15,362. Cloud, J. W. July 9. Couplings, automatic.-The pivoted coupler heads 1, Fig. 1, which are counterparts o f each other, are each provided on one side with a hook - shaped projection 8 and on the other side with a pivoted knuckle 9. Fig. 2 shows the position of the knuckle preparatory to coupling, which position is ensured in some cases by a spring 12 turning the knuckle to the required position when the cars are uncoupled. When the cars come together, the projection 8 strikes the curved portion 26 of the tail of the knuckle, and turns it on its pivot until the hooked portion 20 engages with the hookshaped projection 8, as shown in Fig. 1. In this position the coupling is locked by a vertical pin 18, which drops automatically when the tail 23 of the knuckle has passed it. The drop-pin is locked by a pivoted catch at its upper end. For uncoupling, the pin is raised by a chain &c. The rotation of the hook of the knuckle in an outward direction is limited by a stop 19, Fig. 1, on the tail ; its rotation inwards is limited by the impact of the hook 20 on a stop 21. If two cars come together when the coupling is not in the proper position for coupling, the hook will turn inwards freely until it meets the stop 21, in which position the solid buffer heads will be in contact and no injury will result to the knuckle. The hook may also be turned to this position during shunting, in order to prevent the coupling of the cars. The coupler head and the draw-bar to which it is pivoted are kept in alignment by spring shoes pressed against them at the pivot. Figs. 12 and 13 show how a car fitted with the automatic coupling may be coupled to a car with the ordinary hook-and-link coupling. For this purpose there is pivoted beneath the automatic coupling a link 27 having attached to it a shackle 29 to engage with the ordinary hook. If, when being coupled or otherwise, the cars come together forcibly, the impact of the ordinary hook will be received by the automatic coupler at the recessed part 36, Fig. 1, of the solid head and no injury to the knuckle will result. Buffers.-To allow of a car with the automatic coupler being coupled to either a passenger car or a goods wagon fitted with the ordinary hook coupling, an adjustable buffer, shown in Fig. 12, may be employed. It is provided with arms 33, 34 of unequal length, and can be turned through a rightangle so as to present either a short or a long arm to the opposite car.