IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM FERRY BOATS OR VESSELS AND OTHER VESSELS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Simons, of Renfrew, in the County of Renfrew,
in Scotland, Shipbuilder and Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN STEAM FERRY BOATS OR VESSELS AND OTHER VESSELS."
Sealed the 9th September 1876, and dated the 13th March 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Simons at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th March 1870.
WILLIAM SIMONS, of Renfrew, in the County of Renfrew, in Scotland, Ship-
builder and Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM FERRY BOATS OR VESSELS AND
OTHER VESSELS."
This Invention consists in constructing the ferry steamer or other steam boat or
vessel with a platform on board, such platform to be elevated and lowered to suit
the height of quays or piers where there is a rise and fall of tide, and thus enable
carriages, waggons, and horses to go on the said platform, and on board the vessel
on the same level as the quay, and thus supersede the necessity of the usual slips or
inclined approaches. The platform is intended to carry carriages, waggons, trucks,
carts, horses, goods, passengers, and other traffic, and may be elevated and lowered
by hydraulic, steam, or other power or appliances.
The vessel so fitted may be navigated or moved by one, two, or inore paddles, by
screw propeller or propellers, by chains, ropes, or other mechanical means, or by the
action of the tide or current. This vessel may be occasionally used also where there
is no rise and fall of tide, such as in a wet dock.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Simons in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 13th September
1876.
WILLIAM SIMONS, of Renfrew, in the County of Renfrew, in Scotland, Ship-
builder and Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM FERRY BOATS OR VESSELS AND
OTHER VESSELS."
This Invention consists in constructing the ferry steamer or other steamboat or
vessel with a platform on board to be elevated and lowered to suit the height of

page_text: quays and piers where there is a rise and Tall of blue, and vous chavit caufiges,
waggons, and horses to go on the said platform and on board the vessel on the same
level as the quay, and thus supersede the necessity of the usual slips or inclined
approaches. The platform is intended to carry carriages, waggons, trucks, carts,
horses, goods, passengers, and other traffic, and may be elevated and lowered by
hydraulic, steam, or other power or appliances.
The vessel so fitted may be navigated or moved by one, two, or more paddles, by
screw propeller or propellers, by chains, ropes, or other mechanical means, or by the
action of the tide or current. This vessel may be occasionally used where there is
no rise and fall of tide, such as in a wet dock.
Having thus far described the nature of the said Invention, and incidentally
intimated in what manner the same is to be performed or carried out in practice, I
will now proceed (aided by the Drawings accompanying these presents) to further
and particularly describe and ascertain in what manner the samo is to be performed
or carried out in practice, that is to say:-
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 represents the longitudinal elevation of a steam ferry boat, with the
platform up or elevated. A represents the hydraulic appliances for raising or
lowering the said platform; B represents the steam engines for propelling the
vessel; and C, the boilers; D are the vertical columns or guides of iron or other
metal or material on which the platform slides when ascending or descending; E
represents the movable platform; G, the purchase wheels, connected to the barrels
of which are the chains or ropes for raising or lowering the hinged gangways resting
on the quay; Y is the gangway for connection between the quay and the platform
for the admission and exit of traffic; O are the steering wheels and steering gear of
the vessel.
Figure 2 represents a cross section of the steam ferry boat at low tide, shewing
the platform raised and receiving traffic direct from the quay or wharf. H is the
shaft of the screw propellers secured to the longitudinal iron water-tight bulkhead.
Figure 3 is the plan of the ferry steamer. J are the columus or guides; K is the
passenger division on it; M are the decks at bow and stern; N are the propellers
for driving the vessel in either direction.
Figure 4 represents the cross section of the ferry steamer at high water or tide,
shewing thereon the platform down and level with the top of quay to suit the
traffic. G, the purchase for raising and lowering the gangways.
Figures 5 and 6 are sections of cargo ships or steamers having the principle applied
to their hatchways for discharging or lowering cattle or goods. ✗ shews the elevating
and descending platform loaded with cattle and goods from the different decks or
holds of the vessel.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature and object of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed or carried out in
practice, I hereby declare that I claim the Invention of " Improvements in Steam
Ferry Boats or Vessels and other Vessels," substantially as the same is herein-before
set forth and described and illustrated by the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Simons, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this 11th day of September, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-six.
Witness,
THOMAS ANDERSON,
29, Bell St.,
Renfrew.
WILLIAM SIMONS. (LS.)