IMPROVEMENTS IN CERTAIN PARTS OF RAILWAYS, AND FOR THE METHODS OF MANUFACTURING AND CON- STRUCTING PART OF THE SAME
Year: 1855

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Baines, of Coverdale Terrace, Hunter's
Lane, near Birmingham, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN CERTAIN
PARTS OF RAILWAYS, AND FOR THE METHODS OF MANUFACTURING AND CON-
STRUCTING PART OF THE SAME."
Sealed the 10th August 1855, and dated the 6th June 1855.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Baines at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 6th
June 1855..
I, WILLIAM BAINES, of Coverdale Terrace, Hunter's Lane, near Birming-
ham, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
CERTAIN PARTS OF RAILWAYS, AND FOR THE METHODS OF MANUFACTURING
CONSTRUCTING PART OF THE SAME," to be as follows:-
The switches have an extra thickness formed or left on the upper or top
part of their outer sides, commencing at or near that part of the tongue against
which the flange of the wheel begins to press, and extending as far as addi-
tional strength is required, and bending or projecting outwards, to which the
adjacent rails are made conformable; and in order to give the point rails a
broad and strong base in cases where it is required, I form on their inner sides
grooves or projections, to which are secured blocks or brackets bearing on the
surface of the chairs; and to keep the surfaces lubricated, the blocks or the

page_text: chairs are chambered or hollowed to receive a sponge or other substance for
retaining lubricating matter, which by the ipovement of the switch tongue is
conveyed to and spread over the rubbing: surface and each switch chair has
one or more raised surfaces formed on one or both sides of its inner jaw, which
by their construction enable the tongue when sliding over them to clear away
every obstruction that might fall between it and the main rail; and which are
applicable to-switch-tongues-of-a-less-depth-than the main rail, and the chair
is so formed as to prevent the tongue from rising; and a spring is attached to
an apparatus for effectually closing the point of the bars or plates which form
the tapered part of the crossing. The small end or point takes a vertical
bearing from projections or channels on each side, which afford it a firm
support, and the broad end is attached to the main rail either by joint plates
fitting into the side channels and held in their place by the wing rail, or by a
scarf or half lap joint, and secured.by. bolts.or. rivets... The iron or steel which
is to form the points of the switches and crossings and the joint plates, is taken
from the furnace or fire sufficiently hot-to be made or shaped-in iron moulds.or
dies on one side, while the other side is acted upon by hammers, rolls, or other
suitable pressure, all of which are so constructed as to give the proper forms,
tapers, or shapes required; and when the switch tongues are of extra length
and less tapered, I complete them by passing them in the hot state through a
pair of rolls, which, as soon as they have formed one part of the tongue parallel,
are acted upon by the application of a pair of excentric or incline wheels,
rollers, or pulleys, which being put in motion at the point nearest to their
axis, bear upon the ends or axis of one or both of the rolls, rotate simul-
taneously, and by-their-gradually increasing diameter. cause the rolls to close
proportionately, and thereby given the tongue or point the form or taper
required.
4.72
+
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of, the Letters Patent,filed
by the said William Baines in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
5th December 1855.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I WILLIAM
BAINES, of Coverdale Terrace, Hunter's Lane, near Birmingham, send greeting.

