US1225736A

US1225736A - Signaling system.

Info

Publication number: US1225736A
Application number: US86226414A
Authority: US
Inventors: Carl P Nachod
Original assignee: NACHOD SIGNAL Co Inc
Current assignee: NACHOD SIGNAL COMPANY Inc; NACHOD SIGNAL Co Inc
Priority date: 1914-09-18
Filing date: 1914-09-18
Publication date: 1917-05-08
Anticipated expiration: 1934-05-08

Description

C. P. NACHOD.

SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 18. I9I4.

Patented May 8, 1917.

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SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 18, 1914- I 1,225,736 Patented May 8,1917.

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SIGNAHNG SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 18. 1914.

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CARL P. NACHOD, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNGB T9 NACHOID SIGNAL COMPANY, INC., A CORPGRATION OF NEW YORK.

SIGNALING SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May S, 1917.

Application filed September 18, 1914. Serial No. 862,264.

'0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CARL P. NACHOD, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city of Philadelphia, county of Philadelphia, and State of :lennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Signaling System, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to electrical signal.- ing systems for controllin trailic on railways, and more particularly electric railways.

My invention relates more particularly to such a xystem in which all the signals are light signals, though it will be understood that disk, semaphore or blade signals, or other types of signals may be used either in place of or with some or all of the light signals.

In my preferred arrangement, though my invention is not limited thereto, I employ a near signal (preferably green) for indicating that a track or block is clear; a danger or stop signal (preferably red) and with the latter two alternating signals (preferably yellow) which with the red or stop signal gives a permissive signal or indication, the yellow signals alternating for such successive car or train entering a track section or block.

My invention resides in the system and apparatus of the character hereinafter described.

For an illustration of one of various forms my invention may take reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a signal box showing one arrangen'ient of light signals.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of one of my arrangements of circuits and apparatus embodying my invention.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view, partly in seetion,showing switching mechanism which may be used in the system shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line A-A of Fig. 3.'

Fig. is a sectional view, some parts in elevation, taken on the line CC of Fig. 3.

G is a horizontal sectional view, some n. rts in plan, taken on the line EE of F 5.

7 is a vertical sectional view, some parts in elevation, taken on the line .DD Of flt.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view, parts .in elevation, taken on the line B B of Fig. 3.

Fig. 9 is an end elevational view of another form of alternating switch.

Referring to Fig. 1, a signal box L is shown to have four signal Windows or lenses, which may themselves be colored and behind which within the box are disposed the signal lights, such as electric incandescent lights. The upper signal may be the clear or green signal G, the next below he red or stop signal R, and the lower yellow lights or signals Y, Y1 staggered to either side of the signal R.

In the system about to be described, it vill be assumed that the green light G is displayed when the track or block is clear; that the red light It is a danger or stop signal indicating, when displayed alone, that the track or block ahead is occupied; and that a permissive indication-or signal is given when the red light R and either of the yellow lights Y or Y1 are simultaneously displayed; and that when such a permissive signal is displayed, as R and Y simultaneously, the entry of another vehicle or train into the track section or block will cause extinction of the light Y and the display of the light Y1, so that R and Y1 are displayed, still giving a permissive indication or signal, but indicating to the motorman or driver of said vehicle or train that such vehicle or train has counted in or affected the signaling circuits or apparatus.

Referring now to Fig. 2, 1 represents the trolley wire or other contact conductor of an electric railway system, a track or block section extending between the turn-outs 2 and :2 at stations A and B, the normal directions of vehicle or train movements being indicated by the arrows.

Similar apparatus is illustrated at both stations A and B, the parts at station B corresponding with similar parts at station A being designated by similar reference characters with the addition of prime marks.

At or near each end of the block, that is, at each turn-out, there is directionally sensitivervehicle controlled contact mechanism which may be of any suitable type, such as electro-magnetir. asillustrated, for example,

at 11, 18 in my prior Patent No. 1,108,927, or simply mechanical as here elementally illustrated. In electrical connection with the contact conductor 1 are the movable contacts 3, 4t, 3, t which be deflected in either direction to engage the cooperating stationary contacts 5, 6, 5, 6.

The contacts 5, 5 are electrically connected together and to the conductor 7 which con nects with one ter ninal of the electro-magnet or solenoid S, which may be termed the signal setting magnet, whose other terminal is connected with the earth E or other return conductor of the electric railway system. The contacts 6, 6 are connected to each other and to the conductor 8 which connects with one terminal of the eloctro-inagnet or solenoid C, which may he termed the signal clearing magnet, whose other terminal connects with the earth or return conductor E One terminal. of the electro-magnet H is permanently connected by conductor 9 with the contact or feed conductor 1, while its other terminal is connected to the stationary switch contact 1.0 normally in electrical communication with the stationary switch con tact 11 through the movable switch contact 12. The contact 11 is connected with the conductor 13 which extends from station A to station B where it connects with the contact 11 communicating through movable switch contact 12 with the switch contact connecting with one terminal of the electro-magnet H whose other terminal connects with the earth or return conductor E. It is apparent, therefore, that under normal conditions, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the electro-magnets H and H are in series with each other and normally energized and therefore hold their armatures 14: and 14 in their attracted positions indicated against the

contacts

15 and 15, whereby current normally flows from the conductor 1 through conduc-- tors 9, 9, armatures 1 1, 14:,

contacts

15, 15 and the green or clear signal lights G and G to earth or return conductor E, causing their display and indication at both stations that the block is clear. It will be noted that the magnets H, H which hold the signals at clear, are both energized from one end or" the block through a conductor extending along the block between stations.

