previous layout of the sphere can only be described as 

 chaotic. As with the rest of the craft, most of the dimen- 

 sions of fittings and dial units were in the metric system, 

 so that replacement parts, even as simple as nuts and 

 bolts, had to be metric and specially procured. Replace- 

 ment of switches and other electrical assemblies was 

 almost impossible, since they were of European manu- 

 facture and very hard to procure in this country on an 

 "off the shelf" basis. 



The new interior layout of the sphere has over three 

 times as much space for scientific equipment as before. 

 In addition, all the wiring parts and assemblies are stand- 

 ard stock readily available on short notice from local 

 suppliers. The layout of the operational panels is more 

 functional, to provide ease of operation for the pilot, and 

 several new systems have been added. 



18. GAS VALVE 



The gas valve formerly used on TRIESTE was not 

 satisfactory owing to faulty seals around the valve 

 assembly which created a considerable gas leakage prob- 

 lem. The valve was modified and rebuilt, and the leakage 

 difficulties eliminated. 



19. BATTERIES 



The original system consisted of silver- zinc batteries 

 carried within the sphere. While these batteries had high 

 capacity and a small volume they required an extraordinary 

 amount of servicing in addition to being expensive to 

 replace. The annual expenditure on batteries could be as 

 much as $60, 000 for this type. Therefore, an external 

 battery system consisting of 12 -volt, lead-acid batteries 

 from standard stock sources was installed instead. This 

 system contained in four external battery tanks on the top- 

 side of the float provides approximately two- and -one -half 

 times as much power as the old system, and the annual 

 battery replacement cost is now of the order of $1, 000. 

 The batteries are easily serviced in place and can be 

 rapidly charged from the pier, as opposed to the old method 

 of having to move all the battery trays to the battery shop 

 for recharging. Some weight penalty was, of course, 



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