GB191421789A - Improvements in or relating to Submarine Mines. - Google Patents

Abstract

21,789. Elia, G. E. Jan. 19, [Convention date]. Mines, marine.-Relates to mines provided with means adapted to anchor the mine automatically at a given depth, and consists in means for converting the mine into a sub-floating one by decreasing the weight or increasing the buoyancy of the system when the sea-bed is deeper than the available length of anchor cable. In the form shown in Fig. 1, the mine is anchored in shallow waters by the usual anchor a, comprising a drum c for the cable d connecting the anchor to the mine and a plummet g for determining the depth of submersion of the mine; but in deeper waters, the excessive unwinding of the anchor cable causes a notch in a wheel p geared to the drum c to release a spring catch s, t from eyes u on a weight v. This weight falls away, leaving the mine and all the parts attached thereto with a small buoyancy just less than that of a small float y, which is released at the same time. This float, being connected by a short line x to a loop j around the main cable d, rises to the surface of the water and holds the mine at a depth determined by the length of the line x. Means may be provided to adjust the release of the spring catch for different depths, and these means may be made accessible from outside the anchor. In a modification, the spring catch, instead of releasing a weight, breaks open a water receptacle, the water falls on calcium carbide, and the buoyancy of the anchor is reduced bv inflation with the acetylene produced. In another modification, the anchor is water-tight and provided with cocks, which are opened or shut before the mine is laid.