring, and moves freely on a; (T) is a lever with point (4), with
locking stops 1, 2, 3, and is pressed against (C) by the tension of n, and
moves freely on (m); (H) is an axle on which turns freely (L) the toothed
wheel; (P) is a pinion, to which is fixed (Q) the wheel, and is driven by
(L); (R) is a pinion driven by (Q), to which is fixed (S) the locking arm;
J, j) is a gravity arm, which is fixed to (H), to which is fixed studs (h, i,) (0)
the spring, and (s) the catch; (N) is a catch screwed to (j), and moves
freely, and is pressed into the teeth of (L) by (0); W, X, Y, the three-
arm lever, turns freely on (Z), and rests by the gravity of (Y) against 6;
is an horizontal catch at (d), and discharging plane (e) rests with its
gravity on (5), and moves freely on (i); (k) the horizontal rod moves freely
on (h), and freely through (i), to which is fixed V a block of insolation,
through which (w) the electric wire is passed and fixed; c, c, are magnetic
coils fixed by insulation to (G), the wires of which are attached to (w, W);
a is the armature, which moves freely on (6), and is pressed against (6) by
(u); (B) is a battery to which (w, W,) is attached; (P) are the plates fixed
to (D); (c) is a grooved pulley; (M, m,) is a two-armed lever turning freely

page_text: on (Y), to which is attached (d, D, and B); (P), Fig. 6), is the post, on the
top of which is fixed (C) the framework; 1, 3, 4, are stop pins, and (J) the
stud is fixed to (C); (D) is the axle prolonged through (C), and to which is
fixed (A) the arm; (R) the red glass; (G) the green glass; (B) the counter-
poise; and E, the triangular plate with locking points; (5 and 6) stop pins,
7 and 8, h, the spring, and (F) the stud are fixed to (E); (L) is a crank
with two arms (d, e,) and moves freely on (D); (S) is a crank with three
arms (l, m, n,) and moves freely on (F), and is pressed against (7) by h, the
spring; (R) is a locking lever with catches (1, 2,) and discharging plane (3),
and moves freely on (J); L is a lenze, which is fixed to the case for
inclosing the works.
Having given reference to the whole by figures and letters, it remains to be
seen how the movements are operated.
Firstly, (D), at Fig. 1, being depressed by the depth of the flange of the
wheels of an engine passing along on (A) will give downward motion to (e)
and upward motion to (F) by (E), by which (J) will be moved upwards
by the contact of (c,,) by which (k) is moved forward to allow (n) to
move (T) forward, to receive (E) at (5) on (r) until (d) on (F) makes
contact with (4), by which (c) will be discharged from (s), and (5) on (E)
will remain on (r), and the gravity power of (J) will be retained by (N), by
which the power of (J) is transmitted through (H, I, L, P, Q, R, and K),
by which (S) will oscillate; (J) will then gradually descend and move (K)
backward and allow (U) to make contact with (w), by which an electric
circuit is given; (K) will also move (T) at (X) by which (5) on (E) will be
discharged from (r); (J) will then rest on (1) and (E) will rest on (3) by
the tension of (f), Fig. 3, during which time a long slow train can pass
over (D) without making a second contact by the regulating power of (S),
it will also be seen that the downward motion of (e) will rotate (E) i and e,
Fig. 3) backwards simultaneously by the attachment of (B) with (e) at (6),
Fig. 1, and D, d,) by which (F) is rewound, the tension of which will
rotate (G) J) backward, (B) and (C), Fig. 3, forward, and (F) by (C, H,)
will lift (P) out of (1) and rotate (E) backward by (5) against (6) until
(3) is opposite P, by which (P) will lock in (E), and (A) at Fig. 4 will
have rotated with (E) to an horizontal position with (R) opposite L), and (h)
on (J), Fig. 2, will press ✗ against m, which lifts (Y) over the top of (a),
and (N) will press (M) backward and into the teeth of (J), and (K) will
unite with (i); it is obvious that the whole will remain thus charged during
the detention of (E) on (T) Fig. 1); (E) on being discharged, as. before
described, it will be seen that (d) will be liberated the length of its. winding

page_text: (E), and (M) will return the length of its slot, by which (h) will part from
(X) and allow (Y) to rest on the top of (a) by the gravity power of (B)
which is transmitted through (G, J, M, L, P, Q, R, U, and C), (Fig. 3), and
locked by (Y), by which the whole remains thus charged until the same train
arrives at (a) another distant, Fig. 1, and makes contact, as before described,
by which (a) will be moved from (4) on to (c, c,) by the electric current, and
allow (Y) to fall on (4), by which (T) will vibrate by the gravity power of (B),
which gradually descends and rotates (C), Fig. 3, backward, by which (R)
makes the first contact with (N), which lifts (P) out of (3), by which (E)
rotates forward and is stopped by (P) falling into (2), by which (A) at Fig. 4
falls to an oblique position and (G) takes the place of. (R); the gradual
descent of (B), Fig. 3, will also rotate (S) on to (N), which will lift (P) out of
2; (E) will again rotate backward and will be stopped by (P) falling into (1),
by which (A), Fig. 4, will fall to a vertical position and locked by (P), and
leave (L) to display its own transparent light on being illuminated; the
interval of time that elapses after the electric current is given between
(3) and (1) on (E), Fig. 3, is regulated by the ball on (T), Fig. 2.
Secondly, having explained the whole of the movements where time is
required, it remains to be seen how the movements operate when time is not
required. (D) at (Fig. 5) being depressed, as before described, will produce
upward motion to levers e and F), which will also give upward motion to (J)
by the contact of (c) with (s), which also produces backward motion to (;),
N, X, and K); (N) will be pressed into (L) and retain (J, j, K, and X
will rest on (5), by which (T) at 4 will move forward by the tension of (w) and
allow 1, 2, or 3 to retain (e) by (c) when (J) at (S) is discharged from (c)
by the contact of (d) with (4), the gravity power of (J) being retained by (N)
will be transmitted through (L, P, Q, and R), by which (P, Q, R, and S) will
rotate until (a) at (d) makes contact with (X), by which (Y) will be lifted
from (6) and over the top of (a), and (s) will be stopped by W, and d will
be discharged from (X) by the contact of (e) over (5), during which movement
(U) will have made contact with (w), by which an electric circuit is produced
and discharges a former movement thus charged; it will also be seen that the
upward motion of (e) and being retained by (1, 2, or. 3) on (T), that (d
on E) will be rotated downward by the attachment of (d) with (M), by
which (F) is rewound, the power of which will move (M) upward, by which
(P) on (D) will descend into (B) the battery, and the downward motion of
(e) and (B) and (e), Fig. 6, will press (d) against (n), and (n) against (8),
by which (m) will lift (R) at 3) and (2) of 6, by which (E) will rotate
forward against (3) and be locked by (R) at (1). over (5), by which (A)

page_text: rotates to an horizontal position, and (R) takes the place of (G), the whole
will remain thus charged until the same train makes contact with a succeeding
(Fig. 5), which is operated as before described, by which an electric circuit is
produced which attracts (a) on to (c, c), Fig. 1), and allows (Y) to fall on (6),
by which (S) is discharged from (W); the gravity of (J) again rotates (S),
by which (K) moves backward against (T) at 4 and discharges e at c from
(1, 2, and 3), by which (F, e, E,) will resume their former positions and (J)
rest on (1) M, m, B, and c, d, Fig. 6,) being thus liberated will allow (h) to
press n against (7), by which (i) will lift (R) at (3) and discharge (6)
from (2) and allow (E) to rotate backward against 4); (A will also fall to
an oblique position, and (G) take the place of (R) and be locked with 2
over 6.
:
Having thus explained the whole of my Invention, it is obvious, firstly, that
on the passage of a train or engine a treadle will be depressed, by which the
arm will rise from a vertical to an horizontal position and display a red trans-
parent light simultaneously, thus indicating line blocked, and that such position
must remain thus locked until the same train or engine arrives and depresses
the treadle of a second movement, as herein-before shewn and described. .
Secondly, it is also obvious that the movement of the succeeding is the
same as the former, and that it will transmit an electric circuit to the former
through the metallic attachment by the aid of a battery, by which the arm of
the former will be discharged from an horizontal to an oblique position and
display a green transparent light instantaneously, or at a fixed interval, thus
indicating space clear, and that after a succeeding interval the arm will again
fall from an oblique position and rest at a vertical position and display white
transparent light, thus indicating that such interval has expired since the in-
dication of space clear, as herein-before shewn and described.
Having thus described the nature and object of my Invention, and the
manner in which the same is or may be carried into effect, I wish it to be
understood that I do not confine myself to the escapement as shewn in the
Drawings, as various escapements can be employed to give motion to a
balance or pendulum; neither do I confine myself to any configuration or
form by which the mechanism can be made to perform the principle herein-
before mentioned, as various forms can be employed to produce the same
effect'; I claim no right to the use of an arm for signalling by day, nor to the
use of transparent colored signalling by night, uncombined with entire self-
acting mechanism; neither do I claim the right to the adoption of a treadle
which is depressed by the flange of a wheel uncombined with an entire self-
locking apparatus; but what 1 claim, and desire to be secured by the herein-

page_text: before in part recited Letters Patent, is, the production of an entirely self-
acting day and night signal (for the use of railways) by which clear space and
blocked space is indicated to the drivers of every succeeding train or engine
by the combined movements of mechanism and electricity, as herein-before
shewn and described. .
In witness whereof, I, the said Edward Funnell, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twelfth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.
EDWARD FUNNELL. (L.s.)