IMPROVEMENTS IN BRIDGES
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Walter Robert Kinipple of Greenock, in the County of
Renfrew, North Britain and 2 Westminster Chambers in the County of
Middlesex, Civil Engineer, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN BRIDGES,
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Walter Robert Kinipple at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th November 1883.
WALTER ROBERT KINIPPLE, of Greenock in the County of Renfrew North
Britain and 2 Westminster Chambers, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer
"IMPROVEMENTS IN BRIDGES, PART OR PARTS OF WHICH ARE ALSO APPLICABLE
FOR CAISSONS FOR CLOSING OR OPENING ENTRANCES TO DOCKS OR IN OTHER
ANALOGOUS POSITIONS,"
This invention relates to Improvements in bridges part or parts of which are
also applicable to caissons for closing or opening entrances to Docks, canals, rivers,
harbour entrances or in other analogous positions.
This part of the invention has for its object to provide for the transmission of
railway, roadway and pedestrian traffic over a water way without interfering with
the ship traffic and in such a manner as to dispense with what are commonly
known as swing bridges.
This part of the Invention consists in placing a pair or several pairs of girders
as the case may require parallel with each other across the water way and such
a height above it as will enable the shipping to pass clearly under the same.-For
this purpose if the water way across which the traffic is to be conveyed is of
considerable breadth, the bridge may be divided into two or more sections, in which
case two or more pairs of girders are arranged parallel with each other.-By these
girders rails are carried completely across the water-way and upon them a carriage
is placed on rollers which are moved either by a stationary or locomotive engine or
by hydraulic or other motive power so that the carriage with the rollers is easily
moved backwards and forwards upon the rails. From this carriage suspension
bars carry a section of roadway preferably of a length somewhat greater than the
FD T

page_text: distance between the piers so that the piers serve as guides to, and in the case of
such bridges composed of two or more sections act, as junction platforms between
the different sections of the bridge thereby making the bridge continuous at the
level corresponding to the line of railway, tramway, Street or footway, Quay or
wharf on the opposite sides of the water-way to or from which the traffic is required
to be carried.
It is to be understood that in some cases a single girder at a high level with rails
upon it may be used for carrying the suspended roadway.
By means of this part of my invention not only may a continuous roadway be
provided across a water-way but any sections of the bridge may be used for the
conveyance of traffic in opposite directions across the waterway simultaneously.
Under a modified arrangement the travelling girders may be made in two
sections which when they are in the position of lying close together completely
across the water-way represent in shape approximately a triangular truss but which
really consist of two triangular portions meeting together by a vertical joint at the
centre. These two triangular portions are respectively carried by rollers at their
upper or central ends and by other rollers at their outer or lower ends, that is to
say, that each of the two sections of this arrangement of bridge is supported by
rollers at diagonally opposite ends and this arrangement of supporting the moveable
sections of my said bridges is also applicable to the supporting, carrying and
girding of caissons and bridges to dock entrances and in other such situations such
as are hereinbefore referred to.-In the latter case the lower rollers are by
preference made adjustable.
Another improvement in bridges comprised in the present invention has for its
object in the case of swing bridges in dispensing with the placing of piers in a
water-way and consists in placing the pivot of the bridge at one side of the water-
way, it being provided with rollers or equivalent antifriction arrangements.-The
opposite end of the bridge is suspended from a carriage mounted upon rollers which
run upon rails, carried by girders at a high level to allow shipping to pass under
and so arranged as to form a quadrant struck from the centre of the pivot of the
bridge.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Walter Robert Kinipple in the Patent Office on the 13th May
1884.
WALTER ROBERT KINIPPLE of Greenock in the County of Renfrew, North.
Britain and 2. Westminster Chambers, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer
"IMPROVEMENTS IN BRIDGES, PART OR PARTS OF WHICH ARE ALSO APPLICABLE
FOR CAISSONS, FOR CLOSING OR OPENING ENTRANCES TO DOCKS, OR IN OTHER
ANALOGOUS POSITIONS
My said Invention relates to improvements in bridges part or parts of which
are applicable to Caissons for closing or opening entrances to Docks, Canals, Rivers,
Harbour Entrances, or in other analogous positions.
-
The first part of the Invention has for its object to provide for the transmission
of railway, roadway, and pedestrian traffic over a water-way without interfering
with the ship traffic and in such a manner as to dispense with what are commonly
known as swing bridges.
