Improvements in Ships or Vessels and in Means for Propelling the same.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Mar., 1894-Accepted, 24th Nov., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Ships or Vessels and in Means for Propelling
the same.
LAURENCE BROWN 13 Brown Street, Borough, Glasgow N.B. Seaman 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:-
The object of this invention is to provide a new system of vessels and mode of
propelling them; a substitute for the present steamboat; in operating which the
friction encountered by a vessel in cleaving her way is avoided; the vessel being
easily and speedily moved, and capable of traversing very shallow waters, as it
requires but little depth; and the invention consists of a vessel constructed of
water-tight revolving drums that support the superstructure from a suitable frame
on the axles.
In the accompanying drawing,
Figure 1 represents a side elevation of my improved marine locomotive.
Figure 2 is a detail side view of one of the water-tight revolving drums.
Figure 3 is a marine carrier or train.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
By referring to the drawings, A A are a number of water-tight revolving
drums that support the superstructure B above the drums, being made with five,
six, or more equal sides. Two or more of the drums have fixed crank-axles, and
are connected by connecting-rods C, by which they are jointly revolved; the
opposing inertia of the water causing the others also to revolve, the connecting-
rods being set in motion by a steam or other motor of the required power,
supported on the superstructure B of the vessel; the superstructure B is placed on
upright standards B, which extend from the frame B above the drums, and are
braced and stiffened off in suitable manner to form a rigid support for the
platform, cabins, saloon, boilers and engine gear thereon. D is the helm, and
E E lower guards.
The fixed axles of the drums turn in bearings of the frame B; the revolving
of the drums produces the propulsion of the entire structure, on the principle of
a water-tight float or box, which, when upset or turned will change position, fall
on the surface and continue thereon if a brisk movement is maintained.
When in use, one of my vessels may be the driving vessel or locomotive, the
same requiring a suitable number of water-tight drums; while one or more cars,
with a greater or less number of drums may be coupled onto the locomotive ;
representing thus a marine train; and steered by a helm at each after angle of
the vessel, each helm to be set anglewise, and to be depressed and lifted indepen-
dently as required, Figure 3; or hinged and operated by levers and cords,
Figure 1.
To clear the wheels of leakage, a gutter is fixed on the inside, to catch and
guide it to each end of the wheel, (when in motion,) thence through a tube it is
discharged close to or through the axle.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
The combination of rotary polygonal drums A, any number connected by
connecting rods, the superstructure B, and helms D, as and for the purpose 5
specified.
Dated this 23rd day of March 1894.
LAURENCE BROWN.