IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HULLS OF STEAM AND OTHER VESSELS, AND IN THE FEED WATER HEATERS, BOILERS, WATER GAUGES, CONDENSERS, ENGINES, AND PROPELLING MACHINERY APPERTAINING TO THE FORMER, A PORTION OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THOSE ON THE HULL) ARE APPLICABLE TO ANALOGOUS USEFUL PURPOSES
Year: 1859

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Montgomery, of the City of New York, in
the United States of America, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HULLS OF STEAM AND OTHER VESSELS, AND IN THE
FEED WATER HEATERS, BOILERS, WATER GAUGES, CONDENSERS, ENGINES, AND
PROPELLING MACHINERY APPERTAINING TO THE FORMER, A PORTION OF WHICH
IMPROVEMENTS (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THOSE ON THE HULL) ARE APPLICABLE
TO ANALOGOUS USEFUL PURPOSES."
Sealed the 12th May 1859, and dated the 17th January 1859.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Montgomery at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 17th January 1859.
I, JAMES MONTGOMERY, of the City of New York, in the United States
of America, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HULLS OF STEAM AND OTHER'
VESSELS. AND IN THE FEED WATER HEATERS, BOILERS. WATER GAUGES. CONDEN.
THE FORMER, A
SERS, ENGINES, AND PROPELLING MACHINERY APPERTAINING
PORTION OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THOSE ON THE HULL)*
ARE APPLICABLE TO ANALOGOUS USEFUL PURPOSES," to be as follows:-
ΤΟ
I propose to construct the main body of the hull of a steam or other
vessel with fore and aft cellular bulkheads, secured substantially at each
end, and extending vertically from the ship's bottom to her deck, which
are also made cellular. The ship's bottom presents in its transverse
section a curved concavity, increasing regularly in vertical depth from
57) 9/1

page_text: the stem to near the stern, at which point it curves upward, so as to
afford space to accommodate a screw propeller without the latter ex-
tending below the deepest. portion of the hull; it may, however, extend
somewhat below the deepest line, if preferred.
The subject of the second part of the Invention is an apparatus for
heating feed water, and introducing it into the boiler. The feed water
reservoir may surround the smoke stack, and should in any case be
placed at such an elevation that its bottom will be higher than the water
line in the boiler. Cold water is introduced at the top of the said
reservoir, by pumping or otherwise, and there flows upon a perforated
floor, which divides it into a fine shower. The exhaust steam from the
engine is injected into the reservoir immediately beneath the said floor,
and passes horizontally across, so as to impart heat to the descending
shower of water. At the opposite side of the reservoir the steam is
carried upward through a port in the perforated floor, and thence in
contact with the upper surface of the water above the floor to near its
place of entrance, where any steam which is not condensed is allowed
to escape; or in case of a low-pressure engine, passes into a condenser.
A steam pipe communicates from the upper part of the boiler to the
upper part of the reservoir, and a water pipe from a short distance above
the bottom of the reservoir to a point below the lowest water line in the
boiler. A stop-cock is inserted in each of the last-named pipes, and
also in the port at which the steam finally leaves the heater, and a two-
way cock in each port at which the steam and water respectively enter
the heater. Suitable levers and connecting rods may be employed to
operate the five cocks simultaneously, the action being to open both
communications with the boiler, close the final discharge steam port,
and turn the two-way cocks in such a manner that the cold feed water
and the exhaust steam from the cylinder will both discharge outside
the heater; an equilibrium of pressure being thus produced in the boiler
and heater; the heated water in the latter will quickly flow into the
boiler by its own gravity; the cocks being then restored to their former
positions, cold water again flows into the heater, and is heated to about
the boiling point. Operating the cocks simultaneously is not essential
to this Invention, but is considered preferable at least with all excepting
that which closes the final discharge port; this it may be found best
to operate separately in order that it may be kept closed until the
entrance of exhaust steam from the cylinder has destroyed the partial
vacuum caused by the condensation of the steam which remains within
the heater. Oak shavings or analogous substance may be placed in the
bottom of the heater to precipitate mineral salts held in solution by
the water.

page_text: The third part of the Invention relates to the construction and arrange-
ment of boilers and condensers. The walls between the internal flues
of the boiler and the passages through which the water circulates are
composed of corrugated metallic plates, connected at their straight edges
by rivetting or otherwise, and at their irregular or serpentine edges
confined by malleable or other metal plates cast upon them, and con-
nected by flanges and bolts or similar devices; such cast connections
being required to resist only a compressing force, have no liability to
fracture, and obviate the difficulty which has been experienced in con-
structing the interior flues and water-ways of steam boilers of corrugated
metal. The external walls of the boiler, where the force to be resisted
is one of expansion, are constructed exclusively of rolled metal. The
plates are arranged with their corrugations either vertical or horizontal,
according to the arrangement of the boiler, and the purposes for which
it is intended to be used. Similar corrugated metallic plates, connected
by castings, are employed also in the construction of condensers; in this
instance, the outer shell may be of cast metal, the rolled corrugated
plates being employed only to form the walls between the steam ways
and the passages through which cold water is drawn to cause condensa-
tion; the said water is introduced into the lower part of the condenser
by pipes projecting externally through the ship's bottom near the keel,
or at the bilge, or both, and is drawn through the condensor by syphon
or other power. The tubes which inject water into the condenser are
adapted to be withdrawn within the vessel when desired, and the direc-
tion of their external presentation to be changed in case of the motion
of the vessel being reversed to any considerable extent.
In both the boiler and the condenser, the interior water or steam way,
whether constructed in tubular form or of corrugated plates as set forth;
are so arranged and inserted as to admit of their being withdrawn
bodily, and the separate ranges of tubes or passages are connected to-
gether by flanges and bolts or other suitable devices to facilitate con-
struction and repairs. It is proposed to arrange the boiler with the fur-
nace in its upper part, from whence the products of combustion will be
drawn downward between and among the passages through which the
water circulates.
The fourth part of the Invention relates to arrest foaming in steam
boilers, and gauge automatically the height of water and the amount of
mineral held in solution. A metallic or other float is pivotted slightly
below the surface of the water within the generator or within a chamber
connecting therewith. The float arm and pivot are made hollow to
permit the free egress of water which inay leak within the float, to avoid
the friction incident to a common air-tight packing; the pivot is en-

page_text: veloped within the cylinder by a sleeve of vulcanized india-rubber or
other suitable material attached at one end of a fixed sheath, through
which the pivot passes, and at the other end, some distance inward to
the pivot itself. The outer end of the pivot is held longitudinally by
the point of a set screw, which prevents its being driven outward by the
pressure of steam. The steam within the chamber by compressing the
india-rubber sleeve tightly around the joint between the pivot and its
fixed sheath effectually prevents the escape of water, and the whole
arrangement is such as to offer no perceptible resistance to the vibration
of the apparatus. An exterior index arm is attached to the pivot coin-
cidently with the inner or float arm, so as (in connection with a suitable
scale) to indicate the height of the float, and a glass water guage of any
approved construction is also inserted in close proximity to the index
scale, so that the height of the water can be watched by observation of
the water itself;. by this means with the assistance of a hydrometer
scale attached to the index arm, the amount of mineral held in solution
is accurately indicated by the elevation of the index arm above the
actual height of the water. It is preferred to place the guage float
within a chamber communicating with the boiler by two tubes, the
upper one opening at the top of the boiler, and the lower as near as
practicable to the bottom. By this means the water in the float chamber
is kept constantly at the average height of that in the boiler, and is
not materially affected by foaming or by the motion of the vessel;. I
propose also to insert in the front of the boiler a series of windows,
arranged vertically, one above the other, by means of which the interior
of the boiler will be exposed to view.
The fifth part of the Invention refers to an apparatus for applying
a high degree of heat to steam after it leaves the boiler, so as to con-
vert into dry steam all aqueous particles which may be held in suspension.
The apparatus consists of a series of tubes in form of a half inverted U.
The furnace is placed within the space formed between the arms of the
said tubes, and the products of combustion are carried upward among
the upper arms, thence back and downward in contact with the curved
portion, and thence forward beneath and in contact with the lower
arms, whence they may pass into the main furnace so as to utilize the
remaining heat. The degree of heat thus imparted to the steam is to
be regulated automatically by a thermal apparatus controlling the com-
bustion in the furnace.
The sixth part of the Invention consists in so connecting a high-
pressure auxiliary engine with the main engine as to more advantageously
and fully utilize the steam from the high-pressure boiler. The steam to
operate the said auxiliary engine first passes around the cylinder of the

page_text: main engine, forming a jacket, which not only prevents condensation,
but develops a positive increase of expansive force within the said
cylinder. The exhaust steam from the auxiliary engine is discharged
into the main steam chest, within which the pressure is low, instead of
being discharged into the air, and thereby wasted as is now customarily
the case.
The seventh part of the Invention has for its subject a thermal appa-
ratus consisting of metallic rods or mercury contained within an elastic
case; and employed to control valves and dampers in such a way as to
regulate, first, the degree of heat in the superheating furnace; second,
the amount of cold water admitted to the condenser; third, the action of
an auxiliary engine employed to actuate a screw fan to create draft
within the smoke stack; fourth, the draft and combustion in the main
boiler furnace by dampers, and also by a valve operating when open
to discharge steam beneath the grates; fifth, the supply of water to the
boiler at a time when the crown of the furnace would tend to become
overheated in consequence of a low stage of water.
I also propose to
control the draft in the main boiler furnace by means of an apparatus
acted on directly by the pressure of the steam, and consisting of an
elastic case firmly held at its lower end, and having attached to its upper
end a connecting rod, which operates the dampers as before stated.
The eighth part of the Invention consists in constructing steam or
other cylinders of large size in segments, produced by casting and planing,
and connected by flanges and bolts, or by bands.
"The ninth part of the Invention consists in the manner of construct-
ing hollow driving and other shafts in segments, as will be described.
The segments of which the short shafts are composed are rolled of equal
width throughout their length, but tapering in thickness, so as to pro-
duce a shaft of equal external diameter, but with a flaring bore. For
the driving shaft of a screw propeller, &c., the end containing the smaller
weight of metal is placed outward or toward the propeller; large shafts
will be formed with a swell in the centre, for which purpose the seg-
ments of which they are composed are rolled of. an increasing width
towards the longitudinal centre of the shaft, but diminishing in thick-
ness, so that there will be a smaller amount of metal in the centre than
at the ends. The swell at the centre of the shaft is further increased by
a slight interval occurring between the segments, at which point they
are firmly held in position either by metal run between and around them,
so as to form a solid core, or by a cast core introduced between them,
and metallic bands shrunk on the outside. At the ends of the shaft its
segments are in contact, and are enveloped by metal, cast either with
}
chill or otherwise, on which the journals are formed. The taper on the

page_text: segments composing these shafts may be produced by rolls, with either
spiral or excentric grooves.
The tenth part of the Invention consists in supporting a screw pro-
peller and its actuating mechanism within a vertical or oblique cylinder,
opening downward through the bottom of the ship. An air-
tight piston intervenes between the engine and the propeller,
and the whole is elevated by means of screw.
or other gear-
ing, so as to adjust the propeller to any degree of immer-
sion, or to entirely withdraw it from the water, as desired.
A flange or ledge projecting inward at the bottom of the
aforesaid cylinder affords support for a
turntable arrangement, upon
which the machinery is based, and by this means the propeller is adjusted
to any angle in a horizontal plane, so as to move the ship forward or
astern, or laterally, or to steer without the use of a rudder, in the event
of the rudder being injured or lost. The steam supply pipe is furnished
with a ball-and-socket joint, or like device, to accommodate it to the
elevation and depression of the engine, or, if preferred, the engine may
be stationary, and the pitman or connecting rod which actu-
ates the propeller may be adjustable in length by a telescopic
sliding joint, and fixed in any position by. set screws,
adapt it to the elevation to which the. propeller may be
adjusted, as well as to allow of its angular adjustment in
a horizontal plane, as aforesaid. The arrangement above described
affords facilities for the use of several independent propellers in the same
vessel, and they may be located forward, aft, amidships, or at any other
point desired.
to
The eleventh part of the Invention rotates to a hollow, screw pro-
peller, which is rendered buoyant by ejecting water therefrom by
centrifugal action. The shaft is made hollow and of such size as to
avoid the use of hub or boss. To such shaft, hollow blades are attached
by flanges, and screw bolts, so that they can be detached at will. At
the forward end of the shaft is a port, communicating with the interior
of the vessel, and guarded by a valve opening towards the interior of
the shaft, so as to prevent the flow of water from the shaft into the vessel.
Ports also communicate between the shaft and the blades, and at the
ends of the latter are valve guarded ports, which allow water to pass
out, but prevent its return. On the propeller being put in motion, any
contained water is quickly ejected therefrom by centrifugal action, the
result of which is, that it becomes buoyant instead of forming a series
burden for the vessel to sustain at its extremity.
This Invention also affords an efficient means of ejecting water from
the interior of the ship, for which purpose a vertical tube may com-,

page_text: municate from the bottom of the hold to the aperture at the end of the
shaft, against which it is compressed, so as by the grinding action caused
by the rotation of the shaft to produce a tight joint... A hollow shaft,
as constructed by me, may be adapted for the attachment of blades at
any part of its circumference, so that, if desired, the number of blades
may be varied on the same shaft. The propeller may be surrounded
with a cylindrical casing, which will afford mutual support to the blades,
preserve them from contact with passing objects, and tend to arrest
the tangential motion of the water.
The twelfth part of the Invention consists of an arrangement for
elevating a propeller at the stern, laterally, by means of hinged pendant.
levers. When the propeller is in position, a slot in its end engages with the
Hattened or screw-driver formed end of the driving shaft. The propeller.
may be raised or lowered by endless chains passing around pullies within
the vessel, or by any suitable mechanical arrangement. When it is
desired to take the shaft inboard, the orifice through which it protrudes
is covered by a hemispherical hinged cap, which falls over the said orifice,
and is there confined either by mechanical means, or by the pressure of
the water without. In lieu of the pendant levers, a sliding frame may
bc adapted to the stern post, in which frame the propeller will be
journaled.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said James Montgomery in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 16th July 1859.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME. 1, JAMES
MONTGOMERY, of the City of New York, in the United States of America,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Seventeenth day of January, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, in the twenty-second
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said James Montgomery, Her special licence that I,
the said James Montgomery, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
or such others as I, the said James Montgomery, my executors, admini-.
strators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from
time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein ex-
pressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, with-
in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands; and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CON-
STRUCTION OF THE HULLS OF STEAM AND OTHER VESSELS, AND IN THE FEED.
WATER HEATERS, BOILERS, WATER GAUGES, CONDENSERS, ENGINES, AND PROPELLING

page_text: MACHINERY APPERTAINING TO THE FORMER, A PORTION OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS (WITH THE
EXCEPTION OF THOSE ON THE HULL) ARE APPLICABLE TO ANALOGOUS USEFUL PURPOSES,"
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said James Montgomery,
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 James Montgomery, 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:-
The first part of my Invention relates to my improvements in the
hull; 1st, to a construction of the hulls of vessels, so as to increase their
strength, and to facilitate their passage through the water by providing
for the more rapid replacement of water displaced at the bow; and
2nd, to methods of arranging screw propellers and rudders' in connection
with hulls so constructed.
In the accompanying Drawings, Fig. 1. is a plan or top view; Fig. 2
is a bottom view; Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section; Fig. 4 is a stern
elevation; Figs. 5; 6, and 7 are transverse sections exhibiting modifica-
tions to be hereafter referred to. 1 represents the hull of a vessel con-
structed with an inverted trough or cavity (2,) commencing at or near
the stem, and rising, as shown, with a regular shear or grade to near
the stern, where it turns more abruptly upward, and forms a space to
accomodate a screw propeller (3.) The cavity (2) may present in all
parts of its transverse section (excepting at the extreme bow) an arc of
uniform chord and decreasing radius, so as to increase in vertical depth
as before stated, until it vanishes near the stern. . The cavity (2) is
bounded on each side by an inverted arc (4,) forming in connection a
transversely curved bottom of great strength. The crown of the groove
or cavity (2) may have a longitudinal ridge (5,) whose transverse section
immediately adjacent to the propeller may correspond to that of the
hub of the latter. This ridge may as it departs from the propeller
gradually sink or merge into the common surface of of the trough (2.)
The hull may have one or more bulkheads (6,) extending from stem to
stern, and water-tight transverse bulkheads at suitable intervals. The
deck bulkheads and sides are formed chiefly of plate iron, the metal of
the upper and lower portions of the sides being much thicker than that
of the intermediate portions, the top and bottom plates being of about
equal thickness; 7, 7, are two rudders placed one on each side of the

page_text: The pro-
cavity (2,) and turned simultaneously by any suitable means.
peller (3) may consist of two or more helical blades surrounded by a
metallic cylinder, rivetted to and revolving therewith. It is placed in a
plane somewhat oblique to the perpendicular, as represented, so as to
enable the propeller to counteract the disposition to settle by the stern,
which canal boats in particular are subject to in consequence of the small
body of water through which they pass. Fig. 7 exhibits a modification
in which the propellers are placed in the protuberant intervals between
the troughs. In this form a larger portion of the working surface of the
propeller is presented for action on the water, while the beneficial effect
of the cavities in supplying water to the action of the propeller is
maintained.
In screw steam vessels of all classes, it is of great importance to main-
tain a constant and full supply of water to the propeller, and that the
volume of water on which the propeller acts shall be as free as possible
from injurious disturbance by the passage of the vessel; for this reason
it is common to construct such vessels with a long clean run, which
promotes the effective action of the screw, but is injurious in reducing
at once the flotation and the carrying room of the after part of the
vessel. The effect produced by the trough (2,) when the vessel is pro-
pelled through the water is to freely admit to the propeller the water
displaced at the bow; the increasing depth of the trough (2) tends further
to collect much of the water displaced laterally and to draw it beneath
the bottom of the vessel, which action is also facilitated by the curved
form of the outer edge (see arrows). It is evident that a more rapid
motion by displacing a larger volume of water in a given time necessitates
a corresponding increase in the rapidity of replacement. The increase
sternwards in the capacity of the trough (2) will therefore be graduated
according to the desired speed of the vessel. For vessels designed for
use in very shallow waters more troughs than one will often be used,
a screw propeller being placed in the after part of each; a single cavity
extending nearly the entire width of the vessel would be less advan-
tageous in its operation, as it would fail both to concentrate water toward
the screw, and to remove the resistance caused by vessels settling by the
stern in confined channels. The following are among the advantages of
my improved construction of hulls:-1st, the continuous longitudinal
bulkheads (6) being firmly connected to the bow, stern, deck, and bottom
of the hull form internal braces and supports, which preserve the longi-
tudinal rigidity of the hull in an effective manner; 2d, the form is such
as to meet the least possible resistance in passing through the water,
much of the lateral displacement being avoided, and the vessel tending
instead to override the water; time is thus gained in restoring the water

page_text: of displacement, and the vessel can be constructed with vertical sides
and great breadth of beam, giving her staunchness to carry sail, and
reducing her draft so as to open new ports and waters to the navigation
of ships of large size. (3d,) the cavity also adds much to the strength
of the vessel, especially near the stern, where the machinery is located,
and the verticality of the sides, as well as giving greater strength, re-
duces the cost of building, while the bottom itself is not more costly
than as at present constructed. (4th,) the trough protects the propeller
from injury by snags, river banks, sunken rocks, concussion of the sea
and floating bodies, and admits of the more effective action of a screw
whose axis is inclined as represented. (5th,) in its application to steam
and other canal boats, it prevents the swell of lateral displacement,
which tends to wash the material of the banks into the centre of the
canals, and causes instead a current at the bottom which acts to deepen
shallow places. It also prevents the enormous loss of power experienced
with the common canal boat by the settling of its stern, and thus oppos-
ing its broad flat bottom at an angle with. the plane of draft, so as to
produce a wave in front, and so as to prevent the free passage of the
water beneath the stern, the trough is adapted to carry the displacement
water aft with sufficient freedom to keep the stem and stern of laden
boats substantially on a level. In an unloaded boat, the weight of the
machinery will maintain a sufficient degree of immersion at the stern to
insure the effectiveness of the propeller; in this condition the boat may
be driven at a very high speed, the peculiar form of bottom effectually
preventing all injury to the banks, and thus avoids the tendency to drive
the water forward, which occurs with a boat of the common construction,
when more deeply immersed aft than forward; thus is surmounted the
difficulty which has been chiefly instrumental in preventing the intro-
duction of of steam power on canals. The bank destroying wave pro-
duced by boats as commonly constructed when more deeply immersed
aft than forward, is such as to prohibit their propulsion at a paying
speed, and without such greater immersion when the boat is empty, the
propeller ceases to be effective. (6th,) the trough also assists the steering
qualities of the vessel when combined with duplex rudders, as set forth
to deflect the body of water to either side.
In the Drawings three locations of the propelling wheel are shown,
one at the stern, and one further forward, another at Fig. 7, and the
modes of construction employed and realised in the latter case are fully
described in my Specification of "adjusting propeller," which constitutes
the eighth part of my
Invention.
I claim as new and of my Invention, 1st, constructing the bottom of
vessels with one or more longitudinal cavities or troughs, commencing

page_text: at or near the stem, and increasing in capacity sternwards substantially
as and for the purposes set forth; 2d, the described combination of an
inclined screw propeller, with a hull constructed as set forth.
HEATER. The subject of the second part of my Invention is an appa-
ratus for heating and purifying feed water, and introducing it into a
steam boiler. Fig. 8 is an end elevation of the apparatus with a portion
of the end plate removed; Fig. 9 is a vertical longitudinal section at
x, x, Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a top view with a portion of the top plate
removed; 8 represents the main water tank, the lower part of which
forms two contracted legs 8', leaving a space 9 between, which may be
employed as a coal bunker; 10 is the heating chamber surmounting the
tank, and having sundry communications with it, as will be explained;
11 is a perforated diaphragm or floor in the heating chamber, and pro-
vided near one end with larger apertures 11', surrounded by flanges
projecting upward, as shown in Fig. 9, so as to prevent the flow of water
through the said apertures; 12 and 12¹ are inclined plates, constructed
with horizontal corrugations, forming a series of troughs to somewhat
impede the flow of the water down the said plates. The plate 12' is
hinged at its rear end to a curved plate 13, to admit of its elevation when
needful, and rests upon studs or projections B from the side of the
heater; 14 is a pipe communicating with the tank near its upper part,
and ending above in a cylindrical rose head 15 within the heater and
above the perforated floor 11; (16) represents a rotary pump of any
approved construction adapted to pass water upward through the pipe
14; 17 and 18 are cocks to regulate the flow of water through the said
pipes; 19 and 20 are respectively a fast and loose pulley on the shaft of
the pump 16; 21 is an overflow pipe extending downward within the
heater to near its bottom, and delivering water into the lower portion of
the tank; 22 represents the exhaust pipe from the steam engine, by
which pipe the exhaust steam is delivered through a bifurcated
cylindrical rose 23 into the space between the bottom of the heater
and the surface of the water in the tank; 24 is a two-way cock operating
at certain times, to prevent the exhaust steam from entering the tank
as stated, and to direct it upward through the escape pipe 25; (26 is a
port, through which any excess of exhaust steam passes from the heater
to the escape pipe; the said port is guarded by a ball valve 27 of india-
rubber or other suitable material, opening outward, and held to its seat
during the operation of feeding the boiler, by means of a rod 28 de-
pressed by a lever 29, as will be hereafter explained. 30 is an apron
to prevent water from being carried upward through the port 26 by
escaping steam; 31 is a pipe, by which feed water is conveyed from the
heater to the boiler; and 33; a pipe, through which living steam is ad-

page_text: mitted from the boiler to take its place. The said pipes are guarded
by stop-cocks 32 and 34 respectively, which cocks, in common with the
cocks 17 and 18, are each provided with an arm projecting laterally,
and pivoted to a connecting rod 35, which is also attached to the end
of the lever 29. 36 is the main operating lever, having its fulcrum in a
bracket projecting from the front of the machine, and attached to the
connecting rod 25, or to an extension of the same; 37 is a segmental
scale indicating the proper position of the lever 36 for certain purposes;
as will be herein-after explained. The movements of the lever 36 may
be effected by means of a vertical screw stem working in a box pivoted
to the bed plate, or to a suitable casting attached to the boiler, tank,
or elsewhere, and engaging with a screw nut pivoted to the lever 36,
if desired.
The operation is as follows:-Water is first placed in the tank 8, and a
quantity of oak shavings or any other suitable substance deposited in
the legs 8' of the same, to cause a precipitation of mineral matter con-
tained in the water; the lever 36 is then placed in its highest position
so as to close the cocks 32 and 34 in the pipes communicating with the
boiler, to open the cocks 18 and 24, and free the valve 27; the pump
16 being then set in motion by means of a band 42 on the pulley 19,"
water will be drawn from the tank 8, and delivered through the rose 15
upon the diaghragm 11, through which it gradually descends in a' fine
shower upon the inclined corrugated plate 12, from which it cascades
upon the curved plate 13, and flowing down the second inclined cor-
rugated plate 12', cascades again from the same into the receptacle at
the bottom of the heater; at the same time exhaust steam from the
engine entering through the rose 23, spreads throughout the space be-
tween the bottom of the heater and the surface of the water, imparting
heat to both, rises through the space at the back of the heater, as in-
dicated by arrows d, passes under and in contact with the curved plate
13 and inclined plate 12', and upward through the cascade of water'
flowing from the latter, and in like manner between the plates 12' and
12, above the latter of which it comes in contact with the fine shower of
water descending from the perforated diaghpram 11, by which means
it parts with the chief part of its contained heat, and is to a considerable
extent condensed; any remaining steam rises through the apertures 11';
where it comes in contact with the shower of lowest temperature de-
livered from the rose 15, which will generally be more than sufficient
to condense the whole of the exhaust steam, and produce a partial
vacuum within the heater; but in the event of an excess of steam within
the heater the port 26 permits its free escape. When it is desired to
feed the boiler, the band is cast upon the loose pulley 20, so as to stop

page_text: the pump; the lever 36 is then gradually depressed to its lowest position,
the effect of which is to close the cock 18, and compress the valve -27:
forcibly in its seat, and finally to shut off exhaust steam from the heater,-
and direct it upward through the escape pipe 25, and open communica-
tion with the steam and water spaces respectively of the boiler through
the pipes 33 and 31. Upon this, living steam from the boiler immediately.
rushes into the heater (already filled with exhaust steam), and produces'
an equilibrium of pressure. between the boiler and heater; the hot feed.
water then flows by its gravity from the heater to the boiler through
the pipe 31. It is the duty of the cock 17 to regulate the quantity
of water elevated by the pump 16 to an amount equal to the demands
of the boiler, or to an amount which will suffice to condense the exhaust
steam, and at the same time to raise the temperature of the water to
the greatest possible extent. For this purpose the cock 17 may be
automatically regulated by'a thermostadt operating to accelerate circula-
tion between the tank and heater, as the water within the latter in-
creases in temperature. 43, 44, are glass bullseyes in the walls of the
heater and tank respectively. The corrugations in the inclined plates
12, 12', increase the extent of heating surface, and form a series of
troughs in which water temporarily lodges, so as to expose it longer to
the influence of the steam, and afford an opportunity for the precipita-
tion of impurities. The overflow pipe 21 is so arranged as to convey the
coolest water from the heater and deliver it at the lowest parts of the
tank 8, the effect of which is to equalize the temperature of the water
in the latter, and assist the effect of any substance which may be placed
in the tank for the purpose of précipitating minerals held in solution.
Either ends of the apparatus may be made detachable by means of
screw bolts, &c.; or a number of man-heads may be made to render the
interior of the apparatus accessible for inspection or repairs.
This apparatus affords an efficient means of economising both water
and heat by condensing the whole of the exhaust steam by contact with
water with which the boiler is to be supplied, and may be so arranged
as not in any degree to impair the freedom of exhaust, but on the
contrary to reduce the pressure within the heater below that of the
atmosphere. The arrangement exhibited also affords economy of space
in the convenient combination of the tank and coal bunker.
In addition to the above-described corrugations, other parts of the
apparatus may be corrugated, in order to insure strength, lightness, and
in some cases increase of conducting or radiating surface.
I claim as new and original under this part of my Invention the.
following:
1st, the perforated diaphragm arranged in the manner set forth so

page_text: as to distribute the water in a shower to the action of the steam beneath
and forming a chamber above, in which the steam ascending through
flanged ports 11' in the said diaphragm is finally condensed by contact
with the coolest water.
2nd, the inclined corrugated plates 12, 12', arranged in the manner
set forth to retard the water in its descent, and present a large extent
of heating surface to the action of the steam.
3rd, the described combination and arrangement of the heater 10,
tank 8, pump 16, and overflow pipe 21, operating in the manner set forth
to circulate water between the tank and heater.
4th, the cocks 18, 24, 32, and 34, and valve 27 operating in combina-
tion in the manner described to admit and confine living steam within
the apparatus during the operation of feeding, and at other times per-
mit the passage of exhaust steam through it.
BOILER. The third part of the Invention relates to the construction
and arrangement of steam boilers, and consists,-
"
1st, in the arrangement of the furnace flues and water passages.
2d, in the manner of constructing and connecting the corrugated
plates of which the flues and water chambers or passages are composed.
Figs. 11 to 14 inclusive illustrate the improvements applied to a duplex
boiler, in which the feed water is heated in a chamber surrounding the
smoke stack; Fig. 11 is a plan partly in section; Fig. 12 is a side
elevation, also partly in section; Figs. 13 and 14 are in part end eleva-
tions and in part vertical transverse sections on different lines; Figs. 15
to 18 are diagrams to be herein-after referred to, illustrating the manner
of attaching the corrugated tubes to the plates by which they are
sustained and connected; Figs. 19 to 22 inclusive exhibit a boiler some-
what modified in construction and arrangement, but embodying most of
the essential features of the Invention, in which like numbers indicate
in the main like parts; Fig. 19 is in part a front elevation and in part
a vertical transverse section; Fig. 20 is a vertical longitudinal section;
Fig. 21 is a transverse section of the upper part of the boiler, exhibiting
a modification in the form of the crown plate; Fig. 22 is a longitudinal
interior view of a segment of the cylindrical portion of the boiler,
showing the form of passages communicating between the upper and
lower portions; 45 represents the furnace, and 46 and 47 flues through
which the products of combustion pass to the stack 48, as will be herein-
after explained; 49 is a corrugated plate of metal, forming the crown of
the furnace and the floor of the upper water space; 50 is a bridge, which
serves to deflect the products of combustion upward, and receive the
heat therefrom, which is imparted to the body of the water which it
contains; 51 are corrugated metallic plates, forming a series of tubes of

page_text: oblong, elliptical, circular, or other section, between which the products
of combustion pass, and through which water circulates or flows upward
by the effect of heat, to facilitate which the said tubes are formed of
increasing diameter towards their upper ends. The plates are made of
greater thickness at their lower parts to preserve them longer from the
destructive effect of the deposit of ashes between them; 52 are the fire-
doors and 53 doors giving access to the flues; 54 is a damper which, when
open, affords direct communication between the furnace and stack to
facilitate kindling the fire. The plates by which the corrugated tubes
are sustained and connected at their ends may be either cast or wrought
metal. In the former case the ends of the tubes are first upset so as
to form flanges (55), Fig. 18, which may be separated and turned-to
different angles. The tubes are then placed in position in a suitable
mould, and molten metal run upon their ends so as to cement the whole
firmly together, or form means of connecting them as may be desired.
In order to fix the tubes in wrought metal plates, apertures of the
requisite size and shape are first formed in the said plates and the tubes
inserted therein; the ends of the tubes are then somewhat expanded, and
thimbles (56) inserted, which form internal supports, and enable the
ends of the tubes to be upset or caulked so as to produce secure steam-
tight joints between them and the connecting plates (58). If preferred,
the thimble may be replaced by a simple stay (57) introduced between
the opposite salient portions of the plates near their edges, as shown in
Fig. 17. The whole nest of corrugated plates forming the interior water
spaces is held in position by screw bolts (59, which admit of the removal
of the whole nest bodily for inspection, cleansing, or repairs, and the
connecting plate may, if desired, be constructed in sections connected
in like manner so as to facilitate the same end. The corrugations in the
metallic plates are advantageous in giving strength and rigidity to the
structure, and affording an increased extent of heating surface, and when
placed at right angles to the line of draft, present surfaces against
which the products of combustion impinge with some force, and thus
temporarily arrest their progress, and cause them to part with more
of their contained heat. By means of this arrangement a large portion
of the heat produced passes immediately into the upper part of the
water through the medium of the plate (49), and thus effects the gene-
ration of steam, the heat evolved by contact with the plates or tubes (51)
serving to raise the temperature of the water contained between them,
and to generate an additional amount of steam. When employed for
the formation of furnace crowns and plates as (49), the corrugations are
preferred to run transversely of the arch or at right angles to its axis,
in order to form opposing curves to add to the strength and rigidity of

page_text: the structure, which end is further accomplished by forming the corruga-
tions of greater depth towards the centre or crown of the plate than
at or near its sustamed edges or end, as clearly shown in Figs. 14, 19,
and 21. The crown plate (49) exhibited in Fig. 20 presents in its
longitudinal section alternate corrugations of different sizes surmounted
by vertical ribs or laminæ (60), which is believed to constitute an original
form of plate, possessing greater strength in proportion to the weight
of metal than any other known; the ribs (60) also afford facility for the
attachment of stays or braces (61). In high-pressure boilers the corru-
gations in the plates (51) forming the internal water tubes will also be
rolled of increasing depth toward the centre to give the additional
strength. For low-pressure boilers the plates (51) are formed with
corrugations running horizontally as well as vertically (see Fig. 18), the
effect of which is to avoid any injury by contraction and expansion from
changes of temperature, and also to afford increased heating surface.
In this case the tubes are made circular in the general form of their
transverse section.
The operation is as follows:-The products of combustion pass from
the furnace (45) over the bridge (50), down the flue (46) to the dia-
phragm plate (62), by which they are deflected horizontally between
the corrugated tubes (51) to the end of the said plate (62), where they
descend and are carried horizontally in the opposite direction between
the lower ends of the tubes (51), and having thus been made to part with
a large proportion of their heat pass upward through the side flues (47)
to the stack (48), their course throughout being indicated by arrows a.
By this means the plates composing the water tubes are preserved from
unequal vertical expansion in their front and rear portions respectively,
and the corrugated form of the said plates prevents any injurious
results from the greater horizontal expansion of the upper than that of
the lower portion.. Feed water (see arrows b) is introduced into the
lower portion of the boiler through the port (63) and in accordance with
the laws of rarefaction by heat a constant circulation is produced, the
hottest portion of the water at all times passing to the upper region of
the boiler immediately above the furnace, at which point the most
intense heat is imparted from the furnace so as to produce there the
chief generation of steam, which rises freely in the steam space without
producing any serious ebullition or disturbance of water to cause foam-
ing. In the lower region of the boiler a constant circulation of water
occurs up the tubes (51) and down the external water ways (65), any
steam generated by contact with the upper ends of the tubes rising to-

page_text: gether with the water with which it is mingled through the passage (66),
and "solid" water descending through the external passages (67) to
take its place; it will thus be seen that the present arrangement causes
the steam as fast as formed to rise with the water instead of through it,
which results in the prevention of foaming and in keeping the water in
close contact with the heating surfaces. The passages (67) communicate
with the lower region of the boiler by long narrow ports (67) running
transversely of the boiler, as shown in Fig. 22, which produce no weaken-
ing effect, because their combined diameter longitudinally of the boiler
is not greater than that of the rivet holes necessary for connecting the
plates. In Fig. 20 the damper (54) is shown located at the bottom of
the descending flue (46), in order that when it is opened any accumula-
tion of ashes, &c., may be discharged into the box beneath, from whence
it is readily removable, and also to facilitate the kindling of the fire.
A duplex boiler, as exhibited in Figures 11 to 14 inclusive of the Draw-
ings, affords a larger extent of manageable grate and of heating surface
(especially in the tubes), and a smaller proportionate extent of exterior
radiating surface than is otherwise attainable without sacrifice of
economy, strength, and compactness. It is of especial importance to
employ the largest possible number of water tubes exposed to the direct
action of the fire, in order that they may be made smaller, and that the
needful amount of steam may be generated without such an intense
application of heat to any of the tubes as would interfere with the cir-
culation of water, and endanger its exclusion from their interior. The
following may be mentioned among the beneficial features in this con-
struction of boiler:-1st, economy of space, especially in horizontal
area; 2nd, economy of fuel and efficiency of boiler, consequent on the
judicious application of heat, as explained; 3rd, strength produced by
the employment of plates corrugated to an increasing depth toward
the centre; 4th, in the case of marine boilers, the elevation of the furnace
lessens the danger of the extinguishment of fires in the event of serious
leakage of the vessel, and also affords additional capacity for stowage of
coal beneath the fire room floor; 5th, by the use of a duplex boiler, as
exhibited in Figs. 11 to 14 inclusive, I am enabled, as before stated, to
expose double the extent of heating surface to the direct action of the
fire, without a corresponding increase in the extent of exterior radiating
surface, or in the cost or bulk of the boiler.
I claim as new and original in this part of my Invention, 1st, in the
described combination with a series of tubular or other vertical or nearly
vertical water-ways, adapted to produce a circulation of water, as set
forth, I claim locating the furnace in the upper region of the boiler, so
as to impart the most intense heat to the upper and hotter portion of the

page_text: water, in order to admit of the steam thus generated passing imme-
diately into the steam space, and without causing any considerable dis-
turbance in the water. 2d, forming the plates of boilers and analogous
structures with corrugations or sinuosities of greater depth toward the
centres of the plates than at or near their sustained edges or ends. 3d,
the method of securing the ends of metallic tubes by upsetting the same,
and 'casting heads or plates upon them. substantially as set forth. 4th,
the internal supports, substantially as represented in Figs. 15, 16, and
17, applied within tubes of elliptical, oblong, or irregular section, to
resist the compressing force produced in upsetting or caulking the same,
and to form tight joints between the said tubes and the transverse plates
by which they are sustained. 5th, constructing steam boilers of plates
composed of ribs or laminæ in parallel planes, connected by a web of
metal forming the main portion of the plate, the same being thickest in
their tubular form at the lowermost ends, as described.
CONDENSER. The fourth part of my Invention consists of improve-
ments in surface condensers. Fig. 23 is a top view of the condenser,
partly in section; Fig. 24 is in part a front elevation, and in part a ver-
tical transverse section; Fig. 25 is a vertical longitudinal section. 68
represents an exterior case formed of wrought or cast iron, and provided
at its lower part with a port 69, for the admission of condensing water
and at the top. with a port 70 for its egress; 71 are a series of tubes of
oblong or elliptical or other suitable section, constructed of boiler plate
with corrugations running both vertically and horizontally. The ends
of the said tubes are sustained by a series of plates 72 in a manner pre-
cisely similar to that described under the head of boilers, which plates
are connected by bolts 73 passing through flanges 74, to admit of the
separate removal of any of the tubes for inspection or repairs, and the
plates 72 are connected to the external case 68 by means of flanges 75
and bolts 76, to admit of the removal of the whole nest of tubes bodily
when needful. The intervals between the tubes 71 and the plates 72
are formed with V-shaped bends or grooves, which increase the strength
of the plate, permit its contraction and expansion without injury, and
form troughs, which drain water from contact with the lower ends of
the tubes, thus preventing corrosion; 77 is the port by which exhaust
steam is introduced into the upper part of the spaces between the tubes
71; 78 is a diaphragm extending within the spaces between the tubes
71, from the front of the apparatus to near its back; 79 is a pipe by
which water of condensation is drawn off; cold water is injected into the
lower part of the condenser through the port 69, by means of a funnel-
shaped tube D protruding from the ship's bottom, which tube may be
deflected by means of the handle E to correspond with the motion of the

page_text: vessel; the quantity of water admitted to the condenser is regulated by
a valve 81, operated by means of a connecting rod 82 from a thermo-
stadt 83, the most approved form of which will be herein-after described
under its proper head. The said thermostadt is placed either in the
upper chamber through which the condensing water passes after having
done its work, or in the lower part of the spaces between the tubes,
where it will be acted on by the heat of the water of condensation; the
former position is preferred. Condensing water after passing through
the apparatus is carried to the exterior of the vessel by means of a pipe
70, formed with a flaring end protruding from the ship's bottom; both
the pipes 69 and 70 pass out through cases 80 and 80' secured to the
ship's bottom, and furnished with a sliding valve 84, which, when closed,
prevents the ingress of water. A sliding valve may be arranged in the
bottom of the ship, to cover the opening containing the flaring tube, as
shown by dotted lines. The whole apparatus goes together with screw
bolts, as exhibited, so as to give access to the interior, and permit the
removal of the tube box and other parts whenever needful.
85 are
man-heads, giving access to the chambers above and below. The opera-
tion is as follows:-Water rising through the pipe 69 by the motion of
the vessel fills the lower part of the condenser, and passes upward
through the tube 71 to the upper portion, from whence it is carried out
through the pipes 70. Exhaust steam entering the condenser at the
port 77, and spreading throughout the spaces between the tubes, is
rapidly condensed by contact with their cold surfaces; the water of con-
densation collects in the troughs beneath the steam spaces, and is drawn
off through the port 79. The diaphragm 78 operates to keep the hottest
portion of the steam in the upper part of the apparatus, while that which
has become cooled by contact with a larger extent of the tube surfaces
spreads throughout the spaces beneath the said diaphragm.
By this
arrangement a more effective action is insured, the steam being first
cooled by contact with the upper portion of the tubes, and the condensa-
tion finally completed by means of surfaces surrounding the coldest por-
tion of the water, or that which has more recently entered the apparatus.
The thermostadt 83 by actuating the valve 81, controuls automatically
and with accuracy the amount of cold water admitted to the condenser,
so as to insure the complete condensation of steam, and at the same time
to avoid waste of heat by cooling the water by condensation to an undue
or unnecessary extent. It is evident that an insufficient volume of
water admitted to the condenser would be so raised in temperature as
to expand the thermostadt with which it comes in contact, the effect of
which would be to open the valve 81 and admit a larger volume of water;
on the other hand, if a superfluity of cold water be passed through the

page_text: condenser beyond that required to effect the complete condensation of
the steam, the temperature of the said water will be but slightly raised
by the heat given off by the steam, so as to contract the thermostadt,
and thus close the valve sufficiently to limit the ingress of water to the
requirements of the condensing operation. The necessary correspond-
ence in the relative condition of the valve 81 and thermostadt 83 is pro-
duced by adjusting the length of the connecting rod 82, and the said rod
is also made adjustable upon the lever 86, so as to vary, as may be found
necessary, the extent of motion imparted to the valve by a given degree
of contraction or expansion in the thermostadt. The thermostadt may,
if preferred, be placed in the lower part of the steam space, so as to be
operated by the temperature of the water of condensation instead of by
that of the used condensing water; scales forming within the tubes 71
are deposited beneath the same at the bottom of the apparatus, whence
they are readily removed; by this means the apparatus is preserved to
a great extent from liability to become choaked or foul, but as an addi-
tional means of preventing the destruction of the tubes by an accumula-
tion of matter at their base, the said tubes are constructed with a greater
thickness of metal at their lower.ends than above, as shown in the Draw-
ings of my boiler in tubes 51, Fig. 19. In situations where the supply of
condensing water is limited, it may be made to circulate continually
through the apparatus, limiting or stopping its egress from the condenser.
The greater degree of heat imparted to the water contained in the tubes
71 will cause it to rise, while cooler water descends through the external
passages 87 to supply its place; when so employed, the condenser may
with advantage be placed within a wooden box filled with water. By
a simple and evident transposition of the steam and water ports respec-
tively, the apparatus may be adapted for the introduction of steam into
the ports above described as water spaces.
In this case the exhaust
steam will enter at top, and spread throughout the interior of the tubes
and the spaces which they connect; water of condensation will be drawn
from the bottom of the chamber beneath the tubes, and condensing water
being injected beneath the diaphragm 78 into the spaces between the
tubes 71, will flow horizontally to the rear end of the machine, rise behind
the diaphragm 78, and flow forward through the upper portion of the
spaces to its exit
port.
The following are believed to be distinguishing advantages of this
apparatus: 1st, the effective operation of the machine is insured and
loss of heat avoided by means of the thermostadt operating in the man-
ner described to control the ingress of condensing water in exact accord-
ance with the temperature of the said water and with the requirements
of steam to be condensed, 2d; the form and arrangement of the internal

page_text: plates and tubes are such as to preserve them from injury caused by
contraction and expansion, to which, from the nature of surface con-
densers, their plates are peculiarly subject.
I claim as new and original under this part of my Invention, 1st, con-
structing surface condensers with plates corrugated in two directions,
substantially as set forth, to increase the extent of cooling surface, and
prevent injurious effects from contraction and expansion due to changes
of temperature. 2d, controlling automatically the admission of water
into a surface condenser by means of a thermostadt operated by the tem-
perature of either the used condensing water or of the water of con-
densation, as set forth. 3rd, the described application to the water or
steam spaces of surface condensers of diaphragms adapted to spread
the fluid throughout the said spaces, and separate the same into an upper
and lower portion, differing in temperature. 4th, the described
arrangements for supplying the condensers with the condensing water
by taking the water in at the bottom by the pressure incidental to the
passage of the ship through the same, and ejecting it as described at the
bottom or lower part of the vessel.
>
METER. The subject of the fifth part of my Invention is a com-
pound alarm meter" to indicate automatically the quantity and condition
of the water contained in the boiler. Fig. 26 is a front view of an appa-
ratus illustrating this part of my Invention. Fig. 27 is a section at X,
X, Fig. 26, the float arm and index being shown in elevation; the first
named appears in dotted lines. Figs. 28 and 29 are respectively a side'
and a front elevation, exhibiting the instrument; in connection with a
boiler (88) is a case of cast iron or other metal, formed in two pieces and
connected by bolts (89). The said case is attached to the front of a
steam boiler (90) at a suitable height for the purpose for which it is
intended, as will be herein-after explained. (91) is a pipe connected
at one end with the bottom of the case (88), and at its other end opening"
into the lower portion of the boiler at its longitudinal and transverse
centre; (92) is a three-way cock guarding the pipe (91), and operating
either as a blow-off cock to discharge water from the boiler, or to close
the communication with the boiler and discharge the contents of the
case (88), or when the apparatus is in customary operation to shut off
communication with the atmosphere and permit free communication
between the boiler and the case (88); (93) is a pipe communicating from
the top of the case (88) to the upper part or steam space of the boiler.
This pipe is provided with a stop-cock (94). (95) is a glass tube com-
municating at each end with the interior of the case (88), so that water
will at all times rise to the same height therein as within the case; (96)
is a scale indicating variations in the height of the water; (97) is a pipe

page_text: guarded by a stop-cock (98), which when open causes a flow of steam
and water through the entire length of the tube (95) to cleanse it; (99)
is a hollow float constructed of copper or other metal, and attached at
its extreme lower portion to a hollow arm (100), which vibrates upon a
hollow pivot (101), to which it is securely attached, the said pivot work-
ing in a fixed sheath (102). The float arm and pivot are so arranged
that at any ordinary stage of water, the arm will have a downward
inclination from the float to the pivot, by which means any water that
may enter or condense within the float will run down from it by gravity
through the arm and pivot, and escape through an external aperture
(103), which also constitutes a means of escape for steam which may
enter the float; by this means is effectually prevented all lodgement of
water within the float, which would affect its buoyancy. (104) is a
sleeve of vulcanized india-rubber attached at one end to the sheath
(102), and at the other end to the pivot (101), so as by its elasticity to
permit the free motion of the latter, and at the same time effectually
prevent the escape of water or steam through the joint between the
pivot and sheath. The outer end of the pivot (101) is held longitudinally
by the point of a set screw (105), which prevents the friction which the
pressure of. steam would otherwise cause between the pivot and sheath.
(106) and (107) are apertures in the pivot and sheath respectively, so
arranged that when the float descends below a proper level, they will form
a communication between the interior of the box and the external air,
causing an escape of steam or water which will cause an alarm. The
pivot (101) carries on the outside of the box an index arm (108), the
point of which vibrates in front of the scale (96), so as to indicate thereon
the height of the float within the case. The degree of immersion of the
float is indicated by a hydrometric scale (109) attached to the index
arm (108), and its buoyancy adjusted to suit waters of different specific
gravity, by means of a weight (110) sliding on the said index arm and
fixed in any desired position by a set screw. (111), (112), are a series of
bullseyes to permit observation of the height of the water in the boiler.
The leading objects of this apparatus are four:-1st, to indicate the
quantity of water in the boiler; 2d, to indicate the amount of mineral
held in solution; 3d, to indicate foaming; 4th, to sound an alarm in the
event of the water being allowed to fall below a proper level. The
quantity of water in the boiler is accurately discovered by observation
of the glass gauge (95), and the arrangement of the pipe (91) is such as
to prevent foaming in the boiler from affecting the water within the
meter, so that the actual amount of water is at all times accurately indi-
cated. The amount of mineral held in solution is indicated by the eleva-
tion of the index arm (108) above the actual level of the water, as seen

page_text: in the glass gauge (95). The weight (110) is first adjusted so as to
immerse the float to a proper depth in the water, as it is first introduced
into the boiler, and (in the case of salt water) as the water becomes more
highly saturated, the float will rise, and its degree of elevation will be
accurately indicated on the hydrometric scale (109), to indicate the
degree of saturation which will render it needful to blow out. If it be
found that the pipe does not afford sufficient circulation to maintain an
equilibrium in the saturation of the water contained in the case (88) with
that in the boiler, it may be needful occasionally to close the communica-
tion between the boiler and meter, discharge the contents of the latter,
and refill it from the boiler. By observation through the bullseyes (112)
alone, it is only a severe state of foaming which can be detected by the
eye, but there is a condition of expansion to which the water in steam
boilers is subject which is dangerous in its consequences, and which
causes no peculiarity of appearance which the eye can detect. In con
sequence of the lower temperature of the water within. the meter, and
the absence of sufficiently free circulation between it and the boiler, its
contained water will not be affected by the change referred to, and
inasmuch as the increase in volume of the water within the boiler causes
no increase in the weight of its column, the height of water within the
meter will remain unchanged; expansion within the boiler is therefore
detected by the greater height of water within it than within the case
(88). Upon the water falling below a proper level, the descent of the
float brings the aperture (106) in the pivot (101) in a line with the
aperture (107) in the sheath (102), so as to cause an escape of steami,
and sound an alarm, which will increase in loudness as the water con-
tinues to descend, and a suitable steam whistle may be arranged so as
to increase the effect. By pivoting the float within the boiler itself in-
stead of within a separate case, an alarm would in like manner be
sounded in the event of undue expansion or foaming. The whole body
of water becoming of smaller specific gravity than the float, the latter
would descend, as before stated, so as to open the passages (106), 107),
through which the escape of mingled water and steam would produce
a sound which would attract the attention of the engineer, and by a
glance through the bullseyes in the front of the boiler he instantly would
discover the nature of the evil. The arrangement of the apparatus
which I have described is such as I deem preferable for efficiency and
convenience, but various modifications will readily suggest themselves,
which would not materially affect the principal features of the Invention;
for instance, the case (88) may be entirely dispensed with, and the float
pivoted within the boiler itself, or the communication between the case
and the boiler may be so arranged as to permit a constant and free

page_text: circulation of water between the two. Again, the sheath (102), in which
the pivot (101) works, may project externally instead of internally from
the side of the case, in which instance the india-rubber sleeve, by which
the joint between the pivot and its sheath is closed, will be adapted and
arranged to resist pressure from within instead of a force tending to
compress it upon the said joint.
I claim as new and original in this part of my Invention, 1st, the ex-
ternal index arm (108), provided with a sliding weight (110), operating
in the described combination with float (99) and glass guage (95), to
exhibit at once the height of water in the boiler, and the amount of
mineral held in solution, as shown on scale 109. 2d, the described com-
bination of the hollow float (99), inclined float arm (100), and pivot (101),
adapted and arranged in the manner set forth, to discharge water from
the interior of the float. 3d, the described combination and arrange-
ment of the end bearing (105) and sleeve (104), applied in the manner
set forth, in the pivot of the gauge float of a steam boiler to relieve the
same from friction.
SUPER-HEATER. The following is a descriptive of the sixth part of the
Invention, which relates to drying or superheating steam. Fig. 30 is a
vertical longitudinal section of the apparatus in its simple form; Fig. 31
is a vertical longitudinal section of a more complete form of my
Invention; Fig. 32 is a vertical transverse section on two planes; and Fig.
33 is a longitudinal section, also on two planes, exhibiting a modification
in the arrangement of the apparatus. 114 is the furnace of a high-
pressure or other boiler employed to produce steam for an auxiliary
engine; 115 are a series of tubes through which steam is passed (in the
direction indicated by arrows d) on its way from the main boiler to the
cylinder. The products of combustion in the furnace (114) pass first in
contact with the upper arms of the tubes (115), next around their curved
portion, and finally beneath and in contact with their lower arms, into
which the steam first enters; 116 is a damper guarding the final exit flue
(117), and thereby controlling the draft in the furnace, and consequently
regulating the degree of heat applied to the tubes 115: The damper
(116) is operated automatically by the following means:-(118) is a
thermostadt, consisting of mercury in a sack of india-rubber or other
like elastic and impervious material, the whole being contained in a
metallic cylinder or case, in which a piston is fitted, which is kept in
contact with the elastic sack by a spring or weight. The piston rod
(119) connects with a lever (120) near the fulcrum of the same, so that
any expansion of the mercury produces a movement of the free end of
the lever (121) is a connecting rod communicating from the free end
of the lever (120) to a crank (122), by means of which the damper (116),

page_text: is operated. From this arrangement it will be seen that the damper
(116) is regulated automatically by the temperature of the gases escaping
from the furnace, and the degree of heat imparted to the pipes (115), and
consequently to the steam passing through them, is controlled with great
exactitude. The heat absorbed by. the water in the boiler tends to
moderate to some extent the intensity of heat applied to the superheat-
ing tubes. The products of combustion on leaving the furnace here
referred to are discharged into that of the main boiler, in order to utilize
their contained heat. The connection between the tubes (115) and their
sustaining plate is effected in a manner similar to that described for
boilers and condensers under the third part of the Invention. In Figs.
31 to 33 inclusive the superheater is shown in combination with an
auxiliary high-pressure boiler. In this case the products of combustion
on descending from the furnace of the said boiler come first in contact
with a horizontal guard plate (123) lined with firebrick, by means of
which the tubes (115) are protected from an undue severity of heat. The
course of the products of combustion is here as elsewhere indicated by
arrows a, passing beyond the guard plate (123). They descend in contact
with the curved portion of the tubes, and pass forward and beneath,
and among the lower portion of the said tubes to the exit flue. (124)
is a bridge; by which the products of combustion are turned upward on
their course, so as more fully to bring them in contact with the tubes.
Among the well-known advantages arising from the use of dried or super-
heated steam may be mentioned the following:-1st, the steam may be
heated to such an extent as to compensate for the losses by absorption
and radiation, so that it will be introduced to the cylinder in its most
effective condition, which in addition to economizing fuel and water,
acts to prevent incrustation, destruction of packing, and other difficulties
commonly experienced from the lodgement of water within the valve
chest and cylinder. 2d, a more perfect vacuum is produced in the con-
denser than is the case when the steam carries with it an undue quantity
of water held in suspension. In the customary generation of steam,
large quantities of water pass over in a state of mechanical suspension,
and this may occur, either from an insufficient or from a too great heat,
and spheroidal effect of the radiating surface; such results from either
of the above extremes are effectually guarded against by the above de-
scribed self-acting arrangement. The following are some of the advan-
tages believed to be peculiar to my superheating apparatus: 1st, the
temperature imparted to the steam is accurately and automatically.regu-
lated to any degree desired by means of the thermostadt arranged as
described. When the engine is in active operation, and not using steam
expansively the volume of steam passing through the tubes (115) will be

page_text: so great as to require the full draft of the furnace in order to produce the
necessary degree of heat in the said steam; but when the engine is cutting
off short, or not running at all, it is evident that the smaller volume of
steam passing through the tubes (115) will require a correspondingly
smaller amount of heat; the escaping gases being thus left of a higher
temperature, will operate upon the thermostadt as explained, so as to
practically arrest the draft; in like manner any inequality of the heat
or combustion in the furnace itself is automatically compensated, so that
the temperature to which the steam is raised is constantly gauged, and
automatically regulated by the heat at which the products of combustion
escape from the apparatus, and the superheating tubes are at the same
time preserved from such a degree of heat as would injure their
structure; an undue extent of heat would be injurious to the metal of
which the apparatus is composed, and would likewise impair instead
of increasing the expansive force of the steam. 2d, the described form
and arrangement of the tubes (115) are such as to present a very large
extent of heating surface within a small compass, and by reason. of
the freedom of their curved ends, act to obviate all danger of injury to
the attachment of the said tubes, in consequence of the severe alterna-
tions of contraction and expansion to which such an apparatus is sub-
ject; a perforated plate through which the tubes (115) pass, may serve
to steady the same, and to prevent vibration, the head plate may be
cast on to the tubes so as to make a fast joint more capable of withstand-
ing contraction and expansion. This head plate A is attached by bolting
to the front of the boiler, and forms the front of the furnace as shown,
so that by removing this head plate, the entire tubes, &c., may be re-
moved, and the whole end of the furnace is at once opened, as may be
necessary for repairs or for any other purpose.
I. claim as new and original under this head of my Invention, 1st, a
superheating apparatus composed of steam passages (115) in a furnace,
or the flues of a furnace, the draft of which is automatically controlled by
means of the temperature of its own products of combustion, substantially
in the manner set forth. 2d, the series of U-shaped superheating tubes
(115) arranged and mounted substantially in the manner set forth to
permit their free contraction and expansion without injury to their
attachments, and at the same time to allow their free removal by detach-
ing the head plate A, as described.
THERMAL REGULATOR.-The seventh part of the Invention relates to
a provision whereby the water and steam and the combustion are auto-
matically controlled through the agency of a mercurial thermostadt
within an elastic case or sack. In the accompanying Drawings, Fig.
34 is a longitudinal section of a steam generator embodying my improve-

page_text: ments; Fig. 35 is a transverse section thereof; Fig. 36 is a top view of the
same; Fig. 37 is an enlarged sectional view of the thermostadt; Fig. 38
shows a modification of the same; 126 is the external shell; 127 is the
fire-place; and 128 the smoke stack of a boiler; 129 is a customary safety
valve; 130 is an iron tube having the vertical limb secured in the top
of the boiler just below the arm of the safety valve. Within the boiler
the horizontal limb extends a little above and parallel with the crown of
the fire box. The vertical limb contains a loose piston (131) pressed
downward by a spiral spring or by gravitation, and whose rod (132)
ascends through a stuffing box in the top of the vertical limb to nearly
in contact with the arm of the safety valve. The whole of the horizontal
limb and the lower portion of the vertical limb is occupied by a tight
sack or bag 133 of gum elastic, which bag is entirely filled with mercury
and hermetically closed. From the upper part of the safety valve.
chamber the steam which escapes therethrough is conveyed by a pipe
(134) to the bottom of a small cylinder (135.) From the upper part of
cylinder 135 a pipe (136) conducts steam to the space beneath the grate;
137 is a metallic piston in form of an inverted cup whose rim or margin
is so thin as to be pressed snugly to the sides of the cylinder when sub-
jected to the pressure and heat of the steam. This piston connects with
and operates a damper (138.) Attached to a vertical shaft immediately
over the top of the stack is a hood (139) in form of an inverted cone,
from opposite sides of whose convexity project oblique vanes (140), the
whole forming a suction fan. This fan is driven by a small auxiliary
engine (141) of common construction, the throttle (142) of the said engine
is operated automatically by a simple mechanical connection (143) with
the shaft of the damper, which receives automatic actuation from a ther-
mostadt, either directly as in Fig. 35, or through the intervention of a
steam cylinder as in Fig. 34, and a similar connection is made between o
the thermostadt and a feed water cock (144,) supplying water to the
injecting pump. A screw or other suitable adjusting mechanism enables
the graduation of these several automatic movements, so as to act with
a greater or less degree of promptness at the discretion of the engineer.
The engine (141) is supplied with steam from the superheating boiler,
described in Specification of superheating boiler, which device forms the
6th part of my Invention, and the steam, after passing this engine, is
conveyed by the pipe E into the main boiler, which generates steam at
a much lower pressure than the superheating boiler, there being a
sufficient difference in the two pressures to drive the engine to advantage.
The steam used in this engine (141) is first conveyed from the super-
heating boiler to the jackets around the main cylinder, and from thence
is allowed to flow as required to the engine (141), after having performed
:

page_text: its office of keeping the main cylinders hot. Fig. 38 is a modification of
my thermostadt, in which the confining sack does not completely in-
close the volume of mercury, but I prefer the form previously described.
A still more inferior modification of my thermostadt case may consist
of a flexible metallic bag formed bellows fashion. The supply of steam
to operate the engine (141) may also be regulated by means of a ther-
mostadt A, A, placed in the smoke stack 128, and operating the lever B;
which is connected by the connecting rod 143 to the throttle valve 142.
The construction of this thermostadt is substantially the same in its
essential features as that first previously described, and an extended
description is therefore in this case unnecessary. It is sufficient to say
that the part of it which enters the smoke stack is bent into several
turns for the purpose of giving it greater length, and thereby causing
the heat contained in the stack to operate upon it more efficiently. By
this device the heat of the fire, and consequently in the smoke stack, is
made to control the action of the fanhood at the top of the stack.
OPERATION. An overheating of the furnace or water space acts imme-
diately on both thermostadts, the safety valve becomes lifted, steam
passes under the small piston (137), which being forced upward, acts to
close the damper, and to let steam escape through the pipe (136) to the
ash-pit, where being discharged, it acts to quench the fire by expelling
the air. At the same instant that these actions take place the exhaust
fan ceases or lessens its action. On the cooling of the boiler the parts.
resume their normal action; by means of these conjoined arrangements,
the combustion and temperature of the interior of the furnace may be
constantly maintained at any desired uniform point under every change
and variety of fuel and atmospheric condition. By the described method
of enclosing the mercury in a tight elastic case, it is isolated from any
possible contact with other metal, or with any joints whatever; the im-
portance of this will be seen, when it is considered how readily heated
mercury amalgamates with metallic enclosures, thereby weakening their
substances, and suffering diminution of its own volume. A portion of
the mercury is also invariably lost when it comes in direct-contact with
a piston, and it is even known to escape through an ordinary steam-
tight fixed joint. The serious character of these defects become evident
in view of the requisite extreme accuracy of operation of the thermostadt.
Claims. Under this head of my Invention, I claim, 1st, the mode of
constructing a thermostadt with a body of mercury which fills an
hermetically-sealed elastic sack substantially as and for the purposes set
forth; 2nd, the draft suction fan constructed, adapted, and operated

page_text: automatically under control of the thermostadt substantially asset
forth.
SEGMENTAL CYLINDER.―The eighth part of my Invention relates to con-
structing steam cylinders in segments. In the accompanying Drawings,
Fig. 40 is a transverse section of a cylinder embodying the prominent.
features of the Invention; Fig. 41 is a vertical or longitudinal section; :
Fig. 42 is an elevation, showing the outer casing in section; Fig. 40 A
is a section of one of the segments and of one of the fillets between them..
The interior portion or bore of the cylinder is composed of a number
of similar segments (146), having flanges (147) along each longitudinal.
edge united by the bolts (148); each of these flanges (147) is grooved.
longitudinally to receive a strip. (149), which serves to render the joint-
more perfectly steam-tight, but is is intended more especially to prevent
the lateral displacement of the segments upon each other. The cylinder.
is enclosed in a metallic jacket (150), which is surrounded with a coating:
of cement of plaster of Paris (153), or other bad conductor of heat, to
protect the wooden lagging (154), and assist the non-conducting qualities,
and retain the heat in the annular space (152). The lagging and jacket:
and cement are held in position by means of the bands (151), which are.
drawn up and secured by bolts (151'); the segments may be formed
either by casting or rolling, and of any suitable metal. In forming the
segments to produce the proper bore after they are roughly formed by'
casting or otherwise, each segment is placed upon the bed of a planing
machine, the cutter of which machine has an axis of vibration corre-
sponding to the centre of the cylinder, and by vibrating the cutter upon
this axis, instead of sliding it as the work progresses, the seginent is
properly finished to form its part of the cylinder. This operation is much
more easily performed, especially in the construction of cylinders of
advantageous size, than the operation of boring another cylinder would'
be. The valve chest and its appendages may be cast to one of the
segments. Several decided advantages accrue from this mode of con-
struction, the castings being of less weight are more easily constructed:
and handled, and as they are cast without the central core, which forms.
in a rough, state the bore of the cylinder, are not liable to the casualties
which core castings are peculiarly subject to.. If any part is faulty, it
does not necessitate the sacrifice of the whole cylinder, but only of the
defective segment. A damaged portion of the cylinder can easily be
replaced, and extra segments may be kept for that purpose, a matter
of great value for marine purposes. I claim herein as new and of my
Invention, forming a steam cylinder of segments constructed, adapted,
and secured substantially as: and for the purposes set forth.
:

page_text: SEGMENTAL SHAFT: The ninth part of my Invention relates to the
construction of shafts and axles, and consists, 1st, in a mode of con-
structing hollow segmental interstitial shafts and axles, so as to combine,
in the highest possible degree, strength, lightness, torsional elasticity,
and other advantages; 2d, in provisions for neutralizing or greatly re-
ducing vibration and its attendant evils; 3rd, in provisions for ventilating
the parts subject to heat. The Invention is chiefly designed for the main
shafts of marine propellers, and for railroad axles, a class of shafts
especially liable to deterioration from the chrystalization of their sub-
stance by the frequent concussions incident to their use, and from the
heating of their journals, liabilities well known to be fraught with the
most serious inconveniences and danger. Fig. 43 represents portions,
partly in inside view and partly in axial section of a shaft, embodying
the principal features of my Invention; Fig. 44 is a transverse section
at the mid-length of the shaft; Fig. 45 is a transverse section at the
journal; Fig. 46 represents by longitudinal section a modification of my
segmental axle; Fig. 47 represents a journal bearing embodying some
of my improvements; Figs. 48 and 49 show a modification of my bush
fastening; Fig. 48 A shows an end view of Fig. 46, in which like numbers.
represent like parts. I construct my shaft or axle on a principle'
analogous to that of a cask, that is to say, of a set of bars or plates rolled
into the form of segmental hollow conic frustra, called "staves." The
extremities 156 of these staves 157 are collectively of a cylindrical shape,
while the intermediate portions are flared or bulged toward the middle
of the shaft, so as to present, when put together, a form similar to that
of a very elongated cask; the edges 158 of the cylindrical portions are
in planes of the axis, and are bound tightly together by metallic ferrules
(159), heated and shrunk on. From the midlength the stave decreases
in width while it increases in thickness toward each end. The edges
(160) of the staves at the intermediate portions lack just so much of
meeting as to leave narrow intervals 161, which gradually widen as they
approach their middle portions; a shaft of large size, or one which is
long for its diameter, may also at one or more intermediate points be
clasped by ferrules 162, applied as at the ends; the places thus bound
may either meet and interlock as at the ends, or the shaft may contain
a cast or wrought-iron bush 163, which may be hollow or have the form
of a solid plug. It is obvious that every such ferrule and bush increases
the stiffness of the shaft at the expense of its torsional elasticity; slight
transverse swells or fins 164, formed on the staves in the act of rolling,
may serve to hold the ferrules securely in place. The staves may be
slightly sprung in their manufacture with a longitudinal set opposite
to that they are made to assume in the shaft, so that in putting to-

page_text: gether; they may press tightly against the bush or bushes; even inde-
pendently of the intermediate ferrules. The staves are corrugated
longitudinally on all their surfaces, as shown, and the corrugations of
their joining edges may interlock. The concavities of the ferrules 159
may have grooves or corrugations 166, as shown transversely to the
corrugations of the staves; the end ferrules 159 may be formed externally,
so as to constitute the journals. The adjacent edges of the staves at
the ferruled places may lack a little of actual contact, and may be under-
rent, so as to receive and hold plugs of kyanized wood cut transversely.
of the grain, and driven in for the purpose of deadening vibrations; for
the same object and for greater stiffness, the ferrule and bush may be
either corroded or soldered to the staves and to each other. The bush
may be of cast iron, and have anchors 167 projecting through the intervals
161, so as to have their ends flush with the peripheries of the staves
with which they correspond in being made slightly curving, so as to
lock within and be held by the groove of the ferrule 162. The anchors
may be of wrought iron, and may either pass through and be rivetted
outside the ferrule, or the ferrule being dispensed with, they may be
clenched or rivetted outside the staves, as at Figs. 48 and 49. The
edges of the cylindrical portions may be welded together. For railroad
axles the end ferrules should be so placed on the axle as to afford room
for the wheel. For some purposes where a more open structure is ad-
missible, the staves may be of more uniform dimensions throughout
their length, and may be plain or corrugated, as preferred. The ex-
teriors of the boxes or steps 168, forming the journal bearings, may also
be grooved longitudinally 169, and the pedestal or plummer block 170
may be correspondingly grooved 171, so as to form collectively open
apertures from end to end of box. For steam boat shafts and some
others, the external portion of the shaft may be cylindrical, see Fig. 46,
and the interior may have a regular flare (either conical or otherwise)
from the inner to the outer end of the shaft. The staves may be made
from an ordinary rectangular bar by successive passes through one or
more pairs or sets of rolls; the last pair of grooves of which must at least
the length of a stave, and have around their circuit such depths and
transverse section as shall correspond to the front and rear sides re-
spectively of the staves. Rolls of very large size may be avoided by
forming the grooves for the finishing passes spirally around the rolls.
It is obvious that a twisting strain or concussion, such as the shafts of
propellers, (whether marine or land) are constantly subjected to, will be
greatly modified by the torsional spring or elasticity of the shaft, which
is thus, by its very principle of construction, relieved of a greater portion
of the vibrations incident to its use, and is less liable to the injuries

page_text: .
arising both from sudden violence and from the gradual deterioration
of its cohesive strength by chrystilazation. It is also obvious that such
reduction of the jarring affords à matèrial relief to the vessel, as well
as to its machinery, passengers, &c. The intervals between the staves
have a two-fold use; they afford room for the torsional play or spring
of the shaft, and they also act as ventilating passages, by which the
shaft is preserved from heating, the centrifugal action of the shaft's
rotation serving to keep up a continual current of air. The contact of
the bushes and the ferrules with the staves tends to neutralize and
deaden the vibrations; the corrugated apertures manifestly act to venti-
late the shaft at the very places most subject to heating. The corruga-
tions described are of very decided utility in several respects; for
example, the more thorough working of the metal by the rolls acts to
consolidate and render more fibrous the external portions, which further
become additionally hardened by the greater atmospheric exposure in
consequence of the more extended surface; the same fact as also before
stated enables the efficient cooling of the shaft and journals. This is
seen to a remarkable degree where the corrugations of the journal
ferrule are transverse to those of the staves, the parts then touching by
mere points.
I claim herein as new and of my Invention, 1st, the mode of construct-
ing hollow shafts and axles of tapering segments or staves secured by
ferrules or their equivalents (either with or without bushes), and having
intervals or open joints between the same, substantially as and for the
'purposes set forth; 2d, constructing the parts of said shafts with corru-
gations, formed and adapted substantially as and for the purposes set
forth; 3d, the formation of rear surfaces of journals and journal boxes
with the ventilating apparatus in the manner set forth.
HOLLOW SCREW. The object of the tenth part of the Invention is a
screw propeller consisting of hollow blades attached to a hollow shaft
of large size, and adapted to eject water by centrifugal action. Fig. 54
is a side elevation of the shaft and screw with a portion of the cylindrical
casing removed to exhibit the form of the blade; Fig. 55 is an end
elevation of the same; Fig. 56 is a section on an enlarged scale of one
blade at X, X; Fig. 58 is a section on an enlarged scale of the outer end
of one of the blades; Fig. 59 is a transverse section of a fragment of the
shaft and blade, exhibiting a modification in the manner of attaching
them together. (195) represents a hollow shaft of large size constructed
of either cast or plate metal, and running on journals (196, 197,) the
forward one of which (196) may be enveloped in a common stuffing box
to exclude water from the interior of the vessel; (198) are hollow helical
.blades, convex on their rear sides, and provided with segmental flanges

page_text: (199), Fig. 56, fitting the cylindrical shaft, and secured thereto by bolts
(200), without the intervention of any hub or boss. The blades (198)
may be attached at their peripheries to a cylindrical casing (201); (203)
is a port through which water escapes from the interior of the blade
through the cylindrical casing (201), its return being prevented by a
valve (204) opening outward, and kept to its seat when at rest by an easy.
spring (205); 206) is a hole through which water flows from the interior
of the shaft into the blade; (207) is a bilge tube leading from the bottom
of the hold to the inner end shaft, which opens to receive water from
this tube, the end of which is guarded by a valve (208) to prevent the
return of the water into the vessel. An opening in the bottom of the
tube (207) allows the water to flow into it at that point. This tube (207)
is held up by its own elasticity to the end shaft, so as by the grinding
action between them to form a tight joint. The blades (198) may be
constructed of sheet or plate metal, or, if preferred, may be cast, in
which latter case they are furnished with internal longitudinal webs
(210), which admit of the metal being run very thin and light, and at the
same time preserve the requisite degree of strength. The flanges (199)
may be permanently attached to the blades (198), or, if preferred, may
be connected thereto by bolts, the bolt heads in this case being counter-
sunk in the leading or plane side of the blade, and nuts placed on the
convex side. If desired, for additional security to the blades (198),
metal bands may be shrunk into the shaft encircling the flanges (199),
or the bands may be made flaring and driven or pressed over the flanges
and secured by bolts. The flanges (199) may be sunk into the shaft,
if desired, so as to present an unbroken surface entirely up to the root
of the blade.
Another modification in the method of attaching the blades is shown
in Fig. 59. The flanges (199) are here dispensed with, the transverse
bolts (211) passing through metallic plates (212) of V-form, which plates
are attached to the shaft by radial bolts (213), confined by washers and
nuts (214) within the shaft. The cylindrical casing (201), though not
essential to the present Invention, is beneficial in arresting the tangen-
tial motion of the water, affording mutual support to the blades, and
protecting them from contact with passing objects. A propeller may be
constructed on this plan with any number of blades desired, and it will
be apparent that the number of blades may be varied at pleasure on the
same shaft, by adapting the shaft for the attachment of blades at any
part of its circumference. In the arrangement shown, the inner end
of the propeller shaft carries a pinion or spur wheel (215), which receives
motion from the engine by corresponding gearing. It is obvious that

page_text: cranks may be used in the event of using direct action engines, in which
case the bilge tube before referred to (207) will be varied, as, for example
the upper end of the bilge tube will be so constructed as to form an
anular chamber around the shaft, the same being made in two semi-
circular parts clasped together by bolts; suitable openings will be made
through the hollow shaft into its interior part, which will connect with
the annular chamber. The mode of operation will then be as before,
ás the water will now flow up the bilge tube (207) into the internal
chamber named, and so through the openings already referred to into
the shaft, and so be discharged through the ends of the blades in the
manner already. described. On the propeller being set in motion, its
blades are by 'centrifugal action quickly freed of any water they may
contain, the effect of which is to produce a partial vacuum, and 'cause
any bilge water in the hold to be forced upward through the tube (207)
and into the shaft (195) by atmospheric pressure. Water flows from
the shaft into the blades through the apertures (206) by gravity, and
is thence ejected by centrifugal action, as before stated. By this means
the propeller is rendered buoyant, instead of by its enormous weight
and leverage constituting a serious burden at the very parts of the vessel
which by its limited floatation can least afford to bear extraneous weight.
The following are among the beneficial effects of this Invention:-1st,
a propeller is produced of unprecedented strength with a reduced weight
of material; 2d, the propeller is rendered buoyant, thereby entirely re-
lieving the vessel of its weight; 3rd, an efficient, means is afforded of
ejecting bilge water; 4th, by dispensing with the use of a hub or boss,
I avoid the loss of power caused by its resistance in passing through the
water.
The following is what I claim as new and original under this part of
my Invention-1st, a screw propeller composed of hollow blades
attached to a hollow shaft, without the intervention of hub or boss; 2d,
the described or substantially equivalent method of securing the floata-
tion of a hollow screw propeller by ejecting water from its interior by
centrifugal action; 3rd, ejecting water from the interior of a vessel
through the agency of a screw propeller substantially as set forth.
ADJUSTING PROPELLERS.-The eleventh part of the Invention relates
to a method of adjusting a propeller and its actuating mechanism within
a vertical or oblique cylinder opening downward through the bottom
of the ship, and in connection therewith to devices for the adjustment
of the propeller to the desired degree of immersion and to any line of
propulsion. In the accompanying Drawings, Fig. 50 is a longitudinal

page_text: vertical section through a part of a vessel embodying my improvements;
Fig. 51 is a transverse section at the line X, X, Fig. 50, the engine and
screw being shewn in elevation; Fig. 52 is a plan, the top of the piston
being broken away to show the construction of parts below; Fig. 53 is n
horizontal section at the line Z, Z, Fig. 51, the screw and its attach-
ments being removed; 175 is a large iron cylinder having a smooth bore,
and being formed of segments or staves bolted together; 176 is a hori-
zontal interior flange at bottom of cylinder, which supports in its lowest
position a massive piston 177, fitted to the bore of the cylinder (175);
the rollers or balls 178, permit the horizontal rotation of the piston 177.
on the flange 176. To the piston 177 are suspended the journal bearings
179 of a screw propeller 180; the piston 177 supports two reciprocating
steam engines 181, 182, connected with cranks on the shaft of the pro-
peller. The cylinder 175 is surmounted by a circular tramway 183, sup-
porting a circular truck 184, journalled vertically. In the frame of the
truck and supported by it are four nuts 185 of large size, whose
peripheries have worm cogs forming pinions 186. Large hollow screws
187; whose lower ends are firmly secured in the piston 177, of which the
turntable makes a part pass upward through the nuts 185, so that by a
simultaneous rotation of the nuts, the piston 177 and its entire
appendages (including the propeller) are elevated bodily. The actuating
force may be obtained direct from the engine or the propeller by a
simple and obvious arrangement of gearing 188, adapted to be connected
and disconnected and to revolve either to the right or to the left by,
operating a lever 189. By means of the above gearing 188 upon the
vertical shaft J, which passes through the piston 177, (in which it is
allowed sufficient play for the purpose) and gears by the screw j at the
top into the worm wheels K and L, which are hung upon the shafts M
and N. These shafts M and N carry screws m and n, which operate the
nuts 185. The mode of communicating a motion to the shaft J by means
of the above gear 188 is as follows:-Lever 189 on being thrown to the
right acts through its fulcrum to transmit to the horizontal lever O
(whose fulcrum is seen at P, in Fig. 52,) motion to the shaft J, which is
effected by the means named; the motion of the lever 189 moves the
mitre wheel 188, before referred to, into gear with the mitre wheel
shown in section at 1881, and which acts to rotate vertically, the shaft
J having on its upper end, as already recited, the worm j, which in its
turn actuates the screw pinions L and K, which pinions are firmly
secured, as already recited, to the horizontal shafts M and N, to the
extremities of which four worms are attached meshing into the screw

page_text: nuts 187, already named, through the agency of the teeth 186. By this
means the four hollow elevating screws are drawn upward, bringing with
them the whole contained apparatus of propelling screw, with the piston
and the attached upper part of the turntable with all the machinery
resting upon it. To lower the apparatus down to its place, it is but
necessary to reverse the rotation of the nuts, which is done by a reverse
.of lever 189, which changes the position of mitre wheel 188 from the
right-hand bevil wheel 188' to the wheel Q, also in section, which it will
be obvious will reverse the screw nuts before named, causing a descent
of the whole contained apparatus to its original position on the bottom
of the cylinder, thereby causing the necessary protrusion of the pro-
peller screw. It will be obvious that the screw may be elevated to allow
any amount of protrusion of screw that may be desired. By another
simple arrangement of gearing, the entire machinery of propulsion may
be rotated bodily about the axis of the cylinder 175, so as to place the
propeller at any desired angle with the axis of the vessel, and by this
means be made available for purposes of steering in addition to those of
propulsion. The manner of this is as follows:-The circular frame
already referred to (176) is made at the bottom of the containing
cylinder forming a turntable; a corresponding circular indented or
grooved piece I is placed immediately above with balls or spheres 178,
upon which I, I, rest (Figs. 50, 51, and 53,) and rotate from right to left
or left to right, as may be desired, through the agency of a simple
.arrangement of gearing somewhat similar to the first named for eleva-
tion, having the same combination of mitre wheels and levers, shewn at
R and 190, which being connected as before to the right and the left,
as before described, will actuate the short shaft T, attached to the upper
end of which is a bevil gear shown in section at U, which in its turn is
made to mesh into corresponding mitre gear V, in Fig. 50, which is also
attached to a short horizontal shaft W, Fig. 52, to the end of which is
also attached another small mitre wheel in section at X, which is also
made in its turn to mesh into the bevil wheel Y, which last-named wheel
is attached to the vertical shaft Z, the upper end of which is attached
to the common pinion 300, which in its turn meshes into the rack 301
bolted around the interior face of 184. It will now be seen that this
pinion being made to revolve from right to left or from left to right by
the apparatus already described, will cause a corresponding movement
of the turntable and all the contained apparatus, thereby producing the
desired position of the screw apparatus. 302, 303, (Fig. 50) show hinged
racks attached to the lever R and lever 189, held down by springs, as

page_text: shown, working into stops 304 and 305, the effect of which is to set the
lever at any desired point, as, for example, to hold the bevil gear to
which the levers are attached free of the gearing into which they are
intended to mesh, and so in like manner to hold them firmly in position
when meshing either into one or the other. A sheath 191 is attached to
the bottom of the piston 177, so as to enclose the shaft and hub on each
side of the blades; one of the forms of these sheaths is such as to be in
exact continuation with a longitudinal ridge (see Fig. 3) along the
bottom of the vessel. A modification of the bottom and propeller is
shewn at Figure 7, in which the convexity of that part of the ship's
bottom at 3, 3, 3, is formed in three convexities or semicircles corre
sponding in size with the rims of the screw propellers. This arrange-
ment ensures. the complete closing of the transverse slot in the vessel's
bottom at 3 (in Fig. 53) when desired, by simply elevating the screw
until its periphery or outer rim coincides with the line of the bottom
198 and 191, on which it rests. The engine and propellor may be held
to any particular position at which they may be placed by pawls, which
may enter recessed racks in the walls of the cylinder (175) or extra nuts
placed on the elevating screw. The steam to operate the engine is ad
mitted through the central pipe (D), which has a stuffed sleeve joint at
e, e, to allow the propeller and engine to be raised or lowered without
interfering with a supply of steam to operate the screw, or in any way
deranging steam connections between the engines and the boiler. This
feature of construction is clearly shewn in Fig. 51, the pipe being forked
to run to each engine; this pipe being placed centrally in the containing
cylinder allows of the rotation of the screw about its vertical axis from
right to left or left to right, as named..
Several advantages are incident to this Invention; a vessel of war
fitted with a single propellor of this kind placed amidships, or having
one propellor fore and the other aft can be made to move broadside up to
the enemy or away from any danger, such as rocks, icebergs, or the like;
such a vessel could manoeuvre with such speed as to change the point
of contact from stem to stern so rapidly, as to greatly facilitate a board.
ing party, or vice versa; a vessel acting on the offensive could swing
around so as in a few seconds to place the enemy at a disadvantage.
Two such propellers revolving in opposite directions.can be made to
rapidly turn a vessel in her own length; a propeller being injured can
be lifted out of the water so as not to impede the sailing of the vessel,
and so as to enable the inspection and repairs of the screw. The pro-
peller or propellers can be employed to aid or entirely supersede the

page_text: steerage duties of the rudder. By throwing a clutch into gear the
blower or any other auxiliary engine may be employed to elevate the
propeller by the use of a crank on the upper end of the vertical screw-
ended shafts.
I claim as new and original under this part of my Invention, 1st, a
vertical or oblique cylinder or other formed casing opening downward
through the vessel's bottom, and supporting a propeller and its actuating
mechanism, so as to be adjustable to oblique or lateral presentations in
manner substantially as set forth; 2d, the method substantially as set
forth of regulating the immersion of a propeller and effecting its eleva-
tion when required; 3rd, the sheath 191 or its equivalent extending
beneath the hub of the propellor, and at the lowest position of the
latter, forming a removable continuation of one of the longitudinal
ridges in the vessel's bottom, substantially as set forth; 4th, making the
sheath (191) semicircular, as in Fig. 7, in combination with the screw,
for the purpose set forth; 5th, the arrangement of telescopic steam pipe
D, for the purpose set forth.
UNSHIPPING PROPELLER. The twelfth part of the Invention relates
to an improved method of unshipping screw propellers, and comprises
the following principal features:-1st, provisions for readily attaching
or unshipping, and elevating and again lowering and attaching the pro-
peller to its shaft; 2nd, a provision for closing and again opening the
sleeve in which the shaft rotates, so as to enable the ready withdrawal
and replacing of the shaft. Fig. 60 is a horizontal section of the stern of
a vessel at a plane immediately above the hub of the propeller; Fig. 61
is a vertical longitudinal section of the same exhibiting the propeller
partly in elevation; Fig. 62 is a vertical transverse section of the same,
showing the propeller partly in elevation; Fig. 63 is a face view of the
clutch by which the propeller engages with its driving shaft; 216 repre-
sents a portion of the dead wood in the ship's stern; 217 is a sleeve
affording journal bearing for the outer end of the driving shaft, and
having wooden strips with the grain radial encased in dovetailed
grooves; 218 is the stuffing box thereof; 219 is the driving shaft having
screwdriver" outer termination; 220, an appliance in the form of a
block of wood for holding the shaft (by means of the crank resting there-
on) in a certain given position in order to facilitate the unshipping and
shipping of the screw as herein-after explained; an index finger may be
used for the same purpose. The socket of the inner end of the screw
shaft 222 is entirely open from one side as shown, and flares slightly to
its open side; its interior surfaces are lined with india-rubber, so as to
a

page_text: fit snugly, and with a tight joint around the sides and the end of the
driving shaft to prevent the entrance of any water from without along.
with the air which in the act of using escapes from the main shaft into.
the interior of the screw, as explained in the eleventh section of the
Specification. The journals 224 of the screw axle 222' rest in boxes.
225 at the lower extremity of two pendant arms 226, hinged above at
227, to the stern frame; these boxes in their lower or working position
bind tightly upon the slightly inclined tops of two posts 228, 229; the
arms 226 may be hollow, and formed of longitudinally corrugated strips
of sheet metal, and may be filled with rosin, well seasoned wood, plaster
of Paris, or other suitable substance adapted to prevent their collapse.
The boxes 225 have eyes 230 for the engagement of composition chains
or wire ropes, by which the screw may be either drawn up against the
vessel's larboard quarter, or drawn down to its working position. The
tackling or elevating cords may be of copper wire well covered with
tarred cordage, and may be operated by a hand winch, or by the agency
of power, as described in the Specification of my Patent of 1846. 231
is a hemispherical cap or cover hinged above the outer end of the driving
shaft sleeve; the rod 232 being relaxed, permits the cap to descend and
close the said outer end after the unshipping of the screw, and before
any withdrawal of the driving shaft 219, upon whose return to its place
the cap 231 may be again elevated. The device for holding the driving
shaft to the proper position for enabling the shipping or unshipping of
the screw may consist either of a shiftable projection, against which the
crank is detained in its rotation or of a simple index finger. The joining
surfaces of the screw driver and propeller mortise may be bushed with
steel so as to be replaceable as they wear. The operation is as follows:-
It being determined to unship the propellor, it is rotated slowly until
the crank arriving at the proper position, is secured by the detaining
mechanism, then the upper windlas being started, the screw is drawn.
up as before stated in dotted lines from Fig. 62. If it is desired to ship
the driving shaft inboard, the cap 231 is let down upon the external end
of the sleeve 217, and the gland of the stuffing box removed, the shaft
being then detached from its inner connections can then be taken in-
board without difficulty. The ropes or chains by which the screw is
raised pass between shives at U, as shown in dotted lines which form a
part of Fig. 62.
I claim as new and of my Invention under this head, 1st, the propeller
having an open sided mortise fitting the screwdriver end of the driving
shaft, and being provided with appliances for unshipping, as set forth;

page_text: 2nd, in this connection, the pendant arms by which the propellor is
suspended and swung in and out of gear laterally and vertically in the
are of a circle, as set forth; 3rd, the cap 231, and its operative appendages
constructed and adapted to the outer end of the sleeve 217, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Montgomery, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Seventh day of May, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.
Witnesses,
DAVID THOMSON.
GEO. G. GUIM.
JAMES MONTGOMERY. (L.S.)