Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Laying Pipes and Forming Foundations in Marshy or Swampy Ground.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 24th May, 1889
Complete Specification Left, 24th Feb., 1890-Accepted, 24th May, 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Laying Pipes
and Forming Foundations in Marshy or Swampy Ground.
I, JOHANN FRIEDRICH FISCHER, Engineer, of Worms in the Empire of Germany,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The present invention relates to a method of and to appertaining apparatus for
laying a line of pipes (without it being necessary to drive in sheet piling, employ
divers or use any special pneumatic or other like method) in marshy or swampy.
ground, during inundations, or in other similar circumstances, where machines-
and apparatus are used for the purpose and for forming foundations in the same
grounds.
In laying a line of pipes in accordance with this invention a pit or trench is
excavated in the proper direction in the ground in which the pipes are to be laid
extending down to the level of the under-water, in order to facilitate the dredging
operations. The excavating of the pit or trench is carried out in such a way, that on
each side of it and on the level of the ground a bank (preferably about 1 metres in
breadth) is left for laying the sleepers and rails on which the machines mounted above
the pit or trench have to travel.
As soon as the pit or trench is finished and ready for receiving the pipes, a line of
pipes is put together and made tight.
The best method of packing the joints of the pipes to make them tight is by means
of sockets and rubber rings which latter are laid in a groove made in the straight or
spigot end of each of the pipes. The said spigot end is then pushed into the socket of
the preceding pipe as far as it will go. Owing to the conical shape of the socket the
rubber ring is rolled in this operation along the sides of the pipe and must necessarily
revolve round its own axis so that in part it fills up the space between the outer side
of the inserted pipe and the inner side of the socket.
As soon as any desired number of pipes have in this manner been put together and
laid in the pit or trench a wrought iron jointed sinking frame or caisson equal in
length to the line of pipes and suspended by means of draw spindles and bearing
spindles from the travelling transport-scaffold is set up on the ground above the line
of pipes for the purpose of lowering it.
The sinking frame or caisson consists of a number of parts which are jointed or
connected by links at the places at which the winches used for raising and lowering
the said sinking frame bear on the latter. The two sides of the sinking-frame are
preferably formed of sheet iron connected by means of angle iron and stayed or held
apart at suitable distances by suitable gratings or lattice-work. The sinking-frame is
open at the top and bottom and is placed above the connected line of pipes which is
suspended in slings which are adjustable both in respect to height and lateral position
so that in this way the position of the line of pipes can be regulated from the
firm ground.
The sinking-frame is suspended in a suitable number of transporting scaffolds
which consist of two side framings and of two double T iron beams, which connect
the side framings and also support the cylinder of the hydraulic lifting apparatus.
The latter is connected by a piston rod, upper and lower cross bars and draw-rods
with the before mentioned draw spindles. In order to stiffen the transporting scaffold
rods and bracket joints are applied, the angle irons which serve as guides for the
sinking frame being fastened to the said bracket joints.
The connection of those parts of the sinking frame which are raise'l direct by the
draw-spindles to the other adjacent parts of the frame consists of a sheet iron plate

page_text: fastened to the frame in its full length and joined on both sides to shaped girders.
The girders of the sides of the sinking frame opposite to each other are stayed or held
apart from each other like the sides themselves by gratings or lattice-work to which
are fastened cross bars against which the before mentioned draw-spindles bear and
also cross bars against which press the bearings-spindles. The latter are attached
alternately to, one and the othe: side of the draw-spindles for the purpose of lifting
the sinking-frame uniformly.
On the lower ends of the girders are secured bearing-plates provided with centering
pins which work into holes made in the bracket-joints rivetted to the adjoining
parts of the sides. According to the height of the sinking-frame several such bearing
plates with centering pins can be attached to the girders. They make the sinking
frame pliant to a certain extent whenever a part of the latter is raised by the draw
spindles by means of the gratings or lattice work which connect the girders.
As soon as the transporting scaffold together with the sinking frame has been
properly arranged over the line of pipes the stop gear for the draw-spindles and
bearings-spindles which support the sinking frame is disengaged so that the said
frame is thus disconnected from the transporting scaffold.
The stop-gear for the draw-spindles consists of latches which can rotate round bolts.
The latter are fastened to girders and are pressed by springs into notches which
are made of such a shape and fastened to the draw-spindles in such a way, that
whenever the latter move upwards they are bound to take the latches along with
them, whereas whenever the draw-spindles move downwards they do not necessarily
bring down the latches whereby the said latches are automatically disengaged.
The stop-gear for the bearings-spindles consists of a box-like shell fastened to
girders and provided with a centre opening for the bearings-spindle to pass through.
