(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 2. J, K, KNIGHT & W. H. BAKER, ELECTRIC INTERLOCKING RAILWAY SIGNAL AND SWITCH SYSTEM, No. 272,839. Patented Feb. 20, 1883,
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(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 5. J. K. KNIGHT & W. H. BAKER, ELECTRIC INTERLOCKING RAILWAY SIGNAL AND SWITCH SYSTEM No. 272,839. Patented eb, 20, 1883.
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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
JOHN K. KNIGHT, OF NEW YORK, AND WILLIAM. H. BAKER, OF BROOKLYN, . N. Y.; SAID KNIGHT ASSIGNOR TO SAID BAKER. ELECTRIC INTERLOCKNG RALWAY SIGNAL AND SWITCH SYSTEM, SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 272,839, dated February 20, 1888. Application filed July 22, 18s. (No model.) To all whom it may concern: and signals controlling the passage of trains at Be it k is own that we, JOHN K. KNIGHT and a depot or junction, the manual electric switches WM. H. BAKER, citizens of the United States, in this case being combined to constitute an and residents respectively of New York, in the electric route - switch, and arranged to each 5 county of New York and State of New York, control the releasing electro-magnets for the and of Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and railroad switches and signals requiring to be State of New York, have invented certain new operated when a train is to pass over one of a and useful Improvements in Electric Inter number of routes, and to each break the bat locking Railway Signal and Switch Sytems, of tery-connections for the electric switches con Io which the following is a specification. trolling all conflicting routes, so that the pas- 6o Our invention relates to electric railway sage of the train over the route chosen cannot switches or draw-bridges and semaphores or be interfered with, and trains upon conflict signals for indicating to an approaching train ing routes cannot be signaled to proceed until the condition of a switch or draw-bridge, com the first-named electric switch has been reset. 15 bined upon what is known as the “interlock Our invention consists, first, in the combi. 65 ing” system. nation, with the operating mechanisms for the The object of our invention is to provide a railroad - switches, railroad - signal, or draw. simple and effective substitute for the cum bridge lock, of electro-magnetically-controlled brous mechanical devices heretofore employed locking devices and a series of manual elec 2 o for mechanically connecting and interlocking tric switches controlling the circuits of the 7 o the operating mechanisms of the various locking or unlocking electro-magnets, said cir switches and signals; audi to this end we pro cuits being so arranged through the switches pose to employ in place of such mechanisms that the operation of any electric switch to re automatic locks controlled by electro-magnets, lease an operating mechanism will render the 25 and manual electric switches controlling the circuits for conflicting operating mechanisms 75 ci cuits of said electro-magnets, in such a way in operative. Under this head of our inven that until the proper manual electric switch tion each electric switch controls not only the be set the desired railroad switches and sig circuit of some one or more releasing device, nals cannot be operated, and while said man and may be thrown to allow of the operation 3o ual switch is set conflicting railroad switches of such releasing mechanism, but also controls and signals are rendered iucapable of opera the circuits of all other releasing mechanism tion, tthe electric connections through the por which should for the time being be rendered tion of the inlanual electric switch for the lat in operative, so as to make it in possible by ter being broken so long as the first-named setting another electric switch to operate a 35 switch remains set. conflicting railroad-signal or railroad-switch. 85 Our invention may be applied either to a Our invention consists, secondly, in the com single semaphore and its corresponding switch bination, with some portion of the operating or draw-bridge lock, the combination being mechanistm for a railroad - signal, railroad such that the manual electric switch corre switch, or draw-bridge lock, of electro-magneti 4o sponding to the Semaphore breaks the circuit cally-controlled locking devices for said mech 9 O or battery connection of the electric switch for anism, a manual electric switch controlling the railroad switch or draw - bridge lock, so the circuit for said locking devices, and an as to prevent the improper operation of the electro-magnetic locking device for the manual latter, and, vice versa, the manual electric electric switch, controlled or released by means 45 switch, which requires to be set when the rail of a bridge-lock or a track-circuit closer. 95 road switch or draw-bridge lock is operated, Our invention consists, thirdly, of the com breaks the connections for the manual electric bination, with the operating-levers of a num- - switch of the semaphore, so that the latter ber of railroad-switches and railroad-signals, cannot be improperly operated; or our inven of electric switches operated thereby, and pro 5o tion may be applied to a number of switches vided with back and front electric contacts, CO t
Mer and suitable means for including the front mechanism, and to simultaneously connect the contacts of the electric switches for those rail releasing electro - magnets for the railroad road-switches that should remain locked in switches and the electric switch to a track-cir 7 O their normal position and the back contacts cuit closer, all as hereinafter more fully set 5 of those which require to be operated in the forth. releasing-circuit of the signals which require Our invention consists, ninthly, in the com to be set in order to allow a train to pass over bination, with the manual electric switches the desired route. that control the circuits for the locking de 75 Our invention consists, fourthly, in the com vices of the railroad signals or switches, of fo bination, with the two operating-levers for an mechanical devices adapted to prevent the op electric railway - signal and for a railway eration of any conflicting electric switch while switch or draw-bridge, of locking devices re another conflicting electric switch is set. leased by electro-magnets, and electric switches Our invention further consists in certain Operated by said levers when thrown from the Combinations and certain details of construc 5 normal position, each such switch being ar: tion and arrangement that will be specified in ranged to control the circuit of the releasing the claims. ?? magnet of the lever which operates the other. In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 Our invention consists, fifthly, of a series of shows one construction of operating-lever and switch and signal operating mechanisms, elec its connected electro-magnetic locking devices tro-magnetic locking devices, manual electric and circuit-closers that may be employed in Switches, one for each desired combination of carrying out our invention for operating the SWitches and corresponding signals, and cir railroad switch, semaphore, or draw - bridge cuit closers and breaker's operated by each lock. Fig. 2 shows a plan view of one portion 90 manual switch, and serving, when said switch of the manual electric switch and an auto 2 5 is operated, to break the battery-connections matic locking device applied thereto, and also for the releasing devices of the switches and shows the construction of a circuit-closer em signals of conflicting combinations. ployed, in conjunction with a bridge-lock, for Our invention consists, sixthly, in the com nomentarily closing an electric circuit when bination, with tle operating mechanism for a the bridge-lock is set to lock the bridge, the 95 switch or draw-bilge lock and for a sema function of which circuit is to automatically re. phore or signal indicating the condition of lease the manual electric switch. Fig. 3 is a par such switch or draw-bridge, of an electro-mag tial longitudinal section of one of the electric net acting to unlock such mechanism, and cir switch-bars, showing the manner of mounting IOC cuit-breakers actuated by said electro-magnets, and connecting the circuit-closing studs em 3. 