IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BREAK WATERS, AND IN CONSTRUCTING AND ERECTING LIGHTHOUSES AND BEACONS, FIXED AND FLOATING, AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH, AND ALSO IN ANCHORS FOR MOORING THE SAME, WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO SHIPS AND VESSELS
Year: 1843

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, Sir SAMUEL
BROWN, Knight of the Royal Hanoverian Guelphic Order, Commander in
Her Majesty's Royal Navy, of Blackheath, in the County of Kent, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at
Westminster, the Twenty-seventh day of March, in the sixth year of Her reign,
did. for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
Sir Samuel Brown, Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and authority,
that 1, the said. Sir Samuel Brown, my exors, admors, and assigns, or such
others as I, the said Sir Samuel Brown, my exors, admors, or assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
during the term of years therein expressed should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-
upon-Tweed, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF BREAK
WATERS, AND IN CONSTRUCTING AND ERECTING LIGHTHOUSES AND BEACONS, FIXED
AND FLOATING, AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH, AND ALSO IN ANCHORS
FOR MOORING THE SAME, WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO SHIPS AND VESSELS;" in which
said Letters Patent is contained a proviso, that 1, the said Sir Samuel Brown,
shall cause a particular description of the nature of my said Invention, and in
[Price 8d.1

page_text: what manner the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in Her said Majesty's
High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same,
reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Sir Samuel Brown, do hereby declare the nature of my Invention, and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, are particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to
the Drawing hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon,
that is to say:-
My Invention consists in improvements in the construction of breakwaters,
and in constructing and erecting lighthouses and beacons, fixed and floating,
and in apparatus connected therewith, and also in anchors of a peculiar con-
struction for mooring the same, which are also applicable to other vessels.
The floating breakwater is wholly composed of wrought-iron bars or plates,
partly angle iron, six inches vertical and four inches base, and bars or plates six
inches wide, both a quarter of an inch thick; and wrought-iron framing in the
interior, of various dimensions.
Figure 1 is a perspective elevation of a section of the floating breakwater,
one hundred feet in length, twenty feet in breadth on the upper side, ten feet
in depth in the front opposed to the waves, and twenty feet in depth at the
inner elevation sheltered from the sea. A are the longitudinal bars of the
upper side, which are angle L-iron, securely rivetted over the cross bars B
obliquely, in diamond squares of two feet apart. When completed it will form
an angle with the water line, when perfectly tranquil, of about thirty degrees,
the depth immersed being eight feet. The vertical elevations also of the bottom
and sides are constructed of flat bars, six inches by a quarter of an inch
thick, crossing each other at right angles in oblong squares of about eighteen
inches.
Figure 2 is a sectional elevation of the same. A, A, the angle bars rivetted
to B, C, C, C, are diagonal shores supporting the longitudinal rafters or
joists of the top; D, D, strong horizontal iron beams, two inches square, ten
feet apart throughout the entire length, binding the outer and inner vertical
ribs; five of these beams project ten feet beyond the inner vertical side of the
breakwater, on the principle of ring post trusses, to strengthen the section
where the mooring bridles are shewn at E; G, G, G, G, are the ends of
square tanks or air-tight vessels, containing a sectional area in the interior
of nine square feet; they are fitted close between the beams D, D, and extend-
ing the whole length of the breakwater,

page_text: Figure 3, part of the longitudinal elevation of the inner or sheltered side
of the breakwater, shewing an open view of the truss and ring posis, and the
chain bridle passing through the breakwater, and secured to the throat of
the truss at H.
The fixed breakwater. hereafter described. is particularly adapted for the
formation of refuge or asylum harbours, either in the vicinity or in connection
with sand banks or other shoals, being also applicable for various other situations
which are at present exposed to the violence of the sea. These breakwaters
may either be constructed of iron or timber, the former is preferable; it must
be preserved from oxidation, either by the galvanic process of zinc, recently
discovered, or by the electro-magnetic process of copper; and if constructed of
timber it may be effectually preserved from the effects of worms or marine
animalcula by a preparation of Messieurs Payne; there are also various other
methods which have been lately discovered and successfully adopted for pre-
servation of timber in all situations. The breakwater would be constructed in
a series of lengths, which will be laid down end to end, either in a straight
continuous line or in a curved line, according to the locality. The number.
extent, and dimensions of these divisions may be varied according to the nature
of the locality, but as a general rule the following will be found the most
advantageous:-
Figure 4 is a perspective elevation of part of a section, shewing the front
which intercepts. the waves, and the upper side forming the inclined plane or
artificial beach. The bottom, which is not visible in the perspective view, is
constructed of longitudinal and transverse wrought-iron plates or bars crossing
each other obliquely and forming diamond squares or openings of four feet.
Figure 5 is a front elevation of the section, which is exposed to the sea in
the present instance; the depth in calm water spring tides is sixteen feet, so
that the upper edge is elevated two feet above the water line: it is constructed
of vertical bars, four feet apart, the lower ends are bent over thus
.
5.
to which the ends of the transverse bottom bars are strongly rivetted. The
longitudinal bars extend in parallel lines the whole length of the elevation.
three feet apart, except the lower line, which is only eighteen inches apart for
the purpose of retaining rock, stones, or other heavy material that may be
deposited therein, to increase its solidity. The whole of the bars employed in
the construction of this section are rivetted to each other wherever they
impinge, and the ends are all bent over, overlapping each other wherever
they terminate, as shewn in the Diagrams,

page_text: Figure 6 is a sectional elevation shewing the gradient or inclined plane of
the artificial beach, also the principal parts of the interior construction. P is
one of the sloping beams or girders, the end bent over and rivetted to one
of the bars of the inner elevation; there are five of those bars running
parallel to the upper bars, forming a series of tye beams, six feet apart, the
whole length of the section; H, H, are shores supporting the upper side of
the breakwater diagonally with the lower framing, and at right angles with the
upper beam or girder; I, I, is an end view of the angular bars which extend
the whole length of the section: the bases of these bars are rivetted to the
sloping beams, the vertical sides opposing the passage of the waves in succession;
J. K, are trusses and king posts completing the ends of the section, continued
throughout the whole length, ten feet apart.
The foregoing are the principal parts of the construction of the respective
sections of the breakwater: but there must necessarily be numerous minor
items and appliances in a work of such magnitude, which it would not be
possible to enumerate in the ordinary compass of a Specification, but which
any competent or intelligent builder would find no difficulty in adopting.. The
best situation for building either the floating or fixed breakwater would be in
a graving dock, because the floation or buoyancy might be tried and adjusted
previous to its being moved to its destination. The floating breakwater would
require no other buoyancy than the tanks, which constitute the integral
principle in its construction, and will only require to be transported by suitable
means to its destination: but the fixed breakwater will require to be floated
either with tanks, empty casks, or barges, or other suitable means. and towed
out by a steam vessel to its destination. The specific gravity of one section will
be about eighty tons on the falling tide, when it would take the ground on the
last quarter of the tide. the floats would then be disengaged, when it would
remain perfectly immoveable from its own specific gravity, without any addi-
tional weight whatever after it is in its place. The artificial beach is completed
by filling up the space between the upper and second sloping beam either
with fascine or turf, which will effectually subdue the waves, and render the
whole area of the roadstead or harbour perfectly tranquil.
Figure 7 is a curvilinear view of the floating breakwater in two open lines,
the sections being about twenty-five feet apart, and an opening between the
end of each section of about nine-tenths of its length, so that the sections of
the outer line will overlap the ends of the inner sections, with the exception
of the centre, which will have an opening of two hundred feet to admit of the
ingress and egress of ships and vessels, and which opening will be flanked or
shut in by two sections four hundred feet distant from the opening. K, K,

page_text: represents the ground mooring chain, two thousand feet in length. secured at
each end with anchors of suitable weight: in the present case the chain is two
inches diameter, secured at each end by single arm anchors of about four tons.
weight; and the sections are moored to the ground moorings by bridles of
chain, about one half the strength of the ground moorings, and each of the
extreme ends of the last section of the breakwater are moored to anchors
and chains of suitable length and weight in the same line of the breakwater,
to prevent the various sections from collapsing, and thus preserve their equi-
distance, as shewn in the Drawing at R. R. In some places, such as the mouth
of a harbour or buoy between two headlands or points, a straight line of
breakwater may be preferable, as well as other situations; where there is no
lateral shelter, a series of sections may be extended obliquely at one or both
ends, to afford the necessary protection from side winds. Both these observa-
tions will apply to the fixed breakwater, which instead of being laid down in
two open lines will be constructed in one line, either straight or curved, accord-
ing to the nature of the locality; and the various sections will be deposited as
close together as circumstances will admit of, as shewn in the Drawings.
Figure 8 is a Drawing of an improved annealed anchor. made of malleable
cast iron, which is particularly calculated for mooring breakwaters. and which
is also applicable for general use in ships and vessels of all classes: Fig. 8
shews the section of the shank I prefer for the anchor. In making anchors
according to this part of my Invention, the same is to be cast in malleable
cast iron, and is then annealed, as is well understood when annealing other
articles made of malleable cast iron.
The height and dimensions of the bronze or rather metallic column designed
for exhibition of sea lights, whether erected or insulated rocks, dry or shoal
water, sand banks, or other situations contiguous thereto, will vary according
to the depth of water and the nature of the foundations. The designs. now
delineated will serve as an example, with these modifications, for the 'con-
struction of lighthouses upon the same principle. wherever they are required.
Figure is an elevation of a metallic column lighthouse. suitable for a depth
of forty feet at low-water spring tides. The main diameter of the column will
be six feet; the average thickness of the metal of bronze or copper will he
half an inch, and if of wrought-iron plates. three-eighths of an inch. The
total height of the structure, from the base to the top of the dome, will be one
hundred and forty-four feet. A, face of a dioptric reflector of the first order,
visible twelve miles; B, trimming and implement room; C. present use stores:
D, light of the second altitude; E, revolving machinery; F., light of the third

page_text: altitude; G, provision and water for any desired time: H. oil tanks, to contain
one thousand gallons; I, sleeping room, with cots and other furniture; K.
kitchen, with cooking apparatus; L, gallery: M, coal room. Upper dotted
lines, high-water spring tides; lower dotted line, low-water spring tides. The
whole of this part of the shaft from low to high water is disposable for any
purpose. N down to O in the interior of the shaft, filled with clay. gravel, or
other material: P, courses of granite or other material closely packed in the
bottom, weighing about one hundred and fifty tons, to be deposited previous to
launching. When the lower part of the base is afloat, the joint will be
about ten feet above the float water line; this part of the structure will then be
transported to its destination and moored, and the rest of the joints will then
be brought on one after the other. until it has attained the height of Ti, when
a valve will be opened under the float line at low water, when the base will he
sunk to the bottom; the rest of the superstructure will be previously prepared.
and the lighthouse completed. R. R. are diagonal, vertical, and horizontal
stays in the interior to support the parabolic base.
Figure 2 is a metallic columnal lighthouse, adapted for the wolf or any other
insulated rock of similar description. The diameter of the parabolic base, where
it is bedded in the rock is eight feet, and it tapers from the termination of the
parabola to the top under the inverted cone to four feet; the average thickness of
the metal is the same as Figure 1. A. groove or channel for the rim of the base.
which is made in two segments to facilitate its entrance into the channel: when
in its place it will be united by nuts and screws: it may also, if deemed neces-
sary, be secured by Lewis bolts in the rock. The column or shaft of both these
lighthouses will be constructed in separate lengths or pieces of ten feet eleva-
tion, or any other convenient pieces; if the column is composed of cast metal,
these parts will be fixed to each other by flanches, joints, and screws: see
Drawing.
These columns may also be constructed of copper, bronze. or wrought
iron plates rivetted together in separate sheets, or in the most convenient lengths.
similar to the construction of boilers or the funnels of steam vessels, to which
these columnal lighthouses will bear a great resemblance; the habitable part of
the lighthouse must; under any circumstances, be constructed in this way. The
interior of this lighthouse will be in all respects the same as the fixed light-
house, Figure 1, above the high water; and the same machinery will be used
to produce the revolving and rotatory motion of the lights. The upper light, of the
first order, which I do not claim as any part of my Invention, revolves within
the lanthorn upon its own axis; the light of the second and third altitudes,

page_text: which are both included in my Invention, with the machinery, perform their
revolution by a rotatory motion outside of the column, by means of wheel and
pinion connected with the revolving machinery of the upper light. The lower
part of this lighthouse will be constructed on shore ready to be fixed on the
rock, which will be previously prepared for it, after which it will be finished
and detailed. The interior of these lighthouses, containing the accommodation
for the light keeper's oil tanks, &c., will be lined with cork or other non-con-
ductor of heat, to equalize the temperature.
Figure 3, the floating lighthouse. The superstructure of this edifice will be
the same as Figures 1 and 2, down to the neap of the neck of the parabolic
floating base, but of ten feet less elevation; S is the floating base, supported in
the interior by diagonal shores and braces similar to the base of Figure 1; it
displaces one hundred tons of water at the float line T. The lateral pressure
of the winds upon the superstructure is counteracted by a weight equal to forty
tons in the well U, which is suspended from the bottom of the float by iron
bars W, at the depth of fifty feet from the float. It is moored by a chain to a
single anchor W, which is attached to the travelling ring X, which permits
the lighthouse to swing under the influence of the wind or tide.
Figure 4 is a spindle floating beacon, upon the same principle in all
essential points as the floating lighthouse; the height and dimensions will
vary according to the depth of water; like the floating lighthouse, its per-
pendicular position is preserved by the weight U. The beacon delineated is
fifty feet in height, distinguished by three balls, ten feet apart, which denote
the distance of the beacon from the observer, as they appear above the horizon.
These lighthouses and beacons, as before mentioned, may either be con-
structed of copper, bronze, or wrought iron; the spindles of the beacons,
either floating or fixed, are made of plates of the above metals, rivetted
together, tapering from one foot at the base to half an inch at the top.
Figure 5 is a fixed beacon, adapted for any desired depth; in the present case
the base is twelve feet in diameter, weighing about one ton; for the convenience
of carriage, it may be made in four segments; the lower part of the spindle will
be fixed by screws and nuts to the base; in this state it will be lowered to the
bottom, when the flange joint Y will be at a convenient distance above water,
the weight of the base may then be increased by lowering down plates in suc-
cession to ensure stability.
I would remark that although the employment or use of iron, copper,
or other metal in the construction of marine lighthouses or beacons, either
floating or fixed, and the peculiar form of the same, constitute the principal

page_text: parts of my Invention or improvements, inasmuch as they are calculated to
supersede the further use of the présent marine stone towers and system of
floating lighthouses, I do not claim the construction of iron marine light-
houses which have hitherto been erected on shore.
In witness whereof, I, the said Sir Samuel Brown, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-seventh day of September, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty-three.
One thousand eight hundred-and- forty-three.