US1574750A - Crossing protector - Google Patents

Description

March 2 1926. I

. A. J. BAKER CROSSING'PROTECTOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 27, 1925' gnuewtoz flrzdraw Jfiakar;

arch 2,1926. 5 1,574,7'50

A. J. BAKER CRS9ING PROTECTOR Fileu March 27, 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 mil} 22. I

1 March 2 1926.

J. BAKER 'CROSSING PROTECTOR Filed March 27,1923

3 sheets -sheet 5 gwvenliov uzmvwli n Patented Mar. 2, 19 26.

UNlTED STATES PATENT OFFICE. j

ANDREW .r. BAKER, or rucsom aarzona.

' Application filed March 27, 1923. Serial No. 628,037.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ANDREW J. BAKER,

' a citizen of the United States, residing at Tucson, county of Pima, and State of Arizona, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Crossing Protectors; and I do hereby declare the following to he a full, clear, and exact-description of the'invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to'inake and use the same.

This invention relates generally to crossing protectors; and relates more particularly to automatic devices for preventing collisions at cross-roads by giving visible, audi ble or other signals and by placing barriers or gates across one of the roads on the approach of a vehicl-r. to the crossing.

While these devices may be used to prevent collisions at the crossing of two or more highways, they are particularly adapted for use at the crossing of a railroad and a highway, the devices being operable on the approach of a train to the crossing: For purposes ofillustration, in this application the devices will be shown used at the cross-.

ing of a railroad and a highway but it is to be understood that the invention is not 40 probably because of the expense limited to this particular use.

The crossing of a road, street or highway bya railroad at grade has long been recognized as a source of great danger and man casualties have resulted from collisions between trainsand vehicles at such crossings. When traffic is/deemed sufiicient to warrant it, railroads station signal men to guard grade crossings by giving signals or by'operati'ng gates to' warn persons ofthe approach of a train. However,thereare many crossings, especially in rural districts, where, which would 'be entailed, no protection whatever isafiorded.

Devices have been proposed heretofore which will operate automatically, and thus avoid 'the expense ota signalman or gateman, to warn persons of .theapproach of a train to the crossing and to preventvcr'osspassed. l'n order to be capable of of tracks.

the crossing, stops and then backs actual contact with ing apparatus at anytime.

trains run. Furthermore, such a device should operate in cases where the train comes to the crossing, stops, and then backs up out of the entering end.- Such a device should also be operable without interfering in any way with-the operations of the automatic electric block signal systems with which most railroads are equipped today. In addition, a device of this kind should also be reliable in operation and therefore of simple and strong construction and, while it should be positive in its operation and not easily interfered with; or damaged, nevertheless, due allowance in case the gate mechanism comes in contact with a vehicle or pedestrian to avoid injury mentioned desideratum can be appreciated .when it is realized that'these devices are operated-mechanically and therefore it is possible for. the the highway is clear of the traffic.- An object of this invention is to provide apparatus for'protecting crossings o erable with any'number of railroad trac s and operable irrespective of the direction in which the trains run. 4 Another object of this invention is to provide crossing even in cases'where the tram comes up to up out of theentering end.

A further object of the invention is to provide "apparatus for protecing crossings operable without interfering in any wa with the normal or usual operation-0t ar automatic electric block signal system. Still another object of this invention is to provide-{apparatus for protecting cros should he made,

The importance of the last gate to be operated before set into operation by movements of a train,

but with no] part Another object of th is invention is to provide apparatus for protecting crossings which cannot be tampered with or operated without authority and which cannot be damaged. or rendered inoperative by snow, rain, sand, dirt, etc.

One.more object. of this invention-is to provide crossing protecting apparatus of sample and --rugged construction operated by means which will yield to prevent injury or damage to the apparatus if any art thereof comes in contact with-an obstr coffthe train coming in; any part of the protectin) g invention will be obvious from the following description taken in conjunction with prevent the apparatus the accompanying drawings which illus-' trate one specific embodiment of the invention, but it is to be understood that the specific embodiment of the invention illus trated and described is merely one form typical of the broad invention chosen to explainthe principles of the broad invention and is to be taken as illustrative and not restrictive.

