Improvements in Step by Step Controlling Apparatus.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 4th lan
1896
Complete Specification Left, 4th Nov.. 1896-Accepted, 4th Jan., 1897
Complete Specification Left, 4th Nov., 1896-Accepted, 4th Jan., 1897
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Step by Step Controlling Apparatus.
We ERNEST CLUSE HAINES, Merchant of Hygeia House, Staines, and FRANK
BRACEBRIDGE MILLS, Engineer, of 60 Hatton Garden, in the City of London,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention for improvements in controlling apparatus has for its object to
provide apparatus whereby gas can be turned up or down simultaneously at several
places from a distance by a force of short duration and for similar purposes; and
consists in a motor device actuated by compressed air, a vacuum, electricity or
other similar power and adapted for each time motive force is applied and removed
to move through a definite course forwards and backwards; a means for controlling
the application and removal of the motive force to the motor apparatus; a ratchet
apparatus adapted to be operated through a definate portion of a revolution by the
forward movement of the motor apparatus, and remain stationary during the
backward movement or vice versa; and a valve connected to the ratchet and
controlling the gas supply and so designed that the rotation of the ratchet
mechanism in one direction causes the gas to be alternately turned up or down.
The motor devices of a series of valves may be connected to one air pipe or
electric conductor so that all the valves are operated together to turn up or down
the gas as for example in a railway train and the valves are provided with means
for operating them by hand so that all the valves of a system can be brought to
the same operative position.
A suitable pneumatic motor device which is also adapted to be actuated in the
same direction whether subjected to a vacuum or pressure so that when applied to
a railway train the train can be transferred from one system to another without
inconvenience consists in a vacuum piston working in a cylinder, a pressure piston
working in the same or another cylinder, a single pipe communicating with the
cylinder or cylinders, a means for preventing the vacuum actuating the pressure
piston, a means for preventing the pressure actuating the vacuum piston, a means
for connecting the pistons to the part to be operated so that the one actuated is
free to operate the said part, and a spring adapted to return the pistons to their
initial position when relieved from pressure or vacuum.
It will readily be understood that instead of two pistons in a cylinder two
flexible diaphragms working in a closed compartment or compartments or the
two faces of a single piston or diaphragm or two collapsible bags may be
employed.
A suitable electric motor device consists of a solenoid and core, the core being
normally drawn out of the solenoid by a spring.
A suitable ratchet mechanism consists of a ratchet wheel and a pawl connected
to the motor device and carried at one end of a balanced lever pivoted below the
ratchet gearing. If desired the ratchet mechanism may be in the form of an
escapement to ensure that it only makes the required motion and means may be
provided for locking the ratchet mechanism after each motion.
The pawl and ratchet teeth are so arranged that during the return or back stroke
of the pawl it is completely withdrawn from the ratchet teeth which consequently
has no tendency to move backwards.

page_text: A suitable valve mechanism consists of a disc valve rotated directly from the
ratchet mechanism and having a number of equally spaced openings, the openings
being slightly less than the intermediate, spaces, a valve seating having corre
sponding openings, and a casing with inlet and outlet containing the seating. The
disc is connected or geared to the ratchet mechanism so that it is rotated half the
distance between the centres of two adjacent openings for each motion of
the ratchet wheel. In some cases instead of rotating it one half it may rotate it
one quarter, or other even measure. The openings may be arranged in different
concentric circles. Means are also provided for allowing of the passage of a small
amount of gas even when the valve is closed so that the gas shall be kept just
alight for example the disc may be provided with a hole arranged midway between
two adjacent holes and adjusted to admit the required minimum of gas. Or distinct
bye pass channels may be formed and the gas adjusted by means of set screw
operated from the outside.
In a modification the holes are arranged in the periphery of the valve.
When desired only to divert the flow of gas every alternate hole in the seating
is connected to one channel and the other holes to the other channel and the
seating has double the number of holes as the valve, the ratchet mechanism moving
the valve from one set to the other. Preferably the two sets are arranged in
concentric circles.
The valve mechanism may be an ordinary lift valve adapted to be raised and
lowered by the ratchet mechanism.
Any suitable valves or cocks may be employed for controlling the application
and removal of the motive force.
An arrangement that can be used with either pressure or vacuum comprises a
three way cock that is returned by a spring to its normal position with the motor
devices at exhaust. By turning the cock one way or the other pressure or vacuuin
is admitted to the motor devices.
