GB191424048A - Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for Controlling Railway Trains in Motion. - Google Patents

Abstract

24,048. Irving, E. C. Dec. 14. [Cognate Applications, 24,243/14 and 397/15.] Track apparatus for stopping trains.-The brake valve, which is controlled by an electromagnet and kept closed by a closed circuit entirely on the locomotive, is automatically opened when the train approaches a signal, irrespective of whether the signal is in the danger or clear position, unless the driver actuates a device on the locomotive; and the operation of this device is effective only when the signal is at clear or the track ahead is unoccupied. The Figure shows an arrangement in which the circuit to a track ramp 20 is controlled by a switch 32 on a semaphore. This circuit may be controlled by a track relay. The electro-magnet 4<a> which keeps the brake valve 3 closed is normally energized through the circuit from the battery 5, over a contact 8<a>, collector 19, armature 6<b> of relay 4, and switch 26. The relay 4 is energized by current from the battery 5 through the surface of the collector 19 and the armature 6. When the collector 19 engages a ramp, the contact 8<a> is opened and the above-mentioned circuits are broken, the relay 4 and the magnet 4<a> becoming de-energized and causing the brakes, to be applied, unless the ramp 20 is energized as at a clear signal. In this case, current passes from the battery 32<a> over switch 32, ramp 20, collector 19, and then divides through the relay 4 and contact 6 and through contact 6<b>, switch 26, and magnet 4<a>; the circuit is closed at switch 27, only if this is actuated by the driver, in which event the relay 4 and magnet 4<a> remain energized and the brakes are not applied. If either the driver's switch is left open or the signal is at danger, the brakes are applied at every ramp. To reset the brakes after passing a ramp, the slow-acting switch device operated by the handle 31 must be used. This first opens the switch 26 to prevent energization of the magnet 4<a> and then closes switch 10, thus completing a circuit to the relay 4, which draws its two armatures. On the replacement of the switches 26, 10 to the position shown, the magnet 4<a> is energized and closes the brake valve. Audible or visual signals on the train may be actuated by similar means. According to the Provisional Specification, separate electro-magnetic valve devices are used for whistle signals, or an electric bell mav be controlled by a similar electro-magnetic device.