US647483A - Railway switch and semaphore apparatus. - Google Patents

Railway switch and semaphore apparatus. Download PDF

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Publication number
US647483A
US647483A US73934499A US1899739344A US647483A US 647483 A US647483 A US 647483A US 73934499 A US73934499 A US 73934499A US 1899739344 A US1899739344 A US 1899739344A US 647483 A US647483 A US 647483A
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valve
switch
pipe
operating
bar
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US73934499A
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Frank Lemont Dodgson
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PNEUMATIC RAILWAY SIGNAL Co
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PNEUMATIC RAILWAY SIGNAL Co
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01D—NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES
    • F01D11/00—Preventing or minimising internal leakage of working-fluid, e.g. between stages
    • F01D11/02—Preventing or minimising internal leakage of working-fluid, e.g. between stages by non-contact sealings, e.g. of labyrinth type
    • F01D11/04—Preventing or minimising internal leakage of working-fluid, e.g. between stages by non-contact sealings, e.g. of labyrinth type using sealing fluid, e.g. steam
    • F01D11/06—Control thereof

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  • m norms ve sus no. momurha. wumumou. a c.
  • Patented Apr. I7 i900. F. L. DUDGSUN.
  • Fig. 12 is sort, acitizen of the United States, and a resia vertical section on the line marked 12 in dent of Cohoes, in the county of Albany and Fig. 11.
  • Fig. 13 is a side elevation of a sig- 55 Stateof NeWYork,haveinvented certainnew nal-Valve at the switch, part of the casing and useful Improvements in Railway Switch being removed to show'the interior construcand Semaphore Apparatus, of which the foltion.
  • Fig. 14 is a side elevation of a sig- 55 Stateof NeWYork,haveinvented certainnew nal-Valve at the switch, part of the casing and useful Improvements in railway Switch being removed to show'the interior construcand Semaphore Apparatus, of which the foltion.
  • FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the nals having a complete cycle of movements, valve-seat of the valve shown in Figs. 13 to beginning with-tl1e setting of the signal to 15.
  • Figs. 16 is a section on the line 16 16 of safety, then the setting of the switch to its Fig. 13.
  • Fig. 16 is a vertical section on the reverse position, then the returning of the line 16 16 of Fig. 13.
  • Fig. 17 is a bottom 65 15 switch to its normal position, and then the plan view of the sliding valve of the same resetting of the signal to danger.
  • Figs. struction of the apparatus is such that this 15 and 17 show, respectively, the faces of cycle of movements must be accomplished in the seat and slide of an operating-valve at order to set and return the switch.
  • Fig. 18 is a top plan view of the 70 2o bination between the switch mechanism and two relay-valves connected with a switch-cylthe signal mechanism is through a suitable inder, a part of the cylinder being broken interlocking board-such, for instance, as one away to show construction.
  • FIG. 19 is an eleof the Saxby and Farmer type,.although the vation of the valves shown in. Fig. 18.
  • Fig. 21 The invention consists in the construction is a diagrammatic view of the mechanism and and arrangementof parts, as hereinafter depiping relating to a switch.
  • Fig. 22 is a View scribed. of a combined switch and semaphore mech-
  • Figure 1 is a side elevaanism, the view being somewhat diagram- 80 tion of a semaphore-mast, showing the piping matic.
  • FIG. 22 shows the switch-locking bar and mechanism connected therewith Fig. 2 and the locking-lugs on the motion-plate, and is an end elevation of the mechanism on the Fig. 23 is a front'elevation of a part of an Examme mast.
  • Fig. 3 isa vertical section through terlocking board.
  • the semaphore-mast A bears a counter- 8 Fig. 4; is a transverse section on the line 4 4 weighted semaphore-blade A.
  • FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the phore-blade is operated byapiston contained pair of relay-valves shown at the foot of the in a cylinder A and connected to the semamast in Figs. 1 and 2, the upper partof the phore-blade by a link a A reservoir X for mechanism being removed from the valve on compressed air (see Fig. 20) is connected by 0 40 the right hand.
  • Fig. 6 is an elevation of the a supply-pipe X, through one of two relay-- same pair of valves, except that the portion valves R' (shown at the base of the signalindicated by the line 6 6 in Fig. 5 is shown in mast) and a pipe f, with the lower end of the vertical section.
  • Fig. 6 is an elevation of the a supply-pipe X, through one of two relay-- same pair of valves, except that the portion valves R' (shown at the base of the signalindicated by the line 6 6 in Fig. 5 is shown in
  • FIG. 6 is a vertical section cylinder A so that when the valve R is opon the line marked 6 in Fig. 6, but showing erated the air-pressure is admitted through 5 5 the valve-pistons in their highest position.
  • the pipe f into the cylinder raising the pis- Figs. 7, 8, and 9 are cross-sections on the lines ton, lifting the connterweighted end of the 7 7, 8 S, and 9 0, respectively, in Fig. 6.
  • Fig. semaphore-blade, and dropping the blade it- 10 is a side elevation of a-switch-bar and its self to the safety position;
  • the valve R is attachments.
  • FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a operated by air passing through a pipe 0, opmo pair of switch and signal operating bars, the erated by a valve V at the operating station.
  • upper cap being removed from the switch- Air for admission to the pipe 0 is derived from a central reservoir X through a branch supply-pipe X.
  • a lever A adapted to be tilted by the impact of a collar or nut a upon the pistonrod 66 or upon the link (1
  • the other end of said lever A is adapted to strike a pin projecting from the indicator-valve B upon the signal-mast, so that, as shown in Figs.
  • the outer casing b contains a pair of valve-pistons Z) 19 con nected by a stem 12 This stem extends downward and into a cavity b Within the valve casing.
  • the pistons work in a cylindrical bore in the casing b.
  • the upper piston when in its lowest position is adapted to fit against a seat 19 which may be packed, if desired.
  • The'lower piston b is adapted when in its highest position to fit against a seat 19 which may be packed, if desired.
  • a pipe e is connected to a suitable portion of the casing and is connected by a channel 6 and through a port 6 with the cylindrical bore, in which the piston 1) slides, and in such a position that when the piston b is in its lowest position it closes the port 6 but when the piston b is in its highest position there is a free connection between the pipe 6 through the channel e and port 6 with the pipe at through the channel n. Consequently when the pistons b and b are raised there is free connection between the pipes e and 11,; but when the pistons are lowered connection between said two pipes is cut off.
  • a spring 19 inside the casing 11 is adapted to press the pistons 12 and b downward, tending, therefore, to close the connection between the pipes e and 71.
  • this branch 6- is shown as formed in the castings forming the valve-casing I), and it leads through the upper head of the cylinder A
  • an exhaust-port Z is opened, which exhausts the pipe n.
  • This exhaust-port is in that part of the bore in which the piston 1) moves, and this exhaust-port is closed when the piston b is in its highest position, but is opened when said piston is in its lowest position.
  • the lever A is forked on one end, as shown in Fig. 4, to span the piston-rod a and its other end extends into a cavity b inside said valve-casing b and is so set therein that the end of the lever A within the casing may strike the lower end of the valve-stem 19 so as to raise said valve-stein and its valves when the semaphore-blade A is at normal, indicating danger.
  • the relay-valves R and R at the foot of the signal-mast are shown in Figs. to 9, both inclusive.
  • the supply-pipe X is connected with a branching pipe X that connects said supply-pipe X with the inlets of both of the relay-valves.
  • Said valves are identical, the outlet-pipe of one is the pipe 6 and of the other is the pipef.
  • a diaphragm-chamber r In the bottom of the valve-casing, say, of R is a diaphragm-chamber r containing a flexible diaphragm r which divides said chamber into two parts without connection between them.
  • the operating-pipe 19 leads into the lower portion of said chamber, so that when air-pressure is introduced by the pipe 19 the diaphragm is raised.
  • a free passage R leads from the upper portion of the diaphragm-chamber r above the diaphragm, so that the diaphragm may rise and fall freely.
  • the valve-stem r rests upon the diaphragm r so that the stem and its valves may be raised by the movement of the diaphragm.
  • a cylindrical bore in the casing of the valve It has two valve-pistons r and W.
  • the upper of these pistons, T is when in its lowest position adapted to rest upon a valve-seat 7' and the lower of them, 0*, when in its highest position is adapted to rest upon a valve-seat r
  • One or more exhaust-passages r connect with that portion of the bore in which the lower valve-piston 0 moves, and said exhaust-passages are so connected with said bore that when the piston r is in its lowermost position said bore is open to the exhaust and when the piston r is in its highest position the exhaust-passages are closed.
  • a spring 0' inside the valve-casing tends to press the pistons r r and their valvestem 7' downward.
  • An inlet-passage r connects the channel X with the upper portion of the valve-casing on the upper side of the upper piston 0", so that the air-supply in the pipe X passes into the casing of the valve B through the channel X and upward through the passage r to a chamber r in the upper end of the valve-casing.
  • a port r connects the chamber r in the upper part of the valve-casing with the interior of the portion of the bore within which the piston 4' slides, so that when said piston is in its lowermost position this port is closed; but when said piston is in its uppermost position the port is open and connects the supply-pipe X with the interior of the bore in which both pistons r and r move.
  • An outlet-passage e is connected With the pipe e and with the bore between the pistons, and consequently when the pistons are raised by an air-pressure that lifts the diaphragm r the exhaust port or ports r are closed by the piston r and the inlet 4' is uncovered by the piston r thus connecting the inlet 9" with the outlet 6, (see Fig. 6%) but when the diaphragm is not raised the piston 1' covers the inlet 0' and cuts off the air-supply fromthe outlet a; but the piston r uncovers the exhaust and connectsthe outlet 6 with the exhaust. (See Fig. 6.)
  • each valve-casing In the upper part of each valve-casing is the annular chamber which forms a comparatively-thin cylinder r for the upper valve-piston W.
  • the inlet r leads to a port r through the wall of this cylinder.
  • the supply-pipe X always communicates with the chamber r
  • the outer air is colder than the air in the valve-casing moisture condenses upon the inner wall of the valve-casing, but does not condense on the inner wall of the cylinder r 3 because the thin cylinder extending into the chamber in the casing has of course the same temperature on its outer and inner surfaces. All condensation takes place on the outer wall of the chamber r and the action of the piston 1- is not clogged by water, frost, or ice.
  • the same construction is found in the valve shown in Fig. 3.
  • the switch mechanism comprises the switch-points S, Figs. 21, 22 and 22, a bridle s, as usual, connecting them, and a motionplate M, having two slots m and m, for operating, respectively, the switch and an indicating-valve D.
  • the slot m has parallel end portions in opposite sides of the motionplate and in line with the direction of motion of the motion-plate, and a middle diagonal portion connecting said two end portions.
  • the switch-bar M slides in suitable guides (not shown) across the motion-plate, and a pin or friction roller m on the switch-bar rests in the slot m.
  • the valve-slot m has a middle portion that is in line with the direction of motion of the motion-plate and two diagonal end portions that extend in substantially-parallel lines in opposite directions from the ends of said middle portion.
  • the valve-rod d has a pin or friction-roller d that rests in the slot m, and the rod slides in guides (not shown) and across the motion-plate.
  • a locking-bar S is also attached to the switch-points S and passes across the motion-plate through a sta tionary casing or guide 5.
