IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO DETONATING SIGNALS FOR RAILWAYS, AND TO THE SYSTEM OF PLACING AND WORKING SUCH SIGNALS FOR 'FOGGING', PROTECTION OF PLATELAYERS, AND OTHER PURPOSES." PROAL SP
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Barrow, of Rock Ferry, in the County of Chester,
and of 15, Water Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, for an Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO DETONATING SIGNALS FOR RAILWAYS,
AND TO THE SYSTEM OF PLACING AND WORKING SUCH SIGNALS FOR 'FOGGING',
PROTECTION OF PLATELAYERS, AND OTHER PURPOSES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Barrow at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th March 1880.
"
THOMAS BARROW, of Rock Ferry, in the County of Chester, and of 15, Water
Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING
TO DETONATING SIGNALS FOR RAILWAYS, AND TO THE SYSTEM OF PLACING AND
WORKING SUCH SIGNALS FOR 'FOGGING,' PROTECTION OF PLATELAYERS, AND OTHER
PURPOSES."
My Invention has for its object,-
First. To simplify and render more reliable the action of gear or appliances for
placing detonating signals as warning signals for the protection of life and rolling
stock on railway lines.
Second. To construct a detonating signal carrier placer with appliances for
working, to be used by platelayers for warning approaching trains.
Third. A method of attaching detonating signals to the placing or positioning
apparatus.
Fourth. The construction of an attaching link or yoke.
Fifth. The construction of a compensating slide for counteracting the expansion
and contraction of the connecting wires.
Sixth. An arrangement of detonating signals in connection with lamp signals,
flag signals, and semaphore or feathering signals.
Seventh. An arrangement of gear whereby detonating signals can be placed on a
"metal" distant from the signal box and replaced when exploded.
Eighth. Placing detonating signals as warning signals on railway lines by means
of electricity applied through electro magnets and contactors, as distinguished from
placing detonating signals by mechanical means or by hand.
Ninth. Exploding, detonating-signals by means of the voltaic arc or electric
spark applied and brought into operation by passing trains; such detonating
or explosive signals being carried on an apparatus such as that described in
Price fid

page_text: the Specification of former Letters Patent granted to me on 23 December 1873,
No. 4220.
Under the first part I construct apparatus, or appliances, or gear for giving the
requisite motions to apparatus carrying detonating signals, such as that described
in the Specification of Letters Patent granted to me A.D. 1873, No. 4220, and
illustrated at Figures 1, 2, and 3, and other Figures of the Drawings attached to
such Specification.
(a.) I provide the apparatus which carries the detonating signals with a spring
or springs, so arranged that the normal state of the detonating signal is off the
metal or I accomplish the same object by balance weights or counterpoises
attached to the apparatus by levers, wires, chains, or their equivalent, so as to
effect the same object, namely, normally to keep the detonators off the metal.
(b.) The usual practice of railway companies is to place detonating signals on the
rails by hand, such detonating signals being kept in position by soft metal clamps
which are attached to the signals and are easily bent round the rails. The
Specification of my Letters Patent No. 4220, A.D. 1873, describes an apparatus,
being a disc or wheel, arranged to receive a number of detonators which are placed
by revolving the disc. The apparatus, the subject of the present Invention, is a
modification of the said disc, and consists of a vertical spindle which carries a
borizontal balanced plate with one, two, or more radial arms, to which the
detonating signals are attached by means of a holder affixed thereto by a thumb
screw or its equivalent, the apparatus being normally positioned so as to keep
the detonators off the metals by springs or balance weights, as before mentioned.
(c.) It is found in practice that it is not desirable to entirely rely upon
mechanical appliances for placing detonators, but it is desirable that such detonators
should not be immediately placed by hand, as such practice results in accidents to
railway employés too numerous to mention. My Invention is therefore designed
under the first head to provide an apparatus subject in its working to the immediate
employment of an employé.
Under the second part I construct a detonating signal carrier placer in a portable
form, consisting of a vertical spindle with a horizontal balanced swivelling plate on
the top, which plate carries the detonating signals, which may be attached thereto
by a strip of metal fixed by a thumb screw or its equivalent. The spindle of the
apparatus is provided with a spike for sticking into the ground, and a clamp, or
its equivalent for attaching to a sleeper of the rail where it may be placed. In a
connection with the apparatus there is reel containing the line for working the
signals. In addition, the apparatus may be provided with a flag or feather signed
indicating danger. In its normal state the detonating signal is on the metal, but
by pulling the cord or line which is attached to the apparatus the platelayers can
place the signals off the metal from any point within the range of the working
line.
