IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUPPORTS OR POSTS FOR RAILWAY SIGNALS AND OTHER PURPOSES AND IN THIN ÅDDADATUS ExprOVED THEDAIN”
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Stokes Williams, of Riverton, in the State of New
Jersey, in the United States of America, but at present residing at Glasgow,
in the County of Lanark, North Britain, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUPPORTS OR POSTS FOR RAILWAY SIGNALS AND
OTHER PURPOSES AND IN THIN ÅDDADATUS ExprOVED THEDAIN”
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Stokes Williams at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 18th July 1879.
JOSEPH STOKES WILLIAMS, of Riverton, in the State of New Jersey, in the
United States of America, but at present residing at Glasgow, in the County of
Lanark, North Britain. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUPPORTS OR
POSTS FOR RAILWAY SIGNALS AND OTHER PURPOSES, AND IN THE APPARATUS
EMPLOYED THEREIN."
This Invention, which relates to improvements in the construction of supports or
posts for railway signals and other purposes, has for its object the production in
metal, such as malleable iron or steel, supports or posts of a light weight combined
with the necessary stiffness, and at a cheap cost.
Under one construction of the said posts according to this Invention, each such
post consists of a tube or bar which may be central or otherwise, according to the
structure of the post, and two, three, or more exterior tubes or bars, which
collectively constitute a frame work preferably tapering from the base or lower part
to the summit. These several tubes or bars are connected together at intervals,
say of five, ten, or other number of feet (these intervals or distances varying with
the length or height of the posts), by horizontal platforms or framings composed
of metal of angular or other suitable section, or of tubes.
In some cases the post is composed of two or more tubes or bars united together.
at intervals in the manner hereinbefore described, or by forming projections and
recesses in, at, or near the edges of the bars or plates, the projections being forced
into the recesses: by compressing the edges of the plates become firmly attached to
each other, or a single plate may have its edges so formed and united, and such
method of uniting or combining plates or pieces of metal may be applied to posts,
girders, frames, and other supports which are applicable to different structures; the
ГРід 871

page_text: projections and recesses on and in these plates are formed by means of suitably
formed dies, rolls, or punching devices, so that the recesses will admit of corre-
sponding projections, the parts being compressed together by V shaped clamps,
rolls, or other suitable devices. The rolls-or-dies for forming the projections, or
extensions, or notches, in or near the edges of the plates or bars are forined-by-
passing-the-plates between rolls or surfaces which have projections that bend or
cut the metal-plates, so as to give the corresponding shape or form to the metal.
When I wish to form the projections on the plates at an angle to the perpen-
dicular line of the post, the metal plates are passed through the rolls at an angle
to the axis of the rolls. When I divide a plate into two-or-more so as to avoid
waste of metal, the alternate projections and recesses on and in the rolls break
joint or dovetail with each other.
Under another construction the central member of the post may be a tube or
bar of simple or compound structure, and this is firmly maintained in its position
by the tension of two, three, or more exterior wires, ropes, ribands, bars, rods, or
tubes acting as ties, the whole being connected together as described.
This series of bars, plates, or devices for combining an upright bar or tube, and
the supports combined therewith, or a series of such upright or inclined tubes,
bars, or supports are or may be connected together by means of wedging, screwing,
or clamping devices, or the whole or parts thereof are arranged in their relative
positions, and are then secured together by compression or running in molten
metal, or the plates, framings, or parts for connecting the plates or bars together
may be castings formed on the bars or tubes.
When I employ molten metal to unite the parts together, I provide such recesses
or apertures for receiving the same as will insure that the metal in contracting
shall bind the parts firmly together; or the metal surrounding or forming the
recesses may be readily compressed so as to bind the parts together.
These structures are provided with extensions to hold them firinly in the ground,
or they may be secured to or in a separate socket or support provided for them.
These structures may be arranged in sections of length to be more readily
handled, and secured together by bolts, rods, bands, or ties, or molten metal as may
be desirable, or the sections may be so arranged as to engage or overlap the one
with or over the other.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Joseph Stokes Williams in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 16th
January 1880.
JOSEPH STOKES WILLIAMS, of Riverton, in the State of New Jersey, in the
United States of America, but at present residing at Glasgow, in the County of
Lanark, North Britain. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUPPORTS OR
POSTS FOR RAILWAY SIGNALS AND OTHER PURPOSES, AND IN THE APPARATUS
EMPLOYED THEREIN."
This Invention relates to improvements in the construction of posts or standards
for supporting railway signals and telegraph lines, and for other purposes, and has
for its object the production of such posts in metal, such as malleable iron or steel,
whereby I obtain the necessary stiffness without great weight of metal, and at a
slight cost.
I construct such posts, standards, or supports of a series of tubes, rods, or bars,
which collectively constitute a framework narrower at the top than at the base, or
preferably tapered from the base or lower part to the summit. These tubes or bars
aro connected at intervals by platforms, plates, braces, or ties; these intervals or
distances being varied according to the length or height of the post, or the size or
stiffness of the upright tubes, rods, plates, or bars employed in the construction of
the same.
The said horizontal platforms, plates, or ties are composed of metal cast
or otherwise formed with the necessary openings or apertures to receive the
upright tubes or bars, and may be varied in form and construction.
Moreover I construct such posts or supports with a central member, which may
be a tube or bar of simple or compound structure, the said central part being
firmly maintained in position by a series of exterior bars, rods, or tubes, the whole
being connected through the medium of platforms, braces, or ties.
The series of
bars, rods, or tubes for holding the said central member in place and the platforms
or ties may be connected by means of wedging, screwing, or clamping devices; or
the whole or parts thereof are arranged in their proper relative positions, and are
then secured together by running in molten metal, or the plates or other parts may
be castings formed on the said bars or tubes.
When I employ molten metal to unite the parts, I provide the platforms, braces,
or ties with recesses or apertures for receiving the same, so that the metal in con-
tracting shall bind the parts firmly together; or the apertures or recesses are
reduced by compression or otherwise, so as to bind or secure the parts together.
These posts or structures are provided with extensions to hold them firmly in the
ground; or they may be secured to or in a separate socket, support, or base
provided for them. The said posts or structures may moreover be arranged in
sections or lengths, so as to be more readily handled, and may be secured together
by screws, bolts, rods, bands, or ties, or by molten metal as desired; or the sections
may be so arranged as to engage or overlap the one with or over the other; or a
separate part may overlap and secure the parts together.
In constructing railway signal posts or supports, the bar or plate upon which
the lamp carrier slides is connected or combined with the upright tubes or bars, but
is not surrounded by the plates or platforms, thereby permitting the free movement
of the lamp carrier, the lamp being raised or lowered upon the said bar or plate as
desired.
My Invention also comprises the forming of such posts or supports with a greater
number of tubes, rods, or bars at and near the base than at and near the summit,
thereby insuring the greatest amount of metal where the greatest strength and
rigidity are required in the said posts. These additional tubes or bars are secured
in connection with the aforesaid rods or tubes of the post, and these additional
tubes or bars may be arranged laterally in close contact with each other. In some.

page_text: cases I insert or pass one tube within another, so as to ensure greater strength at
the base of the post.
In_some_instances I provide a greater amount of metal at and near the base
than at and near the summit,-by-constructing the said posts or supports of a
series of tubes-or bars of varying diameters or sizes; the said-tubes.or bars being
secured in their proper relative positions by the plates or platforms, as above
-described; the said plates or platforms-are-preferably provided with elongations
_extending in the direction of the length of the tubes, and with ribs to impart
strength-to-the same, thereby ensuring a more efficient bracing of the structure."
It will be understood that in posts-or-supports. which are maintained in their
upright position mainly or entirely by their base fastenings or anchorages, such-as-
posts for railway-signals, telegraph wires, or the like, it is important to so con-
struct such posts or supports as to offer the least possible resistance to the wind,
and also to so form or arrange the parts constituting the post as to ensure the
necessary strength with comparatively little weight. These important advantages
are secured by the construction, arrangement, and combination of the parts as
hereinafter described and as illustrated in the accompanying Drawings.
In Figures 1 to 7 of the Drawings I have illustrated one form of my improved
post or support as employed for a railway signal.
Figure 1 is a side elevation of this signal-post; and Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
are horizontal sectional views (drawn to an enlarged scale) of the same through
planes above the several platforms, plates, or ties hereinafter referred to.
In these Figures a represents the post, which consists of a series of rods, tubes,
or uprights a passing through plates, platforms, or ties b, and which collectively
form a framework preferably smaller at the top than at the base, or tapering from
the base to the summit, as shown. These several tubes or uprights are connected
at intervals or spaces (varying according to the required height and strength of the
post) by the said plates 6 composed of metal of angular or other suitable form. It
will be seen by reference to Figures 2 to 7 that by passing the rods, tubes, or bars
a through the apertures b¹ of the said series of plates the desired taper incline or
form is secured for the post or support. The said post is secured in position by
providing an extension composed of a series of tubes, rods, bars, or plates a², which
with the plates 62, 6º, constitute the base a* of the said post or support, as shewn
in Figure 1, which base is firmly embedded in the ground or otherwise secured in
position for the attachment of the said post. The said tubes, rods, or bars a² and
the plates b², 6º, are arranged or combined similarly to those which constitute the
stem of the post. The lower plate b of the stem of the post and the upper plate b²
of the base are secured together by forming a socket upon the said plate 62 adapted
to receive the plate b, which when inserted in the said socket is secured in position
by nuts, bolts, rivets, or otherwise. The said socket may be formed on the stem
instead of on the base when desired, and the socket may have a greater depth than
that, shewn in the Drawing. c represents the signal or semaphore arm connected
with the weighted leverd through-the-rod.e.; f is the lamp, and f¹ the lamp carrier,
which is raised or lowered and caused to slide upon the rod or plate a³, which forms
the lamp-slide through the medium of the connection g.
Figure 8 is an elevation of another form of my improved posts or supports, which
has a greater number of tubes, rods, or bars, or a greater amount of metal at and
near the base than at the summit of the same, thereby ensuring greater strength
and rigidity to the said post at the part where such extra strength is required.
The arrangement of the bars a¹ and plates b is similar to that described with
reference to Figures 1 to 7. The base a* for supporting the post is composed of a
series of bars, tubes, or rods a², without the lower plate 6° shewn in Figure 1.
These bars or rods a² are secured to the upper plate 62, and may be driven collec-
tively into the ground so as to form a secure base to which to attach the post; or
the said bars, rods, or tubes a² may be driven separately through the upper plate b²,
and thus form the base for the post; or these bars a² may be driven through the
plate b, or the plates b and be into the ground, so as to clamp or hold the post firmly

page_text: in position, and may either be driven vertically or in an inclined direction, so as to
form or afford a firm base for the said post. I have shewn in Figure 8, and in
plan and transverse section in Figures 9 and 10, a simple device for securing the
plate b and upper plate 62 together. This device consists of a clip h provided with
extensions, through which cotters h¹ are passed for the purpose above described.
Figure 11 is an elevation of another of my improved posts, which is formed in
sections, the parts which constitute the said sections being constructed and com-
bined substantially as in the post shewn in Figure 1. These sections may be
secured together by means of rivets or bolts, as shewn; or one section may be made
to fit into or over another, or they may be otherwise secured to each other.
By thus forming the said post the parts or sections may be arranged and combined
with facility and precision, so that they may be put together or erected at the places
where they are to stand. Figure 11 also shews a modified form of the base for
supporting the stem of the post.
Figure 12 is a vertical section of another form of base, in which the tubes con-
necting the plates 62, 6º, are of sufficient size to admit tubes or plugs which form a
part of or extend into or surround the upright rods, bars, or tubes a¹ of the post.
Figures 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 are horizontal sections, shewing
various constructions of posts, composed of four rods, tubes, bars, or plates, which
are held and clamped firmly in position by plates or platforms b, as herein before
described.
Figure 23 is a vertical section on the line y*, y*, Figure 22.
Figures 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 are horizontal sections of posts constructed of
three rods, tubes, or bars connected and combined by a series of platforms or plates
or ties b.
Figures 29, 30, 31, and 32 are horizontal sections of posts, in whose construction
a greater number of tubes, rods, or bars are employed in combination with the plates
or platforms b.
Figure 33 is a horizontal section of a post, shewing the arrangement of two curved
plates or bars in combination with the aforesaid plates or platforms b.
Figures 34, 35, and 36 illustrate one manner of fastening the rods a³ to the plates b
by molten metal.
Figure 34 is a horizontal section, and Figure 35 is a vertical section of a portion
of the said plate and one of the rods before the molten metal is poured in; and
Figure 36 is a vertical section of the same after such molten metal has been
poured in.
It will be seen by reference to these Figures that the hole b' in the plate b,.
through which the rod al passes, is slightly larger than the said rod, and that a
series of grooves or recesses 6* are formed around said opening, into which the
metal flows. These recesses are of such a form that the metal in contracting during.
its cooling will wedge itself tightly against the sides of such recesses and of the rod,
tube, or plate passing through the said plate; or by securing the upright in such a
position as to allow the metal to pass around the same and extend beyond the upper
and lower surfaces of the aperture in the plate b the metal in cooling will bind-the
parts firmly together.
In Figures 22, 23, and 37 I have shewn another manner of securing the upright
rods, tubes, or bars in place in the plate b by compressing the metal surrounding
the orifice in which the said rod, tube, or bar is placed against the said rod, tube,
or bar, so as to bind the same and the plate firmly together. The plate b and bars a¹.
may be bound together by compressing the metal surrounding the orifice, as in the
post shewn in Figures 1 to 7, so as to reduce the aperture sufficiently to retain the
upright bar without forming a projecting lip, as shewn in Figure 23.
Figures 38 and 39 are horizontal sections shewing the plate b formed in two
parts 65, 66, the one part being provided with recesses to receive the upright rods,
tubes, or bars, and the other part serving to wedge and secure the tubes in place,
as shewn.
Figure 40 is a side elevation of another form of post or support constructed,

page_text: according to my Invention, and Figures 41 and 42 are horizontal sections of the
same on the lines y, y, y¹, y'. It will be seen by reference to these Figures that I
-employ a series of bars a¹, which have openings formed in them at intervals, as
shewn in Figure 40, thereby diminishing the weight of the said post and the surface
exposed to the wind without affecting the strength-of-the same. These plates or
bars:aare placed in recesses or apertures in the plates b, and are secured firmly-in-
position, as above described.
The said plates or bars a¹ may in some cases be solid, that is to say, without
openings-in-the saine, and may also be provided with ribs or formed of varying
thickness when desired to impart strength to the same with a minimum amount of
metal.
I also in some cases provide extra plates, as shewn at a°, at the lower part of the
post to give increased strength at this part.
Figures 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, and 51 are horizontal sectional views of
posts illustrating various other arrangements of the bars or plates a¹, which may be
ribbed or provided with apertures or openings, as described in connection with
Figures 40 to 42 of the Drawings, and combined and retained in their proper rela-
tive positions by platforms b, as above described. It will be seen that these bars or
plates a¹ are so arranged that the ribs or edges of the different plates are so located
as to be in a line or nearly so at an angle to the width of the plates in different
directions across the post, thereby ensuring additional strength with a minimum
amount of metal.
Figure 52 is a horizontal sectional view shewing another form of my improved posts
or supports, and Figure 53 is a side elevation of a portion of the said post detached.
In this arrangement employ an angular ribbed plate which is provided with aper-
tures, as above described.
In Figures 54 to 59 I have shown another form of my improved post or sup-
port, in the construction of which a series of tubes or rods of varying diameters are
employed.
Figure 54 is an elevation of this form of my improved post.
Figure 55 is a side view, and Figure 56 is an underside view of one of the plates
or platforms to be used in the construction of the same.
Figure 57 is a vertical section of the said plate or platform on the line z, z, Figure
56, showing the method of securing the same upon the tubes or rods of the said post
or support.
Figure 58 is a plan of a plate or platform employed to connect the tubes or rods
of varying diameters at their meeting ends, or the sections of the said post where
they are united.
Figure 59 is a vertical section of the said plate or platform on the line ¹, z', Figure
58, and parts in conjunction therewith, as hereinafter described.
Figures 55 to 59 are drawn to an enlarged scale.
In-these Figures a represents the post, and a', a¹, are the tubes or rods connected
and combined by the platforms-or-braces b, which secure the said rods, which vary
in diameter or size, as shewn at 1, 2, 3, 4, in Figure 54, in their-proper relative posi-
tions with regard to each other. By such construction great strength and rigidity
are ensured, as a greater amount of metal is provided at and towards the base of the
post than at or towards its summit.
The said plates or platforms b are provided with elongations extending in the
direction of the upright tubes or bars, thereby ensuring a more efficient brace for
the structure, and the said plates or platforms are provided with ribs to impart
great strength to the same with a minimum amount of metal, and are preferably
cast or moulded, thereby ensuring precision of form, and are cast with the necessary
apertures or recesses in them and of the desired form.
These cast platforms when formed of malleable cast iron or steel may be secured
in position upon the tubes or bars by compressing the metal so as to reduce the size
of the apertures sufficiently, as described in connection with the platforms herein-
before referred to. In order to secure one of the plates or platforms 5 at the parts

page_text: of the rods or tubes where a coupling is not employed, that is to say, at the parts
other than those where any two tubes or rods of varying diameters meet, I use a
ring, bush, or collar i in combination with the said platform. This ring, bush, or
collar serves to fill the aperture 6' in the platform through which the tube or rod
passes and secures the said platform and tube or bar firmly together, the said ring i
being provided with wedging or inclined surfaces which cause the said ring when
the nut is turned to gradually and securely bind the parts together. It will be
understood by reference to Figure 57 that this ring, bush, or collar i is cut or divided
in the direction of its length, as shewn in dotted lines, and can therefore be readily
passed over the tube or bar into position, and when screwed up or clamped within
one of the apertures b¹ in the platform b will firmly grip or hold the said tube and
platform together.
In order to secure a platform b at or near the junction of the rods or tubes of
varying diameters, or at the parts of the said post where a coupling k is employed,
or where two tubes of the same diameter meet, the said platform is so formed as to
pass over, encircle or partly surround the said coupling, and by means of a screw
nut the platform is clamped and held firmly in connection with such coupling.
It will be understood by reference to the Drawings that the pipes, tubes or rods at
their ends are connected with the coupling k, and the coupling being secured to the
platform 6 all of the parts are thereby firmly secured together. In order to facilitate
the connection or disconnection of the sectious or tubes or rods I provide a sufficient
length of screw thread upon one of the meeting tubes or rods to allow the coupling k
to be screwed back upon such thread so as to release the other meeting tube or bar
as shown on an enlarged scale in vertical section in Figure 60, and by forming the
coupling with an internal diameter corresponding with the external diameter of the
unthreaded portions of the tubes or rods at the parts of the said coupling which
extend over or beyond the screw threaded portions of the said tubes or rods, I
obviate the weakening of the pipes or rods at or near the ends of the said coupling.
Figure 61 illustrates another means of securing the platform 6 to the rods or
tubes, that is to say the said platform is provided with an inclined or taper
extension 63 which is divided or split and provided with a screw thread upon its
outer surface, with which a nut 6 engages and which effects the clamping or
securing of the said platform firmly in position. Or, instead of a screw thread
being cut upon the outer surface of the said extension, it may be formed upon the
inner surface adjacent to the tube or rod. and a tapered split ring, bush, or collar
screwed into the same; or a split ring, bush, or collar may be passed through the
aperture b in the platform and be provided with a screw nut above and below the
said platform.
It will be understood from the above description that the parts or sections of the
said post can be arranged and combined with facility and precision so as to
constitute posts at the various places at which they are to be erected and the
sections or parts of the said post may be readily disconnected when desired without
destroying or injuring any of the parts of the same even when painted or
galvanized.
Figures 62 and 63 are elevations of telegraph posts consisting of a series of rods
or tubes and platforms connected together as above described. It will be seen by
reference to these Figures that each of the said posts is constructed of a central tube
a¹ consisting of a series of connected tubes of varying diameters, or of a single tube
of the same diameter throughout and a series of smaller tube bars or plates a¹..
Figure 64 shows a post in which the rods a' are all of the same diameter.
Figure 65 is a horizontal section of a post shewing a sectional platform. When
the rods, tubes or bars are placed in the recess in one part of the said platform b
the other part of the same is clamped so as to force the tubes or bars firmly into the
said recesses by means of screws, bolts, rivets or otherwise.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, and the manner of performing
the same, I wish it understood that I claim,―
First. Securing or combining the rods, plates or bars a¹ with the platforms,

page_text: plates, braces or ties b in a post, standard or support for railway signals or telegraph
lines substantially as described with reference to the Drawings and for the purposes
-specified.
Second. The plates-or-platforms_b for securing the tubes, rods or bars together,
-and-for-bracing the structure substantially-as-described with reference to the
Drawings, and for the purpose.specified...
Third. The arrangement of the upright tubes, rods, bars or plates in combination
with the platforms, braces, or ties so as to constitute a railway-signal or telegraph
post, or-support of great strength, with a minimum weight or amount of metal
substantially as described with reference to Figures 8, 9, and 10, and Figures 54 to
63 of the Drawings, and for the purposes specified.
Fourth. The construction and arrangement of the parts or sections so that the
said parts or sections can be arranged and combined with facility and precision to
constitute posts at the places at which they are to be erected, or to stand substan-
tially as described with reference to the Drawings and for the purposes specified.
Fifth. The construction, arrangement, or combination comprising a series of
upright tubes, rods, bars or plates, and the platforms, braces or ties, so as to
collectively constitute a post or support for railway signals or telegraph wires
substantially as described with reference to Figures 54 to 65 of the Drawings, and
for the purposes specified.
Sixth. In the construction of posts or supports for railway signals or telegraph
lines, the employment of a coupling which laps the meeting ends of the tubes or
bars substantially as described with reference to Figures 54 to 61 of the Drawings,
and for the purposes specified.
Seventh. The platforms or supports of cast-metal for combining the upright
tubes, rods, or bars so as to form posts for railway-signals or telegraph-lines
substantially as described with reference to the Drawings, and for the purposes
specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Stokes Williams, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty third day of December, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.