US2038997A - Galvanic tail torpedo - Google Patents

Galvanic tail torpedo Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US2038997A
US2038997A US621036A US62103632A US2038997A US 2038997 A US2038997 A US 2038997A US 621036 A US621036 A US 621036A US 62103632 A US62103632 A US 62103632A US 2038997 A US2038997 A US 2038997A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
torpedo
steering
cam
rudder
control
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US621036A
Inventor
Jr John Hays Hammond
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US621036A priority Critical patent/US2038997A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US2038997A publication Critical patent/US2038997A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42BEXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B19/00Marine torpedoes, e.g. launched by surface vessels or submarines; Sea mines having self-propulsion means
    • F42B19/01Steering control
    • F42B19/06Directional control

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Description

's pwi 2G, w36. J. H, HAMMOND, JR @5399? GALVANIC TAIL TORPEDO Filed July 6, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet l E@ h@ ma: .VS NI@ @Il Apm 28, 1936. v.1. H. HAMMOND, .JR Zggg? GALVANIC TAIL TORPEDO Filed July 6, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS [NI/ENTOR.
pr 28, 3.936. J. H. HAMMOND, JF: 2,@389997 GALVANIC TAL TORPEDO med July es, 1952 4 sheets-sheet :5
April 28, w36. J. H. HAMMQND, JR 2?@3399-7 GALVANIC TAIL TORPEDO Filed July 6, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Apr. 28, 1936 NITD STATES PATENT OFFECE 16 Claims.
This invention relates to the control of self propelled 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 becomes effective when the torpedo misses its objective and operates to redirect the torpedo for producing a hit.
For this purpose an antenna of copper wire is trailed behind the torpedo in a position to contact with the hull of the target ship should the torpedo pass in front thereof. The steel hull, contacting with the copper wire, produces a galvanic action which is utilized for redirecting the r torpedo toward the ship from the opposite side.
The invention also provides means for causing the torpedo to follow a predetermined irregular course after the tail has contacted with the hull of an enemy ship. Means may also be provided for readily varying said predetermined course prior to the launching of said torpedo.
Means are further provided to prevent the operation of the redirecting mechanism until the torpedo has travelled a predetermined distance or until a predetermined time has elapsed after launching.
The invention also provides means for presetting the redirecting mechanism so that the torpedo will turn in the same direction as the enermy ship is traveling.
The invention also consists in certain new and original features of construction and combinations of parts, hereinafter set forth and claimed.
Although the novel features which are believed r to be characteristic of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto, `the invention itself, as to its objects and advantages, the mode of its operation and the manner of its organization, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, in which Figure 1 is a sectional View of a portion of a torpedo embodying features of the present in- Vention;
Figure 2 is a section taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the tail of the torpedo.
Figure 4 is a sectional view similar to Figure 1 of a modified form of the invention.
Figure 5 is an enlarged View of part of the mechanism shown in Figure 4; and
Figure 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of the course of the torpedo under the inuence of the control device.
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 similar parts as the art will permit.
Referring to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a Water borne body forming a carrier of explosives, having a water-tight torpedo hull I0, and arranged to be propelled by a pair of propellers I I, II. The propellers I-I are mounted on a pair of concentric shafts, including an outer shaft I2,
and an inner shaft I4. The shafts I2 and Il! are directly connected to a driving means I5. A gear I 1 is keyed to the outer shaft I2 for operative engagement with gears I8 and I9 to cause rotation of shafts and 22, 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 wellknown manner, but as such rudders and depth control devices for controlling the same are wellknown, 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 30 pivotally mounted upon a pair of rotatable vertical rudder posts 3|, whereby the rudders 30 can be moved relative to the torpedo to control the direction of movement thereof. The rudder posts 3| are shown rigidly connected by a yoke 32 which may be shifted according to requirements by a connecting rod 33 having one end pivotally connected thereto. The other end of the connecting rod 33 is pivotally securedl to a piston rod 3% of a piston 35 which is mounted for reciprocating movement in a cylinder 36. This cylinder is the steering cylinder of a standard torpedo steering mechanism and is controlled in a well-known manner by the usual gyroscopic apparatus 31, which need not be more fully described herein. Attention is called to Patent No. 1,857,150, dated May 10, 1932, and issued to John Hays Hammond, Jr., for a more complete disclosure of the construction and operation of this apparatus.
The cylinder 36 is supplied with compressed air from a pipe 38, the other end of which is connected to a valve 39. This Valve is provided with two pistons, 4I and 42, mounted on a valve stem 43 to the ends of which are secured collars 44 and 45. Between the collar 45 and the valve 39 is a spring 46. The valve 39 is supplied with compressed air from any suitable source not shown by means of a pipe 41.
The valve 39 is connected by means of a pipe 48, to a rotary Valve 5|. This valve is provided With an exhaust port 52 and is` connected by means of two pipes 53 and 54 to two cylinders 55 and 56, which are provided with pistons which are connected by piston rods to two arms 51 and 58. These arms are separated by means of a compression spring 59. Secured to the connecting rod 33 is a pin 6| which, when the rudders I are in the central position, is located midway between the arms 51 and 58. tween the ends of these arms is such that the pin 6| will be free to move when the rudders are thrown over hard, either to port or starboard, by the ordinary gyro mechanism, as explained above.
RotatablyV mounted betweenV the arms 51 and 58 is a cam 62, which is secured to a shaft 63. (See also Figure 2.) One end Vof the shaft 63 is splined at 263 and is provided with a cone clutch element 64 which is slidably mounted on this shaft and is rotatable therewith. The cone clutch element 64 engages a stationary cone clutch element 65, forming in combination therewith, a water-tight bearing. The stationary cone clutch element'65 is recessed Vas at 66 and is secured in a iixed positionY to the hull I9. The outboard end. of the movable clutch element 64 is provided with a pointer or indicator 61 and terminates in a square end 68, for engagement by'a socket wrench or other adjusting tool. A compression spring 69 is positioned on the shaft 63, between the cam 62 and the clutch member 64 and serves to maintain the movable clutch member 64 in intimate contact with the stationary clutch member 65. The arrangement is such that the pointer 61 indicates on the outside of the torpedo the position of the cam 62.
The collar 45, on valve stem 43, (Figure 1) is normally engaged by a trip member 1|, which forms the core of a solenoid 12 and is held in the position shown by means of a spring 13. The solenoid 12 is in a circuit, including a battery 14, and the front contact 15 of a relay 16. 'Ihe solenoid 12 is connected by a conductor 11 to a time switch 18, and by a branch conductor 19 to a distance gear switch 8|.
The time switch 18 comprises a shaft 82 driven by a clockwork mechanism. To this shaft is adjustably attached a Contact arm 83, which at suitable times engages a contact 84, which is mounted on, but insulated from, the casing of the time switch 18. The clockwork mechanism in the casing 18 is held in the inoperative position by means of a spring pressed trip member 84. This trip Vis normally held in this position by means of a latch 85, which is made of spring material, and is secured at its upper end to the casing 18. Secured to the lower end of this latch is a heavy weight 86. The contact 83 is connected by a conductor 81 to the armature of the relay 16, and by a branch conductor 88 to the distance gear switch 8|.
The distance gear switch 8| comprises two flexible contacts 9| and 92, which are connected to conductors 19 and 88 and which are secured to, but insulated from, a shaft 93. This shaft passes through a water-tight bearing 94, and at its upper end is provided with a pointer 95 and a square head 96, which may be engaged by an adjusting tool; thus the distance switch 8| may The spacing beV be rotated to any desired position, which is indicated by means of the pointer 95 on a suitable scale. The Contact 92 is provided with a button 91 of insulating material which engages a circular cam 98. This cam is driven at a very slow rate of speed from the shaft 29, by means of reduction gearing 99.
