US772735A - Throw-rail for combined third and traction rail switching systems. - Google Patents

Description

PATENTED OCT. 18, 1904.

- J. H. MORGAN. THROW RAIL 'FOR COMBINED'THIR'D- AND TRACTION RAIL SWITCHING SYSTEM S- APPLICATION H v LED APR. 16, 1904. yfl

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l uunnclununnnnunf Patented October is, 15504.

PATENT OFFICE.

' JOHN H.'MORGAN, 'OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

THROW-RAIL FORCOMBINED THIRD ANDTRACTlON RAIL SWITCHING SYSTEMS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No.v772,735, dated October 18, 1904.

Application filed April 16, 1904- To aZZ whom it may concern. I

Be it known that I, JOHN H. MORGAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago,

. systems.

in the county of Cook and State of Illinois,

have invented a new and useful Improvement,

in Throw-Rails for Combined Third and Traction Rail Switching Systems, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to throw-rails for combined third and traction rail switching The object of the invention is to provide a construction of throw-rail for combined third and traction rack rail systems which is simple in construction and eflicient in operation and whereby the truck may be switched from one track to another and the traction-gear carried by the truckmaintained in efiicient conducting and traction engagement with the tractlon -'rack durlng the switching move.v

ments. e

Other objects of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter.

The invention consists, substantially, in the construction, comblnatlon, location,. and arrangement of parts, all as will be more fully throw-rail embodying the principles of my invention as applied to a. main track and a single switch therefrom. Fig. 2 is a similar "View showing the application of a form of throw-rail embodying my invention as applied" to athree-way switching system. Fig. 3 is a view in top plan of a form of throw-rail detached and embodying the principles of my invention. Fig. Iis adetail view, in transverse section, on the line 4: I, Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows;- f

The same part is designated by the same reference-sign wherever it occurs throughout 1 the several views.

In the operation of a combined third an traction rack rail haulage system wherein the rack-rail performs the double function of a Serial No. 203,466. (No model.)

conductor and a traction-rack and in order to permit of the use of such a rack-rail. and especially at the junction of a branch or connecting line or a crossover it is desirable to. make provision for a constant engagement of the driving-gear on the truck with the combined thirdv and traction rack while passing over the switch or from one track to another. Usually a fixed traction-rack is employed for each pair of track-rails, whether such track-rails are the main track-rails or track-v rails of a branch or switch therefrom, and in order to secure the continuity of the combinedconductor at the switch or turnout it has been proposed in Patent No. 753,802, issued March 1, 1904:, to E. 0. Morgan, to employ a combined third and traction rack made in sections, whereby such sections may be be shifted into and out of proper position to constitute continuity of the traction-rack. In

this instance, however, a pivoted section of traction-rack is provided for each pair of track-rails, the pivoted section for the main track-rails being shifted out of operative relation and the pivoted section of the switching track-rack beingshifted into operating relation when the truck is to proceed. from the main track to the switch track, and vice versa. The present invention relates to devices of this nature and resides particularly in the construction of throw-rails employed other by reference-sign C, asillustrating the niode of application of my invention. Asso-.

ciated with the main track-rails A is a combined third and traction rack D, and associated with the switch track-rails B is a combined third and traction rack E, and associated with the switch track-rails C is a combined third and traction rack F. here a switch or turnout occurs, however, a gap is provided between the proximate ends of adjacant portions of the traction-rack D of the main trackrails, so as to enable a truck to pass from the main track-rails to the switch track-rails and along the latter without interference from the traction-rack, and, similarly, the branch or switch track-sections E F of the tractionrack terminate outside of the main trackrails A for the same purposenamely, to permit the truck-wheels to pass along the main track-rails A without interference from the traction-rack of the switch-tracks.

