Improvements in or relating to the Propulsion of Vessels.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Dec., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 18th June, 1897- Accepted, 18th Dec. 1857
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to the Propulsion of Vessels.
We, MONTAGUE HERBERT CHURCHILL SHANN, Engineer, and RICHARD ERNEST
CHURCHILL SHANN, Engineer, both of Westfield, Bromley, in the county of Kent,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows;-
This invention relates to the propulsion, and incidentally to the construction
and form of vessels.
In this invention we contemplate forming so much of the vessel as may be
necessary of a flexible construction, and providing mechanism by which the out-
line of the flexible portion may be varied so as to obtain more or less the propelling
movement of a fish or a fish's tail.
We do not bind ourselves to any particular construction, and it will be sufficient
for present purposes to state that the flexible portion may be made of articulated
rings covered or lined with indiarubber or other suitable material or a spiral form
may be adopted as in the well known flexible metallic tubing.
The necessary sinuous movement may be imparted by mechanism, one form
of which would consist of one or more shafts, barrels or equivalent provided with
eccentrics, cams or their equivalent, and operating through the medium of con-
nections preferably subjected only to tensile strain so as to produce the required
movements. Each string or sinew may be connected to one ring or convolution
and may be carried round, or pivotted to, another one so that the one string or
equivalent would effect the movement of two rings or convolutions, or even more
might be connected to one string. The convolutions may be pivotted to a central
support or the strings may operate in conjunction with such supports so as to
obtain the necessary movement, and two or more strings may be connected to
a single ring upon one or upon both sides. We may however employ rigid rods, tubes
or equivalent instead of the previously mentioned strings or they may be cords,
wires or the like, or electrical devices may be used. Or again, flexible or rigid
shafts or tubes may be employed to operate through worm gearing.
In a modified form we employ vanes of flexible material, or inflexible material
flexibly connected, operating these by arms or spines projecting from the vessel
so as to impart the necessary sinuosity of movement. Any suitable source of
power may be employed and applied in any desired manner.
The form of the flexible portion of the vessel in cross section may be elliptical
or other form, best adapted to carry out the object in view, and the shape of the
whole of the vessel may be modified for this purpose.
Dated this 23rd day of December 1896.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: Improvements in or relating to the Propulsion of Vessels.
We, MONTAGUE HERBERT CHURCHILL SHANN, Engineer, and RICHARD ERNEST
CHURCHILL SHANN, Engineer, formerly of Westfield, Bromley, in the county of
Kent, now of Shoreham, in the County of Sussex, 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:-
This invention relates to the propulsion, and incidentally to the construction
and form of vessels.
In this invention we contemplate forming so much of the vessel as may be
necessary of a flexible construction, and providing mechanism by which the out-
line of the flexible portion may be varied so as to obtain more or less the propelling
movement of a fish or a fish's tail.
It is difficult to accurately describe this movement, but for lack of a better
definition we may term it a sinuous movement producing a series of waves or
wave-movements directed astern or ahead according as the vessel is to be driven
ahead or astern. Steering can be effected by altering the axis about which tho
sinuosity is produced; and reversal of the direction in which the vessel travels
by reversing the order or sequence of the movements, as for example, by reversing
the direction of rotation of the engine shaft.
It is not essential that the two sides of the flexible portion or "tail" shall move
synchronously in the same scuse maintaining a constant cross-section at each
point in the length of the tail; they might for instance move synchronously in
opposite directions, thus producing the effect of a series of swellings and contrac-
tions continually travelling down the tail.
We do not bind ourselves to any particular construction; but one plan would be
for the tail to be formed of articulated rings covered or lined with indiarubber
or other suitable material, or a spiral may be adopted, as in the well-known flexible
metallic tubing.
The necessary sinuous movement may be imparted by mechanisan, one form of
which would consist of one or more shafts, barrels, or equivalent, provided with
eccentrics, cams, cranks or their equivalents and operating through the medium
of connections, preferably subjected only to tensile stress, so as to produce the
required movements. Each string or sinew may be connected to one ring or con-
volution, and may be carried round, or pivotted to another one so that the one
string or equivalent would effect the movement of two rings or convolutions; or
even more might be connected to one string. The convolutions may be pivotted
to a central support, or the string may operate in conjunction with such sup-
ports, so as to obtain the necessary movement, and two or more strings
may be connected to a single ring upon one or both sides. We may
however employ rigid rods, tubes, or equivalent, instead of the previously mentioned
strings, or cords, wires or the like; or electrical devices may be used. Or, again,
flexible or rigid shafts or tubes may be employed to operate through worm gearing.
In a modified form we employ vanes of flexible material, or inflexible material
flexibly connected, operating these by arms or spines projecting from the vessel
so as to impart the necessary sinuosity of movement. Any suitable source of power
may be employed and applied in any desired manner.
The cross section of the flexible portion of the vessel may be elliptical or other
form best adapted to carry out the object in view, and the shape of the whole
vessel may be modified for this purpose.

page_text: view, it being immaterial as regards propulsion which of these or inter-
mediate positions is adopted so long as a supply of solid water is obtained.
Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the left-hand portion of Fig. 1, giving more con-
structional details.
Fig. 3 shows in diagram another method of actuating the "tail."
Figs. 4, 5 and 6 illustrates the use of flexible vanes or fins actuated by a series of
arms or spines projecting from the vessel,
Fig. 4 being a sectional plan,
Fig. 5 a transverse section and
Fig. 6 an elevation of a vessel so fitted.
Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation showing one construction of waterproof cover-
ing for a flexible tail of the kind herein before described;
Fig. 8 is a transverse section indicating an alternative construction of water
proof covering for the flexible tail;
Fig. 9 is a transverse section of a flexible tail with means for operating the same
alternative to those described with reference to the other Figures.
In Figs. 1 and 2, A B, A¹ B¹, A2 B2, &c., are a diminishing series of articulated
frames, triangular in the view shown, and otherwise suited to the desired cross-
section of the tail at each position. The frame A B is rigidly connected to the
vessel, and the movements of the frames A¹ B₁ to A6 B are controlled through a
system of levers, links, and eccentric rods, as shown. In each frame are pivotted
levers a and b, a and b etc. connected at one end by pairs of links c¹ c², c³ ³, etc.
to the preceding frame. The other ends et, e³, etc. and dd &c. of the levers a¹
and betc. are respectively attached by rods C to eccentrics E¹ and D' etc. carried
by the driving-shaft F.
A second series of frames A7 B7 to A12 B12 are shown behind the series A' B₁
to A6 B6, being similarly controlled by coupling-rods G from the ends of the
eccentric rods C. It will be obvious that an indefinite number of series of frames
might be added, and that the number in each series is not restricted to six but may
he more or less according to the number of eccentrics or driving points of the
driving shaft F.
Considering the frame A¹ B' as the driving-shaft F commences to revolve in
the direction shown by the aurow, it will be seen that the end e¹ of the lever a¹
will be drawn in whilst the end of the lever b' is push-d out, causing frame A¹ B¹
to rock on its connecting joint with the apex of frame A B so that the points A
and A' approach nearer together, and the points B and B become further separated.
Similarly with the other frames up to A Be; the result being that each frame is
swung upwards (on the drawing) round the preceding frame. The second series
of frames A B to A2 B12, being cross-connected by coupling-rods G, (a' to bi
and b to a etc.) are at the same time swung in the reverse direction, with the
result that in the course of half a revolution of the shaft F, the frame A Bo has
travelled across from a position of maximum displacement on one side of the axis
to a similar position on the other side, the wave of the tail then being the reverse-
of that shown.
Fig. 3 shows another construction in which F is the driving-shaft, H the flexible
tail, and J a series of eccentrics on shaft F helically disposed round it, and giving
a wave motion to the tail by means of the eccentric rods or equivalent K, guided
by stationary supporting-rods R, W is a flexible covering. This arrangement
has not so much flexibility as that previously described, which we prefer.
The eccentrics may be arranged in groups, and these or the individual eccentrics
may be adjustable and the grouping may be variable to produce special effects
for reversing steering or for other purposes.
A rudder may if desired be carried upon the end of a flexible and sinuously

page_text: moved portion or tail according to this invention and operated independently
thereof.
The tail may be covered with any suitable flexible water-proof material, as shown
at W, for example indiarubber or proofed fabric.
This may be formed in rings-tapered or parallel-and these may be stitched,
rivetted, cemented or otherwise joined or socketted together, and if required rolled,
or folded over as shown at w in Fig. 7 of the accompanying drawings.
Inflexible material flexibly connected may be employed to farm a flexible casing
or lining for the purposes of this invention. In the construction shown in Fig. 8
the line of the fold wo of the casing is parallel with the length of the tail." The
folded construction indicated in this and the preceding Figure is very advantageous
inasmuch as it permits the movement of the joineil sections of the covering
relatively to each other, with but little frictional resistance, in the movement
of the "tail."
Or the water-proof material may be inside as a lining and may be retained against
the walls by compressed air; or the interior of the tail or vessel may be charged
with compressed oil or it may be jacketted internally, and the space between the
walls filled with compressed air or oil. The compressed air or oil may be used
without the lining.
In, Figs. 4 and 5 F is the driving shaft carrying a helically arranged series
of eccentrics J, as in Fig. 3, the rods from which, K are connected to
the inner ends of a series of levers, arms, or spines, L, pivotted through
bushes M on a fixed shaft N. The outer portions of the levers L are connected
to a continuous web or flexible diaphragm 0, thus forming a structure very similar
to the fin of a fish. As the shaft F revolves the levers L are consecutively rocked
er the shaft N by the eccentric-rods K so that an undulatory movement is im-
parted to the fin' whereby that beat is propelled in one direction or the other
according to the direction of rotation of the shaft F. The fixed shaft N may be
carried close along the side of the boat through which the levers L may pass,
the arrangement being conveniently made water-tight by forming the flexible
web of two thicknesses embracing the levers L and by attaching the inner edges
of this double web to the hull of the boat. This construction instead of being
in the hull proper might be in a tubular extension thereof.
its
In the modification illustrated in Fig. 9 the driving shaft F runs lengthwise
of the "tail" as in Figure 3, and has upon it a series of eccentrics J, each one
operatively connected to an articulated frame of bars, Pl 12 P3 P4.
Frames of this kind are arranged to surround the shaft F at intervals
in its length within the casing W, each one being connected as by
the rod K to a corresponding eccentric J
80 that the latter in
rotation with the shaft expands and contracts the frame, the expansion and
contraction of the several frames in the desired order producing a wavy motion
in the surfaces of the tail by the changes of its cross-sectional form at the different
frames. The bars 1 1 at their junction with each other and also the bars 13 P
may be journalled on or supported by rods R (seen in section in the drawing)
held stationary in positions parallel to the shaft F. At the opposite angles of each
frame the connection of these bars with each other or with the rods R may be
by pin-and-slot or equivalent connections if desired, and the bars may be coupled
to each other as by the linkage S to ensure the synchronous movement of opposite
sides of the frame.
Springs or spring connections may be introduced into the apparatus wherever
required, and are desirable where they can be used for the purpose of minimising
shocks or counteracting inertia or the too-great rigidity of the structure.
We do not confine ourselves to the details described or shown in the drawings,
but may employ numerous modifications or variations in form and arrangement
and in the nature of the gearing employed for transmitting power to the flexible
portion.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is:-
1. Propelling a boat or vessel by the sinuous movement of a flexible portion
after the manner of a fish's tail.
2. Trepelling a boat or vessel by means of a flexible portion to which a wavy
or sinuous motion is imparted causing it to act after the manner of a fish's tail.
3. Propelling a boat or vessel by means of a flexible portion have articulated
frames covered with an elastic or flexible skin, substantially as described or illus-
trated in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
4. Propelling a boat or vessel by means of a flexible portion operated by a series
of eccentrics or equivalent substantially as described or illustrated in Figure 3 of
the accompanying drawings.
5. Propelling a boat or vessel by means of a flexible vane or fin given an un-
dulatory movement by a series of pivotted arms substantially as described or illus-
trated in Figures 4, 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings.
6. Propelling a boat or vessel by means of a flexible portion operated by articu-
lated frames controlled by eccentrics or equivalent substantially as described
or illustrated in Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings.
7. In the propulsion of a boat or vessel by means of a flexible portion imparting
the sinuous movement thereto by a series of cranks, eccentrics, or equivalent sub-
stantially as described.
8. A boat or vessel having flexible fins projecting from it to which are imparted
the necessary waves or wave movements substantially as and for the purpose
described.
9. The combination with a boat or vessel of a tubular extension from which
project one or more flexible fins or vanes to which are imparted waves or wave
movements substantially as described for the purpose of propelling the vessel.
10. Propelling a boat or vessel by flexible fins or extensions 90 operated by
machinery contained in the vessel or extension thereof as to impart thereto a
succession of waves or wave movements in the required direction.
11. As a means of imparting the necessary movements to the flexible propellers
of a boat or vessel the combination of a main driving shaft and eccentrics or
equivalent. thereon and a series of spines or levers operated by or from the
eccentrics or equivalent substantially as described.
12. The combination with a flexible portion of a boat or vessel of a shaft extend-
ing approximately throughout the flexible portion and provided with eccentrics
and rods for the purpose of imparting to the flexible portion the waves or wave
movements substantially as described.
13. In a boat or vessel having a flexible portion preventing the entrance of water
by excess of pressure inside the said flexible portion.
14. In a boat or vessel having a flexible portion composed of inflexible material
flexibly connected lining such portion with flexible material and pressing the said
lining against the joints so to prevent the entrance of water by excess pressure
inside.
15. In a boat or vessel having a flexible portion preventing the entrance of water
through the joints by a double skin or lining and fluid pressure between the two
skins substantially as described.
16. In a boat or vessel having a flexible portion filling the said flexible portion
with oil for the purpose described.
17. In a boat or vessel having a flexible portion and rods or "sinews" to work
them the combination with said rods or "sinews" of springs or resilient con-
nections for the purpose of preventing too great rigidity.
18. Steering a boat or vessel by varying the sinuous movements of a flexible
portion thereof:

page_text: 19. Steering a boat or vessel by means of a rudder carried and independently
operated upon the end of a flexible and sinuously moved portion or tail.
20. A flexible skin covering or lining for a boat or vessel composed of a series
of rings or sections of flexible material jointed together in the manner described
and illustrated in Figure 7 or Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 15th day of June 1897.
MONTAGUE HERBERT CHURCHILL SHANN,
RICHARD ERNEST CHUROHILL SHANN,
Boult & Wade,
Agents for the Applicants.
MONTAGUE HERBERT CHURCHILL SHANN,
RICHARD ERNEST CHUROHILL SHANN,
Boult & Wade,
Agents for the Applicants.