A CERTAIN IMPROVEMENT OR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MACHINERY, APPARATUS, OR MEANS OF RAISING, LOWERING, SUPPORTING, MOVING, OR TRANSPORTING HEAVY BODIES
Year: 1850

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, GEORGE
SIMPSON, of Buchanan Street, in the City of Glasgow, North Britain, Civil and
Mining Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Nineteenth day of
January, in the thirteenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and
successors, give and grant unto me, the said George Simpson, Her especial
licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said George
Simpson, my exors, admors, and assigns, and such others as I, the said George
Simpson, my. exors, adiñors, or assigns, should at any time agree with,
and no others, from time to time and at all times during the term of years
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, within the
Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Man, and also within all
Her Majesty's Colonies and Plantations abroad, my Invention of "A
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENT OR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MACHINERY, APPARATUS, OR
MEANS OF RAISING, LOWERING, SUPPORTING, MOVING, OR TRANSPORTING HEAVY
BODIES;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso requiring
that I, the said George Simpson, by an instrument in writing under my
hand and seal, shall particularly describe and ascertain the nature of my said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, and to cause the

page_text: same to be enrolled in Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within
six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said in part
recited Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
George Simpson, do hereby declare that the nature of my Invention, and
the manner in which the same is to be performed, is described and ascer-
tained in and by this present instrument in writing as follows, reference being
had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and marks placed
thereon, that is to say:-
My said Invention consists,―
First, in the application of that branch of hydrodynamics which comprehends
the principle of hydrostatics or flotation to various arrangements of mechanism
or apparatus for raising, lowering, supporting, moving, or transporting heavy
bodies, and in particular to machinery intended as a substitute for canal locks,
or other arrangements now in use for obtaining a communication between
the upper and lower levels of canals and water-courses, and to machinery or
apparatus to be substituted for that machinery or apparatus ordinarily employed,
and technically known as "lifts" for furnaces, and for loading and discharging
the cargoes of vessels, and for raising ships out of water for examination or
repair.
Second, in a novel and peculiar application or employment of pneumatic
power for the purpose of raising or lowering heavy bodies.
"
Third, in the application of compressed air as a means of support for turn-
tables, bridges, shafts, and other revolving mechanism.
And, in order that the object of my said Invention may be properly under-
stood, I shall now proceed to describe the several Figures on the Sheets of
Drawings hereunto attached.
Figure 1, on Sheet I., is a longitudinal sectional elevation of a canal lift
or elevator to be substituted for the ordinary lock or other elevating and
lowering contrivances at present in use for effecting a transit communication
between the upper and lower levels of canals and water-courses. Figure 2
is a transverse sectional elevation corresponding; Figure 3 is a plan view of
the lift or clevating cradle, with the fixed apparatus in connection with it;
Figure 4 is an enlarged end elevation of the sluices or water gates for the
upper and lower levels of the canal, together with the wing walls and masonry
of the same; and Figure 5 is a vertical section, on an enlarged scale, of the
valve employed for regulating the admission of water to the interior of
the clevating cylinder of the cradle. The upper and lower levels of the
canal are represented as terminating respectively at A and B, and in the

page_text: space between these two points, which in an ordinary lock would be filled up
by the lock chamber, a well or reservoir of water C is formed. This well is
sunk below the lower level of the canal, and is of such a diameter as to be
capable of receiving the long hollow water-tight lifting or supporting cylinder
or case D, on the top of which is placed the cradle E for carrying the loaded
or empty boats in passing from one level of the canal to the other. This
cradle, like the cylindrical lifting case. D, is made water-tight and of sufficient
capacity to receive a loaded canal boat with the quantity of water necessary
to float it. Its transverse section is made to approximate somewhat to that
of the boat as delineated in Figure 2, and additional sides are carried
down as at F, F, to fit it to the top of the cylindrical case D. At each
end of the cradle is a gate G and H, for the purpose of a admitting and
letting out the boat. These gates are fitted water-tight into grooves in the
ends of the case, and are arranged to lift vertically in the manner shewn in
the view Figure 4; or where the vertical lift cannot be used, these gates may
either fold down or swivel horizontally. The termini of the upper and lower
canal levels are also furnished with similar water-tight gates at I and K,
and the horizontal distance. between these gates is made to correspond
exactly with the length of the cradle, so that when the latter is in a line
with the upper level of the canal, as in Figures 1 and 2, the two doors G
and I are close to and parallel with each other; and similarly, when the
cradle is at the bottom of its lift, the doors H and K correspond in the same
inanner. In order to assist in preserving a water-tight connection between
the ends of the cradle and the respective ends of the canal levels suitable
recesses with packing rings of leather or other suitable material are provided.
The connection with the upper level is accomplished by a recessed piece L
on the cradle end, corresponding with the projecting seat or frame of the
door I, and a similar packing piece is provided at the termination of the
lower level to receive the end of the cradle as it descends to its lowest position.
The arrangements for opening and closing the four gates are represented in
the enlarged view, Figure 4, shewing how each pair is lifted at once by one
movement. A winch handle with a winding. drum is placed at M, and from
this drum a chain passes over two supporting pulleys carried in the frame N,
and its end is attached to the centres of the, upper edges of the two gates.
As a counter-balance for the weight of the gates a similar chain and
pulley arrangement is fitted on the opposite side at O, having a counter-
weight attached to the end of the chain at P. If necessary any single
gate may be lifted alone, but in the regular working of the lift, where
each pair must be opened at once, a pin passed transversely through the Q
a
eye

