US2216483A - Railway traffic controlling apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Cat. 1, 1940.

E. M. ALLEN RAILWAY TRAFFIC CONTROLLING APPARATUS Filed June 16, 1939 a E m ms JIL. ll @u Q mvm gmw r mw gwww HIS ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 1 1940 UNITED STATES RAILWAY TRAFFIC CONTROLLING APPARATUS J I Earl M. Allen, Swissvale, Pa., assignor to The Union Switch & Signal Company, Swissvale,' Pa., a. corporation of Pennsylvania Application June 16, 1939, Serial No, 279,516

22 Claims.

My invention relates to railway traffic controlling apparatus of the type involving switches and-signals controlled by manually operable means, such for example as levers located at a I control point, and has for an object the provision of means for accomplishing the control and indication for switches and signals with a minimum number of line wires between the control point and the controlled device. A further object of 1.? my invention is the provision of an operating circuit for switches and signals using the same line wires as are used for control and indication circuits. I shall describe two forms of apparatus embodying my invention, and shall then point out the novel features thereof in claims.

In the accompanying drawing, Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing apparatus embodying -my invention for controlling, operating and ingo dicating a switch over a pair of control conductors and a common conductor, and for controlling, operating and indicating opposing signals over a pair of control conductors and the same common conductor as is used for the switch. Fig. 2 is a .25 diagrammatic view showing a modification of the switch operating circuit shown in Fig. 1.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts in each of the several views.

In each of the views, the contacts operated by 3 the various relays or other devices are identified by numbers, such numbers having distinguishing prefixes from which they are separated by a dash when the contacts are shown apart from the relay or other device by which they are operated.

The prefix for each of these contact numbers comprises the reference character for the respective relay or other device by which it is operated. For example, contact RI-ISPR50 shown in the operating circuit for signal 2R is identified by the number 50 separated by a dash from the prefix RHSPR which is the reference character for relay RI-ISPR by which this contact is operated. Similarly, contact RWR--5'l shown in an operating circuit for switch I in Fig. 2 is identified by the number 51 separated by a dash from the prefix RWR which is the reference character for relay RWR by which this contact is operated.

Referring first to Fig. 1, the reference characters 3 and 3a. designate the track rails of a track section E-F which is separated by means of insulated joints 4' from adjacent portions of a stretch of railway track. Track section E-F is provided with a track circuit including a battery 5 connected across the rails adjacent one end of 55 the section, and a track relay TR connected (oi. saw-219i across the rails adjacent the opposite end of section.

Located in section EF is a track switch I. This switch is operated from each of its extreme positions to the'other by electrically controllable switch operating means, such for example as motor M comprising an armature 28, a field winding 3|, and operating circuit controlling means enclosed by the dash line rectangle 3'! and comprising normal control magnets 35 and 36, reverse control magnets 63 and 64,- and the contacts controlled by these control magnets. Each of these contacts comprisesa movablebridging element engaging pairs of fixed contact elements. For example, bridging element b, in the normal position in which it is shown, engages fixed contact elements 26 and 21, and in the reverse dotted line position engages fixed contact elements '40 and M. Bridging element 1) is moved to the normal position upon completion of an operation of 20 switch I by motorM to its normal position, and is moved to its reverse or dash-line position upon completion of an operation of switch I by motor M to the reverse position.

Manual switch operating means, such for ex- 5 ample as a lever 22, is also provided for at times operating switch I manually.

A selector, such for example as a lever VS, is provided with means, such for example as a link I 6, for adapting switch I for operation by motor 0 M or by lever 12 according as lever VS is in a normal position n or a reverse position 1', respectively.

Operation of motor M for moving switch I to itsnormal and reverse positions is eifected by normal and reverse operating circuits which include a contact 320i selector lever VS in the normal position, contacts of the circuit controlling means shown in rectangle 31, and the contacts of a switch locking relay LR, and which are controlled by normal and reverse switch control re- 40 lays NWR and RWR, respectively, as well as by normal and reverse manual switch control relays NWSR and RWSR, respectively, over line, control-conductors 9l0 and H-I2 and" common 4 conductor CH. Relay LR may be controlled by track relay TR and by an approach locking relay or by any other means desired. The approach locking relay for controlling relay LR may be controlled in any suitable manner, such for ex- 5 ample as shown for relay L in Letters Patent of the United States No. 1,956,851, granted May 1, 1934, to 'C. A. Brooks and J. M. Pelikan for Railway traffic controlling apparatus.

. Normal and reverse switch control relays NWR 5 the and RWR are also controlled over line conductors 9l0 and Il|2 and common conductor CH by normal and reverse manual switch control relays NWSR and RWSR, respectively, and by a selector lever repeater relay WLPR which is in turn controlled by selector lever VS in its normal position.