page_text: William Baines, Her special, licence that I, the said William Baines; my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as If the said William'
Baines, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agréc
with; and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the
term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN CERTAIN PARTS
OF RAILWAYS, AND FOR THE METHODS OF MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTING PART
OF THE SAME," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said William
Baines, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, should parti-
cularly describe and asce
e and ascertain the nature of the said-Invention, and in what
manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the
Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
nd immediately
after the date of the said Letters atent
NOW KNOW YE that I the said William Baines, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in- what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement thereof (that is to say)
The first part of my Invention is designed to obtain the greatest possible
firmness and durability in those parts which are most subject to rapid wear and
destruction, namely, the thin end of the switch tongue, especially that which
forms the curve or diverging line, and the working surface of the main or fixed
rail, and by these means to insure greater safety as well as economy.
Figure 1 is a plan of one side of a railway switch, illustrating the first part
of my Invention is the main or fixed rail forming the straight-line; B is
a moveable tongue, forming the curve or diverging line, the point or tapered
end of which has an extra thickness formed on its upper part" at or near C
and C', (that being the place where the flanch of the wheel begins to press
against it laterally in the passing of the trains to the diverging line,) extending
as far as additional strength may be required; and bending or projecting out of
the straight line of that side of the tongue which lies against the fixed rail. This
extra thickness varies a little in three-throw switches, as shown in Figure 2,
being formed more parallel with the straight line in the fixed rail than in
Figure 1. The upper part of the inner side of the adjacent rail at C and C¹
is constructed so as to conform and fit to the moveable tongue, either by
rolling, bending, cutting, or any other suitable means, and the lower part of
its outer side at D and D'is made to conform and fit in like manner, so that;
when worn out on its upper surface, the rail may be turned over in its own
place. The lower part of that side which fits agailist- the switch tongue and

page_text: the upper part of the outer or reverse side, I prefer to remain entire. By.
the above arrangements, the two faces of the said rail can be brought suc-.
cessively into wear, and the slight indentations formed therein will be found
suitable to receive the point or end of the tongue rail, made of sufficient bulk
and strength at. that important part to withstand the action of the trains in
setting off to the diverging line, and the side of the point adjacent to the fixed
rail coincides with its inner side, and is thus protected from injury by it. The
end of the tongue is made to project past the slight notch or indentation in the
fixed rail, as shown by the dotted lines at X, and to house under its shoulder;
but this is no part of my Invention, having been used from nearly the com-
mencement of railways. S is a projection on the point chair, shown and
described under Figure 3.
Figure 2 is a three-throw switch made according to my Invention. A is the
main or fixed rail; B is the long tongue; C is the short tongue.
Figure 3 is a section at o, o, of Figure 1. b is a fixed rail, constructed as
above described in Figure 1, and shown by the dotted lines c, d; m is the point-
rail; n is the chair; h, the key; S is a projection formed so as to prevent.
the tongue from rising, and serves as a shield or cover, which will prevent
objects falling upon the surface which the tongue moves upon.
Figure 4 is a section of the fixed rail at h, in Figure 2, prepared for the.
reception of the long tongue; Figure 5 is a section at g (Figure 2), prepared,
in like manner for the reception of the short tongue.
Figure 6 is a section of Figure 2 at p, p, showing the side clevation of the.
chair. ȧ is the fixed rail, secured in the chair b in the usual way by the key c;
d and d' are the two moveable tongues, the upper parts of which inside between
the rails are supported by the blocks or brackets X, X, which give solidity and
firmness to the tongues, and increase their bearing surface without adding much.
extra weight to them. By these arrangements ample room is provided for
the inside jaw of the chair, without the necessity of notching or reducing the
bearing surface of the tongue. The dotted lines at k show a hollow or chamber
for receiving a sponge or other suitable substance, for retaining oil or other
lubricating matter, which the tongue, when in motion, spreads over the rubbing
surface of the chair. The chairs may be hollowed in like manner for the
same object.
Figure 7 is a section of Figure 1 at k, k, taken in front of the first chair
from the point, that being the part where there has hitherto been found
the greatest difficulty in obtaining room for the inside jaw of the chair,
that is, between the fixed rail and the switch tongue. m is the fixed rail
seated in the chair g, and secured by the key n in the usual way; p is the

