IMPROVEMENTS IN PROPELLING.
Year: 1853

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Pierre Auguste Tournière, of 14, Kennington.
Terrace, Upper Kennington Lane, in the County of Surrey,
Gentleman. for the Invention of." IMPROVEMENTS IN PROPELLING."..
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Pierre Auguste
Tournière at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents," with
his Petition, on the 19th February 1853.
I, Pierre Auguste Tournière, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN PROPELLING" to be as follows:-
This Invention consists in having two frames on each side of the
ship, which are entirely submerged and fitted with floats on their
under side. These floats are hinged to the frames, and consequently
hang loose in a vertical position. To each paddle frame is fitted &
long bar which has a slight longitudinal play or traverse, and to
this bar is fitted a number of vertical stops or short rods, one
behind each float of the paddle frame. To this moveable bar i
.

page_text: connected the lower end of a lever whose fulcrum is fitted to the
ship's side. The upper end of the lever is traversed backwards and
forwards by a kind of revolving "wiper" keyed on to each extremity
of the main shaft of the engine. These wipers act upon a stud pin
in the upper ends of the actuating levers, and as they revolve the
levers are alternately moved backwards and forwards. There are
two paddle frames on each side of the ship, so that when one is in
action the other may be moving back again to take its position for
a fresh stroke. The two frames are connected by a chain or rope
passed round a horizontal pulley, so that as one makes a forward
stroke the other will be drawn back. By having the floats hinged
loosely to the frames, they feather themselves when being brought
back; but when the frame makes a working stroke, then the stops
on the sliding bar come against the backs of the floats, thereby
locks them, and holding them ridged during the whole of the stroke;
on returning, the bar slides back a little, and releases the floats, which
will then offer very little resistance to the water.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters
Patent, filed by the said Pierre Auguste Tournière in the Great
Seal Patent Office on the 18th August 1853.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
Pierre Auguste Tourniere, of 14, Kennington Terrace, Upper Ken-
nington Lanc, in the County of Surrey, Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Nineteenth day of February, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, in the
sixteenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Pierre Auguste Tourniere, Her
special license that I, the said Pierre Auguste Tourniere, my execu-
tors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Pierre
Auguste Tourniere, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should

page_text: at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at
all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and
Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN PROPELLING," upon the
condition (amongst others) that I, the said Pierre Auguste Tour.
niere, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, should
particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention,
and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the
same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Pierre Auguste Tourniere,
do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement, reference being
had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the letters and figures
marked thereon, that is to say:
This Invention consists in the employment of swing floats for
propelling ships or boats, such floats being hinged on to a paddle-
frame that draws them alternately backwards and forwards. They
come in contact with a stop, that keeps them in a vertical position
whenever the frame moves backward, but they offer no resistance
to the water when the frame moves forward, on account of being
released from the stop by the resistance of the water. The swing
float is susceptible of numerous modifications in its shape, and
may be subjected to a variety of processes for the imparting of
the alternate motion. Its most obvious form is that exhibited in
Figure 1, on my Sheet of Drawings; its lower extremity being cut
bevel, in order that it may rise quicker to a vertical position. It may
be made either higher or shorter; of a square shape, as in Figure 19;
or that of a door frame, Figure 3; or somewhat like a fin, as in Figure
4; or in the form of a triangle, as at Figure 5; of a trapezium, as at
Figure 6; of a rhombus or rhomboid, &c.; or it may be composed of
two parts opening and closing like the covers of a portfolio or the