This part of the invention consists in placing a pair or several pairs of girders,
as the case may require, parallel with each other across the water-way and at such
a height above it as will enable the shipping to pass clearly, under the same.-For
this purpose, if the water-way across which the traffic is to be conveyed is of
considerable breadth the bridge may be divided into two or more sections, in
which case two or more pairs of girders are arranged in sets of pairs parallel with
each other. By these girders, rails are carried in sections corresponding to the
length of each pair of girders completely across the water-way and upon them a
carriage is placed on rollers which are moved either by a stationary or locomotive
engine or by hydraulic or other motive power so that, the carriage with the rollers
is easily moved backwards and forwards upon the rails.-From this carriage
suspension bars carry a section of roadway preferably of a length somewhat
greater than half the distance or the whole distance between the piers so that the
piers serve as guides to and in the case of such bridges composed of two or more
sections, act as junction platforms between the different sections of the bridge
thereby making the bridge continuous at the level corresponding to the line of
railway, tramway, street or foot-way, Quay, or wharf on the opposite sides of the
water-way to or from which the traffic is required to be carried.-In some cases a
single girder at a high level with rails upon it may be used for carrying the
suspended roadway.
] 3
By means of this part of my invention not only may a continuous roadway be
provided across a water-way but any sections of the bridge may be used for the
conveyance of traffic in opposite directions across the water-way simultaneously.
Under a modified arrangement the travelling girders may be made in two
sections which when they are in the position of lying close together completely
across the water-way represent in shape approximately a triangular truss but which
really consist of two triangular portions meeting together by a vertical joint at the
centre. These two triangular portions are respectively carried by rollers at their
upper or central ends and by other rollers at their outer or lower ends, that is to
say, that each of the two sections of this arrangement of bridge is supported by
rollers at diagonally opposite ends and this arrangement of supporting the
moveable sections of my said bridges is also applicable to the supporting, carrying,
and guiding of caissons and bridges to dock entrances and in other situations, such
as are herein before referred to. In the latter case the lower rollers are by
preference made adjustable.
i
,
Another improvement in bridges comprised in the present invention has for its
object in the case of swing bridges in dispensing with the placing of piers in a

page_text: water-way and consists in placing the pivot of the bridge at one side or at the
middle of the water-way, it being provided with rollers, or equivalent antifriction
arrangements. The opposite end or both ends of the bridge is or are suspended
from a carriage mounted upon rollers which run upon rails carried by girders at a
high level to allow shipping to pass under and so arranged as to form a quadrant
or circle struck from the centre of the pivot of the bridge.
And in order that my said invention may be properly understood I now proceed
more particularly to set forth the system, mode, or manner in or under which the
same is or may be used or practically carried into effect, reference being had to the
accompanying Drawings and to the Letters and Figures, marked thereon that is to
Bay :-
The form of bridge illustrated on Sheet 1, of the Drawings, Figures 1, and 2,
being an end and side elevation respectively, is more especially adapted to the
requirements of a comparatively narrow river or water-way frequented by vessels
of large tonnage.-The bridge consists of two sets of brased piers a, with a pair of
overhead girders b, at such a height as will allow of the largest vessels passing
under them. On the inner side of the lower flanges of these girders a roller
pathway is formed for carriages or trollies c, to travel on from which trollies two
sets of vertical frame work d, are suspended and rigidly connected at their lower
ends to the girders e, of the moveable bridge platform, the land or shore ends of
which are mounted on rollers e¹, running on the land or fixed girders f.
Figures 3, and 4, Sheet 2, shew end and side elevations respectively of a
travelling suspension bridge.
Figure 5, being a plan of the same.
The bridge consists of six parallel rows or lines of girders g, carried by braced
piers h, at such elevation as will permit of any vessel passing under them when
any one of the suspended bridge platforms is drawn back to open that span for
passing traffic.
The said girders have a pathway formed on the inner side of their lower flanges
for rollers, to run on, each opposite pair of rollers being connected and carried by
a light cross girder, to the ends of which are attached the suspension rods i¹, that
support the girders i², carrying the moveable roadway.
By reference to Figure 5, it will be seen that in this form of bridge it is possible
to clear the central opening by running the central suspended bridge platform to
either side, or either or both of the other two spans may be cleared by running
either or both across to the centre.-If it be desired to clear the full width of the
river this may be done by continuing the overhead girders g, landwards on one or
both sides as shewn by dotted lines and thus allowing of one or more of the three
suspended travelling bridge platforms to be housed on the land on either or both
sides of the river.
