Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for Locking or Transferring Vessels from One Level to Another in Water Ways.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Apr., 1896-Accepted, 24th Dec., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and
relating to Apparatus for Locking or
Transferring Vessels from One Level to Another in Water
Ways.
I, CHAUNCEY NOBLE DUTTON, a citizen of the United States of America,
residing at 106 East Fifteenth Street, in the City, County and State of New
York, one of the United States of America, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
My invention relates to apparatus for locking or transferring vessels from one
level to another in waterways, and consists in improvements in the method of
constructing and operating locks and the gates and other apparatus provided to
facilitate their manipulation.
The main elements of my locks as hereinafter described consist in similar
caissons adapted to be operated by compressed air, on the principle of a balance,
the caissons operating between the higher and lower levels of the waterway which
they connect, floating and moving vertically in a pit formed in the lower level,
adjacent to a head wall or structure retaining the higher level, and provided
with gated openings to admit vessels to the locks when elevated and connected
therewith.
Each caisson has an upper lock chamber with gated end openings, adapted to
retain vessels and water to float them, and a lower downwardly-opening air
chamber adapted to retain compressed air by "sealing" or permanently immersing
its lower walls in the water in the pit in which the caissons float. An air conduit
connects the air chambers of the caissons. The locks operate oppositely and
synchronously by the transfer of compressed air from the descending to the
ascending caisson. When a caisson is down, the outer opening of its lock
chamber is opened, and its lock chamber communicates freely with the lower
level and when it is elevated, the end opening thereof adjacent to the head wall
registers with the corresponding gated opening therein, so that when the gates
are open, the lock chamber communicates freely with the upper level.
In a lock operated by compressed air it is undesirable that the air pressure
should be equal or nearly equal to the effort of the loaded elevated lock, because
changes in the temperature and density of the adjacent atmosphere and fluctua-
tions in the levels of the water in the lock and waterway would induce changes in
the conditions of stability which would injuriously affect the use and safety of the
apparatus. To be safe and satisfactory in its operations the lock when elevated
should either have a considerable surplus buoyancy, and be restrained from rising
too high by anchors; or it should have a deficient buoyancy and a positive
auxiliary support sufficient to provide for accidental changes in the load and
pneumatic support. In either case an auxiliary apparatus is necessary to keep
the lock level while being raised and lowered.
The pneumatic lock, and in fact a balance lock of any type, except those
suspended on cables, is a structure naturally in unstable equilibrium, because the
center of gravity is very much above the point of support. It is therefore
necessary to control the locks either by guides or by a suitable auxiliary apparatus..
Owing to the great length of the structure, it is impracticable to use guides anywhere

page_text: except upon the transverse central plane to control the tank end wise, and because
of the great weights handled, the use of such guides entails a cost which is
practically prohibitory. It is therefore necessary to the successful operation of
the locks that they be controlled by an auxiliary apparatus, and that this apparatus
be automatic in its operations during the period of manipulation, and that it shall
at such times maintain the proper level and alignment of the moving locks, and
instantly arrest any tendency to misalignment; for the weights being so great,
running to 50,000 tons and upwards, and the load being the unstable element
water, a slight departure from alignment would cause the water in the lock
chamber to surge to one end thereof, and the detrimental action would be
cumulative and so swift in its action and destructive in its nature that hand
regulation, which could not be applied until the mischief was done, is out of the
question.
I therefore describe two forms of apparatus, one in which the caissons, when
elevated, have a surplus buoyancy, say one fifth greater than their downward
effort when loaded, and are restrained from rising too high by anchors, against
which they are firmly held by the compressed air, and are maintained level, while
being manipulated, by an auxiliary apparatus which is a parallel motion, consisting
in hollow shafts extending along the sides of the caissons and provided with
pinions which mesh with and roll between vertical parallel racks on the caisson
and on terra firma respectively.
In the other form, the lift of the compressed air lacks, say one tenth of being
equal with the effort of the loaded caissons, and I provide an auxiliary apparatus
in the form of a series of hydraulic cylinders which are automatically controlled
so as to maintain the level of the locks during their motion, and to adequately
support them at other times.
These two forms of pneumatic lock and also an improved method of building and
operating the gates and other apparatus to facilitate the use of the locks are fully
described in the following specification, and illustrated in the drawings, the super-
buoyant type of lock being illustrated in Figures 1 to 25 inclusive, the over-
weighted type in Figures 26 to 31 inclusive, and the improved gate in Figures 40
to 49 inclusive.
In the drawings,
Fig. 1, Sheet 1, is a general plan view of the superbuoyant locks and the
apparatus connected therewith; Fig. 2, Sheet 2, is a transverse section thereof on
the line -x of Figures 1 and 3;
Fig. 3, Sheet 3, is a side view with the retaining structure shown in section;
Fig. 4, Sheet 4, is a top plan view of the air pipe system; Fig. 5, Sheet 4, a plan
thereof on a lower plane; Fig. 6, Sheet 5, a perspective view thereof partly in
section;
Figs. 7, 8, and 9, Sheet 6, are sectional views of a safety cut-off valve used in the
goose necks on the sides of the locks, and Fig. 10, Sheet 6, a view of a release
mechanism to the said valve;
Fig. 11, Sheet 2, is a section and Figs. 12, and 13, Sheet 3, isometrical views, the
latter partly in section, of a pneumatic weir used to control the supply of water by
which adjust the weights of the balance tanks or pneumatic accumulators B, B B;
Fig. 14, Sheet 6, is a view of a synchronizing hollow shaft and pinion, and
supports to the same;
Fig. 15, Sheet 6, is a view of one style of adjustable stops for holding down the
superbuoyant lock;
Fig. 16, Sheet 6, is a plan of another type of adjustable stops; Fig. 17, Sheet 6,
is a section thereof on the line u-u of Figure 16;
Fig. 18, Sheet 6, a section on the line v-v of Figures 16 and 17; Fig. 19,
Sheet 6, a section on the line w-w of the same figures, and Fig. 20, Sheet 6,
an enlarged section of the overhanging end and buffer, on the line u-u of
Figure 16;
Fig. 21, Sheet 7, a top plan view of the main air valve; Figs. 22, Sheet 7,

page_text: thereto;
Fig. 25, Sheet 7, is a bottom plan view showing the water supply valve;
Fig. 26, Sheet 9, is a general plan view of a pair of balance locks located side
by side, with balance tank and hydraulic auxiliary operating and synchronizing
apparatus;
Fig. 27, Sheet 10, an enlarged broken plan view, in fuller detail, of the balance
locks of Figure 26;
Fig. 28, Sheet 11, a longitudinal section on the line n-n of Figures 26, Sheet 9,
27 Sheet 10, and 30 Sheet 13; Fig. 29 Sheet 12, a side view and Fig. 30, Sheet 13,
a transverse section of the same at the line s-s of Figs. 26 and 27;
Fig. 31, Sheet 12, is an isometrical view, on an enlarged scale, showing the
engagement of a lock chamber tank with a head wall;
Fig. 32, Sheet 14, is a plan view, Fig. 33, Sheet 14, a transverse section, and
Figs. 34 and 35, Sheet 14, side views of an auxiliary synchronizing or parallel
motion apparatus, the principal elements of which are cables and sheaves;
Fig. 36 Sheet 15, is a plan, and Fig. 37, Sheet 15, a side view partly in section
of a differential hydraulic parallel motion auxiliary apparatus;
Figs. 38 and 39, Sheet 16, are enlarged plan views of a hydraulic parallel motion
auxiliary apparatus, consisting in hydraulic presses, a battery of pumps with a
common crank shaft, and independent hydraulic connections;
Fig. 40, Sheet 17, is a plan view partly in section of the improved gate which I
use in connection with my lock; Fig. 41, Sheet 17, a vertical section through the
same, on the line t-t of Figs. 40 and 42 Sheet 17;
Fig. 42, a partial front view; Fig. 43, Sheet 18, a plan view, illustrating
modifications in detail;
Fig. 44, Sheet 18, a vertical section on the line - of Fig. 43;
Fig. 45, Sheet 18, a plan view of a gate showing other modifications in detail;
Fig. 46, Sheet 18, a vertical section on the line y-y of Fig. 45;
Fig. 47, Sheet 19, a plan view of a gate adapted to be operated in running
water; Fig. 48, Sheet 19, a rear view, partly in section, of the same; and
Fig. 49, Sheet 19, is a section on the line 2-2 of Figures 47 and 48.
In the practice of my invention I suitably locate my lock where it is desired to
transfer vessels in a waterway between a lower level 2 and an upper level 1 thereof
see Figs. 2 and 3; and I build a head wall 3 Fig. 3, or other suitable structure to
support and retain the upper level. In said head wall 3 I provide openings 4, and
gates 4, Figs. 1, 2 and 3, and safety gates 4b, see Fig. 3, so that vessels may be
admitted to and from the locks, and the water retained in the level 1, as desired.
Adjacent to the head wall 3, I expand and deepen the lower level 2, to form a
pit or well 5, see Figures 1, 2 and 3.
Floating and moving vertically in the water of the lower level in the pit 5, are
similar locking members, A, A A, Figures 1 and 2 each made with an open-
bottomed lower air chamber, 7, Figure 2, adapted to retain a compressed air charge
by a seal formed by permanently immersing the lower wall 6, (Figures 2 and 3,)
thereof in the water of the pit 5; and an upper gated lock chamber or trough 17,
Figures 1 and 2 with end openings 18 and gates 18", see Figures 1 and 3.
As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 26 to 30 inclusive, the lock chamber tank
embodies a type of structure adapted to the largest locks for ship canals. The
structure is designed to be built of steel and is in two main structural divisions of
which the upper G Figure 2, constitutes a box girder and is adapted to sustain all
strains and shocks which may come upon it from without; while the lower division H
Figure 2, not being exposed to accidental strains is adapted simply to sustain
the normal internal stresses due to the functions and manipulations of the tanks.
The outer walls 6 Figures 1 and 2 of the air chambers 7 Figure 2, are disposed
in curved surfaces in equilibrium with the internal air pressure, being segments of
cylinders with nearly vertical axes, suspended from the upper division or box
girder structure G above described, and united at their lines of intersection with

page_text: the transverse partitions 8, Figure 1, which form ties sustaining the resultant tensile
stresses of the curvilinear walls 6. In the superbuoyant type of lock these
curvilinear walls 6 terminate at or about the floor 71 Figure 2, of the lock
chamber 17 butting against and being united with outwardly projecting and
somewhat downwardly-inclined plates 31, Figure 2, which plates may be extensions
of the floor 71 or suitably joined thereto. This form of structure being practically
an assemblage of pipes on end and subject only to tensile strain, requires
framing.
The upper division or box girder G Figure 2, has for webs the side walls 70 of
the lock chamber 17; for flanges the floor 71 thereof and top plates 72 and
fenders 73 united with the walls 70 and extending lengthwise of the lock; while
the stiffeners are formed of girder constructions 74, Figures 1, 2 and 3, also adapted
to sustain the hydrostatic pressure of the water in the lock chamber 17; and in the
overweighted type of lock these may unite the walls 70 of the lock chamber 17
with upward extensions of the curvilinear outer walls 6 and convey strains between.
them, see Figure 30.
The side walls 70 of the luck chamber 17 are cut away at the ends adjacent to
the end openings 18 to allow the gates 18" to run behind them when opened, see
Figure 1. At these places the strains are carried along the box girder division G
by the top plates 72, Figures 2 and 3, which bridge over the openings made for the
passage of the gates, and by plate girder constructions 70 Figures 1 and 3, beneath
the floor 71 of the lock chamber 17. I propose to use a working air pressure such
that when a lock chamber tank A is in its lowest position, Figure 2, there will still
be an air cushion of several feet between the floor 71 of the lock chamber 17 and
the surface of the water within the air chamber 7. Hence it follows that the
upward air pressure on the floor of the lock chamber exceeds the downward effort
of the floor and its load, and the floor must be held down. Also the water in the
lock chamber 17 exerts hydrostatic pressure on the side walls thereof, when the
tank A is elevated, and tends to overturn them; and in locks designed for ships it
is impracticable to tie them together above the floor line. To hold down the
floor 71 I provide transverse girder constructions 74, Figure 2, of which those 74*
above referred to are upward extensions; and longitudinal Z bars 75, Figure 2,
united with the floor 71 and girders 74.
I provide cautilever girders 76, Figures 1, 2 and 3, the axes of which are
coincident with the planes of the partitions 8 and which extend downwardly as
columus to sustain erection strains, and upwardly as cantilevers to sustain the
bydrostatic overturning moment on the sides of the lock chamber.
The cantilever girders 76, the transverse girders 74 and the upward extensions 74°
thereof, together with the floor 71 and side walls 70 of the lock chamber, the top
plates 72 and the fenders 73 are all united to form a trough-shaped framed structure
constituting the box girder G and adapted to sustain the stresses due to the
functions and manipulations of the luck and all accidental strains and shocks that
may come upon it.
I provide interlocking parallel guides, 28, Figures 1 and 3, upon the head wall 3
and the tanks A, A A, by which the latter are retained in the desired relation to
the former and guided in their vertical movements.
I also provide balance tanks or pneumatic accumulators, B, B B, Figures 1, 2, 4,
5 and 6 and valve-controlled pneumatic conduits 13, Figures 1, 2, 3 and 6 adapted
for the passage of air between the movable members.
To connect the movable members with an air main 13, on terra firma, 1 provide
air conduits in the form of goose necks 9, Figures 1-5, each having a flanged
downward opening 9, Figures 2, 3, 7 and 9, adapted to be connected with one end
of a loop of flexible tubing, 16, Figures 1-5, the other end of which is connected
with a similar opening 13 on the air main 13b, see Figure 3.
The goose necks 95 on the balance tanks B rise from the center and overhang
the sides.
Those on the lock members A are formed in upward extensions of the side walla