Associated with the armature 1% of mag net H is a contact 16 connected to one terminal of the red signal light It whose other terminal is connected to the earth or return conductor E. Thus w ien the magnets H and H are deenergized their armatures drop and cause energization of the red lights R and R.

And a contact 17 is adapted to be engaged by armature 1 when magnet H is deener gized, such contact 17 being connected to stationary switch contact 18 normally in electric connection with the switch contact 19 through the movable switch contact 20. The contact 19 is connected with a contact 21 of the clearing magnet C, the contact 21 normally engaging the stationary contact 22 which connects with a conductor 23 extending from station A to station E where it connects with the contact 21 movable with the armature of the clearing magnet C, the contact 21 normally engaging the stationary contact 22 connected with the switch contact 19 normally connected with switch contact 18 through the movable switch contact the contact 18 being connected with the contact 17 adapted to be engaged by the armature 1 1 of magnet H.

Connected with the contact 19 and contact 21 is a contact 2% adapted to be connected to contact 25 by the movable switch contact 26, the contact 25 being connected through conductor 27 with one terminal of the electro-magnet D whose other terminal connects to the earth or return conductor E. The armature 28 of the electro-magnet D is connected by conductor 29 with one terminal oi the electro-magnet U and also with so the stationary switch contact 30 normally in communication with the switch contact 31 through the movable switch contact 32, the contact 31 being connected with conductor 33 which extends between the stations and thence through s

itch contacts

31, 32, 30 with the conductor 29. The armature 28, when attracted, is adapted to engage contact 34 connected with conductor 33. Movable with the armature 28 of electro-magnet D is the movable switch contact 35, connected with conductor 9, and adapted, when the armature 28 is attracted, to engage the stationary contact 36 which is connected with the contact 37 bearing upon the rotatable conducting member 38 having the staggered

contacts

39 and 40 on opposite sides. The stationary brushes or

contacts

41 and 12, adapted to engage the

contacts

39 and 40, respectively, are connected respectively to ter- 11o minals of the yellow lamps Y and Y1 whose other terminals connect with the earth or return conductor E.

The

switch contacts

12, 20, 26 and 32 mav be attached to a common movable member, as in the switching mechanism more partic ularly hereinafter described, and are controlled by magnets S and C.

The solenoids S and C are shown in Figs. 3 and 5. Each has a movable core 43, whose attraction is opposed by a spring 44, a rod 15 being connected with the core 43 and carrying a member 46 upon which is pivoted at 17 the dog or pawl 48 adapted to engage the ratchet or toothed wheel 49 to step the same around one notch each time the core 43 is attracted. Or any equivalent arrangement may be used in which the 7 wheel 49 is stepped. around by the action of the solenoid. Iii Fig. 3 the toothed wheel for the solenoid S is indicated at 50, its actuating dog or pawl at 51 and the member to which the latter is pivoted is indicated at 52.

In the

brackets

53, 53, Fig. l, is secured the non-rotatable shaft 5st upon which the ratchet or toothed wheels 4L9 and are rotatable. The ratchet wheel 49 is secured to the driving clutch member between whose sections are movable longitudinally of the shaft 5a the driven clutch member 56 secured to or a part of the cam member 57, (see Figs. 3, 5 and 7), a spring 58 holding the cam member 57 toward the right in the position shown Fig. 4, and opposing the movement of said cam member 57 toward the left. Embracing the circular rib 59 on the cam member 57 are th strap m mbers (30, (30 secured to each other by the screws 61. Pivoted to the

members

80, 60 by screws (32, 62 is the member 63 in the form of a jaw upon the upper end of the rod 64, the latter pivoted at (35 in brackets 66, suitable lost motion being allowed at one or the other of the pivotal connections to allow the rod G l to swing to the right and left as viewed in Fig. 3 without oinding or locking. At

the lower end of the rodGl is provided a plate or extension 67 to which is secured by screws 68, 68 a plate 69 of insulating material to which are secured the

movable switch contacts

12, 20, 26 and 32 cooperating with the stationary contacts supported by the stationary insulating member 70.

Disposed beside the cam member 57, and rotatable upon the shaft 54, is the disk or member 7 l secured to the ratchet or notched wheel 50 of solenoid S. A pivot pin or screw 72 pivots the roller 78 to a flattened portion of the periphery of member 71, the roller 73 normally engaging in the cam surface or depression 74. in the member 57, which latter has a lug 75 wlile the member 71 has a corresponding lug 76, the

lugs

75 and 76 adapted to engage each other to limit the relative rotation of

members

57 and 71 with respect to each other.

Rotatable in fixed relation with "the ratchet wheel 50, actuated by the signal setting solenoid S, is the alternating switch for Qllfi yellow lights Y, Y1. This switch comprises the metallic disk or wheel 38 insulated from and secured by screws 77 to the flange 78 rotatable, with the wheel Extending to one side of disk 38 are the contact lugs 39 being staggered with respect to lugs (1 0, the contact 37 being in electrical communication with all the contact lugs all the time, while brushes or contacts ill and L2 engage respectively and alternately the contact lugs 39 and so, so that as the wheel 50 is rotated electrical connection is made through brush 37 first it 1 brush ll, then with. brush a2, and then again with brush 41, and so on alternately.

and

As shown in Figs. 3 and 8, these brushes are supported upon the insulating member 79.

Or the alternating switch for the permissive signal lights may take the form shown in Fig. 9 w ere he contact 37 is stationary and held by or constituting a part of the bracket 80 secured to the base 81 of insulating material. Upon this base of insulating material the contacts l-l and ii are supported ies1 ){--(:tively on the ends of the

levers

82 and 83 pivoter to the base 81, a spring 84, insulated from one or both of said levers, being normally under tension to draw said levers toward each other. On these levers are pivoted the rollers 86 .da ited to the star wheel 87 driven by the ratchet wheel 50. As the star wheel rotates it withdraws one of the movable contacts from engagement "i h the stationary contact 37 and allows the spring to bring the other into engagement with the stationary contact, these movable contacts alternately engaging the stationary contact, there being a change for each step of movement of the ratchet wheel 50.

When the solenoids C and S are energized they move their

ratchet wheels

49 and 50 one notch, thereby rotating the members 57 and 71 a like distance in the direction indicated by the arrows in Fig. 3. The parts are normally in the position indi eaten in Fig. 3. lf, however, the solenoid S only is energized the member 71 only will be stepped forward and this will cause the roller 73 to thrust against and ride up upon the cam surface 7 lof member 57 until the roller 73 bears upon the lateral face of the disk or member 57. This movement causes a longitudinal movement of the member 57 with respect to the shaft 5i, this movement being in opposition to spring 58 and carries the member 60 toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 3, which accordingly tilts the lever G l about its pivot 65 in a counterclockwise direction, causing the switch to move from the position indicator in Fig. 3 to the position in which the corn tact 26 engages the contact If, new, tae solenoid (J is energized and steps member 5'7 around, but not as many steps as the member 71 has been stepped, the switch will remain in the position last described, namely, with Contact in engagement with contact 25. If, however, the number of energizations of solenoid C should become equal to the number of energizations of the solenoid S, the member 57 will haveovertaken the member 71 and will have returned to the relative position indicated in Fig. 3, under influence of spring 58, because the cam notch 74 will have eomeopposite the roller 73. This return movement causes he separation of contact 26 from contact shifts the bar 64- and the switch back to the normal position indicated in Fig. 3.

By this construction the switch is shifted only upon an excess of energizations of one of the solenoids over the number of energizations of the other. The switch is shifted only upon an excess movement of one of the ratchets over the other and is independent of the actual angular position of the two ratchets or the two

members

57 and 71.

And by the construction above described the magnets or solenoids S and C are enabled to make their strokes or movements simultaneously and independently or dissimultaneously.

And after a predetermined excess movement by one of the ratchet wheels, the lugs and 76 will engage and prevent further relative movement between

members

57 and 71. That is, should such a number of cars or trains occupy the block at the same time that the

lugs

75 and 76 have been brought into engagement with each other, further cars or trains entering the block will produce no effect because the member 71 will carry with it the member 57, member 71 having made substantially a complete revo lution. Were this positive drive of member 57 by member 71 not afforded, such further cars or trains entering the block would cause, at a certain stage, the improper clearing of the signals. With the parts in normal position as indicated in Figs. 3 and 1, the lug 75 is about to engage lug 76, and should the solenoid C be energized before solenoid S lug 75 would engage lug 76 and cause member 71 to follow member 57, thereby maintaining the switch in its normal position indicated in Fig. 3.

The operation of the system is as follows:

When there is no car or train in the block, the green lights G and G will be displayed at both stations because the magnets H and H are normally energized as previously described.

A car or train arriving at one end of the block will be advised by the display of the green light that the block is clear and that it may enter. Upon entering the block as from station A, that is, from left to right, Fig. 2, the carer train will actuate the contact member 3 to engage the contact 5, whereupon the solenoid or electro-magnet S at station A will be temporarily energized, thus stepping around the ratchet wheel 50 one notch and causing the shift ing of the switch by rod 6 1 as previously described, from its normal position, indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, to the position where contact 26 bridges contacts 241 and 25, and

contacts

12, 20, and 32 separate from their cooperating stationary contacts. The result is that contact 12, having separated from contacts 10 and 11, breaks the circuit through the magnets H, H whose armatures 1 1, 1 1' are then no longer attracted and drop and engage the lower contacts 16, 17 and 16, 17 This causes rupture of current through the green signals G and G and establishment of current through the red signals R and B. At station B only the red signal It will be displayed, while at station A the red signal R and a yellow signal Y will be displayed, the red signal B being controlled by the release of armature 14:, as described, and the yellow light signal Y being displayed because movable switch contact 26 is now in engagement with stationary contacts 2% and 25 which causes electro-magnet D at station A to be energized by current flowing from stat-ion B from conductor 1 through conductor 9 to armature 14, contact 17, to contact 18, through contact 20 to contact 19 through contacts 22, 21, conductor 23, contacts 22 and 21, contacts 2 1, 26 and 25 throughthe winding of the electro-magnet D and thence to earth or return conductor E. When the electro-magnet D is energized it attracts its armature 28 which carries with it the movable contact 35 which now engages contact 36, whereupon current flows from the conductor 1 at station A through conductor 9, contacts 35 and 36, brush 37, thence through a contact 39 which is now in engagement with brush ll through the yellow signal Y to earth or return conductor E. It will accordingly be seen that upon entry of the first car or train into the block the clear or green signal will be discontinued, a red danger or stop signal will. be displayed at the opposite end of the block, and at the home end of the block a red and yellow permissive signal will be displayed indicating that the block is occupied and further indicating that other cars or trains may enter the block from the same end, the red and yellow signals simultaneously displayed constituting the permissive signal or indication.

