GB2518372A

GB2518372A - Apparatus and payload pushing assembly for loading torpedo tubes

Info

Publication number: GB2518372A
Application number: GB1316587.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adrian Phipps
Original assignee: Babcock Integrated Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Babcock Integrated Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2013-09-18
Filing date: 2013-09-18
Publication date: 2015-03-25
Anticipated expiration: 2033-09-18
Also published as: GB2518372B; GB201316587D0

Abstract

An apparatus for moving a payload into a torpedo tube comprises a payload pushing assembly for pushing a payload into the torpedo tube and a means for moving the payload pushing assembly. The means for moving the payload pushing assembly is operable to move the payload pushing assembly and thereby push the payload into the torpedo tube. The length of the payload pushing assembly is adjustable.

Description

Apparatus and payload pushing assembly for loading torpedo tubes

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for loading payloads into torpedo tubes and a payload pushing assembly for pushing payloads into torpedo tubes.

Background of the invention

Loading a payload into a submarIne torpedo tube typically comprises using a lift to deliver a payload to a support which is in line with the torpedo tube to be loaded. A load bar is then inserted between a hydraulic ram and the rear of the payload. The hydraulic Tam is then used to move the payload into the torpedo tube. Hydraulic rams can be expensive and are typically heavy.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for moving a payload into a torpedo tube, the apparatus comprising a payload pushing assembly for pushing a payload into the torpedo tubeS and a means for moving the payload pushing assembly, the means for moving the payload pushing assembly being operable to move the payload pushing assembly and thereby push the payload into the torpedo tube, wherein the payload pushing assembly is elongate and has an adjustable length.

This adjustability is beneficial because the payload pushing assembly may be used to load payloads of different length into a torpedo tube. For example, the payload pushing assembly may be used to load torpedoes of different length. A submarine does not, therefore, have to store many different payload pushing assemblies, one for each type of paylQad.

The longitudinal axis of the elongate payload pushing assembly is optionally arranged to be substantially parallel to the pushing direction.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby stated that the length of the payload pushing assembly is typically fixed during use.

The length is optionally fixable at one or more of a plurality of pre-determined values. -Each value of said length is typically associated with a particular payload. For example, if the payload pushing assembly is to be used to load three payloads of mutually different lengths, said length of the payload pushing assembly may be fixable in at least three different values. A longer payload will typically require said length to be smaller. -The minimum value of said length may optionally be at least 300mm. ---The maximum value of said length hay optionally be no more than 2ÔOQmm. -- * 25 The payload pushing assembly may optionally be provided with a stop for inhibiting adjustment of said length to more than a maximum value.

The payload pushing assembly may optionally be provided with a stop for inhibiting adjustment of said length to less than a minimum value. -The payload pushing assembly may optionally be capable of pushing loads of at least 2000kg mass.

The payload pushing assely may be provided with an indicator for indicating the appropriate length for a particular payload.

The payload pushing assembly may comprise first and second parts movable relative to one another so as to adjust said length of the payload pushing assembly. The first part of the payload pushing assembly is, in use, generally to the rear of the second part of the payload pushing assembly. One or both of the first and second parts is optionally elongate. The longitudinal axis of one or both of the first andsecond parts is optionally parallel to the length of the payload pushing assembly. The first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly may optionally overlap, the degree of overlap between the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly determining said length of the payload pushing assembly. For example, said length will be smaller if there is a greater degree of overlap between the first and second parts. The relative positions of the first and second parts optionally determines said length of the payload pushing assembly. Said first and second parts may optionally form a telescopic arrangement, the first part telescopically arranged relative to the second part, wherein the first and second parts are movable relative to one another so as to adjust said length of the payload pushing assembly. One of the first and second parts is optionally at least partially received within the other of the first and second parts.

Said length of the payload pushing assembly may be adjustable by useof a screw threaded arrangement. The first part of the payload pushing assembly may comprise a first screw thread configuration and the second part of the payload pushing assembly may comprise a second screw thread configuration for engaging with the first screw thread configuration, wherein the first and second screw thread configurations are rotatable relative to one another to cause relative motion of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly. This arrangement facilitates the adjustment of said length of the payload pushing assembly.

The first part of the payload pushing assembly optionally comprises a first screw thread bearing member (such as a nut or a threaded bar) and the second part of the payload pushing asembly optionally comprises a second screw thread bearing member, such as a threaded bar or nut, for engaging with the first thread bearing member.

For example, one of the first and second screw thread bearing members may comprise a threaded bar and the other of the first and second thread bearing members may comprise a nut for receiving said threaded bar, the threaded bar being rotatable to cause movement of the nut along the threaded bar, thereby causing movement of the second part of the payload puähing assembly relative to the first part of the payload pushing assembly and therefore adjusting said length of the payload pushing assembly.

One or both of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly is optionally elongate.

Said threaded bar optionally extends substantially parallel to at least one of said first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly. Said threaded bar optionally extends into one of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly. One or both of the first and second parts ofthe payload pushing assembly optionally comprises substantially tubular body portions. Said threaded bar optionally extends.

into such a tubular body portion.

The threaded bar may comprise a tool-receiving configuration for engagement with a corresponding configuration provided on S a tool. The tool-receiving configuration may, for example, comprise a substantially square portion for insertion into a socket tool provided with a recess for receiving the square portion. The socket tool may be rotated by a handle, for example, rotation of the socket tool causing rotation of the threaded bar.

The payload pushing assembly may optionally comprise a length indicator for indicating said length of the payload pushing assembly. The length indicator may comprise a first length indicator portion associated with one of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly and a second length indicator portion associated with the other of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly. One of the first and second length indicator portions is typically a scale providing markers, each associated with a plurality of payload of different length and the other of the first and second length indicator portions comprises a mark with which a marker of said scale is aligned when the correct length for a particular payload is obtained.

For example, the second length indicator portion may comprise a projectinn which extends through a slot provided in one of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly.

The first length indicator portion optionally comprises a scale provided on the other of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly, the scale providing markers, each associated with a plurality of payloads of different length. In this case, the position of the projection relative to the scale indicates the length of the payload pushing assembly.

As indicated above, the apparatus optionally comprises a support for the payload pushing assembly. The payload pushing assembly is optionally mountable on the support. It may be desirable, for example, to adjust said length of the payload pushing assembly before mounting the the paiload pushing assembly onto the support.

The payload pushing assembly may comprise one or more mounting configurations for mounting the payload pushing assembly on the support. If the payload pushing assembly comprises first and second parts as described above, the one or more mounting configurations may optionally be provided on the first (preferably rear) part of the payload pushing assembly. In this case, the support typically comprises corresponding configurations to enable mounting of the payload pushing assembly on the support. For example, the support may be provided with oie or more apertures or recesses for receiving one or more projections provided on the payload*pushing assembly. Said mounting configurations may optionally be provided at or proximate to an end of the payload pushing assembly. Said mounting configurations may optionally comprise one or more lugs.

The payload pushing assembly may comprise one or more configurations for location with one or more corresponding configurations provided on a payload. For example, the payload pushing assembly may be provided with an aperture or recess for the receipt of a corresponding protrusion (e.g. a button) provided on a payload. Said configuration may optionally be provided at or proximate to an end of the payload pushing assembly, typically at a different end from that provided with one or more mounting configurations (if said mounting configuration(s) are present). The second part of the payload pushing assembly may be provided with said configuration.

The payload pushing asembly is optionally attachable to a payload. In this connection, the payload pushing assembly comprises attachment means for attachment to a payload. For example, the payload pushing assembly may comprise an aperture for the receipt therethrough of a cotter pin. Said aperture is typically lined-up with a corresponding aperture on a payload so that the cotter pin can be inserted into said apertures, thereby attaching the payload pushing assembly to the payload.

As mentioned above, the payload pushing assembly may comprise a telescopic arrangement comprising a first part telescopically arranged relative to a second part, wherein the first and second parts are movable relative to one another so as to adjust said length of the payload pushing assembly. For example, the first part may comprise an inner part telescopically arranged relative to an outer (second) part, and the first part may be movable so as to adjust said length.

Alternatively or additionally, the outer part may be movable relative to the inner part. The relative movement of the first and second parts to adjust said length may be a translational movement (as opposed to a rotational movement, for example) The payload pushing assembly may comprise one or more means for fixing said length of the payload pushing assembly. Said means. for fixing said length may comprise a cotter pin, for example. This may be the case if the payload pushing assembly comprises first and second parts movable to adjust said length, each of the first and second parts being provided with one or more apertures for the insertion therethrough of the cotter pin. When an aperture in the first part and an aperture of the second part overlap the cotter pin may be inserted through said apertures, thereby inhibiting movement of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly. The one or more means for fixing said length of the payload pushing assembly may comprise a projection associated with a biasing member, said projection and biasing member being provided on one of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly; the other of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly being provided with a corresponding configuration for engagement with said projection. The corresponding configuration may comprise a projection, recess or aperture, for example.

The means for moving the payload pushing assembly may optionally comprise a hydraulic ram.

The means for moving the payload pushing assembly may optionally comprise one or more driven track.

The means for moving the payload pushing assembly may optionally comprise at least one chain and at least one sprocket. For example, two (parallel) sprockets may be used to drive one chain, for example if the chain is more than one chain link in width or if a chain link is particularly wide.

At least one chain may comprise an endless chain (i.e. a chain loop) . Alternatively or additionally, at least one chain may comprise a chain with two ends. The chain may be provided with a plurality of rollers.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a payload pushing assembly for use in the apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention. The payload pushing assembly may comprise those features described above in relation to the apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention. The payload pushing assembly mentioned aboVe in relation to the first and second aspects of the present invention is often referred to by those skilled in the art as a wload bar".

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is therefore provided a submarine torpedo tube load bar for pushing a payload into a torpedo tube, the load bar being elongate and having an adjustable length. The load bar may comprise one or more mounting configurations for mounting the payload pushing assembly on a support. The submarine torpedo tube load bar may comprise the features of the payload pushing assembly ment.ioned above in relation to the apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention.

The submarine torpedo tube load bar of the third aspect of the present invention may be used to push payloads of differing lengths into a torpedo tube.

The one or more mounting configurations may be provided at or near one end of the submarine torpedo tube load bar.

For example, the submarine torpedo tube load bar of the third aspect of the present invention may comprise first and second parts movable relative to one another so as to adjust the length of the submarine torpedo tube load bar. The submarine torpedo tube load bar may also comprise one or more configurations for location with one or more corresponding configurations provided on a payload.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a torpedo tube payload-loading kit comprising a payload pushing assembly in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention or a submarine torpedo tube load bar in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention and a support for supporting the payload pushing assembly or load bar. The support may have the features described above in relation to the apparatus of the *first aspect of the present invention.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of loading a torpedo tube with a payload, the method comprising: providing a payload to be loaded into a torpedo tube and a payload pushing assembly for pushing the payload into the torpedo tube; adjusting said length of the payload pushing assembly to a desired length for said payload, if required; and moving the payload pushing assembly, thereby pushing the payload into the torpedo tube.

The method may comprise introducing the payload pushing assembly to the payload. This may comprise bringing a configuration of the payload into engagement with *a corresponding configuration on the payload pushing assembly.

For example, this may comprise inserting a projection (typically provided by the payload) into a recess or space (typically provided by the payload pushing assembly) The method may optionally comprise introducing the payload pushing assembly to a support for the payload pushing assembly. This may comprise prbviding a support and moving the support and payload pushing assembly relative toone another.

This may optionally comprise moving the support relative o the payload pushing assembly, optionally thereby establishing a connection between the support and the payload pushing assembly, for example, establishing a connection between a configuration provided on the payload pushing assembly and a corresponding configuration provided on the support. For example, movement of the support may enabla engagement between lugs provided on the payload pushing assembly and channels provided by the support.

The method may comprise attaching the payload pushing assembly to the payload.

S The method of the fifth aspect of the present invention may use the apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention. Furthermore, the method of the fifth aspect of the present invention may use the payload pushing assembly of the second and aspect of the present invention.

Tn accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a submarine comprising an apparatus in accordancewith the firstaspectof the present invention.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts on a submarine for inserting loads of lengths of for example 2m, 4m and 7m into a torpedo tube of said submarine, the kit comprising a load bar of adjustable length. The load bar may comprise those features of the payload pushing assembly in relation to the apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention and/or those features of the load bar of the third aspect of the present invention.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is stated that the features of one aspect of the invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the invention.

Description of the drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following Figures of which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of part of an embodiment of sri apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic side-bn view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side-on view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1 showIng the relationship between the sprocket and a chain driven by the sprocket; Figure 4 is a simplified end-on view of part of thc apparatus of Figure 1 showing the relationship between the chain, rollers and track; Figure 5 is a plan view of the chain used in the embodiment shown; Figure 6 is a cut-away perspective view of the load bar used in the apparatus of Figure 1, the load bar being an embodiment of a payload pushing assembly in accordance with the present invention Figure 7 is a schematic side-on view of a further example of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 8a is a schematic end-on cross-section of a first chain guide used in the example apparatus of Figure 7; and Figure Sb is a schematic end-on cross-section of a second chain guide used in the example apparatus of Figure 7.

Detailed description

An example of an embodiment of the present invention will now be described principally with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

Referring to Figure 1, the apparatus according to the embodiment is denoted generally by reference numeral 1. The apparatus 1 comprises a load bar 2 (the length of which is adjustable) mounted on a support 3 which is coupled to a movable chain 4, best seen inFigures 3 and 4. The movable chain 4 is driven by two powered sprockets, one of which 5 is visible in Figure 3. The sprockets are driven by a hydraulic motor 6 which is visible itt Figure 1. Very briefly, the hydraulic motor 6 drives a shaft (not shown) which rotates the sprockets 5 which, in turn, cause *the chain 4 to move, thereby moving the support 3 and associated load bar 2. Movement of the load bar 2 pushes the payload, in this case a torpedo T, into a torpedo tube (not labelled) . The apparatus 1 will now be described in more detail.

The teeth (not labelled) of sprockets 5 engage in the spaces formed in the dinks of the chain 4. The chain 4 has two ends i.e. it is not a loop of chain, but merely a length of chain in which the two ends are not attached to form a loop. In this case, chain 4 comprises two parallel and linked chain portions 4a, 4b, each of which is driven by a respective sprocket. The chain is a Renold Synergy ® duplex roller chain (GY20B2, Renold plc, Manchester, UK) . The chain 4 is provided with a plurality of rollers, some of which are labelled 41, 42, 43, 44. Each roller is rotatably mounted on an extended bearing pin 45, as shown in Figure 5. A track 7 is provided to form a "run" for the rollers, as can best be seen from Figure 4, and a chain guide for the chain and rollers. The track 7 houses the chain 4, including the rollers, relatively snugly but does not allow significant lateral or vertical movement of the chain 4. This constraining of the chain 4 keeps the chain in position for driving by the sprockets 5. This arrangement allows transfer of a compression load to the chain without buckling the chain. The support 3 is attabhed to chaIn 4 so that when the chain 4 moves the support 3 moves too. The support 3 extends through a gap 71 provided in the track 7. A return track 77 is provided to house the chain and rollers when they are moved in a respective direction.

During use, the rollers contact track running surfaces 46, 47 and the rollers rotate relative to the bearing pins 45 on which they are mounted. The rollers facilitate the smooth and quiet running of the chain. The structure and interaction of the load bar 2 and support 3 in relation to the torpedo T will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1, .2 and 6. The. load bar 2 is generally cylindrical in shape and comprises two lugs 21, 22, each of which, is received in a respective channel 31, 32 provided in the upper portion of support 3. The lugs 21, 22 are located towards one end (the aft end) 23 of the load bar 2. The other end 24 (the fore end) of the load bar 2 is essentially tubular and provides an opening 25 for the insertion therein of a projection provided on the aft end of the torpedo T. The projection is typically.1', known as a button B. On correct insertion of the button B into opening 25, a load bar pin insertion path s formed by apertures provided in the load bar 2 and a channel C provided in button B. A load bar pin 26 is provided in the load bar insertion path to attach the torpedo T to the ioad bar 2. The attachment of the load bar 2 to the torpedo T ensures that any movement of the load bar is transferred to the torpedo T. For example, the attachment ensures that any movement in a fore to aft directiofl results in the torpedo T being pulled by the load bar 2. Tn order to position the load bar, button B of torpedo T in inserted into opening 25 of load bar 2 and the load bar manhandled onto support 3, typically with the lugs 21, 22 resting in position P shown as a dotted circle in Figure 2. The support 3 is then moved forward using the sprockets so that lugs 21, 22 engage in the channel.s 31, 32 provided in the upper portion of support 3. The load bar pin 26 is then inserted to attach the torpedo T to the load bar 2.

The support 3 is provided with.a base 33 which provides stability in particuiar when the load bar 2 is attached. The S lower surface of the base 33 is proximate to, or lightly contacts, the supporting surfaces 41, 42, Support 3 is rigidly attached to chain 4 as shown in Figure 4 so that when the chain moves, the support 3 and load bar 2 move.

The load bar 2 will now be described in more detail with particular reference to Figure 6. The load bar 2 is adjustable in length which is particularly useful when vessel is carrying payloads of more than qne length, since the length of the load bar can be adjusted to a length which suits the particular length of a payload. For example, mines are typically shorter than torpedoes, so a load bar for a mine may be longer than for a torpedo. Similarly, a boat may carry torpedoes of more than one length, in which case it may be useful to have a load bar of adjustable length. Furthermore, the length of the chain 4 is finite, and it is desirable for the chain length to be as short as possible. In this case, the length of the load bar 2 may be adjusted to take into consideration the movement range of the chain and payload length.

The load bar 2 comprises a first part generally denoted by reference numeral 51 and a second part generally denoted by refeiSence numeral 52. The first and second parts are moveable relative to one another thereby adjusting the length of the load bar 2. The second part 52 comprises an inner tubular portion 26 which is generally disposed within an outer tubular portion 27 provided by first part 51. Second part 52 comprises a nut 28 bearing a screw thread (not shown) . The screw thread of nut 28 is coupled with a screw thread (not shown) of lead screw 29 which is provided by first part 51. Lead sdrew 29 is part of a threaded bar. which is provided with a square headed portion 201 which can be used to cause rotation of lead screw 29. A bearing 207 is provided to facilitate rotation of lead screw 29. In use, a socket (not shown) having a recess for the recess of square headed portion 201 is placed over the square headed portion 201. A handle is used to rotate the socket which, in turn, rotates the square headed portion 201 and the lead screw 29. Rotation of lead screw 29 causes movement of nut 28 and thereby movement of inner tubular portion 26. The movement of inner tubular portion 26 causes the effective length of the load bar 2 to be adjusted. The load bar 2 is further provided with an indicator 202 for indicating the length of the load bar 2. The indicator 202 is associated with the nut 28. Markers (not shown) are provided on outer tubular portion 27 adjacent to indicator 202. The markers indicate a particular length setting for a particular type of payload so that a user can adjust the length of the load bar 2 to suit the payload. A bush 204 is provided between the inner 26 and outer 27 tubular portions of load bar 2 to allow sliding motion. An end stop 205 is provided on one end of lead screw 29 which abuts with a corresponding surface on nut 28 when the load bar 2 is fully extended.

Operation of this embodiment of apparatus 1 will now be described. A payload, in this case torpedo T, is delivered from a storage area toe position from which it is to be loaded into a torpedo tube. The torpedo T rests on several inclined surfaces (not shown) which provide a platform which supports the payload, as is well known to those skilled in the art. An angled plate 50 shown in Figure 1 is additionally provided to inhibit the torpedo T from rolling from its desired position. The support 3, without the load bar 2 in position, is moved into approximately the correct position using the sprocket/chain arrangement. In order to position the load bar 2, button B of torpedo T in inserted into opening 25 of load bar 2 and the load bar manhandled onto support 3, typically with the lugs 21, 22 resting in position P shown as a dotted circle in Figure 2 (i.e. the load bar is angled or inclined) . The support 3 is then moved foward using the sprockets so that the load bar 2 drops under the influence of gravity so that load bar 2 is horizontal and lugs 21, 22 engage in the channels 31, 32 provided in the upper portion of support 3 The load bar pin 206 is then inserted to attach the torpedo T to the load bar 2. The sprocket/chain arrangement is then used to move the load bar 2 so as to push the torpedo into the torpedo tube. Once the torpedo is in the desired position, the load bar pin 206 is removed, thereby disconnecting the load bar from the payload. The torpedo T is then typically moved further into the torpedo tube ready for launching. The load 1ar is then moved rearwardly so that it is in position to push another payload into a torpedo tube.

While the load bar and payload are connected the load bar may be used to pull, as well as push, the payload. This may be desirable, for example, if it is no longer desirable to load the torpedo tube.

A further example of an apparatus in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 7, Sa and 8b. The apparatus is denoted generally be reference numeral 501 and comprises a chain 504 similar to chain 4 described above in relation to the apparatus of Figs. 1 to 6.

The chain 504 is coupled to a load bar support 503 which, in turn, is coupled to a load bar 502, in essentially the same manner as that described above in relation to the apparatus of Figs. 1 to 6. Rotation of sprocket 515 causes the chain 504 to move which, in turn, causes movement of load bar 502 which causes movement of the payload. The chain 504 is provided with rollers 505, 506 to facilitate smooth and quiet running of the chain. The apparatus 501 is provided with tracks 507, 577 which act as guides for the chain and rollers. Track 507 is S associated with the load bar support 503 and is provided with a slot 571 through which the load bar support 503 can project and be moved. Track 577 is a return track. There are differences between apparatus 1 and apparatus 501 as will now be explained. Firstly, the track 507 associated with the load bar support and the load bar support 503 is located generally above the payload to be moved. This is in contrast to apparatus 1 in which the track 7 and load bar support 3 are generally below the payload to be moved. Furthermore, both track 507 and return track 507 are single-piece tracks of about 6m in length and which are made by extruding steel. The resulting tracks are light and are made cheaply.

The example above illustrates the use of a load bar the length df which is adjustable using a screw thread to cau.se translation movement of one part of the load bar to another.

Those skilled in the art will realise that alternative arrangements of load bar may be used. Furthermore, the engagement of the screw threads provided on the nut and lead screw effectively fixes the length of the load bar at a particular value until it is desired to change the length of the load bar.

The load bar may alternatively be provided with a biased locking mechanism which, in the absence of a user-applied force, locks the load bar at a particular length, but on the application of a user-applied force, the locking mechanism is disengagedso that the length of the loadbar may be adjusted to the desired length. Once the desired length is obtained, the use releases the force and the locking mechanism is biased into engagement one more, locking the load bar at the new length.

The example above illustrates the use of a load bar comprising two portions telescopically arranged one within another. Those skilled in the art will realise that other arrangements are possible.

The example above illustrates the movement of a payload into a torpedo tube. Those skilled in the art will realise that the apparatiis and method of the present invention may be used to move payloads more generally around the submarine (for example, introducing the payload into the submarine) The example above shows how a chain-drive may be used to move the payload into a torpedo tube. Those skilled in the art will realise that other means of moving the payload into the tube may be used. For example, a hydraulic ram may be used.

Where in the foregoing description; integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable * equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers Qr features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for moving a payload into a torpedo tube, the apparatus comprising a payload pushing assembly for pushing a payload into the torpedo tube and a means for moving the payload pushing assembly, the means for moving the payload pushing assembly being operable to move the payload pushing assembly and thereby push the payload into the torpedo tube, wherein the payload pushing assembly is elongate and has an adjustable length.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongate payload pushing assembly is substantially parallel to the pushing direction.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said length is fixable at one or more of a plurality of pre-determined values.
4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the payload pushing assembly comprises a stop for inhibiting adjustment of said length to more than a maximum value and/or a stop for inhibiting adjustment of said length, to less than a minimum value.
5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the payload pushing assembly comprises first and second parts movable relative to one another so as to adjust said length of the payload pushing assembly.,
6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein one or both of the, first and second parts is elongate.
7. An appaatus according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the longitudinal axis of one or both of the first and second parts is parallel to the length of the payload pushing assembly.
8. An apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 7 wherein the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly overlap, the degree of overlap between the first and second parta of the payload pushing assembly determining said length of the payload pushing assembly.
9. An apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 8, said first and second parts forming a tetescopic arrangement, the first part telescopically arranged relative to the second part, wherein the first and second parts are movable relative to one another so as to adjust said length of the payload pushing assembly.
10. An apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 9 wherein one of the first and second parts is at least partially received within the other of the first and second parts.11. an apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said length of the payload pushing assembly is adjustable by use of a screw threaded arrangement.12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the first part of the payloAd pushin assembly comprises a first screw thread configuration and the second part of the payload pushing assembly comprises a second screw thread configuration for engaging with the first screw thread configucation, wherein the first and second screw thread configurations are rotatable relative to one another to cause relative motion of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly.13. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the first part of the payload pushing assembly comprises a first screw thread bearing member and the second part of the *payload puèhing assembly comprises a second screw thread bearing member for engaging with the first thread bearing member.14. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein one of the first and second screvJ thread bearing members comprises a threaded bar and the other of the first and second thread bearing members comprises a nut for receiving said threaded bar, the threaded bar being rotatable to cause movement of the nut along the threaded bar, thereby adjusting said length of the payload pushing assembly.15. An apparatus according to claim 14 wherein one or both of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly comprises a substantially tubular body portion, and said threaded bar extends into a tubular body portion.16. An apparatus acdording tc claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the threaded bar comprises a tool-receiving configuration for engagement with a corresponding configuration provided on a tool.17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a length indicator for indicating said length of the payload pushing assembly.18. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the length indicator comprises a first length indicator portion associated with one of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly and a second length indicator portion associated with the other of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly.19. An apparatus according to claim 18 wherein one of the first and second length indicator portions is a scale providing markers, each associated with a plurality of payloads of different length nd the other of the first and second length indicator portions comprises a mark with which a marker of said scale is aligned when the correct length for a particular payload is obtained.20. An apparatus accotding to claim 18 or claim l9wherein the second length indicator portion comprises a projection which extends through a slot provided in one of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly and the first length indicator portion optionally comprises a scale provided on the other of the first and second parts of the payload pushing assembly, the scale providing markers, each associated with a plurality of payloads of different length, the position of the projection relative to the scale indicating the length of the payload pushing assembly.21. An apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a support for the payload pushing assembly.22. An apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the payload pushing assembly is mountable on the support.23. An apparatus according to claim 21 or 22 when dependent on claim 7 wherein the payload pushing assembly comprises one or more mounting configurations for mounting the payload pushing assembly on the support, the one or more mounting configurations being provided on the first part of the payload pushing assembly.24. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the payload pushing assembly comprises one or more configurations for location with one or more corresponding configurations provided on a payload.25. An apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the payload pushing assembly is provided with an aperture or recess for the receipt of a corresponding protrusion provided n a payload.26. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the payload pushing assembly comprises attachment means for attachment toa payload.27. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the means for moving the payload pushing assembly comprises a hydraulic ram.28. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 26 wherein the means for moving the payload pushing assembly comprises at least one chain and at least one sprocket.29. An apparatus according to claim 28 wherein at least one chain comprise a chain with two ends.30. An apparatus according to claim 28 or claim 29 wherein at least one chain is provided with a plurality of rollers.31. A payload pushing assembly for use in the apparatus of any preceding claim.32. A submarine torpedo tube load bar for pushing a payload into a submarine torpedo tube, the load bar being elongate and wherein the length of the load bar isadjustable.33. A torpedo tube payload-loading kit comprising a submarine torpedo tube load bar according to claim 32 and a support for supporting the load bar.34. A method of loading a torpedo tube with a payload, the method comprising: providing a payload to be loaded into a torpedo tube and a payload pushing assembly for pushing the payload into the torpedo tube; adjusting said length of the payload pushing assembly to a desired length for said payload, if required; and moving the payload pushing assembly, thereby pushing the payload into the torpedo tube.35. A submarine comprising an apparatus in accordance with any of claims 1 to 32.36. A kit of parts on a submarine for inserting loads of lengths of 2m, 4m, and 7m into a torpedo tube of said suomarine, the kit comprising a load bar of adjustable length.