NON-CAPSIZABLE LIFE-BOAT.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 133, 12 June 1909, Page 15

NON-CAPSIZABLE LIFE-BOAT.

A WELLINGTON MAN'S PATENT. The latest thing in ocean navigation, described as a patent noa-capsizable lifeboat, is the result of the energy and inventiveness of a Wellingtondan, Mr.. Harry Fisher. Some fourteen years' ago Mr. Fisher conceived the idea, and off and on since then, he hae devoted much of his leisure time to the building of a boat of which he expected great things. He claims that his labours have now been crowned by complete success. Indeed, if the boat can perform all that is claimed it will be a distinct advance on any lifeboat afloat. At first sight, the boat, which is 14 feet long, with a diameter of 5 feet, and practically entirely of steel, reminds one of a miniature submarine, its cylindrical body tapering off to conical ends. In reality, I it is a ship inside a ship, being a threequarter, steel cylinder, within a complete covering of the same metal, and i resting on revolving bearings. The I main feature, which appeals to the eye I of the uninitiated, is its apparent simplicity — there is no mechanical device whatever — the whole contrivance being regulated and controlled according to the principles of gravitation. While the outer cylinder is allowed to revolve as it lists, the inner compartment practically remains stationary, so that the boat's twenty passengers will not suffer from the effects of vibration, though the exterior undergoes severe buffeting by rough seas. On the exterior of the vessel are' several air- valves, which will close automatically on coming into contact with the sea. Air can also, through the agency of specially constructed revolving pivots (patented) which pierce the ends of the outer shell, gain access of its own accord, or be Dumped in in cases of emergency. There are manholes on each of the four quarters (or bottoms) of the structure, through which the inside passengers (ladies and children, presumably) may gain admittance to the top deck, should they desire to take an occasional airing. Those accommodated on deck may propel the craft by means of oars fitted into crutches, while steer oars will be used in preference to rudders. Being first safely secured with life lines, the deck passengers will havo the option of either sitting or standing upon footboards. To a Posfc reporter, who inspected the i invention yesterday afternoon, in the j filting-up shop at Petor.e, Mr. Fisher, in describing the invention, admitted that for greater comfort and security, the inner berths would be preferable ; but !at the same timp, he stated, air- [ tight tubes were provided for the purpose of transmitting food supplies to those on deck. If necessary rockets could be fired out of the air-tubes. The inner compartment is fitted up with provision lockers and electric light, while the sun's rays will be able to filter through the dead-lights. As regards the navigation of the craft, the inventor has several alternative methods at his command. Should oars be dispensed with, one plan ib to fit up a crank going through the centime- of the inner room, and connecting with a j>ropeller outside, the pabsengers thus being enabled to produce their own motive power by the simple expedient of turning a wheel. The work of lowering the boat from a steamer's deck ca-n, it is said, be accomplished in the fraction of a second, the lifeboat will always be suspended on girders athwartships, and the releasing ot a block is all that is required to give the necessary momentum. After the passengers have entered, the boat takes a neat inclined header into" ! the sea, trailing two life buoys and seve ral life-lines behind it ; by means of these persons in the water may enter the boat. 'I he force of the impact with the water — che inventor is confident that the vessel may dive 30 feet with impunity, although it is not thought she wiU v exceed 10 feet — will in no way disturb the equilibrium of the inside passengers. Inside and out between 40 and 50 persons may be carried, but even if the boat was overcrowded it would not sink, so our reporter was informed According to Mr. Fisher, the construction of the boat is such, that the part which first touches the sea acts as the bottom-on keel ; there is no such thing as the boat having to right itself. It is asserted that the pressure of the water against the bottom and sides, combined i with the weight of the passengers in the I interior, will prevent the boat rolling. Even if it did describe a circle — and the inventor emphatically states that unless it was lifted bodily out of the ( water such could not happen — no harm would result, each of the four sides, with their air valves and other appurtenances, being a fac simile of the other. ! Fn the event of the outer shell being ac- ' cidentally pierced, the craft, as was demonstrated to the reporter, would suffer no serious reverse. Both end compartments are air-tight. The boat is on the point of completion, and it is Mr. 1 Fishei's intention to hold a private demonstration a few days hence when the craft, with an enterprising crew, will be shot into the water from a height of about 20 feet. The Government has kindly i placed the Tutanekai at the disposal of the inventor for the carrying out of the demonstration. j