Improvements in Dredging Apparatus.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Nov., 1899-Accepted, 6th Oct., 1900
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Dredging Apparatus.
I, JOSEPH EDWARDS, 279, Hancock Street, Brooklyn Borough, in the City and
State of New York, United States of America, Mechanical 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:
This invention relates to dredging apparatus, or particularly to an apparatus
of this character wherein the material operated upon is received and distributed
upon a vessel, also adapted to separate the material received during the distribution
thereof.
Some of the objects of the invention are to provide an apparatus of this char-
acter wherein the material received can be discharged into any portion of the
apparatus during the receiving process, and can be uniformly distributed through-
out the entire apparatus, without in the least retarding the reception of the
material upon the apparatus.
Another object is to provide for the discharge of the water after approximately
all of the solid matter conveyed upon the apparatus with the water shall have
been removed therefrom during and by reason of the process of distribution.
A further object of the invention is to retard the flow or velocity of the material
received upon the apparatus to produce sedimentation of the solid matter therein
and' to obstruct the progress of the material towards the final discharge, so that
a minimum amount of the solid matter is lost.
Another object of the invention is to prevent the careening and lurching of
the vessel during the process of loading the same, and when so careened to right
the vessel speedily and without interfering with the loading process, and thereby
provide for an even distribution of the load and prevent straining of the vessel
by an unequal distribution of the load.
It is also an object of this invention to produce an improved suction pipe for
dredging apparatus, wherein improved means are employed for movably securing
the suction pipe proper in the sides of the vessel or apparatus, so that the great
strain to which this pipe is subjected during the process of dredging, particularly
during the rolling and pitching of the vessel or apparatus may be overcome;
another object of the invention is to prevent the ingress of water during the
process of dredging, around the opening in which the suction pipe is movably
mounted, and also the ingress of air into the pump at the joint or connection
between the suction pipe and the pump.
A further obiect of the invention is to provide a long supporting connection
for the end of the suction pipe, as when iron or similar vessels or apparatus are
employed, the sides whereof are not sufficiently thick to constitute a serviceable
support for this pipe.
Another object of the invention is to provide a long support for the suction
pipe having separate bearing surfaces or zones to prevent the cramping of the
pipe during the movement thereof in the sides of the vessel or apparatus.
With these and other, objects in view the invention consists essentially in the

page_text: more fully described in the following specification, and illustrated in the accom-
panying drawings, forming part of this application, in which;-
Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section, partiy in elevation, of a portion of the hull
of a dredging apparatus or vessel, to which the invention first herein before
referred to is illustrated as applied;
Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the same;"
Fig. 3 is a transverse section thereof;
Fig. 4 is a detail top plan view, on an enlarged scale, of the Humic and gates
or doors;
Fig 5 is a partial detail view illustrating one of the bottom gates in the flume
and means for operating and regulating the position thereof;
Fig. 6 is a detail view of one of the bottom discharge doors of the apparatus
or vessel, illustrating the packing joint for the same
Fig. 7 is a detail view of the adjustable trimming doors and means for oper-
ating and regulating the position of the same;
Fig.
8 illustrates a cross-sectional view, or outline, of an apparatus or vessel,
provided with the second improvement above referred to, that is, the sleeve or
bearing for the suction pipe, together with the latter;
Fig. 9 is a sectional view, partly in elevation, of a portion of an iron vessel
provided with the invention illustrated in Fig. 9 and the figures thereafter;
Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail view of a hanger employed;
Fig. 11 is a detail view of a collar or band used;
Fig. 12 is a view, somewhat similar to Fig. 9, showing a construction employed
in connection with wooden vessels or apparatus; and
Fig. 1 is a detail view of a collar or band employed with the latter
construction.
Similar characters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the
several views.
Referring to the drawings, it will be seen that my invention is illustrated as
applied to a dredging vessel or scow; but it will be understood that the con-
struction of the vessel here shown is illustrated as an exemplification of one form
of the apparatus in connection with which my invention may be employed; but
any form or construction of apparatus may be used in practice according to the
requirements or conditions under which the invention is operated.
The invention is particularly designed or intended for use in loading scows,
dredging steamers or other vessels, both in still and rough water, in order to
provide a maximum load for the vessel employed: and in case of rough or shallow
water to provide a means whereby the amount of the load carried by the vessel
can be accurately determined and regulated.
The importance of regulating the draft of a dredging vessel to suit different
depths of water, on ocean or river bars, in order to provide a maximum load for
the vessel, and at the same time to prevent the thumping or pounding of the vessel
upon the bar over which it is located during the loading process will be readily
understood, and the importance of that part of this invention relating thereto,
and covered by Figs. 1 to 7 of the drawings, will be appreciated.
Referring particularly to the said figures of the drawing wherein is indicated
a portion of the outline of a vessel adapted to receive the material removed from
subterranean sources, the reference character 1 designates a longitudinal partition
or bulk-head, of any preferred form or construction, preferably dividing the
vessel or apparatus longitudinally into equal portions, and 2 refers to transverse
partitions or weirs preferably dividing the vessel or apparatus transversely into
three portions: and by means of these weirs or partitions are formed bins or
compartments 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Formed in these partitions or weirs are openings 9, on each side of which are
secured guides or ways 10, wherein a gate or valve 11 is preferably slidably
mounted and is suitably operated from above by means of a rod 12 or other

page_text: device; and the object of these gates or valves 11, are to provide for an equal
and uniform distribution of the water as the same is first pumped or conveyed
upon the apparatus during the process of loading the same.
These openings may be located at any height in the partitions or weirs to
prevent an excessive accumulation of liquid in any one or more parts of the
vessel or apparatus.
Any desired mechanism may be employed to operate these gates, but they are
preferably operated and controlled from the deck of the vessel or apparatus, and
can be closed when the liquid has reached the desired uniform heighth through-
out the apparatus or vessel.
The vessel or apparatus is preferably provided with a plurality of dumping
doors 13, of any desired form or construction, desirably hinged at one side thereof
to the frame work of the vessel or apparatus, as shown at 14, in Figs. 3 and 6
of the drawings; and these doors are preferably let into the bottom of the vessel
or apparatus, and are provided with a packing, joint as shown in Fig. 6.
These dumping doors may be operated singly or collectively from above by
suitable mechanism; but I have here illustrated merely a portion of a connecting
rod 15, which preferably extends above the deck or platform of the vessel or
apparatus, and may be operated by hand through the medium of a screw wheel
or other suitable device.
Suitably constructed in one end of the apparatus or vessel, preferably the
bow of the former, is an overflow or discharge device 16, desirably consisting of
a way or conduit formed on or connected with a vessel or apparatus, and prefer-
ably having an inclination laterally that is towards the sides of the vessel or
apparatus, and having the highest point thereof substantially in the longitudinal
center of the vessel or apparatus, as clearly shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings.
This overflow, way or conduit, may be of any preferred form or construction,
and may be located in any desired position upon the vessel or apparatus.
Movably connected with the free edges of the partitions or weirs are, what is
termed herein, adjustable trimming doors 17, designed to regulate and control
the amount of the load upon the vessel or apparatus by the position in which
said doors are secured.
The weirs or partitions 2, are preferably of different heighth, that is to say
that nearer the induction end of the flume is preferably higher that that near
the eduction end of the same, in order to provide for the retarding of the velocity
of the liquid material pumped aboard the vessel or apparatus, and to increase
sedimentation, as the material is allowed to flow from one bin or compartment
into the other and finally discharge into the overflow a minimum amount of solid
matter to be discharged overboard with the water.
To increase the sedimentation, and further retard the flow of the water toward
the overflow or discharge, I preferably provide adjustable trimming doors 17,
of any preferred form or construction, desirably movably connected with the
free edges of the weirs or partitions 2; preferably by means of a hinged connec-
tion 18 and I preferably secure a strip or band of flexible material impervious
to water, along and over the joint or connection between the free edge of the
weir and the adjacent edge of the trimming doors, substantially shown at 19,
Fig. 7, to prevent the passage of the material operated upon through the opening
or crack between said parts, and thus obviate the cutting or wearing away of the
edges of said parts by the passage of the material there between.
I preferably employ a strip of said material along the edges of the trimming
doors, for the purpose just described, and these strips of material may be secured
in any desired manner to the trimming doors, or upon the adjacent portion of
the vessel or apparatus.
Formed on or connected with the trimming doors 17, in any desired manner,
are levers 20 preferably provided with a plurality of openings or slots to receive
and retain pins or other devices 21, adapted to be inserted through and into.a
segmental plate or bar 22, secured upon the vessel or apparatus, and desirably.

page_text: provided with a plurality of openings to afford adjustment for the trimming
doors, as will be readily understood.
If desired, a ratchet bar or lever may be used operating with a notched rack
bar to regulate the position of the trimming doors, or any other preferred
mechanism may be employed.
The function and operation of my improved adjustable weirs will be readily
understood from the foregoing description, and the explanation thereof 'herein-
after set forth.
Referring to Figs. 2 and 4, I have illustrated an improved means for conveying
and distributing the material pumped aboard the vessel or other apparatus,
embodying a flume or conduit 23, of any desired construction or form, but
preferably Y-shaped, the branches or forks of the flume communicating with
the discharge pipes of the pump or other device, through which the material is
discharged into the branches of the flume.
This flume or conduit may be located in any desired position upon a vessel or
apparatus, but is here shown as mounted upon the deck or platform of the same.
preferably provide lateral discharge openings in the flume, communicating
with, or located above, the several bins or compartments, and provide gates or
valves to control such openings, so that the material operated upon can be
discharged into any desired bin or compartment by simply operating the gates
or doors.
I preferably provide an opening 23 in a branch 24 of the flume, and provide
a gate or door 25, to control the same, and desirably employ a curved or segmental
bar or plate 26, having openings adapted to receive retaining pins or other
devices, which also engage with the doors 25, to retain the latter in any preferred
position, and when it is desired to discharge the material into the bin 3, the
gate or door 25, is secured in the position shown in Figs. 2 and 4, whereby all
the material passing through the branch 24, of the flume will be discharged into
said bin but if the door 25 is closed, the material passing through said branch
will pass on and into the main portion 23 of the flume, and be discharged through
the opening 27, into the bin 3.
The opening 27, is preferably provided with a gate or door 28, regulated by
a bar or plate 29, and a stop pin engaging said bar and gate as before described:
and if it is desired to fill the bin 4, the gate 28 is closed and the material is allowed
to pass by the same and discharge through the opening 30, controlled by the
gate 31, and so on.
The gates or doors and the construction of the flume, as well as the operation
thereof, being the same in both branches and on both sides of the flume, it will
only be necessary to describe that on one side.
Either the gate 25 may be closed, and the gate 28, thrown entirely across
the main portion of the flume, thereby discharging the entire volume of material
into the bin 3, or the gate 31 may be closed and the gate 33 thrown entirely
across the flume, thus discharging the entire contents in the bin 5, or vice versa.
I may also employ bottom gates 34, controlling openings 35 in the bottom of
the branches 24 of the flume, preferably mounted upon a pivot shaft 36, controlled
by a lever 37, and the position of the lever 37, may be regulated by a bar 38,
preferably having openings therein to receive a stop pin, also engaging the lever
in the manner before described.
And when the gate 34 is in a position shown in Fig. 5 the water rushing
thereover will discharge the heaviest solid matter therein through said opening,
into the bin 3, as will be understood.
The operation of the previously described portion of this invention will be
understood from the preceding description thereof when taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings and the following explanation thereof.
The material is pumped aboard the vessel or other apparatus into the branches
of the flume and is discharged therefrom into any desired bin or compartment,
as before described and if discharged into bins 3 or 8 the liquid will weir up

page_text: over the adjustable trimming doors 17 into the adjacent bins 4 and 7 and from
thence weir up over said doors and finally weir into the overflow and pass.
overboard.
From the operation or process herein described it will be understood that
the velocity of the material is greatly retarded in the bins 3 and 8 and some
sedimentation occurs therein, and such velocity is further retarded by reason
of the material being compelled to rise over the trimming doors 17 into the
adjacent bins 4 and 7, where the velocity is further retarded and further sedi-
mentation takes place and the same process is repeated until the material is
finally discharged into the overflow and permitted to pass overboard, but when
so discharged the liquid contains a minimum amount of solid matter.
Referring now to Figs. 8 to 13 of the drawing there is illustrated an outline
or delineation of a vessel, in Fig. 8 thereof, of any preferred construction, here
shown in order that the function and application of this portion of the invention
may be understood.
Referring now particularly to Fig. 9, there is illustrated a portion of a side
of a vessel 41, preferably constructed of metal, in which is formed a suitable
opening, wherein is secured a sleeve or bearing 42, desirably provided with
annular bearing surfaces or zones 43, any number whereof may be employed,"
and the free end of the bearing 42 is preferably provided with an annular recéss
constructed to receive or enter the opening in an annular bracket or support 44,
having laterally projecting flange 45, by means of which it is secured upon the
inner surface of the side or wall of the vessel, as clearly shown in Fig. 9 of
the drawings.
A hanger 46 is suitably connected with the deck 47, or other portion of the
véssel, and is provided with a stepped bore 48, constructed to receive the inner
or movable end 49, of the suction pipe, which passes through the bearing 42,
and is preferably provided with an elbow 50, constructed to receive the outboard
portion of the suction pipe (not shown) in the usual manner; and the elbow 50
is preferably provided with a stud or projection 51, having a reduced screw-
threaded extremity to receive a retaining nut 52, to secure a link or plate 53
in position thereon, or any preferred construction may be employed in practice.
Preferably suitably secured upon the deck, or other portion, of the vessel is a
goose-neck or arm 54, having a bore or opening in the free end thereof to receive
à supporting rod, or other device, 55, which is preferably secured adjustably in
said bore by means of nuts 56, and the other end of said rod is preferably
bifurcated to pivotally received the link or plate 53, as clearly shown in Fig. 9
of the drawings.
By means of this superimposed supporting device the great strain occasioned
upon the bearing of the suction pipe, during the process of dredging, aud
particularly by the pitching or swaying of the vessel, together with the weight
of the excavated material in said pipe, is practically relieved, and the suction
pipe is afforded support along the rotating centre thereof, as will be readily
understood.
The movable portion 49, of the suction pipe is preferably provided with an
annular rib or flange 57, adapted to bear against the outer edge of the bearing 42
and prevent the passage of said portion inwardly; and outside of said flange,
and suitably connected with the sides of the vessel, is a ring or band 58, preferably
secured in position by bolts 59; and upon said ring, and outside of said flange 57,
is a movably secured retaining band or ring 60, desirably constructed in two
parts, and preferably provided with apertured lugs 61, constructed to receive:
bolts or similar devices, whereby the parts thereof are detachably secured, and
the ring 60 is preferably bolted, or otherwise detachably secured to the band 58,
substantially as shown at 62 so that the outward movement of the portion 49 of
the suction pipe is prevented.
To prevent the ingress of water around the portion 49 of the suction pipe a
gland or similar device, 63 is preferably connected with the free edge of the

page_text: bracket 44, substantially as shown; and a similar gland, or other device 64, is
preferably connected with the hanger 46, io prevent the entrance of air around
the extremity of the portion 49, of the suction pipe during the operation of
pumping the material therethrough.
It will be understood that the construction of the bearing of the suction pipe
will be the same whether employed upon one or both sides of the vessel, or other
apparatus, or at any other portion thereof, and the same is described and shown
herein in connection with one side only of the vessel.
In connection with Figs. 8, 12 and 13, my improved sleeve joint or bearing
for suction pipes is shown as applied to a wooden vessel 70, provided with an
opening or passage through which the suction pipe extends and in which is
mounted a bearing or sleeve 71, preferably provided with an annular rim 72,
desirably having an annular recess 73, to receive an annular rib or flange 74,
en a movable portion 75 of the suction pipe, and the said rim is preferably bolted,
or otherwise secured in position, as shown at 76 in Fig. 12 of the drawing.
The bearing 71 is preferably provided with annular bearing surfaces or zones 17,
upon which the movable portions 75 of the suction pipe turns substantially in
the manner hereinbefore described; and a ring or band 78 is preferably secured
around the inner end of the bearing 71, and with this band is connected a
gland 79 substantially as shown.
Around the movable portions 75 of the suction pipe, and over the rib 74
thereof, is removably secured a two part ring 79, to prevent the outward movement
of the suction pipe, and said ring is preferably bolted, or otherwise secured, to
the flange 72 of the bearing 71, substantially in the manner shown.
The portion 75 of the suction pipe is preferably provided with an elbow 80,
to which is connected, the outboard portion of the suction pipe, as will be readily
understood, and the elbow 80 is preferably provided with a stud or projection 81,
approximately on a line with the axis of the portion 75 of the suction pipe.
The stud or projection 81, is preferably connected by links 82, adjustably
united by a turn buckle 83, with a plate 84 suitably connected with the vessel
above the suction pipe in order to provide a support for the latter.
A brace or support 85 is preferably provided for the end of the pipe 86
communicating with a pump or other apparatus, (not shown) and one end of this
pipe is preferably stepped to receive the free end of the portion 75 of the suction
pipe, and said end of the pipe 86 is preferably provided with a gland 87, to
prevent the ingress of air during the process of pumping materials through the
suction pipe.
The operation of the invention illustrated in Figs. 8 to 13 of the drawings,
will be readily understood from the foregoing description, when taken in connec-
tion with the accompanying drawings and the following explanation thereof.
The outboard portion (not shown) of the suction pipe is preferably provided
with a drag or digger (not shown) which rests upon the bed or bottom of the
channel to be excavated, and the rolling and pitching of the vessel will be
accommodated by the turning of the horizontal portion of the suction pipe in
the bearing in the side of the vessel, thus preventing injury to the apparatus.
I do not desire to confine myself to the specific construction, combination and
arrangement of parts herein shown and described, and I reserve the right to make
all such changes in and modifications of the same as fairly come within the
spirit and scope of my invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is―
1. A dredging apparatus provided with weirs having adjustable portions.
2. A dredging apparatus provided with partitions or divisions having devices
for uniformly distributing material throughout the apparatus and adjustable
weirs connected with said partitions or divisions.

page_text: 3. A dredging apparatus provided with adjustable weirs and an overflow, to
receive the liquid discharged over said weirs.
4. A dredging apparatus provided with weirs having adjustable portions, and
means for regulating the same to control the maximum load of the apparatus..
5. A dredging apparatus provided with adjustable weirs and means for pre-
venting the ingress of the material between the fixed and movable parts thereof.
6. A flume provided with side discharge doors and means for retaining the
free ends of said doors together to deflect the material toward both sides of
the flume.
7. A flume provided with discharge openings in the bottom thereof, doors or
gates pivotally connected intermediate of the length of the same to said flume
and means for regulating the inclination of said doors or gates in relation to said
bottom so that only the most solid of the matter passing through the flume will
be deflected through said openings.
8. A flume provided with discharge openings in the bottom thereof, inter-
mediately, pivoted doors or gates, a regulating device upon said flume and means
connected with said doors and operating with said device to control the deflection
of the solid matter only through said opening.
9. A dredging apparatus provided with side and bottom discharge doors or
gates, levers connected with said gates, and means above the latter for con-
trolling the movement of said levers.
10. A dredging apparatus provided with a flume, gates controlling the dis-
charge openings in said flume, levers or cranks connected with said gates and
regulating bars with which said levers are detachably connected to regulate
the position of the gates.
11. A dredging apparatus provided with a flume having lateral discharge
openings, gates controlling said openings, means for regulating the gates
and bottom gates operating in connection with said lateral gates and means
for regulating the latter.
12. A branched flume provided with discharge doors pivotally connected
therewith, a lever connected with said pivot and a plate or bar attached to the
sides of the flume and carrying a connecting device constructed to engage said
lever to regulate the inclination of said doors.
13. A flume provided with discharge doors movably mounted in the bottom
thereof, a lever connected with said doors to regulate the inclination thereof
and a curved bar or plate carrying a device to engage said lever to control the
position of the door.
14. A flume provided with branches having discharge doors or gates in said
branches and side discharge doors or gates in the main portion and branches of
said flume.
15. A flume provided with bottom discharge doors having means to regulate
the position thereof and side discharge doors constructed to extend partially or
entirely across the flume to discharge a portion for all of the material laterally.
16. A flume having openings in the sides thereof, doors or gates therefor and
plates or bars above said openings carrying devices to engage said doors, whereby
all or a portion of the material may be discharged through either side of the
Alume or be allowed to pass on through the flume.
17. A branch flume having openings in the sides of the main and branch
portions, doors or gates for said openings, means for regulating the position of
said doors, discharge openings in the bottom of said branches doors or gates for
the latter and means for controlling the position of the last mentioned doors or
gates, whereby all or any portion of the material can be discharged at any
desired point.
18. A dredging apparatus provided with a tubular sleeve joint or bearing
extending through and secured upon each face of the side of the apparatus below
the water line and a suction pipe passing entirely through said bearings and
movable in relation thereto.

page_text: 19. A dredging apparatus provided with a tubular independent sleeve joint
or bearing extending through and secured upon each face of the side of the
apparatus below the water line so as to enclose the opening in said side wherein
the bearing is mounted and a suction pipe passing entirely through said bearing
and movably mounted therein.
20. A dredging apparatus provided with a sleeve joint or bearing in the side
thereof below the deck having separate bearing surfaces or zones and a suction
pipe movably mounted within said bearing upon said zones.
21. A dredging apparatus provided with a sleeve joint or bearing in the side
thereof having a counterbored attaching flange capping the opening in said side
and a suction pipe within said bearing having an annular collar to enter said
counterbore.
22. A dredging apparatus provided with a sleeve joint or bearing in the side
thereof having a counterbored attaching flange capping the opening in said
side a suction pipe within said bearing having an annular collar to enter said
counterbore and means attached to said flange outside of said collar to prevent the
longitudinal movement of said pipe.
23. A dredging apparatus provided with a sleeve joint or bearing in the side
thereof having a counterbored attaching flange, a suction pipe carrying a collar
to enter said counterbore and a two-part ring attached to said flange outside of
said collar to prevent the longitudinal movement of said pipe.
24. A dredging apparatus provided with a sleeve joint or bearing in the side
thereof having a counterbored attaching flange, a suction pipe carrying a collar
to enter said counterbore and a two part ring having connecting lugs and con-
structed to be secured to said flange outside of said collar.
25. A dredging apparatus constructed with thin sides having a sleeve joint or
bearing extending through and beyond said sides and a device secured in said
sides to support the free end of said bearing.
26. A dredging apparatus provided with a sleeve joint or bearing mounted in
and extending beyond the side thereof and having a recessed free end and an
annular bracket or brace secured to said side having an opening to receive said
recessed end.
27. A dredging apparatus provided with a main bearing in the side thereof
and with an auxiliary bearing supported from above the main bearing and a
suction pipe mounted in both bearings.
28. A dredging apparatus provided with a main and depending bearing and a
suction pipe mounted in both bearings.
29. A dredging apparatus provided with an aperture and with a bearing
supported from above said aperture and a suction pipe passing through the latter
and mounted in said bearing.
30. A dredging apparatus provided with an aperture and with a bearing sup-
ported from above said aperture, a suction pipe passing through the latter and
mounted in said bearing and means to prevent the passage of liquid through
said bearing.
31. A dredging apparatus provided with a main bearing in the side thereof
and with a depending bearing, a pipe mounted in both bearings and a device
attached to the deck of the apparatus to support the outboard portion of said pipe.
22. A dredging apparatus provided with a main bearing in the side thereof
and with a depending bearing, a pipe mounted in both bearings and a device
upon the deck of the apparatus to adjustably support the outboard end of said
pipe.
W. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
322, High Holborn, London, W.C., Patent Agents for the Applicant.