IMPROVED MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR SIGNALLING UPON AND OPERATING MOVEABLE MECHANISM CONNECTED WITH LINES OF RAILWAY, THE SAME OR PARTS THEREOF BEING ADAPTED FOR SECURING AND TESTING THE PROPER WORKING OF SIGNALS AND SUCH MOVEABLE MECHANISM
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Stokes Williams, of Riverton, New Jersey, United
States of America, but at present residing at Glasgow, in the County of Lanark,
North Britain, for the Invention of "IMPROVED MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR
SIGNALLING UPON AND OPERATING MOVEABLE MECHANISM CONNECTED WITH
LINES OF RAILWAY, THE SAME OR PARTS THEREOF BEING ADAPTED FOR
SECURING AND TESTING THE PROPER WORKING OF SIGNALS AND SUCH
MOVEABLE MECHANISM."
Sealed the 28th February 1879, and dated the 6th December 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Stokes Williams at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th December 1878.
JOSEPH STOKES WILLIAMS, of Riverton, New Jersey, United States of America,
but at present residing at Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain.
"IMPROVED MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR SIGNALLING UPON AND OPERATING
MOVEABLE MECHANISM CONNECTED WITH LINES OF RAILWAY, THE SAME OR PARTS
THEREOF BEING ADAPTED FOR SECURING AND TESTING THE PROPER WORKING OF
SIGNALS AND SUCH MOVEABLE MECHANISM."
My Invention relates to means and apparatus for signalling upon and operating
the moveable mechanism used in connexion with lines of railway, and to securing
and testing the proper relative working of such signals and other mechanical
systems or parts thereof used in connection with lines of railway.
The objects of my Invention are as follows:-First. To get rid of or avoid the
necessity for large and consequently expensive signal stations or boxes. Second.
To lessen the labour of the signalman or operator. Third. To avoid the difficulty
experienced by variations of temperature in the operating connexions. Fourth. To
avoid partly or entirely the expense necessary in providing interlocking machinery
or mechanism to combine these improvements with the existing systems of inter-
locking machinery, and while gaining such advantages to prevent the giving of

page_text: conflicting signals, or, in other words, signalling without all parts of the system being
in proper relation to each of its constituent parts, or to such other system or moveable
part thereof with which it may be connected, and control or be thereby controlled.
Fifth. To combine such improvements with the improved construction of crossing
lines and apparatus in connection therewith, combinations, or parts thereof which are
novel, as are described in the Specifications filed in pursuance of my previous Letters
Patent, No. 3256, A.D. 1877; No. 995, A.D. 1878; and in my Provisional Specifi-
tions Nos. 2720 and 3692, A.D. 1878, all of which improvements are so designed as
to be combined in such a manner as to more thoroughly ensure the proper relative
working of signals, crossings, crossing lines, or any moveable parts in connexion or
combination therewith for the safe working of railways. Sixth. In so combining
the contact makers for developing or varying the signals with other contact makers
or with the actuating devices for adjusting switches, crossings, signals, or other
moveable parts in such manner as to prevent the improper relative making or
breaking of the circuit, or the adjustment of such moveable parts as are controlled
thereby, that is to say, the possibility of making or breaking the circuit is depen-
dent of the position of the switches and crossings.
In the carrying out of my said improvements I arrange a series of spindles, levers,
or keys, which are susceptible of making or breaking the circuit with a line of wire
communicating to their respective signals, any or all of which are so combined or con-
nected by means of bars, plates, or other equivalent mechanism with each other and
with the actuating devices for the crossing lines as to prevent any improper adjustment
of any of them, or of points, crossings, holding, bolting, or testing devices, or any
conflicting or antagonistic moveable part or parts of the system or a series of
systems, and therefore any improper making or breaking of the circuit.
For the purpose of the better explaining my said improvements I will assume
the adaptation of one form of my improvements to an ordinary station where there
would be required six signals; the cross over roads are, one for securing communi-
cation from one main line to the other, the other cross over road being from the
main line to a siding. The usual arrangement of interlocking machinery is to place
the signal and cross over road levers with which they are connected in a row, and
to provide interlocking gear which secures the proper relative working of the parts
and of the block signalling instruments combined and interlocking therewith.
In giving the signal for "line clear" to the engine-driver the semaphore or other
signal is drawn by the force of the operator from the "danger" position, instead of
which or in combination and interlocking therewith I employ for the purpose of
signalling on the lines of railway a light, either without or combined with an
audible signal which is electrically controlled; or the signal given in connection
therewith is varied in position or appearance by means of electricity, and the pos-
sibility of giving or varying such signal is dependent upon the position of some
other part of the system, that is to say, if some other signal or moveable part is not
in its proper relative position the signal cannot be varied, thereby ensuring the
proper working of all switches and crossing lines. The mechanism employed to
secure the desired relative working of such method of signalling and adjusting
moveable parts may be varied in form and arrangement, and the relative
working may be secured through the agency of the releasing, holding, or bolting
mechanism of the actuating devices for making or breaking circuit, or varying or
giving signals, or adjusting moveable parts; or the possibility of movement necessary
to secure the desired working may depend entirely upon the movement or position
of the actuating device or any combination of the same.
To obtain control over outlying or distant signals or crossing lines and shifting
parts, as are described in the Complete Specifications and Provisional Specifications
herein-before referred to, such shifting lines or connexions thereof, or parts interlocking
therewith, are provided with enlargements, thereby providing means for varying
electrical communication with one or more stations or parts, as may be desirable, or
such shifting pieces, if combined with a system by means of an electro-magnet, will
be relatively controlled,

page_text: Electrical contact for the circuits is secured by such variation as to connect the
currents to the respective moveable pieces or parts combined therewith. A com-
municating wire may be employed to vary the signal, either audible or visible, or
both, and to communicate with the moveable parts of the line of railway; or if
such wire shall be the communicating wire, or connexion thereof between different
stations, signals cannot be given to such stations unless the circuit can be made,
which will be impossible if there is any improper adjustment or variation in any
part of the system. The improved construction of crossing lines or modifications of
them, or apparatus in connection therewith, may be thus controlled even when they
are not connected to a system of levers with interlocking mechanism, as is
ordinarily used on lines of railway, and such improved crossing lines and improved
method of signalling may be controlled from any desirable place or places. In
connection with a signal or other moveable part I combine with the system and
control it through the medium of a conducting wire from a battery or other source
of electricity, either without or in conjunction with an electro-magnet, so that the
possibility of the variation of the signal to indicate danger or "line clear" is depen-
dent upon the circuit being complete or interrupted, and the means for completing
or interrupting the circuit, or making or breaking the contact, may be provided at
the several points from which such signal or moveable part is to be controlled.
When the signal is in the normal or "danger" position the circuit would be broken,
and the light would not be developed, or the bell in conjunction there with would
not ring. It will be understood that sliding bars or equivalent means for making,
or breaking, or controlling the circuits relatively will insure the proper production
of signals and the adjustment of all parts in connection therewith.
The spindles, keys, plugs, or levers which are employed to make and break the
contact or circuit are provided with moveable bars, plates, or bolts, which have
stops or projections so arranged as to lock or unlock the spindles, keys, or levers of
the series dependent upon the position of the key, spindle, plug, or lever, which is
susceptible of being moved, and by further mechanism combining such circuit
makers for giving signals by means of electricity, with the actuating devices for
operating the switches and crossings. The relative working as desired is secured
furthermore by combining them with the contact makers of the block signalling
instruments; the whole becomes impossible to work òther than properly, that is to
say, the signal for "line clear," the signal for " road," or the antagonistic movement
of the lines, or any part in connexion therewith is prevented, and outlying or distant
lines or signals may be controlled by combining in the system through the agency
of electricity the contact maker to render active the electro-magnet.
In order to prevent the movement of the shifting pieces employed to complete
the crossing line or signals in connection or conjunction therewith until the proper
signal shall have been given from some other station or point, I connect or combine
the signalling instrument with the shifting pieces or connections thereof, or parts
interlocking therewith in such a manner that the means for closing this circuit for
signalling line clear" is dependent upon the position of the moveable parts of
the system employed to adjust, hold, lock, test, and interlock the parts or produce
the signals.
"
I also combine the contact makers or means for controlling the circuit of the
block signalling instruments with the circuit makers for electrically giving the
signals, and the actuating devices for moving the shifting parts of the lines, so that
the possibility of making the circuit or of breaking the circuit is dependent upon
the completion of some other circuit or other part of the system.
At junctions on single lines or through crossing roads I supply the moving
mechanism with a series of signals which will indicate at distant places the position
of the moveable part with reference to the main and other lines of the road."
The moveable parts when adjusted will vary the position of the circuit makers or
control their movement, and so as to develop the signals of safety and danger with
reference to the different lines.
I employ sometimes for the purposes of signalling on the lines of railway a

page_text: Rhumkoff coil and a vacuum tube in connection with a battery or other source of
electricity with means for making and breaking circuit. The possibility of making
or breaking circuit and consequently the giving of the signal is dependent upon
the position of the moveable parts with reference to each other and the various lines
of railroad. By combining the contact maker to such signal or signals so produced
or controlled with other contact makers, keys, plungers, levers, bolts, or other
moveable parts employed for working railways the improper giving of signals is
impossible.
If I use
a light produced and controlled by electricity other than by the
Rhumkoff coil and vacuum tube, I provide relay sources of electricity, or the source
can be such as may be suitable in electric lighting to ensure the relative making
or breaking of the circuits with suitable means to the various signals and all parts
of the system. I may employ several signals on one circuit, and employ switches
to connect with the signalling devices.
The vacuum tube is particularly applicable for signalling, as it can be controlled
at long distances, but with suitable construction for relatively controlling various
circuits it will be understood that any medium for lighting can be used, and such
method of signalling can be readily combined with devices to engage with parts of
passing vehicles, and be thus automatically operative.
I sometimes prefer to use a series of lights for the purpose of signalling. In some
cases I provide a rotating globe or the equivalent, held by means of a spring or
weight in its normal position, but moved by means of an electro-magnet to signal
" line clear."
I employ for the purpose of signalling in the case of fogs a light or a series of
them, which is or are produced through the agency of electricity, and the possibility
of giving the signals for the line depend upon the position of the moveable parts of
a system or a series thereof, and such visible signal may be combined with audible
signals, and the contact be made or the circuit closed if there is any breakage or
improper adjustment.. I also provide means by which the signal may be set at
danger," or danger signal given in case of an accident on the line by others than
from the signal box, although such signals are at all other times under the control
of the signal man.
46
I sometimes provide means to give or vary the signals by passing vehicles. I also
combine the improvements as described in the herein before referred to Complete
and Provisional Specifications, and the further improvements herein described, with
means for operating, by fluid pressure, condensed or rarified air, moveable parts or
lines of railway. The signalman, in order to move or vary any conflicting part,
must first or during the movement make or break the circuit, thereby securing the
desired position or variation or giving of the signal as will correspond to or indicate
the adjustment.
When I employ gas for the purpose of developing light and signalling I control
the valves which govern the escape by means of an electro-magnet, and also light
the gas by completing the circuit, and secure such relative working as may be
necessary, as is herein described.
The gas for furnishing the system may be from one or more sources.
The systems of signalling herein described are applicable also for signals on high-
ways, gates, bridges, or other crossings.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Joseph Stokes Williams in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 6th
June 1879.
JOSEPH STOKES WILLIAMS, of Riverton, New Jersey, United States of America,
but at present residing at Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain.
"IMPROVED MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR SIGNALLING UPON AND OPERATING
MOVEABLE MECHANISM CONNECTED WITH LINES OF RAILWAY, THE SAME OR PARTS
THEREOF BEING ADAPTED FOR SECURING AND TESTING THE PROPER WORKING OF
SIGNALS AND SUCH MOVEABLE MECHANISM."
My Invention relates to means and apparatus for signalling upon and operating
the moveable mechanism used in connection with lines of railway, and to securing
and testing the proper relative working of such signals and other mechanical systems
or parts thereof used in connection with lines of railway.
The objects of my Invention are as follows:-First, to get rid of or avoid the
necessity for large and consequently expensive signal stations or boxes. Second, to
lessen the labour of the signalman or operator. Third, to avoid the difficulty ex-
perienced by variations of temperature in the operating connexions. Fourth, to
avoid partly or entirely the expense necessary in providing the usual interlocking
machinery or mechanism to combine these improvements with the existing systems
of interlocking machinery, and while gaining such advantages to prevent the giving
of conflicting signals, or in other words, signalling without all parts of the system
being in proper relation to each of its constituent parts, or to such other system or
moveable part thereof with which it may be connected and control, or be thereby
controlled. Fifth, to combine such improvements with the improved construction
of crossing lines and apparatus in connection therewith, combinations or parts
thereof which are novel, as are described in the Specifications filed in pursuance of
my previous Letters Patents, No. 3256, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and seventy seven, No. 995, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and seventy eight, and in my Provisional Specifications, Numbers 2720 and
3692, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy eight, all of
which improvements are so designed as to be combined in such a manner as to more
thoroughly insure the proper relative working of signals, crossings, crossing lines, or
any moveable parts in connection or combination therewith for the safe working of
railways. Sixth, in so combining the contact makers for developing or varying the
signals with other contact makers or with the actuating devices for adjusting
switches, crossings, signals, or other moveable parts in such manner as to prevent
the improper relative making or breaking of the circuit, or the adjustment of such
moveable parts as are controlled thereby, that is to say, the possibility of making or
breaking the circuit is dependent upon the position of the switches and crossings.
In the carrying out of iny said improvements, I arrange a series of spindles,
levers, or keys which are susceptible of making or breaking the circuit with a line
of wire communicating to their respective signals, any or all of which are so com-
bined or connected by means of bars, plates, or other equivalent mechanism with
each other, and with the actuating devices for the crossing lines, as to prevent any
improper adjustment of any of them, or of points, crossings, holding, bolting, or
testing devices, or any conflicting or antagonistic moveable part or parts of the system
or a series of systems, and therefore any improper making or breaking of the circuit.
For the purpose of the better explaining my said improvements, I will assume
the adaptation of one form of my improvements to an ordinary station as herein-
after described with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings, where
there would be required six signals, the cross over roads being two, namely, one for
securing communication from one (up or down) main line to the other main line,
the other cross over road being from the main line to a siding. The usual arrange-
ment of interlocking machinery is to place the signal and cross over road levers

page_text: with which they are connected in a row, and to provide interlocking gear which
secures the proper relative working of the parts, and of the block signalling instru-
ments combined and interlocking therewith.
In giving the signal for "line clear" to the engine driver according to the usual
method, the semaphore or other signal is drawn by the force of the operator from
the "danger" position, instead of which (or in combination and interlocking there-
with), I employ for the purpose of signalling on the lines of railway a light or an
audible signal or both combined, which is or are electrically controlled, or the
signal given is varied in position or appearance by means of electricity, and the
possibility of giving or varying such signal is dependent upon the position of some
other part of the system, that is to say, if some other signal or moveable part is not
in its proper relative position, the signal cannot be varied thereby, ensuring the
proper working of all switches and crossing lines. The mechanism employed to
secure the desired relative working of such method of signalling and adjusting
moveable parts may be varied in form and arrangement, such working may be
secured through the agency of the releasing, holding, or bolting mechanism of the
actuating devices for making or breaking circuit, or varying or giving signals or
adjusting moveable parts, or the possibility of movement necessary to secure the
desired working may depend entirely upon the movement or position of the
actuating devices or any combination of the same.
To obtain control over outlying or distant signals or crossing lines and shifting
parts, such as are described in the Complete Specifications and Provisional Specifi-
cations herein before referred to the said shifting lines or connexions thereof, or
parts interlocking therewith are provided with enlargements, thereby providing
means for varying electrical communication with one or more stations or parts as
may be desirable.
The desired relative working of a system will be secured by combining the
moveable parts thereof by means of an armature and electro magnet provided with
necessary detents.
Electrical contact for the circuits is secured by such variation as to connect the
currents to the respective moveable pieces or parts combined therewith; a communi-
cating wire may be employed to vary the signal (either audible or visible, or both),
and to communicate with the movable parts of the line of railway, or if such wire
shall be the communicating wire or connexion thereof between different stations,
signals cannot be given to such stations unless the circuit can be made, which will
be impossible if there is any improper adjustment or variation in any part of the
system. My improved construction of crossing lines or modifications of them and
apparatus in connexion therewith, may be thus controlled even when they are not
connected to a system of levers with interlocking mechanism as is ordinarily used
on lines of railway, and such improved crossing lines and improved method of
signalling may be controlled from any desirable place or places. In connexion
with a signal or other moveable part, I combine with the system and control it
through the medium of a conducting wire from a battery or other source of
electricity, either without or in conjunction with an electro magnet, so that the
possibility of the variation of the signal to indicate danger or line clear" is
dependent upon the circuit being complete or interrupted, and the means for com-
pleting or interrupting the circuit or making or breaking the contact may be
.provided at the several points from which such signal or moveable part is to be
controlled. When the signal is in the normal or danger" position, the circuit
would be broken and the light would not be developed, or the bell in conjunction
therewith would not ring. It will be understood that sliding bars or equivalent
means for making, or breaking, or controlling the circuits relatively, will insure the
proper production of signals and the adjustment of all parts in connexion therewith.
The spindles, keys, plugs, or levers which are employed to make and break the
contact or circuit are provided with moveable bars, plates, or bolts, which have stops
or projections so arranged as to lock or unlock the spindles, keys, or levers of the
series dependent upon the position of the key, spindle, plug, or lever, which is

page_text: susceptible of being moved, and by further mechanism, which combines such circuit
makers for giving signals by means of electricity with the actuating devices for
operating the switches and crossings, the relative working as desired is secured.
Furthermore, by combining all these with the contact makers of the block sig-
nalling instruments, it becomes impossible to work the parts other than properly,
that is to say, the signal for "line clear," the signal for "road," or the antagonistic
movement of the lines, or any part in connection therewith, is prevented, and out-
lying or distant lines or signals may be controlled by combining in the system,
through the agency of electricity, the contact maker to render active the electro-
magnet.
In order to prevent the movement of the shifting pieces employed to complete
the crossing line or signals in connection or conjunction therewith until the proper
signal shall have been given from some other station or point, I connect or combine
the signalling instrument with the shifting pieces, or connections thereof, or parts
interlocking therewith, in such a manner that the means for closing this circuit for
signalling "line clear" is dependent upon the position of the moveable parts of the
system employed to adjust, hold, lock, test, and interlock the parts or produce the
signals.
I also combine the contact makers or means for controlling the circuit of the
block signalling instruments with the circuit makers for electrically giving the
signals and the actuating devices for moving the shifting parts of lines, so that the
possibility of making the circuit or of breaking the circuit is dependent upon the
completion of some other circuit or other part of the system.
At junctions on single lines or through crossing roads I supply the moving
mechanisin with a series of signals, which will indicate at distant places the
position of the moveable part with reference to the main and other lines of the
road.
The moveable parts when adjusted will vary the position of the circuit makers or
control their movement, and so as to develop the signals of safety and danger with
reference to the different lines.
I employ sometimes for the purposes of signalling on the lines of railway a
Rhumkoff coil and a vacuum tube in connection with a battery or other source of
electricity with means for making and breaking circuit. The possibility of making
or breaking circuit, and consequently the giving of the signal, is dependent upon
the position of the moveable parts with reference to each other and the various lines
of railroad. By combining the contact maker to such signal or signals so produced
or controlled with other contact makers, keys, plungers, levers, bolts, or other
moveable parts employed for working railways, the improper giving of signals is
impossible.
If I use a light produced and controlled by electricity other than by the Rhumkoff
coil and vacuum tube, I provide relay sources of electricity, or the source can be
such as may be suitable in electric lighting. I may employ several signals on one
circuit, any or all of which are combined, so as to prevent any improper making or
breaking of the circuit.
The vacuum tube is particularly applicable for signalling, as it can be controlled
at long distances, but with suitable construction for relatively controlling various
circuits it will be understood that any medium for lighting can be used, and such
method of signalling can be readily combined with devices to be operated by passing
vehicles, and be by them operated.
I sometimes prefer to use a series of lights for the purpose of signalling. In
some cases I provide a rotating globe or the equivalent, held by means of a spring
or weight in its normal position, but moved by means of an electro-magnet to
signal line clear."
<
I employ for the purpose of signalling in the case of fogs a light, or a series of
them, which is or are produced through the agency of electricity, and the possibility
of giving the signals for the line depends upon the position of the moveable parts
of a system or a series thereof, and such visible signal may be combined with audible

page_text: signals, and the contact be made or the circuit closed if there is any breakage or
improper adjustment.
I also combine the improvements as described in the hereinbefore referred to
Complete and Provisional Specifications, and the further improvements herein
described, with means for operating by fluid pressure, condensed or rarified air,
moveable parts on lines of railway. The signalman, in order to move or vary any
conflicting part, must first or during the movement make or break the circuit,
thereby securing the desired position, or variation, or giving of the signal, as will
correspond to or indicate the adjustment.
When I employ gas for the purpose of developing light and signalling, I control
the valves which govern the escape by means of an electro magnet, and also light the
gas by completing the circuit, and secure such relative working as may be necessary
as is herein described. The gas for furnishing the system may be from one or more
sources.
The systems of signalling herein described are applicable also for signals on high-
ways, gates, bridges, or other crossings.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood, I now proceed
more particularly to set forth the system, mode, or manner in or under which the
same is or may be used or practically carried into effect, reference being had to
the accompanying Drawings and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is
to say :-
Figure 1 represents in plan a double line of railway and siding with the improved
construction of cross over roads, under one of the forms described in my aforesaid
Specifications, at an ordinary station, by reference to which, Figure 1, my improve-
ments may be more clearly described.
Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 represent different views of an eight lever frame provided
with interlocking mechanism to control the proper working of the crossing lines
and signals in connection therewith, as shewn in the said Figure 1, such mechanism
being combined with the electrical block signalling instruments.
As in the Drawings attached to the aforesaid Specification, No. 995, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy eight, the figures of reference
on the levers in Figures 2 and 3 of the present Drawings correspond with similar
figures indicating in Figure 1 thereof the signals and moving parts of the line which
they respectively operate.
As described and illustated in the aforesaid Specifications No. 995, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy eight, and 2720, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy eight, adjustable bars or
quadrants g are arranged at the sides of the levers f, the said bars g being provided
with notches e into which the projection h in connection with the lever f engages.
The moveable bars g across the moveable bars i, the bars g and i being provided
with the necessary notches or projections to allow only the proper relative move-
ment of such bars. The movement of the levers f is consequently dependent upon
the possibility of the adjustment or position of the said bars g and i, therefore the
necessary relative working of such levers and their connections is assured.
The bars j connected or combined with the handle k are so arranged as to engage
with the transversely moving bars i; the bars i and j being provided with pro-
jections or notches as may be necessary, so that when the bars i or others in
connection with the levers ) are not in such position as to allow of the free
movement of the bar j, the lever f is not in its normal position, and it therefore
prevents the movement of the handle k, but if the bar i is in such position as to
allow of the movement of the bar j, the bar j engages with and interlocks or holds
j
the bar and its connections, therefore the lever fis prevented from being moved
until the bar has returned to its normal position, and consequently the handle or
lever k, which lever k affords the means for completing the circuit for the electric
current to indicate "line clear to the block signal station, or other place is
prevented from being moved except when the handle k, its parts or extensions, can
engage with the extension or part of the mechanism combined with the levers for

page_text: actuating the crossing lines and signals in connection therewith, so as to render
impossible the completion of the circuit without all parts are in their proper
relative position.
For the purpose of electrically controlling the local lever or levers operating a
crossing line, or siding, or cross over road, especially where such siding or cross over
road is not connected by rods with the signal box at a block or ordinary station
(either because the siding is too distant or from other reason), I provide arrange-
ments for the purpose hereafter described; Figure 6 shows in plan a cross over
road and the lever operating it; Figure 7 shows a section of such lever with a
covering for the sliding bar or extension of the lever in order to protect the
apparatus. The moveable bar g has a notch g' into which the detent of the
arinature of the electro magnet m engages when released by the inagnet if
the lever is in its normal position, or the shifting pieces are so adjusted as to
complete the main line as shown in the Drawing; the sliding bar g has a key hole g²
in it corresponding on one side when in its norinal position with a similar hole in
the covering box, and corresponding on the other side with the key hole of a circuit
maker shown in Figure 8: This circuit maker when turned to the left throws a
local battery into the circuit. It is prevented from remaining turned to the left
except when held there, and this may be effected by means of the spring n, as
shewn in Figure 8. When tlfe circuit maker is in a perpendicular position the circuit
is broken, when turned to the right the local electro magnet mn is put into the circuit.
Figures 9 to 11 show the arrangements in the signal box or station; p indicates
a perpendicular rod the end of which engages in a moveable bar (g) combined with
the lever f, but can only engage with and retain the same and consequently its
extensions or connections when the lever is in its normal position. The rod
moved by means of the handle p', as illustrated in Figure 9. The handle works
simultaneously upon the small sliding bar q. When therefore the handle is turned
to the left (of Figure 9), the rod p is moved so as to engage with the moveable
bar g combined with the lever fand lock it; at the same time the small sliding
bar q is brought into such a position that the notch in it is ready to receive the
detent of the armature r of the electro magnet 8. Connected with the handle is a
circuit 'maker t (Figure 10), which is shewn separately in Figure 11. When the
circuit maker is turned to the right (of Figure 11), that is, into its normal position
an electro bell is put into the circuit, when to the left, the bell is thrown out of
and a local battery is put into the circuit.
is
The operation of this apparatus is as follows:-The guard wishing to use the
distant siding or crossing inserts a key through the box and moveable bar com-
bined with the local lever into the key hole of the circuit maker, and by
momentarily pressing it to the left throws the battery into the circuit, thus sending
through a current which rings the bell in the signal box, and thus warns the
signalman that he wishes to use the siding or cross over road.
