US1572654A - Car-dumping apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 9,1926. 1,572,654

R. W. KALTENBACH w CAR DUMPING APPARATUS Filed Dec. l0, 1923 5 SheetsLSheet 1 'mw w mwa El vn/;

Feb. 9 1926.

R. W. KALTENBACH CAR DUMPING APPARATUS 5 SheetslSheet 2 Filed Deo. l0, 1923 R. W. KALTENBACH CAR DUMING APPARATUS Filed Deo. l0, 1923 5 SheetSlSheet 4 WWK Feb. 9 1926. f A 1,572,654

R. w. KALTENBACH CAR DUMPING APPARATUS Filed Deo. lO, 1923 5 SheetslSheet 5 lPatented Feb. 9, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE-.

ROBERT W. IKALTENBACH, OF CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OHIO, ASSIGNOB T0 THE McMYLER-INTERSTATE COMPANY, CLEVELAND, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

CAR-DUMPING APPARATUS.

Application filed December 10,A 1923. SerialNo. 679,629.A

To all whom z't may concern.'

Be it known that I', ROBERT W. KALTEN- BACH, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cleveland Heights, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in a Car- Dumping Apparatus, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, referr ence being had to the accompanying drawmos.

z:lhis invention relates to car dumping apparatus of the type wherein there is a cradle adapted To receive the car and be tipped to dump the contents. The cradle is preferably an open-ended skeleton barrel, either adapted to rotate on its own axis or to roll alon a support to invert the car suliiciently to e ect the dumping. l

rlhe invention is concerned with a means for automatically positioning, supporting and clamping the car within the cradle during the turning thereof, toward dumping position, and for automaticaly freeing the car when the cradle returns. i

In effecting the lateral positioning and supporting in a simple manner, l provide within the cradle a suspended swinging platform which is adapted to receive the car and allow` it automatically to assume a position against .side stops when the cradle turns, and

l provide a clamp which drops by gravity into engagement with the car top under `the retarding control of an electric motor geared with the clamp and non-effectively tending to rotateinthe direction to raise the clamp and thusexercising a dynamic braking action thereon. An electromagnetic brake on the motor holds the clamp in engaged I position.A Suitable switches are provided, 40

controlled automatically bythe turning of the cradle, to properly energize the motor to effect the dynamic braking, to control the application of the friction brake on the motor for holding the clamp, and, at the end of the ireturn'movement of the cradle,,to

energize the motor effectively to raise the clamp. into released position, and then stop the motor.

Another feature of the invention relates to the arrangement of a plurality of clamps in such manner that each clamp may operate independently in its clamping position, though all the clamps may be raised as a unit by the motor to release the car. This pro` vides for the effective clamping of cars, notwithstanding the sides may be of uneven height, aad causes the weight of the inverted car to be equalized on the several clamps.

The above mentioned features will be here# in after more fully described in connection with embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings hereof, and the essen- 1 tial' Y novel features will be summarized in the claims,`

- Fig. 1 is a plan of one embodiment of the lnv'ention, this view showing a cradle adapted to rotate and having two independent motors for operating the clamps; Fig. 2 is a sectional end elevation ,on a larger scale .of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a plan of a somewhat different embodiment, wherein one motor is shown for operating all the clamps; Fig. 4; is an end elevation of an embodiment wherein the cradle rolls laterally on a transverse track instead of rotating on its axis, the

clamps of this ,embodiment being operated i by the mechanism of either Fig. 1 or 3; Fig..A

girder cross section), longitudinal structural beams as 11,12 and 13, connecting the rings, and suitable lattice bracing 15 connected' to the beams. Normally upright transverse beams 2O are connected at theirupper ends to the Vlongitudinal beams 12 and at their lower end to the longitudinal beams 13, and Y normally horizontal transverse beams 21 are connected at their ends to the beam 13, thus providing a rectangular ,open-top troughlike space for the reception of the car.

Within the open 'space above mentioned is the suspended platform 30. This comprises longitudinal beams 31 on which the tracks' 32 rest, and lateral beams 33 suspended by links 34, 36, connected to brackets upon the inner faces of the beams 20.

