US872798A - Signaling system. - Google Patents

Description

3 E D. :D E m N E T A P SIGNALING 'SYSTBM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 1. 1906.

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PATENTED DEC. 3, 1907.

0. W. COLEMAN. SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 1.1906.

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C. W. GOLEMAN.

SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 1. 1900.

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W/TNESSES No. 872,798. 4 r PATENTED DEC. 3, 1907'.

0. W. COLEMAN.

SIGNALING SYSTEM.

APPLIGATION FILED MAY 1. 1906.

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UNITED STATES PATENT oFinoE.

CLARENCE W. COLEMAN, OF WESTFIELD, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO THE HALL SIGNAL COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

SIGNALING SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 3, 1907.

Application filed May 1. 1,906. Serial No. 314.625.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CLARENCE W. OoLE- MAN, a citizen of the United States, a resident of lVestfield, county of Union, and State of New Jersey, have invented Signaling Systems, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to railway signaling systems employing liquefied gas such as carbonic acid gas as the motive power for actuating one or more signals of the system.

One object of my invention is to provide means for actuating a signal by liquefied gas that will avoid leakage of the gas and will thus increase the number of operations of the signal that can be obtained from a given stored supply of gas.

Another object of my invention is to provide means whereby the gas may be utilized to hold a signal at safety without leakage and without consequent alteration of the po- I e n l sition of the signal.

Another object of my invention is to provide means whereby gas may be used expansively in causing the signal to move to a given position thus reducing the. amount of gas used for each operation.

Another object of my invention is to provide a plurality of pistons for actuating the signal which are so proportioned and arranged that the effective area of the pistons utilized in actuating the signal may be increased during the stroke of the piston mechanism.

ith the above and other objects in view, my invention consists in the parts, improvements and combinations more particularly pointed out in the claims.

Referring now to the drawings which accompany this specification and form a part thereof,

Figure 1 illustrates a vertical elevation of my improved signal operating means. Fig. 2 1s a top plan view of the same. Fig. 3 is an end elevation partly 1n section. Fig. 4 1s a detail view showing one means of operating thevalve mechanism. Fig. 5 is a detail view showing the valve ports.

The tank 1 contains a local, storage supply of liquefied gas which forms the source of the gas used to operate the signal. The gas contained in the tank 1 is preferably carbonic acid gas at or about the point of liquefaction.

The pipe 2 leads from the tank to an ordinary red/acing valve 3 by means of which gas 1s supplied at a reduced pressure to the signal operating mechanism. This reducing valve may be of the construction illustrated in the patent to C. W. Coleman, No. 810,262, of January 16th, 1906. A branch pipe 4 supplies high pressure gas to the gage 5, the pressure of which is indicated by means of one of the arrows on the gage. leading to the gage 5 supplies the gage with low pressure gas at a pressure produced b the reducing valve 3, which pressure is indicated by the other arrow of the gage 5. The pipe 7 leading from the low pressure side of the reducing valve may communicate directly with the means for admitting gas to the signal operating means, but is preferably connected to the expansion chamber 8, which in turn is connected with the gas admitting means by the/pipe 9.

In order to operate the signal economically and in order to get as many operations as possible out of each tank full of gas, I provide a liquid link or seal, and suitable means whereby the pressure of the gas coming from the supply tank may be transmitted to the liquid to actuate the signal.

As shown in Fig. 1, the liquid 10 which is preferably a non-freezing liquid, such as a mixture of alcohol and water, is contained Within a chamber having the walls 11, 12.

In the best embodiment of my invention, a diaphragm 13 is interposed between the liquid 10 and the gas pipe 1.4. Bolts 15 and 16 firmly secure the walls 11, 12 and diaphragm 13 together, so as to prevent leakage of the liquid.

In the particular embodiment of my invention illustrated upon the drawings the chamber having the walls 11, 12 is located at the base of the piston chamber and the piston chamber opens into it.

In accordance with my invention I make use of the liquefied gas acting expansively and I provide piston mechanism acted upon by gas pressure together with means whereby the area of the piston mechanism subjeoted to gas pressure varies at different portions of the stroke of the piston mechanism. The volume swept through by the piston mechanism while under gas pressure is also varied and increases when the piston mechanism is subjected to reduced pressure. The signal blade 17 with the usual counterweight 18 that gives the signal a normal bias to The pipe 6 danger, is connected by means of a connecting rod 19 to the piston rod 20. Two pistons 21 and 22 which are preferably of different diameters are, in the best embodiment of my invention, coaxially mounted upon the single rod 20. Piston chambers and 24 corre sponding in diameter to the pistons 21. and 22 receive said pistons.

