Improvements in Torpedoes and in Apparatus Connected therewith for Overcoming the Netting Defences of War Ships, which Improvements is Applicable to the Steering of Vessels atooning Coor
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Aug., 1887
Complete Left, 3rd May, 1888
Complete Accepted. 8th June, 1888
Improvements in Torpedoes and in Apparatus Connected therewith
for Overcoming the Netting Defences of War Ships, Part of
which Improvements is Applicable to the Steering of Vessels
atooning Coor
We, JAMES O'KELLY of 65 Bessborough Street in the County of Middlesex,
Journalist and Member of Parliament and BERNARD AMBROSE COLLINS of 26 Machell
Road, Nunhead, in the County of Surrey, Meteorologist, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
Our improvements in torpedoes and in apparatus connected therewith relate firstly
to means whereby torpedoes are rendered self steering in any previously determined
direction and whereby they are prevented from rotating around their own axis and
secondly to means whereby in the event of torpedoes encountering netting defences
they shall be capable of overcoming such defences and effectually explode in contact
with the vessel's hull.
In carrying out the first part of our invention we use by preference a fish shaped
torpedo divided into air tight compartments as usual for containing the explosive
charge, the propelling charge and the engine in addition to which we according to
our invention provide the torpedo with another air tight compartment in which we
place automatic steering gear. In the construction of such steering gear we employ
a compass, storage or other batteries, electrical contacts, electro magnets and armature
levers operating on the rudder by suitable gearing and connections to ensure the
travel of the torpedo in the direction previously determined upon. The following
is a description of one construction of apparatus capable of carrying this part of
our invention into effect.
A card compass, such as is used on board vessels for navigating purposes is placed

page_text: near the upper covering of the torpedo and is covered by a glass plate inserted into
such covering so that the compass can be seen without taking any of the torpedo shell
apart.
Upon the card of the said compass is placed a light circle of vulcanite or other
non-conducting substance having two perpendicular metallic pins preferably silver
or copper the distance of about one half point or 5 degrees (on the compass) apart.
This circle is adjustable to any portion of the compass, that is the two vertical pins
may be brought to any portion of it, by a thumb screw or other connection acted
upon from the surface of the torpedo a spiral spring acting as a detacher of the
thumb screw or other connection from the compass when pressure on the same is
relieved.
On a line exactly between the nose and stern or tail of the torpedo we place a thin
bar of vulcanite or other non-conducting substance having on both sides two copper
or silver wires perfectly insulated from one another. This bar is perfectly rigid and
is exactly parallel with and vertically over the axis of the torpedo.
The wires on each side are conducted as follows:-One of those on the port side
leads to and is connected with one pole of a battery of sufficient power, while the
other passes to an electro magnet and thence to the other pole of the battery. On
the starboard side the same disposition of the wires is made in connection with
another battery.
In a suitable place in the centre of the chamber we place a horizontal wheel.
This wheel is provided with teeth on its upper surface and with a groove around
its periphery to hold either a chain or wire line wound around it. This line passes
either alongside or through borings in an outer tube which covers the propeller
shaft and is conducted to the stern where, set in the said outer tube, is another
horizontal wheel around which it passes. This second wheel is securely fixed to the
upper end of the rudder column so that when it moves, the rudder will also move
in the same direction.
The rudder column so fixed to the wheel is hinged to the back portion of the keel
hereinafter described and bears the rudder. The line passing over the two wheels is
employed to convey any motion of the wheel in the chamber to the one at the tail and
therefore to the rudder itself.
Immediately above the horizontal wheel in the chamber, the propeller shaft is cut
into the form of or provided with a worm or screw.
Over the said shaft two rods are hinged so as to be brought close to or drawn
from it as will be hereafter described. These two rods have outer tubes capable of
revolving freely upon them, and fixed to each tube are two wheels-one opposite
the worm or screw on the propeller shaft and the other opposite the teeth on the
first mentioned horizontal wheel. These rods and wheels are kept away from the
horizontal wheel and the worm or screw on the propeller shaft by spiral or other
springs and can only come in contact with them when the torpedo gets off its course
as will be described.
