US797141A - Block-signal system for electric railways. - Google Patents

Description

No. 797,141- PATENTED AUGQ15, 1905.

P. R. McBBRTY 6: M. B. LAUNBRANGH.

BLOCK SIGNAL SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC RAILWAYS. APPLIGATIOH rum) same, 1904.

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No. 797,141. PATENTED AUG. 15, 1905.

P. R. MoBERTY & M. B. LAUNBRANGH. BLOCK SIGNAL SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC RAILWAYS.

APPLICATION FILED SEPTyQ} 1904.

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F. R. MoBERTYGz M. E. LAUNBR'ANOHL BLOCK SIG SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC RAILWAYS.

PLI GATION FILED SEPTA. 1904.

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APPLIOATION FILED SBPT.9| 1904.

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N0. 797,141 PATENTED AUG. 15, 1905. F. R. MGBERTY & M. E. LAUNBRANOH. BLOCK SIGNAL SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC RAILWAYS.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 9. 1904.

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PATENTED AUG. 15, 1905.

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BLOCK SIGNAL SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC RAILWAYS.

APPLIGATION FILED SE1T.9, 1904.

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UNITED STATES PATENT 7 OFFICE.

-FRANK It. MoBERTY, OF EVANSTON, AND MALCOLM E. LAUNBRANCH, OF

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNORS TO WESTERN ELECTRIC COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

BLOCK-SIGNAL SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC RAILWAYS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 15, 1905.

Application filed September 9, 1904. Serial No. 223,834.

To (ti/Z whom zit may concern.-

Be it known that we,FRANK R. MCBERTY,

. residing at Evanston, and MALooLM E. LAUN- concise, and exact description.

Our invention relates to a block-signaling system, and has for its object to providean improved arrangement of circuits and apparatus which will be especially adapted for use in connection with electric railways,and which will be reliable and certain in its operation and as simple as possible.

In single-track trolley systems turnouts or switches are preferably located at intervals along the track, so that cars coming from 0pposite directions may meet and pass one another, and where these turnouts are located a considerable distance apart it is desirable to provide signals in association therewith to indicate to the operator of a car entering a turnout whether the section of track immediately ahead of him is clear or whether a car is traveling thereon in either direction, and the system of our invention may be conveniently employed for this purpose.

Our invention is also capable of application to double-track trolley-roads, and our blocksignalsmay be located at intervals along the track as desired for the purpose of spacing the carsthat is, if it is desired to have but one car upon a given section of track at a time the block-signal of our invention may be utilized to indicate to the operator of a car approaching a given section of track whether such section is clear or in use.

As applied to single-track systems, as above indicated, our invention contemplates a pair of semaphore-signals, one at each end of the block, normally resting in danger position, with means operated by a car entering the block for causing the block-signal at that particular end to indicate whether a car is on the block or whether the same is clear. Each of the semaphores is under the control of electromagnetic mechanism, and a car entering upon the block, in case the same is clear, will cause the block-signal at that particular end to display a clear signal or go-ahead signal.

The operation of either block-signal to display a go-ahead signal serves to render the semaphore at the opposite end of the particular section of track unresponsive to a car entering the track from that end, so that in case the operator of a car should disregard the danger-signal displayed and should attempt to enter the track he would be unable to operate the semaphore to obtain a clear signal and would thus be doubly warned of the useof the track. The car in leaving a block operates mechanismfor restoring the semaphores at both ends of the block to their normal condition.

In the preferred form of our invention a pair of magnets is arranged to govern step-by-step mechanism controlling the circuit of the semaphore-operating magnet. ing the block at one end in case the same is clear operates a switch which completes a circuit, including one magnet of said pair, which operates the step-by-step mechanismin such a way as to complete a circuit for the semaphoremagnet. Said magnet upon being thus energized moves the semaphore-arm to display a safety-signal. Each of the semaphores may carry two lenses of distinctive colorone to indicate safety and the other to indicate dangerand the danger-lens may in the normal position of the semaphore lie in front of a signal-lamp. The completion of the circuit by the trolley-switch for the magnet controlling the step-by-step mechanism brings about the illumination of a lamp at the distant blocksignal, and as the semaphore at that end is not operated the lens of the semaphore normally in front of the lamp is illuminated, thereby displaying a danger-signal, the signal remaining displayed until the car leaves the block. A circuit for the corresponding lamp at the first block-signal is completed by the semaphore-arm in its movement, said arm in its movement bringing the safety-lens in front of the lamp to give a clear or go-ahead signal. As the car leaves the block at the opposite end it operates a switch which serves to complete a circuit for the second magnet of the pair first referred to, which operates the step-by-step mechanism to open the circuit for the semaphore-controlling magnet, so restoring the normal condition of the apparatus at both ends of the block.

Our invention also contemplates certain im- A car upon enterthe solenoid-core.

b and electromagnets a (Z c.

nify safety.

lens it brought in front of the lamp provements in the mechanical features and l of the containing-case behind abulls-eyef in mechanism of the block-signal whereby a compact, efficient, and reliable structure is obtained.

We will describe our invention particularly by reference to the accompanying drawings,

and the particular parts, improvements, or

combinations which we consider novel will be pointed out in the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a view in elevation of the opertrolling the circuit of the solenoid which opi erates the semaphore-arm and signals. Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the same. Figs. 5 and 6 are detail views of a portion of the mechanism thereof. Fig. 7 is a front elevation of the block-signal, showing the sennmhore-arm in its normal position. Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the solenoid associated with our improved block-signal, showing the dash-pot for Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view of the step-by-step mechanism, and Figs. 10 and 10 illustrate the circuit connections of our system as applied to a singletrack trolley-line.

The same characters of reference are used to designate the same parts in each of the figures of the drawings.

\Ve will proceed to describe the mechanical construction of our improved block-signal.

ieferring first to Fig. 1, upon the inner surface of the containing-case is secured a plate (1, upon which are mounted a solenoid the solenoid is suitably connected to a shaft f, so that when the core is rcciprocated it serves to impart a rotary motion to the shaft. The shaft in turn operates to move a semaphore-arm carried thereby, from a horizontal position, which may be the'danger position, to a diagonal position, which may sig- An arm f 15 carried by the shaft, and two lnsulated contact members f f (see Fig. 2) are secured thereto, the

said contact-disks, wlnch are preferably cut contact member f serving when the arm f The core Z1 of is in its normal position to electrically coni nect contacts f f 'hen the shaft f is rotated, the arm f is moved to cause the contact members f f to electrically connect contacts ff" and f f, respectively. The shaftalso carries lenses it h of different colors, preferably red and green, respectively, the lens 7t normally lying in front of the lamp 2.. hen the shaft is rotated, however, by the movement of the solenoid-core, the lens it is moved away from its normal position and the 1mmediately in front of the lamp 1 is an opening in the front of the containing-case of the block-signal in which is placed a bulls-eye -17. A lamp Z is also mounted upon the bottom the front thereof.

\Ve preferably make the solenoid of an extra large number of ampere-turns and provide the core with a weight 0', whereby the weight of the semaphore-arm becomes a negligible factor in the work expended in moving the same from one position to the other, thus rendering its operation more reliable and certain, so that should the semaphore-arm become loaded down with snow or the like it would not be made sluggish in its movement.

In order to prevent the too rapid movement of the solenoid-core from one position to another, a dash-pot is formed within the solenoid. This dash-pot consists of a cylinder i within which the core reciprocates. At the top of the cylinder is provided a small airvent Zr, and a cap 75 is carried by the end of the solenoid-core, registering closely with the walls of the cylinder Zr. It will thus be seen 3' that the core when attracted by the energization of the solenoid cannot move too swiftly or with a rush, owing to the air in the upper portion of the cylinder l; acting as a dash-pot or retarder; but as the air escapes through the vent Z" the core is uniformly advanced. In a like manner when the magnetism of the solenoid is removed the core cannot move back to its normal position with a jar, but is gradually returned as more air is allowed to enter through the vent h.

