GB190825A - Improvements in the art of raising submerged vessels - Google Patents

Abstract

190,825. Reno, J. W. Oct. 3, 1921. Sunken ships, raising.-A double pontoon for raising sunken ships comprises two hollow cylinders 1, 2 flexibly connected one above the other by cables 8 and each having a closed upper end 3 and an open lower end 4. Around each cylinder is a reinforcing-band 5, which carries a thrust-block 6, as described in Specification 174,444, and an equalizer bar 7 to which are attached lifting cables 8 having hooks 9 at their lower ends, as described in Specification 158,485. On the band 5 of the lower cylinder are fixed eyes 12, with which engage the hooks 9 of the cables of the upper cylinder. The closed end of each cylinder is fitted with a pipe 13 having a cock 14, the length of the pipe within the cylinder being such that, when the water level in the cylinder rises to the level of the lower end of the pipe on opening the cock 14, the air trapped in the upper part of the cylinder imparts sufficient buoyancy to the latter to cause it to float with its upper end just above the surface. The double pontoons are attached to the sunken ship, as shown in Fig. 5, either by divers or by means of the mobile submarine tractor described in Specification 174,444. Air is then forced into the upper cylinder from a compressor on a salvage ship through a pipe 15, which is coupled to a pipe 18 passing through the lower cylinder and discharging under the open lower end of the upper cylinder. The vessel is thus raised till the upper cylinders emerge from the surface, while the deck is still submerged. In order to raise the vessel further, the upper cylinders 2 are unhooked from the lower cylinders and attached directly to the ship, and more air is forced into the cylinders either through the pipes 13 or by employing a siphon 20, such as that described in Specification 158,485. Specification 186,368 also is referred to.