IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY SIGNAL Apparatus
Year: 1873

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine,
i,
Lake, & Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY SIGNAL Apparatus.”
-A communication from abroad by Frank Leonard Pope, of
Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States of America, Electrical
Engineer.
Sealed the 20th October 1878, and dated the 7th August 1873.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 7th August 1878.
I, WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co.,
Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY SIGNAL
APPARATUS," a communication, to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to certain improvements in appliances for
operating semaphoric and audible signals on railways, or causing them
A

page_text: to be operated by the agency of electricity, and to the construction of
the said signals.
The said improvements consist,—
First. In the arrangement of semaphoric and audible signals, one or
more of either or both, at suitable intervals upon the line of a single or
double railway on which the trains pass in one or both directions, and
in combining with such signals electro-magnets, relays, batteries, and
circuit closing devices capable of being actuated by a passing locomotive
or train, by means of which a safety signal can only be given to an
approaching train when the line between the point at which the signal
is given and the signal next in advance is unobstructed, and when the
signals, batteries, and wires are in working condition.
Second. In the combination with the above-described apparatus of a
circuit changer or commutator connected with the moveable rails of a
switch in such a manner that when the said switch is turned to inter-
rupt the main line the circuit of the signal operating magnet will be
broken, thereby rendering it impossible for a safety signal to be given at
the next signal station on the main line; or when the engine is turned
to interrupt the branch line the signal operating circuit connected with
said branch line will be interrupted in like manner.
==
Third. In combining with an insulated section of the main line of a
railway a branch line or siding provided with insulating spaces or
breaks for the purpose of confining an electric circuit to the main line,
and of preventing an electrical connection between the opposite lines of
rails of the said insulated section of main line.
Fourth. In an arrangement of electric circuits in combination with a
battery and with two or more circuit closers operated by moving trains
or otherwise, whereby a series of two or more visual or audible signals
upon the line of a railway may be operated by currents of electricity
derived from a single battery.
.
Fifth. In the combination of a signal or signal disc actuated by
suitable mechanism with two or more detents operated alternately or
successively by electro-magnetism for the purpose of controlling the
movements and indications of the said signal.
Sixth. In the construction and arrangement of a semaphoric signal
capable of being operated at a distance by electro-magnetism in such a

page_text: manner that the movements of the said signal may be repeated back,
and indicated or recorded at any point in the operating circuit by causing
the movement of said signal to produce a variation in the strength of
the actuating electric current.
Seventh. In the application of a locking magnet and armature to the
signal disc of a semaphoric signal for the purpose of retaining the same
in position after it has been moved until the operating circuit is
broken.
Eighth. In the employment of magneto-induction apparatus for the
purpose of producing an electric current for controlling the movements
of a semaphoric signal at a distance, and for repeating back and indi-
cating or registering the movements of the said semaphoric signal, and
in the combination therewith of commutators so arranged as to permit
the indicating apparatus to be affected by received currents, but not by
transmitted currents,
I combine with the rails of a railway galvanic batteries so arranged
that one neutralizes the other until metallic connection is formed
between the said rails, when two independent circuits will be established.
I also use one or more electro-magnets for actuating or controlling one
or more visual or audible signals, and a circuit closer arranged to bring
the said batteries simultaneously into action, and thereby cause said
electro-magnet or magnets to operate said signal or signals. A relay is
placed at or near one end of the insulated section of the line; a
secondary circuit is controlled by the same relay, and an electro-
magnet is-situated at or near the opposite end of the said insulated
section, and arranged to operate or control a semaphoric or audible signal,
or both.
The battery signal operating magnet circuit of conductors and two
independent circuit closers under the control of a locomotive or train
are so arranged that the said magnet can only be operated by the simul-

page_text: the purpose of confining the electric circuit to the main line. The
branch line is provided with an insulating space or break for the purpose
of preventing an electrical connection between the opposite lines of rails
of the said insulated section.
I use a galvanic battery with separate wires or other conductors con-
nected to its positive and negative poles in combination with two or
.more circuit closers placed at intervals along the line of a railway, and
two or more electro-magnets for displaying or reversing semaphoric or
audible signals, whereby two or more signals may be operated by power
derived from a single battery.
In combination with a signal or signal disc and suitable mechanism
for causing said disc to revolve, I use two or more detents operated
alternately or successively by electro-magnets; and in combination with
the battery signal operating magnets there is a circuit closer and
retaining magnet.
I also use an electro-magnet and its armature in combination with a
circuit changer so arranged relatively to each other that the movement
of the said armature will effect a variation in the strength of the electric
current in the circuit which includes or operates the said clectro-magnet,
by means of which the movements of the said armature and the attach-
ments may be indicated or recorded at any point in the said circuit.
A primary signal is arranged in combination with a secondary signal or
indicator, each of the said signals being moved or controlled by its own
electro-magnet; the said magnets are included in or operated by the
same electrical circuit, so that the movements of the secondary signal
will be dependent upon or controlled by those of the primary signal.
The electro-magnet and its armature are combined with the circuit
changer and a rheostat.
A part of my apparatus is provided with an electro-magnet with two
or more sets of helices and with a commutator. A locking magnet is
arranged in combination with a signal disc and a circuit changer
operated by the signal mechanism, and with another electro-
magnet.
I also employ an apparatus for inducing electric currents from a
magnet with an electro-magnet, which controls the movements of a
semaphoric signal; and I combine a semaphoric signal with a magnetic

