Improvements in Apparatus for use in ascertaining the Position of Submerged Wrecks and other Bodies, and in Raising the same to the Surface, and for use as a Floating Dock.
Year: 1897

page_text: Improvements in Apparatus for use in ascertaining the Position of
Submerged Wrecks and other Bodies, and in Raising the same to
the Surface, and for use as a Floating Dock.
I, MAURICE MARY JOSEPH OWEN O'CONOR, of Inisfale Island, Drumshambo,
in the County of Leitrim, Captain in the Third Connaught Rangers, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows;
According to this invention I provide an apparatus adapted to enclose, en-
compass, or surround, a much larger space or area at any depth on the bed of
the ocean or elsewhere under water, than that occupied by the submerged wreck,
ship, vessel or other body (hereinafter referred to as a wreck) requiring to be
searched for and recovered, the apparatus being capable of being caused to con-
tract or converge simultaneously on all sides towards a given centre as may be
required, so as to secure or grapple a submerged wreck enclosed within it to
raise or float such wreck to the surface, and then to further raise or lift it to
a considerable height or distance above the surface of the water, and securely
maintain it in that position, while the apparatus itself floats on the surface, and
thus serves as a floating dry or graving dock. The apparatus may consist of
one or more cylinders or other vessels forming the sides of the apparatus and
of cables, chains, ropes, or other connections which form the ends thereof, the
arrangement being such that the whole will be capable of being quickly and
easily floated or otherwise conveyed to any required spot or locality on the
surface of the ocean or other waters, of being there submerged to the required
depth and of being brought or floated to the surface again at will, and of carry-
ing with it to the surface the wreck, if the same shall have become securely locked
or grasped by the contracted apparatus.
This may be done by attaching to the inner or outer sides of the cylinders or
other vessels forming the sides of the apparatus, steel, iron, or other beams carry-
ing or connected with a system of pulleys, blocks, or wheels, (hereinafter referred
to as pulleys) and chains, cables, ropes, wires, or other running gear or tackle
(hereinafter referred to as chains), and adapted to be operated by means of
hydraulic engines or rams worked or controlled from the surface and so arranged
as to be capable of forcing or drawing apart the beams together with the pulleys,
carrying the chains forming the end portions of the apparatus, and by this means
taking in, shortening, or winding up the said chains and thus drawing or
forcing the cylinders or other vessels forming the sides towards each other,
whilst at the same time altering the positions relatively to the ends of the
cylinders or other vessels, of the points whence those portions of the chains

page_text: which form the ends of the apparatus extend, which points may be constituted
by one of the system of pulleys said points being caused to travel along the
bottoms or sides of the cylinders or other vessels from both ends towards the
middle portions thereof and towards each other.
This may be effected by attaching the said pulleys from which those portions
of the chains which form the ends of the apparatus extend to or forming them
as part of, the moving portions of the hydraulic engines or rams, or if found to
be more convenient to the beams connected therewith.
The cylinders or other vessels forming the sides of the apparatus, may be
furnished with outwardly or rearwardly extending or otherwise arranged beams,
stays, bars or other projections for the purpose of steadying them, or preventing
them from rolling or turning from their proper positions on the bed of the
ocean, and so maintaining the chains forming the ends of the apparatus, in their
proper positions at the bottoms of the cylinders and immediately resting on the
bed of the ocean, throughout their entire length, while being operated as
described.
The effect of the gradual and simultaneous construction or conveyance of the
sides and ends of the apparatus towards a given centre, will be to drag or search
the entire space or area enclosed and having discovered any wreck, ship, vessel,
or other body, to secure it or grapple it on every side. When this has been
done, the apparatus carrying the wreck, can be caused to rise or float to the sur-
face of the water by expelling or exhausting the water contained in the cylinders
or other vessels, and causing or allowing them to become filled with air from the
surface. This operation may be effected by a simple arrangement of pumps
worked or controlled from a convenient position at the surface of the water.
When the apparatus carrying the wreck has been raised or floated to the sur-
face, I propose to further lift or raise such wreck bodily to a height or distance
over or above the surface of the water by causing the cylinders or vessels forming
the sides of the apparatus to turn or revolve in an outward direction relatively
to the wreck supported between them and on the chains, which chains by this
means will be raised or brought from beneath to a height considerably above the
surface of the water and will carry with them the wreck; the apparatus will
thus serve as a floating dock which may be used as a dry dock or graving dock
for all purposes of repair and examination of ships, yachts, or other vessels of
every tonnage, class or description. The cylinders or vessels forming the sides
of the apparatus may be caused to turn or revolve by a simple arrangement of
chains, cables, ropes or other connections, passing under the apparatus from side
to side, and attached to or passing over fittings or other outwardly or rearwardly
projecting portions of the cylinders arranged at convenient distances apart, the
arrangement being such that the said chains, cables, ropes or other connections
can be shortened or wound up so as to cause the cylinders to turn or revolve in
the direction required. The shortening or winding up of these chains, cables,
ropes, or other connections may be effected by hydraulic engines or other adequate
and convenient means. By means of such an apparatus a recovered wreck can
be brought or raised quickly and at the same time gently to a considerable height
above the surface of the water during which operation the displacement of the
cylinders will be only slightly affected or altered, the increased displacement of
the cylinders when the wreck is raised clear of the water tending to add to the
stability and consequent value of the apparatus as a floating dock.
Dated this 11th dox of Danamh. 1907

page_text: Improvements in Apparatus for use in ascertaining the Position of
Submerged Wrecks and other Bodies, and in Raising the same to
the Surface, and for use as a Floating Dock.
I, MAURICE MARY JOSEPH OWEN O'CONOR, of Inisfale Island, Drumshambo,
in the County of Leitrim, Ireland, Captain in the Third Connaught Rangers, 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:-
This invention has reference to iprovements in apparatus of the kind
described in the Specification of another application for Letters Patent filed by
me No. 27047 of 1897 for finding and raising sunken ships and other objects.
According to my invention I provide an apparatus that is adapted not only to
enclose, encompass, or surround, a much larger space or area at any depth on the
bed of the ocean or elsewhere under water, than that occupied by the submerged
wreck, ship, vessel, or other body (hereinafter referred to as a ship) requiring to
be searched for and recovered, and capable of being caused to contract or converge
simultaneously on all sides towards a given centre as may be required, so as to
secure or grapple a submerged ship enclosed within it and to raise or float such
ship to the surface, as in the apparatus described in my said former specification,
but which is, inter alia capable also of further raising or lifting the said ship to a
considerable height or distance above the surface of the water and securely main-
taining it in that position while the apparatus itself floats on the surface, to that
the apparatus will serve also as a floating dry or graving dock when required.
My improved apparatus comprises two or more cylinders or other vessels forming
the sides of the apparatus, cables, chains, ropes, or other connections which form
the ends thereof, means for hauling in such connections, means for sinking and
raising the vessels with their connections, and means for maintaining the vessels
in proper positions when on the bed of the ocean and whereby they can be partly
rotated when floating, the arrangement being such that the whole is capable of
being quickly and easily conveyed to any required spot or locality on the surfac
of the ocean or other waters, of being there submerged to the required depth, of
being caused to contract from all sides, of being brought or floated to the surface
again at will, and of carrying with it to the surface the ship, if the same shall
have become securely locked or grasped by the contracted apparatus, and of the
vessels being afterwards partly rotated so as to admit of the ship being raised
above the surface of the water if required.
For causing the apparatus to contract or converge simultaneously on all sides
towards a given centre, there is attached to the inner or outer sides of the cylinders
or other vessels forming the sides of the apparatus, steel, iron, or other beams or
supports carrying or connected with a system of pulleys, blocks, or wheels, (here-
inafter referred to as pulleys) and chains, cables, ropes, wires, or other running
gear or tackle (hereinafter referred to as chains) and adapted to be operated by
means of hydraulic (agines or rams worked or controlled from the surface of
the water and so arranged as to be capable of forcing or drawing apart the beams
together with the pulleys carrying the chains forming the end portions of the
apparatus, and by this means taking in, shortening, or winding up the said
chains and thus drawing or forcing the cylinders or other vessels forming the
sides of the apparatus towards each other, whilst at the same time altering the
positions relatively to the ends of the cylinders or other vessels, of the points
whence those portions of the chains which form the ends of the apparatus extend,

page_text: '
which points may be constituted by one of the system of pulleys, the said point
being caused to travel along the bottoms or sides of the cylinders or other vessel
trom both ends towards the middle portions thereof and towards each other
This may be effected by attaching the said pulleys from which those portions of
the chains which form the ends of the apparatus extend, to or forming them as
part of, the moving portions of the hydraulic engines or rams, or if found to be
more convenient, to the beams connected therewith.
The cylinders or other vessels forming the sides of the apparatus, are furnished
with outwardly and rearwardly extending or otherwise arranged beams, stays,
bars or other projections for the purpose of steadying them, or preventing them
from rolling or turning from their proper positions on the bed of the ocean, and
so maintaining the chains forming the ends of the apparatus, in their proper
positions at the bottoms of the cylinders and immediately resting on the bed of
the ocean, throughout their entire length, while being operated as described.
The effect of the gradual and simultaneous contraction or convergence of the
sides and ends of the apparatus towards a given centre, will be to drag or search
the entire space or area enclosed and having discovered any ship, to secure it
or grapple it on every side. When this has been done, the apparatus carrying
the ship can be caused to rise or float to the surface of the water by expelling or
exhausting the water contained in the cylinders or other vessels, and causing or
allowing them to become filled with air from the surface. This operation may
be effected by a simple arrangement of pumps worked or controlled from a con-
venient position at the surface of the. water.
