Improvements in Railway Signalling and Facing Point Locking Apparatus.
Year: 1886

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Railway Signalling and Facing Point Locking
Apparatus.
We, WILLIAM Griffiths, of 61 Sinclair Road, West Kensington Park, in the County
of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, and EDWARD THOMAS ROBERTS BRITTAIN of 170 York
Road, N., in the County of Middlesex, Signal Inspector, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
One part of this invention has reference to signals so arranged that the lowering or
placing in the safety attitude of one signal is subject to the control of a signalman
stationed in advance. As an example of such an arrangement for the purpose of
explanation we will assume A to be a lever at a station or cabin in advance; B a lever
at a station or cabin in rear of A and C a signal such as a home signal worked by
the lever B; the lever B that works the signal C being locked, must be unlocked by
a movement of lever A before signal can be lowered.
Now according to this invention the lever B having been moved over to lower the
signal C is, on being returned, automatically locked in such a manner that signal C
cannot be again lowered until after lever A has been returned to its normal
position and again moved over to release lever B to admit of the lowering of
signal C.
An arrangement of apparatus for this purpose is as follows:-In connection with
lever B there is arranged a locking lever that is connected by a compound rod with
the weighted arm of a bell crank lever, whose other arm is connected to lever A.
When lever A is in its normal position, the weighted arm of the bell crank lever is
depressed, the compound rod is lowered, and the locking lever is in the locking
position, lever B being thereby locked in its normal position corresponding to the
danger attitude of signal C. With the parts in these positions signal C cannot be
lowered. If the lever A be now pulled over, the weighted arm of the bell crank lever
connected to it will be raised, thereby raising the compound rod and moving the
locking lever so as to unlock lever B. In connection with the compound rod there is
arranged a sliding bolt with a pivotted device which, during the moving over of
lever B to lower signal C, allows of the passage of a plate or bar that is connected to
the said lever. This plate or bar is provided with an incline, which during the return
movement of the lever B acts upon an incline on the pivotted device before referred
to, which incline may be provided with an anti-friction pulley, thereby raising the
sliding bolt clear of one of the joints or hinges of the compound rod. In connection
with a part of the said rod jointed or hinged to the part upon which the sliding bolt
is mounted there is arranged a weighted lever or its equivalent which when the
sliding bolt is raised turns two of the connected parts of the rod upon their joints or

page_text: 4
hinge pins into inclined positions in relation to the other parts of the compound rod,
thereby reducing the distance between the extremities of the compound rod and
causing the locking lever to be returned into the locking position by a weight or
equivalent with which it is provided, supplemented by the weight of the upper part of
the compound rod. The parts being in the positions just referred to, the locking
lever cannot be again operated from lever A until that lever has been returned to
admit of the straightening and bolting in alignment by the sliding bolt of the parts of
the compound rod. An indicator is connected to the compound connecting rod for
showing when the signal lever is locked or unlocked:
As respects facing points and signalling apparatus in connection therewith, this
invention has for objects to ensure that the points ehall be in their proper positions
and to gauge, and that the facing point locking bolt whereby the points are locked in
place shall be completely shot preparatory to the unlocking of what are known as the
detector bolts in connection with the wires or their equivalent connected to the levers
and signals.
The switch tongues are connected by a divided stretcher bar, to one part of which
there is pivotted a lever formed with a slot into which enters a pin or projection
carried by the other part of the divided stretcher bar. To the said lever is connected
a locking plate which, when the points are properly set, and to gauge, occupies a
position that leaves the detector bolt of the corresponding signal free (so far as the
said locking plate is concerned) to move in obedience to the moving over of the signal
lever, but should the points not be correctly placed, or should they from any cause
move apart, or be out of gauge, so as to cause relative motion of the respective parts
of the divided stretcher bar, the before mentioned lover will be so far actuated that
the locking plate connected to it will be caused to take the position in which the
detector will be locked. More than one lever such as above referred to may be applied
in connection with a divided stretcher bar, if desired.
To ensure that the facing point locking bolt shall be completely shot before lowering
of the signal, there is applied to an extension of the said locking bolt a projection
or device that operates a bell crank lover of a kind sometimes called-in railway
signalling an escapement crank or clutch crank, suitably mounted in relation to
the said extension of the bolt, and which has connected to it a locking plate herein-
after called the second locking plate. The bell crank lever is so formed, and the
projection or device on the extension of the point locking bolt acts in such a way
that the said bell crank lever is locked in its two extreme positions corresponding
to the locking and releasing positions of the second locking plate, and also that
the said bell crank lever and the locking plate connected to it are moved over from
one extreme position to the other during the travel of the point locking bolt when
locking or unlocking the points, as the case may be.
In our former specification No 381 of 1886 there is described apparatus whereby
a passing train or vehicle acting upon a treadle bar releases a signal which there-
upon assumes the danger attitude. Now according to our present invention, in order
to relieve the treadle bar in such apparatus from excessive wear, as, for example,
such as would occur in the event of there being a constant shunting of trains or
vehicles over the said treadle bar, we so arrange it that it will normally occupy its
lowered position; and, in connection with the signal lever, (say, the lever B in the
example hereinbefore given by way of illustration) we provide means whereby the
treadle bar will be caused to rise when the said lever is moved over for the purpose of
lowering a signal to allow a train to pass; thus the said treadle bar will be in the
proper position for being acted upon by a train to release the signal and return it in
due course to the danger attitude.
W. LLOYD WISE,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.,
Agent for the Applicants.
.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Railway Signalling and Facing Point Locking
Apparatus.
We, WILLIAM GRIFFITHS, of 61, Sinclair Road, West Kensington Park, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, and EDWARD THOMAS ROBERTS BRITTAIN, of
170, York Road, N., in the county of Middlesex, Signal Inspector, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
One part of this invention has reference to signals so arranged that the lowering
or placing in the safety attitude of one signal is subject to the control of a signalman
stationed in advance. As an example of such an arrangement for the purpose of
explanation we will assume A to be a lever at a station or cabin in advance; B a lever
at a station or cabin in rear of A; and C a signal such as a home signal worked by
the lever B; the lever B that works the signal being locked, must be unlocked by a
movement of lever A before signal C can be lowered.
Now according to this invention the lever B having been moved over to lower the
signal Cis, on being returned, automatically locked in such a manner that signal
cannot be again lowered until after lever A has been returned to its normal position
and again moved over to release lever B to admit of the lowering of signal C.
An arrangement of apparatus for this purpose is as follows:-In connection with
lever B there is arranged a locking lever that is connected by a compound rod with
the weighted arm of a bell crank lever, whose other arm is connected to lever A.
"
When lever A is in its normal position, the weighted arm of the bell crank lever is
depressed, the compound rod is lowered, and the locking lover is in the locking position,
lever B being thereby locked in its normal position corresponding to the danger
attitude of signal C. With the parts in these positions signal C cannot be lowered.
If the lever A be now pulled over, the weighted arm of the bell crank lever connected
to it will be raised, thereby raising the compound rod and moving the locking lever so
as to unlock lever B. In connection with the compound rod there is arranged a
sliding bolt with a pivotted device which, during the moving over of lever B to lower
signal C, allows of the passage of a plate or bar that is connected to the said lever.
This plate or bar is provided with an incline, which during the return movement of
the lever B acts upon an incline on the pivotted device before referred to, which
incline may be provided with an anti-friction pulley, thereby raising the sliding bolt
In connection with a part
clear of one of the joints or hinges of the compound rod.
of the said rod jointed or hinged to the part upon which the sliding bolt is mounted
there is arranged a weighted lever or its equivalent which when the sliding bolt is
raised turns two of the connecting parts of the rod upon their joints or hinge pins into
inclined positions in relation to the other parts of the compound rod, thereby reducing
the distance between the extremities of the compound rod and causing the locking
lever to be returned into the locking position by a weight or equivalent with which
it is provided, supplemented by the weight of the upper part of the compound rod.
The parts being in the. positions just referred to, the locking lever cannot be again