5 and adapted, when the electro-magnet is ener ployed with the form of switch herein shown. gized for the purpose of unlocking one of said Fig. 4. is a diagrammatic view illustrating the mechanisms, to break the circuit for the un application of our invention to a railroad draw. locking-magnet of the otlher of said mechan bridge lock, and the operating mechanism for f OS isms. the semaphore-signal, used to indicate to ap Our invention consists, seventhly, in the proaching trains the condition of the bridge. combination, with railroad switch aid sema Fig. 5 shows the draw.bridge and the sema phore operating mechanisms, ofreleasiug elec phore, with the means employed for connecting tro-magnets and a manual electric switch act. the semaphore, with its operating mechanism o ig upon circuit-closers which serve to con placed upon the oppositeside of the bridge. Fig. 45 nect the releasing electro-magnets for the sem 6 illustrates diagrammatically the application aphores to a battery through electric switches of our invention to the switches and signals for Coltrolled by the railroad-switch mechanisms, the junction of a branch line with a double-track and simultaneously to connect the releasing road such as is indicated in Fig. 7. Fig. S shows f IS electro-magnets for the railroad-switches to a in en larged plan the manner in which the seua battery and track-circuit closer, all being ar phore and switch mechauism for one of the l'anged in the manner hereinafter set forth, so routes at the junction are counbined and oper. that the signals cannot be set to allow the ated, as also the manner in which each bar of trains to pass until the railroad-switches have the route-switch breaks the releasing-circuits been set and locked in the proper positions, of all conflicting routes. Fig. 9 is a detail and the latter cannot be unlocked and reset view of an automatic circuit making and break u Util the train, by passing the track-circuit ing apparatus employed with each bar of the closer, energizes their releasing-magnets. route-switch for completing the releasing-cir Our invention consists, eightlhly, in combin cuit of the sema polore-levers when the switch I 25 ing with the releasing electro-magnets for rail. bar is set, and for automatically breaking such ?? road switch and semua plore operating mechan circuit when the semaphore mechanism has isins a manual electric switch provided with been operated. Fig. 10 is a diagram of the an automatic lock and releasing electro-mag local wires of the automatic circuit breakers, let for the saline, and arranged to act upon cir Fig. 9, as applied to the complete switch. I 30 cuit-closing devices in such a way as to com Referring to Fig. 1, Lindicates an ordinary lete a circuit from an electric battery to the form of operating-lever connected through releasing-magnets of the signals through cir links and bell-crank levers with a rod, l, by cuit-closer's controlled by the switch-operating which movement is transmitted to a railroad
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272,839 3 switch or draw-bridge lock, wbile Mindicates closed, provided no current flows through the the catch-rod or such lever, which serves, when coils of electro-magnet E. engaged with a segment-bar, M', to hold said At S is shown another circuit-closer in cir lever in either of two positions in a well-known cuit with R, which is moved into one position ale, by the lever L when the latter is thrown to Erepresents an electro-magnet, whose arma its extreme right-hand position, and returns to ture, when retracted against its back stop so its normal position, by the action of a spring as to occupy the position shown, acts to hold or other suitable device, when the lever L is or detain a pivoted locking-stop, N, in engage moved to the left. T is the reciprocating rod 75 ? ? ment with a projection or shoulder upon the of said circuit-closer, mounted and moving in catch rol M, so as to prevent said catch-rod suitable bearings, and projecting at its left from being withdrawn from the locking-seg hand end into a position where the lever I will ment M'. When, however, the electro-magnet come into engagement with it and force it back attracts its armature, so as to carry it away against the action of a spiral spring applied from the line of movement of the locking-stop in the manner shown. N, a retracting-spring or other suitable retract Circuit-closing springs s t are mounted in ing device applied to the latter immediately any suitable manner upon and insulated from withdraws it from its locking position for the. the casing or supports for the rod 'l', and are catch-rod, so that said catch-rod can be lifted arranged so that in the normal condition of and the switch, draw-bridge lock, or semaphore the parts a circuit-closing projection on the operated. The lockN and armature-lever then rod T will make contact with the springs, assume the position shown in dotted lities, in which we shall, for the sake of convenience, which position the armature-lever is locked term the “front contact” of the switch, the against its front stop and must retain the po conuection with the back contact-spring, t, be. 25 sition shown, although the circuit of the elec ing then broken. When, however, the lever tro-magnet may be broken, until the lock N is L is thrown to the right the rod T is operated removed from behind it into position where it and the front contact is broken, the back con will engage with the shoulder on the catch tact, t, being then closed. rod, this operation being effected by what we The rod Torsome other portion of the device tern the “locking-rod 'p, which can be brought electrically connected there with is-electrically 95 into engagement with the horizoutal arm of connected in any suitable manner with the cir. the lock N, so as to move it from behind the cuit-closer R, which latter we shall, for conven armature into locking position with relation to ience, term the 'lock-circuit closer,” the circuit the catch-rod. When this is done tlhe arma closer S being the operating-lever circuit-closer. 