Improvements in and relating to Pneumatic Apparatus for Launching Torpedoes.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Nov., 1889-Accepted, 7th Dec., 1889
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Pneumatic Apparatus for Launching
Torpedoes.
I, PETER JENSEN, of the Firm of "Jensen and Son," Patent Agents, of
Number 77, Chancery Lane, in the County of London, England, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to
be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement,
(a communication to me from abroad by the firm of Hotchkiss & Co., of 21, Rue
Royale, Paris, France, Gun Manufacturers):
This invention is shown as applied to that class of pneumatic guns in which the
compression of the air is produced by an explosive, such as that described in Letters
Patent Number 11,786, granted to Christian Albert Jensen as a communication from
Dana Dudley dated July 23rd, 1889, and is in part designed more particularly for
launching torpedoes of the description of the Howell Torpedo, wherein the motor
actuating the driving gear consists of a fly-wheel spun up to a high velocity as
described in Letters Patent Number 1,174 granted to Jolin Henry Johnson as a
communication from John A. Howell and F. H. Paine January 27th, 1885.
The launching gear consists of the tube containing the torpedo, provided with means
whereby the fly-wheel of the latter is spun up to the required velocity; means for
centering the torpedo in the tube, whereby the clutch of the spinning mechanism is
enabled to engage with the clutch of the fly-wheel; means for clamping the torpedo
securely in place while the fly-wheel is being spun up; means for discharging the
torpedo, consisting in this instance of an air compression tube connected to the torpedo
tube in the rear of the same, for the introduction of the air, as in the Dudley patent
already referred to; and releasing and firing mechanism whereby the centering, clutch
and clamp devices, being successively withdrawn and released, after the requisite
velocity of the fly-wheel has been attained, the torpedo is expelled; in this instance
by the explosion of the cartridge in the air compression chamber; and my launching
gear is further provided with a pivot or mount whereby it can be trained in a horizontal
direction.
In the accompanying drawings which illustrate this invention-
Figures 1 and 2, are views from opposite sides of the torpedo launching gear,
showing the relative locations of the centering, clutch, clamp and firing devices;
Figure 3, is a detail view, partly in section, of the mount, showing the induction
and exhaust steam pipes for the spinning gear and firing cylinder;
Figure 4, is a section across the diameter, and
Figure 5, is a longitudinal cross-section on the line, -a, Figure 4, of the torpedo
tube, showing the air ring and air ports in the rear of the tube;
Figure 6, is a side view, and
Figure 7, a cross-section of the torpedo tube, showing the clamping device;
Figure 8, is a view in cross-section of the torpedo tube showing the clutch
mechanism, and
Figure 9, is another view of part of the same;
Figure 10, is a section across the diameter, and
Figure 11, in part, a longitudinal cross-section of the tube and centering device;
Figures 12, 13 and 14, are views of the firing mechanism, and
Figures 15 and 16, are details of the same.
A, is the torpedo tube; B, the air compression tube containing an explosive, and,
C, the connecting tube between the two, as described in the Dudley patent above
referred to.
The rear of the tube, A, which is closed by a door, A2, is surrounded by the circular
air chamber, A³, to which is connected the air induction tube, C; air-poris, a, a, a,

page_text: lead from chamber, A³, into the tube, A, and also spaced around the latter that the air
entering from tube, C, must be deflected before it can escape into, A, thus equalizing
the pressure around the enclosed torpedo moreover the ports are directed rearwardly,
so as to throw the blast against the door, in place of at right angles to the enclosed
torpedo, whereby the steering gear is protected from an unnecessary strain.
Running the entire length of tube, A, is a groove, a¹, (see Figures 4, 5, 7, 10
and 11,) into which fits the lug, a², of the torpedo (Figure 11) and by means of
which the latter is inserted with the axis of its fly-wheel in a horizontal position.