In accordance with the principles of my invention I propose to employ a single pivoted section of combined third and traction rack and to provide the same with one or more rows of engaging rack-teeth for the traction-gear on the truck or locomotive, according to the number of turnouts or switches with which such pivoted section is associated, so as to enable the same or a single pivoted section of combined third and traction rack to be thrown into position to afford continuity of traction-rack for any one or more main and switch tracks. This pivoted section of combined third and traction rack is indicated generally in Fig. 1 by reference-sign Gr and in Fig. 2 by reference-sign G, said sections being pivoted, as at H, adjacent to the end of one of the main-track-rack portions D, and I provide this pivoted section with two or more rows of perforations or teeth for cooperative engagement with the teeth of the traction-gears, according to the number of switch-tracks, one of such rows of perforations or teeth cooperating with the tractionrack of the main track and others adapted to be brought into cooperative relation with respect to the traction racks of the switchtracks. Inasmuch as the switch-tracks are ordinarily curved to form the turnout from the main tracks, it becomes necessary to form the line of perforations or rack-teeth of the pivoted section of traction-rack to the curvature of the switch-tracks. one pair of switch-tracks only is provided, as shown in Fig. 1, I provide the pivoted section Gr of the combined third and traction rack with two rows of teeth or perforations, one being a straight row, as indicated at J, adapted to be brought into alinement with the main-track-rack portions D and the other line of perforations or rack-teeth (indicated at K) being on a curve corresponding to the curvature of the switch track-rails B, and, similarly, where two switch-tracks B C are employed, as in Fig. 2, the combined third and traction rack section G is provided with three lines of perforations or teeth, the one or central line (indicated at J) being a straight line or row and adapted to be brought into alinement with the sections D of the main track when it is desired that the truck or Therefore where locomotive shall proceed along the main trackrails. The section G is also provided with the curved line of perforations or rack-teeth K, corresponding to the curvature of the switching track-rails B and adapted to he brought into register with respect to the [rartion-seetion E of such switching track-rails I) when it is desired that the truck shall proceed from the main track rails A to the switching track-rails B, and, similarly, the pivoted section G is provided with the curved line of perforations or rack-teeth (indicated at L) adapted to be brought into register with the traction-rack F of the switch-track C when it is desired that the locomotive or truck shall proceed along such switching track-rails, as indicated in the dotted-line positions.

In Figs. 8 and 4 I have shown a specilic construction of the pivoted section and embodying the principles of my invention wherein the traction-rack proper comprises a. plate (indicated at M) the ends of which are received in grooves or seats formed to receive the same in insulating-stringers N, the edges of the rack-plate M being secured in the seats in the opposed faces of stringers N in any suitable or convenient manner as, for instance, by the securing devices indicated at 0, Fig. 4c. The plate M is perforated, as indicated, to impart thereto the character of the rack, as indicated at J, K, and L. If desired, insulating-strips P may be secured in any convenient manner as, for instance, by means of securing devices Q--- to the rackplate between the rows or lines of perforations or rackteeth formed in such plate and so as to eiiiciently protect against accidental contact with such rack when it is employed as a conductor. Instead of the lines or rows of perforations J K I extending the entire length of the pivoted section of traction-rack said lines or rows extend for only a portion of the length of such section, such section being provided at each end of the lines or rows of perforations J K L with slots or teeth (indicated at R) of decreasing length transversely of the rack toward the extreme end of such rack and which enlarged slots or openings permit ofthe engagement therewith of the traction-gears of the truck as such gears initially advance along such rack, thereby permitting the switch-points S of the switch-tracks to direct the locomotive or truck along the desired switch-track from the main track before the traction-gears reach the particular line of rack teeth J, K, or L corresponding with the particular track along which the locomotive or truck is to progress. In this manner the enlarged transverse slots or openings or teeth R cooperate with each of the lines or rows of rack-teeth or perforations, and in case of a three-way throw-rail, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, cl provide the rack-section, at the extreme free end thereof, withthe transverse line of openings opening B adapted to form the first pivoted section-opening in cooperation with switch track-rack D, A forming the first pivoted section to cooperate with switch track-rack E, and O forming the first pivoted sectionopening cooperating with switch traclerack. F. Immediately following the transverse row of rack-openings A B C, at the extreme free end thereof, such rack-section is provided with a series of transverse slots or openings D'of decreasing length transversely of the track-rack before the series of transverse slots or openings R are reached, counting from right to left in Fig. 2, the series D ta.

pering. to meet the taper of the series R of the openings until finally a single slot or open.- ing E is attained which is of standard-width or area. If desired and in order to efficiently insulate the three way throw-rail constructed as above described-at the point where the series R and D occur, flanking pieces of insulating material, such .aswood, F may be employed. (See Fig. '3.)

From the foregoingdescription it will be observed that I provide anexceedingly simple throw-rail which is efficiently insulated and wherein eflicient protection is afforded against accidental contact and wherein in a single 'throw-rallprovlslon is made for effecting continuity of traction-rack along a main track or one or more branch or switch tracks and wherein the lines of rack-teeth in the throwrail conform to the curvature of or pathtraversed by the truck when proceeding along the switch-tracks.

Having now set forth the object and natureof my invention and various forms of construction embodying the principles thereof, what I claim as new and useful and of myv own invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A throw-rail for combined third and traction rack rail switching systems having av plurality of rows or. lines of perforations or rack-teeth, as and for the purpose set forth.

2. The combination with main and switch track-rails and traction-.racksfor each pair of rails, of a throw-rail section of traction-rack having a plurality of rows or lines of perforationsyor rack-teeth, each line or row of such perforations or teeth adapted to bebronght rows ofrack-teeth'or openings, each adapted to be brought into register with the tractionrack of a corresponding pair of rails,.as and for the. purpose set forth.

4. The combination with main or switch track-rails, and a traction-rack for each pair of such rails, of a single throw-rail having lines or rows of rack-teeth or openings, each adaptedto be brought into register with the traction-rack of a corresponding pair of rails, thelines of perforations or teeth corresponding to the traction-rack of a switch-track being curved to conform to the curvature of the switch-track rails, as and for the purpose set forth.

5. The combination with main and switch track-rails, and a traction-rack for each pair of rails, said traction-racks having gaps therein at the switch or turnout, of asingle throwrail pivotally connected at one end and having a plurality of lines or rows of openings or perforations forming rack-teeth, each adapted to be brought into registering relation at the free end of such throw-rail with a corresponding traction-rack portion of the main switchtracks, as and for the purpose set forth.

6. A throw-rail for combined third and traction rack rail switching systems, comprising a plate having perforations forming racks teeth formed thereinand arranged in independent rows or lines'lengthwise of such plate, as and for the purpose set forth.

7. A throw-rail for combined third and traction rack railswitching systems, comprising a plate havlng perforations or openings therethrough arranged in lines, and insulatingstringers between which said plate is received, as and for the purpose set forth.

8. A throw-rail for combined third and traction rack rail switching systems, comprising a plate having rows of perforations or openings therethrough, in combination with stringers having seats or grooves formed in the opposed edges thereof toreceive the edges of'such plate,.and means for securing such plate in said stringers, as and for the purpose set forth.

9. A throw-rail. for combined third and traction rack rail switching systems, comprising a plate having rows of perforations or openings therethrough, insulating-stringers between which said plate is secured, and insulating-strips carried by said plate between adjacent rows of perforations, as and for the purpose set forth.

- 10. A throw-rail for combined third and traction rack rail switching systems, comprising a plate having openings or perforations therethrough arranged in lines extend ing lengthwise of such plate, and a series of transverse slots oropenings at the ends of such rows of perforations, said transverse slots or openings being of decreasing length "trans-j verse of such, plate toward the ends of such plate, as and for the purpose set forth.

11. A. throw-rail for combined third an traction rack rail switching systems, comprising a plate having openings or perforations therethrough and arranged in lines ex- IIO tending lengthwise of such plate, one of such rows being a straight row and the others being curved, as and for the purpose set forth.

12. A throw-rail for combined third and traction rack rail switching systems, comprising a plate having rows of perforations or openings extending lengthwise thereof, said plate having a transverse row of perforations or openings at one of the extreme ends thereof, as and for the purpose set forth.

13. A throw-rail for combined third and traction rack rail switching systems, comprising a plate having perforations or openings therethrough arranged in lines or rows extending lengthwise thereof, and having transverse slots or openings intermediate the ends of such lines or rows of perforations and the end of such plate, said transverse slots or openings being of increasing length transverse of the plate in opposite directions from a central point, as and for the purpose set forth.

14. A throw-rail for combined third and traction rack rail switching systems, comprising a plate having perforations or openings therethrough arranged in lines or rows extending lengthwise of such plate, and having at one end transversely-extending slots or openings, and insulating flanking pieces on opposite sides of such transverse slots, as and for the purpose set forth.

15. A throw-rail for combined third and traction rack rail switching systems, comprising a plate having perforations or openings therethrough arranged in lines extending lengthwise of said plate, such lines beginning near one end of such plate and crossing each other at a point near the opposite end of such plate, as and for the purpose set forth.

16. A throw-rail for combined third and traction rack rail switching systems, comprising a plate having perforations or openings arranged in lines extending in straight and curved lines extending lengthwise of said plate, said lines of perforations commencing at one end of such plate and meeting and crossing each other at a point near the opposite end of such plate and extending beyond said crossing-point and to the end of the plate, as and'for the purpose set forth.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this 12th day of April, 1904, in the presence of the subscribing witnesses.

JOHN ll. MORGAN.

\Vitnesses:

GEO. E. LYNCH, Guonen 1C. AnAMs.

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