New or Improved Method of and Means for the Transportation of Mails, Parcels, and other Articles of Moderate Weight.
Year: 1891

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
New or Improved Method of and Means for the Transportation of
Mails, Parcels, and other Articles of Moderate Weight.
A communication by WARREN SEYMOUR JOHNSON, of Milwaukee, in the State
of Illinois, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street,
Manchester, both in the County of Lancaster, and 323, High Holborn, in the
County of Middlesex, 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 in view more particularly the speedy and automatic trans-
portation of matters of moderate weight for long distances, and to this end it
consists essentially:-
1. In the method of propelling the car or carrier along a track or way, consisting
in subjecting the same at suitable intervals in its course to the explosive force of
gas or its equivalent, the application and ignition of gas being controlled through
suitable mechanisms by the moving car.
2. In a system of apparatus comprising a track or way, cars movable along the
same, cylinders or chambers distributed at suitable intervals along the road, and
automatic mechanism operated by the cars whereby the gas or other explosive is
admitted to and confined and ignited within the cylinders or chambers in succession,
and the force of the resulting explosions applied to maintain or accelerate the
speed of the passing cars.
It is preferred to make use of stationary cylinders located at suitable distances
apart, adjacent to the track, and each containing a reciprocating piston, the
cylinders being connected in series with a common gas main or pipe and each
provided with a gas admission valve and igniting mechanism to cause the projection
of the piston, and each piston rod being provided with a clutch mechanism through
which it acts on each car passing the cylinder.
In another form of the apparatus open tubes or cylinders are arranged at suitable
intervals in such position that the car will pass endwise through them, each tube
being provided with automatic means for closing its rear end immediately after the
entrance of a car and then introducing and igniting the explosive directly behind
the car, so that the force is applied directly for the propulsion of the latter.
It will be understood that the cars, the track, and the devices for supplying,
confining, and igniting the explosive, and for applying the force of the explosion
to advance the cars, may be greatly modified in form and arrangement without
passing beyond the limits of this invention, which includes any system of apparatus
operating on the general plan above indicated.
In the accompanying drawings
-
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a section of the track or road, with a car
approaching one of the propelling mechanisms.
Figure 2 is a similar view, with the propelling devices as they appear at the
instant of completing their action on a car.
Figure 3 is a vertical cross-section of the line 3-3 indicated in the other
figures.
Figures 4 and 5 are plan views of the clutch or gripping device through which
the car engages the propelling devices.
Figure 6 is a top plan view of the parts shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Figures 7 and 8 are vertical longitudinal sections through the propelling
cylinder and its adjuncts on the line 7-7, Figures 3 and 6.

page_text: Figure 9 is a horizontal section through the rear end of the cylinder, showing
more particularly the igniting devices.
Figure 10 is a side elevation illustrating the system on a modified plan.
Figure 11 is a top plan view of the same.
Figure 12 is a plan view of a switch mechanism.
Figure 13 is a central longitudinal section on the line 13-13, Figures 11
and 17.
Figure 14 is a horizontal section on the line 14-14 of Figures 10, 13, 17
and 18.
Figures 15 and 16 are horizontal sections showing in detail the valves of gates to
close the rear end of a cylinder.
Figures 17 and 18 are cross sections on the correspondingly numbered lines of
Figure 14.
Referring to the drawings-Figures 1 to 9:-
A, represents a continuous track or way between the terminal stations of the
road. It may be constructed in any form and manner to sustain and guide the
cars but as herein shown consists simply of two top and bottom rails a and a
attached firmly to and sustained by frames a², which may be mounted on posts or
otherwise.
B represents one of the cars or carriers which may be made in any form and
manner adapted to traverse the track, but which, as represented, consists of a
skeleton frame b, provided with a series of sustaining and guiding wheels b',
grooved to embrace the rails, and with side chambers or compartments 62 to receive
the articles to be transported.
C represents one of the series of propelling cylinders closed at one end, fixed
horizontally in position adjacent to the track, and each containing a piston D
carrying two rods d extended beyond the open end of the cylinder and attached to
a cross-head which slides on fixed guide rods d² subject to the pressure of
spiral springs which tend to push the piston backward into the cylinder. The
cross head is jointed at c to a bar E which lies alongside of the lower track or rail
in guides which permit it to be reciprocated end wise by the piston.
Each car in advancing rides over this bar E, and is provided on the underside
with a clutch or grip F, arranged to straddle the bar, and so constructed that if
the bar be thrust rapidly forward by the piston, the clutch will engage and cause
the car to advance with the bar. The clutch may be variously constructed, but the
simple construction shown in Figures 4 and 5 is recommended, in which is a
grooved block fixed to the car to straddle the propelling bar E, and two
opposing vertically pivoted dogs mounted on the block, and urged toward each
other by springs so that while they permit the car to pass freely forward along
and beyond the bar, they will bite and lock the car and bar together whenever the
latter begins to move faster than the car.
to
It is proposed to use in the cylinder the well known explosive mixture of
carburetted hydrogen and air or other explosive compounds. To effect the
admission of the air into the combustion space or chamber in the rear end of the
cylinder, beyond the path of the piston, a vertically moving piston valve G of a
well known type is provided having at its upper and lower ends pistons g g',
close openings in the top and bottom of the cylinder. When raised the valve
closes the two holes as Figure 8, but when lowered, as in Figure 7, after the
explosion, it opens both holes, allowing the residual or spent vapours to escape
through the top opening, while fresh air enters at the bottom to fill the chamber.
To the end of the cylinder, the pump cylinder H is secured into the outer end of
which the gas is admitted from any suitable source through pipe I, and check
valve J. In cylinder H is mounted piston K, with an inwardly opening valve k,
and with a tube k¹ surrounding the valve and extending tightly through the
outervening cylinder head into the combustion chamber. Tube k¹ has rear lateral
openings so that as the piston is retracted the gas passes through valve k and
opening and fills cylinder H. When, however, the piston advances the valve k

