550 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



In the year 1839, a plan was proposed and a patent obtained in 

 England, by Mr. Curtis, the principal features of which were as 

 follows : A shoe was hung in front of the wheels of the engine 

 which, when the engineman wished to stop the train, he pressed 

 forward a lever which pressed the shoe against the wheel and on 

 the track at the same time. In 1843 a patent was issued to Mr. 

 Davies for an improved brake, which was to apply clogs or shoes 

 to the wheels as we do now, but the manner of application was a 

 little peculiar. On the frame work of the truck were eight arms 

 something like a letter S. The principal feature of this plan was 

 to press the shoes on both sides of the wheel uniformly, avoiding 

 all strains on the axle. In 1845, a plan was made and patent 

 issued to Mr. Thornton, for a self-acting brake, but it was opera- 

 ted only by a separation of the train. There are many cases 

 where a device of this kind would be of great advantage, as where 

 a train uncouples, or when the engine runs oif; accidents of that 

 kind would be greatly mitigated by the use of such a device. 



In 1847, a patent was issued to Mr. Crawford, which was for 

 the attachment of a braking apparatus (actuated by atmosiDheric 

 pressure or a spiral spring) on one of the cars, the brake levers 

 of each car were connected with each other backward and for- 

 ward by a series of counter chains, pullies and levers; this appa- 

 ratus could be operated by means of a cord in the engine. 



In 1848, quite a number of patents were issued, among them 

 Mr. Chaplin's plan covering the tire of the wheels with belts of 

 skin or leather to make the clogs hold the wheels tighter. Rob- 

 ert Heath's plan was attaching a weight to a brake lever, which 

 the brakeman would release when required, a powerful applica- 

 tion of the brakes for the purpose of assisting him. Lister's plan 

 was to provide an air pump, and cylinder and piston to each car. 

 George Taylor's plan was to have a block of wood with the 

 grain endways press against the rail, the brake lever being at- 

 tached to it. Hepbun's plan was also the same with a different 

 modiiication of the levers. Crane's plan was a block or shoe 

 held in front of the wheels and let down on the track, and the 

 wheels of the car running on it stopping the wheels and sliding 

 the blocks or shoe along with the car. 



Burnett's plan was next, which was to attach to the bumper or 

 what we call draw head (which was to be made with a spring to 

 allow it to draw out to the same length) a rod of wood or iron 

 which, when the engine was reversed, the momentum of the cars 

 pressed the brakes against the wheels, this would apply^the brakes 



