(under the class definition) Method or apparatus relating to an open bottomed work chamber which is adapted to be placed below the surface of a body of water or the earth, which, while in place, has a portion which extends above said surface to allow access to the chamber and which is supplied with a compressed gas to elevate the pressure therein to prevent the ingress of flowable material.
(1) Note. Diving bells are not found herein since they do not have a portion, e.g., a shaft extending above the surface of a body of water within which the bell is immersed, which portion allows workmen access to the interior of the bell.
(2) Note. The caissons found herein provide a work chamber within which men operate while located below the surface of the earth or water, which chamber is pressurized while the men are therein to prevent the ingress of flowable material, e.g., water, muck, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
193, for diving apparatus which are pressurized to prevent ingress of water through an opening, but with no continuous access to the water surface.
194, for unpressurized diving apparatus having a continuous surface access.
