US836243A

US836243A - Electrically-operated railway signal and gate.

Info

Publication number: US836243A
Application number: US31287406A
Authority: US
Inventors: James G O Combs; Isaac D Combs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1906-04-20
Filing date: 1906-04-20
Publication date: 1906-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 1923-11-20

Description

No. 836,243. PATENTED NOV. 20

- J. G. O. & I. D. OOMBS.

ELEOTRIOALLY OPERATED RAILWAY SIGNAL AND GATE.

APPLICATION FILED APR.20, 1906.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1v mmionT m No. 836,248. PATENTED NOV. 20, 1906. J. G. O. & I. D. COMES. Y OPERATED RAILWAY SIGNAL AND GATE.

ELECTRICALL EB TSSHEET 2.

APPLIGATION FILED APR.20, 1906.

anoznfow (fumes 6.01011165 No. 836,243. PATENTED NOV. 20, 1906. J. G. 0. & I. D. COMES. Y OPERATED RAILWAY SIGNAL AND GATE.

- APPLICATION FILED APR.20, 1906.

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Wit" eases No. 836,243. PATENTED NOV. 20, 1906. J. G. O. & I. D. COMES.

ELEGTRIOAELY OPERATED RAILWAY SIGNAL AND GATE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 20, 1906.

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Specification of Letters Patent. Application filed pril 20, 1906. Serial No. 312,874.

Patented Nov.20, 1906.

To all whom, it may concern:

Beit known that we, JAMES G. O. CoMBs and Isaac D. CoMBs, citizens of-the United States, residing at Harold, in the county of Greene and State of Mis'souri, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electrically-Operated Railway Signals and Gates, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to safety appliances, such as signaling means and barriers, for railway-crossings or like dangerous places, the purpose being to provide novel actuating means for the safety appliances which are adapted to be electrically operated from any point or points in the length of the track from either approach and at any re uired distance from the crossing or like p ace to be safeguarded. v

The mechanism embodies a gate, an alarm, a signal, separate electric circuits-including electromagnets as actuators, operating means for the several parts, and a plurality of circult-closers adapted to be successively operof the parts.

ated to energize the electric actuators to effect movement of the different mechanisms. For a full description of the invention and the merits thereof and also to acquire a knowledge of the details of construction of the means for efiecting the result reference is to be had to the following description and accompanying drawings.

While the invention may be adapted to different forms and conditions by changes the structure and minor detailswithout (lsparting from the spirit or essential features thereof, still the preferred embodiment is shown in the accompanying drawings,- in:

which Figure l is a plan view of a railway-crossing equipped with safety appliances constructed in accordance with and embodying the essential features of the invention. Fig. 2 is a side view of the parts illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a diagrammatical view showing the several circuits, the electric actuators and the operating mechanisms. Fig. 4 isa detail perspectiveview of the signal, electric actuators, and operating mechanisms. 5 is a detail view of the primary or electric setting-actuator, showing the normal position Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 of the secondary or signal-operating electric actuator and the mechanismoperated thereby. Fig. 7 is a view of thethird or gate operating electric actuator and the mechanism operthrow the safety appliances out of action to prevent their operation by a switch-engine, hand-car, or other vehicle not designed to operate the mechanisms. Fig. 11 is a detail perspective view of the gate-operating and the spective View of the setting and the signal-operating mechanisms.

Corresponding and like parts are referred toin the following description andindicated in all the views of the drawings by the same reference characters. V

The invention is shown as applied to a single-track railway, although it may be adapted to a double-track railway by slight modi- 'fications, which will readily suggest themselves to the skilled artisan.

As indicated most clearly in Figs. 1 and 3, the approach to the crossing is protected at each side of the railway 8 bymeans ofla gate 9, which may be of any pattern or make, said gates or protecting means being connected for simultaneous operation. A ,rock-shaft 10 extends beneath the rails of the track and hasconnection with the gates so as to project the same into operative position or withdraw them to admit of unobstructed travel along the roadway when there is no immediate danger passing the crossing. The gates 9 are adapted to close into pockets provided at the sides of the track and closed by means of hinged covers 11, which are thrown" upward when the gates are projected and which close automatically when the gates are withdrawn or folded.

At one side of the crossing and at different ated thereby. Fig. 8 is a view of the fourth A contact-plate 12 7 o resetting mechanisms. Fig. 12 is a detail per- The circuit-closers at one side of the crossing are indicated by'the reference-numerals 1 2, and 3, and the corresponding circuit-closers at the opposite side of the crossing are designatedbythe reference-numerals 1, 2, and 3. The circuit-closer 4., arranged at or near the crossing When operated eiiect's a resetting of the parts and is actuated by trains passing in either direction. Electric actuators 1 12 3*, and 4d" are included in. electric circuits which are controlled by the respective circuit-closers, and such actuators preferablyconsist of electromagnets of proper strength to performthe function for which intended.

The'armatures-or movable parts ofthe ele'ctiic actuators are adapted, to be connected in any manner with the respective mechanisms deriving "movement therefrom. The armatures of the electric actuators 1 and 4 are dependent upon each other'for positive movement, Whereas the armatures of the electric actuators 2 and 3 are spring-actuated and are automatically returned to norc; cuit when it'is not required to operate the inal position by means of springs a when their respective electric actuators are devitalized, as by breaking of the electric circuit theretlirough. The main circuit is indicated by the reference-numeral -7 and contains a current-generator 5 and a switch 6. The current-generator may be either a battery or a dynamo-electric machine, and the switch 6 is ,o'flsuch construction as to admit of its operation by the en ineer or fireman of a switchengme to brea the main circuit when it is not desired to operate the safety appliances at the crossing. The several electric circuits, includingthe respective circuit-closers and electric "actuators, are designated by the reference-

numerals

1, 2, 3, and 4 and by the referencenumerals 1 2 and 3 the latter connecting the respective circuit-closers 1, 2, and 3 with the corresponding circuits 1, 2, and 3. These several circuits are clearly indicated in the dia rammatical view, Fig. 3.

The switch 6, as i lustrated most clearly in FigflO, comprises spring-contacts 16, a shaft- 17, crank-handle 18, and arm 19, the latter projectingfrom the shaft 17 and'adapted to comebetweenthe'contacts 1t, soas to close the main circuit or to be Withdrawn from between said contacts to break the maincirsafety appliances. The switch 6 is located at any convenient point to admit of breaking the main circuit when required, thereby permitting the shifting backward and forward of a switch-engine without setting the safety appliances and restoring the same to normal position. The crank-handle 18 extends within convenient reach of the engineer to admit of its ready operation from the engine While in motion.

The signaling means may be of any variety and, as il ustrated, comprise a semaphore and an alarm, the semaphore embodying a light for observation at nightand the alarm being of the type to be electrically operated. The signalingmeans, as shown, are mounted upon a post20 at ornear the crossing, so .as

to apprise persons of impending danger upon the approach of atraim The visual signal comprises a casing 21, secured to the upper end of-the post 20 and provided in opposite sides w.th corresponding 0- enings. ;A shaft 22 is suitably mounted :wit 'n-the casing and has secured'thereto plates 23, in which openings are provided to receive plain and colored glasses, according to the system oi-signaling in vogue along the railway-tobe equipped with the invention.

A; rod 24 connects the plates 23 with one arm of a bell-crank 25, the

other arm of said bell-crank being connected by a rod 26 with-a crank-pin 27,fast to a-rockshaft 28. The crank pin 2'2 projects through its supporting-arm 29, so as to extend, from opposite sides of said arm. The projecting end of the crank-pin extends across the path of a hook 30, which is normally held out of engagement therewith by means of a crank-pin 31, fast to a rock-shaft 32,and which rockshaft has a crank-arm 33 connected by rod or bar 34 with the armature 35 of the electromagnet or actuator 1*.

net or actuator 2 and its outer end-norof W chit is held away from the crank-pin 27. Upon energizing the electromagnet or actuator ,1- its armature 35' is attracted, thereby turning the rock-shaft 32 and Withdrawing the crank-pin 31 from beneath the outer endof the hook 30, and permitting the same to rest upon the crank-pin 27, so that when the electromagnet or actuator 2 is energized and its armature 36 attracted the hook 30 will engage with the crank-pin 27 and rock the shaft 28 and o erate both the si a1 andfthe alarm: This atter o eration wi 1 be more fully described hereina" er.= A crankin 37 is fast to the rock-shaft 28 and norm lysupports a bar or rod 38, connected to the armature39 or the electromagnet or actuatorfi 'and'when the shaft 28 is turned the pin 3-7 'is withdrawn fromqehgagement ;-With the part38 or moved to a position to ad -10 5 The hook 30 is con- 'nected to the armature 36 of the electromagelectro-magnet 3 its armature is attracted and moves the part 38 to efiectoperation of the gate or like part9. A crank-pin 40, fast. to the. shaft 10, extends across the path of the part 38 andis ada ted to be engaged by a catch or stop-she der'thereof to admit of operation of the gate upon closing the circuit inclosing the actuator 3. I

The resetting means for restoring the arts to normal position embodies a rock-.sha 41, having crank-

arms

42, 43, and 44, the latter being connected,by means of a bar or rod 45, with the armature 46 of the electromagnet or actuator 4*. A bar or rod 47 connects the crank-arm 42 with the crank-pin 40, the latter having a limited play in a slot of the art 47 to admit of rocking movement of the s aft 41 when the parts are in normal osition without disturbing the same and a so pro viding for proper movement of the gate-operating mechanism without roducing any movement of the shaft 41. X bar or rod 48 also connects the crank-arm 42 with the crank-pin 37 and is provided with a slot to admit of said crank-pin having a limited movement for substantially the same purpose as the limited play of the crank-pin 40 in the part 47. A bar or rod 49 connects the crank-arm 43 with the crank-pin 31 and is slotted to receive said crank-pin and admit of the same having a limited movement for the same purpose as the play provided be= tween the

parts

48 and 47 and cooperating crank-

pins

37 and 40. After the electromagnets 1 2 and 3 have been actuated to operate their respective mechanisms the crank-

pins

31, 37, and 40 will occupy a position at one-end of the slots of the

respective connections

49, 48, and 47-, so that u on energizing of the electromagnet 4 an rocking of the shaft 41 the several crank-pins willbe moved to restore the rock-

shafts

32, 28, and to normal position and at the same time returning the respective mechanisms and parts to an initial position. V

The alarm-circuit is indicated by the reference-numeral 50, which includes a circuitcloser comprising the spring-contacts 51 and the arm 29, attached to the rock-shaft 28 and carrying the crank-pin 27. The arm 29 is either metallic or of such construction as to electrically connect the spring-arms 51 when the rock-shaft 28 is moved to set the signal and throw the gate-operating mechanism into osition for actuation upon energizing the e ectromagnet 3". Normally the arm 29 is withdrawn from between the contacts 51; but when the signal-operating circuit is closed and the electromagnet 2 energized the rock-shaft 28 is moved, thereby bringing the arm 29 between the contacts 51 and closing the alarm-circuit and at the same time setting the visual signal and bringing the parts of the gate-operating mechanism into working position. When the parts are restored to .primal position by vitalizing the electromagnet 4 the alarm-circuit is broken by withdrawal of the arm 29 from between the contacts 51. i

In the practical operation of the invention a railway. equipped with safety appliances substantially as herein indicated is adapted to have the mechanisms operated in successive order as the train approaches the crossing from either direction. When the circuitcloser I or 1 is operated, the electroma net or actuator 1 is energized and the rock-s aft 32 moved so as to withdraw the crank-pin 31 from beneath the hook and admit of said hook resting upon the crank-pin 27, as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 5. When the train reaches a position to operate either the circuit-

closer

2 or 2, the actuator or electromagnet 2 is vitalized and moves the hook 30 and rocks the shaft 28, therebysetting the signal and the alarm and at the same time permitting the parts of the gate-operating mechanism to come into the cooperative relation by withdrawing the crank-pin 37 from beneath the part'38 to admit of the catch or shoulder of said part 38 engaging with the crank-pin 40 to throw the gate into osition across the roadway upon energizing t e electromagnet or actuator 3 when the circuitcloser 3 or 3 is operated. As the train reaches the crossing or passes by the same the resetting circuit-closer 4 is operated, thereby closing thecircuit through the electromagnet or actuator 4 with the result that the rock-shaft '41 is moved and all the parts returned to normal position to be again actuated by the next train. To prevent a too rapid movement or overthrow of the

rockshafts

28 and 32, a brake 53 is applied to each and consists of a spring arranged to expend its force against theshaft,so as to retard the movement thereof.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is- 1. .Insaiety appliances of the character specified, the combination of a gate, signaling the signaling means and for throwing the arts of said mechanism into cooperative reation, a series of electric actuators included in separate circuits, independent circuitclosers for successively closing the circuits IIO through the electric actuators whereby the several mechanisms are oparated in rotation to set the. mechanism to operate the signal and to project the gate into working position, and a resetting mechanism embodying an electric actuator and circuit-closer for restoring the working parts to normal position.

' 3. In safety appliances of the character specified, the combination of a gate, operating mechanism therefor comprising parts normally disengaged, a signal embodying an electric circuit normally open, operating mechanism for the signal and for throwing the s'eparateparts of the gate-operating mechanism into operative position, and a setting mechanism for throwing the signal-operating mechanism-into proper cooperative relation for actuation at the proper time.

' cluded in independent electric circuits embodying circuit-closers which are adapted to be operated in rotation.

5. In safety appliances of the character specified, the combination of a gate, operating mechanism therefor comprising normally disengaged parts, a signal, an electric alarm embodying a circuit-closer, operating means for the signal and alarm-circuit closer for throwing the disengaged parts of the gate operating mechanism into operative position and in turn embodying normally disengaged parts, and a setting mechanism for bringing the disengaged parts of the signal-operating mechanism into cooperative position.

6. In safety appliances of the character specified, the combination of a gate, a signal, an alarm, a setting mechanism, operative mechanisms for the several parts including independent electric actuators and corresponding circuits, and two sets. of circuitclosers for the respective circuits arranged upon opposite sides of the crossing to be actuated by a train approaching from either direction.

7. In safety appliances of the character,

specified, the combination of a gate, a signal, an alarm, a setting mechanism, operative mechanisms for the several parts including independent electric actuators and corresponding circuits, two sets of circuit-closers for the respective circuits arranged upon opposite sides of the crossing to be actuated by a train approaching from either direction, a resetting mechanism for restoring the parts to normal position embodying an electric actuator, circuit and circuit-closer, the latter being common to the aforesaid two sets of circuit-closers so as to close the resetting-circuit after either group or set of circuit-closers have been operated.

in testimony whereof we aflix our signatures in presence of two witnesses;

JAE/ES G. O. COMES. {n s] ISAAC D. CQMBS. [L s.] Witnesses:

LoREN TURK,

J, R. MARSH.