CERTAIN IMPROVE- MENTS IN BREAKWATERS, BEACONS, AND SOUND ALARMS, ALSO IN LANDING OR TRANSMITTING PERSONS AND GOODS OVER OR THROUGH STRATA OR OBSTRUCTIONS OF ANY NATURE, ALL OF WHICH MAY BE USED EITHER SEPARATELY OR IN COM- BINATION
Year: 1843

page_text: TAYLER & SMITH'S SPECIFICATION.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, JOSEPH
NEEDHAM TAYLER, of Chelsea, Captain in Her Majesty's Navy, and WILLIAM
HENRY SMITH, of Fitzroy Square, in the County of Middlesex, Civil
Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date
at Westminster, the Twenty-first day of March, in the sixth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us, the
said Joseph Needham Tayler and William Henry Smith, Her especial licence,
full power, sole privilege and authority, that we, the said Joseph Needham Tayler
and William Henry Smith, our exors, admors, and assigns, and such others as
we, the said Joseph Needham Tayler and William Henry Smith, our 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 mentioned, should
and lawfully might, make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales,
and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, our Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVE-
MENTS IN BREAKWATERS, BEACONS, AND SOUND ALARMS, ALSO IN LANDING OR
TRANSMITTING PERSONS AND GOODS OVER OR THROUGH STRATA OR OBSTRUCTIONS
OF ANY NATURE, ALL OF WHICH MAY BE USED EITHER SEPARATELY OR IN COM-
BINATION;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso obliging us,
the said Joseph Needham Tayler and William Henry Smith, by an instrument
in writing under our hands and seals, or under the hand and seal of one
of us, particularly to describe and ascertain the nature of our said Invention,

page_text: and in what manner the same is to be performed, and to cause the same to
be inrolled in Her 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 provisó, we, the said
Joseph Needham Tayler and William Henry Smith, do hereby declare that
the nature of our said Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be
performed, is particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
description thereof, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed
and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-
Our Invention of "Certain Improvements in Breakwaters, Beacons, and
Sound Alarms, also in Landing or Transmitting Persons and Goods over
or through Strata or Obstructions of any Nature, all of which may be used
either Separately or in Combination," consists, in reference to Breakwaters,―
Firstly, in an improved mode of constructing the sections of floating
breakwaters, whereby the general compactness of the parts, their strength to
resist strain in any direction, and also the stiffness or freedom from oscillating
tendency in the structure, are greatly increased, and likewise a mode of
increasing their buoyancy to any required extent without impeding the passage
of the waves through the structure, as is the case when air-tight contrivances
are employed for that purpose.
Secondly, in a modification of the same, more simple and economical, and
suited to certain localities.
And,
Thirdly, in forming and constructing breakwaters for inshore protection, and
places where the water is not very deep.
Our Invention in reference to Beacons consists in substituting for the ordinary
light vessels floating beacons, the parts of which are so formed and arranged
as that the beacon may combine stiffness as a moored floating body with
increased buoyancy in the water and security against sinking in case of
leakage.
Our Invention in reference to Sound Alarms consists in a certain arrangement
of apparatus by which the power of compressed air is employed to produce
sounds by blowing through valves or trumpets, or other wind instruments
adapted and applied thereto.
And our Invention in reference to Landing or Transmitting Persons and Goods
over or through Strata or Obstructions of any Nature consists, firstly, in a new
combination and arrangement of certain apparatus, which separately have been
found useful for the purposes of embarkation and debarkation' in certain

page_text: Tocanities; secondly, the mode of constructing of forming a fatung way w
tunnel through the strata of which the shore or coast is composed in cases
where the surface obstructions are too numerous to admit of the former plan
being conveniently adopted, and in the application thereto of a mode of trans-
mission from vessels to the shore.
These several objects of our Invention will be seen more clearly on reference
to the accompanying Drawings and the following description thereof.
REFERENCE TO DRAWINGS RELATING TO BREAKWATERS.
Fig. 1 represents a partial elevation of a section of a floating breakwater
adapted for deep water, a portion thereof being shewn in section; Fig. 2, a
transverse section thereof taken through the line A, B, Fig. 1. Figures 3.
and 3* represent the general arrangement of the mooring chains in connection
with the same. Fig. 4 represents an elevation of another and more simple
arrangement of parts constituting a section of a floating breakwater; Fig. 5,
an end view of the same; Fig. 6, a horizontal section. Fig. 7 shews the
general arrangement of the several sections to form a breakwater or harbour
of refuge. Fig. 8 represents a modified form of the above, in which the sides
being angled or bevilled off from the centre allow the waves to pass off in an
oblique direction. Fig. 9, an elevation of a breakwater designed for inshore
protection. Fig. 10, an end elevation of the same, taken through the line
E, F, Fig. 9. Fig. 10*, a detached view of a moveable pile employed in
the construction of this kind of breakwater. Fig. 11, a plan of a break-
water for inshore protection, when the bottom is of rock. Fig. 12, a side
view, and Fig. 13 an end elevation of the same, taken through the line G, H,
Fig. 11.
Description of Breakwater No. 1.-In Figures 1 and 2, a, a, represent the
series of timbers or ribs of the framework or structure; b, b, transverse double
beams embracing the timbers a, a, on each side, and so placed as to form
We have
nearly equilateral triangles with the timbers when viewed endwisc.
shewn four tiers of these double beams one over the other, and have placed
them down every alternate timber a, a, through the entire length of the section.
The lower ends of the timbers a, a, abut against, and are fitted into, a square
piece of baulk timber c extending the whole length of the structure, and which
we designate the keel. Two upright pieces or pillars d, d, forming a double
pillar (one of which is placed opposite every alternate timber a all along the
section), are firmly connected at the bottom to the keel, and passing upwards
between the several tiers of transverse double beanis b, b, which are faced into
them, run up to the apex of the section, where they are fitted into a strong

page_text: longitudinal baulk piece è, forming a kind of ridge to the upper part or (what
may be termed) roof of the structure. This "roof" is formed of a number of
timbers f, f, placed at an angle as shewn, and having their upper end fitted
into the ridge piece e, and their lower end against the sloping vertical timbers
a, a. It will be seen that the lower end of every alternate timber f will fit in
between the ends of the upper tier of transverse double beams b, b, so that a
bolt inserted at their ends would pass through the beams 6 and timbers f and a,
and form a solid union at that point which is very near the line of flotation.
Here again it will be observed that a longitudinal double beam g is placed on
each side the whole length of the structure in order to tie together the "roof"
timbers f, and that other longitudinal beams 9* are employed for the same
purpose; and further, that these beams 9 are supported and strengthened by
diagonal pieces or props h, h. We also fix horizontally a number of diagonal
pieces h¹ in order to strengthen and stiffen the upper ends of the timbers a;
and we likewise fix vertically a number of diagonal pieces 2 so as to add to
the stiffness of the lower part of the structure, thus effecting a system of
diagonal fastening throughout. i, i, are a series of longitudinal double planking
embracing the timbers a, a, from end to end of the section. They are placed
immediately under and form a support to the transverse double beams b, b.
Thus it will be seen that the section is so constructed as to be capable of
bearing a great strain in any direction, the timbers, beams, and planking,
with the diagonal pieces or fastenings being so disposed as to impart to the
whole fabric a great amount of strength, and at the same time to divide or
break up the waves as they dash through it. We would here remark, that in
addition to the use of bolts (which we prefer to have of galvanized metal), for
connecting the various parts of the structure together, we propose to employ
throughout the glue or cement known as "Jeffery's marine glue;" and we
apprehend that a floating breakwater, formed in sections, the parts of which
are thus disposed and firmly united together, will be found fully adequate to
sustain the violence and fury of the waves. The stiffness of the section, as a
floating body, is considerably increased by the above-described construction,
which admits (as will be presently shown), of great buoyant power about the
line of flotation, in combination with the mode of mooring, which is as
follows: The chains k, k, attached to the ground moorings P, pass through
hawse pipes or cavities formed in the keel or bottom piece of the section c,
and over the longitudinal main double beam l, situate near the line of flotation,
as shewn), and also the short beams or bits m at each end of the section, the
ends of the chains being secured in any convenient manner.