D, (Figures 10 and 11.) is the stop or safety pin placed immediately below the
groove, a, of tube, A, against which the lug, a2, of the torpedo abuts, when the latter
is inserted into the tube, and by means of which the clutch on the fly-wheel is brought
opposite to that of the spinning mechanism.
The safety pin, D, consists of a solid piece of metal, having an enlarged piston
head, D¹, working in a box, D2, secured to the bottom of tube, A.
A spiral spring, d, holds, pin, D, in its normal position, somewhat above the
level of the groove, a', (see Figure 10,) the tension of which may be adjusted by the
nut, d, closing the bottom of the box, D. Safety pin, D, is withdrawn from
the groove by the introduction of steam into the box, D2, through port, d, the
steam being able to escape through port, d³, only after it has completely withdrawn
the pin from the groove, the travel of piston, D', to open port, d³, being somewhat
greater than the height of the pin in groove, a¹. The end of safety pin, D, which
projects into the groove is beveled to the rear, in order to avoid friction in
releasing the torpedo, and to allow of a certain amount of play, the instant that
it is withdrawn.
E, Figures 6 and 7, is the clamping band, which is next brought into play, after
the torpedo has been inserted and consists of a band, E, having enlarged heads, E², E',
both band and heads lying in a chamber, a³, counter bored in the torpedo tube. A
shaft, E2, having reverse screws, e, e, passes through the chamber and the heads, E¹, E',
of the clamping band, E, so that the revolution of the shaft in one direction tightens
the band, and in the reverse direction loosens it.
Clamp shaft, E, is revolved in either direction in the following way: Rigidly
mounted on one end of clamp shaft, E, is a tappet, E³, having a notched arm E³; a
toothed segment, E, is also loosely mounted on the hub of the tappet and has pivoted
to it a pawl, e', the head, e², of which projects backwards at right angles through a
slot, e, in the segment (see Figure 7,) where it rests against a cam plate, e, bolted to
tube, A; on revolving segment, E, by means of rack m¹ far enough in the direction
of the muzzle of the tube pawl, e', falls clear of the cam plate, e, engages with the
notch in the tappet arm, E3, and thus locks it to the segment causing the two to
revolve together, loosening the clamp; on the reverse movement, the clamp is first
tightened and the pawl then lifted out of engagement by cam plate, et, allowing the
segment to continue its motion independently.
After the torpedo has been clamped, the clutch, F, is next thrown into engagement
with the end of the shaft of the fly-wheel. Clutch, F, and its shaft, F, revolve in a
sleeve, F, which in turn slides into the clutch box, 13, bolted to the side of the torpedo
tube, A. A gear wheel, G, in normal engagement with the intermediate gear, G¹, of
the spinning mechanism, is secured to the outer end of the clutch shaft, F1, as is also a
milled handle, f, for convenience in locating the teeth of the clutch, F, in proper rela-
tion to the teeth of the clutch of the torpedo if required. The longitudinal thrust of
the clutch, F, which is sufficient to throw it into and out of engagement with the clutch
of the fly-wheel shaft, is limited and controlled by a pin, f, secured to sleeve, F2, and
projecting through a longitudinal slot., in the clutch box, F3; the toothed periphery
of gear wheel, G, being of sufficient width to remain in contact with the intermediate
gear, G1, whatever the position of the clutch. In addition to this another device for
advancing and withdrawing the clutch, F, is also provided. It consists of a toothed
segment, F, mounted on the clutch box, F³, and having in its hub a cam slot, ƒ³,
through which projects pin, f', the cam slot, f³, being of such shape (see Figure 9)
that through part of its revolution no forward movement is given to the clutch.

page_text: Clutch, F, having been connected with the fly-wheel, the latter is spun up to the
requisite velocity by means of the gearing, G, G', connected to any suitable spinning
device to which steam is supplied through pipe, K³.
That which I have shown at, H, is a Parsons, motor, patented in Great Britain,
April 23rd 1884 No. 6735 of a well known construction described in such Letters
Patent therefore requires no further description.
The next movement is that of training the tube, for which purpose it is mounted
upon a stand, 1, (Figures 1, 2 and 3.) revolving upon a circular rail, I, to which it
is held by means of the grooved band, 12. Figure 3, shows the universal joint which
I have provided for the steam supply and exhaust system by which the spinning and
other mechanism are operated; it consisting of the vertical exhaust pipe, K, and
within it the steam supply pipe. K', both concentric with the stand, I; over these
fits a double elbow pipe of peculiar construction, the exterior or exhaust pipe, K²,
being jointed to pipe, K, and the interior or steam supply pipe. K³, connected to
pipe, K, as follows: A collar, k, threaded only on the outside is passed over pipe, K,
and then a second collar. k, threaded only on the inside is screwed to the pipe, K, a
packing, k, is interposed between them. The elbow pipe is now fitted over pipe, K²,
screwing into the lower collar, k, as shown, and at top on to the steam supply pipe, K³,
simply slipping over the end of pipe, K', the latter having concentric grooves, k³,
forming a steam packing, which is all that is required. It is thus seen that the upper
system of pipes is free to turn upon the lower when the gun is trained.
mount the same construction of the joint and double elbow is followed.
Below the
The tabe having been charged and trained to be discharged all of the operations
already described must be performed in the inverse order, in order to release the
torpedo before firing, that is to say, the safety pin must be first withdrawn, then the
clutch released, next the clamp loosened, and finally, the explosive in the air com-
pression chamber discharged, and as these operations are being performed, steam is
shut off from the motor.
Mechanisin has been devised which automatically performs the reversals in the
order named, at one operation. A steam pipe, 4, leads-from, K³, to the port, d², of the
safety pin box, D, and a valve, L, operated by a lanyard, L', is provided in this tube.
Another steam tube, , leads from the port, d³, to the firing cylinder, M, (Figures 1
and 6). To the piston, M', of the firing cylinder, M, is secured a rod, M², having
at one end a handle, m, at the other a rack bar, m¹, which gears with the teeth
on segment, E, of clamp shaft, E, and those on segment, F, of clutch, F. When
the clamp and clutch are in operation the position of the rack bar, m², is that
shown in Figures 1 and 6, that is to say, with the clutch, F, thrust forward and
its pin, in the position shown in Figure 9, and clamp, E, having been tightened,
and the pawl, e', then lifted out of the notch in tappet arm, E3, leaving the
segment, E, free to complete its movement unimpeded.
The discharge of the torpedo is brought about as follows: Pulling the lanyard, L',
the firing valve, L, is opened and steam is admitted into the safety pin box, D2,
with-
(Figures 10 and 11,) through port, d, and pressing down thepiston head, D',
draws safety pin, D, from groove, a, in front of the torpedo lug, a passing then
through tube, , it enters cylinder, M, (Figures 1 and 6,) where it drives the
piston, M', forward carrying with it rack bar, m³, the latter causes segment, E*,
(Figures 6 and 7,) to revolve, but without releasing clamp, E, because pawl, el, is
prevented from interlocking with tappet arm, E³, by cam plate, e segment, F, of
clutch F, (Figures 8 and 9,) is at the same time revolved, but pin, 1, being in the
position in slot, j, shown in Figure 9, the sleeve, F, and with it clutch, F, is at once
withdrawn from the fly-wheel, without interfering with the revolution of either; after
the clutch has been released, clamp segment, E, has revolved sufficiently for the
pawl, e, to fall free of its cam plate, to interlock with the notch in tappet arm, E³,
revolve clamp shaft, E2, and release clamp, E.
An eccentric, N, mounted on the other end of clamp shaft, E2, (Figures 2 and 7,)
in such relation to the shaft, as to operate only after the torpedo has been unclamped,

page_text: has, at this moment been revolved far enough to actuate the firing mechanism of the
air compression tube, 13, by means of the connecting rod, n; at the moment the
clutch, F, is detached a pin, m², properly located on the side of the rack, m³, comes
into contact with a lever, , on the throttle valve, R, in the steam pipe to motor, and
during the remainder of the forward movement of rack, the valve is closed, shutting
off steam from the motor.
The firing mechanism consists of a hammer and main spring of the form used in
the well known Hotchkiss system of rapid firing guns arranged in the manner
described below, and as shown in Figures 12 and 15, and has the hub of its
hammer, O, provided with a lug, o, interlocking, when the breech is opened for
loading, with one end of a centrally pivoted sear, P, the other arm of which bears
upon a cam, Q, (Figure 12,) to which a reciprocating movement is given by the
connecting rod,, pivoted to it through a slot, q, in plate, q', secured to the gun and
not partaking of the movement of the breech.
When the breech is thrown open for charging the air compression chamber, the
sear, P. hooks into the lug, o, and on closing the breech holds the scar, P, in the
firing position, the other end of the sear resting on the lower part of the beveled
face of the cam, Q. When the gun is fired, the connecting rod, n, actuated by
the eccentric cam, N, on the clamp shaft, E², draws the cam, Q, far enough to raise
the arm of the sear, P, releasing the other arm from the lug, 0. The hammer which
has been holding the main spring under tension flies forward exploding the charge.
The compressed air, passing through tube, C, enters through ports, a, a, and
impinging against the torpedo expels it in the manner already described. Various
advantages follow from the .inter-relation of the devices and the necessary order in
which they are caused to act.
The act of discharging the torpedo is accomplished in one movement.
It is impossible to discharge the torpedo before every impediment to its exit is
removed. Each obstacle is and must be completely removed before the next is
touched, thus obviating any danger that would arise from the stoppage of one part,
while the others were acting.
The hammer of the air compression, chamber. cannot be cocked until the torpedo
tube has been loaded, the torpedo clamped, and the clutch in place. These last two
operations are performed in one movement by merely pulling backward the rack
bar, m¹.
The clutch is released without the necessity of turning off the steam from the
spinning mechanism, and thus retarding the fly-wheel, except in the automatic
manner, as hereinbefore described.
It is evident that the clutch, the clamp and the safety pin, can be used alone or
in combination, and with other mechanisms than that which I have shown for dis-
charging the torpedo; and that either clamp or safety pin may be used with
torpedoes propelled by other means than a fly-wheel, where for example, it is
necessary to maintain the torpedo in place against the lurching of the ship. Neither
do I limit myself to the particular details of the devices shown, as they can be
widely varied without departing from the spirit of my invention, which consists
broadly in providing means whereby the torpedo can be securely clamped, while its
motor, whatever its description, is being set in operation, and again automatically
unclamped prior to firing in the automatic centering of the torpedo; in the clutch
for the Howell torpedo, automatically thrown in and out of engagement; in means
whereby any or all of these devices together with the mechanism for discharging
the torpedo may be caused to operate consecutively, automatically, and in one
movement.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
First In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo barrel, of

page_text: the torpedo contained therein and a centering or safety device, whereby the relative
longitudinal location of the latter with respect to the longitudinal axis of the torpedo
barrel is maintained, substantially as and for the purpose described.
Second: In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo barrel, of
the torpedo contained therein a centering or safety device, whereby the relative
position of the torpedo with respect to the longitudinal axis of the torpedo barrel is
maintained, and means for automatically operating and releasing the same, substantially
as described.
Third: In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo barrel, of
the torpedo contained therein and a clamping device whereby the relative vertical
position of the torpedo with respect to the shorter axis of the torpedo barrel is
maintained, substantially as and for the purpose described.
:
Fourth In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo barrel, of
the torpedo contained therein a clamping device, whereby the relative vertical
position of the torpedo with respect to the shorter axis of the torpedo barrel is
maintained, and means for automatically operating and releasing the clamp, substantially
as described. ·
Fifth In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo barrel, of
the torpedo contained therein a centering device, and a clamping device whereby the
relative position of the torpedo with respect to the longer and shorter axes of the
barrel is maintained, substantially as set forth.
:
Sixth In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo barrel, of
the torpedo contained therein a centering device, a clamping device, and means
for automatically operating and releasing the centering and clamping devices,
substantially as described.
Seventh In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo barrel, of
a fly-wheel actuated torpedo contained therein, a clutch for engaging with the fly-
wheel, and spinning mechanism, whereby the fly-wheel can be spun up to the requisite
velocity, substantially as set forth.
:
Eighth In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo barrel, of
a fly-wheel actuated torpedo contained therein, a clutch for engaging with the fiy-
wheel, spinning mechanism, whereby the fly-wheel can be spun up, and mechanism
whereby the clutch can be thrown into engagement with the fly-wheel, and withdrawn
from the same the disengagement occurring without necessarily stopping the running
of the spinning mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose described.
Ninth In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo barrel, of a
fly-wheel actuated torpedo contained therein, a clutch for engaging with the fly-wheel,
spinning mechanism, whereby the fly-wheel can be spun up, and mechanism for
automatically engaging and disengaging the clutch, the disengagement occurring
without necessarily stopping the running of the spinning mechanism, substantially, as
described.
Tenth In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo barrel, of a
motor actuated torpedo contained therein, means exterior to the torpedo for setting
the motor in operation, means for connecting and disconnecting the motor from its
exterior driving mechanism, a centering device, a clamping device, and means
whereby the centering and clamping devices and the motor connection with its
exterior driving mechanism are automatically and successively operated and released,
substantially as described.
Eleventh In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo barrel,
of the torpedo contained therein, means for centering the torpedo, means for operating
and releasing the centering device, means for discharging the torpedo, and means
whereby on the release of the centering device the torpedo is automatically discharged,
substantially as described.
Twelfth In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo barrel,
of the torpedo contained therein, means for clamping the torpedo, means for
operating and releasing the clamp, means for discharging the torpedo, and means

page_text: whereby on the release of the clamp, the torpedo is automatically discharged, sub-
stantially as described.
:
Thirteenth In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo
barrel, of the torpedo contained therein, means for centering the torpedo, means for
operating and releasing the centering device, means for clamping the torpedo, means
for operating and releasing the clamp, means for discharging the torpedo, and means
whereby, on the release of the centering device, the torpedo is automatically unclaimped
and discharged, substantially as described.
Fourteenth In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo barrel,
of a motor actuated torpedo contained therein, means exterior to the torpedo for
setting the motor in operation, means for connecting and disconnecting the motor and
its exterior driving mechanism, a centering device, means for operating and releasing
the centering device, a clamping device, means for operating and releasing the
clamping device, means for discharging the torpedo, and means whereby on the
release of the centering device the torpedo is automatically and successively released
from the centering device the exterior driving mechanism and the clamp and is finally
discharged, substantially as set forth.
Fifteenth: In a pneumatic torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo
tube, A, and air induction, tube, C, of the circular air chamber, A3, having the
rearwardly inclined air ports, a, a, a, substantially as and for the purpose described.
Sixteenth: In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo
tube, A, having the groove, a', of the torpedo having the lug, a, whereby the torpedo
is inserted in a determined position with respect to the tube, A, substantially as
described.
Seventeenth In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo
tube, A, of the projecting safety pin, D, having the piston head, D', working in the
cylinder box, D, ports, d², d³, spring, d, and adjusting nut, d', substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
Eighteenth In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo
tube, A, having the counter bored chamber, a³, on the inner circumference of the
tube of the clamping band, E, located in said chamber and having enlarged heads, E¹, E',
clamping shaft, E, having reversed screws, e, passing through the said
heads, E¹, E', the tappet having the notched arm, E³, mounted on said shaft, the
toothed segment, E, loosely mounted on said shaft, and having the pivoted pawl, el,
its head, e, projecting through slot, e3, in the segment, cam plate, e, and rack bar, m²,
whereby when the rack is pulled backward the clamping band is tightened, and when
drawn forward the clamping band is released, substantially as set forth.
:
Nineteenth In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo
tube, A, and a fly-wheel actuated torpedo contained therein, of the clutch, F, mounted
on the clutch shaft, F1, the sleeve, f, having the pin, ", the clutch box, F³, having
the longitudinal slot, f, the toothed segment, Fs, having the slot, 3, and the rack
bar, m, whereby when the rack bar is pulled backward the clutch is thrown into
engagement with the hub of the fly-wheel, and when thrust forward is released,
substantially as described.
Twentieth In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo tube, A,
and a fly-wheel actuated torpedo, of the clutch as described, means for revolving the
clutch, connecting mechanism, and the milled handle, f, whereby the clutch and fly-
wheel can be revolved, and thrown in and out of engagement, substantially as
described.
Twenty-first: In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo
tube, A, of the clamping device, the eccentric, N, mounted on the shaft, E, of
the clamp, the connecting rod, n, the plate, 91, having the slot, g, the cam, Q,
pivoted to the connecting rod, n, and reciprocating in the slot, q, in connection
with the eccentric, N, the pivoted sear, P, and firing mechanism actuated by the
vibration of the sear, substantially as set forth.
Twenty-second: In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo

page_text: tube, A, and a fly-wheel operated torpedo, of the clamping device as described, having
the toothed segment, E, pawl, e¹, and cam plate, e³, the clutch, F, as described,
having the toothed segment, F4, the eccentric, N, mounted on the shaft of the
clamping device, having the connecting rod, n, the cam, Q, and the sear, P, as
described, firing mechanism released by the sear, P, and the rack bar, m', whereby
when the rack bar is pulled backward, the clamp and clutch are successively tightened
and the firing mechanism set, and when thrust forward, are successively released,
substantially as set forth.
Twenty-third The combination with a steam actuated torpedo launching gear,
of the revolving stand or mount, having the pivoted steam connections consisting
of the exhaust pipe, K, the concentric steam-supply pipe, K', concentrically grooved
at the joint, the double elbow consisting of the exhaust pipe, K2, and the interior
steam supply pipe, K³, the collars, k, and, ³, threaded as described, and the
packing,, substantially as described.
Twenty-fourth: In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo
tube, A, and the fly-wheel actuated torpedo contained therein, the air compression
tube, B, the connecting tube, C, and air chamber, A³, of the firing cylinder, M, the
piston head, M³, rod and rack bars, M2, m, the centering device, the clamping
device, the clutching device, and spinning device, all constructed and operating as
described, the pivoted stand, the pivoted steam supply and exhaust pipes, and their
connections, pipes, 3, 1, 1, the eccentric, N, mounted on the clamp shaft, E², its
link connection, the plate, q', having the slot, 7, the cam, Q, the hammer, O, the
sear, P, having the lug, o, and operating mechanism, and the firing valve, L,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Twenty-fifth: In a torpedo launching gear, the combination with the torpedo
tube, A, and the fly-wheel actuated torpedo contained therein, the air compression
tube, B, the connecting tube, C, and air chamber, A', of the firing cylinder, M, the
piston head, M, rod and rack bar, M² m², the centering device, the clamping device,
the clutching device, the spinning device, all constructed and operating as described,
the pivoted stand, the pivoted steam supply and exhaust pipes, and their connections,
pipes, K³,,, valve, R, having lever arm, », stop, m², on rack bar, m², the
eccentric N, mounted on clamp shaft, E2, the firing device operated thereby, and the
firing valve, L, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 5th day of November
1020
JENSEN & SON,
77, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Patent Agents.