A New or Improved Apparatus for Indicating on Inspection the Exact Draught of Ships or other Floating Structures.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Oct., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 16th Mar., 1893-Accepted, 20th May, 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Apparatus for Indicating on Inspection the
Exact Draught of Ships or other Floating Structures.
I, JAMES BAXTER MURRAY, of 28 Herriet Street, Pollokshields, Glasgow,
Master Mariner, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to an apparatus for indicating automatically the exact
draught of a ship or other floating structure. The apparatus is or may be fitted at
any suitable and convenient part of the ship or structure.
One apparatus is, preferably, placed at the bow of the ship to give the forward
draught and another apparatus is placed at the stern of the ship to give the aft
draught.
In carrying out my invention, I use a glass tube, which is, by preference, fitted to
a wooden backing. The wooden backing may have brass or other metal plates
fitted to it at each side of the glass. The brass or other plates are graduated with
inch, and fractions of an inch, divisions. The graduations may represent a foot-
and-a-half or two feet. The glass tube, at its lower end, is connected to a cock or
valve of any ordinary construction and which valve I call the "regulating cock."
Fitted to, made in one with, or connected to, the lower end of the regulating cock
is a trap or check valve, which consists of a suitable valve casing and seat with a
suitable guided ball or cone valve in its interior. Fitted to the end of the trap
valve is a long pipe connection, which is led to and connected with a sea cock or
"Kingston" valve, fitted preferably, at the side of the ship, and communicating
with the water outside. A small rose is, preferably, fitted over the hole on the
outside of the ship, to prevent seaweed or other obstructions entering the cock or
pipe connections. The sea cock has, preferably, a long spindle attached to it for
closing it from the deck if so desired.
Fitted at the upper end of the glass registering tube is a valve or cock, which,
under one arrangement, is connected by a pipe or other suitable connection with
an indicating dial placed preferably on a pedestal fitted in any suitable position on
the deck.
In the interior of the glass registering tube is a, preferably, hollow metal float of
square or triangular cross section. This float is connected by a cord or wire with
a counter-balancing weight, which is suspended over a wheel or series of wheels for
operating the pointer on the dial plate. The counter-balance weight is, in air,
lighter than the float. The registering glass tube and its pipe connections is,
preferably, placed, in the case of the forward apparatus, on the forward or collision
bulkhead of the ship, and, in the case of the aft apparatus, on the stern bulkhead
of the ship.
upper end
The registering scale is, preferably, so fitted on the bulkhead that its
will indicate seven or eight inches above the "Plimsoll" load line, whilst its lower
end will indicate a foot or a foot and a half below said line. The reason why I do
not care to make the scale any longer is that it is not very important to register
the exact draught of a ship except at or about the load line.
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-The sea-cock and other valves being
opened, the water, as tlie ship sinks, gradually passes up the glass tube, so that any
one can, at once, read on the scale the exact draught of the ship at any moment.
As the water rises in the glass tube, the float also rises, and, as a consequence, the
counter-balance weight sinks, and, as it sinks, gradually turns round the pointer so
as to also indicate the draught on the dial plate on deck. When the ship is being
unloaded, it rises in the water and, as a consequence, the water in the registering

page_text: glass and pipe connections sinks. As the water sinks, the float sinks with it, and
pulls up the counter-balance weight so as to turn back the pointer on the dial.
If desired, the dial plate and pointer need not be used, the registering glass or
glasses being alone employed; or, on the other hand, the glasses may be dispensed
with and the dial indicator alone used.
In some cases, a small registering glass, or its equivalent, may be fitted in the
pedestal supporting the dial or in a pedestal alone, and the rising and falling of the
counter-balance weight be used to indicate the draught of the ship; or, instead of
having a pedestal, the registering glass with suspended weight may be enclosed in
a small neatly constructed box, on opening which, the glass can be inspected and
the draught of the ship ascertained.
If so desired, the glasses may be graduated.
The float, with its indicating counter-balance weight, may be dispensed with, and
the level of the water in the indicating glasses, be alone used to indicate the depth
of the ship.
The apparatus may be modified in construction without departing from the
invention.
This apparatus, which I term a "draughtometer" will be found very useful to
ship masters, as they can load and trim their vessels with absolute certainty as to
the exact draught.
By having the trap or check valve, the apparatus is prevented from being
destroyed or broken in heavy seas, as, without it, a sudden burst of water from a
heavy wave, would rush along the pipe connections, and either force the fluid out
of the glass, or burst the glass or connections.
Dated this 5th day of October 1892.
H. D. FITZPATRICK,
70, Wellington Street, Glasgow, Agent.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Apparatus for Indicating on Inspection the
Exact Draught of Ships or other Floating Structures.
I, JAMES BAXTER MURRAY, of 28 Herriet Street, Pollokshields, Glasgow,
Master Mariner, 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 apparatus for indicating automatically the exact
draught of a ship or other floating structure. The apparatus is or may be fitted at
any suitable and convenient part of the ship or structure.
One apparatus is, placed at the bow of the ship to give the forward draught and
another apparatus is placed at the stern of the ship to give the aft draught.
In carrying out my invention, I use a glass tube, which is, by preference, fitted
to a wooden backing. The wooden backing may have brass or other metal plates
fitted to it at each side of the glass. The brass or other plates are graduated with
inch and fractions of an inch, divisions. The graduations may represent a
foot-and-a-half or two or more feet. The glass tube, at its lower end, is connected
to a cock or valve of any ordinary construction and which cock I call the
"regulating cock." Fitted to, made in one with, or connected to, the lower end of
the regulating cock is a trap or check valve, which consists of a suitable valve
casing and seat with a suitable guided ball or cone valve in its interior.
Fitted to
the end of the trap valve is a long pipe connection, which is led to and connected
with a sea cock or 66
Kingston valve, fitted, preferably, at the inside of the ship,
and communicating with the water outside. A small rose is, preferably, fitted over
the hole on the outside of the ship, to prevent sea-weed or other obstructions
entering the cock or pipe connections. The sea cock has, preferably, a long spindle
attached to it for closing it from the deck if so desired.
"

page_text: Titted at the upper end of the glass registering tube is a valve or cock, which
under one arrangement, is connected by a pipe or other suitable connection with an
indicating dial placed, preferably, on a pedestal fitted in any suitable position on
the deck.
In the interior of the glass registering tube is a, preferably, hollow metal float.
This float is connected by a cord or wire with a counterbalancing weight, which is
suspended over a wheel or series of wheels for operating the pointer on the dial
plate. The counter-balance weight is, in air, lighter than the float. The registering
glass tube and its pipe connections is, preferably, placed, in the case of the forward
apparatus, on the forward or collision bulkhead of the ship, and, in the case of the
aft apparatus, on the stern bulkhead of the ship.
The registering scale is, preferably, so fitted on the bulkhead that its upper end
will indicate seven eight or more inches above the "Plimsoll" or deep load line,
whilst its lower end will indicate from 1 to 6 feet or so below said line. The reason
why I do not care to make the scale very long is that it is not important to register
the exact draught of a ship except at or about the load line.
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-The sea-cock and other valves being
opened, the water, as the ship sinks, gradually passes up the glass tube, so that any
one can, at once, read on the scale the exact draught of the ship at any moment.
As the water rises in the glass tube, the float also rises, and, as a consequence, the
counter-balance weight sinks, and, as it sinks, gradually turns round the pointer so
as to also indicate the draught on the dial plate on deck. When the ship is being
unloaded, it rises in the water and, as a consequence, the water in the registering
glass and pipe connections sinks. As the water sinks, the float sinks with it, and
pulls up the counter-balance weight so as to turn back the pointer on the dial.
If desired, the dial plate and pointer need not be used, the registering glass or
glasses being alone employed; or, on the other hand, the glasses may be dispensed
with and the dial indicator alone used.
In some cases, a small registering glass, or its equivalent, may be fitted in the
pedestal supporting the dial or in a pedestal alone, and the rising and falling of the
counter-balance weight be used to indicate the draught of the ship; or, instead of
having a pedestal, the registering glass with suspended weight may be enclosed in a
small neatly constructed box, on opening which, the glass can be inspected and the
draught of the ship ascertained.
If so desired, the glasses may be graduated.
The float, with its indicating counter-balance weight, may be dispensed with,
and the level of the water in the indicating glasses, be alone used to indicate the
draught of the ship.
The apparatus may be modified in construction without departing from the
invention.
