The submarine was originally thought to have been cranked by eight men, but now scientists believe the hand crank that powered the sub, was actually powered by only seven crewmen. It seems now that the crewman who sat directly behind Lt. George Dixon was responsible for operating the bellows, and getting air into the submarine. Archaeologists removed more sediment from the bellows, which are made out of two panels of wood and attached by a leather strap. Also attached to the bellows seems to be a hose, possibly made out of rubber.
Scientists say the air exchange system seems to be more advanced.
The bellows have to be removed from the submarine before the bow of the sub can be excavated and the remains of Lt. Dixon can be removed. This seems to indicate that air exchange was in fact crucial to the operation of the Hunley and increases the likelihood that lack of oxygen could possibly have played an important role in the final moments of the submarine. Obviously, his reference to a pump was in fact this bellow system and was a clue that a lot of attention was just not paid to, as to the design of the submarine. A pencil stub found in the submarine is examined in the labortory portion of the Lasch Conservation Center.