IMPROVE- MENTS IN WAR SHIPS, ALSO APPLICABLE IN PART TO FLOATING AND LAND BATTERIES OR FORTS, AND IN PART TO MERCANTILE AND OTHER VESSELS
Year: 1862

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by John Hay at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 27th May
1862.
I, JOHN HAY, of Troon, in the County of Ayr, North Britain, Ship
Builder, do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN WAR SHIPS, ALSO APPLICABLE IN PART TO FLOATING AND LAND BATTERIES
OR FORTS, AND IN PART TO MERCANTILE AND OTHER VESSELS," to be as follows:-
This Invention comprises improvements in the various details of war ships,
and has generally for object the combining together of the various parts and
functions in such a way as to produce a war. ship superior in every respect
to any hitherto existing, as well for aggressive as for defensive operations.
Some of the improvements are also applicable to floating and land batteries
or forts, and some to mercantile and other vessels.
In order to convey a definite idea of the nature of the Invention, a war
ship comprehending one modification of the improvements is herein-after
described, it being premised that whilst some precise measurements are. given,
the proportions of the various details may in practice be varied according to
circumstances.
First, as regards the external form of the improved war ship. The

page_text: horizontal outline consists of two circular' arcs or similar curves, both
ends being pointed and alike, and the length being in this example two
bundred and sixty feet, whilst the greatest breadth is seventy-five feet, and
the greatest depth about twenty-eight feet. The midship section presents a
projecting angle at the line of flotation, this angle being continued from end
to end of the vessel on each side. Springing from the upper face of the angle
an arched roof or covering extends completely across from side to side, whilst
from the angle, in a downward direction, the outline is gradually curved into
the broad flat bottom. The outline of the arched roof is at each end curved
down to meet a raking stem at a point a little below the line of flotation.
These pointed ends qualify the ship to act as a powerful ram, and the angle
along the sides permits of its also being used as a ram sideways with impunity
and advantage. To prevent the vessel when acting as a ram from entering
too far, strong projecting wings are provided at the sides at points twenty or
twenty-five feet from either stem, such projections also carrying the catheads,
and being formed with hawse holes for the anchor cable, whilst the anchors
may be stowed behind the projections so as to be protected by them.
Second, as regards the construction, strengthening, and defensive plating.-
The hull is constructed throughout on the cellular system, as is also the main
deck, which, springing from the, lateral angles, extends across in a slightly
arched form beneath the roof. The cellular construction comprises rect-
angular divisions of metal strengthened by diagonal trusses of timber. The
stem at each end consists of a massive forging of considerable breadth in the
direction of the keel or centre line. The projecting angle along the sides is
formed and protected by armour plates of gradually diminishing thickness
upwards and downwards from the angle. The plates are rabbetted together
at both horizontal and vertical joints, and are fixed. to. the ship's side by
conical bolts, the conical enlargements. being outwards, and the outer ends.
being flush with the plate. At the extreme angle the metal is fifteen inches.
in thickness horizontally, and behind it. there. is. a two-inch thickness of
vulcanized rubber backed by one-inch iron plate,.this again having within it
a seven-feet thickness of cotton waste or such like material powerfully com-.
pressed. Should a shot by any possibility penetrate through these layers, it
will still have to encounter a three-quarter inch iron plate, and finally a mass
of coals, the bunkers for which are arranged along the sides for this purpose.
The curved roof is strengthened internally by a strong arched framework,
which may be encased to form compartments for fuel, water, or compressed.
packing.

page_text: Third, as regards the propelling, manoeuvring, steering, and observing.—
Screw propellers, made by preference of malleable iron, are provided at each
end, and there are also propellers amidships, three sets of engines being pro-
vided for driving the series, and being connected by shafting in such a way
that they may work in concert or separately. Each screw propeller is in a
well or opening near the stem, and consists of blades mounted so as to balanco.
each other on opposite ends of a short crank shaft worked by a connecting
rod from above, and mounted in a swivelling frame, so that any direction
may be given to the propelling action. Rudders are also provided in spaces
beyond each propeller, but within, and protected by each stem, there being
also a strong guard which protects both rudders and propellers from injury.
The steering is effected from the centre of the ship, where a shot-proof round
house is provided, whence observation may be made, and whence the entire
movements of the ship may be controlled and regulated. This round house is
surmounted by a conical shot-proof hood arranged to revolve freely, so that
unless a shot should strike with almost impossible nicety in a radial direction,
its force would mainly spend itself in giving motion to the hood. A number
of small openings for observation are formed in an angular curtain fitted
under the projecting eaves of the hood, and revolving with the latter when
struck. To permit of a clear view being obtained directly fore and aft the
boiler funnels are disposed to the sides of the centre line, and to protect
them from shot they are enclosed with loose shields, which will revolve on
being struck.
In order to have complete command of the ship, pumps are
arranged for filling or exhausting some of the compartments, so that in
action the proper line of flotation may be secured. Shafting and connecting
gearing is fitted between the engines and the windlass or windlasses for the
purpose of applying the engine power or a portion-of it to heave short, and
raise the anchor or anchors, so that in an emergency this operation may be
effected in the shortest possible time.
Fourth, as regards the armament.-Two large moveable pivot guns are
provided, one rifled, and one with a smooth bore. These are arranged upon
platforms with protecting covers, the platforms being made moveable and
with gearing, so that they can be elevated by steam power above the ship's
roof to be discharged, and be lowered down again to be loaded inside.
Powerful springs are arranged to take the recoil of the guns, and have the
effect of returning them to position immediately after the discharge. Two
Jarge mortars are likewise provided with similar arrangements for raising
them to be discharged, and lowering them inside to be loaded.

page_text: The portions of the herein-before described improvements principally appli-
cable to floating and land batteries and forts are those designated as relating
to the construction, strengthening, defensive plating, observing, and armament,
whilst those relating to propelling and manoeuvring are applicable to mer-
cantile and other vessels.