IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS TO BE APPLIED TO RAILWAY CARRIAGES AND ENGINES
Year: 1847

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE, PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, RICHARD
WRIGHTON, of. Lower. Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, in the County of
Middlesex, Gentleman, send greeting..'
1.year of
WHEREAS .Her present most Excellent: Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of: Great Britain, bearing date at
Westminster, the Twenty-second day; of: December, in the eleventh
Her reign,rdid, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give, and grant..unto
me, the said Richard Wrighton, Her especial license, full power; solė privilege
and..authority, that I; the said Richard Wrighton,, my executors,..administra-
tors, and assigns, and such others: as .I; the said Richard Wrighton, my
executors, administrators, or assigns; should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all: times during the term of years therein
mentioned, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and,vend, within
England, Wales, the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and in all Her. Majesty's
Colonies and Plantations abroad, and: in, the Islands of Jersey, Guernsey,
Alderney, Sark, .and. Man, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS TO
BE APPLIED TO RAILWAY CARRIAGES AND ENGINES;" in which said Letters
Patent is contained a proviso obliging me, the said Richard. Wrighton, by an
instrument in writing under my hand and seal, particularly to describe and
ascertain the nature of my. said Invention, and in. what manner. the same
is to be performed, and tö. cause the same to be inrolled in Her Majesty's
High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same,
reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Richard Wrighton, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention,
and the manner in which the same is to be performed, is particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following description thereof, reference being
had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked
thereon (that is to say) :-
My Invention of Improvements in Apparatus to be Applied to Railway
Carriages and Engines may be divided into five parts, the first of which
relates to an improved break to be applied to railway carriages, and which I
denominate a "Combination Steam Break."
My Invention relates, secondly, to an improved method of constructing and
arranging the buffers of railway carriages.
Thirdly, to improvements in the construction of couplings for connecting
railway carriages together.
Fourthly, to improvements in axle boxes, whereby the great waste of greaso
or lubricating material that now takes place is in a great measure prevented.
Fifthly, my Invention relates to an improved means of making signals from
one part of a train to another part, by means of electro-magnetism, for the
purpose of attracting the attention of the guard or driver.
The first head of my Invention, which relates to an improved break, and
which I call a "combination steam-break" is shewn at Figures 1, 2, and 3 of
the accompanying Drawing. Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section of the hinder part
of a locomotive engine carriage, and of the carriage part of a tender as well as of
part of the following truck; Fig. 2, a plan of the same; and Fig. 3, a cross section
cf so much of an engine tender and carriage as is required to shew its applica-
tion. The same letters of reference denote corresponding parts in each Figure.
A is a small steam cylinder placed horizontally and at right angles to the line
of the train, and communicates at each end by the passages B and C with the
fourway cock D, which latter communicates with the boiler by the pipe E,
and with the atmosphere by a pipe F. The cylinder is provided with a
piston and rod in the usual manner, the latter of which is connected at its
outer end to the crank G by means of the rod H, as seen best in Fig. 2. The
crank shaft G is supported on bearings under the foot plate of the engine, one
end of it being coupled or connected to the shaft I by means of a square
socket, as seen in Fig. 1. The shaft I extends the whole length of the tender
or carriage, and terminates in a coupling barrel J (see Figures 1 and 2),
which receives the end of a similar shaft belonging to the following carriage.
The shaft I is supported entirely on the axis by means of bearings made in the
brackets K, K (or extended brackets if necessary), in which the said shaft

page_text: turns freely; the ends of the shaft I have shoulders which embrace the
brackets L, L, which latter, being firmly attached to each end of the frame-
work of the carriage, will prevent the shaft I from being drawn through, but
will yet allow it sufficient play in a vertical direction to allow the bearing
springs to act freely without interfering with the shaft I. On the shaft I is
fixed a crank or arm M, to the crank pin of which are attached one end of
the two horizontal connecting rods N, N (see Fig. 2), the other ends of which
are fastened to the links O, O, of the breaks P, P. The breaks are hung or
otherwise supported from the framework of the carriage, and are connected
together by the rods Q, Q, through which the shaft I
passes..
It will thus be
seen that by admitting steam by means of the fourway cock to one end of the
cylinder, the shaft I will be turned round sufficiently to draw in the links O, O,
and thereby apply the breaks simultaneously to all the carriages; and by
reversing the, cock, and admitting steam at the other end of the cylinder, the
breaks are simultaneously thrown off.
Fig. 4 is a section, and Fig. 5 an outside view, of the coupling barrel J,
drawn on an enlarged scale. A is the barrel, which is made of wrought iron or
other suitable material, and has a slot made on each side of it. This barrel A
is connected to the shaft B, and contains a cup C for the purpose of receiving.
the end of the shaft D belonging to the next carriage. When it is desired to
attach two carriages together, this is done by passing a pin E through the slot
in the barrel, also through the cup C, and a hele near the end of the shaft D.
Between the cup C and each end of the barrel A are placed steel springs a, a,
or other elastic material which will answer the purpose of buffer and draw
springs, and by this means a simple yet strong and convenient coupling for
carriages is produced. It will be seen that the rod I and its couplings extends
from end to end of the train, and must be made of sufficient strength to act
as a draw or traction rod, the springs or elastic material in the coupling
barrels J being sufficint to give the proper amount of clasticity, so that
I am enabled to dispense altogether with the ordinary buffer if thought
desirable.
In reference to the above-described part of my Invention, I claim the com-
bination and arrangement of parts herein shewn. and described, or any mere
modification thereof, whereby the piston of a steam,cylinder may be made to
act on a central traction rod for the purpose of working the breaks of carriages
and tenders, and causing them to act simultaneously, on the wheels throughout
the whole train. Secondly, the construction and arrangement of the shafts,.
barrels, coupling joints, and other parts, by which the above power is com-
municated to the breaks, as herein-before described.

page_text: The second part of my Invention relates' to an improved method of arranging
buffers and connecting carriages, and consists in combining-the coupling with
the buffer. Fig: 6 is a section of the buffer and coupling, constructed upon my
improved plan, and Figure 7 is à horizontal-view of the same. These Figures
represent so much at the end framing of a carriage or truck as is necessary
for shewing the application of my improvements; the same letters of reference
'denote corresponding parts in Figures 6 and 7: A is the buffer rod, having-a
forked end; to which is attached the block or buffer head B, in the centre of
which block or buffer head is a circular hole for the purpose of receiving the
'connecting link. A 'screw is cut on 'the buffer rod A at the root of the fork,
'and à nüt C is fitted thereon, and is embraced by a ring. D, to admit of its
turning therein! To the ring D is attached a shäckel or eye E, which receives
the connecting-hook F. G is a cross lever fitted on to the nut C, which 'is-made
angular to receive it; and by which it is turned when required. The single
buffer rod A passes through the centre of the end framework H, instead of
there being one at each side as is usual; it also passes through the socket I
and plate J, between which is placed a spring K, as seen in Fig. 6, or other
elastic substance. Bushes L, L, are fitted in the framing H of the-carriage
to guide the rod A. A shoulder on the rod A bears against the inside of 'the
socket I, as seen in Fig. 7, and the casing M, which is secured by a nut on
the rod A, beds against tlie plate J, the spring or elastic material being between
the socket I and plate J; thus, when the buffer rod'A is forced in the socket,
I is by the shoulder of the rod A carried with it, and compresses the spring K
against the plate J; and when the rod A is drawn out the plate J is carried
with it, and compresses the spring K against the socket' I. In attaching
two 'carriages.together the buffers or buffer heads B, B, are brought together,
and the nuts C, C, being screwed up close to the forks of the rods A, A, the
shackles E, E, will project from the holes in the centre of the buffer. head,
and the connecting hook F is then hooked into shackles. E, E, and the nuts
C, C, are screwed back till the buffer heads and hook Ę are tight.
Under this head of my improvements I claim as of my Invention the appli-
cation or employment of a single central buffer in combination with a draw rod
and spring, or the improved coupling, in place of two side buffers, with separate
couplings. Also, the arrangement by which one, spring is made to act either
as a buffer or a draw-spring, and the arrangement of connecting the carriages
through the centre of the buffers
The third part of my improvements 'consists of an improved elastic' coupling
for connecting. railway carriages and trucks. Fig. 8 is a plain or horizontal
section of my improved elastic coupling. Fig. 9 is an elevation of the

page_text: same, shewn partly in section: Figures.10 and 11 are; cross sections of the
same. Similar letters of reference denote corresponding parts in the several
Figures as: before. A is a screw tapped into one end of the tube B, and incased
by.it,; the other; end of the tube-B-being firmly secured into a circular plate C,
which is kept in its: proper position by straps EE D is a similar plate,.
but! provided with side straps E-terminating-in eyes which receive the
link F The tube B'passes freely, through a hole in the plate D; between
which and the plate C are placed a series of rings -K of vulcanized india rubber
and metal plates, or spiral springs, or any other elastic substance. The screw A
is connected by the double joint G-with-a-similar-screw enclosed in the other
tube B, not shewn in section in the Drawing. One of the screws A-is a right-
handed::and the othér a left-handed screw: The description of the parts, on
one side of the-double-joint G applies equally to those on the other side,.
except that a spiral spring is shewn in the place of-india-rubber rings. and
plates, and the addition of an extra link H for lengthening, in case of need.
I is a rod with a weight, for the purpose of adjusting the length of couplings.
in the usual and well known manner. The spiral spring on one side, and the
india-rubber rings on the other are so placed in the Drawing merely for
illustration to shew that either of these elastic materials may be applied;
but whichever plan may be adopted in construction, I should consider it
adviseable to: make both sides alike, although I do not intend to confine myself
to this plan, which must in: some measure be left to the discretion of the
engineer or constructor. In connecting carriages together, the links, F, F, or
Hin case of need, are placed, on the draw hooks, attached to the framing of
the carriages, and the screws A-must be tightened up by means of the weighted
rod.I..
I-claim, under this head-of-my-improvements the use of springs or other
clastic substances, in combination with adjusting, screws, for making couplings
for: railway carriages: Also, the combination of the double-joint with 'the
adjusting screws, and the general arrangement herein described.
My fourth-improvement relates to an improved axle box, for the purpose of
preventing the waste of grease or lubricating material.
.
Figure 12 is a section through the axle box or bearing. Fig. 13 is a plan
view, and Fig.-14.an end view, of, the apparatus. The same letters of reference
denote corresponding parts, as before: A is the axle box, cast in :onc
piece or otherwise, so male-as to leave an opening only on the inner.
face; to admit the end of the axle. The box is fitted with a brass or white
metal bearing:B in the usual way. C is a part of the axle, in its place,
made with a cone D, or a flat shoulder, if preferred.. A, ring of metal E is

page_text: accurately turned to fit against the cone or shoulder D of the axle, which is
likewise turned. This ring E is encircled with a ring of vulcanized india rubber,
leather, gutta percha, or other suitable material, as seen at F. This ring F is
slightly compressed between the flange of the metal ring E, and the face of the
axle box A, and completely surrounds the opening in the axle box. It will
thus be seen that the india-rubber or other ring F will press against the face
of the axle box, and force the metal ring E against the cone or shoulder of
the axle, and thereby prevent a large portion of the grease in the axle box
from escaping, but yet will allow the axle to turn with perfect freedom.
I claim as my Invention, under this fourth head of my improvements, the
employment of a metallic ring working against the cone or shoulder of the
axle in conjunction with a vulcanized india-rubber, leather, gutta percha, or
other elastic ring, as before described, and the general combination and
arrangement as shewn in Figures 12, 13, and 14.
The fifth and last part of my Invention relates to an improved mode of
communicating between the guard or driver of a railway train, and any other
part of the train, by means of electro-magnetism, whereby certain signals are
made for the purpose of attracting the attention of the guard or driver.
Figures 15 and 16 in the accompanying Drawings represent my improved
plan of effecting this object. Fig. 15 is that part of the apparatus with which a
the battery is connected, and which I propose to place near the top of one of
the partitions of a railway carriage. A is the battery, of any convenient and
suitable construction, and which is to be fitted into the upper part of one of
the partitions of a carriage, over the middle seat. To the metallic plates of the
battery two wires C and C* are connected, and carry at their upper end
metallic balls, as scen in the Drawing. B, B, are two knobs, one on each
side of the partition. These knobs are attached to the ends of two short rods,
which project inwards opposite the wires C, C*, so that, by pressing either one
of the knobs inwards, one of the balls belonging to the metallic plates of the
battery may be brought into contact with the other, and the electric circuit s
completed. The rods of the knobs B, B, are furnished with spiral springs D,
for the purpose of bringing them back into their original position after they have
been pushed in and the pressure has been removed. This part of the apparatus
is connected to the sounding part by means of wires E, E, which conduct the
electric current to and from the different poles of the battery. These wires S
ought to be covered with some non-conducting material; and I prefer to bind
them together in the manner shewn in the Drawing, leaving their ends
separate, in order to admit of their being properly connected to the battery.
These wires are conducted from the battery down the inside of the partition to

page_text: the under part of the carriage, where they may be united to other wires
running horizontally under the whole length of the train, proper care being of
course taken at each end of every carriage, for the proper connection of the
wires to the corresponding wires of the next carriage. In this way the wires
are made to form an uninterrupted circuit from the battery to the magnet and
back again.
Fig. 16 represents the magnetic part of the apparatus. F is the electro-
magnet which, when magnetized, will attract and draw back the plate G, and
with it the pin H to which it is attached. This pin H passes through a hole
in the upright standard and enters a notch in the vertical rod I, which is
weighted and supported in bearings connected to the upright standard; and
when the pin H is drawn back, the rod I falls down and strikes a percussion
cap on the nipple J, and produces a loud detonating sound, which will attract
the attention of the guard or driver. The pin H is furnished with a small
helical spring which, when the attractive force of the magnet ceases, draws
back the bar G and pin H into their original position, so as to support the
weighted rod I when it is again lifted up. It will be obvious that in place
of percussion cap, the weighted rod I may be made to strike a bell and so give
an audible signal.
In reference to this part of my improvements, I claim the construction or
arrangement of parts herein shewn and described, or any mere modification
thereof, for the purpose of enabling persons distant from the engine driver or
guard to communicate with them by means of audible signals.
In witness whereof, I, the said Richard Wrighton, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-second day of June, in the year of our
Land One thousand night hondand and fout night
RICHARD (L.s.) WRIGHTON.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the same Twenty-second day of
June, in the year above mentioned, the aforesaid Richard Wrighton came
before our Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specifi-
cation aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained, in form above
written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the
tenor of the Statute in that case and provided.
Inrolled the same Twenty-second day of June, in the year above written.