page_text: thereof, and are each provided with a safety cut-off valve 11, Figures 2, 7 and 9.
The air main 13 has branches 13", Figures 3-5, extending conveniently to the
goose-necks on the locks, and each such branch has a cut-off valve 13,
Figures 1, 2 and 4-6, so that any goose-neck or branch can be cut off, if desired.
A main controlling valve, 14, Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6, is located in the air main 13,
by manipulating which the locks can be operated and controlled. In ship canals
this valve becomes so large as to require special design, I have therefore designed
the valve shown in detail in Figures 21 to 25 inclusive. To make a valve suited
to any size pipe whatever, I form in the air main 13 a trap, say a vertical return
bend 14, and connect therewith a water supply pipe 14, Figures 2 and 6 and a
waste pipe 14, the two being valve controlled prelerably by a specially designed
three-way valve 14°. Normally this valve 14° stands in such a position that all its
ports are closed and there is free passage for air through the return bend 14*.
When it is desired to shut off the air connection, the water valve 14° is manipulated
and a sufficient quantity of water admitted to the return bend to fill its lower part
When it is
and trap it, as shown in Figure 23 and thus close the air main 13.
desired to open the air main the valve 14° is manipulated to open the waste pipe 14
and allow the water to escape from the return bend. The valve 14 is chen
returned to its first or normal position. The Figures 22 to 25 inclusive show the
valve 14 in its three positions and show a hollow piston valve 14° of such length
and stroke that it may uncover the ports of either the inlet water pipe 14°, or
those of the waste pipe 14, or eutirely close both of them. The valve piston 14°
is adapted to be moved by a crank 148 and connecting rod 14. The shaft 14' of
the crank 14 extends through the wall of the valve shell so that power may be
applied to move the piston valve 14°. It will be seen that the valve is perfectly
balanced, and can be driven to do its full work properly with the crank 148 rotated
always in the same direction.
.
Between the balance tanks B and main air valve 14 is a system of pipes and
valves adapted to connect either of the balance tanks or accumulators B or B B
with either of the locks A or A A, or cut such connection. To facilitate such
connection's I provide a 4-square compound water seal valve 214, Figures 1, 4 and 5,
with 4 vertical corner legs 215, Figures 4-6, each having a vertical partition 216,
placed diagonally and extending from the bottom nearly to the top and dividing
the leg 215 into two vertical divisions, which open into one another over the top of
the partition 216; and I connect these divisions, two-and-two by lower branches 217,
Figures 4-6, and on each branch provide a 3-way water valve 14° with water
supply 14 and exhaust 14, so as to form a combination of 4 valves, U¹, U³, U³, U',
similar in design to the main valve 14. The said valves are independent as regards
the trap parts but each connects with the adjacent ones, above the partitions 216
in the corner legs 215.
'
I connect the legs 215 on two opposite corners, each with one leg of the main
valve 14, Figure 4, Sheet 4, at the tops thereof, by pipes 213; and at the top of
each of the remaining legs 215, I form a goose-neck 218, Figures 4 and 5 Sheet 4
and Figure 6, Sheet 5, and connect it by a suspended loop of flexible tube 16 with
the goose-neck 9b on one of the accumulators B or B B. I control the connection
between the accumulators and the locks by admitting water to and exhausting it
from the valves U1, U2, U³, U, the water valve 14e being manipulated to that end,
see Figures 5 and 6 Sheets 4 and 5.
When all the said valves are trapped, no air can pass. When U and U* only
are trapped, as shown by the water lines in Figures 5 and 6, the accumulator B
connects with the lock A and B B with A A. Were U¹ and U' trapped and U'
and U not trapped, B would connect with A. A and B B with A.
I provide a safety cut-off valve 11, Figures 7-9, Sheet 6, in each goose-neck 9
Figure 2, Sheet 2, on the locks A. The valve is preferably a sheet of rubber
or other flexible material, 11b, attached at its upper edge to the valve body, and
at its lower edge to a roller 11ª.

page_text: The valve seat 11° is in the form of a gridiron, inclined at a considerable angle,
and has racks, 11, at its sides.
The roller 114, has spur gears 11', on its ends, adapted to mesh with the
'racks 11, and drums or sheaves 11, to which I fasten cords 11, which pass up
to winding drums 11', on a shaft 11, above and parallel to the gridiron 11°, and
roller 11. The shaft 11, has suitable bearings 11m; and one end passes through
a gland 11, in the wall of the goose-neck 9, and has a handle 11º, by which the
shaft may be turned, and a releasing mechanism 11, Figure 10, consisting in a
ratchet wheel 11, and pawl 11", the pawl being pivoted centrally on a fulcrum 11',
and at its end to the soft iron core 11" of a solenoid 11. When it is desired to
close the valve 11 a switch is thrown and an electric current passed through the
solenoid 11, the core 11 is drawn up, the pawl 11 is disengaged froin the
ratchet wheel 11', and the shaft 11 being free to revolve, the heavy roller 11ª
rolls down and deposits the sheet of rubber 11 on the gridiron, and shuts off the
air. When the valve is to be opened, the shaft 11 is turned by the handle 11°,
the cords 11h are wound on the drums 11', and the roller 11 is rolled over the
gridiron, picking up the rubber sheet valve 11, which is wrapped upon the roller.
The engagement of the gears 11' on the roller with the racks 11° on the valve
seat 11 prevents the roller from sliding and leaving the rubber valve 11 partly
covering the seat, when the valve should be open..
In order to vary the load on the pneumatic accumulators B, B B, and the air
pressure therein, I provide on the tops thereof receptacles 117 Figure 2, Sheet 2,
adapted to hold water, the side walls being extended upward for that purpose. I
also provide a channel or conduit 118 for bringing water from the upper level 1
of the canal, or from any convenient source, to the receptacles 117 on top of the
accumulators B, and in the conduit 118 I locate pneumatic weirs, 119, and similar
weirs 119 on the accumulators by which means water can be fed into or drawn
out of the receptacles 117 to vary the weight of the accumulators. These
pneumatic weirs are shown in detail in Figures 11, 12, and 13, Sheets 2 and 3.
The pipe or channel 120 forming the weir, communicates with the conduit or
other receptacle from which it is to discharge water, considerably below the
surface of the water, by an opening 121. The channel 120 is bent like a
letter From the opening 121 it rises to a bend, 122, then descends con-
siderably below the opening 121, and rises again to or nearly to the level of the
bend 122, and discharges through an open end. All parts of the weir are below
the water level. In the upper wall of the bend 122 1 locate an air supply
valve 123, connected by a pipe 124 with a source of compressed air, and an
exhaust air valve 125.
The operation of this pneumatic weir is as follows; So long as no compressed
air is in the bend 122 the weir will discharge freely; if the valve 123 be opened
and compressed air be admitted to the bend 122, it will force down the water
in the legs of the weir channel 120 and cut off the flow of the water, and if too
much air enters, it will escape through the opening 121, which is made on a
higher level than the lower bend of the channel 120 to that end. When it is
desired to again operate the weir, the exhaust valve 125 is opened and the air
exhausted from the bend 122, permitting the water to flow again. The locking
members A, AA, are made superbuoyant by so adjusting and controlling the
pressure of the charge of compressed air relatively to the weight of the locking
member and the surface against which the air operates that the locking member,
when elevated, is thrust upward and held firmly by the air pressure against
anchors or stops K Figure 2; the strain thereby induced in the anchors or
stops K being quite considerable, as, say one quarter of the weight of the loaded
locking member A, A A, so that the load, or the air pressure can vary considerably
without affecting the stability of the lock in its elevated position.
The depressed lock, except while being manipulated, is cut off pneumatically
from the elevated lock and from the accumulators B, B B, and floats like a pontoon

page_text: upon such air as may be within its air chamber 7, Figure 2. It can therefor..
adjust itself to fluctuations of the water in the lower level 2, in which it floats.
To adjust the traverse of the locks to compensate for fluctuations of the surface
of the water in the upper level 1, of the canal, I provide nuts 30, on the anchor
rods k, Figures 2, 3, and 15, which can be adjusted by hand, to regulate the height
of the stops 28. The stops arrest and hold the lock by engaging projections 28.
on the wall 6 of the lock; and elastic buffers 28° are interposed to prevent
shocks.
An alternative construction of stops, more quickly adjustable, is shown in
Figures 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, in which levers 128 are attached to the anchor
rodsk by pin bearings 129 or otherwise, the rods being built into suitable piers or
walls 130 and the levers 128 located thereon, with one end overhanging, so as to
engage the projections 28 on the wall 6 of the lock A, and stop the lock. To
quickly adjust the outboard ends of the levers 128, I provide, in connection with
each such lever, an adjusting mechanism L which is designed to be operated by
temporarily connecting it with the lock member A, while the latter is moving, such
motion being synchronized and suitable to operate a number of such stops all at.
the same time and equally. I therefore provide a suitable bed frame, 131, on the
wall 130, and overhanging the edge thereof. At the outer end of this frame 131,
I provide a bearing, 132, for a shaft 133, on which is a sprocket wheel 134, adapted
to engage a vertical chain, 135, attached at its ends to the lock wall 6. An idle
roller, 136, keeps the chain from slipping off the wheel. I provide a wedge, 137,
at the inner end of the frame, 131, with bearing blocks 138, the lower one
attached to the frame, the upper one having a curved upper surface and bearing
against a concentric surface 139 on the inner end of the lever 128.
This arrangement permits the parts to adjust themselves so that the pressures
are delivered normally to the engaged surfaces, whatever the position of the
parts.
In the wedge 137 I make a female screw, and provide a threaded bar or shaft 140
working therein, the far end of the shaft being supported in a bearing 132, and
restrained from longitudinal motion by collars 141. The shafts 133 and 140 are
axial, and their ends are close together; and a clutch 142 is provided for locking
the shafts so that they will turn together when desired. The lever 143, which
throws the clutch, extends to a pneumatic cylinder, 144, having a piston 145,
connected with the lever 143 by a link 146.
A valve controlled air pipe 147 connects the cylinder 144 with a source of
compressed air. When the operator desires to manipulate the adjusting
mechanism L to adjust the stops K he admits the air to the pipes 147, the
pistons 145 are forced out, moving the levers 143, and engaging the clutches 142,
so that the shafts 140 and 133 will turn as one piece and as the lock member A
moves, the shafts are rotated by the wheels 134 engaging the chains 135, and the
wedges are moved by the agency of the screws on the shafts 140 engaging the
females in the wedges, and the levers 128 are thereby adjusted.
To turn the shafts by hand, wrenches may be fitted on prismatic sections 148 of
the shafts, to that end provided.
The overhanging end of the lever is provided with a striking block 149, having
a curved upper surface, and a concentric surface on the lever so that pressures may
be delivered to normal surfaces. The block 149 is held in position by bolts 150
which slide in slots 151 in the end block 152 of the lever, and screw into the
elastic buffer 28° in the striking block 149, such a detail holding the parts together
firmly and adjustably.
To keep the lock members A, A A, from pitching end wise I provide an auxiliary
apparatus C, Figures 1-3, consisting of synchronizing shafts 160 which_extend
horizontally along beside the locks, and have pinions, 161, formed on them. The
shafts 160 are made hollow, to combine lightness with strength. The best form of
pinion is the lantern pinion (Fig. 14, Sheet 6), the teeth being formed of pins 162,
fastened in flanges 163 on the hollow shaft 160. The pins 162 engage with racks 164

