GB301233A - Improvements in and relating to life saving devices for submarines - Google Patents

Abstract

301,233. Le Guen, F. Jan. 16, 1928. Buoyant lifesaving chambers.-A submarine is provided with a receptacle 11 with a man-hole 16 and a pivoted door 3 operated through worm gearing 7, 8, from a reversible electric motor 10, the motor being controlled by a switch 45, Fig. 8, normally engaging contacts 78, 79, and by a reversing switch 46 engaged in turn with contacts 75, 77 and 76, 77. Within the receptacle 11 is a tapered buoyant chamber 28 with an outer air space 30, a spring-pressed door 32 with a window 35, and a water-outlet 41, the chamber being connected to a drum 42 by a cable 41<1> containing wires 80 connecting a push-button 48 to a bell &c. 81 in the submarine. The chamber 28 normally rests on a carriage 38 with guide rollers 40, the carriage being movable by chains 65 passing over guide pulleys 66, 68, 71 and over sprockets 69 driven by a handle 72, or, in the case of the last of the crew, by mechanical means, whereby passage of the buoyant chamber 28 from the receptacle 11 is assisted when the submarine is inclined. In use, one or more persons enter the body 28, the receptacle 11 is flooded by opening a valve 22, the door 3 is opened, and the body 28 floats to the surface; before leaving the body 28, a signal is given by the push button 48 and the body is returned by rotating the drum 42, the door 3 being then closed and water removed from the receptacle 11 through a valve 14 and pump 15. The last member of the crew escapes by first moving switch 45 to engage contacts 90, 95 and, after entering the receptacle 11, cutting the cable 41<1>, removing a plug 27, Figs. 3 and 7, to permit operation of the flooding valve 22, and removing a plug 64, Figs. 3 and 6, which covers a fluid-operated switch comprising a compressible gasket 60 carrying a contact member 92, Figs. 6 and 8; he then enters the body 28. When flooding is completed, the water compresses the gasket 60 to close the motor circuit through the contact 92 and also, through a solenoid &c. 86, Figs. 2 and 8, to move a clutch member 98 on the shaft of the sprockets 69 into engagement with a loose sprocket wheel 97; the motor 10 then opens the door 3 and a guided member 103, with a threaded connection to the motor shaft, trips a spring- pulled dog 116 to permit a spring 108 to move a clutch member 106 to connect the motor shaft through bevel gearing 110, 111, and chain 115 to the sprocket 97 to effect movement of the carriage 38.