IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR DIVING, AND FOR RAISING AND LOWERING BODIES IN WATER. PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER USEFUL PURPOSES
Year: 1860

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Bauer, of Munich, in the Kingdom of
Bavaria, Submarine Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
APPARATUS FOR DIVING, AND FOR RAISING AND LOWERING BODIES IN WATER.
PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER USEFUL
PURPOSES"
Sealed the 29th May 1860, and dated the 3rd March 1860.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Bauer at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
3rd March 1860.
1, WILLIAM BAUER, of Munich, in the Kingdom of Bavaria, Sub-
marine Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR DIVING, AND FOR RAISING AND LOWERING
BODIES IN WATER, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO
OTHER USEFUL PURPOSES," to be as follows:-
The principal object of my improvements is to raise sunken ships from
the bottom of rivers, lakes, or the sea, an operation which can be
effected from any depth up to 500 feet, owing to the peculiar manner in
which the person or persons conducting it are protected from all external
influences, and subjected to no more than the ordinary atmospheric
pressure, and its complete independence of the motion of the sea at its
surface.
My improved apparatus for diving consists in a cylindrical or other

page_text: conveniently shaped chamber made of metal plates, or of cast metal,
of the requisite strength to enable it to resist the pressure of a column
of water of 500 feet, as well as to secure it from any danger which
might arise from accidental collision with other objects. This chamber,
unlike an ordinary diving bell, is completely inclosed, with the excep-
tion of an opening at the top, through which the person or persons
intending to conduct the operations are admitted, and which is sub-
sequently hermetically closed, the internal space being filled with air
of the ordinary atmospheric pressure. The bottom of the chamber is
double, presenting a concave surface to the water, as well as to the
interior of the chamber, and between the two bottoms there is a hollow
space, which again is subdivided into two portions, the larger one for
the reception of a body of water to act as ballast, variable at pleasure,
by means of a force pump actuated from within, and the smaller one
to receive a lamp with a powerful reflector, for the purpose of throwing
light upon a certain range of external objects through an opening in
the side of the chamber covered by a strong window or bull's-eye, and
protected by an iron bar. Another reflector is introduced at a suitable
height above the last named, and above this again, and at a convenient
height for the eye of a person standing upright another opening admits
of the operator observing the surrounding objects, so as to enable him
to guide or steer the apparatus with precision and safety. A bull's-eye
over head, and four or other convenient number of bull's-eyes placed
at equal distances from each other, and on the same level as the one
last mentioned around the sides of the chamber, enable the operator to
observe what is going on above and around him. A screw propeller
protected by a casing. or box capable of being worked by hand from
within the chamber, and the spindle or shaft of which passes through
a stuffing box, admits of the apparatus being moved forward, whilst
another similar but smaller screw propeller, placed at an angle of 90°
from the former, serves the purpose of causing the apparatus to revolve
round its vertical axis; the axis of the larger screw intersecting the
vertical axis of the apparatus, whilst the axis of the smaller screw is
parallel to that of the larger one. Besides these two propellers, and
immediately underneath the larger one of them, a rudder is fitted to
the apparatus, also capable of being actuated from within the chamber,
by which rudder the apparatus can be steered in the ordinary manner.
And as in the case of powerful currents having to be encountered, it
might be considered necessary or desirable to prevent the apparatus
from drifting, an anchor can be lowered by means of a handle and
gearing acting upon a chain barrel from within the chamber. In order
to enable the persons occupying the chamber in a case of emergency

page_text: immediately to rise to the surface of the water, a heavy weight nearly
filling the cavity of the concave bottom can be suddenly detached from
within by merely turning a spindle passing through a stuffing box in
the centre of the floor, and from which the said weight is suspended.
The diving chamber is in communication with the ship, which, as in
other similar cases, is in constant attendance by means of an electric
telegraph. A supply of fresh air can be obtained, when necessary, by
means of two air tubes; one of them being in connection with the air
pump on board the ship, and the other serving as an outlet to the
vitiated air. The opening and closing of these tubes can be regulated at
pleasure by taps within reach of the operator in the chamber. But I
wish it to be particularly understood that the air space within the
chamber is amply sufficient for several hours' consumption of three
persons, and that therefore the admission of fresh air need only take
place at such intervals; or, the air may even for a limited time be to a
certain extent purified by the admission of oxygen, which is kept in
store in a compressed state.
The raising of sunken ships or other objects is effected by means of
flexible air bags or balloons, made of strong and impervious material,
say, alternate layers of caoutchouc and canvass, protected against
abrasion by friction, and rendered capable of supporting any strain
they may be subjected to upon being inflated and attached to the object
to be raised by a network of stout cords or ropes, to the lower part of
which, and below the neck of the balloon, a strong iron ring is fixed.
To this ring a chain is looped, from which is suspended a strong iron
lever or arm, or other suitable instrument; the object of which is to
be inserted into a port hole or any other convenient opening in the body
of the ship to be raised, in the manner to be hereafter described. The
balloon after having been partially inflated, so as to counterbalance to
some extent the weight of the chain and arm, or other instrument
suspended from it, is lowered from the ship with the air-supply tube
inserted in it; the iron arm, where such an arm is used, is dropped
between two strong lugs projecting from the body of the chamber in
what may be called the front of the apparatus, and is there secured by a
hook, which can be actuated from within the chamber, so as to release
the arm at the proper moment. The apparatus may now be considered
ready for action, the diving chamber being at first suspended by chains
from the ship, but subsequently allowed to descend freely into the water
as nearly over the ship or other object to be raised as may be con-
sidered desirable. The operator and his attendants within the chamber
have it in their power to regulate the velocity of its descent, as well as
its vertical position, by diminishing or increasing the volume of the