page_text: induction apparatus in such a manner that the movements of the said
signal will cause an inclined current of electricity to be transmitted to a
repeating or indicating apparatus. A commutator is combined with an
electro-magnet and magneto-induction armature and a semaphoric signal,
and another commutator and magneto-induction armature are com-
bined with the electro-magnet of an indicator.
"
-
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 7th February 1874.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Seventh day of August, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three, in the thirty-.
seventh year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said William Robert Lake, Her special
licence that I, the said William Robert Lake, my executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William Robert Lake,
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 RAILWAY SIGNAL APPARATUS,” a communication to me from
abroad by Frank Leonard Pope, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States
of America, Electrical Engineer, upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said William Robert Lake, 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.

page_text: NOW KNOW Y, that 1, the said wymiam nobert Lake, no mereby
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, reference being had to the accompanying
Drawing, forming a part of this Specification :-
This Invention relates to certain improvements in appliances for
operating "semaphoric and audible signals on railways, or causing them
to be operated by the agency of electricity, and to the construction of
the said signals.
The said improvements consist,-
First. In the arrangement of semaphoric and audible signals, one or
more of either or both, at suitable intervals upon the line of a single or
double railway on which the trains pass in one or both directions, and in
combining with such signals electro-magnets, relays, batteries, and
circuit closing devices capable of being actuated by a passing locomotive
or train, by means of which a safety signal can only be given to an
approaching train, when the line between the point at which the signal
is given and the signal next in advance is unobstructed, and when the
signals, batteries, and wires are in working condition.
.
Second. In the combination with the above described apparatus of a
circuit changer or commutator connected with the movable rails of a
switch in such a manner that when the said switch is turned to inter-
rupt the main line the circle of the signal operating magnet will be
broken, thereby rendering it impossible for a safety signal to be given at
the next signal station on the main line, or when the same is turned to
interrupt the branch line the signal operating circuit connected with
said branch line will be interrupted in like manner.
Third. In combining with an insulated section of the main line of a
railway a branch line or siding provided with insulating spaces or breaks
for the purpose of confining an electric circuit to the main line, and of
preventing an electrical connection between the opposite lines of rails of
the said insulated section of main line.
Fourth. In an arrangement of electric circuits in combination with a
battery, and with two or more circuit closers, operated by moving trains
or otherwise, whereby a series of two or more visual or audible signals
upon the line of a railway may be operated by currents of electricity
derived from a single battery.

page_text: Fifth. In the combination of a signal or signal disc actuated by
suitable mechanism, with two or more detents, operated alternately or
successively by electro-magnetism for the purpose of controlling the
movements and indications of the said signal.
=
P
Sixth. In the construction and arrangement of a semaphoric signal
capable of being operated at a distance by electro-magnetism, in such a
manner that the movements of said signial may be repeated back and
indicated or recorded at any point in the operating circuit by causing
the movement of said signal to produce a variation in the strength of
the actuating electric current.
Seventh. In the application of a locking magnet and armature to the
signal disc of a semaphoric signal for the purpose of retaining the same
in position after having been moved until the operating circuit is
broken.
Eighth. In the employment of magneto-induction apparatus for the
purpose of producing an electric current for controlling the movements
of a semaphoric signal at a distance, and for repeating back and indi-
cating or registering the movements of the said semaphoric signal, and
in the combination therewith of commutators so arranged as to permit
the indicating apparatus to be effected by received currents, but not by
transmitted currents.

page_text: Figure 6 is a front elevation of a semaphoric signal showing the
mechanism for operating the same, the front of the case being removed.
Figure 7 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the electrical con-
nections for controlling the movements of said semaphoric signal;
together with the repeating apparatus.
T

page_text: thus arranged the relays R and R' will not be affected until an electrical
connection is formed between a and a¹, as by the wheels and axle W' of
a train passing over the rails a and a³, when two circuits will be formed
and both relays will be operated simultaneously.
To the insulated section a", a³, another relay magnet M and battery B³
are connected by means of wires 7, 8, 9, so that the circuit will be
closed and the relay operated whenever the rails a² and a³ are connected
by the wheels and axles of a locomotive or car. A corresponding relay
M and battery B³ are connected in like manner to the other short
insulated section aª, a³.
S and S¹ are the electro-magnets which actuate or control the visual.
or audible signals guarding each end of the section of railway a, a¹.
These signals may be of any suitable construction, provided they are
so arranged that when the magnet 8 or S¹ becomes operative, a safety
signal will be exhibited or sounded, and at all other times danger or
caution will be indicated. The said signals may be moved directly by
the electro-magnet S, or by means of mechanism controlled by said
magnet.
The route of the current which actuates the magnet 8 is as follows:-
From the positive or + pole of battery E¹, by wire 13, relay lever 1,
wire 14, retaining magnet N, wire 15, relay lever m, and wire 16,
returning by wires 17, 18, 19, and 20, to the other pole of the battery.
Thus it will be understood that in order to operate the signal operating
magnet 8 it is necessary that this circuit should be closed both at m and
at, as shown.
The circuit of the other signal operating magnet S¹ may be traced to
the battery E in precisely the same manner. The operation is as
follows:-Suppose a train represented by W is moving in the direction
of the arrow .c, it will first close the circuit between a³ and a³ actuating
the relay M, and elosing the secondary circuit at m; it will then close
the circuit between a and a³ as seen at W, which as herein-before
explained will operate both relays R, R. As the circuit at a³, a³, still
remains closed by the subsequent portion of the train, the circuit of the
signal operating magnet S will be completed, and a safety signal given
5 permitting the train to proceed. If however any portion of the rails
a or a² should be accidently broken or removed, the closing of the circuit
at W would not actuate the relay R', and consequently no safety signal

page_text: would be given. This would also be the case if any of the wires were
broken or the batteries inoperative.
In order to prevent any possibility of a signal being wrongly displayed
(say to indicate " safety") at the further terminus of an occupied
section of a railway, I have arranged the apparatus as follows:-When
the circuit is closed at W the relay R is operated as before explained.
This closes a circuit at proceeding from the battery E through wire 21,
relay lever ", wire 22, and retaining magnet N¹, returning through
wire 23, relay lever m³, wires 24, 18, 17, and 25. The retaining magnet
N being thus charged, a train coming in the opposite direction and
closing the circuit at a, a, the relay magnet M¹ would not be able to
pull its armature away from N in order to operate the safety signal
magnet S', as long as the railway a, a', is occupied by another train.
And furthermore, after the train W, W¹, has passed beyond the insulated
section a², a³, the armature lever m will be released by the magnet M
and drawn over by the spring n, closing the circuit and charging the
retaining magnet N. If a following train closes circuit at a, a, the
relay magnet M will be prevented by the attraction of N from operating
the signal magnet S.
A post is to be set at the side of the rails at a point which will be :
reached by the locomotive soon after entering upon the insulated section
a, a¹, and no locomotive should be permitted to pass the said post unless
a safety signal is exhibited by the action of the magnet S. If such
signal is not shown, it is an indication either that the line a, a¹, is
occupied by another train, that a rail has been broken or removed, or 2
that the wires or batteries are not in proper working order.
Figure 2 shows the application of this system to railways on which
the trains run in one direction only, and also the arrangement at the
intersection of a branch rail or siding, the general principle being the
same as in the arrangement herein-before explained.
3
Suppose a train is moving in the direction of the arrow y, it will first
close the circuit between a³, a³, and then between a and a¹. When both
relays M and R¹ are thus simultaneously operated, the safety signal will
be exhibited by the action of the magnet S, the circuit of the latter
being completed from the battery E¹, through wire 26, circuit changer 1, 3
wire 27, relay magnet R³, wire 28, armature lever 8³, wire 29, retaining
magnet N, wire 30, relay lever m, and wire 31, returning through wires 32
and 33, relay lever ³, and wire 34.

page_text: The branch rail A¹ is also provided with a safety signal, operated or
controlled by the magnet S, either directly or through the intervention
of a local circuit, the operative circuit of which includes a battery B*,
and is closed by the passage of a locomotive or car over the insulated
section aº, a'. This circuit may be traced as follows:—From rail a'
through wire 85, magnet S³, wire 86, relay lever, wire 87, circuit
changer 1, and wire 88, to battery B', and thence by wire 89 to the other
rail a; but by inspection of Figure 2 it will be seen that the magnet S³
which controls the safety signal cannot be operated unless the switch is
adjusted in line with the rail A, so as to connect the wires 37 and 38 by
means of the circuit changer 7, nor if there is another train occupying
any portion of the insulated section a, a¹, for in that case the circuit
will be broken at of the relay R³. Furthermore, if the switch is set in
line with the branch rail, or if a train is passing over the insulated
section a³, a², upon the main line; the circuit of the signal magnet S
will be broken at 7, between wires 26 and 27, or at s³, or both, so that
no safety signal can be given by the action of the magnet §.
In order to carry the circuit of the rails a and a¹ through the switch
without a metallic connection being formed between them, the rails of
the branch line are divided and suitably insulated at 6, 6ª,.and 6º. The
movable rails 0, 0¹, are electrically connected with the fixed rails by the
metallic plates c, c³, on which the abutting ends are supported. The
said movable rails C, C³, are usually connected together by means of
metallic ties or braces d, d. It is necessary that these should not form.
an electrical connection between the two opposite lines of rails. A tie
composed partially or wholly of insulating material, such for instance as
wood, is therefore employed instead of the usual metallic one.
Figure 8 shows another method of arranging the apparatus for a
double line of railway, on which the trains run in one direction only,
and which is intended to be used in places where from any reason it is
impracticable to make use of the rails of the railway as a conductor for
the required distance. Two insulated sections of railway aª and aº are
arranged near the signal in the same manner as herein-before described,
and another short insulated section a" at the distant extremity of the
section of rails which the signal is designed to protect. A retaining
magnet F is placed at or near the signal, the office of which will be
herein-after explained. A battery B' is placed at the distant end of the
section.

page_text: The operation is as follows:-The train moving from right to left
makes a connection between the insulated section a³ and the opposite
rail a", and forms a circuit from the battery B' through wires 40 and 41,
signal magnet S, wire 42, rails a³ and a¹, and returning by wire 43 to
the battery. This will operate the signal and allow the train to proceed.
Upon reaching the insulated section a' a branch circuit will be formed
through wire 44, retaining magnet F, and wire 45, which will cut out
the signal magnet S, and allow the signal to return to its former
position. The magnet F now attracts its armature, closing circuit by
the lever f, so that after the train has left a³ the circuit will still remain
closed from battery B³, through wires 40, 44, magnet F, wire 46, circuit
closer, wire 47, rail a" (or earth), and wire 43. Upon reaching the
insulated section the battery is cut off from the wire 40, and its
attachment by the closing of a shorter circuit through the wire 48, which
releases the circuit closer f, and restores the entire apparatus to its
original position.
It is obvious that no succeeding train can operate the signal magnet S
as long as the circuit is diverted through the magnet F and wires 44
and 47, which it necessarily must be during the passage of a train from
aº to a¹º.
Figure 4 shows an arrangement whereby a series of signals placed
along the line of a railway at intervals of say a mile, more or less, may be
operated from a single battery upon the passage of a locomotive or train.
The railway A, A, is provided with short insulated sections a¹³, a, a¹³,
situated at intervals corresponding to the distance of the signals from
each other, each signal being opposite or nearly so to one of the said
insulated sections. B is a galvanic battery placed in any suitable
location near the line of railway. Two wires or other conductors 50
and 51 are attached respectively to the zinc and copper poles of the
battery B6, and are extended to any required distance in a direction
along the line of the railway. The conductors 50 and 51 may be placed
on posts at the side of the line and should be suitably insulated from
each other and from the earth. S³, S, S³, are the electro-magnets which
actuate or display the respective signals, their construction will be
herein-after explained; 8³, 8, 8³, are electro-magnets so arranged as to
release or reverse the signals which have previously been displayed by
the magnets S³, St. St.

page_text: The operation of the apparatus shown in Figure 4 is as follows:-
Suppose that a train is moving along the railway A, A, in the direction
of the arrow, now upon reaching the section as the wheels and axles
of the train will form an electrical connection between the opposite
insulated rails, and a circuit will be formed between the condensors 50
and 51 traversing the wire 52, magnet S³, wires 58 and 54, and the
signal attached to Ss will consequently be displayed. Upon the arrival
of the train upon a the same operation will be repeated, and another
connection formed between 50 and 51 traversing the wire 55, magnet S*,
and wires 56, 57. At the same time a portion of the current will be
diverted and will pass through wire 58, magnets, and wire 59. Thus
the signal attached to 8 will be actuated or displayed, and simultaneously
the action of the magnet s³ will reverse the action of the first-mentioned
signal. Upon reaching the section as the closing of the circuit by the
train will in like manner cause the signal attached to 8' to be displayed,
and the signal last displayed by 8* to be reversed. In this manner any
desired number of signals may be operated by a single battery.
In cases where it is required to operate a large number of signals
extending along a railway for many miles the two conductors 50 and 51
may be extended the entire distance, having a number of batteries
attached at convenient intervals, say from five to ten miles apart. The
several batteries should all be placed with their zinc poles in connection
with the wire 50 and their copper poles in connection with the wire 51,
when they will in effect form one large battery, the principle of action
being the same as in that shown by Figure 4.
Instead of the circuit being closed automatically at the signaling
points by means of the train itself it may be closed by signalmen by
means of any suitable appliance or mechanism.
Figure 5 is a front elevation of a semaphoric signal designed to be
operated in connection with the arrangement of circuits last described.
D is a signal diso mounted upon a horizontal shaft, and having a
constant tendency to revolve in the direction indicated by the arrow on
the upper part of said diso by the action of the weight V³, the cord
of which is wound around the barrel V, the latter being fixed to a
toothed wheel V which gears into a pinion on the shaft d. The disc D
is divided into four segments i, i, i, ², the two first-named segments i, i,
being colored in such a manner as to indicate "danger" or "caution,"

page_text: and the other two i, i, to indicate "safety." The disc D is enclosed in
a case having openings in its face corresponding to the position of the
segments,, in the Drawings, so that these two segments will be
exposed to view, while i and i will be concealed. Upon the shaft d are
two arms & and a placed at right angles to each other, and in such a
position that d³ will be arrested in its revolution by coming in contact
with a detent on the armature lever of the electro-magnet S³ when the
said electro-magnet is not in action. The other arm d³ in like manner
engages with a similar detent in the armature lever of the other electro-
magnets. When the apparatus is in its normal position as shown in
the Figure the disc D is held by the arm & and the segments i, iª, are
exhibited. A locomotive or train passing the signal as hercin-before
explained will close the circuit, and actuate the electro-magnet S³,
releasing the arm ď. The disc D will then make one-fourth of a
complete revolution until the other arm d³ is stopped by the armature
lever of 8. The segments i, i, will now be exhibited until the arrival of
the locomotive or train at the next signal, when 8³ will be actuated, again
releasing the disc, which will turn through another fourth of a revolution
and again exhibit the segments,, indicating that the rail is clear to
the next station or signal.
'
Figure 6 shows a front elevation of a semaphoric 'signal designed to
be operated by a signalman from a distant point, and so arranged as to
indicate or register its own movements at the point from which it is
operated.
Referring to Figure 6, P represents a hollow metallic post, of suitable
height, which supports a metallic case P¹ containing the wheelwork
for turning the signal, said wheelwork being driven by a weight V³,
so arranged as to descend within the post, which is made hollow, as
shown in this Figure. The wheelwork is arranged within and supported
by a suitable frame P³. The signal G is mounted upon a vertical
spindle projecting above the case which contains the wheelwork.
The said signal consists of two thin plates of metal, or any suitable
material, preferably in the form of a disc. These two discs are fixed
upon the spindle g, at right angles to each other, in such a manner
that when the flat side of one disc is presented to the eye only the edge
of the other disc will be visible, as clearly shown in said Figure 6. One
of these discs is to be colored with the color which is conventionally
employed to indicato " danger," and the other disc in like manner is

page_text: colored to indicate "safety." Above the discs and at the top of the
vertical spindle g is fixed a lantern G³, which, when lighted at night,
exhibits colors corresponding to those of the disos. The vertical
spindle has a constant tendency to revolve by the action of toothed
gearing or wheelwork v, v², ³, ³, actuated by the weight V and cord
or chain on the barrel V₁. The movements of the spindle are controlled
by the escapement wheel ', which is provided with four pins &, t³, P, P,
(shown more clearly in Figures 7 and 8). An anchor escapement T
takes hold of these pins, and is so arranged as to release one of them
at each of its vibrations in either direction, and thus permit the
escapement wheel, together with the spindle and the signal attached
thereto, to turn through the distance of one-fourth of a revolution.
The vibrations of the escapement lever are in turn controlled by an
electro-magnet Sº. This will be more clearly understood by reference
to Figure 8, in which is the escapement wheel, provided with four
pins, ³,, ; Tis the escapement lever, and T, T, are the pallets.
The lever is pivoted at T; S' is the electro-magnet: In Figure 8 the
pin is represented as resting against the pallet T, thus preventing
the revolution of the wheel vr.
When the electro-magnet is caused to attract its armature upon the
escapement lever the pin is released and the wheel and spindle is
permitted to make one-fourth of a complete revolution in the direction
of the arrow until the pin t comes in contact with the other pallet T,
when its movement will be again arrested. When the attraction of
the electro-magnet ceases the spring T will cause the escapement lever
to return to its former position, and the pin twill be released and the
wheel * and spindle g will turn through another fourth of a revolution.
Thus it will be understood that when the electro-magnet 8º is operativo
a certain color, to denote "safety," will be exhibited by the signal;
and when the magnet is not operative a different color, to denote
"danger," will be shown.
The manner in which the apparatus, shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8,
is operated is as follows:- B' (Figure 7) is a suitable galvanio battery,
placed at the point from which it is desired to operate the signal. This
may be put in connection with the conducting wires, at pleasure, by
means of the hand switch U. The connections are arranged on the
plan commonly known as " Wheatstone bridge.” A wire 58 is led from
the battery B' to the switch U, and thence to the point 59, where it

page_text: divides, passing through two equal resistances or rheostats X and X'.
A. wire 61 goes from the point 60 to the distant signal connecting with
wire 62, which returns to the point 63. The resistance X³ must be made
equal to that between 60 and 63 when the apparatus is in the position
shown in the Figure, and in that case no current will pass through the
bridge wire between 60 and 64, and the electro-magnet 8º, which
operates the indicator, will remain unaffected. By a peculiar device,
which will be presently described, the turning of the signal to its new
position when released by the electric current is caused to increase the
resistance in the signal circuit, and thus cause a current to flow through
the wire 60, 64, and operate the secondary signal or indicator.
90,
The manner in which this result is accomplished is as follows:-
Figures 6, 7, and 8, is a cylinder formed of some suitable insulating
material and placed upon the spindle g, a little above the escapement
wheel. Two metallic plates w³, w³, are let into the surface of the :
insulating cylinder at opposite points upon its periphery, as clearly seen in
Figure 8. Two insulated metallic springs 10%, 10³press against the surface
of the cylinder as it revolves for a purpose which will soon be explained.
The electro-magnet S has helices composed of inner coils k of ordinary.
sized insulated wire, and it is also provided with separate outer coils k¹
of much finer wire, wound in the same direction and having a resistance
many times greater than that of the inner coils. When the apparatus
is in the position shown in this Figure the inner coils only of the
magnet S are included in the path of the current, which may be traced
as follows:- From the point 60 through wires 61 and 65 to the
spring ³, through the metal plate w¹ upon the cylinder w to the
spring wo³, thence by wire 66 to the inner coils k, k, returning by wire 62
to the point 63. By an inspection of the diagram it will be understood
that whenever the cylinder wo is in such a position that the springs 10³, 10³,
rest upon the metal plate w¹ the outer coils k¹, k¹, of the magnet S are
shown circuited. If therefore the circuit be closed at U the current
will pass through the inner coils k, k, charge the magnet S and release
the escapement T, thereby permitting the signal G to turn through one-
fourth of a revolution and display a different color. This movement
will however cause the connection between the two springs 10³ and 10³
to be interrupted, as they will now rest upon the insulating portion of the
cylinder w. The path of the current will now be through the wires 61
and 68, outer coils k³, k³, wires 67 and 66, inner coils k, k, and wire 62.

page_text: But the total resistance in the circuit will now be much greater than
before, and the current consequently much weaker. This will be
compensated for or equalized in the action of the magnet S by the
greatly increased number of convolutions of wire in the helices, which
will thus be brought into action; but at the operating station the
resistance between 60 and 63 is no longer equal to the resistance of
the rheostats X, between 68 and 64, but much greater. Therefore a
current will flow between the points 60 and 64 and cause the indicator
attached to the magnet 8 to be operated, from which the position of
the distant signal may be determined with absolute certainty.
The construction of a repeater or indicator which may be used is
shown in Figure 9. 8, 8, are the poles of the electro-magnet, and a³ is
the soft iron armature which is pivoted at s and provided with an
arms. A pin on this arm takes hold in a slot at the end of the under
arm which is pivoted at 8". When the electro-magnet becomes
operative the armature will be attracted and the index moved so as to
point to the word "red" instead of the word "white," and thereby
indicate the position of the distant signal.
Figure 10 shows a visual or semaphoric signal designed to be
operated directly by electro-magnetic power without the aid of wheel-
work or weights; D is a disc of, say 30 inches in diameter, divided
into four segments colored alternately with different colors, similarly
to the one herein-before described, and shewn in Figure 5. An adjustable
weight / attached to the periphery of the disc keeps it in the proper
position to exhibit the segments,, except when acted upon by the
electric current. The disc is made to turn through one-fourth of a
revolution by means of the electro-magnet S', the armature of which is
attached by means of the rod I to the short arm of the angular lever I'
having a fulerum at 1. The long arm of this lever is connected by the
pitman P to the crank I* or the axis of the signal disc D. Thus the
diso will turn and display the segments i, i, in place of, whenever
the electro-magnet S is charged by the electric current. The signal
dise D is provided with a soft iron lug or armature H³, which when the
disc is turned round by the action of the electro-magnet 87 comes in
contact with the rocking magnet H, the attraction of which holds the
dise firmly in position until the circuit is broken. Just before the diso
D completes its movement the insulated pin e in the lever I' comes in
contact with another pin on the circuit changer J, and lifts it up,

page_text: •
interrupting the contact previously existing at e¹. This operation cuts
the battery current off from the magnet S' and instantly transfers it
to the locking magnet H as will be understood by an inspection of the
wires and connections in said Figure 10. This effect occurs just as the
soft iron armature H' on the disc comes in contact with H, and tho
latter being rendered strongly magnetic attracts H with great force,
securely locking the disc D in its new position.
+
The electric current for moving the signal disc is derived from the
battery B which is preferably placed at or near the point from which
the signal is to be operated. The manner in which the movements of
the signal disc are registered at another point in the circuit is as
follows: An electro-magnet s' is included in the circuit at any required
point, provided with an armature lever m³.. When the signal circuit
· 69, 70, is closed by the switch U¹ the signal disc D will turn and the
magnet & will at the same time attract its armature, bringing the lever
m³ in contact with the supplementary lever n³ and carrying it against
the stop n. The turning of the disc D throws the magnet H into the
circuit in place of the magnet S'. The magnet H is purposely made
of much greater resistance than S7, so that when thus thrown into the
circuit the said circuit becomes so much weakened that the attraction
of the magnet s³ for its armature is sufficiently weakened to permit the
spring n¹ to overcome it, and the lever n³ is drawn into contact with the
stop nº. This closes a local circuit from the battery B through wires
71, 72, stops nº, levers n³ and m³, and wire 73, which include the
magnet 8º. Any suitable indicating apparatus, such for example
ast hat shown in Figure 9 may be attracted to and operated by the
magnet sº.
Figure 11 shows another method of arranging the repeating or indi-
cating apparatus which is applicable to either the arrangement shown in
Figure 7, or that shown in Figure 10. In this arrangement two electro-
magnets and so are placed so as to operate in opposite directions upon
the same armature lever m³. 74 is the wire leading from the switch
which divides into two branches 77 and 75, one going through the
magnets and returning directly to the other pole of the battery, and
the other passing through the other magnet s' and thence by wire 76
to the distant signal, returning in like manner to the other pole of the
battery. A rheostat is placed in the first mentioned circuit for the
purpose of rendering the attractive force of the one magnet equal to

