IMPROVEMENTS IN SHIPS' LOGS, AND THE APPARATUS FOR HOLDING SAME
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Edward Massey, of 17, Chadwell Street, Clerken-
well, in the County of Middlesex, Manufacturer of Patent Logs and Sounding
Machines, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN SHIPS' LOGS, AND THE
APPARATUS FOR HOLDING SAME."
Sealed the 21st October 1876, and dated the 30th August 1876.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said John Edward Massey at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th August 1876.
JOHN EDWARD MASSEY, of 17, Chadwell Street, Clerkenwell, in the County of
Middlesex, Manufacturer of Patent Logs and Sounding Machines. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN SHIPS' LOGS, AND THE APPARATUS FOR HOLDING SAME."
This Invention relates to improvements in ships' logs, and the apparatus for
holding same.
Firstly. It consists in constructing an improved apparatus forming a locking or
sliding groove holder to admit of the log being instantly applied or removed at will,
and enable the recording wheels and their terminal longitudinal axis enclosed in a
metal tube, box, or protector, called the registering part of the log, when attached
to such apparatus to project from the stern or other convenient part of the ship, so
as to be influenced and operated on by the rotary action of the fly or winged
cylinder in the sea, called the rotator, free from obstruction, and also by means of a
joint, which I designate a knuckle joint, to turn in any required direction, and
adjust itself to the correct angle for insuring the least strain and most efficient and
favourable position for being acted upon by the rotator. Among other advantages
attained by my improved method of holding and suspending the log under conditions
favourable to its working, and conducive to its accuracy, is that of ascertaining the
leeway of the vessel by adding to the log and apparatus for holding same an indi-
cator constructed for the purpose, the apparatus being fixed to the centre of the
taffail of the ship's stern at right angles with the keel of the vessel when such lee-
way indicator is required to be used.
Secondly. My Invention, in relation to the improvements of ships' logs, includes
the construction of an improved mode or device for obviating or reducing friction,
and imparting additional strength and durability, and is applicable to ships' logs
generally, either constructed for registering inboard or otherwise, such improved
mode or device being the introduction and employment of balls or spheres, hollow
-

page_text: or solid, of metal or other suitable material, between the working faces or bearing
plates of the terminal longitudinal shaft in the place of the means hitherto adopted
and used for the purpose. The balls or spheres being perfectly free, and not held
by pius, studs, or screws in any way either to the shaft or face or bearing plates,
revolve radially from the shaft with a freedom of movement and a minimum of
friction. This part of my Invention is of increased advantage when applied to logs
constructed for registoring inboard by reason of the strain or pull of the revolving
rope or line by which the log and the fly or rotator are attached or connected.
Thirdly. My said Invention also includes the introduction and employment of a
spring or mechanical equivalent, either of metal, indian-rubber, or other elastic
substance in such a manner as to permit an elongated action of the terminal longi-
tudinal shaft or arbor, and allow it to expand and contract so as to accommodato
and adapt itself to the change or variation of the strain or pull of the rope or line
attached to the rotator, and the irregular tug, bight, and thrust thereof to which it
is subjected by the varying motion of the waves and unequal rate of speed, and
thus by my said improvements relieve the shaft or arbor, facilitate a more easy
motion of the registering gear, and diminish the wear and tear thereof occasioned
by such strain or pull of the rope or line and irregular bight and thrust.
My above-mentioned improvements, it will be seen, apply to a log or logs con-
structed and intended to register inboard or adjacent to the deck of the vessel, and
a portion of such improvements, namely, that which relates to the improved mode
or device for lessing friction and imparting additional strength and durability by
the introduction of the balls or spheres applies also to logs generally. Such
improved mode or device is capable of being used and employed in substitution of
the antifriction rollers mentioned and described in the Specification filed by me in
the Great Seal Patent Office in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent
bearing date the Twenty-sixth day of January One thousrnd eight hundred and
sixty-five, and also in substitution of the means generally adopted and now in usc
for the like purpose in logs not constructed or intended to register inboard.
Fourthly My said Invention further includes the introduction and employment
in connection with the registering wheels and pinions of ships' logs of an improved
dial furnished with two graduated circles or scales, and two hands or index pointers
acting from a common centre, by means of which not only the distance traversed is
indicated, but the present rates of speed of the vessel at any required moment can
also be speedily ascertained.
Fiftbly My said Invention also further includes the construction of a ship's log
with a speed indicator or gauge, of which not only the fly or rotator but a portion
of the mechanism enclosed in a separate case, box, or protector is overboard in the
sea, and the dial, index hands, or pointers, train of wheels part of the registering
gear only contained in another case or box are inboard or adjacent to the deck of
the vessel. By this arrangement an important advantage is obtained, as the rope
or line by which, the revolutions of the fly or rotator are communicated to the
longitudinal shaft, endless screw, or arbor can be considerably shortened, and con-
sequently a less intermittent and more steady and uniform action of the registering
part of the machine is promoted, as well as a more even motion of the hand or
index pointer traversing the outer circle or scale on the dial attained, and the
instrument as a log and speed indicator or gauge generally improved.
And, lastly. A further application of my said Invention and improvements in
ships' logs constructed and intended to register inboard or adjacent to the deck of
the vessel includes an improved mode of accomplishing the communications of the
revolutions of the fly or rotator to the registering gear by or through the means or
aid of electricity, and of imparting and conveying such revolutions to the registering
gear,
I now proceed with the aid of the annexed Drawings to explain and describe my
said Invention and improvements more fully, and to detail the method or means by
which the same are-effected or accomplished.
Firstly. My improved apparatus for holding ships' logs, which is formed of brass

page_text: or other metal or suitable material, so as to admit of being affixed or fastened by
screws or other means to the stern or other convenient part of the vessel, and
provided with a recess or sliding groove or locking (as shown in Figures 1 to 5
inclusive on the accompanying Drawings), in which fits or slides vertically a stand
arm (as shown in Figure 8 on the accompanying Drawings), having attached thereto
the tube, case, box, or protector of the log with the wheels, pinions, and other parts
of the registering gear contained therein, such stand, arm, and registering part of
the log being furnished with a joint so as to admit of almost universal motion
(which I designate a knuckle joint) formed by a solid closed cap of stunted cone
shape, soldered or securely attached to the fore end of the tube, case, box, or
protector. In the centre of such cap is cut a slot, leaving a wall or bearing of
metal on cach side; in this slot works a block of metal retained in its place by a
pin and collet. The pin traversing the side walls or bearings permits a vertical and
perfectly free motion, but prevents separation. The end of the block is turned
down so as to work and fit in a hole in the extreme end of stand arm; the end
of the block is continued through the end of the stand arm, and securely fastened
by means of a nut. On the stand arm being connected with the part of the holder
fixed to the vessel by vertically sliding it into the recess or sliding groove the
registering part of the log is enabled freely to turn and incline in any required
direction or angle, as shown in Figure 6 on the accompanying Drawings.
A leeway indicator may be added, if desired, by furnishing the face of the nut
or end of the block with an index or pointer and the stationary stand arm with a
dial or scale in the form of a semicircle, divided to bear relation to the points of the
compass, as shown in Figure 7 on the accompanying Diawings, or vice versa The
face of the nut may be furnished with a dial or scale, and the stand arm with an
index or pointer In the latter case the position of the component parts of the
knuckle joint are reversed, the solid closed cap of a stunted cone shape with the cut
slot in the centre being placed above the solid block of metal instead of below, as
shown in Figure 8 on the accompanying Drawings.
Secondly. My improvements in ships' logs consist in adding to the log or
cylindrical tube or case called the register tube, or to that part thereof in which is
contained the index, registering wheels and pinions now and heretofore in use, and
to the aft end of such tube a disc, plate, or cap, the outer edge of which is formed
with a flange, by means of which it is screwed or otherwise securely fastened into
the register tube, the inside surface of this disc, plate, or cap is continued backwards
so as to form a hollow column about one-fourth the diameter of the disc, plate, or
cap; through the centre of the hollow column works the longitudinal shaft or arbor.
