IMPROVEMENTS IN LAYING OUT AND CARRYING LINES OF TRACK IN RAILWAY OR TRAMWAY SYSTEMS AROUND CURVES AND CHANGES OF DIRECTION IN THE LINE, AND FOR OPERATING ENDLESS CABLE RAILWAYS OR TRAMWAYS AROUND CURVES AND CORNERS
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Aiken Haman, of the City and County of San Francisco,
State of California, one of the United States of America, Gentleman, for an
Invention of " IMPROVEMENTS IN LAYING OUT AND CARRYING LINES OF
TRACK IN RAILWAY OR TRAMWAY SYSTEMS AROUND CURVES AND CHANGES
OF DIRECTION IN THE LINE, AND FOR OPERATING ENDLESS CABLE RAILWAYS
OR TRAMWAYS AROUND CURVES AND CORNERS
-
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Aiken Haman at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th March 1883.
"
AIKEN HAMAN, of the City and County of San Francisco, State of California,
one of the United States of America, Gentleman, IMPROVEMENTS IN LAYING
OUT AND CARRYING LINES OF TRACK IN RAILWAY OR TRAMWAY SYSTEMS AROUND
CURVES AND CHANGES OF DIRECTION IN THE LINE, AND FOR OPERATING ENDLESS
CABLE RAILWAYS OR TRAMWAYS AROUND CURVES AND CORNERS
دو
My invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in laying out and
constructing curves in lines of railway track which curves are changes in the line
of track for taking the roadway around corners, and in directions at an angle with
the main or principal part of the roadway; and my said invention includes first,
a novel construction and application of my improved curve to railway tracks on
steam and other lines and systems, where motors of various kinds and principles
are employed as propelling agents, and Secondly, it includes a novel application of
the said improvements to those lines and systems commonly known as the "Endless
Cable Traction Railway" systems, wherein the propelling agent is an endless cable,
traveling in an underground slotted tube and deriving motion from a stationary
engine at some point in the length of the roadway.
This part of my said invention embraces also a novel mode of handling and
controlling the endless cable around curves in the roadway, by means of which,
and the arrangement and combination therewith of my said improved curve the
carriages in such an endless cable road can be carried around curves and corners

page_text: by means of the propelling cable itself, and without the necessity of employing
an auxiliary cable or other separate motive agency to take the carriages around
the curve.
The first part of my said invention consists therefore in constructing and
laying out a curved portion of railway track whereby a considerable curve or
angular change in direction of the road is to be made, by joining the curved
portion of the track or railway to the straight portion by au outward bend or
reverse curve, which being a continuation for a small distance of the straight track
in a direction contrary to that to be produced by the curve, is carried into the end
of the curved track in a smooth continuous manner.
The second part of my said invention consists in laying out and constructing
curves and bends in the roadway of endless cable traction roads with an outward
bend or reverse curve to join the straight portions of the line to the curved, and
in applying the same principle of curve to the slot or continuous aperture in the
roadway between the rails, which slot is traversed by the gripping device that
connects the carriage with the endless propelling cable. This part of my invention
embraces an arrangement and combination of cable carrying sheaves, and a fixed
curved guide rail in the cable tube to form a guide for the gripping device, traveling
in the tube and connecting with the carriage above through the tube slot.
The object sought to be obtained by this improved mode of laying out and
constructing curves in lines of railway track is to overcome or greatly reduce the
outward or tangential throw and movement of a railway carriage, at the point
where its direction changes from a straight line, whereby the transition from the
momentum gained by the carriage on the straight track, into a movement into a
curved path is rendered less abrupt, and short or sharp curves can be safely turned.
In proceeding to apply my said invention to the endless cable system of
propulsion, I first carry both straight portions of the road to such points that,
joined together by a segment of a circle, would give a curved track of sufficient
degree of curvature or radius, to permit a carriage, or train of carriages, to turn
in a practical manner. With the radius thus given I lay out a curved portion of
track exactly midway between the terminals of the two straight portions, and
also place this curve somewhat further out beyond the position it would otherwise
have, or so that the straight portions of the track at both ends, if produced to
meet the curve, shall not be tangent to it; but shall fall inside the curve.
In this gap or interval then existing between the terminals of the straight track,
and its curve, I then proceed to lay out an outward curve to join the terminal of
the straight to the end of the curve, and this reverse curve I apply at each end of
the curved track. Both rails of the track are laid out in this manner. The radii
or measurements of the inner rail being properly reduced-of course, to bring
both rails parallel at all points
A track for my improved cable roadway has a slot laid out in the same manner
as the above mentioned curved track, and below the surface of the roadway it has
a curved, stationary guide rail fixed in place beneath and some what. back, or inside,
of the curve of the slot-opening in the roadway.
