US1838566A - Submarine device - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 29, 1931. R G. MERRITT 5 SUBMARINE DEVICE.

Filed Feb. {5. 1928 o: 2.7 F, 9/ F/ .15.

gmwnlidw Patented Dec. 29, 1931 UETE STATES zen-ram oFF cE SUBMABINIE DEVICE Application filed February 13, 1923. Serial No. 254,029.

This invention relates to a submarine protective device and pertains more specifically to an apparatus for rescuing crews entrapped. in sunken submarines, or other vessels having water-tight compartments.

As is well known, the occupation of a sub marine mariner is rendered very hazardous by reason of the fact that rescue from a submerged vessel is peculiarly difficult and un fortunately too often unsuccessful. Here-tofore, many schemes for the rescue of the crews of submarines have been advanced. The majority of these contemplate the formation, on the hull of the vessel, of a closure which may communicate with a diving bell or similar device adapted to be lowered from the surface. tems is that they make no provision for the men who are in a compartment of the sub- 0 i "ine other than that which is fitted with the closure referred to. For successful operation, the closure must be clear of the sea bottom. the vessel is listed, the closure may be practically inaccessible.

It is an object of this invention to devise a method of rescuing entrapped crews of submarines or similar vessels which is not dependent upon any particular fixtures on the submarine itself. 7

Another object is to devise such a method,

the efiicacy of which is not impaired by the particular position of the vessel.

Yet another object is to provide a rescue large number of the crew at one time.

A further ob ect is to provide an apparatus of this general character which is adapted to cooperate with any givensection of the hull.

with these and other equally important cal embodiment of it is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Inthese drawings A disadvantage in such sys-' In some circumstances, as where apparatus which is adapted to remove a the same reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views of which Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the device. a

Fig. 2 is a detail of the lower portion of the device in operative association with a submarine.

Fig. 3 is a cross section taken on line 33 of Fig. 1. 1

'Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail of the upper portion of the structure showing the closure means.

Fig. 5 is a detail showing a modification of the seal.

The invention comprehends the idea of lowering an enlarged container onto the deck of a submarine. The container is so constructed that this submergence may be accomplished with the least possible hydrostatic resistance. After-the container has been lowered to the desired position it is adapted to be sealed off from the surrounding aqueous medium and exhausted of its contained water. concomitantly with the exhaustion of water, there is insured an influx of air from the surface. The device is manually operated in the sense that it contains a diver who may carry out certain operations incident to a successful rescue.

After the device has been emplaced upon the submarine, the removal of water is adapted to effect a tight seal, by means to be described fully, between the interior of the container and the extraneous Water. By opening a lower closure in the device the diver may cut through the hull of the submerged submarine and remove or resuscitate the crew as the occasion warrants. If the crew is to be removed, they take up a position withinthe containerand the lower closure is then sealed. In the manner presently to appear, by introducing fluid pressure into the lower part of the container, the erstwhile watertight seal is broken and the container may be raised to the surface.

As shown in the accompanying drawings, the device comprises a container 1 fitted with upper and lower closures 2 and 3 respectively. The container may be constructed, preferably in one piece, from a suitable metal having a desirably high compressive strength such for example as chromium, vanadium and nickel steels. These materials are desirable for the present purpose primarily because of the fact that they are characterized by high resistance to corrosion in addition to possessing high tensile strength. Steels of this character are readily available on the market and have atensile strength well in excess of 100,000 pounds per square inch at room temperature. As a typical example of such materials, may be taken an alloy steel having .39 of carbon, .59 of manganese, .93 of chr0- mium, .23 of silica; this material possesses a tensile strength of 175,000 pounds per square inch room temperature and breaking strength of 213,000 pounds. It will be appreciated that while it is desirable to use a material of high strength, the strengths of the magnitude indicated give a very wide tolerance. The compression to which the present container is subjected to in actual practice is very much less than those numbers indicated.

It will be appreciated that while it is necessary that the material employed be of sulficient strength to withstand the range of pressures to which it may be subjected, the latter are not inordinately high. For approximate calculations it can be assumed that the pressure to which the submerged'body is subjected will equal h cZ-l-c where h equals the depth below the surface, d the density of the salt water and c a constant representing atmospheric pressure taken at 14.7. If such factors as the change of density with increased depth and lowered temperature be disregarded, the following tabulation indicates the pressure to which the device will be submitted:

Depth below Pressures and surface, in ft. lbs. per sq. in. I

From the above it will be seen that while high strength steels may be used they are not by any means essential. If desired, nonferrous alloys may be employed. Duraluminum, which has a tensile strength approxi mating that of some steels and only one-third of the weight, is adaptable for this use. It will be appreciated that if this particular material is used the lower strength annealed products may be employed. These have a tensile strength which is more than sufficient for the present use. Such products have atensile strength of the magnitude of 85,000 pounds per square inch. Similarly other alloys such as brasscs or bronzes may, if desired, be employed.

Since the container is adapted to be submerged, it is necessary that the density of the material used. in its construction be greator than that of the sea water. This specification will of course be complied with by any of the materials enumerated when it is considered that aluminum, one of the light est of metals has a density of approximately 2.7. As will appear more fully hereinafter, as the container is submerged, it acts as a cylinder opened at each end and hence is buoyed only by a force equal to the weight of the displaced liquid. On ascending to the surface, however, the container is buoyed up by an increased force which is equal to the weight of the volume of water removed from the interior of the container. This buoyant effect of course will vary with the dimensional characteristics of tie particular container used.

In the preferred construction, the container takes the form of a cylinder, although it is to be clearly understood, such a shape is not essential; it may be el iptical or even angular in cross section. Likewise while the device is shown as comprising a member of substantially uniform diameter, it is obvious that it may be constructed of frusto conical shape.

The upper end of the cylinder provided with a top flange or ledge 4. This may be formed of one piece with the shell, or may consist of an initially separate piece wh may be autogenously welded, brazed or 0th r wise suitably fused to the shell. Near its lower end the cylinder is formed internally with a similar flange This may be secured to the interior wall by any of the means in dicated.

The flange 4 is adapted to cooperate with the closure 2. As shown in Fig. 1, posts 6 are integrally secured to the bottom face of the flange as by a welded joint or the like. The lower end of these posts are apertured and receive a pivot pin 6 on which is also pivoted the hinge plates 7. This plate is fastened to the lower face of the closure or hatch 2. The closure member is composed preferably of a heavy plate of non-corrosive metal such as brass, phosphor-bronze and the like. At points spaced along the periphery of the circular plate there are provided the slotted extensions 8 (Fig. 4). On the flange points above the slotted extensions, are integrally formed the posts 0. To these are pivoted the threaded securing bolts 10. Cr operating with the threaded portions of these bolts, are the internally threaded collars 11. These collars are integrally formed with vertical shank 12 on the end of which are provided the handles 13. It will be understood that the adjustable bolt mechanism cooperates with. the closure through the intermediacy of the slots 8 to lock the closure se curelv in its sealed position on the flange 4. In order to insure a water-tight seal for the closure, the latter is provided with an annular groove 14 in which is received the gasket 15. The gasket may be made of rubber or any other Water impermeable material which has the desired resiliency.- This gasket preferably is quite wide so as to insure a relatively large bearing surface with the flange.

It will be understood that the closure 2 may be mounted so as to cooperate with the'upper face of the flange 4.

The flange 4 is tapped so as to receive a plurality of tubes 16. 1 These are adapted to provide conduits through the shell for the air intake and exhaust of the diving helmet 17. As shown, particularly in Fig. 4, the tube 16 is encircled, near each face of the flange 4, by a water-tight gasket 18. The portions of the tube 17 which project beyond the upper and lower faces of the flange 4 are formed on a taper and the section of greater diameter is externally threaded. It is understood that the tubes 16 may be made with reduced ends instead of being tapered. lVith these threads cooperate the locking nuts 19, which, as will be understood, serve to lock the gaskets l8 inoperative position. 'The terminal or smooth ends of the tubes 16 are formed with annular rings or bands 20. Over each end may be fitted the hose sections 21 and the former leading from the container to the pump on the lighter or rescue ship and the latter leading to the divers helmet. The hose sections are adaptedto fit over the smooth ends of the tubes and are clamped thereto by means of the collars 23. It will be observed that the rings 20 serve, in conjunction with the-bands 20, to. lock the hose in its position on the tubes.

i-Ls shown in the upper portion of Fig. 1 another section of the flange 4 is tapped to receive tubes 24; which may open communication between the interior of the container and the atmosphere by way of the hose lines 25 and 26. A line 27, which may be of metallic piping, descends along one side of the container down to the lower portion thereof. At its lowermost end, it is provided with a strainer 28. The hose 26 on the other hand terminates immediately inside of the flange l. It will be understood, as will be pointed out in detail hereinafter, that the line 25 is utilized to withdraw water from the contain- The interior of the container is provided.

with means to permit ascent and descent of diver or members of the rescued crew. T shown as comprising a ladder 31 l which may be formed if desired, by Welding brackets to the sides of the cylinder. Conveniently positioned about the interior periphery of the container are a plurality of seats 32. These may, if desired, be integrally formed with the container body by welding the seat 32 together with its support bracket 33 to the cylinder wall. It will be appreciated, however, that these may be hinged to the interior wall and may, when not in use, be folded back to the wall and held by a suitable latch.

