Improvements in Dredging Apparatus.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 29th June, 1893-Accepted, 16th Sept., 1893
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Dredging Apparatus.
I, CALEB GROZIER COLLINS of 39, Broad Street, in the City, County, and State
of New York, United States of America, Engineer, 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:-
In carrying out my invention practically, I employ a submerged suction pipe the
mouth of which projects upward to receive the spoil which is dumped into the water
over it. Where the spoil is transported in dumping scows to a place for delivery
or distribution, this is a convenient and economical method of transferring it since
the act of dumping it into the water over the mouth of the suction pipe favors its
admixture with the water in suh proportion as to render the water available as a
vehicle and lubricant in the passage of the mass through the vacuum apparatus.
Certain kinds of spoil however, as that containing a large percentage of clay, are
apt to pack and clog around and above the mouth of the suction pipe, and a feature
of my invention consists in providing the suction pipe with means for loosening up
and disintegrating such masses of accumulated material when necessary, by jets of
water under pressure discharged at the mouth of the suction pipe. An incidental
feature of the invention in this connection, consists in effecting this operation by
means of water admitted automatically below the water line into a chamber, from
which it is expelled through the ejection pipes by live steam, although a pump of
ordinary construction may be substituted if preferred. The advantages of my
special arrangement are that it is simple, inexpensive and automatic in action.
A distinguishing feature of my invention consists in locating the vacuum
chamber, &c., in a submerged caisson, so that the vacuum is only used to draw
in the commingled spoil and water, the charges being afterward elevated and
ejected by the direct pressure of steam. The operation is thus rendered more
economical and effective.
My invention is also designed to obviate the severe strain and danger of fracture
to which the parts are subjected in operation, owing to the impetus imparted to the
spoil under the action of the vacuum, resulting frequently in the fracture or
derangement of the apparatus, and the invention is further designed to effect a more
economical use than heretofore, of steam within the vacuum chamber by lessening
or preventing its direct contact with the water which acts as the liquid vehicle for
the spoil.
These last mentioned features of my invention are the result of investigation and
experiment resorted to in order to ascertain and counteract the cause of certain
irregularities in the action of the vacuum apparatus, which resulted frequently in
fracture and delay. I have ascertained that where the spoil is very much diluted
the frictional resistance to its passage through the suction pipe is so slight that the
spoil and water acquire a dangerous momentum in rushing in to fill the vacuum,
sufficient in some cases to rupture the apparatus. Ordinarily the resistance afforded
by the sides of the suction pipe to the passage of the spoil is sufficient to retard its
speed of passage within safe limits, so that a majority of the charges will enter the
vacuum chamber without undue violence; but from the variable nature of the feed
or supply of spoil to the suction pipe certain charges will unavoidably contain a
greater proportion of water than others, there being no convenient way of ascer-
taining and regulating the character of each charge. In a similar manner and
under like conditions of spoil, &c. the momentum required by the latter during its
discharge before a pressure of steam is apt to create a dangerous re-action or
kick," and even to create a partial vacuum in the discharge pipe after the discharge
:6

page_text: gate is closed, and occasion the possible collapse of a part of the apparatus.
obviate all danger to the apparatus from these causes, first, by constructing
the upper part of the vacuum chamber with a pressure relief valve which yields
automatically whenever the velocity acquired by the spoil exceeds a degree of
safety to which the relief valve is set,-the opening of the valve relieving the upper
part of the vacuum chamber from undue impact and strain, and secondly, by forming
the discharge passage beyond the exit gate with a vacuum relieving device which
acts automatically when necessary.
In the use of the vacuum chamber a partial vacuum is first produced by admitting
steam and spraying it with water, when the inlet gate is opened and the charge of
mingled spoil and water rushes into the chamber. The inlet gate is then closed,
the outlet gate opened and the charge ejected by the pressure of live steam admitted
above the charge. I provide the vacuum chamber with a loose diaphragm or
piston float which virtually divides the vacuum cylinder into two compartments
during actual use, the diaphragm floating upon the top of the liquid or semi-liquid
charge of spoil and protecting the latter from direct contact with live steam
admitted above to effect the expulsion of the charge. As a result the full expansive
force of nearly the whole volume of steam admitted is utilized in the work, and
there is little or no loss from condensation or absorption of steam.
The apparatus may be modified more or less in construction and arrangement of
parts, without deviating from the spirit and intent of the invention however, and
I do not confine myself strictly to the identical form and arrangement of parts
shown. For instance the vacuum chamber is illustrated in the drawings as situated
mainly below the water line in a caisson, whereas it may be situated and arranged
as desired or to meet the requirements of special circumstances of use.
Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this
Specification, in which similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in
all the figures.
Figure 1 is a plan illustrating diagrammatically the arrangement of apparatus
suitable for carrying out my improvements;
Figure 2 is a vertical section of a caisson and surroundings showing the apparatus
in elevation ;
Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing a modification in the arrange-
ment of the parts;
Figure 4 is a sectional elevation of the suction pipe and means for clearing the
mouth thereof when obstructed;
Figure 5 is a plan of the outer end of the suction pipe;
Figure 6 is a sectional elevation of the vacuum cylinder;
Figure 7 is a transverse section thereof upon the plane of line 7-7 of Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a sectional elevation of a form of relief valve suitable for use in
connection with the discharge pipe ;
Figure 9 is a sectional view of the lower end of a stand pipe showing perforated
diaphragm used when a stand pipe is substituted for the relief valve shown in
Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a sectional elevation of one of the two vacuum cylinder steam gates;
Figure 11 is a sectional elevation taken at right angles to Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a central vertical section of the upper portion of one of the vacuum
cylinder steam gates showing the means for governing the movement of the same;
Figure 13 is a transverse section upon the plane of line 13-13 of Figure 12;
Figure 14 is a similar view upon the plane of line 14-14 of Figure 12:
Figure 15 is a sectional detail illustrating the means for keeping the valve rod
and packing free from grit, etc.;
and
Figure 16 is a partial section of the steam cylinder throttle valve and connections;
Figure 17 is a sectional view of the throttle valve.
The caisson A, is of any ordinary or suitable construction, and is sunk and
maintained in position in the usual way.

page_text: B, is the vacuum cylinder situated in and resting upon the bottom of the caisson,
so that its receiving or suction pipe C, extending out horizontally from the bottom
of the cylinder and from the side of the caisson, is submerged sufficiently below
the water line to permit dumping scows D, to pass over and above its mouth c.
The discharge pipe E, extends upward from the opposite side of the cylinder and
of the caisson, to the point at which it is desired to discharge or distribute the
spoil.
In the drawings the source of steam supply is represented symbolically as derived
from a steam boiler F, (see Figure 1) situated within the caisson, although any
other source of steam supply may be employed, as may be found most expedient in
practice.
G, is a symbolical representation of a steam pump employed to afford the
requisite supply and pressure of water to certain parts of the apparatus as
hereinafter set forth.
H, is the device for ejecting water around the mouth c, of the suction pipe C, for
the purpose of loosening up the spoil at that point when necessary.
I and I', are respectively the inlet and outlet steam gate valves.
J and J, are alternative forms of a relief device for the discharge conduit.
The main steam supply pipe f¹, extends from the steam dome f, of the steam
boiler F, to the cylindrical chamber b, upon the top of the vacuum chamber, a
suitable valve f, being interposed in its length. A branch pipe ¹, extends from
the main steam pipe f, to the throttle valve K', of the vacuum cylinder steam
gate valve I. Another branch pipe i, conveys steam from the main pipe f¹, to the
steam pipe g, which supplies steam through the valve g', to the pump G, also to the
pipe h, which supplies steam through the valve A', to the ejector H, and also to
the throttle valve K, of the vacuum cylinder inlet steam gate valve I. The
steam pump G supplies water under pressure through the pipe 92, and valve g³, to
the compartment b, upon the top of the vacuum chamber B, and through
branches 9, 9, to certain packing boxes on the vacuum chamber steam inlet and
outlet valves I, I¹.
The apparatus is operated as follows:
The vacuum chamber steam gate valves I, I', being both closed, a suitable
quantity of steam is admitted through the pipe f1, and valve f2, to the upper part
of the vacuum chamber B, the valve f2, is closed, and the valve g³, in the pipe g²,
is opened admitting sufficient water to spray and condense the steam. The valve g³,
having been closed, as soon as a desired degree of vacuum is attained within the
cylinder the apparatus is now ready for the reception of the charge of spoil to be
transferred. This is effected by dumping from the scow D, moored over the
mouth c, of the suction pipe C, more or less of the comparatively compact material
transported therein. The inlet gate valve I, being now opened the partial vacuum
within the vacuum chamber B, causes the commingled water and spoil to rush into
and through the conduit C, under atmospheric pressure. The vacuum chamber B,
is emptied of the charge thus obtained by closing the inlet steam gate valve I,
opening the discharge gate valve I¹, and ejecting the material through the discharge
conduit E, by means of the direct pressure of steam admitted to the top of the
vacuum chamber by means of the steam valve f. But I have found that this
operation of ejecting the spoil from the vacuum cylinder by means of live steam
directly in contact with the spoil is wasteful, in that much of the steam is condensed
by the water mingled with the spoil, and performs no useful function in the ejection
of the latter, to which it simply imparts heat. I have therefore devised means
for counteracting this tendency and economizing steam, the device consisting of a
diaphragm L, resting loosely within the vacuum cylinder B, and preferably made
of wood or other comparatively light material, so as to float readily upon the top
of the commingled water and spoil admitted to the said chamber. This floating
disk L, see Figures 6 and 7, is either of somewhat less diameter than the interior
of the cylinder, or is also preferably formed with a few perforations l, l, the design
being, not to seal and divide the vacuum chamber into two compartments by means

page_text: of the disk L, but to lessen as far as practicable the actual contact of the live
steam with the surface of the liquid.
By making the diaphragm of less diameter than the interior of the vacuum
chamber, and by perforating it. I am enabled to separate the steam and water over
nearly the entire area of the cylinder, and at the same time leave sufficient space
for the relief of pressure when necessary. Thus when owing to the presence of a
comparatively large proportion of water in the spoil, the latter by reason of the
slight frictional resistance encountered in its passage through the suction
conduit C, c, acquires a high velocity, it is desirable that the momentum be relieved
or overcome gradually in order to avoid serions strain or even rupture of the parts.
This I accomplish to a certain extent by providing for the escape of water around
or through the disk L, after the latter has been raised into contact with the lower
sides of the steps or brackets 62, 62, at the upper end of the cylinder, as indicated
by the dotted lines in Figure 6. But where the spoil is very much diluted the space
above such upper position of the diaphragm is insufficient to relieve and counteract
the impetus of the inrushing spoil, and therefore in order to provide against all
possibilities of danger from this cause, I form my vacuum chamber with a relief
valve M, which opens and permits the escape of water should the internal pressure
exceed a degree of safety, to which the relief valve is set.
This relief valve may
be formed in any desired or well known manner and I do not confine myself to any
special form or construction of valve, although that shown in the drawings indicates
the essential features thereof. As shown it consists of a cylindrical casing m,
secured to the top of the compartment b, and closed at the upper end by a cap m²,
through which an adjusting screw m², projects. The lower end of the casing m,
formed with a valve seat m³, surrounding the opening mt, into the compartment b.
The valve N, is pressed downward against its seat by a spring, which is com-
pressed more or less by the adjusting screw m², which thus regulates the degree of
resistance normally presented by the valve against internal pressure. It is desirable
however, to provide for a temporary increase of resistance against internal pressure
under certain conditions, as when steam under pressure is admitted for the purpose
of ejecting the charge of spoil. I therefore interpose between the adjusting
screw m², and the upper end of the spring a, a lever, pivotally connected at one
end to the casing m, and extending out laterally from the other side of the casing
a sufficient distance to afford ample leverage to compress the spring », and hold
down the valve N, when necessary, through the medium of a connecting rod n², or
equivalent: An overflow pipe m³, is provided to carry off escaping liquid. The
upper end of the vacuum chamber B, is formed with the usual perforated screen O,
for spraying the water passing through the compartment b, &c.
Where the spoil is considerably diluted, there is not only danger of its entering
the vacuum chamber with undue violence unless controlled and relieved as herein-
before described, but in a similar manner and for a similar reason, the forcible
ejection of the spoil through the discharge pipe is apt to create a recoil and a
straining of parts that is dangerous. The vacuum chamber inlet steam gate I¹, is
closed immediately upon the passage of the charge of spoil, which latter, moving
at the velocity imparted to it in driving it out of the vacuum chamber, creates a
partial vacuum behind it and between it and the gate valve I, so that when the
charge of spoil is ejected from the mouth of the discharge conduit E, the air
frequently rushes in with such violence as to derange or injure the apparatus. To
overcome this serious defect in the operation of the apparatus, provide the
discharge pipe E, with a device J, or J', for automatically equalizing the pressure
within the discharge pipe. There are various means by which this may be accom-
plished, and in the accompanying drawings I show alternative forms, although I
do not confine myself to either. Any device that will destroy or compensate for,
the partial vacuum created in the discharge pipe by the ejection of the spoil, will
answer the purpose and will be within the spirit and intent of my invention in this
respect.
In Figures 1 and 2, a plain stand pipe J₁, is interposed in the discharge pipe E,

page_text: beyond the exit gate valve I', of the vacuum chamber B. This stand pipe J¹, is
made of sufficient height to compensate for and withstand the pressure exerted
upon the discharge of the pump, and will hence compensate for and relieve the
partial vacuum created in the discharge pipe by the passage of the spoil after the
exit gate I', is closed. A screen or grating 1, shown in Figure 9, is provided in
the lower end of the stand pipe J', to exclude solid matter and admit water only
from the spoil.
The other method shown of effecting the relief sought consists in the use of a
relief valve J, interposed like the stand pipe J', in the discharge pipe E, beyon
the discharge gate valve 1'. This valve is shown in detail in Figure 8, and consists
of a section of pipe connected with a T-joint in the discharge pipe E, and formed
with an inwardly opening flap valve j, which is free to yield before an excess of
external pressure and thus relieve any tendency to vacuum within the discharge
pipe E.
In operating upon certain classes of spoil of a compact, tenacious nature, as
clays, etc., difficulty is experienced in keeping the mouth c, of the suction conduit
free and clear. The solid matter under the action of the suction caused by the
vacuum collects around and above the mouth c, in the shape of an inverted cone,
finally clogging the passage and necessitating the suspension of operations until the
obstruction can be removed. I obviate this difficulty by arranging for a series of
hydraulic jets around the mouth c, of the suction pipe C, by which means the
clogged material may be quickly and effectually broken up and separated whenever
necessary, without retarding the working of the apparatus; or if preferred and
rendered advisable by the nature of the spoil under treatment, the jets of water
may be utilized continuously, or nearly so, for aiding in the disintegration and
dilution of the material as dumped from the scows.
Various mechanical contrivances may be resorted to in effecting this clearance of
the mouth of the suction pipe, alternating devices being shown in the drawings.
In Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, the mouth e, of the suction pipe C, is formed with an
annular chamber c¹, having openings 2 adapted to direct jets of water upward
around the mouth c, the water being supplied under pressure to the annular
chamber e', by a single pipe c³, proceeding from the forcing chamber H.
In Figure 3, the pipe c³, from the forcing chamber H, enters an annular head c',
from which project the pipes c, running parallel with the suction pipe C, and
having their outer ends bent up into nozzles e, surrounding the mouth of the
conduit C. In either case the operation and results are substantially the same, in
so far as the treatment of the spoil is concerned.
In lieu of the simple form of forcing chamber H, shown in the drawings any
form of pump or equivalent device may be used for supplying the water under
pressure to the mouth c, of the suction pipe C. The chamber H, is simply a
cylinder into which water is admitted automatically through the inwardly opening
valve h², to be expelled from the chamber through the pipe c³, by the direct
pressure of steam admitted through the pipe h, and valve, the inlet valve h²,
closing automatically and being held closed by the internal pressure while the
chamber is being discharged of its contents. In lieu of ejecting the water thus
around the mouth of the suction pipe, the steam itself may be so ejected if preferred,
with like result.
In the employment of spoil transferring vacuum apparatus trouble has heretofore
been experienced in the use of the inlet and outlet gate valves within the vacuum
chamber; owing to the pressure to which the spoil is subjected during the transfer,
sand and grit have penetrated between the valve and its packing, impeding the
action of the valve and injuring the rod. I obviate this difficulty by means of a
specially constructed valve K, illustrated in detail Figures 10 to 17, inclusive, in
which I provide an annular water cushion surrounding the valve rod below the
lower packing box, the water being maintained under pressure so as to wash down
sand, grit, etc., carried upward upon the surface of the valve rod.
Another existing objection to the vacuum gate valves as heretofore constructed
°

page_text: is, that in closing, owing to the rectangular form of the lower edge of the gates in
cross section, they are apt to be obstructed and held partially open by stones &c.,
contained in the spoil, thereby interfering with the perfect operation of the
apparatus. To obviate this difficulty as far as possible, I form the lower edges of
each valve in the shape of a wedge or bevel in cross section so as to cause the valve
in closing to tend constantly to push or wedge aside, possible obstructions contained
in the spoil and to reach its seat and fully close the passage. To still further
perfect the action of the vacuum gate valves and prevent all sudden jar and strain
under the action of the steam when opening and closing them, I govern their
movements automatically, by means of a fluid confined in a chamber through which
the upper portion of the valve rod reciprocates, the rod being formed with a piston
or diaphragm which divides said liquid chamber into two compartments and being
perforated so as to admit of the flow of the liquid from one side of the piston to
the other. Consequently the speed attained in opening or closing the gates will
depend upon that of the displacement of the liquid from one side of the piston to
the other; and as provision is made for regulating the area of the liquid passage
through the valve rod from the exterior thereof, it will thus be seen that the
vacuum gate valves may be opened and closed by steam pressure, without violence,
at a prescribed speed. I thus attain a perfectly easy uniform movement of the
vacuum gate valves, free from all jar and vibration and thereby add materially to
the safety and utility of the apparatus as a whole.
The valve consists of a sliding gate P. guided by lugs p, resting between parallel
ways q, q, formed in the casing Q, of the valve, which casing also encloses the
compartment Q', into which the gate P, is retracted when the valve is opened.
The valve rod P1, extends through suitable packing boxes p', and, into the
steam cylinder R, where it has secured to it the piston. Extending beyond the
piston the valve rod P", passes through the steam cylinder R, and through suitable
packing boxes, and s, to and through a cylinder S, of nearly equal length but of
less diameter than the steam cylinder R. The valve rod 1, passes out of the
upper end of the cylinder S, through a suitable packing S'. The cylinder S, is
filled with oil or other liquid which has to pass from one side to the other of the
pistons, secured to the valve stem P', and the speed of this flow of liquid regulates
the speed with which the gate opens or closes under the pressure of steam on the
piston p³, in the steam cylinder R. In other words the necessary displacement of
the liquid in the cylinder S, retards and controls the action of the steam in the
steam cylinder R, in such manner that all jar and violence is avoided. It is thus
obvious that by regulating the flow of the liquid in the cylinder from one side of
the piston S¹ to the other, I can govern accurately the speed of the piston p³, rod P¹,
and valve P', and I accomplish this adjustment in a novel manner.
By reference to Figures 12, 13, and 14, it will be seen that the upper end of the
valve rod is hollow, forming a long cylindrical chamber T, the lower end of which
terminates in a conical valve seat t, from which a narrow passage t', extends
downward a short distance to where it is intersected by lateral passages t2, opening
into the liquid chamber S, below the piston S¹. The valve rod P', where it forms
the walls of the chamber T, is formed with perforations t³, t, shown in Figures 12
and 13, such openings being above the piston S¹. The valve consists of a long
stem or rod U, the lower end of which is made conical, to fit the valve seat t, and
the upper end of which is formed with a male screw thread which engages with a
female screw thread formed in the hollow upper extremity of the valve rod. A
jam nut V, screws upon the projecting end of the valve stem U, and locks the
required adjustment of the conical end of the valve with relation to the valve
seat t. By increasing or diminishing the space between the conical end of the
valve stem U, and its seat t, the flow of the liquid from one side of the piston to
the other, under the pressure exerted by the action of the steam upon either side
of the piston p³, in the steam cylinder R, can be regulated with accuracy, and it is
to be noted that this adjustment can be effected entirely from the exterior of the
device by simply loosening the jam nut V, turning the stem U, in one direction

page_text: or the other by means of a wrench or other device, and again setting up the
jam nut.
k
The gate P, is raised and lowered by admitting steam to the steam cylinder R,
on one side or the other of the piston. in the usual manner, the exhaust steam
escaping from the opposite side of the piston. This is effected by means of the
throttle valve K, which is divided longitudinally by the partition (see Figure 16).
The two chambers k¹, k², thus formed each have two ports ³, k, and k. . The
chamber k, opens at the end of the valve into the steam supply pipe i, so that
when the port, is brought into coincidence with the passage, in the side wall
of the cylinder R, steam will be admitted to the under side of the piston, while
simultaneously, the port 5, being in coincidence with the passage 48, the exhaust
steam will escape through the chamber 2, and port 6, into the discharge chamber k³,
and out through the pipe 10, as illustrated by the position of the parts in
Figures 16 and 17.
In like manner when it is desired to close the gate valve P, throttle valve K, is
turned until the port coincides with the passage, admitting steam thereto,
while the port k, now being in coincidence with the passage k', and the port,
with the discharge chamber k, the exhaust steam is free to escape from above the
piston p³.
In closing the vacuum chamber steam gate valves as heretofore constructed,
difficulty has frequently been encountered by reason of the lower edge of the
valves encountering stones and other comparatively small objects that pass over
with the spoil, the rectangular edges of the valve affording a broad bearing and
holding the obstruction against dislodgment until the throttle valve is reversed, as
must necessarily be done before that particular valve can be closed and the other
opened. I overcome this difficulty to a great extent by forming the lower edges of
each gate valve at an angle, so that it is wedge-shaped in cross section, substantially
as shown at X, Figure 11. As a result solid material is thrust aside by the edge
of the descending valve and the valve clears its own passage to its seat, a feature
of no small importance when rapidity and certainty of manipulation are essential.
Owing to the gritty, slimy nature of the spoil passing through the apparatus,
much difficulty has heretofore been experienced by reason of the grit carried up
by the valve rod into the stuffing boxes, resulting in undue wear and leakage. In
order to remedy this difficulty, I form the first packing box pl with an annular water
chamber or jacket W, to which water is supplied under pressure by the pipe
shown in Figures 11 and 15. The annular water jacket itself is shown on an
enlarged scale in Figure 15. Under these conditions the water presses its way
outward and downward between the edges of the flanges w, and the periphery of
the valve rod, with sufficient force and in sufficient quantity to wash away from the
surface of the valve rod all dirt and grit before it can enter the box with the rod.
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,
1. In apparatus for transferring spoil, &c., the combination with a portable
dumping scow or vessel in which the spoil is transported, of a submerged caisson,
a vacuum cylinder situated in said submerged caisson, a discharge valve, a discharge
conduit extending above the water line, an inlet valve, and a submerged suction
pipe formed with a mouth or receiver opening upward, into which the spoil may be
dumped from the transporting vessel, substantially in the manner and for the
purpose set forth.
2. In apparatus for transferring spoil, &c. the combination with a portable
dumping scow or vessel in which the spoil is transported, of a submerged caisson, a
vacuum chamber situated in said submerged caisson, a discharge valve, a discharge
conduit extending above the water line, an inlet valve, a submerged suction pipe
formed with a mouth or receiver opening upward, into which the spoil may be
dumped from the transporting vessel, and mechanism for ejecting jets of water or

page_text: steam upward around the mouth of the said suction pipe, substantially in the
manner and for the purpose described.
3. In apparatus for transferring spoil &c., the combination with a portable
dumping scow or vessel in which the spoil is transported, of a submerged caisson, a
vacuum chamber situated in said submerged caisson, a discharge valve, a discharge
conduit extending above the water line, an inlet valve, a submerged suction pipe
formed with a mouth or receiver opening upward, into which the spoil may be
dumped from the transporting vessel, a submerged compartment formed with a
water inlet valve below the water line, a pipe or pipes for conducting water or
steam from the said submerged compartment and ejecting the same upward around
the mouth of the submerged suction pipe, and pipes and connections for supplying
said submerged compartment with steam under pressure, for the purpose and
substantially in the manner described.
4. In apparatus for transferring spoil, &c. the combination with a portable
dumping scow or vessel in which the spoil is transported, of a submerged caisson, a
vacuum chamber situated in said submerged caisson, a discharge valve, a discharge
conduit extending above the water line, an inlet valve, a submerged suction pipe
formed with a mouth or receiver opening upward, into which the spoil may be
dumped from the transporting vessel, a submerged water compartment formed with
an inlet valve below the water line, which opens automatically to admit water to
the compartment and closes automatically under internal pressure, a pipe or pipes
for conducting water or steam from said submerged compartment and ejecting it
upward around the mouth of the submerged suction pipe, and pipes and connections
for supplying said submerged compartment with steam under pressure for the purpose
and substantially in the manner described.
5. In apparatus for transferring spoil &c., the combination and arrangement
substantially as herein set forth, of the submerged caisson A, vacuum chamber B,
discharge valve 1', discharge conduit E, extending above the water line, the inlet
valve, and the submerged suction pipe C. formed with the mouth c, opening
upward for the purpose described.
6. In apparatus for transferring spoil &c., the combination and arrangement
substantially as herein set forth, of the submerged caisson A, vacuum chamber B,
discharge valve I', discharge conduit E, extending above the water line, the inlet
valve I, submerged suction pipe C, with receiver c, opening upward, and the water
compartment H, provided with pipe or pipes leading to the receiver, and with
steam pipe, connecting it with a source of steam supply for the purpose and
substantially in the manner described.
7. In apparatus for transferring spoil &c., the combination and arrangement
substantially as herein set forth, of the submerged caisson A, vacuum chamber B,
discharge valve I', discharge conduit E, extending above the water line, the inlet
valve I, submerged suction pipe C, with receiver c, opening upward, the water
compartment H, steam connection h, automatic valve 2, and discharge pipe or
pipes for conducting the contents of the compartment H, to, and ejecting the same
upward around, the receiver C, substantially in the manner and for the purpose
described.
8. In an apparatus for transferring spoil, &c. the combination with a vacuum
chamber, of a spoil-receiving suction pipe connected to the chamber, and a valve
for releasing a portion of the change of spoil admitted .through said receiving pipe
and thereby avoiding the effect of impact due to the momentum of the charge,
substantially as described.
9. In an apparatus for transferring spoil, &c. the combination with the vacuum
chamber, of a spoil-receiving suction pipe connected therewith, a valve for
releasing a portion of the charge of spoil and thereby relieving the apparatus from
dangerous impact due to the momentum of the charge, and means for holding said
valve in position during the discharge of the spoil, substantially as described.
10. In an apparatus for transferring spoil, &c., the combination with a vacuum
chamber, of a spoil-receiving suction pipe connected to the chamber, a valve for

page_text: releasing a portion of the charge, and a disk or cover adapted to float upon the
charge and to allow portions thereof to escape above the cover, substantially as
described.
11. In an apparatus for transferring spoil, &c., the combination with a vacuum
chamber, of a discharge pipe connected with the vacuum chamber, and a vacuum
relieving device connected with the discharge pipe, whereby the vacuum caused
by the rapid discharge of the spoil is automatically relieved, substantially as
described.
12. In an apparatus for transferring spoil, &c., the combination with a vacuum
chamber, of a spoil-receiving suction pipe connected to the chamber, a discharge
pipe also connected to the chamber, a valve for releasing a portion of the charge
of spoil from the vacuum chamber to avoid the effect of the impact due to the
momentum of the charge in entering the chamber, and a vacuum relieving device
arranged in the discharge pipe for the purpose of relieving the vacuum caused
by the rapid discharge of the charge, substantially as described.
13. A gate valve formed with a gate having its lower edge wedge shaped in
cross section, for the purpose and substantially in the manner described.
14. A gate valve formed with an annular water jacket around the gate rod below
the packing box, and means for supplying water under pressure to the said annular
water jacket, for the purpose and substantially in the manner set forth.
15. The method of cleaning the gate valve rod from grit, slime, &c., acquired
from the spoil, consisting in passing the said gate valve rod through a cushion of
water maintained under pressure, substantially in the manner and for the purpose-
set forth.
16. A steam gate valve, a portion of the valve rod of which passes through an
enclosed liquid chamber and is formed with a closely fitting piston and with a
contracted passage for the liquid from one side of the piston to the other, for the
purpose and substantially in the manner described.
17. A steam gate valve, a portion of the valve rod of which passes through an
enclosed liquid chamber and is formed with a closely fitting piston, with a passage
for the liquid from one side of the piston to the other, and with means for
regulating the area of said liquid passage, substantially in the manner and for the
purpose specified.
18. A steam gate valve consisting of the casing Q, gate P, gate rod P¹, steam
cylinder R, and connections, piston p³, liquid chamber S, piston S', and liquid
passages t, 2, 3, formed in the rod P, arranged and operating substantially in the
manner and for the purpose set forth.
19. A steam gate valve consisting of the casing Q, gate P, gate rod P', steam
cylinder R, and connections, piston p³, liquid chamber S, piston S', liquid
passages t¹, 2, 3, valve seat t, and chamber T, formed in the rod P¹, and the
adjustable stem U, arranged and operating substantially in the manner and for the
purpose set forth.
T
1
T
C. G. COLLINS,
By A. M. & Wm. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agents.