US829132A - Electric semaphore. - Google Patents

Electric semaphore. Download PDF

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Publication number
US829132A
US829132A US32335005A US1905323350A US829132A US 829132 A US829132 A US 829132A US 32335005 A US32335005 A US 32335005A US 1905323350 A US1905323350 A US 1905323350A US 829132 A US829132 A US 829132A
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shaft
trip
wheel
semaphore
lantern
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US32335005A
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Jean F Webb
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61RAILWAYS
    • B61LGUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L21/00Station blocking between signal boxes in one yard
    • B61L21/06Vehicle-on-line indication; Monitoring locking and release of the route
    • B61L21/065Vehicle-on-line indication; Monitoring locking and release of the route for signals, including signals actuated by the vehicle

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  • My invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in electric semaphores for use in connection with railway systems, and it more particularly relates to that class of semaphore mechanisms in which locking devices are provided for holding the semaphore-arm in its normal or safety position and in which electromagnetically-operated means are provided for releasing said locking devices to permit the semaphore being moved to its dangerposition and at the same time operate a signal in the tower-house to inform the operator that the signal has been properly set or moved to its danger position.
  • my invention has for its object to provide a semaphore of this class of a very simple construction which can be easily and cheaply manufactured and which will readily and effectively serve its intended purposes.
  • the invention seeks to provide a mechanism of this character in which all the operating parts areso arranged that ready access may be had thereto whenever it may be found desirable to inspect said parts or insert or remove a signal-lamp.
  • my invention comprises suitable supports or standards upon which a semaphore-arm is pivotally mounted and upon which. lockingldevices aremounted for cooperating with t e semaphore-arm to hold it in its normal or safety position.
  • the standards I also mount electromagnetic locking devices, and circuit-closing mechanism for operating supplemental signals in the tower-house to indicate the position of the semaphore parts. Means are also provided whereby the locking mechanism is electromagnetically released at times when desired to allow the semaphore-arm to move to its danger-indicating position.
  • My present invention also includes a casing in which a signal-lamp is mounted and shutter devices for cutting off light-rays emanating from the signal-light when the semaphore is in its safety position and for exposing the signal-light when the semaphore is in its danger-indicating position, said shutter devices being controlled by the movement of the semaphore-blade.
  • the invention also includes certain novel construction, combination, and arrangement of parts, all of which.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of my invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a similar view, the casing being removed.
  • Fig. 3 is a side elevation of my invention, the casing being shown in sec tion and the parts being in their normal or safety position.
  • Fig. 4 is a similar View, the parts being shown in their danger-indicating position, the signal lantern being shown in dotted lines.
  • Fig. 5 is an end elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 4, the casing being shown in section.
  • Fig. 6 is a detail section on the line 6 6 of Fig. 4.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view showing the arrangement of electric circuits when the parts are in their normal or safety position, as shown in Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing the arrangement of the electric circuits when the parts are in their danger-indicating position, as shown in Fig. 4.
  • the shaft 5 designates a shaft, preferably of steel, which is mounted to turn in bearing-apertures 1 1 in the supports 1 1 and this shaft 5 has a reduced portion 5, forming a shoulder 5 to abut the support 1.", which reduced portion has its end threaded to receive the washer 5 and the securing-nut 5 as clearly shown in Fig. 5.
  • the reduced portion 5 on shaft 5' has its extended end threaded to receive the securing-nuts 5 5 by means of which the arm 6 is secured to the shaft.
  • the arm 6 has its free end provided with a weight 7 and is formed with a notch 6" to cooperate with the spring-stop 54, secured by rivets 41 41 to the support 1 in a manner presently more fully explained.
  • the semaphore-blade 5 is secured to the other end of the shaft 5.
  • the trip-rod 8 designates what I term the trip-rod, which has its upper end 3 of reduced diameter to pass'through an aperture 5 in the rod 5, to which it is secured by a nut 3
  • the free end of the rod 8 is beveled, as at 8, to cooperate with the revolving trip-wheel 9.
  • the wheel 9 is formed of a plurality of radial arms or spokes 9? 9 and a weighted portion 9, and the said wheel 9 has a shaft 9, provided with conical bearing ends 9 9 to cooperate with the bearing ends 42 of the bearing-screws 42 which are secured in the supports 1? 1 I
  • the screws 42 have check-nuts 42 to hold them to their adjusted positions.
  • bracket-plates 35 35 Secured to the supports 1 1 below the shaft 9 by rivets 41 41 or otherwise are bracket-plates 35 35 in which bearingscrews 43- 43 are screwed.
  • the screws 43 have their bearing ends countersunk, as at 43", to receive the conical bearing ends of a rod 11, which carries a trip-lever 10, whose heel 10 is normally adapted to engage one of the arms or spokes 9 of the wheel 9 to hold the same from turning.
  • the trip-lever 10 has an armature 12, which coopcrates with an electrom'agnet 13 of the horse- 3 shoe type, the magnet 13 being mounted on a Ushaped bracket 36, which is adjustably secured to the bracket-plate 35 by set-screws 39 39*, which pass through slots 33 in the bracket 36.
  • 37 designates a set-screw adjustably held by the bracket 36, against which the triplever rests when in its norma Wheel-engaging position.
  • contact-plates 15 15 are what I shall hereinafter term the trip-lever circuit-closers.
  • a second pair of spring contact-plates 15 15 Secured adjacent the shaft 5 to the support 1 by binding-screws 17 17', which are held in insulating-bushings 16 16 is a second pair of spring contact-plates 15 15 which also are normally out of contact with one another and which at times are adapted to be engaged and moved into contact with one another by a cam 14, held on the shaft 5 by a screw 44, as shown.
  • the pitman 23 designates a pitman vertically movable in the bearing-apertures of plates 33 33*, which are secured to thesupport 1 by rivets 41 or otherwise.
  • the pitman 23 has a rightangled portion 23, adapted to be engaged by the lifting-rod 21, which is secured to the shaft 5 by a nut 21, and the rod 21 has Accelger or stop 22 to prevent the portion 23 of the pitman 23 slipping when engaged by the rod 21 in a manner presently more fully understood.
  • a bracket-plate 34 is riveted or otherwise secured to the support 1 below the plates 33 and 33 26 26 are stud portions secured to the bracket-plate 34 by nuts 26. Fulcrumed on the studs 26 26 are rocking bars 25*, each of which is provided with a slot 27 27 and each of which at its outer ends carry blinds or shutters 24 24 for a purpose presently explained.
  • the bars 25 and 25 cross one another and receive a lug 23 of the pitman 23 in their slots 27 a 27 so that when the pitman 23 is raised or lowered the bars 25 and 25 and the blinds 24 24 will be moved in unison.
  • '46 designates a casing for inclosing the operating parts of the apparatus, which casing has top, side, and bottom plates, as shown.
  • the ends of my casing 46 are closed by doors 48 48 ,hinged to the casing-top, as at 49 49*, provided with glass windows 50 50*, disposed inalinement with the bulls-eyes 29 29 in the lantern 28.
  • 51 51 designate hasps secured to the doors 43 48 which cooperate with the staples 52 52*, secured to the casing-bottom, locks 53 53 being provided to lock the doors 51 51 when closed.
  • the line-Wire 56 connects, through switch 62, with a signal 61 in the operators tower, which signal in turn connects to sup plemental battery 63, which battery 63 is also grounded, as shown.
  • trip-rod engages the upper spoke of the revolving trip-wheel 9, while the lower spoke of the trip-wheel 9 is engaged by the heel of the trip-lever 10.
  • the trip-lever 10 therefore holds the wheel 9 from” revolving, which in turn holds the semaphore-shaft from turning on its axis and maintains the semaphore in its safetyposition.
  • the bulls-eyes 29 29 are screened by the blind 24, so that no light shows from the casing windows 50" 50*.
  • the operator in the signal-tower closes the main-line switch, thus sending a current over the main-line wire to energize the electromagnet 13, which thereupon attracts the armature 12 to disengage the heel of the trip-lever from the lower spoke of the revolving wheel 9.
  • the weightarm 6 will drop of its own weight to raise the sem aphore-blade to its danger-indicating position, the weighted portion of the wheel 9 serving to hold the wheel 9 with its spokes in a position to be engaged by the rod 8 when the semaphore-blade is reset to its safety position, in a manner presently more fully understood.
  • the turning of the semaphoreshaft 5 raises the lifting-rod 21, which in its movement engages the upper horizontal eX- tension 23 of the pitman 23 and lifts the said pitman, the pin 24 keeping the right-angled extension 23 from slipping backward on the lifting-rod 21. As the rod.
  • the revolving trip-wheel 9 has a weighted section, as before stated, and after the trip has been released the weighted section serves to stop the wheel in such a position that one spoke of the wheel is always in the proper position to be engaged by the trip-rod 8 as the semaphore is being reset to push the wheel around until another spoke underneath is pushed past the heel of the trip-lever 10, so that it will be engaged by the said heel of the trip-lever 10 and lock the semaphore in its normal or safety position after the trip-rod 8 is in engagement with the stop and is permitted to engage the upper spoke of the revolving trip-wheel 9.
  • a semaphore mechanism comprising supports, a shaft fulcrumed thereon, a counterweight and a semaphore-blade secured to the shaft, means directly connected to said shaft for locking said shaft from rotation, electromagnetic trip devices for releasing said locking means, and a circuit-closer controlled by said trip devices for closing an electric signaling-circuit, substantially as shown and described.
  • a semaphore mechanism comprising releasing said locking means, a circuit-closer controlled by said trip devices, a second circuit-closer controlled by said shaft for closing an electric signaling-circuit, and a casing for the Whole. 7
  • a mechanism of the class described comprising supports, a shaft rotatable therein, means for locking said shaft from rotation, electromagnetic devices for releasing said locking means, a signal-lantern, shutter devices, means carried by the shaft for controlling the shutter devices to cut off the light from the lantern, and means for turning said shaft when unlocked to Withdraw the shutter devices from the path of the lightrays from the lantern.
  • a mechanism of the class described comprising supports, a shaft rotatable therein, means for locking said shaft from rotation, electromagnetic devices for releasing said locking means, a signal-lantern, shutter devices controlled by the movement of the shaft for cutting off the light from the lantern, means for turning said shaft When unlocked to Withdraw the shutter devices from the path of the light-rays from the lantern, and a casing for the Whole having Windows for the passage of the light-rays from the lantern.