Under the third part I attach the detonating signals of ordinary construction,
such as Kynock's, or the National, or any other fog signal, to metal strips by
cutting lateral slots in the metal strip and passing therethrough the pliable clamps
of the detonators. The metal strip is attached, as before stated, to the placing
apparatus by a thumb screw or its equivalent, or by bending the carrier and
passing the bent part through a slot in the apparatus.
Under the fourth part I construct the attaching yoke or link with two end
eyes on a strip of metal or link, and an intermediate eye on a piece projecting
therefrom, to be applied for connecting signalling apparatus to each other, or
signalling apparatus to balance weights or springs.
Under the fifth part I construct a compensating slide of a channeled metal,
forming a guide for a sliding pulley, to which is attached by a wire, chain, or its
equivalent a balance weight. The channel metal is attached to the sleeper or other
fixed point by lugs, and the operating wire, or its equivalent, passes round the
sliding pulley.
Under the sixth part I arrange a system of detonating signals working in con-

page_text: nection with danger or feather signals, which latter I place in the "six foot." The
eather or danger signal is fitted on a stand and painted red on one side and white
on the other, the normal position being danger. The signal is worked by a lever
and wire, or its equivalent, and is kept feathered by means of a balance weight or
spring. The wire, or its equivalent, is passed under the line, and is attached to the
detonating signalling apparatus described under the first part, by preference in
duplicate, about ten yards apart. The normal position of the detonating signals is
on the line. The wire, or its equivalent, which works the detonating and danger
signals just described is carried to the signal box, and has a branch leading to a
signal post where it works a signal lamp. The requisite motion to the operating
wire, or its equivalent, is given in the signal box by a hand wheel, or its equivalent,
which also serves for running up a rack which operates and exposes a danger flag
and lamp in the signal box. These signals, the feather signal, the detonating
signals, and the lamp signals, can be kept in their normal position of danger by
weights, levers, or springs, and may be arranged to work the up and down lines,.
and all working parts except those required to be exposed can be covered over.
By this arrangement the detonating, and feather, and lamp signals can be worked
from the signal box.
Under the seventh part I pass an endless band under the metals, and arrange
such band to receive the metal strips or signal carriers by providing the band with
slots or equivalent modes of attachment, and bending the metal strips to fit such
slots. By this arrangement the detonating signals can be attached to the endless
band in the signal box, and by giving motion to the band they can be forwarded
and placed on the metal. This arrangement is especially applicable for placing
signals in station yards.
Under the eighth part I place the detonating signals on the metals by a wheel
which forms a carrier for a number of signals, and is worked by a cord and weight
or a spring, the requisite motion being given to the wheel by an electric current,
which by means of an electro magnet withdraws the contactor (being a pawl or
tooth) from a ratchet wheel, which is attached to the carrier wheel, the motion
being given by the weight or spring, and the electric current being controlled from
the signal box or by the passage of a train operating a contactor.
Under the ninth part I place detonating signals on a carrier, by preference a
wheel provided with insulated spaces, arranged so that after explosion a fresh
detonator is brought into requisition. The detonator is exploded by a voltaic arc
or an electric spark caused by a passing train effecting the necessary contact
between electric wires in which a constant current is supplied from a given point
or by passing a current from an electric apparatus, or a battery in the train itself,
contact being given by known means, such as the passage of a copper brush carried
on the engine up an incline, or its equivalent, fixed on the way or gauge; or by the
weight or action of the passing train depressing a lever; or the line itself actuating
mercurial or other contactors.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Thomas Barrow in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 15th
September 1880.
THOMAS BARROW, of Rock Ferry, in the County of Chester, and of 15, Water
Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING
TO DETONATING SIGNALS FOR RAILWAYS, AND TO THE SYSTEM OF PLACING AND
WORKING SUCH SIGNALS FOR FOGGING,' PROTECTION OF PLATELAYERS, AND OTHER
PURPOSES."
"
My Invention has for its object,—
First. To simplify and render more reliable the action of gear or appliances for
placing detonating signals as warning signals for the protection of life and rolling
stock on railway lines.
