GB127263A - Improvements in or relating to Submarine Mines. - Google Patents

Abstract

127,263. Schneider et Cie. March 31, 1915, [Convention date]. Mines, marine.-Relates to floating mines, the explosive casing of which, on impact, falls away from the float and explodes when it reaches a given depth. According to the invention, the explosive casing and the float are attached together by means of cramps which become disconnected when the float is rotated relatively to the explosive casing by the impact of a ship. As shown, the explosive casing A carries vertical and horizontal rollers B, B' normally interlocked with bearings C, C' on the float D. The bearings C are locked to the brackets a of the rollers B by pins e until these pins are drawn out by springs e<1> when sugar plugs G have dissolved away a given time after the mine is launched. The float D is also connected by a loose wire K to a friction fuse J for firing the mine when the casing A has fallen to the desired depth. The wire K is normally protected by being enclosed in a cup L. The float D is provided with antennae M, which are struck by a passing ship and cause the rotation of the float and its disengagement from the explosive casing A. The combined float and explosive casing may be held slightly submerged by a small float D'. The main float D is provided with a soluble plug P; when this is dissolved, water enters the float and sinks the mine to the bottom out of action.