Improvements in and relating to Couplings and Coupling-buffers for Railway-vehicles.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Feb., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 13th Dec., 1892-Accepted, 28th Jan., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Couplings and Coupling-buffers for
Railway-vehicles.
We, GEORGE TURTON and WILLIAM PLATTS, both of the firm of George
Turton, Platts & Co., Engineers, Savile Street, Sheffield, in the County of York,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
:-
Our invention relates to couplings and coupling-buffers for railway-vehicles, and
comprises improvements in slack-gathering couplings and coupling-buffers such as
are described in the Specification of former Letters Patent granted to the said
George Turton and dated 11th June 1887 No. 8451, and in certain prior Specifica-
tions therein mentioned, that is to say, couplings and coupling-buffers of the kind or
class wherein provision is made for taking up the slack by the partial rotation of
an eccentric or eccentrics arranged within the buffer-head.
According to one part of our present invention, we so construct a coupling-buffer
of this kind or class that the "slack" springs arranged within or upon the same
serve also as the buffer-springs and as the draw-springs. In this manner we are
enabled to provide a coupling-buffer which is made without a shank or draw-bar
for extending through a hole in the bed or frame of the vehicle, and which can,
therefore, be attached to a vehicle in a similar manner to an ordinary buffer and
can be conveniently applied to a locomotive.
For this purpose, in one form of our improved coupling-buffer, we make the
buffer-case in two or more parts and provide the same with an internal shoulder
adapted to engage with a projection or flange on the hollow plunger or stem of the
buffer-head, so as to retain the latter in the buffer-case. The separate parts of the
buffer-case are firmly united by bolts and nuts or other convenient means. The shaft
or cross-bar for the eccentric or eccentrics extends through and works in slots in
the said buffer-case and in the plunger; and the springs are interposed between the
said shaft or cross-bar and the buffer-head, and are arranged within the hollow
plunger, or one on each side of the buffer-case, or in any other suitable manner.
The said shaft or cross-bar is provided with weighted levers or handles for turning
it, as described in the said former Specification; and we prefer to provide stops or
abutments for these levers or handles to rest against when at either extremity of
their movement, and to so arrange the eccentric or eccentrics that the same must
be turned more or less beyond the "dead centre" in order to take up the slack, so
that they will then have more or less "lead," as and for the purpose described in
the said former Specification.
In taking up the slack by means of the eccentric or eccentrics in this form of
our improved coupling-buffer, the said springs are more or less compressed. When
tractive force is applied to the coupling, it tends to still further compress the said
springs; and, when the buffer-plunger is pushed inward, the springs are further
compressed, the aforesaid shaft or cross-bar bearing against suitable stops or abut-
ments on the buffer-case.
The construction of the coupling-buffer in this manner, without a shank or draw-
bar, is an important feature of our said invention.
In another form or modification of our improved coupling-buffer, the hollow
plunger is retained within the buffer-case by means of a bolt firmly secured in one
of these parts and extending through a slot in the other part. In this modification
of our invention, we can dispense with the projection or flange on the rear or inner
end of the plunger, and employ a buffer-case made in a single piece. The other
parts of the coupling-buffer are, in this case, constructed substantially in the
manner above mentioned.

page_text: We find it advantageous to fit the aforesaid shaft or cross-bar in blocks or bosses
provided with shanks or guide-pins which may, if desired, be arranged to work in
holes in the buffer-head.
In another modification of our invention, we apply the improvements above
mentioned to a coupling-buffer of the kind or class described in the said former
Specification with reference to Figures 5 and 5A of the drawings accompanying
the same, in which a coupling pin or catch is pivoted to the movable forked piece
or jaw-piece. For this purpose, we dispense with the shank or draw-bar on the
buffer-head and enclose the latter in a buffer-case formed of readily separable parts
united by bolts or in any other suitable manner; and we find it advantageous, in
this modification, to arrange the springs at the sides of the buffer-case so that each
of them bears at its forward end against a shoulder or projection on the buffer-case
and at its rear end against a boss fitted upon the shaft or cross-bar of the
eccentric.
