IMPROVEMENTS ON AXLES OR SHAFTS AND WHEELS FOR VEHICLES RUNING UPON RAILS
Year: 1885

page_text: PROVISIONAL
SPECIFICATION.
I JOHN LAPSLEY, Engineer, residing at 114 Hydepark Street Glasgow, in the
Co unty or Shire of Lanark, Scotland, do hereby declare the nature of my invention
for IMPROVEMENTS ON AXLES OR SHAFTS AND WHEELS FOR VEHICLES RUNING
UPON RAILS, to be as follows:—
This invention has for its object the giving of a safe and satisfactory means,
whereby Cars, Waggons, Carriages, & other Vehicles, runing upon Rails will be
enabled to pass round curves easily, without extra strain or drag to the wheels and
axles or shafts as at present, likewise lessening the draging strain upon the couplings
also, thus giving greater safety to passengers & goods when carried from place
to place by rail.
.
1st Upon one end of each axle or shaft, I propose to fix on, one of the wheels as
at present, Upon the other end of the axle or shaft after being turned to sizes
required, I propose to place a coiled or spiril spring, one end of which presses
against a flange, or ruff, upon the axle or shaft, Over this spring and enclosing it,
is passed a circular tube or cover, with a flange or ruff upon it also, Against this
flange the other end of the spring presses, The length of this tube or cover being
turned to such size as will give a travel, between the nave of wheel and the shaft
or axle flange, of such distance as required.
2ond Upon a journal turned to size required, I next place two half bushes, with a
flange upon one end only, These half bushes being turned to fit tightly, into the
centre hole of the wheel nave, After the wheel has been driven on, the end of
the bushes to be caulked or riveted to the nave of the wheel, or otherwise fixed
by screws or keys, Upon the ruffs or flanges of the axle or shaft journal, when
their size require to be increased an iron or steel ring, to be shrunk on or otherwise
fixed by one or more keys & screws.
3rd When the Car, Waggon or Vehicle is not of sufficient length to require more
then four wheels the spring may be dispensed with as the bushed wheel & shrunk
ring are sufficient to answer the same purpose The bearings journals may be
placed on either side of wheels as required.

page_text: I JOHN LAPSLEY, Engineer, residing at 114 Hydepark Strect Glasgow, in the
county or shire of Lanark, Scotland do hereby declare the nature of my invention
for IMPROVEMENTS ON AXLES OR SHAFTS AND WHEELS FOR VEHICLES, RUNING
UPON RAILS and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention, consists of no mechanical appliances hitherto unknown, but by
the construction, and combination of parts, here-in-after fully explained, has for
its object the giving of a safe, and satisfactory means, whereby Cars, Waggons,
Carraiges, and other Vehicles runing upon rails, will be enabled to pass round
curves, easily, without the extra strain upon couplings, and axles or shafts, as at
It likewise
present, through having to drag the wheels round the outside curve,
obviates the extra wear, to rails and wheels, also the disagreeable shock, caused by
the thrust of the rail against the wheel, thus giving greater safety and ease to
passengers, animals, and goods, while being carried from place to place, by rail.
The discription of the drawings with details of the construction and combination
of parts, are as follows.
Fig 1 represents. the axle or shaft of Fig 2, showing the bearing journals a, a,
turned as required at each end, for supporting the vehicle, and also turned at such
other parts as found necessary.
At one end of the axle or shaft, is fixed, one or more feathered keys b, b, which
allows the nave of the wheel, to slide along the axle or shaft, yet causes it to
revolve along with the wheel, as at present while in motion, c, c, shows the
possition for two ruffs, or rings, see Fig 2, d, d, also Fig 14, c, d, but one of which
ruffs, or rings, may form a part of the axle or shaft itself, as drawn in Fig 1, d.
Fig 2, represents my improved axle, or shaft, and wheels, constructed for vehicles
using more then four wheels, and runing upon rails.
Upon an axle, or shaft, as already discribed, with the ruff or ring d, upon it, see
Fig 1, is placed two spiril or volute springs e, e, which surround it, also two flanged
rings or ruffs f, f, of suitable, size, strength and metal, one of which, or both may
be flat, or recessed, upon the face of the flange, and having two or more studs, fixed
into them, or forming part of the flange as required. Likewise having four, or
any number of countersunk holes bored (see Fig 7 and section f, f.) suitable for
bolts now placed into them. These springs and flanged rings or ruffs, are made to
fit easily upon the axle or shaft, and are placed respectively, as shown in Fig 2,
with the flanges f, f, close to-gather and between the springs e, e, I next by
shrinking or otherwise, fix on to the axle or shaft, and close to the spring, a ruff or
ring d, (see Fig 14 d, d,) of suitable size, strength, and metal, Then place over
each spring e, e, a circular tube or cover g, g, of suitable metal, strength, and length
required, which may be either in one peice, or in two half circles bolted to-gather,

page_text: and having a flange at each end, with boltholes as required, (see Fig 11, g, g,) also
having at suitable places, two or more openings h, h, in them, for lubricating the
axle or shaft and wheels, with grease, or oil, in any possition, they may be standing.
These openings to be closed with screw plugs, or other suitable coverings. The
flange of these tubes or covers J, g, adjoining the flanged rings or ruffs f, f, is now
fixed to them, by means of the countersunk bolts placed there-in, Next is placed
upon each end of the axle or shaft, the wheels k, and l, the nave of the wheel k,
being groved or channeled, to fit easily the feathered keys b, b, also each nave,
having a flange m, m, of suitable metal, size, and strength, fixed securely upon it,
by shrinking or otherwise, or which may form a part of the nave itself, (see Fig 9
and section), with boltholes in it as required. The flanges m, m, is now fixed, to
the flanges of the tubes or covers g, g, adjoining them, with suitable bolts, the set
of the wheels at this stage, being about one or two inches closer to each other, then
the gauge required, The wheels are next pressed apart, which likewise seperates
the flanges f, f, to a sufficient distance, as will admit two, or more half circular
plates n, n, (see Fig 8.) of a suitable size, and metal, with holes in them to fit the
studs, and fitting the recess, (if any) upon flanges f, f
As by this process, the springs e, e, are compressed against the rings d, d, there-
fore when the pressure now upon the wheels is removed, the springs act, and bind
the plates n, n, against each other, with a pressure equal to their thickness, and
likewise keep the wheels, true to the correct gauge, which they ought now to be,
by the addition of these plates n, n.
Though not necessary, (if desired) a ring o, o, of any suitable size, and metal,
may now be shrunk,. or otherwise fixed, upon each end of the axle or shaft, close to
the bearing journals for the vehicle, thus increasing the ruffs, working against the
bearing bushes, and also regulate the travel of the wheels, along the axle or shaft,
to any given distance. Also if desired, by omitting the feathered keys b, b, and
placing a suitable thin, circular, metal packing, between the springs e, e, and the
axle or shaft and rings d, d, the wheels may thus be made to revolve, upon
stationary axles or shafts.
Fig 3, represents my improved axle or shaft and wheels, as constructed for
vehicles, using four wheels, to revolve upon stationary axles or shafts, and runing
upon rails.
Upon an axle or shaft, turned as required, similar to Fig 1, is placed, two flanged
rings or ruffs f, f, as discribed for Fig 2. (see Fig 7 and section,) or these may be
made flat upon the face of the flanges, in which case the studs, and the plates n, n,
may be omitted, and the flanges f, f, placed close to each other, between the rings
or ruffs d, d, which are now fixed, as in manner discribed for Fig 2.
Upon the axle or shaft as shown in Fig 3, the flanged tubes or covers g, g, as
already discribed, for Fig 2 (see Fig 11,) are now put on, and one end of each,
bolted to the flanges f, f, respectively, with the recessed or counter sunk bolts,
already placed therein. Two wheels, similar to Fig 9, and section 1, 1, with
flanges m, m, as discribed for Fig 2, are next placed on each end of the axle
or shaft, and the flanges m, m, bolted to the flanges of the tubes or covers
adjoining.
Or if prefered, and recessed journals has been turned, on each end of the axle or
shaft, of a suitable size, and similar to s, (see Fig 4,) two half bushes, with a flange
at one end, and turned to fit into the nave of the wheels p, and q, (see Fig 10 and
section p, p,) may then be beded to fit those journals, and placed upon them, and
the wheels then pressed by hydraulic, or other means of pressure upon the bushes,
the shoulders of the journals acting, as a counter, or resisting pressure, which may
be further aided by glands, or packing, fixed between the flanges of the bushes, and
the tubes or covers g, g, to keep them from springing, untill the wheels are
sufficiently advanced upon the bushes, as will require the removal of the glands or
packing, The pressure upon the wheels may then be resumed, till they are placed at
their proper possition. As a further means of security, the onds of the bushes, (see

page_text: Fig 10, and section r, r,) may be caulked, the nave of the wheels having been
previously countersunk, for that purpose, Or two or more holes may be bored, and
tapped, between the nave and the bushes, if their thickness will permit of it, and
screw studs fitted into them as there shown, and dressed with a file or otherwise.
The wheels in Fig 3, should now be at their proper gauge, or distance, from each
other, or if packing is required to do this, it may now be introduced, between the
flanges of the tube or cover g, g, and the flanges m, m, or f, f.
If desired, though not necessary when the ruffs or rings d, d, are used, the
rings o, o, may now be fixed on each end of the axle or shaft, as discribed for
Fig 2, but close to the wheel naves see Fig 3, and which are indespensible, when
the ruffs or rings d, d, are omitted, or not used.
Lubricating grease, or oil, can be introduced at openings h, h, ample space being
allowed, between the tubes or covers g, g, and the axle or shaft, for that purpose.
Fig 4, represents the axle or shaft for Fig 5, showing the bearing journals a, a,
and recessed journals, for bushed wheel u, (see Fig 12 and section.) The journals,
being turned to a length, equal to the nave of the wheel, and the compression of
spring required, also a tapered swell t, which strengthens the axle or shaft, at its
weakest part, when the wheel is fixed firmly upon it.
Fig 5, represents my improved axle or shaft and wheels, constructed for Tram
Cars, Waggons, and other Vehicles, to obviate the disagreeable shock, or thrust,
while turning curves, and runing upon rails Upon the axle or shaft (see Fig 4)
after being turned as required, is placed a flanged ring or ruff x, of suitable size,
and metal, having one or more groves, or key seats, cut in it, then put on a spiril,
or volute spring e, and the tube or cover g, as already discribed for Fig. 2, but
which may have a flange, upon one end only, and a suitable sized ring, or shield of
metal y, fixed upon the other end, or which may form a part of it (see Fig 5),
Next place upon the journal s, two half bushes, previously prepared, and press the
wheel u, upon them, in the manner, as already discribed for Fig 3, the wheel and
bushes, having two or more holes in them for lubrication, with screw plugs, or
covers A, when prefered to openings h, the wheel being at this stage, as shown in
Fig 13, without the curved, star, flange, or shield, upon the nave, The flange of
the tube or cover g, and flange m, are now bolted to-gather, and the wheel v, after
being bored to fit the shaft, and having groves, or key seats, cut in it as required,
is now fixed on and keyed up. The groves at t. Figs 5, and 6, being made for the
admission of a drift, or other tool, for withdrawing the keys, when necessary. One
or both of the rings o, o, may now be fixed, on the axle or shaft in manner,
discribed for Fig 3. as required, and the flanged ring or ruff x, compressed, to a
sufficient tightness against the spring e, and fixed firmly upon the axle or shaft, by
means of one or more keys, driven tightly into it, The wheels u, and v, being now
fastened, and set to gauge required, upon the axle or shaft, I fix upon the nave of
the wheel u, by shrinking, or otherwise, a curved flange z, with star shaped points,
upon the outer side, (see Fig 12 and section) made of a suitable size, and metal,
which with the ring or shield y, prevents any inud, or other gritty matter, as
thrown by the wheels or otherwise, from entering the journals, or other working
parts, in a satisfactory manner. When the bushed journal s, is not desired, or is
objected to, the axle or shaft, may be turned parallel there, and the wheel bored to
fit it, and put on as for Fig 6, see w.
Fig 6, represents my improved axle or shaft, and wheels, adapted for turning
curves, and constructed for Cars, Waggons, Carraiges, and other Vehicles, using
four wheels, for runing upon rails.
Upon an axle or shaft, similar to Fig 4, without the recessed journal 8, but
turned parallel at that place, and having the journals a, a, at each end, is placed
two flanged rings or ruffs f, f, as discribed for Fig 2, having four, or any number,
of suitable bolt holes bored, in them, the outer ring or ruff, having one or more
groves, or key seats cut in it, and to the flange of which, is fixed two half circular
plates n, n, as discribed for Fig 2, by means of suitable countersunk headed bolts,

page_text: Next is put on the flanged tube, or cover g, also discribed in Fig 2, and which is
bolted, to the inner flanged ring or ruff f, in the same manner. Then place on the
wheel w, and with suitable bolts, fix the flange m, to the flange of the tube or
covery, adjoining it, and also fix on the wheel v, as discribed for Fig 5, The
wheels are now set to the gauge required, and the outer flanged ring or ruff f,
being put in its place, it is firmly fixed upon, the axle or shaft, by means of one or
more keys, properly fitted, and driven into it, The rings o, o, are now fixed on, as
discribed for Figs 3, and 5, or a ring d, must instead, have been previously fixed,
upon the axle or shaft, as also discribed, before puting on the tube or cover g, and
the wheel w.
The advantages of my Invention, or improvements on axles, or shafts, and
wheels, will now be apparent to all, as by the addition, of the tube or cover g, to
the nave of the wheel, the strain or thrust, is thus brought, from the weakest part
of the axle or shaft to the centre of it, and that in a reduced manner, equal to the
leverage obtained, Also providing ample space for lubrication, (see Fig 2, 3, 5,
and 6,) and protecting the spring e, from injury, (see Fig 2, and 5,) and likewise,
allowing the wheels to be used, with a revolving, or stationary axle or shaft, by the
use, or omission, of the keys b, b, (see Fig 2, and 3.) The strain upon the
couplings, is also greatly reduced, likewise the friction to wheels, and rails, by
means of one, or both of the wheels, revolving upon the axle or shaft.
By the introduction and use, of a spiril, or volute spring e, for one, or each
wheel, the thrust or shock to the wheel, is obviated, and as constructed in Fig 2,
each curve upon the rails, can be turned with facility, and safety, in either
direction, as the wheels remain always true to gauge, also permitting the wheels,
to be set nearer to the gauge of the rails, thus preventing the oscillating motion, as
at present, when travelling in a straight line of rails.
By using the two parallel half bushes, on a recessed journal 8, they give a
suitable means of repairing the wear, and friction, caused by the wheel revolving,
upon the axle, or shaft.
And by the introduction and use, of a suitable flange m, and circular shields y,
and, formed in the manner discribed, the tube, or cover g, can be fixed to the
wheel nave, and any mud, or other gritty substance, prevented from entering the
working parts, of the axle or shaft, from the wheel or elsewhere, in a satisfactory
manner.
I do not limit myself, to the exact construction of parts shown, as they may be
modified, in various ways, without departing, from the principle set forth, in my
said Invention, For instance, the half bushes, or a circular bush, of sufficient
strength, and metal, may be fitted into the wheel nave, with a suitable flange, as a
substitute for the flange m, to which is bolted the tube or cover g, Also the
flanged ruff or ring x, (see Fig 5) and the outer flanged ring or ruff f, (see Fig 6)
might form a part, of the axles, or shafts themselves, Also a collor of any suitable
metal, might be fixed into the end of the tube or cover g, or form a part of the
tube itself, in which case the flanged rings or ruffs ff, adjoining them, may be
dispensed with, and the tube or cover flange used, as a means for fixing the
plates n, n, upon.
Having now particularly discribed, 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 The introduction, and appropriation, of the metal flange m, and curved
shield y, upon the nave of one, or both wheels, in the mauner, and for the ends,
uses, and purposes, herein discribed, and substantially, as set forth.
2nd The introduction, and appropriation, of the flanged metal tube or cover g,
attached to the nave, of one or both wheels, and extending to about the middle, or
centre of the axle or shaft, in the manner, and for the ends, uses, and purposes,
herein discribed, and substantially, as set forth.

page_text: 3rd The introduction, and appropriation, of a spiril, or volute spring e, sur-
rounding the axle or shaft, applied, and to act upon one, or both wheels, in the
manner, and for the ends, uses, and purposes, here-in discribed, and substantially, as
set forth.