IMPROVE- MENTS IN MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR COUNTERACTING SEA MOTION IN PAS- AND THEREBYTING
Year: 1872

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Emil Wilhelm Marcus, of Bloomsbury, in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR COUNTERACTING SEA MOTION IN PAS-
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Emil Wilhelm Marcus
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition',
on the 27th November 1872.
I, EMIL WILHELM MARCUS, of Bloomsbury, in the County of Middle-
sex, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR COUNTERACTING SEA MOTION IN
PASSENGER AND OTHER VESSELS, AND THEREBY PREVENTING SEA SICKNESS," to be
as follows:
This Invention consists in improved constructions of the saloons and
cabins of ships for the purpose of enabling them to be free from the rolling,
pitching, and ascending movements of the ships which contain them.

page_text: In the hull of the ship is fixed a hollow globular or cylindrical vessel,
having its centre in line with the longitudinal axis of the ship or as near
as possible within the vertical plane, and at the same time the nearer it is
to the ship's lateral axis, on which the pitching and ascending move-
ments take place, the greater is its efficiency. In the fixed globular or
cylindrical vessel is placed another globular or cylindrical vessel having a
shorter radius according to the circumstances and dimensions required.
The inner vessel has a floor at a suitable distance from the bottom, and
it is this inner vessel which forms the saloon or cabin, and the dis-
tribution of the weight and fittings are placed so as to bring the centre
of gravity very near to the lowest part.
The inner vessel is supported on the concave surface of the outer one
by wheels of a diameter corresponding with the difference of the radii of
the two vessels, so that their respective surfaces are always at equal
distances from each other, the wheels being at the lower part of the
inner vessel, and so constructed that they can turn in all directions.
By this arrangement and construction the rolling movements of the ship
are neutralized within the inner vessel at whatever distance it may be
from the lateral axis of the ship, but the nearer it is to that axis the
pitching and ascending movements will be lessened, the inner globular
vessel only moving up and down in a vertical direction, but not in the
pitching and ascending directions. When it is only required to counter-
act the rolling movements of the ship the cylindrical construction of
vessel is employed.
The working of these arrangements will be easily understood if it is
borne in mind, first, that through all possible movements of the ship the
lowest point of the fixed globular vessel is always within the vertical
plane through the longitudinal axis; secondly, that the gravitation of
the inner globe is continually acting to bring its centre of gravitation as
near as possible to that lowest point; and, lastly, that appropriate means
for doing so immediately at any change of its position in the outer vessel
are provided for by the wheels. For instance, if the ship is rolling the
wheels being under the pressure of the inner vessel turns sideways and
move in order to take up other points of support in the outer vessel
around its lowest point as long as it changes its place. As soon as the
rolling movement is at its extreme the outer globe becomes stable for a
moment, and with it also its lowest point, affording thereby a stable
support to the wheels, and stopping their motion. When the movement

page_text: in the opposite direction sets in the wheels move equally in an opposite
direction. Pitching and ascending movements of the ship make the
wheels turn on themselves sideways, and move them in the ship's longi-
tudinal direction.
In case the common centre of the vessel is at considerable distance
from the before-mentioned points, and if by that reason or on account of
any deficiencies in the construction the inner vessel is still materially
affected by the obnoxious movements of the ship, the saloon or cabin is
made in a third vessel of similar construction as the second (inner) one,
in order to neutralize the movements of the latter.
Adequate means are provided for keeping the inner vessel in an
unchanged fore and aft position, for fixing it to the outer vessel from
within when required, for preventing the former from being materially
displaced out of its regular position by collisions or sudden and violent
shocks of the ship, and for suitable entry, light, ventilation, and the usual.
saloon or cabin accommodation.
Several of the constructions before described can be made in a line
with communications between them, and the saloon or cabin can be
lengthened in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and according to the
same system ferry boats can be constructed for railway carriages.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Emil Wilhelm Marcus in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 27th May 1873.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, EMIL
WILHELM MARCUS, of Bloomsbury, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-seventh day of November, in
the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, in
the thirty-sixth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and
successors, give and grant unto me, the said Emil Wilhelm Marcus,
Her special licence that I, the said Emil Wilhelm Marcus, my execu-
tors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Emil

page_text: Wilhelm Marcus, 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 Isle of Man, an Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR COUNTERACTING SEA
MOTION IN PASSENGER AND OTHER VESSELS, AND THEREBY PREVENTING SEA
SICKNESS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Emil
Wilhelm Marcus, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in
writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and scals, 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 Emil Wilhelm Marcus, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying
Drawings, and to the figures and letters marked thereon (that is to
say:
This Invention consists in improved means of and apparatus for
counteracting sea motion in passenger and other sea going vessels, ferry
boats, and floating constructions gencrally, whether old or newly con-
structed, and is applicable to saloons, cabins, platforms, beds, couches,
and other objects which are required to be maintained in a horizontal
position, and this object is attained according to this Invention by means
of wheels, rollers, or their equivalents, moving or working on and within
fundaments or bearings of a circular form, which fundaments or bearings
are constructed in the hull of the vessel.
In the following particular description the Invention is described as
being applied to the saloon or cabin of a passenger vessel. In the hull
of the ship is fixed a hollow globular or cylindrical vessel or construction
(hereinafter called the fundaments) with the centre or axis thereof in
line with the longitudinal axis of the ship, or as near as possible within
the vertical plane through it, and at the same time the nearer it is to the
ship's lateral axis on which the pitching and ascending movements take
place the greater is its efficiency.

page_text: In the fixed globular or cylindrical fundaments is placed another
globular or cylindrical construction.
The inner constructions have a floor at a suitable distance from the
bottom, and it is this inner vessel which forms the saloon or cabin, and
the distribution of the weight and fittings are such as to bring the centre
of gravity very near to the lowest part.
The inner construction is supported on the concave surface of the
fundaments by wheels, rollers, or other equivalents of a diameter
corresponding with the difference of the radii of both constructions, so
that their respective centres are identical.
In the accompanying Drawings Fig. 1 is a Diagram showing a
transverse section of the cylindrical construction.
Fig. 1 is the same, showing the position of the inner construction
when the vessel containing the same is rolling; Fig. 2 shows a longi-
tudinal section of the cylindrical construction; Fig. 3 illustrates an
arrangement for fixing the inner or balancing cylindrical construction.
to the hull of the vessel, and means for regulating the balancing capacity;
Figs. 4 and 4 show a plan and section respectively of a construction of
an elongated spherical form; Figs. 5 and 5ª show a transverse and
longitudinal section respectively of the globed construction.
Figs. 6 and 6 are sections showing the wheels for globed construction,
and Figs. 7 and 7ª illustrate an arrangement for preventing a displace-
ment of the inner globed construction when the vessel's course is
changed.
Referring to Figs. 1, 1ª, and 2, the cylindrical fundament is represented
by the grooved bands a, which are fixed to the ribs c'of the hull. On
these bands a the wheels d rest and work. The number of wheels is
proportionate to the breadth of the construction, and adequate to the
The height of
purpose of keeping it in proper balance on both sides.
the wheels, together with the radius of the inner construction is equal
to the radii of the bands a, thus bringing their common centre into one
axis. On the supports p (which supports may be of any appropriate
construction other than that shown) the horizontal platform e or floor of
cabin or saloon is established. At the ends of the inner construction
arms or bearings are provided, which carry wheels ƒ working on the
bands which are in the hull of the vessel. The said wheels f prevent

