GB191515578A - Method of and Apparatus for Aiming and Launching Automobile Torpedoes. - Google Patents

Abstract

15,578. Electric Boat Co., [Assignees of Davison, G. C.]. Dec. 5, 1914, [Convention date]. Torpedoes, locomotive; launching torpedoes.- Consists in setting the gyroscopic steering-gear automatically from the sighting-device, so that the torpedo steers for the target irrespective of the direction of the launching- tube. In the form shown, a periscope F is connected by a series of gear pinions and shafts H, J .. N to a shaft O connected by pinions and another shaft P to an adjustable member of the gyroscope controlling the steering gear. The shaft O is on the torpedo, whereas the shaft N is in a bracket q pivoted in a recess T in the tube A. Normally, the bracket is held in the recess by a crank q<1> and a spring- pressed rod Q. When the door a of the tube is closed, a projection thereon moves the rod Q and swings down the bracket q, a square socket in the shaft N engaging with the end of the shaft 0, which is also made square. The periscope is then in gear in the ratio 1 : 1 with the adjustable element of the steering -gear, and in parallel relation therewith, and this remains unaffected by training movements of the tube A about a ball-and-socket joint B. The training of the tube is performed by a segmental rack d and pinion c worked by a handle E through the medium of a worm gear e and a friction clutch. The clutch slips when a torpedo is launched broadside and subjected to lateral pressure from the water.