Improved Apparatus for Scouring Rivers, Docks, and the like.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 18th June, 1891
Complete Specification Left, 16th Mar., 1892-Accepted, 30th Apr., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Apparatus for Scouring Rivers, Docks, and the like.
IRVINE ROSS Pier Head St. Katharine Docks London Dock Master do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention consists of an improved apparatus by means of which, mud or
other substance deposited upon the bottom of docks, or other waters leading into.
tidal waters may be stirred up and shifted, so as to be carried away by the action.
of the tide in a more effectual manner than by any existing appliances.
The apparatus consists of a cylindrically shaped cage or framework of metal or
other suitable substance carrying a series of stirrers,-and is itself suspended, from
a framework of metal or other suitable substance affixed to a barge or other
suitable vessel.
The cylindrical cage is revolved by means of gearing in such manner that the
stirrers upon its surface are turned round with a forward or reverse motion.
The apparatus can be worked by steam or other power with or without connection.
with any propelling power moving the barge or vessel to which it is fitted.
Dated this 18th day of June 1891.
IRVINE ROSS.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Apparatus for Scouring Rivers, Docks, and the like.
I, IRVINE Ross, late of Pier Head, St. Katharine's Dock, London, now
residing at Dockmaster's House, Pier Head, Royal Victoria Docks, London,.
Dockmaster, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
This invention consists of an improved apparatus, by the means of which, mud
deposits, sand or other earth is stirred up and shifted in tidal and other waters-so
as to clear docks, rivers, river bars or any other body of water so obstructed.
For the purpose of particularly describing my said invention reference is made
to the accompanying drawing :-
"P
Fig. 1. represents a part side elevation of a boat fitted with the apparatus.
Fig. 2. represents a front elevation of a boat fitted up with the apparatus.
The said apparatus consists of a cage or skeleton drum, shewn by A A Figs. 1
& 2. made of wood, iron, or other suitable metal, of any section, and has fitted upon
its periphery a number of spades or cutters B. B. Figs. 1 and 2, these spades or
cutters can be made in any shape or design suitable for the purpose, and can be
made in metal or any other suitable material, thus enabling the apparatus to
effectually remove the various kinds of substances whether hard or soft that it has
to contend with.
These spades or cutters can be fitted in parallel lines as shown, or can be placed
helically around the surface of the drum.
The drum A. A. A. A. revolves upon a shaft C. Fig. 2. which has its bearings.
in two arms or stretchers D. D. Figs. 1 and 2. by which it is suspended from a top
shaft F. at any required angle.
The shaft F. is revolved by the rigger G. driven by the engines of the boat, or
an independent engine, or by any other motive power attached to a boat, barge or
platform, causing the wheels E. E. to revolve and by means of chains H. H., bands,
cranked rods or other suitable means of gearing, to revolve and set in motion the

page_text: cage or skeleton drum A. A. by either a forward or reverse motion; this cage or
skeleton drum can be lowered or raised to or from its work at any required depth
to stir and shift mud deposits, sand or other earth required to be removed.
With regard to the drum I do not confine myself to the exact details shewn in
the drawing, or to any particular construction of drum, since the latter may be
varied without departing from the peculiar feature of my said invention. An
helical shaped apparatus attached to a shaft will answer the purpose of a drum.
The said drum can take other forms.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
The combination of a revolving drum with gearing, which drum can be varied.
as above described, having spades or cutters fixed upon its periphery, or spades or
cutters of any form attached to a revolving axle, lowered down to the bed of the
water and set working by gearing from above-in either a forward or reverse
motion.
Dated this the 1
1
1
IRVINE ROSS.