GB191023940A - Improvements in Railway Signalling Mechanism. - Google Patents

Abstract

23,940. McDonald, M. Oct. 15. Mechanical systems, automatic; single - track systems; time systems; track apparatus actuating signals other than on trains; visual outdoor signals. - For signalling between trains, and for operating track signals, series of contacts 7 .. 12, Fig. 6, are placed at intervals on the track. Each contact consists of a raised part 22, one of the depressed ends being pivoted, and the other sliding between rollers 28. Under the part 22 is a roller 29 on a lever 30, another arm 33 of which is connected, by wires 36, 36<a> to the other levers 33, by wires 37, 38 to a lever in a cabin 13, and by wires 35, 35<a> to signals 14, 15, 16, 17 in front and in rear. Each signal comprises a pivoted mast 42 in a raised casing 43 with an arm 44 and a gong 45, normally held horizontally against the action of the counterweight 48, by the wire 35. Pivoted on the same shaft is a lever 55, normally held up by the mast 42, and carrying a striker 58. This lever has a springy connexion 53 to a normally-depressed gong treadle 51. The levers 33 are held, as shown, by weights 39 which, after being raised, fall slowly to reset the masts, the weights 39 being provided with valved passages 39<a>. When a train passes the treadles 7 ... 12, it raises masts in front and in the rear. If a train passes a treadle 51 before the falling weights 39 re-set the treadles and masts, the arms 58 strike the gong 45 at each wheel passage. By actuating his lever, the signalman can set the masts and treadle at danger. The movable masts may be replaced by fixed posts with movable arms, and lamps may be provided in the casings 43, the wire 35 operating a red glass screen by toothed gearing or otherwise.