1918 – Diving Armor by Rudi De Graff.
Publication number US1368786 A
Publication type Grant
Publication date Feb 15, 1921
Filing date Jan 12, 1918
Priority date Jan 12, 1918
Inventors Rudi De Graff
The invention relates to diving suits designed for service at great depths, one hundred feet or more, and the object of the invention is to provide a metallic suit or armor capable of withstanding successfully the great pressure due to deep submersion, and also permit free movements of the body and limbs of the diver.
Another object is to provide means for supplying air at atmospheric pressure to the interior of the suit, and for removing the vitiated air therefrom through non-collapsible separate conduits.
Another important object is to provide means for insuring the flexible joints of the suit independently against the entrance of water while permitting such joints to move freely.
A further object is to provide a form of universal joint for certain articulations of the suit, to permit movement in all directions while held water-tight by the pressure of the water.
A further object is to provide a form of joint having folding leaves for certain other articulations, constructed to allow free movements of the limbs without cramping.
See other early Underwater Robots here.