An Automatic Sounding and
Year: 1897

page_text: An Automatic Sounding and p
I, SERGIUS MUNT, of 15, Liteiny Perspective, St. Petersburg, Russia, Doctor of
Medicine, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The object of this invention is to produce an automatically acting device designed
to indicate the sinall depths of the fair-way traversed by a vessel; it is based on
the deflection of a lever from the vertical line at determined angles, corresponding
to the deviations of the ground-configuration from the horizontal line.
This device consists in a combination of a lever with an electrical signalizing
transmission.
The lever, corresponding to the depth to be indicated and to the height
of the vessel-boards, may have one, two or more links. The Figures 1, 4 and 9 of
the accompanying drawings show levers with different numbers of links.
The disposition of the
The indicating device may be of any proper construction.
electric contacts may vary corresponding to the configuration and the gauge of the
boards and to the number of links of the lever; the hereinafter described dispositions
are of two kinds :
() in the form of a contact-casing Fig. 12.
b) in the form of a dial B Fig. 9.
Thus the combination of the levers and contact pieces of the electric-transinission
may vary within wide limits, according to the local circumstances and the conditions
of fitting up of the device. The hereinafter described performances are given as
sample for a combination of an unlinked lever with a contact-dial; and of levers
provided with two or more links with a contact casing. As the disposition of the
contacts forms no substantial part of the device it is evident, that by certain local
conjunctures the contacts, fitted in a casing, might be supplied with contacts, disposed
on a dial and vice versa.
I. COMBINATION OF AN UNLINKED LEVER WITH A CONTACT DIAL.
The device thus combined is applicable to vessels with small draught and with
high boards; it consists of following parts:-
Fig. 9 the lever A of soft steel and with triangular or T-shaped cross-section,
which gradually grows thinner to the lower end, is provided at its upper end with
openings a-a in which enters the bolt b, serving as a means whereby to hang
the lever on the frame C; by this means the lever can be hung at any desired
height. The upper end of the lever A is passed through two collars c, c of the
fraine C (Fig. 9A); four friction-rollers d, d fitted two and two at each side of the
lever, allow it to slide upward and downward without considerable resistance.
a stud o, secured in a
The frame C has a triangular shape and is pivotted on
bearing N, bolted to the board of the vessel; the frame C is provided with the four
friction-rollers & hereinbefore mentioned and with a fifth roller W, which travels on
the exterior side of a guide-sector D and which is secured to the lower angle of the

page_text: frame C; to the same angle is hooked the end of a chain u, the other end of which
passes over-board and carries a counter weight E. The counter-weight may be
reduced by employing a system of levers so as to increase its operative power or it
may be replaced by a spring.
The guide sector is U-shaped (see detail sectional view 9°) and consists of two
angle irons clinched together; it is secured by one side to the vessel and on the
other free side travels the roller W (Fig. 9°). On the pivot o is secured a hand S
sliding on the contacts k-k, disposed on a circle-are; the contacts are connected to
one pole of an electric circuit and the other pole is connected to the hand S.
and
The lever rests, in the headway of the vessel, in a vertical position being
maintained by the counterweight. This latter is regulated for the maximum resis-
tance of the water at the greatest speed, which can be developed by the vessel; but
when the lower end of the lever strikes the ground, a reef or other obstacle, the
lever is deflected from the vertical dine at an angle, corresponding to the height of
the hindrance; at the same time the counterweight rises at a height, corresponding
to the deflection angle of the lever. According to this deflection, the frame
and its hand S are rocked to the side and the latter, sliding on the arc, makes
contact with the corresponding buttons k, k; the circuit being thus closed, the
electric transmission causes a numbered spring door shield or like indicators of an
indicator-board to be uncovered corresponding to the angle of deflection of the lever
and consequently to the height of the obstacle. It is clear, that the contacts,
instead of being disposed on a dial, (Fig 94) might be connected with the counter
weight and fitted in a casing (Fig. 12); then only the bearing N need be cor-
respondingly modified.
In this case the contacts will indicate the position of the counter-weight, which
corresponds to the deflection of the lever.
For the electric transmission may be substituted an ordinary mechanical trans-
mission by means of a pitch or gear chain and a pinion or of bevelled gears.
In both cases the electric transmission actuates a hand, the position of which
on a dial indicates the position of the lever.
If the vessel strikes the ground when it backs, the lever, being struck at its
lower end slides easily between the friction-rollers d, d upward and thus prevents
damage to the device.
II. COMBINATION OF A DOUBLE-HINGED LEVER WITH A CONTACT CASING.
This combination is applicable to the vessels with deep immersion and high boards.
Fig. 4 shows a lever of three parts or links, connected together by two hinges. The
upper link C serves to secure the device at the board-side of the vessel by means of
two collars c, c (Figs. 4 and 4). The lower link A serves as a sounding-bar aud
depends under the level of the keel. The middle link B is provided at both ends
with hinges and serves as an intermediate link to give to the whole device a suitable
mobility and preserving it from damage by the backing of the vessel and further to
secure the contact-casing G, the spring-casing L and the jacket M.
The link C is round shaped in cross-section and is provided at the top with a head m;
it is flattened at the lower end and forms a part of the hinge I. The two
collars c, c (Fig. 4) which sustain this link allow the whole device to slide upwardly
and downwardly and to turn on its axis.
The link A (Figs. 4 and 11) is formed by a flat steel bar, the front edge of which is
bevelled and which becomes gradually narrower to the lower end. The upper end of
this link forms a hinge II (Fig. 4) which can be bent backward towards the stern of
the vessel.
Slightly above this hinge is screwed a cam ƒ on which bears the roller of a rod p,
sliding in the contact-casing (Figs. 4 and 10).
The link B is also made of a flat steel-bar and forms hinges at its ends; these
hinges open; the upper forwardly towards the bow, and the lower backward towards

page_text: the stern of the vessel, as shown by the arrows (Fig. 4). On the back edge of the
lower third of the link B are screwed; a support and two collars to secure the
contact-casing, the spring casing and the jacket of sheet iron, serving to preserve
the latter from damage (Fig. 10).
The contact-device is constructed of two parts or casings; the upper casing G
which contains the contacts and the lower casing L, which contains a spring
(Figs. 10 and 12). The bearing-rod p passes throughout both the casings; it is
provided in the casing G with two contact-springs e, e. The interior of the casing G
is fitted with two bars of ebonite or the like b, b, provided with contact-plates k, k,
closing the circuit and actuating by this means the indicator-board with numbered
clappers. The lower casing is provided with a strong spring, secured to the rod p
and forcing this latter downwardly, this causes the lower end of this rod, provided
with a roller, to bear on the cam f of the link A and to hold the latter normally in
a vertical position. Both the casings are enclosed in an elliptic jacket M secured to
the link B; this jacket causes the device to maintain itself by the course in either
direction in a position, corresponding to the minimum resistance.
To preserve the contacts and the spring from moisture, the casings are provided
with stuffing-boxes. As the contact-casing must be situated beyond the water-line
(Figs. 4 and 4A), in case of a considerable immersion and of low boards, this case is
secured behind the upper link (Fig. 4) and the bearing rod p is. lengthened to the
hinge I, where it terminates with an extension in form of a cup, in which enters the
end of a rod p', traversing the contact-casing and provided with an independent
spring forcing it downwardly.
The device thus combined acts in such a manner, that the lower link deflects from
its vertical position by meeting a hindrance at a certain angle, this deflection causes
the bearing rod to enter the contact-casing further, correspondingly to said angle,
which will be indicated by a special electric transmission on an indicator board.
In case the vessel by backing runs aground, the lever striking the ground or other
hindrance at its lower end is slightly raised up in the collars c, c, and is bent at the
same time on this hinge I; in case of lateral movements of the vessel, the device
can easily turn on its axis in the collars c, c (Fig. 4^). This rotative movement
allows of the elliptic jacket M accommodating the whole device to a position of
minimum resistance by the speed of the vessel.
III. COMBINATION OF A MULTIPLE-LINKED LEVER WITH A CONTACT CASING.
The device thus combined may be applied in a case where the construction of a
long sounding-lever in one piece would present technical difficulties.
Figs. 5 and 6 show a separated view of the sounding lever A, constituted by few
several links k¹, k², le³, h, k, connected together by four hinges 4, 5, 6, 7 (Fig. 1).
All these hinges deflect backward in the direction of the stern of the vessel; behind
these hinges are disposed bearing rods p¹, p², p³, p, provided with friction rollers at
their ends and sliding in the guide-collars t¹, t¹, 12, 12, 13, 13, t. The rod p¹ bears
upon the cam f of the link k¹, and the rod p is provided with a spring L, forcing
downwardly all the rods and causing all the links to unfold in a vertical line. The
upper end of the rod p is provided with, contact springs e, e, (Fig. 12). and
penetrates in the contact casing, disposed in the same manner, as in the preceeding
combination, alike as the other parts of the device.
This device acts in such a manner, that the links, constituting the whole lever A,
deflect each separately on meeting an obstacle; this causes all the bearing rods
situated beyond the deflected link, to be forced upwardly and the upper rod p¹ to be
pushed into the contact-casing and to close the circuit thus the corresponding
indication is given on the indicator-board.
When the vessel moves back, the lever will deflect in the same manner as described
in reference to the combination II.

page_text: IV. COMBINATION OF THE SOUNDING-LEVER WITH A-JUTTING-OUT-BEAM AND A
SUPPORTING-FRAME.
The device hereinbefore described is secured to the side-board of the vessel and
serves to indicate the depth under the keel of the latter but when placed at the front
and out of the vessel, it may indicate not the existing depth under the keel, but the
depth in front of the vessel, which this latter should traverse; in this case the device
presents not only an automatic sounding-lever, but a safety indicator.
auxiliary devices, serving to secure the device in its projection on the bow of the
vessel, it can indicate the depth to be traversed at a distance about of the length
of the vessel.
By means of
The auxiliary devices are:-the supporting-frame P and the jutting-out-beam R
(Figs. 1 and 3). The disposition of these pieces must be applied suitably to the
construction of the body of the vessel; the drawing shows as an example the device
secured to the bow of a vessel, but it is understood that it can be secured to the outer
end of the bowsprit, which would simplify the construction of the frame. The lever
device is secured to the outer end of the jutting-out-beam by means of a support
which forms a hinge between the end of the beam R and the upper end C of the
sounding-lever. The support (Figs. 7 and 8) is provided with two transversal plates
and having openings, through which passes the upper end C of the lever and is
secured by a nut or a forelock, so that the rod C can turn on its axis in this support.
The upper lengthened part of the support is inserted in the lower forked part a
piece a being secured to the outer end of the beam. The head of the support and
the piece a¹ are connected together by a bolt or pivot c¹ which allows the lever ( to
rock free at the end of the beam forward and back. To secure the lever immovably,
the head of the support is provided with a second opening, which receives a
key d passing also in corresponding notches in the piece a¹. Thus when the device
works, the key d is introduced in proper position and bears in the notches of the
piece a', which prevents the deflection of the device backward and maintains it in a
vertical position. When the indications of the device are found superfluous, the
key d is withdrawn and the lever folded under the beam R, where it enters in a
sheath (Fig. 2) secured under the bean R. The middle link B of the lever is
provided with a supplementary hinge 2 (Fig. 1) folding backward.
The play of this hinge is limited by springs 1, 1, (Figs. 1 and 10) so regulated,
that it resists the inaximum resistance of the water at the greatest speed of the
vessel, thus this link will be deflected only in case the lever should strike an obstacle
placed higher than the keel or the water-line of the vessel; in this case a special
contact (Figs. 1 and 10) will close the circuit and give the alarm signal.
APPLIANCE OF THE AUTOMATIC SOUNDING-LEVER.
The substantial idea of this device is to supplant well known means for sounding
small depths, such means being admittedly imperfect and dependent upon the skill
and attention of the leadsman.
In case the device is applied as an automatic sounding-lever, it is secured to the
side-board, the stern or the bow of the vessel and plunged to a suitable depth; it
constitutes thus a permanent armature of the vessel. This latter moves at the
ordinary speed and the traversed depths are indicated on the bridge, poop or other
suitable place automatically without requiring personal assistance.
APPLIANCE OF THE AUTOMATIC SOUNDING-LEVER AS A SAFETY-INDICATOR.
As a general rule the officer in charge of the vessel, makes use of the device only
in case of necessity, when the circumstances render the use of the appliance urgent
Thus when the vessel is being navigated in well known parts, the device is folded
up, but when the channel is not surely known, or in a drift, or by night, or ir
mist, the device is unfolded to its working position and the speed is lessened to hal
he normal speed.

page_text: The unfolding of the device necessitates the stoppage of the engines and to back
the vessel. At the signal No. 1, which indicates a lessening of the depth, the vessel
continues to go "half-speed." The signal No. 2 indicates a further diminution of the
depth and that the engines must be stopped and backed for the purpose of overcoming
the impetus, developed by the speed of the vessel, then the course is taken again at
slow speed and with attention to the impetus developed; this course is continued
until the signal No. 2 leaves off. The signal No. 3 indicates a considerable hindrance
and indicates that the engines should be stopped at once and the course reversed.
When the signal No. 3 is given and the vessel stopped, the device is directed to the
left and to the right for sounding the adjacent depths. For this purpose the frame P
which serves to secure the device on the bow, is provided with a pinion gearing with
a worn (Fig. 1). When the siguals Nos. 4 and 5 are given indicating insurmountable
hindrances the full speed asteru is given at once.
Strict observance of these rules will preserve the vessel almost absolutely from
dangers, caused by reefs and shallows and allows it to continue its course without
danger even by night and in fog.
1007
I, SERGIUS MUNT, of 15, Liteiny Perspective, St. Petersburg, Russia, Doctor of
Medicine, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:-
The object of this invention is to produce an automatically acting apparatus or
device designed in use to indicate reductions in depths of the channel or fairway
traversed by a vessel; the operation of the apparatus is based on the deflection of a
lever from the vertical line at determined angles, corresponding to the deviations of
the ground-configuration from the horizontal line.
This device consists in a combination of a lever cooperating with an electrical
signalizing transmission.
The lever, corresponding to the depth to be indicated and to the height of the
vessel's free boards, may have one, two or more links.
The Figs. 1, 4 and 9 of the drawings left with the provisional specification show
levers with different numbers of links.
The indicating device may be of any convenient construction. The arrangement
of the electric contacts may vary corresponding to the configuration and extent
of free boards and to the number of links of the lever; the hereinafter described
constructions are of two kinds :-
(a) an arrangement in the form of a contacts-casing, Fig. 12.
(b) an arrangement in the form of a dial B, Fig. 9
It will be understood that the combination of the levers and contact-pieces of
the electric-transinission may be varied within wide limits so as to accord with the
local circumstances and the conditions to be provided for in the fitting up of the
device. The hereinafter described constructions are given as alternative examples of
the invention when employing a combination of an unlinked lever with a contact
dial; and of levers provided with two or more links with a contact-casing. As the
construction and arrangement of the contacts forms no substantial part of the
device it is evident, that to comply with certain local requirements, the contacts,
fitted in a casing, night be supplied with contacts disposed on a dial.

page_text: I. COMBINATION OF AN UNLINKED LEVER WITH A CONTACT-DIAL.
The device thus combined is particularly applicable to vessels with small draught
and with high boards; it consists of following parts:-
Fig. 9, the lever A of soft steel and of triangular, or T-shaped cross section, which
gradually diminishes in sectional area towards its lower end, is provided at its upper
end with openings a, a, in which enters the bolt b, serving as a means whereby to
hang the lever on the frame C; by this means the lever can be hung at any desired
height. The upper end of the lever A is passed through two collars c, c of the
frame C (Fig. 9^); four friction rollers d, d, fitted two and two at each side of the
lever, allow it to slide upward and downward with diminished frictional resistance.
The frame C has a triangular shape and is pivotted on a stud o, secured in a bearing N,
bolted to the board of the vessel; the frame C is provided with the four friction
rollers d hereinbefore mentioned and with a fifth roller W, which travels on the
exterior side of a guide sector D and which is secured to the lower angle of the
frame C; to the same angle is hooked the end of a chain u, the other end of which
passes overboard and carries a counter weight E. The counter weight may be
reduced by employing a system of levers so as to increase its operative power or it
may be replaced by a spring. The guide sector is U shaped (see detail sectional
view 9°) and consists of two angle irons clinched together; it is secured by one side to
the vessel and on the other free side travels the roller W, (Fig. 9°). On the pivot o
is secured a hand S, sliding on the contacts k, k, disposed on a circle-arc; the con-
tacts are connected to one pole of an electric circuit and the other pole is connected
to the band S.
The lever is arranged preferably in the forepart or head of the vessel, in a vertical
position,, being maintained therein by the counter weight. This latter is adjusted
to the maximum resistance of the water at the greatest speed which can be
developed by the. vessel.; but when the lower end of the lever strikes the ground,
a reef or other obstacle, the lever is deflected from the vertical line at an angle,
corresponding to the height of the obstacle above the normal level of the bottom
of the lever; at the same time the counter weight is allowed to rise to a height
corresponding to amount of the deflection angle of the lever. According to the
extent of this deflection, so the frame C and its hand S are moved and the latter,
sliding on the are, makes contact with the corresponding buttons k, k; the circuit
being thus closed, the electric current transmitted causes a numbered spring door
shield or like indicators of an indicator board to be uncovered corresponding to the
angle of deflection of the lever and consequently to the height of the obstacle.
will be understood, that the contacts, instead of being disposed on a dial (Fig. 94),
may be connected with the counter weight and fitted in a casing (Fig. 12); and the
bearing N may be correspondingly modified. In this case the contacts will indicate
the position of the counter weight the movement of which corresponds to the
deflection of the lever.
It
For the electrical transmission of movement may be substituted an ordinary
mechanical transmission of movement by means of a pitch or gear chain and a
pinion, or of beveled gears. In both cases, the electric transmission actuates a hand,
the position of which on a dial indicates the position of the lever.
If the vessel strikes the ground when it moves astern, the lever, being struck at
its lower end, slides easily between the friction-rollers d, d, upward and thus prevents
damage to the device.
II. COMBINATION OF A DOUBLE-HINGED LEVER WITH A CONTACT-CASING..
This combination is applicable to the vessel's having deep immersion and high
boards. Fig. 4 shows a lever of three parts, or links, connected together by two
hinges. The upper link C serves to secure the device at the side of the vessel by
means of two collars c, c (Figs. 4 and 4^). The lower link A serves as a sounding-bar
and reaches below the level of the keel. The middle link B is provided at both ends
with hinges and serves as an intermediate link to give to the whole device a suitable

page_text: mobility and prevents damage by the vessel going astern. This middle part B
furthermore serves to carry the contact casing G, the spring-casing L and the
jacket M.
C
This link C is circular in cross section and is provided at the top with a head m;
it is flattened at the lower end and forms a part of the hinge I. The two collars
(Fig. 4) which sustain this link allow the whole device to slide upwardly and
downwardly and to turn on its axis.
The link A (Figs. 4 and 11) is formed by a flat steel bar, its front edge being
bevelled and made gradually narrowing to the lower end. The upper end of this link
forms a hinge II (Fig. 4) which can be bent backwards towards the stern of the
vessel. Below this hinge is secured a cam f on which bears the roller of a rod p,
sliding in the contact casing (Figs. 4 and 10).
The link B is also made of a flat steel bar and formed with hinges at its ends;
adapted to open the upper forwardly towards the bow, and the lower backwards
towards the stern of the vessel, as shown by the arrows (Fig. 4). On the back edge
of the lower third of the link B are secured a support and two collars to secure the
contact casing, the spring casing and the jacket of sheet iron, serving to preserve the
latter from damage (Fig. 10).
The contact-device is constructed of two parts or casings: the upper casing G
containing the contacts, and the lower casing L, containing a spring (Figs. 10 and 12).
The bearing rod p passes throughout both the casings; it is provided in the
casing G with two contact springs e, e. The interior of the casing G is fitted with
two bars of ebonite or the like b, b, provided with contact plates k, k, closing the
circuit and actuating by this means the indicator board with numbered indicators,
such as clappers. The lower casing is provided with a strong spring, secured to the
rod p and forcing this latter downwardly, this causes the lower end of this rod, pro-
vided with a roller, to bear on the cam f of the link A and to hold the latter
normally in a vertical position. Both the casings are enclosed in a cover or
jacket M, secured to the link B; this jacket enables the device to maintain itself on
a course in either direction in a position corresponding to the minimum resistance.
To preserve the contacts and the spring from moisture, the cisings are provided
with stuffing boxes. As the contact casing must be situated above the water line
(Figs. 4 and 4), to provide against deep immersion and in case of low free boards,
this case is secured behind the upper link (Fig. 4A) and the bearing rod p is
lengthened to the hinge I where it terminates in a cup shaped extension, in this cup
rests the end of a rod p¹, traversing the contact casing and provided with an
independent spring, having a tendency to force it downwardly.
The device thus constructed acts thus; the lower link being deflected from a
vertical position by meeting an obstacle to a certain inclination, such inclination
causes the bearing rod to enter the contact casing to an extent corresponding to
said angle, indicated by means of electrical transmission on an indicator board.
Should the vessel by going astern run aground, the lever strikes the ground or
other obstacle by its lower end and slightly rises in the collars c, c, and is folded at
the same time on this hinge I. In case of lateral movements of the vessel, the
device can easily turn on its axis in the collars c, c, (Fig. 4). This rotative move-
ment allows of the elliptic jacket M accomodating the whole device to a position of
minimum resistance.
III. COMBINATION OF A MULTIPLE LINKED LEVER WITH A CONTACT CASING.
The device thus constructed may be utilized in a case where the construction of
a long sounding lever in one piece would present technical difficulties.
Figs. 5 and 6 show a separate view of the sounding lever A, composed of several
links k, k2, 3, 4, 5, connected together by four hinges 4, 5, 6, 7 (Fig. 1). These
hinges may be deflected towards the stern of the vessel; in rear of these hinges are
bearing rods p, p² p³, p, with friction rollers at their ends and adapted to slide in
guide collars ¹, t¹, t², t², t³, t³, t¹. The rod p¹ bears upon the cam f of the link k¹

page_text: and the rod p* is provided with a spring L, which serves to depress all the rods and
cause the links normally to assume a vertical line. The upper end of the rod p is
provided with contact springs e, e, (Fig. 12), and passes into the contact casing,
which is arranged both in respect of these and other parts, as in the preceding
combination.
This device acts by, first the incline or cam f acting to push up the rod pl as the
part of the lever folds at joint 7, then as part 2 folds at 6 the inclined end thereof
acts on the lower end of rod p2 lifting that rod and so on as each section of the lever
folds, its inclined end acts on the lower end of the next adjacent part rods, as p³, p²,
in turn so that the parts of the whole lever A, deflect each separately on meeting an
obstacle; the successive operations of these parts cause the uppermost rod p* to enter
the contact casing and to close the circuit; giving indication of the extent of the
movements on the indicator board.
When the vessel moves astern, the lever can be deflected in the manner
described in reference to combination II.
IV. COMBINATION OF THE SOUNDING LEVER WITH A PROJECTING BEAM AND A
SUPPORTING FRAME.
The device hereinbefore described is secured to the side board of the vessel and
serves to indicate the depth under the keel of the latter, but when placed at the
front and out of the vessel, it may indicate not the existing depth under the keel,
but the depth in front of the vessel, which this latter should traverse, in this
case the device presents not only an automatic sounding lever, but a safety
indicator. By means of auxiliary devices, serving to secure the device in its
projection on the bow of the vessel, it can be made to indicate the depth ahead at a
distance of about the length of the vessel.
The auxiliary devices are:- the supporting frame P and the jutting-out-beam R
(Figs. 1 and 3). The arrangement of these pieces must be adapted to the form of the
vessel; the drawing indicates the device as being secured to the bow of a vessel,
but it can be secured to the outer end of the bow sprit, thereby simplifying the
construction of the frame. The lever device is secured to the outer end of the
projecting beam by a support, which forms a hinge between the end of the beam R
and the upper end C of the sounding lever. 8 is a worm wheel provided with an
operating handle to rotate the wheel 9 mounted on the axis of the beam R and
serving to raise and lower said beam.
The beam R is stayed against the weight of the sounding lever by the chain 11
from the framing and the cord 12, adjustment of the length being attained by the
pulley arrangement 10, the cord 13 and a barrel with ratchet wheel 14, operating
handle 15 and ratchet 16. 17 is a counterweight connected by an arm to the
beam R.
The beam R is stayed horizontally by cords 18, the slack of which is taken up by
the barrels 19 and held by ratchet wheels and ratchets 20 operated by handles 21. To
swing the beam R to one side or the other, it is rotated on the axis 22 by means of
the gear wheels 23, 24, and handle 25 but separately considered I make no claim to
means of operating the beam R.
The support (Figs. 7 and 8) is provided with two cross plates and with openings,
through which passes the upper end C of the lever and is secured by a nut on a fore-
lock, so that the rod C can turn on its axis in this support. The upper lengthened
part of the support is inserted in the lower forked part, a piece a¹ being secured to
the outer end of the beam. The head of the support and the piece a¹ are connected
together by a bolt or pivot pin c¹ which allows the lever C to rock free at the end of
the beam forward and back. To secure the lever immovably the head of the support
is provided with a second opening, which receives a key d passing also in corresponding
notches in the piece a¹. Thus, in operation, the key d is introduced in proper
position and bears in the notches of the piece a¹, which prevents the deflection of the
device backward and maintains it in a vertical position. When the indications of

page_text: the device are not needed the key d is withdrawn and the lever is folded under the
beam R, until it enters a sheath V, (Fig. 2), secured under the beam R. The middle
link B of the lever is provided with a supplementary hinge 2 (Fig. 1) folding backward.
The play of this hinge is limited by springs 1, 1, (Figs. I and 10), so regulated, that it
resists the maximum resistance of the water at the greatest speed of the vessel, thrus
this link will be deflected only in case the lever should strike an obstacle placed
higher than the keel or the water-line of the vessel; in this case a special contact k
(Figs. 1 and 10) will close the circuit and give the alarm signal.
Pebble the
he water at the greatest speed of the vessel GLI US
this link will be deflected only in case the lever should strike an obstacle placed
higher than the keel or the water-line of the vessel; in this case a special contact k
(Figs. 1 and 10) will close the circuit and give the alarm signal.
UTILIZATION OF THE AUTOMATIC SOUNDING-LEVER.
The object of this device is to supplant well known means for sounding small
depths, such means being admittedly imperfect and dependent upon the skill and
attention of the leadsman.
When the device is applied as an automatic sounding-lever, it is secured to the side,
the stern, or the bow of the vessel and immersed to a suitable depth; thus constituting
a constant means of protection to the vessel. The vessel travels at its ordinary speed
and the depths traversed are indicated on the bridge, poop, or other suitable place
automatically without requiring manual assistance.
UTILIZATION OF THE AUTOMATIC SOUNDING LEVER AS A SAFETY INDICATOR.
It is designed that in general the officer in charge of the vessel shall use the device
only in case of necessity, when circumstances render the use of the appliance urgent
and not when the vessel is being navigated in well known parts. In the latter event
the device may be folded up, but when the depth or direction of the channel is not
well known, or in a drift; or at night, or in fog, the apparatus is put into working
order and the speed may be slackened to half the normal rate.
The indications of danger afforded by the doubling up of the device should
immediately be followed by slackening speed, stoppage or reversal of the engines and
the vessel going astern according to the imminence of the danger indicated, as for
instance at the signal No. 1, which indicates a lessening of the depth, to the extent
of the folding up of one joint or the shortening of the lever the vessel may be allowed
to continue to go ahead "half speed."
The signal No. 2 which indicates a further diminution of the depth may judiciously
be followed by the engines being stopped and reversed for the purpose of checking
the impetus of the vessel, then the course may be resumed at dead slow speed
attention being devoted to the impetus developed; this course may be continued
until by the parts of the lever assuming their normal vertical position the signal No. 2
is removed. The signal No. 3 indicates imminent peril from a series of shallows or
obstacles and indicates that the engines should be stopped immediately and reversed.
When the signal No. 3 is given and the vessel stopped, the device is directed to the
left and to the right for sounding the adjacent depths. For this purpose the swing
frame P, which serves to secure the device on the bow, is provided with pinion and
worin and traversing gearing (Fig. 1) to enable the sounding means to be swung to
either bow. When the signal Nos. 4 and 5 are given indicating extraordinarily
dangerous obstacles to progress the full speed astern signal should be given at
once.
Strict observance of these rules will preserve the vessel almost absolutely from
dangers caused by reefs and shallows and allow it to be navigated with safety even
by night and in fog.
The supporting device (Fig. 1) which separately considered I do not claim, can be
of any suitable construction and must only allow the beam (balanced by a counter-
weight) with the articulated lever to move in either direction, .e. vertically and
horizontally. In the form represented by Fig. 1 this device consists of two shafts
vertical and horizontal, with toothed or worm wheels at their ends, which may be
rotated by handles in the usual manner.

page_text: As to the construction of the articulated lever; as the depths become more and
more shallow the links k¹, k², k³ and cooperating parts of the articulated lever are
consecutively operated, and the movements of the rods p¹, p², p³, p¹ successively
induce connection to be male with the contact pieces of the signalling device, and in
this manner disclose or open the consecutive signals on the telltale (signalling board).
It is obvious, however, that the details of this construction can be greatly modified
without departing from the principle of the invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. An automatic device, serving to sound small depths of a fairway, said device
being characterized by a combination of a linked or unlinked lever with an electric
transmission or with a mechanical transmission, mentioned in reference to the
combination II; the lever extended from the side board, the stern or the bow of
a vessel to a suitable depth, meeting a reef, a shallow or other obstacle, is
deflected from its vertical position to an angle corresponding to the height of
the obstacle encountered so that by this deflection the lever closes contacts of
an electric circuit, fitted in a casing (Fig. 12), or on a dial (Fig. 9^) and thus causes
numbers or other signals of an electric transmission to be uncovered and indications
of the depths of bottom to be made.
2. The combination of the device hereinbefore claimed with a projecting beam
and a supporting frame of suitable construction, allowing the device to indicate
depths of a vessel's course.
3. The means described herein and serving to protect the device from damage
and consisting of unlinked levers in a frame provided with friction rollers and of
linked levers on supplementary hinges and a support, (Figs. 7 and 8).
Dated this 20th 2
1000
WM. BROOKES & SON,
55 & 56, Chancery Lane, London, Agents for Applicant.