IMPROVEMENTS IN RAIL- WAY BREAKS AND SIGNALS AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR WORKING THE SAME
Year: 1857

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Newall, of Bury, in the County of Lancaster,
Railway Carriage Builder, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAIL-
WAY BREAKS AND SIGNALS AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR
WORKING THE SAME."
Sealed the 23rd April 1858, and dated the 27th October 1857.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Newall at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 27th
October 1857.
I, JAMES NEWALL, of Bury, in the County of Lancaster, Railway Carriage
Builder, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN RAILWAY BREAKS AND SIGNALS, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR
WORKING THE SAME," to be as follows:-
Firstly, this Invention relates to further improvements in the self-acting
breaks for railway and other carriages, for which Letters Patent were granted
to me, bearing date respectively the Third day of December 1852, No. 939,
and the 16th day of January 1854, No. 98, and also in the machinery or
apparatus connected therewith for using the same as signals between the
guard and engine driver, and, when desirable, to afford the passengers the
means of communication to the persons in charge of the train, and also to
enable the parties working the signals, or on any part of the railway to put on
[Price 8d.

page_text: the breaks when the train is in motion; and consists in causing my patent
breaks to be put in action by means of inclined blocks or wedges placed
between the rails at the signal stations, or on any other parts of the line, some
of the said blocks being in certain defined and permanent positions governed
by the signal man, or other duly authorized person, and others portable, so that
plate layers or operatives can place them in any desired position, so as to stop
the train when danger requires it. In my patent break, it is well known that
the force acting on the break blocks is obtained by the aid of weights, springs,
or manual power, the said force being prevented from acting by means of a
ratchet wheel and catch holding the pinion which operates on the racks to
which the springs or weights are connected, but the instant the catch is raised,
the ratchet wheel is liberated, the break blocks forcibly pressed against the
wheels, and the stoppage of the train takes place. Now, it is evident that if the
catch be raised by a bar or rod put into action by the carriage passing over a
block placed for the purpose, the same effect upon the breaks will be produced.
I therefore place in a suitable guide, a bar or rod, having its upper part under
the catch, so that when the bar is raised; the catch is raised also, the said bar
being made of sufficient length to project below the framework of the carriage
or waggon, and furnished with a blank wheel or pulley at its lower end at any
part of the line where the stoppage of the train is required: I place one of
the inclined blocks or wedges, so that the pulley or blank wheel may pass
over it, and thereby raise the bar and catch, and thus instantly put the breaks
into action and stop the train. A signal can be given at the same time to the
guard or other person in charge of the train, by placing a gong or bell, so
as to be struck by any suitable apparatus when the catch is liberated, thus
giving information that an inclined block has been passed over, and conse
quently danger to be apprehended. I also propose to place a similar sliding
bar, furnished with a blank wheel or pulley at the lower part of it, on any
convenient part of the locomotive engine or tender, which shall be actuated
by the same inclined block, and made to be connected with and open the
ordinary or other steam whistle, which will give a signal to the engine drive
that a danger block has been passed over, and that the engine should be
stopped immediately. Or I use a fan, to be acted upon either by the motion
of the wheels or a pulley brought in contact with the rails, communication
between the guard and engine driver or the passengers being effected by
a tube of any suitable metal or material to convey the forced air, and cause
it to act upon the whistle or other signal.
Another part of my Invention consists in fixing rods, wires, or othe

