US1503680A - Dredging system - Google Patents

Description

uga p 1924 c. J. BAER lfzzafuzfanrca' SYSTEM Filed Nqv. 29, 1922 5 sheets-'sheet 1 ,h\ h. mf y Q w u n 00.0anoooanwnon ounuoaoonw a noaooooooooao an ooo Aug. 5, 1924. 11,503,680

c. J. BAER y DREDGING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 29, 192.2

5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Aug.' 5 `19214.

E,503,680 c. .J. BAER DREDGING SYSTEM Filed NOV. 29 1922' 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 yq/MW Z'fz man o P:

Patented Aug. 5, 1924.

unirse STATES CARL J. BAER, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

DREDGING SYSTEM.

Appncauon fuea november` 29, 1922. serieu no. 603,904.

T all fro/0m t may concern.'

Be it known that I, CARL J. BAER, a citizen of the United States, residing at St. Louis, State of Missouri, have invented certain neu7 and useful Improvements in Dredging Systems, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

My invention relates primarily to means for and method of dredging rivers and, more particularly, to the provision of means and methods whereby navigable channels may be cut in beds of rives of shallow waters, although, as hereinafter pointed out, the invent-ion may be effectively practised in the deeper waters. rlhe invention also contemplates the removal of obstructive sand bars and alluvial deposits, whereby, in certain cases, a channel is restored.

The present method of forming navigable channels, except as pointed out in my Patent No. 1,399,286, issued Dec. 6, 1921, is by the utilization of the well known steam dredges, usually carrying dredging buckets, which cut out the channel and deposit the sand and slit upon scows or barges for removal. This system is, in some localities, prohibitively expensive and is always a long and tedious undertaking.

My method contemplates the utilization of means confining the running water to the. proper limits and direction, thereby increasing the speed of said water and forcing it to take the desired path and cut the proper channel, or to remove the bar of sand or alluvial deposit. r1`he method also includes scraping the bed of the river to dislodge the upper strata thereof., in order that it may be more readily removed by the ruiming water, as more particularly hereinafter pointed out.

The nature of the system devised by me for accomplishing the proposed result, makes it appropriate that, before entering into the details thereof, 1 should briefly outline the technical considerations upon which it is based.

1 have therefore sought to devise a system which, by availing itself of the force of the current of the stream, should provide a permanent remedy, and one which involves a con'iparatively small original outlay, t0- gether with a minimum of subsequent work. This system as will hereinafter appear, consists not only in initially cutting channels in large inland waterways above the present point of navigation, but in forming such channels in tributaries; also in removing bars of sand or alluvial deposits which have partially or wholly blocked the previously formed channels, the necessary power for carrying out the major portion of the work being in all cases furnished by the force of the water of the stream, confined within certain predetermined limits.

The accompanying drawings which forni a part of this specification, illustrate my method and a novel apparatus capable of practising it.

This application is a continuation, in part, of my application, Serial No. 323,472, Dredging systems, tiled September 13, 1919.

1n the drawings Figure 1 is a detailed plan view, showing the dredging units in position to cut a channel or to remove a sand bar; Figure 1a is a perspective view of one end of the connecting bar,

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the larger unitshown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of one of the larger units shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail of the propelling elements of the large unit.

Fig. 5 is a section taken on line 5 5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5a is a section through one of the side plates;

Fig. 6 is a detail of the method of attachment of the swinging plates as hereinafter more particularly described;

Fig. 7 is a detailed plan view,lool ing down on one of the smaller units shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the unit shown in Fig. 7

Fig. 9 is a cross-section on line 9-9 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a detail of the traction devices used on the smaller units;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary, partial section, taken on line 11-11, Fig. B;

Fig. 12 is a detail showing the hinge connection of the side plates;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary detail, showing the means for forming the single channel for certain of the slidable plates carried by the large unit, and

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary detail showing the means for forming the double channel for the sldable plates.

My method is practised by the use of instrumentalities which, for purposes of brevity, might be termed a fleet. It is composed of a large boat, A, which may be termed the mother boat, and a plurality of much smaller boats, B, which may appropriately be termed The mother boat.

The mother boat A is shown in Figs. 1, 2,

3, 4t, 5 and 11 only. Preferably although not necessarily it is a barge-like structure of approximately 200 feet in length and 50 feet in width. Since most of the operations vhereinafter described will be carried out in rivers of shallow waters, the mother boat is constructed with a very light draft. Such a boat, under maximumload, will draw only 36 inches of water. The boat A is equipped with propelling mechanisms 1, preferably two sets on each side, and adapted to produce a speed of 12 miles per hour, under maximum load. Suitable driving motors M, are provided for the propelling mechanisms 1, and said mechanisms are vertically adjustable, as shown in Fig. el, but, since these mechanisms are specifically described and claimed in my co-pending application No. 572,748, filed July 3, 1922, further reference thereto herein is thought unnecessary.

The boat A is also provided with water compartments N, and the valves V, and pumps P, necessary for varying its displacement, in a manner similar to that shown in my Patent No. 1,399,286, hereinbefore re ferred to. It is also equipped with a pilot house 2, and a covered archway 3, under the pilot house.

The boat A is provided with a plow point or bow 4, and a stern 5, the upper surface of which tapers downwardly and outwardlyV at 6, to facilitate the operation of loading the smaller units B, C, D, etc., thereon. The upper inclined surface 6, of the stern, is provided with a plurality of separated girders on tracks 7, 7, which may be 6 or 8 inches above the floor, and for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

The sides 8, 8, of the boat A are straight longitudinally, and extend vertically in a stra-ight line. At the poi-nt of merger of the sides into the pointed bow section, plates 9, 9, are pivoted, at 10, 10, one on each side of the boat. Since the two plates are duplicates, a description of one of them will suffice.

Each plate 9 is hingedly connected at 11, to a second plate 12, both plates extending downwardly, from a point above the water line, to a position such that its lower edge is somewhat above the keel 1a of the boat. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the plates are adapted to be swung outwardly awa-y from the boat, for a purpose to be later described.

In order to swing the plates 9 and 12, .l provide a shaft 141, in screw-threaded engagement with a split bearing block 15 fixed to supports 16 and 1T, secured inside the boat A, as shown in Fig. 5. The shaft extends through a screw-threaded aperture centrally provided in a cog wheel 18, the hub of which is located within the split bearing-block 15, ball bearings 19 being interposed to facilitate rotation of the wheel 18. Fixed to a shaft operatively connected to the boat motors, is a pinion 29, adapted to mesh with the teeth on the wheel 18, suitable clutch mechanism, not shown, being provided, whereby the gears 18, 20 may be thrown into or out of mesh, or whereby the gear 18 may be rotated forwardly or baci;- ward-ly. It is obvious that by the construction shown and described, a rotation of the wheel 18 in one direction will move the shaft 14- laterally, to swing the plates towards or away from the boat, while a reverse rotation of the wheel 18 will move said shaft laterally in an opposite direction.

The shaft 11i extends through a stuffing box 21, in the side 8 of the boat A, its outer end being provided with' a double-headed pin 22, riding in a slot 23, in a bracket 211, secured to the inner face of the plate 12, as clearly shown in Figs. 5 and 6. There is a shaft 111, and its operating mechanism, for each plate 9 and 12 on each side of the boat.

It will be noted in Fig. 12, that the adjoining ends of the plates 9 and 12 are pivotally connected by means of a rod 25 passing through apertured `brackets 26, carried at the top and bottom of the plates 9 andV 12. The rod 25 is provided with a head at its lower end, and may be secured in position at its upper end by means of a pin or nut, as will be understood.

rlhe motors M are connected to the propelling mechanisms 1, 1, and are adapted to drivethe boat, under load, at a speed of about 12 miles per hour. These motors are also connected to the shaft which rotates the pinion 20, shown in Fig. 5.

The displacement of the boat A may be varied by emptying or flooding the compartments N, N, by means of the valves V, V, and the pump P, as will be understood.

The dredging boat.

The dredging units B, are exactly similar, and a descriptionV of one only will suffice.

As shown in Fig. l, they are much smaller than the boat A. Each of the unitsV B, is provided on each side, with flat plates adapted, as hereinafter explained, for upward and downward movement. Each side of the boat is equipped with a tractor element, provided with projections which are adapted to propel the boat through the water, at a low speed, or to permit it to travel or crawl along` the bottom of the water. ln certain respects the boat B is similar to the dam unit described and claimed in my Fatent No. 1,399,286, heretofore referred to.

Since bot-h sides of the unit B are alike, a description of the tractor element on one side will suflice. Said tractor element is driven by means of a motor 29, provided with a drive shaft 30 extending rearwardly of the unit B. A worm gear 3l is mounted in alignment with said shaft 30, suitable clutch mechanism 32 being provided whereby the shaft 30 may operate said gear 3l. A. cog wheel 33, mounted on a shaft 34 engages the spirals of the gear 3l and is driven thereby. A gear wheel 35 is mounted on a shaft 36, also carrying a gear wheel 37, and a chain or tractor element 39 engages the wheel 37v and the cog wheel 33. The tract-or element 39 is formed of a plurality of connected chain links 40, as shown in Fig. l0, and said links are trained over the teeth of the wheel 35, as shown in Fig. 8. lt will be obvious from the foregoing that, when the gear 3l is connected, through the clutch 32, to the rotating shaft 30, the tractor element 39 will be driven to the left. Since there is a worm gear 32, and suitable clutch mechanism therefor, on each side of the unit, it is clear that the tractor 39 on one side may be idle, and the tractor 39 on the other side be moving, if desirable in the steering operations.

The tractor element 39 runs over and under rollers 4l, having trunnions 42, secured in a trough-like bracket 43, carried by the top and bottom of the compartments G and H. In certain cases the links 40 are equipped with cutting or scraping spurs 40.

In order to vary the displacement. of the unit B, it is equipped with compartments G and H, provided with ports G and H', controlled by valves 44, actuated by handles 45 on valve rods 46. These compartments are flooded by opening the ports G and H and emptied by rotary .pump 47. The pump 47 is operatedby means of a belt 48, trained over the pump shaft 49, and over a shaft 50 which is rotated by the motor shaft 30, through a chain 51, as shown in Fig. 9. Pipes 52 and 53 lead to the compartments G and H, respectively, and the water is eX- hausted through a discharge pipe 54.

Each unit B is equipped, along each side, with a front plate 55 and a rear plate 56,

and with four side plates 57, 58, 59 and 69 located in a plane between the plates 55 and 56, and the lbody of the unit B, said plates being mounted as follows:

Extending outwardly from the body of the unit B, are two brackets 59, 59', supported by struts 60, there being two of said brackets on each side, for each of the lplates 57, 58, 59 and 60. Each of the inner plates 57 58, 59 and 6() is provided with an inwardly extending internally-screw-threaded collar 6l, adapted to receive a rotative stub-shaft 62, which is externallyscrewthreaded, and which is support-ed in a collar 63, carried at the end of the bracket 59. A bevel gear 64, carried by the shaft 62, meshes with a bevel gear 65, carried by a shaft 66, the other end of said shaft carrying a pinion 67. Carried by the main shaft 3() of the motor 29, is a pinion 68 carrying a chain 69 engaging the teeth of a gear 70, mounted on a stub shaft 7l; a chain 7l connects the pinion 67 to the gear 70 carried by the shaft 7l, and a chain 7 2 rotates the shaft 66. Suitable clutch mechanism is provided at 73, whereby to clutch and unclutch the gear 70.

From the foregoing it will be seen that rotation of the shaft 30 in one direction will, through the instrumentalities described, operate to raise the plate 60, while rotation of said shaft in an opposite direction will lower said plate.l lt will be noted that there are two brackets 59 for each of the plates, the brackets being so disposed that the plates are caused to slide upwardly and downwardly in a straight vertical line, wit-hout any tilting movement.

ln order to guide the plates 57, 58, 59 and 60, in their vertical movements, l provide guideways 74, such as indicated in Figs. 13 and 14. The end guideway 74 is provided by the angle iron end 7 5 of the boat, to which is secured an angle iron 76, as indicated in Fig. 13. Fig. 14 shows guideways for two plates, formed of two angle irons 77 and 7 8, and 77 and 7 8 respectively, as will be understood. As indicated. the angle iron members are carried by th outer side of the compartments G and l'l of the boat.

The plates 55 and 56 are supported by headed pins 79, connected to the plates 57 and 60., as shown in Fig. 7, and by headed pins 80, secured to the walls of the compartments G and H, and projecting out` wardly therefrom, between the angle irons 77 and 77 and 78 and 7 8, as clearly shown in' Fig.' 14. Each plate 55 and 56 is provided with a longitudinally extending` slot 8l, about midway of its side, and adjacent the top, said slot being adapted to receive the pin 79. By means of this construction, lateral movement of the plate 56, with respect to its associated plate 60, is permitted.

Il t) Adjacent each side of each of the plates 55 and 5G, are two inclined slots S2, which receive the headed pins 80, clearlyshown in F ig. 8. Since the slots 82 are inclinerh and the pins 8O rigid, it is obvious that any downward movement of the plate 56 would cause it to simultaneously move to the right, from the position shown in Fig. 8, and any upward movement, from the lower position just referred to, would result in an inward movement to the left, tending to restore the plate G to the position shown in Fig. S.

From the foregoing description it will be clear that, since vthe plate 56 is secured to the plate GO, by the pin T9, and thereby held against vertical movement with respect to said plate G0, any vertical movement of the latter plate will effect a corresponding vertical movement ot the tormer, while at the same time, a lateral movement of the plate 5G, with respect to the plate Si) is being effected through the medium of the inclined slots 82 and the ixed ains'til. The extent of lateral movement of the plate 55 is determined by the length oi the slot 8l, while the vertical movement thereoie is fixed by the vertical distance between the top and bottom of the slots 82.

