IMPROVE- MENTS IN ELECTRIC APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY OPERATING FOG-SIGNALS ON RAILWAYS, AND IN PERCUSSION CAPS OR DETONATORS TO BE USED WITH SUCH SIGNALS, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO BLASTING APPARATUS AND TORPEDOES
Year: 1883

page_text: ETTERS PATENT to Gerard Wenzeslaus von Nawrocki, Proprietor of the firm
of J. Brandt & G. W. v. Nawrocki, Patent Solicitor and Civil Engineer
of 124, Leipzigerstrasse, Berlin, Germany for an Invention of IMPROVE-
MENTS IN ELECTRIC APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY OPERATING FOG-SIGNALS
ON RAILWAYS, AND IN PERCUSSION CAPS OR DETONATORS TO BE USED WITH
SUCH SIGNALS, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO BLASTING
APPARATUS AND TORPEDOES a communication from Dreyse and Collenbusch,
of Sömmerda, in the German Empire
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Gerard Wenzeslaus von
Nawrocki at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th December
. 1883.
GERARD WENZESLAUS VON NAWROCKI, Proprietor of the firm of -J. Brandt
& G. W. v. Nawrocki, Patent Solicitor and Civil-Engineer of 124, Leipzigerstrasse,
Berlin, Germany, "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY
OPERATING FOG. SIGNALS ON RAILWAYS, AND IN PERCUSSION CAPS OR DETONATORS
TO BE USED WITH SUCH SIGNALS, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE
TO BLASTING APPARATUS AND TORPEDOES," a communication from Dreyse and
Collenbusch, of Sömmerda, in the German Empire,
When used in connection with signalling for railways, the apparatus comprises
chiefly an electric switch fixed to the signal post and connected in such a manner
with the lever operating the optic signal board or disc that when electric contact is
established between two insulated metal springs of the switch-board the signal
board or disc indicates "the line is blocked," while if electric contact is established
between two other insulated metal springs of the same switch board the optic
signal or disc is caused to indicate "the line is open."
The switch consists chiefly of a disc adapted to be turned by the signal lever and
provided with two metallic segments, one of which serves to connect the first
páir of springs, while the second serves to connect the second pair of springs.
This switch is in electric connection with one of the poles of a galvanic battery
placed in a suitable position while the other pole of the battery is connected with a
commutator which chiefly comprises:
Four insulated metal springs mounted in pairs on both sides of a movable prism
and provided at one end with a binding-post for fastening the conducting wire and
at the other end with metal rollers which are pressed by the springs against four

page_text: metal strips fixed in pairs to two opposite surfaces of the movable prism made of
insulating material.
Each of these four metal strips is in electric connection with that strip situated
diagonally opposite while the strips situated on the same side of the prism are
insulated from each other.
The prism to which the metal strips are fixed is guided vertically in bearings
and is exposed at the top to the pressure of a spiral spring.
This commutator is fixed to a post placed near the line and rests with its lower
end on a lever pivoted at one end to the post and connected at the other end with
another lever placed near the ground, one end of which lever reaches close to the
rail and is placed in such a manner as to be depressed by the wheel of a passing
engine or car. After the wheels have passed, the levers are brought back into their
previous position by means of a suitable spring mechanism.
The commutator is in electric connection with the mechanism proper for the
discharge of the fog signal, which mechanism chiefly comprises an electro-magnet
wound with two wires and the anchor of which acts on a two armed lever adapted
to release at the required moment a descending weight sliding in guides.
The apparatus operates as follows:
When the optical signal indicates that the line is blocked, the current passes
from one pole of the battery through the first pair of springs of the switch board to
a spring of the commutator, into one of the contact plates or strips situated on the
same side of the prism and through the second spring (situated on the same side as
the first) into one of the two wires of the electro-magnet, and from there through a
galvanoscope to the earth. . The other pole of: the battery is connected with one of
the springs on the opposite side of the commutator, and thereby with the contiguous
contact strip, another contact spring (which is in contact with the same strip)
and the earth.
The anchor of the electro-magnet is attracted. The double armed lever which
holds at one end the falling weight by means of a pivoted catch, carries at the
other end a pawl which is locked by a fixed catch. If now a train passes the line
fand the flanges of the wheels come in contact with the double armed lever placed
at the foot of the commutator stand, the said lever is depressed, thereby pressing
upward the prism of the commutator and reversing the direction of the current.
On the reversal of the current the anchor of the electro-magnet is drawn off by a
spring and strikes the pawl of the double armed lever, so as to unlock the same
and to allow the weight suspended at its other end to fall and strike a bolt which
ignites the cartridge.
The mechanism serving to hold and to discharge the fog signals may be placed
at any suitable place before the optical-signal disc.
The introduction of a new cartridge, the replacing of the anchor, the lever and
the weight into their previous position is done by hand.
When the optical signal disc indicates that the liue is open, the current passes
from one of the poles of the battery through the second pair of springs of the switch
to the electro-magnet. (through the second wire coil) and from there directly back
to the other pole, the commutator is switched out of action, and the hand of the
galvanoscope indicates zero.
The cartridge chiefly comprises a strong cartridge case made of impregnated
paper and contains at each end two wedges of peculiar construction placed in such
a manner as to allow the binding or chocking of the cartridge outside the wedge.
The wedge at the upper. end is bored out in the centre for the purpose of
receiving a pin or needle which when struck by the bolt placed immediately above,
acts on a priming composition firmly secured to the lower end of the upper wedge,
whereby the charge is ignited. The top of the cartridge is closed. by a suitable cap.
:.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Gerard Wenzeslaus von Nawrocki in the Patent Office on
the 6th June 1884.
GERARD WENZESLAUS VON NAWROCKI, Proprietor of the firm of J. Brandt
& G. W. v. Nawrocki, Patent Solicitor and Civil-Engineer, of 124 Leipzigerstrasse,
Berlin, Germany, "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTRIC APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY
OPERATING FOG SIGNALS ON RAILWAYS, AND IN PERCUSSION CAPS OR DETONATORS
TO BE USED WITH SUCH SIGNALS, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE
TO BLASTING APPARATUS AND TORPEDOES," a communication from Dreyse and
Collenbusch, of Sömmerda, in the German Empire,
If used in connection with signalling for railways, as illustrated by Fig" 1, 2
and 3 of the accompanying drawings, the apparatus comprises chiefly an electric
switch A fixed. to the signal post and connected in such manner with the lever a
operating the optic signal board or disc, that when electric contact is established
between two insulated metal springs (b and c) of the switch, the signal board or
disc indicates "line blocked," while if electric contact is established between two
other insulated metal springs (e and f) of the same switch the optic signal or disc
is caused to indicate "line open."
"
The switch consists chiefly of a disc adapted to be turned by the signal lever
and provided with two metallic segments d, g.one of which serves to connect the
first pair of springs b, c, while the second serves to connect the second pair of
springs ef. The switch through which the signals are transmitted is so arranged
that the electric contact corresponding to the signal "line blocked," is only then
interrupted after the contact, which causes the signal to indicate that the line is
free, has been fully established.
'
This switch is in electric connection with one of the poles of a galvanic battery
R, Z, placed in any suitable position while the other pole of the battery is
connected with a commutator B, shown in detail by Fig 3, which commutator
chiefly comprises four insulated metal springs h, i, k, l, provided at one end with a
binding-post for the conducting wire and at the other end with metal rollers which
are pressed by the springs against four metal strips m, n, o. p, fixed in pairs to two
opposite surfaces of a movable prism made of insulating material. Each of these
four metal strips is in electric- connection with that strip situated diagonally
opposite, that is to say m with p and n with o, while the strips situated on the
same side of the prism are insulated from each other. This connection is formed
by the pieces q r. The prism, to which the metal strips are fixed is guided
vertically by the rods or extensions 8 t and is exposed at the top to the pressure of
a spring 8, 8¹.