The guard
however cannot move his lever and interfere with the siding or cross over road
because the lever is held by the detent gl, nor can he work the said lever until
the signalman by animating the electro magnet m withdraws the detent and
releases the bar g. After therefore ringing the signal box bell, the guard turns
the circuit naker to throw into the circuit the local electro magnet with which
if desired a local electric bell is connected; the signalman in the box on getting
the signal from the guard turns his handle to the left, and thus puts his local
battery into the circuit, which so operates upon the siding electro magnet as to
release the lever and ring the bell (if any) as an intimation to the guard that
he may move his lever. It is evident however that the signalman cannot give
this signal or release the siding lever until he has put his own lever and the
signals connected or interlocked therewith in the proper relative positions.
The same current with which the signalman releases the siding lever animates
the armature, Figure 9, in the signal box and causes its detent to engage with
the sliding bar q. It is evident from this that it is impossible for him to turn the
handle back again, or to alter the position of the apparatus thus locked by it so

page_text: long as the battery current is passing along the circuit, and the handle being locked
he has no means of breaking the circuit. The means of breaking the circuit and
thus enabling the signalman to regain control of his levers is in the hands of the
guard at the siding. Until he places his lever in its normal position he cannot
insert his key to move the circuit maker. The lever being completely adjusted to
its normal position, the hole in the moveable bar will allow of the admission of his
key, and the notch or aperture g' in the bar is in position to receive the detent of
the local armature l falling by its own weight when released by the electro magnet.
The guard therefore inserts his key and by turning the contact maker to its normal
position breaks the circuit, and destroys the continuity of the battery current.
The armature at once falls and locks the outlying siding lever. This beaking of
the circuit also demagnetises the electro magnets in the signal box, and the
longer arm of its armature being heavier falls and withdraws its detent from the
moveable bar, thus enabling the signalman to move his handle. By attaching a
small indicator to the armaturer in any of the usual methods, the signalman can
have a visible signal of the position of matters at the siding.
In order to provide visible and audible means of testing the position of points,.
crossings, and signals, I provide such shifting piece or pieces or parts connected or
combined therewith with apparatus to complete the electric circuit in connection
with a battery so as to test the position of the parts, and visible siguals are caused
to be displayed in the signal box or other place where such signal is desired, and I
so arrange such apparatus that in the event of the improper position of any of the
moveable pieces or signals, or the breaking of the connecting electric wire an audible
signal shall be given in addition to the visible one.
The arrangements provide means to enable the movement of a shifting piece to
establish the connection of two contact makers, and are shown in Figures 12 to 15.
A push button a kept in position by a spring b, as in Figures 12 and 13, establishes
a contact between the points c and c', when the shifting piece presses it inwards.
In Figure 14 the reverse operation takes place, the contact being established only
when the push button is released. Figure 12 shows a push button and a section of
its casing, and a rail in connection therewith. Similar apparatus is connected with
the arms or other moveable mechanism of signals.
The electric line which is connected with the contact makers passes through a
suitable box at the signal station at which, or in any desired position, a battery is
included in the circuit, and the box is provided with a magnetic needle, as shewn in
Figure 15. When the levers and moveable parts employed in combination with the
improved crossing lines have been completely adjusted, the full battery circuit is
established and the current passing by deflects the needle, thus showing that any
part, or all, occupies or occupy their proper positions.
By providing the push button on the other side with a secondary set of contact
makers working the reverse way and connected with a separate wire, it will be
evident that when the crossings and switches or signals in combination therewith
are in the reverse positions, a second circuit is completed and is so connected with
the battery as to cause a current of different polarity to pass through the secondary
wire, thus deflecting the needle in the opposite direction.
In the event of the improper position of any of the shifting pieces, or of the
breaking of the wires, no deflection of the needle will take place.
I also combine with the visible signal an audible one by connecting the controlling
lever with a commutator of any known kind, by which an electro magnet is always
kept in the circuit completed for the time being. This electro magnet carrics an
arinature which when released by the cessation of the current falls and completes
the closure of a local secondary circuit in which a battery and an electric bell are
included, thereby causing the ringing of the bell. Thus in the event of either of
the primary circuits being from any cause interrupted when it should not be so, the
bell rings and gives the alarm.
Figures 16 to 24 show various forms of signals and the methods by which they
are respectively controlled.

page_text: Figure 16 represents an ordinary signal post with semaphore and spectacles kept
in the position of danger by a counterbalance a attached to and forming part of the
armature of an electro magnet b. By passing a current through the electro magnet
the armature is attracted and the semaphore lowered to safety. The moment the
current ceases the armature is released and the semaphore or other signal returns to
the normal position of danger.
Figure 17 shews a method of controlling a rotating semaphore by means of a
toothed segment c working in a toothed pinion d attached to the semaphore, the
position of the segment being controlled by its being attached to the armature of an
electro magnet b so as to partially rotate the semaphore into the position of danger
or safety.
Figure 18 shows an elevation of a signal post provided with semaphore arms, and
above it a disc signal, both worked by a counterbalance crank, so that a front view
of either may be presented as required. Figure 19 shews in plan the toothed
segment, and toothed pinion and the electro magnet by which this is regulated.
Figure 20 shows a gas lamp signal controlled by electricity, especially suitable
for tunnels and fog signalling. The upper lamp d can be provided with a burner
and kept permanently burning. The lower lamp e is provided with an argand or
other suitable burner, as shewn in Figure 21. The valve f of this burner is
controlled by the armature g of an electro magnet h, and when the armature is
attracted thereby the valve is open and the gas full on. When the armature
is allowed to fall the gas is cut off. A small jet burner i supplied from the gas pipe
below the valve may be kept permanently alight so as to light the gas of the larger
burn when the gas is turned on.
I er to illustrate my Invention of controlling signals, levers, switches,
crossings, or other moveable parts by means for governing the supply or escape of
gas and air or other gaseous compounds capable of being lit or ignited by electricity
or through the medium of electricity, I employ a moveable piece as a signal, as
represented in section in Figure 22. The cylinder a is filled with gas and air
through the valve b, or air is admitted (to combine with the gas) between the valve
and the cylinder. The piston and piston rod c is connected or combined with the
semaphore or other signal. The piston rod c has on it projections c', c, that
at c acting upon the crank weighted by the counterbalance d', works the gas
valve b so that only when the piston is in an intermediate position is the gas
admitted into the cylinder. The other projection c² (when the piston is moved as
hereinafter described) engages with the detent of the armature e of the electro
magnet, such detent being held in the necessary position by the counterbalance e¹,
and holding the piston rod by engaging with the projection c² until by the passage
of an electric current through the electro magnet f the armature e is drawn away
and the piston c is caused by the counterbalance c³ to resume its normal position, as
is also the signal in combination with it. The gas in the cylinder a may be lighted
or ignited so as to explode by sending an electric spark through it, or by means of
the heating to the necessary degree of a portion of the electric circuit by the
passage of a current.
The operation of this method of signalling by the signalman is as follows:-By
passing a current through the circuit which communicates with the cylinder he
lights, ignites, and explodes the gaseous compound, and the piston being moved the
semaphore or other signal is put to "safety" (and held there by the detent of the
armature e) and cannot be returned to danger until a current is passed through
the circuit connected with the electro magnet f. It will be evident that the details
of construction by which the before mentioned operations are effected may be varied
without departing from the essential feature or features of the apparatus.
If desired a signal so operated may be so operated, combined, or interlocked with
another signal or part, so that until the latter either occupies or is placed in
proper relative position it is impossible to move the first named signal. A simple
method of doing this is to make the armature e work a small contact bar in con-
nection with the contact points in the line, by which the explosion in the cylinder.

page_text: of the other signal is effected. If the armature e is released from the electro
magnet f, and its detent is engaged with the projection in the piston rod c, then
the contacts are made, and a through circuit established. Whenever the piston
rod c is lowered the armature e returns to its normal position, and the circuit is
broken. It is evident that when the circuit is thus broken, and until it is com-
pleted by the signal having been put to "safety," the explosion cannot be effected
in the cylinder of the other signal that is required to be shifted to safety.
Figures 23 and 24 shew in side and back elevation an apparatus in the signal
box or other suitable place more especially designed for the purpose of making and
breaking alternately the electric currents necessary for working the apparatus,
Figure 22. The lever g operates the rod j, which is, when desired, connected and
interlocked with the ordinary interlocking levers. Upon the said lever is a contact
maker h set at an angle to the vertical line, as seen in Figure 24. At the back of
the casing I is a projection i inclined similarly to the contact maker h, and bearing
on each side of it two contact points. The contact points on one side are con-
nected with the line passing through the cylinder a (Figure 22), by means of which
the gas is exploded, and those on the other side are connected with the line passing
through the electro magnet f, by which the detent of the armature e is released,
and the signal returned to its normal position of danger. When the lever G is
drawn over the first mentioned contact, points are connected by the contact maker h.
In returning, owing to the inclination of the contact maker h and the projection i,
the said contact maker returns by the other side, and thus establishes contact
between the other contact points. By this arrangement the battery is only
momentarily put into operation, and great economy of its power results.
Figures 22a and 22b show other means of controlling the proper or relative
working of signals developed through the medium of gas and electricity; also
moveable parts connected or combined therewith to control the relative working of
the moveable parts connected or combined with the signals. I may do so as
follows, the nominal positions of the signal being as shewn in the said Figures:-
The circuit wire a', Figure 22d, which is connected with the home or the first
signal only is complete, and the lighting or igniting of the gas in the cylinder a,
Figure 22, will cause the signal arm to be adjusted to the safety position. When
the signal has been put to safety the piston rod c (Figure 22a) will have moved so
as to completo the circuit of b¹, c¹, and d¹ by the respective contact makers z, x, y,
so that the other signal (Figure 22b) may be put to safety by passing a current
through the line c¹, c¹. When the signal (Figure 22b) is moved or started to move
from the danger position the circuit of b₁ at the point q will be broken, so that
the position of the first named signal or moveable part (Figure 22a) cannot be
altered, there being no means while that circuit remains broken of magnetizing the
magnet (Figure 22a) until the signal (Figure 22b) has again been placed to
danger, thus completing the circuit of b¹, so that the armature e of the electro
magnet in Figure 22, may be raised, and the first named signal allowed to
resume its normal or danger position. It will also be seen that until the line d¹, d¹,
has been completed by the moving of the signal, Figure 22", to safety no current
can be passed through that line to attract the armature e of the magnet f, Figure 22b,
to return that signal to its normal position.
From the arrangements it will be evident, supposing the two signals taken as
examples to be a home signal and a distant signal, that the distant signal cannot
be put to safety until the home signal has been put to safety, and that the home
signal cannot be put to danger until the distant signal has first been put to
danger.
By reference to the Drawings, and description for controlling the signals and
crossing lines, it will be understood that means for making and breaking the
contact may be combined with each other, so as to secure the proper relative giving
of signals, and prevent the possibility of the improper relative adjustment of the
moveable parts employed in the working of railways, that is to say, the points and
crossings must be in their proper positions before the signals can be given or.

page_text: moved, and and vice versa. Also when the block signalling instruments are combined
with such mechanism the proper relative working of the whole is ensured.
For instance, the possibility of signalling the "line clear" to a distant place,
station, or siding, is dependent upon the condition of the mechanism or parts of
the systems or machinery so combined.
Figures 5 and 5b represent respectively front and side views of an arrangement
of two levers f for crossing lines, witli which are combined levers k for making and
breaking contact for outdoor signalling on lines of railway through the medium of
electricity. The levers k and f are numbered to correspond with the signals and
crossings shewn in Figure 1, and further described with reference to Figures 2, 3,
4, and 5.
The bars j operated by the levers or handles are arranged in relation to the
levers for their extensions, substantially as described with reference to Figures 2,
3, 4, and 5 in such manner as to secure the desired relative working of the contact
makers and levers f, and consequently the signals, switches, or moving parts
operated by them, so as to prevent the movement of the signals, switches, or other
inoveable parts other than in their proper relation, the giving of conflicting signals
being rendered impossible by reason of the bars a or other devices so obstructing
the movement of the handles of the contact makers that the circuit to develop an
improper signal cannot be completed..
In order to secure the proper working of the signals relatively to each other and
the crossing lines, the contact makers or levers k in their movement may com-
municate motion to the bars a through inclined surfaces upon the bars j or upon
the said bars x, so as to prevent the movement of the levers k, as may be desired,
suitable notches or projections being provided on the bars j and x for the purpose
of obstructing or allowing the passage of the bars, as described in connection with
the bars g and i, Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5.
It will be understood without further description that by such or equivalent
mechanism any form of signal or moveable part operated or controlled through the
medium of electricity may be combined with the improved construction of crossing
lines and parts in combination with the same, described in my previous Patents.
Figures 25 to 36 shows various forms of switches and crossing pieces, and parts
combined with the same, such as are described in my before mentioned Specifi-
cations, with which are combined magnets (marked M in all the Figures), the
locking devices being armatures of these magnets, so that the unlocking of any of
the parts can only be effected when the circuit in which are these magnets is com-
pleted, so as to ensure that the said switches and other moveable parts cannot be
moved except in proper relation to other parts of the system.
Figure 25 shews a plan of a shifting piece for crossing an undivided rail;
Figure 26 is an elevation of the same and its shifting gear; Figures 27, 28, and
29 are sections through the chairs.
Figure 30 is a plan of a crossing having a shifting wing rail or rails in com-
bination with a piece; Figure 31 is a plan of a crossing having a shifting rail;
Figure 32 represents a switch with shifting and stationary rails; Figure 33 repre-
sents a switch with shifting rails; Figure 34 represents an ordinary switch; Figure
35 represents an improved switch; Figure 36 represents a three-throw switch.
As before stated M in all the Figures shows the inagnet, the armature of which
is the locking or securing device.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion and the system, mode, or manner in or under which the saine is or may be
used or practically carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I
consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to
me by the herein before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
First. Combining the circuit makers for making or breaking the electric current
with the shifting parts of crossings where the crossing line extends on both sides of
the line to be crossed, or extensions thereof or parts connected or combined there-
with, such as are herein referred to in such a manner as to ensure the proper or

page_text: desired relative working or control of the apparatus, so as to prevent the giving of
conflicting signals or signalling contrary to the actual position of the parts,
essentially as herein before described, and for the purposes set forth.
Second.. Combining with the levers for switches, crossings, or the moveable parts
connected or combined with one or both the apparatus to govern the supply or
escape of gas, so as to make the possibility of furnishing extinguishing, lighting, or
igniting gas for signalling dependent upon the position of the points, signals, or
other moveable parts connected or combined therewith, substantially as and for
the purposes set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Stokes Williams, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.
JO. S. WILLIAMS. (L.S.)