Working on the top end of the hollow column is a loose cylinder, the upper end or
face of which is extended so as to form a circular face plate or bearing at right
angles to the hollow column. The longitudinal shaft or arbor consists of a rod of
metal furnished at one end with a circular face plate or bearing at right angles to
the rod; the inner or acting face of such bearing is turned out or hollowed so as to
form a concave face, having a lip in depth about one-sixth the diameter of the
bearing. On the outside or contra face of the bearing is a projecting arm or lug
which engages with or gathers up the cross arm at the end of the worm working in
the teeth of the first wheel of the train. Between the face plate or bearing of the
cylinder working on the end of the hollow column and the concave lipped plate or
bearing of the longitudinal shaft or arbor are inserted four or any other convenient
number of balls or spheres, hollow or solid, of metal or other suitable material; I
prefer to use four of such balls or spheres. These being free and not held by pins,
studs, or screws in any way, either to the shaft, or face, or bearing plates, revolve
radially from the shaft, and act when and as required with perfect ease and
diminished friction. They are prevented from getting out of action by the face or
bearing plate being formed concaved or lipped. The longitudinal shaft or arbor is
continued through the hollow column, which forms for it a socket or bush, and
prevents lateral or askew motion of the longitudinal shaft or arbor
The extremity
of the shaft or arbor is pushed and caused to project slightly through the hollow

page_text: column and disc, plate, or cap, being retained in that position by a nut or collar
securely fixed by a pin or screw which traverses the nut or collar and the longi-
tudinal shaft or arbor; the nut or collar is furnished with an eye, loop, or ring for
connecting it to the rope or line secured to the fly or rotator in the sea, as shown in
Figure 9 on the accompanying Drawings To further facilitate the action of the
balls or spheres and reduce the area of such action a portion of the longitudinal
shaft or arbor which is coincident with the balls or spheres may be slightly hollowed
or turned to adapt it to their diameter. When it is desired to apply this part of my
Invention, namely, the improved mode or device for obviating or reducing friction
and imparting additional strength and durability by the introduction and employ-
ment of balls or spheres in place of the means hitherto adopted and used for the
purpose to logs in which the rotator is immediately connected with the registering
part of the log without the intervention or use of a rope or line, such as the log
known as
Massey's frictionless propellor log," or those known as the "harpoon
log," and to apply such part of my Invention to any log other than those con-
structed to register inboard, in lieu of the means above described my said Invention
may be applied and the aforesaid means varied in the following manner:-Instead
of the loose cylinder the upper end of the hollow column is extended so as to form
a fixed plate or bearing at right angles thereto, and the plate or bearing at the
lower end of the longitudinal shaft or arbor is not fixed but moveable, and attached
to the shaft or arbor by means of a screw thread. The lip of such last-mentioned
plate or bearing is dispensed with, and the balls or spheres inserted between such
two plates or bearings, as shown in Figure 12 on the accompanying Drawings
Thirdly My said improvements also consist in introducing and employing a
spring or mechanical equivalent for the purposes above explained; such spring or
mechanical equivalent inay be either of metal or composed of indian-rubber or other
elastic substance, and constructed in various forms according to the material adopted.
prefer a metal open spiral spring loosely fitting over the hollow column, one end rest-
ing against the inner surface of the disc, plate, or cap, and the other against the edge
of the cylinder working on the top end of the hollow column, as shown in Figures 6
and 9 on the accompanying Drawings. But any other suitable spring or mechanical
equivalent, either of metal, indian-rubber, or other elastic substance capable of being
used and adapted to the purpose, may, be introduced and employed instead of the
spiral spring without departing from my Invention, which is, as before stated, the
introduction and employment of a spring or mechanical equivalent of any form or
substance adapted for adjusting and accomodating the terminal longitudinal shaft
or arbor to the change or variation of the strain or pull of the rope or line attached
to the rotator and accomplishing the purposes before mentioned. Such spring or
mechanical equivalent is also capable of being used not only in connection with logs
constructed to register inboard, but in ships logs generally, particularly where it is
desired to afford to the longitudinal shaft or arbor increased facility in turning with
a steady movement and promote a more regular motion to the shaft or arbor and
train of wheels.
Fourthly. My said improvements also consist in introducing and employing an
improved dial, as above mentioned, such dial being furnished with two graduated
circles or scales, and two hands or index pointers of different and suitable lengths
acting from a common centre, so as to pass one over the other. The outer circle or
scale is divided to the one-sixtieth part of a mile to show the present rates of speed
of the vessel. By observing the number of divisions or sixtieth parts traversed by
its index in one minute the speed of the vessel in miles per hour is ascertained.
The inner circle or scale is divided to indicate any distance from one to one hundred
miles. I employ the ordinary train of wheels and registering gear, and carry the
motion of the second forty-two toothed wheel to the centre of the dial by means of
an extra wheel with the like number of teeth planted so as to gear or travel
directly into the teeth of the second wheel, such extra wheel being provided with
the like number of teeth as the second wheel, their revolutions correspond, and
indicate one mile

page_text: when my improved dial is used in conjunction with ships logs not constructed
or adapted for registering inboard, known as the harpoon logs, or logs having part
only of the tube or cylinder rotary, the circle or scale divided into one-sixtieth
parts of a mile may be dispensed with, and one circle or scale divided to indicite
any distance from one to one hundred miles only used; and in place of the part of the
tube or cylinder which does not rotate I substitute a flat-shaped box, case, or protector
formed by au elliptical-shaped frame of brass or other suitable metal or inaterial
having recesses, one of which is formed to receive the dial and index, the other tho
train of wheels, pinions, and other portions of the registering gear, a plate covering
the latter recess being securely fixed to the frame, affording protection and support,
and enabling the registering wheels and gear to act
The dial and index are pro-
tected by a cover which is made moveable to allow of their inspection when
required. The rear end of the fiame terminates in a cylindrical tubular shape
to admit of its being brought into connection by the usual node with the rotary
part of the tube or cylinder. The head end of the frame has an eye-hole for the
reception of the towing rope, as shown in Figure 12 on the accompanying
Drawings.
A more simple mode of indicating the distance traversed is attained by my
said improved dial being so used and applied to the "harpoon log" or logs
having part only of the tube or cylinder rotary, instead of the dials with several
circles thereon hitherto used for indicating the distance traversed.
Fifthly. My said improvements also further include the constructing a ship's log
with a speed indicator or gauge and the registering gear inboard, and the other
portion of the mechanism overboard, as above mentioned.
The ordinary train of wheels and registering gear, enclosed with my improved
dial with the two graduated circles or scales and hands or index pointers, fourthly
above described, in a case or box fixed rigidly or otherwise on the projecting end of
the stand arm (which is slightly lengthened), and can be adapted in a variety of
forms for the purpose, instead of being suspended or connected by means of the
before-mentioned knuckle joint, as shown in Figures 18 and 19 on the accompanying
Drawings.
The case or box may be provided with a cover, or have glass over the dial.
The stand arm with the case or box is connected with the part of the holder fixed
to the vessel (as before described) at or about the quarter, or as near to the stern as
possible.