If, now, another vehicle or train enters the block from the same end, the electromagnet or solenoid S will be again energized and will step its ratchet wheel 50 around another notch, but as hereinbefore explained the switch will remain in its abnormal position because the roller 73 is bearing upon the lateral face of the member 57 thus holding the switch in such abnormal position. But in making this further step, the ratchet wheel 50 has carried light will glow, showing the motorman of the second car or train that his car or train has counted in, that is, has caused the step movement oi the apparatus described. And a third car or train proceeding toward the same entrance of the block will thus receive a permissive signal and may enter, and upon entering will cause all signals to remain the same as before except that the signal Y1 will be discontinued and signal Y will again be displayed. And so on, a series of cars or trains may enter the block in the same direction, each alternating the yellow signals.

find when a car or train leaves the block at station E the contact 3 will be caused temporarily to engage the contact 6 whereupon magnet G at station 13 will be energized as will also the magnet C at station A, the latter receiving its current from station B through contacts 3 and 6'' through conductor 8, conductor 29,

contacts

30', 32 and 81, conductor 33, and now through contact 31 to armature 28 of magnet l), which, it will be remembered, has previously been energized upon entry of a car or train to the left end of the block, thence to conductor 29 through the winding of electro-magnet G to earth or return conductor E. Upon energization of magnet or solenoid C the ratchet wheel l!) will be stepped around one notch as will the member 57, so that member 57 gains one step upon member 71. And each car leaving the block at station B will cause energization of magnet C as described. And when as many cars or trains shall have left the block entered it, member 57' will have overtaken member 71 and cam notch Tl will have been brought opposite roller 73 allowing restoration of the switch to the normal position indicated in Figs. 2 and 8, whereupon the magnets H, H are again energized, the green lights again displayed, and the red and yellow lights extinguished.

As stated, upon departure of each train or vehicle from the block at station ll the electro-inagnet C at station E is energized. But such energization, has no effect, and is incidental only, because in the mechanism at station B the lug 75 will engage the lug 7e and cause the member 71 to be moved around with the member 57, these members therefore maintaining their normal position with respect to each other, and preventing shifting of the switch at station E from its normal position shown in Fig.

If a car enters the block, as from the left, and then backs out again at the same station It, solenoid S is first energized through rontacts 3 and 5, and then solenoid C is energized through contacts 4 and 6, or 3 and 6, the result being, irrespective of whether there is a car or train on the block, that the eii'ect of entry is immediately canceled, be cause the p f rward. 0f the Gill" counting or step-by-step mechanism caused by solenoid S, is immediately overtaken or canceled by the step forward caused by the solenoid C.

Suppose a car or train has entered the block from left to right at station A, a permissive indication, red and yellow, will be displayed at station A and a red or stop signal will be displayed at station E as pre- .'i-ousl v described. it, now, with the car or train in the block, a car or train should wrongfully enter the block from station B against this red or stop signal displayed atstaticn B, the solenoid S at station B will be energized because of engagement of contact 5 by contac 4 or because of engagement of contact 5 by contact 3", depending upon the track at station B from which the car or train wrongfully enters the block. Such energization of solenoid S will cause the switch at station E to move'from normal to abnormal position, thus separating con tact 20' from

contacts

18 and 19, and thereby breaking the circuit through conductor 23 and electro-magnet D at station A, thus cau extinction of the yellow light at station A, with a red stop signal light only remaining at station A. When the car or train which. has so wrongfully entered the block against the red light at station B backs out again at station 3 to either of the tracks the solenoid C at station B will be euerg: ed either through contacts 3, 6 or contacts l, 6; and since contact 32 has been separated from contacts 30 and 3. the solenoid C at station A cannot be energized sinniltaneously with the last mentioned energization of solenoid. C at station B. And should the car or train come to rest in such position that either contacts 3, 6 or i, 6 remain in engagement. the continued energization of solenoid C having restored the switch at station B to normal, will nevertheless hold contacts 21 and '22 separated, thus preventing current flowing from conductor 1 at station E tln-ough conductor 9, armatl-rre 14:, contact 1?, conductor 28 and winding of magnet D at station A. And the prevention of energization of magnet D 'erents a display of a yellow light at station A. thus maintaining only a red light or stop signal at station A, and the prevention of energization of magnet B, when solenoid C remains energized at station B prevents closure of circuit l'ietween armature 33S and contact 3 1- and therefore prevents energization of magnet C at sta- In other words, even should the car tion 1; or t: in backing out from he block at staticn B remain on the contactor, that is, keep the circuit through tl e vehicle controlled contact and solenoid C closed, solenoid C only will be energized and the solenoid C at station A will not be energized.

If new the car should move off of the eontactor out of the block, that is, cause deenergization of the solenoid C,

contacts

21 and 22 will be reengaged, and the electromagnet D at station A will be again energized, causing display of a yellow light with the red light at A and closing contacts 34L and 28 preparatory to further energization of magnet 0 when the car or train on the block leaves the block at station B.

While the signals are herein shown as energized from the conductors furnishing the electric power to the electric railway system, the voltage of such power system often fluctuating widely in practice, it will be understood that the signals may be energized by current from a separate constant potential source, in which. case, when the signals are lights, they will not fluctuate widely in brilliancy with fluctuations of the ioltage on the power circuit.

And the circuit arrangements herein described are such that it the voltage on the power circuit should fail, and assuming the signals to be operated. by current from a separate source as above referred to, only red light signals could be displayed, because with failure of voltage upon the power circuit the magnets H, H would drop their armatures and close the circuits of the red lights only.

It will be noted that the green and yellow lights are displayed only when the magnets H, H and D, D are energized. Accordingly, any accident that would cause failure of magnetism in the magnets H, H, as failure of voltage upon the power circuit, open circuiting or short circuiting of the magnet windings, or breaking of the signal conductor 13, could only cause a change from any previous signal indication to a stop indication that is, could only cause energization oi the red lights; and any failure of the magnets D, D, or failure of their current supply, would cause extinction of the yellow lights, leaving only the red stop signals. The armatures oi the magnets H, H form two-position switches, each in one position causing energization oi the green light and in the other position the energization of the red light, the structure being such that it is impossible to have both the green and the red lights displayed simultaneously.

And it will be noted that the yellow lights are controlled from the distant end of the block, thus constituting an answeraaclr or indication from the red signal at the distant end of the block, and any failure of the armature of the magnet, as H, to drop and set a red signal, would withhold the yellow light at the home end of the block.

Pursuant to a requirement for division switching mechanism of the character illustrated in Figs. 3 to 9 inclusive is claimed in divisional application Serial Number 159,397, filed April 3, 1917.

What I claim is:

1. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect signaling means comprising three signal elements, means including a vehicle controlled switch for displaying one only of said signal elements alone, and means for displaying said one of said signal elements with either one 01": the other signal elements.

2. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect signaling means comprising three signal elements, means including a vehicle controlled switch for displaying one only of said signal elements alone, the display of said one of said signal elements giving a stop indication, and means for displaying said one (it said signal elements with either one of the other of said signal elements to form a permissive signal.

3. In a signaling system, plural aspect signaling means comprising three signal elements, means for displaying one only of said signal elements alone, the display oi? said one of said signal elements giving a stop indication, means for displaying said one of said signal elements with another of said signal elements to .form a permissive signal, and means for displaying said one of said signal elements with the remaining one of said signal elements to likewise give a permissive signal, the change from the display of signal elements which give one permissive signal to that of signaling elements which give another permissive signal giving a third indication.

i. In a signaling system for vehicles, a

stop signal, a plurality of similar signal elements associated with said stop signal, and means including a vehicle controlled switch for displaying said signals, each of said signal elements when displayed with said stop signal forming a permissive signal, one of said similar signal elements icing disposed to one side of said stop signal and at a height different from said stop signal. I

In a signaling system for vehicles, a stop signal, a plurality of similar signal elements as ociated with said stop signal, and means including a vehicle controlled switch for displaying said signals, each of said signal elements when displayed with said stop signal forming a permissive signal, said stop signal being disposed above said similar signal elements, one of said signal elements being disposed to one side of said stop signal.

6.111 a signaling system for vehicles, clear and stop signals disposed one vertically above the other, a plurality of similar signal elements associated with said stop signal, and means including a vehicle controlled switch for displaying said Sig nals, each of said signal elements when displayed with said stop signal forming a permissive signal.

7. In a signaling system for vehicles, clear and stop signals disposed one vertically above the other, a plurality of similar signal elements associated with said stop signal, and means including a vehicle controlled switch for displaying said signals, each of said signal elements when displayed with said stop signal forming a permissive signal, said similar signal elements being disposed at the same height and at a height different from said stop signal.

S. In a signaling system for vehicles, clear and stop signals disposed one vertically above the other, a plurality of similar signal element-s associated with said stop signal, and means including a vehicle controlled switch for displaying said signals, each of said signal elements when displayed with said stop signal forming a permissive signal. said similar signal elements being disposed at the same height and at a height different from said stop signal, and one of said similar signal elements being disposed at one side of said stop signal.

9. In a signaling system for vehicles, a stop signal, a plurality of similar signal elements associated with said stop signal, and means including a vehicle controlled switch for displaying said signals, each of said signal. elements when displayed with said stop signal forming a permissive signal, said signal elements being disposed at the same height and at a he ht different 2': "from that of said stop signal.

10. In a signaling system, a block section. an electro-magnet at each end of said block, a signal controlled by each of said electro-magnets, a signal conductor connecting said electro-magnets at all times in series with each other, whereby they are energized or deenergized simultaneously, said electro-magnets normally energized from one end oi said block. said signals being displayed in response to deenergization of said electro-magnets, a switch in said signal conductor at each end of said block, and vehicle controlled means at each end of said block for controlling both of said switches.

11. In a signaling system, a block section, an electro-magnet at each end of said block, a signal controlled by each of said electromagnets, a signal conductor connecting said electro-magnets in series with each other, said electromagnets being normally energized from one end of said block, said signals being displayed in response to deenergization of said electro-magnets, a normally closed switch in said signal conductor at each end of said block, and means at each end of said block responsive to vehicle movement for controlling both of said switches.

12. In a signaling system, a block section, an electro-magnet at each end of said block, a signal controlled by each of said electromagnets, a signal conductor connecting said clectro-magnets in series with each other, said electro-magnets being normally energized from one end of said block, said signals being displayed in response to deenergization of said electro-magnets, a normally closed switch in said signal conductor at each end of said block, means at each end of said block responsive to movement of a vehicle into said block for opening said switch at that end of the block and simultaneously deenergizing said magnets, and means responsive to departure of the vehicle from said block for re-closing said switch.

13. In a signaling system, a block section, an electro-magnet at each end of said block, a signal conductor connecting said electro magnets at all times in series with each other whereby they are energized or denergized siniiultaneously, said electro-magnets being normally energized. from one end of said block, a signal controlled by each of said electro-magnets, and means responsive to simultaneous deenergization of said electromagnets for ciscontinuing display of said signals, and vehicle controlled means at each end of said block for controlling both of said switches.

14-. In a signalin system, a block section, an olectromagnet at each end of said block, a signal conductor connecting said electromagnets at all times in series with each other whereby they are energized or deenergized simultaneously, said electro-magnets normally energized through said condnctor from one end of said block, clear and stop signals at each end of said block, and means responsive to deenergization of the electro-magnet at each end of said block for discontinuing display of said clear signal and displaying said step signal, and vehicle controlled means at each end of said block for controlling both of said switches.

15. In a signaling system, a block section, an electro1nagnet at each end of said block, a signal conductor connecting said electro magnets at all times in series with each other, said electro-magnets being normally energized from one end of said block, a signal controlled by each oi said electromagnets, means responsive to deenergization of each of said electro-magnets for discontinuing display of said signal, a normally closed switch in said signal conductor at each end or said block, and means at each end of said block responsive to vehicle movements into and out of said, block for opening and closing said switch at that end of the block, and simultaneously de'einergizing and energizing said magnets.

16. In a signaling system, a block section,

an electro-magnet at each end of said block, a signal conductor connecting said electromagnets at all times in series with each other, said electro-magnets normally energized through said conductor from one end of said block, clear and stop signals at each end of said block, means responsive to deencrgization of the electro-magnet at each -end of said block for discontinuing display of said clear signal and displaying said stop signal, a normally closed switch in said signal conductor at each end of said block, and means at each end of said block responsive to vehicle movements into and out of said hlocl; for opening and closing said switch at that end oi the block and simultaneously dei nergizing and energizing said magnets.

17. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end of said block, a second signal associated with the stop signal at one end of said block to form therewith a permissive signal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into said block at said one end thereof for displaying the stop sig ml at the other end of said block and for displaying the stop signal and said second signal at said one end of said block.

18. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end of said block, a plurality of similar signals at one end of said block associated with the stop signal thereat, each of said similar signals when displayed with said stop signal forming a permissive signal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into said block at said one end thereof for displaying the stop signals at both ends thereof and for displaying one of said similar signals with the stop signal at said one end of said block, and means responsive to the entry of subsequent vehicles into said block for alternating said similar signals.

19. In a signaling system, a block section, astop signal at each end of said block, a normally energized electro-magnet at each end of said block preventing display of said stop signal, a second signal. associated at the home end or the block with the stop signal thereat and adapted to be displayed therewith to form a permissive signal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into said block at the home end for displaying the stop signals at both ends of said block, a signal conductor controlling said second signal, display of said second signal at the home end of said block being controlled through said conductor upon deenergization of said electro-magnet at the distant end of said block.

20. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end of said block, a normally energized electro-magnet at each end of said block preventing display of said stop signal, a second signal associated with each stop signal and adapted to be displayed therewith to form a permissive signal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into said block at the home end for displaying the stop signals at both ends of said block, a signal conductor controlling said second signals, display of said second signal at the home end of said block being controlled through said conductor upon deenergization of said electro-magnet at the distant end of said block, a normally open switch in said signal conductor at each end of said block,

said switch at thehome end of said block being closed upon entry of said vehicle into said block, and the switch at the distant end of said block remaining open, whereby a permissive signal isdisplayed at the home end of said block and only a stop signal at the distant end of said block.

21. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end of said block, a normally energized electro-magnet at each end of said block preventing display of said stop signal, a second signal associated with each stop signal and adapted to be displayed therewith to form a permissive signal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into said block at the home end displaying the stop signals at both ends of said block, a signal conductor controlling said second signal, display of said second signal at the home end of said block being controlled through said conductor upon deenergization of said electro-magnet at the distant end of said block, a third signal similar to said second signal, and means responsive to entry of successive vehicles into said block for alternating said second and third signals.

22. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end of said block, a normally energized electro-magnet at each end of said block preventing display of said stop signal, a second signal associated with each stop signal and adapted to be displayed therewith to form a permissive sig nal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into said block at the home end for displaying the stop signals at both ends of said block, a signal conductor controlling said second signals, display of said second signal at the home end of said block being controlled through said conductor upon deenergization of said electro-magnet at the distant end of said block, a normally open switch in said signal conductor at each end of said block, said switch at the home end of said block being closed upon entry of said vehicle into said block, the switch at the distant end of said block remaining open, whereby a permissive signal is dis played at the home end of said block and only a stop signal at the distant end of said block, a third signal similar to said second signal, and means responsive to entry of successive vehicles into said block for alternating said second and third signals,

23. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end of said block, a plurality of similar signals each adapted to cooperate with a stop signal to form a permissive signal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into a block at one end thereof for displaying the stop signals at both ends thereof, said similar signals at said one end of said block being controlled from the distant end of said block.

24. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end of said block, a plurality of similar signals each adapted to cooperate with a stop signal to form a permissive signal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into a block at one end thereof for displaying the stop signals at both ends thereof, said similar signals at said one end of said block being controlled from the distant end of said block, and means responsive to entry of successive vehicles into said block for alternating said similar signals.

25. In a signaling system, a block section, a signal at each end of said block, a signal conductor, a switch in said conductor at each station, a signal setting magnet controlling said switch, a signal clearing magnet at each station, a second signal conductor connecting said clearing magnets in parallel with each other, a pair of switches at each station in parallel with each other in said second signal conductor, one of said switches operated with said first named switch, a third electro-magnet at each station controlling the other of said pair of switches, and a switch closed when said first named switch is opened controlling said electro-magnet.

26. In a signaling system, a block section, a signal at each end of said block, a signal conductor, a switch in said conductor at each station, a signal setting magnet controlling said switch, a signal clearing magnet at each station, a second signal conductor connecting said clearing magnets in parallel with each other, a pair of switches at each station in parallel with each other in said second signal conductor, one of said switches operated with said first named switch, a third electro-magnet at each station controlling the other of said pair of switches, and a switch closed when said first named switch is opened controlling said electro-magnet, a second signal at each end of said block cooperating with said first named signal to form a permissive signal, said third electro-magnet controlling said second signal.

27. In a signaling system, a block section, a signal at each end of said block, a signal conductor, a switch in said conductor at each station, a signal setting magnet controlling said switch, a signal clearing magnet at each station, a second signal conductor connecting said clearing magnets in parallel with each other, a pair of switches at each station in parallel with each other in said second signal conductor, one of said switches operated with said first named switch, a third electro-magnet at each station controlling the other of said pair of switches, a switch closed when said first named switch is opened controlling said electro-magnet, a plurality of similar signals at each end of said block controlled by said third electro-magnet, and means for alternating said similar signals, each of said similar signals when displayed with said first named signal forming a permissive signal.

28. In a signaling system, a block section, a signal and an electro-magnet controlling the same at each end of the block, a switch controlling said magnets to simultaneously energize and deenergize the same, independently and simultaneously operable step-bystep mechanisms at each end of the block section, signal setting electro-magnets controlling one of said step by step mechanisms at each end respectively of the block section, signal clearing magnets operatinganother of said step-by-step mechanisms at each end respectively of the block section, and means at each end of the block section responsive to excess movement of one of said step-bystep mechanisms for controlling said switches respectively.

29. In a signaling system, a block section, a signal at each end thereof, a switch controlling each of said signals, independently and simultaneously operable step-by-step mechanisms, a signal setting electro-magnet controlling one of said step-by-step mecha nisms, a signal clearing magnet operating another of said step-bystep mechanisms, means responsive to excess movement of one of said step-by-step mechanisms for controlling said switch, and means for causing the step-by-step mechanism normally actuated by the signal setting magnet to be actuated independently thereof when said clearing magnet is the first to operate after said step-by-step mechanisms are in normal po sition.

30. In a signaling system, a block section, a signal at each end thereof, a switch controlling each of said signals, independently and simultaneously operable step-by-step mechanisms, a signal setting electro-magnet controlling one of said step-by-step mechanisms, a signal clearing magnet operating another of said step-by-step mechanisms, means responsive to excess movement of one of said step-by-step mechanisms for controlling said switch, and means operative after predetermined excess movement of said step-bystep mechanism controlled by said signal setting magnet for carrying with it the step-by-step mechanism normally actuated by said clearing magnet.

31. In a signaling system, a block section, a signal at. each end thereof, a switch controlling each of. said signals, independently and simultaneously operable step-loy-step mechanisms, a signal setting electro-magnet controlling one of said step-by-step mechanisms, a signal clearing magnet operating another of said stepby-step mechanisms, means responsive to excess movement of one of said step-by-step mechanisms for controlling said switch, means operative after predetermined excess movement of said stepby-step mechanism controlled by said signal setting magnet for carrying with it the stepby-step mechanism normally actuated by said clearing magnet, a plurality of similar signals associated with each of said signals, and a switch for alternating said similar signals actuated by said step-hy-step mechanism controlled by said signal setting mag net.

32. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal at each end of the block, a second signal associated with each stop signal to form therewith a permissive signal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into said block at either end thereof for displaying the stop signal at the other end of said block and for displaying the stop signal and said second signal at the entering end of said block.

33. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal, a plurality of similar signal elements associated with said stop signal, each of said signal elements when displayed with said stop signal forming a permissive signal, and means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into said block for setting the stop signal and displaying therewith one of said similar signal elements.

34%. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal, a plurality of similar signal elements associated with said stop signal, each of said signal elements when displayed with said stop signal forming a permissive signal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into said block for setting the stop signal and displaying therewith one of said similar signal elements, and means responsive to the entry of another vehicle into said block for alternating said similar signal elements.

35. In a signaling system, a block section, a stop signal, a plurality of similar signal elements associated with said stop signal, each of said signal elements when displayed with a stop signal forming a permissive sig nal, a vehicle controlled switch, a step-loystep mechanism controlled by said switch to display said stop signal and one of said similar signal elements upon entry of a vehicle into said block, and a switch for alternating said similar signal elements driven with said step-loy-step mechanism.

36. In a signaling system, a block section,

a stop signal at each end of said block, a plurality of similar signals associated with a stop signal, each of said similar signals when displayed with said stop signal forming a permissive signal, means responsive to the entry of a vehicle into said block at either end thereof for displaying the stop signals at both ends thereof and for displaying one or said similar signals with the stop signals at the entering end of said bloclnQandm'e'ans responsive to the entry of subsequent vehicles into said block for alternating similar signals.

37. In a signaling system, a signal, signaling means associated therewith, vehicle controlled means for displaying said signal alone to produce one signal indication and to display said signaling means with said signal to produce a different signal indication, ve- V r hicle counting mechanism, and means controlled therebyfor'changmg the aspect of sald signahng means when displayedwith said signal, wherebysaid different signal in-' dication persists but the aspect thereof changes. 7 v

38. In a slgnaling system, a stop s1gnal,.a

plurality of similar signal elements associated with said stop signal, each of said signal elements when displayed with said stop signal forming a permissive signal, a signal setting magnet, a signal clearing magnet, step-hy-step mechanisms actuated by said signal setting and clearing magnets, means responsive to excess movement of one of said step-by-step mechanisms for controlling said signal and said signal elements, and means for alternating said similar signal elements actuated with the step-by-step mechanism controlled by said signal setting magnet.

39. In a signaling system, a stop signal, a plurality of similar signal elements asso ciated with said stop signaheach of said signal elements when displayed with a stop signal forming a permissive signal, vehicle counting mechanism, a vehicle controlled magnet controlling said mechanism, and means for alternating said similar signal elements controlled by said vehicle controlled magnet.

40. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect slgnaling means comprising 7 similar to each other and dissimilar to the.

remaining one, means including a vehicle controlled switch for displaying alone said.

dissimilar signal element only, the display of said dissimilar signal element giving a desired indication, and means for displaying said dissimilar signal element with either one of said similar signal elements to form a permissive signal.

4:2. in a signaling system, plural aspect signaling means comprising three signal ele ments, two of which are similar to each other but dissimilar to the remaining one,

means for displaying alone said dissimilar element, the display of said dissimilar element giving a stop indication, means for displaying one of said similar elements with said dissimilar element for forming a permissive signal, and means for displaying the other of said similar elements with said dissimilar element for likewise forming a permissive signal, the change from the display of said dissimilar element with one of said. similar elements to that of the dissimilar element with the other of said similar elements giving a difi erent indication.

43. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect signaling means comprising a plurality of signal elements all but one of which are similar to each other and dissimilar to the one, means including a vehicle controlled switch for displaying alone the dissimilar element only, and means for displaying each of said similar elements singly with said dissimilar element.

as. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect signaling means comprising a plurality of signal elements all but one of which are similar to each other and dis similar to the one, means including a vehicle controlled switch for displaying alone the dissimilar element only, the display of said dissimilar element giving astop indicaion, and means for displaying each of said similar elements singly with said dissimilar element to form permissive indications.

45. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect signaling means comprising a plurality of signal elements all but one of which are similar to each other and dissimilar to the one, means including a vehicle controlled switch for displaying alone the dissimilar element only, and means for displaying with said dissimilar element less than the whole number of similar elements.

46. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect signaling means comprising a plurality of signal elements part of which are similar to each other but dissimilar to the remaining ones, said remaining ones being dissimilar to each other, means including a vehicle controlled switch for displaying alone the dissimilar elements only, and means for displaying with less than the whole number of dissimilar elements less than the whole number of similar elements.

47. In a signaling system for vehicles, plural aspect signaling means comprising plurality of stationary signal elements all but one of which are similar to each other and dissimilar to the one, and means for displaying alone said dissimilar element only and for displaying with said dissimilar element certain of said similar elements, including a switch operated upon the passage of vehicles, each operation of said switch when one of said similar signal ele ments is displayed causing a change of said last mentioned signal element to non-dis play condition and the display of another of said similar signal elements.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature in the presence of the two subscribing witnesses.

CARL P. NACHOD.

Witnesses:

HORACE C. KNEER, JosEPH W. STONE.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. (3.

It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 1,225,736, granted May 8, .1917, upon the application of Carl P. Nachod, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for an improvement in Signaling Systems, errors appear in the printed specification requiring correction as follows: Page 1, line 28, for the word such read each;

page 9, line 83, claim 28, after the Word switch insert the Words at each end of Iv the block section; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Ofiice.

Signed and sealed this 26th day of Jime, A. 1)., 1917.

R. F. WHITEHEAD,

[SEAL-1 Acting Commissioner of Patents.