Improvements in Submarine Torpedo Launching Apparatus.
Year: 1898

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Submarine Torpedo Launching Apparatus.
J, STEPHANE DRZEWIECKI, of Villa Damont, Rue des Bauches, l'aris, in the
Republic of France, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:
This invention relates to submarine torpedo-launching apparatus and its object
is to permit of self-moving torpedoes being launched under water in any desired
direction during the chasing pursuit of or retreating from any ship, which may
be a large or small one, flat with the water-level or raising up above. The torpedo-
launching apparatus constructed according to this invention 'is combined with
an anchoring or immersing apparatus forming the torpedo carrier.
The torpedo-launching apparatus proper is mainly composed of a metal frame
in which the torpedo is placed longitudinally, of a movable arm engaging by its
front end the tail of the torpedo and pivoting by its rear end around a vertical
axis arranged near the rear of the frame, and of a lever mechanism operated by
compressed air for launching the torpedo. This arrangement of mechanism cou-
stituting the torpedo-launcher, is lowered from the boat into the water by means
of an anchoring or immersing mechanism hereinbefore mentioned and is retained
in a position parallel to the diametrical plane of the ship and with its point in a
forward direction. At the moment of launching the torpedo by the application
of compressed air, the launching levers move the torpedo (engaged by the movable
arm) laterally away from the ship. The torpedo owing to the resistance opposed
to it by the water during the ship's motion is caused to turn round towards the
rear by pivotting around the axis of the movable arm until it comes into the line
of sight or range.
At this moment it is released from its engagement with the
movable arm by the action of an automatic mechanism which also at the same
time operates the air inlet lever thus causing the torpedo to move off in the
desired direction by the action of its propeller. The form of anchoring or
immersing apparatus or torpedo-carrier must naturally depend on the ship in which
it is employed and it may be arranged either at the exterior or in the interior of
the ship in the latter case it is arranged in a special tube.
The torpedo for launching is placed in a metal frame one extremity of which,
say the front one, terminates in a point; the other extremity, the rear one, being
straight or flat ended.
The torpedo is maintained in position in the said frame, which serves as a
housing to it, by means of two fixed semi-collars or yoked, which connect together
the two horizontal members of the said frame, and by another but movable semi-
collar or yoke arranged in an opposite direction to, and between the former two
collars or yokes and placed near the end of the air reservoir of the torpedo.
These two first mentioned or inner collars are rigid and as already indicated are
connected the frame in a fixed position, and they are arranged to take up a position
against the side of the ship when the apparatus is lowered into the water. The
movable or outer yoke or collar, placed at the opposite side, consists of a thin

page_text: flexible steel strip fixed by its lower end to the frame and engaging by an eye-
picce in two similar eye-pieces fixed to the upper branch of the frame. A pin
or bolt is passed through the three eye-pieces, and so holds the semi outer yoke or
collar in position and in consequence hereof the torpedo T is rendered immovable
by being firmly held between the said three yokes or collars. In addition to this
the tail part or extremity of the hollow shaft forming the rear end of the torpedo
is engaged by the extremity of a movable arm hereinafter more particularly
described.
The said pin or bolt is connected to the head of a plunger adapted to move in
a small cylinder to which leads a flexible tube in connection with any convenient
air-compresser fer supplying compressed air to such cylinder.
Normally no compressed air is admitted in the small cylinder which communi-
cates with a larger cylinder through a pipe. The large air cylinder is arranged
parallel to the small cylinder and is fixed by its bottom to a rod pivotted to the
small arm of an elbow-lever which is carried by a pivot pin provided on one of
the fixed or inside yoked or collars.
The large air cylinder is provided with a plunger and piston rod which latter
is pivotted to the small arm of a second elbow-lever mounted on a pivot pin in' the
other fixed or inner yoke of collar. The two elbow levers are arranged symmetri-
cally and the long arms thereof are placed in line with each other and rest with
their respective extremities on the air reservoir of the torpedo.
These elbow levers are, as hereinafter explained, to expel the torpedo from the
frame directly the bolt is withdrawn from the loose outside yoke or collar where-
upon the torpedo swings around a vertical axis or pivot which is that of the tail
engaging lever-arm herein before referred to.
This
The vertical pivot is capable of turning in the horizontal branches of the frame
and is arranged in proximity to the flat rear portion of the said frame. The pivot
is furnished with a loose sleeve carrying a fork to the prongs of which are hinged
corresponding prongs of another fork connected with the tail engaging arm.
arm consists of a tube which at its other end has fixed to it a rod engaging by its
free end in the hollow shaft of the torpedo. On the vertical pivot and level with
the tail engaging arm is keyed a cam against which abuts the head of a rod loosely
inserted in the tubular tail engaging arm. The said rod terminates at its for-
ward end in a plate or fin which is inserted in and passes through a slot provided
in the tail engaging arm. A coiled spring interposed between the fixed rod at the
end of the tail engaging arm and the loose rod in said arm keeps this latter in
constant contact with the cam. Upon the outer ends of the plate or fin rests two
claws of a rocking lever capable of oscillating on an axis but constantly pulled
rearward by a coiled spring connected to a bracket carried by the tail engaging
arm, the spring being provided with means by which to regulate its tension.
The rocking lever is also provided with two laterally arranged heel pieces which
normally keep closed the two branches of pincers or grippers the jaws of which
retain between them the upper portion of the vertical wing of the tail end of the
torpedo. These jaws terminate in curved overlapping beaks so arranged as to
completely encircle the wing when closed, thus preventing the torpedo from
becoming detached from the tail engaging arm. The rocking lever is further
provided with a finger which passes upward between the branches of the pincers
ir grippers mounted on a vertical support, and also with a prolongation to the
upper end of which is fixed a longitudinal rod provided at its free end with a stirrup
having a tongue piece which engages the operating lever of the air inlet for the
torpedo.
The propeller of the torpedo is moreover held between two bars rigidly fixed on
the frame and which bars oppose the rotation of the propeller during the retention
of the torpedo in the frame.
Before proceeding to describe the mechanisms for lowering and immersing the
torpedo carrier I will first explain the action of the torpedo launcher proper the
parts of which have been hereinbefore described.'

page_text: Suppose the torpedo has been placed and fixed in the frame in the manner
already stated, and that the said frame has been lowered, and anchored that is to
say that the torpedo is fully immersed in the water.
In order to launch the torpedo the same must first be disengaged from the frame
so as to enable it to swing around its vertical pivot and thereupon be disengaged
from the tail engaging movable arm of which it forms a prolongation.
The first of these operations consists in causing compressed air to enter the small
air cylinder so driving out the plunger which then removes the locking pin or
bolt and releases the movable yoke or collar.
At the end of its stroke the plunger
opens the inlet into the connecting pipe and through it admits the compressed air
into the large cylinder where it presses both against the bottom of such cylinder
and against the pistons, thus causing them to move in opposite directions. This
action has for its object to swing round the elbow: levers and thereby cause them
to press simultaneously, by their respective ends against the torpedo and drive it
away from its frame.
The torpedo on leaving the frame swings around the vertical axis which serves
as a pivot to it through the intermediary of the movable arm E, with which it is
connected. It should be observed that the action of driving the torpedo out of its
frame only starts the angular evolution of such torpedo, the movement being con-
tinued by the resistance the water offers to the body of the torpedo..
The second part of the operation consists in adjusting the cam for the required
position of firing. This may be effected by the aid of a sighting device or alhidade
which is connected to the vertical pivot, or by any other convenient device arranged
in a suitable part of the ship and properly connected to the launching mechanism.
Whatever means may be adopted, once the cam is adjusted it, forms a rest to the
rod of the tail engaging arm until the moment when the said rod arrives at the
end of the curved part of the cam. At that moment the said rod, owing to the
action of the spring, becomes displaced in the tail engaging arm and disengages
from the rocking lever and so permits this latter under the action of its spring to
operate by swinging around the axis. This swinging movement effects the dis-
engagement of the heels from the branches of the grippers and to move the finger
between the said branches thereby forcing them open in case of anything prevent-
ing their opening unaided. Furthermore it pulls the longitudinal rod which,
owing to its stirrup with a tongue, swings round the lever of the air inlet so
causing the ordinary and well known propelling mechanism to start working.
In this state the torpedo is freed from its ties and at once moves off in the
direction determined by the position of the cam.
Having now explained the action of launching I will proceed to describe the
manner of immersing the torpedo.
The torpedo launcher proper is suspended in such a manner as to permit of its
being lowered vertically for the purposes of immersion or of anchorage of the
torpedo carried by it, and also to permit of re-hoisting either an unlaunched
torpedo or the empty frame after launching the torpedo in order to charge it with
another torpedo.
The preferred arrangement of anchoring mechanism consists in connecting the
frame to a jib frame hinged to the ships bridge and to the said frame. A cable,
attached to the jib and passing over the pulley in the davit, permits of moving
the jib. Two cables or tow-ropes keep the frame in position.
