GB256297A - Safety apparatus for submarine vessels - Google Patents

Abstract

256,297. Webb, J. F. April 6, 1925. Sunken objects, indicating position of.-In safety apparatus for submarine vessels in which a float is released from the vessel and carries an air tube to the surface, the drum on which the tube is wound is enclosed in a watertight casing carried by a breech block which fit's the torpedo tube, from which the float is ejected. The tube also contains a cable by means of which signals may be given from the float. The float 4, Figs. 2 and 3, is shaped so as to be adapted for ejection from the torpedo tube, and comprises a copper shell 6 encased by wooden staves 7 secured by bands 36, 37. A rubber gasket 38 may be provided as an air seal when the float is ejected by compressed air. A conical protective nose 8 is fitted. A pipe 9 extends through the float, and is adapted at its lower end to make connection with the armoured hose 11. A bearing member 39, connected by chains 40 to the float, prevents flexing of the hose 11 at the junction. The upper end of the pipe 9 extends into the nose 8 and is provided with inwardly and outwardly opening check valves 12, 13 respectively. Inside the hose 11 are electric cables 14 leading from the submarine to signal lamps located behind screens 15 in the nose. The hose 11 is wound around and secured to a hollow reel 16, Fig. 5, the hollow trunnions 17 of which provide for the connection of the hose 11 to a reversible air pump 20 and for the connection of the electric cables. The reel 16 is mounted in an air tight housing 19, which is secured by a flange 24 to the flange 26 of a breech block 27. The latter has a passage way 32 for the hose, and is mounted as usual in a hinged frame 29 and provided with the usual mechanism for securing it to the torpedo tube. A hand brake 33 may be provided to control the paying out of the hose 11, and a revolution counter 34 for indicating the depth of the vessel when the float reaches the surface. A crank 35 may also be provided for reeling in the hose. In use, the torpedo tube is closed at the outer end, and the water drained therefrom and from the casing 19 by a drain cook. The breech block is then opened, and the float secured to the hose 11 and inserted into the torpedo tube. The breech block is then closed and the sea door opened, and the float is ejected by compressed air, or alternatively by an explosive charge or by hand. Before ejecting the float, air is forced by the pump 20 into the hose to render it more buoyant and to prevent entry of water. When the float reaches the surface, the action of the pump is reversed, and air is drawn down throuph the hose. By means of the electric cable, light signals or audible signals may be operated. Telephone connections may be provided on the float. The submarine vessel may be equipped with a pipe 44, Fig. 1, extending upwardly and provided with valves 47, 48, 49 at the upper end for the supply of fresh air.