page_text: that of the other; and as long as this is the case the armature will.
remain in the position shown in the Figure owing to the action. of the:
spring m. But so soon as the additional resistance is thrown into the
signal circuit by the movement of the distant signal disc, as herein-
before explained, the circuit in the magnet & will be weakened, and the
attraction of the magnet & remaining undiminished the armature will,
be drawn toward it, and, the spring me being thus brought in contact:
with the spop me the magnet s' is cut out altogether, and the armature
lever is drawn towards with great force. Any suitable indicating
mechanism may be applied to the armature lever m³ for the purpose of
registering the movements of the distant signal.
Figure 12 shows a signal driven by a weight and wheel work, and
controlled by magneto-electric currents. In this apparatus the escape-
ment wheel is not placed upon the same spindle as the signal disc G, but
upon a second spindle g¹, which is geared so as to make two complete
revolutions to each one of the signal disc. The escapement has but two
pins, and is only released when the electro-magnet 8s attracts its
armature..
The momentary currents for operating the electro-magnet 8" and
releasing the signals are produced by an induction apparatus. A number
of permanent horse-shoe magnets, one of which is designated K in-
Figure 12, are fixed with similar poles side by side. A soft iron bar.
shown in cross section at k, and wound longitudinally with insulated
wire, is mounted upon an axis between the poles of the horse-shoe
magnet, K, as shown in this Figure. Alternating positive and negative
currents are induced in the coil surrounding the iron bar & whenever it
is oscillated between the soles of the horse-shoe magnets K by means of
lever handle ¹. An indicator I consisting of an electro-magnet with a
permanently magnetized armature is included in the eirenit, but it is
so arranged as to be out out by the arm 4 being brought in contact with
the plate during nearly the whole time of the movement of the:
lever ³, and while the induced current is being transmitted over the
wire so that the indicator will not be effected thereby.
The shaft or spindle g' of the signal is provided with a revolving
"Siemens" armature consisting of a cylindrical bar of iron p (sée
Figures 12 and 18), hating a coil of insulated wire wound round it in
two longitudinal grooves p', p, in two opposite sides of the bar and
parallel to its axis. The armature P revolves between the poles of a

page_text: series of fixed horse-shoe magnets O, O; each half revolution of this
armature generates a current in the coil surrounding it, and these
currents are alternately positive and negative. The operation is as
follows: Suppose the entire apparatus to be in the position shown in
Figure 12, and the signal disc to be so placed as to exhibit a white
signal; if now the lever be suddenly thrown to the left a momentary
current of magneto-electricity will be generated, which will traverse the
wires 79, 80, and 81, passing through the coils surrounding the armature
p and the electro-magnet S³. The latter will attract its armature, and
thus release the escapement, permitting the signal discs G to make one-
fourth of a revolution, and thereby exhibit a red or danger signal. At
the same time the armature p will make a half revolution, which will
induce a second current in the circuit, which will pass through the
indicator I and reverse the position of the index, causing it to point to
the word "red." If the lever k¹ be returned to its former position the
currents in both directions are reversed.
A device for "short circuiting" or "cutting out" the electro-magnet S
is attached to the armature shaft Z, and constructed in the same manner
as the one previously described in respect of Figures 6, 7, and 8 for the
purpose of preventing the currents generated by the armature p from
passing through the magnet S³. In this manner the position of the
distant signal is always correctly indicated by the index at the station
from which the signal is sent..
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the
same, I wish it understood that I claim,—
First. The combination with the rails of a railway of the galvanic
batteries B, B³, so arranged that the one neutralizes the other until
metallic connection is formed between the said rails, when two inde-
pendent circuits will be established, substantially as and for the purpose
herein specified.
Second. The combination of the following elements :-Two batteries
B, B¹, so arranged as to oppose and neutralize each other, included in
the same circuit, and placed at opposite ends of a section of railway;
one or more electro-magnets S, S³, for actuating or controlling one
or more visual or audible signals and a circuit closer, so arranged as
to bring the said batteries simultaneously into action; and thereby cause-

page_text: said electro-magnet or magnets to operate said signal or signals, sub-
stantially as and for the purposes herein specified.
Third. The combination of the following elements:-An insulated
section of railway; a relay R' placed at or near one end of said insu-
lated section; a secondary circuit controlled by said relay, and an
electro-magnet S situated at or near the opposite end of said insulated
section of railway, and arranged to operate or control the operation
of a semaphoric or audible signal, or both, substantially as and for the
purpose herein specified.
Fourth. The combination of the following elements :-The battery E',
signal operating magnet S, circuit of conductors 18, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,
19, and 20, and two independent circuit closers m and, each under the
control of a locomotive or train, the whole being so arranged that the
magnet 8 can only be operated by the simultaneous action of both
circuit closers, substantially as herein specified.
Fifth. The combination of the following elements :-The insulated
section of rails a, a, the battery B³, the relay M, the retaining
magnet N, and the insulated section of rails a, a, substantially as
specified.
Sixth. The combination of a double acting circuit changer 7, with the
movable rails O, O', of a switch, substantially as specified.
Seventh. The signal operating magnet S, battery E³, and circuit of
conductors 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33 in combination with the
circuit changer and the circuit breaker (either or both), substantially
in the manner and for the purpose specified.
Eighth. The insulated section of rails aº, a', signal operating magnet
S', and battery B', in combination with the circuit changer and circuit
breaker (either or both), substantially in the manner and for the
purpose specified.
Ninth. The combination of the insulated section of rails a, a³, with a
branch rail or siding, when the latter is insulated for a proper distance
by the breaks b, b³, or otherwise, for the purpose of confining the
electric circuit to the main rails, substantially as herein specified..
Tenth. The combination of the insulated section of rails a, a², with a
branch rail or siding, the latter being provided with the insulating

page_text: .
space or break for the purpose of preventing an electrical connection.
between the opposite lines of rails of the said insulated section, substan-.
tially as and for the purpose specified..
Eleventh. The combination of a galvanic battery, having separato.
wires or other conductors connected to its positive and negative poles 5
respectively, two or more circuit closers placed at intervals along the
line of a railway, and two or more electro-magnets for displaying or.
reversing semaphoric or audible signals, whereby two or more signals
may be operated by power derived from a single battery, substantially
as herein specified and illustrated in Figure 4.
- Twelfth. The combination with a signal or signal disc and suitable
mechanism for causing said disc to revolve of two or more detents.
operated alternately or successively by electro-magnets, substantially in
the manner and for for the purpose herein specified.
Thirteenth. The combination of the battery B³, signal operating 1
magnet. S, circuit closer, and retaining magnet F, substantially as and
for the purpose specified.
Fourteenth. The combination of an electro-magnet and its armature.
with a circuit changer, so arranged relatively to each other that the
movement of said armature will effect a variation in the strength of the 2
electric current in the circuit, which includes or operates said electro-
magnet, by means of which the movements of said armature and its
attachments may be indicated or recorded at any point in the said
circuit, substantially as herein described and illustrated in Figures 7.
and 10.
Fifteenth. The combination of a primary signal with a secondary
signal or indicator, each of said signals being moved or controlled by its
own electro-magnet, the magnets being included in or operated by the
same electrical circuit, so that the movements of the secondary signal.
will be dependent upon or controlled by those of the primary signals,. 3
substantially as herein specified.
Sixteenth. The combination of the electro-magnet S7 and its armature
with the circuit changer J and electro-magnet or rheostat H, substan-
tially as and for the purpose herein specified.
Seventeenth. The combination of the electro-magnet Sº, provided with
two or more sets of helices, with the commutators W, W¹, W, W³, sub-
stantially as herein specified.

page_text: Eighteenth. The combination of the locking magnet H with the signal
diso D, substantially as and.for the purpose specified.
Nineteenth. The combination of the circuit changer J, operated by
the signal mechanism, with the electro-magnets S' and H, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
Twentieth. The combination of an apparatus for inducing electric
currents from a magnet K with an electro-magnet 8³, which controls
the movements of a semaphoric signal G, substantially as herein
specified.
Twenty-first. The combination of a semaphoric signal with a magneto-
induction apparatus in such a manner that the movements of the said
signal will cause an induced current of electricity to be transmitted to a
repeating or indicating apparatus, substantially as herein specified and
illustrated in Figure 12.
Twenty-second. The combination of the commutator Z with the
electro-magnet s³, the magneto-induction armature p, and a semaphoric
signal G, substantially as herein specified.
Twenty-third. The combination of the commutator ³, k³, with the
magneto-induction armature & and the electro-magnet of an indicator I,
substantially as herein specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Sixth day of February, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-four.
; Witness,
JAMES EDWARDS,
8, Southampton Buildings,
London.
W“. KOB'. LAKE. (L.S.)