IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENTS USED BY PERSONS EMPLOYED UNDER WATER, PART OF THE IMPROVEMENTS BEING ALSO APPLICABLE FOR THE USE OF PERSONS EMPLOYED WHERE NOXIOUS GASES OR VAPOURS PREVAIL
Year: 1865

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Auguste Denayrouze, of Espalion, in the Depart-
ment of Aveyron, in the French Empire, and of 21, Golden Square, in
the County of Middlesex, Lieutenant in the French Imperial Navy, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENTS USED BY
PERSONS EMPLOYED UNDER WATER, PART OF THE IMPROVEMENTS BEING ALSO
APPLICABLE FOR THE USE OF PERSONS EMPLOYED WHERE NOXIOUS GASES OR
VAPOURS PREVAIL."
Sealed the 9th January 1866, and dated the 12th July 1865.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Auguste Denayrouze at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
12th July 1865..
I, AUGUSTE DENAYROUZE, of Espalion, in the Department of Aveyron, in
the French Empire, and of 21, Golden Square, in the County of Middlesex,
Lieutenant in the French Imperial Navy, do hereby declare the nature of
the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENTS USED
BY PERSONS EMPLOYED UNDER WATER, PART OF THE IMPROVEMENTS BEING ALSO
APPLICABLE FOR THE USE OF PERSONS EMPLOYED WHERE NOXIOUS GASES OR VAPOURS
PREVAIL," to be as follows:-
My first improvement refers to apparatus for supplying air to the diver,
and relates to the valve by which the flow of air is regulated in its passage
:

page_text: from the reservoir to the box or chamber in which the pressure of air is regu-
lated so as to be brought to the circumambient pressure (or to a little in con-
stant excess thereof). I make this valve of truncated cone form, with two
stems, one at either end, which work in apertures, one of which is formed in
the valve seat or valve chamber, and the other in a cap which also protects
the valve from dirt and impurities. In this cap are openings furnished with
wire gauze or perforated metal. The openings in which the valve stems work
are formed with niches at their edge for the passage of air. There is a neck
on the lower surface of the valve to allow air to pass through the niches.
My next improvement relates to a rod which carries a flexible diaphragm
fitted in the regulating box or chamber. This rod is grooved or furrowed for the
passage of air from the niches. It is guided by its being of the same diameter
as the seats through which it passes, and also by a ferrule or bush channelled
on the inside for the passage of air.
My next improvement relates to a valve for controlling the discharge of air
expelled by the diver after breathing. This valve consists of two thin pieces
of caoutchouc or like flexible material cemented at their edges or sides, but
having openings at the ends, one communicating with the air pipe. These
pieces lie flat when not expanded, but swell under the slightest respiratory
action.
My next improvement relates to the mouth-piece which is held over the
teeth and gums behind the lips; it consists of a piece curved to suit the
shape of the front of the inside of the mouth, and has two bosses or abut-
ments to be held in the teeth, and between these is an orifice or neck com-
municating with the air pipe.
My next improvement relates to the diver's dress, and consists in using a
coat with a collar or hood in elastic fabric covered with vulcanized caoutchouc
or like material; this collar or hood is round or curved, and joins the mask.
My next improvement relates to the mask, which is of metal, and of the
general shape of the front of the face or head, and has a round edge, which
has a groove filled with caoutchouc or the like. The front is fitted with glass
at the parts required. The mask is also provided with a pipe, to which is
fitted the internal and external air tube. The mask is likewise provided with
a tap or valve for discharging air from the dress. The collar or edge of the
hood laps over the edge of the mask, and the joint is made tight by an air-
tight ring..
My next improvement consists in fitting the mask or helmet with a valve.
whereby a continuous flow of air into the dress may be obtained when the
mouth-piece is not used. The diaphragm before referred to may for this pur-

page_text: pose be provided with a weight or a spring (or its position on the wearer's
body may be changed); a flow of air into the dress is thus obtained until the
pressure therein equals that of the air box or chamber when the valve will
close. If the valve in the mask or helmet be then opened the air will escape
and simultaneous inflow and outflow of air will be obtained.*
My next improvement consists in furnishing the pipe with a whistle or
acoustic signal, regulated by a spring or weight, and closed by the pressure of
air in the reservoir; but when the pressure in the air reservoir occasioned
by the breathing of the diver falls below the excess of pressure placed in.
equilibrium by the weight or spring the whistle or signal will act, and will
indicate the necessity of supplying air.
The improved valves. rod. signal, and mouth-piece are also applicable for
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Auguste Denayrouze in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 12th January 1866.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, AUGUSTE
DENAYROUZE, of Espalion, in the Department of Aveyron, in the French
Empire (and formerly also of 21, Golden Square, in the County of Middlesex),
Lieutenant in the French Imperial Navy, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twelfth day of July, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, in the twenty-ninth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said Auguste Denayrouze, Her special licence. that I, the said
Auguste Denayrouze, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such
others as I, the said Auguste Denayrouze, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to
time and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should
and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United King-
dom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man,
an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENTS USED BY.
PERSONS EMPLOYED UNDER WATER, PART OF THE IMPROVEMENTS BEING
APPLICABLE FOR THE USE OF PERSONS EMPLOYED WHERE NOXIOUS GABES OR VAPOURS-
PREVAIL," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Auguste..

page_text: Denayrouze, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing
under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great
Seal Patent Office. within six calendar months next and immediately after
the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Auguste Denayrouze, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what, manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, reference being had to the accompanying Draw-
ings, that is to say :-
This Invention mainly relates to improvements on certain apparatus and
equipments used by divers, and constructed on principles referred to in the
Specification of a Patent granted to Paul Pautard, numbered 2228, and
dated 14th September 1860, and in the Specification of a Patent granted to
Michael Henry as a communication from Benoit Rouquayrol, numbered 770,
and dated 28th March 1864, in which air is supplied to the diver from a
reservoir or chamber which contains compressed air, and is supported on his
body, such reservoir communicating with an air box fitted with a flexible
diaphragm which works a valve, and thereby regulates the supply of air to
the lungs at or a little over the circumambient pressure.
My first improvement refers to the apparatus for supplying air to the diver,
and relates to the valve by which the flow of air is regulated in its passage
from the reservoir or air chamber to the air box, in which the pressure of air
is regulated so as to be brought to the circumambient pressure, or a little in
constant excess thereof. According to this improvement, I make this valve of
truncated cone form, with two stems, one at each end. These stems work in
apertures, one of which is in the valve seat or valve chamber, and the other
in a cap which also protects the valve from dirt and impurities. In this cap
are openings furnished with wire gauze or perforated metal. The openings
in which the valve stems work are formed with niches or slots, at their, edges
for the passage of air; there is a neck on the lower surface of the, valve to
allow air to pass freely through the niches.
My next improvement relates to a rod which carries the flexible diaphragm
fitted on the regulating air box. According to this improvement this rod is
grooved or furrowed for the passage of air from the niches, and it is guided
by its being of or about of the same diameter as the seats or openings through
which it passes, and also by a ferrule or bush channelled on the inside for the
Dosso go of air

page_text: My next improvement relates to a valve for controlling the discharge of
air expelled by the diver after breathing. According to this improvement
this valve is constructed of two thin pieces of caoutchouc or like flexible
materials cemented at their edges or sides, but having openings at the ends,
one of which communicates with the air pipe. These pieces lie flat or close
when not expanded, but swell or distend under the slightest respiratory action.
My next improvement relates to the mouth-piece, which is held over
the teeth and gums behind the lips; it consists of a piece curved to suit
the shape of the front of the inside of the mouth (that is to adapt itself to
or fit over the gums and teeth), and it has two bosses or abutments to be
held in the teeth, between these is an orifice or neck communicating with the
air pipe.
My next improvement relates to the diver's dress, for which purpose I form
a coat with a collar or hood of an elastic fabric covered with vulcanized
caoutchouc or like waterproof material, this collar or hood is round or curved,
and joins the mask.
My next improvement relates to the mask; this I form of metal, and of
the general or rough shape of the front of the face or head, and I construct
it with a round edge, in which is a groove filled with caoutchouc or like
substance. The front is fitted with glass at the parts required for seeing
through. The mask is also provided with a pipe, to which is fitted the air tube.
The mask is likewise furnished with a tap or valve for discharging air from the
dress. The collar or edge of the hood laps over the edge of the mask, and the
joint is made tight by an air-tight ring.
My next improvement consists in fitting the mask or helmet, whether of
the diving apparatus before alluded to or of ordinary diving equipments, with
a valve to be employed in combination with a regulating arrangement as
herein-after explained, whereby a continuous flow of air into the dress is
obtained when a mouth-piece is not used. The object of this improvement is
that air when supplied directly from the pump to the helmet or head dress
shall be regulated so as to be at the circumambient pressure, or a little in
excess thereof.
The diaphragm above referred to (that is the flexible diaphragm of the
air box) is for this purpose provided with a weight or spring, or its position
on the wearer's body may be changed or adjusted, a flow of air into the dress
is thus obtained, until the pressure therein equals that of the air box,
whereupon the valve will close. If the valve in the mask or helmet be then
opened the air will escape, and a simultaneous inflow and outflow of air is
obtained.

page_text: My next improvement consists in furnishing the pipe which supplies the
reservoir or air chamber with a whistle or acoustic signal regulated by a
spring or weight, so as to be closed by the pressure of air in the air chamber
or reservoir. In other words the spring or weight is so regulated as to keep
the whistle or signal closed and silent when the pressure in the air chamber
or reservoir is at the required point or number of atmospheres; but when
the pressure in the air reservoir, being affected by the breathing of the diver,
falls below the excess of pressure so brought into equilibrium by the weight or
spring, the whistle or signal will act and will indicate the necessity of supplying
.more air.
The improved valves, rod, signal, and mouth-piece are also applicable
for the use of persons employed where noxious gases or vapours prevail, as well
.as under water.
The accompanying Drawings exemplify particularly in what manner the
Invention may be carried into effect.
Figure 1 is an elevation of the valve, valve chamber, and rod arrangement
for regulating the flow of air from the air chamber to the air box; Figure 2
is a vertical section; and Figure 2*, a transverso section of the valve and
seat.
A is a tubular chamber or socket containing the valve and its seat. The
passage A through this tube forms the air way from the reservoir or air
chamber to the air box. The part a of the piece A screws into the air
chamber or reservoir. On the outer side of the valve chamber A is formed
a collar or shoulders to keep in place a flexible packing (used to pack the
orifice in the air reservoir through which the piece A, a, passes), and above
this is a facetted part a* for applying a wrench or spanner to take the
appliance. to pieces. B is a cap which screws into one end of the chamber A
to protect the air way from dirt and impurities. C is a valve of truncated
cone shape formed with two stalks or stems c*, c³, one at each end. On tho
'broad end of this valve is formed a neck c³ to facilitate the inflow of air; this
valve, which is shown enlarged in Figure 3, is free to work up and down, or
to and fro; its seat, which, of course, is conical, is formed in a thickness of
metal d on the inside of the chamber A. The valve is guided by its
stems c*, c, for which purpose one stem, c*, -works in an orifice ƒ formed in
the top 6 of the cap B, and the other stem, c³, works in an orifice .g formed
in the thickness d. Four niches or slots f* cut in the top 6 lead into the
orifice f, and four similar slots 9* cut in the thickness d lead into the
orifice g, so that when the valve is at even the extreme points of its travel,
the stalks c*, c, always remain engaged in the orifices f, g, and however

page_text: .
rapid the flow of air the valve will not be prevented from closing the air
way A*..
Figure 4 is a top plan or top end view; Figure 5, a bottom end view. or
bottom plan; and Figure 6, a section of the cap B; it consists of a small
box or chamber having a neck 6*, which screws into the chamber A, and has
a top or end plate 6, in which are cut the orifices f, f*. In the bottom and
sides of the cap or box are holes covered with wire gauze or finely perforated
metal, through which air passes into the interior of the cap, and flows thence
through the openings f, f*, into the air way A*. E is a flanged hollow bush
transverse section, Fig. 7*,
or ferrule, shown in, vertical section, Fig. 7, and
it screws into the end of the chamber A, and the passage, through it, which
is grooved or channelled, as shown at e*, e*, forms a continuation of the air
way.
G, shown in elevation, Figure 8, is a rod which takes and works at one
end in the bush E. Near that end it is formed with a shoulder or boss g*,
acting as a stop or abutment to prevent it from slipping too far into the bush.
The outside of this rod G and of its shoulder g' is channelled or grooved, as
shewn at g³, for the passage of air. The other end of the rod is screw-threaded,
and carries two plates or discs h, h, adjusted and held in place by nuts i, i.
Between these plates is the flexible diaphragm of the air box, the plates being
in contact with the central parts of the metal frame plates with, which the
flexible diaphragm is provided. The motion of the diaphragm is thus regulated
by that of the rod G, and the latter by the abutment g', which when in contact
with the thickness & stops the descent of the rod and diaphragm, so that air
enters. When air is being expelled the abutment 9' of the rod abuts against
the end of the bush. E, and stops the rise of the diaphragm, and the excess of
air or spent air escapes through the ejection valve. Thus the position of the
stop regulates the flow of air. The rod is further guided by its being about
of the same diameter as the orifices through which it works.
Figure 9 is a plan, and Figure 10 a section of my improved flexible or
expansible and contractible valve for discharging the air expelled from the
diver's lungs; this outlet valve may be placed in the air pipe, air box, or
elsewhere; it consists of two thin pieces J of caoutchouc or like flexible
waterproof material, cemented at their edges or sides, but open at the ends,
so as to form, when it expands, an outlet for the air; but when the pieces are
not expanded they lie close or flat, and shut the outlet. One end is connected
with and opens into a caoutchouc neck j* open at both ends.
Figure 11 is a plan of the inner side, Figure 12 plan of the outer side,
and Figure 13 section of the mouth-piece, which consists of a piece of

page_text: caoutchouc K, curved to fit in the mouth under the lips, and over the teeth
and gums; it has in the centre an orifice l, having a neck /*, to which the
'air pipe is fitted. m, m, are thick abutments, projections, or bosses of
caoutchouc formed on the inside of the piece K, and intended to be held
between the teeth.
"
Figure 14 is a view of the improved diver's dress, having a collar or
hood n with a border or lappet O (Figure 15) curved, as shown, to join the
mask L.
Figure 15 is a side elevation, Figure 16 horizontal section, Figure 17
front view, and Figure 18 section through line x, x, of Figure 15 of my
improved mask L. M is the front, fitted with one or more glasses for seeing
through; N, pipe leading to air box; P, groove filled with caoutchouc ;
R, weights, suspended by a chain r; T, Figure 19, valve for discharging air
from dress and mask. The edge O of the dress laps over the edge P of the
mask, and the joint is made air-tight by fitting over it a metal ring Q. P* is
also a caoutchouc washer or packing ring. I apply a whistle or acoustic
signal to the air feed pipe; this whistle or signal is regulated by a weight or
spring to the pressure required to be maintained in the reservoir or air
chamber, so as to keep the whistle or signal closed or silent so long as such
pressure is kept up therein; but when the pressure falls below the proper
point or number of atmospheres, the weight or spring allows the whistle or
signal to open and sound.
I proceed to describe what I believe to be the best form for the purpose.
Figure 20 is an elevation, and Figure 21 vertical section of a whistle
applied to the pipe which feeds the air chamber to indicate that the pressure
therein is reduced unduly, and that more air is to be supplied. u, u, are
weights corresponding with various atmospheres or pressures; v, annular pas-
sage; w, valve having a very small touching or working surface; X, spring,
adjusted by a nut y, so as to keep the whistle closed and silent when the air
in the reservoir is at the proper required pressure, the nut being graduated
to correspond with the various atmospheres or pressures to which the whistle
is to be regulated: %, stud or stop for preventing the valve w from twisting
round:
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in what
manner the same may be performed, I declare that I claim,-
First, the arrangement and combination of parts constituting my improved
valve herein-before described for regulating the supply of air.
Second, the cap for keeping the air way free from dirt and impurities,
constructed and arranged. as described.

page_text: Third, the rod, having a grooved or furrowed surface, and working in a
channelled ferrule or bush, as described.
Fourth, the improved flexible or expansible and contractible outlet valve
herein-before described.
Fifth, the mouth-piece having bosses, projections, or abutments, as
described.
Sixth, the improved mask, constructed as described.
Seventh, the combination of the mask with the dress, having the joint
closed air-tight by a ring, as described.
Eighth, the employment of the regulating diaphragm for obtaining and
controlling a continuous flow of air into the improved or the ordinary diving
dress when no mouth-piece is used, substantially as described.
Ninth, the employment of a whistle or acoustic signal, substantially as
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Auguste Denayrouze, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Sixth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.
Witness,
A. TOUCAUTDIN,
Witness.
A. DENAYROUZE. (L.S.)