The pressure may be admitted to an intermediate reservoir that is cut off' from
the supply when connected to the motor devices.
Dated this 2nd day of January 1896.
WHEATLEY & MACKENZIE,
40 Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agents.
We, ERNEST CLUSE HAINES, Merchant, of Hygeia House Staines, and FRANK
BRACEBRIDGE MILLS, Engineer, of 60 Hatton Garden, in the City of London,
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:-
This invention for improvements in step by step controlling apparatus, has for
its object to provide apparatus whereby gas or fluid from several distinct sources
of supply can be turned up or down simultaneously by a force of short duration,
as for example to control from the guards van the lighting of a railway train
where each carriage is fitted with its own gas supply reservoir; and consists in
a motor device for each supply to be controlled actuated by compressed air, a
vacuum, electricity or other similar power and adapted for each time motive
force is applied and removed to move through a definite course forwards and
backwards, a pipe or connector for connecting all the motor devices to the source
of the actuating power, a means for controlling the application and removal of the

page_text: actuating power to the pipe or connector and thus to the motor devices, a ratchet
apparatus for each motor device adapted to be operated through a definite portion
of a revolution by one movement of the motor device and remain stationary during
the reverse movement, and a valve connected to each ratchet apparatus and
controlling the gas supply from one of the said sources and a designed that the
rotation of the ratchet mechanism in one direction causes the gas to be alternately
turned up or down or in or out. The valves are provided with means for operating
them by hand so that all the valves of a system can be brought to the same operative
position.
A suitable pneumatic motor device which is also adapted to be actuated in the
same direction whether subject to a vacuum or pressure so that when applied to
a railway train the train can be transferred from one system to another
without inconvenience, cousists in a vacuum apparatus adapted to be operated
by a vacuum and to be returned to its normal position when the vacuum is
removed, a pressure apparatus adapted to be operated by a pressure and to be
returned to its normal position when the pressure is removed, a single pipe
communicating with the vacuum and pressure apparatus, a sliding rod or operated
part connected to the vacuum and pressure apparatus and adapted to be operated
by either.
It will be readily understood that the vacuum and pressure apparatus may be two
pistons working in a cylinder or cylinders, two flexible diaphragms working in a
closed compartment or compartments or the two faces of a single piston or
diaphragm or two collapsable bags may be employed.
A suitable electric motor device consists of a solenoid and core, the core being
normally drawn out of the solenoid by a spring.
A suitable ratchet mechanism consists of a ratchet wheel and a pawl connected
to the motor device and carried at one end of a balanced lever pivoted below the
ratchet gearing. If desired the ratchet mechanism may be in the form of an
escapement to ensure that it only makes the required motion and means may be
provided for locking the ratchet mechanism after each motion. The pawl lever and
ratchet are so arranged that during the return or back stroke of the pawl it is
completely withdrawn from the ratchet which consequently has no tendency to
move backwards.
A suitable valve mechanism consists of a disc valve rotated directly from the
ratchet mechanism and having a number of equally spuced openings, the openings
being slightly less than the intermediate spaces, a valve seating having corre
sponding openings, and a casing with inlet and outlet containing the seating.
The disc is connected or geared to the ratchet mechanism so that it is rotated
half the distance between the centres of two adjacent openings for each motion
of the ratchet wheel. In some cases instead of rotating it one half it may rotate
one quarter or other eveu measure. The openings may be arranged in different
concentric circles. Means are also provided for allowing of the passage of a small
gas even when the valve is closed so that the gas shall be kept just alight;
for example the disc may be provided with a hole arranged midway between two
adjacent holes and adjusted to admit the required minimum of gas. Or distinct
bye pass channels may be formed and the gas adjusted by menus of a set screw
operated from the outside.
In a modification the holes are arranged in the periphery of the valve.
When desired only to divert the flow of gas every alternate hole in the seating
is connected to one channel and the other holes to the other channel and the seating
has double the number of holes as the valve, the ratchet mechanism moving the
valve from one set to the other. Preferably the two sets are arranged in concentric
circles.
The valve inechanism may be an ordinary lift valve adapted to be raised and
lowered by the ratchet mechanism.
Any suitable valves or cocks may be employed for controlling the application
and removal of motive force.

page_text: An arrangement that can be used with a vehicle arranged for either a pressure
or vacuum system comprises a three way cock that is returned by a spring to
its normal position with the motor devices at exhaust. By turning the cock
one way or the other the pressure or vacuum reservoir is connected to the motor
devices.