The improvements in this part of my Invention mainly consist in towing a
flat case or box of metal; the front end is finished off in a tapering shape, and
provided with an eye-hole, through which is secured the horizontal rope or line for
towing. The interior of the case or box is furnished with an endless screw or a
longitudinal shaft or arbor, and a toothed wheel geared into it. The endless
screw is planted in a cock, and the rear end of such screw passes through or out of
the aft part or rear of the case or box, and is provided with an universal joint or
a simple ring or thumble, to which is made fast or secured the rotary rope or line
fastened on the nose of the fly or rotator, or the rotary rope or line may be dis-
pensed with, and the rotator fixed to or brought into immediate connection with
the endless screw or longitudinal shaft or arbor; the revolutions of the rotator
being thus communicated through the endless screw to the toothed wheel (which is
planted perpendicularly in the case or box) cause such wheel to turn on its pivots
or axis; the upper one of such pivots protected by a guard is .continued through
the case or box, and provided with a joint consisting of some short pieces or links
of metal looped together, and secured to a perpendicular rope or line, which is
fastened by means of an universal joint to the bottom end of the arbor of the
first pinion in the other case or box containing the registering gear inboard, as
shown in Figure 16 on the accompanying Drawings.
The underneath side of the flat case or box in the water is made up of a sinker
or keel of lead or iron in a V or any other suitable shape, leaving a hollow passage
or way
for the water to pass through for the purpose of slightly subinerging or

page_text: sinking and steadying the flat case or box when towed, as shown in Figure 17 on
the accompanying Drawings
In this part of my Invention either my improved mode or device for obviating or
reducing friction, and imparting additional strength and durability by the intro-
duction and employment of balls or spheres, or the antifriction rollers or the other
means generally adopted and now in use for the like purpose, may be used or
employed, and such part of my Invention inay also be used with or without the
spring or mechanical equivalent before described.
In using my said improved machine at midships or more forward in vessels of
short build, and where the shape of the hull will admit, a short spar with a block
or pulley projecting a few feet from the vessel may be fixed, or any other convenient
means adopted. The first mentioned rope or line, viz., the horizontal one for towing
the flat case or box, is passed through such block and conveyed to the stern of the
vessel over its side, clear of all impediments, and made fast to the front eye-hole of
the flat case or box; the rotating rope or line fastened to the nose of the rotator is
secured to the universal joint, 1ing, or thimble on the endless screw at the other end
of the flat case or box The perpendicular rope, which should be in length rather
less than the depth from the bottom of the case or box containing the registering
gear inboard to the surface of the water, is secured to the linked or looped pieces of
metal attached to the pivot continued through the flat case or box The rotator and
flat case or box so connected by the ropes or lines are then committed to the water;
the other end of the perpendicular rope or line, viz, that which is not joined to the
linked or looped pieces of metal, is retained inbond and quickly secured to the
universal joint at the end of the arbor of the first pinion, part of the registering
gear contained in the case or box inboard, as shown in Figure 19 on the accom-
panying Diawings This perpendicular rope or line will commence acting by
quickly turning, and must not be impeded or obstructed. Its required length can
be casily regulated and adjusted by either pulling up or letting out Care should be
taken not to leave it slack or too long, the end need not necessarily be cut off, but it
may be simply tied or looped up, and care must also be taken that the flat case or
box is brought to tow immediately under and in a direct or perpendicular.line with
the case or box containing the registering gear inboard; this is easily regulated by
letting out or hauling in the towing rope or linc.
And lastly. My said improvements, which include an improved mode of accom-
plishing the communications of the revolutions of the fly or rotator to the registering
gear inboard by or through the means or aid of electricity, are effected in the
following manner, and apply to my before-mentioned improvements fifthly described,
and shown in Figures 16 and 17 on the accompanying Diawings, varied in the
following details or particulars, il est :-Instead of employing the perpendicular
rope or line of ordinal y material a flexible submarine or other telegraphic cable or
rope of small circumference is substituted, one end of which passes vertically into
the flat case or box (intended to be overboard and towed in the water) and into an
inner flexible water-tight case or cases of india-rubber or other waterproof material.
A flat strip or bridge of gutta percha is contained in such inner water-tight case in
a transverse position, into which the ends of the wires, divested of a portion of the
cable or rope, enter and extend beyond, formed into small coils in the shape of spiral
springs, having small discs attached at the extreme ends of such wires, which are
thus held secure and ready for the circuit being completed A stout piece of watch
spring is also inserted in such inner water-tight case at the lower end thereof, and
held in position by its ends being fixed in small blocks of gutta percha; in the
centre and on the face of such spring is fixed a short bar or piece of soft iron for
effecting the circuit. The water-tight case or cases with the contents are placed in
the interior of the before-mentioned and described flat case or box, in a cell or
receptical formed therein, and made perfectly impervious to water by india-rubber
or any insoluble cement or composition. Contained in such flat case or box also is
an endless screw working into a toothed wheel, as before descubed, and, for the
purpose of this part of my Invention, such wheel is provided with six pins or studs,

page_text: which slightly project, and are placed equidistant on the wheel; as the wheel
revolves these pins or studs are successively brought in contact with a lever moving
on a centre. In front of this lever is a plate in contact with the bottom or lower
end of the water-tight case or cases When the lever is moved forward the bottom
or lower end of such water-tight case or cases partakes of its motion, and the spring
contained therein is also forced forwards, and alternately press in contact and with-
draw the soft iron plate from the discs at the ends of the wires Connected with
the other end of the cable or rope on board the vessel, either on deck or where most
convenient, is an electrical battery. The circuit being complete, the usual magnetic
action occurs, and every sixth part of each complete revolution of the toothed wheel
worked by the endless screw is conveyed to the mechanism moving the train of wheels,
pinions, index pointers, and registering gear, also inboard, and connected with the
cable or rope, and by ineans of a magnet balanced lever, ratchet wheel, and toothed
spring, in the usual and well known manner, as shewn in Figures 20 to 22, inclusive,
on the accompanying Drawings Or the flexible submarine or other telegraphic
cable or rope may be dispensed with, and the before-mentioned perpendicular rope
or line of ordinary material retained, and the flexible water-tight case or cases and
the other contents of the flat case, box, or protector in the water, with the exception
of the endless screw and toothed wheel fifthly above described, transferred to the
case or box containing the registering gear inboard; an additional wheel of similar
dimensions, provided with six pins or studs, slightly projecting and equidistant
thereon, is also contained in the latter case or box. One end of an ordinary elec-
trical cable or rope of small circumference, or conducting wires, insulated or protected
in the ordinary way, is connected so that the ends of the wires may pass into the
flexible case or cases in manner and for the purposes above described, and the other
end of such cable, rope, or wires connected with the electrical battery and coil, and
by the above-mentioned means the aforesaid revolutions conveyed to a dial or dials
placed in the cabin oi where desired on board. Or the flat case or box or protector
containing the portion of the mechanism intended to be overboard in the water and
the perpendicular rope or line may be dispensed with, and my said improvements, as
lastly described, may be applied to a log of which the whole of the mechanism
except the rotator is inboard.
In order that my said Invention and improvements may be more fully understood
and readily carried into effect, I have hereunto attached two Sheets of Drawings,
as examples of the arrangements and application of my said Invention and improve-
ments in ship logs, and the apparatus for holding same, reference being had to the
letters and figures thereon marked, such letters of reference being marked on
corresponding parts of all the Figures alike.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
Figure 1 represents a plan of the apparatus for holding log, showing screw holes
for fixing; Figure 2, front view thereof, showing recess or sliding groove; Figure 3,
side view; Figure 4, transverse section through line 1, 1, Figure 3.
Figure 5, front view of another form of apparatus for holding log.
Figure 6, front view partly in section of my improved log, showing knucklo
joint; in this view the log is shewn in the position in which it would be when in
use; Figure 7, plan thereof, showing leeway indicator when not fixed on stand arm
with index or pointer, this view also shows a plan of Figure 5.
Figure 8, side view of stand arm; the dotted lines show where it slides into
recess or sliding groove.
Figure 9, sectional view of my improved mode or device for obviating or reducing
friction, and imparting additional strength and durability, and also the spring as
applied to logs registering inboard.
Figure 10, front view, showing modification of Figure 6.
Figure 11, plan of dial or scale for leeway indicator, when fixed on stand
arm.
Figure 12, front view of a log known as the “harpoon" with my improvements,

page_text: and shewing interior with the improved mode or device for obviating or reducing
friction, and imparting additional strength and durability.
Figure 13, towing hook; Figure 14, edge view thereof.
Figure 15, diagram showing application of my improvements fifthly described
Figure 16, plan of the case or box overboard in the water with the cover
removed.
Figure 17, transverse section through line 1, 1, Figure 16, showing the protector
to the pivot, and also V-shaped sinker.
Figure 18, plan of case or box containing registering gear inboard, showing dial;
the dotted lines show end of stand arm to which it is affixed.
Figure 19, side view showing stand arm and universal joint connected to per-
pendicular rope.
Figure 20, plan of the case or box overboard in the water with the cover removed,
showing the contents when my improvements lastly described are adopted; Figure 21,
end view, with telegraphic cable or rope attached
• Figure 22, plan of interior of case or box inboard with dial removed, showing
contents when my improvements lastly described are adopted.
In the whole of the above Figures a represents the apparatus for holding log,
b, the recess or sliding groove; c, the stand arm, d, the tube, case, or box con-
taining the registering gear; c, the cap of stunted cone shape with slot forming
part of knuckle joint; f, the block of metal, also forming part of knuckle joint;
9, the pin and collet holding knuckle joint together; h, the nut screwing knuckle
joint to stand aim, i, the leeway indicator fixed on stand arm, j, the index or
pointer for leeway indicator on face of nut or end of block of metal, b, the dial
and scales; l, the index pointer to dial; m, the cross arm at end of worm, n, the
longitudinal shaft or arbor with circular face plate and projecting arm or lug, o, the
balls or spheres; p, the loose cylinder forming circular face plate; 1, the spiral
spring, the disc, plate, or cap and hollow column; 8, the nut or collai and eye or
ring for attaching rope or line; t, the dotted lines, showing cover for protecting
dial; u, the leeway indicator on face of nut; v, the index or pointer on stand aim
for leeway indicator; w, the fixed plate or bearing; x, the moveable plate or
bearing; y, the attaching hook; z, the eye-hole, a 1, the spar projecting from ship's
side; b1, the horizontal towing rope attached to eye-hole in front of case or box
overboard; & 1, the perpendicular rope; e1, the case or box with registering gear
inboard; f1, the rotary rope; g1, the rotator, h1, the case or box overboard in
water; 1, the enlless screw; 1, the cock, 1, the toothed wheel; 21, the ing
or thimble for attaching rotary rope, m1, the guard to pivot and joint; n1, the
Binker or keel; o1, the universal joint for attaching perpendicular rope; p1, the
frictionless rollers, 91, the toothed wheel with pins or studs, 71, the lever on
centre; 81, the water-tight case or cases; t1, the watch spring and piece or bar of
soft iron; u 1, the strip or bridge of gutta-percha; v1, the telegraphic cable or
rope, w1, the ends of conducting wires; a 1, the magnet; y 1, the balanced lever;
1, the ratchet wheel and toothed spring.
Having described the nature of my said Invention and improvements, together
with the method of carrying the same into practical effect, I would have it clearly
understood I do not claim the exclusive use of the several parts herein-before
mentioned and referred to, except when the same are employed for the purposes of
my said Invention, and that I do not confine myself to the precise and exact mode
herein shown and described, or to the precise details, relative proportions, or dimen-
sions heicin-before described and set forth, as it will be readily seen that the same
may be varied without departing from the essential features of the Invention, but
what it is my desire to claim and secure is, the arrangement, combination, and con-
struction of parts herein-before described and set forth in connection with ships'
logs, and apparatus for holding same, particularly,
Firstly. The construction of an improved apparatus for holding ships' logs or the
registering part thereof, substantially in the manner and for the purposes herein-
before described.

page_text: Secondly The mode of attaching or enabling ships' logs or the registering part
thereof to turn by means of a joint (above designated a knuckle joint) formed by
the combination of the solid closed cap and other mechanical means, substantially
as herein-before described.
Thirdly. The construction of an improved mode or device for obviating and
reducing friction, and imparting additional strength and durability by the intro-
duction and employment of balls or spheres between the working faces or bearing
plates of the terminal longitudinal shaft of ships' logs, substantially in the manner
and for the purposes herein-before set forth.
Fourthly. The application and employment of balls or spheres in lieu or substi-
tution of rollers, wheels, pins, studs, screws, and the contrivances and means generally
adopted and now or heretofore in use for diminishing friction, and imparting
additional strength and durability, or for acquiring regular rotation or action in
connection with ship logs
Fifthly. The introduction and employment of a spring or mechanical equivalent
to permit an elongated action of the terminal longitudinal shaft or arbor, and allow
it to expand and contract, substantially in the manner and for the purposes herein-
before set forth.
Sixthly. The introduction and employment in connection with the registering
wheels and pinions of ships' logs of an improved dial furnished with two graduated
circles or scales and two hands or index pointers acting from a common centre, sub-
stantially in the manner and for the purposes hercin-before set forth.
Seventhly The introduction and employment of an improved dial connected
with the registering wheels or part of ships' logs not constructed to register inboard,
and known as the "harpoon log," or logs having part only of the tube or cylinder
rotary, substantially in the manner and for the purposes herein-before set forth
Eighthly. The construction of a ship's log with a speed indicator or gauge of
which not only the rotator but a portion of the mechanism inclosed in a separato
case, box, or protector is overboard in the water, and the dial and registering gear
contained in another case or box are inboard or adjacent to the deck of the vessel,
substantially in the manner and for the purposes herein-before set forth.
Ninthly. The introduction and employment of a towing rope or line from mid-
ships of a vessel, or more forward, attached to the case, box, or protector containing
a portion of the mechanism overboard in the water for towing the same; also of
another and much shorter rope or line for connecting the rotator with such portion
of the mechanism; and also the introduction and employment of a perpendicular
rope or line for continuing and communicating the revolutions of the rotator to tho
registering gear inboard or adjacent to the deck of the vessel, substantially in the
manner and for the purposes herein-before set forth.
Tenthly. And I claim the introduction and employment of the aforesaid towing
and perpendicular ropes or lines, whether used in conjunction with the rotary rope
or line or not, in the manner and for the purposes herein-before set forth.
Eleventhly. The application to the aforesaid improved log and speed indicator or
gauge of an improved mode of accomplishing the communications of the revolutions
of the rotator to the registering gear through the means and by the aid of electricity,
and ensuring the transmission of such revolutions to the registering gear and to the
dial or dials, substantially in the manner and for the purposes herein-before set
forth.
Twelfthly The application to the said improved log and indicator, and also to
logs having the whole of the mechanism except the rotator inboard or adjacent to
the deck of the vessel, of an improved mode of accomplishing and ensuring the
transmission of the aforesaid revolutions through or by electricity to the dial or
dials inboard, substantially in the manner severally and for the purposes respectively
herein-before set forth.
Thirteenthly. The introduction and employment of a flexible water-tight case or
cases of india-rubber or other waterproof material, and inserting and enclosing therein

page_text: the ends of the conducting wires, discs, piece or bar of soft iron and spring, sub-
stantially in the manner and for the purposes herein-before set forth.
And, lastly. The introduction and employment of a telegraphic cable or rope,
submarine or otherwise, having the conducting wires properly insulated and pro-
tected in substitution of the rope or line of ordinary material in connection with
part of the mechanism of a ship's log which is overboard, and the registering gear
inboard, for the purpose of communicating, conveying, or imparting the revolutions
of the rotator to the registering gear.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Edward Massey, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of August, in the year of our Lord One 1
thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
Witness,
J. H. ADAMS.
JOHN EDWP. MASSEY. (LS)