IMPROVEMENTS IN SURVEYING AND RAISING SUNKEN VESSELS, AND IN APPARATUS USED THEREIN, AND IN LIFTING VESSELS OVER BARS AND OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS
Year: 1853

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edward Austin, of Pembroke Cottages, Cale-
donian Road, in the County of Middlesex, Master Mariner, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN SURVEYING AND RAISING SUNKEN
VESSELS, AND IN APPARATUS USED THEREIN, AND IN LIFTING VESSELS
OVER BARS AND OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS."
Sealed the 19th December 1853, and dated the 26th October 1853.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edward Austin at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 26th October 1858.
I, EDWARD AUSTIN, of Pembroke Cottages, Caledonian Road, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
SURVEYING AND RAISING SUNKEN VESSELS, AND IN APPARATUS USED
THEREIN, AND IN LIFTING VESSELS OVER 'BARS' AND OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS,'
to be as follows:-
My improvements in surveying sunken vessels consists in the appli-
cation of a chain or belt wherewith to encircle a submerged ship, such
chain or belt having a series of. buoys attached thereto at suitable

page_text: intervals. The chain being drawn close round the vessel, and the
length of buoy ropes proportionate to the depth of water, the position
of the several buoys on the surface of the water will indicate the
figure, size, and position of the vessel.
The second part of my Invention refers to the raising of sunken
vessels, my improvements in which consist, first, in the application of
certain diagonal chains or bridles attached to the griping chain by which
a ship is lifted; these diagonals or bridles pass diagonally under the
ship, when the main chain is drawn close round the ship, or they may
be disposed so as to take a transverse position below the ship; also the
application of pennant chains at intervals along the main griping chain.
Secondly, enclosing flexible. air-tight bags or cases in cases of strong
matting which is attached to the lifting chain; also making such
mattings in breadths, and uniting them by selvage loops by reaving
cordage through the loops, such cordage also forms part of the attach-
ment to the chain; also the application of a slight. air-proof cloth
to close large openings in the lower part of air cases, which slight
material gives way or becomes detached to any internal pressure,
and prevents the bursting of case at any other part; corresponding
openings in the outer case .coincide with these escape appertures.
Thirdly, a peculiar mode of working or weaving hemispherical ends
of matting cases, by which matting of great strength is obtained in that
form. Fourthly, the construction of stopper used for the purpose of
stopping or holding securely the griping chain as it is hauled in and
gripes the sunken vessel, and peculiar method of tightening and
hauling such chain by applying the power of buoyancy obtained by
means of flexible and other air cases; also in the use and application
of long stoppers for temporarily fixing the griping: chain and holding
the slack as it is hauled in, such stoppers being secured at or near
surface of water, and forming a rigid stop at the required depth.
My improvements also refer to a method of working chains under
vessels submerged, and more or less embedded in sand. or other sub-
inarine bed, by means of buoyant power obtained by means of flexible
or other air cases. :.
The third part of my Invention relates to the use of the foregoing

page_text: apparatus in so far as it may be applicable to the lifting or moving
ships over bars in the mouths of rivers, estuaries, &c., and also in
floating stranded vessels.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Edward Austin in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 25th April 1854.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
EDWARD AUSTIN, of Pembroke Cottages, Caledonian Road, in the
County of Middlesex; Master Mariner, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-sixth day of October, in the
year of our Lord One thousand cight hundred and fifty-three, in the
seventeenth year of Her reign, did, for Eerself, Her heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant unto me, the said Edward Austin, Her
special licence that I, the said Edward Austin, my executors, admi-
nistrators, and assigns, or such others, as I, the said Edward Austin,
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 Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Chaunel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN SURVEYING AND RAISING SUNKEN VESSELS, AND IN APPA-
RATUS USED THEREIN, AND IN LIFTING VESSELS OVER "BARS AND OTHER
OBSTRUCTIONS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said.
Edward Austin, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said In-
vention, 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 1, the said Edward Austin, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same

page_text: is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement, reference being had to the three Sheets of
Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked
thereon (that is to say):
My improvements in surveying sunken vessels consists in the appli-
cation of a chain or belt wherewith to encircle a submerged ship, such
chain or belt having a series of buoys attached thereto at suitable in-
tervals. The chain being drawn close round the vessel, and the length
of buoy ropes proportionate to the depth of water, the position of the
several buoys on the surface of the water will indicate the figure, size,
and position of the vessel.
The second part of my Invention refers to raising sunken vessels,
my improvements in which consist, first, in the application of certain
diagonal chains or bridles attached to the griping chain by which a
ship is lifted; these diagonals or bridles pass diagonally under the
ship, when the main chain is drawn close round the ship, or they
may be disposed so as to take a transverse position below the ship;
also the application of pennant chains at intervals along the main
griping chain. Secondly, enclosing flexible air-tight bags or cases in
cases of strong matting which are attached to the lifting chain; also
making such mattings in breadths, and uniting them by selvage loops
by reaving cordage through the loops, such cordage also forms part of
the attachment to the chain; also the application of a slight air-proof
cloth to close large openings in the lower part of air cases, which slight
material gives way or becomes detached to any internal pressure, and
prevents the bursting of case in any other part; corresponding openings
in the outer case coincide with thesc escape appertures. Thirdly, a
peculiar mode of working or weaving hemispherical ends of matting
cases, by which matting of great strength is obtained in that form.
Fourthly, the construction of stopper used for the purpose of stopping
or holding securely the griping chain as it is hauled in and gripes the
sunken ship, and peculiar method of tightening and hauling such chain
by applying the power of buoyancy obtained by means of flexible and
other air cases; also in the use and application of long stoppers for
temporarily fixing the griping chain and holding the slack as it is

page_text: hauled in, such stoppers being secured at or near the surface of the
water, and forming a rigid stop at the required depth.
My improvements also refer to working chains under vessels sub-
merged, and more or less embedded in sand or other submarine bed,
by means of buoyant power obtained by means of flexible and other
air cases.
-
The third part of my Invention relates to the use of the foregoing
apparatus in so far as it may be applicable to the lifting and moving
ships over bars in the mouths of rivers, estuaries, &c., and also in
floating stranded vessels.
Figs. 1 & 2, Sheet A, represent my improvements in surveying
sunken vessels; Fig. 1, showing the ship in elevation, with the appa-
ratus I employ attached; and Fig. 2, a plan of the same. The apparatus
I use for this purpose consists simply of a chain a, having a number of
small buoys b, b, attached at regular intervals by means of small chains
or lines c, c, c.
The length of the lines c, c, c, is proportioned to the
depth of water previously ascertained. The chain a, is sufficiently heavy
to counteract the buoyancy of the buoys. The buoys b, b, may be very
small, but should be painted of a conspicuous colour, so that they may
all be easily visible simultaneously when at or near the surface of the
water. Having ascertained as nearly as possible the position of the
submerged body to be operated on by sweeping with an ordinary
sweeping chain, as well understood, the buoy chain a is then lowered
in suitable proximity and in such form that it may be drawn close
round the sunken ship in the manner shown, which is easily effected by
a steam vessel or other craft. The chain a, being so drawn and held
round the sunken ship causes the buoy ropes c, c, c, to be drawn close
up to the ship's side, which ropes pass thence direct to their several
buoys. If it is still water the buoys will float directly over their points
of attachment to the chain a, and taken collectively will show on the
surface of the water the figure of the object encircled by chain a. In
the case of a tide-way, or where a current prevails, the effect will simply
be to incline the direction of the ropes c, c, c, as represented, but the
buoys will still indicate the form of the submerged borly as before. In

page_text: Figs: 1 & 2, the ship is represented denuded of her masts and rigging;
should such be standing, the buoy ropes will simply take the outline so
prescribed, and will still enable a practised eye to detect the position,
size, and possible condition of the ship. One ship may thus be deter-
mined from another, and it may also be ascertained whether the object
surveyed is actually a ship.
'
The second part of my Invention has reference to apparatus cm-
ployed for raising sunken vessels, and consists, first, of an addition to
the griping chain by which the submerged body to be lifted is held. It
is represented in plan at Fig. 3, with the figure of a ship in dotted lines.
The griping chain is in two parts A, B, C, D, E, F, of sufficient
strength for the purpose; these are laid. round the fore part and stern
of the ship. D, F, are two shackles, through which the ends of A, C,-
of the other part are rove, and are hove taut by power applied to the
free ends A, B, which taper to a smaller size as they come nearer the
surface. G, H, are the diagonal bridles which constitute the improve-
ment; they are intended to be drawn under the ship, which may be
attained by heaving on A, and C, alternately, and at the same time
keeping an upward strain upon the pennant chains I, I. As it would
be almost impracticable to heave sufficient strain on A, and C, by any
mechanical purchase, I purpose to do so by inflating and collapsing air
cases attached thereto. K, K, K, K, are other pennant chains for
attaching the air cases to the chain, as exemplified in Fig. 4; the
whole of the chain ends are, of course, carried up to the working ship.
Fig. 4, shows the several air cases attached. When horizontal cases
such as L, L, are used, they should be lashed in a collapsed state to the
griping chain before it is sent down, and the case kept extended in the
direction of its length by means of ratans or other elastic rods lashed
along the chain. When there is reason to expect any damage to these
horizontal cases by working the chain I prefer to use the vertical cases
Y, Y, alone, applying a suitable number, by additional pennant chains,
for the purpose. To each vertical air case a heavy shackle d is attached,
which is run down the pennant chains, and after it a stopper X (herein-
after described), for the purpose of preventing the shackle rising, thus

page_text: enabling a hold to be taken at any point of the chain, and securing the
air cases thereto. The cases are inflated by their several pipes'e, e, e,
as will be readily understood. The second improvement in this appa-
ratus refers to the air cases used in obtaining the buoyant power. In
air cases heretofore used for this purpose it has been usual to employ
an air-tight case of considerable strength, formned. of thicknesses of
canvas and india-rubber air-proofing, sometimes further strengthened
by a network of ropes. From experience I have found that sufficient
strength to resist the bursting strain cannot be so insured without
rendering the air case very thick and expensive.. According to my
improvements I form the air-proof case of sufficient strength to sustain
ordinary handling, and enclose it within a close woven matting of
such strength as will resist the bursting and lifting strain to which it is
subject. By its close texture it also prevents wear or injury of. the
air-proof case.
Fig. 5, represents the external mat case in elevation. It consists
of two principal divisions: the body or cylindrical part,.and the
hemispherical head. The body is made of a number. of mats, sepe.
rately represented at Fig. 6. For the convenience of weaving they
are about five feet wide, and of a length in proportion to the size of
the case.
The warp is made with loops e, e, at one end, while long
ends ff, are left at the other. I form the matting of what is known
in rope making as "ten or twelve thread spun yarn" slightly tarred;
and in order that the mat may be as near as possible of the same
strength in both directions I weave it with a double shoot, that is,
two weft threads passing through one shed. I pass these shoots in
opposite directions, so that a continuous selvage is presented; a mat is
thus produced which will bear a great strain. Instead of weaving
the mats of soft yarn small rope may be used for the purpose, although
it is more difficult to get the mat of a close texture. A number of
these mats are sewn together by the selvages to form the size of case
required, which is afterwards attached to the hemispherical head.
Clue thimbles are turned into the ends f. f, and the ends worked
back into the matting.

page_text: Fig. 7, represents the air-proof case for mat case, Fig. 5. It is
much larger than the mat case, to prevent the possibility of its being
subject to bursting strain; to ensure its maintaining a proper position
inside the mat case I stop or secure it at numerous points. For this
purpose I form or attach suitable roped selvages or projections 9, 9, on
the exterior of air-proof. case, and secure similar ropes h, h, to the
outer casing. The slack of inner case being suitably apportioned, I
stop the coincident ropes at numerous intervals. I use small white
rope as roping for inner case, but for the outer one a four or five inch
rope may be used with advantage, as adding strength in the direction
of the direction of the length of case, and prevents the mat chafing.
The ends of ropes h, h, are worked into the thimbles at bottom.
Fig. 8, Sheet A, is an elevation, and Fig. 9, is a plan of the hemi-
spherical mat head. It is essential that the strands of the mat should
take an equal strain throughout, as any undue strain at one part might
rupture the mat case. I construct these hemispherical mats on a frame,
shown in plan at Fig. 10, Sheet B, and in elevation at Fig. 11. It
consists of a series of wheels or discs N, P, Q, R, & S, adapted to
receive grummets i, k, l, & m; these wheels are fitted to a central
stem M, so as to slide up and down for adjustment. The grummets
are worked into and form a part of the matting. The upper wheel is
furnished with a number of pins N', N¹, to receive the loops of the
warp. The grummets having been prepared and placed loosely on tho
wheels resting on pins n, n, the warp is produced by passing the yarn
over a pin N on upper wheel N, and carrying the double round
under the lowest grummet m up to the next pin on wheel N, on which
the bight or loop is placed; the yarn is then looped on the next pin in
succession, and carried under the next grummet 1, and the bight run
up to a pin, as before; the yarn is then carried over another pin and
under the third grummet k, and, lastly, under the fourth grummet i, as
will be readily understood by reference to the plan Fig. 10; this order
is repeated until the whole is warped on. Care should be taken that
the yarns going down are kept outside all the grummets, and the bights
carried up on the inside. The weft is introduced by opening a shed

page_text: with a sword by hand, using a double weft, and by preference carrying
them round in opposite directions, and driving the whole as close as
possible. In this way the warp threads are reduced as the diameter
decreases, and matting of nearly uniform strength is produced. A
greater number of grummets may be used in order to approach still
nearer to the hemisphere, but I have found four sufficient for all
practical purposes. In warping it will be seen that the grummets
are placed at greater distances apart than the hemisphere admits, to
allow for taking up during the weaving. The hemispherical head
when so made is secured to the body of the case by reaving a rope
or a number of yarns through the loops e, e, and the loops or bights
a, a, formed on the pins of wheel N. I construct the air cases open
at bottom, but in order to prevent mud and dirt entering, and to
ensure some little pressure of air before any escapes at the bottom, I
close it by means of a thin air-proof cloth, attached by a solution of
india-rubber to the two sides of case, as represented in cross section
at Fig. 12, Sheet A. p, is the closing cloth attached at either side to
the case 9, 9. To the cloth p I append an escape pipe r, about three
feet long; this suffers any excess of air to escape, and being weighted
insures a pressure equal to three feet of water at the lower part of
case before any escape takes place. The thimbles s, s, form the mode
of attachment of air case to the chain, and are lashed seperately to
the shackles d, d; the lashings are of sufficient length to permit a
free opening for the lower part of air case in the event of a sudden
expulsion of air from within. This expulsion of air will take place
during the rising of the ship to the surface, as the air will be subject
to a decreasing pressure of water, and expanding rapidly would burst
the case if confined. When this takes place the closing cloth P is
burst, or becomes disengaged, and a free escape is provided. The air
cases are furnished with an air pipe T. by which air is forced down by
a pump, actuated by steam or other power, which it will be unnecessary
to describe.
Fig. 13, Sheet A, represents a side view of the external matting,
and Fig. 14, a transverse section of the horizontal air cases thereof.

page_text: It is woven in lengths, as before described with reference to lig. 6,
but of sufficient length to form the circumference of the case, and with
long cils ff at either end to secure the thimbles. A number of
these are sewn together. to make a case of the requisite size, and
hemispherical ends U, U, are united, thereto to complete the case.
It is roped externally by sewing strong ropes V, V, on the matting, at
intervals of about two feet, as before described, for stopping the inner
case, such ropes being also carried down to the thimbles t, t. By
dispensing with all external horizontal ropes the case is not liable to
catch any blunt projection, and offers a smooth surface for surging up
a ship's side. The union of the mats by sewing must of course be
made as strong as any other part of the case..
Fig. 15, exhibits the side view of a single mat made with close
selvages for sewing, and Fig. 16, a 'side view of a similar mat woven
with selvage loops u, u for the purpose of uniting the mats by reaving
cordage through such loops of two adjoining mats, in lieu of sewing
them together; the cordage so rove through these loops also answers ns
a substitute for the stopping ropes V, V.
Fig. 17, represents a side view, and Fig. 18, a section of the inner
air-proof case. It is made in the ordinary manner of mackintosh or air-
proof goods, having one thickness of air-proof with an inside canvas
lining, and an external covering of rather stouter canvas. It is roped
with white rope v, v, v, as before described. This case is made open
at the botton, nearly the whole length of its cylindrical part, for the
escape of air, as before mentioned, such. opening being closed tempo-
rarily by an air-proof cloth w, of lighter strength than the case, which
is cemented with india-rubber to the air case, as seen in transverse
section, Fig. 18. By making the closing cloths w, Fig. 12, and p,
Fig. 18, of lighter material than the case, should the fastening not
give way it will burst before the case can be injured.
The lashings of the thimbles t, t, to the chain must be so arranged
as to suffer the free escape of the air, but the opening being extended
over a considerable length they will not require to be so long as the
Jashing of the other cases, as shown in Fig. 4. It is advisable to lash

page_text: case.
two opposite thimbles t, t, together, at intervals of four or five feet, to
prevent the two sides being unduly seperated to the injury of the air
This case is also furnished with one or more escape pipes y;
these pipes should be weighted at bottom and temporarily cemented, to
prevent the admission of water and dirt. The dotted line in cross
section, Fig. 14, shows the stopping of the air case in its matting.
The next part of my Invention relates to the chain stoppers X, before
mentioned, with reference to Fig: 4. Fig. 19, Sheet B, represents the
stopper complete; Fig. 20, a vertical section; Fig. 21, a plan; and
Fig. 22, a horizontal section of the same. It consists of wrought iron
frame a, a, formed to surround the chain and fit its cross section, as
near as possible, on three sides, as scen in the section Fig. 22.
Cheeks
b, b, are carried out from the encircling frame to support a pall or
tongue c, which is pivoted on a pin d, and is constantly pressed
towards the chain by a spring e. The space between the cheeks b; b,
is fitted above and below the pall with pieces f, g, held in position by
bolts h&i. The inside of these pieces are fitted to the chain, so that it
slides freely through the stopper in one direction, while the pall falling
into a link prevents its passing in the opposite direction. It will be
seen by reference to the Drawing that the narrow point 1 of the pall
passes between the limbs of the link, against which the shoulders 2, 3,
of the pall press, and force it up against the opposing side of the
stopper; the point at the same time takes the downward thrust from
the link immediately above it. In instances where it may be desirable
to release these stoppers a tripping line may be applied to raise the
pall for that purpose. This stopper is run down the pennant chains,
as shown at Fig. 4, to keep the air case down, or for holding the chain
at any point it may be desired for any other purpose.
My improvements in stoppers also consist of stoppers adapted for
temporary use while fixing the requisite chains. This stopper is shown
in elevation and, partial section at Fig. 28, while Figs. 24 & 25, show
opposite sides of the end plate. It consists of two cast iron ends h, k,
connected together with stiff balks of wood 1, 1, fitted to sockets m; m,
and bolted securely thereto. I make these stoppers about twelve feet

page_text: long, and of great strength and rigidity. They are intended to be
lowered down the pennant chains, one above another, in lieu of the
short stoppers, until the chain and air cases are adjusted. By thus
applying these long stoppers in sufficient number to reach above the
surface of the water a cotter can be driven through the chain above
these stoppers for a temporary fixture, which can be removed at
pleasure. By making these stoppers with very little floating power
they can be sunk or raised and otherwise managed with ease.
Another part of my Invention refers to working a chain under a
vessel's bottom when she is partially embedded in sand or soil. Fig.
26, Sheet 13, represents the elevation of a ship, showing this improve-
ment; Fig. 27, a plan; and Fig. 27 A, an end view of the same. I
first surround the vessel with a griping chain A, A, dropping a heavy
jewel B down the two ends, as shown, which keeps them together
and the chain in its proper position. The griping chain A is fur-
nished with suitable pennant chains C, C, C, which are all carried up
to the working ship. I then drop the chain D, D, to be worked under
round the bow or stern, and bring the ends up to two opposite pennant
chains, as shown; a double jewel E is then dropped on the two chains,
and stoppers F, F, over them on the pennant chains C, C, C. I now
lower an air case on oither end of chain D, and stopper them at G, G.
By alternately inflating and collapsing the two air cases the ends will
be hove taut alternately, and will have the effect of sawing the chain
under the ship's bottom; reasonable time should be allowed for the
chain to sink by its own weight, and assist its getting below the keel.
According to the position of the penuant chains so will be the position
to which the transverse chain D may be worked under. The ring of
the jewel E, through which the chain D works, should present a surface
over which the chain should run readily.
The last part of my Invention refers to lifting ships over bars or
shoal places. It consists in the application of these flexible air cases
to the bottom and sides of a ship, as represented in Sheet C. Fig.
27 B, is a single air case; Fig. 28, represents two such cases Inshed
together, preparatory to their being hauled under the ship's bottom;

page_text: Fig. 29, shows the cases uninflated, as first hauled under a ship, the
thimbles and lashings being immediately under the keel, with the top
of case at or near the surface of the water on either side. When close
hauled up, as seen at Fig. 30, and their position properly adjusted,
they are ready for inflation. Fig. 31, shows the side view of a ship
having a number of these cases applied as would be required to reduce
her draught of water, as shown in stern view Fig. 32. Here the
draught of water is represented as reduced about one half, showing
also the position of the bags when inflated. The draught of water
having been so reduced, the ship may now be propelled or towed over
a bar or other shoal place where she could not otherwise have pro-
ceeded. These improved air cases are also applicable for lightening
stranded vessels, for which purpose they may be applied as last hercin
described. Where the vessel is dry at low water the lashings may
readily be got under the keel, but in case the water does not leave her
entirely other methods of fixing down must be resorted to.
Having described the nature of my Invention, and the manner of
carrying the same into effect, I would have it understood that what I
claim as my Invention is,-
First, the arranging and adapting a series of buoys for indicating on
the surface of the water the form and size of the vessel or submerged
body, as above described.
Secondly, I claim the adapting diagonal or transverse bridles, in
combination with the griping & pennant chains, for lifting ships, as
above described.
Thirdly, I claim the adaptation of close woven mat cases, in com-
bination with enclosed air cases, or the raising or lifting of vessels, as
above described.
Fourthly, I claim the application of a slight air-proof cloth, as above
described, for closing the air cases employed in the lifting of vessels.
Fifthly, I claim the adaptation of a stopper and its pall, as described
and shown in Sheet B, at Figs. 19, 20, 21, & 22, for the lifting of
vessels.
Sixthly, I claim the application of long stoppers, as shown and
described by reference to Sheet B, Figs. 23, 24, & 25.

page_text: Seventhly, I claim the mode of applying and working chains under
ships bottoms, as described with reference to Figs. 26, 27, & 27 A, in
combination with buoyant power for the lifting of vessels.
:
In witness whereof, I, the said Edward Austin, have hereunto
hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of April, in the year &
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
my
Witness,
W. CLARK,
Patent Agent,
53, Chancery Lane,
London.
EDWARD AUSTIN. (L.S.)