A CERTAIN NEW METHOD OR METHODS, OR NEW IMPROVEMENT OR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION, APPLICATION, AND USE OF MACHINERY FOR PROPELLING BOATS, SHIPS, OR VESSELS OF ANY CLASS OR DENOMINATION
Year: 1857

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Russell, of Woodlands Road, Blackheath,
Kent, Gentleman, Henry William Spratt, of Granville Park, Lewisham,
Kent, Architect, and William Press, of 16, Stepney Causeway, Commer-
cial Road East, Middlesex, Engineer, for the Invention of "A CERTAIN
NEW METHOD OR METHODS, OR NEW IMPROVEMENT OR IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE CONSTRUCTION, APPLICATION, AND USE OF MACHINERY FOR PROPELLING
BOATS, SHIPS, OR VESSELS OF ANY CLASS OR DENOMINATION."
Sealed the 5th January 1858, and dated the 17th July 1857.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Russell, Henry
William Spratt, and William Press at the Office of the Commissioners
of Patents, with their Petition, on the 17th July 1857.
We, JOSEPH RUSSELL, of Woodlands Road, Blackheath, Kent, Gentleman,
HENRY WILLIAM SPRATT, of Granville Park, Lewisham, Kent, Architect, and
WILLIAM PRESS, of 16, Stepney Causeway, Commercial Road, East, Middlesex,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "A CERTAIN
NEW METHOD OR METHODS, OR NEW IMPROVEMENT OR IMPROVENTS IN THE CON-
STRUCTION, APPLICATION, & USE OF MACHINERY FOR PROPELLING BOATS, SHIPS, OR
VESSELS OF ANY CLASS OR DENOMINATION," to be as follows, that is to say :-
It is an Invention for causing one, two, three, four, or any other number
of blades, leaves, floats, or propellers to enter the water in which the boat,

page_text: ship, or vessel swims, as deep as may be desired, according to the size of the
boat, ship, or vessel to be propelled, then to move through the water in a
horizontal direction, backwards or forwards, as far as may be required, then
rising out of the water to return over its surface, and to descend again ready
for another similar action. The blades, leaves, floats, or propellers may be
flat, or flat with single or double returned flanges, angular, curved, or of any
other form, & of any size, according to the large or small size of the boat,
ship, or vessel to be propelled. The combination of machinery producing
this principle of action, or the form or direction of motion herein described,
& which we claim as an essential part of our Invention, is, to prevent
frequent repetition by us, herein denominated a set, system, or combination of
motive agencies, and which may be actuated by a steam engine, or by any
other motive power [regarding which motive power we claim no Invention].
Our Invention also embraces the use and application of one, two, three, four,
or any other number of such before-named sets, systems, or combinations of
motive agencies, attached to any part, or to be used and applied either inside
or outside, or partly inside & partly outside, or on both sides, or underneath
any boat, ship, or vessel to be propelled, according to the circumstances or to
the form of any such boat, ship, or vessel. We however prefer two such
sets, systems, or combinations of motive agencies on each side of any ordinary
boat, ship, or vessel, or four in all, and having a similar action on each side,
so that the action of propulsion may be continuous or nearly so, the blade
or blades, leaves, floats, or propellers of one set, system, or combination of
motive agencies on each side of the boat, ship, or vessel entering the water
as the other set, system, or combination of motive agencies, with their blades,
leaves, floats, or propellers are leaving it.
We also claim in an especial manner, as a part of our Invention, the uso
and application of one, two, or any other number of such said sets, systems,
or combinations of motive agencies to double-hulled boats, ships, or vessels,
or to boats, ships, or vessels having a passago or passages of water through
them, using or applying such said sets, systems, or combinations of motive
agencies in such water passage or passages. We however claim no Invention
in the making such vessels, but only in the use and application of this our
Invention to such said boats, ships, or vessels for the purposes of propulsion.
Each of these sets, systems, or combinations of motive agencies is composed
in the following manner :-We use two or more wheels, drums, or pullies at
such distance from each other as may be desired for the length of the stroke
or drift required, and of such size as may be desired for the rise and fall of

page_text: the propelling blade or blades, leaves, floats, or propellers, the said wheels,
drums, or pullies being actuated by the motive power used. Around theso
two or more wheels, drums, or pullies, thus standing at a distance from each
other, we use an endless chain, band, metallic wire, rope, or other flexible
material, and to one part of such chain, band, metallic wire, rope, or other
flexible material is connected a stud pin or bar, which is also connected to a
part of the stem or other part of the propeller, and by its motion around the two
or more wheels, drums, or pullies, causes the length and depth of the motion of
the blades, leaves, floats, or propellers; [of the wheels, drums, pullies, chains,
bands, metallic wire, or ropes, we claim no Invention, the same being known
& used in other operations]; we do however claim the application and use
of them, and as a part of the combination with the other contrivances or
mechanism which we use in the said sets, systems, or combination of motive
agencies. In order to keep the blades, leaves, floats, or propellers, & stem
or stems of each such said sets, systems, or combination of motive agencies in
their required positions, we use pullies or rollers acting on a horizontal surface
or surfaces, or we use guide rods or slides, or any other similar or con-
venient means or contrivances to produce a parallel action, to which the blade
or blades, leaves, floats, or propellers, are rollingly or slidingly attached, by the
means of a stem joined or attached to them, and leading from them to the
guidance contrivances, so as to be moved along in a level direction. We also
use a similar guiding contrivance in a vertical direction, so as to allow the
blades, leaves, floats, or propellers to rise and fall with their attached stems
as they are actuated by the said means, and in a vertical manner at each end
of their pathway. In some cases requiring great strength, we use a double
set of wheels, drums, or pullies, that is, two on cach side of each such said set,
systems, or combinations of motive agencies with their double set of other
gearing. Or, in cases requiring great strength, we use two, three, or more
wheels, drums, or pullies at each end of the before-named distance, moving'
simultaneously with each other, and having one, two, three, or more grooves
in one, both, or all of them, so as to take one, two, three, or more chains,
bands, metallic wires, ropes, or other flexible material, all alike attached or
fastened to or actuating the propelling blade or blades, leaves, floats, or pro-
pellers by their combined strength. In some cases we use one wheel, drum,
or pulley, or other number of wheels, drums, or pullies, in the centre or other
part of the circuit of motion to sustain or help the chain, band, metallic wire,
rope, or other flexible material, or chains, bands, metallic wires, ropes, or other
flexible materials, as the case may be, or other convenient appliances to prevent

page_text: the propelling apparatus from drooping in its return passage in long circuits
.of motion.
We claim no Invention in the making of such rolling, guiding, or sliding
mechanism as is here referred to, the same being well known and applied
to other purposes; but we claim the use and application of any such con-
trivance to produce the parallel and vertical guidance of the propelling blades,
leaves, floats, or propellers berein referred to, as a part of the combination
of mechanism herein described as our Invention. We also in some cases
[such as when used as auxiliary power in small boats, ships, or other vessels]
make the before-named blades, leaves, floats, or propellers to unfasten or to
take off from the apparatus when not wanted, or to shift their position, so as
to offer no impediment to sailing or otherwise. We also in some cases use
and apply wheels, drums, or pullies, with their accompanying chains, bands,
metallic wires, ropes, or other flexible materials, such as before described, on
both sides of the propelling blade or blades, leaves, floats, or propellers, with
a spindle or shaft going from one side to the other, through the stem or other
part of the propelling agents, so as to give greater strength of action. We
also in some cases make the before-named sets, systems, or combinations of
motive agencies to shift higher or lower at pleasure, so as to suit the con-
dition of boats shins, or vessels heavily or lightly laden.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Joseph Russell, Henry William Spratt, and William Press
in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 16th January 1858.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, JOSEPII
RUSSELL, of Woodlands Road, Blackheath, Kent, Gentleman, HENRY WILLIAM
SPRATT, of Granville Park, Lewisham, Kent, Architect, and WILLIAM PRESS
of Park Place, Greenwich, Kent, Engineer, late of 16, Stepney Causeway,
Middlesex, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Seventeenth day of July, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, in the twenty-first year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us,
the said Joseph Russell, Henry William Spratt, and William Press, Her
special licence that we, the said Joseph Russell, Henry William Spratt,
and William Press, our executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as we, the said Joseph Russell, Henry William Spratt, and William Press,

page_text: our executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and
no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "A CERTAIN NEW METHOD OR
METHODS, OF NEW IMPROVEMENT OR NEW IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION,
APPLICATION, AND USE OF MACHINERY FOR PROPELLING BOATS, SHIPS, OR VESSELS
OF ANY CLASS OR DENOMINATION," upon the condition (amongst others) that
we, the said Joseph Russell, Henry William Spratt, and William Press, our
executors, or administrators, by an instrument in writing under our, or their,
or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be per-
formed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within
six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said Joseph Russell, Henry William Spratt,
and William Press, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement, and by the Drawings con-
tained on a sheet of parchment accompanying this Specification; the said
Drawings are marked with figures and letters of reference, indicating different
positions or aspects of the same parts.
This Invention relates to propelling vessels (by which term, whenever used,
we mean to apply to any boat, ship, or vessel of any class or denomination) by
means of a combination of mechanical agencies, causing one, two, three, four,
or any other number of blades, leaves, floats, or propellers, to enter the water
as deep as may be desired, according to the size of the vessel to be propelled,
then to move through the water in a horizontal direction, or nearly so, back-
wards or forwards, as far as may be required for the length of the drift or
circuit of motion, then rising out of the water in nearly a vertical manner,
to return again over its surface, ready to descend again for another similar
and continuous action; this circuit of motion of the propeller by which the
vessel is propelled is shewn in Figures 1 and 2 by the dotted lines a, a, a, a, a.
The blades, leaves, floats, or propellers (hereafter termed the propeller or
propellers), may be flat, or flat with single or double return flanges, angular,
curved, or of any other form, so long as our evident intention of taking a
good hold on the water be preserved. The propellers may be actuated or
driven by hand, foot, steam, or any other power or means, and may be of any

page_text: size, according to the size and power of the vessel to be propelled, a proper
We use them from 4
relative proportion being observed between them.
inches and under that size in width and depth in small boats, to 4 feet and
over that size in width and depth in large vessels. The combination of
machinery producing this principle of action, or the form and direction of
motion herein described, is by us denominated a "system of mechanical
agencies," and in describing one such "system" we do, in fact, describe any
number of such said systems of mechanical agencies it may be convenient to
use, as two, three, four, or more. Our Invention embraces the use and appli-
cation of such before-named systems of mechanical agencies, and which may
be fixed," moveable, or connected to any part, and applied either inside or
outside, or partly inside and partly outside, or on both sides, or underneath
any vessel to be propelled, according to the circumstances or to the form of
such vessel; the principle of the mechanism would be the same, wherever
applied; the mode of fixing, or any other matter resulting from the shape of
the vessel, any efficient engineer would understand; this is no part of our
Invention.
We however prefer in most cases, especially for large vessels, "two" such
systems of mechanical agencies on each side, as shewn in Figures 1 and 2, or
four in all; (the other side of the vessel is not shown, but is similar in every
respect, the propellers working in unity), the propeller (or propellers) of one
system of mechanical agencies entering the water as the other is leaving it, so
that the action of propulsion may be nearly continuous. The two systems of
mechanical agencies may, however, be made to work abreast of each other,
instead of acting as before described; this mode of working is more especially
adapted for double-hulled or twin "vessels," as shewn in Figure 8.
midship section of outside action is shewn at Figure 10.
A
We also claim in an especial manner the use and application of any
number of such said systems of mechanical agencies to propel double-hulled or
twin vessels," or vessels having a passage or passages of water through
them, in a longitudinal, vertical, or diagonal direction, using and applying
by preference two such said systems of mechanical agencies with alternative
action in such waterway or passage (especially suitable for canal, river, lake,
or other navigation). We however claim no Invention in making such
vessels, but only in the use and application of this our Invention to such
vessels for propelling purposes.
The before-named systems of mechanical agencies are composed in the
following mauner:-"First, we use an axle or shaft to which motion is com-

page_text: municated in the usual way, either by hand, foot, steam, or any other moving
power; this axle is represented at b, b, Figures 1 and 2; where, however, it
may be desirable to quicken the motion of this primary axle or shaft we make
use of a cog wheel, on a separate or intermediate axle or shaft, which we
prefer to be the crank shaft of the steam engine or other motive power used
as shewn at c, Figure 2, and then fix a pinion, marked e, to match the cog
wheel on the axle marked b, b, Figures 1 & 2; and where two systems of
mechanical agencies are used, then two such pinions are fixed on the two
primary axles or shafts, one on each side of the cog wheel, the pinion may be
one-half, one-third, or one-fourth of the size and number of teeth or driving
parts of such cog wheel marked "d," Figure 2; the number of links in the
chain used being in like manner adjusted, the propeller or propellers may be
made to travel their full circuits of motion, as before described, to each stroko
of the steam engine or other motive power used; this arrangement is not
essentially a part of our Invention, although convenient for slow-going steam
engines or other motive power, but would not be useful if driven by "rotary
engines," or other quick-moving power. Secondly, on the end of such axle or
shaft is fixed in the usual manner a wheel, drum, or pulley, adapted to an
endless chain, band, rod, rope, or other flexible material, and to be so constructed
as to prevent slipping or sliding of such chain, band, rod, rope or other
flexible material. We do not confine ourselves to any particular shape, form,
or kind of chain, band, rod, rope, or other material, so long as our evident
intention is carried out of a good and strong driving agency; we, however, prefer
using the sort of chain marked f, f, and the drums or wheels marked 9, 9,
Figures 1 and 2, as having firmer grasping and more manageable properties,
and being easily repaired in case of accident; the wheels, drums, or pullies
must, however, in every case be made to match the chains, bands, rods, ropes,
or other material used therewith. Thirdly, an endless chain, marked f, Figure
9 (or band, rod, rope, or other flexible material), is made to pass over a
similar wheel, drum, or pulley, marked h, Figure 1, as far removed from the
former one as may be desired for the length of the drift or circuit of motion
required, which may be adjusted to the size of the vessel, the velocity desired, and
the force of the steam or other driving power actuating the propelling agencies
herein described, such circuits of motion being used by us from 4 feet long and
under that length in small vessels, to 20 feet long and over that length in
large vessels. One of the wheels, drums, or pulleys is not driven by the motive
power used, acting chiefly as a conducting agency to the chain, band, rod, or
rope used, and may therefore be made to rotate freely on a fixed axle. or shaft,

page_text: stud, or in a socket. We desire to note that the size of the wheels, drums,
or pullies regulate the height and depth of the action of the propellers.
Forthly, a stud marked "i" Figure 1, or pin, or bar, which for strength may
be a part of one of the links of such chain, or inserted therein or otherwise
connected to any chain, band, rod, rope, or other material used. Fifthly, such
stud, pin, or bar may be connected by insertion in a socket or otherwise to
what we here term the "stem of the propeller," shewn at "k," Figures 5 and
6; the propelling blade and stem may be made in one piece, but we prefer the
propeller to be separate and to be bolted or otherwise connected to the stem,
so as to take off when not required, or for repairs. In some cases we make
the propeller with a hinge joint on the stem to bend back only, so as to offer
no resistance to the sudden action of waves in occan navigation. We do not
confine ourselves to any particular mode or shape, so long as our evident
intention be fulfilled, and there may be one, two, three, or any other number of
propellers attached to each such said stems, as occasion may require. Sixthly,
the propeller stem is made to have a vertical guidance in a travelling frame
marked, Figures 1 and 4.
We do not confine ourselves to any particular
shape frame, which may be varied without departing from the principle of our
Invention; this frame requires a horizontal guidance (the particular sort of
guidance is not material); one convenient plan is shewn at m and Figure 7,
and is desirable, on account of its economy and simplicity of construction; it
can be bolted or otherwise fixed to the side or any part of a vessel; this
guidance may be by any number of bars, rods, slides, or other means, and
fixed so as to connect with any part of the frame referred to; this guidance
may be made of any kind of metal or wood, or both combined. The faces,
where "friction rollers" carry the frame, may be covered with "gutta percha
or any other substance to deaden the sound; the guidance, both vertical and
horizontal, may be varied, as in steam engines, sliding lathes, and other
machinery well understood by engineers, and is not material to the success of
our Invention, so long as the guiding agency, both vortical and horizontal, join
in action with the mechanism already described. We claim no Invention in
making such slides or guides, but only in the use and application of them as
parts of the combination of machinery herein described; instead of sliding
the frame it may be made to move along the guide bars with friction rollers,
so as to lessen friction, as shown at o, Figure 8. In one part of this frame we
place a stop, marked p, Figure 4, in what we consider the most convenient
place; the use of this stop is to prevent the propeller from dropping too low.
In the stem of the propeller a corresponding stop is made at "q," Figure 6.

page_text: It may be conveniently arranged for the stem of the propeller to rise and fall,
similar to cross heads of steam engines. In some case we use one or more
wheels, drums, or pullies, as shewn at "r," Figure 1, in the centre or other
parts of the circuit of the chain, band, rod, rope, or other material, to prevent
the propeller from causing the chain to droop during its circuit of motion. In
some cases, such as when used as auxiliary power and to suit vessels heavily
or lightly laden, we make the said systems of mechanical agencies to shift
higher or lower in slots or openings on the sides of such vessels, or any other
convenient means. In cases requiring great strength or great width of
propelling surface for large vessels we use double systems of mechanical
agencies, that is to say, one on each side of the propeller; these systems of
mechanical agencies are made to act in unison, one being fixed to the side of
the vessel, and the other inside an outer shield (when applied outside) like a
paddle-box casing, a bar or rod from one of the chains of such mechanism
going thro' an opening in the stem of the propeller and being attached to
the other chain on the opposito or shield side, by which means great firmness
of action and strength is obtained. We claim no Invention in the making of such
chains, bands, rods, wheels, drums, or pullies as aro here referred to, the same
being known and used for other purposes; but we do claim the use and appli-
cation thereof as a part of the combination of mechanism herein described for
the production of such a circuit of motion for the propeller or propellers shewn
and described.
We claim, 1st, the production and use of a circuit, or form, or direction
of motion similar to that indicated by the dotted lines on Drawings, by any
similar means to those herein described, for the purpose of propelling any
boat, ship, or vessel of any class and denomination by propellers.
2ndly, we claim the use and application of any number of such herein-
described circuits, or forms, or directions of motion, or systems of mechanical
agencies for propelling purposes.
3rdly, we claim the Invention for contrivance of the combination or com-
binations of mechanical agencies herein described, and of the use and
application of such systems of mechanical agencies for the purpose of
propelling.
4thly, we claim the use and application of the before-named circuits, or
forms, or directions of motion by the same or any similar means whatever to
those herein described of any number of blades, leaves, floats, or propellers,
to and for the purpose of propelling "double-hulled or twin boats," ships,
"or vessels," or boats, ships, or vessels having a passage or passages of water

page_text: through or in them, in a longitudinal, vertical, or diagonal direction, using and
applying the before-named systems of mechanical agencies in such partly
enclosed water passages, and as being especially suitable for canal, river, lake,
or other navigation, as herein described.
In witness whereof, we, the said Joseph Russell, Henry William Spratt,
and William Press, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Six-
teenth day of January, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight