Improvements in the Working of Railway Points and Signals by Electricity.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Nov., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 11th Aug., 1894-Accepted, 6th Oct., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Working of Railway Points and Signals by
Electricity.
I, ILLIUS AUGUSTUS TIMMIS of No. 2 Great George Street Westminster
London S.W., Civil Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
:-
The objects of my invention are to work by electrical means:
a. The points including the locking bar and locking bolt where these are used
as in the case of facing points.
b. The signals and to interlock them with the points and also by the use of
selector bars to make the movement of the points select the proper signal or signals
to be operated.
c. To enable the trains to send all electrically worked signals to danger, as they
go by them.
d. To light the signal lamps electrically and to make the signal arm select
which lamp (say "red" or "green" for "danger" or "line clear") shall be lit, and
so do away with spectacles where advisable or necessary.
e. To repeat the movements of the points, locking-bolt, and signals in the
sigual cabin.
f. To record, where desired, the position of any signal, whether "line clear"
or "danger," on any locomotive that is passing it, both visually and audibly.
g. To work any signal or siguals, i.e. to lower them to "line clear"
electrically and automatically if desired in conjunction with any or all of the
above arrangements.
With these objects in view and referring to the annexed sheets of drawings.
Referring to Sheet 1, the points A are worked by a double electro-magnet
consisting of two bobbins B B on a common base plate C and two armatures D D
or of two base plates joined, or apart, or two base plates and two bobbins and two
armatures.
This double magnet is connected, as shown, to the signal cabin by 3 wires for
carrying the electric current from the battery E (I find about 15 amperes and
100 volts give a pull, on either armature at sufficient distance, say 4 inches, to
work the points by a direct pull, of considerably over a force of two cwts., and this
increases as the armature approaches its bobbin).
The points shown are facing points. There are therefore also shown a locking
bar F and a locking-bolt G. These are also actuated by another double
magnet H. Springs f. may be placed in the run of the rodding working the points
and locking bar.
Detector bars are also shown I I. These are connected independently to each
switch rail and each rail has a hole or slot in it to allow the locking bolt (or
plunger) to shoot into. So that unless both switch rails are in the right position
and quite home the locking bolt cannot be shot in.
These detector bars communicate by means of selector bars S S with an electrical
contact box J and are so arranged that when the points are set for a given rcad
and are in their proper position, a contact is made and only then, to the corre-
sponding "home" and "distant" signals.
When the locking bolt is shot it :-
Breaks the circuit to the roint meant and on soonomizes electricity

page_text: CHICULU
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position.
3. It switches in a resistance to the magnets which work it and so saves
electricity.
The resistances to work with the double magnet which actuates the locking bolt
and the locking bar are shown at R R.
I consider it advisable that the locking bolt should always be held electrically to
insure safety but by a reduced current to insure economy.
The "home" and "distant" signal circuits can only be completed and the signals
lowered to "line clear."
1. When the points are completely home.
2. When the locking bolt is shot by means of a suitable switch C.
The signals are lowered by electro-magnets (see description hereinafter). The
current which passes to the home signal to actuate it also actuates a magnet a-
which locks the plunger or locking bolt G and by means of a switch 6 the circuit
to the locking bar and locking bolt magnet H is broken.
The points and locking bolt are all repeated by constant reverse current
repeaters, K. K'.
Sheet 2 shows the action of this repeater, Fig. 4 for signals. A two-way
switch on the signal arm l. (or a similar contact arrangement in the selector bar,
box J or plunger G) operates the semaphore or needle arrangement K, or K', on
Sheet. I and shown at Fig. 4A Sheet 2, and thus the signalman can see always the
exact position of the points and signals and a similar arrangement can be fitted in
the locking bolt box N, Sheet 1.
Sheet 1. also shows a lever and locking frame L, where the levers are interlocked
with suitable tappets M M M, which work in the usual way. The point lever is
shown with 4 notches, i.e. with 4 positions; two of these complete the circuits to
their respective magnets, so that the signalman pulls, or pushes, this lever to a
"contact" position and then having seen his point repeater act he moves the lever
on in case he has no locking bolt to work (ie. if.the points are not facing points)
or if he does not wish to operate the locking bolt if there is one, or the point lever
may pull or push to any point to actuate the magnet and go from that position in
any convenient way. may reduce the current.
"
The point lever, as shown, can be locked in either of its 4 positions by the locking
bar and bolt lever.
It is necessary to be able to work the F.P.L. lever when the current is on to
the point magnets in case any obstruction be in the way of the points.