  • a mechanism of the class described comprising supports, a shaft rotatable therein,means for locking said shaft from rotation, electromagnetic devices for releasing said locking means, a signal-lantern, shutter devices controlled by the movement of the shaft for cutting off the light from the lantern, means for turning said shaft When unlocked to Withdraw the shutter devices from the path of the light-rays from the lantern, and a circuit-closer controlled by the shaft for closing an electric circuit When the shaft is turned.
  • mechanism of the class described comprising sup orts, a shaft rotatable therein, means for ocking said shaft from rotation, electromagnetic devices for releasing said locking means, a signal-lantern, shutter devices controlled by the movement of the shaft for cutting off the light from the lantern, and means for turning said shaft When unlocked to Withdraw the shutter devices from the path of the light-rays from the lantern, a circuit-closer controlled by the shaft for closing an electric circuit When the shaft is turned, and a housing for the Whole having Windows registering with the bullseyes of the lantern.
  • a signaling mechanism comprising a support, a lantern held therein, means for normally intercepting the light-rays emanating from the lantern, means for ithdrawing said intercepting means at times, means for normally rendering the said Withdrawing means inoperative, electromagnetic devices for releasing said last-named means, and circuit-closers controlled by said releasing de vices for closing a supplemental electric signaling-circuit.
  • a signaling mechanism comprising a support, a lantern held therein, means for normally intercepting the light-rays emanating from the lantern, means for Withdrawing said intercepting means at times, means for normally rendering the said Withdrawing means inoperative, electromagnetic devices for releasing said last-named means, circuitclosers controlled by said releasing devices for closing a supplemental electric signaling-circuit, and a casing for the Whole having WindoWs through Which the light-rays are adapted to pass.
  • a semaphore mechanism supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade secured to the shaft, a rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel for cooperating With said rod to hold the shaft from turning, a trip-lever for engaging the trip-Wheel to hold the samefrom rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said trip-lever from said Wheel, and means for rotating said shaft when said Wheel is released.
  • a semaphore mechanism supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade secured to the shaft, a rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel for cooperating With said rod to hold the shaft from turning, a trip-lever for engaging the trip-Wheel to hold the same from rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said trip-lever from said Wheel, means for rotating said shaft When said Wheel is released, and a housing for the Whole.
  • a signaling mechanism supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a lantern having bulls-eyes, shutter devices for said lantern, means controlled by the movement of said shaft for operating said shutter devices, a rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel for cooperating With said rod to hold the shaft from turning, a trip-lever for engaging the trip-Wheel to hold the same from rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said trip-lever from said Wheel and means for rotating said shaft when said Wheel is released.
  • a signaling mechanism supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a lantern having bulls-eyes, shutter devices for said lantern,
  • a signaling mechanism supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade secured to the shaft, a lantern having bullseyes, shutter devices for said lantern, adapted to close over the bullseyes, means controlled by the movement of said shaft for actuating said shutter devices, a rod secured to theshaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel for cooperating with said rod to hold the shaft from turning, a trip-lever for engaging the trip-Wheel to hold the same from rotation, an electro magnet for releasing said trip-lever from said Wheel, and means for rotating said shaft when said Wheel is released.
  • a signaling mechanism supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade secured to the shaft, a lantern having bullseyes, shutter devices for said lantern, adapted to close over the bulls-eyes, means controlled by the movement of said shaft for actuating said shutter devices, a rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel for cooperating with said rod to hold the shaft from turning, a trip-lever for engaging the trip-Wheel to hold the same from rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said trip-lever from said Wheel, means for rotating said shaft when said Wheel is released, circuit-closers controlled by the movement of said shaft and said trip-lever, a casing for the Whole, and a signalingcircuit common to both circuitclosers.
  • a signaling mechanism supports, .a signal-lantern having diametrically opposite bulls-eyes held onsaid support, shutter devices for each of said lantern bulls-eyes, means for operating said shutter devices in unison, means for locking said operating means, and electromagnetic devices for releasing said locking means.
  • a signaling mechanism supports, a signaldantern having bulls-eyes held on said supports, shutter devices for said lantern, means for operating said shutter devices, means for locking said operating means, electromagnet devices for releasing said locking means, and an electric indicating-circuit controlled by said releasing devices.
  • a rotatable shaft an armsecured thereto, a rotatable trip-Wheel for engaging the free end of said arm to hold the shaft from rotation, a
  • latch for engaging said trip-Wheel to hold it from rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said latch from said Wheel, and means for rotating said shaft When the latch is released.
  • a rotatable shaft an arm secured thereto, rotatable trip-Wheel for engaging the free end of the arm, a latch for engaging said Wheel to hold it from rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said latch from said Wheel, means for turning said Wheel When released to dis engage said arm therefrom, and signaling de vices cooperatively connected With said shaft and controlled thereby.
  • a rotatable shaft an arm secured thereto, a rotatable trip-Wheel for engaging the free end of the arm, a latch for engaging said Wheel to h ld it from rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said latch from said Wheel, means for turning said Wheel When released to disengage said arm therefrom, signaling devices cooperatively connected With said shaft and controlled thereby, and a housing for the Whole.
  • a signaling mechanism supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade and a Weighted arm secured to said shaft, a trip-rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel adapted to be engaged by said trip-rod at times, electromagnetically-controlled latch devices for holding said Wheel from rotation, a lantern'held on said supports, said lantern having bulls-eyes, a pair of bars each fulcrumed at one end and having slots, shutters carried by said bars at the and a Weight-arm secured to said shaft, a
  • trip-rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip- Wheel having radial spokes adapted to be engaged by said trip-rod at times, electromagnetically-controlled latch devices for holding said Wheel from rotation, a lantern held on said supports, said lantern having bulls-eyes, a pair of bars each fulcrumed at one end and having slots, shutters carried by said bars at the free ends for closing over said bulls-eyes, a pitman having a lug for entering the slots of the bars, and a lifting-rod secured to said shaft for lifting said pitman.
  • a signaling mechanism supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade and a weighted arm secured to said shaft, a trip-rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip- Wheel adapted to be engaged by said triprod at times, electromagnetically-controlled latch devices for holding said Wheel from rotation, a lantern held on said supports, said lantern having bull s-eyes, a pair of bars each fulcrumed at one end and having slots, shutters carried by said bars at the free end for closing over said bulls-eyes, a pitm an having a lug for entering the slots in the bars, a lifting-rod secured to said shaft for lifting said pitman, and a housing for the Whole.
  • a signaling mechanism supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade and a Weighted arm secured to said shaft, a trip-rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel adapted to be engaged by said trip-rod at times, electromagnetically-con trolled latch devices for holding said Wheel fromrotation, a lantern held on said supports, said lantern having bulls-eyes, a pair of bars each fulcrumed at one end and having slots, shutters carried by said bars at the free ends for closing over said bulls-eyes, a pitman having a 11w for entering the slots in the bars, a lifting-rod secured to said shaft for lifting said pitman, a circuit-closer controlled by the movement of said shaft, and a second circuit-closer controlled by the movement of said latch device for closing an indicatingcircuit.
  • a signaling mechanism supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade and a Weighted arm'secured to said shaft, a trip-rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip- Wheel adapted to be engaged by said trip rod at times, electromagnetically-controlled latch devices for holding said Wheel from rotation, a lantern held on said supports, said lantern having bulls-eyes, a pair of bars each fulcrumed at one end and having slots, shutters carried by said bars at the free ends for closing over said bulls-eyes, a pitman having a lug for entering the slots in the bars, a lifting-rod secured to said shaft for lifting said pitman, a circuit-closer controlled by the movement of said shaft and a second circuitcloser controlled by the movement of said latch device for closing the indicating-cm cuit, and a housing for the Whole, said housing having doors at the ends and said doors having Windows for registering With the lantern bulls-eyes.

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Description

PATENTED AUG. 21, 1906.
J. P. WEBB.
ELECTRIC SEMAPHORE.
APPLICATION FILED AUG. 22, 1905. RENEWED JUNE 25.1906.
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.PATBNTBD AUG. 21, 1 906 J. P. WEBB.
ELECTRIC SEMAPHORE.
APPLICATION FILED AUG.22,195. RENEWED JUNE 25.1906.
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PATENTED AUG. 21, 1906.
J. F. WEBB.
ELECTRIC SEMAPHORB.
APPLICATION FILED AUG. 22, 1905. RENEWED JUNE 25.1906.
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PATENTED AUG.-21, 1906.
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lie-829,132. PATENTED'AUG. 21, 1906.
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ELBGTRIG SEMAPHORE.
APPLICATION FILED AUG. 22, 1905. RENEWED JUNE 25.1908.
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JEAN WEBB, OF DENVER, COLORADO.
ELECTRIC SEMAPHORE.
Specification of Letters Patent.
Patented. Aug. 21, 1906.
Application filed August 22,1905. Renewed June 25, 1906. Serial No. 323,350.
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Be it known that I, JEAN F. WEBB, residing at Denver, in the county of Denver and State of Colorado, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Semaphores, of which the following is a specification.
My invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in electric semaphores for use in connection with railway systems, and it more particularly relates to that class of semaphore mechanisms in which locking devices are provided for holding the semaphore-arm in its normal or safety position and in which electromagnetically-operated means are provided for releasing said locking devices to permit the semaphore being moved to its dangerposition and at the same time operate a signal in the tower-house to inform the operator that the signal has been properly set or moved to its danger position.
Primarily my invention has for its object to provide a semaphore of this class of a very simple construction which can be easily and cheaply manufactured and which will readily and effectively serve its intended purposes. Again, the invention seeks to provide a mechanism of this character in which all the operating parts areso arranged that ready access may be had thereto whenever it may be found desirable to inspect said parts or insert or remove a signal-lamp.
In its generic nature my invention comprises suitable supports or standards upon which a semaphore-arm is pivotally mounted and upon which. lockingldevices aremounted for cooperating with t e semaphore-arm to hold it in its normal or safety position. Upon the standards I also mount electromagnetic locking devices, and circuit-closing mechanism for operating supplemental signals in the tower-house to indicate the position of the semaphore parts. Means are also provided whereby the locking mechanism is electromagnetically released at times when desired to allow the semaphore-arm to move to its danger-indicating position.
My present invention also includes a casing in which a signal-lamp is mounted and shutter devices for cutting off light-rays emanating from the signal-light when the semaphore is in its safety position and for exposing the signal-light when the semaphore is in its danger-indicating position, said shutter devices being controlled by the movement of the semaphore-blade.
Withother objects in view than have heretofore been enumerated the invention also includes certain novel construction, combination, and arrangement of parts, all of which.
will be first described in detail, and then specifically pointed out in the appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of my invention. Fig. 2 is a similar view, the casing being removed. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of my invention, the casing being shown in sec tion and the parts being in their normal or safety position. Fig. 4 is a similar View, the parts being shown in their danger-indicating position, the signal lantern being shown in dotted lines. Fig. 5 is an end elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 4, the casing being shown in section. Fig. 6 is a detail section on the line 6 6 of Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view showing the arrangement of electric circuits when the parts are in their normal or safety position, as shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing the arrangement of the electric circuits when the parts are in their danger-indicating position, as shown in Fig. 4.
Referring now to the accompanying drawings', in which like numerals of reference indicate like parts in all of the figures, it will be seen that secured to the supporting-post 2 by lag-screws 3 3 or otherwise is a pair of iron supports 1 1 which extend vertically upward above the post and which supports carry the operative parts of my semaphore mechanism. At the upper ends the supports 1 1 are secured together by the spacingrod 4, whose ends 4 are threaded to pass through apertures 1 1 in the supports 1 1 and which receive the securing-nuts 4 4 the rod 4 being provided with shoulders 4 4 to abut the supports 1 1 as shown.
5 designates a shaft, preferably of steel, which is mounted to turn in bearing-apertures 1 1 in the supports 1 1 and this shaft 5 has a reduced portion 5, forming a shoulder 5 to abut the support 1.", which reduced portion has its end threaded to receive the washer 5 and the securing-nut 5 as clearly shown in Fig. 5. The reduced portion 5 on shaft 5' has its extended end threaded to receive the securing-nuts 5 5 by means of which the arm 6 is secured to the shaft. The arm 6 has its free end provided with a weight 7 and is formed with a notch 6" to cooperate with the spring-stop 54, secured by rivets 41 41 to the support 1 in a manner presently more fully explained. The semaphore-blade 5 is secured to the other end of the shaft 5.
8 designates what I term the trip-rod, which has its upper end 3 of reduced diameter to pass'through an aperture 5 in the rod 5, to which it is secured by a nut 3 The free end of the rod 8 is beveled, as at 8, to cooperate with the revolving trip-wheel 9. The wheel 9 is formed of a plurality of radial arms or spokes 9? 9 and a weighted portion 9, and the said wheel 9 has a shaft 9, provided with conical bearing ends 9 9 to cooperate with the bearing ends 42 of the bearing-screws 42 which are secured in the supports 1? 1 I The screws 42 have check-nuts 42 to hold them to their adjusted positions. 3
. Secured to the supports 1 1 below the shaft 9 by rivets 41 41 or otherwise are bracket-plates 35 35 in which bearingscrews 43- 43 are screwed. The screws 43 have their bearing ends countersunk, as at 43", to receive the conical bearing ends of a rod 11, which carries a trip-lever 10, whose heel 10 is normally adapted to engage one of the arms or spokes 9 of the wheel 9 to hold the same from turning. At its other end the trip-lever 10 has an armature 12, which coopcrates with an electrom'agnet 13 of the horse- 3 shoe type, the magnet 13 being mounted on a Ushaped bracket 36, which is adjustably secured to the bracket-plate 35 by set-screws 39 39*, which pass through slots 33 in the bracket 36. 37 designates a set-screw adjustably held by the bracket 36, against which the triplever rests when in its norma Wheel-engaging position.
Secured to the support 1 by bindingscrews 17 17, which pass through insulatingbushings 16 16 is a pair of contact-plates 15, which are normally held out of contact with one another, but which when engaged by the trip-lever 10 when in its wheelreleasing position are brought into contact with one another to close a signal-circuit, as will be hereinafter more fully explained. The contact-plates 15 15 are what I shall hereinafter term the trip-lever circuit-closers.
Secured adjacent the shaft 5 to the support 1 by binding-screws 17 17', which are held in insulating-bushings 16 16 is a second pair of spring contact-plates 15 15 which also are normally out of contact with one another and which at times are adapted to be engaged and moved into contact with one another by a cam 14, held on the shaft 5 by a screw 44, as shown.
23 designates a pitman vertically movable in the bearing-apertures of plates 33 33*, which are secured to thesupport 1 by rivets 41 or otherwise. The pitman 23 has a rightangled portion 23, adapted to be engaged by the lifting-rod 21, which is secured to the shaft 5 by a nut 21, and the rod 21 has afinger or stop 22 to prevent the portion 23 of the pitman 23 slipping when engaged by the rod 21 in a manner presently more fully understood. I
A bracket-plate 34 is riveted or otherwise secured to the support 1 below the plates 33 and 33 26 26 are stud portions secured to the bracket-plate 34 by nuts 26. Fulcrumed on the studs 26 26 are rocking bars 25*, each of which is provided with a slot 27 27 and each of which at its outer ends carry blinds or shutters 24 24 for a purpose presently explained. The bars 25 and 25 cross one another and receive a lug 23 of the pitman 23 in their slots 27 a 27 so that when the pitman 23 is raised or lowered the bars 25 and 25 and the blinds 24 24 will be moved in unison.
28 designates a railway-lantern of the usual type, having the usual red or danger bulls-eyes 29 29 and having sockets 32 32 to fit over pins 31 31 on the post 2 to hold the lugs in place. The oil-receptacle of the lamp with burner attached is designated Secured to the support 1 is a stop 40, which limits the return movement of the trip-rod 8.
'46 designates a casing for inclosing the operating parts of the apparatus, which casing has top, side, and bottom plates, as shown.
The ends of my casing 46 are closed by doors 48 48 ,hinged to the casing-top, as at 49 49*, provided with glass windows 50 50*, disposed inalinement with the bulls-eyes 29 29 in the lantern 28. 51 51 designate hasps secured to the doors 43 48 which cooperate with the staples 52 52*, secured to the casing-bottom, locks 53 53 being provided to lock the doors 51 51 when closed.
55 designates the main operating linewire, which-is shown connected with the electromagnet 13 by the lead 13, and the magnet 13 is grounded through a lead 13'.
56 designates the main signaling line-wire,
which connects to the binding-post 17 a of the semaphore-shaft circuitcloser, the bindingpost 17 of which connects to the bindingpost 17 of the trip-lever circuit-closer by a Wire 18, while the other binding-post 17 of the trip-lever circuit closer is grounded through a wire 20. v
60 designates a switch at the operators tower, which has one terminal 58 connected to the line-Wire 55, while its other terminal 59 connects, through a battery 57, to the ground. The line-Wire 56 connects, through switch 62, with a signal 61 in the operators tower, which signal in turn connects to sup plemental battery 63, which battery 63 is also grounded, as shown.
Operation: Assume the parts to be in their safety position, as shown in Fig. 3. The
trip-rod engages the upper spoke of the revolving trip-wheel 9, while the lower spoke of the trip-wheel 9 is engaged by the heel of the trip-lever 10. The trip-lever 10 therefore holds the wheel 9 from" revolving, which in turn holds the semaphore-shaft from turning on its axis and maintains the semaphore in its safetyposition. The bulls-eyes 29 29 are screened by the blind 24, so that no light shows from the casing windows 50" 50*. When it is desired to signal a train by throwing the semaphore-blade into its warning or danger position or by showing the red danger light, the operator in the signal-tower closes the main-line switch, thus sending a current over the main-line wire to energize the electromagnet 13, which thereupon attracts the armature 12 to disengage the heel of the trip-lever from the lower spoke of the revolving wheel 9. As soon as the trip-lever 10 is disengaged from the wheel 9, the weightarm 6 will drop of its own weight to raise the sem aphore-blade to its danger-indicating position, the weighted portion of the wheel 9 serving to hold the wheel 9 with its spokes in a position to be engaged by the rod 8 when the semaphore-blade is reset to its safety position, in a manner presently more fully understood. The turning of the semaphoreshaft 5 raises the lifting-rod 21, which in its movement engages the upper horizontal eX- tension 23 of the pitman 23 and lifts the said pitman, the pin 24 keeping the right-angled extension 23 from slipping backward on the lifting-rod 21. As the rod. 23 is raised the bars 25 25 are swung on their pivots 26 26 to raise the blinds 2 11 24' to permit a red light or danger-signal from the lantern to be seen through the windows 50 50 of the casing. The raising of the blinds 24 24 uncovers the bullseyes 29 29 in a manner clearly understood by reference to the drawings. When the trip-releasing. magnet 13 moves the armature 12 to move the heel of the triplever 10 out of engagement with the lower spoke of the wheel 9, the trip-lever engages the contact-spring 15 and presses it against the contact-spring 15 thus closing the return signal circuit at that point. The turning of the semaphore-shaft turns the cam 14 attached thereto, so that the cam 14 engages the spring 15" and presses it against the spring-contact 15 closing the circuit of the return-signal at that point, thus making the circuit for the return-signal complete, so far as the semaphore is concerned, to permit the electric current from the signaling-battery to operate the return-signal at the towerstation. The parts are now in the position shown in Fig. 4. When the current for the trip-releasing magnet 13 is turned off at the operators station, the armature 12 drops over from the trip-releasing magnet 13, raising the heel of the trip-lever off of the spring thus breaking the return-signal circuit at that point and also leaving the trip-lever 10 free to engage the spoke of the revolving trip-wheel 9 as the semaphore is being reset. To reset the semaphore, it is only necessary to turn the weighted arm 6 back to its horizontal position, which brings the rod 8 back to the wheel-engaging position. As the rod, 8 is brought back to its normal position, the free end thereof will engage the spoke of the revolving trip-wheel 9, turning the said wheel until the heel of the trip-lever 10 again engages the lower spoke of the trip-wheel 9, thus locking the semaphore to its normal position again. The revolving trip-wheel 9 has a weighted section, as before stated, and after the trip has been released the weighted section serves to stop the wheel in such a position that one spoke of the wheel is always in the proper position to be engaged by the trip-rod 8 as the semaphore is being reset to push the wheel around until another spoke underneath is pushed past the heel of the trip-lever 10, so that it will be engaged by the said heel of the trip-lever 10 and lock the semaphore in its normal or safety position after the trip-rod 8 is in engagement with the stop and is permitted to engage the upper spoke of the revolving trip-wheel 9. As the weighted arm 6 is raised after the parts have been in their danger-indicating position the cam 14 is disengaged from the spring 15 which spring is released, thus breaking the return-signal circuit at that point. The lifting-rod 21 is also drawn away from engagement with the pitman 23, permitting the rocking bars 25 25*, with their attached blinds 24C 2 1 to gravitate to their normal position and cut off the light from the bulls-eyes 29 29 of the lantern 28. When the semaphore is in its danger-indicating position and the arm 6 is dropped to its vertical position, the notch in its lower end will engage the spring 54, thus stopping the weight at the proper point and preventing it from oscillating.