page_text: connects the two for this purpose. The arrangements for the gates of the
upper and lower levels are precisely similar. The lifting case D is of the same
diameter throughout, and is of such a size as to move freely in its well. C
without friction against the sides of the latter. A considerable portion of its
lower end is divided off from the remainder of the case by a horizontal divi-
sion R, and this portion or air vessel S, as I shall term it, is kept constantly
filled with air. It is stayed internally as represented in Figures 1 and 2, and
is made of such capacity that its displacement of the fluid in the well shall be
equal to the greatest weight to be transmitted from one level of the canal to
the other. In other terms, the buoyancy or supporting power of the air vessel
S must equal the greatest weight required to be lifted, including the moving
portion of the machinery. At T a regulating valve, as detailed on a larger
scale at Figure 5, is placed for the purpose of admitting or discharging water
to or from the portion of the lifting case D above the air vessel S, and at U a
similar valve is placed for the regulation of the admission or emission of air. The
water valve T, Figure 5, is simply a spherical ball actuated by a screw on the
end of a vertical shaft passing down from the top of the lifting cylinder. A
common slide or other valve may be used instead, if necessary, or a plain
opening may be used without a valve, as the discharge of water by it may be
regulated by the air valve U. In the position of the mechanism represented
in Figures 1 and 2, the cradle is ready for receiving a boat from the upper
level of the canal for transmission downwards, and the level of the water in it
corresponds with that of the upper canal level. On the arrival of the boat at
the end of the upper level the two gates G and I are lifted together, as
explained in reference to Figure 4, and the boat is then floated at once into
the cradle as into a lock chamber. The two gates G and I are then detached
from each other, both being still kept closed for the purpose of retaining the
water in the upper level and cradle. The regulating water valve T is then
opened and water from the well C enters the case D, and the combined weight
of the water-loaded boat and apparatus being greater than the buoyant power
of the air vessel S, the case gradually sinks in the well, carrying with it the
loaded cradle, which thus descends until it arrives at the lower level of the
canal, when the doors H and K correspond, and being lifted together, the boat
is floated out from the cradle to the lower level and proceeds on its journey.
When a boat is to be elevated from the lower to the upper level the converse
movement takes place, the boat being floated into the cradle at the bottom and
out at the top. The object of the valve T when opened on the descent of the
case is to admit water from the well to the upper portion of the case as the
latter sinks, in order that the buoyant. power of the case may not be affected by

page_text: the greater or less depth to which it is sunk in the well. The water level
in the well is not affected by the greater or less immersion of the case further
than to the slight amount due to the presence or absence of the mere bulk of
the metal or other material of which the case is formed, for as the case sinks
the water from the well enters by the valve T, always preserving the level in the
interior of the case at the same level as that in the well. It is obvious that
when the case is sunk in the well it loses so much effective weight as is due to
the amount of water displaced by the bulk of the metal forming its sides.
And, therefore, unless some compensating agent is employed, the buoyant
power of the case will vary to a certain extent according to the depth of its
immersion in the well. To remove this objection, I equilibrate the supporting
or buoyant power in the manner herein-after described. Near each end of
the cradle is attached to its bottom one or more flexible tubes V, V, of gutta
percha or other suitable material, forming a direct communication between
the cradle and the bases of the columnar pipes W, W, W, W, erected on the
lower level of the canal and standing up at cach corner of the cradle. These
columns may, if necessary, form the vertical guides for the movement of the
cradle, or, as shewn in the Drawing, they may merely serve as supports for the
guides X, X, on which the guide pulleys Y, Y of the cradle travel. The
capacity of the pipes W, W, one or more, is to be large enough to receive as
much water as is displaced by the immersed metal of the case D, this water
being supplied to it from the cradle. As delineated in Figures 1 and 2 of
the Drawings, the cradle being at the top of its left, the pipes W are full of
water, and as the cradle sinks and the case D becomes practically lighter from
its increased immersion, this supply of water gradually flows from the bases
of the pipes through the flexible tubes into the separate chambers of the
cradle formed by the sides F, F, and thus its weight, as supplied to the cradle,
acts as a regular compensator for the gradual increase in the buoyancy of the
descending case. When, therefore, the cradle arrives at the bottom it has in
it as much more water than at the commencement of its descent as is equal
to the amount of water displaced by the greater bulk of immersed metal of
the case, and the buoyant power of the air vessel S is thus equalised throughout
the whole descent. When the cradle again rises, water is gradually discharged
from it back into the pipes W to allow for the increasing weight of the case
as it ascends. Other arrangements may be adopted to compensate for this
variation in the buoyant power of the case by means of a back balance with
differential pulleys, but I prefer the arrangement I have here shewn. The
action of this lifting and lowering apparatus then is such, that any weight
less than the buoyant power of the air vessel S may be transmitted from the