35 ture, provided no current be flowing in elec In Fig. 2, F indicates one of the switch-bars tro-magnet E, will fall against its back stop of the manual switch, mounted in suitable bear and detain or hold the lock N in locking posi ings, so that it can be moved longitudiually tion until the armature be again attracted. against the action of a spiral spring, f, or other It will be noticed that the parts are so dis suitable retractor, which tends to hold it in posed with relation to one another that the the position shown in the drawings. locking-lever N cannot be placed in position Arranged in proximity to the bar is a series where it will lock the catch-rod, excepting of pairs of circuit closing springs, gg, mounted when said catch-rod is fully depressed, so as to in any suita lle maner, between which springs lock the operating-lever I, the collar or en studs or projectious h h h upon the bar F are O largement on the catch-rod being in its way, carried when the bar F is pulled out. The and that as a consequence the armature of studs h are either conducting or circuit clos electro-magnet cannot be allowel to recede un ing studs, or they are of insulating material, til said operating lever Lis locked. The elec so that they act in the one case as the means tro-magnet E also serves, through its arma of closing a circuit between a wire connected So ture, to operate a circuit-controlling device, R, to one or the other of the springs g g and any consisting, as bere shown, of an ordinary cir suitable wire connected to a conducting-stud, cuit closer and breaker, formed by a contact and in the other to break the connection be. stop, against which the at nature, or an exten tween a pair of springs gg, thus in terrupting sion there from, inpinges whenever the lever any circuit which is normally completed by 55 is retracted, contact being, however, broken them. "The right-hand stud h of the three (iu whenever the armature-lever is attracted, and dicated in solid black) is a circuit-breaking remaining broken so long as the lock N holds stud, while the other two are circuit-closing the arnature against its front stop. By this studs. The latter are mounted and construct arrangement the circuit is broken wbenever ed in the nanner shown in Fig. 3. Each con the catch-rod M is released, and must remain sists of a pin passing through the bar F, from 25 broken until sail rod is restore. to its normal which it is insulated by a sleeve of hard rub position, so as to lock the operating-lever L, ber or other suitable material. because in no other position of the catch-rod Clamping-nuts upon the lower end of the call the lock N be renoved from behind the pin serve to clamp any electrical eduducting armature. So long, however, als the catch rod Wlire thºl'etO. and operating-lever are locked the circuit is In conjunction witlu the switch-bar F is em ??
4. 272,839 ployed an automatic locking and releasing de- engages with the circuit-closer, causing it to vice, D, which holds the bar in position where sweep over the plate E1'; but the circuit, is the proper circuits are closed, and auto nati not completed until the contact at His closed, cally releases it when the proper circuit is at which time the latch escapes by the end of 7 ? closed by the passage of a train over any suit the operating-arm H', and the retracting 5 ably-constructed track-circuit closer, or by a spring applied to H* thereupon restores the circuit-closer operated in the act of locking a circuit-closer Ed to the position shown, the cir draw.bridge, cuit being closed while H sweeps back over D° indicates the locking-lever, which, when the plate EI". . 75 O the bar is pulled out, is brought into locking In Fig. 4 is shown the manner in which the position behind a shoulder or projection, d, parts already described are applied to carry upon the bar by means of a pin connected to ing out our invention in connection with a rail the bar, and indicated at d, which pin passes way draw-bridge and semaphore. behind an inclined spring, d', upon the locking The manual switch contains two switch-bars, lever. When brought to this position the F, that which requires to be operated when the 15 locking-lever is held by an armature, d, of an semaphore is to be set to allow a train to pass electro-magnet, E', which is retracted by means being indicated by the word “Signal,” and of a spiral spring or other device, and by fall that which requires to be operated when the ing back behind the end of the locking-lever draw-bridge is to be opened being indicated 2 ? D° prevents the latter from being withdrawn by the word “ Bridge.” Each mantial switch by the action of a retractor applied to said bar is provided, as shown, with the automatic locking-lever until the circuit of the electro locking and unlocking devices described in anagnet is closed and the armature is drawn connection with Fig. 2, the releasing electro forward out of the path of the locking-lever. magnet for the bridge switch-bar being con 9o Whenever this occurs the bar F, being re nected to a circuit-closer, G, similar to that 25 leased, is returned to its normal position by already described, and the releasing electro the action of its spiral spring f, the pin d in magnet for the signal switch-bar being con this case passing along the inner side of the nected to a track-circuit closer, C°, of any well spring d until it escapes by the end of said known Construction adapted to be operated by 95 spring, when the parts assume the position the passing trait after it shall have passed shown in the dra wings. over the draw-bridge. A bridge-lock-circuit closer is shown at G, M B indicates the main battery, which sup and in the present case is connected to the plies the current for operating the various un electro-inagnet E'. The bridge-lock bolt is in locking electro-magnets, and BS a battery OO dicated at G', and the operatiug-rod connected strip connected to one pole thereof, which in to a suitable opera ting-lever-such, for il practice would consist of pairs of circuit-clos stance, as that shown in Fig.1-is indicated at ing spirings gg, Fig. 2, connected in series and G'. The circuit-closer operated by the rod G' arranged one pair over each switch-bar F and is contained in a casing, G', through which in line with a circuit. (losing stud, h h, such as the rod G' passes. is showu in Fig. 2, but is for sinplicity indi H indicates a swinging circuit-closer, hav cated as a continous strip of metal split or di ing a circuit-closing arm which is adapted to vided at points in line with the stud h. S S is Inake contact with a curved contact-plate, EI', a similar strip), one end of which is connected and an operatling-arm H', arranged in the to the releasing electro-magnet for the lever IO path of an operating-latch, H°, which engages Lu, which serves to operate a track semaphore 45 with and switgs the circuit-closer when the or signal, which lever is distinguished by the rod G' is moved so as to lock the bridge, but word “Signal;” and LS is a third strip, con. slips by said arm H' when the rod G' is moved nected, as shown, with the releasing electro so as to unlock the bridge. magnet of a lever which operates the bridge II 5 H' indicates a circuit-closing spring insu luck. So lated from the casing, and arranged to make On the signal switch-bar F is a circuit-clos contact with a contact plate, H, upon the rod ing stud it line with the strip SS, and elec G' only when the bridge-lock is set completely trically connected with the circuit-closing stud so as to lock the bridge. The connections are, upon said bar, which makes contact with the as indicated, from the releasing electro-mag battery-strip BS, so that when the baris pulled 55 net E', connected to one pole of a battery, out the releasing electro-magnet for the signal whose other pole is grounded, to the contact is counected to the battery. Upon the brige spring H', from contact-plate H to swinging sWitch - lbar IEF is also a stud, Whicb in a sim'lar circuit-closer H, and from contact-plate H' to way connects the releasing electro-magnet for I 25 earth. When the parts are in the position the bridge-lock lever with the battery-strip shown and the bridge locked the circuit is and the battery. Each switch-bar Falso car broken at contact H'. When the bridge is ries a circuit-breaking stud, as shown, arranged unlocked the circuit is not completed, because in proper position to break the circuit of the the latch H does not operate the circuit-closer strip through which the other completes the 65 H, and the cou tact at H. His broken. When circuit between the battery-strip and the wire the bolt is thrown to lock the bridge the latch leading to a releasing electro-magnet.
272,839 3. The signal-lever L is connected to a prop- position it is held by the armature of the re erly-biased semaphore, arranged to normally leasing electro-magnet, whose armature is now indicate “danger' when the lever is in its nor at liberty to drop back, the circuit of said mal position, which is the position shown in magnet having been broken by the return of 7o the drawings. In the position of the bridge the switch-bar F. lock lever indicated the bridge is locked. The It would of course be possible for the op switches and the locking apparatus are nor erator to leave the catch-rod unlocked in “dan mally in the position indicated, the catch-rods ger” position of the signal; but he cannot re of both levers being locked. The circuit of lease the bridge-lock lever until he has locked 75 the releasing-magnet for the signal-lever is it in that position, since, if he should throw normally closed to earth, as shown, through the lever back to “safety' position and lock it the front contact of the electric switch or cir there, the circuit of the releasing electro-mag cuit-controller S, which is operated when the net for the bridge-lock woihld then be broken bridge-lock lever is thrown; and through the at the contact of the switch S. It is therefore switch R', controlled by the releasing electro necessary for the operator to set and lock the magnet for said lever. In a similar way the signal-lever at “danger' before he can operate releasing electro-magnet for the bridge-lock the bridge-lock lever, although it would be lever is normally connected to earth through possible for him to leave said lever unlocked in the switches S and R, used in conjunction with “danger' position, ready for signaling “safety” the signal-lever. The circuits of the releasing to the next train, without operating the manual electro-magnets for the switch-bars are broken switch-bar, or he might work the lever for the at tbe circuit-closers G and C', the signal is at purpose of oiling. In the same manner the “ danger,” and the bridge locked. Let it be bridge-lock lever may be operated for the pur supposed that an approaching train is to be p se of unlocking the bridge, its manual switch signaled “safety.” The signal switch-bar F bar having first been pulled out and automati is pulled out and locked by the lock-lever of cally locked and the signal-lever having been set D and armatured. In pulling out the bar the and locked in the “danger'position, as just ex operator completes a circuit for the main bat plained. The bridge being unlocked, the sig tery through the releasing electro-magnet of tal-lever cannot be operated, its releasing-cir the signal lever, so that the lock of the catch cuits being broken in precisely the same man 95 rol for that lever is with drawn, while the ar uer as first explained with reference to the nature of the releasing electro-magnet, being releasing-circuits of the bridge-lock, nor can attracted, breaks the circuit of the releasing said signal-lever be operated until the bridge magnet for the draw-bridge-lock lever, so that is closed and the bridge-lock lever reset and ? ? ? the latter cannot be unlocked, even though the locked in position where the bridge is locked. manual switch-bar should be pulled out. In operating the bridge-lock to unlock the It is to be also observed that the armature, bridge the circuit-closer G is not affected, so having been attracted, will be held in locking that no effect is produced upon the releasing position by the lock for the catch-rod spring electro-magnet for bridge-bar F; but when the ing behind it, and that it can only be released bridge-bolt is set home in locking position the to close the break in the circuit of the releas circuit is momentarily closed in the manner ing electro-magnet for the draw-bridge lock by already explained, and the manual switch-bar the operation of the locking rod p. The oper is allowed to recede to its normal losition. ation of the signal switch-lar F also, as will In the present application of our invention I I. ? be evident, breaks the circuit for said releas the front contacts only of the circuit-closers T ing-magnet in the switch-strip Lu S, so that if are employed. In practice the circuit to earth the bridge-bar F should be pulled out it would through the bridge-lock-circuit closer should not operate to perform its ordinary function of be completed through a suitable circuit closer closing the circuit from the battery to the wire or closers, one part of which would be upon If 5 leading to the releasing electro-magnet for the the draw.bridge itself and the other upon the bridge-lock lever. The signal lever, being thus stationary sill, and which would be so ar unlocked, may be used to set the semaphore to ranged as to complete the circuit only when “safety,” the draw-bridge lock being in the the draw-bridge is completely closed. By this meantime incapable of operation. In throwing means it is impossible for the operator to re said lever to “safety' position the lever-switch set the locking-bolt and restore the parts to a S is also operated, so as to also break the circuit position in which the signal could be operated for the releasing electro-magnet of the bridge before the draw-bridge is completely closed. lock lever. The purpose of this will be stated As an additional neas tre of precatu tion to presently. The train, having passed the bridge, prevent the operation of one switch-bar, F, operates the circuit-closer C, thus completing while the other, is set and locked, we may the circuit for the releasing electro-magnet of employ the mechanical device shown, consist the signal switch-bar F, which latter thereupon ing of the pivoted lever 50, lhaving pins which returns to its normal position. Signal-lever engage with the bars by passing into elongated L is now returned to its nortnal position and slots in said bars of sufficient length to allow the locking-rod p operated so as to cause the either bar to be pulled out to its full distance lock to engage with the catch-rod, in which without interference from the other. Fig. 5
6 22, S39 shows how motion may be communicated from other routes excepting the route X ZY. The a signal-lever to a semaphore placed on the Semaphore-signals for trains approaching the opposite side of a draw-bridge, the construc. junction on the three different tracks are indi tion being such that mechanical connection cated at ABC, and are normally at “danger.” 7 ? with the biased signal is broken so long as For each of the five routes mentioned one or the draw-bridge is open. Said signal for this the other of said signals requires to be set to reason also must remain at “danger” until the 'safety,' the signals of all conflicting routes bridge is closed. being at that time locked at danger,” although K' indicates an ordinary biased semaphore, the signal for routes which do not conflict 75 O connected to a rod, 22, mounted in suitable should be left free, to be controlled by the supports at the side of the bridge, and pro proper manual switch, as will be presently ex vided at its end with a coupling flange or plained. head, which is embraced by a coupler, 23, It is also necessary, of course, that the when the bridge is closed. The coupler 23 is switches for any one route should beincapable at the end of a rod, 24, mounted in suitable of being set for a conflicting route until after bearings, and extending from one end of the the train has passed the route desired. bridge to the other. At the opposite end of For each of the routes mentioned we employ the rod 24 is a similar couling device, which, a separate manual switch-rod, F, which serves when the bridge is closed, completes the me to complete a controlling or releasing circuit 2 ? chanical connection to the rod 25, connected to for the signal requiring to be operated, and a signal-lever of any suitable kind. When the which controlling-circuit includes also switches bridge is opened the couplings are discon and circuit-closers or circuit-controlers con nected, the two elements being displaced lat joined with the switches on such route in such erally, and the semaphore cannot be operated, a way that the releasing-circuit of the signal 25 but remains at “ danger,' being properly will be completed only when the switches re biased, or provided with a suitable counter. quiring to be operated have been operated Weight for that purpose. and locked and the switches that must remain Suitable stops are provided for limiting the in normal position have been locked in such move inents of the rods so that the parts of position. Each switch-bar is so arranged as the couplings may engage when the bridge is to not only complete the proper circuits for closed. its route, but also to break the circuit-connec Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the junction of tions for the bars of the conflicting routes. In a double-track road with a branch line of a addition to the signal-releasing circuit, each road. At this junction there are five routes bar completes a circuit, whereby the releasing. C.O. or paths that may be taken by trains on the magnet of the bar itself may be energized by main road and the branch, which it is the pur the operation of the train upon a suitable cir pose of the arrangement of switch and signal cuit-closer so operated by a train, after it has operating levers and manual route - switch passed the switches of the route, as to allow shown in Fig. 6 to properly protect from col said bar to return to its normal position, said ?? ; 40 lisions. Three switches, 1 2 3, are employed releasing-circuit including also releasing elec for the purposes of allowing trains to take the tro-magnets which allow the switch-levers to route fi Om tie branch track to the main track be reset to their normal position. 10, or from the main track 11 to the branch. The manner in which a single route-switch The five routes, each of whiclh requires a differ acts in conjunction with its correspot ding sig I I. ? ent arrangement of said switches, areas follows, nal and track switch is shown in Fig. 8, as 45 the path being indicated by letters placed at also the manner in which each route-switch acts different positions of the route : route X Z. Y to bi eak the coniuections of the releasing-cir on track 10, which requires switch 1 to be set to cuits for all the conflicting switch-bars. The the main track, and which is a conflicting route switch-bar for each route is indicated by the II 5 So for trains coming from the branch track to the combinations of letters already used, and the track 10; YWX, which requires that switches connections of switch-bar X. Z. Y are shown. 2 and 3 should be set to the main track, and M B is the main battery for the signal re conflicts with route for trains, as in the case of leasing and controlling circuits, and M B the XZY, and also with the setting of the switches battery for the switch bar. releasing magnet, and signals for trains on routes Y WOP and and for the magnets used in conjunction with POWN; P O W, Z Y, which conflicts with the locking mechanisms for the railroad all the other routes, and requires that switches switches. Battery M. B' is connected at one 1, 2, and 3 should be set away from the main pole with a series of battery-strips-one for tracks. PO W N is the route of trains com each route-switch bar-through which strips I 2S ing from the branch to the downtrack 11, and the controlling-circuits for the signals are coli which conflicts with trains coming in the oppo pleted by means of contact-studsh, like those al site direction, and which requires that switch ready described, said studs-one or each bar 2 should be set to the main track, and switch 3 making contact with a strip when the bar is first to the branch track and afterward to the pulled out, and being themselves suitably con main track; Y WO P, which conflicts with nected with other contact-studs, to be pres the setting of the signals and switches for all ently referred to, by which the proper connec
8 272, sa) the break at R. Signal-lever A is thus re ting of switch 2 and the retention of switch 3 leased, and switch-lock N for signal A locks in normal position, it will be seen, on reference electric switch R, so as to break the circuit of to the manual switch-bar for that route, that the releasing-battery M B at that point. Sig the operation of said bar will close the con 7? mal A is thern set to “ safety,” this act operat nections to the back contact, c, Of Switch 2, ing the switch T so as to cause a break in the aid the front contact, b, of switch 3, so that circuit of releasing-battery M. B at the front the releasing-circuit of signal C, which is the contact of said switch, and at the same tine signal requiring to be set to “safety,” can only to complete tlrough its back contact, t, the be completed by allowing switch 3 to remain 75 g I. ? circuit of electro-libagnet E, thus releasing in the position shown, and by throwing switch switch D* and causing the releasing-circuit 2 so as to close the circuit at the back contact ; from M B' to be broken. So soon as the loco. of its electric switch T, the switches R being motive of the approaching train passes signal also allowed to close, which can be only done A it is the duty of the operator to immediately by locking the switch-levers in the proller po reset signal A to “danger,” and to lock it in sition. As in the case of switch-bar XZ Y, that positio), so as to allow circuit-closer R to the releasing-circuit for the switch-levers of close the break in the releasing-circuit for S'. the route in question is completed by the op. The train, om passing circuit-closer c c", then eration of the switch-bar POW N through unlocks switch S', which is then reset to the the front coutact, s, of signal C and the re position shown. As is obvious, said switch leasing electro-magnets of switches 2 and 3, cannot be reset until signal A has been set to said circuit including a releasing device, D, “ danger,” and the train has also passed the for the switch-bar and a track-circuit closer, switch 1, the releasing-circuit of said lever be. C C, which is operated so soon as a train has ing broken by the switch T at A so long as A passed over the railroad-switches on the route is at “safety.” The passage of the train over P O W. N. circuit-closer C C, by closing the circuit of Switch-bar POW N is provided with cir battery M. B through the magnet of lock D, cuit-breaking studs, as before explained, which also allows switch-bar F to return to its normal break the battery - strips of the conflicting position. routes POW ZY, Y W X, and Y WO P. 3o It will be observed that when the switch-bar Route Y WO P is merely the reverse of P is pulled out it breaks the connection of the OWN, and only differs therefrom in requir battery-strip POW Z Y, so that even if the ing the setting of signal B to “safety,” instead switch-bar of that route should be pulled out of signal (). On referring to the diagran it it could produce no effect upon the circuits will be seen, as in the case of route POW N, I OCO 35 controlled by it. In Fig. 6 the method of con how the back contact of the switch T or switch necting 1 he other switch and signal operating lever 3 and the front Coutact of switch-lever mechanisms to the route-switch may be traced. 2 are controlled thereby, and that instead of It should be premised that in the normal signal C signal B is included in the releasing w position of the switch-levers and the signal-le. circuit from main battery M. B. IO5 vers the Switches are set for the route P O The interlocking of the switches and the sig WZY and the semaphores are at “ danger.” nals in the case of every one of the several The locks N being in the position shown, the routes indicated takes place in the in anner al signals are locked at “ danger,’ and can only ready described with relation to the route X be released to be set to “safety” by the com. ZY. The switch-bar is released by appropri O pletion of a releasing-circuit. The switch-le a te road-circuit closers arraged to be oper vers are normally unlocked, and the contacts ated after the train has passed the railroad of the electric switches LR of said levers there switches included in each particular route. fore closed. The front contacts of the switches This will be readily understood upon reference T corresponding to said levers are also closed, to the position of the several track-circuit clos ( IS So the back contacts being open. The back co ers C C, C C°, C C°, C C, and inspection of tact, t, of the Switches T for each signal-lever Figs. 6, 7, and 8. control the local releasing-circuit of the switches It will be noted that route X Z Y conflicts D for those route-switch bars which serve to only with route P O W, Z Y, and the circuits complete the releasing-circuit for any given for the switch 1 and signal A are affected only I 2 ? 55 signal. According to the design of the route when the switch-bar of that route is pulled switch as here arranged, the releasing-circuit for out. The switch-bars of the other routes may the semaplhore signal, which must be operat ºd be set at the same time with switch-bar X Z. in order to allow the train to pass over any par Y without any conflict. ticular route, includes the front contacts of the The automatic circuit-breaker ID for each switches T of those switch-levers which must switch-bar is, as explained, controlled by the be retained in their normal position, and the back contact, t, at the particular signal-lever back contacts of the switches for those switch which is to be operated for that route. Sig levers which must be thrown to the right, so nal B, being included in the switch-barº con as to set the corresponding railroad-switch to nections of two routes, operates the releasing I 30 the main track. Taking, for instance, the magnet E for the switch-bars for such routes. route POWN, which would require the set Signal-lever C in a similar Way controls the
releasing electro-magnets E of two other stead of to its back contact, so that said switch routes. For this purpose but a single local could not be thrown and locked without de battery may be used. stroying the releasing-circuit for signal A, but The manner in which the parts are connect must be locked in the normal position. 5 ed will be readily understood from the dia Other changes will suggest themselves to gram Fig. 10, and need not be explained in those skilled in the art, and will readily occur detail. in the practical application of the system to In the application of our invention to a other conditions. The use of normally-closed 75 junction like that indicated in Fig. 7 one signal circuits instead of normally broken, or of nor Io only requires to be operated or set to “safety” mally broken instead of normally closed, in the for each route. In more extended applications various parts is one of the evident variations some routes may en brace more than one dan of the particular arrangement described; but ger-signal, which must be set to “safety” to al as this is a matter within the province of low a train to pass. In such cases a separate skilled electricians, we do not deem it neces 15 switch-bar is used for each portion of the route sary to describe such modifications in detail. controlled by a signal, the switches on such The electro-magnetically-controlled locking portion being interlocked with the correspond devices may be applied as well to other parts ing signal in the manner already described. of the mechanism which must be moved or Each of such switch-bars will be arranged to operated in order to set a switch or signal. 2 o control the battery-strips of conflicting routes We have shown it applied to the catch-rod in the same manner as the switch-bars of Fig. merely for the sake of convenience. 6, each bar of a compound route of course be Instead of lor:king devices, other electro-mag - ing arranged so that it can be pulled out si netically-controlled mechanisms might be used multaneously with the others without interfer for rendering the railroad signal or switch 90 25 ence. mechanisms operative or inoperative, accord Our invention is not limited to any particu ing to the requirements of the case. lar mechanical construction of electric switch The switches T might be changed very greatly es, electro-magnets, or locking-levers, and many in form, and might be applied to other parts otherforms may be substituted for those shown, of the railroad switch or signal, so as to make 3o provided the circuits and connections be so ar the proper connections in the various positions ranged as to have the mutual dependence de of the switch or signal. scribed. What we claim as our invention is Our invention consists in the combination 1. The combination, with the operating mech OO ofany electric switch mechanism properly con anisms for electric railway signals, switches, 35 structed to produce the changes in the elec or draw-bridges, of locking devices provided tric circuits described with any electro-mag with releasing electro-magnets, releasing elec. netic locking apparatus applied to the signal tric circuits for said electro-magnets, and two and switch operating mechanism in such a way or more manual electric switches, each of which as to be controlled by the switches, and to con is adapted to complete a releasing-circuit for 4o trol the operation of said mechanisms on the the unlocking device of the mechanism or principle set forth. Imechanisms which it is desired to operate, We may use other devices in place of that and is provided with circuit-breaking devices shown at D for automatically breaking the for rupturing the releasing circuit or circuits I IC releasing-circuit when the signal-lever is oper for the nechanism or mechanisms which should 45 ated. So, also, other forms of automatic lock at the same time be rendered incapable of op ing and releasing mechanism for the switch eration. bars and other constructions of bridge-lock 2. An interlocking apparatus for railway circuit closer may be used, provided they be semaphore and switch or draw-bridge operat II 5 properly constructed to act mechanically and ing mechanisms, comprising, in combination, so electrically in the manner set forth, so as to electro-magnetically-controlled locks for said form properly coacting elements in the com mechanisins, malnual electric switches, coll binations described. trolling releasing-circuits, and circuit-break The switch-leven s might be arranged to oc ing devices connected with each manual I 2O cupy normally any desired position; but any switch for breaking the releasing circuit or 55 change iu this respect would involve merely a circuits for the mechanism or mechanisms change in the connections to the manual switch. wbich should at the same time be rendered For instance, the railroad-switches might be inoperative. so constructed or arranged that, with the 3. The combination, substantially as de I25 switch-operating levers in the position shown, scribed, with the railroad switches and sema 6o said switches would be set to the mail track. phores at a railroadjunction, of -electro-mag This, however, would render necessary a re netically-controlled locking devices for the arrangement of the connections from the back mechanisms by which the conflicting switches and front contacts of T to the natual switch. and signals are operated, and an electric man For instance, if in a position of switch 1 (shown) ual route-switch controlling electrically-inter 65 the switch is set to the main track, switch-bar dependent circuits for said locking devices, X ZY should complete a connection to the as and for the purpose described. front contact of switch T when pulled out, in 4. The combination, with the operating mech
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() 2?2,839 anisms for the signals at a railroad junction, mal, and a series of electric switches for con. of locking devices, releasing electro-magnets trolling the switch-levers and signal-levers of controlling such locking devices, and a series the various routes, each of said switches being 7 ? of manual electric switches, each controlling provided with suitable circuit-connections, as the releasing-circuits for two or more conflict described, whereby it may be made to place the 5 ing signals. releasing electro-magnet for a signal in circuit 5. The combination, with the operating-le with the back contacts of the electric switches vers of a railroad switch or semaphore, of for those railroad-switches which require to be 75 mechanism for locking said levers, electro thrown from normal and in circuit with the front i O magnets for releasing said mechanisms, each contacts of those which require to be set at in a separate electric circuit, and a manual normal in order to allow a train to pass over switch, arranged in the manner described to the desired route. connect said releasing electro-magnets with 11. The combination, with the two operat the circuit-connections from operating-batter ing-levers for an electric railway-signal and ES for a railway switch or draw-bridge, of locking 6. The combination, with the operating mech devices released by electro-magnets, and elec anisms for a railroad switch and semaphore, of tric switches arranged to be thrown by said electro - magnetically-controlled locking de levers, when the lever is moved, for the purpose vices, independent electric circuits, one of of throwing the railroad switch or signal to or which includes the releasing electro-magnet from its normal position, the switch for each of the switch and a circuit-controller operated of said levers being arranged to make or break by the electro-magnet of the signal, the other the controlling electric circuit for the releas the releasing electro-magnet of the signal and ing electro-magnet of the other lever. the circuit-controller operated by the electro 12. The combination, with the operating 25 magnet for the switch, and a manual electric mechanisms of a series of railroad switches and switch adapted to connect each circuit to a signals, of releasing electro-magnets for the galvanic battery. same, separate controlling-circuits for the mag 7. The combination, with a railroad switch net or magnets of the switches and for the and signal, of a releasing electro-magnet for magnet of a signal, electric switches arranged each, and circuit-connections for the switch to be opened or closed, according as the rail electro-magnet through a circuit-controller op road switch or signal is locked or unlocked, erated by the signal electro-magnet, a railroad and electric switches adapted to be operated circuit closer for completing said circuit, cir. when a signal or railroad-switch operating cuit-connections from the signal electro-imag mechanism is thrown to or from its normal net through a circuit - controller operated by position, the electric switches combined with - the switch electro-magnet, and the manual the signal being arranged in the releasing electric switch arranged to place said connec circuits for the electromagnets of the railroad tions in the circuit of a galvanic battery. switches, while, vice versa, the electric switches 8. The combination, with the operating mech combined with the railroad-switch mechanisms an is in for a railroad signal or draw-bridge lock, are arranged in the releasing-circuit for the 4 O of the electro-magnetically-controlled locking signal. devices for said mechanism, a manual electric 13. The combination, with a series of rail switch controlling the circuit for said locking road-signals andl switch-operating meclhan O devices, and an electro-magnetic locking device isms, of electric magnetic locking devices, for the manual electric switch, controlled or manual electric switches, one for each desired ?? 45 released by means of a bridge-lock - circuit combination of switches and corresponding closer, or a circuit-closer operated by the pas signal, and circuit closers and breakers for sage of a train. each manual switch, arranged, in the manner I (5 9. The combination, with the operating mech. described, to close the connections to releasing So anism for a railroad signal or draw-bridge lock, electro-magnets for the switches, and the proper of electro-magnetically-controlled locking de signal for any desired combination of switches, vices for said mechanism, a manual electric and to break the battery-connections for the switch controlling the circuit for said locking signal of conflicting combinations. devices, and an electro-magnetic releasing de 14. The combination, with the operating vice for the manual electric switch, the elec mechanisms for a series of railroad switches tro-magnet of which is in circuit with the re and semaphores at a railroad junction, and leasing electro-agnet for the railroad switch with locking devices for the same, of releasing or bridge-lock, and with a track or bridge-lock electro-magnets and a manual electric switch I 25 circuit closer. having circuit-connections for placing the re. 10. The combination, with the operating-le leasing electro-magnet for a semaphore in cir vers for a series of railroad switches and rail cuit with a battery through electric switches road-signals, of electric switches arranged to operated by the railroad-switches and their le operated by the railroad-switch levers, and locking mechanisms, and for simultaneously I 30 provided with back aid front contacts, the for connecting the releasing electro-magnets for Iner of which is closed when the switch-lever the railroad-switches to a battery and track is thrown from its normal position and the circuit closer, all being arranged in the man latter when said Switch-lever remains at nor ner set forth, so that when the electric switch
272,839 1. is set the signals cannot be operated to allow in the path of said operating mechanism, so the train to pass until the railroad-switches as to be actuatel thereby at one of its extreme have been set and locked in the proper posi positions, and two circuit - closing points or tion, and the latter cannot be unlocked until springs arranged to close each an electric cir the train, by passing the track-circuit closer, cuit, according as the circuit-closer is in one energizes their releasing-magnets. or the other of its extreme positions, one of the 15. The combination, with the operating circuits thus closed containing the locking de s mechanism for a switch or draw-bridge lock vices for the signal which should be set. with and for a semaplore or signal indicating the the switch and the other the devices for the 75 O condition of such switch or draw-bridge, of signal or signals which should remain locked. unlocking devices, actuating electro-magnets 21. The combination, with the actuating-le for the same, and circuit. breakers actuated by ver Lu, of tlhe reciprocating rod T, its actuating said electro-magnets, each of said circuit spring, and the spring-contact S. . breakers being arranged in the releasing-cir 22. The combination, with the actuating-le cuit or the electro-magnet which operates the ver L, of the reciprocating rod T and its op other, so that when either electro-magnet is erating-spring and spring-contacts st. energized for the purpose of unlocking one of 23. The combination, with the operating said mechanisms the releasing electric circuit mechanism for a railroad switch or signal, of of the other electro-magnet will be broken. an electric switch operated by the lock-releas 16. The combination, substantially as de ing electro-magnet, and a second circuit-closer, scribed, with the operating mechanism for a T, arranged in the path of the operating mech railroad-switch, railroad-signal, or draw-bridge anism, and placed in circuit with the first lock, of a locking device and a detaining-ar named circuit-closer, all in the manner de mature, which serves in one position to detain scribed, so that said circuit is made to depend 25 said locking device in locking position, and upon both the position of the operating mech which in the other position of said locking de anism and the condition of the lock for said ??? vice is itself detained by said locking device, mechanism. a circuit closer and breaker connected with 24. The combination, with the reciprocating the armature, and a locking-rod, p, or equiva switch-rod F, of conducting and non-conduct lent device, for throwing the lock into locking ing studs and contact-springs g g. arranged in 95 position and simultaneously releasing the ar the path of said studs, and forming parts of nature. electric circuits, as and for the purpose de 17. The combination, with the operating scribed. mechanism for a railroad-switch, draw-loridge 25. The combination, with a series of recip CO lock, or signal, of a locking-lever provided rocating switch-rods provided with conducting with a retractor which norinally tends to and non-conducting studs, of independent sep throwit out of locking position, mechanism for arable conducting-strips transversed to said throwing said lever into locking position, an rods, and arranged in the manner described armature arrainged, Whe retracted, to detain and shown, so that the non-conducting pins said lock, and when attracted to release said upon one rod may break a strip or strips lock and be in turn detained by it, and a cir through which another rod or rods obtains cuit-closer operated by the artnature, and act electrical connection. • ing in ole position of the same to open and in 26. The combination, with the reciprocating the other to close an electric circuit for the de switch-rod F, controlling the electro-magnetic I I. ? tailing electro-unaguet and arnature of an locking and unlocking devices of a railroad other lock. switch or sig tal, of an automatic mechanical 18. The combination, with the locking-lever locking device and a releasing electro-magnet N and its retractor, of the armature-lever and connected to a railroad or bridge-lock circuit its retractor, arranged to hold the armature in closer. So the path of the lever N, circuit-closer R, and 27. The combination, with the switch-bar F, IIS operating-rod p. of a locking-lever, a detaining-armature, and 19. The conbination, with the operating-le releasing electro-magnet connected to bridge ver L for a railriad switch or signal, of a re lock or a railroad-circuit closer. ciprocating spring-actuated circuit closer ar. 28. The combination, with the switch-bar F, I 2 ? ranged in the path of sail lever, so as to be controlling the circuit for siglial-releasing de actuated thereby when said lever is in one of vices, of a circuit-closer in said releasing-circuit its extreme positions, and provided with a cir. controlled by the switch-bar, a locking electro cuit-closiug spring or poiut, which closes or magnet for said circuit-closer, and a circuit breaks an electric circuit for the controlling closer operated by the signal line chanism for ?? electro-magnet of another switch or signal op closing the circuit of said electro-magnet, so I 25 erating mechanism, according as the circuit as to break the releasing-circuit at te point closer is engaged by the lever or is under the where it is completed by the first-named cir influence of its spring. cuit-closer. 20. The combination, with the operating 29. The combination, with the signal-lever mechanism for a railroad-switch, of a recipro Iu and its unlocking electro-magnet, of a switch cating spring-actuated circuit-closer arranged controlled by said electro-unagnet and placed
in the circuit with the releasing-magnet for a bridge-lock lever, of an automatic locking de railroad-switch mechanism, a circuit-closer it vice and an electro-magnet for releasing the 15 the releasing circuit for the signal mechanism, same, controllel by a bridge-lock-ci cuit closer and a releasing electro-magnet for said circuit adapted to close the circuit only when said closer, the circuit of which is closed when the lock is moved to lock the bridge. signal-lever is thrown. Signed at New York, in the county of New 2 30. The combination, with the circuit-closer York and State of New York, this 21st day of 2 o 21, of the switch-bar F, automatic locking de July, A. D. 1882. vices for said circuit, and a releasing electro JNO. K. KNIGHT. O magnet connected to a circuit-closer operated WM. H. BAKER. by the signal-lever.. Witnesses: 31. The combination, with the switch-bar for THos. TooMEY, completing the releasing-circuit closer for the GEO. C. COFFIN.
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