US1755125A - Method and apparatus for directing torpedoes - Google Patents

Abstract

278,015. Marmonier, L. Sept. 24, 1926, [Convention date]. Selective distant control systems; tell-tale apparatus.-Relates to torpedoes controlled from a distance by means of a cable paid out from the torpedo as the torpedo proceeds on its way, and consists mainly in the provision of a group of gyroscopes producing equilibrium in two planes at right angles to each other and serving to control the horizontal and vertical rudders and the vanes for stabilizing the torpedo about its longitudinal axis. A chart table is provided at the control station with pointers to trace the courses of the enemy ship, the torpedo, and the control station if this is on a torpedo boat. The speed and direction of these moving bodies are determined in any suitable way, as well as their relative positions initially. The mechanisms of the chart table are set according to these data, and then automatically traces the further movements of these bodies on the reduced scale of the chart. Close to the chart, a control board is provided with instruments for indicating the direction and depth of the torpedo and the direction and extent of its drift, switches and keys for steering the torpedo and varying its depth, a rheostat to determine the correction for the drift of the torpedo, and voltmeters for indicating the neutral positions of the steering and depth keeping controls of the torpedo. The torpedo is provided with a wireless receiving device by means of which an aircraft provided with a wireless transmitter can take control of the movements of the torpedo, this being intended to be done when the torpedo is nearing the enemy ship. The torpedo contains a group of gyroscopes, which in the form shown in Figs. 13, 18, comprises four gyroscopes 200 - - 203 mounted in gymbals controlled by springs 215, 368 and carried by forked arms 205 projecting from a central frame 204, which is mounted by a universal joint 216 on a pillar 206 and is also oonnected by a universal joint 507 to an up. wardly projecting post 290. The vertical rudders for lateral steering are worked by a servomotor device controlled by a contact device 296 situated above the group of gyroscopes, the roller 293 of this contact device being carried by an arm 291, which partakes of the rotary movement of the post 290. Means are provided, however, for superimposing on the gyroscope control a control from the torpedo boat and also a control from an aircraft. For the first purpose, the contact device 296 is mounted on a drum 336 provided with two sets of internal ratchet teeth 307, 315 co-operating respectively with pawls 300, 311, Fig. 15. The pawl 300 is pivoted at 340 on a lever 307, and is controlled by a spring 305 and by the armature 304 of a solenoid 303; and the lever 307, which is pivoted at 542 and carries the solenoid 303. is controlled by a spring 306 and the armature 302 of a solenoid 298. The other pawl 311 is similarly arranged and controlled by means of two solenoids 299, 313. When a circuit is closed in one direction or the other at the control station, the solenoid 303 or 313 is energized and withdraws the pawl 301 or 311 out of action. If then a key is pressed at the control station, the solenoid 299 or 298 works the pawl 311 or 301 and rotates the drum 336 one step in one direction or the other. Thus the direction of the torpedo is changed to the right or to the left by first closing a circuit in one direction or the other and then pressing a key down one or more times according to the extent of the change desired. Control by an aircraft is superimposed in a similar way by solenoid operated ratchet gears imparting a step rotation in one direction or the other to a drum 34 relatively to the post 290, the arm 391 commanding the roller 293 being carried by the drum 34. In addition to the gyroscopic controls, the torpedo is provided with an hydrostatic device to vary its buoyancy to maintain the desired depth of submersion. A change of normal depth may be imparted from the control station by a solenoid operated ratchet mechanism 550, Fig. 29, similar to the steering mechanism. This control is adapted to lengthen or shorten the effective length of the stem 421, 429 by rotating in one direction or the other a toothed sector 490, Fig. 22, carried by one part 429 of the stem and engaging with a rack on the other part 421 of the stem. In this way. the control from the control station is superimposed over the action of the hydrostat without interfering with it. An aircraft may also control the depth by means of a similar solenoid operated ratchet mechanism 551 operating a similar device 552 for varying the effective length of the stem 429. The control board, Fig. 11, at the control station has a pointer 360 carried by a rotatable disc 334 and movable over a dial 364 for indicating the direction of the torpedo. The disc 334 carrying the pointer is operated by the devices which control the course of the torpedo. A pair of pawls 351, 356 are worked b electromagnets 349, 361, 350, 355 in one direction or the other by the same current that works the corresponding steering device on the torpedo. The switch 343 pivoted at 362 on the control board serves to close the steering control circuit in one direction over a contact 344 or in the other direction over a contact 346. After this, a key 347 is depressed one or more times to work the steering gear and the indicator simultaneously one or more steps in one direction or the other. Before the torpedo is launched, it is necessary to ascertain the position of the steering contact roller on the contact device over which it rides. For this purpose, the contact roller 293, Fig. 12<a>, is connected through a voltmeter 367 to the mid point of a battery 368, the outer ends of which are connected to the contacts 294, 295. The voltmeter 367 is placed on the control board. It is also necessary to know the direction of the torpedo, and, for this purpose, a pointer 361 is provided on the dial 364 of the control board, and is made to follow the direction of the torpedo launching apparatus. The disc 334 can be disconnected from .its ratchet drive by means of a -manually operated knob 369 to permit initial adjustment. The drift of the torpedo is determined by observation and its speed and direction are indicated on the control board by pointers 397, 399 respectively, in conjunction with a motor and differential mechanism at the chart table. The drift thus determined is superimposed on the normal speed control of the torpedo pointer on the table. A rheostat 402 is provided on the control board, Fig. 11, to adjust the speed of the aforesaid motor. The control board is also provided with a pointer 463 for indicating the depth of the torpedo. This pointer moves over a dial 464 and is worked by ratchet mechanism, like that for the pointer 360, under the control of a switch 465 and a key 466, and in conjunction with a voltmeter 469.

Description

April 15, 1930. MARMONIER METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING TORPEDOES Filed sept'. 22, 1927 9 Sheets-Sheet l [ou s .Ma/74727071 zer April 15, 1930. L. MARMONIER METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING TORPEDOES Filed Sept. 22, 1927 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 15, 1930. L MARMONIER 1,755,125

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING TORPEDOES Filed Sept. 22, 1927 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Zolll's @247770110672 April 15, 1930. L.. MARMONIER METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING TORPEDOES Filed Sept. 22, 192'? 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 In |||r||||| April 15, 1930. MARMONIER METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING TORPEDOES Filed sept. 22, 1927 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 April 15, 1930 v l.. |v1ARMor\1|ERV 1,755,125

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING vTHPEDOES Filed S'epb. 22, 1927 9 SheeLS-Shee'kl 6 April 15, 1930. L. MARMONIER METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING TORPEDOES Filed Sept. 22, 1927 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 lave/ao?" Locas Marhmmaff v April 15,' 1930. L MARAMONlE-R Y `1,755,125

METHOD AND` APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING TORILEDOES Filed Sept. 22, 1927 l 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 El hm VWM' April 15, 1930. MARMONIER v METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING TORPEDOES Filed Sept. 22, 1927 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 lous Patented Apr. 15, 1939 vLonrs Mammalian, or LYON, FRANCE METHOD ann arraaafrns non niancrline'ioannnons Appiieaeon nea september 2a, 1227, serial' nestelen, and in France september 24, 192e.

My invention relates'to an apparatus and a method for the directing and controlling of naval torpedoes and morer specifically to the automatic control and submerging ot dirigible torpedoes launched from a station either on land or aboard a War vessel.` The said invention concerns the type ot torpedo control apparatus in vvhich connectionvis established between the launching post and the i0 torpedo directly by means cfa conductor ca ble pl'afc'ed in the body of the torpedo and paidont 'proportionately to the speed of the torpedo. The direction and immersion of the torpedo is also lcontrolled by Hertzia'n The objects of the invention are, lirst, to provide an improved method and apparatus for controlling the torpedo by qa' gyrosco'pic groupy of four gyrostats constituting a sta- 20 bil'izing base Whose position is invariable in the azimuth and on the horizon; second, to employ naval or land charts for revealing the' hoinothetical positions of the torpedo boat', tli'e 'enemy ship and the d'irigibl'e tor- 5 pedo at the same time; third, to establish direct connection between the telescopic range finder Vor range finding peris'cop'e andthe data of 'the naval or l'a'nd charts for verifying the course ot the target and of the tor- 35 pedo; fourth; to provide a method and means for controlling the direction and snbmerging or' the torpedo by control elements which are iii turn subjected to the indications on the chart; fifth; to provide a regulating device capable of being controlled from a distance for regulating the gyroscopic control in ord'eithat it may correspond with the data of the chart before the torpedo be launched; si'ith, to provide means operable from an airo craft :tor controlling the direction and the plunging of the torpedo by radio control; and seventh, to provide means for automatically supporting the conductor cable connect- 5 ing the torpedo to the launching post as it is paid'out into the Water.

My invention is comprised inv certain novel forms, construction; and combination of parts, asl 'Well as the method or" operating o0 said parts in combination, all of which will hereinafter be fully described and claimed.

En the drawing- F 1g.y l is an elevational View partly in section 03: Aa horizontal naval chart table;

Fig. 2 is an elevational View of the lsaid table associatedlivith a device for connecting it to the periscope oi' a submarine.

Fig.f3 is a diagram of the 'automatic'tracdevice associated With the table;

Fig. lis a pl'aniview of the chart table;

Fig. 5 is a detail of the' disengaging gear of the tracing mechanism;

Fig.`6 is a view in plan of the radio control element;

Figs. 7 and 7 are illustrative diagrams eX- plaining the operation oit' the tracing mechanism;

Fig. 8 is an elevational View of avertical chart table for y submarines;

Fig. 9 isa plan view of a horizontal table for the launching post;

Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a terrestrial launching post in action;

Fig. ll is an elevational view of the control board;

Fig. l2 and Fig. l2a are diagrams representing the electrical connections of the control boardand the torpedo ;j' Y,

Fig; 13 is an elevational View of the gyroscopic control and the servo-motorsiassociated thereivithf; v

F ig. ll is a View of the vertical and horizontal rudders and their cont-rolling motors:

Fig. l5 is a plan view of a distance controlling' mechanism;

Fi'fr.A v16 is a plan vievv ot a tl' ree-'contact cii'- cuit timer Fig. 1T is a sectional detail oiFig. 16;

Fig". 18 is a planl View of the g-yroseopic stabilizing mechanism and the control elements associated therewith Y Figs. 19, 19a and 19h are detailsoii the steerand control rudders and their associated controlling mechanism 5 Fig. 2O is a detail;

Fig. 2l is a view of the returnine'cha'nism or" the servo-control motors; l

22 is a detail 'of a hydrostatic control piston;

yFigp23 is a detail ot the connecting ele-l Villustrated in Fig. 1 and consists principally of a circular frame 1 in which isl disposed a transparent sheet 2 of cloth, paper or cellloid. f Said sheet which covers the entire sur y:tace or" the table is stretched overthe table byV any suitable means such as claw stretchers for' example and is renewed aft-er the transcrip tion of each torpedo launching. f

. The frame 1 (Figs. 1 and 4) is supported by four arms 3, 4 and 5 to which are fastened arms 6, 7 carrying'four'triction rollers8, 9 re- 'f volving lon a circular track 10. The said table normally free to rotate uponltrack 10 and isl adapted tobe locked in any desired position lby anchor plates 11 and 12 which engage in a groove 16 intrackl() and which are moved to locking position by means ot thumb screws 13 and 14. The track 10 is disposed onA a sec.- ond track 15 having an rinturned flange upon which track 10 turns by means ot ball-bearings 17.y On the interior of track 15 is fixed a-circular toothed plate 18 with which meshes a pinion 19 connected to a worm drive 55 actuated by a motor 2O of special construction which may be connected to the mainsof the repeaters of the gyroscopic compass.

Under the action of the repeater motor the course indicator will remain constantly in position in the azimuth.

A socket 21 is fixed to the track 15 by means of arms 22. Fitted in the socket 21 is a supporting tube 23 of a pendulum mass 24. Track 15 is universally suspended by means of a ring 25 pivoted onV studs 26 associated with said track and trunnioned at 90O .in sockets 27, 28 carried by the :trame 29 which serves to support the device.

The reproducing mechanism which takes the bearings and traces the evolutions of the torpedo boat of the enemy ship and of the torpedo on the course indicator and which marks their hypothetical positions is shown 1n Figs. 7 and 7a.

Two friction discs 55, 56 are driven by bevelled gears 57 58 respectively.

Two driving wheels 59, 60 are adapted to be displaced along the diameter of each ofsaid discs by means ot' an operating crank 62 pivoted at 63 and two levers 64, 65. in Fig. 7 crank 62 has been moved to the position indicated by the arrow 66.

1n this position the wheel 60 is moved along the friction disc 56 and occupies the point of maximum drive thereon, whereas the wheel 59 disposed in the axis ot rotation of disc remains stationary with respect thereto. The respective movements of wheels 59 and 60 are transmitted to the indexv 76 rby means or screw 68, nut 69 and connecting strip 77 for wheel and bevelled gears 70, 71, worm drive 73 and screw 7 4 for wheel 59. The trace is rmade on the chart table by means of pointer 7 6 and it willfbe readily seen that said trace will have the same direction 66n as the direction 66 of crank 62.

in Fig. 7 ,operatingy crank Y62 has been moved to the position .67 and index 76 will take the direction 6T as ea-ch of the wheels 59 the resultant of the speed of rotation ot pin-y ions 57, 58 and the orientation of crank 62.

The device inst described is adapted to suit the three subjects rot the chart table, to wit,

the target, the torpedo hoat and the torpedo.

This re Qroducino' mechanism is shown in f Figs. 1 and 4 and comprises two frictiony discs 82, 83A which are biased against the driving wheels 88, 89 under constant pressure by means or compressed springs 84, 85 and regulating nuts 86, 87. The discs 82, 83 are actuated by bevelled ypinions 78, 9 which in turn are driven by a worm Wheel 81 and a worm 30. The wheel 89 transmits its rotation to a threaded rod 90 by means of a reduction gear 91, 92. The screw 90 transmits a motion of translation to a slide block 93 which is adapted to slide throughout the length ot' a guide strip 94 through the action of a removable half nut 97 which is maintained in a position of engagement or disengagement by means of a spring 98. lllhen said half nut is raised the block 93 can be displaced freely and rapidly along the guide Fastened to the block 93 and extending at right angles thereto is a guide 99 along which moves a guide block 103 controlled by a threaded rod v105 and a removable half nut 104. Screw v105 is given rotation by means of worms 106,

shaft 107 and bevelled gears 108, 109. Block 103 is furnished with a small lever 102 trunnioned at 104. Said lever carries a stylus which diagrams the course of the torpedo. For more accuracy lever 102 might be furnished with two sliding mechanisms disposed at 90O to each other and micrometer screws permitting regulation in all directions on the table if desired.

The course of the torpedo is traced as a line on the table in accordance with the orienta tion of an operating crank 111 and the changing of the bearing of the torpedo becomes a function of the speed of the screw 80.

For producing automatically the transcription of the course of the torpedo boat there is provided a toothed ring 112 (Figs. 1 and 3) on the track 15 which is fastened to the frame 29 ofthe ,device which in turn is subjected to the evolutions of the torpedo boat. A pinion 113 meshes with said ring and is fixedat the extremity of a shaft 114 journalled in a pair of bearings 117,118 which are fixed to the chart table and consequently remain in an invariable position.

A bevelled gear 115 is fastened on the end of shaft 114 which meshes with a4 second bevelled gear 116 keyed to a shaft 110 which in turn carries at its extremity a direction control operating crank '18.6.

The said crank takes definitely the posi-tions indicated by the arrow 111 (Fig. which is exactly parallel to the longitudinal `axis of the. keel of the ship.

The gears 112, 116 and the pinions 115, 113 are provided; respectively with the same number of teeth so that when the boat Vchanges its course the chart table remains 1 and 4. Said worm actuates the toothed wheel 81 and communicates its rotary move ment to the ` discs 82, 83. v

. The course of the target is traced on the chart table by means of a device similar to that just described with the exception of the distance which separates the target-from the torpedo boat as well as its direction and speed. All estinziated data is determined by the range officer and is reproduced on the chart table in proportion to the scale thereof. First of all the table is positioned on either the port or starboard side of the ship when the battle is about to be staged. This is accomplished by unscrewing the thumb screws 13 and 14 which disengages the anchor places 11 and 12 from the throat 16. f y

The whole table may be turned about the track until the desired position is obtained when it is again locked to track 10.

The position chosen should be that in which the line representing the course of the torpedo boat will be tothe rear of the line representing the course of the torpedo and the target will bevrepresented at the opposite extremity of the table by the index 156, at a distance 1GO-150 'which is hypothetically that which separates the torpedo boat andthe enemy ship to the scale of the chart table.

rlhe reproducing mechanism is .composed of two frictiony discs 129, 130- `associated with driving wheels 132, 133 which are positioned by an operating crank 134 and two levers 135, 13.6.,y The respective movements of the said :driving wheels are transmitted' to the pointer 156by a block 142', aremovable half nut 143,

a threaded rod 14() and the gear train 137 and transmission of this movement is continued through ythe wheel 133, bevelled gears 138, 139,

in. accordance with the regulation of speed of a motor 181.

The operator places the range glass on the alidade connecting the index 160 and the in- ,dex 150. Since index 100 is given automatlcally a displacement which is a function of the direction and the speed of the torpedo boat, the line of sight AB will cut the enemy ship yif the displacement of the index on the table corresponds to the spe-ed and direction of the target. Said range glass could be placed ldirectly on the table if the latter is lon a war vessel or torpedo boat and the aim is taken exposed to the re of the enemy. Y

, Ifit is desired tor-find the range of the target by meansyof a periscope in accordance with the data of the table, the ali-clade 198 connectV ing' the index 1.00 an-dindex 150 (Fig. 2) will be centralized upon the index 100.

A. pivotal joint V182 is fixed to a rod 183 which slides in a tube 184 and to which it is feathered by means of a pin 185 thereby permitting the tube 184 Lto rotate with rod 183. A two contact timer 187' is connected to tube 184 for the purpose of energizing motor 194 through a stationary cont-act 188. Motor 194 maintains the submarine periscope exactly in the sight line 10G-d50 of alidade 198 through a worin wheel 192, a worni193 and bevel'led gears 195, 196. Return of the timer to normal position is effected by means of a shaft 191, and bevelled gea-rs 189, ,199' which have the same number of teeth as gears 195,196.

r`llhe course of the torpedo is traced on the chart table by the pointer'153 (Figs. 1 and 4) which placed beneath the .transparent sheet 2 whereas the pointers 100 and 150 of the torpedo boa-t and the enemy ship are situated above said sheet. The index 153 can consequently move over the entire surface Iof the table without interfering with index. 10()v and index 150. Y Y

The torpedo tracing mechanism comprises .two discs 154, 156 which receive their rotary movement from. bevelled gears 155 and actuate the wheels 158, 159. Wheel 159 controls a slide block 165 by means of a .removable half nut 166 anda threaded'rod-164' which isplaced on a `diainetrical axis of ythe table. The. block 165 is guided by the arm 5 throughout Vits length and has iiXe-d thereto a guide strip 173 extending tothe right and left of said lock upon which is adapted to slide the block 174 of pointer 153. Block 174 is attached to a threaded rod 172 by means of a removable half nut 175. Rod 172'receives its motion of rotation by means of transmission gears 171 (Figs. 1 and 4) arbor 170, bevelled gears 178, shaft 169 and bevelled oears 168, 167.

The launching angle of the torpedo is determined by the operator and its course is traced upon the table by an operating crank While the displacement speed of pointer 153, which is proportional to the speed of translation of the torpedo is automatically transcribed by a mechanism about to be disclosed.

If the torpedo is propelled by a motor having its source of energy aboard the torpedo, the speed of translation thereof Will be determined by a generator actuated by the propeller shaft Which in turn controls the motor of the Worm which actuates the discs 156, 154.

On the other hand if the motor of the torpedo is propelled by current from the launching post, the speed of translationof the torpedo varying directly With that of the alternator, the said alternator Will be placed in synchronism With the Worm 180 and the chart table by means of a flexible coupling (not shown).

rlhe principal organ Which directs submerges and stabilizes the torpedo automatically from a remote point and upon Which the present system of control is based consists of a gyroscopic group of Which the essential feature is the production of a Ypowerful reaction along tvvo planes at right angles to each other and to thus produce a rigid mass on the horizon and in the azimuth.

rlhe present group, shown as an example, and which could be replaced by any device embodying a horizontal an d azimuthal lines of 'faith comprises two gyrostat couples 200, 201 and 202, 203 turning in opposite directions and disposed in planes at right angles to each other, in Which position they exercise all of their active force as a result of them beingV mounted with three degrees of liberty. These gyrostats are universally mounted on a frame 204 disposed in such wise that the mass of the four gyrostats balances on a central pivot 217. Gyrostat 200 is mounted in a circular support 209 which is pivoted at 210, 211 in a ring 212 which in turn is pivoted at 213, 214 in a bifurcated member 205 fixed to frame 204. rEhe gyrostats are maintained in normal position by means of two springs 215 and four other springs 368 but conserving, however, the aforementioned three degrees of liberty. In this position the azimuthal Y plane passes by the pivot 217 Which is in coincidence with the center of gravity of the Whole gyroscopic arrangement.-

The above described arrangement is employed for the control of servo-motors which actuate the horizontal rudder 255, the vertical rudder 331 and the lateral stabilizing ailerons 284, 286 which have for a purpose the preservation of a straight course-for the torpedo.

' (See Figs. 19,19:L and 19h.)

The frame 204 of the gyroscopic group is mounted on a universal oint 216 disposed on a shaft 206 Which is pivoted on a support 207 rigidly secured to the supporting frame 208 of the device. Said frame is placed and rigidly secured in the regulating chamber of the torpedo. As a result all lurching of the torpedo is taken up by the gyroscopic arrangement.

Control of the horizontal rudder is elfected by a vertical lever 218 forming a parallelogram with the levers 221, 222. Lever 218 is mounted in a ball and socket joint 219 associated With a circular piece 223. Said circular member is subjected to the frame 104 of the gyroscopes through rollers 220. The arm is keyed to the shaft 224 extending horizontally which carries at its opposite extremity a lever 225 Which governs a contact roller 228 of a three point circuit closer 229.

All longitudinal deviation of the torpedo is transmitted to the circuit closer 229 which establishes a circuit between the roller 228 and one of the three contacts 242, 243, 244 (Fig. 20). Each of the said three contacts is connected With one of the hollow electromagnets 230, 231 and 247 having central cores and associated with the horizontal rudder servomotor.

The servo-motors used in this device are of the low pressure (4 to 5 kgs.) compressed air type. rllhey are shown as controlled by electric relays but any other suitable arrangement might be employed which Would be readily adapted for use aboard a dirigiblc torpedo. rl`he radial contact 243 of the three point circuit controller 229 is operatively connected to the electromagnet 247 of the servo-motor brake, the contact 242 with electron'iagnet 231 and the contact 244 with the electromagnet 230. When the torpedo is in a position of equilibrium contacts 228 and 243 remain closed. rithis energizes electromagnet 247 and applies the friction bralre 260 which blocks the servo-motor. During a lurching of the torpedo roller 228 contacts with one of the contacts 242 or 244 and the corresponding electromagnet 230 or 231 becomes energized and introduces compressed air on one side or the other of piston 248 by actuating air admission and exhaust valves 234, 236 or 239, 240 by means of a pair of double armed levers 232 or 233. The movement of piston 248 is transmitted to a lever 250 through a reciprocating shaft 249 and a cross head 251. In turn the lever 250 operates the horizontal rudder 255, Figs. 13 and 19, through the rods and operating levers 254, 256, 257 and 258.

When the torpedo is restored toa position of equilibrium, the circuit closer 229 is returned towards its original position by alever 246 and a connecting rod 245 until the circuit is again closed between contact and 243 at which time the servo-motor is again blocked by the brare 260.

For transverse stabilization of thetorpc'do, the efl'ect or the gyroscopic group is commu nicated to the corres )OndineP servo-motorv through the vertical lever 261 pivoted tothe circular pieceV 223 by means ot' a ball and socket oint 264 and is pivotally connected to two arms 262, 263 arranged in parallelogram formation.

Any lui-ching in the transverse direction of the torpedo Will tend to rotate the supporting i'rame 208 about the arm 263, Which through bevelled gears 265, transmits its movement to a transverse shaft 267 carrying a lever 268 at its opposite extremity. Said lcver'268 is connected to a contact roller 269 Which bears against a three point circuit closer 270 by means of a contact lever 271 and a spring 272.

The action of the laterally stabilizing servo-motor is brought about in the same manner as previously described. A pair vof electromagnet-s 274, 275 actuate a piston 278 which' displaces a connecting rod 281'in one direction or the other according to the' compensation which is to be eected. rlhe return of triple circuit closer 270 to its normal position by the servo-motor is obtained by a lever 279 and a connecting rod 2:80. The operating lever actuated by connecting rod 281 is keyed to a shaft 283 on Which is lined a' blade 284 (Fig. Said lever 282 operates a bevelled gear 287 meshing With two bevelled pinions 288 which in turn mesh With a fourth pinion 289 correspondingly bevelled thereby giving pinion 289 a movement in' the opposite direction to that of pinion 287 which reverse movement is transmitted to a shaft 285 carrying a blade 286. The torpedo is thus turned about its own axis until equilibrium is reestablished transversely.

mnpensation takes place entirely auto'- matically and Without necessitating" the at-y tention of the operator who is then' free to occupy himself with the control elements vfor steering and submerging the torpedo;`

The steering of the torpedo` is effected by the gyroscopic group through a vertical siaft 29"() (Fig. 13) connected to` a hollow endedI shaft 206` by' means of ai universal joint 507. At the top of shaft 290 is keyed al socket 38 oi a platey 37 ot the. mechanism for controlling the direction from an aircraft.

Pivoted to said meclranismy is a lever 291 carrying a roller 293V which revolves on a three point circuit closer 336 carried by a caprr 297 (Fig. The contacts carried by sai'l' cap' consist ot tivov semicircuflar contact segments 294, 296 and 4a radially disposed Contact 295.

Each oi the contacts 294, 296 is connected with one of the electromagnets 324, 325 of the direction servo-motor and the radial contact 295 is connected with the Vele'ctromagnet original 'positionby a lever-,323, a connecting rod 322 and a lever 321 which is keyed to an arbor 320. Said arbor carries a bevelled gear 319 which meshes with a bevelled gear-318 keyed to a socket 317 of a plate 316. Plate 316 is placed in connection with the cap 297 by means of al special mechanism having for a purposeto permit the operator to steer the torpedo from Athe launching post.

The mechanism Vfor controlling' the vertical rudder from a remote point is composed oi' tivo distinct elements one of Whichtui-ns the cap 297 in the direction of arrowv 338L or clockwise and the other of which turns the cap in vthe direction of arroiv339 or counter clockwise (Fig. 15). Cap 297 turns about a socket 337 ot plate 316jand on the inner periphery thereof are providedtwo sets of 1atch'et teeth 3047, '315; Teeth. 307 cooperate with a ratchet 300 one end of which is subjected to the action of a spring 305 which holds the ratchet normally against thef teeth 307 While the other end of said ratchet is'connected to a core 304 of an electromagnet 303. Ratchet 300 is pivoted at 340 ori-a lever 301 pivote'd on a stud 5,42 iXedto thev plateV 316. The electromagnet 303 Which controls ratchet 300 is attached to lever 301 and said lever is moved from one side to theot-her by a spring 306 one end of which is fixed to the plate 316 or by the core 302 of an electromagnet 29 likewise attached to ythe pla-te 316. Y

rlhe mechanism cooperating' with the interior ratchet teeth 315 is similar to that just described andcomprises a ratchet 311 pivoted at 342 and moved by the spring 309 or core 312 of magnet 313 attachedY to a lever 3.10 turning on a stud 341. `Ratchet 311 is carried by one end of lever 310 Whereas the other end is adapted to be drawn in one direction orthe other by acore398 of a magnet 299 by a spring 314. Magnet 299,v spring 314 and stud` 341 are' all carried by plate 316'. l.

The function .ot this mechanismv is as :tol-

loivs: c.

To' chan-ge the@ course' ofthe torpedo the operator places thesiviftch; 343l 11 and- 12) 'of the control board on the terminal marked right if he Wishes to direct th'ej'ton pedo toWa'rdthe right and' closes circuit between' the Contacts 362l and sie.

' This energizes electromagnet 313 .and with# draws the ratchet 311 which up to time opposed the rotation of disc 297. By subsequently manipulating the key 347, magnet 293 is energized and attracts lever 361 or" ratchet 300 thus moving the disc 297 through a distance of one tooth to the right each time the key 347 is closed.

In like manner if the switch 343 is placed on terminal 344 marked lett ynd key 347 manipulated, disc 297 will be stepped around to the left by the opposing mechanism.

Depending upon whether disc 297 is turned to the right or to the lett a circuit will be closed between the roller 293 and contact 294 Vor 296 ofcircuit closer 336. The direction servo-motor is set into action and moves the vertical rudder which directs the torpedo to the right or le'i't to an amount corresponding to the angular displacement of disk 297.

Since it is essential that the course taken by the torpedo be accurately reproduced by the chart table there is provided a mechanism identical to that utilized Vfor steering; the torpedo from a remote point on the control board operated by the operator of the torpedo. p

For changing the direction to the rightvthis mechanism comprises a lever 353 supporting an electromagnet 352 and a ratchet Said lever is actuated by an electromagnet 349 and an opposing spring 354.

For changing the direction to the left the mechanism consists of a lever 353 supporting an electromagnet 355 and a ratchet 356. Said lever is actuated by an electromagnet 350 and a spring 357.

A disc 334 carries the tiller crank pin 359 of the torpedo. This crank pin controls the two driving wheels 358, 359 through levers 161, 162.

The position of member 359 represents the direction taken by the torpedo and may be read directly by means of a pointer 360 cooperating with a graduated scale 364.

Consequentlv the operator oithe torpedo nay regulate the angular direction of the course ot' the torpedo to correspond with the position of the enemy craft.

For this purpose disc 334 is adapted to be stepped around to the right or left by the =ame circuit as that which operated disc 297 a nd for a distance corresponding` to the same number of teeth. Inasmuch as discs 334 and 297 have exactly the same number of teeth, the closing of the key 347 will impart to each ot said discs the same angular displacement as represented in the diagram of connect-ions in Fig. 12 and the indication Cl) on the control board which is placed in View of the operator will be exactly parallel to the course of the torpedo indicated' by line EF in Fig. 12?:

lt will be noticed in switch 343 is moved to Contact 346 (ri glitwarr li ection) the magnet 355 oit' the control board coi-itrols the ratchet while at the saine 12 that when time on the torpedo the magnet 313 actuates the ratchet 311. If at this moment the operator closes the key 347 the electromagnets 349 of the control board and 293 of the torpedo will step around to the same degree and in a clockwise direction the discs and 297 respectively.

Similar operation is produced for directing to the left, the two magnets 350 and 299 stepping around together and to the same degree the discs 334 and 297 respectively but in a counter clockwise direction.

The gyroseopic group of four gyrostats utilized in controlling the direction of the torpedo after the gyrostats are released they occupy an invariable position in the azimuth but which may be given any direction whatsoever. Under these conditions the group could not be utilized for directing the torpedo il the operator could not verify the Yposition of the direction of control represented by the contact roller 293, from a distance and before launching the torpedo.

lt is therefore very important that the operator be provided with means for verifying the position orn the vertical rudder with respect to the gyroscopic control and with respect to the indicators on the control board before him.

Suppose that the lever 291 (Figs. 12a and 16) which carries the contact roller 293 which is connected to the gyroscopic control be placed in the azimuth, after release of the gyrostats, along the line GH (Fig. 12a) and that the angularadjustment of the course ot the torpedo be and that the position of the three point circuit closer be IJ, under these conditions it will be readily seen that the direction taken by the torpedo will not be in order upon starting and that control thereof becomes impossible.

For assuring this control the. vertical rudder of the torpedo is locked in its position of rest, that is, in a position corresponding exactly to the prolongation of the longitudinal axis of the torpedo. This locking may be eil'ected by any well known means which will be automatically released when the torpedo is released.

VThe neutral contact 295 of the direction controlling circuit closer which corresponds to the position of rest of the vertical rudder of the torpedo must be reestablished in a position such that line IJ coincides with GH. As this reestablishment cannot be brought about by the operator he must be provided with an indicator which willsignal that the roller 293 is in contact with the neutral contact 295. For this purpose the control board (Fig. 11) has been provided with a voltmeter 367 connected to the roller 293 and to the mid point of a battery 363 which in turn has its right and left extremities connected to the contacts 294, 296 (Fig. 12a). As a result the operator may know at any instant with which ofthe contacts 294, 295 and 296' the Contact roller 293 of circuit closer 336 is contacting with. He may then know when to proceed to close the circuit through the neutral contact 295.

This compensation is, however, insufficient as When the circuit is closed between the neutral contact 295 and the roller 293, if the torpedo be launched, it vvilltake the direction correspondingto that Which it occupied in the hull of the torpedo lboat Without concordance with the data on the control board.

lVith a View to bringing about proper coordination the control board has been provided with a pointer 351 Which indicates the eil-act position of the torpedo about to be launched. Said pointer is connected to the torpedo carrier by a mechanism identical to that described in connection` With Fig. 3. The said pointer will thus indicate the position of the torpedo on the ship regardless of what evolutions may be performed thereby.

Manual release of the disc 334 is effected by a lr-nob 369 which releases. the ratchets 351 and 356 by an interior mechanism not shown.

The operator may regulate` the course of the torpedo Without paying any attention to the evolutions of the torpedo boat other than the release of the torpedo therefrom because as soon as the vertical rudder of the torpedo is free upon release of the torpedol it will take the course indicated by the pointer 360 on scale 364 of the control board.

It will be noted that before launching the torpedo is in the breast of the ship and conmains on the ship the indeX 153 which represent-s the torpedo on t-he chart table 4) Will coincide exactly with the index 100 which represents the position of the torpedo boat up to the time of' interference and the :i distance to the scale of the table which se1L arates the torpedo from the table. l For this purpose the table has been furnished with transmission mechanisms which transmit the same movement to index 100 and index 153.

Said mechanisms are fastened to lever 370 (Fig. 5) and hence associated with rod 37'? which displaces a sliding clutch 375 for releasing said mechanisms; Said clutch may be either connected to bevelled gears 37 3, 372 and 371, 370 Whose' movement represents the bearings of the torpedo boat or to member 374 Whose movement represents the' cou-rse of the torpedo.

Member 376' transmits the bearings to the cha'rjt'tafble. After' the launching of the torpedo, that is, aft the time the vertical rudder is free and subjected to gyroscopic control, the operatorv shifts the clutch 375 from member 373 to member 374.

it Will be' readily recognized by "those skilled. in the art that once the torpedo is launched, its course will not necessarily be rectilinear and will tend to deviate due to various causes such as the changing tide, sub marine currents, Waves beneath the surface and the like. ft is therefore indispensable that the operator of the torpedo be able to rectify the reproduction of the course on the' graph-ic chart table Wit-hrespect to the drift produced thereon to which the torpedo is subjected during; its travel and of- Which the direction and lextent must be determined.v T his dri-ft is reproduced by friction discs 378, 379, a Wheel 390 and bevell'ed gears 330,` 381 (Fig. 4). On the diameter of discs 378', 3751' are placed'. the Wheels 382, 383 which are guided by ai drift cracnllr 336 and two levers 335. Here member v33.6 is not definitely fixed to the extremity of an operating crank as previously but its position is adjustable. on a rotary disc 393 (Fig.- l1) along a diam eter ofsaid disc upon a guide strip 400.v Mem ber 336 is mounted in a slide bloclr 392 tted on guide 400 said bloclr being adapted to be displaced by means of a threaded rod 3.96 andi a lrnob 395. The extent and direction of the drift become a function of the position of member 386 on the disc Which is discernible by a pointer 397 cooperating with a graduated scale 393 and the orientation of member 386 in the` azimuth Which is discernible by means of a pointerv 399 cooperating with a gradi-lated circular scale 401 andthe speed of motor 389 (Fig. 4) Whose speed is adjustable by means of a governing rheostat 402.

The mechanism for indicating the resultant of the normal course of the torpedo and that of the drift will new be described. Referringr to Fig. 4, the action of driving Wheelsand 333 which is dependent upon the position of drift member 330 is transmitted by means of suitable connecting` means to the device about to be described Which is applicable equally as Well to the longitudinal drift accruing from Wheel 332 and arbor 543 as to the transverse drift produced by Wheel 383, pinions 386, 387 and arbor 544. Said device is shown in Fig. 5 and comprises a differential gear of which the be-velled gear 407 represents the course of the torpedo (longitudinal and transversal) while the Wheel 404`and its Worm 403 represent the drift (longitudinal and transversal).

Planet gears 405 of which the stud shafts are fixed to' shaft 403 are. given a movement of rotation Which is the resultant of the -ro tation either in opposite' or the same direc-v tions'commun'icated by gears 407. and 404. As a result thel shaft 4106 reproduces course actually run by the torpedo including the et'ect due to drift.

The voriiication of the course ot the enemy ship and the torpedo by the periscope or i range glass in accordance With the indicanot so in the case of submarine torpedoing Where the torpedo dives as soon as released. Suppose after several minutes the chart table (Fig. 4) shows the position of the submarine at 1GO, that of the enemy ship at 150a and that of the torpedo at 153a7 an examination ot' the course Will be necessary. Thesubmarine is taken to the surface and the range oiiicer can determine by means of the associated periscope 197 (Fig. 2) Whether the enemy ship is still on the line ot sight 100a- 150a. For this purpose the alidade 198 is placed on the chart table to extend from index 10() representing the submarine to index representing the enemy ship.

The same veriiication can be made for the torpedo and in this case the torpedo oilicer places the alidade 198 on the line of sight 100St-150a While'at the same time he raises the torpedo to the' surface ot' the sea for several seconds. It at this time some bearing indicating means is brought into action, such as an emergency yard arm, a. vertical jet of Water, a ray of light in the rear or any other suitable signalling means which will be sufiicient to reveal the position of the torpedo to the range oiticer who has his periscope turned thereon but which means is not readily visible to the enemy, the bearing of the torpedo may be easily taken.

When a torpedo is connected to a Wire conducting cable directly connected to the launching post, its density varies in accordance with the unwinding of said conducting cable. placed in the hull of the torpedo at the rear thereof. in proportion to the length of the course ot the torpedo.

ln. order to compensate for this continual loss in Weight, there is introduced in the ballast tanks 44.7 (Fig. 29) ot the torpedo a quantity ot water Whose weigh-t is rigorously equivalent to that paid out in the un. 'uding cable but at the same time allowing the op-l erator to vary the depth at which the torpedo operates.

The torpedo is furnished for his purpose with a Water pump (Fig. 26) Which is operated directly from the propeller shaft ot the torpedo ointly With the cable unvvinding rollers (Fig. 28) carried by the hull ot the torpedo, The speed ot the pump will be proportional to the length oi cable paid out and will charge the ballast tanks with a quantity of Water corresponding to the loss in Weight. Since the iilling of the ballast tanks cannot be rigoroi f exact, additional elements are provided toi regulating the charge. This regulating is accomplished by the joint action ot the following elements (a) Bi hydrostatic piston.

rihe horizontal rudder ot' the torpedo controlled by the gyroscopic group.

(c) A ballast tank charge regulator.

The hydrostatic piston is of ordinary construction ivith the difference that its movement is of longer duration in order to receive the least displacement of the torpedo in depth. This de 'ice comprises a membrane on a hydrostatic piston 423 mounted in a cylinder 42?. liston 423 is attached to a vertical piston rod 421 which slides in a bearing 428 and carries a trunnion 424 sliding in a slotted lever 425. `Said lever is connected to an opposing spring 426 for piston 423, the tension ot' said spring being regulated from the exterior as is Well known in the art.

1rlod 421 is provided with an extension 429 beyond the point where it is connected to a depth regulating mechanism about to be described.

During elevation oi return lever 245, the servo-motor actuates the horizont-al rudder (Figs. 13, 18, 21) and the extension 429 slides vertically in a supporting socket 430 liXed to the torpedo (Fig. rlhe portion of eXtension 429 in said socket provided with a rack 433 Which meshes With a toothed sector 432 extending through said socket and keyed to a shaft 434. The sector 432 consequently registers the ascending and descending movements oi the extension 429 lined to the hydrostatic piston. Fixed to shaft 434 is a universal joint 435 (Figs. 18 and 29) which in turn is attached to a shaft 436 adapted to slide laterally in a sleeve 437 keyed to an arbor 438 which is extended by means of a universal oint 439 and au arbor 442 (Figs. 18, 21 and 25). Shatt- 442 is provided with a toothed sector 443 which turns in a socket 444 and meshes with a rack 445 provided on the horizontal r dder return rod 245.

Rod 245 is slidably mounted Within the socket 444 while said socket is fixed to tension sha tt 245a of the horizontal rudder rcturn rod.

As a result, it the hydraulic piston is raised due to the submersion ot the torpedo being too great, the rod 429 will rota-te the toothed sector 432 which in turn will turn in the same proportion the toothed sector 443 through shafts 436, 438. The rotation produced Will tend to diminish the effective length of rods 245, 2452L of the horizontal rudder return mechanism. Consequently the Contact roller 228 of the gyroscopic control closes the circuit 'with Contact 242 which acts upon the depth control servo-motor and raises the horizontal rudder 255. rlhe torpedo then moves upward toward the surface until a depth is attained where the hydrostatic piston and the rods 245 and 245a take their normal position.

ln case the hydrostatic piston moves downward from the result of a too rapid ascent, the horizontal rudder of the torpedo will be actuated in the reverse direction as indicated to the left of Fig. 21.

During the time that the horizontal rudder tends to make the torpedo plunge 0r rise, the regulator charging piston 408 (Fig. 26) associated with the ballast tanks acts jointly. Said piston 408 slides in a cylinder 409 surrounded by two chambers 412 and 413, the former chamber receiving water under pressure from an air dome 419 which is fed by a second pump similar to that of Fig. 26 at 420 which is used for iilling the ballast tanks. The air pressure of dome 419 is maintained at 4 to 5 kilograms above that of the ballast tanks 447 whose pressure is from 6 to 8 kilograms. The pressure in said dome 419 is regulated by means of a spring 417 and an exhaust valve 416 which allows the excess water furnished by the feed pump to escape through a pipe 449.

1n the chambers 412 and 413 are furnished openings 411 and 412 respectively which uncover similar openings 410 and 415 oppositely disposed in the regulator piston during reciprocation thereof by rod 429 of the hydrostatic piston. Piping 448 connects the cylinder 409 with the ballast tanks 447.

During the normal position of equilibrium of the torpedo the openings `411, 414 and 410, 415 are closed. lf the torpedo rises toward the surface as a result of an insufficient charge of water in tanks 447, the hydrostatic piston descends and opensthe openings 410,411 which allows a certain quantity of water to pass from the air dome 419 for compensating for the said insuflicient charge.

On the other hand if the torpedo plunges too deeply from an excess charge of water, the hydrostatic piston will be raised and open the openings 414, 415 which allows the excess in tanks 447 to escape through pipe 449.

rlhe electric transmission device which allows the operator to regulate the depth of the torpedo is the same as that which was described for regulating its direction.

On the control board (Fig. 11) this mechanism comprises an electromagnet 450 and an opposing spring 454 therefore acting on a lever 451 which carries the said magnet 450 and a ratchet 452. Sai-d ratchet cooperates with a toothed sector 461 and turns the same toward the right thereby causing a pointer 463 thereon toA move in the direction of the indications on a graduated scale 464 'associated therewith. A switch 465 is provided `which may be connected to either contact 467 for causing the torpedo to rise or to contact 468 for causing it'to descend and a key 466 operates the control magnets 450 or 456.

On the torpedo the plunging mechanism corresponding is shown in Fig. 22 and comprises a ratchet 479 actuated by a lever 545 and a magnet 478 while the raising mechanism comprises a ratchet 472 actuated by a magnet 473. rlhe disc formed by the sectors 477, 482 will therefore be moved in a clockwise direction as shown by arrow 546 when plunging and in a counter clockwise direction when ascending. As said disc is connected to an arbor 488 (Figs. 22, 23 and 29) by means of a shaft 483, a universal joint 484, a sleeve 485, a shaft 486 and a universal joint 487; and as the toothed sector 490 is keyed to the arbor 488, rotation of dise 477, 482 in the direction of the arrow 546 will tend to diminish the effective length of rod 421, 489. As a result the horizontal rudder of the Vtorpedo will cause it to plunge as previously indicated and the regulator piston 408 will introduce an overcharge of water in the ballast tanks. Y

Following this shortening of the rod 421, 429 the opposing spring 426 will exert a supplementary tension which must be compensated for by an increased pressure in the water acting on the hydrostatic piston.

Consequently if the torpedo is to recover its equilibrium it must plunge to a depth corresponding to the tension of spring 426 and this plunging will be increased as much as the length of rod 421, 429 is shortened.

On the other hand, lengthening of rod 421, 429 causes the torpedo to ascend toward the surface, this ascending being accomplished through the combined action on the control board (Fig. 11) of ratchet 457, lever 458, magnet 456 and its return spring 460 while on the torpedo through the action-of ratchet 4,72, lever 471, magnet 470 and return spring 4 4.

A voltmeter 469 is provided for indicating whether the current is flowing properly through the various devices and servesV the same purpose for the depth control mechanism as did the voltmeter 367 for the direction controlling mechanism during the running of the course of the torpedo.

VThe mechanism thus far described has treated solely with the control elements placed at the disposition of the operator at the launching post for permitting the torpedo to be steered and plunged or raised at will. For -directional Vcontrol of the torpedo from an aircraft provided with a transmitter functioning in accordance with a series of variable tuned wave length a receiver placed in the torpedo, the said torpedo will be yprovided with an antenna, a telemechanical switch and any other necessary radio instrumentalities now in use.

For this purpose the direction controlling servo-motors are provided with a cap 34 of which the interior periphery is provided with two sets of oppositely facing ratchet teeth 35 and 36. 0n the disc 34 is mounted a lever 291 of a contact roller 293. Said disc is fitted tightly but rotatably on a socket 38 of a plate 37 keyed to the shaft 290 of the gyroscoplc group and which serves to support two electromagnets 32 and 33. llhese magnets control respectively the levers 42 and 43, carrying at their extremities the ratchet 40 and 41 which turn the ldisc 34 in one direction or the other. The arrangement is completed by opposing springs 44 and 45 (F ig. 6) and return levers 48 and 49 moved by springs 46 and 47 respectively.

f The intervention of the aircraft will have for a purpose the displacement in an angular direction of the contact roller 293 on the three point circuit closer 294, 295, 296 and consequently to modify the course of the torpedo proportional to said angular displacement.

The aircraft must also be able to cause the torpedo to plunge abruptly in order to descend at a great depth beneath the enemy craft when it reaches the target. For this purpose there has been provided (Fig. 29) a radio operated electric depth control means 551 similar to the device 550 which is controlled from the control board. rl`hese two devices are actuated upon shortening of the vertical rod 429 of the hydraulic piston and the radio responsive device 551 is connected to the lengthening and shortening mechanism 552 of vertical rod 429 by a universal joint 553.

Fig. 8 shows a vertical course indicator particularly adapted for use aboard a submarine where the space available is limited. This device comprises a frame 556 to which is fastened by means of eyelets a sheet of paper 555 gripped between two plates 557 and 559 and stretched by means of tension screws 570.

The movement of the submarine is reproduced by means of an index 100 supported by a block 564 slidably mounted in a guide 566 attached to a slide block 562. The longitudinal and vertical movements of translation of index 100 are effected by the threaded rods 561 and 563 which are associated with the direction reproducing operating crank 560.

In order that the variations in the course be recorded on the vertical table, the crank 560 is connected with the propelling motor 567 connected to the mains of the gyroscopic repeating motors of the compass of the submarine. The speed of the submarine is transmitted to the data being` traced by means of a flexible coupling 565. The bearings of the course taken by the torpedoer is thus automatic as in the table previously described.

The course of the enemy craft is traced by the index 150 by means of horizontal and vertical threaded rods 574, 577. A supporting block 575 slides in a guide 576 for rod 574 while a block 579 supports rod 577 and slides in a guide 578. The course of the target as reproduced is controlled by an indicating pointer 571 associated with the operating crank and the speed by a motor regulating rheostat 573 both within reach of the operator.

T he torpedo is represented by the index 153 supported by a block 586 sliding vertically in a guide 585 by means of a threaded rod 584 and horizontally in a guide 583 'by means of a slide block 582 supporting guide 585 and a threaded rod 581.

rlhe control board of this table is similar to that previously disclosed as well as the connections with the torpedo for the submerging and the steering thereof. The depth control is indicated by a pointer 589 on a graduated scale 588. The depth maneuver is controlled by a switch 590 and a key 591 with which is associated a volt-meter 587.

The direction of the torpedo is assured by a switch 595 and a key 596 and is indicated by a pointer 592 cooperating with a scale 594 and with which is associated a voltmeter 597.

rl`ranscription of the drift is produced by the direction indicating pointer 599 cooperating with a dial 603 and an operating slider 600 regulated by a knob 601 and the extent of the drift is regulated by a rheostat 602.

A lever 604 connects the torpedo bearing transmitting mechanism at the time of launching the torpedo.

The range of the enemy craft and of the torpedo is found by means of a periscope 605 actuated by a repeater motor 606 and a transmission gear 607. Said motor is connected to the circuit of the alidade of the graphic chart table. Said alidade which is centered on the index 100 which reproduces the torpedocr course, is placed successively from 100a to 150a for finding the target and from 100'L1 to 153a for finding the torpedo.

The same arrangement for torpedoing by dirigible torpedoes above described is equally applicable to portable or stationary land launching posts. As the limits of visibility are of wider scope for a post on land, the dimensions of the table will be increased proportionally for obtaining the same precision with a larger launching range. The chart table comprises essentially a frame 491, 492, 493, 494 consisting of four demountable elements assembled by means of bolts (Fig. 9).

The course reproducing mechanism is likewise demountable in order to facilitate its transportation by motor truck in the case of portable apparatus. In the frame 491, 492, 493, 494 is placed a sheet 495 of transparent material and demountable which is held in l ing wheels 499, 500 which are actuated by a motor 512 of variable speed. rlhe longitudinal block 504 and transverse block 506 transmit the course to index 520.

The bearing of the enemy ship and its regulation on the chart table is under control of the range oilicer who determines the position of the pointer 502 on the dial 501 and the speed by means of rheostat 513 of motor 512. In this end is placed a sight glass 528 pivoted at 533 and which is connected to the alidade extending from the axial point 521 on the table to index 520 of the enemy ship. Said connection is made by means of a rod 530 pivoted at one end at 532 on the prolongation of alidade 520, 521 and at the other end at 531 to a lever 547 keyed to the pivot shaft 533 of sight glass 528.

The sight glass being subjected to the bearings on the chart table with respect to the course of the target the operator can regulate the trace after placing the index 520 at a distance 521-520 which corresponds, to the scale of the table, to the exact distance which separates the point 521 from the enemy ship. This distance is reproduced by a telemeter independently.

F or the steering and submergmg of the torpedo, the operator utilized the same elements of control previously described in connection with the naval chart tables. rlhe control board 511 of the land table comprises a direction control switch for directing the torpedo to the right or left 516 and a key 517; submergence control of the torpedo by a rise and plunge switch 514 and a control key 515; and drift regulation by a movable disc 519 and a speed regulating rheostat 518. F urthermore when torpedoing takes place in the open the operator employs a sight glass 536 for controlling the course of the torpedo from intermittent and rapid observations. Said sight glass is subjected to the course of the torpedo on the chart table which is represented by index 510 by means of the alidade extending from 521 to 510% Said alidade which is prolonged to 541 is connected to a lever 538 on the pivotal shaft of glass 536' by means of a rod 540.

The regulation of the gyroscopic control f, of the torpedo from a distance and its coordination with the movable direction disc of control board 511 takes place in the same manner as previously described. It is merely necessary for the operator of the torpedo to know the direction in which the torpedoes are moored to regulate the position of the movable disc of the chart table as well as the distance which separates point 527 from 524 (Fig. 10) in order that the parallax 521, 522 be represented on the chart exactly to the scale of said chart. The point 522 on the chart table represents the point where the torpedoes are anchored.

This construction of chart table is equally adapted to be utilized in a stationary or portable launching post; In the latter case the chart table is transported on a track work by the same auto truck which carries the alternator 526 which furnishes the propelling motor of the torpedo with current (F ig. 10)

The torpedoes are brought to their moorl ing place either by water or over the land.

l/Vhat l claim is 1. An apparatus for directing torpedoes comprising', in combination, a chart table, aV

sheet of transparent material on said chart table, means adapted to reproduce the course of the target on said chart, means adapted to reproduce the course of the torpedo boat on said chart, means adapted to reproduce the course of the torpedo on said chart, a control board associated with said chart and electromechanical means for directing said torpedo from said control board.

2. An apparatus for directing torpedoes comprising, in combination, av chart table, a sheet of transparent material `on said chart table, automatic means adapted to reproduce the course of the target on said chart, automatic means adapted to reproduce the course of the torpedo boat on said chart, automatic means adapted to reproduce the course of the torpedo beneath the surface of the water Lon said chart, a control board associated with said chart and electro-mechanical means for directing said torpedo from said control board.

3 The method of controlling a torpedo which comprises utilizing chart tables for reproducing the course thereof, operating said said chart table, said reproductions and said evolutions being brought about electrically.

4. An apparatus for directing torpedoes comprising, in combination, a chart table, a

sheet of transparent material on said chart table, means adapted to reproduce the course of the target on said chart, means adapted to reproduce the course of the torpedo boat on said chart, means adapted to reproduce the course of the torpedo on said chart, each of said means comprising respectively a stylus, a travelling nut for said stylus, a rotatable threaded rod for said travelling nut, a second travelling nut and rod for giving said first travelling nut transverse movement, a plurality of driving wheels, a second plurality of wheels there being one adapted to slide along the diameter of each ofsaid driving wheels, means for varying the position of said

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