page_text: suitable apparatus, so as to act either on the revolving shafts or the releasing
apparatus, and thus give the passengers in any carriage power to disengage
the catches and put on the breaks, and 'by this means not only arrest the
progress of the train, but give a signal to the guard and driver that something
is wrong, and warn them of the danger.
Another part of my Invention consists in an improved method of com-
pensating for the wear of the break blocks by means of a toothed segment
or quadrant, regulated by a screw, so as to maintain their efficiency so long
as they are fit to be employed, at the same time allowing the end of the
main lever connected to the springs or weights to remain at its proper
position for working.
My next improvement consists in forming shoulders or abutments at the
intermediate joints on the bars or plates, to which the break blocks are attached
(similar to the abutment or shoulder at the back of a rail joint), for the
purpose of preventing the rising of the blocks by friction, when they are brought
into contact with the face or periphery of the wheel. These intermediate
joints are for the more effectual fitting of the break blocks to the rims of the
wheels as the blocks become worn, and for accommodating the blocks to the
wheels as the height of the carriage varies with the weight of the passengers or
goods; these intermediate joints were accurately described in my Specification
of January 16th, 1854, No. 98, but by accident omitted in the Drawings.
Another part of my Invention consists in arranging the mechanism which
actuate and govern my patent self-acting breaks, so that a carriage may be
placed in a train with either end in front facing the carriage before it, and
can be coupled up, and the break blocks made to act on both wheels at the
same time.
Another part of my Invention consists in a novel method of applying and
securing detonating fog signals to the rails by means of a pulley or wheel,
having adjustable shrouds or flanges projecting beyond its periphery or face
on each side; between these shrouds or flanges the fog signals are held
securely, and the whole being mounted in any suitable part of the train, when
necessary, the pulley or wheel is caused to press upon the surface of the rail,
which opens the flanges and leaves a fog signal on the rail, which explodes
when a wheel of the engine, tender, or carriage passes over it.
Some portions of my Invention may be applied to breaks and signals of
other constructions, where it is desirable to render them self-acting, for the
purpose of giving a signal and. arresting the progress of the train.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said James Newall in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
27th April 1858.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JAMES
NEWALL, of Bury, in the County of Lancaster, Railway Carriage Builder,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her. Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-seventh day of October, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, in the twenty-first year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said James Newall, Her special licence that I, the said James
Newall,my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I,the said
James Newall, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY
BREAKS AND SIGNALS, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR WORKING THE
SAME," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said James Newall,
by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great
Seal Patent Office, within six calendar months next and immediately after
the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that 1, the said James Newall, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following state-
ment (that is to say):-
Firstly, this Invention relates to further improvements in the self-acting
breaks for railway and other carriages, for which Letters Patent were granted
to me, bearing date respectively the Third day of December, One thousand
eight hundred and fifty-two, No. 939, and the Sixteenth day of January, One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, No. 98, and also in the machinery or
apparatus connected therewith, for using the same as signals between the
guard and engine driver, and, when desirable, to afford the passengers the
means of communication to the persons in charge of the train, and also to
enable the parties working the signals, or on any part of the railway, to put

page_text: on the breaks when the train is in motion, and consists in causing my patent
breaks to be put in action by means of inclined blocks or wedges placed
between the rails at the signal stations, or on any other parts of the line,
some of the said blocks being in certain defined and permanent positions
governed by the signal man or other duly authorised person, and others
portable, so that platelayers or operatives can place them in any desired
position so as to stop the train when danger requires it.
In my patent break, it is well known that the force acting on the break
blocks is obtained by the aid of weights, springs, or manual power, the said
force being prevented from acting by means of a ratchet wheel and catch
holding the pinion, which operates on the racks, to which the springs or
weights are connected, but the instant the catch is raised the ratchet wheel
is liberated, the break blocks forcibly pressed against the wheels, and the
stoppage of the train effected.
Now, it is evident that if the catch be raised by a bar or rod put into action
by the carriage passing over an inclined block or wedge placed for the
purpose, the same effect upon the breaks will be produced; I therefore place
in a suitable guide a bar or rod, having its upper part under the catch, so
that when the bar is raised, the catch is raised also, the said bar being made
of sufficient length to project below the framework of the carriage or waggon,
and furnished with a blank wheel or pulley at its lower end, to be in the
centre of the end of the carriage. At any part of the line where the stoppage
of the train is required, I place one of the inclined blocks or wedges, so that
the pulley or blank wheel may pass over it, thereby raising the bar and catch,
and thus instantly putting the breaks in action and stopping the train. A
signal can be given at the same time to the guard or other person in charge
of the train by placing a gong or bell, so as to be struck by any suitable
apparatus when the catch is liberated, thus giving information that an inclined
block has been passed over, and consequently danger to be apprehended.
I also propose to place a similar sliding bar furnished with a blank wheel
or pulley at the lower part of it on any convenient part of the locomotive
engine or tender, which shall be actuated by the same inclined block, and
made to be connected with and open the ordinary or other steam whistle,
which will give a signal to the engine driver that a danger block has been
passed over, and that the engine should be stopped immediately.
Another part of my Invention consists in fixing rods, wires, or other suitable
apparatus, so as to act either on the revolving shafts or the releasing apparatus,
and thus give the passengers in any carriage power to disengage the catches