page_text: on the lock and other racks 165 on terra firma Figures 1-3. The racks 164 are
fastened to the walls 6 of the lock, or to girder constructions 76 framed therewith.
The racks 165 are carried on suitable frames 51 on terra firma, Figures 1 and 2.
The shafts 160 have no bearings, being hung on the racks 164, 165, by the engage
ment therewith of the teeth 162 of the pinions 161, the friction being thus reduced
to a minimum.
This apparatus synchronizes the lock members A, A A; for should one end
thereof tend to move unequally relatively to the other end, a torque is produced in
the ebafts 160 by the effort of the lock to revolve the two ends thereof at different
rates, and thus the unequal motion is prevented. The shafts have a rolling motion,
and their travel is one half that of the locks.
When the shafts become unduly long, I may provide intermediate supports to
relieve them of the strains due to their weight. Such a support is shown in
Figure 14, Sheet 6, and consists in a cord 166, attached at one end to the lock
wall 6, at the other to an automatic tension apparatus T which may be a weighted
lever 167 supported and pivoted on a post or frame 168 on terra firma. The cable
passes under the shaft 160 and has the same rate of motion; and the weighted
fever takes up the stretch of the cable, and any slight irregularity which might
otherwise cause trouble.
The shafts and pinions act as rollers also, to keep the upper parts of the locks
from tilting sidewise. I provide lower guiding rollers 69, Figures 2 and 3, to
perform this office at the bottom of the locks, A, A A.
Having thus described this part of my invention in detail, I will now explain its
operation. In the drawings I show the lock A elevated and connecting with the
accumulator B; and the lock A A depressed, being cut off from all communication
with the other moving parts, and floating, like a pontoon. The elevated lock A is
overcharged with compressed air by reason of its free communication with the
accumulator B, which carries its maximum load, and induces a maximum pressure
within itself and the lock A with which it communicates, said pressure being so
high as to cause a lifting effort on the lock A, say one fourth greater than the
downward effort of the fully loaded lock. The excess of the lift is resisted by the
anchors K and induces corresponding strains in them. The load on the lock or
the air pressure can vary without affecting the stability of the elevated lock until
such variation is sufficient to nullify the strains in the anchors K.
Variations in the density of the air charge due to changes in the density and
temperature of the adjacent atmosphere are automatically compensated by move-
ments of the accumulator B, which keeps the working pressure above atmosphere
constant, however much the total pressure may vary.
The elevated lock A contains a maximum load, say 10 feet of water, and the air
pressure therein, due to the weighted accumulator B, is also a maximum, say
5 pounds, 10 ozs. The depressed lock contains a less depth of water, say 9 feet
3 inches, and the air pressure therein is in equilibrium with the load, say 4 lbs. 9 ozs.
If now it be desired to manipulate the locks, the gate 4 in the head wall opening 4
and those 18 in the locks are closed, the water between the gates 4 and 18" is
allowed to run off, the accumulators are shut off from the locks, and the valve 14
in the air main 13 is opened establishing communication between the air chambers
of the locks A and AA. The air in the elevated lock A being at the higher
pressure, expands into the depressed lock A. A and raises it: and as the air charge
expands and the pressure decreases, the water rises into the air chamber of the
lock A and expels still more air into the now ascending lock A A. As the
lock A A rises the weight of the water upon the side plates 31 continually
decreases; and when the lock is elevated say 5 feet the total weight of the water
in its lock chamber and upon the side plates 31 is less than the weight of the water
in the elevated lock A, and the elevated lock A will overbalance the ascending
lock AA and begin to descend, forcing air from its chamber into that of the
ascending lock; and the traverse of the two locks will continue until the ascending
lock A A brings up against the stops K, and the descending lock reaches a position

page_text: where equilibrium is established between its downward effort and the resistance
to further compression of the compressed air. The valve 14 is now trapped cutting.
off the pneumatic connection between the lock A and A A. At this time the side
plates 31 on the lock A are considerably submerged, and the pressure of the air in
the two locks is due to the weight of the lock A with say 10 feet of water in its
lock chamber, and say 7 feet of water on the side plates 31, and is considerably in
excess of the pressure necessary to sustain an elevated lock even when fully loaded,
because the elevated lock has no load on its side plates 31. The gates 18ª and 4*
can now be opened and the lock A A connected with the upper level. To increase
the stability of the newly elevated lock, however, it is desirable to connect it with
one of the accumulators, as B B. The valve Us is therefore untrapped and the air
from the loaded accumulator B B admitted to the now elevated lock A A, inducing
the maximum lifting effort of the air therein and stability of the lock. The lock A
is not yet fully depressed for it must be remembered that the normal charge of air
in an elevated lock operated on this system is at a very high pressure; and when it
expands to equilibrium with the load it increases considerably in bulk. It is
therefore necessary to discharge a portion of the air out of the now partly depressed
lock A. To this end therefore the surcharge of water has been run out of the
receptacle 117 on the accumulator B, and the air pressure therein is now. conse-
quently considerably below the pressure in the lock A. The valve U¹ is opened
establishing communication between them, and a part of the air drawn from the
lock A into the accumulator B, permitting the lock to descend to its normal
depressed position. The valve U₁ is then trapped and the now depressed lock A
left floating, the surcharge of water being discharged therefrom and the gates
opened so that it may communicate freely with the lower level if so desired.
From the above description of the operation of the locks by this system, it is
evident that while the pneumatic accumulators are a convenience and economy,
they are not absolutely necessary parts of the system; and they may be replaced
by a motor 32, and air compressor 33, Figure 1, the extra compression of the air in
the elevated lock being obtained by these agencies, and the excess portion of the
air charge being discharged into the atmosphere when the elevated lock is lowered.
I may operate small locks in this way with great economy.
Figs. 32 to 35 inclusive show a system of operating pneumatic locks in which
the air pressure may be equal to or greater than the pressure necessary to balance
the loaded lock.
In Figures 26 to 30 inclusive, Sheets 9-13, and in Figures 38 and 39, Sheet 16,
I show systems of operating pneumatic locks in which it is designed that the lift of
the air charge upon the lock chamber tanks shall be somewhat less than the normal
downward effort of the same when loaded, and in which I provide a positive
bydraulic synchronizing apparatus adapted to sustain that portion of the load
which is in excess of the lifting effort of the compressed air and to maintain the
tanks perfectly level during their traverse and to support them rigidly when
elevated. As in the variation first described I construct my pneumatic balance
locks in pairs, each movable locking member having an upper gated lock chamber
and a downwardly opening air chamber with sealed lower walls and air conduits
adapted to connect with an air main 13 on terra firma.
In this system the valve 14 in the air conduit may be dispensed with, except in
emergencies, as derangement of the auxiliary apparatus C. On this system the
locks may be operated with the valve 14 wide open and the air pressure practically
uniform throughout the system, only varying in the several parts thereof
sufficiently to overcome the friction incident to moving it in the manipulation of
the locks.
As above recited in the system here described, the upward reaction of the air on
a lock chamber tank A will be less than the downward effort of the tank A and
its load, and a part of such effort will be permanently borne on the auxiliary
apparatus C.

page_text: I will first describe the variation shown in Figures 32 to 35 inclusive, Sheet 14,
in which the auxiliary apparatus C is shown as consisting in chains or cables 36,
their ends being attached to opposite corners of the lock tank A and passing around
sheaves 37, supported on shafts 38 which are suitably carried in frames secured on
terra firma, or vice versa: i.e., the cables may be anchored to terra firma and the
sheaves attached to the tank A. The shaft 38 adjacent to the head wall reaches
from side to side of the tank A so as to synchronize the system of the two sides
thereof. It will be seen that this arrangement of sheaves and cables constitutes
a perfect parallel motion. If it be used in its simple form as shown in Figure 34,
the inner end of the lock tank A must be overweighted and the outer end thereof
permanently super-buoyant so that the cable will be always in tension. If the
duplex arrangement shown in Fig. 35 be used no such precaution will be
necessary.
In either case, however, the auxiliary apparatus is entirely automatic in its
operations during the manipulation of the locks, keeping them at such times in
perfect alignment; for as fast as the cables are taken up on the sheaves at one end
of the lock they are paid out from the sheaves at the other end, according to the
principles of this parallel motion. Thus the locks are kept level during their
motion, and any tendency to misalignment in them is automatically arrested in its
incipiency by the auxiliary apparatus.
Band brakes 39, suitably operated, on the shafts 38, are provided to control the
apparatus C and steady or hold stationary the tank A. The auxiliary apparatus C
of the tank A may be operated by suitable connection with a similar apparatus
on another tank A of the balance lock system, the tank or locking member which
is overweighted and descending operating both the tanks and their auxiliaries; the
descending member directly operating its own auxiliaries; and by transfer of air at
a pressure above normal to the air chamber of the lighter depressed member over-
coming its downward effort and raising it by the upward pressure of the contained
air in its air chamber, said member operating its own auxiliary; the brakes of both
auxiliaries being at such time released, and the auxiliaries serving to synchronize
the motions and maintain levels and alignment in the moving locking members or
tanks. When the traverse is completed the brakes are applied to the auxiliaries
and the locks are firmly supported in their elevated and depressed positions
respectively, until it is again desired to manipulate the locks, when the brakes are
released and the locks manipulated as before described.
Instead of depending on an overweighted tank or locking member to operate the
balance lock system, the auxiliary of any one member A, or of a pair may be operated
by an independent motor 40 suitably connected with one or the other of the shafts 38.
In this case it would be generally undesirable to overweight a locking member A,
and the weight of such member or members, when loaded, would be uniform and
practically in balance with the lift of the compressed air thereon, and therefore
normally with no tendency to move either way, except when power was applied to
the auxiliary through the motor 40. When a locking member A was elevated or
depressed it would be stayed from undesirable motions by the application of the
brakes 39. When it was desired to manipulate the locks the brakes 39 would be
released and power applied through the motor to the auxiliaries; the air being
simply transferred from one member to another and the motion due wholly to the
auxiliary systems.
When used as above described, the auxiliary apparatus has a double function
as follows: firstly, it automatically levels and preserves the alignment of the locks;
and instantly neutralizes any tendency in them to depart from alignment; and,
secondly, it serves to transmit to the locks the power necessary to cause them
to move.
In small locks of low lift I may use in lieu of the above described auxiliary of
cables and sheaves a differential hydraulic synchronizing auxiliary similar to that
shown in the accompanying drawings in Figs. 36 and 37, Sheet 15. In this

page_text: auxiliary the synchronizing engines of the auxiliary C are in duplicate on the two
sides of the tank A. Each engine consists in two main elements, namely, a
governing member 41, and a subordinate member 46.
The governing member 41 consists in a hydraulic cylinder 42 connected by a
pipe 43 with a source of hydraulic power, as for example, an accumulator, and
contains a combined piston-ram 44, 44", the effective area of the ram 44ª being
one unit and the effective area of the piston 44 and cylinder 42 being each
two units.
The sectional area of the annular space 45 between the ram 44° and the intrados
of the cylinder 42 is therefore one unit.
The subordinate member 46 consists in a hydraulic cylinder 47 and ram 48, the
effective area of which is one unit equal to that of the annular space 45. A pipe 49
connects the annular space 45 with the cylinder 47. From this construction it
follows that when the piston 44 of the governing member 41 advances one unit,
one unit of liquid is forced out of the annular space 45 into the cylinder 47 of the
subordinate member 46, and its ram 48 is moved synchronously with the piston-
ram 44, 44, of the governing member and vice versa. The cylinders of the
engine being suitably supported on piers or otherwise and the rams 44°, 48,
being suitably connected with the tank A it is obvious that the motions of the
tank A will be controlled and synchronized by the auxiliary here described, which
is also entirely automatic in its operation while the locks are in motion, and
instantly controls any tendency to misalignment, for the governed members being
hydraulically dependent upon the governing members, cannot advance or retract at
different speeds therefrom, but must always move synchronously therewith.
Therefore the points of the lock at which the hydraulic engines are applied are
automatically controlled during their traverse and must move synchronously, thus
automatically preserving the necessary alignment. This form of the auxiliary
apparatus is capable of the double function of automatically preserving the
alignment of the locks, and instantly neutralizing any tendency to pitch, and
further, of transmitting to them the power necessary to move them, in cases where
it is undesirable to surcharge the elevated lock with water.
The above described auxiliaries are more or less limited in their use by the
mechanical difficulties of their construction and maintenance in good working order.
A preferred construction especially for locks of considerable lift, is shown in
Figs. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, Sheets 9-13, and Figures 38 and 39, Sheet 16. In this
auxiliary, C, the essential elements are governed hydraulic members 50 Figs. 26-30
and 38 located adjacent to the lock chamber tank A and suitably connected
therewith; a governing member, in this case a battery of pumps 57, Figures 27
and 38, and hydraulic pipes 55, connecting the governed and governing members.
The operation of the governing member is controlled by the connection of its
moving parts with a positive mechanical apparatus, in this case a crank shaft 58
common to all the pumps of the battery, which are connected to it, as shown in
Figure 38. The mechanical controlling apparatus, i.e., the crank shaft 58, causes
all the pumps in the battery to move synchronously; therefore the liquid in the
hydraulic system moves between the governing and governed members through
the hydraulic connections in volumes dependent upon the rate of speed of the
governing member, and the motions of the governed members are thus made
synchronous and parallel. As illustrated in the auxiliary C the hydraulic
governed members are cylinders 50, 50, 50%, located on terra firma, being suitably
supported and stayed by structures 51 to that end provided see Figures 26 and 30.
Pistons 52, Figure 30, work in the cylinders 50, and piston rods 53 extend from
the pistons 52 to pins 54 on the tank A and engage therewith. The cylinders and
pistons are provided with suitable glands and packing, as is usual in such apparatus
and hydraulic pipes, 55, 55, 55°, controlled by a valve or valves 56, 56, 56°,
Figure 38, are connected with the cylinders as hereinafter described.
As illustrated in the auxiliary C, the governing member 57 consists in a series
of pumps 57, 57, 57, arranged in a battery, and all connected with a crank

