US1079889A - Railway-switch mechanism. - Google Patents

Description

. M. L. SHEPHERD. RAILWAY SWITCH MECHANISM. APPLIOATIONIILEID mm: 23, 913. 1 079 889 I V Patented Nov. 25, 1913' g SHEETk-SHEET 1.

Y M. L. SHEPHERD. RAILWAY SWITCH MECHANISM. I APPLICATION rnnn zmnnzs, 191s. 1,079,,889. Patented Nov. 25, 1913.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

I M. L. SHEPHERD. RAILWAY svmcn MECHANISM. AYPLIOATION FILED JUN}; 23, 1913.

I Patented Nov. 25, 1913 7 sums-sum a.

W i y 'M L. SHBP ERDQ RAILWAY SWITCH mnemmsm.

APYLIOATNN FILED JUNE 23, 1913 Rammed Nov. 25-,- 1913.

I 1- SHEETS-SHEET 4.

MJL. SHEPHERD; RAILWAY SWITCH MECHANISM. APPLIOATIQNDI'ILBD JUNE 23, 1913.

Patented Nov. 25, 1913.

7 BHEETE8EEET 5.

wi/tueeoao a Q M. L. SHEPHERD. I RAILWAY SWITCH MEGHANISM. APPLICATION FILED HD1523, 1913.

Patented Nov. 25, 1913; a

7 sums-sum e.

Mamizafl 17. 372 292262142.-

M. L. SHEPHERD. RAILWAY SWITCH MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE23,1913.

Patented Nov. 25, 1913.

wuawt'n fflakshalli. ,57lepizerd i nflitthm FFME mnsrznnn L, snnicztnnn, or moivroonnnv, LABAMA, ASSIGNOR T SHEPHERD en's-onsets S amese-annexes, me, or i'contcoonnm, eminence, A CORPORA- non Ar linemen.-

.ttAIiIWAY SW'ITC-H MEGHANISM.

s eemmmnor Letters Potent.

Patented n ov. i oi 3..

Application file'i June 29,1818? Seriai No. 775,862.

vented new and useful improvements in Railway sivitch Mechanism, ofwvhich the following is a specification.

This invention relates to railwav switch mechanism for controlling the passage of rolling stock from a main track to a branch track or siding, and vice versa.

'..he primary object of the invention is to provide a positive and reliable type of switch mechanism adapted to be automatically operated the rolling stock and locked and guarded in normal or switch closing position against surreptitimis or accidental adjustment.

A. further object. of the invention is to provide a switch nicchanisn'i which-is adapt ed to be automatically operated by the rolling stool; from either the main or branch line and to lock the open switch rails against accidental closing and secure their positive control by the rolling stock until the latter has passed from one track to the other.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a switch mechanism which will positively close after actuation and the pas sage of a train from one track to the other and lock the switch rails in normal or closed positionso as to obviatc'the liability o't accidents to following trains, while permitting through trains on the main line to travel over the switch point at high spfeed withont liabilitv of deranging the switch mechanism.

A still further object of the invention is to operable automatically by means under control of the drlver or engineer oi a car or 10- eoinolive and may be also ope 'ated'in an authorized manner by hand when occasion, requires and in conjunction with a suital'ilc switch stand and signal. which especially adapted to obviate liability of injury to or derangement of any oi? the working parts of the switch in the travel of the rolling stock over the switch point, and which in various respe ts alliords n'iaximmn safe provide a switch mechanism which is and allied parts.

guards against accidents public. I I

With these and other objects in view, vehielnwill appear as the nature of the invent-lends better disclosed, the invention consists of the features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts, herein,- att er: fully described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a top plan view of the rails and switch mechanism at a switch point, showing the switch rails locked in normal iosition for travel on the main line. Fig. 2 is a top plan View of parts of the switch mechanism on an enlarged scale, and also showing the switch locked in closed position. Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing the switch thrown and locked in open position for travel between the main and branch lines. Fig. 4- is a vertical transverse section on line l4. of Fig. 2. Fig. is a. corresponding vertic'hl transverse section on line 55of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a vertical longitudinal section on line (3-6 of Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a vertical transverse section on line 7-7 to the traveling of Fig. (5, showing in full and dotted lines the normal and forward positions of the latch tripping device. Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7, showing the latch tripping device in its forward position and the retracting dog in position to retract the same. Figs. 9 and 10 are sectional plan views of the latch and latch retracting device, showing certain positions thereof. Fig. l0 is a view showing a mid-position of the latch occurring in a certain phase of operation. Fig. 11 is a vertical transverse section on line ll--il oi Fig. (3. Fig. 12 is a similar view on the line lib-l2 of Fig. (i. Fig. 13 is a vertical h'ansvcrse section on the line 13--l3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 14 is a vertical transverse section on line 1-l--l l of Fig. 1. Fig. lo'is a detail section through the latch Fig. 16 .is a perspective view ofth'c latch. Fig. 17 is a similar view of the throw bar. Fig. 18 is a top plan view showing a modified form of guard rail. Fig. 19 is a vertical transverse section on line ill-19 of Fig. 18. Fig. 20 is a top plan .is positively of movementthan the rail 6,

arm, pin and'li'nk forming a view showing a modified construction of motion transmitting means operated by the guard rail. Figs. 21, 22 and 23 are sections taken, respectively, on -the lines .2121, 22-22 and 2323 of Fig. 20.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 19, inclusive, of the drawings, 1. and 2 designate the main line rails, 3 and 4 the branch line or siding rails, and 5 and .6 the switch rails connected for movement in unison'b'y the rod 7 saidrails 5 and 6 forming a switch point movable laterally to open and'close communication between the main and branch lines. he rod 7 comprises a pair of telescopic sections 8 and 9, slidable with relation to each other, a spring 10 being inclosed within the section 8. and normally acting to force said sections apart. When the switch is open the spring 10 acts to hold the switch rail 6 pressed against the track rail 2 and ailjusts said switch rail to compensate for any abnormal variations in the distance between the track rails due to spreading or other causes, thus insuring said travel of the rolling stock over the switch. In the operation of throwing the switch to open position, the rail 5, which moved, has a greater amplitude resulting in "the spring 10 being compressed or placed under tension to maintain the rail 6 in con tact'with the rail 2, as well asto insure a positive subsequent closing of the switch and to give an additional safeguard to thetravcl of the rolling stock over the switch, as hereinafter fully described.

Arranged between the tracks of the main line, in themain line approach to the switch, isa suitable casing 11 bolted or otherwise firmly secured totheties, and in which is revolubl y mounted a drum or roller 12, forming a switchthrowinghnember. This drum or roller is preferably of the construction set forth in my prior applications No. 651,738, filed Sept. 28, 1911 and Number 749,151 filed Feb. 18, 1913, said drum or roller having a spiral groove to receive an operating device upon a traveling car or locomotive, whereby the drum is first turned for a portion of its revolution to unlock and throw the switch and on the final portion of its revolution is returned to normal posi tion, and reset for subsequent operation. I have not considered it necessary to illustrate this 'tlegice in detail, as its specific construction forms, no part of the present. invention, and as any suitable device for the same functions may be employed.

The switch throwing drum or roller 12 actuates a rocl r' shaft 13 carrying a pair of crank arms H and l5.' The crank arm 14 is provided witlri'a pin 16 engaging a slotted link lt 'connectcd with a throw bar 18 suitably fastencd to the switch rail 5, said crank performing lost-motion connection between the switch throwing device and the switch, whereby provision is made to secure certain successive and independent motions of the operating parts of the switch mechanism. The crank arm is coupled by a chain 19 or other suitable flexible connection, also constituting a lostmotion connection, with a latch controlling rod 20, connected with a latch or tripping device 21, constructed and operating as herein described.

Slidably extending through or beneath the rail 3 and fastened to the rail 5 or to the section 8 of the rod 7 is a second throw bar 22, also operating as a switch locking element. The bar 22 is provided with a pair of spaced locking notches or recesses 23 and 24-, adapted to be engaged by a pivoted, laterally movable latch 25, to respectively lock the switch in its closed and opened positions. This latch is normally urged into locking position by a spring and is provided with an arm 27 having a V-shaped or triangular lateral projection or cam member 28 adapted for-cooperation with the said latch controlling or trippingdevice 21. The bar 22 may be coupled by a suitable connection 29- to a suitable switch stand target or signal 30, whereby the signal will be operated with the switch mechanism to indicate whether the switch is closed oropen. The crank arms 14- and 15 are moved in their respective actuating motions in the direction toward the rails 2 and 6, and in the first portion of its actuating motion the arm 14 takes up the lost-motion between the same and the link.17,'while during such period the arm 15 takes up the slack in the chain .19 and draws the device 21 forward to trip the latch 25, thus unlocking the switch. On the continued movement of the arm 14, the lost-motion having been taken up, the pin 10cmgages and transmits motion through the link 17 to throw the switch from the closed position shown in Figs. 1 and the vehicle from the main to the branch line. The parts of the switch mechanism in the main line, including crank arms 14 and 15, are then returned to normal position ready for a repetition of the above described operation after the switch is again closed, which movement of the parts back to normal position is permitted without interference with the thrown switch and latch by the lost-mo-' 9. lVhen the connection-l9 is drawn.

2 to the open position shown in Fig. 3, for the travel of latch trip- I I latch'25 and hold it temporarily retracted.

- Fig. 9.

' ineffective because the switch ()n'the final portion of the switch throwing motion of the drum 12 and arms 14 and 15, the switch is thrown and the tripping device 21 moved to the dotted line position indicated in'Fig. 9, to permit the latch to lock the switch positively in thrown position. 011 the return motion of the drum 12 to normal position, the arms 14 and 15 are reset, and are permitted to return to their normal positions by reason of the lost-motion connection'bet-ween the arm 14 and the throw bar 18 and the chain of flexible connection 19 between the arm 15 and rod 20, the switch remaining in locked position and the tripping device 21 in the forwardly thrown position indicatedin dotted lines in \Vhen the train enters the branch line, the flanges along the rail 3 engage and move the rail 32 away from said rail 3, thus actuating the shaft 31 on its latch controlling and switch throwing motion, which switch throwing motion in this direction of travel of the rolling stock, however, is rendered is in thrown contact roller 40 has been thrown distance in advance In such motion of the rail position and the shifted its full of the arm 38.

32 and shaft 31, however, the member 37= is moved forwardly to free the dog 43 and to cause said dog to engage the pin 47 and couple the tripping device 21 to the shaft 31 for subsequent retraction. The parts will remain in this position, with the switch positively locked in thrown position, but with the latch controlling mechanism set to release the latch from the switch throwing mechanism in the branch line, as long asthe rail 32 is held pressed outward from the rail .3 by the flanges of the rolling stock. "hen the last wheel clears the rail and the train has passed the switch and fully entered the branch line, the retracting springs associatedwith the rail 32 return said rail to normal position, and as a result the rock shaft 31 is turned back to normal position and in so doing retracts the member 37. The member 37 in moving backward carries with it the tripping device 21, which is locked thereto by the .dog 43, the tripping device being thus retracted and on its ret-ractive movement passing back to the full line position shown in Fig. 9, thus tripping and retracting the latch and freeing the switch, which is positively and automatically closed by thesprings associated with the rail 5. Hence 'it will be seen that in the of the Wheels traveling tion.

into the branch line, when the switch is unlocked and automatically closes and all the parts are returned automatically to normal position.

When a train traveling from the branch line to the main line enters the switch, the rail 32 is pressed away from the rail 3 in the manner previously described, and in this operation the shaft 31 is rocked on its latch controlling and switch throwing motion, both of which are rendered effective to unlock'and throw the-switch and to relock the switch in thrown position. In such action the shaft 31 transmits forward anotion to the member 37, thus causing the pin 39 to engage and move the trippin device 21 forward while the lost-motion ctwe'en the arm 38 and friction roller 40 is being taken up. The tripping device 21 will, on such forward motion, first engage the point of the cam 28 and retract the latch, at which time the arm 38 will engage the friction wheel 40 and throw the switch, and then the tripping device 21 will move forward to a position in advance of the cam 28, allowing the latch to be projected by its spring to lock the switch in thrown posi- This latch controlling and switch throwing action from the rail 32 in the branch line is permitted without interference from the switch throwing device in the main line, owing to the lost-motion connection between the arm 14 and bar 13 and the flexible connection .19 between the arm 15 and rod 20, as will be readily understood. When the member 37 moves forward it also carries with it the dog43 which automatically engages the pin 47 and couples the tripping device 21 to said member 37 for retraction. When the last wheel of the train traveling on the rail 3 moves out of contact with the rail 32 and releases said rail 32,-

therail 32 and rock shaft 31 are automatically retracted by their retracting springs, thus restoring the member 37 and trip device 21 to normal position. As the member 21 moves backwardly it trips and releases the latch from engagement with the recess 24, but, as the wheels of the rolling stock are still in engagement with the switch rail 5, the switch is still held opened. As before described, the switch rail 5 is spaced from the rail 3, when the switch is thrown from either switch throwing device, a distance greater than the width of the flanges of the wheels, thrown the rail 5 has a greater amplitude of motion' than the rail 6, thus maintaining the spring 10 in compressed condition. Consequently when the rail 32 is released for closing movement by the last wheel of the train, the rail 5 is permitted to move back toward the rail 3 to a certain extent under the action of its closing springs and the pressure of,the"spring 10, but is held by the wheel flanges from entirely closing and is permitted by the wheel flanges to close to an extent. less than the distance between the locking recesses 23 and 24. its a result, the spring is still maintained under a compressed condition and, together with the pressure of the wheels, holds the rail 6 against the rail 2, while the throw bar 2'2 moves back so that the locking projection m of the latch engages the face of said bar at a mid-position between the recesses 23 and ::-l. thus preventing the latch from locking the switch at this stage in either opened or closed position. When the train fully enters the main line and the last wheel traversing the rail 3 clears the switch rail 5,

the reaction of the spring 10, coupled with the retractile energy of the closing springs of the rail 5, effects the automatic closing 29 of the switch, whereupon the latch snaps into the recess and locks the switch again in any closed position, By thus locking the switch rails in thrown position during the full period of the travel of a train "from the main line to the branch line, and locking the said rails in closed position in the travel of :1 train from the branch tn the main line during the period the wheels of-the train hold the guard rail in shifted position, all 39 liability of injury to the switch rails is avoided, such as would be liable to happen where the switch. rails are unlocked and held open solely at all times by the pressure of the wheel flanges and are liable to vibrate laterally under the controlling action of wheel tian 'cs varying to a greater or less extentin wt is at all s the tie'rod connection periiiiis certain dependent movements of and e, and the action of the as described, the rails 5 and 6 be maintained in proper posi of the rolling stock. without injury to or derangen'ient 9., wh le permitting restoration ch throwing and lock controlling b; auch line to a normal posithe switch or accic-pen or closed position tully entered the main 'tlius securing so unii! iii:

1 enabling the switch whenever required, it manually opi-irable lever Jhatt ill and pro- The arm can rping device 2i and is itscl't no r engagement with a pin or prof on the depending lug, or brojec- 1,2. The relationic n is such as to provide I i 1 interengaging means,

e3 the ecuivalent ot' lostmotion safety under all condiconnections, between the lever or manually operable switch throwing device and trippmg device and throw bar.- The relation lever is raised on its latch releasing and switch throwing motion the pin 56 engages the tripping device '21 and carries it forward to engage the point of the cam 28 and retractthe locking device at the moment the arm engages the pin 5?, so that on such switch throwing,- motion of the lever the latch will be retracted on the first portion of the movement of said lever and the switch thrown, the latch released to lock the thrown switch and the trip device moved to the releasing position shown in dotted lines in Rig. 9 on the final portion of the switch throwing movement of the lever.

The switch throwing lever is designed to be employed when required in lieu of the automatic switch throwing device in the main line to open communication between the main and branch lines, the switch being at all times automatically thrown from the branch line When the switch is thrown by means oil the manually operable lever, it will of course be understood that after the switch is thrown the switch will be controlled by the automatic operation of the guard rail in the branch line to control and later etiiect heclosingot the switch as though the switch 1 were thrown by the automatic switch throwing device in the main line or initially through the medium of the guard rail, the guard rail, in. other words, subsequently E controlling the locking and releasing fittion. ir'tfter the lever 54 has been raised to throw the switch, it is released by the operator and .drops by gravity back to normal position, 3 in which position it. is automaticallylocked so that it can not be surreptitiously operated or tampered with. For this purpose, I provide the lever with a locking projection 58 adapted to engage an automatic locking device oi? any suitable diameter, and which may be unlocked by an authorized 1 type of key to free the switch and permit it to be thrown. It will be observed that when the switch throwing lever is in normal or locked position the latch controlling and switch throwing elements thereof arr at all tii'nrs inactive and do not in any way inter fere with the automatic control of the, switch by the automatic devices in the main and branch lines.

Under some conditions, where the switch automatically or manually thrown for the passage of a train from the mainline to the branch line. or vice versa, and the car or train does not pass fully through the switch, it is desirable to provide means whereby the thrown trip device 21 may be retracted to unlock the switch and permit it to close. For this purpose, I provide the connection and operating handle as heroinbet 'ore ship of the parts is also such that when thedescribed, the operation of which will be obvious. It may also be found desirable under some conditions to provide the guard rail 32 with a flange 32 overlapping the head of the rail 3, in orderto secure an increased movement or extent of throw of said guard rail under the action of the wheels of the rolling stock, enabling increased power to be obtained w' 11 less friction. It will be understood, of course, that the ends of this flange will be beveled or inclined to readily admit the flanges of wheels between the same and the rail 3.

From the foregoing description, taken'in connection with the accompanying drawings, the construction and mode of operation of my improved switch mechanism will be readily understood, and it will be seen that the invention provides a switch mechanism which is adapted to be automatically operated from-either the main or branch line for the passage of rolling stock in either direction from one line to the other, and that the switch can not remain open after passage of a train, but will positively close and remain closed until again actuated, so as to prevent accidents to following trains and thus safe guard the traveling public. It will be further seen that the switch throwing devices in the main and branch lines are adapted to operate independently of one another and control a common locking means, whereby the construction is simplified and friction reduced, owing to the'minimum number of parts operating at a time. 'The invention overcomes the well known objections to split and other common typesof switches in use,

inasmuch as a safe crossing is insured at all times.

It will be understood, of course, that the motion transmitting parts of the switch mechanism will b'c'suitably housed and protected from the elements and from accidental injury, as well as from the damage or operation of the switch by malicious persons or intending train Wreckers, the con" struction being such that the switch can' only be thrown under ordinary the power of passing rolling stock. he advantage of providing means whereby the switch may be manually thrown will be obvious, and it will be understood that, in practice, the automatic switch throwing device in the main line may be omitted, when desiredg-and the passage of trains between the main and branch lines controlled by the manual switch and automatic switch mechanism in the branch line.

In Figs. 20 to 23, inclusive, I have shown a modified construction in which a longitudinally movable rod or shaft 31 is substiconditions by tplited for the motion transmitting rock shaft and is actuated from the connecting rods 34 35*. The rod 31 guard rail 32 by and. bell crank levers is connected with one of vice in its forward position and to throw the switch.

The said arm 38 of thebell crank lever 38 carries the dog 43 and co operating parts similar to those carried by the throw plate 37 for coaction with the pin or projection 47 on the tripping'device The operation with this construction will be apparent from the foregoing olescription. In this case, it will be seen that the tripping device 21 and manually 0perable lever 54 are loosely mounted upon an independent shaftliO.

I claim 1. In a railway switch, a self-closing switch point, a self-projected latch for locking the switch point in closed and opened positions, a latch tripping device, and a plurality of devices for independently controlling saidtripping device and throwing the switch.

2. In a railway switch, a self-closing switch point, a self-projected latch for locking the switch point in closed and opened positions, a latch tripping device having forward and backward latch controlling movements, in each of which it is adapted to suecessively retract the latch to free the switch and to release the latch for subsequent looking operation, a switch throwing device operative to actuate the tripping device on its forward motion and throw the switch, and a second switch throwing device operative to controlsaid tripping device on both of its latch controlling movements.

i a railway switch, -a self-closin switch point, a self-projected latch for locking the switch point in closed and opened positions, a latch tripping device having forward and backward latch controlling movements, in each of which it is adapted to successively retract the latch to free the switch and to release the latch for subsequent locking action, a switch throwing device operative to move the tripping device on its iforward motionand effect the throw of the tion, means for actuating said tripping device on its the switch, and means for actuating said tripping device on each of lts motions, said forward motion and throwing orocco operative to independently r ihc switch end to engage and move (a device backward for an autom cuing and switch OlOSih action, i ciz'tof :he switch having; iieen prircwri by me firscnrrmed means.

a ref switch, or seif closii ng int, e sci projected latch for lock witch point in closed and opened loos, c tripping device movchiein one ciion lo rctruci the latch to permit she switch to he Lin-own and release the loich to adopt it to lock the 'l'irown switch, w o. movable in on opposite direction to retrace the latch to peritoit the thrown switch to he closed io reset the ports for e repetition of rho cvc clcscrihe operation, mcoos for moviia '5 pclevice on its first described; molion coil toro'wing the switch, and means 1-, tor moving said, tripping device on. its

o motion for :1, return or the ocsitiosi.

switch, scif-clofi projecreol hitch for loch;- in closeri ihild ogscneo. a laich device movable i c, in ion successively retract the o Lee the switch. ior'opening movelo release the lcfzch. for Rocking the vygcoco ion, and having a rc-' em in. which it rccrects the latch witch r closing movement and iaormoi im'iccivc position, 2r switch ,vice for schooling the tripping first-cooled, motion throwi switch t rowing tic- 7 cowering the trip-- c on either has eforesciclmo self-chiming :h for lccircase loo ccsczi lthrovv the importing vmcvomcnr to successively retract the also free the, switch for opening moi emcee and release the latch for rho switch, cod? locking said switch point in closed and opened positions, a latch tripping device movable in one direction to successively retrace the locking device to free the switch for opening movemcntond release said looking device to rcioch the switch in opened position, tion to successively retract the latch to free the switch for closing movement to release the latch to suhseqnectljlock the switch in closed position, and a throwing" device having spaced elements for successiv c iy ziciuzm ing; the tripping device ancl throwing the switch.

9. In a railway switch, a, self-closing switch point, a sclf-projected latch for looking the switch point in closed and opened positions, c latch tripping device movable forwsriiiy i successively retract the latch and unlock the switch for opening move ment and release the latch cc relock the switch in open pcsicion, and adopted on its backward or return movement to successiveiy retract the la-ich and unlock the switch for closing movement and rcieaoc the latch for relzoclring the switch in closed position, on operating member having spaced elements to move che tripping device forwardly and unlocked switch, and means for c recurn motion to the tripping device for the purpose described.

18.1fm railway switch, a self-closing switch point, self-projected latch for loch- .ingshe switch point in closed and opcncfi positions, a trip device having a, forward latch relocking lshe switch in thrown position, and. a return fciovcrneilfr successively retract the lei/ch Jo rho switch for on automatic closing hiovemeri and. to release the latch to reloch:

the swicch in ciosecl. posieicn, mil iociepcmlciii; switch throv' devices, one o mraizivc to more. the trip ping device for s viceh, :mcl the other s so mo vc the crippi'ng device either or hocimvcrdly and in such for to throw the switch. railway" switch, a self-closing seifiorcjecced latch for tool:- poizzfin i'o cioseai opener a it 'ch tripping de ice having 8a than to successively retmci; The to free the swiiadhior o ociofno voiovcrciccse the hitch to rciock the sep cram coo. s, hcclnvsir l or r03 n cios movement a El 1 reloch the in cioscrl posi. svvicch bhrovf devices,

'1 My operchic lo move tho its forward motion and means controlled; by one 0'2 so id clcvices if r engaging moo. movccch iiidepa tripping; iiW'iCfi on.

end movable in the reverse oircction, said means being normally disconnected from the tripping device to permit forward operation thereof by. either switch throwing device.

12. In a railway switch, a self-closing switch point, a self-projected latch for looking the switch point in closed and opened positions, a tripping device for controlling the latch for switch opening or closing actions, a switch'throwing device for operating the tripping device on its switch throwing action and throwing the switch, and a wheel-controlled, automatically retracted device for actuating the tripping device for switch opening action and throwing the switch independently of said switch throwing device for also automatically actuating the tripping device on its switch closing action. a

13. In a railway switch, a self-closing switch point, a self-projected latch for look ing the switch point in closed and opened positions, a latch tripping device, means for moving said device in one direction forfre tracting the latch, throwing the switch and relocking it in thrown position, and a wheelcontrolled, automatically retracted device for moving the tripping device in such direction and unlocking, throwing and relocking the same in thrown position and for also moving the tripping device in a different direction for retracting the latch and releasing the switch for self-closing action and relocking it in closed position.

14. In a railway switch, an automatically closing switch point, a self-projected latch for locking the switch point in closed and opened positions, a tripping device for primarily retracting the latch and freeing the switch for opening movement and relocking it in thrown position, and secondarily retracting and releasing the latch to free the switch for closing movement and looking it in closed position, a switch throwing device for actuating the tripping member on its primary actionand throwing the switch and a secondary switch throwing device operative to control the tripping device on both its primary andse'condary fl Ct-lODSySfliC l sec- 0nd switch throwing device being adapted to control the thrown switch in the event of the throwing of the switch primarily by the first-named switch throwing device.

15. In a railway switch, an automatically closing switch point, a self-projec'ted latch for locking the switch point in closed and opened positions, .a tripping device having a primary and operative movement in one direction to retract the latch and free the switch for opening movement and release the latch for locking the switch inthrown position,-and a secondary backward or return movement to retract the latch to tree the switch for closing movement and free the latch for locking the switch in closed position, a switch throwing device having spaced elements to successively move the tripping device on its primary motion and throw the switch, a second automatically retracted switch throwing device having spaced members to successively move. the tripping device on its primary motion and throw the switch, said elements being'normally free from its connection with the tripping device, whereby said tripping device may be operated independently on its primary motion by said switch throwing devices, and means controlled by one of said switch throwing devices for coupling it on its primary motion to the tripping device to move said tripping device on its return motion.

16. In a railway switch, a self-closing switch point, a self-projected latch for locking the, switch point in closed and opened positions, a wheel controlled automatically retracted guard rail, a latch tripping device having a forward motion to' successively retract and release the latch and a similar return motion, means actuated by the guard rail on its wheel controlled motion to successively move the tripping device on its forward motion and throw the switch, a second switch throwing device for actuating the tripping member and throwing the switch in like manner, andan automatic coupling connection between theguard rail and tripping device for connecting said tripping device with the guard rail for return motion thereby.

17. In a railway switch, an automatically closing switch point, a self-projected latch for locking said switch point in closed and opened positions, a normally idle latch tripping device, means for operating said tripping device to retract the latch to free the switch and release the latch for switch relocking action, said means being operative to throw theswitch during the latch retracting and releasing periods, and a second train operated automatically retracted switch throwing deviceoperable to control the tripping device and throw the switch in the manner described, when said switch is in closed positirin, andoperable to control the tripping an ce when the switch is in open position to retract the latch for automatic switchclosing and relocking actions.

18 In a railway switch, a self-closing switch point, a self-projected latch for locking the switch point in open and closed positions, a latch tripping device having forward and backward movements on each of which it is adapted to successively retract the latch to unlockthe switch'point and to free the latch for a tion, controlling means for successively actuating the tripping device on its forward motion and throwing the switch between the intervals of the latch retracting and releasing actions of said tripping device, and means for subsequently moving said tripping device on its backward motion to retract the locking device, free the switch for closing action, releasing the latch to lock the closed switch and resetting said tripping device for a repetition of the operations 10 above described.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

' C. C. Hmns,

BENNETT S. JONES.

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