US1707112A - Ii ii ilji - Google Patents

Description

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* UNITED srrss F fi.

RALPH O. BROWNE, OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

ORDNANCE DEVICE.

This invention has for its object to provide an apparatus for various purposes, including among others the use in warfare for locating or impairing the eflicieney of, or destroying enemy craft, and more particularly for locating and destroying submarine vessels; for discovering the positions of sunken wrecked Vessels, and for many other purposes, some of which are explained in the following specification in connection with the description of operative means for such purposes embodying the invention. The invention is based on the well-known principle or phenomenon that, avhen two dissimilar electrodes are immersed or submerged in any electrolyte, that has a greater chemical action on one than on the other, for example, an aqueous salt solution, a difference of electrical potential exists between them, so that, iii-electrically connected, a current will flow from one to the other. This difference in potential is not affected by the volume of the solution or the surface area, size or dimensions of the electrodes. For example, in an aqueous solution of common salt, thereis a difference of potential between iron and copper; slightly in excess of 400 millivolt's whatever the surface area or the dimensions of the metals may be. Hence it is evident that adifference in electrical potential exists between two bodies or masses of different electrically conductive materials partially or entirely submerged in sea-water, which acts as an active electrolyte; as, for instance, between any two metals or between a non-metal, as carbon, and a metal, and specifically between an iron ship and a copper wire or plate, or between any metallic part of a ship, iron being the governing material, and a wire or plate of a different conducting material; whereby, if the ship and the wire or plate be connected by an electrical conductor, an electric current will flow therethrough, and this current. may be utilized for a variety of purposes, as for energizing a galvanometer, igniting an explosive, controlling an electrical relay, or controlling or operating various electrical or electro-mechanieal contrivances.

' Now, as illustrative of the utilization of the principle herein referred to, let .it be imagined that, between two pieces of similar metal, e. g. copper wire, submerged in the ocean, there is located and electrically connected a galvanometer, and that a submerged iron plate be brought into contact with one of the wi res; then under these circumstances, it is now clearthat the galvanometer will be energized by the electric current setup between said plate, as one electrode, and the copper wires asthe other electrode.

stituting a suitable electrically operated detonator' for the galvanometer, and an iron submarine vessel'for the iron plate, it is likewise clear that a current will be realized which will cause the explosion of the detonator. Thus it is possible to cause the explosion of' a submerged mine', or the firing of an explosive charge, merely by contact of submerged or adapted to be submerged in the ocean, and another conductor or electrode which may be called for thesame purpose a contact member orantenna for making contact with a normally disconnected electrode or metal mass, and'meansbetween said first-mentioned electrode and said contact member for utilizing the condition of electrical pressure orpotential set up'coincidently with such contact,- The said electrode and contact member may be specifically ms;- or specifically different from one another in one or more of the characteristics of material, form, dimensions and area. mentioned electrode and the contact member be formed of metals between which substantially no difference, or a comparatively slight difference, in potential exists, and they may be wires or platesas desired, whereby a current of sufiicientpower'for the given pur-.

pose is set up by engagement of the abovementioned disconnected mass with the antenna-electrode system. It is possible, however, and within the scope in which I claim protection for my invention, by employing what is known in the art as a closed type of In practice,I prefer that the firsti relay, toprovide said electrode and contact members of such difierent characters that there is a substantial difference of po- 1 tential between them, when submerged in a salt solution, -whereby a current normally flows through the circuit in which they are connected, and the relay is held in position with its local circuit open .as this current the encontrivances, which I have illustrated and hereinafter described as' constituting embodiments of the invention, may be'changed in many ways, and other constructions operating under the same fundamental law" may be made and a plied to the uses here in shown and described, and to other uses, all without departing from the scope ofthe invention as defined 1n the appended claims'.

Referring to the accompanying drawin s %igure 1 illustrates conventionally an apparatus embodying the invention and shows a submarine approaching one of the con-,

tact members of the apparatus.

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an a paratus which may be employed, in which the current set up by the contact of a submarine craft withone of the contact members closes a second circuit. 3

Figure 3,,reprcsents conventionally, .a form of mine in which the invention is embodied.

Figure 4 illustrates the invention as including means for reventing the apparatus from being operate orafli'ected by so-called earth currents.

Figure 5 illustrates a submarine mine having contact members or antennae extend ing radially therefrom. v

Figure 6 illustrates another form of mine in which the end of one of 'the antennae or contact members is maintained in roximity with a mine.

to the surface of the water by a oat;

Figure 7 illustrates still another embodiment of the invention, in which the mine is released upon contact of a submarme vessel with one of the contact members or antense, and is exploded in cominginto con-.

the forms of nets, and both serving as contact members.

Figure 10 illustrates conventionally a'land mortar or rifie which is fired upon the contact of a vessel with a submerged antenna or contact member.

Figure 11 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which may be utilized in loeating a submerged submarine .or other sunken vessel.

' Figures 12 and 13 illustrate a form of con tact member, including a contact cable with connected T contact points of different ma-. terial normally covered by a fragile or destructible insulators such as glass globes.

Figure 14 shows in elevation-the structure of an apparatus containing a relay which is utilized in connection with a container holding explosive, as the-mine shown in- Figures 16 and 17 Fi are 15 illustrates a spider which is secure to the cap of .the casing shown in Figure 14, for attaching the antenna.

Figure 16 represents a section through a Figure 19 represents a section on the line 19-19 ofFigure 17. 1

Figures 20 and 21 illustrate diagrammatically the electric circuits utilized 1n connection with the apparatus employ d i th said mine.

Figure 22 illustrates still another ernb0di-.

ment of the invention by which a submarine torpedo is discharged to-explode in contact with the hull of a submarine vessel.

Figure 23 illustrates the device of Figure 22 in longitudinal section, in position to be operated.

' Figure .24 represents asection on the line 24.--24 of Figure 23. I

Figure 25 illustrates another embodimentof the invention in which a torpedo is dis charged upon. contact of a submarine vessel with one of the contact members or antennae. Figure 26 illustrates the same device and shows a portion thereof in section.

. Figures '27 and 28 showdetails of the apparatus for exploding the high-explosive charge in the torpedo.

Figure 29 represents a section on the line 2 929 of Figure 27. r

Referring first to Figure 1, I have shown diagrammatically at 1 a detonator of any approved construction that will be operated .by an electric current passing through it;

and connected with this detonator l are two S1IIlll&1.COPP(-)I conductors 2 and 3 held apart similar buoyant insulating material.

and upright from the detonator by a float latter, if suflieiently sensitive, will be operated or exploded in relatively close proximity to the hull of the contacting vessel.

F igure 2 shows in diagram the conductors as connected through the windings of a relay mechanism 6 which is capable of closing a local circuit containing a battery 7 through a detonator 1. This arrangement overcomes the disadvantage of utilizing a sensitive detonator and under certain conditions is 'found very efficient.

In Figure 3 I have illustrated conventionally how the detonator 1 may be embedded in a mass of explosive material 8 contained within'a submerged mine casing 9. In this figure the casing is made of the same material as the antenna 3 so as to serve also as a contact member or electrode, both the casino and the'antenna.being connected by suitable conductors 10 and 11 with the detonator. It the iron hull of 'a submarine should make contact with either the antenna 3 or the casing 12 the current flow will cause the explosion of the dctonator and of the surrounding charge of explosive with probable destruction of the vessel. As it is conceivable that the apparatus, which is very sensitive, might be affected by so called .9 earth currents and thusprematurely operated, I prefer to employ an arrangement of the, antenna and electrode that permits use of a protecting means to dissipate any such undesired currents as may be encountered. Thus in Figure 4 a diagram of a submarine mine is shown in which the antenna'3 has the form ofa copper conductor, as already described, and the electrode is made in the form of a flat plate 12 mounted on a water proof insulating mat 13 placed in a dish shaped protecting copper plate 14 of larger dimensions than the'electrode plate 12. The protecting plate 14 is connected to the end of the antenna 3 adjacent to the mine case and tends to dissipate into the water any current that is induced or flows in the antenna from some external source by providing a path through which this current will flow more readily than through the alternate path including thedetonator 1 and the electrode plate 12. The protecting or dissipating plate 14 interferes in no way with the current that flows between the electrode plate 12 and the hull of a craft making contact .with the antenna 3 but is only effective in side-tracking currents from some external source flowing in the antenna.

In Figure 5 I have illustrated submarine mine-in which the antennae 3 are given the form of rigid members, a construction that might be desirable under certain conditions. The details of the other parts'of the mine are not here shown, since they may be the same as illustrated and described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

In Figure 6, I haveillustrated diagrammatically a form of my invention containing the essential parts previously described,

which has had extensive and successful use,

and which will be explained in detail in con ncction with Figures 14 to 21 inclusive. It suifices to say at this time that the mine as a whole is indicated as 9, an anchor as 17, the antenna: as 3, a float 4 as connected to the free end of the antenna, and the protected electrode plate as 12.

Figure 7 illustrates another type of mine made possible by my invention. In this type the electrical apparatus is arranged in a. case 18 and is adapted to release the mine case 9 upon the flowing of electric current inthe antenna circuit by reason of contact with a hull of a ship as described. The mine case upon being released will float upward andbe guided by the antenna, which passes through its centre, into contact with a detonat-ing device 19 clamped at any desired point on the antenna cable. In this figure it should be noted that the antenna fulfills both the ottice of a contact "member and a pilot. The exact nature or arrangcment of release mechanism is immaterial, but the means for this purpose of types later described in detail may be used. Likewise it is immaterial what the exact character of the detonatingdevice 19 is, since a number of wellknown mechanisms are available and suitable for use.

It is quite apparent that,'instead of utilizing only a single wire or plate as the active electrical contact member or electrode, I may employ a number of conductors.- In Figure 8, for example, I have shown the antenna 3 as made in the form of a net held at its lower edge by anchors 17 (from which it is insulated). and supported at suitable intervals as to its upper edge by floats 4 so as to be held approximately upright in the water. If desired, the electrode may also have the form of a net, as shown in Figure 9. In this case, the electrode net 2 is connected with anchor-sand floats substantially similar to those shown in Figure 8. It is apparent, of course, that the nets should all be made of a metal different from the dominating metal of which-the hull of submerged mine, it might well be used forfirin or operating some apparatus located on s ore, as illustrated in Flgure 10, where a mortar or rifle is shown as the shore apparatus, and a detonator 1 placed to ignite the charge in the mortar, is arranged marinev vessel or a sunken wreck, etc.

-water, indicated at 21.

in a circuit lncluding theantenna 3 and the electrode 2, which are submerged in the trode conductors may be located so that a vessel coming in contact therewith will be in direct range of the mortar 21 and will be struck by the projectile then fired therefrom. Thus, in this case, the apparatus serves not only to explode a detonatorand fire a mortar or rifle, but'also serves for the issuance of a warning that an enemy craft is at a certain locatio Y Instead of causing the explosion of a detonator, my invention may be embodied in an apparatus which serves merely for the purpose of locating a submerged suIb 11 Figure 11 for example, I have indicated conventionally at 22 a vessel in which is located a galvanometer 23; At one side of the coil thereof the electrode conductor 2 extendsinto contact with the sea-water, and

the antenna conductor 3, is permitted to capture or recovery. a

drag in the'water. When. the antenna conductor or contact member 3 engages or .dragsagainst a submarine, conventionally illustrated at 5, a current is set up throu h the galvanometer, whereby operators on t e vessel -22 are able with accuracy to locate the exact position of the submerged craft and to take'measures for its destruction,

In all of the various embodiments of the invention thus far described, I have mentioned only the use of bare conductors, as

antennae desi ned to become operative when in contact Wllll'l the metal hull of a ship,

and have described the electrical action which takes. place whensuch contact occurs. But if it is desired to effect a like operation when a concrete, wooden, or other nonmetallic hull engages the antenna, thedesired result may be effected by providing in electrical connection with the antenna any desired number of bodies, masses, or members which have the same sort of relation electrically to the antemia that the metal hull of a ship has, and by'enc losing such members with fragile. water-excluding The antenna eleccoverings adapted to be broken when struck he antenna is a copper wire, thex-said members may be iron, or. vice versayand the fragilecoverings may be glass bulbsor shells entirely enclosing tlfe bodies and suitably sealed to exclude water therefrom. Thus, upon breaking of a fragile covering, the enclosed body is put incontact with the water and galvanic action is set up, causing current to flow and operating. t e detonator,or other electrical device, substantially as already described. In Figures 12 and 13, which show comprehensively and in detail, respectively, the arrangement last described, the antenna-is designated 3, as before; 24 represents the members or bodies of different conducting material, and 25 represents the fragile coverings. It is to be understood, of course, that in this case also the antenna is .connected in circuit with an electrically operated apparatus anda submerged electrode.

I have thus far described briefly the principles involved in my invcntionand a few of the diverse ways in which it may be realized in. ordnance devices. In Figures 14 to 21 inclusive I show'mo re in detail a practical arrangement that has been put to very extended use. The device illustrated in these figures is adapted to use in. connection with a regulation mine case having the customary anchor mechanismcasing for holding explosive, etc. It comprises a compact unit that may be readily handled and installed in the mine without derangement of the various connections and parts.

Referring to Figure 14, 30 represents a metallic casing containing the relay, local circuits, etc. The casing has a metal ring 31 soldered to the top portion that is fitted with bolts 32 and rubber gasket 33 for fastening to a cover plate 34 of substantial con- .struction. The electrode plate 12, protecting plate 14 and intervening insulating material 13 (see Figs. 18 and 19), described in Figure 4 form a rigid construction that is bolted by means of insulated bolts 35 to the top of the'cover plate 34; A cop er tripod 36 shown in detail in Figure'15, aving an eyelet 37 for fastening to an antenna, is provided under the protection plate 14 with which it makes electrical contact. The eyelet 37 exte'nds thi'ough an aperture" in the electrode plate '12 and in the insulating Inaterial 13 a construction that prevents the possibility of electrical contact being madev between the antenna circuit and electrode plate at any point other than the intended circuit which is through conductors'38 (see Figure 18) that extend through insulating bushings 39 screwed into the cover plate 34 into the interior of the casing 30 (Figure 14) for connecting with the enclosed relay mechanism. From the lower end ofthe 40 provided for the purpose.

casing 30 extend conductors 10, 11, for connecting with a detonator intended to be embedded in a mass of explosive material. FigurelGillustrates how the unit is placed in a mine case 9 through a flanged opening plate 34 is provided with suitable bolts 41 joint. Figure 17 shows a View lookingdown on the top of the device when installed in the case, the tripod being shownby dotted lines. Lugs 43 are raised from the electrode and the protecting plate respectively for v connecting with the conductors 44 and 45 to" be subsequently referred to.

The ends of the arms of the tripod 36 (Figure 15) are furnished with sockets for holding insulated bushings 43 (Figure 18) to prevent electrical contact being madewith the mine case 9 to which the cover plate 34 is attached, and the attaching bolts 35 are furnished with insulated bushings 43 for the same purpose.

Referring to Figure 19, it will be seen that the mechanical parts of the apparatus are contained for the most part within the casing 30 and include in addition to a relay adapted to be operated by current flowing in the antenna circuit, a local battery and so-called safety appliances in a local circuit. These safety appliances include a lock for preventing the accidental operation of the relay, and a normally open switch in the local circuit that can only be closed by hydrostatic pressure, which is of course available when the mine is sunk to a proper depth below the surface of the water.

The electric circuits are illustrated con- "entiona'lly in Figures 20 and 21, 3 being the antenna connecting with the protecting plate 14, 44 being the conductor connecting the protecting plate 14 with the one side of the relay 6 and 45 being a conductor connecting the electrodeplate 12 with the other terminal of the relay. This comprises the antenna, or primary,circuit, and current flowing in it will causethe movable coil 16 to turn and drop the metal ball 46, which will wedge between the spring members 47 contained in the local circuit.

The local circuit comprises a battery 7 from one pole of which a conductor 48 leads to one side of the hydrostat or safety switch 49. The other side of the switch connects with one side of the detonator 1 through conductor 50. The other terminal of the -detonator connects through conductor 51 with one side of the local relay gap 52, the

' other side of which is connected by conduc- 65 the positively open hydrostat gap. 49 and- The cover position of relay ball 46 in the carrier. In Figure 21 the hydrostat gap 49 is shown closed as-it would be when the mine is submerged and the relay gap 52 closed by reason of the ball 46 beingdropped by the turning of'the coil 16 through which current is supposed to be flowing from the antenna and gasket 42for insuring a water tight 0 ils of the hydrostatic switch 49 understood by referring to Fig- "h ich it is shown as comprising 'ber- 54 in operat-iye relation to ontacts 55-, 55 embedded in insusupported .on a suit-able ted to the frame of the in bracket H strument.

The resiliency of the switch member 54, which fIisgsupportcd independently of the contao holds it away from the stationary contacts 55,55, To move said switch member intojiactiye position, any suitable mechanism'inay .beritilizedr For example, I may employ aplung er 56 which extends through a central aper-ture in the cover 34 and at its lower end is provided with a button 58 of insulating material in contact with the switch member 54. The plunger 56 at its upper end is connected with a diaphragm 59 located within a diaphragm chamber or casing indicated as a whole at (30 and screwed into the cover plate 34. The diaphragm casing is provided with an annular flange 61 to. receive a packing or rings 62 of a compacted material soluble in salt water, such, for example, as salt. On the end ofthe plunger there is a nut 63 which rests upon the soluble material so as to hold the plunger 56 in its inactive position. When the mine is submerged, the water comes in contact with the compacted soluble material, dissolves it and, enteringthe upper part of the diaphragm chamber, forces the diaphragm and plunger downwardly, causing engagement of the switch member 54 with the contacts 55, 55 of the local circuit.

I recognize that there is nothing broadly novel, in the employment of' a rigid soluble material for preventing normal'operation of a movable element except when the said material is dissolved by immersion in water, nor in the employment of a switch member which is operated by hydrostatic pressure; and of course it is apparent that other contrivances for accomplishing the same purpose as are accomplished by those hereinv length of time, the hydrostatic switch is closed and the mine prepared for operation by contact of a vessels hull with the an- -tenna. I will now explain how the holder galvanometer, and t e apparatus which I employ for releasing the .ball is somewhat similar to a galvanometer. That is to say, I employ a permanent horseshoe magnet 65 havin pole pieces 66. The movable coil 16 is ma e offine wire and is arrangedto surround and turn freely about. a stationary iron mass 67 in the magnetic field. The coil is provided with suitable bearings, so that it may. easil oscillate, and the conductors 68 leading rom the ends of the coil, are connected to oppositely wound delicate hair springs 69-69 (see Figure 18), which are connected respectively by the conductors 38 38 with the antenna circuit. Thus current in the antenna circuit is caused to flow through coil 16 and to oscillate the coil about its axis. The cup shaped holder 64 is mechanically connected to the coil in such manner and position that when the coilis oscillated, the cup is far enough overturned to release the ball 46, which then drops through the tube or guide 65 and completes. the local circuit. If the hydrostatic switch has, previously been closed, the last described action causes operation-of the electric detonator-and explosion of the mine.

In my co-pending application Serial No. 231,313, filed April 29, 1918, to which reference may be had, I have explained in detail the relay, which I have thus briefly described, by which the local circuit is closed when a current flows through .the movable coil. It is quite evident that provision must be made to prevent accidental dislocation of the ball 46. This may beaccomplished, aspointed out in said application, by forming on or connectingto the upper end of the tube a protective cover 66 by which the ball will be held in the holder. In addition,

however, I' provide a positive lock for preventing the rotation of the coil except when the mine is submerged. 'This lock consists of a lever 67 the end-of which lies normally the path of the coil 6 so as to hold'it.

against rotation as shown in Figure 19. The lever is fulcrumed' on.a stud or pin 68 and has a finger 69 engaged with a collar 70 secured to the plunger 56. So long as the plunger is in its open or safety position, the locking lever 67 prevents the rotation of the coil; but, when the. m ne is submerged and the plunger 56 is forced downwardly, the free end of the locking lever will be moved out of the path of the coil so that the latter will thereafter be free to oscillate when a current flows therethrough. The collar 70 is adjustable longitudinally or lengthwise of the plunger. If desired,'theplunger 56 may be mounted in guides 71, 72,

and between the guide 72 and the collar 70, a spring 73 may be located so as to bear upwardly against said collar, and return the lock to active position, and the plunger to safety position, when the mine is recovered and taken from the water.

Itis unnecessary to describe in detail the operation of the mine, since the operation pf the several elements forming a part thereof have already been set forth in suflicicnt detail. 1

Instead of utilizing a large amount of explosive in a case at the end of the antenna I may with great simplicit provide a'torpedo arrangement in whici the charge of igh'explosive is carried to the hull of the ship making contact with the antenna, the

antenna furnishing the guiding means necesscribed in---Figure 7, but preferably it may be madeto explode upon coming in contact with thehull of a ship as will now be described in connection with Figures 22 to 24 inclusive.

I have shown here a buoyaiitcasing- 74 I, provided with a centrally disposed barrel or tube 75, the breech of which is closed by a screw plug 7 6 having a swivel eye 77. The lower end of the casing is closed by a head Orr COVGr 78 secured in'place by screws .79

passed throu h a ring 80 s0ldered or brazed to the end 0 the casing. The lower'end'of the tube or barrel is screwed into an annular base 'or flange inthe head 7 O. The barrel is made in two sections secured together by the coupling members 81, 82 the latter being formed with a peripherally flanged disk 83..

dividing the easing into two compartments and bracing the tube between its ends, while between the. adjacent ends of the two barrel sections and within the coupling is an internal groove or annular space 84. To the lower end of the casing is secured an an-. nulus 85 by means of screws 86 screwed into the head or cover 78.. The annulusmay be made of anysuitable'electrically non-conducting material.

antenna or contact memberis indicated at 3 On it is secured. an an- 'nular plate or electrode 12 of copper. The p and consists of a copper. wire or cable which is secured at one end in the casing and at its other end to an anchor, whereby the cas ing is anchored. The antenna -3 and the electrode 12 are connected by conductors 11 and 10 respectively with an electrical re-- lay in a local circuit like that already fully described, containing a detonator 1 adapted to explode a charge of powder 87 in the tubular end or tail of a projectile or torpedo placed in the barrel 75. The projectile or torpedo is shown as comprising a head 88 filled with T.N.T. or other high'explosive 89, and a cartridge case or rocket tube 90, (which is the end or tail above referred to) charged with rocket powder or other relatively slow-burning material 91. The cartridge case is screwed into a fitting 92 having a threaded pin 93, on which the head 88 is screwed, and fits friction tight into the barrel 75, being held in place by metal keys 94 that embrace a ring 95 screwed into the end of the cartridge case, and extend into the groove 84. The keys are firmly. locked in.-

place by a central plug 96. A box or casing bolted to the barrel contains a relay mechanism essentially similar to that de scribed in Figure 19, but minus the hydro stat and lock, which operates on the .an-- tenna current received through conductors 10 and 11, and closes a local circuit thatconnects through conductors 50 and 51 with the detonator 1. Upon the detonator being fired the rocket powder is ignited, withtheefi'ect first, of expelling the plug 9.6, thus releasing the keys 94, and then, of driving the.

torpedo, which is started on its way to traverse the antenna. At this stage of operation the upper portion of the barrel acts as a receiver of the expanded gases, having a cushioning effect on the explosion of the slow-burning powder, and overcomes the danger of 'a disruptive explosion. The explosion of the torpedo, on contact with the hull of the submarine, may be accomplished by any suitable firing device, but as shown, it has a conical member 97 whichon engaging an obstruction bends a'thin walled member 98 containing a suitable friction explosive material, to which, it is attached.

and the fire from this ignites the charge of high explosive material. The torpedo'head has laterally projecting arms 99 to which is secured a tubular guide 100 enclosing the antenna. The lower end of the guide is formed as a hinged section 101 so that it may more easily follow the sinuousities of the antenna. The sections of the guide areprovided with rudder blades 102 (see Figure 24). The upper end of the guide projects into a tube 103 (Figure 23) secured to the head and extending into the casing. The antenna passes through this tube, the upper portion of which is filled with a waterproof packing 104. A similar tube 105-is provided for the conductor which connects the electrode 12 with the relay box 30. From the description thus given, it is evident that, when the iron hull of a submarine vessel makes contact with the antenna, the detonator is operated, the torpedo is fired, and

is by the antenna directed into contact with the vessel, whereupon the war head is exploded, as soon as the member 97 engages the hull. Figure 22 shows the torpedo on its .,tmn, or at some distancebelow the level of the-sea, In this case, the relay box or casing preferably contains a battery and local cir'cuitjas already. described, which iscontrolled fby-"the mechanism described in connection with the device shown in Figures 14 to 21, including an antennae 3 to whose upper enda float (not shown) is attached and theglower end of which is secured in the eas- Qing'. ,-.The antenna may be a copper wire .oi' cable,- and the entire device'may. be made that per to serve as an' 'electrode. The tor pedo" ead 88 is charged with high explosive 89-. Through the torpedo extends an axially arranged guide 1106- enclosing the antenna,

' and, at the upper'end is atubular extension 107 :having rudder blades 108. The torpedo headiearries two rocket tubes 109, provided withdetonatorsil' i the I eal circuit, of

'which-the conductors are indicated at 10 and 11. Vhen the iron :hull of x the submarine vessel engages the antenna, the local circuit is closed, in the same waylgas previously described, and the detonators are operated. Each rocket case has screwed to its upper end a cap 110-which issecured to a bracket 111 on a spider ,L' Said spider has its hub slidingly en: d with the tubular extension 106 of thetorpedo and'a rim which is beveled (incrosssectionyas at 113 so as to bite into the: hulhofthe vessel .to be destroyed. The-lowerfends of the rocket cases pass slidingly through apertures in collars 114 secured to thelower portion of the torpedo head. 3 I. c

Each rocket iipplied wit-ha dctonator arranged in proper connection in a local circuit asdcscribed in-z'the other models, conductorsqfor'theirrbeing indicatedat 10 and 11 and-shown extending into the relay case 30' through supporting metal tubes 115. The torpedo headis'ffired by the flame issuing from cartridge "shells or tubes 116 as soon as themember 112 engages the vessel to be destroyed, and. for this purpose there lead laterally from the explosive-containing chamber in the head, two tubular members 116 filled with the explosive material, the outer ends of which are in close proximity to the ends of the rocket cases. Collars 117 are secured on-said members, and have hinged caps 118 norinally closingthe ends of said members, being soldered to the extremities of theflatter by a thin film of solder. Said caps have angular arms 11$) which extend into engagement with the ends of the rocket cases. Now when the cartridges are fired or exploded the torpedo is shot forward following the antenna until.

the spider engages the hull and is stopped or -checked. The impulsion or momentum causes the tor edo to proceed further, and

the caps are orced outwardly, by the momelts at a still lower temperature (see-Figure 29).. The fusible metal normally solders the tubes tovthe cases to prevent any relative movement between them, except when the powder in the shells is ignited. A clear understanding of the method of firing this type of torpedo will'behad from a study of the detail drawings Figures 27 and 28.. In Figure-27 the device is shown before ignition of the rocket has taken place and in Figure 2 9'the spider 112 is su posed to have come in contact with an o struction wher'eb the relation between the position of the roc et and the head of the torpedo has been altered, the caps removed, and the'fire from the-rocket powder deflected into the charge of'high explosive.

I have thus described a few of the various modes in which my invention may-be realized-and a few of thevarious structures in which it may be embodied, for the purpose of explainin use of the invention, the governing force is the electro-chemical action of sea-water, and this force is made use sult.

' While I,have' chosen for the purpeseof this explanation to show; in various forms the simplest type of the invention, namely,

that employing contact members, electrodes,

or antennaeof substantially the same material, or of materials between which little .or no di-fl'erence of electrical potential normally exists whenthey are laced in sea-water, it will be. apparent. to t ose skilled in the art that the reversecondition may be utilized in certaincircumstances. ,-That is, whereas 'an opencircuit type of electrical-device or relaywhich is-adapted to be operated when currentflows in consequence of a detached metal mass coming into contact with, one of the antennae "has been herein described, I-

will againcall attention to the fact that I can make usepf What is known as a closed 'clrcult type" of' relay 'or electrical device maintained in the open condition,'while the and which extend into the the principlesunderl ing allforms. 1 In al forms and modes 0 of to perform a useful re-- antenna and electrode are submerged, by current constantly flowing; the antenna and electrode in tlns case being of such materials that a suflicient difference of potential between itand'the electrode exists, to maintain the requisite current. Then the contact with the antenna of a metal hull or other conducting mass, having a difference of potential with respect to the antenna-electrode system,1may have the efiect'of'stopping or neutralizing or largely diminishing the current'fiow, and thus causing or permittingthe relay or electrical device to be operated by gravity or'a spring or other potentially active, but normally non-operating, force or means. Specifically, the relay shown in Fig ures 18 to 21, which. is of the open circuit. type, may be operated on the closed circuitprinciple without any essential change, or

.any other mechanical modification than a slight change in the relation between thecoil 16 and the holder {54; as by so placing the holder that, when the coil is in the position assumed while current is flowing, the

holder is in position to support'the ball or circuit closer '46, and, in that case, upon substantial diminution. of the current, the coil and holder will be turned into theposi'tion for dropping the ball, by one of the springs 69, such spring being designed and arranged for that purpose.

In all embodiments of the invention-adapted,for the uses before described and analogous uses, there are present .-a conductive electrode, a conductive contact member or antenna, and an electrical device operable by or inv consequence of a change in the condi-- tions of electrical potential between the electrodeand contact member when submerged in sea-water occurring when a conducting mass makes electrical connection with the contact member or antenna and wlth the seawater. In this analysis, the conducting, mass includes the metal hull or any other.

submerged metal part of a vessel which may come into electrical contact with the contact .member, and further includes such devices as the contact members 24 shown in Fig ures 12 and 13. Y

Statedin anotherway, the invention in all' its embodlments consists of means for con- I verting an electric current into another form of energy, means for utilizing such energy, and an electric circuit including said current converting means and conductors adapted for submergence in sea-water and being of a character such that the contact with one .of

them and with sea-water at the same time of I I a diiferent conducting material ,cause's current conditions which produce 0 ration of the current-convertingmeans. n any case it is not important what the specific nature of the conductivematerials may be, provided they are of such nature as to provide the nec essary conditions of electrical potential whereby operation .of the device normally That is, I mean not important from thestandpoint of operativeness alone; but from the standpoint of practical use other factors,

such as strength and cost, determine the choice of materials. The antennae and electrodes have in practice usually been made of metal for convenience of construction and use; but it is perfectly feasible and has been so proved in use to employ other materials, for example non-metal substances such as carbon, which give excellent results electrically.

This fact is to be remembered that, wherever in the foregoing specification it is stated or implied that substantially no ,diflerence of potential exists between the submerged electrodes or antennae and substantially no current normally flows, this does not necessarily mean that there is or must be absolutely no diiference of potential or, ab-.

solutely no continuous flow of current. In actual practice, it is nearly impossible to procure for the contact members or antennae metals which have exactly the same potential, more particularly where the complemental electrodes of the same apparatus have diflere'nt forms; and indeed -the complemental electrodes may be intentionally made .of different materials, as for instance copper and phosphor-bronze respectively, and there may be in such circumstances a continuous flow of current of measurable amount. All that is meant by the statements or implications referred to, therefore, is that the normal diflerence of potential and the resulting current in the open circuit type of installation is not great enough to cause operation of the controlled electrical device (detonation of the mine), while the current set up by the dissimilar metal part of a vessel coming into contact with the antenna is great enough for that urpose; in other words, that the difierence of potential between the vessel and the antenna is much greater than that between the antenna and the electrode.

'While the antenna and the electrode have been distinguished from one another in the foregoing specification by different identifying terms, for convenience of description, nevertheless both are conductors, both are electrodes in the broad sense of the electrical art, and, although the antenna is intended to be the contact member engaged by a submerged hull, fyet since eithermay be so engaged in some 0 the forms shown with operating efi'ect, as described, both are contact members. Hence both may be designated aptly by: either of the generic terms 'conductors, antennae, electrodes, and

contact members for the purpose of broad- 1y pointing out the invention in the claims, and they are there so designated except where the meaning plainly indicates otherwise. I

Having thus explained the nature of my said'invention and described a way of making and using the same, although without attempting to set forth all. ofthe forms in which it may. be made or 'all'of'the modes of its use, what I claim is' 1. An electrical apparatus, comprising a bare conductor submerged in sea water, and a means in electrical connection with said conductor operated" by the electro-chemical action of the seawater for causing a current of electricity to traverse said conductor.

2. A marine electrical apparatus, comprising a bare conductor adapted to be submerged in sea water, a means likewise adapted to be submerged in sea water and operable by the electro-chemical action of the sea water for causing a current to traverse said conductor when in circuit therewith, and an electrical device in circuit with said conductor and said means for utilizing the current so generated.

- 3. An electrical apparatus comprising electrodes submerged in electrolyte and connected in electric circuit, and means in circuit which said electrodes adapted to be operated in consequence of a change in the condition of electrical pressure or potential between saidlelectrodes resulting from the contact with one of said electrodes of a body I of electrically conductive material likewise in said electrolyte.

4:. An electrical apparatus comprising two conductors adapted to be submerged in the sea and between which when so submerged one condition of electricalpotential exists, an electrical device in circuit with said conductors and being constructed and organized to be non-operating when such condition obtains, the said condition being altered by a normally disconnected metal mass making contact with one of said conductors and with the water of submergence at the same time, whereby said electrical device is operated.

5. A marine ordnance apparatus comprising a detonator, two conductors connected in circuit with said detonator and adapted for submergence in the sea, there being between said conductors when so submerged one condition of electrical potential,.and such condition being altered by contact of one of the conductors with a normall disconnected metal mass in the sea, said etonator being adapted for operation in consequence of the current conditions resulting from such change of the condition of potential.

6. A marine ordnance apparatus comprising an electro detonator and means for operating said detonator embodying elements submerged in the sea and organized to utilize

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