Improvements in or relating to the Conductors for Electric Railways.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Sept., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 19th June, 1899 -Accepted, 22nd July, 1899
Communicated from abroad by THE FOREIGN ELECTRIC TRACTION COMPANY, of
Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America.
Improvements in or relating to the Conductors for Electric Railways.
I, REGINALD BELFIELD, of 32, Victoria Street, in the County of London,
Electrician, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to electric railways of the class in which one or more
rail conductors is or are employed extending along the track and near the surface
of the roadway through which current is supplied to the car.
In systems of this description the rail is formed into a continuous conductor
either by welding the rail sections together or suitably bonding them and one
object of the invention is the construction of improved means for joining the
ends of sections or rail electrically, as well as mechanically, for use in these
systems. Another object of the invention is to provide for connecting the rails
mechanically by insulating pieces so that the entire rail forms a series of sections
electrically insulated from each other. Such a rail is used in those systems now
well known in which current is supplied separately to each section and in general
only when a car is passing over such section the remaining sections or the rail
being "dead" or disconnected from the supply main. The invention further
comprises improved means. for connecting the feeder wire from the supply main
to a section of rail.
Various means have been heretofore suggested for obtaining the above objects
and the efficiency of an electric railway in daily operation depends to a very
considerable extent on the perfection of the rail bonding and connection, since
it is clear that in a long line where each electrical bond has a high resistance
the whole resistance of the line will be high and cause considerable waste of
energy and in those systems where insulated sections are employed it will be
readily seen that it is of the first importance to ensure good insulation between
the sections. The chief difficulties in constructions of this nature arise from the
expansion and contraction of the rails due to change in temperature and the
present invention is designed to overcome this difficulty.
According to the invention the contact rails are of an inverted trough shape
and are connected by means of a clamp having jaws which grip the edges of
the rail; this clamp is secured by means of a block located between the rail and
the clamp, the upper side of the block approximately fitting the under side of the
rail and a wedge being driven in between the block and the clamp so as to press
the latter tightly against the rail. Where it is desired to connect adjacent rail
sections electrically as well as mechanically the block will be made of metal and
on the upper surface near its ends will be provided a suitable number of plastic
electrically conducting pieces which when the block is pressed tightly against the
under surface of the rail by means of the wedge will form a good contact there-
with, at the same time the electrical connection will not be destroyed when the

page_text: rail expands or contracts by change of temperature owing to the plasticity of the
electrically connecting pieces.
These plastic bonds as they are termed are now well known and consist usually
of an amalgam. Where two adjacent sections are to be mechanically connected
but electrically insulated, a piece of insulation is provided between the ends
of the rails which piece has extensions which can engage with a limited amount
of end play with blocks secured to the ends of the rails in the manner herein-
above indicated. In order to connect the feeder wire to the rail, it will only be
necessary to firmly secure by soldering, sweating or other suitable means said
wire to a metal block which makes contact with the under side of the rail by
means of plastic electrically conducting pieces in the manner above described.
The manner of carrying out the invention in practice will be understood by
reference to the accompanying drawings in which,
Figure 1 is a side elevation of the adjacent end portions of the two contact
rail sections and the insulating connection between the two.
Figure 2 is a vertical longitudinal section of one end of a contact rail and a
portion of its insulating connection.
Figure 3 is a transverse section on line III-III of Figure 2 and
Figure 4 is a corresponding section taken on line IV-IV of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a diagrammatic plan view of a section of railway equipped with the
improvements.
Figure 6 is a vertical longitudinal section of a contact rail and a connector for
the line conductor, and
Figures 7 and 8 are respectively transverse sectional views taken on lines VII—
VII and VIII-VIII of Figure 6.
Figure 9 is a view, partially in side elevation and partially in section, of two
abutting rail sub-sections and the bonding splice connecting the same.
Figure 10 is a transverse sectional view taken on line ax of Figure 9.
Referring particularly to Figures 1 to 5, 1 is the rail which is preferably of
inverted trough shape, having inclined sides both above and below, but having its
upper portion broadened so as to form a flat horizontal contact surface of con-
siderable width at the top. The individual rails or sub-sections are bonded
together so as to form rail sections of considerable length, say, five hundred feet,
in the manner hereinafter described, and these sections are connected together
at their ends as follows:
An insulating block 2, which may be conveniently constructed of wood, is
reduced in size at its ends and the reduced portions 3 are driven into sockets 4
in metal extensions 5. Each of these extensions is provided with a recess 6 in
its under side adjacent to the socket 4 and with a lug 7 at a point somewhat nearer
its free end. Each of the adjacent rail sections ends is provided with a clamp 8
having inclined jaws or clips 9 which extend above and engage with the outer
sides of the lower edges of the corresponding rail 1. A block 10 fits into the
outer end of the clamp 8, and preferably has an upper surface which closely
fits the under surface of the rail. In order to fasten the rail and clamp rigidly
together, a wedge 11 is driven in between the under side of the block 10 and
the bottom of the clamp 8, the block 10 being preferably recessed in order to
receive the wedge as is indicated in Figure 4. The projecting end of the
extension 5 which is provided with the recess 6 and the lug 7 is of such size as
to slide into the space formed by the end of the rail section and the corresponding
end of the clamp 8 and make a fairly good fit. This construction permits of the
expansion and contraction of the rail sections, as will be readily understood.
In order that such contraction and expansion may be distributed with sub-
stantial uniformity as regards the insulating blocks, I provide a removable stop
piece 12 for each guide clamp and corresponding extension 5.
Assuming that the insulating block and its extension and the clamp 8 are in
the relative positions indicated in Figure 2, the stop picce 12 may be inserted into
the recess 6 and held in that position until the extension is moved into its recess

page_text: in the clamp to the point where the recess 6 is immediately over the corresponding
recess 13 in the bottom of the clamp. The stop piece 12 will then drop into the
recess 13.
When in this position, the extension can be withdrawn only to the
point at which the lug 7 strikes the stop piece. If it is desired to remove the stop
piece 12 at any time, it can be done by moving the extension 5 in until the
recess 6 is immediately over such stop piece, when the stop piece may be raised
by means of any suitable instrument inserted in the hole 14 in the clamp which
communicates with the recess 13.
Referring now to Figures 6, 7 and 8, the block 10 which is of metal is provided
at one end with a socket 17 for the reception of the end of the supply con-
ductor 18, and a plastic electrically conducting piece 19, is inserted between
each side of the block and the adjacent side of the rail being closely clamped
between the block and rail by means of the wedge 11.
In Figures 9 and 10, the device for connecting the adjacent sections of rails
together both mechanically and electrically is shewn, the clamp 8 and block 10
are made longer than before, a wedge 11 being provided at each end; the con-
nection between the block and the rails is effected by means of plastic electrically
conducting pieces which are located in copper strips 23 placed on the side of the
block.
It is intended to employ the two lines of sectional rails as indicated in Figure 5,
in order to have a complete metallic circuit, but it is obvious that the improve-
ments constituting the invention may be embodied in a system employing but a
single line of sectional rails, the return being through the track rails and the
ground. It will also be understood that a circuit opening and closing switch will
preferably be included between the insulated line conductor and each of the rail
sections, this switch being magnetically actuated to close the circuit through the
rail over which the car or train is passing, and serving to automatically open the
circuit through each rail, when the car or train has passed on to the next section.
Systems embodying such circuit making and breaking means being well known
in the art, it is not deemed advisable or necessary to illustrate the same.
Although I have shewn and described specific means for practising the inven-
tion, we desire it to be understood that the details may be varied without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
W. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
322, High Holborn, London, W.C.,
Patent Agents for the Applicant.
I, REGINALD BELFIELD. of 32, Victoria Street, in the County of London,
Electrician, 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 electric railways of the class in which one or more
rail conductors is or are employed extending along the track and near the surface
of the roadway through which current is supplied to the car.