Referring now to the step-by-step mechanism controlling the circuit of the solenoid b, the operation of which is under the immediate control of the magnets (Z and a, before mentioned, a shaft 1 is mounted in standards I Z, secured to a suitable supporting-plate I, said shaft carrying a rotatable collar Z, to which is secured a ratchet-wheel I. A second rotatable collar 1/! is mounted upon the shaft t and carries a ratchet-wheel m, together with two contact plates or disks 1127 1/15, mounted close together, but insulated from one another and from the collar m, the disk 111 being connected with a metal collar m, secured upon the collar 11/, but insulated therefrom. A block of insulation m is carried by away to receive said block, so that the same may rest with its surface approximately flush with the peripheries of said disks, and a finger 111 carried by the ratchet-wheel l, normally rests upon said insulation and isadapted when the said insulation m" is removed from under the same by the rotation of said disks to connect them together. A contact-spring m bears against the surface of the disk m, while a spring m bears against the collar 122. which is electrically connected with the disk m as stated.

The magnets (Z and a are provided with armatures d c, respectively, pivoted to the support F, the armatures carrying lugs (Z (Z and e respectively, between which are pivoted 'pawls 03 6 adapted to engage the teeth of the ratchet-wheels Z* and m, respectively, to rotate the same. The armature c is preferably provided in addition With two back contacts 6 0 so that the circuit including said contacts may be positively opened the instant the armature begins its attracted movement, this provision also being made for the purpose of avoiding the use of objectionable moving parts in the circuit. Each of said ratchet-wheels is provided with a detent n, pivoted to the support Z, the ends of the lugs carried by each of the armatures d c normally resting against the free ends of such detents to lock the same in their position of engagement with the ratchet-wheels, so as to prevent the movement of the ratchet-wheels in either direction. In order to prevent the ratchet-wheels from being moved more than one step at a time, lugs n n are secured to the supporting-frame Z in position to engage cars a n carried by the pawls d 6 when the same are moved by the attraction of their armatures cl 6, respectively.

Referring now to Figs. 10 and 10, we will proceed to describe the circuit connections and mode of operation of the block-signal system of our invention as applied to a single-track trolley-line. In such a system turnouts or switches are provided at intervals along the road, where cars may meet and pass one another. We have shown a section of a trolley- .line equipped with two block-signals A A of our invention, one at either end thereof, and

5 it may be assumed that a turnout is provided at each end of this section. We will describe in detail the circuit connections of the block- 'signal A only, it being understood that the equipment and connections of the block-signal A are precisely identical.

The trolley-wire would of course be connected with the free pole of a grounded source of current, preferably of from five to six hundred volts, the track or tracks serving as the return portion of the circuit. extends from the trolley-wire 1 through the pilot-lamp i to the track or tracks 3, the continuity of this circuit being controlled by the armature c of the magnet 0, so that normally when the track is clear the block-signal will display a white light and the semaphore-arm will be in its horizontal or danger position, the white light simply showing to the operator of an approaching car where the block-signal is located. The relay 0 is included in a branch conductor 4 extending from the conductor 2 to the contacts f f of the semaphore-arm.

A slight distance from the ends of each turnout is provided a switch device 19 to be operated by a passing car. Thus a car passing over a given section of track would operate two of these switches, one at the time of entering the block and the other immediately before leaving the same. This switch may be any of the well-known devices for per- A conductor 2' forming this worksuch, for example, as that shown in Patent No. 711,036, to WVinthrop M. Chapman, dated October 14, 1902.

Aconductor 5 extends from the trolley-wire to the contact 3) of the switch-lever 10, the alternate contact 19 whereof is connected by a conductor 6 with the track or tracks 3, forming the return portion of the circuit, said conductor including the winding of magnet e. The switch-lever 10 forms the terminal of a conductor 7, which extends to the block-signal A at the distant end of the section of the line, where it includes the back contacts 6 c of magnet 6 terminating in contacts f and f 6 of solenoid b. The contact f is normally connected by the arm f with contactf which is connected to the portion of the trolleywire with which block-signal A is associated by way of conductors 4 2, including the winding of relay 0. This circuit is adapted to be completed by the switch 9 at station A to effect the en ergization of relay 6, which thereupon rotates the disks m m to short-circuit them. A conductor 8 extends from conductor 7, which is thus normally connected with the trolley-wire to the spring at, bearing against the contact-disk m while the spring m, which is electrically connected with the companion disk m is, connected by conductor 9 with conductor 6, leading to the track or ground return 3, said conductor 9 including the solenoid b. Thus upon the short circuiting of the disks m m by relay 0 a branch from said circuit is completed through the solenoid 7) to operate the semaphore and move the lens 70 in front of lamp c'. The contacts f* f, associated with the solenoid 7), are arranged to be connected together by the contact member f (see Fig. 2) of the arm f when said arm is moved to its alternative position, as already described, and when thus connected said contacts complete the circuit of a conductor 10, extendingfrom the wire ito the railorgroundreturn 3, so that a circuit 1 2 4t 10 3 is completed, including the winding of relay 0. Relay 0 when energized is adapted to break at its back contact the circuit of conductor 2, which includes the lamp 2' and close at its front contact a branch 11, extending to the rail or ground-return 3 and including the lamp 2', thus illuminating the lens 7a to display a distinctive signal. Two additional contacts f f are arranged to be connected together by the contact member f", Fig. 2, of the arm f when the same is moved to its alternative position. The contact f is connected by a conductor 12 with a wire 13, leading to the switchlever 0 at the distant block-signal, while the contact f is connected by a wire 14 with conductor 6 andincludes the winding of magnet d, so that when the semaphore at station A is in its alternative position a circuit for the magnet (Z will be brought under the control of the switch 19 at the distant block-signal.

Magnet d is adapted when energized to break the short circuit of the plates m m and restore the apparatus to its normal condition.

hen the switch-lever p of block-signal A is moved into engagement with its anvil by a car traveling in the direction of the arrow, a circuit from the trolley to the rail will be completed, including magnet awhich may be traced as follows: Starting from the blocksignal A, from trolley-wire 1, conductors 2 and 4, winding of relay 0, contacts f f of solenoid b, conductor 7, contacts 0 c of relay e at block-signal A, thence to block-signal A, contacts of switch 2, conductor 6, winding of relay a to earth. The magnet 0 whenthus energized is adapted to complete a circuit for the solenoid 7). This it accomplishes in drawing up its armature a by causing pawl a to step the ratchet-wheel m forward, and thereby rotate the contact-disks m m", moving the insulating-block mi carried by said disks, away from under the finger 211.", so that said finger rests upon the peripheries of the disks and electrically connects them, thereby completing a circuit for the solenoid, which may be traced from the trolley-wire l at blocksignal A, conductors 2 and 4:, winding of relay 0, contacts f' f"'of solenoid 7), conductor 7 conducts a c of relay 0 at block-signal A, thence to block-signal A, conductor 8, spring m", which bears upon contact-disk m thence across the finger m to the disk m, spring m conductor 9, solenoid Z), conductor 6 to earth. The solenoid 7/ when thus energized draws up its core 7), and thereby moves the somaphore-arm g into its diagonal or safety position, the arm f being thereby caused to connect together contactsf and f 'f, as described. The connection of contacts f completes a circuit 1 2 4 1O 3 at the blocksignal A, including the relay 0. The relay 0 thereupon draws up its armature and opens the circuit through the lamp i completing at its front contact a circuit 1 2 11 3, including the lamp 7'. As the semaphore-arm is now down, the lens it will have been moved so as to lie in front of said lamp, and a distinctive colored signal will be given to indicate that the track is clear and that the car may proceed. This lens is preferably green, which is the usual go-ahead or safety signal.

It will be noted that when the switch-lever p was first moved against its anvil the circuit l 2 4: 7 6 3, starting from the trolleywire at block A and including relay 0 of block-signal A, was established, which included the relay 0 of the block-signal A. Said relay thereon became energized and drew up its armature, completing a circuit for the lamp 1' of that block-signal. The solenoid at that block-signal being inert, the lens it will be in front of the lamp 2', and this lens being of some distinctive color to indicate "danger, preferably red, a signal will thus be displayed at the distant end A of the section of track to indicate to a car approaching the blocksignal A from the right (referring to Fig. 10) that a car has entered the block from the distant endthat is, at the end where the blocksignal A is located. This circuit is of course only momentary; but owing to the energization of relay 0 at block-signal A the circuit 1 2 4 7 8 9 6 3, including the solenoid Z), is completed, as already described, which remains established until the car leaves the block, and as this circuit includes the magnet 0 of block-signal A the danger-signal of that block-signal will remain displayed until the car leaves the particular section of track in question.

