US1596222A - Gilbert c - Google Patents

Description

G. C. VVHITNEY TRAIN INDICMQION 4SYSTEM Filed March 27, 1924 IIIMIM I I Cwwl] 3/ 292 u 34 7 'flaw 415| f2 a@ 3g@ J5 l l n l Patented Ang. 17, 1926.

UNITED sr.

GILBERT C. W'HITNEY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

TBAINIIIBICATIN SYSTEM.

This invention relates to train describers and train indicators in general wherein means are provided to indicate the position or describe the movement of a train on a railway track and in particular to novel means for accomplisl'iing the aforementioned results with a minimum of expense both as to first cost and maintenance.

It is the general custom on railroad systems to install means whereby the position of a train may be known at some selected point, such, for example, as the tower from which switches and signals are controlled, or despatchers headquarters where it is a desideratum in the proper maintenance of train schedules. This means sometimes takes the form of audible indicators, such as bells, track relay indicators, electric lamps and the like and when electric lamps are employed .they are generally of miniature size and allocated in a track model. 1When so assembled they form what is termed an illuminated track indicator, etc., etc. information as to the occupancy of the track, however repeated or exhibited at the selected point, is `generally obtained from a contact of a track relay or repeater and the circuit controlling the trackindicator is influenced by the track relay as will be appreciated. Since the track relay is a component part of the well known track circuit, the rail section of which varies in length and very often reaches a length of one mile,

and since the track relay is generally limited to three positions and customarily installed to operatel in two positions, it is apparent that, at best, the track relay and consequently any train indicating or announcing means controlled thereby' is a track section 'indicator; but, even this -is only presumptive beapart by insulated ]o1nts S-the track rails cause the presence of a train on a track circuit is not essential to the operation of the track relay. To overcome thel foregoing defect, to accomplish the same 'without moving parts, and to, in some instances, eliminate the use ofinsulated 'track rail joints are general objects of this invention and additional objects will be disclosed as the speci- [ication proceeds and I will point out the novel features in the appended claims.

In my co-pending application, Serial No. 697.129, I have disclosed the same principles as hereinafter set forth but as applied to railway' traiiic controlling systems.

I have provided six figures on the accom- The Application led March 2'?, 1924. Serial No.. 702,262.

panying drawing toclearly set forth the application of vmy invention to present day track circuit design and an installation for use in non-signalled territory to indicate train movement therein. Fig. 1 shows the main element of my invention arranged to provide indication as to the presence and movement of a train along a specified track section and wherein said train presence and movement is indicated by the appearance or variation in brilliancy of an electric lamp or other similarly characterizable means in the indicator system; Fig. 2 is similar to Fig. 1, except that train presence inthe track section is presumed dueto the fact of disappearance of the electric indicator lamp or other characterizable means but Fig. 2 does not provide forindicating train movement; Fig. 3 is similar to Fig. 1 with the addition of means intermediate in the track section for contrasting characterizable effects in theindicator system; Fig. 4 is similar to Fig. 1 except, that audible indication is given when the train enters the track section and the electro-magnetic indicator follows through in synchronismwith the train in the track section; and Fig. 5 shows a section of track without insulated joints and which has the principle of my invention applied for indicating presence a`nd movement of the trainthe individual indicator apparatus in the tower or at the selected point being identical with that shown in Figs. 1, 2 land 3. Fig. 6 is a diagram associated with Fig. 5 to illustrate the performance of the indicator lamp relatively to the position and movement of a train on the track section. Similar elements and Darts are designated by the same characters in all of the iigures.