page_text: operated from lever A until that lever has been returned to admit of the straightening
and bolting in alignment by the sliding bolt of the parts of the compound rod. An
indicator is connected to the compound connecting rod for showing when the signal
lever is locked or unlocked.
Referring, to shect 1 of the accompanying drawings
Figs. 1 and 2. are elevations at right angles to each other illustrating railway
signalling apparatus such as above referred to.
Figs. 3 and 4 are similar views, drawn to an enlarged scale, of parts of the said
apparatus.
B is a lever for operating a signal C (not shown) as hereinbefore described; it is
hinged or jointed at 2 to a frame 3 in the ordinary manner, and is provided with a
pin 4 by which it is locked at the required times. 5 is a locking lever pivotted at 6;
one of its arms is weighted and jointed to a compound rod 7, and its other arm is
formed with a notch or recess 8 adapted to receive (whon raised) the pin 4. To the
lower end of the compound rod 7 is connected the weighted arm 9 of a bell crank
lever, whose other arm 10 is connected by a connector 11 with a lever at a station or
cabin in advance, and hereinbefore designated as lever A, but not shown. The com-
pound rod 7 which works in guides 12 secured to a suitably supported frame 13 is
formed of a number of separate parts jointed or hinged together as shown at 7* 7*.
14 is a bolt able to slide on the compound rod and to hold the two intermediate parts
7, 7, in alignment when in its lowered position. 15 is a plate or device formed with
an inclined part 16 and hinged or jointed at 17 to the sliding bolt 14 in such manner,
as shown in the drawings, that it can turn to the right but cannot turn to the
left. 18 is an anti-friction wheel or roller with which the said plate or device
15. is furnished. 19 is a weighted lever pivotted to the frame 13 and
provided with a pin 20 arranged to work in a slot 21 in the part 7 of
the compound rod 7. When the sliding bolt 14 is raised, the lover 19 causes
the two parts 7 and 7b of the rod to turn into the inclined attitudes indicated approxi-
mately by dotted lines in Fig. 2, thereby reducing the distance between the extre-
mities of the said compound rod and causing the recessed arm of the locking lever 5 to
rise and lock the lever B in position as shown in Fig. 1. The sliding bolt 14 is provided
with an extension 22 that bears upon the upper curved surface of a projection 23 upon
the part 7 of the compound rod, and thereby prevents the said bolt falling whilst the
parts 7, 7, are inclined to each other. 24 is a plate or bar formed with an inclined
projecting part 25; it is hinged or jointed at one end to an extension of the lever B,
and is arranged to slide through a slot in the frame 13. 26 is an adjustable slotted plate
secured to the frame 13 and provided with an anti-friction roller 27 for carrying the
free end of the plate or bar 24. 28 is an indicator worked by the compound rod 7 for
indicating when the lever B is locked or unlocked. 19* is a stop for limiting the
turning movement of the lever 19. In the drawing, the lever B is shown locked by
the locking lever 5 in the position it would occupy when returned after having been
moved over to lower the signal (C). The compound rod is shown with its separate
parts in a straight line and bolted in alignment by the sliding bolt 14 as they would
be on the return of the lever A to its normal position.
This
Now, from what has been already stated, it will be understood that in order that
the signal (C) may be again lowered, the lover (A) must be first moved over.
movement through the connector 11 will cause the weighted arm 9 of the bell
crank lever and the compound rod 7 to rise, thereby causing the notched or recessed
arm of the locking lever 5 to fall so as to be clear of the pin 4, and raising the
pivotted plate or device 15 to a certain extent, but not clear of the inclined part 25
of the plate or bar 24. The lever B may then be moved over to again lower the
signal. Such movement of the lever B will cause the plate or bar 24 to simultaneously
move to the right, its inclined part 25 turning the plate or device 15 on its pivot also
to the right in order to pass beneath it. The plate or device 15 will return, when
released, into its original vertical attitude in which it will be in front of the inclined
surface of the said part 25. When the lever B is again moved back, the inclined
part 25 will act against the plate or device 15, and as this plate cannot turn to the left,