page_text: the wheels a from getting out of gear with the bands a through pitching
movements.
By a suitable distribution of weighty material in the balancing
construction at its lowest practical part its action of gravitation is
rendered more efficient, and in order to prevent a disturbance of the
platform's horizontal position through unequal distribution of weights
on it regulating weights are provided, and are fixed to the bars h,
which bars work in suitable guides. The bars have racks formed
thereon which gear with toothed wheels k, and the bars and weights
attached thereto are moved to one side or the other by turning the said
wheels in the desired direction.
· Fig. 3 illustrates an arrangement for fixing the inner or balancing
construction to the hull. The bolts are driven into corresponding slots
or holes by turning the wheel m, and through it actuating the chains
(shown in broken lines) connected with the bolts.
Also the above described means of fixing the inner construction to the
hull may be combined with the following arrangement for regulating
the balancing capacity in case it is desireable to prevent even small
deviations caused through friction or other causes. Within guides in the
hull are chains r, which are carried over the toothed shafts n. The
shafts n being connected with the engine are turned in the direction
indicated by the arrows with a rapidity not much exceeding that of the
quickest and sharpest rolling movement. As soon as a spirit level
shows a deviation the wheel m is turned in the direction of the
downward inclination of the floor, in order to push the bolts 1 (by
means of the connecting chains) out to engage with the bars q of the
chains on the side of the downward inclination. By these means
the action of the wheels to follow the gravitation of the inner con-
struction is aided to bring the floor immediately into a horizontal
position, and when this is effected, the bolts are withdrawn from engage-
ment with the bars q of the endless chains by turning the wheel m in
an opposite direction. In this arrangement for fixing the inner con-
struction to the outer, the shafts n are disconnected from the engine;
and by being fixed the endless chains are equally fixed; and the bolts /
being driven out into it the inner construction is secured to the hull.
The guides in which the chains work are of metal or other suitable
material and antifriction rollers are employed at intermediate points in
the length.
2"

page_text: When a platform or floor of an irregular shape is to be constructed,
as for instance, such as would be desireable at the fore part of the vessel
(where loss of space would ensue if the cylindrical construction alonė
was employed), the fundaments or bands a (see Fig. 4*) are constructed
of a radius gradually diminishing from the broader part or end of the
platform to the narrow end; however, notwithstanding the difference in
circumference of the bands a their centre must always be in a common
axis to form a coherent balancing construction.
The tie beams o (see Figs. 1 and 1*) passing through the open room
on the platform or floor are hidden from sight by screens of suitable.
solid material, thereby avoiding the danger of persons or things coming
in contact therewith while the action is going on. When the tic beams o
do pass through the room they will prevent the inner construction from
being affected by violent shocks or displacement beyond that consistent
with the highest degree of rolling. For this purpose the tie beams.
have only sufficient play through the walls of the balancing room
as the highest degree of that motion can be. In case no beams
are available for that purpose suitable stops or buffers are provided
on the ribs of the inner construction, and stops y on the hull at a
sufficient distance from each other, to allow of the greatest possible
sca motion.
The stops or buffers as well as the supports of the floor are provided
with suitable bedding of caoutchouc, in order to mitigate shocks, and
also the oscillations caused by engines. Tie beams used in the hull of.
the vessel in the cylindrical construction below the fundaments can be.
arranged between the rollers or wheels and bands a, provided they will
not come in contact with the floor e when the vessel is rolling. The
threshold of the door is as near as possible on the longitudinal axis, with
a moveable covering over the small opening, for allowing the inner
construction sufficient play in its movements..
In Figs. 5 and 5ª, illustrating the globed construction, the fundaments
are represented at a. The inner surface of the fundaments is composed
of plates joined together, and presenting an even surface on the inner or
concave side, and supported upon suitable bearings and beams, which
are represented at b. Within and upon a stands on wheels d the inner
balancing construction represented by the ribs c. The radius of the
inner construction together with the height of the wheels d is equal to
the radius to a giving thus a common centre to both constructions..

page_text: The floor or platform e is established in a horizontal position on the
supports f, which are not only sufficiently strong for all emergiencies of
weights to be supported by the inner construction, but also heavy, in
order to increase the action of gravitation, and in order to counterbalance
an uneven distribution of weights on the platform, weights which are
moveable on the ring j (see Fig. 5) are brought to bear on the higher
side by means of a suitable lever arrangement. The wheels d are fixed
to the ribs c, and are equally distributed in adequate number within a
suitable circumference around the bottom, they can turn to all sides on
themselves. With this object in view, and in order to enable them the
better to overcome the friction caused by the pressure of the great
weight they may have to support, the following means are provided and
illustrated in Figs. 6 and 6°. The runner 1 of the wheel is mounted in
the bearing 2, the upper part 3 of which bearing is of a ball form, which
fits in the cup or collar 4. A lever 5 mounted in a bearing 6 on the
bearing 2 works on the pivot 7, and a stop 8 is provided. By means of
the stop 8 the lever is prevented from inclining too much inwards at the
upper end, and by the spring 9 the same effect is obtained at the lower
end. When the gravitation draws the inner construction into a direction
different from the direction of the wheels their upper circumference
inclines and presses against the lever at 10, and by the action of the
lever 5 this pressure is transmitted to the circumference of the wheel
at 11 with a force proportionate to the dimensions of the lever's arms,
thus aiding the wheel in its propensity to turn sideways into the direction
of the gravitation of the inner construction. As soon as the wheels
which have some play for inclining towards the axes have again taken
up a perpendicular position the pressure ceases at 10, and allows the
spring 9 to bring the lever again into its right position.
In the globed construction the independence of the inner construction
from the hull would make it also independent from turning movements
of the ship, and the following arrangements are designed to prevent this
when the vessel shall change its course. On the opposite ribs c (see
Fig. 7, which shows a section through the ship's longitudinal axis) are
fixed ribs W, which can move upwards and downwards between the arms
of the forks v. These forks are connected with the curved toothed bar
working in guides u in the hull in which it may be fixed, and when not
fixed is moveable upwards and downwards through the toothed wheel t.
The centre of these guides u as well as of the ribs w is as near as possible
to the ship's longitudinal axis and the forks being brought into the

page_text: same position to will move upwards and downwards within v, through
pitching without touching or being materially affected by the arms of
the fork, and rolling does not materially displace the latter if in the
right position, but as soon as it is affected by it and w touches alternately
the arms of v, the latter is too high or too low, and must be regulated by
the wheel t. When adjusted and the ship changes its direction then
the corresponding arm of v presses against wo and forces the inner con-
struction to follow into the ship's direction, without, however materially,
interfering with the former's independence while such pressure is
exercised.
Another method of accomplishing the same object and which is
chiefly applicable to lighter constructions is shown in Fig. 7. The
chains & pass through the rings or handles ŕ at the usual place of the
ship's longitudinal axis, or as near as possible to it. At the upper end
the chains are attached to the hull by the handles r which are moveable
on themselves, and at the lower ends to which weights are attached to
keep them straight they pass through the eyes or holes in the globed form
at a,
the eyes and supporting wheels are arranged so as not to interfere
with each other through all possible movements of the former. Pitching
makes the chain pass up and down through r¹, and rolling makes these
turn to the right or left, but with a change of the ship's 'direction
the inner construction is drawn into the same without materially
affecting its balancing capacity during the action. Both the described
arrangements must be in sufficient dimensions for the highest possible
degree of pitching and ascending, and the arrangements for the
threshold of the door are the same as described for the cylindrical
construction.
The beams passing through the room are protected by screens similar
to those in the cylindrical construction and play must be allowed for
the beams' movements through pitching and through rolling, and the
said beams will prevent any violent deviations.
When beams are not available for regulating violent deviations stops
or buffers must be used in the same way as described for the cylindrical
construction, but at the four sides in order to prevent the inner con-
struction from being affected by shocks or collisions to a greater degree
than is given for play for sea motion.

page_text: Having thus described the nature and particulars of my said Inven-
tion, I claim the improved means of and apparatus for counteracting
sea motion on floating constructions of all description, substantially as
herein described and illustrated on the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Emil Wilhelm Marcus, have here- 5
unto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-fourth day of May, One
thousand cight hundred and seventy-three.