IMPROVE- MENTS IN LOCOMOTIVE AND OTHER STEAM ENGINES AND BOILERS, IN RAILWAYS, RAILWAY CARRIAGES AND THEIR APPURTENANCES; ALSO IN MACHINERY AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING PART OF PARTS OF SUCH IMPROVEMENTS
Year: 1852

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
MCCONOCHIE, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-fourth day of
June, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, in the sixteenth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said John McConochie, my exors, adññors, and assigns, Her especial
license, full power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said John
McConochie, my exors, adiñors, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
John McConochie, my exors, adñiors, 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 expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, in
the Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Man, and in all Her
Majesty's Colonies and Plantations abroad, my Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN LOCOMOTIVE AND OTHER STEAM ENGINES AND BOILERS, IN RAILWAYS,
RAILWAY CARRIAGES AND THEIR APPURTENANCES; ALSO IN MACHINERY AND
APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING PART OF PARTS OF SUCH IMPROVEMENTS;" in which
said Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I, the said John McConochie,
shall cause a particular description of the nature of my said Invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, by an instrument in writing
under my hand and seal, to be enrolled in Her Majesty's High Court of

page_text: 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.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
John McConochie, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, are fully described and
set forth in and by the present Specification thereof, reference being had to
the Drawings hereunto annexed, that is to say :-
The nature of my improvements in locomotive and other steam engines
consists in combining together and placing a number of valves in one steam
chest, and so arranged that one valve may be substituted for another at
pleasure, each valve having a different breadth of face, or variation of lap on
the steam side to cover the steam ports, so as to work the engine more or less
expansively, according to the different loads on the engine. And whereas it
has been ascertained that cast iron is better calculated to support and resist
compressive strain than wrought iron, which latter has been found more
capable of supporting and resisting tensile strain; now the nature of my
improvements in boilers consists in constructing such parts thereof as are
destined to resist and support compression of cast iron, in combination with
wrought iron, for such other parts as have to resist and support strains in
tension.
The nature of my improvements in railways consist, first, in so con-
structing a chair that one side or jaw forms a self-acting key, and fits into
the web of the rail between the heads thereof, and wherein the rail is so held
and supported that the bottom or lower head shall not rest upon the sole of
the chair. Second, in a method of trussing and at the same time affording
increased bearing surface to the joints of the rails; and, third, in the con-
struction of a turntable.
The nature of my improvements in railway carriages and their appurte-
nances consists, first, in the construction of wheels for such carriages with
girder tyres; and, second, in improvements in breaks, by interposing between
the break blocks and the break handle a spring, or springs, or other elastic
medium, so as to equalize and distribute on the wheels the power applied to
the break handle, and at the same time compensate for any inequality that
may exist upon either of the wheels.
And, lastly, the nature of my improvements in machinery and apparatus for
producing part or parts of such improvements consists in certain arrangements
of apparatus for manufacturing railway chairs. And the manner in which my
Invention is to be performed is as follows:-

page_text: Figure 1 of the Drawings hereunto annexed is a transverse section, and
Figure 2 a longitudinal section of one arrangement of my improved compound
slide valves. A, B, C, D, are four separate slide valves, each with a different
amount of lap. a is the valve shaft; b, the excentric lever; c, the driving
lever, in which is fixed a sliding pin or driver d, for giving motion to the
valves which are loose on the shaft a; e is the handle for disengaging the
driver d from the hollow spindle f, when changing or substituting one valve
for another, when it is necessary to increase or diminish the amount of lap.
The hollow spindle f has cast upon one end of it a disc, upon the periphery of
which are formed worm teeth, working in gear with an endles screw g, which
has motion given to it by the handle h. The slide valves A, B, C, D, may be
so arranged on the hollow spindle f as to bear on the cylinder valve face whilst
in work, without producing any strain upon the valve shaft. The operation of
changing one valve for another is performed by withdrawing the driver d from
the disc of the hollow spindle f, by means of the lever e, and then giving
motion to the endless screw g by the handle h, so as to impart a revolving
motion to the disc, which carries with it the valves. The disc is lettered or
indexed to correspond with the amount of lap of the valves, so that by observ-
ing the position of the disc the engineer may know which of the valves for the
time being is set for operation. The excentric lever b may either be worked
direct from the excentric or through the intervention of the link motion. The
cylinder faces of the steam and exhaust ports should be made to suit the form
given to the valve faces A, B, C, and D. In case of applying the eccentric
motion direct to the working of the valves, the shaft a would become the valve
spindle, and the disc and changing apparatus would be fixed on the back end
of the spindle outside the valve casing. The valves would then occupy
a position at right angles to that in which they are represented in Figures
1 and 2, and they would slide to and fro as ordinarily, instead of rotating
on their axis a. Figure 1 of the Drawings is a transverse section of a
high-pressure flue boiler; Figure 2ª a longitudinal section. A is the internal
portion or flue, which, being subject to compressive strain, I form of toughened
cast iron annealed. B is the outer shell or case of the boiler, subject to tensile
strain, and which I construct of wrought iron.
Figure 3 is a transverse section, and Figure 4 a longitudinal section
of a high-pressure tubular boiler. A is a plate or disc of wrought iron
perforated for the reception of the tubes B, B, which are of toughened
cast iron annealed, as also the fire box C.
mouthpiece made slightly conical, which is
C¹, C¹, is a cast iron junction
bolted or rivetted at one end
to the front of the boiler, and is bolted or rivetted at its inner end to the

page_text: fire box. The tube plate or disc A is rivetted or bolted to the inner end of
the fire box. When it is desired to remove the fire box or tubes, the junction
mouth piece C', C¹, is disconnected from the front of the boiler, when the fire
box and tube plate being of smaller diameter than that of the aperture in
the front of the boiler, they are readily withdrawn.
Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8, are modifications of the figures previously described.
Here the cast iron flues or tubes, instead of being wholly cylindrical, are
corrugated at top, in order to present increased heating surface. The under
sides or bottoms of the flues or tubes are plain to allow of their being easily
cleaned.
· Figures 7 and 8* represent other modifications of my improvements in
boilers.
Figures 9, 10, and 11, are longitudinal sections, and Figure 11 a transverse
section of Figure 11, of marine boilers, shewing the tubes, fire and smoke
boxes, and up-take, formed of annealed toughened cast iron.
Figure 12 represents a. longitudinal section of a boiler, in which the fire
box A is wholly of cast iron, while the upper half of the remainder of the
tube B is formed of corrugated toughened cast iron, while the lower half may
be either made of wrought or cast iron.
Figure 13 and 14 represent sections of my improved form of boiler
tubes, in which the ends that are fixed in the tube plate A are made cylin-
drical as usual, while the remainder of the tubes are of an elliptical shape,
thus increasing the water space between the tubes and giving greater facility
for cleaning, at the same time allowing of a better circulation of the water in
the boiler.
Figure 15 represents a modification of elliptical boiler tubes, in which
the ends are made of an increased thickness of metal, so as to give to
the tubes at those parts a greater strength to resist the pressure upon the
sides of the tube.
Figure 16 shews the section of a boiler tube, which I propose to make of
an extra thickness on the under side, so as better to sustain its own weight
where great length of tube is required.
Figure 17 indicates a further modification in the shape of the tubes for
boilers, in which the upper surface of the tube is corrugated or indented,
while the under side is plain.
Figure 18 represents so much of two rails and chair as is necessary to explain
this part of my Invention. A, A, is the rail, which is of the double equal-
headed form, the upper and under surfaces being alike to allow of its being
turned when one of the surfaces has become worn and unfit for use. B is the

page_text: chair. The shape of these chairs, and the manner of fixing the rail in them,
is more clearly represented in the end view, Figure 19. E is the sole of the
chair; F, F, the cheeks. The upper portion a, a, of these checks is so formed
as to correspond exactly with the under surface of the head of the rail which
rests thercon, and thus supports the rail, at the same time preventing the
reverse head coming in contact with and bearing upon the sole of the chair,
whereby it is not liable to injury from the constant jar caused by the passage
of tho trains; whereas the ordinary construction of chair renders the rail unfit
for use after the upper head or surface has become too much worn to
be longer serviceable. G is one jaw of the chair. I is a pin, which may be
cast on this jaw, as slewn at Figure 19, to prevent the rail working on end.
The jaw G forms a wedge let into the side of one of the cheeks, and is kept in
its position laterally by the feather b, shown in the dotted lines, Figure 19.
The object of this wedge is to admit of the rail being placed within the chair
and removed when required to change the surface. H is the wooden lock
key driven in between the chair and rail to render it firm and secure in
its place. When the rail is to be reversed the lock key is withdrawn and the
wedge G released. The rail is then taken out, and replaced with the part
which was lowermost turned so as to form the upper surface.
Figures 20, 20, 20", 20", show modifications of supporting chairs, wherein
the bottoins of the rail are prevented coming in contact with or resting upon
the sole of the chair. These chairs may be formed of pieces of wrought iron
rolled in the shape shewn, in bars, and cut off at suitable lengths as required,
and rivitted to the rails.
Figure 21 shews another modification, styled the box chair.
Figure 22 is a side elevation; Figure 22ª, a transverse section; and Figure
23, a top plan of my trussed joints. A, A, is a stringer of wood, or an
ordinary sleeper, placed in a line with the rail, but having a certain amount
of cambre, as shown in the Drawing, for the purpose of trussing and sup-
porting the joint of the stringer. It is placed under the ordinary transverse
sleepers B, B. C, C, are the chairs, which may be of the particular construc-
tion herein-before described, or of any other approved make. They are secured
by bolts passing through the outer spike hole down through the transverse
sleepers to the stringer A. A. This system of construction will be found highly
beneficial to the rolling stock; its effect is to keep up the joints and impart
steadiness and stiffness with a certain amount of yielding solidity thereto. The
bearing surface on the ballast at the joints is considerably increased. Instead
of a wooden stringer, a wrought iron tension truss may be used.
My improved turntable is represented in sectional elevation at Figure 23*,

page_text: and plan, with part of the planking removed, at Figure 23b. I construct the
surface of the table A with two or three layers of diagonal planking. It is
supported by the tension rods a, a, which I construct of wrought iron. The
rods prevent the top or surface of the table from giving or yielding when
weight comes upon it. Each rod is provided with a tightening apparatus,
which may be either a screw or gib and cotter. The other parts of the turn-
table are similar to ordinary turntables, and their construction being so well
understood, renders any further description by me unnecessary.
I will now proceed to describe my improvements in railway carriages, which
consist in the application of a tyre to the wheels thereof, constructed upon the
principle of an ordinary girder.
Figure 28 is a front elevation of a girder tyre wheel; and Figure 24,
a section thereof. A, A, is the tyre (shewn in section in Figure 24).
I form the mould in which the tyre is cast of common moulding sand,
excepting the outer part, which I form of an iron chill. When, therefore,
the metal is run into the mould, the outer circumference, which is
exposed to the most wear, becomes chilled, and acquires a surface nearly as
hard as steel, while the inner ring and flanges or brackets are preserved tough
and strong by only having been in contact with the sand of the mould. The
tyres should be allowed to cool slowly and gradually. I then attach the tyre
to a wrought iron or other centre by bolting or rivetting the inner periphery
thereto radially. In a wheel thus constructed I obtain a rigid and hard external
wearing surface, while sufficient elasticity is preserved in the complete wheel
to prevent any injurious action on the axle, which is liable to become
deteriorated when an entirely solid cast iron wheel is used.
Figures 25, 25, 25b, 25°, 25, 25°, 25, and 255 represent different modifica-
tions of the tyre. Figs. 25, 25, shew the method which I adopt for fastening
the tyre to the body of the wheel by means of the radial bolts a, a.
Figures 26 and 26* are side elevation of one of my improved breaks, and
Figure 27 a plan. A, A, are the wheels; B, B, the buffers; C, C, the springs ;
D, D, the connecting rods, one end of each of which is attached to the back of
the springs C, C, while the other ends are attached to the double bell-crank
lever E. F is another connecting rod, attached at one end to the long arm of
the bell-crank lever E, and at the other end to the short arm of a single bell-
crank lever d, the long arm of which is connected to the links H, which
are attached to the nut or swivel, working up and down on the screwed
end of the rod K, which is turned by means of the handle J in the usual
manner. Figure 26 is. a side elevation of an ordinary single lever break,
with the spring interposed between the lever and the break block.

page_text: Figures 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38, represent my improve-
ments in apparatus to be used for manufacturing railway chairs by casting.
The mould is formed in two parts, each half being rammed separately, and
the two then locked together to form a complete mould, as shewn. Figure 28
is a section, and Figure 29 a plan of a mould box frame and plate, prepared
for moulding, and Figures 30 and 31 are a section and plan, shewing the
frame and pattern (which are rivetted together) with the mould box removed.
Figure 32 is a plan of one of the mould boxes detached, and Figure 33 a plan
of the retaining plate, the centre of which is cut out to coincide with the
shape of the pattern. Figures 34 & 35 shew a section and plan of a mould
box with the parting plate attached, and Figures 36 and 37 similar views
with the retaining plate removed. Figure 38 is a section of a mould, showing
the two halves brought together, and the mould thus made complete is held
firm by the catches a. By adopting this system of moulding, two moulders
may be at work simultaneously at one set of pattern. The edges of the mould
boxes are faced in a lathe, so as to fit one another accurately when brought
together. A similar arrangement may be adopted in moulding the cast iron.
pipes or tubes for boilers before mentioned under the second head of the.
Specification, the shape of the moulds being varied to suit the form of casting
required to be produced.
And having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in what.
manner the same is to be performed, I declare that I claim as my improve-
ments in locomotive and other steam engines the combination in one steam
chest of a series of valves, with different breadths of face on the steam side, so
arranged as to be readily changed or substituted one for the other, according
to the load on the engine, as herein-before exemplified and described.
I claim as my improvements in boilers the combination in their manufacture
of cast iron and wrought iron, adapting and applying cast iron to support and
resist compression, and wrought iron to support and resist tension, as herein-
before described.
I also claim the employment of elliptical tubes with circular ends, and of
flues and tubes for boilers, corrugated at top and plain at bottom, as also
herein-before exemplified and described.
I claim as my improvements in railways,-
First, the constructing of a chair for rails in such manner that one side or
jaw of the chair forms a key and fits into the web of the rail between the heads
thereof, and wherein the rail is so held and supported that the bottom or lower
head of the rail does not rest upon the sole of the chair, as herein-before
described and represented in Figures 18, 19, and 19°, of the Drawings.

page_text: hereunto annexed, together with the modifications represented in Figures
20, 20, 20, 20°, and 21.
Second, I claim the trussing of the line of railways, so as to support and at
the same time afford increased bearing surface to the joints of the rails, as
herein-before described and represented in Figures 22, 22, and 23, of the
Drawings hereunto annexed; and,
Third, I claim the combination of the adjustable tension rods, together with
two or more thicknesses of diagonal planking in the construction of railway
turntables, as herein-before described and represented in Figures 23° and 23b
of the Drawings hereunto annexed.
I claim, as my improvements in railway carriages and their appurtenances,
the manufacture of railway carriage wheels with girder tyres, and having the
tyre bolts passing through the inner rim only towards the centre of the wheel,
for connecting the tyre and body of the wheel, as herein-before described; and
also the employment of springs between the break block and break handle in
railway carriage breaks to equalize and distribute the power applied thereto,
and to compensate for any inequalities there may be upon the surface of the
wheels, as herein-before described.
And, lastly, I claim, as my improvements in machinery and apparatus for
producing part or parts of my Invention the apparatus herein-before described
and represented at Figures 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, & 38, for
producing railway chairs.
In witness whereof, I, the said John McConochie, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-fourth day of December, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.
JOHN (L.S.) MCONOCHIL.
Enrolled the Twenty-fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.