Improvements in and relating to Locomotive or Manœuvred Torpedoes.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Feb., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 12th Nov., 1892-Accepted, 21st Jan,, 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by WILLIAM DRYLAND, of 18 Avenue de l'Opera,
Paris, in the Republic of France, Gentleman.]
Improvements in and relating to Locomotive or Manœuvred
Torpedoes.
I, DAVID YOUNG, of the firm of D. Young & Co, Patent Agents, 11 & 12,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of London, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to locomotive or manœuvred torpedoes, and comprises
various improvements whereby great economy is effected in the use of such
torpedoes, either in actual warfare or for practice.
Torpedoes of this kind or class have hitherto been so constructed that the
explosion of the charge necessarily effects the destruction, not only of the magazine
or charge-chamber, but also of the other portions of the hull of the torpedo con-
taining the propelling and other mechanism. As this mechanism is usually very
costly, the use of such torpedoes in actual warfare for the destruction of ships or
other objects involves great loss or expenditure; more especially as several tor-
pedoes have, in some instances, to be destroyed before the destruction or disablement
of the ship or other object of attack can be effected.
In practising with manoeuvred torpedoes, it has been customary heretofore to
provide for the explosion upon impact, of only a small charge sufficient to indicate
whether, in actual warfare, the torpedo attack would have been successful. Full
charge have not hitherto been used because of the necessity, in such case, of
destroying the entire torpedo or so injuring the same as to render it unfit for
further use.
Attempts have been made to devise means for detaching from the hull of a
torpedo at the proper moment, a case containing the explosive charge, and at the
same time reversing the movement of the torpedo, so as to save the hull and
machinery thereof from destruction; but so far as I am aware, such attempts have
been unsuccessful, the methods devised being very crude and unsatisfactory.
Now the main object of my present invention is to provide simple and reliable
means whereby a locomotive or manoeuvred torpedo may be effectually employed for
destroying or injuring a ship or vessel, without the necessity for the destruction of
the entire torpedo, that is to say, after the explosion of its charge, the hull and
machinery of the torpedo can be recovered uninjured by the explosion, so that they
can be again used with a fresh charge of explosive material.
The desired result is accomplished, according to the present invention, by con-
structing the torpedo in the manner hereinafter mentioned, so as to provide for the
expulsion or disengagement of the charge and charge-chamber from the torpedo
prior to the explosion of such charge, and for the simultaneous reversal of the
motion of the propeller or propellers, so that, before the expelled charge is exploded,
the torpedo will be moved backward therefrom to such a distance that it will not be
injuriously affected by the explosion.
The explosion of the charge is preferably delayed for a short time after the
expulsion thereof from the torpedo, so as to allow ample time for the movement of
the latter to a safe distance from the said charge.
I provide means whereby the expulsion or disengagement of the charge from the
torpedo and the simultaneous reversal of the motion of the propeller or propellers,
will be automatically effected upon impact, and means whereby the firing of the
charge will be automatically effected at a suitable period after the expulsion or

page_text: release of the said charge. Therefore, it is only necessary, in order to make
efficient use of the torpedo, to control its movements in such a manner as to ensure
its striking the ship or other object of attack; the expelling of the charge, the
reversal of the motor-mechanism, and the subsequent explosion of the charge, will
then be automatically performed. The torpedo can then be drawn or driven back
to the shore or to the ship from which it was. launched, and can be re-charged at
any convenient time. It will, therefore, be, seen that my improved torpedo, acts, as
a carrier for the explosive charge, which conveys the said charge to the desired
point beneath the ship or other object of attack, and, after leaving it there, returns
to the place from which it was dispatched.
It is evident that, with torpedoes constructed according to my present invention,
full charges can be used either in warfare or for practice, and the destructive
effects of such charges can be utilized or ascertained without incurring much
greater expense than the actual cost of the charge and charge-chamber or
magazine.
The improvements above mentioned are applicable to various forms of locomotive
or fish torpedoes, such, for instance, as the Lay torpedo, the Brennan torpedo, or
the Sims-Edison torpedo.
According to one arrangement, the expulsion or disengagement of the charge-
chamber from the torpedo is automatically effected through the melium of suitable
mechanism operated or set in action by means of a rod or tube which projects
forward from the torpedo and is pushed backward when it strikes a ship or other
object.
According to another arrangement, the expulsion of the charge from a cylinder
or chamber in or attached to the hull of the torpedo is effected by pressure, by
means of compressed air or other gas, which is admitted to the said chamber by
the action of the said rod or tube when the latter strikes the ship or other object..
My present invention also comprises improved means whereby the charge will
be automatically exploded after it has been expelled from the torpedo and when,
but not until it has assumed a vertical or approximately vertical position. The
turning of the charge into this position occupies a sufficient length of time to allow
the torpedo to move out of range of the destructive action of the explosion. In
some instances, a catch or detent is provided which prevents the action of the
firing device, while the charge is in the torpedo, and which is arranged to be
automatically released or disengaged when the charge is expelled from the
torpedo.
My said invention also comprises the utilization of the exhaust air or other gas
from the engine, in torpedoes wherein compressed air or other gas is used as the
motor, for throwing the water away from the bow of the torpedo and thus diminishing
the resistance to the forward movement of the torpedo through the water.
And my said invention further comprises an improved apparatus for reducing
the pressure of the gas from the reservoir or generator before admitting it to the
engine.
In carrying my said invention into practice, I find it advantageous to employ
a sliding rod or tube, or a series of rods or tubes operating telescopically, arranged
in a tube or cylinder attached to the top, bottom or side of the torpedo; the said
rod or rods are connected with suitable mechanism for projecting the charge from
the torpedo and simultaneously reversing the motion of the propeller or propellers
when such rod or rods come in contact with a resisting body.
When a single rod or bar is employed in a torpedo propelled by compressed air
or other gas, the said rod or bar is so arranged that, on coming into contact with a
resisting body, it is forced inward the required distance, and, through the inter-
vention of gearing, levers, or other mechanical devices, admits. gas or air to the
cylinder or chamber at the forward end of the torpedo, and the charge is thus
expelled from the said chamber. Or, in these or other forms of torpedoes, the
same result can be obtained by the employment of levers or a wire-rope connection.
The rod or bar during the same movement, acts through suitable gearing or levers

page_text: to reverse the motor mechanism so that the torpedo will have a backward
ment imparted to it.
In applying the sliding tube or tubes, to a torpedo propelled by gas, air, or
steam, I rigidly attach to the torpedo in any desired position, parallel to the axis
thereof, a tube, open at one point to a gas-tight chamber in the torpedo; within
the said rigid tube is arranged the sliding tube, on the rear end of which is fixed
a gas-tight piston. In the said gas-tight chamber is a pivoted arm or lever,
provided with a hanging piece or pawl which is free to move in one direction to
permit the piston of the sliding tube to pass it, but which, when acted upon by
the said piston while moving in the reverse direction, will cause the turning of
the said arm or lever about its pivot. The sliding tube is first pushed out by the
action of the air or other gas or steam upon its piston. Upon impact against a
ship or other object, it is driven inward, and in this movement, it operates the
said lever, and, through the medium thereof, moves a suitable valve so as to cut
off the supply of air or other gas or steam to the engine and admit it to the afore-
said cylinder or chamber for the purpose of expelling the charge therefrom. In
this operation, the engines are reversed and the said valve is returned to its
original position, thereby again opening communication between the engines and
the fluid supply, and simultaneously causing the return of the sliding tube to its
original position.
sometimes attach to the outside of the hull of the torpedo, one or more
cylinders or chambers containing charges to be expelled therefrom at the proper
time. These chambers are suitably connected with the reservoir of compressed air
or gas, the admission of which to the said chambers is controlled by valves operated
by the aforesaid sliding rod or tube. The charges are arranged to be expelled
either simultaneously or one after another from the said chambers.
When I use these outer chambers, I find it advantageous to arrange some of the
parts of the machinery of the torpedo in the forward conical end thereof. By
this arrangement, I am enabled to shorten the hull of the torpedo; and I can
make the forward conical end thereof of greater length than heretofore and thus
facilitate the propulsion of the torpedo through the water.
In applying my invention to some forms of torpedoes. I arrange the explosive
charge in the forward conical end thereof, and I make this end detachable,
securing it to the hull of the torpedo in such a manner that, on the withdrawal or
release of a bolt or catch under the action of the sliding rod or tube, the said
conical end will be released from the hull. For this purpose I find it advantageous
to provide the sliding rod or tube with a rack which is geared with a pinion;
this pinion is connected with suitable devices whereby, when the pinion is partially
rotated by the rack on the said rod or tube, the said bolt or catch will be with-
drawn or released and the movement of the propeller or propellers simultaneously
reversed. If desired, the said sliding rod or tube is so arranged that, after it has
operated the said pinion, it will fall from its guides and sink in the water or
remain suspended by a cord or chain from the hull of the torpedo.
In applying my improvements to the Brennan torpedo. I, in some cases, connect
each of the driving-drums with the corresponding propeller-shaft through the
medium of a pair of bevel-wheels connected by another bevel-wheel mounted on a
movable base, on which is also mounted a similar bevel-wheel. These parts are
so arranged that, when the said sliding rod or tube is pushed inward, the said
movable base will be shifted so as to throw one of the bevel-wheels thereon out of gear
with the said pair of bevel-wheels, and put the other in gear therewith, thus
reversing the movement of the corresponding propeller. The said movable bases
are arranged to be shifted simultaneously by the said sliding rod or tube.
This reversing apparatus is, if desired, also placed under the control of the
operator by means of suitable devices, so that, in case the torpedo should fail to
strike the object at which it is aimed, the movement of the propeller or propellers
can be reversed, and the torpedo driven astern for a suitable distance, and then
again directed against the object of attack.

page_text: The charge or magazine which I prefer to employ is arranged to be exploded
by the falling of a ball or weight, held in position by a pin actuated by a
pendulum or weighted lever, so arranged that, when the magazine is horizontal,
the pendulum being in the vertical line, the inserted pin prevents the ball from
falling; when, however, the magazine assunies a vertical position, the pendulum
remaining vertical, the pin is withdrawn and the ball drops and explodes the
percussion cap or detonator, thereby firing the charge. The magazine or charge-
chamber is made of approximately the same specific gravity as water, so that it
will sink very slowly, and its centre of gravity is so arranged as to be either
slightly forward of or slightly in rear of its geometrical centre, so that, when
expelled from the torpedo, it will gradually assume a vertical position with its
forward end or point either downward or upward.
To ensure a uniform motion of the engines, I employ a series of automatic
pressure-reducers, so combined that they will gradually and successively reduce
the pressure of the gas from the high pressure at which it is stored in the reservoir
to that at which it is desired to admit the gas to the engine. By this means I
am enabled to ensure the supply of gas to the engine at a constant or uniform
pressure even when the gas in the reservoir is compressed to a very high
pressure.
To provide for throwing the water from the forward end or bow of the torpedo
by means of the exhaust gas, I allow such exhaust gas to flow from a series of
small orifices in the exterior of a chamber around the forward end or bow of the
torpedo, or by preference around the end of the conical portion next the cylindrical
hull.
DL: 104L 1
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 & 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.
STIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Locomotive or Manœuvred
Torpedoes.
I, DAVID YOUNG, of the firm of D. Young & Co., Patent Agents, 11 & 12,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of London, 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:-
This invention relates to locomotive or manoeuvred torpedoes, and comprises
various improvements whereby great economy is effected in the use of such
torpedoes, either in actual warfare or for practice, and whereby such torpedoes are
rendered more efficient than heretofore.
Torpedoes of this kind or class have hitherto been so constructed that the
explosion of the charge necessarily effects the destruction, not only of the magazine
or charge-chamber, but also of the other portions of the hull of the torpedo
containing the propelling and manoeuvring or controlling mechanism. As this
mechanism is usually very costly, the use of such torpedoes in actual warfare for the
destruction of ships or other objects involves great loss or expenditure; more
especially as several torpedoes have, in some instances, to be destroyed before the
destruction or disablement of the ship or other object of attack can be effected.
In practising with manoeuvred torpedoes, it has been customary heretofore either
to use a dummy charge formed of wood or the like, or to provide for the explosion
upon impact of only a small charge, sufficient to indicate whether, in actual warfare,
the torpedo attack would have been successful. Full charges have not hitherto
been used because of the necessity, in such case, of destroying the entire torpedo or
_so injuring the-same-as-to-render it unfit for further-use.

page_text: Attempts have been made to provide for detaching from the hull of a torpedo
at the proper moment, a case or magazine containing the explosive charge, and for
simultaneously reversing the movement of the torpedo so as to save the hull and
machinery from destruction; but, so far as I am aware, such attempts have
heretofore been unsuccessful, the means devised for the purpose being crude and
unsatisfactory.
Now the main object of my present invention is to provide simple and reliable
means whereby a locomotive or manoeuvred torpedo may be effectually employed
for destroying a ship or other object of attack without the necessity for the
destruction of the entire implement, so that, notwithstanding the explosion of its
charge, the hull and machinery of the torpedo can be recovered uninjured, and can
be again used with a fresh charge of explosive material.
The desired result is accomplished, according to the present invention, by
constructing the torpedo in the manner hereinafter described, so as to provide for
the expulsion or disengagement of the charge and charge-chamber from the
torpedo, prior to the explosion of such charge, and for the simultaneous reversal of
the motion of the propeller or propellers, so that, before the expelled or detached
charge is exploded, the torpedo will be moved backward therefrom to such a
distance that it will not be injuriously affected by the explosion. The term
"torpedo" is herein used to denote the hull and machinery with or without the
explosive charge and charge-chamber.
The explosion of the charge is delayed for a short time after the expulsion or
ejection thereof from the torpedo so as to allow ample time for the movement of the
torpedo to a safe distance from the said charge before the latter explodes.
I provide means whereby the ejection or disengagement of the charge from the
torpedo, and the simultaneous reversal of the motion of the propeller or propellers
will be automatically effected upon impact, and means whereby the firing of the
charge will be automatically effected when but not until a suitable time has
elapsed after the expulsion or release of the said charge. Therefore it is only
necessary, in order to make efficient use of the torpedo, to control its movements in
such a manner as to ensure its striking the ship or other object of attack; the
ejection of the charge, the reversal of the motor-mechanism, and the subsequent
explosion of the charge will then be automatically performed. The torpedo can
then be drawn or driven back to the shore or to the ship from which it was
launched, and can be recharged at any convenient time, and can thus be used
repeatedly. It will, therefore, be seen that my improved torpedo acts as a carrier
for the explosive charge, which conveys the said charge to the desired point
beneath the ship or other object of attack, and, after leaving it there, returns or
may be drawn back uninjured to the place from which it was dispatched.
It is evident that, with torpedoes constructed according to my present invention,
full charges can be used for practice as well as in actual warfare, and the destructive
effects of such charges can be utilized in warfare and actually ascertained in
practice, without incurring much greater expense than the actual cost of the charge
and charge-chamber or magazine.
The improvements above mentioned are applicable to various forms of locomotive
or fish torpedoes, such, for instance, as the Lay torpedo, the Sims-Edison torpedo,
and other well-known torpedoes.
According to one arrangement, the expulsion or disengagement of the charge-
chamber from the torpedo is automatically effected through the medium of suitable
mechanism operated or set in action by means of a sliding rod or tube which
projects forward from the torpedo and is pushed backward when it strikes a ship
or other object of attack.
I find it more advantageous, however, in cases where compressed air or other gas
is used as the motive power for the torpedo, to provide for the expulsion of the
charge from a cylinder or chamber in or attached to the hull of the torpedo, by
means of the compressed air or other gas, which is admitted to the said chamber

page_text: •
.
by the action of the aforesaid rod or tube when the latter strikes the ship or other
object.
To provide for the automatic explosion of the charge after it has been expelled
from the torpedo and sufficient time has elapsed to permit the movement of the
torpedo to a safe distance from it, I find it advantageous to make the charge in
such a manner that, when ejected from the torpedo in a horizontal position it will
gradually assume a vertical position, and to employ firing-mechanism so constructed
that it will act automatically to explode the charge when but not until the said charge
has turned from the horizontal position into a vertical or approximately vertical
position. The turning of the charge into this position occupies, as above
mentioned, a sufficient length of time to allow the torpedo to move out of range of
the destructive action of the explosion. In some instances, for additional safety, a
catch or detent is provided which prevents the action of the firing device and the
consequent accidental explosion of the charge, while the same is in or attached to
the torpedo, and which is arranged to automatically release the firing device when
the charge is expelled from the torpedo
My said invention also comprises the utilization of the exhaust air or other gas
from the engine (in torpedoes wherein compressed air or other gas is used as the
motive power) for throwing the water away from the bow of the torpedo and thus
diminishing the resistance to the forward movement of the torpedo through the
water. And my said invention further comprises an improved apparatus for
reducing the pressure of the gas from the reservoir or generator before admitting it
to the engine.
In the accompanying drawings I have shown how my said invention may be
conveniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a side elevation, and
Figure 2 an end elevation of one form of my improved torpedo as it appears when
ready for use.
Figure 3 is a side elevation of the said torpedo, showing the aforesaid sliding rod
or tube in its outermost position.
Figure 4 is also a side elevation, showing the said rod or tube in the position it
occupies when pushed in, and showing the charge after it has been expelled from
the torpedo.
Figures 5 and 6 show the said torpedo in vertical longitudinal central section,
Figure 7 is a vertical longitudinal section partly through a cylinder containing a
sliding rod or tube hereinafter described, and partly through a valve connected
therewith.
Figure 8 is a vertical longitudinal section through the said cylinder and through
a casing connected therewith as hereinafter described.
Figure 9 is a transverse section on the line z, z, Figure 6.
Figure 10 is a vertical longitudinal central section of the charge-chamber or
magazine, showing the same in the position which it assumes after being ejected
from the hull, the firing-mechanism being shown in the position which it occupies
when the explosion of the charge is about to take place.
Figure 11 is a vertical longitudinal central section illustrating another form or
modification of my improved torpedo, in which the charge-chamber or magazine is
contained in the forward part of the hull.
Figure 12 is a side elevation, partly in vertical central section, showing a series
of automatic pressure-reducers constructed and combined as hereinafter described.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A. is the hull of the torpedo; B is a cylinder or tube secured to the exterior of
the hull or within the forward end of the torpedo. C is the charge-chamber or
magazine which is carried in the said cylinder or tube. D is a reservoir for lique-
fied carbonic acid gas, compressed air or other suitable gas, which is to serve as the
motive power. The gas from this reservoir is conducted through a pipe D'
-provided-with-a-stop-valve D³, to a series of pressure-reducers E, whence it passes

page_text: through a pipe E' and through an electrically controlled throttle-valve F and a
pipe, to a heater G, and thence, by means of a pipe G¹ which passes through a
tube in the centre of the reservoir D, to the automatically controlled valve a, from
which it passes either to the engines H (which may be of any suitable construction)
through the pipe a', or to the cylinder or tube B through the pipe a³, according to
the position of the said valve a. The motion of the engine-shaft is communicated
by means of suitable gearing to the propeller-shaft H' and screw-propeller H².
The heater G comprises a series of tubes designed to be surrounded by quicklime
to which water or dilute sulphuric acid may be admitted for the purpose of
generating heat.
K is a cable by which electric currents are transmitted to the electro-magnetic
devices F³, I' and J' for controlling the throttle-valve F, the sighting devices or
indicators I and the steering mechanism J respectively. This cable is coiled on a
drum and is allowed to run freely through a tube K' in the stern A' of the torpedo.
Each of the said electro-magnetic devices comprises a levere connected with a
slide-valve for controlling the admission of gas to either end of a cylinder ..
The said lever is pivoted between two electro-magnets,, whereby it is
operated as required. To ensure the return of the said lever to its central position,
it is connected to a piston working in a cylinder or casing and acted upon by
springs arranged in the said casing one on each side of the said piston.
The pistons of the cylinder are connected respectively with the spindle of the
valve F, with one of the indicators I (which is connected by a rod or link [' to the
other indicator I), and with the steering-lever .J'.
By these means, the torpedo may be manœuvred or controlled with great accuracy
and facility from the shore or from the ship or vessel from which it is launched.
is a sliding rod arranged in a tube or cylinder c attached to the hull of the.
torpedo beneath the same, or it may be at the top or at the side of the hull;
this rod controls suitable mechanism hereinafter described for effecting the ejection of
the charge from the torpedo and simultaneously cutting off the supply of fluid
to the engine or motor, when such rod comes in contact with a ship or other
object of attack. The said rod is preferably made hollow or tubular for the
sake of lightness. Two or more rods or tubes operating telescopically may, if.
desired, be substituted for the single rod or tube b shown in the drawings.
The said rod or tube is so arranged that, on admitting the gas to the engines,
the said rod will be pushed outward into the position indicated in Figure 3, by
the pressure of the gas, and, on coming into contact with a ship or other object, the
said rod will be forced inward the required distance as indicated in Figure 4, and,
through the intervention of suitable mechanical devices such as gearing, levers
or the like, will admit the gas under pressure to the cylinder or tube B, so that
the charge will be thereby expelled from the said cylinder or tube. Or, in these
or other forms of torpedoes, the same result can be obtained by the employment
of levers or a wire-rope connection. The said rod or tube b, during the same
movement, also acts through suitable gearing or levers to shut off the supply of
gas to the engine or motor and to reverse the motion of the said engine or motor.
In applying the sliding rod or tube to a torpedo propelled by gas, air or
steam, I find it advantageous to provide the sliding rod or tube 6 with a gas-
tight piston, Figures 7 and 8, at its rear end, and to provide, in communica-
tion with the tube c, a gas-tight chamber c¹ in which is pivoted an arm or
lever provided with a hanging piece or pawl e³, which is free to move forward
to permit the piston 61 of the sliding rod b, in its outward movement, to pass
the said pawl, but which, when acted upon by the said piston 6', while moving
inward, will cause the turning of the said arm or lever about its pivot c.
The said lever is connected by a rod or link e with the lever of the valve a.
When the throttle-valve F is opened to admit the supply of the fluid to the
engine, the sliding rod is pushed out by the action upon its piston l' of the fluid
under pressure admitted to the rear end of the tube c through a valve e and pipe c,
the casing of the valve e being connected by a pipe e³ with the pipe G'. Upon

page_text: -
impact of the said rod b against a ship or other object, it is driven inward, and, in
this movement, it operates the said lever and, through the medium thereof and
of the rod, moves the valve a so as to cut off the supply of fluid to the engine
and admit such fluid through the pipe a² to the cylinder or tube B for the purpose
of expelling the charge-chamber or magazine C therefrom. At the same time, the
valve e, which is operated by the spindle as hereinafter described, is turned so as
to admit the fluid through the pipe el to the tube c in front of the piston b², and
thus effect the return of the rod 6 to its original position, the gas from the space in
rear of the piston 1 escaping through the pipe c, and exhaust-pipe e. In the
movement of the charge-chamber or magazine along the tube B, the inclined pro-
jection C, Figures 6 and 10, on the rear end of the magazine C, strikes the lower
end of a lever pivoted at in a chamber. The said lever j, which is coupled or
connected at its upper end to the rod c, is thus caused to move the valve a back to
its original position, thereby cutting off the flow of the fluid through the pipe a³
and re-establishing communication between the engine and the fluid supply through
the pipe a¹.
The reversing of the engine is effected through the medium of the following
mechanism, viz. -The slide-links y of the engine are connected with the piston of
a cylinder y', Figure 6, the upper end of which is connected by a pipe y³ with the
pipe c', and the lower end by a pipe y with the pipe e'. By these means, when the
Hnid is admitted to the engine, it will, through the pipes c, y, enter the cylinder y'
and hold down the piston therein, thus keeping the said slide-links in the position
shown. When the valve e is turned by the lever c³ as above described, the fluid is
admitted through the pipes e', y' to the bottom of the cylinder y', and the top of
the latter is, at the same time, put in communication with the exhaust-pipe e
through the pipes y², . The piston of the cylinder y' and the slide-links y are
thus moved upward, thereby reversing the motion of the engine. The valve e must
be so connected with the spindle c¹ that, when the said spindle is turned by means
of the piston bacting upon the lever c, c, it will turn the valve e so as to permit
the supply of gas through the pipe e¹, but, when the said spindle is turned in the
reverse direction, it will not actuate the said valve, and consequently the latter will
remain in the position to which it is adjusted for the purposes of reversing the
motion of the engine and of driving home the rod b.
The reversing apparatus is, if desired, also placed under the control of the
operator by means of suitable devices, so that in case the torpedo should fail to
strike the object at which it is aimed, the movement of the propeller or propellers
can, at the will of the operator, be reversed and the torpedo driven astern for
a suitable distance, and then again directed against the object of attack.
I find it advantageous to provide the charge-chamber or magazine C with
automatic firing-mechanism constructed as follows, that is to say, the chamber C is
made with a tube C² extending longitudinally through its centre from end to end;
at one end of this tube is arranged the detonator h; at the other end is arranged a
suitable device for holding up a ball or weight ƒ until the magazine assumes a
vertical or nearly vertical position, and then automatically releasing the said ball.
This device comprises a quadrant-shaped arm a pivoted to the tube C³ and actuated
by a pendulum or weighted lever 1, the said arm and weighted lever being so
arranged that, when the magazine C is horizontal, the pendulum g' being in a
vertical position, the said quadrant-shaped arm g will extend into the tube C' as
shown in Figure 6, so as to prevent forward movement of the ball along the said
tube; when, however, the magazine C assumes a vertical or nearly vertical position,
the pendulum g' remaining vertical, the quadrant-shaped arm will be withdrawn
from the tube C into the position indicated in Figure 10, and the ball will drop
to the lower end of the said tube, and fire the percussion-cap or fuse of the
detonator h, thereby exploding the charge. The magazine or charge-chamber C is
made of approximately the same specific gravity as water, so that it will neither
rise nor sink in the water or will sink very slowly-and-its-centre-of-gravity-is-so
arranged as to be a short distance in front of its geometrical centre when the said

page_text: magazine is horizontal, so that, when expelled from the torpedo, the said magazine
will gradually assume a vertical position with its forward end or point downward.
It is obvious, however, that, if desired, the centre of gravity of the said magazine
may be so situated that its rear end instead of its point will sink; or the magazine
may, if desired, be made slightly buoyant, so that it will slowly rise in the water
into a vertical position.
To prevent the accidental explosion of the charge while carried by the torpedo,
in the event of the latter being inadvertently or accidentally caused to assume a
vertical or nearly vertical position, I provide a pin g the inner end of which extends
into the tube C in front of the ball and the outer end of which is in the form of
a plunger and bears against the interior surface of the cylinder or tube B, Figure 9,
the said pin being pressed against the said surface by a spring q'. The firing-
mechanism is thus kept locked while the charge remains in the torpedo. When the
charge C leaves the cylinder or tube B and the outer end of the said pin q is
consequently released, the said pin is pushed outward by its spring and thus
withdrawn from the path of the ball or weight f
For the purpose of maintaining the desired specific gravity of the torpedo
notwithstanding the consumption of the gas from the reservoir D and the
withdrawal of the cable K from the torpedo, I provide one or more devices
whereby, when the fluid supplied to the engine is turned on, suitable apertures will
be automatically opened to permit the entrance of water into the hull A to
compensate for the diminution of weight by the consumption of the gas and the
withdrawal of the cable. Each of the said devices is preferably constructed as
follows, viz. -A perforated casing m open at its outer end to the water, is attached
to the interior of the hull A. This casing is provided with a perforated diaphragm
the holes in which are closed by a valve n. A piston n' working in a cylinder at
the top of the casing m, is secured to the spindle of the valve n and is acted upon
by a spring n which tends to hold the said valve against its seat. When the fluid-
supply to the engine is turned on, the fluid under pressure is admitted through the
pipe m' to the space above the piston n', and, acting upon the said piston, forces
the valve n away from its seat, thus permitting the ingress of water through
the perforations in the casing m.
To ensure a uniform motion of the engines, I employ a series of automatic
pressure-reducers E so constructed and combined that they will gradually and
successively reduce the pressure of the gas from the high pressure at which it is
stored in the reservoir, to that at which it is desired to admit the gas to the
engine.
Each of these automatic pressure-reducers consists of a valver pivoted in a valve-
chamber and controlled by means of a pistons working in a cylinders, the
piston-rod being coupled to an arm t secured to the valve-spindle, and the valve
being held open by a springs in the cylinder . The gas flowing through the
valve-chamber has access through a pipe u to the lower end of the cylinder s¹.
The pressure of the gas acting upon the pistons, raises the said piston and partly
closes the valve, thus reducing the pressure of the gas admitted to the engines. By
the combined action of the series of reducing-valves, the pressure of the gas is
ultimately reduced to that required for driving the engine, the said series of valves
acting more efficiently than would a single reducing-valve. By this means, I am
enabled, even when the gas in the reservoir is compressed to a very high pressure,
to ensure the supply of gas to the engine at a constant or uniform pressure until
nearly the whole of the gas contained in the reservoir is consumed.
In Figure 11 I have shown a modification of my invention wherein the charge-
chamber or magazine C is carried in a cylinder or tube B secured in the forward
end of the hull A, the mechanism being constructed. and operating substantially as
above described.
To provide for throwing the water from the forward end or bow of the torpedo
by means of the exhaust-gas, I allow such exhaust-gas to flow from a series of small
orifices in the exterior of a chamber around the forward end or bow of the torpedo.
R

page_text: In the arrangement shown in Figure 11, the exhaust-gas from the engine is delivered
through the pipe into the space or chamber w between the cylinder or tube Band
the hull A, and is projected into the water around the bow of the torpedo through
holes or perforations ', thus throwing the water away from the bow of the torpedo
and decreasing the resistance to the forward motion of the torpedo.
I sometimes provide a chamber w around the cylinder or tube B when attached
to the outside of the hull of the torpedo, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, and conduct
the exhaust-gas through a pipe B¹ into this chamber to so that it will be expelled
through the perforations w' at the forward end of the said chamber.
I can, if desired, attach to the outside of the hull A, two or more cylinders or
tubes each containing a charge-chamber or magazine arranged to be ejected there-
from as above described. These cylinders or tubes are suitably connected by pipes
with the reservoir of compressed air or gas, the admission of which to the said
cylinders is controlled by valves operated by the aforesaid sliding rod or tube. The
charges may, in this case, be arranged to be expelled either simultaneously or one
after another from the said cylinders or tubes.
When I use these outer chambers, I find it advantageous to arrange some of the
parts of the machinery of the torpedo in the forward conical end A¹ thereof, as
shown in Figure 5. By this arrangement, I am enabled to considerably shorten
the cylindrical part of the hull of the torpedo; so that I can, if desired, make the
forward conical end A¹ thereof of greater length than heretofore and thus facilitate
the propulsion of the torpedo through the water.
In applying my invention to some forms of torpedoes, I arrange the explosive
charge in the forward conical end A' thereof, and I make this end detachable,
.securing it to the hull of the torpedo in such a manner that, on the withdrawal or
release of a bolt or catch under the action of the aforesaid sliding rod or tube, the
said conical end A¹ and the explosive charge therein will be completely disengaged
from the hull. For this purpose I sometimes find it advantageous to provide the
sliding rod or tube with a rack which is geared with a pinion; this pinion is con-
nected with suitable devices whereby, when the pinion is partially rotated by the
rack on the said rod or tube, the said bolt or catch will be withdrawn or released and
the movement of the propeller or propellers simultaneously reversed. If desired,
the said sliding rod or tube is so arranged that, after it has operated the said pinion,
it will fall from its guides and sink in the water or remain suspended by a cord or
chain from the hull of the torpedo.
In applying my improvements to the Brennan or other similar torpedo, I, in some
cases, connect each of the driving-drums with the corresponding propeller-shaft
through the medium of a pair of bevel-wheels connected by another bevel-wheel
mounted on a movable base, on which is also mounted a similar bevel-wheel. These
parts are so arranged that, when the said sliding rod or tube is pushed inward, the
said movable base will be shifted so as to throw one of the bevel-wheels thereon
out of gear with the said pair of bevel-wheels, and put the other 'in gear
therewith, thus reversing the movement of the corresponding propeller. The
said movable bases are arranged to be shifted simultaneously by the said sliding
rod or tube.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my
said inven
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
First. The herein described method of providing for the automatic ejection or
disengagement of the explosive charge from a torpedo and the simultaneous reversal
of the motion of the said torpedo upon impact, and for the subsequent explosion of
the said charge after a delay sufficient to permit the movement of the torpedo to a
safe distance therefrom.
“ แ
· Second. A locomotive or manoeuvred torpedo which is so constructed that, upon
impact, the explosive charge or magazine will be automatically ejected or disengaged
from the hull and the motion of the propeller or pronellers simultaneously reversed.

page_text: and the said charge or magazine, on being so ejected or disengaged, will gradually
assume a vertical or nearly vertical position and will then be automatically exploded,
substantially as hereinbefore described.
Third. A locomotive or manoeuvred torpedo which is constructed to be driven
by means of fluid under pressure, and in which suitable provision is made
whereby, upon impact, the ejection of the explosive charge from the torpedo by
means of such fluid and the simultaneous reversal of the motion of the propeller or
propellers will be automatically effected, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Fourth. A charge-chamber or magazine for a torpedo, so constructed that, when
detached from the hull of the torpedo in water, it will gradually assume a vertical
or nearly vertical position, and provided with automatic firing-mechanism adapted
to effect its explosion when, but not until it assumes such position, for the purpose
above specified.
Fifth. The combination, with the cylinder or tube for containing the charge-
chamber, of the sliding rod or tube and suitable means whereby, upon impact of the
same against a ship or other object, the cutting off of the fluid supply to the engine
or motor and the admission of the fluid to the said cylinder or tube to expel the
charge-chamber will be automatically effected, and means whereby, as the said
charge-chamber leaves the said cylinder or tube, the cutting off of the fluid supply
to the latter and the admission of the fluid to the engine or motor will be automati-
cally effected, for the purposes above specified.
Sixth. A locomotive or manoeuvred torpedo which is provided with one or more
cylinders or tubes parallel with the hull for containing detachable charge-chambers,
and in which parts of the mechanism are enclosed in the forward conical or taper
portion of the hull, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Seventh. The combination, with the cylinder or tube for containing the charge-
chamber, of suitable means for locking the firing-mechanism while the said chamber
is in the cylinder or tube and for automatically unlocking the said mechanism when,
but not until the said chamber leaves the said cylinder or tube, substantially as
hereinbefore described.
Eighth. The herein described method of providing for the diminution of the
resistance to the forward movement of a torpedo, by the discharge of the exhaust-
fluid from the engine or motor through apertures around the forward end of the
hull or of one or more external cylinders or tubes attached thereto.
Ninth. The improved means for admitting water into the hull of the torpedo to
compensate for diminution of weight by the consumption of the gas or by the
withdrawal of the cable, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Tenth. The improved device comprising the series of reducing valves constructed
and combined as hereinbefore described for reducing the pressure of the gas as it
flows from the reservoir to the engine or motor.
Eleventh. The improved locomotive or manœuvred torpedo constructed sub-
stantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 10 or with reference to
Figure 11 of the accompanying drawings and operating as above specified.
Twelfth. The modification of my invention wherein I provide the sliding rod or
tube with a rack which actuates, through the medium of a pinion, suitable mechanism
for ejecting the charge from the torpedo and simultaneously reversing the movement
of the propeller or propellers, substantially as described.
Thirteenth. The improved means whereby I provide for reversing the movement
of the propeller or propellers in the case of a Brennan or similar torpedo, sub-
stantially as described.