This apparatus, which i term a draughtometer will be found very useful to
ship masters, as they can load and trim their vessels with absolute certainty as to
the exact draught at each end.
By having the trap or check valve, the apparatus is prevented from being
destroyed or broken in heavy seas, as, without it, a sudden burst of water from a
heavy wave, may rush along the pipe connections, and either force the fluid out of
the glass, or burst the glass or connections.
And in order that my said invention may be properly understood, I have here-
unto appended an explanatory sheet of drawings, whereon:
Fig. 1 is a cross section of a ship, showing the method of fixing the apparatus.
The view shows the apparatus as fitted to the forward or aft collision bulkhead.
Fig. 2 is a front view of the draught indicating scale.
Fig. 3 is a vertical section on the line.e-a, Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a cross section on the line y-y, Fig. 2.
Fig. 5 is a vertical section of the gauge tube with float therein.
Fig. 6 is a detail plan view.
Figs. 7, 8 and 9, are views of the check valve.
i'

page_text: 4
Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of part of the scale.
.
Fig. 12 shows one form of deck-indicator.
Fig. 13 is a part front elevation, and Fig. 14 a vertical section, of another
form of deck-indicator.
Fig. 15 is a front view of another form of deck-indicator, actuated by means of
electricity.
Fig. 16 is a transverse vertical section of the indicator, Fig. 15.
Figs. 17, 18 and 19, are views of the electric contact making and breaking
device for the indicator, Figs. 15 and 16.
Referring to the drawings, whereon the same reference letters, wherever
repeated, indicate similar or like parts :-
By
The invention, as shown at Fig. 1, consists in fitting in any suitable and
convenient part of the vessel, a draught registering or indicating scale a.
preference, one scale is fitted on the forward collision bulkhead 6, and another on
the aft bulkhead, so that the draught can be readily and accurately ascertained for
the forward and aft parts of the ship. The mean between these two readings will
give the mean draught, and the difference between the two readings, will give the
trim of the vessel.
The scale consists of a glass tube c, (see Figs. 2, 3 and 4), fitted into box
nuts, e, e, at top and bottom and enclosed within a box or casing e³. d, d', are
Druss scales, fitted within the box, and at each side of the glass c. The scale d
ay be graduated, so as to represent the displacement of the vessel in fresh water,
and the scaled to represent the displacement in salt water (see Fig. 11). The
igures on the scale indicate the displacement for a vessel of 5000 tons, dead weight.
There may be fitted at the back of the tube, a scale &, the graduations on which
represent the draught of the vessel in feet and inches. It will be noticed that a
mark so - -0- is made on the scale to indicate the "Plimsoll " load line.
A float is placed within the glass tube c.
The lower end of the glass tube is connected to a regulating cock e, below
which is fitted the check valve f. From the check valve, the pipe connection p
leads to a sea cock y fitted on the ship's side. The position of the sea cock is,
preferably, about 5 feet below the bottom of the scale, and in such a position that
it can be easily reached when the ship. is light.
Fitted on the pipe connection p, is a stop valve h, which can be regulated from
the deck or any other part, between the deck and the valve, by means of a
spindle /¹.
The scale at its upper end is, or may be, connected, by a pipe connection i,
with an indicator fitted on deck. One form of the indicator is shown at Fig. 12,
and it consists of a wood or metal pedestal, in which the tube is fitted. There is
also a scale j, and glass tube 1, fitted in the same manner as the scale and tube in
the register a, except that, in this case, the readings are reversed, that is, they read
from the top to the bottom of the scale, instead of from the bottom to the top.
The position of the "Plimsoll or deep load mark is indicated by the arrows.
cord or wire n is attached to the float of the indicating apparatus a, and passed up
the tube i, over the pulley ', (shown in dotted lines, Fig. 12), and down the tube l.
A weight m is attached to the lower end of the string or cord. This weight is
lighter in air than the float k, so that, when the latter sinks, the weight will be
pulled up.
"
The indicator, Fig. 12, may be provided with a door n².
A
The float may be of any suitable construction, but is, preferably, made of
aluminium, and of the shape shown at Fig. 5. The float, which is hollow, has
spikes at its lower end, which bear against the interior surface of the glass
tube c.
Two star-shaped rings ², (see Fig. 6), are fitted on the float. These rings,
when properly adjusted in position, indicate the exact immersion of the float and
the surface of the water within the tube, the top one, when the water is rising,
and the bottom one, when the water is sinking within the tube. The difference

page_text: between the positions of the stars arises from the fact that as the water in the
lower gauge tube requires to rise to a certain mark on the float to float it, or throw
the difference of weight on the counter-balance in deck indicator, the water must
necessarily fall again to a certain mark to restore the balance of weight to the
float, the latter being the heavier avoirdupois, and cause it to descend with the
water. This difference, found by inspection of the float, must always be added to
the reading of the deck indicator, to get the correct draught by that scale during
the discharging, or when the ship is rising in the water. The stars are necessary
for very accurate readings. The points of the stars, when the tube is inclined
from the vertical by the rolling of the vessel, bear against the interior surface of
the glass tube. The points of the stars, and of the spikes, being the only bearing
surfaces, the friction caused by the rising and falling of the float is greatly
minimised.
The check valve, (see Figs. 7, 8 and 9), consists of a casing, made in two parts,.
which are screwed together. In the lower part, is a tubular projection f¹, on
which the valve f2 normally rests. The upper end of the tubular projection, has
recesses cut in it for the purpose of allowing a free passage of water, when the
valve is resting on its seat. The valve, which is, preferably, flat at its under side,
has two guide arms /^. The valve is preferably hollow. Should the valve
cease to act, or get out of order from any cause, it can be easily attended to
by unscrewing the parts of the casing. The valve is automatic in its action.
The scale is preferably made of such a range for large vessels, that it indicates
the draught from, say, six inches or 1 foot above the load line, to 5 or 6 feet below
it, so that full size indications are given at the most important point, when loading
or discharging, and the rise of the vessel between coaling stations and ports. The
range of the scale may, however, be extended or reduced to any length, as desired.
In Fig. 1, the line Z, Z, indicates the level of the water, when it is on a line
with the bottom of the scale, and Z, Z, the level of the water, when the vessel is.
loaded to the "Plimsoll or other deep load mark.
"
The operation of the apparatus, Figs. 1 to 12, is as follows:-
When the sea-cock is opened, the water passes along and up the tube P, in order
to gain its own level, through the check valve and into the glass tube c, if the
water level outside the ship is within the range of the scale. The water level can
be read off on the scale, so as to give the draught, in the same manner as with a
thermometer. As the float k rises, in the tube, the counter-balance weight m¹, in
the deck indicator, falls and also indicates, on the scale j, the draught of the ship.
The water in the tube c, acting under well-known hydrostatic laws, rises and falls
with the discharging or loading of the ship, and, in this manner, the float k is made
to accurately indicate the exact draught and displacement of the vessel. As the
counter-balance weight m' rises and falls synchronously with, and to the same
extent as, the float, it necessarily follows that accurate indications of the draught and
displacement are given in the deck indicator.
When the vessel is loading, the valve should be opened a little to allow the
water to rise slowly in the pipe, as the ship goes down in the water. The
regulating cock e must always be kept full open except when using it in the manner
hereinafter described. When there is motion of vessel, and, or, sea, causing any
force of air or water through the pipe, this can be regulated by the valve h, but
any sudden force that may be felt, is at once checked by the self-acting check
valve f, which, at such times, is immediately lifted off its seat, and closed against
the top of the casing. It opens again whenever the force is removed, and allows the
water to rise or fall in the tube to the normal height, when the draught can be at
once read. Should the draught be required when there is considerable motion of
vessel, and, or, sea, this can be found in the following manner :-By simply
watching when the surface of the water in the tube reaches its highest point, then
shutting the regulating cock, and reading off the height; then opening the cock
again and noting when the surface reaches it lowest point, then again shutting the

page_text: cock and noting the reading; the mean of the two readings will be the draught
required.
By attention to the valve and regulating cock e, assisted by the check valve, a
steady and uniform column of water will be obtained in the gauge tube c.
The deck indicator will be sufficient, under ordinary circumstances, but when
there is much motion, it would be advisable, for accuracy, to use the regulating
cock e, and note the draught by the lower gauge scale. In fact, in vessels where
this scale can be fitted in a position accessible at all times nothing more is
required.
Instead of using the deck indicator shown at Fig. 12, a pedestal with indicating
dial on top, as shown at Figs. 13 and 14, may be used. This apparatus, which is
otherwise of the same construction as the device Fig. 12, has or may have guide.
pulleys q, q¹. The action is the same in both cases.
The electrically actuated indicator shown at Figs. 15 to 19, consists of a
pedestal and dial, although it may be made to have the same appearance as an
aneroid barometer. This form would, preferably, be used where the indicator
would be fitted in the chart room, saloon, or captain's cabin. In this arrangement,
the cord n is made to actuate the wheel 1, upon the axle of which
fitted a
wheel, having a number of arms projecting radially from it. These arms are
spaced at equal distances from each other, and the spaces correspond to the inch
or inch divisions of the indicating disc s. The disc has divisions indicating
feet.
Two contacts t, t, which are pivoted at or about their centres, and are
normally held in the vertical position by the balls or weights t³, at their lower ends
bear against the arms of the wheel r. u, ul, are terminals of the electric wires.
The electrical mechanism for turning the pointers of the dials, may be of any
suitable and well-known construction, and so arranged as to accurately indicate the
draught in feet and inches, on the two dials as they turn round.
is an electric
bell, which may be made to ring, whenever either of the pointers move, or only
when the draught of the vessel reaches the load line.
When the wheel is revolved by the rising of the float and falling of the
counter-balance weight m¹ in the tube 1, the wheel turns with it, and its arms, in
succession, strike the contact pieces t, t¹, (which normally hang vertically and clear
of the arms and terminals, so that the circuits through the wires we are broken) and
knock them against the terminals, and, at such times, complete the circuit through
the opposite terminals u, u, and cause the motor mechanism in the pedestal head to
move the inch-pointer of the dials one space, and so indicate the increasing draught
of the vessel. Immediately this has been done, the arms, as a result of the
continued movement of the wheel r, override the ends of the contacts, whereupon
they (the contacts) immediately fall into the vertical position and away from the
terminals u, u, thereby again breaking contact. The next arms in succession now
strike them and again make contact and actuate the pointers, and so on.
An
intermittent movement of the pointers is thus caused.
When the float / is falling
and the weight m' is rising, the wheel is revolved in an opposite direction, and, as a
consequence, the circuit is intermittently completed through the terminals u, u³,
and the pointers are operated in a reverse direction, so as to indicate the lessening
draught of the vessel.
The supply of electricity may be obtained from any suitable source, preferably
dry cells, and other electrical devices may be employed, if so desired.
In some cases, the deck indicator may be dispensed with entirely. In these
cases a float v¹, (Fig. 10), may be merely floated on the surface of the water in the
tube c, and be utilized for indicating the draught etc., on the scales d, d'. The float
may be painted a bright colour.
In some cases, if so desired, the sea-cock may be actuated from the deck, by
means of a long spindle, and, in this case, the valve may be dispensed with.
Instead of fitting the instruments at the bow and stern, one may be fitted on the
engine room bulkhead, and the other on the stokehole bulkhead, or one may be

page_text: fitted amidships, between the engine room and stokehole, and the other on the aft
collision bulkhead. It is necessary, as far as possible, in all cases, when fitting the
instruments, to place them at an equal distance from their respective ends of the
vessel.
Instead of using the precise form of check valve shown, other forms of valve, such
as a cone or ball, may be employed.
Various forms of deck indicators may be used as deck registers. Those shown
are merely given by way of example.
The apparatus may be manifestly modified and altered in its details of con-
struction, without departing from the essential features of the invention.
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
consider novel and desire to claim and secure by Letters Patent is :—
1. The general arrangement or combination of parts of the draught indicating
apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described and shown on the drawings
annexed.
2. In a draught indicating apparatus of the class set forth, the application and
use of a check valve, substantially as and for the purpose herein before set forth.
3. The combination of the registering scale a, regulating cock e, check valve for
equivalent, and a regulating valve or cock, operated from the deck or other part,
substantially as herein before described and shown on the drawings annexed.
4. The combination with the lower registering device, of a deck indicator, in
which a float and counter balance are used to directly indicate, or operate, or
actuate, the mechanism for indicating the draught, substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference to the drawings annexed.
5. The deck indicating devices, substantially as hereinbefore described with
reference to Figs. 12, 13 and 14, of the drawings annexed.
Dated this 13th day of March 1893.
H. D. FITZPATRICK,
70, Wellington Street, Glasgow, Agent.