Improvements relating to Switches for Tramways.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Sept., 1898-Accepted, 4th Feb., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Switches for Tramways.
I, VICTOR DEMERBE, of Jemappes, in the Kingdom of Belgium, Ironmaster, 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 objects of this invention are to provide simple and efficient means for
automatically returning to a normal pósition the points which have been moved,
say, by the passing of a vehicle, and also to provide means for preventing the
accumulation of dirt at the points, and the invention consists in the means whereby
these objects may be carried into effect.
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a transverse section of a tramway
shewing one arrangement for carrying out my invention, Figure 2 being a plan
view of the same.
Figures 3 and 4 are similar views, showing a modification.
Figure 5 is a transverse section of one line shewing anofher modification.
Figure 6 is a plan view of a complete switch arrangement, according to my
invention.
Figure 7 is a plan of a crossing, while Figure 8 shews, in elevation, partly in
section, an arrangement for arresting the flow of water, whether rain or other-
wise, which would be liable otherwise to wash mud and dirt onto the points.
The switches are composed of two points, A, B, and a crossing C (see Figures 6
and 7).
Each point consists of a strong cast iron frame, D, on which rest two rails,
say, what are now known as Demerbe rails, having a section as shewn, and a
strong movable point E.
Between the two points A and B, and connected therewith, is arranged a box F,
which contains the mechanism intended to effect the movement of the two
movable points E, according to the needs of the work.
These two points E are connected together by an adjustable rod G, to which
the operating mechanism is applied, as will now be described. The operating
mechanism may consist of a coiled spring, H, mounted on the rod G, and bearing
on the rod G to the right or the left, according to the position it is desired the
points shall normally assume. In Figure 1, the spring acts to the left against
the wedge or key J, which is inserted in the slot in the rod G.
By removing this wedge or key .J, and pushing the spring H
to the other side of the box, and then reinserting the wedge, the
spring will act to the right. By removing the wedge altogether, the two points
are no longer under the action of the springs, and they can then be worked by hand.
The box which connects the switches is provided with three movable covers,
K, K', K2, which permits of removing the points and their appliances in case of
accidents, without the necessity for dismounting completely the switch. The
box F is also provided with a syphon L, so that water may he got rid of, the
syphon being in connection with the sewer by the pipe L', or other means.

page_text: These switches are completed by a special arrangement placed in proximity
to the movable points E, and which has for its object to prevent rain water col-
lecting in large quantities at the points, and thus the points are preserved in a
state of great cleanliness, by arresting or stopping the sand and mud which comes
along with the water.
This special arrangement consists of an opening M made in the groove of each
rail D¹, in proximity to the points E, and on the side facing the point, and from
which the water is likely to come along the rails.
Below these openings is a cast iron box N, which receives and conducts the
water to the sewer, or to the syphon L of the box F.
In the modification shewn at Figures 3 and 4, the coiled spring, which is liable
to become limp, and must be renewed from time to time, is replaced by an arrange-
ment of counter-weights.
This arrangement consists of a horizontal axle 0, the trunnions of which rest
in bearings on the walls of the central box F. This axle O carries a plate of
cast iron furnished with four levers or arms P, Q, R, S. The first lever or arm P
has, at its upper end, a fork P¹ intended to fit between two collars on, and to
operate the rod G, which connects the two points E.
The second lever Q, and the third R, are intended to receive the counter-
weights T on one side or the other, according to the position which it is desired
that the movable points shall normally occupy.
The fourth lever S is to be attached, in case of need, to the operating rod U
of a hand lever.
The two arrangements above described for automatically returning the two
movable points to their normal position, are equally applicable when the tram-
cars are light, or the flanges of the car wheels project only slightly; but when
the cars are heavy, as, for example, in the case of automobile electrical cars,
and when the flanges of the wheels of these cars are comparatively deep, the
box, with the rod and the springs or counterweights, may be dispensed with, and
they may be replaced by the special device shewn at Figure 5, which is very
simple, and perfectly fulfils its purpose..
This device consists of a block of steel Z, which is placed between the rail and
the point E, at the side of the pivot of the movable point, as shewn in the annexed
plan view, Figure 6. This block of steel Z has a pin 7, which enters a hole 7
in the cast iron base D of the switch, and is prevented from riding up by the
movable point E, which has a small notch or recess formed in its side, at the
bottom edge, to receive the small steel piece Z. The piece is placed on one side or
the other of the movable point, according to the requirements of service. The
point being thus rendered immovable at its pivot end, is, however, sufficiently
flexible at its free end, to yield or spring to the influence of the flanges of the car
wheels, as they pass over the switch, but the point will immediately reassume its
normal position by virtue of its natural elasticity.
The crossings are similarly made of Demerbe rails
portion of cast steel, which can be replaced when worn.
constructed, and laid upon cement, like the switches.
The switches, arranged and constructed as above described, prevent those dis-
agreeable shocks to the rolling stock which are caused by the old form of switch,
and reduce to the greatest possible extent the expense of maintenance.
X are the pieces of any convenient construction.
ހ
mounted upon a central
The whole is very solidly
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed; I declare that what
I claim is
1. The arrangement and construction of switches as herein shewn and de-
scribed, and for the purpose set forth.
2. In switches for railroad purposes, the arrangement of the boxes F, as shewn
and described.

page_text: 3. In switches for railroad purposes, the combination of movable points, an
adjustable rod connecting two points, and a coiled spring mounted on the rod, as
shewn and described, and for the purpose set forth.
4. In switches for railroad purposes, the combination of movable points, an
adjustable rod connecting two points, and an arrangement of levers and counter-
weights, as herein shewn and described, and for the purpose set forth.
5. In switches for railroad purposes, the arrangement of small piece or block Z,
as and for the purpose set forth.
6. In switches for railroad purposes the arrangement or means above described
for carrying off water, for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 22nd day of September 1898.