page_text: lower to the higher level, or any weight greater than the buoyant power from
the higher to the lower level, without losing or discharging from the higher
to the lower level a large quantity of water as in ordinary locks, in most
arrangements of which the loss of water at each passage is equal to the whole
contents of the lock chamber. In most cases where my arrangement is
adopted the loss of water during the transmission of a load will be very slight,
and in certain circumstances not only will there be no loss, but water will be
absolutely lifted from the lower to the higher level. To illustrate its action
more clearly, I will suppose that the arrangement delineated in Sheet I. is
intended for a canal where the greatest weight to be transmitted from one
level to the other is one hundred tons. The effective buoyancy then of the
air vessel S must be somewhat more than this, say one hundred and one tons,
in order to overcome the friction and give a sufficient balance of buoyant
power to gain an upward lifting movement. To overcome this buoyancy in
the downward movement, the cradle must be sufficiently capacious to receive
a weight of say one hundred and two tons from the upper level; and in order
to facilitate the securing of a sufficient quantity of water when the level in
the upper portion of the canal is low, the cradle should be so arranged that
at the top of its lift one of the side chambers F may receive from the upper
level as much water as shall give the required additional weight. If, under
these circumstances, a boat with its load and the water necessary to float it,
altogether weighing one hundred and two tons, is passed into the cradle from
the upper level to descend, the case will gradually and steadily descend into
its well at a speed which may be regulated either by the water valve T or the
air valve U; as if either of these valves is closed the admission of water to the
lower portion of the case D, or the emission of air from its upper part will
be stopped, and the case will not desceud. The same power of descent is
obtained whatever may be the size or load of the boat under the specified
weight of one hundred and two tons, as the water from the upper level enters
in greater quantity to make up for the diminished load. When a boat is to be
elevated the ratio of the weight and buoyant power must be reversed, and
the gross weight of the load must be no more than one hundred tons. This is
effected by means of the water in the cradle alone, the seat of the cradle at
the termination of its descent being placed slightly above the lower canal
level, so that a less quantity of water is taken in here than at the top. As
the cradle rises the water in the case D gradually flows out by the regulating
valve T, and the speed of its ascent is governed either by this valve or by the
air valve U as in descending. When the cradle arrives at the top, as it has a
less quantity of water in it then when it descended, the level of this water

page_text: will be lower than that of the upper canal level, consequently the two levels
must be made to agree before the boat can pass out of the cradle. This is
effected by the side water ways Z, Z passing from the upper level, as repre-
sented in the plan Figure 3, and terminating in valves which are arranged
Similar
to open into the cradle as the latter arrives at the top of its lift.
water passages a, a, are provided for the lower level, in order that when
descending the slightly higher level of the water in the cradle may be
reduced to that of the lower level to allow of the boat being floated out.
The power obtained on this principle from the buoyancy of air vessels may also
be applied for giving motion to various mechanical arrangements for elevating
or tractive purposes. As a tractive power, it may be efficiently employed in
drawing waggons or carriages up inclined planes.
Figures 1, 2, and 3 of Shect II. represent the application of the principle
of a buoyant air vessel as a lift or elevator for raising materials to the tops of
furnaces.
Figure 1 is a vertical section of the well or reservoir, air vessel, and lifting case
and elevating platform for carrying the materials. Figure 2 is a corresponding
external elevation of the same parts, with the addition of the guiding columns
and the stage to which the materials are to be raised, together with the receiver
at the foot of the well; and Figure 3. is a plan of the elevating platform.
A is the water reservoir or well of cast iron or other suitable material,
and filled with water up to the level a, b. B, B is an air vessel which is kept
constantly full of air, and is of such capacity as nearly to balance the weight
of the moveable portion of the lifting apparatus without any load. It is of
such a diameter as to clear easily the sides of the well, and has a vertical
passage through its centre at C, having a valve D at the top, allowing of a
communication between the well A, A, and the chamber E, immediately over
the air vessel, which chamber has a vertical pipe F springing from 'its
hemispherical top, and passing up through the centre of the long lifting
case or cylinder G to the hollow platform H, where it is bent at right angles,
and terminates in a valve I at the edge of the platform. The capacity of the
chamber E is large enough to give it a displacement equal to the weight of
the greatest load to be elevated. The cylinder G having on its top the
elevating platform H, whilst at the bottom.it is bolted or attached to the top
of the chamber E, is quite closed, with the exception of a side opening K at the
bottom for the influx or efflux of water from the well, and another aperture L
at the top in communication with the passage M in the platform terminating
in a valve at N, by which the entrance or exit of air to the case G is
governed. As the case G, the chamber E, and the air vessel B, B, are all

page_text: connected together, they form, as a whole, the lifting case for the platform H,
which is guided in its vertical movements by the four pulleys 0, 0, 0, 0,
working against the four columns P, P, P, P, and in addition by the pulley's
Q, Q, carried by the chamber E, and working against the interior of the well.
These columns carry the fixed stage or platform R, being the level to which
the materials, as coal and ironstone, are to be raised for discharging into the
furnace. In the position of the apparatus represented in Figure 1, the
lifting platform is supposed to be at the top of its stroke, and in Figure 2 it is
a little lower than the top. As applied for furnaces where there is no
descending load further than the mere conveying apparatus, the arrangements
I have described are necessary for carrying down the case and platform.
The valve D at the top of the passage C through the chamber E is opened by
a handle passing up to the top of the platform through the pipe F, and the
air valve I at the top of this pipe in the platform being also opened, water
from the well enters the chamder E and displaces the air in it, the air passing
out at the top, at the same time the valve N communicating with the top of
the case G is opened to allow the air to escape from it, whilst water from
the well enters at the bottom by the opening at K. The case then sinks in
the well at a rate capable of regulation by the valves N and I; at the bottom
of the descent the platform sinks into the recess S at the loading level,
and the next supply of materials is then deposited upon it for lifting. As the
case approaches the bottom, the bottom edge of the passage C catches
against the lever of the valve T set at the top of a projecting branch passage
at the bottom of the well, which branch is of such a diameter as to fit to the
interior of the passage C, and the bottom edge of this in settling upon the
bottom of the well is made water-tight against it by a packing piece at U, U;
or, if desirable, the valve T-may be actuated by hand by a connection
passing up the side of the well. If the air valve I is kept shut, no
upward movement of the elevator will take place; but when this valve
is opened a portion or the whole of the water contained in the chamber
E will flow out through the discharging valve T, and thence through a branch
pipe into the receiver V, and from this receiver it may be returned to the well,
if necessary, by the inlet W at the top. When as much water has run out
from the chamber E as is equal in weight to the load upon the platform, the
valve D being shut, the case will again rise, carrying up its load to the level
of the fixed platform R at a rate of movement which may be regulated by
the air valve N. The same equilibrating arrangement is adopted in this
elevator as that herein-before explained with reference to Sheet I. The
elevating platform II is made hollow to receive a supply of water, which, as

page_text: the case rises, is gradually discharged by the flexible tubes X, X, into one or
more of the hollow pillars P, P, to be again received back into the platform
chest when the latter descends. According to this arrangement, for every
ton of materials carried up the same weight of water must be discharged
from the chamber E, with a slight additional quantity to allow for the working
friction; and in this particular the contrivance possesses considerable economy
over the ordinary class of elevators, where the gravity of water is employed as
the elevating power, as in such elevators there is usually a considerable loss
of water over and above the weight theoretically necessary to raise the load
in addition to that necessary to overcome the great amount of working friction
in such machines. Althoug I have represented this arrangement as adapted
for a furnace elevator, it will be obvious to practical men that it is equally
applicable as a goods elevator for railway stations, warehouses, or for lifting
heavy bodies in various situations, as ships, in place of using a slip for this
purpose.
Figures 4 and 5, Sheet II., represent two views of another modification of
my elevating or lowering apparatus. Figure 4 is a vertical section of the
well and elevating case, the latter being at the top of its lift; and Figure 5
is an external elevation corresponding, shewing the fixed platform and sup-
porting columns. In its general features this modification is analogous to the
arrangement delineated in Sheet I. c is the well or reservoir, in which is
placed the lifting air vessel d, the buoyancy of which is sufficient to elevate
the greatest load of the machine, including the moving portion of the
mechanism. The hollow or chest platform e at the top of the case fis con-
structed to hold a quantity of water sufficient to sink the case and air vessel;
and by means of this weight of water the capability of descent is obtained
when no load is upon the platform. When the platform arrives at the bottom
of its lift and settles into its recess g, the water employed to sink it is run off
by the valve h, which permits it to flow through into the case f, and out at
the opening at the bottom to the well, whence it may be carried off as the
latter overflows by a discharging pipe at 7. After the water is thus run off
from the platform chest, the machine is ready for elevating a load equal in
weight to that of the water so run off. The water thus discharged may
either be run off or elevated to the upper level of the lift by pumps or
other suitable arrangements, the platform chest being again supplied with
water at the top of its lift. The flexible tubes m, m, are fitted, as in
Figure 2, to act as conductors for the water employed as the com-
pensating weight, as herein-before explained. In cases where an apparatus
constructed on this principle is employed for lowering only, it is evi-

page_text: dent that the load, if more than equal to the buoyancy of the air vessel,
will sink the platform and case without the assistance of the water in the
chest of the platform. Where considerable hydrostatic power is conveniently
obtainable, as from water pipes supplied from elevated sources, it is evident
that such hydrostatic power may be applied to my machines in place of the
mere bulk or weight of water as herein described.
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, of Sheet III. represent three modifications of
my Invention, as applied for raising, lowering, and tipping waggons, or as a
substitute for the ordinary cranes for harbour and other purposes. Figure 1
is a vertical section of one of these arrangements, shewing the internal
mechanism of the apparatus as in the act of tipping a waggon, and Figure 2
is a plan of the platform and tipping apparatus. A, A, are two hollow
plungers working water-tight through the openings in the tops of the two
water cylinders B, B, which in a river or harbour are to be placed in a recess
in the front of the pier wall, the line of which is at C, C, in the plan, Figure 2.
D is the buoyant air vessel of sufficient power to balance the weight of the
whole moving apparatus with the weight of the water in the platform chest E,
and an empty waggon or other conveyance for the load. This air vessel is
attached to a cylinder F immediately above it, which again is connected to
the cylindrical case G, the whole forming the lifting case of the platform H.
When a waggon is to be lowered by this machine; it is run from the
level of the quay wall at I on to the rails of the platform at H, and thence
upon the rails carried by the beams K, K, forming the tipping frame. These
beams are connected so as to move together by transverse tie rods, and they
are arranged to swivel upon a fixed centre carried by the projecting bearers
of the platform L,.L. As the weight of the waggon and load depresses the
plungers A, A, in their reservoirs B, B, the water is forced out beneath the
plungers along the bottom channel M, as denoted by the arrows, and up by the
side pipe N to the clevated reservoir O on the quay, from which it is prevented
from returning, on the rising of the platform, by the valve P. Should the
load alone not be sufficient to depress the platform, water from the reservoir O,
or from any other available source, is let into the chest E by the valve and
siphon Quntil a sufficient sinking weight is obtained. As the case G sinks
in the central well R, water enters the aperture S at the foot of the case G,
and the displaced air escapes by the valve T, by which the rate of movement
is regulated. When the waggon is to be tipped for discharge of its contents
into a vessel alongside, it is pushed forward upon the frame K, K, and the
outer end then sinks with the load V, whilst the contrary end slowly draws up
the piston W, by means of a chain passing over suitable guide pulleys, and

page_text: attached to the piston rod, passing up through the pipe X, leading upwards
from the cylinder F. The slow discharge of the water from this cylinder by
the aperture Y thus regulates the tipping action. When the tipping appa-
ratus is not required it is folded down upon its centre so as to hang vertically
in front of the wall, and the curved ends of the rails may be turned half round
so as to fold down, as in the plan, Figure 2. When the load has been
discharged, the case with the platform will rise again to the quay level
at a rate regulated by the amount of opening of the air valve T. If a
load is to be raised on the return movement of the elevator, a portion of
the water in the platform chamber may be discharged by the valve Z to
aid the buoyant power. The water necessary for the next tipping action
of the piston W is supplied to the cylinder by a valve at a', opening inwards,
and as the piston descends on the return of the tipping frame, this supply of
water will pass up above it in readiness for the next action by the valve
6, and the supply for the two cylinders B, B, flows in from the river by
the valve a. This machine may be fitted up in various ways, according to the
locality where it is to be used. If required, it may be made portable, or
it may be erected on a boat or floating stage.
Figure 3, on Sheet III., is a vertical section of another arrangement of
a tipping elevator, shewing the platform up; and Figure 4 is a plan of the
platform. In this modification the ten plungers and cylinders represented
in Figures 1 and 2 are not required. 6 is the buoyant air vessel capable
of raising the greatest load of the machine; c is the cylinder for the tipping
piston; d and e is the case upon which the platform is carried. In descending
with a load, the speed is regulated by the air valve f having a handle at
the top of the platform; and the tipping mechanism, broken away at g,
actuated as represented in Figures 1 and 2. h is the platform water chest,
to be filled or emptied of water, as required, for ascending or descending
with or without a load, as explained in reference to Figures 1 and 2, the
water being let off when necessary by the valve 1. The water discharged
from the cylinder c by the tipping action is replaced after each movement by
the valve m opening inwards from the well n.
is
Figure 5 of Sheet III. is a vertical section of the arrangement I propose
for tipping waggons, and Figure 6 is a corresponding plan. The air vessel o
5 carries a hollow case p on its top, and the two move together in the well q,
being guided by side pulleys at r, r, r, r. On the top of the case p is a
fixed pulleys bearing against the under side of a beam oscillating on a
joint at t, carried on a column set in the quay wall. On the top of the
beam, and directly over the pulley s, is another pulley set in a standard u,
O carried by the frame v, v, in which the frame w, w, is capable of sliding

page_text: at x, x.
back or forwards, this frame v, v, being jointed to the top of a pair of columns
When the waggon is run upon the platform or frame of the tipping
apparatus, its weight depresses the tipping frame which turns upon its centre
x, x, communicating its movement through the pulleys and oscillating
beam below to the buoyant vessel which sinks in its well. The valve y
admits water to the case p, the air being allowed to escape by an aperture
at the top of the case. This valve is adjustable by a chain passing over a
pulley on the tipping frame, with a balance weight attached, so as to keep
it closed until the apparatus is ready to sink. In tipping a light load, a
sufficient depressing power is obtained by filling or partially filling the
cistern z on the tipping frame with water, this water being capable of
discharge by the valve 1, when the apparatus is required to return to its
horizontal position with a load, as in Figure 5, where the stop 2 keeps
the beam between the two pulleys horizontal until the load comes on.
To put away the tipping frame, when out of use, it is run back upon the
quay by its guides in the frame v, v, and the pulleys 3, 3.
Figures 1, 2, and 3, Sheet IV., represent my Invention as applied under
different modifications for lifting and lowering bodies in mine shafts, such
arrangements being also applicable for various other lifting, lowering, and
moving purposes. Figure 1 is a vertical section of a mine shaft. A is the
buoyant air vessel, here shewn as resting at the bottom of the shaft, with the
load B on its top. The level, leading from the bottom of the shaft, is at C,
whence the materials to be raised are conveyed to the top of the air vessel by
the door D in the side of the shaft, formed by the series of annular chambers
E, E, which form the lining of the shaft from top to bottom. Each of the
divisions is quite separate from its neighbour, and has a valve, as at F, F,
capable of discharging the water from it into the interior of the space G,
forming the lifting passage of the shaft. When the air vessel and load are to
be raised from the position I have shewn at the bottom of the shaft, the valve F
in the lowest water chamber is opened, together with an air valve at H, and
the water in this chamber or division then flows down into the space beneath
the air vessel, which rises accordingly. By the time the first water division
is empty the air vessel and load will be sufficiently elevated to allow a catch
on the moving vessel to open the water valve F on the next lowest division,
as well as the corresponding air valve at H, when the water from it flows out
in like manner, and the load receives a further elevation, corresponding to the
amount of water discharged. In this way the load rises to the top of the
shaft, the moving catch being arranged to open the valve of each division
above it, closing at the same time that of the one below as it passes it, or the
closing movement may be accomplished a suitable balance weight. When

page_text: the unloaded air vessel is required to descend, the shaft being full of water,
say up to the level a, b, whilst all the divisions are empty, provision must be
made for the depression of this level, so that the air vessel may descend with
it. To do this the valve in the division I must be opened to allow the water
from the shaft to run into it, when the air vessel will of course sink with the
water level in the shaft as each division is filled with water, until it arrives at
the division next the bottom of the shaft, when the water still remaining in the
bottom must be run off to a lower level by the valvo J, or pumped up. In this
way every load that is raised causes the loss simply of one division full of water.
Figure 2 is a vertical section of a portion of a mine shaft, shewing how
atinospheric pressure may be employed as the elevating power. J', J', are
the sides of the shaft, lined with cast-iron tubing, or with any other lining
suitable for the easy passage of the piston K, supporting the load L. The
piston may be made in the form of a deep ring, covered in at the top so as to
form a species of open-bottomed box, and having a packing ring of leather
or other suitable material turned up round its lower edge at M, M. This
ring answers as the support of a quantity of water included in the space N, N,
outside the piston, which water must be of such a depth as to overcome the
air pressure employed to force up the piston. A pipe O at the bottom of
the shaft conducts the air into the shaft below the piston from any convenient
blowing apparatus, and in this way the load which is conducted into the
open chest on the top of the piston by the two side doors in the shaft is forced
up to the top of the shaft. When the load arrives at the top of the shaft the
latter is full of air in a compressed state, which air may be turned to account
in the elevation of a light load in another shaft, or for other purposes where
an air pressure may be required. This is to be accomplished by discharging
the air through another valve at the bottom of the shaft as the piston descends
without a load.
Figure 3 is a vertical section of a portion of a mine shaft with another
modification of my hydrostatic elevator. P is the buoyant air vessel, of such
power as nearly to balance the weight of the moving apparatus and the empty
waggon or basket for the materials to be raised. The under division Q in
one piece with this air vessel is of such a capacity as to displace a weight
of water equal to that of the load to be raised, as represented in Figure 3.
The lower division Q is empty, and the combined buoyancy of the two
chambers is acting to raise the load R, this load being conveyed into the
air vessel P of the elevator from the level S by a door in the side of the
shaft, and a corresponding door in the air vessel. The whole of the shaft
above the portion forming the seat of the elevator is full of water, which is

page_text: prevented from finding its way down to the seat by packing beneath the
frame T, T. When the ascent is to be made, water from the upper portion
of the shaft is to be run down by the valve U into the narrow space round
the lifting apparatus, and the pressure being thus taken off the top the
buoyancy of the vessels R and Q will carry up the whole apparatus and load
through the water to the top of the shaft. When the load arrives at the top
the valves V, V, are opened to admit water from the shaft, and thus the
elevator may be again sunk to the bottom without a load. The water left in
the seat of the apparatus at the bottom of the shaft is run off at each lift by
a valve W after the descent of the apparatus.
Figure 4 of Sheet IV. represents a sectional elevation of a turntable for
railways to which my improvement is attached. Figure 5 is a corresponding
plan of the same. A, A, is the platform of the table made solid and air-
tight. It has a ring of metal B, B, running all round it near it's periphery,
and this ring projects into a corresponding annular water chamber C, C,
formed on the lower framework of the table. This framework is composed
of two or more cross beams D, D, to carry the centre E, and the water-
chamber and the space between these beams is filled up with asphalte or
other suitable material in order to make an air-tight bottom. The rim of
this table is steadied by the circle of pulley F, F, running on a track bolted
to the outside of the water chamber C, C, and in the centre by the fixed
centre or standard E attached to the bottom frame. The centre is sur-
rounded by a case or short pipe G, G, bolted down to the frame. It is
large enough to receive the whole of the mechanism of the centre, and stands
up to the same height as the water chamber C, C, being intended to answer the
same end as this chamber in reference to the centre E, and having a similar ring
H, H, dipping into it. This ring also carries a bearing surface for the bottoni
set of pulleys I, I, set in the frame. In erecting a table of this construction,
a fluid, as oil or water, is poured into the chamber C, C, as also into the space
enclosed by the case G, G; the platform is then lowered into its place, the
ring B entering its annular chamber C, C, whilst the small inner ring H, H,
similarly dips into the space enclosed by the case G, G, forming in both cases
hydraulic joints, so as to prevent the escape of the air beneath the platform.
The inclosed air, which may be increased in density by a pump or other air
forces, then acts as the support of the table, enabling it to be turned with
great facility, and acting as an excellent medium for receiving the concussions
of passing carriages. The use of a force pump for injecting air affords an
easy means of elevating the table to the level of the permanent way, whilst
a valve or stopcock upon the platform allows of its being lowered when neces-

