Published Resources Details Journal Article

Author
Tuck, J. H. L.
Title
Abstract of Patent: Submarine Boats, & c' J H L Tuck, San Francisco, USA
In
Engineering
Imprint
vol. 39, 22 May 1885, p. 591
Description

Accession No.2400

Abstract

Abstract of Patent No. 6940, submitted April 20 1884, sealed May 8 1885, for: 'The body of the vessel is preferably cigar-shaped, and is divided into any suitable number of compartments. The motor and principal apparatus is contained in one compartment, which is of sufficient size to admit of the required number of people. The bottom of the boat is provided with independent water compartments connected with a pump, so that water can be admitted to or forced from them. The horizontal and vertical movements are effected by two screw propellers one at the end and the other at the bottom, these movements being guided by an ordinary rudder, and by an auxiliary or tail rudder. Centrally within the boat are formed water lock compartments within which the look-out may stand, and which are connected with the ballast compartments by pipes. The top of the boat is provided with a hinged mast for the air supply, the mast can be raised or lowered. When employed for firing torpedoes the torpedoes [mines] are secured to the boat, and can be released by the look-out, when they rise by their own buoyancy. Each of a pair of torpedoes are connected by electric conductors coiled on a reel at the top of the boat, and under the control of the look-out. By means of a battery the torpedoes may be exploded at the proper moment.'

Glossary Terms