US416698A - Pneumatic system for operating railway - Google Patents

Description

2 Sheets-Sheet l.

J. WAYLAND & J. S. BALDWIN. PNEUMATIO SYSTEM FOR OPERATING RAILWAY APPLIANGES. No. 416,698. Patented Dec. 3, 1889.

(No Model.)

ilhilli 2 Sheets-Sheet 2. J. WAYLAND & J. S. BALDWIN. PNEUMATIC SYSTEM FOR OPERATING RAILWAY APPLIANCES.

No Model.)

No. 416,698. Patented Dec. 3, 1889.

V i V r James $.Ba/dwin.

" UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES \VAYLAND AND JAMES S. BALDWVIN, OF NEl/VARK, NEXV JERSEY; SAID BALDWIN ASSIGNOR TO SAID \VAYLAND.

PNEUMATIC SYSTEM FOR OPERATING FlAlLWAY APPLIANCES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 416,698, dated December 3, 1889. Application filed August 30, 1889- Serial No. 322,475. (No model.)

- being had to the accompanying drawings, and

to letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

Our invention relates to that form of pneumatic apparatus in which the pressure of air as varied under the manipulation of an operator is employed to display and withdraw and otherwise operate signals, switches, gates, and other railway appliances; and it consists in certain apparatus and mechanism, all of which will be hereinafter more particularly described, and finally pointed out in the clauses of the claim.

The features which chiefly distinguish our invention from devices employed by others to accomplish the same result consist in the use of a portable apparatus for controlling and regulating the pressure of the air in any suitable appliance arranged as above with which it may be connected, and in the means employed to secure the: easy attachment'and detachment of said apparatus to or from any desired point or points in .said appliances or in a conduit or channel of communication adapted to connect said pressure-regulating apparatus with above-named appliances.

Reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which like letters of reference refer to like parts'iIi each of the several figures, Figure 1 shows in elevation and partial section a portion of a. road-bed, a conduit for air under pressure, a series of posts for sustaining said conduit, boxes into which said conduit enters, and end elevation of a signalcase. Fig. 1 shows a Y-pipe connection. Fig. 2 shows in partial section portion of a road-bed and in side elevation a signal and case with sustaining-post, pipe-connections, box, and portable pressure regulating and conpositions of a socket or inlet. Fig. 12 shows Fig. 7 shows a section on Figs. 10 and 11 show in outline two in side elevation a signal apparatus; Fig. 12,

a detail thereof. Fig. 13 shows two sockets or inlets and "attached conduits placed over a railway-track. Fig. 14 shows in side elevation a modified form of pressure controlling and regulating apparatus with attached socket or inlet, and Fig; '15 shows the same in end elevation. Figs. 16, 17, and 18 show details of a conduit.

A, Figs. 1, 2, and 8, are boxes containing sockets-or inlets, as shown in Fig. 5, in which a represents a detached portion of such a box with attached socket or inlet S, carried by a fixed ring or collar, in which said socket or inlet may freely revolve air-tight. Said socket or inletconsists of a shell or casing, as shown in Figs. 5 and 7, one end of which is open and funnel-shaped at its outer extremity, and the other end is or may be closed by a plug, which forms a rest for a spring contained in said chamber, the other extremity of which chamber is closed by a partition pierced with an opening covered by a valve R, which is held firmly down on its seat by the above-named spring except when raised by a force superior to the tension thereof. \Ve ordinarily prefer to have said tension exceed the pressure of the outer atmosphere against said valve when a vacuum exists in said chamber. The said chamber is or may be provided with three apertures d e f, (shown in outline in Figs. 8, 10, and 11,)

which by the revolution of said socket or inlet may be brought opposite ports Y Z, as shown in elevation in said Fig. 5 and in outlinein Fig. 8..

P, Fig. 3, is a vessel or tank adapted to receive and retain air under pressure. V is a vacuum-tank from which the air may be exhausted by means to be hereinafter described. The said tanks are held together by straps or other suitable fastening, and may be moved as one structure.