1n the best embodiment of my invention the piston 22 is provided with a passage 22 communicating with a port 22"the function of which will be set forth hereinafter. I have provided suitable meansforsupplying liquid to each of said chambers. Liquid is supplied to the chamber by means of a pipe 25, 26, 27 from the supply reservoir 28, provided with air inlet 28 and filling plug 28. A valve 29 is located in the supply pipe at 26. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated upon the drawings, this valve consists of a check valve, which automatically opens when the piston rises, thus supplying liquid from the reservoir 28 to the piston chamber 23. The valve 29 closes as soon as the liquid in the chamber 23 is subjected to pressure by the gas beneath the diaphragm 13, and the liquid will not be able to return to ,the reservoir 28 through the pipe 26. Suitable means are provided for permitting the liquid to flow into the reservoir 28 on the return stroke of the piston. A bypass 30 is shunted around the valve 29, the bypass leading by means of the pipe 31 to a valve chamber 32, the bottom of which is closed by the diaphragm 334 A valve 34 is attached to the diaphragm, the force of which diaphragm tends constantly to open the valve. A return pipe leads to the pipe 27. When the valve 34 is opened, which occurs when the signal moves to danger and the piston 21 returns to its initial position, the liquid in the piston chamber 23 returns by the bypass 36, pipes 31 and 35 to the reservoir 28.

in the embodiment of the invention. illustrated upon the drawings, the reservoir 28 is used to keep the chamber having walls 10, 11, full of liquid. Should the liquid 10 leak beyond the piston 22, the reservoir 28 will supply enough liquid to keep the chamber full. A pipe 36 leads from the reservoir 28 to the liquid-containing chamber, and a valve 37 is inserted in said pipe to control the supply of liquid. \N hen the diaphragm 13 is subjected to gas pressure from the pipe 14, the pressure in the diaphragm chamber keeps the valve 37 closed. When the piston 22 returns, the pressure in the pipe 14 having been relieved, free communication exists between the reservoir 28 and the diaphragm chamber, and the reservoir can supply any additional liquid necessary to the chamber.

Suitable means are provided, which may be uidely varied, for admitting gas to actuate the piston mechanism and for cutting oil the supply 01" gas at a predetermined point and allowing the gas td expand." In the form of the invention illustrated upon the drawings,

an admission valve 38 is used to control the admission of gas through the port 39 that leads to the pipe 14. An exhaust valve 40 leading to the atmosphere through port 41, is shown as mounted on the same stem as that of the valve 38. Suitable means are provided for actuating the valve 38. As illustrated, the valve stem of valve 38 is pivoted at 42 to a link 43, which in turn is pivoted at 44 to the frame of the machine. A link 45, provided with an adjustable connection 46, is connected witha bell crank 47 pivoted at 48 to the frame of the machine. An armature 49 is attached to the bell crank. An electromagnet 50 is provided to attract the armature 49 and thus operate the valve T he electromagnet 50 also attracts an armature 49 on the bell crank 49, which through the adjustable connection 49 operates the valve 34. Pole pieces 50 and 50 may be used as well as a brass frame 50 to hold the magnets in place. The means for controlling the electromagnet 50 may be widely varied. 1 have shown for this purpose an electric battery 51 and. an. electric circuit 52 that includes the electromagnet 50. A circuit closer 53 makes and breaks the circuit 52 so as to energize and deenergize the electromagnet 50. The means for operating this circuit closer may be widely varied. As illustrated on the drawings, a track circuit 54, with track battery 55, is provided, the current from the battery 55 energizing the coils of the relay magnet 56. When so energized the relay 56 attracts the circuit closer 53 and closes the circuit. When the train 57 is on the track 54, it prevents the current from passing through the track relay 56, and'the circuit closer 53 is opened by the spring 58. The former operation admits gas to the pipe 14 and sends the signal to safety, and the latter operation, byv denergizing the magnet 50, closes the admission valve 38 and opens the exhaust valve 40, thus allowing the gas in 14 to escape to the atmosphere and the signal to go to danger.

In order to use the gas expansively, suitable means are provided for cutting off the supply of gas after a predetermined movement of the piston mechanism. In the form of the invention illustrated by the drawings I provide a cut-off valve 59 which cuts oil the supply of gas coming from the gas inlet 60 at the proper time, said inlet communicating with the pipe 9. A screw plug 61 closes the orifice in which the valve 59 is located, so that no gas can pass from 60 to the atmosphere. The valve 59 is mounted on a stem 61, a spring 62 closing the valve against its valve seat 63. When the signal is at safety, the valve 59 is open, and gas passes from the inlet 60 up into the die phragm chamber 64. This chamber is closed by a screw cap 65, and contains a diaphragm 66 that prevents leakage of gas. The gas, when permitted to do so by the opening of the valve 38, passes by the body of the valve 38 and through the passage 67 to the port 39. Suitable means are provided for keeping the cut-off valve 59 open and for permitting it to close at a predetermined point in the movement of the piston mechanism. This means may be widely varied. As shown on the drawings, I have provided a bell crank 68 pivoted at 69, having an arm 70 with an inclined portion 71 with which the arm 72 carrying roller 73 operates. The arm 72 moves with the piston mechanism. Suitable connections are provided between the bell crank 68 and the valve 59. As shown in Fig. 4, a rod 74 guided in the cap rests on the upper side of the diaphragm 66. The arm 68 is in contact with the rod 74.

