IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS, AND IN RENDERING SHIPS AND BOATS IMPERVIOUS TO SHOT
Year: 1852

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ROBERT
BARNARD FEATHER, of Liverpool, Merchant, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at Westminster,
the Twenty-sixth day of November, in the year of Lord One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-two, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto the said Robert Barnard Feather, his executors, administrators, and
assigns, Her special license, full power, sole privilege, and authority, that I,
the said Robert Barnard Feather, my executors, administrators, or assigns, and
such others as I, the said Robert Barnard Feather should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times during the term of
years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend within that part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, my said Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS, AND IN RENDERING SHIPS AND BOATS
IMPERVIOUS TO SHOT."
And whereas I, the said Robert Barnard Feather, in pursuance of a proviso
in the said in part recited Letters Patent contained, did cause a particular.

page_text: description of the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, to
be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office on the Twenty-sixth day of May, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three:
And whereas since the said Letters Patent were so granted, and the said
Instrument or Specification was so filed as aforesaid, doubts have arisen
whether those parts of my said Invention which are claimed in the said Speci-
fication, secondly and lastly, and relate (second) to the method therein
described, or any mere modification thereof, of lining or padding the sides of
ships or other vessels and boats, so as to render them more secure and imper-
vious to cannon shot. And, lastly, to the constructing the decks of ships or
vessels of iron, as shewn or described therein, were respectively new at the
date of the said Letters Patent, and for this reason I wish to disclaim all
parts of
my said Specification which relates to the second and last claims:
And whereas I, the said Robert Barnard Feather, am desirous for the
reasons aforesaid to enter à Disclaimer of that part of the title 'of my said
Invention, and of so much of my said Specification thereof as is respectively
hercin-after next inentioned.
"
KNOW YE, therefore, that I, the said Robert Barnard Feather, do
hereby disclaim the following part of the title of my said Invention, (that is
to say,) I disclaim the words and in rendering ships and boats impervious
to shot." And, also, that I hereby disclaim the following part or parts of
the said Specification, (that is to say,) I disclaim all the words and passages
throughout the said Specification relating to the second and last claims set
forth in the said Specification.
And, also, further on in the claiming part of the said Specification, I dis-
claim the words "Second, the method herein described or any mere modifi-
"cation thereof, of lining or padding the sides of ships or other vessels and
boats, so as to render them more secure and impervious to cannon shot."
And, lastly, I claim constructing the decks of ships or vessels of iron, as
above shewn or described.
And, also, that I, the 'said Robert Barnard Feather, do hereby enter 'the
following Memorandum of Alteration, that is to say, in the title of the said
Invention I alter the title from "Improvements in the Construction of Ships,
"and in Rendering Ships and Boats Impervious to Shot," to the following,
viz., "Improvements in the Construction of Ships or Vessels," and in order
that the said alteration and also the alterations in the Specification and in
the claiming part thereof may clearly appear, I do, therefore, hereby alter
the said title and Specification in the terms therein-after shewn, by striking

page_text: out therefrom the words letters and figures, erased by red ink, and by altering
the title as altered in red ink.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ROBERT
BARNARD FEATHER, of Liverpool, Merchant, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent bearing date the Twenty-sixth day of November, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, in the sixteenth year of Her
reign, did for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,.
the said Robert Barnard Feather, Her special license that I, the said
Robert Barnard Feather, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such
others as I, the said Robert Barnard Feather, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, should 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 the Isle of Man, an Inven-
AND IN RENDERING SHIPS
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS and--in-Rendering-Ships-
AND BOATS MORE IMPERVIOUS TO SHOT,"
and-Beats-more-Impervious to Shot," upon the condition (amongst others) that
1, the said Robert Barnard Feather, 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 Robert Barnard Feather, 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 Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the
letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
This Invention of improvements in the construction of ships or vessels, and
in-rendering-ships or vessels-and-beats-more-impervious to shot, has reference first,
to an improved mode of constructing the bulls of ships or vessels, so as to be
render them stronger, lighter, and more durable; second, to a-novel-mode of
padding-the-sides-of-ships-or-vessels and boats, whether composed wholly of metal,
or of metal and wood combined, or of-wood-alone, for the purpose of rendering
them more impervious to chot -the-Invention-relates, thirdly, to an improved
method of constructing the deeks of ships or vessels, by means of which these several
improvements I am enabled to effect a considerable economy in the building of
ships or vessels, and at the same time add to their strength, buoyancy, and

