US1865101A - Tail torpedo - Google Patents

Description

June 28, 1932.

Original Filed May 26, 1928 J. H. HAMMOND. JR

TAIL TORPEDO 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Jun 28, 1932. HAMMOND, JR 1,865,101

' TAIL TORPEDO Original Filed May 26, 1928 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 June 28, 1932. J. H. HAMMOND. JR 1,865,101

TAIL vTORPEDO I Original Filed May 26, 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 rInOentor efdhm H035 ,Hafnmond Jr June 28, 1932. J H M N JR 1,865,101

TAIL TQRPEDO Orzgznal Filed May 26, 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Z1 i110 i110 O W M M/ Patented June 28, 1932 PATENT OFFICE JOHN HAYS HAMMOND, JR", OF GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS TAIL TORPEDO Application filed Kay 26, 1928, Serial No. 280,734. Renewed March 5, 1931.

This invention relates to the control of selfpropelled moving bodies, and more particularly to a new and improved means for controlling the action of a torpedo.

The invention provides a control device which becomeseifective when the torpedo misses its objective and operates to redirect the torpedo for producing a hit. For this purpose the antenna which is commonly employed forcontrolling a torpedo by wireless is used as a redirecting means and is adapted when under the influence of an external mass of magnetic material, such as a ships hull, to modify the movement of the torpedo. V In the case of a direct strike, the redirecting antenna is obviously unnecessary. In case the torpedo misses the target, thetrailing antenna will come under the influence of the ships hull and cause the torpedo to turn about and strike the ship from the opposite side.

The angle through which the torpedo must be turned may be, predetermined from a knowledge of the speed of the ship and the speed of the torpedo, and means is provided for manually setting the apparatus to this anglebefore the torpedo is fired. The apparatus is also set to turn the torpedo either to the right or to the left according to the direction of movement of the target.

The invention further provides means controlled from a distance to render the trailing antenna efiective for the above mentioned,

purpose, after the torpedo nears its objective. The antenna may consequently be used for wireless control until the torpedo approaches the enemy ships, and may then be transferred to the redirecting mechanism,

thereby rendering a hit practically certain.

The invention also consists in certain new 4 and original features of construction and combinations of parts, hereinafter set forth and claimed.

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, in which Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a portion of a torpedo embodying features of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a detail view of a portion of Fig. 3 is a detail view of part of the apparatus of Fig. 2; F. Fig. 4; is a section taken on line 4-4 of B0 i 1;

ig. 5 is a section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 6';

Fig. 6 is a section taken on line 6-6 of Fi 2; F Fig. 7 is a section taken on line 7-7 of i 2; F Fig. 8 is a section taken on line 88 of 1g.'2; Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the stabilizing mechanism of Fig. 1;

Fig. 10 is a side elevation partly in section of the stabilizing mechanism;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken on lin 11-11 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a section taken on line 1212 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is a partial diagrammatic illustration of the control apparatus of the torpedo;

Fig. 14 is a section taken on line 14 -14 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a side elevation partly in section of the antenna cut off device;

Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic illustration of one form of balance used to control the course of the torpedo; I

Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic illustration of another form of balance used to control the torpedo I Fig. 18 is a section taken on line 18-18 do of Fig. 8 when the valve has been turned to the other operative position; Fig. 19 diagrammatically illustrates the course of the torpedo after engagement of the antenna withthe target; 9

Fig. 20 shows abattle line of ships being attacked byself-propelled bodies embodying features of the present invention; and

Fig. 21 is similar to Fig. 20 with a different formation of the attacking torpedoes.

Like reference characters denote like parts in the several figures of the drawings.

In the following description and in the claims, parts will be identified by specific names for convenience, but they are intended to be as generic in their application to simi- 'lar parts as the art will permit.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a water borne body forming a carrier of explosives, having a water-tight torpedo hull 710, and arranged to be propelled by a pair of propellers 711, 711: The propellers 711 are mounted on a pair of concentric shafts, including an outer shaft 712, and an inner shaft 714. The shafts 712 arid 714 are directly connected to a driving means 715. The driving means 715 preferably takes the form of a conventional compressed air turbine, the actuating fluid being delivered thereto through a pipe 716. A gear 717 is keyed to the outer shaft 712 for operative engagement with gears 718 and 719 to cause rotation of shafts 720 and 722, as will hereinafter be described.

Horizontal rudders for varying the direction of movement of the torpedo about its horizontal transverse axis may also be provided in a well-known manner, but as such rudders and depth control devices for controlling the same are well known, it is thought that a more detailed description thereof is unnecessary herein.

For varying the direction of movement of the torpedo about a vertical axis so as to steer the torpedo in azimuth, there is provided a pair of blade rudders 730 pivotally mounted upon a pair of rotatable vertical rudder posts 731, whereby the rudders 730 can be moved relative to the torpedo to control the direction of movement thereof. The rudder posts 731 are shown rigidly connected by a yoke 732 (see Fig. 4) which may be shifted according to requirements by a connecting rod 733 having one end pivotally connected thereto. The other end of the connecting rod 733 is pivotally secured to a piston rod 734 of a piston 735 which is mounted for reciprocating movement in a cylinder 736. Adjacent the ends of the cylinder 736 are provided ports 737, 738, which are controlled by a slide valve 739 operating in a fluid pressure chest 740, which is in communication with a source of fluid pressure 741. The arrangement is such that the piston 735 is moved to the right or to the left according to the position of the valve 739 with respect to the ports 737, 738. The respective ports of the cylinder 736 exhaust by way of the open ends of the valve chest 740, when the valve 739 has been moved to full open position in either direction.

For actuating the slide valve 739 and also for maintaining it in position to cause the torpedo to move upon a predetermined course, two mechanisms are employed, one operating automatically under control of a stabilizing device and the other operating at the will of an operator under distant control. The arts common to the two mechanisms inclu e an extension 750 of the slide valve 739, and having its free end of a rocking arm 7 51, the other end of which is securely fastened to a rock shaft 752 pivotally mounted in a fixed bracket 753. As more clearly illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, provided a lever arm 760 terminating in a ball 761, which is straddled by the bifurcated end of a bell crank 7 62, movement of which causes the shaft 752 to rock in adesired direction. The bell crank 762 is pivotally mounted on a bracket 763 which is secured to the outer face of a rotatable cover plate 764. The cover plate 764 is mounted on a housing 765 by means of a pin 766 which is screwed into a bracket 767 of the housing 765. Pivoted to the lower arm of the bell crank 762 is a link 768, the opposite end of which is pivotally connected to an L-shaped member 770 rotatably mounted upon a-vertical pin 7710f the cover platev 764. A similar member 772 is pivoted to-the cover plate at 773. For actuating member 772 a link 774 is provided pivotally connected to the inner ends of the members 770 and 7 7 2. Slidably mounted between the feet of the bracket 7 63 is a reciprocating plate 775 in which is rotatably mounted a member 776, the upper end of which is provided with a finger 777 which, when the plate 775 is reciprocated, engages either the member 77 0 or the member 77 2. The lower end of the member 776 is provided with two fingers 778 and 779, which are. located in two planes, one above the other. The plate 775 is provided with aslot 780, which surrounds a cam 7 81, rotatably mounted on the pin 766. The upper part of the cam 781 is provided with a beveled gear 782 adapted to mesh with a second beveled gear 7 8-3 secured to the end of the shaft 722 having a bearing in the bracket 753. The shaft 7 22 is provided with a gear 719, which meshes with the gear 717 secured to the shaft 712.

Within the housing'7 65 is pivotally mounted a vertical gimbal ring 790, withinwhich a horizontal gimbal ring 791 is mounted hearing rotating massive element 795. Secured to the vertical gimbal ring 790 is a circular plate 796 cut away on either side as at 797 and 798. The cut away portions are arranged in different horizontal planes such thatthe .cut away portion 797 lies in the same plane outer end operatively connected tothe' for actuating the rock shaft 751 there is fixed direction in space. Thus the plate 796 will always remain in its original position regardless of a change in direction of the torpedo.

For controlling the valve 739 by the above The shaft 807 is also ournaled in a bracket described apparatus the shaft 722 is rotated at a high speed by means of the gears 717 and 719, causing the beveled gear 783 to rotate the gear 782 and cam 781 rapidly. Rotation of the cam 781 imparts a corresponding rapidv reciprocation to the plate 775, carrying with it the member 7 7 6. Thus, as the torpedo continues on a straight course, the fingers 778 and 779 will move in and out of the cut out portions 797 and 7 98 of the plate 796, without affecting the position of the member 776 or the finger 777, which will reciprocate between the ends of the members 770 and 7 72 without changing their positions. If. the torpedo should deviate from a straight course, say

for example tothe left, the casing 765 being carried by the torpedo will be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, thus carrying with it the member 77 6. As the fingers 77 8 and 779 are moved back and forth the finger 7 78 will strike the plate 796 Ma part where it is not cut away, thus causing a relative rotation of the member 776 in a counter-clockwise direction, which in turn will rotate the finger 777 in a like-direction. As this reciprocates it will strike the end of the member 772 rotating it in a counter-clockwise direction, which b means of the link 774 will rotate the mem er 770 in a like direction, thus causing the link 768 to be moved to the right, causing the bell crank 762 to be rotated ina counter-clockwise direction, thereby rotating the shaft 752 in a clockwise direction by the connection therewithof the ball 761 and arm 760. By referring to Figs. 1 and 2 it may be readily seen that by connection of the arm 751 to the shaft 752 rotation of the shaft 752 causes movement of the arm 751, thus moving the valve 739 tothe left. This will uncover the ports 737 and 738, thus allowing. air to "'enter the-left-hand side of the cylinder 736 and pass from the right hand side, causing the piston 735 to be moved to the right which,-by

means of. the piston rod 7 34'and the rod 7 33. will causethe rudders 730 to be moved to'the right, thereby restoring the torpedo to its course. j

If the torpedo deviates to t'he right a similar action, but in the opposite direction, will take place, causing the rudders to be moved to the left. In this way, the torpedo is maintained upon a pre-determined straight course cinder the controlof the gyroscopic element For actuating the slide-valve 739 at will,

for example from a station distant from the torpedo, the cover 764 has a portion of its periphery toothedas at 800, which is in mesh with the worm 801 integral with a shaft 802 (see Fig. 14) The shaft 802 is 'journaled in spaced bearings 804, 804 and terminates in a beveled gear 805, which is in mesh with a gear 806 mounted on a rotatable shaft 807, which is journaled in a bearing 808.

810 (Fig. 2) secured to the hull of the torpedo, the shaft 807 being provided with spaced ball thrust bearings 811-812. The shaft 807 terminates in a releasable clutch mechanism, whereby when in the position shown in Fig. 2, rotation of the shaft 807 is 7 ratchets, and having on opposite faces pivoted pawls 826-828 for engaging. the ratchets 822-824 respectively. Each of the pawls is yieldingly maintained in engagement with its respective ratchet by a spring such as 829. In order to cause eitherpawl to be moved from engagement with its ratchet so that the shaft 820 can be turned in one desired direction without interference from the other pawl and ratchet, the pawls are respectively provided with laterally disposed lugs. 830, 831, with which are respectively arranged to engage trip members 832833, which are secured to the wall of the compartment 821. From the foregoing it will be apparent that if the gear 825 is moved in a clockwise direction through an angular distance of 180 that the pawl 826 will engage its ratchet 822 and likewise turn the shaft 820 through an angular distance of 180. Similarly 1f the gear 825 is moved in a counterclockwise direction through 180 the pawl 828, engages its ratchet 824, and turns the shaft-.820 one-half a revolution ina counterrection, and thus will be held out of engagement with the ratchet 824, that uponthe return of the gear 825, to its normal position "the pawl 828 will be held in inactive position with -the re-' spective ratchet and will not be engaged thereby. Thus it will lie seen that rotation of the gear 825 through an angular distance of 180 operates the shaft 820 in a similar manner, but that restoration of the gear does not restore the shaft.

' For controlling movement of the loose gear 825 there is provided a reciprocating rack gear 840, having a lug 841 in engagement with a pair of restoring springs 842843. The springs 842, 843 are mounted. on a rod 844-and are held by brackets 846, 847 respectively secured to the compartment 821. Springs 842, 843 have substantially equal tension, and serve to restore the rack 840 to normal position shown in Figs. 2 and 3. One end of the rack 840 is secured to a piston 850 snugly fitted for reciprocating movement within a cylinder 851. x The ends of'the cylinder are respectively provided with ports 852, 853, the port 852 being controlled by an electrically operated slide valve 854, and the port 853 being controlled by a similar valve 855. The slide valves 854, 855 are arranged to be actuated by solenoids 856-857 respectively, and each is provided with a retractlle spring, such as 858. Each slide valve is arranged so that upon energization of the respective magnet, the valve port is connected to a branch pipe 860 leading to the supply source 716, and the piston 850 is moved accordingly.- ,Upon release of the magnet the valve is restored by the action of the respective spring 858, and the valve port is connected to atmosphere through a vent 86.1. The piston is restored to its initial position under control of spring 842, 843. The arrangement is such that actuation of piston 850- as just described moves the rack 840 sufliciently to rotate the gear 825 through an angular distance of slightlymore than 180, and thus moves the shaft 820 one-half a revolution. The consequent turning of the cover plate 764, and movement of the arm 751 and rod 750 operates the rudder arm 733 to turn the torpedo 5. I

Referring to Fig. 13, for controlling the magnets 856, 857 selectively so as tosteer the torpedo in either direction about its vertical axis at the will of a distant operator, the magnets are connected in circuit with a controller 870 and a source of energy such as abattery 871. The controller 87 0 comprises a commutator 872 having a cylindrical insulating base 873 mounted on a shaft 874. The shaft 874 is journalled in a pair of spaced" brackets 875. A ratchet wheel 876 is rigidly secured thereto, and is engaged by a spring pressed pawl877 ing stem 878. g The stem 878 is slidably mounted near one end in a fixed bracket 879. At

its other end the stem 878 is secured to a magnetic core 880 formingthe armature of a solenoid 881. A collar 882 is pinned to the stem 87 8 and serves as an abutment for a compression spring 883 to restore the stem 878 and the armature 850 to normal. The collar 882 carries an insulating stud 884 which normally engages a contact spring 885 mounted on an insulating braoket.' When engaged by the 882 the spring pivotally mounted on a reciprocatstud 884 in the normal position ofthe collar .885 is held against a second contact spring 886. When the collar 882 moves off normal, however, the stud releases the spring 885 which then disengages the spring 886 and opens the circuit. The arrangement is such that, upon energization of the solenoid magnet 881, the core 880 is moved to the right of Fig. 13, the pawl 877 being drawn inactively over the next tooth of the ratchet 876. Upon de-energization of the solenoid, the armature moves to the left under control of the spring. 883 and the pawl 877 moves the ratchet 876 in a counter-clockwise direction as seen in Fig. 14.

A conducting plate 887 having segments 888 contacting in alternate positions of the ratchet 876 with a contact spring 889, and similar segments 890 contacting in the remaining positions with a contact spring 891, is mounted on the insulating base 893, and is'connected to 'a' contact spring 892. .The

springs 889, 891, 892 are mounted on the insulating block 893.

The inner end of the solenoid core 880 has secured thereto an extension 894, formed of non-magnetic material, and having an end protruding outwardly of the solenoid to engage one end of a dashpot rod 895. The rod 895 is slidably' mounted in an end of a cylinder 896, and terminates therein in a piston 897, which is snugly fitted within the cylinder. One end of the cylinder has an open vent 898. The other end has a trap valve 899 arranged to permit the emission of air therefrom freely, but to prevent the entryof air. An adjustable passage 900 having a needle valve 901 permits the entry of air through the passage 9.00 at a regulated rate. A spring 902 mounted on the rod 895 tends to maintain the rod in its'left-hand position. It will thus be seen that the piston 897 moves freely to the right, but that its return-is delayed by the restricted fiow of air through the.

. moves ofl normal a limited extent; and an insulating segment 909 over which the brush 905 sweeps when the rod 895 is moved to the rlght to a greater extent.

A second similar solenoid 910 is connected inmultiple with the winding'of the solenoid 881, and is mounted in spaced parallel relation thereto; The second solenoid 910 ineludes an armature'core 911 formed of paramagnetic material, 7 the general assembly rod the brush 912 engages a conducting segbeing substantially similar to the assembly in combination with the solenoid 881. However, no trap valve is provided in the dash pot arrangement, so that movement of the core 911 is retarded in either direction. Mounted upon a collar such as 903 is a contact brus'h 912, which makes sliding contact with a portion of the commutator 906. The arrangement is such that in its normal position the brush 912 engages the conducting segment 908,- and continuesto engage this segment for most of its travel. Further movement of the rod carries the brush 912 into engage ment with the insulating segment 909, after which,-in the fully operated position of the ment 913. I

For latchng the second dash pot rod under control of the rod 895, the latch member 904 engages a spring-pressed latch 914, slidably mounted in a bracket 915, and having secured thereto one end of a lever system 916, the arrangement being such that after the solenoids'881, 910 are energized for a sufficient length of time to permit the dash pot rods to be moved to the right to the full extent of their travel, the brush 912 will be held locked against retraction by the engagement therewith of the lever system. In this position the brush 912 is on the insulating segment 913. The rod is maintained in this position until the other dash pot rod 895 returns to its initial position whereupon the latch member 904 pushes the latch member 914 outwardly against the tension of the spring. The consequent movement of the latch member 914 is communicated by the lever system 916, thus releasing the second dash pot rod, and permitting it to return to normal under control of its spring. Thus it will be seen that after the dash pot rods have been fully operated the brush 912 is maintained on the insulating segment 909, while thebrush 905 is passing over the conducting segment 908. Thus no im pulse is transmitted over the conductor 91 v I 1 1 For receiving radiant energy to operate the solenoids 881, 910 from a distant point,

there is provided an insulated antenna 918 arranged to trail after the torpedo, during itsmovement through the water, the outer end being insulated to prevent grounding The torpedo end of the antenna is connected to a flexible conductor 918A which normally engages a contact 918B which is connected to a tapped inductance 1200, one terminal of which is grounded to the hull 710 of the torpedo. ductance is connected through a variable condenser 1201 to ground, thus formingan open oscillatory circuit, which may be readily tuned by adjustment of the condenser to the frequency of energy, which is to be received. The inductance is inductively coupled to a secondary winding 1202, which is shunted by The other terminal of the a variable condenser 1203, and forms in combination therewith a secondary, closed oscilplate upon which theelectrons impinge. The

plate or output circuit includes an amplifier 1206 for amplifying the energy impressed thereon by the vacuum tube. I

The vacuumtube thus serves as a detector of received energy which may take the form of complex radiant energy of high frequency, having impressed thereon intermediate amplitude variations modulated in accordance with a signal. The modulated intermediate frequenc cuit of t e rectifying tube and'is amplified by the amplifier. The intermediate frequency is impressed upon an inductance 1207, having in shunt therewith a variable condenser 1208, the inductance andcondenser forming in combination a closed oscillatory circuit which may be tuned to the intermediate frequency by adjustment of the variable condensers. The-inductance is coupled to a tickler coil 1209, which is included in the plate circuit of a vacuum tube oscillator 1210, the input of which is connected to the inductance. The vacuum tube thus serves as a generator of the intermediate frequency which is combined with the modulated intermediate frequency in a second detector 1211 to produce a low frequency current correthus appears in the output cir-- is connected to the winding of a sensitive re-- lay 919, the contact of which controls a local circuit including a source of energy 920, and the winding of asecondary relay 921. The contacts of the secondary relay 921 are included in a circuit having connected in series therewith a source of energy, such as a battery 922, and the windings of the solenoids 881, 910 in multiple. It will thus be seen that'when energy of predetermined charac teristic is impressed upon the antenna 918, it is amplified and detected and serves to oper-. ate the relay 919; and that the consequent operation of the relay 919 causes the operation of the secondary relay 921, which in turn causes the energization of the solenoids 881, 910 in multiple. The circuit of the controller 870 includes a conductor 917 extending from the brush 892 to the contact sprin 886.. When the brush 905 engages. the con ucting segment 908 the circuit is extended to the brush 912, anda v I flexible conductor 931 to one pole of the batof the controller 870. A flexible conductor interconnects the contact spring 885 and the brush 905.

The segment 913,which is engaged by the brush 912 when the rod is moved to its full extent of travel, is connected by a conductor 940 to one terminal of a winding of a sole noid 941 (see Fig. 13), the other terminal of which is connected by conductor 942 to one pole of the battery 871. The solenoid 941 is provided with a spring controlled. armature 941A which'normally engages the flexible conductor 918A holding it in the position shown in Fig. 13. The conductor 940 is also connected by a branch conductor 943 to a contact pin 944 which is mounted on but insulated from a time controlled 1 mechanism 945, the conductor 944 being en-.

'gaged by a rotatable contact arm 946, which is connected by way of conductors 947, 948 to one pole of the battery 871. The arm 946 ismovable over a calibrated dial 949, and may be preadjusted in selected position thereon manually before the torpedo is fired. The arm 946 thus remains in adjusted position under control of a spring-pressed release rod 950, which is engaged by an armature core 951. The core 951 forms the armature of a solenoid 952, the winding ofwhich is connectedto a source of energy such as a battery 953 and to a conductor 954, which extends to a contact spring 955 mounted'on an insulating block 956 (see Fig. 2). The contact spring 955 is arranged to be engaged by a second contact spring 957 mounted on .the insulating block 956, and connected by conductor 958 to the other terminal of the wind- {ing of the solenoid 952. An arm 959 is pivotally mounted ina packing box 960 secured to the torpedo hull 710, and having an outwardly extending trigger 961, which may be'released manually when the torpedo is fired. The arrangement is such that when the trigger 961 is thus released the arm 959 engages the spring 957 so as to contact with the spring 955, and thus close the circuit of the solenoid 952, so as to initiate the operation of the time controlled mechanism .945. It will thus be seen that thesolenoids 941 may be actuated after a predetermined time interval afterthe torpedo is fired;

The conductor 948is also connected by a branch 970 to a terminal lug 971 mounted distance g'ear'comprising a worm 975 for mounted thereon a bevelgear 1001.

driving a worm wheel 976 at a reduced rate of speed. The worm wheel 976 is mounted on a shaft'977, having a second worm 978 for engaging a second worm wheel 979. The worm wheel 979 is mounted on a shaft 980, having a third worm 981 for engaging a third worm wheel 982. The worm wheel 982 is mounted on a shaft 983 whichterminates in a cam wheel 984. The cam wheel 984 includes a cam 985 for engaging an insulating bushing 986 mounted on the free end of a contact spring 987,, the other end of which is secured to an insulating block 988. The in-' sulating block 988 is secured to a rotatable shaft 989 journaled in a bracket 990 and extending through a water-tight packing box 991 outwardly of the torpedo hull 710 and terminating on the exterior of the body in an adjustable key 992. A second contact arm 993 is mounted on the insulating block 988 and is connected by a flexible conductor 994 to the terminal lug 971. The contact spring 987 is similarly connected by a flexible conductor 995 to a second terminal lug 996 mounted in the insulated bushing 972 and having connected thereto one end of an electric conductor 997, the other end of which is connected to the conductor 943 and thus to the conducting segment 884. The arrangement is such that the key 992 may be adjusted into desired position before the torpedo is fired, and this adjustment determines the position of the insulating block 988 and thus the extent of movement of the cam wheel 984 before the cam 985 strikes the bushing 986. The worm 975is mounted on a distance gear drive shaft 720 to which there is keyed a pinion 718, which is in constant mesh with the driving gear 717. Thus it will be seen that the solenoids 941 may be actuated after the torpedo has been driven a predetermined distance.

Mounted, upon the bracket 810, a shaft 1000 isprovided which projects through a portion of the bracket 810 and has securellly T e shaft 1000 is mounted for rotation in bearings in the bracket. 810 and has secured thereto a-dog 1002'which rotates with the shaft ed on the bracket 810, and engages the ratchet wheel 1004 so as to permit movement thereof in only one direction. A winding key 1006 is secured to the ratchet wheel 1004; and is,

loosely mounted on the end of the shaft 1000 soas to wind up clock spring 1003 The shaft807 protrudes through the brackmounted thereon a grooved. clutch element et 810 and has slidably but not rota-tably 1007. A pair of bevel gears 1008 are loosely mounted on the shaft 807 in position to mesh with the bevel gear 1001. The portion of the shaft between the gears 1008 is splined and there is slidably mounted thereon the clutch mechanism 1007 so as to rotate therewith. The ends of the clutch member 1007 are toothed to form ratchet members 1009 and 1010. The contiguous faces of the bevel gears 1008 are provided with complementary ratchet members 1011 and 1012 in spaced relation with the toothed elements 1009 and 1010, respectively. The grooved clutch element 1007 is engaged by a pm 1014 secured near one end of a T shaped lever 1015 pivoted at 1016 to the bracket 810. The arrangement is such that rotation of the lever'1015 about its pivat 1016 oscillates the clutch element 1007 to engage with one or the other of the bevel gears 1008. The bracket 810'includes a lateral extension 1018, the outer end of which is provided with a bearing 1019 for supporting the shaft 820, which protrudes into the compartment 821 of the torpedo. The portion of the shaft 820 between the bearing 1019 and the main part of the bracket 810 is splined as indicated at 1020, and there is slidably mounted thereon a clutch element 1021 for engaging a clutch element 1022, which is secured to the end of the shaft 807. By sliding the clutch element 1021 longitudinally with respect to the'shaft 820, the shaft 820 may be connected or disconnected from the shaft/807.

For controlling longitudinal movement of the clutch element 1021 there is provided an arm 1023 pivotally secured as at 1024 to the bracket 810, and having a pin 1025 engaging a groove in the clutch element 1021. The free end of the arm 1023 is bent as at 1026 and terminates as at 1027 in such manner as to engage the dog 1002. The arm 1023 is normally held in such position that the clutch elements 1022 and 1021 are in operative en gagement by means of a spring 1028, one end of which is secureclto the arm and the other end of which is secured to the fixed bracket 810. Below the pin1025 the arm. 1023 is provided with a cam face formed to include a pair of spaced projections 1029, 1030 with a depression 1031 therebetween. "A roller 1032 is mounted on one end of the T lever 1015, which engages the cam surface of the arm 1023 and which in the normal position of the T lever registers with the depression 1031.

The third arm of the lever 1015 is provided with a pin and slot connection indicated as at 1033 to a piston red 1053 as will subsequently be set forth. Secured to the end of the rod 1053 is a pin and slot connection 1033 provided in the lower arm of the lever 1015.

For controlling the rotation of the shaft 807 there is provided intermediate the thrust bearings 811 end 8120f the shaft 807 a worm 1035 for drivin a worm wheel 1036 in mesh therewith. Re erring more particularly to Figs. 5 and 6, the worm wheel 1036 is loosely mounted on a shaft 1037 which is mounted for rotation in bearings in the bracket 810. A pair of collars 1038 are secured to the shaft 1037, and serve to prevent longitudinal movement thereof with respect to the bracket 810. Rigidly pinned to the shaft 1037 is a member 1040 provided with a proecting dog 1042. The proximate face of the worm wheel 1036 is provided with a ton ue element 1043 for engaging the dog 1042. ne end of the shaft 1037 is also splined and is provided with a cone clutch element 1044 slidably mounted on the shaft 1037 and rotatable therewith. The cone clutch element 1044 engages a stationary clutch element 1045 forming in combination therewith a watertight. hearing. The stationary clutch element 1045 is recessed as at 1046 and is secured in fixed position on the hull 710. The outboard end of the movable clutchelement 1044 is provided with a pointer or indicator 1047 and terminates in a squared end as at 1048 for engagement by a socket wrench or other adjusting tool. A compression spring 1049 is positioned on the shaft 1037 between one of the collars 1038 and the clutch member 1044 and serves to maintain the movable clutch member 1044 in intimate contact with the stationary clutch member 1045. The arrangement is such that the pointer 1047 indicates on the outside of the torpedo the position of the dog 1042.

Mounted on the frame 810 is a cylinder 1051 in which reciprocates a piston 1052 which is attached to a piston rod 1053. The end of thisrod is provided with a pin 1054 which slides in the groove 1033. Communieating with opposite ends of the cylinder 1051 are two pipes 1055 and 1056, the other ends of which communicate with ports 1057 and 1058 in a rotary valve casing 1059. Rotatably mounted in this case is a rotary valve 1061 (see Fig. 8). The rotary valve casing 1059 is secured to the inner face of the torpedo hull 710. The casing is provided with a recess as at 1062 accessible from the exter ior of the torpedo. The rotary valve 1061 is snugly fitted within the base of the casing 1059, a packing 1063 being provided to form a water tight seal. The exterior end of the valve stem 1061 is provided with a square socket 1064 for the reception of an adjusting tool. The rotary valve 1061 is held tightly in its seat by aprojective 1065 which is a part of cap 1066, screw threaded upon the inner end of the casing 1069. Thus the rotary valve 1061 may be rotated by the means of an adjusting tool previous to the discharge of the torpedo and is held in a fixed position thereafter.

The rotary valve is provided with two ports 1067 and 1068. The port 1067 registers with the port 1057 and the port 1068 registers with the port 1058. An exhaust port 1069 is provided in the casing 1059. O posite to the exhaust port 1069 is a port 1071 which communicates with one end of a-pipe 1072', the other end of which communicatescommunicates with the supply pipe 1082,.

The valve stem 1075 is normally heldin' the position shown in Fig. 2 by means of a spring pressed armature core 1083, which is slidably mounted in a solenoid 1084.

The antenna 918 passes through the cut off device 1090 which is provided with a cutting tool 1091 slidab y mounted in brackets 1092. Pinned to the tool 1091 is a collar 1093 between which and one of the brackets 1092 is a coil spring 1094. A cutting block 1095 is secured to the hull of the torpedo 710 on the opposite side of the antenna from the tool 1091. .Secured to the casing 1090 is a solenoid 1096 which is provided with a spring controlled armature 1097, the end of which normally engages the collar 1093.

Located adjacent to the flexible conductor 918A is a contact 1101 to which is connected a conductor 1102 which extends to one side of thewinding of a coil 1103 (Fig. 16). The other side of the winding of this coil is connected through the secondary of a transform er 1104 to a ground connection 1105. One side of the winding 1103 is also connected to an oppositely wound coil 1106 whch is connected to a balancing network which has been shown as comprising an inductance 1107, resistance 1108 tuned circuits 1109, and 1113 resistance 1111 and an inductance 1112.

One side of the primary of the transformer 1104 is connected to the grid of an oscillator tube 1115, the other side of this winding being connected through a coil 1116 to one side of the filament 1117 of the tube 1115. The

current for this filament is supplied by .a.

battery 1118, one side of which is connected to one side of a plate battery 1119, the other side of which is connected through an inductance 1121 to the. plate of the tube 1115. In-

ductance 1121 is tuned by a condenser 1122.

This circuit serves for producing oscillations which are fed into the transformer 1104.

Located adjacent to the coil 1103 is a coil 1123, one side of which is conducted to the grid of a vacuum tube 1125. The other side of the coil 1123 is connected to one side of the filament of the tube 1125 and also to one side of a battery 1127, the other side of which is connected to the winding of a sensitive relay 1128. The other side of the winding of the relay is connected to the plate of the tube 1125. A condenser 1129 is connected across the relay 11 28.

This system is so designed and constructed that when the antenna 918 is trailing behind the torpedo in the water the currents flowing through the coils 1103 and 1106 will be balanced against each other thus producing no current in the coil 1123. If, however, the antenna 918 should come in proximity with a mass of magnetic material such as a ship this balance will be disturbed thereby allowing more current to pass through the coil 1103 than the coil 1106. This will cause current of the frequency produced by the oscillator 1115 to flow in the coil 1123 which will be received by the vacuum tube 1125 which in turn will cause current to flow through the relay 1128.

The ,armature of the relay 1128 controls the fiow of current from a battery 1132 through a secondary relay 1133. The armature of this relay is connected to one side of a battery 1134,-the other side of which is connected by a conductor 1135 to one side of the winding of the solenoid 1084. The other side of the winding of this solenoid is connected by a conductor 1136 to the front contact of the relay 1133. The conductors 1135 and 1136 are respectively connected by conductors and 1138 to the winding er the solenoid In the modified form of the invention shown in Fig. 17, the conductor 1102 is connected to one side of a Wheatstone bridge, three sides of which are made up of the inductances 1151,1152, and 1153 and the capacities 1154, 1155, and 1156. Across the bridge is connected the secondary of,a transformer 1157 the primary of which is supplied with high frequency current from a vacuum tube oscillator 1158. which is similar in construction to the oscillator 1115. Connected to one side of the bridge is a condenser 1159, the other side of which is grounded at 1161. Across the other terminals of the bridge is an inductance 1162, adjacent to which is located the coil 1123 which controls the operation of the secondary relav 1133 in a manner similar to that shown in Fig. 16.

When it is desired to discharge the torpedo the key 992 is adjusted into the desired position according to the distance which the torpedo is to traverse before the antenna is switched over from a radio receiving devicr to a tactile device. If preferred, the tirm mechanism 945 may be adjusted instead anc' the trigger 9.61 actuated just before the torpedo is discharged in which case the torped( will run for a predetermined length of tim: before the antenna is switched overto a tac tile device. Under some conditions it may b desired to utilize both the distance gear am the timing mechanism, in which case they are both ad usted, and the key 992 and the tri ger 961 are both actuated before the torpe o is discharged.

Before the torpedo is dis'ch'ar ed the spring 1003 is wound b means of ,a icy 1006, precaution being ta en that the clutch element 1007 is centrally positioned as illustrated in the drawings, and'the arm 1023 is rotated to its fullest extent in a. counter-clockwise directionso as to engage the dog 1002 and prevent the gear 1001 from turning.

Before the torpedo is discharged, the oil'- cers in the plotting room determine the angle at which the torpedo will be required to turn after the antenna has been engaged by an en 'emy battleship as shown by the angle 9 in Fig. 19. Accordingly, a socket wrench is fitted to the squared end 1048 of the movable.

clutch element 1044 which is thereupon turned through the complement of the angle 9. In turning the clutc element 1044, it is necessary to press the socket wrench inwardly against the tension of'the spring 1049, thereby releasing the movable clutch member-1044 from the stationary member 1045. The pointer 1047 accurately indicates the extent of movement. When the pointer 1047 indicates the angle 180 minus 9, the wrench is removed, thereby restoring the clutch element 1044 under control of the spring 1049 into intimate contact with the stationary clutch element 1045 and locking it in the adjusted position and simultaneously making the joint water-tight so that no water can enter the torpedo after it has been fired. It W111 be seen that this adjustment also positions the dog 1042 in the same angular position as the point er 1047 and that, therefore, the angle comprebended by the dog and the tongue 1043 will be the required angle 6.

The order transmitted from the plotting room to the torpedo room includes in addition to information as to the extent of the angle 9 instructions as to whether the turning movement should be made in a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction. If the line of enemy battleship is moving to the right, the adjustment should be made in a clockwise direction while if the enemy is movln to the left the adjustment should be made in a counter-clockwise direction.

Before the torpedo is fired a socket wrench is inserted into the opening 1064 and the rotary valve is turned either to the position shown in Figure 2 or to a position in right angles thereto (as shown in Iflg. depending upon Whether the enemy is movmgto the right or left as seen from the firing shlp.

Just before being discharged, the usual firing pin (not shown) is released so as to permit explosion of the charge when the torpedo strikes the target. The various electrical C1!- cuits shown diagrammatically in the drawings are also closed by means of a conventional switch connected in series therewith but omitted from the drawings for the sake of simplicity, and the source of supply of fluid medium 716 is turned on. The torpedo is thereupon discharged from its tube and the driving means 715 actuated to rotate the shafts 7 12, 714 and the propellers 711, 711. At the same time, the pinion 718 is actuated to drive the shaft 720, and this motion is communicated at a reduced speed to the shaft 977 and in turn at a still greater reduced speed to the shafts 980, 893 in sequence.

VhoIi the torpedo starts upon its course, it is automatically maintained thereon by means of the gyroscopic action of the massive element 795 which is held fixed in space independently of movements "of the torpedo. *7

Thus any change in position of the torpedo with respect to itsvertical axis causes a relative movement of the housing 765 and the mechanism associated therewith as hereinbefore set forth. This movement is communicated through to the arm 751 which moves the valve rod 750 either to the right or to the left. Assuming that the valve rod 750 is moved to the right of Fig. 2, the source of fluid medium 716 connected to the pipe 741 delivers fluid medium to the right-hand portion of the cylinder chamber. At the same time, a left-hand port 737 is open. The piston 735 is accordingly moved towards the left. This motion is communicated by the rod 7 33 to the vertical rudders 730 and the torpedo is steered towards port until the initial position of the housing 765 with respect to the gyroscope stabilizing element 795 is reached. The valve rod 750 is then returned to normal and the piston 7 35 restored to its initial central position, with the torpedo moving in its original direction of movement.

If it is desired to change the course of the torpedo, from a distant point, an impulse of radiant energy is sent from a distant station. The radiant energy excites the antenna 918, which trails behind the torpedo. The signals are thus transmitted to a receiving cir- .cuit as illustrated in Fig. 13 in which they are detected and amplified. The amplified signal energy actuates the relay 919, which in turn closes the circuit including the battery 920, armature and front contact of the relay 9. .9 and winding of the secondtates the shaft 874 and the commutator 87 O.

tact with the segment 908. The impulse is sufliciently long, however, to permit the full movement towards the right of the armature core 880 of the solenoid 881, and the piston 897 and the dash pot 896, and thus the pawl 877 engages the next tooth of the ratchet 876. Upon the cessation of the impulse the relays 919 and 921 and the solenoids 881, 910 are deenergized and the armature core 880 is accordingly returned to normal under control of the spring 883, the armature core 911 being returned under control of its spring.

The return movement of the core 880 causes the ratchet 876 to be moved in a counter-clockwise direction one step, and this roone step. Return movement of the dash pot piston 897 is retarded by the closing of the trap valve 899 and thus the brush 905 remains in contact with the insulating segment 909 for a predetermined length of time which is determined by the adjustment of the needle valve 900. After this interval the brush passes on to the conducting segment-908. A circuit is closed from one pole of the battery 871, conductor 931, brush 912, conducting segment 908, brush 905, conductor 933,

contact springs 885, 886, conductor 917, brush 892, conducting segment 887 of the commutator 870, the upper segment 890 now being connected to the brush 891 as a result of the movement of the shaft 874 one step, conductor 933, winding of the solenoid 856, common return conductor 932 to the opposite pole of the battery 871. This circuit remains closed only until the dash pot piston 897 returns to normal, when the brush 905 moves off of the conducting segment 908 and on to the insulating segment 907. The energization of the solenoid 856 actuates the valve stem 854 to connect the fluid source 716, by way of the branch pipe 860 to the upper portion of the cylinder 851, it being noted that the lower portion of the cylinder is at this time open to the atmosphere by way of a port 853. The piston 850 is forced downwardly, thus movin the rack 840 and rotating the gear 825.

e adjustment of the needle valve 900 is suchthat the solenoid 857 remains energized sufliciently long to cause the operation of the rack 840 to its full extent, thus rotating the gear 825 through one-half a revolution. It will be noted that the duration of the electrical impulse transmitted to the solenoid 856 is independent of the duration of the transmitted signal impulse, and thus complete operation of the rack 840 is assured independently of the operation of the sending station. In the present example, the gear 825 is moved initially in a clockwise direction as seen in Fig. 3, and this motion is comm-unicated by means of the pawl 826 engagingthe ratchet 822 to the shafts 820 and 807-thus turnin the shaft 807 in a. clockwise direction throug an angular distance of 180. Upon the de-energization of the solenoid 856, the rack 840 returns to normal under control of spring 843, but the pawl 828 is at this time held out of engagement of the ratchet 824 (see Figs. 2 and 3) because the lug 881 in this direction of movement strikes the trip 833 to prevent operation of the ratchet 824.

As a result of the single operation of the solenoid 856, the shaft 807 is turned through an angular distance of 180 in one direction. This movement is communicated through the bevel gears 806, 805 and thus to the shaft 802 for actuating the worm 801 and thus moving the cover 764 through a predetermined number of degrees in a clockwise direction, as

seen'in Figs.9 and 11. Thecover 764 in its movement carries -the member 776 with it so that it is shifted relatively to the plate 796 in a clockwise direction. The operation is then the same as previously described for the automatic control, namely, the valve rod 750 is shifted to admit fluid under pressure to the right-hand end of the cylinder 736, thus causing the piston 735 to move and shift the rudder 730 in a clockwise direction so that the torpedo is directed toward "the left until it has moved through the same number of degrees that the cover 764 has been moved. When it has reached this position, the member 77 6 has come into a neutral position with respect to the plate 796 and the torpedo will then proceed upon the new course as required.

If it had been desired to direct the torpedo to the right instead of to the left, the general sequence in operation is the same excepting that two short impulses would have been transmitted from the sending station instead of the one impulse as already described. In this instance, the controller 870 is stepped around two steps, thus connecting in the cirwit the conducting segment 888 instead of the conducting segment 890. In this case the solenoid 857 is operated instead of the solenoid 856 and the rack 840 is moved upwardly as seen in Figs. 2 and 3. This rotates the gear wheel 825 through one-half a revolu tion in an opposite direction, that is, in a counterclockwise direction as seen in Fig. 3 and this motion is communicated by means of the pawl 828 engaging the ratchet 824 to the shaft 820, thus turning the shaft in a counter-clockwise direction through an angular distance of 180. It will be seen that although two impulses are transmitted to the the action of the spring 902 and retarded by the restriction of the valve 900. As long as the brush 905 remains on the insulation 909 the circuits from the batteries 871 will remain open. Before the brush 905 has reached the segment 908 the second impulse is sent which as already described returns the brush 905 and piston 897 to the extreme right-hand position. At the termination of this impulse the brush 905 starts to move graduallyto the left again until it engages segment 908, at which time the local circuit is closed from the battery 871, conductor 931, brush 912, conducting segment 908, brush 905, contact springs 885, 886, conductor 917, brush 892, conducting segments 887, 888 of the controller 870, brush 889, conductor 934, winding of the solenoid 857, common return conductor 932, to the opposite pole of the battery 871. It will thus be seen that only a single im ulse is transmitted to the solenoid 857. pon the deenergization of the solenoid 857, the rack ,840 returns to normal from the control of the spring 842 but the pawl 826 is at this time held out of engagement of the ratchet 822, because the lug 830 in this direction of movement strikes the trip" 832 to prevent the operation of the ratchet 822.

As a result of the single operation of the solenoid 857, the shaft 807 is turned through an angular distance of 180, and this movement being communicated through the gear train moves the cover 764 in a counter-clockwise direction, as seen in Figs. 9 and'll, thus actuating the rudder 730 in a counter-clockwise direction so that the torpedo is directed towards the right. It will be apparent that by suitably selecting the gears through which this motion is transmitted the course of the torpedo can be shifted to port or tostarboard an predetermined number of degrees as a resu t of the transmission of a radiant energy signal. It has been found desirable,

i however, to provide gear mechanisms such that the course of the torpedo is shifted through an angular distance of five degrees in,response to each impulse.

The course of the torpedo may subsequent ly be changed as many times as may be desired by the transmission of one short'impulse or two short impulses in order to position the controller 870 into the requlred posit-ion. For instance, after the course of the torpedo has been shifted to the right,

as above described, if it should be desired to shift it further to the right through an additional angular distance of five degrees, it is only necessary to transmit two addio tional short impulses. If however, the next deviation of the course is desired to be made to the left a single additional impulse is transmitted. Thus the course of the torpedo can be accurately controlled until it has been directed into proximity with the fleet of battleships being attacked. A long impulse is now transmitted from the radiant energy sending statlon. The relays 919,921 are energized thereby, thus closing the circuits of the solenolds 881, 910. The armature core 880 is moved to the right as seen in Fig. 13, thus disengaging the spring 885 from the spring 886. The dash pot rod 895 is moved towards the right at a high speed and the companion dash pot rod is moved to the right at a relatively slower speed, being retarded in its movement by the flow of air through the regulated needle valve. The impulse 1s sufliciently long to permit both the dash pot rods to be moved to the full extent of their travel and thus the brush 905 engages the insulatiug segment 909, while the brush 912 is moved sufliciently to engage the conducting segment 913. A circuit is now closed from one pole of the battery 871, conductor 931, brush 912, conducting segment 913, conductor 940, winding of the solenoid 941, conductor 942, to the opposite pole of the battery 871, thus energizing the solenoid 941. The armature core of the solenoid is actuated, thus unlatching the flexible conductor 918A which then springs away from the contact 918B and engages the contact 1101. This causes the antenna 918 to be disconnected from the radio receiving set and connected to the magnetic balance through the conductor 1102.

.The torpedo now continues on the course which it was on at the time the long impulse was sent and is no longer under radlo control but is maintained upon "this course by means of the gyroscope as in a manner already described. The magnetic balance, as shown in Fig. 16, as already stated is so designed that there is normally no current flowing through the coil 1123 and therefore the sensitive relay 1128 is normally de-energized as shown. If, however, the torpedo should pass some distance in front of the enemys ship and the latter should touch or come very close to the antenna, as shown in Figs. 19, the magnetic balance will be disturbed as already described, thus causing the sensitive relay 1128 to be energized which in return energizes the secondary relay 1133. This closes the circuit from the battery 1134 through the conductor 1135, solenoid 1084, conductor 1136, armature of the relay 1133, back to the battery 1134, and also closes the circuit from the battery 1134 through conductor 1137, solenoid 1096, conductor 1138, armature of the relay 1133, back to the battery 1134. As soon as the solenoid 1096 is energized its core 1097 will be drawn to the right, thus releasing the cutting tool 1091 which under the action of the spring 1094 is driven through the antenna 918, thus severing the same nd allowing the posterior portion to be swep: away, thus not interfering with the subsequent movements of the torpedo.

The energization of the solenoid 1084 causes its armature core to be drawn to the right thus releasing the valve 1075 which under the action of a spring 1078 is moved downwardly allowing compressed air to pass from the supply pipe 1082 to the pipe 1072, thence throughthe port 1067 to the pipe 1055 and into the right hand end of the cylinder 1051. This causes the piston 1052 to be moved to the left which rotates the T arm 1015 in a clockwise direction about the pivot 1016.

The roller 1032 of the arm 1015 engages the cam face of the projection 1029 and oscillates the arm 1023 in a clockwise direction about its pivot 1024, thus carrying the pm 1025 and the slidable clutch element 1021 towards the right. The clutch element 1021 is thus moved out of engagement with the clutch element 1022 and the operative connection between the shaft 820 and the-shaft 807 is thereby broken. This action disconnects the radio control mechanism from the steering mechanism. At the same time the end 1027 of the arm 1023 is removed from engagement with the dog 1002 and the shaft 1000 is released for rotation under control of the clock spring '1003. The bevel gear 1001 which is secured to the shaft 1000 is thus rotated. At the same time the pin 1014 which is secured to one arm of the T shaped lever 1015 moves clutch element 1007 towards the right and thus causes the ratchet 1009 to engage the ratchet 1011, thereby coupling the right hand gear 1008 to. the shaft 807.

The shaft 807 is accordingly driven under control of the clock spring 1003, the operative connection including the bevel gears, the ratchcts. and the clutch element which is splined on the shaft 807.

. The shaft 807 is thus rotated, and its movement is communicated through the gear train to move the cover 764. The operation is then the same as previously described for the automatic control and for the radio control, namely, the valve rod 7 50' is shifted to admit fluid under pressure to the right-hand end of the cylinder 736 thus causing the piston 735 to move and shift the rudder 730 in a clockwise direction so that the torpedo is directed towards the left. It will thus be seen that the torpedo moves in a circular course towards it strikes the enemys ship, as indicated in Fig. 19.

If the enemy is moving to the right as observed from the ship from which the torpedo is discharged, the valve stem 1061 is turned in a clockwise direction to the position shown in Fig. 18. Assuming now that the enemy ship comes in contact with the antenna 918, the solenoid 1084 is energized in the manner hereinbefore described and admits fluid under pressure to the pipe 1072. As the valve stem 1061 has been turned in a clockwise direction, the fluid -under pressure, will now pass through the port 1067, pipe 1056 to the left hand side of the cylinder 1051, the piston 1052 of which is moved to the right as shown in Fig. 2 and the T arm 1015 is moved in a counter-clockwise direction about its pivot 1016. The roller 1031 engages the cam face of the projection 1030 and moves the lever 1023 as before to disengage the radio control apparatus and to release the dog 1002. The bevel gear 1001 is thus rotated under control of the clock spring 1003. At the same time the pin 1014 of the T arm 1015 is moved towards the left, thus moving the clutch member to the left and causing the ratchet members 1010 and 1012 to be engaged, thus coupling the bevel gear 1001 to the shaft 807. As the shaft 1000 is moved in the same direction as before, under control of the clock spring 1003, but the bevel gear 1001 is now coupled to a shaft 807 by means of the left-hand gear 1008, the shaft 807 is moved in the opposite direction from that previously described and thus the gyro mechanism for controlling the rudder is moved to turn the course of the torpedo to starboard instead of to port. This action continues until the tongue 1043 strikes .the dog 1040, which occurs after the torpedo has turned through the angle 9, after which the course of the torpedo is righted and it assumes a straight course. In this case, however, the torpedo has been turned in the opposite direction to that in which it was turned for the enemy moving to the left. The torpedo will, therefore, turn to the right through the angle 9 and then proceed upon a straight course until it strikes the enemy ship in a manner similar to that described in connection with Fig. 19.

In F ig. 20 is shown a fleet of enemy ships 1170 and a flock of torpedoes 1171 which have been fired in salvo from an attackin destroyer squadron not shown. Should t e enemy continue on their original course they would either be struck directly by these torpedoes or else engage the antenna of a torpedo which had already passed in front of the ship thus causing it to circle around as just described so as-to strike the ship on the opposite side from the attacking destroyer squadron. If, however, the enemy should discern the torpedoes coming they could head toward them in a well-known maneuver in which event some of the ships in the rear of the line would pass behind the torpedo screen and thus not be endangered by the attack This action may be prevented, however, by

'5 firing the torpedoes en echelon as shown in Fig. 21. This may be accomplished by a proper launching of the torpedoes or by causing the torpedoes to run at various speeds which can be done by adjustment of the reducer valve before the torpedo is fired, the

7. amount being figuredroutfl by the plottin room, depending upon the position, spec and course of the enemy. Thus the torpedoes on the right will move at successively slower rates so that by the time they reach the line of enemy ships they will have assumed the formation shown in Fig. 1. In this case were the enemy to head towards the torpedoes as is the usual practice, it is obvious that the torpedoes on the right would still endanger. the enemy ships unless they made almost a A right angle turn towards the attacking fleet departing from the spirit of. the invention.

What is claimed is: p I

1. In combination with a movable body, means associated with said body for rendering said body responsive to remote control, and means whereby said first mentioned means is caused to automatically redirect said body when in the proximity of the tar et.

2. In combination with a moving iody, means associated therewith for receiving radiant energy, means associated with said body for automatically redirecting the same when said body is in a predetermined position with respect to a target whereby said body may be caused to approach a target, and

means associated with said energy receiving means for controlling said redirecting means.

3. In combination with a self-propelled body, an antenna, means associated with said body and responsive .to radiant energy received by said antenna for altering the course of said body, and means whereby the influence ofa metallic mass of material upon said antenna is caused to redirect said torpedo in the direction of said mass. 1,

4. In combination with a moving body. means associated therewith for turning said body through a predetermined angle, and means operable under the electrical influence of an adjacent body for initiating said turn ing means.

taining said torpedo upon a preselected course, and means including a trailing antenna responsive to the inductive influence of an adjacent ship for redirecting said torpedo toward said ship.

6. In combination with'a torped'o, a trailing antenna and means operable when said antenna comes under the influence of a mass of metallic material for re-directing said torpedotoward said mass. a

7. A torpedo, a trailing antenna, a balanc ing antenna within said torpedo, means for obtaining an electrical balance between said trailing antenna andsaid balancing antenna, redirecting mechanism within said torpedo and means operable upon the interruption oi said balance for initiating the operation of said redirecting means.

8. In a torpedo, means associated therewith for redirecting said torpedo upon a target, and means responsive to the electrical influence of said target for initiatin the operation of said redirecting means a r a predetermined length of time.

9. In combination with a torpedo, a steer-. ing rudder, means for automatically controlling the operation of said rudder for maintaining said torpedo on a predetermined course, meansresponsive to remote control,

for intermittently altering said course, means responsive to the electrical effects of a target for altering said course after said target has been passed and means operative by remote control for rendering said last mentioned means efiective.

10. In combination with a torpedo, means for normally maintaining said tor. edo on a predetermined course,'means opera le under the electrical influence of a passed target to redirect said torpedo toward said tar et, and means operable by remote control or rendering said redirecting means effective.

11. In combination with a torpedo, a controlling antenna, means associated with said antenna for directing said torpedo in accordance with received signals, a balancing antenna within said torpedo, and means operable when the electrical balance of'said'antenna and said balancing antenna is altered for redirecting said torpedo on a second predetermined course. p

12. "In a self-propelled ovable body, automatic means for maintaijii ng said body on a predetermined course, m ans for varying said course by remote control), a second means for varying said course, a receiver of radiant energy and means operative by remote control for associating said receiver with either said first mentioned course varying means or with said second mentioned coursevarying means. 13. In a torpedo, means for normally maintaining said torpedo on a predirected course, means for varying said course a predeterminedamount, an induction balance and 5. In a torpedo, means for normally mainmeans responsive to a disturbance of said hal-

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