Improvements in Means for Releasing Buoys and other Life-saving Apparatus, and in Fuses or Flare-lights for use with such Buoys or Apparatus.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Jan., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 16th Oct., 1890-Accepted, 1uth Jan., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Means for Releasing Buoys and other Life-saving
Apparatus, and in Fuses or Flare-lights for use with such Buoys
or Apparatus.
I, LUCIEN VIALET-CHABRAND, Engineer of the Company of the Messageries
Maritimes at La Ciotat, Bouches du Rhone, France, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows:-
The first part of my invention has for object the releasing by means of electricity,
of buoys, life belts and other life saving apparatus on board ship. This system
provides for the simultaneous and rapid letting-go or releasing of buoys at one or
more places in order that.no time may be lost in aiding a man who has fallen
overboard.
The second part of my invention relates to modifications in the fuse or flare light.
box of life saving buoys, with the object of effecting the opening of its two heads or
ends by the agency of the weight of the fuse box and of that of the buoy which
supports the same.
In order to render the nature of this invention readily understood, reference is
made to the annexed drawings illustrating by way of example the details of the
principal apparatus necessary to the operation of the system, also in a general view
the general arrangement of an electric releasing system.
Figs. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate an apparatus according to this invention for the suspen-
sion of the buoys belts or other life saving devices.
Fig. 1 is a front elevation.
Fig. 2 a vertical section on the line 1-2 Fig. 1 and
Fig. 3 a horizontal section on the line 3-4 of Fig. 2.
Figs. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate an apparatus according to this invention designed to
actuate the suspension apparatus of the life saving devices.
Fig. 4 is a front elevation,
Fig. 5 a horizontal section on the line 5, 6, Fig. 4, and
Fig. 6 is a plan of the upper part of the box.
Fig. 7 is a diagrammatical view of the arrangement on board ship.
Referring to the general view in Fig. 7 the present invention consists essentially in
suspending the buoys, it may be at various points of the ship, by means of suitable
electro-magnetic apparatus A, A1, A2, and in putting the said apparatus into operation
to release the buoys by means of special apparatus B, B¹, B².
It is assumed that the suspension apparatus for the buoys are arranged aft at A, at
starboard at A¹, and at larboard or port at A2; and that the apparatus by which they
are controlled are some of them, as B, B₁ at the disposal of the passengers and
of the crew and that other such as B² are conveniently situated for the quarter
officer.
An alarum D gives notice of the fact that a buoy or buoys has or have just been
electrically released. C is the relay working the alarum. E is a commutator or
switch establishing a permanent electrical communication between the conductors
terminating in the blades m and n; it serves to bring back to the position of rest all
the apparatus set in operation, and to stop the working of the alarum; for this it is
merely necessary to push and then to release immediately the central rod.
In the diagram the current is assumed to be taken from an installation already in
position for the electric light. G G is the day circuit or conductor conveying the
current from the electrical machines to the lamps in those parts of the vessel which
are to he lighted during the daytime.

page_text: It will be understood that the current can be taken from any other source
of electricity, or even directly from the distributing board of the electrical machines.
The current, being assumed to be supplied by the lighting circuit, finds its return
circuit through the hull of the vessel. After it has traversed the releasing apparatus
it returns to the hull, it may be for instance at H.
If the distribution be effected by positive and negative leads the point H would be
the point for branching off the circuit of the apparatus on to any suitable negative
wire of sufficient section.
Before explaining the operation of the system, I shall proceed to describe the novel
apparatus appertaining thereto.
The suspension apparatus (Figs. 1, 2 and 3) marked A, A', A' in Fig. 7 may be
in any number and situated at any suitable points. Each one is constructed as
follows:-
In a box b of suitable material such as cast iron or brass is arranged the electro-
magnet A and its armature c. The latter which is pivoted at c¹ is a non magnetic
support d is subject to the action of the spring which is designed to return the
mechanism to the position of rest, as shown in the drawing. The tension of the spring
may be regulated by means of the milled nuts 1, 1. f is a handle jointed to a
block connected to the armature, and which is employed for actuating the armature
directly by hand, when it is required to demonstrate that the apparatus is in working
order
At right angles to the armature c is a lever connected by links e to the short arm
of a lever g oscillating about an axis g¹ of the support d.