:
This commutator is fixed to a post placed near the line of rails and the prism
rests with its lower end or extension t on a lever u pivoted at one end to the post
and connected at the other end with another lever a placed near the ground, one
end of which lever reaches close to the rail and is placed in such a manner as to be
depressed by the wheel of a passing engine or car. After the wheels have passed,
the levers are brought back into their previous position by means of a spring y and
spindle which connects the two levers as illustrated.
•
The disengaging device proper, C, chiefly comprises a horse-shoe shaped electro-
magnet a¹, a double armed lever 61 and a falling weight C.. The coils of the
electro-magnet are wound with two copper wires, that is to say each coil is formed
of two insulated copper wires wound in the same direction. The armature d'
which touches with its face the cores of the electro-magnet, is pivoted at-el and

page_text: provided with a prolongation similar to a hammer, extending beyond the pivot e¹,
and with an adjustable helical spring f¹.
The lever b', the arms of which are of unequal length, has its fulcrum at g¹, and
is provided at one end with a falling latch h¹ having a pin against which strikes
the hammer shaped prolongation of the armature.
The lever b¹ is guided, and limited in its travel at k¹.
The other end of the lever carries a movable nose which is pivoted at land
permits the weight C₁ to pass freely upward; but when the latter descends, a short
prolongation of the nose is brought in contact with a pin m¹ of the lever b', while
the sharp end of the nose engages in a groove of the weight and holds the same as
long as the latch h¹ is engaged by the pin n¹.
The station covered by the block signal is provided with an ordinary galvano-
scope serving to indicate the condition of the galvanic battery, the conducting
wires and the position of the operating lever and thereby indirectly that of the
signal disc itse'f. The electrical apparatus is situated in a weather proof casing,
while the falling weight may be placed near the line in the open air and cause the
ignition of an explosive charge composed and arranged in such manner that the
detonation and the flame may be noticed by those in charge of the train without
fail.
The function of the apparatus is as follows:
1. The signal is set on "line blocked." The current passes from one pole of the
battery to the spring c, through d to spring b, of the switch to the spring ke,
plate p, and spring of the commutator, through the convolutions of the electro-
magnet (which are shown in full lines) to the galvanoscope of the station and from
the latter into the earth.
From the other pole of the battery the current passes to the spring h, plate n,
and spring i of the commutator and from the latter equally to the earth.
When the signal disc is in this position the needle of the galvanoscope is
deflected, the armature of the electro-magnet is attracted, the pawl h engaged
by n, and the falling weight is held by the nose pivoted at 1.
If now an engine passes the lever x, the prism of the commutator is rapidly
shifted upward, and as now the springs with the rollers are no longer in contact
with the same metal plates n and p, but are brought in contact with the cross-
wise connected plates m and p, n and o, the direction of the current is reversed in
the whole circuit.
At the moment of the change of poles of the electro-magnet, caused by the
reversal of the current, the spring f withdraws the armature d¹, the hammer
disengages the latch h', the lever b' is lifted, and the weight C¹ descends and
ignites by percussion the cartridge P.
The mechanisın serving to hold and set in action the fog signals may be placed
at any suitable place along the line in front of the optical signal disc.
The introduction of a new cartridge and the replacing of the armature, the lever
and the falling weight into their previous positions is effected by hand.
2. When the optic signal disc indicates "line open," the current passes from one
of the poles of the battery to f, through g to e, through the convolutions of the
electro-magnet (shown in dotted lines) and returns from the latter directly to the
other pole.
The commutator is short circuited and out of action, the station is equally short
cir uited, and the needle of the galvanoscope consequently points to zero.
The cartridge P represented by Figs 4 and 5, comprises a shell e preferably made
of b st impregnated hemp-paper.
In this shell is introduced a wedge b of peculiar construction placed in such
manner as to allow the binding or choking of the cartridge above the wedge.
