Improvements in Draw Gear and Buffing Apparatus for Railway Carriages and Wagons.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 6th June, 1899
Complete Specification Left, 5th Feb., 1900-Accepted, 17th Mar.; 1900
[Communicated from abroad by GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE, of Westinghouse Build-
ing, Pittsburgh, in the County of Allegheny, and State of Pennsylvania,
U.S.A., Engineer.]
Improvements in Draw Gear and Buffing Apparatus for Railway
Carriages and Wagons.
We, THE WESTINGHOUSE BRAKE COMPANY, LIMITED, of York Road, King's
Cross, in the County of London, Manufacturers, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows:-
Our invention relates to draw-gear and buffing apparatus, and its object is to
provide an apparatus in which initial or preliminary and minor stresses are
opposed by a resistance element having a corresponding reactive capacity, and
comparatively great stresses opposed by an independent resistance element which
is substantially without reactive effect and is exempt from action and wear during
the exertion of minor stresses such as are taken up by the first mentioned resist-
ance element.
The leading feature of this invention therefore consists in the combination of
two separate resistance elements for taking up stresses; the first or preliminary
element having a reactive effect, and the second or final element having substan-
tially no reactive effect. By this arrangement of apparatus the ordinary shocks
and jars which occur during the running of a train are taken up by a resistance
element which can be made very resilient as it is not required to withstand great
stresses, and heavy stresses and shocks which may occur in shunting operations
or from accident are taken up by another resistance element, which, having sub-
stantially no reactive capacity, will not be liable to cause oscillations of the
vehicles composing the train on the cessation of the stress.
In the accompanying drawings are shewn by way of example various forms of
draw-gear and buffing apparatus embodying this invention.
Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal central section.
Figure 2 a plan, and
Figure 3 an end view, partly sectional, looking from the left of Figure 1 of
one form.
Figures 4 and 5 are views similar to Figure 1 shewing two modifications, and
Figures 6, 7 and 8 are views similar to Figures 1, 2 and 3 respectively, illus-
trating another modification.
Like reference numerals denote similar parts throughout the drawings.
Referring now to Figures 1 to 3, 1 is a draw bar guided in the usual manner so
as to be capable of longitudinal movement, its outer end being provided with a
coupling head or buffer 2. The first or preliminary resistance element which is
intended to counteract minor stresses and to initially oppose all stresses is con-
stituted by springs 3 located between follower plates 4 and 5, surrounded by a
strap 6 secured to the draw bar. The follower plates move in suitable guides 7
secured to or formed on the frame plates 8, and stops 9 are formed in the guides

page_text: of the follower plates 4, 5. Said plates are caused to abut against the stops and
the draw bar and draught strap respectively by means of the small initial com-
pression existing in the springs 3.
It is clear that stresses which are less than that required to compress the
springs 3 to their utmost degree will be opposed by an equal reaction, in fact,
said springs will behave in every respect like an ordinary draw-bar or buffer
spring. Stresses which are greater than those which the springs 3 are adapted to
withstand are opposed by a secondary or final resistance element which is inde-
pendent of the first resistance element acting subsequently and supplementary
thereto. The secondary resistance element differs furthermore from the first in that
it has substantially no reactive capacity, opposing therefore merely a passive resist-
ance to the stress. In the form of our invention shewn in Figures 1 to 3, the
secondary resistance element consists of a hydrostatic pressure device which is
actuated by the traverse of the draw-bar 1 in either direction beyond a certain
limiting position. 10 is a reservoir supported by the frame plates 8 and enclosing
an open topped pressure cylinder 11, with the bottom of which it communicates
through a passage 12 having an upwardly opening valve 13. The reservoir is
supplied with liquid through an aperture at or near the bottom normally closed
by a screwed plug. 14 is a small channel in the wall of the pressure cylinder 11,
which enables the liquid in said cylinder when subjected to pressure to escape
very slowly into the reservoir. 15 is a plunger or piston adapted to slide in the
cvlinder 11, being supported by a spring 16 by which it is caused to bear against
an actuating lever 17. 22 is a passage through the piston by means of which
trapped air can escape when said piston is forced downward." The horizontal
arms 18 of the lever 17 bear on pivot pins 19 secured in standards 20 projecting
above the ton of the reservoir 10, and the upper end of the lever normally stands
centrally in a slot 21 formed in an extension of the inner end of the draught
strap 6. The length of the slot 21 is sufficiently greater than the width of the
upper end of the lever 17 to admit of the outward and inward movements of the
draw bar under minor stresses without bringing the extension of the draught strap
into contact with the lever 17.
The operation of the apparatus is as follows:-
Longitudinal movement of the draw bar 1 due to buffing or draught stresses is
initially opposed by the springs 3 which constitute the first resistance element,
and as long as these stresses do not exceed the maximum stress which it is
intended the first resistance element should oppose, this is the only part of the
apparatus affected. When, however, the stresses exceed the maximum above
mentioned, the extension of the draught strap 6 will operate the lever 17, caus-
ing it to turn on one of the pivots 19 and press down the plunger 15. The down-
ward movement of said plunger will compress the spring 16 and expel the liquid
from the cylinder 11 through the passage 14 into the reservoir 10. On the cessa-
tion of the stress the spring 16 serves to return the parts of the secondary resist-
ance element to their normal position, but the second resistance element exerts
no substantial reactive effect as will readily be understood, since the liquid from
the reservoir merely flows into the cylinder on the rise of the plunger through the
passage 12, the valve 13 opening automatically. The springs 3 will at the same
time return the draw-bar and its accessories to their normal position shewn in
Figures 1 and 2.
The operation of the mechanism is the same whether it is subjected to either a
buffing or a draught stress, except that in one case the draw bar moves inwards and
in the other case it moves outwards, and in the operation of the second resistance
element the lever 17 will turn on one of its pivots in one case and on its other
pivot in the other case.
Referring now to Figure 4, the spring 16 is adapted to perform the function of
the first resistance element, the springs 3 being dispensed with. The construction
of the second resistance element is substantially the same as previously described
with reference to Figures 1 to 3, the lever 17 being connected by a link or pair

page_text: of links 23. In order to ensure that the spring 16 shall act alone in resisting
minor stresses, a large release port 24 is provided in the wall of the cylinder 11
through which the liquid can flow very easily from said cylinder 11 into the
reservoir 10; said release port 24 is, however, so located at such a place in the
cylinder wall that when the stress has become so great as to render it desirable
to supplement the action of the spring 16, said port will be covered by the
plunger and the liquid be expelled through the narrow channel 14, thereby caus-
ing an additional resistance to oppose the descent of the plunger. On the cessa-
tion of the stress, the spring 16 acts to return all the parts to their initial posi-
tion and liquid from the reservoir will raise the check valve and re-enter the
cylinder in accordance with the upward movement of the piston.
Figures 5 to 8 illustrate modifications of our invention in which the second
resistance element is constituted by a frictional resistance device, the first resist-
ance element being constituted by a spring as in the form shewn in Figures 1 to 3.
Referring particularly to Figure 5, the construction and operation of the parts
as far as the preliminary or first resistance element and the actuation of the
lever 17 is concerned, are similar to that herein before described. The frictional
resistance device constituting the second resistance element comprises a pair of
friction blocks 25 and 26, and a spring 27 by means of which said blocks are
normally held in contact with wedges 28, 29, the upper one 29 of which supports
the lower end of the actuating lever 17. 30 are guides for the upper block 29,
and 31 is a strap enclosing the spring 27 and blocks 25 and 26.
The operation of this construction under minor stresses is the same as that
hereinabove described for the construction shewn in Figures 1 to 3, and as under
such stresses the lever 17 is not moved, the frictional resistance forming the second
or final resistance element is inoperative. When, however, the lever 17 is
rocked on either of its pivots 19 by the movement of the draw-bar 1 due to com-
paratively large stresses, the wedge block 29 will be forced downward thereby
separating the blocks 25 and 26, and frictional resistance will occur between the
faces of said blocks and the corresponding faces of the wedge blocks 28, 29. The
spring 27 will be somewhat compressed during this operation, but such compres-
sion merely reacts to restore the parts to their normal position when the pressure
of the lever 17 on the block 29 is relieved; the resistance of the second resistance
element is substantially that due to the friction of the various sliding surfaces
which has no reactive effect.
Referring now to Figures 6 to 8, the frictional device forming the second
resistance element is enclosed within the draught strap 6, the wedge block 29
replacing the follower plate 4 of the constructions shewn in Figures 1 to 3 and 5.
The plane of separation between the blocks 25, 20 is in this case horizontal, the
axis of the spring 27 being vertical. Said spring 27 is supported in a stirrup 31
through a slot 32 in which the strap 6 passes, said slot being of sufficient vertical
depth to permit of the separation of the blocks 25, 26 when the wedge
blocks 28, 29 are caused to approach each other.
The operation of the arrangement is substantially the same as that of the con-
struction shewn in Figure 5. The resistance due to friction of the wedge blocks 28
and 29 with the blocks 25 and 26 coupled with that due to compression of the
spring 27 being greater than the resistance of the spring 3 to compressive stress,
under minor stresses the friction device will move with the draught strap 6 as a
whole and said stresses be opposed merely by the compression of the springs 3
constituting the first resistance element. When, however, the stress exceeds the
maximum which the spring 3 is intended to oppose, the inner ends of the follower
plates 5 and 29 will come in contact and the wedge blocks 28 and 29 be caused to
approach each other, with the result. that frictional resistance will be set up, and
the spring 27 will be compressed; on the cessation of the stress the spring 27 acts
to return the parts to their normal position. .
We have herein described specific constructions and embodiments of our inven-
tion, but we wish it to be understood that we are not restricted to these precise

page_text: forms shewn, the essential feature of our invention consisting in the provision of
two resistance elements, whereof one is adapted to resist minor stresses being con-
stituted by any device suitable for the purpose, such as the spiral springs shewn
by way of example. These springs may further be replaced by others having
similar characteristics in that they oppose a corresponding reaction when subjected
to stress; the second resistance element for opposing comparatively large stresses
may be constituted by any device having substantially no reactive capacity, such
as, for example, the hydrostatic pressure devices or the frictional devices herein-
above described. The invention is not, however, restricted to the employment of
these devices as secondary resistance elements.
W. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
322, High Holborn, London, W.C.,
Patent Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Draw Gear and Buffing Apparatus for Railway
Carriages and Wagons.
We, THE WESTINGHOUSE BRAKE COMPANY, LIMITED, of York Road, King's
Cross, in the County of London, Manufacturers, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
Our invention relates to draw-gear and buffing apparatus, and its object is to
provide an apparatus in which initial or preliminary and minor stresses are
opposed by a resistance element having a corresponding reactive capacity, and
comparatively great stresses opposed by an independent resistance element which
is substantially without reactive effect and is exempt from action and wear during
the exertion of minor stresses such as are taken up by the first mentioned resist-
ance element.
The leading feature of this invention therefore consists in the combination of
two separate resistance elements for taking up stresses; the first or preliminary
element having a reactive effect, and the second or final element having substan-
tially no reactive effect. By this arrangement of apparatus the ordinary shocks
and jars which occur during the running of a train are taken up by a resistance
element which can be made very resilient as it is not required to withstand great
stresses, and heavy stresses and shocks which may occur in shunting operations
or from accident are taken up by another resistance element, which, having sub-
stantially no reactive capacity, will not be liable to cause oscillations of the
vehicles composing the train on the cessation of the stress.
In the accompanying drawings are shewn by way of example various forms of
draw-gear and buffing apparatus embodying this invention.
Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal central section.
Figure 2 a plan, and
Figure 3 an end view, partly sectional, looking from the left of Figure 1 of
one form.
Figures 4 and 5 are views similar to Figure 1 shewing two modifications, and
Figures 6, 7 and 8 are views similar to Figures 1, 2 and 3 respectively, illus-
trating another modification.
Like reference numerals denote similar parts throughout the drawings.
Referring now to Figures 1 to 3, 1 is a draw bar guided in the usual manner so

page_text: as to be capable of longitudinal movement, its outer end being provided with a
coupling head or buffer 2. The first or preliminary resistance element which is
intended to counteract minor stresses and to initially oppose all stresses is con-
stituted by springs 3 located between follower plates 4 and 5, surrounded by a
strap secured to the draw bar. The follower plates move in suitable guides 7
secured to or formed on the frame plates S, and stops 9 are formed in the guides
of the follower plates 4, 5. Said plates are caused to abut against the stops and
the draw bar and draught strap respectively by means of the small initial com-
pression existing in the springs 3.
It is clear that stresses which are less than that required to compress the
springs 3 to their utmost degree will be opposed by an equal reaction, in fact,
said springs will behave in every respect. like an ordinary draw-bar or buffer
spring. Stresses which are greater than those which the springs 3 are adapted to
withstand are opposed by a secondary or final resistance element which is inde-
pendent of the first resistance element acting subsequently and supplementary
thereto. The secondary resistance element differs furthermore from the first in that
it has substantially no reactive capacity, opposing therefore merely a passive resist-
ance to the stress. In the form of our invention shewn in Figures 1 to 3, the
secondary resistance element consists of a hydrostatic pressure device which is
actuated by the traverse of the draw-bar 1 in either direction beyond a certain
limiting position. 10 is a reservoir supported by the frame plates 8 and enclosing
an open topped pressure cylinder 11, with the bottom of which it communicates
through a passage 12 having an upwardly opening valve 13. The reservoir is
supplied with liquid through an aperture at or near the bottom normally closed
by a screwed plug. 14 is a small channel in the wall of the pressure cylinder 11,
which enables the liquid in said cylinder when subjected to pressure to escape
very slowly into the reservoir. 15 is a plunger or piston adapted to slide in the
cylinder 11, being supported by a spring 16 by which it is caused to bear against
an actuating lever li. 22 is a passage through the piston by means of which
trapped air can escape when said piston is forced downward." The horizontal
arms 18 of the lever 17 bear on pivot pins 19 secured in standards 20 projecting
above the top of the reservoir 10, and the upper end of the lever normally stands
centrally in a slot 21 formed in an extension of the inner end of the draught
strap 6. The length of the slot 21 is sufficiently greater than the width of the
upper end of the lever 17 to admit of the outward and inward movements of the
draw bar under minor stresses without bringing the extension of the draught strap
into contact with the lever 17.
The operation of the apparatus is as follows:-
Longitudinal movement of the draw bar 1 due to buffing or draught stresses is
initially opposed by the springs 3 which constitute the first resistance element,
and as long as these stresses do not exceed the maximum stress which it is
intended the first resistance element should oppose, this is the only part of the
apparatus affected. When, however, the stresses exceed the maximum above
mentioned, the extension of the draught strap 6 will operate the lever 17, caus-
ing it to turn on one of the pivots 19 and press down the plunger 15. The down-
ward movement of said plunger will compress the spring 16 and expel the liquid
from the cylinder 11 through the passage 14 into the reservoir 10. On the cessa-
tion of the stress the spring 16 serves to return the parts of the secondary resist-
ance element to their normal position, but the second resistance element exerts
no substantial reactive effect as will readily be understood, since the liquid from
the reservoir merely flows into the cylinder on the rise of the plunger through the
passage 12, the valve 13 opening automatically. The springs 3 will at the same
time return the draw-bar and its accessories to their normal position shewn in
Figures 1 and 2.
The operation of the mechanism is the same whether it is subjected to either a
buffing or a draught stress, except that in one case the draw bar moves inwards and
in the other case it moves outwards, and in the operation of the second resistance

page_text: element the lever 17 will turn on one of its pivots in one case and on its other
pivot in the other case.
Referring now to Figure 4, the spring 16 is adapted to perform the function of
the first resistance element, the springs 3 being dispensed with. The construct.on
of the second resistance element is substantially the same as previously described
with reference to Figures 1 to 3, the lever 17 being connected by a link or pair
of links 23. In order to ensure that the spring 16 shall act alone in resisting
minor stresses, a large release port 24 is provided in the wall of the cylinder 11
through which the liquid can flow very easily from said cylinder 11 into the
reservoir 10; said release port 24 is, however, so located at such a place in the
cylinder wall that when the. stress has become so great as to render it desirable
to supplement the action of the spring 16, said port will be covered by the
plunger and the liquid be expelled through the narrow channel 14, thereby caus-
ing an additional resistance to oppose the descent of the plunger. On the cessa-
tion of the stress, the spring 16 acts to return all the parts to their initial posi-
tion and liquid from the reservoir will raise the check valve and re-enter the
cylinder in accordance with the upward movement of the piston.
Figures 5 to 8 illustrate modifications of our invention in which the second
resistance element is constituted by a frictional resistance device, the first resist-
ance element being constituted by a spring as in the form shewn in Figures 1 to 3.
Referring particularly to Figure 5, the construction and operation of the parts
as far as the preliminary or first resistance element and the actuation of the
lever 17 is concerned, are similar to that herein before described. The frictional
resistance device constituting the second resistance element comprises a pair of
friction blocks 25 and 26, and a spring 27 by means of which said blocks are
normally held in contact with wedges 28, 29, the upper one 29 of which supports
the lower end of the actuating lever 17. 30 are guides for the upper block 29,
and 31 is a strap enclosing the spring 27 and blocks 25 and 26.
The operation of this construction under minor stresses is the same as that
hereinabove described for the construction shewn in Figures 1 to 3, and as under
such stresses the lever 17 is not moved, the frictional resistance forming the second
or final resistance element is inoperative. When, however, the lever 17 is
rocked on either of its pivots 19 by the movement of the draw-bar 1 due to com-
paratively large stresses, the wedge block 29 will be forced downward thereby
separating the blocks 25 and 26, and frictional resistance will occur between the
faces of said blocks and the corresponding faces of the wedge blocks 28, 29. The
spring 27 will be somewhat compressed during this operation, but such compres-
sion merely reacts to restore the parts to their normal position when the pressure
of the lever 17 on the block 29 is relieved; the resistance of the second resistance
element is substantially that due to the friction of the various sliding surfaces
which has no reactive effect.
Referring now to Figures 6 to 8, the frictional device forming the second
resistance element is enclosed within the draught strap 6, the wedge block 29
replacing the follower plate 4 of the constructions shewn in Figures 1 to 3 and 5.
The plane of separation between the blocks 25, 26 is in this case horizontal, the
axis of the spring 27 being vertical. Said spring 27 is supported in a stirrup 31
through a slot 32 in which the strap 6 passes, said slot being of sufficient vertical
depth to permit of the separation of the blocks 25, 26 when the wedge
blocks 28, 29 are caused to approach each other.
The operation of the arrangement is substantially the same as that of the con-
struction shewn in Figure 5. The resistance due to friction of the wedge blocks 28
and 29 with the blocks 25 and 26 coupled with that due to compression of the
spring 27 bein greater than the resistance of the spring 3 to compressive stress,
under minor stresses the friction device will move with the draught strap 6 as a
whole and said stresses be opposed merely by the compression of the springs 3
constituting the first resistance element. When, however, the stress exceeds the
maximum which the spring 3 is intended to oppose, the inner ends of the follower

page_text: plates 5 and 29 will come in contact and the wedge blocks 28 and 29 be caused to
approach each other, with the result that frictional resistance will be set up, and
the spring 27 will be compressed; on the cessation of the stress the spring 27 acts
to return the parts to their normal position.
We have herein described specific constructions and embodiments of our inven-
tion, but we wish it to be understood that we are not restricted to these precise
forms shewn, the essential feature of our invention consisting in the provision of
two resistance elements, whereof one is adapted to resist minor stresses being con-
stituted by any device suitable for the purpose, such as the spiral springs shewn.
by way of example. These springs may further be replaced by others having
similar characteristics in that they oppose a corresponding reaction when subjected
to stress; the second resistance element for opposing comparatively large stresses
may be constituted by any device having substantially no reactive capacity, such
as, for example, the hydrostatic pressure devices or the frictional devices herein-
above described. The invention is not, however, restricted to the employment of
these devices as secondary resistance elements.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is:
1. A draw gear or buffing apparatus in which is provided a preliminary resist-
ance.element having reactive capacity, and a secondary or final resistance element
which is substantially without reactive capacity, and which is adapted to exert its
action independently of and supplementary to that of the preliminary resistance
element, for the purpose specified.
2. The various improvements in draw gear and buffing apparatus, substantially
as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Dated the 5th day of February 1900
W. P. THOMPSON & Co..
Of London, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham.
W. P. THOMPSON & Co..
Of London, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham.