GB275086A - Improved means for retarding wagons travelling on rails - Google Patents

Abstract

275,086. Norton, B. Jan. 29, 1927. Energy-absorbing elements; friction apparatus on permanent way. -Means for retarding the movement of a wagon travelling on rails comprises; a cataract.or dashpot which directly or indirectly interposes resistance to the travel of the axle or other part for a limited distance after which the wagon is freed. In the construction shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, a vertical dashpot carried below the level of the rails 13 by a fixed frame 3, includes a cylinder 1 and a plunger 2 having return connecting-rods 5 pivoted to the short arms of bell-crank levers 7. The long arms of the levers 7 occupy the position shown in full lines when the plunger 2 is in its highest position and that shown in dotted lines when the plunger is fully depressed and the lever swinging clear of the axle. Return springs 16 are provided. A one-way valve 10 allows free return movement and an adjustable needle valve 15 regulates the size of a throttling opening in the end of the plunger. In a modification, the cylinder is fixed in a horizontal position and its plunger is pivoted to a slidable member interposed in the path of the wagon axle but adapted to tilt clear of the axle at the end of the stroke. In a further modification, the cylinder is fixed in a slightly inclined position just below the wagon axle so that a small upward projection on the plunger contacts with the axle during the stroke, but moves downward clear of the axle at the end. The cylinder may be pivoted in an approximately horizontal position so that its plunger engages the wagon axle until it is tilted clear at the end of the stroke by a trip lever the end of which is depressed by the wagon wheels.