IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT OF APPARATUS FOR LAYING, FIXING, AND SECURING RAILS FOR RAILWAYS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Hermann August Haarmann, of Osnabrück, in the Empire
of Germany, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND
IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT OF APPARATUS FOR LAYING, FIXING,
AND SECURING RAILS FOR RAILWAYS."
Sealed the 3rd May 1878, and dated the 6th November 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Hermann August Haarmann
"IM-
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th November 1877.
HERMANN AUGUST HAARMANN, of Osnabrück, in the Empire of Germany.
PROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND IN THE-CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT
OF APPARATUS FOR LAYING, FIXING, AND SECURING RAILS FOR RAILWAYS."
This Invention relates to certain improvements in the method of and in the con-
struction and arrangement of apparatus for laying, fixing and securing "Vignolle
rails for railways, whereby great advantages in respect of strength, durability, and
economy are obtained, the same being applicable to railways whether of broad or
narrow guage.
"
Iron bearers formed of a peculiar shape, and having a broad base with sloping
sides, are placed longitudinally on the permanent way of the line parallel to each
other, and at such a distance as the guage of the line renders necessary. The bearers
are securely imbedded in the ballast or other material of which the permanent way is
constructed, such material being also carefully filled into the box-like space contained
within the sloping sides of the bearers.
The longitudinal parallel bearers are respectively connected by means of transverse
iron sleepers which are secured to the longitudinal bearers by screws.
The rails are connected with and secured to the longitudinal bearers by means of
cramps or clips which are arranged at suitable distances. The upper ends of the
cramps or clips are curved or bent, so as to clip over the inclined bases of the rails
which rest on the longitudinal bearers, and are connected by means of transverse
screws by which they can be tightened, thus effecting a firm pressure on the longi-
tudinal bearers. The respective ends of the rails are connected by means of fish-
plates in the ordinary way, and also by transverse connecting bars. By tightening
011

page_text: the screws by which the cramps or clips are connected, and thus obtaining a
firm pressure of the several parts before referred to, such parts are secured in
perfect connection and combination with each other, and the disengagement or
loosening thereof prevented.
It may be mentioned that the longitudinal bearers are bent for all necessary
curves of the line by the well-known means and machinery. The rails are, by pre-
ference, formed of Bessemer steel.
In the annexed Drawings, Figure 1 is a side view (partly in section) shewing a
longitudinal bearer, the rails and fish-plates and transverse sleeper.
Figure 2 is a transverse section shewing a longitudinal bearer, the rail, fish-plates
and the cramps or clips; Figure 3 is a plan view, and Figure 4 is a transverse section
of the latter.
The same letters of reference indicate similar parts in the several Figures.
A is the iron bearer; B, the transverse sleepers; C, the cramps or clips, and c the
transverse screws connecting the same; D are the fish-plates, and d the screws con-
necting the same.
2
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent and of
an Order of the Lord Chancellor filed by the said Hermann August Haarmann
in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 6th June 1878.
"IM-
HERMANN AUGUST HAARMANN, of Osnabrück, in the Empire of Germany.
PROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT
OF APPARATUS FOR LAYING, FIXING, AND SECURING RAILS FOR RAILWAYS."
My said Invention relates to certain improvements in the method of and in
the construction and arrangement of apparatus for laying, fixing, and securing
"Vignolle" rails for railways, whereby great advantages in respect of strength,
durability and economy are obtained, the same being applicable to railways,
whether of broad or narrow guage.
Iron bearers formed of a peculiar shape, and having a broad base with sloping
sides, are placed longitudinally on the permanent way of the line, parallel to each
other, and at such a distance, as the guage of the line renders necessary. The
bearers are securely imbedded in the ballast or other material of which the
permanent way is constructed, such material being also carefully filled into thé
box-like space contained within the sloping sides of the bearers.
The longitudinal parallel bearers are respectively connected by means of trans-
verse iron sleepers which are secured to the longitudinal bearers by screws.
The rails are connected with and secured to the longitudinal bearers by means of
cramps or clips which are arranged at suitable distances. The upper ends of the
cramps or clips are curved or bent, so as to clip over the inclined bases of the rails
which rest on the longitudinal bearers, and are connected by means of transverse screw's
by which they can be tightened, thus effecting a firm pressure on the longitudinal
bearers. The respective ends of the rails are connected by means of fish-plates in
the ordinary way, and also by transverse connecting bars. By tightening the screws

page_text: by which the cramps or clips are connected and thus obtaining a firm pressure of
the several parts before referred to, such parts are secured in perfect connection and
combination with each other, and the disengagement or loosening thereof pre-
vented.
It may be mentioned that the longitudinal bearers are bent for all necessary
curves of the line by the well-known means and machinery. The rails are, by pre-
ference, formed of Bessemer steel.
In the annexed Drawing, Figure 1 is a side view (partly in section) shewing. a
longitudinal bearer, the rails and fish-plates and transverse sleepers.
Fig. 2 is a transverse section shewing a longitudinal bearer, the rail, fish plates,
and the cramps or clips; Fig. 3 is a plan view, and Figure 4 is a transverse
section of the latter.
The same letters of reference indicate similar parts in the several Figures.
A is the iron bearer; B, the transverse sleepers; C, the cramps or clips, and c the
transverse screws connecting the same; D are the fish-plates, and d the screws con-
necting the same.
Having thus declared and ascertained the nature of my said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, I would observe in conclusion that what
I consider novel and original and therefore claim as constituting the Invention
secured to me by the said herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, are the im-
provements in the method of and in the construction and arrangement of apparatus
for laying, fixing, and securing rails for railways, substantially as herein-before
described and set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Hermann August Haarmann have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
HERMANN AUGUST HAARMANN. (L.S.)