IMPROVEMENTS IN IRON-CLAD VESSELS AND OTHER APPARATUS FOR CONVEYING AND EXPLODING SUBMARINE EXPLOSIVES
Year: 1864

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Washington Michael Ryer, of San Francisco,
California, but temporarily of 24, Rue du Mont Thabor, Paris, in the
Empire of France, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN IRON-CLAD
VESSELS AND OTHER APPARATUS FOR CONVEYING AND EXPLODING SUBMARINE
EXPLOSIVES."
Sealed the 7th February 1865, and, dated the 19th October 1864.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Washington Michael Ryer
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 19th October 1864.
I, WASHINGTON MICHAEL RYER, - of San Francisco, California, but tem-
porarily of 24, Rue du Mont Thabor, Paris, in the Empire of France, do,
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN IRON-
CLAD VESSELS AND OTHER APPARATUS FOR CONVEYING AND EXPLODING SUBMARINE
EXPLOSIVES," to be as follows:-
My Invention relates, firstly, to the use of iron-clad vessels for conveying
torpedos, infernal machines, and other submarine explosives under the hulls
of vessels; secondly, to a special construction or accessory to the said iron-clad
conveying vessels by which the said explosives are directed through the water'
at a considerable distance from the iron-clad conveying vessel itself; thirdly,
the carrying of several poles (as each explosion will destroy one) with
machinery used in adjustment, by which the explosive is renewed and pro
jected by hands upon the deck of the iron-clad; fourthly, the use of rollers;

page_text: or wheels on the explosive to facilitate its sliding on the bottom of the vessel
attacked; and, fifthly, the collateral use of both electricity and percussion as a
means of insuring the ignition of the explosive, the electricity being conveyed
along grooves in the poles.
It is proposed to construct these vessels of wood or iron, very similar in
shape to the ordinary small tugs to be found in the ports of Great Britain, but
rather sharper at the bow and stern, and of stronger build, to be constructed
so as to back as rapidly as possible, or to advance with the greatest speed.
The steering apparatus should be of greater power than ordinary in order to
make rapid turning
The theory of the attack being that war vessels are more vulnerable in
their bottoms, rudders, and screw, these small vessels should have speed
enough to approach as "stern chasers," and when they have delivered their
explosion to be able to back rapidly away, and seek shelter in shallow waters
or under the lee of forts until another pole and torpedo are adjusted for future
attack. These vessels are to be of as light a tonnage as will admit of the
carrying of the armour and extra poles, they are to have an overhang of three
or more feet of solid wood extending around the vessel on a level with the
deck, and to a depth of four feet or more; this overhang is to be plated
with steel or iron of sufficient thickness to resist shot and the rams of the
enemy; the bow D is to be plated with one or more inches of steel or iron in
order to resist any effect of its own explosive. Also the deck to be thinly
plated, but the wheel house is to be strongly plated, so also the smoke stack.
At the bow of these small iron clads is an arrangement by which the base of
the pole when projected (after the torpedo is affixed), is, strongly fastened by
iron clamps, and stayed by four rope, wire, or chain braces, as seen by
reference to c in Figure 2. As a difference of opinion, availability, and
economy may suggest the manner of attaching the pole, I propose, first, the
simple attachment Fig. 3, which is no more than a groove surrounded by
strong iron clamps; into this groove, after the torpedo A is attached and the
braces c arranged, and the pole advanced to its proper extent, the base of
the pole is to be depressed by a lever, and fastened by means of the clamps.
Should it be desired to have the base of the pole sufficiently under water to
protect it from the enemy's shot, the moveable base, Fig. 4, may be used.
The torpedo being attached, braces c arranged, and pole advanced forward in
the groove, as in the simple attachment before mentioned, the cogs are turned
.by a simple crank or lever, and the moveable base is depressed three or more
feet under water. In order to obtain the same result another method may be,
used. This method, seen Fig. 5, consists in placing the butt or base of the
.

page_text: pole in the hole extending the length of the rotary base L, and after affixing
the torpedo and arranging the braces c by the action of the cog wheel M, the
rotary base L and the pole are made to describe a half circle, and the pole is
thus taken from the deck and depressed into the water. These are but
modifications in the attachment and movement of the base of the pole, they
do not affect the shape or construction of the vessel, pole, or explosive. The
gangway between deck and, interior will be through the top of the wheel
house and water-tight trap doors.
Fig. 1 represents the iron-clad torpedo vessel as she appears upon the
surface of the water, the deck being from a few inches to two feet above the
water, thus presenting a small mark for the enemy's shot, and all parts above
water being well protected by iron or steel plating, which also extends to a
depth of from three to six feet below the water line.
Fig. 2 represents a profile view of the same showing the projection of the
explosive A, the pole B removeable from the inside, its braces c, the line of
armour covering. the overhang, the plating on the bow to protect it from
its own explosives D', the pilot house W, smoke stack S.
Fig. 3 represents a vertical section of the bow of the boat with the simple
or immoveable base for the attachment of the pole. This consists of a groove
in the bow of the boat of suitable dimensions with iron braces or fastenings X.
The pole being armed with a torpedo and, the braces c arranged, it is pushed
forward from the deck, and when at its full extent it is depressed into the
groove by a lever specially arranged for the purpose, and the iron braces O
are strongly fastened.. This simple groove or attachment will enable the base
of the pole to be depressed to a limited extent under water, for its further
depression, see Figures 4 and 5.
Fig. 4 represents a vertical section of the bow with the moveable base G:
This moveable base allows of affixing the pole by attaching the torpedo,
arranging the braces c, and pushing the pole forward and clamping its base.O,
as in Fig. 3. Then by a lever the cog wheel I is turned, this commanding
the racks H, the moveable base G is depressed to the desired place, and with
it the pole B and torpedo A. The racks H are placed in the interior of the
moveable base G, thus admitting of a better water-tight arrangement.
Fig. 5 represents a vertical longitudinal section of the whole of the same
vessel indicated by Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, with its motive power marked by a
place for the boiler, machinery, and screw. The ventilation and draught
being through the wheel-house W by tubes and blowers suitable for the
purpose; from the boiler will proceed tubes to various parts of the deck,
which will enable the engineer or pilot to throw steam and hot water upon

page_text: .
the boarders. In the deck will be made a groove F protected by. iron lids or
coverings, in which reserve poles will be placed. In the bow is placed a
rotary base which effects the same purpose as the moveable base Fig. 4, but
in a different manner. The pole being armed with the explosive and braces c
arranged, its base is pushed into the hole or opening designed for it, and
which extends the length marked L, and is there strongly fastened. by
bolts. Then by action upon the cog wheels M by ordinary lever, power,
base L, and with it the pole, are made to turn one-half of a circle, and the
pole is thus lifted from the deck and placed-the-desired-depth in the water.
On the base L is a strong rod Y, to which the inferior brace disattached;
and which moves-with the base. This rotary base is inade of iron very
Strong, and the vessel is' protected from the entrance of water by a partition N
between the cogs M and rotary base L, and also behind the base. Extending
from the wheel house to the explosive, along the pole, is an electric wire K.
Fig. 6 represents the pole B, to be made of wood or iron, and of such
length as experience will show to be not too dangerous for the vessel carrying
the explosive. The torpedo or explosive of shape similar to the Drawing is
made of iron, copper, or other metal, with rollers or wheels-placed to easily
glide on the bottom of a vessel with one or more percussion caps P, and in
order to ensure explosion is connected with the wheel house by electric
Wires K. This explosive is placed above the end of the pole, so as to send as
little force as possible in the direction of the line of the pole. It being
presumed that each explosion breaks a pole reserve ones are carried and
adjusted as illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8, in a box or groove on
deck.
:
Figure 7 represents a transversal section of the vessel showing the. over-
hang and place for poles F.
Figure 8 répresents a plan view of the deck of the vessel showing the place
for poles F, the water-tight compartiment X; and the steam pipes R for
preventing 'boarding.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Nineteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, in the twenty-eighth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Washington Michael Ryer, Her special licence that I, the said
Washington Michael Ryer, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or
such others as I, the said Washington Michael Ryer, my executors,.adminis;
trators, and assigns, should in any time agree with, and no others, from time
to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should
and lawfully miglit make, 'use, exercise, and vend, within the. United King,
dom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN IRON-CLAD VESSELS AND OTHER APPARATUS. FOR
CONVEYING AND EXPLODING SUBMARINE EXPLOSIVES," upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said Washington Michael Ryer, my executors or adminis
trators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their
hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause, the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said. Letters
Patent:
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Washington Michael Ryer, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be..performed, to be particularly; described and ascertained in and by the
following statement:-
.
.:
My Invention relates, firstly, to the use of, iron-clad vessels for conveying
torpedos, infernal machines,' and other submarine explosives under the bulls
of vessels; secondly, to a special construction or accessory to the said iron-
clad, conveying vessels, by which the said explosives are directed through the
water at a considerable distance from the iron clad conveying vessel itself;
thirdly, the carrying of several poles, as each explosion will destroy one,
with machinery used in adjustment, by which the pole and explosive are
renewed and projected by hands upon the deck of the iron clad; fourthly, the
use of rollers.or wheels on the explosive to facilitate its sliding on the
bottom of the vessel attacked; fifthly, the collateral use of both electricity
.and percussion as a means of insuring the ignition of the explosive, or the
separate use of these agents for the purpose.. The electricity being conveyed
by wires from the pilot house along grooves in the poles to the torpedo.
.

page_text: It is proposed to construct these vessels of wood or iron very similar in
shape to the ordinary small screw tugs (propellers) found in the ports of
Great Britain and other nations, but rather sharper at the bow and stern, and
of stronger build. To be constructed so as to back as rapidly as possible, or
to advance with the greatest speed. The steering apparatus to be of greater
power than ordinary in order to make rapid turning.
The theory of the attack being that that war vessels are more vulnerable in
their bottoms, rudders, and screws, these small vessels should have speed enough
to approach as stern-chasers, and when they have delivered their explosion to
be able to back rapidly away, and seek shelter in shallow waters, or under the
lea of forts until another pole and torpedo are adjusted for further-attack.
These vessels are to be of as light a tonnage as will admit of the carrying of
the armour and extra poles, they are to have three or more feet with a depth
of four or more feet of solid wood extending around the vessel on a level-with
the deck, this is to be plated with steel or iron of sufficient thickness to resist
the shot and rams of the enemy. The bow D is to be plated with one inch
steel or iron (but more if necessary) in order to resist any effect of its own
explosive. Also the deck is to be thinly plated, but the pilot house is to be
strongly plated, as also the smoke stack. At the bow of these small iron clads
is an arrangement by which the pole is projected after the torpedo is affixed,
and its base strongly fastened by iron clamps, and stayed by four rope or chain
braces as seen by reference to C in Diagram (2). When a short pole is used
the braces C will be dispensed with. As a difference of opinion, availability,
and economy may suggest the manner of attaching the pole, I propose first,
"the simple attachment Fig. 3, which is no more than a groove surrounded by
strong iron clamps. Into this groove after the torpedo A is attached, the
braces c arranged, and pole advanced to its proper extent, the base of the
pole is to be depressed by a lever, and strongly fastened by the clamps O.
Should it be desired to have the base of the pole sufficiently under water to
protect it from the enemy's shot, the moveable base Fig: 4 may be used.
The torpedo being attached, braces c arranged, and pole advanced forward
as in the simple attachment before mentioned, the cogs are turned by a
simple crank or lever, and the moveable base is depressed three or more feet.
In order to obtain the same result another method may be used, this
method consists (as seen in Fig. 5), in placing the butt or base of the pole in
the hole extending the length of the rotary base L, and after affixing the

page_text: torpedo, and arranging the braces c by the action of the cog wheel M; the:
rotary base L, and the pole are made to, describe a half circle, and the latter:
is thus taken from the deck, and depressed to the desired depth in the water.:
These are but modifications in the attachment and movement of the base of
the pole, they do not affect the shape or construction of the vessel, pole,.
or explosive. The gangway between deck and interior will be through.
top of pilot house, and water-tight trap doors in the deck. If it be found
desirable to have as accessory, to the "torpedo" guns of large calibre, I'
propose to place a turret on deck, and upon the turret the wheel or pilot:
house. The construction of turrets is so well understood that it is unnecessary;
to explain it at this time.. As my Invention relates to torpedos as the most.
destructive agent of modern naval warfare, and one that renders the recon-
struction of the navies of all nations upon new principles necessary.
*
:
SPECIFICATION WITH REFERENCE TO DRAWINGS.
the sur
Fig. 1 represents the iron-clad torpedo vessel as she appears upon
face of the water in fighting condition. The deck being from a few inches 'to
two feet from the water, presents a small mark for the enemy's shot. All
parts above water are well protected by iron or steel plating, which also
extends from three to five feet below.water line.
.
Fig. 2 represents a profile view of the same, showing the projection of
the explosive A, the pole B; its braces removeable from the inside C. The
line of armor covering the overhang Z. The one inch (or more) plating
the bow. D to protect it from its own explosive, the pilot house, smoke
stack, etc.
on
Figure 3 represents a vertical section of the bow of the boat with the
simple or immoveable base for the attachment of the pole. This consists of a
groove in the bow of the boat of suitable dimensions, with iron braces or
fastenings. The pole being armed with a torpedo, and the braces c arranged,
it is pushed forward from the deck, and when at its full extent it is depressed
into the groove by a lever specially arranged for the purpose, and the iron
braces O strongly fastened. This simple groove or attachment will enable the
base of the pole to be depressed to a limited extent under water. For its
further depression see Figures 4 and 5.
Figure 4 represents a vertical section of the bow with the moveable base G.
This base allows of affixing the pole by attaching the torpedo, arranging the
braces C, and pushing the pole forward, and clamping its base O as in Fig. 3.
Then by a crank or lever the cog-wheel I is turned, thus commanding the
cogs H. The moveable base G is depressed to the desired place, and with it

page_text: the pole B and torpedo A. The cogs H are placed in the interior of the
moveable base G, thus-admitting of a better water-tight arrangement. This
moveable base is made of iron, a little larger than the base of the pole, it is
smooth on its outer side, and made to fit water-tight, and move up and down
in its case: All sides of it are closed except the posterior, and being hollow
the cogs are arranged in the inside ás seen in the Figure (4.)
Figure 5 represents a vertical longitudinal section of the whole of the same
vessel indicated by Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, with its motive power marked by a
place for the boiler, machinery, screw, etc. The ventilation.and.draught being
through the pilot house W by tubes and blowers constructed for the purpose.
From the boiler will proceed to various parts of the deck small tubes;
which: having openings obliquely to the line of the deck will enable. the
engineer or pilot to throw steam or hot water upon the boarders. In the deck
will be made a groove F, protected by iron lids or coverings, in which reserve
poles will be placed. In the bow is placed a rotary base, which effects the
same purpose as the moveable base Fig. 4, but in a different manner: The pole
being armed with the torpedo, and braces 'c'arranged; the::base of the pole is
pushed into the hole or oper designed for it, and which extends the lengtli
marked Land is there strong fastened by bolts: Then by action upon the
cogs M by ordinary crank or lever power, the base L, and with it the pole are
made to turn one-half of a circle, and the pole is thus lifted from the deck,
and placed the desired depth in the water. On the base L'is: placed aistrong
rod Y to which the inferior brace c is attached, and which moves with tho
base: This rotary base is made of iron, very strong, and the vessel is pro-
tected from the entrance of water by a partition N fitting close to its sides,
covering the axle or pivot, and water tight between the cogs M and rotary
base L. This water-tight partition extends 'also behind the rotary base. The
cog-wheels-M are consequently in the inside of the vessel, and are protected
from-rust, only the axis of the base passing through the water-tight partition.
The arrangement of the cog wheels M may be modified if found necessary.
The rotary base is represented (necessarily) in the Drawing, proportionably
larger than is intended in the working model."
Figure 6 represents' the pole B to be 'made of wood or iron, and of such
lenth as experience will show to be not too dangerous for the vessel carrying
the explosive: A, torpedo or explosive, of shape similar to the Drawing, made
of iron, copper, or other metal, and containing from fifty to two hundred
pounds of powder, it is provided with wheels or rollers placed to easily glide
on-the bottom of vessel, with one or more percussion locks or caps P, or to
insure explosion is connected with the pilot house by an electric wire K. The

page_text: explosive is placed above the end of the pole so as to send as little force as
possible in the direction of the line of the pole. It being presumed: that each
explosion breaks a pole, reserve: ones are.carried and adjusted as illustrated in
Figures 3, 4, and 5.
b
Figure 7 represents; a transversal section of the vessel, showing the over-
hang z composed of solid wood, and platedi with armor. This form of vessel
is adapted for harbor defences, and is proof againt the rams of: the enemy.
By having cells between the two bottoms: as in Figure 9, the boat: can be
raised.or. lowered in the water by pumping.water:in or out of the cellsxi. By
these cells.the vessel..would be rendered. better. proof against torpedos; etc..
Figure 8 represents a plan view of the deck of the vessel showing the place
for poles F, the water-tight compartment X, and the small steam pipes R for
preventing boarding.
***
Fig. 9 represents an iron-clad torpedo vessel, adapted for long sea.voyages
(transversal section). In this Figure a is the iron or steel plating on the
deck, from one half to one-and-a-half inches thick; c, solid wood, of two or
more feet-thickness; d, cells between the two bottoms, which can be-filled-or
emptied in a few minutes by pumps arranged for the purpose; e, water line'
when the cells are empty, and in this condition the vessel will lay sufficiently
high out of water to be seaworthy; f, the water line when the vessel has her
cells filled, and is in fighting trim. If desired a turret can be erected on this
vessel with wheel-house above it. This form of vessel will not roll as much
as other forms, and the strong arch where the, contact would take place is
fully able to resist the shot and rams of the enemy. If desired, I may make.
this vessel without the double skin or bottom, or make the cells in the bottom
of the vessel near the midships in order to pump water in or out, see
D, Fig. 10.
Figure 10 is the same vessel without double skin or bottom, the sides being
more oblique will glance the balls better, but if desired to have this boat
elevate or depress at will, water-tight compartments will be arranged for the
purpose as before mentioned.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and the manner in
which the same is to be carried into effect, what I claim is,-
Firstly, the use of iron-clad vessels for conveying 'torpedos,' 'infernal
machines,' and other submarine explosives under the hulls of vessels.
Secondly, the special construction or accessory to the said vessels by which
the said explosives are directed through the water at a considerable distance
from the iron-clad conveying vessel itself.
Thirdly, the conveying of several poles, as each explosion will destroy one,

page_text: .with. machinery used in adjustment, by which the pole and explosive are
renewed and projected by hands upon the deck of the iron clad.
Fourthly, the use of rollers or wheels on the explosive to facilitate its
sliding on the bottom of the vessel attacked.
Fifthly, the collateral use of both electricity and percussion as a means of
insuring the ignition of the explosive, or the separate use of these agents for
the purpose. The electricity being conveyed by wires from the pilot house
along grooves in the poles to the torpedo.
Sixthly, the peculiar. construction represented in Figures 9.and 10. The
whole substantially as above. described and represented in the annexed
Drawings.
"In witness whereof, I; the said Washington Michael-Ryer, have-here-
day of
unto set my hand and seal, this
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five.
in the
:
WASHINGTON M. RYER. (L.S.)