Referring to Fig. 1, a track section is set of the section being identified by the reference characters 6 and 7. At one end 'of said track section a transformer 9 is shown connected to track rails 6, 7 by means of track wires 10, 11, resistance 12 and fuse 13. rlfransformer 9 is the medium, when energized by means of wires 14, 15, from power wires 16, 17, connected to the source of energy alternator 18, by which appropriate current supply, when a train is not present, is transmitted over track rails G 7 to track wires 19, 20, fuse 21 and resistance 22 to winding 23 of relay 24. Winding 25 of relay 24 receives energy by means of wires 26, 27, from power wires 16, 17, and thus far the whole constitutes the well known alternating current track circuit wherein most of the energy required tor the operation of the track relay 24 is supplied locally and only a small part or activating current is transmitted over the track rails. Also in conventional manner I have shown signal S2-33 controlled by contact 2S or' track relay 24 and control wires 29, 30 and 31. rEhe track and circuit and signal and circuit design outlined above is intended simply as a structure and I make no claims of invention in connection therewith-it is shown only to' provide a basis for suitably illustrating' my invention.

This invention consists in connecting theprimary winding 35, of transmit-ter transformer 34, in multiple with resistance 12, as shown, and so that part ot the current ilowing to windingr 23 of relay 24 passes through said winding 35. Inductively coupled to winding 35 is shown secondary winding 36 and the 'current induced therein is carried over transmission wires 37, 3S, to the tower or other selected point and there energizes winding 40 of transformer 89. Inductively coupled to winding 40 is shown secondary winding 41 and the current induced therein becomes available and is used for energizing' indicator lamp 42 or other similarly appropriate means as will be appreciated. When the track section is not occupied by a train winding 23 and resistance 22 are included in series in the circuit receiving current which passes from transformer 9 and through winding 35, but when a train enters the track section the wheels of the train, having'negligible resistance, shunt out said winding and resistance and due thereto more current flows from transformer 9 via winding 35. The increased rate of current flow varies depending upon the position of said train in the track section, being lowest when the train is furthest dista-nt from transformer 9, because of the resistance of the track rails 6, 7 as will be appreciated. From the above it will be clear that the current flow in the transmission c' cuit 37, 38, and consequently illumination of indicator lamp 42 will be leastv when said track section is not occupied and will variably increase with the entrance onto and passage of the train along toward the transformer end of said track section.

I am aware of the fact that it is not novel, in a signal system, to utilize the increase in current iow in a track circuit, when it becomes occupied by a train, to `control a signal lamp and, therefore` my invention does not reside in the tact that my system provides similar control, by my invention does reside in the fact that II have provided a system which makes use of the above mentioned control for train indication purposes and also whereby the variation in current flow resulting trom the train occuping various positions on the track rails ot the track section is an indication as to the comparative position and movement ot the train on the track section.

From the forego-ing', it will be evident that a low voltage must be applied to the track rails oi" the track circuit because of the leakage through the ties and ballast. New, as has been explained, it is customary to transmit the indication to a central point, such a despatche1"s headquarters, and the successful system must cover a considerable territory, and, owingl to the great number of circuits involved, economy d mands that small wires be used in the transmission circuit and naturally only small transmission current can be tolerated, otherwise the loss in transmission would not only be prohibitive, but would otherwise intertere with the indication, as will shortly be explained. Starting, then, with the necessarily low track circuit voltage I provide inductive coupling' 34 to act as a step-up transi'ormer to provide a higher transmission circuit voltage and the corresponding transmission current tor indication purposes is ot the order ot 0.015 ampere and less. Now, as is wellknown, an indication lamp or high voltage and low wattage (one watt and less) is not commercially possible because oi the inability to provide a lamp filament which will heat on a current tlow or the above mentioned order ot 0.015 ampere and less and accordingly I provide receiver transformer 39 ot the step-down type and wl'ierein the resultant induced indicating current flow to lamp 42 is of the order ot 0.080 to 0.0350 ampere and at an operating voltage ot from approximately one (1) volt to ve (5) volts. Thus, it will be evident that, in the use of the receiver transformer (39), means have been provided to effect an indication on a very small transmitted power and with minimum in the losses incident to transmission. A minimum in the losses during transmission is important for the reason that the variation in track circuit current flow, as between the tra-in or car at one end ot the track section and at the other end of the track section, is small and every last ell'ort must be made to conserve the results, oit' the variation, during transmission to the indication device.

In Fig. 2, I have shown my invention arranged to indicate the condition of the track section in a ditlerent manner with the track section unoccupied the indicator lamp is arranged to be lighted and when a train enters upon the track section winding` 35 of the transmitter transformer 34 has its current supply reduced by virtue oit the train wheel shunt and consequently the illumination ot indicator lamp 42 is reduced. It

should be obvious that, as arranged in Fig. 2, indication of movement as the train passes through the track section cannot be had.

In Fig. 3, I have shown the system illustrated in Fig. 1 supplemented by a resistance 43 introduced into the track section to provide means for a distinct contrast in the indicator system when the train passes insulated joints 8a. When installed thus indicator lamp 42 is arranged to indicate occupancy and movement in the lirst portion of said track section at not over 50% illumination of said indicator lamp 42 and passage of train into and along the second portion is indicated by increase ot illumination between 50% and 100% as will be appreciated. Obviously, I may install a plurality of resistances 43 or reactances at suitable points and thus provide a plurality of distinctly contrasting indicating points. I provide transposition ot track circuits whenever I install distinct contrasting points to insure that the track relay ot the section, when installed, will be open it any insulated joints 8 break down.

In Fig. 4, I have shown the system illustrated in Fig. 1, but with an electromagi'ietic visual indicator 44 supplemented by an audi.- ble indicator, in this instance a bell, 45 in place ot indicator lamp 42 of Fig, 1. Indicator 44 is biased to the position A and the bell 45 is arranged to be silent when the track section is not occupied. @n the passage of a train onto the track section the increased current flow due to the train wheel shunt causes increased induced current to 'flow in the transmission circuit A37, 38, and hence increased current low `to the bell and indicator 45, 44. Said increased current flow to the bell and indicator causes the bell to sound single stroke or continuous and at the same time the movable portion 47 of indicator 44 lmoves through the space 46 to eventually arrive at position B-this movement, however, is arranged to be synchronous with the passage of the train through the track section and isbrought about by the variation in current ilow due to the train wheel shunt in its movement along the track section varying the resistance of the circuit of which the track rails 6, 7, form a part as will be appreciated. It should be noted that movable portion 47, in practice would not be exposed to view in the space 46 unless a. train is present on the track section. It should also be noted that bell 45 may be placed in series in the circuit of indicator 44.

In Fig. 5, I have `shown my invention arranged in a system of train indication and without the use ot insulated joints. Track rails 6, 7, are shown continuous and I have shown three transformers 9 to supply current to the track at selected points, approximately though not necessarily equidistant. Said transformers 9 receive energy from source of energy supply alternator 18 by way `oi: power wires 17, 16, and branch wires 15, 14. rlhe secondary windings oic transformers 9 are connected to the track rails 7, 6, by means of track wires 11, 10. Connected in series in each of the secondary windings I show primary windings 35' o transmitter transformers 34 and inductively coupled to said primary windings I show transmitter secondary windings 36, each of which is included in aV transmission circuit 37, 38. Included at the receiver end of said transmission circuits I show, inductively coupled thereto, indicator lamps 42-the receiver end ot these transmission circuits are identical in principle with that described in connection in Fig. 1. I show track rails 6, 7 short-circuited by reactances C, D, and E at suitable places between the points where current supply track wires 10, 11, are connected to said track rc ils. 'Ihe characteristi/cs ot all inductive apparatus are proportioned such that the current supplied to the respective indicator lamps 42 is a maximum when the track rails 6, 7, are short-circuited, as by a train wheelshunt, at the corresponding points ot currentfsupply track wires 10, 11 and said maximum condition varies as said train wheel shunt moves either way from said points with slow reduction until said train wheel shunt passes a track shortcircuiting reactance and thereafter at a rapidly increasing rate, as illustrated in Fig. 6 and wherein a train is assumed to be a point only `for the purpose of clarity. Referring to said diagram the solid irregular line traces out the value of current sup-- ply to indicator lamp 42GB as the train wheel shunt approaches and traverses track section CI) reaching a maximum when the train wheel shunt is adjacent track wires 10, 11, tor that section and reaching a practical minimum rapidly when and as said train wheel shunt passes a very short distance outside oi" said track section similarly, the dot and dash line illustrates similar conditions for the track section and corresponding indicator lamp DE and so on to the end ot the system. Obviously, a train is not a point and the representative lines in the diagram will broaden and overlap .in the proportion that said train point takes on the dimension, length.

