US2082933A - Apparatus for controlling railway switches - Google Patents

Description

June 8, 1937. H. s. YOUNG ET Al.

APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING RAILWAY SWITCHES 2 Sheets-Sheet l Original Filed Dec. l0, 1935 Jl www ,J 9 0 Zfm maaulm. .OIH JN/gm @3% abro mmwm [ffy f/MH; 1M `.wvymjyxyQ mbwlla w a 454 I rlpm w 0| x M ab pwu 4M x1 Dam m J W b A Z l 5 /1 M, 4M Z f 122 F A I J wmv n W 7 r\\w\ Fig. 2

lNvENToRs 12Py5-1/0a12ga12d BYH PLILO e.

TEIH ATTORNEY June 8, 1937. H. s. YOUNG ET AL. ?,082,93`3

APPARTUS FOR CONTROLLING RAILWAY SWITCHES Original Filed Dep. lO, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I? .Y x ,Ey x 9 I I i M [nolaczef mea/zr INVENTORS Hauff/L5'. 57 cmd BYH L5 e THEIR ATTORNEY Patented `lune 8, 1937 PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS Fon coNTaoLLING RAfLwA swrrcHEs Henry S. Young, Wilkinsburg, and Herbert L. Bone, Forest Hills, Pa., assignors to The Union Switch & Signal Company, Swissvale, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Original application December 10, 1935, Serial No.

53,774. Divided and this application November 25, 1936, Serial No. 112,718

7 Claims.

Our invention relates to apparatus for controlling railway switches,` and particularly to apparatus for normally controlling a switch from a remote point, but for at times modifying such control in accordance with trafilc conditions adjacent the switch.

Apparatus embodying our invention is particularly suitable for, although in no way limited to, the control of railway switches which are arranged to be operated by means of the switch operating mechanism described and claimed in an application for Letters Patent of the United States, Serial No, 40,606, filed by Herbert L. Bone,

` on September 14, 1935, for Railway switch oper ating apparatus.

The present application is a division of our copending application, Serial No. 53,774 filed on December 10, 1935, for Apparatus for controlling railway switches. i

2 We will describe three forms of apparatus embodying our invention, and will then point out the novel features thereof in claims. i

` In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic View showing one form of apparatus embodying our invention. Figs. 2 and 3 are diagrammatic views showing other forms of apparatus embodying our invention. f

Similar reference characters refer to parts in all three views.

Referring first` to Fig. 1, the reference characters I and ia designate the track rails of a stretch A of railway track, the one rail I of which is divided by means of insulated joints 2 to form a track section B-C. This track section is provided with a track circuit comprising a track relay D connected across the rails adjacent one end of the section, and a suitable source of'track circuit current, here shown 'as a battery 3, connected across the rails adjacent the other end of the section.

Located section B-C is a switch E which connects the stretch A with a stretch of track F. The switch E is operated by a suitable switch mechanism M, which mechanism, as here shown, of the electropneumatic typeV havingrincluded therein `suitable biasing means for biasing the switch to its nearest extreme position, whereby when the switch is moved to either extreme position, it will be yieldingly held in such extreme positioneven though the supply of fluid to the operating motor of the mechanism is then cut ofi. rThe mechanism M is provided with the usual similar normal magnet Nand reverse magnet R, it being understood that the switch may be moved from its normal position to its reverse posltionby ener gizing the reverse magnet R, and from its reverse position to its normal position by energizing the normal` magnet N. One form of mechanism which will operate in the manner Just described is shown and described in `an application for Letters Patent of the United States,` Serial No. 40,606, led by Herbert L. Bone, on September 14, 1935, for Railway switch operating apparatus.

Operatively connected with the switch E is a circuit controller G comprising three movable contact lingers il, 5 and 6 which cooperate respectively with fixed contact fingers 4a 4b, 5a 51', and te 6b, to form contacts 4-4a, 4-4b, 5-5a, 5-5b, and 6--Sb- Contact 4-4a is closed when switch E occupies its normal position or any position between its normal position and its midstrolre position; contact 4-41 is closed when switch E occupies its reverse position, or any position between its reverse position and its midstroke position; contact 5--5L 1s closed when switch E occupies any position but its full reverse position; contact 5--51 is closed only when switch E occupies its full reverse position; contact S-B is closed only when switch E occupies its full normal position; and contact 6--61 is closed when switch E occupies any position but its full normal position.

The magnets of the switch mechanism M are controlled by the circuit controller G, by the track relay D and by a manually operable lever L.

The-lever L will usually be located ata point remote from the switch, and as here shown is capable of assuming a normal position `n and a reverse position r. Operatively connected with the lever 4L is a contact arm 'l which cooperates with two fixed contacts l and 'l1 to close a normal contact l-111 or a reverse contact 1 -lr according as lever L occupies its n or'its rposition.

