"My invention is designed to provide a more efficient manner than heretofore for the launching of fish-torpedoes - that is to say, torpedoes provided with mechanism for propelling them through the water after they have been launched. Such vessels have heretofore been discharged by means of compressed air or steam; but an important feature of my said invention is a novel method of providing for the discharge of a torpedo from a tube by means of gunpowder or other explosive material."