IM- PROVEMENTS IN. RAILWAY APPARATUS FOR THE BETTER PREVENTION OF COL- LISIONS AND OTHER ACCIDENTS
Year: 1864

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County
of Middlesex, Engineer and Patent Agent, for the Invention of "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN. RAILWAY APPARATUS FOR THE BETTER PREVENTION OF COL-
LISIONS AND OTHER ACCIDENTS."-A communication from abroad by Jacques
Antoine Barthélemy Balbi and François Pommerol, Mechanicians, both
of 29, Boulevart St.. Martin, Paris.
Sealed the 14th February 1865, and dated the 30th August 1864.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Clark at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 30th
August 1864.
I, WILLIAM CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN RAILWAY APPARATUS FOR THE BETTER PREVENTION OF
COLLISIONS AND OTHER ACCIDENTS," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to improvements in the rolling stock of railways for
the purpose of ensuring the safety of trains and to prevent collisions. The
means employed for arriving at this result may be divided into several parts,
of which I claim the application whether they are employed separately or in
combination.
The first part of the Invention relates to a means of ensuring the safety of

page_text: trains on railroads. For this purpose, at intervals of about one hundred yards,
I place stops or catches inside the rails, in a zig-zag direction; these catches
are received in cavities in the line, so as not to project above the level of the
rails, and are so fitted as to oscillate on their centres about a quarter of a turn,
and thus assume either a vertical, horizontal, or inclined position. These
catches are connected together by means of metal rods in such manner as to
maintain them one in a vertical and the next in a horizontal or inclined
position alternately. It will thus be understood that the whole of the catches
on one side of the line are horizontal, and leave the line clear, whilst those on
the other side are in a vertical position, and present an impediment to any
train comming from an opposite direction. The locomotive is also furnished
with a stop piece on one side, placed just above the series of inclined catches
-above mentioned, which stop is fitted so as to oscillate, and by this means,
through auxiliary levers, to cut off the supply of steam to the cylinder, and at
same time it blocks the line to a train running in the opposite direction.
The second part of the Invention relates to a means of instantly discon-
necting an engine from a train, and so afford further security than that already
attained by cutting off the steam as before explained. For this purpose the
engine is provided at both ends with a coupling, which is connected to the
carriage by simply backing the engine thereon, and consists of a jointed arm,
having a double hook or arrow head, taking on to a similar part fixed on the
end of the carriage, the hooked end being retained in position by a weighted
arm in connection with the stop piece before mentioned as serving to cut off
the steam, the same movement having for effect to disengage the couplings
and so leave the train behind on the line; the same result, is also obtained
should the engine leave the rails, as in this case the stop piece would become
embedded in the ground, and so cut off the steam by the action of the auxiliary
levers, as before explained, the engine also being instantly disconnected at
same time.
The third part of the Invention completes the means of security ensured by
the adoption of these improvements, and consists, 1st, in the arrangement of
the brakes for acting on that part of the train left behind on the line; and,
2ndly, in
a means of instantly coupling the several carriages of a train.
The couplings above described as applied at each end of the locomotive are
repeated for each carriage, and serve as a substitute for the draw bars
usually employed, "These couplings are so constructed as to readily hook on
one side or the other, either above or below, and are connected by a central
rod to the buffer springs, in order, 1st, to obviate the sudden shocks usually
experienced on starting trains; and, 2ndly, to return said rods to their normal

page_text: position every time the train stops; these central rods are each jointed and
connected with a pair of brakes, which are actuated thereby, the brakes being
held out of gear so long as the train is in motion, and applied by their self-
action immediately the tractive force çeases. Trains may also be thus readily
manoeuvred in stations by means of the buffers, which act on their springs,
and in their turn on the brakes which are removed from the wheels by the
pressure of said buffers.
The fourth part of the Invention relates to an improved guard to be applied
to the front of a locomotive, and serving to remove all obstructions or snow
from the rails; this guard is of metal, and of tapered form, the sides being
spread so as to cover the front of the travelling wheels.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
27th February 1865.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer and
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Thirtieth day of August, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, in the twenty-eighth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said William Clark, Her special licence that I, the said William Clark,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William
Clark, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed, 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 APPARATUS FOR THE BETTER PREVENTION OF COLLISIONS AND OTHER.
ACCIDENTS," a com" to me from abroad by Jacques Antoine Barthélemy Balbi
and François Pommerol, Mechanicians, both of 29, Boulevart St. Martin,
Paris, upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said William Clark,
my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or
their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascer
tain 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

