CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS ON RAILWAYS
Year: 1836

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JAMES
WHITE, of Lambeth, in the County of Surrey, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS His present most Excellent Majesty King William the
Fourth, by His Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain,
bearing date at Westminster, the Fourth day of October, in the seventh
year of His reign, did, for Himself, His heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said James White, His especial licence, full power, sole
privilege and authority, that I, the said James White, my exors, adiňors,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said James White, my exors, adiñors, or
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times during the term of years therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and
the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
ON RAILWAYS;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I,
the said James White, shall cause a particular description of the nature
of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be inrolled in His said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said in part
recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto
had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
James White, do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention, and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described and ascer-

page_text: tained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to the
Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon
(that is to say):
My Invention of improvements on railways consists,-
First, in an improvement of the chairs for supporting and retaining the
rails.
Secondly, in an improvement in the construction of slate blocks, and the
mode of retaining them in a parallel position by cross ties of iron, in order to
keep the rails correct. And,
Thirdly, in an improvement to prevent the ends of the rails parting where
they meet beyond the space allowed for the contraction of the rails.
And in order that my Invention may be most fully understood, and readily
carried into effect, I will proceed to describe the Drawings hereunto annexed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS OF THE RAILWAY CHAIR.
Figure 1 represents the transverse section of a rail (a, a), set in a chair
constructed according to my Invention, b, b, being the lower part or plate of
the chair, and c a cheek, forming part of the main casting which constitutes
the chair. The surface o of this cheek c, which comes against the rail a, a, is
formed of the figure of the rail, and the inner portion thereof is hollowed out, as
is shown in the longitudinal section, Figure 2, the object of which is, that the
rail shall be touched by the projecting surface or outer edge of the cheek only,
as is shewn in Figure 1. d is what I call the moveable cheek of the chair,
the nature of which is clearly shown in the Drawings. The surface of this
cheek d, which comes in contact with the rail a, a, is, in like manner with the
cheek c, formed to the figure of the side of the rail, and is hollowed out, as
above described in respect to the cheek c. The cheek d fits into an inclined
dovetailed projection e of the lower plate b, as is clearly shown.
Figure 3 is a plan of the chair complete, and Figure 4 an under side view
of the bottom plate 6, 6, of the chair.
In all these Figures the same letters are used to denote similar parts, hence
the construction and position of such parts will be readily understood on a
careful examination of the Drawings.
Through the plate 6 of the chair are formed two holes f, f, for the passage
of the holding-down bolts, and there is a third hole for the reception of the
pin h, which has a cross head formed thereon, as shown in the separate views
thereof, and through the pin h is formed an opening or eye to receive the split
cotter i. On the upper part of the cheek d is formed a projecting surface j,
with a groove formed therein, in which the cotter rests (when the parts of the

page_text: chair are fast together), as shown in the Drawing; and the nature of the hole
for receiving the head of the pin h is clearly shown in Figures 2 and 4.
Having thus described the various parts it will readily be understood when
the principal portion of the chair b, c, is bolted down or affixed to its block or
sleeper, the rail will readily be put into its place, and fit against the cheek c.
The cheek d is then to be slided into its place. And I would here remark
that I prefer that the cheek d should fit the rail sufficiently close to pre-
vent movement laterally, but at the same time not to be so close or tight
as to prevent its expansion and construction longitudinally, for it is by no
means essential that it should be wedged against the side of the rail for
stability, which constitutes a distinguishing character in my Invention for a
railway chair. The cheek d being in its place, the pin h, with the head down-
wards, is to be dropped through the hole in the cheek d, and into the plate 6
of the chair, and when down it is to be turned round until the eye or opening
in the pin is opposite the groove in the raised surface j, the cross head of the
pin will then stand across the shorter diameter of the hole and prevent
its coming out of its place; the split cotter is then to be driven through the
eye with sufficient force to fix the parts together securely, and it will be seen
in the Drawing that the holding together of these parts of the chair depends
on the principle of the combination or arrangement of the parts of the chair
itself, and in no way consequent on the rail which is between the cheeks c, d.
I would here remark that I am aware that chairs for railways have been
before constructed with moveable surfaces, which might be called moveable
cheeks, but in such cases the moveable parts have not been capable of fixture
to the other parts of the chairs without the aid of the rail.
Now what I claim as the first part of my Invention is, the constructing the
chairs of railways with moveable cheeks, which are capable of being affixed
independently of the rail, which is supported and retained in such a manner as
to afford great facility in placing or removing it, and also in removing a block
or chair whenever it may be required.
I will now proceed to describe the second part of my Invention, which
relates to an improvement in the construction and mode of retaining slate
blocks for railways, as shewn in Figures 5 and 6, Figure 5 being a plan of part
of a railway, and Figure 6 a transverse section of Figure 5, the blocks m, m,
being of slate, which from the great strength of that material compared with
stone, and from the circumstance of slate being cut and drilled with facility, it
offers great advantages in being adapted to railway blocks. I wish, however,
to be understood that I do not make any claim as a new Invention in the
application of slate to this purpose, slate having been already so applied.

page_text: DESCRIPTION OF THE CIRCULAR SAWING AND DRILLING MACHINES.
Figure 7 is a plan of a circular sawing machine, designed for cutting slabs
of a large size into railway blocks of a regular figure and given size. m, z, is
a slab of this description; and it is evident, from the Drawing, if it be moved
forward in a direct line by a drag, chain, screw, or rack and pinion on the cir-
cular saws a, a, a, it will be cut into two parallel pieces, which are represented
by m and x. b, b, are two toothed rollers, which prepare flat surfaces on the
blocks for the chairs to rest on; at the same time their edges are cut, and the
dotted lines opposite the rollers denote the surfaces so prepared. d is a handle
which communicates with a screw that raises and depresses the cross arms,
which are shown by dotted lines on the two pieces m and x. Two bevelled
wheels are used to communicate motion from the handle to the screw, and
they are also shown by dotted lines. When the two parallel pieces m and x
are to be further divided for railway blocks, the handle d is turned round until
they are raised by the screw on the cross arms clear of the machine, after
☑hich they are turned round on the axis of the cross arms until their sawn
edges stand at right angles with the circular saws a, a, a, on the second
spindle 8, 8. The cross arms are then to be lowered until the two pieces rest
on the moving frame of the circular sawing machine, after which they are
moved forward on the saws, as in the former instance, and divided into four
regular figures as represented by m, m, which constitutes the size and form of
the railway blocks.
Figure 8 is a plan of six drilling machines, with a main shaft u, w, passing
underneath the machines and communicating motion to each by means of
bevelled wheels, as shown in the Drawing. a, a, is a narrow railway, on which
six small carriages b, b, are stationed. On each carriage there is a slate
block m, fixed by a screw s, which is shown in the elevation of the machine,
Figure 9. The carriages are retained at regular distances from each other by
rods of iron, so that if one carriage be in its place the other will be similarly
situated, and each block fixed thereon will also be in its place, and be correctly
drilled. c, c, are fixed bosses, in which the horizontal spindles d, d, are accu-
rately centred and fitted to slide and revolve. e, e, are drills fitted into chucks
which are screwed on the ends of the revolving spindles. f, f, are wheels
which communicate motion from the one horizontal spindle to the other; and
g, g, are bevelled wheels whereby motion is communicated from the main
shaft w, w, to the horizontal spindles d, d. h represents a cross bar, in which
there are three holes accurately centred to those in the fixed bosses c, c, The
spindles revolve in these holes between collars, as shewn in the Drawing. i, i

page_text: are links which attach the cross bar h to the two levers j, j. These parts
being premised, the manner in which the drills receive a rotary and a lineal
motion is clearly shewn in the elevation, Figure 9. In this view of the
machine several parts seen plural in the plan are only seen single, consequently
represented by a single letter. k is a vertical spinde which communicates
motion from the main shaft w to the horizontal spindle d by means of bevelled
wheels, as shown in the Drawing. The bevelled wheel g on the spindle d has
a hollow boss formed thereon, which is fitted into the fixed boss c, where it
revolves between two collars. There is a groove in the hollow boss to receive a
fixed key on the spindle d, it is therefore evident if the boss and wheel revolve
that the spindle will revolve also. At the same time if the weight o be at
liberty to preponderate it will cause the lever j to produce a lineal motion
on the spindle d, and consequently on the drill e, until the collar p comes
against the fixed boss c, at which time the rose cutter on the end of the spindle
will have countersunk a hole for receiving the head of the holding-down bolt
or washer that may be thereon. And it will be seen, by given a little attention
to the Drawing, that the thickness of the block from the seat of the chair to
the seat of the head of the holding-down bolt will be uniformly the same in
all the blocks, providing they be sufficiently thick to admit of the rose cutter
on the end of the spindle touching them before the collar p comes against the
fixed boss c, and this accuracy is very essential when the holding-down bolts
secure the chair to its block by cotters. The weight o is shewn suspended, in
the Drawing, by the counter cord r on the hook t, but if the cord be unhooked
it will preponderate, and produce the results already described.
It has been shown that the holes in the blocks m can be drilled with an
accuracy closely approaching to a mathematical truth, it therefore follows that
a corresponding accuracy will be required in the construction of the cross
ties n, n, without which the rails will neither be parallel in straight lines, nor
equidistant in curves, when laid. To effect this, various plans might be found
to answer, one of which is represented by Figure 10. a, a, is a double lever,
when turned gives motion to the two wheels b, b, and consequently to the right
and left screws c, c. d, d, are two punches properly fixed in the ends of the
screws, and n, n, the cross tie to be punched.
Having thus described the nature of my second improvements, and the
machines which I have designed and invented for carrying it into effect, I wish
it to be understood that I do not claim the machines. But what I claim as
the second part of my Invention is,―
The preparing of slate blocks with a level seat (for the railway chair to rest
on), by passing it over a rotatory cutter or toothed roller, capable of making a
regular and even surface.

page_text: Also, the preparing of slate blocks for railways by two drills capable of simul-
taneous action, their spindles being retained in bosses accurately adjusted to
correspond with the holes in the chairs through which the holding-down bolts
are to pass, as above described.
And I claim the drilling a third hole in slate railway blocks for the reception
of a pin to fix the cross ties used to keep the rails parallel, such third holes
being drilled by a drill and spindle, capable of acting simultaneously with the
other drills, as above described.
And I claim the countersinking of the holes in the slate block (through
which the holding-down bolts pass) by cutters on the ends of the drilling
spindles, regulated by a guage. By this means, and all the chairs being made
according to pattern, and the holding-down bolts of one size, great facility is
offered in laying or forming a railway.
I now proceed to describe the third part of my Invention, which relates to
an improvement in retaining together the ends of the rails in the joint chair,
by the application of a link, which will be hereafter explained. On the
Liverpool and Manchester Railway, in many places where the rails have been
laid some time, the ends thereof are to be seen apart to a considerable extent,
in some instances even to the extent of an inch and upwards, which I conceive
to arise from the traction of the wheels moving the rails in one direction, each
rail being moved independently of the adjoining one. To obviate this evil I
propose securing the rails to each other, and thereby bring the friction
of a continuous length of rails in their chairs to operate against the traction,
as above mentioned.
Figure 11 represents two short pieces of rails as they meet in the joint
chair. a, a, is a link with two studs or pins, which project and fit into holes
drilled or formed in the sides of the rails, as shewn by Figure 12, which is a
transverse section of the rail and moveable cheek of the chair which fits
against it.
The holes in the rails for receiving the pins on the link a are a
little larger in diameter than the diameter of the pins, and the difference
between the two diameters spoken of constitutes the provision which is made
for expansion and contraction in the rails.
Now what I claim as the third part of my Invention is, retaining the
ends of the rails in the joint chair by a link, as above described, and illustrated
by the two Figures 11 and 12.
In witness whereof, I, the said James White, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fourth day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven.
JAMES (L.S.) WHITE.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Fourth day of April, in the
year of our Lord 1837, the aforesaid James White came before our said
Lord the King in His Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification
aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form
above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according
to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Inrolled the Fourth day of April, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and thirty-seven.