\Vhen a car traveling in the direction indicated by the arrow reaches the switch 22 at the far end of the block where the signal A is located, it moves the switch-lever 1) into engagement with the contact 1) thereof, whereupon a circuit is completed from the trolley-wire at that end of the block to energize relay (l, this circuit being by way of conductors 5 13, contacts a a of the magneteof the block-signal A, conductor 12, through contacts f f, connected together by the armf, thence through conductors 1A and 6 to the track or ground-return 3, this circuit including the winding of magnet (Z of the block-signal A. The magnet (Z being thus energized draws up its armature (Z, causing the pawl (1 carried thereby to advance the ratchet-wheel Z and move the linger m forward upon the insulation m, whereupon the circuit 1 2 A 7 8 9 6 3, previously traced and including the solenoid, is broken, thus deenergizing the solenoid I) of the block-signal A and the magnet c of the block-signal A. The core of the solenoid in moving back to its normal position causes the armf to reconnect together contacts f f and open the circuit through the magnet 0, which allows its armature to fall back, completing the circuit of conductor 2, which includes the lamp f. The magnet 0 of the block-signal A also allows its armature to fall back, restoring the normal circuit through the lamp vi of such bloclcsignal.

It will be noted that whenever a car enters the block at the end where the block-signal A is located a danger-signal is displayed at the block-signal A at the distant end of the section of track in question, and if the car approaching from the right toward the block-signal A should attempt to enter upon the block, dis regarding the danger-signal displayed, the closing of the switch-lever 1) against its anvil p could not operate to close a circuit for the magnet e of the block-signal at that end of the section of track, and thus permit the semaphore-arm to move to a safety position, because such circuit would be open at the contacts f f controlled by the solenoid at blocksignal A, and the operator of such a car would be doubly warned of the car coming toward him.

In order to prevent two cars which may enter a block or section of track from different ends thereof at approximately the same time from both getting the safety-signal by each completing a circuit through the solenoid I; at the block-signal at the end where such ear enters, we preferably make the magnet e quick act ing and have provided the back contacts 6 e for the armature thereof, so that the instant the armature begins its attracted movement the circuit including said contacts will be positively opened. Thus the first car to enter the block from either end will by closing the switch 10 and energizing the magnet e of the blocksignal associated with that end of the track, render it impossible for a car attempting to enter the block from the opposite end an instant later to complete a circuit for the magnet e of the block-signal at its end of the section, and so get the safety-signal, for the circuit of such magnet will be open at the back contacts 6 e of the corresponding magneteat the blocksignal at the distant end of the section, if such circuit is not already open at the contacts f 2 f controlled by the arm f of such block-signal.

We claim 1. In a block-signaling system for electric railways, the combination with semaphoresignals, one at each end of the block, and controlling-magnets e e for the same, of a circuit for each magnet including a source of current, a controlling-switch p for each circuit at the other end of the block, and switch-contacts associated with each of said magnets and adapted to be operated thereby to render inoperative the circuit of the other magnet, whereby the operation of both signals simultaneously is prevented.

2. In a signal system for electric railways,

the combination with two semaphoresignals, one at each end of a block, said signals rested to be moved to a clear position, electromagnetic mechanism adapted to restore said signal to a danger position, a supplementary signal device 0, branches of the aforesaid signal-circuit including said signal device and the electromagnetic restoring mechanism, a switch associated with the first-mentioned signal adapted to close said branches of the signal-circuit alternatively, and a trolley-switch at the other end of the block adapted to control said signal-circuit.

i. In a block-signal system for electric railways, the combination with a signaling-circuit closed, whereby the momentary closureof switch 10 results in the permanent display of the proper signals at both ends of the block.

5. In a block-signal system for electric railways, the combination with a signaling-circuit including magnetic mechanism adapted to display a danger-signal at one end of 'a 7 block, and other magnetic mechanism adapted to display a clear signal at the other end of the block, of a trolleyswitch adapted momentarily to close said signal-circuitas a car passes onto the block, switch-contacts controlled by said last-mentioned electromagnetic mechanism adapted to maintain the closure of said signaling-circuit after its momentary closure by said trolley switch, an electromagnet d adapted when energized to interrupt said signal -circuit to cause the withdrawal of said signals, and a switch 29 at the other end of said block closed as the car passes off of the block to eifect the energization of said magnet (Z.

6. In a block-signaling system for electric railways, the combination with a pilot-lamp a a signal-lamp 71, a relay 0 adapted to control the alternative illumination of said lamps, and an actuating-circuit for said relay, of targets it h adapted alternately to be brought in front of said lamp a to change its indication, electromagnetic mechanism for moving said targets, and a trolley-switch 3? adapted to control the actuation of said electromagnetic mechanism.

7 In a block-signal system for electric railways, the combination with two semaphoresignals, one at each end of a block, and electromagnetic mechanism adapted to control the same, of lamp-signals e'z' associated one with each of said semaphore signals, and adapted to cooperate therewith in the production of distinctive signal indications, relays c c controlling said lamp-signals, trolley switches p 12, one at each end of the block, two signal-circuits, each including one of said semaphore-controlling electromagnetic mechanisms and one of said switches 9 at one end of the block, and switch-contacts associated with each of said semaphore-signals adapted when the associated semaphore is operated to render the other signal-circuit inoperative.

8. In a block-signal system for electric railways, the combination with two' signal-controlling magnets 7/71, one at each end of a block, said magnets being adapted when energized to display signals indicating that the block is clear, of switch-contacts associated with each of said magnets cont-rolled thereby, said switch-contacts oeing opened when the magnet is actuated. a signal-circuit for each of said magnets including the switch-contacts of the other magnet. and trolley-switches one at each end of the block adapted to close the signal-circuit including the magnet at that end of the block subject to the control of the switch-contacts associated with the magnet at the other end of the block, whereby but one of said magnets may be actuated to display its signal at any one time.

9. In a block-signal system foreleetric railways, the combination with a signal-circuit extending from a source of current-supply at one end of the block to earth at the other end, of a signal device at the earthed end of the circuit normally displaying a danger-signal, electromagnetic mechanism included in said circuit at the earthed end thereof, and adapted when operated to change the indication of said signal device to a safety or clear signal, a trolley-switch included in and controlling said circuit, and danger-signal mechanism included in said circuit at the end thereof connected with the source of current-supply, current for the operation of said clear-signal-controlling mechanism being supplied through said danger-signal mechanism when the latter is in its normal condition, whereby an abnormal condition of said danger-signal mechanism or of the signal-circuit between the two ends of the block prevents the low of current to said clear-signal mechanism to operate the same.

10. In a block-signal system for electric railways, the combination with two signal-circuits, each extending from a source of currentsupply at one end of the block to earth at the other end thereof, the connection of the two circuits with the source of current being at opposite ends of the block, of a signal device at each end of the block normally displaying a danger-signal, electromagnetic mechanism included in each of said circuits at the earthed end thereof adapted to cause said signal devices to display clear signals; a trolley-switch included in and controlling each of said circuits, danger-signal mechanism included in each of said circuits at the end thereof conneetcd with the source of current-supply, current for the operation of said clear-signal-controlling mechanism being supplied through said danger-signal mechanism only when the latter is in its normal condition, whereby an abnormal condition of said danger signal mechanism or of either signal circuit between the two ends of the block prevents the flow of current to its associated clear-signaleontrolling mechanism to operate the same, and means made operative in the actuation of the clear-signal-controlling mechanism of one of said circuits to alter the other circuit to prevent the operation of its associated clearsignal-controlling mechanism at the other end of the block.

11. In a block-signaling system for electric railways,the combination with two signals,one at each end of the block, normally resting in a danger position, of electromagnetic mechanism associated with said signals and adapted to move the same to a clear position, switchcontacts associated with each of said signals and adapted to be closed when the signals are in the danger position, a source of current, and an actuating-circuit for the electromagnetic mechanism of each of said signals, said circuit including said source of current and being controlled in said switch-contacts of the other signal, whereby one of said signals can be moved to its clear position only when the other signal is in the danger position.

12. In a block-signalsystemfor electricrailways, the combination with a signal at one end of the block normally resting in its danger position and electromagnetic mechanism associated therewith adapted to move the signal to its clear position, of an actuating-circuit including said mechanism extending from earth to a source of current at the other end of 'the block, a signal at the other end of the blocl: normally resting in a danger position, and switch-contacts associated with said signal and included in the aforesaid actuatingcircuit, said contacts being closed to complete said actuating-circuit only so long as the sig nal is in its danger position.

13. In a circuit-controllingdevice, the combination with a ratchet-wheel mounted to rotate in suitable standards, of insulated contact-plates secured to said ratchet-wheel, an insulated piece supported by said plates, a linger of conducting material resting upon said insulation and adapted when said plates are moved to connect the same together, and means for imparting motion to said ratchetwheel.

l. In a circuit-controlling device, the combination with a ratchet-wheel mounted to retate in suitable supports, of insulated contactplates mounted upon the shaft with said ratchet-wheel and secured thereto, said plates forming the terminals of an electric circuit, an insulating-piece supported by said plates, a second ratchet-wheel, a finger of conducting material carried thereby and normally resting upon said insulating-piece, means for advancing one of said ratchet-wheels to permit the finger to connect said contact-plates together, and means for advancing the other ratchet-wheel to restore said finger and plates to their normal relative positions.

15. In a circuit-controlling device, the combination with a ratchet-wheel mounted to r0- tate in suitable supports, of insulated contactdisks mounted upon the shaft with said ratchetwheel and secured thereto, said disks forming the terminals of an electric circuit, an insulating-piece supported by the peripheries of said disks, a finger of conducting material normally restingupon said insulating-piece, and adapted when said disks are rotated to connect the same together, and a magnet controlling the movement of the said ratchet-wheel.

16. In a circuit-controlling device, the combination with a ratchet-wheel mounted to rotate in suitable standards, of insulated contactplates mounted upon the shaft with said ratchet-wheel, and secured. thereto, said plates forming the terminals of an electric circuit, an insulating-piece carried by said plates, a second ratchet-wheel mounted to rotate in said standards, a finger of conducting material carried by said wheel normally resting upon said insulating-piece and adapted to connect said plates together when the same are rotated, a magnet controlling the rotation of said firstmentioned ratchet-wheel to rotate said plates, and a second magnet controlling the rotation of the second ratchet-wheel to move said finger forward upon the said insulating-piece.

17 In a block-signal, the combination with a solenoid, of a core therefor, a signal-arm controlled by said core, lenses of distinctive color carried by said arm, an electric lamp behind one of said lenses, the other of said lenses being brought in front of said lamp when the signal-arm is moved, a circuit for said lamp controlled by said solenoid-core in its movement, a circuit for said solenoid, magneticallyactuated step-by-step mechanism controlling said circuit, and switching devices controlling the operation of said step-by-step mechanism.

18. In a signaling system for electric railways, the combination with a branch circuit extending from the trolley-wire, a switch device adapted when actuated to complete said circuit, step-by-step mechanism actuated in the completion of said circuit, a solenoid, a circuit therefor controlled by said step-bystep mechanism, a signal-lamp, a semaphorearm controlled by said solenoid and adapted when moved to bring a lens of distinctive color in front of said lamp, and a circuit for said lamp controlled by said semaphore-arm in its movements; whereby upon the closing of said switch device, the semaphore-arm is moved into an alternate position and asignal of distinctive color displayed by said lamp.

19. The combination with an electromagnet, of a pivoted armature therefor, a pawl carried by said armature, a ratchet-wheel adapted to be operated by said pawl, a detent engaging the teeth of said ratchet-wheel, and lugs carried by the armature and engaging said detent, whereby the same is locked to prevent movement of the ratchet-wheel.

20. The combination with an electromagnet, of apivoted armature therefor, a pawl carried by said armature, a ratchet-wheel and a support therefor, said ratchet-wheelbeing adapted to be operated by said pawl, a detent pivoted to said support and engaging the teeth of said ratchet-wheel, and lugs formed by the end of the armature'and engaging the free end of said detent, whereby said detent is locked in position to prevent the movement of the ratchet-wheel in either direction.

In witness whereof we hereunto subscribe our names this 1st day of July, A. D. 1904.

FRANK R. MOBERTY. MALCOLM E. LAUNBRANCH.

Witnesses:

E. R. SKINNER, E. F. BEAUBIEN.

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