page_text: Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the.
said Letters Patent..
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Clark, do hereby declare the.
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following.
statement, reference 'being had to the three Sheets of Drawings hereunto.
annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon. (that is to say):-
This Invention relates to improvements in the rolling stock of railways for
the purpose of ensuring the safety of, trains and to prevent collisions. The
means employed for arriving at this result may be divided, into several .parts,
of which I claim the application whether they are employed separately or in
combination.
The first part of the Invention relates to a means of ensuring the safety of
trains on railroads. For this purpose, at intervals of about one hundred
yards, I place stops or catches inside the rails in a zig-zag direction; these
catches are received in cavities in the line, so as not to project above the level
of the rails, and are fitted so as to oscillate on their centres about a quarter of
a revolution, and thus assume a vertical, horizontal, or inclined position.
The catches are connected together by means of metal rods in such manner
as to maintain them all in a vertical and next in a horizontal or.-inclined
position alternately. It will thus be understood that the whole of the catches
on one side of the line are horizontal,' and leave the line 'clear, while those of
the other side are in a vertical position, and present an impediment to any
train coming from an opposite direction. The locomotive is also furnished
with a stop piece on one side, placed just above the series of inclined catches
above mentioned, which stop piece is fitted so as to oscillate; and by this
means through auxiliary levers to cut off the supply of steam to the cylinder
at same time that it blocks the line to a train running in the opposite
direction.
.
=
The second part of the Invention relates to a means of instantly disconnecting
au engine from a train, and so afford further security to that already attained
by cutting off the steam as before explained. For this purpose the engine is
provided at both ends with a coupling, which is connected to the carriage by
simply backing the engine thereon, and consists of a jointed arm having a
double hooked or arrow head, taking on to a similar part fixed on the end of
the carriage, the hooked end being retained in position by a weighted arm in
connection with the stop piece before mentioned; the same movement has the
effect of disengaging the couplings, and so detaches the engine from the train
the same result is also obtained should the engine leave the rails, as in this

page_text: case the stop piece would become embedded in the ground, and so cut off the
steam by the action of the auxiliary levers as before explained, the engine
being also instantly disconnected at same time.
The third part of the Invention completes the means of security ensured by
the adoption of these improvements, and consists, 1st, in the arrangement of
the brakes for acting on that part of the train left behind on the line; and,
2ndly, in a means of instantly coupling the several carriages of a train. The
couplings above described as applied at each end of the locomotive are repeated
for each carriage, and serve as a substitute for the draw bars usually employed.
These couplings are so connected as to readily hook together on one side or
the other, either above or below, and are connected by a central rod to the
buffer spring, in order, 1st, to obviate the sudden shocks usually experienced
on starting trains; and, secondly, to return said rods to their normal position
every time the train stops; these centrál rods are each jointed and connected
with a pair of brakes, which are actuated thereby, the brakes being held out
of gear so long as the train is in motion, and applied by the self-action
immediately the tractive force ceases. Trains may also be thus readily
manoeuvred in stations by means of the buffers, which act on their springs,
and in their turn on the brakes, which are removed from the wheels by the
pressure of said buffers.
The fourth part of the Invention relates to an improved guard to be applied
to the front of a locomotive, and serving to remove all obstructions or snow
from the rails; this guard is of metal and of tapered form, and the sides being
spread so as to cover the front of the travelling wheels.
This Invention is illustrated in the accompanying Drawings, Fig. 1 of which
shows a sectional elevation of an engine and carriage furnished with the
improvements described; and Fig. 2, a plan of same.
a are the catches or stops placed alternately at each side of the line so as to
form two series, the one set being vertical, and the other in a horizontal or
inclined position; these catches are placed inside the rails and near each side,
being connected together by metal rods b. In order to guard against the
stretching of the rods the number of catches may be doubled, and so employ
rods of half the length. c, catch lever or indicator, oscillating on point.d, com-
municating by means of levers with the valve f, regulating the admission of
steam to the cylinder; 9, rod jointed to catch cat the one end and at the
other to coupling h, which latter is movable on a point i, and may be raised or
lowered by means of rod g, and also by the action of cam p actuated by hand;
h, couplings of the carriage jointed at to the central sliding bar j, connected
to spring.k, and also with the brake surfaces 1, 1, by lever m;n, buffer, the

page_text: rod of which acts on spring k and lever m of brake 7; o, metal guard of taper.
form, and serving to clear snow or other obstructions from the rails.
I would further describe certain improvements and modifications in the
apparatus herein-before mentioned, with a view to obtain the complete security
of trains while in motion. I have before stated that catches are disposed
alternately along each side of a line of rails, which come in contact with a
lever fixed in front of the locomotive when two trains are running towards
each other on the same line between two stations.
Now it should be remarked, that when the catch lever of the locomotive
abuts against the vertical catches before mentioned, that the steam is thereby
cut off, the catch lever remaining in an inclined position, permitting it to pass
over the succeeding catches, without breaking or injuring them in their
respective positions.
The position of the catch lever and stop piece is represented in Fig. 1,
Sheet 2 of the annexed Drawings (the catch lever being shown in-red), after
it. has effected contact with the stop piece. It will be readily seen by an
examination of the Figure that the inclined catch lever will pass over the top
of the stops without interference.
.
One of these improvements consists in the application, at suitable intervals,
of an apparatus for guarding a train in case it should break down, and so
obviate the use of explosive signals; such as are ordinarily used, which apparatus
is worked by a guard placed in front of the engine.
This apparatus is represented. in elévation and plan at Figs. 2 and 3,
Sheet 2. a is the line of rails; b, b, openings in which the apparatus acts.
In: one of, said openings bis hinged an oscillating piece c, acting by means of
an inclined on a catch f;g, spring-acting ou catch f; h, metal piece of
hooked form fixed in the other opening b, and oscillating on point i, for the
purpose of effecting contact by means of arm j'with catch f, the part h being
liberated from catch f by pressure exerted on part c; k, rounded end of parth;
against which abuts the stop lever of the locomotive, in order to cut off the
steam; m, guard furnished with a friction roller actuated by the driver by
means of levers in case of a break down. The stop lever 1, Sheet 3, Fig. 2,
carries a movable foot 'n to permit of the train backing without injuring the
catches on the line.
Another improvement relates to the arrangement of the catch levers and
metal connecting rods, and consists, 1st, in the use of a sliding plate O, Fig. 4;
Sheet. 2, having an aperture for receiving the lower end of the catch p, and
which slides over the opening in order to prevent its being filled with
gravel; 2ndly, in the employment of copper or other collars at the joints of the

page_text: catches to prevent their axes rusting from the effects of bad weather; 3rdly, in
the application of supports fixed at suitable distances along the line for carrying
and guiding the metallic wires used for connecting the catches.
Fig. 5, Sheet 2, represents a modified arrangement of coupling, which is
furnished with a bent arm a abutting on the coupling of the next carriage
when backing the train, so as to prevent the couplings becoming detached..
It will be readily understood that when two locomotives are placed one
before the other on the same line; it is sufficient if either driver turns on the
steam in order to back or move forward, the stops on the line being also
regulated by the same means, and so as to render the way clear.
The improvements represented at Fig. 3 have for object, 1st, to prevent
two trains running into each other when travelling in opposite directions on
the same line; 2ndly, to prevent the collision of two trains running; in the
same direction on same line of rails at different speeds; 3rdly, to cause each
train to maintain both between the preceding and following ones regulated
distances, to be determined according to the requirements of each railway, for
the purpose of preventing collisions. The above improvements thus comprise:
apparatus for ensuring the safety of the train while in motion, and for pro-
tecting it from following trains with a view to prevent all accidents. 4thly, the
same improvements have for object to cause a train in motion to stop in case:
of a landslip, or of a coupling breaking; which divides a train into two parts.
The improved apparatus consists in the arrangement and application on the
line or beside it of two metal wires running either straight or in a zig-zag
direction, and connected to levers fixed to a cross sleeper pivotted at its centre,
and carrying stop pieces before described. These latter are actuated by an
additional stop lever fixed at the back end of the locomotive or carriage for.
the purpose of displacing them after the passage of the train, in order to ensure
its safety while proceeding and to protect it from following trains. This
additional stop piece fixed at the rear of the train is entirely independent of.
the one at the front of the locomotive, which is employed for cutting off the
steam when it abuts against a stop piece, while the one at the rear serves to
constantly regulate the stops, and permit of the passage of the train, and also.
to guard it from following ones.
In case of embankments or bridges giving way, or while repairs are going
on, as also should a coupling break, the breaksman by means of a key or
spanner may regulate the stops in such manner as to cause the lever in front
of the engine to strike them, and so shut off the steam, and bring the train to
a standstill. I also reserve the application of a signal bell to be sounded on
passing over each stop, and so indicate during the night the number of miles.

page_text: traversed, or for other purpose. These several improvements are represented
in Sheet 3 of the Drawings. Fig.,1 is a plan of the line arranged according
to these improvements; Fig. 2, an elevation of-a-locomotive, showing the
additional stop lever, fixed at. the rear; Fig. 3, a plan detached of the plate
carrying the stops; Fig. 4, a front elevation of same; Fig. 5, plan of the key
or spanner for regulating the stops; Fig. 6 shows a plan for indicating the
direction in which the train is running on the line; lastly, Fig. 7 shows a
detached view of the additional stop lever above described, which is jointed so
as to recede without injuring the stops on the line. The letters serve for all
the Figures.
fa, line of railway; b, cross, sleepers supporting the rails, to which sleepers
are bolted plates c' carrying the stops; d, stop lever, oscillating on centre e of
pláte.cfstops fixed at each end of levers d. These levers d are applied on
the line in such manner that one shall be in a line parallel with the rails,
while the next is inclined at an angle of forty-five degrees thereto, and so on
throughout the whole extent of the line. The stops fare actuated by the
additional stop lever g fixed at the rear end of the engine or carriage for the
purpose of ensuring the safety of the train, and protecting it from following
trains by leaving said stops in a position to be acted on by the front catch of a
succeeding train, or in case of collision. h, bent arm oscillating on lever d
the ends of this arm are connected to wires i placed crosswise. At the point
where these wires cross each other is placed a fixed double arrow j indicating
the direction of the train according. as the arrow k on the wire adapts itself to
one or otlier end of the double arrow j; 1, screw for producing tension of the
wires; m, key or spanner serving to put the stop on the line in position to
stóp a train in case of the couplings -breaking, a landslip, or from other
causes.
In Sheet. 2 I have described an apparatus to be placed horizontally on the
line, and serving to guard a train in case of its breaking down, although the
apparatus may be placed vertically on said line. I also reserve the right of
placing the stops on the line either vertically or horizontally as judged most
suitable.
Having described the nature of this Invention, and the manner of per-
forming the same, I declare that what I claim as the Invention to be protected
by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First, the means and apparatus herein-before described and represented in
the.. Drawings for shutting off the steam in the locomotives of two trains
approaching each other from opposite directions on the same line.
Secondly, I claim the means and apparatus herein-before described for

page_text: instantly detaching the engine from a train in case of necessity, even should
it run off the line.
Thirdly, I claim effecting the instant connection of the carriages in a self-
acting manner by means of the improved couplings herein-before described,
which are attached to the brake bars, and may be readily manoeuvred as
desired.
Fourthly, I claim the improved guard plate for clearing obstructions from
the rails, all as before described.
Fifthly, I claim the application at suitable intervals along a line of railway
of an apparatus suitable for protecting a train in case it should break down,
as described and represented in Sheet 2 of the Drawings.
Sixthly, I claim the apparatus represented in Sheet 3, for the purpose of
ensuring the safety of a train in motion, and also for protecting it from suc-
ceeding trains with a view to prevent collisions, all as herein described.
Lastly, I claim the improved apparatus represented at Sheets 2 and 3 of
the Drawings as and for the purposes described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Clark, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five.
Witness,
53, Chancery Lane,
London.
W. CLARK. (L.S.)