page_text: durability, and also secure them against more extensive or fatal injury arising
from the various cannon-shot-and-from leakage in constructing ships or vessels of
wood and iron combined, or what I term union built vessels.
According to my. Invention I proceed as follows:-The bottom and lower
part of the frame and hull of the vessel is to be constructed of timber, as here-
tofore, to about one half more or less of the perpendicular height of the vessel,
exclusive of the bulwarks or top sides. From that point or mark upwards the
vessel must be constructed of iron. To carry out this object, sheets or plates
of iron are raised upon iron stanchions or ribs made sufficiently strong and
formed with equalized saddle bars a, set across the timber heads, main wales,
and ceilings, over the futtocks to the keel inside and outwardly, as low as neces-
sary, and firmly bolted through them, the-main-timbers-rising to the full-height
required at distances of twenty feet from each other. The main vertical timbers of
the ship or vessel, if-padded-or-lined-as-hereafter described, are carried-up-to the
full-height--required at certain and equal-distances of ten or twelve-feet-apart.
These timbers are lined inside the vessel with pieces of wood-throughout their
whole-length, se-as-to-make them thick enough to form-compartments-of-ten-or
twelve-feet-each-to-receive the linings or paddings herein after described, and to
which the latter could be secured, as directed for entire iron-vessels, or, if pre-
ferred or considered more advantageous, the iron ribs or stanchions with
requisite receiving plates could be introduced at suitable distances as for entire
iron vessels.
The intervening spaces between the ceilings and the wales are
The intervening spaces between the ceilings and the wales are
intended to be filled in solid to a sufficient depth to receive the bolts and
intended--to--be-filled in solid to a sufficient depth to receive the bolts and
fastenings of the iron ribs or stanchions, the upper portion of the main wales
fastenings-of-the iron ribs or stanchions, the upper-portion-of-the-main-wales
being laid diagonally either way, with a view to encreased strength. The stem
being laid diagonally either-way-with-a-view-to-enereased-strength.-The-stem
and stern post to be entirely of timber or of iron from the line of the union
and-stern-pest to be entirely of timber or of iron-from-the-line of the union
streak upwards.
streak-upwards.
Figure 1 is an external elevation of a vessel constructed on this plan;
Figure 2 is a longitudinal vertical section, and Figure 3 is a cross section of
the same; Figure 4 is a detached view of one of the iron stanchions.
a, a, a, a, are the main timbers; b, b, the iron stanchions to which the iron
plates c, c, c, c, (of which the upper part of the vessel is constructed,) are
secured by bolts or rivets in the ordinary manner; d, d, d, d, are the lining

page_text: sufficient-depth or thickness for the padding.
"
The bottom of the vessel to be sheathed with metal as usual, and the heads
The bottom of the vessel to be-sheathed-with-metal as usual, and the--heads
are to be so placed that the uppermost one may amply cover the "union
ere-to-be-so-placed that the uppermost one may amply cover-the-"-union-"
streak, and there be well caulked, and cover the outer arm of the saddle bars
streaky-and-there-be-well-eaulked,-and-cover-the-outer-arm-of-the--saddle-bars
downwards. This is not shewn in the Drawing. The exterior metallic body or
downwards. This is not shewn in-the-Drawing.-The-exterior-metallie body or
plating of the vessel is to be covered and protected with good and well prepared
plating of the vessel is to be covered-and-protected-with-good-and-well-prepared
hides or sheets of caoutchouc or india-rubber attached and adhered to the sides
bides or-sheets-of-eaoutehoue or india rubber-attached-and-adhered-to-the-sides
of the same with marine glue, and pinned through the metal at certain and
of-the-same-with-marine-glue, and pinned through the metal at certain and
sufficient distances and clenched within board.
suffieient-distanees and clenched-within-beard. The interior of the sides of the
vessel-to-be-formed into-compartments-of-ten-or-twelve feet each, as before-directed;
and-each-compartment-to-be-lined and filled in with-any-given-multiplied-thickness
of-the-same-material-only-as-the-outside, glued-or-pinned-together-and-secured with
two transverse-iron-bars-bolted-and-nutted-to-the-receiving-plates, and an additional
one-or-more-upright-iron bars-across-the-former-in-each-and-every-compartimenty.
and bolted to the decks and beams-above-and-below. Vessels thus constructed
would consist of no other woodwork than the requisite lower framing and lining
timbers, the beams, the outer planking up to the union streak, and the upper
or quarter-deck (supposing all the other decks to be iron), and the floorings
and ceilings, which, however, might also be advantageously made of iron.
The second-part of my Invention relates to a mode of rendering ships-and-vessels
more impervious to the effects of cannon shot. To effect this purpose 1-make-use
of such materials as are considered to possess the qualities of toughness-and-dura-
bility, and-which when firmly-fixed-and-secured-will-offer-considerable-resistaneey-se
as-not-to-field-under-ordinary eireuinstances, nor-be-subject-to-splinter-or-take-fire.
With these objects in-view-it-is-proposed that-the-whole interior surface of the
vessel-or-parts-exposed to injury be-lined-throughout-with-sufficient and proper-
tionate-thickness of the following materials in a series of three linings or easings
placed one-over or upon the other (see Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.)
The first lining to consist of a number of thicknesses of stout-well tanned hides-f

page_text: laid-one-upon-or-against-the-other until any determined of required thickness is
attained. These-hides-are-to-be-held together and kept in their places-by-marine
glue or by spikes driven through-them-at-sufficient distances, and are to be secured
in their respective-compartments by two stout transverse-wrought-iron bars g
(Figure 5)-placed-across-each-other-and-spiked-to-the linings; the upper and lower
ends of these bars being returned at right-angles, as-at-Figure 9, and bolted-and
nutted (with the adjoining bars) to the vessel's ribs, and made with strong receiving
plates-plaeed-at- certain and equal distances from each other, say, every-ten-or
twelve feet, as shewn in Figure-5.
The second lining consists of a series-of-broad-sheets of eaoutehoue or india-
rubber-h, see-Figures-6 and 8 of-an-equal-determined or required thickness glued or
spiked together, as the foregoing,-and-secured-by-two-strong-horizontal wrought
iron-bare-i bolted-and nutted with the adjoining i at the return ends, as shewn-in
Figure 6.
The third lining consists of a similar determined thickness of broad-sheets-k, k
of good sound-work-glued or spiked-together-as-before. These various thicknesses
of padding-to-be-entirely covered over or eased with zine, yellow metal, or copper,
formed-into-sheets of sufficient size-to-enclose or extend over each compartment-of
every ten or twelve feet, with a return edge which is to be secured to-the-receiving
plates, the said sheets-being also spiked to the linings, and the whole-finally
secured by two-strong-perpendicular wrought bars 1, 1, spiked to the lining, and
with long return ends belted to the vessel's beams and deeks, above and belows-as
shewn in Figures 7 and 8.
The various thicknesses of materials being bolted-and-strengly secured-together
in-each-direction, the whole would form one entire-firm;-compaer, and resisting
body from stem to stern of the vessel, and the material being of-a-description-not
easily fired, they would be proportionately the less liable to destruction-by-such
means, and, if desirable, to render them less-so they could-be-submitted-to-any-anti-
combustible-process-which-would-be-effectual-for-the-purpose.
The plan of lining-or-padding-vessels-or-ships-just-described may either-be
applied-in-the-order-and-method-above-set-forth, or in-any-other-manner-which
may be found on experiment to be the most effective, the thickness required of each
description-of-lining-may-also-be-varied according to circumstances ;-but-I-may
here remark that a combined substance of from eighteen-to-twenty-four-inches-will
prove a sufficient-protection for the most vulnerable or exposed parts of a ship in
the ordinary-course of events, or except in very desperate cases, and-even-in-such
eases it will prove-of-very-great-service-in-reducing the destructive-power-and
effeet even if the lining should not entirely-prevent-the-shot-from-penetrating.

