IMPROVEMENTS IN DREDGING MACHINES
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN DREDGING MACHINES." A communication from abroad
by Joseph Menge, of Point Michel, Louisiana, United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th July 1881.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN DREDGING MACHINES."
[A communication from abroad by Joseph Menge, of Point Michel, Louisiana,
United States of America.]
This Invention relates to improvements in dredging-machines, and comprises
various details of construction and arrangement hereinafter described.
In carrying the said Invention into practice, I provide a boat with outwardly
projecting timbers and a frame. The bottom of the former and top piece of the
latter form bearings for the reception of the vertical journals of a swinging frame,
in which is journalled a horizontal shaft with outward-projecting end, which is
connected by means of a double universal joint with a driving-shaft. The joints
consist of a pair of metal frames and of four yokes, the former secured to the
projecting end of the horizontal shaft, and the latter to the inner end of the
driving-shaft, and the connection being made by a square shaft, that is, constructed
on one of the yokes, and which is made to fit in a square hole in the centre of
another yoke.
Pivotted to the sides of the swinging frame on a line with its shaft, or a little
above the same, is a bucket-frame formed of two pieces with rollers between, and
with a drum journalled at the bottom thereof. Between the upper ends of this
frame, and keyed or otherwise rigidly secured to the shaft is a pair of chain-wheels
over which is operated endless chains provided with a series of improved buckets,
the same consisting of sections connected on each side by links, and provided with
a pivotted bottom which is tilted forward by the opening of the sections, the

page_text: object being to avoid the formation of a vacuum in the rear of the excavations, and
hence to facilitate the discharge of the same.
In addition to the aforesaid improvement, this bucket possesses two other
important features, one being in the flattening of a certain portion of the cutting-
edge, in order that when operating in stiff ground, the same may be the more
readily freed, owing to its tendency to ride upward on the curved surfaces of the
bucket.
Another novel feature consists in the manner in which the buckets are secured
to their chains, the forward ends being provided with two or more straps for the
reception of a round bar, the ends of which are flattened and perforated, in order
that they may be secured to the operating-chains. The rear ends are connected by
a couple of straps to a connecting bar, the said straps being made sufficiently long
to permit the bar to move freely back and forth therein, thus obviating the
otherwise hard and stiff working of the chains, and allowing the buckets to move
with perfect freedom around the periphery of the drum and chain-wheels.
In order that the listing of the boat caused by the swinging of the bucket-frame
to either side may not result in a greater depth of digging nearer the sides than at
the centre of the canal, I secure to the side pieces of the bucket-frame a pair of
standards, and provide the lower ends of each with friction-rollers for operating on
curved tracks of a plate, the latter secured to the lower ends of a pair of levers
which are pivotted on a line with the prolongation of the centre of the driving-
shaft. The lower ends of these levers are provided with curved plates, which are
either perforated so as to be held in a given position by means of pins, or are
provided with racks so that the same may be raised or lowered by means of a
pinion or train of gearing.
I provide a carrier for conveying the excavations as rapidly as they drop there-
upon to one side of the boat, and depositing the same in a barge or on an embank-
ment, as the exigencies of the case may require. This carrier consists of a frame,
the sides of which are connected by braces and by rollers. Over the latter operates
a pair of endless chains, on which are secured a number of overlapping plates, each
with turned up edges or rather ends, so as to prevent the material from running
over the same.
By reason of the overlapping of the plates as above described, the carrier is
rendered almost if not perfectly water-tight; and as it is suspended in an inclined
position, the gravity of the material deposited thereupon will be sufficient to
operate it without the aid of any connecting machinery.
For the purpose of digging a canal with curved bottom, the deepest portion of
which shall be in the centre thereof, it is only necessary to give the outer ends of
the tracks an upward curve.
A
According to further improvements I place across a frame composed of two or
more vertical pieces a horizontal piece having a bearing at or about its centre for
the reception of the upper journal of a swinging frame, the lower journal of the
latter operating in a step that is securely fitted in the bottom of the boat.
certain portion of the swinging frame is made open to permit of the operating
therein of a pair of chain-wheels and drum that are keyed or otherwise secured on
a horizontal shaft, the latter having one of its ends to project outward from the
frame sufficiently far to have fitted thereupon a toothed-wheel, the teeth of which
mesh into a pinion that is fitted to a shaft, which has its bearing in one side of the
frame. This shaft is connected with the driving-shaft by means of a double
universal joint which is composed of four yokes and two frames, the two latter
provided with pins which project from the four sides thereof, and which operate in
bearings made in the outer ends of the yokes. This joint admits of the swinging
of the frame in any desired direction while the machinery is in operation.
The swinging frame on each side of the opening therein, and on a line with the
shaft, is recessed or slotted to permit of the introduction therein of the upper ends of
the bucket-frame which, by means of suitable bearings, is connected with the aforesaid
shaft. The lower ends of the bucket-frame are provided with bearings, in which

page_text: operates a shaft, upon which is keyed a drum and chain-wheels, similar to those on
the upper shaft. Over these operate wire ropes, upon which are secured a number
of lugs or blocks through which holes are made for the reception of the ends of
the bucket-rods.
The buckets which I employ in this machine are made in two parts, the former
rolled or bent in the form of a wagon-cover, the rear of which is afterward closed
by means of a plate that is rivetted or otherwise secured thereto. The sides near
their lower forward edges are perforated to receive one of a pair of rods by which
this end of the bucket is secured to the operating ropes or chains, and to this rod is
connected by eyes or straps the forward end of the second part, so that the latter
may automatically open or close the lower side of the bucket whenever the nature
of the work may render the same necessary. The opening and closing of this part
is effected through the instrumentality of rollers or lugs that are fitted to the rear
of the said part so as to be brought, at certain stages of the operation, in contact
with the drums or that portion of the bucket-frame which is closed by a central
plate. The latter extends upward and forms near the top a chute, on reaching
which the bottoms of the buckets for want of support swing outward, and the
buckets are thus made to discharge their contents therein. Beneath the aforesaid
chute a second chute or carrier may be constructed to carry off the material in any
desired direction.
To secure a free movement of the buckets around the drums as well as on a
straight line, their rear ends are connected with the rods by means of links, and to
facilitate their working, especially in clay or other hard soil, the sides and crown of
each are provided with spurs or cutting-edges.
The lower end of the bucket-frame rests upon and is supported by a frame
composed of an inclined plate that is secured to the lower ends of inclined side
pieces, the upper ends of which are pivotted to the vertical pieces on a line with
the axis of the upper drum, so that the lower portion, together with the
corresponding part of the bucket-frame may be raised or lowered whenever
necessary by means of a pair of screws, the upper ends of which are provided with
eyes, and secured by staples or otherwise to the underside of the plate. These
screws operate in nuts and in smoothly-bored oscillating boxes, the latter furnished
with side pins which are journalled in bearings made in the sides or boxes that are
rigidly secured to the sides of the projecting timbers, so that by means of the
handles with which the nuts are provided the bucket-frame may be readily
adjusted to the requisite depth.
On the outer sides of the projecting timbers are secured extra pieces which
extend forward to about a line with the front part of the bucket-frame, at which
point they are furnished with triangular cutting-plates, the edges of which are
made sharp for the purpose of cutting during the forward or rocking motion
of the boat, the grassy surface which is usually found in all prairie or marshy
lands.
Side cutters are also constructed on the ends of the lower drum for the purpose
of digging into the banks in the event of the said part of the machinery being
accidentally or designedly brought in contact therewith during the working of the
same.
In order to guard against the listing of the boat the main frame is furnished
with out-riggers, from the extremities of which weights are suspended by means of
ropes or chains.
These ropes are arranged so as to be lengthened or shortened at
pleasure, and act as follows:-Should the bucket-frame be swung to one side, the
weight upon the said side will be brought in contact with the bank, while the
rope on the other side will have a tendency to raise its weight and thus act as a
counter-balance.
If desired the weights may consist of timbers which can be arranged to float
alongside of the boat. Thus provided the boat could only be listed by raising the
opposite weight clear of the water.
As a means whereby the boat may be operated in lines parallel with one edge of

page_text: the canal, and be held as the work may require at certain distances from the same,
I connect by means of staples or eyebolts to the sides of the boat, at or about the
water-line thereof a frame composed of two parallel pieces of timber, connected
together by pivotted strips so that the same may be worked as an ordinary
parallel ruler, the pieces being secured at any desired distance apart by means of
ropes or chains secured to pins or cleats constructed on the said pieces.
To hold the boat up to its work as well as to enable it to be moved forward in a
direct line, I provide each side of the boat or frame with a capstan and with a
series of blocks; each side is furnished with a rope or chain running over the front
and rear of the boat and connected with anchors. Weights are hung upon the
aforesaid ropes so as to take up all slack therein.
As an additional means whereby the boat may be held in any desired position,
I secure to each side thereof, by means of pivots, shores having secured to their
lower ends blades, so that they may by reason of their form and weight bury
themselves in the ground. When not required for use the shores are raised clear
of the water and secured in said position by ropes.
In order to avoid the expense in chains otherwise entailed, I have devised a
new kind of chain-link in which the stretch can be readily taken up. In this
hook-link the ends or hooks act as slides on the track of incline planes. A
rivet driven in a hole on the inner side of the link confines the square links to
their places, and in these links that receive the bucket bars these revets go
through both and are rivetted tight on the other side. Now when this chain
ceases to run freely, the hook-links are taken out and closed on a tool so as to
take up stretch and bring them back to the pitch of wheel.
The coupling and driving chain may be replaced by bevel gearing and a shaft
passing through stand of crane post.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent nied
by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
7th January 1882.
"
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, and Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN DREDGING-MACHINES."
A communication from abroad by Joseph Menge, of Point Michel, Louisiana,
United States of America.
This Invention relates to improvements in dredging-machines and comprises
various details of construction and arrangement hereinafter described, the nature of
which will be readily understood by referring to the accompanying Drawing, in
which,
Figure 1 represents a side elevation of a portion of a boat provided with my
improvements.
Figure 2 is an end elevation thereof.
Figure 3 represents in perspective a portion of a discharge-carrier, and
Figure 4 a detached view of one of my improved buckets.
The remaining Figures are hereinafter described. A represents a boat with
outwardly-projecting timbers B and frame C. The bottom of the former and the
top piece of the latter form bearings for the reception of the vertical journals & of
a swinging frame E in which is journalled a horizontal shaft F with an outwardly
projecting end, which is connected by means of a double universal joint with a
driving shaft G. The said joint consists of a pair of metal frames a, a¹, and four
yokes b, b, b, 111, the former b secured to the projecting end of the shaft F and
the latter to the inner end of the driving-shaft G, the connection being made by a
square shaft c that is formed on the yoke b' and which is made to fit in a square
hole in the centre of the yoke b¹¹.
Pivoted to the sides of the swinging frame E, on a line with its shaft F, or a
little above the same, is a bucket-frame formed of two pieces d', d, with rollers e
between and with a drum fjournalled at the bottom thereof. Between the upper
ends of this frame and keyed or otherwise rigidly secured to the shaft F is a pair
of chain-wheels g, g', over which are operated the endless chains h, h¹, provided
with a series of improved buckets, the same consisting of sections K, K', connected
on each side by links i, i, and provided with a pivoted bottom l, which is tilted
forward by the opening of the sections, as shown in Figure 4, the object being to
avoid the formation of a vacuum in the rear of the excavations, and hence to
facilitate the discharge of the same.
In addition to the aforesaid improvement, this bucket possesses two other
important features, one being in the flattening of a certain portion of the cutting-
edge, as shown, in order that when operating in stiff ground the same may be more
readily freed, owing to its tendency to ride upward on the curved surfaces of the
bucket. The flattened surface is triangular or approximately triangular in shape,
and two of its sides terminate in the rounded portion of the bucket while the
remaining side forms the cutting edge thereof.
Another Dovel feature consists in the manner in which the buckets are
secured to their chains, the forward ends being provided with two or more straps
for the reception of a round bar or shaft m, the ends of which are flattened and
perforated, in order that they may be secured to the operating chains. The rear
ends are connected by a couple of straps n to a connecting-bar o, the said straps
being made sufficiently long to permit the bar to move freely back and forth
therein, thus obviating the otherwise hard and stiff working of the chains, and
allowing the buckets to move with perfect freedom around the periphery of the
drum and chain-wheels.

page_text: In order that the listing of the boat caused by the swinging of the bucket-frame
to either side may not result in a greater depth of digging nearer the sides than
at the centre of the canal, I secure to the side pieces of the bucket-frame a pair of
standards, and provide the lower ends of each with friction-rollers p for operating
on the curved tracks q of a plate R, the latter secured to the lower ends of a pair
of levers S, S¹ which are pivoted on a line with the prolongation of the centre of
the driving shaft. The lower ends of these levers are provided with curved plates t
which are either perforated as shewn so as to be held in a given position by means
of pins, or else provided with racks, so that the same may be raised or lowered by
means of a pinion or train of gearing.
U is a carrier for conveying the excavations as rapidly as they drop thereupon
to one side of the boat, and depositing the same in a barge or on an embankment,
as the exigencies of the case may require. This carrier consists of a frame, the
sides of which are connected by braces and by rollers v. Over the latter operates a
pair of endless chains, on which are secured a number of over lapping places w
each with turned up edges or rather ends x so as to prevent the material from
running over the same. .
By reason of the overlapping of the plates, as above described, the carrier is
rendered almost, if not perfectly water-tight; and as it is suspended in an inclined
position, the gravity of the material deposited thereupon will be sufficient to
operate it without the aid of any connecting machinery..
For the purpose of digging a canal with a curved bottom the deepest portion of
which shall be in the centre thereof, it is only necessary to give the outer ends of
the tracks an upward curve, as shown in dotted lines at y.
In Figures 5 to 10 I have shewn further improvements.
Figure 5 represents a side view of a dredge-boat provided with my
improvements.
Figure 6 shows the manner in which the bucket-rods are connected to their
operating wire ropes.
Figure 7 is an end view of the boat and dredging machinery.
Figure 8 is a longitudinal section of one of my improved dredging-buckets;
and
Figure 9 one of a pair of elevating devices, whereby the lower end of the
bucket-frame is adjusted at any desired height.
Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of the bucket shewing the attachments
more fully.
Referring to these Figures, A represents a boat, the forward end of which is
provided with projecting timbers B, B', and a frame composed of two or more
vertical pieces C, C. Across the tops of the latter is secured a horizontal piece D,
having a bearing at or about its centre for the reception of the upper journal of a
swinging frame E, the lower journal of the latter operating in a step that is
securely fitted in the bottom of the boat. A certain portion of the swinging
frame is made open, as at a, to permit of the operating therein of a pair of chain-
wheels b, b; and drum c that are keyed or otherwise secured on a horizontal
shaft F, the latter having one of its ends projecting outward from the frame
sufficiently far to have fitted thereupon a toothed-wheel G, the teeth of which
mesh into a pinion H that is fitted to a shaft at d which has its bearing in one
side of the frame as shown at c. This shaft is connected with the driving-shaft f
by means of a double universal joint which is composed of four yokes g, g', g, gi
and two frames h, h¹, the two latter provided with pins i which project from the
four sides thereof, and which operate in bearings made in the outer ends of the
yokes as shown. This joint admits of the swinging of the frame in any desired
direction while the machinery is in operation.
The swinging frame on each side of the opening therein and on a line with the
shaft F is recessed or slotted to permit of the introduction therein of the upper
ends of the bucket-frame, which by means of suitable bearings is connected with
the aforesaid shaft. The lower ends of the bucket-frame are provided with

page_text: bearings in which operates a shaft, upon which is keyed a drum.l and chain
wheels m, m', similar to those on the upper shaft. Over these operate the wire
ropes n, n², upon which are secured, as shown in Figure 6, a number of lugs or
blocks through which holes p are made for the reception of the ends of the
bucket-rods q.
The buckets which I employ in this machine are made in two parts r, 8, the
former rolled or bent into the form of a wagon-cover, the rear of which is afterward
closed by means of a plate that is riveted or otherwise secured thereto. The sides near
their lower forward edges are perforated to receive one of a pair of shafts or rods q by
which this end of the bucket is secured to the operating ropes or chains, and to
this rod is connected by an eye or strap t, or two of the same, the forward end of
the second part 8, so that the latter may automatically open or close the lower side
of the bucket whenever the nature of the work may render the same necessary.
The opening and closing of this part is effected through the instrumentality of a
roller or lug u, or a series of the same, fitted to the rear of the said part, so as to
be brought at certain stages of the operation in contact with the drums c, l, or that
portion of the bucket-frame which is closed by a central plate W. The latter
extends upward and forms near the top a chute V, on reaching which the bottoms a
of the buckets for want of support swing outward, and the buckets are thus made
to discharge their contents therein. Beneath the aforesaid chute a second chute or
carrier may be constructed to carry off the material in any desired direction.
To secure a free movement of the buckets around the drums, as well as on a
straight line, their rear ends are connected with the shafts or rods q' by means of
links, as shown at x, and to facilitate their working, especially in clay or other
hard soil, the sides and crown of each are provided with spurs or cutting-edges, as
at y, y¹, y¹¹
The lower end of the bucket-frame rests upon and is supported by a frame
composed of an inclined plate z that is secured to the lower ends of the inclined
side pieces L, M, the upper ends of which are pivotted to the vertical pieces C, C',
on a line with the axis of the upper drum c, as shown, so that the lower portion
together with the corresponding part of the bucket-frame may be raised or lowered
whenever necessary by means of a pair of screws N, N, the upper ends of which
are provided with eyes and secured by staples or otherwise to the underside of the
plate z. These screws operate in nuts P and in smoothly-bored oscillating boxes Q,
the latter furnished with side pins 1 which are journalled in bearings made in the
sides of the boxes R that are rigidly secured to the sides of the projecting
timbers B, B', so that by means of the handles with which the nuts are provided
the bucket-frame may be readily adjusted to the requisite depth.
On the outer sides of the projecting timbers B, B¹, are secured extra pieces S, S¹
which extend forward to about a line with the front part of the bucket-frame, at
which point they are furnished with triangular cutting-plates or cutters T, the
edges of which are made sharp for the purpose of cutting, during the forward
or rocking motion of the boat, the grassy surface which is usually found in all
prairie or marshy lands.
Side cutters U are also constructed on the ends of the lower drum 1 for the
purpose of digging into the banks in the event of this part of the machinery
being accidentally or designedly brought in contact therewith during the working
of the same.
In order to guard against the listing of the boat, the main frame is furnished
with outriggers from the extremities of which weights 2 are suspended by means
of ropes or chains 3. These ropes are arranged so as to be lengthened or shortened
at pleasure, and act as follows:-Should the bucket-frame be swung to one side,
the weight upon the side will be brought in contact with the bank, while the rope
on the other side will have a tendency to raise its weight and thus act as a counter-
balance.
If. desired the weights may consist of timbers which can be arranged to float

page_text: alongside of the boat; thus provided the boat could only be listed by raising the
opposite weight clear of the water.
As a means whereby the boat may be operated in lines parallel with one edge of
the canal and be held, as the work may require, at certain distances from the same,
I connect by means of staples or eyebolts ¹ to the sides of the boat at or about the
water line thereof a frame composed of two parallel pieces of timber 4, 5, connected
together by pivoted strips 6, 7, so that the same may be worked as an ordinary
parallel ruler, the pieces 4, 5, being secured at any desired distance apart by means
of ropes or chains secured to pins or cleats constructed on the said pieces.
As an
To hold the boat up to its work, as well as to enable it to be moved forward in
a direct line, I provide each side of the boat or frame with a capstan 8 and with a
series of blocks 9. Each side is furnished with a rope or chain 10 running over the
front and rear of the boat and connected with anchors. Weights 11 are hung
upon the aforesaid ropes, as shown, so as to take up all slack therein.
additional means whereby the boat may be held in any desired position, I secure to
each side thereof by means of pivots 12, shores 13 having secured to their lower
ends blades, as shown at 14, so that they may by reason of their form and weight
bury themselves in the ground. When not required for use the shores are raised
clear of the water and secured in the said position by ropes, as shown at 15.
up.
In order to avoid the expense in chains which would otherwise be entailed, I
have devised a new kind of chain-link in which the stretch can be readily taken
This chain-link is shewn in perspective in Figure 11. In this hook-link the
ends or hooks I, I', act as slides on the track of an inclined plane or planes. A
rivet H' driven in a hole on the inner side of the link confines the square links to
their places, and in those links that receive the bucket-bars these rivets pass
through both and are riveted tight on the other side. Now when this chain
ceases to run freely the hook-links are taken out and closed on a tool, so as to take
up, stretch, and bring them back to the pitch of the wheel.
Figures 12 and 13 represent in elevation a modification of my Invention, wherein
the coupling and driving chain are replaced by bevel gearing and a shaft passing
through the stand of the crane-post.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,-
-
First. A dredge-bucket provided on one side with a triangularly-shaped flattened
surface, two of the sides of which terminate in the rounded portion of the bucket,
while the remaining side forms the cutting-edge thereof, substantially as described
and for the purpose set forth.
Second. The improved means, herein described, for attaching the buckets to their
chains, the same consisting of the straps and rounded shaft m and of the elongated
straps n, in which is fitted a cross-bar, as and for the purpose specified.
Third. In a dredging-machine the tracks q which are curved in reverse directions,
and over which the bucket-frame operates, as above set forth and for the purpose
specified.
Fourth. The discharge-carrier composed of the frame having the rollers v, over
which operate two or more endless chains provided with overlapping-plates w, as
above set forth and for the purpose specified.
Fifth. A dredge-bucket provided with a pivoted bottom that is held closed while-
being drawn up to the discharging-chute by means of a lug or roller or a series of
them, the said bottom being supported by the upper side of the bucket-frame or its
central plate W, as above set forth and for the purpose specified.
Sixth. The improved means, herein shown and described, for attaching the
buckets to their wire ropes, the saine consisting of the shafts q, q', the links x, and
the blocks o applied to the chains or wire ropes, in the manner above set and for
the purpose specified.
Seventh. In a dredging-machine the combination of the capstan 8, the blocks 9,

page_text: the rope 10, and the weight 11, whereby the boat is held up to its work or moved
forward thereto, substantially as above set forth.
Eighth. The improved means, herein described, for raising and lowering the
lower end of the bucket-frame, the same consisting of the screws N, the nuts P,
and the boxes Q having side pins 1 journalled in the boxes R which are secured to
the sides of the boat or the projecting frame or timbers, for the purpose specified.
Ninth. In a dredging-machine the arrangement of outriggers from the extremities
of which weights are suspended, for the purpose specified.
Tenth. The improved means, herein described, for operating the boat in parallel.
lines with one side of the bank, the same consisting of a floating frame, one edge of
which is secured by eye-bolts or staples to the side of the boat, the said frame
consisting of two parallel timbers connected by pivoted strips, as above set
forth.
Eleventh. In a dredging-boat the projecting pieces S, S', having cutters T secured
to the outer extremities, as above set forth and for the purpose specified.
Twelfth. A dredging boat provided with pivoted side shores or spars 13, the
lower ends of which are furnished with blades 14, as above set forth and for the
purpose specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
band and seal, this Seventh day of January, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty two.
WM. ROBT. LAKE. (L.S.)