The relay 16 (Figure l) is connected in a circuit including a battery IBI, and the front contact |92 of a very sensitive D. C. relay |93. One Side of the winding of this relay |93 is connected to a conductor of copper wire, or other suitable material |04, which passes through a pipe |65 to the exterior of the torpedo. This wire is covered with insulation from the relay to a point just behind the tail of the torpedo and from there on extends as bare copper wire for a suitable distance behind the torpedo.
The other side of the winding of the relay |93 is connected by an insulated conductor |95 to a f copper grid |96, which is mounted in, but insulated from a water-tight compartment |91, which is in communication with the Water in which the torpedo is running by means of openings |98. The grid |96 may be of any suitable material, but copper has been found to be the most satisfactory.
Shortly before the torpedo is red, the distance gear is set by turning the shaft 93, a given amount as indicated by the pointer 95. done by the use of a socket wrench or adjusting tool which fits over the square end 96 of the shaft 93. This distance is considerably less than the estimated range of the enemy, In this way,
the distance gear switch 8| is moved to a given position with respect to the cam 98. The angular distance between the cam projection 98, and the button 91, is proportional to the distance which the torpedo will travel before the distance gear switch 8| is closed.
The time switch 18 is then set by turning the contact arm 83 to the desired position as indicated on the scale 86, This position is determined by the length of time which it is desired to have elapse between the firing of the torpedo and the time at which the control mechanism becomes operative.
If the enemy is moving to the left, as shown in Figure 6, the rotary valve 5| is turned to the position shown in Figure l, by means of a suitable tool inserted in the square-shaped recess 59. An adjusting tool is placed on the square end 68 of the clutch element 64. This is then pressed in slightly to release this element from the stationary clutch element 65. The cam 62 is then rotated to any desired position as indicated by the pointer 61. The tool is then removed, allowing the clutch element 64 to engage the stationary clutch element 65 under the action of the springV 69, thus securely holding the cam 62 in the position which it is in at that time.
When the torpedo is red, the contact wire |94 is unreeled from a detachable reel or other suitable means not shown. The weight 86 of the time switch 18 is moved rearward with respect to the torpedo, due to its inertia, thus releasing the trip 84 which is moved upwardly under the action of its spring. This releases the clock-work mechanism, thus starting the contact arm 83 rotating. After the lapse of the predetermined interval of time, the contact arm 83 will engage the contact 84, thus putting the circuit through the solenoid 12 into an operative condition.
As the torpedo progresses, the shaft 29 is rotatedV by means of gears |1 and I8, thus causing This is the cam 98 to be slowly rotated by means of the reduction gearing 99. This continues until the torpedo has traveled the distance set on the distance gear. At this time, the projection of the cam 98 will engage the button 91, thus lifting the Contact 92 into engagement with the contact 9|.
It is thus seen that the solenoid 12 is maintained in an inoperative condition until either the distance gear or the time switch operates to put it into an operative condition. This is done so that the solenoid 12 will be maintained in an inoperative condition until it has reached the proximity of the target, thus preventing the premature operation of the control mechanisms, due to the shock of launching, etc.
During its run, the vertical rudders 30 of the torpedo are controlled in a well-known and standard manner by means of the steering cylinder 36, the action of which is controlled by the gyroscope 31. The torpedo then runs under the control of the gyroscope until it reaches the enemy line.
In case it should fail to strike a ship, but should pass in front of it, the hull of the enemys ship will contact the bare copper wire |64. This will cause a galvanic action to be set up between the metal of the ship, the wire |94, the grid |06 and the sea water, which causes a ilow of current through the sensitive relay |03. This will be sufficient to operate this relay, thus energizing the relay 16 which is thereby operated and in its turn energizes the solenoid 12. This will cause the core 1| of this solenoid to be moved downwardly, thus moving out of engagement with the collar 45. This allows the valve stem 43,
f together with the pistons 4| and 42 to be moved to the right under the action of the spring 46.
This will shut olf the supply of compressed air to the pipe 39 `and will connect this pipe to the atmosphere. At the same time compressed air will be supplied to the pipe 48. This air then passes through the rotary valve 5| to the pipe 54, and thence to the cylinder 56. This causes the arm 58 to be moved to the left until it engages the face of the cam 62. The lower end of this arm will engage the pin 6|, thus moving the rod 33 to the left, and thereby turning the rudders 39 to port, to cause the torpedo to be steered to the left, as seen in Figure 6.
The amount these rudders are turned is dependent upon the position of the cam 62. If this cam is turned only slightly from the position shown in Fig. 1, the rudders will be thrown nearly hard over, thus causing the torpedo to travel in a small circle, as shown by the dotted line of Figure 6. If the cam 62, however, has been turned a greater amount, the rudders 30 will be p-revented from being thrown so far over and the torpedo will describe a larger circle as shown by the dot and dash line I2 of Figure 6. It is thus seen that the torpedo can be caused to describe a circle of any desired diameter, by means of turning the cam 62 through the proper angle. If the torpedo should miss the enemy and pass in front of it, it is thus seen that it will start travelling in a circle in the path of the enemys ship, thus giving the torpedo one or more chances of striking the enemys ship, after the rst miss. In this way, the eiectiveness of a torpedo is considerably increased.
If the enemy is moving to the right, the rotary valve 5| is turned through a quarter revolution from the position shownin Fig. 1, so that when an enemys ship contacts with the wire 64, compressed air will pass through the pipe 53 and thus to the cylinder 55, which will cause the arm 51 to be moved to the right, an amount dependent upon the position of the cam 62. 'Ihe arm 51 will then engage the pin 6|, thus causing the rudders 30 to be turned to starboard, an amount dependent upon the position of the cam 62. The torpedo will then circle to starboard instead of port. This camis so shaped that, when it is moved to the desired position, the rudders 3|] will be turned through equal angles to port or starboard, depending on the position of the rotary valve 5|.
In the modified form of the invention, shown in Figure 4, the mechanism is similar to that described in Figure 1, up to and including the rotary valve 5| which in this case is connected by the two pipes 53 and 54 to the opposite ends of aV cylinder 6. The piston ||1 of this cylinder is connected to a rod ||8, to which is attached a pin 9, which engages a slot |2| in the end of an arm |22. This arm is pivoted at |23 to the frame |24. The other end of the arm |22 is provided with a grooved projection |25 which normally engages a pin |26, secured to an arm |21. This arm is pivoted at |28 to the frame |24.
The upper end of this arm |21 is yoke-shaped and provided with two oppositely disposed pins |29, which engage a slot |3| in a bevel pinion |32. This pinion is splined to a shaft |33, which forms part of the reduction gearing 99, and is so arranged that the pinion |32 may slide longitudinally of this shaft, but cannot rotate with respect to it. Mounted on the shaft |33 between the pinion |32 and the frame |24 is a compression spring 34.
Located adjacent to the pinion |32 is a bevel gear |35, secured to the end of a shaft |36, which is rotatably mounted in the frame |24. A collar |31 is pinned to the shaft 36. The lower end of this shaft is square-shaped and is also threaded to receive a nut |38 which clamps a boX cam |39 to the shaft |36. This cam is provided with an irregularly shaped groove |4|.
Located in the groove |4| is a roller |42 which is rotatably mounted on the end of an arm |43. Pivoted to the other end of this arm is alink |44, the other end of which is provided with a pin |45 which slides in a slot |46, provided in a member |41. This member |41 is pivoted at |49 to the frame |24. The lower end of the member |41 is provided with a slot |49 which engages the pin 6|, secured to the connecting rod 33. Connecting the end of the piston rod ||8 to the link |44 is a link |5|.
