IMPROVEMENTS IN TRAMWAY CARS; ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Smith, of Siddal, near Halifax, in the County of
York, Woolstapler, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN TRAMWAY CARS;
ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES."
Sealed the 17th December 1878, and dated the 24th August 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Smith at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th August 1878.
JOSEPH SMITH, of Siddal, near Halifax, in the County of York, Woolstapler?
"IMPROVEMENTS IN TRAMWAY CARS, ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES."
This Invention has reference to what is known as the radial motion of the wheel
axles, which is necessary when rounding curves or passing from rails to the ordinary
road when applied to tramway cars.
Instead of having the axle boxes bolted to the side beams of the carriage they are
connected by means of an iron framework with the traction pole, the said frame-
work being capable of working in circular slots attached to the under side of the
carriage.
I prefer to have a separate frame for each pair of wheels, the said frames being
so connected by means of rods, teeth, or other mechanical equivalent, that the
movement of one frame shall be imparted to the other so as to cause the two axles
to converge toward the same centre, the amount of convergence depending upon
the radius of the curve to which they will naturally adjust themselves."
The traction pole can be either loose or fixed, so that when running on a straight
road any irregularity or deviation of the horses or other motor will not affect the
axles, but when rounding curves the driver by means of a foot lever can so fasten
the pole that the axles will be turned thereby.
-
Through the fore beams of the carriage are fitted spring bolts, by means of which
the driver can ascertain when the axles have reached their natural or parallel
position after passing a curve.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Joseph Smith in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 24th February
1879.
JOSEPH SMITH, of Siddal, near Halifax, in the County of York, Woolstapler.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN TRAMWAY CARS, ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER VEHICLES."
This Invention has reference to what is known as the radial motion of the wheel
axles which is necessary when rounding curves or passing from rails to the ordinary
road when applied to tramway cars.
Instead of having the axle boxes bolted to the side, beams of the carriage they are
connected by means of an iron framework with the traction pole, the said frame-
work being capable of working in circular slots attached to the under side of the
carriage.
I prefer to have a separate frame for each pair of wheels, the said frames being
so connected by means of rods, teeth, or other mechanical equivalent, that the
movement of one frame shall be imparted to the other so as to cause the two axles
to converge towards the same centre, the amount of convergence depending upon
the radius of the curve to which they will naturally adjust themselves.
The traction pole can be either loose or fixed, so that when running on a straight
road any irregularity or deviation of the horses or other motion will not affect the
axles, but when rounding curves the driver by means of a foot lever can so fasten
the pole that the axles will be turned thereby.
Through the fore beams of the carriage are fitted spring bolts, by means of which
the driver can ascertain when the axles have reached their natural or parallel
position after passing a curve.
In order that my Invention may be more fully understood I have hereto annexed
two Sheets of Drawings illustrative thereof.
Fig. 1 is a plan view of the framework and wheels of a tram car or carriage, as
seen from underneath; Fig. 2 is elevation of same; and Fig. 3 is a plan view of
framework and wheels looked at from above..
Fig. 4 is detail in elevation of traction pole and wheel frame, and Fig. 5 is detail
of appliance for controlling the wheel frames.
A are the wheel axles, each of which is carried in boxes B attached to the
frames C secured to the under side of the carriage by means of bolts passing
through slots a so as to allow the frames to swivel or turn around their centres in
the same manner as an ordinary "radial motion."
The frames C are connected by means of cog teeth c, so that when rotary motion
is imparted to one it is communicative to the other in an opposite direction, by
which the axles are caused to converge equally towards the same centre or point
when running in a curve, as shewn in Fig. 3. Antifriction pullies d may be placed
between the frames C and the timbers of the carriage.
The traction poles D may be attached to the frames C, as shewn in Fig. 4, where
a pin e passes through the pole and frame, forming a hinge joint, which may be
rendered rigid at any time by means of a spring bolt f, which the driver can pass
through the traction pole by pressing upon the lever F.
In Fig. 5 I have illustrated an arrangement of mechanism for placing the
swivelling frames under the control of the driver or guard. Two chains G are
attached to the end of the frame C, and these chains after passing over pullies H
are wound round the vertical windlass or barrel J in opposite directions, and by
turning the handle K the frames and wheels may be turned in any direction, the
apparatus being in the same principle and acting in the same manner as the rudder
of a ship.
..
-
In Figs, 6, 7, and 8 I have shewn a method of throwing the two frames C out of
gear so as to prevent their operation when running on a straight road or rails.

page_text: This is affected by pressing upon one of the frames by means of a pulley or bowl L
actuated by screw M and lever N, the spring or elasticity of the frame, allowing it
to bend sufficiently for the purpose. A tooth or peg p in the box P enters between
one of the frames and holds it firmly until released by being allowed to return into
gear.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and shewn by Drawings how
the same is to be performed or carried into practice, I would have it understood
that I do not confine myself to the precise details of construction or arrangement
herein shewn and described, as the same may be varied, but what I claim as my
Invention and consider to be new is,-
Firstly. The method of connecting the axle frames C by teeth gearing together,
as and for the purpose herein shewn and described.
Secondly. The method of and apparatus for placing the wheel axles under the
control of the driver or guard, in manner substantially as herein shewn and
described, or any mere modification thereof.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Smith, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twenty-second day of February, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.
Witness,
A. B. CROSSLEY,
Tasker & Crossley,
Patent Agents,
Halifax.
JOSEPH SMITH. (L.S.)