Entirely unlike anything ever before produced in the bicycle line this machine is still in all its essential features a bicycle, with wheels, gearing, sprocket wheel and all complete. It is intended solely for submarine use. It is painted with a water-proof composition which prevents rust.
The machine itself consists of the regulation shaped bicycle frame, two wheels, the usual running gear, with some additions, and two cylinders. These cylinders are really the secret of the whole machine and its ability to travel below the ocean. They are about eight feet long and nine inches in diameter through the center. Their construction is a bit peculiar in that while they are constructed of copper they are balanced with several hundreds of pounds of lead fastened to the under side. This is done so that when beneath the surface the cylindere will maintain their proper position. The cylinders are filled with air and serve to keep the submarine bicycle at the desired depth.
It is by means of these same cylinders that the machine is raised or lowered at the will of the rider. On the forward side of each cylinder is an automatic valve which is controlled by the rider by means of a wire running from the valve to the handle bar of the machine. This valve opens into two narrow compartments running the length of the cylinder and which are kept closed by the outside pressure of the water.
When it is desired to send the machine to any depth the rider pulls the wire connecting with the valve, and the inrushing water causes the machine to gradually sink below
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the surface. When the desired depth has been reached the wire is released, the valve closes and the
machine remains stationary, not between heaven and earth, but between the surface and the bottom of the ocean.
Connecting the two cylinders are two hollow metal rods which serve the double purpose of connecting the air-filled cylinders and acting as axles for the two wheels of the bicycle. The rims of the wheels project above and below the cylinders. These wheels have the customary spokes, interwoven as usual, but the rim is entirely different from that of the land machine.
In place of big pneumatic tires the outside of the rims of these wheels are fitted with cogs. These cogs fit into the cogs of two much smaller wheels which work on a rod running close beside the wheels, on the opposite side from the running-gear. These cog-wheels are cone-shaped and firmly fixed to the rod, at the rear end of which is a propeller.
The pedals of the submarine bicycle are fixed in exactly the same manner as an ordinary machine, the only unusual appearance being that instead of one machine there are two—one connecting with the front and the other with the rear wheel. In order to operate these two chains the sprocket wheel is double.
As the pedals are worked by the rider both wheels revolve at the same time, and, working upon the small, cone-shaped cog-wheels on the bar, cause the propeller to revolve, and so give motion to this most unique of all vehicles.
The rider sits somewhat higher on the submarine bicycle
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