The electro magnets connected with the batteries through the wires leading from
the central bar are so placed that they act upon soft iron blocks placed on the ends of
the rods or bars holding the wheels gearing with the propeller screw and with the
horizontal wheel. It is therefore apparent that if the vertical pins on the vulcanite
ring of the compass card are placed so as to have the "North North East" point for
instance exactly between them the torpedo cannot leave that course for the following
reasons: If it moves in a northerly direction the two wires on the starboard side of
the central bar come in contact with the pin on the compass card and the circuit is
closed. This will cause the battery on the starboard side to charge the electro magnet
so as to make it attract its coacting soft iron block on the end of one of the rods.
This attraction brings the two wheels of said rod or bar in contact with the worm or
screw on the propeller shaft and with the teeth on the horizontal wheel respectively,
with the result that motion will be transferred from the propeller shaft to the
horizontal wheel and the latter will rotate until the rudder changes the course.
soon as contact ceases the spiral or other spring will draw off the bar and the rudder
As

page_text: will then return to its normal position perfectly in a line with the axis of the torpedo
in which position it will have no effect on the course. In the same way the port
magnet and battery will act when the contact is made on the other side of the central
bar. This mechanism we also claim for use on all forms of vessels as well as on the
torpedo. In the case of steam-ships and sailing vessels the steam steering gear is
operated in the manner above described.
In order to prevent the turning over or rotation of the torpedo around its axis we
fix thereto a keel running preferably from the nose to the tail, but being almost flush
with the bottom of the torpedo at its greatest diameter.
In carrying the second part of our invention into effect we provide the torpedo
with apparatus which is capable of becoming attached to the netting defences of a war
ship and of directing the torpedo underneath such notting and controlling it until it
strikes against the vessel's hull and explodes.
One mode in which this second part of our invention may be carried into effect is
as follows.
We use a pole or tube of steel or other suitable substance, preferably about one inch
in diameter and of such length as will suit the torpedo upon which it is placed. This
pole is fixed to the torpedo in either of two ways. One by being locked in a fulcrum
on the back amidship and the other by being caught on trunnions placed on the side
of the torpedo also amidship.
In either case the pole will remain secured to the torpedo as long as the pole and
the torpedo are parallel with each other and when they form any angle greater than
thirty six degrees or other given angle, the trunnions which are oval shaped will
pass through slots formed in the fulcrum thereby disengaging the torpedo from the
pole completely except that it is connected thereto by a line as hereinafter described.
The pole may also be placed on the bottom of the torpedo and may also be formed
of two or more sections connected together by "rule" joints so as to obtain any
required direction at the moment of striking the netting.
To the pole we secure one or more strong springs in such a manner that when the
pole and torpedo are parallel with each other the spring or springs are compressed
between the pole and the back of the torpedo; but when the springs are free to act
they will assume an angle of about ninety degrees or other required angle.
The pole and torpedo are held together in the following manner :-On the pole
about two feet behind the nose of the torpedo when it is in position we secure a knife
edge plate. This plate extends down so as to touch the head of the torpedo when the
springs are compressed as before described. To the knife edge plate mentioned is
hinged a bar of steel or trigger the lower end of which forms a latch that catches
under a slight projection on the head of the torpedo. The upper end of said bar or
trigger is forked so as to pass on either side of the pole.
The knife edge plate is so shaped that the trigger when pressed from the front on
the forked end will completely disengage itself from the torpedo's head and thus allow
the compressed springs to act.
The trigger when in position, that is when holding the torpedo and pole together
with the springs compressed between, is held so by a small spring placed between it
and the knife edge plate so that no force other than that to be described can cause the
latch to loose its grip on the torpedo's head.
In front of the forked portion of the trigger an outer tubing is placed on the pole.
This outer tube moves freely, within certain limits backwards on the pole upon force
being applied from the front. It is held in position, its end being about two inches
from the trigger fork by a small spiral spring which is secured to the inner pole,
so that the force exerted must be sufficient to compress the spring before the outer
tube can move back to the fork of the trigger.
The front end of the outer tube is fitted with a knife edge of sufficient length to
prevent its passage through the links of the nettings used for the defence of war
ships.
The point of the pole is in the form of a harpoon head having two or more ears
that lie back while the head is passing through the net links and spring open again

page_text: as soon as it has passed clear through. This prevents the pole from disengaging
itself from the netting once it strikes.
To the pole preferably at the knife edge plate to which the trigger is hinged, the
end of a strong wire or hemp line is secured. This line is preferably about thirty five
feet long but may be of other convenient length and is either wound on a reel placed
within the chamber holding the exploding charged or is coiled on the head of the
torpedo and held in position by the knife edge plate pressing upon it. The action of
this line will be described further on.
Immediately over the firing pin at the nose of the torpedo we place one or more
springs so arranged that when pressure is exerted from any direction other than that
from the front the spring or springs will resist so as to prevent the charge from being
exploded, but when the torpedo strikes "head on " the spring or springs will offer no
resistance and the firing pin will be driven back.
The firing pin above referred to consists of a rod of steel which is enclosed in a tube
that leads to the centre of the charge from the nose. At its back end is secured a
small casing of glass containing fulminate of mercury or any other substance that will
explode on concussion. The forward end of the steel rod projects about two inches
or double the distance between the fulminate casing and a steel block upon which
it strikes when driven back and the head is formed into a button shape of about one
inch in diameter.
The steel rod referred to is held in position that is, with its rear end about one inch
from the exploding block, by a spiral spring which winds around it and between it
and the tube through which it passes.
Torpedoes constructed according to our invention are intended to act as follows:-
The pole having the spring or springs attached is locked at the centre of the
torpedo in the manner described. It is then pressed forward so to compress the
springs and bring the harpoon head immediately in front of the nose of the torpedo.
The trigger or latch is then caught under the projection on the head of the torpedo
and the mechanism is then ready to act.
The direction of the objective vessel is obtained from a compass at the back of the
discharging apparatus and the same is set on the torpedo compass by moving round
the insulated circle so as to bring the compass direction exactly between the two
vertical pins. The bar is then let down and the torpedo is discharged.
It will be seen that even if the torpedo was fired at right angles with the proper
direction the rudder will be acted upon so as to bring it back to the course set and
there keep it.
The act of launching sets the machinery in motion as is well known by opening the
throttle valve leading from the compressed air chamber to the cylinders and the
torpedo moves away on the course set.
When the netting around the war vessel is reached the harpoon head passes through
the links and cannot reloase itself again owing to the ears which spring open as before
described.
After the harpoon head passes through, the links of the netting come in contact
with the knife edge projection on the outer tube with the result that the tube is driven
back against the forked portion of the trigger. The trigger is therefore, forced out
of its vertical position and its lower end is disengaged from the head of the torpedo.
Once released the springs begin to act, and as the torpedo cannot move forward its
head is depressed until it reaches the angle of thirty six degrees or other fixed angle
with the pole. The oval trunnions then slip through the slots in the fulcrum and the
torpedo dives clear of the pole.
As the torpedo dives, the line secured to its head and to the knife edge plate on the
pole, pays out until the thirty five feet or other length is reached. Then the direction
of the torpedo's movement is changed and it has to describe a circle, of which the
thirty fivo foot line is the radius. Hence no matter at what angle the netting is
struck by the torpedo, that angle will be followed by it in describing the circle
mentioned and it cannot fail to bring the torpedo in contact with the hull of the
vessel,

page_text: If the nose of the torpedo strikes the netting while diving the spring or springs
protect the firing pin, but when the torpedo strikes the hull head on, the charge
cannot fail to explode.
When using the pole having rule joints, we obtain either an upward or a downward
direction with or without the springs, the first direction for clearing the netting booms
on the surface and the downward direction to accomplish the work in the same
manner as with the springs.

page_text: Improvements in Torpedoes and in Apparatus Connected therewith
for Overcoming the Netting Defences of War Ships, Part of
which Improvements is Applicable to the Steering of Vessels
Provided with Steam Steering Gear.
We, JAMES O'KELLY of 65 Bessborough Street, in the County of Middlesex,
Journalist and Member of Parliament and BERNARD AMBROSE COLLINS of 26 Machell
Road, Nunhead, in the County of Surrey, Meteorologist, 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:-
Our improvements in torpedoes and in apparatus connected therewith relate,
firstly, to means whereby torpedoes are rendered self-steering in any previously
determined direction, and whereby they are prevented from rotating around their
own axis.
Secondly, the invention relates to means, whereby in the event of torpedoes
encountering netting defences, they shall be capable of overcoming such defences and
effectually explode in contact with the vessel's hull.
The invention relates, thirdly, to means for protecting the firing pin of a torpedo
from the effect of pressure in other directions than "head on," and
The invention relates, Fourthly, to the application of our improved self steering
apparatus to steam and other vessels.
In carrying out the first part of our invention we use, by preference, a fish shaped
torpedo, divided into air tight compartments as usual for containing the explosive
charge, the propelling charge, and the engine, in addition to which we, according to
our invention, provide the torpedo with another air tight compartiment in which we
place automatic steering gear. In the construction of such steering gear we employ
a compass, storage or other batteries, electrical contacts, electro magnets and armature
levers operating upon the rudder by suitable gearing and connections to ensure the
travel of the torpedo in the direction previously determined upon.
And in order that our invention may be clearly understood and readily carried
into effect we will proceed aided by the accompanying drawings fully to describe
the same.
Figure 1 divided (into two parts) represents a longitudinal vertical section of a
torpedo showing our invention applied thereto.
Figures 2 and 3 represent respectively portions of an enlarged longitudinal vertical
section and a cross section of the steering gear shown in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical section of the compass mechanism
shown at Figure 1.

page_text: igure is an enlarged plan of parts of the compass and steering mechanism.
Figures 6 are an enlarged vertical cross section and a plan of part of the compass
mechanism.
Figure 7 is a plan of the compass.
Figure 8 is a diagram representing a torpedo, such as that shown at Figure 1, in
contact with the netting defences of a ship and showing the way in which it dives
underneath such defences and attacks the bottom of the ship.
Figure 9 represents a modification in the form and position of the connecting parts
of the radius pole of the torpedo.
Figures 10 represent a modification in the construction and position of the radius
pole of the torpedo.
Figure 11 is a diagram representing the action of the torpedo shown at Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a plan and Figure 13 is a cross section showing the application of
our steering means to ships and other vessels.
In all the figures like parts are indicated by similar letters of reference.
In carrying the first part of our invention into effect we place in one of the com-
partments or chambers of the torpedo, preferably the centre one A, a card compass a,
such as is used on board vessels for navigating purposes, near the upper covering of
the torpedo where it is covered by a glass plate A inserted into such covering so that
the compass can be seen without taking any of the torpedo shell apart.
Upon the card a¹ of the said compass a is placed a light circle a² of vulcanite or
other non-conducting substance having two perpendicular metallic pins a³, a³,
preferably of silver or copper, the distance of about 2 degrees (on the compass)
apart.
The circle a² is adjustable to any portion of the compass, that is, the two vertical
pins a³, a, may be brought to any portion of it in the following manner.
The circle a has formed on its inner edge a circle of teeth which are capable of
gearing with a tootlied pinion a' on the lower end of a spindle a when the said pinion
is depressed by acting upon the knob a fixed thereto. The toothed pinion a³ is
normally kept raised out of gear with the teeth of the circle a² by means of a spiral
spring a.
On a line exactly between the nose and stern or tail of the torpedo we place a thin
bar or arm of vulcanite or other non-conducting substance having on both sides two
copper or silver wires 62, 63, perfectly insulated from one another, but the two on
either side being capable of being electrically connected. This bar is perfectly
rigid and is exactly parallel with, and vertically over, the axis of the torpedo whilst
it is hinged at 6' to a fixed stud & outside the compass card but so as to project over
the edge of the latter and between the vertical pins a³, a³.
We also connect to such bar or arm b, a link 67, with its head 68 exterior of the
torpedo case, and we employ a stop lever aº, one arm of which extends underneath
the compass card, whilst the other arm is provided with a pin or stud a¹, which passes
through the torpedo case, and said arm is acted upon by a spring all, to keep it
normally in the position shown in the drawing. This lever a is pivotted at a¹², and
is employed to prevent rotation of the compass card at the times when the circle a² is
being rotated by the toothed pinion a. Spring clutch stops a¹³ are mounted on the
compass card a, which are provided with catches a", taking between teeth on the
periphery of the circle a², so that on the stop lever a being raised the catches a
are lifted clear of the circle a², thus allowing it to be rotated for setting the same in
relation to the compass card al, and on the stop lever a being returned to its normal
position the compass card a' and circle a² are clutched together, so that by operating
the pinion a the compass card a¹ can be rotated and the pins a³, a' be placed under-
neath, and on each side of, the arm b. Guide pieces a are fixed to the compass
card a to guide the circle a in its motion.
When it is desired to adjust the steering apparatus so as to steer the torpedo in any
given direction, the outer arm of the lever a is depressed by the stud a1° so as to hold
the compass card a' from rotation, the arm or hand b is raised, as shown by the dotted
lines in figure 4, so as to be clear of the pins a³, at, and the toothed pinion a³ is

page_text: pressed down into gear with the teeth of the circle a², and rotated until the pins a³, a²,
on such circle are brought to the position required, in relation to the points on the
compass card a. The stop lever a is then allowed to resume the position shown in
Figure 4, so as to allow the compass card a¹ to be again locked with the ring a², and
to be rotated by the pinion a³ until the space between the pins a³, a¹ comes into a line
with the central line of the torpedo, the arm or hand b is then allowed to fall between
such pins a³, a', after which the torpedo is ready to be sent on its course.
The two sets of wires on either side of the bar or arm are called the "port" and
"starboard" wires respectively and are carried to the stern chamber B where they
are conducted as follows. One of the "port" wires 63 leads to, and is connected with,
one pole of a storage or chemical battery c of sufficient power, while the other passes
to one pole of an electro magnet d. The other pole of the battery e is connected with
the opposite pole of the electro magnet d by a wire c¹; this is on the port " side.
The other wires 62 are similarly connected with another battery c* and electro
magnet d* on the "starboard" side.
"
The arm or bar b is placed between the two vertical pins a³, a¹. It is evident that
if the arm or bar 6 points towards the magnetic north, the pins a³, a*, will be equi-
distant from it, as they are each one degree from the north point of the compass. On
the other hand if the torpedo, and consequently the arm or bar b, is turned toward,
say, the N.N.E., when between the two vertical pins a³, a, the effort of the compass a
to regain its normal position, that is, with its north point pointing towards the
magnetic north, will cause the pin a³, on the right or eastern side, to press against
the side of the arm or bar b, so that the two contact wires 2 on that side will be
electrically connected by the said pin a pressing against them. In like manner if
the torpedo, and consequently the arun or bar b, be turned so as to point toward
the N.N.W., the pin a¹ on the left or western side will press against the two wires 63
on the left side of the arm or bar b. It is therefore apparent that if the arm or bar b
be pointed to any direction between north and south, on the eastern semi-circle, the
vertical pin a³ will come in contact with the wires 62 on the right side of the arm or
bar b, and when directed to any point on the western semi-circle, the vertical pin a
will come in contact with the two wires 3 on the left side.
In a suitable place in the centre of the chamber B we place a horizontal wheel e
which is mounted loosely upon a vertical stud bearing so that it can revolve freely
horizontally. This wheel e is provided with bevelled teeth on the upper surface of
its periphery and with a groove around the latter to hold either a chain or wire
line wound around it. This line passes underneath the outer shield or tube g
which covers the propeller shaft hand is conducted to the stern where it passes
around another horizontal wheel which is securely fixed to the upper end of the
rudder column j¹, so that when it moves the rudder ; will also move in the same
direction.
The rudder column is hinged to the back portion of the keel k hereinafter
described and bears the rudder j. The line f passing over the two horizontal
wheels e, i, is employed to convey any motion of the wheel e in the chamber B to the
wheel at the tail and therefore to the rudder itself.
Immediately above the horizontal wheel e in the chamber B, the propeller shaft h
is cut into the form of, or is provided with, a worm or screw h¹.
Over the said shaft h, above the worm or screw h¹ (see Figures 1, 2 and 3), we
hinge two rods or arms 1, 1*, to a support 11, so that they form an angle with each
other, and can be brought close to, or drawn from, the propeller shaft has will be
hereafter described.
These two rods 1, 1*, are fitted with outer tubes 12, which are capable of revolving
freely thereon, and fixed to each tube 12 are two wheels 1³, 1, one (1³) opposite the
worm or screw and the other (14) opposite the teeth on the horizontal wheel e.
