Improvements in Tramway and like Points.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Sept., 1899-Accepted, 21st Oct., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Tramway and like Points.
I, GERALD EUGENE MERCHANT, of Power's Hotel, Rochester, New York, United
States of America, Gentleman, 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: —
This invention relates to rails for trams, light trains and the like, and particu-
Jarly to single lines and to that part of the same known as points" which occur
at the junction of twin or branch rails, by means of which one tram or train
passes another.
The object of the invention is to provide a simple means for altering the points
automatically so that trains going in opposite directions can pass each other on
the-twin or branch rails without its being necessary to employ help to set the
points in their proper position.
For this purpose the V-piece of the point is made in the usual way, and the
broad end of the V is pivotted to a suitable base, so that the thin end is capable
of a slight lateral movement. The invention consists in fitting a rubber or other
elastic cushion or spring between one side of the V-piece and one of the rails in
such a way that the weight and force of a train going in one direction is
sufficiently strong to push back the V-piece by means of the leading wheel and
thus allow the tram wheel to run upon the proper rail, and when the tram has
passed, the elastic cushion will return the V-piece to the normal position.
The cushion preferably consists of a hollow piece of stout indiarubber secured
in position by any simple means.
I will now describe my invention with reference to the accompanying draw-
ings, in which
Fig. 1 shews a plan view of a form of point as heretofore used.
Fig. 2 shews a point constructed according to my invention.
Fig. 3 shews an enlarged sectional plan view of one form of the elastic cushion.
Fig. 4 shews a sectional elevation of the clastic cushion, and also shews a means
for fixing it in position.
Fig. 5 shews the elastic cushion partly compressed between the V-piece and
one of the rails which are shewn in dotted lines.
aa are the diverging rails and 6 is the V-piece at the junction. The wider end
of the V-piece is pivotted at 61 to permit its thin end to engage with either of the
rails aa e is the foundation plate of the whole junction piece. is the elastic
cushion preferably of circular section when uncompressed, and closed at the
top by a cover d' to keep out dust and dirt. e is a bolt which traverses the lower
end of the cushion and which is kept in place by pins el. From about the
centre of the bolt e there depends another bolt f which passes down and through
the foundation plate c. The lower end of the bolt f is screw threaded to receive
a nut and washer fif which, when screwed up against the lower face of the
foundation & will hold the cushion in position. Any other simple means of holding
the cushion in position may however be used.

page_text: It will thus be seen that as the tram or train approaches the point, the flange
of the wheels, will force the V-piece open thereby compressing the rubber
cushion. When the train has passed, the V-piece will be returned to its normal
position by the elasticity of the cushion. The form or composition of the spring
cushion may of course be varied, and more than one spring may be used if found
desirable.
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. An automatic means for adjusting the points on tram or other rails consist-
ing of a pivotted V-piece or point which is capable of lateral movement at its
thin end which movement compresses an elastic cushion or other spring held in
position by any simple means between the other side of the V-piece and the other
rail, thus allowing the tram or train to pass, the V-piece being returned to its
normal position by the subsequent expansion of the elastic cushion or spring
after the tram or train has passed, substantially as shewn and described.
2. An improved point for tram and other rails, consisting of the combination
of a pivotted V-piece or point, the elastic cushion or spring d, secured to a foun-
dation plate c or to any other suitable part with the usual diverging rails a a¹,
substantially as shewn and described.
Dated this 13th day of September 1899.
S. S. BROMHEAD,
Agent for Applicant, 33, Cannon Street, London, E.C.