An Improved Method of and Apparatus for. Utilizing the Motion, of Liquids for Propelling Bodies.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Oct., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 23rd Aug., 1895-Accepted, 12th Oct.,
1895.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION:
An Improved Method of and Apparatus for. Utilizing the Motion, of
Liquids for Propelling Bodies.
I GEORGE WILSON, of 113 The Grove, Ealing, in the County of Middlesex,
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to. be as follows:-
I develop forces to propel or move bodies by impulsive action in annihilating the
momentum of fluids in motion generated by gravitation..
I cause what is termed an inelastic fluid such for example as water and mercury
(water only will be the fluid mentioned in this Specification) to flow under any
desired head of pressure through, what I term, tanks constructed of metal or any
other suitable materials and any desired size and shape respecting their sectional
areas and lengths; their shape lengthwise from their top ends may be curved or
straight inclined to the horizon, or partly curved and partly straight, or partly
The tanks are closed and water-tight
vertical and partly horizontal or inclined.
except at their top ends which are open. At the bottom part of the tanks there
are openings or pipes fitted with suitable valves which are opened in such a manner
that the water, may, issue or flow out of the tanks through, up, or along the said
openings or pipes under the adopted heal of pressure of the water in the tanks,
thereby generating flowing motion to the mass of water in the tanks. The
herein before mentioned valves are then closed, thereby annihilating the generated"
momentum of the water in the tanks and causing impulsive forces to act on the
apparatus and bodies, fixed or connected. thereto. The said valves,are again, in
like manner, opened and closed in order to generate motion to the mass of water in
the tanks and cause impulsive forces to set to move or propel the mass in annihilating
the momentum of the water in the tanks, and so on continuously during the time the
apparatus is working.
At the lower ends of the tanks other suitable valves are fitted leading into air
chambers in order to prevent sudden concussions to the apparatus in annihilating
the momentum of the mass of water flowing in the tanks. To the lower or water
part of the air chambers pipes are fitted leading into the top and open part of the
tanks, constituting the head of pressure, or to other desired receptacles, in order
that the water forced through the valves into the air chambers, in annihilating the
momentum of the mass of water in the tanks, may escape and thus relieve the
pressure in the air chambers.
The water, issuing through the hereinbefore mentioned openings or pipes fitted
with valves at the bottom part of the tanks, is caused to flow into suitable
receptacles (fixed at any desired level below the head of pressure of the water
in the tanks) and raised therefrom by suitable pumps or other appliances, worked
by steam or other power, higher than or to the level of the head of pressure of the
water in the top of the tanks..
The herein before mentioned valves, fitted to the openings or pipes to the bottom
part of the tanks for the water to issue or flow through in order to generate motion
to the mass of water in the tanks, are by preference opened gradually in a manner
to ellect a minimum unbalanced force (due to momentarily.unbalanced pressure of
back or reverse motion to the
the water in the tanks) to act and cause
direction which the apparatus and bodies connected thereto are being moved or
uranelled

page_text: There may be oue, two, or any desired number of apparatus joined together,
cacb apparatus working independently. The herein before mentioned valves (fitted
to each apparatus at the bottom part of the tanks to the openings or pipes through
which the water flows out of the tanks in order to generate motion to the mass of
water therein) may be opened and closed consecutively in such a manner that
previously to the force of momentum of the flowing water in the tank of one
apparatus is annihilated effecting propelling motion the last mentioned motion is
acting on another apparatus in like manner, and so on with regard to the other joined
apparatus, thus causing propelling force to act continuously on the mass of
apparatus. The valves, hereinbefore lastly mentioned, may be worked in any
suitable manner and in some cases automatically.
The same may be worked by cams fitted to a revolving shaft. The cams may
be set and fixed to the shaft in a manner to act consecutively to move the valve
rod of each apparatus and open the valve. The latter may be closed by a
compressed spring fitted to and working on the valve rod. The springs are
compressed on the valve rods during their motion due to the throw of the
revolving cams. Instantly the throw of the revolving cam is clear of the valve
rod the tension of the compressed spring acts to close the valve. The throw of
the revolving cam again, in like manner, moves the valve rod and opens the
valve which is closed by the tension of the compressed spring, and so ou
continuously.
The water circulates through the apparatus, when working, continuously.
The apparatus is fixed in a suitable manner in vessels, on platforms or frames of
railway or other vehicles, or to any other body or bodies to be propelled or
moved, and is applicable for steering vessels.
Dated this 23rd day of October 1894.
An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Utilizing the Motion of
Liquids for Propelling Bodies.
I, GEORGE WILSON, of 113 The Grove, Ealing, in the County of Middlesex
Civil Engineer, 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 :-
I develop forces to propel or move bodies by impulsive action in annihilating
the momentum of fluids in motion generated by gravitation pressure or suction, or
parily by gravitation and partly by suction.
I cause what is termed an inelastic fluid such for example as water and mercury
(water only will be the fluid mentioned in this Specification) to flow under any
desired pressure through, what I term, tanks constructed of metal or any other
suitable materials and any desired size and shape respecting their sectional areas
and lengths their shape lengthwise may be curved or straight inclined to the
horizon, or partly curved and partly straight, or partly vertical and partly
horizontal or inclined. The tanks are closed and water-tight except at their top,
or one of their ends which are open. At the other ends and lower part of the
tanks there are openings or pipes fitted with suitable valves which are opened in
such a manner that the water may issue or flow out of the tanks through, up, or
along the said openings or pipes under the adopted head of pressure or intensity of
suction of the water in the tanks, thereby generating flowing motion to the mass of
water in the tanks. The hereinbefore mentioned valves are then closed, thereby
annihilating the generated momentum of the water in the tanks and causing
impulsive orces to act on the apparatus and bodies fixed or connected thereto.

page_text: The said valves are again, in like manner, opened and closed in order to generate
motion to the mass of water in the tanks and cause impulsive forces to act to move
or propel the mass in annihilating the momentum of the water in the tanks, and so
on continuously during the time the apparatus is working.
At the lower and closed end of the tanks other suitable valves are fitted leading
into air chambers for the purpose of preventing sudden concussions to the apparatus
and also for regulating the time and intensity of the force in annihilating the
momentum of the mass of water flowing in the tanks. To the lower or water part
of the air chambers pipes are fitted leading into the top or open end of the tanks,
in order that the water forced through the valves into the air chambers, in
annihilating the momentum of the mass of water in the tanks, may escape and thus
relieve the pressure in the air chambers. In some cases the momentum of the
water in the tanks may be annihilated and sudden shocks prevented by pistons
pushing against springs.
The water, issuing or flowing through the hereinbefore mentioned openings or
pipes fitted with valves at the lower part and closed ends of the tanks is caused to
flow into suitable receptacles (fixed at any desired level below the head of pressure
of the water in the tanks) and raised therefrom by suitable pumps or other
appliances worked by steam or other power, higher than or to the level of the head
of pressure of the water in the top and open ends of the tanks into which the water
is caused to flow.
The bereinbefore mentioned valves, fitted to the openings or pipes to the lower
part and closed ends of the tanks for the water to issue or flow through in order to
generate motion to the mass of water in the tanks, are by preference opened
gradually in a manner to effect a minimum unbalanced force or pressure (due to
momentarily unbalanced pressure of the water in the tanks) to act to cause back
force or reverse motion to the direction which the apparatus and bodies connected
thereto are being moved or propelled.
There may be one, two, or any desired number of apparatus joined together,
each apparatus working independently. In case two or more apparatus are joined
the herein before mentioned valves (fitted to each apparatus at the bottom part and
closed ends of the tanks to the openings or pipes through which the water flows
out of the tanks in order to generate motion to the mass of water therein) may be
opened and closed consecutively in such a manner that previously to the force of
momentum of the flowing water in the tanks of one apparatus is annihilated
effecting propelling motion the last mentioned notion is acting on another
apparatus in like manner, and so on with regard to the other joined apparatus, thus
causing propelling force to act continuously on the mass of apparatus. The valves,
hereinbefore lastly mentioned, may be worked in any suitable manner whatsoever
mainly dependent on the size and arrangement of the apparatus adopted. The
same may be worked by cams fitted to a rotating shaft or spindle. The cams may
be set and fixed to the shaft in a manner to act consecutively to move the valve
rod of each apparatus and open the valve. The latter may be closed by the
tension of a compressed spring fitted to and working on the valve rod. The
springs are compressed on the valve rods during their motion due to the throw of
the revolving cams. Instantly the throw of the revolving cam is clear of the
valve rod the tension of the compressed spring acts to close the valve. The throw.
of the revolving cam again, in like mancer, moves the valve rod and opens the
valve which is closed by the tension of the compressed spring and so on
continuously.
When the arrangement of apparatus is adopted by which the momentum of the
water along the tanks is generated by suction or partly by suction and partly by
gravitation or pressure the water flowing through the valves may either be caused
to flow into suitable receptacles and raised therefrom into a channel leading to the
open end of the tanks, or suitable suction pumps may be fixed over the valves or
other suitable manner and the water which is sucked through the valves raised
directly into such channels. In the latter case grid slide valves opering and

page_text: closing rapidly, effecting large water-way area through short strokes are suitable,
although any other suitable form of valve may be 'adopted. The valves may be
worked by pins suitably fitted through, or projections on, the pump rod working
lever or other arrangements; and the pump rods may be worked' by cams fitted on a
revolving spindle or shaft worked by steam or other power. "The throw of the
cams is designed in a manner to give the desired varying reciprocating velocity
to the up and down or forward and back strokes of the pump buckets and rods.
The water circulates through the apparatus, when working continuously. The
apparatus is fixed in a suitable manner in vessels, on platforms or frames of
railway or other vehicles or to any other body or bodies to be propelled or moved,
and is applicable for steering vessels.
"In order that my said invention may 'be clearly understood I now proceed to give
general illustrations of the same referring to the drawings hereunto annexed.
Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal section of 'an apparatus.
**
Figure 2 is a top plan showing four apparatus joined together.
Figure 3 is a vertical cross section through A B of Figure 1.
t..
The momentum of the water in the tanks in this apparatus is generated by
gravitation of a head of water pressure.
tare the tanks being rectangular
in cross section and 'curved inclined to the horizon lengthwise. is the head of
water and the open and top end of the 'tanks; a... a, are pipes, fitted to
openings at the lower part of the tanks, leading into a chamber b; c... c, are the
air chambers; d... d are pipes fitted between the air chambers and top
channele along which the water flows' into the top of 'the tanks at the head ;
P, p, are pumps, worked by 'steam or other power, for lifting the water from the
chamber b, to the top channel'e; the valves, for opening and closing the mouths
of the pipes a, fitted to openings at the lower part of the tanks. The rods, of
these valves pass through stuffing' boxes' and are forced' downwards by revolving
cams g, g fitted on a spindle & worked by 'steam or other power; 1, are the springs,
on the valve rods, which are compressed on the rods by the throw of the revolving
cains in opening the valve v. "Instantly the'throw of the cams is clear of the valve
rods the tension of the compressed springs closes the valves; m are the valves
fitted between' the tanks and air chambers c. These may be grid or any other
suitable self-acting valves opening for the water to pass from the tanks t, into the
air chambers c, and closing when' the pressure in the latter is greater than the
pressure in the tanks; in other words, the water in the tanks can flow freely
through these valves into the air chambers' but cannot return.
The level is the height to which the water flows from the tanks through the
pipes a, into the chamber b. The height between the level h, and h, the head
I term the working head of pressure for generating movement to the mass of water
along the tanks; o is an air pipe fitted to the top of the chamber b, for the
purpose of maintaining within the latter the normal pressure of the atmosphere.
The action of each apparatus is as follows: The valve e, being opened by the
throw of the revolving cam g, the working head of pressure in the tank t, forces
water from the latter up and through the pipe a, into the chamber b, thereby
causing motion to the whole mass of water in the tank t; the valve closing
rapidly by the tension of the compressed spring on the rod the generated
momentum of the mass of water in the tank is mainly annihilated at the 'air
chamber end of the apparatus 'thus causing impulsive forces to act in moving the
apparatus and bodies connected thereto in the direction of the arrow x.
In annihilating the said momentuin the air in the chamber C, is compressed which
pressure closes the valves m, and also forces water out of the air chamber up and
along the pipes d, into the top chamber e, leading to the top and open end of the
tank t.
The interval of time for properly generating momentum to the water in the
tank t, and also for annihilating the same is evidently regulated by the speed of
the revolving cam 9, on the horizontal spindle k. There being in this
illustration 4 apparatus shown joined together the cams if desired may be set on

page_text: the spindle to work consecutively in such a manner that previously to the force of
momentum of one apparatus is annihilated the like force of another apparatus is
acting and so on, thus causing continuous force to act in propelling the whole
apparatus and bodies connected thereto in the direction of the arrow .. The water
issuing through the pipes a. .a. into the chamber b is lifted by any suitable appliance
to the channel e, in a manner so as to practically maintain the water within the
chamber 6 at the level h. The water may be lifted by two pumps p, p, working
alternately as shown on the drawings.
Instead of the tanks t being curved inclined to the horizon lengthwise, the same
may be straight inclined, or partly inclined and partly horizontal, or partly vertical
and partly horizontal as shewn by y... y. Figure 1 or of any other desired suitable
shape. Their sectional areas may be rectangular, circular, or any other suitable
shape.
In the construction of this arrangement of apparatus moderate in size, 1 adopt
by preference the following:
(1) The sectional area of the pipe a Figure 1, is about one-fourth the sectional
area of the inclined tank t. The motion of the mass of water flowing down the
tank is thus partially arrested, thereby developing force during the time of the
efflux of the water through the pipe a.
(2) The working head of pressure that is to say, the height from to /
Figure 1 is about one fourth the total head from 2 to 1.
(3) The throw of the revolving cam g, is shaped to open the valve v gradually
in order to allow time, a very short interval, for the water in the tank t to
gradually obtain motion thus reducing to a minimum unbalanced back pressure.
If the valve is instantaneously opened full there exists within the tank a strong
momentarily unbalanced pressure which causes force to act tending to move the
mass of apparatus backwards that is to say in a contrary direction to the arrow &
which indicates the direction the apparatus and bodies connected thereto is being
moved or propelled.
Figure 4, shews a vertical longitudinal section of another arrangement of
apparatus. Figure 5 is a portion of the same on an enlarged scale.
In this arrangement of apparatus the motion of the water along the tank is
generated by suction. t is a rectangular tank in cross-section; c, the air chamber.
dpipes fitted between the air chamber and top channel e, along which the water
flows into the top and open end of the tank ; p is a pump worked by steam or other
power for sucking and causing motion to the water along the tank t; v is a grid
slide valve through which when open, the water in the tank t, has egress to the
pump p; mare valves fitted between the tank t, and air chamber c.
These may
be grid valves or any other suitable self acting valves opening for the water to
pass from the tank into the air chamber c and closing when the pressure in the
latter is greater than the pressure of the water in the tank. The reciprocating
motion of the pump p is effected by the revolving cam g, fitted on the spindle k,
worked by steam or other power. The grid slide valve is worked by a crank
levers to which motion is effected by pins passing through the reciprocating
pump rod f.
The piston or pump bucket rod f, is guided in its reciprocating motion by
frames n, bolted to the flange of the pump rod. These frames glide on each side.
of the spindle or shaft and also (at a right angle) against the ends of the cam
bosses. The pump bucket w is fitted with grid or any other suitable valves for
suction puinps.
In this arrangement the working of the apparatus is wholly effected by causing
the spindle or shaft k, to which the cams are fixed to rotate by steam or other
power. The pins rr, through the lower part of the pump rod f (or other
suitable projections) are fitted in a manner to respectively open and close the slide
valve r, through a short space just on the termination of the up and down strokes.
In order to diminish that space so that the slide valves may be caused to open and

page_text: close rapidly in the reciprocating movement of the rod f, the top forked arm of
the crauk levers is made shorter than the lower or partially vertical arm.
The working of the apparatus is as follows:-The slide valve u being open the
suction of the up stroke of the pump bucket draws, thus giving motion to the water
along the tank t. On the termination of the up stroke the crank lever s, has acted
and closed the slide valve. The generated momentum of the mass of water in the
tank t, is mainly annihilated at the air chamber end of the apparatus, thus causing
impulsive force to act in moving the apparatus and bodies connected thereto in
the direction of the arrow .c. In annihilating the said momentum the air in the
chamber C is compressed, which pressure closes the valves m, and also forces water
out of the air chamber up and along the pipe d into the top channel e leading to
the top and open end of the tank t. The said momentum is annihilated during the
time of the down stroke of the pump at the termination of which the action of the
crank levers, has opened the slide valve v. In like manner the up stroke of
the pump again sucks the water along the tank, causing motion to the mass therein,
and so on continuously during the time the apparatus is working. The water
pumped and also forced through the pipe d, out of the air chamber c, into the top
channel e, flows along the latter into the top and open end of the tank t, at h.
In the construction of this arrangement of apparatus moderate in size, I adopt
by preference the following:
(1) The cam a. is designed in a manner to effect gradual accelerated motion to
the up stroke of the pump bucket w, and rotated at a speed to cause gradual motion
to the water along the tank t. 0
•
(2) The sectional area of the openings in the valve v, is about one fourth the
sectional area of the tank t.
(3) The maximum intensity of the pump suction is equivalent to about
one fourth the weight of water within the horizontal portion of the tank t.
Figure 6 shows another arrangement of apparatus, being a vertical longitudinal
section, whereby the same tank may serve for effecting propelling motion either in
a forward or backward direction.
The motion of the water along the tank is effected by suction by mechanism
similar to that herein before described in respect to Figures 4 and 5. At each end
of the tank there are separate pumps, valves, air chambers, cams, and relief air
chamber pressure pipes. t is the tank. c the air chambers; pipes fitted between
the air chambers and top channel e. the pumps, worked by steam or other power.
v. grid slide valves. m. valves fitted between the tank t, and air chambers c.
cains. The grid slide valve may be properly reciprocated for opening and
I the
closing the same; by crank levers, shown at s by means of suitable lever mechanism
worked by the pump rods or frames connected thereto, or in any other suitable
manner. There are two stop valves i respectively at the ends of the tank t.
Figure 6, the valve is shown drawn outwards, and the end tank open. At the
opposite end the valve i, is drawn inwards and closes the open end of the tank.
When the apparatus is working, the water circulates through and along the
apparatus in the direction shown by the arrows y
y. The pump p,
In
is then worked and the pump p' stationary. The propelling thrust developed in
annihilating the momentum of the water along the tank, is in the direction of the
arrow 2. To reverse the propelling direction the valve i is drawn outwards and
the valve drawn inwards to close the open end of the tank. The pump p' is
worked and the pump p is stationary. The water circulates through and along the
apparatus in a contrary direction to that shewn by the arrows y
Y.
The propelling thrust developed in annihilating the momentum of the water along
the tank is in the direction of the arrow . The spindles or shafts on which the
cams grare fixed (for working the pumps) may be rotated by separate engines placed
together as shown at j or in any other suitable manner.
In suitable cases the vessel or other body to be moved or propelled may be fitted
with turn-tables and apparatus fixed thereon, whereby the line of thrust force

page_text: developed in the apparatus may be caused to act in any direction in a plane for the
purpose of steering.
I do not limit myself to the arrangements and mechanism of apparatus herein-
before described. Numerous other arrangements can be adopted mainly dependent
on the size and shape of the vessel or other body to be propelled and the magnitude
of propelling thrust to be developed.
wish it to be clearly understood that I do not limit myself to water as the
liquid or inelastic fluid to be used. Any other suitable inelastic fluid may be used,
especially mercury.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I wish it to be understood
that I do not claim broadly the method of developing propelling force by annihi-
lating the momentum of a stream of liquid as this is described in my prior
Specification No. 8107 of 1890 but what I claim is :-
1. In apparatus for propelling bodies the combination of means for generating
inomentum in a mass of liquid within carried by and constituting part of the
apparatus with means for suddenly annihilating the said momentum substantially as
described.
2. In apparatus for propelling bodies the combination of a circuit of liquid within
carried by and constituting part of the apparatus, a pump or other propeller in the
circuit and a valve or valves whereby the momentum of the liquid can be annihilated
substantially as described.
3. Apparatus substantially as described and shewn in Figure 1 of the drawings.
4. Apparatus substantially as described and shewn at Figures 4 and 5 of the
drawings.
5. Apparatus substantially as described and shewn at Figure 6 of the drawings.
Dated this 92nd day of & vanst 1805
GEORGE WILSON.