Improvements in connection with Life Saving Apparatus.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 14th Mar., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 13th Dec., 1892-Accepted, 11th Mar., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in connection with Life Saving Apparatus.
STEPHEN STEEL Jr. 70 Railway Street Splotlands Cardiff 3rd Officer ship
"Drumblair" do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to an improved method of communicating with the shore
from a ship in distress by means of a grapnel fired from a gun, and is constructed
as follows:-
A solid shaft of metal with head block at top to which four grapnel arms are
secured by separate pins. Each grapnel arm has an expander attached to travelling
block which runs up and down the shaft. A spiral spring is placed round shaft
underneath travelling block which when compressed allows travelling block to run
down shaft and thereby closes the arms (the same as an umbrella).
A stop bolt is placed some distance from bottom of shaft to prevent spiral spring
from running to bottom of shaft, also stop bolt at some distance from top of shaft
to stop travelling block of expanders from going too high up shaft when spring is
released. To keep spiral spring closed a wire is run from travelling block under
stop bolt at bottom of spring from one side up one head of shaft back underneath
stop bolt up to travelling block on the opposite side from which it is first
connected.
This is done in order to give apparatus a better flight through the air than would
be possible if it was fired from a gun open.
In order to expand grapnel arms after it reaches the shore a hole is drilled in
top of shaft in which is inserted a small quantity of powder, afterwards a small
wooden plug over which runs the wire to compress spiral spring and thereby keep
grapnels closed. A small touch hole is also drilled in side of shaft in which is
inserted time fuse for exploding powder in hollow which blows out the plug and
throws off the wire thereby releasing the spring which causes grapnels to expand
when two flues of grapnels grip simultaneously.
At the bottom of shaft is knob in order to prevent washer which is made to run
up and down from running off shaft. To the travelling washer is connected a
small wire line and to the line swivel block through which runs line (endless fall)
which is carried by apparatus when fired and to which is attached the breeches
buoy.
Dated this 6th day of May 1892.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in connection with Life Saving Apparatus.
STEPHEN STEEL Jr. 70 Railway Street Splotlands Cardiff Mariner do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
A four arm spring grapnel fired from an ordinary signal gun from a ship to the
shore to which is attached a block through which runs a line attached to a breeches
buoy.
When fired the grapnel arms are closed like an umbrella but immediately on
striking expands. To each of the grapnel arms is attached a signal light to enable
the people on shore (should there be any) to see where apparatus strikes, and is
made in the following manner :-
My invention consists of a central spindle or shaft A with four or more grapnel

page_text: arms I at one end. These grapnel arms engage at one of their ends with a head-
block N which is screwed to the end of the centre spindle or shaft, and are free to
fly out to the extent of an angle of about 45°, and to close up and lie against the
centre shaft, similar to the ribs of an umbrella when closed. At about the centre
of these grapnel arms are attached links or expanders H, the other ends of these
links engage with a travelling block G, which slides upon the central shaft. A
spiral spring F presses against the travelling block & forces it longitudinally along
the centre of the shaft, causing the arms 1 to fly out to the necessary extent. The
other end of this spiral spring presses against a nut E, which is screwed upon
the central shaft. The grapnel arins I are pressed downwards so that the arms lie
close to the shaft, and the spiral spring is compressed accordingly.
In order to keep the grapnel closed, an eye R is fixed to each of the arms in
some convenient position. These eyes engage in hooks S, which are capable of
longitudinal motion along the central shaft, so that the arms with their eyes R, are
close up the central shaft, the hooks S then engaging with the eyes. A striker P
is formed & slides upon the end of the central shaft, the rear end of the striker
being connected directly with the hooks S. A spiral spring O rests against the
rear of the striker & presses the striker forwards, the hooks S being brought
forward at the same time, engaging with the eyes R.
To each of the grapnel arms, are fixed metal tubes L which are charged with a
pyrotechnic composition, this latter being ignited either with a flash from the gun,
when the grapnel is fixed, or triggers and percussion caps may be applied to each
of the tubes if found necessary. K are clamps for securing the tubes in position
on the grapnel arms. In the end of the central-shaft, I bore a holo Q of a certain
depth in which is inserted a charge of gun-powder. A touch-hole M is made in a
suitable position, near the rear of the head-block, a time-fuse being attached to the
touch hole, so that at a certain time, according to the length of time, the fuse is
arranged to explode at, the action being as follows:-The rear end of the shaft A
is inserted in the barrel of a gun, which is then fired, the grapnel of course travels
away to its destination, the pyrotechnic composition in the tubes igniting at the
same time, and giving a light clearly indicating the path the grapnel has travelled
and possibly the position where it lies, the striker P entering the ground first.
The compression caused thereby releases the eyes R. causing the grapnel to expand
and engage in the ground, at the same time, the time-fuse being in operation, the
charge of powder at the end of the shaft exploding at the proper time opens out
the ground to allow the grapnel to have a better hold.
To the rear end of the spiral spring F, a swivel washer D is placed, engaging
therewith is a loop or shackle B, with a shieve at its end, a line being attached
thereto from the ship. J are rivets for connecting the parts of the apparatus
together.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is.
1. The use of a grapnel as herein described, being fired from a signal-gun.
7. The method of expanding the arms as herein specified.
3. The means of releasing the arms, as herein specified.
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