IMPROVEMENTS IN BUFFING AND TRACTION APPARATUS, AND IN SPRINGS FOR RAILWAY AND OTHER CARRIAGES
Year: 1847

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, CHARLES
DE BERGUE, of Arthur Street West, in the City of London, Engineer, send
greeting...
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-sixth day of July, in
the eleventh year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors;
give and grant unto me, the said Charles De Bergue, my exors, admors,
and assigns, Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and authority,
that I, the said Charles De Bergue, my exors, adñors, and assigns, or such
others as I, the said Charles De Bergue, my exors, admors, or assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
thereafter during the term of years therein expressed, should and lawfully
might make, use, exercise, and vend my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BUFFING AND TRACTION APPARATUS, AND IN SPRINGS FOR RAILWAY AND OTHER
CARRIAGES," within that part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland called England, Her Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick-
upon-Tweed, and in the Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and
Man, and also in all Her Colonies and Plantations abroad; in which said
Letters Patent there is contained a proviso requiring that I, the said Charles
De Bergue, shall particularly describe and ascertain the nature of my said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, by an instru-
ment in writing under my hand and seal, and cause the same to be enrolled in
•

page_text: Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months
next and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters
Patent, as, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large
appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Charles De Bergue, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention, and
the manner in which the same is to be performed, are particularly described
and ascertained in and by this present Specification or Instrument in writing,
reference being had to the several Figures or Drawings hereunto annexed,
(that is to say) -
:-
My said Invention consists,-
Firstly, of an improvement or improvements in the construction of the
buffing apparatus of railway carriages.
Secondly, of an improvement or improvements in the construction of the
traction apparatus of railway carriages; and,
Thirdly, of an improvement or improvements in the side or bearing springs
of railway and other carriages.
The said first part of my said Invention consists of an improved mode or
improved modes of constructing such buffers or buffing apparatus for railway
carriages as are constructed with springs made of rings of india rubber, or of
other similar elastic material, and I have in Figures I., II., V., VI., VII.,
VIII, IX., X., XI., and XII., shewn several descriptions of buffing apparatus
made according to the said improved mode or modes.
Figure I. represents a sectional side elevation of one of a description of
buffer or buffing apparatus made according to my Invention, and which
description of buffer I believe will be useful for railway passenger carriages.
Figure II. is an end view of the same apparatus. In these Figures A is a socket
or cylinder the closed end of which is furnished with a flange B, for bolting
the same to the end framing of the carriage. This cylinder is constructed
with internal bearing surfaces x, x, to receive and hold the inner cylinder or
plunger C, which is intended to work within it. C is the inner cylinder, which
I call a plunger, the exterior of which is cast or turned true so as to fit and
work within the bearing surfaces of the cylinder A, and the closed end of
which plunger is strengthened by a boss, a rim and ribs, as indicated by
dotted lines in the Drawing. D is the buffer head attached to the plunger.
E is a rod, one end of which is secured to the closed end of the plunger C,
and I prefer to effect this by forcing the end of the rod into a hole in
the centre of the plunger whilst that end of the plunger is in a heated state,
so that when cold the rod and plunger may be firmly connected together.

page_text: This mode of connecting the rod and plunger does not however form any part
of my Invention, and may be effected in any other manner which may be
deemed more advantageous or convenient. The other end of the rod E slides
through a hole in the centre of the closed end of the cylinder A, and through
the elastic rings F, F, and the intersecting plates G, G. F, F, are elastic
rings made of india rubber (any similar elastic substance may be used),
rendered permanently elastic by being vulcanized, or by any other process
which will produce a similar effect. A view and section of one of these rings
are shewn in Figures III. and IV., Figure III. being a face view, and
Figure IV. a section. The rings should be made so as to leave a small space
between their inner surfaces and the rod E, which is to slide within them, for
the purpose of allowing the rod to slide backwards and forwards with facility;
and the rings must also be made so as to leave a sufficient space between their
exterior surfaces and the inside of either of the cylinders within which they
may be placed, to expand when the buffing apparatus is subjected to pressure.
I have in Figure IV. shewn a section of a ring, the sectional area of every part
of which would (when not under compression) be a square, because I believe
that a ring of this form will be found to be more generally useful than any
other. The substance of the ring may, however, be made of any other form
that may be thought most advisable, taking care, however, at all times that a
sufficient space be left between the ring and the rod E to allow that rod to
pass freely backwards and forwards, and also a sufficient space between the
ring and the cylinder A or C to allow the india rubber or other similar elastic
gum to expand to the requisite extent when the buffer is compressed. G, G,
are circular intersecting plates, made to pass freely backwards and forwards
within the cylinders A and C, and having holes in their centres so as to allow
the rod E to pass freely backwards and forwards. These plates are placed
between the elastic rings F, F, for the purpose of keeping them separate and
enabling them to exercise their elastic powers or properties independently of
each other. These plates are made with rims on each side at their inner
edges, for the purpose of keeping every part of the elastic rings F, F, at equal
distances from the rod E. They may also, if thought desirable, be strength-
ened by rims at each or either side of their outer edges, as shewn in Figure I.
H, H, are nuts threaded upon one end of the rod E, by means of which and the
washer h the various parts of the buffing apparatus are held together. In
making this buffing apparatus a sufficient number of elastic rings (with
their intersecting plates) must be placed upon the rod E, and within the
cylinders A and C, to cause the cylinder or plunger to be pressed outward with
a moderate degree of force; and I believe that a force of. about five hundred-

page_text: weight will be sufficient when the buffing apparatus is intended to be applied
to an ordinary railway passenger carriage. When the requisite number of elastic
rings and intersecting plates have been placed upon the rod E, and the plunger
or cylinder C has been introduced within the cylinder A, a sufficient degree of
power must be used to force the cylinder or plunger C into the cylinder A,
until the end of the rod E projects sufficiently through the bottom of the
cylinder A, when it is to be secured by the washer h and nuts H, H, as shewn
in the Drawing. When this buffing apparatus has been put together, the
elastic rings which are used in making it are slightly compressed, as shewn in
Figure I., and the buffer head will therefore offer some considerable degree of
immediate resistance to any other buffer head or body which may come in
contact with it. And if the force with which any body comes in contact with
the buffer head should be greater than that of the spring of the buffing appa-
ratus, the cylinder or plunger C will be pressed further into the cylinder A;
and if the force applied to the buffer head should be continued, the cylinder or
plunger C will be forced into the cylinder A until the internal resistance of
the spring equals or exceeds the force by which it is compressed. When one
of these buffers is compressed in this way, the resisting power of the spring
goes on encreasing, and the extent to which the plunger may be pressed within
the cylinder A is limited by the edge or face a, a, of the cylinder A, coming
in contact with the shoulder b, b, of the plunger C. When the buffing
apparatus is compressed the force will cause the elastic rings (which form the
spring) to expand laterally, and assume forms similar to the elastic rings seen
in Figures XXI. and XXII. herein-after described. The power of a buffer or
buffing apparatus, such as shewn in Figure I., will, I believe, be sufficient for
ordinary passenger carriages; but the power may be increased to any desired
extent by increasing the sizes of the elastic rings, and enlarging the various
parts of the apparatus in a corresponding manner. The extent of the elasticity
or elastic power of this buffing apparatus will also, I believe, be sufficient for
such carriages as just mentioned, but the elasticity or elastic power may of
course be increased by making the cylinders A and C and the rod E longer,
so as to admit of a larger number of elastic rings within the buffing apparatus.
Figures V. and VI. represent a sectional elevation and end view respectively
of another description of buffer or buffing apparatus made according to my
Invention, and which is intended to be applied to engines or tenders; and
Figures VII. and VIII. represent a sectional elevation and end view respec-
tively of another description of buffer or buffing apparatus, also made according
to my Invention, and which is intended to be applied to goods' waggons and
other carriages when it is desired to adopt buffing apparatus of an economical

page_text: description. The description already given of the buffers shewn in Figures I.
and II. will, in substance, apply to the two forms of buffers shewn in
Figures V. and VI. and in Figures VII. and VIII., similar or corresponding
parts of each of the before-mentioned Figures being marked with similar
letters of reference.
In Figures IX. and X. I have represented a sectional elevation and end
view respectively of another description of buffer or buffing apparatus, made
according to my Invention, and which is intended to be applied between an
engine and tender, and to be either attached to the engine or tender. The
chief point of difference in the mode of construction between this buffer and
those already described consists in the buffer head being of solid metal, and
having a polished surface.
.
In Figures XI. and XII. I have represented a sectional side elevation
and end view respectively of a description of a buffer or buffing apparatus,
which is intended to be applied to passenger carriages. The chief difference
between the mode of constructing this buffer and those represented in
Figures I. II. and V. VI. and VII. VIII., consists in the following par-
ticular, videlicet, that whereas in the said forms referred to the exterior
cylindrical surface of the plunger C bears against the interior surface of the
cylinder A only at certain parts marked x, x, and that, in consequence, the
rod E of each of those buffers is made sufficiently strong to secure the
apparatus against the effect of lateral force, but in the buffing apparatus
shewn in Figure XI., I make the rod E much smaller, and cause the exterior
cylindrical surface of the plunger to bear against the interior surface of the
cylinder A the whole of the distance that the one slides within the other, and
the plunger is kept in its proper position by being inserted within the
cylinder A to the extent shewn in Figure XI. The object of this buffer
being to combine strength with lightness, I form the thin parts of the inter-
secting plates of sheet iron, the centre or rim parts being made of block tin
or other suitable metal cast upon the plates. In Figure XI. I have shewn a
piece of hempen rope s, placed round the cylinder or plunger C, immediately
in contact with the shoulder b, b, to prevent the edge a, a, of the cylinder A
from coming violently in contact with the shoulder b, b, when the buffer is
forced up to the full extent of its range. A similar piece of rope may be
advantageously applied to the other buffers before described.
The said second part of my said Invention consists of an improved mode or
improved modes of constructing such traction apparatus of railway carriages,
as herein-after described, and which are constructed with or have attached
thereto springs made of india rubber, or other such similar elastic material

page_text: as aforesaid.
And I have in Figures XIII. XIV. and XV. XVI. and
XVII. XVIII., and XIX. XX. of the said Drawings hereunto annexed,
shewn Drawings or views of several descriptions of such traction apparatus.
Figures XIII. and XIV. represent a horizontal section and an end view
respectively of an improved form of traction apparatus or draw spring with
single elastic ring. In these Figures A is a cast-iron plate, having a circular
rim or short cylinder B upon one side of it, and two lugs, by means of which
it may be bolted to any of the transverse timbers or portions of the framework
of a carriage. C is a circular plate made so as to pass easily within the rim
or cylinder B. A boss is cast upon the centre of the plate C, and another
also upon the centre of the plate A, within the rim B, so that when the force
applied to the apparatus for drawing the carriage happens to be greater than
usual, the two bosses may come in contact and prevent injury to the elastic
ring placed between the two plates. D is an elastic ring made of india
rubber or of any such other similar elastic material, as aforesaid, which is to
be placed within the rim or cylinder B, and between the two plates A and C.
E is a portion of a draw bar sliding through the plate A, and attached to the
plate C by means of a nut, as shewn in the Drawing. A shoulder e is made
upon the bar E, to prevent that bar from passing too far through the plate A
when the tension is removed from it. It will be seen in Figure XIII. that
when the elastic ring is placed between the two plates, and the bar E is
secured in its place by the nut, the elastic ring is slightly compressed, so that
the spring (formed by the elastic ring) will offer some immediate resistance
when the force is applied to the apparatus (by means of the bar E) for the
purpose of drawing the carriage to which the apparatus is attached.
In Figure XV. I have represented a sectional side elevation of another
description of traction apparatus made according to my Invention, with a
spring composed of two elastic rings, and shewing the application of the appa-
ratus to the end framing of a railway carriage. In Figure XVI. I have
represented an end elevation of the same apparatus, but without the end framing
of the carriage. In the former of these two Figures P is the end framing of
the carriage, and Q is an intersecting plate between the elastic rings. The
description of the apparatus shewn in Figures XIII. and XIV. will in sub-
stance apply to the apparatus shewn in Figures XV. and XVI., similar or
corresponding parts in each of the Figures being marked with similar letters
of reference.
In Figure XVII. I have represented a horizontal section of another
description of traction apparatus made according to my said Invention, and
which is applicable to what is called a "solid draw-rod" for railway car-

