IMPROVEMENTS IN TORPEDO BOATS, SHIPS, AND OTHER MARINE STRUCTURES FOR OBTAINING INTERIOR AND TUBULAR PROPULSION
Year: 1885

page_text: I, WILLIAM WELCH of 13 Kings Terrace Portsmouth in the County of Hampshire
(Civil Engineer) do hereby declare the nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS
IN TORPEDO BOATS, SHIPS, AND OTHER MARINE STRUCTURES FOR OBTAINING
INTERIOR AND TUBULAR PROPULSION and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
The object of my invention is to place within the Hull of the Boat-Ship or
other structures (instead of the outside as now used) enclosed propellers either
of "Screw" or "Water Wheel" form within tubular enclosures-or water channel
ways whereby they may be under easy access in fitting-inspection-and
control-and attain a more efficient power of propulsion-with propellers of
considerable less diameter than those at present used and preventing the vibra-
tory action consequent on open propulsion and causing a more easy motion to the
boat ship or structure, when being propelled and also providing enclosed channel
ways for delivering Torpedoes-and projectiles.
In order that my invention may be fully and practically comprehended viz:-
Within the Hull of the Boat-Ship or other marine structure-on each side or
through the centre or keel line-at any distance below the water line-I introduce
tubular enclosures, or channel water ways-of any sectional area-throughout the
length of the structure or any sectional part thereof-the ends of the tubular
enclosures or water ways-are open to the water outside the Hull-allowing a
free flow or current to pass throughout.
From these main channel ways-cross sectional or diagonal branch tubes are
connected therewith at any angle of degrees communicating through the sides-
or other parts of the Hull--to the water without-Stop valves-are fitted at the
ends of the channel ways for excluding the water and closing them when desired
and also to assist in steering and manoeuvering the structure.
Within the tubular enclosures or channel ways," Screw" or "Water Wheel "
propellers-are fitted and worked-either by steam, manual-or other power
whereby the structure is propelled and governed in a direct line-or at any
angle of degrees desired.
In portions of the tubes or channel ways the top-or upper side is made to
open and a water-tight caseing is formed-fitting within the tube and carried

page_text: up to any required height, the propellers or projectiles are placed and secured
therein and the driving gear-and connecting fittings, attached thereto,-in any
ordinary manner.
The propellers working within the channel ways, are made to act upon the
current in a centripetal form, and are used of any length, in single, double,-or
triple action, whereby the whole of the driving power is duly and efficiently
utilized.
Any amount can be used and a proportional speed attained.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1st The fitting, and equipment, of Torpedo Boats-Ships-and other structures,
with tubular enclosures, or channel water ways,--within the interior of the Hulls,-
the same being open to the full force-ingress and egress, of the outside current.
2nd Securing and working within the tubular enclosures, or channel ways,-
Screw," or "Water Wheel," propellers, for propelling-steering-governing and
manoevering Boats-Ships, and other structures.
3rd The introduction of open tubular channel ways, within the "Hulls," for
discharging projectiles-and containing water, as ballast,-acting as a self righting
medium, in maintaining the stability, of the Boat,-Ship,-or Structure.
Dated this 8th day of May 1885.