An overload relay OR is included in the normal and reverse switch control circuits for relays NWR and RWR and in the normal and reverse switch operating circuits for motor M. This relay, through its back contact 1, opens the circuits for manual switch control relays NWSR and RWSR if the motor M draws excessive current, such for example as whenit is obstructed by a stone or lump of coal. Relay OR. will also open the circuit for relays NWSR and RWSR if an attempt is made to controlthe switch by these relays when the selector lever VS is in its reverse position for manual operation of switch When the switch mechanism contacts shown in the dash line rectangle 31 are operated upon the completion of a movement of switch I to'one of its extreme positions or the other, a snubbing or braking circuit is completed for motor M including a resistor 38 of low magnitude and the back point of contact M of relay NWR or the back point of contact 24 of relay RWR.

Normal and reverse switch indication relays designated by the reference characters NWKR and RWKR, respectively, and which are of the slow releasing type, are controlled by relays NWSR, RWSR, NWR and RWR and by switch I over indication circuits which include line control conductors 9lll and H\I2. Suitable indication means, such for example as lamps INK and IRK, are controlled by relays NWKR and RWKR, respectively.

Adjacent the point E, a signal ER is located for governing trafiic movements over switch I from left to right as shown in the drawing, which I shall assume is the eastbound direction. Signal ZLA, adjacent point F, is for governing westbound traffic movements over switch I in the normal position in'which it is shown in the drawing. Signal ZLB, adjacent point Fl,'is for governing westbound movements over switch I in the reverse position.

As shown in the drawing, signals 2LA and ZLB are semaphore signals, and. signal 2R is a searchlight signal, but it is not necessary for purposes of my invention that thesignals shall be of these particular types. Each of the signals ZLA and ZLB operates a contact 2! which is closed while its signal arm is in the stop position, and which opens when the arm leaves this position. Each of the signals ZLA and 2LB also operates a contact 22 which is closed while the associated sig nal arm is in the stop position, and which remains closed until the corresponding arm has almost reached the 45 degree or caution position.

As shown in the drawing, signal 2R comprises a member I 8 mounted to oscillate between two extreme positions and controlled by a winding [9 and by a permanent magnet or an electro magnet not shown, so that whenwinding I9 is energized, member [8 is movedto its position to the left of the normal or ,deenergized position in which it is shown in the drawing. Member I8 is biased to the deenerg'ized position, which it occupies when .winding 18 is deenergized. Member [8 carries two roundels; R and Y arranged to cooperate with an electric lamp i in such manner that when member I8 is in the deenergized position, roundel R is in front of lamp 2, whereas when member I8 is swung to the left, roundel Y is placed in front of lamp 1'. As shown in the drawing, lamp i is above the roundels, but the lamp is placed in this location for" purposes of illustration, and it is to be understood that in actual practice, the lamp is directly behind the roundels. Lamp 2' is connected directly with terminals as and o of a suitable source of current and is, therefore, constantly lighted. Signal 2R operates a contact 20 which is closed when member l8 occupies the R position, but is open when member l8 occupies the Y position. A signal of this type is disclosed and claimed in Letters Patent of the United States No. 1,864,224 granted to Wesley -B. Wells on June 21, 1932 for Light signals.

conductor CH, and by a signal control relay LHSPR and also by switch I, aswell as by other means indicated by the dash line portion 55 of the operating circuit and which may include a contact of relay TR.

Signal control relays LHSPR and RHSPR are controlled by manual signal control relays LHSR and RHSR and by selector lever repeater relay WLPR over signal control conductors 41-48 and 45-46 and common conductor CH.

Signal indication relays, designated by the reference characters RHGKR and LHDGKR, are controlled by relays LI-ISR, HHS-R, LHSPR and RHS-PR over indication circuits including signal control conductors 4'I48 and 45-46. Relay RI-IGKR is also controlled by a slow re lease signal repeater relay RRGPR, and relay LHDGKR is also controlled by a signal repeater stick relay designated by the reference character LGKSR. Suitable indication means, such for example as lamps ZRK and 2LK, are controlled by relays RI-IGKR and LHDGKR, respectively.

Relay ERG-PR is controlled by contact 20 of signal 2R. Relay LGKSR has a pick-up circuit which is controlled by contacts 21 of signals ZLA and ZLB, and has a stick circuit which is controlled by contacts 22 of these signals.

