IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PERMANENT WAY OF RAILWAYS
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in tlie
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
PERMANENT WAY OF RAILWAYS." A communication from abroad by Jules
Antoine Joseph Vautherin, of Paris, in the Republic of France.
KAWA
VI.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th October 1878.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,.
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PERMANENT WAY OF RAILWAYS." A com-
munication from abroad by Jules Antoine Joseph Vautherin, of Paris, in the
Republic of Franco.
This Invention relates to improvements in the permanent way constructed wholly
of metal, described in the Specification to Letters Patent granted to John Henry
Johnson, dated May 18th, 1876, No. 2093, and consists partly in preventing the:
longitudinal displacement of the rails and supports or sleepers in consequence of
the passage of trains, and also in simplifying the means employed for fastening and
wedging or tightening the rails upon the supports or sleepers.
These improvements relate to the arrangements in which the rails are laid upon
transverse sleepers, as well as to those in which the rails are laid upon longitudinal
sleepers.
In order to prevent the lateral displacement of the transverse sleepers a certain
proportion of them, by preference those situate near the emtremities of the rails,
are provided with a division or partition in the hollow underneath them, formed by
a flat plate with the two upper corners bent over at an angle corresponding to the
angle of the sides of the sleepers, and forming two lugs or projections, by which it
is rivetted to the said sleepers, this partition entors the ballast after the manner of
a knife, and offers resistance to the displacement.
A similar arrangement is adopted in the case of longitudinal sleepers in which.

page_text: the cross plate or partition performs the same function of preventing the, sleeper
from slipping.
When longitudinal sleepers are employed it is also necessary to provide means
for preventing the rail from slipping longitudinally upon the sleeper. For this
purpose a stop is provided at each extremity of the rail by bending over in rolling
the lower edge of one of the fish plates, so as to prolong it downwards and form a
flange over the foot of the rail. This flange extends to one of the projections
formed by the appliances for securing the rail upon the sleeper against which it
bears, in such a manner that the rail being rigidly attached to the fish plate is
retained in position upon the sleeper, and all liability to longitudinal motion is
prevented.
A similar arrangement is adopted when the rails are laid upon transverse
sleepers, the joint between two consecutive rails being placed between two
transverse sleepers laid' somewhat nearer together than the others (an arrangement
which is always preferable), and the lower edge or flange of the fish plate being
extended downwards for a sufficient distance to enable it to abut against the
transverse sleepers at each end, so as to prevent any longitudinal motion of the
rail in either direction.
When the line is required to bear a considerable amount of traffic the rails are
laid upon longitudinal sleepers supported on two transverse sleepers, and in lieu of
arranging the upper surface of the longitudinal sleepers at the same level as that of
the transverse sleepers, as described in the Specification to the said former Letters
Patent, the longitudinal sleeper is placed in this case upon the transverse sleeper, to
which it is secured by the means described in the said former Specification, and
each transverse sleeper is provided with a wcb or ridge formned by the process of
rolling, extending throughout its whole length, and against which the flanges of
both the longitudinal sleepers are caused to bear for the purpose of preventing them
from slipping lengthwise in either direction.
The fish joint is arranged between two transverse sleepers when this mode of
constructing the permanent way is adopted, and it should be observed that among
other advantages this arrangement possesses that of enabling curves to be laid with
facility when employing longitudinal sleepers, as the bearing surface afforded to
the flanges of the latter by the upper surfaces of the transverse sleepers is always
sufficient, and the latter admit of being inclined at any required angle.
In this case an interval being left between the ends of the longitudinal sleepers
between the transverse sleepers on each side of the fish joint, the flange of the fish
plate is extended downwards between the ends of the longitudinal sleepers against
which it bears.
•
This Invention also relates to the improvements next herein-after described in
the mode of fastening the rail to the longitudinal or transverse sleepers described
in the said former Specification.
When the line is laid on transverse sleepers the foot of the rail bears on one side
against a movable crescent-shaped clamp inserted in a suitable hole in the sleeper,
and on the other side against a rotating elastic key of hard steel inserted in a hole
of the peculiar form herein-after described.
The key consists of a piece of steel of half round or crescent section bent round
so as to nearly complete a ring or loop with the middle portion, while the ends or
branches of unequal length are not allowed to meet or cross each other, but are
turned back and caused to diverge slightly.