page_text: it will be caused to slide upward upon the rod 7. The sliding bolt 14 will thus be
lifted, and will unlock the parts 7, 7b, which-under the action of the weighted
lever 19-will automatically assume the inclined attitudes indicated approximately
by dotted lines in Fig. 2, thereby lowering the upper part of the compound rod and
causing the locking lever 5 to again lock the lever B in position as hereinbefore
stated. The rod 7 being no longer rigid, evidently its re-use to unlock the lever B
will not be possible until the lever A shall have been returned to its normal position
to admit of the straightening of the rod and the fastening in alignment by the sliding
bolt 14 of its intermediate parts 7, 7b.
As respects facing points and signalling apparatus in connexion therewith, this
invention has for objects to ensure that the points shall be in their proper positions.
and to gauge, and that the facing point locking bolt whereby the points are locked in
place shall be completely shot preparatory to the unlocking of what are known as the
detector bolts in connection with the wires or their equivalent connected to the levers
and signals. The switch tongues are connected by a divided stretcher bar, to one part
of which there is pivotted a lever formed with a slot into which enters a
pin or.
projection carried by the other part of the divided stretcher bar. To the said lever
is connected a locking plate which, when the points are properly set, and to gauge,
occupies a position that leaves the detector bolt of the corresponding signal free (so
far as the said locking plate is concerned) to move in obedience to the moving over of.
the signal lever, but should the points not be correctly placed, or should they from
any cause move apart, or be out of gauge, so as to cause relative motion of the
respective parts of the divided stretcher bar, the before mentioned lever will be so far
actuated that the locking plate connected to it will be caused to take the position in
which the detector will be locked. More than one lever such as above referred to
may be applied in connection with a divided stretcher bar, if desired.
To ensure that the facing point locking bolt shall be completely shot before lowering
of the signal, there is applied to an extension of the said locking bolt a projection or
device that operates a bell crank lever of a kind sometimes called-in railway
signalling an escapement crank or clutch crank, suitably mounted in relation to the
said extension of the bolt, and which has connected to it a locking plate hereinafter
called the second locking plate. The bell crank lever is so formed, and the projection
or device on the extension of the point locking bolt acts in such a way that the said
bell crank lever is locked in its two extreme positions corresponding to the locking
and releasing positions of the second locking plate, and also that the said bell crank
lever and the locking plate connected to it are moved over from one extreme position
to the other during the travel of the point locking bolt when locking or unlocking the
points, as the case may be.
Referring to sheet 2 of the drawings,
Fig. 5 is a side elevation partly in longitudinal section; and
Fig. 6 is a plan or top view of facing point locking and signalling apparatus
according to this part of our invention.
Figs. 7, 8, and 9 are detail views thereof.
29, 29 are switch tongues or facing points operated when desired by a rod 30, bell
crank lever 31, and rod 32. 33 is a facing point locking bolt operated when desired
by a rod 34, double bell crank lever 35, rod 36, bell crank lever 37, and rod 38. 39 and
40 are the two parts of a divided stretcher bar, connecting the switch tongues 29. The
parts 39 and 40 are each formed with a hole 40* (Fig. 9) through one part or other.
of which works the locking bolt 33 according to the position of the points. 41 is a
slotted lever pivotted to one part (39) of the stretcher bar. 42 is a pin or projection
carried by the other part (40), and entering the slot in the lever 41. 43 is a locking
plate connected to the lever 41 and arranged to slide through a guide 44 through
which slides, at right angles to the plate 43, a detector bolt 45 which is connected to
the main line signal and signal lever. 46 is a bell crank lever pivotted to a base
plate 47 and connected to a second locking plate 48 also arranged to slide in the
guide 44. 49 is a projection attached to an extension 50 of the facing point locking
bolt 33... .It is so arranged as to come into contact with one or other of two extensions

page_text: 51 or 52 formed on the bell crank lever 46 according as it is moved to the left or to
the right, and after operating said lever and attached locking plate bears against the
extension against which it last acted and locks or holds the said lever and attached
locking plate in position. 47 and 47° are projections formed on the base plate 47;
they are arranged to bear upon a squared part 46° formed on the lower side of the
bell crank lever 46 and limit the motion of the said lever in either direction. 53 is a
second detector bolt connected to the branch line signal and signal lever; it is
locked or unlocked (so far as the locking plate 43 is concerned) according to the
position of the points. 54 is a facing point locking bar of the ordinary kind for
preventing the facing point locking bolt 33 being withdrawn during the passage of a
train or vehicle over the points. It is carried by levers 54 (Fig. 5) pivotted at 55 to
fixed supports 56. 57 is a rod secured at one end to the said bar 53 and at its other
end to one arm of a bell crank lever 58. 59 is a rod jointed at one end to and
operated by one arm of the double bell crank lever 35; it is secured at its other end to
the bar 54. 59 is another rod, one end of which is jointed to the said leyer 35, its
other end being jointed to another bell crank lever 60, independently arranged
below the bell crank lever 58. The outer end of the free arm of the bell crank lover 60
is bent, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7 so as to overlap and prevent vertical movement of
the free end of the lever 58. 61 is a locking plate, one end of which is enlarged and
retained in a recess in the bell crank lever 60 by the lover 58 above it; its other or
locking end is arranged to slide in a guide 62. By this arrangement, unless the
levers 58 and 60 are moved together, the rod 61 will not be operated, for if either be
moved without the other, the enlarged end of the locking plate 61 will be free to leave
the recess in the lever 60 under the action of a weighted lever 62° connected to the
said locking plate and acting to maintain it in the position shown, in which it locks
the detector bolts. The weighted lever 62ª also serves to counter-balance the weight
of the locking bar 54 and attached parts and thus admits of their being easily operated.
The locking plates 43, 48, and 61 are in the form of notched bars adapted to lock or
to unlock as the case may be the detector bolts 45 and 53 in a manner well understood.
The action of the apparatus is as follows: If it be desired to move over the points
to open the branch fine, the rod 32 must be first operated, the locking bolt 33 being in
its normal, position as shown. The opening of the points for the branch line causes the
locking plate 43, to move therewith so as to unlock the detector bolt 53 and lock the
detector bolt 45 when the points are properly set. Should, however, the points not
be correctly placed or shot, or if they from any cause move apart or be out of gange
50 as to cause relative motion of the respective parts 39 and 40 of the said bar, the
lever 41 will be so far actuated by the pin 42, or, if this be stationary, by the pivot
pin that connects the said lover to the part 39, that the locking plate 43 will be caused
to take a position in which the detector bolts 45 and 53 will be locked. When the points
are correctly set, they are locked in position, by moving the locking bolt 33 to the
left; this movement causes the projection 49 to act upon the extension 51, and
operate the lever 46 and locking plate 48 so as to unlock the detector bolts
45 and 53; the projection 49 in conjunction with the stop 47" then securely
holds these parts in the unlocked position. The signal connected with the detector
bolt. 53 can then be pulled off for the passage of a train or vehicle. After the passage
of the train or vehicle on to the branch line, the locking boit 33 and the points are
again returned to the positions shown in Fig. 6, the detector bolt 45 being then
locked by the locking platos 48 and 61, and the detector bolt 53 being locked by the
locking plates 43, 48, and 61. To pass a train on the main line, the locking bolt 33
is first completely shot by operating the rod 38 so as to secure the points in place.
This movement, by means of the projection 49 and bell crank lever 47 actuates the
locking plate 48 so that it unlocks the detector bolt 45. The operation of the rod 38
for shooting the locking bolt 33 when locking the points in position, whether set for
passing a train or vehicle to the branch line or. along the main line, in either case
causes the bar. 54 to rise, and through the rods 57 and 59 and bell crank levers 58
and 60, to actuate the locking plate 61. and finally unlock the detector bolt 45.
...The main line signal is then pulled. off. for. the train or vehicle to. pass, after which

