An Improved Apparatus for Clearing the Rails of Railways and Tramways.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Mar., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 12th Dec., 1890-Accepted, 17th Jan., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Apparatus for Clearing the Rails of Railways and
Tramways.
We, GEORGE NOBES, of 226 High Street, Harlesden, in the County of Middlesex,
Sanitary Engineer, and RICHARD HENRY JACKSON, of 128 Elgin Avenue, Paddington,
in the same County, Wine and Spirit Merchant, and Dealer in Beer, do hereby declare
the nature of our said invention to be as follows:-
The object of this invention is to fit railway and tramway rolling stock with
improved apparatus for clearing obstructions from the rails.
Our invention consists of a pair of inverted cylinders, one fixed to the underside of
the tramcar or other carriage and the other sliding therein, telescopically; the sliding
cylinder being pressed outwards by a spring fitted in the stationary cylinder.
The sliding cylinder carries a projecting arm, hinged or pivoted to the outer end
of the cylinder, or to a frame attached thereto or to a cam fitted in the frame, in such
a manner that the arm is held by the spring in a central vertical position, but
is capable of receding from such position either backwards or forwards, and of
being returned to its normal vertical position by the action of the spring.
The lower end of the pivoted projecting arm, is formed to suit the particular form
of rail to which it is intended to be applied. For tramways the end is formed with
a projection to enter the groove, and a horizontal surface to scrape the top part of
the rail. For railways the end is slightly curved to fit the surface of the rail; and,
generally, the end of the arm may be of any suitable form to clear the line of mud,
snow, stones, or any other obstruction.
In fitting tramway cars four scrapers are required, which are fitted under the car,
two at each end, just outside the wheel base, so as to clear the track for the wheels,
when travelling in either direction.
In fitting locomotive engines, and other rolling stock, the invention is fixed to
any convenient parts of the framing, so as to clear the rails in front of the train.
The pivoted arms hang down in contact with the rails, clearing the track as the
vehicle travels, and the vertical spring provides for the oscillation, and other variations
in the height of the car above the rails. When a slight obstruction occurs the arms
revolve upon the pivots, and rise over it, resuming a vertical position immediately
afterwards. In case of a more serious obstruction, the vertical springs yield and
allow the sliding cylinders to rise, and thus enable the arms to clear the obstruction.
Dl: ail 1
1 1000
GEO. DOWNING,
S, Quality Court, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Apparatus for Clearing the Rails of Railways and
Tramways.
We, GEORGE NOBES, of 226 High Street, Harlesden, in the County of Middlesex,
Sanitary Engineer, and RICHARD HENRY JACKSON, of 128, Elgin Avenue, Paddington,
in the same County, Wine and Spirit Merchant and Dealer in Beer, 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:-
-
The object of this invention is to fit railway and tramway rolling stock with
improved apparatus for clearing stones, mud, snow, and other obstructions from
the rails.
Our invention consists of an arm pivoted to a frame, the lower end of the arm being

page_text: in a cylinder c, such cylinders being fitted with springs op, severally operating
substantially as herein before described and illustrated by the drawings.
3. The improved apparatus for clearing the rails of railways and tramways,
substantially as herein before described and illustrated by the drawings.
Dated 12th December 1890
GEO.
DOWNING,
8, Quality Court, London, W.C., Agent for Applicants.