US813426A - Signaling system. - Google Patents

Description

No. 813,426. PATENTED FEB. 27, 1906. H. O. HOLDERNESS & O. G. HAWLEY.

SIGNALING SYSTEM. APPLICATION FILED FEB. 17, 1902.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

No. 813,426. I PATENTED FEB. 27, 1906. H.. 0. HOLDERNESS & 0. G. HAWLEY SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED FEB.17, 1902.

2 SHEETS-SHEET '2,

Znverao rs r1 0. Holder-nears UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HERBERT O. HOLDERNESS AND CHARLES C. HAVVLEY. OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNORS, BY DIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO READABLE SIGNAL COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPO- RATION OF ILLINOIS.

SIGNALING SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 27, 1906.

To all whom it may concern..-

Be it known that we, HERBERT O. HOLDER- NESS, a citizen of Great Britain, and CHARLEs G. HAWLEY, a citizen of the United States, both residing at Chicago, Cook county, Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Signaling Systems, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates, primarily, to railway-signals, having particular reference to the ordering or despatching of trains, though it may be adapted to other uses. Its object is to simplify train-orders so that they may be communicated from stations without liability of mistake; to put them in readable form and make them intelligible to any one,'

whether experienced railway employee ornot to make them few in number; to make such orders fixed and uniform, and therefore incapable of the misconstructions so frequent in connection with the transmission of telegraphic train-orders sent in the Morse code, its symbols, and abbreviations; to make possible the movement of trains without the assistance of experienced telegraph operators, and hence lessen the cost thereof by making the 'system'independent of a special class of drilled employees. It also follows from this that our invention makes practicable the employment of persons with a view to their general intelligence and fitness regardless of any knowledge of telegraphy. By thus enlarging the field from which to select suitable help the costly inconveniences and dangerous risks to which the public is now subjected will be materially obviated.

Further objects of our invention are to re lieve the train despatcher of the very heavy and hazardous responsibilities now imposed upon him, which require of a single person the direction of the movement of all trains on hundreds of miles of road, which often overtaxes his powers, leads to confusion of orders, and is perhaps the most frequent cause of serious wrecks; to simplify and divide the despatchers present complex duties and make the various agentson the line share the duty and responsibility of protecting the lives and property in transit; to do away with carelessness and neglect on the part of employees by automatically recording at a distant station all signals given by him and incontrovertibly fixing the blame in the event of neglect.

Generally sp eaking, our invention employed with the usual semaphores or block-signals proper is designed for use on railways as a perfect block system against the unauthorized passage of trains beyond a given point for the purpose of guarding against accidents due to the carelessness or mistakes of operators to whom at presentis intrusted the lives and property of passengers, frequently with disastrous results. Numerous electrical blocksignal systems have been devised with a view to avoiding the necessity of telegraphing the ordinary messages; but so far as we are informed these systems have been complicated and expensive and have called for the use of a large number of wires between stations and have been costly to maintain.

In carrying out our invention in its preferred form the various stations on a railroad or other system are each provided with a small box or cabinet containing radially labeled revolving dials whose movements are electrically controlled. These dials are marked, respectively, with the point of the compass in the direction of which each of their controlled line of the road runs from said station, and each dial mechanism is con nected by a single wire with its nearest signalstation. The signals are marked on these dials in ordinary plain letters and words and are brought into view one at a time. An electromagnetic step-bystep mechanism is associated with each dial, and the dial of one station is operated by keys or buttons at another station, there being suitable electrical connections.

Our invention consists generally in a railway signaling system hereinafter described, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

The invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of the electric apparatus embodied in our invention. Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of several connected stations. Fig. 3 is a front elevation of a signal apparatus embodying our invention, the front of one of the signal-boxes being removed to show the interior construction. Fig. 4 is a vertical section on the line x as of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a sectional detail showing the release or drop switch. Figs. 6 and 7 are details thereof. Fig. 8 is a detail of the dial-actuating electromagnet, and Fig. 9 is a sectional detail of the electromagnet recording-punch.

