Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Mar., 1896
Estimating the
We, HERMAN TRIETECH, of 260, Groesbeckschebaan, Nymegen, Mechanic, and
HEINRICH BERGHAUS, of 152, Keizersgracht, Amsterdam, Merchant, both in the
Kingdom of Holland, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to an improved method of aud apparatus for estimating
the distance from the observer of objects within such a range as a narrow beam of
light can be projected to and its point of incidence readily determined by visual
observation.
In carrying out our invention, we employ means for projecting a powerful but narrow
beam of light upon the object, the distance of which is to be estimated, and at
ight angles or approximately at right angles to the direction of the beam, we
mount a scale, or a transparent plate marked with a scale. At a suitable distance
in rear of the scale is a sight-hole to which the eye of the observer is applied.
By looking at the object illuminated and observing the point at which the line of
vision intersects the scale, the distance of the object is indicated.
By arranging the apparatus for projecting the beam of light, the scale and the
eye-piece, on a turn-table, the distance of moving objects, such as ships at sea, may
be determined at night with approximate accuracy.
Our invention is also applicable for use in determining the depth of water, if
moderate, beneath a vessel. For this purpose, we fit the bottom of the vessel with
a plate of stout glass; or other transparent material, which may be enclosed within
a tube extending above the water line, and, by means of a suitable reflector, project
the beam of light downwards through the vessel's bottom. The eye-piece being
arranged above, the spot at which the beam of light strikes the ground is observed,
the point at which the line of vision intersects the scale is noted, and the depth of
water beneath the vessel is thus ascertained.
If it be desired to determine the total depth of the water, the apparatus is by
preference arranged so as to admit of the observation being taken over the vessel's
side, about the level of the surface of the water, instead of through the vessel's
bottom. The draught of the vessel being known, the depth of water below the
vessel's keel may in this manner also be estimated,
Dated this 3rd day of March 1806

page_text: Improved Means for Estimating the Distance of Local Objects.
We, HERMAN TRIETSCH, of 260, Groesbeckschebaan, Nymwegen, Mechanician,.
and HEINRICH BERGHAUS, of 152. Keizersgracht, Amterlain, Merchant, both in
the Kingdom of Holland, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to an improved method of and apparatus for estimating the
distance from the observer of objects within such a range as
narrow beam of
light can be projected to and its point of incidence readily determined by visual
observation and amongst the useful purposes to which we more particularly
propose to apply our invention are:-estimating the distance of the ground, that
is to say, the depth of water, beneath a ship's bottom, determining the position
and disiance of another vessel fitted with like apparatus, and, generally, in
estimating the distance of local objects.
In carrying out our invention, we employ means for projecting a powerful but
narrow beam of light upon the object, the distance of which is to be estimated, and
at right angles or approximately at right angles to the direction of the beam, we
mount a scale, or a transparent plate marked with a scale. At a suitable distance
in rear of the scale is a sight-hole to which the eye of the observer is applied.
By looking at the object illuminated and observing the point at which the line of
vision intersects the scale, the distance of the object is indicated.
By arranging the apparatus for projecting the beam of light, the scale and the
eye-piece, on a turn-table, the distance of moving objects, such as ships at sea, may
be determined at night with approximate accuracy.
Our invention is also applicable for use in determining the depth of water, if
moderate, beneath a vessel. For this purpose, we fit the bottom of a vessel with
a plate of stont glass, or other transparent material, which mny be enclosed
within a tube extending above the water-line, and, by means of a suitable reflector,
project the beam of light downwards through the vessel's bottom. The eye-piece
being arranged above, the spot at which the beam of light strikes the ground is
observed, the point at which the line of vision intersects the scale is noted, and
the depth of water beneath the vessel is thus ascertained,
If it be desired to determine the total depth of the water, the apparatus is by
preference arranged so as to admit of the observation being taken over the vessel's
side, about the level of the surface of the water, instead of' through the vessel's
bottom. The draught of the vessel being known, the depth of water below the
vessel's keel may in this manner also be estimated.
In the accompanying drawings,
Fig. is a vertical section of one form of apparatus adapted for use in
determining the depth of water beneath a vessel.
Fig. 2 is a vertical section taken at right angles to Fig. 1 on the line 2-2.
Fig. 3 is an elevation of the casing enclosing the light-projector and transparent
plate or scale; part of the observation tube being broken away.
Fig. 4 is a horizontal section taken on the line 4-4 in Fig. 3.
Figs. 5 and 6 are enlarged views, in section, of the light-projector.
Figs. 7 to 12 illustrate the apparatus arranged for admitting of observations
being taken over the vessel's side; Fig. 7 being an elevation, Fig. 8 a plan and
Fig. 9 an end view. Figs. 10 and 11 are detail views of the light-projector
employed in this construction. Fig. 12 is a view showing the apparatus in
operation.
Figs. 13 to 20 illustrate an alternative construction in which the apparatus may

page_text: be used both for sounding and for light-projecting (and thereby signalling) under
water. Fig. 13 is a vertical section and Fig. 14 a horizontal section; Fig. 15
being an elevation corresponding with Fig. 13, and Fig. 16 an elevation corre-
sponding with Fig. 14. Figs. 17 and 18 are respectively a side view and a plan
illustrating the apparatus in use for sounding, while Figs. 19 and 20 illustrate the
same in use for signalling.
Fig. 21 is a fragmentary view showing a modified form of light-projector for use
in signalling under water and operated from the prow of the vessel.
Fig. 22 is a section taken on the line 22-22 in Fig. 21.
Fig. 23 is a vertical section of the meaus employed in this construction for
operating the light-projector;
Fig. 24 being a horizontal section on the line 24-24 in Fig. 23:
Fig. 25 shows the node of applying this construction to the prow of a vessel.
Fig. 26 is a horizontal section illustrating a mode of applying two light-projectors
in the bows of a vessel.
Figs. 27, 28 and 29 are enlarged views of the light-projectors employed; Fig. 27
being a face view partly in section, Fig. 28 a horizontal section on the line 28-28
in Fig. 27 and Fig. 29 an end elevation.
Figs. 30 and 31 are diagrammatical views, in elevation and plan respectively,
illustrative of the method of signalling.
Apparatus adapted for carrying our invention into effect comprises an observation
tube A rendered water-tight at its lower end where it is fitted with a transparent.
plate B, of stout glass or other suitable material, through which a narrow beam of
light is seen. The beam of light is thrown by a light-projector C upon the sea-
bed at an angle to the line of vision through the observation tube, and traverses
a channel C which is also closed, water-tight, by a transparent plate c
The
light is reflected from the sea-bed through the plate B; the point on such plate
where the line of vision intersects the beam of light indicating with approximate
accuracy the depth of water it is desired to ascertain.
In
Referring to Figs. 1 to 6, the apparatus may be arranged so that observations
may be made in the engine-room, on the deck, or on the bridge of the vessel.
the bottom of the ship near the lower end of the observation tube A is fitted a
plate B, of stout glass or other transparent material, bearing a scale; the fitting
of said plate being rendered water-tight in any suitable manner.
The upper
extremity of the tube A is furnished with lenses a a, through which the observer
takes sight upon the plate B; the latter being illuminated by a ray or beam of
light. In order to effect such illumination, light-projector C provided with
reflectors c', c, is arranged at the upper extremity of a channel C; the lower
extremity whereof is closed, water-tight, by a stout glass plate c. By means of a
suitable lamp C2 and the reflector e a beam of light is projected through the
channel C on to the sea-bed .e; the plate B thereupon becoming illuminated by the
reflected light. If the depth of water be inconsiderable, the ray of light would
strike the sea-bed and be reflected back through the graduated plate B.
#
By observing through the lenses a, tube A, and plate B, the spot at which the
narrow beam of light from the light-projector C meets the sea-bed may be seen;
the point at which the line vision intersects the scale B determining, approximately,
the depth of water beneath the ship. Different lines of vision and their points of
intersection of the plate B are indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 1.
The reflector or light-projector C, illustrated on an enlarged scale in Figs. 5
and 6, comprises a lamp C2, with a parabolic reflector e' above and a shield or
tablet e below the same. In order to increase the reflective power, additional
reflectors are provided whereby the rays of light which would otherwise be
lost are utilized by being thrown back to the reflector e; a thin stream or beam
of light possessing great intensity resulting. The shield or tablet absorbs any
rays of light which fail to be returned to the reflector c' by the reflectors c. The
lamp employed in this construction consists of a burner c, giving a cylindrical
flame; the gas and air being respectively admitted by way of the pipes c and c

page_text: c' is the chimney or flue for the escape of the products of combustion. It will be
understood that an incandescent electric Inmp may be used instead of the lamp
above described.
The lower extremity of the tube A and of the channel C may be connected
with a ensing D, the latter being secured to the bottom of the vessel. This casing
carries a sliding plug capable of being rotated and moved longitudinally by
means of the handle d. The plate B is secured in the slide d as also the plate c.
It will be seen that on rotating and partially withdrawing the slide, the transparent
plates B and c may be readily inspected and cleaned.
In
The apparatus may he arranged so as to admit of observations being taken over
the side of the vessel (Figs. 7 to 12 inclusive) instead of through its bottom.
this construction, the tube A is secured to the side of the vessel and is of such a
length as to descend a suitable depth below the water level; the light-projector C
being carried in a drum G capable of being rotated in a framing E secured to the
tube A. The rotation of the light-projector C may he accomplished from the
deck of the vessel by means of cords, or wire-ropes eel which pass over sheaves or
pulleys The amount of movement may be indicated on a dial or scale such
ase. The lower extremity of the observation tube A is closed water-tight by a
transparent plate B. The illuminated sen-hed may be observed through the tube A
and the depth of water ascertained as before described. If the light-projector be
rotated so that the ray of light which meets the sea-bed becomes visible through
the observation tube A, an approximate measure of the depth of water may be
obtained by noting the angle of rotation of the projector C or the position of the
indicator on the dial. The lamp and reflectors employed in the rotating light-
projector are similar to those described with reference to Figs. 3 and 6. The gas
is conducted to the burner c by way of the pipe while the air arrives by way of
the pipe the products of combustion escaping through the pipe e. The tube A
is provided with T-shaped projections a' which engage with rails a secured to the
side of the vessel.
According to a modified arrangement (illustrated in Figs. 13 to 20) the light-
projector, in conjunction with the observation tube, is rendered serviceable in
determining the approximate position of vessels and as a means of signalling from
ne vessel to another; the apparatus enabling signals to be given and received at
night or during n fog. Beams of light projected under water by rotatory light-
projectors are observable beneath the plate 1 of the observation tube, and the
position of a vessel carrying such light-projectors may be determined by noting
the joints at which the revolving rays of light appear and disappear beneath the
plate B. The light-projector C is carried in a bracket Esecured to the prow of
the vessel and is rotated by menus of a worm F gearing with a worm-wheel on the
enclosing drum G of the light-projector; same being operated from the deck by a
chain and chain-wheel on the worm-spindle In Fig. 13, the apparatus is
shown in position for signalling. Should it be desired to ascertain the depth of
water beneath the vessel, the light-projecting apparatus must be turned through
an angle of 90° or thereabouts. In order to effect this change of position, the
bolt g is withdrawn from engagement with the drum G. The worm-wheel g' is
then rotated by means of the worm g until the light-projector has arrived at the
required angle; the worm g being operated by suitable gearing (not shown) un
the deck of the vessel. The worm-wheel g' is enrried by a stund y fast in the
back-plate G' of the ligin-projector. The light-projector having been brought to
the desired position, the rotation of the drum Gabont the axis of the worm-
wheel causes the beam of light to be projected towards the sea-bed, and to be
observable through the tube A; the depth of water being determined as herein-
before explained.