We sometimes use a single "slack" spring for the purposes above mentioned,
arranged within the buffer-case in rear of the said shaft or cross-bar, and we couple
the latter by links to another cross-bar which bears against the rear end of the
spring and which extends through and works in slots in the buffer-case. The
forward end of the said spring bears against the rear end of the plunger, so that
the said spring serves also for buffing and drawing. When a coupling-hook is used
in this coupling-buffer, it is, in some instances, provided with a link passed through
a hole or through an inclined slot in the said hook. This inclined slot allows the
link to rise should it come in contact with the coupling-link on an adjacent vehicle.
The said link may be forged solid in the hole or slot in the hook, or it may be
shackled to the hook by a bolt which is passed through the said hole or slot. Or
the said link may be formed with slots to permit it to rise upon the shackle-bolt
when it comes in contact with a coupling-link on an adjacent vehicle. A stop or
abutment is preferably provided on the buffer-head or on the hook, for the said
link to rest upon.
According to another modification of our said invention, we arrange the "slack"
spring or springs in the manner above mentioned in a coupling-buffer having a
shank or draw-bar.
According to another modification of our invention we provide the coupling-link
with draw-springs. For instance, we arrange the eccentric in a hole in the body
of a coupling-hook attached to the vehicle, and we fit upon the cross-bar near each
end of the same a box or casing formed of readily separable parts and having
enclosed within it a spring. This spring bears at its forward end against a
loose collar or washer resting against a shoulder on a U-shaped coupling-link the
two parts or sides of which are fitted to slide in the said boxes or casings. Each
spring bears at its rear end against a collar fixed upon the corresponding extremity
of the said link.
In the said former Specification, there is described with reference to Figures 1
to 4 of the drawings accompanying the same, a forked piece or jaw-piece arranged
to be moved to and fro within the buffer-head by means of the eccentric or
eccentrics for the purpose of taking up the slack, the coupling-pin, hook or other
device being carried by the said jaw-piece.
With this jaw-piece as heretofore made, when the two vehicles are brought together,
the coupling-link can only be inserted in and removed from the buffer-head and
jaw-piece through the top thereof. Moreover, the buffer-head as hitherto made is
open at the top, except at its rear end. We now modify this construction in such a
manner that the coupling-link can be introduced into and withdrawn from the
buffer-head and jaw-piece, either through the space above or through the space
below the eccentric shaft or cross-bar. And we make the buffer-head solid at its
forward end with the exception of a central hole for the said link. Moreover we
provide the sliding jaw-piece with internal V-shaped or inclined pieces up which
the link may rise when it comes in contact with the coupling-link on an adjacent
vehicle.

page_text: In the said former Specification there is also described with reference to
Figures 27 to 32 of the drawings accompanying the same, a coupling-buffer in
which the shank or draw-bar is combined with a spring which serves both for
buffing and drawing. We now modify the construction of this coupling-buffer and
similar coupling-buffers having shanks which extend into the bed or frame of the
vehicle, by connecting the buffer-head to the said shank or draw-bar by means of a
hinge or pivot.
In another modification of our invention, which is applicable to vehicles wherein
the frame has a central beam or girder, the buffer-head is made in two parts con-
nected by means of a bolt or bolts in any convenient manner, and has two tail-pieces
or projections which extend through the frame and through angle or corner-pieces
secured on each side of the central beam or girder. Each of the said tail-pieces or
projections is combined with a suitable buffing-spring.
In this modification, there are two side-rods or draw-bars which are provided with
springs bearing at their rear ends against washers secured upon the said side-rods or
draw-bars and at their forward ends against a plate which slides upon the central
girder or beam, and is firmly secured to the rear ends of the said tail-pieces. The
cross-bar is fitted in eyes or bosses on the forward ends of the said side-rods or draw-
bars. In this arrangement both sets of springs resist the buffing and consequently
lighter springs than heretofore can be used.
In another modification of our invention, in which we provide for enabling the
coupling-buffer, the draw-bars and the spring or springs to be readily attached to
and detached from the vehicle, the buffer-heads, instead of having their outer faces
flat, are made conical or bell-shaped and are hinged or pivoted to the draw-bars, the
said conical or bell-mouthed faces maintaining them in position exactly horizontal
when they are adjusted; the draw-bars are by preference provided with suitable
springs. The cross-bar of the eccentric is, in some instances, connected by links to
another cross-bar bearing against the rear end of a spring, the forward end of which
bears against a shoulder on the buffer-head. This butting and traction apparatus
can, if desired, be conveniently used for tramway cars.
In a further modification of our said invention designed to facilitate the attach-
ment of the apparatus to and its removal from a vehicle, the eccentrics are placed
in eyes or bosses on the front ends of rods connected at their rear ends to a plate
bearing against the rear end of a spring, the forward end of which bears against a
shoulder on the stem or plunger of the buffer-head. This spring is enclosed in a
buffer-case, and serves for both buffing and drawing as well as for taking up the
slack. The faces of the buffers are made of the usual shape or they may be of
conical or bell-mouthed form.
In some instances, we so arrange the coupling-hooks that they engage laterally
one with the other, and we provide the said hooks with springs which permit the
required lateral movement thereof. A lever fixed on the cross-bar of the eccentric
is coupled to a rod which permits of the eccentric being actuated from one or the
other side of the vehicles, thus avoiding the necessity of passing between the same
to effect the coupling or uncoupling thereof.
Dated this 18th day of February 1809
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 & 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicants.

page_text: Improvements in and relating to Couplings and Coupling-buffers for
Railway-vehicles.
We, GEORGE TURTON and WILliam Platts, both of the firm of George
Turton, Platts & Co., Engineers, Savile Street, Sheffield, in the County of York,
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:-
Our invention relates to couplings and coupling-buffers for railway-vehicles, and
comprises improvements in slack-gathering couplings and coupling-buffers such as
are described in the Specification of former Letters Patent granted to the said
George Turton and dated 11th June 1887, No. 8451, and in certain prior Specifi-
cations therein mentioned, that is to say, couplings and coupling-buffers of the kind
or class wherein provision is made for taking up the slack by the partial rotation of
an eccentric or eccentrics arranged within or upon the buffer-head.
According to one part of our present invention, we so construct a coupling-buffer
of this kind or class, that the "slack" springs arranged within or upon the same
serve also as the buffer-springs and as the draw-springs. In this manner we are
enabled to provide a coupling-buffer which is made without a shank or draw-bar
for extending through a hole in the bed or frame of the vehicle, and which can,
therefore, be attached to a vehicle in a similar manner to an ordinary buffer, and can
be conveniently applied to a locomotive.
Our present invention, moreover, comprises other improvements hereinafter
described.
In the accompanying drawings we have shown various forms or modifications of
our couplings and coupling-buffers.
Figure 1 is a side elevation,
Figure 2 a front elevation,
Figure 3 a plan, partly in horizontal central section, and
Figure 4 a transverse section on the line x, x, Figure 1, some of the parts being
removed, showing one form of our improved coupling-buffer in which the "slack
springs serve also as buffer-springs and draw-springs, and which is made without a
shank or draw-bar.
The remaining figures of the drawings are hereinafter referred to.
a is the buffer-head; b is the coupling-hook; is the coupling-pin; & is the
buffer-case; e is the eccentric for taking up the slack.
