US2487933A - Boiler high and low water control and alarm system - Google Patents

Description

W. O. MARTIN Nov. 15 1949 BOILER HIGH AND LOW WATER CONTROL AND ALARM SYSTEM 2, Sheets-Sheet l Fild July 30, 1945 Nov. 15, 1949 w. o. MARTIN 2,487,933

BOILER HIGH AND LOW WATER CONTROL AND ALARM SYSTEM Filed July so, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Z7 4 r-l "6 5 4 54 a 51mg 33 1 I Zjfi INVENTOR. Wz/Ziam 0 fifczrzfayz Patented Nov. 15, 1949 BOILER HIGH AND LDW WATER; CON TROD i AND ALA'RM SYSTEM/Lil I William..0. Marlin;Fortv Smith, Arki, assigri'or to I Williamv 0. Maftinflna, FortSmith, Arkg'a corporation of Aikarisas ApplicationzJuly. 30,1945, Serial' No; 607,861

12 (llaiinsz'iwl. 303 1) 1 My invention relatesato a system especially intended for locomotive --steam:-boilers whereby the. is. continued operation-of the locomotive fiunder .cera i tain undesirable and SGI'iQUSwCOIl-ditiOH-S auto-M matically will be prevented 7-1 and serious conseee, '5 quences' avoided; a

In the operationeof steamfboilers'and espea ciallyii'n the .operatiomof steamelocomotive boilers'if the waters IBVBItiS carried too high, per-M mitting it' to -enter-;.the:.-steam.: lines,-. the engine 110 cylinders and other steam operated-mechanisms, h.- it causes damage-etc the; equipment, produces. hazardous, inefiicient and .-expensive conditions. which, particularly: in locomotive. operation, ipro- A ducetdelays andrtie-ups intrafiic; 1

Onesobjeci: of my invention is the provisiontofmeans wherebyssuch excessive waterconditions M will be considered inuitsapplicationtoua locdmo-a tivelboilerih All locomotiveiboil'erslare ,.providedf withf'vfen .i tically. I'spaced gauge. ..cocks for determining the l. j water-level in the "boiler by periodically opening}. the cooks Lthe'i gauge.v cocks either being ..directly.' attachedflto theuboilerlheadco'r' to a'waterclcol-J nimn. with'which some .stea'mulocomotives are providedl.

In the particular embodimentbf the invention illustrated in Figiire .1 (showing of, th'eflocdmotiveiboiler being omitted) one form of my: invention is. shown applied to. a well known type. a. of waterrcolumn employeduori locomotive boilers, 5 a portion oftheiwater: column being shovvnvat r;

I 5; the usual manually operated gauge cocks beingv omitted; TheTuppen-andlower. ends of theft will-be rectified and the "water. in theeboiler-au-c Water columnare connected;respectivelwwithh tomatically lowered-to the proper,highuwatene th st spac nde h wat ra spa f; level through operation, t boilerfiblowrofinlo the hoilenito 'provide .a Water llevelzisimilarito cocks during certain-predeterminedcor properps that n; t q r- A conditions; the-blowV-off. operationxbeing aume mventlon-imvolves*a' float "column matically; discontinuedwhenthe water'tin then (shown adjacent the vv Q f-- nf l boiler recedes to thevproper leveL. valveduconnect ons 11,18 reispectlvely lbetweenn Then too, either duento some 'mechanicaliail thetop and qm =-fl ?--Q n:' and, ure'rzor -throughr negligence theawater'- in the "upper W dz fw i P boilertis permitted to drop to a level :where'an thefioatjcplumn -q insufficient quantity; :of waterefor safezoperation to Z Fd -Q a1 pla hghhtlyabove the exists, which, Without Warning; oftenrresults in "f r i m t f wat columnto boilerjexplosicns causing deathfandwdamagewm (,0 plane slightly beneath the -mlmmumlow water Another object of myxinventionvcontemplates 3 t h b 1 l6 d means wherebyzavwarm'ng alarm or signahwill \c'am or c9 umn 1s? prom e be given when the water. reachesi'a preselected-i n g g qtii fiiq% V ,pr ov1 e .Wl -a.su1 a e me ac. n..or.mag@ lowstage Whereadd1t1onal.water should be 1n-.. 7 w ..ri troducedand in the event the'signal is not" pet-attractor 9mm zmwhlcmmayhe att heeded a the low Wafer lvelyjrectifieacon f to extendvmto shdeways 29% thereby mainta1n-..

""jj ing'the float in proper slidi'riglpositiorilwith.theii. tmued toperat uon 05 the boiif fip ig h magnetattractort. disposed in close relation ggg g gx gfi gzz i gg i igfzfigi v with theinner sides of the charhberl-or column I6,"h'c'h 1 tt f tagesinherent in the invention will all bereadily m z 1 52132515 a: $1 252: 333; 233:? comprehended from the detaileddescription 'of ablehommagneti 'metaly c l l gs-Whereimm. Arrangedadjacent theufloatbolumn l6,'c'oin-" Figure 1 lllustrates aportwn Ofa w t -ff cident With Jtheplanes of thejusualTgaugei cocks .e i S1de e1eVat1 n P' an a -fl and hence coincident with the 'maximum highQ; in vertical section with oertam elements 1n water IeVeLintermediate' or waterjrepleni'shin'g tionalelevation and other -e1ementswith 'thei-r electrical connections diagrammatically illustrated.

Figure 2 is adiagrammaticview of a"modifica- '""50 For purposes of exemplification the invention'i level, and the hiinimum'lowior critical-Water levelf in thejboiler,v are ajnumbe'ri of vertically spaced electric current controlling 'switche'sli, 22,andi23t; each provided with a ipivct'all'y mounted terminal or spring contact'jmember'i'z l"liaving alpinifi 'X' tending tothe exterior of the box'or casing'ofth'ejf switch and into the path of ea'chpivotally mount-" ed lever J26. i'Thefree end of each lever- 26 provided 'wnhamagnet zla'r'rangedinblose proX-T imity to the column 16; with the magnet 21 of switch 2! disposed in a plane coincident with the highest point of the maximum high water level in the boiler; the magnet of switch 22 disposed in a plane of the intermediate water level where it is desired to provide a signal to warn the operator or engine crew that the water in the boiler has receded to a point where it should be replenished; while the magnet 2! of switch 23 is arranged at a predetermined plane beneath that of switch 22, namely coincident with the minimum water level where, in the event of failure to replenish the water in the boiler, further operation of the boiler or travel of the locomotive is to be prevented so as to avoid boiler explosions. The magnet carrying levers are returned to normal position by the spring contacts 24 when the float-carried magnet attractor moves out of the zone of the respective magnets 21.

Each switch 2|, 22 and 23 also is provided with a terminal 28; the switches normally being in open. position and all are electrically connected with a suitable source of electric current supply, namely with the usual turbo-generator with which locomotives are generally provided and which is indicated at 29. The spring contacts 24 are electrically connected with the generator 29 by the lead line 38 through the medium of a manually operated control switch 3|. The terminal 28 of switch 2| is electrically connected with a pair of solenoid operated blow-oif cocks or valves (located at opposite sides of the locomotive) schematically indicated at 32, 32 by lead line 33 and the solenoid valves in turn are electrically connected with the generator 29 by wire 34. If the water in the boiler rises above the maximum high water level, the water in the float column I8 will likewise rise and move float l9 toward the top where the upper magnet attractor fin 28 will be disposed in the magnetic zone of the magnet 2'! of switch 2|, causing the loosely mounted magnet carrying lever 26 to move toward the float column, which in turn forces the lower end of spring contact 24 (through the medium of pin into contact with switch terminal 28. With spring contact 24 in contact with terminal 28, the electrical circuit will be closed, energizing the solenoid valves (indicated at 32) causing the blow-ofi valves to open and thereby blow oi the excess water in the boiler. As the water level in the boiler and in the float column recedes, the float .l9 with the magnet attractor fins will drop out of the magnetic zone of magnet 2'! and permit the magnet lever 26 and spring switch 24 to swing back to normal position thereby opening the circuit through the solenoid valves and permit the blow-off cocks to close.

The terminal 28 of switch 22 is electrically connected by wire 35 with lead line 34 through the medium of the electric signal light and hell or alarm elements generally indicated, respectively, at36 and 31.

As the water in the boiler and in the float column recedes to a level where it should be replenished so as not to endanger the boiler, namely into the plane of magnet 21 of switch 22, float l9 will drop and present its magnet attractor fin or flange 28 in the magnetic field immediately opposite magnet 21 of switch 22. This will cause the magnet 21 and the free end of its lever 26 to move toward column I6, thereby, through the medium of pin 25, move the free end of spring contact 24 into contact with terminal point 28 of switch 22, closing the circuit through the signal and alarm sounding elements 36, 37, thereby warn the loco- 4 motive crew that the water in the boiler should be replenished.

In railroad practice it is desirable that the water level in the boiler should not be allowed to drop beneath a plane three inches above the highest point of the crown sheet of the boiler.

If, through some mechanical failure or negligence of the engine crew, the water in the boiler is not replenished when the alarm is sounded, I have devised means whereby further operation or travel of the locomotive will be prevented before the water level in the boiler falls to the plane of the crown sheet of the boiler where the introduction of cold water would result in boiler explosion. I have therefore provided switch 23 with its magnet 21 arranged in the plane of at least an inch and a half of water, in height, above the crown sheet, so that when the magnet fin or attractor 20 of float 19 reaches the level of the magnet 21 of switch 23, the magnet and its lever 26 will be drawn toward the float column [6, forcing the spring contact 24 (through the medium of pin '25) into contact with contact point 28, closing the circuit through a solenoid valve 38 arranged in a connection 39 between the usual compressed air supply tank indicated at 48 and a cylinder 4| having a reduced extension connected into the brake air line or pipe 42 of the tender or cab, so as to normally permit the air to pass to the respective air brake cylinders of the brake system.

The cylinder 45 is provided with a piston 43 Whose stem or rod is connected with a slide valve 43 arranged in the reduced extension of the cylinder connected into the air line 42. The slide valve 43 is of dimensions smaller than the interinal dimensions of the cylinder extension, as shown; having at itsbottom comparatively nonair passage relation at its'bottom with the cylinder extension4l while permitting free flow of air thereabout or above. The valve 43 on its bottom is provided with an enlarged cavity 43* which normally communicates with an exhaust port or pipe 44 leading to atmosphere; the cavity 43", however, being of size suflicient to establish communication between the main air pipe section 42 and the exhaust 44 when the piston-valve has been moved toward the right in the exemplification shown in Figure 1.

The solenoid valve 38 is connected with contact point 28 of switch 23 by wire 45 and solenoid valve 38 is electrically connected with lead line 34 (connected with generator 29) by lead wire 46, so that, when switch lever 24 engages contact point 28, the circuit through solenoid-valve 38 will be closed, the solenoid energized and its valve moved to open position. This allows air from air tank 40 to enter cylinder 4|, and provide a pressure in the cylinder 4| in excess of the pressure in the air line 42, thereby forcing the piston 43 with its valve 43 toward the right in Figure 1. This movement will shut oif flow of air from air pipe 42 into air pipe section 42*, allowing the air in section 42 to escape through the registering cavity 43* into discharge port or pipe 44; the reduction of air pressure in air line 42 below that Ofthe'air brake cylinder induces application of the brakes to the wheels of the locomotive, tender and/or cars, and thus prevents further proper operation of the locomotive.

In the'particular exemplification I have shown and described my improved means in connection with a water column'of the type at present employed but, in the event'no water column is employed on the boiler, my improved float column amass 'tomatjc control means of the charactewshown and described-in my pendingfapplication-erial No.*5 82,-3,39; filed March ll 19450 The-system shown in Figure 2involvesthe float colurnnJB, with :its top; and bottom connections i! and, !'8, float IS with magnet. attractor ZUTQT'.

t actmsith m ne s 2. ur o h rive eralfi 0i the e p ct e. sw t h bo s o house inesfi 22%:a c ..23,..ada tcd, 2 ac u t t e sp in tact. blad s 24. ..The.hous n io,f, he au omatic r lm ans sc ematic l cdicat dat 4] is provided with mechanism described in myapplie, cation Serial No. 582,339. and adaptedtocontrol electric circuits of the blowwfi cocks or; solenoid valves when the locomotivefls travelling. at or above a preselected speed-and -has traveled a prer determined distance; the particularpircuitcon d. i t r en e bodiment e h t o the so e d .CQ lT-0 lQd..hlW.-.0fi'- cocks w ch e schematically'indicated at; 3,2, 32. a v

The manually o erated main.swit hztl s nor..;: mally in cl s d posi ionasi hpwn.whmthe-svstem; is in use. With switch 3|..in; c1os e d;,position, cur:- rent flows fromgenerator..29,.through;switch 31, .3 line A8 to spring bladei.24,;:n0rmall-y,in contact... with .contact point 549 of; switch box 22 ,'.through;.= line 5!) which leadslto the master switch (at "51.) of the automatic control means within -housing 4?. -When the master switch is closed twhichg as described in my copendingapplicationSerial NO;'-- 582,339, occurs" as soon-as the locomotive travels A0 at or above -apredetermined-speed), the-current passes through-line 52-,-wire ;53,throughswitcheslocated within housing fllandnorma-l-ly controlled by mechanism operatively effective whenthe-locomotive travels at or above-the'predeter---- mined speed for whichthe automatic mechanism;- withinhousing'fl has been geared and whichis designed to periodically operate the blow-off cocks during such speedand a? preselectcddistanceapart. In the event thewater in thejboil'er'reachestoo high a level for'proper locomotive operation, I provide the magnet controlled switch:21. for operating at least one of; thehloweoff cocks. j. The" circuit through switch box 2l ,,jw hen attractor- J55 float ,i 9, has attra t d .thema et 2. and. force spring blade 24 into contactwith contact point; 28, is as follows; From generator 29, through u switch 3|, line 48, through SWitC h12 2 "(fWhEn in the. normal position shown), line 50, through to master switch of the automati,c 'control means located in housingA'l, throughjine 52, line 54,.;. through magnet controlledswitch' zl (nowin closed position) .to line. 55, ,preferablyfprovided with aconventionaltypeof, delay? switch indi- 6 cated at 55*, thence through oneor both .of the blow-off ,cock so e i s-indicated1st 3 2 31 and backto the generatorlflhthh The. circuit just. descriheclisi idaptedjo open... at least one. of the blow ofi cocks .ior. the purpose 0 of .discharging..the excess water in. theqhoilem the com et on. o thecir uit. hwe enbeine 9 led iby .th .rn ster sw tch-19 thQI? L tQm, /G101Y mechangisrn'inhousing, 41; in-order that;the blow; ofi operation may not take place at inopportune 76 moments;'z: namely.; while theriocomotiyeris. in :a' station; gthiS lcircuit howeuer, yepassinge the tripper mechanism':withirirhousingnfl :employed i for-thezperiodicagl blo softorieratiohsnn.

When the systemvis provided'lwithtthezautoeaa. matic: control mechanism of lmyaapplication" .Se-j rial No. 58232.9, switch pox-22s. i's=provided;with a secondalcontactapointa.56:in order-into provideir an La-larm1circuit rwhenrt-he water.level. drops cto l a pointwhere aadditionalywaten shouldbe inj ected=. 2

into the boiler-at which time the blow;-.,off.icir-. cuits :should :be disrupted: ;When the water level;

is such .that :attractorefioat; 19 :comes; into .the; .1 zone-of, magnet. 2-1. oi-switch 22 ;Xmagnet; 21 withizx; its leverwill swing, toward the .float 1column.,-.l6,.:.i thereby forcingspring: b1ade.;. 24 toward contactr point 5%, thereby; establishing-rarcircuit from line. :1. 48 throughzblade-Zll, contact-56, line 51, :through; alarm 36, :back to generator;29;';thus-notifying;1 the; engine .crew. that; thegwater. shouldtbe' replem; x;- ished: i

In 'th-ezeventvthei engine crew, for any: reason; neglects to -.replenish;the.. water, allowing it to recede to a dangerous level, namel-ycwherezattractorefioat. 1.9 drops to the zonerof magnet 2"!- di switchbox 23,.magnet2'l. with its lever wilLbetilted toward column .16, lforcingl springtbladea- 24 toward contact point l28, closing a circuit from line A8, line 48 through switch .23., ,line' 45 \(Kpref r erably provided with a well-known .type:of-delay---s switch 55 through thezsolenoid valve 38, :01. airpressurerpipe 39, and through line-.46. to -line 34 connected with the generator 29.

The circuit: just described- {which-is *independ-- A entof the automaticmechanism) -c0ntl01's the: operation :of the air :operated :piston-valve 43, 13 for inducing brake-application and is similar to that shown. in Figure-1 land heretofore described-. i

Theiicircuitsof the high water switch 21 and of the-'switchi 23 -are,--=as stated, preferablypro--- videdr'with -delayswitches 55 and- 45 Delayswitch 55 is intended to delay the high water i blow-oil operationawhenthe water lever is slight- 1y below. thedestructive high leyel butdue to swaying of the locomotive the attractor-float is momentarily forced into the zoneof the'mag-net of switch 2!, and then drops away from-themagnetthe=circuit, however, having- .been closedfor a brief :period; By employing "a=de1ay"-sWitch,

the flow of current'to the blow-off cock solenoids will be retarded and operation oftheblow-ofi cocksprevented. Delay switch 45 retards-cur rent flow of the mechanism controlled by so1e-' noid valve 38, i0r'example;1delaying brake ap-- .plicatiomor other operation, so as not to sud-5 denl-y interfere with thefeed waterpumpoperation andgive the engine crew-an opportunity torectify the low water condition.

In Figure 31 schematically illustrate another modification of my improved system adapted to the=useof-contact points or electrodes instead of the magnet controlled switches and hence 'elimi-' natingthe-use ofaseparate float columns 1 The systeminvolves the source of current supply or generator indicated at 29, the compressed The pair of electrodes 58 is positioned in a plane slightly above the proper operating level of the water in the boiler, namely in a plane beneath which it is advisable for proper operation to maintain the water level.

The pair of electrodes 59 is arranged in a plane a predetermined distance, say three inches, above the highest point of the crown sheet of the firebox of the locomotive boiler, below which level the water should not be allowed to drop but should be replenished.

The pair of electrodes 60 is arranged preferably midway between the plane of electrodes 59 and the high point of the crownsheetsay an inch and a half above the plane of the crownsheet high pointand these electrodes 60 come into play in the event of failure on the part of the engine-crew to replenish the boiler water when the warning has been given through the medium of electrodes 59; electrodes 60 being adapted to provide a circuit, whereby operations will be performed which will interfere with further operation of the locomotive, as will hereinafter be described.

In view of the nature of the circuits established or affected by the respective pairs of electrodes, namely by the water in the column l5, not being of sufficient strength to operate the solenoids employed, I provide the different electrode circuits with relays for establishing secondary or stronger circuits.

The main supply line from the generator 29 is provided with the manually operated switch 3|, shown in normal closed position for placing the system in operative condition. The primary circult of the upper pair of electrodes '58 involves line 6|, both electrodes 58 (when submerged), line 62, coil of relay 53 and line 64 to generator 29. This circuit (when the water in column |5 reaches electrodes 58) operates relay 63, introducing thesecondary or stronger circuit through line 65 (coming from manual switch 3|), through relay 63 to line 66 (preferably provided with a conventional delay switch indicated at El) connected with the solenoids of the blow-off cocks, indicated at 32, 32 and through line 63 leading to the generator 29.

The circuit of the intermediate or second set of electrodes 59 involves line 59, electrodes 59, line 10, relay 1|, line 12, to generator 29. Relay II is normally energized against its spring to keep it open. When the water level in the column |5 drops below one or both of said electrodes, the normal energizing circuit of the relay H is broken and allows its spring to close the relay and provide a circuit through line 13, relay 7|, through the alarm and/r signal means 36, 37, and line 14 to generator 29.

The circuit of the lowermost set of electrodes involves line 75, coming from manual switch 3|, electrodes 60, line 16, coil of relay I! (normally energized to hold the relay open against its spring), through line 18 to generator 29. When the water level in the column l drops below one or both of said electrodes 60 the normal energizing circuit of relay TI is broken, allowing its spring to close the relay and establish a circuit through line 19 (coming from manual switch 3|), relay 11, line 80, preferably provided with a delay switch BI and through the solenoid-valve 38 in the air connection 39 leading from the compressed air supply M] for operating the pistonvalve structure shown in Figure 1, whereby the air fiow'through the air brake line is disrupted and brake application is obtained.

I prefer to employ the delay switches hereto-- fore mentioned in order to slightly delay the circuits in order to prevent too rapid brake application and/or locomotive operation so as not to interfere, for example with feed water pump operation which may at that time exist, and also afford the engine crew opportunity to give attention to the alarm or signal indicating a low water level in the boiler.

The modification shown in Figure 3 may, when desired, be provided with the speed operated control mechanism or switch indicated at 41 in Figure 2 (controlled by the running gear of the locomotive) arranged in the blow-ofi cock circuit whereby the circuit of one and/or both of the blow-off cocks may not become effective until the locomotive is traveling at or above a predetermined speed so as to prevent blow-01f operations at inopportune moments, as for example while in a railroad station or while laboring under a heavy load or climbing a grade.

I have described the normal operations of the system and its modifications, namely with the manually operated switch 3| in each modification in closed position to provide the various circuits as heretofore described.

In the event switch 3|, accidently or otherwise, has been shifted to open position, namely to the left or dotted line position in the respective figures, a circuit through the signal and/or alarm mechanism still will be maintained.

The system as shown and described is believed to be the simplest embodiment of the invention, but structural modifications may be possible without, however, departing from the spirit of my invention as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a boiler high and low water control and alarm system, the combination of a locomotive provided with solenoid operated blow-off cocks, a compressed air supply, an air brake line and electric current supply, a water column arranged in communication with the boiler so the water levels will correspond; three sets of electric circuit controlling elements associated with said water column, vertically spaced to correspond with preselected boiler Water levels and adapted to be affected thereby to control separate circuits, said elements having electrical relation with the current supply; a piston controlled valve operatively intermediate the air supply and the air line; a solenoid operated valve in the connection between the air supply and said piston controlled valve; and signal means; the upper set of elements being adapted to establish a circuit for the solenoid operated blow-off cocks to provide blowoff operations when the water level in the boiler and water column rises to the level of said upper set of elements; the second or intermediate set of elements being adapted to effect a circuit for actuating said signal means when the water level recedes to the level of said second set; while the third or lower set of elements is adapted to efiect a circuit for said solenoid operated valve when the water level drops to the level of said set, thereby actuating the piston controlled valve and inducing brake application.

2. In a system of the character described for locomotive boilers, a float holding column of non magnetic material having fluid connections with the boiler so as to provide fluid levels in keeping with those in the boiler, the float being provided with magnet attracting means; electric circuit switches arranged adjacent said column at preselected vertical distances apart; boiler blow-oil brak'eiair. line pressure reduced and brake'application provided when the boiler water recedes to "a minimum level.

3. In a'system of the -characteri described the combination of a locomotive provided with sole-J .14 'noidcontrolled' blow-offxcocks, air brake line'and 1 electric' currentssupplmasolenoid controlled means for controlling the'iairflo'w in the air brake line;

: signal providing means; 1 and; electric"v circuit controlling elements arranged invvertical spaced re: lation at elevations" corresponding :with presele'cted boiler i Wate -i levels; electrically connected with said current supply andadapted to control separate circuits}. the uppermost elements establishing a circuit forithe blow-off cock solenoidsto thereby open theblow-off cocks when the boil- 'er' water level-corresponds with the elevation of said upper elem'e'nts; aicircuit for said alarm -meansisprovided and: signals produced'when the boiler water levelrecedes to that of "the interme diate elem'entsjWhile-a*circuit"for said solenoid controlled means is established when the boiler -water level-drops-- to the level of the lowermost elements, thereby actuatingi said meanareducing the pressure in said-airline and providingbr'ake application.

a 4. In a system of the characterfidescribedg the combination of a 'locomotive:provided with an electric currentsupply, signal providing means, solenoid controlled blow-ofi cocks, an' air supply and airbrake line {solenoid 'c'ontrolled means operatively intermediate the-air supply and the air -brake line for affecting: the pressure in sai'd air brake 1ine;fa float column arranged in communi- 'cation' with the boiler so the water level in the columnwill correspond. with that in the'boiler; a

: plurality of switches electrically 'conriected with the current supply, with one switchadapted to control the current to said blovv' offcock solenoids to provide ablow' off operation, "a second switch adapted to control'the current for said sig'na'llpro- 'viding means to 'provideasignalf while a third switch is' adapted to control the-current tos'aid solenoid 'controlled'm'eans tothereby'reduce the pressure in the airline-and provide brake application; movably mounted magnet's -'for separately operating" said switches, said magnets "being verrespond with"prese1ectedboiler water levels; and a magnet attracting float arranged in tlie float column adapted toattract each magnet and operate its respective switchvwhenvthe float reaches the respective levels of said magnets.

5. In a" systemas' 'defind invclair'n 2,-With the blow-off cock operating circuitinvolvinga separate speed controlled-switchoperable by the speed of travel of the locomotive whereby the blow-off cocksolenoid circuit becomes periodicallyie'stab- "1 ."lished" when "the locomotive is movingat. or'above ya preselected'sp'eed.

6. A'high'and'lowwater-control and alarm system comprising the combination of a locomotive provided with a compressed air supply, an electric cu rent supp y. an bra e l n lenoi QP F- 2:10 ..ated blow-01f cocks, and a water column arranged in communicationwith the locomotive'jboiler so the" water. levelsfwill correspond; -e1ectrically0p- "."e'r'ated signal means; separate'sets of electric cir- 5";cuit ;controlling elementsja'ssociated with the Water column arranged at preselected, levels and adapted to be affected by the Water level in-the column, said elements being separately connected .with the current supply and each connection in- 10 eluding .a relay; solenoid controlled means oper- Tatively intermediate the airsupply andthe air .brake line; one'set of.said elements and its asso- .ciated'relay being adapted to'establish a circuit ZLthrough a blow-01f cock solenoid and produce blow..-'ofi operation when the water in said column ,reaches said set of elements, a second set.of"ele- ..nients andrits associated. relay beingadapted to ..establish a circuit. to operate said signal means when the waterin said column recedesto said ..second setv of elements, while a third set of. ele- .-amentswith itsassociated relay-isladapted. to esftablish acircuitthrough said solenoid controlled means Whenathe. water .in said columnfalls to a .lnylevel .adjacent saidthird. .set. of. elementsand zfihcausel said 7 means .to. operate... and. induce brake .rapplyingoperation.

1. A, high .and .lowlwater control. and alarm system comprising..thecombination.of alocomo- .wtive provided-with a compressedair supply an 3.9.. electriccurrent supp yran air.-br.ake.line, solenoid operatedblowe oft .cocks, and a Water column, arwuranged. .incommunication with the. locomotive boiler so the water .levelsowill correspond; ..elec- =trically. .operatedlsignal ..means r separate .sets of 5 lelectricz .circuitncontrollingl elements ..associated with. the vwater .column arranged .at. .-,preselected l: levels... and adapted .to..be affected.- by .thewater 5. lever in- :the .'.column, lsaid- .elements... being. connected. .with the 1. current. supply; ..solenoidn .conl irltrolled means. 1 operatively intermediate lthe. air lsu'pplynand. said, air. .brake. line one .set of. said a elementsbeingadapted to.estab1ish a..circuit=for a operating: a..bloW- 'ofi. cock when thewater in. said ..columna reaches. said -set, of elements; aaspeed 5.1 controlled switch adapted to. close Lsaid JbloW.-off W cock circuit..when the locomotive -=travels at or ,lrabove ,a.-predetermined speed,..a second--.set of said elements being adaptedxtoprovidea circuit P .fonoperating said signal-Hmeans .whenethe -.water '35 in-said column. falls .belowlsaid .secondset, -.while a acthird" set ofelements isv adapted .-to.. provide a circuit for said solenoid rcontrolled ..means. when .l-'.the. water. in said-column fallslbelow saidrthird set of ..elements; .causingsaid means to operate 51, and tdinduce brake applying operation.

. .8. A vh-igh. and low. watercontrol-system.com-

prising thecombination of .a locomotiveprovided witharcompressed. air supply, an. electric current supply, an .air brake line, solenoidloperated blowgoff. cocks, and a float, column, arrangedin com- ..emunication with .the .locomotive. boiler so the water. levels, rwillr.correspond;, electrically. operated .signalumeans; solenoid controlled .means ,operatively intermediate .the 7 air supply and' said airlbrake 1ine.for afiecting the pressure.in;the

latter; a plurality of switches electricallyconnected with the current supply, each switch being controlled. by a movably mounted,magnet .ar- ,iranged adjacent the float column at a preselected 0' elevation correlated with a predetermined water J zlevel in.the'column and boiler; amag'net attract- "in'gfloat in's'aid'column adapted to attractthe magnets and operate their respective switches when the float reaches the preselected water levels, one of said switches establishing a circuit for operating a blow-01f cock, a second switch establishing a circuit for said signal means and a third switch establishing a circuit for providing brake application; and a speed controlled switch, adapted to close a blow-01f cock circuit when the locomotive travels at or above a predetermined speed.

9. A system of the character described for controlling the operation of a locomotive comprising the combination of a locomotive boiler provided with a water column in communication therewith to indicate the water level in the boiler, a compressed air supply, a brake air line, a source of electric current, blow-off cocks and signal means; an air operated piston-valve operatively connected intermediate the compressed air supply and the air line adapted to afiect the pressure in the air line and thereby effect brake application; solenoids for controlling the blowofi cocks; a solenoid-valve for controlling the connection between the compressed air supply and the air line; circuit providing elements associated with the water column vertically spaced at preselected levels and adapted to be afiected by a predetermined water levels; an electric circuit intermediate the source of electric current, the uppermost set of circuit providing elements and the blow-off cock solenoids adapted to effect a circuit for operating the blow-off cocks when the water level in the column reaches said set of elements; an electric circuit intermediate the second set of circuit providing elements, said signal means and the source of electric current adapted to efiect a circuit for operating the signal means when the water level in the column recedes to a preselected level; an electric circuit intermediate the source of electric current, the lowermost set of circuit providing elements and said last mentioned solenoid-valve adapted to efiect a circuit for said solenoid-valve when the water level in the column drops to a preselected level and thereby operate said piston-valve and provide brake application; and a speed controlled switch in the blow-01f cock circuit operatively associated with the running gear of the locomotive whereby the blow-off circuit is maintained open until the locomotive travels at or above a predetermined speed.

10l The combination with a locomotive provided with blow-01f cocks, a compressed air supply, air brake line and a source of electrical energy; an alarm and/or signal mechanism; electric circuits intermediate the source of electrical energy and the blow-off cock operating means, between said energy and said alarm-signal mechanism and between said energy and the air brake line; a water column disposed at the rear end of the locomotive and having communication at top and bottom with the water holding portion of the locomotive boiler and provided at preselected vertical distances apart with electric circuit controlling elements operative by the water levels in said water column whereby the different circuits are controlled by predetermined levels of the water in the locomotive boiler and the blow-off cocks operated when the water level exceeds a preselected level and the alarm-signal mechanism actuated when the boiler water level recedes to a predetermined level; and electrically controlled means operatively intermediate the air supply and the air line, operable when said circuit is 12 established by a preselected low water level whereby communication with the air supply is established, said means operated and the pressure in the air brake line reduced and brake application obtained when the boiler water level reaches a preselected low water level.

11. In a system of the character described for locomotive boilers provided with an alarm mechanism, a compressed air supply, an electric current supply, an air brake line, and means adapted to be operated by said air supply for disrupting the air flow in the airline; a chamber having fluid connections with the boiler so as to provide fluid levels in keeping with those in the boiler, normally open electric circuits between the current supply, said alarm mechanism and said means; and means associated with said chamber at vertically spaced points coincident with a preselected fluid level in said chamber and adapted to be successively affected when the fluid in said chamber recedes to said preselected levels whereby the circuit of said alarm mechanism will be closed and a signal or alarm given, and upon further recession of the water level the circuit of said first mentioned means will'be closed and braking operation obtained.

12. In a system of the character described, the combination of a locomotive with air brakes, a source of electrical energy, and a water column provided with electric elements operative when the water reaches a predetermined low level in the column; an elongated casing, one end whereof intersects the air brake line and normally has the air pass through said end of the casing, said end of the casing adjacent the air line connecnections having an air vent, a slide valve in said end of the casing and of smaller dimensions than the dimensions of said casing end and formed to disrupt the flow through the air line and to establish communication between one end of the air line and said air vent when the slide valve is shifted from normal position; a piston arranged in the opposite end of said casing and operatively connected with said slide valve; an air supply having connection with the piston end of said casing; and a normally closed solenoid operated valve in said air supply connection with said casing adapted to be actuated when the electric elements are affected by the low Water level in said water column, whereby said solenoid operated valve is opened, air from said air supply admitted to the casing thereby shifting said piston and said slide valve, permitting air in said air line to vent to atmosphere and thereby induce brake application; said solenoid controlled valve automatically closing and shutting off the air supply to said piston and permit the piston with the slide valve to return to normal position when the water level in the water column rises above said electric elements.

WILLIAM O. MARTIN REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Gunderson May 12, 1942

Images