Further in the event of a continuous river traffic say at high water or at any
other time any or all of the moveable bridge platforms may be travelled from one
side of the river or water-way to the other laden with passengers and vehicles.―
Suitable fixed stages or platforms are formed on the piers and each is so arranged
as to be on a level and effect a junction with the travelling bridge platforms, and
thus a continuous and unbroken roadway connecting both sides of the river or
water-way is thereby obtained as indicated by the arrows in Figure 5.
The motive power for the bridges may be derived from an engine mounted on
the overhead girders or arranged in any other suitable manner the particular
arrangement of motive power forming no part of the present invention.
Figures 6 and 7, Sheet 3, shew end and side elevations of a semi-suspended
travelling or draw-bridge.
This bridge consists of four pairs of piers or sets of columns j, surmounted by
overhead girders k, from the latter are partly suspended the cantilever girders 7,
each of which extends from the middle of the opening spans to the piers or sets of
columns next the shore, and between which piers or sets of columns and the shore,
are ordinary fixed girders m.-The upper and central portion of each cantilever

page_text: girders.
The length of each overhead girder is such as to permit of each cantilever girders
being rolled back to a sufficient distance to completely clear the central opening.-
In order to allow of smaller craft passing through the spans on each side of the
central opening at the same time that larger craft are passing through the central
opening; to effect this the overhead girders k, may be continued shorewards as
shewn in dotted lines to such distances as will enable the cantilevers girders to
clear the spans on each side of the central opening.
Figure 8, Sheet 4, shews side elevation of a suspended swing bridge.
Figure 9, shews plan of the same, and
Figure 10, an end elevation of the same
This form of bridge is adapted for dock entrances, rivers or canals where cross
communication is desired for all kinds of traffic without interrupting the traffic and
at the same time giving a clear width of water-way.
The bridge consists of a pair of main girders n, of the ordinary type, with cross
girders, carrying a bridge platform or roadway but having in addition, provision at
one end for the reception of a pivot n¹, and resting on rollers.
The other or free end p, of the bridge is suspended by a vertical framework q,
from girders 7, supported by columns 8, at a height sufficient to admit of vessels
passing underneath.
The suspended end of the bridge is carried by a carriage q¹, mounted on rollers
which travel along a semicircular pathway on the top of the elevated girders.-If
the bridge be of one span it may be travelled either through a quadrant or a semi-
circle, the latter of which is shewn in Figure 9.-If the bridge be of two spans
there would be a central pier in the middle of the water-way and the roller path
would then be a complete circle..
For a bridge without a central pier the upper frame work is made of a semi-
circular form for on the approach of a vessel to the bridge from either side, the
bridge can always be made to swing away from the vessel and the risk of colliding
is thus much lessened.
The columns which support the overhead girders in the middle of the water-way
would act as dolphins for the protection of the bridge when opened for vessels to
pass through.
The advantage of this bridge is that a better distribution of the load may be
obtained than by the usual cantilever swing bridge, for by this arrangement an
ordinary girder bridge is sufficient, as each end is supported and thus obviates the
greater weight of cantilever girder, back balance weights and costly foundations.
The bridge may be travelled or swung by means of a small engine connected
with the carriage or in any other suitable manner.
When the roller pathway is semicircular or quadrantal a recess for the housing
of the bridge when open is formed in the Quay wall.
The advantages resulting from the forms of bridges illustrated in Sheets 1, 2
and 3, are:-
First The obtaining of cross communication for all kinds of traffic and the
providing for up and down river communication without necessitating the employ-
ment of high level bridges involving in the majority of cases long and expensive
approaches or the adoption of swing bridges with their usually heavy and costly
foundations.
Second-There is no complicated and elaborate gearing in connection with these
bridges such as is usually found in swing bridges and consequently a corresponding
reduction in prime cost is effected as well as a proportionate saving of expenditure
for maintenance.
Third-By the use of these bridges the obstruction of the central portion of
the water way by the necessary piers or dolphins for the protection of ordinary

page_text: Bwing bridges when open is avoided and these bridges contrast favorably with
swing bridges pivoted on the quay with their heavy back balance weights and
exclusively occupying or covering valuable quay space.
Fourth-That while there may be almost a continuous stream of vessels
passing up and down the water-way at any or all of the openings between the
piers, it is possible to maintain an almost uninterrupted communication with both
sides of the river by making use of any or all of the suspended bridge platforms
for the conveyance of passengers and vehicles from one side of the river or water-
way to the other.
Fifth-When it is desired, the two shore spans may be opened to permit of
up-going vessels using the one opening and down-going vessels the other; and
thus uniformity from collision with passing vessels is secured, and the whole
breadth of the river or water-way may at any time be cleared for passing
vessels by drawing all the suspended bridge platforms on the quays on either side.
With regard to my improvements as applicable to caissons and bridges to
dock entrances and the like:-
Figure 11, Sheet 5, shews side elevation of a travelling bridge fitted with
adjustable rollers and in longitudinal section the bridge recess with the roller
pathways.
Figure 12, is a plan of the same and Figure 13, shews in cross section the
bridge and roller pathway.
Figure 14, Sheet 6, of the accompanying drawings represents in side elevation
a pair of travelling bridges, both similar in construction to the bridge represented
at Figure 11, and fitted in a manner suitable for their application to dock entrances
and the like.
Figure 15, Sheet 7. of the Drawings shews in side elevation a caisson fitted with
adjustable rollers; and in longitudinal section the caisson recess and roller
pathways.
Figure 16, is a plan of the same and Figure 17, a cross section of the caisson
and roller pathway.
Figure 18, Sheet 8, of the Drawings shews in side elevation a roller, roller
bracket and support having adjusting screw on its top fitting into carrying beam
which is shewn in cross section.-The shaft or tube surrounding the support being
also shewn in cross section.
Figure 19, is a further view of same and Figure 20, is a sectional plan of the
shaft or tube and support.
My present improvements upon the travelling and folding bridge for which I
obtained Letters Patent No. 2444 A.D. 1870, and No. 3573 A.D. 1874, are as
follows:-
With reference to Figure 11, Sheet 5 of the Drawings in lieu of the two or
more piers with water-tight compartments which were used formerly for carrying
the bridge, I now adopt only one t¹, at one end; the inner or recess end of the
bridge being supported or carried on a carriage or trolly u, rolling on rails bedded
on a pathway v, above high water mark or other convenient level.
With reference to Figure 14, Sheet 6 of the accompanying Drawings it is seen
that the travelling bridge there represented is constructed of two portions both of
which are similar to the one portion represented at Figure 11, that is to say, they
are each provided with the water-tight compartment t¹, at one end; the inner or
recess ends of these parts are supported or carried on the carriages or trollies u,
rolling on rails bedded on the pathways v, above high water mark or other
convenient level.-These portions are capable of travelling to and from opposite
sides, the piers thereof meeting in the centre of the river or opening spanned by
such two portions of the pier.
The rollers, which carry the bridge, are shewn on an enlarged scale on Sheet 8,
of the Drawings.
Each roller is carried by a bracket w, to which it is secured by a spindle, the
said bracket being firmly bolted to the base of a column or support w¹, which is

page_text: r
moveable within a shaft or tube w³, and to the inside of which the top and
bottom flanges of the column or support are fitted so that the column, bracket and
roller may be guided and held in position.
The head of the column is screwed to fit a suitable adjusting screw w³, the
upper end of the latter, is held and can be turned in a boss formed in a cross
beam w, for the reception of the adjusting screws.-These supporting girders or
cross beams are firmly secured to a deck in the pier above low water mark.
In lieu of the adjusting screws double wedges or other means may be employed
to effect the adjustment.
The advantages resulting from this arrangement of piers and rollers are:-
First: The shortening to little more than one half its length of the submerged
roller pathway, thus necessitating little more than half the amount of diver work
and also dispensing with a considerable portion of the expense consequent upon
piling or forming the pathway. The roller pathway at the recess end being, as
already mentioned, formed above high water mark, no diver work is necessary and
from its position always affords easy access for repairs.
Second: If it be considered necessary at any time to examine or repair the
rollers or brackets, these may be raised with the greatest facility and a new roller
or bracket substituted without necessitating the removal of the bridge.
Third-If it should occur that the level of the platform of the bridge should
at any time require to be adjusted to suit the level of the quays this can be effected
by means of the adjusting screws or wedges as before mentioned.
Upon Sheet 7, is shewn the application of this arrangement of adjustable rollers
to the travelling caissons with folding bridge (for which I have already obtained
the Letters Patent hereinbefore referred to), and to which all the foregoing remarks
are applicable.
Figures 15, and 16, shew that instead of a carriage or trolly mounted on rollers
as in the travelling bridge the inner or recess end of the caisson is carried by a
spur or projecting arm x, secured to the end of the caisson and bound together by
angled cross girders y, carrying the roller brackets.
It is to be understood although the rollers W, are shewn to be carried in
brackets or secured to the underside of the caissons and of the spur or projecting
arms, hereinbefore described, that such rollers may be carried in brackets
secured to the pathway hereinbefore mentioned under which circumstances the
parts supported by such rollers are formed flat so as to provide roller pathways on
the underside of the said parts.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention and the system mode or manner in or under which the same is or may
be used or practically carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what
I consider to be novel and original and therefore claim as the invention secured
to me by the hereinbefore in part recited Letters Patent is :-
First The arrangement of bridge with a moveable roadway as hereinbefore
described and shewn at Figures 1, and 2, of the annexed drawings consisting of
overhead or high level girders whereon the carriages on rollers are capable of being
travelled longitudinally backwards and forwards, and from which carriages, the
meeting ends of the girders of the two moveable parts of the roadway are
suspended; the shore ends of the said girders carrying the moveable parts of the
roadway being also supported on rollers on the adjacent fixed spans or on the solid
masonry, pier or quay, constituting the shore or land ends of the bridge.
Second-The arrangement of bridge hereinbefore described and shewn at
Figures 3, 4, and 5 of the annexed Drawings wherein a series of pairs of parallel
girders are arranged at a high level collectively to cross the span and on each pair
of which a travelling carriage is placed wherefrom girders carrying the moveable
roadways are suspended.-Each of the said carriages and suspended roadways
when all of them are in the positions which span continuously the entire waterway
from shore to shore, (that is to say the position shewn on the Drawings) constituting
with the pier platforms, a continuous roadway, and each and all of which sections

page_text: of roadway are capable of being traversed wholly or partly across the entire
waterway and housed on the land or quays on one or both sides of the opening
so as to entirely clear the water-way between the piers, and piers and quays, as
hereinbefore described.
Third-The arrangement and construction of bridge hereinbefore described and
shewn at Figures 6, and 7, of the annexed Drawings in which a pair of carriages
traverse upon parallel high level girders and which carriages carry by means of
triangularly arranged ties horizontal girders on which the moveable parts of the
roadway are carried or supported,-the inner or land ends of the said girders being
carried upon rollers which traverse upon the land or fixed girders, masonry, piers,
or quay, constituting the sides of the span.
Fourth: The arrangement and construction of swing bridge shewn at Figures
8, 9, and 10, of the accompanying Drawings consisting of a swinging roadway, one
end, or the centre of which is pivoted to the masonry or other fixed portion of one
side, or on a pier in the centre of the span, the outer end or ends of the said
roadway being suspended from a carriage which is traversed by a locomotive
engine or the mechanical equivalent thereof upon a segmental or completely
circular roadway situated at a high level.
Fifth-The arrangement and construction of a travelling bridge hereinbefore
described and shewn at Figures 11, 12, and 13, of the accompanying Drawings in
which the roadway is supported on girders one end of which is carried upon a
traversing pier fitted with rollers, the opposite end being also carried upon rollers
running on a pathway laid in a chamber formed under the surface of the quay,
pier, or other fixed roadway, the whole being so arranged that the rollers are
adjustable and travel in the manner required upon the roller pathways, or as an
alternative thereof, the rollers in place of being fixed to the bridge may be placed
in the pathways, in which case the bottom of the moveable pier and the underside
of the opposite end of the girder are made flat and continuous so as to run on the
tops of the said rollers; or the said bridge instead of being of one span may be
constructed of two portions and travel to and from opposite sides, the piers thereof
meeting in the centre of the river or opening spanned substantially as herein before
described and shewn at Figure 14 of the annexed Drawings.
-
Sixth The arrangement and construction of a caisson whose opposite ends
are carried on the roller pathways respectively at the bottom and upper parts of
the dock entrance, or equivalent waterway, or whose said ends are caused to
traverse upon rollers fixed in the said pathways, the same being operated after
the manner of bridge claimed under the preceding claiming clause for the single
span bridge.
In Witness Whereof I, the said Walter Robert Kinipple have hereunto set
my hand and seal this eighth day of May in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty four.
WALTEK KOBERT KINIPPLE (L.S.)