Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Mar., 1893-Accepted,. 8th Apr., 1893

page_text: the end wall in forming a temporary switch. A pair of lugs e project from said
end wall at each side of the frog, and the end of the web of the said switch-rail
fits between the two lugs of one pair, while the base of rail rests on one of the
ledges G. Similar lugs o project from the free end of the switch-bar F, and also
take an opposite side of the bed of the rail H. It will be observed that in this way
a joint is formed between the free end of said switch-bar and the rail H, and
the switch-bar is locked in place by the end of said switch-rail and in line with it.
In forming a a temporary switch the switch-rails H are laid upon blocks placed
on the cross-ties and are securely apiked thereto, and the switch is completed by
clamping one of the improved saddle-frogs to each track-rail and interlocking it
with the switch-rail in the manner previously described. Where the switch-rails
cross over the track-rails saddles I are clamped to the latter in the same manner as
the frogs A, and each of said saddles has on its top surface grooves j, extending
diagonally and crossing each other and so located as to be in line with the flanges
of the switch-rails. Two grooves are thus provided to render the saddles reversible
and adapt them to a right-hand or left-hand switch. The saddles have suitable
abutting walls I' for the ends of the switch-rails.
It will be seen that my apparatus constitutes a portablo switch which can be
formed anywhere without cutting or otherwise disturbing the ordinary track-rails,
and that a switch may be run off either to the right or left by properly adjusting:
the swinging switch-bars of the frogs which guide the wheels.
The frogs and cross-over saddles may be readily unclamped and removed from
-the rails, and then the main track may be travelled as usual, while the switch-rails H
remain in place. The switch can be quickly completed again by applying the
frogs and saddles. A frog of the form shown may also be employed as a mere
derailer, with the advantage that by its use a train may be thrown from the track
to either side, whichever presents more favorable conditions. When used for this
purpose the switch-bar is held in place at either side by a spike, which is
dropped into a socket S in the platform, the switch-bar being held between the
spike and stop *.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
(1) A portable railway switch comprising a saddle to take over a track-rail,
means to clamp it thereto, and a switch-bar pivoted above the saddle and
movable to switch off in either direction.
(2) A portable railroad-frog to saddle the track-rail and provided with suitable
means for clamping it thereto, said frog comprising a pivoted switch-bar and a
platform, the switch-bar and platform both being provided with corresponding lugs
to receive the end of a switch-rail between them, thereby locking said bar in the
manner described.
(3) A temporary railroad-switch comprising a number of frogs saddling the
track-rails and suitably clamped thereto, each of said frogs provided on top with a
stationary inclined tongue, and a pivoted switch-bar, forming a continuation thereof,
switch-rails H, interlocking with the frogs and switch-bars, and cross-over saddles
clamped to the track-rails and grooved in the line of the switch-rails.