US601905A - Automatic air and steam brake coupling - Google Patents

Description

(No Model.) 4 Shee-tsSheet '1.

W. J'. PUGH. AUTOMATIC AIR AND STEAM BRAKE COUPLING.

No. 601,905. Patented Apr. 5, 1898.

4 Sheets-Sheet 2.

Y (No Model.)

W. J. PUGH. AUTOMATIC -.A'IR AND STEAM BRAKE COUPLING. No. 630L905.

Patented Apr. 5, 1898.

i a i (No Model.) T j 4=S heet s Sh'ee t-3f W. J. PUGH. AUTOMATIC AIR AND STEAM BRAKE COUPLING. 7 No. 601,905. Patented Apr. 5, 1898.

.NITED STAT- Rs PATENT anion.

WILLIAM J. PUGH, or MUSOATINE, lowA, AssIeNoR o THE WALTER AUTO-' MATIO AIR ooUPLER COMPANY, or CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA.

AUTOMATIC AIR AND STEAM BRAKE COUPLING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 601,905, dated April 5, 1898. Application filed June 29, 1897- Serial No. 642,875. (No inOdeL) To all whom it mag/concern:

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM J. PUGH, of Muscatine, in the county of Muscatine and State of Iowa, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Automatic Air and Steam Brake Couplings and I hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification.

This invention is an improved automatic coupling for fluid-pressure brakes and steamheating systems of railway-cars; and its object is to provide a coupling reliable in operation, which will perfectly couple or uncouple the fluid-pipes without manual handling,sub-

' stantially like the automatic draft-couplings,

will cifectively shut off the air when the cars are uncoupled, and will in case of accidental breakage or pulling apart of the cars or couplings throw open the valves, soas to apply the brakes, and thus warn'the trainmen of the accident and prevent running away of the' car or train.

The invention therefore embraces some broadly'new features of constructionand in addition thereto other-minor details of construction and combinations of parts, all of which will be fully understood from the fol'- lowing description and'claims in connection with the accompanying drawings, in 'whichj Fig. 6 is a transverse section on line 6 6, Fig.

3. Figs. 7, 8, and 9 are details.

The two interlocking heads of the automatic fluid-pressure couplingare constructed identically alike,.and a description of one applies equally to the other, so that I shall describe the construction of one and refer to the similar parts of the other by similar letters of reference.

The coupling-head A is suspended beneath the draw-bar W by means of two hangers X, which loosely embrace the head, and their legs are connected below the head to side bars a: by means of bolts 00, which bolts passunder the head and sustain it in position. The head lies on the bolts and is free to move up and down but this vertical play is limited by means of bolts X, tapped into the heads and projecting through slots X in the legs of.

the front hanger X, as shown. The hangers may be suspended directly from the draw-bar W, but preferably are suspended from a horizontalbar Z, which is fastened to the drawbar bybolts'Z, as shown, so that the head can swing laterally and longitudinally in relation to and beneath the draw-bar W, besides the vertical play in thehangers above mentioned. The hangers and head are normally pushed forward, so as to stand slightly in advance of the'draW-bar W by means of the cushioning-spring z, which is contained in a tube 2, the upper end of which is suspended from bar Z, as shown in Fig. 1, a plunger a telescoping into the tube '2 and connected to the rear ends of bar 00, so that when the head is pushed backward spring 2 is compressed,

and when the head is released the spring pushes the head forward, as will be obvious from the drawings. I

The coupling-head has a female part A and a male part A The parts A A spring from a common body and lie side by side, and part A of one head will fit pretty accurately into part A of the opposite head. The outer end of part A is flaring, as shown, and the outer end of part-A is provided with a hooked nose A ,"as shown. "The inner face of part A is straight, vertical, and smooth, so that when coupled the parts A of the couplers fit close against each other, Fig. 2. Part A is hollow, and within it is a transversely-movable j ointing-plug B, which has a beveledlug B on its outer side which normally. projects slightly beyond the outer face of part A throughan opening in the wall of the latter, Fig; 3. The jointing is normally pressed back by means of springs 13, fastened in the hollow part A above and below the plug and pressing against lugs B on the top and bottom of the plug, as shown. Through the plug is a passage B which extends from the inner side of the block around to the rear side thereof and either communicates with a short flexible pipe 0, which is tightly connected to a nipple B on the jointing-plug and to a nipple A at the base of and within the part A, as shown,

flange b extending inwardly from the edge of flange 11 These flanges flt into corresponding recesses in the jointing-plug and, constructed as shown and described, form a perfect gasket, which will prevent leakage of air around it and will withstand great pressure against flange b and be capable of more wear and give better service than the ordinary forms of gaskets heretofore employed. This gasket I consider very useful not only in the connection. shown,but in other fluid high-pressure jointings.

The nipple A communicates with a passage-Way A, that extends back through the shank of the head and communicates with a transverse passage A which is connected at one side of the head with the main pipe U of the ordinary fluid-pressure brake system or heating system. At the other side of the head passage A is connected to a short pipe Y, which is provided with an ordinary fluidpressure hand coupling-head y. This latter is to be used only in case of breakage of the automatic coupling or when the opposite car is not provided with the automaticcouplings. Passage A is provided with a hand-valve A, by which communication with pipe Y is ordinarily closed.

An automatically-operated valve D is placed in passage A intermediate part A and passage A this valve having an angular plate D on its upper end, against the edge of which presses a spring D which is adapted to insure the full opening or closing of the valve and holds it so. To one corner of said plate, at the side opposite spring D is pivoted the inner end of a valve-rod E, which extends forward through a suitable passage '11 in the head, Figs. 2, 4, and 5, its front end overlying the socket in the inner end of part A, as shown, and being provided with a hook E, which is adapted to engage with the hooked nose A of part A of an opposite coupling when it enters part A. When rod E is fully drawn out, Fig. 4, its hooked end rides upon a bevel a at the front end of passage a, causing it to disengage the nose A at the proper time as it is being drawn outward by the latter. A slot a in the bottom of passage a permits the hook Ct to engage with the nose A On the inner end and upper side of rod E is a rearwardly-beveled lug E, for a purpose hereinafter explained.

Attached to the under side of rod E and depending therefrom through slot a is a pin E, which engages a slotted lug e on the rear end of a slide 6, which is fitted close to the inner face of part A and is upheld and guided by means of flanges e resting and guided in slots e in the face of part A Figs. 4 and 9, or the plate may be attached to the face of part A in any desired manner, so that it fits neatly thereagainst and can slide freely. Preferably the face of part A is recessed, as indicated in Fig. 2, so that when the coupling is effected and the plate moved back as far as it can go it is out of the way.

The main body of the plate is thin and flat and one of its uses is to serve as a valve for closing the opening in the jointing-plug B when the heads are uncoupled, thus preventing dust entering and clogging the air-passage. When the heads are uncoupled, Fig. 3, the plate e projects over the opening in jointing-plug B and is held thereagainst by means of the pin E pressing against the lug e, as is evident from the drawings. When the heads come together in coupling,however,

the nose A strikes lugc and pushes plate e backward, thereby, through pin E forcing rod E backward and opening valve D, as hereinafter described.

A spring E is placed in passage a over rod E, so as to press the outer end of the latter down toward the lug e and nose A3, then engage therewith, thus preventinghook E disengaging the nose until hook E strikes bevel a.

