Patent GB-129070-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to Automobile Torpedoes.
IPC: F42B19/38
Filed: 1918-06-03
Abstract: 129,070. Whitehead Torpedo Works, Ltd., Lees, E., and Ridsdale, H. W. June 3, 1918. Torpedoes, locomotive.-Consists in providing a torpedo with means whereby, when it has run its maximum, or a predetermined range, or has sunk to a predetermined depth, the gaseous motive fluid remaining in the torpedo will be released, either (1) to lighten the torpedo and enable it to rise to the surface, in the case where the torpedo is used for practice, or (2) to actuate detonating-mechanism, where a war-head is provided. Fig. 1 shows an arrangement in which a valve 24 is automatically opened to allow air to escape from the air vessel 1 when certain conditions in the run of the torpedo are fulfilled. The valve normally closes an opening 25 in a chamber 13d communicating by a pipe 13<b> with the air vessel 1. A valve-controlling lever 29, pivoted at 30, is connected to a piston 31 in a cylinder 32. The cylinder communicates by pipes 51, 50 with a pipe 21 leading to the propelling-engines. The pipe 21 is connected to the air vessel 1 through a system of pipes 13, 16, 20 in which hand-operated valves 14, 17 and a reducing-valve 10 are provided. As long as the pressure in the compressed-air system remains sufficiently high, the piston 31 is kept up against the resistance of a spring 39, holding up the lever 29 in the position shown; but when the pressure falls below a predetermined point, the piston and lever descend, and a projection 45 on the lever opens the valve 24, allowing the compressed air remaining in the vessel 1 to escape through the port 25. Hydrostatic means may be employed to control the valve 24, and, in the construction shown, this comprises a piston 68 carrying an adjustable wheel 78 against which bears a lever 57 controlling a two-way cock 52. At a certain depth, dependent upon the pre-adjustment of the wheel 78 by means of a spindle 80 and pinion 79, the inward movement of the piston 68 due to the sea-water pressure causes the levers 57 to be lifted and to release the cock 52, which is thereupon turned by a spring 65 so as to put the pipe 51 in communication with an exhaust duct 56. Means for locking the hydrostatic valve until the torpedo has travelled a certain distance after launching may be provided. The compressed air discharged from the chamber 13<d>, which may, as shown, contain oil, may escape directly from the torpedo through a pipe 28, or may pass through pipes 89. 90, leading into the practice head, Fig. 2, so that the escaping air may further lighten the torpedo by driving out water ballast in the head. The pipe 90 is shown as being connected to a pipe 98 branching into two pipes 99, 105. The pipe 99 is fitted with a nozzle 101 through which the air escapes and expels the water ballast through one or more valves 102. The pipe 105 terminates in an ejector 103 which is directed so as to discharge water sternwards. The ejector may be fitted at the top of the head so as to throw a spout of water into the air when the torpedo has reached the surface; or a whistle may be provided whereby the escaping air gives a sound signal. Ballast weights may be automatically released by the escape of the air, so as further to lighten the torpedo. The discharge of the compressed air may also be effected in various ways other than those described above, as for example by means of a valve operated by the usual screw or paddle recorder gear or by external whiskers which are kept pressed back by the seawater whilst the torpedo is running. Fig. 3 showsfiring-mechanism in a war-head, comprising a. spring-pressed striker 115 which is released when air discharged from the air vessel passes through a duct 123 beneath a piston 121, thereby raising a shearing-pin 120 out of engagement with the striker. Safety devices 126, 133 are provided to prevent premature firing.