From the foregoing description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, it is thought that the complete construction, operation, and many advantages of my in vention will be readily understood by those skilled in the art to which it appertains.
Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is
1. A semaphore mechanism comprising supports, a shaft fulcrumed thereon, a counterweight and a semaphore-blade secured to the shaft, means directly connected to said shaft for locking said shaft from rotation, electromagnetic trip devices for releasing said locking means, and a circuit-closer controlled by said trip devices for closing an electric signaling-circuit, substantially as shown and described.
2. A semaphore mechanism comprising releasing said locking means, a circuit-closer controlled by said trip devices, a second circuit-closer controlled by said shaft for closing an electric signaling-circuit, and a casing for the Whole. 7
4. A mechanism of the class described comprising supports, a shaft rotatable therein, means for locking said shaft from rotation, electromagnetic devices for releasing said locking means, a signal-lantern, shutter devices, means carried by the shaft for controlling the shutter devices to cut off the light from the lantern, and means for turning said shaft when unlocked to Withdraw the shutter devices from the path of the lightrays from the lantern.
5. A mechanism of the class described comprising supports, a shaft rotatable therein, means for locking said shaft from rotation, electromagnetic devices for releasing said locking means, a signal-lantern, shutter devices controlled by the movement of the shaft for cutting off the light from the lantern, means for turning said shaft When unlocked to Withdraw the shutter devices from the path of the light-rays from the lantern, and a casing for the Whole having Windows for the passage of the light-rays from the lantern.
6. A mechanism of the class described comprising supports, a shaft rotatable therein,means for locking said shaft from rotation, electromagnetic devices for releasing said locking means, a signal-lantern, shutter devices controlled by the movement of the shaft for cutting off the light from the lantern, means for turning said shaft When unlocked to Withdraw the shutter devices from the path of the light-rays from the lantern, and a circuit-closer controlled by the shaft for closing an electric circuit When the shaft is turned.
7. mechanism of the class described comprising sup orts, a shaft rotatable therein, means for ocking said shaft from rotation, electromagnetic devices for releasing said locking means, a signal-lantern, shutter devices controlled by the movement of the shaft for cutting off the light from the lantern, and means for turning said shaft When unlocked to Withdraw the shutter devices from the path of the light-rays from the lantern, a circuit-closer controlled by the shaft for closing an electric circuit When the shaft is turned, and a housing for the Whole having Windows registering with the bullseyes of the lantern.
8. A signaling mechanism comprising a support, a lantern held therein, means for normally intercepting the light-rays emanating from the lantern, means for ithdrawing said intercepting means at times, means for normally rendering the said Withdrawing means inoperative, electromagnetic devices for releasing said last-named means, and circuit-closers controlled by said releasing de vices for closing a supplemental electric signaling-circuit.
9. A signaling mechanism comprising a support, a lantern held therein, means for normally intercepting the light-rays emanating from the lantern, means for Withdrawing said intercepting means at times, means for normally rendering the said Withdrawing means inoperative, electromagnetic devices for releasing said last-named means, circuitclosers controlled by said releasing devices for closing a supplemental electric signaling-circuit, and a casing for the Whole having WindoWs through Which the light-rays are adapted to pass.
10. In a semaphore mechanism, supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade secured to the shaft, a rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel for cooperating With said rod to hold the shaft from turning, a trip-lever for engaging the trip-Wheel to hold the samefrom rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said trip-lever from said Wheel, and means for rotating said shaft when said Wheel is released.
11. In a semaphore mechanism supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade secured to the shaft, a rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel for cooperating With said rod to hold the shaft from turning, a trip-lever for engaging the trip-Wheel to hold the same from rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said trip-lever from said Wheel, means for rotating said shaft When said Wheel is released, and a housing for the Whole.
12. In a signaling mechanism, supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a lantern having bulls-eyes, shutter devices for said lantern, means controlled by the movement of said shaft for operating said shutter devices, a rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel for cooperating With said rod to hold the shaft from turning, a trip-lever for engaging the trip-Wheel to hold the same from rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said trip-lever from said Wheel and means for rotating said shaft when said Wheel is released.
13. In a signaling mechanism, supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a lantern having bulls-eyes, shutter devices for said lantern,
- means controlled by the movement of said shaft for operating said shutter devices, a rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel for cooperating With said rod to hold the shaft from turning, a trip-lever for engaging the trip-Wheel to hold the same from rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said triplever from said Wheel, means for rotating said shaft When said Wheel is released, a circuit-closer controlled by the movement of said shaft, a circuit-closer controlled by said trip1ever, and a signaling-circuit common to both circuit-closers.
14. In a signaling mechanism, supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade secured to the shaft, a lantern having bullseyes, shutter devices for said lantern, adapted to close over the bullseyes, means controlled by the movement of said shaft for actuating said shutter devices, a rod secured to theshaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel for cooperating with said rod to hold the shaft from turning, a trip-lever for engaging the trip-Wheel to hold the same from rotation, an electro magnet for releasing said trip-lever from said Wheel, and means for rotating said shaft when said Wheel is released.
15. In a signaling mechanism, supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade secured to the shaft, a lantern having bullseyes, shutter devices for said lantern, adapted to close over the bulls-eyes, means controlled by the movement of said shaft for actuating said shutter devices, a rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel for cooperating with said rod to hold the shaft from turning, a trip-lever for engaging the trip-Wheel to hold the same from rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said trip-lever from said Wheel, means for rotating said shaft when said Wheel is released, circuit-closers controlled by the movement of said shaft and said trip-lever, a casing for the Whole, and a signalingcircuit common to both circuitclosers.
16. In a signaling mechanism, supports, .a signal-lantern having diametrically opposite bulls-eyes held onsaid support, shutter devices for each of said lantern bulls-eyes, means for operating said shutter devices in unison, means for locking said operating means, and electromagnetic devices for releasing said locking means.
17. In a signaling mechanism, supports, a signaldantern having bulls-eyes held on said supports, shutter devices for said lantern, means for operating said shutter devices, means for locking said operating means, electromagnet devices for releasing said locking means, and an electric indicating-circuit controlled by said releasing devices.
18. In an apparatus of the class described, a rotatable shaft, an armsecured thereto, a rotatable trip-Wheel for engaging the free end of said arm to hold the shaft from rotation, a
latch for engaging said trip-Wheel to hold it from rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said latch from said Wheel, and means for rotating said shaft When the latch is released.
19. In an apparatus of the class described, arotatable shaft, an arm secured thereto, a rotatable trip-Wheel for engaging the free end of the arm, a latch for engaging said Wheel to hold it from rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said latch from said Wheel, means for turning said Wheel When released to dis= engage saidarm therefrom,
20. In an apparatus of the class described, a rotatable shaft, an arm secured thereto, rotatable trip-Wheel for engaging the free end of the arm, a latch for engaging said Wheel to hold it from rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said latch from said Wheel, means for turning said Wheel When released to dis engage said arm therefrom, and signaling de vices cooperatively connected With said shaft and controlled thereby.
21. In an apparatus of the class described, a rotatable shaft, an arm secured thereto, a rotatable trip-Wheel for engaging the free end of the arm, a latch for engaging said Wheel to h ld it from rotation, an electromagnet for releasing said latch from said Wheel, means for turning said Wheel When released to disengage said arm therefrom, signaling devices cooperatively connected With said shaft and controlled thereby, and a housing for the Whole.
22. In a signaling mechanism, supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade and a Weighted arm secured to said shaft, a trip-rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel adapted to be engaged by said trip-rod at times, electromagnetically-controlled latch devices for holding said Wheel from rotation, a lantern'held on said supports, said lantern having bulls-eyes, a pair of bars each fulcrumed at one end and having slots, shutters carried by said bars at the and a Weight-arm secured to said shaft, a
trip-rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip- Wheel having radial spokes adapted to be engaged by said trip-rod at times, electromagnetically-controlled latch devices for holding said Wheel from rotation, a lantern held on said supports, said lantern having bulls-eyes, a pair of bars each fulcrumed at one end and having slots, shutters carried by said bars at the free ends for closing over said bulls-eyes, a pitman having a lug for entering the slots of the bars, and a lifting-rod secured to said shaft for lifting said pitman.
24. In a signaling mechanism, supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade and a weighted arm secured to said shaft, a trip-rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip- Wheel adapted to be engaged by said triprod at times, electromagnetically-controlled latch devices for holding said Wheel from rotation, a lantern held on said supports, said lantern having bull s-eyes, a pair of bars each fulcrumed at one end and having slots, shutters carried by said bars at the free end for closing over said bulls-eyes, a pitm an having a lug for entering the slots in the bars, a lifting-rod secured to said shaft for lifting said pitman, and a housing for the Whole.
25. In a signaling mechanism, supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade and a Weighted arm secured to said shaft, a trip-rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip-Wheel adapted to be engaged by said trip-rod at times, electromagnetically-con trolled latch devices for holding said Wheel fromrotation, a lantern held on said supports, said lantern having bulls-eyes, a pair of bars each fulcrumed at one end and having slots, shutters carried by said bars at the free ends for closing over said bulls-eyes, a pitman having a 11w for entering the slots in the bars, a lifting-rod secured to said shaft for lifting said pitman, a circuit-closer controlled by the movement of said shaft, and a second circuit-closer controlled by the movement of said latch device for closing an indicatingcircuit.
26. In a signaling mechanism, supports, a shaft rotatable therein, a semaphore-blade and a Weighted arm'secured to said shaft, a trip-rod secured to the shaft, a rotatable trip- Wheel adapted to be engaged by said trip rod at times, electromagnetically-controlled latch devices for holding said Wheel from rotation, a lantern held on said supports, said lantern having bulls-eyes, a pair of bars each fulcrumed at one end and having slots, shutters carried by said bars at the free ends for closing over said bulls-eyes, a pitman having a lug for entering the slots in the bars, a lifting-rod secured to said shaft for lifting said pitman, a circuit-closer controlled by the movement of said shaft and a second circuitcloser controlled by the movement of said latch device for closing the indicating-cm cuit, and a housing for the Whole, said housing having doors at the ends and said doors having Windows for registering With the lantern bulls-eyes.
JEAN F. WEBB. Witnesses:
ALFRED T. BROUNS, JEAN F. WEBB, Jr.
US32335005A 1905-08-22 1905-08-22 Electric semaphore. Expired - Lifetime US829132A (en)

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