The mechanisms furnishingv the power whereby the plates are lowered and raised, and the plates 55 and 56 simultaneously and automatically projected and retracted, have already been described. The purpose of this movement of the plates will presently appear. It may here be stated that the socalled pins7 will, in commercial usage, bo of sufficient strength to properly support the plates 55 and 56, and that where necessary, antifriction bearings will be positioned between the pins and the contacting),` walls of the slots, to insure ease and certainty of operation.

The channel cutting operation.

Havinga described the main units to be employed, l shall now describe the operation of said units in their employment for the purpose of cutting` the desired channel.

It having been determined where a channel is to be cut, or a sand bar impediment removed, the necessary number of the units B, are taken on boa-rd the mother boat A, being positioned as shown iu Fig. in loading' the boat A with the units B, the latter are allowed, under their own power, to climb upwardly on the incline 6 along the tracks 7 of the boat A. The i'irst et the units B passes through the arches 3 of the boat A, until the desired number are. on the front end of the boat, and the remaining units are so distributed as to properly trim the boat A. In Fig. 3 l have shown ten units aboard the boat A, but another unit, if necessary, could be positioned in the arch 3.

The loaded boat A is now navigated to the scene of operation, and the units B, under their own power, are run down the tracks' of the proposed channel, or of the bar to be removed, are arranged side by side, pointing up stream. In F ig. 1 l have chosen to show two units B and B2 in this position,

both said units being here shown as equipped with the scrapers 40. Adjacent one side of each o'f the units B and B2, and secured thereto, are other units B3 and B4, not equipped with the scrapers. Connected to the outer side of the frontend of' the units and Bt, are additional units B5 and BG arranged in alignment as shown.

The boat A is secured to the rear end of each of the units B" B2, by means of rigid bars 83, as shown in F ig. l, the prow of thel boat being positioned centrally between the two units. To each side oit the inclined prow of the boat A, is secured a unit B7, equipped with Scrapers 40.

vWith the boat A and the units in the position described, over the line of the proposed dredgingroperation, the several units may be partially submerged, by opening the valves da', until the tractor elements rest upon the bottom of the river the Vside plates 57, 5S, 59 and 60 being dropped to the lowest positions, and the plates and 56, being automatically projected forwardly and rearwardly, respectively. By the instrumentalities heretofore described, the boat A is sunk until it touches` the bottom and the plates 9 and l2 are swung outwardly from the boat A, as shown in F ig. l, in line'with the inclined sides of the prow and all the units B and the boat A are started up-'V stream, crawling?,` along the bed of the river, under their own power.

As many of the pulling and water deiiect- .ing units B5 and B6 as necessary may be provided, and it is to be notedthat each of the rows of these particular units is inclined outwardly from the connected unit B4t or B3, 1 resenting, between the front units B5 and B6, a relatively `large openingy to receive the water which is travelling in opposition to the direction of travel of the units. As shown in Fig. l however, the rear plates 56 of each unit overlaps the frontplates 55 of the connected unit, effecting a sufficient water seal to force the water inwardly towards Enough oi the units B to cover the width the central scraping units B and B2. The water is therefore restricted to a relatively small path beneath the units B and B2, and its velocity and power greatly increased; In the meantime the scrapers 40', carried by the tractor elements 39, of the units B, B2 and B7, are actively engaged in scraping and digging up the bed of the river.v The water, rushing with high velocity beneath the units B and B2, carries with it the mud, sand and other alluvial deposits dislodged by the scrapers 40 and the other tractor elements, and projects such deposits against each side of the pointed bow of the Iboat A, whence they are deflected beneath the units B7. It is to be noted that the side plates of the units B7 are also lowered, and that the scrapers 4.0 are also agitating the bed of the river. Consequently the water rushes under these units, and is led to the tapering bow of the boat A, and thence t0 the outspread side plates 9 and 12, vwhich conduct the water, and the mud, sand and alluvial deposits carried thereby, away from the line of the channel which has already been cut, thereby preventing refilling thereof by such deposits.

By the use of the units as described the force of the water is utilized, not only to remove and carry off', laterally of the channel being eut, such deposits as have been disturbed by the tractor elements, but also t0 dislodge, by reason of the velocity and force of the water, additional strata of deposits not reached by the tractor elements.

The boat A, following the several units, rides in the channel which has been cut, and, since the boat is approximately 200 feet long, it. serves to sufficiently prevent eddying particles of deposit from settling in the cut channel behind the rear of said boat. rThe boat is being propelled under its own power by the propelling mechanisms` l, which, dependent upon the existing conditions, may be raised free of the bottom of the river, or may engage the bottom. Furthermore, the connections 83, between the boat A, and the units B and B2, and the connections 84, between the units B3 and B5, and B4 and B6, are preferably rigid bars, whereby against a very swift current, the extremely high power of the boat A may be utilized, if necessary, to assist in pushing the several dredging units.

rPhe units B B2 B3 and B4 are rigidly connected, by a strong bar whereby they are held in alignment. A section of said bar is shown in Fig.` la, provided with apertures to receive arojections carried by the units, whereby the distances between said units may be fixed, as desired.

