The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-05-23
NEW DIVING MACHINE.
1t May Bring Abont "a Revolution In
Submarine Work.

1t May Bring Abont n Revolution In
Submarine Work.
The first of q very simple and easily
constructed CO m bined diving apparatus
and life-saving raft was completed last
week by John Curtin, under q patent
granted 10 John Speirs of Jersey City
Heights.
This machine allows workman to de-
scend in the water to the bottom Of ves-
sci and yet have free and open COM
munication with the air above while be per-
forms needed work under the light of an
electric lamp. Then the apparatus, when
not in use, can be folded like an accordion
into a small space. and can in case of
need be inflated with air and used as a
life raft.
The machine consists of hollow cylin-
der yard in diameter, made of strong
waterproof canvas and of sufficient length
to reach to the underside of the vessel
using it, while it's open upper end is
above water. This long waterproof bag
is held distended by hickory hoops pass
ing around its inner circumference
about two feet apart. II is provided
with light metal bottom, from which
along lis length, with guides at the top. are
extended supporting ropes. On one side of
this cylinuer, at the height of mans
shoulders from the bottom, are placed, on
the outside, water-tight sleeves and gloves,
| into which a man on the inside can thrust
his arms and hands so as 10 be able TO
freely handle tools. INN ediately bove
these appendages, so as to be opposite the
workman S face, is a glass window, through
which he can see by means OF a light from
a submerged electric lamp.
If repairs are needed at the bottom or
side of vessel, below the water line, the
n H. \
the desired point by rope fastened 10 its
bottom and passing under the craft, its
upper open end being above the water line.
This presents to the diver q clear W ell-ven-
tilated channel, into which he can descend
by means OF rope ladder. When stand
ing on the bottom he can thrust bis hands
into the pending sleeves, grasp tools sus-
pended on The outside and perform the
needed work with aim ost as much comfort
as though the vessel was in a drydock.
There is not needed heavy diving armor,
pumps, uncertain tubes for air, great ut
mCspheric pressure and life-lines; but the
workman can directly commu nicate with
his companions above and go back and
forth at pleasure, with but little trouble
These cylinders, which admit of close
com preston, will occupy but little space
when stored, and vet in few seconds
time can be converted into hrst-class life
saving RATS, similar to some now in use
When one OF them is inflated with air the
upper end securely closed by a cover pro-
vided fer the purpose. it will possess great
buoyancy and be capable of supporting
considerable weight.
Then, if two or more of them are dashed
together a very serviceable raft is con-
structed. In fact, superior raft for food
can be carried in them safe from loss, not
withstanding any heavy pitching they
may be subjected to.
Mr.. Speirs, the inventor, says that the
apparatus now completed will be used in
the harDor this week, and will show its
value for the purposes it is intended to
complish.-New York Herald.