IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PERMANENT WAY OF RAILWAYS
Year: 1868

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Melville Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane,
in the County of Middlesex; -l'atent. Agent, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PERMANENT WAY OF RAILWAYS."-A communi-
cation from abroad by Mr. Legrand, of 13, Boulevart St. Martin,
L'aris.
Sealed the 6th November 1868, and dated the 15th May 1868.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Melville
Clark at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with'. his
l'etition, on the 15th May 1868.
.I, ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PERMANENT WAY OF RAILWAYS," to
be as follows
This Invention relates to the mode of fixing rails of all kinds
to metallic sleepers of various forms, and as illustrated in the accom-
panying Drawings, Figure 1 of which is a transverse section of the.
rail showing one mode of fixing it to the metal sleeper, and Figure 2
[Price 8d.]

page_text: a side view of same.
R, rail; C, C¹, cramps fitting in mortises in the
top of the sleeper; S, sole plate for giving the desired inclination to
the rail; T, metal sleeper; B, wood quoin. The two cramps being
placed in position, the sole plate S is then inserted through mortises
made in said cramps; this is done while the metal is hot, the two ends
being afterwards rivetted to the cramps. The rail is next applied, the
wood quoin completing the fixing of the same. In this manner the
whole of the parts may be prepared in the shops beforehand, it being
simply necessary to place the rail in position on the line and drive up
the wood quoin.
The arrangement shown in Figure 3 is the same as the foregoing,
except that the sole plate S is placed under the sleeper instead of
above it.
In Figure 41 have shown the cramps C, C, as having screw threads
formed on their lower ends, on which are screwed nuts E, E', otherwise
the arrangement of the parts is the same as the preceding.
In Figure 51 fix the rail to the sleeper by means of angle irons C, C',
rivetted to said sleeper; the rivets may be either of a round or square
section.
Figure 6 shows a similar arrangement, except that the angle irons
form a sole plate on which to place the rail.
Figure 7 shows a mode of fixing a Brunel or bridge rail to the metal
sleeper. a, a, bolts having each a squared part equal to the thickness
of the sleeper, which latter is provided with mortises of square form for
introducing the bolts from below. The cramps c, c, bear the one part
on the sleeper and the other on the foot of the rail, and are further
provided with circular holes so as to enable one or other to be turned
partly round for fixing the rail to the sleeper without removing any
part, the said sleeper being previously provided with the fixing cramps
in readiness for laying. For this purpose, after the bolt a¹ is in place,
the nut is tightened by splaying the bolt end sufficiently to prevent the
nut getting out of position. This arrangement as regards the mode of
fitting the bolt to the sleeper is intended only for use in mines and
in similar cases where time is an object in laying down rails. The
above arrangement further forms an indivisible whole when in place.
The
Figure 8 shows another mode of fixing the same kind of rail.
bolt is introduced from below in the same manner as in Figure 7, the

page_text: parts c, c, forming nuts bearing directly on the sleeper and rail foot. The
parts c, c, are further made six or eight sided to facilitate screwing them
up. The bolt a is rivetted above to prevent its getting out of position,
while bolt a is perforated to receive a key of bent form; the hole is
made sufficiently high to permit of the part c being raised for the
introduction of the rail in a slanting position. The parts c may also be
of rectangular form, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, and the rail be fixed
by means of a bolt a, Figure 8, after turning each a quarter round; the
_rail need then only be laid flat on the sleeper, without requiring to be
introduced in a slanting direction as before.
Figures 9 and 10 show an elevation and plan of a new mode of fixing
rails by means of a nut bearing directly on the sleeper. The nut B is of
octagonal or polygonal form so as to be readily turned by a wrench. The
bolt D, which has a head of the form shown at e, f, g, h, Figure 10, is so
arranged that by unscrewing nut B the rail may he readily removed by
simply inclining bolt D and nut B; a bent key or cotter K is inserted
through bolt D to prevent loosening.
In Figures 11 and 12 I have represented another mode of fixing rails
by means of bolts D, D', while the width of the line may likewise be
adjusted by the aid of a part E, seen in plan Figure 11, provided with a
hole through which the bolt F passes. The part E is provided on its
under surface with a projection represented by the dotted lines e, i, h, k,
which is received in a mortise in the head of the sleeper to prevent the
nut from turning; part E is similarly provided. The parts bear against
the ends of the mortises in the sleeper, as seen in the Drawing, and so
maintain the uniform width of the line. The projecting part of E' it
will be seen is made wider than that of E, so that one of the mortises
e, f, g, h, in the sleeper, which are of equal length (m, n=m', n'), will
be only partially filled by the part E, as seen at m, n. The part E' may
be introduced into either of the mortises, according as it is desired to
move the parts to one side or the other, and to a greater or less extent,
equal to the difference between the projecting parts E, E', it being well
understood that the line may be adjusted in like manner either on one
or both sides at the same time. The parts E, E', may be made of nearly
equal depth to the foot of the rail so as to permit of any kind of screw
bolt being used. This latter arrangement is shown in section and plan at
Figures 13 and 14. T, sleeper; R, rail; E, E', bolts with crossheads
passing through parts E, E; G, G, nuts; H, H, keys or cotters of bent

page_text: form to prevent the nuts unscrewing; I, I, projections for regulating the
width of the line.
Figures 15, 16, and 17 show an arrangement in which the projecting
parts E, E, Figures 11, 12, 13, and 14, serving to regulate the width of
the line are replaced by a projection formed on the bolts themselves.
This projection or nib o is formed on one of the longitudinal faces of
the bolt head D, as shown separately in Figure 17.
Figure 16 shows
the bolt in longitudinal section with the nut removed in order the
better to show the mortise e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, at which the head of
the bolt is introduced and adjusted under the top of the sleeper by
turning it a quarter round, the said bolt head occupying when in place
the position indicated by the dotted lines a, b, c, d. The head of the
bolt is further provided with a squared part to prevent its turning in the
mortise. The nut B carries two adjustable keys E, E, for filling up the
mortise in the sleeper and to prevent any displacement of the bolt and
consequent loosening of the nut. The projection or nib o serves to adjust
the width of the line; thus, supposing the bolt D to be turned half round
from the position shown in Figure 16, the nib o would be brought
diametrically opposite, and the parts be moved back a distance equal
This adjustment may take place on one or both sides of the
line, it being understood that I may regulate its width to an extent
equal to double the thickness of the nib o. This would constitute an
enormous advantage on curves. The form of the keys C, E, and of
projection o may be varied if found desirable in practice. In the
Drawing the rail is shown without a sole plate between it and the
sleeper, its use being optional and requiring but a slight modification
in the nut B.
to x, y.
Figures 18 and 19 show a modified arrangement of rail fixed to a
metal sleeper T; R, rail; C, cramp against which the rail abuts;
C', cramp, the stem of which terminates in a screwed part carrying a
mut E: a single glance at the Figures will show that according as the
nut E is screwed up the cramp C¹ will bear with greater or less force on
the rail foot. The same result may be obtained by using a round rod
with a nut screw threaded on the ontside working in a mortise forming
a nuť.
It will be readily understood that the dimensions of the various parts
may vary according to circumstances.
In the elevation and plan, Figures 20 and 21, the rail is fixed on

page_text: the one side by the
arrangement shown at Figures 9 and 10, and on
the other by a gib X, the nut B being of rectangular form, which
enables the rail to be readily fitted or removed by simply turning
the nut B a fourth of a turn. The nut B is mounted on a screw D
with crosshead; a, b, c, d, shows the mortise at which the head e, f,
g, h, of screw bolt D is inserted; a bent key K serves to prevent the
nut loosening.
Figures 22, 23, and 24 show an arrangement for fixing a rail R lo
a metal sleeper T of the form shown in Figure 23. For this purpose the
rib t of the sleeper is cut through at the desired point, and then bent at
a right angle at e, f, as seen in Figures 23 and 24, so as to form an
opening in which to place the rail. A wood quoin C is then introduced,
which in bearing against the part e, f, serves to hold the rail firmly in
position.
Figures 25 and 26 represent a face view and plan of a sleeper of small
section made in a single piece A of ribbed iron. The ends B, B, of the
sleeper are bent up at right angles so as to form a support for the
rails R, R, when the keys are placed on the inside of the line and to
form a support for said keys in the contrary case. In order to form the
inner checks or supports C, C, as shown in Figure 26, the ribs are
first doubled inwards, after which the metal is doubled together;
these two operations may be readily performed in a machine at but
little expense.
Figures 27 and 28 show an arrangement in which the rail is fixed to
a metal sleeper by means of a screw turning in nut of peculiar form.
After having placed the nut B and loose collar C on the screw A, the
screwed end of the latter is slightly splayed by means of a hammer so
as to prevent its getting out of place. The rail being placed on the
sleeper, the nut B is first introduced in the mortise j, k, l, m, in the
sleeper in the slanting direction indicated by the arrow R, Figure 28.
After this a bent wire d is introduced in the groove P of collar C, and
the fixing of the rail to the sleeper is proceeded with, and as the nut is
secured in position by the mortise in the sleeper it cannot become
displaced by the act of tightening up the parts. After this has been
effected the wire d of part c is adjusted so as to bring it in contact with
the head of the bolt to prevent the latter getting out of position.
order to increase the width of the line the nut may be bored excentrically,
In

page_text: when the position of the nut in the mortise would determine the width
of the line.
Figure 29 shows an improved mode of fixing the rail especially
adapted to small sleepers, although it is also applicable in other cases.
o, bolt of any suitable form for fixing the rail R directly to the sleeper T;
a loose collar may be substituted for the part c, d, of said bolt. The
bolt o being inserted in the sleeper the screwed end e, f, is slightly
splayed with a hammer in order to prevent its becoming detached from
nut P. In this manner the sleeper may be placed in position ready fitted
for the reception of the rail. Figures 27 and 29 show only one-half of the
rail, but the other side is similarly provided. Where a thickness of wood
is applied on the sleeper to give the desired inclination to the rail, I
increase the depth of the loose collar to the extent of the additional
thickness of the wood.
I may also in the arrangements shown in Figures 9, 13, and 20
place between the sleeper and the nuts or parts E, E', Figure 13, a
loose collar, either of leather or other compressible material, so as to
compensate for any difference of thickness in the foot of the rail. I may
also place wood or iron sole plates under the rail which may extend
beyond the fixing parts.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Alexander Melville Clark in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 13th November 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ALEXANDER
MELVILLE CLARK, of 53 Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Fifteenth day of May, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, in the thirty-
first year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said Alexander Melville Clark, Her special licence
that I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said Alexander Melville Clark,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with,
and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the

page_text: 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
THE PERMANENT WAY OF RAILWAYS," a communication to me from abroad
by Mr. Legrand, of 13, Boulevart St. Martin, Paris, upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, my exe-
cutors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their,
or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe 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 immediately after the date of
the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, 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, reference being had to the Sheet of
Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked
thereon (that is to say) :-
The Invention relates to improvements in the mode of fixing rails
of all kinds to metallic sleepers of various forms, and as illustrated
in the accompanying Drawings, Figure 1 of which as a transverse
section of the rail showing one mode of fixing it to the metal sleeper,
and Figure 2 a side view of same. R, rail; C, C, cramps fitting in
mortises in the top of the sleeper; S, sole plate for giving the desired
inclination to the rail; T, metal sleeper; B, wood quoin. The two
cramps being placed in position the sole plate S is then inserted
through mortises made in said cramps; this is done while the metal
is hot, the two ends being afterwards rivetted to the cramps. The rail
is next applied, the wood quoin completing the fixing of the same.
In this manner the whole of the parts may be prepared in the shop
beforehand, it being simply necessary to place the rail in position on
the line and drive up the quoin.
The arrangement shown in Figure 3 is the same as the foregoing,
except that the sole plate S is placed under the top of the sleeper
instead of above it.
In Figure 4 I have. shown the cramps C, C', as having screw threads
formed on their lower ends on which are screwed nuts F, E', otherwise
the arrangement of the parts is the same as the preceding.

page_text: In Figure 5 I fix the rail to the sleeper by means of angle irons C, U',
rivetted to said sleeper; the rivets r,, may be either of a round or
square section.
.
Figure 6 shows a similar arrangement, except that the angle irons
form a sole plate on which to place the rail.
Figure 7 shows a mode of fixing a Brunel or bridge rail to the
metal sleeper. a, a, bolts having each a squared part equal to the
thickness of the sleeper, which latter is provided with mortises of square
form for introducing the bolts from below. The cramps c, c, bear the
one part on the sleeper and the other on the foot of the rail, and are
further provided with circular holes so as to enable one or other to
be turned partly round for fixing the rail to the sleeper without removing
any part, the said sleeper being previously provided with the fixing
cramps in readiness for laying. For this purpose after the bolt a¹ is
in place the nut is tightened by splaying the bolt sufficiently to prevent
the nut getting out of position, or a bent key may be provided such as
is shown on bolt a. This arrangement as regards the mode of fitting
the bolt to the sleeper is intended only for use in mines and in similar
cases where time is an object in laying down rails. The above arrange-
ment further forms one indivisible whole when in place.
1 also reserve the right of fixing rail R at one side by means of a
part C, as seen in Figure 7 bis. An opening is made in part C for
receiving bolt a, and after screwing up the nut by driving up part C
at A, A, B, B, the rail may be fixed by a horizontal locking action
whatever may be the form of the rail and on one or other side.
Figure 8 shows another mode of fixing the same kind of rail. The
bolt is introduced from below in the same manner as in Figure 7,
the parts C, C, forming nuts bearing directly on the sleeper and rail
foot. The parts c, c, are further made 6 or 8 sided to facilitate screw-
ing them up.
The bolt a is rivetted above and prevents its getting
out of position, while bolt a¹ is perforated to receive a key of bent form;
the hole is made sufficiently high to permit of the part C being raised
for the introduction of the rail in a slanting position. The parts may
also be of the rectangular form shown in Figures 25 and 26, and the
rail be fixed by means of the bolt a, Figure 8, after turning cach
a quarter round without requiring the rail to be introduced in a slanting
direction as before.
Figure 9 shows another mode of fixing a bridge Fail in a metallic

page_text: sleeper of the form seen in plan and transverse section at Figures 10
and 11. C, C, bolts having square heads placed in the square
mortises o, o, o, o, Figure 10, made in sleeper; B, B, washers of
the same thickness as the foot of the rail; a, a, parts capable of
turning on the bolts for the purpose of facilitating the vertical ad-
justment of the rail on the sleeper, after which parts a, a, are returned
to position so as to bear on the rail foot and the nuts v, v, screwed up in
order to fix the rail in position. The parts C, B, a, v, are all fitted
together in the shops, and after being placed in position in the sleeper
the end of each bolt is slightly flattened out to prevent the nut from
escaping. The whole forms a combination of seventeen parts connected
as one when in place. A pin or stud may also be used for keeping the
nuts in place.
The
Figure 12 represents a side elevation, and Figure 13 a plan of another
mode of fixing a bridge rail to a metallic sleeper of the form shown in
Figure 11.
The attachments are composed of two bolts with square
heads received in the square mortises r, r, r, r, in the sleeper.
washers K, K', are of the same thickness as the rail foot, and the
nuts u, u', bear directly thereon. The bolts are enlarged at the ends
as before mentioned after being fixed in position so as to unite the
whole together. In order to fix the rail it is simply necessary to
unscrew nut u and introduce the rail in a slanting position with the
flange at foot under said nut. I particularly claim this mode of uniting
the several parts so as to render them inseparable when in place, and
thus avoid the risk of losing any of the parts and the loss of time
consequent on their being fitted together on the spot. I also claim the
application of these improvements for fixing rails to metallic sleepers
used in mines and other similar lines.
Figures 14 and 15 show an elevation of a new mode of fixing bridge
rails by means of a nut bearing direct on the sleeper. The nut B is
of octagonal or polygonal form so as to be readily turned by a wrench.
The bolt D, which has a head of the form shown at e, f, g, h, Figure 10,
is so arranged that by unscrewing nut B the rail may be readily removed
by simply inclining bolt D and nut B; a bent key or cotter K is then
inserted through bolt D to prevent loosening.
In Figures 16 and 17 I have represented another mode of fixing rails
by means of bolts D, D', while the width of the line may likewise be
adjusted by the aid of a part E, seen in plan Figure 17, provided with a

page_text: hole through which passes the bolt F. The part E is provided on its
under surface with a projection represented by the dotted lines e, i, h, k,
which is received in a mortise in the head of the sleeper to prevent
the nut from turning; part E' is similarly provided. These parts bear
against the ends of the mortises in the sleeper, as seen in the Drawing,
and so maintain the uniform width of the line. The projecting part
of E it will be seen is made wider than that of E so that one of the
mortises e, f, g, h, in the sleeper, which are of equal length (m, n =
m, n), will be only partially filled by the part E, as seen at m, n. The
part E' may be introduced into either of the mortises according as it is
desired to move the parts to one side or the other, and to a greater or less
extent equal to the difference between the projecting parts of E, E', it
being well understood that the parts may be adjusted in like manner
either on one or both sides at the same time. The parts E, E, may
be made of nearly equal depth to the foot of the rail so as to permit
of any kind of screw bolt being used. This latter arrangement is
shown in section and plan at Figures 18 and 19. T, sleeper; R, rail;
E, E', parts bearing on the sleeper and rail foot; F, F, bolts with
crossheads passing through parts E, E'; G, G, nuts; H, H, keys or
cotters of bent form to prevent the nuts unscrewing; I, I, projections
for regulating the width of the line.
Figures 20, 21, and 22 show an arrangement in which the projecting
parts E, E, Figures 16, 17, 18, and 19, serving to regulate the width
of the line, are replaced by a projection formed on the bolts themselves.
This projection or nib is formed on one of the longitudinal faces of
the bolt head D. Figure 22 shows the bolt in horizontal section with
the nut removed in order the better to show the mortise e, f, g, h,
i, j, k, l, at which the head of the bolt is introduced and adjusted under
the top of the sleeper by turning it a quarter round, the said bolt head
occupying when in place the position indicated by the dotted lines
a, b, c, d. The head of the bolt is further provided with a squared part
to prevent its turning in the mortise. The nut B carries two adjustable
keys C, E Figure 20, for filling up the mortise in the sleeper to prevent
any displacement of the bolt and consequent loosening of the nut. The
projection or nib o serves to adjust the width of the line; thus, supposing
the bolt D, Figure 22, to be turned half round from the position shown
in said Figure, the nib o would be brought diametrically opposite and
the parts be moved back a distance equal to x, y. This adjustment

page_text: may take place on one or both sides of the line, it being understood
that I may regulate its width to an extent equal to double the thickness
of the nib o. This would constitute an enormous advantage on curves.
The form of the keys C, E, and of projection o may be varied if found
desirable in practice. In the Drawing the rail is shown without a sole
plate between it and the sleeper, its use being optional and requiring
but a slight modification in the nut B.
Figures 23 and 24 show a modified arrangement of rail fixed to a
metal sleeper T; R, rail; C, cramp against which the rail abuts;
C', cramp, the stem of which terminates in a screwed part carrying a
nut E. A single glance at the Figures will show that according as the
nut E is screwed up the cramp C' will bear with greater or less force
on the rail foot. The same result may be obtained by using a round
rod with a nut screw threaded on the outside working in a mortise
forming a nut. It will be readily understood that the dimensions of
the various parts may vary according to circumstances.
In the elevation and plan, Figures 25 and 26, the rail is fixed on the
one side by the arrangement shown in Figures 14 and 15, and on the
other by a gib X, the nut B being of rectangular form, which enables
the rail to be readily fitted or removed by simply turning the nut Ba
fourth of a turn. The nut B is mounted on a screw bolt D with cross-
head; a, b, c, d, shows the mortise at which the head e, f, g, h, of screw
bolt D is inserted; a bent key K serves to prevent the nut loosening.
Figures 27, 28, and 29 show an arrangement for fixing a rail R to a
metal sleeper T of the form shown in Figure 28. For this purpose the
rib t of the sleeper is cut through at the desired point and then bent at
a right angle at e, f, as seen in Figures 28 and 29, so as to form an
opening in which to place the rail. A wood quoin C is then introduced,
which in bearing against the part e, f, serves to hold the rail firmly in
position.
Figures 30 and 31 represent a face view and plan of a sleeper of small
section made in a single piece of ribbed iron. The ends B, B, of the
sleeper are bent up at right angles so as to form a support for the
rails R, R, when the keys are placed on the inside of the line, and to
form a support for said keys in the contrary case. In order to form the
inner cheeks or supports C, C, as shown in Figure 31, the ribs are first
doubled inwards, after which the metal is doubled together. These

page_text: two operations may be readily performed in a machine at but little
expense.
Figure 32 shows another mode of attaching a rail to a sleeper doubled
at either end in the form of a half chair. a is the sleeper, the bolt c
and part u being fixed to the sleeper. In order to introduce the rail P
it is simply necessary to partially turn part u after loosening the nut
and return it to position after the rail is fitted in place.
Figure 33 shows another mode of fixing a bridge rail to a sleeper.
The rail flanges and the platform of the sleeper are provided with holes
or mortises at which bolts are introduced from above and then turned
a quarter round in order that their heads may catch under the top of
the sleeper. The rail is then fixed to the sleeper by means of nuts.
Figure 34 shows in detached view the form of the holes in the rail
and sleeper with the bolt after it has been turned partly round.
Figures 35 and 36 show an arrangement in which the rail is fixed
to the metal sleeper by means of a screw turning in a nut of peculiar
form. After having placed the nut B and loose collar C on the
screw A the screwed end of the latter is slightly splayed with a hammer
so as to prevent its getting out of place. The rail being then placed on
the sleeper, the nut B is first introduced in the mortise j, k, l, m, in the
sleeper in the slanting direction indicated by the arrow R, Figure 36.
After this a bent wire d is introduced in the groove P of collar C and
the fixing of the rail to the sleeper is proceeded with, and as the nut
is secured in position by the mortise in the sleeper it cannot become
displaced by the act of tightening up the joint. After this has been
effected the wired of part c is adjusted so as to bring it in contact with
the head of the bolt to prevent the latter getting out of position.
order to increase the width of the line the nut may be bored eccentrically,
when the position of the nut in the mortise would determine the width
of the line.
In
Figure 37 shows an improved mode of fixing the rail especially
adapted to small sleepers, although it is also applicable in other cases.
o, bolt of any suitable form for fixing the rail R directly to the sleeper T,
or a loose collar or washer may be substituted for the part c, d, of said
bolt. The bolt o being inserted in the sleeper, the screwed end e, f, is
slightly splayed with a hammer in order to prevent its becoming
detached from nut P. In this manner the sleeper may be placed in
position ready fitted for the reception of the rail.

page_text: Figures 35 and 37 show only one half of the rail, but the other
side is similarly provided. Where a thickness of wood is applied on
the sleeper to give the desired inclination to the rail I increase the
depth of the loose collar to the extent of such additional thickness
of wood.
I may also in the arrangements shown at Figures 14, 18, and 25
place between the sleeper and the nuts or parts E, E', Figure 18, a
loose collar of leather or other compressible material so as to com-
pensate for any difference of thickness in the foot of the rail. I may
also place wood or iron sole plates under the rail which may extend
beyond the fixing parts.
Figures 38 and 39 show a mode of connecting the ends of rails
supported on metallic sleepers. A rectangular mortise o, o, o, o, is
made in the ends of the rails as also in the two parts B, B, to enable
the part c, which is also rectangular, to support the weight of the trains.
The parts B, B, are connected by the square bolt c and fix the rails
by opposing their separation. The flanges of parts B, B, are cach
provided with two holes, as shown in red in Figures 38, or one only,
as shown in line in said Figure. These holes corresponding with the
mortises in the sleeper serve for the introduction of the four crosshead
bolts d, d, d, d; these are then turned a quarter round and caused to
assume the position e, e, e, Figure 38, after which the nuts are
tightened up. The intermediate sleepers are similarly fixed, except
that the hole in the rail may be made round as well as that of
parts B, B.
Having described the nature of this Invention, and the manner of
performing the same, I declare that what I claim as improvements in
the mode of fixing rails to metallic sleepers to be protected by the
herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
1st. Fixing the rails by means of a sole plate and cramps, as
described and illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Drawings
annexed.
2ndly. I claim fixing rails by means of angle irons, described and
illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 of the Drawings.
3rdly. I claim the several modes of fixing bridge rails as described
and illustrated in Figures 7 8 9 10 11 19 12 22 and 21

page_text: Atbly. claim the several modes of fixing flanged rails by means of
washers as described and illustrated in Figures 7, 9, 18, and 19 of the
Drawings.
5thly. I claim the several kinds of nuts for fixing the rail direct to
the sleeper as described and illustrated with reference to Figures 8,
12, 14, 15, 16, 20, 25, 26, 35, 36, and 37 of the Drawings.
6thly. 1 claim the arrangements described and illustrated in
Figures 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 for adjusting the width of the
line.
7thly. I claim the mode of fixing the rail by means of a hook
and nut, as described and illustrated at Figures 23 and 24 of the
Drawings.
Sthly. 1 claim the several modes described of fixing rails to
sleepers bent up at each end forming chairs or supports in the
manner described and as represented in Figures 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,
and 32.
9thly. I claim the mode described of connecting the ends of rails
by means of two angle irons and square bolt, as represented in Figures
38 and 39.
10thly. I claim the use of crosshead bolts either keyed or secured
otherwise in the different ways described and shown for the purpose
of uniting the several fixing parts together, all as herein-before
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, this Thirteenth day of November,
in the on of
LO... th
1
Witness,
JAMES DAISH,
53, Chancery Lane,
London.
A. M. CLARK. (L.S.)