  • On the motionplate are two locking plungers or lugs s" and .9 the first of which is high and thin (see Fig. 22) and the other of which is low and broad.
  • In the locking-bar 8' are two slots, each of which corresponds in contour to the contour of one of the lugs, whereby only the proper lug can pass through either slot, and therefore cannot pass the bar unless its own slot is in the proper position.
  • the lugs are so set on the motion-plate and the slots are so placed on the bar that the lug s can pass into the bar and lock it and the switch-points only when the switch is in its normal position, as shown in Fig. 22, and that the other lug s can pass into the bar and lock it only when the switch is thrown to its reverse posi-' tion.
  • the switch-points should fail to move as the motion-plate should move them one of the lugs will strike against a solid part of the bar S and will stop the motion plate, whereupon the operator inthe tower will be notified, as hereinafter shown.
  • the straight end portions of the slot 171 are so placed and are of such length as to permit the withdrawal of the locking-lug from the locking-bar at the beginning of the stroke of the 1n otion-plate and before the switch-points are moved and the insertion of the other locking-lug into the locking-bar at the end of the stroke of the motion-plate and after the switch has been fully thrown.
  • the switch is operated by a cylinder C, having a piston and piston-rod connected by the link 0 with the motion-plate M.
  • the cylinder has ports at each end for operating it as a double-action cylinder.
  • Relay-valves R and R identical in construction and operation with the relay-valves R and R control the ports leading to each end of the cylinder.
  • the relay-valves and port connections with the cylinder are shown in Figs. 18 and 19.
  • the supply-pipe X leads to a branching inlet-pipe 00 that conducts the air-pressure to the valves.
  • the outlet n from each valve has two branches, one of which, n n, conducts the air-pressure to one end of the cylinder and the other branch, (Z d, (see Fig.
  • the operating-pipes 0'19 lead into the diaphragm-casings R R of the valves, exactly as in the case of the valves R and R (shown in Figs. 5 to 9, inclusive,) and, like the valves R and Rithe ports of the two valves R and R are so arranged that when there is no pressure on the diaphragms the pipes (Z d and the cylinder connect-ions also are connected to the atmosphere and their supply-pipes are closed but when press u re is applied to the diaphragm the exhaust-ports of the valves are closed and the supply is connected with the pipe d or d and with the corresponding end of the cylinder.
  • the valve D controls connections between the two pipes (Z and d and two pipes j 70, which lead back to two relay-valves R and R
  • the pipes j and 7t lead into the diaphragm-chambers of these relay-valves in the same manner hereinbefore described for the purpose of operating the valves by pressures conducted through said pipes.
  • the valve D (see Figs. 13 to 17) is such that when its D-slide is at one end of its stroke the pipes (Z and j are connected, the pipe is open to the atmosphere through the valve, and the opening to the pipe cZ is closed, and when the slide is at the other end of its stroke the pipes (Z and 7c are connected, the pipe CZ is closed, and the pipe j is open to the atmosphere through the valve, and when the slide is at mid-stroke the pipes CZIO and CZH are cut off and the pipes j and Z: are open to the atmosphere.
  • the indicating slide-valve D is shown in Figs. 13 to 17, inclusive.
  • the valve-seat D has a long length wise medial exhaust-port (Z and four ports correspondingly arranged, d d (Z and (Z).
  • the ports (Z and cZ connect, respectively, with the pipes 70 and j and the ports cZ and (Z connect, respectively, with the pipes (Z and d.
  • the slide D has a longitudinal middle port (Z corresponding in position with the exhaust-port (Z and said "port d connects by arched passages (Z in the body of the valve with ports (Z and d)
  • These two ports have each more than twice the area of either of the ports cZ and (Z and are adapted to register therewith.
  • a narrower port d thatis of substantially the same area as either of the ports (Z or 6Z and is adapted to register with either of them. It is connected by an arched passage d with a port (1 on the other side of the middle port (Z Said arched passage 6 passes through the body of the slide-valve. Said port (Z is adapted to register with either of the ports (2 or d or to be cut off by the face of the valve-seat between said last-mentioned ports.
  • the top of the slide is fiat, so that the valve may be pressed down to its seat by a spring D having rollers (Z running on the top of the slide D A screw d passing through the valve-cover D holds the spring in place and determines the pressure by which the slide D is held upon its seat.
  • the valve D therefore controls the operation of the relayvalves R and R In the tower is an operating-bar L for controlling the switch. It has a slot Z for operating the vertical tappet H.
  • the slot has a central portion in line with the direction of movement of the bar and two substantiallyparallel and oppositely-directed end'portions.
  • the tappet has a pin or friction-roller h, which rests in the slot Z, and whereby the tappet is raised and lowered upon longitudinal movement of the operating -bar.
  • the movements are as follows: When the tappet is in its highest position, as shown in Figs. 10 and 21, the pin or roller h rests in the upper end of the uppermost diagonal end portion of the slot Z, and if the bar is moved in the direct-ion of the arrow in Figs.
  • the downward direction of the slot will cause the tappet to descend until the pin or roller rests in the horizontal middle portion of the slot, and the tappet remains stationary so long as the roller or pin is in said horizontal portion.
  • the tappet drops still farther in the other diagonal end portion of the slot Z.
  • the bar has another slot Z which has a long middle portion in line with the direction of movement of the bar and two upwardly-directed diagonallyarranged projections Z and Z the inclinations of the said upward projections of the slot being at substantially-equal angles to the main body of the slot, but in opposite upward direct-ions.
  • the piston in the cylinder 1 When the parts are at normal, as shown in Fig. 21, the piston in the cylinder 1 is at its highest position, because the roller or pin t" is in the upper end of the diagonal slot Z and the piston of the cylinder 1 is in its lowest nected parts the pin i .at normal the connection r position and is in the middle part of the horizontal portion of the slot Z If the operating-bar L is moved in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 10 orFig. 2]., the piston of the cylinder 1 is depressed until it reaches its lowest position, and at the same time the tappet H is lowered about one-half of its total stroke,
  • the bar L is attached by a link 0 toavalve V.
  • This valve connects the supply-pipe X with two pipes 0 p, which pipes are the operating-pipes for the relay-valves R and R at the switch-cylinder.
  • the ports of the valve V are such that when the slide of the valve is at either limit of its stroke the two pipes 0 and p are connected to the atmosphere and the supply-port is closed; but when either pipe 0 or p is connected with the supply X the other pipe, whichever it may be, is still connected with the atmosphere.
  • valve Y is identical in most respects with the valve D above described, and the ports and pipe connections are shown in Figs. 15 and 17.
  • valve-seat V In the valve-seat V are four rectangularly-arranged ports 7: r2 T1104 and a long lengthwise exhaust-port "0 set between the ports 11 and r on one side and c and c on the other side.
  • the ports 11 and 12 connect, respectively, with the pipes 0 and p, and the, ports o and connect by a Y- shaped passage in the valve-seat with the supply-pipe X.
  • the slideV has a long medial exhaust-port r (registering at all times with the port and three other ports 12 and c in line with each other on one side of the port r and a single port on the other side of the port 12
  • the ports and have each a face area equal to that of one of the ports c r and c in the valve-seat and are adapted to connect either pair of ports o and c or c and A passage in the body of the slide connects the ports and p and passages in the slide connect the ports and respectively, with the port 0
  • the ports r and c are each long enough to connect both ports and o with the exhaust 0 at thesame time, and they and the port are so set in the slide-face that when the port registers with either the port 12 or r the other port'(tor registers with the port or with the port r Hence when the slide is at either limit of its motion the supply X is cut off and both of the pipes o and p are open to the exhaust, and the slide
  • the first movement of the operating-bar carries the slide past the connection with the pipe 19 and connects the supply with the pipe 0-, and in order to accomplish this purpose the stop-face IIO Z in the bar L is so placed that this stopface strikes the roller '6 when this port connection is reached.
  • the tappet-slot Z is so formed that the roller 71 stops in the righthand end of the horizontal portion of the slot Z and close to the beginning of the downwardly-directed right-hand end of the slot.
  • the slide is carried from its extreme left-hand position directly to connect the pipe 1) with the supply X, whereupon the pin or roller t" strikes the stop Z and stops the bar until the valve D connects the pipes at and j and operates the relayvalve R lifts the piston in the cylinder 1, and releases and returns the bar, the slide, and the tappet to their initial positions.
  • a device is used in connection therewith that compels a full stroke in each direction, if such a stroke is commenced.
  • This device is not shown in Fig. 21, but is shown in Figs. 10, 11, 12, and 22.
  • On the bar L is a ratchet-bar Z having two ratchet-sections Z Z The teeth of the ratchet-sections are oppositely directed and toward each other.
  • Two pins Z Z are set near the ends of the ratchet-bar, and to the stationary frame on the table G is pivoted a double pawl Z which tilts so that either of its pawl edges may engage the ratchet-bar.
  • An arm Z of the pawl is adapted to be struck by the pins 1 Z when the bar reaches, respectively, the limits of its motion, whereby the pawl is tilted, and after the pawl is partly displaced by the pin a spring Z acting on the sides of an angular edge, moves the pawl to its extreme position for engagement with the ratchet.
  • the spring Z resting on an angular edge on the pawl, holds the pawl in either of its tilted positions and presses the pawl edges yieldingly against the ratchet'section.
  • Fig. 21 the parts of the switch mechanism are shown'as at normal with the motionplate, the valve V and the operating-bar L at their extreme limit of motion in the right-hand direction.
  • the tappet II is lowered to about mid-stroke, and the unlocking to be accom plished by the movement of this tappet cannot occur, as will be well understood by any one acquainted with interlocking boards.
  • the piston of the cylinder 1 is lowered and the pin t" falls against the stop-face Z thus preventing a reverse movement of the operatingbar.
  • the stop-face Z strikes the pin 1' and prevents further movement of the bar, the tappet remains stationary, and the pistons of the cylinders I and I remain stationary also.
  • the valve V now connects the pipe 0 with the supply, putting pressure upon the diaphragm R Fig. 19, at the switch-cylinder and introducing pressure from the supply X through the branch pipe x to the port connection 01 into the right-hand end of the.cylinder O, which moves the-piston and operates the motion-plate.
  • the operating-bar In order to return the switch to its normal position, the operating-bar must be moved in a direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow in Fig. 21 and the opposite succession of operations occurs.
  • the pin 6 is forced downward into the horizontal portion of the slot Z and the bar is moved until the pin t" strikes its stopping-face.
  • the tappet is raised to mid-stroke, and for further movement must await, as herein described, the operation of the related semaphore, where- IIO ence to the switch.
  • the air-pressure in the pipe 3' operates the valve R lifts the piston in the cylinder 1, disengages the pin t" from its stop-face, and automatically carries the pin upward in the slot Z moving the operating-bar L toward the left, finishing the stroke of the valve V which connects both pipes 0 and p to the atmosphere and closes the supply X and at the same time automatically finishes the upward stroke of the tappet H.
  • all the parts are brought again to normal.
  • the semaphore mechanism in the tower is similar to that already described with jrefer-
  • a pin t connects with the cylinder and rests in said second slot.
  • the slot in question has a horizontal portion Z a single diagonal portion Z and a single stop-face Z
  • a relayvalve i R like the relay-valves hereinbefore described, has a connection r with the cylinder 1
  • the supply-pipe X is connected with the valve R by an inletm and the diaphragnrchamloer of the valve R is connected with the indicator-valve B at the semaphore by the pipe at.
  • the operating-bar L is connected with a valve V by a link 1).
  • This valve controls the connection of the supplypipe X with two pipes 0 and 19, running to the diaphragm-chambers of the relay-valves R and R and its ports are identical with those of the valve V above described, and for this reason the valve V is not separately described.
  • the stroke of the signal-operating valve V is shorter than that of the switchoperating valve V, as will appear. If the operating-bar is moved in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 20, the tappet is lowered to midstroke until it rests in the horizontal portion of the slot Z and at the same time the piston in the cylinder 1 is lowered until the pin 1' rests in the horizontal portion Z of its slot and adjacent to the stop-face Z It is obvious that now the operating-bar cannot be returned to its first position until the piston in the cylinder 1 is raised.
  • the lever A operates the valve-stein b and connects the supply X through the valve R and the pipe 6 with the, pipe 7;, which carries air-pressu re to the relay-valve R, whereupon the latter valve connects the inlet 00 with the-cylinder connection r and introduces air-pressure into the cylinder 1 lifting the piston and moving the pin 2' from engagement with the stop-face Z and into the slot Z and automatically carrying the operating-bar L back to its initial position, lifting the tappet II to its initial position, and carrying the valve V back to is first position which cuts off the supply X and opens both pipes o and p to the exhaust.
  • the tower mechanism comprises in the case of a switch mechanism (see Fig. 21) alever L, in which are out two slots of nearly the shape indicated in the drawings.
  • the one farthest to the left is for operating the tappet H.
  • the one to the right is for the purpose of receiving and recording the indication of the switch movements through two indicatorcylinders I and 1
  • In the latter slot Z are two rollers t" and t which are attached directly to the pistons of two cylinders I and 1 Attached to the lever is the operating-valve V
  • This valve is a slide-valve and is similar in some respects to the. ordinary D-valve of an engine.
  • One of its ports is connected to the main air-supply X and two other ports to the operating-pipes o and p.
  • the arrangement of the ports in the valve is such that when it is at either limit of its stroke the two pipes 0 and p are connected to the atmosphere and the supply-port closed, and when either pipe 0 or p is put in connection by means of the supply-port with the main supply the other pipe, whichever it may be, is still connected with the atmosphere.
  • valves R and R for the purpose of admitting air to the two ends of the switch-cylinder.
  • These valves are three-way seat-valves and are operated by large diaphragms. Their ports are so arranged that when there is no pressure on the diaphragms the pipes 12 and n are connected to the atmosphere and their supply'ports closed. When pressure is applied to the diaphragms, their exhaust-ports are closed and the supply connected with pipes 12 and at.
  • the switch is operated by a motion-plate M, having slots in it of about the shape represented in the diagram Fig. 21, the slot m being for the purpose of moving the switch and the slot m for the purpose of moving the indicator-valve D.
  • this slot 'm relatively to the slot m and to the lockingplungers s and s is such that its roller d moves through the inclined portion while the plunger 8 is being removed from its hole in the 1ocking-rod S. The roller d then moves in the straight portion of the slot until the other plunger 3 has entered its hole. Then it is moved down the second incline of the slot.
  • these two inclined portions serve to operate the valve D.
  • the valve D is similar to the valve V; but it is entered by four pipes cl, (1 ,3, and k, and the arrangement of its ports is such that when its slide is at one end of its stroke the pipes d and j are connected and the pipe 76 is connected to the atmosphere, the opening to pipe (1 being closed, and when the slide is at the other end of its stroke and pipes 70 and (Z are connected the pipe (1 is closed and the pipej open to the atmosphere.
  • the switch and lever as shown in Fig. 21, to be in their normal positions. It will be noted first that the pipes o, p, j, and k are all at atmospheric pressure, the pipes 0 and p being connected to the atmosphere through the valve V the pipej through the valve D, the pipe (1, and the exhaust-port of the relay R the pipe is being connected to the atmosphere through the exhaust-port of the valve D. Now to reverse the switch the lever is pulled to the left until the roller 2' stops against the straight portion Z of the slot on the right.
  • This first part of the motion also removes the locking-plunger s from its slot.
  • the roller in the slot on moves along the incline, carrying with it the switch to its opposite position.
  • the switchroller enters the straight portion of its slot and the locking-plunger s enters its hole in the locking-rod S, and after it has entered its hole the roller in the slot m moves down the second incline, thus shifting the valve D, so as to connect the pipes c1 and 70.
  • the pipe (1 connects with the pipe m which is now under pressure, and consequently the pipe receives pressure from the source and leads it to the indicator-cylinder I in the tower.
  • the pipe f from the relay R is connected to the under side of the signal-cylinder and the pipe 9 from the relay R to the upper side by the branch 6
  • the indicator-valve B in this case is a valve exactly like the relay-valves R and R but instead of being operated by a diaphragm it is operated by a lever A ,which in turn is operated by the signal piston-rod. It is connected in such a manner that when the signal is at danger the pipes e and n are connected, and the moment the signal leaves the danger position the passage between 07. and e is closed and the pipe 7% is connected with the atmosphere.
  • the indicator-valve D or B controlling the indicator-cylinders 1 or I I and the operating-bar, obtains all its air-supply through the relay-valves R or R and R Hence the locking and automatic movements of the operating-bars cannot occur until after the operation of the. proper relay-valve and the action of the switch or semaphore cylinder.
  • the semaphore-operating bar cannot be placed in its normal position until the signal has actually arrived at the danger position, and the switch-operatin g bar cannot be moved its full stroke in either direction until the switch has been placed in the corresponding position and has been locked in that position.
  • the interlocking board prevents resetting the semaphore to normal until the switch is reset and prevents the setting of the switch at reverse until the semaphore has been correspondingly set.
  • the positions of the operating-bars L and L indicate the positions of the switch and semaphore, respectively.
  • the switch-bar cannot take its full reverse position until the switch has been moved to reverse, nor can the switch-bar return to its normal position until the switch has returned to normal.
  • the semaphore-bar cannot be returned to normal .until the semaphore has been set to dan- O
  • Fig. 23 is shown a pair of tappets H, the one on the right being connected, as hereinbefore described, with the semaphore-bar L and the one on the left being connected with the switch-bar L.
  • the bar his capable of longitudinal movement and bears dogs, as usual.
  • What I claim is l.
  • a pneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism the combination of a cylinder and piston for operating the switch or semaphore, a relay-valve controlling the inlet and exhaust to said cylinder, an operating-valve for controlling the relay-valve, pneumatic connection between said valves, indicator mechanism adapted to control the movement of said operating-valve and to cause auto-- matic movement thereof, a relay-valve for controlling the indicator mechanism, an indicator-valve controlled by the movement of the piston and adapted to control said lastmentioned relay-valve, and air-supply to said operating-valve, said indicator mechanism and said relayvalves.
  • a pneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism the combination of a cylinder and piston for operating a switch or semaphore, a relay-valve controlling the inlet and exhaust to said cylinder, an operating-valve for controlling the relay-valve, pneumatic connection between said valves, indicator mechanism adapted to stop said operatingvalve at a part-stroke position and to cause automatic movement thereof from said partstroke position, an indicator-valve controlled by the movement of the piston and adapted to control said indicator mechanism, and airsupply to said operating-valve, said indicator mechanism and said relay-valve.
  • a relay-valve controlling the inlet and exhaust to said cylinder, an operating-valve for controlling the relay-valve, pneumatic connection between said valves, an indicator mechanism adapted to stop the movement of said operating-valve at a part-stroke position and to cause automatic movement thereof from said part-stroke position, a relay-valve for controlling the indicator mechanism, an indicator-valve controlled by the movement of the piston and adapted to control said lastmentioned relay-valve, and air-supply to said operating-valve, said indicator mechanism and said relay-valves.
  • a pneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism the combination of a cylinder and piston for operating a switch or semaphore, a relay-valve controlling the inlet and exhaust to said cylinder,an operating-valve for controlling the relay-valve, pneumatic connection between said valves, indicator mechanism adapted to stop said operatingvalve at a part-strol e position and to cause automatic movement thereof from said part-stroke position, an indicator-valve controlled by the movement of the piston and adapted to control said indicator mechanism, means forholding the operating-valve when in a' stoppedposition from reversal of its motion, and air-supply to said operating-valve, said indicator mechanism and said relaywalve.
  • a pneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism the combination of a cylinder and piston for operating a switch or semaphore, a relay-valve controlling the inlet and exhaust to said cylinder, an operating-valve for controlling the relay-valve, pneumatic connection between said valves, indicator mechanism adapted to stop said operating-valve at a part-stroke position and to cause automatic movement thereof from said part-stroke position, an indicator-valve controlled by the movement of the piston and adapted to control said indicator mechanism, a pawl mechanism for holding the operating-valve when in the stopped position from reversal of its motion,and air-supply to said operating-valve, said indicator mechanism and said relayvalve.
  • a pneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism the combination of a cylinderand piston for operating the switch or semaphore, a relay-val ve controlling the inlet and exhaust to said cylinder, an operating-valve for controlling the relay-valve, pneumatic connection between said valves, an indicator mechanism adapted to stop the movement of said operating-valveat a part-stroke position and to cause automatic movement thereof from said part-stroke position, a relay-valve for controlling the indicator mechanism, an indicator-valve controlled by the movement of the piston and adapted to control said lastmentioned relay-valve, means for holding the operating-valve when in a stopped position trolling the relay-valve, pneumatic connection between said valves, an indicator mechanism adapted to stop the movementof said operating-valve at a part-stroke position and to cause automatic movement thereof from said part-stroke position, a relay-valve for controlling the indicator mechanism, an indicator-valve controlled by the movement of the piston and adapted to control said lastmentioned relay-valve,
  • a pneumatic switch mechanism the combination of a cylinder and piston for operating the switch, relay-valves controlling the inlet and exhaust to the ends of said cylinder, an indicator-valve having inlet thereto from a relay-valve,'an operating-valve for controlling said relay-valve, indicator mechanism controlled by the movement of the intion from said indicator-valve to said indicator mechanism for operating the latter.
  • a motor therefor locking mechanism for said switch actuated by said motor, an operatingvalve for said motor, an interlocking board, an operating-bar and connections'therefrom to said valve and to a tappet in said board, and means controlled by the movement of the switch for moving said bar automatically after the switch is locked from a part-stroke position whereby the movement of the valve and of the tappet is completed automatically.
  • valve for said motor, an interlocking board, an operating-bar and connections therefrom to said valve and to a tappet in said board, and means controlled by the movement of the switch for stopping said bar at a part-stroke position and also for moving said bar automatically after the switch is locked from said position, whereby the valve is held in a position for operating the switch and the tappet is held in a position for looking out its related mechanism and the movements of the valve and of the tappet are automatically continued to a position of the tappet permitting the movement of the related mechanism and a position of the valve at which the switch is at normal.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multiple-Way Valves (AREA)

Description

No. 647,483. Patented Apr. l7, I900. F. L. DUDGSON. RAILWAY SWlTGH AND SEMAPHORE APPARATUS;
A lication filed Dec. 6, 1899.)
8 Sheets-Sheet I.
(No Model.)
m: norms ve sus no. momurha. wumumou. a c.
No. 647,483. 'PatentedApr; I7, 1900; r
F. L. uonesou.
RAILWAY SWITCH AND SEMAPHOBE APPARATUS.
(Application filed Dec. 6, 1899.) (No Model.),
8 Sheets-Sheet 2.,
Patented Apr. I7, i900. F. L. DUDGSUN.
RAILWAY SWITCH AND SEMAPHURE APPARATUS.
(Application filed Dec. 6 1699.)
(No Model.)
8 Shuts-Sheet 3.
WW- Z m W Z.
m: mums PEI-ins w. Pnowumv. wAsH mnmn. in.
Patented Apr.- I7, 1900.
F. L. none'sun; RAILWAY SWITCH AND SEMAPHORE APPARATUS.
(Application filed Dec. 6, 1899.) (No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 4.
945m- IW Z W. mGL/W.
No. 647,483. Patented A'pr. l7, |9o0.
F. L. nuo'sson. RAILWAY SWITCH AND ,SEMAPHURE APPARATUS.
(Application filed Dec. 6, 1899.) (N o M o d e I.)
8 SheotsSheet 5.
amczw/w ff Patented Apr. I7, I900. v F. L. nonesou. RAILWAY SWITCH AND SEMAPHURE APPARATUS. (Application filed Dec. 6 1899.) (No Model.)
8 Sheets-Sheet 6,
m; Noam: map no, mom-mm. wAsmNuTou. q
No. 647,483, Patented Apr. 17,1900.
' r. L. nonsson.
RAILWAY .SWITCH AND SEMAPHORE APPARATUS.
(Application filed Dec.'6, 1899.) 7 (No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 7.
m: norms warns 0a.. moro umoq WASHINGTON. a. c.
No. 647,483. Patented Apr. [7, I900. F. L. UUDGSUN.
RAILWAY SWITCH AND SEMAPHORE APPARATUS.
(Application filed Dec. 6, 1899.) (No Model.) A 8 SheetsSheet 8.
In: Noam: vn'tns 00.. mom-urns wnsamamn. 0.1:.
FRANK LEMONT DODGSON, OF COHOES, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO THE PNEUMATIC RAILWAY SIGNAL COMPANY, OF ROOHESTER,NE\V YORK.
RAILWAY SWITCH AND SEMAPHORE APPARATUS.
SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 647,483, dated April 17, 1900. Application filed December 6, 1899. Serial No. 789,344. (No model.)
To all whom it may O H 061 71 operating bar, the lowermost of the two-bar Be it known that I, FRANK LEMONT DODG- mechanisms shown in this figure. Fig. 12 is sort, acitizen of the United States, and a resia vertical section on the line marked 12 in dent of Cohoes, in the county of Albany and Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a side elevation of a sig- 55 Stateof NeWYork,haveinvented certainnew nal-Valve at the switch, part of the casing and useful Improvements in Railway Switch being removed to show'the interior construcand Semaphore Apparatus, of which the foltion. Fig. 14. is a top plan view of the same lowing is a specification. valve shown in Fig. 13, a portion of the cas- This invention relates to pneumatic appaing being removed to show the interiorcon- 60 1o ratus for operating railway swrtmesand sigstruction. Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the nals having a complete cycle of movements, valve-seat of the valve shown in Figs. 13 to beginning with-tl1e setting of the signal to 15. Figs. 16 is a section on the line 16 16 of safety, then the setting of the switch to its Fig. 13. Fig. 16 is a vertical section on the reverse position, then the returning of the line 16 16 of Fig. 13. Fig. 17 is a bottom 65 15 switch to its normal position, and then the plan view of the sliding valve of the same resetting of the signal to danger. The con mechanism shown in Figs. 13 to 15. Figs. struction of the apparatus is such that this 15 and 17 show, respectively, the faces of cycle of movements must be accomplished in the seat and slide of an operating-valve at order to set and return the switch. The comthe tower. Fig. 18 is a top plan view of the 70 2o bination between the switch mechanism and two relay-valves connected with a switch-cylthe signal mechanism is through a suitable inder, a part of the cylinder being broken interlocking board-such, for instance, as one away to show construction. Fig. 19 is an eleof the Saxby and Farmer type,.although the vation of the valves shown in. Fig. 18. Fig. switch and the signal mechanism may be em- 20 is a diagrammatic view of the mechanism 75 ployed independently. and piping relating to a semaphore. Fig. 21 The invention consists in the construction is a diagrammatic view of the mechanism and and arrangementof parts, as hereinafter depiping relating to a switch. Fig. 22 is a View scribed. of a combined switch and semaphore mech- In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevaanism, the view being somewhat diagram- 80 tion of a semaphore-mast, showing the piping matic. Fig. 22 shows the switch-locking bar and mechanism connected therewith Fig. 2 and the locking-lugs on the motion-plate, and is an end elevation of the mechanism on the Fig. 23 is a front'elevation of a part of an insame mast. Fig. 3isa vertical section through terlocking board. the indicator-valve on the semaphore-mast. The semaphore-mast A bears a counter- 8 Fig. 4; is a transverse section on the line 4 4 weighted semaphore-blade A. The semaof Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the phore-blade is operated byapiston contained pair of relay-valves shown at the foot of the in a cylinder A and connected to the semamast in Figs. 1 and 2, the upper partof the phore-blade by a link a A reservoir X for mechanism being removed from the valve on compressed air (see Fig. 20) is connected by 0 40 the right hand. Fig. 6 is an elevation of the a supply-pipe X, through one of two relay-- same pair of valves, except that the portion valves R' (shown at the base of the signalindicated by the line 6 6 in Fig. 5 is shown in mast) and a pipe f, with the lower end of the vertical section. Fig. 6 is a vertical section cylinder A so that when the valve R is opon the line marked 6 in Fig. 6, but showing erated the air-pressure is admitted through 5 5 the valve-pistons in their highest position. the pipe f into the cylinder, raising the pis- Figs. 7, 8, and 9 are cross-sections on the lines ton, lifting the connterweighted end of the 7 7, 8 S, and 9 0, respectively, in Fig. 6. Fig. semaphore-blade, and dropping the blade it- 10 is a side elevation of a-switch-bar and its self to the safety position; The valve R is attachments. Fig. 11 is a top plan view of a operated by air passing through a pipe 0, opmo pair of switch and signal operating bars, the erated by a valve V at the operating station. upper cap being removed from the switch- Air for admission to the pipe 0 is derived from a central reservoir X through a branch supply-pipe X. Upon the signal-mast is pivoted a lever A adapted to be tilted by the impact of a collar or nut a upon the pistonrod 66 or upon the link (1 The other end of said lever A is adapted to strike a pin projecting from the indicator-valve B upon the signal-mast, so that, as shown in Figs. 1 and 20, when the semaphore-blade A is at normal the lever A is depressed on one end and raised on the other, so as to raise the valve mechanism of the valve 13. This mechanism is shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The outer casing b contains a pair of valve-pistons Z) 19 con nected by a stem 12 This stem extends downward and into a cavity b Within the valve casing. The pistons work in a cylindrical bore in the casing b. The upper piston when in its lowest position is adapted to fit against a seat 19 which may be packed, if desired. The'lower piston b is adapted when in its highest position to fit against a seat 19 which may be packed, if desired. There is space around that portion of the stem b which connects the two pistons, and into this space a pipe 97. leads by means of the channel a in the valve-easing. A pipe e is connected to a suitable portion of the casing and is connected by a channel 6 and through a port 6 with the cylindrical bore, in which the piston 1) slides, and in such a position that when the piston b is in its lowest position it closes the port 6 but when the piston b is in its highest position there is a free connection between the pipe 6 through the channel e and port 6 with the pipe at through the channel n. Consequently when the pistons b and b are raised there is free connection between the pipes e and 11,; but when the pistons are lowered connection between said two pipes is cut off. A spring 19 inside the casing 11 is adapted to press the pistons 12 and b downward, tending, therefore, to close the connection between the pipes e and 71.
There is a side branch 6 from the pipe 6 to the upper end of the cylinder A and this branch leads oif from the pipe 6 before the latter reaches the channel 6'. In Figs. 1, 2, and 3 this branch 6- is shown as formed in the castings forming the valve-casing I), and it leads through the upper head of the cylinder A When the valve-pistons b and Z1 are lowered, an exhaust-port Z) is opened, which exhausts the pipe n. This exhaust-port is in that part of the bore in which the piston 1) moves, and this exhaust-port is closed when the piston b is in its highest position, but is opened when said piston is in its lowest position.
The lever A is forked on one end, as shown in Fig. 4, to span the piston-rod a and its other end extends into a cavity b inside said valve-casing b and is so set therein that the end of the lever A within the casing may strike the lower end of the valve-stem 19 so as to raise said valve-stein and its valves when the semaphore-blade A is at normal, indicating danger.
The relay-valves R and R at the foot of the signal-mast are shown in Figs. to 9, both inclusive. The supply-pipe X is connected with a branching pipe X that connects said supply-pipe X with the inlets of both of the relay-valves. Said valves are identical, the outlet-pipe of one is the pipe 6 and of the other is the pipef.
In the bottom of the valve-casing, say, of R is a diaphragm-chamber r containing a flexible diaphragm r which divides said chamber into two parts without connection between them. The operating-pipe 19 leads into the lower portion of said chamber, so that when air-pressure is introduced by the pipe 19 the diaphragm is raised. A free passage R leads from the upper portion of the diaphragm-chamber r above the diaphragm, so that the diaphragm may rise and fall freely. The valve-stem r rests upon the diaphragm r so that the stem and its valves may be raised by the movement of the diaphragm. A cylindrical bore in the casing of the valve It has two valve-pistons r and W. The upper of these pistons, T is when in its lowest position adapted to rest upon a valve-seat 7' and the lower of them, 0*, when in its highest position is adapted to rest upon a valve-seat r One or more exhaust-passages r connect with that portion of the bore in which the lower valve-piston 0 moves, and said exhaust-passages are so connected with said bore that when the piston r is in its lowermost position said bore is open to the exhaust and when the piston r is in its highest position the exhaust-passages are closed.
A spring 0' inside the valve-casing tends to press the pistons r r and their valvestem 7' downward. An inlet-passage r connects the channel X with the upper portion of the valve-casing on the upper side of the upper piston 0", so that the air-supply in the pipe X passes into the casing of the valve B through the channel X and upward through the passage r to a chamber r in the upper end of the valve-casing.
A port r connects the chamber r in the upper part of the valve-casing with the interior of the portion of the bore within which the piston 4' slides, so that when said piston is in its lowermost position this port is closed; but when said piston is in its uppermost position the port is open and connects the supply-pipe X with the interior of the bore in which both pistons r and r move.
An outlet-passage e is connected With the pipe e and with the bore between the pistons, and consequently when the pistons are raised by an air-pressure that lifts the diaphragm r the exhaust port or ports r are closed by the piston r and the inlet 4' is uncovered by the piston r thus connecting the inlet 9" with the outlet 6, (see Fig. 6%) but when the diaphragm is not raised the piston 1' covers the inlet 0' and cuts off the air-supply fromthe outlet a; but the piston r uncovers the exhaust and connectsthe outlet 6 with the exhaust. (See Fig. 6.)
In the upper part of each valve-casing is the annular chamber which forms a comparatively-thin cylinder r for the upper valve-piston W. The inlet r leads to a port r through the wall of this cylinder. Hence the supply-pipe X always communicates with the chamber r In case the outer air is colder than the air in the valve-casing moisture condenses upon the inner wall of the valve-casing, but does not condense on the inner wall of the cylinder r 3 because the thin cylinder extending into the chamber in the casing has of course the same temperature on its outer and inner surfaces. All condensation takes place on the outer wall of the chamber r and the action of the piston 1- is not clogged by water, frost, or ice. The same construction is found in the valve shown in Fig. 3.
The switch mechanism comprises the switch-points S, Figs. 21, 22 and 22, a bridle s, as usual, connecting them, and a motionplate M, having two slots m and m, for operating, respectively, the switch and an indicating-valve D. The slot m has parallel end portions in opposite sides of the motionplate and in line with the direction of motion of the motion-plate, and a middle diagonal portion connecting said two end portions. The switch-bar M slides in suitable guides (not shown) across the motion-plate, and a pin or friction roller m on the switch-bar rests in the slot m. Hence when the motionplate reciprocates in the direction of the arrow in Figs. 21 and 22 the switch-bar is unmoved while the pin or roller m is in either of the end portions of the slot m; but the bar is moved and the switch is thrown while the pin or roller is in the diagonal middle portion of the slot m.
The valve-slot m has a middle portion that is in line with the direction of motion of the motion-plate and two diagonal end portions that extend in substantially-parallel lines in opposite directions from the ends of said middle portion. The valve-rod d has a pin or friction-roller d that rests in the slot m, and the rod slides in guides (not shown) and across the motion-plate. Hence when the motionplate reciprocates in the direction of the arrow in Figs. 21 and 22 the valve-rod is moved at the beginning and at the end of a stroke of the plate and is stationary at the middle of the stroke, so that the valve is'first moved from one limit of its movement to a middle position, is held in this middle position, and is then moved from the middle position to the other limit of its movement. A locking-bar S is also attached to the switch-points S and passes across the motion-plate through a sta tionary casing or guide 5. On the motionplate are two locking plungers or lugs s" and .9 the first of which is high and thin (see Fig. 22) and the other of which is low and broad. In the locking-bar 8' are two slots, each of which corresponds in contour to the contour of one of the lugs, whereby only the proper lug can pass through either slot, and therefore cannot pass the bar unless its own slot is in the proper position. The lugs are so set on the motion-plate and the slots are so placed on the bar that the lug s can pass into the bar and lock it and the switch-points only when the switch is in its normal position, as shown in Fig. 22, and that the other lug s can pass into the bar and lock it only when the switch is thrown to its reverse posi-' tion. In addition, if the switch-points should fail to move as the motion-plate should move them one of the lugs will strike against a solid part of the bar S and will stop the motion plate, whereupon the operator inthe tower will be notified, as hereinafter shown. The straight end portions of the slot 171 are so placed and are of such length as to permit the withdrawal of the locking-lug from the locking-bar at the beginning of the stroke of the 1n otion-plate and before the switch-points are moved and the insertion of the other locking-lug into the locking-bar at the end of the stroke of the motion-plate and after the switch has been fully thrown.
The switch is operated by a cylinder C, having a piston and piston-rod connected by the link 0 with the motion-plate M. -The cylinder has ports at each end for operating it as a double-action cylinder. Relay-valves R and R identical in construction and operation with the relay-valves R and R control the ports leading to each end of the cylinder. The relay-valves and port connections with the cylinder are shown in Figs. 18 and 19. The supply-pipe X leads to a branching inlet-pipe 00 that conducts the air-pressure to the valves. The outlet n from each valve has two branches, one of which, n n, conducts the air-pressure to one end of the cylinder and the other branch, (Z d, (see Fig. 18,) leads to the indicator-valve D at the switch. The operating-pipes 0'19 lead into the diaphragm-casings R R of the valves, exactly as in the case of the valves R and R (shown in Figs. 5 to 9, inclusive,) and, like the valves R and Rithe ports of the two valves R and R are so arranged that when there is no pressure on the diaphragms the pipes (Z d and the cylinder connect-ions also are connected to the atmosphere and their supply-pipes are closed but when press u re is applied to the diaphragm the exhaust-ports of the valves are closed and the supply is connected with the pipe d or d and with the corresponding end of the cylinder. The valve D controls connections between the two pipes (Z and d and two pipes j 70, which lead back to two relay-valves R and R The pipes j and 7t lead into the diaphragm-chambers of these relay-valves in the same manner hereinbefore described for the purpose of operating the valves by pressures conducted through said pipes. The arrangement of theports of the pipe cZ to the pipe 3'.
the valve D (see Figs. 13 to 17) is such that when its D-slide is at one end of its stroke the pipes (Z and j are connected, the pipe is open to the atmosphere through the valve, and the opening to the pipe cZ is closed, and when the slide is at the other end of its stroke the pipes (Z and 7c are connected, the pipe CZ is closed, and the pipe j is open to the atmosphere through the valve, and when the slide is at mid-stroke the pipes CZIO and CZH are cut off and the pipes j and Z: are open to the atmosphere.
The indicating slide-valve D is shown in Figs. 13 to 17, inclusive. The valve-seat D has a long length wise medial exhaust-port (Z and four ports correspondingly arranged, d d (Z and (Z The ports (Z and cZ connect, respectively, with the pipes 70 and j and the ports cZ and (Z connect, respectively, with the pipes (Z and d. The slide D has a longitudinal middle port (Z corresponding in position with the exhaust-port (Z and said "port d connects by arched passages (Z in the body of the valve with ports (Z and d These two ports have each more than twice the area of either of the ports cZ and (Z and are adapted to register therewith. Between the ports (Z and CZ203 is a narrower port d thatis of substantially the same area as either of the ports (Z or 6Z and is adapted to register with either of them. It is connected by an arched passage d with a port (1 on the other side of the middle port (Z Said arched passage 6 passes through the body of the slide-valve. Said port (Z is adapted to register with either of the ports (2 or d or to be cut off by the face of the valve-seat between said last-mentioned ports. The top of the slide is fiat, so that the valve may be pressed down to its seat by a spring D having rollers (Z running on the top of the slide D A screw d passing through the valve-cover D holds the spring in place and determines the pressure by which the slide D is held upon its seat.
The operation of the parts is as follows: WVhen the valve is in the position shown in Fig. 13, the ports d and (Z register, respec tively, with and connect the ports d and 6Z and the port cZ registers with the port (Z while the port el does not register with any of the ports in the valve-seat, but is cut off. The effect of this registry of ports is that the port d and the pipe 70 are open to exhaust, while the ports CF and (Z are connected together through the valve D to admit pressure from one to the other and from When the slide is at mid-stroke, the ports (Z and (Z (and the pipes d and 6Z are cut off, but the ports d and cZ (and the pipes Z0 and j) are connected to the exhaust, and when the slide is at the limit of its movement toward the left the ports d and d (and the pipes 70 and (Z are connected, the port (Z (and the pipe CZ) is cut off, and the port (Z (and the pipe j) is connected to the exhaust. The valve D therefore controls the operation of the relayvalves R and R In the tower is an operating-bar L for controlling the switch. It has a slot Z for operating the vertical tappet H. The slot has a central portion in line with the direction of movement of the bar and two substantiallyparallel and oppositely-directed end'portions. The tappet has a pin or friction-roller h, which rests in the slot Z, and whereby the tappet is raised and lowered upon longitudinal movement of the operating -bar. The movements are as follows: When the tappet is in its highest position, as shown in Figs. 10 and 21, the pin or roller h rests in the upper end of the uppermost diagonal end portion of the slot Z, and if the bar is moved in the direct-ion of the arrow in Figs. 10 and 21 the downward direction of the slot will cause the tappet to descend until the pin or roller rests in the horizontal middle portion of the slot, and the tappet remains stationary so long as the roller or pin is in said horizontal portion. At the other end of the stroke of the bar, if continued in the direction of the arrow, the tappet drops still farther in the other diagonal end portion of the slot Z. When the motion of the bar is reversed, the movements just described are repeated, but in the opposite direction. The bar has another slot Z which has a long middle portion in line with the direction of movement of the bar and two upwardly-directed diagonallyarranged projections Z and Z the inclinations of the said upward projections of the slot being at substantially-equal angles to the main body of the slot, but in opposite upward direct-ions. At the ends of the main body of the slot are two stop-faces Z and Z. In the slot Z are two pins or rollers c" and 01 which are fastened to the pistons 71 and 2' in two vertical cylinders I and 1 so that the movements of the pistons in said cylinders are controlled by the positions of that portion of the slot in which the pins or rollers 11 t' may be situated.
The outlet-pipes r and r from the relayvalves R and R connect, respectively, with the bottoms of the vertical cylinders 1 and 1 Branch pipes 00 00 lead from the supply-pipe X to the valves R and R in the same manner that the pipe X leads to the valves R and R as hereinbefore described.
When there is no pressure in one of the pipes j 70 that lifts the diaphragm of the valve, the pipe r or r is open to the atmosphere and the inlet 03 or 00 is closed; but when there is a pressure in one of the pipes j or 713 the exhaust-port is closed and the pipe r or r is connected with the supply-pipe X, and
pressure is introduced into the cylinder 1 or 1 tending to raise the piston therein.
When the parts are at normal, as shown in Fig. 21, the piston in the cylinder 1 is at its highest position, because the roller or pin t" is in the upper end of the diagonal slot Z and the piston of the cylinder 1 is in its lowest nected parts the pin i .at normal the connection r position and is in the middle part of the horizontal portion of the slot Z If the operating-bar L is moved in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 10 orFig. 2]., the piston of the cylinder 1 is depressed until it reaches its lowest position, and at the same time the tappet H is lowered about one-half of its total stroke,
in which position the interlocking tappets H and the dogs 71 operate, as usual, to prevent the operation of any other interrelated operating-bar. The piston of the cylinder I is not raised, however, until the piston of the cylinder 1' is in its lowest position and until a lifting pressure in the cylinder 1 through an operation of the valve R raises the pin '5 far enough to escape the stop Z at the end of the slot and to lift the pin into the diagonal slot Z nor can the operatingbar L be returned until a pressure occurs in the cylinder 1 sufficient to lift the pin t" from out of engagement or line with the stop Z at the other end of the slot Z and suificient also to raise the pin 2" into the slot Z The air impulses whereby operating air-pressure is conducted to the cylinders I and I come originally through the valves R and R at the switch, and said impulses are controlled by the indicator-valve D, that is operated by the motion-plate M. It will be seen, therefore, that in operating the bar L in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 21 the tappet'H is moved about half its stroke, the piston t is lowered, (which operation may occur freely, because is open to the exhaust through the valve R 2) and the pin t" falls into the main portion of the slot Z adjacent to the stop end Z on the left-hand side in said figure. On continuing the motion of the bar the stop end Z on the right-hand end of the slot Z strikes the pin 1' and the motion of the bar is stopped until the impulse in the pipe raises the diaphragm of the valve R lifting its valve-pistons and admitting air from the supply X through the inlet x and through the connection r whereupon the rising of the piston in the cylinder 1 lifts the pin 71 away from the stop-face l and into the slot Z whereupon the motion of the bar may be continued to its limit. It will further be noticed that, as is the case in this device, if the air-pressu re in the cylinder I is sufficient to raise the piston the piston will automatically finish the stroke of the bar L without manual assistance. At this point in the operation of the bar and conis found in the upper end of the slot Z and the pin 2" is found in the middle of the horizontal portion of the slot Z so that upon reversing the direction of the bar the first operation is to force down the piston of the cylinder 1 while the piston in the other cylinder is not moved, and the movement of the bar may be continued until the stop-face Z at the left-hand end of the slot strikes against the pin i, whereupon the movement of the bar is prevented until the impulse, through the pi pe j, operates the valve R and admits airfrom the supplyX through the inlet-pipe c0 and through the connecting-pipe r into the cylinder, lifting the piston and raising the pin t out of engagement with the stop-face Z and into the slot Z and automatically moving the bar through the remainder of its stroke and back to its initial position.
The bar L is attached bya link 0 toavalve V. This valve connects the supply-pipe X with two pipes 0 p, which pipes are the operating-pipes for the relay-valves R and R at the switch-cylinder. The ports of the valve V are such that when the slide of the valve is at either limit of its stroke the two pipes 0 and p are connected to the atmosphere and the supply-port is closed; but when either pipe 0 or p is connected with the supply X the other pipe, whichever it may be, is still connected with the atmosphere.
The valve Y is identical in most respects with the valve D above described, and the ports and pipe connections are shown in Figs. 15 and 17.
In the valve-seat V are four rectangularly-arranged ports 7: r2 T1104 and a long lengthwise exhaust-port "0 set between the ports 11 and r on one side and c and c on the other side. The ports 11 and 12 connect, respectively, with the pipes 0 and p, and the, ports o and connect by a Y- shaped passage in the valve-seat with the supply-pipe X. The slideV has a long medial exhaust-port r (registering at all times with the port and three other ports 12 and c in line with each other on one side of the port r and a single port on the other side of the port 12 The ports and have each a face area equal to that of one of the ports c r and c in the valve-seat and are adapted to connect either pair of ports o and c or c and A passage in the body of the slide connects the ports and p and passages in the slide connect the ports and respectively, with the port 0 The ports r and c are each long enough to connect both ports and o with the exhaust 0 at thesame time, and they and the port are so set in the slide-face that when the port registers with either the port 12 or r the other port'(tor registers with the port or with the port r Hence when the slide is at either limit of its motion the supply X is cut off and both of the pipes o and p are open to the exhaust, and the slide may be so set at two intermediate positions that the supply X is connected with the pipe o, while the pipe 19 is exhausted, or that the supply X is connected with the pipe 19, while the pipe 0' is exhausted.
In actual operation when the parts are at normal, as shown in Fig. 21, the first movement of the operating-bar carries the slide past the connection with the pipe 19 and connects the supply with the pipe 0-, and in order to accomplish this purpose the stop-face IIO Z in the bar L is so placed that this stopface strikes the roller '6 when this port connection is reached. Also the tappet-slot Z is so formed that the roller 71 stops in the righthand end of the horizontal portion of the slot Z and close to the beginning of the downwardly-directed right-hand end of the slot. The result of this arrangement is that the switch is thrown and is locked in its reverse position; but the related semaphore is (through the interlocking board) prevented from being reset until a pneumatic impulse from the switch lowers the tappet to its lowest position. As soon, however, as the switch has been fully thrown the valve D admits air into the pipe 713, which causes the action of the piston in the cylinder 1 which releases the bar L, and it automatically finishes its stroke, carrying the valve V with it, opening both pipes 0 and p to the exhaust and cutting off the supply X. In this position of the switch the signal-bar is locked by the interlocking board, so that it cannot be moved so as to reset the semaphore. To reset the switch, the slide is carried from its extreme left-hand position directly to connect the pipe 1) with the supply X, whereupon the pin or roller t" strikes the stop Z and stops the bar until the valve D connects the pipes at and j and operates the relayvalve R lifts the piston in the cylinder 1, and releases and returns the bar, the slide, and the tappet to their initial positions.
In order that every precaution should be provided against improper movements of the bar L, a device is used in connection therewith that compels a full stroke in each direction, if such a stroke is commenced. This device is not shown in Fig. 21, but is shown in Figs. 10, 11, 12, and 22. On the bar L is a ratchet-bar Z having two ratchet-sections Z Z The teeth of the ratchet-sections are oppositely directed and toward each other. Two pins Z Z are set near the ends of the ratchet-bar, and to the stationary frame on the table G is pivoted a double pawl Z which tilts so that either of its pawl edges may engage the ratchet-bar. An arm Z of the pawl is adapted to be struck by the pins 1 Z when the bar reaches, respectively, the limits of its motion, whereby the pawl is tilted, and after the pawl is partly displaced by the pin a spring Z acting on the sides of an angular edge, moves the pawl to its extreme position for engagement with the ratchet. The spring Z resting on an angular edge on the pawl, holds the pawl in either of its tilted positions and presses the pawl edges yieldingly against the ratchet'section. It will be seen from Fig. 10 that if the bar L is started toward the left the pawl engages the ratchetsection Z in such a manner that the motion of the bar cannot be reversed until the engaging pawl edge leaves the section Z or is tilted to press the other pawl edge against the ratchet. This tilting cannot occur till one of the pins Z strikes the arm Z and after it is thus tilted the bar can be moved only in the opposite direction until the pawl is tilted the other way by striking the other pin.
In Fig. 21 the parts of the switch mechanism are shown'as at normal with the motionplate, the valve V and the operating-bar L at their extreme limit of motion in the right-hand direction. Upon pulling the 0perating-bar L by means of its handle L the tappet II is lowered to about mid-stroke, and the unlocking to be accom plished by the movement of this tappet cannot occur, as will be well understood by any one acquainted with interlocking boards. At the same time the piston of the cylinder 1 is lowered and the pin t" falls against the stop-face Z thus preventing a reverse movement of the operatingbar. On still further movement of the bar the stop-face Z strikes the pin 1' and prevents further movement of the bar, the tappet remains stationary, and the pistons of the cylinders I and I remain stationary also. The valve V now connects the pipe 0 with the supply, putting pressure upon the diaphragm R Fig. 19, at the switch-cylinder and introducing pressure from the supply X through the branch pipe x to the port connection 01 into the right-hand end of the.cylinder O, which moves the-piston and operates the motion-plate. Immediately the locking-lug s disengages from the locking-bar S, and at the same time the valveD is moved to mid-stroke, connecting both pipes j and k with the atmosphere and cutting off pressure in the pipe 61 There is no pressure at this time in the pipe 01. As soon as the locking-bar S is disengaged and the valve D has moved to midstroke the slot at acts upon the switch-bar M and begins to throw the switch to its reverse position. As soon as the switch has reached its reverse position the locking-lug s enters its slot in the locking-bar S, and the valve D is meanwhile thrown to the limit of its movement, connecting the pipes (Z and it, whereby an air impulse from the supply-pipe X through the branch 51: is led through the pipe d and into the pipe 7;, which operates the relay-valve R connecting the inlet 50 and connection 0 with the cylinder 1 and lifting the pin 71 from engagement with its locking-face Z and in to the slot Z automatically forcing the operating-bar still farther toward the left and carrying with the bar the valve V to the limit of its motion, connecting the pipes 0 19 with the atmosphere and cutting off the supply-port.
In order to return the switch to its normal position, the operating-bar must be moved in a direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow in Fig. 21 and the opposite succession of operations occurs. The pin 6 is forced downward into the horizontal portion of the slot Z and the bar is moved until the pin t" strikes its stopping-face. The tappet is raised to mid-stroke, and for further movement must await, as herein described, the operation of the related semaphore, where- IIO ence to the switch.
upon the further movement of the bar and operating-valve V introduces an air impulse from the supply X into the pipe 1.), which operates the valve R admits air to the left-hand end of the cylinder 0, throws the motion-plate toward the right in Fig. 21, unlocks the lockingloar, moves the valve D to mid-stroke, sets the switch to normal, tinishes the motion of the valve D, connects the pipes (i and j and locks the switch-bar S in its normal position. The air-pressure in the pipe 3' operates the valve R lifts the piston in the cylinder 1, disengages the pin t" from its stop-face, and automatically carries the pin upward in the slot Z moving the operating-bar L toward the left, finishing the stroke of the valve V which connects both pipes 0 and p to the atmosphere and closes the supply X and at the same time automatically finishes the upward stroke of the tappet H. Thus all the parts are brought again to normal.
The semaphore mechanism in the tower is similar to that already described with jrefer- There is an operatingbar L, having a handle L", a slot Z for operating the tappet H, exactly like the slot described in the switch-operating bar, and asec- 0nd slot in the operating-bar for use in connection with the piston of a cylinder 1 A pin t connects with the cylinder and rests in said second slot. The slot in question has a horizontal portion Z a single diagonal portion Z and a single stop-face Z A relayvalve i R, like the relay-valves hereinbefore described, has a connection r with the cylinder 1 The supply-pipe X is connected with the valve R by an inletm and the diaphragnrchamloer of the valve R is connected with the indicator-valve B at the semaphore by the pipe at. The operating-bar L is connected with a valve V by a link 1). This valve controls the connection of the supplypipe X with two pipes 0 and 19, running to the diaphragm-chambers of the relay-valves R and R and its ports are identical with those of the valve V above described, and for this reason the valve V is not separately described. The stroke of the signal-operating valve V is shorter than that of the switchoperating valve V, as will appear. If the operating-bar is moved in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 20, the tappet is lowered to midstroke until it rests in the horizontal portion of the slot Z and at the same time the piston in the cylinder 1 is lowered until the pin 1' rests in the horizontal portion Z of its slot and adjacent to the stop-face Z It is obvious that now the operating-bar cannot be returned to its first position until the piston in the cylinder 1 is raised. The movement of the bar is now continued until the pin 2' rests in the right-hand end of the slot Z and the valve V connects the supply X with the pipe 0, which carries an air impulse to the valve R at the foot of the semaphore-mast, connects the supply X with the pipe f, lifting the piston in the cylinder A and set ting the semaphore to safety. The same movement of the parts permits the lever A to tilt and permits the pistons of the valve B to fall, cutting off the air-pressure from the pipe e and opening the pipe n to exhaust. The tappet II has been lowered to its lowest position, and the continued pressure in the lower end of the cylinder A retains the signal in the safety position. On reversing the movements of the lever the valve is carried back until the pin 1' strikes the stop-face Z and the tappet H is lifted to mid-stroke. In this position the supply-pipe X is connected with the pipe 1), and the pipe 0 is connected to the atmosphere, permitting the valve R to exhaust. Pressure in the pipe 19 operates the valve R and introduces air into the pipe c and by the branch 6 into the upper end of the cylinder A forcing the piston downward and setting the semaphore to danger. As soon as the semaphore has returned to danger the lever A operates the valve-stein b and connects the supply X through the valve R and the pipe 6 with the, pipe 7;, which carries air-pressu re to the relay-valve R, whereupon the latter valve connects the inlet 00 with the-cylinder connection r and introduces air-pressure into the cylinder 1 lifting the piston and moving the pin 2' from engagement with the stop-face Z and into the slot Z and automatically carrying the operating-bar L back to its initial position, lifting the tappet II to its initial position, and carrying the valve V back to is first position which cuts off the supply X and opens both pipes o and p to the exhaust.
To insure greater clearness, a condensed description of the operations now follows: The tower mechanism comprises in the case of a switch mechanism (see Fig. 21) alever L, in which are out two slots of nearly the shape indicated in the drawings. The one farthest to the left is for operating the tappet H. The one to the right is for the purpose of receiving and recording the indication of the switch movements through two indicatorcylinders I and 1 In the latter slot Z are two rollers t" and t which are attached directly to the pistons of two cylinders I and 1 Attached to the lever is the operating-valve V This valve is a slide-valve and is similar in some respects to the. ordinary D-valve of an engine. One of its ports is connected to the main air-supply X and two other ports to the operating-pipes o and p. The arrangement of the ports in the valve is such that when it is at either limit of its stroke the two pipes 0 and p are connected to the atmosphere and the supply-port closed, and when either pipe 0 or p is put in connection by means of the supply-port with the main supply the other pipe, whichever it may be, is still connected with the atmosphere.
At the switch are two relay-valves R and R for the purpose of admitting air to the two ends of the switch-cylinder. These valves are three-way seat-valves and are operated by large diaphragms. Their ports are so arranged that when there is no pressure on the diaphragms the pipes 12 and n are connected to the atmosphere and their supply'ports closed. When pressure is applied to the diaphragms, their exhaust-ports are closed and the supply connected with pipes 12 and at. The switch is operated by a motion-plate M, having slots in it of about the shape represented in the diagram Fig. 21, the slot m being for the purpose of moving the switch and the slot m for the purpose of moving the indicator-valve D. The location of this slot 'm relatively to the slot m and to the lockingplungers s and s is such that its roller d moves through the inclined portion while the plunger 8 is being removed from its hole in the 1ocking-rod S. The roller d then moves in the straight portion of the slot until the other plunger 3 has entered its hole. Then it is moved down the second incline of the slot. Of course these two inclined portions serve to operate the valve D. The valve D is similar to the valve V; but it is entered by four pipes cl, (1 ,3, and k, and the arrangement of its ports is such that when its slide is at one end of its stroke the pipes d and j are connected and the pipe 76 is connected to the atmosphere, the opening to pipe (1 being closed, and when the slide is at the other end of its stroke and pipes 70 and (Z are connected the pipe (1 is closed and the pipej open to the atmosphere.
Suppose the switch and lever, as shown in Fig. 21, to be in their normal positions. It will be noted first that the pipes o, p, j, and k are all at atmospheric pressure, the pipes 0 and p being connected to the atmosphere through the valve V the pipej through the valve D, the pipe (1, and the exhaust-port of the relay R the pipe is being connected to the atmosphere through the exhaust-port of the valve D. Now to reverse the switch the lever is pulled to the left until the roller 2' stops against the straight portion Z of the slot on the right. The valve V has now been moved so that the pipe 0 is connected with the main supply, which puts pressure on the diaphragm 0f the valve R opening that valve and putting air into the right-hand side of the cylinder 0 through the pipe n It will be noted now that during the first part of the movement of the piston and of the motion-plate the roller in the switch-slot m moves through the straight portion of the slot, the switch therefore remaining stationary. The roller in the indicator-slot m moves through the inclined portion thereof sufficiently to shift the connecting-port of the valve D midway between the two pipes j and 7t, in which position both pipes j and it are connected with the atmosphere, and the ports to the pipes d and 01 are closed. This first part of the motion also removes the locking-plunger s from its slot. In the second part of the motion the roller in the slot on moves along the incline, carrying with it the switch to its opposite position. In the third part of the motion the switchroller enters the straight portion of its slot and the locking-plunger s enters its hole in the locking-rod S, and after it has entered its hole the roller in the slot m moves down the second incline, thus shifting the valve D, so as to connect the pipes c1 and 70. It will be noticed that the pipe (1 connects with the pipe m which is now under pressure, and consequently the pipe receives pressure from the source and leads it to the indicator-cylinder I in the tower. Pressure in this cylinder raises the roller 1' into the slot Z above the straight portion and, owing to the incline of the slot, forces the lever out to the extreme limit of its outward motion. This carries with it the valve V and places pipe oin connection with the exhaust-port. The diaphragm of R is now relieved of pressure and the valve R is closed, placing the pipe n in connection with the atmosphere also,the pipes (Z and 7c. All four operating-pipes are now at atmospheric pressure. The movement of the tappet H in its slot Z has not been men tioned in the above description; but it will be seen from Fig. 21 that during the first motion described the tappet was moved down the first incline and along the straight portion of the slot to near the beginning of the second incline. Thus the tappet H is at halfstroke and the unlocking, which would be done by this tappet, has not yet been accomplished. Upon the second movement of the lever-that is, when it is forced to its extreme position by the cylinder 1 and the valve V is moved so as to exhaust the pipe 0'the tappet is moved the remainder of its stroke.
The reverse movement of the switch is accomplished by the use of the opposite set of .pipes and, briefly described, is as follows: The lever L is pushed to the right until the roller 2" comes against the straight portion Z of the slot at the left. This motion has moved the valve V until the pipe p is connected with the main supply X. This opens the relay R and puts pressure on the left-hand side of the cylinder 0 through the pipe at. As before, the valve D is shifted so as to connect both the pipes k and j with the exhaust. Then as the stroke is completed the pipesj and (Z are connected, so that air from the relay R passes through the pipe (1, valve D, and pipe j to the indicator-cylinder I. Its piston is lifted, and the roller passing up the incline forces the lever back to its normal position. The pipe 19' is by this motion connected with the exhaust, the relay-valve R returns to its normal position, and through it air is exhausted from the pipe j. All the parts are now in the position from which they started. For operating the signal the same operatingvalve V is used, the same relays R and R also the same operating-pipes 0 and p, but only one indication-pipe n and one indication-cylinder I The signal-operating cylinder A is placed on the pole under the blade,
and its piston is connected directly thereto.
The pipe f from the relay R is connected to the under side of the signal-cylinder and the pipe 9 from the relay R to the upper side by the branch 6 The indicator-valve B in this case is a valve exactly like the relay-valves R and R but instead of being operated by a diaphragm it is operated by a lever A ,which in turn is operated by the signal piston-rod. It is connected in such a manner that when the signal is at danger the pipes e and n are connected, and the moment the signal leaves the danger position the passage between 07. and e is closed and the pipe 7% is connected with the atmosphere. The operation is as follows: When the signal is to be cleared, the lever L is pulled to the left to the full limit of its stroke, which in this case is only as far as will place the pipe 0 in connection with the main supply X at the valve V. This operation opens the relay R and puts pressure on the under side of the signal-cylinder through the pipef, forcing the piston up and the signal down to clear, in which position the signal-blade remains as long as the lever is left in the reversed position. When it is desired to place the signal at danger, the lever is pushed to the right until the roller 2' comes in contact with the straight portion of the slot. In this position, as it was with the switch, the pipep is connected with the supply and the pipe 0 with the exhaust and the relay R opened. The passage between pipes e and n being at this time closed, air enters the upper end of the cylinder and forces the signal back to its normal position.- The valve B is then opened and air passes from the pipe e through the pipe at to the indicator-cylinder I raising the roller 2' from the straight portion of the slot and forcing the lever back to its normal position. In this position, asbefore, air is exhaustedrfrom the pipe 1) and the relay R is closed, and air is exhausted from the pipes c and n. The parts are now in the same position as they were at the beginning.
when a switch-operating bar provided with the complete stroke apparatus (shown in Fig. 10) is moved until the pin or roller attached to the indicating-cylinder strikes its stopface, the bar cannot bemoved in either direction until the switch has been set to normal or reverse, as the case maybe.
It will be noticed that the indicator-valve D or B, controlling the indicator-cylinders 1 or I I and the operating-bar, obtains all its air-supply through the relay-valves R or R and R Hence the locking and automatic movements of the operating-bars cannot occur until after the operation of the. proper relay-valve and the action of the switch or semaphore cylinder.
In changing a semaphore from safety to danger the pipe 0 is exhausted through the tower-valve V and the pipe 19 is supplied by the same valve. The pressure in'the pipe 19 opens the relay-valve R more quickly than the exhaustion of the pipe 0 closes the valve 'der A is free to drop by gravity.
R Hence air is admitted through ii and to the top of the cylinder A while some pres-.
sure is still in the bottom of the cylinder. If both the valves R and R are open at the same time the pipes e and f are connected through the valves and the pipe X and until the valve It closes the piston in thecylin This is the ordinary operation, but if the signal sticks, for any reason the lowering pressure in the bottom of the cylinder allows gradual increase of pressure in the top of the cylinder and the blade is forced up to danger.
It will be noticed that only one manual operation is necessary for setting the switch to reverse, because the finish of the stroke of the handle is automatically performed after the valve D has been fully thrown, and the like effect occurs on setting the switch to normal, and the semaphore-bar requires but a single returning manual movement, the second half of the stroke being automatic.
The semaphore-operating bar cannot be placed in its normal position until the signal has actually arrived at the danger position, and the switch-operatin g bar cannot be moved its full stroke in either direction until the switch has been placed in the corresponding position and has been locked in that position. The interlocking board prevents resetting the semaphore to normal until the switch is reset and prevents the setting of the switch at reverse until the semaphore has been correspondingly set. Hence fewer manual operations are required in the tower than with prior devices embodying the return-signaling feature, thus producing economy of time, less strain upon the operator, and great certainty that the tower devices will be locked unless the switch and semaphore operate properly. It will also be noticed that the effects of leakages of air at the different points of the sys tem are minimized, because positive force must be applied to the relay-valves in order to permit the operation of the switch, the semaphore, or the operating-bars in the tower, and also because the ports, by which each indicating or operating pipe is connected with the atmosphere when the parts are in the normal or inoperative position are made with areas at least as great as those of said operating or indicating pipes themselves.
The positions of the operating-bars L and L indicate the positions of the switch and semaphore, respectively. The switch-bar cannot take its full reverse position until the switch has been moved to reverse, nor can the switch-bar return to its normal position until the switch has returned to normal. The semaphore-bar cannot be returned to normal .until the semaphore has been set to dan- O In Fig. 23 is shown a pair of tappets H, the one on the right being connected, as hereinbefore described, with the semaphore-bar L and the one on the left being connected with the switch-bar L. The bar his capable of longitudinal movement and bears dogs, as usual. It is clear that the right-hand (semaphore) tappet must be raised until the notch h is opposite the dog on the bar 72, before the other (switch) tappet is unlocked and can be raised and that after the left-hand (switch) tappet has been raised a dog enters the notch h and prevents movement of the right-hand (semaphore) tappet until the left hand (switch) tappet has been returned to its first position.
. What I claim is l. The combination of a switch or semaphore mechanism, an operating device therefor, and means controlled by the movement of the switch or semaphore for producing an automatic movement of said operating device.
2. The combination of a switch or semaphore mechanism, an operating device adapted to connect and to cut off the power-supply for said mechanism, and means controlled by the movement of the switch or semaphore for moving said device automatically from the position adapted to connect the powersupply to a cut-off position.
3. The combination of a switch or semaphore mechanism, an operating device adapted to connect and to cut 0d the power-supply for said mechanism, and means controlled by the movement of the switch or semaphore for stopping said device at the position adapted to connect the power-supply and also for moving said device automatically from said position to a cut-off position.