The apparatus also includes two indication lamps`H1 and H2, three resistors J1, J2 and J3, and a battery K. The function of the lamps H1 and H2 and resistors J1,.J2 and J3 will become apparent as the description proceeds.

' As shown in the drawings', all parts are in their normal positions and section B--C is unoccupied bya train. Under these conditions, the normal andreverse magnets are both deenergized and theindica-tion lamp H2 is also denergized. The indication `lamp H1, however, is venergized yby virtue ofa normal indication circuit which passes from batteryuK through front contact 22---22a of relay'D, line wire 23, contact '1 -1n of lever lf i,` the filament of lamp H1 connected in multiple with'resistor J1, 'line' wire 24, contact 6-'-lEl of circuitcontroller G, and wires Il and I2 back to battery K.

We will now assume that with the parts in the positions just described the operator, wishing to reverse switch E, moves lever L from its normal to its reverse position. Under these conditions, the resultant opening of contact 7 7 of lever L will interrupt the normal indication circuit just described, while the resultant closing of contact 1 11 of lever L will complete a normal control circuit for the reverse magnet R passing from battery K through front contact 22-22a of relay D, line wire 23, contact 'I If of lever L, the lilament of lamp H2 connected in multiple with resistor J2, line wire 25, contact 5 52 of circuit controller G, wire I4, the winding of magnet R, and wires I 6 and I2 back to battery K. yThe reverse magnet R will therefore become energized and will move the switch to its reverse position. When the switch reaches its reverse position, contact 5 5a of circuit controller G will become opened and will deenergize magnet R, and contact 5 51 of circuit controller G will become closed and will completev a reverse indication circuit. This reverse indication circuit may be traced from battery K through Vfront contactV 22 222 of relay D, line wire 23, contact 'I 'Ir of lever L, the lament of lamp H2 connected in multiple with resistor J2, line wire 25, contact 5 5b of circuit controller G and wire I2 back to battery K. Lamp H2 will therefore become lighted to indicate that the switch and lever both occupy their reverse positions.

It should be pointed out that while the circuit over which the reverse magnet R becomes energized during `movement of the switch to its reverse position under the conditions just described includes lamp H2 connected in multiple with resistor J2, the lamp H2 will not become lighted under these conditions because the resistance of the reverse magnet R is too high to permit enough current to ilow in the lamp. The function of the resistor J2 is to prevent the operator from losing control of the switch in the event that the lamp H2 burns out. Y

It should also be pointed out that if, when the switch occupies its reverse position, it should creep away from this position for any reason due, for example, to misadjustment of the biasing means of the mechanism M, contact 5 5a will become closed and will reestablish the circuit previously traced for the reverse magnet R, thus causing the switch to be immediately restored to its reverse position.

If after the switch has been moved to its reverse position in the manner just described it is desired to restore it to its normal position, the operator will restore lever L to its normal position. This movement of the lever will interrupt the reverse indication circuit including lamp H2 and will complete a normal control circuit for the normal magnet N. This latter circuit may be traced from battery K through front contact 22-22a of relay D, line wire 23, contact 'I 'In of lever L, the lament of lamp H1 connected in multiple with resistor J1 line wire 24, contact 6 6b of circuit con- -troller G, the winding of magnet N, and wire I2 back to battery K. The energization of the normal magnet N will, of course, cause the switch to move to its normal position. When the switch f reaches its normal position, contact G Ib of circuit controller G will open and will deenergize the normal magnet N, and contact 6 6 will become closed and will complete the previously described normal indication circuit including the indication lamp H1. When the normal indication circuit becomes closed, lamp H1 will, of course, become lighted to indicate that the switch and lever both occupy their normal positions.-

1t should be pointed out that while the circuit over which the normal magnet N becomes energized during the movement of the switch to its normal position under the conditions just described includes lamp H1 and resistor J1 connected in multiple, lamp H1 will not become lighted because the resistance of the normal magnet is too high to permit sufcient current to flow in the lamp H1. It should also be pointed out that the function of the resistor J1 is to prevent the operator from losing control of the switch in the event that the lamp H1 burns out. It should further be pointed out that if, when the switch occupies its normal position, the switch should creep away from this position for any reason, the resultant closing of contact E Bb of circuit controller G will reestablish the energizing circuit described above for the normal magnet, and will thus cause the switch to be immediately restored to its normal position.

We will now assume that the parts are in the positions in which they are shown in the drawings and that a train enters the section B C. Under these conditions, relay D will, of course, become deenergized and will open its front contact 22 22f1L and will close its back contact 22-221. The opening of front contact 22 '22a will interrupt the normal indication circuit that was previously closed at this contact, thus causing the normal indication lamp H1 to become extinguished, while the closing of contact 22 22b of relay D will complete an inactive circuit passing from battery K through back contact 22 22b of relay D, resistor J3, contact 4 42 of circuit controller G, wire I8, contact 6 62 of circuit controller G, and wires II and I2 back to battery K.

