Hydraulic Marine Propelling Ram.

Cromwell Argus, Volume III, Issue 130, 7 May 1872, Page 7

Hydraulic Marine Propelling Ram.

The following sketch of the above invention, foi’ which a patent is claimed in New Zealand, by a Mr Smethurst, may not be uninteresting :

A port-hole, or any number of port-holes are placed in the hull at any convenient part of the ship ; in those holes are litted and secured strong iron cylinders, projecting inwards any required distance ; within these cylinders are inserted other cylinders, or rams, from the interior, which are each made to work like a telescope backwards and forwards ; the inner ends within which these work, are secured by ordinary snuffing-boxcs, so that no leakage can take place in the hull. These inner cylinders or rams are secured at both ends, so that every time the inner cylinder or ram is moved, the water will either enter the ship’s side at the port, or be expelled from it. Thus, according to the size of the discs of the inner cylinders or rams presented to the water, a displacement of water will take place equal to the known weight at any given depth under the surface, the downward pressure of the water assisting the engines at every receding stroke. These i valves, so to speak, can be placed so that they will remain immersed in any weather, and at all periods of the Voyage (not like the screw or paddle, alternately in and out of the water, losing a corresponding power to the inequality of thrust thus produced); and, from the method the power of the ram is applied, little or no vibration can be experienced ; the vessel will glide on her course as smoothly as if she were under sail only. And supposing a vessel to be fitted with these rams placed half-way between midship, frame, and stern, (where they will be most effective to propel the ship), Ibey will, when alternately set in motion by the steam engine or other grandmotor, form what may be termed a horizontal paddle, ever urging the ship forward on her course, without encountering any obstruction whatever, by suction or otherwise, by the backward action of the ram. The length of the stroke can be regulated at pleasure. The weight of water displaced can be calculated accurately. The speed of the engine will diminish nearly in proportion to the speed of the ship, and the consumption of steam and consequent saving of fuel will he in proportion to the resistance encountered. The rams will not be liable to foul at any time. The ports can be fitted with shifting masks, which at any time can be so fastened as to exclude the water cii’octnally from the trunk, and so facilitate repairs if necessary, during a voyage. No new theory in hydrodynamics is claimed to have been discovered hy the inventor, and no difficulty is presented from the alterations suggested in the architecture of vessels adopting the invention. Negative motion, or sternway, is given to the vessel with the same stroke of the engine when necessary. Objections to the grant of the patent arc to be delivered at Wellington in July next. —UakltUxt Leader.

A demnre-looking chap hailed a charcoal pedlar with the inrery. “ Have you got charcoal itt your waggon ?”—“ Yes, sir, 1 ’ said the expectant I driver, stopping his horses. “ That’s right, 1 ' \ observed the dcmurc-lo.ihing chap, with an ap- | proving nod ; “ always tell the truth and people i will respect yen ! 1 ’ And he hurried on, much to i the regret of the pedlar, who was getting out of the waggon to look for a brick.