GB191116372A - Improvements in Submarine Signalling Apparatus. - Google Patents

Abstract

16,372. Submarine Signal Co., and Evans, G. C. July 15. Marine bell signalling. - A submerged bell buoy, actuated by tidal currents, is provided with means for storing energy to continue the signalling during periods of slack tide. For this purpose, the buoy, which is normally moored sufficiently deep to avoid fouling ships on the surface, is arranged to draw itself downwards against its natural buoyancy. The buoy A sets itself by means of vanes A<2> in the direction of the current, which rotates a propeller B and a shaft c<1> carrying a ratchet-wheel C. The wheel C carried on studs d<1>, Fig. 3, pinions D which engage between an internal gear E and a central pinion F on a shaft F<1>. External teeth e en the gear E serve to rotate a shaft h<6>, oscillating an arm J, which carries a pawl engaging a ratchetwheel j<2>, which, by means of a crank-pin j<3>, moves over the bell-clapper K<1> against a spring k. When the pin j<3> passes a dead-centre position, the spring k throws the clapper over against the opposite side of the bell, the pawl slipping over the ratchet-wheel j<2>. The rate at which the gear E turns and the frequency with which the bell is sounded is regulated by a governor operated by the pinion e' and comprising vanes rotating in oil, with which the casing containing the operative mechanism may be filled. The superfluous energy transmitted by the propeller B is transferred through the pinions D, F to a pinion G, which winds up a rack G<1> and lowers the buoy on its chain G<6>. During slack tide, the buoy rises again and, by its flotative power, turns the pinions G, F, D and the gear E, the ratchet-wheel C &c. being held against reverse rotation by a pawl C'. In this way, the signals are continued till the tide turns.