US2061785A - Controlling apparatus for highway crossing signals - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 24, 1936. J. J. VANHORN CONTROLLING APPARATUS FOR HIGHWAY CROSSING Filed June 15, 1935 1 S IGNALS A G 2 &

H is ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 24, 1936 llhlllEEi fi'l'ATES 5:" or ies CONTROLLING APPARATUS FOR HIGHWAY CROSSING SIGNALS Application June 15, 1935, Serial No. 26,731

17 Claims.

My invention relates to apparatus for the contrcl of highway crossing signals, that is, to means for the control of signals which are placed at intersections of railways and highways for the purpose of warning users of the highway when a train is approaching.

One feature of my invention is the provision of means for controlling a highway crossing signal by trains passing along the track in such manner as to continue the operation of the signal until the entire train has passed over the crossing without the use of an additional track circuit at the intersection.

I will describe several forms of apparatus em bodying my invention, and will then point out the novel features thereof in claims.

In the accompanying drawing, Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating one form of apparatus embodying my invention, applied to single track. Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view illustrating another form of apparatus embodying my invention applied to double track. Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic View illustrating still another form of apparatus embodying my invention applied to an intersection the width of which is greater than the length of the shortest car or engine moving over the track.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts in each of the several views.

Referring to the drawing, the rails l and 6A of a stretch of single track W are divided by insulated joints 2 into sections Al3 and 13-6. Section BC includes the intersection of the railway and a highway designated by the reference char acter H. Each section is provided with a track circuit including a track relay designated by the reference character R with a distinguishing suffix connected across the rails l and M at one end of the section, and a track battery 3 connected across the rails at the other end of the section The relays RI and R2 are here shown as the two magnets of an interlocking relay K.

A light sensitive device designated in general by the reference character Q is located at the point D on the opposite sideof the highway from the point B. The device Q as here shown comprises a source of light L arranged so as to project a beam of light J across the track W in the path of a train passing the point D. On the opposite side of the track W from the light source L and receiving light from the beam J is a photo-electric generator G. The generator G has the property of converting the energy of light rays into electrical energy. A number of photo-electric generators are well known, one

such generator being described in Letters Patent of the United States No. 1,970,135, issued August 14, 1934, to Lars O. Grondahl and Paul H. Geiger. The light source L is constantly energized by a suitable source of current the terminals of which are designated by the reference characters X and O, and a relay P is connected to the generator G. When no train is present at the point D so that the generator G receives light from the source L through the beam J, relay P will be energized as shown in the drawing. When a train passing the point D intercepts the light beam J, so that the generator G will not receive light, the relay P will be deenergized.

The highway is protected by a signal S of any suitable type such, for example, as a bell or a light signal or a combination of both,

It is apparent from the drawing that signal S will operate when any one of three contacts becomes closed. That is, signal S will operate when back contact l of magnet Rl is closed, or when back contact 5 of magnet R2 is closed or when back contact 6 of relay P is closed. For example, when an eastbound train, that is, a train moving from left to right enters section AB, relay Rl will become deenergized so that back contact i will be closed to initiate the operation of the signal. When the front of the train intercepts the light beam J so that relay P becomes deenergized, back contact 5 will be closed to continue the operation of the signal until the rear of the train passes the point D. The interlocking feature of the relay K will prevent back contact 5 from closing while the receding train occupies section BC so that the signal will not operate after the rear of such train passes point D. Since section B--C extends through the highway H, a train approaching the intersection from the opposite direction will cause the signal S to operate until the rear of such train passes point B. Thus, the signal S will operate for a train moving in either direction as long as any portion of such train occupies the track between the points B and D.

Referring now to Fig. 2, the reference characters W and Y designate the two tracks, respectively, of a stretch of double track. Each track is provided with an interlocking relay designated by the reference character K with a distinguishing prefix. The interlocking relay lK comprises magnets R! and R2 which are connected to the rails of sections AB and B-C, respectively, of track W, and the interlocking relay 2K comprises magnets R3 and R l which are connected to the rails of sections AB and BC, respectively, of

the track Y. Each section of both tracks is provided with the usual track battery 3. The light sensitive device Q is located at the point D and controls the relay P in a manner similar to that just described for the arrangement shown in Fig. l.

The reference character PS designates a normally energized stick relay controlled jointly by the relay P and the interlocking relays IX and 2K. The stick relay PS is provided with a pickup circuit which passes from terminal X, through front contact I of relay P and relay PS to terminal O; and with a stick circuit which passes from terminal X through flagman contact 9 of magnet R3 of relay 2K, fiagman contact ll! of magnet RI of relay IK, front contact 8 of relay PS and relay PS to terminal 0. Thus, relay PS will become released when relay P is released provided either contact 9 or contact Ii! is opened.

The signal S is so controlled that it will be caused to operate if any one of the following back contacts becomes closed: back contact I I of magnet RI, back contact I2 of magnet R2, back contact I3 of magnet R3, back contact I4 of magnet R4 or back contact I5 of relay PS. Thus, it will be apparent that signal S will operate in the usual manner for trains moving in either direction on either track and will also operate as long as the beam J is intercepted by a train passing the point D. For example, I shall assume that an eastbound train on track W enters section A-B so that magnet RI becomes released to close back contact II and to open flagman contact Iii. When back contact II is closed the operation of the signal S will be initiated. When the train passes point D and intercepts the light beam J, the relay P will become released to open front contact I. Since fiagman contact I6 and front contact 1 are now both opened, the relay PS will become released to close its back contact I5 and the signal S will continue to operate as long as contact I5 is closed. When the rear of the train passes point D so that relay P becomes energized to close its front contact I in the pickup circuit for relay PS, the relay PS will then open its back contact I5 to stop the operation of the signal.

When a train is moving in the opposite direction in section AB of the upper track the flagman contact IQ of magnet R! will not become opened so that relay PS will not be released. The relay PS, therefore, will not cause operation of the signal S for westbound trains on the track W.

Although I have described the operation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2 for train movements on the upper track only, the apparatus will operate in a similar manner for train movements on' the lower track.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the stretch of single track W is here shown intersected by a highway II which is wider than a single car or engine moving over the track W. The usual interlocking relay K having its magnets RI and R2 connected to the rails of sections AB and BC, respectively, is provided with a. flagman contact I6 controlled by magnet RI. The light sensitive device Q is provided with controlling relay P as described above in connection with Fig. 1. Associated with the relay P are two normally energized stick relays designated by the reference characters PSA and PSB.

The relay PSA is provided with two pickup circuits and one stick circuit. The first pickupcircuit passes from terminal X through back point of contact I! of relay P and relay PSA to terminal O. The second pickup circuit passes from terminal X through front contact I3 of magnet R2 of interlocking relay K and relay PSA to terminal O. The stick circuit passes from terminal X through fiagman contact Iii of magnet RI, front contact I9 of relay PSA, and relay PSA to terminal 0. Thus, the relay PSA will be released when flagman contact it of magnet RE and. front contact I8 of magnet R2 both become opened by an eastbound train bridging sections A-B and B--C and will be picked up when back point of contact ll of relay P becomes closed in response to such train intercepting the light beam J at point D, but will be pr vented from releasing by flagman contact It of magnet RI when section A--B becomes occupied by a westbound train.

The relay PSB is provided with a pickup circuit which passes from terminal X through front point of contact Ill of relay P and relay PS3 to terminal 0, and with a stick circuit which passes from terminal X through front contact 29 of relay PSA, front contact 2i of relay PSB and relay P813 to terminal 0. Thus, relay PS8 will be released when relay P and relay PSA are both released in response to an eastbound train entering section BC and will be picked up when the rear of such train passes point D.

The signal S will be caused to operate when any of the following back contacts become closed: back contact 22 of magnet RI, back contact 23 of magnet R2, back contact 24 of relay PSA, or back contact 25 of relay PSB.

When an eastbound car of length shorter than the distance from point B to point D enters section AB, the magnet Rf will become released so that its back contact will become closed to operate the signal S and its flagman cont t will become opened. When the car enters sec on 13-0 so that front contact E8 of magnet R2 becomes opened, relay PSA will be released so that its back contact M will become closed to continue the operation of the signal S. When the front of the car intercepts the light beam J, P will become released to open the front point nd close the back point of its contact ii. The opening of the front point of contact l'l will release relay PS3 to continue operation of the signal and the closing of the back point of contact I'i will energize the relay PSA. When the rear of the car passes point D, the relay P will again become energized to pick up relay PSB. The interlocking feature of the relay K will prevent the closing of back contact 23 of magnet R2 so that the. signal S can not operate after the car passes point I).

Since flagman contact $6 of magnet l'ti will not become opened when a westbound car cnt as section AB, neither the relay PSA nor the relay PS5 will become released for such westbound movements.

In the event that an eastbound car should ente' section B-C from section A-B and then revert its direction without intercepting the light beam J, the relay PSA will be restored to its normal energized condition as soon as the car departs from section B-C by virtue of its pickup ciic it which includes front contact of magnet It will be noted that in Figs. 2 and 3, the signal S will not be caused to operate when the light beam J is intercepted unless the proper relays are released. The. operation of signal S, therefore, will not be initiated if the light J should be intercepted by objects other than passing trains. For example, the signal S in Fig. 2

will not be operated unless either contact 9 of magnet R3 or contact ill of magnet R! is opened even though contact I of relay P may be opened.

From the foregoing description, it is apparent that I have provided a simple and reliable means for causing the operation of a highway crossing signal as long as any portion of a train or car occupies the intersection. Furthermore, my invention is applicable to highway crossings of any width and may be so arranged that interception of the light beam by objects other than a passing train will not cause false operation of the signal.

Although I have herein shown and described only one form of apparatus embodying my invention, it is understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein Within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In combination, a stretch of railway track divided into two sections, a signal, a relay operable by a train entering one of said sections for operating said signal, another relay operable by a train entering the other section for operating said signal, a device for indicating the presence of a train at a particular point in one of said sections, said device being effective regardless of the presence of the wheels or axles of such train, and means controlled by said device for at times operating said signal.

2. In combination, a stretch of railway track divided into two sections, a signal, a relay operable by a train entering one of said sections for operating said signal, another relay operable by a train entering the other section for operating said signal, a light sensitive device for indicating the presence of a train at a particular point in one of said sections, a relay controlled by said device, and means controlled by said relay for operating said signal.

3. In combination, a stretch of railway track divided into two sections, a signal, a relay operable by a train entering one of said sections for operating said signal, another relay operable by a train entering the other section for operating said signal, means for producing a beam of light arranged so as to be interrupted by a train passing a particular point in one of said sections, and means controlled by said beam of light for governing said signal.

4. In combination, a stretch of railway track divided into two sections, a signal, a relay operable by a train entering one of said sections for operating said signal, another relay operable by a train entering the other section for operating said signal, a source of light projecting a beam in the path of a train passing a particular point in one of said sections, a photo-electric generator normally receiving light from said beam, a relay controlled by current from said generator, and means controlled by said relay for governing said signal.

5. In combination, two stretches of parallel railway tracks both intersected by a highway, a highway crossing signal adjacent the intersection, a relay, means controlled by said relay for controlling said highway crossing signal, a photoelectric generator connected to said relay, and means for producing a beam of light normally supplying light to said generator and disposed in the path of trains on either track passing a particular point adjacent the intersection.

6. In combination, a stretch of railway track divided by insulated joints into two sections, a highway intersecting one of said sections adjacent said insulated joints, a highway crossing signal located at the point of intersection, an interlocking relay controlled by traflic conditions in both sections for operating said signal, a source of light located at a point adjacent said highway but on the opposite side from said insulated joints and projecting a beam of light in the path of a train passing said point on said track, a photo-electric generator in the path of said beam, and a relay controlled by said generator for operating said signal.

'7. In combination, a stretch of railway track divided by insulated joints into two sections, a highway intersecting one of said sections adjacent said insulated joints, a highway crossing signal located at the point of intersection, means for operating said signal as long as said one section is occupied by a train approaching the intersection, another means for operating said signal as long as the other section is occupied by a train approaching the intersection, a source of light projecting a beam of light in the path of a train passing a point adjacent said highway but on the opposite side from said insulated joints, a photo-electric generator receiving light from said beam, a relay connected to said generator, and means including a contact of said relay for operating said signal when said beam is intercepted by a train.

8. In combination, a stretch of railway track divided by insulated joints into two sections, a highway intersecting one of said sections adjacent said insulated joints, a highway crossing signal located at the point of intersection, means for operating said signal as long as said one section is occupied by a train approaching the intersection, another means for operating said signal as long as the other section is occupied by a train approaching the intersection, a source of light projecting a beam of light in the path of a train passing a point adjacent said highway but on the opposite side from said insulated joints, a photo-electric generator receiving light from said beam, a first relay connected to said generator, and a second relay controlled jointly by both of said means and by said first relay for at times operating said signal when said beam is intercepted by a train.

9. In combination, two stretches of parallel railway track each divided by insulated joints into two sections, a highway intersecting each track adjacent said insulated joints, a highway crossing signal located adjacent the intersection, two interlocking relays one associated with each track and each for controlling said highway crossing signal in accordance with traffic conditions in the two sections of the associated track, a source of light projecting a beam of light in the path of a train on either track passing a point located adjacent said highway but on the opposite side from said insulated joints, a photo-electric generator receiving light from said beam, a relay connected to said generator, and means controlled jointly by both of said interlocking relays and by said first relay for operating said signal when a train on either track receding from the intersection intercepts said beam of light.

-10. A stretch of railway track divided into a first and a second section, a highway intersecting said first section, a highway crossing signal located at the point of intersection, means for causing said signal to operate when a train approaching the intersection occupies said first section, means for causing said signal to operate when a train approaching the intersection occupies said second section, a photo-electric generator receiving energy from a source of light, said source of light being so positioned with respect to the highway and to the path of a train occupying said first section that the light is intercepted if any portion of a train receding from the highway in said first section is within the limits of the highway, and means including said photo-electric generator for causing the operation of said signal as long as said light is intercepted by such receding train.

11. A stretch of railway track divided at a particular point into a first section and a second section, said second section intersected adjacent said point by a highway wider than the length of a car moving over said stretch, a highway crossing signal located adjacent the intersection, means for causing said signal to operate when a car approaching the intersection occupies said first section, means for causing said signal to operate when a car approaching the intersection occupies said second section, a light sensitive device located at another point on the opposite side of said highway from said particular point, and means including said light sensitive device for causing the operation of said signal as long as any portion of a car moving from said first section to said second section is between said particular point and said other point.

12. A stretch of railway track divided into two sections, a highway intersecting said stretch, a highway crossing signal located at the intersection, an interlocking relay controlled by traffic conditions in both of said sections for governing said signal, a normally energized relay receiving energy from a photo-electric generator, a source of light for projecting a beam of light upon said generator, said beam of light disposed in the path of a train 'moving past a particular point in said stretch, a stick relay for controlling said signal, a pickup circuit for said stick relay including a front contact of said normally energized relay, and a stick circuit for said stick relay including its own front contact and a contact of said interlocking relay.

13. A stretch of railway track divided into two sections, a highway intersecting said stretch, a highway crossing signal located at the intersection, an interlocking relay controlled by traffic conditions in both of said sections for governing said signal, a normally energized relay receiving energy from a photo-electric generator, a source of light for projecting a beam of light upon said generator, said beam of light disposed in the path of a train moving past a particular point in said stretch, a stick relay for controlling said signal, a first pickup circuit for said stick relay including a back contact of said normally energized relay, a second pickup circuit for said stick relay including a front contact of said interlocking relay, and a stick circuit for said stick relay including its own front contact and a front contact of said interlocking relay.

1%. A stretch of railway track divided into two sections, a highway intersecting said stretch, a highway crossing signal located at the intersection, an interlocking relay controlled by trai'fic conditions in both of said sections for governing said signal, a normally energized relay receiving energy from a photo-electric generator, a source of light for projecting a beam of light upon said generator, said beam of light disposed in the path of a train moving past a particular point in said stretch, another relay for controlling said signal controlled jointly by said interlocking relay and by said normally energized relay, a stick relay also for controlling said signal, a pickup circuit for said stick relay including a front contact of said normally caergized relay, and a stick circuit for said stick relay including its own front contact and a front contact of said other relay.

15. In combination, a stretch of railway track, a relay responsive to traffic conditions in said stretch, a light sensitive device including a light beam disposed in the path of a train passing a particular point in said stretch, another relay controlled by said light sensitive device, a. signal for said stretch, and means controlled by both said relays eiiective to cause the operation of said signal when said light beam is intercepted by a train but ineffective to cause the operation of said signal if said light beam is intercepted by an object other than a train.

16. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a track circuit having a track relay, a light sensitive device including a light beam disposed in the path of a train passing a particular point in said stretch, a signal for said stretch, and means controlled by said light sensitive device for causing operation of said signal if said light beam is intercepted and efiective when and only when said track relay is deenergized.

1'7. In combination, a stretch of railway track, a signal for said stretch, directional means for causing the operation of said signal for trains occupying the stretch and approaching the signal from either direction, a light sensitive device including a beam of light disposed in the path of a train present at a particular point in said stretch, and means controlled by said device and by said directional means for governing said signal, said means effective to govern the signal when said beam of light is intercepted if and only if such interception is caused by a train.

JAMES J. VANI-IORN.

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