The wedge b has in the centre a bore which is contracted towards the lower end
and adapted to receive a needle a having the shape of a nail.
At the lower conical end of the wedge is a priming composition c serving to
ignite the cartridge,
5

page_text: The choking is effected by a soft brass wire g twisted together and protruding at
both sides over the diameter of the cartridge, so as to form a support for placing
the cartridge in the apparatus. The upper end of the cartridge is closed by an
impregnated weather-proof cap h attached by means of a string i.
The cartridge is filled with the explosive charge from the lower end which is
then closed by a second wedge shaped cap d. Close below the wedge & the cartridge
is equally choked by means of a strong string f. Below the choking the cartridge
is packed and made weather proof by immersing the same into paraffin.
Fig 6 of the accompanying drawings illustrates the invention as applied for
electrically disengaging a falling weight for firing torpedoes and blasting
cartridges.
On the upper face of the mine D are situated the releasing mechanism C and the
commutator B placed in a water-tight casing.
The commutator B consists of 4 metal springs h, i, k, l, mounted on an insulating
base, and provided at one end with binding posts for the conducting wires, and at
the other end with metal rollers. These rollers are pressed by springs against 4
metal strips m, n, o, p, fixed in pairs to two opposite surfaces of a prism made of
insulating material. The strip p is in electric connection with strip m and the
strip o in electric connection with strip n by means of the pieces q and r; these
connecting pieces q and r are insulated from each other.
The prism is guided in a straight line at a and t, and connected by rod 1, with
a small crank 2, on the arbor 3, on which is also mounted a pinion 4, having about
8 teeth. This pinion gears into a toothed rack which is guided below in
suitable bearings and passes through the stuffing boxes 6, 6, in the cover of the
casing.
A powerful spring 7, at the lower end of the rack, presses the latter constantly
upwards, while the upper end of the rack, which protrudes into the water, carries
a lenticular metal body 8, which offers but slight resistance to the movement of the
water.
As soon as the lenticular body 8, receives a pressure from above, which is the
case whenever a ship passes over the same, the toothed rack is depressed, and the
prism is sbifted to the left. After the ship has passed, the spring 7, replaces the
rack into its original position.
The disengaging device proper, C, chiefly comprises a horse-shoe shaped electro-
magnet a¹, a double armed lever 6' and a falling weight C¹. The coils of the
electro-magnet are wound with two copper wires, that is to say each coil is wound
with two insulated copper-wires in the same direction. The armature d¹ which
touches with its face the cores of the electro-magnet, is pivoted at e¹ and provided
with a prolongation similar to a hammer extending beyond the pivot e', and with
an adjustable helical spring f'.
The lever b¹ the arms of which are of unequal length, has its fulcrum at g¹, and
is provided at one end with a falling latch h having a pin against which strikes
the hammer shaped prolongation of the armature.
The lever b¹ is guided, and limited in its travel at k¹. The other end of the
lever carries a movable nose which is pivoted at l' and permits the weight C¹ to
pass freely upward; but when the latter descends, a short prolongation of the nose
is brought in contact with a pin m² of the lever b', while the sharp end of the nose
engages in a groove of the weight and holds the same as long as the latch h¹ is.
engaged by the pin n¹.
The electro-magnet a' of the releasing mechanism C is connected with the
commutator B, and the latter is connected by a double cable 10 with a second
commutator B', of the same construction and a switch arm 9 placed at the post of
observation on the shore. The commutator B₁ is further connected with the
galvanic battery K Z.
The apparatus works as follows:
1. The switch arm being set .in.the.contact point 11, the current passes from the

page_text: pole Z of the battery to the spring 2 (of the commutator B¹) to plate n², spring 12,
switch arm 9, contact point 11, and from the latter to spring (of the commutator B)
to plate m, spring 1, through the convolutions of the electro-magnet al (which are
shown in full lines) to the spring i, plate o, spring h, to spring (of the
commutator B¹) and returns through plate p² and spring h² to the other pole K of
the battery. In this position of the apparatus the armature of the electro-
magnet is attracted, the latch h¹ engaged by n¹, and the falling weight C is held by
the nose pivoted at l¹.
If now a ship passes the mine, and depresses the body 8, for a few centimetres
only, the prism of the commutator B is shifted to the left, and as now the springs hi
and are no longer in contact with the two metal plates o and m only, but are
brought in contact with the cross-wise connected plates and o, m and p, the
direction of the current is reversed in the whole circuit.
At the moment of the change of poles of the electro-magnet, caused by the
reversal of the current, the spring f¹ withdraws the armature d', the hammer of
the latter disengages the latch from the pin i, the lever b₁ is lifted and the
weight C descends and ignites by percussion the cartridge P situated at the lower
end of the vertical guide tube.
The cartridge P. and the mine D are connected by an ordinary fuse 12, and as
the falling weight is disengaged with almost absolute certainty, the ignition of the
mine is very reliable. The mine may also be ignited or fired by pressing on the
knob R of the commutator B' at the post of observation, whereby the prism of this
commutator, otherwise pressed upward by a spring, is pushed down.
2. If the switch arm 9 is set on the contact point 13, as represented in the
drawing, the current passes from the pole Z through spring e, plate n², spring 1 to
the arm 9 and contact point 13 and returns through the convolutions of the electro-
magnet al (which are shown in dotted lines) directly to the other pole K of the
battery.
The commutators B and B¹ are thus short-circuited, and the mine may be passed
The combination of the following parts with each other and with a battery RZ,
in the manner described and illustrated by Figs 1 to 3, and for the purpose of
releasing a falling weight C adapted to fire detonating cartridges for railway
signals:
The switch A, consisting chiefly of insulated metal springs b, c, e, f and the
contact pieces d and g mounted on a disc which is rigidly connected with the
operating lever a of the optic signal.
The commutator B comprising the metal springs h, i, k, l, provided with rollers,
metal strips m, n, o, p, and connections q, secured to an insulating prism,
rod t with spring 8, 8, lever u, rod z with spring y and lever x.
The releasing mechanism C comprising an electro-magnet al, armature d¹ with
spring f¹, lever b¹ with latch h¹ pins i and n¹, nose pivoted at l¹ and falling
weight C¹.
a galvanoscope.
The combination of the following parts with each other and with a battery K Z,
in the manner described and illustrated by Fig. 6 and for the purpose of
releasing a falling weight C adapted to fire torpedoes and blasting-cartridges :
), the commutator B, consisting of metal springs h, i, k, l provided with rollers,
the metal strips m, n, o, p, placed on an insulating prism, connections q, r,
guide rod (s, t) connecting rod 1, crank 2, pinion 4, and rack 5 provided with
spring 7 and contact-piece 8.
the second commutator B¹, consisting of metal springs h², i³, k³, 13, metal
strips m³, n², o³, p², connections q³, 1, and rod t with spring 8, 8.

page_text: ), the releasing mechanism C, consisting of the electro-magnet a¹, armature d
with spring f, lever b¹ with latch h³, pins and n¹, nose pivoted at 1, and
falling weight C¹.
() a switch consisting of arm q and contact points 11 and 13.
In combination with apparatus of the type described by claims 1 and 2, a
detonating cartridge as illustrated by Figs. 4 and 5, and comprising a wedge
shaped plug d, wedge shaped plug b containing the firing needle a, and the
cap c, the said parts as well as the explosive charge placed between b and d
being enclosed in a paper envelope e and held together by wires g and f.
n Witness whereof I, the said Gerard Wenzeslaus von Nawrocki have hereunto
et my hand and seal this 31st day of May A.D 1884.
CERARD WENZEOLATIS HOW NAWROCKT
-
GERARD WENZESLAUS VON NAWROCKT (S.C.)