IMPROVEMENTS IN SUBMARINE SHELLS OR TORPEDOES, AND IN APPARATUS FOR OPERATING THE SAME
Year: 1864

page_text: of "IMPROVEMENTS IN SUBMARINE SHELLS OR TORPEDOES, AND IN APPARATUS
FOR OPERATING THE SAME."-A communication from abroad by Donald
McKay, of East Boston, in the State of Massachusetts, United States of
America.
Sealed the 6th December 1864, and dated the 20th August 1864.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Davies at the.
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
20th August 1864..
I, GEORGE DAVIES, of No. 1, Serle Street, Lincoln's. Inn, in the County of
Middlesex, and No. 28, St. Enoch Square, in the City of Glasgow, Civil
Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SUBMARINE SHELLS OR TORPEDOES, AND IN
APPARATUS FOR OPERATING THE SAME," to be as follows:-
The first part of this Invention relates to the construction of a submarine
shell or torpedo, which is composed of a casing of any desired form and of any
suitable material so charged with gunpowder or other explosive substance as.
to leave an air space in the shell, which space is separated from the charge by:
A

page_text: a yielding wad or diaphragm. A weight is so arranged within or adjacent to
the casing of the shell, and so combined with retaining and releasing devices
that the said weight can be released at pleasure, and be permitted to fall on
any substance which can be ignited by percussion and which communicates
with tho charge.
The main objects of this portion of the Invention may be enumerated and
expressed as follows:-First, the concentration of the full force of the
explosion, and the direction of that force in the desired course; second, the
laying of the torpedoes without danger to the operators or to the vessel from
which the operation is conducted; third, sufficient buoyancy to enable the
torpedoes to rise after they have been submerged; fourth, tho maintenance of
the submerged shell in the proper position for producing the best effect;
fifth, a certainty of the entiro charge being consumed and the full forco
therefrom obtained before the water can reach and injure the explosive com-
pound; sixth, a much more destructive effect than can be caused by the
explosion of the torpedoes as hitherto constructed.
The second part of the Invention consists of certain apparatus, fully
described hereafter, for so projecting from a vessel and so submerging and
releasing shells or torpedoes that they may be exploded without danger to the
apparatus itself, to the vessel from which the operations are conducted, or to
thoso whose duty it is to conduct the operations, this submersion, release, and
explosion of the shells being accomplished with rapidity.
The third part of the Invention relates to modified apparatus for effecting
the same purpose.
In carrying out the first part of the Invention, the casing of the shell is
constructed of sheet iron in the form of a hollow cylinder closed at the lower
end, and furnished at the upper end with a detachable cover, the lower closed
end being cone-shaped, if desired, and being made stronger and heavier than
other portions of the casing by making the metal thicker or by securing a
mass of cast iron at this point. At the side and the interior of the casing,
extending nearly from the bottom of the same to within a short distance from
the detachable cover, is formed a tubular chamber, and at the lower end of
the latter is a nipple, a hole in which communicates through a suitablo
channel with the interior of the casing, an opening being formed near this
nipple in the said casing, and the said opening being closed by a door so
constructed that it can be readily removed when access has to bo had to tho
nipple. A pin passes through the casing and through the tubular chamber at
a point a short distanco below the top of the said chamber, this pin serving to
support a spherical weight, and having an eye to which a cord or wire may be

page_text: secured. A second pin also passes through and is screwed into the casing,
and serves to prevent the weight from escaping upwards from the tubular
chamber. Gunpowder or gun cotton or other highly explosive composition is
packed into the casing, but not allowed to gain access to the tubular chamber;
the interior of the casing is not entirely filled with powder, but the latter is
limited by a wad or diaphragm to a predetermined space, so that between the
diaphragm and the cover there shall be an air space. When the shell has to
be discharged the cord is pulled, the pin thereby withdrawn from the casing, and
the spherical weight permitted to fall on a suitable cap charged with detonato
and placed on the nipple at the bottom of the tubular chamber, the ignition
of the detonate insuring the instant discharge of the explosive compound.
In carrying out the second part of the Invention a vessel is employed,
through the bows of which is formed an opening communicating with an air-
tight box or chamber. There is a water-tight casing communicating with the
interior of the box, and in this casing is a sluice valve, having at the back a
rack, into which gears a cog wheel. mounted on a shaft, and on this shaft is a
bevil wheel gearing into a similar wheel on a vertical shaft, the latter pro-
jecting through and turning in the top of the casing, above which it is
furnished with a ratchet wheel, the teeth of which are adapted to the reception.
of a pawl. On drawing back this pawl from the wheel, the sluice valve which
moves in suitable guides will fall by its own gravity, and present a perfectly
water-tight obstruction in front of the box. On the top of this box is an
opening covered by a plain valve, which can be moved to and fro in suitable
guides by means of a screw, and on the bottom of the same box. a similar.
valve is caused to slide by another screw,. these screws being furnished with
suitable handles situated at accessible points on the outside of the box...
Through the box, and turning in suitable packed boxes attached to the same,
passes a shaft on which is a barrel for receiving a chain, one end of which is
attached to the operating bar at the front end of the same. The chain passes
through an opening in a block, which is arranged to slide in horizontal
guiding bars secured to the interior of the box. A horizontal screw shaft
passes through the sliding block, and is arranged to turn in suitable bearings
on the opposite sides of the box, a rotary motion being communicated to this
screw from a barrel through the medium of a wheel secured to a tubular
projection on a drum, and gearing into a spor pinion, which gears into a
similar pinion on the said screw shaft, so that when the drum revolves the
block is caused to traverse along the guiding bars, thereby guiding the chain
and preventing one coil of the chain from crowding into the other as it is
wound round the barrel. A clutch is arranged to slide freely but not to turn

page_text: on the shaft, the teeth of the clutch being adapted to similar teeth on the end
of the drum. A lever is hung to a stud secured to the inside of the water-
tight box, one end of this lever being forked so as to embrace the clutch,
which has a groove for the reception of pius on the forked arm of the lever,
the opposite end of which is connected to a bar arranged to project through
and slide in one side of the box as well as in a bracket secured to the same.
From one side of this bar projects a pin, which under the circumstances
described hereafter occupies a position in a groove formed by two strips
secured to the periphery of a disc wheel, these strips extending only partly
round the said disc wheel, which is secured to a shaft, the latter turning in
one side of the box and in the lower part of a frame, which is secured to the
bottom of the vessel, and the upper end of which sorves as an additional
boaring for the above-mentioned shaft. To the end of the latter shaft is
secured a crank wheel having an adjustable pin, which is connected by a rod
to a bar, which is arranged to slide in a projection on the frame, the lower
end of the bar being provided with a spring pawl adapted to the teeth of a
ratchet wheel on a shaft which is furnished with a suitable hand wheel. Ju
brackets secured to and projecting from the top of the box turns a shaft, on
which is a drum for receiving a chain, the outer end of which is connected to
an adjusting screw in a plate attached to the rear of the operating rod.
Horizontal rods are also secured to the brackets, and serve as guides for
blocks, through an opening in which the chain passes to the barrel, these
blocks being operated by a screw shaft, to which motion is communicated
from the barrel through the medium of cog wheels, a clutch on the shaft
having teeth adapted to similar teeth on the barrel, and this clutch being
under the control of a lever which is hung to a projection on one of the
brackets. The lower end of this lever passes through an eye or slot in one
end of a horizontal lever, which is hung to a pin at the bottom of the box, the
end of the short arm of this lever fitting, under the circumstances described
hereafter, in the groove formed by strips on the disc wheel. It should be
understood that these strips are bevilled at the ends which strike the pin, and
the end of the lever during the operation of the machine; tho two barrel
shafts are geared together by cog wheels, and are driven by a steam engine
placed in a suitable position in the hold of the vessel.
The operating bar is made of sheet iron and is square with the corners
removed. This bar passes through a sphero, which is so fitted to the plate
attached to the rear of the box as to turn freely therein, the sphere being con-
fined to the said plate by an annular plate and suitable studs or bolts, and being
provided with a suitable stuffing box. The operating bar also passes through

page_text: a sleeve, on each end of which are suitable friction rolls bearing against the
operating bar. Attached to or forming a part of this sleeve are two discs or,
as they may be properly termed, journals, which are arranged to turn in
bearings projecting from and forming part of the plate, which rests on another
plate and turns on a central pin secured to the latter. The plate is so secured
to a cross head that it can be moved freely on the samo in a longitudinal
direction only. A screw shaft is arranged to turn in brackets secured to the
cross head, the threads of this shaft being adapted to similar threads in the
plate, so that on turning the screw shaft the position of the said plate on
the cross head can be altered at pleasure. The cross head is arranged to slide
in vertical guides secured to the base plate, which is attached to the bottom
of the vessel, each guide having at the top a pin carrying a pulley, over each
of which passes a chain, one end of each chain being connected to the cross
bead and the other to an arm, one of these arms being secured to each end
of a shaft, which turns in brackets secured to the foundation plate. Another
arm is secured to the shaft, and to this arni is connected one end of a chain,
which passes around a pulley on a hanger secured to the under side of the
base plate, the other end of the chain being attached to the piston rod of the
steam cylinder, the piston in which is limited as regards its backward move-
ment by an adjusting screw. This steam cylinder is secured to the bottom of
the vessel, and is furnished with a valve chest, a slide valve, and a valvo
spindle, with which may be connected any suitable apparatus for operating
the valve. To one of the discs or journals, which, as before remarked, form
a part of the sleeve and turn in bearings, are secured two rods, and to pro-
jections on the other disc or journal are hinged two rods, each of which passes
through a staple-like projection containing a spiral spring, which spring acting
on the latter-named rods tend to force the same towards the former rods. To
the outer ends of the rods is hinged a plate, which can be moved outwards or
inwards, so that its outer edge shall occupy a position between lugs on the
rods, a stop preventing the plate from being moved beyond this point, and the
lugs being rounded on one side for a purpose rendered apparent hereafter. A
rounded projection is secured to the inside of the bars or rods, and is so
arranged as to be acted upon by a rounded projection on one side of, and near
the rear end of, the operating rod under the circumstances described hereafter.
A rod is connected by a link to the bars or rods above named, one end of the
rod being jointed to a projection on a plate, and the other end having a plate,
which is acted on by a set screw at the rear of the operating bar in the
inanner and at the time explained hereafter. Within the operating bar is an
internal rod, the rear of which projects a given distance beyond the rear of

page_text: the said operating bar, in which the internal rod can be moved longitudinally
to a limited extent, a suitable packing being so secured to the rod as to
prevent the water from passing through the interior of the bar. To the front
end of this bar is secured a casing for containing the submarine shell or
torpedo, the end of the internal rod projecting into this casing. To the end
of the rod are hinged two levers forming together jaws for grasping the head
of the shell or torpedo, the straight arm of one lever projecting through a slot
in one side of the casing, and the straight arm of the other lever through a
similar slot in the opposite side of the casing, both slots terminating at the
front in bevilled ends, and both lovers being acted on by springs the tendency
of which is to close the jaws. The torpedo, which consists of a cylindrical
shell of plato iron charged with explosive material, is placed in the casing,
lugs on the torpedo sliding along grooves formed in the said casing, so that the
torpedo cannot turn therein. The jaws, which are open owing to the straight
arms of their levers being in contact with the bevilled ends of the slots,
receive the head of the torpedo, and the latter being pushed back into the
casing together with the rod in its jaws, the latter owing to the springs close
on the projection of the torpedo, which is thus held at the end of the operating
rod. The torpedo has two chambers, separated from each other by a yielding
wad or diaphragm, the larger chamber containing the powder or other ex-
plosivo material, and the smaller chamber being a simple air space, as
described in reference to the first part of the Invention.
The operation of the apparatus is as follows:-The first thing to determine
is the angle at which it is desirable to submerge the torpedo. If it be neces-
sary to move the operating bar, so as to be at a greater inclination, the
attendant so manipulates the valve rod of the steam cylinder that the steam
will act on the front face of the piston and cause the piston rod to pull the
chain, which elevates the cross head, and with it the plates, the sleeve, and
operating bar, and other parts connected therewith, the bar turning on a
centro coinciding with the centre of the sphere, which together with the plates
and stuffing box form a perfectly water-tight ball-and-socket joint. The
vertical position of the operating bar having been thus decided, its proper
lateral position should be the next care of the attendant, for it may be
desirable in many cases to protect the torpedo from the vessel at an angle
laterally. By turning the scrow shaft, the plate and the wholo superstructure,
including the sleeve, is caused to traverse along the cross head to any desired
position, carrying with it the operating bar, which again turns in the ball-and-
socket joint, the sleeve and its journals and plate, and all the appliances connected
therewith, accommodating themselves to the altered position of the operating

page_text: bar by. turning on a vertical pin. The driving engine is now started, and
causes the main shafts to turn. As the shafts revolve the chain is wound round
the barrel, and consequently the operating bar and with it the shell or torpedo
is pushed forward, its front end being rapidly projected from the interior of
the box through the opening in the bows of the vessel, thus submerging the
torpedo. As the shafts continue to revolve, one of the chains must be wound
round the barrel, and must consequently pull the operating bar back, the
other chain at the same time running freely from the loose barrel. Imme-
diately after the operating bar begins to move back, the rear end of the
internal rod comes in contact with the plate, and its further progress is thus
arrested, while the operating bar continues to move rearward. The conse-
quence of this arrest of the rod is the pushing of the torpedo from the casing,
by which movement the ends of the slots come in contact with the straight
arms of the levers, and cause the jaws to open and to release the submerged
torpedo, which owing to its buoyancy rises and comes in contact with the
vessel against which it is destined to be exploded. Owing to the backward
movement of the operating rod, the cord attached to the pin of the torpedo is
gradually withdrawn from the chamber, and this cord is of such a length that
when the operating bar is in the act of completing its backward movement
the cord is pulled, the pin withdrawn, and the spherical weight is permitted to
fall on the charged cap placed on the nipple at the bottom of the chamber,
the discharge of the torpedo consequently takes place, and this at a time when
the operating rod has been moved to a safe position away from the torpedo
and into the box or chamber.
In carrying out the third part of the Invention a vessel is employed of a
strength greater than that of ordinary vessels. To the inside of the stem
post is secured a plate adapted to receive the semicircular end of a pipe, there
being in the plate an opening communicating with an opening in the stem
post and with the interior of the pipe. The semicircular end of this pipe is
securely confined to the plate by straps in such a manner that the rear end of
the pipe can be raised and lowered at pleasure, its end turning freely in the
plate, and the joint at this point being perfectly tight, so as to prevent the
access of water to the interior of the vessel. At a short distance from the
stem post, and in the pipe, is arranged a sluice valve, which by the aid of
a screw can be raised and lowered at pleasure, the valve when raised being
contained in a water-tight chamber, and when depressed forming a water-
tight obstruction in the interior of the pipe. In the rear end of the pipe an
internal pipe fits snugly, but so as to be withdrawn readily; and between the
flange of this internal pipe and the flange on the end of the former pipe inter-

page_text: venes a water-tight packing of gum clastic or other suitable material. The
flanges are secured together by means of bolts, each bolt being hinged at one
end to the latter flange, and the other end passing through an opening in a
lug on the former flange, on the outside of which each bolt is furnished with
a handled nut, after loosening which the bolts may bo turned outwards,
leaving the internal pipe at liberty to be withdrawn from the external pipe.
A hollow stem of wrought iron is arrangod to pass through and slide freely
in the internal pipe and through a gland or follower, which, together with
suitable packing, forms a stuffing box of the ordinary construction. It is
preferable to mako this stem of a squaro form with the sharp corners removed.
The submarino shell or torpedo consists of a hollow cylinder of plate iron, the
cylinder being flattened at one part of its circumference, and this flattened
part resting on a plano surface formed in the interior and at the bottom of
the pipe, the shell being thus prevented from turning round in the said pipe.
The interior of the cylindrical casing is separated by a wad or diaphragm into
two compartments, in one of which is packed the gunpowder or other explosive
substance, the other chamber forming an air space. At one end of the
cylinder is a tube which fits into the hollow stem above named, and at the
end of this tube a spherical weight is confined by a pin, the weight, when the
pin is released, and the shell occupies a vertical position in the water, falling
and striking a cap loaded with detonate and placed on a nipple, the hole in
which communicates through a small tube charged with powder with the
charge in the chamber of the shell. In the interior of the hollow stem is a
rod, near the end of which are hinged the levers, the bent arms of the latter
forming jaws in which is confined a projection at the outer end of the tube of
the shell. Tho inclined arms of the levers are arranged to fit in longitudinal
grooves in the hollow stem, and are so acted on by springs that they grasp the
said projection of the tube until, by moving forward the rod, the inclined
arms of the levers comic in contact with the inclined terminations of the
grooves in the hollow stem, when the jaws open and release the projection.
It will be understood that the extreme end of the rod bears against the end of
the said projection. When the apparatus is at rest it is supported by strong
timbers secured to the bottom of tho vessel, and to these timbers are secured
two curved guides connected together at the top by a cross bar, these guides
having openings arranged in the arc of a circle, the centre of which coincides
with the centre of the semicircular end of the pipe attached to the stem post.
From each side of this pipe projects a pin which passes through a block, the
block of one pin being arranged to fit into the opening of one of the guides,
and that of the other pin into the opening of the other guide. It will thus

page_text: bo seen that the guides maintain the pipe and its appurtenances in the proper
position laterally, and serve to guide the pipe while it is moved in the plate or
socket. The sluice valve having been raised, the rear end of the pipe, together
with all the above-described appliances connected therewith, is elevated by
means of a chain and suitable hoisting gear, operated by a steam engine or
otherwise, until the pipe has reached the desired angle. The.hollow stem is
then pushed forward by the aid of any suitable tackle and gearing, and.carries
before it the shell or torpedo, pushing the same through the pipe, through the
opening in the plate, and through the opening in the stem of the vessel, and
submerging the shell in the water at a point adjacent to the vessel to be
destroyed. When the shell has been submerged to the desired <lepth, it
becomes necessary to release it from the hollow stem, which is accomplished:
by pushing the rod forwards through the hollow stem until the levers of the
jaws come in contact with the inclined terminations of the grooves in the
stem, when the jaws will open and release the projection on the tube of.
the shell, which tube had been pushed from the hollow stem by the operation
of the rod in the hollow stem. The moment the shell has been thus released
from the hollow stem the latter is moved back into the pipe, in the meantime.
the shell assumes a vertical position, and being rendered buoyant by the air.
space, rises and comes in contact with the keel or side of the vessel to be
destroyed. The moment this contact takes place the charge of the shell
should be ignited, which is accomplished in the present instance by a cord
attached to the pin; this cord being pulled withdraws the pin and permits
the spherical weight to fall on the cap previously placed on the nipple, and
thus discharges the shell while it is in contact with the vessel or other object
to be destroyed. One end of the cord for withdrawing the pin may be attacheil
to the hollow stem or to the rod, the cord being so arranged that by and
during the act of moving back the stem the pin may be withdrawn, and the
charge of the projectile ignited. The cord, however; should be of such a
length that the explosion of the shell cannot take place until the hollow stem
and its internal rod have been withdrawn into the pipe, and are too far away
from the shell to be endangered by the explosion.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said George Davies in the Great Soal Patent Office on the
20th February 1865.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, GEORGE
DAVIES, of No. 1, Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, in the County of Middlesex,
and No. 28, St. Enoch Square, in the City of Glasgow, Civil Engineer and
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twentieth day of August, 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 George Davies, Her special licence that I, the said
George Davies, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as I, the said George Davies, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all
times thereaftor during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vond, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN SUBMARINE SHELLS OR TORPEDOES, AND IN APPARATUS FOR OPERATING
THE SAME," (a communication to me from abroad by Donald McKay, of East
Boston, in the State of Massachusetts, United States of America, upon the
condition (amongst others) that 1, the said George Davies, my executors or
administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of
their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the naturo
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 Georgo Davies, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement in writing, and on reforence to the accompanying Sheets of
Drawings, that is to say :-
The first part of this Invention relates to the construction of a submarine
shell or torpedo, which is composed of a casing of any desired form and of
any suitable material so charged with gunpowder or other explosive substance
as to leave an air space in the shell, which space is separated from tho charge
by a yielding wad or diaphragm. A weight is so arranged within or adjacent

page_text: to the casing of the shell, and so combined with retaining and releasing
devices that the said weight can be released at pleasure, and be permitted to
fall on any substance which can be ignited by percussion and which com-
municates with the charge.
The main objects of this portion of the Invention may be enumerated and
expressed as follows:-First, the concentration of the full force of the explosion,
and the direction of that force in the desired course; second, the laying of the
torpedo without danger to the operator or to the vessel from which the opera-
tion is conducted; third, sufficient buoyancy to enablo the torpedoes to rise
after they have been submerged; fourth, the maintenance of the submerged
shell in the proper position. for producing the best effect; fifth, a certainty of
the entire charge being consumed and the full force therefrom obtained before
the water can reach and injure the explosive compound; sixth, a much more
destructive effect than can be caused by the explosion of torpedoes as hitherto
constructed.
The second part of the Invention consists of certain apparatus, fully described
hereafter, for so projecting from a vessel and so submerging and releasing
shells or torpedoes that they may be exploded without danger to the appara-
tus itself, the vessel from which the operations are conducted, or to those
whose duty it is to conduct the operations, this submersion, release, and
explosion of the shells being accomplished with rapidity.
The third part of the Invention relates to modified apparatus for effecting
the same purpose.
.
"
Such being the nature and object of the said Invention for "Improvements
in Submarine Shells or Torpedoes, and in Apparatus for Operating the same,'
I will now proceed to describe more in detail the manner in which the samo
is to be or may be performed or carried into practical effect; and in order
that the same may be distinctly understood, I have annexod hereunto two
Sheets of Drawings illustrative thereof, and have marked the same with
figures and letters of reference corresponding with those in the following
explanation thereof, that is to say :-
In Drawing No. 1 of the accompanying Drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical
section of the submarine shell or torpedo; Figure 2, a sectional plan of the
same on the line 1, 2, Figure 1; Figure 3, a side view of the apparatus for
operating submarine shells or torpedoes; Figure 4, a plan view of the same;
Figures 5, 6, and 7, views shewing modifications of parts of the apparatus.
On Drawing No. 2 of the accompanying Drawings, Figure 8 is a longitudi-
nal section of the apparatus; Figure 9, a transverse vertical section of the
same; Figure 10, a sectional plan view of part of the apparatus; Figure 11,

page_text: a detached view of part of the same; Figure 12, a sectional view of the casing
and jaws for holding and retaining the shell; Figure 18, a sectional view of
modified apparatus for operating submarine shells or torpedoes; Figuro 14,
a plan view of the same; Figure 15, an end view; and Figuro 16, a transverse
section on the line 1, 2, Figure 13.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST PART OF THE INVENTION.
In the present instance the casing of the shell is constructed of sheet iron
in the form of a hollow cylinder A closed at the lower end, and furnished at
the upper end with a detachable cover B, the lower closed end being cone-
shaped if desired, and being made stronger and heavier than other portions of
the casing by making the metal thicker or by securing a mass of cast iron at
this point. At the side and in the interior of the casing, and extending nearly
from the bottom of the same to within a short distance from the detachable
cover B, is formed a tubular chamber D, and at the lower end of the latter is
a nipple, a hole in which communicates through a suitable channel with the
interior of the casing, an opening being formed near this nipple in the said
casing, and the said opening being closed by a door E, so constructed that it
can be readily removed when access has to be had to the nipple. A pin F
passes through the casing and through the tubular chamber D at a point a
short distance below the top of the said chamber, this pin serving to support
a spherical weight G, and having an eye a, to which a cord or wire b may be
secured. A pin I also passes through and is screwed into the casing, and serves
to prevent the weight G from escaping upwards from the tubular chamber.
Gunpowder I, or gun cotton or other highly explosive, composition, is packed
into the casing, but not allowed to gain access to the tubular chamber D.
The interior of the casing is not entirely filled with powder, but the latter is
limited by a wad or diaphragm K to a predetermined space, so that between
the diaphragm and the cover B there shall be an air space M. Although tho
diaphragm, which may be of any suitable material, is packed sufficiently tight
to maintain the explosive compound within the desired limits, it is not so
tightly secured to the interior of the casing as to prevent it from yielding and
passing into the air space the instant the explosion takes place. The air
space M may be of sufficient extent to render the shell buoyant, and the
exterior of the casing may be provided with any suitable lugs or projections
or other appliances to serve as a means of handling and laying the shell.
When the shell has to be discharged, the cord b is pulled, the pin F thereby
withdrawn from the casing, and the spherical weight G permitted to fall on a
suitable cap charged with detonate and placed on the nipple at the bottom

page_text: of the tubular chamber D, the ignition of the detonate insuring the instant
discharge of the explosive compound.
In order that the advantages of the improved submarine shell or torpedo
may be thoroughly understood, it may be well here to give the following brief
account of certain experiments made at Schenectady, New York, in obedience
to orders from Rear-Admiral F. H. Gregory, U.S.N., the account being taken
from the official report of Captain Charles S. Boggs, U.S.N., the Chief
Engineer W. W. W. Wood, U.S.N.
The dimensions of the experimental shells were as follows:-" Three feet
"in height, one foot in extreme diameter, cylindrical in form, and constructed
"of iron one-sixteenth of an inch thick, with a diaphragm inside dividing the
"interior into two compartments, the lower compartment containing the
"powder, and the upper portion acting as an air vessel to direct the course
"of the explosion." "The shells when exploded were in a vertical position."
Experiment No. 1." In this trial the shell contained 40 lbs. of powder,
"and was retained at the bottom of the river at a depth of 10 feet by a
"weight of 120 lbs. ; the weight being detached, the shell roso to the surface
"in two seconds, and then exploded, raising a column of water as nearly as
"could be determined 175 feet high, some of the fragments of the shell being
projected upwards to the height of probably 400 feet."
66
"The diameter of the water. raised was about 8 feet, and caused but littlè
"disturbance immediately under the vortex of the explosion."
Experiment No. 2.-" In this case the shell contained 60 lbs. of powder,
"and was moored to the bed of the river; a heavy raft of timber 16 feet by
"16 feet square, and 10 inches in thickness, solid, well bolted, and secured,
"was placed over the shell, 3 feet of water intervening between the raft and
"the top of the shell."
"When the shell was exploded the raft was blown to atoms, some of
"the pieces being raised to a vertical height of from 175 to 200 feet."
"The column of water in this case was concentrated and solid, reaching
"apparently a height of 200 to 250 feet, the fragments of the raft falling at
no great distance from the point of explosion."
Experiment No. 3." The shell in this case contained 50 lbs. of powder,
"and floated in the water, so that the upper extremity of the shell was about
one foot beneath the surface."
.
.
"The column of water was projected about 250 feet vertically, and was
6 feet in its concentrated diameter."
"The shells were exploded by a line of about 125 feet in length, at which

page_text: distance the operators stood without any inconvenience, and could have
"been in a boat 10 feet from the point of explosion without being in any
danger, excepting from falling timber broken up by the explosion."
The causo of theso most extraordinary results may be best explained by the
following extract from the report.
"In torpedoes and submarine shells as heretofore constructed, the explo-
"sions have been nearly equal in all directions.
"It is well known that powder exploded in vacuo loses much of its effect,
and in torpedo cases filled entirely with explosive compound rupture takes
place instantly, when in consequence of the water coming in contact with
"the powder much of it remains unburnt, and its effect is diminished in the
"ratio of the quantity unburnt.
"The centre of gravity of the improved shell is so fixed that its vertical
position at the time of contact and explosion is secured, and a diaphragm
of slight resistance being placed in the shell forms an air space, which
"directs the force of the explosive material in the shell, whilo it secures the
means of causing it to riso rapidly when liberated, and of maintaining its
"vertical position in contact with the bottom of the vessel when exploded.
"The experiments prove very conclusively the correctness of this theory.
"The method of firing was by liberating a ball enclosed in a tube two
"inches in diameter, extending the length of the shell.
From the foregoing it will be seen that the concentration of the force of
the explosion is caused by the air chamber.
The moment the ignition of the charge is effected, the first part to yield
will be the diaphragm K, and the disruption of the torpedo and the force of s
the explosion will be in the direction in which the diaphragm was moved in
the first instance.
It will be evident that the shell may be varied in form and construction
without departing from the main features of tho Invention, aud that the
exterior casing may be made of other material as well as sheet iron; a strong
casing of wood, for instance, properly hoopod or otherwise strengthened, may
be converted into a most efficient and destructivo torpedo by charging it in
the manner described.
Although it is preferred to ignite the charge by means of a weight released
so as to fall and strike a cap charged with detonate in the manner described
when such means are available, other methods of discharging the load may
be adopted, electricity, for instance, may be brought into play for accomplishing
bis end, as in discharging heavy blasts in mines and excavations, or a time

page_text: fuse may be employed, or such apparatus may be applied to the shell that
the explosion may be effected by the impact of the rising shell (previously
submerged) against the bottom of a vessel or the side of a fortification.
It should be understood that the pin F is so secured to the casing that it
cannot be withdrawn therefrom too readily, and without the application of
considerable force to the cord b, otherwise there would be danger in handling
the shell.
It may be remarked here that although the improved torpedo can be used in
a variety of ways for destructive purposes, the Inventor prefers to use it in con-
nection with apparatus which he has designed for the purpose of submerging
the torpedoes, and releasing them after being submerged.
DESCRIPTION OF SECOND PART OF THE INVENTION.
A shows the bottom of the vessel in which the machinery is placed;
B representing the iron-plated bows of the vessel, in which is an opening C
communicating with the water and air tight box or chamber D, of which a is
the bottom, a¹ the top, and 6 the rear. E is a water-tight casing commu-
nicating with the interior of the box D, and in this casing is a sluice valve e,
(Figure 8), having at the back a rack f, into which gears a cog wheel on a
shaft 9, and on this shaft is a bevel wheel p gearing into a similar wheel p' on
the vertical shaft p", the latter projecting through and turning in the top of
the casing E, above which it is furnished with a ratchet wheel i, the teeth of
which are adapted to the reception of a pawl . On drawing back this pawl
from the wheel the sluice valve, which moves in suitable guides, will full by
its own gravity, and presents a perfectly water-tight obstruction in front of
the box D. On the top a' of this box is an opening covered by 3 plain
valve c, which can be moved to and fro in suitable guides by means of a
screw c', and on the bottom of the same box a similar valve d is caused to
slide by a screw d', these screws being furnished with suitable handles situated
at accessible points on the outside of the box D. Through this box, and
turning in suitable packed boxes j, j, (Figure 4), attached to the same, passes a
shaft F, on which is a barrel F¹ for receiving the chain G, one end of which
is attached to the operating bar H at the front end of the same. The chain
passes through an opening in a block I, which is arranged to slide in hori-
zontal guiding bars k, k, secured to the interior of the box. (see Figures 8
and 10). A horizontal screw shaft J passes through the sliding box I, and is
arranged to turn in suitable bearings on the opposite side, of the box D, a
rotary motion being communicated to this screw from the barrel F' through
the medium of the wheel J, secured to a tubular projection on the drum

page_text: From one sido of
and gearing into a pinion J", which gears into a similar pinion J' on the
said screw shaft (see Figure 10, Drawing No. 2), so that when the drum F
revolves the block I is caused to traverse along the bars k, k, thereby
guiding the chain G, and preventing one coil of the chain from crowding
on to the other as it is wound round the barrel. A clutch K, (Figure 10) is
arranged to slido freely, but not to turn on the shaft F, the teeth of the
clutch being adapted to similar teeth on the end of the drum F. A lever L
is hung to a stud secured to the inside of the box D (Figure 10), one end of
this lever being forked, so as to embrace the clutch K, which has a groove for
the reception of pins on the forked arm of the lover, the opposite end of which
is connected to a bar L', arranged to project through and slide in ono side of
the box D, as well as in a bracket & secured to the same.
this bar L' projects a pin m, which, under the circumstances described here-
after, occupies a position in a groove m¹ formed by two strips n, n, secured
to the periphery of a disc wheel L", theso strips extending only partly round
the said disc wheel, which is secured to a shaft M (Figure 4), the latter
turning in one side of the box D and in the lower part of the frame M, which
is secured to the bottom of the vessel, and the upper end of which serves as an
additional bearing for the above-mentioned shaft F. To the end of the latter
shaft is secured a crank wheel N (Figure 3), having an adjustable pin which
is connected by a rod n³ to the bar n", the latter being arranged to slide in a
projection on the frame M', and the lower end of the bar being provided
with a spring pawl adapted to the teeth of the ratchet wheel h' on the shaft
M, which is furnished with a suitable hand wheel h". In brackets P, P,
(Figures 3 and 4), secured to and projecting from the top of the box D, turns
a shaft P', on which is a drum P" for receiving the chain Q, the outer end of
which is connected to an adjusting screw q in a plate q' attached to the
rear of the operating rod H. Horizontal rods r are also secured to the brackets
P, P, and serve as guides for the block r', through an opening in which passes
the chain Q to the barrel P", this block being operated by a screw shaft 7-14, to
which motion is communicated from the barrel through the medium of the cog
wheels t, t, and t", a clutch s on the shaft P, having teeth adapted to similar
teeth on the barrel, and this clutch being under the control of a lever R, which
is hung to a projection R' on one of the brackets P, as seen in Figure 11,
Drawing No. 2. The lower end of this lever passes through an eye in one end
of a horizontal lever R", which is hung to a pin at the bottom of the box D,
the end of the short arm of this lever fitting (under the circumstances described
hereafter) in the groove m³, formed by the strips n, n, on the disc wheel L".
It should be understood that these strips aro bevilled at the ends which

page_text: strike a pin on the end of the lever R" during the operation of the machine.
The two barrel shafts are geared together by cog wheels S¹, S¹, and are driven
by a steam engine placed in a suitable position in the hold of the vessel. The
operating bar H is made of malleable iron, and is square with the corners
removed. This bar passes through a sphere S (Figure 8), which is so fitted
to a plate w attached to the rear b of the box D as to turn freely therein, the
sphero being confined to the said plate w by an annular plate w' and suitable
studs or bolts, and the sphere being provided with a suitable stuffing box v.
The operating bar H also passes through a sleeve T (Figure 8), on each end
of which are suitable friction rolls v', v, bearing against the operating bar.
Attached to or forming a part of this sleeve are two discs T¹ and T", or, as
they may be properly termed, journals, which are arranged to turn in bearings
.U, U, projecting from and forming part of a plate U' (see Figures 8 and 9),
which rests on a plate U", and turns on a central pin u, secured to the said plate.
The plate U is so adapted to a cross head V that it can be moved freely on
the same in a longitudinal direction only. A screw shaft V₁ is arranged to
turn in brackets V" (Figure 4), secured to the cross head V, the threads of this
shaft being adapted to similar threads in the plate U", so that on turning tho
screw shaft the position of the said plate U" on the cross head V can be altered
at pleasure. The cross head is arranged to slide in vertical guides W, W,
(Figures 8 and 9), secured to the base plate W₁, which is attached to the
bottom of the vessel, each guide having at the top a pin carrying a pulley W",
over each of which passes a chain W, one end of each chain being connected
to the cross head V, and the other end to an arm X (Figure 8), one of these
arms being secured to each end of the shaft X, which turns in brackets X",
secured to the foundation plate W¹. Another arm X" is secured to the shaft
X', and to this arm is connected one end of a chain w", which passes round a
pulley won a hanger secured to the under side of the base plate W', the other
end of the chain being attached to the piston rod a of the steam cylinder a¹, the
piston " in which is limited as regards its backward movement by the adjust-
ing screw The steam cylinder is secured to the bottom of the vessel in
the position illustrated in the Drawing, and is furnished with a valve chest, a
slide valve, and a valve spindle y, to which may be connected any suitable
apparatus for operating the valve. To one of the discs or journals T", which,
as before remarked, form a part of the sleeve T, and turn in bearings U) are
secured two rods Y, Y, (Figure 4), and to projections y' on the other disc or
journal T are hinged two rods Y', Y', each of which passes through a staple-
like projection y", each projection containing a spirall spring (as seen in Figure
9), which springs acting on the rods Y' and Y', tend to force the same towards

page_text: the rods Y, Y. To the outer ends of the latter rods is hinged a plate 2, which
can be moved outwards to the position shown in Figure 4, or inwards, so that
its outer edge shall occupy a position between the lugs 3, 4, on the rods
Y', Y', a stop 5 preventing the plate from being moved beyond this point, and
the lug 3 being rounded on one side for a purpose rendered apparent hereafter.
A rounded projection 6 (Figure 4) is secured to the inside of the bars Y', Y',
and is so arranged as to be acted upon by a projection 1 on one side of and
near the rear end of the operating rod H. A rod is connected by a link 9
to the bars Y, Y, one end of the rod being jointed to a projection 10 on the
plato 2, and the other end having a plate 11, which is acted on by the set
screw q", at the rear of the operating bar H, in the manner and at the timo
explained hereafter. Within the operating bar II is an internal rod 12, the rear
of which projects a given distanco beyond the rear of the said operating bar,
in which the internal rod can be moved longitudinally to a limited extent, a
suitable packing 19 being so secured to the rod 12 as to prevent the water
from passing through the interior of the bar. To the front end of this bar II
is secured a casing 14 for containing the submarine shell or torpedo 15, the
end of the internal rod 12 projecting into this casing. The construction of tho
latter and of the rod will be best observed on reference to Figure 12 (Drawing
No. 2). To the end of the rod 12 are hinged two levers 16, 16, forming together
jaws for grasping the head 17 of the shell or torpedo 15, the straight arm of
one lever projecting through a slot 18 in one side of the casing, and the straight
arm of the other lever through a similar slot in the opposite side of the casing,
both slots terminating at the front in bevilled ends, and both levers being acted
on by springs 19, the tendency of which is to close the jaws. The torpedo,
which consists of a cylindrical shell of plate iron charged with explosive ma-
terial, is placed in the casing 14, lugs on the torpedo sliding along grooves
formed in the said casing, so that it cannot turn therein. The jaws, which are
open owing to the straight arms of their levers being in contact with the
bevilled ends of the slots 18), receive the head 17 of the torpedo, and the
latter being pushed back into the casing 14, together with the rod and its jaws,
the latter, owing to the springs 19, close on the projection 17 of the torpedo,
which is thus held at the end of the operating rod. The torpedo, as scon in
Figure 8 (Drawing No. 2), has two chambers separated from each other by a
yielding wad or diaphragm 18, the larger chamber containing the powder or other
explosivo material, and the smaller chamber being a simple air space, as de-
-scribed in reference to the first part of this Invention. A tubular chamber is
contained within the shell, and at one end of this chamber or spherical weight
is confined by two pins 20 and 21, the latter of which can be withdrawn,

page_text: thereby permitting the weight to fall on a cap charged with detonate and
placed on a nipple at the end of the tubular chamber, this release of the weight
taking place after the torpedo has been submerged and discharged clear of the
operating rod, and when it occupies a vertical or nearly vertical position in the
water. One end of a cord 23 is attached to the releasing pin 21, and is coiled
in a chamber 22, formed on the under side of the casing 14, the opposite end
of the cord being attached to any part of the said chamber.
jection of the torpedo from the vessel and its escape from the operating rod,
the sluice valve e having been elevated so as to leave the opening C in the bows
of the vessel unobstructed.
The first thing to determine is the angle at which it is desirable to submergo
the torpedo.
If it be necessary to move the operating bar II, so as to be at a greater
inclination than that shown in Figure 8, the attendant so manipulates the valvo
rod y.of the cylinder that the steam will act on the front face of the piston all
and cause the piston rod to pull the chain w", which, through the arm X",
shaft X, armis X, X, and chains W, clevates the cross head and with it the
plates V and V, the sleeve T, and operating bar II, and other parts connected
therewith, the bar turning on a centre coinciding with the centre of the
sphere S, which, together with the plates and w', and stuffing box v, form a
perfectly water-tight ball-and-socket joint. The vertical inclination of the
operating bar having been this decided, its proper lateral position should be
the next care of the attendant, for it may be advisable in many cases to pro-
ject the torpedo from the vessel at an angle laterally. By turning the screw
shaft V, the plate U" and the whole superstructure, including the sleeve 'T', is
caused to traverse along the cross head V to any desired position, carrying with
it the operating bar H (which again turns in the ball-and-socket joint), the
sleeve T and its journals T, T", and plate U, and all the appliances con-
nected therewith, accommodating themselves to the altered position of the
operating bar by turning on the vertical pin u. The driving engine is now
started, and causes the main shafts F and P' to turn in the directions pointer
out by the arrows (Figure 8.)
It should be understood that when the parts are in the positions illustrated
in Figure 8, the clutch s is in gear with the barrel P, which consequently
turns with the shaft P', and that the clutch K is out of gear with the barrel F,
which is therefore loose on the shaft F, these positions of the clutches being

page_text: determined by that of the wheel L", the strips n, n, on which control both
clutches through the mechanism above described. As the shafts F and P
revolve in the direction of their arrows, the chain Qwill be wound round
the barrel P, and consequently the operating bar El, and with it the shell or
torpedo 15, will be pushed forward, its front end being rapidly projected from
the interior of box D through the opening C in the bows of the vessel, thus
submerging the torpedo. As the operating bar approaches the limit of its
forward movement, the end of the screw q" strikes the projection 11 on ono
end of the rod 8, causing the latter to pull the plate 2 forward, the edge of the
plate striking against the rounded portion of the lug 3, so that the bars Y', Y',
shall yield and permit the said edge of the plate to take a position between
the lugs 3 and 4. The operating bar has now been projected to the limit of
its forward movement, and the rear end of the internal rod 12 is in front
of the plate 2. In the meantime an intermittent rotary motion has
been imparted to the disc wheel L" from the shaft F through the medium
of the crank wheel n, sliding rod n", its pawl, and the ratchet wheel h³, and
the position of this wheel (when the operating bar has been removed out to
the full extent) is such that the lever R" is beyond the control of the
strips n, n, of the disc wheel, and through the action of a suitable spring the
clutch s is thrown out of gear with the barrel P", at the same time the
rod L' and the lever L are so acted upon by the strips n, n, on the periphery
of the disc wheel as to move the clutch K into gear with the barrel F. As
the shafts F and P' continue to revolve, the chain G will be wound round the
barrel F, and will consequently pull the operating bar back, the chain Qat
the same time running freely from the louse barrel P". Immediately after
the operating bar begins to move back, the rear end of the internal rod 12
conies in contact with the plate 2, and its further progress is thus arrested,
while the operating bar continues to move rearward. The consequence of
this arrest of the rod 12 is the pushing of the torpedo 15 from the casing 14,
by which movement the ends of the slots 18 (Figure 12) come in contact
with the straight arms of the levers 16, and cause the jaws to open and release
the submerged torpedo. As the operating rod continues to move back, its
projection comes in contact with the projection 6 on the bars Y', Y,
causing the latter to move back and to release the plate 2, which is opened
by the operating bar as the latter continues its backward movement. In the
meantime the submerged torpedo, owing to its buoyancy, rises and comes in
contact with the vessel against which it is destined to be exploded. Owing
to the backward movement of the operating rod, the cord 23, attached to the
pin 21 of the torpedo, is gradually withdrawn from the chamber 22, and this

page_text: cord is of such a length that when the operating bar is in the act of com-
pleting its backward movement the cord is pulled, the pin 21 is withdrawn,
and the spherical weight is permitted to fall on the charged cap placed on the
nipple at the bottom of the chamber, the discharge of the torpedo conse-
quently takes place, and this at a time when the operating rod bas, been
moved to a safe position away from the torpedo, and within the box or
chamber D. The operating rod having reached the limit of its backward
movement, the motion of the driving engine is arrested preparatory to adjusting
another torpedo in the place previously occupied by that discharged. In
order to do this it becomes necessary in the first place to permit the sluice
valve e to fall by its own weight, so as to form a perfectly water-tight end for
the box D; after this the valve d is opened, and the water in the box D is
permitted to escape in the hold of the vessel, from which it is subsequently
discharged by any adjacent pumping apparatus. The valve C is then opened,
so that access may be had to the interior of the box D, into which another
torpedo is introduced, and then adjusted to the casing 14 at the end of the
operating bar, and to the jaws within the same, the internal rod 12 being
pushed back to its former position. After this tho valves c and d are closed,
the sluice valve e elevated, and the several parts are then in their proper
positions for a repetition of the above-described movements, and for the sub-
mission, release, and discharge of another torpedo.
It will be evident that many of the above-described parts may be altered
and modified without departing from the main features of the Invention.
Figures 5, 6, and 7, (Drawing No. 1), are views representing modified
devices for retaining and releasing the shell.
The operating bar H has no casing at the end for retaining the shell, but
the latter has a stem 15 fitting freely into the end of the bar, where it is held
by a lug w on the termination of the operating rod 12, the said lug fitting
into a recess formed on the stem of the sbell by the projection a.. The
internal rod is provided with a packing 13 adapted to the interior of the bar,
as in the former case. Two arms Y, Y', are hinged at one end to the sleeve T
(Figure 4), each arm being provided at the opposite end with a projection m,
and the two projections ineet and are maintained by springs in contact with
each other (as seen in Figure 5). During the backward movement of the
operating bar the internal rod 12 is arrested by the projections m, m, of the
arms Y, Y', so that the stem 15 of the shell is pushed from the interior of
the bar. Before it has quite escaped therefrom, however, an inclined pro-
jection (Figure 6) on the operating bar comes in contact with a pin 9 on
the internal rod, thereby partially turning the latter, so that the lug u may be
.

page_text: released from its hold of the shell, which is incapable of turning. The shell is
thus released from the internal rod just at the time that (or a little before) its
stem passes from the operating bar, on the further backward movement of
which the wedge-formed plate h at the rear end of the bar comes in contact
with pins on the projections m, m, of the arms Y and Y, and separates the
same so that the bar can complete its backward movement.
The further operation of this modification of the improvement will be
understood without further explanation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE THIRD PART OF THE INVENTION.
A (Figures 18 and 14) represents part of the stem post of the vessel to
which the apparatus is applied, and B3, the bottom of the vessel composed of
ribs, knees, and other timbers firmly secured, and of a strength greater than
that of ordinary vessels. To the inside of the stem post A is secured a plate D,
adapted to receive the semicircular end e of the pipe C, there being in the
plate an opening a communicating with the opening b in the stem post and
with the interior of the pipe G. Tho semicircular end e of this pipe is
securely confined to the plato D by straps E in such a manner that the rear
end of the pipe can be raised and lowered at pleasure, its end e turning freely
in the plate, and the joint at this point being perfectly tight, so as to prevent
the access of water to the interior of the vessel. At a short distance from
the stom post and in the pipe C is arranged a sluice valve F, which by the
aid of the screw G can be raised and lowered at pleasure, the valves when
raised being contained in a water-tight chamber II, and when depressed
forming a water-tight obstruction in the interior of the pipe. In the rear end of
the pipe C an internal pipe I fits snugly, but so as to bo withdrawn readily;
and between the flango d of this internal pipe and the flange d' on the end
of the pipe C intervenes a water-tight packing e of gum elastic or other
suitable material. The flango d' is secured to the flange d by means of
bolts J, each bolt being hinged at one end to the flange d, and the other end
passing through an opening in a lug f on the flange d, on the outside
of which each bolt is furnished with a handled nut h, after loosening which
the bolts may bo turned outwards, leaving the internal pipo I at liberty to
be withdrawn from the external pipe C. K represents part of a hollow stem
of wrought iron, which is arranged to pass through and slide freely in the
internal pipe I, and through the gland or follower, which, together with the
packings, forms a stuffing box of the ordinary construction. It is preferred to
make this stem of a square form, with the sharp corners removed (as seen in
Figure 15). The submarine shell or torpedo consists of a hollow cylinder M

page_text: of plate iron, the cylinder being flattened at one part of its circumference (as
seen in Figure 16), and this flattened part resting on a plane surface, formed
in the interior and at the bottom of the pipe C, the shell being thus prevented
from turning round in the said pipe. The interior of the cylindrical casing M
is separated by a wad or diaphragm m into two compartments N and N', in
the former of which is packed the gunpowder or other explosive substance,
the chamber N' forming an air space. At. one end of the cylinder M is a
tubo n, which fits into the bollow stein K, and at the end a spherical weight p is
confined by a pin q, the weight, when the pin is released; and the shell occupies
à vertical position in the water, falling and striking a cap loaded with detonate
and placed on a nipple t, the hole in which communicates through a small
tube charged with powder with the charge in the chamber N of the shell:
In the interior of the hollow stem K is a rod P, near the, end of which are
hinged the levers vand v', the bent arms of the latter forming jaws, in which
is confined a projection at the outer end of the tube n of the shell. The
inclined arms of the levers and are arranged to fit in longitudinal
grooves a, a, in the hollow stem K, and are so acted on by springs, y, that
they grasp the said projection w of the tube 2', until by moving forward the
rod P the inclined arms of the levers and come in contact with the
inclined terminations 2 of the grooves a, a, in the hollow stem, when the jaws
open and release the projection w. It will be seen that the extreme end 3 of
the rod P bears against the end of the said projection. When the apparatus
is at rest it is supported by strong timbers Q secured to the bottom of thio
vessel, and to these timbers are attached the two curved guides R and R',
connected together at the top by a cross bars; these guides having openings T
arranged in the are of a circle, the centre of which coincides with the centre 5
of the semicirclar end of the pipe C. From each side of this pipe projects a
pin 4, which passes through a block, the block of one pin being arranged to fit
into the opening T of the guide R, and that of the other pin into the opening
of the guide R'. It will thus be seen that the guides maintain the pipe C
and its appurtenances in the proper position laterally, and serve to guido
the pipe while it is moved in the plate or socket D.
As seen in the view, Figure 13, the shell or torpedo has been placed in its
proper position prior to being projected from the vessel and discharged. The
sluice valve F having been raised, the rear end of the pipe C, together with
all the above-described appliances connected therewith, is elevated by means
of a chain W and suitable hoisting gear, operated by a steam engine or other-
wise, until the pipe has reached the desired angle. The hollow stem K is
then pushed forward by the aid of any suitable tackle and gearing, and carries

page_text: before it the shell or torpedo, pushing the same through the pipe C, through
the opening a in the plate 1, through the opening b in the stem of the vessel,
and submerging the shell in the water at a point adjacent to the vessel to bo
destroyed. When the shell has been submerged to the desired depth, it
becomes nécessary to release it from the hollow stem K, which is accomplished
by pushing the rod P forward through the stem K until the levers vand v' of
the jaws come in contact with the inclined terminations 2 of the grooves in
the stem, when the jaws will open and release the projection w on the tubo n
of tho shell, which tube had been pushed from the hollow stem by the
operation of the rod P. The moment the shell has been thus released from
the hollow stem, the latter is moved back in the pipe C; in the meantime the
shell assumes a vertical position, and being rendered buoyant by the air
space N', rises and comes in contact with the keel or sile of the vessel to be
destroyed. The moment this contact takes place tho charge of the shell
should be ignited, which is accomplished in the present instance by a
cord attached to the pin y; this cord being pulled withdraws tho pin, and
permits the spherical weight p to fall on the cap previously placed on tho
nipple, and thus discharges the shell while it is in contact with the vessel or
other object to be destroyed. One end of the cord for withdrawing the pin y
may be attached to the hollow stem K or to the rod P, the cord being su
arranged that by and during the act of moving back the stem the pin may be
withdrawn and the charge of the projectile ignited. The cord, however,
should be of such a length that the explosion of the shell cannot take placo
until tho hollow stem and its internal rod P have been withdrawn into the
pipe C, and are too far away from the shell to be endangered by the explosion.
When another shell bas to be projected from the apparatus and submerged,
the sluice valve is closed so as to prevent the access of water to the interior
of the pipe C, the nuts N, N, are loosened, and their bolts J turned away
from the flange d of the pipe I, which is withdrawn from the pipe C, the stem K
and rod P being also drawn back, thus leaving the pipe C open at the rear
end. The tube 2 of the shell is then placed in the hollow stem K, the jaws
seizing the projection w, and the shell, hollow stem K, its rod P and pipo 1,
moved forward, the shell being pushed into the pipe C, followed by the pipe 1,
until the whole of the parts again assume the position shown in Figure 13,
after which the flange d of the pipe is secured to the flango d' of the
pipe C, tie sluice valvo Fraised, and the rear of the pipe C, with all
appliances connected to the same, elevated so that the torpedo may be pro-
jected into the water at the desired angle, when the apparatus is again ready
for carrying out the above-described' operations.

page_text: The introduction of the shell into the pipe C can be effected without the
preparatory removal of the pipe I, by making a suitable opening in the top of
the pipe C, and providing the same with a detachable water-tight cover, shown
by dotted lines 6, Figure 13, the shell being introduced into this opening fitted
to the hollow stem K and to the jaws of the rod P while the sluice valve
is depressed, the cover 6 being replaced prior to the raising of the sluice valve.
In operating the above-described apparatus, it will be seen that as the
sluice valve prevents the entrance of the water to the pipe C, and as the rear
end of the pipe is packed perfectly tight, no inconvenience can arise from
leakage; the latter under any circumstances being too small to impedo
the operations, and whatever small quantity of water there may be in the
pipe C at the rear of the valve F flows from the same into the bottom of the
vessel when the rear of the pipe is exposed. The pipe C may be fixed in a
horizontal or inclined position, although it is preferred to make it movable in
the manner described, as the shell may have to be submerged to a greater
depth on somo occasions than is necessary in others.
It will be seen without further description that by the aid of the above-
described apparatus the shells can be projected, submerged, and discharged at
brief intervals without any danger to the apparatus itself, or to the vessel
from which the operations are conducted.
It may be remarked here that tho shells, briefly described above, have
been designed for concentrating the force of the explosion, and directing that
force in the proper course, the effect of the explosion being thus entirely
confined to the object to be destroyed.
The construction and operation of this improved shell have been too fully
described abovo to need minute description here.
Having now described the nature and object of the said Invention for
"Improvements in Submarine Shells or Torpedoes, and in Apparatus for
Operating the same," together with the manner in which the same is to be
or may be performed or carried into practical effect, I would remark in.
conclusion that the Inventor does not desire to confine himself to the specific
form, construction, or arrangement of the several parts herein described, as
the same may be altered and modified without departing from the main fea-
tures of the Invention; but I claim as the Invention communicated to me
by the above-named Donald McKay,-
Firstly, a shell or torpedo composed of a casing of any desired form and of
any suitable material so charged with explosive compound as to leave an air
space within the case for the purpose specified.
Secondly, the use within the shell of a yielding wad or diaphragm for

page_text: separating the charge of explosive compound from the air chamber, substan-
tially as and for the purpose described.
Thirdly, the employment, for igniting the charge, of a weight so arranged
within or adjacent to the said casing, and so combined with the retaining and
releasing devices herein described, or any equivalent to the same, that the said
weight can be released at pleasure, and be permitted to fall on any substanco
ignitable by percussion.
Fourthly, the use of a sliding rod or operating bar II, for projecting a sub-
marine shell or torpedo from a vessel substantially as described.
Fifthly, combining the said operating sliding rod with a ball-and-socket
joint substantially as described for the purpose specified.
Sixthly, the combination of the operating bar with a chamber or box D
(Drawing No. 2), and the valves herein described, or any equivalent to the
same, for the purposes specified.
Seventhly, the said rigid bar in combination with an internal rod 12, which
can be moved to and fro from within.
Eighthly, the operating bar II, the internal bar 12, and its jaws, or their
equivalent, for holding and releasing the shell or torpedo.
Ninthly, the combination of the operating bar I, its casing 14 for containing
the shell, the internal rod 12 and its jaws, the whole being constructed
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Tentbly, the combination, substantially as described, of the operating bar
with a cord 29 so arranged and so connected with the shell and with appli-
ances for igniting the charge in the same, that the bar as it approaches the
limit of its inward movement shall be the cause of exploding the shell.
Eleventbly, the chamber 22 combined with the operating rod substantially
as described for containing the cord 23.
Twelfthly, the rod 12 with its jaws composed of the spring levers 16, 16,
the long arms of which are operated by the movement of the bar ŀl sub-
stantially as described.
Thirteenthly, the combination of the rod 12, its packing and operating
bar 1.
'
Fourteenthly, the employment substantially as described of barrels and
chains for operating the bar II.
Fifteenthly, the two driving shafts F and P with their chain barrels, the
chains Q and G and the operating bar, the whole being combined with the
mccbanism herein described, or with equivalent devices, through which a
reciprocating motion may be imparted by the said barrels and chains to tho
said operating bar without reversing the motion of the driving shaft..
3

page_text: Sixteenthly, the two driving shafts F and P' and their barrels F¹ and P",
with their respective clutches, when the latter are controlled by the disc wheel
L" or its equivalent, through the medium of the devices herein described or
others substantially the same.
Seventeenthly, the combination of the disc wheel L" with the devices
described or their equivalents, by which motion is communicated to the said
wheel from one of the driving shafts of the machine.
Eighteenthly, the chain barrels in combination with the sliding blocks so
actuated as to guide the chains in the manner described.
Nineteenthly, the sleeve T, or its equivalent, in combination with the
operating bar K, when the said sleeve is combined with such mechanism that
it can be turned both in a horizontal and vertical plane.
Twentiethly, the combination of the sleeve T with the mechanism described,
or its equivalent, for causing the said sleeve to traverse to and fro horizontally,
and to be elevated or lowered.
Twenty-firstly, the said moveable sleeve T and the operating bar K in
combination with the ball-and-socket joint through which the said bar
passes.
Twenty-secondly, the combination of the sleeve T, its friction rollers V, V,
and the operating bar H.
Twenty-thirdly, the sleeve T, its journals T", T", bearings U, U, and
plate U, constructed substantially as described, and combined with and
arranged to turn on a traversing plate Un.
Twenty-fourthly, the combination of the guides W, cross head V, and
traversing plate U".
Twenty-fifthly, the employment (substantially as described) of a steam
cylinder, piston, and valves for raising and lowering the operating bar.
Twenty-sixthly, the. use, in combination with the said sıcam cylinder; of
the adjustable screw stop 2 for limiting the downward movement of the
operating bar.
Twenty-seventhly, the combination of the cross head V, chains W, the
shaft X, and its arms or levers, the whole being arranged and operating
substantially as described.
Twenty-eighthly, the combination of the steam cylinder al, piston a¹¹, and
piston rod a, chain w, the shaft X, and its arm X.
Twenty-ninthly, a plate 2 or its equivalent, so connected to the sleeve T or
other part which vibrates with the operating bar that it will servo as a
medium for arresting the motion of the internal rod with the operating bar as
the latter moves back.

page_text: Thirtiethly, the said arresting plate 2, or its equivalent, in combination with
the internal rod 12 and its jaws.
Thirty-firstly, the sleeve T and Y, Y, and the arresting plate 2 or its equi-
valent, in combination with the yielding rods Y', Y', and their projections
3 and 4, the whole being constructed, arranged, and operating substantially
as set forth.
Thirty-secondly, the scrow ", or its equivalent, on the rear of the operating
bar, when so combined with the devices described, or others substantially
the same, as to close the plato 2 during the forward movement of the ope-
rating bar.
Thirty-thirdly, the projection 7, or its equivalent, near the rear end of the
operating bar, when arranged to operate on the yielding bars V, V, during
the backward motion of the operating bar, substantially as described.
Thirty-fourthly, a fixed or moveablo pipe, arranged within a vessel, for the
reception of a submarine shell or torpedo, substantially as described, in com-
bination with a stem or rod so adapted to the pipe and shell as to servo the
purpose of projecting the latter through the former and from the vessel.
Thirty-fifthly, the plate or socket D and straps E secured to the vessel, and
arranged for the reception and retention of the end of the pipe C, substantially
as described.
Thirty-sixthly, the pipe C with the sluice valve F, or its equivalent, in
combination with the internal detachable pipe I, its stuffing box, another
operating rod K, the whole being constructed and arranged substantially as
set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Davies, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twentieth day of February, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five.
GEORGE DAVIES. (L.S.)