page_text: riages. These rods, I believe, are so called because each of them is generally
formed of a single rod passing from end to end of the carriage to which it
belongs. In Figure XVII. is represented a portion of the rod and the draw
or traction spring attached to it, and which is shewn as placed between two of
the transverse timbers of the carriage to which the apparatus is attached. In
Figure XVIII. is represented an end view of the spring or apparatus without
the portions of transverse timbers shewn in Figure XVII., and also without
the annular plates which in Figure XVII. are shewn as attached to the trans-
verse timbers. A, A, and B, B, Figure XVII. are portions of the transverse
timbers before mentioned, and by means of which the traction spring or appa-
ratus is to be kept in the intended position. C, D, is the draw bar (a portion
only of which, for the sake of convenience, is represented in the Figure), to
which the traction spring or apparatus is attached. For the sake of conve-
nience I form this draw bar of two pieces, which I unite together by means of
a screw coupling E, as shewn in Figure XVII. The traction spring is com-
posed of a number of elastic rings marked H (which are similar to those
herein-before described), and they have intersecting plates I, I, (also similar to
those before mentioned) placed between them. Any number of rings may be
used, according to the extent of elasticity which it is intended that the spring
should possess; but I believe that a spring composed as shewn in Figure XVII.
will be sufficient for ordinary purposes. That portion of the drawing or trac-
tion rod which passes through the elastic rings and intersecting plates is turned
or made circular, and the intersecting rings are made with their orifices suffi-
ciently large to permit the rod to pass through and backwards and forwards
with facility. The plates are also furnished with rims to keep the elastic rings
at a proper distance from the rod, in like manner as herein-before described
with reference to the apparatus shewn in Figures I. and II. The elastic rings
and their intersecting plates are confined between two circular plates F and G,
through the centres of which the circular part of the bar C, D, passes. The
plate F is cast with a conical boss on the side which is placed next to the
timber B, B, and the plate G is cast or furnished with a boss or cylinder g,
and the holes in the centres of these plates are made sufficiently large to
permit the circular part of the rod to pass freely backwards and forwards.
The rod is prevented from sliding through the circular plate F in one direction
by the shoulder d, and the rod is also prevented from sliding through the
circular plate G in the opposite direction by the edge of the screw coupling E.
A sufficient number of elastic rings with their intersecting plates is to be put
upon the circular part of the rod C, D, to fill up the space between the circular
plates F and C, and so that when the screw coupling E is screwed up the

page_text: elastic rings will be slightly compressed, as shewn in Figure XVII. The
orifice in the timber A, A, through which the rod and the cylinder 9 passes, is
furnished with an annular metal plate i, i, and the orifice in the timber B, B,
through which the rod passes is also furnished with an annular metal plate k, k,
to receive the boss of the plate F. The operation of this apparatus is as
follows: When the rod C, D, is drawn in one direction, for the purpose of
giving motion to the carriage to which it is attached, one of the plates For G is
drawn forward by the rod, and presses the spring against the other of the plates
For G, which is held firmly by one of the timbers before mentioned, and thus
gives motion to the carriage. And when the rod is drawn in the contrary
direction, the other of the plates For G is then drawn forward by the rod, and
presses the spring against the opposite plate, which, being held firmly by the
other of the timbers before mentioned, motion is communicated to the carriage
in the opposite direction. The traction spring or apparatus which has just
been described may be placed in the centre of the draw rod, or at any other
part which may be found most convenient. But the shoulder of the hook at
each end of the rod must project a sufficient distance beyond the end of the
.carriage, to allow the rod to be drawn through under the carriage to the
extent of the elasticity which it is intended that the traction spring shall
.possess.
In Figures XIX. and XX. I have represented a horizontal section and an
end view respectively of another description of traction apparatus made
according to my Invention. In these Figures A and B are the plates
between which the elastic rings C, C, are compressed. D, D, the intersecting
plates. E, F, the draw bar in two parts; the part E is fixed to the plate B,
and slides through the plate A, and the part F is fixed to a third plate G,
which is connected to the plate A by bolts or tension rods, which slide through
the plate B. This draw spring may be placed at any convenient part of the
under framing of the carriage, but the shoulders of the hooks must bear
against the end pieces of the framework, so as to afford the requisite
resistance, and prevent the draw bar sliding through the carriage without
acting on the spring.
The said third part of my Invention consists of an improved mode or
improved modes of constructing such side or bearing springs of railway and
other carriages as are constructed with india rubber or such other elastic
material as aforesaid; and I have in Figures XXI., XXII., XXIII.,
XXIV., XXV., XXVI., XXVII., XXVIII., XXIX., shewn several
descriptions of springs made according to this part of my Invention.
In Figure XXI. I have represented a sectional side elevation of a side or

page_text: In
bearing spring constructed according to my Invention, and which is intended to
be applied to locomotive engines; Figure XXII. is a transverse sectional
elevation of the same, taken through the line Z, Z, of Figure XXI.
these Figures A is the side framing of the engine. B, B, are the horn
plates or axle guards. C, C, a double bar or fork, the lower end of which
rests on the axle box of the engine. D is a strong cast-iron plate resting on
the top of the bar C, C. The weight of the engine is supported on the axle
box in the following manner:-E, E, are two rods or bolts, passing through
holes in the plate D, the lower ends of the said rods terminating in "Y"
pieces or forks attached to the side framing in a similar manner to the
corresponding rods or slings hitherto ordinarily employed to suspend the
weight of a locomotive upon steel springs. The upper ends also of the rods
or bolts E, E, pass through the upper cast-iron plate F, to which they are
secured by means of the nuts G, G. Between the two plates D and F, and
around each of the rods or bolts E, E, are placed a number of rings H, H, of
indian rubber or other similar material, as before mentioned.
I, I, are
intersecting plates, placed between the rings H, H, in manner herein-before
described. These rings undergo compression by the weight of the carriage
being suspended or caused to bear on them by means of the rods or bolts E, E,
and the upper plate F; the lower plate offering a firm support, resting as
before described, upon the bar C, and that again on the axle box.
end of the holes in the plate D, through which the rods or bolts E, E, pass,
are made somewhat wider to prevent unnecessary friction. K is a cap to
protect the rings from dust or from injury, and it is fixed upon the top of the
rods or bolts E, E, by means of the nuts L, L. Although useful, this cap is
not essentially necessary. Although in Figure XXI. I have only shewn a
spring constructed with two piles of elastic rings, such springs may, when
greater power is required, be constructed with three or more piles of such
rings, although I believe that springs constructed with two piles of rings will
be sufficient for ordinary purposes.
The lower
In Figure XXIII. I have represented a sectional side elevation, and in
Figure XXIV. a transverse sectional elevation of a side or bearing spring,
also constructed according to my Invention, and which is intended to be
applied to a tender, and placed underneath the side framing thereof. In these
Figures A, B, and C are portions of the side framing, the horn plate or axle
guard, and the axle box respectively, all constructed in the ordinary manner.
D is a cast-iron plate bolted to the side framing. E is a cast-iron plate or
frame cast with two feet (on its under side), which rest on the axle box, and
being rounded allow of a slight lateral motion of the tender, and serve to keep

page_text: the journals true to their bearings. G, G, are the elastic indian-rubber rings,
and H, H, the intersecting plates. I is a rod or bolt fastened by a nut i to the
lower plate or frame E, and passing through the upper plate D, and likewise
through the rings and plates G, G, and H, H, so as to keep them in proper
position. is a nut on the upper end of the rod I to keep the various parts
together, previous to being fixed to the framework of the tender. K is a hole
made in the framework to receive the upper end of the rod or bolt when the
rings become compressed. In this construction of spring, the weight is not
suspended in slings, as in that previously described, but rests directly upon
the rings, the lower plate E affording a firm support, against which their
elastic property is exerted. L is a cap or cover to protect the rings from dust
or injury.
In Figures XXV. and XXVI. I have represented a sectional side elevation
and a transverse sectional elevation respectively of another description of side
or bearing spring, constructed according to my Invention, and which is
intended to be applied to tenders, and placed above the side framing thereof,
as shewn in Figure XXV. In Figure XXVII. is shewn a horizontal section
of the same spring taken through the line Z, Z, in Figure XXV. A is the
side framing of the tender; B is a cast-iron box or cylinder secured thereto by
bolts passing through the lugs C, C; D is a cast-iron plate supported on the
rod E, which passes through the framing A, and rests on the axle box; D* is
a rod cast in one piece with the plate D, and sliding through a hole in the
upper plate B* of the box B. Around this rod and between the two plates
D and B are placed the elastic rings and intersecting plates F, F, and G, G,
the weight of the tender resting or being suspended upon the lower plate D,
against which the elastic rings are pressed. d is a screw to keep the various
parts together before being attached to the frame of the tender.
In Figures XXVIII. and XXIX. I have represented a sectional side
elevation and transverse sectional elevation respectively of another description
of side or bearing spring, constructed according to my Invention, which is
intended to be applied to passenger or other carriages or waggons.
In these
Figures A represents a portion of the side framing of a carriage or waggon,
to which the cast-iron plate B is screwed or bolted; C is a cylinder cast in one
piece with the plate B, and with the ribs D, D, which give strength to the
sides of the cylinder. This cylinder, together with the pieces E, E, bolted to
the ribs D, D, serve the purpose of the ordinary horn plate or axle guard.
C*, an inner cylinder cast in one piece, with the axle box F, G, I, which
itself is of a cylindrical form, and slides within the cylinder C, the parts at
x, x, of both cylinders being made to fit each other accurately. The part G

page_text: of the axle box forms the fixed support against which the elastic rings are
pressed. H is the grease box, and h the lid for covering the orifice through
which the grease is to be inserted; I is the brass bush or bearing; K is the
cap of the axle box, held thereto by bolts, the heads of which are let into
recesses formed in the brass; L is one of the journals; M is a rod screwed
into the plate G, and passing through the top plate B, and through the elastic
rings N, N, and intersecting plates O, O; P is a hole formed in the frame-
work A, to admit the end of the rod M when the rings are under compression.
In all the views of the various forms of side or bearing springs shewn in the
Drawing, I have represented the elastic rings as under compression occasioned
by the superincumbent weight. In the apparatus shewn in Figures XXVIII.
and XXIX., I do not claim as of my Invention the several parts respectively
marked with the letters E, I, K, and L, and which are only inserted in
the Figures because I believe that they will be useful to any one intending
to use this side or bearing spring, and the parts which I have just men-
tioned may be constructed in any other manner which may be deemed more
convenient.
In Figures XXX. and XXXI. of the said Drawings I have represented a
mode in which one of my said side or bearing springs may be attached to a
cart or carriage of a description which is used upon ordinary roads. Figure
XXX. is a longitudinal vertical section of parts of such a cart or carriage,
shewing one of the said springs attached thereto, and Figure XXXI. is a
transverse vertical section of a
part of the same carriage taken through the
centre of one of the springs. A, A, is part of the body of the cart or
carriage, and B, B, one of its wheels; C is an iron plate secured to the under
side of one of the timbers of the carriage body; D is a rod or bolt, which is
fixed upon and perpendicular to the under side of the plate C; E, E, is an
iron stay or stay piece for steadying the rod D, the ends of the stay being
secured to one of the timbers of the carriage body, and the lower end of the
rod being secured to the stay by a nut d. The rod D passes through an
orifice in the axle F, made at a part of the axle which is enlarged in manner
shewn in Figure XXXII., which is a plan view of part of the axle. The
lower part of this orifice is enlarged in the direction of the length of the axle,
as shewn in Figure XXXI., but not in the opposite direction; the chief
object of this enlargement being to allow the springs to act independently of
each other when the inequalities of the road over which the carriage may be
passing shall render this necessary or desirable. G is a circular iron plate
with an orifice which fits the rod D, so as to allow the rod to pass upwards

page_text: and downwards with facility. Upon the rod D must be placed several elastic
rings (marked H in the Drawings), such as herein-before mentioned, together
with their intersecting plates (marked I in the Drawings), also such as herein-
before mentioned, the number and size of the rings to be used depending upon
the degree of elasticity which the spring may be intended to possess. When
these rings and intersecting plates have been placed upon the rod, as already
mentioned, the plate G is also to be put upon the rod, so that the rings and
intersecting plates will be confined between the plate C and the plate G.
The bottom of the plate G rests upon the axle F, and the carriage body is
supported in this manner by the elastic rings just mentioned, which thus form
one of the side or bearing springs of the carriage. The description which I
have already given will of course apply to the other spring or springs of
the carriage, and I need hardly add, that I do not claim as of my Invention
any of the parts of the carriage just mentioned, except the apparatus
immediately connected with the elastic rings for the purpose of forming the
spring.
Having now described the nature of the said several parts of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same are to be respectively performed,
I hereby declare that I do not claim as of my Invention the said rings of
india rubber or other elastic material herein-before mentioned, or the use or
application thereof separately or apart from the several kinds of apparatus
herein-before described, and with which I have combined such rings in manner
and for the purposes aforesaid. And I hereby further declare that I do claim
as of my said Invention,-
Firstly, the mode or modes of constructing and combining apparatus with
elastic rings, for the purpose of forming buffers or buffing apparatus, in
manner herein-before described.
Secondly, the mode or modes of constructing and combining apparatus
with elastic rings, for the purpose of forming traction apparatus, in manner
herein-before described; and,
Thirdly, the mode or modes of constructing and combining apparatus with
elastic rings, for the purpose of forming side or bearing springs, in manner
herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles De Bergue, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-sixth day of January, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty-eight.
CHARLES (L.B.) DE BERGUE.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twenty-sixth day of January,
in the year of our Lord 1848, the aforesaid Charles De Bergue came
before our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the
Specification aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified,
in form above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped
according to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Twenty-sixth day of January, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and forty-eight.