Improvements in the Propulsion and Construction of Boats and Ships.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Nov., 1897-Accepted, 29th Oct.,
1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Propulsion and Construction of Boats and Ships.
I, HUGH ROBERTSON SHAW, of the Village of Rosseau, in the District of Parry
Sound, in the Province of Ontario, Canada, Artist, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particu-
larly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
My invention relates to improvements in the propulsion and construction of
boats and the object of the invention is to devise a strong form of boai adaptable
for use as a steam ship or other vessel in which the power may be applied advan-
tageously to produce a great speed without sacrificing comfort and it consists
essentially of a boat made in two shells or casings for the major portion cylindrica!
in shape and tapered towards the ends, the inner shell being held stationary to
the stem and stern, which are attached to or form part of the keel of the boat,
and the outer shell being provided with two convolute flanges extending from near
the bow or stem to near the stern of the ship, the parts being arranged and
constructed in detail as hereinafter more particularly explained.
Fig. 1, is a perspective view of a steam ship constructed in accordance with
my invention.
Fig. 2, is a longitudinal section through the ship.
In the drawings like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in each
figure.
A is the outer cylindrical shell and B the inner cylindrical shell. 131 and B2
are the end walls of the inner cylindrical shell, which are connected by the hollow
trunnions b and 6' to the stem portion C and stern portion D. The stem portion C
is made in any desired form as also the stern portion and are connected together
by a keel E. The cylindrical shell A is substantially constructed to resist vibra-
tion while revolving around the inner cylindrical shell B, which with the stem
portion C and stern portion D and keel E form the stationary portion of the
ship.
The cylindrical shell A has secured to its outer end preferably two convolute
flanges F running parallel to each other from end to end of the shell. Both
shells A and B may be made of steel, wood or any other suitable material, The
keel E with the stem and stern portions serves to preserve the equilibrium of the
stationary portion of the ship and the keel also serves to prevent the drifting of
the ship from adverse winds.
a
are the ribs of the outer shell. a' are rollers secured to the inner shell or to
the outer shell if preferable in a circle around the shell and rolling on a plato
or other suitable base on the inner shell. These roller bearings serve to support
the outer shell upon the inner shell from end to end and minimize the friction
on the outer shell as it turns around the inner shell.
The ends of the outer shell A, which are tapered as shown are provided with
inwardly extending trunnions and a at each end between which and the
grooves in the trunnions b¹ and b² rollers & are placed, which thus form roller

page_text: bearings, so as to support the ends of the cylindrical outer shell and allow of its
turning easily. G are a series of rings, which are secured to the keel E and extend
around to the outside of the cylindrical shell A, leaving plenty of room for the
rotation of the convolute flanges F.
The
Hand H are the central and side bridges or promenade decks which extend
from the bow portion to the stern portion of the ship, where they are solidly
secured, being also secured to the rings G and braced by the rods g.
bridges II and H' serve to brace the upper portion of the ships together and
strengthen the whole construction thereof. These bridges H and H¹ are provided
with suitable guard rails, so as to form a guard for people walking thereon.
I are rollers journalled in bearings to the inside of the rings G and designed
to form bearing supports for the outer side of the cylindrical shell should it
vibrate but not otherwise. Such rollers as the cylindrical shell rotates pass
through openings J made in the convolute flanges F, so as to permit of the free
rotation of such flanges.
is the wheel house, which is connected by suitable chains to the quadrant L
at the top of the rudder M, which is suitably held in fastenings on the stern post.
The rear trunnion b' is provided with a lower extension platform 3 upon which
is pivotally supported at the inner end, so as to swing horizontally the gangway or
landing platform 4, which is connected by chains 55 to the stair and ventilating
shaft, such chains passing over pulleys 7 at the outside of the shaft down to
suitable windlasses by which the gang-way platform 4 may be raised to a vertical
position against the ribs 9 9. 10 are the rear doors or gang-ways, which are
situated in the centre of the hollow trunnions opposite the centre of the patform
and by which ingress and egress may be made. 11 are upper doors at the back
of the shaft.
The platform is of sufficient length so that it may he swung laterally, so that
it may extend upon a wharf, the chains in this case being given sufficient slack
to allow of this. It may also be raised upon the ribs 99 to any height to suit
high or low tides. When not in use it may be raised through the chains 5 and
windlass up against the stern shaft, so as to completely close the rear doors 10 and
doors 11.
N are the engines, which are preferably located one at each end of the shaft
within the inner shell, being suitably supported. There need only be one engine
if desired but I preferably have two, so that if one gets out of order the other may
be used. The engine shaft n extends out through the end walls B', and Ba
being provided at their lower ends outside the walls with pinions N, which mesh
with gear rings » formed on the inwardly extending trunnions a³ and a³. It
will now be seen that the manner of driving the outer cylindrical shell is extremely
simple and positive.
O are the air funnels situated in the stationary bow portion of the ship through
which the fresh air and ventilation is carried to the interior shell or living portion
of the ship, the shaft with its cowl serving to carry away all foul air.
P is a spiral stair case at the bow of the ship leading from the hollow trun-
nions to the deck on the bow, Q is a stair case leading up the shaft to the
upper or hurricane decks.
R is the smoke pipe leading from the furnace under the boilers (not shown)
through the centre shell in the lower portion thereof out through the stair
shaft 6.
S are stanchions, which are placed at any desired distance apart in the shell
and form the bars for the bulk head to make the compartments of the inner
shell air tight if desired. The inner shell may be otherwise braced, if desired.
Tare the stairs leading from the main entrance decks U into the upper sleep-
ing berth sections V into the saloon W, smoking room. W₁, dining saloon W3
and kitchen W³ which are preferably on the same floor. The steerage would be
on the floor below from which communication is made from the main entrance
decks U by the stairs T. The bottom portion of the ship may be used for storage,

page_text: freight, etc. and the interior may be otherwise sub-divided as may be thought
preferable.
One of the engines hereinbefore described if not utilized for the running of
the ship may be used for the purpose of running a dynamo and also to work the
fans in the cold storage portion of the ship. There are various ways, of sub-
dividing the ship and for arranging for the convenience therein but I do not
think it necessary in this specification to go into details thereof as any body skilled
in such matters would readily comprehend the requirements.
Any suitable means for the propulsion of the ship may be, utilized and look-
outs may be arranged in the bow." It will be readily seen from this description
that the ship is propelled by the rapid rotation of the outer shell, the convolute
flanges acting on the water as a screw propeller and carrying the ship forward
with velocity.
As the ship will be made in cylindrical form it will be understood that the
main portion of the ship will take but little draught while the keel will serve
to steady it on its onward course.
Among the advantages which naturally accrue from the ship constructed and
propelled in the manner hereinbefore described are great speed, positive drive
through the convolute screw flanges and less liability to sea sickness.
It is also admirably adapted for the transportation of meats, fruit and other
perishable commodities between distant countries. It can be utilized for any
size craft from an ocean going ship down to the smallest sized hand power pleasure
boat to run on small lakes and rivers. In life saving station work there could
be nothing more safe and comfortable, as the surf which proves so disastrous in
the case of present appliances would have no effect on a boat of cylindrical form
completely closed in.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what !
claim is:-
1. A boat comprising stem and stern portions and keel connecting the same
at the bottom thereof, an inner cylindrical shell rigidly connected to the stem and
stern portions of the boat above the keel and forming a living compartment and an
outer cylindrical shell having bearings on the inner cylindrical shell and provided
with convolute flanges and means for driving the same as and for the purpose
specified.
2. A boat comprising stem and stern portions and keel connecting the same
at the bottom thereof, an inner cylindrical shell rigidly connected to the stem
and stern portions of the boat above the keel and forming a living compartment
and an outer cylindrical shell having bearings on the inner cylindrical shell and
provided with convolute Ranges, means for driving the same and hurricane deck
bridge or bridges connecting the bow or stem portion to the stern portion above
the shells as and for the purpose specified.
3. A boat comprising stem and stern portions and keel connecting the same
at the bottom thereof, an inner cylindrical shell rigidly connected to the stem
and stern portions of the boat above the keel and forming a living compartment
and an outer cylindrical shell having bearings on the inner cylindrical shell and
provided with convolute flauges, means for driving the same, hurricane (leck
bridge or bridges connecting the bow or stem to the stern portion above the shells
and rings surrounding the shells and secured to the keel and hurricane deck
bridges as and for the purpose specified.
4. A boat comprising stem and stern portions and keel connecting the same
at the bottom thereof, an inner cylindrical shell rigidly connected to the stem and
stern portions of he boat above the keel and forming a living compartment, and
an outer cylindrical shell having bearings on the inner cylindrical shell and
provided with convolute flanges, means for driving the shell, hurricane deck
bridge or bridges connecting the bow or stem portion to the stern portion above

page_text: the shells, rings surrounding the shells and secured to the keel and hurricane
deck bridges, rollers supported in suitable bearings within the said rings and
designed to lie adjacent to the cylindrical shell and openings in the convolute
Hanges to permit the rollers passing through the convolute flanges as the shell
rotates as and for the purpose specified.
5. In a boat the stem and stern portions and keel connecting the same at the
bottom thereof, an inner cylindrical shell provided with suitable end walls,
the hollow trunnions leading outwardly from such walls and rigidly connected to
the stem and stern portions, the outer cylindrical shell having central bearings
on the inner cylindrical shell and having suitable end walls, the trunnions extend-
ing inwardly from the end walls over the hollow trunnions. of the inner shell, the
bearings between the stationary trunnions and the trunnions of the outer shell
and means for driving the outer shell as and for the purpose specified.
6. In a boat the stem and stern portions and keel connecting the same at the
bottom thereof, an inner cylindrical shell provided with suitable end walls,
the hollow trunnions leading outwardly from such walls and rigidly connected to
the stem and stern portions, the outer cylindrical shell having central bearings
on the inner cylindrical shell and having suitable end walls, the trunnions extend-
ing inwardly from the end walls over the hollow trunnions of the inner shell, the
bearings between the stationary trunnions and the trunnions of the outer shell,
the gear rings formed on the trunnions of the outer shell, a suitably driven engine
and shaft extending through the ends of the inner shell and pinions on the outer
end of the shaft meshing with the gear rings on the trunnions as and for the
purpose specified.
7. In a boat, the stem and stern portions and keel connecting the same at the
bottom thereof, the inner cylindrical shell provided with suitable end walls,
the hollow trunnions leading outwardly from such walls and rigidly connected to
the stem and stern portions, the outer cylindrical shell having bearings on the
inner cylindrical shell and convolute flanges extending throughout its length.
the forward air funnels extending down through the bow portion and through
the trunnions into the interior shell, and the stern air shaft extending from the
stern trunnions upwardly and provided, with a suitable cowl as and for the purpose
specified.
8. In a boat, the stem and stern portions and keel connecting the same at the
top thereof, the inner cylindrical shell provided with suitable end
the hollow trunnions leading outwardly from such walls and rigidly connected to
walls,
the stem and stern portions, the outer cylindrical shell having bearings on the
inner cylindrical shell and convolute flangest extending throughout its length,
the forward air funnels extending down through the bow portion and through
the trunnions into the interior shell, the stern air shaft extending from the
trunnions upwardly and provided with a suitable cowl and the smoke pipe leading
from the engine room to and through the stern shaft as and for the purpose
specified.
9. In a boat the stem and stern portions and keel connecting the same at the
top thereof, the inner cylindrical shell provided with suitable end walls, the
hollow trunnions leading outwardly from such walls and rigidly connected to
the stem and stern portions, the outer cylindrical shell having bearings on the
inner cylindrical shell and convolute flanges extending throughout its length,
the front and rear shafts communicating with the hollow trunnions and extending
up to the upper decks and the spiral stairs located therein as and for the purpose
specified.
10. In a boat, the stem and stern portions and keel connecting the same at the
top thereof, the inner cylindrical shell provided with suitable end walls, the hollow
trunnions leading outwardly from such walls and rigidly connected to the stem
and stern portions the outer cylindrical shell having bearings on the inner
cylindrical shell and convolute flanges extending throughout its length and the
rudder fastened to the front post and manipulated as shown and as specified.

page_text: 11. In combination the outer and inner shells constructed as specified, and the
outer shell connected to the stem and stern portions, the keel connecting the stem
and stern portions the hollow trunnions in the front portion, the platform extend-
ing out from the hollow trunnions, the landing platform swivelled on such latter
platform and the supporting and raising chains for the landing platform suitably
operated and the entrance doors in the end of the hollow trunnions as and for the
purpose specified.
12. In combination the outer and inner shells constructed as specified with the
outer shell connected to the stem and stern portions, the keel connecting the
stem and stern portions, the hollow trunnions in the stem portion, the platform
extending out from the hollow trunnion, the landing platform swivelled on such
latter platform, the supporting and raising chains for the landing platform suit-
ably operated, the entrance doors in the end of the hollow trunnions, the air
shaft, floors in the same and the guiding ribs all arranged as and for the purpose
specified.
13. A boat comprising stem and stern portions and keel connecting same at
the bottom thereof, a cylindrical shell having bearings in the stem and, stern
portions and provided with convolute flanges and means for driving the same as
and for the purpose specified.
G. F. REDFERN & Co.,
4, South Street, Finsbury, London, Agents for the Applicant.