The general
arrangement, however, of the mooring chains will be better understood on

page_text: reference to the diagrams Fig. 3 and Fig. 3*, the former shewing them in
elevation, and the latter in plan. n, n, are chains, placed at the extreme ends
of the section to secure them longitudinally; and. o, o, represent a seaward or
weather mooring chain, united to the section in the way shewn at Figs. 3 &
3*. It will thus be perceived that the section is greatly secured against
canting or being turned over. under any circumstances to which constructions
of this nature and for the purposes of a breakwater are liable, and also that
the mooring chains are attached to the section in such a manner (viz³) round
the main beam /) as not to cause an undue strain in any particular part.
The mode of increasing the buoyancy of the structure, without the use of air
vessels, is as follows:-We place cork in between the transverse double
beams b, b, and the longitudinal double planking i, i, which may also be dis-
tributed through other parts of the structure in such quantity, and adjusted in
such manner, as shall be deemed necessary to afford the required amount. of
buoyancy to the section, which will obviously vary according to circumstances.
The cork will be glued. or fastened in with "Jeffery's marine glue," or
other
suitable cement. It will be seen that by placing the cork in the way shewn,
the passage of the broken waves through the structure will not be impeded.
By the application of cork, as proposed, floating power to any extent likely to
be required may be given to the section of a floating breakwater, being regu-
lated and adjusted in its disposition throughout the structure by the known
fact, that a cubic foot of cork is capable of buoying up or floating a weight
equal to about forty-seven pounds; and supposing the cork to be distributed
throughout the entire length of the section, it would give a buoyancy equal to
several tons more than is usually required. The means thus employed to give
buoyancy, and the above-described system of mooring, combine to regulate the
oscillation or receding movement of the section, at the same time securing it
against the liability to cant or turn over.
Description of Breakwater No. 2.-In Figures 4, 5, and 6, are represented
a modified form of the section of a floating breakwater, more simple and
economical in its construction than that last described, and suited to certain
localities. The various timbers and beams of which it is composed. are so
arranged as not to require scoring and facing, but are to be firmly secured and
connected together by bolting and glueing. We should employ cork as the
means of increasing the buoyancy of this structure, which might be applied
between double beams, as in the former instance. Now, although we have
thus described solid wood as the material of which this simple form of a
section of a floating breakwater might be advantageously constructed, yet we
do not confine ourselves thereto; but, as in some localities an abundant supply

page_text: of bamboo might be easily procured, we might construct them of that material,
it being light, durable, and buoyant (arising from the fact of its being hollow),
and would require only to have its ends well closed or sealed, in order to afford
sufficient buoyancy without having recourse to artificial methods of obtaining
it. In arranging or forming our sections (whether the former or the latter
described) into breakwaters or harbours of refuge, we moor them in something
like the order shewn in the diagram Fig. 7, which represents a number of
sections in plan. It will be seen they are arranged so as to form a double line,
the inner line of sections filling up the interval of the outer; and they must be
so moored as to allow of the rise and fall of the tide whenever they may happen
to be laid down, so as to avoid their rubbing or knocking against each other,
and thereby becoming greatly injured. In order also to protect the mooring
chains from chafing or rubbing against each other with the rise and fall of the
tide, we attach to the ring a hollow tube, with a chafing shackle at each end;
through this tube the mooring chain passes, and is affixed to the ring of the
anchor; when, therefore, the section rises or falls with the tide, or from
change of wind, or other cause of motion, the chain is projected from the
anchor in a vertical direction, instead of chafing or rubbing against it. The
tube thus employed may be of any suitable material, or the object might be
attained by the use of splints of wood, bone, or metal, fixed round the lower
part of the chain, and equal to the rise and fall of the sections. We would
here remark, that although we do not confine ourselves to any precise
dimensions for the sections of our floating breakwaters, yet from our expe-
rience we should generally prefer the following (viz), sixty feet long, twenty-
five feet broad, and twenty-seven feet deep, and the floating depth adjusted to
eighteen feet.
Description of Breakwater No. 3.-In Figures 9 and 10 is represented a
framework, formed of a series of timbers A, placed at convenient distances
apart, so as to afford the requisite strength, and at the same time to allow the
broken waves to pass through the spaces between them. They are kept firmly
secured together by suitably connecting therewith, on each side, longitudinal
beams or planks B, and diagonal bracings C. The whole framework thus
constructed is made to swing upon pivots, fixed into short driving or screw
piles D, D, firmly secured in the ground so as to be set at any convenient
angle, and present a kind of open beach, through which the waves could pass
and become divided or broken. The framework or structure is to be main-
tained in its position by strong mooring chains F, F, having one end firmly
secured to the upper part of the inclined structure' A, and the other made fast
to anchors or blocks of stones, with flukes in them, fixed in the ground; and

page_text: screws formed on
with a view to still greater security, especially where the bottom is not good
and firm, we employ an extra chain G; or, it may be a "kyar" rope fixed, as
shewn to the lower part of the breakwater A, and secured to the ground by
anchors or other suitable fastenings. It should be here remarked, that we
prefer forming this kind of breakwater in lengths of about sixty feet, and we
should place them at what we shall find to be a sufficient distance out of the
water, so as best to receive and break up the waves. This distance will differ
according to local circumstances (an open or comparatively protected situation,
for example). The rise of the sea also will affect it. The angle, however, at
which we prefer placing this oscillating framework or structure is about thirty-
five degrees, with the wind off' or on shore. In places where the ebb tide
leaves rocks and shoals dry, we make fast the inclining breakwater, shewn at
Figures 11, 12, and 13, to the rocks or ground in the following manner :-
Having prepared a strong piece of oak or elm, and formed holes therein for
the bolts or holdfasts to pass through, we fix it down firmly by nuts and
screws to form a kind of bed E. In order to effect a firm fixture of the
bed E, cavities are formed in the rocks, and lead run in, by which the
lower end of the holdfasts H. are secured. The short piles D have
their lower ends to fit close on the inner surface
of the holdfasts H. This inclined breakwater hangs upon pivots, as in
that last described, and has also mooring or fixing chains F.
In cases
where the structure has to be fixed into a bottom or foundation of a less solid
nature than rock, and to require piling for its formation, we fix it in the
way shewn at Figures 9 and 10 to the short piles D. It should be observed,
in respect to the short piles D (which have been driven down till flush with
the surface of the ground), that they form only the portion left in the ground
of the long pile, shewn detached at Fig. 10%, the upper portion being removed
when a bottom or foundation is completed. It will thus be evident that the
risk of sapping the foundation will be entirely obviated by the use of this
moveable pile, as well as all the dangerous consequences arising from the
formation of airholes by the loosening of the earth. For the purpose of
constructing breakwaters or harbours of refuge where there is no diluvial
matter or accumulations of mud, and when a still, calm basin is required to
land goods at all times, we form submarine breakwaters raised up from the
bottom to within eight or ten feet (or thereabouts) of low-water mark,
which would be at all times below the violence of the sea, and would not
require any masonry work. Outside this submarine we place the floating break-
water to receive the top, sea, and which would rise with the tide. A break-

page_text: water fixed and floating would thus be formed, offering a secure harbour of
refuge at a moderate expence. In the formation of this submarine work, when
stone cannot be readily obtained for the purpose, we adopt the following
plan We first lay a bed of clay as an artificial surface over the ground by
way of security against the injurious effects of compressed air. We then
form a cement or compost with whatever suitable ingredients the locality
affords, or by taking certain proportions of lime and coal ash with pulverized
granite, and submitting it to the action of fire with a portion of coal tar,
a compost useful and having a tendency to harden under water may be