Attention is directed to the following `lacts:

1st. That in several installations, I have used 1 watt indicator lamps, and consequently have been successful in using small inexpensive transformers and further owing` to the saall amount ot power transmitted my system makes use oit small gauge transmission wircs (No. 10 ii. Vf. and smaller) with the econoi. lc result that my system is extremely cheap to install.

2nd. That I may interchange the several elements ot the several tigures, for example, l may use the electromagnetic and/or audible indicator' oif Fig. l in the system of Fig. l.

3rd. That, Whereas means in the 'form of an impeding element (for example resistance i2, Fig.; l) are required to prevent the train Wheel shunt being a short circuit on transformer Q the same may be eliminated and the 'if ction performed b y Winding 35 of transfert (see Fig. in which event the en required tor the opettion ot my .sys n is that which Would otherwise be di 'pated in the form of heat in the impeding clement and therefore when thus arranged no additional povver equipment or expenditure for current supplied is required.

lth. That my system operates with a minimum of parts and thus to effect a minimum of expense in maintenance cost.

5th. That the current iloiv in the inductive coupling 35, 36, is variable and proportionable to the position of the train in the track section, that is, the current tlovv due to the train .vheel shunt va 1i and has dilierent value as the train proceeds through said track section.

Y 6th. That, although the voltage which can be applied to the track rails is limited to a low value, as in present day track circuits, on account ofballast leakage, my system lends itself very readily for train Wheel control of hiO'h power circuits and Without moving parts.

P5th. That the track relays or other devices and elements, to which current is transmitted may be termed receiver devices, or receivers.

th. That the indication is responsive to the movement oi' the train.

9th. That track reactanees Cl D E (Fig. 5) may be` eliminated in which event the operation oit my system Will still be ei'l'ective but less contrastly distinctive.

10th. That transmitter transformer 234i may be included in series in the primary circuit oi transformer 9 instead of the secondary circuit thereof.

lith. That the system of Fig. 5 is eiilective regardlers ot the direction in Which the train moves.

12th. rihat, given the length of train and track section, the time of transit of member 'l-7 oi" i dicator (Fig. a) is a function from which train speed may be determined.

13th. That the system of Fig. l is not dependent, for its indication operation, on the installation ot a. track relay or other apyiaratus at the opposite end of the track circuit.

l-lth. That my system may be incorporated into or ineuctively coupled to many iorms oi existing alternating current track circuits with a minimum of expense and exchanging of apparatus. I

Obviously, various types of track circuits, both alternating and direct current, of the single and double rail type may be employed in combination with my invention by making the obvious appropriate changes Well kiioivn to any one ordinarily skilled in this art and I desire to have it understood, therefore, that the arrangements and illustrations which I have shown and described are merely illustrative and do not exhaust the various embodiments and forms which my invention may take in general practice.

l--laving thus described my invention I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

l. lin a train indication system, a track circuit including a source of energy, and indication means indiiictively coupled to said track circuit, said indication means synchronously indicating themovement of a train on said track circuit.

2. ln a train indication system, a track circuitincluding a source oi energy and indi-- ation means, said means indicating the movement of a train on said track circuit by comparative variation in the energization ot' said means.

3. In a train indication system, a track circuit including a source of energy, and remotely located indication means synchrono-usly responsive to the movement of a train On said track circuit.

4f. In a train indication system, a track circuit including a source o'l energ Y, a transmission circuit, and indication means, said transmission circuit inductively coupled to said track circuit and said means inductively connected to said transmission circuit.

5. In a train indication system, a track circuit including a source of energy, and a remotely l( rated indicator lamp inductively coupled to said track circuit and comparatively indicating the position of a train on said track circuit.