The point lever goes automatically to its no-contact position if desired by means
of a weight, spring or other means, suitable moving pieces a, and contact pieces e,
are fitted in the locking frame for making necessary contacts for working the
points, locking bar, and bolt, and signals.
Instead of working the points or the signals by means of an electro-magnet [
may work them, any or all, by an electro-motor and in case a holding current
has to be employed with or without a resistance I switch in a magnet for this
purpose.
The above description and drawings thus show and describe :-
1. A complete system of working and locking the points.
2. A detector and selector system for operating the right signal or signals and
no others.
3. A complete and double system for interlocking the points and signals
electrically and mechanically.
4. A complete system for a constant repeating of points, locking bolt, and signals
in the signal-cabin by reverse currents.
⚫ Sheet 2 shows the method I employ for working signals more fully in detail.
It has been usual to fit the electro-magnets with the armature above its bobbin
and then to pull down (or push by means of a pivotted lever) the signal-arm from
danger" to "line clear." Thus the armature of the electro-magnet is pulled down

page_text: on to its bobbin and when it leaves it again, i.e, when the electric circuit is broken
and the signal arm goes automatically to danger the armature has to be lifted away
from it. This is an evil because it is very advisable that the armature of the
electro-magnet should leave its bobbin as quickly as possible after the electric
circuit is broken which supplies the electric current to operate the electro-
magnet.
I therefore fit the electro-magnet M which I use to actuate a railway signal arm /
Fig. 4 with the armature N downwards, so that when the electric current is sent
through the bobbin the armature is attracted upwards.
Whether I push the signal arm to the position of "line clear" or pull it by
means of a pirotted lever. I slot the gearing in any convenient part or make it
as shown in the drawing at Fig. 2 so that supposing the armature has been pulled
to its bobbin and has lowered the signal arm to "line clear" and when it is
held in that position and supposing the electric circuit is broken, then the armature
instantly drops down from its bobbin and leaves the signal arm to go to the danger
position by means of the counter weight or weights.
This is a new and special feature and of great value because it insures the instant
parting of the armature and bobbin of the electro-magnet on the breaking of the
electric circuit.
I prefer to light the signal lamps électrically and to have a separate lamp
to show "line clear" and "danger," say green and red-and so do away with
spectacles.
To effect this I fit two separate lanterns (Fig. 3) with two incandescent lamps in
each, working in parallel with a reflector behind them and a lens of coloured glass
"
green or "red" in front, the circuit to one or other of these lamps is made by
the action of the signal arm and contacts.
66
Instead of the two separate lamps p, p', one may be used and spectacles may be
operated by the signal arm.
Where contacts are used I may use mercury contacts, when they are
practicable.
When a signal is sent to danger by a passing train I use any available means but
prefer to use the wheel of the locomotive to depress a lever and actuate a relay by
means of a small local circuit and so break the signal magnet circuit.
I also arrange to record the position of any signal on the locomotive, see Sheet 2,
by using the repeater two way switch,² (Fig. 4) on the arm already described, and
the indicator K³ placed on the locomotive. I work it as follows:-The current
from the battery E' sends the current to a contact Z close to the rail of any suitable
metal and as the locomotive passes it a spring contact on the locomotive (say
a flexible brush) long enough and broad enough to insure contact making allowance
for any variation in the position of the locomotive, completes the circuit to the
indicator K. The return circuit is to earth through the frame and wheels of the
locomotive.
The last point to be explained as shown diagrammatically on Sheet 2 (Fig. 5) and
on Sheet 3, Figs. 6. 7. 8. 9 is the lowering of signals to "line clear" by a passing
train automatically.
1. 2. and 3. are signals, suppose 1 and 2 are a separate block or section SS' the train
passes them both and sends them to danger. Then passes sigual 3 and sends it to
danger. Contacts V. V. V. are breaking contacts. Some distance ahead of 3 there
is a pair of contacts M called making-contacts which are actuated by a relay,
as described above by the wheel of the locomotive.
The relay magnet O Fig. 9, closes instantly a main circuit which main circuit
also passes through the relay magnet and holds it after the train has passed. This
main circuit goes through and is completed by the signal arm Fig. 9. (signal 3) at
danger Fig. 9 (and only when it is at danger) and so on to the signal magnets m
and m ou signals 1 and 2 which it is required to lower to "line clear." Then as
they are lowered to "line clear" the main circuit to each of them is broken by the
armature switching out the main circuit and switching in a local holding circuit c.