4. The combination of a switch or semaphore mechanism, an operating device adapted to connect and to cut off the power-supply for said mechanism, means controlled by the movement of the switch or semaphore for stopping said device at the position adapted to connect the power-supply and also for moving said device automatically from said position to a cut-off position, and means for holding said device in said stopped position against reversal of its movement.
5. The combination of a pneumatically-operated switch or semaphore mechanism, an operatingvalve therefor, and means controlled by the movement of the switch 'or semaphore for producing an automatic movement of said operating-valve.
6. The combination of a pneumatically-operated switch or semaphore mechanism, an operatingvalve therefor, and means controlled by the movement of the switch or semaphore for moving said valve automatically from a position adapted to operate the switch or semaphore mechanism to a position inoperative upon said switch or semaphore.
7. Thecombination of a pneumatically-operated switch or semaphore mechanism, an operating-valve therefor, and means controlled by the movement of the switch or semaphore for stopping the valve at a definite position in its full stroke and also for moving said valve automatically from said position to the limit of its movement.
8. The combination of a pneumatically-operated switch or semaphore mechanism, an
operating-valve therefor, means controlled by the movement of the switch or semaphore for stopping the valve at a definite position in its full stroke and also for automatically moving said valve from said position to the limit of its movement and a pawl mechanism for holding the operating-valve in said stopped position against reversal of its movement.
9. The combination of a pneumatically-operated switch or semaphore mechanism, an operating-valve therefor,means controlled by the movement of the switch or semaphore for moving said valve automatically from an inlet connection for actuating the said switch or semaphore to a cut-off and exhaust position at which the switch or semaphore is not operated.
10. The combination of a pneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism, an operating-valve therefor, an interlocking board, an operating-bar and connections therefrom to said valve and to a tappet in said board, and means controlled by the movement of the switch or semaphore for moving said bar automatically from a part-stroke position whereby the movement of the valve and of the tappet is completed automatically.
11. The combination of pneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism, an operating-valve therefor, an interlocking board, an operatingbar and connections therefrom to said valve and to a tappet in said board, and means controlled by the movement of the switch or S6111-- aphore for stopping said bar at a part-stroke position and also for moving said bar automatically from said position whereby the valve is held in a position for operating the switch or semaphore and the tappet is held in a position for locking out its related mechanism and the movement of the valve and of the tappet are automatically continued to a position of the tappet permitting the movement of the related mechanism and a position of the valve at which the switch or semaphore is at normal.
12. The combination of a pneumaticallyoperat-ed switch or semaphore mechanism, an operating-valve therefor, means controlled by the movement of the switch or semaphore for automatically moving said valve from a part-stroke position to the limit of its movein cut and for stopping said valve at said partstroke position and for retaining it there against movement in either direction.
13. The combination in a pneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism of a cylinder and piston for operating the switch or semaphore, a relay-valve controlling the inlet and exhaust to said cylinder,an operating-valve for controlling therelay-valve, pneumatic co'nn ection between said valves,indicator mechanism adapted to control the movements of said operating-valve and to cause automatic movement thereof, an indicator-valve controlled bythe movement of the piston and adapted to control said indicator mechanism, and air-supply to said operating-valve, said indicator mechanism and said relay-valve.
14. In a pneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism, the combination of a cylinder and piston for operating the switch or semaphore, a relay-valve controlling the inlet and exhaust to said cylinder, an operating-valve for controlling the relay-valve, pneumatic connection between said valves, indicator mechanism adapted to control the movement of said operating-valve and to cause auto-- matic movement thereof, a relay-valve for controlling the indicator mechanism, an indicator-valve controlled by the movement of the piston and adapted to control said lastmentioned relay-valve, and air-supply to said operating-valve, said indicator mechanism and said relayvalves.
15. In a pneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism, the combination of a cylinder and piston for operating a switch or semaphore, a relay-valve controlling the inlet and exhaust to said cylinder, an operating-valve for controlling the relay-valve, pneumatic connection between said valves, indicator mechanism adapted to stop said operatingvalve at a part-stroke position and to cause automatic movement thereof from said partstroke position, an indicator-valve controlled by the movement of the piston and adapted to control said indicator mechanism, and airsupply to said operating-valve, said indicator mechanism and said relay-valve.
16. In a pneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism, the combination of a cylinder and piston for operating the switch or sema-.
phore, a relay-valve controlling the inlet and exhaust to said cylinder, an operating-valve for controlling the relay-valve, pneumatic connection between said valves, an indicator mechanism adapted to stop the movement of said operating-valve at a part-stroke position and to cause automatic movement thereof from said part-stroke position, a relay-valve for controlling the indicator mechanism, an indicator-valve controlled by the movement of the piston and adapted to control said lastmentioned relay-valve, and air-supply to said operating-valve, said indicator mechanism and said relay-valves.
17. In a pneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism, the combination of a cylinder and piston for operating a switch or semaphore, a relay-valve controlling the inlet and exhaust to said cylinder,an operating-valve for controlling the relay-valve, pneumatic connection between said valves, indicator mechanism adapted to stop said operatingvalve at a part-strol e position and to cause automatic movement thereof from said part-stroke position, an indicator-valve controlled by the movement of the piston and adapted to control said indicator mechanism, means forholding the operating-valve when in a' stoppedposition from reversal of its motion, and air-supply to said operating-valve, said indicator mechanism and said relaywalve.
18. In a pneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism, the combination of a cylinder and piston for operating a switch or semaphore, a relay-valve controlling the inlet and exhaust to said cylinder, an operating-valve for controlling the relay-valve, pneumatic connection between said valves, indicator mechanism adapted to stop said operating-valve at a part-stroke position and to cause automatic movement thereof from said part-stroke position, an indicator-valve controlled by the movement of the piston and adapted to control said indicator mechanism, a pawl mechanism for holding the operating-valve when in the stopped position from reversal of its motion,and air-supply to said operating-valve, said indicator mechanism and said relayvalve.
19. In a pneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism, the combination of a cylinderand piston for operating the switch or semaphore, a relay-val ve controlling the inlet and exhaust to said cylinder, an operating-valve for controlling the relay-valve, pneumatic connection between said valves, an indicator mechanism adapted to stop the movement of said operating-valveat a part-stroke position and to cause automatic movement thereof from said part-stroke position, a relay-valve for controlling the indicator mechanism, an indicator-valve controlled by the movement of the piston and adapted to control said lastmentioned relay-valve, means for holding the operating-valve when in a stopped position trolling the relay-valve, pneumatic connection between said valves, an indicator mechanism adapted to stop the movementof said operating-valve at a part-stroke position and to cause automatic movement thereof from said part-stroke position, a relay-valve for controlling the indicator mechanism, an indicator-valve controlled by the movement of the piston and adapted to control said lastmentioned relay-valve, a pawl mechanism for holding the operating-valve when in a stopped position from reversal of its motion, and airsupply to said operating-valve, said indicator mechanism, and said relay-valve.
21. In a pneumatic switch mechanism, the combination of a cylinder and piston for operating the switch, relay-valves controlling the inlet and exhaust to the ends of said cylinder, an indicator-valve having inlet thereto from a relay-valve,'an operating-valve for controlling said relay-valve, indicator mechanism controlled by the movement of the intion from said indicator-valve to said indicator mechanism for operating the latter.
22. The combination in apneumatic switch or semaphore mechanism, of a cylinder and piston for operating the switch or semaphore, an indicator-valve, a relay-valve having an outlet, connections from said outlet to said cylinder and to said indicator-valve, an operating-valve for controlling said relay-valve, indicator mechanism for controlling the movement of said operating-valve, and operating connection between said relay-valve and said indicator mechanism.
23. The combination of a switch, a motor therefor, locking mechanism for said switch actuated by said motor, an operating device for said motor, and means controlled by the movement of the switch for moving said operating device automatically after the switch is locked. V
24. The combination of a switch, a motor therefor, locking mechanism for said switch actuated by said motor, an operating device adapted to connect and to cut off the powersupply for said motor, and means controlled by the movement of the switch for moving said operating device automatically after the switch is locked from the position adapted to connect the power-supply to a cut-ofi position.
25. The combination of a switch, a motor therefor, locking mechanism for said switch actuated by said motor, an operating device adapted to connect and to cut off the powersupply for said motor, and means controlled by the movement of the switch for stopping said operating device at the position adapted to connect the power-supply and also for moving said device automatically after the switch is locked from said position to a cutoff position.
26. The combination of a switch, a motor therefor, locking mechanism for said switch actuated by said motor, an operating device adapted to connect and to out off the power supplyfor said motor, means controlled by the movement of the switch for stopping said operating device at the position adapted to connect the power-supply and also for moving said device automatically after the switch is locked from said position to a cut-off position, and means for holding said operating device in said stopped position against reversal of its movement.
27. The combination of a pneumaticallyoperated switch, a motor therefor, locking mechanism for said switch actuated by said motor, an operating-valve for said motor, and means controlled by the movement of the switch for moving said valve automatically after the switch is locked.
28. The combination of a pneumaticallyoperated switch, a motor therefor, locking mechanism for said switch actuated by said motor, an operating-valve for said motor, and means controlled by the movement of the mass switch for moving said valve automatically after the switch is locked from aposition adapted'to operate the switch to a position inoperative upon said switch.
29. The combination of a pneumaticallyoperated switch, a motor therefor, locking mechanism for said switch actuated by said motor, an operating-valve for said motor, and means controlled by the movement of the switch for stopping the valve at a definite position in its full stroke and also for moving said valve automatically after the switch is locked from said position to the limit of its movement.
30. The combination of a pneumaticallyoperated switch, a motor therefor, locking mechanism for said switch actuated by said motor, an operating-valve for said motor, means controlled by the movement of the switch for stopping the valve at a definite position in its full stroke and also for automatically moving said valve after the switch is locked from said position to the limit of its movement, and a pawl mechanism for holding the operating-valve in said stopped position against reversal of its movement.
31. The combination of a pneumaticallyoperated switch, a motor therefor, locking mechanism for said switch actuated by said motor, an operating-valve for said motor, means controlled by the movement of the switch for moving said valve automatically after the switch is locked from an inlet connection for actuating the said switch to a cutoff and exhaust position at which the switch is not operated.
a 32. Thecombination ofapneumaticswitch,
a motor therefor, locking mechanism for said switch actuated by said motor, an operatingvalve for said motor, an interlocking board, an operating-bar and connections'therefrom to said valve and to a tappet in said board, and means controlled by the movement of the switch for moving said bar automatically after the switch is locked from a part-stroke position whereby the movement of the valve and of the tappet is completed automatically.
33. The combination ofapnenmatic switch, a motor therefor, locking mechanism for said switch actuated by said motor, an operating-.
valve for said motor, an interlocking board, an operating-bar and connections therefrom to said valve and to a tappet in said board, and means controlled by the movement of the switch for stopping said bar at a part-stroke position and also for moving said bar automatically after the switch is locked from said position, whereby the valve is held in a position for operating the switch and the tappet is held in a position for looking out its related mechanism and the movements of the valve and of the tappet are automatically continued to a position of the tappet permitting the movement of the related mechanism and a position of the valve at which the switch is at normal. 7
34. The combination of a pneumatically-
US73934499A 1899-12-06 1899-12-06 Railway switch and semaphore apparatus. Expired - Lifetime US647483A (en)

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