This shell has also a slit running vertically to the bearings-spindle in which two
slides move and are pressed by means of a spring into the notches of the bearings-
spindle. Whenever the sinking-frame is lifted with the draw-spindles the slides
unlatch automatically and slide along the bearing spindles to the next notch into
which they slip and thus hold fast the sinking frame until the draw-spindles commence
to again ascend.
As soon as these stop contrivances for the draw- and hearing-spindles are dis-
engaged and the connection between the sinking-frame and transporting scaffold thus
broken the line of pipes is suspended by means of the slings attached to the supports
which are fastened to the sinking frame; they allow, as already mentioned, the
position of the line of pipes to be regulated both in a vertical and in a horizontal
direction.
The ends of the jointed line of pipes are covered over by porous caps or hoods which
are held by india-rubber rings round the ends of the pipes in order to prevent the
floating earth or solid matter but not the water from entering the line of pipes. The
latter is then suspended laterally by means of the supports to the sinking-frame
and the dredging or excavating of the earth inside of this sinking-frame (by means
for instance of suction buckets) is begun. The men working the excavator stand on
the scaffolding laid across the caisson or sinking-frame whereas the filled buckets are
hoisted by winches or other such apparatus placed on the level ground at one side of
the transporting scaffold.
As the work of excavating progresses the line of pipes together with the caisson
sinks until the level has been reached to which it is intended to sink the pipes.
The laying and placing of the line of pipes which until then has been suspended as
already described, at one side of the sinking-frame now commences. It is brought
towards the middle of the sinking-frame and the pipe-strap-rod is disengaged from the
supports of the frame. In consequence of its peculiar jointing and packing as already
described herein, the line of pipes is to a certain extent flexible so that any uneven
sinking of the separate parts of the caisson caused by unequal excavation does no
further damage, for the joints of the sinking-frame itself are also to a certain extent
flexible. Owing on the one hand to the fact that little play is left in the joints of the

page_text: sinking-frame and on the other hand to the weight being uniformly distributed by the
way in which the line of pipes is suspended with the sinking-frame there is no
possibility of the latter sinking unevenly or more to one side than another.
Before the pipe slings are disengaged from the supports the line of pipes is bedded
on the level intended for it by raising or letting go the said supports and is held in
position then by filling in gravel underneath and round it. As soon as the line of
pipes has been lowered to its intended depth and the filling in with has begun, the
lifting mechanism of the sinking-frame is connected.
The considerable weight of the sinking-frame and the enormous pressure of the
earth bearing on its sides combined with the friction thus caused, necessitate a very
great amount of power to extract the sinking-frame from its position; the power
required for this purpose is derived from the hydraulic cylinder already mentioned in
combination with the draw-spindles. The before mentioned notches made in the latter
correspond in respect to the distance between them with the strokes of the hydraulic
piston, so that the sinking frame is raised thereby every time by the stroke of the
piston i.e. its length. In order to retain the sinking-frame at the height to which it
is raised when the piston descends for a fresh stroke, there are also notches on the
vertical bearing or brake spindles corresponding with the stroke of the piston, so that
the sinking-frame is supported every time by self-acting stop-gearing.
In order to connect a second line of pipes which has been put together and lowered
into the trench with a first line already under water and without the help of divers,
the last part of the sinking-frame or the last link of it in the working direction is
disengaged in the pit or trench before the sinking-frame is hoisted out it is left in the
pit and prevents the end of the pipes from getting covered over with sand.
In a similar manner the first joint or part of the first joint of the sinking-frame is
dispensed with for the sinking of the line of pipes that has then to be sunk, so that
the connection of the part left in the pit can be carried out when the time comes.
Before lowering the pipes the straight end of the line of pipes that has to he
jointed is provided with a double socket which is pushed on and encompasses between
the sides of the pipes and its own inner side a rubber ring and behind this double
socket is placed a forcing winch which presses against a firm strap and whose piston
terminates in a saddle shaped buffer, which encircles half of the pipe.
After the sinking of the second line of pipes and the adjusting of the two ends of
the lines of pipes so as to place them opposite each other the porous caps or hoods
with which the ends are covered to prevent the floating earth from entering are pulled
off and the hydraulic press is set in motion so as to make the hydraulic cylinder press
forcibly against the pipe-strap already mentioned and the piston with its saddle-shaped
buffer pushes the double socket over the end of the first line of pipes.
The special method of packing the socket for connecting the two lines of pipes can
be modified in different ways.
In one of these arrangement is used an auxiliary socket fixed firmly to the line of
pipe first laid. It is covered over with a porous cap or hood to prevent earth or solid
matter from penetrating a rubber ring used for tightening the joint being already in
position on the pipe. The double or jointing socket is also covered over with a cap
or hood and provided with a tightening ring. The two packing rings are rolled in
and compress into a flat shape in which they act as an absolutely tight packing.
In order conveniently to insert the rubber ring which is laid on the second line of
pipes inside of the double socket, this double socket can be made of two parts which
are screwed together after the rubber ring has been inserted.
In a modification of this method of jointing the two lines of pipes by means of the
double socket, the auxiliary socket is not fixed but movable (more particularly so in
the direction of the axis of the pipe) and is used both for the prior rolling in of the
rubber ring over the first pipe and for centering the double socket connecting the two
lines of pipes.
Over the end of the first of the two lines of pipes to be laid before it is sunk the
auxiliary socket is pushed. This end of the line of pipes is then provided with a cap
and the operation of sinking the line may then be commenced.

page_text: The double socket is pushed so far on to and inside the second line of pipes before
the latter is sunk that the rubber ring for this line of pipes can be laid in the groove
made in the straight end of the pipe.
Before this line of pipe is sunk the double socket has to be pushed into its position
and by this operation the rubber ring used for packing this second line of pipes is
rolled in as far as it has to go. This end of the line of pipes is then covered over
with a cap or hood whereupon this second line of pipes is sunk in the way already
described.
As soon as the positions of the two lines of pipes are adjusted in relation to each
other after being sunk and when the caps or hoods have been removed, the double
socket is forced forward in the way already inentioned by the hydraulic press which
is sunk simultaneously with the second line of pipes till the double socket comes into
its position in which the front end of the double socket presses against a nose attached
to the auxiliary socket and used to centre the double socket. During this operation
the packing rubber ring which has already been inserted, is pushed forward a little as
the double socket is pressed forwards and thus the packing of the joint remains tight
all the time. As soon as the double socket is pressed farther forwards it forces the
auxiliary socket in the same direction and as the packing rubber ring for the line of
pipes performs a shorter forward motion than the auxiliary socket-owing to the
friction on both sides of the rubber ring the latter is pushed off by the packing rubber
ring and the double socket pushed into its place till finally the position is reached in
which the double socket and the two packing rubber rings for the two lines of pipes
to be connected are pressed hard and fast over the latter and the packing of the joint
is as tight as necessary.
As soon as the connecting of the two lines of pipes has been effected the sinking-
frame may be hoisted out by means of the hydraulic winches mounted on the
transporting scaffold and operating the draw-spindles. The sinking-frame may then
be moved on by means of the transporting scaffold and put in position to sink another
line of pipes. On hoisting the sinking-frame out of the excavation the floating
earthy mass rushes into the opening thus left which opening has to be filled up with
some kin of suitable material. The pit or trench is then filled in and the draw-rods
of the pipe slings which reach up to the level of the firm ground are provided with
anchor plates in order to make the firm ground assist in supporting the line of pipes
just laid.
In case a foundation has to be laid after the method just described, the sinking-
frame is sunk without the pipes to tlie depth desired and drawn out as the concrete
work advances.
Dated this 24th day of May 1889
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
-་མ
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Laying Pipes and
Forming Foundations in Marshy or Swampy Ground.
I, JOHANN FRIEDRICH FISCHER, Engineer, of Worms in the Empire of Germany,
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:
The present invention relates to a method of and to the appertaining apparatus for
laying a line of pipes (without its being necessary to drive in sheet piling, employ
divers or use any special pneumatic or congealing method) in marshy ground, during
inundations or any other swollen substances, whereby machines and apparatus are used
for the purpose and for forming foundations in the same grounds.
The various stages of this new method are described herciuafter in detail, reference
being made to the accompanying drawings in which this new method is shown for
the purpose of laying pipes in a ground supposed to be such as mentioned above.

page_text: In the accompa ng drawin
Figs. 1 and 2 show the trench or pit with the line of pipes laid in the firm ground
in a cross section and a longitudinal section;
Figs. and 4 represent in a cross section and a longitudinal section the trans-
porting scaffold placed above the trench and the line of pipes together with the
sinking frame suspended to it;
Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate the sunken frame together with the line of pipes, in a cross
section and a longitudinal section ;
Figs. 7 and 8 show the sinking frame in a cross section and a longitudinal section
after it has again been raised by the hydraulic winches mounted on the transporting
scaffold;
Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate in a cross section and a longitudinal section the sinking
frame for the second line of pipes with the double socket and the appertaining pressure
winch at the straight or pointed end of the line of pipes;
Figs. 11 and 12 shown in a cross section and a longitudinal section the connection
of two lines of pipes following each other under water, by means of the hydraulic
pressure winch;
Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate in a cross section and a longitudinal section the
sinking frame for the second line of pipes after it has been raised again when the
connection of two lines of pipes have been completed;
Figs. 15 and 16 show the line of pipes ready laid in the swampy ground;
Figs. 17, 18 and 19 show the packing for making the pipes tight when laid in a line;
Fig. 20 represents the straps encircling the pipe and the rods connected with the
straps (to hold them), which serve as fastenings for the pipes when laid;
Figs. 21 to 34 illustrate various modifications in the method of packing two lines
of pipe.to make them tight;
Figs. 35 and 36 represent in a cross section and a longitudinal section the
travelling transporting scaffold and the sinking-frame (caisson) on a larger scale;
Fig. 37 is a ground plan of one part of the sinking-frame on a smaller scale ;
Figs. 38, 39, 40 and 41 show the manner of connecting together parts of the
sinking-frame;
Figs. 42, 43 and 44 show the stop-gear for the draw-spindles; and finally
Figs. 45 46 and 47 illustrate the stop gear for the bearing spindles.
In laying a line of pipes after the method described hereinafter a trench or pit' B
is excavated in the ground traced for the direction in which the pipes are to be laid
down to the level of the underwater in order to facilitate the dredging operations.
The excavating of the pit B is carried out in such a way, that on both sides of the
cavity and on the level of the ground a bank A (about five feet in breadth) is left
for laying the sleepers and rails on which the machines mounted above the mouth of
the pit have to travel.
As soon as the pit is finished and ready for the pipes a line of pipes R' is put
together and made tight.
The best method of packing the pipes to make the joints tight as represented in
figs. 17 to 19 is by means of sockets and rubber rings which latter are laid in
a groove made in the straight or spigot end a of the pipe r. The said straight
end is then pushed into the socket c of the pipe rl, as far as it will go. Owing to
the conical shape of the socket, the rubber ring d is rolled in this operation along
the sides of the pipe and partly fills up the space between the outer side of the
inserted pipe and the inner side of the socket.
Figs. 1 and
represent in a cross section and a longitudinal section the trench or
pit B with a line of pipes R' put together in this way on the firm ground whereas
in figs. 17 and 18 the straight end a of the pipe and the socket end c of the
pipe are shown in position ready for being connected; and in fig. 19 the two
pipes are represented as when connected together.
As soon as a line of pipes R' has in this way been laid and put together in any
desirable length in the pit B, a wrought iron jointed sinking-frame S, which is equal
in length to the line of pipes R' and is suspended by means of draw-spindle Z and

page_text: bearing spindles T from the travelling transport-scaffold W is set upon the ground
above the line of pipes R¹ for the purpose of lowering it.
Fig. 3 and 4 show in a cross section and a longitudinal section this position of the
sinking-frame S and the transporting scaffold W above the pit B, whereas Figs. 35
and 36 illustrate a front and side view of the sinking-frame and the transporting
scaffold on a larger scale.
The sinking-frame (caisson) S consists of a number of parts, which are jointed or
connected by links at the places at which the winches used for raising and lowering
the sinking-frame bear on the latter. Thus it is possible to perform the raising. &
lowering of the sinking frame. The two sides s of the sinking-frame are of sheet
iron plates connected by means of angular iron and shored off from each other at
suitable distances by the ties or struts (lattice-work) g. The sinking-frame S is open
at the top and bottom and is placed above the connected line of pipes R¹ which is
suspended in pipe-straps 12. The latter are adjustable both in respect to height
and lateral position by means of the supports f1, and f, so that in this way the
position of the line of pipes can be regulated from the firm ground.
The sinking-frame is suspended in a suitable number of transporting scaffolds W
each of which consists of two side framings e and of two double T-iron beams u,
which connect the side framings e and also support the cylinder m of the hydraulic
lifting apparatus. The latter is connected by the piston-rod n, the upper and lower
cross bars p¹ and p² and the draw-rods with the draw-spindles Z. In order to
stiffen the transporting scaffold the bars, ties or struts h and i are applied, the angle
ironsk which serve as guides for the sinking-frame S are fastened to the said
bars i.
The connection of those parts of the sinking-frame S which are raised direct by the
draw-spindles Z with the other adjacent parts of the frame is represented in Figs. 38,
39, 40 and 41 in a front view, a side view and in horizontal sections. At the said
part a sheet iron plate q is fastened to the frame in its full length and is joined on
both sides to channel iron girders t. The girders t of the sides s of the sinking-
frame S are braced together in pairs (one girder opposite the other) in a manner
similar to that of the sides themselves, that is to say by means of crossed ties or
struts g, to which latter are fastened the cross bars v against which the draw-spindles Z
bear and the cross-bars w against which press the bearing-spindles T. These latter
as may be seen in Figure 37, are mounted alternately on opposite sides of the draw-
spindles for the purpose of lifting the sinking-frame uniformly.
In figures 3 to 14 showing the complete arrangements of all the parts the bearing
spindles T are represented as beside the draw-spindles Z on account of the small
dimensions (scale) and it is there supposed that cross beams are arranged for this
purpose which connect the different parts of the transporting-frame and bear the
supports for the draw-spindles. These beams may, however, be dispensed with as is
shown in figs. 35 to 37.
At the lower ends of the girder t bearing plates X are screwed on and provided
with pins y which engage holes made in the bracket-joints z rivetted to the adjoining
parts of the sides s, see figures 38 to 41. According to the height of the sinking-
frame several such bearing-plates ✗ with centering pins y can be attached to the
girders t. They make the sinking-frame pliant in a certain measure whenever a part
of the latter is raised by the draw-spindles by means of the lattice-work g which
connects the girders t.
As soon as the transported scaffold W has been properly placed and set together
with the sinking-frame S over the line of pipes R', the stop-gear for the draw-
spindles Z and bearing-spindles T which support the frame S is disengaged and the
sinking-frame thus disconnected from the transporting scaffold.
The stop gear for the draw spindle Z is represented in a vertical section in fig. 42
in a ground plan or borizontal section in fig. 43 and in a vertical cross section in
fig. 44. It consists of pawls or catches C which are pivoted on the bolts D. The
latter are fastened to the girders and the pawls are pressed by springs E likewise
attached to the girders into notches F¹ which are made of such shape in the draw-

page_text: spindles Z that whenever the latter is moved upwards the notches are bound to take
the catches C along with them, and whenever the draw spindles Z are moved down-
wards they must not do so, whereby the latches are automatically disengaged.
The stop-gear for the bearing spindles T is represented in figs. 45 and 47 in two
vertical sections and in a ground plan in fig. 46. This gear consists of a box-like
shell or case c¹ fastened to the girders w and provided with a central opening for the
bearing spindle T to pass through. Shell c¹ has besides a slit running at right angles
to the bearing spindle T in which move two slides D' which are pressed by means of
the spring E into the notches F¹ of the bearing spindle. Whenever the sinking
frame S is lifted with draw spindles Z the slides unlatch automatically and slide along
the bearing spindles T to the next notch F into which they slip and thus hold fast
the sinking frame until the draw spindles commence to lift again.
As soon as these stop-contrivances for the draw and bearing spindles are disengaged
and the connection between the sinking frame S and the transporting scaffold W
thus broken off, the line of pipes R¹ is supended by means of the pipe straps
attached to the supports f1 and 2 fastened to the sinking frame which as already
mentioned allow the position of the line of pipes to be regulated both in a vertical and
in a horizontal direction.
In fig. 20 a pipe strap of this kind is represented and consists of the strap
encircling the pipe and of the bar which latter is connected as may be seen in
fig. 35 to the adjustable supports 1 and 2.
.
The ends of the jointed line of pipes R¹ are covered over as shown in fig. 22 by
porous caps (hoods) G which are held by india-rubber rings H round the ends of the
pipes in order to prevent the earth floating or suspended in the water but not the
water itself from entering the line of pipes. The latter is then suspended laterally by
means of the supports 2 to the sinking frame S and the dredging or excavating of
the earth inside of this sinking frame is begun. The men working the excavator if
such be used stand on the scaffolding laid across the caisson (sinking frame) and
the filled buckets are hoisted by winches placed on the level ground at one side of the
transporting scaffold.
As the work of excavating continues the line of pipes R' together with the
caisson S keeps on sinking till the level has been reached to which it is intended to
sink the line of pipes. This position is represented in cross and longitudinal section in
figures 5 and 6.
The laying and placing of the line of pipes which up to this stage has been
suspended at one side of the sinking frame S now commences. It is brought towards
the middle of the sinking frame S and the pipe strap rod 12 is disengaged from the
supports and f2 of the frame S. In consequence of its peculiar jointing and
packing as already described herein the line of pipes R¹ is supple in a measure, in its
joints, so that any uneven sinking of the separate parts of the caisson S caused by
unequal excavating does no further damage for the sinking frame itself is also to a
certain degree pliant in its joints. Owing on the one hand to the fact that little play
is left by the peculiar method after which the parts of the sinking frame are connected
at the joints and owing on the other hand to the weight being uniformly distributed
by the way in which the line of pipes is suspended to the sinking frame there is no
possibility of the latter sinking unevenly or more to one side.
Before the pipe straps are disengaged from the supports" and f' the line
of pipes R is bedded on the level intended for it by raising or letting go the said
supports and is held in position then by filling in gravel underneath and round
it. As soon as the line of pipes R' has been lowered to its intended depth
and the filling in with gravel has begun the lifting of the sinking frame is
commenced.
The considerable weight of the sinking frame and the enormous pressure of the
earth bearing on its sides combined with the friction thus caused necessitate a very
great amount of power to extract the sinking frame from its position the power
required for this purpose comes from the hydraulic cylinder m already mentioned in
combination with the draw-spindles Z. The notches F¹ made on the latter and

page_text: already mentioned herein correspond in respect to the distance between them with
the strokes of the hydraulic piston so that the sinking frame is raised thereby every
time by the stroke of the piston, i.e. its length. In order to hold fast the sinking
frame at the height to which it has been raised when the piston descends for a fresh
stroke there are also notches F¹ on the other vertical bearing or brake spindles T
corresponding with the stroke of the piston so that the sinking frame is held at its
"height every time by the self-acting stop gearings.
In order to connect the second line of pipes R2 which is put together and sunk in
the same way with the first line under water and without the help of divers the last
part of the sinking frame or the last link of it in the working direction is disengaged
in the pit before the sinking frame hoisted out; it is left in the pit and prevents
the end of the pipes from getting covered over with sand. The sinking frame S
or rather that part of it is illustrated in cross and longitudinal section in figs. 7
and 8.
In a similar manner the first joint or part of the first joint of the sinking frame S
is dispensed with for the sinking of the line of pipes R2 that has to be sunk still' so
that the connection of the part left in the pit can be carried ont when the time comes.
Figs. 9 and 10 represent this position in a cross section and a longitudinal section.
Before lowering the pipes the straight end of the line of pipes R2 which has to be
jointed is provided with a double socket M' which is pushed on and encompasses
between the sides of the pipes and its own inner sides a rubber ring N₁ figs. 21
and 23 and behind this double socket is placed a forcing jack or winch P' which
presses against a firm strap 01 and whose piston Q¹ terminates in a saddle shaped
head or buffer K¹ which encircles half of the pipe as may be seen in fig. 24.
After the sinking of the second line of pipes R2 and the adjusting of the two ends
of the lines of pipes R2 and R' so as to place them opposite each other as repre-
sented in figs. 21 and 22 the porous caps or hoods G with which the ends are
covered to prevent the floating earth from entering are pulled off with the hook K
and the hydraulic press is set in motion by admitting water pressure through the
pipe. This makes the hydraulic press cylinder P¹ press forcibly against the pipe
strap 01 already mentioned and the piston Q₁ with its saddle shaped head or
buffer K' pushes the double socket M' over the first line of pipes R¹.
The position of the socket M' after being pushed over the two pipe ends and when
the rubber rings have been rolled in for the purpose of tightening the joint is
represented in detail in fig. 23 on a smaller scale in fig. 12.
The various methods of packing the sockets M¹ for connecting the two lines of
pipes are illustrated in figs. 25 to 34.
In the arrangement shown in fig. 25 to 27 an auxiliary socket M* fixed firmly to
the pipe R is used. Fig. 26 shows the auxiliary socket M³ fastened to the line of
pipes R' which is already laid. It is covered over with a porous cap or hood G¹ to
prevent the earth from penetrating and the rubber ring D₁ used for making the joint
tight is already in position on the pipe R. In fig. 25 the line of pipes R² still to
be laid is represented with the double socket M¹ which is likewise covered over with
a cap or hood G³ and a joint making ring D2 is also in place on the pipe R.
Fig. 27 shows the position of the different parts after the double socket M¹ has been
pushed over by the hydraulic jack or winch (P¹ O¹ Q¹) before which the caps G₁
and G had been removed by means of the hook K. The two packing rings D¹
and D2 are rolled in and compressed into the flat shape in which they act as an
absolutely tight packing this operation being shown in figs. 17 to 19.
In order to insert the rubber ring D which is laid on the second line of pipes R
inside of the double socket M' conveniently into the latter, this double socket M¹ can
be made of two parts M³ and M* as shown in fig. 28 which are screwed together after
the rubber ring has been inserted.
In figs. 29 to 34 a modification of this method. of jointing the two lines of
pipes R and R² by means of the double socket M¹ is represented. In this case the
auxiliary socket M² is movable (more particularly so in the direction of the axis of
the pipe) and is used both for the prior rolling in of the rubber ring D¹ over the

page_text: first pipe R¹ and for centering the double socket M¹ connecting the two lines of
pipes.
Over the first of the two lines of pipes to be laid and before it is sunk is passed
the auxiliary socket M². It rolls the inserted rubber ring D¹ in by being pushed
from the position shown in fig. 29 to that represented in fig. 30. This end of the
line of pipes is then provided with a cap (not shown in the drawings) and the
operation of sinking the line commences.
The double socket M¹ is pushed so far on to the line of pipes R2 before the latter
is sunk and so far inside of it that the tightening rubber ring D² for this line of
pipes can be laid into the groove 3 made in the end of the pipe as is shown in
fig. 31.
Before this line of pipes is sunk the double socket M¹ has to be pushed into the
position represented in fig. 32-the double socket M¹ is thereby brought about on a
line with the straight or pointed ends of the line of pipes R2-and by this operation
the rubber ring D2 used for packing this second line of pipes R2 is rolled in as far
as it has to go. This end of the line of pipes is then covered over with a
cap or hood such as G2 but not shown in the drawing now specially referred to
whereupon this second line of pipes R2 is sunk in the way already described.
As soon as the two lines of pipes are adjusted in their proper relative positions
after being sunk and when the caps or hoods G₁ and G2 have been removed by
means of the hook K, the double socket M¹ is forced forward in the way already
mentioned by the hydraulic jack or press which is sunk simultaneously with the line
of pipes R2 till the double socket M' comes into the position shown in fig. 23 in which
the front end of the double socket M¹ presses against a nose N' attached to or
formed on the auxiliary socket M² and used to centre the double socket M. During
this operation the packing rubber ring D² which was already inserted is pushed
forwards a little as the double socket M¹ is pressed forwards and thus the packing
of the joint remains tight all the time. As soon as the double socket M' is pressed
farther forward it forces the auxiliary socket M2 in the same direction and as the
packing rubber ring D2 for the line of pipes R¹ performs a shorter forward motion
than the auxiliary socket M²-owing to the friction on both sides of the rubber ring-
the latter is pushed off by the packing rubber ring D₁ and the double socket M¹
pushed on in its place till finally the position represented in fig. 34 is reached in which
the double socket M' and the two packing rubber rings D1 and D2 for the two
lines of pipes to be connected are pressed hard and fast over the latter and the packing
of the joint is as tight as possible.
As soon as the connecting of the two lines of pipes R¹ and R' has been carried
out the sinking frame S may be hoisted out by means of the hydraulic winches
mounted on the transporting scaffold W and operating the draw spindles Z, this
position is represented in figs. 13 and 14. The sinking frame S may then be
moved on by means of the transporting scaffold W and put in position to sink
another line of pipes R². On hoisting the sinking frame out of the excavation the
floating earthy mass rushes into the opening thus left, which has to be filled up with
some kind of suitable material. The pit or trench B is then filled up too and the
draw-rods of the pipe straps which reach up to the firm ground on to the level
are provided with anchor plates P4 or their equivalent in order to make the firm
ground assist in supporting the line of pipes just laid. This arrangement is to be
seen in cross section and in longitudinal section in figs. 15 and 16.
In case a foundation has to be laid after the method just, described the sinking
frame is sunk without the pipes to the depth desired and drawn out as the concrete
work advances.
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 loving linage of nines by the aid of machinery in watery or marshy ground

page_text: cterized by the operations enumerated hereinafter and following each other in.
ssion
(a) The putting together of a line of pipes (R¹) in a trench or pit. (B) dug out
for the purpose the joints being left slightly supple in the packing and the
ends of the pipes being covered over with caps or hoods to prevent the earth
from entering but admitting the water;
a
(b) The suspending of the jointed line of pipes (R¹) to a sinking frame
(caisson) (S) jointed correspondingly in its full length and conveyed by
transporting scaffold (W) set up over the pit or trench (B);
(c) The displacing of the jointed line of pipes to one side of the sinking
frame (S) and the work of excavating the earth between the side framings of
the sinking frame for the purpose of sinking the said frame (S) together with
the line of pipes (R¹);
(d) The operation of drawing out the sinking frame (S)-after its being dis-
engaged from the line of pipes just sunk-by means of the hydraulic hoisting
gear mounted on the transporting scaffold (W) the last link or joint or part
of it being left behind to prevent the pointed or straight end of the line of
pipes (R) from getting filled with sand;
up.
(e) The putting together and sinking of a second line of pipes (R2) in the way
described under the sections or headings a, b and c, in which operation the
pointed or straight end of the second line of pipes (R2) turned towards the
first line of pipes is likewise covered over with a porous cap and has a hydraulic
jack or press for forming the connection of the two lines of pipes under water
the first link or joint of the sinking frame or part of it being dispensed with
as the sinking frame is completed in its parts by the last joint or link (or part
of it) left behind in the first part of the operation;
(f) The connecting of the two sunken lines of pipes (R¹ and R²) by pushing
over a double socket (M') which rolls in rubber packing rings in its turn the
pushing over the said double socket being carried out by hydraulic power
applied by means of a jack or press to the pointed or straight end of the
second line of pipes (R³) of the removal by the books (K) of the porous
caps (G¹ G³);
(9) The drawing-out of the sinking frame (S) which is above the second line of
pipes at the time after it is disconnected from the line of pipes just laid,
gravel and similar materials being discharged into the excavated or dredged
opening and the building-pit filled up too;
(4) The application of anchoring plates (P) to the rods (?) which reach up
from the pipe-straps (1) below ground in order to make the firm ground
assist in bearing the line of pipes, substantially as described and for the
purpose as set forth.
The construction of the sinking frame (S) with two side framings (s) made of
iron and stayed from each other by gratings (lattice girder or equivalent
(9) and the flexible connection of the different parts of the sinking frame (S)
flexibility being produced by fastening vertical sheet iron plates in the whole
h of frame (S) to those parts in direct connection with the draw-spindles (Z) and
taching to these plates channel shaped girders (t) which are stayed from. or tied
e opposite girders (t) by crossbars (v) to stand the gearing in of the draw
les (Z) and by cross bars (w) for withstanding the gearing in. of the lattice
(9) which guides or bears the bearing spindles (T) and have bearing plates (X).
ded with centering pins (y) substantially as herein described.
The application of supports (f1 and f) to the sinking frame (S) which in
nction with the bars or rods (1) and pipe straps (1) carry the line of pipes and
r it possible to regulate the position of the latter both in respect to height and,
ontal direction; substantially as herein described.
The construction of the transporting scaffold. (W) with. two side-scaffolds or
es (e) connected together by double T beams (u) the scaffold having guides k

page_text: intended for the sinking frame (S) and stayed off from the side scaffolds (e) the
hydraulic cylinder (m) being mounted on the connecting beams (u) substantially as
herein described.
5. The use of self-acting check or stop apparatus for draw-spindles (Z) raised by
the hydraulic cylinder (m) consisting in latches such as (C) pressed by springs (E)
into the notchos (f¹) of the draw-spindles (Z) the latches pivoted on the bolts (D)
fastened to the cross bars (v) substantially as herein described.
6. The use of stop-apparatus for the bearing spindles (T) which serves to hold fast
the sinking frame (S) while the hydraulic lifting gear is being shifted consisting in
a box-like shell such as C¹ fastened to the cross bars (w) which shell has an opening
for the bearing-spindle (T) to pass through and a slit perpendicular or horizontal to
the above opening in which operate two spring controlled slides or bolts (D¹) so as
to gear in the notches (F¹) made in the bearing spindle (T) substantially as herein
described.
7. The connecting of two lines of pipes (R' R') under water in the way described
under headings or 'sections a, b and c of the first claiming clause by pushing over a
double socket (M¹) by means of hydraulic jack or press (P¹ Q¹) mounted on the
pointed or straight end of the second line of pipes (R) and sunk with the latter in
such way that either
(a) The packing rubber ring (D) laid in for the second line of pipes (R³) is
rolled in the double socket (M' figs. 25 to 27) made in one piece or in the
double socket (M³ M* fig. 28) simultaneously with a packing rubber ring (D¹)
laid beforehand into a fixed auxiliary socket (M³) for the first line of
pipes (R) when the double socket (M²) is pushed over; or
(b) That the packing rubber ring (D³) rolled in beforehand by the double
socket (M) on the second line of pipes (R2) and the packing rubber ring (D¹)
for the first line of pipes (R) rolled in beforehand by an auxiliary socket (M²)
sliding in the direction of the axis of the pipes are forced whenever the double
socket (M) which is centred by a nose (N³) on the auxiliary socket (M*) is
moved forward into its right positions to form a perfectly tight packing for
the lines of pipes substantially as set forth.
8. The construction of foundations and concrete bottoms in marshy ground by
using the apparatus as described under claim 2 for the sinking frame, under claim 4,
for the transporting scaffold, and under claims 5 and 6 for the stop gear and by
sinking the frame (S) to the depth at which the foundation is to be laid the sinking
frame being drawn out as the work of forming the concrete bottom progresses
substantially as set forth.
Dated this 24th day of February 1890.
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicant.