IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY CROSSINGS AND SWITCHES AND IN APPARATUS TO BE USED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, &
Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, för the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY CROSSINGS AND SWITCHES AND IN APPARATUS
TO BE USED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. A communication from abroad by
Joseph Stokes Williams, of Riverton, New Jersey, United States of America.
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th September 1878..
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY CROSSINGS, AND
SWITCHES AND IN APPARATUS TO BE USED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH." [A, com-
munication from abroad by Joseph Stokes Williams, of Riverton, New Jersey,
United States of America.]
"
My Invention relates partly to further improvements in the construction of the
crossing lines of railways described in the Specification of my former Letters' Patènt,
dated 12 March, A.D. 1878, No. 995, whereby I secure improved bearing surfaces
for the wheels; and also to combining with such improved construction suitable
means to ensure the proper adjustment of the shifting parts of the crossing line
employed to complete or interrupt the same, so that vehicles passing either on the
crossing line or on the lines crossed by the same will cause the shifting parts to be
adjusted to complete or interrupt the said crossing line, their action being dependent
upon the vehicles which may be passing over the crossing. I also combine with such
construction suitable means to secure the proper relative working of the shifting
parts of the line or track, the connections thereof, and signalling devices in conjunc-
tion therewith; and also provide means in combination with such construction to
signal, or to signal and record, improper adjustment or neglect of duty on the part
of the switchman or signalman. I also provide suitable means for locking the
+
'

page_text: shifting parts or signalling devices, or any combination of them, to prevent the
adjustment by the switchman or signalman of any or all of them when he shall
have neglected his duty. Such means may be used to control one system of shifting
parts or series of levers, or may extend to a series of systems or stations, so that a
neglect of duty will afford cause for signalling or signalling and locking a series of
systems. I employ the term system to indicate all of the levers, switches, crossings,
signals, and other apparatus connected and operating together. The subject matter
of my previous Patents relating to improved construction of crossings, switches,
crossing lines, connections thereof, or parts working in conjunction, or any combina-
tion of any or all of same, may be combined with my herein-described further
improvements in the various modifications in the construction and arrangement of
the same, and with means for ensuring safety, economy, and durability in the
working of railways.
These improvements are applicable to the most complicated system or arrange-
ment of crossing lines and the signals employed in connection therewith, that is to
say, to a system comprising any number of through crossing lines, cross-over roads,
or compound slips or crossing lines, with a series of switches or shifting parts, or a
combination of any or all of the same.
In order to provide switch rails to complete the crossing line in combination with
undivided or immovable rails, and to adjust such switch rails with facility, and to
secure them in position either to complete the crossing and prevent the striking of
and riding on the immovable rail to be crossed by the flanges of the wheels, I
mount or support the shifting pieces, one outside and the other inside the gauge,
and on opposite sides of the line or track, and such shifting pieces are caused to rock
or partially rotate to be adjusted to the desired position, or are shifted by means of
rockers or rocking arms.
The shifting piece or switch rail on the outside of the gange so laps or covers the
immovable rail as to form the gauge of the crossing line throughout a portion of its
length, and serves to free the flanges of the wheels within the gauge of the
immovable rail of the line to be crossed. I may accomplish the desired object
without the lapping of the immovable rail at or near the end of such switch rail,
where its surface is level and slightly above that of the immovable rail, that is to
say, a recess may be formed in the immovable rail to lessen the width of the over-
lapping part of the switch rail. If the switch on the opposite side of the line be
similarly constructed, the overlapping part may serve to prevent adjustment by the
switchman while a train is passing on the main line, or such construction will
ensure or permit automatic adjustment. I also provide a guard at the end of the
said switch.
A shifting piece somewhat similar in construction and arrangement to the switch
rail located outside the gauge may be employed to complete the crossing line where
such line continues on both sides of the line to be crossed, and with such construc-
tion the shifting pieces would be freed from the crossing line by vehicles passing on
the crossed line as effectively as the shifting piece at the crossing described, and
shown in the Specification of my former Letters Patent, and similar results are
attainable with a rocking or rotating shifting piece provided with a space or aperture
for the passage of the flanges of the wheels on the crossing line in connection with
a shifting piece. A series of such rocking pieces to complete the crossing may be
connected or secured to a rocking shaft, or such shifting piece or pieces may be
connected by a rocking shaft or other suitable means with a switch or switches.
In constructing such pieces I provide for the difference in the height of the bearing
surfaces due to the wear of the supporting plates at crossings.
In the construction of a railway crossing to complete the crossing lines I employ
a plate, rail, or bearing surface, which is shifted nearly parallel with the immovable
line to be crossed, and such shifting pieces may be so raised and lowered as to com-
plete or interrupt the crossing line, and such raising and lowering may be perpen-
dicular or otherwise, and the supports for such shifting piece or pieces may be
attached to and form a part of the same, or may be independent thereof. Moreover,

page_text: such shifting pieces may be automatically adjustable either with or without springs,
weights, or their equivalents, to complete or interrupt the crossing line.
I provide for the flanges of the wheels a channel or passage which defines the
angle of the crossing line when I employ the raising and lowering shifting piece or
pieces. I may use a removable rail of reduced width or form a recess in the same
to diminish the gap in the crossing line.
The aforesaid shifting pieces are so located in guides that they are secured in
position and extend on one or both sides of the immovable rail. A bearing plate is
provided at each crossing, and such shifting pieces may lap or cover the continuation
of the crossing line.
In some cases I employ shifting pieces which are adjustable, parallel, or nearly
parallel, to the immovable lines which are not necessarily elevated and lowered to
complete crossing line, and the continuation of crossing line may lap such shifting
piece; I also provide passages for the flanges of the wheels; these shifting pieces may
be actuated by means of rockers or other suitable means, and such shifting pieces
may be operated on one or both sides of the immovable rail, and may be connected
as with other shifting pieces to complete the crossing line or lines at more than one
point.
When I employ to complete the crossing line at such parts where the "frog" or
V piece is ordinarily used, a shifting piece or shifting pieces moved parallel, or
nearly so, to the immovable line by suitable construction of such piece as are located
inside the gauge, I provide for their adjustment by vehicles passing on the line to
be crossed; or the shifting piece located on the outside of the gauge is so arranged
that it will be automatically forced from the crossed line by the employment of
movable guards, rails, or plates; suitable connections to such shifting pieces are
employed to complete a line. Or the shifting piece located outside of the gauge
may afford a bearing surface for the vehicles passing on the crossed line by forming
such piece with inclined ends.
It will be understood that such shifting pieces as are moved parallel with the
line cannot be adjusted while vehicles are passing, consequently these connections
are also retained in the proper position to ensure safety.
In the various forms of shifting pieces for completing the crossing line or lines
according to my Invention, I provide arrangements of plates, rails, or equivalent
devices, which are moved into the path of the wheels on the crossing line when the
shifting pieces interrupt the crossing line, and when the crossing line is completed
such plates, rails, or levers are not in the path of the wheels. If such connections
to shifting piece or pieces should not be properly adjusted the wheels will force
them into the proper position, and will thereby adjust the shifting piece or pieces
and connections thereof, and if suitable provision is not made to allow of such
adjustment without breakage of some of the parts the connections must yield as
they are weaker than the shifting pieces to which they are connected, but if there
is a yielding connection between such shifting part and its actuating or adjusting
device no breakage will occur.
I provide a bolt or engaging face actuated automatically, and which when the
vehicles are caused to adjust the shifting part or parts and connections thereof will
be formed into a recess and hold such shifting parts to the position in which they
are so adjusted, or they may be so locked to one line and not to the other line, and
if such bolt or connections thereof by its automatic movement offers an obstructing
face to connections of antagonistic parts, such parts will be retained and interlocked
until all the parts again occupy their proper relative position to each other. If the
connection of such bolt extend to a system of levers and signalling devices, their
movement will be prevented in similar manner. Such signalling devices combined
with the means for affecting communication between stations will be interlocked.
When I employ a shifting piece to complete the crossing of any undivided rail in
order to provide for variation caused by difference in the amount of traffic over
different lines, I so construct the continuation of the bearing surfaces for crossing

page_text: line so that a lapping of the same is secured, and such lapping or continuation is
slightly inclined in one or both directions in the line of such bearing surface.
And when I employ a shifting piece which forms solid continuity with the
meeting rail, I obtain similar results by such construction which is applicable both
at the switches and crossings.
In some instances where I employ a shifting piece to complete the crossing line
where such line extends on both sides of the rail to be crossed, I construct the end
of such rails with a blunt point. This end may be a detachable plate or bearing
surface or may form a part of the casting or other part which is secured to or
adjacent to the immovable rail to be crossed. This construction obviates the
liability of the flanges of the wheels to strike the point and ensures great strength
and durability.
In connection with the shifting piece at the crossing I employ a detachable piece
or plate adjacent to the immovable rail to be crossed; this supporting piece may be
secured to the plate or casting which support and hold the crossing line or in a
recess formed for the same as may be most desirable. By this construction the
detachable supporting plate for the shifting piece being level with the surface of the
immovable rail is the only part that will be worn. This piece should be slightly
inclined at the ends so as to prevent the passing of the wheels on the immovable
rail from striking the same.
This supporting piece may be provided with an elastic bed to prevent too great
.rigidity.
The shifting piece employed to complete the crossing line in combination with
the immovable rail may be so jointed to the crossing line rail by means of fish
plates as to allow of ready adjustment, and by means of a support extending under
the bearings and towards the bearing surface, for the wheels properly secured
prevent any improper variation of the shifting piece and meeting rail.
In some instances I so construct the shifting piece to complete the crossing line
in combination with the immovable rail, that the bearing surface of such shifting
piece does not come in close contact with or against the side of the bearing plate or
rail of the crossing line or to the inner gauge of such line throughout a portion of
its length.
In the construction of the filling piece or casting employed at the end of the
switch rail to secure the passage of the vehicles to main line from crossing line in
case such switches shall not have been adjusted, I provide a detachable plate
similar to that described as a supporting plate at the crossing; the said plate may be
of sufficient thickness to wear with the rail, and such plate may be provided with
an elastic bed to prevent rigidity.
To render the shifting parts employed for completing the crossing line more easily
adjustable, I connect such shifting piece or a series of them to a rocking or rotating
shaft, which when moved sufficient in one direction completes the crossing line, and
when moved in the other direction interrupts the same, such rockers or rocking
shaft may be susceptible of automatic adjustment.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 18th
March 1879.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY CROSSINGS AND
SWITCHES AND IN APPARATUS TO BE USED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH." A commu-
nication from abroad by Joseph Stokes Williams, of Riverton, New Jersey, United
States of America.
The said Invention relates partly to further improvements in the construction of
the crossing lines of railways described in the Specification of former Letters Patent,
dated 12 March, A.D). 1878, No. 995, whereby improved bearing surfaces for the
wheels are secured, and also to combining with such improved construction, means
for ensuring the proper adjustment of the shifting parts of crossing lines employed
to complete or interrupt the said lines so that vehicles passing either on the crossing
line or the lines crossed by the same will cause the shifting parts to be adjusted to
complete or interrupt the said crossing line, their action being dependent upon the
vehicles which may be passing over the crossing. I also combine with such con-
struction means for securing the proper relative working of the shifting parts of the
line or track, the connections thereof, and the signalling devices in conjunction
therewith. Means are also provided in combination with such construction to
signal or to signal and record improper adjustment or neglect of duty on the part
of the switchman or signalman. Means are also provided for locking the shifting
parts or signalling devices, or any combination of them, to prevent the adjustment
by the switchman or signalman of any or all of them when he has neglected to
adjust them at the proper time. Such means may be used to control oue system of
shifting parts or series of lines, or may extend to a series of systems or stations, so
that a neglect of duty will afford cause for signalling or signalling and locking a
series of systems. The subject matter of previous Letters Patent, dated 27th
August, A.D. 1877, No. 3256, and 12th March, A.D. 1878, No. 995, relating to
improved construction of crossings, switches, crossing lines, connections thereof, or
parts working in conjunction, or any combination of any or all of same, may be
combined with the herein-described further improvements in the various modifica-
tions in the construction and arrangement of the same for ensuring safety, economy,
and durability in the working of railways.
These improvements are applicable to the most complicated system or arrange-
ment of crossing lines, and the signals employed in connection therewith, that is to
say, to a system comprising any number of through crossing lines, cross-over roads,
or compound slips or crossing lines, with a series of switches or shifting parts, or a
combination of any or all of the same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
.
Figures 1 and 2 are plans of a cross-over road constructed according to this
Invention, respectively shewing the shifting parts in the position in which they
interrupt, and the position in which they complete the crossing lines.
Figures 3 and 4 are plans of a through crossing, respectively showing the shifting
parts in the position in which they interrupt, and the position in which they
complete the crossing lines.
Figure 5 is a plan of a double cross-over road, shewing one-cross road interrupted
and the other complete.
Figure 5 is a plan shewing a pair of switches placed adjacent to each other in
combination with an undivided main line, and also the continuation of the crossing
lines.
Figure 6 is a plan of a cross-over road provided with switches which are not
inclined or elevated.

page_text: Figures 7 and 8 are plans of one form of my improved shifting piece to afford the
crossing of an undivided rail, Figure 7 shewing the said piece in position to inter-
rupt the crossing line, and Figure 8 shewing it in position to complete the said
line.
Figures 9, 10, and 11 shew a front view, back view, and under side view of the
said shifting piece detached.
Figure 12 shews a plan side view and end view of a plate forming part of my
improved fastening for the pivotted end of the shifting piece.
Figure 13 is a plan, and
Figure 14 an end view of the chair for supporting the pivotted end of the shifting
piece and the end of the meeting rail.
Figure 15 is a plan of a modified form of the shifting piece for the crossing of an
undivided rail, as herein-after described.
Figure 16 is a modified form of the said shifting piece, and
Figure 17 is a transverse section of the same on the liner, r.
Figure 18 shews in transverse sections a flanged or ribbed construction of the said
shifting piece.
Figures 19 and 20 are plans of a shifting piece and parts in connection therewith,
herein-after described, and respectively shewing the said piece in the positions in
which it interrupts and completes the crossing line.
Figure 21 is a side elevation of the same, with the parts in the position shewn in
Figure 19.
Figures 22 and 23 are transverse sections on the line a, a, Figure 19 shewing a
portion of a worn and unworn wheel running on the main line rail.
Figures 24 and 25 are similar sections taken on the line 2, 2, Figure 19.
Figure 26 is an end view, and
Figures 27 and 28 are transverse sections on the lines ³, a³, and a, a, Figure 19,
shewing the inclined or bevelled face at the end of the said shifting piece.
Figure 29 is a side view of the filling piece shewn in Figures 19 and 20 provided
with inclines at its ends; and
Figure 30 is a side view of a filling piece provided with a detachable plate with
inclined ends.
Figure 31 is a plan of a modified form of filling piece and detachable plate;
and
Figure 32 is a transverse section of the same on the line 25, 75.
Figure 33 is a similar view shewing a modified form of detachable plate.
Figures 34, 35, and 36 are transverse sections on the line y, y, Figure 7, showing
various means for supporting and securing the filling piece and other parts, as
herein-after described.
Figure 37 is a plan, and
Figure 38 is a side view, of another form of filling piece, herein-after described.
Figure 39 is a plan of a shifting piece and parts in connection therewith, shewing
the same provided with means to facilitate the passage of the wheels on the crossing
line when the said shifting piece is away from the said crossing line.
Figure 40 is a side view of the said shifting piece.
Figure 41 is a plan of a modified form of the said shifting piece, herein-after
described.
Figure 42 is a plan of the shifting piece and parts adjacent thereto, shewing
another means for securing the same at its pivotted end and for securing the
meeting rail.
Figure 43 is a transverse section on the line 2º, 2º, Figure 42, but with the
shifting piece in its other position.
Figure 44 is a side view, partly in section, of portions of Figure 42.
Figures 45 and 46 are plans of modified forms of crossings, herein-after described.
Figure 47 is a plan of a crossing, shewing means for forcing the shifting piece
away from the main line or to the crossing line by the vehicles passing over such
lines, as herein-after described.

page_text: 8, 8, Figure 47.
Figure 50 is a plan of a shifting piece and adjacent parts, to be used in con-
nection with a through crossing; and
Figures 51 and 52 are transverse sections of the same on the lines y', y', and
y, y, Figure 50.
Figure 53 is a side view of the filling piece shewn in Figure 50; and
Figure 54 is a transverse section of the same on the line y', y, Figure 53.
Figures 55 and 56 shew modifications of the said filling piece herein-after
described.
Figures 57 and 58 are plans of other shifting pieces and parts in connection
therewith applicable in the construction of a through crossing, as herein-after
described.
Figures 59 to 62 show the arrangement of a shifting piece to be raised and
lowered by means of a rocker, and also the parts in conjunction therewith, as
herein-after described.
Figures 63 to 70 represent other arrangements for facilitating the adjustment of
the shifting piece and obviating friction, as herein-after described.
Figure 71 is a plan of a switch which affords the bearing surface for the wheels
in crossing an undivided rail, the switch rails being provided with means to
facilitate their adjustment, this switch being similarly constructed and operated to
those shewn in Figures 1 and 2, in combination with shifting pieces at the
crossings.
Figure 72 is a transverse section of the said switch, drawn to an enlarged scale.
Figure 73 is a plan of an ordinary switch which is not inclined or elevated above
the surface of the rails with which it is in conjunction, and which is provided with
means to obviate friction and facilitate its adjustment, this switch being similarly
constructed and operated to those shown in Figure 6, in combination with shifting
pieces at the crossings.
Figure 74 is a transverse section of the same, drawn to an enlarged scale.
Figure 75 is a transverse section illustrating a modification of the arrangement
shewn in Figures 73 and 74.
Figure 76 is a plan of another form of switch, which transfers the vehicles from
one line to another without necessitating the raising of the flanges of the wheels
above the surface of the line to be crossed, the said switch being provided with
means to facilitate its adjustment and obviate friction, as herein-after described,
and which switch may be employed in place of the ordinary switch, as shewn in
Figures 6 and 73, and may be combined with other switches and shifting pieces at
the crossings.
Figures 77 and 78 are transverse sections of the same, drawn to an enlarged
scale; and
Figure 79 is a side elevation of portions of the same.
Figure 80 is a plan of a switch which affords the means for crossing the undivided
main line rails, as herein-after described.
Figure 81 is a plan of lines of railway with sidings, cross-over roads, a through
crossing, platforms, signals, and gates or barriers, as herein-after described.
Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawings.
The cross-over road represented in Figures 1 and 2 affords the means whereby
the advantages of a permanent or immovable line or rails without cut, gap, or
opening in the same is obtained, the said cross-over road being provided with my
improved construction of shifting pieces and switches as herein-after described, so
that facility of adjustment is ensured and friction avoided. In these Figures a, a,
represent the main line rails; b. b, the crossing rails; c, d, are the switch rails, the
rail e being located outside of the gauge of the main line, and the rail on the
inside of the same; e, e, are the shifting pieces to complete the crossing where the
crossing line extends on both sides of the immovable rails to be crossed, or where
the frog or V piece is ordinarily used.

page_text: One form of my improved shifting piece and its method of.attachment and opera-
tion are shewn in Figures 7 to 14, in which a represents the main line rail; b the
crossing rail; c, the shifting piece; and f, the filling piece. The shifting piece e is
supported upon chairs as shewn at y, g¹, ², the chair y being provided with upward
extensions as shewn in Figures 13 and 14. to support the pivotted end of the said
shifting piece and also the main and crossing rails. e* represents a projecting piece
attached to the shifting piece e and retained in the chair g by means of the upward
extension g*, the said extension effectually preventing any improper movement of
the shifting piece. represents a plate, one end of which is provided with an ear
through which and the aforesaid projecting piece e* the pivot, pin, or stud e**
passes. The said plate his secured at its other end to or against the crossing rail b.
This plate haids in securing the said crossing rail and also the shifting piece e in
their proper positions. It will be seen by reference to Figures 7 and 8 that the
tapered end 6 of the crossing rail b on the side of the rail a opposite the shifting
piece e is provided with a blunt end to prevent the flange of the wheels striking
and impinging the same. The filling piece f is supported upon the chairs g¹, g², the
said filling piece, the rail b, and the main line rail a all being secured together on
the said chairs by means of wedges f*. In Figure 15 I have shewn a shifting piece e
of reduced width whereby greater facility is afforded for automatic adjustment and
also to provide for the difference in the height due to the wearing away of the
supporting or filling piece f.
In Figures 16 and 17 I have shewn a shifting piece e with the bearing surface
for the wheels of greater height than other parts of the upper surface of the same.
This construction of the said shifting piece reduces the weight of the same and
permits wheels which are worn to pass over the said shifting piece without jarring.
Figure 18 shews in section a shifting piece similar to that above described, the part
of the said shifting piece which extends below the surface of the main line rail a
being provided with a flange of suitable thickness to provide strength with a small
amount of weight.
Figures 19 to 28 show a similar form of shifting piece to that shewn in Figures
7 to 11, the said shifting piece being arranged to be raised and lowered in order
that its upper surface may be in an inclined position relatively to the main line rail
when adjusted away from the crossing line, as shewn in Figure 19. Figure 21
shews the position of the said shifting piece by means of which the wheels on the
crossing line b will pass upon or along the incline, and without jar, transfer the
weight from the "tread" to the flange, or vice versa, the wheels being supported by
the flange when passing over the filling piece f and main line rail a. It also shews
the tapered end of the rail inclined at its end to provide for difference in
height caused by the wearing away due to the traffic passing over the main line
rail and the supporting plate or filling piece f; also to ensure the passage of the
wheels over the crossing line without jarring provided the shifting piece is not in
proper position to complete the crossing line. Figures 22 to 25 shew the shifting
piece in its lowered position and other parts in conjunction therewith. It will be
seen by reference to Figures 26 to 28 that the inner face of the end of the said
shifting piece e is so inclined or bevelled as to ensure the efficient action of the
flanges of the wheels passing on. the main line a provided such shifting piece be
improperly adjusted. The filling piece / shewn in Figures 19, 20, and 29 has
inclined ends to prevent the jarring of thewheels inpassing over the same. Figure 30
shews a filling piece provided with a detachable plate fi secured in position by
bolts, spikes, or otherwise, the said plate being inclined at its ends. Figures 31
and 32 show a modified form of the said filling piece which is provided with a
T shaped detachable plate f¹ secured to the same by pins or cotters f. Figure 33
shews the filling piece provided with another form of detachable plate, also secured
in position by pins or cotters. These plates when worn can be readily replaced
without renewing the main body of the filling piece.
Figure 34 shews in transverse section a filling piece and the parts adjacent
thereto, the said filling piece being provided with a detachable plate fi resting upon

page_text: a wooden or elastic bed or block f, the said detachable plate having downward
extensions against one of which bears the key f*.
Figure 35 is a similar view shewing a detachable plate f¹ upon a wooden bed or
block f extending to the base of the main line rail a, the said plate being without
the said downward extensions and being secured to the wooden block by bolts or
spikes.
Figure 36 shews a detachable plate f supported upon an elastic bed f3 which
does not extend to the base of the main line rail a.
Figures 37 and 38 shew a method of securing the tapered piece or end 6* in the
filling piece f independently of the continuation of the crossing line 6, the filling
piece falso supporting the end of the said crossing line.
Figures 39 and 40 shew another form of shifting piece and the parts in conjunc-
tion therewith, the said shifting piece being provided with an incline e, so formed
upon the said piece as to ensure the safe transit of the wheels on the crossing line,
the tread of the wheels entering upon the said incline e when such shifting piece is
in its normal position away from the crossing line.
Figure 41 shews a separate movable piece provided with an inclined end'
operating in conjunction with the shifting piece c.
Figures 42, 43, and 44 represent improved means for permitting the free and easy
adjustment of the shifting piece e when adapted to be raised and lowered or con-
bined with rockers; et is a plate or bracket secured to the shifting piece e, its lower
end being so formed as to extend under the shifting piece and into a recess g** in.
the under side of the chair y supporting the pivotted end of the said shifting piece,
the said lower end of the plate et preventing undue endwise movement of the said
shifting piece; * represents a projection extending towards the surface of the
crossing line b, and in order to secure the latter and support the end of the piece e
I insert a plate or block g³, which is wedged between the aforesaid projection g* and
the crossing rail band shifting piece e. The plate g may extend to the surface of
the rail and lap the joint of the shifting piece e and extend under the head of the
rail ; the plate when employed in combination with a wedge is preferably
formed with projections, as shewn in side elevation in Figure 42b, or is placed in a
recess, which prevents its endwise movement. The said plate g³ in combination
with a wedge is also applicable when the pivot point of the shifting piece is above
the surface of the chair on which the said piece is supported, or the plate may be
so formed as to engage in a recess in the shifting piece, or a projection may extend
into or around the plate from said shifting piece. Instead of arranging the plate or
bracket to enter a recess in the chair, as above described, I may in some cases pass
a pin g through the said chair, as shewn in Figures 42", 43, and 44ª, into. the said
plate or bracket, or I may form a projection on the said bracket extending down-
wards into a recess or slot provided for the same.
a movable
Figure 45 shews the arrangement of a shifting piece è and
tapered piece formed with a blunt end, and so combined and arranged
as to be automatically operative by wheels passing over the main line, the
piece being so connected by a rod with the shifting piece e that they will
The shifting
simultaneously move to interrupt or complete the crossing line.
piece e is similar in construction (otherwise than in width) to that shewn in
Figures 7 to 11.
Figure 46 shews a shifting piece e combined and operated with the movable
tapered piece 1, as above described with reference to Figure 45. The said piece b¹
may be received into a recess formed in the side of the main line rail «, or such
tapered piece may partly overlap the same. The shifting piece e is preferably of
the form of an ordinary rail in transverse section.
Figures 47, 48, and 49 shew a shifting piece e in combination with a piece or
plate a adjacent to the main line rail a. and arranged to be operated by the wheels
passing over the main line rail, thus shifting or moving the shifting piece e partly
or entirely clear of the said main line rail. When the shifting piece c moves from
the crossing line the piece a¹ moves away from the rail a automatically by means

page_text: of springs, weights, or otherwise, and offers no obstruction to the passing wheels;
represents a similar plate or piece for adjusting and holding the shifting piece e
automatically to the crossing line b. It will be seen by reference to Figures 48 and
49 that the plates or pieces a¹, 62, are caused to rock or partially rotate on the chairs
or supports provided for the same, the said pieces being prevented from rising out
of the supports by means of pins, as shewn, or by other suitable means, and the
said chairs are also provided with projections or extensions which limit the move-
ment of the said plates or pieces a, b, or the projections may be formed on the
said plates or pieces. It will be understood that I may use other forms of shifting.
pieces a placed adjacent to main rail a, in combination with the shifting piece e
ore for the purpose above described.
Figures 50 to 54 shew another form of shifting piece which is applicable in the
construction of a through crossing, as shewn in Figures 3 and 4, and which is pro-
vided with an extension e to automatically adjust or hold said piece and parts
combined therewith, provided such parts shall not have been properly adjusted to
complete the crossing line.
When the shifting piece e¹ is in a position which interrupts the crossing line, the
extension e will be acted upon by the flange of the wheel passing along the crossing
line, and the said shifting piece will thereby be moved into position to complete the
crossing line. The vehicles passing on the main line rail a will force the shifting
piece e clear of the said main line rail, and cause the plate e to be moved so as to
interrupt the crossing line b, or I may employ the shifting piece or plate a¹ in
connection with the said shifting piece c'.
f
It will be seen that the flanges of the wheels pass through the space e between
the line and the aforesaid extension e, the tread of the wheels passing on the
projecting surface e of the shifting piece e¹. The said shifting piece is provided
with a support * extending towards its upper surface. The filling piece in this
arrangement is provided with inclined ends, as described in connection with other
filling pieces at the crossing, and is also provided with a rib or projection, which fits
under the head of the main line rail a and the prolonged part 3 of the rail b.
Figure 55 shews the filling piece f provided with a detachable plate fl supported
upon an elastic bed f³ interposed between the same and the lower plate or support.
Figure 56 shews the said detachable plate fl supported upon an elastic bed of wood.
The main line rail a, the prolongation 3 of the line b, and the filling piece fare
combined and supported upon the chairs g², gl, as previously described in connection
with Figures 7 and 8.
Figure 57 shews another arrangement of a shifting piece el to be used in the
through crossing in lieu of that shewn in Figure 50. It will be seen that the
said shifting piece is arranged outside of the gauge of the main line, and con-
nected to the pivoted plate or piece through the medium of the rocking or
rotating shaft and rods i¹, 2. When such shifting piece is adjusted away from
the crossing line it is clear of the "tread" of the wheels passing on the main
line, and the said piece b is also clear of the said main line, so as to allow the
flanges of the wheels to pass, but if such piece is not properly adjusted the wheels
will adjust the same and its connections automatically through the medium of the
said piece b*.
Figure 58 shews the shifting piece without the extension shewn at ein
Figure 50. In lieu of such extension I employ a movable plate or rocker es, which
automatically adjusts and holds the shifting piece e¹ to complete the crossing line,
provided the said piece shall not have been properly adjusted, this adjustment being
effected by the wheels passing on the crossing line.
Figures 59, 60, and 62, illustrate in transverse section a shifting piece e similar
to that shewn in Figures 7 and 8, and provided with a rocker, the said sections
being taken on the lines y, y, z, z, and af, at, of Figure 7, the said shifting piece
being shewn in its lowest position. represents a bracket support for the rocker
k, the said rocker being connected to the shifting piece e by means of a bar, lug, or
clamp represents the connecting rod attached to or combined with the said

page_text: rocker. It will be seen by reference to Figure 59 that the shifting piece e is
supported on the chairs provided for it when adjusted away from the main line or
in its lowest position, thereby relieving the rocker of strain. Figure 61 shews in
section on the same plane as Figure 6, the shifting piece e adjusted to complete
the crossing line. It will be seen that the said shifting piece is supported upon the
filling piece f and the main line rail a, thus relieving the rocker of any strain.
In Figures 63 and 64, which are a transverse section and side elevation, the
rocker is provided at its extremity with a ball which fits a socket j' in the
lower end of the bracket j, the said ball preferably resting upon a spring or other
elastic support in the said socket to prevent straining the rocker, and to compensate
for the wearing away of the main line rail a and filling piece f, and also to
facilitate the automatic adjustment of the said shifting piece from the main line.
In Figure 65 I have shewn a rocker k forked at its lower end to rest upon a
saddle provided on the bracket j, the connecting rod m being connected to the
shifting piece through the medium of the lug or clamp l, and the connecting rod m
combined with the rocker at or near its end, to provide for easier adjustment of the
shifting piece c. The said connecting rod as shewn is provided with eyes or rings,
into or with which corresponding circular hooks of the rocker k and clamp / engage.
The said clamp is secured to the shifting piece e by means of a wedge . The
rod m provides a yielding support to prevent breaking or straining of the parts.
Figure 66 shews the rocker k provided with extensions or arms fitting over the
saddle, the said arms alternately resting upon the supports provided for them,
said supports being secured to the brackets, one on each side of the projection or
saddle. By this arrangement, I am enabled to employ a short rocker k, and to
secure greater ease of adjustment.
Figure 67 shews the rocker k provided with lateral projections 2 resting in a
socket on the bracket j, by which means similar advantages are gained in the
adjustment as described in connection with Figure 66.
In Figures GS and 69 I have shewn in transverse section in different positions,
the rocker k provided at its extremity with a wheel or roller, which is arranged
to traverse a cam-faced piece or support attached to the sleeper. The shifting
piece e is supported upon the chairs when in the position shewn in Figure 68, and
by the main line rail a and filling piece f when in the position shewn in Figure 69,
and thereby relieves the rocker and wheel as above described in connection with
Figures 59, 60, and 61. The said rocker kis limited in its movements by means of
stops, lugs, or projections, so as to ensure free movement of the wheel or roller ³.
Figure 70 shews the cam-faced piece or support mounted upon an elastic bed
*, supported by the bracket j. It will be seen that these brackets for supporting
the rockers are secured to the filling piece f, or to both the filling piece and main
line rail a, and held firmly in position by means of wedges, such wedges being
secured from displacement by means of cotters or screw bolts.
Figure 70 shews the wheel or roller journalled upon the connecting rod m,
and provided with a tripper or rocker m', which causes the raising of the shifting
piece e, and also of the wheel ³, the wheel 3 being raised out of its recess, passes
on the cam-faced support n. the wheel then supporting the shifting piece until the
said wheel is relieved of its weight by passing into the recess at the other end of
the cam-faced plate n, the tripper then occupying a reverse position to that
occupied by it at the commencement of the movement of the shifting piece e. The
said tripper will then effect the raising of the shifting piece and wheel in the first
part of the re-adjustment of the same to its former position. In Figures 71 and 72,
I have shewn a switch similar in construction to that shewn in Figures 1 and 2
provided with means for obviating friction and ensuring facility of adjustment.
k, k, represent rockers similar to those shewn and described in connection with the
shifting piece at the crossing, the said rockers being combined with the switch rails
c, d, so as to raise the said switch rails sufficiently above the chairs to obviate the
wear or friction upon the same, the said rails being supported upon their chairs

page_text: when said switch rails are in a position either to complete the side line rails b; b,
or to interrupt the same.
"
Figures 73 and 74 shew an ordinary switch provided with my improved means
for facilitating the adjustment and obviating friction of the same, and also means
for preventing the raising of the switch rails when completely adjusted to either
line. Figure 6 shews a series of these switches connected or combined with each
other. k, k, represent the rockers which are provided with balls k, k¹, at their
lower extremities, fitting in the sockets attached to the sleeper. o, o, are plates
to which said rockers are attached, the said plates being provided with an inclined
or curved face to hold the said switch rails firmly in position relatively to the
adjacent rails. The said rockers may also be provided with a yielding or elastic
bed similar to that described in connection with the shifting piece e at the crossing,
the said elastic bed permitting the switch rails to be automatically and readily
adjusted by the passing vehicles, as the elastic support will yield to the weight of
the said vehicles, and allow the switch rails to move upon the chairs instead of
being raised and carried by the rockers.
Figure 75 shews a modification of Figures 73 and 74, in which the switch rails
are held in position by the plates o, the said plates o being attached to or forming
a part of the bar or plate o¹, the switch rails being raised from the chairs during
their adjustment by means of wheels or rollers o in combination with the said bar
o. This bar o' will yield to the weight of the vehicles in case of improper adjust-
ment, and allow the switch rails to move upon their chairs.
Figures 76 to 79 illustrate a switch with the main and side line rails a, b,
combined and shifted as one piece, and provided with an inclined lapping plate **,
and with means to obviate friction and facilitate adjustment, or allow of automatic
action as described in connection with other shifting pieces. o represents a plate
provided with a curved upper surface in combination with projections o* formed on
the chair, in order to secure the switch rails firmly in position as described in
connection with Figures 73 and 74. It will be understood that the combined
shifting piece may be employed in combination with a movable tapered rail as
shewn, or with a stationary tapered piece and guard rail, or with a similarly con-
structed shifting piece ou the opposite side of the line, and which may be provided
with means to facilitate its adjustment, such piece being employed instead of the
movable or stationary tapered piece, and pivoted opposite or nearly opposite the
unpivoted end of the first-named shifting piece.
Figure 80 shews a modified form of the switch shewn in Figures 71 and 72, in
which the switch rail c is constructed to lap the main line raila, the said switch
rail being provided with means to obviate friction and facilitate adjustment, as
herein-before shown and described; the switch rail by lapping the main line rail
affords greater bearing surface for the tread of the wheels passing upon the said
switch rail, and such lap prevents the flanges of the wheels from striking the main
line rail a by defining the course of the said wheels provided it extends through
a portion of its length to the inner gauge of the main line rail. This overlapping
switch rail may be used in combination with a main line rail a of reduced width,
as shewn in Figure 71, and with the switch rail d, with a movable or stationary
guard rail.
.
Figure 1 shews a cross-over road similar to that shewn and described in Figures 1
and 2, provided with bolting and testing mechanism, and with a lock bar
combination with the same or with the switch rails c, d.
in
Figure 4 shews a through crossing similar to that shewn and described in
Figures 3 and 4, provided with bolting and testing mechanism to ensure the proper
position and relative working of the movable parts of the same or of other parts
'connected or combined therewith.
By employing a pair of switches similar to those shown in Figure 71, and placed
adjacent to each other in combination with the main line rails a, as shewn in
Figure 5, I obviate the necessity for dividing the main line rails a, and the compli-

page_text: cation of the arrangement now in ordinary use. In the construction of cross-over
roads, through crossings, compound slips,catch slips, or any combination of the same
or crossing lines in which it is necessary or desirable to lessen the labor of the
switchman, I accomplish this result by providing the shifting piece or pieces at
crossings where the crossing rail or line extends on both sides of the line to be
crossed, with means as herein described to facilitate the movement of such shifting
piece at the crossing or of the switch rails, which are at other places than such
crossings connected or combined with one or more shifting pieces at crossings.
In the construction of a cross-over road, compound slip, catch slip or trap, or
crossing lines which have a series of switches or shifting parts other than at the
place or places where the crossing line extends on both sides of the rail to be crossed;
when I connect or combine the series of switches with a lever or system of levers, I
provide one or both of such switch rails with means as herein described to facilitate
adjustment.
In Figure 81 the Figures 1, 2, 3, represent signals on the up main line; 4 and 5
are the switches on the cross-over road from the down main line to the loop line;
6 is the bolting apparatus combined with the lock bar for the facing point switch;
7 is a cross-over road from down main to up main line; 8 represents a through
crossing from the down main line over the up main line to the siding; 9 is the
carrier lock; 10 and 11 are signals on loop line; 12, 13, 14, signals in the down
main line; 15 is an outlying cross-over road.
It will be understood that any existing interlocking mechanism or means for
working, holding, testing, and combining the improved construction or arrangement
for operating the herein-described crossing lines in combination with other movable
parts may be employed, so as to secure the desired control or relative working of all
parts combined in the system, so that all parts are necessarily properly adjusted and
secured before any conflicting part can be moved. The means for combining the
parts of the system may be varied or extended, and may be adapted to any station
or place where signals are required in combination with my improved methods of
constructing and working the switches, crossings, or crossing lines.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and shewn how the same may be conveniently and advan-
tageously carried into practise, I wish it understood that I do not claim the switches
or shifting pieces or other devices or parts of the apparatus herein-above described
irrespective of their novel and peculiar features of construction, combination, or
arrangement, as and for the special purposes set forth, but I claim,-
First. The mechanism to obviate friction and facilitate the adjustment of the
shifting piece or pieces at crossings where the frog or V piece is ordinarily used, or
of any other switch or shifting piece connected or combined with a shifting piece or
shifting pieces at the crossings, substantially as herein-before described with reference
to the accompanying Drawings.
Second. Connecting or combining a series of switches at other places than where
the crossing line extends on both sides of the line to be crossed, and which are
provided with means to facilitate adjustment, as herein-before described with refer-
ence to the accompanying Drawings and for the purposes specified.
Third. The shifting piece e constructed with a bevelled or inclined face, and used
in combination with a tapered rail of the side line, substantially as herein described
with reference to the accompanying Drawings, and for the purposes specified.
Fourth. The construction and use of a tapered rail with a blunt end, and with or
without an inclined or varied height of its upper surface. in combination with a
shifting piece e, which affords a bearing surface for the "tread" of the wheels
crossing an undivided rail, where a V piece is ordinarily used, substantially as
described with reference to the Drawings and for the purpose specified.
Fifth. The novel construction and arrangement whereby I support and combine
the main line rail a, the side line rail b, and the filling piece f, as described with
reference to the accompanying Drawings and for the purpose specified.
Sixth. The construction and arrangement of the chairs or supports provided with

page_text: means for securing the end of the side line rail band the shifting piece e at its
pivotted end, as herein described with reference to Figures 13, 14, 43, 43", and other
Figures of the Drawings and for the purpose specified.
Seventh. In combination with the shifting piece e the detachable plates or sup-
ports f, constructed and arranged substantially as described with reference to the
accompanying Drawings and for the purpose specified.
Eighth. The use of a movable guard bar or lever a¹, in combination with the
shifting piece e or e¹, and so placed as to be close to the immovable rail a when the
shifting piece e or el is adjusted to complete the crossing line 6, substantially as
described with reference to Figures 47 and 48 of the accompanying Drawings, and
for the purpose specified.
Ninth. The construction and arrangement of the shifting piece e in combination
with the continuation of the crossing line on one or both sides of the undivided
raila, whereby I provide inclined surfaces at these parts, as above described, with
reference to Figures 21, 39, 41, and other Figures of the accompanying Drawings,
and for the purposes specified.
Tenth. The combination and arrangement of the switch rails and other parts,
whereby the movement or adjustment of the said rails by the switchman when no
vehicle is on them is facilitated, and whereby I provide for the adjustment of such
rails by the wheels of passing vehicles, substantially as described with reference to
the accompanying Drawings.
Eleventh. The arrangement of a pair of switch rails c, d, as shewn in Figure 5°,
placed adjacent to each other in combination with the main line rails a,substantially
as described, and for the purposes specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.
WM. ROBT. LAKE. (L.S.)