(i. In a train indication system, a track circuit including a lsource of energy, and an indicator lamp inductiv-ely coupled to said circuit for indicating the movement of a train on said track circuit by increase in brilliancy of said lamp.

7. In a train indicating system, a track circuit including` a source of energy, an impeding element in series with the energy supply to said track circuit, an inductive coupling in multiple With sail element, and an indicator lamp inductively coupled to said circuit and indicating the movement of a train on said track circuit by variation in illumination of said lamp.

8. ln a ytrain indica-ting system, a track circuit including a source of energy, an impeding element in series with the energy supply to said track circuit, an inductive coupling in multiple with said element, and an indicator lamp inductively coupled to said inductive coupling and indicating the movement of a train on said track circuit by gradual decrease in light emitted by said lamp.

9. In a railway traiiic controlling system, a track circuit including a source of energy, and a remotely located indicator lamp inductively coupled with said circuit, said lamp without illumination when the track circuit is unoccupied and with illumination when said track circuit is occupied, said il'- lumination gradually increasing or decreasing according as the train moves in o ne direction or the other on said track circuit.

10. In a railway traflic controlling system, a track circuit including a source of energy, and a remotely located indicator lamp inductively coupled with said circuit, said lamp illuminated when the track circuit is unoccupied and with increased illumination when said track circuit is occupied.

l1. In a. train indication system, a track circuit including a source of energy, an indication transmitter connected in series with said source, and an indication receiver inductively coupled to said transmitter and adapted to comparatively indicate the distance between a car on said track circuit and the point where said energy is connected to said track.

12. In` a train indication system, a track circuit including a source of energy and a track transformer, an impeding element connected in series with said circuit, a second transformer connected in multiple with said element, a third transformer connected with the second transformer, and indication means connected with the third trans-V circuit including a source of energy and a track transformer, a second `transformer connected in multiple with the second transformer and indication means connected in multiple with the third transformer, said third transformer and indication means re-4 motely located from said second transformer. f 15. In a train indicationsystem, a trac circuit including an alternating current source of energy, and remotely located indication means inductively coupled to said track circuit, said means indicating the presence of a train on said track circuit and sensitive to indicate a plurality of positions of said train during its movement on said track circuit.

16. In a train indication system, a track circuit including an alternating current source of energy, and'remotely located indication means inductively coupledy to Vsaid track circuit, said means indicating the presence of a train on said track circuit and sensitive to continuously indicate the movement of said train during its progress on said track circuit.

17. In combination, a track circuit including the track rails of a railway track section and an alternating current source of energy supply for said track circuit, and indication means responsive to variations of energy flow in said track circuit as between a track section unoccupied and occupied by a car, said indication means sensitive to indicate variations in the energy flow inthe track circuit as the car moves on said track section.

18. In combination, a track circuit including the track rails of a railway track section and an alternating current source of energy supply for said track circuit, and indication means responsive to variations of energy flow in said track circuit as between a track section unoccupied and occupied by a car, said indication means sensitive to indicate variations in the energy flow in the track circuit according as the car occupies one position or another on the track section.

19. In combination, a track circuit including the track rails of a `railway track section and an alternating current source of energy supply for said track circuit, and an indicator lamp constantly energized and responsive toV variations of energy How in said track circuit as between a track section` unoccupied and occupied by a car, said indicator lamp sensitive to indicate variations in the energy flow in the track circuit according as the car occupies one position or another on the track section. Y v

20. In combination, a track circuit including the track rails of a railway track section and an .alternating current source of energy supply for said track circuit, and an indicator lamp responsive -to variations of energy flow in said track circuit as between a track section unoccupied and occupied yby a car, said indicator lamp with partial illumination when the track section is occupied and with variable degrees of brilliancy in synchronous responseto variations in the energy flow in the track circuit, the lastmentioned variations resulting in accordance .with lchange of car position on the track section.

` end of said section and supplying said electric current to said track circuit, an inductive coupling connected in series with said source, and an indicator lamp connected to Vsaid inductive coupling and adapted to comv10 Vparatively indicate the distance between a car at any point on said section and said end of said section.

22. The invention set forth in claim 2l, with the indicator lamp inductively coupled to said inductive coupling.

23. ln combination, a section of railway track, a source of energy including the secondary winding of a transformer connected to the track rails at one end of the section, a winding of a transformer connected in series in the circuit which-includes said secondary winding, a transmission-circuit including two windings one of which is in inductive relation to the winding of the second mentioned transformer, and a circuit including an indicator lamp in inductive relation to the other of said two windings, the

energy flow in said indicator lamp influenced by the presence and movement of a train on said railway track, said lamp having an appreciably higher degree of brilliancy when the train is at the end of the track section at which energy is supplied to the track section `than when the train is at the opposite end of said track section.

24. The invention set forthv in claim 23; characterized by a plurality of said indica- -tor lamps for adjacent track sections being `assembled to form a train indicator diagram.

'25. A railway signaling system comprising a section of railway track, an automatick block signal and system for governing train movements on said track section, a signal receiver apparatus associated with said section, and an electric transmitter apparatus Vincluding train wheels and adapted to continuously transmit an indication to said receiver `apparat-us as to the position and progress-of 4said train wheels on said section, said transmitterv andr receiver apparatusl acting independent of said block signal.

26. In a train indication system, a section of railway track, an automatic block signal and system for governing movements of trains on said section, andan indicator lamp connected to said block signal system andwithout indication illumination-when said section is not occupied by a train and with indication illumination when saidsection is occupied '00 by a train, said indicatorV lamp having indication illumination of one value lor another according as the train occupies one part or another of said trackA section,for indicating whether said train occupies one part or and other of said track section, said indicator actingy independent of saidV block indicator lamp indicating` the presence and i f movement of a car on said railway track.

28. A train indication system comprised of a section of ralway track, a source of energy, transformers for supplying said energy .to said track at a plurality of points, reactance elements connecting the rails of said track between the points of energy supply, and means for utilizing said energy to indicate the presence and movement of a train on said section of railway track.

29. it train indication system comprised ofi a section of railway track, a source of energy, transformers for supplying said energy to said track section at a plurality of points, an indication transmitter connected in series with each of said transformers, and

indicator lamp connected with each of aid indication transmitters, lfor indicating the movement of a train on said section by variation in light emitted by said lamp.

30. A. train indication system comprised of a section of railway track, a source of energy, transformers for supplying said energy to said track section at a plurality of points, an indication transmitter in series with the energy supply to the track rails of said track, and an indication receiver for each transmitter, each transmitter responsively controlling the corresponding receiver as a train moves on said section of railway track, each receiver indicating the movement of a train on said section of railway track.

A train indication system comprised of a section of railway track, a source of energy, transformers for supplying said energy to said track section at a plurality of points, indication transmitters inductively coupled to` said supply, a transmission circuit for each transmitter, and remotely located indication means synchronously responsive to variations in the energy flow in said transmission circuit caused by the movement of a train on said section of railway track.

32. A train indication system comprised of a section of railway track, a source of energy, transformers for supplying said energy to said track at a. plurality of points, indication transmitters inductively` coupled to said track, and indication receivers includingindicator lamps inductively coupled with said transmitters, said lamps energized from said source and with partial illumi illumination VaryingL as a car moves on said track.

33. A train indication system comprised ol a. section of railway track, a sourcel ot energy, transformers for supplying said energy to said track at a plurality of points, indication transmitters inductively coupled to said track, and indication reteivers con-4 nected to said transmitters, each receiver at times indicating the presence oit a train on said track and at times continuously indicating the movement of a train on said track.

34. A train indication system comprised ot a section of railway track, a source ot energy, transformers for supplying said eneri-gy to said track at a plurality of pointsa transformers in series with the secondary ot tlie first mentioned transformers, transmission circuits in series with the secondary of tlie second mentioned transformers, a third transformer in series with eacli of said transmission circuits, and indicator' lamps connected to the secondary of said third transformers.

Signed at New York in the county of New York and State of N ew York this 25th day oi March A. D. 192%.

GLBERT C. WHTNEY.

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