Improvements in and relating to Locomotive or Manoeuvred Torpedoes.
Year: 1886

page_text: Improvements in and relating to Locomotive or Manoeuvred
Torpedoes.
I, HIRAM STEVENS MAXIM, of 57 Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Mechanical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to bo as
follows:-
My invention relates to locomotive or manoeuvred torpedoes of the kind or class
wherein wires, ropes or the like wound upon reels or drums in the torpedo and
connected with winding apparatus on the land or on a ship or vessel are used for
driving the propeller or propellers of the torpedo. My said invention comprises
various improvements hereinafter set forth, whereby I simplify the construction and
increase the efficiency of such torpedoes.
The main objects of my said invention are as follow, viz:-
To provide for driving the propeller or propellers of the torpedo, steering the
torpedo, and, if desired, performing other operations therein by means of a single
length or piece of wire, rope or the like. To provide improved means for driving the
propeller or propellers and steering and otherwise manoeuvring the torpedo by means
of one or more wires. To provide signals whereby the position of the torpedo and
the direction in which it is moving may be readily seen either by day or by night,
without the said signals being visible to the enemy against whom the torpedo is
directed. To so construct the torpedo that it will sink to a given depth below the
surface of the water and will remain at this depth. To provide mechanism wheroby
the torpedo may, if desired, be caused to move out from the shore in shallow water,
and, when it arrives in deep water, to sink to a greater depth below the surface of the
water and continue to move at such depth until it reaches the ship or other object
against which it is directed. To provide for preventing premature explosion of the
torpedo, that is to say, preventing the explosion thereof by contact until it has moved
a certain distance through the water. To provide for the recovery of the torpedo
should it fail to strike the ship or other object against which it is directed, or should
it fail to explode. And to provide means whereby the exploding apparatus may be

page_text: rendered inoperative and the torpedo brought to the surface of the water before an
attempt is made to recover the torpedo.
According to one part of my present invention, I provide for propelling a torpedo,
steering the same, regulating the depth of its submersion and performing various
other operations by means of a single length or piece of wire extending from a reel
or drum in the torpedo to suitable winding apparatus on the land or on a ship or
vessel. This wire is so arranged in combination with suitable devices in the torpedo
that the steering and, if desired, other operations can be effected by varying the
tension of the wire.
In carrying this part of my invention into practice, I prefer to provide the torpedo
with two screw-propellers one of which is fixed upon a hollow shaft, the other being
fixed upon a shaft extending through the said hollow shaft. One of these propellers
is a right hand and the other a left hand screw. I employ a reel or drum upon
which the wire is wound or coiled and which is preferably fixed, upon one or the other
of the said propeller-shafts. The said reel or drum may, if desired, be mounted
upon a separate shaft either parallel with, or at an angle to, the propeller-shafts and
connected therewith by suitable gearing. If desired the propeller-shafts are connected by
suitable gearing; I prefer, however, to fix the reol or drum upon one propeller-shaft
and to fix upon the other propeller-shaft a wheel or pulley around which one or more
turns of the wire from the drum are wound or coiled before the said wire is conducted
out through a pipe or passage in the shell or casing of the torpedo, so that, when the
said wire is subjected to tension sufficient to unwind it from the reel or druin, the
propellers will be rotated in opposite directions.
The said wire is, moreover, passed around, or partly around, one or more pulleys
carried by a lever or levers connected with the rudder. One or more springs are
arranged in combination with the said lever or levers; these springs tend to turn the
rudder in one direction, that is to say, either to port or to starboard. When the
wire is being drawn out of the torpedo and unwound from the reel or drum therein,
for the purpose of propelling the torpedo, the said springs are compressed or extended
as the case may be, and the rudder is thus kept in a central position. By increasing
the tension of the wire, the rudder can be turned in one direction, and, by diminishing
the tension of the said wire and permitting the reaction of the said springs, the
rudder can be turned in the reverse direction.
I combine, with the said reel or drum, a brake and means for applying the same to
the said reel or drum, and for automatically regulating the action of the said brake
according to the tension of the wire.
Moreover 1 provide a guide for the wire as it is unwound from the reel or drum,
and means for automatically moving the said guide backward and forward from end
to end of the said reel or drum as required.
To propel a torpedo by means of two wires, I provide it with two propellers as
above described, and two drums for containing the wire. 1 mount one of these
drums upon each propeller-shaft, that is to say, one upon the external shaft, and one
upon the internal shaft. The unwinding of the wire turns the two shafts in opposite
directions and sets the torpedo in motion.
I prefer to use a single length or piece of wire, because the circumference of one
wire is less than the combined circumferences of two wires which are together equal
in strength to the single wire; and therefore there is less friction in passing through
the water.
By mounting each reel or drum upon one of the propeller-shafts, I am enabled to
adopt a novel method of winding the wire upon the reel. For this purpose, I attach one
end of the wire to the said reel; I then remove the propeller from the shaft and
replace it by a pulley, which I connect by a belt with suitable mechanism, for
imparting rotary motion to the said shaft and reel.
For causing the torpedo to sink to a certain depth below the surface of the water
and to remain at this depth, I employ a diaphragm provided with a spring and so
arranged that the pressure of water on the said diaphragm will tend to move it in
one direction and the said spring will tend to move it in the reverse direction. If

