No. 124.] 47 



has ever been presented to the public, and recommend it to the spe- 

 cial attention of the American Institute, considering it entitled to 

 their highest award. 



EDWARD CLARK, CKn, 

 T. B. STILLMAN, 

 G. C. DE KAY, 

 PAUL R. HODGE, 

 JOHN CAMPBELL, 

 JOHN STEELE, 

 JAMES RENWICK, 



Committee. 



Report on Chauncey Andrews' Elevating Water-wheel. 



The committee upon whom was imposed the duty of examining 

 and reporting upon the merits of Mr. Andrews' elevaticg water-wheel, 

 presented for premium at the late Fair of the American Institute, 

 respectfully relate, that they proceeded to Paterson, N. J., where the 

 only working wheel of this construction is in operation, and there 

 minutely examined the whole process as seen in actual service. 



The wheel is an ordinary undershot wheel, under which the stream 

 has been slightly concentrated by a small winged dam; and the im- 

 provement consists in so elevating it in a few seconds, either entirely 

 out of the water, or in such a position as the different degrees of high 

 water may require, and at the same time keeping the power in con- 

 tinual communication with the work. 



In order to effect this object, the wheel has been hung upon two 

 levers, which are moveable and vibrate about the pinion shaft as a 

 centre, in elevating or depressing them; thus causing the centre of the 

 segments, (which is necessarily the centre of the water-wheel,) to 

 move in an arc concentric with the pinion. By this ingenious con- 

 trivance, the segments will gear with the pinion at every elevation 

 of the wheel, and consequently the quantity of water can never inter- 

 fere with the work. This elevation and depression is controlled by 

 counterbalancing weights, and may be made subject to the action of 

 a regulator, as will appear by reference to the drawing now in pos- 

 session of the Institute. 



From our examination of the invention, we are of opinion that 

 it is of the greatest practical utility in all sections where but little 

 fall can be had to the streams, or where they are subject to any sud- 

 den fluctuations from freshets or drought. And from the ingenuity 

 whichMr. Andrews has exhibited in constructing a wheel^which, with 

 but comparatively a trifling expense, either for construction or repairs, 

 is calculated to develop the hitherto latent power of our great rivers 

 we are of opinion that he is entitled to the highest honors of the 

 American Institute, and the confidence of the American manufac- 

 turer. All which is respectfully submitted. 



EDWARD CLARK, 

 N. BLISS, 

 JVew-York, October^ 1843. Committee. 



