GB397037A - Improvements in or relating to torpedo tubes - Google Patents

Abstract

397,037. Torpedo tubes. SCHNEIDER ET CIE, 41, Rue d'Anjou, Paris. Feb. 24, 1933, No. 5731. Convention date, May 11, 1932. [Class 9 (ii).] Relates to torpedo tubes a, Fig. 1, in which a free piston is used between the compressed air and the torpedo, and consists in making this piston of a number of telescopic parts c<1>.. c<5>, the rearmost part being adapted to be stopped at a certain point in the tube after which the parts expand until the foremost part is stopped by the packing ring a2. With this arrangement of the piston, a tight fit is not required and the cost of boring the tube a is therefore saved ; but this tube is provided as usual with the packing ring a2, the top and bottom guide ribs a<1>, and the front and rear doors as, a<4>, and the compressed air tank b, launching valve b<2>, and exhaust valve i are also provided in the usual way, and may be automatic. A branch air pipe may also extend to the front of the tube for returning the piston. The front and rear telescopic parts of the piston are provided with flanges or discs c, c<6> guided by the ribs a<1> ; and one or more intermediate parts may also be provided with similar flanges c<7>. Any air leaking past the rear flange c<6> is trapped in the annular space or spaces behind the front flange c, and can be exhausted through the valve i. The front part c<1> carries a spring buffer d for the tail of the torpedo, and this may be connected by a cable to the rear of the tube. The rear part c<5> is stopped at the desired point by brake shoes e, Fig. 7, thereon riding along gradually widening parts a<7> of the tibs a<1> and, in doing so, rocking levers f and compressing springs g<1>.