The longer branch only is passed through the peculiarly formed hole in the
sleeper herein-before referred to, underneath which the turned back or diverging
portion extends to a sufficient distance to enable it to find constant support
underneath the sleeper, whilst the other branch, which is made short for the
purpose, remains on a level with the upper surface of the sleeper.
In the arrangement described in the said former Specification the ends of the
elastic key formed prongs or branches, both of which being passed through the hole
in the sleeper rendered it necessary to make the hole elliptic in shape, thus forming

page_text: a hollow space on each side of the key, which admitted of a lateral play endangering
the firmness of the connection. Now by means of the improved key herein-before
described this disadvantage is obviated. The hole is circular, but does not form a
complete circle, it consisting of three quarters of a circle only, whilst the remaining
quarter is filled up by solid metal.
The long end of the key which fits into the hole so as to occupy exactly one half
of the circle is inserted in the hole with the flat side at right angles to the axis of
the rail, then tilted or inclined slightly to allow the rail to be placed in position, the
clamp herein-before referred to having been previously placed in position on the
other side of the foot of the rail. The key is then caused to describe a quarter of a
revolution round the centre of the circular hole, and the rounded side of the long
branch is pressed against the foot of the rail by the short branch pressing against a
flat inclined surface formed on a projection rivetted to the sleeper for that purpose
on the opposite side of the hole. During the movement of rotation the short
branch is forced towards the other branch by pressing against the projection.
herein-before referred to, the inclined surface of which forms a species of dovetailed
stop, which prevents the key from rising out of its place. The foot of the rail is
thus fixed and wedged tightly in position, being pressed by the lower part of the
long branch and the loop of the key on one side, the elastic pressure resulting
from the compression of the long and short branches forcing the rail under or
against the clamp on the other side, which holds it down by reason of its inclined
surface.
The effect of any lateral irregularities in the rail may be neutralised by this
arrangement, the same being compensated for by the greater or less compression
of the two elastic branches in a horizontal direction, and irregularities in tho
thickness of the foot of the rail, and of the sleeper, are also compensated for in a
vertical direction by the elasticity of the curved part of the long branch.
It should be remarked inoreover that- the curvature of the long branch ensures
its constantly bearing against the under side of the sleeper, even when the two
branches of the key are compressed to the utmost extent.
In order to afford still further compensation for lateral irregularities in the rail
the clamp may be replaced by a cylindrical bolt of cast steel, the head of which is
formed by two projections on opposite sides, and each occupying about one-third of
its circumference; one of these projections is flat underneath, and bears against the
upper surface of the sleeper, so as to prevent the bolt from being tilted over, whilst
the other is both polygonal and conical, and presents three inclined surfaces
or facets on the under side, so as to embrace and press the foot of the rail. These
three surfaces or facets being arranged eccentrically round the axis of the stop it is
evident that by causing the bolt to rotate so as to bring the inclined surfaces
successively in contact with the foot of the rail a certain amount of pressure will
be exerted on the latter; a projection formed upon the cylindrical portion of the
clamp bears against the under side of the sleeper, and prevents the clamp from rising
out of the hole.
When the rails are laid upon longitudinal sleepers these sleepers are rolled with
longitudinal flanges or ridges projecting slightly above the upper surface of the
sleeper at each side, against one of which the movable clamp described in the said
former Specification is brought to bear, so as to prevent it from tilting over, whilst
pressure is applied on the opposite side of the foot of the rail by an elastic key
constructed as herein-before described, with this difference that the stop or projection
with an inclined surface rivetted to the sleeper, as herein-before described, is dis-
pensed with, its function being performed by the corresponding ridge formed on the
Surface of the sleeper.
In order to provide additional facility for compensating for lateral irregularities
in the rails and sleepers, as in the case of the transverse sleepers herein-before
described, holes are formed in the sleeper, into which a cylindrical bolt is inserted,
having a head provided with polygonal inclined flat surfaces or facets arranged
round the axis of the bolt in the form of an ellipse; the cylindrical part of this bolt
.

