Improvements in Means for Marine Propulsion.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 14th Jan., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 12th Oct., 1891-Accepted, 24th Dec., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Means for Marine Propulsion.
JAMES WADHAM (out of business) 4 Heckmondwike Road Dewsbury Moor
Dewsbury in the County of Yorkshire do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion to be as follows:-
A piston, or cylinder attached to a piston, pressing directly against the water.
The propeller may be used in the place usually occupied by the screw shaft and
with one or more on either side of the bow of the vessel together with or without the
centre propeller and the same may be applied to the stern of the vessel.
Dated this Thirteenth day of January 1891.
JAMES WADHAM.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Means for Marine Propulsion.
I JAMES WADHAM (out of business) residing at 4 Heckmondwike Road
Dewsbury Moor Dewsbury in the County of Yorkshire 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:-
In such part of the hull of the vessel as may be desired, say in the place usually
occupied by the screw shaft, a cylinder is affixed, the end of the cylinder being
open to the water. The piston in such cylinder pressing against the water by
motor power communicated thereto propelling the vessel.
The piston in such cylinder, may have attached to the end clear of the packing,
a cylinder closed at the end or solid forming part of such piston to project from the
hull of the vessel at each stroke of the piston.
The return stroke of the piston may be utilised by affixing an air valve or valves
to the cover of the cylinder inside the vessel and to the piston thus gaining
atmospheric pressure.
The outlet of each cylinder may be closed when desired by suitable sluice or
stop valve or valves.
As may be desirable any number of propellers (cylinders and pistons) may be
used. Say one or more on either side at the stern or wherever the open end of
such cylinder or cylinders can be placed clear of the hull of the vessel beyond.
This means of propulsion may be used amidships or forward by building the
hull of the vessel to project so that the open end of each cylinder used for
propelling piston therein may be clear of the hull of the vessel beyond.
Any cylinder and piston used for propulsion may be placed at any convenient
distance from the outlet in the hull of the vessel by attaching a tube from the end
of the cylinder to the outlet in the hull of the vessel or extended beyond the hull
where desirable.
For motion ahead or astern the open end of each cylinder or outlet is the
reverse way.
The size or number of cylinder and piston or cylinders and pistons used for
propulsion and length of stroke is dependent on the speed desired and motor
power used.
The piston of each propeller may be coupled direct to the piston of a steam
engine if desired or multiple gear employed for speed with suitable motor
power.

page_text: The advantages anticipated by this new means of propulsion are:-
1st. Simplicity in construction of working gear.
2nd. Economy of space and in use.
3rd. Efficiency in increase of speed per motor power employed.
4th. Little, if any, obstruction when not in use, therefore may be used as
auxiliary by sailing vessels.
5th. Steering when desired independently of the rudder by using the propeller
or propellers on either side.
6th. Working parts may be attended to at any time the sluice or stop valve or
valves being intact.
In the drawings (one sheet)
Fig. 1. shews cylinder and piston (for propulsion).
a, a, a. piston rod for connection with motor power.
b. lid of cylinder.
c. c. air vents to cylinder.
d lubricator.
E, E, cylinder.
f. piston.
G. plunger.
H. sluice or stop valve.
I. I. ship's bull.
J. the opening.
Fig. 2 (sketch) shewing some positions of cylinders &c.
J. J. (outer figures) near amidships fore and aft.
J. J. (inner figures) ends of the ship or vessel.
The cylinders pointing aft for motion ahead; and those pointing forward for
reverse motion.
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.
1st. Propulsion, of any vessel or craft whatsoever, by means of a piston working
in a cylinder or any number thereof pressing against the water by any motor
power communicated thereto substantially as described.
2nd. The use of any known appliances desirable for construction of cylinders,
pistons, cocks, valves or other requisites for carrying out and working this inven-
tion subject to payment of any royalties for patents if any.
Dated this Tenth day of October 1891.
JAMES WADHAM.