Year: 1899

page_text: I; JOHN ALSTINE SECOR, Engineer, of 1177, Dean Street, Borough of Brooklyn,
City and State of New York, United States of America, 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 improvements in means for marine propulsion and
comprehends a motive power derived from the force of explosive gases acting
upon and expelling a body of water from a submerged conduit placed fore and
aft the vessel.
The accompanying drawings illustrate an apparatus embodying the invention
in duplicate organization and also in relative arrangement in series, in which
Figure 1, is a side elevation.
Figure 2, a vertical sectional view, on line x, x, Fig. 5.
Figure 3, a detached sectional view of a piston and connections.
Figure 4, a plan view.
Figure 5, an end elevation.
Figure 6, represents a craft containing a series of the apparatus.
Figure 7, is a rear view of the hull showing an end view of the submerged
conduits.
:
Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 are sectional views illustrating the method
of operation of the cycle of movement of the parts involved in a double stroke
of the piston and interval of explosive action.
Figures 14 and 15 represent enlarged sectional views of the clutch mechanism.
1, 1, represents a pair of explosion cylinders with compressing reciprocating
pistons 2, 2.
The cylinders are closed at one end and open at the opposite end, the pistons
being operated from the open end of the cylinders, in manner similar to a single
acting or trunk engine, as shown in Figure 2.
In Figures 4 and 5 the two cylinders are shown arranged side by side, on the
same horizontal plane, but may be arranged in a different order and in greater
or less number, if required.
3, 3, are water conduits or pipes placed fore and aft the vessel below the
water line and in submerged communication at their opposite ends with the
water in which the vessel floats, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.
The respective conduits communicate intermediately and independently each
with its own explosive cylinder and project fore and aft from the connected
passages therewith; the length and diameter and consequent capacity of the
conduits being commensurate with the size of the explosion cylinders and the
volume of the exploding gas.
In the use of two explosion cylinders, as herein represented, two separate and
independent water conduits are used; the explosive action in the respective
cylinders being regulated to act so as to expel the water in the respective con-

page_text: duits alternately. It will, however, be obvious that an increase in the number
of explosion cylinders, with a corresponding number of conduits acting alter-
nately, or a concentration of the conduits into a less number, or into simul-
taneous action, is a mere matter of computation.
The following enumerated elements, uz the explosion cylinder, the compress-
ing piston therein and the water conduit, constitute the main parts of the inven-
tion; such essential adjuncts as the valve devices, the igniting devices and the
operating mechanism being capable of variation and substitution by equivalent
means in practically carrying out the method of operation referred to.
The apparatus is shown, as in Fig. 6, located near the stern of the vessel and
in series as illustrative of a duplication of the power, the supply tank 4, being
placed near the bow.
:
It will be understood that a small motor 5 is used of sufficient power to move
the parts and produce the necessary degree of compression of the gas in the
cylinder; the motor being fixed at any convenient position on the frame work
of the apparatus and capable of engagement or disconnection with the operative
parts, by means of a clutch device 6, or other suitable means.
In describing the details of the operating mechanism, I will first: indicate the
cycle of movement of the reciprocating piston 2, and then follow the .connected
operative mechanism, as illustrated in Figs. 8 to 13 inclusive, in sequence
corresponding to such cycle of movement and by which a clear understanding
of the operation will be obtained.
Considering the position of the piston at the forward or closed end of the
cylinder, its first movement is continuous to the end of its outward stroke, and
during this movement the explosive gas or constituents are drawn into the
cylinder following the wake of the receding piston. The cylinder is now filled
with the explosive gas at atmospheric pressure.
The piston commences its return stroke and is moved a short distance, suffi-
cient to compress the explosive gas to the desired degree, when it is arrested
and secured and held in this position until the explosive action has occurred.
The piston is then moved on to complete the remainder of its return stroke, by
which the residuum of the combustion is expelled into the conduit. This com-
pletes the cycle of movement of the piston at each interval of the explosive
action. The water is admitted to the conduit during the first continuous move-
ment, on the complete outward stroke, of the piston at the time the gases are
drawn into the cylinder, and also during its continued limited movement when
the gas in the cylinder is compressed; the time of this greatest travel of the
piston during its double stroke affording the water a corresponding greater
period to fill the conduit.
The gas is drawn into the explosion cylinder and directly compressed therein
to a definite degree and ignited in a static state, not requiring a transfer from
an auxiliary reservoir, nor from one side of the piston to the other, with oppor-
tunity for expansion after the compression has been effected.
The motor 5 may be of any desired kind or type. In this instance a gas motor
is represented, which may derive its supply from the tank 4. A friction clutch
device is interposed between the motor and the connecting operative parts,
for the purpose of starting and stopping the same.
This clutch device 6, shown separately in the enlarged views Figs. 14-15,
is a well known form of friction coupling, consisting of a conical disc 7 and
hollow cone 8; the former being connected with the loose gear 9, and the latter
to the shaft 10; by means of the usual feather, which causes it to turn with the
shaft and renders it capable of longitudinal movement thereon by means of
the screw handwheel 12 for contact.coupling with the disc 7. This type of
coupling is especially convenient in conjunction with a gas motor, which some-
times requires preliminary time and adjustment to set it in working motion,
the clutch permitting an engagement or disconnection while the motor is in
operation..

page_text: The main shaft 13 is operated directly by the motor 5, its spur gear 15 meshing
with the loose gear 9, connected to the coupling disc 7 on the countershaft 10,
which is provided with a worm gear 16 that operates the shaft 17, to which a
series of cams are fixed that connect with and operate the various mechanisms
which will hereinafter be particularly referred to.
This shaft 13 is also provided with a fly wheel 14 to equalize the movement
of the parts and which is also convenient for use in operating the apparatus by
hand when disconnected from its source of power.
The compressing pistons 2, 2, derive their movements from the cam discs 18
through the pivoted bell-crank arms 19, and connecting links 20 with the piston
head.
The mechanism for securing the piston during the explosive action consists
in jointed knuckles 21 pivoted at one extremity to a cross-pin 22, fixed to the
cross-head 23, through which the piston rod reciprocates, and pivoted to an
abutting locking block A reciprocating on the piston rod at the opposite
extremity.
These knuckles are operated through the medium of the arm 44, rod 45 and
bell-crank lever 46, engaging with the cam disc 30.
The movements of the pistons 2, 2, within the cylinders, and the coincident
movements of the knuckle for securing the piston and valve devices for admitt-
ing the gas to the cylinder and releasing the same therefrom, are fully illustrated
in their various and relative positions during each interval of the explosive
action, together with the corresponding relative position of the reversing valve
with relation to the respective branches of the water conduit, in Figs. 8 to 13.
In Figure 8 the piston 2 is shown at its extreme throw or inward position;
the inlet valve 24 being open to admit the explosive from the supply pipe 25,
the explosion or release valve 26 and the reversing valve 27 in the conduit
being respectively closed. In this position of the parts referred to, the
knuckle 21 is also shown slightly open.
Figure 9 shows the position of the piston at the opposite end of its stroke,
and during this period the gas is drawn into the cylinder through the valve 24;
the respective valves still remaining in their first relative position, while the
Knuckle 21 is elevated to its open extreme.
Figure 10 shows the piston in a slightly advanced position in its return
stroke; the movement from the position shown in Figure 9 also changing. the
relative position of the valves, the gas inlet valve 24 and the explosion or release
valve 26 being closed and the conduit, reversing valve 27 partly open, in order
to anticipate and insure the closure of the inlet branch of the conduit and'
pare a free passage for the force of the explosion to the body of water contained
in the outlet branch.
pre-
Figure 11 shows the position of the several parts at the point of the arrest
of the movement of the piston after the compression of the gas and previous to
the ignition of the same; the reversing valve in the conduit being moved to
close and cut off the inlet branch, and the knuckle device 21 brought to a hori-
zontal plane, whereby it forms, in conjunction with the cross-head 23, and
block A, an abutment to the piston in resisting the reactionary force of the
explosion within the cylinder.
Figure 12 shows the position of the parts at the time of the explosive action;
the explosion or releasing valve 26 being open and the others parts maintained
in their former position.
In this figure an electric igniter 28 is represented as operated by a tappet 29
on the cam disc 30.
Figure 13 represents the position of the respective parts immediately following
the 'explosive action, the piston approaching the end of the remainder of its
inward stroke, the knuckle released from its locked position and the residuum
of the exploded gas forced from the cylinder and outlet.
At the completion of this stroke of the piston the parts' reassume their re-

page_text: spective positions shown in Figure 8, in readiness for the succeeding repetition
of the operation.
1.
The respective pistons, valve devices and piston locking knuckle 21 are operated
from the fixed cams secured to the rotating shaft 17 by means of pivoted arms
and connected rods, as clearly shown in the drawings; 18.representing the
cams that operate the pistons through the iods 19; 30 the cams that operate
the knuckle device through the arm 46 and rods 45; 50 the cams that operate
the explosion valve 26 through the rods 52, and 51 the cams that operate the
gas inlet valve 24; the connecting rods being provided with adjusting devices 31
for varying their length and the consequent movement or travel of the movable
pistons or valve devices, and the form of the cam faces made to transmit their
movement at the proper period required in the method of operation, all of
which is understood by designers and constructors of this class of machinery.
The reversing valve 27 located in the water conduit at the juncture of its
branches and the communicating passage from the explosion cylinder, is con-
structed to control the respective channels through which the water is admitted
to the conduit, and through which the explosive force is directed to its outlet,
to cause the vessel to move forward or backward, as desired. It is operated
through the medium of the quadrant rack 32 and pinion 33, valve connecting
rod 34, link 35, rod 36 and lester arm 37, engaging the cam 38, as clearly shown
in Figure 1.
The mechanism for reversing the position of this valve is also shown in this
figure consisting of the rod 39, pivoted to the valve rod 34, vibrating lever 40,
rod 41, and detent lever 42, which operates to shift the position of the link
block 43, within the link by a throw of the detent lever 42 in the manner usual
in reversing mechanism.
In Figure 1 the reversing mechanism is shown at its midway position, which
places the valve 27 in position to close the communicating passage from the
explosion chamber to the conduit, and allows a free passage for the water through
the latter.
In Figure 2 the position of the parts is shown at one extreme throw of the
operating detent lever, which causes the valve to close one branch of the water
conduit; the extreme opposite throw of the lever being also shown in dotted
lines in this figure, which reverses the position of the valve and closes the oppo-
site branch of the conduit; these operations governing the expelling of the
water, in conformity with. the desired direction of either the forward or back-
ward movement of the vessel.
In conjunction with the full and complete illustration in the drawings hereto
annexed, the foregoing description sets forth all the essential reference to the
characteristics of the apparatus in construction and operation necessary to enable
any person skilled in the art of engine construction and management to make
and use the same.
1'
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:-
1st. In an apparatus for propelling vessels by the reactionary force of explo-
sive gases, a submerged water conduit; an explosion cylinder communicating
with said conduit; a charging and compressing piston in the cylinder, and a
valve controlling the conduit so constructed and timed as to open the conduit
to fill the same while the charge is being drawn in and compressed whereby the
greater period of time in the cycle of operation is simultaneously utilized to
prepare the gas and water for action, as set forth.
2nd. In an apparatus for propelling vessels by the reactionary force of explo-
sive gases, a submerged water conduit; an explosion cylinder communicating
with said conduit, a reciprocating piston in the cylinder having a continuous
movement in one direction for drawing in the charge and an intermittent move-

page_text: ment in the other direction for compressing the charge and driving out the pro-
ducts of combustion, and a valve controlling the conduit so, constructed and
timed as to open the conduit to fill the same while the charge is being drawn
in and compressed, as set forth.
3rd. In an apparatus for propelling vessels by an explosive force, an explosion
cylinder wherein the compression and ignition take place, and wherein the
explosive is ignited without transfer or expansion after compression, combined
with a submerged water conduit, said cylinder and conduit communicating with
each other, and the cylinder having a valved exhaust port leading to the conduit
for opening and closing the communication, as set forth.
4th. In an apparatus for propelling vessels by an explosive force, a submerged
water conduit, an explosion chamber having a compressing piston, an inlet for
explosive material and an outlet for products of combustion communicating
with said conduit, said inlet and outlet being fitted with suitable valves and
operating means therefor, as set forth.
5th. In an apparatus for propelling vessels by the reactionary force of explo-
sive gases, a cylinder wherein the explosive is compressed and ignited, having a
reciprocating piston and devices for arresting said piston at a desired position
of its compression stroke, and locking the same during the interval of explosion,
as set forth.
6th. In an apparatus for propelling vessels by the recactionary force of
explosive gases, an explosion cylinder having a reciprocating piston, devices
for giving the same an intermittent movement during one stroke, and a continuous
movement during the other stroke, and devices for admitting and igniting the
explosive, whereby a new charge is admitted during one stroke, and is com-
pressed, ignited and expelled during the other stroke, as set forth.
7th. In an apparatus for propelling vessels by means of the reactionary force
of explosive gases upon a body of water, a submerged conduit, a chamber
wherein the explosive gases are compressed and ignited, provided with a release
valve opening to said conduit and a supplemental reversing valve located in
the conduit, as set forth.
8th. An apparatus for propelling vessels by the reactionary force of explosive
gases upon a body of water, a submerged conduit, communicating intermediately
with a chamber wherein the gases are exploded and having branch passages in
opposite directions, a reversible valve device interposed at the junction of the
passages, operated to close the passage from the conduit to the explosion chamber
and also the inlet branch of the conduit in either direction desired, and to open
the passage from the explosion chamber to the outlet branch, as set forth.
9th. The combination with an explosive cylinder of a communicating sub-
merged conduit with inlet and outlet passages and an interposed and reversible
valve device that operates to open the communicating passage between the
cylinder and the outlet of the conduit to expel the water; to close the com-
municating passage between the inlet and outlet branches of the conduit during
the action of the explosive and expulsion of the water and gases; to close the
passage between the cylinder and the conduit, and to open the passage between
the inlet and outlet of the conduit to admit the water thereto at each interval
of explosive action in the cylinder, as set forth.
10th. An apparatus for propelling vessels by means of the reactionary force
of explosive gases consisting, essentially, in an explosion cylinder having a
reciprocating compressing piston and a submerged water conduit communicating
therewith and valve devices for governing the respective inlets and outlets of
said cylinder and conduit operated by an independent source of power, as set
forth.
11th. In an apparatus for propelling vessels by an explosive force, an explo-
sion chamber having a piston with an intermittent movement and a water con-
duit communicating with said chamber that is filled and exhausted during each
cycle of movement of said piston, fitted with a valve device that is operated to

page_text: open for the inlet of the water to said conduit during the greater part of said
cycle of, movement of the piston and closed during the remainder or lesser part,
whereby the entering water is given an extended period to fill the conduit at
each double stroke of the piston, as set forth.
Dated this 3rd day of October 1800