IMPROVEMENTS IN MOVABLE TORPEDOES
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Sydney Pitt of Sutton in the County of Surrey for an
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MOVABLE TORPEDOES." A communication
to him from abroad by Charles G Francklyn residing at Rone in the
Kingdom of Italy.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Sydney Pitt at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 23rd January 1883.
"
SYDNEY PITT of Sutton in the County of Surrey "IMPROVEMENTS IN MOVABLE
TORPEDOES Communicated to me from abroad by Charles G Francklyn
residing at Rome in the Kingdom of Italy.
Figure 1 is a profile view of the machinery and arrangement of propelling cable
and torpedoes, showing section of bomb proof. Figure 2 is a like view of an
arrangement for a single cable having a drum and machinery on the opposite shore
of a harbour or river. Figure 3 is a like view wherein a drum is placed on the
opposite shore. Figure 4 is a like view of an arrangement where two sheaves or
pulleys are placed in mid-stream and two operating stations are provided, one on
either shore. Figure 5 is a like view of the machinery and arrangement of
propelling cable and torpedoes showing the electric circuit independent of the
propelling cable. Figure 6 is a plan view of an arrangement for covering narrows
or river. Figure 7 is a plan view of an arrangement for guarding a fortress or
other important point. Figure 8 is a plan of an arrangement of one or more
adjustable sheaves through each of which a propelling cable passes. Figure 9 is a
plan of an arrangement of one, two or more adjustable sheaves each moved by a
separate adjusting cable. Figure 10 is a view of an arrangement of buoy, anchors
and sheave well adapted for use herein. Figure 11 is a view illustrating the
raising and lowering of torpedoes by tightening and slacking the propelling
line "A." Figure 12 is a plan view of groups of torpedoes on booms attached to
the propelling cable. Figure 13 is a plan view of groups of torpedoes between two
propelling cables. Figure 14 is a view of auxiliary torpedoes arranged above, so
as to protect the larger torpedoes, and buoyed cable. Figure 15 is a view of a

page_text: cable arranged to make a track or guide for the torpedoes. Figure 16 is a plan
view of a ship guarded with the system of torpedoes. Figure 17 is a view of a
mechanical mine having safety lever. Figure 18 is a top view of an open end
trough having a slit through the bottom, through which trough the mines are run
in going in and out of position. Figure 19 is a section of the trough and mine
and propelling cable and distance line. Figure 20 is a view of anchored sheaves
attached to surface buoys. Figure 21 is a side view of a modification in the means
of attaching torpedoes by rods and counterpoise.-Figure 22 is a front view of
same showing cross section of cable. Figure 23 is a perspective view of a frame or
rack moored to hold the sheaves in position.
This invention relates to the defensive and offensive use of torpedoes on coasts,
and in harbours.
The object of the invention is to provide a system of moving and firing
torpedoes, so that the torpedoes may be moved under the surface of the water
by machinery on the shore connected by cables with the torpedoes, whereby
complete control is kept over the torpedoes, and they may be examined, and
taken up.
The invention consists of the torpedoes, machinery and apparatus for moving
the same under the water by mechanical means, the operative portions of which as
well as the apparatus for exploding the same when electricity is employed are at a
distance from the torpedoes, and the various combinations bereinafter specified and
claimed.
In carrying out the invention a station or base of operations is established where
suitable machinery and engines are situate, at some distance from the station or
base of operations. Either on the opposite shore of the harbour, or some distance
from the coast, if a coast is to be defended, is anchored a sunken buoy to which is
fastened a block or pulley about which a cable or rope is passed from the station
or base of operations, about it, and back again to the station. This rope at the
station is passed around a drum or windlass driven by a steam engine, or other
means, so that it may be revolved in either direction and cause the rope or cable to
travel in either direction.
To the cable A" are attached the torpedoes "T" which attachment may be
accomplished by distance lines "D" or in any manner desired.
The cable "A" which passes around the pulley "B" and the drum "C" is by
the operation of the machinery "M" made to move away from the station or base
of operations on one side and toward it on the other side of the sheave or
pulley "B" and the torpedoes "T" which are attached by distance lines "D" to
that portion of the cable which is going out from the station are thus drawn out to
the sheave or pulley "B;" when the operation of the machinery is reversed, the
torpedoes are brought back to the station and the other portion of the cable "A"
becomes the outgoing part, and to it may be attached the distance lines and
torpedoes, which will be carried out to the sheave or pulley "B."
"
When this apparatus is to be used in harbours the sheave or pulley "B" about
which the cable passes may be supplanted by a drum "E" on the opposite shore or
on an anchored ship about which the cable passes and to which power may, if
desired be applied in any convenient manner, so as to make a means of moving the
cable at each end of the route, and a station where fresh torpedoes are supplied to
the propelling cable should any have been exploded in crossing.
The torpedoes are armed with percussion fuses so as to explode upon contact
with any obstacle; or may each have attached an independent electric wire so as
to be exploded by an electric current operated from the station, the electric wires
being fastened to the cable "A" the distance lines "D" and to the torpedoes T
whereby each torpedo may be exploded at any point of its route, or all or any may
be exploded at once, or one electric circuit may be made through all the torpedoes
so as to explode them all simultaneously by closing one circuit.
It is preferred that the electric wires F should be attached to the distance lines D
and not to the cable as shewn in Figure 5 as there is less likelihood in this

page_text: arrangement of fouling the electric wires in running in and out the cable A. The
electric wires may be wound on an independent druin.
There may be one or several cables operated from the same station, so as to move.
numerous torpedoes in different directions and places, an arrangement is shewn in
Figure 6 where there are a number of cables crossing narrows, and in Figure 7 is
shown an arrangement of cables radiating from the station so as to protect it from
the approach of ships in any direction.
Another part of the invention consists of an arrangement of an adjustable sheave
or block whereby the outer or looped portion of the propelling cable A may be
made to move or swing across the water around the station as shewn in Figure 8.
In carrying out this part of the invention two or more sheaves or pulleys B. B.
on buoys are anchored to the ground at a proper distance from the station and
through each sheave or pulley is passed the adjusting cable G, the ends of which
are brought to the station and passed around a drum or attached to other means of
moving this cable G. To the cable G between the sheaves B and B is fastened the
sheave E through which the cable A passes. The propelling cable A is operated
by machinery at the station and armed with torpedoes, in the same way as when it
is passed through a fixed or stationary sheave and as the propelling cable A will
move the torpedoes out and in, toward and away from the adjustable sheave H
and as this sheave H may be moved to any desired position between the fixed
sheaves B and B the torpedoes may be directed to any portion of the triangular
surface contained between the lines drawn from the fixed pulleys B. B. to one
another and to the station.
The adjustable cable G as well as the propelling cable A are each provided with
marks indicating the number of feet which are out on either side of the operating
drums, so that the exact distance of any torpedo from the station is at all times
accurately known as well as the position of the moveable sheave H between the
fixed sheaves B and B, so that the angle of the propelling cable A may be readily
determined, and the position of each torpedo on the surface of the triangle deter-
mined when an adjustable sheave H is used.
Two or more sheaves H, H, may be fixed to the adjusting cable G between the
fixed sheaves B. B, through each of which is passed a propelling cable A to which
are attached torpedoes by distance lines as shewn in Figure 1.
An irregular surface of water may be covered by two or more adjusting
cables G. G. and their fixed sheaves or pulleys B. B. B. B. with adjustable
sheaves H. H. between them as shewn in Figure 9, wherein each triangle contained
within lines drawn from the fixed pulleys to one another and to the station may
be covered by the manipulation of one torpedo or one set of torpedoes.
The sheaves B. B, which are anchored are provided with large buoys so as to
raise the cable passing through them from the bottom, and prevent the pull of the'
cable from sinking to the bottom, as would be the case unless great buoyancy is
given to them.
It is preferred that two or more anchors I. I. be used in fastening the buoys K.
one attached by a short chain or cable as shewn in Figure 10 so that the pull of the
cable may be on the long anchor chain, and the short one will hold the buoy near
the bottom.
A frame work of metal L of any height may be used to which the sheave Bis
attached and thus moored with the proper side uppermost so as to support the
sheave B at any desired distance from the bottom as shewn in Figure 23.
