IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND MEANS OF PROPULSION OF SHIPS AND OTHER CRAFT
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Philip Middleton Justice, of 14, Southampton Buildings,
in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND MEANS OF PROPULSION OF SHIPS AND
OTHER CRAFT." A communication from abroad by Richard H. Tucker, of
Wiscasset, in the County of Lincoln, State of Maine, United States of America,
Gentleman.
led the 25th July 1879, and dated the 22nd May 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the, said Philip Middleton Justice
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd May 1879.
PHILIP MIDDLETON JUSTICE, of 14, Southampton Buildings, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND MEANS
OF PROPULSION OF SHIPS AND OTHER CRAFT." A communication from abroad by
Richard H. Tucker, of Wiscasset, in the County of Lincoln, State of Maine, United
States of America, Gentleman.
This Invention relates primarily to the application of blasts of air to the pro-
pulsion of ships and other water craft, and also to the forms of these craft specially
adapted to such mode of propulsion, and to the particular construction of parts by
which the said air blasts are directed and applied.
It consists first in providing the bottom of the craft with two or more keels and
in locating in the spaces between the said keels a valve or valves by which the
blasts of air directed downwards against the said valve or valves shall be deflected
against the water contained between the keels. It consists also in making the
valve or valves moveable upon pivots for the purpose of deflecting the blasts of air
either forward or aft, and in the peculiar shape of the ship.
The second part of my Invention consists of an improved form of boat adapted to
ride upon the water and to be propelled without overturning, and specially adapted
to be used in connection with my improved propelling apparatus.
The third part of my Invention consists of a hollow surf boat made of the form
last referred to and adapted to contain compressed air to be used as a propelling
power by means of the keels and valves referred to in the first part of this state-
ment of Invention and serving also to give buoyancy to the said surf boat.
The keels must be at least two in number, but I prefer to use at least three, in

page_text: which case the central keel should extend from stern to stern and need in no way
differ from that in ships of ordinary construction.
The two other keels are at such distances as to leave space or channels sufficient
for the operation of the air upon the water between them.
Located at any suitable point (preferably midway) in these channels are valves
which fit snugly between the keels and turn in bearings in them so as to be capable
of reversal or of movement to any desired angle in relation to the bottom of the
ship. For the operation of these valves I use a crank and wrist pin on the shaft of
the valve prolonged beyond the bearing. This manifestly may be indefinitely
modified and a great variety of devices well known to mechanics may be used to
operate and control the valves. Directly over the central part of each of the valves
a central vertical pipe is located for the purpose of conducting the current of air to
the valves. This may be connected to any convenient form of blower located within
the hold of the ship.
The bottom of the ship I prefer to curve upwardly from the ends to the centre.
This curve I prefer to make on a scale of one to sixty, though it may be varied
without material disadvantage. The purpose of this is to give depth of keel at the
valves and at the same time afford depth of the ship at stem and stern and greater
hold upon the water in sailing.
My apparatus is adapted to, and allows the use of a flat bottom and vertical sides
approximately as nearly as practicable to that shape which permits the craft to
displace the water nearest the surface.
The shape of the boat may approximately be that of a double wedge, and in this
case I curve the sides inwardly in a slight degree, preferably at a ratio of one to
twenty. This I have found gives the best results in sailing.
Although I have described the valves as pivoted and inoveable, they may be
fixed if desired in any kind of craft. Obviously for the purpose of backing or regu-
lating the pitch of the valves it is preferable to have them pivotted, and in any
ordinary craft I intend to arrange them in this manner. I have found that it is not
necessary that the valve should be so far turned that the elevated edge should
touch the bottom of the channels, as good results have been obtained with the
valves only slightly moved from the horizontal line.
The operation of the air upon the water and upon the ship is časily understood
from the construction and from the general principles of the operations of fluid
substances under pressure. The pipe which conducts the air to the channels should
be made as small as is consistent with the transmission of the air. The space
between the keels becomes practically a chamber in which the bottom of the vessel
forms the top, the keels the sides, and the water the bottom and ends. The pres-
sure of the air is in accordance with well known laws depending in amount upon
the relative size of the pipe to the space below. The side of least resistance for the
escape of the air will obviously be that opposite the inclined valve or (when the
valve is in its normal position for going ahead) toward the stern; the valve which
practically becomes the propelling blade receiving the constant pressure of the
compressed air.
The action of this precise form of sailing vessel and propelling apparatus I have
found by trial to be excellent, but I do not confine myself strictly to the proportions
described nor to the precise construction of the subordinate apparatus by which the
valves are moved and controlled. It is necessary as has been stated for the purpose
of backing that the valves should be moveable and controlled. Such a regulation
and control of the valves and the blasts of air is also exceedingly serviceable in
turning, the air being made to act in opposite directions to assist the action of the
rudder.
This method of propulsion gives opportunity to use a form of rudder which has
the post nearly in the middle, thus rendering it more easy of management.
I contemplate the application of the described construction and arrangement of
keels, valves, and air pipes to the propulsion of canal boats, to which my method of
propulsion is specially applicable, for the reason that the air coming in contact with

page_text: the water beneath the craft and between the keels causes the least possible dis-
turbance and thereby avoids the washing of the banks.
The second part of my Invention relates to the construction of ships and other
craft, and consists in the peculiar shape of the hull by which it is better adapted to
ride upon the surface of the water and be propelled and managed with facility. It
is specially adapted to the mode of propulsion by the direct application of a fluid
under pressure to the water beneath the bottom.
My object is to produce a form of hull which will displace the body of water
required by the specific gravity of the vessel and cargo as far as practicable near the
surface, and further to give the best lines for the easy approach and retreat of the
water relatively to the vessel in motion, and to adapt the shape to my improved
mode of propulsion.
For this purpose I construct the lower part of the hull with its upper and lower
surfaces forined in the shape of a segment of a sphere, the proportions of depth to
width being about one to twenty for each segment, that is to say, for deck and
bottom. This shape I have found by trial gives the best results, allowing the craft
whether light or loaded to approach the water by the easiest lines of resistance,
and to permit the water displaced in the passage to return to the sides of the hull
in a manner best calculated to facilitate the motion of the vessel.
The main carrying part of the hull is raised to a sufficient height above the
spherical surface proportioned to the size of the craft. But the annular space
surrounding this central part may be utilized for the storage of freight, or may be
separated by air-tight bulkheads into compartiments, and serve to buoy the vessel
if at any time desirable.
For the propulsion of this craft I employ my improved arrangement and con-
struction of channels between the keels with the valves and air-pipes. As this
construction has been fully described it need not be further explained here. The
valves in this form of hull are located preferably forward of the centre, but they
may be placed amidships without material disadvantage. The engines for driving
the air or other fluid are located within the hold, and communicate with a pipe
which discharges against the valve and acts against the water towards the stern and
against the valve in the other direction.
The third part of my Invention consists of an improved surf boat specially
adapted for and to be used in connection with the improved pneumatic propelling
apparatus.
The deck and bottom of my boat in this case are made exactly the same in shape
and each approximately in the form of a smaller segment of a sphere, having the
proportion of one foot in depth to twenty in the transverse diameter of the boat.
The bottom is provided with keels, with valves, and air pipes as heretofore explained,
and the general shape of the boat is the same as that last described. In this
however I do not build any elevated deck, the upper spherical surface forming the
deck and corresponding exactly in shape and surface to the bottom. Upon this deck
I erect strong posts connected by a stout rail and netting, preferably of wire, for
the protection of passengers.
I have employed seven keels in the construction of this form of boat, but this
number may be increased or diminished without material difference in result. The
valves I have used fixed and depended upon to steer the boat. These extend from
edge to edge of the keels, and are preferably made with the bottom curving on a
line parallel with the bottom of the vessel.
Directly over the centre of each valve is a pipe, which opens into the interior of
the hull. Each of these pipes is provided with an independent stop, by which the
escape of air to the pipe is regulated or checked altogether.
These stops may be connected so as to be moved simultaneously or separately as
required, the rods for operating the stops extending through stuffing boxes to the
deck. The stops and mechanism to operate and hold them may be made in any
convenient form as the skill of the mechanic may suggest. It is necessary only
that they be capable of operation from the deck independently.

page_text: The hull is made preferably of boiler iron, air tight, with suitable hatches, also
capable of being closed air tight for ingress into the interior. The shell is required
to be made of strength sufficient to resist the expansive force of air compressed
within it to a degree which shall serve to propel the boat the short distances
required ordinarily of surf boats. It may also be provided upon the deck with an
air pump, to supply the air which may be exhausted in the propulsion.
In operating the boat the interior is first filled with air compressed to the required
.degree of tension. If it be desired to propel the boat in a direct line the valves
are opened uniformly, and the escape of the air under strong compression against
the valves and along the channels propels the boat. To change the course or to
turn the boat around it is only necessary to close, either partially or wholly, the
valves on one side.
The form of the boat renders it impossible to capsize it in any sea, and the entire
space between the deck being filled with air under all circumstances it is rendered
buoyant in the highest degree.
In fact the motor itself, instead of as in ordinary cases loading the surf boat, in
this case tends to buoy it in the water. It has also the advantage of easy propulsion
from the peculiar lines of the bottom and sides. As it needs no other attendance
than the proper regulation of the valves it may be controlled by one man alone.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Philip Middleton Justice in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 29th
July 1879.
"
PHILIP MIDDLETON JUSTICE, of 14, Southampton Buildings, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent. IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND MEANS
OF PROPULSION OF SHIPS AND OTHER CRAFT." A communication from abroad by
Richard H. Tucker, of Wiscasset, in the county of Lincoln, State of Maine, United
States of America, Gentleman.
.
This Invention relates primarily to the application of blasts of air to the
propulsion of ships and other water craft, and also to the forms of these craft
specially adapted to such mode of propulsion, and to the particular construction of
parts by which the said air blasts are directed and applied.
It consists, first, in providing the bottom of the craft with two or more keels,
and in locating in the spaces between the said keels a valve or valves by which the
blasts of air directed downward against the said valve or valves shall be deflected
against the water contained between the keels. It consists also in making the
valve or valves moveable upon pivots for the purpose of deflecting the blasts of air
cither forward or aft, and in the peculiar shape of the ship.
The second part of my Invention consists of an improved form of boat adapted
to ride upon the water and to be propelled without overturning, and specially
adapted to be used in connection with my improved propelling. apparatus.
The third part of my Invention consists of a hollow surf boat made of the form
last referred to, and adapted to contain compressed air to be used as a propelling
power by means of the keels and valves referred to in the first part of this state-
ment of Invention, and serving also to give buoyancy to the said surf boat.
In the Drawing hereunto annexed, and which forms part of this Specification,
Fig. 1 is a plan of the bottom of a water craft made according to the first part of
my Invention, showing the keels and the pivotted valves.
Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section.
Fig. 3, a transverse section of the form shown in Fig. 1. In all the Figures
1, 1, 1, represent the keels. They should be at least two in number, but the
construction shown in Figs. 1 and 3 is the most convenient. The central keel
extends from stem to stern, and in no way differs from that in ships of ordinary
construction. The two other keels are at such distances as to leave space or
channels sufficient for the operation of the air upon the water between them.
Located at any suitable point (preferably midway) in these channels are
valves 22, which fit snugly between the keels and turn in bearings in them, so as
to be capable of reversal or of movement to any desired angle in relation to the
bottom of the ship. For the purpose of operating these valves I have shown a
crank and wrist pin on the shaft of the valve prolonged beyond the bearing. This
manifestly may be indefinitely modified, and a great variety of devices well known
to mechanics may be used to operate and control the valves. Directly over the
central part of each of the valves a central vertical pipe 5 is located for the purpose
of conducting the current of air to the valves; this may be connected to any
convenient form of blower located within the hold of the ship. It will be observed
in Fig. 2 of the Drawing that the bottom of the ship is curved upwardly from the
ends to the centre. This curve I prefer to inake on a scale of one to sixty, though
it may be varied without material disadvantage. The purpose of this is to give
depth of keel at the valves, and at the same time afford depth of the ship at stem
and stern, and greater hold upon the water in sailing. The Figures show that my
apparatus is adapted to and allows the use of a flat bottom and vertical sides
approximating as nearly as practicable to that shape which permits the craft to
displace the water nearest the surface. In the plan of Fig. 1 it will be further
observed that the shape of the ship is approximately that of a double wedge. The

page_text: sides however from 3 to 4 curve inwardly in a slight degree preferably at a ratio of
1 (one) to 20 (twenty); this I have found gives the best results in sailing.
Although I have shown the valves pivotted and moveable they may be fixed, if
desired, in any kind of craft. Obviously for the purpose of backing or regulating
the pitch of the valves it is preferable to have them pivotted, and in any ordinary
craft I intend to arrange them in this manner. I have found that it is not necessary
that the valve should be so far turned that the elevated edge shall touch the bottom
of the channel, as shown in the Drawing. As good results have been obtained
with the valves only slightly moved from the horizontal line.
-
The operation of the air upon the water and upon the ship is easily understood
from the construction and from the general principles of the operation of fluid
substances under pressure. Tho pipe which conducts the air to the channels should
be made as small as is consistent with the transmission of the air. The space
between the keels becomes practically a chamber in which the bottom of the vessel
forms the top, the keels the sides, and the water the bottom and ends. The pressure
of the air is in accordance with well known laws depending in amount upon the
relative size of the pipe to the space below. The side of least resistance for the
escape of the air will obviously be that opposite the inclined valve or (when the
valve is in its normal position for going ahead) toward the stern, the valve, which
practically becomes the propelling blade, receiving the constant pressure of the
compressed air. The action of this precise form of boat or vessel and propelling
apparatus I have found by trial to be excellent, but I do not confine myself strictly
to the proportions shown, nor to the precise construction of the subordinate appa-
ratus by which the valves are moved and controlled. It is necessary, as has been
stated, for the purpose of backing that the valves should be moveable and controlled.
Such a regulation and control of the valves and the blasts of air is also exceedingly
serviceable in turning, the air being made to act in opposite directions to assist the
action of the rudder. This method of propulsion gives opportunity to use the form
of rudder shown, which has the post nearly in the middle, thus rendering it more
easy of management.
I contemplate the application of the described construction and arrangement of
keels, valves, and air pipes to the propulsion of canal boats, to which my method of
propulsion is specially applicable, for the reason that the air coming in contact with
the water beneath the craft and between the keels causes the least possible
disturbance and thereby avoids the washing of the banks.
The second part of my Invention relates to the construction of ships and other
craft, and consists in the peculiar shape of the hull, by which it is better adapted
to ride upon the surface of the water and be propelled and managed with facility.
It is specially adapted to the mode of propulsion by the direct application of a fluid
under pressure to the water beneath the bottom, and is shown in connection with
my improved pneumatic propelling apparatus hereinbefore described. In the
Drawing Fig. 4 shows the bottom of the hull, and Fig. 5 a vertical section through
the centre from stem to stern.
My object is to produce a form of hull which will displace the body of water
required by the specific gravity of the vessel and cargo as far as practicable near
the surface, and further to give the best lines for the easy approach and retreat of
the water relatively to the vessel in motion and to adapt the shape to my improved
mode of propulsion. For this purpose I construct the lower part of the hull with
its upper and lower surfaces formed in the shape of a segment of a sphere, the
proportions of depth to width being about one to twenty for each segment, that is
to say, for deck and bottom. This shape I have found by trial gives the best results;
allowing the craft, whether light or loaded, to approach the water by the easiest
lines of resistance, and to permit the water displaced in the passage to return to
the sides of the hull in a manner best calculated to facilitate the motion of the
vessel. The main carrying part of the hull is raised, as shown in Fig. 5 at 66, to a
sufficient height above the spherical surface proportioned to the size of the craft;
but the annular space surrounding this central part may be utilized for the storeage

page_text: of freight, or may be separated by air-tight bulk-heads into compartments and
serve to buoy the vessel if at any time desirable. For the propulsion of this craft
I have shown in the Drawing my improved arrangement and construction of
channels between the keels with the valves and air pipes. As this construction has
been fully described it need not be further explained here.
The valves in this form of hull are located preferably, as shown in Fig. 5, forward
of the centre, but they may be placed amidships without material disadvantage.
The engines for driving the air or other fluid are located within the hold and com-
municate with the pipe 3 which discharges against the valve 4 acting against the
water towards the stern and against the valve in the other direction.
The third part of my Invention consists of an improved surf boat specially
adapted for and to be used in connection with the improved pneumatic propelling
apparatus. In the Drawing
Fig. 6 is a perspective; Fig. 7, a section on a line parallel with the keels; and
Fig. 8, a view of the bottom. The deck and bottom of my boat are made exactly
the same in shape and each approximately in the form of a smaller segment of a
sphere having the proportion of one (1) foot in depth to twenty (20) in the transverse
diameter of the boat. The bottom is provided with keels, with valves, and air
pipes as heretofore explained, and the general shape of the boat is the same as that
last described. In this however I do not build any elevated deck, the upper
spherical surface forming the deck and corresponding exactly in shape and surface
to the bottom. Upon this deck I erect strong posts 7, 7, connected by a stout rail
and netting, preferably of wire, for the protection of passengers. I have shown
seven keels, but they may be increased or diminished in number without material
difference in result. As the valves 22 are fixed and depended upon to steer the
boat it is better to have about the number shown. These extend from edge to edge
and are preferably. made with the bottom curving on a line parallel with the bottom
of the vessel. Directly over the centre of each valve is a pipe, marked in the
Drawing 3, which opens into the interior of the hull. Each of these pipes is
provided with an independent stop (shown in Fig. 7) at 4 by which the escape of
the air to the pipe is regulated or checked altogether. These stops may be connected
so as to be moved simultaneously or separately as required, the rods for operating
the stops extending through stuffing boxes to the deck. The stops and mechanism
to operate and hold them may be made in any convenient form, as the skill of the
mechanic inay suggest; it is necessary only that they be capable of operation from
the deck independently. The hull is made preferably of boiler iron, air tight, with
suitable hatches, also capable of being closed air-tight, for ingress into the interior.
The shell is required to be made of strength sufficient to resist the expansive force
of air compressed within it to a degree which shall serve to propel the boat the
short distances required ordinarily of surf boats, it may also be provided upon the
deck with an air pump to supply the air which may be exhausted in the propulsion
In operating the boat the interior is first filled with air compressed to the required
degree of tension. If it be desired to propel the boat in a direct line, the valves
are opened uniformly and the escape of the air under strong compression against
the valves and along the channels propels the boat. To change the course or to
turn the boat around it is only necessary to close either partially or wholly the
valves on one side. The form of the boat renders it impossible to capsize it in any
sea, and the entire space beneath the deck being filled with air, under all
circumstances it is rendered buoyant in the highest degree; in fact the motor itself.
instead of as in ordinary cases loading the surf boat, in this case tends to buoy it
in the water; it has also the advantage of easy propulsion, from the peculiar lines
of the bottom and sides. As it needs no other attendance than the proper regulation
of the valves it may be controlled by one man alone.
Having thus described the nature of the Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is,-
1st. The combination of the keels, the valves located in the space between the
keels and the air pipes, constructed to operate in the manner set forth.
•

page_text: .
2nd. The combination of the curved bottom, the keels, the valve, and the pipe aș
set forth.
3rd. The combination of the keels, the valve pivotted therein and operated in
the manner shown, and the air pipe, all as set forth.
4th. A craft provided with keels.or equivalent devices and air pipes operating in
connection therewith upon the water for the purpose of propulsion, and also formed
in the double wedge shape with the inwardly curved sides, as set forth.
5th. The hull of a vessel the upper and lower surfaces of which are formed of
segments of spherical surfaces, as set forth.
6tb. The described hull formed of spherical surfaces and provided with a raised
central portion, as set forth.
7th. In combination with a hull made with the described spherical surfaces, the
keels having channels between and provided with valves and air pipes, as set
forth.
:
8th. A surf boat provided with keels and intermediate channels and valves or
equivalent construction for effecting the operation of compressed air upon the water
to impel the boat, and provided further with an air chamber within the boat, and
with regulated pipes leading to the channels, the whole being constructed to operate
by compressed air, as set forth.
↑
9th. A surf boat, the bottom and deck of the shape described provided with keels,
intermediate valves, and air pipes communicating with an air chamber, as set
forth.
10th. In a surf boat having a chamber for compressed air, a series of pipes leading
to the water to cause the air to act upon the water at different points to propel the
boat, independent stops by which the flow of air may be checked on one side only,
as set forth.
11th. A surf boat of the form described provided with the post and netting, as
set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Philip Middleton Justice, have hereunto set my
· hand and seal, this Twenty eighth day of July, in the year of our Lord 1879.