The long arm of the lever g terminates in a fork the fingers of which are plain or
are provided with antifrictional rollers g² g².
This fork embraces the ends of the arms of the tongs by which is suspended the
chain of the life saving buoy or other similar device.
are
As will be seen the axis h¹ of the tongs or scissors-shaped hook is arranged in a
support provided in the box, and its ends which grasp the suspension link
designed to diminish as far as possible friction in working.
The current is led to the electro-magnet by the conductor F enclosed within
the tube i.
When the current passes into the electro-magnet A the armature c is attracted; the
lever g oscillates as indicated in dotted lines, the tongs h open out under the action of
the weight of the buoy, and the buoy falls into the sea.
The current being interrupted, the tongs h which have closed by their own
weight are caused to engage again in the fork of the lever g, because this lever
has followed the armature in the return movement imparted to it by the return
spring r.
It will be evident that the system of engagement of the suspension apparatus can be
modified without departure from the nature of the invention.
The apparatus for causing the release of a buoy are of simple construction. Each
comprises an electro-magnet B, a three-armed lever 1, 2 and a spring R acting on
the arm of the lever.
These are all arranged in a box k.
To the lever is jointed the handle p and at the end of the lever is fixed a
blade o designed to effect metallic connection between two vertical fixed blades st.
Finally, the arm 12 carries the armature of the electro-magnet.
The blades forms the terminal of the wire F1 which conducts the current for
operating the suspension apparatus. To the blade t is fixed one end of the wire
coil of the electro-magnet, and to the blade t' is fixed the other end of this wire.
When the lever is depressed by a pull on the handle p the blade s will enter into
contact with the blade o; the current traverses the electro-magnet B which momen-
tarily holds the armature q. From the electro-magnet the current passes on to the
blade t¹ and thence circulates in the electro-magnets of the apparatus supporting the
buoys and operates the alarum.
The following is the method of operation. The life saving devices are hooked on

page_text: to the tongs h consequently, by operating the handles μ of the actuating apparatus
the current passes to the electro-magnets A, and effects the opening of the tongs h
whereby the buoys, life belts, &c. are released, while the alarum B is set in action
at the same time.
As can be seen, the method of setting the system into operation is simple, instan-
taneous and eminently practical. The apparatus are returned to the position of rest
by the commutator or switch E which operates as soon as the alarum has ceased
ringing.
The life saving buoys employed on board ships are generally of cork and of circular
form; they are quite suitable in case of accidents in the daytime; but they are totally
inadequate at nighttime, as it is impossible to discover their whereabouts in the dark.
It is therefore necessary, in this latter case, to provide them with a fuse having a flare
or long flame, before throwing them into the sea.
This fuse or flare light (hereinafter referred to as a fuse) is merely a cylindrical
box whose ends are furnished with a leaden disc which must be previously per-
forated by hand by means of a piercer, before attaching it to the buoy which is to be
thrown.
I am under the impression that there are in existence various devices capable
of effecting the perforation of the two ends of the fuse box by a simple movement
of a lever or crank. which disengages at the same time the buoy connected therewith.
These devices are usually complicated, badly protected against the action of the salt
air and may happen to be out of order at the required moment.
Now according to my invention electrical or other apparatus is applied to the
mechanism used for causing buoys or other objects to fall in succession into the sea,
and is made to notify the watch either on the bridge or in the engine room, or at any
part of the vessel, of what has occurred.
It has already been mentioned that it is only buoys carrying fuse boxes can be
successfully used at nighttime. The two ends of the fuse must be perforated before it
is thrown into the sea, in order that the water shall enter and act upon the substance
contained therein, and that the coloured flare which is to mark the spot where it is
situated, shall escape therefrom.
The perforation by hand or by means of one of the devices hereinbefore referred to,
becomes impossible when it is desired to cause in an automatic manner the fall of two
or more buoys simultaneously at a distance from one another as for instance if they be
released by the above described electric apparatus.
Means according to this invention for effecting the perforation of the fuse are shown
by way of example in Figs. 8, 9 and 10.
Fig. 8 shews in elevation two circular buoys connected together and carrying a
fuse, the whole being suspended from an apparatus A.
Fig. 9 is a part central vertical section of the same.
Fig. 10 is a partial plan of Fig. 9.
The fuse box is slightly modified. It is provided at its ends, in the present arrange-
ment, with two tubular unions 1, 1, in substitution for the leaden discs or plates which
have hitherto been perforated by means of a piercer. It is also convenient to employ
a collar N to allow of the fuse box being fastened to the buoys connected together as
shown in Figs. 9 and 10, or to a buoy of special form. This, however, is not essential.
The tubular unions 1, 1 are soldered to the ends of the box and are provided with a
female screw thread to receive a threaded plug to take the place of the collar 2. The
plugs make very tight joints with the two ends of the boxes, and are to remain in
place as long as the box is not to be placed upon a buoy. It is only at that moment
that they are removed and are replaced by the collars 2. The latter, after having been
fixed, receive each a stopper 3 formed of rubber washers connected together by means
of a sinalt steel rod and tightened up by means of a washer and two nuts sufficiently
to be held by friction in the corresponding collar.
The rubber washers make a very tight joint at the two ends of the box, but as
an additional precaution, those of the upper plug are covered over by a cap 4 of

page_text: brass with a splayed edge bent over so as to completely cover the upper tubular
union.
The cap of the lower plug has not the same shape.
Each of the stoppers is surmounted by a nut 5 formed with a ring or eye to which
is attached a small chain 6 fastened at its other end to one of the rings or eyes 7
carried by the apparatus A that supports the whole (Fig. 8).
These chains in being suddenly stretched by the weight of the buoy when the latte.
falls, will pull out the stoppers to which they are attached.
This result is easy to accomplish, it is merely necessary to allow the chains to
droop lower than is required when the buoy is suspended, in order that the latter
shall acquire a certain speed of fall before it acts upon the chain of the upper stopper
and then after a short interval upon the second one.
Dated this 10th day of January 1890.
L. VIALET-CHABRAND.
Per E. B.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Means for Releasing Buoys and other Life-saving
Apparatus, and in Fuses or Flare-lights for use with such Buoys
or Apparatus.
I, LUCIEN VIALET-CHABRAND, Engineer of the Company of the Messageries
Maritimes at La Ciotat, Bouches du Rhone, France, 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:-
The first part of my invention has for object the releasing by means of electricity,
of buoys, life belts and other life saving apparatus on board ship. This systemi
provides for the simultaneous and rapid letting-go or releasing of buoys at one or
more places in order that no time may be lost in aiding a man who has fallen
overboard.
The second part of my invention relates to modifications in the fuse or flare lights
of life saving buoys, with the object of effecting the opening of its two heads or ends
by the agency of the weight of the fuse box and of that of the buoy which supports
the same.
In order to render this invention readily understood, reference is made to the
drawings filed with my Provisional Specification, and which illustrate by way of
example, the details of the principal apparatus necessary to the operation of the
system, also in a general view the general arrangement of an electric releasing
system
Figs. 1, 2, and 3, illustrate an apparatus according to this invention for the
suspension of the buoys, belts, or other life saving devices,
Fig. 1 being a front elevation partly in section,
Fig. 2 a sectional elevation on the line 1-2 Fig. 1 ; and
Fig. 3, a horizontal section on the line 3-4 of Fig. 2.
Figs. 4, 5, and 6, illustrate an apparatus according to this invention designed to
actuate the suspension apparatus of the life saving devices,
Fig. 4 being a front elevation,
Fig. 5 a horizontal section on the line 5, 6, Fig. 4; and
Fig. 6 a plan of the upper part of the box.
Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the arrangements on board ship.
Referring to the general view in Fig. 7 the present invention consists essentially in
suspending the buoys, it may be at various points of the ship, by means of suitable
electro-magnetic apparatus A, A' A³, and in putting the said apparatus into operation
to release the buoys by means of special apparatus B B¹ B².
It is assumed that the several suspension apparatus for the buoys are arranged aft
at A, at starboard at A³, and at larboard or port at A²; and that the apparatus by

page_text: which they are controlled are some of them, as D, D at the disposal
passag
and of the crew, and that others such as B2 are conveniently situated for the quarter
officer.
An alarum D gives notice of the fact that a buoy or buoys has or have just been
electrically released. Cis the relay working the alarum. E is a commutator or switch
for establishing a permanent electrical communication between the conductors termi-
nating in the blades m and n; it serves to bring back to the position of rest all the
apparatus set in operation, and to stop the working of the alarum; for this it is merely
necessary to push and then to release immediately the central rod.
In the diagram the current is assumed to be taken from an installation already in
position for producing the electric light. G, G is the day circuit or conductor con-
veying the current from the electrical machines to the lamps in those parts of the
vessel which are to be lighted during the daytime.
It will be understood that the current can be taken from any other source of
electricity, or even directly from the distributing board of the electrical machines.
The current, being assumed to be supplied by the lighting circuit, finds its return
circuit through the hull of the vessel. After it has traversed the releasing apparatus
it returns to the hull, it may be for instance at H.
If the distribution be effected by positive and negative leads the point H would be
the point for branching off the circuit of the apparatus on to any suitable negative
wire of sufficient section.
Before explaining the operation of the system, I shall proceed to describe the novel
apparatus appertaining thereto.
follows:-
The suspension apparatus (Figs. 1, 2, and 3) marked A, A1, A2 in Fig. 7 may be in
any number and
situated at any suitable points. Each one is constructed as
In a box of suitable material such as cast iron or brass is arranged the electro-
magnet A and its armature c. The latter, which is pivoted at c¹ in a non-magnetic
support d, is subject to the action of the springs r which are designed to return the
mechanism to the position of resi, as shown in the drawings. The tension of the
springs may be regulated by means of the milled nuts is a handle jointed
to a block connected to the armature, and which is employed for actuating the
armature directly by hand, when it is required to demonstrate that the apparatus
is in working order. At right angles or approximately so to the armature c, is a
lever connected by links e to the short arm of a lever 9 oscillating about an
axis g' in the support d. The long arm of the lever g terminates in a fork, the
fingers of which are plain or are provided with antifrictional rollers g² 92. This
fork embraces the ends of the arms of the tongs h by which is suspended the
chain of the life saving buoy or other similar device.
As will be seen the axis h¹ of the tongs or scissors-shaped hook his arranged in a
support provided in the box, and its ends, which normally grasp the suspension
link x, are designed to diminish as far as possible friction in working.
The current is led to the electro-magnet by the conductor F enclosed within the
tube i.
h
When the current passes into the electro-magnet A the armature c is attracted; the
lever g and rollers g³ oscillate as indicated in dotted lines the tongs / open out under
the action of the weight of the buoy, and the buoy falls into the sea.
Upon the
current being interrupted, the tongs h which will have closed by their own weight,
are caused to engage again at their upper end in the fork of the lever 9, because this
lever will have followed the motion of the armature c in the return movement imparte.
to it by the return springs r.
It will be evident that the system of engagement of the suspension apparatus can
be modified without departure from the nature of the invention.
The operating lever might for instance be engaged between two springs in which
there terminate respectively the conductors or leads of the alarm or ringing mechanism
and of the battery, both of which may be arranged on the bridge. On pushing the
handle, the lever will be depressed and the hook being free, the buoy will fall.

page_text: The alarm or ringing mechanism will come into operation until pressure is applied to
the said handle f.
The several apparatus for causing the release of buoys are of simple construction.
Each comprises an electro-magnet B, a three armed lever 1, 12 and a spring R acting
on the arm of the lever. These are all arranged in a box k. To the lever 1 is jointed
the handle P and at the end of the lever is fixed a bent blade o designed to effect
metallic connection between two vertical fixed blades s t. The arm carries the
armature g of the electro-magnet. The blade s forms the terminal of the wire F
which conducts the current for operating the suspension apparatus. To the blade tis
fixed one end of the wire winding of the electro-magnet, and to the blade or plate t¹ is
fixed the other end of this wire.
When the lever is depressed by a pull on the handle p, the bent blade o will be
brought into contact with the blades s and t; an electric current then traverses the
electro-magnet B which momentarily holds the armature q. From the electro-magnet
the current passes on to the blade or plate t', and thence circulates in the electro-
magnets of the apparatus supporting the buoys, and operates the alarum.
The following is the method of operation. The life saving devices are hooked on to
the tongs h of the suspension apparatus; by operating the handles p of the actuating
or controlling apparatus, (Figs. 4, and 6) the current passes to the electro-
magnets A, and effects the opening of the tongs h whereby the buoys, life belts, &c.,
are released, and the alarum B is set in motion at the same time.
As will be seen, the method of setting the system into operation is simple, instan-
taneous, and eminently practical. The apparatus are returned to the position of rest
by the commutator or switch E which operates as soon as the alarum has ceased
ringing.
The life saving buoys employed on board ships are generally of cork and of circular
form they are quite suitable in case of accidents in the daytime; but they are
totally inadequate at nighttime, as it is impossible to discover their whereabouts in
the dark. It is therefore necessary, in this latter case, to provide them with a fuse
having a flare or long flame, before throwing them into the sea.
This fuse or flare light (hereinafter referred to as a fuse) is merely a cylindrical
box whose ends are each furnished with a leaden disc which must be previously
perforated by hand by means of a piercer, before attaching it to the buoy which is to
be thrown.
I am under the impression that there are in existence various devices capable of
effecting the perforation of the two ends of the fuse box by a simple movement
of a lever or crank which disengages at the same time the buoy connected therewith.
These devices are usually complicated, badly protected against the action of the
salt air and may happen to be out of order at the required moment.
Now according to my invention electrical or other apparatus is applied to the
mechanism used for causing buoys or other objects to fall in succession into the sea,
and is made to notify the watch either on the bridge or in the engine roon, or at any
part of the vessel, of what has occurred.
It has already been mentioned that it is only buoys carrying fuse boxes that can
be successfully used at nighttime. The two ends of the fuse must be perforated
before it is thrown into the sea, in order that the water shall enter and act upon the
substance contained therein, and that the coloured flare which is to mark the spot
where it is situated, shall escape therefrom.
The perforation by hand or by means of one of the devices hereinbefore referred to,
becomes impossible when it is desired to cause in an automatic manner the fall of two
or more buoys simultaneously at a distance from one another, as for instance if they
be released by the above described electric apparatus.
Means according to this invention for effecting the perforation of the fuse are shewn
by way of example in Figs. 8, 9 and 10 of the drawings filed with my Provisional
Specification.
In these drawings
Fig. 8 shows in elevation two circular buoys connected together and carrying

page_text: fuse, the whole being suspended from an apparatus A such as herein before
described.
Fig. 9 is a part central vertical section of the same.
Fig. 10 is a partial plan of Fig. 9.
It is also
The fuse box is slightly modified. It is provided at its ends, in the present
arrangement, with two tubular unions, 1, 1, in substitution for the leaden discs or
plates which have hitherto been perforated by means of a piercer.
convenient to employ a collar N to allow of the fuse box being fastened to the buoys
connected together as shewn in Figs. 9 and 10, or to a buoy of special form. This,
however, is not essential. The tubular unions 1, 1 are soldered to the ends of the
box and are provided with a female screw thread to receive a screw threaded plug to
take the place of the collar 2. The plugs make very tight joints with the two ends
of the boxes, and are to remain in place as long as the box is not to be placed upon
a buoy. It is only at that moment that they are removed and are replaced by the
collars 2. The latter, after being fixed each receive a stopper 3 formed of rubber
washers connected together by means of a small steel rod and tightened up by means
of a washer and two nuts sufficiently to be held by friction in the corresponding
collar.