page_text: and put on the breaks, and by this means not only arrest the progress of the
train, but give a signal to the guard and driver that something is wrong, and
warn them of the danger; the said wire or cord being used from 'the guard
to the engine to strike a bell or actuate a whistle.
Another part of my Invention consists in various methods of compensating
for the wear of the break blocks. I attach to a lever on the rocking shaft a
rod having a right-handed thread, and another rod having a left-handed thread.
I attach to the rack the two rods, being connected together by a pipe. nut
having corresponding threads, so that when a turn is given to the nut, the
wear of the break blocks is compensated, and the exact length of the rods
maintained.
:
The right-handed thread may be connected with the rod on the rack, and
the left-handed thread with the rod on the lever; I also employ a toothed
segment or quadrant, regulated by a screw, so as to maintain their efficiency
so long as they are fit to be employed, at the same time allowing the end of
the main lever connected to the spring's or weights to remain at its proper
position for working. I also compensate for the wear of the blocks by
connecting a rod attached to the spring, and another rod attached to a
quadrant, on the rocking shaft by means of a pipe nut with a right and
left-handed thread.
My next improvement consists in forming shoulders or abutments at the
intermediate joints on the bars or plates to which the break blocks are
attached (similar to the abutment or shoulder at the back of a rule or butt
joint), for the purpose of preventing the rising of the blocks by friction
when they are brought into contact with the face or periphery of the wheel.
These intermediate joints are for the more effectual fitting of the break blocks
to the rims of the wheels as the blocks become worn, and for accommodating
the blocks to the wheels as the height of the carriage varies with the weight of
the passengers or goods; these intermediate joints were accurately described
in my Specification of January 16th, 1854, No. 98, but by accident omitted
in the Drawings.
A+
Another part of my Invention consists in various arrangements of the
mechanism which actuate and govern my patent self-acting or other breaks,
so that a carriage may be placed in a train with either end in front facing
the carriage before it, which can be coupled up, and the break blocks
made to act on both wheels at the same time.
Another part of my Invention consists in a novel method of applying and
securing detonating fog signals to the rails by means of a pulley or wheel,

page_text: having adjustable shrouds or flanges projecting beyond its periphery or face
on one or each side. Between these shrouds or flanges the fog signals are
held securely, and the whole being mounted in any suitable part behind
the train, when necessary, the pulley or wheel is caused to press upon the
surface of the rail, which opens the flange, compresses the springs, and
leaves a fog signal on the rail, which explodes when a wheel of the engine,
tender, or carriage of any following train passes over it.
Some portions of my Invention may be applied to breaks and signals of
other construction, where it is desirable to render them self-acting for the
purpose of giving a signal and arresting the progress of the train.
These improvements will be clearly understood by reference to the accom-
panying three Sheets of Drawings, with the letters of reference thereon.
In Sheet 1, Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of a break van,
having attached to it my improved releasing signal and reversing motion in
connection with one of my arrangements for compensating for the wear of the
break blocks; Fig. 2 is a transverse elevation of the same, with the exception
of the reversing motion; and Fig. 3, a plan representing the compensating and
reversing motions; and Fig. 4 represents two views of an apparatus for
applying fog signals on the rail when the train is in motion. In Figs. 1 and 2,
a represents the inclined block or wedge actuated by the signal, or placed
temporarily by plate layers or other persons, so that the roller or blank
pulley b can come in contact with it, and be raised up as the train moves on,
the said roller elevating at the same time the rod c, and removing the catch d
from off the ratchet wheel e, which is thereby released, allowing the weight or
spring to act upon the breaks. The rod c releases a catch c', and allows a
spring or hammer to act upon a bell or gong f, and thus give warning to the
guard that a danger block has been passed over. The catch d is also in con-
nection with a signal cord g, so that the guard may be able to put on the breaks
at whatever part of the train he may happen to be. The sail wires, rods,
or cords may be carried from the guard's van into the compartments of
every carriage, and also to the engine and tender, so that passengers as
well as driver and guard can make use of the said cords or wire to put on
the breaks, and give a signal by releasing the catch. In Figs. 1 and 3, h is
a pipe nut, having at one end a right-handed thread, and at the other end
a left-handed threaded screw, the end of the said nut being connected by the
rod i to the lever k fixed to the rocking shaft 7, having levers and rods con-
nected to the break blocks in the usual manner; the other end of the nut
h is connected by the rod m to the rack n fastened to the self-acting spring o

page_text: placed horizontally. It is evident that by turning the nut h, the two rods
are either lengthened or shortened, according to the condition of the break
blocks. In Figs. 1 and 3, I also shew one modification of reversing appara-
tus, so that the breaks may be put in action whatever way the van or
carriage may be turned. I apply to the longitudinal shaft p the bevil
pinions q, placed in and out of gear with the bevil wheel r, as may be required,
by means of the lever and rod s. The bevil wheel r gives motion to the
pinion working in the rack n attached to the spring o.. In Fig. 1, I represent
at v my improved butt joints, which prevent the rising of the break blocks by
friction, and maintain their efficient fitting to the rims of the wheels..
!
In Sheet 2, Fig. 1 represents a longitudinal sectional elevation of a car-
riage, shewing another of my methods of compensating for the wear of the
break blocks, and also another mode of working the breaks when the car-
riages have been reversed. Fig. 2 is a transverse elevation of the same;
Fig. 3 is a plan of the compensating and reversing motions, and also shewing
the mode of employing the longitudinal shaft p as a draw bar, elasticity
being given by either laminated or spiral springs; Fig. 4 represents a plan
of another reversing motion, in which right and left-handed screws on the
longitudinal shaft act alternately as required upon racks connected to a
lever on the rocking shaft.
i
In Figs. 1, 2, and 3, a is the rocking shaft, fixed to which is the toothed
quadrant b, having a pin c forming a fulcrum on which the lever d works;
the said lever d is attached at the other end to the racks e, which are con-
nected at the top to the springs f, which springs may be laminated or spiral,
or they may be superseded by a weight or weights. Connected to the lever d
is a box g having bearings, in which works the screw h, gearing into the
toothed quadrant, so that as the break blocks wear, the quadiant can be
adjusted or set downwards, and thereby maintain the perfect action of the
blocks. In Fig. 2, I shew the end view of the two racks e, which are made
to gear alternately as required into the pinion i, also seen in Figs. 1 and 3,
the said pinion being fixed on the longitudinal shaft, and giving a reverse
action to the racks, according to which rack the pinion is geared into the
racks, being pulled sideways, as required by the slides k connected to the
rod 1, bell crank m, and rod and handle n, thus affording the facility of
reversing the carriages, as may be required.
In order to employ the longitudinal shaft for a draw-bar, I attach either
the laminated spring o or the spiral spring pl, Fig. 3.
In Fig. 4, I shew another mode of reversing, in which p is the longitudinal