In the position of the parts shown in Fig. 1 the bell crank 68 is pressing against the rod 74, which has moved the diaphragm 66 against the nut 75 on the valve stem 63, compressing the spring 62 and opening the valve 59. Gas freely enters the diaphragm chamber 64. Then the magnet 50 is energized, the gas passes through the port 39 and into pi e 14, the piston mechanism rises, and after t eroller 7 3 passes the bend in the arm and reaches the incline 71, the bell crank 68 rocks, the cut-off valve 59 closes, and for the rest of the stroke of the piston the gas acts expansively against the piston mechanism. lt is during this second stageof the operation that my improved piston mechanism cooperates with the cut-off to utilize the expanding force of the gas. On reference to Fig. 1 it will be observed that when the piston 22 has reached a position so that the port 22 is in communication with the chamber 23, the piston 21 having drawn beneath it a supply of liquid, the pressure of the gas exerted through the diaphragm 13 will be transmitted to both pistons throu h the liquid link between the pistons and the diaphragm. Owing to the increased area of the piston mechanism opposed to the decreased pressure of the gas, which is now acting expansively, the total pressure in moving the signal is maintained, and does not decrease. The piston mechanism is thus enabled to make a full stroke movement with a less expenditure of gas than if the gas were not used expansively. It will also be observed that during the movement of the piston mechanism, the volume swept through or displaced by the piston mechanism per unit length of stroke is increased after the port 22 has left piston chamber 24 and iston 21 comes into action, the pressure of the gas at this part of the stroke having diminished.- Without increasing the length of stroke of the piston,

the expanding force of the gas may be used to give the signal a full stroke movement.

With the above description of my invention and of the operation already given, the operation of the various parts will be readily understood. My invention may be applied to normal danger as well as to normal safety systems. The drawings show my invention in connection with a normal safety system. VVhen' the train 57 leaves the track 54 in passing to the section beyond, the current from the battery 55 passes through the relay 56, which closes the circuit through the electro magnet 50. The electro magnet attracts both its armatures 49 and 49, the latter closing the bypass for the liquid through the pipe 30. The armature 49 opens the admission valve 38, as shown in Fig. 4, and the cut-off valve 59 being likewise held open by the roller 73, gas passes to a point below the diaphragm 13. This gas pressure displaces the liquid 10, which raises the piston 22. As the piston mechanism rises, liquid is drawn beneath the piston 21 from the reservoir 28 through the check valve 29. When the piston mechanism has completed the desired portion of its stroke, the cut-off valve 59 is closed through the operation of the roller 73 of the arm 71, and the port 22 having passed out of the piston chamber 24, the gas pressure pressing through the liquid 10 is made effective against the combined areas of pistons 21 and 22. The piston mechanism moves the signal for the remainder of its stroke, under the expansive force of the gas, and the piston is held at safety by the gas pressure. The return of the parts to the danger position may be easily effected by the means shown on the drawings.

My invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the particular constructions and relative arrangements of the parts herein shown and described nor to any particular form of apparatus by which the invention may be carried into efl'ect, as many changes may be-made in the construction and relative arrangement of the parts as required to adapt the a paratus to the circumstances of the particular application of the invention or to meet the personal views of the engineer j employed to carry the invention into effect without departing from the main principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a railway signalim system, the combination of a signal, a tanlk for liquefied ga's, piston mechanism acted upon by gas pressure comprising a lurality of pistons for actuating said signa and means for varying the volume swept through by the piston mechanism which is subjected to gas pressure, during a ortion of the stroke of the said piston mec anism.

2. In a railway signaling system, the combination of a signal, a tank for liquefied gas, iston mechanism subjected to gas pressure or actuating said signal, and means for varying the area of the piston mechanism subjected to gas pressure while the pressure of the gas acting on said mechanism is varied.

3. In a railway signaling system, the combination of a signal normally biased to danger, a local tank forliquefied gas, piston mechanism subjected to gas pressure for actuating said signal, and means for increasing the area of the piston mechanism subjected to gas pressure while the pressure is diminished.

4. In a railway signaling system, the com bination of a signal, a plurality of pistons for actuating said signal, a source of liquefied gas, means for admitting gas to actuate said pistons, and means for cutting oil the supply of gas at a predetermined point and allowing the gas to expand.

5. In a railway signaling system, the combination of a signal, a plurality of pistons for actuating said signal, a source of liquefied gas, liquid between the .gas and the piston, means for admitting gas to transmit pressure to said liquid, means for cutting oil the supply of gas at a predetermined point and al lowing the gas to expand.

, 6. In a railway signaling system, the combination of a signal, a plurality of pistons on a common rod for actuating said signal, a source of liquefied gas, means for admitting gas to actuate said pistons, and means for cutting oil the supply of gas at a predetermined point and allowing the gas to expand.

7. In a railway signaling system, the combination of a signal, a plurality of pistons of different diameters, piston chambers of corresponding diameters, a source of liquefied gas, means for admitting gas to actuate said pistons, and means for cutting oil' the supply of gas at a predetermined point and allowing the gas to expand.

S. In a railway signaling system, the combination of a signal, a plurality of pistons of difierent diameters, piston chambers of cor responding diameters, a source of liquefied gas, liquid between the gas and the pistons, and means for admitting gas to transmit pressure to the liquid.

9. In a railxi'ay signaling system, the combination of a signal, a plurality of pistons of different diameters, pistonchambers of corresponding diameters, a source of liquefied gas, liquid between the gas and the pistons, means for admitting gas to transmit pressure to the liquid, and means for cutting oil the supply of gas at a predetermined point and allowing the gas to expand.

10. In a railway signaling system, the combination of a signal, a source of liquefied gas,

a plurality of coaxial pistons of different diameters, said pistons being mounted on a common rod, piston chambers of corresponding diameters, a liquid, means for admitting gas whereby the pressure of the gas is transmitted to the liquid, means for cutting off the supply of gas 'at a predetermined point and allowing the gas to expand.

1 1. In a railwaysignaling system, the combination of a signal, a plurality of pistons for actuating said signal, a source of liquefied gas, piston chambers for said pistons, means including a supply pipe for supplying liquid to one of said chambers, a valve in said supply pipe, and means for admitting gas to transmit pressure to the liquid.

12. In a railway signaling system, the combination of a signal, a source of liquefied gas, a plurality of pistons, a plurality of piston chambers, means for supplying li uid to one of said chambers, a supply pipe or supplying liquid to the other chamber, a valve in said supply pipe, a bypass connected with said supply pipe, and a valve in said bypass.

13. In a railway signaling system,the combination of a signal, a source of liquefied gas, a plurality of pistons, a plurality of piston chambers, means for supplying liquid to one of said chambers, a supply pipe for supply ng liquid to the other chamber, a valve in said supply pipe, a bypass connected with said supply pipe, a valve in said bypass, and an electro magnet for actuating the valve in the bypass.

14. In a railway signaling system, the combination of a signal, a plurality of pistons for actuating said signal, a plurality of piston chambers, a source of liquefied gas, means for supplying liquid to one of said chambers, a pipe for supplying liquid to the other chamber, a valve in said pipe, a bypass, a valve in said bypass, an electro magnet for actuating said valve, a diaphragm arranged between the liquid and the gas, a cut-off valve arranged between the source of liquefied gas and the diaphragm, an arm for actuating said valve, and means controlled by the movement of the signal for actuating said arm.

15. In a railway signaling system, the combination of a signal, a plurality of pistons for actuating said signal, a plurality of piston chambers, a source of liquefied gas, means for supplying liquid to one of said chambers, a pipe for supplying liquid to the other chamber, a valve insaid pipe, a bypass, a valve in said bypass, an electro magnet for actuating said valve, a diaphragm arranged between the liquid and the gas, an admission valve controlled by said magnet, a cut-off valve arranged between the source of liquefied gas and the diaphragm, an arm for actuating said valve, and means controlled by the movement of the signal for actuating said arm.

16. In a railway signaling system, the combination of a signal, a plurality of pistons for actuating said signal, a plurality of piston chambers, a source of liquefied gas, means for supplying liquid to one of said chambers, a chamber containing liquid in communication with the other of said chambers, one of said pistons having a passage provided with a port whereby communication may be established between one of said piston chambers and the chamber containing liquid, and means whereby the pressure of the gas may be transmitted to the liquid to actuate the signal.

17. In a railway signaling system, the com-' bination of a signal, a plurality of pistons for actuating said signal, a plurality of piston chambers, a source of liquefied gas, means for supplying liquid to one of said champansively bers, a chamber containing liquid in communication with the other of said chambers, one of said pistons having a passage provided with a port whereby communication ma be established between one of said piston c ambers and the chamber containing iquid, means whereby the pressure of the gas may be transmitted to the li uid to actuate the signal, and a cut off rnec ianism for the gas supply whereby gas may be used exin actuating the signal.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CLARENCE W. COLEMAN.

Witnesses:

WILLIAM F. BISSING, EDWIN SEGER.

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