page_text: leaves of a book, as shewn at Figures. 2, and 14. Each of these
different forms has its peculiar advantages, but the swing float when
suspended by the top is preferable, inasmuch as it offers less resist-
_ance to the water, out of which it is almost entirely drawn while the
paddle frames move forward; and when lying on the side it may be
made to sink deeper into the water, and lie flat along the ship. It is
more easily replaced should it be broken, and affords a ready means
of defence against boarding. When necessary to bring the swing
floats rather close to each other, apertures of various shapes may
be made in them, the water passing through, which will increase
the resistance offered to the swing floats that follow, as shewn at
Figure 6. The swing float may be made of wood or any other suitable
material. Two sheets of metal joined together at their extremities,
and having their inner surfaces kept at a certain distance from each
other, will have the advantage of combining lightness with solidity.
It may either be suspended by its upper extremity, as in Figures 1,
6, 7, 15, and 18; or fastened on by one of its sides, as a door is
fastened to its frame, shewn in Figures 4, 5, and 13; or by means of
a supporter fixed in the frame, as in Figures 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
and 14. This supporter may be either fixed, as in Figures 2, 3, 14,
or noveable in the same way as the swing float, shewn in Figures 7,
8, 9, 10, and 11. The fixed supporter, a bar of galvanized iron
either round or flat, so as to offer less resistance to the water, is
firmly fastened vertically at its upper extremity to the frame, the
swing float being hinged on to it at one or more points, as in Figures
2, 3, and 14. The object of the moveable supporter is in general
to multiply the number of swing floats without diminishing the
resistance of the water, which is done by disposing them in the form
of steps. It is hinged on to the frame at the top. Figure 7, shews
this arrangement of three swing floats, each of which is one foot high
and four feet long. The first and last, which are almost level with
the surface of the water, are sufficiently remote from each other not
to weaken the resistance of the water, but the middle one would be
too near if it were on the same line; therefore, it is placed a foot
lower than the other two, and thus rests on a different water line.

page_text: a
The arrangement is different in Figure 8. Here six swing floats
act together; they rise two and in tiers one above the other, at a
distance of about three feet, on different water lines, and as each of
them is one foot high they reach to a depth of three feet. The
water passes between the highest and lowest. tiers without any .re-
duction of its surface. The reverse would be the case if the water
passed through apertures in the swing floats, as in Figure 6. Here
it passes freely, and by adding to the resistance offered to the suc
ceeding board, it nowise detracts from the effect of the previous one.
The supporters to which the swing floats are hinged come likewise
to the surface of the water during the forward motion of the frame;
but during its backward motion, when the machinery presses on the
water, instead of completely rising like the swing floats, they are
checked by a stop which keeps them at an angle of forty-five degrees
formed by this stop with the frame to which it is secured. The top
of the swing floats is placed under the supporters. By giving
greater length to the frame, it may be made to bear a greater
number of supporters and floats. I mention these arrangements
merely as contingent upon a trial of the advantage to be derived
from a considerable increase of the dimensions of the propellers
surface; it being evident that, if there is occasion for using them, it
can only be in extraordinary cases. By another modification, the
frame is made of the form of an arc of a circle, so that the swing
floats which are suspended to it would come in different water lines.
The supporter such as represented in Figures 10.and 11, is not
intended to increase the number of swing floats. It is constructed
in the form of a T, the swing float being suspended to it by its
upper edge. It will of course follow the motion of the frame (being
balanced on the pivot which traverses it), were it not impeded in
its progress either on the right or on the left, according as it is
required to go backwards or forwards by a double stop d, d, which
slides along the frame, and according to its position allows the head
of the T to pass on one side, and stops it on the other. In Figure 9,
the arrangement of the supporters is the same; but the stop is
fixed and single, so as to allow no retrograde motion.
The frame

page_text: and supporters, as well as the swing float, admit obviously of an
infinite number of combinations, as will be well understood by a
practical engineer. The reciprocating motion of the frame may
be compared to that produced by the alternate motion of the
piston in a cylinder. In order to transmit the motion of the
piston to the paddle or swing float frame, I propose to place the
cylinder of the steam engine in a horizontal position, and parallel
to the frame, and to attach the end of the piston rod to the extre-
mity of a rod a, Figure 13, which I call the connecting rod. The
other end of this rod is in a shaft b, like that of the paddle wheel,
and moves this shaft, and with it another rod d, which being
connected to the frame, imparts to it the motion of the piston by
exactly repeating that of the internal rod. The frame is suspended
from two moveable arms placed on each side of the external con-
necting rod whose motion they follow. A rope or rather chain g,
slides in longitudinal grooves made in these arins; it then passes
through the axle of the pivot from which the arms are suspended,
and is connected on the deck with a swing that regulates the motion
of the stops, lowering the one and raising the other at one stroke,
or vice versa, according as it is intended to propel the ship backward
or forward. One stop may be made sufficient for several swing floats
by attaching a rod to them, which stops them all simultaneously
with the swing float which rests on the moveable stop. The piston
rod moves horizontally while the connecting rod describes an arc of
a circle, whereof the centre is the axle of the shaft. This arc may
be made straight in various ways. I have shewn an example,
Figure 12, which consists in fixing to the lower end of the rod a
square, the four sides of which are hinged one to the other. To the
lower end of this square is fastened a stud, which sliding in a groove
of the rod, rises and falls alternately, and is guided in the direction
of the groove by the square under which the frame is fastened.
The piston rod may also be made to communicate with the frame by
means of a lever rod a, placed horizontally, as at Figure 14, and
turning on a pivot placed in the side of the ship within the timbers.
The frame which, according to the former theory, may be close to

page_text: the stop, should in the latter case be at a certain distance from it,
and instead of being suspended should slide in grooves equally.
distant on supports fixed to the sides of the ship. The lever rod
is provided at each end with a jointed square, such as is shewn in
Figure 12. The external jointed square may be dispensed with, and
instead of the fixed supports, others may be substituted with a
moveable pivot fastened to the ship, which would follow the curve
of the horizontal motions of the external arm of the lever rod."
Again, in the foregoing theory, instead of the straight suspenders of
the frame, curved ones might be substituted, which would give ad-
ditional force to the motion of the frame, or a horizontal groove
may be used for the frame to slide in. In the latter instance, it
would be necessary to fit the lower end of the weight rod with a
joint square as above described. In this Figure there is only a fixed
stop. I have supposed that the ship was not required to go
backward; this stop acts on the swing float, which is not provided with
it, by means of two stems going from one swing float to another on'
cach side of the frame. Although the swing float of Figure 2, is
used here, it is obvious that use might be made of those described
in Figures 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. They may also be used in the
previous instance by increasing the length of the axle externally,
and likewise that of the pivots of the suspenders, which should be
removed to a sufficient distance from the vessel. In steam boats
moved by paddle wheels, the piston and cylinder are generally
placed in a vertical position; it is easy to adapt them to my Invention
without altering their position, as is seen in Figure 16. A beam a, a,
is fitted at both ends with jointed squares, and is set above the cy-
linder. At the end b, of one of the arms of this beam are fixed the
stem of the piston and a chain, which latter runs round a pulley
at c, whence it proceeds in the direction of d; where it is attached
to a horizontal rod. Another chain from the opposite end of the
beam descends from e to the pulley f, and moves another horizontal
rod. The motion of the two rods on their pivots, regulated by the
alternate rise and fall of each extremity of the beam, produces the
required reciprocating motion of the frames. If it should be found

page_text: necessary in this or the previous case to give greater scope to the
horizontal stops, it might be effected by lengthening the beam,
Figure 17, and by removing the pulleys c, d, as far as its extremities;
one of the arms of which, provided with a jointed square, would be
set in motion by the piston rod. A rotatory motion may be em-
ployed to actuate the frame; Figures 15 and 18, represent two ap-
plications of this system. In Figure 15, a fly wheel is fitted on to
the axle of the old paddle wheel, but being of smaller dimensions it
does not sink into the water. A flat rod is hinged on one side to
the exterior of this fly wheel, and on the other to a frame a, a, a, a,
which slides in a groove running on the support c, c, c, c. The rod
in following the circular course of the fly wheel assumes the several
successive positions denoted by the dotted lines. From the fly wheel
it alternately removes and brings back the frame, to the lower end
of which the swing floats are hinged. The frame may move along a
curved groove similar to that denoted by the line A, B, C, Figure 15,
or it may be suspended from two moveable arms as in Figure 13.
Under the fly wheel, and raised a little above the water, may be
made to pass the lower part of the frame the extremity of which
would be merely connected with the rod by being suitably bent for
that purpose. In the latter case, the upper part of the frame might
be dispensed with; the machine would be thereby simplified, and less
room taken up by the propeller, but the swing floats would not be
so easily replaced. The stops are moved by a lever d, having its
fulcrum e on the upper part of the frame, and into which a bar is
fitted below, the extremities of which bar are actuated by two
cogged semi-circles f, g, one of which is raised and the other lowered
at the same time by the action of the lever on the rack portion of
the bar. Figure 18, represents another arrangement, wherein a
fly wheel impels the frame a, by means of two sweeps which
may be called impellers. The impeller 6', comes in contact with
one of the rollers c, between the arms of a stop e, which is T shaped,
moving it as well as the frame, until it disengages itself by pursuing
its circular course, while the frame moves horizontally. The fly
wheel still revolving, the segment with a swing d¹, comes in contact

page_text: with and slides on the drawback chain f. Then comes the segment
d, which brings back the frame (fastened to the lower end of this
chain) to the place it previously occupied. The impeller reaches it
at the same time, and acts in the same way as the other did. The
machine moves backwards and forwards according as the wheel
turns from left to right, or from right to left, as is the case with
the paddle wheel. Of course the reverse motion obtained by this
means requires more time than that obtained by the method shewn
in Figures 13 and 15, by which it is performed instantaneously.
Figures 19 and 20, represent two applications of the spring float for
the propelling of a small boat. The frame has been left out, though
it might equally be put in requisition. The spring floats a, are
hinged on to the extremity of two flat arms b, c, connected with the
rod d, d, by another arm e, d. The rower placed at R, draws and
repels alternately the rod d, d, which by means of the pivots placed
at C, determines the backward and forward motion of the spring
floats which move alternately from b, b, to f, f, and from f, f, to b, b.
For the purpose of obtaining a reverse motion, the stops i are turned
off with the hand, so that they are no longer visible in the elevation,
Figure 19, and pass over to the other side of the swing float. The
rod or bar d, d, might be made to slide on two guide rods, or in
two grooves placed above and along the boat's edges, in order to
facilitate the operation of rowing. In Figure 20, the stem d, d, is
drawn backward and forwards by means of a pole g, g. It is im-
pelled as far as h, h, and when it has reached these points the swing
floats are at f, f. While performing these motions, they are kept in
a vertical position at the sides of the boat by the moveable support,
made fast to the boat at one end by means of a pivot at c, and at
the other to the extremity of the swing float. When the arrangement
shewn at Figure 15, is to be applied to ships of large dimensions, it
will be necessary to have on the exterior of the ship a crank cor-
responding with the one inside, whereby the fly wheel underneath
may be set in motion, and the frame impelled backwards and
forwards with the aid of a crank rod as already explained. The
arrangement exhibited in Figure 18, is capable of similar alterations,

page_text: or a fly wheel of larger dimensions than that of Figure 18, may be
used, the impellers of which must move two large levers placed
underneath on a pivot made fast to the sides of the ship; one of these
levers being intended to act on the frame, and the other on the
drawback chain. As the swing float acts with the same ease at any
depth, the propeller may be set even under the ship, but such an
arrangement would necessitate alterations in the construction of the
hold for the fitting into it on each side of the keel; the swing float,
which might be suspended from two frames, communicating with
the interior of the ship by means of two apertures with edges above
the water line. This arrangement would be far superior to any
other; because, first, it would be more simple, as the frame would
be in more direct communication with the piston or pistons under
which they might be placed. Second, the water at that depth would
always be calm, and the swingfloats would be completely immersed
in any weather and under any circumstances. Third, the water
offering more resistance at a greater depth, allows the swingfloat to
act with greater power. Fourth, the space occupied by the ship would
not be increased by the propeller. Fifth, the interior and exterior
machinery might be easily secured from warlike projectiles. The
swingfloats might also be easily placed behind the ship nearly in the
same manner as the paddle wheels of the boats plying on the Seine
between Paris and Rouen, but with still greater advantage. I have
to observe, in conclusion, that I give in every case to the frame, and
consequently to the swing float, a regular alternate motion, which I
consider infinitely superior to a continued impulse, although my
Invention allows of the latter. Were such required, it would be suffi-
cient to double the number of frames which would move in opposite
directions, so that the one would begin its forward while the other
began its backward motion.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of
my said Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be
used or carried into effect, I would observe, in conclusion, that I do
not confine or restrict myself to the precise details or arrangements
which I have had occasion to describe or refer to, as many variations

page_text: may be made therefrom without deviating from the principles or
main features of my Invention; but what I consider to be novel and
original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the
hereinbefore in part recited Letters Patent, is,.
-
First, the application and use of swing floats in combination with
stops for the purpose herein-before described.
Second, the system or mode of reversing the stops for effecting
the backward movement of the vessel.
Third, the system or mode of working the floats either by a fly
wheel, or by levers, or by both combined.
In witness whereof, I, the said Pierre Auguste Tourniere, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, the Thirteenth day of August,
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
TOURNIERE. (L.S.)