page_text: It-would-also-prevent-(if-applied-to-the lower hull inside or between the timbers
and the-planking outside) any serious consequences of leakage from whatever cause,
and altogether render the vessels in every way, and under-all-circumstances, more
safe and comfortable, and insure greater security to these necessarily exposed-and
jeopardized in time of-war.
The-same-process might be applied-for-the-protection of beats with equal
advantage, the proportion and mode of application being somewhat-modified-to
suit the-eireumstances of the ease.
The spikes which secure the caoutehoue or india-rubber-lining should be
inserted-in-a-sufficiently warm state to admit of their being driven through without
netually dissolving the material, which on cooling-again-would-elose-upon-and
adhere more firmly to the metal.
The third and last part of my Invention-relates to an improved method of
construeting-the-deeks-of-ships or vessels. The hold-and-deck-beams may be
constructed either of timber or iron, and all-the-deeks below the upper or quarter
deek-are-to-laid with iron instead of wood as at present.-The-deeks-will-then
consist-of-sheets-or-plates-(of adequate thickness) laid with butt or lapped joints,
which-are-to-be secured-to-the-horizontal-beams, and additionally supported by
means of zig-zag or other shaped iron frames, fitted-and-let in between, and fastened
to-the-several beams, -with-a-strong-circular-or-dove tailed plate at the respective
angles of the frames and spiked down, and so fitted and made-flush that the iron
deek have an equal and level bearing throughout its whole surface. -This-con
struction-will-be altogether lighter in structure than the ordinary kind of deck, and
would greatly tend to strengthen and stiffen the vessel. It would also-aet-as-a
great-preservative-against the chance of conflagration-and-the-effects of shot, and
would not be liable either to rip or splinter, it would also be less costly than the
ordinary-plan, and would wear-en indefinite time, and could be more easily repaired
whien-necessary, and would require no caulking, while at the same time it would
save a large expenditure of timber, and be more healthy because-more-cleanly, and
more easily kept-se.
Figure 10 is a plan view, and-Figure 11-a-vertical-section of part of a deck
shewing-some-of-the-iron-plates-n, n, removed in order that the deck beams and
iren zig-zag or other-shaped-iron-framing-m, m, may be more clearly seen.
Having now described my various improvements and the best means
with which I am at present acquainted for carrying the same into effect, I
claim in conclusion, first, the Invention method herein described of constructing
ships or vessels of wood and iron combined. Second, the method herein deseribed
or-any-mere-modification thereof of lining-or-padding the sides of ships or other
vessels and beats, so-as-to--render-them-more-secure-and-impervious--to-cannon

page_text: et. Lastly, I claim constructing-the-deeks-of-ships or vessels of iron as above
ewn-and-deseribed.
*
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Barnard Feather, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, the Twenty-third day of September, One thousand
eight hundred and sixty-three.
I hereby grant my fiat, giving leave to the above-mentioned Robert
Barnard Feather to file in the Great Seal Patent Office, with the Specifi-
cation to which the same relates, the above-written Amended Disclaimer and
Memorandum of Alteration.
Lincoln's Inn,
2nd November 1863.
ROUNDELL PALMER.

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Barnard Feather, of Liverpool,
Merchant; for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CON-
STRUCTION OF SHIPS, AND IN RENDERING, SHIPS AND BOATS IMPER:
VIOUS TO SHOT."
Sealed the 23rd March 1853, and dated the 26th November 1852.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Barnard
Feather at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
his Petition, on the 26th November 1852.
I, ROBERT BARNARD FEATHER, do hereby declare the nature of
the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS,
AND IN RENDERING SHIPS AND BOATS IMPERVIOUS TO SHOT," to be as
follows:
This Invention has referénce to the construction of ships, and to
the padding of ships and boats, whether composed wholly of metal,
or of metal and wood combined, or of wood alone, for the purpose of
effecting an economy in the building of vessels, and adding to their
strength, and also securing them against the injury arising from.
cannon shot, and from leakage.

page_text: In constructing what I term iron and union built vessels, ac-
cording to my Invention, I proceed as follows:-The bottom and
lower part of the hull and frame of the ship, or vessel, is built of
timber, to about one half (more or less) of the entire perpendicular
height of the same. From that point or line upwards it is con-
structed of iron, in plates or sheets, to the remaining height re-
quired, raised upon, and secured to iron standards, or ribs of pro-
portionate size and strength, made with equalized saddle bars, and
inner and outer arms, to the same set across the timber heads at
equal and sufficient distances from each other. The inner arm, or
that within board, is continued downwards, along the timbers or
ribs of the vessel, over the futtocks, to the keel; and the outer arm,
or that on the outside of the vessel, is carried down over the main
wales; and the corresponding timbers, or ribs, extend as low as
necessary, and are properly secured by bolts. The inside timbers
are carried up to the full height of the vessel's upper or quarter
deck, at distances of about twenty feet from each other (more or
less) through the whole length of the same, including the angle of
cach quarter. The upper part of the main wales, to any given
depth, are placed diagonally either way. The stem and stern post,
for their entire length, will be of timber or of iron from the union
streak of the main wales upwards. The hold and deck, beams and
ceilings, and floorings, may be either timber or iron. The bends
must fully cover the union streak and the outer arm of the saddle
bars downwards. The decks (except the upper or quarter deck), I
propose shall be laid with iron sheets or plates, having lap or butt
joints. These plates are secured to the beams with spikes, or nails,
or other fastenings. Or a zigzag, diamond, oval, circular, or other
shaped iron framework is let in between the beams; and the spaces
or openings in the framework are filled in with plates of a corre-
sponding shape, which are secured thereto in any convenient way.
The exterior metallic body, or plating, of the vessel is covered with
well tanned hides, and secured in their places with marine gluc
and pins or bolts.
-
The interior surface of the sides of the vessel is formed into com-

page_text: partments of 12 or 15 feet cach, by strong inward wood or iron ribs,
or plates, of sufficient depth. These compartments are also filled in
with the same material as the outside, and effectually secured (to
any multiplied thickness required) with marine glue and by two
strong wrought iron bars passed transversely across each other.
These bars have return ends, which are bolted to the ribs, or re-
ceiving plates of the vessel, and meet those of the adjoining com-
partments, so that the whole is uniformly and firmly secured together
from stem to stern. In addition to the said transverse bars, strong
upright wrought iron bars, or iron knees, with long return ends,
are fixed over the former, one or more for each compartment, and
bolted to the decks and beams of the vessel; above and below all
the bars are pinned or spiked to the linings, which may be either
of tanned hides, as above proposed, or of sheets of caoutchouc or
india rubber, or sheets of cork, or all or any of these materials.
For entire timber built vessels, a lining or protection of all or
any of the like material is used, and placed upon and between the
ribs and outside planking of the vessel, over any extent of surface
required, and bolted through with the planking. The like system
applies to iron ships, and also to boats generally.
In some cases, in addition to the lining already mentioned, I
apply a lining of good sound cork; and this lining I cover with
plates of zinc, yellow metal, or copper, which are to be spiked down
to the linings, their edges being secured to the ribs, or receiving
plates before mentioned, and the whole secured with two strong
perpendicular wrought iron bars, or iron knees, with long return
ends bolted to the vessel's beams and decks above and below.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent bearing date the Twenty sixth day of November, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty two,
in the sixteenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and
successors, give. and grant unto me, the said Robert Barnard
Feather, Her special license that I, the said Robert Barnard
Feather, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as I, the said Robert Barnard Feather, my executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, should 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 the Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS, AND IN RENDERING SHIPS AND BOATS
MORE IMPERVIOUS TO SHOT," upon the condition (amongst others) that.
I, the said Robert Barnard Feather, 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 imme-
diately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Robert Barnard Feather, 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 Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and
figures marked thereon (that is to say):
This Invention of improvements in the construction of ships or
vessels, and in rendering ships or vessels, and boats, more impervious
to shot, has reference, first, to an improved mode of constructing
the hulls of ships or vessels, so as to render them stronger, lighter,
and more durable; second, to a novel mode of padding the sides of
ships or vessels, and boats, whether composed wholly of metal, or
of metal and wood combined, or of wood alone, for the purpose of
rendering them more impervious to shot. The Invention relates,

page_text: thirdly, to an improved method of constructing the decks of ships
or vessels. By means of these several improvements I am enabled
to effect a considerable econoiny in the building of ships or vessels,
and at the same time add to their strength, buoyancy, and dura-
bility, and also secure them against more extensive or fatal injury
arising from the various cannon shot, and from leakage in con-
structing ships or vessels of wood and iron combined, or what I
term union built vessels.
According to my Invention, I proceed as follows: The bottom
and lower part of the frame and hull of the vessel is to be
constructed of timber, as heretofore, to about one half, more or
less, of the perpendicular height of the vessel, exclusive of the
bulwarks or topsides. From that point or mark upwards, the
vessel must be constructed of iron. To carry out this object, sheets
or plates of iron are raised upon iron stanchions, or ribs, made
sufficiently strong, and formed with equalized saddle bars, a set
across the timber heads, main wales, and ceilings, over the futtocks, to
the keel inside, and outwardly, as low as necessary, and firmly bolted
through them; the main timbers rising to the full height required, at
distances of twenty feet from each other. The main vertical timbers
of the ship or vessel, if padded or lined as hereafter described, are
carried up to the full height required, at certain and equal distances
of ten or twelve feet apart. These timbers are lined inside the
vessel with pieces of wood throughout their whole length, so as to
make them thick enough to formn compartments of ten or twelve feet
cach, to receive the linings or paddings hereafter described, and to
which the latter could be secured as directed for entire iron vessels.
Or if preferred or considered more advantageous, the iron ribs or
stanchions, with requisite receiving plates, could be introduced at
suitable distances, as for entire iron vessels. The intervening spaces
between the ceilings and the wales are intended to be filled in solid
to a sufficient depth, to receive the bolts and fastenings of the iron
ribs or stanchions, the upper portion of the main wales being laid.
diagonally either way, with a view to increased strength. The stem

page_text: and stern post to be entirely of timber, or of iron, from the line of
the union streak upwards.
Figure 1, is an external elevation of a vessel constructed on this
plan. Figure 2, is a longitudinal vertical section, and Figure 3, is
a cross section of the same. Figure 4, is a detached view of one of
the iron stanchions. a, a, a, a, are the main timbers; b, b, the iron
stanchions to which the iron plates c, c, c, c, (of which the upper
part of the vessel is constructed) are secured, by bolts or rivets, in
the ordinary manner; d, d, d, d, are the lining pieces, which are
secured to the vertical timbers a, for the purpose of obtaining a
sufficient depth or thickness for the padding.
The bottom of the vessel is to be sheathed with metal as usual, and
the bends are to be so placed that the uppermost one may amply
cover the "union" streak, and there be well caulked, and cover the
outer arm of the saddle bars downwards. This is not shown in the
Drawing. The exterior metallic body or plating of the vessel is to
be covered and protected with good and well prepared hides or
sheets of caoutchouc or india rubber, attached and adhered to the
sides of the same with marine gluc, and pinned through the metal
at certain and sufficient distances, and clenched within board; the
interior of the sides of the vessel to be formed into compartments of
ten or twelve feet each, as before directed, and each compartiment
to be lined and filled in with any given multiplied thickness of the
same material only as the outside, glued or pinned together, and
secured with two transverse iron bars bolted and nutted to the
receiving plates, and an additional one or more upright iron bars
across the former in each and every compartment, and bolted to the
decks and beams above and below. Vessels thus constructed would
consist of no other wood work than the requisite lower framing and
lining timbers, the beams, the outer planking up to the union
streak, and the upper or quarter deck (supposing all the other
decks to be iron), and the floorings and ceilings, which, however,
might also be advantageously made of iron.
The second part of my Invention relates to a method of rendering
ships and vessels more impervious to the effects of cannon shot. To

page_text: effect this purpose, I make use of such materials as are considered
to possess the qualities of toughness and durability, and which, when
firmly fixed and secured, will offer considerable resistance, so as not
to yield under ordinary circumstances, nor be subject to splinter or
take fire. With these objects in view, it is proposed that the whole
interior surface of the vessel, or parts exposed to injury, be lined
throughout with sufficient and proportionate thickness, of the fol-
lowing materials, in a series of three linings or casings, placed one
over or upon the other. (See Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.)
The first lining to consist of a number of thicknesses of stout, well
tanned hides f, laid one upon or against the other, until any deter-
mined or required thickness is attained. These hides are to be held
together and kept in their places by marine glue or by spikes driven
through them at sufficient distances, and are to be secured in their
respective compartments by two stout transverse wrought iron bars g
(Figure 5), placed across each other and spiked to the lining; the
upper and lower ends of these bars being returned at right angles,
as at Figure 9, and bolted and nutted (with the adjoining bars) to the
vessel's ribs, and made with strong receiving plates placed at certain
and equal distances from each other, say every ten or twelve feet, as
shewn in Figure 5.
The second lining consists of a series of broad sheets of caout-
chouc, or india rubber, h (see Figures 6, and 8), of an equal
determined or required thickness, glued or spiked together as the
foregoing, and secured by two strong horizontal wrought iron
bars i, bolted and nutted with the adjoining bars i, at the return
ends, as shewn in Figure 6.
The third lining consists of a similar determined thickness of
broad sheets k, k, of good sound cork, glued or spiked together as
before. These various thicknesses of padding are to be entirely
covered over or cased with zinc, yellow metal, or copper, formed
into sheets of sufficient size to enclose or extend over each compart-
ment of every ten or twelve feet, with a return edge, which is to be
secured to the receiving plates, the said sheets being also spiked to

page_text: the linings, and the whole finally secured by two strong perpen-
dicular wrought iron bars l, l, spiked to the lining, and with long
return ends bolted to the vessel's beams, and decks above and below,
as shewn in Figures 7 and 8.
The various thicknesses of materials being bolted and strongly
secured together in each direction, the whole would form one entire
firm, compact, and resisting body from stem to stern of the vessel;
and the material being of a description not casily fired, they would
be proportionately the less liable to destruction by such means, and,
if desirable, to render them less so, they could be submitted to any
anti-combustible process which would be effectual for the purpose.
The plan of lining or padding vessels or ships just described may
either be applied in the order and method above set forth, or in any
other manner which may be found, on experiment, to be the most
effective; the thickness required of each description of lining may
also be varied according to circumstances; but I may here remark,
that a combined substance of from eighteen to twenty four inches
will prove a sufficient protection for the most vulnerable or exposed
parts of a ship in the ordinary course of events, or except in very
desperate cases; and even in such cases it will prove of very great
service in reducing the destructive power and effect, even if the
lining should not entirely prevent shot from penetrating.
It would also prevent (if applied to the lower hull inside, or
between the timbers and the planking outside) any serious conse-
quences of leakage, from whatever cause, and altogether render the
vessels in every way, and under all circumstances, more safe and
comfortable, and insure greater security to those necessarily exposed
and jeopardized in time of war.
: The same process might be applied for the protection of boats
with equal advantage, the proportion and mode of application being
somewhat modified, to suit the circumstances of the case.
.
The spikes which secure the caoutchouc or india rubber lining
should be inserted in a sufficiently warm state, to admit of their
being driven through without actually dissolving the material,

page_text: which, on cooling again, would close upon and adhere more firmly
to the metal.
The third, and last part of my Invention, relates to an improved
method of constructing the decks of ships or vessels. The hold and
deck beams may be constructed either of timber or iron, and all
the decks below the upper or quarter deck are to be laid with
iron instead of wood, as at present. The decks will then consist
of sheets or plates (of adequate thickness,) laid with butt or
lapped joints, which are to be secured to the horizontal beams,
and additionally supported by means of zig-zag or other shaped
iron frames, fitted and let in between and fastened to the several
beams, with a strong circular or dove-tailed plate, at the respec-
tive angles of the frames, and spiked down, and so fitted and made
flush, so that the iron deck may have an equal and level bearing
throughout its whole surface. This construction would be alto-
gether lighter in structure than the ordinary kind of deck, and
would greatly tend to strengthen and stiffen the vessel. It would
also act as a great preservative against the chance of conflagration
and the effects of shot, and would not be liable either to rip or
splinter; it would also be less costly than the ordinary plan, and
would wear an indefinite time, and could be more easily repaired,
when necessary, and would require no caulking; while, at the same
time, it would save a large expenditure of timber, and be more
healthy, because more cleanly, and more easily kept so.
Figure 10, is a plan view, and Figure 11, a vertical section, of
part of a deck, shewing some of the iron plates n, n, removed, in
order that the deck beams and iron zig-zag or other shaped iron
framing m, m, may be more clearly seen.
Having now described my various improvements, and the best
means with which I am at present acquainted for carrying the same
into effect, I claim in conclusion, first, the method herein described,
of constructing ships or vessels of wood and iron combined; second,
the method herein described, or any mere modification thereof, of
lining or padding the sides of ships, or other vessels and boats, so

page_text: as to render them more secure and impervious to cannon shot;
lastly, I claim constructing the decks of ships or vessels of iron as
above shewn and described.
In witness whercof, I, the said Robert Barnard Feather, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, the Twentieth day of May,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
fifty-three.
Witness,
G. HAMILTON FLETCHER,
of Liverpool.
R. B. FEATHER. (L.S.)