In systems of this description the rail is formed into a continuous conductor
either by welding the rail sections together or suitably bonding them and one
object of the invention is the construction of improved means for joining the
ends of sections or rail electrically, as well as mechanically, for use in these

page_text: systems. Another object of the invention is to provide for connecting the rails
mechanically by insulating pieces so that the entire rail forms a series of sections
electrically insulated from each other. Such a rail is used in those systems now
well known in which current is supplied separately to each section and in general
only when a car is passing over such section the remaining sections or the rail
being "dead" or disconnected from the supply main. The invention further
comprises improved means for connecting the feeder wire from the supply main
to a section of rail.
Various means have been heretofore suggested for obtaining the above objects
and the efficiency of an electric railway in daily operation depends to a very
considerable extent on the perfection of the rail bonding and connection, since
it is clear that in a long line where each electrical bond has a high resistance
the whole resistance of the line will be high and cause considerable waste of
energy and in those systems where insulated sections are employed it will be
readily seen that it is of the first importance to ensure good insulation between
the sections. The chief difficulties in constructions of this nature arise from the
expansion and contraction of the rails due to change in temperature and the
present invention is designed to overcome this difficulty.
According to the invention the contact rails are of an inverted trough shape
and are connected by means of a clamp having jaws which grip the edges of
the rail; this clamp is secured by means of a block located between the rail and
the clamp, the upper side of the block approximately fitting the under side of the
rail and a wedge being driven in between the block and the clamp so as to press
the latter tightly against the rail. Where it is desired to connect adjacent rail
sections electrically as well as mechanically the block will be made of metal and
on the upper surface near its ends will be provided a suitable number of plastic
electrically conducting pieces which when the block is pressed tightly against the
under surface of the rail by means of the wedge will form a good contact there-
with, at the same time the electrical connection will not be destroyed when the
rail expands or contracts by change of temperature owing to the plasticity of the
electrically connecting pieces.
These plastic bonds as they are termed are now well known and consist usually
of an amalgam. Where two adjacent sections are to be mechanically connected
but electrically insulated, a piece of insulation is provided between the ends
of the rails which piece has extensions which can engage with a limited amount
of end play with blocks secured to the ends of the rails in the manner herein-
above indicated. In order to connect the feeder wire to the rail, it will only be
necessary to firmly secure by soldering, sweating or other suitable means said
wire to a metal block which makes contact with the under side of the rail by
means of plastic electrically conducting pieces in the manner above described.
The manner of carrying out the invention in practice will be understood by
reference to the drawings, filed with the Provisional Specification in which,
Figure 1 is a side elevation of the adjacent end portions of the two contact
rail sections and the insulating connection between the two.
Figure 2 is a vertical longitudinal section of one end of a contact rail and a
portion of its insulating connection.
Figure 3 is a transverse section on line III-III of Figure 2 and
Figure 4 is a corresponding section taken on line IV-IV of Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a diagrammatic plan view of a section of railway equipped with the
improvements.
Figure 6 is a vertical longitudinal section of a contact rail and a connector for
the line conductor, and
Figures 7 and 8 are respectively transverse sectional views taken on lines VII—
VII and VIII-VIII of Figure 6.
Figure 9 is a view, partially in side elevation and partially in section, of two
abutting rail sub-sections and the bonding splice connecting the same.
Figure 10 is a transverse sectional view taken on line of Figure 9.

