154 GOODYEAR ON GUM-ELASTIC. 



This shaft is jointed at the upper letter D, so as to admit of its 

 being appHed with the same facihty, and effectually stopping the 

 leak from a shot hole, no matter in what direction the ball may 

 enter the ship. 



E is a circular vulcanized spring, made of stout, heavy India 

 rubber packing, possessing sufficient powder to force open the 

 springs attached to the centre plate or ring, causing the flap- 

 valve to expand, and immediately cover the hole, effectually 

 shutting out the water in an instant. 



F is a circular sheet of vulcanized India rubber cloth, attached 

 to and covering the radial springs, with a hole in the centre suffi- 

 ciently large to admit of the shaft passing through, to be attached 

 to the conical head. 



G is a circular ring, with lanyard attached. This ring is 

 represented in the first engraving, placed in its proper position 

 on the Shot Plug, to prevent its expanding before passing through 

 the shot hole. It brings the entire springs and covering into a 

 compact and proper shape, to protect the cloth from splinters, or 

 from being torn in passing through the cavity. After the plug is 

 thrust through, the ring is drawn off by the lanyard, the springs 

 expand, and the pressure of the water, and use of the screw and 

 buckler, secures it tightly, and excludes the water as effectually 

 as though the hole was boarded and caulked. 



Samuel J. Seely." 



LIFE BUOY. 



This is made of any required shape or dimensions, of vegetable 

 leather, in the same way as self-inflating air work. It is inflated 

 by a self-acting valve tube, and when thrown overboard, being 

 attached to the vessel by a rope, it will become self-inflated. 



This is an article which may be recommended to be kept as a 

 life buoy on the deck of all vessels. See plate , fig. 



