US1513109A - System of torpedo control - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 28 1924.

' LJ. H. HAMMOND, JR

SYSTEM oF ToRPEDo CONTROL Oct- J. H. HAMMOND, JR l SYSTEM OF TORPDO CONTROL voriginal Filed sept. 29,1914 4-sheetssneez 2 Inven/or Oct. 28. 1924.

J.H.HAMMOND,JR

SYSTEM 0F ToRPEDo CONTROL 4 Sheets-SheetI 5 original Filed sep1;.`29, 1914 gom Cet. 28. 1924. 1,513,109

J. H. HAMMOND, JR K SYSTEM OF TORPEDO CoNTHoL Original Filed Sept. 29, 1914 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented @et 28, 1924.

JOHN HAYS HAMMOND, JB., 0F GLOUCESTER, JSIASSACHUSETTS.

SYSTEM OF TORPEDO CONTROL.

.Application lled September 29, 15314, Serial No. 864,16). Renewed July 24, l1923.

To all whom t may cfoncem:

Be it known that I, JOHN I-IAYs I-IAM- MOND, Jr., a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Gloucester, in the county of Essex vand State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Systems of Torpedo Control, of -which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like characters on the drawings representing like arts.

p This invention relates to movable carriers controlled by radiant energy from a distance and particularly to the discharge of bodies from said carrier. In the disclosed embodiment of the invention, the movable carrier is typified as a torpedo carrier and the body to be discharged therefrom as a torpedo.

In order that the principle of the invention may be readily understood, I havedisclosed a single embodiment thereof in the accompanying drawings, wherein- Fig. 1 is a view, partly in. side elevation,

' partly in vertical section and partly diagrammatic, of a torpedo carrier constituting one embodiment only of my invention;

Fig. l is a detail in end elevation of th supporting shell for the torpedo;

Fig. 2 is a view, partially diagrammatic and vpartially in vertical section, upon a larger scaley than Fig. 1, of a portion of the mechanism -there shown;

Fig. 3 is a'view similar to Fig. 1 of a somewhat modified form of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic representation indicating the shape in vertical section' of that form of the torpedo carrier shown in Fig, 3; and

Fig. 5 is a diagram indicating the manner in which the torpedo or other carrier can be accurately controlled to effect its object.

In accordance with my invention, I provide a movable carrier adapted to be controlled by radiant energy; from a distance and equip said carrier with bodies to be discharged therefrom. Said carrier may be an alr craft, a'land vehicle or a vessel, and the body to be discharged therefrom may be a projectile or missle or any other type of body intended for hostile or other purpose. In the disclosed embodiment ofthe invention, I have represented the carrierA the masts.

to be discharged therefrom, preferably by means responsive to radiant energy from a distant control station.

I shall describe that specific embodiment of my mvention here represented, it, being understood that the principle of operation here disclosed may be employedin the control of functions of a land vehicle or an air or other craft.

Referring more particularly to the drawings and first to that form of the invention shown in Figs. l and 2, I have therein in-v dicated diagrammatically a vessel 1, which is preferably a torpedo carrier. The said vessel is adapted to be submerged to about the Water line indicated at 2, or if desired may be wholly submerged excepting the masts 3, 4, and the antenna 5, and unsubmerged portion of the hull of the vessel being preferably filled or lined with cork o`r other suitable material as a protection. The masts 3, 4 maybe of any suitable character. Preferably, however, they are ofthe so-called basket type, through which shots from a hostile ship may pass without destro ing The antenna 5 is insulated rom the structure of the mast at 6 in any suitable manner. The said antenna is preferably composed ofinterwoven wire or other suitable metallic material, and is preferably of considerable area, both longitudinally and transversely. The character of the antenna is such that shot-s may make numerous holes therein without destroying the effectiveness of the antenna.

Heretofore there has been great danger that the effectiveness of the antenna will be destroyed because wires thereof may become severed and one end thereof falling may become grounded. The antenna here shown will remain effective so long as it is not wholly torn away at one or both ends.

A. torpedo boat or other vessel equipped with means responsive to radiant energy of the-character thus far described is far less vulnerable to attack than a submarine provided with aperiscope. The reports of recent naval operations in the North Sea describe the blindi'ng7 of a periscope of a submarine by a-sh9t from the ship which the submarine was attacking, thus utterly destroying the efectivenessbf the submarine. A antennafsuch as above described, may sustain a numbei1 of welldirected hits without losing its effectiveness.

The antenna 5 forms a portion of an open, oscillatory circuit indicated at7, and leading to a suitable ground at 8. A portion of sald circuit may be enclosed 1n a tube 9,` which may. extend as far as desired through the mast 3. The open, oscillatory circuit 7 is connected to the winding 10 of a closed, oscillatorycircuit of any suitable type and shown as having therein a condenser 11, a stopping condenser 12 and a suitable detector 13 for electrical oscillations. At 14, I have indicated a sensitive relay or other contact-making device, and at 15 a less sensitive relay in clrcuitl therewith, as indicated at 16. For this purpose, I have indicated a battery at 17. At 18, I have indicated a circuit controlled by the relay 15 and having a battery 19, and at 20 I have indicated a solenoid, the core or plunger 21 of which is adapted to be moved in the directionl of the arrow adjacent thereto upon energization of said solenoid.' The said core or plunger 21 is provided with a tooth or projection adapted to engage the teeth of a gear 22 of a suitable commutator 23` whereby upon energization of the solenoid 20, the sald commutator is adapted to be moved one step, as for example, through ninety degrees. If desired, the commutator may be replaced by a pneumatic or fluid valve of the type disclosed by me in prior applications, as, for

example, application Serial No. 846,468, filed June 22, 1914.

The commutator or like device 23 1s adapted to control the functioning'of a plurality of mechanisms `upon or pertaining to the vessel 1. For that purpose I have indicated broken circuits as extending therefrom at 24. Said incomplete or broken circuits may be employed to control the starting and stopping of the engine of the torpedo carrier, the movement f the searchlights thereof and for Yother purposes. In addition and in detail I have represented means for effecting the steering of the torpedo carrier and the dlscharge of torpedoes therefrom.

Within the scope of my invention and so far as the discharge of torpedoes or other bodies therefrom is concerned, the vessel may be steeredv in any suitable manner. Preferably, however, AI employl fluid-controlled means, itself under the control of means responsive to radiant energy. For thispurpose, I have, in Figs. 1 and 2, indicated a supply tank or reservoir 25 for Huid, such as air under pressure. The said reservoir is in communication by means of a pipe 'or passage 26, (shown broken away in Fig. 1)

with the opposite ends of the steering cylinder 27 through branch pipes. 28, 29. At opi posite ends, the said cylinder 27 is provided respectively with inlet passages 30, 31 and exhaust passages 32, 33` the exhaust passage 32 communicating by pipe 34Ywith the righthand end of said cylinder 27 (viewing Fig.

haust passages 30, 31, 32, 33, I provide suit-- able slide valves 36, 37 connected to or integral with the cores 38, 39 of solenoids 40, 41, springs 42, 43 being employed to return said cores or plungers upon de-energization of said solenoids. Any other suitable type of intake and exhaust andl valve` control therefor may be provided. The cylinder 27 is provided with .a piston 44 provided with a piston rod 45 extending to the rudder. Said solenoids 40, 41 arev adapted to be placed in circuit with the commutator or rotary member 23, so that either of said solenoids may be energized to admit motive fluid to either end o'f the steering cylinder 27.

It is unnecessary to show in detail the commuator-controlling means for completing the several circuits in sequence. I have, in Figs. 1 and 2, indicat-eda conductor 46 leading from the commutator 23 to thesolenoid 4 0 and as providedwith any suitable retardmg device 47 anda source of energy, such as the battery 48. Also-leading from the commutator 23 yis a conductor 50 extendlng to the solenoid 41 and-returning from the latter is a conductor 51. These conductors may be arranged in any suitable manner, not herein necessary more fully to set forth.

It will be apparent that upon rotative movement of said commutator-23, the vessel may be steered in either direction by proper energization of said solenoids 40, 41,

and that the other functioning mechanisms f erably provide retardmg devices, so that i any of said mechanisms may be skipped if` desired, and preferably in a manner fully saet forth in certain prior applications filed yme.

Leading from the commutator 23 are ` conductors 52, 53 constituting a circuit and having therein a battery or other source of energy 54. Preferably also said circuit is provided witha suitably grounded retarding device 55. In and controlled by said circuit'53, 54, is a solenoid` 56 having a plunger 57 yprovided with a tooth or projection adapted to engage the teeth of a gear 58 upon a commutator or'ot-her suitablefrotary device 59 shown as having contacts. 60, 61, suitably insulated from each other in the usual manner and out of longitudinal alignment. The saidcommutator or rgta vice 59 may be provided with, any sultable number of contacts,y .this depending upon de- I the' vesselv 1. I have herein represented means for supporting two torpedoes which 7 may therefore bev discharged Lin predetermined sequence from the vessel through means responsive to radiant energy as hereinbefore set forth.

An important object of my invention is to provide means of any suitable character, whereby a torpedo or other body or object can be discharged from the vessel or carrier only when sald vessel or carrier is accurately headed in the proper direction. The direction-maintaining means preferably employed by me to keep the vessel upon a predetermined course, ma be of any suitable character and is pre erably a gyroscope, which may be of the general nature disclosed in certain prior applications filed by me, as, for exam le, Ser. No. 784,691, filed August 14, 1913, er. No. 846,468, led June 24, 1914, and Ser. No. 855,372, iiled August 6, 1914. The said gyrosoope is suitabl connected to the steering mechanism, as, or example, in the manner shown in any of said applications or in other rior applications filed by me, so that within the will of the operator at the distant control station the torpedo carrier may be steered from said control station, or may be maintained upon a predetermined course b the said gyro; scope. I have not herein lllustrated in detail' the means for operatively connecting the said gyroscope with the steering means,

the same is fully disclosed in said 'prior applications filed by me, and such connection or other suitable connection isI employed in the construction shown herein. I have herein diagrammatically indicated a roscope or oscope repeater at 62 in ig. 1, prefera y controlled by a clutch as shown in certain of said applications, it having suitably connected thereto a conductor 63l leading to the eommutator 59 and having two terminals 64, 65 adapted respectively to engage the contacts 60, 61. In suitable relation to the conductor 63, I provide abattery or other source of energy 66.

Leading ,from a suitable part of .the gyroscope or gyroscope repeater 62, I provide a metal conducting bar 67, preferably provided at its outer end with a ball bearin contact or terminal. In the movement o nthe gyrosoope, the ou-ter'end of the bar 67 rides along a segment 68 suitably fixed upon' the vessel and insulated excepting at the central portion 69. While in Figs. 1 and 3 of the drawings this segment is for clearness of representation shown as upright, it is preferably in practice arranged transversely of the vessel and the roscope cooperates therewith in that position. Thus circuitcompleting contact can be made through the bar 67 and the contact 69 only when the f vessel is in its'proper course.

Any moving body controlled by a gyroscope follows a somewhat sinusoidal -move ment due to the fact that `the body swings and projection 77 are brought somewhat off its course due to exterior agencies-in the case of a vessel, owing to theiniuence of wind, waves orl tide-and bein brought back toward its true course by t e gyroscope, the momentum or inertia of the vessel carries it past its true course, and the g'yroscope thereupon brings it back, the vessel being, however, carried too far inthe opposite direction through its inertia or momentum to be again returned toward its true course, this action being constantly repeated. While this oscillation ma be a small one, yet if a torpedo be disc arged when the vessel is not in its true course, such deiiection from the true course is sufficient to cause the discharged torpedo to miss the hostile vessel. This will be evident from the diagram shown in Fig. l5, and hereinafter more fully referred to.

- In accordance with my invention, I have provided automatically acting means whereby the torpedo or other body can and will be discharged only when the vessel is in its true course as determined by the gyroscope.

'Thus the vessel may be controlled and maintained upon or brought to a predetermined course by the gyrosoope which, as stated, may be connected in suitable manner with the steering apparatus, and the torpedo will be discharged from the vessel only when the vessel is in such true course.

In that embodiment of the invention here represented, Ihave shown means for sup-f porting two torpedoes,y one at the bow and the other at the stern, but it will be understood that any suitable or desired numberl may be employed, and that they`may be located where desired. They need not, within the broad scope of my invention, be located at either the bow or stern. Preferably, however, I mount them at the bow and stern. The torpedoA mounted at the stern is indicated at in Figs. 1 and 2.

For each torpedo is provided a casing,

indicated generally at 71, 72, and for each' torpedo I preferably provide a torpedo shell 73, 74, whereon the torpedo is supported and which is adapted to be moved outwardly to a limited extent with the torpedo and to support it as the torpedo commences its movement. The said shells are preferably substantially semi-cylindrical in character as indicated in Fig; 1B. Each torpedo is provided with one or more propellers 75 and with suitable means, such as a projecting member 76, which may be moved by engagement with a suitable projection 77 upon 'the torpedo carrier to start the motive power for the propellers 7 5. The construction is preferably such that as the shell 73 or 74 is moved outwardly the member 76 into engagement and the Propellers 75 in their revolution, being, when'the shell 3 or 74 is at the limit of' itsoutward movement, in the yown plane, to permit egress of the torpedo.

For thispurpose I preferably employ any suitable means under the control of the commutator 59, and hence under the control of the means responsive to radiant energy. I

have herein represented (Figs. 1 and 2) for each closure a suitable motor 80 having a gear 81 mesh-ing with a rack 82 carried by the closure. Upon starting either motor 80, the closure 78 or 79 is lifted as a preliminary to the discharge of the torpedo from its casing 71, 72. In 'order to start the motors 80, I havel herein represented certain circuits operatively connected to the gyroscope 62' and to the commutator 59. Herein for the purpose I have represented the commutator 59 as provided with brushes 83, 84. From the former leads a conductor 85 extending to an electromagnet 86, and from the latter leads a conductor 87 extending to the electromagnet 88. From said electromagnets lead conductors 89, 90 which may unite at 91 and extend to the contact k69V upon the Afixed, insulated segment 68.

Adjacent the electromagnets 86, 88 are switches 92, 93 adapted to assume inoperative positions against stops 94, 95, or, when energized, to contact with terminals 96, 97, from which vthe , conductors 98, 99 extend respectively to the.y motors 80, 80. Extending respectively from the switches 92, 93 to the motors 80, 80 are conductors 100, 101 provided with suitable batteries 102, 103.

The position of the commutator 59 and its contacts 60, 61 determines whether the electromagnet 86 or the electromagnet 88 shall be energized upon the receipt of a suitable impulse from the distant control station, if and when the vessel is in its true course. Uponjthe energization of said electromagnets 86, 88, theclo`sures 78, 79 are lifted, suitable means `being provided to stop the respective motors when the closure operative thereby is sulliciently lifted, as by a switch controlling eacli'motor and operated -by its'closure. lEach closure is provided with a terminal -104, 105 respectively and which is adapted to make contact when the closure 78, 79 is fully lifted with a terminal :106, 107. From the terminals 104,

. 106, 105, 107 extend respectively conductors 108, 109, 110, 111 leadingeto solenoids 112, 113. Eachy of the circuits composed respectively of the conductors 108, 109,110 and 111 are suitable batteries 114, 115. In Fig. 2, I have representedl upon a larger scale the solenoid 113 and the related parts, the construction of-solenoid 112 and related Aparts being preferably` similar and heilice unnecessary to show or describe in detai. 'A

The solenoid 113 is provided with a core or plunger 116 having avalve 117 controlling a passage 118 by means of which motive fluid may be admitted from the storage reservoir 25 into the casirlg 72 of the torpedo, in the rear of the point of greatest diameter of said torpedo and where preferably it tightly contacts with the casing and shell therefor, so that said motive agent gives the preliminary movement to said torpedo. A suitable spring 118 (Fig. 2) is provided to move the valve 117 into closed position rpon deenergization of the solenoid.

' Adjacent to and preferably beneath each of the torpedo casings 71, 72 I provide a suitable cylinder 119, 120, (Fig. 1) each being in communication at one end with the inner end of the casing 71, 72. In Figs. 1 and 2, yI have represented a passage 121, by which the casing 7 2 is placed in communication with the cylinder 120. f Inasmuch as the construction of the cylinders 119, 120 and contained parts are the same, a description of one is suilicient. Within the cylinder 120 is mounted a piston 122, the piston rod 123 whereof extends through the outer closed end of said cylinder and is connected Ito brackets 124 dependingfrom the shell 74. Thus, when motive agent is admitted through the passage 118 into the` casing 72 at the rear of the torpedo 70, the motive agent is alsov admitted into the cylinder 120 at the rear of the piston 122, thereby'. moving the shell 74 forward with the torpedo in the preliminary movement of the latter. Suitably extending from the piston rod 123` exterior to the cylinder 120 are projections V125, 126 adapted to come in vcontact with a lever 127 pivoted at 128 upon a suitable part of the frame of the vessel. Upon the outward movement ofthe shell 74, the projection 125 comes in contact with the lever 127 and moves the same in a clockwise direction, and upon the return movement of the shell 74, the projection 126 moves the said lever 127 in a contraclockwise direction. The lever 127 is connected by a' link 129 to a valve 130 controlling an exhaust port 131 and a eating by passage 133 wlth the supply pipe 26 and by means of which motive fluid may be admitted through said pipe 26 into the right-hand end of the cylinder 120, so as to return the piston 122 to its former position after discharge of the motive agent 59 is so positioned that as desired a .torpedo ort 132 communimay be discharged from either the casing 71 or 72. In either case, however, thecircuit cannot be completed and the 'torpedo cannot be discharged unless the vessel is in' its predetermined course. In effecting the discharge o-f either torpedo, the closure 78 or 79 is lifted and motive agent is admitted to move forward the supportin shell 7 3,-74, and to start the propulsion of t e torpedo.

In Fig. v1, I have indicated hand steering means diagrammatically at 134. -Sa'id handsteering means may be employed, if desired, to control the course of the torpedo carrier or vessel in lieu of the distant control or gyroscope control in a manner not'therein necessary more fully to describe.-

In Figs. 3 and 4, I have' represented slightly modified form of my invention and which it is unnecessary to describe in detail, inasmuch as corresponding parts are preferably the same as those shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The torpedo carrier shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is preferably of the form shown in vertical section in Fig. 4. In such case, the torpedo carrier is provided above the body thereofA with suitable torpedo casings 136, 137, which r are below the water line as indicated, and which are permanently open at their discharge ends, so as to admit surrounding water thereinto. Each torpedo 138, 13 9 is provided with propellers 140, 140, and inasmuch as said propellers and the torpedoes are at all times immersed, it is merely necessary to start said propellers in order to project the torpedoes from their respective casings, whichare formed as open supports to permit the entrance of water. 'For this purpose I provide operating levers 141, 142 respec-y tively, and which are ada ted to be moved into operative position by evers 143, 144 respectively pvoted at 145, 146. Each of said levers is adapted to be moved by means under the control of the commutator 59. For this purpose, Iprovide a gyroscope or gyroscope repeater 62 constructed and func-v tioning as hereinbefore set 'forth and havin as previously described, a conductinglbar 637. to engage the contact 69 of the'segment 68. Leading from the said contact 69 is a conductor 147 from which lead conductors 148, 149 extending to solenoids 150, 151. Leading from said solenoids 150, 151 are conduc# tors 152, 153 extending to the commutator 59 and respectively terminating at brushes 154, 155, whereby either solenoids 150 or 151 may be energized, depending upon the position of the said commutator 59. Leading fromA the storage reservoir. 25 is a pipe 15.6l extending to a valve casing 157 having therein passages 158, 159 controlled respectively by valves 160, 161, which are connected toM the cores or 'plungers 162, 163, respectively, of the solenoids 150, 151. Suitable springs 164, 165 are provided to close said valves upon de-energization of said solenoids. Incommunication wit the passages 158, 159 respectively, are pipes 166, 167 which communicate with the rear end of cylinder 168, 169, respectively, so that upon the opening of either valve 160, 161, motive fluid may be admitted into said cylinders invthe rear of the piston therein. Said cylinders 168, 169 are provided with pistons 170, 171 connected by piston rods 172, 173 with the levers 143, 144, whereby the movement of said pistons 170, 171 swings said levers 143, 144 and starts they Propellers lof the torpedoes 138, 139, in proper sequence and at the proper time, as hereinbefore set forth. Each piston rod and piston is provided respectively with a coil spring 174, 175 to return thesameto inactive position. Preferably each cylinder 168, 169 is provided with a small exhaust passage 176, 177 toermit the forward or active movement of e pistons 17 0, 171. If desired, any other suitable means may be provided for this end.

Inasmuch as the casings 136, 137 are at all times open to the sea, I preferably provide means whereby the torpedo 138 positioned at the stern of the vessel cannot accidentally be discharged therefrom by the wash of the sea. While any suitable means may be provided for this purpose, I have herein represented locking means consisting in this embodiment of my invention of a cylinder 178 in communication by a pipe 179 with the pipe 166. Thecylinder 17 8 1s provided with a piston 180 having a piston rod 181 normally extending throu h a suitable opening in the carrier 136 and lnto a suitable socket 182 of the torpedo 138. The admission of motive fluid into the cylinder 178 elevates` the piston 180 against the stress of the spring 183, withdrawing the piston rod 181 from the socket 182 as a prelimimary'to or substantially simultaneouslyfwith the dis charge of the torpedo 138 from its casin'iac. 9

Fig. 5, I have diagrammatically indicated my improved method'for controlling the torpedo carrier 1 from a distant control station and for controlling accurately thel firing of torpedoes therefrom. In said gure, the distant control station is represented at A. Observers may be positioned at various points, as, for example, .at B and C, being in telephonie communication w1th the operator at the control station A. Each of said two observers at stations B -and C is provided with plotting equipments, or is in j ready communlcation with an assistant provided therewith. The hostile vessel is indicated at D. By means of observations taken at stations B and C, the speed of the hostile ship and itsdirecti'on of movement is ascertained and thefspeed of tne torpedo carrier and its direction are also ascertained. The observers at stations B and C may communicate' with the operator at the control4 station A, so that he may if necessary' control or change the speed and course of the torpedo carrier, or so that he may change its course and cause it to strike the hostile ship D if the vessel be itself a torpedo. If, however, the vessel be a torpedo carrier, then the'observers at the points B and C can estimate the exact time when a torpedo must be discharged from .the carrier, in order that it may strike the hostile Vvessel D when the same has arrvied at a known or predetermined point.

I have indicated at E and F the imaginary lines along which the observers at B and C- make observation of the hostile vessel D,

' and at G, H the imaginary lines along which they make observation of the torpedo carrier. The line- 1 indicates the predetermined course along which the torpedo carrier or other vessel is substantially maintainedby the gyroscope 62. Thecurved line J indicates in exaggeration the error inthe-movement of the torpedo carrier, owing to the momentum orinertia of the vessel as hereinbefore set forth. At K, L, M and L have indicated four positions of the torpedo carrier. It will be evident that if the torpedo be discharged from the carrier when the torpedo carrier is in the position K or M, such torpedo will not strike the hostile vessel D, but will travel along lines N, O, respectively. Only by discharging the torpedo from the carrier, when the latter is upon its true coursev I, or parallel thereto, as indicated at L, L', will the torpedo strike the hostile vessel D. For this purpose, I have provided means, one embodiment of which has been herein disclosed.

f Having thus described one illustrative embodiment of my invention, I desire it to be understood that although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for the purposes of limitation, the sco e of the invention being set forth in the ollowing claims.

Claims- 1. A movable carrier adapted to receive a body to be discharged therefrom, Huidcontrolled means for dischargingl said body, sindy a gryoscope for governing t said fluid-controlled means.

g2. A tor o carrier, fluid-controlled means for dlscharging a torpedo from said carrier, and a co-acting gyroscope for governing the action of said fluid-controlled means. f. v p

3. A movable carrier adapted to receive a body to be discharged therefrom, fluid-con` trolled meansI for dlscharging said body, direction-maintaining means for governing lthe action of said fluid-controlled means,

and means responsive to lradiant energy for efectingthe discharge of said body.

4. Atorpedo carrier adapted to receive a e actionof torpedo to be discharged therefrom, fluidcontrolled means for effecting the discharge of said torpedo, direction-maintaining means for governing the action of said .controlled means for ei'ecting the discharge of said body fromthe carrier, a gyroscope for governing the action of said fluid-controlled means,- and means responsive to radiant-energy for effecting the discharge of said body.

6. A movable carrier adapted to receive a bodyto be discharged therefrom, fluid-controlled means for discharging said body, a gyroscope for governing the action of said fluid-controlled means, and means responsive to electro-magnetic waves for efecting the discharge of said body.

7. l lnovable carrier adapted to receive a body to be discharged therefrom, fluid-controlled means for discharging said body, a gyroscope for governing the action of said fluid-controlled means, and electrical means,

for effecting the discharge of said body.

8. A torpedo carrier having a torpedosupporting shell, fluid-controlled means to move said shell, thereby to vefect thel discharge of the torpedo from the carrier, means responsive to radiant energy to opcrate said Huid-controlled means, and means automatically operative to return said shell.

9. vA' torpedo carrier having a torpedosupporting shell, Huid-controlled means to move said shell, thereby to effect the discharge ofV the torpedo 'from the carrier', means responsive to electromagnetic waves to operate said {luid-controlled means, and nllealls automatically operative to return said sie 10. A movable body, means upon said body responsive to radiant energy, means controlled by said responsive means for op*- erating a plurality of mechanisms including steering means for vsaid body, a torpedo support upon ,said body, and means governed by said controlledmeans to effect the discharge of a torpedo from said support.

A 11. A movable body having means thereon responsive to radiant energy, means controlled by said responsive means for operating 'a plurality of mechanisms upon said body and including steering means for said 'movable body, a plurality of torpedo supports upon said body, and means governed by said controlled means to discharge torpedoes from said supports in predeterminedy order. l

` 12. A movable body\ having means -responsive to radiant energy, means controlled by said responsive 4means.for'operating a plurality of mechanisms upon saidbody and sok including steering means therefor a torpedo support upon said body, and directionmaintainlng means governing the discharge of said torpedo.

13. A movable body having means responsive to radiant energy, means controlled by said responsive means for operating a plurality of mechanisms upon said body and including steering means therefor, a torpedo support upon said body, means governed by said controlling means to discharge a torpedo from said support, and direction-maintaining means for said body governing thev discharge of said torpedo.

14. A movable body having means responsive to radiant energy, meansk controlled thereby for operating a plurality of mechanisms upon said body and including steering means therefor, a torpedo support having a closure, and means governed by said controlled means to open said closure and to discharge the torpedo from said support.

15. A movable body having means responsive to radiant energy, means controlled by said responsive means for operating 'a plurality of mechanisms upon sald body and including steering means therefor, a torpedo support including a movable shell, and means governed by said controlled means to move said supporting shell.

16. The combination With a movable body, of a torpedo carried thereby, means for discharging said torpedo from said body, and means automatically operative to prevent the discharge of 4said torpedo from said body except when said body is on a predetermined course.

17. The combination with-a movable body, of a torpedo carried thereby, means for discharging'said torpedo from said body, and a gyroscope and means cooperating therewith automatically operative to prevent the discharge of said tor edo fromsaid body except When said bo y is on a predetermined course.

18. The combination With a movable body, of a projectile carried thereby, means for discharging said projectile from said body, and means automatically operative to prevent the discharge of said projectile from said body except when said body is on a predetermined course. l

19. The combination with a carrier, of 'a projectile supported thereby, means for discharging said projectile from said carrier, and means including a gyroscope automatically operative to prevent the'discharge of said projectile `from said carrier except when said proJectile is predirected to 'follow a predetermined course.

20. A torpedo carrier, means actuated by I expanding iiuid for discharging aptorped'o from said carrier, and a coacting gyroscope for governing .the action of said meaps.

21. A ltorpedo carrler, "means fr malntaining said carrierv on a predetermined course, and means operable only when the carrler 1s on said predetermlned course and actuated by expanding fluid for discharging a torpedo from the carrier.v

22. A torpedo carrier arranged to Heat in a natural medium, means for correcting the course of said carrier when modified by disturbances of said medium, and means actuated by expansible iuid or gas for discharging a torpedo from said carrier only when the carrier is on a predetermined course.

23. -A torpedo carrier, means actuated by expanding fluid for discharging a torpedo from said carrier., and a coacting gyroscope for limiting the action of said means.

' 24. The combination with a dirigible body adapted to move in a natural medium, and means for correcting the course of said body, of a separable body carried by the dirigible body and arranged to be discharged therefrom', means actuated by radiant energy for indicating that the separable body is`to be discharged, and means actuated by expanding fluid for discharging the separable body, u

sald last named means being operated'only upon the conjoint action of said course correcting means and said radiant energy means.

25. The combination with a dirigible b'ody adapted to move in a natural medium, and

means forAcorrecting the course of said body,

of a separable bodyvcarried by the dirigible body and arranged to be discharged therefrom, means actuated from a distance for indicating that the separable body is t'o be discharged, and means actuated by expanding fluid for discharging the separable body, sald last named meansl being 'operated only upon theconjoint action of said course cori,

recting means and said remote controlled means.

26. A torpedo carrier, means actuated by compressed'uid for discharging a torpedo from said carrier, and a coacting gyroscope Jfor governing the action of said means.

27. A torpedo carrier, means for maintaining said carrier, on' apredetermined course, andimeans operableonly when the carrier ison the predetermined course and actuated by compressed fluid for discharginga torpedo from the carrier. i

28. A torpedo carrier arranged to float in a natural medium, means for correcting the course of said carrier when modified by disturbances of said medium, and means actuated by compressed uid for discharging a torpedo from said carrier only when the carrier is on a predetermined course.

29. A torpedo carrier, fluid presssure means ,for discharging a torpedo from said carrier, and a coactmg gyroscope for governing the action of said means.

. 30'. A torpedo carrier, means for, maintaining said carrier on a predetermined course,l and Huid pressureK means operable only when the carrier is on the predetermined course for discharging a torpedo from the Carrier.

n 31. A torpedo carrier arranged to float in a natural medium, means forcorrecting the course 'of said carrier when modified by disturbances of said mediumVand fluid ressure means for discharging a torpedo romv said carrier only when the carrier .is *von a 10 predetermined course.r Y

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

v JOHN'HAYS HAMMOND, JR. Witnesses:

F. J. BEHR, InvING U. ToWNsEND.

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