Itwill be noticed from inspection of Fig. 2 that the links 36 on that side of the car from which the turning takes place inl eline toward the platform more than the links 34 which are on the side toward which the turning takes place. This results from the links 36 being slightly longer than the links 34, while the portion of the platform between the rails 32 and the pivot of the. links 36 is correspondingly less than on the opposite side. Accordingly, when the car is in normal position, as shown in Fig. 2, the platform is horizontal but it has a gravitational tendency to swing toward the right or away from the dumping side. This movement isstopped by an abutment 'block l 37 o-n the cradle engaging a corresponding abutment 38 on the transverse beam 21. By

this means the platform is given' a definite position ofrest with the tracks in registration with the tracks 39 on the stationary part of the'structure. The cradle 'may be stopped in the restposition when ,the platform is horizontal, and there locked, by any suitable means, not shown.

40 designates suitable bumper beams preferably of wood, carried vertically at the side of thecarfspace and adapted to receive the v impact of the car as it swings'toward that side and support the car in its tipped position. It will be seen from -the construction described that whetherthe cradle rotates on its'- own axis or rolls on a.l transverse track-- w'ay, as soon as the turning begins the plat- 'form swings in the direction toward which the cradle is turning and thus brings the car against the bumper beams. As soon as this takes place the clamps drop by gravity on top of the car: and are 'effectively held in this position, to receive the' weight of the car as it is being inverted. The clam-ps of L-shaped members having heavy voverhanging portionsadapted to i engage the Ato edges of theicar and having legs 51 slidab Y mounted-inthe cradle parallel with the car "side VAs shown, the legs 51 are T-sha ed in cross section and extend behind suita le frame bars 24 of the cradle which overhang the ianges of the T. The

idle,and active positionsof the clamps are illustrated, relative to the car A in Figs. 2 and 4. f

- The clamp is raised from the car and is also controlled in its descent onto the car by means of an electric motor geared with the clamps. On the outer face of the le 51 of the clamp I` provide a rack 55 wich meshes with a pinion connected through a -suitable train of gearing to be described,

with a pinion 6l on the armature shaft of the motor 60. By means of this gearing the motor when sucigntly 'energize may opduring the lowering of the clamp the less powerful current acting onthe motor in the same direction, will resist the lowering of the clamp and thus effect a. dynamic braking, preventing it striking the carJ with undue impact, as well as preventing an undue strain on the gear train, due to the momentum of the motor when the clamp stops.

To allow each clamp to settle independently onto the car side, and atthe same time to enable all the clamps to be raised as a unit to free the car, I provide differential or compensating mechanism in the train of gearing between the motor and clamps, two

embodiments of which are illustrated respec-I tively in Figs. 1 and 3. Referring to Fig. 1, there will be seen two motors 60, each of which operates two adjacent clamps 50. The pinion 61 of each motor is shown in this view as geared with an intermediate gear G2 on a lay shaft 63, which shaft carries a pinion 64 meshing with the gear 65 of the diff erential mechanism. As shown, this gear 65 carries internally o-n radial axes a plurality of bevel pinions 66, each 'of which meshes with two bevel gears 67 on opposite sides thereof. Each bevel gear 67 is connected with an individual shaft 68, each of which carries a pinion 69 meshing with the rack bar 55 on the outer side of the correr spending clamp leg.

As the clamps drop toward the car the slightly energized motor, through the mechamsmdescribed, will retard themovement, allowing the two clamps to come down as a unit gradually. As soon as ,one of the clamps engages the top of the car, the differential mechanism allowsthe other clamp of that pair to settle snugly against the car top. Then a brake applied to the motor will effectively hold both clamps in position. As the two motors in Fig. 1 are independent there is an equalization between the two sets of clamps, and thus every one of the four clamps shown obtains a firm seating on the car top and is then locked by the brake in such snug engagement.

Fig. 3 illustrates a single lnotor for positioning the four clamps and in this ease this motor acts through compensating mechanism on the two compensating mechanisms for-the respective pairs of clamps, thus producing an equalizing effect on the four clamps, though they are all controlled bv one motor. In this View, the pinion 6 1 of the motor 60 is shown as meshing with the gear 70 which carries on radial axeshevel pinions 7 1 meshing with the two bevel gears To control the motor and motor brake for the car clamps automatically as the cradle turns, I arrange the circuits so that the motor when energized always tends to act in a direction to raise the clamps, and l provide a series ot switches on the cradle controlling the circuits therefrom to the clamp motor and to an electromagnetic brake for that motor, so that as the cradle begins to turn the brake is lirst released and the clampmotor is successively given greater energizations to counteract but not overcome the force of gravity in bringing down the clamp. This operation occurs very soon after the cradle begins to turn. Then, as the clamps become seated, these switches open the circuit to the motor and cause .the application of the brake to the motor armature. holding the clamps in position until the dumping is effected.

On the return movement ot' the cradle, the brake remains engaged until the cradle has nearly reached its normal position: as it comes to normal position the brake is disengaged and the motor circuit closed with a current of sutlicient power to raise the clamps. As the clamps come into their final raised position they operate a limit switch to open the motor circuit and apply the brake to the motor armature, restoring the normal standing condition.

Fig. 5 illustrates, by way of example, an arrangement of switches, circuits, resistances and vsolenoids which may be employed to control the motor and the brake on the armature for effecting the' operations just described. It is to be understood thatthe switches are designed to be mounted about the periphery of the. cradle and to have movable operating members which coact with a suitable stationary member as the cradle turns, the stationary member being any suitable rail or series of .stops arranged in a line tangential to the cradle.

Describing now the illustrative electrical connections illustrated in Fig. 5, 1 indicates the cradle, 2 the sationary rail forming the abutment for the switches, 60 the clampactuating motor on the cradle," 150 the solenoidcontrolled brake on the motor arma-- ture, 151 the spring tending to apply such brake, and 201 to 205 inclusive, Various switch contacts.

More specifically, the contact 201 controls the hoisting of the clamp; contacts 202, 203 and 204, on theline 208. control the gradually increasing Ienergization of vthe motor to retard the clamp as determined by resistance R, R1 and R2; and the contacts 205 effeet the opening of the motor and the application of the solenoid brake after the cradle has returned to normal position kand the clamp has been hoisted to its uppermost position.

In the normal position of the cradle, the

' maximum height.

`clamp in active posit-ion.

switch 201 has been closed by the return of the cradle and the switch 205 has'beenI opened by the raising ot the clamp to its As shown, these switches 201 and 205 are substantially alike in that either will operate to open or close the motor circuit, each independent of the other by reason of the third wire connection v207. Each of these switches is provided with two pairs ot opposing contacts across one pair of which is adapted tobe snapped a bar 215. A ratchet mechanism consisting of a notched wheel 216 and an operating'linger 217 throws the bars across a diti'erent pair of contact points for each successive complete operation of the cradle or clamp. The usual spring 'devices are used to insure thedcomLv plete throwing of the switch bars.

In the normal position, all ot the circuits are open, the motor is accordingly deenergized, as is also the solenoid ot the electromagnetic brake, and the spring 151 of the latter maintains it applied.`

As the cradle turns toward the left. the first switch closed is 202 by reason of engagement with the abutment 212. This connects the current from a suitable source indicated at S through the solenoid magnet to release the brake and through the entire 9.. resistance R, R1 and Rg and the motor, giv- 'i lngthe motora slight energization inthe direction to raise the clamp. As the switch 203 engages the abutment 213 the resistance R2 is cut out, strengthening the motor ac- 100 tiem-then as the switch /204 engages the abutment 214 the resistance R1 is cut out leaving the'circuit through simply the resistance R, which gives the motor its maxi-4 mum dynamic braking action without giv-* ing it suiicient torce to raise/the clamp, 'the result being that the clamp gradually descen'ds. Y

It should be noted that these switches 201 to 204 are all close together on the un periphery of thc drum and all act before the effect ot' gravity has been materially@ decreased by the ltipping of the clamp. Each ot the switches 202 and 203\is designed to reta-in the circuit closed until the sucu, ceeding switch is active. Then the switch I 204 clears the abutment 214, `the circuit'is open through the motor and the brake. solenoid, and hence the spring 151 applies the brake on the motor` and thus holds thel After the conf tact 204 clears the abutment 214, the parts remain with Vthe clamp effectively locked against the oar. and the clamp motor is idle Y for the rest of lthe turning of the cradle.

Upon the return movement of the cradle, after the. car is dumped the switches 214, 213 and 212 may again act to close the `motor circuit but this is idle as the ener-v gization is insutlicient to raise the clamps. When .the cradle returns` to normal posi- The motor -then acts throughfthe` gear train to raise the clamp. Finally, as the clamp reaches its uppermost [position itA opens the switch 205 which is connected with the switch 201 by reason of the third line 207, and thus opens the motor circuit andthe brake solenoid circuit, thus-apply-` ing the brake to hold the clamp in elevated position. f z

It will be seen from the abovedescription of illustrative circuits` and switches that by a comparatively simple electromagnetic arrangement I am enabled to provide for' the automatic control of the clamp as the In such turning operation,y

cradle turns. first the car moves over against the bumper beams, then the clamps are gradually lowered and easily seated effectively on the f upper edge of the car and are then held in this position until the dumping isI completed and the cradle returned. and then. as the cradle comes into its inal position, the clamp is automatically raised to its free position and there held. The empty car is now free and ready to be shoved out of the cradle and a new car shoved into its place and the action repeated.

l The construction of the cradle, the suspension of the platform, the clamping of the car, andthe electrical control above described, may be the same whether the cradle rotates or rolls. If it is to rotate it may be conveniently supported as shown in 'Fig. 2 wherein each of the two rings 10 track on wheels-80 carried by equalizer beams 8i pivoted at 82 to suitable brackets 83. These brackets are shown as adjust-ably mounted in seats 84 and locked in final position by bolts 85 and jamb. nuts 86. The cradle so supported is designed to dump into suitable hoppers 5 beneath it. To rotate the cradle, I may provide circular racks 90 on the cradle meshing with the pinions 91 of a suitable driving train. Fig. -1 shows the pinions 91 mounted on a longitudinal shaft 92 which carries a pinion 93 meshing with one member 94' of a suitable reduction gear train, not fully shown but designed vto connect witha a suitable motor. y Fig. 3 illustrates means'l'or rotating the cradle by cables and drums. As shown in this view, adjacent each of the sup-` porting vtracks 18 on the ,ringslO is a narrow drum 100 about which extends the proper number of turns of a cable 101 which is wrapped around the driving drum 102 supported at some suitable point on the Stationary part of the equipment.- Tlius by indicated at 6.

rotating the driving drums the cradle .may be .rotated in a corresponding direction. Any suitable means may be employed for rotating the driving drums; Fig. 3 shows i any point in its' rotation desired. It is to be understoodthat a similar motor and i brake connection is provided for the train of gearing indicated in Fig. 1.

Fig. V4 illustrates my -cradle mechanism embodied in a structure where the cradle rolls instead of rotating. Thecradle construction is the same as already described. Instead however, of the supporting wheels 80 for the circular track 18, this track vrests on horizontal transverse rails-120. These vrails extend from the receiving position,

stationary outside rails, laterally toward the left for a distancesomewhat greater` than half the periphery of the circular track to lie overa suitable receiving hopper The rolling of the cradle may be very conveniently effected by means of cables which pass about the cradle (as for'instance 'where the'cradle rails 32 register with the on drums 100 illustrated in Fig. 3) and are anchored to the cradle and then pass to external winding drums. Thus-inv Fig. 4 one cable 130y anchoredv to thev cradle passes therefrom onto the drum 131 while the other cable '1321 anchored to the drum extends in the opposite direction and thence over an idler sheave: 133 and finally passes onto the opposite side ofl the winding drum 131. The

drum 131 is suitably geared through reduction gearing with a driving motor as indicated by the driving pinion 136 meshing with'the gear 137 on the drum 131.

\ Havingthus' described my invention, I

claim 1.' In 'a 'car dumping` apparatus, the combination .oi a-cradle adapted to tip and provided withl means to support a car, clamp for such car, a motor connected with such clamp, and means controlled by the tipping of thecradle for controlling the motor.

2. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination, with a cradle provided with means for supporting aunar, otmeans -for clamp ing such car, and a motor connected to act as a dynamic brake against the application it to act as a dynamic brake on the descentof the clamp and means for automatic-ally increasing the resisting action bythe motor asithe clamp descends.

5. The combination of a cradle adapted to tip and provided with means 'for supporting a car, means for clamping such car, and a ymotor adapted to resist thel application of the clamp and also to Withdraw the applied clamp, and means actuated by the tipping of the cradle for controlling such a motor.

6. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination, with a cradle provided Withmeans Jfor supporting a car, of a clamp for such car adapted to descend by gravity' onto a car and a motor geared with said clamp, means for variably energizing the motor in the direction tovraise the clamp, one of suchenergizations being non-elective and another eiiective in raising the clamp.

7. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination, With a cradle adapted to tip and provided with means for supporting a car, of a clamp'for such car adapted to descend by gravity onto a car and a motor geared with said clamp, means for controlling the motor to cause it to act as a dynamic-brake on the descent of the clamp, and means controlled by the tipping of the cradle to increase the resisting action of the mot-or as the clamp descends.

8. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination of a cradle provided with means for supporting a car, a clamp slidably mounted in the cradle and having a rack, a motor geared with said rack and means for giving said motor a non-eective tendency to turn in the direction to release the clamp.

9. In a car dumping apparatus the corribination of a cradle adapted to tip and provided With means for supporting a car, clamps slidably mounted in the cradle and having racks, a motor geared with said v racks, and means for automatically controlling said motor consequent upon the tipping of the cradle.

10. The combination of a cradle adaptedto tip and provided with means for supporting a car, a-clamp adapted to descend by gravity, a motor adapted to resist such descent Without overcomlng it, means controlled Aby the tipping of the cradleto increasingly energizethe motor as the clamp descends, and means controlled by the return of the cradle to still further energize the motor to raise the clamp.

11. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination with a cradle provided with means for supporting a car, of a clamp for such car adapted to descend by gravity onto a car, a motor connected With said clamp, means for controlling the motor to cause it to act as a dynamic brake on the descent of the clamp, and an electromagnetic brake for locking the clamp.

12. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination with a cradle provided with means for supporting a car, of a clamp for such 'car adapted to descend by gravity onto a` car and a motor geared With said clamp,

lmeans for controlling the motor to cause it to resist the descent of the clamp', means for automatically increasing the resisting action by the motor as the clamp descends and an electromagnetic brake on the motor for holding the clamp engaged. y

l 13. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination of a cradle adapted to tip and provided with means to support a car, a clamp for suchcar, a motor connected with such clamp, an electromagnetic brake for the motor, and means controlled by the tipping of thecradle for controlling the motor and electromagnetic brake.

'14. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination with a cradle adapted to tip and provided with means for supporting a car, of a .clamp adapted to descend by gravity onto said car, a motor geared With such clamp, an electromagnetic brake for such motor,.and automatically controlled circuits for relieving` the brake and increasing the energization of the motor as the cradle tips to allow the clamp to seat, for then applying said brake to lock the clamp, and lafter the car has been dumpedand substantially righted to release the brake and still further energize the motor to raise the clamp.

l5. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination of a cradle adapted to tip and provided With means to support a car, a Inovable clamp to clamp such car, ay motor geared With such clamp, an electromagneticy brake for such motor, a series of switches successively actuated by the tipping of the cradle, and circuits from said switches. to the motor and the electromagnetic brake and so arranged that When the cradle tips the electromagnetic brake-,is released and the motor increasingly energized in successive steps to retard the descent of the clamp and thereafter the motor circuit is opened and the bake is applied to lock the clamp and to hold it locked during dumping.

16.- In a car dumping apparatus, the combination of a cradle adapted to tip and provided With means to support a car, a movable clamp to clamp rsuch car, a motor geared with such clamp, an electromagnetic brake for suchmotor, a ser1es of sw1tches vsuccessively actuated by the tipping of the cradle, and circuits from said switches to the motor and the electromagnetic brakel so arranged that when the cradle tips to dump the' electromagnetic brake isv released and the motor non-effectively energized to retard the descent of the clamp and thereafter the motor circuit is opened and the brake lis applied to lock the clamp endrand to hold it locked during dumping, and a switch operated as the cradle returns to normal posif i form swings, and an L-shape clamp guided on the side of the cradle carrying the bumper and having an overhanging arm adapted to'engage the tops of the opposite walls of the car.

18. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination withl a cradle adapted to rbe turned, a platform thereon having a track for a car, upwardly extending links pivotally connect# ed to the platform and to the cradle to s uspend the platform and allow it to. swing laterally, and a clamp carried by that side of the cradle toward which the platform swings and adapted to engage the top of both sides of the car. .x

19. Ina car Vdumping apparatus, the com'- bination with a barrel-like cradle having an open top trough-like space for a car, a platform therein adapted to support a car, upv wardly extending links pivotally connected to the opposite sides of the platform and to the cradle to suspend the platform and allow it to swing laterally, and upright bumper beams carried by the cradle at the side of the platform."

2G. In a car dumpingapparatus, the combination of a cradle adapted to turn, a ar 'supportin 'platform therein, links suspending said p atform whereby it may swing, and coacting abutments on the platform and cradle positioned so as to be held in engagement bythe action of gravity when the cradle is in normal position.

21. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination of a barrel-like cradle, a support therefor upon which the cradle may turn, said cradle having an open passageway ladapted to house a car, a platform in said passageway for supporting the car, links pivoted at their upper ends to the cradle at the sides of said passageways and convergingl the rotary member and the c downwardly and pivoted at their lower ends 4to the opposite sides of the platform, the' platform being materially narrower than the car space within the cradle, whereby the platform may swing within the cradle.

22. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination of a cradle, a platform for supportlng the car, links pivoted at their upper ends to t-he cradle and converging downwardly and pivoted at their lower ends to the opposite sides of the platform, the links on the side toward which the platform swings in the dumping operation being shorter than links on the opposite side of the platform, and there being coacting abutments on the under side of the platform and the upper side of the cradle beneath the .platform ada ted to engage by gravity when the plat orm is central to the car space in the cradle. i

23. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination with a cradle adapted to turn and having means for lsupporting a car, a plurallty of clamps adapted to engage the car and to hold it in place, locking means for the clamps common to a plurality of them, and an equalizing mechanism between the locking means and said plurality of clamps.

24. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination with a cradle adapted to turn and provided with means' for supporting .a car, of a plurality of clamps adapted to engage the top of the car, a `controlling member geared with such plurality of clamps by means including compensating mechanism whereby the clamps may seat independently, and means for holding the controlling member to lock the clamps in position.

25.' In a car dumping apparatus, the -combinationof'a cradle provided with means for supportmg a car, clamps to engage ,the

top of the car, racks carried by said clamps,

a rotary member, a train of gearing between amps including rotary compensating mechanism to enable "the clamps to move independently, and means for applylng a brake to the rotary member.

26. In'a'car dumping apparatus, the com`v bination Aof a cradle adapted to tip, means on the cradle to support a car, 'a plurality of clamps overhanging on the. top of such car and provided with legs slidably engag-V i ing the cradle, racks on such legs, a controllingl member geared with suchl racks throu a train of gears, such train of gears l inclu ing compensating mechanism to enable the clamps to seat independently, ana means for locking suc controlling member.

27. In a car umping apparatus, the combination of a cradle'adapted to tip and having a space forthe reception lof a car, a

laterally moving platform carried by the cradle vfor supporting the car, a pluralit of clamps adapted to engage the top of suc car, and having legs guided in ways on the cradle at the side of such car, racks on such legs, 'a rotary member, a train of gears between such member and racks, said racks including compensating mechanism, and a friction brake adapted to hold the rotary member.

28. The combination of a cradle adapted to tip and provided with means for supporting a car, clamps mounted on the cradle and each provided with a rack, a pair of pinions meshing with the respective racks` a pair of shafts for rotating the respective pini-ons, differential mechanism fo-r connecting said two shafts, and means for operating the differential mechanism.

29. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination of a cradle adapted to tip and provided with means for supporting a car, clamps arranged in pairs for engaging the p car, equalizing mechanism between the two clamps of a pair, equalizing mechanism between the respective pairs, and locking means acting on the latter equalizmg mechanism'.

30. A cradle adapted to tip and provided with means for supporting a car, pairs of clamps for locking the car, each clamp being provided with a rack, pinions meshing with respective racks, shafts connectedwith the' respectlve punon's, compensating mechathe motor that it resists but does not over-l come the seating movement of the clamps ou the d umping movementof the cradle.

82. The combination of a cradle adapted to tip and provided with means for supporting a car, a plurality of clamps adapted to descend onto the car, a lnotor geared with the clamps to resist their descent without overcoming it, compensating mechanism included in such gearing to enable the clamps to seat independently, and meansy controlled by the tipping of the cradle to control the motor.

33. In a car dumping apparatus, the combination with a cradle vadapte-d to be turned,

of a suspended swinging platform within the cradle adapted to swing transverselyJ of the cradle, a clamp slidably mounted on the cradle at the side :toward which the platform swings, a motor for controlling the descent of the clamp, and means controlled 05 erally movable car supporting 'platform 70 therein, a bumper on one side of the cradle for receiving the side thrust of the car when the cradle turns, links for so supporting the platform that it tends to move laterally7 away from the bumper when the cradleis in normal position, and coacting abutments on the platform and cradle preventing such movement. l

35. In a car dumping apparatus, the comy bination `of a cradle, a support therefor upon which the cradle may turn, a platform in Vsaid cradle for supporting the car, links pivoted at their upper ends to the cradle andr converging downwardly and pivoted at their lower ends to the opposite sides of the platform, the platform being materially narrower than the space within the cradle whereby the platform may swing, abutments limiting the swing of the platform in one direction, and means receiving the side thrust of the car'and limiting its movement in the opposite direction.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto affix my signature.

RonT. WQKALTENBACH,

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