US501701A

US501701A - Electric controlling and locking mechanism for railway switches and signals

Info

Publication number: US501701A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1893-07-18
Anticipated expiration: 1910-07-18

Description

(No Model.) A '5' Sheets-Sheet 1.

. G. M. WILDER.

ELECTRIC CONTROLLING AND LOCKING MECHANISM FOR RAILWAY I SWITCHES AND SIGNALS. I

No. 501,701. Patented July 18,1893.

I! J3 {S I? I I Q F, W m E] I N 5 H 9L k S g} (No Model. 5 Sheets-Sheet 21 O. M. WILDER.

BLEGTNIO CONTROLLING AND LOOKING MEGHANISM F SWITO'HES AND SIGNALS;

No. 501,701. PatentedJi11'y 18,=1893.

0R RAILWAY J N N5 (Q m we Wiiiae-ra'ea p f a 4, 'M;

(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 3. 0. M. WILDER. V ELEGTRIG CONTROLLING-AND LOOKING MECHANISM FOR RAILWAY SWITGHES AND SIGNALS."

Patented July 18,

(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 4.

0'. M. WILDER. ELECTRIC CONTROLLING AND LOCKING MECHANISM FOR RAILWAY SWITCHES AND SIGNALS.

No. 501,701.. V Patented July 18, 1893'.

(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 5.

G. M. WILDER. ELECTRIC CONTROLLING AND LOCKING MECHANISM FOR RAILWAY SWITCHES AND SIGNALS No. 501,701. Patented July 18, 1893.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES MORRISVVILDER, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.

ELECTRIC CONTROLLING AND LOCKlNG MECHANISM FOR RAILWAY SWITCHES ANDSIGNALS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Yatent No. 501,701, dated July 18, 1893.

Application filed October 17, 1892. Serial No. 449,092. (No model.)

T0 at whom it'may concern.-

Be it known that I, CHARLES MORRIS WILD- ER,a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Oincinnati,in the county of Hamilton and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Controlling and Locking Mechanism for Railway Switches and Signals, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to systems for controlling and locking electric railway switches,

or signals or both, and it consists in an electrical interlocking system of circuit controlling devices whereby the position of a switch rail controls dependent switch or single circuits or both, through the agency of electromagnets and their armatures; in means for preventing the establishment of the switch or signal circuits or both until the dependent switch rails are locked in position; in a signal motor cut out and catch whereby the motor is cut out of circuit after it has actuated the signal and the signal is held at clear after the motor has beenput out; and in electrical provisions for preventing the throwing of the distant signal until the home signal has been brought to clear. For complete working the system includes a source of electricity, a station in which is an operating case which contains magnets, indicating and controlling devices, circuit terminals and operating levers; switch and signal throwing devices; track boxes; a system of electric circuits; motors for operating the signals, and, preferably, motors for operating the switches.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view showing the various circuitsand connections, the trains running in one direction and governed by a home signal for each track, main and branch, and a distant signal for the main. track. Fig. 2 is an elevation of the switch throwing mechanism. Fig. 3 is a plan View of the track box. Fig. 4 is a front view of the signal throwing mechanism showing the signal at block. Fig. 5 is a section on line 5-5 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a section on line 66 of Fig. i a portion of the mechanism being broken away to show the motor cut-out mechanism and catch. Fig. 7 is an elevation of the switch locking device showing the switch locked and contact closed. Fig. 8 is a like view showing the switch unlocked and contact open; Fig. 9 an elevation of the signal motor cut-out andcatch showing the signal at block; Fig. 10 alike view showing the signal at clearg Fig. 11 an elevation showing the distant signal controlling device in the position itoccupies when the home signal is at block; Fig. 12 alike view when the home signal is at clear. Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic view of the various circuits and connections showing signal and switch circuits controlled by a switch indicator circuit.

T represents the main track; T a branch track; J J and J switch rails; G a source of electricity; L a common lead; It a common return; R B &c., return branches for switch indicator circuits; B B &c., hand operated circuit controllers; M M &c., electro-magnets; A, A, &;c., armatures; W W &c., armature counterweights; P P 850., armature pivots; F, F indicating faces on armatures; C C &c., circuit contact terminals, shown as mercury cups; c 0 &c., circuit terminal closers; X, X", X switch boxes; Y, Y Y track boxes; Z, Z Z 7 signal boxes; D D, D switch motors; D D D signal motors; S, S, S signals provided with counterweights adapted to return them to their normal positions; 0 0 ,0 0 O and O circuitterminals in the track boxes; 0 connecting strip in track boxes; 0 ,0 0 circuit terminals in the switch boxes; .0 O and O circuit terminals in the signal boxes; closed by the signal when at block; 0 circuit terminals in signal box Z closedby the signal when at clear; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 'Z', 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 electric circuits.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 1, circuit 1, containing magnet. M starts from lead L, goes to contact terminal 0 in track box Y, thence by R to contact terminal 0 in switch box X and thence by R to generator G. Circuit 2, containing magnet M starts from lead L, goes to contact terminal 0 in track box Y, thence by R to contact terminal 0 in switch box X, and thence by R to generator G. Circuit 3, containing magnet M starts from lead L, goes to contact terminal 0 in signal box Z thence to contact terminals 0 in box Z and thence by R to generator, G. Circuit 4, containing magnet M starts from lead L, goes to contact terminals 0 in signal box Z and thence by R to generator G. Circuit 5, containing contact terminals B C C C C starts from lead L, goes to switch motor D and thence by R to generator G. Circuit 6, containing contact terminals 13 C C starts from lead L, goes to signal motor D and thence by R to generator G. Circuit 7, containing contact terminal B C C starts from lead L, goes to signal motor D and thence by R to generator G. Circuit '7starts from circuit 7, goes to contactterminals in box Z thence to signal motor D in box Z and thence by R to generator G.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 13, circuit 5, containing terminals B C C Chand C starts from lead L and goes to switch motor D Circuit 6, containing terminals B, C, 'C C starts from lead L and goes to signal motor D Circuit 7, containing terminals B C C, C starts from lead L and goes to signal motor D Circuit 9 starts from lead L, follows the path of circuit 5 to Q, thence through E", C to switch motor D Circuit starts from lead L, follows the path of circuit 9 to Q and goes through terminals B and C to switch m otor D Circuit 11, containing magnet M starts from lead L, goes to O in box Y thence by R to terminals O in track box X thence by R to generator G. Circuit 12, containingmagnet M starts from lead L, goes to terminals 0 in track box Y thence by R to terminals 0 in switch box X thence by R to generator G. Circuit 13, containing magnet M starts from lead L, goes to terminals 0 in track box Y thence by R to terminals 0 in switch box X thence by R to generator G. Circuit 14, containing magnet M starts from lead L, goes to terminals O in track box Y thence by R to terminals 0 in switch box X thence by R to generator G.

Circuits 1 and 2 are controlled by the posi- -tion of the switch rail and control respectively circuits 7 and 6 through contact terminals C and C Circuit 3is controlled by the position of signal S and

closesv circuits

5, 9 and 10 at 0. Circuit 4 is controlled by the position of signal S and closes

circuits

5, 9 and 10 at C Circuit 5 is controlled by

circuits

3, 4, 12 and 14 andthrough it the switch motor D is operated. Circuit 6 is controlled by circuits 2, l2 and 13 and through itsignal motor D is operated. Circuit 7 is controlled by circuits 1, 11 and 14 and through it signal motor D is operated. Circuit 7'is controlled by circuits 1, 11 and 14, and by the signal S and through it signal motor D is operated. Circuit 9 is controlled by circuit- 12 and through it switch motor D" is operated. Circuit 10is controlled bycircuit 14 and through it switch motor D is operated. Circuit 11 is controlled by the position of switch J and closes circuit 7 at C. Circuit 12 is controlled by the position of switch J and closes circuit 5 at C circuit 6 at C and circuit 9 at 0 Circuit 13 is controlled by the position of switch J and closes circuit 6 at C Cirtory transmitting links, devices for, converting rotary into reciprocating movement, a crank and pitman connected with the switch rails, a notched disk fixed to the crank shaft, a locking arm with a lug adapted to take into the notches, a tripping arm and drop catch for unlocking the disk.

In Figs.7 and 8 I have shown the mechan- V ism for preventing the establishment of the controlling and indicating circuits until the dependent switch rails are locked in position. N represents a' disk fixed upon the crank shaft of the switch throwing mechanism and having twodiametrically opposite notches n, n adapted to receive a lug k on a swinging locking arm H pivoted at P. This mechanism and its operation are described in the above-named Letters Patent. H is a leg extending from arm H and moving with it and carrying connecting strip 0 adapted to connect terminals 0 in circuit R, R, R being common to circuits 1 and 2 and connecting one side of terminals 0 O and 0 The leg H is so mounted that connecting strip 0 will engage with the terminal 0 when the lug 71. is in its locking position and then only.

The track box mechanism, as shown in Fig. 3, consists of two pairs of contacts 0 and O which are arranged to be closed by a conducting strip 0 in mechanical connection with and sliding with, the switch rail and so adjusted that one pair of contacts is closed when the switch rail reaches one of its terminal positions and the other when the switch rail reaches the opposite position.

The preferred mechanism for actuating and indicating the signals consists of an electric motor D gyratory transmitting links, a rock shaft V actuated thereby,a signal blade connected with and actuated by the rock shaft,

and contact terminals 0 which are controlled by a connecting-strip 0 operated by the rock shaft and adjusted to be closed only when the signal is at block. This portion of the mechanism is described and shown in Letters Patent of the United States No. 427,361, granted Joseph Ramsey, J r., May 6, 1890. To the rock shaft V is secured a segmental cam w. H is an arm pivoted at P provided with a lug h and preferably slightly spring pressed against the segmental cam. This arm carries the contact strip 0 and armature A of magnet M Magnet M is in parallel circuit with motor D in circuit 7. The circuit terminals 0 O are in motor shunt of circuit 7 so that when circuit 7is broken at O 0 the motor D is cut out of circuit while magnet M remains in circuit. Rock shaft V also carries an arm 0 to which is attached the IZC connecting strip-o which closes'the terminals 0 in circuit 7 This arm 40 is so set thatit closes these terminals only when the signal is at clear. Figs; 4, 5, 6, 9 and 11 represent the position of this mechanism when the signal is at block. positions when at clear. In these figures the connections are shown for signal S but the arrangement shown in Figs. Qand 10 is the same for all the signals, circuit 7 and motor D becoming circuits 6 and 7' and motor D becoming motors D and D for-signals S and S".

In order to set the switch for the branch track the operator breaks circuit 7 by means of circuit controller 13 the catching magnets of signals S and S are demagnetized and the signals thereby released and brought to block by their counterweights breaking circuit 7 at O and closing terminals 0 of circuits7 and 7' and closing circuit 3 at O and 0 thereby completing circuit 3 and energizing magnet M This attracts its armature A and closes terminals C C of circuit 5. Circuit 5 may then be completed by depressing circuit controller 13 mm switch J will be thrown to its opposite position by-motor D and its connections. the locking lug is withdrawn from its locking position and again made when the lug takes into the opposite locking notch and switch rail J is locked in its new position. Circuit 1 is now broken at terminal 0 in box Y, its magnet M demagnetized and, by the action of the counterweight W of armature A circuit 7 is broken at 0 Contact terminals 0 in box Y of circuit 2 are now closed and, since terminals 0 are closed, the magnet M is en-' ergized and its armature A attracted and terminals C of circuit 6 thereby closed by connecting strip c Circuit controller 13 may now be raised breaking circuit 5 without changing the position of switch J. By depressing circuit controller B circuit 6 is completed and signal S is brought to clear thereby breaking-circuit 4: at O and demagnetizing M whereby by the action of counterweight V circuit 5 is broken at C It will be seen that circuit 7 cannot be completed at B because it is broken at C and circuit 5 cannot be completed at B because it is broken at C Hence no signal can be given unless the switch rail is locked in its proper position and the switch rail cannot be moved unless all dependent signals are at block. By breaking circuit 6 at B signal S is released and brought to block, by the action of its counterweight, closing terminals 0 and thereby completing circuit 4 and energizing magnet M closing terminals C in circuit 5. By closing B the switch rail'J may be set and locked for the main track, circuits 1 and 2 then being respectively completed and broken as shown and terminals C and C respectively, closed and open as shown in Fig. 1. All signals now being at block, by depressing circuit controller B circuit 7 is completed, magnet M is ener- Figs. 10 and 12 represent the- Circuit terminals '5 are broken as 'gized and the signal motor D set inmotion.

This rocks shaft V and rocks signal S, to

V clear. Rockshaft V carries wit-hit segment 12 and arm '0 and, as it reaches the clear position lug h is drawn under segment 4) by theaction of magnet M thereby breaking cm cuit 7 at O and cutting out the signal motor.

The rock shaft and signal are locked against return to their normal position by thelug h until magnet M is demagnetized, The circuit terminals 0 are closed by strip 0 of arm 12 as the signal'reaches clear. 7 This completes circuit 7and the distant signal S is brought to clear and its signal motor likewise cut out andthe signal held at clear by action of a magnet. When circuit7 is broken the magnets are demagnetized and the signal counterweights return the signals to block, break the contact atterminals O and, acting through the rock shaft and segmental cam, force the lug 71 from under the segmental cam and force connecting strip 0 on arm H in to'contact with terminals 0 thereby connecting terminals O in circuit 7 and likewise in 7. The action in all the signals is the same except that the home signals only are arranged to control the distant signals.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 13, in

order to set the switches for the branch track,

the operator breaks circuit 7 by means of circuit controller B Signals S and a S are brought to block, circuit 7' broken at O terminals O of

circuits

7 and 7 closed, circuit 3 closed at O and 0' andthereby completed,

and magnet M magnetized, thereby closing circuit 5 at terminals C C as previously del scribed. Switch J may now be set-for the branch track by depressing key B and, as previously described, the magnet M is demagnetized, circuit 7 broken at C C and the magnet M energized and terminals C C of circuit 6 closed. Before switch J 2 can be closed, to allow a train to run over the branch, switch J must be opened since the working,

or motor circuits, of D and-D are controlled track box Y magnet M demagnetized, and

circuit 7 broken at C, CZmagnet M is energized and contact terminals C 0' and C in circuits 5, 6 and 9, closed. Circuit- 9 may now be completed by depressing key B Switch J 2 is then closed, the contacts 0 and O in track box Y respectively opened and closed, and the circuits l4 and 13 like wise respectively opened and closed, magnet M demagnetized,

circuits

5, 7 and 10 broken at C C and C magnet M energizedand terminals C of circuit 6 closed. 'By depressing key B,*signal S is brought to clear, circuit 4 being broken as-the signal leaves its block position and thereby breaking circuit 5 at'terminals 0 No signal or switch can now be moved until signal S is returned to the block position and M energized, closing 0 Then switch J may be set for the main track but switch J cannot be moved until after J 'has been opened. These having been accomplished in the order named, the signals S S 1 may be cleared by depressing the key B As a matter of convenience I have termed the

switch motor circuits

5, 9 and 10, and the signal motor circuits 6, 7-and 7 working circuits and the circuits through which these circuits are governed controlling circuits.

I claim- 1. In an interlocking system a railway switch, electrical terminals controlled thereby, one or more controlling circuits leading from the terminals, elect-ro-magnets in these circuits, one or more working circuits, terminals in the working circuits adapted to be controlled by the action of the magnets and other terminals adapted to be controlled by the operator.

2. In an interlocking system, a railway switch; two pairs of electrical terminals controlled thereby; two electrical circuits each containing a pair of said terminals; an electro magnet in each of said circuits; armatures for said magnets carrying terminal closers; other switches or signals or both; electrical circuits leading to and adapted to operate said switches or signals; terminals in these circuits controlled by the action of the magnet armatures, and terminals within said circuits adapted to be controlled by the operator.

3. In an interlocking system a railway switch, electrical terminals controlled thereby, controlling circuits leading from the terminals, terminals within these circuits, a locking device, a strip controlled by the locking device to connect said terminals, electro-magnets in the controlling circuits, working circuits, and terminals in the working circuits adapted to be controlled by the magnets.

4. In an electrical interlocking system a switch motor circuit, one or more switch indicator circuits and asignal circuit controlled thereby.

5. In an electrical interlocking system a switch motor circuit, one or more switch indicator circuits and a switch circuit controlled thereby.

6. In anelectrical interlocking system a switch motor circuit, oneor more switch indicator circuits and one or more signal and switch circuits controlled thereby.

7. In an electrical controlling and locking system a signal, a motor for operating the signal, mechanism for holding the signal after it has been moved and an electro-magnet for cutting the motor out and controlling the signal holding mechanism.

8. In an electric controlling and locking systerm a signal, a motor for operating the signal, a segmental cam arranged to rock with the signal, a pivoted armature arm carrying a lug adapted to engage with and lock the cam against return movement, an electric circuit leading to the motor, terminals in this circuit, a connecting strip on the pivoted arm and an electro-m agnet for actuating the pivoted arm.

9. In an electric controlling and locking systerm a signal, one or more dependent signals, motors for actuating the signals, an electric circuit leading to the dependent signal motor or motors a rock shaft, governed by the position of the primary signal, and an arm extending therefrom carrying a connecting strip, adapted to close the dependent signal circuit or circuits.

10. In an electric controlling and locking system a signal, one or more dependent signals, motors for actuating the signals, an electric circuit leading to the dependent signal motor or motors a rock shaft governed by the position of the primary signal, and an arm extending therefrom and carrying aconnecting strip arranged to close the circuit when the primary signal has been brought to clear.

CHARLES MORRIS WILDER.

Witnesses:

JAMES N. RAMSEY, BENJAMIN BLooK.