page_text: moveable tongue, supported by two raised surfaces. In construction, one cut
is all that is required for each tongue, leaving the bottom part entire or other-
wise sufficiently strong and broad at its base, at the same time leaving room
for the inner jaw of the chair.
Figure 8 is a plan of a switch chair made according to my Invention, and
suitable for switch tongues of a less depth than the fixed rail. a is the outside
jaw; b is the seat for the fixed rail; c is the jaw, situated between the fixed
rail and the moveable tongue; d and d' are raised seats or surfaces support-
ing the upper part of the tongue; d² and d³ are also raised surfaces supporting
the lower part of the tongue. These several seats or raised surfaces may be
reduced or increased in number according to circumstances, and are con-,
structed so that any dirt or other object that may fall or accumulate upon
them between the fixed rail and the moveable tongue is entirely removed and
swept away by the action of the latter when being closed, thus avoiding the
risk of accident.
Figure 9 is a side elevation of. Figure 8, shewing an end or sectional view
of the rails. a is the main rail, seated in chair c, and secured by the key d in.
the usual way; j is the moveable tongue, closed and firmly supported by the
several seats or raised surfaces p, p. Any objects that might accumulate upon
these surfaces when the tongue is open are swept off and fall down at S, S, by
the closing of the tongue. The tongues and chairs are so arranged, that when
the former are shut, they are prevented from rising at their points by grooves
in the chairs and corresponding ribs or projections formed in the rails which
fit thereon, or otherwise by grooves in the rails and projections on the chairs,
as shewn at Q, Figures 3, 6, and 9 respectively; but when the tongues are
made of the ordinary section of rail, I form holes in the rails or projecting
studs bolted or rivetted upon them, fitting to corresponding projections or
grooves in the chairs formed in the same manner.
Figure 10 is a plan of switch chair, similar in principle to Figure 8, except
that two of the raised surfaces are removed. The above described improve-
ments in switch tongues are applicable to those of any other description.
Figure 11 is an arrangement of apparatus for effectually insuring the proper
closing of the switch tongue. A is a section of the box which is fixed on a
frame; B is a spring fixed thereon; C is a rod passed into the spring as far as
the collar J, which takes the pressure from the small end of the spring. The
other end of the rod is attached at N to the lever S, which is prepared with a
socket Y to receive the handle H. G is the fulcrum, secured to the projecting
lug T; I is a rod, connecting the moveable tongues with the lever S at X.
The present position of the apparatus indicates the switch tongues in the

page_text: position in which they are intended to stand ordinarily, but when they are
required to be reversed; the handle is moved in the direction of the dotted lines:
O, O. This change will compress the spring to 'K.
The next part of my Invention has reference to an improved construction.
of crossings, the small ends or points of which take their vertical bearings
from grooves or projections on each of their sides.
2
Figure 12 is a plan of a railway crossing made in accordance with my
Invention. AA, are the. wing rails; Sis a point or tapered bar prepared
with suitable side channels for treceiving the joint plates P, P; which form a
junction and continuous bearing at its broad end with the two adjoining main
rails. These joint plates are constructed so as to form the studs or distant:
pieces for the wing rails, and are held in their places by the latter. The tapered
bar may also be fished in the ordinary. way in cases where the joint sleepers are.
removed. C is the chair. supporting the broad end of the bar S, and the ends
of the two adjoining main rails; B is the chair which supports the point; X.
and X are joint chairs for the purpose of removing the part which is most
subject to wear.
*...
Figure 13 is a plan of the point or tapered-bar secured to one of the
adjoining main rails by means of a half-lap joint, and bolted or rivetted. A.is:
the point or tapered bar; B.is one-of the main rails secured to it by the rivets
as shown by the dotted lines: S, S; Irepresents the other main rail.
i.
Figures 14 and 15 are sections of the wing rails through h, h, in Figure. 12,
showing a side elevation of the B chair (Figure 12); A, A, the wing or main
line rails, secured in the chair by the keys.I, I, as usual; B is the point or
small end of the tapered bar, which is suspended by its side channels or pro-
jections, and is firmly held between the two 'cheeks or jaws S, S',' which are
driven 'on and fitted to both sides...When the point is formed of ordinary-
double-headed rails it may be suspended, as shown in Figure 14, but if sus-
pended as in Figure 15, I form blocks or brackets in the side channels, and
secure. them by bolts'or rivets.
The foregoing improvements in crossings, so far as they relate to reversi-
bility, as sliewn in Figures 14 and 15, are part of my-Inventions previously
patented, which my present Inventions render more perfect; and which I
therefore intend to use in combination with these present Inventions.
The last part of my Invention consists in the manner of making the tongues
of switches, the tapered points of crossings, and the joint plates.
Figure 16 is an end view of a machine, with the standard removed, con-
structed to form and complete the tongues of-railway-switches. A is a mould
or die, and B is a roll, both of which revolve on their own axes in the direction

page_text: f
of the arrows, and are connected by means of toothed gearing: The mould. A
is furnished with a series of dies or grooves reduced in succession, and suitably
formed to give the proper taper shape to one side of the tongue; while the other
side is formed parallel by means of the.roll B. The dotted lines g, gändig
indicate the groove or die fromig to g they are parallel to the centre axis,
and from tog they are made to taper to the form required. The bar of
metal for forming the tongue rail is first forged into shape, and then completed
by passing it through the series of grooves by which it is formed parallel from
ftof, and taper from torf. When the switch tongues are of extra
length and less tapered, I complete them by passing them in the hot state
through a pair of rolls, which, as soon as they have formed one part of the
tongue parallel, are acted upon by the application of a pair of excentric.or
incline, wheels, rollers, or pulleys, which being put in motion at the point
nearest to their taxes bear: upon the ends or.axes of one or both of the rolls,
rotate simultaneously, and by their gradually increasing diameter, cause the rolls
to close proportionately, and thereby give the tongue or point the form or taper?
required...i
Figure 17 is a side view of a pair of moulds or dies constructed according
to my Invention, for the purpose of making and shaping the point or tapered
part of a crossing: A is the bottom mould or die, which is secured to the
foundation block in the ordinary, way, which is well understood; Bis the top
the act
mould, which is attached to a large hammer, such as the ordinary forge helve,
or to a steam hammer or other suitable instrument of pressure, and secured in
the ordinary way; C'is an end view at the broad end of the tapered barat.ded,
in Figure 18; h is a section in the centre of the same, through XX, of
Figure 19. The metal for making the point is taken from the fire or furnace
sufficiently hot to be made and shaped by the pair of moulds or dies, Figure 17.
It is first swaged and drawn out in a tapered form between the two dies at J, J.
The small end of the bar is stamped and finished-in or between the moulds or
grooves k, l, while in a hot state, as shown in section, Figure 19. The broad
end is stamped and finished in like manner between the grooves FF, as shewn
in section, Figure-18. Figure 18 is a section taken through o, o, of Figure 17.
Figure 19 is a section taken through y, y, of Figure 17. Figure 20 is similar
to Figure 18, except that the die is constructed for forming the notch in the
broad end of the tapered bar. The number of grooves or dies may be varied,
according to the length of the bar to be formed. By the use of the above
described system I produce the tapered bars in a finished and systematic way,
and make all of the same pattern uniform in construction and dimensions. The
fish or joint plates can be made in a similar manner.

page_text: Having now described the nature of my Invention, and the means of carrying
it into effect, I wish it to be understood that I do.not confine myself to the precise
details, or the exact forms or dimensions of the parts respectively shown and
described, so long as the peculiar character of any of my improvements be
retained, nor do I lay exclusive claim to them, except as follows:
What I claim is, the mode of strengthening the point or end of the switch
tongue, and of arranging and making the adjacent rails to conform thereto, as
described above, and also shown in plan, Figs. 1 and 2, and sections, Figures
3, 4, and 5. Also, the arrangements above described for giving the switch
tongue a larger bearing surface, and for preventing it from rising, and for
enabling it to clear away objects coming between it and the fixed rail, and for
arranging the chairs with their raised surfaces or seats to correspond therewith,
as also above described. Also, the method of lubricating the rubbing surfaces,
above described. Also, the method of supporting the crossing by taking its
vertical bearing from its sides, and the manner of forming suitable side channels
for the above description of crossing for securing it to the adjoining main rails,
as above described. Also, the apparatus for effectually closing the switch
tongues, and also for making the tongue rails and the tapered part of the
crossing point, and also the joint plates, as above described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Baines, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
Witness,
JOHN W. FOWLER,
of 17, Ann St., Birmingham,
Accountant.
WILLIAM BAINES. (L.S.)