When great length of propelling or adjusting cable is used or when the bottom is,
rocky or uneven the cable should be provided with floats O on the cable and on
the distance lines as shewn in Figure 14, or buoyant cables may be used.
The torpedoes T should be made of such buoyancy that they will float about.
six feet below the surface of the water when they are to be used where there is
but little current; they may be given greater buoyancy and be held down by the
weight of the cable A, or by weights applied at the lower end of the distance;
lines D. D. which will be found better where there is much current, as the distance
↑

page_text: lines D. D. will then stand stiff before the current and the torpedoes will not be so
much deflected from their proper position thereby.
When a buoyant propelling cable A is used the distance lines may be supplanted
by light rods or spars P having an eye p, about the propelling cable and extending
down below it and having on the lower end a counterpoise Q with sufficient side
surface for the current to act upon so as to counteract the pressure of the current
upon the torpedo, this arrangement maintains the torpedo over the propelling line
in the swiftest currents.
This arrangement is illustrated in Figures 21 and 22 where the eye p is kept
from sliding on the cable by the fixed sleeves p¹. pl. on either side of the
eye p.
Another part of the invention consists in raising and lowering the torpedoes by
tightening and slacking the propelling cable A; where buoyant torpedoes are used
and a heavy cable the torpedoes may be raised or lowered in the water by
tightening or slacking the propelling cable A so as to take out the slack and raise
it from the bottom or to slacken the propelling cable A, and let it down on the
bottom as shewn in Figure 11 where the solid lines indicate the cable carrying the
torpedoes out and the dotted lines indicate the position assumed before firing by a
tightening of the cable and stopping the motion, whereby the torpedoes are brought
nearer the surface as indicated; or the propelling cable may be made buoyant so
as to float away from the bottom, and be brought down by the tightening of the
cable as desired.
Another part of the invention consists in attaching to the propelling cable A a
boom R by the guy ropes r. r. of Figure 12, and to this boom are attached a number
of torpedoes T, which may have electrical connection with the shore if desired so as
to be fired independently or in groups.
Instead of a boom Ŕ two parallel propelling cables A. A. may be used and
stringers S put across between them as shewn in Figure 13; to the stringers S are
attached the distance lines D and torpedoes T.
The distance lines D are attached to the propelling cable A by being roven or
spliced on it, or they may be in the form of rods, having an eye or clamp to attach
about the propelling cable A.
Automatically detachable distance lines may be used, in which case the propelling
cable A may be run in one direcțion continuously without the necessity of
reversing it which increases the number of torpedoes that can be run out on one
propelling cable.
The machinery at the station is arranged as follows:-
The bomb proof U is provided under which the torpedoes may be handled
launched and attached by the distance lines D to the propelling cable A and taken
off when the cable is run in again.
The drum has attached to and wound about it the propelling cable A, and a
second drum may be provided to which the other end of the propelling cable A is
attached.
The drums being attached to, and operated by an engine can be driven in either
direction so as to feed the propelling cable A in either direction or so as to hold it
at one end, and pull in the slack by the other drum.
A continuous propelling cable may be used and wound about each drum several
times; or passed between a pressure roller, and power roller, whereby the
rollers are made to grip the cable and thus when revolved move it in either
direction.
Drums are also provided, about which the respective ends of the adjusting
cable "G" is passed and by which it is moved by the turning of the drums, see
Figures 8 and 9. An engine is provided to move these drums so as to adjust the
adjustable sheaves "H" to any desired position. These drums and engines should
be powerful as the resistance of the propelling cable, would be great and possibly
its torpedoes would with difficulty be moved through the water.

page_text: An electric apparatus and switch-board, and circuit wires are also provided
within this bomb proof.
The electric wires "F" are either wound around or fastened to the propelling
cable, and a wire run to each torpedo by being wound about the distance lines in
which case they are wound with the propelling cable "A," and the circuit is made
through the whole length of it, or when the electric wires are made into an
independent cable, and attached to the distance lines, as shown in Figure 5, such
cable must be moved as the propelling cable is moved, and should have drums and
operating machinery provided for that purpose.
Another part of the invention consists in guarding the main torpedoes "T,"
whether they be arranged to fire by contact or by an electric current, by fastening
to the line smaller or auxiliary torpedoes "T," Figure 14, which may be exploded
by contact or by an independent electric current, so that the large torpedoes may be
thereby protected from small boats and grappling parties.
Another part of the invention consists in the use of the propelling line "A" as a
guide or means of carrying the torpedoes by having attached to the distance
lines "D" a sheave or pulley "V"which runs on the return portion of the propelling
line "A" and forms for them a track. Instead of the return portion of the
propelling line "A a separate and independent rope or cable W" may be used
for the purpose of forming a guide or way for the sheave or pulley "V, V" on the
torpedoes as shown in Figure 15.
"
"
Another part of the invention consists in the application of the propelling
cable "A to the placing of mechanical mines which are now so dangerous to handle.
The drawing Figure 17 represents a mechanical mine "1," in which the charge
these
is placed and connected with the firing pins "2, 2," on the surface thereof;
firing pins "2, 2," are connected to the charge by safety fuses, which may be made
continuous or operative by means of the catch, or safety pin lever "3" being
turned in one direction or may be disconnected or made inoperative by being
turned in the other direction. A trough "4" to hold all the torpedoes is provided,
which extends into the water some distance from the station or base of operations
which trough is open at the outer end and has a catch or pin "5" against which
the lever or safety pin "3" comes, and by which it is turned, as the mechanical
mine leaves or reenters the trough in its passage from and to the station or base of
operations.
By this means mechanical mines may be sent out and drawn back without
danger to the station, as the firing pins will be automatically connected on the
way out and disconnected on the way back.
As safety mechanical fuses such as Stewart's, are well known, I will not here
describe them, but may use any of a similar construction having a lever to open
and close the connection between the fuses and the charge.
"
I provide a trough "4" shown in Figure 18 which has flaring sides at the outer
end, and a split or open bottom, this is arranged under the water near the surface,
and inclined up to the base of operations, as shown in Figure 19, and the mine "1
is placed in it at the shore and with the safety lever open or "safe," and sent out
backwards, so that contact of the lever " 3 and the catch "5" will change the
lever "3" and set the mine. The towing line or distance line "D" being attached
forward of the centre so that when the mine "1," is brought back to the
trough "4" it will enter with the safety pin "3" forward, which coming in
contact with the catch "5" is turned to safety or so as to break the connection
between the percussion fuses and the charge.
Fire rafts, Kerosene ships and other destructive materials may be attached by
distance lines to the propelling line "A" and drawn out from the base of operation
and detached from the propelling line automatically or by electricity and set
adrift; detachable drifting torpedoes and obstructions of various kinds can easily
and safely be sent out by this means. The fire rafts or other destructive material
set adrift in this manner may have attached electric circuit wires communicating
with the base of operations by which they may be fired when desired.

page_text: For convenience the anchors, buoys and sheaves may be placed in the proper
position in time of peace and surface buoys attached by lines running through the
sheaves as shown in Figure 20, where "XX" are the surface buoys and Y, Y,
the lines attaching them."
The entire outfit for the defence of a port or any point along the coast may be
kept at hand in the bomb proofs, and on brief notice the moorings could be laid
out and the propelling cables rove off ready for hauling out lines of torpedoes. To
avoid any sweeping or dragging for the lines the bights of the propelling cables
may be hauled by adjusting lines to any desired distance from the point to be
defended, until the time arrives for operating them.
I have described the invention as applicable to the operation of torpedoes from
the shore but it is in all parts equally well adapted to be operated from a ship as a
station or base of operations.
In Figure 16 is shown a ship "Z" fitted for this purpose and arranged with
propelling lines "AA" radiating from it to the fixed sheaves "B, B" which may
be put out in any and all directions from the ship "Z."
What I claim is :-
First. In torpedo warfare, broadly, the method of moving, one or more
torpedoes or their equivalent, under the surface of the water, from a base of
operations to any desired point, as herein fully described and for the purpose
shown.
"
Second. In torpedo warfare, the propelling lines A" operated by suitable
motive power situated at the base of operations for the propulsion of one or more
torpedoes, or their equivalent to and from distant points substantially as herein
described and for the purpose shown.
Third. In torpedo warfare, the double propelling line "A. A" suitable motive
power for the propulsion of one or more torpedoes or their equivalent to and from
distant points, substantially as herein described, and for the purpose shown.
Fourth. In torpedo warfare, the double propelling lines "AA" leading from
the base of operations through a fixed block or pulley attached to "sunken
moorings" returning to the motive power "M" for the propulsion of one, or more
torpedoes or their equivalent to and from a given point substantially as herein
described, and for the purpose shown.
Fifth. In torpedo warfare, the double propelling line "A. A." "A. A" leading
from the bases of operation through fixed blocks or pulleys attached to " sunken
moorings" returning to the motive powers at the bases of operation for the
propulsion of torpedoes substantially as herein described, and for the purpose
shown.
Sixth. In torpedo warfare, the propelling lines "A. A" stringers "SSSS"
motive powers situated at the bases of operation for the propulsion of torpedoes
or their equivalents substantially as herein described and for the purpose shown.
Seventh. In torpedo warfare, the "sunken moorings" having block or pulleys
with surface buoys, and reeving line substantially as herein described and for the
purpose shown.
Eighth. In torpedo warfare, the detachable distance lines combined with the
torpedoes or their equivalents "TT" propelling line "AA" and the motive powers
substantially as herein described and for the purpose shown.
"
Ninth. In torpedo warfare, the propelling lines "AA" the distance lines made
buoyant by the application of the buoys “O” substantially as herein described and
for the purpose set forth.
Tenth. In torpedo warfare the moving line the sunken moorings "L" the
propelling lines "AAA" motive power substantially as herein described and for
the purpose set forth.
5
Eleventh. In torpedo warfare, the permanent cable, distance lines "D," propelling
lines "AA" wheels or rollers "V, V," for the propulsion of torpedoes or their 5
equivalents, substantially as herein described and for the purpose shown.
Twelfth. In torpedo warfare, the method herein described of moving one or more

page_text: torpedoes or their equivalent under the surface of the water from a base of opera-
tions to any desired point which point may be changed from the base of operations
substantially as herein described and for the purpose shown.
Thirteenth. The combination of motive power, a propelling line having attached
a boom with torpedoes or their equivalent attached substantially as herein described
and for the purpose shown.
Fourteenth. The combination of motive power, a propelling line and distant fixed
moorings, in combination with torpedoes or their equivalent, attached by distance
lines to the propelling lines so that they may be released therefrom at will at a
distance from the station substantially as herein described and for the purpose
shown.
Fifteenth. The combination of motive power, a propelling cable, adjustable sheave
and adjusting cable, with two fixed sheaves, substantially as described herein and
for the purpose shown.
Sixteenth. The combination of motive power, a propelling cable having distance
lines and torpedoes or their equivalents attached, adjustable sheave and adjusting
cable with two fixed sheaves substantially as herein described and for the purpose
shown.
Seventeenth. The trough herein described having a slotted or open bottom and
sides and bottom flaring apart at one end substantially as specified.
Eighteenth. The trough herein described having a slotted or open bottom
and catch thereon and sides and bottom flaring apart at one end substantially as
specified.
Nineteenth. The combination of the catch of the trough and the automatic safety
lever of a mechanical mine as specified and set forth.
Twentieth. The combination of the open or slotted bottom trough having a catch
therein, and the automatic safety lever of a mechanical mine and the distance lines
and propelling line as specified.
Twenty first. The combination with a torpedo or equivalent of a rigid rod as a
distance line, having an eye to receive the propelling line, and a counterweight as
specified.
Twenty second. The combination with a torpedo or equivalent of a rigid rod as
a distance line, having an eye to receive a propelling line and a flat counterweight
as specified.
Twenty third. The combination of a frame with moorings and sheave as specified
and shown.
Twenty fourth. The combination of a frame with moorings and sheave and
propelling line as specified and set forth.
In witness whereof I the said Sydney Pitt have hereunto set my hand
and seal this twentieth day of January in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
SYDNEY PITT (LS)