Simon Lake

Simon Lake was an American marine engineer and inventor whose pioneering work in submarine design and undersea exploration left a lasting mark on naval technology. He is best known for developing the first successful submarine to operate extensively in the open ocean and for his innovative concepts in submersible vessel design. His career spanned from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, during which he founded several companies and secured numerous patents. Lake's vision extended beyond military applications to the commercial development of the ocean floor.

Early life and education

Born in Pleasantville, New Jersey, he was the grandson of John Lake, a noted inventor. From a young age, he was fascinated by mechanics and the sea, inspired by reading Jules Verne's novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. He received a practical education in mechanics and drafting, which he applied early by working in his father's foundry and machine shop in Atlantic City. This hands-on experience in New Jersey's industrial environment provided the foundational skills for his future engineering endeavors.

Inventions and submarine development

His first major invention was the Argonaut Jr., a small, hand-powered submersible tested in the Shrewsbury River in 1894, which featured wheels for crawling on the seabed. This success led to the construction of the Argonaut I in 1897, a larger, gasoline-powered vessel that became the first submarine to operate successfully in the open ocean, traveling from Norfolk, Virginia to New York City under its own power. His designs competed with those of John Philip Holland, with Lake emphasizing diver lock-out chambers and external manipulators for salvage and exploration, concepts he demonstrated to the United States Navy at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Key patents included improvements to periscopes, ballast systems, and the even-keel diving method, which he showcased during trials for the Imperial Russian Navy.

Business ventures and later career

To commercialize his inventions, he founded the Lake Torpedo Boat Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1912, which built submarines for the United States Navy during World War I, including the USS ''O-12'' and the USS ''N-5''. He also established the Lake Submarine Company and engaged in ventures like attempting to salvage gold from the sunken SS Laurentic off the coast of Ireland. Later in his career, he worked on designs for cargo submarines intended for trans-Arctic trade routes and consulted on underwater salvage technology. His companies faced financial difficulties after the war, leading him to focus on writing and advocating for the peaceful use of submarine technology.

Legacy and honors

His contributions are recognized by his 1991 induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. The USS ''Simon Lake'', a submarine tender commissioned in 1964, was named in his honor. His innovative designs, particularly the diver lock-out chamber and seabed crawling capability, directly influenced the development of modern deep-submergence vehicles and remotely operated vehicles used in oceanography and offshore oil exploration. The annual Simon Lake Award is presented by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers to recognize achievement in submarine technology. His papers and models are held in collections at institutions like the Mystic Seaport Museum and the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut.

Category:American inventors Category:Submarine pioneers Category:1866 births Category:1945 deaths