obtained in all localities. We shape this material or compost into blocks,
which have to be deposited in the bed of clay, for this purpose we employ an
iron box or frame open at top and bottom, as shewn at Figs. 10 & 10. It
has at one side and one end a flap 1 turning upon a pivot 2 securely mounted;
at the opposite side and end there is fixed a ledge or bead 3, projecting a short
distance into the interior of the box or frame; this ledge or bead is of a
rounded form so as to allow the board and block to slide off when the flaps 1
are allowed to fall as will be described. The operation is as follows:-Drive
down piles at twelve feet asunder (more or less) in a line with the face of the
work, against these piles lower a feather-edge iron guide resting against the two
piles secured at the outer ends with chains. Place within the box a board,
so formed as to lie upon the flaps 1 and ledges 3, and fit loosely the interior of
the box; upon this board place the block to be deposited; lower the box down
the feather-edge guide, by which it will slide into its place. Impart to the
pivots 2 (simultaneously) a horizontal motion in any convenient way (either by
a lever suitably placed and applied to each, or by a bell-crank lever working
both), by which motion square parts formed on the pivots will be drawn out
of gear with suitably-formed clutch boxes 4 by which they were before held;
the weight of the block and board pressing upon the flaps 1, will now cause
them to fall down flush with the inside of the box or frame, and the block and
board will slip over the rounded edges or beads 3, and be deposited in the
place desired. The box will be drawn up, and one block after another
carried and deposited in its required position with or without the use of
a diving helmet. It should be observed, that the moveable flaps are
fitted at the side and end of the box or frame away from the work, and
the side and end with the fixed ledge or bead 3 next to the work, so
that the box or frame may always present a smooth external surface to it.
In some localities it might be thought desirable, for the sake of economy,
to dispense with the floating in combination with the submarine break...

page_text: water.
In such cases we would adopt a very simple plan, viz, by covering the
top of the submarine breakwater with stiff clay or other suitable material
readily procured, and upon this, secure an open framework of wood or metal
("chevaux-de-frise" fashion), or it might be made somewhat similar in shape
to the upper part or "roof" of the floating breakwater.
DESCRIPTION OF BEACONS,
The object of our Invention relating to beacons will be seen on reference to
the accompanying Drawings, Fig. 14 to 18, and the following description thereof.
Fig. 14 is an elevation of a floating beacon. Fig. 15, a vertical section of
the same taken through the line A, B. Fig. 16, a partial plan or horizontal
view. Fig. 17, a horizontal section taken through the line C, D (Fig. 15),
shewing the arrangement of the upper timbers. Fig. 18 is a similar section
taken through the line E, F (Fig. 15), shewing the arrangement of the lower
timbers. The form of our improved floating beacon is somewhat resembling
two cones united at the smaller ends, the upper one inverted and the lower
one direct. Our object. in preferring this form is, that it admits of a con-
venient place for ballast in the lower cone, which being there placed would
stiffen the beacon as a floating body, and it also admits of the application of
an adequate amount of cork near the surface of the water. We likewise
prefer a form of this kind, because the waves of the sea will break upon it
with less force than upon either the ordinary fixed beacon or the floating
light vessel. The body of this floating beacon is constructed by firmly con-
necting together a series of transverse timbers a, h, i, k, (see the vertical section'
Fig. 15, and the two horizontal sections Figs. 17 and 18) which are filled in
with planking of wood (or they may be covered with sheets of metal), taking
care, however, that a water-tight casing be thus formed, caulking or any other
known suitable means being employed for the purpose. A strong upright
beam or mast m, firmly secured to the bottom of the lower cone, and to the
transverse beams a, h, i, k, passes upwards to the top of the structure and ties
the whole together. The upper cone is roofed or covered in a little above
the transverse timbers or beams a, and a circular building, having two cham-
bers or apartments b and c, is constructed and fitted as shewn.
It will be observed that there is a communication between these two cham-
bers or apartments through the door or hatchway e, and that the lower one, b,
has the windows d for the purpose of giving light, and for ingress and egress
of persons and goods it is approached, as shewn, by steps along the inclined
roof of the upper cone, which are represented in plan at Fig. 16.
windows d may be protected by slides. There is a door or hatchway f in the
The

page_text: lower apartment b, allowing a communication with the part of the structure
immediately beneath, and there is a similar hatchway in the deck g for the
same purpose. In the hollow space above the timbers or beams a we propose
to stow coals and provisions for ordinary or emergent use, and upon the lower
system of strengthening timbers or beams h, i, k, we place tanks to be filled
with fresh water for the use of persons shipwrecked or otherwise distressed,
whereas about the deck g we line or double the planking or other covering of
the upper cone with cork to increase the buoyancy of the whole floating
structure. The quantity employed is regulated upon the same principle as
that set forth in reference to breakwaters, so that it will be perceived the
weighty materials are kept well beneath the water, and the buoyant material
placed near the line of flotation. In this way the stiffness of the beacon as a
floating body, as well as its buoyancy, is increased; and by the use of a
sufficient quantity of cork in the way described, and on the principle referred
to, the vessel would continue to float should any leakage occur.
At the upper
end of the beam or mast m is fitted a swivel or pivot hanging, upon which the
beacon light is suspended within the lantern as usual. It is so arranged as
to be capable of always maintaining a perpendicular position whatever be that
of the structure. We prefer using for this purpose the light known as
Pelletin's light" on account of its brilliancy and the convenience it affords
for generating the gas to be used in it on board the beacon.
66
It should be
observed, that the mooring chains are to be fitted with the same arrangements
for preventing chafing as herein-before described in reference to floating
breakwaters.
At Fig. 19 we have represented what may be called a day beacon or
"beacon buoy." It consists of an upright mast n which is passed loosely
through a buoyant vessel o filled with cork and firmly secured by the chains p
to the mooring block 9, Fig. 20. The lower part of the mast n is fitted into
a strong ballast vessel r shaped somewhat like a double cone as represented.
This vessel acts as a counterpoise to the effect of the wind upon the signal
flag at the top of the mast and other influences calculated to upset or cant it
over, and maintains its upright position. There must be a collar or band on
the mast just over the large loose opening in the buoyant vessel o to prevent
its slipping through, and on which it oscillates with an universal joint. It
should be remarked of the mooring block that it is firmly fixed into the
bottom of the sea by driving piles as at s, s, and has in the centre a strong
mooring ring securely fitted, to which the chains p are to be attached. The
apparatus thus described will form a useful adjunct as a "beacon buoy" to
the floating beacon immediately before named, or it might be used with

page_text: Fig: 20* shews an arrangement of apparatus for this purpose. A is an
air pump or barrel screwed to the cylinder B as shewn. Within this pump or
barrel a plunger C is worked by any convenient means, by which the air is
compressed into the cylinder through the valve C* opening inwards. D, D,
are; two air-tight pistons accurately fitting the interior of the cylinder, and
united to strong spiral springs E, E, fixed between them and the cylinder
caps. On the stroke of the plunger C the air, having been admitted into
the pump or barrel A (by the aperture A*), will be forced into the cylinder B,
and by the continued working of the plunger become condensed, and press
the pistons apart, thereby collapsing the springs E. When an alarm is required
to be sounded, one of the valves F, G, or H, is opened by the lever I, and
the air blows through the trumpet K with great power, much increased by
the expansion of the springs; the particular note to be sounded being regu-
lated through the lever I, and by means of reeds as usual with wind musical
instruments.
It is obvious that any number of trumpets, or any description of trumpets
may be employed, and also that any arrangement of mechanical power might
be applied to the pump, and condense the air into a cylinder or chamber as
that at B. For instance, a convenient arrangement for effecting the purpose
might be formed thus:--There might be three cylinders inclosed within a
general air chamber, and suitably mounted in a line, each fitted with a piston.
worked by a rod in connection with a horizontal shaft fitted with a three-throw
crank. The cylinders must be fitted with valves in the upper part opening
upwards, and by any ordinary suitable system of gearing applied to the crank
shaft the air would be powerfully condensed in the air chamber, and let off
through the trumpets as before
ments, in which Fig. 21 shews the general arrangement of the whole apparatus
in its combination for landing purposes. Fig. 22 is a plan shewing the chain,
or rope used, and the apparatus connected therewith, and Fig. 23 is a trans-.

page_text: verse vertical section of the same (upon an enlarged scale) taken in the
line a, b, of Fig. 21. A represents an ordinary lighter barge moored in
such depth of water that a vessel may be enabled to come alongside at all
times of tide. B is an endless chain or rope passing over a horizontal drum
or pully suitably mounted in the lighter barge A, and over another horizontal
drum or pulley suitably mounted on shore as at C. D, is a passage boat
attached to the endless chain B, having friction rollers E fitted into its sides
as shewn. F is a slip formed somewhat similar to a launchway in a dock-
yard lying on the surface of the beach, and when this is formed of soft diluvial
deposits the slip is supported at intervals by piling, as shewn in the transverse
section. This slip must extend so far out as to sustain the boat until it is
carried off by its buoyancy in the water at any state of the tide. The object
of this combination and arrangement may be seen as follows:-The passage
boat D being fixed alongside the lighter barge A may be loaded with goods
or passengers therefrom, and being united to the side of the chain leading to
the shore, and the shaft of the drum or pulley at C being set in motion by
horse or other suitable power, it will with its contents be drawn through the
water and thence up the inclined slip E to a convenient place for debarkation.
Thus steamboats or other craft may land their passengers, who may pass
through an entry port and covered way in the moored vessel to the cabin of
the passage boat, and be carried on shore without experiencing the numerous
inconveniences to which they are now frequently subject, and in many places
where the mud or deposits are such as to preclude the practicability of landing
without a pier.
Figures 24 to 27 exhibit the second part of this section of our improve-
ments. Fig. 24 is a section of the shore, shewing the landing way or tunnel
to be formed for the purpose of transmitting persons and goods to a conve-
nient place on land. Fig. 25 is a plan or horizontal section of the landing
way or tunnel. Figures 26 and 27 represent in longitudinal section and end
view the means or instrument employed in the construction of the said landing
way or tunnel. On reference to Fig. 24 it will be observed the landing way
or tunnel is formed in a curve, one end rising in a convenient place on land,
and the other under a landing pier. A railway is to be formed or constructed
upon this landing way or tunnel upon which a carriage may travel. The
carriage with passengers being released at the point G, to which it has been pre-
viously drawn, would, in its descent, very soon acquire a momentum sufficient
to carry it within a short distance of the same level on land. As soon as the
momentum of the carriage is expended, a rack and pall, fixed to the axle,
prevent its returning, when the passengers may alight. It is then drawn into

page_text: the branch I, of a still higher level, preparatory to receiving its next freight;
with which it descends and rises to the point H and is afterwards drawn up
to G. It will be observed that the level of G is about as much above that of
Has I is above K. The mode of constructing this landing way or tunnel is
by the use of the instrument or apparatus shewn at Figures 26 and 27. A is
a plate or disc of metal stiffened by strong girders or arms B bolted to it. C
is a tongue or blade (with a cutting edge) set at an angle with the part A* of
the plate or disc, so that the disc in its rotation will advance and cut into the
soil, against which it is applied with a speed proportioned to the power of the
rotary steam engine or manual labor, or whatever first mover we shall find it
most convenient to employ. The material falls into the cylinder D at the back
of the disc A, from which it is removed during the progress of the boring. E
is a shaft, with a screw thread of a slow pitch cut or formed upon it, to which
the boss of the disc A is securely keyed. The outer extremity of this shaft is
similar to a large auger or gilet, which will be driven forward as a pioneer
(at the exact angle required) into the soil, and serve also to steady the disc A,
while in operation behind it. The cylinder D is fixed to the disc A by a
number of clamps F secured to a ring or flange G, so that it will be drawn
forward with the advance of the disc, and within this cylinder the work is
constructed either in wood, iron, stone, or brick, as desired. But it will be
remembered the landing way or tunnel is required to be of a curved shape:
The way in which this is accomplished by means of this instrument or appa-
ratus has now to be described. The inner end of the horizontal screw shaft E
terminates in a collar K fitting into a lever block L, within which there is a
nut M working on a vertical screw N. On turning the nut M by means of a
lever the lever block L may be raised or depressed (so far as to bring the
screw shaft E to the required angle) and carry with it the nut M and the end
of the screw shaft E, which will thus cause the auger point to take its course
according to the direction required. In some cases, when very stiff, uncertain
soil has to be cut through, it might be advisable to place a strong helical
spring over the screw shaft E, one end pressing against the boss of the disc A,
and the other against an abutment within the landing way or tunnel, so that
at some points of the operation of boring the disc might be capable of yielding,
and at others advanced more rapidly, according as the nature of the soil
admitted. Different kind of cutters also might be applied for long tunnels in
variable soils.
Having thus described the several sections of our improvements we would
remark, that we do not mean or intend to confin ourselves to the precise forms
and arrangements of the parts of which the same are composed, but have
referred to them as being the best means with which we are acquainted of

page_text: carrying out the purposes of our Invention; neither do we lay claim to any of
such parts separately, but sinply as they are to be used in combination for the
objects described. But what we do claim under the above in part recited
Letters Patent are as under. In reference to Breakwaters,-
Firstly, the general construction described (and represented at Figures 1
and 2), of the sections of a floating breakwater, for the purpose of increasing
their compactness, strength, and stiffness, or freedom from oscillating tendency;
and also the application of cork as a means of increasing the buoyancy in such
a way as not to impede the passage of the waves through the structure.
Secondly, the modified form represented in Figures 4, 5, and 6, as a simple
and economical structure suitable for some localities. And,
Thirdly, the general mode described of constructing and securing break-
waters formed with an inclined open framework, as represented at Figures 9
to 13; also the mode of forming a substructure for the same, or to be used in
combination with floating breakwaters, as described.
In reference to Beacons, we claim the general form and arrangement of the
parts constituting a floating beacon, for the purposes herein-before set forth,
and also the "day beacon" or "beacon buoy" in the several parts of which it
is composed.
In reference to Sound Alarms, we claim the use of compressed air as a
means of transmitting sound through valves and trumpets, whether worked as
herein-before described or by any other suitable mechanical arrangement.
And in reference to Landing or Transmitting Persons and Goods over or
through Strata or Obstructions of any Nature, we claim the combination and
arrangement of apparatus as described for the purposes of embarkation and a
debarkation in certain localities. Secondly, the mode of framing or constituting
a landing way or tunnel by the use of the instrument or apparatus described
and represented in Figures 26 and 27, by which passengers and goods may
be transmitted in the way described from vessels to the shore.
.
And in conclusion we would observe, that any one of the several sections of
our improvements may be used by itself for the purpose to which it is described
as being applicable, or any two or more of such sections may be advantageously
used in combination as means of carrying out their combined purposes.
In witness whereof, we, the said Joseph Needham Tayler and William
Henry Smith, bave hereunto set our hands and seals, this Twenty-first 3
day of September, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred
and forty-three.
JO NEEDHAM (L.S.) TAYLER.
WILLIAM HENRY (L.s.) SMITH.
JO NEEDHAM (L.S.) TAYLER.
WILLIAM HENRY (L.s.) SMITH.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twenty-first day of September,
in the year of our Lord 1843, the aforesaid Joseph Needham Tayler and
William Henry Smith came before our. said Lady the Queen in Her
Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification aforesaid, and all and every
thing therein contained and specified, in form above written. And also
the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of the Statute