Second. To construct a detonating signal carrier placer with appliances for
working to be used by platelayers for warning approaching trains.
Third. A method of attaching detonating signals to the placing or positioning
apparatus.
Fourth. The construction of an attaching link or yoke.
Fifth. The construction of a compensating slide for counteracting the expansion
and contraction of the connecting wires.
Sixth. An arrangement of detonating signals in connection with lamp signals,
flag signals, and semaphore or feathering signals.
Seventh. An arrangement of gear whereby detonating signals can be placed on
a "metal" distant from the signal box, and replaced when exploded.
Eighth. Placing detonating signals as warning signals on railway lines by means
of electricity applied through electro-magnets and contactors, as distinguished
from placing detonating signals by mechanical means or by hand.
Ninth. Exploding detonating signals by means of the voltaic arc or electric
spark, applied and brought into operation by passing trains, such detonating or
explosive signals being carried on an apparatus such as that described in the
Specification of former Letters Patent granted to me on 23rd December 1873,
No. 4220.
Under the first part I construct apparatus or appliances or gear for giving the
requisite motions to apparatus carrying detonating signals, such as that described
in the Specification of Letters Patent granted to me A.D. 1873, No. 4220, and
illustrated at Figures 1, 2, and 3, and other Figures of the Drawings attached to
such Specification.
(a). I provide the apparatus which carries the detonating signals with a spring
or springs, so arranged that the normal state of the detonating signal is. off the
metal, or accomplish the same object by balance weights or counterpoises attached
to the apparatus by levers, wires, chains, or their equivalent, so as to effect the
same object, namely, normally to keep the detonators off the metal.
(b). The usual practice of railway companies is to place detonating signals on
the rails by hand, such detonating signals being kept in position by soft metal
clamps, which are attached to the signals and are easily bent round the rails. The
Specification of my Letters Patent No. 4220, A.D. 1873, describes an apparatus,
being a disc or wheel, arranged to receive a number of detonators which are placed
by revolving the disc. The apparatus, the subject of the present Invention, is a
modification of the said disc, and consists of a vertical spindle which carries a
horizontal balance plate with one, two, or more radial arms, to which the detonating
signals are attached by means of a holder affixed thereto by a thumb screw or its
equivalent, the apparatus being normally positioned, so as to keep the detonators
off the metals by springs or balance weights as before mentioned.
(c). It is found in practice that it is not desirable to entirely rely upon

page_text: mechanical appliances for placing detonators, but it is desirable that such detonators
should not be immediately placed by hand, as such practice results in accidents to
railway employés too numerous to mention. My Invention is therefore designed
under the first head to provide an apparatus subject in its working to the immediate
employment of an employé.
Under the second part I construct a detonating signal carrier placer in a portable
form consisting of a vertical spindle with a horizontal balanced swivelling plate on
the top. The detonator may be attached thereto by a strip of metal or other
suitable material fixed by thumb screw or its equivalent. The spindle of the
apparatus is provided with a spike for sticking into the ground, and a clamp or its
equivalent for attaching to a sleeper of the rail where it may be placed. In
connection with the apparatus there is a reel containing the line or lines for
working the signals. In addition the apparatus may be provided with a flag or
feather signal indicating danger. In its normal state the detonating signal is on
the metal, but by pulling the cord or line or lines which is attached to the apparatus
the platelayers can place the signals off the metal from any point within the range
of the working line or lines.
Under the third part I attach the detonating signals of ordinary construction,
such as Kynock's, or the National, or any other fog signal to metal strips by cutting
lateral slots in the metal strip, and passing therethrough the pliable clamps of the
detonators. The metal strip is attached as before stated to the placing apparatus
by a thumb screw or its equivalent, or by bending the carrier and passing the bent
part through a slot in the apparatus.
3
Under the fourth part I construct the attaching yoke or link with two end eyes
on a strip, and an intermediate eye on a piece projecting therefrom to be applied
for connecting signalling apparatus to each other, or signalling apparatus to balance
weights or springs.
Under the fifth part I construct a compensating slide of a channelled metal
forming a guide for a sliding pulley, to which is attached by a wire, chain, or its
equivalent a balance weight. The channel metal is attached to the sleeper or
other fixed point by lugs, and the operating wire or its equivalent passes round
the sliding pulley.
Under the sixth part I arrange a system of detonating signals working in con-
nection with danger or feather signals, which latter I place in the "six foot." The
feather or danger signal is fitted on a stand, and painted red on one side and
white on the other, and has a lamp for night signals, the normal position being
danger. The signal is worked by a lever and wire or its equivalent, and is kept
feathered by means of a balance weight or spring. The wire or its equivalent is
passed under the line, and is attached to the detonating signalling apparatus
described under the first part, by preference in duplicate, about two or three
hundred yards apart. The normal position of the detonating signals is on the line.
The wire or its equivalent which works the detonating and danger signals just
described is carried to the signal box, and has a branch leading to a signal post
or the signal box where it works a signal lamp. The requisite motion to the
operating wire or its equivalent is given in the signal box by a hand wheel or its
equivalent, which also serves for running up a rack, which operates and exposes
a danger flag and lamp in the signal box. These signals, the feather signal, the
detonating signals, and the lamp signals can be kept in their normal position of
danger by weights, levers, or springs, and may be arranged to work the up and
down lines, and all working parts except those required to be exposed can be
covered over. By this arrangement the detonating and feather and lamp signals
can be worked from the signal box or any other place in conjunction with each
other.
Under the seventh part I pass an endless band under the metals, and arrange
such band to receive the metal strips or signal carriers by providing the band with
slots or equivalent modes of attachment, and bending the metal strips to fit such
slots. By this arrangement the detonating signals can be attached to the endless

page_text: band in the signal box or other place, and by giving motion to the band they can
be forwarded and placed on the metals. This arrangement is especially applicable
for placing signals in station yards.
Under the eighth part I place detonating signals on the metal by a wheel, which
forms a carrier for a number of signals, and is worked by a cord and weight
or a spring, the requisite motion being given to the wheel by an electro magnet,
which withdraws the contactor, being a pawl or tooth, from a ratchet wheel which
is attached to the carrier wheel, the motion being given by the weight or spring,
and the electric current being controlled from the signal box or by the passage of
a train operating a contactor.
Under the ninth part I place detonating signals on a carrier, by preference a
wheel, provided with insulated spaces arranged so that after explosion a fresh
detonator is brought into requisition. The detonator is exploded by a voltaic arc
or an electric spark caused by a passing train effecting the necessary contact
between electric wires in which a constant current is supplied from a given point,
or by passing a current from an electric apparatus or a battery in the train itself,
contact being given by known means, such as the passage of a copper brush carried
on the engine up an incline or its equivalent fixed in the way or gauge, or by the
weight or action of the passing train depressing a lever, or the line itself actuating
mercurial or other contactors.
That my Invention may be more clearly understood I have hereunto attached
2 Sheets of Drawings illustrative thereof. The Drawings are marked with letters
and Figures of reference corresponding with those in the following explanation,
and like Figures and letters on the Drawings denote the same or corresponding
parts throughout the various views.
Figure 1 is a side elevation of an apparatus constructed under the first part of
my Invention, which also serves to illustrate the second part of my Invention.
Figure 2 is a plan of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a detached plan of fog signal and attachment holder.
Figure 4 is a reel referred to under the second part.
The apparatus consists of a vertical spindle A, which carries the horizontal
swivelling plate B, which is attached to the spindle or bar A, and is provided with
a strong coiled flat spring C and a stop piece D, which takes against the stop E
on the spindle A. The plate B is provided with one, two, or more radial arms F,
to which the detonating signals H are attached. The apparatus shown in the
Drawings has two arms with one detonating signal attached. The detonating
signals are attached by means of the holder plates J, which are provided with
lateral slots K, through which the ordinary pliable metal attachments of the detonator
pass, as shown at Figure 1. The holder J has a slot Land a hole M, which pass
over the thumb piece N and the pin O, by which the holder J is secured to the arm
F of the swivelling plate B. The apparatus is attached to the sleeper at the sido
of the rail, as shown at Figure 1ª. The apparatus in its normal condition may be
off or on the metal or line of rail, and is operated by the chain or rope attachment P,
which may be led either to the signal box, or to the danger signal, or may be led
to a position where it can be easily operated by the fogman.
Under the second part of my Invention I employ an apparatus, such as that
shown at Figure 1, in a detached or portable form ready to be stuck into the
ground, and attached to a sleeper in any required position. In connection with
the apparatus there is a reel (see Figure 4), round which the actuating line is
wound. In addition to the swivelling plate there may be provided a small danger
flag or feather signal to indicate where the apparatus are placed. In its normal
state the detonating signal is on the metal, and by pulling the cord or line P the
platelayers can place the signal off the metal from any point within the range of
the working of the line.
Under the third part of my Invention I attach the detonating signals to metal a
strips J, as shown at Figure 3, by cutting lateral slots K in the metal strip J,
passing therethrough the pliable clamps of the detonator.

page_text: Under the fourth part of my Invention I construct the attaching yoke or link,
s shown at Figure 24, Sheet 2, with two end eyes a, a, and an intermediate eye b.
This link is used for connecting signalling apparatus to each other, or to balance
weights or springs.
Under the fifth part of my Invention I construct the compensating slide, as
hown at Figures 34 and 3B, Sheet 2, which consists of a channelled metal e forming
guide for a sliding pulley d, to which is attached by a wire or chain a balance
weight g. The channelled metal e is vertically or horizontally attached to the
sleeper or other fixed point of the line, and the wire or its equivalent S passes
over the pulley d, as shown. A lever or spring may be substituted for the weight g
if desired.
Under the sixth part of my Invention, which is illustrated by Figure 5 in plan,
and Figure 6 in part elevation, and Figure 7 in part elevation, I arrange a
system of detonating apparatus A, A, working in connection with the danger
feather signal R, which 1 place in the six foot way. This danger signal R is
painted red on one side and white on the other, the normal position being danger.
The signal R is worked by a lever and wire S, and is kept feathered by means of
the balance weight or spring T. The wire S is passed under the line, is attached to
the detonating signal A, A, at their lever ends B'. The wire S is then carried to
the signal box U, and has also a branch at V, so that it can be worked either from
the signal box or from the side of the line. W is the lamp on the signal box
worked by a branch from the wire S, which exhibits the danger or other signal
corresponding with the position of the detonating signals A. The wire S may also
cause a flag danger signal to be exhibited from the signal box; X are the operating
wheels in connection with the wire S.
Under the seventh part of my Invention I pass a wire, chain, or band h (see
Figures 8 and 9) under the metals or rails i, and arrange the wire, chain, or band h
to receive signal carriers by providing the band with slots or equivalent modes of
attachment m. The metal strips J which carry the detonators H are bent over,
as shown at Figure 9. By this arrangement fog signals can be transmitted to any
required position in station yards or other places.
Having now described my Invention, and shown how the same may be carried
out into practical effect, what I claim as the Invention secured to me by Letters
Patent as aforesaid is,―
Under the first part I claim,-
The construction and arrangement of apparatus for carrying detonating signals,
and the method of operating such apparatus, as herein described and as illustrated
at Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the accompanying Drawings.
Under the second part I claim,-
The construction and arrangement of portable detonating signal carriers, and the
method of operating the same, as herein described and illustrated at Figures 1, 2, 3,
and 4 of the accompanying Drawings.
Under the third part I claim,-,
The method of attachment of detonating signals to the carriers or placers, as
herein described and as illustrated at Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the accompanying
Drawings.
Under the fourth part I claim,-
The construction of the attaching yoke or link, as herein described and as
illustrated at Figure 2ª, Sheet 2, of the accompanying Drawings.
Under the fifth part I claim,-
The construction of the compensating slide, as berein described and as illustrated
at Figures 3ª and 3B of the accompanying Drawings.
Under the sixth part I claim,-
The system of arranging detonating signals working in conjunction with danger
or feather signals and lamps, as herein described and as illustrated at Figures 5, 6,
and 7 of the accompanying Drawings.

page_text: Onder the seventh part 1 claim,-
The attachment of detonating signals to endless, bands, wires, or chains, as herein
described and as illustrated at Figures 8 and 9 of the accompanying Drawings.
Under the eighth part I claim,-
Placing detonating signals on railway metals by a carrier operated by an electric
current, and released and controlled from the signal box, or by the passage of a
train operating a contactor, as herein described.
Under the ninth part I claim,-
Placing detonating signals on a carrier provided with insulated spaces, so that
after each explosion a fresh detonator is brought into requisition, the detonator
being exploded by a voltaic arc or electric spark caused by a passing train, as herein
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Barrow, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Eleventh day of September, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty.
]
THOMAS (LS.) BARROW.