Referring to the drawings,

Fig. I is a diagrammatical plan view of an assembly of apparatus embodying the invention as used at a railway crossing;

Fig. 2 is a side view of one of the crossing protectors proper;

Fig.3 is a plan view of one of the roadbed switches with the cover plate removed;

Fig. 4 is, a sectional view on line 44 of Fig. 3, but with the cover plate in place;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatical View of the apparatus carried by the;train for setting the crossing protectors into operation;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of one of the crossing protectors, the upper part being cut oil". For clarity, some of the parts have been shown partly in section and partly in elevation;

Fig. 7 isa view on line 7-7 of Fig. 6 looking in the direction of the arrows showing the underside ofthe lower gate arms support;

Fig. 8 is a view on line 8-8 of Fig. 6, looking in the direction of the arrows, showing. the ratchet mechanism;

Fig. 9;;Lisan enlarged fragmentary View insect'ibii' of the clutch or over-running connection in the gearing for the bell ringing and governor operating mechanism;

Fig.'1O is an enlarged detail view in elevation of a part of the gate latch releasing and circuit breaker operating mechanism; 1

Fig. ll is a diagrammatical View of the electrical.mechanism and wiring of one of the crossing protectors; and

Fig. 12- is an enlarged sectional View taken on line 12-12 of Fig. 6 looking in the direction of the, arrows to show the bell ringing mechanism. I

Broadly stated, the invention embodies a barrier or gate, means for yieldingly operating said gate, means for energizing said operating means, and means for controlling the operation of' the energizing Stated more specifically, the invention embodies a gate, spring means for operat ing said gate, means for locking said gate against operation, means for winding said 'sirable' arrangement because means for automatically disconnecting the winding means from the power source after a predetermined operation of said winding means and for releasing said gate locking means.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows an assembly view of the apparatus as used at the crossing or junction of a single track railroad and a comparatively wide highway, but it will be obvious, especially as the description proceeds, that the crossing protectors can be used with any desired number of tracks to protect a road or highway of any width. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited to the particular arrangement illustrated which has been selected from many possible arrangements for convenience in describing the invention. In Fig. 1, 10 designates a road or highway wide enough for two or more lines of 'traflic and 11 indicates the railroad track, 12 refers generally to the crossing protectors, two of which are shown, one on each side of the track. The operation of the crossing protectors is controlled by a relay or relays, (not shown in this figure), located in a normally open electric circuit composed, in part, of conductors indicated generally by 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, the circuit being closed by a switch or switches 19 actuated by means carried by the train, resulting in the crossing protectors 12 being set into operation. The wiring just described may be arranged in underground conduits or laid along the tics. Part of the Wiring, especially conductors l5 and l6, may be strung on poles, which usually extend up and down the track on each side of the crossing for some distance, in which instance the apparatus is preferably protected from possible damage by lightning by the use of lightning arresters shown at 20. The operation and control of the crossing protectors will be explained more in detail hereafter.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 6, it will be seen that each'crossing protector 12 comprises a casing or body 21 .which rotatably supports in upright position a shaft 22 carrying horizontally extending arms or spreaders 23 forming a gate member or barrier. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the arms or Spreaders 23 extend on opposite sides of rotatable shaft 22 and the body or casing 21 is placed at or near the center of the street or highway. This is a very dcgate member is in open position (as shown in full lines in Fig. 1), it compels traffic along the street to divide into two definite lines or streams, thus avoiding the confusion or danger of collision which when the I would result if yehicles were not prevented from running in the center ofthe roador street. It' is clear however, that, if desired, the crossing protectors can be placed at or near the side of the road and, especially on a narrow street or highway, the arms or Spreaders can extend from only one side of shaft 22. The arms or gatemembers may be of any "suitable construction and arrangement, but the construction illustrated has been found especially desirable because it possesses lightness, together with vgreat strength. Each arm 23 comprises-a main or lower arm member 23 and a brace or upper arm member 23, the two oppositely extending arms being arranged in the form of a truss. The lower or main arm members 23 are fastened by screw threads or other suitable means in sockets provided in a block or casting 24 secured to shaft 22 just above the top of the casing 21.- The brace or upper arm rhembers 23 are securedin a similar manner to a block or casting 25 secured to shaft 22 a short distance iabove block 24. The upper and lower srm members are preferabl made of pipe, the lower member being ma e of pipe arranged in sec tions graduated 'in diameter, the sections getting; smaller toward the outer ends of the arms, the last or outermost section being bent backon itself and then continued to form the brace or upper arm member. 'As shown in Fig. 1, the crossing protectors are set back from the track a sufficient distanceto allow vehicles, which might be caught between the two crossing protectors when they are operated to swing across the street, to -stand between either of the crossing prothe train.

The. mechanism for turning shaft. 22 and arms '23 attachedthereto is mounted or housed in the main casing or body.21 where y hearing 28 through which shaft '22 extends.

The lower end or bottom of casing 21 is bearing 30 which receives the reduced end 22 of vertical gate shaft 22 whereby thelatter is rotatably supported. Shaft 22 is preven d from moving longitudinally in one dire tion by thrust bearing 30 and longitudinal movement in the otherdirection is prevented by acollar 300; secured to shaft 22 so that it abuts the underside of cap 27. WqShaft 22 is also rotatably' supported and teeters and the-track without being hit by elements, but will'also be safe against tamclosed by a plug or disk -29 in which is centrally mounted a thrust roller or ball braced at a point intermediate'bearings 2S 1 and 30 by a disk or brace member 31 secured to the casing by any suitable fastening means and provided centrally with a bearing 32 through which shaft 22 extends. It will be seen that, with the arms or gate in the position shown in full lines in-Fig. l, a quarter of a revolution of shaft 22 willbring the gate to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig, 1, in which position tratfic across the tracks will be cut off, whileanother quarter of a revolution of-the gate shaft will again place the gate in the position which will allow traflic to ,pass along the street and over the tracks. In other words, each revolution of shaft 22 through an arc ot-90 from the open position (where traflic is permitted to pass) will successively close and open the Means are provided'which willexert a positive force to operate the gate, but which will yield, should the gate strike some obstacle which would prevent it from con; tinuing to' turn, thereby preventing injury or damage to'the gate mechanism or to the obstacle, which might be a pedestrian or vehicle. The yielding or resilient operating means, in the present instance, comprises spring means 33 and-while the specific numberand type of springs may differ, a single 2 co1led spring has been illustrated.

The spring S Coiled around shaft 22, one end of the spring being connected to a collar 3-; secured to shaft 22, the other end of the spring being connected to a ratchet wheel 1 or device 35 loosely or rotatably mounted onshaft 22. Ratchet wheel or disk 35 is prevented from'rotating in one direction,-that is, in the direction in which the spring would unwind, by a spring-pressed pawl 36 pivotally mounted on suitablevsupports 37 attached to the casing 21.

Means are provided for impressing or storing energy in the yielding operating" means so that the latter can operate the gate I shaft 22. In the example shown this com-.3

.prises an electric motor 88 secured or;

mounted on the exterior of casing 21. One end of the motor shaft 39 extends into cars ing 21 through an opei ri n I provideclflfi for this purpose, this. end' 0 the shaft terminatin in asupporting hearing at provided "1n the" interior of casing 21. The'oppositeyn'd of motor shaft 39 extends through a bearing provided in motor casing i or housing 41 Shaft 39 extendsfrom ca'sing 41' a dlstance sufiicient to 'sup' ort a'hand crank device (to be explained ater) indicated generally by 42. Rotation of motor P shaft 39 is transmitted by a gear 43 and gears'44 and 4E5, fixedly secured to the countershaft 46 mounted for rotation in bearings 47, to a crown or bowl gear 48 se-, cured to ratchet wheel or disk 35. It'will be seenthatrotation of motor 38 will be transmitted, through the gearing just de scribed, to spring 33, winding the same or placing it'under tension. This will tend to turn gate shaft'22 unless it is held against rotation;

Means are provided for normally holding or lockinggate shaft 22, and' te 23 carried thereby, against-rotation. n the illustrative apparatus this means comprises a latch or plunger '49 mounted for reciprocation in .a bracket or support 50 attached to main casing or body 21 at or near the top bracket thereof, a spring '51 pressing plunger 49 through an opening in cap 27 so that normally the plunger projects into one of four recesses or sockets 52 provided in the underside of block or lower arms casting 24 to hold said block and gate shaft 22 against rotation. Referring to Fig. -7, it will'be seen that the four recesses or sockets 52 provided in the under face of block 24 are spaced 90 apart in a circle concentric with shaft'22, two of the recesses being in line with oppositely projecting arms 23 and the other two being placed in a line at right angles to this alinement. When spring 33 is wound, it tends to turn shaft 22 which is locked or prevented from turning by plunger 49 en gaging in one of the recesses 52 in block 24. When plunger 49 is withdrawn, shaft 22 and gate 23 carried thereby are rotated one fourth of a revolution, when plunger lSlwill engage in the next recess 52 to prevent further rotation.