Manual switch control relays NWSR and RWSR, and manual signal control relays LHSR and RHSR- may be code controlled by manual means such, for example, as levers IV and 2V, respectively. Each of the levers IV and 2V has a normal position 12 and a reverse position 1 to the right. Lever 2V has also a reverse position I to the left. The control circuits for the manual control relays, indicated by the dash lines, are so arranged that manual operation is required by the leverman to again energize each of these relays each time one of these relays becomes deenergized, even though the corresponding lever IV or 2V remains in one of the correspond.- ing control positions shown in the drawing. Switch control relays having control circuits arranged to require such manual operation are shown in United States Patent No. 1,845,112 granted to me February 16, 1932 and in Fig. 11 of United States Patent No. 2,046,049 granted to me June 30, 1936, for Railway traific controlling apparatus.

, Fig. 2 shows a modification of the switch oper ating circuits for a type of switch mechanism in which the switch operating circuits are opened at the end of the switch movement by a movable contact element 59 operated in conjunction with the switch. Movable element 59 engages a fixed contact element 58 at all times except while switch I is in its reverse position, and engages a second fixed contact element fill at all times except while switch I occupies the normal position. In this modification, the snubbing circuits are not used, and hence resistor 38 at the back points of contacts I4 and 24 of relays NWR and RWR, respectively, is omitted.

Having described, in general, the arrangement and operation of two forms of apparatus embodying my invention, I shall now trace in detail the operation of these forms of apparatus.

As shown in the drawing, all parts of the apparatus are in the normal .condition, that is, the switch and signal control levers IV and 2V, respectively, selector lever VS, and manual switch operating lever v are all in their normal position 12; switch I is in its normal position; signals 2R, 2LA and 2LB are indicating stop; relays TR, NWSR, NWR, NWKR, WLPR, LR, RRGPR and LGKSR are energized; relays OR, RWSR, RWR, RWKR, LHSR, LHSPR, RHSR, RHSPR, LHDGKR and RHGKR are deenergized; switch indicating lamp INK is lighted; switch indicating lamp IRK, and signal indicating lamps ELK and 2RK areunlighted.

I shall first trace the operation of the form of apparatus shown in Fig. 1.

Relay NWSR is energized by a circuit indicated by dash lines between lever IV in the 12 position and the winding of relay NWSR, and only a portion of which is shown in detail, including contact I of relay OR. Relay WLPR is energized by a circuit passing from a terminal BL of a suitable source of current, through contact 8 of selector lever VS, and the winding of relay WLPR to the other terminal CL'of the same source of current. With relays NWSR and WLPR energized, a circuit is closed for energizing relay NWR, this circuit passing from terminal BH of a suitable source of current, through the winding of relay OR, front point of contact 9 of relay NWSR, line conductor 9I0, back point of contact RWR-II], winding of relay NWR, and contact I3 of relay WLPR to the other terminal CH of the same source of current.

With relays NWSR and NWR energized and switch I in the normal position, relay NWKR is energized by its circuit passing from terminal BH, through the winding of relay OR, front point of contact 9 of relay NWSR, line control conductor 9I0, front point of contact I4 of relay NWR, contact I5 of switch I closed in the normal position, contact I6 of relay RWR, front point of contact NWR-42, control conductor II-I2, back point of contact II of relay RWSR, and winding of relay NWKR to terminal CH. With relay NWKR energized, indication lamp INK is energized by its circuit including contact I! of relay NWKR.

Relay RRGPR is energized by a circuit passing from terminal BL, through contact 20 of signal 2R, and winding of relay RRGPR to terminal CL. Relay LGKSR is also energized, both its pick-up and its stick circuit being closed. The pick-up circuit for this relay passes from terminal BL, through contact 2I of signal 2LA, the similar contact 2| of signal 2LB, and the winding of relay LGKSR to terminal CL. The

stick circuit for this relay passes from terminal BL, through contact 22 of signal 2LA, similar contact 22 of signal 2LB, contact 23 of relay LGKSR, and. the winding of relay LGKSR to terminal CL.

I shall assume that the leverman desires to reverse switch I. He will therefore move lever IV to its r, position, thereby deenergizingrelay NWSR and causing relay RWSR to be energized. RelayNWKR is now deenergized, causing indicator INK to also be deenergized. With relay NWSR deenergized, relay NWR will become deenergized, thereby completing a circuit for relay RWR, passing from terminal BH, through the winding of relay OR, front point of contact II of relay RWSR, conductor III2, back point of contact NWRI2, winding of relay RWR, and contact 13 of relay WLPR to terminal CH. With relays RWSR and RWR energized, a reverse operating circuit is completed for switch I, passing from terminal BH, through the winding of relay OR, front point of contact II of relay RWSR, conductor II-I2, front point of contact 24 of relay RWR, contact 25 of relay LR, switch mechanism contact 26-41-21, armature 28 of motor M, switch mechanism contact 29c-30, field winding 3| of motor M, and contact 32 of selector lever VS toterminal CH.

At the completion of the operation of switch I to its reverse position, the bridging elements of the switch mechanism contacts, a, b and 0, will all be in their dash line positions,thereby completing the reverse snubbing circuit for motor M, passing from terminal CH, through resistor 38, back point of contact I4 of relay NWR, contact 39 of relayLR, switch mechanism contact 40b-4 I armature 2B of motor M, switch mechanism contact 42--c-3Il, field winding 3I, and contact 32 of lever VS to terminal CH. Motor M now acts as a generator, supplying current to this snubbing circuit, which therefore serves as a brake on the movement of motor M and helps to bring it to a stop.

With switch I occupying its reverse position, the reverse indication circuit is completed, passing from terminal BH, through the winding of relay OR, front point of contact II of relay RWSR, conductor III2, front point of contact 24 of relay RWR, contact I5 of switch I in its dash line position, contact 43 of relay NWR, front point of contact RWRID, conductor 9-H], back point of contact 9 of relay RWSR, and winding of relay RWKR to terminal CH. With relay RWKR energized, the reverse indicating lamp IRK becomes lighted by its circuit passing from terminal B, through contact I! of relay RWKR, lamp IRK, and terminal C of the same source of current.

When the leverman desires to return switch I to the normal position, he returns lever IV to its n position, causing relay RWSR to become deenergized, and relay NWSR to become energized. The operation of the other parts of the apparatus associated with the return of switch I to the normal position is similar to the operation described for the parts associated with the operation of switch I to the reverse position, and can therefore be readily followed from the drawing without further description.

If, after the switch has been returned to the normal position, the leverman again desires to reverse the switch, he will again move lever IV to its 1' position, thereby again deenergizing relay NWSR, and energizing relay RWSR and relay RWR, and thus again completing the reverse operating .circuit for motor M. If, for some reason, motor M should now draw excessive current, relay OR will open its contact 1, thereby deenergizing relay RWSR and opening the operating circuit for motor M at the front point of contact ll of relay RWSR. After the source of trouble has been removed, the leverman will again energize relayRWSR, thereby completing the operation of switch I to its reverse position.

I shall now assume that, after switch i has again been returned to the normal position by the leverman, a trainman desires to reverse switch I by hand. He will therefore move selector lever VS to its r position, thereby opening contacts 8 and 32 of lever VS. With contact 8 open, relay WLPR, becomes deenergized, thereby opening its contact [3 and causing relay NWR to also become deenergized. Also, with relay WLPR deenergized, a circuit is completed for energizing relay OR, this circuit passing from terminal BH, through the winding of relay OR, front point of contact 9 of relay NT/VSR, conductor 9--i0, and contact WLPR,65 to terminal CH. Relay OR then opens its contact 7, deenergizing relay NWSR which then remains deenergized until further manual operation by the leverman even if lever IV is left in the position in which it is shown in the drawing. Relay NWSR, upon becoming deenergized, opens, at the front point of its contact 9, the circuit just traced for relay OR, thereby causing relay OR to become deenergized. With contact 32 of lever VS open, the operating circuits for motor M are open at a common point, thus preventing either the normal or the reverse operating circuit for motor M from being closed until selector lever VS has again been returned to its 12 position.

I shall further assume that, while lever VS- is in its T position, the leverman reverses lever IV, causing relay RWS-R. to become energized. A circuit is now completed for energizing relay OR, passing from terminal BH, through the winding of relay OR, front point of contact I! of relay RWSR, conductor i ii 2, and contact WLPR44 to terminal CH. Relay OR therefore opens its contact I, causing relay RWSR to become deenergized. Relay RW'SR will then remain deenergized until the leverman again takes action to cause it to become energized. In this. way, the storage of switch control by a leverman while lever VS is in the reverse position for hand operation of switch i by a trainman is prevented.

' I shall next assume that switch i has again been returned to the normal position, and that the leverman desires to clear signal 2R. He will therefore move lever 2V to its 1* position, causing relay RHSR to become energized by its circuit controlled by movement of lever 2V to the r position as indicated by the dash line between the 1" position of lever 2V and the winding of relay RHSR. With relay RHSR. energized, a circuit is completed for energizing relay RHSPR, this circuit passing through terminal BH, through the front point of contact 45 of relay RHSR, conductor 4546, back point of contact LHSPR-46, winding of relay RI-ISPR, and contact WLPR49 to terminal CH. With relay RHSPR. energized, winding ill of signal 2152. becomes energized by its circuit passing from terminal BL, through contact RHSPR-Bfl, other controlling contacts indicated by the dash line, and winding [9 of relay 2R to terminal CL. Member l8 of signal 2Rwill therefore now move to the Y position, causing signal 25. to display the caution indication.

When member [8 of signal 2R leaves the R position, contact 20 of signal 2R opens, causing relay RRGPR to become deenergized. With relay RRGPR deenergized, a signal indication circuit is completed, passing from terminal BH, through the front point of contact 45 of relay RHSR, line conductor 45fl5, contact SI of relay RHSPR, contact 52 of relay LHSPR, contact RRGPR53, front point of contact RHSPR48, line conductor 4'i48, back point of contact 41 of relay LI-ISR, and the winding of relay RHGKR to terminal CH. With relay RHGKR energized, signal indication lamp 2RK will become energized by its circuit including contact ll of relay RHGKR.

I shall now assume that the leverman returns signal 2R to the stop position by deenergizing relay RHSR, and that he desires to clear signal ZLA. He will therefore move lever 2V to the 1 position, causing relay LHSR to become energized by its circuit controlled by lever 2V in the f position as indicated by the dash line between the ,f position of lever 2V and the winding of relay LHSR. With relay LHSR energized, a circuit is completed for energizing relay IiI-ISPR, this circuit passing from terminal BH, through the front point of contact 4? of relay LHSR, line control conductor il-48, back point of contact RHSPR48, winding of relay LHSPR, and contact WIPE- i9 to terminal CH. With relay LHSPR energized, and assuming that switch I is in the normal position, the operating circuit for signal QLA will be completed, passing from terminal BH, through the front point of contact ll of relay IRS-R, conductor 4'l48, contact 55 of relay LHSPR, other control contacts indicated by the dash line portion '55 of the operating circuit, contact 56 of switch I closed in the normal position, and the mechanism of signal ZLA to terminal CH.

When the arm of signal 2LA leaves the horizontal or stop position, contact 2! of signal ZLA will open the pick-up circuit for relay LGKSR which, however, will remain energized by its stick circuit until contact 22 of signal 211A opens the stick circuit for relay LGKSR. just before the arm of signal 2LA reaches the 45 degree or caution position. When relay LGKSR becomes deenergized, an indication circuit will be completed for energizing relay LHDGKR, this circuit passing from terminal BH, through the front point of contact 4'! of relay LHSR, conductor ll-48, contact 54 of relay LHSPR, contact (ii of relay RHSPR, contact LGKSR-62, front point of contact LHSPR l5, conductor l46, back point of contact 25 of relay RHSR, and the winding of relay LHDGKR to terminal CH. With relay LHDGKR energized, indication lamp ZLK will become energized by its circuit including contact ll of relay LHDGKR. The leverman will now know that the arm of signal ZLA has reached the 45 degree position.

When the leverman desires to return signa ZLA to the stop position, he will return lever 2V to the 11. position, causing relay LHSR to become deenergized, which in turn causes relay LI-ISPR to become deenergized. With the operating circuit for signal 2LA thus open, the arm of signal 2LA will return to the stop position, 1

If, when the arm of signal ZLA is in the caution position, the operating circuit for signal 2LA becomes open at the portion indicated by the numeral 55, such for example as by the deenergizathe arm of signal 2LA actually reaches the stop position, relay LGKSR will not again become energized until the arm of signal 2LA is in the zero degree position. The circuit for relay LHDGKR will therefore remain closed until the arm of signal 2LA actually reaches the horizontal position, and lamp 2LK will remain lighted. The leverman will therefore know, when lamp ZLK becomes extinguished, that the arm of signal 2LA has dropped all the way to the horizontal position.

I shall now describe the operation of the modification shown in Fig. 2. If the leverman desires to reverse switch I with the motor shown in Fig. 2, he will move lever 1V to the 7 position, energizing relay RWR. as previously described. The reverse operating circuit for motor M will therefore become closed, following the path previously traced in connection with Fig. 1 as far as contact 25 of relay LR, then passing through armature 28 of motor M, contact RWR51, contact 5859 of switch I, field winding 3| of motor M, and contact 32 of selector VS to terminal CI-I. Motor M will therefore move switch I to the reverse position. At the completion of the operation of switch I to the reverse position, contact 58'-59 will open the reverse operating circuit.

From the foregoing description and the accompanying drawing, it follows that in apparatus embodying my invention, operations of a railway track switch to normal and reverse positions are controlled by normal and reverse controlcircuits including a normal and a reverse line conductor, respectively, and a common conductor; normal and reverse operating circuits for the switch include the normal and reverse line conductors, respectively, and the common conductor;

and normal and reverse indication circuits for the switch include the normal and reverse line conductors. Provision is made for preventing storage of control of a switch by a leverman while the switch is arranged for manual operation by a trainman. A snubbing circuit is provided for one form of switch motor upon completion of a switch movement to either of its extreme positions.

Signal control, operation, and indications for opposing signals governing trafiic movements over the switch are also similarly accomplished over two signal line control conductors and a common conductor. In the accompanying drawing, the operating circuit for a signal for only one direction is'shown including one of the line control conductors and the common conductor. If the same type of signal were used for the other direction, the operating circuit for the signal for that other direction could similarly include the other line control conductor and the common conductor.

Although I have herein shown and described.

only two forms of apparatus embodying my invention, it is understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In combination, a given stretch of railway track, a first and a second control relay, a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a manually controllable circuit including said first and common conductors for energizing said first control relay, a second manually controllablecin.

cuit including said second and common'conduc-- tor for energizing saidsecond control relay, an indication circuit includingsaid first and second conductors and a front contact'of said first con-;

trol relay, a second indication circuit including said first and secondconductors and a front con-'' tact of said second control relay, means controlled by said first control relay in itsenergized condition for directing a first trafiic movement ove'rsaid stretch of track, means controlled by said second control relay in its energized condition for directing a second trafiic movement over said stretch of track, and indication means controlled by said first and second indication circuits.

2. In combination, a given stretch of railway track, a first and a second contro-l device each capable of being put into a given c ondi tion,-'a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a manually controllable circuit including said first and common conductors for putting said first controldevice into its said given condition, a second manually controllable circuit including said second and common conductors for putting said second control device into its said given condition, an indication circuit including said first and sec-- and conductors and controlled by said first control devicein its given condition, a secondindication circuitincluding saidfirst' and second conductors and controlled by said second control device in its given condition, means controlled by said first control device in its given condition for directing a first traffic movement over said.

stretch, means controlled by said second control device in its given condition for directing a, sec-j ond traflic movementover said stretch of track,

and indication means controlled by said first and.

track, a first and a second control device, a first and a second. as well as a common conductor, a manually controllable circuit including said first and common conductors for energizing'said first control device, a second manually controllable circuit including said second and common conductors for energizing said, second control device, an indication circuit including said first and second conductors and closed in response to energization of said first control device, a second indication circuit including said. first and second conductors and closed in response to energization,-

of said second control device, means controlled by said first control device in-response to its energization for directing a first trafiic movement over said stretch of track, means controlle dlby.

said second control device. in response to its en-- ergization for directing a second trafiic movement; over said stretch, and indication means controlled by said first and second indication circuits.

4. In combination, a given stretch of railway track, a first and a'second control device, a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a

manually controllable circuit including said first device in response to. its energization for directing a second traflic movement over said stretch,

said first and second conductors and controlled by said second control device, and indication means controlled by said first and second indication circuits.

5. In combination, a given stretch of railway track, a first and a second control device, a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a manually controllable circuit including said first and common conductors for energizing said first control device, a second manually controllable circuit including said second and common conductors for energizing said second control device, means controlled by a third circuit including said first and common conductors and controlled by said first control device in response to its energization for directing a first trafiic movement over said stretch, means controlled by a fourth circuit including said second and common conductors and controlled by said second control device in response to its energization for directing a second trafiic movement over said stretch, an indication circuit including said first and sec ond conductors and controlled by said first control device in the energized condition as well as by said second control device in the deenergized condition, a second indication circuit including said first and second conductors and controlled by said second control device in the energized condition as well as by said first control device in the deenergized condition, and indication means controlled by said first and second indication circuits.

6. In combination, a given stretch of railway track, a first and a second control device, a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a manually controllable circuit including said first and common conductors for energizing said first control device, a second manually controllable circuit including said second and common conductors for energizing said second control device, trafiic governing means controlled by said first and second control devices in response to their energization for directing a first or a second trafiic movement respectively over said stretch of track, a first and a second indication circuit controlled by said traflic governing means while directing said first or said second traffic movement respectively and each including said first and second conductors, and indication means trolled by said first and second indication circuits.

'L'In combination, a given stretch of railway track, a first and a second control device, a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a manually controllable circuit including said first and common conductors and controlled by said second control device in the deenergized condition for energizing said first control device, a second manually controllable circuit including said second and common conductors and controlled by said first control device in the deenergized condition for energizing said second control device, means responsive to energization of said first control device for directing a first trafiic movement over said stretch of track and responsive to energization of said second control device for directing a second trafiic movement over said stretch of track, a first and a second indication circuit controlled by said first and second control devices respectively and each including said first and second conductors, and indication means circuits.

8. In combination, a given stretch of railway track, a first and a second control device, a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a manually controllable circuit including said first and common conductors and controlled by said second control device in the deenergized condition for energizing said first control device, a second maually controllable circuit including said second and common conductors and controlled by said first control device in the deenergized condition for energizing said second control device, a third circuit controlled by said first control device and including said first and common conductors, a fourthcircuit controlled by said second control device and including said second and common conductors, trafiic governing means responsive to energization of said third circuit for directing a first traific movement over said stretch of track and responsive to energization of said fourth circuit for directing a second trafiic movement over said stretch of track, a' first and a second indication circuit controlled by said first and second control devices respectively and each including said first and second conductors,

and indication means controlled by said first and second indication circuits.

9. In combination, a first and a second control device, a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a circuit including said first and common conductors for energizing said first control device, a second circuit including said second and common conductors for energizing said second control device, electroresponsive means controlled in a first or a second manner by said first and second control devices respectively in response to energization of said control devices, a first and a second indication circuit controlled by said electroresponsive means when said first and second control devices control said electroresponsive means in said first or second manner respectively and each of said indication circuits including said first and second conductors, and indication means controlled by said first and second indication circuits.

10. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a switch, a normal and a reverse switch control relay, a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a normal control circuit including said first and common conductors for energizing said normal control relay, a reverse control circuit including said second and common conductors for energizing said reverse control relay, a normal switch operating circuit including said first and common conductors and controlled by said normal switch control relay for effecting operation of said switch to its normal position in response to energization of said normal control relay, a reverse switch operating circuit including said second and common conductors and controlled by said reverse switch control relay for effecting operation of said switch to its reverse position in response to energization of said reverse control relay, a normal and a reverse switch indication circuit controlled by said switch in its normal and reverse positions respectively and each including said first and second conductors, and indication means controlled by said normal and reverse indication circuits.

11. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a switch, a normal and a reverse control relay, a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a normal control circuit including said first and common conductors for energizing said normal control relay, a reverse control circuit including said second and common conductors for energizing said reverse control relay, a normal switch operating circuit including said first and common conductors and controlled by said normal switch control relay for effecting operation I of said switch to its normal position in response to energization of said normal control relay, a reverse switch operating circuit including said second and common conductors and controlled by said reverse switch control relay for effecting operation of said switch to its reverse position in response to energization of said reverse control relay, a normal and a reverse switch indication circuit controlled by said normal and reverse switch control relays respectively and each including said first and second conductors, and indication means controlled by said normal and reverse switch indication circuits.

12. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a switch, a normal and a reverse switch control relay, a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a normal control circuit including said first and common conductors for energizing said normal control relay, a reverse control circuit including said second and common conductors for energizing said reverse conindication means controlled by said normal and reverse switch indication circuits.

13. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a switch, a normal and a reverse switch control relay, a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a normal switch control circuit including said first and common conductors and a back contact of said reverse control relay for energizing said normal control relay, a reverse switch control circuit including said second and common conductors and a back contact of said normal control relay for energizing said reverse control relay, means controlled by said normal and reverse switch control relays for operating said switch toits normal and reverse positions respectively in response to energization of the corresponding switch control relay, a-normal switch indication circuit controlled by a front contact of said normal switch control relay and by a back contact of said reverse switch control relay and including said first and second conductors, a reverse switch indication circuit controlled by a front contact of, said reverse switch control relay and by a back contact of said normal switch control relay and including said first and second conductors, and indication means controlled by said normal and reverse switch indication circuits.

14. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a switch, a normal and a reverse switch control relay, a normal control circuit for energizing said normal control relay, a reverse control circuit for energizing said reverse control'relay, power operated means controlled by said normal and reverse switch control relays for operating said switch to its normal and reverse positions respectively in response to energization of the corresponding switch control relay, I switch operating means, selector means for transferring control of said switch from said power operated means to said manual switch operating manual,

means and from said manual switch operatingmeans to said power operated means, a contact controlled by said selector means for preventing energization of either of said switch control relays when control of said switch is transferred to said manual switch operating means, a normal and a reverse switch indication circuit energized in response to energization of said normal and reverse switch control relays respectively, and indication means controlled by said normal and reverse switch indication circuits.

15. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a switch, an overload relay, a normal, and a reverse switch control relay, a normal and a reverse control circuitincluding said overload relay and a source of current for energizing said normal and reverse switch control relays, power operated means, a normal and a reverse operating circuit also including said overload relay and said source of current and controlled by said normal and reverse switch control relays for energizing said power operated means for operating said switch to the normal and reverse posi tions respectively-in response to energization of the corresponding switch control relay, manual, switch operating means, selector means for transferring control of said switch from either of said power operated means and said manual switch operating means to the other, a contact controlled by said selector means for preventing energization of either of said switch control relays when control of said switch is transferred to said manual switch operating means, other contact means controlled by said selector means for effecting energization of said overload relay if an attempt is made to energize either of said switch control relays while said switch is controlled by said manual switch operating means, and a contact controlled by said overload relay for preventing storage of control of said switch control relays if said overload relay becomes operated.

16. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a switch, a normal and a reverse switch control relay, an overload relay, a normal and a reverse control circuit including said overload relay and a source of current for energizing said normal and reverse switch control relays, power operated means, a normal and a reverse operating circuit also including said overload relay and said source of current and controlled by said normal and reverse switch control relays for energizing said power operated means for operating said switch to its normal and reverse positions respectively in response to energization of the corresponding switch control relay, and a contact controlled by said overload relay for open-v ing said normal and reverse control and operating circuits if said overload relay becomes operated.

17. In combination, a railway track switch, a motor for operating said switch, a circuit controller having a normal and a reverse position, means controlled in conjunction with said switch for operating said circuit controller to its normal and reverse positions when said switch completes operation to its normal and reverse positions respectively, a normal and a reverse switch control relay, a normal operating circuit for said motor including a front contact of said normal switch control relay and completed by said circuit controller in the reverse position, a reverse operating circuit for said motor including a front contact of said reverse switch control relay and completed by said circuit controller in the normal position, a normal snubb-ing circuit for said motor including a resistor and a back contact of said reverse switch control relay and completed by said circuit controller in the normal position, a reverse snubbing circuit for said motor including a resistor and a back contact of said normal switch control relay and completed by said circuit controller in the reverse position, and means operated by said motor for moving said switch to 'the normal and reverse positions when said mo-- tor is energized by its normal and reverse operating circuits respectively.

18. In combination, a railway track switch, a motor for operating said switch, a circuit controller having a normal and a reverse position, means controlled in conjunction with said switch for operating said circuit controller to its normal and reverse positions when said switch completes operation to its normal and reverse positions respectively, a normal and a reverse switch control relay, a normal operating circuit for said motor including a front contact of said normal switch control relay and completed by said circuit controller in the reverse position, a reverse operating circuit for said motor including a front contact of said reverse switch control relay and completed by said circuit controller in the normal position, a normal snubb-ing circuit for said motor including a resistor and a back contact of said reverse switch con-trol relay and completed by said circuit controller in the normal position, a reverse snubbing circuit for said motor including a resistor and a back contact of said normal switch control relay and completed by said circuit controller in the reverse position, and means operated by said motor for moving said switch to its normal and reverse positions when said motor is operated by its normal and reverse operating circuits respectively.

19. In combination, a stretch of railway track, a first and a second signal for governing trafiic movements in opposite directions over said stretch, a first and a second signal control relay, a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a circuit including said first and common conductors for energizing said first signal control relay, a second circuit including said second and common conductors for energizing said second signal control relay, a first indication circuit including said first and second conductors closed by said first signal when said first signal displays an indication other than stop, a second indication circuit including said first and second conductors closed by said second signal when said second signal displays an indication other than stop, indication means controlled by said first and second indication circuits, and means controlled by said first and second signal control relays upon becoming energized for controlling said first and second signals respectively to display an indication other than stop.

20. In combination, a stretch of railway track, a first and a second signal for governing trafiic movements in opposite directions over said stretch, a first and a second signal control relay, a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a circuit including said first and common conductors for energizing said first signal control relay, a second circuit including said second and commonconductors for energizing said second signal control relay, a first indication circuit including said first and second conductors as Well as a front contact of said first signal control relay, a second indication circuit including said second and common conductors as well as a front contact of said second signal control relay, indication means controlled by said first and second indication circuits, and means controlled by said first and second signal control relays upon becoming energized for clearing said first and second signals respectively. 7

21. In combination, a stretch of railway track, a first and a second signal for governing trafiic movements in opposite directions over said stretch, a first and a second signal control relay, a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a circuit including said first and common conductors for energizing said first signal control relay, a second circuit including said second and common conductors for energizing said second signal control relay, a first indication circuit including said first and second conductors closed when said first signal is controlled to display an indication other than stop, a second indication circuit including said first and second conductors closed when said second signal is controlled to display an indication other than stop, an operating circuit including said first and common conductors and controlled by a front contact of said first signal control relay for controlling said first signal to display an indication other than stop, and means controlled by a front contact of said second signal control relay for controlling said second signal to display an indication other than stop.

22. In combination, a signal operable from a first to a second position, a stick relay, a pick-up circuit for energizing said relay closed by said signal when said signal occupies its first position, a stick circuit for retaining said relay in its energized condition which remains closed by said signal while said signal is operated from its first position nearly to its second position, and indication means controlled by said stick relay.

EARL M. ALLEN.

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