page_text: water ballast by means of the force pump already mentioned, to move
the apparatus slowly forwards or backwards by means of the larger screw
propeller, to turn it about its vertical axis by means of the smaller
screw propeller, and to regulate its motion sideways by means of the
rudder to the greatest nicety, the various windows or bull's-eyes enabling
the operator to observe the surrounding objects in all directions.
The object in the case of a ship to be raised being to attach the
balloon to some convenient part of the ship, the operator will, for
instance, place the diving apparatus in such a position that the arm
attached to the end of the balloon, and temporarily connected with the
body of the chamber by the means previously mentioned, will assume
a vertical position, and stand immediately over a window, port hole, or
other suitable opening in the hull of the ship. The operator will then
detach the arm by withdrawing the hook which held it, and thus allow
it to drop into the opening, and as the arm is suspended from the chain
in such a manner that that portion from the point of suspension
upwards is heavier than the portion below that point, the arm will on
being left to itself drop and place itself across the opening. The air
pumps are then set to work at a signal giving by the operator, by means
of his telegraph, and the balloon is inflated to the requisite extent. And
it will be understood that as many balloons as may be considered neces-
sary to effect the desired object are fixed to the ship in a similar manner.
It is evident that, as, with a given weight of air contained in it, the
volume of the balloon will increase as the superincumbent column
of water diminishes in depth, the inflation of the balloons can be so
regulated that the effort to raise the object to which they are attached
will commence with the tide running out, and be at its maximum at low
water. As, however, the neck of the balloon is open, the air will begin
to rush out in proportion as the ship or other object approaches the
surface of the water, and it will thus be prevented from bursting by
over pressure..
My improved diving chamber may also be used independently of the
balloons for various other purposes, such as examining sea walls or
other submarine structures, examining plants or other objects at the
bottom of the sea, and for conducting other scientific investigations.
For such purposes the construction of the apparatus may be suitably
modified, and it may be fitted with various utensils in the shape of
shovels, spoons, tongs, or otherwise, to be actuated from within for the
purpose of digging up plants, or taking hold of or grasping any objects
which the operator may wish to raise to the surface of the water.
Besides that this my improved diving bell or chamber admits of opera-
tions being conducted at the great depth mentioned, all the time that

page_text: the operator and his assistants are exposed to and live in no other than
the ordinary atmospheric pressure of air, my method of raising sunken
vessels and other objects presents the further and very great advantage
of not being affected or influenced in the least by the motion of the sea
on the surface.
Instead of making use of an independent diving chamber, as above
described, I also propose to cause the diving chamber to form a portion
of a submarine ship, such as that described in my Patent dated 25th of
May 1853, No. 1281. In this case I form a recess in the ship's side, the
bottom of which is on a level with the ship's bottom, and which shall
be large and high enough conveniently to admit a diver armed with
helmet and diving dress. I furnish the partition which separates this
recess from the air chamber within the ship with a door opening out-
wards, and the second partition, which is in contact with the water,
with another door, also opening outwardly, and fitted with a disc valve.
This chamber inclosed by these two partitions is in communication with
the air chamber of the ship by means of a valve orifice, capable of being
closed from below by means of a valve attached to a floater, whilst the
floor of the chamber is provided with a disc valve, by means of which a
communication can be established with the hollow keel of the ship. As
soon as the diver has entered the diving chamber by the door first men-
tioned he closes it, and admits the water from without by opening the
dise valve in the second door. The water will consequently rush into
the diving chamber, expel the air through the valve orifice above, and
force it into the air chamber of the ship; and on the diving chamber
becoming completely filled with water, the air valve orifice will, owing
to the action of the floater, be completely closed. The water pressure
within and without being now equalized, the diver opens the second,
door and is at liberty to step out and commence operations; it being.
understood that such diving operations can only be undertaken whilst.
the submarine ship rests at the bottom of the lake or sea. On the diver
wishing to re-enter the ship, he has nothing to do but to admit himself
through the outer door, and after having closed the same, to shut the
disc valve with which it is provided, and to open the valve communi-
cating with the hollow keel, when the water in the diving chamber will
immediately discharge itself into the hollow keel, and the air will rush
in through the valve orifice at the top. After all the water has thus
been discharged, the diver closes the bottom valve, and is then at
liberty to open the door communicating with the air chamber within
the ship. As the diver cannot under these circumstances be in any
way whatever in communication with the ship, it is necessary that he
should be provided with the means of re-inhaling the air he has been

page_text: breathing in a renewed or purified state, and of ascertaining in what
direction he is going. For this purpose the helmet is provided at the
back with two short projecting tubes to each of which a flexible pipe
is attached, reaching down to and being connected by means of a cock
with a cylindrical elastic bag extended by powerful spiral springs to
prevent it from collapsing. This bag is tied round the diver's waist, and
contains in proper proportions oxygen and hydrated potash, and the
vitiated air will pass into this bag through one or other of these tubes,
and similarly re-issue into the space between the diver's head and his
helmet in a partially purified state, and the diving helmet, is further
fitted with a ship's compass, upon which the light is admitted by a
bull's-eye in such a position that, on slightly raising his head, the diver
can plainly see the position of the needle. In the front of the helmet and
considerably below the bull's-eyes, through which the diver is enabled
to observe the surrounding objects, I apply a disc valve, which the
diver can open himself for the admission of fresh air, as soon as he gets
back into the diving chamber, and the water has so far subsided as to
leave the head free. The diving dress is caused to adhere about the
shoulders by means of a broad and stout band of india-rubber, and
the helmet can be hermetically connected with it by drawing another
similar band over the first-mentioned one and inserting the shoulder
piece of the helmet between the two, the lower edge of the shoulder
piece being provided with a border rounded outwards, over which the
second strap closes tightly. The necessary ballast is suspended under-
neath the bag in the shape of metal rings, embracing the diver's body,
and supported by the iron strap, which holds down the helmet in the
usual manner. It is scarcely necessary to observe that under these
circumstances the diver cannot descend to a greater depth than about
seventy feet.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters l'atent, filed
by the said William Bauer in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
3rd September 1860.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
BAUER, of Munich, in the Kingdom of Bavaria, Submarine Engineer,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Third day of March, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight bundred and sixty, in the twenty-third year of Her

page_text: reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said William Bauer, Her special licence, that i, the said William
Bauer, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I,
the said William Bauer, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at
all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and law-
fully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man,
an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR DIVING, AND FOR RAISING
AND LOWERING BODIES IN WATER, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLIC-
ABLE TO OTHER USEFUL PURPOSES," upon the condition (amongst others) that I,
the said William Bauer, my executors or administrators, by an instru-
ment in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Inven-
tion, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the
same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Bauer, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement:—
The principal object of my improvements is to raise sunken ships from
the bottom of rivers, lakes, or the sea; an operation which can be effected
from any depth up to 500 feet, owing to the peculiar manner in which
the person or persons conducting. it are protected from all external
influences, and subjected to no more than the ordinary atmospheric
pressure, and its complete independence of the motions of the sea at
its surface.
My improved apparatus for diving consists in a cylindrical or other
conveniently shaped chamber, made of metal plates or cast metal of the
requisite strength, to enable it to resist the pressure of a column of
water of 500 feet, as well as to secure it from any damage which might
arise from accidental collision with other objects. This diving chamber,
unlike an ordinary diving bell, is completely inclosed with the exception.
of an opening at the top, through which the person or persons intend-
ing to conduct the operations are admitted, and which is subsequently
hermetically closed, the internal space being filled with air of the
ordinary atmospheric pressure. The bottom of the chamber is double,
and between the two there is a hollow space, which again may be sub-
divided into two or more portions for the reception of water ballast.,
variable at pleasure, by means of a force pump actuated from within.
In front of the apparatus, as well as on the sides, underneath, and over

page_text: head, any convenient number of bull's-eyes, windows, or lights, suitably
protected, may be introduced, for the purpose of enabling the conductor
to observe surrounding objects, and to guide and steer the apparatus
with precision and safety. A screw propeller protected by a casing
or box, capable of being worked by hand from within the chamber,
admits of the apparatus being moved forward, whilst another similar
but smaller screw propeller placed on one side serves the purpose of
causing the apparatus to revolve round its vertical axis. Besides these
two propellers à rudder is fitted to the apparatus lower down, which is
also capable of being actuated from within the chamber, and by which
the apparatus can be steered in the ordinary manner. And as in the
case of powerful currents having to be encountered, it might be con-
sidered necessary or desirable to prevent the apparatus from drifting,
an anchor can be lowered by means of a handle and gearing acting
upon a chain barrel from within the chamber. In order to enable the
conductor or his assistants, in case of emergency, immediately to rise
to the surface of the water, a weight or weights suspended from the
bottom of the chamber can be suddenly detached from within by merely
turning a spindle. This spindle, as well as all the other spindles or
shafts which pass from the inside of the chamber outwards, are of course
made to pass through suitable stuffing boxes, in order to exclude the
water.
The diving chamber is placed in communication with the ship, which,
as in all other similar cases, is in constant attendance, by means of an
electric or other telegraph. A fresh supply of atmospheric air may be
obtained when necessary by means of two pipes or tubes, one of them
being in connection with an air pump on board the ship, and the other
serving as an outlet to the vitiated air. The opening and closing of
these tubes can be regulated at pleasure by cocks within reach of the
operator or conductor in the chamber; but I wish it to be particularly
understood that the air space within the chamber is intended to be
made amply sufficient for several hours' consumption of three persons,
and that therefore the admission of fresh air need only take place at
such intervals; or, the air may be even for a limited time purified by the
admission of oxygen, which is kept in store in a compressed state.
The raising of sunken ships or other objects is effected by means of
flexible air bags or balloons, made of strong material impervious to
water, say, alternate layers of caoutchouc and canvas, protected against
abrasion by friction, and rendered capable of supporting any strain they
may be subjected to upon being inflated and attached to the object to be
raised by a network of stout cords or ropes, to the lower part of which,
and below the neck of the balloon, a strong iron ring is fixed. To this

page_text: ring a chain is looped, from which is suspended a strong iron lever or
arm, or other suitable instrument, the object of which is to be inserted
into a port hole, or any other convenient opening in the hull or body
of the ship to be raised, in the manner to be hereafter described. The
balloon, after having been partially inflated so as to counterbalance to
some extent the weight of the chain and arm, lever, or other instrument
suspended from it, is lowered from the ship in attendance, with the air
supply tube inserted in it; the iron arm (where such is used) is dropped
between two strong lugs projecting from the body of the diving chamber,
in what may be called the front of the apparatus, and is there secured
by a hook, which can be actuated from within the chamber, so as to
release the arm at the proper moment.
The apparatus may now be considered as readdy for action, and is
first suspended by chains from the ship, but subsequently allowed to
descend freely into the water as nearly over the ship or other object to
be raised as may be considered desirable. The conductor or operator
and his attendants within the chamber have it in their power to regulate
the velocity of its descent, as well as its vertical position, by diminish-
ing or increasing the volume of the water ballast by means of the force
pump previously 'referred to, to move the apparatus slowly backwards
or forwards by means of the larger screw propeller, to turn it about
its axis by means of the smaller screw propeller, and to regulate its
motion sideways by means of the rudder to the greatest nicety; the
various lights, windows, or bull's eyes, enabling the conductor to
observe the surrounding objects in all directions.
The object, in the case of a ship to be raised, being to attach the
balloons to some convenient part of the ship, the conductor or operator
will, for instance, place the diving apparatus in such a position that the
arm or other instrument attached to the end of the balloon, and
temporarily connected with the body of the chamber by the means pre-
viously mentioned, will assume a vertical position, and stand immediately
over a port hole or other suitable opening in the hull of the ship. The
conductor will then detach the arm or other instrument by withdrawing
the hook which held it, and thus allow it to drop into the opening, when
on being left to itself it will place itself across the opening, being made
somewhat heavier on one side than on the other. The air pumps are
then set to work at a signal given by the conductor through the
telegraph, and the balloon is inflated to the requisite extent.
will be understood that as many balloons as may be considered necessary
to effect the desired object are fixed to the ship in a similar manner.
It is evident that as, with a given weight of air contained in it, the
volume of the balloon will increase as the superincumbent column of
And it

page_text: water diminishes in depth, the inflation of the balloons can be so
regulated that the effort to raise the object to which they may happen to
be attached will commence with the ebb tide, and be at its maximum at
low water. As, however, the neck of the balloon is open, the air will
begin to rush out in proportion as the object being raised approaches
the surface of the water, and it will thus be prevented from bursting
by over pressure.
My improved diving chamber may also be used independently of the
balloons for various other purposes, such as examining sea walls or
other submarine structures, examining plants or other objects at the
bottom of the sea, and for conducting other scientific investigations. For
such purposes the construction of the apparatus may be suitably
modified, and it may be fitted with various instruments or utensils in
the shape of shovels, spoons, tongs, or otherwise, to be actuated from
within, for the purpose of digging up plants, or taking hold of or grasp-
ing any objects which the operator may wish to raise to the surface of
the water. Besides that my improved diving bell or chamber admits of
operations being conducted at the great depth mentioned, all the time
that the operator or conductor and his assistants are exposed and live
in no other than the ordinary pressure of air, my method of raising
sunken vessels and other objects presents the further and very great
advantage of not being in the least affected or influenced by the motion
of the sea at the surface.
Instead of making use of an independent diving chamber, as above
described, I also propose to cause the diving chamber to form a portion
of a submarine ship, such as that described in my Patent dated 25th
of May 1853, No. 1281. In this case I form a recess in the ship's side,
which shall be large and high enough conveniently to admit a diver
armed with a helmet and diving dress. I furnish the partition which
separates this recess from the air-chamber within the ship with a door
opening outwards. and the second partition, which is in contact with
the surrounding water, with another door, also opening outwardly, and
fitted with a disc valve. The chamber inclosed by these two partitions
is in communication with the air chamber of the ship by means of a valve
orifice, capable of being closed from below by means of a valve attached
to a floater, whilst the floor of the chamber is provided with a disc valve,
by means of which a communication can be established with the hollow
keel of the ship. As soon as the diver has entered the diving chamber
by the door first mentioned, he closes it, and admits the water from
without by opening the disc valve in the second door. The water will
consequently rush into the diving chamber, expel the air through the
valve orifice above, and force it into the air chamber of the ship; and

page_text: :OF
on the diving chamber becoming completely filled with water, the air-
valve orifice will, owing to the action of the floater, be completely closed.
The water pressure within and without being now equalized, the diver
opens the second door, and is now at liberty to step down into the bottom
of the sea, and to commence operations, it being understood that such
diving operations are only undertaken whilst the ship rests on the
bottom of the sea.
On the diver wishing to re-enter the ship, he has nothing to do but
to admit himself through the outer door, and, after having closed the
same, to shut the disc valve with which it is provided, and to open the
valve communicating with the hollow keel, when the water in the diving.
chamber will immediately discharge itself into the hollow keel, and
the air will rush in through the now open valve orifice at the top. After
all the water has thus been discharged, the diver closes the bottom valve,
and is then at liberty to open the door communicating with the air
chamber within the ship. As the diver cannot, under these circum-
stances, be in any way whatever in communication with the ship, it is
necessary that he should be provided with the means of re-inhaling the
air he has been breathing in a renewed or purified state, and of ascertain-
ing in what direction he is going. For this purpose the helmet is
provided at the back with two short projecting tubes, to which flexible
pipes can be attached, reaching down to and being connected with a
cylindrical elastic bag, extended by means of powerful spiral springs
to prevent it from collapsing, and which bag is tied round the diver's
waist, and contains, in proper proportions, oxygen and hydrated potash.
The vitiated air will therefore pass into this bag through either the one
or the other of the tubes and pipes above mentioned, and reissue in a
partially purified state; and the diving helmet is further fitted with a
ship's compass, upon which the light is admitted by a window or bull's-
eye, in such a position that, on slightly raising his head, the diver can
plainly see the position of the needle. In front, and considerably below
the light window or bull's-eye, through which the diver is enabled to
observe the surrounding objects, the helmet is fitted with a disc valve,
which he can open himself, for the admission of fresh air as soon as he
gets back into the diving chamber, and the water has so far subsided as
to leave the head free. The diving helmet is hermetically connected
with the upper part of the dress by a broad and stout band of india-
rubber or caoutchouc, which embraces the shoulder piece of the helmet,
and is over-lapped by another similar band of caoutchouc attached to
the dress. The necessary ballast is suspended about the diver's waist
underneath the bag in the shape of metal rings, and the helmet and
dress are further connected with each other by an iron strap in the usual

page_text: manner. It is scarcely necessary to observe that, under such circum-
stances, the diver 'cannot descend to a greater depth than about 70 feet.
In order that my said Invention may be more clearly understood and
readily carried into effect, I will now proceed to describe the same,
reference being had to the annexed Sheets of Drawings, and to the
letters and figures marked thereon.
In Sheet 1 Fig. 1 is a side view; Fig. 2, a vertical section; Fig. 3, a
horizontal section; and Fig. 4, an end view of one of my improved diving
chambers, which I employ for the purpose of raising sunken vessels as
well as for carrying on various other operations under the surface of
the water.
The shell or body A of the chamber (see Figs. 2 and 3) is here repre-
sented of a cylindrical, form, and constructed upon the cellular system
in three parts. It may, however, be made of any other convenient shape
or form, either of brass, cast-iron, or any other suitable metal, capable
of resisting the pressure to which it is subjected when immersed to the
depth at which operations are to be carried on.
In my Provisional Specification I have described the double floor or
bottom of the apparatus to. be. concave in both directions, with spaces
between the two for the reception of the water ballast and for a lamp
(as in Fig. 9). I prefer, however, as shown in Sheet 1 of Drawings to
make the bottoms convex, with the intervening spaces likewise for the
water ballast; and instead of placing the removeable ballast weights in
the cavity of the concave bottom, I adjust them externally to the lower
convex bottom. The reflector lamp, instead of being stationary, may
be a moveable one, so that it can be placed in whatever position it may
be most wanted. The screw propeller a, which is protected against
injury from without by the casing b, is intended to move the apparatus
forward, and is worked from within.by means of the crank handle a',
which is attached to the spindle or shaft a². Another screw propeller c
(see Fig. 4) serves the purpose of causing the diving chamber to revolve
about its vertical axis when required, whilst by means of the rudder a
(see Figs. 2 and 4), its motion can be directed to the right or to the left
at pleasure. In cases where, owing to the prevalence of currents of
other causes, it should be considered necessary to moor the apparatus,
this can be done by means of an anchor é (see Figs. 1 and 4), by letting
the same down by means of the chain ƒ from which it is suspended, and
which is wound upon the chain barrel g, to which motion is likewise
given from within by means of the worm wheel h, and corresponding
screw. The propeller c and the chain barrel g are respectively sur-
rounded by the casings i and k, for their protection from injury. Various
and numerous lights, bull's-eyes, or windows 7, inserted in the body or

page_text: shell of the chamber and suitably protected, admit of the operator or
conductor within observing any objects over head, underneath, in front,
or behind, and steering of directing the apparatus accordingly. On
the top of the chamber 1 erect a gallery consisting of a platform m fixed
to the shell A by means of standards n, and of the hinged rails o,
which being furnished with short arms o', taking into curved grooves
in the plate p, can be placed in an upright position, as shown in Fig. 4,
by turning the plate p round; the heads of the rails o being connected
together by a rope o. Fig. 1 shows the rails o as being folded down
with their heads towards the centre, in which position they are placed
when not otherwise required. From the platform m a man-hole A'
(see Fig. 2) admits the person or persons who are to conduct the opera-
tions into the interior of the diving chamber. Should it at any time be
found necessary to let the diving chamber rise rapidly to the surface of
the water, the weights q can be detached from it by simply turning
the handles r, so as to cause the hooks to let go their hold. The
space, between the two bottoms is intended for the reception of
water ballast, the volume of which can be varied by injecting or eject-
ing the water at pleasure by means of force pumps.
When my improved diving chamber is to be employed for the purpose
of raising sunken vessels from the bottom of the sea or other waters,
the lugs s, which are fixed externally to the shell A of the chamber; are
used as a means of temporarily attaching the arm t, and the air bag
or balloon B, (which is made of strong materials impervious to water,
say, of alternate layers of caoutchouc and canvas, and surrounded by a
network of stout cords or rope, so as to protect it against abrasion by.
friction, and rendering it capable of supporting any strain it may be
subjected to,) suspended from it by the hook u. The hook u is of one
piece with the spindle u', which latter can be moved from within the
diving chamber by means of the handle us, and after the slot in the
arm t has been brought opposite to the slót x between the lugs s, the
hook u is moved forward by the conductor, so as to pass through the
two slots, and thus to hold the arm t fast. When this is accomplished,
the conductor has but to cause the apparatus to descend to the ship'to be
raised, and to insert the arm t into any convenient opening in the
wreck, in the manner which will be hereafter described in reference to
Sheet 2. For the purpose of admitting of the balloons being inflated to
the required extent after they have been attached to the sunkenship
or wreck, in cases where the air or gas hose or pipe c (which is in con-
nection with the pump on board the ship in attendance), is to be inserted
into the balloon from below, the pipe C is fitted with a lug C¹ (see Fig. 1),
which being furnished with a slot *, can be inserted between the lugs''s,
off d

page_text: A
and thus temporarily connected with the diving chamber similarly, to the
arm t. The pipe or hose C can thus be conducted from one balloon to
the other for the purpose of inflating each to the required extent.
battery », with proper telegraphic signalling apparatus, is placed
within easy reach of the conductor, and a wire D reaches up to the
attending ship, so as to enable him to give the necessary directions as
to the working of the pumps, or other matters connected with the
operation.
It is evident that balloons of this kind could be applied with great
advantage for the purpose of letting down into the water, and placing in
their positions large stones or other heavy materials to be used in the
erection of submarine structures, by causing them to carry the load and
to keep the same in suspension. In this case the diving chamber would
serve to guide the stones or other materials, and the conductor would
be able, making due allowance for friction and for currents, to place
them according to plan. The communication with the shore, or with
the ship in attendance, as the case may be, would be kept up either by
telegraph or in some other convenient manner, and the means of open-
ing the valve B3 of the balloon would have to be placed within reach of
the conductor, so as to enable him to lower the stone or other material
into its proper position at the right time, by allowing any desirable
volume of air to escape from the balloon.
In Sheet 2, Fig. 1 represents a sunken vessel or wreck which is to be
raised, and to which the balloons B have been or are being attached by
means of my improved diving chamber, as described with reference to
Sheet 1 of Drawings, Figs. 1 to 4; Fig. 2 shows a steamer in attendance,
in which the diving chamber balloons and other objects required for the
operation are supposed to have been conveyed to the spot, and which
contains the air pumps by means whereof the balloons are inflated accord-
ing to directions received from the conductor in the diving chamber by
telegraphic communication.
After the diving chamber Fig. a, has been furnished with an arm t,
(or other convenient instrument), it is lowered into the water from the
'ship in attendance, the conductor within lowering, propelling, and
"directing the same, by means of the appliances described in reference
to Sheet 1, Figs. 1 to 4, down to any convenient part of the wreck, and
selecting the openings wherein the arm t, (shown in Sheet 1, Fig. 1,)
'to which an air bag or balloon B, is attached by ropes, links, or chains,
can be safely inserted. The weight of the arm t is counterbalanced by
the partial inflation of the balloon from the air pumps in the ship (Fig. 2)
through the pipe or hose C, which pipe or hose may be inserted into the
balloon either from above or from below, (see Sheet 1, Fig. 1.) The

page_text: conductor in the diving chamber determines the degree of inflation of
the balloon by directing the operations of the persons who work the air
force pumps on board the attendant ship, through the telegraph, being
in a position to ascertain the increase of pressure of water, and the
velocity of the descent, from the indications of a manometer placed
near him. After the conductor has placed the arm t immediately over
a port hole or other convenient opening in the sunken ship or wreck,
he releases it by turning the handle u³, (see Sheet 1, Fig. 1,) and thus
allows it to drop into the said opening, where, owing to its peculiar
shape, it will assume a horizontal position, and thus connect the balloon
with the wreck. The balloon is then filled with air or gas to the extent
consistent with the strength of the portion of the wreck to which it is
attached, and the pipe or hose (in cases where it is inserted into the
balloon from below) is subsequently withdrawn from it. The same
operation is repeated in the case of as many balloons as it may be con-
sidered necessary to fix to the sunken ship in order to effect its' raising.
The requisite number of balloons, which may be of different sizes, having
been attached to the wreck, as shewn in Fig. 1, and the same having
been inflated in the manner previously described so as nearly to float it,
the next ebb tide, by reducing the height of the superincumbent column
of water, will cause the balloons to expand to their utmost extent, and
they will now therefore raise the wreck with a nearly uniform .velocity
to the surface of the water. Arrived in that position, the lighter portion
of the raised ship will project beyond the surface, a circumstance which
will admit of some spare balloons being placed underneath, whilst ¡those
balloons which are uppermost are gradually detached or placed lower
down, until the wreck has finally passed from the position indicated.in
Fig. 1 to that shewn in Fig. 1. The water with which the ship has
been filled, owing to its immersion, will now either discharge itself, or
if not, it can be pumped out, and the wreck is disposed of in any con-
venient manner.
:f
Fig. 3 shows in its empty state, and Fig. 4 in a state of inflation, a
balloon with a pair of hooks B' suspended from it, whilst Fig. 6 repré-
sents such a balloon in the act of being drawn down to the wreck by a
rope passed round the funnel, and with the pipe or hose C attached to
it. In cases where this pipe or hose is inserted into the balloon from
above, it passes through an aperture in the top of the balloon, which,
on its removal, is closed by the valve B². The pipe or hose can, however,
be introduced into the balloon from below, as represented in Sheet 1,
Fig. 1; and as in either case the balloon is open underneath at the
throat, and the compressed air or gas can therefore escape freely during
the progressive rise of the wreck, and the consequent undue internal

page_text: expansion, any explosion of the balloon is thus avoided. For greater
convenience & security the valve B2 may also be made self-regulative.
The hooks B¹ may be usefully applied in many cases where the arm t
(Fig. 1 Sheet 1,) is not conveniently applicable; and if the vessel to be
raised should happen to present no suitable openings for the insertion
of such instruments, the balloons can be attached to the sides or pro-
jections, or even under the keel, should either the bow or the stern of
the ship be sufficiently elevated to admit of the latter operation.
"When, amongst the various other purposes to which my system of
diving apparatus can be applied, I intend to avail myself of it in order
to take up from the bottom of the sea, and examine or repair telegraphic
cables, I construct the bottom of the chamber with a recess w (see Sheet
1; Figs. 1 and 2). After having placed this recess exactly over the spot
where the cable to be operated upon is lying, and between the jaws x¹
of the forks or tongs x, a pair of which tongs projects downwards on
each side of the diving chamber, being hinged to the end of the spindle y,
the conductor or his assistants in the chamber turns the handle z (see
Fig: 2), which, by means of the bevil wheels z' and 1, sets in motion the
spindle 2. As the screwed end 2ª of this spindle takes into the screw
socket 3 of-the arm 3, a pin fixed in which takes into the slots of the
tonig levers. the tongs close round the cable, and thus hold it in suspen-
sion. The conductor then, by means of the handie 4, worm 5, and worm
wheel segment 6, lets down the lid 7 (which internally forms a trough)
into the position in which it is represented in dotted lines in Fig. 2,
which being accomplished he lifts up the cable by means of the screw
spindle y, which he causes to rise by turning the handle 8 within the
chamber, and thereby giving motion to the nut 9, into which the screw
spindle takes through the bevil wheels 8 & 9, the spindle 2, which
is fitted with a groove and feather, serving as a guide. As soon as the
cable, guided by the springs 10°, has arrived at the height of the stuffing
box, marked 10, the lid 7 is replaced in its forma position (as shown in
Fig. 2) by turning the handle 4 in the opposite direction. The cable is
thus placed in a position in which it can be examined from within by the
removal of the lid (see Fig. 3); but before removing this lid the con-
ductor has to open the tap 12, which is screwed into a socket in the top
of lid 11, so as to admit of the escape of that small film of water which
is contained between the lid 7 and its seating, as well as for the purpose
of ascertaining whether there is any leakage. If no material leakage is
discoverable, the lid 11 is taken off, and the water removed out of the
trough 7, so as to facilitate operations. After the cable has been
thoroughly examined and repaired, if required, the lid 11 is once more
?

page_text: screwed down, the lid 7 opened, the forks or tongs x are replaced in
their former position, and the cable released from their grip.
Fig. 5 represents in front elevation, partly in section, and Fig. 6 in
side elevation, partly in section, an apparatus similar to the one above
described, but in which I make use, for the purpose of locomotion, of a
pair of peculiarly constructed paddle wheels, dispensing with the screw
propeller, steering screw, anchor, and rudder. This apparatus is
equally well adapted for propulsion at the bottom of the sea as in a
floating position; but although it might be used for the purpose of
raising sunken vessels in cases where the wreck is unencumbered by
rigging, it is more especially suited for pearl and coral fishing, for the
gathering of sponges, the cutting of seaweeds, the erection and examina-
tion of structures under the surface of the water, and scientific investi-
gations. I shall, however, confine myself to the description of the
wheels, and of a contrivance which I consider most suitable for use in
pearl fishing.
The paddle wheels E consist of two rims a, which are connected
together by the cross-pieces b, the latter serving at the same time as
sockets to the outer pivots of the blades c, of which there are eight in
each wheel, the corresponding inner pivots being supported by the
nave d. Each blade is fitted near its inner pivot with a crank c', the
pin c of which takes into the curved groove 1 in the bush e (see
Figures 5, 5, and 7,) at the same time that it is guided in the nave d
by the circular grooves 2 (see Figures 5, 5b,
and 7).
The curve of the groove 1 is such that during two-thirds of each
revolution of the wheel the blades merely present their cutting edges
to the water, whilst during the remaining one-third of each revolution
they gradually begin to act upon the water with their surfaces, each
blade presenting its full surface when at its lowest point. The bush e
being moveable on the spindle f (see Figure 7), on which the nave d
is keyed; or to which it is otherwise attached, it can be placed in such a
position on the said spindle by means of the pinion e' and toothed
flange e as to cause the blades c to assume their respective positions
of acting surface and cutting edge at any desirable part of the circum-
ference, so as to propel the diving chamber either forward or backward,
or to cause it to rise or to descend. The paddle wheels are set in motion
from within by the ratchet levers g & the ratchet wheels g' (see Figures
5 and 7), which may, if required, be connected with each other in any
convenient manner.
The instrument which I propose to employ in fishing for pearls consists
of a scoop h, with lid h, the former being hinged to the rod i, and the
latter to the screw spindle . After the diving chamber has been placed
on or over a bed of pearl shells, as many as the scoop will hold are

page_text: grasped by the scoop ; the rod i is then caused to descend in the nut /
of the rod 1, which is fitted with a groove and feather by giving motion
to the bevil wheels m and 1, and after the two halves of the scoop have
met, or as nearly so as may be necessary, the whole scoop is raised by
the rotation of the bevil wheel ³, through the instrumentality of the
handlen and bevil wheel n', to a sufficient height to admit of the con-
tents of the scoop being discharged into the trough o in the position in
which it is drawn in dotted lines in Figure 6. It will be seen, on
reference to Figure 6, that the projection o¹ of the trough o forms a
portion of a nut, into which the screw p takes, which latter is moveable
from within the chamber by means of the handle p". Now, whilst the
trough o is in the position in which it is represented in dotted lines the
slide is, by the superincumbent column of water, tightly pressed
against its bearing surface, and prevents any water from entering the
chamber through the aperture. X, X. (see also Figure 7;) but so soon as
the trough o is drawn back with its charge into the position shown in
sharp lines, it releases the slide q, which is therefore at liberty to be
moved sideways, so that the contents of the trough o can be easily got
at through the apertures X, X. and deposited within the diving chamber.
In order to collect a fresh charge of shells, the scoop h, h', is lowered
by reversing the motion of the screw and rods l' and i; and the process
before described can be repeated as often as may be considered necessary
or desirable.
The bell (Figure 6) serves at the same time as a platform from
whence an entrance can be effected into the diving chamber in the place
of the platform and galleries shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5. But the
principal object of it is to serve as an air chamber in case it should
become necessary to cause the diving apparatus rise rapidly to the
surface. For this purpose the conductor admits into it, by opening a
cock from a reservoir or reservoirs, which may be placed in the
chambers F (shown in section in Figure 8), a volume of highly coin-
'pressed air or oxygen, which, by displacing the water, will produce the
desired effect. In order, however, to guard against too great a velocity,
the bell is left open underneath, so that the velocity of ascension may
at all times be in proportion to the volume of the bell, without being
affected by the pressure of the column of water.
In this
In Sheet 3, Figures 1 and 2 represent in elevation, the former partly,
and the latter altogether in section, and Figures 3 and 4 in horizontal
section, another modification of my improved diving chamber.
case I propose to apply it as á telegraph station' at sea, and collaterally
also as a light ship. The body of the apparatus is elliptical in vertical
section, and moored to the bottom of the sea by three anchors, the

page_text: a,..
chains or cables attached to which unite in one chain or cable which
passes over the guide pulleys b and c (see, Figure 2), and from thence
upon the chain barrel d, of which e is the spindle. To the chain
barrel d is cast the spur wheel f, which serves at the same time as one
of the flanges, d' being the other flange; and into this wheel of gears
the pinion g (see Figure 1), by means of which the chain or cable a
can be wound up or unwound at pleasure through the instrumentality
of the spindle g', and a handle from within the chamber. Upon the
chamber A a tower B is crected; it is steadied by the stay rods B', and
reaches as far as the floor or horizontal partition A' (see Figure 2),
and it is fitted internally with spiral stairs B2, and terminates in a
gallery B³ at the top. The projecting part of the tower B is besides
surrounded by a gallery A³, to which a ladder B' leads from the
gallery B (see Figure 1). The object of the tower B is chiefly to admit
of a comparatively small volume of water ballast, being sufficient to
immerse the structure, or to cause it to rise on forcing the water ballast
out with a force pump. It is necessary that structures of this kind
should preserve a certain tendency to rise, but this tendency can be
checked to any required degree by winding a more or less considerable
portion of the cable a upon its barrel, the slipping of the cable being
prevented by the application, of the break c. The water constituting
the ballast is admitted through the pipe h (see Figure 2) into the
cistern A³ from without, and this admission can be regulated or stopped
by means of the valve and valve rod i, whilst the discharge of the water
can be effected by means of suitable force pumps. The upper com-
partments A³ are intended for the accommodation of the persons in
attendance, whilst the lower compartments A' are reserved for store-
rooms of various kinds, kitchens, &c. The light is admitted from above
by means of windows or bull's-eyes 1, or the various compartments may
be lighted up by means of artificial light. The entrance is effected from
the gallery A by means of the ladder B' to the top of the tower, and
from thence downwards by the stairs B and the door B (Figure 1).
During calm weather the chamber is made to float on or near the
surface of the water, as shown in Figure 2, whilst when the sea goes
high it is immersed as represented in Figure 1, deep enough to be out
of the reach of the waves, so as to avoid exposing the cables to
unnecessary strain, and the risk of dragging or breaking loose from
the anchors. Previously to effecting this immersion, however, the
valve B, at the top of the tower, and the orifice of which forms at the
same time the entrance to the tower, is closed and screwed down so
as to prevent any water from getting in. The screw k, which can be
set in motion from within (see Figures 2 and 3), serves in this case

page_text: merely as a steering apparatus, by means of which the person on the
watch has it in his power under the guidance of a ship's compass to
prevent adverse winds or currents from twisting the cables. The ballast
boxes A (of which there are supposed to be 4, see Figure 4,) can be
detached in case of necessity by means of the rods and hooks 1, in a
similar manner to that already described with reference to Sheet 1,
Figures 1 and 2. The medium for respiration may either consist of
atmospheric air at the ordinary pressure, if the chamber is large enough
to contain a supply of a few days for the persons inhabiting it, or it
may be produced artificially, or obtained from time by the use of
pipes and floaters similar to those to which I have referred in the
Provisional Specification of my Patent No. 1281, of 1853.
It has been already observed that diving chambers of this description
could at the same time be made available as light ships, as during calm
weather the flame might be displayed as usual from the top of the tower,
whilst when the sea goes high, and during the consequent immersion
of the structure, a small balloon carrying an electric light might be
substituted. A balloon of this kind is represented in Figure 5, and
might be either anchored independently, or be connected with the
principal structure itself.
The electric light might either be produced in the balloon, Fig. 5,
itself, by the means and appliances already known, or such a light
might be maintained by electric communication with the batteries and
machinery within the principal structure.
As the ends of the telegraphic cables which enter the sides of the
chamber A through flexible stuffing boxes m (see Figure 1,) may in
many cases have to be carried up from great depths to these floating
stations, I propose to surround them under the outer spiral covering
with a layer of wires placed longitudinally, so as to render them
capable of resisting the strain upon them; and in order still further
to secure them against being strained, broken, or damaged, I propose
to suspend the same, at suitable distances, from small balloons (see
Figure 1), so as to relieve them of a portion of their weight and to
moderate the range of their vibrations.
By such means telegraphic cables could be supported even at con-
siderable distances, and safely suspended over coral banks, rocks, or
other unfavorable submarine formations or bodies. In such cases it
would, however, be necessary to anchor the balloons separately, and
prevent them by some means from dragging or rising. The shape of
the structure is, of course, not essential for the carrying out of the
principal of my Invention; and in the case under consideration I have
been guided in my choice simply by the fact of an elliptical body pre-

page_text: senting a comparatively small hold to the winds and waves besides
possessing great stability.
It is evident that apparatus of this description could be easily adapted
for the examination and repairing of telegraphic cables, by introducing
into them mechanism similar to that described in reference to Sheet 1
of Drawings, Figures 1, 2, and 3.
In Sheet 4, Figure I represents in side view, Figure 2 in front view,
and Figure 3 partly from behind, a diver, fitted out with my improved
diving helmet and chemical air renovating apparatus, whilst Figure 4
is a front elevation, partly in section, Figure 5 a side elevation, partly
in section, and Figure 6 a view from above, partly in section, of a
diving chamber attached to a submarine apparatus similar to that
described in the Provisional Specification of my Patent No. 1281, of
1853. The diving helmet A (see Figures 1 and 2) is provided, within
the casing which holds the upper light, with a ship's compass A', by
which the diver, on raising his eyes, can at once ascertain in what
direction he is proceeding. At the back the helmet is fitted with two
flexible pipes or tubes B and B' (Figures 1 and 3), which latter are
connected through the taps B and B, with a reservior C, consisting of
caoutchouc and sailcloth, and extended by means of strong spiral
springs, and which is attached to the waist of the diver by a strong
belt, with hook and eye or clasp. This reservoir is supplied with a
preparation of oxygen and hydrated potash, in passing and repassing
through which the air which the diver has to breathe, and of which a
small space left in front of the helmet is the only reservoir, is to some
extent renovated and made available for respiration, The helmet A
is made to close hermetically over the body of the diver's dress by means
of flanges of caoutchouc A", and it is held in its position and firmly
connected with the lower part of the dress by the iron strap A*, in the
usual manner. A valve A5 (Figures 1 and 2) enables the diver, by
opening it so soon as he raises his head out of the water, to immediately
inhale fresh atmospheric air, and, in order that, in cases of urgent
necessity, the diver may have it in his power to rise immediately to the
surface, the body of the dress under the reservoir C is fitted with a
number of rings or hoops of metal D, which he can at once throw off.
In order to make his way from the submarine ship to the open sea
without danger or difficulty, the diver, in the first place, opens the
door a, (see Figures 5 and 6), which after having stepped into the
chamber E, he again closes. He then opens the disc valve b, and thus
admits the water from without, which will continue to pour in until
the floater c will have closed the valve d in the top of the chamber, after
having dislodged the air from it, and sent it back into the air chamber

page_text: of the submarine ship. The pressure within, and without being thus
equalized, the diver proceeds to open the door e, by releasing the levers e¹
from their staples e, and having done so, he steps down to the bottom
of the sea, where he is at liberty to move about, and conduct his
operations independently of any communication with the ship. In
order to get back into the ship, after having first stepped into the
chamber E, he closes the door e after him, shuts the valve b, and opens
.the foot valve f by turning the handle f¹ on the spindle f*, which
admits the water into a reservoir in the keel of the ship. The air
valve d will immediately descend from its seating, and admit the air.
from the air chamber within the ship; and after the whole of the
water has been discharged from the chamber E, and the door, e is there-
fore once more under the influence of the water pressure from without,
the diver re-opens the door a, which at once admits him into the ship.
Having now described the nature of my Invention of "Improvements
in Apparatus for Diving, and for Raising and Lowering Bodies in Water,
Parts of which Improvements are also applicable to other useful
Purposes," I wish it to be understood that, without confining myself to
the precise arrangement of parts herein-before described, with reference
to the annexed Sheets of Drawings, I claim as the Invention intended
to be secured to me by the above in part recited Letters Patent,
Firstly, with reference to Sheet 1 of Drawings, Figs. 1, 2, 3, & 4,
the combination of mechanism, by means of which the diving bell can
be propelled forward, caused to turn about its vertical axis, steered,
and, if required, anchored.
Secondly, the combination of mechanism for grasping, raising, and
lowering the telegraphic cable to be examined or repaired; the moveable
lid and trough into which the cable is received, and which excludes the
admission of water; and the cover or lid, by the removal of which free
admission is obtained to the cable within the diving chamber.
Thirdly, with reference to Sheet 1 of Drawings, Figs. 5, 6, & 7, the
application and use of wheels, fitted with blades, floats, or paddles,
moveable about their longitudinal axes, and with the peculiar
mechanism for causing the blades, floats, or paddles to change their
position at any required point of the circumference.
Fourthly, the combination of mechanism for raising and lowering the
scoop by which the shells, spunges, corals, or other objects are taken
. hold of and secured; the application and use of the sliding trough into
which the objects are discharged in combination with the upper slide,
which admits of the objects contained in the trough being reached from
within the chamber, whilst preserving at all times a water-tight joint.
Fifthly, with reference to Sheet 1 of Drawings, Fig. 1, and to Sheet 2

page_text: of Drawings, the application and use of the independent diving chamber
for the purpose of attaching to sunken vessels or other objects to be
raised to the surface of the water, or to objects required to be placed
in particular positions under the water, air bags or balloons, in which
the degree of expansion after inflation adjusts itself according to the
variation in the height of the superincumbent column of water.
Sixthly, with regard to Sheet 3 of Drawings, the applying my
improved system of diving chambers as floating and immersable
telegraph stations.
Seventhly, the peculiar arrangement of mechanism connected with
the anchors and cables, whereby the cable is at the same time.made
to serve as variable ballast.
Eighthly, the application and use of the screw propeller for the
purpose of keeping the telegraphic station at all times in its proper
position, thereby preserving the telegraphic cables from injury by
torsion.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Bauer, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, the Third day of September, in the year of
Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty.
(L.S.) WILLIAM BAUER.