The rubber washers make a very tight joint at the two ends of the box, but as an
additional precaution, those of the upper plug are covered over by a cap
of brass
having a splayed edge bent over so as to completely cover the upper tubular union.
The cap of the lower plug has not the same shape. Each of the stoppers is provided
with a nut 5 formed with a ring or eye to which is attached a small chain 6 fastened
at its other end to one of the rings or eyes 7 carried by the apparatus A that supports
the whole (Fig. 8). These chains on being suddenly stretched by the weight of the
buoy when the latter falls, will pull out the stoppers to which they are attached. This
result is easy to accomplish; it is merely necessary to allow the chains 6 to droop
lower than is required when the buoy is suspended, in order that the latter shall
acquire a certain speed of fall before it acts upon the chain of the upper stopper and
then after a short interval upon the second one.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. Effecting the release on board ships of buoys, belts and other life saving
apparatus, by meaus of an electrical system comprising suitable electrical apparatus
from which are suspended the buoys or other life saving apparatus, which are released
so as to fall simultaneously or singly by gravity, through the action of one or more
other electrical apparatus which is or are set in operation indiscriminately by the
passengers or the crew of the ship.
2. The herein described electrical system for releasing buoys and other life saving
apparatus, consisting in the construction and combination of the electrical apparatus
for suspending life saving apparatus (Figs. 1, 2, and 3,) with the electrical operating
apparatus (Figs. 4, 5, and 6), the operation of which can be effected as desired by the
passengers or by the members of the crew, and causes the simultaneous sounding of
an alarm which notifies, at any desired point of the ship, that the release of one or
more buoys has been effected.
3. The herein described electrical system for releasing buoys and other life saving
apparatus, in which the electric current is taken from the existing circuit for the day
service on board a ship, or from any other suitable source the said system comprising
the suspension apparatus (Figs. 1, 2 and 3) which may vary in construction, and the
operating apparatus (Figs. 4, 5, and 6) also capable of variation, the said suspension
apparatus and operating apparatus being formed of electro-magnets or of solenoids.
4. A fuse box for life saving buoys in which the ends or heads are provided with
removable stoppers so constructed and arranged as to be automatically withdrawn
from the ends or heads by a suitable flexible connection, through the action of the

page_text: weight of the said fuse and attached buoy when the latter is released substantially as
hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 8 to 10 inclusive of the drawings.
5. The employment of the weight of the fuse and of its buoy or other apparatus
supporting the said fuse for effecting the unstoppering of the said fuse whether the
buoy or other apparatus be released by electrical or by mechanical means.
6. In apparatus for releasing buoys and other life saving apparatus, the combination
with means such as hooks or tongs h for suspending the life saving buoy or apparatus
of an electro-magnetic apparatus adapted to unlock the hooks or tongs and release
the buoy or other apparatus suspended therefrom, upon the closing of its circuit by
a circuit closing device, such as the releasing or controlling device herein described,
placed at a suitable distance from the electro-magnetic apparatus substantially as
herein described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive of the drawings.
7. Operating or controlling apparatus comprising a three armed lever 11 12
provided with a pulling handle pa spring R and a blade o an electro-magnet B,
and contact blades s and t, the whole constructed and operating substantially
as hereinbefore described for causing the releasing operation of the suspension
apparatus.
8. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting my improved system
for releasing buoys and other life saving apparatus, as hereinbefore described with
reference to Fig. 7 and comprising a number of suspension apparatus A A¹ A², to
which the buoys or other life saving apparatus are hooked a number of operating or
controlling apparatus B, B1, B2, one or more commutators E and one or more sets
of ringing or alarm apparatus D, the whole supplied with electricity from a suitable
source by the cable G, G, the arrangement being such as to allow of the electrical
release of the buoys or other life saving apparatus at will and also when necessary of
the automatic unstoppering of the fuses of such buoys or other life saving apparatus
as set forth.
Dated this 10th day of October 1800.
L. VIALET-CHABRAND,
By L. W., per F. B.