page_text: the spring be of sufficient strength to resist a pressure on the diaphragm of say five
pounds per square inch, the torpedo will continue to sink until it reaches a depth of
about ten feet below the surface of the water, the pressure of water will then have
compressed the spring. I provide suitable apparatus, which will be set in operation
by the pressure of water acting upon the said diaphragm, to prevent the sinking of
the torpedo to a greater depth, and the action of which will be reversed by the said
spring, if the torpedo should rise above the desired depth.
The said diaphragm is, moreover, arranged to set in operation an automatic
apparatus for permitting or causing the entrance of water into the torpedo to replaco
the weight of the wire drawn out of the same.
To enable a torpedo to move out from the shore in shallow water and then drop down
to a greater depth, I sometimes provide it with regulating apparatus comprising a spring
which acts upon the said diaphragm in the same direction as the pressure of water.
This spring is arranged in combination with suitable devices, whereby, when
the propellers have made a certain number of revolutions, the spring will be
liberated and its pressure removed from the diaphragm. The diaphragm will then be
forced outward and the torpedo will continue to sink until it has reached a depth
where the increased pressure upon the diaphragm due to the head of water is equal to
the force exerted upon the diaphragm by the said spring previous to its liberation.
To render the torpedo safe to handle and prevent the explosion thereof until after it
has travelled a certain distance through the water, I provide a device which necessitates
the turning of the propellers a certain number of revolutions before the priming
charge is in a position to be struck by the firing pin or striker.
To ensure safety in handling the torpedo should it fail to strike the ship or other
object, I provide apparatus which may be operated by means of the wire or wires to
draw the priming charge out of reach of the striker. This apparatus is preferably
so constructed that, by moving the rudder alternately in either direction a given
number of times a ratchet may be operated so as to liberate a heavy spring, which will
withdraw the priming charge and will also operate the regulating device in the
proper manner to cause the torpedo to rise to the surface of the water.
To enable the direction in which the torpedo is travelling to be readily seen at any
time, I provide the said torpedo with a thin mast, preferably of steel, which projects
above the top of the water, and which will cut the water without much resistance.
At the top of this mast I provide a signal which is plainly visible by day, and which
will show different colours according to the direction in which the torpedo is moving.
When the torpedo is to be used at night, I provide one or more lamps which are
attached to the mast and which will shew different coloured lights according to the
direction in which the torpedo is travelling.
In some instances, I use an oscillating mast which I connect with the side wings or fins.
I provide a spring which tends to hold the said wings or fins in position to cause the
torpedo to sink in the water.
The said mast is so constructed and arranged that, when the torpedo is moving
through the water at the desired velocity, the resistance offered by the water to the
forward movement of the said mast will cause the latter to turn upon its pivot
and bring the said wings or fins into a horizontal position. If the desired velocity is
exceeded, the said inast will turn the said wings or fins into such a position that the
torpedo will rise in the water; whilst, if the velocity is reduced, the said mast will
turn the said wings or fins in the reverse direction and the torpedo will sink deeper
in the water. This mast is applicable to various kinds of torpedoes. It is, in some
instances, connected with a rudder at the stern or other part of the torpedo; or with
means for regulating the admission of water into the torpedo; or with a pump driven
by the drum so that it will cause the said pump to force water either into, or out of,
the torpedo as required, or will stop the action of the said pump.
My improved torpedo is conveniently and advantageously constructed, according to
one form or modification of my invention, as follows, that is to say, the shell or casing
is made of the cigar-shape ordinarily adopted for manoeuvred torpedoes; right and left
hand screw-propellers are used, one of which is fixed upon a hollow shaft whilst the

page_text: other is fixed upon a solid shaft fitted to rotate within the said hollow shaft. The reel
or drum upon which the wire is wound is fixed upon the inner shaft. A grooved
wheel or pulley is fixed upon the outer shaft. A lever is pivotted to the frame of the
torpedo, and is connected at one end with a bar adapted to bear against the said reel
or drum. A spring is provided whereby the said bar is pressed tightly against tho
said reel or drum to act like a brake. A pulley is fitted to rotate upon the other end
of the said lever. The wire from the drum is passed around a guide-pulley herein-
after described, then around the pulley carried by the brake-lever, then around the
pulley fixed on the outer shaft, and then around one or more pulleys fitted to rotato
upon studs fixed in the shell or casing. A lever, which I will hereinafter term the
steering lever, is fixed upon the rudder-post and has a pulley fitted to rotate upon a
stud fixed in its forward end. Two pulleys are fitted to rotate upon studs fixed in
the rear end of the said lever. An arm is also fixed on the rudder-post and is connected
with one end of a spring the other end whereof is connected with an adjusting screw
inserted in the frame, for regulating the tension of the said spring. Another arm is
fixed upon the rudder-post and a catch pivotted to the frame engages with this arm
and thereby holds the rudder in its central position. The wire is passed around one
side of the pulley at the forward end of the steering lever and between the pulleys
at the rear end of the said lover. When a velocity slightly greater than the desired
velocity has been imparted to the torpedo, the wire, acting upon the steering lever,
extends the said spring and moves the rudder so that the said catch falls out of
engagement with the arm The steering can then be effected by pulling more
strongly upon the wire and thus turning the rudder in one direction, or by diminishing
the force applied to the wire and thus permitting the said spring to turn the rudder
in the reverse direction.
I sometimes so arrange the said catch that it will be
disengaged from the arm on the rudder-post by the pressure of water when the
torpedo is submerged.
The aforesaid guide-roller is carried by a bar fitted to slide longitudinally in suitable
guides in the frame, and provided with an arm having a switch pivotted thereto and
engaging with a right and left hand screw. This screw is carried in suitable bearings
in the frame and has fixed thereon a toothed wheel geared with a pinion fixed on the
inner propeller-shaft. By these means, as the wire is unwound and the drum rotated,
rotary motion will be imparted to the said screw, which, in turn, will impart
reciprocating motion to the said sliding bar carrying the guide-roller; the said guide-
roller will thus be kept in line with the wire as it comes from the drum. A crank-pin
is fitted in one end of the said screw and is coupled to the rod of an oscillating pump
whereby water will be pumped into the torpedo in proportion to the quantity of wiro
withdrawn therefrom.
The priming charge is arranged within a tubular chamber at the forward end of a
rod or plunger fitted within a tube extending centrally through the chamber for the
bursting charge. The said rod or plunger is provided with a shoulder or projection,
with which engages one end of a stop-pawl or lever pivotted to the frame. A spring
is, morcover, arranged within the said tube and tends to push the said plunger
forward. A cylinder is fixed on the inner side of the shell or casing and has a
piston fitted to slide therein and provided with a rod which extends inward in the
same plane as the said stop-pawl or lever. The said cylinder communicates with
the water outside the shell or casing through a passage provided with an adjustable
valve or other device for regulating the flow of liquid into the said cylinder. The
water gradually fills the cylinder and pushes the piston inward until it comes in
contact with the said stop-pawl or lever and turns the same upon its pivot, theroby
disengaging it from the aforesaid rod or plunger, so that the latter will be driven
forward by its spring and the priming charge thus moved into position to be struck
by the firing pin when the torpedo comes in contact with a ship or other object.
Another lever is pivotted to the frame in such a position that a shoulder or projec-
tion on the said rod or plunger will, when the latter is moved forward, engage with
one arm of this lever. The other arm of the said lever is arranged to be acted upon
by another.rod or plunger (when the latter is released as hereinafter described) to again

page_text: draw back the priming charge. The last named rod or plunger is, moreover, provided
with a shoulder or projection adapted to strike an arm fixed on the shaft or pivot of
the side wings or fins, so that the said wings or fins will be turned into position to
cause the torpedo to rise, at the same time that the priming charge is drawn back.
A strong spring is provided for actuating this rod or plunger, and a catch is pivotted
to the frame and adapted to engage with the said rod or plunger and hold the same
back and keep the said spring compressed. This catch is provided with a tail-piece,
and a wedge is arranged in combination with the said tail-piece. The said wedge is
connected, by means of a rod, with a nut fitted upon a screw-rod but prevented from
rotation by any suitable means. The said screw-rod is free to be rotated, but end wise
motion thereof is prevented. A ratchet-wheel is fixed upon the said screw-rod, and a
lever carrying a pawl is provided for rotating the said ratchet-wheel. This lever is
connected with an arm fixed on the rudder-post. Therefore, by turning the rudder
alternately in either direction a given number of times, the aforesaid wedge may be
moved forward beneath the tail-piece of the said catch, and the said rod or plunger
thus released for the purposes above specified.
According to another modification of my invention, the torpedo is constructed as
follows, that is to say-One reel or drum is employed for driving the right-hand
screw-propeller and another reel or drum for driving the left-hand screw-propeller.
Each of the wires from these drums is passed around a pulley carried by a brake-
lever, as, and for the purpose, above specified. The said wires are also passed around
guide-pulleys carried by brackets attached to the frame. The wires are also passed
around guide-pulleys fitted to slide, upon a rod or bar, from end to end of the said
drums.
The rudder-post has a lever fixed thereon and provided with two pulleys fitted to
rotate upon a pin or stud fixed in its forward end, and with two pulleys concentric
with the rudder-post. The two wires are passed around these pulleys and cross each
other in front of the forward pair of pulleys and also between the forward and the
rear pair of pulleys.
A ratchet-pawl is carried by an arm fixed on the rudder-post and engages with a
ratchet-wheel fixed on a screw-threaded shaft carried in bearings attached to the
frame. A sliding piece is provided which fits the screw-threuled part of the said
shaft, like a nut. This sliding piece is arranged to act upon a rod connected with a
catch, for the purpose of disengaging the said catch from a spring plunger for the
purposes above specified. A diaphragm is provided, which is acted upon by the
water on one side and by a spring on the other side. A bent lever is fixed upon a
shaft, on which are also fixed the side wings or fins. This lever is connected by
means of a rod with a lever for operating a clutch to put an oscillating pump in gear
with one or the other of the said reels or drums. The said pump is arranged to
be operated by means of a worm-wheel and a worm or tangent screw. The said bent
lever is, moreover, connected with the spindle on which the diaphragm is fixed. A
spring is arranged to act upon the diaphragm in the same direction as the pressure of
the water. This spring is kept compressed by means of a sliding bar provided with
rack teeth and intermittently moved backward by means of a pawl operated by one
of the drums, so that, when the said drum has been rotated a given number of
revolutions, the said bar will release the said spring. The aforesaid bent lever
will then be turned by the diaphragm, under the action of its spring, so as to turn
the side wings or fins and cause the torpedo to sink deeper in the water.
The specific gravity of the torpedo considered as a mass should be slightly less than
that of water, so that, while the torpedo is at rest, it will float on an even keel with
its upper surface a short distance above the surface of the water.
The said sliding bar is also used for holding the priming charge out of reach of the
firing pin or striker, until the torpedo has moved a certain distance through the water,
and then releasing the said priming charge so that it will be moved by a spring into
position to be struck by the firing pin.
To provide for the safe handling of the apparatus and to bring it to the top of tho
water if it should fail to strike the ship or other object against which it is directed, I

page_text: sometimes employ apparatus whereby, if the rudder is moved a certain number of
times alternately from port to starboard and vice-versa, it will cause the liberation of
a device for effecting the withdrawal of the priming charge out of reach of the firing
pin, turning the side wings or fins into position to bring the torpedo to the top of the
water, and, at the same time, starting a pump in the proper direction to pump water
out of the torpedo.
The steering, when two wires are used, is accomplished by putting different stresses
on to the different wires.
To provide for directing the movements of the torpedo when sunk below the surface
of the water and no longer visible, I provide it with a thin steel mast which projects
above the top of the water and carries a peculiar form of signal, of a construction
and colour to shew not only the position of the torpedo, but the direction in which
it is pointed, one side being coloured red and light yellow, and the other side a neutral
gray so that it will not be seen by the enemy; or other suitable colours being used.
I prefer to fix the signal upon the mast at such an angle thereto that it will not
throw any spray, should it strike the top of the water. This signal, in some instances,
consists of an inclined plate the upper and lower edges of which are at right angles
to the body of the torpedo, and a plate projecting rearwardly from the said inclined
plate. One half of the inclined plate and one side of the other plate are coloured say
yellow; the other half of the inclined plate and the other side of the rearwardly
extending plate are coloured say red.
For a night signal, I sometimes attach a lantern to the mast, having theroin an
incandesence electric lamp, a suitable lens and strips or pieces of coloured glass.
These strips or pieces are so arranged that the direction in which the torpedo is
moving will be known by the colour of the light visible from the land or from the
ship from which the torpedo is driven. The light is so arranged that it will not be
visible to the enemy on the ship or other object against which it is directed. The
electric current for the incandescence lamp may be obtained from a storage battery or
accumulator arranged within the shell or casing of the torpedo.
Dated this 18th day of December 1886.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Locomotive or Manoeuvred
Torpedoes.
1, HIRAM STEVENS MAXIM, of 57P Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Mechanical 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:―
My invention relates to locomotive or manoeuvred torpedoes of the kind or class
wherein one or more wires, ropes or the like, wound upon reels or drums in the torpedo
and connected with winding apparatus on the land or on a ship or vessel, are used for
driving the propeller or propellers of the torpedo.
My said invention comprises various improvements hereinafter set forth, whereby I
simplify the construction and increase the efficiency of such torpedoes.
It is well known that a single wire has less superficial area than two wires the
collective strength of which is equal to that of the single wire; and that, consequently,
the single wire will produce less friction in its passage through the water than the two
wires. It is, therefore, very advantageous to provide for driving a torpedo by means
of a single wire. Although this has already been proposed, it has heretofore been found
necessary in order to provide for the steering of the torpedo, to employ two wires.
Now an important feature of my present invention is the provision which I make for
driving the torpedo and steering the same by means of a single wire, rope or the like.
For this purpose I combine, with the rudder, means for controlling the same by varying
the tension of the wire or the tractive force applied thereto. I sometimes so arrange
the said wire in combination with suitable devices in the torpedo, that the depth of
submersion of the torpedo may be regulated, and various other operations performed
by varying the tension of the wire or the tractive force applied thereto.
I also provide improved means for driving, steering and otherwise manœuvring a
torpedo by means of two wires.
My said invention, moreover, comprises improved means for keeping the torpedo at
any desired depth below the surface of the water until raised as hereinafter described.
It also comprises means for enabling the torpedo to be moved out from the shore in
shallow water, and, when it has travelled a predetermined distance, to be sunk to a
given depth below the surface of the water and caused to continue its movement at
such depth until it reaches the ship or other object against which it is directed, or
until it is raised as hereinafter described.
My said invention also comprises improved means for preventing premature explosion
of the torpedo, that is to say, for preventing the explosion thereof by impact until it
has moved a predetermined distance through the water; and it further comprises
improved means for effecting the recovery of the torpedo should it fail to strike the
ship or other object against which it is directed, or should it fail to explode, and for

page_text: rendering the exploding apparatus inoperative and causing the torpedo to rise to the
surface of the water before an attempt is made to effect its recovery.
I prefer to provide the torpedo with two screw-propellers one of which is fixed upon
a hollow shaft and the other upon a shaft extending through the said hollow shaft, the
said propellers being arranged to rotate in opposite directions. In some instances,
however, I employ a single screw-propeller.
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 of a torpedo provided with two screw-propellers and
designed to be driven by means of a single wire.
Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 show a plan of the said topodo, partly in horizontal section.
Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 show a vertical longitudinal section of the same.
Figure 6 is a transverse section on the line y, y, Figure 3, drawn to an enlarged
scale.
Figure 6 is a transverse section on the lino y', y', Figure 7, drawn to the same
scale as Figure 6ª.
Figure 10 is a transverse section on the line x, x, Figures 4 and 8.
Figure 11 is a transverse section on the line ¹, ¹, Figures 4 and 8.
Figuro 12 is a transverse section through a portion of the torpedo on the line ², ³,
Figure 8, drawn to a still further enlarged scale.
Figure 13 is a section on the line 23, 23, Figure 8, drawn to the same scale as
Figure 12.
Figure 14 is a side elevation, drawn to an enlarged scale, of a portion of the mast
hereinafter described and a signal attached thereto.
Figure 15 is a plan, partly in horizontal section, and
Figure 16 a vertical longitudinal central section of a torpedo provided with two
screw-propellers and designed to be driven by means of two wires.
Figure 17 is a plan, partly in horizontal section, and
Figure 18 a side elevation partly in vertical section, both drawn to an enlarged scale,
shewing details of construction.
Figure 19 is a plan partly in horizontal section, and
Figure 20 a side elevation partly in vertical section, also drawn to an enlarged scale,
shewing further details of construction.
Figure 21 shows a portion of Figure 16 drawn to an enlarged scale.
Figure 22 is a perspective view of a signal hereinafter described.
Figures 23, 24 25, 26 and 27 are different views hereinafter referred to, showing
the said signal in different positions.
Figure 28 is a horizontal central section of another signal hereinafter described.
A is the shell or casing of the torpedo, which is of the cigar shape frequently adopted;
B, B¹ are the screw-propellers, one of which is a right hand and the other a left hand
screw. The propeller B is fixed upon the hollow shaft C, which is fitted to rotate in
suitable bearings in the shell or casing A. The propeller B¹ is fixed upon the shaft C¹
which is fitted to rotato within the hollow shaft C.
Referring to Figures 1 to 14, D is the reel or drum upon which the wire a is wound
or coiled, and which is fixed upon the propeller-shaft CO2 is a grooved wheel or
pulley which is fixed upon the end of the hollow shaft C.
The wire a is conducted from the reel or drum D around a grooved guide-pulley a
which is carried by a bar a arranged to slide to and fro as hereinafter described. The
said wire is then passed around a brake-pulley F hereinafter described and around
the grooved wheel or pulley (2 and a grooved guide-pulley bfitted to rotate upon a
pin or stud attached to the shell or casing A. The said wire is then passod through a
hole in the division plate or bulkhead A³ and around another pulley & also fitted to
rotate upon a pin or stud attached to the shell or casing A. It is then passed around a
grooved pulley 2 fitted to rotate upon a pin or stud fixed in the forward end of the
steering fever or tiller E' which is fixed upon the rudder post E. The said wire is
then passed between two grooved pulleys 3, fitted to rotate upon pins or studs fixed
in the lever or tiller E', and is then conducted out of the shell or casing A through a

page_text: pipe A fixed in the said shell or casing. The said wire is to be connected with any
suitable winding apparatus on the land or on the ship or vessel from which the torpedo
is to be launched.
The bar a carrying at one end the guide-roller a¹ is fitted to slide longitudinally
between guides a attached to the shell or casing A and is provided at its other end
with an arm a having a switch a' pivotted thereto and adapted to engage with right
and left screw-thread, formed on a shaft d carried at one end in a bearing in the
bracket A attached to the shell or casing A, and at its other end in a bearing in the
frame or bulkhead A. The said screw-shaft d has fixed thereon a bevel pinion d'
which gears with a bevel pinion a fixed on a shaft d³ on which is also fixed a worm-
wheel geared with a worm, on the shaft (as shown more clearly in
Figures Sand 10. By these means, as the wire a is unwound, and the drum D rotated,
rotary motion will be imparted to the screw-shaft d, which in turn, will, through the
medium of the arm at and switch as impart reciprocating motion to the sliding bar a²
carrying the guide roller a; the bevel pinions d', and the worm do and worm
wheel are so proportioned that the said guide-roller a¹ will at all times be kept in
line with the wire as it comes from the drum, that is to say, while each turn of wire
is being paid out, the guide-roller a¹ will be moved through a distance equal to the
thickness of the said wire. The switch as is provided with an arm or lever a whereby
it is reversed, at each end of its stroke, by striking against adjustable studs or bolt a', aš.
To ensure the proper action of the said switch, a spring a' is attached to the bracket a
(Figure 10) and the arm a is provided with a projection a10 which, when the switch
is in either of its operative positions, will fit into one or the other of two holes a" in
the said spring, and will thus prevent accidental displacement or shifting of the said
switch.
F is a lever which is pivotted upon a pin or stud F¹ fixed in a bracket formed on or
attached to the frame or bulkhead A. A bar F2 is coupled to the short arm of the
lever F and is fitted to slide in a guide F* formed on the said frame or bulkhead.
The long arm of the lever F is acted upon by a spring F, which tends to turn the
said lever upon its pivot and press the free end of the bar against one end of the
reel or drum D, so that the said bar acts as a brake. A grooved pulley F is fitted to
rotate upon a pin or stud at the end of the long arm of the lever F. The wire a is
passed around this pulley as above stated before it is wound around the wheel or
pulley C
G is a spiral spring which is connected at one end to an arm or projection E³ on
the lever or tiller E, and at its other end, to an adjusting screw G₁ inserted in a
bracket E secured to the shell or casing A. By turning this screw in one or the
other direction, the tension of the said spring may be regulated.
c is a catch or stop-
pin which is pivoted to the bracket E and is provided with a projection c* adapted
to engage with the lever or tiller E' and thereby hold the rudder E' in its central
position against the pressure of the spiral spring G until the torpedo is started. The
said catch or stop is so arranged that, when the torpedo is launched, and the lever E¹
is moved by the application of force to the wire a, the said stop or catch c will fall
out of engagement with the said lever. The tension of the spring G is to be so adjusted
that, while the torpedo is being driven at the desired velocity (say 20 knots per
hour), the action of the wire a upon the pulley will counterbalance the pull of
the said spring and the rudder will be held stationary in its central position.
To provide for pumping water into the torpedo in proportion to the quantity of
wire withdrawn therefrom, a crank e is fitted upon one end of the screw-shaft d and is
coupled to the rod el of an oscillating pump e so that the said pump will be operated
in the rotation of the reel or drum D. The said pumpe is constructed in any con-
venient manner so that it will discharge water into the after compartment of the
torpedo during its upstroke and into the forward compartment (in which the said
pump is situated) in its downstroke.
is the priming which is arranged within a hollow or tubular chamber f¹ provided
at its rear end with a rod or stem f and fitted to slide longitudinally within a tube g
extending centrally through the chamber A which contains the bursting charge.
R

page_text: The rod or stem is provided with a spiral spring y', one end of which bears against
the rear end of the sliding chamber and the other end against a bush g² at the rear
ond of the tube g; this spring tends to push the priming forward towards the firing
pin or striker g. The rod or stem is, moreover, provided with a head or shoulder
with which engages one end of a stop-pawl or catch h pivoted at 'to a bracket /*
secured to the shell or casing A. By these means the priming is held out of reach of
the striker g, as shown.
A cylinder is secured to the shell or casing A and has a piston h³ fitted to slido
therein, as more clearly shown in Figures 12 and 13. This piston is coupled by
means of rods or links to the stop-pawl or catch h. The cylinder 2 communicates
with the water outside the shell or casing A, through holes h in the outer end or
cover of the said cylinder, and through corresponding holes in an adjustable
valve . This valve is secured in place by means of a screw-nut 8 so that it can be
turned upon or about its axis to open and close the holes A and thus regulate or
control the flow of water into the said cylinder. Any other suitable means may,
however, be employed for this purpose.
The water entering through the holes h³, he will gradually fill the cylinder on the
outer side of the piston and will then push the said piston inward and thereby turn
the stop-pawl or catch upon its pivot and disengage it from the head or shoulders
of the rod or stem. The latter will then be driven forward by the action of the
spring g' thus moving the priming into position to bo struck by the firing pin when
the torpedo comes in contact with a ship or other object.
It is evident that, by adjusting the valve h the time during which the torpedo,
after being launched, can be handled without danger of its explosion, can be increased
or diminished as desired.
The head of the rod f2 is provided with a series of circumferential ribs or pro-
jections and the stop-pawl or catch his formed with a tooth which, when the
said rod is released and moved forward by the spring g³, will engage with one or
other of the ribs or projections f* and thus hold the priming in position to be struck
by the firing pin or striker, and prevent any rebound of the said priming.
H, H, are the side wings or fins for causing the torpedo to ascend or descend in
the water. These wings or fins are fixed upon a shaft H¹ passed through stuffing-
boxes H2 attached to the shell or casing A. H³ is a coiled spring which is attached,
at one end, to a pin or stud H which is fitted like a nut upon a screw-rod H* secured
in an arm or bracelet H formed on or firmly attached to one of the stuffing-boxes H².
The said spring is attached at its other end to the shaft H.
I is a forked lever which is pivotted at 1' to the bracket * and is adapted to engage
with arms or projections f' on the head f³, of the rod fus, and for the purpose,
hereinafter specified. The lever I is, moreover, provided with a pin or stud 12 for
moving the stop pawl or catch out of engagement with the rod 2 as hereinafter
described, the said lever I is connected, by means of rods or links K, K', and an
arm K with a forked rod K² to the forked end whereof is pivoted a nut K³. This
nut is fitted upon a screw-rod K' but rotation of the said nut is prevented by the
said forked rod. The scrow-rod K is fitted with a capability of rotation in a
bracket K secured to the shell or casing A, but end wise motion of the said screw-rod
is prevented by suitable collars formed or fixed thereon. A ratchet-wheel i is fixed
upon the rear end of the said screw-rod, and is operated by means of a forked lever i¹
which is pivoted upon the screw-rod K and carries a pawl. The lever ¹ is arranged
to be operated by an arm 3 fixed in the rudder-post E, and by a retracting spring
attached at one end to the lever and, at the other end, to the bracket K³. By
turning the tiller E' alternately in either direction, the ratchet-wheel and the
screw-rod K on which it is fixed may be intermittently rotated and the nut K³ thus
moved backward, thereby turning the lever I upon or about its pivot as, and for the
purpose, hereinafter specified.
L is an oscillating mast which is fixed in a socket I formed on, or firmly attached
to, one of the side wings or fins H. This mast is made of spliced cane, lance-wood or
other suitable material, and carries near its upper end a signal hereinafter described.

page_text: The spring H³ is so adjusted that it tends to hold the said wings or fins in position to
cause the torpedo to sink in the water and at the same time tends to cause the mast L
to lean forward. The said mast has a resistance plate L' firmly secured thereto by
means of a bolt at any suitable angle or inclination. The said mast is moreover
provided with a series of bolt holes, in either of which the bolt for securing the plate I.²
may be inserted so that, when the torpedo is moving through the water at the desired
velocity and at the desired depth the said plate will be in the water. The said mast,
by reason of the resistance offered by the water to the forward movement thereof and
of the plate L will then partially rotate the shaft H¹ and coil or wind up the spring H³
and thus bring the wings or fins H into a horizontal position. If the desired velocity
is exceeded, or if the resistance is increased by the sinking of the torpedo, the said
mast will turn the said wings or fins into such a position that the torpedo will rise in the
water; whilst, if the velocity is reduced, or the resistance is diminished by the rising
of the torpedo, the spring I will act upon the shaft H' and will turn the said wings
or fins and the said inast in the reverse direction so that the torpedo will sink deeper
in the water. The torpedo will thus be kept at an equal or uniform depth in the
water while travelling at the desired velocity notwithstanding variations in its specific
gravity.
L is a plate which is pivoted at L' to the mast L and is held down against a
shoulder L on the said mast by means of a spring L° so that it will yield when subjected
to the action of a wave. This plate is designed to counteract any tendency of the
torpedo to make sudden plunges by reason of the action of the waves thereon or from
other causes. Should the torpedo make a plunge it will be prevented from sinking
below the plate L by the action of the water thereon, which will compress the
spring L and will at the same time, move the mast L and consequently the fins or
wings H into the proper position to cause the torpedo to rise in the water. The said
plate moreover, is sometimes made to form part of a signal hereinafter described.
The improved mast above described is applicable to various kinds of torpedos. It
is, in some instances, connected with a rudder at the stem or other part of the torpedo ;
or with means for regulating the admission of water into the torpedo; or with a pump
driven by the wire or by the reel or drum, so that it will cause the said pump to force
water either into or out of the torpedo as required, or will stop the action of the
said pump.
When the torpedo is placed in the water and the wire a is drawn out through the
pipe A by means of the winding apparatus above referred to, the reel or drum D and
shaft Care caused to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow 1, the wire being
at the same time unwound from the said drum. The wheel or pulley C² and the
shaft Care simultaneously caused to rotate in the reverse direction, as indicated by
the arrow 2. The propellers B, B', are thereby driven in opposite directions, and the
torpedo may, in this manner, be propelled through the water at a high velocity.
It will be seen that the tractive force applied to the wire will, through the medium
of the lever F compress the spring F³ and withdraw the brake F2 from or diminish
its pressure upon, the end of the reel or drum D, so that the said reel or drum may
rotnie. Moreover the greater the force applied to draw the wire out of the torpedo,
the more freely will the said reel or drum be permitted to rotate. The action of the
brake is thus automatically regulated so that the velocity of rotation of the drum will
be approximately proportionate to the rate at which the wire is being unwound there-
from. Therefore should the tractive force applied to the wire be suddenly diminished
as, for example in the steering of the torpedo as hereinafter described, the said brake.
will prevent overrunning of the drum and consequent slackness of the wire.
By increasing the tension of the wire a and consequently the velocity of the
torpedo, the force exerted by the said wire may be so augmented that it will overcome
the pull of the spring G and will turn the rudder in the direction indicated by the
arrow 3 in Figure 3, the stop or catch will then fall out of engagement with the
arm E. By diminishing the tension of the wire a the spring G may be permitted
to turn the rudder in the reverse direction. The steering can, therefore, be effected
by increasing or diminishing the force applied to the said wire, or in other words by

page_text: increasing or reducing the speed of the torpedo, that is to say, the speed of the winding
engine on the shore or on ship-board is under normal conditions so regulated as to
keep the torpedo going at a uniform speed, say 20 knots per hour, and the spring G
is adjusted to this speed; when it is desired that the torpedo should go to port, the
speed of the winding engine is increased and when the torpedo is required to go to
starboard, the speed of the said engine is reduced or diminished this quickening and
slowing movement of the torpedo will affect the mast L in such a manner that, if the
torpedo is turned in one direction it will rise in the water and a larger portion of the
said mast will be seen above the water, while if the torpedo is turned in the reverse
direction it will sink and a smaller portion of the said mast will be seen above the
water, those in charge of the guiding or manoeuvring of the torpedo may thus readily
ascertain whether the torpedo is being turned in the desired direction. Although the
speed of the torpedo may be considerably diminished the torpedo cannot sink further
than the spring plate L as the action of the water thereon will, as above stated,
cause the adjustment of the wings or fins H and the consequent rising of the
torpedo.
It will be seen that, by the means above described, I provide for steering as well as
driving a torpedo by means of a single wire, rope or the like.
When it is desired to draw back the torpedo before it has exploded, the lever or
tiller E must be oscillated so as to impart intermittent rotary motion to the ratchet-
wheel and thus draw the rods K, K1, K2, backward and, through the medium of the
lever I, pull the rod f and with it the priming away from the firing pin. The torpedo
is then to be drawn slowly backward. The resistance offered by the water to the
movement of the mast L through the same will turn the side wings or fins H upon
their pivot into such a position that they will cause the torpedo to rise to the surface
of the water;
I thus provide for simultaneously rendering the torpedo inoperative
and causing it to rise to the surface of the water, so that it may be easily and safely
drawn back to the place whence it was launched, should it fail to hit its mark.
>
In the modification of my torpedo shown in Figures 15 and 16, two wires a, น
are employed for effecting the various operations necessary in manoeuvring the torpedo.
A reel or drum D is fixed upon the propeller-shaft C¹ and another reel or drum Dis
fixed upon the propeller-shaft C. Each of the wires from these drums is passed first
around a guide-pulley a fitted to slide longitudinally upon a stationary rod a and then
around a pulley F₁ carried by a brake-lover Fas, and for the purpose, above specified.
The wires a, a
are also passed around guide pulleys & carried by brackets attached to
the bulkhead A². The said wires are then conducted around opposite sides of two
pulleys 1, 2, fitted to rotate upon a pin or stud fixed in the forward end of the levor
or tiller E¹ they are then crossed as shown, and passed around opposite sides of two
pulleys ³, fitted to rotate upon the upper end of the rudder post E. The said
wires are then conducted through pipes A to any suitable winding apparatus on the
land or on a ship or vessel.
:
The rear end of the rod K is coupled to the nut K³ and the said rod is designed to
be operated by means of ratchet and pawl mechanism substantially as hereinbefore
described. The forward end of the said rod K2 is coupled to the tail piece J' of a
catch J (Figure 21) which is pivoted at J to the shell or casing A. This catch
engages with a shoulder or projection J° on al plunger J, which is fitted to slide
vertically upon a hollow upright or standard J" secured to the shell or casing A and
which is acted upon by a spring J12 for the purpose hereinafter specified.
N is a diaphragm which is fixed in a casing N₁ and is firmly connected with a
spindle N2, as shown more clearly in Figure 21, the upper half of the casing N¹ is
connected by means of a hollow extension N* with the shell or casing A and is open
for the admission of water from the outside of the torpedo, so that one side of the
diaphragm N may be subjected to the pressure of the water." This pressure is counter
acted by a spring N³ one end of which bears against the shell or casing A, whilst
its other end bears against a shoulder or collar N on the spindle N of the diaphragm.
j is a short link one end of which is coupled to the collar N₁ the other end being coupled to
one arm of a bell-crank lever H7 fixed upon the shaft H¹ which carries the side wings or

page_text: fins H. To the lower end of the other arm of the bell-crank lever H' is coupled the
forward end of a rod j¹, the rear end of which is coupled to a lever arranged to
operate a clutch (Figures 19 and 20) for the purpose of putting an oscillating
pump O in gear with one or the other of the propeller shafts C, C₁, as desired.
The pump O is arranged to be operated by means of a worm-wheel O' mounted on
the shaft O and driven by a worm or tangent screw 03 formed or fixed on the movable
part of the clutch C³ which is fitted to slide on the shaft C₁. The piston or plunger of
the said pump is connected by a rod Oʻ with a crank-pin 0° fixed in the worm-wheel O'
as shown in dotted lines in Figures 19 and 20, the said pump is so arranged that,
when driven by the shaft C, it will deliver water into the torpedo through the pipe O,
and, when driven by the shaft C, it will eject water from the torpedo through the
pipe 07. By these means the torpedo may be caused to sink to a certain depth below
the surface of the water and to remain at this depth.
The diaphragm N and the spring N are so arranged that the pressure of water on
the said diaphragm will tend to move it in one direction and the said spring will tend
to move it in the reverse direction. If the spring is of sufficient strength to resist a
pressure on the diaphragm of, say 5 pounds per square inch, the torpedo will sink until
it reaches a depth of about 10 feet below the surface of the water, the spring will then
be compressed by the pressure of the water and the diaphragm and its spindle will
move downwards. In this downward movement, the bell-crank lever H' will be turned
upon its pivot and will put the worm 03 in gear with the shaft C so that the water will
be pumped out of the torpedo and the sinking of the latter to a greater depth will be
prevented. Moreover if the torpedo descends below the desired depth tlie shaft H¹
will be turned so as to bring the side wings or fins into position to cause the torpedo
to rise in the water. Should the torpedo rise above the desired depth, the action of
the said pump will be reversed, and the said wings or fins adjusted to cause the torpedo
to sink, the spring N³ being enabled to move the diaphragm against the diminished
pressure of the water.
To provide for enabling a torpedo to move out from the shore in shallow water and
then sink to a greater depth, or, in other words, to provide for the sinking of the torpedo
after a predetermined number of revolutions of the reel or drum D, a spring mis
arranged to act upon the diaphragm N in the same direction as the pressure of the
water. The outer end of this spring bears against a hollow piston m* fitted to slide up
and down in the extension N and perforated to permit the entrance of water into the
casing N¹. The said spring m is held in compression by means of a sliding bar m¹
which passes through a stuffing box in the extension N* of the casing N¹. The outer
end of said bar is supported in a bracket m* attached to the said extension N*. The
sliding bar m is provided with ratchet-teeth m² and has an intermittent motion
imparted to it by means of a pawl m³ which is pivoted to the short arm of a
bell-crank lever m³: this lever is pivoted to the shell or casing A and has its long arm
connected by a rod n to a crank-pin fixed in a worm-wheel n geared with a worm or
tangent screw n² formed or fixed on the shaft C. It will, therefore, be seen that, as
soon as the reel or drum has revolved a sufficient number of times to move the
sliding bar m¹ out of engagement with the spring m, the latter will expand, and its
pressure being thus removed from the diaphragm N, the latter will be forced outwards
by the spring N and will, through the medium of the lever H7, turn the wings or
fins H so as to cause the torpedo to sink deeper in the water. This movement of the
lever H will also put the pumps O in gear with the shaft C₁ so that water will
thereby be forced into the torpedo as above described. The torpedo will then continue
. to sink until the pressure upon the diaphragm due to the increased head of water is
greater than the force exerted by the spring N³, after which the torpedo will remain
at the desired depth as above specified.
To render the torpedo safe to handle, that is to say to prevent the explosion thereof
until after it has travelled a certain distance through the water, 1 provide a device
which necessitates the turning of the propellers a certain number of times before the
priming charge will be in position to be struck by the firing pin or striker. The
sliding bar min Figure 21 has attached thereto one end of a rod m¹* which is carried

page_text: in a bracket m attached to the shell or casing A. The forward end of this rod m¹*
engages with one arm of a bell-crank-lever pivotted at /' to a bracket h* secured to
the foremost division plate or bulkhead. The other arm of the said lever is forked
and extends between shoulders or collars f, f, on the rod f so that it holds the
priming charge out of reach of the firing pin or striker substantially as herein before
_described with reference to the torpedo shown in Figures 1 to 14.
When the torpedo.
has moved a certain distance through the water, the sliding bar m¹* will be disengaged
from the lever h, and the priming will be moved by the spring g' into position to be
struck by the firing pin as soon as the torpedo comes in contact with a ship or other
object against which it is directed.
Should the torpedo fail to strike an object against which it is directed the torpedo
can be brought to the top of the water by moving the rudder a certain number of
times alternately from port to starboard and vice versa so as to operate the ratchet
lever and thus draw back the rod K and release the catch J' from the shoulder Jo. The
spring will then force the hollow plunger J10 upward so that a projection J¹³ thereon
will strike the arm H and thus turn the side wings or fins H into position to cause the
torpedo to rise and at the same time start the pump O in the proper direction to pump
water out of the torpedo and strike the bell-crank-lever hand thereby draw the
priming out of reach of the firing pin or striker.
When two wires are used the steering or movement of the rudder is effected by
putting different stresses upon the different wires and thus compelling the pulleys 61, 62,
and lever or tiller E' to move either to port or to starboard, or in other words by
rotating the propeller-shafts at different velocities.
By mounting the reel or drum for the driving wire upon the propeller shaft, I am
enabled to adopt a novel method of winding the said wire upon the said reel or drum.
For this purpose, I attach one end of the wire to the said reel or drum and I remove
the propeller from the said shaft and substitute therefor a pulley, which I connect by
a belt with suitable mechanism for imparting rotary motion to the said shaft and reel,
and thus winding the wire thereon.
In some instances 1 mount one or both of. the reels or drums D, D', upon a separato
shaft either parallel with or at an angle to the propeller shafts and connected there-
with by suitable gearing. If desired the propeller-shafts are connected by suitable
gearing. I prefer, however, to fix the said reels or drums upon the propeller shafts.
The specific gravity of the torpedo considered as a mass should be slightly less
than that of water so that, while the torpedo is at rest it will float on an even keel
with its upper surface a short distance above the surface of the water.
In Figures 22 to 27 I have shown a signal such as I employ for enabling a person
manoeuvring a torpedo to readily see by day the direction in which the torpedo is
travelling and also for indicating the position of the torpedo when sunk below the
surface of the water. This signal consists of an inclined plate P which is firmly
attached to the mast L and the upper and lower edges of which are at right angles
to the axis of the torpedo and a vertical plate P. The parts of the said plates
marked pare painted red or other suitable dark colour as indicated by the shade
lines; and the parts of the said plates marked p' are painted light yellow or other
suitable light colour so that, when the torpedo is moving in a direct line from the
winding apparatus on the land or on a ship or vessel the signal will appear as shown
in Figure 23 in which the parts painted red and yellow appear equal on either side of
the plate P. When the torpedo moves to starboard, the red parts p of the signal
will partly conceal the yellow parts pas shown in Figure 24. If, however, the
torpedo moves to port the reverse of this will take place, that is to say,
the yellow
parts p of the said signal will partly conceal the red parts p as shown in Figure 25.
The back of the plate P is painted a neutral grey or other suitable tint to prevent
its being seen by the enemy, I prefer to fix the plate P upon the mast at such an
angle thereto that it will not throw any spray, should it strike the top of the water.
The plate L shown in Figure 14 can, if desired, be made to serve as a part of the
signal in place of the plate P.
For a night signal, I employ a lantern Q Figure 28 which is attached to the mast

page_text: in any convenient manner. This lantern has arranged therein an incandescence
electric lamp 4, a suitable lens g³, and a reflector q². It is moreover, provided with
strips or pieces 3 of coloured glass so arranged that the direction in which the
torpedo is moving will be known by the colour of the light visible from the land or
from the ship whence the torpedo has been launched. The light is so arranged that
it will not be visible to the enemy on the ship or other object against which the
torpedo is directed. The electric current for the incandescence lamp may be obtained
from a storage battery or accumulator arranged within the shell or casing of the
torpedo. The lens q may be of any suitable form and adapted to give either parallel
rays or divergent rays as may be found most advantageous.
The different coloured rays of light are indicated in the drawing by means of
dotted lines differing in thickness and in length, the rays of white light, which show
that the torpedo is going in a direct line from the point whence it was launched, being
indicated by a blank space between the dotted lines on either side of the centre of
the lamp.
Moreover
It is obvious that any other means of illumination may be employed.
the construction of the said lamp may, moreover, he otherwise modified if desired.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I wish it understood
that I do not claim broadly or irrespectively of my improvements as herein set forth
the provision of means for propelling a torpedo through water by the unwinding of
wire from a reel or drum; but I claim :-
First A locomotive or manoeuvred torpedo wherein provision is made for driving
and steering the same by mechanical power by means of a single wire, rope or
the like..
Second The employment, in combination with the rudder-post and tiller (with or
without the retracting spring), of pulleys carried by the said tiller and having the
driving wire or wires passed around them, substantially as set forth, so that the
steering of the torpedo may be effected by varying the tension or tractive force
applied to the said wire or wires, as above specified.
Third The employment of a catch so constructed and arranged that it will hold
the tiller in its central position until sufficient tractivo force is applied to the driving
wire to release the said catch, and will then drop out of engagement with the said
tiller, as, and for the purposes, above specified.
Fourth The combination, with the propeller-shaft, of a reel or drum for the
driving wire, fixed on the said shaft, so that, when the said wire is drawn out of the
torpedo, it will rotate the said shaft, for the purpose above specified.
Fifth The combination, with the reel or drum, of the guide-pulley carried by the
sliding bar, the shaft formed with right and left hand screw-threads and connected
by suitable gearing with the said drum, the switch connecting the said bar with the
said screw-shaft, and means for changing the position of the said switch at the
extremities of its stroke or travel, all substantially as, and for the purposes, set forth.
.Sixth-The employment of a pump operated by the reel or drum, so that, as the
said wire is drawn out of the torpedo, water will be pumped into the same, for the
purpose above specified.
Seventh The combination, with the reel or drum, of a brake so arranged that it
will act to stop or retard the movement of the said reel or drum when the force
applied to the said wire to drive the torpedo is removed or diminished, substantially
as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Eighth The combination of a catch adapted to engage with a rod carrying the
priming and to hold the said priming out of reach of the firing pin or striker, and a
cylinder and piston or similar device (with or without means for regulating the flow
of water into the same) whereby, after the torpedo has been submerged, the priming
will be released, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Ninth The construction and arrangement of the said catch in such a manner that,
after the priming has been moved forward, the said catch will engage with a shoulder

page_text: on the rod carrying the priming and will thus retain the said priming in position to
be struck by the firing pin or striker, substantially as set forth.
Tenth The combination, with the tiller, of means whereby the turning of the
same alternately in either direction, will move the priming out of reach of the firing
pin or striker, or will operate a device or devices for causing the torpedo to rise to
the surface of the water, or will effect both of these operations, substantially as, and
for the purposes, set forth.
Eleventh A mast or equivalent device so connected with the side wings or fins
that it will automatically adjust the same as required and thus rotain the torpedo at
the desired depth in the water notwithstanding variations in the specific gravity of
the said torpedo.
Twelfth The combination, with the mast for adjusting the side wings or fins, of an
inclined plate designed to be secured in different positions upon the said mast
according to the depth at which the torpedo is to travel beneath the water, substantially
as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Thirteenth The combination, with the said mast, of the pivoted spring plate,
substantially as, and for the purposes, set forth.
Fourteenth The combination, with two propeller-shafts, of a reel or drum for
the driving wire fixed on one of the said shafts and a grooved wheel or pulley fixed
on the other of the said shafts and adapted to have the said wire passed around
it so that, when the said wire is drawn out of the torpedo, it will rotate the said
shafts in opposite directions, as above specified.
Fifteenth The combination of a pump capable of pumping water into, and dis-
charging it from the torpedo, and a diaphragm acted upon at one side by a spring
and at the other side by the water, and connected with devices for putting the said
pump in gear with one or the other of the propeller-shafts, with or without the means
for simultaneously adjusting the side wings or fins, all substantially as, and for the
purposes, set forth.
Sixteenth The combination, with the said diaphragm, of a supplementary spring
for holding the same in its central position, and means whereby, after the reel or drum
for the driving wire has made a predetermined number of revolutions, the said
diaphragm will be released from the action of the said spring and will be caused to
turn the side wings or fins into position to cause the torpedo to sink in the water,
substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Seventeenth The improved torpedo consisting of the parts constructed and com-
bined' substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 14, or Figures 15
to 21 of the accompanying drawings and operating as above specified.
Eighteenth The method of providing for the winding of the wire on the reel or
drum by the removal of the propeller from its shaft and the connection of the
said shaft with mechanism for imparting rotary motion thereto, substantially as
hereinbefore described.
Nineteenth The improved signal comprising the colored plates so arranged that a
person directing the movements of the torpedo may know in which direction the
torpedo is moving by the color or colors presented to his view, substantially as set forth.
Twentieth The improved signal consisting of the lamp so constructed as to show
differently colored rays of light according to the direction in which the torpedo is
moving, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Datad this 14th day of Santambar 1887