These rods 1, *, and wheels 13, 14, are kept away from the horizontal wheel e and the
worm or screw by spiral or other springs and can only come in contact with
them when the torpedo gets off its course as will be described.
The electro magnets d, d*, are so placed that they act upon soft iron blocks 1

page_text: placed on the ends of the rods or bars 1, 1*. It is therefore apparent that if the
vertical pins a³, a', on the vulcanite ring a² of the compass card are placed so as to
have the "North North East" point, for instance, exactly between them, the torpedo
cannot leave that course for the following reasons.
"2
If it moves in a northerly direction, the two wires 62 on the "starboard side of
the bar or arm b come in contact with the pin a³ on the ring a² carried by the compass
card a¹ and the circuit is closed. This will cause the battery c* on the "starboard"
side to charge the electro magnet d* so as to make it attract the coacting soft iron
block 16 on the end of the rod *. This attraction brings the two wheels 13 1* of said
rod or bar in contact with the worn or screw on the propeller shaft h and with
the teeth on the horizontal wheel e, respectively, with the result that motion will be
transferred from the propeller shaft to the horizontal wheel e and the latter will rotate
until the rudder changes the course. As soon as contact ceases, and the current
therefore broken, the spiral or other spring will draw off the bar or rod * from
the electro-magnet d* and the rudder will then return to its normal position perfectly
in a line with the axis of the torpedo, in which position it will have no effect on the
course. In the same way the "port" magnet d and battery c will act when the contact
is made on the other side of the central bar or arm b.
In order to prevent the turning over or rotation of the torpedo around its own axis
we fix thereto a keel k running preferably from the nose to the tail, but being almost
flush with the bottom of the torpedo at its greatest diameter.
We will now describe the second and third parts of our invention, which are
represented at figures 1 and 8 to 11.
The following is a description of the apparatus represented at Figures 1 and
8 to 11.
We use a pole or tube m of steel or other suitable material, preferably about one
inch in diameter, and of such a length as will suit the torpedo upon which it is placed,
so that the lance bead m¹ of the pole or tube m shall project a suitable distance from
the nose of the torpedo for the purpose hereinafter explained.
The pole or tube m is fixed to the torpedo in either of two ways. One, as represented
at Figure 1, by fitting the rear end of the pole m with oval or flat shaped trunnions m²,
which are fixed at an angle in relation thereto, and lock in fulcra or lugs n fixed on
the back amidship of the torpedo such lugs or fulcra n being formed with openings n¹
through which the trunnions m² pass, either for connecting or disconnecting the pole m
with the torpedo. The other method of connecting the pole m with the torpedo is
represented at Figure 9, in which case the rear end of the pole m is forked and fitted
with hooks m³ to fit on to oval or flat shaped trunnions n² fixed on the sides of the
torpedo, also amidship.
In either case the pole m will remain secured to the torpedo as long as the pole and
the torpedo remain parallel with each other, and when they form any angle greater
than 36 degrees or other given angle the trunnions m² or n² will pass through the
openings in the fulcra or lugs n or in the hooks m³, thereby completely disengaging
the torpedo from the pole m except that it is connected thereto by a line o as
hereinafter described.
The pole m with lance head m¹ may also, as shown at figures 10 and 11, be attached
to the bottom of the torpedo in a similar manner to that described above with respect
to the top, in which case it is formed of two or more sections connected together by
"rule" joints m³, so as to obtain any required direction at the moment of striking the
netting.
The rule joint m' is, when in the position shown at figures 10, held rigid by the
tube me extending over the same, but when the torpedo strikes the netting the tube m
is driven back against the tube me so as to free the joint m*.
The adjacent ends of said tubes are formed as shown in the enlarged view at figures 10,
and a stop m' is provided to limit backward motion of tube m*.
To the pole, as shown at figures 1 and 9, we secure one or more strong springs p in
such a manner that when the pole and torpedo are parallel with each other the spring
or springs p are compressed between the pole and the back of the torpedo, but when
B

page_text: the spring or springs are free to act they will assume an angle of about ninety
degrees or other required angle.