If while the train occupies section B C, the switch points become displaced from their normal positions for any reason, contact 6 62 of circuit controller G will open and will interrupt the inactive circuit just traced, and contact 6 6b o-i" circuit controller G will become closed and will complete an auxiliary control circuit for the normal magnet N passing from battery K through back contact 22-22b of relay D, resistor J3, contact 4 42 of circuit controller G, wire I8, contact E Bb of circuit controller G, the winding of the normal magnet N, and wire I2 back to battery K. The normal magnet N will therefore become energized and will admit iluid pressure to. the operating motor of the mechanism M, thus causing the mechanism M to iinmediately restore the switch to its normal position. When the train leaves section B C, relay D will, of course, again become energized which will cause the apparatus to become restored to the condition which it occupied before the train entered the section.

When the switch occupies its reverse position and a train enters section B C, the operation of the apparatus will be similar to that just described when the switch occupies its normal position and a train enters section B C with the exception that, under these latter conditions, the deenergization of relay D will interrupt the reverse indication circuit and will complete another inactive unit. This latter inactive circuit passes from battery K through back contact 22 22b of relay D, resistor J3, contact 4 4b of circuit controller G, wire l5, contact 5 5b of circuit controller G and wire I2 back tobattery K.v

If the switch is displaced from its reverse position for any reasonwhenj aV train occupies section B--C, contact 5--5b of circuit controller G will become opened and ywill interrupt the inactive circuit just traced, and contact 5--5a will become closed and will complete an auxiliary control circuit for the reverse 'magnet R. This auxiliary control circuit for the reverse magnet R passes from battery K through rback contact 22-22b of relay D, resistor J3, Contact 4--4b of circuit controller G, wire I5, contact 5-.5aof circuit controller G, wire I4, the windingl of reverse magnet R, and wires I6 and I2 back to battery K. When this auxiliary circuit for the reverse magnet R becomes closed, the reverse magnet will, of course, become energized, and will cause the mechanism M to immediately resto-re the switch to its reverse position.

We will now assume that the parts occupy the positions in which they are shown in the drawings and that a train trails the switch. Under these conditions, the track relayD will become deenergized as soon as the train starts to trail the switch and .will cause the normal magnet N to become energized over the auxiliary control circuit previously traced for the magnet. The excessive forces which are exerted on the switch by the trailing train, however, will force the switch toward its reverse position and as `soon as the switch is forced past its midstroke position, contact ifi-4a of circuit controller G will become opened and will interrupt the auxiliary control circuit which was previously closed for l the normal magnet at this Contact and the contact 4 4 will become closed and will complete the auxiliary control circuit previously traced for the reverse magnet R. The normal magnet will therefore become deenergized and the ref verse magnet R will become energized, thus causing the mechanism M to assist the train in completing the movement of the switch to its reverse position. As soon as. the switch reaches its reverse position, conta-ct 5 5-a of circuit controller G will open and will deenergize the reverse magnet, and contact 5--5b will become closed and will complete the previously described inactive circuit. When the train leaves section B-C, relay D will pick up and will interrupt the inactive circuit and will complete the normal control circuit for the normal magnet N. This willcause the mechanism to restore the switch to its normal position. When the switch reachesits normal position, lamp H1 willbecome lighted in the manner previously described.

When the switch occupies its reverse position and a. vtrain trails the switch, the operation of the apparatus will be similar to that just described when the switch occupies its normal position and a train trails the switch, and it is believed, therefore, that thismlatter.` operation will be apparent from the foregoing and from an inspection of the drawings without further detailed description. -1

It should be noted that` resistor Js has approximately the same resistance as-the resistance of either the resistor J1 or the resistor J? so that when the auxiliary control `circuits for the magnets N and R including the `resistor J3 are completed, these magnets will be supplied with current of substantially the same magnitude as these magnets are supplied with if one of the lamps H1 or H2 burns out.

Referring now to Fig. 2, in the modified form of the apparatus here shown, the swltchE, in.-4

stead of being located in section B-C, is located immediately to the left of this section, and disposed `on opposite sides of the switch a short distance back from the points are a source of light |23 and a light sensitive device |24. The source of light |23 and light sensitive device |24 are so arranged that light from the source |23 will: normally strike the device but will be interrupted bythe body of a car whichV is moving over :the switch.` The light |23 is constantly connected with the terminals X and Y of a suitable source of current, and the device |24 is similarly constantly connected with the terminals X and Yof the source. The device |24 is provided with a front contact |25 which is closed or opened according as the device does or does not receive lightfrom the source |23, and this contact is connected in series with the winding of a relay Q. It will be apparent, therefore, that relay Q will `be picked up or released according as the device |24 does or does not receive light from the source |23. The remainder of the apparatus shown inl Fig. 2 is similar to that shown in Fig. 1 and the circuits for controlling the magnet valves N and R are likewise similar to those shown in Fig. 1 with the exception that the normal indication circuit and the normal control circuit over which` the normal magnet becomes energized when the lever L is moved to its normal position to move the switch from its reverse position to its normal position have both been modified to include a, front contact Z of relay Q, and that, the reverse indication circuit and the normal control circuit over which the reverse magnet becomes energized when the lever is moved to its reverse position to move the switch from its normal position to its reverse position have likewise both been modified to include 4the front contact 2S of relay Q.

The operation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2 in so far as the vmovement of the switch to its normal and reverse positions in response to the movement of the lever to its normal and reverse pesitions is concerned is identical with that previously described in connection with Fig. 1 and will be understood from the foregoing without further description.

When a train moving in the direction of the arrow enters track` section B--C, the resultant deenergization of relay D will open the normal control and indication circuits and will complete one or the other of the inactive circuits depending upon which position the switch then occupies, in the same manner as was previously described in connection with Fig. 1 when a train entered the section B-C. When the train reaches the position where it is directly opposite vthe switch, it will intercept the beam of light from' the source |23 `and will thus cause relay Q to `become deenergized. The deenergization of this relay under these conditions, however,v will have no effect on thev remainder of the apparatus until after the train clears the track section B-C in which event the normal indication circuit willbe retained open at front contact 26 until` the car clears the light beam. When a train moving in the direction opposite to that indicated .by the arrow passes the switch, it will cause relay Q to become deenergized before track relay D becomes deenergized. The deenergization of relay Qlwill open all control and indica-- tion circuits, thus preventing operation of the switch by the `lever while a train is passing the switch. The deenergization of relay D under these conditions/will have no effect on the apparatus unless thel switch points should be displaced from this original position, for any reason, in which event one or the other of the auxiliary control circuits will become closed at back contact Z2- 222, of relay D, and cause the mechanism M to immediately restore the switch points to their, original positions. n

When a train trails the switch, the operation willbe similar to that just described with the exception that the trailing train will force the points to their trailed position before relay D becomes deenergized, `thus permitting the switch to be trailed without applying iiuid to the operating motor of the switch mechanism M during the movement of the points to their trailed positions. ,Ii the points become displaced from their trailed positions before the train clears section B C, one or the other of the auxiliary control circuits depending upon the position the switch occupies, will become completed in an obvious manner and will immediately restore the parts to theirl trailed positions. When the trailing train clears section B-C, the resultant picking up of relay D will complete the proper control circuit to cause the switch to be restored to its original position.

Referring now to Fig. 3, as here shown, the track relay D shown in Fig. 2 has been replaced by a relay Q1 which is controlled by a light sensitive device |2ii1. The light sensitive device |241 is disposed on the opposite side of the track A from a source of light |231 in such manner that a car approaching the switch E in a facing point direction will intercept the supply of light to the device |241 when the car reaches a point which is slightly less than a car length away from the switch, and will continue to intercept the light to the device |221 until after the car intercepts the supply of light to the device |213. The relay Q1, as here shown, is provided with a pickup circuit which passes from terminal X of the source through front contact |251 of light sensitive device i2ll1, the Winding oi relay Q1, and a iront Contact 2'! of relay Q to terminal Y. Relay Q1 is also provided with a stick circuit which passes from terminal X through iront contact |251 of device |241, the winding of relay Q1 and front Contact 271 of relay Q1 to terminal Y. The reminder of the apparatus shown in Fig. 3 is similar to that sho-wn in Fig. 2, but the control and indication circuits have been modified somewhat in a manner which will become apparent from the following description of the operation of the apparatus as a Whole.

As shown in the drawings, lever L and switch E both occupy their normal positions, and stretch A is unoccupied so that both light sensitive devices !24 and |21 are receiving light from the associated sources |23 and |231. Under these conditions, relays Q and Q1 are both picked up, and the normal and reverse magnets N and R i are both deenergized. Furthermore, under thesev conditions-the normal indication lamp H1 is energized by virtue of a circuit which passes from battery K through front contact 2Z-222L of relay Q1, front contact 2B of relay Q, line wire V23, the contact l-'in of lever L, the filament of lamp H1 connected in multiple with resistor J1, line wire 2li, `contact t-ia of circuit controller G, and wires and l2 back to battery K. Y

We will now assume that with the parts in the positions just described the operator, Wishing to reverse the switch E, moves lever L to its reverse position. This movement of lever L will interrupt the indication circuit for lamp H1 at conaosaos tact 1-111, and will complete a normal control circuit for the reverse magnet R passing from battery K through front contact 22--22a of relay Q1, front contact 26 of relay Q, line Wire 23, contact I-lr of lever L, the filament of lamp H2 connected in multiple with resistor J2, line wire 25, contact 5-52 of circuit controller G, wire l5,l the winding of reverse magnet R, and wires I6 and l2 back to battery K. The interruption of the indication circuit for the lamp H1 will cause this lamp to become extinguished, while the closing of the normal control circuit for the magnet R will cause this magnet to become energized, thus causing the switch to move to its reverse position. When the switch reaches its reverse position, contact 5--5a of circuit controller G will open and will interrupt the circuit which was previously closed for reverse magnet R, and contact 5-5b of circuit controller G will become closed and will complete a reverse indication circuit passing from battery K through front contact 22-222 of relay Q1, front contact 26 of relay Q, line wire 23, contact '|-'ir of lever L, the lament of lamp H2 connected in multiple with resistor J2, line wire 25, contact 5-5b of circuit controller G, and wire I2 back to battery K. Lamp H2 will therefore become energized to indic-ate that the switch and lever both occupy their reverse positions.

When the switch has been moved to its reverse position in the manner just described and it is desired to restore it to its normal position, the operator will restore lever L to its normal position. This movement of the lever will interrupt the reverse indication circuit including lamp H2 and will complete a normal control circuit for the normal magnet N passing from battery K through front contact 22--22'f1 of relay Q1, front contact 26 of relay Q, line wire 23, normal contact 1 -1 of lever L, the :filament of lamp H1 connected in multiple with resistor J1, line wire 24, contact -iib of circuit controller G, the winding of normal magnet N, and wires and i2 back to battery K. The reverse indication lamp will therefore become extinguished and the normal magnet N will become energized. The energization of the normal magnet N will, of course, cause the switch to move to its normal position, and when the switch reaches itsnormal position, the resultant opening of contact 6-61 of circuit controller G will deenergize the normal magnet. Furthermore, when the switch reaches its normal position the resultant closing of contact ESa of circuit controler G will reestablish the previously traced normal indication circuit including lamp H1.

If when the parts are in their normal positions in which they are shown in the drawings the switchbecomes displaced for any reason, contact 6-62 of circuit controller G will become opened and contact 6 6b will become closed. The closing of contact 6--61 will complete the previously described circuit for the normal magnet N which magnet will therefore become energized and cause the switch to be immediately restored to its normal position. In a similar manner, if when the switch is moved to its reverse position by movement of the lever L to its reverse position, the switch is moved away from its reverse position for any reason the resultant closing of contact 5 5a of circuit controller G will reestablish the previous described normal control circuit for the reverse magnet R and will thus cause the switch to be immediately restored to its reverse position.

` until after thertrain has completely passed the` When a train moving in the direction of the arrow traverses the stretch of track shown in the drawings, it will intercept the beam 'of' light from the source |231 and will thus cause relay Q1 to become deenergized, before the train reaches the switch. If, when relay Q1 becomes deenergized, the switch occupies its normal position, the deenergization of this relay will complete an auxiliary control circuit for the normal magnet N `passingffrom battery K through back contact-lZ--HJ of relay'Q1, resistorJ3, contact 4-41 of circuit controller G, .the Winding of magnet N and wires and |Z to battery K. Thecornpletion of this auxiliary control circuit for the normal magnet NV will, of course, cause this magnet to become energized and will thus linsure that when the train reaches the switch,

the switch will be held in its'full normal position. If, however, when relay Q1 becomes deenergized the switch occupies its reverse position, an auxiliary control circuit for the reverse magnet R 4will become energized which latter circuit passes from battery K through back contact 22-22b of relay Q1', resistor J3contact 4-411 of circuit controller G, wire l5, the winding of reverse magnet R, and wires iand I2 back to battery K. Under'these latter conditions, therefore, the reverse magnet R-will become energized and will cause the switch toybe heldin its reverse position. As the train passes` over the switch, itwill interceptthe` beam of light to the device i2@ and will cause relay Q to become deenergized. Thel deenergization of this relay will interrupt at itsfront contact `2l `the pickupgcir- .r cuit for relay Q1', and since the stick circuit. for

relay Q1 is then Aopen at its ownfront contact 211, relay Q1 willbe prevented from picking up switch. When this happens, relay Q will pick up, and as soon as this relay picks upfrelay Q1 will become pickedup. The picking up;` of relay Q1 will deenergize the` normal `or reverse magnet which was previously energized and will complete the normal control circuit for the indication lamp H1 or H2 thus restoring the parts lto the conditions which they occupied before the train started to traverse the` stretch f We will now assume that the Vparts arein the positions in which they are shown 2in the drawings and that a train trails the switch. Under these conditions, relay Q will become deenergized before the train reachesv a position in which it exerts a force on the points ofthe switch, and

the deenergization of this relay will interruptthe normal indication circuit which was previously closed at this contact.` Furthermore, the deenergization of relay VQ will prevent the `normalA control circuitfor; the normal magnet N from becoming energizedwhen the switch points are displaced by the trailing train and it will be apparent, therefore, that under these conditions the movement of the switch to its reverse position will be opposed only by the biasing means which are included in the mechanism M and that as soon as the switch has been moved to its midstroke position these biasing Vmeans will become effective to complete the movement of the switch.

When the train reaches the position where it intercepts the beam of light to the ldevice |241, relay Q1 will become deenergized andwill complete the previously described auxiliary control circuit for the reverse magnet R, thus causing the switch to be securely held in its reverse position until after the train clears the light sensitive device |241. When` this happenathe resultant picking up of relay Q1 will reestablish the normal control circuit for the normal magnet N and iluid pressure will then be admitted to the mechanism M to cause the switch to be restored to its normal position. When the switch reaches its normal position, the normal magnet will become deenergized and the normal indication lamp H1 will become energized in a 'manner which will be apparent'from the foregoing without further description.

When the switch occupies its reverse position and a train trails it, the operation of the apparatus will be similar to that just described with the exception that when the train has moved the switch points to their normal position, the auxiliarycontrol circuit for the normal magnet N will then become completed and will thus cause-the normal magnet to become energized.

This magnet will subsequently remain energized until the rear end of the train passes the device |241 and it follows, therefore, that under these conditions the switch will be positively held in its normal position until the train has cleared the device |241. When this happens, relay Q1 will pick up and will cause the parts to be automatically restored to the positions which they occupied before the train started to trail the `mechanism operatively connected with said switch, said mechanism being provided with means for biasing the` switch to its nearest extreme position and with a normal and a `reverse magnet and being effective for moving the switch to its normal position or to its reverse position according'as said normal or said reverse magnet is energized, a relay controlled by traic conditions adjacent said switch, -a manually operable lever having normal and reverse positions and provided with normal and reverse contacts, a circuit controller operatively connected with said switch, said circuit controller being provided with a first contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its normal position, with a second contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its reverse position, with a third contact'which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its normal position, and with a fourth contact which is closed when and only when said switch occupies its a front contact of said relay, a normal contact ing said front contact of said relay, said reverse contact of said lever, and said fourth contact, the parts being so proportioned that said indication lamps willbecome lighted when and only when the associated indication circuit is closed.

-2. In combination, a railway switch having normal and reverse positions, a switch operating mechanism operatively connected with said switch, said mechanism 'being provided with means for biasing the switch to its nearest eX- treme position and with a normal and a reverse magnet and being effectivefor moving theswitch to its normal position or to its reverse position according as said normal or said reverse magnet is energized, a relay controlled by trafc conditions adjacent said switch, a manually-'operable lever having normal and reverse positions and provided with normal and reverse contacts, a circuit controller operatively connected with said switch, said circuit controller being provided With a first contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its normal position, with a second contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its reverse position,V with a third contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its normal position, with a fourth contact which is closed when and only when said switch occupies its'reverse position, with a fifth contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its midstroke position and its normal position, "and with a sixth contact which is closed whenthe switch occupies any position between its. midstroke position andits reverse position; two indication lamps, two resistors; a circuit for said normal magnet including a front contact of said relay, a normal contact of said lever, one of said indication lamps connected in multiple with oneof said resistors, and said rst contact; a circuit for said reverse magnet including said front contact of said relay,a vreverse contact of Vsaid lever, the other indication lamp connected in multiple with the other resistor, and said second contact; a normal indication circuit including said front contact of said relay, said normal contact'of said lever, said one lamp connected in multiple with said vone resistor, and vsaid third contact; a reverse indication circuit including said front Contact of said relay, said reverse contact of said lever,l said other` lamp connected in multiple with said other resistor, and said fourth contact,- the parts being so proportioned that saidvindication lamps will become lighted when and only when the associated indication circuit is closed; a third resistor, an auxiliary circuit for said normal magnetincludinga back contact .of said relay, said third resistor, saidA fth contact, and said rst contact; and an auxiliary circuit for said reverse magnet including said back contact of said track relay, said third resistor, said sixth contact, and said second contact.

3. In combination, a railway switch havingv normal and reverse positions, a switch operating mechanism operatively connected with said switch, said switch operating mechanism being provided with means for biasing the switch-to itsnearest extreme position and with a normal anda reverse magnet and being effective for moving the switch to its normal position or its reverse position according as said normal or said reverse magnet is energized, a iirst relay controlled by trac conditions in advance of said switch, a light sensitive device and a source of light disposed on opposite sides of said switch in such manner Vthat said device will normally receive light from said source but that the supply of light to said device will be cut oi when a. car or train is passing over said switch, a second relay controlled by said light sensitive device, a circuit controller operatively connected with said switch, said circuit controller being provided with a first contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its normal position, with a second contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its reverse position, witha third contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its normal position, and with a fourth contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its reverse position, a manually operable lever having a normal and a reverse position and provided with normal and reverse contacts, two indication lights, two resistors, a circuit for said normal magnet including a normal Contact of said lever, one of said indication lights connected in multiple with one of said resistors, said rst contact, a front contact of said rst relay and a front contact of said second relay; a circuit for said reverse magnet including a reverse contact of said lever, the other indication lamp connected in multiple with the other resistor, said second contact, said front vContact of said rst relay, and said front contact of said second relay;

a normal indication circuit including a normal contact of said lever, said one indication light connected in multiple with said one resistor, said third contact, said front contact of said lilrst relay, and said iront contact of said second relay; and a reverse indication circuit including a reverse contact of said lever, said other indication light connected in multiple with said other resistor, said fourth contact, said front contact of said first relay, and said front contact of said second relay. y

4. In combination, a railway switch having normal and reverse positions, a switch operating mechanism operatively connected with said switch, saidl switch operating mechanism being provided with means forbiasing the switchto its L nearest extreme position-and with a normal and a reverse magnet and being eiTective for moving thev switch to its normal position or its reverse position according as said normal or said reverse magnet is energized, a rst relay controlled by trailic conditions in advance of said switch, a light sensitive device and a source of light disposed on opposite sides of said switch in such manner that said device will normally receive light from said source but that the supply of light to said device will be cut oi when a car or train is passing over said switch, a second relay controlled by said light sensitive device,

a circuit controller operatively connected with said switch, said circuit controller being provided with a rst contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its normal position, with a second contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its reverse position, with a third contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its normal position, with a fourth contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its reverse position, with a fth contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its midstroke position and its normal position, and with a sixth `contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its midstroke position and its reverse position, a manually operable lever having a normal and a reverse position vand provided with normal and reverse contacts, two indication lights, two resistors, a circuit for said normal magnet including a normal contact of said` lever, one of said indication lights connected in multiple with one of said resistors, said rst contact, a front contact of said first relay and a front contact of said second relay; a circuit for said reverse magnet including a reverse contact of said lever, the other indication lamp connected in multiple with the other resistor, said second contact, said front contact of said rst relay, and said front contact of said second relay; a normal indication circuit including a normal contact of said lever, said one indication light connected in multiple with said one resistor, said third contact, said front contact of said rst relay, and said front contact of said second relay; a reverse indication circuit including a reverse contact of said lever, said other indication light connected vin multiple with saidother resistor, said fourth contact, said front contact of said first relay, and said front contact of said second relay; a third resistor, an auxiliary circuit for said normal magnet including a back contact of said first relay, said third resistor, said fth contact, and said first contact; and an auxiliary circuit for said reverse magnet including said back contact of said first relay, said third resistor, said sixth contact, and said second contact.

5.. In combination, a stretch of track provided with a railway switch having normal and reverse positions, a switch operating mechanism operatively connected with said switch, said switch V operating mechanism being provided with means for'biasing the switch to its nearest extreme position and with a normal and a reverse magnet and being effective for moving the switch to its normal position or its reverse-position according as said normal or said reverse magnet is energized, a first light sensitive device and a first source of light disposed on opposite sides of said stretch a short distance in advance of said switch in such manner that said first device normally receives light from said irst source but that the supply of light to said rst device from said first source will be cut off by a car or train approaching said switch, a rst relay controlled by said rst light sensitive device, a second light sensitive device and a second source of light disposed on opposite sides of said switch in such manner that said second device will normally receive light from said second source but that the supply of light to said second device from said second source will be cut ofi when a car or train is passing over said switch, a second relay controlled by said second light sensitive device, a circuit controller operatively connected with said switch, said circuit controller being provided with a rst contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its normal position,with asecond contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its reverse position, with a third contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its normal position, and with a fourth contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its reverse position, a manually operable lever having a normal and a reverse position and provided with normal and reverse contacts, two indication lights, two resistors, a circuit for said normal magnet including a normal contact of said lever, one of said indication lights connected in multiple with one of said resistors, said rst contact, a front contact of said iirst relay and a front contact of said second relay, a circuit for said reverse magnet including a reverse contact of said lever, the other indication lamp connected in multiple with the other lresistor, said second contact, said front contact of said first relay and said front contact of said second relay; -a normal indication circuit including a -normal contact of said lever, said one indication light connected in multiple with said one resistor, said third contact, said front contact of said rst relay, and said front contact of said second relay, and a reverse indication circuit including a` reverse contact of said lever, said other indication light connected in multiplel with said rst resistor, said fourth contact, said iirst contact or" said iirst relay, and said front contact of said second relay.

6. In combination, a stretch of track provided with a railway switch having normal and reverse positions, a switch operating mechanism operatively connected with said switch, said switch operating mechanism being provided with means for biasing the switch to its nearest extreme position and with anormal and a reverse magnet and being eiTecti-ve for moving the switch to its normal position or its reverse position according as said normal orsaid reverse `magnet is energized, a rst light sensitive device and a first source of light disposed on opposite sides `of said stretch a short distance in advance of said switch in such manner that said rst device normally receives light from said first cource but that the l supply of light-to said first device from said first source will be cut off by a car or train approaching said switch, a first relay controlled by said first light sensitive device, a second light sensitive device and a second source of light disposed on opposite sides of saidswitch in such manner that said second device will normally receive light from said second source but that the supply of light to said second device from` said second source will be cut off` when a car or train is passing over said switch, asecond relay controlled by said second light sensitive device, a circuit controller operatively connected with said switch, said circuit controller being provided with a first contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its normal position, with a second contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its reverse position, with a third contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its normal position, with a fourth contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its reverse position, with a fth contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its midstroke position .and its normal position, and with a sixth contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its midstroke position and its reverse position, a manually operable lever having a normal and a reverse position and provided with normal and reverse contacts, two indication lights, two resistors, a circuit for said normal magnet including a normal contact of said lever, one of said indication lights connected in multiple with one of said resistors, said iirst contact, a front contact of said first relay and a front contact of said second relay, a circuit for said reverse magnet including a reverse contact of said lever, the other indication lamp connected in multiple with the other resistor, said second contact, said front contact of said rst relay, and said front contact of said second relay; a normal indication circuit including a normal Contact of said lever, said one indication light connected in multiple with said one resistor, said third contact, said iront contact of said rst relay, and

said front contact of said secondv relay; and a reverse indication circuit including a reverse contact of said lever, said other indication light connected in multiple with said other resistor, said fourth contact, said first contact of said rst relay, and said front contact of said second relay.

7. In combination, a stretch of track provided with a railway switch having normal and reverse positions, a switch operating mechanism operatively connected with said switch, said switch operating mechanism being provided with means for biasing the switch toits nearest eXtreme position and with a normal and a reverse magnet and being effective for moving the switch to its normal position or its reverse position according as said normal or said reverse magnet is energized, a first light sensitive device and a iirst source of light disposed on opposite sides of said switch in such manner that said first device will normally receive light from said first source but that the supplyof light to said first device from said first source will be cut oi when a car or train is passing over said switch, said first light sensitive device being provided with a contact which is closed when and only when said first device is receiving light from said first source; a second light sensitive device and a second source of light disposed on opposite sides of said stretch a short distance in advance of said switch in such manner that said second device normally receives light from said second source but that the supply of light to said second device from said second source will be cut off by a car or train passing said second device, said second device being provided with a contact which is closed when and only when said second device is receiving light from said second source, a rst relay provided with a pickup circuit including the contact of said first device, a second relay provided with a pickup circuit including the contact of said second device and a front contact of said first relay and with a stick circuit including the contact of said second device and its own front contact, a circuit controller operatively connected with said switch, said circuit controller being provided with a first contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its normal position, with a second contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its reverse position, with a third contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its normal position, with a fourth contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its reverse position, with a iifth contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its midstroke position and its normal position, and with a sixth contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its midstroke position and its reverse position, a manually operable lever having a normal and a reverse position and provided with normal and reverse contacts, two indication lights, two resistors; a circuit for said normal magnet including a normal contact of said lever, one of said indication lights connected in multiple with one of said resistors, said first contact, a front contact of said first relay and a front contact of said second relay; a circuit for said reverse magnet including a reverse contact of said lever, the other indication lamp connected in multiple with the other resistor, said second contact, said front contact of said rst relay, and said front Contact of said` second relay; a normal indication circuit including a normal contact of said lever, said one indication light connected in multiple with said one resistor, said third contact, said front contact of said first relay, and said front contact of said second relay; and a reverse indication circuit including a reverse contact of said lever, said other indication light connected in multiple with said other resistor, said fourth contact, said iirst contact of said first relay, and said front contact of said second relay.

HENRY S. YOUNG. HERBERT L. BONE.

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