US852791A - Levee-building machine. - Google Patents

Description

' No. 852,791. PATENTED MAY 7. 1907. G. G. JACOBS.

LBVBE BUILDING MACHINE.

nruonmn FILED ma.a1.10oo.

5 8HEET8-8HEET 1.

No. 852,791. PATENTED MAY 7, 1907.

G. G. JACOBS. LEVEE BUILDING MACHINE,

APPLIUAIION FILED AUG.31.1906' 5 SEEBTS-SHEET 2.

No. 852,791. PATENTED MAY '7, 1907. U. G. JACOBS. LEVEE BUILDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.31. 1906.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

Ilill '39:? 775559.1 irrxn's cm, WKSMINGYON, 0 C

No. 852,791. PATENTED MAY 7, 1907. G. O. JACOBS. LEVEE BUILDING MAGHINE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 31. 1906.

5 SHEETS-SHEET n1: nom'us Ps lns co., WASNINGTIIN. o.

UNITED STATES blue.

PATENT OFFI E.

CHARLES C. JACOBS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO C. AUSTIN DRAINAGE EXCAVATOR COMPANY,

PORATION OF ILLINOIS.

OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A COR- LEVEE-BUILDING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 7, 1907.

Application filed August 31. 1906. Serial No. 332.831.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES C. JACOBS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Levee-Building Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My present invention concerns levee building machines or trench excavators and its principal object is the production of such a machine whose frame shall be of simple character, of as light weight as is consistent with the strength required, and one which can be easily taken apart, transported and reassem bled..

Another object of my invention is the production of a structure which is largely if not entirely balanced whereby a comparatively small and inexpensive main frame may be used. This main or supporting frame is caused to rest upon and ride on temporary rails laid upon t c stri of ground between the base of the levee BJK the adjacent edge of :the ditch or trenchfrom which the earth is ex cav'ated to form the dike or levee.

Hinged to the trench end of this main frame is a ditch track section adjustable up and down and shaped to conform substantially to the crosssectional profile or outline of the trench to be dug, and fastened to the opposite end of the frame is a dumping or discharge track section adapted to overhang the levee. The centeror main frame is equipped with a steam j engine and boiler and a track section forming a connection between the ditch and levee or dumping track sections, one or more sharpedged excavating shovels being adapted to travel on the, track sections to remove dirt from the trench, convey it through or across the main frame, and discharge it upon the gradually forming levee. The engine is used to traverse the shovel or shovels back and forth, to raise or lower the adjustable ditch track section, and to cause the whole frame to move longitudinally of the trench or levee when it becomes necessar to excavate a new portion of ground or bui d a new section of the levee.

In the accom anying drawings I have illustrated the prefiirred embodiment of my invention, like reference characters referring to the same parts throughout the various views.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved balanced levee builder or trench excavator;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of the central portion of my improved machine; Fig. 3 is a plan of the machine, certain parts bein broken away; Fig. 4 is a view on 8. reduce scale of the right-hand elevation oft'he'fra mentary structure illustrated in Fig. 2 Fig. 5 is a view showing the excavating shovel, the trackway and associated parts; and Fig. 6 is a section of the shovel or track on line 66 of Fig. 5. I

My new type of machine comprises amain or intermediate frame 10, adaptedto travel on the bank between the levee and trench, having hinged at one end a ditch track section 11, and havin hinged at the opposite end a discharge or um Eng track section 12, both of these sections eing adjustable vertically as set forth hereinafter. T e main frame 10 is provided with two longitudinal sills 13 each composed of a pair of spaced channel bars 14. On the under sides of these sills I rotatably mount insuitable bearin s a number of wheels or rollers 15 adapte to travel on temporary rails 16 spiked to the top surfaces of temporary beams 17 laid on the 'round between the positions of the levee to he built and the trench to be dug. Above these longitudinal sills or beams 13 and crossconnecting the same are a plurality of transverse beams 18 which support the floor 19. To two adjacent cross-beams 18 are fastened a pair of upright frame sections 20 of substantially A-shape, the top-ends of which are tied together by angle gbars 21. Inside of these A-frame memberijidis-A pair of built up frames or trusses 22 which support angle bars 23 forming the track section of the main frame.