Near its lower end, the container is formed exteriorly with a plurality of annular lands or extensions 34;. Fitting over these lands and extending above and below them, is a seal member for the container. This is composed preferably of a heavy rubber body which is flared outwardly and gradually tapered towards its bottom portion, to form, in effect, a "feather-like tip. In the pre ferred construction, the seal is so formed that the upper section, designated by the letter A is made of heavy rubber, possessing relatively little resiliency while the lip portion B is formed of a more plastic solid. The seal member is firmly secured to the containerby means of the sealing collars 35, locked in position by the bolts 35. A plurality of these are provided and are so arranged that the collars 35 and lands at alternate in a given vertical plane.- In this manner, the seal A is not only firmly placed against the sides of the container but the vertical displacement or slippage of the seal with respect to the container is precluded.

It is to be observed, at this point, that the container proper terminates, in effect, at the lower flange 5. The shell, however, depends below'this position as shown by the walls 36. The air line 27 and strainer 28 extends downwardly to position practically flush with the lowermost portion of the shell 1. It is particularly to be observed that the lower edge of the shell is formed with c tout'por tions 36. These cutout portions may be in the form of serrations, castellations or other such designs. These permit open communication between the space within the cylindrical section 36 and that included within the confinesof the exterior of this section and "he interior of the seal. The seal'A, when in operative position, extends considerably below the lower limit of the container shell.

As shown in Fig. 1 this is constructed and arranged to cooperate with the upper deck of a submarine which is indicated in Fig. 2 at 37. In some circumstances, as intimated hereinbefore, it is possible that the submarine will be listed either to starboard or port. To anticipate such a contingency and to insure effective operation of the device, a plurality of seals A may be made up for cooperation with each container. These are constructed so as to present a lower edge C which conforms i n curvature to the various curves utilized in "a crane on the rescue ship.

the Construction of the hull. In ordinary circumstances, no more than three such seals would be necessary. One having a substantially plane lower edge, for cooperation with the deck of the vessel; the second having a relatively llat curve for cooperation with the side of the vessel amidships and a third having greater are for cooperative association with the quarter. Aside from the particular curve of the seals, they are alike in construction and operation and are readily attached and removed.

The o *ation of the device is as follows.

The sur n submarine is first located by divers and they ascertain in which compar meat or compartments the members of the crew are trapgcd. When this information is obtained the device shown in the drawings is lowered into the water from a. derrick or This may readily be done by attaching suitable shackles and cables to tile upper eyelets 38 attached, as shown in 1, to the outside surface of the container. Before the device is lowered the closures 2 and 3 are opened, the hoses 21, 22, and 26 are secured in position and the diver takes his place either on the top or inside, on one of the seats or the ladder. It is to be assumed that a second diver has descended to the hulk and is ready to cooperate below. As the container is lowered the water will freely enter the apertures now uncovered by closures 3 and 2. The only resistance to the descent of the container will be the buoyancy the water which, as is known, will be equal to the weight of iquid displaced by the container. Since the weight of the entire apparatus is consideraly in excess of this buoyancy force, it will freely descend below the surface.

As the container approaches the hull the diver on the inside communicates, as by means of a telephone, with the helpers on the lighter or rescue ship. Upon his instruction the crane on the lighter may be adjusted to move the container vertically and laterally until the desired emplacement is made. l herever possible the container will be placed over a hatch or closure also formed on the hull of the vessel. lt is to be understood that the diver or divers outside of the container will. assist in this operation. When the container has been emplaced on the hull the diver outside of the container may, by hand pressure, firmly force the peripheral tip of the seal against the hull. If necessary he will vicar away any debris or any obstructions on the hull which might interfere with a tight lit. It will be understood that the eye-bolts 28 may be utilized for the attachment of adjustable stays which may be secured at their other end to suitable portions of the submarine structure so as to securely fasten the device in its operative position. hen such fit has been made the diver inside of the container closes the upper closure 2. He then communicates with the helpers on the surface who, upon his instruction, operate a force pump or gas lift connected to the line 25. The operation of this pump will withdraw water from the interior of the container through the line 25.

The line 26, it will be understood, is formed with a valve 26 which is now opened by the diver. If desired this may be a valve automatically operable upon the withdrawal of water. The hose 26 may be connected to an air pump or may merely be open to the atmos phere. As the level of the water in the container descends atmospheric air will be drawn in by suction or forced in by pump pressure through the line 26 and valve 26. If a pump is used it should be so regulated that the air pressure within the container is the same as that of the atmosphere, as indicated by a suitable pressure gauge.

Upon continued operation of the pump connected to the line 25 the water in the container will soon become exhausted. During this time, it will be appreciated, an increasing pressure differential is being built up betwen the inside of the container and the outside. When the level of the water has reached the deck 3'? the pressure on the inside of the seal will be approximately 14.7 while the pressure on the outside will be in excess of this for any point below the surface. F or example, if the container is two hundred feet be low the surface the rubber seal will be forced tightly against the deck by a pressure equal to 108.3 minus 14.7 or 93.6 lbs. per sq. in. This will insure a watertight seal between the deck 37 and the seal A.

When all of the contained water has been withdrawn from the cylinder the diver therein may then upon the closure on the vessel or if no such closure is provided he may cut an opening in the deck 37 by means of an onyacetylene torch, or other cutting device. During descent of the container, it will be understood, this torch may be enclosed in a watertight box so as to prevent admission of water thereto.

The formation of an aperture in the deck 37 will open communication between the container and the interior of the submarine. if the members of the crew are in a weakened condition the diver may descend into the ship and carry them into the container, or if necessary, he may resuscitate them, it being understood that suthcient slack in the hose lines .22 is pro *idcd. If they have been submerged for a considerable period and the oxygen supply is low the diver may communicate with the helpers on board the lighter who will force fresh air down through either the pipes 25 or 26.

In any event, after a short period of time the diver will then be able to remove the members of the crew from that compartment into the container. These may be seated on the seats 32 and if necessary supported thereon by means of suitable straps or the like.

After all of the creW have been removed from that compartment the diver enters the container, closes the lower hatch 3 and looks it securely in position by operation of the adjusting means 11. He then again communicates with the helpers on board the rescue ship, informing them that the container is now sealed off, thus giving signal for ascent. On receipt of this information the helpers on board the ship operate a pump which is preferably motor driven and connected to the pipe E25. By this means air may be forced down through pipe 25 into the bottom of the container below the closure 3. When this air pressure reaches a point in excess of the hydrostatic pressure on the outside of the seal the container will start to rise. In its ascent it will be buoyed up by a force which is equal substantially to the volumetric capacity of the container. It will of course be understood that the diver on the exterior of the container may break the seal by puncturing it with any suitable tool to allow admission of water.

If the container is constructed of a very lio'ht material and is of relatively great internal volume it may be weighted down. It will be noted that during the ascent the flared portions of the seal act as retarding fins. When the container has arrived at the surface it may be hoisted aboard the lighter and emplaced on the deck. After opening the upper closure 2 the crew may be removed.

If there are men confined in other compartments of the vessel the device may again be lowered and the operation repeatec.

The container may be constructed of such a size that it will transport, without difficulty, all of the members of the crew of the submarine. However, this is not essential since in most all circumstances the members of the crew will be distributed about various compartments and it will be necessary only that the container be of such a size as to transport-the number of men normally allotted to the largest compartment. It will be understood of course that two of these devices may be used simultaneously upon the same vessel, for instance while one is attached near the bow of the ship the other may be operating likewise at or near the stern.

It will be understood that certain parts of the device, such for example as the pumping mechanism, has been indicated only diagrammatically. The installation and use of such devices are well known to those skilled in the art and for that reason it has not been described in detail. It will be understood, of course, that the pump used for forcing water out of the container will be of the force pump type. If desired, an air lift system may be used, making use of isothermal expansion. In this case, of course, the pipe 27 will be of critical diameter. The material chosen for the container is preferably of such density that its weight, when taken in conjunction with the sealing efl'ect of the seal A, will be I more than suficient to overcome the buoyant force of the water exhausted container.

While I have shown and described a preferred embodiment of my invention it is to be understood that this merely typifies its run derlying principles, for since these may be incorporated in other specific structures I do not intend to be limited to that shown except in so far as such limitations are clearly imposed by the appended claims.

claim:

1. A submarine device comprising a container, a closure at each end thereof, means to discharge Water from and admit air to the container, a resilient body flared outwardly and gradually tapered toward its bottom portion, and means for securing said resilient body around the exterior of the container.

2. A submarine device comprising a container, a closure at each end of the container, means to discharge Water from and admit air to the container, a heavy rubber body flared outwardly and gradually tapered toward its bottom portion secured around the exterior container so that its bottom extends below the container, said rubber body adapted to form a water-tight seal between the containerand a submerged vessel.

3. A submarine device comprising a container, a closure at the top thereof, a closure near the bottom thereof, said container being provided with a plurality of cutaway portions at its end adjacent the bottom closure, a flexible body secured around the exterior of said container and extending below the bottom thereof, said body adapted to form an effective water-tight seal between the container and a submerged vessel and means extending through said closures adapted to break the engagement of the resilient body with said vessel.

1-. A submarine device comprising a container, a closure at the top thereof,'a closure near the bot-tom thereof, said container being provided with a plurality of cutaway portions at its end adjacent the bottom closure, a resilient body secured to the exterior of said container and extending below the bottom thereof, said body adapted to form an effective water-tight seal between the container and a submerged vessel and a pipe extending through the container and both of said closures adapted to conduct fluid under pressure therethrough for breaking the seal between the container and the vessl.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

' ROBERT Gr. MERRITT.

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