In the form of our coupling-buffer shown in Figures 1 to 4, the buffer-case dis
made in two parts, and is provided with an internal shoulder d' adapted to engage
with a projection or flange a² on the hollow plunger or stem a¹ of the buffer-head a,
so as to retain the latter in the buffer-case. The separate parts of the buffer-case
are firmly united by bolts and nuts as at f, f', f2; or they may be united by other
convenient means. The shaft or cross-bar e' of the eccentric e extends through and
works in slots d³, a³ in the buffer-case and plunger respectively.
We find it advantageous to fit the shaft or cross-bar e¹ in blocks or bosses e² pro-
vided with shanks or guide-pins e³ which may, if desired, be arranged to work in
holes in the buffer-head. The "slack"
bosses e² of the said shaft or cross-bar e' and the buffer-head a, and are arranged one
springs are interposed between the
on each side of the buffer-case.
The said shaft or cross-bar e¹ is provided with the usual weighted levers or
handles for turning it, as described in the said former Specification; and we
prefer, in all cases, to provide stops or abutments z for these levers or handles to
rest against, when at either extremity of their movement, and to so arrange the

page_text: eccentric or eccentrics that the same must be turned more or less beyond the "dead
centre" in order to take up the slack, so that they will have more or less "lead,” as,
and for the purpose, described in the said former Specification.
In taking up the slack by means of the eccentric e, in this form of our improved
coupling-buffer, the springs g are more or less compressed. When tractive force is
applied to the coupling, it tends to still further compress the said springs; and,
when the buffer-plunger is pitshed inward, the springs are also further compressed,
the shaft or cross-bar el bearing against the rear end of the slots d in the buffer-
case and the bosses 2 bearing against shoulders or abutments d³ on the said case.
The construction of the coupling-buffer in this manner, without a shank or
draw-bar, is an important feature of our said invention. This part of our invention
is also applicable to coupling-buffers in which the "slack" is taken up by means of
other devices, such as screws.
Figure 5 is a side elevation,
Figure 6 a front elevation,
Figure 7 a plan, partly in horizontal central section, and
Figure 8 a transverse section on the line y, y, Figure 5, showing another form or
modification of our improved coupling-buffer in which the "slack" springs serve
also as buffer-springs and draw-springs, and which is made without a shank or
draw-bar. In this arrangement, the hollow buffer-plunger and the buffer-case d
are made of greater width than those shown in Figures 1 to 4, and the springs g
are arranged within the said plunger.
Figure 9 is a side elevation,
Figure 10 a front elevation,
Figure 11 a plan, partly in horizontal central section, and
Figure 12 a transverse section on the line y', y', Figure 9, showing another form
or modification of our improved coupling-buffer, wherein the hollow plunger a¹ is
retained within the buffer-case d by means of a bolt firmly secured in the said
case and extending through the elongated slots a³ in the plunger a'. In this
modification of our invention, we can dispense with the projection or flange on the
rear or inner end of the plunger, and employ a buffer-case made in a single piece
as shown. The other parts of the coupling-buffer are, in this case, constructed
substantially in the manner above described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.
In another modification of our invention, we apply the improvements above
mentioned to a coupling-buffer of the kind or class described in the said former
Specification with reference to Figures 5 and 54 of the drawings accompanying
the same, in which a coupling-pin or catch is pivoted to a moveable forked piece
or jaw-piece. For this purpose, we dispense with the shank or draw-bar on the
buffer-head, and construct the parts as shown in vertical central section in Figure 13
and in side elevation in Figure 14, that is to say, we enclose the plunger a¹ of the
buffer-head a in a case d formed of readily separable parts united by bolts f¹, f²,
or in any other suitable manner; and we find it advantageous, in this modification,
to arrange the springs y at the sides of the buffer-case d so that each of them bears
at its forward end against a shoulder or projection at on the buffer-head a and at
its rear end against a boss e² fitted upon the shaft or cross-bar e¹ of the eccentric.
In this arrangement, the eccentric è is fitted in the jaw-piece which carries a
coupling-pin e depending from a pivoted piece c¹, and a coupling-link m.
Figure 15 is a side elevation,
Figure 16 a plan,
Figure 17 a side elevation, partly in vertical central section, and
Figure 18 a front elevation, showing another arrangement, wherein we use a
single "slack" spring for the purposes above mentioned, arranged within the
buffer-case d, in rear of the shaft or cross-bar e'. The said cross-bar el is coupled
by links to another cross-bar which bears against the rear end of the spring
and which extends through and works in slots in the buffer-case d. The forward
end of the said spring bears against the rear end of the plunger a', so that the
said spring serves also for buffing and drawing. When a coupling-hook is used

page_text: in this coupling-buffer, it is, in some instances, provided with a link m passed
through a hole in the said hook; or it is passed through an inclined slot in the
said hook b, as shown in Figure 19 or in Figure 20 or in Figure 25. This inclined
slot allows the link to rise should it come in contact with the coupling-link on an
adjacent vehicle. The said link may be forged solid in the hole or slot in the
hook, or it may be shackled to the hook by a bolt which is passed through the said
hole or slot. Or the link m may be formed as shown in plan and side elevation in
Figures 21 and 22, with slots m' to permit it to rise upon the shackle-bolt n when
it comes in contact with a coupling-link on an adjacent vehicle. A stop or
abutment p is preferably provided either on the buffer-head as shown in Figures 15
and 17, and in Figure 25, or on the hook as shown in Figures 23 and 24, for the
link m to rest upon.
According to another modification of our said invention illustrated in side
elevation in Figure 25, we arrange the "slack" spring g substantially in the manner
above described with reference to Figures 13 and 14, in a coupling-buffer having a
shank or draw-bar, the spring g, in this case, being arranged between a projection
or lug a on the underside of the plunger a' and a projection or lug e on the cross-
bar e¹.
According to another modification of our invention illustrated in Figures 26
and 27, we provide the coupling-link m with slack springs g, which also serve as
draw-springs. For instance, we arrange the eccentric e in a hole in the body of a
coupling-hook attached to the vehicle, and we fit upon the cross-bar e' near each
end of the same, a box or casing & formed of readily separable parts and having
enclosed within it a spring g. This spring bears at its forward end against the end
of the box or casing and against a shoulder on a U-shaped coupling-link m, the
two parts or sides of which are fitted to slide in the said boxes or casings e. Each
spring bears at its rear end against a collar m³ fixed upon the corresponding
extremity of the said link m.
In the said former Specification No. 8451, there is described with reference to
Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings accompanying the said Specification, a forked piece
or jaw-piece arranged to be moved to and fro within the buffer-head by means of
the eccentric or eccentrics for the purpose of taking up the slack, the coupling-pin,
hook or other device being carried by the said jaw-piece.
With this jaw-piece as heretofore made, when the two vehicles are brought
together, the coupling-link can only be inserted in and removed from the buffer-
head and jaw-piece through the top thereof. Moreover, the buffer-head as hitherto
made is open at the top, except at its rear end. We now modify this construction
in such a manner that the coupling-link can be introduced into and withdrawn from
the buffer-head and jaw-piece, either through the space above or through the space
below the eccentric-shaft or cross-bar. And we make the buffer-head solid at its
forward end with the exception of a central hole for the said link. Moreover, we
provide the sliding jaw-piece with internal V-shaped or inclined pieces, up which
the link may rise when it comes in contact with the coupling-link on an adjacent
vehicle. This arrangement is illustrated in Figures 28 to 30, of which
Figure 28 is a vertical central section,
Figure 29 a plan, and
Figure 30 a front elevation.
q is the jaw-piece in which are fitted the eccentrics e, and which is made with
upper and lower openings q', 92, for the passage of the link m.
In the said former Specification there is also described with reference to
Figures 27 to 32 of the drawings accompanying the same, a coupling-buffer in
which the shank or draw-bar is combined with a spring which serves both for
buffing and drawing. We now modify the construction of this coupling-buffer and
similar coupling-buffers having shanks which extend into the bed or frame of the
vehicle, as follows, viz. :-
Instead of mounting the box containing the spring upon trunnions, we connect
the buffer-head a to the said shank or draw-barr by means of a hinge or pivot l

page_text: as shown in Figure 31. The spring is placed upon the shank or draw-bar r
between a collar 2 thereon bearing against the frames of the vehicle, and a
flanged sleeve t secured upon the said shank or draw-bar and sliding in a bearing s
secured to the frame of the vehicle. Or we connect the buffer-head to the draw-
bar by a universal joint r as shown in side elevation and plan in Figures 31ª
and 31, and arrange springs at the top and bottom and at the sides, to allow for
the rise and fall of the vehicles and to keep the buffer-head in a central position
when not engaged.
In Figures 32, 33, 34, and 35, we have shown a modification of our
invention which is applicable to vehicles wherein the frame has a central beam
or girdér s².
Figure 32 is a plan, partly in horizontal section,
Figure 33 is a front elevation,
Figure 34 a section of one of the angle-pieces, and
Figure 35 a section on the line ', ', Figure 32.
In this modification, the buffer-head a is made in two parts connected by means
of a bolt or bolts as at a, and has two tail-pieces or rods a' which extend through
the frames and through angle-pieces s³ secured on each side of the central beam or
girder. Each of the said tail-pieces or rods a² is combined with a suitable buffing-
spring g'. There are two side-rods or draw-bars r, which are provided with
springs g2 bearing at their rear ends against washers 3 secured upon the said side-
rods or draw-bars, and at their forward ends against a plate u which slides in a slot
in the central girder or beam s² and is firmly secured to the rear ends of the said
tail-pieces or rods a'. The cross-bar e¹ is fitted in eyes or bosses on the forward
ends of the side-rods or draw-bars r. In this arrangement, both sets of springs
resist the buffing, and consequently lighter springs than heretofore can be used.
In Figures 36, 37, and 38, which show respectively a side elevation, a plan, and
a section on the line 2, 2, Figure 36, we have shown another modification of our
invention, in which we provide for enabling the coupling-buffer, the draw-bars and
the spring or springs to be readily attached to and detached from the vehicle. In
this arrangement, the buffer-head a is connected by a universal joint at ¹ to the
draw-bar r, and its outer face, instead of being of the usual flat shape, is made
conical or bell-shaped as the case may be, that is to say, the buffer-head of one
coupling is made conical and fits into a bell-mouthed buffer-head of the adjacent
coupling. These conical and bell-mouthed faces maintain the buffer-heads in
position exactly horizontal when they are adjusted; the draw-bars are by preference
provided with suitable springs. The cross-bar el of the eccentric e is, in some
instances, connected by links to another cross-bar 1 bearing against the rear end
of a spring g, the forward end of which bears against a shoulder a¹ on the buffer-
head. This buffing and traction apparatus can, if desired, be conveniently used for
tramway-cars.
In a further modification of our said invention illustrated in sectional elevation
in Figure 39 and partly in plan and partly in horizontal section in Figure 40, and
designed to facilitate the attachment of the apparatus to and its removal from a
vehicle, the eccentrics e are placed in eyes or bosses on the front ends of rods r
connected at their rear ends to a cross-bar u bearing against the rear end of a
spring g, the forward end of which bears against a shoulder or collar a* on the
stem or plunger a¹ of the buffer-head. This spring is enclosed in a buffer-case d,
and serves for both buffing and drawing as well as for taking up the slack. The faces
of the buffers are made of the usual shape or they may be of conical and bell-
mouthed form as shown in Figures 36 and 37.
In some instances, we so arrange the coupling-hooks that they engage laterally
one with the other, and we provide the said hooks with springs which permit the
required lateral movement thereof. An arrangement of this kind is shown in
vertical central section in Figure 41, and in horizontal section in Figure 42. The
spring y is arranged between one side of the buffer-head and a tail-piece b³ on the
hook 6, an additional or steadying spring being arranged between the said tail-

page_text: piece and the other side of the buffer-head. A. lever wo is fixed on the cross-bar e¹
of the eccentric e and is coupled to a rod w¹ which permits of the eccentric being
actuated from one or the other side of the vehicles, thus avoiding the necessity of
passing between the same to effect the coupling or uncoupling thereof and the
taking up of the slack.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
First. A coupling-buffer provided with one or more springs arranged in or upon
the head, which act both for buffing and drawing, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Second. A coupling-buffer provided with one or more springs adapted for taking
up the slack substantially as herein before described when two vehicles are coupled,
and so arranged that they serve also as buffer-springs and draw-springs.
Third. A coupling-buffer constructed without a shank or draw-bar and having
one or more springs for taking up the slack when two vehicles are coupled and
which serve also as buffer-springs and draw-springs, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Fourth. A coupling-buffer wherein a hollow buffer-plunger having at its inner
end a projection or flange, is enclosed in a buffer-case made in readily separable
parts and provided with a shoulder to engage with the said projection or flange,
substantially as, and for the purpose, above specified.
Fifth. A coupling-buffer wherein one or more springs for taking up the slack
when two vehicles are coupled, are arranged within the buffer-plunger in such a
manner that they will serve also as buffer-springs and draw-springs.
Sixth. A coupling-buffer wherein the buffer-head is made with a hollow plunger
and is secured in the buffer-case by a bolt secured in one part and working in a
slot or slots in the other part, substantially as set forth.
Seventh. The combination of a coupling-hook provided with an inclined slot, and
a coupling-link working in the said slot, substantially as, and for the purpose, above
specified.
Eighth. The combination of a coupling-hook and coupling-link connected by a
shackle-bolt passed through an elongated slot in the said link or in the hook,
substantially as, and for the purpose, above specified.
Ninth. The combination, with a U-shaped coupling-link, of springs for taking up
the slack when two vehicles are coupled, which springs also serve as draw-springs,
substantially as herein before described.
Tenth. A coupling-buffer such as we have hereinbefore described, in which a pin
or other coupling device is carried by a forked piece or jaw-piece, and which is so
constructed that a coupling-link can be inserted into and removed from the buffer-
head either through the space above or through the space below the eccentric
shaft or cross-bar, substantially as described.
which
Eleventh. A jaw-piece for a coupling-buffer, having an inclined surface up
the coupling-link may rise when it comes in contact with the coupling-link of an
adjacent vehicle, substantially as described.
Twelfth. A coupling-buffer which is constructed with a shank to extend into
the bed or frame of the vehicle, and in which the buffer-head is connected with
the said shank by a hinge-joint or a universal joint, substantially as, and for the
purposes, above specified.
Thirteenth. A coupling-buffer wherein the head is pivoted to the shank and is
combined with springs for compensating for the rise and fall of the vehicles or for
keeping the buffer and shank in a central position, or with springs for both of these
purposes, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Fourteenth. A coupling-buffer which is provided with two sets of buffer-springs
one of which also serves as the draw-spring, substantially as, and for the purpose
above specified.

page_text: Fifteenth. A coupling-buffer provided with draw-bars and with one or more
springs, all so constructed and arranged that they can be simultaneously attached
to or detached from a vehicle, substantially as described.
Sixteenth. A coupling-buffer constructed with a coupling-hook adapted tc
engage laterally with a similar hook on an adjacent vehicle (with or without the
means for coupling and uncoupling and taking up the slack from the sides of the
vehicles) substantially as described.
Seventeenth. The improved coupling-buffer constructed substantially as described
with reference to either of the forms or modifications illustrated in the accom-
panying drawings.
Dated this Thirteenth day of December 1892.
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 & 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicants.