On this day in 1880 Joseph Clark was granted the patent for EXCAVATOR. U.S. Patent No. 234,851.
The object of this patent was to reduce the cost of cutting canals, docks, railways, and other similar works, and to reduce the time required for the execution of such works by digging out a larger quantity of materials in a shorter about of time.
This excavator was designed to dig into the earth and remove dirt with a long steel cutter or digging-spade. The machine is equipped with cutters on both ends to enable it to cut both ways without having to turn the machine around. This particular machine is drawn by any ordinary winding-engine but the inventor prefers to drive it with steam; it is noted wind, or other motive power may also be convenient.