When the apparatus carrying the ship has been raised or floated to the surface,
I propose to further lift or raise such ship bodily to a height or distance over or
above the surface of the water by causing the cylinders or vessels forming the
sides of the apparatus to turn or revolve in an upward and outward direction
relatively to the ship supported between them and on the chains, which chains
by this means will be raised or brought from beneath to a height considerably
above the surface of the water and will carry with them the ship. The apparatus
will thus serve as a floating dock which may be used as a dry dock or graving
dock for all purposes of repair and examination of ships, yachts, or other vessels
of every tonnage, class or description. The cylinders or vessels forming the sides
of the apparatus may be caused to turn or revolve by a simple arrangement of
chains, cables, ropes or other connections, passing under the apparatus from side
to side, and attached to or passing over fittings or other outwardly or rearwardly
projecting portions of the cylinders arranged at convenient distances apart, the
arrangement being such that the said chains, cables, ropes or other connections
can be shortened or wound up so as to cause the cylinders to turn or revolve in
the direction required. The shortening or winding up of these chains, cables,
ropes, or other connections may be effected by hydraulic engines or other adequate
and convenient means. By means of such an apparatus a recovered ship can be
brought or raised quickly and at the same time gently to a considerable height
above the surface of the water, during which operation the displacement of the
cylinders or vessels will be only slightly affected or altered, the increased dis-
placement of the cylinders when the ship is raised clear of the water tending to
add to the stability and consequent value of the apparatus as a floating dock.
4
In order that my present invention may be clearly understood, I hereunto
annex drawings, in which I illustrate, as examples, several modifications of
apparatus embodying, in combination, the features hereinabave enumerated.
Fig. 1 is a general view, in which there is shewn, afloat, an apparatus according
to this invention, 1 being two vessels which are of cylindrical form, with their
ends tapered, these vessels being of suitable strength, and usually of greater
length than any submerged ship they are intended to find and raise, and of such
displacement that, with their contained (or attached) machinery, they can them- 5
selves float, and also can raise and support (in addition to their connecting gear)
a ship or other body to be raised, supported and removed. 2-2 are arms or pro-

page_text: jections securely fixed to and projecting laterally from the exteriors of the said
vessels and adapted to enable these vessels to be moved in a rotary sense as already
referred to. The said arms or projections 2 also serve to steady the vessels and
prevent them rolling or turning when on the bed of the sea, and to maintain th>
chains or other flexible connections on the bed of the sea at the points where they
enter the vessels, so that they shall rest upon the bed of the sea throughout their
length.
The arms or projections 2 thus serve for the double purpose of rotating the
vessels 1 when floating, and for steadying and holding them in proper position
on the bed of the sea when sunk. If desired however other arms or projecting
parts may be provided on the vessels for partly rotating them in which case they
need not necessarily be so arranged as to act on the bed of the sea when the
apparatus is sunk. 3-3 are rows of buoys, whereby the chains or other flexible
connections not shown in this figure but which connect the two cylindrical
vessels 1-1, are supported, the several buoys in each row being held apart by
rods of rigid material that serve to maintain the vessels at the required distance
apart during the lowering of the apparatus; 4-4, are steamships whereby the
apparatus is being towed into position, preparatory to being sunk.
Fig. 2 is a similar view, to a somewhat larger scale, in which the apparatus
is supposed to be submerged, and is represented as lying upon the bed of the
sea, preparatory to the machinery contained in the cylindrical vessels 1-1 being
operated, so as to haul onto the flexible connections (which, in this example,
are chains having the central or intermediate portions 5 of their lengths of
much greater strength than the remainder) so as to cause the two cylindrical
vessels 1-1 to move towards the sunken ship 6, and, simultaneously, cause the
chains to pass under the ship 6, the stronger portions 5" of the chains occupying
positions beneath the ship when the vessels 1 have been brought close against
her sides. The water is, for the sake of clearness, omitted from that portion of
the sea-bed on which the apparatus and the sunken ship 6 are resting. The thin
dotted lines 10-10 indicate strong armoured flexible air tubes, to which are
secured electric cables, in suchwise that, through the tubes, air may, according
to requirement, enter or leave the cylindrical vessels 1 (air entering as water is
discharged, and leaving as water is admitted) and that through the cables, the
necessary electric currents can be conducted, for the purpose of operating the
electric motors, whereby to work, when required, the pumps for discharging water
from within the cylindrical vessels, as also to work, when required, the machinery
for drawing the cylindrical vessels towards one another through the media of the
chains 5. To obviate liability to fracture of the air tubes and electric cables indi-
cated at 10, chains 10" may be used in conjunction therewith for taking the
strain between the ships 4, 4" and cylindrical vessels 1. The other ends of the
cylindrical vessels 1 are also provided with strong armoured flexible air pipes
and electric cables, as indicated at 10, for use in the event of the other ones
becoming damaged. The upper ends of these duplicate tubes and cables may be
buoyed or connected with the steamships 4, 4ª.
Fig. 3 shews, generally, from a slightly different point of view, the apparatus
afioat, with the raised ship 6 supported between the cylindrical vessels 1--1 of
the annaratus, by means of the chains 5 (not seen in this view). 4 -4" being
steam ships in attendance.
Fig. 4 is a view to a still larger scale than Fig. 3, and, in it, there is shewn
so much of the apparatus as is necessary to illustrate how it supports the raised
ship 6, by means of the stronger portions 5" of the connecting chains 5, after the
cylindrical vessels 1-1 have been partly rotated, by hauling onto powerful con-
nections 8 attached to the arms or projections 2 of the respective cylindrical
vessels 1.
Fig. 5 illustrates, diagrammatically, relative positions of the cylindrical
vessels 1, their arms or projections 2, the stronger portions 5 of the chains 5,
and the ship 6. These relative positions would obtain (or approximately so), just

page_text: before commencing to raise the apparatus, with the ship 6, from the bed of the
sea; and, also, during the raising, and until the apparatus and ship 6 had
attained, approximately speaking, the position indicated by the upper part of
the view, in relation to the water level 7 (at which time, of course this apparatus
and ship 6 would no longer be resting on the sea bed). When the cylindrical
vessels 1, and ship 6 are in the latter (the higher) position, light flexible connee-
tions, are reeved by divers over and around the pulleys 9, carried by the arms
or brackets 2. By means of these connections, stronger chains or flexible con-
nections 8 (Fig. 6) are pulled into place over and around the pulleys 9, from the
attendant steain ships 4, 4. By pulling on the ends of these chains or flexible
connections, by means of powerful winches in the steamships 4, 4, the cylindrical
vessels 1 can be partly rotated, so as to alter their displacement.
Fig. 6 is a similar diagrammatic view to Fig. 5, indicating, approximately, the
relative positions of the cylindrical vessels 1, their arms or projections 2, the
central portions of the connecting chains, and the ship 6, after the said vessels 1
have been partially rotated by means of the chains 8, passing over the pulleys 9,
thereby raising the ship 6 into a position well above the water level 7, so as to
permit of inspection, repairs, and so forth, such as might be effected if the ship 6
were in a dry dock.
Fig. 7 shows, in side elevation, one of the cylindrical vessels 1, with its arms
or projections 2, portions of the chains 5, as also at 10 10 portions of the air
tubes, with electric cables secured thereto, and portions of the chains 10%. As
will be seen the arms or projections 2 with pulleys 9 are arranged so that in
addition to serving as a convenient means whereby the cylindrical or other
vessels can be turned in a rotary sense for the purpose here in set forth, they
also serve, when the apparatus is resting on the bed of the sea, as shewn in Fig. 2,
to steady the said vessels and prevent them from rolling or turning on the said
bed and so maintain the chains 5 in their proper positions resting on the bed
of the sea at the points where they enter the said vessels through the longitudinal
slots or openings 23, which, at this time, will be at the lower sides of the vessels.
In this way the chains will be maintained in the best positions for being drawn
below the bottom of a sunken ship. Furthermore the rollers 9 serve to facilitate
the movement of the vessels 1 over the bed of the sea when they are being drawn
together.
Figs. 7 and 7 show a modified arrangement for partly rotating the vessels.
According thereto the vessels 1 are each provided at the upper side with fixed
arms or projections 2" in addition to the arms or projections 2 at the lower side,
and with hauling-up mechanism 2. Two sets of chains or other flexible con-
nections 8* are passed under the two vessels 1 when the same are floating, and
connected at one end to the arms or projections 2" on one vessel and to the hauling
up mechanism 2b on the other vessel, the arrangement being such that by hauling
up the two sets of chains or flexible connections, the vessels will be partly rotated
from the position shewn in Fig. 7 to that shown in Fig. 7. A suitable arrange-
ment for the purpose comprises two sets of hydraulic apparatus mounted upon the
exterior of each vessel, and each having either a movable plunger or a movable
cylinder connected to the corresponding chain.
I have already indicated that as the cylindrical vessels 1 are caused to approach
one another, the chains 5 are caused to approach one another, from both ends of
the cylindrical vessels and also to pass under the sunken vessel. To illustrate
this, I have, in Fig. 7 illustrated by dotted lines 5*, 5*, 5*, the extreme inward
positions that may be assumed by portions of the three connecting chains indi-
cated at 5, 5, 5, to the right of the figure, whilst at 5*, 5**, 5** I have indicated
the extreme inward positions that may be assumed by the connecting chains
indicated at 5, 5, 5, to the left of the figure.
Figs. 8 and 8 together show, in central longitudinal section (to a larger scale),
approximately one half (lengthwise) of one of the cylindrical vessels, with con-
tained machinery. To facilitate description, I call this view a vertical section,

page_text: and will treat other views accordingly, because (regard being had to the location
of the machinery within the cylindrical vessel) if that vessel were afloat, the
portion containing the machinery would naturally be the lower portion.
Figs. 9, 9, together, show a longitudinal sectional view in the line A-B of
Figs. 8-8.
Fig. 10 shows (to a larger scale) a transverse sectional view, in two planes,
approximately according to the line (1) of Fig. 8.
At 11-11 there are arranged partly around the cylindrical vessel and for a
considerable portion of its length, anti-friction balls, adapted to bear against the
side of a ship or other body when the cylindrical vessels I have been brought into
juxtaposition with it, for raising it.
Figs. 11 and 12 are views at right angles to one another (to a larger scale than
Fig. 10) illustrating the anti-friction ball arrangement just above referred to.
Fig. 13 shows, in side elevation, part of one of the cylindrical vessels 1, with
one of the arms or brackets 2, and the pulleys 9 carried thereby.
Fig. 14 shows, (to a somewhat different scale from Fig. 10) a longitudinal
sectional view of hydraulic apparatus, hereinafter described, for drawing in the
chains 5 with the aid of wheels whose axles are moved lengthwise of the
cylindrical vessels 1 by means of such hydraulic apparatus as will be hereinafter
explained. In this view (Fig. 14), the parts occupy the relative positions which
obtain before the hydraulic rams 12 have commenced their operative strokes.
Fig. 15 is a view corresponding to Fig. 14, but showing the other extreme
(or outward) positions of the rams 12.
Fig. 16 is a view to a larger scale than Figs. 14 and 15, and shows more clearly
the construction of that portion of the apparatus which is shown in the upper
right-hand part of Fig. 14.
Fig. 17 shows, to the same scale as Fig. 16, a cross sectional view, correspond-
ing (except as to scale) to a transverse section in the line E F of Fig. 15.
Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic view (to a smaller scale than Fig. 17) and illustrates
the action of the hydraulic apparatus in drawing in the chains 5. The chain 5
shown to the left of the figure has one of its ends secured, at 5b, to a strong frame-
work or casting 13, which is fixed within the cylindrical vessel 1, and from 5b
the chain 5 passes to and half around the pulley 14, which is free to rotate on
the axle 15, which latter is carried by the casings 16 of the hydraulic apparatus;
from the pulley 14, the chain 5 returns to and passes half around a pulley 17,
which is free to rotate on an axle 18, carried in brackets 19, which are formed
with or fixed to the casting 13; from the pulley 17, the chain passes to and half
round a second pulley 14" which is free to rotate on the axle 15 (Figs. 8, 9 and 10);
then the chain passes back to and half around a second pulley 17" on the axle 18:
thence back to and half around a third pulley 14 on the axle 15; thence back
to and half around a third pulley 17b on the axle 18; thence back to and half
around a fourth pulley 14° on the axle 15; thence back to and half around a
fourth pulley 17 on the axle 18: thence back to and under a guide roller 20,
and upward and over a chain wheel 21, which is fast on the axle 22, and is free
to rotate in the direction of the arrow so as to allow the chain 5, 5" to be drawn
in through the longitudinal slot or opening 23, formed in the external wall of
the cylindrical vessel 1, but which wheel is prevented from rotating, (unless
specially released), in the contrary direction, as will be hereinafter explained.
Hydraulic gear, pulleys, and other parts similar to those just above described,
are provided for each of the other chains (two of which are indicated to the right
of the one just described), but as will be seen on reference to Figs. 8 and 9,
additional guide pulleys are provide to direct the course of the second and
third chains (as distinguished from that of the chain whose course has been fully
explained) it being understood that the arrangement at each end of each
cylindrical vessel 1 is similar to that above described.
Although I have shown, for each chain, four pulleys on each of the axles 15

page_text: and 18, the number of such pulleys may be varied to suit the requirements of
particular cases.
Sets of chain pulleys arranged as described serve as a convenient means for
disposing of the portions of the chains drawn into the cylindrical vessels and
obviating any undue slackness of the chains as the vessels approach each other.
Such an arrangement of pulleys also serves to distribute the weight of the chains
drawn in practically uniformly over the length of the vessel.
Figs. 19, 20, and 21 show, to a larger scale, one of the chain wheels 21; also
a ratchet wheel 24 which is fast on the same axle 22; and a couple of pawls 25,
whereby the ratchet wheel, whilst permitted to rotate freely in the direction of
the arrow, for taking in chain, is prevented from rotating in the contrary direc
tion, until specially released; which release is effected by moving the pawls 25,
in opposition to the springs 26, until both of the said pawls are out of gear with
the ratchet wheel 24. The pawl can be locked out of gear, by means of pins,
which, for that purpose are passed through eyes 27, in the ends of the fever
arms 28, (which are tast on the pawl axles 29) and into holes (one of which is
shewn at 30), which are formed in one of the outer casings 16, of the hydraulic
apparatus which casings carry the chain wheel 21, the ratchet wheel 24, the
pawls 25, and other parts, as will be readily understood from the drawings.
The general arrangement of the apparatus will be readily understood from the
description that has been already given.
Referring now, again, to Figs. 8 and 9; 31, 31, 81, 81, indicate electric
motors, which may be of any suitable description, and are to be of adequate
power, and such as can through suitable conductors, such as already referred
to, be set in operation from attendant ships, such as 4, 4, which are to be provided
with suitable electric generators, means for operating the same, and other acces-
sories or with storage batteries. The eltric motors 31 are to be carefully
located, in strongly constructed water-tight compartments or chambers (indicated
at 32), suitable provision being made to afford access, when necessary, to
the said compartments or chambers, and also for strongly closing them airtight
at other times.
33, 33, 33, 33 indicate pumps, whereby water can be supplied, under pressure,
to the hydraulic cylinders 34, 34.
The pumps may be of any suitable construction, such as can be suitably worked,
through appropriate gear, from the particular motors employed, but care must be
taken that all the connections between the electric motors and the pumps they
are to operate shall be so enclosed as to prevent the entry of water into the
chambers or compartments in which the electric motors are located.
As will be seen in Figs. 8, 9 and 10, eight of these hydraulic cylinders 34 are,
in this particular example, arranged in pairs; each cylinder contains a ram 12,
(see Figs. 10, 14, 15, 16 and 17) and the two rams of each pair of cylinders have
secured to them, at their outer ends, the strong end of the outer casing 16,
which encloses the pair of cylinders, and travels along the same.
For supporting the pairs of rams, at intervals of their length, as they leave the
cylinders 34, they may be provided with sets of blocks or bearings 12, 12, 12.
The forward end of each cylinder, of each pair, is provided with an annular pro-
jection 34 which fits tightly within a corresponding recess 12d in the correspond-
ing bearing 12ª next it, and this bearing is provided with a similar projection
taking into a corresponding recess in the next bearing 12", which is also provided
with a projection taking into a recess in the third bearing 12, as shewn in
Fig. 16. Projecting from the sides of the bearings 12", 12", 12° are pins 120, 12, 128,
that extend respectively into slots or grooves 16, 16 and 16 of different lengths,
formed on the inner side of the casing 16. The arrangement is such that, on the
outstroke of the rams, the bearings 12ª, 12, 12° remain close to the forward
ends of the cylinders 34 until the rear ends of the slots or grooves 16b come into
contact with the pins 12 on the forward set of bearings 12° whereupon those
bearings are caused to travel forward with the rams and corresponding outer

page_text: casings 16 and support the parts of the rams they surround by such casing; upon
the rear ends of the second set of slots or grooves 16" coming into contact with
the pins 12 of the second set of bearings 12b, these bearings are also caused to
travel forward with the rams and outer casing, such bearings then resting against
the bearing 22 of the pulley axle 22 and supporting the parts of the rams they
surround; and upon the rear ends of the slots or grooves 166 coming into contact
with the pins 12 on the bearings 12ª, these bearings are caused to bear against
the bearings 22b of the next pulley axle 22, and are also caused to travel forward
with the rams, the various parts finally assuming the positions shown in Fig. 15.
Two of the casings 16 (see Fig. 10) are supported by longitudinal rails or
ways 35, on which there travel anti-friction balls or rollers 36, whose axles are
carried by cheeks or brackets 16" formed with or secured to the undersides of
the outer casings 16, which, at their upper sides, are furnished with anti-friction
balls 37, which travel against suitable ways 38 (see Figs. 8, 9 and 10).
other two casings 16, are supported and guided each by upper and lower rows
of anti-friction balls 37 travelling against suitable ways 38 (see Fig. 10).
The
16*
The axle 15 at each end of each cylindrical vessel 1, is carried by, and secured
to, and aids in tying together, the whole of the casings 16, at that end.
(Fig. 9) are stays serving to further tie the casings 16 together. The two out-
side casings 16 are furnished with lateral anti-friction wheels 39, travelling
along rails or ways 40, so as to guide laterally the whole arrangement.
Although, in the particular example, I have shown four pairs of hydraulic
rams and cylinders and four casings, it is to be understood that not only as to
the number of those parts, but also as to their proportions, dimensions and
general arrangement, variations may be made, as circumstances may render
desirable, to suit requirements of different cases.
A strong longitudinal curved bulkhead, deck or partition 41, with suitable
stays 42, separates, in an air-tight and water-tight manner, the compartment or
compartments containing the machinery, from the compartment on compart-
ments 1", intended to receive water for sinking the apparatus and to contain air
when the apparatus is to be caused to rise, and is afloat.
Any suitable arrangement may be provided for admitting water to the com-
partment 1, of each cylindrical vessel 1, for the purpose of sinking the apparatus.
For this purpose, each cylindrical vessel may, for example, be provided with a
number of valves, one of which 1b, is shown in Fig. 10. This valve is arranged
within a pocket 1" open to the water, and controls an opening 1d to the chamber 1".
1 is a spring that tends to press the valva against its seat 1'; 18 is a piston con-
nected to the stem of the valve, and arranged to work in a cylinder 1 and 11 is
a pipe for supplying fluid under pressure to the cylinder. The arrangement is
such that by admitting fluid under pressure to the cylinder 1, the valve 1 can
be opened against the action of its spring 1° and water allowed to enter the com-
partment 1 to sink the cylindrical vessel 1, and, upon exhausting the cylinder 1,
the valve will be closed against its seat 1', and be held there by the external
pressure of the water in which the vessel is submerged. 1 is a screen, to prevent
the entrance of foreign matter to the pocket 1. The pipe 1 may be common to
all the water inlet valves and be led to the surface of the water with the air
tube and electric cables shown at 10. Any other suitable arrangement of water
inlet valves may however be employed.
Water or air can enter and leave the compartment containing the machinery
through the longitudinal slot or opening 23. 23 are additional openings through
which water or air can enter and leave the machinery compartment as the same
is turned (by moving the cylindrical vessel 1 in a rotary sense) upward or down-
ward. 43 (Figs. 8 and 10) is a longitudinal plate girder, with numerous inclined
stavs 44.
4545 are strong circumferential hoops or strengthening belts. These may
be suitably covered with wood or other material, (or the annular spaces between
them may be filled up), so as to obviate risk of injury to a ship or other body to

page_text: be raised, such as might result from the pressure against it of the unprotected
hocps or belts 45.
Furthermore, it will be evident that the details of construction and arrange-
ment of the devices for strengthening the cylindrical vessels 1, (as well as the
forms and proportions of those vessels themselves) may be more or less varied,
as may be found desirable, without departure from the essential characteristics
of my invention.
It will be understood that the cylindrical vessels 1 are caused to approach one
another by forcing liquid under pressure into the hydraulic cylinders 34, so as
(by forcing their rams 12 and casings 16 outward and so moving the
pulleys 14, 14, 145, 14" away from the pulleys 17, 17, 17, 17") to simultaneously
draw in the chains and to draw the cylindrical vessels towards one another.
When this has been done, the cylindrical vessels are still in a sunken condition,
duo to the presence of water previously admitted to the water-tight compart-
ments thereof. After the cylindrical vessels have reached the ship 6 to be
raised, the raising is to be effected by discharging the water from the compart-
ments 1 and simultaneously admitting air.
46, 46 (Figs. 8' and 9') indicate, in a general way, electric motors which may
be of any suitable construction such as can be supplied with current through
suitable conductors 47, which are to be connected with a suitable source of supply
of electric current, on board ship; or in some cases, the source of supply might
even be on land, where the distance was not great.
The electric motors are to be arranged to drive pumps of any suitable con-
struction, indicated in a general way at 48, care being taken that the connections
between the moters and the pumps are so arranged, and that the motors are so
enclosed, as to prevent access of water to the motors, whilst at the same time
enabling access to the motors to be gained (by those in charge) when required.
Such details may obviously be variously arranged. The pumps 48 serve for
discharging water from the compartments 1" and permitting air to enter tho
said compartments from above. Fig. 22 shows a part of one of the heavier
lengths of chains 5ª for directly supporting the ship to be raised.
each end of such heavier length is formed of flat links that work over and gear
A portion of
with the corresponding chain wheel 21 (see Fig. 20), the small portion of the
chain 5, to which such flat link portion is connected, simply working over the
top of the teeth of such chain wheel 21, without gearing therewith.
I have already referred to the buoys marked 3 in Fig. 1.
Figs. 23 and 24 are two views, at right angles to one another, showing the lower
part of a buoy, with a device for readily securing a chain 5 thereto, and readily
releasing it. The bracket 50 projects from the lower end of the buoy, and carries,
between its forks, antifriction wheels 51. Another bracket 52 is secured to the
lower end of the buoy, and has attached to it one end of a loop 53, which passes
through a link of the chain 5, and at its other end is furnished with an anti-
friction wheel 54. A rope 55, which is common to a series of buoys, is passed
between the upper and lower anti-friction wheels 51, and under the anti-friction
wheel 54, thus holding up the chain 5, until the rope 55 is drawn away, where-
upon the chain 5 will be released. In some cases, as in shallow water, the buoys
may be dispensed with. In such a case, the cylindrical vessels 1 would be near
together at starting, and before being sunk, would be drawn apart by steam
ships 4, 4, the chains paying out, sinking, and resting on the bed of the sea.
Figs. 25 and 26 illustrate a modification in which a larger number of pulleys 14
and 17 are employed than in the previous arrangement; and the sets of pulleys
instead of being arranged with their axes in a common plane, are arranged in
planes one above the other. The several chains 5, from the separate sets of
pulleys, pass through separate slets or openings 23, and
throughout their length, and of sufficient strength to collectively support the
are made uniform
ship to be raised, and do not pass over and engage with chain wheels arranged
to rotate in one direction only and hold the chains, as in the arrangement herein-

page_text: before described, but only over guide pulleys that take the place of the chain
wheels. In this case, there are two casings, 16, enclosing four rams 12 and
corresponding cylinders 34 arranged as shown, the casings being supported and
guided by balls 37 working on ways 38, and also guided laterally by horizontal
rollers 39.
Figs. 27, 28 and 29, show, respectively, in vertical section, horizontal section
and cross section, a further modified arrangement in which wire ropes are used
instead of chains, a still greater number of pulleys 14 and 17 being employed,
arranged with their axes in different planes, and the several ropes being led
through a common slot or opening 23. In this arrangement, there are two
casings 16, enclosing two pairs of rams 12, and two pairs of cylinders 34, each
pair of cylinders being cast in one piece. The casings 16 are supported by ball
bearings 37 and ways 38, as shown, rollers 36, running on a way 35, being pro-
vided to support, through bearing plates or cheeks 16", the central portions of the
axles carrying the pulleys 14.
are two
Fig. 30 shows a further modified arrangement, in which there
casings 16, each of which encloses a pair of separate rams 12 and cylinders 34,
and is arranged to work between vertical sets of rollers 36. The casings 16 are
connected together by the axles of the pulleys 14, and are guided laterally by
vertical rollers 39, and are supported vertically by horizontal rollers 36 that bear
against a block, 16" secured to the said casings 16.
Instead of making the hydraulic cylinders 34 stationary and the rams 12
movable, the rams may be made stationary and the cylinders 34 movable. In
this case the casings 16 would be dispensed with, and the movable pulleys 17,
chain and guide pulleys 21 and other parts carried by the casings in the other
arrangements herein before described, would be carried by the said movable
cylinders. In this case the fluid under pressure may be admitted to the
cylinders through the rams.
By means of my apparatus, submerged ships or other bodies at any depth may
be searched for and found, secured, raised, conveyed to any desired place, and
there be raised and supported above the surface of the water by the apparatus
80 as to be examined or repaired, or for any other purpose; or else
be discharged, according to requirement; and such apparatus is also
suitable for refloating ships that may have gone aground; for raising
ships in the water and thus reducing their draught sufficiently to enable them
to pass over sand banks, bars and other shallows, and to enter and leave tide-
bound harbours, estuaries, bays, rivers and other waterways too shallow for them
to traverse in the ordinary way, at their full draught; and my apparatus can be
used to raise ships above the, surface of the water for dry docking them for
examination and repair.
To refloat a grounded ship, or to reduce the draught of a ship, or to raise a ship
above the surface of the water to examine or repair it, the cylindrical vessels 1
are moved apart sufficiently to enable the chains 5 hanging between them to be
passed under the ship, and are then hauled in sufficiently to effect the object in
view, the cylindrical vessels being also partly rotated about their axes to alter
their displacement, when it is desired to raise the ship above the surface of the
water.
In this application of my apparatus, the chains or other flexible connections 5
connecting the vessels 1 may be much shorter than when the apparatus is
designed to search for and find submerged ships or other bodies.
In order that all the stronger central portions 5" of the chains shall aid in
supporting a raised vessel, means such as hydraulic drawing-up devices may be
employed for taking up any slack that may be found to exist in any of such
portions of chain, after the ship has been raised to the surface of the water, and
before the cylindrical vessels I have been rotated. These devices can be applied
by divers.
The pumps 48 for withdrawing water from the compartments 1ª of the

page_text: cylindrical vessels I may be so operated from the hydraulic hauling-in apparatus
that they or other pumps shall displace from the compartments 1 a weight of
water equal to that of the chains or other flexible connection hauled-in so that
the weight or buoyancy of the vessels 1 shall remain practically constant.
I do not limit myself to the use of only two cylindrical or other vessels in
carrying out my invention.
Having pow particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is: -
1. Apparatus of the kind described in the specification of Letters Patent
No. 27047 of 1897 wherein each of the cylindrical or other vessels that are con-
nected together by chains or other flexible connections are provided with arms or
projections sc arranged that when the vessels are lying upon the bed of the
ocean or other water-way they will bear on the said bed and act to steady the
vessels and prevent them rolling or turning from their proper positions on said
bed and will maintain the chains or other flexible connections in their proper
positions at the bottoms of the vessels and immediately resting on the bed
throughout their length while being operated to draw the vessels towards one
another, as set forth.
2. Apparatus for raising ships and other bodies comprising two cylindrical or
other shaped vessels connected by chains or other flexible connections and
adapted to be moved in a rotary sense so as to alter their displacement in the
water and at the same time to raise the chains or other flexible connections from
a position at the underside of the vessels and beneath the surface of the water to
a position towards the upper side of the vessels and nearer to or above the surface
of the water (carrying on them the ship or other body they support), the said
rotary motion of the said vessels being effected by means of arms or projections
that are fixed to and extend from the exteriors of the said vessels and are moved
downward by hauling upon chains or other flexible connections that are carried
under the vessels from each side and are arranged to act upon the said arms or
projections, substantially as herein described.
3. Apparatus of the kind specified in Claim 1 in which the chains or other
flexible connections between the cylindrical or other vessels are spaced and main-
tained apart in two groups near to the ends of the said vessels and are (a) hauled
in by the action of sets of movable pulleys that are forced away from sets of fixed
pulleys by hydraulic rams operated by motors located within the vessels and
controlled from the surface of the water, and (b) are simultaneously forced to
move from the points at which they first enter the vessels through the longi-
tudinal slots or openings and to travel in an inward direction away from the ends
of the vessels by means of wheels or pulleys over and partly around which the
chains first pass after entering the vessels and which are connected with the
longitudinally movable rams, substantially as described.
4. In apparatus of the kind herein referred to, hydraulic gear and pulleys and
perating motors constructed arranged and operating substantially as herein-
before described with reference to and shown in Figs. 8, 8, 9, 9 and 10 and in
Figs. 14 to 21 inclusive of the drawings annexed, and the modified arrangements
shown in Figs. 25 and 26; in Figs. 27, 28 and 29; and in Fig. 30 for the purpose
of hauling in the chains or other flexible connections between the cylindrical or
other shaped vessels and thereby causing the apparatus to contract or converge
simultaneously on all sides towards a given centre, as set forth.
5. In apparatus of the kind herein referred to, means substantially as herein-
before described with reference to and shown in the drawings annexed for
admitting water to the interiors of the cylindrical or cther vessels for the pur-
pose of causing them to sink and whereby water can be afterwards withdrawn
from and air admitted to the interiors of the said vessels in order to cause them
to rise.

page_text: 6. The improved apparatus for finding raising and supporting ships and other
bodies, constructed arranged and operating substantially as hereinbefore described
with reference to and shown in Figs. 1 to 22 inclusive of the drawings annexed
or modified according to Figs. 25 and 26, or to Figs. 27, 28 and 29, or to Fig. 39,
and whether detachable buoys (Figs. 23 and 24) be employed or not.
Dated this 17th day of August 1898.
W. LLOYD WISE,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C. Chartered Patent Agent.