page_text: Figs. 6 & 7 and thus the relay magnet circuit at m signal 3 is broken and it is ready
for another operation.
Thus any signal or signals that are lowered automatically are only, and can only
be lowered when the train ahead has a signal at "danger" in the rear of it.
Instead of using a treadle or lever to be actuated by a passing train to work a
relay and so break or make a pair of contacts to send a signal to "danger" or to
complete a circuit and lower a signal or signals to "line clear" as described.
may use a brush or bar, or suitable means on the train to break or make a pair of
contacts in passing by means of a lever or by direct brush or spring action.
The features that are new in this invention are―
1. The working of points, locking bar, and locking-bolt electrically and inter-
locking them through the signal circuit as described.
2. Selecting the signals to be worked and using one lever for two signals,
as described.
3. Working the signals by electro-magnets fitted upside down as described.
4. Interlocking the points, and plunger, and signals electrically and mechanically
in combination as described.
5. The combination of the above with electrically lighted signal lamps.
6. The combination of any of the above with automatically worked signals
as described.
7. The combination of any of the above with the signal position recorder on the
locomotive as described.
Dated this 11th day of November 1893.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Working of Railway Points and Signals by
Electricity.
I, ILLIUS AUGUSTUS TIMMIS of 2 Great George Street, Westminster
London S.W. Civil Engineer 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:―
The objects of my invention are to work by electrical means:
a. The points including the locking bar and locking bolt where these are used as
in the case of facing points.
b. The signals and to interlock them with the points and also by the use of
selector bars to make the movement of the points select the proper signal, or
signals to be operated.
c. To enable the trains to send all electrically worked signals to danger as they
go by them.
"
d. To light the signal lamps electrically and to make the signal arm select which
lamp (say "red" or green" for "danger," or "line clear") shall be lit, and so do
away with spectacles where advisable or necessary.
e. To repeat the movements of the points, locking bolt, and signals, in the
cabin.
66
f. To record where desired, the position of any sigual, whether "line clear," or
danger," on any locomotive that is passing it, both visually and audibly.
9. To work any signal, or signals, i.e. to lower them to "line clear" electrically
and automatically if desired in conjunction with any or all of the above
arrangements.
With these objects in view and referring to the annexed sheet of drawings,
Referring to Fig. 1, Sheet 1, the points A. are worked by a double electro-
magnet consisting of two bobbins B. B. on a common base plate "C," and two

page_text: armatures D. D. or of two base plates joined, or apart, or two base plates, and two
bobbins and two armatures, the latter are shown.
This double magnet is connected, as shown to the signal cabin by three wires
for carrying the electric current from the battery E, (I find about 15 amperes and
one hundred volts give a pull on either armature at sufficient distance say 4 inches
to work the points by a direct pull of considerably over a force of 2 cwts.; aud
this increases as the armature approaches its bobbin) the three wires are two
positive 1 & 2 & return .
The points shown are facing points. There are therefore also shown a locking
bar F, and a locking bolt G. These are also actuated by another double
magnet H. Springs may be placed in the run of the rodding working the
points and locking bar. Circuits 3 & 4 & x return work these two magnets.
Detector bars are also shown I. I. These are connected independently to each
switch rail and each detector bar has a hole or slot in it to allow the locking bolt
(or plunger) to shoot into. So that unless both switch rails are in the right
position and quite home the locking bolt cannot be shot in.
These detector bars I. L. communicate by means of selector bars S. S. with an
electrical contact box J. and are so arranged that when the points are set for a
given road, and are in their proper position a contact is made and circuits are
completed, and only then to the corresponding "home" and "distant" signals.
When the locking bolt is shot it :-
1. Breaks the circuit to the point magnet by breaking contacts t t on circuit x.
and so economizes electricity.
2. It completes the circuit to any signal t¹ t¹ and, or, ³ ³ which works with the
points in that position.
3. It switches in a resistance R. to the magnets which work it and so saves
electricity. The resistance to work with the double magnet H. through to t
circuit 4 which actuates the locking bolt, and the locking bar is shown at R.
The other circuit 3 which works H. through contacts * * & pulls out the locking
bolt has no resistance. I consider it advisable that the locking bolt should
always be held electrically to insure safety, but by a reduced current to insure
economy, or it may be shot in by means of a weight or spring, or held there in
this way and worked electrically. There are many ways of doing this. When it
is pulled out the circuit 3 is broken as contacts * * are broken.
The "home" and "distant" signal circuits can only be completed and the signal
lowered to "line clear
"
1. When the points are completely home.
2. When the locking bolt is shot in.
The signals are lowered by electro-magnets (see description hereinafter). The
current circuit 5 which passes to the home signals to actuate them, also actuate a
magnet a, which locks the plunger or locking bolt G, and by means of a switch b,
the circuit to the locking bar and locking bolt magnet H is broken.
The points and locking bolt are all repeated by constant
repeaters K. Fig. 4A.
reverse current
Sheet 2, Fig. 4 shows the action of such a constant current repeater as applied
to signals. A two-way switch r³ on the signal arm l, Fig. 4 (or a similar contact
arrangement in the selector bar, box J, or plunger G) operates the semaphore or
needle arrangement K, shown at Fig. 44 Sheet 2, and thus the signalman can see
always the exact position of the points and signals and a similar arrangement can
be fitted in the locking bolt box N, Sheet 1.
Sheet 1, also shows a lever and locking frame L, where the levers are
interlocked with suitable tappets M. M. M. which work in the usual way. Point
lever 1, is shown with four 1× 2* 3* & 4* notches, i.e. can occupy four positions ;
two of these 2 & 3× complete the circuits to their respective magnets. The
signalman pulls or pushes this lever to a "contact" position, and then having seen
his point repeater act he moves the lever on in case he has no locking bolt to

page_text: work (ie. if the points are not facing points) or if he does not wish to operate the
locking bolt if there is one, or the point lever may pull or push to any point to
actuate the magnet, and go from that position in any convenient way, I may
reduce the current.
Point lever 1, as shown can be locked in either of the four positions by the
locking bar and bolt lever 2. It is necessary to be able to work the F.P.L. lever
when the current is on to the point magnets in case any obstruction be in the way
of the points. The F.P.L. facing point lever 2. can always be worked if the
levers 3. & 4. are not worked i.e. if they are as shown in Fig. 1. with the signals at
danger."
56
Point lever 1, goes automatically to its no-contact position 1 or 4 if desired, by
means of a weight spring or other means. Suitable moving pieces a, and contact
pieces e, are fitted in the locking frame for making necessary contacts for working
the points locking bar, and bolt, and signals.
Instead of working the points or the signals by means of an electro-magnet I may
work them, any or all, by an electro-motor, and in case a holding current has to
be employed, with or without a resistance, I switch in a magnet for this purpose.
The above description and drawings thus show and describe :-
1. A complete system of working and locking the points.
2. A detector and selector system for operating the right signal, or signals, and
no others.
3. A complete and double system for interlocking the points and signals
electrically and mechanically.
4. A complete system for a constant repeating of points, locking bolt, and signals
in the signal cabin by reverse currents.
Figs. 2 & 2 show the method I employ for working signals more fully in
detail.
It has been usual to fit the signal electro-magnet with the armature above its
bobbin, and then to pull down (or push by means of a pivotted lever) the signal
arm from "danger" to "line clear." Thus the armature of the electro magnet is
pulled down on its bobbin, and when it leaves it again, i.e., when the electric circuit
is broken and the signal arm goes automatically to "danger," the armature has to be
lifted away from it. This is an evil because it is very advisable that the armature
of the electro-magnet should leave its bobbin as quickly as possible after the electric
circuit is broken which supplies the electric current to operate the electro-magnet,
as shown in Fig. 2, I therefore fit the clectro-magnet M, which I use to actuate a
railway signal arm 1, Fig. 4 with the armature A downwards so that when the
electric current is sent through the bobbin armature A is attracted & drawn
upwards and the cup S which is attached to the armature forces up the rod r. This
rod r is not attached to but fits loosely in the cup S, but is attached to the signal
arm. The armature A. & cup S. are free to fall away from the signal arm &
rod r.
Whether I push the signal arm to the position of "line clear" or pull it by means
of a pivotted lever, I slot the gearing in any convenient part or make it as shown in
the drawing at S (Fig. 2) so that supposing the armature A. has been pulled
upwards to its bobbin M. and has lowered the sigual arm to "line clear" by pushing
the back end of the arm upwards and when it is held in that position i.e. that of
"line clear"; and supposing the electric current is broken, then the armature
instantly drops down from its bobbin and leaves the signal arm and rod r and
gearing, to go to the "danger" position by means of the counter weight or weights
which are on the back end of the arm.
This is a new and special feature, and of great value because it insures the
instant parting of the armature and bobbin of the electro-magnet on the breaking
of the electric circuit. There is a repellant action takes place momentarily with
continuous current inagnets between the armature and bobbin on the breaking of
the electric circuit.

page_text: I prefer to light the signal lamps electrically and to have a separate lamp to show
"line clear" and "danger," say green and red, & so do away with spectacles.
دو
To effect this I fit two separate lanterns Fig. 3, with two incandescent lamps P
& P in each, working in parallel so that if one goes out the other remains lit, with
a reflector behind them, and a lens of coloured glass "green or "red" in front,
the circuit to one or other of these lamps is made by the action of the signal arm
and contacts. Instead of the two separate lanterns shown on the drawing one may
be used and spectacles may be operated by the signal arm.
Where contacts are used I may use mercury contacts when they are practicable.
When a signal is sent to danger by a passing train I use any available means but
prefer to use the wheel of the locomotive to depress a lever and actuate a relay by
means of a small local circuit, and so break the signal magnet circuit, I do not a
claim any special means. I also arrange to record the position of any signal on the
locomotive, see Fig. 4, by using the repeater two way switch on the arm already
described and the indicator K³ Fig. 4 placed on the locomotive.
I work it as follows:-
The current from the battery E' Fig. 4. sends the current through the two way
switch to a contact Z close to the rail, of any suitable metal and as the locomotive
passes it a spring contact on the locomotive (say a flexible brush) Z', long enough
and broad enough to insure contact, making allowance for any variation in the
position of the locomotive, completes the circuit to the indicator K³. The return
circuit to earth through the frame and wheels of the locomotive.
The last point to be explained as shown diagrammatically see Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8, is
the lowering of signals to "line clear" by a passing train automatically.
1, 2, & 3 Fig. 5. are signals, suppose 1, and 2, between stations S. & S¹ are a
block section. The train passes 1, & 2, and sends them to danger. It then passes
signal 3, and sends it to danger, contacts V. V. V. are breaking contacts. Some
distance ahead of 3 there is a pair of contacts M called making contacts, which are
actuated by a relay worked by brush contacts, as follows―
The passing train closes these contacts M Figs. 5. & 7. and the relay magnet O
Fig. 7, closes instantly a main circuit . through contacts t. t. Fig. 7 which lever l.
closes which main circuit passes through the relay magnet O Fig. 7 see also magnet
relay box O Fig. 5. and holds it after the train has passed. This main circuit goes
through and is completed by the arm contact a. of signal 3, Figs. 5 & 8 which is at
danger. (The main circuit can be completed only when the arm of signal 3 is at
danger), and so on to the signal magnets m and m¹ on signals 1 & 2, Fig. 5. which
it is required to lower to "line clear." Then as they are lowered to "line clear"
the main circuit to each of them is broken by the armature switching out the main
circuit and switching in a local holding circuit C Fig. 6, and thus the relay
magnet circuit at m signal 3 Figs. 5 & 6. & 7. is broken, and it is ready for another
operation.
Fig. 2 shows one way of altering the main lowering current (which flows
through m to operate the magnet armature M Fig. 2., and so lowers the signal
arm) to the reduced or holding current (which flows through n).
Thus any signal or signals that are lowered automatically are only and can only
be lowered when the train ahead has a signal at "danger" in the rear of it.
Instead of using a treadle or lever to be actuated by a passing train to work a
relay and so break or make a pair of contacts to send a sigual to "danger" or to
complete a circuit and lower a signal or signals to "line clear" as described, I may
use a brush or bar or suitable means on the train to break or make a pair of
contacts in passing by means of a lever or by direct brush or spring action.
I find by experience that this last arrangement is best for contact makers, i.e. for
completing a circuit to lower signals automatically.
The magnets I use are determined by the nature of the current used, if the
current is a continuous one the magnet described in my Patent 18994 of 1892 is
suitable, but if the current is alternating I fit magnets which are specially made, in

page_text: any case the kind of electro-magnet used does not interfere with the main objects of
this invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The working of points, locking bar and locking bolt by electro-magnets and
interlocking them through the signal circuits and in the lever frames.
2. The working of signals by electro-magnets and interlocking them through the
points and locking bolt circuit, and in the lever frame.
3. Selecting the signals by the motion of the points and using one lever to actuate
two or more signals.
4. Using an inverted magnet for operating a signal and using the counter E.M.F.
to cause the armature to drop instantly on the breaking of the electric circuit.
5. The combination of the above with two incandescent lamps in one lantern
working in parallel, all as, and for the purposes herein before described.
Dated this 11th day of August 1894.
I. A. TIMMIS.