F designates a rod lying beside rod E in a recess a in the top of part A and projecting slightly beyond the center line of the jointing-plug B or beyond the. rod E. (See Figs. 4 and 5.) This rod is pushed outwardly by a strong coiled spring F, surroundingitwithin recess a The inner end of rod F is bent down, so as to lie close to plate D, and in it is formed a wide V-notch, the opposite sides F F of the notch forming wedges, for the purpose hereinafter explained. The inner extremity of rod F is provided with a lug F which is adapted to be engaged by a bevel f on a verticallymovable bar f, lying in a vertical opening in the head at one side of passage A and in front of valve A, as shown. The upper end of rod f is connected by a balland-socket joint f to the lower end of a rod G, which extends up throngha guide-bracket Z depending from bar Z, Fig. 2. The rod G also extends through a slotted clutch g, hinged to a clip or ring g, firmly secured to the lower end of the locking-pin W of the draw-bar W, below which the head A is suspended. These parts are so arranged that when the locking-pin W is raised, so as to release the locking-hook of the coupling W, clutch g grips rod G and pulls it up and with it bar f, which will cause bevel f to engage lug F of rod F and pull the rod backward if the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 2.

H designates a stiff flat spring lying athwart and above plate D and the inner end of rod F in position to be engaged by the lug E on the inner end of rod E when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 2. The function of spring H is to automatically open valve D in case of breakage of the couplings W or their pulling loose from the cars and the consequent pulling apart of heads A. The function of rod F is to keep spring H out of operative position, except in case of accident This will be hereinafter explained.

Operation: Two opposite coupling-heads are suspended beneath two opposite drawbars, the position of the interior parts of the heads A A being well indicated in Fig. 3.

' As the cars come together the male parts A of the heads coincide with and enter the female parts A, and the noses A striking lugs 6, push plates 6 back with rods E, thereby turning plates D so as to open valves D. Simultaneously thejointing-plugs B B come opposite each other, and the lugs B, striking the flaring sides of the parts A, are forced inward toward each other, making an airtight joint between the gaskets b, so that air passes from one head to the other. Simultaneously also rodsF F strike each other and are both forced slightly backward,so that their lugs F lie above the bevels f of bars f, the parts then being in the position shown in Fig. 2 and air circulating freely therethrough. "lhespring H,.it will be observed, then lies in v the bottom of the notch in rod F and in front of lug E of rod E. Now if it is desired to uncouple the cars pin W, say,.of thelefthand coupling is lifted, releasing the locking-hooks of couplings W and at same time lifting barf, whose bevel f catches lug F of rod F and pulls said rod tothe left, so as to cause wedge F to pass under spring H and lift it up out of the way of lug E or rod E, so that the latter can pull the valve closed as the heads separate. left-hand coupler-head A allows rod F in the right-hand head to be moved outwardbyits spring F so that spring II in said. lefthand head is raised by its wedge F so as not to interfere with the free outward movement of its rod E,.which,closes the valve in the.

right-hand head. As the heads separate,

7 therefore, under these circumstances nosehooks A engage hooks E, causing rods E to close valves D and plates e to close the jointing-plugs B B, which are separated instantly by the action of springs B". When thelocking-pin WV and rod f drop, rod F is freed from bar f and the parts are ready to couple again. Supposing the. parts in the position shown in Fig. 2 once more and that the draw-bars break loose or some accident causes one car to break. away from the other, the

rods E will be pulled outward before orsimulon rods E will catch the springs H and ten-;

sion them, and as soon as hooks E are disengaged from noses A by the bevels a springs.

This pull of rod F in the H will throw rods E back, opening the valves D and thus applying the brakes to the cars or train automatically.

Thus the coupling is automatic in coupling, in uncoupling, and in applying the brakes in case of accidental breaking apart of the train I locking heads, each having a female portion and a hollow male portion, a jointing-plug in the male portion, springs for moving the j oint ing-plug outward; an air-passage in the head a valve in-said air-passage and a rod for operating said valve projecting forward in the female portion and adapted-to engage the end of the male portion of theopposite coupling so as to open the valve when the heads interlock, and. so as to close the valves when the .heads disengage; and means for disengaging saidrod from the male portion of the heads after the valve-is closed, substantially as and for the purpose described.

2. In an automatic fluid-pressure coupling, the combination of the opposite similar interlooking heads each having a male and female portion substantially as described; an air-v passage in the male portion, a jointing-plug in the male portion communicating with said air-passage, a rotary valve in said passage, a hooked rod for turning said valve projecting ,into the female portion and adapted to engage V .a hookon the .end of the male portion of the opposite coupling; and a bevel for causing the rod to disengage .the male portion. after the valve is closed, substantially as and for the purpose described. v

. 3.- In an automatic fluid-pressure coupling, the combination of. the opposite similar interlocking heads, each having a hollow male portion, a. jointing-plug in the male portion-,-

springs for moving the j ointing-plug outward, a flexible pipeconnection between the jointing-plugs and air-passage in the head; a valve in said air-passage; and a rod for operating said valve projecting forward in thefemale portion and adapted to engage the end of the male portion of the opposite coupling so asto open the valve when the heads interlock, and so as to close the valves when. the heads disengage; and means for disengaging said rod from the male portion of the heads after the valve is closed; and means for separating the jointing-plugs.laterally, as the heads separate, all substantially asand for the purpose set forth.

4.. In an automatic fluid-pressure coupling, the combination of the interlockingheads, the air-passages therein, the valves in said-passages, and means for operating said valves substantially as described; with asliding plate or valve adapted to close. the outlet of the air-passage in the-heads when. they are. disconnected to prevent the entrance .of

dust, &c., substantially as and for the purpose described.

5. In an automatic fluid-pressure coupling the combination of the interlocking heads, each having a male and female portion substantially as described, an air-passage in the male portion, a jointing-plug in the male por' tion communicating with the air-passage, a valve in said air-passage and means for operating said valve; with a sliding valve or cover for the outlet in the jointing-plug, means for moving it out of the way when the heads are coupled, and for moving it back to place when the heads are disengaged ,substantially as described.

6. In an automatic fluid-pressure coupling the combination of the opposite similar interlocking heads, each having ahollow male portion communicating with the air-passage, a valve in said air-passage, a sliding cover for the outlet of the air-passage, and connections between said cover and valve whereby when the valve is opened the cover is withdrawn, substantially as and for the purpose described.

7. In an automatic fluid-pressure coupling, the combination of the interlocking similar heads each having a hollow male portion, a j ointing-plug therein communicating with the air-passage in the body of the head, a main valve in said passage, a sliding valve or cover for the outlet of the plug; a sliding rod for operating said main valve having a pin engaging a slotted lug in said cover, whereby when the valve is opened the cover is drawn out of the way, all substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

8. In an automatic fluid-pressure coupling, the combination of the opposite similar interlocking heads each having a male and female portion substantially as described, an air-passage in the male portion, a jointing-plug in the male portion communicating with said air-passage, a rotary valve in said passage, a hooked rod for turning said valve projecting into the female portion and adapted to engage a hook on the end of the male portion of the opposite coupling; and a bevel for causing the rod to disengage the male portion after the valve is closed; with avalve for closing the outlet of the jointing-plug, and connections substantially as described, between said cover-valve and the said rod, all substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

9. In an automatic fluid-pressure coupling, the combination of the head provided with an air-passage, a valve therein a rod for operating said valve adapted to be actuated by the opposite head substantially as described, a spring adapted to open said valveif the heads are pulled apart accidentally, and means substantially as described, for keeping said spring out of action while the parts are in normal condition, for the purpose and substantially as described.

10. In an automatic fluid-pressure coupling, the combination of the head provided with an air-passage, a valve therein, mechanism for opening and closing said valve automatically by the action of the opposite head in coupling and uncoupling; with means substantially as described, for automatically opening said valve if the heads are pulled apart because of accident, substantially as and for the purpose described.

11. In an automatic fluid-pressure coupling, the combination of the head provided with an air-passage, a valve therein, mechanism for opening and closing said valve automatically by the action of the opposite head in coupling and uncoupling; with means substantially as described, for automatically opening said valve if the heads are pulled apart because of accident, and means substantiall y as described for keeping said means out of operative position when the parts are in normal working condition, for the purpose and substantially as described.

12. In an automatic fluid-pressure coupling, the combination of the opposite similar heads each having a hollow male portion provided with an air-passage, a valve therein,

the hooked rod as E for operating said valve adapted to be actuated by the opposite head; a spring H adapted to open said valve should the heads he accidentally pulled apart; a rod F adapted to prevent said spring engaging rod E when the parts are in normal working condition or relation; and a vertically-movable bar f, adapted to engage and shift rod F so as to cause it to throw spring H out of operative position when the devices are to be uncoupled in ordinary working, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

13. In an automatic fluid-pressure coupling, the combination of the coupling-head having an air-passage, a rotary valve therein, a rod as E for operating said valve, a spring H adapted to engage rod E to open said valve; and a rod as Flying beside rod E and adapted to prevent spring H engaging the latter, for the purpose and substantially as described.

14:. In an automatic fluid-pressure coupling, the combination of the coupling-head having an air-passage, a rotary valve therein, a rod as E for operating said valve, a spring H adapted to engage rod E to open said valve; and a rod as F lying beside rod E and adapted to prevent spring H engaging the latter; and the beveled bar f adapted to shift rod F so as to cause it to control spring H as described; with the locking-pin of the draft draw-bar, the clutch pivoted thereto, and the rod sliding through said clutch and connected to bar f, whereby bar f is raised with the lockingpin, all substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

15. The combination of the head having hollow male portion A and female portion A, with the spring-retracted plug B in part A, a flexible connection between said plug and an air-passage in the body of the head, the valve D in said air-passage, the plate D and hooked rod E for operating said valve,

all substantially as and for the purpose described.

16..The combination. of the ,head having hollow male portion'A and female portion A, with the spring-retracted 'plug B in part A, a flexible connection between said plug and an air-passage in the body of the head,

the Valve D in said air-passage, the plate D and hooked rod E for operating said valve; with the sliding cover-valve 6, having lug e engaged by a pin on rod E, an substantially as and for the purpose described.

17. The combination of the head having hollow male portion A and female portion A,vwith the spring-retracted plug B in part A, a flexible connection between said..plug and an air-passage in the bodyfof the head,

the valve D in said air-passage, the plateD" and hooked rod E'for operating said valve; with the spring H, the double-beveled rod F for throwing said spring out of engagement with rod E, and means for operating rod F, all

substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

18. The combination of the head having hollowmale portion A and female portion A, with the spring-retracted Y plug B in part A, a flexible connection between said plug and an air-passage in the body of the head, I

19. Theherein-described packing-ring b,-

having lateral flanges 19 provided with flaring flange 19 for the purpose and substantially as described. 1

20. The herein-described packing-ring b,

' for the purpose described, having lateral flanges 1), 17 at its ends, and a flaring flange b on the edge of flange 12 substantially as described.

121. The combination of the draw-bar, the plate Z suspended thereunder, the, pair of swingingshackles X, X, suspended from said plate, the bars a: connecting the shackles, the

telescoping plunger and tube connecting bars 00 to the. plate, and the cushioning-spring in the tube; with the fluid-pressure coupling supported in said shackles, and the bolts X thereon engaging slots X in the front shackle,

all substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

i122; The combination of the opposite heads Aeach' having a hollow male portion as A and. female portion as A substantially as describedpa valve D in the hollow passage in part A an angular plate D on the Valve D,

and aspring D pressing against the edge of said plate for throwing and holding the valve fnllyjopen or closed, all substantially as described.v

- 23. The combination of the head having hollow male portion A and female portion A, with the spring-retracted plug B in part A, a flexible connection between said plug and an air-passage in the body of the head,

the valve D in said air-passage, the plate D andhooked rod E for operating said Valve,

and the spring D bearing against the edge of said plate to throw and hold the valve fully open or-clo'sed,'all substantially as and for the purpose described.

111 testimony that I claim the foregoing as.

my own I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM J. PUGH.

In presence of- J. I-LVAIL, WM. N. WALLACE.

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