page_text: the several parts are restored to their original position. If the rods 57, 59, and 59
be intact when the locking bolt 33 is shot, the facing point locking bar 54 will, by
means of the rod 59, prevent unlocking of the points in the usual manner whilst a
train or vehicle is passing over them. Should, however, the rod 59 be broken, as
sometimes happens, then a train or vehicle could not itself lock the bolt 33 by means
of the bar 54 and rod 59 as before. In this case, however, although the points may
have been operated (if necessary) and locked in position by the bolt 33 and the
detector bolts unlocked in the manner hereinbefore explained, the locking plate 61
will not have been operated to unlock the said detector bolts because the bell crank
lever 60 will not have been operated when the double bell crank lever 35 was
operated thereby allowing the locking plate 61 to become disengaged from the bell
crank lever 60. The detector bolts will thus be maintained in the locked position
with the signals at danger, until the breakage has been made good.
In our former specification No. 381 of 1886 there is described apparatus whereby
a passing train or vehicle acting upon a treadle bar releases a signal which there-
upon assumes the danger attitude. Now, according to our present invention, in
order to relieve the treadle bar. in such apparatus from excessive wear, as, for
example, such as would occur in the event of there being a constant shunting of
trains or vehicles over the said treadle bar, we so arrange it that it will normally
occupy its lowered position; and, in connection with the signal lever, (say the
lever B in the example hereinbefore given by way of illustration), we provide means
whereby the treadle bar will be caused to rise when the said lever is moved over for
the purpose of lowering a signal to allow a train to pass; thus the said treadle bar
will be in the proper position for being acted upon by a train to release the signal
and return it in due course to the danger attitude.
Referring to sheet 3 of the drawings,
Fig. 10 is an elevation, and
Fig. 11 a plan of apparatus for causing the return of a signal to the danger
attitude on the passage of a train or vehicle past a treadle bar.
63 is a treadle bar carried by levers 64 jointed at 65 to brackets 66; it normally
occupies a lowered position in which it is clear of the tyre flanges of a passing
vehicle. 67 is a rod slotted at 68 and pivotted at 69 to the lower end of a signal
post 70.
71 is a rod provided with a pin 72 arranged to slide in the slot 68, and with
à notch or recess 73; it is jointed at 74 to the lower end of a rod 75 which operates
a semaphore arm or equivalent signalling device at the top of the post 70.
76 is a
radius bar for guiding the jointed ends of the rods 71 and 75 in their vertical
movements. 77 is a lever secured to a transverse shaft 77*, to which is also secured
one of the levers 64. The shaft is carried in bearings, one of which, 78, is provided
with a stop or abutment 79 for limiting the turning movement of the lever 77 in one
direction. 80 is a rod connected at one end to the rod 67, and at its other end to the
lever 77. 81 is a wire or flexible connector secured at one end to the lever 77, and
at its other end to one arm of a weighted lever 82. 83 is a guide pulley for the
connector 81; it is carried by the post 70. 84 is a pulley secured to the end of a
wire or other connector 85 which is in connection with the signal lever at the signal
cabin or box. 86 is a pin secured to the weighted lever 82 and adapted to enter the
notch or recess 73 in the rod 71 and lift such rod and the rod 75 for pulling off the
semaphore arm or signal connected to the latter rod. 87 is a forked guide secured to
post 70; it embraces the rod 68 on three sides, and serves to limit the movement
of this rod to the right. 88 is a projection, the ends of which serve to limit the
motion of the lever $2 in either direction.
the
The working of the apparatus shown in Figs. 10 and 11 is as follows:-When the
semaphore arm or signal in connection with the rod 75 is to be pulled off the signal
lever in connection with the connector 85 is pulled over thereby moving the pulley 84
to the right and lessening the distance between the points of attachment of the ends
of the connector 81. The treadle bar 63, being made easier to raise than the weighted
lever 82, the first part of the movement of the connector 81 causes the lever 77 to
move to the right, until such lever comes in contact with the stop 79, and raising the

page_text: treadle bar into a position in which it will be acted upon by a passing vehicle.
This movement of the lever 77 is transmitted by the rod 80 to the rods. 67 and 71
..so as to place them vertical, the pin 86 then entering the notch 73. The further
movement of the connectors 81 and 85 causes, the weighted arm of the lever 82 to
rise, the pin 86 lifting the rods 71 and 75 and pulling off the signal. When a
vehicle passes over the treadle bar 63, the flanges of the wheels on the vehicle depress
the said bar thereby causing the rod 80 to move to the left and force the rods 67
and 75 to assume positions inclined to each another. The notch or recoss 73 being thus
forced away from the pin 86, the rods 71 and 75 fall and return the signal to the
danger attitude. When the weighted lever 82 falls it takes up all slackness in
the flexible connectors 81 and 85.
"
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner it is to be performed, we declare that We are
aware of Hancox's specification No. 5582 of 1884, and claim nothing described and
claimed therein, but what we claim is :-
1. The use in connexion with a railway signal and a lever for working the same,
(herein called the lever B,) of a second lever, (herein called the lever A,) located at a
station or place in advance of the first mentioned lever (B), and means for automati-
cally locking the first mentioned lever (B) when returned or moved back after a
lowering of the signal in such a manner as to prevent the signal being again lowered
by means of the first mentioned lever (B) until after the second lever (A) shall have
been returned to its normal position and again moved over to unlock the first
mentioned lever (B).
2. Apparatus substantially as described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive of
the drawings annexed for the purpose specified.
3. In facing point locking and signalling apparatus, the combination with a
detector bolt or bolts and a divided stretcher bar for connecting the switch tongues of
points, of a locking plate connected to the said stretcher bar by a slotted lever pivotted
to one part of the said divided stretcher bar and into which takes a pin or projection
carried by the other part of the said bar, substantially as hereinbefore described for
the purpose specified.
4. In facing point locking and signalling apparatus, the combination with a facing
point locking bolt provided with a projection or equivalent device, of a bell crank
lever of the kind sometimes called an « escapement crank' ог "clutch crank," and a
connected locking plate, the arrangement and operation being substantially such as
herein before described for the purpose specified.
5. The improved facing point locking and signalling apparatus constructed,
arranged, and operating substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and
shown in Figs. 5 to 9 inclusive of the drawings annexed.
6. Apparatus substantially as described with reference to Figs 10 and 11 of the
drawings annexed whereby when a signal lever is moved over for the purpose of
lowering a signal, a treadle bar is raised into a position in which it will be acted upon
by a train or vehicle passing subsequently in such a manner as to cause the signal to
be released so as to allow it to return to the danger attitude.
Did this 10th L
1007
Dated this 10th day of September
1007
FOOT
WM. GRIFFITHS.
W. Lloyd Wise,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C.,
Applicants' Agent.

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Dec., 1886
Complete Left, 19th Sept., 1887
Complete Accepted, 13th Dec., 1887
Apparatus..
We, WILLIAM GRIFFITHS, of 61 Sinclair Road, West Kensington Park, in the County
of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, and EDWARD THOMAS ROBERTS BRITTAIN of 170 York
Road, N., in the County of Middlesex, Signal Inspector, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
One part of this invention has reference to signals so arranged that the lowering or
placing in the safety attitude of one signal is subject to the control of a signalman
stationed in advance. As an example of such an arrangement for the purpose of
explanation we will assume A to be a lever at a station or cabin in advanco; Ba lever
at a station or cabin in rear of A and C a signal' such as a home signal worked by
the lever B; the lever B that works the signal C being locked, must be unlocked by
a movement of lever A before signal C can be lowered.
Now according to this invention the lover B having been moved over to lower the
signal is, on being returned, automatically locked in such a manner that signal C
cannot be again lowered until after lover A has been returned to its normal
position and again moved over to release lever B to admit of the lowering of
signal C.
An arrangement of apparatus for this purpose is as follows:-In connection with
lever B there is arranged a locking lever that connected by a compound rod with
the weighted arm of a bell crank lever, whose other arm is connected to lever A.
When lever A is in its normal position, the weighted arm of the bell crank lever is
depressed, the compound rod is lowered, and the locking lever is in the locking
position, lever B being thereby locked in its normal position corresponding to the
danger attitude of signal C. With the parts in these positions signal C cannot be
lowered. If the lever A be now pulled over, the weighted arm of the bell crank lever
connected to it will be raised, thereby raising the compound rod and moving the
locking lever so as to unlock lever B. In connection with the compound rod there is
arranged a sliding bolt with a pivotted device which, during the moving over of
lover B to lower signal C, allows of the passage of a plate or bar that is connected to
the said lever. This plate or bar is provided with an incline, which during the return
movement of the lever B acts upon an incline on the pivotted device before referred
to, which incline may be provided with an anti-friction pulley, thereby raising the
sliding bolt clear of one of the joints or hinges of the compound rod. In connection
with a part of the said rod jointed or hinged to the part upon which the sliding bolt
is mounted there is arranged a weighted lever or its equivalent which when the
sliding bolt is raised turns two of the connected parts of the rod upon their joints or

page_text: hinge pins into inclined positions in relation to the other parts of the compound rod,
thereby reducing the distance between the extremities of the compound rod and
causing the locking lever to be returned into the locking position by a weight or
equivalent with which it is provided, supplemented by the weight of the upper part of
the compound rod. The parts being in the positions just referred to, the locking
lover cannot be again operated from lever A until that lever has been returned to
admit of the straightening and bolting in alignment by the sliding bolt of the parts of
the compound rod. An indicator is connected to the compound connecting rod for
showing when the signal lever is locked or unlocked.
As respects facing points and signalling apparatus in connection therewith, this
invention has for objects to ensure that the points shall be in their proper positions
and to gauge, and that the facing point locking bolt whereby the points are locked in
place shall be completely shot preparatory to the unlocking of what are known as the
detector bolts in connection with the wires or their equivalent connected to the levers
and signals.
The switch tongues are connected by a divided stretcher bar, to one part of which
there is pivotted a lever formed with a slot into which enters a pin or projection
carried by the other part of the divided stretcher bar. To the said lover is connected
a locking plate which, when the points are properly set, and to gauge, occupies a
position that leaves the detector bolt of the corresponding signal free (so far as the
said locking plate is concerned) to move in obedience to the moving over of the signal
lever, but should the points not be correctly placod, or should they from any cause
move apart, or be out of gauge, so as to cause relative motion of the respective parts
of the divided stretcher bar, the before mentioned lever will be so far actuated that
the locking plate connected to it will be caused to take the position in which the
detector will be locked. More than one lever such as above referred to may be applied
in connection with a divided stretcher bar, if desired.
To ensure that the facing point locking bolt shall be completely shot before lowering
of the signal, there is applied to an extension of the said locking bolt a projection
or device that operates a bell crank lever of a kind sometimes called-in railway
signalling an oscapement crank or clutch crank, suitably mounted in relation to
the said extension of the holt, and which has connected to it a locking plate herein-
after called the second locking plate. The bell crank lever is so formed, and the
projection or device on the extension of the point locking bolt acts in such a way.
that the said boll crank lever is locked in its two extreme positions corresponding
to the locking and releasing positions of the second locking plate, and also that
the said bell crank lever and the locking plate connected to it are moved over from
ono extreme position to the other during the travel of the point locking bolt when
locking or unlocking the points, as the case may be.
In our former specification No. 381 of 1886 there is described apparatus whereby
a passing train or vehicle acting upon a treadle bar releases a signal which there-
upon assumes the danger attitude. Now according to our present invention, in order
to relieve the treadle bar in such apparatus from excessive wear, as, for example,
such as would occur in the event of there being a constant shunting of trains or
vehicles over the said treadle bar, we so arrange it that it will normally occupy its
lowered position; and, in connection with the signal lever, (say, the lever B in the
example hereinbefore given by way of illustration) we provide means whereby the
treadle bar will be caused to rise when the said lover is moved over for the purpose of
lowering a signal to allow a train to pass; thus the said treadle bar will be in the
proper position for being acted upon by a train to release the signal and return it in
due course to the danger attitude.
W. LLOYD WISE,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C.,
Agent for the Applicants."

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Railway Signalling and Facing Point Locking
Apparatus.
We, WILLIAM GRIFFITHS, of 61, Sinclair Road, West Kensington Park, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, and EDWARD THOMAS ROBERTS BRITTAIN, of
170, York Road, N., in the county of Middlesex, Signal Inspector, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
-
One part of this invention has reference, to signals so arranged that the lowering
or placing in the safety attitude of one signal is subject to the control of a signalman
stationed in advance. As an example of such an arrangement for the purpose of
explanation we will assume A to be à lever at a station or cabin in advance; a lever
at a station or cabin in rear of A; and C a signal such as a home signal worked by
the lever B; the lever B that works the signal C being locked, must be unlocked by a
movement of lever A before signal C can be lowered.
(
Now according to this invention the lever B having been moved over to lower the
signal is, on being returned, automatically locked in such a manner that signal C
cannot be again lowered until after lever A has been returned to its normal position
and again moved over to release lever B to admit of the lowering of signal C.
An arrangement of apparatus for this purpose is as follows:-In connection with
lever B thero is arranged a locking lever that is connected by a compound rod with
the weighted arm of a bell crank lever, whose other arm is connected to lever A.
When lever A is in its normal position, the weighted arm of the bell crank lever is
depressed, the compound rod is lowered, and the locking lever is in the locking position,
lever B being thereby locked in its normal position corresponding to the danger
attitude of signal C. With the parts in these positions signal C cannot be lowered.
If the lever A be now pulled over, the weighted arm of the bell crank lever connected
to it will be raised, thereby raising the compound rod and moving the locking lever so
as to unlock lever B. In connection with the compound rod there is arranged a
sliding bolt with a pivotted device which, during the moving over of lever B to lower
signal C, allows of the passage of a plate or bar that is connected to the said lever.
This plate or bar is provided with an incline, which during the return movement of
the lever B acis upon an incline on the pivotted device before referred to, which
incline may be provided with an anti-friction pulley, thereby raising the sliding bolt
clear of one of the joints or hinges of the compound rod. In connection with a part
of the said rod jointed or hinged to the part upon which the sliding bolt is mounted
there is arranged a weighted lever or its equivalent which when the sliding bolt is
raised turns two of the connected parts of the rod upon their joints or hinge pins into
inclined positions in relation to the other parts of the compound rod, thereby reducing
the distance between the extremities of the compound rod and causing the locking
lever to be returned into the locking position by a weight or equivalent with which
it is provided, supplemented by the weight of the upper part of the compound rod.
The parts being in the positions just referred to, the locking lover cannot be again

page_text: An
operated from lever A until that lever has been returned to admit of the straigthening
and bolting in alignment by the sliding bolt of the parts of the compound rod.
indicator is connected to the compound connecting rod for showing when the signal
lever is locked or unlocked.
Referring to sheet 1 of the accompanying drawings
Figs. 1 and 2 are elevations at right angles to each other illustrating railway
signalling apparatus such as above referred to.
Figs. 3 and 4 are similar views, drawn to an enlarged scale, of parts of the said
apparatus.
B is a lever for operating a signal C (not shown) as hereinbefore described; it is
hinged or jointed at 2 to a frame 3 in the ordinary manner, and is provided with a
pin 4 by which it is locked at the required times. 5 is a locking lever pivotted at 6;
one of its arms is weighted and jointed to a compound rod 7, and its other arm is
formed with a notch or recess 8 adapted to receive (when raised) the pin 4. To the
lower end of the compound rod 7 is connected the weighted arm 9 of a bell crank
lever, whose other arm 10 is connected by a connector 11 with a lever at a station or
cabin in advance, and hereinbefore designated as lever A, but not shown. The com-
pound rod 7 which works in guides 12 secured to a suitably supported frame 13 is
formed of a number of separate parts jointed or hinged together as shown at 7* 7*.
14 is a bolt able to slide on the compound rod and to hold the two intermediate parts
7, 7, in alignment when in its lowered position. 15 is a plate or device formed with
an inclined part 16 and hinged or jointed at 17 to the sliding bolt 14 in such manner,
as shown in the drawings, that it can turn to the right but cannot turn to the
left. 18 is an anti-friction wheel or roller with which the said plate or device
15 is furnished. 19 is a weighted lever pivotted to the frame 13 and
provided with a pin 20 arranged to work in a slot 21 in the part 7 of
the compound rod 7. When the sliding bolt 14 is raised, the lever 19 causes
the two parts 7 and 7 of the rod to turn into the inclined attitudes indicated approxi-
mately by dotted lines in Fig. 2, thereby reducing the distance between the extre-
mities of the said compound rod and causing the recessed arm of the locking lever 5 to
rise and lock the lever B in position as shown in Fig. 1. The sliding bolt 14 is provided
with an extension 22 that bears upon the upper curved surface of a projection 23 upon
the part 7 of the compound rod, and thereby prevents the said bolt falling whilst the
parts 7", 7, are inclined to each other. 24 is a plate or bar formed with an inclined
projecting part 25; it is hinged or jointed at one end to an extension of the lever B,
and is arranged to slide through a slot in the frame 13. 26 is an adjustable slotted plate
secured to the frame 13 and provided with an anti-friction roller 27 for carrying the
free end of the plate or bar 24. 28 is an indicator worked by the compound rod 7 for
indicating when the lever B is locked or unlocked. 19* is a stop for limiting the
turning movement of the lever 19. In the drawing, the lever B is shown locked by
the locking lever 5 in the position it would occupy when returned after having been
moved over to lower the signal (C). The compound rod 7 is shown with its separate
parts in a straight line and bolted in alignment by the sliding bolt 14 as they would
be on the return of the lever A to its normal position.
Now, from what has been already stated, it will be understood that in order that
the signal () may be again lowered, the lever (A) must be first moved over. This
movement through the connector 11 will cause the weighted arm 9 of the bell
crank lever and the compound rod 7 to rise, thereby causing the notched or recessed
arm of the locking lever 5 to fall so as to be clear of the pin 4, and raising the
pivotted plate or device 15 to a certain extent, but not clear of the inclined part 25
of the plate or bar 24. The lever B may then be moved over to again lower the
signal. Such movement of the lever B will cause the plate or bar 24 to simultaneously
move to the right, its inclined part 25 turning the plate or device 15 on its pivot also
to the right in order to pass beneath it. The plate or device 15 will return, when
released, into its original vertical attitude in which it will be in front of the inclined
surface of the said part 25. When the lever B is again moved back, the inclined
part 25 will act against the plate or device 15, and as this plate cannot turn to the left,

page_text: it will be caused to slide upward upon the rod 7. The sliding bolt 14 will thus be
lifted, and will unlock the parts 7, 7, which under the action of the weighted
lever 19 will automatically assume the inclined attitudes indicated approximately
by dotted lines in Fig. 2, thereby lowering the upper part of the compound rod and
causing the locking lover 5 to again lock the lever B in position as herein before
stated. The rod 7 being no longer rigid, evidently its re-use to unlock the lever B
will not be possible until the lever A shall have been returned to its normal position
to admit of the straightening of the rod and the fastening in alignment by the sliding
bolt 14 of its intermediate parts 7", 7b.
As respects facing points and signalling apparatus in connexion therewith, this
invention has for objects to ensure that the points shall be in their proper positions
and to gauge, and that the facing point locking bolt whereby the points are locked in
place shall be completely shot preparatory to the unlocking of what are known as the
detector bolts in connection with the wires or their equivalent connected to the levers
and signals. The switch tongues are connected by a divided stretcher bar, to one part
of which there is pivotted a lever formed with a slot into which enters a pin or
projection carried by the other part of the divided stretcher bar. To the said lever,
is connected a locking plate which, when the points are properly set, and to gauge,
occupies a position that leaves the detector bolt of the corresponding signal free (so.
far as the said locking plate is concerned) to move in obedience to the moving over of
the signal lever, but should the points not be correctly placed, or should they from
any cause move apart, or be out of gauge, so as to cause relative motion of the
respective parts of the divided stretcher bar, the before mentioned lever will be so far
actuated that the locking plate connected to it will be caused to take the position in
which the detector will be locked. More than one lever such as above referred to
may be applied in connection with a divided stretcher bar, if desired.
To ensure that the facing point locking bolt shall be completely shot before lowering
of the signal, there is applied to an extension of the said locking bolt a projection or
device that operates a hell crank lever of a kind sometimes called-in railway
signalling an escapement crank or clutch crank, suitably mounted in relation to the
said extension of the bolt, and which has connected to it a locking plate hereinafter
called the second locking plate. The bell crank lever is so formed, and the projection
or device on the extension of the point locking bolt acts in such a way that the said
bell crank lever is locked in its two extreme positions corresponding to the locking
and releasing positions of the second locking plate, and also that the said bell crank
lever and the locking plate connected to it are moved over from one extreme position
to the other during the travel of the point locking bolt when locking or unlocking the
points, as the case may be.
Referring to sheet 2 of the drawings,
Fig. 5 is a side elevation partly in longitudinal section; and
Fig. 6 is a plan or top view of facing point locking and signalling apparatus
according to this part of our invention.
Figs. 7, 8, and 9 are detail views thereof.
The
29, 29 are switch tongues or facing points operated when desired by a rod 30, bell
crank lever 31, and rod 32. 33 is a facing point locking bolt operated when desired
by a rod 34,double bell crank lever 35, rod 36, bell crank lever 37, and rod 38. 39 and
40 are the two parts of a divided stretcher bar, connecting the switch tongues 29.
parts 39 and 40 are each formed with a hole 40 (Fig. 9) through one part or other
of which works the locking bolt 33 according to the position of the points. 41 is a
slotted lever pivotted to one part (39) of the stretcher bar. 42 is a pin or projection
carried by the other part (40), and entering the slot in the lever 41.
43 is a locking
plate connected to the lever 41 and arranged to slide through a guide 44 through
which slides, at right angles to the plate 43, a detector bolt 45 which is connected to
the main line signal and signal lever. 46 is a bell crank lever pivotted to a base
plate 47 and connected to a second locking plate 48 also arranged to slide in the
guide 44.
49 is a projection attached to an extension 50 of the facing point locking
bolt 33. It is so arranged as to come into contact with one or other of two extensions

page_text: 51 or 52 formed on the bell crank lever 46 according as it is moved to the left or to
the right, and after operating said lever and attached locking plate bears against the
extension against which it last acted and locks or holds the said lever and attached
locking plate in position. 47 and 47° are projections formed on the base plate 47;
they are arranged to bear upon a squared part 46 formed on the lower side of the
bell crank lever 46 and limit the motion of the said lever in either direction. 53 is a
second detector bolt connected to the branch line signal and signal lever; it is
locked or unlocked (so far as the locking plate 43 is concerned) according to the
position of the points. 54 is a facing point locking bar of the ordinary kind for
preventing the facing point locking bolt 33 being withdrawn during the passage of a
train or vehicle over the points. It is carried by levers 54 (Fig. 5) pivotted at 55 to
fixed supports 56. 57 is a rod secured at one end to the said bar 53 and at its other
end to one arm of a bell crank lever 58. 59 is a rod jointed at one end to and
operated by one arm of the double bell crank lever 35; it is secured at its other end to
the bar 54. 59 is another rod, one end of which is jointed to the said lever 35, its
other end being jointed to another bell crank lever 60, independently arranged
below the bell crank lever 58. The outer ond of the free arm of the bell crank lever 60
is bent, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7 so as to overlap and prevent vertical movement of
the free end of the lover 58. 61 is a locking plate, one end of which is enlarged and
retained in a recess in the bell crank lever 60 by the lever 58 above it; its other or
locking end is arranged to slide in a guide 62. By this arrangement, unless the
levers 58 and 60 are moved together, the rod 61 will not be operated, for if either be
moved without the other, the enlarged end of the locking plate 61 will be free to leave
the recess in the lever 60 under the action of a weighted lever 62 connected to the
said locking plate and acting to maintain it in the position shown, in which it locks
the detector bolts. The weighted lever 62 also serves to counter-balance the weight
of the locking bar 54 and attached parts and thus admits of their being easily operated.
The locking plates 43, 48, and 61 are in the form of notched bars adapted to lock or
to unlock as the case may be the detector bolts 45 and 53 in a manner well understood.
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-If it be desired to move over the points
to open the branch line, the rod 32 must be first operated, the locking bolt 33 being in
its normal position as shown. The opening of the points for the branch line causes the
locking plate 43 to move therewith so as to unlock the detector bolt 53 and lock the
detector bolt 45 when the points are properly set. Should, however, the points not
be correctly placed or shot, or if they from any cause movo apart or be out of gauge
so as to cause relative motion of the respective parts 39 and 40 of the said bar, the
lever 41 will be so far actuated by the pin 42, or, if this be stationary, by the pivot
pin that connects the said lever to the part 39, that the locking plate 43 will be caused
to take a position in which the detector bolts 45 and 53 will be locked. When the points
are correctly set, they are locked in position, by moving the locking bolt 33 to the
left;
this movement causes the projection 49 to act upon the extension 51, and
operate the lover 46 and locking plate 48 so as to unlock the detector bolts
45 and 53 the projection 49 in conjunction with the stop 47° then securely
holds these parts in the unlocked position. The signal connected with the detector
bolt 53 can then be pulled off for the passage of a train or vehicle. After the passage
of the train or vehicle on to the branch line, the locking bolt 33 and the points are
again returned to the positions shown in Fig. 6, the detector bolt 45 being then
locked by the locking plates 48 and 61, and the detector bolt 53 being locked by the
locking plates 43, 48, and 61. To pass a train on the main line, the locking bolt 33
is first completely shot by operating the rod 38 so as to secure the points in place.
This movement, by means of the projection 49 and bell crank lever 47 actuates the
locking plate 48 so that it unlocks the detector bolt 45. The operation of the rod 38
for shooting the locking bolt 33 when locking the points in position, whether set for
passing a train or vehicle to the branch line or along the main line, in either case
causes the bar 54 to rise, and through the rods 57 and 59 and bell crank levers 58
and 60, to actuate the locking plate 61 and finally unlock the detector bolt 45.
The main line signal is then pulled off for the train or vehicle to pass, after which

page_text: the several parts are restored to their original position. If the rods 57, 59, and 59
bo intact when the locking bolt 33 is shot, the facing point locking bar 54 will, by
means of the rod 59, prevent unlocking of the points in the usual manner whilst a
train or vehicle is passing over them. Should, however, the rod 59 be broken, as
sometimes happens, then a train or vehicle could not itself lock the bolt 33 by means
of the bar 54 and rod 59 as before. In this case, however, although the points may
have been operated (if necessary) and locked in position by the bolt 33 and the
detector bolts unlocked in the manner hereinbefore explained, the locking plate 61
will not have been operated to unlock the said detector bolts because the bell crank
lever 60 will not have been operated whon the double bell crank lever 35 was
operated thereby allowing the locking plate 61 to become disengaged from the bell
crank lever 60. The detector bolts will thus be maintained in the locked position
with the signals at danger, until the breakage has been mado good.
In our former specification No. 381 of 1886 there is described apparatus whereby
a passing train or vehicle acting upon a treadle bar releases a signal which there-
úpon assumes the danger attitude. Now, according to our present invention, in
order to relieve the treadle bar in such apparatus from excessive wear, as, for
example, such as would occur in the event of there being a constant shunting of
trains or vehicles over the said treadle bar, we so arrange it that it will normally
occupy its lowered position; and, in connection with the signal lever, (say the
lever B in the example hereinbefore given by way of illustration), we provide means
whereby the treadle bar will be caused to rise when the said lever is moved over for
the purpose of lowering a signal to allow a train to pass; thus the said treadle bar
will be in the proper position for being acted upon by a train to release the signal
and return it in due course to the danger attitude.
Referring to sheet 3 of the drawings,
Fig. 10 is an elevation, and
Fig. 11 a plan of apparatus for causing the return of a signal to the danger
attitude on the passage of a train or vehicle past a treadle bar.
63 is a treadle bar carried by levers 64 jointed at 65 to brackets 66; it normally
occupies a lowered position in which it is clear of the tyre flanges of a passing
vehicle. 67 is a rod slotted at 68 and pivotted at 69 to the lower end of a signal
post 70.
71 is a rod provided with a pin 72 arranged to slide in the slot 68, and with
a notch or recess 73; it is jointed at 74 to the lower end of a rod 75 which operates
a semaphore arm or equivalent signalling device at the top of the post 70.
76 is a
radius bar for guiding the jointed. ends of the rods 71 and 75 in their vertical
movements. 77 is a lever secured to a transverse shaft 77*, to which is also secured
one of the levers 64. The shaft is carried in bearings, one of which, 78, is provided
with a stop or abutment 79 for limiting the turning movement of the lever 77 in one
direction. 80 is a rod connected at one end to the rod 67, and at its other end to the
lever 77. 81 is a wire or flexible connector secured at one end to the lover 77, and
at its other end to one arm of a weighted lever 82. 83 is a guide pulley for the
connector 81; it is carried by the post 70. 84 is a pulley secured to the end of a
wire or other connector 85 which is in connection with the signal lever at the signal
cabin or box. 86 is a pin secured to the weighted lever 82 and adapted to enter the
notch or recess 73 in the rod 71 and lift such rod and the rod 75 for pulling off the
semaphore arm or signal connected to the latter rod. 87 is a forked guide secured to
the post 70; it embraces the rod 68 on three sides, and serves to limit the movement
of this rod to the right. 88 is a projection, the ends of which serve to limit the
motion of the lever 82 in either direction.
The working of the apparatus shown in Figs. 10 and 11 is as follows:-When the
semaphore arm or signal in connection with the rod 75 is to be pulled off the signal
lever in connection with the connector S5 is pulled over thereby moving the pulley 84
to the right and lessening the distance between the points of attachment of the ends
of the connector 81. The treadle bar 63, being made easier to raise than the weighted
lever 82, the first part of the movement of the connector 81 causes the lever 77 to
move to the right, until such lever comes in contact with the stop 79, and raising the

page_text: treadle bar into a position in which it will be acted upon by a passing vehicle.
This movement of the lever 77 is transmitted by the rod 80 to the rods 67 and 71
so as to place them vertical, the pin 86 thon entering the notch 73. The further
movement of the connectors 81 and 85 canses the weighted arm of the lever 82 to
rise, the pin 86 lifting the rods 71 and 75 and pulling off the signal. When a
vehicle passes over the treadle bar 63, the flanges of the wheels on the vehicle depress
the said bar thereby causing the rod 80 to move to the left and force the rods 67
and 75 to assume positions inclined to each other. The notch or recess 73 being thus
forced away from the pin 86, the rods 71 and 75 fall and return the signal to the
danger attitude. When the weighted lever 82 falls it takes up all slackness in
the flexible connectors 81 and 85.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said invention,
and in what manner it is to be performed, we declare that what we claim is :-
1. The use in connexion with a railway signal and a lever for working the same,
(herein called the lover B,) of a second lever, (herein called the lever A.) located at a
station or place in advance of the first mentioned lever (B), and means for automati-
cally locking the first mentioned lever (B) when returned or moved back after a
lowering of the signal in such a manner as to prevent the signal being again lowered
by means of the first mentioned lever (B) until after the second lever (A) shall have
been returned to its normal position and again moved over to unlock the first
mentioned lever (B).
2. Apparatus substantially as described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive of
the drawings annexed for the purpose specified.
3. In facing point locking and signalling apparatus, the combination with a
detector bolt or bolts and a divided stretcher bar for connecting the switch tongues of
points, of a locking plate connected to the said stretcher bar by a slotted lever pivotted
to one part of the said divided stretcher bar and into which takes a pin or projection
carried by the other part of the said bar, substantially as herein before described for
the purpose specified.
وو
4. In facing point locking and signalling apparatus, the combination with a facing
point locking bolt provided with a projection or equivalent device, of a bell crank
lever of the kind sometimes called an "escapement crank or "clutch crank," and a
connected locking plate, the arrangement and operation being substantially such as
herein before described for the purpose specified.
5. The improved facing point locking and signalling apparatus constructed,
arranged, and operating substantially as herein before described with reference to and
shown in Figs. 5 to 9 inclusive of the drawings annexed.
6. Apparatus substantially as described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11 of the
drawings annexed whereby when a signal lever is moved over for the purpose of
lowering a signal, a treadle bar is raised into a position in which it will be acted upon
by a train or vehicle passing subsequently in such a manner as to cause the signal to
be released so as to allow it to return to the danger attitude.
Dated this 19th day of September 1887.