The operation of the modified form of the invention shown in Figure 4 is similar to that described` in connection with Figures 1 to 3, up to and including the rotary valve 5|, so that when the tail |04 is engaged by the hull of the enemys ship air Will pass through this valve to the pipe 53 and thence to the upper end of the cylinder I6, causing the piston rod |8 to be moved downwardly. This causes the grooved projection |25 to be moved out of engagement with the pin |26, thus allowing the arm |21 to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction under the action of the spring |34. This causes the pinion |32 to mesh with the gear |35 and, as this pinion is being. slowly rotated by means of the reduction gearing 99, it will cause the gear |35, together with the shaft |36 and cam |39 to slowly rotate.
At the same time, the link |5| will be moved downwardly causing the link |44 to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction, about its righthand end thus causing the pin |45 to slide down (See Fig. 5.).
to the bottom of the slot |46. The pin |45 is held at the bottom of the slot |46 by means of the air pressure in the cylinder H6. This motion causes the member |41 to be rotated in a clockwise direction about the xed pivot point it as the radius of curvature of the left-hand side of the slot |45 is less than the length of the link |44. This operation causes the rod 33 to be moved to the left which, as described in connection with Figures l to 3, causes the vertical rudders 3Q to be turned to port.
As the cam |39 slowly rotates, the roller |42 will move in the direction of the arrow in the slot Ml (see Figure 5). As it does so, the arm H33 will be slowly moved back and forth to follow the configuration of the slot I4l. This, by means of the link ld and member |41 causes the rod 33 to be moved in a similar manner, thus causing the vertical rudders 30 to be slowly oscillated in a manner determined by the shape of the cam slot illl. It is thus seen that by making this slot any desired shape, it is possible to cause the torpedo to follow a predetermined course as shown by the full line |52 in Figure 6.
The part of the groove MI indicated by the numeral |53 would cause the rudders to be held hard over to port, thus causing the torpedo to follow the arc of the circle ld. The section of the groove, |55, would cause the torpedoto follow the straight section of the course |53. The section of the groove, |51, would throw the rudders part way over to port, thus causing the torpedoto follow the large arc |58, and the section of the groove |59 would cause the rudders to be thrown to starboard, thus causing the torpedo to follow the arc IGI.
Ii the oicer in charge of torpedo firing decides to have the torpedo follow a different predetermined course, he can do so by removing the nut |35, and taking off the cam |39 which can then be replaced by a new cam with a diierent shaped groove. It is possible, therefore, to have a great number or diierent shaped cams available for the torpedoes, so that the enemy will haveA no idea what sort of a course the torpedo will follow, after the tail has been contacted by an enemy ship.
If the enemy is moving from left to right, the rotary valve 5| is turned a quarter of revolution, as already described, so that when air is admitted to the pipe 48, the link ii will be raised thus moving. the pin |45 to the upper end of the slotI lf2-6, which will cause the member H37 to be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, thus moving the rod 33 to the right and turn the rudders 3G to starboard. The motion produced by the cam |3Q will then be reversed so that the torpedo will follow a course similar to |52, but in the opposite direction. It is thus possible to use the same cam whether the enemy is approaching from the right or from the left, as by merely setting the rotary valve in the opposite position the course followed is reversed.
Although only a few of the various forms in which this invention may be embodied have been shown herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to any speciiic construction, but might be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
1. In a direction control system, the combination of a movable body, steering means for said body, means including a cam automatically operative for actuating said steering means to cause said body to travel in an irregular predetermined course and means responsive to the influence of another movable body for rendering said second means effective to actuate said steering means.
2. In a direction control system, the combination of a movable body, steering means for said body, means including a cam automatically operative for actuating said steering means to c-ause said body to travel in an irregular predetermined course, means to rotate said cam and means responsive to the influence of another movable body for rendering said second means effective to actuate said steering means.