The pressure or vacuum may be admitted to an intermediate reservoir that is
cut off from the supply when connected to the motor devices.
In the accompanying sheet of illustrative drawings:
Fig. 1, is a general view showing the controlling apparatus applied to the
simultaneous turning up or down of gas in a railway train and adapted to be
operated either by a pressure or by a vacuum; the actuating valve being
adapted to be put into communication with either the pressure or
reservoir through a two way cock, and Fig. 2 is an elevation showing the
three positions of the actuating valve, riz.: the two working positions and the
position when not to be used, another similar apparatus at another place being
employed.
Fig. 3 is a vertical section through the motor apparatus and the casing containing
the ratchet and gas valve apparatus.
Fig. 4 is a vertical section at right angles to Fig. 3 through the casing showing
the gas valve and ratchet apparatus in side elevation, and Fig. 5 is a horizontal
section through the casing and the ratchet and gas valve apparatus showing the inlet
and outlet gas ports.
Fig. 6 is a plan of the gas valve seating.
Fig. 7 is an inverted plan of the gas valve..
Fig. 8 is a back elevation of the cover of the ratchet mechanism and its attached
parts.
Figs. 9 and 10 are detail views of a modified construction of gas valve.
Fig. 11 shows a further modification in the construction of the gas valve.
Fig. 12 shows a modified construction of the ratchet and pawl apparatus
adapted to be operated by a smaller force acting through a greater distance, and
in which the downward pull of the motor apparatus is communicated directly to
the ratchet wheel by a pawl adapted to be raised off the ratchet on the return
stroke.
Fig. 13 is a modification of Fig. 12 showing a means for providing that the
successive movements of the ratchet wheel shall be of definite and equal
amount.
Figs. 14, 15 and 16 are detail views of a further modification of the ratchet
apparatus in which the valve after being operated is locked in position until again
operated in the regular way.
Fig. 17 shows a modification in which the gas valve is a cylindrical valve instead
of a disc valve.
Figs. 18 and 19 show another modification in which the gas valve is a lift
valve.
Figs. 20, 21 and 22 show a gas valve arranged to divert the flow of gas from one
chaunel to another instead of shutting it off, and Figs. 23 and 24 are similar views
to Figs. 21 and 22 showing a modification of this arrangement.
Fig. 25 shows a modification in the motor apparatus in which the upper or
vacuum diaphragm is of smaller area than the lower or pressure diaphragm.
Fig. 26 shows a modification of the motor apparatus shown in Fig. 25.
Fig. 27 shows a modification of the motor apparatus that can be only fixed on
either a vacuum or pressure system.
Fig. 28 sbows an arrangement by which the motor apparatus shown in Fig. 27
may be adapted to work on a pressure and vacuum system. Fig. 28 shows the
valve set for a vacuum system aud Fig. 29 shows the position of the valve for a
Westinghouse system.
Figs. 30, 31 and 32 show a modification of the system for use with the
Westinghouse system.

page_text: Figs. 33, 34 and 35 show a slight modification of the actuating apparatus shown
in Figs. 1 and 2.
Referring to Figs. 3 to 8 the gas valve proper consists of a body 1 having on
its side next the seating a disc forming an internally projecting flange 2 through
which is formed a circle of equally spaced holes 3. The valve 1 is provided with
ratchet teeth 4 of double the number to that of the holes in the valve. The valve
rotates over a stationary annular seating 5 provided with similarly spaced holes 6
to the valve and upon which the said valve is held firmly down by the pressure of
a spring 7. The holes 6 in the valve seating com nunicate with the outlet gas
port 8 while a central chamber 9 opening into the recess on the underside of the
valve communicates with the gas inlet port 10.
Working across the face of the ratchet wheel 4 is a lever 11 connected with the
rod or spindle 21 of the motor apparatus by the link 70 and carrying a pawl 12
gearing with the ratchet teeth 4 of the valve. The motion of the lever 11 is
limited by the stops 13 and when the lever is actuated it moves the ratchet wheel
one tooth only at each down stroke of the motor apparatus. When the holes 3 in
the valve coincide with the holes 6 on the seating the gas ports are in communication
and the gas full on. On the valve being rotated an amount equal to one tooth of
the ratchet wheel the holes 3 in the valve come over the spaces between the
holes 6 in the seating and the flow of gas through the valve is arrested.
As shown when the valve is shut off a small quantity of gas is allowed to pass
to the burners through a bye pass 14. The bye pass 14 is adjusted by means of a
screw 23 operated from the outside to permit of only sufficient gas passing through
it to allow of the burners being just kept alight.
In order that the positions of all the valves on a system may be brought into
unison means are provided whereby the lever 11 and pawl 12 may when required
be manipulated independently of the motor appliance. A plug 15 working through
the front of the valve case and shaped at its outer end to receive any convenient
form of key, carries on its inner end a disc 71 provided with a projection or
tooth 16 adapted to engage with a pin 16 1 on the pawl lever 11 and to depress the
lever when the said plug is partially rotated by hand to the right against the action
of a spring 17 by which in the normal state it is retained in such position that the
tooth is free of the pawl lever when the latter is being worked in the regular way
by the motor appliance.
As shown the motor appliance employed to effect the step by step rotary
movements of the valve is a pneumatic appliance of that class which is adapted
to be similarly actuated when subjected to either a pressure or a vacuum.
Two
diaphragms 18, 19 are mounted in a chamber 20 so that they are capable of being
moved in a downward direction only. Passing through these diaphragms and
connected at its top end with the lever and pawl mechanism of the gas valve is a
rod or spindle 21 engaging with the diaphragms. In the normal or initial state
the rod and diaphragms are retained in their raised position against stops by the
action of a spring 22 but on the admission of a pressure to the space between the
said diaphragms the lower diaphragm 19 is forced downwards carrying with it
the piston rod or spindle 21 passing freely through the top diaphragm which latter
remains in its normal raised position due to the pressure on its under side. Similarly
on subjecting the space between the said diaphragms to a vacuum the upper
diaphragm 18 is drawn down carrying with it the central rod or spindle 21 which
now passes freely through the lower diaphragm. The space or chamber between
the diaphragins of the motor appliance is in communication by the pipe H with
the trunk air pipe A Fig. 1 of the system which derives its supply of air pressure
or vacuum from reservoirs carried by the coach from which the system is operated
or controlled.
The reservoirs are charged from the Westinghouse or vacuum brake system or
from a separate apparatus.
In a complete system according to this invention adapted to be controlled either
by pressure or vacuum from a coach fitted for both pressure and vacuum, two

page_text: pipes BC are led from the pressure and vacuum reservoirs respectively of the
guards van or coach from which the gas is to be controlled to a two way cock or
valve D having its third connection common to both pressure and vacuum coupled
to an operating valve or cock E forming the terminal of the trunk air pipe A, in
communication with the whole of the motor devices un the train. By manipulating
the two way cock D the operating valve E is put into communication either with
the pressure reservoir by the pipe B the passage to the vacuum reservoir being
shut off, or zice & ru, according to which of the two brake systems is in use and
therefore according to whether pressure or vacuum is at the disposal of the
operator.
The operating valve E is also provided with two distinct ways, its normal
position Fig. 2 being when the trunk pipe A is opened through it to the
atmosphere at 99 and the supply orifice obstructed. By putting the valve to the
position the opening to the atmosphere is first closed and then communication is
established between the trunk pipe A and the two way cock D and thus to either
the pressure or vacuum reservoir according to the position of the cock D.
Each coach of which the lighting is controlled by this system is fitted with a
trunk pipe A and between the coaches the trunk pipe A is connected by flexible
tubes and couplings G and provided with lead offs or branches H to the motor
device I for actuating the gas regulating valve controlling the gas lights on that
coach, such branches being furnished with ordinary stap cocks J by means of
which any individual valve of the system may be cut out of action while the
remaining valves are capable of being operated in the ordinary way.
Each end of the train pipe A of each coach is also fitted with a stop cock L.
The valve apparatus is connected to the gas reservoir on the coach by a pipe M
and to the lights by the pipe N. The gas can be completely shut off by the
cock C.
To raise or lower the light throughout the train the hand-lever of the actuating
valve E is moved from position relief" to position e "charge." It is allowed
to remain in that position for about 10 seconds, in order that the charge may have
time to reach and actuate the motor devices at the front extremity of the train,
and is then returned to, position "relief."
Whether the Westinghouse or auto-vacuum brake is in use the manipulations of
the actuating valve E are precisely similar.
When another engine is attached to the train, necessitating the transfer from
the Westinghouse to the auto-vacuum brake, or vice versa the valve D must be
readjusted accordingly.
Before giving up charge of the train, the guard should place the handle of the
actuating valve at position a "closed"; but before doing so, he must satisfy himself
that the charge, Westinghouse or vacuum, has been completely withdrawn from
the train pipe.
In the niodification of the air pressure and vacuum motor shown in Fig. 25
the vacuum diaphragm 18 is of less area than the pressure diaphragm 19 and is
carried by a sleeve 72 and cross bead 73 working together through bearings in the
casing and supported in their raised or initial position by a spring 22 as is clearly
shown. The pressure diaphragm 19 is provided with a shouldered spindle 21
working through and adapted to engage with the vacuum diaphragm so that when
the space 20 is subjected to a pressure the diaphragm 19 is forced down and draws
down with it the diaphragm 18 and its attached parts against the action of the
spring 22 but allows of the vacuum diaphragm 18 being drawn down without
affecting the pressure diaphragm when the space 20 is subjected to a vacuum.
as shown, the pressure diaphragm 19 has about twice the area of the vacuum
diaphragm 18, the available force at the crosshead will be practically the same
whether a pressure of say 10 lbs. per square inch or a vacuum of 20 inches mercury
is admitted to the space 20 between the diaphragms.
As the air pressure employed to actuate the brakes on a train is usually in
excess of the requirements for the valve apparatus and of about 5 atmospheres or

page_text: more, a pressure regulator or reducing valve T Fig. 1 is employed with the motor
apparatus shewn in Figs. 3, 25 and 27 to reduce the initial pressure down to about
the same as the effective atmospheric pressure produced by the vacuam, usually
about 20 inches or say 10 lbs. per square inch.
The modified motor apparatus shewn in Fig. 26 is adapted for use without a
reducing valve, the lower or vacuum diaphragm 18 being of much larger area than
the upper or pressure piston 19. The rod or spindle 21 communicating with the
valve mechanism is attached to and passes through the pressure piston 19 and
slides freely within the scket 74 of the vacuum diaphragm 18 so that while
the pressure piston 19 is free to move upwards independently of the vacuum
diaphragm, the vacuum diaphragin cannot move upwarls without forcing up with
it the pressure piston. On almitting a vacuum between the diaphragm and piston
the vacuum diaphragm forces up with it the pressure piston, but on subjecting the
space between the piston and diaphragm to a pressure the pressure piston only
rises. The pressure piston is so proportioned to the air pressure and the vacuum-
diaphragm that the available force is the same whether a pressure of four to five
atmospheres or vacuum of about 20 inches is employed.
In the single motor shown in Fig. 27 that can only be used on a pressure or on
a vacuum systein, one diaphragm 24 only is used and is mounted in the chamber 20
so that it is capable of being moved in a downward direction only and is retained
in its normal raised position by the spring 22. The rud or spindle 21 is rigidly
secured to the diaphragm and connected at its top end with the ratchet and pawl
mechanism and is guided at both ends. On a pressure system the air is introduced
above the diaphragm by the opening 25 and on a vacuum system the connection is
made below the diaphragm by the opening 26, resulting in either case in a down-
ward movement of the central rod or spindle. As shown the connection is to the
vacuum, the pressure opening being fitted with a vent 28.
The motor appliance shown in Fig. 27 can be arranged to work on a pressure
and vacuum system by connecting it to the train pipe through a valve or cuck P as
shown in Figs. 28 and 29, Fig. 28 showing the position of the plug of the cock for
a vacuum system aud Fig. 29 for a pressure system, the euck being operated by
hand whenever a change is made from a vacuum to a pressure system or vice versa.
The opening 27 in the cock serves as a vent for the side of the diaphragm not
in use.
On electrically worked systems, electric motor appliances are connected to
an electric main passing from end to end of the train and terminating in the
operators compartment at a suitable make and break switch by means of which the
supply of electric current from any convenient source to the motor appliances is
governed or controlled. The motor appliance may consist of a coil or solenoid
enclosing a movable core or plunger connected to the ratchet and pawl mechanisma
and supported in its initial position by a spring. On an electric current being
passed through the coil by the act of closing the circuit at the operating switch
the plunger is drawn into the coil and thus the valve is operated in the manner
previously explained.
In place of the coil and plunger an ordinary electro-magnet or electro-magnets
may be employed to attract an armature or armatures forming part of or secured
to a lever or levers carrying the pawl or pawls which engage with the ratchet of
the valve,
In the modified construction of valve shown in Figs. 9 and 10 radial
grooves 3 formed in the face of the valve and corresponding with the holes in the
seating open into the central or inlet chamber to provide the gas passages when
the valve is in the "on" position. When the valve is closed the grooves in the
valve face come over the spaces between the holes in the seating.
In the modified valve shown in Fig. 11 the bye pass is provided by one of the
holes 37 in the valve being of such size that one of the holes 6 in the valve seat is
always open to supply.
In the modification shown in Fig. 17 the valve takes the form of a hollow male

page_text: cone 29 fitting within a female cone 30 provided with longitu linal slot holes 6
spaced to coincide with similar slot holes 34 in the male cone.
In the arrangement shown in Figs. 18 and 19 the lift or flap valve 31 is raised
and lowered upon its seating 32 by means of pins 321 attached to the ratchet
wheel 4 and working in cam races 33 formed in a sleeve 34 attached to the stem of
the valve 31. A spring 35 tends to close the valve. The valve stem is packed hy
means of the flexible diaphragm 36. On rotating the ratchet wheel the valve is
alternately raised and lowered. Fig. 19 shows the two extreme positions of the
pins 321 in the cam races 33.
The valve shown in Figs. 20, 21 and 22 is arranged to divert the gas from one
channel to another. Two distinct circles of holes 38, 39 are provided in the
seating to communicate respectively, with the two separate gas channels 40, 41 the
two circles of holes being so spaced and arranged relatively to each other and to
the holes in the valve that by the successive step by step rotatory movements of the
valve the two gas ways 40, 41 are alternately open and closed, the one being open
when the other is closed to the gas inlet 42. The radial grooves 43 in the valve
extend outwards sufficientiy to pass over the outer circles of holes as well as the
inner.
Figs. 23 and 24 show a modified construction of divert valve with only one circle
of holes, the lower half 411 of the holes heing spaced to alternate with the upper
half 401 and communicate respectively with the outlets 40, 41.
In the modified ratchet mechanism shown in Fig. 12 the ratchet wheel +4 baving
the same number of teeth as there are holes 3 in one circle of the valve face.
carries a pinion 45 gearing with a wheel 46 secured to the valve. A pawl 47
carried in a short slot 50 at one end of a balanced lever 48 pivoted at 49 below the
valve and ratchet gearing is attached directly to the motor spindle 21 by the
links 51 passing on either side of the lever 48. A pin 52 between the links bears
against the lever 48 at a certain point of the up-stroke of the motor. A spring 53
tends to pull the lever to one or the other of its terminal positions. The stop 54
limits the upward motion As the links 51 are raised, the pawl 47 is first raised
out of gear with the ratchet wheel 4 and when the piu 52 comes against the
underside of the lever the paal and lever are moved bodily upwards above the
next tooth without the pawl touching the ratchet wheel. On lowering the links
the pawl 47 is first drawn into gear with the ratchet wheel when the pull of the
motor is transmitted in a direct line from the pin of the crosshead through the
connection hetween the links and crosshend, to the ratchet engaging pin of the pawl.
By the continued downward movement of the motor the links and pawl now acting
as if they were one rigid piece from end to end draw round the ratchet wheel one
tooth, the lever following the movement of the tail of the pawl but in no way
controlling it. The hand key action for setting the mechanism in unison with the
other valves of the system is shown at the left hand side.
In a modification shown in Fig. 13 the ratchet wheel is provided with a circle
of pins or locking teeth 56 adapted to engage at the termination of the full required
movement of the valve with an arm 57 projecting from and moved forward by the
lever 48 and by which the motion of the said ratchet wheel is arrested and
determined.
In the modification shown in Figs. 14, 15 and 16, the valve is locked in position
at the termination of each movement. The ratchet wheel 44 is secured to the
pinion working upon a fixed stud and providel with a boss or pipe to carry a
locking disc 58 provided around its periphery with a series of notches 59 equal in
number to the teeth of the ratchet wheel, and adapted to turn in-tependently of the
ratchet wheel to the extent of one to th or division only. The normal relative
position of the ratchet wheel to the notched dise is determined and maintained by
a stop pin 60 upon the ratchet wheel engaging in a circumferential slot 61 in the
disc against une end of which it is forced by the action of a spring 62 secured at
its other end to the lucking disc 68. A spring locking pawl 63 bears at its front
on the backs of the teeth of the ratchet wheel and engages with the notched edge

page_text: of the locking disc 58. The spring 64 tends to force the locking pawl into gear.
