US3703874A

US3703874A - Flexible hose wire payout system

Info

Publication number: US3703874A
Application number: US55122A
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas H Lemieux
Original assignee: US Department of Navy
Current assignee: US Department of Navy
Priority date: 1970-07-15
Filing date: 1970-07-15
Publication date: 1972-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 1989-11-28

Abstract

A flexible hose wire payout system is provided to protect guidance wires during the launch and guidance phases of wireguided torpedoes. The entire flexible hose system is mounted in the torpedo tube so that when the torpedo is launched the hose is deployed and breaks away when it is entirely dispensed. After breaking away, the free end of the hose sinks to and remains at a position below the submarine, allowing the guidance wire thereafter to be dispensed through the hose and permitting considerably increased submarine maneuvering.

Description

llte ttes Lemieux 51 Nov. 28, 1972 [54] FLEXIBLE HOSE PAYOUT SYSTEM [72] Inventor: Thomas H. Lemieux, N. Dartmouth,

Mass.

[73] Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy [22] Filed: July 15, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 55,122

[52] US. Cl. ..114/21 R [51] Int. Cl ..F42b 19/01, F42b 19/06, F42b 19/10 [58] Field of Search ..114/21, 20, 238; 244/63;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/ 1966 Hollingsworth, Jr. et

al. ..1 14/21 R 3,158,124 11/1964 Chevillon ..1l4/21R Primary ExaminerBenjamin A. Borchelt Assistant ExaminerThomas H. Webb AttorneyR S. Sciascia, L. I. Shrago and C. E. Vautrain, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT A flexible hose wire payout system is provided to protect guidance wires during the launch and guidance phases of wire-guided torpedoes. The entire flexible hose system is mounted in the torpedo tube so that when the torpedo is launched the hose is deployed and breaks away when it is entirely dispensed. After breaking away, the free end of the hose sinks to and remains at a position below the submarine, allowing the guidance wire thereafter to be dispensed through the hose and permitting considerably increased submarine maneuvering.

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FIGw?) THOMAS H. LEMIEUX FLEXIBLE HOSE WIRE PAYOUT SYSTEM The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

The present invention concerns wire protection means and, more particularly, a system for protecting guidance wire during payout from torpedo tubes.

Wire guidance techniques have increased the effectiveness of torpedoes considerably, permitting control of torpedoes until the instant when it is no longer feasible to continue their remote control. Present 'wire guidance methods utilize a bare wire payout system which limits the submarine to very low speeds during the launch phase and prohibits maneuvering during the torpedo guidance phase. The wire is likely to be moved about in any direction due to water flow near the bow of the submarine caused by ship motion or turbulence from the torpedo propellers. These conditions may result in the wire becoming fouled about the torpedo or the submarine, or becoming snagged sufficiently to result in it being snapped, among other deficiencies. The present invention provides a unique method of and means for protecting the guidance wire from damage during both payout from forward pointed submarine torpedo tubes and subsequent maneuvering of the submarine and the torpedo. The invention is applicable to all submarines and all wire-guided torpedoes.

The present invention includes the addition of a flexible hose system to wire-guided torpedo payout systems. The guidance wire from the torpedo is spliced to the wire from the shipboard wire dispenser at the end of a flexible hose which hose is then connected to the torpedo. The entire flexible hose system is then mounted in the torpedo tube so that when the torpedo is launched the hose is deployed from its dispenser. When the hose is fully dispensed by the torpedo, it breaks away from the torpedo and sinks to a position below the submarine. The guidance wire is then dispensed through the hose from the shipboard coil.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide protection for the guidance wire in wireguided torpedo systems.

Another object of the invention is to provide protective means for torpedo guidance wire which means permit increased maneuvering of both the submarine and the torpedo.

A further object of the invention is to provide a protective means for torpedo guidance wire which is adaptable for use with all submarines and all wireguided torpedoes.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description thereof when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like parts throughout and wherein:

FIG. 1a is a schematic view of one embodiment of the invention during launch of the torpedo;

FIG. lb is a schematic view of the embodiment of FIG. 1a after deployment of the protective means;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view partly in section of the protective means installed in a torpedo tube; and

FIG. 3 is a sectional front elevation view of a component of the invention appearing in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 1a, there is shown the forward end of a submarine 11 having a torpedo tube 12 therein and a torpedo 13 in a position during launch thereof. Torpedo tube 12 accommodates at its aft end a combined flexible hose and guidance wire dispenser 14 for dispensing a flexible hose 15 which encloses and carries with it a torpedo guidance wire 16. A torpedo A-cable 1'7 and socket means 18 therefor are also shown. FIG. lb illustrates the deployment of flexible hose 15 after torpedo 13 has entered the medium and has drawn hose 15 completely from dispenser 14.

FIG. 2 illustrates the dispenser 14 and related components installed in torpedo tube 12 prior to launching of the torpedo. Dispenser 14 is provided at its aft end with a quick disconnect fitting 20 which traverses a breech door 21 and a wire severing and hose release mechanism 22 for freeing the submarine of both the wire and the hose at the end of a torpedo run or on detonation at a target. Dispenser 14 is mounted on a base 23 which is secured to a torpedo tube roller 24 by a clamp 25 having a stationary jaw 26 and a movable jaw 27. A communication wire, not shown, is spliced to guidance wire 16 in a conventional manner, the guidance wire then traversing fitting 20 and entering dispenser 14 through an opening in the rear thereof, not shown. Flexible hose l5 terminates in a hose insert 30 which is severably connected to a torpedo fairlead 31 by a shear screw 32. Fairlead 31 forms a conduit through which guidance wire 16 passes to a terminal in the torpedo 13 by a removable plug 33 and is held in position by a cam 34 and a locking means 35.

In FIG. 3, the manner in which flexible hose 15 and guidance wire 16 are stowed in dispenser 14 is shown, wire 16 being contained in an inner drum 36 with one end led through a guide tube 38 into hose 15. The other end of guidance wire 16 is passed through an orifice, not shown, in the rear panel of retainer 14 and through fitting 20 to the point of splicing to the shipboard communication wire. Flexible hose 15 preferably is made of stainless steel although it could be made of other metal, plastic or rubber and is coiled as shown in an outer cylindrical chamber 39, the turns being held in place until just before use by restraining cords 40 shown in FIG. 2. I

Wire severing and hose release mechanism 22 includes a piston 41 which is actuated by compressed gas from a C0 cartridge 42, the compressed gas passing through a copper tube 43 to fitting 20 and from there through a nylon tube 44 and a second fitting 45 to the piston expansion chamber. Piston 41 is connected by a piston stem 46 to a cutter 47 which in turn is connected by a linkage screw 48 to a restraining means 49. Restraining means 49 releasably restrains a hose collar 50 which is secured to one end of flexible hose 15.

In operation, the dispenser 14 is received with both hose 15 and guidance wire 16 installed therein, the guidance wire traversing the length of hose 15 and exiting the hose through hose insert 30. The payout end of the guidance wire is spliced to the submarine communication wire. One end of the flexible hose 15 is secured within dispenser 14 by restraining means 49 while the other end is equipped with insert 30 for attachment to torpedo fairlead 31. At torpedo launch, A-cable 17 is disconnected and as the torpedo moves out of tube 12 hose 15 is drawn from cylindrical chamber 39. When hose 15 is at full length, tension is exerted on shear screw 32 due to the opposite end of the hose being held securely by collar 50 in hose restraining means 49. The shearing of shear screw 32 separates the hose from the torpedo, allowing this end of the hose to sink beneath the keel of the submarine as indicated in FIG. lb. The weight and drag of hose 15 causes the hose to trail a sufficient distance from the hull of the submarine to prevent the communication-guidance wire from becoming snagged on or damaged by the submarine.