The tanks P and V communicate by pipes P V with a cock or valve P, which may be turned and set by handle p and, as shown by outlines in Fig.3 may place either of pipes P V in communication with pipe P but it is apparent that only one of said tanks can be in communication with said central conduit at the same time. The conduit P is prolonged by a flexible tube P which terminates in a box U, through which passes and may revolve by an air-tight joint a tube or hollow staif U, closed at one end and there provided with handles N N The other end of said hollow staff is slightly tapered and pierced with two apertures having between them a partition carrying a short stud N, Figs. 3, 6, and 7, and as thus constructed and arranged air under pressure contained in vessel P may pass through pipe P and valve P the handle thereof being in the position shown by the outline P, thence I through central conduit P flexible tube P coupling V, and staff V to apertures in nozzle N. The socket or inlet is adapted to receive through its funnel'shaped opening S the nozzle N when thrust therein by an operator holding the staff or its handles N N E, Fig. 5, is a packing-ring, of leather or other suitable material, held in a suitable recess formed in the socket or inlet S, and adapted to form an air-tight joint with the nozzle N when the latter has been thrust into said socket or inlet.

B, Fig. 5, is a valve held to its seat by a spring contained in the chamber WV.

\Vhen the above-described nozzle is thrust into the socket or inlet, the stud l on said nozzle, as shown in Figs. 3,6, and 7, will force open the Valve R and establish a communica tion between said nozzle and the chamber V, the collar N at the lower end thereof at the same time meeting the end of the socket or inlet and preventing any further entrance. The apertures on each side of the stud N will be observed in Fig. 7. The latch N Fig. 6, at this time engages with a notch F, formed in the said socket or inlet, and is there retained by the action of its spring N and prevents any withdrawal until it is withdrawn from said notch, which may be done by pressure applied to the arm N to which a cord may be attached when necessary, as when a long stafi is employed. The latch N also imparts to the socket any rotating movement imparted to an attached nozzle. When the nozzle is withdrawn from the socket or inlet,

- the valve B, being then freed from the pressure of stud N, will be closed by its spring.

It will be observed that an operator by the act of thrusting the nozzle into the socket or inlet by that act establishes an air-tight communication between said parts and any channels that may be connected therewith, and that the opening and closing of the valve R are automatically efieoted irrespective of any special act of the operator.

A A A are posts carryinga pipe or conduit 0 C, suspended in a succession of ascending and descending curves. At each post said conduit, instead of being carried across the same, forms a descending loop 0 C embracing at its lower extremity the fixed collar or hearing T of the socket or inlet S, the channels through which collar and socket or inlet form, when in proper apposition, a part of said general conduit, as shown in section in Fig. 5 and in outline in Fig. 8, where the pipe 0 has its channel continued through the port Z of the bearing T and channel of the socket or inlet S and the chamber W. The pipe C by similar means communicates with the same chamber. As thus arranged any number of sockets contained in boxes, as shown at A A A, Fig. 1, may form inlets or points of attachment for a pressure regulating and controlling apparatus, which, being properly connected at any one of said points with said socket or inlet under the above-named conditions, may be caused to regulate and control the pressure in the general conduit 0 0 both to the right and left of the post, to which is attached the socket or inlet where said pressure controlling and regulating apparatus is-applied, the other sockets or inlets embraced in loops of said general conduit permitting a free passage when in posit-ion, as shown in Figs. 5 and 8, as above described.

To insure the maintenance of such continuous channels, we prefer to employ automatic 4 means of adjustment for the socket or inlet S, whereby its position when not' under the manipulation of an operator or adjusted for a specific purpose shall be one of free passage. We employ springs g and h, Fig. 8, at tached to the box A, and arm j, attached to socket or inlet S, said springs being arranged and .adapted to apply a counter-strain to said socket or inlet, whereby the same, having been forcibly turned-in either direction, will, when released, be restored by theaction of a spring to its original position. Y

B, Fig. 8, is the cover or door of the box A, attached to said box by suitable hinge, and is provided with a hasp B arranged to enter the lock B, of any construction as now commonly employed, whereby said hasp must be securely locked before the key can be withdrawn.

B is a stud forminga part of said door and adapted to enter hole Q in the socket or inlet S, and the door can only be closed when saidhole is in a position to permit the entrance operator in the position shown by the outline in Fig. 11,communication between the chamthe right or left of the point where the pressure controlling and regulating apparatus is applied, or in both directions at once, as circumstances may require.

In certain cases we employ a different arrangement of parts and channels, as shown in Fig. 9, where the bearing or collar T has four ports and the socket or inlet but one, by which means the pressure-changing action may, by rotating said socket or inlet, be directed in either of the four directions 1, 2, 3,

and 4.

As the conduit 0 tends to drain any moisture condensed therein to the lowest point, as box A on posts A we provide a suitable channel in the lower part of the collarT and socket S and a draining-cock it; through which 'the same may be drawn off by said cock,

which has but a limited range of movement and is automatically shutby theaction of the fork (1 when the door is closed.

25, Figs. 16 and 17, shows in cross-section a tube of lead or other soft metal inclosing a wire 20, of steel or other metal having a high tensile strength, forminga compound channel or duct possessing valuable qualities as .employed for a suspended conduit, as C C C The capacity of such a conduit is not greatly impaired by bruises, as shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 18 shows a method of forming an outlet therefrom.

The modified form of pressure-regulating apparatus shown in Figs; 14 and 15 consists of a rotary pump of any approved construction adapted to act in either direction as the handle N 6 of said pump maybe turned. Attached to said pump is a coupling-box having, with the staff V, nozzle N, handles N N, latch Y &c., the same functions as similar parts shown in Fig. 3. This apparatus, having its nozzle attached to any socket or inlet, as above described, may be employed to control and regulate the pressure of the air in aconduit connected with said socket or inlet, and we regard such an apparatus as a mere modification of that shown in Fig. 3, in that the work in each case is the same, but in one case is performed beforehand and in the other at the moment of effecting the desired change of pressure.

() Figs. 1 and 1, is a Y-connection providing a branch pipe leading from the main conduit C to a sign al-operating apparatus incloscd in a casing D, Figs. 1 and 2, attached to the post A Figs. 1 and 2, a portion of said casing being also shown in Fig. 12.

D, Figs. 2 and 12, is a signal-disk carried by a lever D having pertaining thereto a fulcrum D platen D counter-balance D and pressure-bar D The pipe 0', Figs. 1, 1 and 12, terminates in a flexible tube D which forms a continuation of said pipe and connects it with the neck or outlet D of a flexible bag D, said bag being arranged and adapted when expanded by internal pressure to actuate the lever D and display the signal D, as shown in Figs. 2 and 12. WVhen the pressure in said bag is reduced below the counter-strain imposed by weight D it will permit said weight to descend and withdraw said signal D. When, during the inflation of-said bag, rais-; ing the lever D and weight D a certain movement has been attained, the stop or broadened end D of the lever D will bear against the flexible tube D compressing the same against the stand D as shown in Fig.

12, and prevent the further passage of air therethrough. Any other form of valve adapted to obstruct said passage may be employed in lieu of this arrangement, which We prefer by reason of its simplicity and cheap-' ness. which may consist of a taper screw engaged in a similar threaded orifice communicating with the channel D. The said escape-valve is set to permit the constant escape of air therethrough at a rate considerably less than that at which air may enter when freely admitted through the tube D As thus constructed and arranged the said apparatus D in said Fig. 12 is an escape-valve,

will be operated by air supplied under pressure thereto in excess of the escape permitted through escape-valve D I, Fig. 13, represents a portion of a railwaybed; K, posts adjacent thereto; L, a cross carried by the same; S, sockets or inlets suspended therefrom and having broad flaring mouths, said sockets or inlets having substantially the construction and functions of that shown in Fig. 5, and adapted to be' operatedby a nozzle, staff, and pressure-re'gw' lating apparatus, as already described, said apparatus being carried by and said nozzle usedfronra locomotive or other vehicle on the track and under said socket or inlets. The collar or hearing of asocket or inlet thus placed may have several parts with pipes leading therefrom in different directions, as shown in Fig. 9, and the box and cover A B and other details could under certain circumstances be dispensed with or modified,

as locality and special use might require.

G is a gage indicating the absolute pressure employed in the combination coupling or box U and attached channels.

The operation of the system is as follows: I

and controlling apparatus already described, and shown in Fig. 3, and then, placing the same on the ground, may open the said box, and, holding the staff, may, by firm pressure, insert the nozzle thereof N into the socket or inlet S, as shown in Fig. 2, thus establishing through said socket or inlet an air-tight communication between the conduits C and C, as shown in Figs. 5 and 8, and said pressureregulating apparatus, which, having been suitably prepared either to increase or decrease the pressure in an attached channel, may have such action eifected by turning the ,handle of the valve P as already described, the gagev G indicating the extent thereof. The operator may also by turning the staff impart a similar motion to the attached socket or inlet and direct the pressure action either to theright or left, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11. If the conduit 0 C is provided at suitable intervals with signals, as shown in Figs. 2 and 12, the operator may, byincreasing the pressure in the conduit C and its branch 0', Figs. 1 and 12, and the connected bag B raise the platen D 9, actuating the lever D cause the display first of the signal D immediately overhead, which will rapidly assume the position shown in Figs. 2 and 12, and then automatically, by the action of the stop D on a flexible tube D Fig. 12, obstruct the channel therein and prevent any further consumption of air by said signal, except the small quantity required by the escape through valve D The conduit 0, prolonged through the loop and nozzle on post A,'and continuation of overhead conduit G will then convey said air under pressure to other signals, which in like 'manner will be displayed. We have found that the resistance of aconduit beyond a signal may be sufficient under proper adjustment to divert into said, signal enough air under pressure to secure its display before that next beyond it has been appreciably a-flfected,and so on by succession through a series of such signals.

It will be observed that the above-described method of obstructing or diminishing the communication between a source of supply and signal-bag differs essentially from that now employed, whereby such communication is wholly cutoff, the power employed in our system both for displaying and maintaining purposes being preferably that resulting from an excess of air supplied beyond the capacity of a regulated escape-valve.

By the above course of procedure an operator may cause the display of any desired number of signals either before or behind a stationary train, or, in both directions at once, as circumstances may require. It is also apparent that he may continue such display so long as a suificient amount of air under pressure is supplied to a socket or inlet. The number of signals displayed will in the case of a very long conduit depend upon the size of the latter, the pressure maintained therein at the socket or inlet, and the adj ustment of the escape-valves, all of which conditions may be regulated as circumstances require. I'n'some cases,however, when but a limited distance is to be covered bya system, as on a curve, it may be advisable to close either or both extremities pf a conduit, or in other cases to interpose in a very long conduit stop-cocks for use in case of repairs or other local requirement; but such provisions are constructive rather than operative. When it is desired to withdraw the said signals which have been displayed in the above-described manner, the operator may cut off the supply of air under pressure by turning the valve P and if it is. desired that the said withdrawal shallbe very rapid he may by an appropriate movement of said valve place the vacu um-tankV in communication with the abovedescribed socket or inlet and conduit, when the air therein will rapidly flow to and into said tank, and the signals, deprived of any source of supply, will be rapidly restored to their original positions by the descent of the weight D as permitted by the collapse of the bag D, whose contents will escape through valve D- that is to say, when it is desired to slowly return the signal to a concealed position, after having been exposed by the introduction of compressed air to the conduit 0 and after disconnecting the reservoir of compressed air, the

air in said conduit is allowed by the bl'eeder D to slowly escape and assume a normal pressure. Thus the signal is free to move slowly under the influence of the counter-balance. \Vhen a quicker movement is desired, the air is first exhausted from the body portion of the conduit 0, and the remainder. of said conduit, being cut off from communication with the vacuum-tank at D only slowly assumes a normal pressure because of the bleeder. However, as soonas said bleeder allows the weighted lever and pressure-bar D to open the valve formed in the flexible When it is desired that the said signals shall remain displayed fora considerable period as, for instance, to enable the train to acquire a sufficient speed to avoid danger of collision from the rear-then the operator, observing that the pressure at the nozzle is sufliciently high, may close the valve P and promptly withdraw said nozzle from the socket or inlet, when the valve R will promptly close, retaining in said conduit the air under pressure therein contained. The cover of the box may then be closed and locked and the PI'GSSUI'Q'. regulating apparatus returned to the train, which may proceed on its way, the proper arrangement of channels in said socket, as required to form a continuation of the general through-conduit, having been automatically secured by the closing of said box, as herein-. above described in connection with Figs. -5

no tube, then immediately the compressed air and 8. Under these conditions we find that the conduit left charged with air under pressure acts as a reservoir andwill continue for a considerable time tomaintain the display of a suificient number of signals, which ,will, however, be finally withdrawn by the action of their escape-valves.

By a proper manipulation of the means described and the use of the blow-oif cock N Fig. 3, which may be employed in some cases,

the valve P being entirely closed, an operator may provide any desired variation in the time of withdrawal, as circumstances shall require.

It will be observed that-the above method differs essentially from that employed by others, whereby the withdrawal of a signal is effected by the entire opening or closing of a a valve for that purpose.

It is not essential that the pressure controllingand regulating apparatus should have the precise form shown in Fig. 3, as it may consist of a simple double-acting pump with suitable attachments, as shown in Figs. 14 and 15, which we regard as simply a modification of that already described, but one adapted to the use of track-walkers, watchmen, and others who cannot have access to pressure vacuum-pumps, which now are or may be carried by every train.

It is apparent that by a suitable arrangement of a socket or inlet, as shown in Fig. 13, an operator havinga staff of suitable length may effect any .of the above operations without leaving the train, and may also, by employing a socket or inlet having channels, as shown in Fig. 9, direct a current of air under pressure through any one of a number of pipes and operate switches, gates, turn-tables, and other appliances. This plan will prove useful in making up trains in yards and on sidings, and by its use many lives now lost under present methods would be preserved.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In an improved pneumatic system for operating signals and other railway appliances a conduit hung from elevated supports and formed of a tube of soft extensible metal incasing and sustained by a wire of harder and more tenacious metal, substantially as shown.

2. In an improved pneumatic system for operating signals and other railway appliances a conduit hung from elevated supports and formed of a tube of soft extensible metal inclosing and sustained by a wire of harder and more tenacious metal and having branches formed substantially as shown.

3. In an improved pneumatic system for operating signals and other railway appliances, the combination of a portable pressu rechanging apparatus, aconduit having connected therewith a signal-operating or other similar railway appliances, and an inlet to said conduit arranged and adapted to automatically open communication between said ances, the combination of a conduit con sisting of sections of pipe joined by a series of sockets or inlets, each adapted and arranged to form therewith a continuous channel, or when operated by an attendant to interrupt said continuous channel and place a portion of the same in communication with a portable pressure controlling and regulating apparatus attached to said socket or inlet, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

5. In an improved pneumatic system for operating signals and other railway appliances, aconduit having connected therewith a bag or other equivalent extensible vessel arranged and adapted to operate a signal or other similar railway appliance, a portable pressure regulating and controlling apparatus having a nozzle or equivalent outlet, and a socket orinlet to said conduit arranged and adapted to place said conduit and apparatus in communication with each other when the nozzle is applied to the inlet, substantially as shown.

6. In an improved pneumatic system for operating signals and other railway appliances, a continuous and unobstructed conduit having a socket or inlet arranged and adapted to be connected with a portable apparatus for supplying air under pressure, and a series of bags or equivalent vessels connected therewith and adapted to operate signals or other railway appliances, and arranged,

as shown, to be successively operated by air under pressure from said apparatus through said conduit, eachwbag being adjusted to its work, so that its inflation shall be secured by the backset or resistance of the open conduit beyond the same, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

7. In an improved pneumatic system for operating signals and other railway appliances, a continuous and unobstructed'con duit having an apparatus for supplying air under pressure, a series of bags or equivalent extensible vessels connected therewith and adapted to operate signals or other railway appliances, and arranged, as shown, to be successively operated by air under pressure from said apparatus through said conduit, each bag being adjusted to its work, so that its inflation shall be secured by the backset or resistance of the open conduit beyond the same, substantially as and for the purposes Y set forth.

8., In an improved pneumatic system for operating signals and other railway appliances, a continuous and unobstructed conduit having connected therewith a series of sockets or inlets adapted and arranged to be connected with a portable apparatus for supplying air under pressure, and a series of bags or equivalent extensible vessels connected therewith and adapted to operate signals or other railway appliances, and arranged, as shown, to be successively operated by air under pressure from said apparatus'through said conduit, each bag being adjusted to its work, so that its inflation shall be secured by the backset or resistance of the open conduit beyond the same, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

9. In an improved pneumatic system for operating signals and other railway appliances, the combination of a bag or equivalent extensible vessel arranged and adapted for operating a signal or other railway appliances and having a regulated discharge-outlet, a conduit connected with said bag and supplied wit-h air under pressure, and a regulating-valve between said conduit and bag controlled by the inflation thereof and arranged to adapt the quantity and pressure of the air supplied from said conduit to that required to secure and maintain the inflation of said bag and supply the discharge from the outlet thereof, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

10. In an improved pneumatic system for operating signals and other railway appliances, in combination, a conduit supplied with air under pressure through a valve controlled by an attendant, and connected therewith an inflatable bag or equivalent extensible vessel arranged and adapted to operate a signal or other similar railway appliance, and a continuous outlet of fixed and determined capacity for said bag, arranged and adapted to permit the inflation thereof against the counter-pressure of a weight or similar resistance by a supply of air in excess of the ca pacity of said outlet and to secure the collapse of said bag when the supply is less than said discharge, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

11. In an improved pneumatic system for operating signals and other railway appliances, in combination, a conduit supplied with air under pressure from a portable apparatus controlled by an attendant, as described, and connected therewith an inflatable bag or equivalent vessel arranged and adapted to operate a signal or similar railway appliance, and a continuous discharge outlet of fixed and determined capacity for said bag, arranged and adapted to permit the inflation thereof against the counter-pressure of a weight or similar resistance by a supply of air in excess of the capacity of said outlet and to secure the collapse of said bag when the supply is less than said discharge, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

12. In an improved pneumatic system for operating signals and other railway appli ances, in combination, a bag or equivalent extensible vessel arranged and adapted for operating a signal or other railway appliance, and having a regulated discharge-outlet, a conduit connected with said bag and supplied with air under pressure from a portable apparatus controlled by an attendant, as described, and a regulating-valve between said conduit and bag controlled by the inflation thereof and arranged to adapt the quantity and pressure of the air supplied from said conduit to secure and maintain the inflation of said bag and supply the discharge from the outlet thereof, substantially as shown.

13. In an improved pneumatic system for operating signals and other railway appliances, in combination, a portable apparatus arranged and adapted to control and regulate the pressure of air in a channel connected therewith, and a conduit placed by the side of a railway and having an inlet arranged and adapted to form a connection with said portable apparatus, whereby the same may be employed under the control of an operator to change the pressure within said conduit at and from any therein provided with such inlets, substantially as shown.

14. In an improved pneumatic system for operating signals and other railway appliances, a portable pressure controlling and regulating apparatus containing both avacuum and a pressure tank, channels leading therefrom, a regulating-valve, gage, and nozzle, constructed and arranged substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

15. In an improved pneumatic system for operating signals and other railway appliances, a portable pressure controlling and regulating apparatus containing both a vacuum and a pressure tank, channels leading [05 therefrom, a regulating-valve, gage, flexible tube, and nozzle connected therewith, as shown.

16. A conduit suspended above the ground on suitable supports open to the easy access no of the operator in a series of ascending and descending curves, and communicating with operative appliances, substantially as de-' scribed, in combination with valves connected therewith, arranged and adapted to 115 withdraw the moisture which may accumua late within said conduit, substantially as described.

In testimony that we claim the foregoing we have hereunto set our hands this 28th day of August, 1889.

JAMES 'WAYLAND- JAMES S. BALDWIN.

YVitnesses:

CHARLES H. PELL, E. L. SHERMAN.

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