Claims
- 1. A method of recovering submerged objects at a controlled ascent rate with a flexible bag which has an openable bottom comprising the steps of:
- completely filling the flexible bag with water until the bag is expanded to its full form with water only;
- attaching the bag to the submerged object;
- introducing a gas into the bag until the object commences to ascend;
- closing off the bottom of the bag so as to maintain the full form of the bag and prevent discharge of water as the bag ascends in the water; and
- venting air from the bag as the bag ascends to control the rate of ascent thereof.
- 2. A method of recovering submerged objects at a controlled ascent rate comprising the steps of:
- providing a flexible bag which has a top and a bottom, the top of the bag having an outlet and the bottom of the bag having an inlet and an outlet;
- placing the bag in a body of water where the submerged object is located;
- completely filling the flexible bag with water by forcing the water under pressure through the bag's bottom inlet until the bag is fully formed with water only;
- venting any air in the bag through the top of the bag as the bag is being fully formed with water;
- attaching the bag to the submerged object;
- introducing air into the bag through the bottom inlet and simultaneously discharging water through the bottom outlet and retaining all air introduced so as to maintain the fully formed condition of the bag until the object commences to ascend;
- closing off the bottom outlet; and
- venting air through the top outlet as the bag and object ascend so as to control the rate of ascent.
- 3. A salvage apparatus comprising:
- a collapsible bag having a top and a bottom;
- a relief valve mounted at the top of the bag for expelling air from the top of the bag;
- a relief valve mounted at the bottom of the bag for expelling water from the bottom of the bag;
- an on and off valve connected in series with the bottom relief valve;
- a fitting mounted to the bag for introducing air or water into the bag,
- whereby rates of descent and ascent of the bag can be controlled.
- 4. A salvage device as claimed in claim 3 including:
- the bottom relief valve being set to open under internal bag pressure before the opening of the top relief valve so as to permit deballasting of water from the bag through the bottom relief valve while the top relief valve remains closed.
- whereby positive buoyancy of the bag can be established while maintaining the fully formed condition of the bag.
- 5. A salvage device as claimed in claim 4 including:
- the bag being substantially inelastic.
STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST
The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.
US Referenced Citations (5)
Foreign Referenced Citations (3)
Number |
Date |
Country |
2,222,482 |
Nov 1973 |
DT |
132,934 |
Oct 1919 |
UK |
4,510 OF |
Jan 1883 |
UK |