By a downward stroke of the spindle of the motor appliance the driving pawl 47
draws round the ratchet wheel 44 independent of the notched locking disc and
against the action of the spring 62 by which the two are connected thereby causing
the locking pawl 63 to ride up the back of its engaged tooth and thus towards the
end of the stroke to pass out of the notch in the disc when the latter will be free
to follow under the action of the spring the path taken by the ratchet wheel until
another notch is brought into position for the locking pawl to engage. To prevent
over shooting of the ratchet wheel and disc, the wheel 44 has projecting from its
face a circle of stop pins or teeth 65 equal in number to the ratchet teeth and which
at the termination of the full required movement are successively engaged and
further movement of the ratchet wheel arrested by a hook or pallet 66 carried by
the tail of the locking pawl 63.
To provide that the raising and lowering of the gas shall be performed gradually
and without shock a dash-pot or equivalent appliance is in some cases arranged to
retard the action of the ratchet mechanism.
In a modification of the operating gear for the duplex or vacuum and pressure
system instead of providing a two-way cock separate and apart from the operating
valve the operating valve is adapted to perform the function of a two-way cock
also, the pipes from the vacuum and pressure reservoirs being coupled direct
thereto. In the normal position of the combined valve the openings to both
vacuum and 'pressure supply are closed while the trunk air pipe A of the valve
system is opened through the valve to the atmosphere. On moving the valve lever
in one direction, say to the right, the opening to the atmosphere is first closed and
then communication is established between the valves and the vacuum supply and
on noving the same lever in the opposite direction-that is to the left, the opening
to the atmosphere is similarly again closed but by a further movement the pressure
supply is put into communication with the valves. The valve and lever are returned
to their normal positions by a spring or weight. Figs. 33, 34 and 35 show a slight
modification of this arrangement of the operating mechanism, the spring or weight
to return the hand lever to its normal position being omitted. The operating valve
when in the position shown in Fig. 33 shuts off connection between the train pipe A
and both pressure and vacuum pipes B C and opens it to the atmosphere through
the passage 67 in the hollow plug. In the position shown in Fig. 34 the vacuum
pipe C is connected to the train pipe A and in the position shown in Fig. 35 the
pressure pipe B is connected to the train pipe. The stop cock S serves to
shut off the operating valve E from the train pipe A when the valve is not to
be used.
To provide that the actuation of the gas valves by pneumatic agency shall not
affect the working condition of other apparatus deriving its pressure or vacuum
from the same source-such for instance as the brakes on a railway train, or
vice versa, separate reservoirs may be provided for the gas valve system adapted
to maintain a charge sufficient to actuate the valves irrespective of the working
condition of the other parts of the pneumatic system say the brake pipes or
reservoirs, and to be isolated therefrom before communication is established with
the gas valves. By proportioning the capacities of the reservoirs to the capacity
of the pipes and motor chambers of the gas valves in regard to the initial pressure
or vacuum a definite actuating force of desired amount below the initial force may
be obtained, Figs. 30, 31 and 32 show this system arranged for use with air
pressure. The supplementary reservoir 68 is normally connected to the air pipe
and the train pipe is open to the atmosphere and when desired to operate the motor
devices the valve E is operated to connect the reservoir 68 to the train pipe. The
different positions of the valve are clearly shown. The ball valve 69 ensures that
the reservoir shall always be full of compressed air even if the pressure in the
brake pipes and reservoir has been reduced by an application of the brakes or the
like

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. An apparatus for simultaneously controlling the flow of gas or other fluid
from several sources of supply consisting of a motor device for each supply to
be controlled adapted for each time motive force is applied and removed to move
through a definite course forwards and backwards, a connector for connecting all
the motor devices to a source of power, a means for controlling the application and
removal of the motive force to the connector and thus to the motor devices, a
ratchet apparatus for each motor device adapted to be operated through a
definite portion of a revolution by one movement of the motor device and remain
stationary during the reverse movements, and a valve connected to each ratchet
mechanism.
2. The improvements in controlling apparatus, substantially as described with
reference to the drawings.
Dated this 4th day of November 1896.
WHEATLEY & MACKENZIE,
40 Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agents.