Improvements in Vessels for Surface and Submarine Navigation.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Oct., 1891-Accepted, 5th Dec., 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Vessels for Surface and Submarine Navigation.
I, VIRISSIMO BARBOZA DE Souza, of Pernambuco in the Republic of Brazil,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
My invention relates to vessels for surface and subinarine navigation.
One object of the said invention is to provide a novel construction especially
adapted for torpedo and other boats used in naval warfare whereby one or more
injured or ruptured portions of the boat may be disconnected from the main or
central portion and allowed to sink or float according to the nature of the injury
received, leaving the main portion in all its integrity and provided with means for
maintaining its equilibrium and movement.
Another object of the invention is to provide a torpedo or other boat which shall
be constructed in separable sections united in such a manner as to offer the most
effective resistance to the shock imposed by the use of the ram or steel prow, in
ramming and sinking ships, and the strains produced by the waves when the boat
is in a seaway.
A further object of the invention is to provide a vessel capable of submarine
navigation and constructed in three separable sections to form a substantially
cylindrical hull pointed or cone shaped at both ends, the central section, which is
of similar form being provided with independent steering and propelling mechanism
and being detachable from either one or both of the end sections and having its
conical extremities lying in cone-shaped recesses or chambers formed in the ends
of the end sections, whereby a strong union of the parts is effectel and the shock
and strain to which the fabric is subjected distributed over a large surface.
The invention consists in the several novel features of construction and new
combinations of parts which are hereinafter set forth.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a vessel embodying my invention.
Figure 2 is a central vertical longitudinal section and
Figure 3 is a plan of the same.
The reference numeral 1 indicates the central section of the boat, which is
preferably cylindrical in form. It is built upon any ordinary or preferred plan and
provided with armour, and at its ends the hull is conical the point or apex of the
cone being coincident with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body portion, or
substantially so. At the central portion of the body a tower 2 rises above the
deck and is provided with lenticular glasses set in its wall to enable the commander
to see in all directions. In the lowest part of the body I place one, two or more
tanks or reservoirs 3, so arranged as to preserve the equilibrium and provided with
pipes 4, extending to the deck, and pipes 5, passing from said tanks through the
sides or bottom of the vessel. Suitably arranged in this central section is a pump
whereby water or air may be forced into the tanks 3 for submerging or floating the
vessel. At or about the centre of the body is arranged an air-tank 6, which
receives the air expelled from the tanks 3 when they are filled with water, the
purpose being to provide a store of air under pressure, which may be used at any
depth of submersion to replace the water in the tanks when it is driven out in order
to cause the vessel to rise to the surface. A stern post 7 is also attached to this
portion of the boat to support a rudder 8, which is operated by any suitable means.
An independent engine is also provided whereby a propeller 9 may be operated by
compressed air, gas, ammonia or other expansible medium, Motors and secondary

page_text: batteries may also be carried in case the engine should break down from any
cause.
The numeral 10 indicates the forward end section, constructed upon a similar
plan and having a conical prow or stem 12 armed with a steel point and provided
with a tank or reservoir 13 for water and air, and with suitable mechanism for
filling said tank with either. Rising from the deck of this section is a small turret
or tower 14, having suitable lenses 15, which may be used either by a look out or
for the purpose of concentrating light from a powerful electric lamp. (Not shown.)
In the rearward end of this forward section is formed a recess of such form that it
will receive the sten of the central section, which fits therein as closely as the size
and construction of the parts will permit. This recess is formed by means of a
strong bulk-head 16, which is water-tight and braced in every direction to enable
it to sustain the strain imposed by the constant action of the waves and the shock
produced by ramming an enemy's vessel upon the stem or prow of the central
section 1. When the parts are connected the outer surfaces of the two sections
are substantially flush or of equal diameter and they are united or fastened by means
of any devices suitable for the purpose.
The reference numeral 17 denotes the rear section which is the counter part in all
material respects of the section 10, being of the same or substantially same length
diameter, and shape, and being connected to the central section in the same manner.
The features in which it differs from the forward section 10 are the following: It
is provided with a rudder 18, mounted upon a stern post and with a propeller 19,
actuated by any preferred form of engine using air under compression, gas, ammonia
or other expansible medium. Electricity stored in secondary batteries may be
substituted for such a type of engine, if preferred. Glass bull's eyes 20 are pro-
vided at suitable points in all the sections. A removable railing 21 may be
attached to the upper deck and upon the central turret, if necessary, to enable the
crew to use the deck when the vessel is upon the surface.
Should either end section become shattered, either by ramming an enemy's ship
or by the shock of explosion or become injured in any manner so that it is either
useless for offensive purposes, or dangerous by reason of leakage one or both may
be detached from the central section complete and fully equipped. In order to
accommodate the rudder and propeller under the stern of this section, the rear
section 17 is formed with a chamber 22, sufficiently large to receive both.
The armament of the vessel is that usually provided in torpedo-boats; but in
addition thereto guns of suitable calibre may be mounted, and such provision of
arms made as the services to be performed require.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
First. A vessel adapted for surface or submarine navigation having a hull formed
in two or more separable sections provided with independent means of propulsion,
whereby one or more of the said sections may be detached when injured, leaving &
complete fully equipped vessel, substantially as described.
Second. A vessel adapted for surface and submarine navigation, having a hull
formed of a double ended central section and two end sections separably connected
thereto, the central section and the rear end section being provided with indepen-
dent means of propulsion and guidance, substantially as described.
Third. A vessel adapted for surface and submarine navigation having a hull
consisting of a substantially cylindrical central section having conical or conoidal
ends, and two end sections having recesses inclosed by bulk-heads and having a
form adapted to receive the ends of the central section to which the end sections
are separably united, the central section and the rear section being each provided
with a rudder and propeller actuated by independent means, substantially as
described.

page_text: Fourth. A vessel adapted for surface or submarine navigation and having a sub
stantially cylindrical hull pointed at both ends and composed of a central section
having pointed ends and a front and rear section separably connected thereto, each
having a pointed end and a recess adapted to receive one of the pointed ends of the
central section the latter being provided with a rudder and propeller lying in a
chamber or recess, forming part of the recess receiving the stern of the central
section a rudder and propeller for the rear end section, and independent means for
operating the same, each section being also provided with tanks for air and water
and with independent mechanism for filling and emptying said tanks, substantially
as described.
A
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.