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U.S. Patent No. 721,677 | EXCURSIONS |
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Well, what have we here? While the inventor shows unconventional propellers which he calls "worms" 2, this marvelous invention probably would be equally inoperative if conventional propellers were used. The propellers are reversible by electrical means of which only switch 17 is shown.
Now for the exciting part! The stem 6 carries coaxial plungers 8 and 15 which are normally forced into the extended positions shown by strong springs. Pay attention. When plunger 15 strikes a submerged obstruction (let's play it's an iceberg) it is forced back into plunger 8, closing switch 17 to start the reversal of the engines. Since it will take a little time for the reversal to take effect, further forward motion of the ship forces plunger 8 back into the stem 6, and "thus prevents injury to the vessel," as the inventor assures us. Just think! This invention was available before the Titanic set sail.
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No. 1,067,767
Patented March 3, 1903. C. DORNFIELD. GROUNDING PREVENTER FOR MARINE VESSELS. Application Filed July 1, 1902 (No Model.)
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