Accident to the Rudder, and for Stopping the Way of Vessels through the Water.
Year: 1885

page_text: Accident to the Rudder, and for Stopping the Way of Vessels
through the Water.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, Fel. Inst. P.A. of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, and
323 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer do hereby
declare the nature of the said invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR
STEERING VESSELS IN CASE OF ACCIDENT TO THE RUDDER, AND FOR STOPPING THE
WAY OF VESSELS THROUGH THE WATER (a communication from abroad by
Don Francisco de Sales Alvarez de la Reguera y Muñiz of Luarca in the Province
of Asturias, Landed Proprietor) to be as follows:―
دو
The object of the present application for Letters Patent consists of a new or
improved jury-rudder or floating anchor adapted for use in steering vessels whose
ordinary steering gear has become unserviceable.
It consists essentially of a floating construction of planks preferably of pine or
other buoyant wood, of rectangular shape, and of a size proportionate to the beain
of the vessel for which it is designed; a suitable dimension is about one third of
the beam of the vessel in width and one sixth in depth.
The construction is suitably strengthened with ribs and cross pieces, and
provided with pulleys and ring bolts for the guide lines as hereinafter described.
To the lower edge of the said wooden partition an iron frame hinges, of approxi-
mately the same length as the wooden construction at the side which adjoins the
same, and tapering somewhat in front. Its width is about a sixth of that of the
wooden construction, and when the apparatus is in the water, the weight of
the iron frame tends to maintain the apparatus in a vertical position.
In the centre of the iron frame is fixed a transverse rib, and to each end valves
or doors also of iron are attached by hinges. These valves are so regulated by
straps or chains that they cannot open wider than 15 degrees and when closed the
valves being shorter than the distance from the central rib to the side of the frame,
leave a space open on each side of the central rib.

page_text: The object of the valves is to assist in keeping the rudder submerged and
maintain it at an approximately uniform level.
The apparatus has in addition two sets of pulleys, through which pass lines to
which the draw-lines attached to the ship are fastened and by means of which the
inclination of the iron frame and consequently of its valves is adjusted and the
working of the apparatus regulated.
Over a pulley at each side of the apparatus fixed near the top of the wooden
partition at a suitable distance from the end and rotating vertically when the
apparatus is in position, passes a draw line or chain attached to the iron frame
above described. By means of these draw lines or chains the inclination of the
iron frame relatively to the wooden partition can be adjusted, and it normally
floats at right angles to the same.
The other ends of the drawlines passing through horizontal pulleys pass through
a block at the centre of the apparatus and are secured to a check-line which passes
to a block at the stern of the ship.
The drawlines are reeved through blocks at the stern of the ship, the one on the
starboard, and the other on the port side of the rudder and connected with the
steering gear of the vessel.
To the steering post of the vessel is attached a transverse bar approximately
equal in length to a third of the beam of the vessel.
To this bar is attached a rod or chain on which runs the block of the check-line.
In vessels having a square stern the transverse bar may be dispensed with if
desired and the rod or chain attached directly to convenient points of the stern.
By means of the check-line the action. of the rudder may be regulated, increasing or
diminishing its effectiveness as required. It should be shorter than the draw-lines
by about the width of the apparatus causing the apparatus in consequence to place
itself upright in the water at the requisite angle to the line of the keel.
The length of the drawlines must be proportionate to the height of the poop
above the water line: they should be at least 3 times as long as this distance.
It is to be noted that the apparatus is submerged in proportion to the length of
the drawlines; moreover the valves influence the submerging of the apparatus
according to the greater or less angle they can form with their frame.
When the apparatus is used as a floating anchor for small vessels, the valves
may be suppressed and the iron frame constructed solid; the pulleys may also be
replaced by ringbolts and the drawlines rearranged.
BOOK

page_text: Improvements in Apparatus for Steering Vessels in Case of
С
Accident to the Rudder, and for Stopping the Way of Vessels.
through the Water.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, Fel. Inst. P.A. of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street, Liverpool in the County of Lancaster, and
323 High Holborn in the County of Middlesex Civil Engineer do hereby declare
the nature of this invention (a communication from abroad by Don Francisco
de Sales Alvarez de la Reguera y Muñiz, of Luarca in the province of Asturias,
Landed Proprietor) 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 the present application for Letters Patent, consists of a new or
improved jury-rudder or floating anchor, adapted for use in steering vessels, whose
ordinary steering gear has become unserviceable.
:
It is best illustrated by describing the experimental apparatus as worked by
Don Francisco de Sales Alvarez de la Reguera y Muniz of Luarca in the Province
of Asturias the Liverpool agent for this invention.
This experimental apparatus is rectangular in shape, and is constructed of boards
secured together perpendicularly by bolts for greater strength.
Its length is the third part of the beam of the vessel, and its depth the sixth part
of the same: it has a 'thickness in the middle of inch per foot of length of jury-
rudder, tapered down to inch per foot of length of jury rudder at edges. The
perpendicular planks forming the rudder are somewhat less thick than the
horizontal ones in the middle-these are they which should be thinned, off
towards the edges: the wood may be pine or other very buoyant and tough
material.
The wing (or horizontal part) is formed of a frame of wrought iron, its length at
the side of the hinges 97 per cent of length of wooden part of rudder, the front
side 80 per cent of length of said wooden part, and the width 15 per cent of same.
Referring to the drawings in which
Figure 1 is a plan of apparatus.
Figure 2 front view of same.
Figure 3 side elevation wing onen

page_text: form an angle with the frame of 15 degrees at most.
The object of these valves is
to keep the rudder immersed, and with its longitudinal axis at practically a uniform
level the valves leave uncovered a part of the spaces indicated by the letters n, o,
m, K (one at each side of the central rib) whose width n, K. is about 10 per cent in
proportion to the size of the apparatus aforesaid: the iron frame is secured to the
lower edge of the principal part by means of hinges (as many as may be necessary):
the rings of the hinges are not countersunk in the apparatus, but those secured to
the frame should be close fixed to it.
Explanation. Figure 1 shews the apparatus in plan, with the frame A, E, F, B,
let down the numbers 1 and 4 mark the sideways pulleys, and 2 and 3 the
edgeways ones: there are also shown the lines indicated by the numbers 7-1, 13-4,
10-1, 10-4 and by the letters and numbers 1, 2, u and 4, 3, u: these last alone
permit the wing to place itself perpendicularly to the plane of the main frame, held
firmly by a main link or chain in the pulleys numbered 2 and 3: the letters K, m,
J, 1, indicate the valves: K, m, their hinges n, o, n, o, indicates the central rib,
and K, m, o, n, the spaces which remain uncovered at the sides of the central rib:
at the ends of the frame are fixed two ring bolts E, F, designed to serve as guides
for the lines which pass through the same, and descend to be secured to ring bolts
at the lower edge of the apparatus: the letters X and X indicate the end ribs of
the wing.
.
Figure 2, A, B, C, D, shews a front view of the apparatus with the wing and the
open valves in profile: the letters m, J, and m J indicate the valves fixed by the
hinges, indicated by letters m, m, and by the straps Z and Z.
Figure 3 shews the apparatus seen sideways in profile, with the wing down and
its valve held by the strap indicated by letter Z; 2 and 5 indicate the pulleys over
which passes the line 8, 5 and w: letter P indicates the ring bolt of the lower edge
of the apparatus; G the hinge: n the support for the wing when raised and T the
bolts of the pulleys and hinges.
Numbers 1 and 4 indicate the sideways pulleys, and 2, 3, 5 and 6 the edgeways
ones the lines indicated by the numbers and letters 7 P and 13 Q have a length
equal to that of the apparatus and a tenth more, and passing through the ring
bolts E and F of the wing, are secured to those of the lower edge of the apparatus
as aforesaid these ring bolts are fixed one tenth part from their respective sides.
The lines indicated by the numbers 7, 9 and 13, 11, which pass; through the
pulleys 1 and 4, have the same length as the first ones. These pulleys are fixed by
their bolts, also one tenth part from their respective sides, and one twentieth part
from the upper edge, all relatively to the size of the apparatus: those marked 2
and 3 are fixed a third part from their respective sides, and in a straight line with
the first ones (but it might be preferable to fix these pulleys at one fourth part of
the distance from each side respectively, to secure the full effect of the checkline in
drawing up the wing): those marked 5 and 6 are also fixed at the third parts
respectively, and close to the wing when drawn up the lines numbered 8, 9
and 12, 11, are adjusted in length to the distance between the pulleys. Those
indicated by numbers and letters 8, 5, W and 12, 6, W should be about as long as
the width of the apparatus, because they have to be adjusted, when the wing of the
apparatus is perpendicular to the plane of the main part, and secured respectively
to the points u and u thereof, and in the pulleys 2 and 3 by a link or chain at the
upper side of the same, whence they pass to rejoin the first ones 8, 9 and 12, 11;
those indicated by the numbers 9, 10 and 11, 10 have a length equal to the breadth of
the apparatus. The letters G, R, G (Figure 1) indicate the hinges on which the wing
turns. P and Q are the ring bolts of the lower edge of the apparatus aforesaid.
To the ends of the lines numbers 7 and 13, are affixed the drawlines, and at 10
the check-line. The weight of the chains for the pulley lines, draw-lines, and
check-lines should be proportioned to the size of the apparatus: the relative sizes
in the experimental apparatus, are the pulley chains 6 millimetres diameter of
iron, 23 millimetres diameter of the link, also for the draw-lines and check-line
8 millimetre and link 26 millimetrè.

page_text: The length of the drawlines and check line will be fixed when Figure 6 is
described.
Figure 4 is the apparatus in the same position as Figure 2, with the differences,
that the wing is shewn raised, and the pulleys although at the same places, take
a different inclination, the letters J, 1, K, and m indicate the valves closed against
the wing, their hinges and ring-bolts as hereinbefore described.
Figure 5 shews the rudder in the same position as Figure 3, except that the
wing is drawn up and rests against its support n.
Figure 6 shews the apparatus in its horizontal and vertical position, close to the
surface of the water, acting to port, attached to the stem of the vessel and
consequently turning its head to starboard.
:
Numbers 7, 14, 18, and 20: 13, 16, 17, and 20 indicate the drawlines which are
attached to the poop to starboard and port respectively, passing through pulleys to
the steering wheel. Numbers 10 and 15 indicate the check-line, secured to a block
running on a bar or chain fixed to each end of the bar m, m, which is placed.
across the stern, and fastened at its middle and both ends thereto; this bar should
be about one third of the vessel's beam in length. It is indispensable for vessels
having a curved or elliptical stern, but such as have a broad and flat stern may
have the rod or chain simply attached to each side thereof.
The length for the draw lines from the points 7 and 13 of the pulley chains to
the blocks at the poop through which they pass, must be proportioned to the
height of the vessel above the water line, and they should have at least three times.
the length of the said distance: it should be remarked, that the apparatus is sub-
merged in proportion to the length of these lines: also the valves cause the
apparatus to sink according to the greater or lesser angle which the check permits
them to make with the frame or the wing; thus with that of 15 degrees they will
be covered with 15 centimetres of water. The check line is of great use in
operating the new rudder, because it enables its effect to be increased or diminished
at will, for this its length should be shorter than that of the drawlines, by as much
or rather more than the width of the apparatus; arranged in this manner, the
checkline causes the apparatus to place itself upright in the water at an angle to
the line of the keel, and vertical and horizontal to the course, and it remains to
starboard or to port as shewn in the drawing.
.
Fig. 7-Plan view shewing positions of rudder when directly astern and when
acting to port.
METHOD OF USING THE APPARATUS.
When from the ship's rudder having given way, or for any other reason, it is
desired to made use of the jury-rudder, certain precautions must be observed in
launching and working it. It is especially desirable for the purpose of lowering
the apparatus into the water, that the vessel be as little under weigh as possible;
because it is necessary when performing this operation to ascertain that the draw-
lines and check-line are suitably secured in length, one drawline passing from the
poop on the starboard side, the other on the port side, and the check-line to the
centre block as aforesaid. The draw-lines pass to the drum of the steering wheel
through suitable pulleys-The steering might also be effected by means of two
apparatuses on the drawlines, behind the poop, with a line or pulley common to
both, stretching one to starboard and the other to port, and when the one pays out
backwards the other advances forwards, the vessel following its rudder by that
movement alone. It must be borne in mind that the said movement effects very
rapid changes, so that by drawing in and paying out the drawlines, up to a
maximum angle of 60 degrees with the line of the keel (more or less in proportion
to the speed of the vessel).
Before making use of the drawlines, and check-line, the relative dimensions
should be measured and proportioned as already explained.
For vessels exposed to accidents on the coast, or having to pass dangerous reefs,
small ones can make use of this apparatus also as a floating anchor, whereby it at
;

page_text: the same time holds them back and steers them. The same is applicable also to
larger vessels, but the wing should be made in one piece and of iron of equal
length, but with the width of one fourth part of that of the apparatus.
The pulleys may be suppressed, and be replaced by ring bolts also the pulley
chains may be replaced by cords made in such a manner that they will run freely.
When the apparatus is required to be put in use, it is lowered into the water and
the drawlines passing from its ends to starboard and to port of the stern post are
joined together at their ends in such manner that the middle point corresponds to
the direction required, whether same be opposite the stern post or to one side,
the drawlines thus joined being capable of being drawn in at one side and paid out
at the other simultaneously: the check line passes to the vicinity of the stern
post, and is used to alter the set of the apparatus in the water, and to draw up or
let down the wing according as more or less power is required: the hinges
whereby the wing is attached to the lower edge of the main body, are of the form
described, and their action similar.
The greatest drawback which the most illustrious council presided over by
Mr Manjon observed, was the excessive resistance which the apparatus offered
when it lay directly astern: but with the subsequent improvements in the wing
and in the method of actuating it, for its effective and easy manipulation, the draw-
back complained of has been obviated: that is by means of the check-line and the
valves, because the check-line causes the apparatus to lie at an angle to the surface
of the water, across the line of the keel to which it lies perpendicular resp. horizontal
in proportion as it passes to starboard or to port.
The wing with its valves causes the apparatus to submerge itself according to
the angle which these valves form with the frame of the wing, and when the
apparatus lies directly astern, it requires; but little power to drag it, on account of
the ease with which the water can pass through the valve of the apparatus-the
main expanse of rudder when the drawlines are both slackened dragging along the
surface submerged only at a small angle with the horizon.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is:
1. A jury-rudder or floating anchor, having a main body of wood or other
buoyant material, and a heavy valvular frame below with draw chains on lines so
arranged that the main body of the rudder or drag can be made to take almost
any angle with the horizon or with the centre line of the ship when in action.
2. The iron frame hinged to the wooden floating anchor or rudder, and fitted
with valves, substantially as described.
3. The general arrangement of chains or lines, and of their attachment to the
rudder, substantially as described and shown.
Dated thin th
7000

page_text: No text detected.