New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-10-20
THE CIGAR SHIP.
An Important Patent Extension.
The WASHINGTON CByo,,Sclo eavs.

The washington chronicle says:
On Saturday the Commissioner of Pat
ents extended the WInans patent for spin
die ships, the appearance of which, twelve
years ago, caused a widespread sensation.
The granting of this oxtention will doubt
less revive the old interest and make this
novelty in ship building universal.
The patentees claim by this invention
greater speed, safety, strength and dura-
biIity than are to be obtained by the present
mode of ship building; that experiments
already made have demonstrated the at
tainment of these superior qualities.
These experiments have cost, as IS shown
in the application for extension OF the pat
ent, over 81, 100000. These figures are set
forth in sworn statements. The expert
ments have been conducted mostly in Eu-
rope. The enterprise was first, however,
undertaken in Baltimore, where boat was
built after the patented model, about
twelve years ago. The breaking out OF the
war caused a suspension of the work IN
this country, and it was after some delay
taken up and carried on in foreign yards.
Two boats have been built abroad, one IN
England and one in Russia.
The engines in the English-built boat not
having sufficient power, new ones have
been constructed, and will be built abroad
at once, and trial trip made, which, II
successful, will result in an effort to cross
the Atlantic The testimony Of eminent
experts is all in favor Of the accomplish
ment of this.
On one occasion in making experiments
to test the seaworthness OF the cigar ship
in a storm at sea, the keel of q large
steamer close by was almost entirely eX-
posed while the spindle ship was wonder
fully steady in the trough of the sea. II
faith and perseverance,, aided by over
million dollars, can make it a success, we
may hope to see the spin die ship triumph
ant rev0IutiOnizer of ocean navigation per
haps within the next few months.
The beneficial effects that may follow can
not, of course, be estimated, but it will
doubtless be very great if results shall JUS
tify those most competent to Judge, and
those most deeply interested in the success
or failure of the undertaking. In either
event, too much praise can not be accorded
to the Winans for this noble instance OF per
severance. 1t is seldom that the wealthy
are found willing to lead in such enter
crises and improvements looking to the use,
ful arts and sciences. Such works are usual
Iy left for the poor devotee of one idea to
struggle up to the positive development of
mechanical success, even without the I'M
pulse of charity to aid him.
The report Of the examiner in the case
saws: "This invention consists in hull for
vessels complete in itself, whose cross sec,
ton at any point shall be perfect circle,
and whose longitudinal section is formed of
segments of circle, making the form Of the
hull that of an elongated spindle, for the
purpose Of diminishing the usual variation
Of resistance common to vessels of irregular
CONFORMATION, by which the same are caused
to roll and also to diminish the resistance
of vessel of given tonnage in passing or
being propelled through the water, while at
the same time increased strength is Oh
4oi0nS