Improvements in Combined Coupling, Buffing and Draw Gear Apparatus for Railway and similar Vehicles.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Nov., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 3rd Aug., 1900-Accepted, 29th Sept., 1900
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Combined Coupling, Buffing and Draw Gear
Apparatus for Railway and similar Vehicles.
I, SAMUEL GEOGHEGAN, of "The Grove," Killiney, County Dublin, Civil
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has reference to improvements in that class of combined
coupling, buffing and draw gear apparatus for railway and similar vehicles
that is capable of angular movement in various directions on the vehicle to
which it is applied, as when passing around curves and during coupling, and
which will admit of two vehicles provided with such apparatus being readily
coupled not only when on straight portions of track but also when one or both
of them is or are on a curve, and when the axes of the two buffer and draw
bars on the respective vehicles are at different heights.
According to this invention each combined buffer and draw bar which is
mounted to move in an angular manner as heretofore, and is hereinafter called
for brevity the buffer-rod, is provided at its outer end with a buffer head of
appropriate shape and dimensions to suit circumstances and with a pair or set
of horns or projections that extend in directions away from the end of the
vehicle to which the apparatus is applied and diverge from each other in both
vertical and lateral senses when in their normal or operative positions and
which are so constructed that they constitute combined centreing and coupling
devices. the arrangement being such that when two vehicles the
buffer rods of which are provided with devices of the kind referred
to are forced together, portions of the devices carried by the buffer rod of the
one vehicle will become engaged with the buffer head or with portions of the
corresponding devices carried by the adjacent buffer rod of the other vehicle so
as to automatically couple the two vehicles together, and should the axes of
the two buffer rods, previous to coupling, be at an angle to one another, or
at different heights, the buffer heads on the two rods in the
one case and the horns on the iwo rods in the other case will
co-operate with one another to turn the said rods so as to bring them into
line after which the coupling portions of the horns will effect the coupling
of the two vehicles as before explained.
.
For uncoupling the vehicles, the horns of each set are, by suitable means
provided for the purpose and capable of being actuated from either side of
the vehicle, moved into an inoperative position, as for example by causing them
to turn backward about separate transverse axes, or in a transverse direction
about a common longitudinal axis.
To allow each buffer rod to move in an angular direction as described, it is or
may be mounted to work endways through two bearings between which one
or more combined buffer and draw springs is or are interposed and one of
which is made in the form of a sleeve that has a flared opening therethrough
for the buffer rod and works endways in a third bearing that is carried by the
headstock or under frame of the vehicle in such a manner that it can turn
about a vertical axis, the other of the two first mentioned bearings being con-
nected to the third bearing in such a manner, as for example by bolts, that it
can move endways in either direction to a limited extent against or by the

page_text: action of the combined buffer and draw spring or springs and can also move
in an angular direction to a limited extent with the buffer rod that passes
through it.
According to my invention I sometimes combine with apparatus for coupling
vehicles together, means for simultaneously coupling pipes such as those used
for pressure and vacuum brakes, passenger and guard communication appliances
heating appliances and the like, the arrangement being such that the act of
coupling the vehicles will also effect the coupling of the pipe or pipes. In
carrying out this part of my invention as applied in combination with vehicle
couplers such as hereinbefore referred to, each buffer rod according to one
arrangement is made hollow and is connected at its inner end to one or more
length of flexible pipe and at its outer end to one or more flexible
coupling devices adapted to make a close joint with a similar
or appro-
priate coupling device or devices on an adjacent vehicle when the two vehicles
are coupled together. These pipe coupling devices may be of any suitable con-
struction. Or a flexible pipe or flexible pipes may extend through and be
carried by the two hollow buffer rods of a vehicle and be fitted with coupling
devices at its or their outer ends.
Combined coupling, buffing and draw gear apparatus according to this inven-
tion can be constructed and arranged in various forms.
In one arrangement the outer enlarged end of each buffer rod is provided
with two coupling and centreing horns that are of outwardly curved shape as
seen in plan and of curved or approximately wedge shape as seen in side eleva-
tion, the outer ends of the two horns diverging from each other and the inner
ends thereof being arranged one above the other and fixed to spindles journalled
in the enlarged outer end or head of the buffer rod which is
provided with a flat transverse plate which forms part of the buffer
head and is arranged with its flat sides vertically and is hereinafter called
for distinction the buffer plate. The two horns are each recessed on the side
next the buffer plate so as to form hook like parts or shoulders. The spindles
upon which the horns are fixed are provided with crank arms connected together
by a coiled spring and one of the said spindles is connected to or forms part of
a transverse rock shaft the end portions of which are provided with handles and
extend through bearings which may be carried by the buffer plate. The inner
ends of the horns, or the spindles to which they are fixed, are so connected
together, as for example by toothed wheels or segments or other gearing, that
when one spindle and horn are partly rotated in one direction the other spindle
and horn will be simultaneously rotated in the opposite direction. The arrange-
ment is such that when the horns are in their normal or operative position, they
diverge from each other in an outward direction and their recessed portions are
held against the top and bottom edges of the buffer plate by the coiled spring,
and by partly turning the rock shaft in one direction, the two horns will be
caused to simultaneously turn backward about the axes of the spindles into
their inoperative positions in which they will be held by the coiled spring which
will, by the partial rotation of the spindles and crank arms, have been moved to
the opposite side of the plane containing the axes of the spindles to that at which
it is located when it holds the horns in the operative positions. Or the horns may
be turned over when desired by lifting one by hand and depressing the other
by foot power.
The buffer rod is arranged to slide endways through but not to rotate in
two bearings the outer of which is in the form of a collar or plate against which
the outer enlarged end of the buffer rod abuts and the inner of which is in
the form of a sleeve that has an outwardly flaring hole therethrough and a flange
at its outer end. Against the inner end of the sleeve, which is rounded, bears
a washer or plate that is carried by the inner end of the buffer rod and is kept in
place by nuts screwed on the said buffer rod. The inner or second bearing
is mounted to slide endways but not to rotate in a third bearing or centre pin,

page_text: that may be a casting, the upper and lower ends of which are of circular shape
and fitted to turn about a vertical axis in holes in bearings or plates secured to
top and bottom plates forming part of or secured to the head-
stock or underframe of the vehicle. Between the inner and outer bear-
ings and surrounding the buffer rod is a coiled spring that serves both as a
buffer spring and as a draw spring and is held in a compressed state by tie-
bolts that are jointed at one end to lateral pins on the outer bearing and at the
other ends extend loosely through flanges on the third bearing and are provided
with heads or equivalent that normally bear against the said flanges and limit
the outward movements of the outer bearing and the spring, whilst leaving the
said outer bearing free to be forced inward against the spring.. Vehicles pro-
vided with apparatus of the kind just described are coupled together by the
coupling and centreing horns of each apparatus slipping over and under and
engaging with the buffer plate of the other and adjacent apparatus. When
one or both of the vehicles is or are on a curve at the time of coupling, and the
buffer rods are consequently at an angle to one another, those ends of buffer
plates on the two vehicles that are inside the curve will act against one another on
that side of a line joining the vertical axes about which the two sets of apparatus
turn, that is nearest the centre of the curve, so as to cause the two buffer rods to
be brought into line with each other as seen in plan, the two sets of horns
acting to bring the two rods into line, as seen in side elevation, if the rods
are at different heights previous to coupling.
1
In another arrangement the two horns are formed in one with or fixed to the
upper and lower portions of the buffer head so as to project over and under the
buffer plate fixed thereto and so as to diverge in outward lateral and upward
directions, and each of them is recessed at its inner end so as to form a
flat transversely arranged surface or shoulder adapted to engage with the corre-
sponding surface or shoulder on one or other of the horns on similar apparatus
on an adjacent vehicle. The combined horns, buffer head and buffer rod are
mounted to rotate about a longitudinal axis and within inner and outer bearings
of the kind herein before described, so that they can be moved into the operative
position or into the inoperative position at will and be held in either of these
positions by a pawl or catch that is adapted it may be under the action of a spring,
to enter one or other of two recesses in the outer plate or bearing, and is con-
nected to a transverse rock shaft carried by the buffer head. The combined
buffer and draw spring in this case is connected at its ends to the inner and outer
bearings so that during coupling, the horns, buffer head and rod, and outer
bearing will be partly turned against the twisting action of the said spring which
will re-act to hold the engaged horns firmly together until the buffer head is dis-
engaged from the outer bearing plate to effect uncoupling of the horns and
vehicles. In other respects the bearings and spring are constructed and arranged
as in the arrangement first herein described.
The buffer rod in each case may be made hollow as and for the purpose herein-
before described and be provided at its outer end with one or more coupling
devices consisting or each consisting of a ring of india rubber or other suitable
flexible material that is in connection with a passage in the rod and is adapted
to make a close joint with another coupling device carried by the buffer rod of
an adjacent vehicle when the two vehicles are coupled together.
Coupling, buffing and draw gear apparatus of the kind herein described may
be arranged at the centre line of the vehicle, or two sets of such apparatus may
be used arranged at opposite sides of the centre line of the vehicle.
Dotal 41 41.
1
1000
W. LLOYD WISE,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C.,
Chartered Patent Agent,

page_text: Improvements in Combined Coupling, Buffing and Draw Gear
Apparatus for Railway and similar Vehicles.
I. SAMUEL GEOGHEGAN, of "The Grove," Killiney, County Dublin, Civil
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:-
This invention has reference to improvements in that class of combined
coupling, buffing and draw gear apparatus for railway and similar vehicles
that is capable of angular movement in various directions on the vehicle to
which it is applied. as when passing around curves and during coupling, and
which will admit of two vehicles provided with such apparatus being readily
coupled not only when on straight portions of track but also when one or both!
of them is or are on a curve, and when the axes of the two buffer and draw
bars on the respective vehicles are at different heights.
The objects of the invention are to effect the secure coupling of vehicles, and
also it may be their train pipes in an automatic manner and so that the couplings
when engaged will constitute one or more rigid connections which shall be so
proportioned as regards length of buffer rod that even for long double bogie
vehicles, the ends of the couplings can pull from a point so near the centre of
the vehicle that under no ordinary circumstances would there be any liability
of derailment or undue strain caused by the centre line of the couplings being
at too acute an angle to the centre line of either vehicle; to avoid the objection-
able rubbing action between the buffers such as occurs with the ordinary buffers
of vehicles used on main lines: to provide a coupling which shall be suitable
for vehicles travelling on curves down to a radius of six times the gauge of the
line to have a secure and tight coupling without the aid of tightening appara-
tus and to provide a coupling which will couple automatically on the smallest
possible curves and the greatest usual differences of level in the couplings; each
coupling moreover being capable as usual, of being uncoupled. left uncoupled
or nut in a position for recoupling. from either side of the vehicle.
According to this invention each combined buffer and draw bar which is
mounted to move in an angular manner as heretofore, and is hereinafter called
for brevity the buffer-rod, is provided at its outer end with a buffer head of
appropriate shape and dimensions to suit circumstances and with a pair or set
of horns or projections that extend in directions away from the end of the
vehicle to which the apparatus is applied and diverge from each other in both
vertical and lateral senses when in their normal or operative positions and
which are so constructed that they constitute combined centreing and coupling
devices, the arrangement being such that when two vehicles the
buffer rods of which are provided with devices of the kind referred
to are forced together, portions of the devices carried by the buffer rod of the
one vehicle will become engaged with the buffer head or with portions of the
corresponding devices carried by the adjacent buffer rod of the other vehicle so
as to automatically couple the two vehicles together, and should the axes of
the two buffer rods. previous to coupling. be at an angle to one another, or
at different heights, the buffer heads on the two rods in the one
and the horns
the
on
rods
two
in the other
will
co-operate with one another to turn the said rods so as to bring them into
line after which the coupling portions of the horns will effect the coupling
of the two vehicles as before explained.
case
case
For uncoupling the vehicles, the horus of each set are, by suitable means

page_text: provided for the purpose and capable of being actuated from either side of
the vehicle, moved into an inoperative position, as for example by causing them
to turn backward about separate transverse axes, or in a transverse direction
about a common longitudinal axis.
To allow each buffer-rod to move in an angular direction as described, it is or
may be mounted to work endways through two bearings between which one
or more combined buffer and draw springs is or are interposed and one of
which is made in the form of a sleeve-that has a flared opening therethrough
for the buffer-rod and works endways in a third bearing that is carried by the
headstock or underframe of the vehicle in such a manner that it can turn
about a vertical axis the other of the two first mentioned bearing being con-
nected to the third bearing in such a manner, as for example by bolts that it
can move endways in either direction to a limited extent against or by the
action of the combined buffer and draw spring or springs and can also move
in an angular direction to a limited extent with the buffer rod that passes
through it.