page_text: closes and the gas is driven forcibly through openings and tube ¹ into the com-
bustion chamber where it is thoroughly mingled with the air.
Within the piston tube is mounted a spindle having at the forward end a
conical head L, which serves first, as it is advanced with the piston to enter a hole
in the air valve G and close the same; and, second at the time of the explosion to
seat itself against and close the forward end of tube ¹, so that the gases cannot
pass back into the pump cylinder. After the air valve is raised it is held by the
tube & advancing therethrough as shown in Figure 8 until the pump piston again
retreats after the explosion. Various means may be used to operate the pump,
but it is preferred to connect its piston rod as in Figures 1 and 2 through an
elbow lever and link to a track lever pivoted at and acted upon by
spring which holds it normally in an inclined position in the path of the
advancing car, as shown in Figure 1, so that as the car advances, and before it
reaches the impelling point, it depresses the track lever and thus causes the air
valve to be closed and the gas to be driven into the explosion chamber of the main
cylinder. As the impulsive action on the car is completed, its rear end advances
beyond and releases the track lever, thereby allowing the lever and pump piston
to retreat under the influence of spring 48, and the air valve to fall to an open
position.
The ignition of the charge may be effected by an electric spark, or by a flame
controlled through any suitable means.
As shown in the drawing, M is an insulated electrode entering the combustion
chamber from the battery, dynamo or other source of electric supply, and N a
second electrode or circuit closer in the same circuit, pivoted in the combustion
chamber, and notched or serrated at its free end so that in swinging up and down
it will repeatedly open and close the circuit, and produce an igniting spark. It
falls by gravity but is raised as the pump completes its action by the valve head L,
striking it above the centre, as in Figure 8. The circuit may be completed from N,
through the cylinder to which the conductor will be attached.
In order to ensure the passage of the current to the electrode N, and also
to ensure its fall it is preferred to provide a conducting spring O, fixed at
one end in the combustion chamber, and bearing at the other on a pin n on the
side of N.
The cylinder, pump, piston and their adjuncts, as above explained, constitute
jointly a propelling or impulse mechanism. There will be a suitable number of these
mechanisms located at different points along the road, at intervals such that the
impulse received by the car from one mechanism will cause it to travel forward to
the next; or, if desired, as a matter of precaution, to the second mechanism beyond.
The car being in this manner subjected to frequent and powerful impulses is caused
to travel over the road automatically and at high velocity.
The distance between the stations or propelling mechanisms will be longer or
shorter, dependent upon the road being level or at a greater or less inclination, and
upon other modifying circumstances.
By properly adjusting or proportioning the parts the strength of the impulses at
each station may be controlled as economy and efficiency may demand.
Collisions between cars on this road are practically impossible, for the reason that
if the car is retarded so that it is nearly overtaken by another, the second car will
reach the propelling mechanism before the spent gases are wholly discharged from
the cylinder, and consequently, the new charge diluted and weakened in effect
by the residual gas, will impart to the second car an abnormally feeble impulse,
thus reducing its speed and giving the antecedent car time to quicken its speed.
This action occurring repeatedly gives the first car time to regain its position. In
this manner, the distance between the cars is rendered self-controlling to such
extent as to prevent accident.
In order to prevent the pistons from being blown out of the main cylinder in
the event of an exceptionally strong explosion or light resistance, a stop or abut-
ment P in any suitable form and position is provided.

page_text: Referring now to that embodiment of the system in which the gas is exploded
in cylinders through which the cars pass, attention is directed to Figures 10 to 18,
illustrating the same. In these figures, A. represents a longitudinally track or way
constructed with top and bottom rails a a' and B is a car provided with vertical
central wheels, whereby it is sustained between and adapted to travel along the
rails. C and C₁ are horizontal tubes or cylinders located at suitable intervals
along the road, and encircling or enclosing the track in such manner that each
car advancing along the track will pass through the tubes in succession entering
the same at one end and emerging at the other.
PP are two horizontally swinging valves arranged at the rear end of each
cylinder to swing inward from opposite sides, and close its end after the car has
entered as shown in Figure 16, in order to confine the gas at the time of the
explosion. These valves are carried by horizontal arms turning on vertical
axis p' in stationary standards which also assist in supporting the track
rails. The opening of the valves is effected by the pointed forward end of the
advancing car, which, as shown in Figure 15, acts between bevelled arms p³ which
are attached to the valves. The closing of the valves behind the car is effected
by springs but as a precautionary matter, to ensure the closing of the valves,
levers which are pivoted midway of their length are provided, their rear ends
being connected by links to the valves, while their forward ends are turned
inward through holes in the side of the tube or cylinder so as to be separated
by the end of the advancing car. From the foregoing it will be understood that
each car opens the valves at the rear end of the cylinder, then enters the cylinder
and without stopping closes the valves behind it.
The cylinders are all connected by pipes J with a gas supply pipe or main I
extending the entire length of the road, or with any other suitable source of gas
supply. R is a gas admission valve located on the pipe J, and connected through
rod, lever and rod to a lever lying in the bottom of the tube in position to
be acted upon by the car so that the valve will be opened and gas admitted into the
cylinder or tube behind the car as soon as the tube is closed. As soon as the rear
end of the car advances beyond the lever and while the car is still within the
tube the gas valve is closed by spring. The ignition of the charge is effected by
a small flame which burns constantly at the top of the gas tube s leading from the
main into a small chamber opening into the side of the tube. The opening from
this chamber is covered and closed by the car until the latter has advanced to the
proper point, whereupon its rear end uncovers the opening and permits the flame
to ignite the charge which, acting explosively, drives the car forward out of the
tube and along the track to the next tube or cylinder. It will of course be under-
stood that the details may be greatly modified without materially affecting the mode
of action..
A road constructed on this plan may be provided with switch mechanism of
any suitable character for diverting or directing the cars from one track to
another. In Figure 12 is shown a flexible section of the track with lever con-
nections for throwing the same right and left to connect with either of two tracks
at will.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The method of maintaining the movement of a car along a track or way, con-
sisting in causing the car to effect at suitable intervals in its course the ignition
independently confined explosive charges, and applying the explosive force of each
charge independently to advance the car.
2. The method of propelling the car over an open way or track, consisting in
subjecting the car while in motion to the force of successive explosive charges
acting each independently to propel the car to the next.
3. In combination with a car movable thereover, a railway provided at intervals

page_text: with explosion chambers, automatic devices actuated by the car to introduce and
ignite an explosive in said chambers successively, and means whereby the explosive
force is applied to propel the car.
4. In combination with a track or way and a car movable thereover, a cylinder
adjacent to the track, a piston therein, intermediate devices through which the piston
acts to advance the passing car, and means actuated to the car for admitting an
explosive charge to, and igniting it within the cylinder.
5. A track and a car provided with a clutch and movable along the track, in
combination with a cylinder adjacent to the track, a piston having a longitudinal
bar attached for the clutch to engage, a spring connection to return the
piston, a gas introducing mechanism, and igniting mechanism, and devices acted
upon by the car to cause the operation of the gas introducing and igniting
mechanisms.
6. In a car propelling mechanism, in combination with the cylinder and piston, a
pump to introduce gas, a valve to permit the outflow of spent gases and the
inflow of air, an igniting device, and means for operating said parts from the
passing car.
7. In combination with the cylinder and piston, the cylinder valve, the pump
cylinder, the pump piston with its tube and rear valve, and the front valve carried
by the tube and arranged to actuate the cylinder valve, and the igniting device also
actuated by said front valve.
8. In combination with a track and a series of cars movable thereover, a series
of propelling mechanisms distributed along the track to act successively on the
passing cars, each of said mechanisms comprising a cylinder, a piston, and devices
through which it actuates the passing cars, and means controlled by the car for
introducing and igniting gas and controlling the discharge of the spent gases;
whereby each car is subjected to successive impulses and a car following another
subjected to feeble impulses from diluted charges in the event of its following in
dangerous proximity to the preceding car.
Dated this 30th day of November 1891.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.