In a modified arrangement the frame is suspended by two beams hinged on the
one hand to the said frame and on the other hand to two davits on the bridge of
the ship. The hinges are disposed in such a manner as to work in the plane of
the frame. Furthermore the davits are capable of being turned on their pivots
so as to enable the frame to be placed above the bridge. The operation of anchor-
ing is effected by releasing the cable attached to the frame and which passes over
the pulley in connection with one of the davits. The tow-ropes maintain the
frame in its position of anchorage.
In a modified arrangement of anchorage more especially suitable for use with

page_text: torpedo launchers on vessels rising high above water level, the frame is suspended
from two hinged lever arms the pivots of which latter pass through the hull of
the ship above water line. These pivots terminate in the interior of the vessel
in crank-levers connected together by a connecting rod. It is obvious that by
actuating the said connecting rod the two crank levers turn together in their plane
of evolution and thus move the frame from its position of rest into that of anchorage
and reversely. Tappets or stops may be employed to limit the extent of movement
of the levers. If preferred the movement of the frame may be obtained through
the medium of a rope or cable.
It should be observed in all these various modifications that the cam on the
vertical pivot of the tail engaging arm is connected with the sighting device or
aldidade by a rod articulated on the vertical pivot by means of an universal joint
or by any other convenient means.
A further modification for use in connection with a launching tube arranged
in the interior of the ship above the water line, parallel to the diametral plane
of the ship and along the sides thereof towards the bow. The tube, which is of
sufficient length to contain the frame of the torpedo launcher, is closed at its rear
end by a cover adapted to be taken off and closed at its front end by a sluice-valve
or by any other similar means and which separate such tube from the spoon or
shield formed as a prolongation of the tube and opening laterally through an
elongated aperture in the side to which it is connected in any suitable manner.
The lateral aperture in the side and spoon is ordinarily closed by an obturator in
connection with a system of levers or lever mechanism forming an articulated
parallelogram which permits of the lateral removal of the said obturator from the
aperture. This may be effected, for example, by means consisting of a worm
wheel or like device connected to the axis of one of the levers and a worm or
equivalent provided with a hand wheel situate in the interior of the vessel.
The launching tube is provided internally with guides between which moves
a slide extending from the rear to the inner yoke or collar of the frame. Similar
guides are provided in the spoon or shield in which the frame can be slid endwise
from the tube into the said spoon or shield after the sluice-valve has been opened.
For the purposes of this operation a tube, fixed to the rear end of the frame
and passing through the cover of the launching tube, is connected, by a screwed
portion, to a piston equal in length to the full stroke of the frame. The tubular
piston enters a cylinder or pump barrel adapted to be placed into communication
with compressed-air reservoir of any suitable construction, by means of a tube
connection. The compressed air thus introduced into the cylinder does not act
against the extremity of the piston but acts against the bottom of the said piston
which, under these conditions, is not liable to become deformed. The action
produced on the piston by the compressed air brings about the displacement of the
frame from the tube into the spoon until the lateral tappets strike against stops
arranged in the interior of the spoon or shield.
On the vertical portion of the frame is fixed a tubular rod passing through the
cover of the tube and to such rod is connected, by means of a screwed portion, a
tube of equal length to the full stroke of the frame. This tubular rod serves on
the one hand as a means by which to operate the cam which regulates the point
of departure of the torpedo, and on the other hand for introducing compressed
air into the cylinders the first of which cylinders effects the unbolting of the
movable yoke or collar while the second of these cylinders effects the movement
of the pushing out or elbow levers and also causes the frame after the launching
of the torpedo to return from the spoon back into the launching tube. To this
end the tubular rod is provided, between the vertical rear part and the vertical
pivot with a bevil wheel in gear with a similar wheel keyed to the hub of the
cam. Thus if the said tubular rod is rotated by any convenient means, say for
instance a hand wheel, a corresponding movement is imparted to the cam and this
latter can therefore be placed to accord with any desired angle for launching.
In the front end of the tubular rod is attached a flexible tube for supplying

page_text: the compressed air to the cylinders which on their side are connected with the same
tubular rod by another flexible tube. A tap or cock arranged near the hand wheel
permits of supplying, at a given signal, compressed air to both these cylinders.
In order to enable the frame to be returned from the spoon or shield into the
tube a thin steel rope is attached to the extremity of the tubular rod and such
rope may be hauled in by suitable tackle or by any other convenient means.
"
The general operation of this arrangement is easily understood: First the
sliding cover of the spoon or shield is removed and the sluice valve opened, then
the frame carrying the torpedo is advanced into the spoon or shield through the
action of compressed air introduced into the cylinder and at the word fire the
tap or cock is opened to admit compressed air into the tubular rod at the same time
keeping the hand wheel thereof in the position indicated by the person on the
bridge. It should be observed that such position of the handwheel may be effected
either by mechanical means directly from the bridge, or by electrical means in
connection with an electrical indicator. It should further be noted that the swing-
ing of the torpedo around the vertical pivot and its disengagement from the tail
engaging arm are effected in the manner already explained with regard to the
function of the torpedo launcher proper and that such manner of operating remains
the same without any modification whatever. In order to recharge the apparatus
the frame is brought back into the tube and the sluice valve closed, then the
water is expelled from the tube, the piston and the tube are unscrewed so as to
disconnect the same and to allow of the cylinder being taken off. Next the cover
of the tube is removed and the frame taken out by running it on rollers suitably
disposed, then a fresh torpedo is introduced and the same operations are carried
out in reverse order so as to place the frame charged with such torpedo again
into the launching tube.
Tlated this 25th dox of Tune 1900
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Submarine Torpedo Launching Apparatus.
I, STEPILANE DRZEWIECKI, of Villa Damont, Rue des Bauches, Peris, in the
Republic of France, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:--
This invention relates to submarine torpedo launching apparatus and its object
is to permit of self-moving torpedoes being launched under water in any desired
direction during the chasing pursuit of or retreating from any ship which may
be a large or small one, even with the water level or rising up above. The torpedo-
launching apparatus constructed according to this invention is combined with an
anchoring or immersing apparatus (forming the torpedo carrier).
The torpedo-launching apparatus is mainly composed of a metal frame in which
the torpedo is placed longitudinally, of a movable arm engaging by its front end
the tail of the torpedo and pivoting by its rear end around a vertical axis arranged
near the rear of the frame, and of a lever mechanism operated by compressed
air for launching the torpedo. This arrangement of mechanism constituting
the torpedo-launcher, is lowered from the boat into the water by means of an
anchoring or immersing mechanism hereinbefore mentioned and is retained in
a position parallel to the diametrical plane of the ship, and with its point in a for-

page_text: ward direction. At the moment of launching the torpedo by the application of
compressed air, the launching levers, move the torpedo (engaged by the movable
arm) laterally away from the ship. The torpedo owing to the resistance opposed
to it by the water during the ships motion is caused to turn round towards the
rear by pivoting around the axis of the movable arm until it comes into the line
of sight (or range). At this moment it is released from its engagement with the
movable arm by the action of an automatic mechanism which also at the same
time operates the air inlet lever thus causing the torpedo to move off in the desired
direction by the action of its propeller. The form of anchoring or immersing
apparatus or torpedo-carrier must naturally depend on the ship in which it is
employed and it may be arranged either at the exterior or in the interior of the
ship in the latter case it is arranged in a special tube.
In order that the invention may, be clearly understood and readily carried into
effect and to explain the arrangement, construction and operation of my improved
torpedo-launching apparatus I will refer to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figures 1 and 2 are respectively a side elevation and a transverse section of a
part of a torpedo-boat to which my improved torpedo-launching apparatus is
applied and showing the anchoring or immersing means which I prefer to use.
Figures 3 and 4 are respectively a side elevation and a plan of the torpedo-
launching apparatus proper.
Figures 5 and 6 are transverse-sections taken on the lines 55 and 6 6 respec-
tively of Figure 3.
Figure 7 is a plan similar to that shown by Figure 4, but showing the torpedo
in the position it would occupy at the moment of leaving the launching mechanism
or carrier.
Figures 8, 9 and 10 are a side elevation, a plan and a transverse section respec-
tively, of a modification of the anchoring or immersing mechanism shown in
Figures 1 and 2.
Figures 11 and 12 are an elevation and an end view respectively, of another
modification of anchoring or immersing mechanism.
Figure 13 is a longitudinal elevation of my improved launching arrangement
in connection with a submerged torpedo tube.
Figures 14 and 15 are a side elevation and a plan respectively, of a launching
tube proper drawn to a larger scale.
Figures 16, 17 and 18 show transverse sections taken respectively on the
lines 16-16, 17-17 and 18-18 of Figure 14, and
Figure 19 is a plan similar to Figures 15 but with the torpedo shown in the
position it would occupy at the moment of leaving the launching mechanism.
The torpedo T for launching is placed (Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) in a metal
frame one extremity of which, say the front one, terminates in a point a; the
other extremity & the rear one, being straight or flat ended.
The torpedo T is maintained in position in the said frame A, which serves as a
housing for it, by means of two fixed semi-collars or vokes B and C which connect
together the two horizontal members of the said frame, and by another but
movable collar or yoke D arranged on the opposite side to and between the former
two collars or yokes B and C and placed near the end of the air reservoir of the
torpedo T.
These two collars B and C are rigid and as already indicated are connected to
the frame A in a fixed position, and they are arranged to take up a position against
the side of the ship when the apparatus is lowered into the water.
The movable
yoke or collar 1), placed at the opposite side, that is to say at the outside, consists
of a thin flexible steel strip fixed by its lower end to the frame A and engaging
by an eye-piece d in two similar eye-pieces fixed to the upper branch of
the frame. A pin or bolt r is passed through the three eye-pieces d, d, dand
so holds the semi-outer yoke or collar D in position and in consequence thereof
the torpedo T is rendered immovable by being firmly held between the said three
yokes or collars B, C and D. In addition to this the tail part t or extremity of

page_text: the hollow shaft forming the rear end of the torpedo is engaged by the extremity
of a movable arm E hereinafter more particularly described.
The said pin or bolt is connected to the head of a plunger e adapted to move in
a small cylinder c' to which leads a flexible tube F in connection with any con-
venient air-compresser for supplying compressed air to such cylinder.
Normally no compressed air is admitted in the small cylinder c¹ which com-
municates with a larger cylinder G through a pipe . The large air cylinder G is
arranged parallel to the small cylinder and is fixed by its bottom to a rod Gl pivoted
to the small arm of an elbow-lever I which is carried by a pivot pin h provided
on the collar C.
The large air cylinder G is provided with a plunger g and piston rod g which
latter is pivoted to the small arm of another elbow lever I mounted on a pivot pin i
in the fixed or inner yoke or collar B. The two elbow-levers H and I are arranged
symmetrically and the long arms thereof are placed in line with each other and
with their respective extremities and ¹ on the air reservoir of the
rest
torpedo T.
These elbow levers H and I are intended, as hereinafter explained, to expel the
torpedo T from the frame A directly the bolt is withdrawn from the loose outside
yoke or collar 1 whereupon the torpedo swings around a vertical axis or pivot J
connected with the tail engaging lever-arm E.
The vertical pivot J is capable of turning in the horizontal branches of the
frame A and is arranged in proximity to the flat rear portion of the said frame.
The pivot is furnished with a loose sleeve j carrying a fork to the prongs and
of which are hinged corresponding prongs e and e¹ of another fork connected with
the arm E. This arm consists of a tube which at its other end has fixed to it a
rod engaging by its free end in the hollow shaft of the torpedo T. On the
vertical pivot J and level with the tail engaging arm E is keyed a cam a¹ against
which abuts the head of a rod 61 loosely inserted in the tubular arm E. The said
rod terminates at its forward end in a plate or fin which is inserted in and
passes through a slot e provided in the movable arm E. A coiled spring r inter-
posed between the fixed rod and the loose rod b₁ keeps this latter in constant
contact with the cam a¹. Upon the outer ends of the plate or fiu 63 rests two
claws of a rocking lever K capable of oscillating on an axis k but constantly
pulled rearward by a coiled spring connected to a bracket s carried by the tail
engaging arm E, the spring being provided with means by which to regulate its
teusion.
The rocking lever K is also provided with two laterally arranged heel pieces
and which normally keep closed the two branches and of pincers or
gripers P the jaws of which and p retain between them the upper portion
of the vertical wing T of the tail end of the torpedo T. These jaws and p
terminate in curved overlapping beaks so arranged as to completely encircle the
wing T when closed, thus preventing the torpedo T from becoming detached from
the arm E. The rocking lever K is further provided with a finger which passes
upward between the branches and 2 of the pincers or grippers P mounted on
a vertical support p, and also with a prolongation to the upper end of which
is fixed a longitudinal rod L provided at its free end with a stirrup 7 having a
tongue piece which engages the operating lever m of the air inlet for the tor-
pedo T.
The propeller of the torpedo T is morecver held between two bars nn rigidly
fixed in the frame A and which bars oppose the rotation of the propeller during the
retention of the torpedo in the frame.
Before proceeding to describe the mechanisms for lowering and immersing the
torpedo carrier I will first explain the action of the torpedo launcher proper the
parts of which have been herein before described.
Suppose the torpedo T has been placed and fixed in the frame A in the manner
already stated, and that the said frame has been lowered, and anchored in the

page_text: manner indicated by Figures 1 and 2, that is to say that the torpedo is fully
immersed in the water.
In order to launch the torpedo the same must first be disengaged from the
frame A so as to enable it to swing around its vertical pivot J and thereupon
be disengaged from the movable arm of which it forms a prolongation.
The first of these operations consists in causing compressed air to enter the
small cylinder c¹ so driving out the plunger c which then removes the locking pin
or bolt and releases the movable yoke or collar D. At the end of its stroke the
plunger c opens the inlet into the connecting pipe and through it admits the
compressed air into the large cylinder G, where it presses both against the bottom
of such cylinder and against the piston g, thus causing them to move in opposite
directions. This action has for its object to swing round the elbow levers H and I
and thereby cause them to press simultaneously by their respective ends ¹ and i
against the torpedo T and drive it away from its frame A.
The torpedo on leaving the frame swings around the vertical axis J (Figure 7)
which serves as a pivot to it through the intermediary of the movable arm E, with
which it is connected. It should be observed that the action of driving the torpedo
out of its frame only starts the angular evolution of such torpedo, the movement
being continued by the resistance the water offers to the body of the torpedo T.
The second part of the operation consists in adjusting the cam a¹ for the required
position of firing. This may be effected by the aid of a sighting device or
alhidade V which is connected to the vertical pivot J, or by any other convenient
device arranged in a suitable part of the ship and properly connected to the launch-
ing mechanism. Whatever means may be adopted, once the cam is adjusted
it forms a rest to the rod of the movable armi E until the moment when the
said rod arrives at the end of the curved part of the cam a¹ (Figure 7). At that
moment the said rod b, owing to the action of the spring r, becomes displaced in
the movable arm E in the direction of the arrow (Figure 3) and disengages from
the rocking lever K and so permits this latter under the action of its spring r
to move in the direction of the arrow (Figure 3) by swinging around the axis k.
This swinging movement effects the disengagement of the heels t¹ and t from the
branches and p of the pincers or grippers and moves the finger between the
said branches thereby forcing them open in case of anything preventing their
opening unaided. Furthermore it pulls the longitudinal rod L which owing to
its stirrup with tongue swings round the lever m of the air inlet so causing
the ordinary and well known propelling mechanism to start working.
In this state the torpedo T is freed from its ties and at once moves off in the
direction determined by the position of the cam a¹.
Having now explained the action of launching I will proceed to describe the
manner of immersing the torpedo.
The torpedo launcher proper is suspended in such a manner as to permit of its
being lowered vertically for the purpose of immersion or of anchorage of the
torpedo carried by it, and also to permit of re-hoisting either an unlaunched
torpedo or the empty frame after launching the torpedo in order to charge it with
another torpedo.
Figures 1 and 2 show the preferred arrangement of anchoring mechanism.
This arrangement consists in connecting the frame A to a jib-frame hinged at o o
to the ships bridge and at oo to the said frame A. A cable Q, attached at q
to the jib and passing over the pulley on the davit Q, permits of moving
the jib from the position shown in dotted lines (Figures 1 and 2) to that shown
by full lines which represent the position of anchoring. Two cables or tow-
ropes R and R¹ keep the frame A in position.
The modified arrangement shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10 represent the frame A
suspended by two beams M and N hinged on the one hand to the said frame A
and on the other hand to two davits M¹ and №1 on the bridge of the ship. The
hinges are disposed in such a manner as to work in the plane of the frame A as
shown by dotted lines Figure 8. Furthermore the davits M¹ and N¹ are capable

page_text: of being turned on their pivots so as to enable the frame A to be placed above the
bridge (see dotted position Figure 9 and at the right of Figure 10). The opera-
tion of anchoring is effected by releasing the cable Q attached to the frame A
and which passes over the pulley 9' in connection with one of the davits M¹ N¹.
The tow-ropes R and R' maintain the frame A in its position of anchorage.
The modified arrangement of anchorage represented in Figures 11 and 12 is more
especially suitable for use with torpedo launchers on vessels rising high above
the water level. It will here be seen that the frame A is suspended from two
hinged lever arms L L3 the pivots and 13 of which latter pass through the hull
of the ship above water line. These pivots terminate in the interior of the vessel
in crank levers connected together by a connecting rod T. It is obvious that by
actuating the said connecting rod the two crank levers turn together in their plane
of motion and thus move the frame A from its position of rest shown in dotted
lines) into that of anchorage (shown in full lines). Tappets or stops may be
employed to limit the extent of movement of the levers L and L³. If preferred
the movement of the frame A may be obtained through the medium of a rope or
cable Q.
It should be observed in all these various modifications that the cam on the
vertical pivot J of the movable arm W is connected with the sighting device or
alhidade by a rod J', articulated in the vertical pivot J by means of a universal
joint or by any other convenient means.
A further modification is shown in Figures 13 to 18 which is for use in con-
nection with a launching tube A¹ arranged in the interior (Figures 14 and 15) of
the ship above the water line, parallel to the diametral plane of the ship and along
the sides thereof towards the bow. The tube A which is of sufficient length to
contain the frame A of the torpedo launching apparatus is closed at its rear end
by a cover V adapted to be taken off and closed at its front end by a sluice-valve ("
or by any other similar means and which separate such tube from the spoon or
shield D formed as a prolongation of the tube A¹ and opening laterally through
an elongated aperture in the side to which it is connected in any suitable manner.
The lateral aperture in the side and spoon is ordinarily closed by an obturator E¹
in connection with a system of levers or lever mechanism F1 (Figure 18) forming
an articulated parallelogram which permits of the lateral removal of the said
obturator from the apparatus. This may be effected, for example, by means such
as shown at H (Figure 17) one of the parts being connected to the axis of one of
the levers and the other part may be provided with a hand wheel situated in
the interior of the vessel.
The launching tube A is provided internally with guides a² (Figure 16) between
which moves a slide extending from the rear to the inner voke or collar C
of the frame. Similar guides are provided in the spoon or shield D₁ in which
the frame A can be slid endwise from the tube into the said spoon or shield
after the sluice-valve has been opened.
For the purposes of this operation a tube I¹, fixed to the rear end of the frame A
and passing through the cover of the launching tube A is connected, by a
screwed portion, to a tubular piston 12 equal in length to the full stroke of the
frame A. The tubular piston 12 enters a cylinder or pump barrel J (Figures 13,
14 and 15) adapted to be placed in communication with a compressed air reservoir
of any suitable construction, by means of a tube connection. The compressed
air thus introduced into the cylinder J1 does not act against the extremity of the
piston 13 but acts against the bottom of the said piston which, under these
Conditions is not liable to become deformed. The action produced on the niston I²
by the compressed air brings about the displacement of the frame A from the
tube A¹ into the spoon or shield D' until the lateral tannets strike against steps 72
arranged in the interior of the spoon or shield D¹. On the vertical portion b of
the frame A is fixed a tubular rod m² passing through the cover V₁ of the tube A¹,
and to such rel is connected, by means of a serewed portion, a tube of a length
equal to the full stroke of the frame A. This tubular rod m³ nº serves on the one

page_text: hand as a means by which to operate the cam a¹ which regulates the point of
departure of the torpedo T, and on the other hand for introducing compressed air
into the cylinder and G the first of which cylinders effects the unbolting of
the movable yoke or collar D and while the second of these cylinders effects the
movement of the pushing out or elbow levers H and 1 and also causes the frame A
after the launching of the torpedo to return from the spoon 11 back into the
launching tube A¹. To this end the tubular rod m² 2 is provided, between the
vertical rear part and the vertical pivot J with a bevel wheel in gear with a
similar wheel keyed to the hub of the cam a. Thus if the said tubular rod is
rotated by any convenient means, say for instance a hand wheel, a correspond-
ing movement is imparted to the cam a and this latter can therfore be placed to
accord with any desired angle for launching.
To the front end of the tubular rod m² 2 is attached a flexible tube for supplying
the compressed air to the cylinders and G which on their side are connected with
the same tubular rod man by another flexible tube . A tap or cock arranged
near the hand wheel permits of supplying, at a given signal, compressed air to
both the cylinders.
In order to enable the frame A to be returned from the spoon or shield D' into
the tube a thin steel rope f is attached to the extremity of the tubular rod m² n
and such rope may be hauled in by a suitable tack or by any other convenient
means.
The general operation of this arrangement is easily understood: First the
sliding cover E' of the spoon or shield D is removed and the sluice valve C¹ opened,
then the frame A carrying the torpedo T is advanced into the spoon or shield
through the action of the compressed air introduced into the cylinder J and at the
word "fire" the tap or cock 2 is opened to admit compressed air into the tubular
rod mat the same time keeping the hand wheel 2 thereof in the position
indicated by the person on the bridge. It should be observed that such position
of the hand wheel may be effected either by mechanical means directly from the
bridge, or by electrical means in connection with an electrical indicator. It should
further be noted that the swinging of the torpedo T around the vertical pivot
and its disengagement from the movable arm E are effected in the manner already
explained with regard to the function of the torpedo launcher proper and that
such manner of operating remains the same without any modification whatever.
In order to recharge the apparatus the frame A is brought back into the tube A¹
and the sluice valve closed, then the water is expelled from the tube 11, the
piston I and the tube n are unscrewed so as to disconnect the same and to allow
of the cylinder J being taken off. Next the cover V₁ of the tube A' is removed
and the frame A taken out by running it on rollers u suitably disposed, then a
fresh torpedo is introduced and the same operations are carried out in reverse
order so as to place the frame A charged with such torpedo again into the launching
tube A¹.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
1. A submarine torpedo launching apparatus for use in connection with ships
of any kind characterized mainly by a rigidly constructed frame adapted to be
immersed or anchored vertically and at the time of launching the torpedo against
one of the sides of the ship, and in which frame a torpedo is placed longitudinally
and retained therein by a movable arm adapted to pivot horizontally in the ear
end of the said frame and engaging with its front portion the tail of the torpedo,--
by an arrangement for engaging the torpedo and attaching it to the movable
arm, by means for disengaging the torpedo from the frame by starting the
horizontal evolution of the movable arm together with the torpedo held thereon,
such evolution being completed by the resistance opposed by the water to the
torpedo, and by a cam connected with a sighting device, and having for its object

page_text: to effect the interruption of the attachment between the torpedo and movable arm
precisely at the moment when the torpedo during its horizontal swinging movement
arrives in the line of sight, substantially as specified.
2. In the torpedo launching apparatus referred to in Claim 1, the arrangement
of a torpedo carrier frame suspended from levers or mounted on a carriage and
comprising two rigid yokes or collars B and C and a movable yoke or collar bolted
to the said frame with the object of securing the torpedo in the frame, a vertical
pivot on which turns a movable arm E to the end of which is attached the
torpedo located in the frame, pincers or grippers engaging the wing of the
torpedo, and levers H and I adapted to press against the torpedo and cause it to
swing arcund the pivot when required, substantially as specified.
3. In the submarine torpedo launching apparatus referred to in Claim 1 the arrange-
ment of the frame A for holding the torpedo, in combination with the cylinders c¹
and G to which compressed air is supplied in succession, the first of such cylinders
being employed for the purpose of unbolting the movable yoke or collar 1) and the
cond one for the purpose of operating the levers H and I so as to eject the
torpedo T from the frame A and to start the horizontal motion of the torpedo and
arm E around the pivot J, the said evolution being then completed by the resist-
ance of the water, substantially as specified.
4. In the submarine torpedo launching apparatus referred to in Claim 1 the
arrangement of the frame A holding the torpedo in combination with a movable
arm E hinged to a sleeve j loose on the pivot J and carrying an internally arranged
red which is kept in contact with a cam a¹ by the action of a spring and which
normally engages a lever K which on being liberated opens the pincers or grippers P
at the precise moment predetermined by the setting of the cam a¹ and so disengages
the torpedo, substantially as hereinbefore specified.
5. In the submarine torpedo launching apparatus, referred to in (laim 1 the
arrangement of the frame A holding a torpedo, in combination with a vertical
pivot Jon which a movable arm E is adapted to swing a cam a fixed to said arm
for determining the moment of liberation of the torpedo, and a sighting device
or alhidade V in connection with the vertical pivot J for setting the cam a to the
required position for liberating the torpedo at the moment of coming into the
proper position for discharging.
6. In the submarine torpedo launching apparatus referred to in Claim 1 the
arrangement of the frame A holding the torpedo, in combination with means for
discharging the torpedo therefrom, consisting of a cam keyed to the movable
pivet J and a rod bi lodged in the arm E which is movably arranged on the said
pivot for the purpose of operating the lever K which opens the pincers or grippers I'
so as to release the wing of the torpedo and which at the same time opens the air
admission device by the aid of a rod L, substantially as specified.
7. In the submarine torpedo launching apparatus referred to in Claim 1 the
arrangement of the frame A holding a torpedo, in combination with means of
suspension for the said frame from one of the sides of the ship, such means of
suspension having for its object to effect the immersion of the said frame and
to raise it when desired by either moving it vertically to the plane of the frame or
in such plane, substantially as specified.
8. In the submarine torpedo faunching apparatus referred to in Claim 1, the
arrangement of the frame A carrying the torpedo, in combination with a carriage
adapted to be moved along a torpedo launching tube and in a spoon or shield
forming the prolongation of the said tube, the shield being so formed as to perm.t
cf an angular horizontal motion of the torpedo around a pivot J, substantially
as specified.
9. In the submarine torpedo launching apparatus referred to in Claim 1, the
special arrangement of the frame A carrying the torpedo, of the tube A¹ and
shield 1 permitting of the longitudinal movement therein of the said frame,
in combination with a cylinder J, working with compressed air, for the purpose
o effecting this longitudinal movement, a tubular rod m² nª admitting the com-

page_text: pressed air into the cylinders c¹ and G in order to unbolt the collar 1) and to actuate
the levers H and I, and an electric or mechanical contrivance by which to operate
the cam a' on the vertical pivot J in order to adjust the position of such cam to
any direction required for launching the torpedo, substantially as specified.
Dated this 27th day of March 1899.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.