Improvements in Life Buoys, Floats, and similar Structures.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Dec., 1895-Accepted, 25th Jan., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Life Buoys, Floats, and similar Structures.
A communication by JAMES ALDEN GUEST, of Washington, in the District of
Columbia, and JAMES HERVEY BATES, of Hoboken, in the County of
Hudson and State of New Jersey, both in the United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of The Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street,
Manchester, both in the County of Lancaster, 118 New Street, Birmingham, in
the County of Warwick, and 31, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex,
Civil Engineer, 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 relates to life buoys, floats, and similar structures, and is in
the nature of an improvement upon the device for which Letters Patent of
Great Britain were granted bearing date the 12th day of February 1894, and
numbered 980.
The purposes of the present invention are to reuder the apparatus more prompt
To this end an
and certain in action, simple in construction and durable in use.
automatic switch for closing the lamp circuit is employed, so constructed and
arranged as that it shall close or complete a lamp circuit when the device enters
the water and assumes its position therein. Various other features, details and
combinations enter into the invention, as hereinafter explained.
In the accompanying drawings-
Figure 1 is a side or face elevation of a life buoy embodying the invention, the
float and frame being represented in a vertical position or in a common plane,
which is the relation said parts occupy when the device is not in use;
Figure 2, a side elevation of the device with the parts in the positions they
assume when in the water;
Figure 3 a diagrammatic view, showing the electric circuits;
Figures 4, 5 and 6 detail views illustrating the construction of the trunnion
switch;
Figure 7 a sectional view of the box enclosing the switch and attendant
parts;
Figure 8 an elevation of the lantern and connected parts;
Figure 9 a sectional view of the junction or union connecting the battery box
and the tubular frame through which the circuit wires pass;
Figure 10 an elevation of a modified form of buoy embodying the invention.
In the accompanying drawings, A represents a float, which is preferably made of
aluminum, because of its lightness and strength and its freedom from injury by
salt water.
To guard against sinking of the float in the event of its being
punctured, and also to sustain it. more or less against collapse, it is proposed in
some instances to fill or partially fill it with hollow rubber balls a, as shown in Fig. 3.
The float A is provided on opposite sides with trunnions or journals 6 extending
radially from its outer sides, and adapted to enter boxes c of a frame B, which is
made of metal tubing and of the form best shown in Fig. 1; that is to say, its
upper portion is of a generally circular form concentric with the float A, while its
lower portion extends downward and inward, giving to the entire frame a general
pear shape.
The lower ends of the tubes d constituting the frame B, carry a box C, which is
designed to contain battery cells D, and the lower surface of which is made to

page_text: '
converge to a point or narrow edge to facilitate its entrance into the water without
undue jar or concussion.
By referring to Fig. 9 the construction of the connection between the tube d of
frame B, and the battery box C, will readily be understood. The lower ends of the
tubes dare threaded, and upon the threaded end of each is screwed a block e.
Each block is secured to one end of the box C by screws f passing through a
strengthening block g and through the end wall of the box C into the block e, as
shown in Fig. 9. An opening his formed through the block e, the end wall of
box C, and the block g, as shown in Fig. 9, to permit the passage of the wires from
the battery cells D to the tubular frame B and thence to the switches and lamps
hereinafter referred to.
The tubes d of the frame B pass also through loops or blocks el similar to the
blocks e, but near the top of the box C, for the purpose of making a strong
connection between the frame and said 'box, and preventing the latter from tipping
or getting out of proper relation to the frame.
Fig. 7 shows in partial section the box c constituting a part of the frame B, and
designed to receive the journals or trunnions'b of the float A, there being two of
these boxes, one at either side of the frame, as plainly shown in Fig. 1. At the
inner side, or the side nearest the float, each box c is provided with an opening of
a size to receive and closely fit the journal b, and as it is important that no water
1 should enter the box, and thus short circuit the current, the journals are provided
with stuffing' boxes or glands t, as shown in Fig. 7. In order that a tight joint
may be formed where the journal enters the box, packing material possessing good
lubricating properties is employed. For this purpose wicking saturated with
in tallow, plumbago, or equivalent material, may be used.
Within each box'c is arranged a switch or circuit closer, preferably of the form
BTS and construction represented in Figs. 4 and 5: This switch comprises first, an
insulating block E; consisting of a flat plate or back and two raised sides at right
angles thereto, two of such blocks being represented with the edges of their side
walls abutting. This double arrangement is designed for use in the event that a
double switch is to be employed, as will sometimes be done for precautionary
purposes: Secured to the side walls of each block E are two metallic plates i
and, carrying spring arms k, the free ends of which are bent to form narrow
bearing edges which rest and slide upon metallic blocks l, as shown in Figs. 4
and 5.
F indicates the movable member of the switch or circuit closer, consisting of an
-shaped metallic head carried by but carefully insulated from the trunnion b.
For convenience, the head F is made in two parts, each having a semicircular
recess to receive an insulating sleeve m which is interposed between the head F
and the journal as shown in Fig. 4, and which may likewise be conveniently made
in two parts. The head F being rigidly secured upon the trunnion b, it follows
*that if said' trunnion be turned relatively to the frame B, it will cause the head F
to turn correspondingly and will carry the same into contact with the springs k k,
which, through the blocks i and j, are in electrical connection with the interrupted
circuit wires n.
F
•
A's shown in Fig. 4, the ends of the head F are curved or made concentric with
the axis of the trunnion b, and the end faces are so extended that a movement of
the head F through a comparatively small arc, shall cause said head to come into
contact with the springs k, and to remain in contact therewith, even though there
be considerable movement of the springs k or of the frame B in which the switch
1s mounted, relatively to the head F carried by the trunnion or float.
In practice two such switches are employed, one for each of the trunnions b, and
the wires constituting the lamp circuit are run to both switches, and from each
switch to the lamps, as shown in Fig. 3, thus giving two all-wire circuits for the
lamps and ensuring their proper glowing, even though one or the other of the
switches or circuits be impaired. The importance of this precaution is apparent
when it is borne in mind that these buoys when carried by vessels or kept about a

page_text: pier or lighthouse ready for use, often remain for long periods unused and
uninspected, and in many cases are subject to more or less rough usage. Injuries
are therefore liable to be incurred which might utterly destroy the usefulness of
the device, were it dependent upon a single circuit and circuit closer. By
providing two independent circuits, the chances of finding the device unfitted for
use or incapable of proper operation are vastly reduced.
G indicates a lantern secured upon the top of the frame B, and provided with
one or more incandescent electric lamps, which are arranged in circuit with the
battery cells D, or in other words, are included in the metallic circuits n.
When not in use, the buoy is designed to have its parts in the relation represented
in Fig. 1, which result may be ensured by providing a suitable frame or support
for the buoy, or by hanging the same against a flat surface. When in this
position the head F of the switch will bear the relation to the contact springs k
indicated in Fig. 4, and the circuit will consequently be interrupted at both of the
switches.
When the device is thrown into the water, the greater weight of the battery
box C causes it to descend first, and its pointed bottom cleaving the water, permits
it to enter readily into the same without material jar or concussion. The float A
upon striking the water, naturally assumes a horizontal position by reason of its
buoyancy, and in so doing turns the trunnions 6 and the switch heads F to a
corresponding horizontal position, while the switch blocks E with their springs k
being carried by the frame B, are held in a substantially vertical position, owing
to the weight of the battery box C.
In rough water there will be more or less movement of the float A and frame B
one in relation to the other; but owing to the extended contact surfaces of the
switch head F and springs k, no movement that can be thus produced will destroy
or interrupt the contact between the parts of the switch.
From this explanation it will readily be seen that so long as the buoy is in its
normal condition of disuse, the battery circuit is interrupted and the cells remain
inactive, but the moment the buoy enters the water, the circuit is completed and
the battery cells become active.
The lamps employed will be of low voltage so as to be readily rendered incan-
descent by the current of such cells as can be conveniently carried in the chamber C
without unduly loading the buoy.
The dimensions of the float will of course be made with ue reference to the
weight of the frame B, box C, and cells carried in said box.
In order that the device may be readily availed of by persons in the water, the
float A is provided with a life line I, conveniently looped upon the same to afford
hand holds, as shown in Fig. 1.
To lessen the wave motion about the buoy, and facilitate the reaching thereof
by persons in the water, it is proposed to provide the buoy with an oil receptacle,
which shall be opened when the buoy strikes the water and assumes its floating
position, the oil being then discharged upon the water and serving to still the same,
as is well understood. In Figs. 1 and the oil receptacle is represented as made
in the form of a tube J, and secured to the upper face of float A, its ends being
temporarily closed by plugs or stoppers o attached to chains p, the other ends of
which are made fast to the upper part of frame B, or to the lantern base constituting
a portion of said frame.
When the parts are in their normal position of disuse, the chains p will be slack,
and the plugs or stoppers o will remain firmly seated in the ends of the tube J,
but when the float A swings to its horizontal position, or at right angles to the
frame B, the chains will become taut, and the stoppers will be withdrawn from the
In this way
tube, as will be readily understood upon reference to Figs. 1 and 2.
the discharge of oil upon the water at the precise time and place required is
ensured, and thereby the buoy enabled to be seen and availed of more readily than
it otherwise could be.
In Fig. 10 a different form of buoy, or such as is commonly employed in the

page_text: harbors and along the courses of vessels in lakes, bays and rivers is represented.
This comprises a float or shell A, of convenient shape, having a mast Q rising
from its top and carrying the lantern G, which will or may be of the same con-
struction as that shown in Figs. 1 and 2. At its lower end the float carries a
switch of the same general construction as that described in connection with Figs. 4
and 5, or of any equivalent construction, but having its trunnion or shaft 6 provided
with a float r, which when out of the water, acts as a weight to open the switch and
interrupt the circuit, and when in the water serves to turn the shaft b to close the
circuit through the switch.
In addition to this automatic switch, a manual switch K may be provided
whereby to interrupt the circuit during such hours as a light is not required.
In Fig. 2 the battery box C is represented as provided with a small float r
carried by a vertically-moving stem, which may be furnished within the box C
with a switch of any suitable or convenient construction, which shall be closed by
the rise of the float and opened by its fall. This may be used with or inde-
pendently of the trunnion switches, or the trunnion switches may be used for one
metallic circuit, and the float r with its switches used in an independent circuit, so
that the circuit may be completed in one way or another, despite any injury that is
likely to happen to the structure.
It will be readily perceived that the form and proportion of parts, the details of
construction of the switches, and other minor matters may be greatly varied without
departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, the illustrations here given
being designed to give a clear idea of a practical and desirable embodiment of this
invention without, however, being in any manner exclusive of other forms embodying
the same general principles and features of construction.
Wherever the movable stem or spindle carrying the switch head enters the
framework or the buoy, it will of course be provided with a packing gland, as
shown.
My correspondents are aware that life rafts or buoys have heretofore been pro-
vided with an oil receptacle; but so far as they know it is new to combine with
such receptacle a closure by which evaporation and escape of oil shall be prevented
when the buoy is not in use, but which shall be automatically withdrawn or opened
in and by the act of bringing the buoy into use, or putting it overboard. The
embodiment of this idea may be varied within quite wide limits, one advantageous
form being illustrated in the drawings.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondents, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a buoy or like structure, the combination of a frame and a float movable
one in relation to the other, an electric lamp and a source of electric energy carried
by the buoy, and a switch included in circuit with the lamp and source of energy,
and adapted to be closed by the relative movements of the frame and float.
2. In a buoy, the combination of a rigid and continuous main frame and a float
journaled or pivoted in said frame, and adapted to be thrown into plane therewith
for convenience of storage, and to move out of plane therewith to rest properly
upon the water and support the frame.
3. In combination with a frame B provided with an electric lantern, a battery
box C, and conductors for connecting the battery cells and the lantern, a float A
journaled in said frame, and a switch carried by the journal of the frame and
serving to open and close the circuit as the float is turned relatively to the frame.
4. In combination with a float A, a tubular frame B, a battery box C, a
lantern G carried by said frame, conductors n extending through said frame from
the battery to the lantern, and a switch composed of two members, one carried by
the frame and the other by the trunnions of the float, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
5. In combination with frame B provided with an electric lantern and with a

page_text: source of electrical energy, conductors n for connecting the lantern with said source.
of energy; a float A journaled in the frame, and a switch comprising spring
arms & carried by the frame, and rotatable head F carried by the trunnion of the
float.
6. In combination with a float A, provided with trunnions or journals 6; a.
frame B provided with a source of electric energy, a lamp, and boxes c adapted
to receive the journals or trunnions; a switch contained within one of said boxes.
and having one member carried by the trunnion; and circuit connections between
the source of energy and the switch, and between the switch and lamp, substantially
as described and shown.
7. In combination with a float A, a tubular frame B, a lamp carried by said
frame, a box C adapted to contain a source of electric energy, and a block e, con--
necting the frame B and box C and provided with a passage h through which to
lead wires from the source of energy to the lamp, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
8. In combination with a float A provided with trunnions b, frame B provided
with a lamp, box C carried by said frame and provided with a source of electric
energy, electric conductors connecting the lamp and the source of energy, and
stuffing boxes or glands t encircling the trunnions for the purpose of excluding
moisture and thereby preventing short circuiting of the current.
9. In combination with a buoy provided with an electric lamp and with a source
of electric energy, an automatic mechanical switch adapted to complete a circuit.
through conductors, from the source of energy to the lamp, when the float is moved
out of plane with the frame.
10. In a life saving apparatus, the combination of a source of electrical energy,
an electric lamp, and conductors connecting said parts, a two-part mechanical.
switch or circuit closer included in circuit with the lamp and source of energy, and
a float connected with and serving to actuate or close the switch when the float.
reaches the water.
11. In a life saving apparatus, the combination of a tubular frame, a lamp and
a source of electric energy carried by said frame, a float movable relatively to the-
frame, a switch or circuit closer located within the frame and carried by a trunnion
or shaft of the float, and a packing gland surrounding the trunnion or shaft and
serving to exclude moisture from the frame and switch.
12. In a life saving apparatus, the combination of a frame provided with a lamp,.
a battery chamber at the lower end of said frame, constituting a weight to hold.
the same in an upright position, a float journaled in the frame and adapted to carry
the frame, and electrical connections between the battery and lamp.
13. In a life saving apparatus, the combination of a frame, a lamp carried by-
said frame, a battery chamber at the lower end of the frame, and a float journaled
in the frame, the lower portion of the battery chamber being beveled to enter the-
water readily and without concussion.
14. In a life buoy, the combination of a frame, a float carried by and movable-
relatively to the frame, an oil receptacle carried by one of said parts, and a closure
for the receptacle, connected with the other of said parts, substantially as described,
whereby the movement of one part relatively to the other in assuming their-
operative positions, is caused to open the closure and permit the oil to flow from.
the receptacle, for the purpose explained.
Dated this 9th day of December 1895.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents.