THE VAJEN-BADER HEAD PROTECTOR

THE VAJEN-BADER HEAD PROTECTOR

The Melbourne, Australia, Argus of December 16, 1899 has the following:

An interesting exhibition of the Vajen-Bader patent head protector was given at the head station of the Metropolitan fire brigade yesterday, in the presence of Chief-Officer Stein and other prominent officials. The blacksmith’s shop attached to the station was filled with smoke—rags,straw, tar, and cayenne pepper being burned until an electric light suspended in the middle of the shop was not visible through the spyhole in the door, l’rof Kernot then assumed the head protector and, entered tlie smoke. The door was closed, and after he hail throughly tested the invention, he emerged, expressing himself fully satisfied as to its value. Mr. Blackett, Government analyst, Mr. Oliver, of the Metropolitan hoard of works, and Mr. Stirling, the Government geologist, each followed Prof. Kernot, with the same result, and the protector was then handed over to a fireman who wore it in the smoke for over half an hour without experiencing any ill effects. The protector is designed to take the place of the old smoke-jacket, and is intended to resist foul air, noxious gases, and fumes of chemicals as well as smoke. It resembles a diver’s helmet, covered with pliant leather, and fitted with an upper surface to resist falling debris. At tlie nape of the neck is a small cylinder for compressed air, filled by an inflator similar to ail ordinary bicycle pump, and with an attached dial to register the pressure. Inlet and outlet valves are provided, and as soon as the hemlet is strapped to the fireman's shoulders, the air is permitted to escape in front of his mouth and nostrils. The vitiated air is forced downwards, through a collar of elastic lamb’s wool, which at the same time prevents the ingress of the surrounding smoke or gas. The protector is intended for use in mines, sewerage tunnels, fires, and all places where access is difficult, owing to the condition of the air.