IMPROVEMENTS IN TOR: PEDOES
Year: 1873

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Tomlinson Bousfield, of Sutton, in the
County of Surrey, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN TOR:
PEDOES."-A communication from abroad by Colonel Von Scheliha,
of St. Petersburg, Russia.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Tomlinson
Bousfield at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition, on the 2nd May 1873.
I, GEORGE TOMLINSON BOUSFIELD, of Sutton, in the County of
Surrey, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "In-
PROVEMENTS IN TORPEDOES," to be as follows:—
This Invention has for its object improvements in torpedoes. For this
purpose I so construct torpedoes as to render them locomotive, and also
so that they can be directed from a distance by means of electric currents
transmitted through an electric cable, which is paid out by the torpedo
as it advances.

page_text: The motor is air compressed to many atmospheres in an air reservoir,
forming part of the torpedo. The compressed air, after passing a
pressure regulator, works an engine, which consists of three brass
cylinders placed at a distance of 120° from centre to centre. The engine
acts directly upon the shaft of a screw. Within the torpedo is a reel, on
which the electric cable is wound, and this cable is drawn from the reel
as the torpedo advances. The wires in the cable are connected with
springs on the end of the axis of the reel, which as the reel revolves
traverse around insulated metal rings, so that the rotation of the reel
does not interfere with the transmission of currents through the cable.
For steering the torpedo electric currents are transmitted through one
of the wires of the cable. They excite two electro-magnets within the
torpedo, and cause them the one to attract and the other to repel its
permanently magnetic armature. Levers in connection with the arma-
tures control two rods, with pawls upon them, to act upon two ratchet
wheels. These rods receive from the engine a to-and-fro movement. So
long as neither of the armatures is attracted by the magnets the pawls
do not come in contact with the teeth of the ratchet wheels. Imme-
diately however that one of the magnets attracts its armature, the
corresponding pawl commences to turn its ratchet wheel, and so drives a
single toothed pinion and rotates slowly one way or the other an arc,
with which the rudder is coupled.
A reversal. of the electric current throws one pawl, rod, and ratchet
wheel out of action, whilst it brings the other corresponding parts into
action, and consequently.the-rudder is moved in the opposite direction.
.
Another of the wires of the cable controls the starting and stopping
of the engine. It acts upon an electro-magnet, and so moves an
armature. The armature has a stop in connection with it, which arrests
the rotation of a spring barrel, except when the magnet is caused
momentarily to repel the armature. The barrel then starts into motion,
but is stopped again when it has made half a revolution.
In connection with the barrel is a cone disc, which moves the rod of
the stop valve, each current transmitted through the wire reversing the
position of the valve.
. The torpedo is prevented from rotating as it passes through the water
by the arrangement of the weights within it, and it may be maintained
in an horizontal position, or nearly so, by means of horizontal rudders or

page_text: "fins," which are controlled by suspended weights. I employ three
such "fins," one at the stern and two at the sides. I also employ fins
to keep the torpedo at a uniform depth. They are controlled by con-
necting them with a diaphragm, which on one side is subjected to the
pressure of the water, and on the other side is supported by a spring.
When the pressure of the water upon the apparatus is in excess of a
certain amount it deflects the disc, compressing the spring. By this
movement the fins are inclined upwards, and then the torpedo rises.
Similarly, when the pressure falls below a certain amount, the fins are
inclined downwards, and the torpedo descends; so the torpedo is kept
swimming at or about the distance below the surface to which the
apparatus has previously been adjusted.
To make the torpedo rise or plunge at the will of the operator I employ
the following arrangement:-Near the stern and how there are two
compartments, into which the water enters. In each there is an air-
tight bag, which may be expanded or collapsed by a screw or lever
under the control of the operator. The operator transmits a current
through one of the wires of the cable, and so acts upon apparatus similar
to that already described for steering the torpedo.
In order to compensate for the lessening weight of the torpedo as it
passes over its course, water is admitted by taps, which are controlled
by a piston and spring, or by equivalent means, so that if the torpedo
tends to sink too deep the taps are closed to be opened again as the
torpedo rises.
-
The torpedo carries on its back a number of charges, each in a
separate case, and these can be detached at the will of the operator.
Each charge case or shell as soon as it is set free floats to the surface
of the water, but still is connected with the torpedo by an insulated
wire, and an electric shock can at the will of the operator be transmitted
through this wire for the purpose of exploding the charge. The charge
case or shell is also furnished with a percussion fuse, which is unlocked
and prepared for action at the time that the charge case or shell is
detached from the torpedo.
The method of liberating the charge cases or shells each when it is
required is as follows:-The charge cases or shells have studs upon them,
which are received into a frame working in between guides on the back
of the torpedo, and a compressed spring tends to move the frame along