page_text: Referring particularly to Figures 1 to 5, 1 is the rail which is preferably of
inverted trough shape, having inclined sides both above and below, but having its
upper portion broadened so as to form a flat horizontal contact surface of con-
siderable width at the top. The individual rails or sub-sections are bonded
together so as to form rail sections of considerable length, say, five hundred feet,
in the manner hereinafter described, and these sections are connected together
at their ends as follows:-
An insulating block 2, which may be conveniently constructed of wood, is
reduced in size at its ends and the reduced portions 3 are driven into sockets 4
in metal extensions 5. Each of these extensions 5 is provided with a recess 6 in
its under side adjacent to the socket 4 and with a lug 7 at a point somewhat nearer
its free end. Each of the adjacent rail sections ends is provided with a clamp 8
having inclined jaws or clips 9 which extend above and engage with the outer
sides of the lower edges of the corresponding rail 1. A block 10 fits into the
outer end of the clamp 8, and preferably has an upper surface which closely
fits the under surface of the rail. In order to fasten the rail and clump rigidly
together, a wedge 11 is driven in between the under side of the block 10 and
the bottom of the clamp 8, the block 10 being preferably recessed in order to
receive the wedge as is indicated in Figure 4. The projecting end of the
extension 5 which is provided with the recess 6 and the lug 7 is of such size as
to slide into the space formed by the end of the rail section and the corresponding
end of the clamp 8 and make a fairly good fit. This construction permits of the
expansion and contraction of the rail sections, as will be readily understood.
In order that such contraction and expansion may be distributed with sub-
stantial uniformity as regards the insulating blocks, I provide a removable stop
piece 12 for each clamp and corresponding extension 5.
Assuming that the insulating block and its extension and the clamp 8 are in
the relative positions indicated in Figure 2, the stop piece 12 may be inserted into
the recess 6 and held in that position until the extension is moved into its recess
in the clamp to the point where the recess 6 is immediately over the corresponding
recess 13 in the bottom of the clamp. The stop piece 12 will then drop into the
recess 13. When in this position, the extension 5 can be withdrawn only to the
point at which the lug 7 strikes the stop piece. If it is desired to remove the stop
piece 12 at any time, it can be done by moving the extension 5 in until the
recess 6 is immediately over such stop pieces, when the stop piece may be raised
by means of any suitable instrument inserted in the hole 14 in the clamp which
communicates with the recess 13.
Referring now to Figures 6, 7 and 8, the block 10 which is of metal is provided
at one end with a socket 17 for the reception of the end of the supply con-
ductor 18, and a plastic electrically conducting piece 19, is inserted between
each side of the block and the adjacent side of the rail being closely clamped
between the block and rail by means of the wedge 11.
In Figures 9 and 10, the device for connecting the adjacent sections of rails
together both mechanically and electrically is shewn, the clamp 8 and block 10
are made longer than before, a wedge 11 being provided at each end; the con-
nection between the block and the rails is effected by means of plastic electrically
conducting pieces which are located in copper strips 23 placed on the side of the
block.
It is intended to employ the two lines of sectional rails as indicated in Figure 5,
in order to have a complete metallic circuit, but it is obvious that the improve-
ments constituting the invention may be embodied in a system employing but a
single line of sectional rails, the return being through the track rails and the
ground. It will also be understood that a circuit opening and closing switch will
preferably be included between the insulated line conductor and each of the rail
sections, this switch being magnetically actuated to close the circuit through the
rail over which the car or train is passing, and serving to automatically open the
circuit through each rail, when the car or train has passed on to the next section.

page_text: Systems embodying such circuit making and breaking means being well known
in the art, it is not deemed advisable or necessary to illustrate the same.
Although I have shewn and described specific means for practising the inven-
tion, I desire it to be understood that the details may be varied without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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. For connecting adjacent sections of a contact rail for electric railways,
blocks having extensions which enter between the rails and clamps secured
at or near their ends, said clamps being provided with stop pieces which engage
with the extensions on the blocks and which while permitting end-play prevent
the complete withdrawal of said extensions.
2. The combination with an electric railway contact rail of an inverted trough
section, of a clamp having jaws for gripping the rail edges, a block fitting the
under side of the rail and located between the rail and the clamp, and a wedge
between the block and the clamp, substantially as described.
3. The various combinations of parts substantially as described with reference
to the accompanying drawings, for the purposes specified.
Dated the 19th day of June 1899.
W. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Of London, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham.