GB211107A - Improvements in apparatus for taking torpedoes on board and placing them in the firing tubes of submarines - Google Patents

Abstract

211,107. Schneider et Cie. Feb. 6, 1923, [Convention date]. Handling torpedoes.-An apparatus for receiving torpedoes on board a submarine and leading them to the torpedo tubes comprises a cradle B, Fig. 1, for holding the torpedo A, and two tracks C, D for guiding the cradle down to the tubes. The first track C is mounted on a horizontal pivot c<6>, and is initially held in a horizontal position by means of a pin passed through a hole in the rear end of the track and through the lower hole c<14> of a rear support c<12>. In this position, it receives the cradle in which the torpedo A is deposited ; and the cradle is connected by a cable to a windlass K. The track C is then unlocked from the support c<12> and tilted about the pivot c<6> to bring it in line with the second track D, which is mounted in a sloping position on supports d<3>, d<4>, d<5>; and the track C is again locked to the support c<12>. The windlass is operated to let the cradle slide or roll down on to the second track D. A pin g<1> or h' at the front end of the cradle is then engaged with a bearing G, Fig. 1, or H, Fig. 3, respectively, and the rear end of the cradle is held up by a block tackle or otherwise, while the track D is removed. The cradle is then lowered down flat on the floor or slightly above it according to the bearing G or H used. In the latter case, the torpedo is exactly in line with the tube L. The torpedo is inserted in the tube by any suitable means. The cradle may be provided with rollers for supporting the torpedo; and these rollers may be fixed in the operative position as shown at I, Fig. 8, or adapted to be moved out of action as shown at J. The cradle may be slidably carried by hooks b', Fig. 9, resting on rails c<l> on the tracks, or may be provided with rollers b<4>, Fig. 5, running on rails c<2> on the tracks. A clamping device E is provided on the cradle for securing it at any position on the tracks; and for safety in case of the windlass cable breaking, this cable f<2>, Fig. 6, is connected to an automatic brake f<1>, which grips a rail c<16> on the tracks if the tension of the cable fails.