With a view to increasing the intensity of the beam of light, the burner is made
in two parts e, preferably bow-shaped. On each side of the burner is an
aperture for the admission of air which is brought by the pipe e; the gas being
supplied by way of the pipe c. The products of combustion are conducted away

page_text: by the pipe or passage and escape above the water-level. The flame of the
lamp is enclosed by glass h and the reflectors c', c' are arranged similarly to those.
previously described. The outer extremity of the light-channel C is closed by a.
glass plate c. For preventing the supply of gas being cut off while changing the
light-projector from the one to the other position, the plate G¹ is formed with
slots x, x, cx, whereby the flow of gas and air to the burners is continuous, ant
the products of combustion escape without interruption. H is a divided ring for
retaining the plate G in the bracket E. The operation of the apparatus will be -
readily understood if reference be made to Figs. 17 to 30. In Figs. 17 and 18.
the apparatus is shown in use for piluting or ascertaining the depth of water
beneath a vessel whilst in Figs. 19 and 20 it is shown in position for
signalling.
According to the mode of construction illustrated in Figs. 21 to 25, a light-
projector is placed at the bow of a ship under the surface of the water. The
light-projector is enclosed in a drum or casing G and is rotated by means of a
hand-wheel or crank arranged on the deck and keyed to the hollow shaft i.
When the light-projector is not in use, as for instance in the day-time, it may be
removed from the operating gear. The supply of luminant is effected by means of
the pipes and e; the air entering the annular passage e through openings in the
shaft i and passing to the burner c by way of the pipe c, while the gas arrives in
the annular passage by way of the pipe c, enclosing ring cl, and apertures 12,
and is conducted to the burner e by the pipe c. The products of combustion
escape through the shaft and openings.
If desired, two revolving light-projectors CC may be provided in the bows of a
vessel as illustrated in Figs. 26 to 29; same being arranged below the water-line.
in water-tight casings or drums G G and operated from the deck through
the medium of the shaft ix. By rotating both light-projectors in the same.
direction, the beam of light is transmitted through the water; but owing to the
construction of the casing Ex the ray of light from the one light-projector is
not permitted to encroach on the field of the beam from the other light.
projector. One projector (on the "port" side) may be provided with a red
light, while the other (on the "starboard" side) may be provided with a green
light.
The method of signalling will best be understood by reference to the diagram-
matical views, Figs. 30 and 31, wherein the dotted line P indicates a beam of light
projected on the "port" side of a vessel and the dotted line S a beam of light
projected on the "starboard" side. Assuming the light-projector (or -projectors) C
to be in rotation, the beam of light (P or S, as the case may be,) will penetrate the
water to a considerable distance, as indicated by the various arrows (P and S).
The beam of light so projected beneath the water being observable through the
tube A, the position and course of passing ships may be determined by noting the
colour of the beam and the points where the revolving rays of light appear and
disappear beneath the plate B.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-.
tion and in what inanner the same is to be performed, we claim :-
1. The improved method of and apparatus for estimating the distance of an
object, substantially as herein described, and wherein a ray of light intersects the
line of vision at an oblique angle and illuminates the field of vision at a point which
varies in a transverse direction according to the distance of the object illuminated,
such variation being mensured on a scale and serving to indicate the distance of the
object.
2. The improved apparatus for estimating the distance of local objects, con-.
structed or operating substantially as herein described and comprising a light-
projector whereby a ray of light is projected through the water, and an observation
tube through which such ray is observable.
3. In apparatus for use in determining the depth of water or the distance of local

page_text: objects, the employment of an observation tube, such as A, a light-projector, such
as C, from which the light traverses a channel C, and a transparent graduated
plate, such as B, secured at the lower extremity of the tube A, substantially as
herein described.
4. In apparatus for use in determining the depth of water or the distance of local
objects, the employment of an observation tube A furnished with a transparent
plate B, and a light-projector C capable of being rotated, substantially as described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
5. In apparatus for use in determining the depth of water or the distance of
local objects, the combination with a lamp C, a parabolic reflector c' and a shield
or tablet e, of the additional reflectors c, substantially as herein described.
6. In apparatus for use in determining the depth of water or the distance of
local objects, mounting transparent plates, such as 13 and c, in a slide d capable of
being rotated, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Duted this 3rd day of December 1896.
G. G. M. HARDINGHAM,
191, Fleet Street, London, E.C., Chartered Patent Agent.