“POCKET” PARACHUTE

Evening Star, Issue 23697, 3 October 1940, Page 14

“POCKET” PARACHUTE

PATENTED IN LONDON A large proportion of the inventions for which patents are novv ' being applied for in London are being used by the (British Government. These _ are chiefly military and naval inventions. One inventor has applied for a “pocket” parachute be packed into a very small Spade'' and rolled up spirally. Another new device is a ship’s safe deposit for money and jewellery. It is a water-tight strong-room which is built into the vessel. Leading to the safe is a water-tight passage with one end opening in the safe and the other is accessible from the outside of the hull or deck. The outside opening is provided with means for attaching a diving bell, so that the money or jewellery can be salvaged even if the ship sank. A safety device for the crew of an aeroplane which turns over on the ground has been submitted to the British Patent Office. To the upper side of the fuselage is fitted an apparatus which comes in contact with the ground if the aeroplane overturns and sets a jacking arrangement in action. The jack lifts up the aeroplane and enables the crew to get out. Since the war began the number of inventions placed in the hands of London patent agents has dropped to about one-third of their old number. Before the war an average of 700 inventions a week were - sent to a firm in Holborn. Now they are coming in at the rate of only about 290 a week.