SUBMARINE WEAPON HANDLING SYSTEM

Abstract: A submarine weapon handling system (28) and method includes a storage tray, ramming tray, and transfer tray. Each tray has a plurality of rotatable bands received in grooves in the trays and are movable between an open weapon receiving position and a closed weapon clamping position. The storage tray and ramming tray are stationary and the transfer tray is movable. The transfer tray is moved into contact with a weapon secured in the storage tray, the bands of the transfer tray are rotated around the weapon, and the bands in the storage tray are rotated from closed to open position permitting the transfer tray to move a selected weapon into the bands of the ramming tray which are then rotated into weapon clamping position while the bands of the transfer tray are opened permitting the transfer tray to be moved away from the ramming tray.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a submarine weapon handling apparatus comprising means for receiving and storing a plurality of cylindrical shaped weapons in an array of individual weapon storage trays, means for ramming a weapon to be launched from at least one ramming tray forming a part of the array and a weapon transfer ray having means for transferring a weapon to be launched from a selected storage tray to the ramming tray. Description of the Prior Art Weapon handling systems currently being used in submarines for handling weapons such as torpedoes, mines, and missiles or the like, use a plurality of dollies to secure a plurality of weapons to the submarine and to transport the weapons along tracks for transfer into a selected ramming tube. Four dollies are usually provided for each weapon and each dolly is moved by conventional power assist means in the submarine. When the weapon is to be used, the selected dollies and attached weapon are moved into position on the loading tray to be loaded into a torpedo to be loaded into a torpedo tube, the dollies are unclamped from the weapon and the weapon is rammed into the tube. However, each weapon dolly is of two piece construction which includes a dolly body and a lashing strap, which strap must be handled manually and which body and strap must be stowed as separate pieces when not in use. An apparatus for transporting torpedos in particular in submarines for storing of torpedo tubes in distinct storage stations and for loading and unloading of these tubes is disclosed in DE-A 275 71 85. A transfer car is moveable in guides in the area of the storage stations and of the torpedo tubes in a transversal direction to the longitudinal axis of the torpedos. The transport car is provided with a vertically adjustable support for receiving one torpedo, and a driven flighter cares for loading and unloading of the tubes with torpedos. With this arrangement it is possible for one operator to perform all necessary working procedures. In order to provide a simple arrangement for the vertical displacement of the support the latter one on the guide sides is adjustable in respect to the carriage by means of hydraulic cylinders, which also allow an adjustment of the apparatus in regard to the torpedo tube. In order to get a parallel displacement of the transport car during the adjustment to toothed racks are provided in the guides which mesh with pinions of the transport car. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention a plurality of weapon storage trays are provided in the submarine for receiving and storing weapons such as torpedos, mines and missiles within the submarine. At least one vertically and transversely movable transfer tray is provided for loading a weapon into each storage tray, and for thereafter picking a preselected weapon from one of the storage trays and transferring it to a ramming tray for ramming it into a torpedo or launching tube or the like. Each weapon storage tray, each weapon transfer tray and each weapon ramming tray includes an arcuate, generally semicylindrical weapon engaging surface. A plurality of arcuate weapon clamping bands are provided for each tray, and each band is movably supported in an arcuate recess in its tray for movement between an open weapon receiving position and a weapon clamping position. When the bands are clamped in their weapon clamping position, the weapon may be supported upon the associated tray, or may be suspended from the bands of the associated tray. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure l is a perspective of the weapon handling system of the present invention in its simplest form illustrating the basic components of the invention with a weapon clamped to a storage tray. Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective of the apparatus of Figure l shown in a different operative position, the weapon being suspended by bands clamped to a transfer tray and disposed above the ramming tray. Figure 3 is an enlarged end perspective illustrating the weapon clamped in a storage tray by associated bands, and illustrating a plurality of bands in recesses in the ramming tray in their open positions and further illustrating the weapon ramming screw in a recess formed in the ramming tray. Figure 4 is a side elevation with parts cut away illustrating certain operative components of the weapon handling system. Figure 5 is an end elevation of Figure 4 looking in the direction of arrows 5-5 of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a top plan of the input end of the apparatus looking in the direction of arrows 6-6 of Figure 4. Figure 7 is a section taken along lines 7-7 of Figure 4 illustrating the structure for rotating the bands. Figure 8 is a section taken along lines 8-8 of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a perspective with parts cut away illustrating the mechanism for locking the bands in weapon securing position. Figure l0 is a side elevation illustrating a fragment of the weapon ramming mechanism, a portion of the weapon being shown in phantom. Figure ll is a fragment of one end portion of a band illustrating a locking slot therein. Figure l2 is a section taken along lines l2-l2 of Figure 6 illustrating the drive components for moving one end of the transfer tray vertically. Figure l3 is an operational view in central longitudinal section through the transfer tray and ramming tray illustrating the position of one band in each tray with a weapon being suspended by the band in the transfer tray. Figure l4 is similar to Figure l3 but with both trays being in abutting contact with the weapon with the transfer tray band closed around the weapon and with the ramming tray band being open. Figure l5 is similar to Figure l4 but with ramming tray clamp secured to the weapon and the transfer tray band being open, portions of both bands being received in slots in the opposed tray. Figure l6 is similar to Figure l5 but having the weapon secured to the ramming tray by the ramming tray band and the transfer tray being spaced from the ramming tray with its band in open position, said ramming tray band being shown in its relaxed position in phantom lines. Figures l7-22 are transverse operational views through two storage trays, two ramming trays and a single transfer tray illustrating progressive steps in moving a selected weapon into ramming position in one of the ramming trays. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In general, the weapon handling system 28 (Figs. l-4) of the present invention comprises a pair of similar end supporting mechanisms 30,30a to which a plurality of ramming trays 32 (only one being shown in Figures 2 and 5), and a plurality of weapon storage trays 34 (only one being shown) are rigidly secured. A plurality of transfer trays 36 (only one being shown in Figure 4) are supported by the end support mechanisms 30,30a for both vertical and horizontal movement. Each of the trays 32,34 and 36 has a generally arcuate surface for receiving a generally semicylindrical surface of a elongated weapon W therein. After a selected weapon W has been placed in one of a plurality of ramming trays 32, it is rammed into a conventional torpedo or launching tube 38 (Fig. 4) for subsequent launching at a target. A plurality of arcuate weapon securing bands 40,40a and 40b are slidably received in arcuate slots or recesses 4l,4la and 4lb (Figs. l3-l5) in the arcuate surfaces of the associated ramming tray 32, weapon storage tray 34, and the transfer tray 36, respectively. Each of the trays is preferably formed from lightweight composite material contained within a steel frame thereby substantially reducing the weight of the system of the present invention. The end portions of each band project outwardly of the associated tray when in stowed position as illustrated by bands 40 in Figs. l-3 and l3 thereby being positioned to receive a weapon W. The bands 40,40a are spaced from the weapon within the recessed slots of trays 32,34 when the weapon is in firm engagement with the associated upwardly opening arcuate portions of these trays. When the weapon W is to be secured to the associated trays by bands 40,40a and 40b the associated bands are driven around the unsupported portions of the weapon W until only the end portion of the bands remain in the associated slots of their associated trays, which end portions are positioned in clamping engagement with the associated trays and with the weapon. When two trays such as ramming tray 32 and transfer tray 36 are moved together into transfer position as shown in Figs. l4 and l5, portions of the bands 40 of tray 32 are received in arcuate recesses 43b in tray 36; and portions of bands 40b are received in arcuate recesses 43 in ramming tray 32. Clamping mechanisms 42,42a and 42b (Figs 5 and 9) in the form of wedges 44 received in tapered slots 46,46a (Fig. 2) in the associated bands 40,40a,40b rigidly secure the weapon to the associated trays. The weapon may be supported in an upwardly opening tray, such as ramming tray 32 at which time the associated bands 40 are secured over the weapon as shown in Figure 4; or the weapon may be supported by the bands 40b and be firmly held against the downwardly opening transfer tray 36 as best shown in Figure 2. When a weapon W is to be loaded into a launching tube 38 (Fig. 4), a ramming mechanism 48 (Figs. 2 and l0) is actuated to push the weapon W axially out of the ramming tray 32 and into the launching tube 38 (Fig. 4) at which time the bands 40 of the ramming tray are relaxed from the weapon, as illustrated in phantom in Figure l6, but are retained over the weapon to prevent the weapon from rolling out of the arcuate surface of the ramming tray 32 due to high seas or nearby explosions yet permitting the weapon to be rammed out of the tray 32 and into the launching tube 38. More particularly, the end support mechanisms 30,30a are rigidly secured to the hull of a submarine (not shown) with the end supporting mechanism 30a being adjacent the input end of one of the torpedo or launching tubes 38 (only one being shown in Figure 4). An opening 52 (Figs. 2 and 3) in the end support mechanism 30a is in alignment with the longitudinal axes of the launching tube 38 and the ramming tray 32 thus permitting ramming of the weapon W into the launching tube 38. An operator's control panel 54 (Fig. l) is connected to the support mechanism 30a and includes conventional controls for operating the several power units incorporated in the weapon handling system 28. The two end support mechanisms 30,30a are rigidly secured to each other by the ship's hull, by the trays 32,34 and by upper horizontal beams 56, only one being shown. As best shown in Figures 4 and 7, each end supporting mechanism 30,30a includes a pair of spaced transversely extending T-slotted guide rails 58 (Fig. 4) which receive T-bars 60 that are rigidly secured to a pair of opposed carriages 62,62a. The carriages 62,62a are driven transversely of the weapon handling system in timed relation to each other by power means, preferably an electric motor Ml (Fig. l), which is rigidly secured to the end support mechanism 30. The output shaft of the motor Ml is coupled to a gear box 66 secured to the end supporting mechanism 30 and has two output shafts 68 and 70 (Figs. 2, 5 and 6). The output shaft 68 is coupled to an elongated torsion shaft 72 (Fig. 2) having small diameter end portions and a large diameter intermediate portion journaled to one of two longitudinally extending beams 56 by bearings 74. The other end of the torsion shaft 72 is coupled to an input shaft of a gear box 76 (Fig. 7) having an output shaft 77 that is similar to output shaft 70 of Figure 6 which is directed transversely of the weapon handling system 28. The output shaft 70 (Fig. 6) of the gearbox 66 is coupled to an elongated transversely extending screw 80 which is journaled on the end support mechanism 30 and is threaded into a block 82 that is secured in driving engagement to the adjacent carriage 62. The free end of the screw 80 is journaled in a bearing in a bracket 84 on the end support mechanism 30. The transverse output shaft 77 (Fig. 7) of the other gear box 76 is likewise connected to a transverse screw 80a that is similar to the screw 80 thereby simultaneously driving the two carriages 62,62a and attached transfer tray 36 transversely of the weapon handling system 28 in the same direction and at the same speed in response to an operator closing a control on the control panel 54. As best shown in Figures 4 and l2, the carriage 62 has a pair of elongated vertically extending screws 86,88 therein. The carriage 62 has a motor M2 (Fig. l2) secured thereto by bracket 90. An output shaft 92 of the motor M2 drives a first gear box 94 which drives a second gear box 96 and a third gear box 98 through a shaft l00. Since the weapons W are quite heavy, the other end of the transfer tray 36 is raised and lowered by a second reversible motor M2a (Figs. 3 and 7) that is supported on the carriage 62a by bracket 90a. The motor M2a drives a gear box 94a which drives a pair of vertically extending elongated screws 86a,88a (Figs. L and 7) which are journaled in the carriage 62a and are driven by a drive train similar to that described in regard to screws 86 and 88. Thus, when the operator actuates conventional controls in the control panel 54, the two reversible motors M2,M2a are driven to raise and lower the transfer tray 36 with or without a weapon clamped thereto by the weapon securing bands 40b (Fig. 2). The weapon securing bands 40,40a and 40b are of substantially the same design and are operated in substantially the same way. Having reference to Figures 4 and 7-9, each band 40 of the ramming tray 32 comprises a semicylindrical body l02 which is slidably received in the arcuate slots 4l in the ramming tray 32 when in their stowed position. The end portions of each band 40 project outwardly from the semicylindrical body and have their inner surfaces beveled at l06 (Fig. 7) to permit the weapon W to enter or be removed from the tray. After the bands 40 have been rotated around the weapon W in the ramming tray 32 and after the transfer tray 36 is lowered into weapon transferring position on the weapon W in the ramming tray 32, portions of the bands 40 of the ramming tray 32 (Fig. l4) are received in arcuate slots 43b in the transfer tray 36; and the bands 40b of the transfer tray 46 are received in arcuate slots 4l in the ramming tray. Similarly, when the transfer tray 36 is moved into weapon transferring positioning on top of the weapon W in the storage tray 34, the bands 40b of the transfer tray 36 enter arcuate slots 43a (Fig. 2) in the storage tray 34 and the bands 40a of the storage tray 34 enter the arcuate slots 43b in the transfer tray 36. As best shown in Figures 8, 9 and ll, each band is provided with arcuate slots ll4 in its side walls which slidably engage arcuate guides ll6 secured to the associated trays 32,34 and 36 as by bolting, which slots and guides serve to guide the bands along an arcuate path between their open and closed positions. Each band has a central arcuate recess ll8 (Figs. 9 and l0) formed in its outer periphery within which a segment of a drive chain l20 is rigidly secured. The weapon securing bands 40 of the ramming tray 32, five being illustrated in Figure l, are simultaneously driven by a band drive system l2l which includes a reversible motor M3 (Fig. 4) having a spring set magnetically released brake B therein. The motor M3 is secured to the end support mechanism 30 and is connected to an inlet shaft l22 by a speed reducing drive l24. The inlet shaft l22 is coupled to one or more inline shafts l26 by a universal joint l28 while the inline shafts l26 are supported for rotation on the ramming tray 32 by bearings l32. Five sprockets l34 are secured to the inline shaft l26 in position to mesh with the chain segments l20 secured within the recesses ll8 on the exterior arcuate surfaces of the bands 40. Thus, when an operator actuates certain controls on the consol 54 (Fig. l) the motor M3 is energized to release the brake B and is driven in one direction which will rotate all five weapon securing bands 40 from the open position illustrated in Figure 2 to the weapon clamping position illustrated in Figure 4; and when driven in the opposite direction the bands 40 will be moved from the clamping position to the open position of Figure 2. The drive system l36 for the weapon securing bands 40a of the storage tray 34 is substantially the same as that used to drive the bands 40 except that an independently controlled reversible motor M3a (Fig. 5) with a spring set mechanically released brake (not shown) is used to drive the bands 40a between their open and closed positions in response to controls in the control panel 54 being actuated. Similarly, the bands 40b of a drive system l38 (Figs. 2 and 7) for the transfer tray 36 are driven between their open and closed position by a motor M3b having a spring set-magnetically released brake thereon. The remainder of the drive system l38 is substantially the same as that of the system l2l except that the entire system including the motor M3b is supported on the horizontally and vertically movable transfer tray 36. Also, it will be noted that the system l38 is driven in a clockwise direction when moving the bands 40b from their stowed position to their weapon clamping position whereas the bands 40 and 40a are rotated counterclockwise when moving between their stowed and clamping positions. The previously mentioned clamping mechanisms 42 (Fig. 9) and wedges 44 which are received in the tapered slots 46 of the band 40 are best shown in Figures 5,7, 9 and ll. Having reference to Figure 9, the clamping mechanism 42 associated with the ramming tray 32 comprises a reversible motor M4 which is preferably an electrically driven motor. The motor M4 is secured to the ramming tray 32 (Fig. 7) and reciprocates a plunger l46 (Fig. 9) that is connected to and reciprocates an elongated rod l48, only a portion being shown, which rod may be formed from several interconnected sections. The rod l48 is slidably connected to the ramming tray 32 by a plurality of bearings l50 (only one being shown) and extends to all weapon securing bands 40 that are slidably received in the ramming tray 32. The wedge 44 associated with the illustrated band 40 is formed from an angle bar and is slidably received in a track