page_text: sary. The circle of pulleys K, K, bears against the under surface of the
cap of the standard E; and if at any time a greater weight than that which the
air is capable of supporting should come upon the table, the lower pulleys I, I,
will receive the superfluous pressure from the ring H, H, surrounding the
centre. Various modifications of the centre may be adopted, whereby the
latter may be easily adjusted without permitting of the escape of the air inclosed
beneath the platform. The centre standard E has a screwed cap piece on its
top level with the platform, by which the latter may be screwed down to its
level. A small index tube at L shews the state of the air pressure beneath
the table for the purpose of adjustment, and in addition it may be turned to
use as an indicator of the weight which may be upon the table by the weight of
the water within it. As a very slight quantity of fluid is required for the two
chambers, this may be easily run off after use if inconvenience is to be
apprehended from frost, By another mode of erection the platform of the
table may be placed on its bearing previous to pouring in the fluid to the
two chambers, and the air pressure is to be afterwards obtained by a force
pump adjusted to force in air beneath the platform.
Another modification of my improved turntable is represented in Figure 4, A,
of Sheet 4, wherein a different species of centre is used, and the whole
arrangement is made to answer specifically as a combined turntable and
weighing machine. The platform A, A, is in this table cast in one piece, with
the ring B, B, projecting into the annular water or oil chamber C, C. This
chamber is cast in a piece by itself, and is bolted to the periphery of the under
plate D, D, forming the bottom of the air chamber beneath the platform, and
it rests upon a stone foundation E, E. The centre F is cast separate, and
is bolted to the lower surface of the platform; it is cylindrical and perfectly
plain, being arranged to bear, when necessary, against a case-hardened bottom
piece G, and case-hardened ring-pieces H, H, let into grooves formed in the
interior of the cylindrical chest or case I. This chest is bolted to the
under surface of the bottom plate D, D, and rests on a stone foundation sunk
in the earth. The annular chamber C, C, is made sufficiently deep to oppose
the requisite fluid pressure to the escape of the air inclosed in the space K, K,
upon which air the whole weight of the tube with its load is supported, and,
being very narrow, a very small quantity of the fluid is required to form the
joint. In this modification of the table no hydraulic joint is necessary for
the centre, as the mere junction of the several parts fully provides against
the escape of the supporting air. The indicating tube for shewing the weight
on the platform is at L, opening into the air space K, K, and bending down.
wards beneath the annular chamber C, C, being finally turned up outside,

page_text: terminating in a bent mercury tube M fitted with a float index and graduated
dial. The centre F is set just to clear the bottom of the chest into which it
projects, so that the table and load is entirely supported by the inclosed air,
except upon occasions when an excessive weight comes upon the platform;
and to provide against this a circle of bearing pulleys N, N, is carried upon
the flange of the annular chamber, just clearing the lower surface of the
platform, so as to receive the latter when necessary. The air space K, K, is
made very shallow so as to expose only a thin film of air to the deranging
influence of thermal changes; and any slight variation arising from contraction
or expansion may be allowed for in the arrangement of the zero or starting
point of the index dial, or, if necessary, the air pressure may be raised at any
time by a force-pump. The same general arrangement of a compressed air
support, acting as a weighing medium, may be adopted in ordinary platform
or other weighing machines, thus dispensing with the inconvenience arising
from the use of adjustable weights.
Another branch of my improvements refers to the raising of heavy bodies
under water, as sunk ships or caissons. For such purposes I use one or
more air or water tight vessels, each fitted with two valved openings, or with
two flexible or other tubes, and these vessels are filled with water and sunk
down to the ship or body to be raised and attached thereto; one of the two
tubes in connection with the water-tight vessels is then put in connection with
an air pump at the surface of the water, and air is forced in under a pressure
sufficient to force out the water by the other tube, or by a valve opening
outwards, and the buoyancy thus obtained in the water-tight vessel is
employed to elevate the body to which it is attached to the surface of the
water. If two tubes are used in connection with each case or vessel, then one
of them is made to communicate with the water in which the operation is
being carried on, and by this tube the water is ejected from the buoyant
elevating vessel; and if a valved opening alone is employed, then such valve is
kepted closed by a spring or otherwise until the internal pressure caused by
the injected air causes it to open for the discharge of the contained water.
Figures 6 and 7 exhibit a branch of my Invention as applied to a swivel
bridge for crossing a canal or water-course. Figure 6 is a vertical section of
the supporting air vessel and one of the beams carrying the platform of the
bridge; and Figure 7 is a plan of the platform as placed across the canal.
M, M, are the two sides of the canal upon. which the ends N, N, of the
beams and platform rest when the bridge is placed so as to allow of a passage
across it. O is the air vessel upon which the platform is fixed; it is of a
buoyant power equal to the weight of the bridge. Through its centre a

page_text: vertical tube P is passed for the purpose of receiving the fixed centre
standard Q set at the bottom of the canal, and having a cap piece on
its upper end projecting out through the top of the tube for the purpose
of holding down the air vessel and retaining it at the level of the
crossing roadway. To receive the pressure arising from the superfluous
buoyancy of the air vessel, as well as to receive the excess of the weight of
passing bodies over the power of buoyancy, the same arrangement of pulleys
may be adopted as in the turntable Figure 4, or bearing pulleys may be set
beneath the air vessel, as at R, R. The centre of the air vessel and platform
being in the middle of the canal, it is necessary to make the water-course at
the point where it is fixed sufficiently wide to allow of the passage of a boat
'through the space' left between each side of the air vessel and the edge of the
masonry, so that when the bridge is turned in a direction parallel with the
course of the canal, a free passage will be left for boats, as indicated by the
arrows in Figure 7, where the dotted lines represent the position of the
bridge when open. The change of position of the bridge may be effected
by means of a toothed wheel on the top of the centre standard, driven
by a pinion carried on the platform, or by a chain connection from the side of
the canal, as in ordinary swivel bridges. For a single swivel bridge the air
> vessel may be placed at one end of the platform, and in such case it is to be
sunk at the side of the canal, leaving a passage for boats outside it. In
place of the buoyant vessel, the air support, as detailed in reference to the
turntable, Figure 4, may be employed to carry the bridge platform. It will
also be evident to practical men, that the same principle of compressed air
with the hydraulic retaining joints or chambers may be employed for the
-support of revolving shafts, and for the diminution of friction arising from
the rubbing action of various portions of machinery.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my
various improvements, and the manner in which the same are or may be used
or carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that I do not confine or
restrict myself to the precise details or arrangements of mechanism or
apparatus which I have had occasion to explain and refer to, as several
variations may be made without deviating from the principles of my Inven-
tion; but what I consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim
5 as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters
Patent is,―
First, the application of the hydrostatic or floating principle to machinery
or apparatus for raising, lowering, supporting, moving, or transporting heavy
bodies by means of a buoyant vessel or vessels placed in a fluid, the addition

page_text: to or removal from which of extraneous weight creates and ascending or
descending movement applicable for giving motion to various mechanical
arrangements for the purposes herein-before stated.
Second, the regulation of the ascent and descent of the buoyant vessel and
apparatus with or without a load by means of the admission or emission of
water or air to or from a tube or vessel in connection with the buoyant
supporting vessel.
Third, the equalization of the buoyant power of supporting air vessels
throughout their entire rise or fall by the gradual transfer of a liquid as a
compensating weight to or from the moving apparatus, accordingly as a ]
greater or less extent of the lifting case is immersed in the fluid.
Fourth, the use or employment of an additional chamber to be supplied
with a liquid, as may be required for the depression of the buoyant apparatus
for the purposes specified in reference to the two modifications of my apparatus
in Sheet 2.
Fifth, the application or use of a piston working in a cylinder of water or
other liquid for the purpose herein-before stated in connection with the
mechanism employed for tipping waggons or other conveying apparatus.
Sixth, the arrangement of the tipping frame so as to fold down when out
of use.
Seventh, the application or use of an equilibrating weight in connection
with the tipping frame for the purpose herein-before stated in reference to
Figure 5 of Sheet 8.
Eighth, the elevation of water or other liquids by the descent of the loaded
machine or apparatus.
Ninth, the means herein-before described of obtaining power for the ele-
vation and depression of bodies through a column of water by means of a
buoyant vessel or vessels.
1
2
Tenth, the adaptation or employment of an air blast for the conveyance of
heavy bodies up or down mine shafts, tubes, or passages, together with the 8
peculiar piston with a water column used therein.
Eleventh, the application and use of compressed air as a means of support
for turntables, shafts, and other moving or revolving mechanism, together
with the hydraulic joints employed therein for the prevention of the escape of
the air.
Twelfth, the application and use of a buoyant or compressed air vessel for
the support of swivel or swing bridges.
Thirteenth, the application and use of compressed air, or an air support
in weighing machines, or as a means of ascertaining the weights of bodies.
3

page_text: Fourteenth, the system or means of raising ships or heavy bodies in water
by forcing air into sunk vessels or cases containing water so as to eject the
water and render the cases buoyant.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Simpson, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Tenth day of July, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty.
his Clerk.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Tenth day of July, in the
year of our Lord 1850, the aforesaid George Simpson came before our
said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification
aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form
above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according
to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.