According to my invention I sometimes combine with apparatus for coupling
vehicles together, means for simultaneously coupling pipes such as those used
for pressure and vacuum brakes, passenger and guard communication appliances
heating appliances and the like, the arrangement being such that the act of
coupling the vehicles will also effect the coupling of the pipe or pipes. In
carrying out this part of my invention as applied in combination with vehicle
couplers such as hereinbefore referred to, each buffer-rod according to one
arrangement is made hollow and is connected at its inner end to one or more
lengths of flexible pipe and at
its outer end to one
or more
flexible coupling devices adapted to make a close joint with a similar or appro-
priate coupling device or devices on an adjacent vehicle when the two vehicles
are coupled together. These pipe coupling devices may be of any suitable con-
struction. Or a flexible pipe or flexible pipes may extend through and be
carried by the two hollow buffer rods of a vehicle and be fitted with coupling
devices at its or their outer ends.
Combined coupling, buffing and draw gear apparatus according to this in-
vention can be constructed and arranged in various forms.
Referring to the accompanying illustrative drawings
Fig. 1 is a front elevation, Fig. 2 a side elevation, partly in longitudinal
section, and Fig. 3 a plan, showing one construction of combined coupling,
buffing, and draw gear apparatus according to this invention.
Fig. 4 is a similar view to Fig. 2, but showing the coupling horns in the
inoperative position.
As the combined apparatus at the respective ends of each vehicle are alike,
it will suffice to describe only one apparatus.
a is the buffer rod formed with an outer enlarged end provided with two
coupling and centreing horns that are, as shown. of outwardly curved shane
in plan and of curved or approximately wedge shape in side elevation, the
outer ends of the two horns diverging from each other and the inner ends thereof
being arranged one above the other and fixed to separate spindles & journalled
in the enlarged outer end or head of the said buffer rod. e is a flat transverse
plate fixed to and forming part of the buffer head b. This plate is arranged with
its flat sides vertically and is hereinafter called for distinction the buffer plate.
The two horns are each recessed at f on the side next the buffer plate e so as to
form hook-like parts or shoulders g. The spindles d upon which the horns are
fixed are provided with cranked arms connected together by a coiled spring k
and one of the said spindles is connected to or forms part of a transverse rock
shaft the end portions of which are provided with handles m and extend
through bearings which may be carried by the buffer plate e. The inner ends
of the horns c, or the spindles to which they are fixed, are so connected together
as for example by toothed wheels or segments o, or other gearing, that when one

page_text: spindle and horn are partly rotated in one direction, the other spindle and horn
will be simultaneously rotated in the opposite direction. The arrangement is
such that when the horns are in their normal or operative position they diverge
from each other in an outward direction and their recessed portions f are held
against the top and bottom edges of the buffer plate e by the coiled spring k
as shown in Fig. 2, and by partly turning the rock shaft 7 in one direction,
the two horns will be caused to simultaneously turn backward about the axes
of the spindles d into their inoperative positions, shown in Fig. 4, in which
positions they will be held by the coiled spring k which will, by the partial
rotation of the spindles d and crank arms h, have been moved to the opposite
side of the plane containing the axes of the spindles to that at which it is located
when it holds the horns in the operative positions. Or the horns may be turned
over when desired by lifting one by hand and depressing the other by foot.
The buffer-rod a is arranged to slide endways through but not to rotate in
two bearings the outer of which is in the form of a collar or plate p against which
the outer enlarged end 6 of the buffer-rod abuts and the inner of which is in the
form of a sleeve that has an outwardly flaring hole therethrough and a
flanges at its outer end. Against the inner end of the sleeve g, which is made
convex as seen in side elevation (Fig. 2) bears a washer or plate t that is
carried by the inner end of the buffer rod a and is kept in place by nuts v,
screwed on the said buffer-rod. The sleeve a forming the inner or second bearing
is mounted to slide endways but not to rotate in a third bearing or centre pin w,
that may be a casting, the upper and lower ends 1 of which are of circular shape
and fitted to turn, against the action of suitable springs such as spring blades,
secured at one end to the said casting, and at the other end to the headstock of
the vehicle, about a vertical axis in holes 2 in bearings or plates 3 secured to top
and bottom plates 4 forming part of or secured to the headstock or underframo
of the vehicle.
Between the inner bearing and the outer bearing and surrounding the
buffer rod a is a coiled spring 6 that serves both as a buffer spring and as a draw
spring and is held in a compressed state by tie-bolts 7 that are jointed at one
end to lateral pins 8 on the outer bearing and at the other ends extend
loosely through flanges 9 on the third bearing or centre pin ac and are provided
with tee-heads 10 or equivalent that normally bear against the said flanges and
limit the outward movements of the outer bearing and the spring 6 whilst
leaving the said outer bearing free to be forced inward against the said spring.
Vehicles provided at each end with apparatus of the kind just described are
coupled together by the coupling and centreing horns c of each apparatus on
the adjacent ends of two vehicles slipping over and under and engaging with the
buffer plate e of the other and adjacent apparatus, as shown in full and dotted
lines in Fig. 2, so as to securely lock the two vehicles together. When one or
both of the vehicles is or are on a curve at the time of coupling, and the two
buffer-rods a are consequently at an angle to one another, those ends of the
buffer plates c on the two vehicles that are inside the curve (Fig. 3) will act
against one another on that side of a line 12, 12 (joining the vertical axes about
which the two sets of apparatus turn) that is nearest the centre of the curve, so
as to cause the two buffer-rods a to be brought into line with each other, as
seen in plan, and the two buffer plates brought flat against each other the two
sets of horns c acting to bring the two rods a into line, as seen in side eleva-
tion, if the rods a are at different heights previous to coupling. The transverse
length or width of the buffer plates e is in every case so proportioned that the
said plates will meet on the proper side of the line 12, 12, as stated. To
uncouple the vehicles. the hornse of each apparatus are turned backward into the
inoperative position shown in Fig. 4 by means of the rock shaft 7.
Fig. 5 is a front elevation:
Fig. 6a central longitudinal vertical section: and

page_text: Tig.
invention.
a plan, showing another construction of apparatus according to this
Fig. 8 is a similar view to Fig. 5, but showing the parts in their inoperative
position.
The two horns in this arrangement are formed in one with or fixed to the
upper and lower portions of the enlarged outer end or buffer head so as to pro-
ject over and under the buffer plate e fixed thereto and so as to diverge in outward
lateral and upward and downward directions, and each of them is recessed at f
near its inner end so as to form a flat transversely arranged surface or shoulder y
adapted to engage with the corresponding surface or shoulder on one or other of
the horns or similar apparatus on an adjacent vehicle. The combined horns c,
buffer head and plate e and buffer-rod a, which is of circular cross section, are
mounted to rotate about a longitudinal axis and within inner and outer
bearings and p respectively of the kind herein before described with reference
to and shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, so that they can be moved into the operative
position (Fig. 7) or into the inoperative position (Fig. 8) at will, and be held
in either of these positions by any suitable means. In the arrangement shown,
the said parts are adapted to be held in the operative or inoperative position, at
will, by a pawl or catch 13 that is adapted, it may be under the action of a spring
but is not so shown, to enter one or other of two recesses 14 and 15 in the outer
plate or bearing and is connected to a transverse rock shaft carried by the
buffer head. The combined buffer and draw spring 6 in this case is con-
nected at its ends, which are bent for the purpose, to the inner and outer
bearings 9 and respectively, so that during coupling, the horns c, buffer head b
and plate e, rod a, and outer bearing will be partly turned against the force of
the said spring 6 which will re-act to hold the engaged horns c firmly together
until the pawl or catch 13 on the buffer head b is disengaged from the outer bear-
ing plate to effect uncoupling of the horns and vehicles. In other respects the
bearings and g, centre pin and spring 6 are constructed and arranged as in
the arrangement first herein described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive.
The constructions of buffer heads shown in the arrangements herein before
described are designed for use with vehicles intended to run over lines having
curves of short radius. For ordinary railway lines the curves of which have a
long radius, the buffer heads can be made of much less width and of the ordinary
circular shape as seen in end view.
The buffer-rod a in each case may be made hollow as and for the purpose
herein before described. Figs. 5 to 8 show a hollow buffer rod, the inner end
of which is connected to a length of flexible piping 16 and the outer end of
which is provided with a coupling device consisting in the example shown of
a ring 17 of india rubber or other suitable flexible material that is made of U
section and secured in place, as by a flanged bush 18, so that its interior
is in connection with a passage 19 in the rod, the outer face of the coupling
being adapted to make a close joint with another similar coupling device carried
by the buffer-rod of an adjacent vehicle when the two vehicles are coupled
together. Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate an arrangement in which the hollow buffer
roda is provided at its outer end with three coupling devices 17, each in
connexion with a separate train pipe 16 extending through and carried by
the hollow buffer-rod a, and each adapted to make a close joint with another
similar coupling device carried by the buffer-rod a of an adjacent vehicle when
the two vehicles are coupled together.
Each pipe may be provided with a valve whereby it can be opened and closed
ither automatically or by hand when the pipes on adjacent vehicles are respec-
tively coupled and uncoupled. Fig. 11 shows an arrangement for this purpose
wherein the bush 18 is formed with a seat 20 for a valve 21 that is normally
pressed against such seat to close the end of the pipe by a coiled spring 22 and
s adapted to be forced from its seat against the action of the spring, to open the

page_text: pipe, by the star shaped head 23 of its stem 24 abutting against the head and
stem of a similar valve on an adjacent vehicle.
Coupling, buffing and draw gear apparatus of the kind herein described may
be arranged at the centre line of the vehicle, or two sets of such apparatus may
be used, arranged at opposite sides of the centre line of the vehicle.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is:
1. Combined railway coupling, buffing and draw gear apparatus capable of
angular movement in various directions for the purpose of enabling vehicles
to be coupled on curves or with the coupling parts at different heights wherein
the buffer rod is provided at its outer end with a transverse buffer plate and with
horn shaped coupling hooks that project over the edges of the said plate, the said
buffer plate being capable of abutting against a similar plate on an adjacent
vehicle when the two vehicles come together on curves so as to centre the
coupling apparatus on the two vehicles in a horizontal direction, and the coup-
ling-hooks serving to centre the coupling apparatus in a vertical direction and
also to couple the two vehicles together, substantially as herein described.
2. Combined coupling, buffing and draw gear apparatus of the kind specified
in Claim 1 wherein upon two vehicles provided with such apparatus being forced
together the horn shaped coupling hooks carried by each vehicle will become
engaged with the buffer head or plate, or with portions of the corresponding
coupling hooks, carried by the opposite vehicle, so as to automatically couple
the two vehicles together, substantially as described.
3. Combined coupling, buffing and draw gear apparatus of the kind referred to
in Claim 1, in which the horn shaped coupling hooks are mounted to turn about
separate horizontal axes, and are geared together and connected by a spring so
that they can be turned either into their operative position or into their in-
operative position from either side of the vehicle by a transverse rock shaft and
be held in either position by the said spring substantially as herein described.
4. Combined railway coupling butting and draw gear apparatus of the kind
specified in Claim wherein the buffer plate with coupling hook and buffer rod
are capable of being partially turned as one piece about a horizontal axis against
the action of a spring and of being held in the coupled or uncoupled position
at will by a catch or pawl taking into one or other of two notches in a non-
rotary part of the apparatus, and capable of being operated from either side of
the vehicle, substantially as described.
5. Combined coupling, buffing and draw gear apparatus wherein the buffer
rod carrying the buffer head, and coupling devices is mounted to work endways
through inner and outer bearings between which one or more combined buffer
and draw springs is or are interposed, the inner bearing being made as a sleeve
formed with a flaring hole therethrough for the buffer rod and arranged to
slide endways in a third bearing mounted to turn about a vertical axis in
bearings on the underside of the vehicle, and the outer bearing being connected
to the third bearing in such a manner that it can move either inward or
outward to a limited extent against or by the action of the combined buffer
and draw spring or springs, and can also move in an angular. direction to a
limited exerted with the buffer rod and attached parts, substantially as described.
6. Combined coupling, buffing and draw gear apparatus wherein each buffer
rod with centreing and coupling devices is made hollow to receive a coupling pipe
or pipes for pressure or vacuum brakes, passenger and guard communication
appliances, heating appliances and the like on adjacent vehicles, or to form part
of such pipe or pipes, and the flat outer face of the buffer head or plate is pro-
vided with one or more flexible coupling devices in connection with the said
pipe or pipes and adapted to make a close joint or joints with a similar coupling
device or devices on the face of the buffer head or plate of an adjacent vehicle

page_text: when the two vehicles are coupled together, substantially as herein before de-
scribed with reference to the drawings annexed.
7. Combined buffing, coupling and draw gear apparatus for railway and similar
vehicles, constructed, arranged and operating substantially as herein before de-
scribed with reference to and shown in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, and in Figs. 5 to 8
inclusive of the drawings annexed, whether or not the buffer rods and plates on
adjacent vehicles be also adapted to couple up brake or other pipes on the said
vehicles as set forth.
Dated this ora day or August 1900.
For the Applicant,
W. LLOYD WISE,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., .
Chartered Patent Agent.