[go: up one dir, main page]

US791574A - Automatic railroad signaling. - Google Patents

Automatic railroad signaling. Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US791574A
US791574A US24985005A US1905249850A US791574A US 791574 A US791574 A US 791574A US 24985005 A US24985005 A US 24985005A US 1905249850 A US1905249850 A US 1905249850A US 791574 A US791574 A US 791574A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
signal
track
relay
distant
circuit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US24985005A
Inventor
Frank P J Patenall
George H Dryden
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US24985005A priority Critical patent/US791574A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US791574A publication Critical patent/US791574A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61RAILWAYS
    • B61LGUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L23/00Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains
    • B61L23/08Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for controlling traffic in one direction only
    • B61L23/14Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for controlling traffic in one direction only automatically operated
    • B61L23/16Track circuits specially adapted for section blocking
    • B61L23/163Track circuits specially adapted for section blocking using direct current

Definitions

  • This invention relates toautomatic railroadsignaling systems, and is more especially, though not exclusively, applicable to that type of signaling systems wherein the track-rails are used as conductors, said rails beingdivided into sections insulated from each other, as is now Well understood in this art.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a signaling system wherein the signaling mechanism and its direct-operating circuits are entirely separate from the line circuits or conductors, whereby the destructive influences of lightning discharges or influx of heavy currents from outside sources is to a large extent overcome.
  • the invention consists in certain novel 'details of construction and in the novel arrangements of the circuits and wiring to be hereinafter described, and pointed out particularly in the appended claims.
  • the invention is applicable in any system or is adapted for use in connection with any other type of signaling mechanism giving clear and caution indications.
  • visual signals of the three-position type are employed.
  • A, A and A are automatic three-position signals.
  • B B B are track-relays.
  • C C C are relays for the partial government of the distant side of signals.
  • D D D are distant clutch-magnets.
  • E E E are track-batteries adapted to normally energize the track-relays and hold both armatures of each in position to close the circuits controlled thereby, said trackbatteries being adapted to be short-circuited by a train entering the block, so as to deenergize the track-relays and release their armatures.
  • F" F F are batteries for the operation of the distant relays and, when desired,
  • G G G are oircuitcontrollers on the distant side of the signaling mech' anism, while G Gr G are circuit-controllers on the home side of the slgnahng mechanism,
  • H H H are home clutch-magnets.
  • I is an indicator-relay.
  • J to J are track-insulating joints for separating the tracks into blocksections.
  • K K K are batteries for the operation of the signal-clutches.
  • L is a common return-wire.
  • L UL are wires connecting the distant stations for operating the relays C C G and may conveniently be termed the distant wires, as they control the distant side of the signaling mechanism.
  • L is an indicator-circuit wire
  • M M M indicate the track-sections, which may be of various lengths to correspond to the length of the block-sections. As shown in the drawings, the signals A A are both in the vertical or clear position, indicating that block-sections M M are clear or unoccupied by a train or other obstruction.
  • the circuits are all intact and operative, and it will also be understood. that the block-section in advance of the section M is also clear and unoccupied.
  • Signal A is shown in its caution position, not due to the fact that a block-section in advance of its station is occupied, but due to the fact that the cireuitormechanism, or both, governing the home side of the signaling mechanism has failed.
  • This signal A it will be further noted, has been changed from the stop or danger position to its caution position by the mechanism on the distant side of itsxoperating mechanism and circuits, whereas with the systems at present in use this signal would have remained at danger or in its stop position, thereby blocking all trains and holding them until repairs could have been made to that part of the home side of the mechanism which had failed.
  • track-sections M M M are all unoccupied by trains, and consequently track-relays B B B and distant relays C C C are all closed; but the circuit governing the clutch-magnet H has failed, this failure being shown by a break at the point indicated at O and which break might result from any of a number of causessuch as lightning, neglect in maintenance, corrosion of Wires, &c.-and would heretofore result in the signaling mechanism being maintained in the stop or danger position; but in the present system the distant side of the signaling mechanism through its circuit-controllers and relays is enabled to perform the function of energizing the signaling mechanism for its perfect operation to the caution position even though the home side either in its circuits or mechanism, or both, have failed to operate.
  • the home clutch-magnets H, H and H are governed locally through the relay-points of track-relays B B B and the distant clutch-magnets D D 1) are also governed locally, first, through the relay-points of track-relays B B B, and, secondly, through the relay-points of distant relays C C C.
  • the home clutch-magnet H" having failed by the opening of its circuit at 0 still the relay B is energized and the circuits controlled thereby closed because track-section M is unoccupied, and it receives its current from the track-battery E through the trackrails.
  • Distant relay (1 is also energized, because track-sections M M are unoccupied, and relays B B" are as a consequence closed.
  • signal A with its home side inoperative or having failed, could not display a caution indication through the operation of the distant side of its mechanism unless block-sections M and M are clear or unoccupied by train, and signal A indicates either caution or clear, because the track-relays of both of these sections must be energized and the signal A either in caution or clear position before the distant relay can be energized, and without the relay C being energized the local circuit controlling the caution position of the signal A cannot be completed for setting the signal.
  • FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings a system is illustrated embodying a motor-operated signal mechanism, the system of this figure being that known to those skilled in the art as a wireless systcm-that is to say, a system which does not employ overhead wires for the government of the distant side of the signal, but the conductors between the stations are formed by the track-rails exclusively.
  • a A A are automatic three-position signals.
  • B B B are trackrelays; but in this instance they are polarized relays, each having one neutral armature 7/, which remains closed when battery is flowing through the coils in either direction, and one polarized armature b, which is governed by the direction in which the battery flows through the relay.
  • D D D are theidistant clutch-magnets, each of which is wound with a low resistance, as is customary in this type of device, the low resistance being in circuit only while the signal is at dange'r or is clearing, the high resistance remaining in circuit while the signal is at clear, the low resistance at this time having been cut out by the movement of the signal mechanism to its caution or clear position by switchpoints 9 to The high-resistance coil is always in circuit whenever the governing re.- lay-points are closed.
  • the low-resistance coils are in series with the signal-motors N N N, and consequently in moving the signal to the clear or caution position by either the home or distant side of the mechanism the low-resistance circuit is opened at G11 G", &c., leaving the signal locked in its clear or caution positions through the high-resistance side of the clutch, as will be more readily understood by reference to the patent to Schreuder, N 0. 638,478. dated December 5, 1899.
  • E is a track-battery for the government of polechanging relays C, while E to E, inclusive, are track-batteries, the poles of which are controlled by relays C to C to properly op erate the polarized track-relays B, B, and B through the track-sections M to M inclusive.
  • F F and F are batteries for the operation of the pole-changingrelays C to C3, while G, G, and Gr are circuit-controllers operated by the changing of the distant side of the signal mechanism.
  • G G and G are circuit-controllers operated by the changing of the home side of they signaling mechanism.
  • H H ,and H are home clutchmagnets, which in construction correspond to the clutch-magnets 1), D and D in that they have high and low resistance coils, the low resistance being in circuit and in series with the motor only while the signal is at danger or is clearing, the high resistance remaining in circuit while the signal is at caution, and the proper connections being established through the circuit-controllcrs G Gr, and G before referred to. latter may, if desired, be constructed as in the before-mentioned patent to Schreuder.
  • J to J are track-insulating joints.
  • Kn, K and K are batteriesfor the operation of the signal clutches and motors N, N, and N while the track-sections are indicated by M to M inclusive.
  • signals A A are both in the vertical or clear v position, indicating that sections M M M are clear and unoccupied by train, while all of the c rcuit connections are intact and operatlve.
  • the pole-changing relay U operates to govern the polarized relay B in such manner that when deenergized, as would be the case if signal A were at danger, the arma ture of the polarized relay B, which controls the home-clutch H alone would be operated, and the signal A under such circumstances could not be cleared nor moved to caution position because of the failure of this side of the mechanism at 0.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates an arrangement of the circuits and apparatus embodying the present invention applicable to signaling systems on the normal danger principle. Two tracks have been shown in this figure simply to illus-.
  • a to A, inelusive, are automatic three-position signals, B to B inclusive, are track-relays, to C are relays for the partial government of the distant side of signals, 1) to D are distant clutch-magnets, E to E are track-batteries, F to F are batteries for the operation of the distant relays and indicator-relays where the latter are employed, together with switch or tower indications, H to I are home clutch-magnets, 1 to 1 are indicator and clearing relays, J to J are track-insulating joints, K to K are batteries for the operation of the signal-elutehes, L is a return- Wire or common return, L to L are distant Wires, L to L are indicator-wires, M to M are the insulated track-sections forming trackeircuits or block-sections and may be of any desired length, N to N are switch-indicators, and S to S are switch instruments.
  • the signals A A and A are shown in the horizontal (danger or block) position, this being the normal position of the signals under the normal danger system, as under this system the signals remain at danger until the train enters the first or second block in the rear.
  • the signals operate when the train passes into the first section in the rear if at this time the first track-section in advance of the signal is unoccupied and all circuits and mechanism are intact and operative. If the second track-scction in advance of the signal is occupied by a train, a caution indication will be given; but if two sections in advance of the signal are unoccupied a clear indication will be given. The operation will now be readily understood.
  • Sections M M of the track being unoccupied by a train and section M occupied by a train, (indicated at T,) signal A should give a clear indication; but, as shown, this signal indicates caution, because its circuits or mechanism, or both, have failed, as heretofore pointed out and as indicated at O.
  • Track-relays B to B when their respective track-sections M to M" are unoccupied remain closed, these relays alone governing the home side of signal mechanism.
  • Distant relays 6 to C and indicator-relays 1 to 1" are each governed from two sections by track-circuit, as shown, and each are also governed by the t1'ack-relays.
  • the distant relays govern the distant clutches, said clutches being also governed by the track-relays.
  • the distant and home clutch magnets are located in parallel with each other, the arrangement in this respect corresponding to the arrangement heretofore described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2; but in the arrangement of Fig. 3 an additional control is introduced by the clearing-relays I to I inclusive, in order to adapt the system for operation on the normal danger principle.
  • the indicator and clearing relays l to I are wired in series with the distant relays in the rear and perform two functions--71. a, first, that of governing the indicators in advance of the signal, and, secondly, that of operating as a clearing-relay for the signal in advance of the approaching train.
  • the train has short-circuited the battery E and the three switch-points on relay B are open.
  • This relay governs, first, its home clutch H secondly, its indicator and clearing relay 1 with the distant relay 0 in the rear, and, thirdly, its own distant relay C and the indicator-relay l in advance.
  • the opening of indicator-relay 1 completes the circuit for the clutch-magnets D and H of signal A and would cause the same normally to display a clear indication whenever the two track-sections in advance are uuoecupied.
  • the track-sections M and M are unoccupied, but the signal-clutch ll or its mechanism have failed, as before pointed out, and in accordance with the methods of wiring commonly used would not admit of a caution-signal being displayed; but under the present arrangement a caution indication is displayed by signal A.
  • Switch instruments S and S are diagrammatically illustrated as located at a facingswitch and work in conjunction therewith, so
  • Switch instruments S S S are also shown to form a double shunt, but are adapt- 7 ed to be operated by asingle operating me'chanism connected with the switchoperating mechanism, as will be readily understood.
  • Switch-indicators N to N are shown in po' sition indicating danger, indicator N be-- turn is governed by relays B and B Indicators N and N are governed by indicator-relay 1 3, which latter-is in turn governed by track-relay B and indicate danger,
  • an indicator-relay I is -included in the distant wire running back to the preceding station, and this indicator-relay controls a circuit L which is a branch from the distant circuit and receives its energy from the battery F. It usually contains indicators Z which may be appropriately located to indicate to the operators the fact that the circuit is made or broken and that the track conditions are safe or unsafe, as the case may be.
  • An indicator-circuit is not shown in the other two stations of Fig. 1, inasmuch as it is desired. to avoid as far as possible any confusion or complication in this illustration, and for a like reason some of the circuit continuations in connection with the left-hand track of Fig. 8 are not shown; but each terminal is marked to indicate to what point it is intended that it shall extend.
  • an automatic railway block system the combination of the following instrumentalities to wit: a series of block-stations, signals at each station adapted to indicate danger, caution and clear conditions, controlling mechanism for the clear and caution indications, electric circuits including said controlling mechanism, one of said circuits being established by the mechanism at the home station and the other being established by the mechanism at the home station in conjunction with the mechanism at a distant station; substantially as described.
  • an automatic railway block-signal system the combination of the following instrumentalities, to wit: a series of block-stations, signals indicating danger, caution or clear conditions, electrically-operated control mechanisms for the safety and caution indications, electrically-operated switches in the circuits of said control mechanisms, adapted to be operated one from the home block and the other from a distant block and circuits for said control mechanisms one established through both of said switches and the other established through one only of said switches, whereby upon the failure of one of said control mechanisms the other will give a caution indication; substantially as described.
  • an automatic railway block-signal system the combination of the following instrumentalities, to wit: a series of block-stations, signals indicating danger, caution or clear conditions, electrically-operated control mechanisms, individually operating to give a caution indication and collectively operating to give a clear indication, two electrically-operated switches looth included in the circuits of one ofsaid control mechanisms and one only included in the circuit of the other of said control mechanisms, said last-mentioned switch being itself controlled from the home block and the other switch being controlled from a distant block, whereby upon the failure of the control mechanism included in the switch-circuit of the home block, the other control mechanism will give a caution-signal; substantially as described.
  • An automatic railway block-signal system embodying a home circuit operated from the block for each station, a distant circuit operated from a distant station, a switch controlled by each of said circuits, :1. signal at each station, two control mechanisms therefor, one included in a circuit passing through both of said switches and the other included in a circuit passing through one only of said switches; substantially as described.
  • An automatic railway block-signal system each station embodying a home relayswitch operated from the block for that station, a distant relay-switch operated from the next succeeding block-station, a three-position signal at each station two electricallyoperated control mechanisms therefor, oneof said control mechanisms being governed by a circuit including both said switches and the other control mechanism being governed by a circuit including the home relay-switch only; substantially as described.
  • An automatic railway block-signal system each station embodying a home relayswitch operated from the block for that station, a distant relay-switch operated from the next succeeding block-station, a three-position signal at each station, two electricallyoperated control mechanisms therefor located in parallel branches of a common-battery circuit, one of said branches including the two switches in series and the other branch including one only of the switches, whereby when the last-mentioned control mechanism breaks down the former will give a caution indication; substantially as described.
  • An automatic railway block-signal system each station embodying a home relayswitch operated from the block for that station, a distant relay-switch, a circuit including the latter relay and a switch at the next succeeding station closed when the signal at the latter station is either clear or at caution, a signal at each station indicating clear, caution or danger, two electrically-operated control mechanisms for each signal, one of said. control mechanisms being governed by a circuit including both the home and distant relay-switches and the other control mechanism being governed by a circuit including the home relay-switch only; substantially as described.
  • each station embodying a home relayswitch operated from the block for that station, a distant relay-switch, having its relay included in a circuit also including a switch at the next succeeding station adapted to be closed when the signal is clear or at caution, a clear:
  • An automatic railway block-signal system each station embodying a home relayswitch operated from the block for that station, a distant relay-switch having its relay included in a circuit also including a switch at the next succeeding station adapted to be closed when the signal is either clear or at caution, a clearing relay-switch having'its relay included in the distant relay-circuit of the next preceding station, a signal at each station indicating clear, caution or danger, two electrically-operated control mechanisms for each signal, one of said control mechanisms being governed by a-circuit including the home, distant and clearing relay-switches at that station and the other control mechanism being'governed by a circuit including the home and clearing relayswitches; substantially as described.
  • An automatic railway block-signal system each station embodying a home relayswitch operated from the block for that station, a distant relay-switch having its relay included in a circuit also including a switch at the next succeeding station adapted to be closed when the signal is either clear or at caution, a clearing relay-switch having its relay included in the distant relay-circuit of the next preceding station, a signal at each station indicating clear, caution or danger, two electrically-operated control mechanisms for each signal, one of said control mechanisms being governed by a circuit including the home, distant and clearing relay-switches atthat station,the other control mechanism being governed by a circuit including the home and clearing relayswitches, an indicator and an indicator-circuit therefor including a switch operated by the clearing-relay to close the indicator-circuit when the control-mechanism circuit is broken by said switch; substantially asdescribed.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Train Traffic Observation, Control, And Security (AREA)

Description

No. 791,574. g PATENTED JUNE 6, 1905. P..P. J. PATENALL & G. H. DRYDEN.
AUTOMATIC RAILROAD SIGNALING.
APPLIUATION FILED MAR. 13, 1905- 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.
. I I luon-flows W fiwz W a 6 M r 7 85L I 3 x \W V M Sweeney-5 Nb. 791,574. 1 Q v I PATENTED JUNE 6,. 19 o5.
P. P. J. PATENALL -& G..H.-DRYDEN,
AUTOMATIC RAILROAD SIGNALING.
APPLICATION FILED MAR. 1a, 1905.
' 2'SHEETS-BEEET 2 II w gimp U ITE STATES FRANK P. J. PATENALL AND GEORGE H. DRYDEN,
' MARYLAND.
or BALTIMORE,
AUTOMATIC RAILROAD SIGNALING.
SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 791,574, dated June 6, 1905.
Application filed March 13, 1905- Serial No. 249,850.
T0 at whom it may concern;
This invention relates toautomatic railroadsignaling systems, and is more especially, though not exclusively, applicable to that type of signaling systems wherein the track-rails are used as conductors, said rails beingdivided into sections insulated from each other, as is now Well understood in this art.
In automatic signaling systems as at present installed a failure or breakage in the system or mechanism controlled thereby will result in a blocking of the trains at one or more of the block-stations by reason of the fact that the mechanism cannot be automatically cleared, and it is an object of'tlie present invention to so arrange the circuits and mechanism that in case of failure or derangement of any of the parts or circuits in connection with the home signaling mechanism or circuit the distant side of the mechanism and circuits will give a caution indication whenever two blocks in advance of an approaching train are unoccupied, thusobviating the necessity of stoppage of-trains and at the same time making the passage of trains absolutely safe even though the home side of said signaling mechanism has failed to perform its function and give a clear indication.
A further object of the invention is to provide a signaling system wherein the signaling mechanism and its direct-operating circuits are entirely separate from the line circuits or conductors, whereby the destructive influences of lightning discharges or influx of heavy currents from outside sources is to a large extent overcome.
The invention consists in certain novel 'details of construction and in the novel arrangements of the circuits and wiring to be hereinafter described, and pointed out particularly in the appended claims.
Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 and 2 are diagrammatic illustrations of automatic systems embodying the present improvements, said systems being based on= the normal clear principle; but it will be understood that with minor changes in Wirsignals is shown, although, as before stated,
the invention is applicable in any system or is adapted for use in connection with any other type of signaling mechanism giving clear and caution indications. In allof the drawings visual signals of the three-position type are employed. n
Referring specifically to Fig. 1, A, A and A are automatic three-position signals. B B B are track-relays. C C C are relays for the partial government of the distant side of signals. D D D are distant clutch-magnets. E E E are track-batteries adapted to normally energize the track-relays and hold both armatures of each in position to close the circuits controlled thereby, said trackbatteries being adapted to be short-circuited by a train entering the block, so as to deenergize the track-relays and release their armatures. F" F F are batteries for the operation of the distant relays and, when desired,
for the operation of indicator-relays, switchindicators, &c. G G G are oircuitcontrollers on the distant side of the signaling mech' anism, while G Gr G are circuit-controllers on the home side of the slgnahng mechanism,
H H H are home clutch-magnets. I is an indicator-relay. J to J are track-insulating joints for separating the tracks into blocksections. K K K are batteries for the operation of the signal-clutches. L is a common return-wire. L UL are wires connecting the distant stations for operating the relays C C G and may conveniently be termed the distant wires, as they control the distant side of the signaling mechanism. L is an indicator-circuit wire, and M M M indicate the track-sections, which may be of various lengths to correspond to the length of the block-sections. As shown in the drawings, the signals A A are both in the vertical or clear position, indicating that block-sections M M are clear or unoccupied by a train or other obstruction. The circuits are all intact and operative, and it will also be understood. that the block-section in advance of the section M is also clear and unoccupied. Signal A is shown in its caution position, not due to the fact that a block-section in advance of its station is occupied, but due to the fact that the cireuitormechanism, or both, governing the home side of the signaling mechanism has failed. This signal A it will be further noted, has been changed from the stop or danger position to its caution position by the mechanism on the distant side of itsxoperating mechanism and circuits, whereas with the systems at present in use this signal would have remained at danger or in its stop position, thereby blocking all trains and holding them until repairs could have been made to that part of the home side of the mechanism which had failed. To make this clear, it will be noted that track-sections M M M are all unoccupied by trains, and consequently track-relays B B B and distant relays C C C are all closed; but the circuit governing the clutch-magnet H has failed, this failure being shown by a break at the point indicated at O and which break might result from any of a number of causessuch as lightning, neglect in maintenance, corrosion of Wires, &c.-and would heretofore result in the signaling mechanism being maintained in the stop or danger position; but in the present system the distant side of the signaling mechanism through its circuit-controllers and relays is enabled to perform the function of energizing the signaling mechanism for its perfect operation to the caution position even though the home side either in its circuits or mechanism, or both, have failed to operate. In performing the functions stated the track-batteries E E E through their re spective track-sections M M M energize relays B B B which relays alone govern the home side of the signaling mechanism H H H respectively. Batteries F F F operate the distant relays C C G through the respective relay-points of relays B B B and circuitcontrollers G to G. The home clutch-magnets H, H and H are governed locally through the relay-points of track-relays B B B and the distant clutch-magnets D D 1) are also governed locally, first, through the relay-points of track-relays B B B, and, secondly, through the relay-points of distant relays C C C From the foregoing it will be seen that the home clutch-magnet H" having failed by the opening of its circuit at 0 still the relay B is energized and the circuits controlled thereby closed because track-section M is unoccupied, and it receives its current from the track-battery E through the trackrails. Distant relay (1 is also energized, because track-sections M M are unoccupied, and relays B B" are as a consequence closed. Therefore with signal A in either its clear or caution position the circuit governing the distant relays is complete at Gr or G. Under these conditionsnamely, track-relay points B closed and distant relay-points C also closedtl1e local circuit governing the distant clutch-magnet D is complete through the points of said relays B and 3 causing the signal to display a caution indication in spite of the fact that its home mechanism has failed or become deranged, as before pointed out. It will be further noted that signal A, with its home side inoperative or having failed, could not display a caution indication through the operation of the distant side of its mechanism unless block-sections M and M are clear or unoccupied by train, and signal A indicates either caution or clear, because the track-relays of both of these sections must be energized and the signal A either in caution or clear position before the distant relay can be energized, and without the relay C being energized the local circuit controlling the caution position of the signal A cannot be completed for setting the signal.
In Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings a system is illustrated embodying a motor-operated signal mechanism, the system of this figure being that known to those skilled in the art as a wireless systcm-that is to say, a system which does not employ overhead wires for the government of the distant side of the signal, but the conductors between the stations are formed by the track-rails exclusively. In Fig. 2, A A A are automatic three-position signals. B B B are trackrelays; but in this instance they are polarized relays, each having one neutral armature 7/, which remains closed when battery is flowing through the coils in either direction, and one polarized armature b, which is governed by the direction in which the battery flows through the relay. This polarized relay is a well-known construction and is illustrated, for example, in the patent to Taylor, No. 762,009, dated June 7, 1904. G C C C are pole-changing relays, the first of which, 0, is shown governed direct from track-section M and battery E, and the last three--na1nely, C C13 014 are governed by the home or distalw sides of the signal mechanism through circuitcontrollers G to G. D D D are theidistant clutch-magnets, each of which is wound with a low resistance, as is customary in this type of device, the low resistance being in circuit only while the signal is at dange'r or is clearing, the high resistance remaining in circuit while the signal is at clear, the low resistance at this time having been cut out by the movement of the signal mechanism to its caution or clear position by switchpoints 9 to The high-resistance coil is always in circuit whenever the governing re.- lay-points are closed. The low-resistance coils are in series with the signal-motors N N N, and consequently in moving the signal to the clear or caution position by either the home or distant side of the mechanism the low-resistance circuit is opened at G11 G", &c., leaving the signal locked in its clear or caution positions through the high-resistance side of the clutch, as will be more readily understood by reference to the patent to Schreuder, N 0. 638,478. dated December 5, 1899. E is a track-battery for the government of polechanging relays C, while E to E, inclusive, are track-batteries, the poles of which are controlled by relays C to C to properly op erate the polarized track-relays B, B, and B through the track-sections M to M inclusive. F F and F are batteries for the operation of the pole-changingrelays C to C3, while G, G, and Gr are circuit-controllers operated by the changing of the distant side of the signal mechanism. G G and G are circuit-controllers operated by the changing of the home side of they signaling mechanism. H H ,and H are home clutchmagnets, which in construction correspond to the clutch-magnets 1), D and D in that they have high and low resistance coils, the low resistance being in circuit and in series with the motor only while the signal is at danger or is clearing, the high resistance remaining in circuit while the signal is at caution, and the proper connections being established through the circuit-controllcrs G Gr, and G before referred to. latter may, if desired, be constructed as in the before-mentioned patent to Schreuder. J to J are track-insulating joints. Kn, K and K are batteriesfor the operation of the signal clutches and motors N, N, and N while the track-sections are indicated by M to M inclusive. In this Fig. 2 it will be noted that signals A A are both in the vertical or clear v position, indicating that sections M M M are clear and unoccupied by train, while all of the c rcuit connections are intact and operatlve. Signal A 1s shown in its caution The.
the caution position by the mechanism onthc changed from the stop or danger position to distant side of the signal-operating devices,
and consequently with this system trains will not be unnecessarily stopped until repairs can be made, but may proceed under caution'orders, and no blockage of the track will result.
on all sides-that is to say, both the neutral and polarized armatures are closed. The circuit governing the home clutch-magnet H of the signal A, however, is inoperative or its circuit is broken, as indicated at O, which might result from causes before set forth in connection with Fig. 1; but at the same time the distant side of the signal mechanism of signal A, through its circuit-controllers, relay-points, and motor, is enabled to operate the signal to its caution position, as the local circuit controlling the motor and the clutch D is established through both the neutral and polarized armatures of the track-relay B and the operation of this portion of the mechanism will continue independent of the operation of the home side of said mechanism which is supposed to have failed, as before stated. It will be noted, however, that signal A, or any one of the signals .in which the home side of themechanism has failed, could notdi'splay a caution indication as stated unless the block-, sections M M wereunoccupied by trains and their circuits intact, and in addition the signal A must indicate either caution or clear because the following conditions exist: Track-1 sections M and M being unoccupied, polechanging relay C is closed, track-relay B 1 with its neutral and polarized armatures and switch-points, are all closed, and signal A is consequently displaying a clear indication. 7 Therefore pole-changing relay C and trackrelay B, with its neutral and polarized armatures and switch-points, are all closed, and
signal A is consequently displaying a clear indication. Track-section M being also unoccupied, pole-changing relay C and trackrelay B, with its polarized armatures and switch-points being closed, would normally permit signal A to display a clear indication also; but because of the failure at the point 0 before referred to the home side of this signal is inoperative and. the distant side is brought into operation to give a caution indication. Thus trains will not be blocked, but may proceed, and repairs can be perfected without interrupting traflic only in so far as such interruption is due to caution orders instead of a clear track through a given block in which the derangement may have occurred. f In both Figs. 1 and 2 it will be noted that, the home and distant sides of the signal-operating mechanism are in multiple with each,
-other, but the distantside D ,'&c., is controlled through two switch-points dependent for their operation one upon the trackrelay of the block for that station and the other upon the signaling mechanism of the next adjacent station, while the home side of said operating mechanism is controlled by one switch-point operated only by the track-relay of the track-section for that station alone. In Fig. 2 the pole-changing relay U operates to govern the polarized relay B in such manner that when deenergized, as would be the case if signal A were at danger, the arma ture of the polarized relay B, which controls the home-clutch H alone would be operated, and the signal A under such circumstances could not be cleared nor moved to caution position because of the failure of this side of the mechanism at 0. If the failure at 0 did not exist, then the home side of the signal mechanism could move the signal to caution, and, in fact, this would be the normal Working of the system if there were no failure and a train were in the second section ahead, so as to set signal A at danger.
Fig. 8 illustrates an arrangement of the circuits and apparatus embodying the present invention applicable to signaling systems on the normal danger principle. Two tracks have been shown in this figure simply to illus-.
trate the connections between signals located opposite to each other and avoiding the duplication of a large number of the circuit connections and batteries; but for the purpose of understanding the invention a description of the appliances and circuit arrangement used in connection with one track only is all that is necessary, especially as those skilled in this art will readily understand that the invention is applicable to one, two, or more tracks, if so desired. Referring to Fig. 8, A to A, inelusive, are automatic three-position signals, B to B inclusive, are track-relays, to C are relays for the partial government of the distant side of signals, 1) to D are distant clutch-magnets, E to E are track-batteries, F to F are batteries for the operation of the distant relays and indicator-relays where the latter are employed, together with switch or tower indications, H to I are home clutch-magnets, 1 to 1 are indicator and clearing relays, J to J are track-insulating joints, K to K are batteries for the operation of the signal-elutehes, L is a return- Wire or common return, L to L are distant Wires, L to L are indicator-wires, M to M are the insulated track-sections forming trackeircuits or block-sections and may be of any desired length, N to N are switch-indicators, and S to S are switch instruments. The signals A A and A are shown in the horizontal (danger or block) position, this being the normal position of the signals under the normal danger system, as under this system the signals remain at danger until the train enters the first or second block in the rear. In the method of wiring shown in Fig. 3 it is intended that the signals operate when the train passes into the first section in the rear if at this time the first track-section in advance of the signal is unoccupied and all circuits and mechanism are intact and operative. If the second track-scction in advance of the signal is occupied by a train, a caution indication will be given; but if two sections in advance of the signal are unoccupied a clear indication will be given. The operation will now be readily understood. Sections M M of the track being unoccupied by a train and section M occupied by a train, (indicated at T,) signal A should give a clear indication; but, as shown, this signal indicates caution, because its circuits or mechanism, or both, have failed, as heretofore pointed out and as indicated at O. Track-relays B to B when their respective track-sections M to M" are unoccupied remain closed, these relays alone governing the home side of signal mechanism. Distant relays 6 to C and indicator-relays 1 to 1" are each governed from two sections by track-circuit, as shown, and each are also governed by the t1'ack-relays. The distant relays govern the distant clutches, said clutches being also governed by the track-relays. The distant and home clutch magnets, it will be noted, are located in parallel with each other, the arrangement in this respect corresponding to the arrangement heretofore described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2; but in the arrangement of Fig. 3 an additional control is introduced by the clearing-relays I to I inclusive, in order to adapt the system for operation on the normal danger principle. The indicator and clearing relays l to I are wired in series with the distant relays in the rear and perform two functions--71. a, first, that of governing the indicators in advance of the signal, and, secondly, that of operating as a clearing-relay for the signal in advance of the approaching train. The train has short-circuited the battery E and the three switch-points on relay B are open. This relay governs, first, its home clutch H secondly, its indicator and clearing relay 1 with the distant relay 0 in the rear, and, thirdly, its own distant relay C and the indicator-relay l in advance. The opening of indicator-relay 1 completes the circuit for the clutch-magnets D and H of signal A and would cause the same normally to display a clear indication whenever the two track-sections in advance are uuoecupied. As shown, the track-sections M and M are unoccupied, but the signal-clutch ll or its mechanism have failed, as before pointed out, and in accordance with the methods of wiring commonly used would not admit of a caution-signal being displayed; but under the present arrangement a caution indication is displayed by signal A. This result, it will be noted, is attained by the wiro ing governed by indicator-relay 1 which in 55 Y because the circuits are not intact, as hereto- 3 ing governing the distant clutch being so ar ranged that when a failure occurs in the home circuit, mechanism or both the distant side of the circuit and mechanism are made serviceable because all track and distant relays are closed, as is also the distant side of clutch through a single block under caution orders instead of with a clear track.
With this system it will be noted that there is no direct circuit connections between the signal-clutches and the line wires or tracks, although the distant and indicator relays are governed or operated together with the I switch-indicators through the line-wire connections. This arrangement avoids failures,
.. which in practice have been annoying and due to lightning or the influx of heavy currents, such as would injure delicate and expensive mechanism of the clutches. The relays themselves or switch indicators may be more easily protected against such discharges and in case of breakage may bemore cheaply and readily replaced.
Switch instruments S and S are diagrammatically illustrated as located at a facingswitch and work in conjunction therewith, so
that when the-switch ,is open a double shunt of the track-circuit takes place through the switch instruments, thereby insuring that the track-relay B, for instance, will be opened by the short-circuiting of battery E Two switch instruments are provided at facingswitches in order to insure complete protection. Switch instruments S S S are also shown to form a double shunt, but are adapt- 7 ed to be operated by asingle operating me'chanism connected with the switchoperating mechanism, as will be readily understood. Switch-indicators N to N are shown in po' sition indicating danger, indicator N be-- turn is governed by relays B and B Indicators N and N are governed by indicator-relay 1 3, which latter-is in turn governed by track-relay B and indicate danger,
fore explained. V
The left-hand or upper track in the illustration of Fig.3 is equipped similarly to the track just described save that its equipment makes use of the same-common return and operating batteries K, &c., and F &c., and the same explanations will apply. trated, two trains T and T areoccupying track-sections M and M and the circuitsand As illusmechanism are shown as intact. Under these circumstances signal A indicates caution because track-section M is occupied and the train in the preliminary section M can only clear its signal A to the caution indication, even though section M is unoccupied. The relay-points are shown in the positions they would occupy in actual service. Signals A and A indicate danger and cannot be cleared by an. approaching train so long as the tracksections they govern are occupied by trains T and T Signal A indicates clear because two track-sections in advance of this signal are unoccupied, and the circuit and mechanism including the clearing-relay governed from track-section M are open, thus completing the circuit to both the home and distant clutches.
Referring again to Fig. 1, it will be seen that at station B? an indicator-relay I is -included in the distant wire running back to the preceding station, and this indicator-relay controls a circuit L which is a branch from the distant circuit and receives its energy from the battery F. It usually contains indicators Z which may be appropriately located to indicate to the operators the fact that the circuit is made or broken and that the track conditions are safe or unsafe, as the case may be. An indicator-circuit is not shown in the other two stations of Fig. 1, inasmuch as it is desired. to avoid as far as possible any confusion or complication in this illustration, and for a like reason some of the circuit continuations in connection with the left-hand track of Fig. 8 are not shown; but each terminal is marked to indicate to what point it is intended that it shall extend.
Having thus described our invention, what. we claim as new, and desire to secure by Let ters Patent, is-
1. In a railway signal system the combination of signal mechanism adapted to indicate danger, caution and clear of controlling mechanism for the clear and caution positions one operated from-the home and the other from both the home and a distant station, whereby upon failure of one the other will perform its functions; substantially as described.
2. In an automatic railway block system the combination of the following instrumentalities to wit: a series of block-stations, signals at each station adapted to indicate danger, caution and clear conditions, controlling mechanism for the clear and caution indications, electric circuits including said controlling mechanism, one of said circuits being established by the mechanism at the home station and the other being established by the mechanism at the home station in conjunction with the mechanism at a distant station; substantially as described.
8. In an automatic railway block-signal system the combination of the following instrumentalities, to wit: a series of block-stations,
signals at each station adapted to indicate danger, caution and clear conditions, controlling mechanisms operating in conjunction for giving a clear indication, and either individually to give a caution indication circuit connections for operating one of said controlling mechanisms dependent upon both the mechanism at the home and at a distant station and circuit connections for operating the other of said controlling mechanisms dependent upon the mechanism at the home station alone; substantially as described.
4:. In an automatic railway block-signal system, the combination of the following instrumentalities, to wit: a series of block-stations, track-circuits for each a track-relay controlled from each track-circuit, signals at each station adapted to indicate danger, caution and clear conditions, controlling mechanisms for the caution and clear indications, circuit connections for both said mechanisms controlled by the track-relay, the circuit connections for one of said controlling mechanisms being also controlled by the mechanism at a distant station; substantially as described.
5. In an automatic railway block-signal system, the combination of the following instrumentalities, to wit: a series of block-stations, track-circuits and signals indicating clear when two blocks ahead are unoccupied and caution when the second block ahead is occupied and means whereby when two blocks ahead are unoccupied the signal will indicate caution in case of partial failure of the signal-operating mechanism; substantially as described.
6. In an automatic railway block-signal system, the combination of the following instrumentalities, to wit: a series of block-stations, signals indicating danger, caution or clear conditions, electrically-operated control mechanisms for the safety and caution indications, electrically-operated switches in the circuits of said control mechanisms, adapted to be operated one from the home block and the other from a distant block and circuits for said control mechanisms one established through both of said switches and the other established through one only of said switches, whereby upon the failure of one of said control mechanisms the other will give a caution indication; substantially as described.
7. In an automatic railway block-signal system, the combination of the following instrumentalities, to wit: a series of block-stations, signals indicating danger, caution or clear conditions, electrically-operated control mechanisms, individually operating to give a caution indication and collectively operating to give a clear indication, two electrically-operated switches looth included in the circuits of one ofsaid control mechanisms and one only included in the circuit of the other of said control mechanisms, said last-mentioned switch being itself controlled from the home block and the other switch being controlled from a distant block, whereby upon the failure of the control mechanism included in the switch-circuit of the home block, the other control mechanism will give a caution-signal; substantially as described.
8. An automatic railway block-signal system embodying a home circuit operated from the block for each station, a distant circuit operated from a distant station, a switch controlled by each of said circuits, :1. signal at each station, two control mechanisms therefor, one included in a circuit passing through both of said switches and the other included in a circuit passing through one only of said switches; substantially as described.
9. An automatic railway block-signal system each station embodying a home relayswitch operated from the block for that station, a distant relay-switch operated from the next succeeding block-station, a three-position signal at each station two electricallyoperated control mechanisms therefor, oneof said control mechanisms being governed by a circuit including both said switches and the other control mechanism being governed by a circuit including the home relay-switch only; substantially as described.
10. An automatic railway block-signal system each station embodying a home relayswitch operated from the block for that station, a distant relay-switch operated from the next succeeding block-station, a three-position signal at each station, two electricallyoperated control mechanisms therefor located in parallel branches of a common-battery circuit, one of said branches including the two switches in series and the other branch including one only of the switches, whereby when the last-mentioned control mechanism breaks down the former will give a caution indication; substantially as described.
11. An automatic railway block-signal system each station embodying a home relayswitch operated from the block for that station, a distant relay-switch, a circuit including the latter relay and a switch at the next succeeding station closed when the signal at the latter station is either clear or at caution, a signal at each station indicating clear, caution or danger, two electrically-operated control mechanisms for each signal, one of said. control mechanisms being governed by a circuit including both the home and distant relay-switches and the other control mechanism being governed by a circuit including the home relay-switch only; substantially as described.
12. An automatic railway block-signal system, each station embodying a home relayswitch operated from the block for that station, a distant relay-switch, having its relay included in a circuit also including a switch at the next succeeding station adapted to be closed when the signal is clear or at caution, a clear:
' of its own and the next preceding station, a
signal at each station indicating clear, caution or danger, two electrically-operated control mechanisms for each signal, one of said control mechanisms being governed by a circuit including the home, distant and clearing relay-switches at that station and the other control mechanism being governed by a'circuit including the home and clearing relay-switches; substantially as described.
13. An automatic railway block-signal system, each station embodying a home relayswitch operated from the block for that station, a distant relay-switch having its relay included in a circuit also including a switch at the next succeeding station adapted to be closed when the signal is either clear or at caution, a clearing relay-switch having'its relay included in the distant relay-circuit of the next preceding station, a signal at each station indicating clear, caution or danger, two electrically-operated control mechanisms for each signal, one of said control mechanisms being governed by a-circuit including the home, distant and clearing relay-switches at that station and the other control mechanism being'governed by a circuit including the home and clearing relayswitches; substantially as described.
14. An automatic railway block-signal system, each station embodying a home relayswitch operated from the block for that station, a distant relay-switch having its relay included in a circuit also including a switch at the next succeeding station adapted to be closed when the signal is either clear or at caution, a clearing relay-switch having its relay included in the distant relay-circuit of the next preceding station, a signal at each station indicating clear, caution or danger, two electrically-operated control mechanisms for each signal, one of said control mechanisms being governed by a circuit including the home, distant and clearing relay-switches atthat station,the other control mechanism being governed by a circuit including the home and clearing relayswitches, an indicator and an indicator-circuit therefor including a switch operated by the clearing-relay to close the indicator-circuit when the control-mechanism circuit is broken by said switch; substantially asdescribed.
FRANK 1?. J. PATENALL. GEORGE H. DRYDEN.
. Witnesses: I
RICHARD GWINN, Gno. M. KIMBERLY.
US24985005A 1905-03-13 1905-03-13 Automatic railroad signaling. Expired - Lifetime US791574A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US24985005A US791574A (en) 1905-03-13 1905-03-13 Automatic railroad signaling.

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US24985005A US791574A (en) 1905-03-13 1905-03-13 Automatic railroad signaling.

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US791574A true US791574A (en) 1905-06-06

Family

ID=2860063

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US24985005A Expired - Lifetime US791574A (en) 1905-03-13 1905-03-13 Automatic railroad signaling.

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US791574A (en)

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US2391985A (en) Railway signaling system
US791574A (en) Automatic railroad signaling.
US2039820A (en) Railway traffic controlling apparatus
US763420A (en) Automatic signaling system for railways.
US1820110A (en) Railway traffic controlling apparatus
US552316A (en) Electrical railway signaling system
US2289842A (en) Railway signaling system
US2216483A (en) Railway traffic controlling apparatus
US2300806A (en) Railway signaling system
US1003143A (en) Electric signaling apparatus.
US1294736A (en) Absolute permissive block-signal system.
US781161A (en) Railway signaling system.
US2251689A (en) Railway traffic controlling apparatus
US543592A (en) Electrical railway signaling system
US737094A (en) Controlling system for railway-signals.
US1400964A (en) Railway-traffic-controlling apparatus
US1292965A (en) Absolute permissive automatic block-signal system.
US556072A (en) Geoege l
US2125242A (en) Interlocking system for railroads
US1261772A (en) System for signals and motor control for electric roads.
US585733A (en) Railway signaling system
US2730613A (en) Railway traffic controlling apparatus
US820412A (en) Railway signal system.
US1969053A (en) Interlocking system for railroads
US594471A (en) Electrically-controlled block-signal for railways