Improvements in Dumping Apparatus.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Sept., 1894-Accepted, 3rd Nov., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Dumping Apparatus.
We, WILLIAM MCMAHON, of Rahway, Union County, New Jersey,
Gentleman, and HUGH JOHN REILLY, Contractor, of No. 241 West 19th Street.
in the City, County and State of New York, both in the United States of
America, 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 :-
Our invention has relation to dumping boats or scows, and it has for its object to
provide means whereby the load or refuse can be carried without danger of spon-
taneous dumping, and whereby at the desired time the load can be effectively
dumped through the bottom of the boat or scow without interfering with the
buoyancy or equilibrium of the boat and without danger to the operator.
The invention consists in the novel details of improvement and the combinations
of parts that will be more fully hereinafter set forth and then pointed out in the
claims.
Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings forming part hereof,
wherein,
Figure 1 is a vertical cross section of a boat or scow embodying our improve-
ments, showing our preferred means for manipulating the gates or supports for the
refuse or load;
Figure 2 is a plan view, partly broken, of the boat or scow, on a reduced scale;
Figure 3 is a detail section showing the bottom or gates swung down to permit
dumping of the load;
Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing independent shafts for actuating
the bottom or gates of the boat;
Figure 5 is a vertical longitudinal sectional detail view on the plane of the
line 5, 5, in Figure 4, looking in the direction of the arrows;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of means to actuate the main shaft ;
Figure 7 is a cross sectional detail view showing the gates and their actuating
levers in the midway position;
Figure 8 is a sectional detail view showing a support for the levers;
Figure 9 is a detail plan view; and
Figures 10 and 11 are detail views of the operating levers.
In the accompanying drawings the letter A indicates a boat, scow or other
receptacle adapted to receive ashes or other refuse or material to be dumped, and
for this purpose it is provided with a central longitudinal compartment or compart-
ments B (see Figure 2). The boat or scow A is preferably constructed with
water-tight compartiments D along the sides to give buoyancy and strength, the
sides of the boat at the ends being rigidly held together.
E, E, are bottom boards, gates or supports for the load in the compartment B,
and they are pivotally carried within the compartment B, and arranged to extend
across the same, as in Figures 1 and 4, so that when released to swing down they
will dump the load (see Figure 3). The bottom boards, gates or supports E, are
preferably pivoted at their outer edges so as to turn on their longitudinal axes to
enable them when swung down to lie about parallel with the vertical sides of the
compartment B so as not to interfere with the free exit of the load through the
bottom of the boat. By this means the boat will always remain in the normal
position in the water either with or without a load.
To firmly support the swinging bottom or gates E and yet permit ready manipula-
tion of the same we have provided levers that may be connected and operated as

page_text: follows: To the bottom board or gates E, E, are pivotally connected levers or
bars F, F, that normally stand substantially upright, as indicated. These levers or
bars F, F, are preferably pivotally connected with the gates or supports E, near
the free longitudinal edges of the latter as shown, to give greater case in lifting the
gates. The levers or bars F are also pivotally connected with swinging supports
and for this purpose at or near their upper edges they are pivoted, as at a, to levers
or links G, G, that at or near their lower ends are pivotally connected, as at b, with
a rigid support carried by the boat A. This arrangement is more clearly shown in
Figure 5, wherein the edges of both the levers F and G are shown, whereas in
Figures 1 and 4-the levers. G. are directly back of levers F. With this construction
when the parts are in their normal positions, the levers F, G, being about parallel
side by side, and the pivots a, b, aligned, the levers F are supported, and held from
longitudinal movement, as the downward strain is communicated from pivot a, of
lever F, to lever G, and from thence to pivot b, whereby the bottom, gates or
supports E, are firmly beld up to sustain the load upon them. The bottom or
gates E, and levers F cannot swing down until the upper ends of levers F, are
moved sideways, whereupon the levers G, G, will also swing sideways by turning
on pivots b, carrying the pivots, a, a, out of vertical alignment, thereby enabling
the parts to assume the positions shown in Figure 3, by which means the load can
be dumped.
For
To actuate the levers F, in order to raise and lower the bottom or gates E, we
swing said levers outwardly and inwardly or toward and from each other, the
levers G then acting to raise the levers F, or permit them to descend, and for this
purpose we prefer to connect to each lever F, an endless rope, chain or other
suitable connection H, as indicated, and to operate it in any suitable manner.
the latter purpose we have shown in Figure 1 a longitudinal shaft I, extending
about centrally over the compartment B, and mounted in suitable bearings on the
boat, which shaft carries a suitable drum or the like J, over which the rope or
connection H passes, so that it can be operated in either direction. The ropes or
connections H are shown connected with the levers F, as at d, and extend there-
from on opposite sides, and thence around drum J. In Figure 1, the ropes or
connections H pass over sheaves or pulleys e, located, preferably, between the
levers F, F, and thence on and around the drum J from the same side thereof.
The ropes or connections H next pass from the other side of drum J to sheaves or
pulleys, on the walls of compartment B (or any other suitable support) whereby
the ropes or connections H can be drawn in opposite directions to move the
levers F, G, as desired.
One
The shaft I can be turned to operate the levers F by any suitable means.
means we have shown consists of a lever L, hung on the shaft I, and having
pawls M, M, to engage ratchet wheels N, N, secured to the shaft I (see Figure 6).
The ratchets N, N, extend in opposite directions as do the corresponding
pawls M, M, so that the shaft I can be turned to the right or left as may be
desired. Either pawl M, M, can be disengaged from its ratchet to permit move-
ment of the lever L, and for this purpose we have shown each pawl M connected
by a rod g, with a crank h, on the lever L. But of course other suitable means can
be used for this purpose if desired. Pawls i, i, engaging ratchets N, N, (see
Figure 6) prevent backward movement of the shaft I, and said pawls can be thrown
in and out of gear as may be desired. In place of the lever L a wheel or other
device can be used to turn the shaft I.
In Figure 4 instead of a single shaft I running over the centre of the boat A, we
have shown two shafts L, one on each side of the compartment B, each shaft being
- provided with means to turn it in either direction, as shown. In this case each
rope or connection H passes over corresponding pulleys e, f, and j³, and over a
drum J, on each shaft. By the foregoing means each bottom, gate or support E
can be operated independently.
In order to insure the proper operation of the levers F, F, and their connecting
parts, we prefer to place double partitions P, P, across the compartment B, leaving

page_text: a space or compartment R, between said partitions (see Figures 2 and 5). In this
case the pivot b, and pulleys e, e, can be carried by said partitions P, as shown (see
Figures 1 and 3). The lower edges of the partitions P, P, preferably rest against
the upper sides of the bottom boards or gates E (or nearly so) when the latter are
raised, so as to prevent refuse &c. from reaching the compartment R. The
levers F, G, ropes or connections H, pulleys &c. are located between the
partitions P, P, in the compartment. R, and therefore these parts are kept from
contact with the refuse or load in the compartment B, whereby the mechanism is
free to work at all times. This is an essential point for if the parts become clogged
up great damage might result.
The upper ends of the levers F, F, in their normal positions preferably rest
against a bar or stop P*, placed between the partitions P, P, (see Figures 1, 3,
and 5) which limits the movement of said levers so that they cannot cross each
other, and helps to hold them steady as well. A board or cover R², may be placed
over the compartment R, to exclude refuse &c. upon which board the operator may
stand to operate the bottom or gates E, as well as to cross from side to side of the
boat.
Any desired number of these partitions P, P, and compartments R, with the
enclosed operating mechanism may be used according to the size of the boat and
the work to be accomplished. Three compartments R are indicated in Figure 2,
whereby the main compartment B is divided into four parts. We contemplate
placing a series of levers F, G, and their connecting parts at each end of the bottom
board E, and as many as necessary between their ends. Although the bottom
boards, gates or supports E may extend the whole length of the compartment B it
is evident that said bottom or gute E may be divided into as many lengths as desired.
In this case each length would have one or more series of levers F, G, and proper
parts to operate them.
Although we have shown the bottom, gate or support E in two parts longitudinally,
it is evident that a single bottom board or gate, with its appropriate lifting
mechanism could be used, but when we split the bottom or gate E centrally as in
Figures 1 and 4, it becomes easier to lift, and especially so if it should descend far
enough to enter the water.
In the normal position when the bottom or gate E is closed the levers F, G,
extend in line so that the longitudinal pressure on lever F will be supported by
lever G and pivots a, b. In this position the ropes or connections H when the
shaft 1 is locked from turning hold the levers F from lateral moveinent, and thereby
the bottom or gates E are properly supported. When the boat is to be dumped
the shaft is turned in such direction as to move the levers F outwardly. As they
thus move the levers G will turn on their pivots and allow the levers F to descend,
and thereby permit the bottom or gate E to sink and release the load, the levers G
then extending about horizontally as in Figure 3. To raise the bottom or gate E
the levers F are drawn inwards or towards each other, whereupon the levers G turning
upwards on their pivots will tend to raise the levers F and gates E, to return them
to their normal positions. It is this upward swinging of the levers G that insures
the proper lifting of the gates E.
The construction herein specified will be found very simple and yet perfect
in operation. The parts are not liable to get out of order, and can be operated
with comparative ease as the arrangement of levers insures ready operation of the
parts. When the load is upon the bottom or gates E it will assist in dumping
the boat or swinging down the gates as soon as the pivots a, b, have been moved
out of vertical line sufficiently far to permit the lever G to turn freely on its
pivot.
Of course we do not intend to limit ourselves to the arrangement shown for
actuating the levers F, as other means can be employed for the purpose.
In Figure 8 is shown a bar S, suitably supported by boat A, and having recesses T
to receive levers F, said levers carrying lugs F to rest on bar S to assist in sustaining
levers F and gates E.

page_text: In Figures 10 and 11 the pivot rotates and rigidly carries lever r, a pitman
being pivotally connected with lever G at a, said pitman being also pivoted to
levers Fat a³, so that when lever G turns the pitman U will raise and lower
levers F together. V is a slotted bar in which the pivot or pin a travels to guide
pitman U and levers F. The pitman U has a recess W forming a shoulder W
adapted to pass upon pivot b, to rest thereon and assist in sustaining pitman U and
levers F. The pivot or rod or shaft may have a squared end to allow a crank
handle to operate it.
V' is a stop to prevent the crank lever G from going beyond its extreme open
position.
While we have described. the above devices as applied more specifically to a
dumping boat it will be understood that the said devices can be used in a car or
other conveyance or compartment adapted to carry a load and allow it to be dumped
through the bottom.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. The combination of a rigid receptacle having a compartment and a bottom or
gate, with a lever connected thereto, a movable support for said lever and means
substantially as described for actuating said lever, said lever and support being
arranged substantially parallel in their normal positions.
2. The combination of a bottom or gate, with a lever connected thereto and
another lever pivoted to the first mentioned lever and also having a separate pivot
or support, and means for holding said pivot or support, the pivots of said levers
being arranged in substantial vertical line in their normal positions to hold up the
first mentioned lever and the gate.
3. The combination of a bottom or gate and a lever F connected thereto, a lever G
pivotally connected with the lever F, a pivot or support for the lever G, and means
for holding said pivot or support, the pivots of said levers being arranged in sub-
stantial vertical alignment in their normal positions, and with means substantially as
described for operating lever F.
4. The combination of a receptacle having a compartment B, with a bottom or
gate hinged to said receptacle, a lever connected with said gate near its free edge,
a lever G pivotally carried by the receptacle and also pivoted to the first mentioned
lever so that the pivots of said levers are in substantial vertical alignment in their
normal positions.
5. The combination of a rigid receptacle having a compartment open at its lower
part, a bottom or gate pivoted to the receptacle, a lever connected to the gate, a
support for holding said lever to support the gate, and means substantially as
described to operate the lever, said support and lever being in substantial vertical
alignment in their normal positions.
6. The combination of a bottom or gate, a lever connected therewith, a movable
support for said lever, said lever and support being in vertical alignment in their
normal positions, a rope or connection connected with said lever, and a shaft
connected with the rope or connection for actuating the latter.
7. The combination of a bottom or gate, a lever F connected therewith, a lever G
pivotally connected with the lever F, and having a permanent pivot b, a rope or
connection extending from the lever F, and a shaft or drum for said rope, with
means to turn said shaft to actuate the lever F.
8. The combination of a bottom or gate, a lever F pivoted thereto, a lever G
pivoted to the lever F, and having a separate pivot b, a rope or connection extending
from opposite sides of the lever F, a shaft, a drum thereon upon which said rope
works, a lever and ratchets for operating the shaft in opposite directions, and for
holding the same from reverse movement.
9. A dumping boat having a compartment B, combined with gates E,
levers F; connected therewith, movable supports for said levers, a shaft, a drum

page_text: thereon, endless ropes or connections extending from said levers to said drum,
one part of each of said ropes passing over one side of said drum, and the
other parts of said ropes passing from the opposite side of said drum, aud with
means for turning said drum and shaft, whereby when the latter are turned in one
direction the levers F will be moved either toward or from each other.
10. The combination of a bottom or gate, with a lever connected.thereto and
another lever pivoted to the first mentioned lever and also having a separate pivot
or support, a bar S and a lug on the lever to rest on said bar.
11. The combination of the horizontal gates hinged at the terminals of a
compartment and having their meeting and separating edges located centrally, a
crank lever fixed to a rock shaft or pivot hung on the boat or car, rigid connections
jointed to the swinging end of the aforesaid lever and extending to the gates near
the meeting ends, and means for transferring the weight of the gates and their
superimposed load from the aforesaid connecting joint directly to the rock shaft when
the gates are in their closed position.
12. The combination of the pivoted gates or bottom, a crank lever pivotally
hung in the boat or car, with a pitman swivelled to the lever and connected to the
gates, the said pitman arm having an inset shoulder which rests upon the pivot of
the lever when the gates are in the closed position and which forms a support for
the gates.
13. The combination of the pivoted gates or bottom, a crank lever pivotally hung
from the boat or car, a pitman swivelled to the lever, connections from said pitman
to the swinging gates, said pitman having an inset which registers with the pivot
of the lever when the gates are closed.
14. In a dumping device, the combination of the pivoted gates or bottom, crank
levers mounted on a shaft hung in the car or boat, with said shaft, toggle levers
extending to the gates and jointed to the swinging end of the lever, and means for
removing the weight of the gates from the aforesaid joint and transferring it directly
to the shaft of the crank lever when said crank lever has reached or proceeded
slightly beyond its dead centre.
15. The combination of the hinged gates E, toggle levers F, pitman U having
recess W, pivot a³, guide V, cra lever G, having pivot a, rock shaft or pivot b,
and an operating handle.
1
e a
L1001
ALLISON BROS.,
Agents for the Applicants.