US1132582A - Train-control system. - Google Patents

Description

1). L. HOPKINS.

V TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEM.

APPLIGATION FILED 111111.22, 1913.

Witnesses fill ventor Attorneys 1H5 NORRIS PETERS CD., FHOTO-LITHQ. WASHINGTON, D c.

Patented Mar. 23, 1915.

ments in a 7 DAVID L. HOPKINS OF BRYSON, NORTH CAROLINA.

TRAIN-CONTROL sYsrnM.

Application filed March 22, 1913.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that 1, DAVID L. HOPKINS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Bryson, in the county of Swain and State of North Carolina, have invented a new and useful Train-Control System, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to improvetrain control system, one object of the invention being the provision of a track ramp mechanism adapted to be normally locked in safety or clear position to be electrically actuated to assume a danger position to stop a train encroaching upon the territory of the train which just actuated the ramp device, there being provided train actuated means controlled by the train leaving the block to reset the ramp device to clear or safety position. 7

A further object of the present invention is the novel mounting of a ramp arm, by means of which the same is permitted the necessary limited swinging movement from safety to danger position and vice versa, there being provided train controlled means both electrically and mechanically for actuating the ramp arm.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts and in the details or" construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed can be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing "from the spirit of the invention.

In the drawings-Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the complete system, as applied along the right of way. Fig. 2 is a view in elevation of the complete ramp, the same being in clear position. Fig. 3 is a view taken from the left of the ramp as shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a view in elevation of the switch closing lever. Fig. 5 is a section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Referring to the drawings, the numerals 1 and 2 designate the rails and 3 designates a passing locomotive or train, which is proceeding in the direction of the arrow Fig. 1. The projecting end 4 of the lever 5 which is pivoted at 5, with. the parts in the position as shown in Fig. 1, has been operated by the train, as will presently appear and such mechanical operation has caused the elevation of the rod 7 and the semaphore 8, the

Specification of Letters Eatent.

Patented Mar. as, rare.

Serial as. 756,187. V

catch 9 having engaged the lever 5 to mailitain the semaphore 8 in danger position.

By this means the danger signal is exposed the rear of the passing train, while after the train has passed the ramp actuating lever 27, the detail description of which will presently appear, the projecting end 11 of the lever 12 is depressed so as to close the switch plates14 and 15 and energize the electromagnet 10, which in turn releases the catch 9 and the semaphore 8 to its-biased clear positlon. The lever 12, shown in Fig.

1, and in detail in Figs. 4 and 5, is pivoted ling the switch plates 29 and 30 of the circuit for releasing the ramp arm 46 to danger position. Thiscircuit includes the rail 1, the conductor 31, the battery 32, the contact plate 30, the contact plate 29, the com ductor 33, the electromagnet 34, the conductor 35, the rail 2, and the axle of the train 3 to the rail 1. Thus the depression of the lever 27 closes the contact plates at 29 and 30 and causes the energization of the electromagnet 34 which as will presently appear'attracts the armature 44 whose terminal 45 moves the plate or link 43 out of engagement with the lock plate 54, (Fig. 3) so that the ramp arm 46 is free to move by gravity from the full to dotted line position Fig. 2. There is disposed adjacent the ramp 46 or at a desired position therebeyond, a lever 37, having the projecting end 36, said lever 37 being pivotally swung intermediate of its ends by means of the pin 38, so that when they end 36 is engaged by the roller 25, the same will be moved to operate the crank 39 and rock the shaft 40. This action will cause the arm 41 disposed in the slot 42 in the lower same in such position until released by the armature 44.

The ramp arm 46 pivoted at 47 to a member or cross-arm 18, Which is supported fixedly to the post 52, there being provided a pin 49 in the short end of the arm 4E6 Which slides in the arcuate slot 50 or" the end 51 of the member e8, this pin and slot forming the means for limiting the swinging movement of the ramp arm and consequent! the throttle and air brake operating roller 53.

From the foregoing descriptien, it is evident that With the present system applied to a single track railroad, that the present and centr 1g mechanism may he appiied at any points desired and that the d tances for ope? 'ing the signal and placing the ramp in danger position may be Varied according to conditions, ard With a system as herein set forth a train an preaching head on Will he brought to a halt Whiie one approachifrom the rear Will be given a danger signal.

W hat is claimed is:

In a ramp throwing and resetting mechanism, a source of eiectrical energy; an electromagnet; a switch; normaiiy open circuit including such source, said electromagnet and said switch; trai; actuated to cioscthe switch as the train enters the il-iOCii; a post; a i-shaped memt-er attached to the post; a ramp arm pivoted to said member for vertical movement; cooperable means carried by said member and the ramp arm to iimit the swinging movement of the arm; a link having an offset lower end and operahly connected at its upper end to the ramp arm; said offset arm having a tension in one direction; a fixed stop in the path thereof; an armature under the influence of the electromagnet for engaging the offset end of the link to release it from the stop; the energization of the electromagnet attracting t e armature to release the ramp arm, and t. n actuated means adjacent the post and eonnected to the link for resetting the ramp arm.

in testimony that I claim the ioregoi" g as my own, 1 have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

DAVID HQPLINS.

Witnesses:

SELINA NILnsoN, I. E. SnirsoN.

Comes of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Entrants Washington, D. G.

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