During maneuvering of submarine 11 and torpedo l3, freedom thus is assured for considerable course and depth changes without the usual snagging or entanglement of the communication-guidance wire with the submarine. When the torpedo reaches its target and detonates, or when the end of a run is reached, guidance wire 16 and hose 15 are separated by the release of compressed gas from CO cartridge 42. This release of gas causes linear movement of piston 41 which, being connected to both cutter 47 and restraining means 49, causes substantially simultaneous cutting of wire 16 and release of collar 50 at the end of hose 15. After such cutting and release, hose 15 is pulled clear of the torpedo tube by water drag. No attempt presently is made to recover either guidance wire 16 or hose 15.

It will thus be appreciated that a protective means is provided which assures much greater safety for torpedo guidance wire 16 and yet is accomplished in a simplified manner by equipment which may be installed by ship personnel in any torpedo tube and used with any wire-guide torpedo. The retainer and its attached mechanisms are reusable and normally are returned to a refurbishing activity for replenishment of hose l and guidance wire 16.

The present submarine wire payout system provides the submarine with capabilities not heretofore possible. Through use of this system, torpedoes may be launched in both the impulse and swim-out modes and thereafter the launching submarine can maneuver in turns, speed changes and depth excursions.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. For example, alternate methods of mounting the torpedo tube such as utilizing mine spider slots in the tube breech or drill holes in the tube lands may be employed What is claimed is: l. A device for dispensing torpedo guidance wire and a protective covering therefor form a torpedo tube comprising:

a composite cylindrical container disposed in said torpedo tube and having an outer compartment containing a flexible hose and an inner compartment containing a wire which traverses said flexible hose, said container being fully closed at one end and partially closed at the opposite end;

one end of said hose releasably terminating in a retainer means disposed at said closed end of said cylinder;

tubular guide means on said closed end connected to said retainer means at one end and centrally attached to said closed end at its other end for leading said guidance wire from the interior of said container into said flexible hose; and

a wire cutting and hose release means positioned on said closed end for freeing said container from said wire and said hose, said flexible hose being severably connected to 5 said torpedo and releasably connected to said submarine, said guidance wire being severably connected to said submarine and nonseverably connected to said torpedo,

whereby, upon launching, said torpedo will draw out said hose and said wire, said hose being severed at said torpedo when its full length has been drawn out, thereafter trailing along the hull of said submarine while further guidance wire is payed out. 2. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said flexible hose is mounted in said container with said guidance wire inserted therein, said guidance wire being contained in an enclosed chamber and fed into said hose through said tubular guide means,

said torpedo tube sealed by a breech door, said wire cutting and hose release means actuated by compressed gas from a source exterior to said torpedo tube, and said guidance wire traversing a compressed gas conduit in said breech door. 3. A device for dispensing wire communicating with an object to be controlled from a vessel and a protec- 30 tive covering for said wire comprising:

a communication wire on said vessel connected thereto and to said object and means on said vessel for dispensing said wire therefrom; and a flexible hose on said vessel and means on said vessel for dispensing said flexible hose therefrom; said communication wire extending through said hose in said hose dispensing means,

one end of said hose being releasably held in said hose dispensing means,

the other end of said hose being severably connected to said object,

whereby as said object and said vessel diverge, said wire will draw said hose from said hose dispensing means until it is fully extended whereupon said wire will be severed from said hose, permitting the balance of said wire to be selectively drawn from said wire dispensing means through said hose, said hose trailing said vessel and protecting the communication wire therefrom.

4. The device as defined in claim 3 wherein said communication wire dispensing means and said flexible hose dispensing means are concentric drums with the wire wound on the inner drum,

55 the outer drum for said hose being open at one end to facilitate dispensing of the hose,

the inner drum for said wire being substantially closed at both ends; and

a tube connecting the closed end of the outer drum with the adjacent central area of the inner drum, said communication wire being led into said flexible hose through said connecting tube.

5. The device as defined in claim 4 and further including a collar secured to said one end of said hose and a collar retainer secured to said dispensing means for releasably connecting said hose to said vessel;

a coupling secured to said other end of said hose; and

a shear screw severably connecting said coupling to said object.

6. The device as defined in claim 5 and further including means in said dispensing means for substantially simultaneously severing said communication wire and releasing said flexible hose.

7. The device as defined in claim 6 wherein said severing and releasing means includes a wire cutter disposed adjacent the wire entry end of said tube and means for actuating said collar retainer.

8. The device as defined in claim 7 wherein said vessel is a submarine and said object is a torpedo,

said torpedo being disposed in a torpedo tube in said

Claims

1. A device for dispensing torpedo guidance wire and a protective covering therefor form a torpedo tube comprising: a composite cylindrical container disposed in said torpedo tube and having an outer compartment containing a flexible hose and an inner compartment containing a wire which traverses said flexible hose, said container being fully closed at one end and partially closed at the opposite end; one end of said hose releasably terminating in a retainer means disposed at said closed end of said cylinder; tubular guide means on said closed end connected to said retainer means at one end and centrally attached to said closed end at its other end for leading said guidance wire from the interior of said container into said flexible hose; and a wire cutting and hose release means positioned on said closed end for freeing said container from said wire and said hose, said flexible hose being severably connected to said torpedo and releasably connected to said submarine, said guidance wire being severably connected to said submarine and nonseverably connected to said torpedo, whereby, upon launching, said torpedo will draw out said hose and said wire, said hose being severed at said torpedo when its full length has been drawn out, thereafter trailing along the hull of said submarine while further guidance wire is payed out.

2. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein said flexible hose is mounted in said container with said guidance wire inserted therein, said guidance wire being contained in an enclosed chamber and fed into said hose through said tubular guide means, said torpedo tube sealed by a breech door, said wire cutting and hose release means actuated by compressed gas from a source exterior to said torpedo tube, and said guidance wire traversing a compressed gas conduit in said breech door.

3. A device for dispensing wire communicating with an object to be controlled from a vessel and a protective covering for said wire comprising: a communication wire on said vessel connected thereto and to said object and means on said vessel for dispensing said wire therefrom; and a flexible hose on said vessel and means on said vessel for dispensing said flexible hose therefrom; said communication wire extending through said hose in said hose dispensing means, one end of said hose being releasably held in said hose dispensing means, the other end of said hose being severably connected to said object, whereby as said object and said vessel diverge, said wire will draw said hose from said hose dispensing means until it is fully extended whereupon said wire will be severed from said hose, permitting the balance of said wire to be selectively drawn from said wire dispensing means through said hose, said hose trailing said vessel and protecting the communication wire therefrom.

4. The device as defined in claim 3 wherein said communication wire dispensing means and said flexible hose dispensing means are concentric drums with the wire wound on the inner drum, the outer drum for said hose being open at one end to facilitate dispensing of the hose, the inner drum for said wire being substantially closed at both ends; and a tube connecting the closed end of the outer drum with the adjacent central area of the inner drum, said communication wire being led into said flexible hose through said connecting tube.

5. The device as defined in claim 4 and further including a collar secured to said one end of said hose and a collar retainer secured to said dispensing means for releasably connecting said hose to said vessel; a coupling secured to said other end of said hose; and a shear screw severably connecting said coupling to said object.

8. The device as defined in claim 7 wherein said vessel is a submarine and said object is a torpedo, said torpedo being disposed in a torpedo tube in said vessel, said torpedo tube being sealed at one end by a breech door; said wire cutter and said actuating means being operated by a piston, said piston being disposed in a piston chamber secured to said dispensing means and actuable by compressed gas; a compressed gas source disposed outside said breech door; and gas conduits connecting said piston chamber to said gas source.