US802583A - Electric railway-signal. - Google Patents

Description

No. 802,583. PATENTED 001224, 1905. E W. MCGUIRE,

ELECTRIC RAILWAY SIGNAL.

APPLIUATIGN FILED MAB. 6, 1905.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

v auvawlfoz PATENTED 061124, 1905.

E. W. MCGUIRE.

ELECTRIC RAILWAY SIGNAL.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.6,1905.

3 SHEETS-SHIIBT 2.

ivonntw. :1. ml! cu. movouwooknnins, wunxcron. a c.

No. 802,588. PATENTED 001224, 1905. E. W. MGGUIRE.

ELECTRIC RAILWAY SIGNAL.

APPLIGATION FILED MAR. 6, 1905.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

lilliTlElfl ELWOOD l/V. MCGUIRE, OF RHJIIMOND, INDIANA.

ELECTFlllO HALWAY'SIGNALII Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 24, 1905.

Application filcd March 6, 1905. Serial No. 248,623.

To 00M whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ELWooD WV. MoGUIRu, a citizen of the United States, residing at Richmond, in the county of Wayne and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Railway-Signals, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to a signal system preferably adapted for a single-track road in which at appropriate intervals there are sidings (or dou ble-tracl: sections) to permit of cars passing in opposite directions of travel. The principles of the system may, however, be readily adapted to a double-track railway.

The object of the invention in its preferred form is to provide a signal system actuated by the moving car, whereby a car traveling in a given direction say westas it passes a given or eastern double-track section will throw a current upon the signal-rail of an adjacent or western double-track section, so that at said western double-track section an eastbound car will take up the current from the signal-rail at that point, actuating a signal device in the car and warning the east-bound car to remain on the siding until the westbound car passes. This operation is the same in both directions of travel. The eflectiveness of this system is assured by the following arrangement: Vhen the west-bound car leaves the east double-track section, throwing the current onto the signal-rail of the west double-track section, it actuates a lock which holds the current on the signal-rail at said west double-track section after the west-bound car has left the east double-track section and remaining on until the west-bound car enters the west double-track section. When the west-bound car has entered upon the said west double-track section, the moving car will close other electric connections, actuating a release, which will cut out the current from the signal-rail of said west double-track section.

The terms east and west are arbitrary, beingselected for convenience in distinguishing oppositely'bound cars and opposing double-track sections.

It is obvious that this system conducts an electric impulse into the moving car, which may be variously availed of for signal purposes, such as a light, a bell, or an automatic cutting out of the power on the car.

Preferably I usean auxiliary instrument on the car and a red light, the electric impulse conducted into the car actuating the auxiliary instrument and holding energized the red light after the car has passed off of the signal-rail of the double-track section at which the signal is received. The red light can be cut out by hand-lever when the engineer or motorman has obeyedthe signal.

The features of my invention are more fully set forth in the description of the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of my electric signal system, illustrating two block-sections. Fig. 2 is a similar view to that of Fig. 1, illustrating but one block-section and the signal mechanism in different position. Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of my signal system as shown in Fig. 1, to gether with the supplemental signal system. Fig. 4 is a sectional elevation illustrating the connection and mechanism for controlling the signal in the car. Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation showing a method of application of trolleys or brushes for making electric connections through the car and also for closing the circuits for operating the signal system.

For convenience it may be assumed that the track runs west and east, and with this understanding 1 represents the north rail of the track; 2, the south rail. It may also be assumed that the west-going car has the right of way-that is, the east-going car will take the sidings-this selection being indicated by the arrows in Fig. l.

3 represents the westwardly-traveled portion of the east double-track section.

t represents the westwardly-traveled portion of the west double-track section.

5 represents the eastwardly-traveled portion of the east double-track section.

6 represents the eastwardly-traveled portion of the west double-track section.

The first proposition is that the car before it leaves the Westwardly-traveled portion of the east double-track section 3 will send a signal to the eastwardly-traveled portion of the west double-track section 6, which will notify the eastwardly-traveling car at that point that the west-going car has left the section 3 and entered the main single-track section 7. For this purpose I provide a terminal or rail 8 in the section 3 and a terminal 9, grounded at 10. From the rail 8 a wire 11 runs westward and. connects with a magnetcoil12. The other end of the magnet-coil communicates by wires 13 14 to battery 15, the other pole of the battery being grounded becomedeenergized by the passing of the at 16. 17 represents the armature of the magnet coil, which armature is normally open, the magnet 12 being normally deenergized. The armature 17 controls a switch which when closed throws a current onto the signal-rails in the section 6, as follows: 18 represents a terminal in section 6. 19 represents a second or ground terminal. From terminal 18a wire 20 extends to a stationary contact 21. 22 represents a movable contact on the armature-switch 17. Contact 22 is connected by wire 14 with the battery 15. Under normal conditions magnet 12 being deenergized the signal circuit is broken at two points at the switch-contacts 21 and 22 and at the open terminals 18 19. hen, as illustrated in Fig. 1, a car equipped with contacts 23 closes the terminals 8 9, the circuit through the magnet-coil12 is completed, and the magnet attracts the armature 17, which brings contacts 21 22 into contact, so that when the east-going car arrives upon the terminals 18 19 of section 6 both breaks in the signal-circuit will be closed, and the electric impulse through said circuit will energize said circuit.

In Fig. 1 a car is shown on terminals 18 19, the car having contacts 24, closing said open terminals. For the present purpose it is sufficient to say that the electric current passing through the contact 24 is utilized to actuate a suitable signal device, such as a red light, say, located in the car. It is obvious that if the west-going car leaves section 3, entering the main tracks 7 before the east-going car has encountered the terminals 18 19 of the section 6, some means must be provided whereby the signal actuated by the car closing terminals 8 9 will remain in operation to signal the east-going car on section 6 at any time prior to the time when the westgoing car leaves the section 7 and enters the section 4. The second proposition is, therefore, to hold the contacts 21 22 closed until the west-going ear leaves single-track section 7 and enters the double-track section 4. This arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 1. 25 represents an ar mature-lever normally open, having a notched end 26, which automatically engages with and holds the end of the armature-lever 17 when magnet 12 is energized, thereby holding contacts 21 22 closed after the magnet 12 has car-contact 23 from the terminals 8 9, thereby opening said terminals and breaking the circuit from 8 to 12. It is clear from this description that although the westgoing car may be on the single-track section 7 the eastgoing car in section 6 will receive its signal whenever its contact 24 encounters the terminals 18 19.

The third proposition is obvious that the west-going car as it leaves the single-track section 7 and enters the double-track section 4 must actuate some release of the locked 1 switch-armature 17, which will break the signal-operating circuit, (represented by the terminals 18 19, wire 20, contacts 21 22, wire 14, and battery 15.) This third proposition is diagrammed in Fig. 2. 27 represents a second magnet, one end of the coil of which is connected by wire 28 to wire 14 and thence to the battery 15. The other end of the magnet-coil 27 has a Wire 29 communicating with a terminal 31 in the east end of the section 4. represents the companion or grounded terminal. In Fig. 2 the contact 23 of the westwardly-traveling car has passed out of the main single-track section 7 and engages the contacts 30 31, closing the circuit through the magnet-coil 27 and energizing said circuit. The armature 25 is thereby attracted to the magnet 27. The arm 26 is thrown backward, releasing the end of the armature switch-lever 17, which drops back to normal open position, and opening the switch by disengaging contacts 21 22, which takes the current 01f of terminal 18. This operation obviously renders it impossible for a car to receive a signal should it be standing with its contacts engaging the terminals 18 19 of the section 6. A'similar system extends in the opposite direction. The section 6 has a terminal 32 forming a companion with the grounded terminal 19. Terminal 32 has an eastwardly-extended wire 33 communicating with one end of the coil of the electromagnet 34. The other end of the magnet-coil is connected by wires 35 36 to the battery 37. The other pole of the battery is grounded at 38. 39 represents the armature-lever, controlled by the electromagnet 34. 40 represents a switch-operating terminal in section 3, forming a companion to the grounded terminal 9. Terminal 40 is connected by wire 41 to stationary contact 42. 43 represents a switcheontact on armature-lever 39, connecting by means of wire 36 with the battery 37. This east double-track section is provided with the second electromagnet 44,having the armaturelever 45, with the notched arm 46 for engaging and locking the switch armature-lever 39. One end of the coil of magnet 44 communicates by wire 47 with the wire 36 and thence to the battery 37 The other end of the magnet-coil communicates by wire 48 to terminal 49 in the section 5, there being a companion terminal 50 grounded at 51, whereby when the contact of the east-going car closes terminals 49 50 the armature-switch 39 will be closed. It should be understood that the notched arms 46 and 26 have, preferably, two notches; that when the switch is locked closed, as shown by the contacts 21 22, Fig. 1, the armature 17 engages the first notch, whereas in the normal position, in which the switch is open, as indicated by the contacts 42 43, Fig. 1, the end of the armature 39 engages the second notch of arm 46.

In Fig. 2 the arm 26 is shown in the act of releasing armature 17; but as soon as the contact 23 is passed otl of the terminals 30 31 the armature 25 will fly back and engage the end of the armature with the second notch, holding the switch open in normal position.

Of course the normal position of the armatures can be controlled by weighted levers, springs, or other well-knownexpedients.

The fourth proposition is illustrated in Fig. 3 and is designed to cover an exceptional condition, as follows: Say that before the westgoing train has left the single-track section 7 a second west-going train has left the section 3 and entered the section 7. When the first west-going train left section 7 it would release the signal from section 6 and there might be danger of the east-going car, which has been held up at that point, going east on single-track section 7 and encountering the second west-going car on said single-track section. To prevent this, I may provide a duplicate signal system, giving the car an extra set of contacts for the terminals of said extra signals, these extra contacts being only put in commission on the cars when these cars are used as extras, specials, or as express. By this expedient not only will the above contingencies be provided for, but the character of the signaling-car could be indicated by a different character of signals that is, when the second signal system was operated it would indicate the approach of an extra or express. To this end I employ the following devices: 52 represents a terminal in section 3, placed in juxtaposition to the companion ground-terminal 9. Terminal 52 has a westwardly-extended wire 53 communicating with one end of the coil of an eleetromagnet 54. The other end of said coil connects by wire 55 with the battery 56, which is grounded at 57. 58 represents the armature-switch lever closed by electromagnet 54 and normally opened, electromagnet 54 being normally deenergized. On the switch-armature 58 is the contact 59, normally out of contact with its cooperating contact 60. Contact 60 has a wire 61 communicating with one pole of a signal device 62, the other pole being grounded at 63. The other contact 59 is connected by wire 64 to source of electric supply 65. Obviously a west-going car in section 3, equipped with contacts 60 59. will operate the signal device 62. It is desirable that this signal 62 shall be maintained until this west-going special or extra has left the main single-track section 7 and entered the west double-track section 4. To effect this, I provide another electromagnet 66, one end of the coil of which is connected by wire 67 to wire 55 and battery56. The other end of the coil of said electromagnet 66 is connected by wire 68 to a terminal 69 in section 4, placed in conjunction with ground-terminal 30. 70 represents the armature-lever for electromagnet 66 normally open and having the notched end 71 for engaging and locking the armaturelever 58. By this means a special car going west will energize its special signal 62 in the West double-track section, which it is approaching. Said signal will remain in operation until the special leaves the single-track section 7 and enters the west double-track section and will automatically operate the release and throw signal 62 out of operation. The same system and devices extend in the opposite direction, and a description thereof would only be a repetition of what has gone before it, and so I give them a duplicate set of numerals relatively, by which the operation will be understood. In this instance terminal 52 of track-section 6 will be opposite terminal 19 of the track-section 6 and the terminal 69 of track-section 5 will be opposite terminal 50 of track-section 5.

Having now described the system as it relates to the installation throughout the vari' ous track-sections, I will now describe the method for conducting an electric impulse into a moving car, likewise the means employed upon the car for closing the partial circuits when the car is in a position for giving a signal and for closing said partial circuits when a car is in a position for receiving a signal or breaking a given signal when a given track-section is clear.

72 represents the base of a car provided with the usual wheel-trucks.

7 3 represents two truck-wheels of the car.

As shown, the system in v Fig. 4 is constructed for a single-trolley system in which one pole of the motive circuit is grounded, the opposite pole of the circuit being passed through a trolley-wire 65. Of course the system can be carried on in a double-trolley system, in which instance the partial circuits are taken from the two wires instead of through the grounded rails.

74 75 represent trolleys secured to the carbase 72 and of suitable construction for enabling the same to pass over the terminal rails throughout the system and making contact therewith for bringing an electric impulse into the signal-operating mechanism in the ear or for completing a partial circuit in a given track-section for operating switch mechanism of an adjacent or given track-sec tion.

It will be seen that the trolleys 74 75 are connected by wires 76 77. Thus, say, that when the trolleys 74 75 contact with the terminal rails 8 and 9 they will complete the magnet-operating circuits of magnet 12, closing the contacts 21 22, (see Figs. 1 and 4,) completing the partial signal-circuit to terminal rail 18.

In receiving a signal in the car the circuit is transmitted to the signal mechanism as follows: 78 represents a trolley secured to the base of the car similar in construction to trolleys 74 75, adapted to contact with the signalreceiving terminal rails 18 and 40. The wire signal-light is controlled.

76 being in branch connection with the wire '77 of the trolley 75, contacting with the grounded terminal rail, is in connection with a magnet '79, and 80 represents a wire in connection with the trolley 78 and the magnet '79. 81 represents an armature-lever controlling an electric-switch member 82. 83 represents a spring for throwing the armaturelever 81 away from the magnet when the magnetis deenergized and when the armaturelever is released from the spring-lock 8a, forming a switch member through which the It will be seen that the switch member 84 is provided with a contact-plate 85, suitably insulated from the switch member 84, and when the switch member 8 l is raised a sufficient distance to disengage itself from engagement with the switch member 82 on the armature-lever 81 the said armature-lever will be thrown back, whereby the signal-light circuit is broken. This action is manual that is, the breaking action-- the closing action of the signal-light being automatic and accomplished when the magnet 79 is energized. The light-circuit is as follows: from wire 65, through trolley-pole a, wire 86 to the signal-lamp 87, forming one partial circuit, the other being through the trucks of the car and wheels on the main-track rails,'which are grounded, from whence it is passed through the brush 88, wire 89 to the switch member 82 and when the switch is closed through plate 85, wire 90, and the lamp 87, of course it being understood that this lamp may be in series with other lamps or rheostat or transformer, reducing the voltage.

By the construction of car-signal it will be seen that but a slight electric impulse is required to operate the signal in the car and that such signal is maintained independent of the automatic signal operating mechanism and remains intact, displaying the signal in the car until manually released by those in charge.

From the previous description it will be understood that my system comprises a first partial circuit forming a switch-operating circuit having a first set of open terminals in a given track-section, a second partial circuit forming a signal-operating circuit having a second set of open terminals in a given tracksection and also having normally open contacts forming a switch controlled by the closing of the first set of terminals, an automatic lock for holding closed the switch-contacts of the second partial circuit after the first set of terminals have been reopened by the passing of the car, a third partial circuit forming a switch-releasing circuit having a third set of open terminals in a given track-section, the closing of which by the passing of the car releases the loclred closed switch of the second circuit, restoring the circuits to normal open position.

In operation the momentary closing of the first terminals by the passing car transmits an electric impulse through the first circuit sufficient to operate the switch of the second circuit. The switch in closing engages a lock which holds it closed until the car which has closed the first terminals passes the third terminals. \Vhile the switch of the second circuit is held closed, the second set of terminals are in condition to complete the circuit through a passing car, and the momentary closing of the second terminals by the passing car transmits an electric impulse through the second circuit sufficient to actuate the signal. Also the momentary closing of the third set of terminals by the passing car transmits an electric impulse through the third circuit sulficient to release the locked switch of the second circuit, restoring normal condition.

It will be seen that with this system it is not necessary to maintain closed any of the three circuits named, but that each in turn need only be closed for a momentary period represented by the passing of the car to transmit the brief electrical impulse necessary to the performance of its particular function, and thus the system operates with a comparatively minute expenditure of electrical energy.

Having described my invention, 1 claim- 1. In an electric signal system for a singletracl; railway, an east and a west double-track section for the passage of trains in opposite directions, an electric partial circuit, having a terminal in the westwardly-traveled portion of the east double-track section, a signal partial circuit having a terminal in the eastwardlytraveled portion of the west double-track section, a switch in said signal partial circuit, adapted to be closed by the closing of the terminal in the westwardly-traveled portion of the east double-track section, means for automatically locking the switch when it is moved to closed position, a releasing partial circuit, having a terminal in the westwardly-traveled portion of the west double-track section, adapted when closed to release said lock and open said switch, a similar set of terminals, circuits, switch and lock extended in the opposite direction, a car having contacts adapted to independdently close said terminals respectively, a signal device in the car adapted to be actuated by the electric impulse transmitted through the signal-terminal, and source of electric supply for said circuits, substantially as described.

2. A signal system for a single-track railway, having double-track sections at intervals, a magnet, an armature and switch-closing partial circuit, having open terminals in a given double-track section, a signal partial circuit, having a switch formed through said armature, and having open terminals in a second double-track section, a second magnet, armature and switch-releasing partial circuit, having open terminals in said second double-track 1 section, the first armature when closed, being adapted to automatically interlock with the second armature in open position, and to be released. when said second magnet is encrgized, a car having contacts adapted to close said terminals respectively, a signal device on the car, adapted to be actuated by the electric impulse'transmitted through one set of terminals, and source of electric supply for said circuits, substantially as described.

3. In an electric signal system for singletrack railway, an east and a west double-track section, for the passing of trains in opposite directions, an electric partial circuit, having a terminal in the westwardly-traveled portion of the east double-track section, a signal-terminal in the eastwardly-traveled portion of the west double track section, controlled thereby, a second electric partial circuit, having a terminal in the eastwardly-traveled portion of the west double-track section, and a signal-terminal in the westwardly-traveled portion of the east double-track section, controlled thereloy, a car having contacts adapted to independently close said circuits through their respective terminals, a signal device in the car adapted to be actuated by the electric impulse, transmitted through the signal-terminal, and source of electricity for said circuits, substantially as described.

4. A signal system forsingle-track railway, having double-track sections at intervals, a switclrclosing partial circuit, having-open terminals in a given double-track section, a danger-signal partial circuit, having open terminals in a second double-track section, a switch in the danger-signal circuit, closed by the closing of the terminals of the switch-closing circuit, means for automatically locking said switch in closed position, when the car is traveling from the given to the second double-track section, a switch-releasing partial circuit, for automatically opening said switch, when the car has reached the said second double-track section, a car having contacts adapted to close said terminals, a signal device actuated by the electric impulse, transmitted through one pair of terminals, and source of electric supply for said circuits, substantially as described.

5. A signal system for a single-track railway, having dou ble-track sections at intervals, a magnet, armature and switch-closing partial circuit, having open terminals in a given double-track section, a signal partial circuit, having a switch formed through said armature, and having open terminals in a second doubletrack section, means for automatically locking the armature-switch in the position to which it is moved, when its magnet is energized, a second magnet, armatureand switchreleasing circuit, havingopen terminals in said second. double-track section, the said second armature when its magnet is energized, being adapted to automatically unlock the lirst armature, a car having contacts adapted to close said sets of open terminals, a signal device in the car adapted to be actuated by the electric impulse transmitted through one of said pairs of terminals, and source of electric supply for said circuits, substantially as described.

(3. A signal system for a single-track railway, having double-track sections atintervals, a magnet, armature and its energizing switcl opening circuit, having an open terminal in a given double-track section, a signal circuit, having an open terminal in a second doubletrack section, and a switch controlled by said armature, a car having contacts adapted to close both sets of open terminals, a signal device in the car actuated by the electric impulse, transmitted through one set of terminals when closed, and source of electric supply for said circuits,substantially as described.

7. A signal system for a single-track railway, having double-track sections at intervals, an east and a west double-track section with an intervening single-track section, a switchoperating partial circuit, having a terminal in the westwardly-traveled portion of the east double-track section, a signal partial circuit, having a terminal in the eastwardlytraveled portion of the west double-track section, a switch in the signal partial circuit, closed by the closing of the partial circuit, through the terminal in the said westwardly-traveled portion of the east double-tracl section, means for automatically retaining said switch in closed position, after the west-bound car has reopened the said terminal, in the Westwardlytraveled portion of the east double track, whereby the signal-terminal in the eastwardlytraveled portion of the west double-track section, remains in condition to impart an electric impulse to an east-bound car, on said eastwardly-traveled portion of the west double-track section, after the said west-bound car has entered the single-track section, and means for releasing the said switch when the west-bound car has reached said west doubletrack section, source of electricity for said circuits, and a car having contacts for said terminals, and a signal operated by the electric impulse received from the signal-terminal, substantially as described.

8. In combination with an electric signal system, having signal-terminals disposed along the track of a railway, a car having a contact, adapted to pick up an electric impulse from said signal-terminal, a signal on the'car, a partial circuit for energizing said signal, a switch for closing said partial circuit through the signal, magnetic means for closing said switch, having a magnet-circuit energized through the closing of the terminal signal in the track, and means for automatically retaining the said switch in the car in closed position, after its controlling-magnet has become deenergized, whereby the signal remains in operation, after the brief electric impulse has been transmitted through the said signal-terminal, substantially as described.

9. I11 an electric signal for railways, a switch-opera ting circuit, having an open terminal in the track, a magnet, an armature, normally deenergized, and energized by the closing of said terminal, a signal device, an energizing-circuit therefor, a switch in said circuit normally held open by said armature, means for automatically engaging said armature when its controlling-magnet is energized, holding said switch closed, a second magnet and its armature normally denergized and adapted, when energized to release the first-named armature, a partial circuit for said second magnet, having an open terminal in the track, located at a predetermined distance from the first-named termi nal, and a truck having contacts for closing said terminals, whereby the signal is operated when the car passes the first terminal, and released when the car passes the second terminal, substantially as described.

10. In combination with an electric rail way-signal, having signal-terminals disposed along the track of a railway, a car having a contact adapted to pick up an electric impulse from said signal-terminal, a signal on the car, a partial circuit for energizing said signal, a switch for closing said partial circuit through the signal, magnetic means for closing said switch, having a magnet-circuit energized through the closing of the signal in the track by the car-contact, and means for automatically retaining said switch in the car in closed position, after its controlling-magnet has become deenergized, whereby the signal remains after the brief electric impulse has been transmitted through said signalterminal, and means for manually releasing said switch breaking the signal,substantially as described.

11. In an electric signal for railways, a series of partial circuits, a series of terminals, adapted to be closed by a moving car for imparting an impulse of electric energy, comprising terminals in connection with signalswitch-o crating instruments, actuated by an impu se of electric energy, signalswitch instruments, at a predetermined distance in advance of the terminals, signal-in1pulse-re ceiving terminals, in connection with the switch of the signal-switch instrument, and signal-switch-breaking terminals, at the predetermined advanced position, whereby the signal-switch may be broken by an impulse of electric energy, and a source of electric supply for the various circuits, substantially as described.

12. In an electric signal for railways, a series of partial circuits, a series of terminals, adapted to be closed by a moving car, for imparting an impulse of electric energy, comprising terminals in connection with signalswitch-operating instruments actuated by an impulse of electric energy, signal-switch instruments at a predetermined distance in advance of the terminals, signal-'impulsea'eceiving terminals in connection with switch of the signal-switch instrument, and signalswitch-breaking terminals at the predetermined advanced position, whereby the signalswitch maybe broken by an impulse of an electric energy, and source of an electric supply for the various circuits, a car having a contact, adapted to pick up an electric impulse from said signal-terminal, a signal on the car, a partial circuit for energizing said signal, a switch for closing said partial circuit through the signal, magnetic means for closing said switch, having a magnet-circuit, energized through the closing of the terminal signal in the track, and means for automatically retaining the said switch in the car in closed position, after its controlling-magnet has become denergized, whereby the signal remains in operation after the brief electric impulse has been transmitted through the said signal-terminal, substantially as described.

13. In an electric signal for railways, a series of partial circuits, a series of terminals, adapted to be closed by a moving car, for imparting an impulse of electric energy, comprising terminals in connection with signalswitchoperating instruments, actuated by an impulse of electric energy, said signal switch instruments, being at a predetermined distance in advance of the terminals, signal-impulsereceiving terminals in connection with switch of the signal-switch instrument, and signal-switcl1-b1eaking terminals at the predetermined advanced position, whereby the signal-switch may be broken by an impulse of an electric energy, and source of an electric of the various circuits, a car having contacts, adapted to close the signalswitch-operating terminals and signal-switchbreaking terminals, a signal device in the car actuated by the electric impulse, transmitted through contacts, when the signal-receiw ing terminals are closed, and a source of electric supply for said signal, substantially as described.

14. In an electric signal for railways, a series of partial circuits, a series of terminals to be closed by a moving car, for imparting an impulse of electric energy, comprising terminals in connection with signal-switch-operating instruments, actuated by an impulse of electric energy, a signal-switch instrument at a predetermined distance in advance of the terminals, signal-impulse-receiving terminals in connection with switch of the signalswitch instrument, and signal-breaking terminals at the predetermined, advanced position, whereby the signal-switch may be broken by an impulse of an electric energy, and source of an electric of the various cir cuits, a car having contacts, adapted to close the signal-switcl1ope1ating terminals and signalswitchbreaking terminals, a signal device in the car actuated by the electric impulse transmitted through contacts when the signal-receiving terminals are closed, a

source of electric supply for said signal, a supplemental series of partial circuits, a supplemental series of terminals adapted to be closed by a moving car, for imparting an impulse of electric energy, comprising terminals in connection with a signal-switch-operating instrument, actuated by an impulse of electric energy, a supplemental signal-switch instrument, at a predetermined distance in advance of said last-named terminal, a signal in partial circuit with the switch of said switch instrument, whereby when the switch is closed, the circuit is completed to the signal, a source of electric supply for said signal, and a supplemental signal-switch-breaking terminals, at the predetermined advanced position, whereby the signal-switch may be broken by an impulse of electric energy when said switch breaking terminals are closed, substantially as described.

15. In an electric signal for railways, a se .ries of partial circuits, a series of terminals adapted to be closed by a moving car for im parting an impulse oi electric energy, comprising terminals in connection with a signalswitch-operating instrument, actuated by an impulse of electric energy, a signal-switch instrument located at a predetermined distance in advance of said lastnamed terminals, a signal in partial circuit with the switch of said switch instrument, whereby when the switch is closed the circuit is completed to the signal, a source of electric supply for said signal, switch-breaking mechanism operated by an impulse of electric energy, signalswitch-breaking terminals at the predetermined advanced position, in partial circuit with said switch-breaking mechanism, whereby the signal-switch may be broken by an impulse of electric energy, when said switchbreaking terminals are closed, and a source of electric supply for said. various partial circuits, substantially as described.

16. A signal system for a railway-track, comprising a first partial circuit, forming a switch-operating circuit, having a first set of open terminals in a given track-section, a second partial circuit forming a signal-operating circuit, having a second set of open terminals in a given track-section, and also having normally open contacts forming a switch controlled by the closing of the first set ofterminals, an automatic lock for holding closed the switch-contacts of the second partial circuit, after the first set of terminals have been reopened by the passing of the car, a third partial circuit forming a switch-releasing circuit, having a third set of open terminals in a given track-section, the closing of which by the passing of the car, releases the locked switch 01 the second circuit, restoring said circuits to normal open position, source of electricity for said circuits, a signal device,

and contacts on the car for closing the said open terminals, substai'itially as descril'ied. I

1.7 In a signal system for a railway-tracl-:, a first partial circuit, fori'ning a switch-operating circuit, having a first set ol open terminals in a given track-section, a second partial circuit forming a signal-operating circuit having normally open contacts, forming the switch, controlled by the closing of the first set of terminals, an automatic lock for holding closed the switch-contacts, of the second partial circuit, after the first set of terminals have been reopened by the passing of the car, a third partial circuit'lorming a switch-releasing circuit, having a second set of open terminals, in a given track-section, the closing of which by the passing oi the car, releases the locked closed switch. of the second circuit, restoring said circuits to normal open position, source of electricity for said circuits, a signal. device and contacts on the car, for closing the said open terminals, substantially as descrilied.

18. A signal system, for a railwa v traek, comprising a first partial circuit forming a switch-operating circuit, having a first set of open terminals in a given track-smvtion, a second partial circuit, forming a signal-operating circuit, having a second set oi open terminals in a given track-section, and also hav ing normally openv contacts, 'lorming a switch controlled by the closing of the first set of terminals, an automatic lock for holding the switch-contacts of the second partial circuit, after the first set of terminals have been reopened by the passing of the car, a third partial. circuit, forming a switch-releasing circuit, having a third set of open terminals in a given track-section, the closing of which by the passing of the car, releases the locked closed switch of the second circuit, restoring said circuits to normal open position, signal device on the car, a fourth partial circuit on the car, for energizing said signal, a switch in said fourth partial circuit, actuated by the closing of the secondv partial circuit, a source of electricity for said circuits and contacts on the car, for closing said open terminals, substantially as described.

19. A signal system for railwry-track, comprising a first partial circuit, forming a switch-operating circuit, having a first set o'l open terminals in a given track-section, a second partial circuit forming a signal-operating circuit, having a second set of open terlninals in a given track-section, and also having normally open contacts, forming a switch controlled by the closing of the first set of terminals, an automatic lock for holding closed the switclico11tacts, oi the second part1al circuit, after the first set of terminals have been reopened, by the passing of the car, a third partial circuit forming a switch- .releasing circuit, having third set of open terminals in a given track-section, the closing of which by the passing of the car, releases the locked closed switch of the second circuit, restoring said circuits to normal open position, a signal device on the car, a fourth partial circuit on the car, for energizing said signal, a switch in said fourth partial circuit actuated by the closing of the second partial circuit, a source of electricity for said circuits and contacts on the car for closing said open terminals, means for locking the switch in the fourth circuit in closed position, when it is actuated by the electric impulse transmitted through the second circuit, whereby said signal remains in operation, subsequent to the brief actuating impulse, substantially as described.

20. A signal system for a railway-track, comprising a first partial circuit, forming a switch-operating circuit, having a first set of terminals in a given track-section, a second partial circuit, forming a signal-operating circuit, having a second set of open terminals in a given track-section, and also having normally open contacts forming a switch controlled by the closing of the first set of terminals, an automatic lock for holding closed the switchcontacts of the second partial circuit, afterthe first set of terminals have been reopened by the passing of the car, a third partial circuit forming a switchreleasing circuit, having a third set of open terminals in a given track-section, the closing of which by the passing of the car, releases the locked closed switch of the second circuit, restoring said circuits to normal open position, a signal device on the car, a fourth partial circuit on the car for energizing said signal, a switch in said fourth partial circuit actuated by the closing of the second partial circuit, a fifth partial circuit, having a fifth set of terminals in a given track-section, a signal located adjacent to the track, a sixth partial circuit controlling the signal, a switch in said sixth partial circuit, actuated by the closing of the terminals of the fifth circuit, a lock for auto matically holding the signal of the sixth circuit in closed position, when it is actuated by an electric impulse through the fifth circuit, a seventh partial circuit, having open terminals in a given track-section, mechan ism energized by the seventh circuit, when closed for unlocking the switch in the sixth circuit when the terminals of said seventh circuit are closed, substantially as described.

21. A signal system for a railway-track, comprising a first, switch-operating circuit, having open terminals in a given track-section, a signal device, a second signal-operating circuit, having a normally opened switch, actuated by the electric impulse transmitted through the first circuit when closed, a lock for holding said switch in closed position, when the switch has been actuated by the closing of the first terminals, a third switchreleasing circuit, having open. terminals in. a

given track-section, mechanism actuated by the electric impulse, transmitted through the third circuit, when closed for releasing the said switch and restoring it to open position, source of electricity for said circuits, and con tacts on the car for closing said open termi nals, substantially as described.

22. A signal system for a railway-track, comprising a first partial circuit, forming a switch-operating circuit, having a first set of open terminals in a given track-section, a second partial circuit, forming a signal-operating circuit, having a second set of open terminals in a given track-section, and also having normally open contacts, forming a switch controlled by the closing of the first set of terminals, an automatic lock for holding closed the switch-contacts of the second partial circuit, after the first set of terminals have been reopened by the passing of the car, a third partial circuit, forming a switchreleasing circuit, having a third set of open terminals in a given track-section", located adjacent to the second set of terminals, the closing of which by the passing of the car, releases the locked switch of the second circuit, restoring said circuits to normal open position, source of electricity for said circuits, a signal device, and cont-acts on the car for closing the said open terminals, substantially as described.

23. In a signal system for a railway-track, a first, switch-operating circuit, having open terminals in a given track-section, a signal device, a second energizing circuit therefor normally opened, a switch in said second circuit actuated by the electric impulse trans mitted through the first circuit when closed, means for automatically engaging said switch whenitisinoved to closed position and retaining it in said position, a third, switch-releasing circuit having open terminals in a given track-section, a predetermined distance from the firs t-named terminals,adapted to be closed by a car, which has previously operatively passed over the first terminal, a switchre leasing mechanism actuated by the electric impulse, transmitted through the third circuit,when closed, adapted to release the switch from its locked closed position, source of electricity for said circuits, and car-contacts for closing said terminals, substantially as described.

2a. In a signal system for a railway-track, a first, switch-operating circuit having open terminals in a given track-section, second, switch-operating circuit having a switch normally open but actuated by the electric impulse, transmitted through the first circuit, when closed, means for automatically engaging said switch, when it is moved to closed position and retaining it in said position, a second set of normally open terminals, included in said circuit and located at a predetermined distance from the first ter- IIO through said third circuit when closed, adapted to restore the switch to open posi tion, source of electricity for said circuits and car-contacts for closing said terminals respectively, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

ELWOOD W. MGGUIRE.

Witnesses OLIVER B. KAISER, Lno ODONNELL.

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