CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN PROPELLING, AND IN MACHINERY CONNECTED THEREWITH
Year: 1846

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
BARTLETT SIMPSON, of Islington, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of that part of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland called England, bearing date at Westminster, the
Twenty-fifth day of September, One thousand eight hundred and forty-six, in
the tenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said Thomas Bartlett Simpson, my exors, adñiors,
and assigns, Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, that
I, the said Thomas Bartlett Simpson, my exors, adñiors, and assigns, or such
others as I, the said Thomas Bartlett Simpson, my exors, adiñiors, or assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all
times during the term of years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-
upon-Tweed, in all Her said Majesty's Colonies and Plantations abroad, and in
the Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Man, my Invention of
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN PROPELLING, AND IN MACHINERY CONNECTED THEREWITH;"
in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I, the said Thomas
Bartlett Simpson, shall cause a particular description of the nature of my said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, by an instrument
in writing under my hand and seal, to be inrolled in Her said Majesty's High
Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately after the

page_text: date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same,
reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Thomas Bartlett Simpson, hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention
consists in propelling a ship or other vessel by means of wheels with open
radial leaves or floats placed wholly or partially below the water line, and
contained in cases of a peculiar construction, which cause the water thrown off
from the leaves or floats to take a direction parallel or nearly parallel to the
intended course of the vessel, and which wheel and wheel cases have moreover
machinery connected therewith (except as is herein-after excepted.) whereby
they may be protruded outside the vessel, or withdrawn wholly within the
same if required, and whereby also they may be shut up entirely from the
water when they are not required to be in use, or when it is desired to obtain
access to them from the inside of the vessel for purposes of inspection or
repair. And the manner in which the said Invention is to be performed is
fully set forth in the following description thereof, reference being had to the
Drawings hereunto annexed, that is to say :-
Figure 1 is a sectional elevation, and Figure 2 a sectional plan on the lines
T, T, of one of a pair of wheels formed, constructed, placed, and fitted accord-
ing to my said Invention.
K is a strong basement of metal or wood,
secured to the bottom of the vessel; Y is a recess made in the side of the
vessel, which is partitioned off on the inside by a casing of wood or metal Y³
from the rest of the hull, but is open to the water in front between a and b,
and has also an opening (c) to the water at the bottom; Y³ is a case of metal
supported on ribs V, V, thrown athwart the bottom opening c, which im-
mediately incloses the wheel (W), and is of an area considerably less than the
recess. It consists of a fixed bottom and top, connected by vertical posts x, x, x,
and divided on the sides or periphery into four parts or segments y, y³, y³, y',
of which y and y³ are solid pieces united to the top and bottom parts of
the case, y³ is a moveable piece turning on a pin at n, and y' is wholely open
to the water in front. The moveable piece y³ fits at one end within the fixed
piece y, and overlaps, at the other end, one end of the fixed piece y³, but it
may be moved out of these positions to the extent indicated by the red colored
dotted lines, when it serves, as afterwards explained, the purpose of a valve to
the case. Qis a stop raised on the bottom of the case, which prevents the
moveable piece y³ from moving so far round as to interfere with the leaves or
floats (E,E). The top and bottom of the case have central openings & and f
leading into the interior of the wheel; the former (e) corresponding with the
bottom opening c of the recess. The shaft of the wheel is stepped at bottom in a

page_text: cross piece M, secured to the bottom of the wheel case, (in the reverse direc-
tion of the ribs V, V,) and connected at top to the driving shaft B (which
passes through a stuffing box A) by means of a coupling box N and key G.
The wheel case has two horizontal screws L, L, attached to the back of it, and
worked from within the vessel, by means of which it may be moved forwards or
backwards on its supporting ribs, (V, V,) and the wheel may be also moved
along with it (being uncoupled for the time from the driving shaft B.) The wheel
and case may be protruded to any extent not exceeding the greatest diameter
of the case, and to whatever extent within such limit they are protruded, the
case must fit exactly the front opening of the recess, as exemplified in Figures
1 and 2. The greater size of the recess admits of both the wheel and case
being wholely withdrawn within the recess. Previous to setting the wheel to
work, the recess and wheel case are entirely filled with water through the
front, top, and bottom openings, but a motion being given to the wheel, (say,
from right to left,) the water is driven out by the centrifugal action of the
leaves or floats (E, E,) through the front openings in the recess and wheel
case, while a continuous supply of other water to the interior of the wheel is
kept up by the inflow through the top and bottom openings c, e, f, as indicated
by the red colored arrows; but as it is desirable that the water should be driven
out in a direction more sternward than could be effected by the centrifugal
action of the leaves or floats alone, this is accomplished by making the forward
part of the wheel case project beyond the side of the vessel to a much
greater extent than the hinder part y', as shewn in Figure 2, which causes a
forcible yet gradual deflection of the water in the desired direction, as indicated
by the blue colored arrows. And in order that there may at the same time be
an open and free course for the ejected water, the wheel caso is enlarged
forward to the extent of about the breadth of one of the leaves or floats (see
Figure 2). When it is desired to back the vessel, this is done in the usual
way, by reversing the motion of the driving shaft, but it being expedient in
that case to diminish the open space forward in the wheel case, and to prevent
any inflow of water from the outside at the forward end, this is effected by
means of the moveable or valvular piece y³ before mentioned. The current of
water, as long as it is flowing in the direction of the blue colored arrows,
presses the outer end of the piece y' up against and flush with the inside of
the part y of the wheel case, but immediately on the current being reversed,
it turns the piece y³ into the position indicated by the red colored dotted lines.
When it is desired to suspend for a time the employment of the wheels, as,
for example, when they are employed as auxiliaries merely, and recourse is
had to the sails alone, or when it is desired to get conveniently at the wheels

page_text: for the purpose of inspection or repair, the cases and wheels may be drawn
back within the recesses by the screws L, L, as before mentioned (the wheel
shaft being uncoupled for the time from the driving shaft), and wholly shut
off from the water, and thrown open to access from the inside of the vessel by
means of the following additional arrangement :-D is a vertical piece of metal,
which is let into the side of the vessel immediately above the wheel recess,
and D a slide which fits into a groove made in this metal piece, and is raised
or lowered by means of a chain, weight, and pulley (not shewn in the Drawings),
or any other suitable means. On the withdrawal as aforesaid of the wheel
case and wheel, and dropping the slide D*, it falls into a corresponding groove
made for its reception in another metal piece D³, fitted into the side of the
vessel immediately beneath the wheel recess, and that recess is thereby closed
against the water in front. The bottom opening is closed in like manner by
means of a horizontal slide H, which moves in an opening made for it in the
bottom casing of the wheel recess, and is pushed forward or drawn back by
means of a screw shaft I, acted upon from within the vessel, which passes
through a stuffing box J. When the wheel recess has been thus closed in by
the two slides D and H, the water may be pumped out of it or run into the
bilge, and a water-tight door Z, formed in the back part 0, 0, of the recess, may
be then opened to give admission from the inside of the vessel. The water
has been described as entering only by the front, top, and bottom openings in
tho recess Y and wheel case Y2, but it may be supplied also wholly or in part
by means of a pipe or pipes carried from any convenient part of the vessel
under the water line, and leading into the interior of the wheel case. R is an
air vent tube with a stop-cock or valve, which may be carried to any height, or
in any direction found most convenient.
Another mode of causing the wheels to produce a retroactive force from the
ejection of columns of water is shewn in the Drawings, Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6.
The wheels are contained in cases permanently fitted into the sides of the
vessel below the water line, but there are no recesses in the sides of the vessel
beyond what are necessary to contain the cases, and the water is admitted and
ejected in a different manner. Each wheel case has an opening to the water
at bottom, but is wholly closed at top, with the exception of an orifice just
sufficient for the driving shaft to pass through, and in front it has two openings
on different levels, which are exclusively appropriated, one to the inlet of the
water, and the other to its exit. Figure 3 is a front elevation of a wheel case,
as thus modified, seen from the outside; Figure 4 is a sectional elevation
shewing the inside of the case and wheel; Figure 5 is a horizontal plan on
the line A, A, of Figure 4; and Figure 6 is a sectional elevation on the line

page_text: B, B, of Figure 5. C, D, is a spirally inclined passage, which commences at
the bottom of the wheel case, below the leaves or floats E, E, and terminates
at F, F, on a level with the floats. The water entering this passage at the
lower end D, ascends till it comes in contact with the floats E, E, by the revo-
lution of which it is forcibly ejected through the upper opening C, in a back-
ward direction parallel or nearly parallel with the course of the vessel. The
floats are set at an angle suitable to the oblique direction given to the current
of water, as exemplified in Figure 4, the angle shewn in which is that which
I prefer. When the vessel is required to be backed, the water enters at C,
and is ejected at D. The spirally inclined passage C, D, instead of being
placed below the floats, may be placed above them, but in that case the current
of water, when the vessel is going ahead, would enter at C, and be expelled at
D. And should it be thought desirable to be able to withdraw the case wholly
within the side of the vessel, and to shut it up altogether from the water, as in
the arrangement represented in Figures 1 and 2, it may be enclosed in a recess
of dimensions admitting of its being so withdrawn and shut up, and provided
with the other appendages requisite for the purpose, as herein-before described.
Figure 7 is a plan shewing how, instead of one valvular piece y³, as before
described, two valvular pieces may be employed, in order to ensure a greater
effect in going astern, but in this case it will be expedient to make the wheel
case with double sides, and a vacant space between them. The forward valve
S is of the same shape and centred in the same way as that before described
(y, Figures 1 and 2), and forms one side or half of the inner of the two cases
V, overlapping at the inner end the other and fixed half of the same case.
The other valve U is of a size equal only to the cross section of the area
between the two cases, and is hinged at one end to the front edge of the hinder
part of the inner case. The outer case V³ is of one entire and fixed piece
throughout. When the vessel is going ahead, and the current of water is driven
backward in the direction of the blue colored arrows, the force of the current
serves not only to press up the valve S against the outer case at one end, and
down upon the fixed half of the inner case at the other end, but to force back
the valve U against the projecting end of the hinder part of the outer case, as
represented in Figure 7, by which two combined movements the space between
the two cases is closed, and any diversion of the water from making the desired
circuit round the interior of the case prevented. On the motion of the wheel
being reversed, the outer end of the valvular piece S is immediately turned
into the position indicated by the red colored dotted lines, and the inner
end is simultaneously forced up against the outer case, as shewn by a continua-
tion of the same dotted lines, whereby a passage is opened into the hinder

page_text: portion of the space between the two cases, through which space the water is
now driven by the backward action of the wheel, and from which it escapes at
p, the valve U giving way before it, and assuming the position indicated by
the dotted red lines.
Figures 9 and 10 represent in plan and elevation a modification of the
arrangement shewn in Figures 1 and 2, in which the recess is dispensed with,
and the wheel case only used. As in this modification the wheel case must be
made water-tight on all sides, except in front and at bottom, a supply of water
must be introduced at top, and this may be done by means of a passage leading
from the forward part of the vessel, immediately in advance of the wheel case,
in an upwardly inclined direction into the top of the wheel, as shewn in Figures
9 and 10°, in which Figures P represents the passage, and W the wheel case.
To prevent farther the water which enters at the top and bottom openings
from rushing directly against the hinder floats, or those working in the
narrowest part of the case, and thereby impeding their advance to the centre
point of the circle of rotation, these floats are protected by two semicircular
shields or guards W*, W.
Figures 11 and 12 represent in plan and section another modification of
the mode of construction shewn in Figures 1 and 2, whereby an increased
supply of water may be obtained through the bottom opening of the recess,
which increase of supply may in some cases render an opening at top unneces-
sary. I effect this by making the floats of the peculiar shape shewn in the
Drawings, (Figures 11 and 12,) whereby the space which they occupy at
the lower part of the wheel is much smaller than at the upper parts.
.Although I consider it desirable to fit the wheel cases with valves, as before
described, in all cases (excepting always the form of construction represented
in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6), especially where a vessel has frequent occasion for
backing, for which operation the valves afford great facilities, yet they may be
wholly dispensed with, as shewn in Figure 8, with but little, if any, detriment
the propulsive power of the machinery in a forward direction.
Instead of the wheels being worked horizontally, as represented in Figures
1 and 2, and in Figures 7 and 8, and in Figure 10, and in Figures 11 and
12, they may be worked vertically or obliquely, such suitable modifications
being made in the preceding arrangements as may be rendered necessary by
such change of position. I do not restrict myself to the employment of any
given number of floats, or of floats of any particular form or construction.
And having now described the nature of my Invention, and the manner in
which the same is to be performed, I declare that I lay no claim to the use
merely of wheels rotating horizontally, or vertically, or obliquely below the water

page_text: line, being well aware that such wheels have been before used, but that the im-
provements which I claim as constituting my said Invention are as follows:-
First, I claim the employment of wheels with open radial leaves or floats,
rotating horizontally, vertically, or obliquely, and wholly or partially below the
water line, in combination with wheel cases formed, constructed, placed, and
fitted in any of the modes represented in Figures 1 and 2, or Figures 7 and 8,
or Figures 9, 10, 9, and 10%, or Figures 11 and 12, or in any analagous mode
or modes, whereby the water which is thrown off from the surfaces of the floats
is driven in a direction parallel, or as nearly as may be parallel, to the intended
course of the vessel, and whereby such wheels and wheel cases may be pro-
truded or withdrawn at pleasure, and also shut up entirely from the water
when required, or in combination with any part or parts of the said combined
machinery.
Second, I claim the employment of wheels with open radial leaves or floats,
rotating horizontally below the water line, in combination with wheel cases of
the peculiar form and construction represented in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, and
before described, and whether such cases are fixed or moveable.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Bartlett Simpson, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of March, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.
THOS. BARTLETT (L.s.) SIMPSON.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twenty-fifth day of March, in the
year of our Lord 1847, the aforesaid Thomas Bartlett Simpson came before
our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specifica-
tion aforesaid, and all and everything therein contained and specified, in
form above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped accord-
ing to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Twenty-fifth day of March, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.