Immediately under this curved guide rail, a number of large sheaves, or pulleys,
with broad flat faces are placed, in such position, with relation to the slot-opening,
that they support the propelling cable, as closely as practicable to the line of the
slot, without being in the direct path of the gripping device.
The lower flange, of these sheaves is extended under the cable, and being below
the line of travel of the gripping device, or the end of the shank, it can be large
enough to project under the cable, and engage with the cable at all times. The
upper flange is practically removed, or a very small one is used in order that the
working surface of the guide rail, may be brought as near as practicable to the
face of the sheave, without interfering with the run of the cable or wearing against
it. I prefer to form the guide rail, with a drooping flange, as I am thereby
enabled to bring the vertical bearing face of the rail very close to the cable, when
running upon the sheaves and also as nearly as possible behind, or horizontally

page_text: in line with the cable when it is in the grasp of the gripping device, at which
time, the cable is raised from the sheaves and drawn upward and outward by
the grip.
Whether this guide rail, has this depending flange, or whether it is simply a
flat rail, the vertical convex guiding edge should be brought forward sufficiently to
receive traction rollers, provided on the back of the gripping device.*
Small horizontal broad-face sheaves or flanged rollers, are placed at intervals to
receive and carry the cable, between the large sheaves.. The top of these rollers
and the lower flanges of the sheaves are about on the same horizontal line, and
they are broad enough to support the cable in its travel, between the two extremes
of taut and slack cable.
In connection with the cable controlling mechanism, I may use a grip com,
posed of two hinged jaws opening outwardly and adapted to take the cable from.
above, by being lowered down over it, while in an opened condition.
But my improvements are applicable to all formis and characters of gripping
devices now employed on these cable railways
On the back of the aforesaid gripping device I fix one or more small traction
rollers, on vertical axes
If one is used I place it in the middle of the jaw or back plate of the grip, so
that it is directly in line with the point in the grip where the cable is seized and
held by the clamps, and if two rollers are employed, I place them at, or near the
outer ends.
These rollers engage with, and travel on the fixed guide rail and their office is to
counteract the lateral strain upon the the gripping device, produced by the tension
of the cable and its tendency to return to its position against the sheaves.
By their use the shank of the gripping device maintains a vertical position and
traverses the slot in the track without binding or rubbing.
To apply these traction rollers I provide a flanged block or bracket with
bearings for a roller and by means of screws or bolts this block is secured to the
back of the grip.
Where a line of roadway has several turns or Curves in Contrary dirctions, the
gripping device will be provided with long bearing rollers, upon both sides.
J

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Aiken Haman in the Great Seal Patent Office
10th September 1883.
on the
AIKEN HAMAN, of the City and County of San Francisco, State of California,
one of the United States of America, Gentleman, " IMPROVEMENTS IN LAYING
OUT AND CARRYING LINES OF TRACK IN RAILWAY OR TRAMWAY SYSTEMS AROUND
CURVES AND CHANGES OF DIRECTION IN THE LINE AND FOR OPERATING ENDLESS
CABLE RAILWAYS OR TRAMWAYS AROUND CURVES AND CORNERS
"
My invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in laying out and
constructing curves in lines of railway track, which curves are changes in the line
of track for taking the roadway around corners, and in directions at an angle with
the main or principal part of the roadway; and my said invention includes first, a
novel construction and application of my improved curve to railway tracks on
steam and other lines and systems, where motors of various kinds and principles
are employed as propelling agents, and Secondly, it includes a novel application of
the said improvements to those lines and systems commonly called the "Endless
Cable Traction Railway" systems, wherein the propelling agent is an endless cable,
traveling in an underground slotted tube and, deriving motion from a stationary
engine at some point in the length of the roadway.
This part of my said invention embraces also a novel mode of handling and
controlling the endless cable around curves in the roadway, by means of which,
and the arrangement and combination therewith of my said improved curve the
carriages in such an endless cable road can be carried around curves and corners,
by means of the propelling cable itself, and without the necessity of employing an
auxiliary cable or other separate motive agency to take the carriages around the
curve.
The first part of my said invention consists therefor in constructing and laying
out a curved portion of railway track whereby a considerable curve or angular
change in direction of the road is to be made, by joining the curved portion of the
track or railway to the straight portion by an outward bend or reverse curve,
which being a continuation for a small distance of the straight track in a direction
contrary to that to be produced by the curve, is carried into the end of the curved
track in a smooth continuous manner.
The second part of my said invention consists in laying out and constructing
curves and bends in the roadway of endless cable traction roads with an outward
bend or reverse curve to join the straight portions of the line to the curved, and
in applying the same principle of curve to the slot or continuous aperture in the
roadway between the rails, which slot is traversed by the gripping device that
connects the carriage with the endless propelling cable. This part of my invention,
embraces an arrangement and combination of cable carrying sheaves, and a fixed
curved guide rail in the cable tube to form a guide for the gripping device,
traveling in the tube and connecting with the carriage above through the
tube slot.
The object sought to be attained by this improved mode of laying out and
constructing curves in lines of railway track is to overcome or greatly reduce the
outward or tangential throw and movement of a railway carriage, at the point
where its direction changes from a straight line, whereby the transition from the
momentum gained by the carriage on the straight track, into a movement into a
curved path is rendered less abrupt, and short or sharp curves can be safely
turned,.
In the accompanying drawings herein referred to by Figures and Letters;

page_text: Figure 1-illustrates the application of my said improvements to a portion of
roadway of an endless cable railway, where a bend in the road is made to carry
it around a corner.
Figure 2.-is a vertical cross section taken through the roadway, cable-carrying
tube, and one of the cable carrying sheaves. This view illustrates also, the
application and arrangement of the mechanism by which the gripping device is
guided and controlled in its passage around the curve
Figure 3—is a plan or top view of a portion of the fixed guide rail, and a portion
of one of the cable carrying sheaves, showing the relative positions of the cable,
the gripping device, and the guide rail, at this point in the curve.
Figure 4-illustrates my improved curve, as applied to a line of tramway or
railway track, where the propelling agent may be a locomotive, dummy engine or
animals.
Figures 5, 6 and 7, are detail views showing the application and position of the
traction rollers on the back of the gripping device, figure 5, representing a single
central roller, figure 6, the use of two rollers; and figure 7 the device itself
detached from the back of the gripping jaw.
In proceeding. to apply my said invention to the endless cable system of pro-
pulsion, I first carry both straight portions of the road to such points that, joined
together by a segment of a circle, would give a curved track of sufficient degree of
curvature or radius, to permit a carriage, or train of carriages, to turn in a practical
manner. With the radius thus given I lay out a curved portion of track exactly
midway between the terminals of the two straight portions, and also place this
curve somewhat further out beyond the position it would otherwise have, or so that
the straight portions of the track at both ends, if produced to meet the curve,
shall not be tangent to it, but shall fall inside the curve.
In this gap or interval then existing between the terminals of the straight track,
I then proceed to lay out an outward curve to join the terminal of the straight to
the end of the curve, and this curve I apply at each end of the curved track.
Both rails of the track are laid out in this manner. The radii or measurements of
the inner rail being properly reduced of course, to bring both rails parallel at all
points.
In constructing a line of tramway or railway, after this manner, a curve or bend
in the line to turn an angle, will take the shape represented in Fig: 4 of the
drawing. Where A, A, are the straight rails, B, B, the curves, and, a b, a b, the
outward bends or reverse curves, to join together the terminals of the portions,
A, and B. The track for a cable roadway as represented in plan by fig: 1, has
the slot C, laid out in the same manner as the track, A. B. a. b. and below the
surface of the roadway it has a curved stationary guide-rail H. fixed in place
beneath and somewhat back or inside of the curve of the slot opening in the road-
way. Immediately under the curved guide rail a number of large sheaves D. or
pulleys, with broad flat faces, are placed, in such position with relation to the slot
opening that they support the propelling cable. E. as closely as practical to the
line of the slot, without being in the direct path of the gripping device. The
lower flange. D¹. of these sheaves is extended under the cable, and being below the
line of travel of the gripping device, on the end of the shank. G. it can be large
enough to project under the cable, and engage with the cable, at all times. The
upper flange is practically removed or a very small one is used in order that the
working surface of the guide rail. H. may be brought as near as practicable to the
face of the sheaves. D. without interfering with the run of the cable or wearing
against it. I prefer to form the guide rail. H. with a drooping flange. h. as shown
in sectional view fig. 2. as I am thereby enabled to bring the vertical bearing face
of the rail very close to the cable when running upon the sheaves. D. and also as
nearly as possible behind, or horizontally in line with the cable, when it is in the
grasp of the gripping device, at which time the cable is raised from the sheaves
and drawn upward and outward by the grip. This position will be understood by
reference to figs. 2 and 3. of the said drawing. Whether this guide rail H. has

page_text: this depending flange, or whether it is simply a flat rail; the vertical convex
guiding edge should be brought forward sufficiently to receive the traction rollers. g.
provided on the back of the gripping device. Small horizontal broad face sheaves,
or flanged rollers. d. d. are placed at intervals to receive and carry the cable
between the large sheaves. D. The top of these rollers and the lower flanges of
the sheaves. D. are about on the same horizontal line, and they are broad enough
to support the cable in its travel, between the two extremes of taut and slack
cable. The construction of grip represented in connection with the cable-
controlling mechanism, in figs. and 3. is of the kind composed of two hinged
jaws opening outwardly, and adapted to take the cable from above, by being
Jowered down over it, while in an opened condition.
But my improvements are applicable to all forms and characters of gripping
devices now employed on these cable railways. On the back of the gripping
device. G¹. I fix one or more small traction rollers. g. on vertical axes. If one is
used I place it in the middle of the jaw, or back plate of the grip, so that it is
directly in line with the point in the grip where the cable is seized and held by
the clamps, and if two rollers are employed, I place them at, or near the outer
ends.
Figures 5 and 6. of the said drawing illustrate these two modes of application.
These rollers engage with, and travel on the fixed guide rail. H. and their office
is to counteract the lateral strain upon the gripping device produced by the tension
of the cable and its tendency to return to its position against the sheaves. D. D.
By their use the shank. G. of the gripping device maintains a vertical position and
traverses the slot. E. in the track without binding or rubbing.
The advantages gained by the use of these cable-carrying sheaves, fixed guide-
rail, and traction rollers, are due to this particular arrangement and application of
the curved guide-rail and the sheaves, by which a fixed bearing surface is
provided, close to the run of the cable and as near as possible, in direct horizontal
position behind it. The compactness of this mechanism and the simplicity of its
parts, enables the invention to be placed in a small vault or excavation below the
track, and a very shallow tube or rope tunnel can be employed. To apply these
traction rollers. g. I provide a flanged block or bracket. I. with bearings. for a
roller as shown in fig. 7. of the said drawings, and by means of screws or bolts,
this block is secured to the back of the grip. Where a line of roadway has several
turns or curves in contrary directions the gripping device will be provided with the
long bearing rollers. g. g. upon both sides, as shown in fig. 2. of the said
drawings.
Having now described and ascertained the Nature of my said invention and in
what manner the same is or may be performed, what I Claim as secured to me by
the herein before in part recited Letters Patent is-
1 A railway curve or change in a roadway to carry cars around a bend or
change of direction in a road, consisting of a principal curve, following the
. general bend or direction to be taken, having its terminals joined to the
straight portions of the track at both ends by a reverse curve or outward
turn, substantially as herein described to operate as and for the purpose set.
forth.
2 In an endless cable traction railway, the combination with a curved portion of
the track and the slot, to give a change of direction or bend in the roadway,
of the principal curve. B. having its terniinals joined to and connected with
the straight portions of the track, and the slot at both ends by a reverse
curve or outward turn, a. b. substantially as herein described to operate as
and for the purpose set forth.
3 The combination with a curved track and gripper slot in an endless cable
traction railway of the fixed-curved guide rail. H. and cable carrying
sheaves. D. arranged with relation to the gripper, slot. substantially as
described for the purpose set forth.

page_text: The combination with the curved track and gripper slot, in an endless cable
traction railway, of the terminal reverse curves; the fixed curved rail, adapted
to present a guiding surface for the gripping device practically in line with
the run of the cable; and the cable carrying sheaves, substantially as
described to operate as set forth.
The block or bracket. I. adapted to be secured to the back of a gripping shank,
and having the bearing roller G. pivoted thereon, substantially as described
for the purpose set forth.
The combination and arrangement together of the cable carrying sheaves. D.
having projecting lower flange D'. the curved guide rail. H. the broad face
sheaves or rollers. d. and the traction roller, applied to the gripping device,
substantially as described and shown for the purpose set forth.
In Witness Whereof I the said Aiken Haman have hereunto set my hand
1 seal this Thirty first day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand cight
dred and eighty three.
AIKEN HAMAN (L.S.)