US1169991A

US1169991A - Electric signaling system.

Info

Publication number: US1169991A
Application number: US79504113A
Authority: US
Inventors: Will C Neahr
Original assignee: PROTECTIVE SIGNAL Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: PROTECTIVE SIGNAL MANUFACTURING Co
Priority date: 1913-10-14
Filing date: 1913-10-14
Publication date: 1916-02-01
Anticipated expiration: 1933-02-01

Description

W. C. NEAHR.

ELECTRIC SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 14, 1913.

Patented Feb. 1, 1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

mwm.

WITNESSES.-

W. C. NEAHR.

ELECTRIC SIGNALENG SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 14, 1913.

1,169,991., Patented Feb. 1, 1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2- IN VENTOR.

W C. flea/2A" -y im WITNESSES: f fif W. C. NEAHR.

ELECTRIC. SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 14. 1913.

Patented Feb. 1, 1916.

4 SHEETSSHEET, 3.

:72 WITNESSES.-

W. C. NEAHR.

ELECTRIC SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED 0CT.14. 1913.

1,16,991 Patented Feb. 1, 1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

WILL C. NEAHR, OF DENVER, COLORADO, ASSIGNOR TO THE PROTECTIVE SIGNAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF COLORADO.

ELECTRIC SIGNALING SYSTEM.

Application filed October 14, 1913.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, lVILL C. NEAHR, a citizen of the United States, residing at Denver, in the county of Denver and State of Colorado, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Signaling Systems, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an electric signaling system and its primary object resides in the provision of a system of electrical devices'in which a reversal of the normal condition of an electric circuit at a certain point thereof will cause a cycle of operations of a signaling instrument during a period of predetermined length, irrespective of the time at which the said circuit is restored to its normal condition at the said point.

Another feature of my invention resides in the provision of an auxiliary system of electrical devices whereby the reversal of the normal condition of a circuit while the aforesaid instrument is in operation will cause its mechanism to continue its opera-v tion idly either during the entire remainder of the predetermined period above mentioned or to a point in its cycle of operations at which a second reve sal of the condition of the first-mentioned circuit at either the same or another point, is required to ccmplete the operation of the instrument and return the parts to their normal position.

Still another feature of my invention resides in the provision of a system by which visual and audible signaling instruments are operated at the same time in the above stated manner.

lVhile my invention may be effectively employed for many different purposes, it is particularly adapted to audibly or visually announce the approach of a train or engine at crossings, stations or other points along the line of a railroachand it is in this connection that the same has been shown in the accompanying drawings in the various views of which like parts are similarly designated, and in which,-

Figure 1 represents an elevation of an instrument in which the time mechanism, cutout mechanism and signaling mechanism comprised in my invention are cooperatively assembled. Fig. 2, an elevation of the timemechanism detached from the above-mentioned instrument, with its parts in the posi- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 1, 1916.

Serial No. 795,041.

tion they occupy during its effective operation. Fig. 3, a view similar to Fig. 2 with the parts in the position at the time the mechanism commences its idle operation. Fig. 1, another similar view of the timemechanism showing the parts in their relative position at the termination of the first portion of their idle movement. Fig. 5, a similar view showing the mechanism when after the normal condition of the circuit of the instrument has been reversed, a second time, it completes its idle movement until its parts have returned to their original position. Fig. 6, a view similar to Fig. 2 with the time-mechanism of the instrument adjusted for its operation in a system in which the idle movement of the mechanism is completed without a second reversal ofthe normal condition of the circuit in which the instrument is connected. Fig. 7, a similar view of the mechanism illustrated in Fig.- 6, showing the parts at the time the effective operation terminates and the idle operation begins. Fig. 8, an enlarged section taken along the line 8-8, Fig. 1. Fig. 9, a fragmentary view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 2, with the ratchet wheel and thepawl which form part of the said mechanism, omitted. Fig. 10', a section" taken along the line 10-10, Fig. 2. Fig. 11, a section along the line 11-11, Fi 2. Fig. 12, a diagrammatic view of the cir= cuits and electrical controlling devices used in my system in connection with the instrument shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 13, a similar diagrammatic view of a system in which a visual signaling device is included in addition to the audible one. Fig. 14, a view showing the arrangement and cooperative connections of the circuit controlling devices included in my svstem as applied to a double railroad track. Fig. 15, a section taken along the line 15-15, Fig. 1, and Fig. 16, an enlarged section taken along the line 16 -16, Fig. 9.

The instrument illustrated in Fig. 1 consists primarily of an electric alarm mechanism, the essential elements of which are an, electro-magnet 2, the oscillating armature-lever 3 of which alternately opens and closes the circuit through the medium of an electric switch 4. The parts are mounted upon the back plate 5 of a cylindrical casing 6 which is closed by means of a cover plate whichis partially shown at 7 and which carries a gong 7 A clapper 8 pivotally suspended between the cover plate and the gong so as to strike the inner surface of the latter, is operatively engaged by an arm at the end of a rocker shaft 9 which projects through an opening in the plate 7 and which is connected with the end of the armature lever 3 by means of a rod 12. The switch 4 above referred to consists of a stationary contact point 13 which is adjustably secured upon the back-plate of the casing and a 1novable contact member 11 which at one of its ends is fulcrumed on the pivot 15 of the armature lever and which carries at its opposite extremity, a resilient contact point which engages the fixed point 13 to close the circuit in which the two parts of the switch are connected. The movement of the pivoted switch member 14: on the armature lever is limited by a pin 16 which projects from the said lever through an opening of larger diameter in the member. This arrangement of the parts serves to prolong the clo'sing period of the magnet circuitafter the magnet coil has been energized and the armature has commenced its movement toward the poles thereof, and inasmuch as the operation of this element of the instrument has been fully explained in my application for Patent No. 712,513, filed July 31, 1912, further description of the same is thought unnecessary for the purpose of describing the present invention. The time-controlled mechanisms by which the alarm mechanism is effectively and idly operated during predetermined periods is for convenience placed in the same casing which houses the alarm mechanism hereinabove described. To facilitate their installation and their removal in case of repairs, the cooperative members of the timecontrolled mechanisms are assembled upon aseparate plate 17 which is secured upon the back-plate of the casing by means of screws 18, the only operative connection between the time mechanism'and the alarm appliance being provided by a springpressed pawl 19 which is pivotally mounted at the end of the armature lever 3 to engage the teeth of a ratchet wheel 20 included in the time-mechanism as will hereinafter be more fully described. The pawl 19 has at its inner edge a cam face which by eng gement with a pin 71 on the plate 17 normally holds the point of the pawl out of engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 20. \Vhen the armature 3 is drawn toward its coil the spring of the pawl moves it inwardly until the pin occupies a depression beneath its cam-face when the point of the pawl engages a tooth on the ratchet 20. By this arrangement the pawl is compelled to feed the ratchet one tooth at a time during movement of the armature 3.

The mechanism which controls the oper-.

an intermittent rotary movement thereto,

the before-mentioned ratchet wheel 20 which is rigidly connected with the segment gear and which is engaged by the pawl at the end of the armature lever during oscillation of the latter, a spring-pressed pawl 23 which holds the ratchet wheel against retrograde motion, and a switch 24 which controls the main operating circuit in the instrument and which will hereinafter be referred to as the relay-switch to distinguish it from other circuit-controlling elements comprised in the system. The relay switch consists of a double cam 25 mounted-on the shaft of the time wheel to rotate in unison therewith, and an insulated resilient brush 26 which is secured to the plate 17 to engage the cam at certain points in the rotation of the gear.

The mechanism so far described constitutes an entirety which is adapted to cause the effective operation of the alarm mechanism during a predetermined period and which may be employed by itself in connection with the alarm under certain circumstances which will hereinafter be referred to. \Vhen it is desired. however, to operate the alarm mechanism idly during a portion of the period of cyclic operation of the time mechanism I provide in an auxiliary circuit, an association of devices wh ch collectivelv constitute a cut-out mechanism adapted to include a variable resistance coil in the path of the current through the local circuit in which the main electro-magnet of the signaling instrument is connected. This resistance which in the drawings is designated by the numeral 27 is located in a shunt, the connection of which with the local circuit is controlled by a switch '28 hereinafter-t0 be referred to as the cut-out switch. The last-mentioned switch consists of two

stationary blades

29 and 30 which are insulatcd from each other and respectively connected at opposite sides of a break between the local and shunt circuits, and an oscillating arm 31 which is adapted to engage said blades simultaneously to close the circuit in which thev are connected.

The switch arm which is fulcrumed at 32, has at one of its ends. a

pair of'cogs

34 and 35 which in the operation of the time-mechanism are separately engaged by the projec tions on the rotary cam 25 which thus serves the two-fold purpose of controlling the circuit through both the switch 24 of the main operating circuit and the switch 28 which controls the flow of current through the resistance coil. The movements of the oscillating switch arm, are furthermore controlled by means of an electro-magnet 36, the armat'ure 37 of which has a detent 38 adapted to engage a series of ratchet teeth 39 formed in the end of the arm 31 opposite to that engaged by the cam, for the purpose of holding it against movement about its pivot by the action of a spring 40. A plunger 41 which has a sliding movement. in a cylindrical housing 42 on the plate 17 against the action of a spring 43, provides a pawl which by engagement with the teeth of the time wheel, holds the same against retrograde motion, and a bar 44 mounted upon the said housing, serves as a stop to arrest the movement of the switch arm by the action of the spring 40 when it is released by both the cam on the time wheel and the detent at the end of the armature of the magnet 36. The bar 44 is at a point between its extremities secured to the housing by means of a remov able screw 45 and its portions at opposite sides of said screw are of unequal length so that by manually reversing the position of the stop on the housing, the extent of the movement of the spring-controlled switch arm when released by both the cam and the detent on the armature, may if so desired be varied for purposes hereinafter to be described. A coiled spring 4f) is provided to maintain the armature of the magnet 36 in its normal position when the coil of the same is dei nerg'ized, a similar spring t? connects the switch-member ll of the switch 4 with a stationary fastening means on the casing for the same purpose. and the casing is provided with four binding posts 48 to facilitate the connection of the operative parts inclosed therein in the electric circuits comprised in the system.

When the instrument is used on arailrcad crossing for the purpose of announcing the approachof a train or engine along the railroad from opposite sides of the point of its intersection with another road or thoroughfare, the casing (3 is attached to a post or other suitable support in an elevated position. the battery and the relay which are included in the system. may be secured to the same support if desirable, and the circuit closing devices which 'are provided to reverse. the normal condition of the main operating circuit at points along the track by action of a passing train or engine, are disposed at opposite sides of the crossing at points sutiiciently remote therefrom to allow a determined period of time during which the signaling instrument is effectively operated.- to elapse before the train reaches. the point of intersection of the roads.

For the purpose of discontinuing the sounding of the alarm after the train which actuated one of the circuit-closing devices above mentioned has reached the crossing, the cut-out mechanism hereinabove referred to, is connected in an auxiliary or cut-out circuit. the flow of current through which is controlled by a circuit closing device located at the point of intersection of the roads.

'hile any instrument capable of opening or closing an electric circuit by the action of a passing vehicle may be employed in my system within the spirit of the present invention. I preferably use a device of the type disclosed in my application for Patent No. 712.511, filed July 31, 1912. in which a vibrating arm is mounted to control the engagement and separation of a pair of contacts, by a jarring motion imparted by an engine or other vehicle to the rail to which the said device is attached. My system when used for railroad signaling in the above described manner includes a relav for the usual purpose, and inasmuch as neither the construction of the relay nor that of the circuit-closing devices are part of the present invention, they have been shown in the drawings merely by means of conventional symbols.

Referring first to the system of electrical connections illustrated in Fig.- 12, the reference character 50 designates the point of intersecticn of a railroad with a thorough.- t'are. The

numerals

51 and 52 designate respectively the circuit closing devices disposed on the railroad at opposite sides of said point, and the character 53 designates the circuit closing device at the crossing point, by which the cut-out circuit is closed and opened. The reference numeral B-l designates the relay which in cludes the elcctro-magnetic coils 55, and the armatures and c ntact points 56 and 57 which are connected in breaks of the circuits in which the relay is disposed. The numeral 58 designates the battery or other source of electricity and the parts of the time and cut-out mechanisms have been designated by the same reference numerals as those used in the foregoing description. The main operating or line circuit has been shown in heavy lines. the local circuit which energizes the magnet 2 by action of the relay has been indicated inlighter lines, the cut-out circuit in scored lines, and the ground connections included in the different circuits. in broken lines. \Vhile I do not desire to limit myself to the use of any specific circuit. I preferably operate thesystem by the use of a line circuit and a cutout circuit which are normally closed by the circuit closing devices located on the railroad track. it having been demonstrated that circuits of this character render the mechanical devices ccn'nected therein more effective and positive in their action.

The normal position of the operative parts of the instrument has been shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, as follows: The electro-magnet 2 being deenergized, the contacts comprised in the switch -t are held in engagement by the action of the spring 47 on the member 1%, and the weight of the clapper, the cam and the brush which constitute the relay switch 2 are in ei'igagement, thereby closing the line circuit at this point. The cut-out switch 28 is closed by contact of the two

blades

29 and 30 with the switch arm 31 which held in its normal position against the action of the spring 40 by the engagement of the cam 25 with the cog 31 at its lower extremity. The cut-out magnet 36 is deenergized by reason of its circuit being broken in the relay, and the detent 38 at the end of its armature is 1n consequence held out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 39 on the switch arm by the spring 46. Inasmuch as the

circuit closing devices

51 and 52 on the railroad track normally close the main circuit at the points at which they are connected therein, the electro-magnetic coils of the relay are normally energized by the flow of electricity through the circuit which commencing at the source of electricity 58, includes the conductor 76, the coils 55 of the relay, the

conductors

7T, 78 and 79 between which the circuit-

closers

52 and 51 are connected, the closed relay switch 24, the ground connections 80, S6 and 85, the closed cut-out switch 28 and the battery wire 81. The relay by the energized condition of its coils, thus normally maintains the local and cut-out circuits which it controls, in an open condition. Premising that a train moving in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 12, opens the circuit above outlined by actuation of the circuit-closer 51, the consequent .deenergization of the magnets of the relay closes both the local and the cut-out circuits. The closing of the local circuit energizes the coil 2 by a flow of electricity along a course which beginning at the source of electricity 58 includes the

conductors

76 and 32, the closed relay-switch 56, the conductors S3 and 84 between which the coils of the magnet 2 are connected, the closed switch 4, the

ground connections

86 and 8;), the closed cut-out switch 28 and the battery-wire 81.

The closing of the cut-out circuit at the same time energizes the cut-out magnet 36 by a flow of electricity along the course which commencing at the source of electricity 58, includes the conductor 76, the wire 82, the

conductors

89 and 90 between which the normally closed circuit closer 53 is connected, relay switch 57, the conductor 87 which connects with the coils of the magnet 36, the

ground connecticns

88, 86 and 83, the closed switch 28 and the conductor 81. The movement of the armature 37 of the cut-out magnet, by reason of the energization of its coils, causes the detent 38 connected with the armature, to engage the ratchet teeth 39 on the switch arm 31, with the result that the latter is locked in the position in which it closes the cut-out switch 28 by engagement with the

blades

29 and 30, independent of the position of the cam 25 which rotates with the time wheel. \Vhen by the magnetization of the coils of the magnet 2, the armature 3 of the same is attracted thereto, the member 14 remains during the first part of the said movement, in engagement with the contact 13, or until the pin 16 on the armature en ages the upper portion of the opening into which it projects when the two contact members are separated and the magnetvcircuit is consequently broken. As soon as the electromagnet is deprived of current, the armature is returned to its normal position by the action of the spring -17 and the weight of the clapper 8, until the parts have reassinned their normal positions when the circuit is again completed and the above described action is repeated The consequent vibrative movement of the armature-lever 3 of the magnet 2 causes the clapper 8 to engage the gcng and atthe same time it moves the pawl 19 into engagement with the 'atchet-wheel 20, to impart an intermittent rotary movement thereto.

The rotary movement of the ratchet wheel is through the medium of the segment gear 22 imparted to the time gear which by its initial partial rotation breaks the contact between the cam and the brush 26, thereby breaking the line circuit at that point to prevent re'energization of the relay magnets, irrespective of whether or not the circuit closer 51 again closes the main circuit at the point at which it is connected therein, (see Fig. 2). The time wheel 21 is during continued movement of the ratchet wheel by the action of the pawl on the armature lever, intermittently actuated each time the segment gear is moved in engagement there with, and the effective movements of the armature lever and the therewith connected clapper would thus continue until the main circuit is again closed by engagement of the cam 25 with the brush 26, were it not for the provision of the cut-out mechanism which serves to automatically discontinue the sounding of the alarm when the train while passing the crossing has opened the cut-out circuit by actuation of the circuit closing device 53 located at the point of intersection 50. The opening of the cut-out circuit which is closed at the relay during the deenergization of the relay magnets, deiinergizes the cut-out magnet 36, causes the armature thereof to be separated from its core by the action of the spring -l6, and thereby releases the switch arm 31 which in consequence is moved about its pivot by the action of the spring 40 to the position shown in Fig. 3 in which it engages the stop at and is sepa 'ated from the

blades

29 and 30. The local circuit now being broken at this point, the current is compelled to pass through the shunt circuit which. includes, commencing at the battery 58, the

conductors

76 and 82, the relay switch 56, the conductor 83, the magnet coils *2, the conductor 84:, the closed switch r, the ground wire 86, the resistance coil 27, the wire 91 and the battery wire 81. The result is that only a portion of the available current passes through the magnet 2 and the extent of the oscillating movement of the armature-lever 3 is proportionately reduced. While the parts of the time mechanism subsequently continue their movement, their motion is reduced to such an extent that the clapper will no longer engage the gong so that the entire mechanism moves idly without sounding the alarm during the remainder of the period in which the local circuit remains closed, that is, until the line circuit is again closed by contact of the canr25 with the brush '26, when the relay magnets are reenergized, and by attraction of their armatures, open the line and cut-out circuits. In the operation of the system illustrated in Fig. 12, this action takes place when the time wheel has-completed half a revolution as shown in Fig. 4, when the brushis again engaged by the cam which at the same time has moved the switch arm toward the blades of the switch 28, by its engagement with the second cog 35 on the said arm, it being observed that while the arm is held in a position ready to enter the space between the blades, it is not yet in contact therewith so that the cut-out circuit remains open '21t this point. \Vhile the mechanism has not returned to the original position shown in Fig. 1, it is now at rest and will remain in this condition until the train passes the circuit closer 52 at the opposite side of the crossing, when'the main circuit is again opened and the local and cut-out circuits are closed through the action of the relay. The time wheel is now again actuated by the oscillating movement of the armature-lever and the energization of the cut-out magnet again locks the switch arm against movement about its fulcrum by the engagement of thedetentat the end of its armaturewith the ratchet teeth at the extremity of the switch arm, as shown in Fig. Inasmuch as the cut-out switch remains open, the current still passes during the subsequent portion of the cycle of-operations of the mechanism, through the resistance, and the said mechanism thus operates idly without sounding the alarm until the timewheel has completed its revolution, when by engagement of the cam 25 with the brush 26, the main circuit is again closed at that point, the relay magnets are energized and the local and cut-out circuits are broken, with the result that the arm 31 reassumes its position in contact with the two

blades

29 and 30 and all parts are in their normal relative position illustrated in Fig. 6.

It will thus be understood that in the operation of the system hereinabove described, an alarm is sounded when a train or engine approaches the crossing from either direction, that when the vehicle has reached the crossing and before it can actuate the circuit closing device at the opposite side of the same, the alarm is silenced, and that the actuation of the last-mentioned device by a train coming from the crossing will not cause a renewed sounding of the alarm, but will merely act to return the parts of the instrument to their original position. In this connection it will be understood that the same ope 'ation will take place if a train after having actuated the circuit-closer 53, backs up and again actuates the circuitcloser 51 instead of actuating the circuitcloser 52. If it is desired to announce the approach of a t'ain by means of a visual signal such as a semaphore or an electric light, the blade 30 of the cut-out switch which in the system shown in Fig.12, conmeets with the ground, is insulated and connected in an auxiliary circuit which as shown in Fig. 13, includes a source of electricity 64 which by means of a conductor 93 connects with the brush 30, and a lamp 65 one terminal of which connects with the ground as indicated by the line 62 and the other terminal of which is by means of a conductor 63 connected with the source 64:. When the switch 28 is closed and the alarm is in consequence in efl'ective operation, theauxiliary circuit is also closed and the lamp ()5 is lit, while when the resistance is included in the local circuit and the signaling instrument operates idly, the circuit 63 is opened by the position of the arm 31 out of engagement with the

blades

29 and 30.

In Fig. 14 is shown the arrangement of the circuit-closing devices on a double track. ()ne circuit closing device is placed on each track at opposite sides of the crossing, and at the point of intersection, two circuit closing devices are connected in series in the cutout circuit. The electric circuits are the same as those used. in connection with the single track as shown in Fig. 12, but the position of the stop 44 in-the time mechanism is reversed as shown in Figs. 6 and 7 to reduce the extent of the movement of the switch arm by action of the spring 4'0 when it is released by both the cam and the detent on the armature of the cut-out magnet.

In the operation of the instrument with the stop 44 in its normal position as illustrated in Figs. 2 to 5, the cam 25 after the switch arm had been moved into engagement with the stop by deenergization of the cut-out magnet, passed the first cog 34 at the end of the arm 31 and engaged the second cog 35, as shown in Fig. 4, to hold the arm in a position ready to again close the relay switch, until when the third circuitclosing device on the railroad track is actuated, it is engaged by the detent on the armature which is attracted toward the pole of the magnet 36 by the closing of the cutout circuit in the relay. After this the mechanism operates idly until the line circuit is closed in the instrument by the engagement of the cam 25 with the brush 26 and the cam has again moved the switch arm in the position in which it closes the cutout switch by engagement with the first cog 34 on the arm 31. \Vhen the stop is reversed to the position shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the movement of the switch arm is arrested before the first cog at the'end thereot'has moved out of the path of the cam so that after the time wheel has completed half a revolution, the said cog is engaged by the cam to close the cut-out switch by adjustment of the arm as shown in Fig. 6, and the parts are thus once more in a position for the eliective operation of the alarm when the main circuit is opened at the railroad track by actuation of either of the circuit closing devices located at oppositesides of the crossing It will thus be understood that in a'double track where but two circuit closing devices are used on each track, actuation of the device first encountered by a train causes the effective operation of the signaling instrument until the actuation of the circuit closing device at the point of crossing cuts the resistance into the local circuit by opening of the cut-out circuit after which the instrument operating idly, continues its movement until the parts of the time mechanism have returned to their normal relative positions. It will be understood that if so desired the cut-out circuit and the various electrical devices connected therein may be omitted, in which case the distances between the circuit-closing devices in the main circuit and the point of intersection of the roads are proportioned in ratio to the average speed of the trains passing said point, and to the numberof teeth in the segment gear which determine the length of the period of operation of the instrument, so that the cycle of operations of the time mechanism is completed and the alarm is silenced at the time the engine or train passes the crossing. On single tracks in which two circuit closers are located at opposite sides of the crossing, the alarm will in this instance be sounded twice. once before and once after the train has passed the crossing, while on a double track on which each track has but one cirof the various trains which pass the crossing is substantially the same at alltimes, and in all other cases the use of the cut-out circuit and the mechanism associated therewith is essential.

Having thus described my invention what I claim and desire to secure by Letters-Patent is:

1. In an electric signaling system, a normally closed line circuit, a circuit breaker applied to a railroad track and adapted to open said circuit by action of a vehicle passing along said track, a normally open local circuit, an electric signaling instrument connected therein, a relay connected in said circuits so as to close the local circuit when the line circuit is opened, a normally closed switch in the line circuit, and mechanism operated by action of the signaling instrument for operating said switch to open the line circuit during a predetermined period.

2. In an electric signaling system, a line circuit, a circuit controlling instrument applied to a railroad track and adapted to reverse the normal condition of said circuit by the action of a vehicle passing along, a normally open local circuit, an electric sig', naling instrument connected therein, a relay adapted to close the local circuit when the normal condition of the line circuit is reversed by action of said device, a switch in the line circuit, and mechanism for operating said switch by action of said instrument to reverse the normal condition of the line circuit and thereby maintain the local circuit in closed condition during a determined period. independent of the said cir Quit-controlling device.

In an electric signaling system, a line circuit, a circuit controlling device applied to a railroad track and adapted to reverse the normal condition of said circuit by the action of a vehicle passing along said track. a normally openv local circuit, an electric signaling instrument connected therein, a relay adapted to close the local circuit when the normal condition of the line circuit is reversed by action of said device, and circuit-controlling mechanism operated by action of said instrument to reverse the normal condition of the line circuit and thereby maintain the local circuit in closed condition, during a determinate period. independent of said circuit-controlling device.

4. In an electric signaling system, a line circuit, a circidt-controlling device applied to a railroad track adapted to reverse. the normal condition of said circuit by action of a vehicle passing along said track, a northe same when the normal condition of the line circuit is reversed by action of the said circuit-controlling device, mechanism operated by action of said instrument to reverse the normal condition of the line circuit at another point. and thereby maintain the 10- cal and auxiliary circuits in closed condition during a determinate period, means capable of varying the signaling action of said instrument, and a circuit-controlling appliance rendering said means normally inactive by the flow of current through the auxiliary circuit and adapted to reverse the said normal condition of the said means when the said auxiliary circuit is opened by action of said circuit-breaker.

5. In an electric signaling system, a line circuit. a circuit controlling device applied to a railroad track and adapted to reverse the normal condition of said circuit by action of a vehicle passing along said track, a nori'nally open local circuit. an electric signaling instrument operatively connected therein, an auxiliary circuit, a circuit breaker applied to a railroad track and adapted to open the last mentioned circuit by the action ofa vehicle passing along said track, a relay normally opening the local and auxiliary circuits and adapted to close the same when the normal condition of the line circuit is reversed by action of the said circuit-controlling device, mechanism operated by action of said instrument to reverse the normal condition of the line circuit-at another point. and thereby maintain the local and auxiliary circuits in closed condition during a determinate period, a shunt in the local circuit, a resistance in said shunt, a circuit-controlling appliance normally excluding said resistance from the path of the current, and means connected in the said auxiliary circuit for the operation of said appliance to include the resistance in the path oi the current when the auxiliary circuit is opened by action of said circuit breaker.

6. In an electric signaling system, an electro-magnet including a vibratile armature. signaling means connected to be effectively operated by a determinate movement of said armature, a circuit controlling the flow of current to said magnet, circuit-controlling mechanism operated by action of said armature to reverse the normal condition of said circuit during determinate periods, a resistance in a shunt of the magnet-circuit, a circuit controlling appliance normally exeluding said resistance from the path of the current through the magnet circuit, and electric means adapted to effect an action of said appliance whereby the resistance is included in the said pathof the current, to vary the movement of the said armature.

'T. In an electric signaling system, an electro-magnet including a vibratile armature, signaling n'ieans connected to be effectively operated by a determinate movement of said armature, circuit-controlling mechanism determining the period of energization of the magnet after its circuit has been closed, means for closing said circuit, and means for varying the movement of said armature in said period to render its further action on the said signaling means ineffective.

8. In an electric signaling system, an electro-magnet including a vibratile armature, signaling means connected to be effectively operated by a determinate movement of said armature, circuit-controlling mechanism determining the period of energization of the magnet after its circuit has been closed, means for closing said circuit, a resistance in a shunt of the magnet circuit, a circuit controlling appliance normally excluding the said resistance from the path of the current through the magnet circuit, and electric means adapted to effect during the said period of energization, an action of said appliance to include the resistance in the path of the current and thereby vary the movement of the said armature to render further action of the signaling means ineffective.v

9. In an electric signaling system, an electro-magnet including a vibratile armature, signaling means connected to be effectively operated by a determinate movement of said armature, a line circuit controlling the supply of current to tlie-electro magnet, controlling mechanism determining the period of energization of said magnet after its circuit has been closed, and including a rotary contact-member adapted to reverse the normal condition of the line'circuit during determinate periods in its rotary movement, means for closing the line circuit, a shunt in the n'iagnet-circuit, a resistance in said shunt. an appliance for controlling the fiou' of electricity through said shunt, including a spring-pressed contactarm which is normally held in its circuit closing position against the action of its spring, by engagement of the said rotary member when the latter is in its normal condition of rest, and adapted to be released during a determinate period in the rotary movement of said member, an electro-magnetic device holding said arm in its said normal position after it is'released by the said contact-member. and adapted to release the same when its magnet is deeenergized, and adjustable means for varying the movement of said arm by action of its spring to vary the point in the rotary movement of the arm at which it is reengaged thereby to be returned to its normal position.

' 10. In an electric signaling'system, an electro-magnet including a vibratile armature, signaling means connected to be effectively operated by a detern'iinate movement of said armature, circuit-controlling mechanism determining the period of energization of said magnet after its circuit has been closed, and including a stationary contact and a rotary contact member having two contact parts adapted to engage said contact, at determinate points in the rotary movement of said member, means for closing said circuit, a shunt in the magnet-circuit, a resistance in said shunt, an appliance for controlling the flow of electricity through said shunt, including a springpressed contact arm adapted to be moved to its circuit-closing position by the engagement of either of the contact-parts of the said rotary member, an adjustable stop adapted to arrest the movement of said arm by the action of its spring. at different points whereby to determine the extent of its movement by the engagement of one or the other of the contact parts of the said member during the rotary movement thereof, and an electro-magnetic device having means to hold said arm against th action of its spring during periods that it is released by the said rotary member, and adapted to release the same when its magnet is denergized.

11. In an electric signaling syste1n,-an electro-magnet including a vibratilearmavture, signaling means connected to be effectively operated by a'determinate movement of said armature, a line circuit controlling the supply of current to the electromagnet, circuit-controlling mechanism determining the period of energization of said magnet after its circuit has been closed, and including a rotary contact-member adapted to reverse the normal condition of the line circuit during determinate periods in its rotary movement, means for closing said line circuit, a shunt in the magnet circuit, a resistance in said shunt. an appliance for controlling the flow of electricity through said shunt, including a spring-pressed contact arm adapted to be moved to its circuit closin'g position by engagement of said member and to be released thereby during determined periods in the rotary movement of the same, and an electro-magnetic device having means to hold said arm against the action of itsspring during periods that it is released by the. said rotary member and adapted to release the same when its magnet is deenergized.

12. An electro-magnet including a vibrating armature, a signaling device operatively connected with said armature, a circuit controlling device to open and close the magnet circuit by movement of the armature, a ratchet-wheel, a pawl for transmitting a movement of the armature to the ratchet wheel, an electric switch including a rotary element adapted to intermittently open and close a circuit in which the switch is connected, and means for intermittently transmitting the movement of the ratchet wheel to the said element.

13. In an electric signaling system, a line circuit, a pair of circuit closing devices applied to a railroad track, connected at different points in said circuit and each adapted to reverse the normal condition of said circuit by the action of a train passing along said track, a local circuit, an electric signaling instrument operatively connected therein, an auxiliary circuit, a circuit breaker applied to a railroad track and adapted to open said auxiliary circuit by action of a train passing along said track, a relay normally opening said local and auxiliary circuits and adapted to close-the same when the normal condition of the line circuit is reversed by action of either one of said circuitclosing devices, circuit-controlling mechanism operated by action of said instrumentto reverse the normal condition of the line circuit and thereby maintain the local and auxiliary circuits closed during determinate.periods in its operation, independent of said circuit closing devices, means for varyingthe signaling action of said instrument, and a circuit controlling appliance rendering said means normally inactive by the flow of current through the auxiliary circuit and adapted to reverse the said normal condition of the said means when the said auxiliary circuit is opened by action of said circuit breaker.

14. In an electric signaling system, an electro-magnet including a vibrative armature, signaling means connected to be effectively operated by a determinate movement of said armature, a line circuit controlling the supply of current to the electro-magnet, circuit controlling mechanism determning the period of energization of said magnet after its circuit has been closed and includ-' ing a rotary contact member adapted to reverse the normal condition of the line circuit during determinate periods in its rotary movement, a circuit breaker in the line circuit, a shunt in the magnet circuit, a resist ance in said shunt, an appliance for controlling the flow of electricity through said shunt including a spring pressed contact arm which is normally held in its circuit closing position against the action of its spring bv engagement of the said rotary member when the latter is in its normal condition of rest, and an electro-magnetic device holdng said arm in its said normal position after it is released by the said contact member during operation of the said mechanism and adapted to release the same for opening the circuit in said appliance when its magnet is denergized, a circuit in which said electro-lnagnetic device is included and a circuit breaker in the last mentioned circuit.

15. In an electric signaling system, an electro-magnet including a vibrative armature, signaling means connected to be efi'ectively operated by a determinate movement of said armature. a shunt of the magnetcircuit. a resistance in said shunt, a circuit controlling appliance normally excluding the resistance from the path of the current through the magnet circuit, a switch-mechanism controlling the circuit of the electro magnet to determine the period of energization of the magnet after its circuit has been closed, said mechanism including a member which maintains the said circuitcontrolling appliance temporarily in its said normal condition, electro-magnetic means maintaining the circuit-controlling appliance in its said normal condition when it is released by the said member in the operation of the switch mechanism, and releasing the same when its magnet is deenergized, the

circuit-controlling appliance, when released, automatically opening its circuit whereby the resistance is included in the said path oi the current, a circuit-controlling switch adapted to close the circuits of both magnets simultaneously, and a separate circuitclosing device for opening the circuit of the said electro-magnetic means independent of the said switch.

16. In an electric signaling system, an electro-magnet including a vibrating armature, signaling means connected to be effectively operated by a determinate movement of said armature, a resistance in a shunt of the magnet circuit, an automatic switch connecting the shunt in the magnet circuit and connected in the magnet circuit for diverting the current from its path through the shunt when the switch is in its closed condition, circuitcontrolling mechanism determining the period of energization of the ma gnet at'ter its circuit has been closed and temporarily holding said switch in its closed condition, means for closing the magnet circuit. and electric means for holding the switch in its closed condition after it is released by said mechanism, and for effecting an opening movement of the switch whereby the resistance is included in the path of the current and the movement of the armature is in consequence varied to render further action of the signaling means inefi'e'ctive.

In testimony whereof I have afiixed my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

- \VILL C. NEAHR.

\Vitnesses G. J. ROLLANDET,

L. RHoAnEs.