GB191514327A - - Google Patents

Abstract

14,327. Vickers, Ltd., and North, T. K. Oct. 9. Mines, marine.-Relates to submarine mines having firing-mechanism comprising a spring- controlled striker head connected to a rod in such a manner that it becomes detached during retraction and is then impelled forwards by the spring. When such mines are interconnected by a cable attached directly to the striker rods, the effect of currents produces constant reciprocatory movement, and the stuffing-box through which the rod passes may consequently become worn and allow water to leak into the mine. This objection is obviated, according to the present invention, by providing a spring-controlled member to which the connecting- cable is attached, the member being so connected to the striker rod that the rod will only be actuated by the tension produced by impact of a ship with the cable. The member is preferably connected to its spring by means which become detached after a certain movement has taken place, so that the spring does not impede the firing movement of the member and striker rod. In the construction illustrated, the member B, to which the connecting-cable A<2> is attached, is mounted in a casing B<2> and is controlled by the spring b<1>. The flange upon which the spring b<1> abuts is detachably secured .to the part b of the member B by radial' pins b<2> having pointed ends to facilitate detachment of the flange when the pins are brought opposite to the groove b<3>. The head a' of the striker rod A' may be similarly attached to the rod. The member B engages the striker rod A' by means of the part b engaging a pin a. A stopdevice which is released by the buoyancy of the mine to arm the mine, normally locks the member against movement, and comprises a pivoted arm C<2> connected to the anchor cable C' and carrying a stop C. A block C<4> of sal-ammoniac or other soluble substance retains the stop in position during handling of the mine. The part B<3> of the casing B' forms a.conical container for the mechanism, and the lower portion of the casing B<2> is screw-threaded externally to engage the usual collar A<4> by which the tube containing the detonator and striker is attached to the mine. The casing and its mechanism can readily be attached to existing mines of the impact type in place of the usual firing-lever, the mine casing being inverted when used for connected mines.