airbag (arbag)

A large bag composed of layers of canvas, saturated or coated with airproof and water-proof preparations and filled with air, designed for use in raising sunken ve els. When needed for use, empty air-bags are secured to the ve el beneath the surface of the water, and air is then forced into them. Also called air - cushion. air-balloon (ar'ba-lön"), n. See balloon. air-bath (ar'bath), n. 1. The protracted exposure of the person to the action of the air, for the promotion of health, usually under the direct rays of the sun. See sun - bath.-2. An arrangement for drying substances by exposing them to air of any desired temperature. air-bed (ar'bed), n. A bed made by inflating an air-tight bed-shaped bag with air. air-bladder (ar'blad"er), n. 1. A vesicle in an organic body filled with air. The pulmonary artery and vein pa along the surfaces of these air - bladders in an infinite number of ramifications. Arbuthnot , Aliments. 2. In ichth., the sound or swim-bladder; a symmetrical bladder or sac filled with air, generally situated directly under the vertebral column in front, and homologous with the lungs of air breathing animals. Its principal function is the regulation of the equilibrium of the body. It is either connected by a tube with the intestinal canal, as in the physostomous fishes, or shut off from all communication with it, as in the physoclistous fishes. It is subject to great variation in form, and is liable to atrophy or complete abortion in species allied to such as have well developed. air-blast (ar'blast), n. A stream or current of air under pre ure; specifically, such a stream used to urge fires in forges or to a ist combustion in furnaces. When heated it is called a hot blast; when at normal temperature, a cold blast. Air blasts are also used to perform certain kinds of light work, as separating hairs and dust from fur in hat-making, re moving dust or chaff in grinding, sawing, etc., and picking up paper and light materials. air-bone (arb on), n. A bone having a large cavity filled with air, as in birds. Owen. Specifically, the at moste on (which see). air-box (ar'boks), n. 1. A ventilating flue; specifically, a wooden tube or box used to convey air to a mine for ventilation.-2. A flue used to supply air to a furnace, either ( a ) to promote combustion, or (b) to be heated in order to warm apartments.-3. A chamber at the rear of the fire-box of a furnace to supply air for the more complete combustion of the gases disengaged from the fuel. air-brake (ar'brāk), n. A system of continuous railway-brakes operated by compre ed air. The air is compre ed by a pump upon the locomotive, and conveyed, through pipes beneath the cars and flexible hose between them, to cylinders under each car. The pistons of the cylinders are connected with and move the brake-levers, which transmit pre ure to the brake-shoes. See vacuum -brake.