In proceeding upstream, the pulling units B5 and BG may, if necessary, be connected by aV cable 86, te prevent lateral separation or sprea-fbbut, since mechanism is provided whereby one set of the tractor elements of the units B may be run at a different speed than the other set, in order to prevent such soread of the outer units and B the' outside tractor elements of each may be run at a higher speed than that imparted to the tractor elements on the other side of said units. Manifestly this difference in speed of the tractor elements on opposite sides of a unit, would have the tendency of overcoming the outward thrust of the water being trapped between the units B5 and BG.

From the foregoing it is obvious that by the manipulation 0f the boat A, and the several units B as described, the fleet may `very easily be taken to the scene of operation, quickly maneuvered into operative position, and that the instrumentalities will readily force the ruiming water to cut its own channel, a'bly assisted by the tractor elements carried by the several units B.

The battery or fieet may be operated in extremely shallow water, since the propelling mechanisms l, of the boat A, are capable of being lowered to engage the bottom of the river, and to thereby crawl along the bottom until deeper water is encountered, or until it reaches the scene of operation. In case the boat A should become grounded, so that it could not free itself under its own power, several of the units B could be t'aken off' the boat A, and connected thereto, and could drag it into deeper water, or to the scene of operation.

It is well toV mention the fact that two complete batteries or fleets are operable in conjunction to effect the dredging operations heretofore described. In other words, another of the boats A, and additional units B, may be advantageously used to supplement the devices hereinbefore referred to. By the use of the two boats A, and two complete complements of units B, one batt-ery could be used to quickly rough-cut the channel, and the other battery could follow immediately thereafter and complete the channel. Or, when necessary, certain of the units B, carried by the second boat A, could be added to the water cle-fleeting units B5 and B6, or to the. channel cutting units B1, B2, B3, B4 and B7, whereby to present a wider wing dam spread in the one case, and trap more water, and to cut the river bed for a wider channel, in the other case. In both the above referred to instances, the boats A.y A, would follow behind the"units. If a wider channel were being cut, the boats A, A, would be side by side, and fastened together against lateral separation, Ithe bows of the boats being connected to the cutting units B1, etc, bythe bars 85, and a deflecting unit B1, etc., by the bars 85, and a deflecting unit B7 positioned on each side of the tapering prow of each of the' boats A, the buoyant plates 9l and, 12 of the outer side of llt) each boat, being spread outwardly. The great power of both boats A could be utlli-zed in pushing the iieet forward.

If only one set of #the cutting units B1 et al., were? used, and a double set of the water defleoting units B5 and B6 were used, the two boats A, A would be arranged in alignment, the prow of the rear boat being connected by a bar 85 to the stern of the forward boat, as will be understood, and a `water-deflecting unit B7 positioned on each side of each prow, the plates 9 and l2 on each side of each boat being spread outwardly. Y

As shownl in Fig. 5, the plates 9 and 12 are composed of two elements connected by bolts, and forming a hollow, water-tight shell, which is filled with corlr or other material adapted to render the fplates buoyant. The provision ofthe cork 1lling, whereby I. the plates are made buoyant, prevents any objectionable tilting tendency, when the plates are projected outwardly, as will be understood.l All of the water-deflecting plates of the units B, may be similarly con- I structed, if found necessary.

It is manifest from the foregoing that so long as any ruiming walter is in the river, the desired channel could be cut, either by propelling the boat A and the units B through the water, or along the bottom thereof, or both. It is also clear that the water-deflecting units B5 and B6, constitute self-movable wing dams. Y

Many modifications of my invention will be suggested to those skilled in the art, but I do not limit myself to the details herein shown but desire to avail myself of all such modifications as. fall fairly within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

l. The method of forming a channel in a bed of ruiming water, which consists in laterally confining the water to a certain path, and in simultaneously scraping the surface of said bed within the confines of said path,

2. The method of forming a channel in a bed of running water which consists in trapping the water to cause it to be confined to a straight path, and simultaneously loose-ning the surface of said bed, within the connes of said path.

3. The method of forming a channel in a bed of running water, whichveonsists in con'- fining the water to a certain path and thereby cause it to cuta section of a channel, and

`in thereafter positively diverting the walter laterally ofsaid out section.

t. The method of forming a channel in a bed of running water, by the utilization of a movable fleet of dam units, which consists in causing said fleet toconcentrate the ow of water to apredetermined path, whereby the water` is forced to cut a lsection of the channel, and in Asimultaneously moving said -fieet opposition to the flow of wat-er, to cause' Lacasse" the latte-r to cut a continuing section of `said channel.

5. The method of forming a channel in a bed of rimning water, which consists in con-V fining the water to a certain'path and thereby cause it to cut a section of the desired channel, simultaneously loosening the surface of said bed, and simultaneously and positively diverting the water laterally of 'the line of said cuit channel.

G. llhe method of forming channels in a bed of running water, which consists in causing a concentrated flow of water to pass longitudinally above the line of the proposed channel to cut a section thereof, simultaneously loosening the surface of said bed, and thereafter and positively diverting` the water and contained particles laterally of the line of said channel. v

v7. The method of forming and temporarily maintaining channels in a bed of running water, which .consists in causing a concentrated fiow of water to pass longiturlinally immediately above the line of the desired channel, to cut a section thereof, in simultaneously loosening the surface of said bed, in diverting the water and contained particles laterally of the line of said channel, and inthereafter temporarily filling the section cut by said water.

8. The method of forming and temporarily maintaining channels in a bed of rnnning water, which consists in forcing the ruiming water to cut a section of a channel, and in temporarily filling said section to prevent refilling thereof by the deposits carried by the water.

9. The method of progressively forming i and temporarily maintaining a channel in a body of running water, by the utilization of water confining means, which consists in forcing the water to cut successive and continuing sections of the desired channel, and in temporarily filling eachsection as it is cut whereby to prevent the immediate refill thereof by the deposits carried by the water.

10. The method of progressively and conA tinuously cutting a channel in a bed of running water, which consists in progressively trapping and concentrating the fiowing water at diiferent points along the line of the proposed channel, thereby forcing the water to progressively cut continuing portions of the channel desired and in simultaneously scraping the surface of said bed, belowthe concentrated flow. f

ll. The method of progressively and continuously cutting a channel in a bed of runleo cut portions of the channel, the water which has effected the cut.

l2. The method of progressively and continuously cutting channel in bed of running water, which consists in progressively trapping and concentrating the flowing water at different points along the line of the proposed channel, thereby forcing the water to progressively cut continuing portions of the channel desired and in progressively and temporarily preventing access of the water to the cut portions of the channel.

13. The method of progressively and continuously cutting a channel in a bed of running water, which consists in progressively trapping and concentrating the `flowing water at different points along the line of the proposed channel, thereby forcing the water to progressively cut continuing portions of the channel desired, in simultaneously loosening the surface of said bed, below the concentrated flow, in simultaneously diverting, laterally of the cut portions of the channel, the water which has effected the cut, and in progressively and temporarily preventing access of water to the cut portions of the channel.

la. The method of cutting a channel in a a channel in a bed of running water, which consists in arranging a plurality of dam units in position to concentrate the flow of water in a straight line along the path of the desired channel, and in simultaneously loosening the surface of said bed, whereby to facilitate the cutting of the channel by the water flow and in progressively moving said units and means along the line of the desired channel vwithout disturbing their' relative positions, substantially as described.

i6. The method of cutting a continuous channel in a bed of running water, which consists in moving converging wing dams in opposition to the water flow and in simultaneously scraping the surface of said bed, whereby the water is forced to cut suo cessive sections in the bed of the desired channel. f

17. rlhe method of cutting a continuous channel in al bed of running water, which consists in moving converging wing dams in opposition to the water fiow, whereby the water is forced to cut successive sections in the bed of the desired channel, and in siniultaneously scraping the surface of said bed.

18. The method of cutting a continuous channel in a bed of ruiming water, which consists in moving converging wing dams in opposition to the water flow, whereby the water is forced to cut successive sections in the bed of thc desired channel and in positively and laterally diverting the water from the cut sections of the channel,

l). The method of cutting a continuous channel in a bed of ruiming water which consists in moving converging wing dams in opposition to the water flow, whereby the water is forced to cut successivo sections of the bed of the desired channel, simultaneously loosening' the surface of said bed, and .in laterally diverting the water from the cut sections of the channel.

Q0. The method of cutting a continu-ous channel in a bed of running water, which consists in moving converging wing dams in opposition to the water flow, whereby the water is forced to cut successive sections in the bed of the desired channel, and in teinporarily and positively preventing water and the deposits carried thereby from entering said sections immediately after the cutting operation;

21. A' dredging apparatus comprising` a large boat, in combination with a plurality of dredging units smaller than said boat, said boat being adapted to receive and transport said units to the scene of dredging operation, said boat and each of said units being selfepropclled.

22. ii.. dredging apparatus comprising a large boat, in combination with a plurality of dredging units smaller than said boat, said boat being adapted to receive and transport said units to the scene of dredging operation, said boat and each of said units being self-propelled and adapted to travel through the water, or along the bottom thereof.

23. A dredging apparatus comprising a large boat, in combination with a plurality of dredging units smaller Ythan said boat, said boat being adapted to receive and transport said units to the scene of dredging operation, said boat and each of said units being self-propelled and provided with means for varying its displacement.

2st. A dredging apparatus coniprising a large boat, in combination with a plurality of dredging units smaller than said boat, said boat being adapted to receive and trans port said units to the scene of dredging operation, said boat and each of said. units being self-propelled and provided with means adapted for movement from normal position. whereby to deflect running water from its normal path, for the purposes set forth.

25. i dredging apparatus comprising a large boat, in combination with a plurality of dredging units smaller than said b said boat being adapted to receive and transport said units to the scene of dredging operation, said boat'and each of said units lOl) Cil

being self-propelled and adapted to travel through the water or along the bottom thereof, with additional means adapted for varying its displacement, and with means adapted for movement from normal position, whereby to deflect running water from its normal path, during the dredging operation.

26. A dredging apparatus comprising a large boat, in combination with a plurality of dredging units smaller than said boat, the boat being self-propelled and adapted to receive and transport said units to the scene of dredging operation, and adapted to function as a material factor in temporarily f maintaining said channel as it is cut, substantially as described.

27. A dredging apparatus comprising a plurality of self-propelled dam units each provided with means for causing running water to cut a desired channel, in combination with a larger self-propelled boat adapted to transport said units to the scene of operation, and to thereafter operate to temporarily till successive portions of the channel immediately after said portions have been cut by the running water, substantially as described.

28. A channel-cutting apparatus comprising self-propelled units adapted for formation to confine and concentrate a flow of running water to a certain path, along the line of the channel desired, and other units provided with means for loosening the surface strata of said proposed channel, whereby to force the flow of concentrated water to cut the channel.

29. A channel-cutting apparatus comprising self-propelled units adapted for formation to confine and concentrate a flow of running water to a certain path, along the line of the channel desired, other units provided with means for loosening the surface strata of said proposed channel, whereby to force the flow of concentrated water to cut the channel and means down stream from said units, adapted to laterally divert the flow of water from said cut channel.

30. A channel-cutting apparatus comprising self-propelled units adapted for formation to confine and concentrate a flow of running water to a certain path, along the line of the channel desired, other units provided with means for loosening the surface strata of said proposed channel, whereby to force the flow of concentrated water to cut the channel and means down stream from said units, adapted to laterally divert the flow of water from said cut channel, said means comprising a body movable in the channel as it is cut.

3l. Apparatus for forming a channel in a bed of ruiming water, comprising a plurality of self-propelled units adapted for formation to confine and concentrate the running water to a certain path along the line Of the channel desired, whereby to forcethe water to cut the channel, other units provided with means for loosening the surface strata of said proposed channel, whereby to facilitate the cutting of the channel, and a powered body movable in the cut channel, behind said units, and adapted to temporarily prevent access of water to said cut channel, said body being operable to assist in the movement of said units against the flow of water, substantially as described.

32. A channel-dredging apparatus comprising units adapted for formation to confine and concentrate a iiow of water to a certain short path along the line of the channel desired, whereby the water is forced to cut the channel, means operable insaid path to` loosen the surface strata of said proposed channel, and powered means at the down-stream end of said path operable to mechanically divert thefwater laterally of the cut channel, substantially as described.

83. A dredging boat provided with laterally7 extensible members comprising hollow plates filled with buoyant material for the purposes set forth. Y Y

34k. A boat provided with buoyantwaterdetlecting members which are vertically and longitudinally movable with respect to the boat for the purposes set forth.

35. f. dredging boat provided with a pivoted laterally extensible member on each side, said members comprising hollow shells filled with buoyant material, and means for extending and retracting said member.

36. A dredging boat provided with a laterally extensible shell pivoted to each side, and with a second laterally extensible member pivoted to said first mentioned shell, .said shell being illed with buoyant material, substantially as described.

3'?. A dredging boat provided with a laterally extensible hollow plate pivoted to each side, and with a second laterally eXtensible hollow plate pivoted to said first mentioned plate, said plate being filled with buoyant material and means for separately extending and retracting eachof said' plates.

38. A dredging boat equipped for selfpropulsion through the water or along the bed thereof, and provided along its sides with means movable to change the direction of flow of the water along the sides of the boat.

39. A motored dredging boat provided with a plate pivoted to the side thereof, a shaft extending Vthrough the side of the boat and connected to said plate and means operable by the boat motor, for rotating said shaft to extend or retract said plate.

40A motored dredging boat provided with a plate pivoted to the side thereof` a screw-threaded shaft extending through the side of said boat, a screw-threaded bearing surrounding said shaft, and means connected to the motor of the boat for rotating the bea-ring to laterally move said shaft.

41. A motored dredging boat provided with a plate pivoted` to the side thereof and carrying a bracket having an elongated slot, a shaft carried by the boat and having an end slidably connected to the slot in said bracket and means for extending and retracting said shaft to shift the plate with respect to said boat.

4Q. A motored dredging boat provided with a plate pivoted to the side thereof` a screw-threaded shaft extending through the side of said boat. a screw-threaded bearing surrounding said shaft, and means connected to the motor of the boat for rotating the bearing to laterally move said shaft, said means comprising a gear carried by said bearing inoperative engagement with a pinion carried by a shaft connected tol said motor.

43. A dredging unit provided along its` j ried by the unit and movable laterally with respect to said member.

46. A dredging unit provided on its side with a vertically movable water deiiecting member, a water deflecting element secured to said member, and means whereby movement of said member will automatically move said element laterally.

47. A dredging unit provided on its side with a vertically movable water deflecting member, a water deflecting element mounted adjacent said member, and pin and slot connections between said member and element, whereby the desired movement of the one will automatically impart the desired movement to the other.

48. A dredging unit provided on its side -with a vertically movable `water deflecting member, a water deflecting element mounted in juxtaposition to said member, and provided with a horizontal slot, and a pin carried by said member and extending through said slot, whereby the vertical movement of the member will cause a similar movement of the element.

49. A dredging unit provided on its side with a vertically movable water deflecting member, a water defiecting element mounted in juxtaposition to saidrmember, and provided with a horizontal slot, a pin carried by said member and extending through said slot, whereby the vertical movement of the member will cause a similar movement of the element, an inclined slot in said element, and a pin iixed to the unit and extending through said inclined slot, whereby any vertical movement of said element will also cause a lateral movement thereof.

50. A dredging unit provided on its side with a water deiectingl element which is projectable beyond the end of the unit.

5l. A dredging unit provided on its side with a water deflecting element which is vertically movable and projectable beyond the end of the unit. A

52. A motored dredging unit provided on its side with vertically and laterally movable water deflecting members, and means connected to the motor for imparting the desired movement to said members.

A motored dredging unit provided on its side with water deflecting members capable of vertical and lateral movement, and

' means connected to the motor. whereby vertical movement is imparted to certain of said members, and means for simultaneously and automatically imparting a lateral movement to other of said members.

54. A motored dredging unit provided on its side with two parallel plates, a screwthreaded shaft operatively connected to the motor, and in screw-threaded engagement with the inner of said plates, pin and slot connections between the two plates, and pin and slot connections between the outer plate and the unit, whereby rotation of said shaft will cause a vertical movement of both plates, and a lateral movement of the outer plate with respect to the inner plate.

55. A dredging unit provided on its side with a vertically movable plate, oppositely facing guideways carried by the unit and adapted to receive the edges of said plate, a second plate suspended from said first plate and capable of lateral movement with respect thereto, said second plate being so secured to the unit, by pin and slot connections, that any vertical movement of the second plate will automatically cause a lateral movement thereof with respect to said first mentioned plate.

56. A motored dredging unit provided on its side with a projecting` bracket carrying a screw-threaded shaft rotativelv connected to the unit motor, and a plate slidably positioned on guideways on they outer side of the boat, and provided with a screw-threaded collar surrounding said shaft, whereby rotation of the latter will operate to cause a vertical reciprocation of said plate, substantially as described.

57. A motored dredging unit provided on its side with a projecting bracket carrying a screw-threaded shaft rotatively connected to the unit motor, a plate slidably positioned on guideways on the outer side of the boat, and provided with a screw-threaded collar surrounding said shaft, whereby rotation of the latter will operate to' cause al vertical reciprocation of said plate, in combination with a plate-like element so secured to said plate and said unit, that a vertical reciprocation of said plate will Cause a sinlilar move ment of said element', and simultaneously and automatically impart to said element a lateral vmovement relative to said plate, sube stantially as'v described;

` movable plates, and at each end with platelike elements which are vertically movable and simultaneously projectable beyond the ends of the unit and means connected to the motor for imparting the desired movement to said plates and said elements.

60. Aoatable dam unit provided with means for varying its displacement, and

tically and laterally movable plates on itsV sides, with means carried bv the propelling mechanisms adapted to loosen the bed oi' the water, and with instriunentalities connected to the motor whereby the power of d the latter maybe utilized to propel the boat, move the plates and operate the means for loosening` the bed of the water7 substantially as described.

62. A dam constructed of units arranged in convergingl relation whereby the water is trapped and concentrated to a certain path, each of said units being self-propulsive, substantially as described. j

In testimony whereof I hereunto aiX my signature.

CARL J. BAER.

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