page_text: shaft, 58, which synchronizes their motions. I provide a motor or motors 59,
Figure 38 also connected with the crank shaft 58. Preferably this motor is a
positive three-throw motor and the pumps are three-throw pumps.
The motor 59 has a hydraulic supply pipe 60 controlled by a valve 61, and an
exhaust pipe 62 controlled by a valve 63.
The cylinders connected with a tank A are arranged and hydraulically
connected in pairs or sets and each such pair or set of cylinders is hydraulically
connected independently of the other sets with one of the pumps in the battery 57.
Thus the cylinders 50 adjacent to the head wall 3 are connected by the pipe 55"
with the pump 57, Fig. 38. The outer pair of cylinders 50° are connected by
the pipe 555 with the pump 57b and the intermediate cylinders 50° are connected
by the pipe 55° with the pump 57°. The cylinders, and pumps of the several sets
being suitably proportioned, it follows that when the pumps 57, 57, 57°, are
operated, they being all connected with the same crank shaft 58, the several piston
r.xls 53 will all move synchronously.
The duty of synchronizing the movements of the tank A falls on the cylinders
of the end pairs 50 adjacent to the head wall and the outer pair 50°; for the
intermediate cylinders act with a neutral resultant force at the center of the
tank A and merely lift or support; while the end cylinders by keeping the ends
of the tank moving synchronously maintain the alignment during manipulation.
The intermediate cylinders are introduced to relieve the tank of strain.
In the arrangement above described dependence is placed on the guides 28,
Figures 28 and 30, to keep the tank from tilting sideways. If no guides were
introduced each of the end cylinders controlling a tank A would have to be
independently connected by a separate hydraulic pipe with a separate pump.
Such an arrangement is shown in diagram in Fig. 39. The use of guides is
preferable and other guides, 69, Figure 30, are introduced at convenient points to
steady the tank sideways.
This auxiliary apparatus is entirely automatic in its operation during the
manipulation of the locks, and at such times automatically controls their
alignment, and instantly arrests any tendency in them to misalignment, for all the
governed cylinders connected with a locking member being independently
hydraulically connected with the governing member, it follows that no governed
member can advance faster or slower than another. Each point of the locking
member to which a governed hydraulic member of the hydraulic apparatus is
connected moves equally with all the other such points, maintaining the alignment
automatically, without care at such times from the manipulator.
The above described auxiliary gives very great freedom in manipulating the lock
chamber tanks A.
Where the tanks A are arranged in pairs, as shown in Figs. 26 to 30 inclusive
and 38 and 39 with the similarly located and designated pairs or sets of cylinders
connected with the similarly designated pumps, if it be desired to exactly balance
the tanks one with the other and maintain an unvarying depth of water in their
respective lock chambers 17, the tanks are actuated and controlled by the pumps
in the battery 57, power being applied to the motor 59, which rotates the shaft 58
and drives the pumps exhausting liquid from the auxiliary C of one tank A and
pumping it into the auxiliary C of the other tank A of the pair, lowering the one
and raising the other. When a single tank A is used in connection with a balance
tank, the operation is similar except that the hydraulic supply is pumped from
some other source, as for example from a reservoir.
It will be seen that this auxiliary apparatus, like those heretofore described, is
capable of the double function of automatically preserving the alignment of the
locks during their translation, and instantly arresting any tendency in them to
pitching, and further of causing their translation by transferring to them the
power necessary to cause them to move in cases where it is undesirable to surcharge
the elevated lock.
If it be desired to overweight one tank of a pair by admitting an excessive

page_text: draft of water to its lock chamber 17, the power to drive the pumps 57 and
shaft 58 is derived from the excessive pressure on that side of the pumps connected
with the auxiliary C of the overweighted tank A. When the valves in the
hydraulic connecting pipes are opened admitting this excessive pressure to the
pumps, the said excessive pressure sets them in motion and they practically become
motors, driving the shaft which synchronizes them. In this case the motor 59
becomes an idle member; or a brake. Obviously if its hydraulic supply valve 61
and exhaust valve 63 be manipulated, the motion of the tank A can be controlled
thereby, being arrested when the exhaust valve 63 is closed, free when it is wide
open, and reduced when it is partly closed. Thus it will be seen, the exhaust
valve 63 of the motor 59 can be used as the master bydraulic valve of the system,
all the other bydraulic valves in such case being left open, and an adequate supply
of liquid being made to the motor 59; for if the motor were not adequately
supplied with liquid a vacuum would be made in its cylinders and the motor would
fail to control the tank A.
In the case of a pair of lock chamber tanks provided with the above described
auxiliary apparatus, normally one tank will be elevated and contain an excess of
weight of water; the other will be depressed and contain a minimum weight. So
long as the valve 63 remains closed (all other hydraulic valves being open), the
balance lock system will remain stationary. If now the gates be closed retaining
the water in the lock chambers of the respective tanks, the elevated tank detached
from the head wall, and the valve 63 be opened, the excess of weight in the elevated
tank, inducing an excess of pressure in the liquid of its auxiliary apparatus over
the pressure in the auxiliary apparatus of the depressed tank, will cause liquid to
flow from the cylinders 50 of the elevated tank through the pipes 55 to the
connected cylinders of the depressed tank and the overweighted elevated tank
will descend and raise the lighter depressed tank by fluid pressure transmitted to
the auxiliary apparatus of the latter; and as the rate of flow of liquid from each
cylinder of the descending tank to its connected cylinder of the ascending tank is
controlled by the corresponding pump in the battery 57, such motions will be
absolutely synchronized and level and alignment will be perfectly maintained.
When the traverse of the lock chamber tanks is completed, the valve 63 is closed,
and they are firmly held in position until it is again desired to manipulate them.
As described and shown, using a balance tank in connection with the lock
chamber tanks and an air pressure less than would balance the downward effort
of the loaded lock chamber tank, the depressed tank has no tendency to rise
except when so desired, and effected by the manipulation of the valve 63, and the
motion of the tanks is obviously due to the auxiliary apparatus, for the air charge
being freely connected in all parts of the balance lock system can never be
subjected to a pressure in one part substantially in excess of the normal pressure :
for a very slight difference, enough to overcome friction of the air in the conduits
causes it to flow from one part to the other, as from a descending to an ascending
tank, or to the balance tank; and in a well designed lock such difference in
pressure or "head" can never be enough to do the work properly belonging to the
auxiliary apparatus.
Where the lock chamber tanks are designed to work independently one of
another, as in a series, or in case of a single lock chamber tank in connection with
a balance tank, the hydraulic auxiliary apparatus of a lock chamber tank may be
directly connected with an accumulator or pump, and operated by an independent
valve; and if a pump be used, without necessarily varying the depth and weight
of the water in the lock chamber, the pump being driven by a motor directly
connected with a source of power.
A mechanism or organization of such character should in any case be provided
to make good any leakage, and one is shown in Figs. 27 and 39, in which a
pump 64 is driven by a motor 65, and supplies an accumulator 66, which is
connected with the auxiliary apparatus C by pipes 67, so controlled by valves 68
that liquid from the pump and accumulator can be admitted to any part of the

page_text: system. While the primary object of the organization is to make good any
accidental leakage, it is obviously equally adapted, if made sufficiently large and
powerful, to move the lock chamber tank by the direct application of power to the
pump 64, without varying the load of the tank A.
The hydraulic auxiliary apparatus has been described as applied to a lock
chamber tank in connection with an air charge less than sufficient to balance the
same when loaded, and adapted to raise and support the lock chamber tank. If
so desired the mode of application may be varied to actuate a lock chamber tank
in equilibrium with its air pressure; or to depress and hold down a lock chamber
tank rendered superbuoyant by the excess of lift in its air charge over the downward
effort of its weight.
The above described hydraulic engine may also be applied in the form of a
parallel motion apparatus to locks other than pneumatic balance locks of the type
herein described. Wind pressure on the side of a lock will induce increased
pressure in the auxiliary apparatus on the lee side, and be transmitted thereby
as a torsional strain tending to twist the lock chamber upon the guides 28
and 69.
I have described my balance lock system as embodying in each case a balance
tank, which is the most advantageous arrangement. The balance tank may,
however, in some cases, be dispensed with, if economy is imperative, and the lock
chamber tanks provided with a seal deep enough to permit considerable variations
in the volume of the air charge, the buoyant effect of which will vary corre-
spondingly and throw a greater or less part of the weight on the auxiliary
apparatus.
In such a case a pressure gauge should be provided to show the air charge, so
that in case the air charge varies in pressure beyond the limits of safety the
manipulator can blow out or pump in air to restore normal conditions of pressure
and volume in the air charge.
To clean out the water well or pit 5 I may provide a pump 34, Figure 27. To
restore air lost by leakage I may provide a small blower or blast engine 33.
These and a motor 32 to drive them, which may also actuate the high pressure
pump 64 of the auxiliary hydraulic synchronizing and operating apparatus, and
the accumulator may be located at any convenient place as shown in Fig. 27.
Having thus described this part of my invention I will now explain its operation,
first describing the mode of manipulating a pair of tanks balanced one against the
other, either side by side or tandem, with a small balance tank.
One of the lock chamber tanks is elevated, and connected to the head wall, its
mouth registering with and making a tight joint against the adjacent mouth of the
head wall, and the adjacent gates in the head wall and lock chamber are opened
to admit a vessel to the latter. The other lock chamber tank is lowered in the
water well and its outer gate is opened, permitting its lock chamber to communicate
freely with the lower level of the waterway. The lock chamber tanks are held
firmly in position by the combined buoyant air charge and the auxiliary apparatus,
the valve 63 controlling the latter being closed to that end. The vertical move-
ments of the lock chamber tanks are so adjusted that at such time the depressed tank
contains a minimum depth of water, say 29 feet; and the elevated lock contains a
maximum depth of water, say thirty and a half feet. The elevated tank therefore
exerts an excess of pressure over the pressure of the depressed tank upon the
auxiliary apparatus, the air being kept at constant pressure and uniform lifting
power by the free communication of the air chambers of the lock chamber tanks
with one another and with the balance tank. If now the adjacent gates in the
head wall and elevated tank and the gate of the depressed tank be closed,
the elevated tank released from the bead-wall, and the valve 63 controlling the
auxiliary apparatus be opened, the excess of weight in the elevated tank, its liquid
positive support being released, will sufficiently compress the air in the air chamber
thereof to expel it into the air chamber of the depressed tank; and will induce a
pressure and lifting effort in the auxiliary apparatus in excess of the effort on said

page_text: apparatus of the lighter depressed tank; and the elevated tank will descend and
raise the depressed tank, reversing their relative positions.
Where the hydraulic auxiliary apparatus is used, the liquid thereof is forced out
of the cylinders thereof on the elevated tank by the excess of weight thereon and
passes through the connected pipes 55, 55, 55°, and the pumps of the battery 57,
transmitting power in controlled form to the cylinders of the auxiliary apparatus
of the depressed tank, exerting a lifting power thereon and raising it. Thus the
lock chamber tanks descend and ascend uniformly and in perfect level and
alignment. When the traverse of the tanks is complete the valve 63 is closed,
the newly elevated or raised tank is connected to the adjacent mouth of the head
wall, the gates are opened, additional water to the maximum depth admitted to
the raised tanks, the vessels just locked proceed on their journey, and the system
is ready for another lockage.
When the locks are not worked in pairs, but with independently connected auxiliary
apparatuses, the operation is the same, except that the power is derived from a
motor or accumulator and pump, and the liquid from and to the cylinders of the
auxiliary is pumped in or extracted by that means.
Figures 40 to 49 inclusive fully illustrate a quadrant pontoon gate which I use
in connection with my improved locks. The poutoon gate possesses marked
advantages over any other type of gate; but as ordinarily heretofore constructed
has involved undesirable features in construction and application, and has been
slow and inconvenient in manipulation.
The improvements herein set forth enable me to construct a quadrant pontoon
gate of strong, simple, and inexpensive construction, which is capable of application
without objectionable or complicated structural features or accessories and can be
operated with facility and precision.
As shown in the drawings, I prepare the lock chamber 17, for the reception of
the gate 80, by suitably forming its mouth or opening 18, and by curving its
wall 6, so as to form a recess or pocket 91, in which the gate 80 can be out of the
way when open. The gate 80 has its contact or seating face 81 formed in a
surface of revolution about a vertical axis, preferably in a segment of a cylinder,
concentric with the front of the gate, which is preferably a quadrant, as nearly as
may be, and the recess or pocket 91 is correspondingly formed, in order that
there may be no space wasted, nor obstruction presented, in the lock chamber,
when the gate is opened. The contact or seating face 82 on the seat 83
against which the gate 80 fits to make a water-tight joint is a corresponding
surface; i.e., the seating face 81 of the gate is convex, and that 82 on the lock is
concave.
Perferably the gate has a concave back wall, 84, forming a body crescent shaped
in plan, and at once light, strong, aud easy to move. The gate might be built of
wood or other material; but I consider steel plates to be best adapted to its
construction. In building a steel gate I provide a seating piece 81, suitably curved
either in one or several parts, according to the size of the gate; a similarly curved
plate or plates 89, for the front wall, a plate or plates 84, segments of a cylinder
of larger radius for the back wall, flanged plates 99, for the horizontal top and
bottom members, and as many intermediate horizontal members, 100, as the
structure may require. The members are united by riveting, and the joints are
caulked and made tight. The gate so constructed forms a hollow box girder.
The vertical parts of the seating face 81 on the gate at the ends thereof may
have their sides battered from the bottom to the top, as shown in Figure 42, so
that when the gate is moved the seating faces 81 and 82 on the gate and on the
lock wall can pass one another with a shearing motion and so avoid the possibility
of catching upon one another.
To make a tight joint between the seating faces 81 on the gate and that 82
on the lock, I may provide an expansible rubber tube which is distended
with compressed air; this being a well proved and satisfactory device for such
uses.

page_text: I provide wheels 95, in the bottom of the gate, and a suitably curved track or
tread 96, for them to run on, so that the gate inay be readily moved; and to
lighten the load on the wheels 95, I confine a sufficient quantity of air within the
hollow body of the gate 80 to displace therefrom a body of water equal in weight
to say 90 or 95 per cent. of the weight of the gate. Thus the gate has hoyancy
equal to 90 or 95 per cent. of its weight and the load on the wheels 95 is merely
sufficient to keep it steady so that it will not rise and fall with fluctuations of level
in the water. In case the gate were built of wood the same result would be
obtained by ballast. The gate moves circularly, in a horizontal orbit about the
vertical axis of the seating faces 81 and 82. To retain the gate in its circular path
I provide a guiding apparatus, the essential elements of which are a member
rigidly attached to the lock and having a guiding surface 87 axial with the seating
faces 81 and 82 of the joint; and a member 85 attached to the gate and provided
with a guiding surface 86 corresponding with and bearing against the guiding
surface 87 of the member attached to the lock.
The smaller the common diameter of the guiding surfaces, the less will be the
moment of their friction and the force required to overcome it in manipulating the
gate. Where there is no objection to such a device therefore, I prefer to use
the form of guiding apparatus shown in Figures 40, 41 and 42, in which the guiding
surface is formed on a small stud 87, secured to the lock floor; and the guiding
surface 86, of the gate 80, is formed at an end of an arm 85, attached to the
bottom of the gate.
There are cases in which this form of apparatus is undesirable, and in such cases
I must resort to a modification, which will have the same function, but in which
the radius of the guiding surface is greater and the moment of friction
correspondingly increased.
The modification which I consider second in merit is shown in Figures 43 and 44
in which the guiding surface 87b on the lock is formed on the convex side of a rail
or flange attached to the floor of the lock, which may be the rail 96, provided for
the wheels 95, attached to the gate to run on, and the guiding member on the gate
consists in a series of wheels 86, with their axes vertical and attached to the gate 80,
the wheels 86 guiding the gate by their engagement with the guiding surface 876
on which they run.
In some cases no member can be allowed to project above the floor of the lock.
In such cases I may use the form of guiding apparatus shown in Figures 45 and 46,
in which the guiding member on the lock is in the form of a channel 87° let into the
floor; and the guiding surface on the gate is formed on a projecting member 86,
which may be a lip or flange which engages with the channel 87°.
To move the gate rapidly I provide a wheel segment 94 on the top thereof,
Figures 40-42, and a suitably rotated meshing member, as a pinion or pinions 90
on the lock wall 6, said pinion being connected by a gearing 92 with a suitable
motor 93 or the pinion may be turned by manual power. For moving the gate
in case of accident to the above described operating mechanism, I provide
sockets 98 in which bars or levers may be inserted for the convenient direct
application of manual or other power. Ordinarily the buoyant air charge within
the gate will be under quite a moderate compression; and I provide for capturing
the air in the upper part of the gate by means of perforations 88 in the wall 89
of the gate 80, which are so placed that in the manipulation of the gate, the
perforations are alternately covered and uncovered by the water in the lock.
When they are uncovered, any water in the gate above them will run out, and air
will enter, and when water is subsequently admitted to that part of the lock toward
which the plate 89 of the gate faces, the perforations 88 will be covered by the
water and air will be trapped within the gate and give it the desired buoyancy.
For cases in which such a construction would be unsuited, I provide a valve 97,
Figure 46, connected with a suitable air space within the gate, so that connection
can be readily made with a source of compressed air, and air can be forced in if
necessary to expel undesired water from within the gate and restore it to buoyancy.

page_text: To permit water to be forced out of the interior of the gate when the compressed
air is forced through the valve 97, I provide a check valve 97, of ordinary
construction, which permits water to be forced out, but prevents it entering the air
chamber in the gate. Such a modification of structure is especially desirable where
the level of the water varies greatly, as for instance in guard gates and the lower
gates of miter-sill locks; for in such cases the construction first described might
result in great variations in the buoyancy of the gate and interfere with its successful
manipulation.
Where it is necessary to manipulate the gate while water is flowing through the
opening 18, I provide a movable girder 102, Figures 47-49, adapted to be lowered
across the opening and to be retained in position, against the pressure of the gate,
by engaging with bolsters 103, on the walls 6, of the lock 17. The side of the
girder adjacent to the gate 80 is provided with a suitably curved track 104, and
rollers or wheels 105, are provided on the gate, which bear on the track 104, while
the gate is being manipulated, the girder 102 at such time sustaining the pressure
of the flowing water against the gate, and transferring it to the bolsters 103
and the lock walls 6, as shown in Figures 47, 48, and 49. The girder is similar in
operation to a bascule bridge. One end is provided with a pair of rolling surfaces 106,
and wheel segments 107, the teeth of which mesh with those of racks 108, on the
lock wall. The girder is provided with a counterweight 109, and an operating
mechanism 110, which is shown as consisting in a segment of a sprocket
wheel 112, on the girder, a pair of sprocket wheels 113 and 114, suitably supported
on the lock wall, and carrying an endless link chain 115, which engages with the
sprockets of the segments 112, on the girder, and the wheels 113 and 114.
of the sprocket wheels 113 is geared to and driven by a suitable motor 116.
device was adopted to turn the Ferris wheel. When the girder is to be put to
use, the motor 116 is revolved, driving the sprocket wheels 113 and 114, and the
endless chain 115, which, engaging the sprockets on the wheel segment 112, on the
girder 102, moves the latter to the desired position, the teeth of the wheel
segments 107, and the racks 108, by their engagement, preventing the rolling
surfaces 106, from slipping and making the motion of the girder positive, so
that it will come into correct relation with the gate, and support it while being
manipulated.
One
This
The operation of my improved gate is as follows: In cases where water is not
flowing while the gate is being manipulated, no supporting girder 102 is necessary;
for guard gates and other uses where the gates must be manipulated while water
is flowing, a girder is provided and adjusted to support the gate while being
manipulated.
The gate is moved by starting the motor 93, which drives the pinion 90, and by
the engagement thereof with the wheel segment 94, moves the gate to one side,
such motion being circular in a horizontal orbit about the vertical axis of the
seating faces 81 and 82.
The quadrant pontoon gate herein set forth possesses marked advantages, in
practice, over the types of lock gates heretofore constructed or proposed, which
have been of two general types, to wit: leaf gates, and those which slide over a
seat. The advantages of the quadrant gate over the leaf gate are: 1st. It
requires no clearance, and therefore adds from eight to ten per cent. of the
effective length of the lock; 2nd. It can be more easily operated; 3rd. It is
stronger with a given amount of material, as it constitutes a simple box girder;
4th. Inasmuch as the leaf gate closes against its seat in the manner of a door, any
obstruction prevents it from seating properly. Small objects washed into the lock
by water, or ice, which in cold weather forms upon the seating faces of the gate
and the lock, will prevent the closure of the leaf gate until removed, and
frequently cause considerable delay. My improved gate exerts a shearing action
in closing, and will shear off any small object which may be in its way, and
scrape off ice or other obstructions which may adhere to the seating faces.
The sliding gates heretofore known have been of three classes or descriptions,

page_text: to wit: (a) those which slide at a right angle to the axis of the lock into a recess
formed at the side thereof; (b) those which slide vertically in ways; and, (c) those
which swing about a horizontal axis, working on trunnions fixed to the lock walls,
and descending into a recess formed in the floor of the lock. Gates of class (a)
add to the length of the lock wall an amount equal to twice the opening of the
lock. Gates of class (b) involve the necessity of overhead structures, which
interfere with the passage of masted vessels or those having upper works
substantially higher than the deck load of ordinary canal barges, and counter-
balance weights and gearing, which are liable to derangement. They must be
lifted out of their seats and swung to one side to permit the passage of large or
masted vessels, and are applicable, practically only to harge canals, even in which
case they are not advantageous. Gates of class (c), while illustrated in Letters-
Patent, have never, so far as my knowledge and information extend, been put into
actual practice and obviously involve serious disadvantages. Thus, for example,
mud and other obstructions tend to accumulate in the pocket in the lock floor,
into which the gate descends when open, and the gate is liable to stick so that it
can be closed only with great difficulty, if at all. The operator cannot see the
gate when it is open, as it is beneath the water, and he may signal to a boat to go
ahead when the gate is only partly down, with the result of a collision between
the boat and the partly opened gate, which may injure one or the other, and
perhaps both. The trunnions also may get out of alignment and in case repairs
are necessary, the water must be drawn off and navigation stopped while they
are being made.
As compared with gates as above referred to, the quadrant pontoon gate moving
about a vertical axis, neither adds to the length of the lock wall nor weakens it.
It requires no overhead structures or counterbalance or other apparatus, injury to
which would interfere with the operation of the lock, or which would be in the
way of tow lines or other apparatus used to manipulate the vessels using the locks.
Its operation cannot be interrupted by accumulations of mud or other objects. It
is always in sight and the boatmen have only to look to see that the way is clear.
Should a careless boatman run into the gate from the down-side, he will merely
upset it, and it can be picked up and restored to position. Should he run into it
from the up-side, the elasticity of the gate as a girder-if it be properly
proportioned will compensate for the blow struck by the boat.
In case of
accident to the gate it can be floated out of position and a new gate put in place
in a very short space of time, and if the wheel segment and driving gear should
get out of order, the gate can be manipulated by man or animal power until the
necessary repairs are made.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
1. In a balance lock system for water-ways the combination of a movable
member provided with a lock chamber and a downwardly opening air chamber
with its lower walls sealed in the water of the lower level of the waterway, and
which is connected by a conduit with a source of compressed air, and an auxiliary
apparatus automatically controlling the motion thereof, substantially as set forth.
2. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a movable
member having a gated lock chamber and a downwardly opening air chamber with
its lower walls sealed in the water of the lower level of the waterway, a second
movable member having a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower
walls similarly sealed, a conduit connecting the air chambers of the said members
and an auxiliary apparatus automatically controlling the locking members, sub-
stantially as set forth.
3. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired higher level in a section of a waterway, a gated mouth
therein, a movable member provided with a gated lock chamber and a downwardly

page_text: opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in the water of the lower level of
the waterway, a second movable member provided with a downwardly opening air
chamber with its lower walls similarly sealed, a conduit connecting the air
chambers of the two members, and an auxiliary apparatus automatically controlling
the locking members, substantially as set forth.
4. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired upper level in a section of a waterway, a gated mouth
therein, a movable member provided with a gated lock chamber, and a downwardly
opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in the water of the lower level of
the waterway, guides retaining the said member laterally, a second movable
member provided with a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower walls
similarly sealed, a conduit connecting the air chambers of the two members, and an
auxiliary automatically controlling apparatus, substantially as set forth.
5. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a movable
member provided with a gated lock chamber and a downwardly opening air.
chamber with its lower walls sealed in the water of the lower level of the water-
way, a second movable member with a downwardly opening air chamber and its
lower walls similarly sealed, a conduit connecting the air chambers of the two
members, the second member inducing a practically uniform pressure upon the air
charge, which pressure is not sufficient to balance the first named member when
loaded, and an automatically controlling apparatus connected with the first named
member, substantially as set forth.
6. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination with waterway
sections located at higher and lower levels respectively, of a structure retaining the
upper level, a gated mouth therein, a movable member adjacent thereto, inter-
locking parallel guides on said structure and on the movable member, a gated lock
chamber and a downwardly opening air chamber provided in the movable member,
said air chamber having its lower walls sealed in the water of the lower level, a
second movable member provided with a downwardly opening air chamber with
similarly sealed lower walls, a conduit connecting the air chambers of the two
members, and auxiliary automatically controlling apparatus connected with the first
named member, substantially as set forth.
7. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired higher level in a section of a waterway, a gated mouth
therein, a movable member adjacent thereto, and provided with a gated lock
chamber and a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in the
water of the lower level, a second and similarly constructed movable member
located adjacent to a structure retaining a higher level in the waterway, a conduit
connecting the air chambers thereof, and auxiliary automatically controlling
apparatus, substantially as set forth.
8. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired higher level in a section of a waterway, a gated mouth
therein, a movable member adjacent thereto provided with a gated lock chamber
and a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in the water of
the lower level, a second and similarly constructed movable member located
adjacent to a structure retaining water at a desired level of the waterway, and a
balance member with a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower walls
similarly sealed, conduits connecting the air chambers of the several members and
an auxiliary automatically controlling apparatus, substantially as set forth.
9. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired higher level in a section of a waterway, a gated mouth
therein, a movable member provided with a gated lock chamber and a downwardly
opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in the water of the lower level, a
second and similarly constructed movable member located adjacent to a structure
retaining water at a desired level of the waterway, a movable balance member with
a downwardly opening air chamber and similarly sealed lower walls, a conduit or
conduits connecting the air chambers of the movable members, the balance member.

page_text: being adapted to induce a practically uniform pressure in the air charge not
sufficient to balance the loaded movable lock members first described, and
automatically controlling apparatus connected with the movable lock members,
substantially as set forth.
10. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired higher level in a section of a waterway, a gated mouth
therein, a movable locking member adjacent thereto, provided with a gated lock
chamber and a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in the
water of the lower level, two or more similarly constructed movable locking
members each adjacent to a structure retaining water at a desired level of the water-
way, a movable balance member with a downwardly opening air chamber and similarly
sealed lower walls, conduits connecting the air chambers of the movable members,
and an automatically controlling apparatus, substantially as set forth.
11. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired higher level in a section of a waterway, a gated mouth
therein, a movable locking member adjacent thereto, provided with a gated lock
chamber and a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in
the water of the lower level, two or more similarly constructed movable locking
members, each located adjacent to a structure retaining water at a desired level in
the waterway, a movable balance member with a downwardly opening air chamber
and similarly sealed lower walls, conduits connecting the air chambers of the
movable members, the balance member being adapted to induce a practically
uniform pressure in the air charge not sufficient to balance the loaded movable
locking members first described, and automatically controlling apparatus connected
with the movable lock members, substantially as set forth.
12. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired level in a section of a waterway, and provided with a
gated opening, a movable member having a gated lock chamber and a downwardly
opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in the water of the lower level, a
conduit connecting said air chamber with a source of compressed air, and a
hydraulic apparatus controlling and automatically leveling the movable member,
substantially as set forth.
13. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired level in a section of a waterway, a gated opening
therein, a movable member adjacent thereto and provided with a gated lock
chamber and a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in the
water of the lower level, a second movable member with a downwardly opening
air chamber and sealed lower walls, a conduit connecting the air chambers of the
movable members, a hydraulic apparatus controlling and automatically leveling
the movable locking member and connected with a source supplying the said
hydraulic members with liquid under pressure, substantially as set forth.
14. In a balance lock system for water-ways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired level in a section of a water-way, a gated mouth
therein, a movable member adjacent thereto, provided with a gated lock chamber
and a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in the water
of the lower level, a second and similarly constructed movable member adjacent to
a structure retaining water at a desired level in the water-way, a conduit connecting
the air chambers of the two movable members, a hydraulic controlling and
automatically leveling apparatus connected with each of the movable locking
members, and a valve controlled pipe connecting the hydraulic members,
substantially as set forth.
15. In a balance lock system for water-ways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired level in a section of a water-way, a gated mouth
therein, a movable member adjacent thereto provided with a gated lock chamber
and a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in the water of
the lower level, a second and similarly constructed movable member adjacent to
a structure retaining water at a desired level in the water-way, a balance member

page_text: with downwardly opening air chamber and sealed lower walls, conduits connecting
the air chambers of the movable members, hydraulic controlling and automatically
leveling apparatus combined with each of said movable locking members, a pipe
connecting the hydraulic apparatus of the two locking members, and a valve
controlling said apparatus, substantially as set forth.
16. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired level in a section of a waterway, a gated mouth
therein, a movable member adjacent thereto provided with gated lock chamber
and a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in the water
of the lower level, a series of similarly constructed movable members, each
adjacent to a structure retaining water at a desired level in a waterway, conduits
connecting the air chambers of the movable members, and hydraulic controlling
and automatically leveling apparatus combined with each of the movable
members and connected with a source of fluid under pressure, substantially as
set forth.
17. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired level in a section of a waterway, a gated mouth
therein, a movable member adjacent thereto provided with a gated lock chamber
and a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in the water
of the lower level, a series of similarly constructed movable members each adjacent
to a structure retaining water at a desired level in a waterway, a balance member
with downwardly opening air chamber and sealed lower walls, conduits connecting
the air chambers of the movable members, and hydraulic controlling and
automatically leveling apparatus combined with each of the movable locking
members and connected with a source of liquid under pressure, substantially as
set forth.
18. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a movable
member provided with a gated lock chamber and a downwardly opening air
chamber with its lower walls sealed in the water of the lower level, a conduit
connecting the air chamber with a source of compressed air, and a series of
synchronized hydraulic members connected with a hydraulic supply and constituting
a hydraulic parallel motion apparatus combined with the movable member,
substantially as set forth.
19. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a movable
locking member with a multiple member hydraulic parallel motion apparatus
consisting in governed and governing members, the governed and governing
members connected together, and the governing member independently connected
with a source of power, substantially as set forth.
20. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of two movable
locking members each provided with a multiple member hydraulic parallel motion.
apparatus, consisting in governed members, connected with each movable locking
member, a governing member controlling both sets of governed members, hydraulio
pipe connections and a valve controlling the apparatus, substantially as set forth.
21. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a movable
locking member with a multiple member hydraulic parallel motion apparatus
consisting in governed hydraulic members, a governing hydraulic member connected
with a positive mechanical apparatus controlling the speed of the parts of the
governing bydraulic member, and hydraulic pipe connections, substantially as set.
forth.
22. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a movable
locking member with connected hydraulic members, a battery of synchronized
pumps and pipes each connecting one of the pumps with the hydraulic member or
members which it synchronizes, substantially as set forth.
23. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a movable
locking member or members with connected hydraulic members, a battery of
synchronized pumps, pipes each connecting one of the pumps with the hydraulic

page_text: member or members which it synchronizes and a motor controlling the pumps and
connected with a source of power, substantially as set forth.
24. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a movable
locking member or members with connected hydraulic members,
battery of
synchronized pumps, pipes each connecting one of the pumps with the hydraulic
member or members which it synchronizes and a positive hydraulic motor adapted
to actuate and control the pumps and connected with a hydraulic supply,
substantially as set forth.
25. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a movable
locking member or members with connected hydraulic members, a battery of
pumps all connected with one crank shaft, and pipes each connecting one of the
pumps with the hydraulic member or members which it synchronizes, substantially
as set forth.
26. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired higher level in a section of a waterway, a gated mouth
therein, a movable locking member provided with a gated lock chamber and a
downwardly opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in the water of the
lower level, a conduit connecting the air chamber with a source of compressed air
multiple hydraulic members connected with the movable locking member, a battery
of synchronized pumps and pipes each connecting one of the pumps with the
hydraulic member or members which it synchronizes, substantially as set forth.
27. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired higher level in a section of a waterway, a gated mouth
therein, a movable member provided with a gated lock chamber and a downwardly
opening air chamber with sealed lower walls, a second movable member with a
downwardly opening air chamber and sealed lower walls, a conduit connecting the
air chambers of the two-members, hydraulic members connected with the movable
locking member, a battery of synchronized pumps, pipes each connecting one of
the pumps with the member or members which it synchronizes and a motor adapted
to control the pumps and connected with a source of power, substantially as set
forth.
28. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired higher level in a section of a waterway, a gated mouth
therein, a movable locking member provided with a gated lock chamber and a
downwardly opening air chamber, a second and similarly constructed movable
member adjacent to a structure retaining water at a desired level in a waterway,
conduits connecting the air chambers of the movable locking members, hydraulic
members connected with each of said members, a battery of synchronized pumps,
pipes each connecting one of the pumps with the member or members which it
synchronizes, and a valve controlling the hydraulic apparatus, substantially as set
forth.
29. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired upper level in a section of a waterway, a gated mouth
therein, a movable locking member, provided with a gated lock chamber and a
downwardly opening air chamber with sealed lower walls, one or more similarly
constructed movable locking members, a movable balance member with downwardly
opening air chamber and sealed lower walls, conduits connecting the air chambers
of the said members, hydraulic members connected with each movable locking
member, a battery of synchronized pumps, pipes each connecting one of the pumps
with the member or members which it synchronizes and a motor adapted to control
the pumps and connected independently with a source of power, substantially as
set forth.
30. In a balance lock system for waterways, the combination of a structure
retaining water at a desired higher level in a section of a waterway, a gated mouth
therein, a movable locking member adjacent thereto provided with a gated lock
chamber and a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower.walls sealed in the

page_text: water of the lower level, two or more similarly constructed movable locking
members each adjacent to a structure retaining water at a desired level of the
waterway, conduits connecting the air chambers of the movable members and a
controlling and automatically leveling apparatus, substantially as set forth.
31. In a balance lock for waterways, the combination of a structure, with gated
openings, retaining the higher and a pit formed in the lower level of the waterway,
a movable locking member adapted to operate in the pit, and having a gated lock
chamber and a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower walls sealed in the
water of the lower level of the waterway, a charge of compressed air in the said
air chambers which when the locking member is elevated renders it superbuoyant
and holds it up against stops, stops or anchors which restrain the upward tendency
of the locking member when elevated, "a second movable member having a
downwardly opening air chamber with sealed lower walls, a valve controlled
conduit connecting the air chambers of the movable members, and an auxiliary
synchronizing apparatus connected with the locking member, substantially as set
forth.
32. In a balance lock for waterways, the combination of a structure with gated
openings retaining the higher level and a pit formed in the lower level of the
waterway, a movable locking member adapted to operate in the pit and having a
gated lock chamber and a downwardly opening air chamber with its lower walls
sealed in the water of the lower level of the waterway, a charge of compressed air
in the said air chamber, which when the locking member is elevated renders it
superbuoyant and holds it up against stops, stops which restrain the movable
member when elevated, a second movable member with a downwardly opening air
chamber with sealed lower walls, a valve controlled conduit connecting the air
chambers of the movable members, and an auxiliary synchronizing apparatus
connected with the movable locking member, and consisting in shafts having
pinions which mesh with and roll between vertical parallel racks, substantially as
set forth.
33. The combination with a movable member adapted to transfer a vessel
between a higher and lower level in a waterway, of a synchronizing apparatus
consisting in racks attached to the movable member, similar fixed parallel racks
upon terra firma, and shafts provided with pinions, the teeth of which engage the
racks on the locking member on one side and those on terra firma on the other, and
which roll between the racks during the traverse of the locking member,
substantially as set forth.
34. In combination with a synchronized moving member, a synchronizing shaft
provided with pinions and rolling between parallel racks with which the said
pinions mesh, a flexible support passing under the shaft and attached at one
end to the movable synchronized member, at the other to a tension apparatus,
which takes up the stretch of the flexible support, substantially as set forth.
35. In a balance lock for waterways, the combination of a structure with gated
openings retaining the higher level and a pit formed in the lower level of a
waterway, and a movable locking member adapted to operate in the pit adjacent.
to the said structure and having a gated lock chamber and a downwardly opening
air chamber adapted to retain compressed air by sealing its lower walls in the
water of the lower level, a second movable member having a downwardly opening
air chamber with sealed lower walls, a valve-controlled air conduit connecting the
said air chambers and an auxiliary synchronizing apparatus connected with the
first named movable member and consisting in shafts provided with pinions, racks
on the locking member and parallel fixed racks on terra firma, the teeth of the
pinions on the shafts meshing on one side with the racks on the locking member,
on the other side with the parallel racks on terra firma, and the shafts and pinions
rolling between the said racks during the motion of the member, substantially as
set forth.
36. In a parallel or synchronizing motion for locks, the combination of a hollow
shaft with lantern pinions formed thereon, racks on the moving member, and

page_text: parallel fixed racks on terra firma, the pinions meshing with the parallel racks and
rolling between them during the traverse of the moving member, substantially as
described.
37. In a balance lock for waterways, the combination of a structure with gated
openings retaining a higher level and a pit formed in the lower level of the
waterway, two similar moving locking members adapted to operate in the pit, each
having a gated lock chamber and a downwardly opening air chamber with its
lower walls sealed in the water of the lower level, a charge of compressed air in
the movable locking members adapted to render the locking members super-
buoyant when elevated, and hold them at such times up against stops, stops adapted
to restrain the locking members when elevated, a valve-controlled conduit or
conduits adapted to connect the air chambers of the locking members with one
another, and auxiliary synchronizing apparatus connected with each of the locking
Imembers, substantially as set forth.
38. In a balance lock for waterways, the combination of a structure with gated
openings retaining a higher level and a pit formed in the lower level of the
waterway, two similar movable locking members adapted to operate in the pit,
each having a gated lock chamber and a downwardly opening air chamber with its
lower walls sealed in the water of the lower level, a charge of compressed air in
the movable locking member adapted to render the locking members superbuoyant
when elevated and hold them at such times up against stops, stops adapted to
restrain the locking members when elevated, a valve-controlled conduit or conduits
adapted to connect the air chambers of the locking members with one another and
auxiliary synchronizing apparatus connected with the locking members and
consisting in shafts at the sides thereof having pinious formed on them and adapted
to mesh with and roll in opposite parallel racks on the locking members and fixed
on terra firma, substantially as set forth.
39. In a balance lock for waterways, the combination of a structure with gated
openings retaining a higher level and a pit formed in the lower level of the
waterway, two similar movable locking members adapted to operate in the pit,
each having a gated lock chamber and a downwardly opening air chamber with its
lower walls sealed in the water of the lower level, a charge of compressed air in
the movable locking members adapted to render them superbuoyant when elevated
and hold them, at such times up against stops, stops adapted to restrain the locking
members when elevated, auxíliary synchronizing apparatus connected with the
locking members, consisting of shafts with pinions thereon adapted to mesh with
and roll between opposite parallel racks on the movable locking members, and
fixed on terra firma; valve-controlled conduits adapted to connect the air chambers
of the locking members with one another and with the air chambers of pneumatic
accumulators, a pneumatic accumulator adapted to connect by a valve-controlled
conduit with each of the locking members and having a receptacle on its top for
retaining a charge of water, and a valve or weir for discharging the same, and a
conduit with a valve or weir adapted to charge the receptacle on the pneumatic
accumulator with water, substantially as described.
40. In combination with pneumatic balance locks and pneumatic accumulators,
an air conduit adapted to connect the air chambers thereof, a main valve therein
adapted to cut off communication between the air chambers of the locks, and
consisting in a return bend and connected therewith a water supply, and an inlet
and exhaust valve adapted to trap and untrap the return bend, a similarly operated
four-way compound valve having four separate lower branches or bends, and
eight vertical legs, forming four water seal valves separate at the bottom, but
which connect at their tops each leg of one valve with the adjacent leg of two
other valves, two air conduits each connecting one leg of the main valve with one
leg of the connected valves, and two air conduits each connecting one leg of
the connected valves with one of the pneumatic accumulators, substantially as set
forth.
41. In combination with a receptacle from which it is desired to control the

page_text: discharge of water or other liquid, a pneumatic weir having an opening into
the receptacle below the water level therein, a branch or channel rising from the
opening to a bend, thence descending to a lower bend and ascending to a discharge
opening located lower than the water level in the receptacle, an air pipe con-
necting with a source of compressed air, and an air supply valve connecting with
the upper bend, and an exhaust valve connecting therewith, by which means
compressed air can be admitted to and exhausted from the said upper bend,
substantially as set forth.
42. In combination with a receptacle from which it is desired to control the
discharge of water or other liquid, a pneumatic weir having an opening into the
receptacle below the water level therein, a tube or channel rising from the opening
to a bend and thence descending to a lower bend, which is at a lower level than
the opening into the receptacle, and thence ascending to a discharge opening, an
air pipe connecting with a source of compressed air and an inlet air valve
connecting with the upper bend and an exhaust air valve connecting therewith,
substantially as set forth.
43. In combination with a receptacle from which it is desired to control the
discharge of water, a pneumatic weir consisting in a channel having a lower
opening into the receptacle, thence rising to an upper bend, thence descending to
a lower bend and rising thence to a discharge opening, all parts of the channel
being below the level of the water in the receptacle, an air pipe and inlet valve
connecting a source of compressed air with the upper bend of the channel and an
air exhaust valve connected therewith, substantially as set forth.
44. In combination with a conduit, a valve case, a gridiron valve seat, a flexible
valve adapted to cover the openings in the valve seat, a roller adapted to roll over
the gridiron valve seat, and deposit thereon and pick up therefrom the flexible
valve, substantially as set forth.
45. In combination with a conduit a valve case, a gridiron valve seat, a valve
formed of a sheet of flexible material, a roller upon which the flexible valve is
wound to open the valve, and unwound to close the valve, the roller being adapted
to roll over the gridiron valve seat, substantially as set forth.
46. In combination with a conduit a valve case, a gridiron valve seat, a flexible
valve attached at one edge to the valve body, at the other to a roller adapted to
roll over the gridiron valve seat, and mechanism for rolling the roller over the
seat, substantially as set forth.
47. In combination with a valve body a gridiron valve seat, a flexible valve
united at one edge to the valve body at the other to a roller adapted to roll over
the seat, a roller as aforesaid having spur gears which mesh with racks formed
on the valve body, and mechanism for rolling the roller over the seat, substantially
as set forth.
48. In combination with a valve body an inclined gridiron valve seat, a roller
adapted to roll over the seat, a flexible valve united at one edge to the valve body,
at the other to the roller, and mechanism to roll the roller over the seat, substantially
as set forth.
49. In combination with a valve body an inclined gridiron valve seat, a roller
adapted to roll over the valve seat, a flexible valve united at one end to the valve
body, at the other to the roller, a sheave on the roller, a cord attached at one end
to the sheave, at the other to a winding drum on which the cord is wound and
unwound to roll the roller over the seat, substantially as set forth.
50. In combination with a valve body an inclined gridiron valve seat, a flexible
valve united at opposite edges to the valve body and to a roller, a roller as aforesaid
having gears which mesh with racks on the valve body, sheaves on the roller, a
shaft parallel to the roller, winding drums on the shaft, cords united to the roller,
and to the winding drums on the shaft, and a handle or mechanism to turn the
shaft and operate the roller, substantially as set forth.
51. In combination with a pneumatic lock, an air conduit, a valve case connected
therewith, an inclined gridiron valve seat, a flexible valve, a roller upon which the

page_text: flexible valve is wound, and from which it is unwound, to open and close the valve;
a shaft above the roller, cords connecting the roller with the shaft, mechanism for
turning the shaft to wind up the cords and draw up the roller to open the valve,
and release mechanism which when operated permits the roller to roll down over
the seat and close the valve, substantially as set forth.
52. In combination with a movable locking member, a series of adjustable stops
adapted to be connected with the movable locking member and adjusted by it all at
one and the same time while it is moving, and disconnected from it when the stops
are sufficiently adjusted, substantially as set forth.
.
53. In combination with a movable locking member, a series of adjustable stops
each consisting in a lever pivoted on a fulcrum, one end of the lever engaging with
the lock body to arrest its motion, the other end connected with an adjusting
apparatus, a mechanism adapted to connect the adjusting apparatus with the lock
body and operate it when the lock is moving, and an independent engaging or clutch
apparatus controlled by an operator and adapted to engage the adjusting apparatus
with and disengage it from the operating mechanism and the lock body, substantially
as set forth.
54. In combination with a movable locking member, a series of adjustable stops
each consisting in a lever pivoted on a fulcrum, one end of the lever adapted to
engage the locking member and arrest its motion, bearing blocks at the other end
of the lever, a wedge adapted to be moved between them to adjust the position of
the lever, a female thread in the wedge, and a threaded shaft engaging therewith, a
wheel which meshes with a vertical meshing member on the lock, a clutch adapted
to engage and disengage the wheel and the shaft, and an independent mechanism
controlled by an operator and adapted to engage and disengage the clutch,
substantially as set forth.
55. The combination with a lock, of a gate having its seating face a surface of
revolution about a vertical axis, and being adapted to move horizontally about
the said axis, and a concentric seating face on the lock, substantially as set
forth.
56. The combination with a lock, of a gate having its seating face a surface of
revolution about a vertical axis, a concentric seating face on the lock; and a
positive mechanical guiding apparatus connected with the gate and controlling its
motion in a horizontal orbit about the axis of the seating surfaces, substantially as
set forth.
57. The combination, with a lock, of a gate having its seating face a surface of
revolution about a vertical axis, a concentric seating face on the lock and concentric
guiding surfaces on the gate and on the lock which guide the gate in its motion in
a horizontal orbit about the common axis, substantially as set forth.
58. The combination, with a lock, of a gate formed with its seating face a
surface of revolution about a vertical axis, a concentric seat on the lock, a positive
guiding apparatus connected with the gate, and a wheel segment and meshing
pinion, one on the lock, the other on the gate, and adapted to move the gate
circularly in a horizontal orbit about the common vertical axis, substantially as set
forth.
59. The combination, with a lock, of a gate formed with its seating face a
surface of revolution about a vertical axis, a concentric seat on the lock, the edges
of the seating faces on the lock and on the gate being inclined one to the other, and
guiding apparatus connected with the gate and confining it in a horizontal orbit,
substantially as set forth.
60. The combination, with a lock, of a gate formed with its seating face a
surface of revolution about a vertical axis, a concentric seating face on the gate,
a guiding apparatus confining the gate in an orbital motion about its axis, an air
space within the gate adopted to give it buoyancy nearly equal to its weight, and
wheels upon which the gate runs, substantially as set forth.
61. The combination, with a lock, of a gate having an orbital motion about a
vertical axis, seating faces concentric therewith, wheels set horizontally on the

page_text: gate, a movable girder adapted to be supported in position across the mouth of the
lock, and a tread for the said wheels formed on the said girder concentric with
the orbit of the gate, substantially as set forth.
62. The combination with a lock, having a segmental recess or pocket in one of its.
sides, of a segmental gate adapted to move horizontally about a vertical axis and
to fit said recess or pocket when opened, substantially as set forth.
63. The combination, with a lock, having a segmental recess or pocket in one of
its sides, of a segmental gate adapted to move horizontally about a vertical axis,
and baving its front substantially in the form of a quadrant of a cylinder, so as to
fit said recess or pocket when opened, without waste of space in, or projection into,
the lock chamber, substantially as set forth.
64. In a lock structure adapted to be manipulated by compressed air, the
combination of the members essential to retain the fluids in the manipulation of
the locks to form two main structural divisions, an upper division constituting a
stiff framed structure adapted to sustain strains arising from external forces, and
a lower division suspended from the upper division and adapted to sustain strains.
due to forces operating within the structure, substantially as set forth.
65. In a lock structure adapted to be manipulated by compressed air the
combination of two main structural divisions, an upper division constituting a
stiff framed structure formed of the members essential to retain the fluids in the
manipulation of the locks, and a lower division suspended from the upper division
and having its outer walls formed in surfaces of cylinders with vertical axes,
substantially as set forth.
66. In a lock structure adapted to be manipulated by compressed air, the
combination of the members essential to retain the fluids in the manipulation of
the locks, to form an upper stiff framed division and a lower division suspended
from the upper division, and having its outer walls formed in segments of
cylinders with nearly vertical axes and transverse tie members, substantially as set
forth.
67. In a lock system adapted to be manipulated by compressed air the
combination of an air main, a trap formed therein, and valve controlled water
supply and waste pipes, substantially as set forth.
68. In a lock system adapted to be manipulated by compressed air, the
combination of an air main, a vertical return bend and valve controlled water
supply and waste pipes, substantially as set forth.
JENSEN & SON,
77, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Patent Agents.

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Apr., 1896-Accepted, 27th Feb., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Gates for Locks, Docks, and
the like.
I, CHAUNCEY NOBLE DUTTON, a citizen of the United States of America, residing
at 106 East Fifteenth Street, in the City, County and State of New York, United
States of America, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to gates of what is known as the "pontoon" type, which as
ordinarily heretofore constructed and operated have involved undesirable features in
their construction and application to locks, docks and the like and have also been slow
and inconvenient in manipulation.
The object of my invention is to provide a pontoon-gate of simple and compara-
tively inexpensive construction which shall be capable of application without involving
objectionable or complicated structural features or accessories and which may be
operated with facility and precision.
The improvement claimed is hereinafter fully set forth.
In the accompanying drawings-
Figure 1 is a plan view, partly in section, of a lock-gate illustrating an application
of my invention;
Figure 2, a vertical section through the same on the line u-u of Figures 1
and 3;
Figure 3, a partial front view;
Figure 4, a plan view illustrating modifications in detail;
Figure 5, a vertical section on the line -x, of Figure 4;
Figure 6, a plan view of a gate, showing other modifications in detail;
Figure 7, a vertical section on the line y-y of Figure 6.
As shown in the drawings I prepare the lock-charber or dock entrance 17 for the
reception of the gate 83 by suitably forming its mouth or opening 18 and by curving
its wall 6, so as to form a recess or pocket 91, in which the gate 80 can be out of
the way when open. The gate 80 has its contact or seating face 81 formed in a
surface of revolution about a vertical axis, preferably in a segment of a cylinder
concentric with the front of the gate, which is preferably a quadrant, as nearly as may
be, and the recess or pocket 91 is correspondingly formed in order that there may be
no space wasted or obstruction presented in the lock chamber or dock entrance when
the gate is opened. The contact or seating face 82 on the seat 83, against which the
gate 80 fits to make a water-tight joint, is a corresponding surface, i.e., the seating-
face 81 of the gate is convex and that 82 on the lock is concave.
Preferably the gate has a concave back wall 84, forming a body crescent-shaped in
plan, and at once light, strong and easy to move.
The gate might be built of wood or other material, but I consider steel plates to be
best adapted to its construction. In building a steel gate 1 provide for example a
seating piece 81, suitably curved, either in one or several parts, according to the size
of the gate, a similarly curved plate or plates 89 for the front wall, a plate or plates 84,
segments of a cylinder of larger radius for the back wall, flanged plates 99 for the
horizontal top and bottom members, and as many intermediate horizontal members 100
as the structure may require. The members are united by riveting and the joints are
caulked and made tight. The gate so constructed forms a hollow box-girder.
The vertical parts of the seating-face 81 on the gate at the ends thereof may have
their sides battered from the bottom to the top, as shown in Figure 3, so that when

page_text: the gate is moved the seating faces 81 and 82 on the gate and on the lock or dock
wall can pass one another with a shearing motion and so avoid the possibility of
catching upon one another.
To secure a tight joint between the seating-faces 81 on the gate and 82 on the lock
or dock, I may provide an expansible rubber tube, which is distended with compressed
air, this being a well-proved and satisfactory device for such uses.
I provide wheels 95 in the bottom of the gate, and a suitably-curved track or
tread 96 for them to run on, so that the gate 80 may be readily moved, and to
lighten the load on the wheels 95 I confine a sufficient quantity of air within the
hollow body of the gate 80 to displace therefrom a body of water equal in weight to,
say, ninety or ninety-five per cent. of the weight of the gate. Thus the gate has
buoyancy equal to ninety or ninety-five per cent. of its weight and the load on the
wheels 95 is merely sufficient to keep it steady, so that it will not rise and fall with
fluctuations of level in the water. In case the gate were built of wood the same
result would be obtained by ballast. The gate moves circularly in a horizontal orbit
about the vertical axis of the seating-faces 81 and 82. To retain the gate in its
circular path, I provide a guiding apparatus, the essential element of which is a
member rigidly attached to the lock or dock entrance and having a guiding-
surface 87 axial with the seating faces 81 and 82 of the joint, and a member 85
attached to the gate and provided with a guiding surface 86 corresponding with and
bearing against the guiding surface 87 of the member attached to the lock, or dock
entrance.
The smaller the common diameter of the guiding-surfaces the less will be the
moment of their friction and the force required to overcome it in manipulating the
gate. Where there is no objection to such a device, therefore, I prefer to use
the form of guiding apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 3, in which the guiding-surface
is formed on a stud 87, secured to the floor of the lock or dock entrance, and the
guiding-surface 86 of the gate 80 is formed at an end of an arm 85", attached to the
bottom of the gate. There are cases in which this form of apparatus is undesirable,
and in such cases I must resort to a modification which will have the same function,
but in which the radius of the guiding-surface is greater and the moment of the
friction correspondingly increased.
The modification which I consider second in merit is shown in Figures 4 and 5, in
which the guiding-surface 87 on the lock or dock entrance is formed on the convex
side of a rail or flange attached to the floor of the lock or dock entrance which may
be the rail 96, provided for the wheels 95, attached to the gate to run on, and the
guiding member on the gate consists in a series of wheels 86, with their axes vertical
and attached to the gate 80, the wheels 86 guiding the gate by their engagement
with the guiding-surface 87 on which they run.
In some cases no member can be allowed to project above the floor of the lock or
dock entrance. In such cases I may use the form of guiding apparatus shown in
Figures 6 and 7, in which the guiding member on the lock or dock entrance is in the
form of a channel 87°, let into the floor, and the guiding surface on the gate is formed
on a projecting member 86, which may be a lip or flange which engages with the
channel 87°.
To move the gate rapidly I provide a wheel-segment 94 on the top thereof and a
suitably rotated meshing member, as a pinion or pinions 90, on the lock or dock
wall 6, said pinion being connected by a gearing 92 with a suitable motor 93; or the
pinion may be turned by manual power. For moving the gate in case of accident to
the above-described operating mechanism, I provide sockets 98, in which bars or levers
may be inserted for the convenient direct application of manual or other power.
Ordinarily the buoyant air charge within the gate will be under quite a moderate
compression, and I provide for capturing the air in the upper part of the gate by
means of perforations 88 in the wall 89 of the gate 80, which are so placed that in the
manipulation of the gate the perforations are alternately covered and uncovered by
the water in the lock or dock. When they are uncovered, any water in the gate
above them will run out and air will enter, and when the water is subsequently

page_text: admitted to that part of the lock or dock toward which the plate 89 of the gate faces
the perforations 88 will be covered by the water and air will be trapped within the
gate and give it the desired buoyancy. For cases in which such a construction would
be unsuited I provide a valve 97, connected with a suitable air-space within the gate,
so that connection can readily be made with a source of compressed air, and air can
he forced in, if necessary, to expel undesired water from within the gate and restore
its buoyancy. To permit water to be forced out of the interior of the gate when the
compressed air is forced in through the valve 97, I provide a check-valve 97ª Fig. 7,
of ordinary construction, which permits water to be forced out, but prevents it
entering the air-chamber in the gate. Such a modification of structure is especially
desirable where the level of the water varies greatly-as, for instance, in guard-gates,
and the lower gates of miter-sill locks-for in such cases the construction first described
might result in great variations in the buoyancy of the gate, and interfere with its
successful manipulation.
The gate is moved by starting the motor 93, which drives the pinion 90, and by the
engagement thereof with the wheel-segment 94 moves the gate to one side, such
motion being circular in a horizontal orbit about the vertical axis of the seating-
faces 81 and 82.
The quadrant pontoon-gate herein set forth possesses marked advantages in practice
over the types of gates heretofore constructed or proposed, which have been of two
general types, to wit: leaf-gates and those which slide over a seat.
The advantages of the quadrant gate over the leaf-gate are, first, it requires no
clearance, and therefore adds from eight to ten per cent. of the effective length of the
lock; second, it can be much more easily operated; third, it is stronger with a given
amount of material, as it constitutes a simple box-girder; fourth, inasmuch as the
leaf-gate closes against its seat in the manner of a door, any obstruction prevents it
from seating properly. Small objects washed into the lock by the water or ice, which
in cold weather forms upon the seating-faces of the gate and the lock, will prevent the
closure of the leaf-gate until removed, and frequently cause considerable delay. My
improved gate exerts a shearing action in closing and will shear off any small object
which may be in its way and scrape off ice or other obstructions which may adhere to
the seating-faces.
The gates heretofore known have been of three classes or descriptions, to wit:
(a) those which slide at a right angle to the center line of the lock into a recess formed
at the side thereof; (b) those which slide vertically in ways, and (c) those which
swing about a horizontal axis working on trunnions fixed to the lock-walls and resting
in a recess formed in the floor of the lock. Gates of class a add to the length of
Gates of class b
the lock-wall an amount equal to twice the opening of the lock.
involve the necessity of overhead structures, which interfere with the passage of
masted vessels or those having upper works substantially higher than the deck-load of
ordinary canal-barges, and counterbalance weights and gearing, which are liable to
derangement. They must be lifted out of their seats and swung to one side to permit
the passage of large or masted vessels, and are applicable, practically, only to barge
Gates of class c, while
canals, even in which case they are not advantageous.
illustrated in Letters Patent, have never, so far as my knowledge and information
extend, been put into actual practice, and obviously involve serious disadvantages.
Thus, for example, mud and other obstructions tend to accumulate in the pocket in
the lock floor into which the gate descends when open, and the gate is liable to stick
so that it can be closed only with great difficulty, if at all. The operator cannot see
the gate when it is open, as it is beneath the water, and he may signal to a boat to go
ahead when the gate is only partly down, with the result of a collision between the
boat and the partly-opened gate, which may injure one or the other and perhaps both.
The trunnions also may get out of alignment, and in case repairs are necessary the
water must be drawn off and navigation stopped while they are being made.
As compared with gates as above referred to the quadrant pontoon-gate moving
about a vertical axis neither adds to the length of the lock-wall nor weakens it. It
requires no overhead structures or counterbalance or other apparatus, injury to which

page_text: would interfere with the operation of the lock or which would be in the way of tow-
lines or other apparatus used to manipulate the vessels using the locks. Its operation
cannot be interrupted by accumulations of mud or other objects. It is always in
sight and the boatmen have only to look to see that the way is clear. Should a
careless boatman run into the gate from the down side, he will merely upset it, and
it can be picked up and restored to position. Should he run into it from the up side,
the elasticity of the gate as a girder, if it be properly proportioned, will compensate
for the blow struck by the boat. In case of accident to the gate it can be floated out
of position and a new gate put in place in a very short space of time, and if the wheel-
segment and driving gear should get out of order the gate can be manipulated by
man or animal power until the necessary repairs are made.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim, is:-
1. The combination with a lock or dock, of a gate having its seating face a surface
of revolution about a vertical axis, and being adapted to move horizontally about the
said axis, and a concentric seating-face on the lock, substantially as set forth.
2. The combination with a lock or dock, of a gate having its seating-face a surface
of revolution about a vertical axis, a concentric seating face on the lock; and a
positive mechanical guiding apparatus connected with the gate and controlling its
motion in a horizontal orbit about the axis of the seating-surface, substantially as set
forth.
3. The combination, with a lock or dock, of a gate having its seating-face a surface
of revolution about a vertical axis, a concentric seating-face on the lock and
concentric guiding-surfaces on the gate and on the lock which guide the gate in its
motions in a horizontal orbit about the common axis, substantially as set forth.
4. The combination, with a lock or dock, of a gate formed with its seating-face a
surface of revolution about a vertical axis, a concentric seat on the lock, a positive
guiding apparatus connected with the gate, and a wheel-segment and meshing pinion,
one on the lock, the other on the gate, and adapted to move the gate circularly in a
horizontal orbit about the common vertical axis, substantially as set forth.
5. The combination, with a lock or dock, of a gate formed with its seating-face a
surface of revolution about a vertical axis, a concentric seat on the lock, the edges of
the seating-faces on the lock and on the gate being inclined one to the other, and
guiding apparatus connected with the gate and confining it in a horizontal orbit,
substantially as set forth.
6. The combination, with a lock or dock, of a gate formed with its seating-face a
surface of revolution about a vertical axis, a concentric seating-face on the gate, a
guiding apparatus confining the gate in an orbital motion about its axis, an air-space
within the gate adapted to give it buoyancy nearly equal to its weight, and wheels
upon which the gate runs, substantially as set forth.
7. The combination, with a lock or dock, having a segmental recess or pocket in
one of its sides, of a segmental gate adapted to move horizontally about a vertical axis
and to fit said recess or pocket when opened, substantially as set forth.
8. The combination, with a lock or dock having a segmental recess or pocket in one
of its sides, of a segmental gate adapted to move horizontally about a vertical axis,
and having its front substantially in the form of a quadrant of a cylinder, so as to fit
said recess or pocket when opened, without waste of space in, or projection into, the
lock-chamber or dock entrance, substantially as set forth.
9. The constructions of lock or dock gates shown upon the drawings.
Dated this 11th dow of Decembar 1806
JENSEN & SON,
77, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Patent Agents.