3. In combination, a torpedo, a steering mechanism, control means acting on said steering mechanism including a cam rotated at a slow speed for operating said steering mechanism in a predetermined irregular manner, a metallic wire carried by said torpedo, but insulated therefrom and means initiated by the contact of said Wire with a metallic hull for causing said control means to operate.
4. In a torpedo, a torpedo body having propelling devices thereon, a steering rudder, means for adjusting the operating position of the rudder to any predetermined point between neutral and hard over to change the curvature of the path of the torpedo, and means controlled by inuence of the target to operate said rudder to cause said torpedo to follow the target.
5. In a torpedo, a torpedo body having propeiling devices thereon, a steering rudder, a main steering device normally controlling said rudder,
means for presetting the direction of operation of said rudder according to the direction of movement of the target, means for adjusting the operating position of the rudder between neutral and hard over to cause the torpedo to change the curvature of its path, and means controlled by the inuence of the target for operating said rudder to cause said torpedo to follow the target.
6. In a vehicle, a vehicle body having propelling devices thereon, a steering element, means for presetting the direction of operation of said steering element according to the direction of movement of the target, means for presetting the maximum steering element movement, an auxiliary control element, and means operative by the inuence of the target on said auxiliary control element for operating said steering element and causing said body to execute a complete circular path in front of the target.
'7. In a torpedo, a torpedo body having propelling devices thereon, a steering rudder, means for presetting the direction of operation of said rudder according to the direction of movement of the enemy ship, means for presetting the maximum rudder movement, an auxiliary control element trailing said torpedo, and means operative by the influence of the enemy ship on said -auxiliary control element for operating said rudder and causing said torpedo to execute a complete circular path in front of the enemy ship.
8. In a torpedo, a torpedo body having propelling devices thereon, a steering rudder, a gyroscope normally controlling said rudder, means for presetting the direction or operation of said rudder according to the direction of movement of the enemy ship, means for presetting the maximum rudder movement, and means controlled by the influence of the enemy ship for operating said rudder to cause said torpedo to follow the ship.
9. In a torpedo, a torpedo body having a propeiling device thereon, a steering rudder, a control cam, a control element trailing said torpedo, and means controlled by the influence of the enemy ship on said trailing element for placing the rudder under control of said cam, whereby said torpedo executes an irregular path in front of said ship which is determined by the shape of the cam.
10. In a torpedo, a torpedo body having a propelling device thereon, a steering rudder, a gyroscope device normally controlling said rudder, a distance gear operated by said propelling device, a timing device started by the impulse of ring the torpedo, an auxiliary element carried by said torpedo, means for presetting said distance gear to take eiiect at the desired point oi torpedo travel, means for presetting said timing device to take eiect at the desired time, an auxiliary steering device operable upon said rudder, said auxiliary steering device comprising means for presetting the direction of operation of the rudder, a control cam having an irregular path, and means controlled by the influence of the target on said auxiliary element for taking the rudder control away from said gyroscope device and placing it under sai-d auxiliary steering device, said last-mentioned means being under control of both said distance gear and timing device, said control cam varying the position of the rudder.
ll. In a vehicle, a vehicle body having propelling devices thereon, a steering element, a main steering device normally controlling said steering element, an interval measuring device, an auxiliary element carried by said vehicle, means for presetting said interval measuring device to take eiTect at the desired point, an auxiliary steering device operable upon said steering element, said auxiliary steering device comprising means for presetting the direction of operation of the steering element, a control cam having an irregular path, and means controlled by the influence of the target on said auxiliary element for taking the steering element control away from said main steering device and placing it under Said auxiliary steering device, said last mentioned means being under control of said interval measuring device, said control cam varying the position of said steering element.
12. In a. torpedo, a torpedo body having a propelling device thereon, a steering rudder, a gyroscope device normally controlling said rudder, a distance gear operated by said propelling device, a timing device started by the impulse of firing the torpedo, an auxiliary element carried by said. torpedo, means for presetting said distance gear to take eiect at the desired point of torpedo travel, means for presetting said timing device to take effect at the desired time, an auxiliary steering device operable upon said rudder, said auxiliary steering device comprising means for presetting the direction of rudder operation,
means for presetting the amount of rudder operation, and means controlled by the influence of the target o-n said auxiliary element to take the rudder control away from said gyroscope device and to give the rudder control to said auxiliary steering device, said last mentioned means being under the control of both said distance. gear and timing device.
13. I n a vehicle, a Vehicle body having propelling devices thereon, a steering element, a main steering device normally controlling said steering element, an interval measuring device, an auxiliary element carried by said vehicle, means for presetting said interval measuring device to take effect at the desired point, an auxiliary steering device operable upon said steering element, said auxiliary steering device comprising means for presetting the direction of steering element operation, means for presetting the amount of steering element operation, and means controlled by the influence of the target on said auxiliary element to take the steering element control away from said main steering device and to give the steering element control to said auxiliary steering device, said last mentioned means being under the control of said interval measuring device.
14. A system for the control of moving bodies including in combination a body to be propelled, steering means thereon, means active upon said steering means to cause said moving body to follow a circular course of predetermined radius, means under the action of an external body for rendering effective said second means on said first means and means to adjust said pred-etermined radius to any desired value to cause the torpedo to take any desired path between a straight line and the minimum circular path of the moving body.
15. A torpedo comprising a body, a trailing wire attached to said body, a steering device, means acting on said steering device whereby said torpedo will be caused to follow a circular course of predetermined radius, means operative upon the contact of said wire with the hull of an enemy ship for causing said torpedo to follow said circular course, and means to adjust said predetermined radius to any desired value to cause the torpedo to take any desired path between a straight line and the minimum circular path of the torpedo.
16. In a self-propelled torpedo, devices on said torpedo controlled by proximity of the enemy ship for causing said torpedo to turn in the direction of movement of said ship, and means controlled entirely by mechanism on the torpedo itself independent of any further outside inuence for causing said torpedo to repeatedly cross and recross the path to be taken by the enemy ship.
JOHN HAYS HAMMOND, JR.
US621036A 1932-07-06 1932-07-06 Galvanic tail torpedo Expired - Lifetime US2038997A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US621036A US2038997A (en) 1932-07-06 1932-07-06 Galvanic tail torpedo

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US621036A US2038997A (en) 1932-07-06 1932-07-06 Galvanic tail torpedo

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US2038997A true US2038997A (en) 1936-04-28

Family

ID=24488455

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US621036A Expired - Lifetime US2038997A (en) 1932-07-06 1932-07-06 Galvanic tail torpedo

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US2038997A (en)

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US2359366A (en) Submerged barge and towboat
NO127643B (en)
US2038997A (en) Galvanic tail torpedo
US1659653A (en) System for controlling the direction of moving bodies
US1421854A (en) Gyroscopic apparatus for torpedoes
US2363363A (en) Automatic system for controlling the direction of moving bodies
US1855422A (en) Automatic steering of dirigible bodies
US2121446A (en) Torpedo
US1855349A (en) Torpedo stabilization
US1378740A (en) Autogubernator
US1401628A (en) Hunting automobile torpedo
US1418851A (en) Predirecting system for torpedoes
US2411828A (en) Antenna release mechanism
US2334552A (en) Signaling system
US1346264A (en) Torpedo-controlling mechanism
US2615416A (en) Variable enabler for acoustic torpedoes
US1857150A (en) Torpedo
US2060202A (en) Torpedo
US2766713A (en) Torpedo-steering control system
US1486886A (en) System for teledynamically controlling moving bodies
US1418788A (en) System for control of bodies by radiant energy
US2466528A (en) Dirigible bomb
US1179440A (en) Steering apparatus for torpedoes.
US1376762A (en) Position-revealing system for torpedoes
US211303A (en) Improvement in torpedo-boats