Improvements in Automatic Railway Couplings.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 1st May, 1899-Accepted, 29th July, 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Automatic Railway Couplings.
We, HERMANN DOBBERTHIN. of Parey o/E.. in the Empire of Germany,
Master Painter, and WILDELM SCHIERING, of Gusen, near Magdeburg, in the
Empire of Germany, Railway Engineer, 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:—
The subject of the present invention is an automatic coupling, which admits
of the carriages being coupled and uncoupled quickly, and obviates the
numerous accidents which take place through the shunters or others being
crushed between the buffers, or being run over in case of the locomotive engine
starting too soon, through the uncoupling being performable from either side
of the vehicle.
This new arrangement is distinguished by its security of action when round-
ing curves, or in the case of varying loads, and by simplicity and cheapness of
manufacture, and the arrangement is so adapted that it can be attached to the
existing draught hooks of the carriages, in a simple manner, and can hang
down when running against terminal buffers.
The subject of the invention under notice is represented on the annexed
drawing.
Figure 1 shews a plan of the arrangement, coupled.
Figure 2 shows a side view of the same. And
Figure shows the coupling when disconnected.
The fork 2 embracing the drawing block of the carriages is connected with
the latter (1) by means of a bolt 3; and in its backward part it is provided with
eyes for receiving the main bolt 4, and an upright bolt 5. The main bolt 4,
and the upright bolt 5, are both joined together by the flat links 6 and 7. 8.
and 9. The links 6 and 8 and 7 and 9 which respectively correspond with
each other, are also joined to each other respectively.—the former (and S)
by the upright bolt 10 and the latter (7 and 9) by pin 11-the latter at the same
time serving as the fulcrum pin for the book 12, which is arranged as a two
armed lever. The shorter arm of the lever receives a bolt 18, which, on the one
part. transfers the motion communicated to it by the lever 14, which furns on
the main bolt, by means of jointed intermediate links to Spring 15, which
forces it back into its original position, at the same time unhooking hook 12;
and, on the other hand, transfers that motion also to a bar 16, which, in its turn,
forces hook 17 of the other carriage out of its hooked position.
In order that the attendani may not have to wait until the engine starts.
lever 14 is maintained in its position by means of a strong flat steel spring IS
provided with a raised part, and suitably placed.
The fact that the coupling or uncoupling may be performed in spite of the
spring borne body being unequally laden, has also been taken into account, by
means of the first bolt 10 being arranged so high up that it will correspond
to such differences in the loading: and in consequence of this arrangement, any

page_text: oscillations of the carriage on the rounding of curves; do not interfere with the
safe and certain action of the coupling.
In order to prevent the half-compling from turning upwards or downwards
round the pin, the fork 2 is perforated at the part opposite the crook of the
hook, and through that perforation passes a bolt 19, which at the same time
passes through a band 20 which embraces the fork and the corresponding part of
the hook on the under side, and may be secured by means of a cotter pin. The
removal of bolt 19 will cause the corresponding half-coupling to hang down;
which is necessary when running against terminal buffers, or when using the
couplings hitherto in use.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is
1. An automatic railway coupling comprising a hook adapted to strike against
an upright bolt (10, 10) when the earringes are pushed together; and a lever (14)
connected with said hook by which the hooks are forced out of engagement
with the said upright bolt: substantially as set forth.
2. In an antematic coupling of the character herein referred to, an engaging
or disengaging hook (12) in the form of a two-armed lever: jointed intermediate
links a spring (15): a bar (16) hinged upon a main bolt più (4), and connected
with said hook, and adapted to act as described.
3. In an automatic railway coupling, the arrangement of coupling hooks and
engaging bolts or pins, supported by links from the draw bar or hook of the
vehicle, and springs adapted to net in connection with said hooks and parts:
substantially as herein set forth.
4. In an automatic coupling of the character herein referred to, an operating
lever (14) connected with and adapted to actuate the coupling hooks; and a
spring (18) adapted to act in connection with the said lever so as to enable the
vehicles to separate; substantially as set forth.
5. An automatic coupling of the character herein specified, combined and
arranged in connection with a coupling hook (1) of the vehicle: held horizontally
in position as described; and adapted to be swung down, and hang out of the
way of said hook when not being used; substantially as set forth.
6. The automatic coupling, having parts arranged, combined, and adapted
to operate as set forth with reference to and shown in the drawings.
Dated this 29th day of April 1899.
HERMANN DÖBBERTILIN,
WILHELM SCHLERING.
By Cheesbrough & Royston,
Agents for the Applicants. 15. Water Street, Liverpool.