Referring particularly to diagrammatic Fig. 2, our invention comprises as many pairs of signal-display boxes as there are signalstations along the line of the road, the signalb'oxes of adjacent stations being electrically connected and adapted for the exchange of fixed signals between stations to give information regarding movement of trains and enable the operator at every station to safely control the departure of all trains from his station. The operator or employee in charge at each station receives information and orders from the operators at the two adjacent stations, the same being displayed in corresponding signal-boxes at his station. He is likewise able to transmit signals or information to the operators at adjacent stations. The signals which are exposed in said boxes are printed words of fixed meaning, are few in number, and cannot be misunderstood. The operator at a given station is responsible for all trains approaching his station from either direction and is also responsible for the departure of all trains from his station. He operates his semaphores according to the interchange of signals with the operator at the station from which a train is approaching or toward which it is moving. By using his electric keys, few in number and of determined functions, he is able to electrically manipulate the signal-display dial in either of the stations adjacent to his, and he thus practically controls or orders the manipulation of the semaphores at that station also. Thus each block or section of the road is placed under the supervision of the two operators at the ends thereof. Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, as shown, the boxes of a pair are preferably placed side by side upon a suitable support. Each box comprises an electrically-operable signal-display dial and a time-operated registering-disk associated therewith. In ad dition each signal-box has a bank or set of keys, each designed to transmit an arbitrary electrical signal or set of impulses and whereby the signal-dial of the nearest box in the adjacent station is correspondingly actuated and controlled. The keys and the signaldial mechanism of a given box are not electrically connected thereinthat is, we prefer that the dial shall not respond to the manipulation of the keys belonging to its box, the same being reserved solely for operation by the keys of the distant signal-station. In other words, an operator cannot manipulate or change the position of either of his own signal-dials, these being operable only from the distant station, and a signal once set can only be released by the distant operator. Each signal-box comprises two portions-the dial mechanism, which represents or responds to the distant operator, and the keys for use by the operator at his home station to operate the distant dial. The signalboxes of each pair are identical .in construction with the exception that the parts and boxes are reversed in position in order to distinguish them. The dial mechanism and the registering-disk mechanism are concentrically arranged, the registering device or disk being constantly driven by a clock, while the dial is operated intermittently and irregularly as to time and is returned to its zero or blank position after each signal display.

In the drawings, 2 represents a back board on which the devices are mounted. The boxes containing the keys are arranged at the bottom of this board, while the signal or dial boxes occupy the upper part of the board and are preferably secured to a common back plate or frame 3, which also carries the synchronizing-clock 4. The dial box or casing 5 is attached to the plate 3 by a hinge 6 and has a key-lock 7. The plate 3 preferably contains a recess 8, concentric with the circular casing 5, and in this recess is a large gear 9, journaled on the shaft 10, that is fastened to the plate 3. The gear 9 is driven from the clock 4 (see train of gears shown in dotted lines, Fig. 3) and is provided with a felt sur-' face 11, upon which we secure the paper registering-disk 12, for holdin which the gear 9 is provided with suitable fastening-clips 13. The registering-disk 12 is marked by radial lines indicating hours and minutes and is also marked by circles which divide the disk into several recording-sections to receive the punch marks corresponding to the different signals. The shaft 10 does not extend through the signal-dial casing 5, which latter is provided with a shaft 14 of its own concentric with the shaft 10. Between the front and back 5 of the casing 5 and on the shaft 14 we ournal said signal-dial 15, on the hub 16 of which is the rigid wheel 17, whereby the dial is operated. The so-called signal-dial 15 is preferably a quadrant. It bears upon its face the printed signals or words to be displayed, and whether it is a complete or partial disk shaped dial is determined by the number of signals to be displayed thereon. These signals-such as Repeat signal, Line clear, Is line blocked Train on line, Side track, Call east (or Call west)are arranged in radial lines upon the dial, and when it is rotated they will be successively exposed to view in the horizontal slot or display-opening 18 of the casing 5.

19 is the lower stop for the dial 15, being fastened to the casing 5. The contact-block 20 serves as the upper stop for the dial.

The parts for operating the dial 15 are all arranged within the box or casing 5 and comprise the polarized electromagnet 21, the armature-lever 22, and the pawl 23, that is engaged with the ratchet-wheel 17. When the magnet 21 is energized, the pawl will operate to move the dial one step or signal-space to expose the first signal before the opening in the casing. A second impulse or energization of the magnet will cause the dial to move a second step to expose the second line of words or signal, and so on until the last signal or word-line on the dial is brought into view. The operation of the magnet 21 is rapid, and the impulses or movements imparted to the dial 15 cause an almost instantaneous movement thereof, and as at each step the dial is caught by a detent 24 it will be held elevated at the signal position lastexposed.

\ 25 is the releasing or drop magnet, which is of opposite polarity to the magnet 21, and when this magnet 25 is energized and raises its armature-lever 26 the detent 27 thereon will strike the pawls 23 and 24 and disengage them from the ratchet-wheel 17, thereby releasing the dial and permitting it to drop of its own weight to its zero position against the stop 19.

The means for transmitting the electrical impulses to the magnets 21 and 25 will be explained hereinafter; but at this point the means for making records upon the registering-disk 12 should be understood. For this purpose we provide a series of electromagnetic punches which are carried by the dial 15 and are arranged opposite-respective signals upon the dial and at different distances from the center of the dial and disk. Each punch comprises a solenoid 28, which is attached tothe back or under side of the dial 15 and which has a soft-iron core 29, held outward by aspring 30, and carries a smallpuncllpoint 31, that is guided in the end of the spool of the solenoid. The punch-points 31 extend through the opening 32 in the back 5 of the casing 5 and are opposite respective circles or annular spaces upon the registering-disk 12. When a solenoid is energized, it is obvious that its core will be drawn in or down, and the punch will be struck into the paper disk, making a perforation therein. It is obvious that the punch-marks must correspond to and must be made when the signals are displayed in the opening and that no other punch except that belonging to the signal which is finally displayed should be operated. It is therefore necessary to provide means to prevent the operation of any punch until the dial 15 comes to rest after being operated and then to operate only that punch which belongs to the signal displayed. Therefore the electromagnetic punches are not arranged in direct circuit with the actuating magnet 21, but are arranged in a local circuit, whereof 33 33 are contact-terminals. The terminals of the solenoid 28 are represented by pairs of contacts 34, carried by the dial 15, and these contacts sweep across the stationary contacts 33 when the dial is raised by the operation of the magnet 21. Now it is obvious that if the battery was constantly in circuit with the terminals 33 each punch would be operated as its contacts 34 were brought into engagement with the contacts 33. This would result in making a mark in every division or circle of the registering-disk up to the second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth signal exposed in elevating the dial. Such a result would lead to confusion and largely defeat the purpose of the registering-disk. To avoid such objectionable operation, we introduce a distinct circuit-closer in the local circuit, which includes the contacts 33 and is designed to operate the electromagnetic punches. This circuit-closer does not act until after the dial 15 has reached its set or final position. This circuit-closer is shown in Figs. 3 and 8 and is an attachment to the armature-lever of the magnet 21. Said armature-lever is made in two parts 22 22, having a hinged joint 22 on opposite sides of which are lugs 22 22 between which is a spring 22 between fixed stops 35, which limit the movement thereof and of the pawl 23 to one step of the ratchet 17 and dial 15. Normally the two sections of the lever 22 are in line, being so held by the spring 22 The initial im pulse or impulses and energizations of the magnet 21, while being strong enough to operate the ratchet and move the dial, will not flex or break the lever 22 against the spring 22 but, as will be hereinafter explained, we provide for a final and stronger impulse and energization of the magnet 21, which will not only cause the throw of lever 22 to operate the ratchet, but will fiex the lever against the spring 22 and cause the contact-points 36, insulatedupon the lugs 22 22", to engage. These contacts or points 36 are arranged in the local circuit which includes the contacts 33, wherewith the pair of contacts 34 of the finally-displayed signal are in engagement, and with the local circuit thus closed through the points 36 it is obvious that the electro magnet punch of the final signal will be op erated the instant after the dial 15 reaches its final or set position. The last signal upon the dial is the call-signal, and this is the first signal that the operator at a distant station uses and is the first signal exposed to establish communication. There is an electric bell or gong 37 in the lower part of the signalboxes, which rings when the call-signal is brought into View. For the ringing of this gong we provide a bridge-plate 38 on the dial 15, which when it has reached its highest po- The end of the lever works &

'sition makes contact -with the points 20, which are looped into the local circuit wherein the bell 37 is permanently included. Therefore when the dial reaches its call position the bell will be sounded. At this time it is desirable that the punch for the call-signal shall continue to operate so long as the bell is in circuit, or, in other words, until the opera tor, having answered the call, has his dial released by the distant operator, as will be hereinafter explained. Therefore the points 20 are looped into the circuit with the points 33, with the result that so long as the bridge plate 38 is in contact with the points 20 the bell 37 will be sounded. The bell 37 is a vibratory bell and makes and breaks the circuit while it is operating, so that it may continuously operate the electromagnetic punch which is in circuit therewith when the dial is in the call position. It will be understood, further, that a single tap of the gong will be sounded for every operation of the other electromagnetic punches. The necessity for the permanent bridge 3820 in the local circuit to maintain the operation of the call-reg istering punch arises from the fact that the armature-lever 22 is depressed for only an instant and returns to its normal position after call-signal is set.

It will be noted that the entire signal-dialoperating mechanism is included in the casing 5 and that the wires for the electrical ele ments of the device extend through an open ing 39 near the hinge of the casing, so that the casing may be swung open Without interfering with the signal apparatus. The casing is thus opened whenever it is desired to change the recording-disk 12, and our object in arranging the signal and registering mechanisms in separate parts of the boxes and making them wholly independent is to avoid any interruption of an exchange of signals during the time that the paper disk is being changed. A signal would be displayed at such times as well as at any other, the only difference in the operation of the box being that no record would be made of the calls until the box or casing 5 was closed and locked. It is obvious that when the casing 5 is swung back the paper disk may be very easily removed or adjusted. In connection with this feature attention is directed to the fact that when the box is opened the paper disk is exposed beyond or above the edges of the encircling plate or frame 3, so that no difficulty is experienced in fingering the disk clips or fastening? eneath each signal-box there is a key-box 40, the two boxes having their parts arranged in reverse order. The key-box contains as many signal-keys 41 as there are predetermined signals upon the signal-dials 15 and also contains a reversing or drop switch 42, adapted for reversing the current on the line connected with the bank of keys. The keys are circuit-closers as here shown, but may be circuit-breakers if it is desired to use a closed circuit in place of the open circuits. The keys may be of any desired form adapted to close the circuit and are adapted to sending from one to six impulses upon the line, according to the signal which each represents. As two keys are never depressed at the same time, all'may be connected with one line and but one line or wire is required between stations, the ends thereof being grounded. The preferred construction of the keys is illustrated in Fig. 4. As therein represented, the keys 41 have hook ends which extend through the front of the box in position to be pulled down by the operator. The inner ends of the keys are quadrants 43, containing from one to six serrations 44, the last one, 44, on each key being longer than the rest. The keys are journaled on a cross-shaft 45 and are insulated from one another. A spring 46 is provided on each key to return it. Opposite the serrated ends or quadrants of the keys we arrange the battery- contacts 47 and 48 and the ground-contact 49, a set of three such contacts being provided opposite each key. When a key is depressed, it first engages and makes electrical connection with the contact 47 and presses the same into contact with the ground connection 49. The final movement of the key swings the long tooth 44 thereof into engagement with both the contacts 47 and 48 and serves to throw additional battery onto the line, which will hereinafter be explained. To avoid confusion, the drop or release key 42 is preferably a pull button or key and its sliding member 50 is provided with bridge- plates 51, 52, and 53, which operate with the contacts 54, 55, 56, and 57 to reverse the direction of the current on the signal-line.

58 and 59 are the regular or direct terminals or contacts in the signaling-line.

60 represents a circuit-breaker which is operated every time a key is depressed and every time that the reversing or drop switch of the box is pulled, the point or points 61 on the rocking shaft of the circuit-breaker 60 being arranged for engagement with a lug upon every key. Its use will be explained later.

On the top of each key-box 40 space is provided for a tablet or form 60, held by a clip 61. On this tablet the operator can record signals sent and received.

The mechanical construction of our apparatus and in part the electrical portion being now understood, a clearer conception of the invention may be had by reference to diagrammatic Fig. 1 of the drawings, wherein we have illustrated the complete electrical work of the system. Fig. 1 shows the connections of and between corresponding signal-boxes of two adjacent stations. F0rpurposes of illustration the boxes have been designated east and west, each station having one pair of these boxes, each having a display-opening pointing toward the adj acent station. The diagram illustrates appearance of apparatus after operation of the second or question key of the east box in station B. The signal-dial in the west box of station 0 is shown elevated to its second signal position, displaying the si nal Is line blocked? 69 represents the line that extends between the signal stations or towers. This line branches out at its ends, and at each station one branch 70 includes the signaltransmitting devicesto wit, the keys and reversing-switch. Thence it extends to the ground. The other branch 71 includes the polarized magnet of the signal-dial, from whence it also extends to the ground. Itis assumed that the opera-tors will not simultaneously depress keys and that the line 69 will be used alternately by them. The signaltransmitting branch at each station is therefore provided, preferably, with its own battery 65. 66 66 represent the local circuits above referred to, which include the call-bells and the electromagnetic punches, and 66 66 are the batteries of the local circuits. In their normal positions the keys 41 are out of engagement with their several contacts, and the circuit-breaker is in position to complete or close the branch 71, as shown, at station C, Fig. 1. When, as illustrated at station B, Fig. 1, a key is operated, the circuitbreaker is open to open or break the circuit through branch 71, and thus cut out the home signal apparatus during the transmission of impulses to the other station. Refer ring now in the diagram to the second key, which has been operated, the circuit may be traced as follows: When the key was operated. its first tooth made contact with contact 47, and the condition of the system at this time will first be explained. Starting at ground 68 circuit will be traced to the groundcontacts 49. At the moment of engagement on the passage of the first tooth of key 41 the contact 47 will be thrown into engagement with the. ground connection 49 and an impulse will be sent over the line. traced through battery connection 72 through a portion of the battery, thence by connection 73 to the bridge-plates 53, thence by connection 74 to the branch 70, and thence to branch 69, branch 71 being open at the circuit-breaker 60. Tracing from line 69 the circuit will be found to be open at all of the keys of station C, and the current will pass over branch 71 of station O through the switch 60, then closed to the magnet 25 of opposed polarity, thence through magnet 21 of positive polarity, and to ground. Current passing through magnet 21 energizes the same and operates the armature-lever there- This is of to throw or raise signal-dial 15 at station C one notch or signal-space. The passage of the first tooth of the key 41 is of course quick, and at the next instant the circuit is opened between the ground connection 49 and the contact-spring 47, immediately after which the long tooth of the key engages both of the contacts 47 and 48, whereby the circuit is completed from ground 68 through battery connection 75 and through the entire battery and, as before, to the line 69 and the magnet 21 of station C. The powerful energization of magnet 21 causes not only a second step of the dial 15, but also causes the breaking or flexing of the armature-lever 22, thereby closing the contacts 36 and completing the local circuit 66 through the callbell 37 and the electromagnetic punch of the second signal upon the dial, making at this time a perforation in the paper registeringdisk beneath. After its depression the key 41 is instantly returned by its spring, and the line is thus opened at station B, so that current ceases to flow over the line 69. In the meantime the dial 15 is held by its pawl 24. The operator at station C then responds by manipulating the proper key upon his west box, and in like manner causes the elevation of the dial at station B, the circuit-breaker 60 having in the meantime returned to its normal position to complete the branch 71 at station B. When the operator at station 0 works a key, his circuit-breaker 60 is operated to open his home branch 71, so that neither of the magnets 21 or 25 is influenced by his battery being thrown upon the line. At this point it may be explained that the batteries at the stations are all as nearly as possible of the same strength and of opposed polarity. Hence if the operators happen to work their keys simultaneously practically no current will flow through the line 69, and neither signal-box will be operated. To detect such a condition, we prefer to introduce a buzzer at x at each station which will operate ordinarily when the line is in proper condition, but which will fail to operate in case both operators attempt signals at the same moment. The buzzeris of high resistance, so that the upper portion of the battery 65 will not be shortcircuited to such a degree that only a very small amount of additional current flows over the line to the distant receivermagnets when the key is operated, so that the long tooth will throw the maximum potential on the line. 'After the operator at station B has received a response from station C his next operation is to pull his reverse or drop key 42 to send a reverse current over the line, thereby operating the release-magnet 25 at station C to disengage the dial-operating pawls of the dial, thereby permitting the same to drop to its zero position preparatory for the next signal. When the reversekey 42 is pulled, its first operation is to withdraw the switch and open Bs branch 71, so that current shall not affect the signal-dial before him, which will remain in position at the signal last transmitted from station C. When the reverse-switch 42 at B is pulled, the battery is reversed in the branch 70, circuit being traced from ground 68 through connection 76 to the bridge-plate 51, thence to battery connection 77 and through the lesser portion of the battery to connection 78, thence through bridge-plate 52 and by connection 79 to the branch 70, line 69, and station C, where, as the ground connection 68 is open at the keys of C, current will flow through 71 to the ground 67 and will energize polarized magnet 25, while not affecting magnet 21. At this moment the magnet 25 will raise its armature-lever and trip the pawls 23 and 24 to permit the dial at C to drop to its blank or zero position. In this manner the operators communicate back and forth, alternately operating and releasing each others dials, and at each operation a record will be made upon the registering-disk of the dial that is moved. When the call-key (not shown in diagram) is operated at either station, the dial at the other station will be raised the full distance and the bridge-plate 38 thereon will engage the loop-contacts 20, which will cause the sounding of the bell 37 and the actuation of the magnetic punch of the call-signal until the called operator having responded the initiating operator pulls his reverse or drop key and releases the dial. It will be noted that the two boxes at each station are entirely independent so far as electrical connection is concerned and that disturbances-upon one block or line 69 will not be communicated to the next block. When an operator at a station goes off duty, he may throw a switch (not shown) and cut out his apparatus to complete the line through his station. Thus stations A and C would be directly connected.

While the system has been shown and described as operating on a single circuit, it might readily be adapted for use on a double circuit, and the invention contemplates such use.

The general operation of our invention may be illustrated by following the signalcontrolled movement of a train heading, say, east. When train is due to leave a given station, the operator there must signal the next station ahead (east) by pulling down button C under dial operated by the nearest eastward signal-station marked East box, which will cause the alarm-bell to ring in the West box in the station called and also causes its dial to revolve, so as to bring into view the signal Call west, which call the operator signaled to must immediately answer by pulling down button C under said dial, thereby causing the dial at the west station to show Call east in response. Communication with each other having thus been opened, each operator pulls down button 3 at his respective station, thus releasing the other dials and returning same to Blank. The western or calling operator now inquires of his eastward neighbor if any train or other track obstruction has passed his station westward. This he does by pulling down button L. C.(line clear) under his neighbors dial, marked East box, thus bringing that signal question into view in the distant oflice. That operator will immediately reply by pulling down button L. (1. (line clear) if no train has passed westbound, or vice versa. In the event of line clear being received by the western operator he will set his semaphore to show a clear track ahead, and the engineer will pull his train eastward. On the other hand, should the signal Line blocked be displayed the train would be held at the west ern station until the arrival of the other train, or in the event of there being an intermediate side track permitting a more convenient meeting place the signal S. T. (side track) would be given. Should the operator be in doubt as to thecorrectness of a signal sent or received, he would have recourse to the button R controlling signal Repeat. Assuming track ahead clear as far as next station and train started eastbound, the operator at its leaving point would immediately signal train on line to the station ahead by pressing button TL, which signal wouid remain in view until the arrival of train at the eastern station and would serve to block at that station any train moving westward or in the opposite direction. At a junction-point where two or more lines cross each other all operated from one office there would of course be provided one dial for each direction. Two lines crossing each other would require four dials, three lines six dials, &c. It will be seen from the foregoing that no train could pass a given station in either direction until the controlling-semaphore or other signal gives positive instructions to do so by Line clear, and, further, no train can leave any station in any direction even when the road in that direction is clear without the station ahead being apprised thereof by the signal Train on line, which signal, as stated, will remain in view until said train is no longer on that part of the line. The wording of signals herein described is merely illustrative and their form can be adapted in any way desired.

As a number of feasible adaptations of this invention and modifications thereof appear to us and will readily suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, we do not confine this invention to the constructions and specific systems herein shown and described.

Having thus described our invention, we

claim as newand desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. In a signal system, the plurality of stations each provided with a pair of signalboxes and the boxes of adjacent stations being electrically connected, and each said boX comprising means for the display of a plurality of fixed signals, electromagnetic means for actuating the same, electromagnetic means for returning or releasing the signals, a clock-operated registering-dial, electromagnetic registering means in connection with the different display-signals, and means for transmitting electrical impulses from one box to the electromagnetic devices in the box of the adjacent station, substantially as described.

2. In a signal system, the combination of the signal-dial provided with a plurality of display-signals with an electromagnetic device for operating said dial, a concentricallyarranged registering-disk suitably operated, and electromagnetic punches operable upon said registering-disk and controlled by the signal-dial, substantially as described.

8. Ina signal system, the adjacent signalstations each provided with a signal-box containing an electrically-operable signal-dial bearing a number of fixed signals in combination with electromagnetic punches carried by said dial, a registering device Whereon said punches operate, a local circuit containing a source of energy for operating said punches, said dial governing the operation of said punches, an electromagnetically-actuated circuit-closer included in said local circuit, and impulse-sending keys in each box, electrically connected for actuating the dial of the other station, substantially as described.

4. In a signal system, the combination of a signal-dial bearing a plurality of fixed signals and a plurality of electrical contacts, a registering device, a plurality of electromagnetic record-making devices electrically connected with corresponding contacts upon said dial, stationary contacts, the electromagnetic device for operating said dial, a circuit-closer provided in connection therewith, an energized local circuit including said circuit-closer and said contact, dial-returning means, a plurality of impulse-sending keys, and a reversing-switch, and a suitably-energized electric circuit connecting the switches, keys, and electromagnetic devices of adjacent boxes, substantially as described.

5. In a signal system, the combination with a plural signal device and the electromagnetic operating means therefor, with electromagnetic releasing means, a plurality of impulse-sending keys, a reversing-key or pole-changer, an electric battery, a main circuit having two branches, one thereof including 'said electromagnetic means and the other including said battery, switch, and keys, and

said circuit-breaker being operable by said switch and either of said keys, substantially as described.

6. The signal-box comprising a casing hav' ing a display-opening, a signal-dial movable in said box to successively display a plurality of signals, a concentric registering-disk, electromagnetic registering means, and electromagnetic means for operating said dial and controlling said registering means, substantially as described.

7. The signal-box comprising a casing, a dial movable therein, the electromagnetic de vice for operating said dial, a registering-disk, a plurality of registering devices controlled by said dial, a local circuit including contacts for completing the circuits of said devices as said dial is moved, prolonged circuit-closing means provided in connection with said circuit and dial, and means for closing said local circuit to permit the operation of said devices, substantially as described.

8. In a signal system, the adjacent signalstations each comprising a signal-box having signal display and registering devices, the connecting-circuit, and means for transmitting weak and strong impulses from one station to the other for operating the signal-dis play devices and the registering device respectively, substantially as described.

9. In a signal-box, the combination with the movable signal-dial, the concentric registering-disk continuously operated, electromagnetic means for operating said dial, a plurality of solenoids 28 carried by said dial each having a spring-resisted core and a punch-point, a local circuit and circuit-closing means for completing said circuit through any one of said solenoids, substantially as described.

10. The signaling apparatus, comprising, in combination, a movable signal-display device, an electromagnetic motor for said device, an electric circuit containing a source of electricity, means for opening and closing said circuit to cause the operation of said de vice by said motor, a registering device movable with said signal device proper and made to operate upon the last movement of said motor at the end of each signaling period, substantially as described,

11. A signal system, having two stations, each equipped with a signaling apparatus comprising, in combination, a movable signal device, a single electromagnetic operator therefor, and a registering mechanism operable upon each last signaling movement of said device, electric circuits joining said stations and the impulse-keys whereby the signal-operator of each station is controlled from the other station, substantially as described.

12. In a registering device, the combination of the record-carrying mechanism with a visual movable signal, an electromagnetic operator thereof having a normally limited stroke armature, capable, however, of abnormal movement, a record-making device operated upon the abnormal movement of said armature, and electrical means for causing normal and abnormal movements of said armature, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof We have hereunto signed our names, in the presence of tWo Witnesses, this 25th day of January, 1902.

HERBERT O. HOLDERNESS. CHARLES G. HAWLEY. In presence of J. W. BEoKsTRoM, BERT F. RIEMAN.

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