page_text: projecting below the sleeper is provided with two projections on opposite sides
having inclined surfaces, which bear against ridges, formed upon the under side of
the sleeper in the process of rolling. Recesses are provided in the sides of the hole
to admit of the passage of the projections on the sides of the bolt, and it is evident
that by introducing the key bolt into the hole, and then turning it round to a
certain angle it will exert a pressure in a vertical direction by the action of the
⚫projections riding over the inclined ridges on the sleeper, and of the inclined conical
facets which press against the foot of the rail.
In addition to this wedging action in a vertical direction the rail will also be
subjected to lateral pressure from the bolt by reason of the eccentricity of the facets,
which being flat and bearing on one side against the ridge on the upper side of the
sleeper, and on the other side against the foot. of the rail, prevent the bolt from
turning backwards.
When longitudinal sleepers without projecting ridges are employed a similar
arrangement is adopted, the function of the ridges being performed by pieces of iron
of suitable dimensions rivetted on to the sides of the sleeper at the places where the
keys and bolts are applied.
The modes of fastening rails herein-before described are applicable not only to
transverse and longitudinal sleepers, but also to all descriptions of supports for rails,
such for example, as trough sleepers of cast iron or stamped metal. When cast-iron
trough sleepers are employed the supporting ridges or projections are cast with the
sleeper, and in the case of trough sleepers of stamped metal movable or rivetted
projections are provided, as herein-before described.
An important feature of this system is that screw bolts and nuts are dispensed
with for attaching the rails to the sleepers, and that in substitution therefor
fastening and tightening or wedging appliances are employed, all of which are
compensators for irrégularities in the manufacture of the rail, and of its longitudinal
⚫ or transverse supports, and one of which in particular, the wedging or tightening
key, exerts a pressure both in a horizontal and vertical direction, which continues
permanent notwithstanding the wear of the parts, and only ceases when removed
by hand.

page_text: .
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 22nd
March 1879.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PERMANENT WAY OF RAILWAYS." A com-
munication from abroad by Jules Antoine Joseph Vautherin, of Paris, in the Republic
of France.
The said Invention relates to improvements in the permanent way constructed
wholly of metal, described in the Specification and Letters Patent granted to John
Henry Johnson, dated May Eighteenth, One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
six, No. 2093, and consists partly in preventing the longitudinal displacement of
the rails and supports or sleepers in consequence of the passage of trains, and also
in simplifying the means employed for fastening and wedging or tightening the
rails upon the supports or sleepers.
These improvements relate to the arrangements in which the rails are laid upon
transverse sleepers as well as to those in which the rails are laid upon longitudinal
sleepers.
'
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood, I shall now pro-
ceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to the
several Figures on the annexed Sheet of Drawings, the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the Figures.
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings is a sectional elevation and Figure 2 is
a corresponding plan illusterating the arrangement employed according to the
present Invention in order to prevent the displacement of the transverse sleepers
upon the ballast. For this purpose a certain proportion of the sleepers, by pre-
ference those situate near the extremities of the rails, are each provided with a
plate a, represented in the Drawing attached to a sleeper c at the two ends of the
plate a, which are bent over at an angle corresponding to the angle of the sides of
the sleepers, and form two lugs or projections 6 by which it is rivetted to the said
sleeper; this plate enters the ballast after the manner of a knife and offers the
required resistance to the displacement.
A similar arrangement is adopted in the case of longitudinal sleepers, in which
the cross plate or partition a performs the same functions of preventing the sleeper
from slipping.
When longitudinal sleepers are employed it is also necessary to provide means
for preventing the rail from slipping longitudinally upon the sleeper.
An arrangement for this purpose is represented in Figure 3, which is a transverse
section of a rail A laid upon a longitudinal sleeper d. The rail A is provided at
each extremity with a stop formed by bending over in rolling the lower edge of a
fish plate e, serving to connect the rail A to the next rail so as to prolong the
plate e, downwards and form a flange fover the foot of the rail; this flange extends
to one of the projections formed by the appliances for securing the rail upon the
sleeper against which it bears in such a manner that the rail being rigidly attached
to the fish plate is retained in position upon the sleeper, and all liability to longi-
tudinal motion is prevented.
A similar arrangement is adopted when the rails are laid directly upon transverse
sleepers, as represented in side and end sectional elevation respectively in Figures 4
and 5. The joint between the two consecutive rails A is placed between two
transverse sleepers c laid somewhat nearer together that the others (an arrangement'
which is always preferable), and the lower edge or flange f of the fish plate e is
extended downwards for a sufficient distance to enable it to abut against the
transverse sleepers c at each end so as to prevent any longitudinal motion of the
rail in either direction.
When the line is required to bear a considerable amount of traffic the rails are
laid upon longitudinal sleepers supported on two transverse sleepers, and in lieu of

page_text: arranging the upper surface of the longitudinal sleepers at the same level as that of
the transverse sleepers, as described in the Specification to the said former Letters
Patent, the method illustrated in a side elevation in Figure C is adopted.
According to this arrangement the rails A are laid upon longitudinal sleepers,
each of which rests upon two or more transverse sleepers c, to which the said longi-
.tudinal sleepers d are secured by suitable means. Each transverse sleeper may be
provided with a web or ridge g formed by the process of rolling, extending
throughout its whole length, and against which the flanges of the longitudinal
sleepers are caused to bear for the purpose of preventing them from slipping length-
wise in either direction; or a special stop may be employed for the same purpose,
placed in a mortice or recess formed in the transverse sleeper at the end of each
longitudinal sleeper.
The fish joint is arranged between two transverse sleepers when the general
mode of constructing the permanent way represented in Figure 6 is adopted, and it
should be observed that among other advantages this arrangement possesses that of
enabling curves to be laid with facility when employing longitudinal sleepers.
In this case, an interval being left between the ends of the longitudinal sleepers
over the transverse sleepers on each side of the fish joint, the fish plate e is extended
downwards or provided with projections, as shown at ff, which abut against the
ends of the longitudinal sleepers.
This Invention also relates to the improvements next herein-after described and
illustrated in Figure 3 and Figures 7 to 21 in the mode of fastening the rail to the
longitudinal or transverse sleepers described in the said former Specification.
In the case of rails laid on transverso sleepers, the foot of the rail bears on one
side against a moveable crescent-shaped clamp inserted in a suitable hole in the
sleeper, and on the other side against a rotating elastic key of hard steel or other
suitable material.
Figure 7 is a transverse section and Figure 8 is a corresponding plan illustrating
the application of one modification of the elastic key, and Figure 9 is a detail of the
same. In these Figures, J is the key which consists of a piece of steel of half
round section, bent round so as to form a loop or bow j, whilst its extremities form
two branches or legs k and k¹ of unequal length. The permanent elasticity of this
key forms its most important characteristic; it may be strengthened by internal or
external webs without diminishing its elasticity, and the principle of its action is
the same for all systems of permanent way, although the form and details of con-
struction as well as the mode of inserting it into the hole in the sleeper may be
slightly varied according to circumstances.
Rails may be secured to transverse sleepers according to this Invention by means
of two analogous but distinct arrangements. In the arrangement illustrated in
Figures 7, 8, and 9, the long branch ¹ of the key J is alone inserted in a hole in
the sleeper c, underneath which it is bent round at k², Figure 7, so as to bear
against the lower surface of the sleeper, whilst the short leg le rests upon the upper
surface of the said sleeper. The hole in the sleeper is circular but does not form
a complete circle; it consisting of three quarters of a circle only, whilst the remain-
ing quarter is filled up by solid metal. The long branch k³ of the key fits into the
hole so as to occupy exactly one-half of the circle, but may present a flat surface
externally at the part where it bears against the foot of the rail, thereby preventing
all possibility of its working loose in the hole and ensuring the stability of the
connection.
The long branch k' of the key is inserted in the hole in the sleeper as shewn in
dotted lines in Figure 9, and then tilted or inclined slightly to allow the rail A to
be placed in position, a clamp m having been previously inserted in an aperture
provided for its reception at the other side of the foot of the rail. The key is then
caused to describe a quarter of a revolution so as to bring it into its final position,
as shewn in Figures 7 and 8, the short branch k being forced towards the other
branch by pressing against a projection n rivetted to the sleeper, and provided
with an inclined surface which prevents the key from rising out of its place.
The

page_text: foot of the rail is thus fixed and wedged tightly in position, being pressed on one
side by the lower part of the long branch k¹ of the elastic key J, the curved
extremity of which bears firmly against the under surface of the sleeper, and on
the other side by the clamp m.
The effect of any lateral irregularities in the rail or sleeper may be neutralised
by this arrangement, the same being compensated for by the greater or less com-
pression of the two elastic branches k, k, in a horizontal direction.
In order to maintain the rail more firmly in position, the key J may be constructed
of a flattened shape in sectiou, or its section may be absolutely rectangular.
Figures 10, 16, and 21 are transverse sections, and Figures 13, 14, and 15 are
details illustrating such modifications in the form of the key. Figure 17 is a plan
of a sleeper, showing the several apertures provided therein.
When elastic keys of rectangular section are employed, one of the branches may
be caused to rest upon the upper surface of the sleeper, as in the arrangement herein-
before described, and illustrated in Figures 7, 8, and 9, or both the branches may
be insorted in a hole in the sleeper, as shown in Figures 10 and 13; or again, the
two branches may be inserted into two different holes, as shown in Figures 14 and
16. In both the last-mentioned arrangements the short branch / is provided with
a projection p, Figures 13, 14, and 15, of sufficient strength, which fits into a recess q
formed in one side of the hole in the sleeper while the key is being placed in
position, and when the branch k has been passed a sufficient distance through the
hole the key is shifted sideways into the position shown in the Drawing, so that
the projection p bears against the under side of the sleeper and prevents the key
from rising.
In both these arrangements also, the short branch k is provided with a notch r,
Figure 15, placed at a suitable height, and made of such width as to fit exactly on
to the edge of the hole in the sleeper, the said hole being made of sufficient length
to admit of the key being moved sidoways after the branches have been inserted in
their respective holes, or in case only one hole is employed a recess t, Figure 13, is
formed in the side of the hole for the same purpose.
When rails are laid upon transverso sleepers the clamp m on the outside of the
line may be made as represented in Figures 7 and 8, but it is preferred to construct
it of the form shewn in Figures 10, 11, 12, and 16, and next heroin-after described.
According to this arrangement the clamp is provided with two webs 8 extending
round its edges cut away at the part a' which bears against the sleeper in such a
manner that when the clamp m is inserted in the hole the projection formed by the
webs 8 prevents it from rising out of its place.
The elastic key J may be inserted in the hole or holes in the sleeper by means of
a bent forked lever b, Figures 16, 18, 19, and 20, provided with a support or
fulcrum u, Figure 16, jointed to the fork of the lever, such support having a hook u¹
by means of which it may be fixed in a hole v, Figures 16 and 17, provided for the
purpose in the sleeper. The lower extremity of the lever b is provided with a
roller, Figures 16 and 18, bearing against the key J, and the upper extremity
forms a handle z, which enables the workman to press the roller against the key
with sufficient force to compress the branches ke, k¹, and cause the short brunch k to
enter the corresponding hole in the sleeper.
When the rails are laid upon longitudinal sleepers, the same appliances may be
employed for retaining it in position, and the elastic key in particular, the short
branch of which may bear against a ridge formed in the process of rolling upon the
upper surface of the sleeper d, as shown at l, Figure 3.
According to another arrangement the rails may be secured to the longitudinal
sleepers by elastic keys fitted into holes formed in the upper surface of the sleeper,
but for this purpose it would be necessary to make the sleepers of inconvenient
width, it is therefore preferable to insert the short branch provided with a
retaining notch r, as described with reference to Figures 13, 14, and 15, into a hole
formed in the inclined side of the sleeper d, as shown in Figure 21.

page_text: The elastic key herein-before described is applicable not only to transverse and
longitudinal sleepers, but also to all descriptions of metal supports for rails, such
for example as trough sleepers of cast iron or stamped metal.
When cast-iron trough sleepers are employed the supporting ridges or projections
are cast with the sleeper; and in the case of trough sleepers of stamped metal,
movable or rivetted projections are provided as herein-before described.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original,
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The general arrangements and combinations of parts forming permanent
way, substantially as herein-before described, and illustrated by the accompanying
Drawings.
.
Secondly. The peculiar constructions and arrangements of the elastic key serving
to secure the rail to its sleepers, with the means employed for preventing the said
key from rising, substantially as herein-before described.
Thirdly. The arrangement for preventing the displacement of the longitudinal
or transverse sleepers upon the ballast, and for preventing the displacement of tho
rails upon the sleepers, substantially as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this my Specifica-
tion set my hand and seal, this Twenty-first day of March, One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-nine.