l52 secured to the ramming tray 32. The rear end of the wedge 44 is pivotally connected to an arm l54 by a link l56. The arm is connected to a shouldered collar l58 which is slidably received on the rod. One end of a spring l60 is secured to the collar l58 by a set screw l62, and the other end of the spring is similarly connected to a second collar l64 that is rigidly secured to the rod l48 by pin l66. The function of the spring l60 is to permit the motor M4 to move all five wedges 44 into their slots 46 in the associated bands 40 thereby tightening all bands against the weapon W. When it is desired to lock the bands 40 on a weapon, the motor M4 is actuated to push a portion of the wedges fully into the tapered slots 46 in one end of the associated band, which slots extend approximately half of the width of the band. Each wedge 44 includes a flat upper surface (Fig. 9) and a tapered lower surface l68 which engages complimentary surfaces of the slot 46 to firmly clamp the band 40 on the weapon W. At this time the other end of the band is locked by the brake B on the motor M3 of the band drive system l2l of ramming tray 32. When it is desired to ram the weapon W out of the ramming tray 32, the motor M4 is reversed to partially withdraw all wedges 44 from the slots 46 in all bands 40 thereby retaining the bands 40 over the weapon but releasing clamping pressure of the bands on the weapon which allows the weapon to be rammed into the launching tube while preventing the weapon from being accidentally dumped from the tray during ramming. When it is desired to completely release all the bands 40, the motor M4 fully retracts all of the wedges from the slots 46 of the bands 40 as illustrated in Figure 9 thus permitting the motor M3 to retract all bands 40 into their weapon receiving positions as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The ramming mechanism 48 (Figs. 2, 3, 5 and l0) is used to ram the weapon from the ramming tray 32 into the conventional torpedo or launching tube 38 (Fig. 4) after the clamping engagement of the bands 40 have been partially loosened as previously described. The ramming mechanism 48 comprises an elongated ramming screw l72 (Fig. 3) which is recessed in a slot l74 in the composite material of the ramming tray 32. One end of the screw l72 is journaled in a bearing l76 while the other end is journaled in a bearing l78 (Fig. l0) and is driven by a reversible gear motor M5 secured to the end support mechanism 30. A conventional internally threaded carriage l82 rotatably receives the ramming screw l72 and includes a T-shaped foot l84 (Fig. 7) which is slidably received in tracks l86 in the slot l74. The carriage l82 includes upstanding arms l88 (Figs. 2, 5 and l0) which includes a socket l90 that cradles a button l92 on the rear end of the weapon W when the weapon is lowered into the ramming tray 32. In order to ram a weapon W into the launching tube 38 (Fig. 4) an operator actuates a control on the control panel 54 thereby causing the motor M5 to drive the screw l72 in a direction which pushes the weapon W out of the ramming tray and into the launching tube 38. Another control is actuated on the control panel 54 to reverse the motor M5 and return the carriage l82 to its weapon receiving position shown in Figure l0 in a manner conventional in the art. In describing the operation of the weapon handling system 28 of the present invention reference will be made to Figures l3-22. It will be assumed that the weapons W and W2 are clamped in one of a plurality of storage trays, such as storage tray 34 (Figs. l7-22) by the weapon securing bands 40a, with the transfer tray 36 positioned over the storage tray 34 (Fig. l7) and with the bands 40 in the ramming tray 32 being opened and with the ramming mechanism 48 (Fig. 2) being retracted. It will also be assumed that it is desired to select a particular type of weapon W that is in storage tray 34 and move the weapon into the launching tube 38 (Fig. 4). It will further be understood that the plurality of conventional switches (not shown) in the control panel 54 are actuated by an operator in order to control the several motors. The operator first actuates switches to drive transfer tray elevating motors M2 and M2a in a direction which will lower the transfer tray 36 into abutting engagement with the weapon W in the storage tray 34 (Fig. l7). Another switch is then actuated to drive the wedge motor M4a (Fig. 5), which is similar to wedge actuating motor M4 (Fig. 9), in a direction which will unlock the wedges from all weapon retaining bands 40a in the storage tray 34. Other switches in the control panel 54 are then actuated to drive band drive motor M3a in a direction which rotates the bands 40a from their weapon clamping positions (Fig. l7) to their stowed positions (Figs. l8,l9); and actuates the motor M3b (Fig. 2) to drive the bands 40b in the transfer tray 36 from the stowed positions to their weapon clamping positions under the weapon W. The wedge motor M4b (Fig. 7) is then driven by the switch which causes the wedges 44b to move into locking engagement in the slots 46b in the bands 40b. The weapon W is thereby locked to the transfer tray 36 and is released from the storage tray 34. Switches in the control panel 54 are then actuated to energize motors M2 and M2a (Fig. 4) to elevate the transfer tray 36 and weapon W suspended from bands 40b to their raised position After the tray is moved to its raised position, another switch in the control panel 54 is actuated to energize motor Ml in a direction which will move the transfer tray 36 and its suspended weapon W directly over the ramming tray 32 which has its bands 40 in their stowed open position for receiving the weapon W. The motors M2 and M2a are then energized by closing a switch in the control panel 54 which rotates screws 86,88 and 86a,88a in directions which will lower the weapon W into the open bands 40 (Fig. 2l) of the ramming tray 32 until the transfer tray is fully lowered into weapon transfer position relative to the ramming tray 32 with the weapon seated within the ramming tray 32 and with the button l92 (Fig. l0) of the weapon seated in the socket l90 of the ramming mechanism 48. Wedge motor M4b (Fig. 5) is then energized by closing a switch in the control panel 54 which pulls the associated wedges (not shown) completely out of engagement with slots in the weapon securing bands 40b. The band drive motors M3 (Fig. 4) and M3b (Fig. 2) are then driven in directions which rotate the weapon securing band 40 into weapon securing position in the ramming tray 32 and rotate the bands 40b in the transfer tray 36 to their open positions thereby releasing the weapon W and the ramming tray 32. The wedge motor M4 (Fig. 9) is then actuated by a switch in the control panel 54 which moves the wedges 44 into locking engagement in the slots 46 in the bands 40. At this time the motor M3 (Fig. 4) is deenergized which causes the spring set-magnetically released brake B on motor M3 to lock the other ends of all bands 40 in fixed position. When it is desired to push the weapon W into the launching tube 38, a switch in the control panel is actuated to energize the wedge motor M4 to partially withdraw the wedges 44 (Fig. 9) out of the tapered slots 46 in the bands 40 thus preventing the weapon from being accidentally dislodged from the ramming tray 32 but permitting the weapon to be moved longitudinally of the tray. The ramming motor M5 (Fig. l0) is then energized by closing a switch in the control panel 54 thereby rotating screw l72 and pushing the weapon W into the launching tube 38 (Fig. 4). If the wrong type of weapon W has been loaded into the ramming tray 32, the above described operation may be reversed under control of switches in the panel 54 and the weapon W is returned to and clamped in one of a plurality of storage trays 34 (only one being shown) and the appropriate weapon is removed from another storage tray 34′ (Figs. l7-22) and delivered to the ramming tray 32 or a second ramming tray 32′ as above described. Several different types of weapons may be used in the weapon handling system of the present invention such as torpedoes, mines and missiles. From the foregoing description it is apparent that the weapon handling system of the present invention is ideally suited for use in submarines. The system is capable of moving different types of weapons between one or more storage trays to one or more ramming trays by means of one or more transfer trays in response to an operator's input to a control panel. The storage trays, transfer trays and ramming trays each include a set of arcuate weapon securing bands which are driven around the weapon between an open position for receiving the weapon and a closed position for clamping the weapon to an associated tray. When it is desired to transfer a weapon from one tray to another, the two trays are moved into engagement with opposite sides of the weapon with the bands seated with slots in both trays. The bands that secure the weapon to one tray are then unlocked and rotated to an open position; and the bands in the other tray are rotated around said other tray and are locked to their tray to secure the weapon therein. One of the trays is then moved away from the other tray. When a weapon is received by a ramming tray, the bands are partially released so that the weapon may be rammed longitudinally of the tray out of the weapon handling system. Although the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been herein shown and described, it will be apparent that modification and variation may be made without departing from what is regarded to be the subject matter of the invention.

Claims: A weapon handling apparatus comprising means for receiving and storing a plurality of cylindrical shaped weapons (W) in an array of individual weapon storage trays (34, 34'), means (48) for ramming a weapon to be launched from at least one ramming tray (32, 32') into a launching tube (38), the ramming tray forming a part of the array, and a weapon transfer tray (36) having means (62, 62a) for transferring a weapon to be launched form a selected storage tray to the ramming tray, characterized in that, the storage trays (34, 34') and ramming trays (32, 32') are arranged side-by-side, and that the transfer tray (36) movably mounted overhead the storage and ramming tray; and that there is means(62, 62a) for transversely moving and positioning the transfer tray (36) selectively over either one of the array of storage trays (34, 34') or the ramming tray (32, 32'), including means (88, 88a) for moving the transfer tray (36) vertically into and out of communication with the selected tray; and by a plurality of arcuate-like bands (40, 40a, 40b) axially spaced and rotatably mounted to the trays including means (41, 41a, 41b, 121, 136, 138) for rotating the bands (40, 40a, 40b) to an open position to permit a weapon (W, W2) to be transferred between the transfer tray (36) and an associated selected tray (34, 34' 132) and for rotating the bands to a closed position around the weapon (W, W2) in the one associated tray for confining the weapon in the one associated tray, and means (42, 42a, 42b) for relaxing the bands confining a weapon to be launched in the ramming tray (32, 32') to prevent dislodgement of the weapon from the ramming tray (32, 32') preparatory to and concurrent with the ramming of the weapon (W, W2) axially into the launching tube (38) by actuation of the ramming means (48). An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said weapon storage tray and said ramming tray are in the form of elongated trays (34, 34', 32, 32') opening in a first direction, and wherein said transfer tray is in the form of an elongated tray (36) opening in a direction opposed from said first direction. An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said weapon storage tray (34, 34') and said ramming tray (32, 32') open upwardly, and said transfer tray (36) opens downwardly. An apparatus according to claim 1 and additionally comprising means (114) for relaxing said bands (40) associated with said ramming tray (32) to maintain lateral control of the weapon (W2) in said ramming tray (32) while ramming the weapon (W) out of said ramming unit (32). An apparatus according to claim 1 and additionally comprising first arcuate slot means (41, 41a, 41b) in said trays (32, 34, 36) for movably receiving said bands (40, 40a, 40b) of said associated units (32, 34, 36); second arcuate slot means (43, 43a, 43b) in each tray (32, 34, 36) for movably receiving the bands from another tray when two trays are simultaneously contacting a weapon (W) in said two trays (34, 36; 36, 32) means (113a) for rotating the bands (40a) within said first arcuate slots (41b) between a weapon securing position and a weapon releasing position; means (113, 113b) for rotating the bands (40b) of said another tray (36, 32) within said second arcuate slots (41b, 41) between a weapon releasing position and a weapon securing position for securing the weapon to said another tray (36, 32); and means (114) for locking said bands (40) of said another tray (32) in clamping engagement with said another tray (32). An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said means for locking said bands (40) includes tapered slots (46, 46a) in said bands (40); and wedge means (44) movable between a band locking position in said tapered slots (46, 46a) and a position spaced from said tapered slots (46, 46a). An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first weapon receiving unit is the ramming tray (32) having a concave weapon receiving surface facing upwardly, and wherein said second weapon receiving unit is the transfer tray (36) having a concave weapon receiving surface facing downwardly. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said bands (40) each have side walls with means defining arcuate slots (114) therein, and wherein each of said grooves have arcuate guides (116) attached thereto and received in associated ones of said arcuate slots (114) for guiding said bands (40) between said open and closed positions. An apparatus according to claim 7 additionally comprising means defining a third weapon receiving tray (34), means (112, 112a) for moving said transfer tray (36) along a second path normal to said first path for positioning the weapon (W) adjacent said tray (34), and along a third path parallel to said first path for moving the weapon into said ramming tray (32). An apparatus according to claim 1 additionally comprising second drive means (113b) for driving said first bands (40b) between said weapon receiving and weapon clamping position; and third drive means (113) for driving said second bands (40) between said weapon receiving and weapon clamping positions. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein each of said bands (40, 40a, 40b) has a pair of side walls with an arcuate slot (114) therein, and wherein each of said first and fourth grooves have a pair of side walls with arcuate slides (116) secured thereto and projecting into the associated arcuate slots (114) for accurately guiding said bands (40, 40a, 40b) between their weapon receiving and weapon clamping positions. An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein each of said bands (40) has an outer walls and means defining a groove (118) therein; said second drive means (121) comprising a first reversible motor (113); a shaft (126) connected to said motor (113); a chain segment (120) rigidly secured to each of said first arcuate bands (40) within said slots (118) in said first bands (40); and sprockets (134) keyed to said shaft (126) and being in driving engagement with associated ones of said chains. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said third drive means comprises a second reversible motor (112a); a second shaft connected to said second motor; a second chain segment rigidly secured to each second arcuate bands within said slots in said second bands; and second sprockets keyed to said second shaft and being in driving engagement with an associated one of said chains. An apparatus according to claim 10 and additionally comprising first locking means (42) for rigidly locking said first bands (40) in weapon clamping position when a weapon is in said ramming tray (32); and second locking means for rigidly locking said second bands in weapon clamping position when a weapon is in said tray. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said first locking means (42) includes a first tapered slot (46) on one end of each of said first spaced bands, first wedge means (44) disposed adjacent each of said first tapered slots (46), and means (114, 114a) for reciprocating said wedges (44) fully into each of said first tapered slots (46) for rigidly locking said one end of said bands (40) from movement relative to said ramming tray (32) said first tapered slots for maintaining lateral control of a weapon in said ramming tray (32) but permitting the weapon to move longitudinally of the tray (32). An apparatus according to claim 15 and additionally comprising second locking means for locking the other ends of said first bands (40). An apparatus according to claim 1 comprising first power means (113) for moving said ramming tray bands (40) between an open weapon receiving position and a closed position securing a weapon to said ramming tray (32); a second power means (113a) for moving said storage tray bands (40a) between an open weapon receiving position and a closed position securing a weapon to said storage tray (34), third power means (113b) for moving said transfer tray bands (40b) between an open weapon receiving position and a closed position securing a weapon to said transfer tray (34), fourth power means (111) for selectively moving said transfer tray (36) along a transverse path spaced from said ramming tray (32) and storage tray (34) between a spaced position in alignment with said storage tray (34) and said ramming tray (32); and fifth power means (112, 112a) for moving said transfer tray (36) in either direction normal to said transverse path. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said transverse path is a substantially horizontal path. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said ramming tray (32) and said storage tray (34) are secured in fixed position relative to each other. An apparatus according to claim 17 and additionally comprising carriage means (62, 62a) adjacent each end of said transfer tray (36), said fifth power means (112, 112a) connecting said carriage means (62, 62a) to said transfer tray (36) for moving said transfer tray (36) in either direction normal to said transverse path, and said fourth power means (111) being connected to said carriage means (62, 62a) and said transfer tray (36) for moving said transfer tray (36) along said transverse path. An apparatus according to claim 20 wherein a weapon is clamped in said storage tray (34) and is to be moved to said ramming tray (32); said fourth power means (111) being activated for moving said transfer tray (36) along said transverse path in weapon transfer alignment with said storage tray (34); said fifth power means (112, 112a) being actuated to move said transfer tray (36) into abutting engagement with said weapon in said storage tray (34); said third power means (113b) being activated to move said transfer tray bands (40b) from an open position and a closed position securing the weapon to said transfer tray (36); said second power means (113a) being activated to move said storage tray bands (40a) from said closed to said open position thereby releasing the weapon; said fifth power means (112, 112a) being activated to move the transfer tray (36) and weapon away from said storage tray (34); said fourth power means (111) being activated to move said weapon and said transfer tray (36) in alignment with said ramming tray (32); said fifth power means (112, 112a) being activated to move said weapon into abutting relationship in said ramming tray (32) when said ramming tray bands (40) are in said open position; said first power means (113) being activated to move said ramming tray bands (40) into said closed position securing the weapon to the ramming tray (32), actuating said third power means (113b) for moving said transfer try bands (40b) into said open position; and activating said fifth power means (112, 112a) for moving said empty transfer tray (36) away from said ramming tray (32). An apparatus according to claim 21 and additionally comprising (114, 114a, 44, 46) for relaxing said ramming tray bands (40) from weapon securing position while retaining the weapon encompassed within said ramming tray (32) and ramming tray bands (40), and means (48) for ramming the weapon longitudinally out of said ramming tray (32).

Inventors: BLOMQUIST, ARTHUR G., HARRIS, ROBERT M.
Applicants: FMC CORPORATION
Application year: 1987
Main classification: B63G8
IPC codes: F41A9, F41A3, B63G8, F42B39