page_text: shaft, furnished with the right and left-handed screws q geared alternately
into the racks connected by the rods s to a lever on the rocking shaft; the
said racks are moved off and on the screws, so as to reverse the motion by
means of the link and rod t.
In Sheet 3, Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of a carriage having
another of my improved modes of compensating for the wear of the break
blocks, and also a novel and efficient method of working an additional set of
break blocks when the carriages are reversed; Fig. 2 is a plan thereof; and
Fig. 3, a transverse elevation of the same; Fig. 4 represents another mode of
reversing; and Fig. 5, a detached view of another modification of my con-
trivance for causing the break blocks to bed closely to the wheels as the
carriages vary in height by forming a slot at the point to which the break
blocks are attached. In Figs. 1, 2, and 3, a is the rocking shaft, having levers
and rods connected to the break blocks in the usual manner. To the shaft a
is fixed the toothed quadrant b, connected to a rod c having a right-handed
thread fitting a corresponding thread in the pipe nut d, at the other end of
which there is a left-handed thread fitting a thread ou the rod e attached to
the horizontal spring f. By the turning of the aforesaid pipe nut d, the rods
may be lengthened or shortened as required, thereby maintaining the efficient
action of the break blocks. The reversing motion is obtained by means of
the bevil pinions g on the longitudinal shaft p; the said pinions are geared
alternately into the bevil wheel h, which gives motion to the pinion i geared
into the toothed quadrant b, so that according to whichever pinion is in gear,
the motions may be reverse to each other, the pinions being shifted as required
by the lever and rod and handle l. Or I employ a very simple and efficient
mode of reversing, in which the reversing gear is dispensed with, by the means
of an extra break block to each wheel, the ordinary blocks being shewn at m,
and the extra ones at n, the latter being connected by the rods o to the flaps
or abutments p¹, so that when one pair of blocks are off the rims of the
wheels the other pair are on, thus adapting them for whichever way the
carriage has to run.
In Fig. 4, representing another improved mode of reversing, q is the
longitudinal shaft, ou which are the bevil pinions ? geared alternately into the
bevil wheels, on the shaft of which is the mitre wheel t geared into the
mitre wheel u on the shaft v, having upon it a screw w fitting a nut a
attached to the rods y connected by joints to the lever z on the rocking shaft,
the said pinions being reversed by a lever and rod in the usual manner.
In Fig. 5, I shew the upper part of the flap or abutment a working in a

page_text: slide or slot ¹, so as to enable the break block c¹ to fit exactly to the rim or
periphery of the wheel.
In Sheet 1, Fig. 4, I represent my improved apparatus for applying fog
signals on the rail when the train is in motion.
In the guard's van I place an upright rod w, which can be raised or lowered
as required. At the bottom of the said rod w is a light roller x furnished
with springs y to receive the fog signal z, so that when the guard lowers the
roller on to the rail, as seen in the Drawing, the spring y of one of the signals
clips the said rail and holds the signal in its place, it being released from the
roller at the same time, so that when passed over, detonation takes place
in the usual manner.
Having thus fully described the nature of my said Invention, and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, I wish it to be distinctly under-
stood that although in the accompanying Drawings I have shewn my self-
acting break, and the apparatus for working it, for which I have obtained
Letters Patent, as already stated, I do not now claim any of the said parts
separately, neither do I claim any of the general working parts of ordinary
breaks and carriages, as shewn in the Drawings, except as in connection
or combination with my present improvements; but I now claim,-
Firstly, the use of inclined blocks or wedges to be placed between the rails
at certain places, moving on a pivot or having a sliding motion, or be laid
temporarily where desired, with the necessary apparatus for acting on the
said inclined blocks to disengage certain catches, and thus communicate
action to the breaks signal or steam whistle.
Secondly, the apparatus to give the passengers power to disengage the
said catches and put on the breaks, and thus signal the guard and driver
when necessary.
Thirdly, the several methods of compensating for the wear and tear of
the break blocks, and accommodating them to the position of the carriage
or waggon, which varies with the weight of the passengers or goods.
Fourthly, the various arrangements of mechanism for reversing the motion
of the breaks, so that they will work efficiently if the carriage be reversed,
and also for causing an extra set of break blocks to work alternately, and
thus dispense with the bevil gear or reversing motion.
Fifthly, the arrangement for actuating my breaks and signals from the tender
and for applying certain parts of my improved apparatus to ordinary breaks.
Sixthly, the use of the longitudinal revolving shaft as a draw-bar as well
as for actuating the breaks.

page_text: And, seventhly, the mode of applying detonating fog signals to the rails
whilst the train is in motion, as all such improvements are herein described
and illustrated in the accompanying three Sheets of Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Newall, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-sixth day of April, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight.
Signed, sealed, and delivered by the within-
named James Newall, in the presence of
JAMES NEWALL. (L.S.)
E. J. HUGHES, Patent Agent,
Manchester.