At the right-hand end of frames 22, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2, and at the end of the track angle bars 23 at the points 24 is pivoted or hinged the ditch track section supporting frame 1 1. This frame includes a pair of bent plates 25 shaped to conform substantially to the cross-sectional profile of the trench to be dug. These plates 25 are of somewhat U- shape, the upper ends of their legs being joined by the bars 26, while additional bars 27 and 28 stiffen the structure andprevent bending or deflection of the track plates. On the inner sideof each of the track plates 25 are secured upper and lower angle bars 29 and 30, upon the for .:er of which the wheels i l I f i i i 4 l keep the shovel down to its work and prevent it from rising. Plates 25 are maintained spaced apart the proper distance by upwardly projecting frames 31 cross-connected at their tops by suitable lattice work.

Hinged at 32 on the same end of the main frame above hinges 24 are a pair of channel supporting bars 33 whose upper ends are sustained at the proper elevation by means of one or more cables 34 connected to the tops of A-frames 20.

Hinged to the opposite end of frames or trusses 22 at the other ends of track angle bars 23 are two plates 35 supplied with up per and lower track angle bars 36 and 37 similar to the an le bars 29 and 30. These two plates 35 wit their angle bars form the dumping or discharge track section, the outer end of which is supported by one or more cables 38 also connected to the tops of A- frames and adjustable by means of turnbuckle 38". In order to keep the plates spaced apart the proper distance they are each equipped with a light framework 39 cross-connected and latticed together.

It is to be understood that one or more sharp-edged dumping shovels shall reciprocate on the three track sections forming in reality a single trackway. In the present device I have illustrated only one of such shovels by way of example. Its truck comprises the side channel bars 40 [Figs 5 and 6] tied together at their front ends by an le bars 41 to which is secured means 42 for t e attachment of an advancing cable 43. In addition to the angle bars 41 a channel bar 44 also spaces apart channels 40 which at their rear ends are maintained a art by angle bars 45. This truck is supplie with the orward and rear axles 46 and 47 each of which has two flanged rollers or wheels 48 adapted to travel on the angle bars of the track sections. Pivoted on the rear axle 47 and extending forwardly with their top flanges overlapping the top flanges of channels 40 are a pair of angle bars 49 to the downwardly depending legs of which are riveted a pair of sup orting plates 50 in which is mounted the sliaft 51 with or upon which the sharped ed shovel 52 is adapted to turn, as indicate in dotted lines in Fig. 5. This shovel 52 has an open forward mouth 53 having a lower sharp cutting edge 54, while the rear portion of the bucket curves toward its top as at 55. The pivotal point of the bucket is such that when released the bucket or shovel will normally turn so as to discharge its load out of its open mouth. Extending across the top of this shovel or scoop is a bar 56 provided with means 57 for the attachment of a shovel righting and retracting cable 58. 'In order to maintain the bucket or scoop 52 in load retaining position there is provided two catches 59 which under normal conditions are projected above the rear upper edge of the shovel by means of an elliptic spring 60 inserted between the rear angle bar 45 and a small angle bar 61 connecting the two catches 59, the latter being capable of reciprocation through apertures or slots in the angle bars 45. l/Vhen thus thrust outwardly or into 0perative position by spring 60 the catches prevent the bucket from turning on its pivot 51.

any convenient point on the dischargetrack' section is a transverse rod 65 upon which is pivotally mounted a trip arm 66 free to turn in one direction and prevented from rotation in the opposite direction by a fixed stop 67. This trip arm 66 is so positioned that as the shovel ascends the discharge track section 35 it engages the arm 64 and pulls the catches backwardly whereby dumping of the bucket is effected. When the bucket and truck return in their downward movement on the track the arm 64 readily passes beneath the arm 66, the latter turning on its rod 65 sulficiently for this purpose. It is desirable to reciprocate this bucket or shovel 52 back and forth on the trackway by power, to raise and lower the ditch track frame by the same source of power, and to use this same operating mechanism to traverse the whole excavator or levee builder along the temporary rails 16, consequently I mount upon the platform of the main frame at one side of the A- frames 20 a steam boiler 68 which furnishes power for the operation of a steam engine 69 mounted above the track section of the main frame on frames or supports 22.

The engine is supplied with two drums 70 and 71, the former of which winds up and pay out the shovel advancing cable 43, while the latter operates in like manner upon the shovel retracting cable 58. Cable 43 passes around a sheave or pulley 72 at the upper end of the discharge track section 35, while cable 58 passes around a similar sheave or pulley 73 at the outer end of the ditch track section 11. In addition to these sheaves I provide along the trackway additional rollers or sheaves 74, 75, 76 and 77 with which both of the cables co-act' as the shovel reciprocates. Engine 69 also operates another drum 78 to wind up or pay out a cable 79 which controls the raising or lowering of the ditch track section; the latter turning about its hinges 24. Cable 79 passes around a sheave 80 at the top end of arms 33 then passes downwardly around a pulley 81 supported by bars 28 of frame 11 thence upwardly once again around the sheave 80, downwardly around pulley 81, and then upwardly to the end of arms 33 where it 15 securely fastened.

In order to prevent the dirt spilling upon the level round betwen the levee and the edge of t e trench as the shovel travels throu h or across the main frame I provide t e latter with an apron or shield 82 having downwardly bent ends 83 and 84.

The whole frame may be made to travel along the temporary rails by means of the following named parts. The Wheels at one end of the frame are connected by a shaft 85, this shaft being sup lied with a sprocket wheel 86 around which passes 'a sprocket chain 87, which in turn encircles a similar sprocket wheel 88 on a jack shaft 89 suitably mounted in bearings 90 and provided with a bevel gear 91. Another jack shaft 92 is caused to rotate by the engine through spur gears 93, and at the end of shaft 92 ad acent to shaft 89 is a loose bevel gear 94 meshing with gear 91, gear 94 being capable of rotating wlth shaft 92 when coupled therewith by the manually actuated clutch 95. It will be readily seen that, b operating this clutch and the en ine, thew ole frame may be made to travel a ong longitudinally of the dike and trench so that a new section of the former may be built or by excavating earth forming an extension of the trench.

Assuming that the temporary rails have been pro rly laid, that the ditch track section has een elevated by cable 79 and overhangs an unexcavated portion of ground, while the dumping or discharge track section has been ad usted-to the proper elevation, the operation of the device is as follows: The ditch track section is allowed to descend by turning its hinges 24 sufficiently so that as the shovel moves forwardly it will shave off a layer of dirt, carry it through the main frame, spilling thereof being prevented by apron 82, and conveyed upwardly along the discharge track section until the shovel releasing arm 64 strikes the trip arm 66 whereupon catches 59 are retracted, the shovel turns on its pivot due to its load, and discharges the same to form a part of the dike or levee. During this advancing of the shovel on the traekway cable 43 is being wound upon its drum 70 while cable 58 is paid out at a corrcs ending rate from drum 78. After the loa of the shovel has been discharged, however, the operator of the device causes the drums to so turn that cable 58 will be wound u on its drum and cable 43 paid out from its rum. As soon as the pull is exerted upon cable 58, it at once rights the shovel, the curved back portion of which resses the catches inwardly until the shovel is fully righted when they spring outwardly above its top rear edge under the influence of spring 60. Further winding up of cable 58 causes the shovel to travel backwardly along its trackway as will be readily understood. The ditch track section is then lowered a small amount by paying out cable 79 so that upon the next advance movement of the shovel a sufficient layer of earth will be shaved off and dumped upon the gradually forming dike. This operation is re eated as many times as is necessary and when the dike has been completed to the proper height, or the ditch excavated to the proper depth, as the case may be, cable 79 is wound upon its drum 78 so as to elevate the ditch track section above the ground at which time the whole excavator can be made to travel along the temporary rails so as to bring its parts over a new section of ground to be excavated and its discharge boom in such position as to form an additional section of the levee. This travel of the excavator is effected by the manipulation of clutch 95 thereby coupling the loose gear 94 to shaft 92 and through it causing the rotation of jack shaft 89. The rotary motion of this latter shaft is transmitted to shaft 85 and two of the rollers or wheels of the frame through the sprocket chain 87 and its co-operating sprocket wheels 86 and 88. The operation of lowering the ditch track section step by step is then repeated, the shovel reciprocating back and forth scraping out its load and discharging it upon the levee.

The main advantages of my improved excavator are its balanced construction whereby a small main frame is required and the ease with which its parts may be disassembled and reassembled to enable them to be transported on railway cars. The machine ma be used for the principal purpose of bui ding the levee, or its main object may be the digging of the trench, and attention is directed to the fact that a trench of substantially twice the width of that illustrated may be dug with an excavator of the type and size shown by first digging one section of the trench while the excavating machine travels along one bank and then digging an adjacent longitudinal section of the trench while the excavator travels along its other lzank.

Instead of digging the two longitudinal halves of the trench in succession by one device or simultaneously by two excavators, the single machine may is shifted laterally of the trench so as to excavate two sections of the trench side by side l. efore icing moved lengthwise the ditch for further operations. Although I have shown this excavating mechanism in conjunction with a main frame adapted to move along temporary rails it will he apparent to those skilled in the art that the device may he applied to a. boat or scow for dredging purposes.

It is to he understood that various minor ICO rag

mechanical changes may be made in the 1 structure shown and described without departure from the heart and substance of my invention.

I claim:

1. In a machine ol the character described, the combination of a main frame provided with a track section, a ditch track section secured to one end of said main frame, a dumping track section secured to the other end of said main frame, said track sections forming a continuous tracluvay, one or more sharpedged shovels adapted to travel on said track sections, and means to operate said shovel or shovels, substantially 'as described.

2. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a main frame provided with a track section, a ditch track section secured to one end of said main frame and ads. ted to overhang the position to be occupiec by the trench to be dug, a dumping track section secured to the other end of said main frame and adapted to overhang the position to be occupied by the levee to be lzuilt, said track sections forming a continuous trackway, one or more sharp-edged shovels adapted to travel on said track sections, and means to operate said shovel or shovels, substantially as described.

3. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a main frame provided with a track section, a ditch track section hinged to one end of said main frame, means to adjust the position of said ditch track sec tion, a dumping track section secured to the other end of said main frame, said track sections forming a continuous trackway, one'or more sharp-edged shovels adapted to travel on said track sections, and means to operate said shovel or shovels, sutstantially as described.

4. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a main frame provided with a track section, a ditch track section hinged to one end of said main frame, means to adjust the position of said ditch track section, a dumping track section hinged to the other end of said main frame, means to support the outer end of said dumping track section, said track sections forming a continuous trackway, one or more sharp edged shovels adapted to travel on said track sections, and means to operate said shovel or shovels, substantially as described.

5. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a main frame provided with a track section, a-ditch track section hin ed to one end of said main frame, said ditdli track section being shaped to conform substantially to the cross-sectional profile of the trench to be dug, means to adjust the position of said ditch track section, a dumping track section secured to the other end of said main frame, said tracksections forming a continuous trackway, one or more sharpedged shovels adapted to travel on said track sections, and means to operate said shovel or shovels, substantially as described.

6. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a main frame provided with a track section, a ditch track section hinged to one end of said main frame and shaped to conform substantiall to the crosssectional profile of the trenc to be dug, means to vertically adjust the position of said ditch track section, a dum ing track section hinged to the other end 0 said main frame and adapted to overhang the levee to be built, means to support the outer end of said dumping track section, one or more sharpedged shovels adapted to travel on said track sections, and means to operate said shovel or shovels, substantially as described.

7. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a main frame provided with a track section, a ditch track section hinged to one end of said main frame and shaped to conform substantially to the crosssectional profile of the trench to be dug, one or more arms hinged to the same end of said main frame, means to support the free end of said arm or arms, a guide pulley mounted on said arm or arms, a cable passing over said pulley and operatively connected to said ditch track section, means to actuate said cable whereby the position of said ditch track section may be adjusted, a dumping track section secured to the o posite end of said main frame and adapte to overhang the position to be occupied by the levee, said trac sections forming a continuous trackway, one or more shar -edged shovels adapt ed t6 travel on sai track sections, and means to cause said shovel or shovels to travel on said track sections, substantially as described.

8. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a main frame provided with a track section, a ditch track section secured to one end of said main frame and adapted to overhang the position to be 00- cupied by the trench to be dug, a dumping track section secured to the other end of said main frame and ada ted to overhang the osition to be occupied by the levee to be built, said track sections forming a continuous track'way, one or more sharp-ed ed shovels adapted to travel on said tracic sections, means to cause said shovel or shovels to travel on said track sections, and a shield below said main frame track section to prevent dirt spilling from the shovel upon the ground between the levee and trench, substantially as described.

CHARLES C. JACOBS. \Vitnesses FREDERICK C. GOODWIN,

'WALTER M. FULLER.

IlC

Images