IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY BREAKS
Year: 1858

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Austin Chambers, of Canterbury, in the County of
Kent,, William Harrison Champion, of Lynsted, in the County of
Kent, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY BREAKS."
- PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Austin Chambers and
William Harrison Champion at the Office of the Commissioners of,
Patents, with their Petition, on the 11th February 1858.
We, AUSTIN CHAMBERS, of Canterbury, in the County of Kent, WILLIAM
HARRISON CHAMPION, of Lynsted, in the County of Kent, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY BREAKS,”
'to be as follows:-
This Invention has reference to improved means of connecting the breaks
of several carriages forming a train, and to the mode of establishing a com-
munication between them, and, the motive power whereby they (the breaks)
are to be actuated, and consists, firstly, in the use for the first-named purpose
´of connecting rods communicating with a lever fixed upon the ordinary trans-
verse break shaft of each carriage. The opposite ends of the rods are attached

page_text: to the opposite ends of levers, having their fulcra at the junction of radius bars
attached to the ends of adjoining carriages, to allow for the collapse of the
train; otherwise I make use of rods attached to the levers of the transverse
break shafts, as before mentioned, but communicating with each other by
means of cords or chains passing over pullies attached to radial links or rods
situated between the carriages, similarly as described with reference to the
Patent of Chambers and Champion, dated 10th February 1857, which cords
or chains are provided with means whereby they may be tightened as occasion
requires; and, lastly, in forming the communication between the breaks of
several carriages forming a train in such manner, by means of chains and cords
or rods, or rods only, in connection with suitable levers as to cause the effect
of whatever power may be applied to bring them into action to be distributed
equally among the various breaks attached to the several carriages.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Austin Chambers and William Harrison Champion in the
Great Seal Patent Office on the 11th August 1858.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, AUSTIN
CHAMBERS, of Canterbury, in the County of Kent, WILLIAM HARRISON
CHAMPION, of Lynsted, in the County of Kent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Eleventh day of February, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, in the twenty-first year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us,
the said Austin Chambers and William Harrison: Champion, Her special
licence that we, the said Austin Chambers and William Harrison Champion,
our executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as we, the said
Austin Chambers and William Harrison Champion, our executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, should at any time. agree with, and no others, from
time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein ex-
pressed, 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 RAILWAY BREAKS," upon
the condition (amongst others) that we, the said Austin Chambers and William
Harrison Champion; our executors or administrators, by an instrument in
writing under our or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly
ik

page_text: 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 we, the said Austin Chambers and William. Harri-
son Champion; do hereby declare the nature of our said 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 reference to. improved means of connecting the breaks
of several carriages forming a train, and to the mode of establishing a com-"
munication between them; and the motive power whereby they (the breaks)
are to be actuated, and: consists, firstly, in the use for the first-nained purpose
of connecting rods communicating with a lever fixed upon the ordinary trans-
verse break shaft of each carriage. The opposite ends of the rods are attached
to the opposite ends of levers, having their fulcra at the junction of radius
bars attached to the ends of adjoining carriages to allow for the collapse of the
train; otherwise we make use of rods attached to the levers of the transverse
break shafts, asi before' mentioned, but communicating with each other by
means of cords or chains passing over pullies attached to radial link's or rods,
situated between the carriages similarly as described with reference to the
Patent of Chambers and Champion, dated: 10th February 1857, which cords:"
or chains are provided with means whereby they may be tightened, as occasion
requires; and, lastly, in forming the communication between the breaks of
several carriages forming a train, in such manner, by means of chains and
cords or rods, or rods only, in connection with suitable levers, as to cause the
effect of whatever power may be applied. to bring them into action, to be
distributed equally among the various 'breaks attached to the several
carriages.
.
Fig. 1,.Sheet 1, of the accompanying Drawings represents a longitudinal
skeleton section of the under frames of a train of three carriages (omitting the
details of well known parts), having one modification of our improvements*
applied thereto.
In this case a represents the ordinary transverse break shaft, from whichi
motion is communicated by the short levers 6 and'connecting rods c, to sliding
or other break blocks, in the usual manner. Upon the shaft a is fixed the"
lever d; to the end of which is attached the short chain e, which passes partly

page_text: round the pulley f, carried by the rod g, the opposite end of which is connected
to the bell crank lever h, which receives motion by means of any suitable con-
nection from a handle worked by the guard or breaksman, in the ordinary
manner. The other end of the chain e is attached to a rod i, to the opposite
end of which is connected a chain j, which passes over the pulley k, under the
pulley and over the pulley k (carried by an arrangement of links similar to
that described with reference to our Patent dated 10th February 1857), to
the next carriage, where, after passing round the pulley m attached to the
rod n, its end is made fast to the carriage. The opposite end of the rod n
carries also a pulley f, around which is passed the chain e, the end of which is
attached to the lever d, fixed upon the break shaft a of the second carriage.
The chain is thence carried forward, and connected with the third carriage, in
a manner similar to that described with reference to the second and may be so
continued through any desired number of carriages. It will be readily under-
stood on reference to the Drawing, that when the longer arm of the bell crank
levers d of the three carriages, distributing the power applied equally among
lever is drawn upward the rod g will be moved endwise, and will act upon the
them, and carrying the whole of the break blocks into action. The slotted link r
is intended to provide for the possible breaking of a chain, in which case the
pins will be acted upon by the end of the slot, and enable that particular
break to be worked, notwithstanding the breakage of the chain.
Fig. 2 represents an arrangement in which the chain after being passed
partly round the pulley f, is passed in a similar manner round the pulley o,
carried by the rod i, and then secured to the carriage. To the other end of
the rod is attached the chain j, by means of which and connecting links, as
described with reference to the foregoing arrangement, motion is communicated
to the rod n (of the second carriage), carrying the pulley f. A short chain e is
attached at one end to the lever d, and after passing round the pulley f, is
passed round a similar pulley o carried by the rod i, and is then attached at p
to the carriage. The rod i is connected by a chain and liuks, carrying pullies
as before, to the rod n of the next carriage, which rod carries a pulley f; round
which is passed a chain e, having one end attached to the carriage and the
other to the lever d fixed upon the break shaft:-
e,
Fig. 3 is an arrangement varying somewhat from the foregoing. It will be
readily understood on reference to the Drawing.
Fig. 4 In this modification the levers d are provided with hooks or other
contrivances, whereby the effective lengths of the levers acted on by the chains
may be regulated in such manner, according to the number of carriages

page_text: employed, as to distribute the strain, as before, equally among the several
sets of break blocks operated upon.
Fig. 5: The rod g, attached to the actuating bell crank, is in this case con-
nected to a lever or link g, jointed at D to the lever d, as also to the rod i.
The effect of this arrangement is, that one portion of the power applied at the
bell crank is transmitted through the longer arm of the link q to the lever d, a
proportionate amount being carried forward through the rods i and n and
link g to the lever d on the second carriage, and the remainder to the corre-
sponding lever d on the third carriage. The proportionate lengths of the.
links q and levers & may be modified to suit the number of breaks employed,
and their relative distance from the actuating power.
Fig. 6: In this modification the end of the chain, whereby the power is
transmitted, is attached within the first carriage, where it is provided with an
arrangement for taking up the slack, and thence passes downward under a
guide pulley t, and partly round a pulley u, carried by one arm of the actuating
bell crank lever, and is then led over the pulley v, carried by the extremity of
the lever d; it then passes beneath the pulley w (having its axis nearer to the
centre of the lever), and by coupling links, as in the preceding arrangements,
to the next carriage, where it passes over a pulley v carried by the lever d, and
beneath a similar pulley w carried by a corresponding lever fixed upon and
projecting downward from the transverse break shaft. The chain then proceeds
to the next carriage, where it passes over the pulley v carried by the lever d,
and thence under a guide pulley situated at the axis of the lever, to a bell
crank lever a, to which its end is secured, and from which it may be worked
if required.
Fig. 7 (Sheet 2) represents three carriages, of which only the first and last
are furnished with breaks.. The bell crank lever in this instance gives motion
to the rod g, to the end of which is attached the chain e, passing under a pulley
v carried by the lever d, and thence backward over the same round a pulley t,
working on a stud fixed to the framing of the carriage, and forward to the
rod i, through which it communicates motion, as described with reference to
former figures, to the rod n of the adjoining carriage, which is similarly con-
nected with the rod n of the third carriage, to which rod is attached the chain
e, which passes beneath a pulley v attached to the lever d, and is thence led
round a similar pulley t carried by the framing to the bar i, to which, if
desired, an arrangement may be applied to enable the breaks to be worked
from that end as well as from the other.
The helical spring y, on the rod g, is for the purpose of assisting tho

page_text: breaksman in putting on the breaks, which end may be attained in various
other ways, as well understood. It is also to be observed, that the mode of
connecting the motion from the handle worked by the breaksman to the rods
and chains need not necessarily be by a bell crank lever, but may be varied
according to circumstances. As, for example, a drum or barrel on to which a
chain or cord may be wound by the guard or breaksman may be made use of
for the purpose.
Fig. 8 shews an arrangement whereby chains or cords are entirely dispensed
with, and rods substituted in their place. The rod g is jointed at one end to
the bell crank lever h, and at the other to the lever d, from whence a second
rod i is carried to the upper arm of the vibrating lever z, working upon a
fulcrum situated at the junction of the two radius links 1, 1, (similar to those
made use of in connection with the pullies already described for forming the
connection between two adjoining carriages), and having its lower arm jointed
to the rod n, whereby motion is communicated to the balance lever d, situated
on the break shaft, and by it through the rod i, and a similar arrangement
of coupling links and balance lever to the next carriage, and so on, to any
extent desired.
Fig. 9 is similar in principle to Fig. 8, but in this case the lever d is con-
nected to the lower arm of the vibrating lever, the upper arm of which is
jointed to and pushes forward a bar 2, to the end of which is attached one end
of a short chain e passing round a guide pulley t fixed to the carriage framing.
The other end of the chain is attached to a rod n jointed to the lever d, from
which motion is again transmitted to the lever d of the next carriage, as
before.
Fig. 10: This is a simple combination, which will be readily understood on
reference to the Drawings:
Figs. 11, 12, and 18, are respectively a front elevation, side elevation, and
horizontal section, shewing an arrangement of "chain. holder," applicable to
securing the chain j at p, in Fig. 1, and to similar parts of other arrangements;
it consists of a metallic plate A fixed upon the buffer beam (or in other
position, as required), and perforated with a hole B, of sufficient size to allow
the chain employed to pass freely through. At the bottom of the hole is
formed a notch C, rather wider than the diameter of the iron of which the
chain is formed, and of sufficient depth to allow a link E of the chain to drop
edgewise therein, while the link to which it is connected lies across, as shewn,
and retains the chain from moving endwise. In order to tighten up the chain
as required, it is only necessary to raise the link out of the notch, then draw

page_text: the chain through the hole, and secure it where required by means of the
notch as before. In parts of the foregoing arrangements where this con-
trivance is inapplicable, it is to be observed that the lengths of the rods or
chains made use of may be adjusted by means of right and left hand screws,
or other like contrivances, as well understood with reference to similar
cases.
Fig. 14 is a plan of part of the framing of two railway carriages, shewing
an arrangement for guiding and connecting the break chains in such manner
as to allow for the lengthening and shortening of the train, without occupying
the amount of vertical space required by the arrangements of radial links
before described for that purpose, (and secured by our former Patent). The
chain e in this case passes from the carriage 3, partly around the pulley 4
carried by the horizontal radial arm or lever 5, having its fulcrum at 6 on the
carriage 7, and jointed at 15 to a connecting rod 8, working on a stud 16
fixed to the first-named carriage. The chain then passes round a guide pulley 9
working on the fulcrum 6, and is carried past a second guide pulley 10, and
attached to a short rod 11, carrying a pulley. 12. The chain for actuating the
break of carriage 7, and continuing the connection to the next carriage is
attached as in previous cases (see Fig. 3, &c.) to the lever d, and passes round
the pulley 12 in the direction of the next carriage, as shewn; 14 is a guide
bar for steadying the end of the lever 5. It will readily be seen that when
the distance between the carriages is lessened the connecting rod 8 will push
back the lever 5, as shewn in dotted lines, thereby maintaining the equal
tension of the chain as required.
Having now described the nature of our said Invention, and in what manner
the same may be performed, we would have it understood that we do not
restrict ourselves to the precise arrangements or details herein represented;
but that we claim,-
Firstly, the methods, herein described of connecting together and giving
motion to the several sets of break blocks of two or more carriages forming a
train or part of a train, so as thereby to distribute the power applied to put on
the breaks equally among
them.
Secondly, the use or employment of an arrangement whereby, in case of the
breakage of a chain or other connection between the breaks, one set of breaks
may continue to be worked as before, notwithstanding such breakage.
Thirdly, the use of a notched chain holder, as and for the purposes herein-
before described.
Fourthly, the use or employment of an arrangement of radial rods, levers,

page_text: or links, and pullies placed horizontally, for the purpose of compensating for
the varying distances between the carriages, and maintaining an equal tension
of the cords or chains made use of to establish a connection between the
breaks thereof.
In witness whereof, we, the said Austin Chambers and William Harrison
Champion, have respectively hereunto set our hands and seals, these
Ninth and Tenth days of August, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and fifty-eight.
AUSTIN
(L.S.) CHAMBERS.
WILLIAM HARRISON (L.s.) CHAMPION.
Witness to the signature of the said William
Harrison Champion,
FRANCIS WISE, Patent Agent,
108, Fleet Street, London.