The pole m and torpedo are held together in the following manner; On the pole m
about two feet, more or less, behind the nose of the torpedo when it is in position
thereon, we secure a knife edge plate ms. This plate m extends downward so as to
touch the head of the torpedo when the springs are compressed as before described.
To the knife edge plate m is hinged a steel bar or trigger m³, the lower end of which
forms a latch that catches under a slight projection mo on the head of the torpedo.
The upper end of said bar or trigger m' is forked so as to pass on either side of the
pole m.
The knife edge plate m³ is so shaped that the trigger m³ when pressed from the front
on the forked end will completely disengage itself from the torpedo's head, and thus
allow the compressed spring or springs p to act.
The trigger m³ when in position, that is, when holding the torpedo and pole m
together with the spring or springs compressed between them, is held so by a small
spring placed between it and the knife edge plate m³, so that no force other
than that to be described can cause the latch or trigger m³ to loose its grip on the
torpedo's head.
In front of the forked portion of the trigger m³ an outer tubing m¹ is placed on the
pole m. This outer tube m12 moves freely within certain limits backwards on the pole m
upon force being applied from the front. It is held in position with its rear end about
two inches from the trigger fork m² by a small spring m¹³, which is secured to the
inner pole m, so that the force exerted must be sufficient to compress the spring mla
before the outer tube m¹² can move back to the fork of the trigger m³.
The front end of the outer tubing m12 is fitted with a knife edge plate m¹ of
sufficient length to prevent its passage through the links of the nettings used for the
defence of war ships.
The lance point m' of the pole m is in the form of a harpoon head, having two or
more ears that lie back while the head is passing through the net links and spring
open again as soon as it has passed clear through. This prevents the pole m from
disengaging itself from the netting when it has once struck.
To the pole m, preferably at the knife edge plate m³, to which the trigger m³ is
hinged, the end of a strong wire or hemp line o is secured. This line is preferably
about 35 feet long, but may be of other convenient length, and it is wound on a reel
placed within a chamber Cnext that (g) holding the exploding charge as shown, or it
may be coiled on the head of the torpedo and held in position by the knife edge
plate m pressing upon it. The action of this line will be described further on.
According to the third part of our invention immediately over or around the firing
pin r, at the nose of the torpedo, we place one or more springs s, the back end or ends
of which are not attached to the torpedo, so that when pressure is exerted on the head
of the torpedo from any direction other than that from the front, the spring or springs s
will resist so as to prevent the charge from being exploded; but when the torpedo
strikes "head on' the spring or springs s will offer no material resistance, and the
firing pin will be driven back.
"
The firing pin 7 above referred to consists of a rod of steel, which is enclosed in a
tube that leads to the centre of the charge from the nose of the torpedo. At its rear
end is secureil a small casing of glass, containing fulminate of mercury or any other
substance that will explode on concussion.
The forward end of the steel rod » projects about two inches, or double the distance
between the fulminate casing 72 and a steel block q', upon which it strikes when
driven back, and the head is formed into a button shape of about one inch in
diameter.
The steel rod or firing pin is held in position, that is, with its rear end about one
inch from the exploding block q', by a spiral spring 3, which winds around it and
between it and the tube through which it passes.
Torpedoes constructed as shown at Figure 1 are intended to act as follows:-
The pole m
having the spring or springs p attached is locked at the centre of the

page_text: torpedo in the manner described and shown.
It is then pressed forward so as to com-
press the spring or springs p and bring the harpoon head m¹ immediately in front
of the nose of the torpedo. The trigger or latch m' is then caught under the
projection m10 and the mechanism is then ready to act.
The direction of the objective vessel is obtained from a compass at the back of the
discharging apparatus and the same is set on the torpedo compass by moving
the insulated circle a² in the manner hereinbefore described so as to bring the compass
direction exactly between the two vertical pins a³, at. The bar or arm is then let
down between the pins a³, a, and the torpedo discharged. It will be seen that even
if the torpedo were launched at right angles with the proper direction, the rudder will
be acted upon so as to bring it back to the course set and there keep it.
The act of launching sets the machinery in motion as is well known by opening the
throttle valve leading from the compressed air chamber C' to the cylinders and the
torpedo moves away on the course set.
When the netting around the war vessel is reached the harpoon head m³ passes through
the links, and cannot release itself again owing to the ears, which spring open as before
described.
The
After the harpoon head m¹ passes through, the links of the netting come in contact
with the knife edge plate m14 on the front of the outer tubing m2 with the result that
the said tube is driven back against the forked portion of the trigger m³.
trigger therefore forced out of its vertical position, and its lower end is disengaged
from the head of the torpedo. When the pole m is released from the torpedo the
spring or springs p begin to act, and as the torpedo cannot move forward its head is
depressed by such spring or springs until it reaches the angle of thirty-six degrees or
other fixed angle with the pole m.
The oval trunnions then slip through the slots in the fulcrum or hooks, thereby
releasing the torpedo from the pole m and the torpedo then dives clear of the
pole m.
As the torpedo dives the line o pays out until the thirty five feet or other length is
reached. Then the direction of the torpedo's movement is changed and it has to
describe a circle of which the thirty five foot line is the radius. Hence, no matter at
what angle the netting is struck by the torpedo, that angle will be followed by it
describing the circle mentioned, and it cannot fail to bring the torpedo in contact with
the hull of the vessel.
If the nose of the torpedo strikes the netting while diving, the spring or springs s
will protect the firing pin r, but when the torpedo strikes the hull of the vessel "head
on "the charge cannot fail to explode.
When using the pole m having "rule joints" m², as represented at Figures 10
and 11, we obtain an upward direction with or without the use of springs p for the
purpose of clearing the netting booms on the surface of the water; but, supposing a
pole m with "rule joints" is attached to the top of the torpedo in the position shown
at figure 1, we obtain a downward direction of the torpedo and accomplish the work
in the same manner as described with respect to figure 1.
In the modification represented at figure 9 we form the outer tube m¹ long enough
to enclose the harpoon head m¹ of the pole m, and we give it a longer traverse, so that
in the event of the torpedo striking the side of a vessel without previously attaching
itself to the netting defences, the outer tubing m12 shall be driven back, and the latch m
operated to release the pole m in a similar manner to that described with respect to the
arrangement shown at figure 1.
We will now describe the fourth part of our invention.
We employ the compass card and fittings described with respect to Figures 1, 4, 5,
6 and 7, in combination with the steering gear as shown at Figures 12 and 13, which
latter apparatus is similar to that shown at Figures 2 and 3, except that the shaft h
carrying the worm or screw h¹ is driven by steam power, and instead of passing the
tiller cord around a groove on the horizontal wheel e, it is passed round a thick post
or shaft el carrying such horizontal wheel e and thence around guide pulleys to a
wheel on the head of the rudder post.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is
1. In a torpedo, the combination of steering mechanism, of a keel for preventing
the rotation thereof, and of mechanism for enabling it to overcome the netting defences
of a war ship all constructed and arranged substantially as herein shown and
described.
2. In the steering mechanism of ships and torpedoes, the combination of a compass
card a', non-conducting toothed circle a², pinion a³, lever a³, vertical pins a³, a*,
hinged bar or arm b, link 7, wires 62, 63, batteries c, c*, electro magnets d, d*,
arms 1, 1*, shafts 12, wheels 13, 14, power worm or screw, horizontal wheel e,
chain, cord or wire and rudder wheel i, substantially as herein shown and
described.
3. A torpedo provided with means for enabling it to attach itself to, or make use
of, the netting defences of a war ship, and to be directed underneath such netting or
over the boom, and controlled in its motion so as to strike upwards against the vessel's
bottom, or over the boom against the vessel's side, substantially as herein shown and
described.
4. The combination with a torpedo of a detachable pole m, attaching harpoon head m³,
radius cordo and parts connected therewith constructed and operating in manner
substantially as herein shown and described and for the purpose stated.
5. The combination with a torpedo, of a detachable pole m, harpoon head m¹, outer
tube m2, latch m³, line o, spring or springs p and protecting springs s substantially as
herein shown and described and for the purpose stated.
6. The combination with a torpedo, of a keel & substantially as herein shown and
described and for the purpose stated.
JAMES O'KELLY.
BERNARD A. COLLINS.
By Harris & Mills,
23, Southampton Buildings,
Agents.