\Vhile, broadly speaking, any mechanism for operating plunger 49 to release gate shaft 22 may be provided, means have been provided for accomplishing this purpose operable by the winding mechanism and soarranged that after the winding mechanism "has wound spring 33 one fourth of a turn,

plunger 49 is operated to release the gate shaft, and spring 33 then turns the gate shaft one fourth of a revolution, when plun ger 49 engages in the next recess 52 to stop the gate shaft from rotating. In the illustrative example, the specific mechanism for accomplishing this purpose comprises a trip or lever 53 pivotally supported by a bolt or 54 attached to main casing 21. An arm or link 55 pivotally connects plunger 49 and bell crank lever 53 so that when the latter is caused to swing on its pivot 54, plunger 49 is withdrawn from a recess 52 against the tension of spring 51. Link 55 isprovided With a laterally projecting pin 55 which Will be described later. In order to trip or swing lever 53, bowl or crown gear 48 is provided with laterally projecting pins 56, there being four of these pins mounted 90" apart and so arranged that just as a quarter revolution of bowl gear 48 is being completed (which would mean that the spring 33 had been wound one quarter of a turn), one of the pins 56 projecting from the sides of gear 48 will strike lever 53, reciprocating connecting link 55 and plunger 49'to release gate shaft 22, permitting it to turn until it is held again after a. quarter revolution. While an electric motor 38 for winding spring means 33 has been shown, it is obvious that motors operated by other sources of power may be used, although an electric motor is preferred because it can be easily controlled. For each quarter turn or. movement of the gate, electric motor 38 must be'connected to a source of electrical energy and then disconnected from this source and means have been provided for accomplishing these operations automati- 57 indicates a sonrceof electrica energy which, in the example illustrated, comprises a storage battery. Storage battery 57 is housed in a casing 58 attached to main casing or body 21. One line of the electric circuit between battery 57 and moto 38 comprises conductors-59 and 60normall connected together by a switch 61. The other line of the circuit comprises conduc tors 62 and 63 separated by a gap adapted to be closed by switch member or armature 64 (normally in open position) of an elec? tromagnetic switch or relay 65. The' electrio circuit between electric motor 38 and battery 57, it will be observed, includes two switches, one normally closed and the other normally open, so the motor circuit is normally'open. Then relay 65 is energized, the circuit between the motor and battery I is closed, so that motor 38 begins to wind spring 33. It isthe function of switch 6], to break or interrupt the motor circuit when motor 38 has completed its Winding operation. Switch 61 comprises a pivoted menrber mounted adjacent to link 55 of the gate 1 locking and releasing mechanism and di rectly in the path of the in 55 projecting from one side of the reciprocable link 55. lVhen link 55 is -reciprocated, pin 55 will engage switch member 61 causing it to swing Q and break the motorcircuit, stopping the motor. Switch member 61 is then returned byspring tension or any other suitable means to its original position. From the foregoing it will be observed that, as the motor completes its winding operation, it

is automatically stopped and the gate is then released and allowed to make a quarter turn.

While an electromagnetic switch or relay the terminals of the other set are marked 5.

65 is compound wound,

, part of the motor circuit,

coil and relay coil 6 will iliary relay coil.

tor 66, normally ductor 59 tobattery 57 to which conductor lay coil a is energized, moving relay armature 64 is It has been found desirable to-provide' -is rigidly secured to Either of the two relay coils can operate the rela armature 64 independently of the other. relay-coil a will be termed the main relay be called the aux- Conductor 18hvhich forms a part of the main relay circuit, is connected to one terminal of main relay coil a, the other terminal being connected by conducclosed'switch 6i, and con- 17, also a part of the main relay circuit, is connected. Conductors 17 and 18 are con,-

-nected by conductors 13, 15 and 14, 16 with roadbedswitch 19, therefore, it follows" (see Fig. 11) that when roadbed switch 19 is actuated by a train approaching the crossing to close the main relay circuit, main rearmature 64 of relay 65 to close the circuit of motor 38. Roadbed switch19, which will be de scribed in detail later, is only closed for a movement by the train inpassing, consequently, some-means to hold relay armature 64 in the position bridging contacts 64 and f 64 of the motor circuit must beprovided,

otherwise the motor would be operated only for an instant. An auxiliary coil b, heretofore referred to, has been provided on relay 65 which is energized at the time the motor .circuit is closed to maintain the relay armature inv a position bridging contacts 64 and 64 of the motor circuit. Auxiliary. coil 1) isconnected in shunt in themotor circuit, one terminal of the coil being connected by conductor 67 with conductor- 62 forming a the other terminal of the coil being connected by conductor 67 to relay armature 64 which connects with contact 64 to which conductor 63, also forming a part of the motorcircuit, is connected. Auxiliary .coil 6 therefore maintains armature 64 in closed position until switch 61' is actuated to break the motor cir cuit, at which time the motor is out off and released.

means for controlling the speed at which the gate turns and for giving audible andvisible signals or indications of the approach of a train. 68 indicates generally a'governor, which may be of any suitable type, mounted in the lower end of casing 21, the governor being connected by gears 69,70, 71, 72,73 and 74 with gate shaft 22, thereby controlling the speed at which gatesb.aft' 22fturns.-- The.

governor illustrated, which is of a well known type, comprises. tw'oend blocks 75 and 76 mounted on governor shaft 77 rotatabiy supported in"'bearings 78. Block 75 shaft 77 while block 76 is mounted on shaft 77] sothatrotation of block 76 relative to the shaft is prevented, but sliding of block 76 on shaft 77 isxperor convenience in'describing them,

I stril also to provide means' mitted. Governor blocks 75 and 76 .are connected by a plurality of springs 79, to each of whichis secured a governor weight 80. Rotation of shaft 7 7 causes governor weights 80 to fly out, flexing springs 7 9 causing disk 81 rigidly attached to slidable governor block 76 to slide into engagement with and rub against regulating disk 82. Regulating disk, 82 is mounted on a threaded shaft 83 secured to casing 21, disk 82 beingheld in adjusted position on the shaft by lock nuts 84. By adjusting the position of regulating; disk 82, the speed of the governor and in turn the speed of the gate shaft can be coumounted within casing 21 just above the governor. 85 indicates a gong fastened by a bolt or other suitable securing means 86 to casing 21, the gong being sounded by a clapper 87 pivotally mounted intermediate its ends orra bracket or bolt 88 extending A link 89 pivotally connects bell clapper 87 with one arm of a pivotally mounted on a bolt or bracket 91 extending from casin 21. The other arm of crank is adapted to be engaged by the spokes of gear wheel 70, so that gear wheel 7 O, in turning, causes crank 90 to oscillate, and this oscillation is transinitted by link 89 to clapper 87 which in turn (es gong 85. Gear 70 is rigidly secured to counter-shaft 92 rotatably supported in bearings 93.- Gear 71, Which meshes with gear 72, is also rigidly secured to counter-- shaft 92.

The various parts comprising" the speed control and. governing 7 operating gearing are quite heavy, so that when once started in motion, they cannot be suddenly stopped, as 'for instance, when rotation of the gate is stopped by plunger 49, without putting quite a strain on the 110 various parts which makes up this mechanism.- I have provided means whereby the speed control and gong-sounding mechanism and the major part of the operating gearing are disconnected from the gate shaft when turning of the latter is stopped,-the speed control and gong-sounding mechanism and gearing continuing to turn until the force stored upin these turning parts has: spent itself. This means, ample, takes the form of connection betweengears 72 and73. Both these gears are carried by counter shaft 94 supported in bearings 95. Gear '72 is secured to a sleeve 96 rotatably mounted on. 125 shaft 94, gears .73 being secured to a second and adjoining, sleeve '97 also -rotatably mounted on shaft 94., Sleeves '96'and 97 are pressed togetherbya spring, 98 mounted on aclutch or ratchet "the extending end bfshaft94, acap or 001- mechanism and. the

in the present ex-i lar 99 retaining the spring in lace on the shaft. The adjoining ends sleeves 96 and 97 are formed with ratchet or clutch teeth so arranged that rotation in one direction only will be transmitted from one sleeve to the other. It will be seen that, at the completion of a turning movement of the gate,

. when gate shaft 22, bowl gear 74, pinion 73 mg and ot er mechanism for soun lpersons at night when the gate member is t rown across the highway, lamps 100 have been provided. These lampsare mounted on the arms or spreaders 23, the wires 101 carryin the currentfor the lamps being conducted through the hollow pipe of which each arm or spreader is constructed. Lamps 100 swing with the arms, so in order to maintain an electric connection with the source or current, which remains stationary, contact rings 102 are provided-in block or arm casting 24, wires 101 being connected with these contact rings which are, of course, suitablyinsulated from each other and from the arm casting or block. Contact .rings 102' are engaged by contacts or brushes 103 secured to cap 27. Contacts 103, which are insulated from cap 27 and from each other, are con nected by wires 104 with. battery 57. Rh gs 102 are concentric with gate shaft 22 so ,that brushes or contacts 103 always maintain contact therewith even while the gate'is turning. A suitable switch (not shown) is provided for cutting out the lamps. If desired, contact rings 103 may be interrupted or broken into segments, so that lamps 100 will only be lighted when the gates are across or partially across the highway, the broken or interrupted places of the rings automatically. breaking the circuit as the ate swings to open position.

The roa ed switch, to which general reference has alreadybeen made, by which the operation of the protector can be controlled by the movements of a train, may

be of any suitable type, but the type illustrated is especiall r desirable for several reasons. In the 1st place, the working parts of a switch such as illustrated are entirely enclosed so that these parts are pro-- tected from damage by the elements and unauthorized operation of the switch is prevented. .Probably the eatest advantage, however, resides in the act that the switch can be operated without any part ofthe I train coming in contact therewith. The switch indicated generally by 19 comprises a plate or base 105 provided with an upstanding annular projection or ringy106.

switch 121 being normally clp ara-rec The casing formed by base or plate 105 as a bottom and ring projection 106 as the side walls is closed by a cap 107 made of brass or other non-magnetic material connected by any suitable means, such as screw threads, to ring 106. In the example, illus trated, recessed cap 107 is interiorly screw threaded to screw on threads provided on the exterior of ring 106, the cap screwing down against a washer. or. asket'108 on paddle end 110 of the lever slightly overbalances or tips the lever, the paddle end of the lever in this position being just slightly below, and out of contact with, contact 112. It should be noted that bracket 109 and contact 112 are both insulated from their respective sup orts. Conductors 13 and 140i? the relay circuit are connected, respectively, to contact 112 and bracket 109 so that when lever 110 contacts with contact 112 the relay circuit is' closed which in turn closes the motor circuit and the protector is operated.

The roadbed switch is operated by magnetic means carried by the train without any part of the train coming, in contact with the switch. Referring to Fig. 5, 113 indicates diagrammatically the .engineers cab of a locomotive and 114: shows diagrammatically part of the lower frame work of a locomotive tender. tromagnet secured by 'bracket 116 to the underside of the framework of the locomotive tender, magnet 115 being supported as near the ground as practicable. Electromagnet 115 receives current from abattery or other source of current 117 through" wires 118, 119 and 120 and switch 121, p d. While I have indicated a battery as the ource of current, it is obvious that the'i engine dynamo could supply-the necessary current. It will be seen that when the engine tender passes over the roadbedswitch, it will attract the paddle end of lever 110, causing contact 115 indicates an elec-.

over 110 to 'make contact with contact point 112 completing the relay circuit and causthe crossing protector to operate.

e circuit of the electromagnet' 115 is normally closed, but if the engineer does not wish to close acrossin'g which he is approaching, he: may operate switch .121 to break the circuit. musin ele tr m gn t '1 1 I" to be de-energized. The electromagnetwill then pass over'the roadbed switch without operating the same. -The electromagnet may be carried by any part ofthe train equipment and be operated by any desired operator. .Instead of using an electromagnet, a permanent magnet may be used.

The operation is as follows: 'ith the crossing protectors in open position, allowing trafiic along the -highway to pass over the tracks (as shown in Fig. 1), a tram approaching the crossing from either direction will pass over one of the roadbed switches 19 mounted on a crosstie in the center of the track a predetermined distance from the crossing. ried by the train will attract contact lever 110 causing-it to close the relay circuit. Current will flow from battery 57 through conductor 59, normally closed switch 61, conductor 66, main relay coil a, conductor 18, 16, 14, roadbed switch 19, and conductors 13, 15 and 17. Energizing of relay coila will cause relay armature 64 to close the motor circuit. The current flows, from battery 57 through conductor 59,.normally closedswitch 61 and conductor 60 to one terminal of the motor 38, the other motor terminal being connected by conductor 62,

armature 64 (now closing the circuit between contacts 64 and 64 and conductor 63 to the other terminal of the battery. At the same time that the motor circuit is closed a shunt circuit through relay coil 6 is established. One terminal of coil 6 is connected by conductor 67 to conductor 62 of the motor circuit andthe other terminal ,is connected by conductor 67 to armature 64 which. connects with conductor 63 of 'the motor circuit. This'auniliary or holding relay coil 6 is provided to maintain armature or switch member 64' in closed position for a predetermined time, i. e. long. enough to allow the motor to finish the winding operation. Roadbed switch 19 is only closed momentarily as the train passes over tlie sanie" so that relay coil a would only be energized for an instant, consequently armature or switch member 64. would only close the motor circuit momentarily unless some means as described above were provided to mamtain the armature or switch member 64: in' closed position long enou 'h to allow the motor. tocomplete the Win ingoperation.

The motornow beginsto turn, rotation of motor shaft 39 being transmitted through gearing 43, 44 and 45 to bowl or crown gear 48 which in turn is rigidly connected to ratchet disk 35. Ratchetdisk. 35 is mounted on gate shaft 22 in sucha way as to per-' 0 ,mit rotation of ratchet disk 35 relative to shaft. 22 while preventing relative longi- The magnet 115 car-- 34 rigidly connected to shaft 22 so that rotation of the motor winds the spring which in turn tends to rotate shaft 22,. but rota-- tion of shaft 22 is prevented by plunger 49 engaging in one of the recesses 52 in the 79 arms casting or block 24.; The motor, however, continues the windingoperation until one of the pins 56 in bowl gear- ,48 strikes the trip 53. This reciproeates conneeti link'55 causin pin 55*, carried by the link, 7 to open switc 1 61 breaking the motor circuit and also the auxiliary or holding relay circuit. At the same time plunger 49 is withdrawn from one of the recesses 52 tocarried thereby to swing. The speed of turning is regulated by governor 68 connected to gate. shaft 22 by gearing '69, TO, 71, 72, 73 and 74.. While the gate isturning, the gong is sounded by mechanism 85 operated by gear '70 forming a part of the governor operating gearing. Rotation of gate shaft 22 and the gate arms carried-- thereby will continue until plunger 49 engages in the next recess in arms'casting24 which occurs when the gate arms are thrown across the highway.

The roadbed switches 19 are placed at. such distances from the crossing that by, or just before, the time the train reaches the.

crossing, the protectors .have closed theihighway. If the train continues in the same direction, the; roadbed switch on the other came, the same roadbed switch which had been operated to swing the gates to closed position would again be operated to open the gates- If, for any reason, the electric 'motor 38 will not operate, the gates can be operated by turning .motorshaft 39 manually by means of a hand crank 42. When a gate I or protector is first placed-into operation, it is desirable toplace the spring 33 undera certain amount of tension andthe hand z crank 42 canbe used for this purpose. Various changes in the construction and arrangement of the parts of the mechanism may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as specified in the claims. I -'l-- .What I claim is: L y

1. l crossing protector comprising a gate, means for yieldingly opening 'andclosing r said gate, means for energizingsaid open- 1 ing and closing means, and means for set: ting into operation and-discontinuing the tudinal movement oL-l e disk and shaft. operationofthe energizing means.

One end of spring 33 is connected to disk 2.

Acrossing; rotector eomprising ai 35, the other end being connected to collar resilient means. 'oropeni' and closingisaidlw gate, means for placing said resilient means under tension, and means for setting into operation and discontinuing the operation of the means for placing the resilient means under tension.

13. A crossing protector comprising a gate,

spring means for opening and closing said i for energizing said operating means, means for setting said energizing means into op-. eration, and means operated bysaid energizing means for throwing said energizingmeans out of operation and for releasing the gate locking means. i

6. A crossing protector comprising a gate, means for locking said gate against operation, a motor, resilient means connecting said gate and said motor, said resilient means adapted to receive and store energy from said motor, means for setting the motor into operation, and means for throwing the motor out of operation and for releasing the gate.

7. A crossing protector comprising a gate, spring means for opening and closing said gate, means for locking said gate against operatiom'means for winding said spring means, means controlled by movements of a vehicle for connecting said Winding means with a source of power, and means for automatically disconnecting the winding means from the power source after a predetermined operation of said winding means and for releasing said gate locking means.

8. A crossing protector comprising a gate, spring means for operating said gate, means for locking said gate against operation, a motor for winding said spring means, a source of power, means including a switch operated by movements of a vehicle for con-. necting said motor with Said source of power, and means actuated by said motor for disconnecting said motor from the power source and for releasing saidgate locking means.

9. A crossing protector comprising a gate,-

resilient means normally tending to operate said gate, means for normally locking said gate against operation, and means controlled by the movement of a train for releasing said gate-locking means. I

10. A crossing protector comprising a gate, spring means normally tending ope power, and means operated by the motor for disconnecting the motor from the power source and for releasing the gate locking m-eans.' i

12. A crossing protector comprising a .gate movable in one direction to open and closed positions, operating means, and means for resiliently connecting said operating means and said gate.

A crossing protector comprising a gate, resilient means for opening and closing said gate, a motor for winding said resilient means, a relay, a power circuit opened and closed by said relay, and means controlled by movements of a train for operating said relay.

14. A crossing protector comprising a ate movable in one direction to open and c osed positions, resilient means for operating said gate, means for automatically connecting said operating means to a source of power, and means operated by the operating means for disconnecting the operating means from said power source.

15. A crossing protector comprising a casing, a vertical shaftmounted for rotation in one direction only in said casing, gate arms carried. by said shaft, spring means for rotating said shaft, means for winding said spring means, means controlled by movements of a vehicle for connecting said winding means with a source of power, and means for automatically disconnecting the winding means from the power source after a predetermined operation of said winding means.

16. A crossing protector comprising a casin'g,'a vertical shaft mounted for rotation in one direction only in said casing, gate arms carried by 'said shaft, spring means for rotating said shaft, a motor for winding said s ring means, a relay, a power circuit contro led by said relay for connecting said motor with a source of power, means for energizing said relay, and means operated by said winding means for disconnecting the winding means from the power source after a predetermined operation of said winding means. 4

17. :A crossing protector comprising a casing,:.a'vertical shaft supported for-rotation in said casing, gate'arms carried by said shaft, means for locking said shaft against rotation, spring means connected to said shaft, means for winding said spring means, means for setting said windingfmeans intooperation, and means actuated by said winding means for throwing said winding means out of operation and for releasing said locking means, I

18. -A crossing protector comprising a casing, a vertical shaft supported for rotation in said casing, gate arms carried by said shaft, means for normally locking said shaft againt rotation, spring means connected to said shaft, a motor for winding said spring means, a source of power, means for connecting said motor with said source of power, means for disconnecting said motor from the 'power source after a predetermined operation of the motor and for releasing said locking means.

19. A crossing protector comprising a cas ing, a vertical shaft supported for rotation in said casing, gate arms carried by said shaft, means for locking said shaft against rotation, spring means connected to said shaft, a motor for winding said spring means,a source of power, a relay for connecting said motorwith the power source, means controlled by movement of a train for energizing said relay, means. for disconnecting said motor from said power source after a predetermined operation of the motor, and means for releasing said locking means.

20. A crossing protector comprising a casing, a vertical shaft supported for rotation in saidcasing, gate arms carried by said shaft, a member secured to said shaft and provided with a series of recesses, a bolt mounted on said casing normally engaging in one of said recesses to hold the shaft against rotation, spring means connected to said shaft, a motor for winding said spring means, a source of power, means for connecting said motor with the source of power, means for controlling the operation of the connecting means, means for disconnectin O I I b said motor from saidpower source after predetermined operation of the motor. and.

means for withdrawing said bolt from one of said recessesto permit rotation of said shaft.

21. A crossing protector comprising a cas ing, a vertical shaft supported. for rotation in said casing, gate arms carried by said shaft, a member secured to said shaft and provided with a seriesof'recesSes, a bolt mounted on said casingnormally extending into one of said recesses to hold said shaft against rotation, spring means-connected to said shaft, means including a motor and a gear member provided with projections for winding said spring means, a source of power,

means for connecting said motor with the Q5 source of power, means controlled by movements of a train for controlling theioperation of the connecting means, a trip lever, said trip lever operated by engagement of one-of the projections on said gear member after a predetermined operation thereof to disconnect said motor from the source of power and to withdraw said bolt from said recess to permit the gate shaft 'to rotate.

22. A crossing protector comprising a gate, spring means normally tending to operate said gate, means for locking said gate against rotation, means for winding said spring means, means for setting said winding means into operation, means operated by said winding means for throwing said winding means out of operation after a predetermined operation thereof, and means for releasing said locking means, to permit rotation of said gate, said locking means automatically locking. the gate against rotation after a predetermined rotation of the gate. i

23. A crossing protector comprising a rotatable gate, spring means for operating said gate, means for winding said spring means, means for controlling the operation of said winding means, and means for regulating the speed of rotation of said gate.

21-. A crossing protector comprising a rotatable gate, spring means for operating said gate, means for winding said spring means, means for controlling the operation, of said winding means, and means operated by said gate for giving an alarm while the gate is rotated.

25. A crossing protector comprising a rotatable gate, spring means for operating said gate, means for Winding. said spring means, means for controlling the operation of said winding means, speed control means, alarm-sounding means, and means including a clutch for connecting said speed control means and said alarm-sounding means to said 'gate, said clutch disconnecting said gate from said speed controlmeans and said alarm-sounding means when rotation of said gate is suddenly stopped.

26. A crossing protector comprising a gate, spring means for operating said gate, 115 electrically operated means for winding said spring means,auxiliary manually operated means for winding said spring means, and means for controlling the operation of said electrically operated winding means.

27. A crossing protector comprising a. rotatable gate, spring means for operating said gate, means for winding said spring means, said gate remaining stationary during the winding operation, and means for controlling. the-operation of said, winding means.

' 28. A crossing protector comprising 11.

rotatable gate, means for operating said means into operation, means operated by energizing meansfor, throwing said energizing means out of operation and for releasing the for regulat-in gate.

gate locking means, and means g the speed of rotation of said In testimony whereof I hereunto afiix my signature.

ANDREW J. BAKER.

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