page_text: between the guides, but a pawl entering between ratchet teeth prevents
the spring acting prematurely. When a charge case or shell is to be
liberated the operator sends an electric current through one of the wires
of the cable, and thus excites an electro-magnet, and causes it to lift the
pawl. The frame with the whole series of charge cases or shells then
moves on a short distance in the guides, and so the studs on the first of
the series are brought opposite notches in the guides, which allow them
to escape. A coiled spring is employed to start the charge case or shell
upwards, and ensure its escape. The same motion of the shell frame
* resulting from the momentary lifting of the pawl brings the insulated
wire, which is still attached to the now floating charge case or shell, into
connection with one of the cable wires, through which at the proper
moment the firing shock is transmitted.
After one charge has been fired, by again lifting the pawl a second
charge case or shell can be liberated, and the same motion which causes
this to be done cuts off the now useless connecting wire of the first
charge case. In this way charge after charge is expended.
In some cases I arrange a small furnace within the compressed air
reservoir of the torpedo, and ignite the fuel at the time that the torpedo
is started on its course.
The combustion of the fuel by heating the air tends to maintain the
pressure, which otherwise is constantly decreased by the expenditure in
driving the engine.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters-Patent,
filed by the said George Tomlinson Bousfield in the Great Seal 25
Patent Office on the 1st November 1873.
ر
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, GEORGE
TOMLINSON BOUSFIELD, of Sutton, in the County of Surrey, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her 30
Letters Patent, bearing date the Second day of May, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three, in the thirty-
sixth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,

page_text: give and grant unto me, the said George Tomlinson Bousfield, Her
special license that I, the said George Tomlinson, Bousfield, my exe-
cutors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said George
Tomlinson Bousfield, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all
times thereafter, during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully
might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TORPEDOES," a communication to me from
abroad by Colonel Von Scheliha, of St. Petersburg, Russia, upon the
condition (amongst others) that I, the said George Tomlinson Bousfield,
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 nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great
Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said George Tomlinson Bousfield, 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 thereof, that is to say :—
This Invention has for its object improvements in torpedoes. For
this purpose I so construct torpedoes as to render them locomotive, and
also so that they can be directed from a distance by means of electric
currents transmitted through an electric cable, which is paid out by the
torpedo as it advances.
The motor is air compressed to many (say 30) atmospheres in an air
reservoir forming part of the torpedo. The compressed air, after passing
a pressure regulator, which reduces the pressure to about 60 lbs. to the
square inch works an engine which consists of three brass cylinders
placed at a distance of 120° from centre to centre. The engine acts
directly upon the shaft of a screw. Within the torpedo is a reel, on
which the electric cable is wound, and this cable is drawn from the recl
as the torpedo advances. The wires in the cable are connected with
springs on the end of the axis of the reel, which as the reel revolves
traverse around insulated metal rings, so that the rotation of the reel
does not interfere with the transmission of currents through the cable.

page_text: "
For steering the torpedo electric currents are transmitted through one
of the wires of the cable; they excite two electro-magnets within the
torpedo, and cause them, the one to attract and the other to repel its
permanently magnetic armature. Levers in connection with the arma-
tures control two rods with pawls, upon them to act upon two ratchet
wheels. These rods receive from the engine a to-and-fro movement. So
long as no current passes, and the armatures are attracted by the
magnets, the pawls do not come in contact with the teeth of the ratchet
wheels. Immediately however that one of the magnets repels its arma-
ture the corresponding pawl commences to turn its ratchet wheel, and so
drives a single toothed pinion, and rotates slowly one way or the other
an arc with which the rudder is coupled.
A reversal of the electric current throws one pawl, rod, and ratchet
wheel out of action, whilst it brings the other corresponding parts into
action, and consequently the rudder is moved in the opposite direction.
Another of the wires of the cable controls the starting and stopping
of the engine; it acts upon an electro-magnet, and so moves an armature.
The armature has a stop in connection with it, which arrests the rotation
of a spring barrel, except when the magnet is caused momentarily to
repel the armature. The barrel then starts into motion, but is stopped
again when it has made half a revolution.
In connection with the barrel is a cam disc, which moves the rod of
the stop valve, each current transmitted through the wire reversing the
position of the valve.
The torpedo is prevented from rotating as it passes through the water,
by the arrangement of the weights within it. I employ fins to keep tho
torpedo at a uniform depth; they are controlled by connecting them
with a diaphragm, which on one side is subjected to the pressure of the
water, and on the other side is supported by a spring. When the
pressure of the water upon the apparatus is in excess of a certain amount
it deflects the disc, compressing the spring. By this movement the fins
are inclined upwards, and then the torpedo rises. Similarly when the
pressure falls below a certain amount the fins are inclined downwards,
and the torpedo descends, so the torpedo is kept swimming at or about
the distance below the surface to which the apparatus has previously been
adjusted.
To make the torpedo rise or plunge at the will of the operator I
employ the following arrangement:--Near the stern and bow there are

page_text: two compartments into which the water enters. In each there is an air-
tight bag, which may be expanded or collapsed by a screw or lever under
the control of the operator. The operator transmits a current through
one of the wires of the cable, and so acts upon apparatus similar to that.
already described for steering the torpedo.
In order to compensate for the lessening weight of the torpedo as it
passes over its course water is admitted by taps, which are controlled by
a piston and spring, or by equivalent means, so that if the torpedo tends
to sink too deep the taps are closed, to be opened again as the torpedo
rises.
The torpedo carries on its back a number of charges, cach in a separate
case, and these can be detached at the will of the operator. Each charge
case or shell as soon as it is set free floats to the surface of the water,
but still is connected with the torpedo by an insulated wire, and an
electric shock can at the will of the operator be transmitted through this
wire for the purpose of exploding the charge. The charge case or shell'
is also furnished with a percussion fuse, which is unlocked and prepared
for action at the time that the charge case or shell is detached from the
torpedo.
The method of liberating the charge cases or shells each when it is
required is as follows:-The charge cases or shells have studs upon
them, which are received into a frame working in between guides on the
back of the torpedo, and a compressed spring tends to move the frame
along between the guides, but a pawl entering between ratchet teeth
prevents the spring acting prematurely. When a charge case or shell is
to be liberated the operator sends an electric current through one of the
wires of the cable, and thus excites an electro-magnet, and causes it to
lift the pawl. The frame with the whole series of charge cases or shells
then moves on a short distance in the guides, and so the studs on the
first of the series' are brought opposite notches in the guides, which
allow them to escape. A coiled spring is employed to start the charge
case or shell upwards, and ensure its escape. The same motion of the
shell frame resulting from the momentary lifting of the pawl brings the
insulated wire which is still attached to the now floating charge case or
shell into connection with one of the cable wires, through which at
the proper moment the firing shock is transmitted.
After one charge has been fired by again lifting the pawl a second
charge case or shell can be liberated, and the same motion which causes"

page_text: consequently to the rudder by means of the rudder chain (2, 2). The
shape of the tooth (9) and of the teeth of the sector (u, u,) dispenses
with every further arrangement for holding the rudder in any desired
position after the electric current has been interrupted, and the ratchet
wheel has been made to cease revolving.
The number of revolutions of ratchet wheel per minute when con-
stantly in motion will be about five. One insulated wire suffices for
transmitting a current to either magnet. Figures 3 shew, full size, a
front and side view of one of the magnets (m, m.)
The arrangements for starting and stopping the engine are shewn at
Figures 4 in plan and section, one-half of full size. (a, a,) is a wheel
turning by means of the spiral spring (b, b,) in the direction of the
arrow; (c, c,) is a stud. pressing against the detent fastened to the
armature (p, p,) of the magnet (m, m); (f) is the axle of the
wheel.(a, a); (8,8,) is a disc revolving with the axle (f.f.) and passing
through the head of the valve rod (h, h); (o) is a receptacle for a
lubricator. The magnet (m) attracts and holds its armature, whereby
the wheel (a) is prevented from turning, but when a momentary current
excites the magnet (m) it repels its armature, and the stud (c) slips by
the detent, which will however again stop the wheel after it has made
half a revolution. The disc (8, 8,) is fastened to the axle (f) at an anglo
corresponding to the distance the valve has to be moved, in order to
allow the compressed air freely to pass from its reservoir to the engine.
Thus with every half revolution of the wheel (a, a,) the valve is either
fully opened or tightly shut. It is held in the desired position so long
as the magnet (m) is not made again to repel its armature.
The arrangements for establishing connection between the batteries on
shore or on the vessel manoeuvring the torpedo, and the magnets serving
for throwing the several apparatus into or out of gear are as follows :-
Figures 5 'shew a plan and section full size of one of the caps or journals
in which the axle of the cable reel revolves. The cable, consisting of
five thin insulated wires, is carried on a reel in the torpedo, and is paid
out as the craft advances. The wires at one end are by springs kept in
continuous contact with an insulated copper disc, and rings placed in the
caps in which the axle of the cable reel revolves, at the other end they
are connected with the poles of their corresponding battery at the
station.
i

page_text: Connection between the copper disc and rings in the caps of the cable
reel and the several magnets is established by means of short wires, as
shewn in Figure 6, but very weak currents are needed for exciting the
magnets.
..
The arrangements for sustaining the torpedo in a uniform level at a
predetermined depth below the surface are as follows:-In Figures 7
(a, a,) is an elastic diaphragm acted upon by the spiral spring (b, b,) on
one side and by the water from below; (c, c,) is a rod pressed by the
spring (b, b,) on the diaphragm (a, a,); (d, d,) are arms connecting the
diaphragm with the horizontal side rudders (e, e,) and sliding up or
down with any increasing or decreasing pressure of the water. The
spiral spring is set by means of a screw so as to render its pressure on.
the diaphragm. equal to the pressure which the water will exert on the
same at any depth in which the boat is intended to float. As long as
the pressure of the spring balances that of the water the diaphragm and i
the side rudders connected with it will remain in a horizontal plane. So
soon however as the boat changes its level the pressure of the water will
either overcome that of the spring or will be overcome by it, and the
diaphragm will either curve upwards or downwards carrying with it
the arms (d, d,) and the horizontal rudders will be caused to turn
accordingly.
"
::
The arrangements for making the boat rise or plunge at the will of the
operator are shewn at Figures 8 and 10. Near the stern and bow of the
torpedo there are two compartments into which the water enters, into
the one at the stern from below, into the other from above. In each 2
compartment there is a water-tight bag (a, a,) which may be expanded
or collapsed, whereby the water is either pressed out of the compartment
or is allowed to enter into it. The bag (a, a,) in the compartment near
the stern is expanded or collapsed by means of a screw (b, b,) which
receives movement from the ratchet wheels (c, c,). The latter are made a
to revolve to the right or left by the pawls (d, d,) moving with the
rods (e, e,) which by means of the cog wheels (f.f.) receive a to-and-fro
movement from the propeller shaft (i). The pawls (d, d,) are thrown in
or. out of contact with the teeth of the ratchel wheels (e, e,) in a way
perfectly analogous to the one applied for throwing the steering 3
apparatus in and out of gear. The bag in the compartment near the
bow is expanded or collapsed by means of a rod connected by a lever
with the head of the screw (6), as indicated in Figure 10.

page_text: The arrangements for successively rising several charges are as.
follows:-Eight or more torpedoes are carried on the back of the torpedo,
as is shewn in Figure 10. Figure 9 shews the arrangement to a larger
scale. The charges are held in position by the sockets (b, b,) and by the
frame (c, c,) which passes over the trunnions (p, p,) of the charge cases.
A strong spring (d) has a tendency to push the frame forwards, but the
frame cannot move as long as the detent (h) remains in one of the
notches of the bar (f). When a momentary current is sent to the
magnet (m), its armature (%) is attracted, the lever (i) is raised, the
detent (/) is lifted out of the notch of the bar (ƒ), and the frame is
pushed forward by the spring (d), but stopped after having moved the
distance of one notch in consequence of a small spring pressing the
deţent into the notch next to the one out of which it has just been lifted.
by the lever (i). On the top of the frame (c, c,) there are openings (1, 1,).
wide enough for the trunnions (p, p,) to pass through. They are placed
at such distances from the trunnions of the several charge cases that for
each successive charge case the distance increases by the length of one
notch of bar (f). Thus the distance of the first opening from the
trunnions of the first charge case is one notch, that of the second opening
from the trunnions of the second charge case two notches, &c. So soon
as the opening (?) stands over the trunnion (p). the charge case is
ejected from its socket (6) by the spring (8), and being by an air
chamber, rendered lighter than the volume of water it displaces the
charge case will ascend towards the surface.
In ascending each charge case, which has now become itself a torpedo,
carrics with it in insulated wire (T, T,) which is 30 feet or more long,
and is, according to the number of the torpedo connected with one of
the insulated contacts (R 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, &c.). These contacts also
are placed the distance of one notch of the bar (f) from each other.
Another insulated wire (T¹) connects the apparatus for ignition. (A
Brèguet instrument or an induction coil carried on the boat) with tho
spring (2), so long as the frame (c, c,) has not been moved, and no
charge has been sct free. The spring (u) presses against a button also
placed at the distance of one notch from the first contact, without
establishing connection between the charges and the apparatus for
ignition; but so soon as the frame (c) is for the first time moved, the
button passes the spring (u) and presses now against the contact (R¹),
and thus connection between the charge No. 1. and the battery at the

page_text: station is established from the charge to the contact (R¹) by means of
the spring (u) and the wire (T¹) to the apparatus for ignition, thence to
the cap in which the axle of the cable reel revolves, and so by one of the
cable wires to the battery at the station.
In an analogous way connection between the remaining charges and 5
the operator is successively established. To the frame (c, c), is attached
a wire cutter which pinches off the cable (T) of an exploded charge,
and thus prevents it from becoming twisted around the propeller or its
shaft.
The number of charges carried by any one torpedo may be considerably 1
increased by attaching tubes to each side of the torpedo into which
charges are placed, and from which they are ejected in a manner similar
to the one just described.
As the charges are to explode in almost immediate contact with the
bottoms of attacked vessels the charges need not be uncommonly heavy, 1
and 50lbs. of dynamite, or if the weather is cold its equivalent of com-
pressed gun cotton would appear sufficient for tearing open the bottom
of any vessel in immediate contact.
In order to ensure a further chance of firing the charge in as close
proximity as possible to the vessel the charge cases are provided with 20
contact fuzes, the safety key or cap of which is withdrawn whilst the
torpedo is ascending towards the surface.
Having thus described the nature of the said Invention, and the
manner of performing the same, I would have it understood that I
claim,―
1st. The construction of torpedoes, substantially as described.
2nd. The steering apparatus, substantially as described.
3rd. The starting and stopping apparatus, substantially as described.
26
4th. The means for maintaining electric connection between the
torpedo and the ship or shore from which it is controlled, substantially 30
as described.
5 The means for automatically sustaining the

page_text: 6th. The means for causing the torpedo to rise or plunge at the will
of the operator, substantially as described.
7th. The means for freeing and firing successive charges, substantially
as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Tomlinson Bousfield, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, this Thirty-first day of October,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
three